Koke kwathoma lokha uZimu nakadala izulu nephasi. Nje-ke iphasi belinganabubono begodu linganabuphilo. Bekumnyama koke, iphasi libhibezwe mamanzi amanengi. Kodwana ummoya kaZimu wavunguza phezu kwamanzi. Nje-ke uZimu wathi: “Akubekhona ukukhanya.” Ukukhanya kwavela. UZimu wabona bonyana ukukhanya kuhle; yeke wahlukanisa ukukhanya nobumnyama. UZimu wabiza ukukhanya bona yimini, ubumnyama wathi busuku. Kwahlwa, kwasa; kwaba lilanga lokuthoma. UZimu wathi: “Akubekhona isibanga hlangana kwamanzi, kuhlukaniseke amanzi namanzi.” Kungendlela leyo uZimu enza ngayo isibanga, wahlukanisa amanzi angaphasi kwesibanga namanzi angehla kwaso. Mbala kwaba njalo. UZimu wabiza isibanga bona mkayi. Kwahlwa, kwasa; kwaba lilanga lesibili. UZimu wathi: “Amanzi angaphasi komkayi akabuthane ndawonye, kubekhona indawo eyomileko.” Mbala kwaba njalo. UZimu wabiza indawo eyomileko bona liphasi, kwathi amanzi abuthene ndawonye wawabiza bona malwandle. UZimu wabona lokho kukuhle. UZimu wathi: “Iphasi aliveze iimila: iintjalo ezinembewu, imithi ethela iinthelo ezinembewu ukuya ngemihlobayo.” Mbala kwaba njalo. Yeke iphasi laveza iimila: iintjalo ezinembewu ukuya ngemihlobazo nemithi ethela iinthelo ezinembewu ukuya ngemihlobayo. UZimu wabona lokho kukuhle. Kwahlwa, kwasa; kwaba lilanga lesithathu. UZimu wathi: “Akube khona iinkhanyisi emkayini ukuze zihlukanise ubusuku nemini; azibe matshwayo weenkhathi zeminyanya, zikhombe amalanga neminyaka. Azibe ziinkhanyisi zomkayi zikhanyisele iphasi.” Mbala kwaba njalo. UZimu wenza iinkhanyisi ezimbili ezikulu; esikhudlwana kunesinye wasenza bona sibuse imini, esincani wasenza bona sibuse ubusuku. Godu wenza neenkwekwezi. UZimu wathatha iinkhanyisezi wazibeka phezulu emkayini bona zikhanyisele iphasi. Wazenza bonyana zibuse phezu kobusuku nemini, nokobana zihlukanise umkhanyo nobumnyama. UZimu wabona lokho kukuhle. Kwahlwa, kwasa; kwaba lilanga lesine. UZimu wathi: “Amanzi akaphithizele yoke imihlobo yeemphili, iinyoni ziphaphe phezulu emkayini.” Kungendlela leyo uZimu adala ngayo iimbandana ezikulu zelwandle neemphili zoke eziphithizela ngemanzini ngemihlobazo. Godu wadala iinyoni eziphaphako ngemihlobazo. UZimu wabona lokho kukuhle. Wazibusisa wathi: “Zalanani nande, nigcwale amalwandle neenyoni zande ephasini.” Kwahlwa, kwasa; kwaba lilanga lesihlanu. UZimu wathi: “Iphasi nalo aliveze iimphili ngemihlobazo: ezifuywako, ezikhakhabako nezommango, zoke zibe ngokuhlukahlukana kwazo.” Mbala kwaba njalo. UZimu wenza iinlwana zommango, ezifuywako kanye nakho koke okukhakhabako ukuya ngemihlobazo. Wabona lokho kukuhle. UZimu wathi: “Asenze umuntu ngomfanekiswethu asifuze, abuse phezu kweenhlambi zelwandle, iinyoni zomkayi, zoke iinlwana zephasi, kanye nakho koke okukhakhaba phezu kwalo.” Yeke uZimu wadala umuntu ngomfanekiswakhe; umuntu waba mfuziselo kaZimu; wadala wembaji nowengubo. UZimu wababusisa wathi kibo: “Belethani nande, nizalise iphasi nilibuse; nibuse phezu kweenhlambi zelwandle, iinyoni zomkayi naphezu kwenyabanyaba yoke ekhamba phezu kwephasi.” UZimu wathi: “Qala, ngininikela zoke iintjalo ezithela imbewu ephasini, nemithi yoke ehloma iinthelo ezinembewu; lokho kuzakuba kukudla kwenu. Koke okulihlaza okumilako ngikunikela bona kube kukudla kweenlwana zephasi, iinyoni zomkayi kanye neenkhakhabi zoke zephasi, okutjho zoke iimphili.” Mbala kwaba njalo. UZimu wabona koke akwenzileko bona kuyakarisa. Kwahlwa, kwasa; kwaba lilanga lesithandathu. Yeke kwapheleliswa izulu nephasi kanye nendalo yoke. Ngelanga lekhomba uZimu gade asele aqedile umsebenzakhe. Ngelanga lekhomba waphumula kiwo woke umsebenzakhe. Yeke uZimu wabusisa ilanga lekhomba bewalicwengisa ngombana kwaba lilanga aphumula ngalo kiwo woke umsebenzi wokudala. Nasi indaba yezulu nephasi: Lokha uSomnini uZimu nakenza iphasi nezulu, bekunganamsesana emmangweni begodu kunganasimila esele similile ehlabathini ngombana uSomnini uZimu gade angakanisi izulu ephasini. Begodu gade kunganamuntu ongalima ihlabathi. Kodwana kwenyuka ikungu phasi yaswakamisa ihlabathi. Yeke uSomnini uZimu wabumba umuntu ngethuli lehlabathi, waphefumulela eempumulweni zakhe umphefumulo wokuphila. Ngaleyondlela umuntu waba nokuphila. USomnini uZimu gade ahlome isivande e-Edeni ngepumalanga; wathatha umuntu agade ambumbile wambeka lapho. Yeke uSomnini uZimu wamilisa yoke imihlobo yemithi eganukejako nelungele ukudliwa. Kwathi phakathi kwesivandeso wamilisa umuthi wokuphila nomuthi wokwazi koke. Kwavinyilika umlambo e-Edeni wathelelela isivande; ukusukela lapho umlambo lo wahlukana waba maphakgha amane. Ibizo lephakgha lokuthoma yiPitjhoni; lona ligeleza libhoduluke inarha yeRhavila lapha kunegolide khona. Igolide lenarha leyo lihle khulu kunoburegu obunuka kamnandi nelitje le-oniksi. Ibizo lephakgha lesibili yiGirhoni; lona ligeleza libhoduluke yoke inarha yeKutjhe. Ibizo lephakgha lesithathu yiThigrisi; lona ligeleza magegana nepumalanga ye-Asiriya. Bese kuthi lesine kube yiYufrathe. Kwathi lokha uSomnini uZimu nathatha umuntu ambeka esivandeni se-Edeni bona asisebenze abe asitjheje, wamyala wathi: “Ungazidlela ngokuthanda kwakho nanyana ngimuphi umuthi osesivandeni, kodwana ungawudli umuthi wokwazi koke ngombana mhlana uwudlako uzokufa kokufa.” USomnini uZimu wathi: “Akusikuhle bona umuntu ahlale yedwa. Yeke ngizomenzela umsizi omfaneleko.” Nje-ke uSomnini uZimu wabumba ngehlabathi zoke iinlwana zommango neenyoni zoke zomkayi. Waziletha emuntwini ukuze abone bonyana uzithiya amabizo athini. Lokho umuntu agade azakuthiya isilwana ngakho, bekuzakuba libizo laso. Yeke umuntu wathiya yoke ifuyo, zoke iinyoni zomkayi neenlwana zoke zommango amabizo. Kodwana umuntu akhange azifunyanele umsizi omfaneleko kizo. Nje-ke uSomnini uZimu wenza umuntu bona alale ubuthongo obukhulu. Kwathi asalele njalo, uZimu wakhupha linye leembambo zomuntu wabese uvala itjhubelo ngenyama. Yeke uSomnini uZimu wabumba umuntu wengubo ngembambo ayithatha emuntwini wembaji, wamthatha wamusa emuntwini wembaji loyo. Umuntu wembaji wathi: “Lo, lithambo lamathambami nenyama yenyamami! Uzakubizwa bona mfazi ngombana uthethwe endodeni.” Ngebangeli indoda izakutjhiya uyise nonina inamathele emfazinayo bese baba nyamanye. Bobabili, indoda nomfazayo gade bahlubule nokho bangananhloni ngalokho. Inyoka gade inobuqili ukudlula ezinye iinlwana zommango uZimu azenzileko. Yabuza umfazi yathi: “Kuliqiniso bona uZimu unalele ukudla kinanyana ngimuphi umuthi osesivandeni na?” Umfazi waphendula wathi: “Awa, singadla isithelo sananyana ngimuphi umuthi esivandeni, kodwana uZimu uthe, ‘Ningadli isithelo somuthi ophakathi nesivande begodu ningawuthinti ukuze ningafi.’ ” Inyoka yathi: “Awa, anikazukufa! Kuhlekuhle uZimu uyazi bonyana mhlazana nisidlako, amehlwenu azokuvuleka, nibe nokwazi koke njengoZimu.” Umfazi waqala umuthi, wabona iinthelo ezihle neziyengako. Phezu kwalokho beziganukeja ngombana ziyahlakaniphisa. Yeke wakha iinthelo kiwo wadla, wanikela nendodakhe egade inaye, nayo yadla. Ngalokho bobabili amehlwabo avuleka, bazibona bakhamba hlubule. Nje-ke bazithungela iimvunulo ngamakari wamakhiwani. Ekupholeni kwelanga bezwa uSomnini uZimu akhamba esivandeni, yeke umuntu nomkakhe babhaqela uZimu hlangana nemithi yesivande. USomnini uZimu wabiza umuntu wathi: “Kanti ukuphi na?” Yena waphendula wathi: “Ngikuzwe ukhamba esivandeni, ngesaba ngombana ngihlubule; nje-ke ngizifihlile.” UZimu wathi kuye: “Ngubani okutjele bonyana uhlubule? Kghani udle emthini engakuyala ngawo bona ungawudli?” Umuntu wathi: “Awa, umfazi owangipha yena bona abe nami, nguye ongiphe isithelo somuthi, yeke nami ngadla.” Nje-ke uSomnini wathi emfazini: “Yintobani oyenzileko le?” Umfazi waphendula wathi: “Yinyoka engirhwalileko, yeke ngadla.” USomnini uZimu wathi enyokeni: “Ngebanga lokobana wenze lokhu, wena unikelelwe: yoke ifuyo yekhaya izokubaleka neenlwana zoke zommango zikunine. Uzakurhurhuba ngesisu, udle ithuli lehlabathi imihla yoke yepilwakho. Ngizakubeka ubutha phakathi kwakho nomfazi, naphakathi kweenzukulwana zakho neenzukulwana zakhe; zona zizakutshidlha ihlokwakho wena ulume isithende sazo.” Emfazini uZimu wathi: “Ngizokwandisela ubuhlungu ekuzithwaleni kwakho, ubelethe ngobudisi obukhulu. Uzakutjhisakalela indodakho, kodwana yona izakukubusa.” Endodeni uZimu wathi: “Njengombana ulalele umfazi wabe wadla emthini engakwalela bonyana udle kiwo; ihlabathi seyinikelelwe ngebanga lakho: Imihla yoke yepilwakho uzakusebenza nzima ukufumana ukudla kwakho kiyo, kodwana izakuvezela ameva nabosotokolo bewudle iimila zommango. Ukudla kwakho uzakujulukela bewubuyele ehlabathini. Iye, wathathwa kiyo begodu njengombana ulithuli nje, uzakubuyela ethulini.” Indoda yathiya umkayo bona ngu-Eva ngombana gade azokuba ngunina wabo boke abaphilako. USomnini uZimu wenza iimvunulo zesikhumba, nje-ke wembathisa indoda nomkayo. USomnini uZimu wathi: “Kazi umuntu sele anokwazi koke. Ngaleyondlela sese afana nathi. Yeke akukafaneli avunyelwe bona elule isandla sakhe adle emthini wokuphila ukuze aphile isiphelani.” Nje-ke uSomnini uZimu wamqotjha umuntu esivandeni se-Edeni ukuze alime ihlabathi athethwe kiyo. Kuthe sele amqotjhile umuntu, wabeka amakerubhi ngepumalanga esangweni lesivande. Amakerubhi lawo gade anesabula yomlilo ebenyezelako, alinde indlela eya emthini wokuphila. Indoda yeyama umkayo, wazithwala, wabeletha uKhayini wathi: “Ngiveze indoda ngokusizwa nguSomnini.” Godu wabeletha u-Abela umfowabo. Nje-ke u-Abela waba ngumelusi wezimvu neembuzi kwathi uKhayini waba mlimi wehlabathi. Ngokukhamba kwesikhathi uKhayini waletha ezinye zeenthelo zehlabathi zaba mnikelwakhe kuSomnini. U-Abela naye waletha umnikelo kuSomnini, okutjho umhlwehlwe wamazibulo womhlambakhe. USomnini uZimu wayelela u-Abela nomnikelwakhe, kodwana akhange ayelele uKhayini nomnikelwakhe. Ngebangelo uKhayini wasilingeka khulu nobuso bakhe banyukubala. Nje-ke uSomnini wathi kuKhayini: “Usilingwe yini? Kubayini ubuso bakho bunyukubele nje? Kanti nawenza okuhle azakhe umomotheke na? Nawenza okungakalungi, yelela isono sikulindile nawusuka lapha. Sikhanukela ukukubinda kodwana wena kufuze uqine kunaso.” Nje-ke uKhayini wathi ku-Abela umfowabo: “Namba khesiye emmangweni.” Kwathi basese semmangwenapho, uKhayini wadumela umfowabo u-Abela wambulala. USomnini wathi kuKhayini: “Uphi umfowenu u-Abela?” Yena waphendula wathi: “Awa, mina angimazi. Kanti sengingumelusi womfowethu na?” USomnini wathi: “Yintobani oyenzileko le? Lalela bona iingazi zomfowenu zingililela kangangani ehlabathini! Unikelelwe wena! Sekufanele uqotjhwe ehlabathini ovule umlomayo bona yamukele iingazi zomfowenu ngezandla zakho. Lokha nawulima ihlabathi, ayisazukuvezela iinthelo zayo. Sewuzakundinda nephasi.” UKhayini wathi kuSomnini: “Isibetho sami singaphezu kwamandlami. Namhlanje ungiqotjhile ehlabathini begodu angisazukuba sebukhoneni bakho. Sengizokuba ngondindako ephasini, nanyana ngubani ongifunyanako uzongibulala.” Kodwana uSomnini wathi: “Akusinjalo! Nakukhona obulala uKhayini, kuzakubuyiselelwa emuntwini loyo ngokubulawa kwabalikhomba bakhe.” Yeke uSomnini watshwaya uKhayini ukuze kungabikhona noyedwa ozakuthi namfunyanako ambulale. Nje-ke uKhayini wasuka phambi kwakaSomnini wayokwakha enarheni yeNodi, ngepumalanga ye-Edeni. UKhayini weyama umkakhe, wazithwala bewabeletha u-Inogo. UKhayini wakha idorobho walithiyelela ngendodanakhe u-Inogo. U-Inogo wabelethelwa u-Iradi; u-Iradi wabeletha uMerhiyayeli, uMerhiyayeli wabeletha uMetutjhayeli owabeletha uLemeki. ULemeki wathatha abafazi ababili, omunye abizwa bona ngu-Ada omunye kuthiwa nguTsila. U-Ada wabeletha uJabali. UJabali lo, gade anguyise wabomahlala etendeni nabafuyi. Ibizo lomfowabo bekunguJubali. UJubali yena gade anguyise wabo boke abancinzi bamaharibha namanghwani. UTsila naye wabeletha indodana okuthiwa nguTubali-Khayini. Yena gade amkhandi noyise walabo abasebenza ngekoporo nesimbi. Udadwabo lakaTubali-Khayini bekunguNama. ULemeki wathi ebafazini bakhe: “Ada nawe Tsila, lalelani mina; bafazi bami lalelani amezwami: Indoda elimaza mina, ngizoyibulala nya, kuzakuba njalo nesokaneni elingiphobolako. Iye, uKhayini uzakubuyiselelwa kalikhomba kodwana uLemeki yena kuzakuba kamatjhumi alikhomba nalikhomba!” U-Adamu weyama umkakhe godu wabeletha indodana wayithiya bona nguSethi ngombana wathi: “UZimu ungiphe omunye umntwana esikhundleni saka-Abela obulewe nguKhayini.” USethi naye wabeletha indodana wayithiya bona ngu-Enotjhi. Ngesikhatheso abantu bathoma ukubiza ibizo lakaSomnini. Nanti irhelo leenzukulwana zaka-Adamu: Lokha uZimu nakadala umuntu amenza ngomfanekiso kaZimu, wabenza kwaba ngowembaji nowengubo, wababusisa. Mhlana abenzako wababiza bona babantu. Kuthe lokha umuntu ongu-Adamu nasele aphile iminyaka elikhulu namatjhumi amathathu, wabeletha indodana emfanekiswakhe nefuze yena, wayithiya ibizo bona nguSethi. Emva kokobana kubelethwe uSethi, u-Adamu waphila iminyaka emakhulu abunane. Wabeletha amadodana amanye kanye namadodakazi. Yoke iminyaka u-Adamu ayiphilako imakhulu alithoba namatjhumi amathathu, emva kwalapho wahlongakala. Kuthe lokha uSethi nasele aphile iminyaka elikhulu namihlanu, wabeletha u-Enotjhi. Emva kokobana kubelethwe u-Enotjhi, uSethi waphila iminyaka emakhulu abunane nalikhomba. Wabeletha amadodana amanye namadodakazi. Yoke iminyaka uSethi ayiphilako imakhulu alithoba netjhumi nambili, emva kwalapho wahlongakala. Kuthe lokha u-Enotjhi nasele aphile iminyaka ematjhumi alithoba, wabeletha uKhenani. Emva kokobana kubelethwe uKhenani, u-Enotjhi waphila iminyaka emakhulu abunane netjhumi namihlanu. Wabeletha amadodana amanye namadodakazi. Yoke iminyaka u-Enotjhi ayiphilako imakhulu alithoba namihlanu, emva kwalapho wahlongakala. Kuthe lokha uKhenani nasele aphile iminyaka ematjhumi alikhomba, wabeletha uMahalalela. Emva kokobana kubelethwe uMahalalela, uKhenani waphila iminyaka emakhulu abunane namatjhumi amane. Wabeletha amadodana amanye namadodakazi. Yoke iminyaka uKhenani ayiphilako imakhulu alithoba netjhumi, emva kwalapho wahlongakala. Kuthe lokha uMahalalela nasele aphile iminyaka ematjhumi amathandathu nahlanu, wabeletha uJeredi. Emva kokobana kubelethwe uJeredi, uMahalalela waphila iminyaka emakhulu abunane namatjhumi amathathu. Wabeletha amadodana amanye namadodakazi. Yoke iminyaka uMahalalela ayiphilako imakhulu abunane namatjhumi alithoba namihlanu, emva kwalapho wahlongakala. Kuthe lokha uJeredi nasele aphile iminyaka elikhulu namatjhumi asithandathu nambili, wabeletha u-Inogo. Emva kokobana kubelethwe u-Inogo, uJeredi waphila iminyaka emakhulu abunane. Wabeletha amadodana amanye namadodakazi. Yoke iminyaka uJeredi ayiphilako imakhululu alithoba namatjhumi asithandathu nambili, emva kwalapho wahlongakala. Kuthe lokha u-Inogo nasele aphile iminyaka ematjhumi amathandathu nahlanu, wabeletha uMetutjhelarhi. Emva kokobana kubelethwe uMetutjhelarhi, u-Inogo waphila iminyaka emakhulu amathathu atjhidelene noZimu. Wabeletha amadodana amanye namadodakazi. Yoke iminyaka u-Inogo ayiphilako imakhulu amathathu namatjhumi asithandathu nahlanu. U-Inogo gade atjhidelene noZimu; akhange abe asabonwa ngombana uZimu wamhlwitha ebantwini. Kuthe lokha uMetutjhelarhi nasele aphile iminyaka elikhulu namatjhumi abunane nalikhomba, wabeletha uLemeki. Emva kokobana kubelethwe uLemeki, uMetutjhelarhi waphila iminyaka emakhulu alikhomba namatjhumi abunane nambili. Wabeletha amadodana amanye namadodakazi. Yoke iminyaka uMetutjhelarhi ayiphilako imakhulu alithoba namatjhumi asithandathu nethoba, emva kwalapho wahlongakala. Kuthe lokha uLemeki nasele aphile iminyaka elikhulu namatjhumi abunane nambili, wabeletha indodana. Wayithiya bona nguNowa, bewathi: “Yena uzasiduduza ekusebenzeni nzima nebuhlungwini bamatjhatjhazi wezandla zethu ngebanga lehlabathi eyanikelelwa nguZimu.” Emva kokobana kubelethwe uNowa, uLemeki waphila iminyaka emakhulu amahlanu namatjhumi alithoba namihlanu. Wabeletha amadodana amanye namadodakazi. Yoke iminyaka uLemeki ayiphilako imakhulu alikhomba namatjhumi alikhomba nalikhomba, emva kwalapho wahlongakala. Kuthe lokha uNowa nasele aphile iminyaka emakhulu amahlanu, wabeletha uTjhemu, uRhamu noJafethi. Lokha abantu nasele banda ephasini namadodakazi andile, amadodana kaZimu abona bonyana amadodakazi wabantu mahle, azithathela abafazi abathandekako kiwo. Yeke uSomnini wathi: “Ummoya engawuphefumulela emuntwini awusoze wahlala ebantwinaba isiphelani ngombana umuntu uyinyama nje. Yeke ipilo yomuntu ayisoze yadlula eminyakeni elikhulu namatjhumi amabili.” Ngeenkhathezo nangemuva kwalokho bekukhona iintsitsirimba ephasini ngombana amadodana kaZimu alalana namadodakazi wabantu abelethelwa abantwana. Labo-ke bekuziingorho zeenkhathi zakade, okubabantu abanedumo. Lokha uSomnini nakabona bonyana ubukhohlakali bomuntu bukhulu ephasini nokobana imizindlo yehliziywakhe isophe okumbi ngesikhathi soke, wazisola bewanyama bona umenzeleni umuntu ephasini. Yeke uSomnini wathi: “Umuntu engimenzileko ngizomthanyela ebusweni bephasi. Ngizokuthanyela kusukela emuntwini ukuya eenlwaneni, iimphili zoke ezikhakhaba ehlabathini kanye neenyoni zomkayi ngombana ngiyazisola bona ngikudalile koke lokhu.” Kodwana uNowa wafunyana umusa emehlweni kaSomnini. Naku-ke umlando kaNowa: UNowa gade ayindoda elungileko, angasoleki ebantwini besikhathi aphila kiso begodu gade atjhidelene noZimu. UNowa gade anamadodana amathathu, uTjhemu, uRhamu noJafethi. Iphasi belonakele phambi kwakaZimu begodu ligcwele umguruguru. Lokha uZimu nakahlola iphasi, ngambala lalonakele. Iye, boke abantu ebusweni bephasi bebaziphethe ngameswe. Nje-ke uZimu wathi kuNowa: “Sengiqunte bona ngibaphelise bokanyana nje ngombana iphasi ligcwele umguruguru ngenca yabo. Yelela-ke, ngiqinisile ngizobaphelisa kanye nephasi. Yeke yewuzenzele umkhumbi ngesigodo segofere, uwenze ube namalawana bese uwusinda ngesikontiri ngaphakathi nangaphandle. Nasi indlela ozowakha ngayo: Umkhumbi kufuze ube mamitha alikhulu namatjhumi amathathu nahlanu ubude, amamitha amatjhumi amabili nambili nesiquntu ububanzi namamitha alitjhumi nantathu nesiquntu ukuphakama. Wenzele isivalo ngaphezulu sibe siquntu semitha ukusuka emqoqweni. Umnyangwawo ube ngeqadi bese kuba nemigangadelo emithathu, ongenzasi, ophakathi nongehla. Mina ngizakunisa umthwalela ephasini bona ngiphelise yoke ipilo engaphasi kwezulu, okuziimbunjwa zoke ezinomphefumulo phezu kwephasi. Koke okusephasini kuzakubhujiswa. Kodwana ngenza nawe isivumelwano: Wena nomkakho, amadodanakho kanye nabomalukazana bakho kuzakufanela bona ningene emkhunjini. Kufuze ungenise ngemkhunjini ngakubili kwazo zoke iindalwa eziphilako, kube ngokuduna nokusikazi bonyana kuphile kanye nawe kuphephile. Iinyoni ngemihlobazo, iinlwana ngemihlobazo kanye neembandana ezikhakhaba phasi ngemihlobazo, koke lokhu akube ngakubili ukwenzela bonyana kusinde kanye nawe. Yeke wena thatha loke ihlobo lokudla ungene nalo bona kube kukudla kwenu nekwazo.” UNowa wenza koke uZimu agade amyale ngakho. Iye, wakwenza koke. USomnini wabuya wathi kuNowa: “Ngena ngemkhunjini wena nomzakho woke ngombana ngikufunyene ungolungileko esizukulwanenesi. Kiwo woke umhlobo weenlwana ezihlambulukileko, thatha ngazimbili zibe likhomba, eduna nesikazayo, kodwana kwezingakahlambuluki uthathe ngazimbili kube ngesiduna nesisikazi. Godu nemihlobeni yazo zoke iinyoni, thatha zibe likhomba eziduna nalikhomba ezisikazi ukuqinisekisa bonyana zihlala zikhona ephasini mazombe. Iye, emalangeni alikhomba kusukela nje, ngizokuthumela izulu ephasini elizakuna amalanga amatjhumi amane, imini nobusuku. Ngizokuthanyela ebusweni bephasi koke okuphilako engikubumbileko.” UNowa wenza koke uSomnini amyala ngakho. UNowa gade aneminyaka emakhulu asithandathu lokha umthwalela nawufika ephasini. Yena nomkakhe, amadodanakhe kanye nabomalokazana bakhe bangena ngemkhunjini kobana basinde emanzini womthwalela. Ngakubili kweenlwana neembandana ezihlambulukileko nezingakahlambuluki, iinyoni kanye neembandana ezikhakhaba ehlabathini, okuduna nokusikazi, kwangena noNowa ngemkhunjini kanjengombana uZimu gade ayale uNowa. Kwathi emva kwamalanga alikhomba amanzi womthwalela afika ephasini. Kuthe ngomnyaka wamakhulu asithandathu wokuphila kwakaNowa, inyanga yesibili nayinamalanga alitjhumi nalikhomba, kwathumbuka mhlokho yoke imithombo yamanzi amanengi ngaphasi neentunja zemazulwini zatloroza amanzi. Kwawuluka ephasini izulu elathatha amatjhumi amane wamalanga nobusuku bakhona. Kwaba kumhlokho-ke mhlana uNowa namadodanakhe, uTjhemu, uRhamu noJafethi, umkakhe nabomalukazana bakhe abathathu bangena ngemkhunjini. Gade bangene neenyamazana zommango ngemihlobazo, yoke ifuyo ngemihlobayo, zoke iimbandana ezikhakhaba ehlabathini ngemihlobazo, neenyoni zomkayi ngemihlobazo kanye nazo zoke izinto ezinamaphiko. Koke okudaliweko okunokuphila, kweza ngakubili kuNowa kwangena ngemkhunjini. Zoke iimphili ebezingena ngemkhunjini bekungesiduna nesisikazi, kanjengombana uZimu agade ayale uNowa. USomnini wavalela uNowa ngaphakathi. Umthwalela wembatha iphasi amalanga amatjhumi amane. Amanzi aya ngokwanda aphakamisa umkhumbi ehlabathini wazakama. Aphakama, anda khulu ephasini, umkhumbi wathaya phezu kwawo. Amanzi akhula khulu ephasini bekwathi zoke iintaba eziphakamileko ngaphasi kwezulu zavaleleka. Aya ngokwanda njalo aba ngehla kweentaba eziphakeme khulu pheze ngamamitha alikhomba. Yoke into ephilako ekhambakhamba ephasini yabhubha: iinyoni, ifuyo, iinyamazana, zoke iimphili ezikhakhaba ephasini kanye nabantu boke. Zafa zoke iimphili ebeziphila ehlabathini eyomileko. UZimu wathanyela yoke into egade iphila ebusweni bephasi: Ukusukela ebantwini ukuya eenlwaneni, koke okukhakhabako ngitjho neenyoni kwathanyeleka ephasini. Kwasala kwaphela uNowa nalabo agade anabo ngemkhunjini. Amanzi agubuzesa iphasi amalanga alikhulu namatjhumi amahlanu. Nje-ke uZimu wakhumbula uNowa neenyamazana zommango kanye nefuyo yoke egade inaye ngemkhunjini. Wathumela ummoya ebusweni bephasi bonyana uvunguze ukuze amanzi athome ukubohla. Imithombo yamanzi amanengi ngaphasi neentunja zezulu kwavaleka, izulu lathula. Amanzi aya ngokuya abohla ephasini. Emva kwamalanga alikhulu namatjhumi amahlanu amanzi gade sele ehlile. Ngelanga lekhomba enyangeni yekhomba umkhumbi wahlala phezu kweentaba ze-Ararathi. Amanzi aya njalo abohla bekwaba selangeni lokuthoma lenyanga yetjhumi lapha iinqongo zeentaba zathoma khona ukubonakala. Emva kwamalanga amatjhumi amane uNowa wavula intunja yomkhumbi ebegade ayenze ephahleni. Wathuma igubulu, laphapha kodwana langasabuyi; lazulazula amanzi abe arhobha ephasini. Yeke wathumela izuba bonyana liyokuhlola nakube amanzi sele abohlile phezu kwehlabathi. Kodwana izuba akhange lifunyane indawo yokuhlala ngombana amanzi gade asagubuzese yoke ihlabathi. Ngalokho labuyela kuNowa emkhunjini. Yena welula isandla sakhe walibamba walibuyisela kuye ngemkhunjini. Walinda amalanga alikhomba, walikhupha izubelo ngemkhunjini, walithuma godu. Kuthe lokha nalibuyako izuba ntambama, qala, emlonyenalo bekunekari elilihlaza lomuthi we-oliva. Nje-ke uNowa walemuka bonyana amanzi sele abohlile ephasini. Walinda amanye amalanga alikhomba, wathuma izubelo godu. Kodwana kilelihlandla izuba lakhamba umlibe. Kwathi ngomnyaka wamakhulu asithandathu nanye kaNowa, ngelanga lokuthoma enyangeni yokuthoma kwabe amanzi arhobhile ephasini. Yeke uNowa wavula umnyango womkhumbi, wabona bonyana ngambala seyomile ihlabathi. Elangeni lamatjhumi amabili nalikhomba enyangeni yesibili iphasi besele lome kere. Nje-ke uZimu wakhuluma noNowa wathi: “Phuma ngemkhunjini wena nomkakho, amadodanakho kanye nabomalukazana bakho. Zoke iimphili ezinawe, okutjho iinyoni, iinlwana neembandana zoke ezikhakhaba ehlabathini aziphume kanye nawe ukuze zizale iphasi lokhe zizalane zande ngesibalo phezu kwalo.” Yeke uNowa waphuma yena nomkakhe, amadodanakhe kanye nabomalukazana bakhe. Baphuma ngemkhunjini nazo zoke iinlwana neembandana ezikhakhaba ehlabathini kanye neenyoni zoke, koke okukhambakhamba ephasini ngemihlobo yakhona. Nje-ke uNowa wakhela uSomnini i-aldari, wathatha kizo zoke iinlwana neenyoni ezihlambulukileko, wanikela umhlabelo wokutjhiswa kilo. USomnini wezwa umnuko omnandi wathi ehliziywenakhe: “Angisoze nganikelela ihlabathi ngenca yomuntu, nanyana imizindlo yomuntu imimbi kwasebuntwaneni bakhe. Angisoze godu ngabhubhisa iinlwana njengombana ngenzile. “Qobe iphasi lisekhona, ukutjala nokuvuna, amakhaza nokutjhisa, ihlobo nobusika, imini nobusuku akusoze kwaphela.” Nje-ke uZimu wabusisa uNowa namadodanakhe, wathi kibo: “Belethani nande nizalise iphasi. Zoke iinlwana zephasi, iinyoni zomkayi neembandana zoke ezikhakhaba ehlabathini, iinhlambi zoke zelwandle zizakwethukwa zesabe ngani; zona-ke ngizinikele ezandleni zenu. Yoke into ephilako nekhambako izakuba kukudla kwenu. Njengombana nganinikela iintjalo ezilihlaza, njenganje ngininikela koke. “Kodwana akukameli nidle inyama eneengazi ngombana eengazini kunepilo. Ngiqinisile, lokha iingazi nazithululwako, ngizazibiza kozithululako. Kungaba silwana namkha umuntu nakasusa ipilo yenu, kuzakuba mlandu. Iye, umuntu osusa ipilo yomfowabo ngizakubiza neengazi zomfowabo kuye. “ ‘Othulula iingazi zomuntu uzakugwetjwa nezakhe iingazi zithululwe phambi kwabantu.’ “Lokhu kunjalo ngombana umuntu wenziwa ngomfanekiso kaZimu. Nina-ke belethani nande; yandani ephasini nilizalise.” Nje-ke uZimu wathi kuNowa namadodanakhe: “Mina-ke ngenza nani isivumelwano sami nesizukulwana senu esizakunilandela. Godu kuzakuba sivumelwano kanye neendalwa zoke ezikanye nani, okutjho iinyoni, ifuyo, neenlwana zoke ezaphuma nawe ngemkhunjini, okungesinye nesinye isidalwa esiphila ephasini. Ngijamisa isivumelwano sami nani: Angeze bekusenzeka bona kubhujiswe ipilo ngamanzi womthwalela. Iye, godu nomthwalela awusoze usabhubhisa iphasi.” UZimu wathi: “Nanti itshwayo lesivumelwano engisenza phakathi kwami nani naphakathi kweendalwa zoke ezinani, okusivumelwano seenzukulwana ngeenzukulwana: Ngibeka izungu leKosi emafini, lizakuba litshwayo lesivumelwano phakathi kwami nephasi. Ngaso soke isikhathi lokha nangiveza amafu wezulu phezu kwephasi bese kubonakala izungu leKosi ngizakukhumbula isivumelwano sami nani neendalwa eziphilako zemihlobo yoke. Amanzi awasoze abe mthwalela wokubhubhisa zoke iimphili. Lokha izungu leKosi nalibonakala emafini, ngizalibona bese ngikhumbula isivumelwano sanini nanini phakathi kwakaZimu neendalwa zomhlobo woke ophila ephasini.” UZimu wathi kuNowa: “Leli litshwayo lesivumelwano engisijamise phakathi kwami nepilo yoke ephasini.” Amadodana kaNowa aphuma emkhunjini nguTjhemu, uRhamu noJafethi. URhamu gade anguyise kaKanana. Lawo bekumadodana amathathu kaNowa, okwathi kiwo kwavela boke abasabalala nephasi. UNowa wathoma ukuba mlimi. Watjala isidiribe bewasela iwayini laso. Wadakwa kangangobana walala ngetendeni lakhe abhunubhunu. URhamu, uyise kaKanana, wabona ububhunubhunu bakayise, watjela abafowabo ababili ebebangaphandle. UTjhemu noJafethi bathatha ingubo bayiphakamisela emahlombabo; bakhamba sinyava bangena babhibha ububhunubhunu bakayisabo. Ubuso babo bebufulathele ukuze bangaboni ububhunubhunu bakayisabo. Kuthe lokha uNowa nakaqaquluka ewayinini lakhe nokufunyana bona yenzeni kuye indodanakhe encani, wathi: “Akanikelelwe uKanana! Uzakuba likhoboka lakokhoboka kibomnakwabo.” Godu wathi: “Akudunyiswe uSomnini uZimu kaTjhemu! UKanana uzakuba likhoboka lakaTjhemu. UZimu uzakwelula imikhawulo kaJafethi; abe sithekeli ematendeni kaTjhemu. UKanana uzakuba likhoboka lakaJafethi.” Emva komthwalela uNowa waphila iminyaka emakhulu amathathu namatjhumi amahlanu. Yoke iminyaka uNowa ayiphilako imakhulu alithoba namatjhumi amahlanu, emva kwalokho wahlongakala. Naku-ke umlando kaTjhemu, uRhamu noJafethi, amadodana kaNowa: Babelethelwa abantwana emva komthwalela. Iinzukulwana zakaJafethi bekunguGomere, uMagogi, uMadayi, uJavani, uTubali, uMetjheki noTirasi. Iinzukulwana zakaGomere bekungu-Atjhikenazi, uRifathi noTogarima. Iinzukulwana zakaJavani bekungu-Elitjha, uTaratjhitjhi, amaKithi namaDodani. Kilabo kwavela abantu abahlala ngokusabalala eduze kwelwandle bonyana kuthi ngemva kwesikhathi ikoro enye nenye yabantwabo ikhulume ilimi layo enarhenayo. Iinzukulwana zakaRhamu bekunguKutjhe, uGibhide, uPhuthi noKanana. Iinzukulwana zakaKutjhe bekunguSeba, uRhavila, uSabeta, uRama noSabiteka. Iinzukulwana zakaRama kunguTjheba noDedani. UKutjhe godu wabeletha uNimrodi owaba yindlhondlho yokuthoma ephasini. Gade amuzumi onamandla nowaziwako, kungebangelo kuthiwa: “NjengoNimrodi umzumi onamandla khulu.” Ikaba yombuswakhe beyiseBhabheli, e-Ereke, e-Akadi neKaline enarheni yeTjhinari. Ukusukela lapho umbuswakhe wanabela e-Asiriya, lapha akha khona iNiniva, iRerhobhothi, i-Iri neKalarha kanye neReseni, idorobho elikhulu phakathi kweNiniva neKalarha. UGibhide gade anguyise wamaLudi, ama-Anamu, amaLehabi, amaNafiturhi, amaPatrusi, amaKasilurhi (lapha amaFilista avela khona) namaKafitori. UKanana wabeletha uTsidoni izibulo lakhe walanywa nguRhethi, godu waba nguyise wamaJebusi, ama-Amori, amaGirigatjhi, amaRhivi, ama-Ariki, amaSini, ama-Arivadi, amaTsemari namaRhamathi. Emva kwalokho iinkoro zamaKanana zasabalala. Imikhawulo yamaKanana yanaba ukusuka eTsidoni ukufika eGerari ngitjho nakude ukuya eGaza. Ukusuka lapho beyinabela eSodoma, eGomora, e-Adama, eTseboyimu ukuyokubetha eLatjha. Lezo bekuziinzukulwana zakaRhamu ngokuya ngezizwe neenkoro zazo namalimazo eenarheni zazo. UTjhemu ongumnakwabo lakaJafethi, naye wabelethelwa amadodana. Yena ungukhokho wazo zoke iinzukulwana zaka-Ebhere. Amadodana kaTjhemu bekungu-Elamu, u-Atjhuri u-Aripakitjhadi, uLudi, no-Aramu. Amadodana ka-Aramu bekungu-Utsi, uRhuli, uGeteri noMatjhi. U-Aripakitjhadi wabeletha uTjhelarhi. UTjhelarhi wabeletha u-Ebhere. U-Ebhere wabeletha amadodana amabili, enye beyibizwa bona nguPelegi ngombana ngeenkhathi zakhe izizwe zephasi bezihlukene. Umnakwabo gade abizwa bona nguJokhithani. UJokhithani wabeletha u-Almodadi, uTjhelefi, uRhatsarimavethi, uJerarhi, uHadoramu, u-Uzali, uDikhila, u-Obhali, u-Abimayeli, uTjheba, u-Ofira, uRhavila noJobabi. Boke labo bekumadodana kaJokhithani. Isifunda agade ahlala kiso besinabe ukusuka eMetjha ukuya eSefari eentabeni zepumalanga. Lezo bekuziinzukulwana zakaTjhemu ngokuya ngezizwe neenkoro zazo namalimazo eenarheni zazo. Lezo-ke bekuziinkoro ezadabuka emadodaneni kaNowa ngokuya ngokulandelana kwazo ezizweni zazo. Ukusukela kilezonkoro, izizwe zasabalala nephasi loke emva komthwalela. Iphasi loke belinelimi linye nekulumo yinye. Kwathi lokha abantu nabakhambakhamba ngepumalanga, bafunyana ibala enarheni yeTjhinari, banzinza lapho. Bathi omunye komunye: “Yizani senzeni iintina sizibhage ziqine.” Basebenzisa iintina esikhundleni samatje, isikontiri esikhundleni sedaka. Bathi: “Yizani sizakhele idorobho libe nombhotjhongo ophakamela ezulwini. Lokhu kuzasenzela ibizo begodu singasabalali nephasi loke.” Nje-ke uSomnini wehla bonyana azokubona idorobho nombhotjhongo ogade wakhiwa babantu. USomnini wathi: “Akhese nithi niyaqala, abantwaba bamunye begodu boke bakhuluma limi linye. Yeke bazakghona ukwenza nanyana yini abayitlamako. Nambani sehleni, sifese siraranise ilimi labo ukuze bangasakwazi ukuzwana nabakhulumisanako.” Ukusuka lapho uSomnini wabasabalalisa iphasi loke, bebalisa ukwakha idorobho. Kungebangelo libizwa bona yiBhabheli ngombana lapho uSomnini wararanisa ilimi labantu boke begodu ukusuka lapho wabasabalalisa iphasi loke. Naku-ke umlando weenzukulwana zakaTjhemu: Iminyaka emibili emva komthwalela, lokha uTjhemu nakaneminyaka elikhulu ubudala, wabeletha u-Aripakitjhadi. Emva kobana abelethe u-Aripakitjhadi, uTjhemu waphila iminyaka emakhulu amahlanu. Wabeletha amanye amadodana namadodakazi. Kuthe lokha u-Aripakitjhadi naneminyaka ematjhumi amathathu namihlanu wabeletha uTjhelarhi. Emva kobana abelethe uTjhelarhi, u-Aripakitjhadi waphila iminyaka emakhulu amane nantathu. Wabeletha amanye amadodana namadodakazi. Kuthe lokha uTjhelarhi naneminyaka ematjhumi amathathu wabeletha u-Ebhere. Emva kobana abelethe u-Ebhere, uTjhelarhi waphila iminyaka emakhululu amane namithathu. Wabeletha amanye amadodana namadodakazi. Kuthe lokha u-Ebhere naneminyaka ematjhumi amathathu nane wabeletha uPelegi. Emva kobana abelethe uPelegi, u-Ebhere waphila iminyaka emakhulu amane namatjhumi amathathu. Wabeletha amanye amadodana namadodakazi. Kuthe lokha uPelegi naneminyaka ematjhumi amathathu wabeletha uRewu. Emva kobana abelethe uRewu, uPelegi waphila iminyaka emakhulu amabili nethoba. Wabeletha amanye amadodana namadodakazi. Kuthe lokha uRewu naneminyaka ematjhumi amathathu nambili wabeletha uSerugu. Emva kobana abelethe uSerugu, uRewu waphila iminyaka emakhulu amabili namikhomba. Wabeletha amanye amadodana namadodakazi. Kuthe lokha uSerugu naneminyaka ematjhumi amathathu wabeletha uNarhori. Emva kobana abelethe uNarhori, uSerugu waphila iminyaka emakhulu amabili. Wabeletha amanye amadodana namadodakazi. Kuthe lokha uNarhori naneminyaka ematjhumi amabili nethoba wabeletha uTerarhi. Emva kobana abelethe uTerarhi, uNarhori waphila iminyaka elikhulu netjhumi nethoba. Wabeletha amanye amadodana namadodakazi. Kuthe lokha uTerarhi naneminyaka ematjhumi alikhomba wabeletha u-Abramu, uNarhori noHarana. Naku-ke umlando kaTerarhi: UTerarhi wabeletha u-Abramu, uNarhori noHarana. UHarana wabeletha uLothi. UHarana wahlongakalela e-Uri lamaKasidi, inarha abelethelwa kiyo, uyise uTerarhi asaphila. U-Abramu noNarhori bathatha abafazi bobabili. Ibizo lomka-Abramu bekunguSarayi, lomkaNarhori kunguMilika ogade ayindodakazi kaHarana. UHarana gade anguyise kaMilika noJisika. USarayi gade ayinyumba, ubenganaye umntwana. UTerarhi wathatha indodanakhe u-Abramu nomntanomntanakhe uLothi umsa kaHarana kanye nomalukazanakhe uSarayi umka-Abramu; boke baphuma e-Uri lamaKasidi batjhinga eKanana. Kodwana kuthe nabafika eRharana, bafese banzinza lapho. UTerarhi waphila iminyaka emakhulu amabili nahlanu, wahlongakalela eRharana. USomnini wathi ku-Abramu: “Tjhiya inarhekhenu, abantu bekhenu nendlu kayihlo, uye enarheni engizakutjengisa yona. Ngizokwenza ube sisizwe esikhulu, begodu ngizokubusisa: Ngizokwenza ibizo lakho libe likhulu, ube sibusiso. Ngizokubusisa abakubusisako, nabakunyazako ngizabanikelela; zoke iinkoro zephasi zikhanukele ukubusiswa njengawe.” Nje-ke u-Abramu waphuma njengombana uSomnini gade atjhwile kuye, uLothi waphuma naye. U-Abramu gade aneminyaka ematjhumi alikhomba namihlanu lokha nakatjhiya iRharana. Wathatha umkakhe uSarayi, umntakamfowabo uLothi, yoke ifuywabo egade bayibuthelele eRharana kanye namakhoboka abawazuza lapho. Baphuma balunga enarheni yeKanana. Kuthe lokha nabafika eKanana, u-Abramu waratha inarha ukuyela ngemthini omkhulu weMore eTjhekemu. Ngesikhatheso amaKanana gade asenarhenapho. USomnini wabonakala ku-Abramu khonapho wathi: “Nginikela isizukulwana sakho inarha le.” Nje-ke u-Abramu wakhela uSomnini owabonakala kuye i-aldari lapho. Ukusuka lapho kwafanela bona aragele phambili ukuyela ngentatjaneni engepumalanga yeBhethe-Eli. Wafese wahloma itende lakhe lapho, iBhethe-Eli ayiqalela ngetjingalanga, i-Ayi ngepumalanga. Khonapho u-Abramu wakhela uZimu i-aldari bewamthandaza. Emva kwalokho waragela phambili ukuyela ngesewula yeKanana. Bekukhona indlala enarheni. Ngebanga lokobana indlala beyirhagele khulu, u-Abramu kwambiza bona ehlele eGibhide ayokukhonza lapho. Kuthe nasele abandamele ukungena eGibhide, wathi kuSarayi umkakhe: “Ngiyazi bona umfazi omuhle kangangani, yeke lokha amaGibhide nakakubonako azokuthi, ‘Lo, mfazakhe.’ Nje-ke bazongibulala mina kodwana wena bakulise uphile. Manje-ke wena yithi kibo, ungudadwethu ukuze ngiphathwe kuhle ngenca yakho nepilwami isinde ngawe.” Kuthe lokha nabangena eGibhide, amaGibhide abona bonyana mbala simomondiya somfazi. Kwathi lokha iinduna zakaFaro nazimbonako, zambuka khulu kuFaro; yeke wathathwa wasiwa esigodlweni. UFaro waphatha u-Abramu kuhle ngenca kaSarayi, bewaphiwa izimvu neembuzi, iinkomo, abodumbana, iinceku neencekukazi kanye namakamela. Kodwana uSomnini wehlisela izifo ezesabekako phezu kwakaFaro nomndenakhe ngenca kaSarayi umka-Abramu. Nje-ke uFaro wabiza u-Abramu, wathi kuye: “Yintobani ongenze yona le? Njekhona kubayini ungangitjeli bonyana mkakho lo? Wenzeleleni uthi, ‘Ngudadwethu lo,’ beze ngimthathe abe mkami? Nje-ke, nangu umfazakho, mthathe ukhambe!” Ngelizwi lakaFaro u-Abramu nomkakhe nakho koke anakho bakhutjhwa eGibhide. Nje-ke u-Abramu wanyuka asuka eGibhide yena nomkakhe kanye nakho koke egade kungekwakhe wanqomba ngesewula yeKanana. ULothi naye wakhamba naye. U-Abramu wanjinga khulu ngefuyo, ngesiliva nangegolide. Ukusuka ngesewula wakhamba iindawo ngeendawo ukuyela ngeBhethe-Eli, lapha itende lakhe belikhona phambilini phakathi kweBhethe-Eli ne-Ayi. Endaweni lapha akha khona i-aldari phambilini wafese wathandaza uSomnini. ULothi ogade asoloko agega no-Abramu, naye gade anezimvu, iimbuzi, iinkomo namatende. Inarha akhange isabanela bona bangahlala bobabili. Bebanefuyo enengi sele kungasakghoneki bona ingakarula ndawonye. Nje-ke kwavela ukurhitjhana phakathi kwabelusi baka-Abramu nebakaLothi. Ngesikhatheso amaKanana namaPerizi nawo gade asahlala enarhenapho. Yeke u-Abramu wathi kuLothi: “Akungabi khona ukurhitjhana phakathi kwami nawe namkha phakathi kwabelusi bami nebakho ngombana thina sibomfo. Yeke kungcono sihlukane mfo. Ummango unabile. Wena nawukhetha ihlangothi langetlhagwini, mina ngizakuthatha langesewula. Nawukhetha ihlangothi langesewula, mina ngizakuthatha langetlhagwini.” Kodwana uLothi waphakamisela amehlo ngepumalanga, wabona umrhoba weJordani bona uswakamile. Ngaphambi kobana uSomnini atjhabalalise iSodoma neGomora umrhoba weJordani nca ngeTsowari bewunjengesivande sakaZimu nanjengenarha yeGibhide. Yeke uLothi wazikhethela woke umrhoba weJordani. Wanqomba ngepumalanga. Bahlukana njalo-ke abafo laba: U-Abramu wahlala enarheni yeKanana, uLothi wayokuhlala emrhobeni weJordani. Wahloma amatendakhe hlanu kwamadorobho ukuyela ngeSodoma. Abantu beSodoma bebakhohlakele begodu bebasona khulu kuSomnini. UZimu wakhuluma no-Abramu emva kobana uLothi ahlukene naye wathi: “Phakamisa amehlwakho lapho ukhonapho uqale ngetlhagwini nesewula, epumalanga netjingalanga, ngombana yoke inarha oyibonako le ngikunikela yona wena neenzukulwana zakho nini nanini. Ngizakwenza isizukulwana sakho sibe ngangethuli lehlabathi ukuze kuthi nange kungaba nomuntu obala ithuli lehlabathi, khona-ke neenzukulwana zakho zingabaleka. Yeke sikima, udabule inarha ubude nobubanzi bayo ngombana ngiyinikela wena.” Nje-ke u-Abramu wathutha amatendakhe wayokuhlala eduze nemithi yeMamre eRhebroni, lapha akhela khona uSomnini i-aldari. Kilesisikhathi u-Amrafeli ikosi yeTjhinari, u-Ariyoki ikosi ye-Elasari, uKedorolawomeri ikosi ye-Elamu noTidali ikosi yeGoyimu basahlela uBhera ikosi yeSodoma, uBhiritjha ikosi yeGomora, uTjhinabu ikosi ye-Adma, uTjhemebheri ikosi yeTseboyimu nekosi yeBhela okuyiTsowari. Woke amakhosi lawo ahlangana aba libutho emrhobeni weSidimu okuliLwandle leTswayi namhlanje. Amakhosi lawo gade aziinkhonzi zakaKedorolawomeri iminyaka elitjhumi nambili, kwathi emnyakeni wetjhumi nantathu amhlubuka. Ngomnyaka wetjhumi nane, uKedorolawomeri namakhosi agade alibutho naye basahlela bebahlula amaRefayi ange-Atjhiterothi-Kharinayimu, amaZuzi ngeHamu, ama-Emi ngeTjhave-Khiriyatayimu namaRhori eentatjaneni zenarha yeSeyiri ukuyela nge-Eli-Parana eduze kwerhalawumba. Bajika babuyela emuva baya e-Eni-Mitjhipathi okuyiKhadetjhi, bahlula yoke imikhawulo yama-Amalekhi kanye nama-Amori agade ahlala ngeRhatsetsoni-Tamari. Nje-ke ikosi yeSodoma yarhwanta yahlela ipi ngemrhobeni weSidimu isekelwe yikosi yeGomora, ye-Adma, yeTseboyimu neyeBhela okuyiTsowari. Wona gade ajamelene noKedorolawomeri ikosi ye-Elamu, uTidali ikosi yeGoyimu, u-Amrafeli ikosi yeTjhinari no-Ariyoki ikosi ye-Elasari, kwaba makhosi amane ajamelene namahlanu. Umrhoba weSidimu bewuzele amadonga lapha kwenjiwa khona isikontiri. Nje-ke kwathi lokha amakhosi weSodoma neGomora nakabalekako, amanye wamajonawo awela ngakiwo, amanye abalekela eentatjaneni. Amakhosi amane aphanga yoke ifuyo yeSodoma neGomora ngitjho kanye nokudla, akhamba. Godu bathatha noLothi umntakamfowabo laka-Abramu nefuywakhe ngombana gade ahlala eSodoma. Owaphunyurhako weza wazokubikela u-Abramu omHebheru indaba leyo. Ngesikhatheso u-Abramu gade ahlala eduze kwemithi kaMamre umAmori omfowabo laka-Etjhikolo no-Aneri. Boke labo bebalijima no-Abramu. Kuthe bona u-Abramu ezwe bonyana umntakamfowabo uthunjiwe, wahlomisa iinceku ezithembekileko ezazibelethelwe emzinakhe. Walandelela amakhosi lawo bekwaba seDani akhamba namadoda amakhulu amathathu netjhumi nobunane. Kwathi phakathi kobusuku, u-Abramu wahlela iinceku zakhe ngeenqhema. Wasahlela amakhosi lawo, wawagijimisa ukufika eRhoba, etlhagwini yeDamaseku. Wabuyisa yoke ifuyo kanye noLothi umntakamfowabo nefuywakhe sekufakwa hlangana abafazi nabanye abantu beSodoma. Kuthe bona u-Abramu abuye ekuhluleni uKedorolawomeri namakhosi ajame naye, ikosi yeSodoma yaphuma bona imhlangabeze ngemrhobeni weTjhave okumrhoba wekosi. UMalkitsedekhi ikosi yeSalema ogade amphristi kaZimu ongoPhezulu, wamlethela isikwa newayini. Yena wabusisa u-Abramu wathi: “U-Abramu akabusiswe nguZimu ongoPhezulu uMdali wezulu nephasi. Akudunyiswe uZimu ongoPhezulu onikele izitha zakho esandleni sakho.” Yeke u-Abramu wamnikela kwetjhumi kwakho koke. Ikosi yeSodoma yathi ku-Abramu: “Nginikela abantu bese wena uzigcinela ifuyo.” Kodwana u-Abramu wathi ekosini yeSodoma: “Sengiphakamisele isandla sami kuSomnini uZimu ongoPhezulu, uMdali wezulu nephasi, ngafunga bonyana angisoze ngamukela litho okungelakho, ngitjho nanyana kungaba mumucwana namkha umtjana wamapatlagwana ukuze ungazibethi isifuba ngami uthi, ‘Nakungu-Abramu, unjingiswe ngimi.’ Angifuni litho ngaphandle kwalokho okudliwe ziinceku kanye nesabelo ekungesamadoda akhamba nami okungu-Aneri, u-Etjhikolo noMamre. Labo-ke abafunyane isabelo sabo.” Emva kwesikhathi esithileko ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika ku-Abramu ngesambulo lathi: “Ungesabi Abramu. Ngisihlangu sakho, nomvuzwakho uzaba mkhulu.” Kodwana u-Abramu wathi: “Somnini, Somandla, kusizani bona uSomnini angiphe umvuzo njengombana ngizakukhamba ngingakatjhiyi intonga ebandla nje begodu nendlalifa yendlwami angithi ngu-Eliyezeri weDamaseku?” Godu wathi: “Iye, uSomnini akhange angiphe imbeleko; nje-ke inceku ebelethelwa emzinami izakuba yindlalifami.” Yeke ilizwi lakaSomnini leza kuye lathi: “Indoda leyo angekhe ibe yindlalifakho, kodwana indodanakho yeengazi ngiyo ezakuba yindlalifakho.” Ngalokho uSomnini wamthatha wamusa ngaphandle kwetende wathi kuye: “Qala phezulu emkayini, ubale iinkwekwezi nakube mbala ungakghona ukuzibala. Sizakuba njalo-ke isizukulwana sakho.” U-Abramu wakholwa uSomnini. Yena wambalela bona uqotho. UZimu wathi ku-Abramu: “NginguSomnini owakukhupha e-Uri lamaKasidi bona ngikuphe inarha le ibe ngeyakho.” Kodwana u-Abramu wabuza wathi: “Somnini, Somandla, ngizakwazi ngani bona izakuba ngeyami?” USomnini wamphendula wathi: “Ngilethela ithole, imbuzi neqama, zoke njalo kufuze zibe neminyaka emithathu ubudala begodu uzilethe nezuba nesagwayi.” U-Abramu wakuletha koke lokho kuZimu. Wahlahlela iinlwana phakathi, walunganisa amahlangothazo. Kodwana iinyoni zona akhange azihlahlele phakathi. Amadlanga ehla bona adle inyama leyo, u-Abramu wawaqotjha. Yeke kuthe ilanga nalitjhingako wabanjwa buthongo obukhulu; khonapho wafikelwa kukwesaba ngombana gade kunzima tshu. USomnini wathi kuye: “Yazi mbala bona iinzukulwana zakho zizakuba ziinkhonzi enarheni engasiyo yazo. Zizakulotjha abantu benarha leyo abazazigandelela iminyaka emakhulu amane. Kodwana ngizakugweba isizwe esibagandelelekweso bekuthi nabaphumako enarheni leyo, baphume nefuyo enengi. Wena ngokwakho uzakuhlongakala ngokuthula, ubulungwe sewuluphele khulu. Kuzakuthi esizukulwaneni sesine, abantwabakho babuye godu lapha ngombana ngesikhatheso izono zama-Amori zizabe sele zifike esilinganisweni esipheleleko.” Kuthe bona ilanga litjhinge sele kurhwalele, qala kwakhamba umtjhitjhi wentuthu nesihlothi esivuthako hlangana namahlangothi weenyama. Khona mhlokho uSomnini wenza isivumelwano no-Abramu wathi: “Ngithembisa ukunikela iinzukulwana zakho inarha le kusukela emlanjeni weGibhide ukuyofika emlanjeni omkhulu, iYufrathe, okutjho inarha yamaKheni, yamaKhenizi, yamaKhadimoni, yamaRhithi, yamaPerizi, yamaRefayi, yama-Amori, yamaKanana, yamaGirigatjhi neyamaJebusi.” USarayi, umka-Abramu, azange akhe abelethe umntwana. Begade anekhobokakazi lomGibhide, libizwa bona nguHagari. Nje-ke uSarayi wathi ku-Abramu: “Uthi uyabona nje bona uZimu ungivale isibeletho na? Yeke yewungene ikhobokakazi lameli. Mhlamunye lona lingangivusela umndeni.” U-Abramu walalela umkakhe, yeke uSarayi umka-Abramu wathatha uHagari olikhobokakazi lakhe lomGibhide walinikela ku-Abramu umyenakhe bona abe yisimakhe. Lokhu kwenzeka ngemva kokobana u-Abramu ahlezi eKanana iminyaka elitjhumi. U-Abramu walala noHagari. UHagari wazithwala. Kuthe lokha nakabona bonyana uzithwele wanyaza uSarayi ikosikazi. Yeke uSarayi wathi ku-Abramu: “Nguwe ongingeniselele amanzi ngomsele! Mina ngakunikela yena bona umeyame, kodwana soloko azibone bonyana uzithwele, uyanginyaza. Sengathi uSomnini angagweba phakathi kwami nawe.” U-Abramu wamphendula wathi: “Usesenamandla kuye godu. Yeke yenza nanyana yini oyithandako ngaye.” Ngalokho uSarayi waphatha uHagari kumbi khulu, wabe wabaleka. Ingilozi kaSomnini yafunyana uHagari hlanu komthombo oserhalawumbeni; lowo bekumthombo ongeqadi kwendlela eya eTjhuri. Yathi kuye: “Hagari, khobokakazi lakaSarayi, ubuyaphi, nawulibangisephi?” Waphendula wathi: “Ngibalekela ikosikazi enguSarayi.” Ingilozi kaSomnini yathi kuye: “Khamba ubuyele ekosikazini ekuphetheko, ufese uzithobe kiyo.” Ingilozi kaSomnini yangezelela yathi: “Ngizokupha iinzukulwana ezinengi kangangobana angekhe kukghonakale bona zibalwe.” Godu ingilozi kaSomnini yathi: “Njengombana usidisi nje, uzakubeletha indodana uyithiye ibizo bona ngu-Itjhimayeli, ngombana uSomnini usizwile isililo sokurhubutjhwa kwakho. Indodana leyo izakuba njengodumbana wommango: Isandla sayo sizakujamelana naye woke umuntu, nesandla sabantu boke sijamelane nayo; izakuhlala iphehla inturhu kibo boke abafowayo.” UHagari wathi: “Ingabe kuliqiniso bona ngibone umTjhejami lapha na?” Yeke wathiya uSomnini akhuluma naye ibizo wathi: “UnguZimu ongibonako.” Ngikho umthombo wabizwa bona yiBheyeri-Larhayi-Royi. Umthombo lowo usese phakathi kweKhadetjhi neBeredi. UHagari wabelethela u-Abramu indodana. Nje-ke u-Abramu wathiya indodanakhe leyo ayibelethelwa nguHagari ibizo bona ngu-Itjhimayeli. U-Abramu gade aneminyaka ematjhumi abunane nantandathu lokha uHagari nakabeletha u-Itjhimayeli. Kuthe u-Abramu naneminyaka ematjhumi alithoba nethoba, uSomnini wabonakala kuye wathi: “NginguZimu oSabekako, nawukhamba nami uzakuba msulwa. Isivumelwano engisijamisa phakathi kwami nawe kukuthi: Ngizakupha iinzukulwana ezinenginengi.” Yeke u-Abramu wahloma ihloko phasi. UZimu godu wathi kuye: “Isithembiso sami kuwe siqinile: Uzakuba nguyise wezizwe ezinengi. Ibizo lakho angekhe lisaba ngu-Abramu, kodwana lizakuba ngu-Abrahamu ngombana ngizakwenza ube nguyise wezizwe ezinengi. Ngizakupha imbeleko kangangobana kuwe kuzakuvela izizwe ngezizwe; iye, namakhosi azakuvela kuwe. “Ngizakujamisa isivumelwano phakathi kwami nawe kanye neenzukulwana zakho ngokungapheliko. Kuzakuba sivumelwano sanini nanini: Ngibe nguZimakho noZimu weenzukulwana zakho emva kwakho. Yoke inarha yeKanana okhonze kiyo le, ngizayipha wena neenzukulwana zakho eziza emva kwakho ibe lilifa lakho neenzukulwana zakho unomphela bengibe nguZimazo.” UZimu wathi ku-Abrahamu: “Nawe-ke kufuze ulonde isivumelwano sami, iye, wena neenzukulwana zakho ezizako. Nasi-ke isivumelwano sami okuzakufanela bona nisilonde wena neenzukulwana zakho eziza emva kwakho: Kufuze kusokwe woke omduna phakathi kwenu. Nizakusoka ijwabu lakhe, lokhu kube litshwayo lesivumelwano phakathi kwami nani. Eenzukulwaneni zakho ezizako, kuzakufanela bona nisoke woke omduna onamalanga abunane. Labo abangasizo iinzukulwana zakho, okutjho amakhoboka abelethelwe emzinakho namkha athengwe kebakosozizwe, nabo kufuze basokwe. Iye, ababelethwe endlinakho namkha obathenge ngemalakho kufuze nakanjani basokwe. Nje-ke isivumelwanesi sizakuba litshwayo elisemzimbenenu nini nanini. Woke omduna ongasokiko, okungakasuswa kuye ijwabu emzimbenakhe, akasuswe ebantwini bekhabo ngombana wephule isivumelwano sami.” UZimu wathi ku-Abrahamu: “Ungasabizi umkakho bona nguSarayi; ukusukela namhlanjesi umbize bona nguSara. Ngizambusisa, ngikuphe indodana ngaye. Iye, ngizambusisa bona abe ngunina wezizwe; amakhosi wezizwe azakuvela kuye.” Yeke u-Abrahamu wahloma ihloko phasi kodwana wahleka ngombana wadlumbana wathi: “Ha! Indoda ibe nomntwana sele ineminyaka elikhulu? NoSara abe nomntwana asele aneminyaka ematjhumi alithoba?” Nje-ke u-Abrahamu wathi kuZimu: “Kwanga u-Itjhimayeli angafunyana isisa eKosinami!” Kodwana uZimu wathi: “Awa! Umkakho uSara uzakukubelethela indodana. Ithiye ibizo bona ngu-Isaka. Ngizakujamisa isivumelwano sami naye sibe ngesanini nanini, kanye neenzukulwaneni zakhe emva kwakhe. Ngisizwile isibawo sakho ngo-Itjhimayeli, nje-ke ngizambusisa ngimuphe abantwana abanengi bengimandise. Uzakubeletha amakhosana alitjhumi nambili, ngimenze isizwe esikhulu. Kodwana ngizakuqinisa isivumelwano sami nendodanakho u-Isaka ozakubelethwa nguSara ngesikhathesi umnyaka ozako.” Kuthe bona uZimu aqede ukukhuluma no-Abrahamu, wakhuphuka wamtjhiya. Khona mhlokho u-Abrahamu wenza njengombana uZimu atjhwile. Wasoka amajwabu wabo boke abaduna emzinakhe: indodanakhe u-Itjhimayeli namakhoboka woke abelethelwe emzinakhe nathengwe ngemalakhe. U-Abrahamu wasokwa aneminyaka ematjhumi alithoba nethoba, indodanakhe u-Itjhimayeli beyineminyaka elitjhumi namithathu ubudala nayisokako. Basokwa bobabili langa linye kanye nabo boke abaduna abagade basemzinakhe, ababelethelwe emzinakhe nabathengwe ngemali kebakosozizwe. USomnini wabonakala ku-Abrahamu hlanu kwemithi yeMamre ahlezi phambi komnyango wetende lakhe nelanga libabula kusemini. Wavusa amehlo msinyazana wabona amadoda amathathu ajame kudanyana phambi kwakhe. Kwathi bona awabone wasuka emnyangweni wetende warhaba wawahlangabeza, waguqa wahloma ihloko phasi. Wathi: “Bahlonitjhwa, nakube ngifunyene isisa emehlwenenu, bengithi ningadluli incekwenu ngendlela. Akhe kulethwe amanzana niqophe iinyawo zenu, nizigedle ngaphasi komuthi. Mina ngizaje nginifunyanela isiphaphatha ukuze nifunyane amandla amatjha. Kuzakuthi emva kwalokho nikwazi ukuragela phambili nekhambo lenu. Angithi ngilo ibanga elinenze nadlula kwamapha?” Wona aphendula athi: “Siyathokoza; siyakwamukela lokho.” U-Abrahamu warhabela ngetendeni wathi kuSara: “Rhaba uthathe upumpana weflowuru esefiweko, uyibhice wenze iimphaphatha.” U-Abrahamu wagijimela emhlambini weenkomo wafese wakhetha ikunzana ehle nenonileko wayinikela inceku yarhaba yayihlaba. U-Abrahamu wathatha amakghamatha nebisi elihlaza kanye nenyama yekunzana ebe seyilungisiwe, wabeka ukudlokho phambi kwamadoda lawo. Wawatenda ngaphasi komuthapho, adla. Wona ambuza athi: “Uphi umkakho uSara?” U-Abrahamu waphendula wathi: “Ukhona, ungetendeni.” Enye yawo (okutjho uSomnini) yathi: “Ngiqinisile, umnyaka ozako ngesikhathesi ngizakubuya kuwe. USara umkakho uzabe sele anendodana.” USara walalela indaba leyo angetendeni ngemva komnyango. U-Abrahamu banoSara bebasele baluphele khulu, uSara bekangasayi esikhathini sakhe. Nje-ke uSara wahleka yedwa adlumbana athi: “Njengombana ngimdala ngiphelile nje, nomyenami naye selaluphele kangaka, uthi ngingabe ngisakitwakitwa yindoda na?” Yeke uSomnini wabuza u-Abrahamu wathi: “USara uhlekeleni abe azibuze athi, ‘Kodwana kungenzeka ngibe nomntwana sele ngiluphele kangaka’? Kungabe kukhona okungabhalela uSomnini na? Ngesikhathi esifaneleko, umnyaka ozako ngesikhathesi ngizakubuya begodu noSara uzabe sele anendodana.” Ngebanga lokobana uSara gade asesaba, wakuphika lokho wathi: “Azange khengihleke mina.” Kodwana uSomnini wathi: “Hawu, Sara, uhlekile.” Amadoda lawo asikima akhuphuka bona ayokuqala iSodoma ngenzasi emrhobeni; u-Abrahamu wawaphekelela. Yeke uSomnini wadlumbana wathi: “Ngingamfihlelelani u-Abrahamu lokho engizokwenza na? Angithi vele uzokuba nguyise wesizwe esikhulu nesinamandla begodu neenkoro zoke zephasi zikhanukele ukubusiswa njengaye? Iye, ngimkhethe bona ayale abantwabakhe neenzukulwana zakhe emva kwakhe bonyana babulunge iindlela zami ukuze benze okufaneleko nokulungileko. Khona-ke ngizakwenzela u-Abrahamu engimthembise khona.” Nje-ke uSomnini wathi ku-Abrahamu: “Isililo ngeSodoma neGomora sikhulu nesono sakhona sikhulu kangangobana ngizokwehla bonyana ngiyokuhlola ukuthi ubukhohlakali beSodoma engibubonileko ngebabantu boke na? Nakungasinjalo ngizakwazi bona kufanele ngenzeni.” Yeke amadoda amabili asuka anqopha ukuyela ngeSodoma, kodwana u-Abrahamu wasala ajame phambi kwakaSomnini. Kamva watjhidela kuSomnini wambuza wathi: “Ingabe kwamambala uSomnini uzokubhubhisa abalungileko kanye neenkhohlakali na? Nangabe kungaba khona abantu abamsulwa abamatjhumi amahlanu ngedorobheni, uSomnini uzalibhubhisa na? Angekhe uSomnini ababalele indawo ngebanga labamsulwa abangaphakathi kwayo na? Angiboni bona uSomnini angayenza into yokobana abhubhise abamsulwa kanye neenkhohlakali! Akukghoneki lokho! Umgwebi wephasi loke uzagweba ngokulungileko!” USomnini wathi: “Nakube ngingafumana abantu abamsulwa abamatjhumi amahlanu edorobheni leSodoma, ngizakusindisa yoke indawo ngenca yabo.” U-Abrahamu godu wathi: “Ngombana ngibe nesibindi sokukhuluma noSomnini, nanyana ngilithuli nomlotha nje, akhe ngibawe: Asithi mhlamunye abamsulwa bazakuba ngaphasana ngabahlanu ematjhumini amahlanu? Nalapho uSomnini uzokubhubhisa idorobho loke ngebanga labahlanu tle?” USomnini waphendula wathi: “Nangingafumana abantu abamatjhumi amane nabahlanu abamsulwa angekhe ngalibhubhisa.” U-Abrahamu godu wathi kuSomnini: “Alo, mhlamunye nakufunyaneka lapho abantu abamatjhumi amane kwaphela-ke?” USomnini wathi: “Angekhe ngabhubhisa idorobho nangabe kukhona amatjhumi amane.” U-Abrahamu wathi: “USomnini angangipheleli ihliziyo hle nangikhulumako godu. Alo, mhlamunye nakufunyaneka lapho abantu abamatjhumi amathathu kwaphela-ke?” USomnini waphendula wathi: “Angekhe ngabhubhisa idorobho nangabe kukhona abamatjhumi amathathu lapho.” U-Abrahamu wathi: “Ngombana ngibe nesibindi sokukhuluma noSomnini akhe ngibawe: Asithi-ke mhlamunye kufunyanwe abamatjhumi amabili kwaphela?” USomnini waphendula wathi: “Ngebanga labamatjhumi amabilabo angekhe ngabhubhisa idorobho.” U-Abrahamu wathi: “USomnini angangipheleli ihliziyo hle, nokho sengikhuluma kwamaphelelo. Alo, mhlamunye nakufunyaneka lapho abantu abalitjhumi kwaphela-ke?” USomnini wathi: “Ngebanga labalitjhumabo angekhe ngabhubhisa idorobho.” Kuthe bona uSomnini aqede ukukhuluma no-Abrahamu, wakhamba. U-Abrahamu naye wabuyela ekhaya. Iingilozi ezimbili zafika eSodoma khona mhlokho ntambama, uLothi begade ahlezi esangweni ledorobho. Kuthe nakazibonako wasikima wayozihlangabeza wafese waguqa phambi kwazo wahloma ihloko phasi. Wathi kizo: “Bahlonitjhwa, ngiyarabhela hle, phambukelani endlini yencekwenu niqophe iinyawo zenu nilale ubusukobu. Seningavuka ekuseni ningene indlelenu.” Kodwana zaphendula zathi: “Awa, ungatshwenyeki, nokho besingase silale ecabazinapha.” ULothi wasoloko azitomatomela bezaphambukela ngakwakhe. Yeke wazilungiselela okugonywako ngokuzibhagela isikwa esinganangumelo, zagoma. Kwathi iinthekeli zingakayi ukuyolala, kwafika woke amadoda weSodoma ngokungasakhethi, kungamakhulu namancani, aphuma iindawo ngeendawo, abungelela indlu kaLothi. Abiza uLothi, ambuza athi: “Aphi amadoda aphambukele kwakho lawo, entambama nje? Sikhuphele wona, sifuna ukuwalala!” ULothi waphuma ngendlini wavala umnyango, wathi kiwo: “Bomngani ngiyanirabhela hle, ningenzi ubuhlola obunje! Qalani lapha, nginabantazana ababili abasese matlawana. Ngizanikhuphela bona, nje-ke ningenza intando yenu ngabo. Kodwana ningenzi litho ngabantwaba ngombana bangaphasi kwephahla lendlwami.” Kodwana amadoda weSodoma athi: “Suka lapha wena.” Arhuwelela athi: “Umrhali lo weza lapha njengesikhonzi, khonanje sele afuna ukuzenza umgwebi! Nakunguwe sizakuhlolela ukudlula amadoda lawo!” Adudulela uLothi emnyango bona awufohloze. Kodwana amadoda amabili ebegade angendlini, alalamela uLothi, amdosela kiwo ngaphakathi abe avala umnyango. Abetha woke amadoda wedorobho agade asemnyango lawo ngobuphofu bona angasazi ukuthi umnyango ungakuphi. Yeke amadoda amabili lawo athi kuLothi: “Kukhona abanye onabo lapha na? Unabakhwenyani, amadodana, amadodakazi nanyana ngiziphi iinhlobo zakho ngedorobhenapha na? Bakhuphe endaweni le, ngombana sizoyibhubhisa. Sizwakele isililo kuSomnini ngabantu bedorobheli, yeke usithume bona sizolibhubhisa.” Yeke uLothi waphuma wakhuluma nabakhwenyani bakhe ebe babone abantazana bakwakhe, wathi kibo: “Rhabani niphume lapha ngombana uSomnini sele abandamele ukuzolibhubhisa idorobheli.” Kodwana bathatha bonyana lihlaya. Kwathi nakusako iingilozi zarhabisa uLothi zathi: “Yenza msinyana, thatha umkakho namadodakazakho amabili la nibaleke ukuze ningabhubhi ngebanga lezono zedorobheli!” Kodwana uLothi wadidizela. Nje-ke amadoda lawo amdzwebula ngomkhono kanye nomkakhe namadodakazakhe amabili abakhuphela ngaphandle kwedorobho, bajama lapho. Lokhu kwenzeka ngombana uSomnini waba nezwelo kuLothi. Kuthe bona abakhuphele ngaphandle kwedorobho enye yawo yathi: “Balekani, nisindise ipilwenu! Ningaqali emuva beningajami emrhobeni. Balekelani eentatjaneni, khona ningazukubhujiswa.” Kodwana uLothi waphendula wathi: “Awa, kungakhe kungaba njalo Kosami, ngiyakurabhela. Qala, incekwakho ifumene umusa omkhulu phambi kwakho begodu ungitjengise isirhawu esikhulu ngokusindisa ipilwami. Yeke angikwazi ukubalekela eentatjaneneziya ngombana ihlekelele le ingahle ingehlele ngife. Qala nakuya umuzi oseduze ngaphetjheya begodu mncani nabantu bakhona balidlanzana. Yeke ngivumela ngiphephele kiwo ukuze ipilwami isinde.” Yona yathi: “Kulungile ngiyavuma, angekhe ngawubhubhisa umuzi owutjhoko lowo. Kodwana rhaba ubalekele khona ngombana angikwazi ukwenza litho ungakafiki lapho.” (Kungebangelo umuzi lowo wabizwa bona iTsowari.) Lokha uLothi nakangena eTsowari, ilanga bese liphumile. Nje-ke uSomnini wanisa isibabuli esivuthako phezu kwedorobho leSodoma neGomora. Umlilo lowo bewehla uvela ezulwini. USomnini wawarhayila bunjalo-ke amadorobho lawo nemirhula yakhona yoke, boke abahlali bawo kanye neemila zoke zehlabathi. Kwathi lokha nakwenzeka lokhu, umkaLothi waqala emuva, yeke waphenduka isiduli setswayi. Ekuseni ngelanga elilandelako u-Abrahamu wavuka wabuyela endaweni lapha agade ajame khona phambi kwakaSomnini. Waqalela enzasi iSodoma neGomora, inarha nomrhoba woke. Wabona ilifu lentuthu lithunya liphuma ehlabathini njengentuthu yembawula. Lokha uZimu nakabhubhisa amadorobho womrhoba, lapha bekuhlala khona uLothi, wasindisa uLothi loyo ekubhujisweni. Ngokwenza njalo wakhumbula u-Abrahamu nakarhayila amadorobho lawo. ULothi gade esaba ukuhlala eTsowari, yeke wakhuphuka wayokuhlala eentabeni, yena namadodakazakhe womabili. Bahlala ngerholweni bobathathu njalo. Indodakazi ekulu yathi kumntanabo: “Ubaba selaluphele begodu ayikho enye indoda endaweni le esingalala nayo njengemvelo yabantu boke. Yeke namba, sidakise ubaba ngewayini khona sizakghona ukulalana naye ukuze sizizuzele iinzukulwana ngobabethu lo.” Khona ngobusuku bamhlokho baseza uyisabo iwayini. Indodakazi ekulu yangena, yalalana noyise. Kodwana uyise akhange ezwe lokha indodakazi leyo nayilalako nalokha nayivukako. Ngelanga elilandelako indodakazi ekulu yathi kencani: “Ngilele nobaba izolo ebusuku. Nje-ke asimdakise godu nanamhlanjesi ebusuku bona nawe ulale naye ukuze sobabili sizizuzele iinzukulwana ngobabethu lo.” Iye, namhlokho baseza uyise iwayini godu, indodakazi encani yazilungiselela, yalalana noyise. Kodwana uyise akhange ezwe lokha indodakazi leyo nayilalako nalokha nayivukako. Ngokunjalo-ke womabili amadodakazi kaLothi aba sidisi ngemva kokulalana noyise. Indodakazi ekulu yabeletha indodana yayithiya ibizo lakaMowabi. Waba ngukhokho wamaMowabi wanamhlanje. Indodakazi encani nayo yabeletha indodana, yayithiya ibizo bona nguBhen-Ami. Yena-ke waba ngukhokho wama-Amoni wanamhlanje. U-Abrahamu wafuduka eMamre waya esewula yeKanana wafese wahlala hlangana neKadetjhi neTjhuri. Lokha nasese sikhonzi eGerari wabiza uSara ongumkakhe bona ngudadwabo. Yeke u-Abimeleki, ikosi yeGerari, yathumela iinceku zayo bona ziyokuthatha uSara abe mkayo. Kodwana ebusuku uZimu wabonakala ku-Abimeleki ngebhudango wathi: “Ufile wena ngebanga lomfazi omthetheko ngombana umfazi lo ungowenye indoda.” U-Abimeleki bekangakamnamathi, yeke wathi: “Somnini, alo uzakuhlunguphaza abantu abanganamlandu na? Angithi ngu-Abrahamu othe kimi uSara ngudadwabo. Naye uSara loyo uthe iye, u-Abrahamu mnakwabo. Nje-ke ngenze lokhu ngesazelo esimsulwa nezandla zami zimhlophe.” Yeke uZimu wamphendula ebhudangweni wathi: “Iye, ngiyazi bona ukwenze lokhu ngesazelo esimsulwa. Ngimi okulondileko bona ungenzi isono kimi, ngikho ngingakhange ngikuvumele bona umnamathe. Nje-ke buyisela umfazi endodenakhe ngombana imuphorofidi begodu izakuthandazela bona uphile. Kodwana nawungambuyiseliko angikutjeli, ngiyakuhlebela uzokufa wena kanye nakho koke kwakho.” Kwathi ekuseni ngakusasa u-Abimeleki wabiza iimphathimandla zakhe, kuthe bona azitjele koke okwenzekileko, zethuka kokwethuka. Yeke u-Abimeleki wabiza u-Abrahamu wambuza wathi: “Yintobani osenze yona le? Ngikwenzeni into embi kangaka bona ungabeze ungibangele isonokazi esingaka nombuswami? Uyazi ungenze into engenziwako.” Wangezelela wathi: “Ubangelwe yini bona wenze into enje?” U-Abrahamu waphendula wathi: “Bengizitjela bona akukho nakanye ukwesaba uZimu endaweni le, nje-ke ngadlumbana bona abantu balapha bazangibulala ngenca yomkami lo. Yena mkami, kodwana eqinisweni ungudadwethu, sibantwana bendoda yinye, sahlukene ngabomma. Nje-ke kwathi uZimu nangenze bona ngizulazule kude nobuphephelo bendlu kababa, ngathi kuye, ‘Nasi indlela ongabonakalisa ngayo ukwethembeka kimi, nanyana kukuphi lapha siya khona: Batjele bona ngingumnakwenu.’ ” U-Abimeleki wathatha izimvu, iimbuzi neenkomo kanye namakhoboka namakhobokakazi, wanikela u-Abrahamu lokha nakabuyisela uSara umkakhe kuye. Wathi ku-Abrahamu: “Inarhami inabile, hlala nanyana kukuphi lapha uthanda khona.” KuSara wathi: “Nginikele umnakwenu amakhilogremu alitjhumi nanye nesiquntu wesiliva. Lokhu kulitshwayo lobumsulwa bakho phambi kwabo boke abanawe kanye nabanye abantu.” Ngalokho uSara wahlanjululwa. U-Abrahamu wathandaza kuZimu. UZimu waphilisa u-Abimeleki, umkakhe kanye namakhobokakazi ukuze kukghoneke ukuba nabantwana godu. Iye, uSomnini bekavale yoke imbeleko yabantu bengubo esigodlweni saka-Abimeleki ngenca kaSara umka Abrahamu. USomnini watjheja uSara, wenza kuye njengombana athembisa. U-Abrahamu gade sele aluphele, uSara waba sidisi, wambelethela indodana ngesikhathi uZimu athi izakubelethwa ngaso. U-Abrahamu wathiya umsanakhe ambelethelwa nguSara loyo bona ngu-Isaka. Wasoka u-Isaka, umsanakhe, lokha nakanamalanga abunane njengombana uZimu gade amyalile. U-Abrahamu besele aneminyaka elikhulu lokha nakabelethelwa u-Isaka, umsanakhe. USara wathi: “UZimu ungilethele isihleko; woke okuzwako lokhu uzokuhleka nami.” Godu wathi: “Ngubani obekangatjho ku-Abrahamu bona uSara angabe asamunyisa na? Nokho ngimbelethele indodana asele aluphele.” Umntwana wakhula. Kwathi mhlana alunyulwako, u-Abrahamu wenza umnyanya omkhulu. USara wabona u-Itjhimayeli owabelethelwa u-Abrahamu nguHagari umGibhide, ahleka ngokukokomeja. Wathi ku-Abrahamu: “Qotjha ikhobokakazeli kanye nendodanalo ngombana indodana yekhobokakazeli akukafuzi bona idle ilifa nendodanami, u-Isaka.” Lokhu kwamtshwenya u-Abrahamu ngombana u-Itjhimayeli naye bekuyindodanakhe. Kodwana uZimu wathi ku-Abrahamu: “Ungatshwenyeki ngomsana nekhobokakazi lakho. Yenza koke uSara akutjela khona ngombana iinzukulwana zakho zizokuthiyelelwa ngo-Isaka. Begodu ngizakwenza nendodana yekhobokakazi bona ibe sisizwe esikhulu ngombana nayo iziingazi zakho.” Kwathi ekuseni ngelanga elilandelako, u-Abrahamu wathatha isikwa nesikhumba samanzi wakubeka emahlombe kaHagari. Yeke wathi akakhambe nomntwana. Wakhamba-ke uHagari kodwana walahleka erhalawumbeni leBheritjheba. Kwathi bona amanzi aphele ngesikhumbeni, uHagari watjhiya umntwana ngaphasi komutjhana. Wakhamba wayozihlalela kudanyana naye ibanga elingaba mujikijelo womsebe ngombana wadlumbana wathi: “Angifuni ukubona umntwana nakahlongakalako.” Kwathi asahlezi lapho, wakhihla isililo. UZimu wezwa umsana abubula, yeke ingilozi yakaZimu yarhuwelela uHagari isezulwini yathi kuye: “Kwenzenjani ngawe wena Hagari? Ungasabi ngombana uZimu uzwile ukububula komsana lapha alele khona. Sikima! Khamba usikimise umsana, umbambe ngesandla umqinise ngombana mina ngizomenza abe sisizwe esikhulu.” Yeke uZimu wavula amehlwakhe, wabona umthombo wamanzi. Waya wazalisa isikhumba bewaseza nomsana. UZimu gade anomsana loyo, yeke wakhula kuhle erhalawumbeni. Waba ngusomsebe ahlala erhalawumbeni leParana. Unina wamthathela umfazi eGibhide. Kwathi ngesikhatheso u-Abimeleki nendunakhe emphathi webutho uPhikoli, waya ku-Abrahamu wafese wathi: “Mbala uZimu unawe kikho koke okwenzako ndoda. Nje-ke funga kimapha ngoZimu bona angekhe ube mkhohlisi kimi, ebantwaneni neenzukulwaneni zami. Njengombana bengithembekile kuwe, nawe thembeka kimi nenarheni okhonze kiyo.” U-Abrahamu wathi uzakufunga, kodwana wakhalala ku-Abimeleki ngomthombo wamanzi obugade uthunjwe ziinsebenzi zaka-Abimeleki. U-Abimeleki wathi: “Angazi bona ngubani owenze lokhu. Nawe akhange ungitjele ngendaba le, yeke nami ngiyitjhwama namhlanjesi nje.” U-Abrahamu wathatha izimvu, iimbuzi neenkomo wazinikela u-Abimeleki. Yeke amadoda amabili lawo enza isivumelwano. Kodwana u-Abrahamu wagodla iimvana ezisikazi ezilikhomba kilezo azinikele u-Abimeleki. Khonapho u-Abimeleki wambuza wathi: “Sitjho ukuthini isenzo sakhwesi, sokobana ugodle iimvana ezisikazi ezilikhomba na?” U-Abrahamu waphendula wathi: “Nawamukela iimvana ezilikhombezi, khona-ke uzakuba ngufakazami bonyana ngimi owemba umthombo lo.” Yeke, indawo leyo yathiywa ibizo bona yiBheritjheba ngombana kwaba kulapha amadoda amabili la enza khona isifungo. Kwathi emva kokobana sebasenzile isivumelwaneso eBheritjheba, u-Abimeleki noPhikoli induna yebutho babuyela enarheni yamaFilista. Yeke u-Abrahamu watjala umuthi womtamariski eBheritjheba, bewalotjha uSomnini uZimu onguSiphelani khonapho. U-Abrahamu wahlala enarheni yamaFilista isikhathi eside. Emva kwesikhathi esithize uZimu wazizinya u-Abrahamu. Wambiza wathi: “Abrahamu!” U-Abrahamu wasabela wathi: “Somnini, ngilapha.” Nje-ke uZimu wathi: “Thatha indodanakho ekukuphela kwayo leyo noyithandako u-Isaka, ukhambe nayo uye endaweni yeMoriya. Ufike lapho uyenze isihlabelo phezu kwenye yeentaba engizakutjengisa yona.” Kwathi ekuseni ngakusasa, wavuka wabophela udumbanakhe. Kuthe sele abande iinkuni zomhlabelo, wathatha iinceku ezimbili nendodanakhe u-Isaka, wakhamba waya endaweni uZimu amlayele yona. Elangeni lesithathu u-Abrahamu waphakamisa amehlo, wayibonela kude indawo leyo. Nje-ke wathi eencekwini zakhe: “Salani lapha nodumbana, mina nomsana lo sisaya phetjheyapha. Sisayokulotjha khona, sizakubuya godu kinapha.” U-Abrahamu wathwesa u-Isaka iinkuni zomhlabelo, yena-ke waphatha umukhwa namalahle avuthako. Bakhamba bobabili njalo. U-Isaka wabiza uyise wathi: “Baba!” U-Abrahamu wasabela wathi: “Iye ndodanami!” U-Isaka wathi: “Amalahle avuthako neenkuni nanzi sinazo; alo, imvana yomhlabelo yona iphi?” U-Abrahamu waphendula wathi: “Ndodanami, uZimu uzazibonela yena imvana yomhlabelo.” Bakhamba bobabili njalo. Kwathi bona bafike endaweni lapho uZimu abalayele khona, u-Abrahamu wakha i-aldari, wabeka neenkuni phezu kwalo. Wabopha indodanakhe u-Isaka izandla neenyawo, wayilalisa e-aldarini phezu kweenkuni. Welula isandla wathatha umukhwa bona aqunte indodanakhe intamo. Kodwana ingilozi kaSomnini yamrhuwelela isezulwini yathi: “Abrahamu! Abrahamu!” Waphendula wathi: “Somnini, ngilapha!” USomnini wathi: “Ungabeki isandla sakho phezu komsana! Ungasamenzi litho! Nje-ke sengiyazi bona uyamesaba uZimu ngombana ungakhange ungigodlele indodanakho okukuphela kwayo.” U-Abrahamu wathi nakaphakamisa amehlo wabona iqama ngemva kwakhe libanjwe ngeempondo emthini ositjhutha. Waya walithatha wenza umhlabelo wokutjhiswa esikhundleni sendodanakhe. U-Abrahamu wathiya indawo leyo ibizo elithi: “Mbala uSomnini wabonelela.” Njengombana kusatjhiwo nanamhlanjesi kuthiwa: “Entabeni kaSomnini, kuzakubonelelwa.” Ingilozi kaSomnini yarhuwelela u-Abrahamu kwesibili isezulwini yathi: “Ngizifunga ngokwami, kutjho mina uSomnini, njengombana ukwenzile lokhu, wangagodla indodanakho, iye ekukuphela kwayo, ngiqinisile ngizokubusisa ngenze iinzukulwana zakho zibe njengeenkwekwezi emkayini nanjengetjhwabatjhwaba magegana nelwandle. Iinzukulwana zakho zizakuthumba amadorobho wezitha zazo. Zoke iinkoro zephasi zikhanukele ukubusiswa njengeenzukulwana zakho ngombana ulalele ilizwi lami.” Nje-ke u-Abrahamu wabuyela eencekwini zakhe, bakhamba babuyela eBheritjheba, lapha u-Abrahamu anzinza khona. Isikhatjhana ngemva kwalokho kwabikwa ku-Abrahamu bona uMilika umkaNarhori umfowabo naye ubelethe amadodana. Wona ngu-Utsi izibulo, uBhuzi umntanabo, uKhemuyeli, uKesedi, uRhazo, uPilidatjhi, uYidilafu noBhetuweli. UMilika wabelethela uNarhori umfowabo ka-Abrahamu abantwana ababunanabo. UKhemuyeli waba nguyise laka-Aramu. UBhetuweli waba nguyise lakaRabega. URewuma umngena wakaNarhori naye waba namadodana, wona bekunguThebarha, uGarhamu, uTarhatjhi noMaka. USara waphila iminyaka elikhulu namatjhumi amabili nalikhomba. Wahlongakalela eKhiriyathi-Araba okuyiRhebroni enarheni yeKanana. U-Abrahamu wangena ngetendeni lakaSara bona amhloboke abe amlilele. Kuthe bona asikime hlanu kwesidumbu somkakhe wakhamba wayokukhuluma namaRhithi wathi: “Ngisikhonzi nomqhamuka phakhathi kwenu, yeke ngithengiselani indawo yamazindla khona ngizakubulunga ohlongakeleko wami.” AmaRhithi aphendula u-Abrahamu athi: “Mhlonitjhwa, besithi akhese usilalele! Thina sikuthatha njengekosana enamandla kithapha. Ohlongakeleko wakho ungambulunga kinanyana ngiliphi lamazindla wethu elikhethwa nguwe. Akakho noyedwa wethu ongagodla izindla lakhe bona ubulunge ohlongakeleko wakho.” Yeke u-Abrahamu wasikima, wahloma ihloko phasi phambi kwamaRhithi okubabantu bendawo leyo, wathi kibo: “Nangabe niyavuma bona ngimbulunge ohlangakeleko wami lapha, nje-ke ngizweni bese ningirabhelela ku-Efroni umsa kaTsorhari bona angithengisele irholo leMakaphela, ekungelakhe ngemaphethelweni wesimakhe. Mbaweni angithengisele lona ngenani elizeleko phambi kwenu, khona lizakuba yindawami yokubulungela.” U-Efroni naye begade ahlezi namaRhithi. Waphendula u-Abrahamu phambi kwebandla kanye nomphakathi woke ogade usesangweni ledorobho, wathi: “Awa mhlonitjhwa, akhe ungilalele: Isimu leyo ngikuthengisela yona nerholo eliphakathi kwayo ngikuthengisela lona. Ngizakuthengisela phambi kwabantu bekhethwaba bona babe bofakazi. Zibulungele ohlongakeleko wakho khona.” Godu u-Abrahamu wahloma ihloko phasi phambi kwabantu bendawo, wakhuluma ku-Efroni, boke abantu bendawo bamlalele, wathi: “Nangabe uzimisele mbala ukuyithengisa, ngiyakurabhela ngilalela: Ngizakukhokhela intengo yesimu le, yamukela inani layo ukuze ngibulunge ohlongakeleko wami.” U-Efroni waphendula u-Abrahamu wathi: “Bengithi umhlonitjhwa akhe angilalele: Indawo ebiza amakhilogremu amane nesiquntu wesiliva, bekuyini nje lokho phakathi kwami nawe? Yewuzibulungele ohlongakeleko wakho.” U-Abrahamu wavuma okutjhiwo ngu-Efroni, wabe wamlinganisela ubudisi benani alibizileko phambi kwamaRhithi. Kwaba lisiliva elimakhilogremu amane nesiquntu ukuya ngobunjalo besiliva elalamukelwa barhwebi. Ngokunjalo-ke isimu ka-Efroni ebegade iseMakaphela eduze neMamre, irholo kanye nemithi yoke esemikhawulweni yendawo leyo, kwadluliselwa ku-Abrahamu njengepahlakhe. Lokhu kwenziwa phambi kwamaRhithi woke abegade eze esangweni ledorobho lekhabo ka-Efroni. Ngemva kwalokhu u-Abrahamu wabulunga umkakhe uSara erholweni lesimu yeMakaphela engepumalanga yeMamre endaweni yeRhebroni enarheni yeKanana. Nje-ke isimu kanye nerholo elabe likiyo kwadluliselwa maRhithi ku-Abrahamu njengepahlakhe bona kube yindawo yokubulungela. U-Abrahamu bese aluphele namalanga ayile. USomnini bekambusise ngeendlela zoke. Wathi encekwinakhe ekulu ebeyiphethe koke kwendlwakhe: “Beka isandla sakho ngaphasi kwenyongami, kobana ngikufungise ngoSomnini uZimu wezulu nephasi, bona angekhe wathathela indodanami umfazi emadodakazini webantwini beKanana engihlala phakathi kwabo, kodwana bona uzakuya enarheni yekhethu neenhlobeni zami ukuyokuthathela khona indodanami u-Isaka umfazi.” Inceku yambuza yathi: “Alo, ngenzeni lokha umntazana loyo nange angabhala ukuza nami enarheni le? Kungabe kuzakufuneka bona ngithathe indodanakho ngiyibuyisele enarheni owavela kiyo na?” U-Abrahamu wathi kiyo: “Qinisekisa bona awubuyiseli indodanami lapho. USomnini uZimu wezulu owangikhupha emzini wakababa, enarheni yeenhlobo zami nowakhuluma nami wangithembisa ngesifungo wathi, ‘inarha le ngizayinikela eenzukulwaneni zakho’, nguye ozakuthumela ingilozi ikhambe phambi kwakho bona uphumelele ukuthathela indodanami umfazi lapho. Nangabe intombi leyo ayikazimiseli ukuza nawe, khona angekhe ube nomlandu esifungweni samesi. Kwaphela nje ungalingi ubuyisele indodanami lapho.” Ngokunjalo-ke inceku yabeka isandla sayo ngaphasi kwenyonga yekosayo, u-Abrahamu, yafunga isifungo mayelana nendaba leyo. Inceku yathatha amakamela alitjhumi wekosayo yasuka yakhamba iphethe izipho ezihle ezibuya ekosinayo. Yanqomba e-Aramu-Naharayimu ekumumuzi wakaNarhori. Yafika yaguqisa amakamela hlanu komthombo ngaphandle komuzi lowo, belisele lithambeme ilanga, kusikhathi abafazi abaphuma ngaso ukuyokukha amanzi. Khonapho yathandaza yathi: “Somnini, Zimu wekosami u-Abrahamu, yiba nomusa ku-Abrahamu ikosami, ungenze ngihlangane nomuntu ofaneleko. Nakhu ngijame esiyalwini lapha amadodakazi womuzi lo akhelela khona amanzi. Akuthi nangithi kelinye lamatlawu, ‘Ngiyakurabhela, akhese wethule umjekakho ngisele’, lona-ke lithi, ‘Awa ungasela begodu ngizokuseza namakamelakho’ ngizakwazi-ke bonyana ngilo olikhethele incekwakho, u-Isaka. Lokho kuzakuba siboniso bona mbala uyenzele umusa ikosami.” Kwathi ingakaqedi nokuthandaza, veliyani uRabega ngemzini abeke umjeka wamanzi emahlombe. Yena bekayindodakazi kaBhetuweli indodana kaMilika obegade amkaNarhori umnakwabo laka-Abrahamu. Bekamntazana omuhle osajame ibele, ongakhange akhe ayanywe lisokana. Yena-ke wehlela ngesiyalwini, wazalisa umjekakhe ngamanzi, wakhuphuka. Inceku ka-Abrahamu yagijima, yamhlangabeza yathi: “Ndodakazi, akhese ungiseze kancancani amanzi angemjekenakho lawo.” URabega wathi: “Awa, ikosami ingasela.” Yeke wethula umjeka wayibambela, yasela. Kuthe bona aqede ukuyiseza, wathi: “Namakamela wekosami ngizowakhelela abe aqede ukusela woke nje.” Warhaba wathululela amanzi ngapha kuselela ngakhona iimbandana, wagijimela ngemthonjeni, wanande akha amanzi bewawaseza woke amakamelayo. Indoda leyo yathula, yamqala, ifuna ukubona nakube uSomnini uphelelise ikhambo layo namkha awa. Kwathi bona amakamela aqede ukusela, indoda leyo yathatha incina legolide elifakwa epumulweni elinobudisi bamagremu angaba mahlanu nesiquntu kanye neenkhono zegolide ezinobudisi obumagremu alikhulu netjhumi. Yabese ithi: “Ngiyakurabhela akhese ungitjele, uyindodakazi kabani wena? Endlini kayihlo kungaba khona amalalo lapha singalala khona na?” Umntazana waphendula wathi: “Mina ngiyindodakazi kaBhetuweli umsa kaNarhori noMilika.” Wangezelela wathi: “Sineenhlanga nelusereni eyaneleko kanye nelawu lapha ningalala khona ebusuku.” Yeke indoda leyo yaguqa yahloma ihloko phasi phambi kwakaSomnini yathi: “Akadunyiswe uSomnini ongakhange atjhiye isisa nokwethembeka kwakhe ku-Abrahamu ikosami. Nakungimi, uSomnini uZimu ungirholele endleleni eya endlini yeenhlobo zekosami.” Umntazana wagijima wayokutjela unina nabodadwabo ngokwenzekileko. URabega begade anomfowabo uLabani. Yena-ke waphuma wagijimela endodeni leyo emthonjeni ngombana abone incina lepumulo neenkhono kudadwabo. Godu wezwa lokha uRebega nabatjela bona indoda leyo itheni. Yeke waphuma wagijimela kiyo, wayifunyana isajame emakamelenayo hlanu komthombo. Wathi kiyo: “Muntu obusiswe nguSomnini, namba siye ekhaya. Kubayini ujame ngaphandlapha ngombana nakhu sengikulungiselele ekhaya bekunendawo yamakamelakho?” Yeke indoda leyo yakhamba naye kwabo. Sebafikile uLabani wakhumula amakamela, wawanikela iinhlanga nelusereni. Wabuye walethela indoda leyo nabakhambisani bayo amanzi bona baqophe iinyawo zabo. Nje-ke kwabekwa ukudla phambi kwendoda leyo, kodwana yona yathi: “Awa, angekhe ngadla ngingakatjho into engiyizele lapha.” ULabani wathi: “Awa yeke, khuluma-ke.” Nje-ke yathi: “Mina ngiyinceku ka-Abrahamu. USomnini uZimu yabusisa ikosami khulu beyanjinga. Yayipha izimvu, iimbuzi, iinkomo, isiliva negolide, amakhoboka namakhobokakazi, amakamela nabodumbana. Umka kosami uSara, wabelethela ikosami indodana asele aluphele, yeke ikosami yanikela koke enakho endodaneni. Begodu ikosami yangifungisa ngesifungo yathi, ‘Ungakhe ungathathela indodanami umfazi emadodakazini weKanana okuyinarha engihlala kiyo. Kodwana khamba uye ebantwini bekhethu, ekorwenami, uyithathele umfazi khona indodanami.’ Ngayibuza ikosami ngathi, ‘Alo, ngenzeni lokha umntazana loyo nange angabhala ukukhamba nami?’ Yona yaphendula yathi, ‘USomnini engikhamba phambi kwakhe, uzokuthumelela ingilozi bona ikuphumelelise ekhambeni lakho ukuze ufunyanele indodanami umfazi ekorwenami nebantwini bekhethu. Uzakutjhaphuluka esifungweni samesi kwaphela, ikani nje nawuye ebantwini bekhethu bakwalela naye. Ngaleyondlela wena uzabe utjhaphulukile esifungweni samesi.’ “Nje-ke kuthe bona ngifike emthonjeni namhlanje, ngathandaza ngathi, ‘Somnini, Zimu wekosami u-Abrahamu, ngiyakurabhela hle, phumelelisa ikhambo lami engize ngalo lapha. Nakhu uSomnini lapha ngijame khona hlanu kwanaku umthombo; nakwenzeka kuvela umntazana bona azokukha amanzi lapha bese ngimbawa bona angiseze amanzi kancancani ngemjekenakhe, nangabe uyavuma bonyana ngisele abe akhelele namakamelami amanzi, akube nguye loyo umntazana omkhethileko, Somnini, bona abe mfazi wendodana yekosami.’ “Ngithe ngingakaqedi umthandazwami wesidu, veliyani uRabega nomjeka wamanzi awubeke emahlombakhe, bewehlela ngemthonjeni ukuyokhelela amanzi. Ngithe nangithi kuye, ‘Ndodakazi, akhese ungiseze amanzi.’ Wethula msinyana umjeka emahlombakhe wathi, ‘Awa, yewusele kosami, namakamelakho ngizowaseza.’ Nje-ke ngasela bewaseza namakamelami. “Ngabese ngiyambuza-ke ngathi, ‘Uyindodakazi kabani?’ Wangiphendula wathi, ‘Mina ngiyindodakazi kaBhetuweli umsa kaNarhori noMilika.’ Yeke ngamfaka incina epumulwenakhe neenkhono emikhonwenakhe. Ngaguqa ngahloma ihloko phasi phambi kwakaSomnini. Ngadumisa uSomnini uZimu wekosami u-Abrahamu, yona eyanginqophisa endleleni ekungiyo ukuze ngizokuthathela indodana yekosami indodakazi yomnakwabo lekosami. Nje-ke nakube nizokutjengisa ukwethembeka neqiniso ekosinami njengeenhlobo, ngitjelani, nakhona nakube akuzukuba njalo, nitjho ukuze nami ngizibone bonyana ngiphuma ngayiphi.” ULabani noBhetuweli baphendula bathi: “Ndoda, indaba le ivela kuSomnini, yeke thina akukho esingakutjho kuwe. NakunguRabega nangu yena; mthathe ukhambe naye abe mfazi wendodana yekosakho kanjengombana uSomnini akubonisile.” Kuthe bona inceku yaka-Abrahamu izwe abakutjwileko, yahloma ihloko phasi phambi kwakaSomnini. Yakhupha amagugu welisiliva negolide nezinye izinto zokwembathwa yazipha uRabega. Yapha umnakwabo nonina izipho ezikhethekileko. Yeke inceku nabantu ebe banayo bagoma, basela, balala ubusukobo lapho. Kuthe nabavukako ekuseni yathi: “Ngibawa isiphande ngibuyele ekosinami.” Kodwana umfowabo kaRabega banonina bathi: “Akhese uvumele umntazana ahlalahlale nathi amalangana alitjhumi nje kwaphela, ngemva kwalokho angakhamba-ke.” Kodwana inceku yathi: “Awa hle, njengombana uSomnini uZimu asele aphumelelise ikhambo lami nje, masani ukungibambezela. Ngivumelani ngibone enganatjani ngibuyele ekosinami.” Bona bathi: “Yeke, asibize umntazana sizwe bona yena uthini.” Nje-ke bambiza uRabega bambuza bathi: “Uyathanda ukukhamba nomuntu lo na?” Yena waphendula wathi: “Iye, ngizakukhamba.” Nje-ke aboLabani balayelisa udadwabo uRabega nembelesakhe bona bakhambe nenceku yaka-Abrahamu kanye nabantu bakhe. Babusisa uRabega bathi: “Dadwethu, sengathi ungaba ngunina weenkulungwana ngeenkulungwana; kwangasuthi iinzukulwana zakho zingathumba amadorobho wamanabazo!” Yeke uRabega neencekukazi zakhe babhinca bakhwela amakamelabo balandela indoda leyo. Kwaba njalo-ke ukukhamba kwenceku nayithatha uRabega sele igoduka. Ngesikhatheso u-Isaka gade ahlala ngesewula yenarha emthonjeni we-Larhayi-Royi. Kwathi malanga ntambamba asaphumile bona abethwe mumoya emmangweni, wathi nakathi mehlo suka, qala, nako amakamela asiza. URabega naye wathi nakathi uyaqala, wabona u-Isaka. Yeke wahlika msinyana ekameleni bewabuza inceku yaka-Abrahamu wathi: “Ngubani umuntu loya okhamba emmangwenapha asiza kithi na?” Inceku yamphendula yathi: “Yikosami-ke leya.” Nje-ke uRabega wathatha isiyaya wazigubuzesa. Inceku yafese yadembela u-Isaka koke okwenzekileko. Nje-ke u-Isaka wangenisa uRabega ngetendeni lapha gade kuhlala khona unina uSara. Wamthatha waba mkakhe begodu wamthanda. Yeke watjhiriyeka ekutjhiyweni ngunina. U-Abrahamu wathatha omunye umfazi, egade kuthiwa nguKhethura. Yena wambelethela uZimrani, uJokhitjhani, uMedani, uMidiyani, uYitjhibakhi noTjhuwarhi. UJokhitjhani wabeletha uTjheba noDedani. Iinzukulwana zakaDedani bekuma-Atjhuri, amaLethutjhi namaLewumi. Amadodana kaMidiyani bekungu-Efa, u-Eferi, uRhanoki, u-Abida no-Elida. Boke labo bekuziinzukulwana zakaKhethura. U-Abrahamu wanikela u-Isaka loke ilifa lakhe. Kodwana kwathi asaphila, wapha amadodana wamakhohlwakhe izipho wathi abaye ngenarheni engepumalanga yeKanana ukuze babe kude nendodanakhe u-Isaka. U-Abrahamu waphila iminyaka elikhulu namatjhumi alikhomba namihlanu. Gade sele aluphele khulu lokha nakakhohlela kokugcina, wahlongakala anelisekile ngepilo, aliqhegu elithukgheleko. Amadodanakhe u-Isaka no-Itjhimayeli bambulunga kebekhabo erholweni leMakaphela. Ithunelo belingepumalanga yeMamre, esimini ka-Efroni umsa kaTsorhari umRhithi, ekuyisimu u-Abrahamu ayithenga kumaRhithi. U-Abrahamu wabulungwa lapho-ke yena nomkakhe uSara. Ngemva kokuhlongakala kwaka-Abrahamu, uZimu wabusisa indodanakhe u-Isaka ogade ahlala emthonjeni we-Larhayi-Royi. Naku umlando ka-Itjhimayeli indodana ka-Abrahamu ambelethelwa nguHagari umGibhide, ikhobokakazi lakaSara. Naka-ke amabizo wamadodana ka-Itjhimayeli ngokulamana kwawo: Izibulo nguNebayothi, alanywe nguKedari, u-Adibiyeli, uMibisami, uMitjhima, uDuma, uMasa, uRhadadi, uTema, uJethuri, uNafitjhi kanye noKhedema. Lawo-ke mabizo wamadodana ka-Itjhimayeli. Abarholi abalitjhumi nambili beenkorwaba gade banemizi eyakhiweko neenkampa zamatende. U-Itjhimayeli waphila iminyaka elikhulu namatjhumi amathathu namikhomba. Wakhohlela kokugcina, wahlongakala bewabulungwa. Iinzukulwana zakhe zahlala endaweni ukusuka eRhavila ukuya eTjhuri, ngepumalanga yeGibhide ncange-Asiriya. Zahlala ziphehla inturhu kibo boke abafowazo. Naku umlando ka-Isaka indodana ka-Abrahamu: U-Abrahamu wabeletha u-Isaka. U-Isaka gade aneminyaka ematjhumi amane lokha nakathatha uRabega indodakazi kaBhetuweli umAramu ovela ePadana-Aramu nongudadwabo kaLabani umAramu. U-Isaka wathandaza kuSomnini ngomkakhe ogade ayinyumba. USomnini waphendula umthandazwakhe, yeke umkakhe uRabega waba sidisi. Amasana gade anande akghudlhana ngesiswini sakhe wabe wazibuza wathi: “Kanti kwenzakalani kimapha?” Wakanye wayokubuza kuSomnini. USomnini wathi kuye: “Kunezizwe ezimbili esibelethweni sakho, abantu ababili ngesiswini sakho bazakuhlukaniswa; omunye uzakuba namandla ukudlula omunye, omkhulu alotjhe omncani.” Kwathi nakufika isikhathi sakhe sokubeletha, kwavela amawele wabesanyana. Wokuthoma wavela abomvana, umzimbakhe woke inga wembeswe ngenaka loboya, yeke bamthiya bona ngu-Esewu. Ngemva kwakhe kwavela umfowabo akakarele isithende saka-Esewu ngesandlana sakhe; yeke bamthiya bona nguJakopo. U-Isaka gade aneminyaka ematjhumi asithandathu lokha uRabega nakababelethako. Abesanabo bakhula, u-Esewu waba mzumi onobukghoni, indoda ezwana nommango, kodwana uJakopo yena bekumumuntu ozothileko ohlala ematendeni. U-Isaka wathanda u-Esewu ngombana gade athanda inyama yeenyamazana, kodwana uRabega yena wazithandela uJakopo. Kwathi ngelinye ilanga uJakopo asapheke isitjhebo, kwafika u-Esewu avela emmangweni, adinwe afile. Wathi kuJakopo: “Akhe ungiphe isitjhebo sakho esinzothweso ngombana ngifile ngokudinwa!” Ngikho-nje godu kwathiwa ngu-Edomu. UJakopo waphendula wathi: “Uzwile! Ngithengisela ubuzibulo bakho ntange.” U-Esewu wathi: “Qala, ngiyafa ngendlala, buzangisiza ngani nje ubuzibulwanyana bakhonobo?” UJakopo wathi: “Zibophe ngesifungo khonanje.” Wazibopha ngesifungo-ke, wathengisela uJakopo ubuzibulo bakhe njalo. Yeke uJakopo waphakela u-Esewu isikwa nesitjhebo seenhlumaya. Wagoma, wasela, wasikima, wakhamba. Ngalokho u-Esewu wanyaza ubuzibulo bakhe. Kwabakhona indlala enarheni ngaphandle kwaleyo eyakhe yabakhona ngaphambilini esikhathini saka-Abrahamu. U-Isaka wakhamba wayokukhonza kwa-Abimeleki, ikosi yamaFilista, eGerari. IKosi yabonakala ku-Isaka yathi: “Ungehleli eGibhide, hlala enarheni engizakutjela bonyana uhlale kiyo. Khonzakhonza enarheni le. Ngizakuba nawe bengikubusise. Iye, ngizakupha wena neenzukulwana zakho zoke iinarhezi, ngiqinise isifungo engasenza kuyihlo u-Abrahamu. Ngizakwenza iinzukulwana zakho zibe zinengi njengeenkwekwezi emkayini bese ngizinikela zoke iinarhezi. Zoke iinkoro zephasi zikhanukele ukubusiswa njengeenzukulwana zakho, ngombana u-Abrahamu wangilalela wagcina okufaneleko: imiyalwami, iimiso zami nemithethwami.” Yeke u-Isaka wahlala eGerari. Kwathi lokha amadoda wendawo leyo nakathoma ukumbuza ngomkakhe wathi: “Awa, lo ngudadwethu.” Wesaba ukuthi “mkami” ngombana wadlumbana bonyana amadoda wendawo leyo azambulala ngenca kaRabega isiphalaphala sakhe. U-Isaka wakhonza lapho isikhathi eside. Ngelinye ilanga u-Abimeleki ikosi yamaFilista yathi nayihlola enzasi ngefesidere yabona u-Isaka akitakitana nomkakhe uRabega. Yeke u-Abimeleki wabiza u-Isaka wathi: “Ngambala mkakho lo! Alo, bekutheni nawuzakuthi ngudadwenu?” U-Isaka wamphendula wathi: “Kungombana ngidlumbene bona ngizakufa ngebanga lakhe.” U-Abimeleki wathi: “Yintobani osenze yona le? Bekulula bona enye yamadoda ilale nomkakho, nje-ke bewuzosithwesa umlandu.” Yeke u-Abimeleki wayala woke umuntu wathi: “Nanyana ngubani othinta indoda le nomkayo, ngiqinisile ngithi uzakubulawa.” U-Isaka watjala isivuno enarheni leyo. Kwathi kiwo lowo mnyaka wavuna ngamakhulu kilokho akutjeleko. USomnini wambusisa, wasoloko andlondlobala bewaba yinjinga yomuntu: Waba nemihlambi yezimvu, yeembuzi neyeenkomo kanye neenceku ezinengi. AmaFilista amfela umona abe aphetha ngokudibizesa yoke imithombo eyenjiwa ziinceku zakayise u-Abrahamu asaphila. Yeke u-Abimeleki wathi ku-Isaka: “Suka kithapha ngombana sele usibhedlha ngamandla.” U-Isaka wafuduka-ke wayokuhloma itende lakhe emrhobeni weGerari, wanzinza lapho. Warhubha imithombo ebeyenjiwe ngesikhathi sakayise u-Abrahamu negade idibizeswe maFilista ngemva kokuhlongakala kwakhe. Wayithiya amabizo uyise agade ayithiye wona. Iinceku zaka-Isaka zemba emrhobeni zafumana umthombo wamanzi ayalukako. Kodwana abelusi bakaGerari baphikisana nabelusi baka-Isaka bathi: “Amanzi la ngewethu!” Yeke u-Isaka wathiya umthombo lowo bona yi-Esekhe ngombana batjhijilana naye. Iinceku zaka-Isaka zemba omunye umthombo godu, nalapho kwaba nokuqabana, yeke wawuthiya ibizo bona yiSitina. Wafuduka lapho wemba omunye umthombo. Lapho-ke azange kubekhona ukuqabana, nje-ke wawuthiya bona yiRerhobhothi, asithi: “Iye, gadesi uSomnini usiphe iindawo ezivulekileko, nje-ke sizakuphumelela enarheni le.” Ukusuka lapho u-Isaka wafudukela eBheritjheba. Ngobusukobo uSomnini waziveza kuye wathi: “NginguZimu kayihlo u-Abrahamu. Yeke ungasabi ngombana nginawe. Ngizokubusisa bengingezelele isibalo seenzukulwana zakho ngebanga lencekwami u-Abrahamu.” Khonapho u-Isaka wakhela uSomnini i-aldari bewayithandaza. Wahloma itende lakhe lapho, iinceku zakhe zemba omunye umthombo. U-Abimeleki ogade avela eGerari wafika kuye akhambisana no-Arhuzathi umlulekakhe noPhikoli induna yamabuthwakhe. Nje-ke u-Isaka wababuza wathi: “Kubayini nizongibona? Angithi nina nangiphatha njengesitha benangiqotjha phakathi kwenu?” Baphendula bathi: “Awa mntanthu, kwembukile emehlwenethu bonyana uSomnini unawe, yeke sadlumbana sathi, ‘Kghani angeze senza isivumelwano sesifungo phakathi kwethu, iye, phakathi kwamaGerari nawe?’ Nje-ke sibawa ukwenza isivumelwano nawe bona ungasikhubazi njengombana nathi singazange khesikukhubaze, kodwana sakuphatha kuhle besakulisa wakhamba ngokuthula. Sifuna isivumelwanesi ngombana uSomnini ukubusisile.” U-Isaka wabahlabisa, bagoma bebasela. Ngakusasa kwakhona ekuseni amadoda lawo enza isivumelwano sesifungo omunye komunye. Ngemva kwalapho u-Isaka wabatjhaphulula, bakhamba ngokuthula. Khona mhlokho iinceku zaka-Isaka zafika zambikela ngomthombo eziwembileko, zathi: “Siwafumene amanzi!” Wathiya umthombo lowo bona yiTjhiba. Bekube kunamhlanje ibizo lomuzi lowo laziwa bonyana yiBheritjheba. Kuthe u-Esewu naneminyaka ematjhumi amane, watjhada uJehudithi indodakazi kaBheri umRhithi noBhasemathi indodakazi ka-Eloni umRhithi. Abafazabo baphilisa u-Isaka banoRabega ipilo ebuhlungu. U-Isaka besele aluphele namehlwakhe sele afifiyela angasaboni. Wabiza u-Esewu izibulo lakhe wathi kuye: “Ndodanami!” Wasabela wathi: “Baba!” U-Isaka wathi kuye: “Qala sengimdala, kanti nelanga lami angilazi. Yeke thatha iinhlabano zakho, okusilanda nemisubelakho, uphume ubuzimba uyongifunela inyamazana. Ungilungisele iinkhanakhana engizithandako, ungilethele zona ngigome bese ngiyakubusisa ngaphambi kobana ngihlongakale.” URabega gade alalele lokha u-Isaka nakakhuluma no-Esewu indodanakhe. Kwathi lokha u-Esewu nakafulathelako bona ayokuzumela uyise inyamazana, uRabega wathi kuJakopo indodanakhe: “Qala, ngizwe ngandlebenye uyihlo asithi kumnakwenu u-Esewu, ‘Ngilethela inyamazana ungiphekele ngayo iinkhanakhana ngigome ukuze ngikubusise phambi kwakaSomnini ngaphambi kobana ngihlongakale.’ Nje-ke ndodanami, lalelisisa kuhle bese wenza engikutjela khona: Khamba uye emhlambini ukhethe iimbuzana ezimbili ezinonileko ukuze ngiphekele uyihlo iinkhanakhana azithandako. Uzazithatha uzise kuye agome bese akubusise phambi kobana ahlongakale.” Kodwana uJakopo wathi kuRabega unina: “Uyazi bona u-Esewu unoboya, kodwana mina nginesikhumba esitjhelelako. Nange kungenzeka angithinte, kuzakuba inga ngiyamnyaza bese ngizibizela iinthuweleliso kuneembusiso.” Unina wamphendula wathi: “Nakube kuneenthuweleliso azize phezu kwami, ndodanami. Wena yenza lokho engikutjela khona. Khamba uyongithathela iimbuzanezo.” Yeke wakhamba, walethela unina iimbuzanezo. Unina wapheka iinkhanakhana ezithandwa nguyise. Khonapho uRabega wakhupha izambatho zakanokutjho zaka-Esewu indodanakhe ekulu ebegade azibekile, wathi indodanakhe encani uJakopo ayizembathe. Wembesa izandla zakhe kanye nengcenye yentamakhe enesikhumba esibutjhelelezi ngesikhumba sembuzi. Wamnikela iinkhanakhana kanye nesikwa asilungisileko. Nje-ke waya kuyise wafika wathi: “Baba!” U-Isaka wathi: “We! Ungongubani ndodanami?” UJakopo wathi kuyise: “Ngingu-Esewu izibulo lakho. Ngenze njengombana ungitjelile. Ngiyakurabhela hlala kuhle udle inyama engikulethele yona, khona uzangipha isibusiso sakho.” U-Isaka wathi: “Hawu, uyifumene njani msinyana kangaka ndodanami?” UJakopo waphendula wathi: “USomnini uZimakho ungisizile ngayifumana.” U-Isaka wathi kuJakopo: “Tjhidela eduze ngikuthinte ndodanami ukuze ngazi bonyana ngambala ungu-Esewu indodanami namkha njani.” Ngambala uJakopo watjhidela, uyise wamphumbutha, wadlumbana wathi: “Ilizwi ngelakaJakopo, kodwana izandla ngezaka-Esewu.” Azange alemuke bona nguJakopo ngombana izandla zakhe bezinoboya njengezaka-Esewu ukwenzela bona abusiswe. Kwathi nanyana sele ambuzisisa asithi, “Uthi ungu-Esewu kwamambala nje?” uJakopo wathi, “Iye baba, nginguye.” U-Isaka wathi: “Ngilethela inyama oyizumileko ndodanami, ngigome ukuze ngikubusise-ke.” UJakopo wamnikela yona newayini, wadla wasela. Yeke uyise wathi kuye: “Tjhidela lapha ndodanami, ungincwange emhlathini.” Ngambala waya kuye wamncwanga. Kuthe lokha u-Isaka nakezwa umnuko wezambatho zakhe wambusisa wathi: “Awuzwa-ke, iphunga lendodanami linjengephunga lesimu ebusiswe nguSomnini. UZimu akakuphe umbethe wezulu, avundise ihlabathakho! Akuphe inala yekoroyi neyesitjhidela sewayini! Izizwe zikusebenzele, abantu bakukhothamele. Ube yikosana yabafowenu namadodana kanyoko akukhothamele. Abakunikelelako banikelelwe, nabakubusisako babusiswe.” Emva kobana u-Isaka aqede ukubusisa uJakopo, bewasuka phambi koyise, qala nango umnakwabo u-Esewu afika abuya ekuzumeni. Naye wafika wapheka iinkhanakhana wazisa kuyise wathi kuye: “Bengithi ubaba akavuke ahlale ukuze agome inyama indodanakhe emlethele yona, khona ubaba azangipha isibusiso sakhe.” Uyise u-Isaka wabuza wathi: “Kanti ungubani wena na?” U-Esewu waphendula wathi: “Ngimi indodanakho, izibulo lakho, u-Esewu.” U-Isaka wabethwa livalo bewaqhaqhazela wathi: “Kanti bekungubani okhambe wayokuzuma inyamazana wangilethela yona bona ngiyigome phambi kobana ufike? Ngiqeda ukumbusisa khona nje, ngiqinisile uyokubusiseka loyo!” Kuthe bona u-Esewu ezwe amezwi kayise, wathwala imikhono ehloko warhahlawula wathi: “Nami ngibusisa baba!” Kodwana u-Isaka wathi: “Umfowenu ufike ngobugirikijani, wathatha isibusiso sakho.” U-Esewu wathi: “Akubabali kuthiwa nguJakopo nje! Sele kungokwesibili angidlelezela: Wahlangula amalungelwami wobuzibulo, nje udzwebule isibusiso sami! Ubaba azange angibekele isibusiso na?” U-Isaka waphendula wathi: “Sengimenze ikosana phezu kwakho begodu ngenza zoke iinhlobo zakhe zaba ziinsebenzi zakhe. Ngimsekele ngekoroyi nangesitjhidela sewayini. Alo, ngizabe ngisakwenzelani nje ndodanami?” U-Esewu wathi kuyise: “Kanti ubaba unesibusiso sinye kwaphela na? Ubaba akangibusise nami.” Wathoma wakhihla isililo. Yeke u-Isaka wathi kuye: “Umuzakho uzakuba kude nehlabathi evundileko, Ube kude nombethe wezulu uphile ngesabulakho. Uzakusebenzela umfowenu, kodwana lokha nawururharurhako uzakuhluthula ijogi lakhe lisuke entanyenakho.” U-Esewu wabambela uJakopo ivunda ngebanga lesibusiso asinikelwe nguyise. Wadlumbana wathi: “Akufike amalanga wokuzilela ubaba, khona ngizakubulala umfowethu uJakopo lo.” URabega wezwa ngokusongela kwaka-Esewu indodanakhe ekulu. Yeke wathumela bona kubizwe uJakopo indodanakhe encani, wathi kuye: “Umfowenu u-Esewu uziduduza ngomkhumbulo wokukubulala. Nje-ke ndodanami, yenza engikutjela khona: Balekela kwamnakwethu uLabani eRharana. Hlala naye isikhatjhana umfowenu abe aqole. Ngizakuthumela ilizwi kobana ubuye ekhaya nasele umfowenu aqolile begodu akhohliwe ngalokho owamenza khona. Angifuni ukuniloba ngalanga linye.” URabega wathi ku-Isaka: “Sengidinwe kuphila ngebanga labomalukazanyana bamaRhithaba. Nange uJakopo angathatha umfazi ebantazaneni bamaRhithi abafana nebenarha le, khona ngiqinisile ngithi ipilwami izaba lilize lakolize.” U-Isaka wabiza uJakopo wambusisa bewamyala wathi kuye: “Ungathathi umfazi emadodakazini weKanana. Khamba uye ePadana-Aramu kwaBhetuweli ubamkhulwakho wekhenomkhulu, uzithathele khona umfazi emadodakazini kamalumakho uLabani. Inga uZimu oSabekako angakubusisa, wande ngembeleko ukuze kuvele iinkoro ngeenkoro kuwe. Akuphe wena neenzukulwana zakho isibusiso esaphiwa u-Abrahamu bona uthumbe inarha okhonze kiyo, inarha uZimu ayinikela u-Abrahamu.” Yeke u-Isaka watjhaphulula uJakopo wangena indlela, wanqomba ePadana-Aramu kwaLabani umsa kaBhetuweli umAramu omnakwabo kaRabega unina kaJakopo no-Esewu. U-Esewu walemuka bonyana u-Isaka ubusise uJakopo bewamthumela ePadana-Aramu bona azithathele khona umfazi ngombana nambusisako wamyala bona angathathi umfazi weKanana. Walemuka godu bonyana uJakopo ulalele uyise nonina, waya ePadana-Aramu. Lokho kwamenza wabona bonyana abantazana beKananaba bamkghabhudlha kangangani uyise u-Isaka. Nje-ke waya kwa-Itjhimayeli, indodana ka-Abrahamu. Phezu kwabafazi agade asele anabo, wazithathela uMarhalathi, indodakazi ka-Itjhimayeli, ongudadwabo kaNebayothi. UJakopo wasuka eBheritjheba wanqomba eRharana. Wafika kwandawo, wathatha elinye lamatje lapho walisamela ngombana besele litjhingile. Walala ubusukobo lapho. Wabhudanga abona umqaqado usuka phasi uya ezulwini neengilozi zakaZimu zazehla zenyuka emqaqadwenapho. Wabona uSomnini ijame ngehla kwalapho, ithi: “NginguSomnini, uZimu kayihlomkhulu u-Abrahamu noZimu kayihlo u-Isaka. Ngizokupha inarha olele kiyo leyo wena neenzukulwana zakho. Iinzukulwana zakho zizakuba zinengi njengethuli lehlabathi. Uzakwanda unabele ngetjingalanga, ngepumalanga, ngetlhagwini nangesewula. Zoke iinkoro zephasi zikhanukele ukubusiswa njengawe nanjengeenzukulwana zakho. Qala, nginawe begodu ngizakuvikela kuphi nakuphi lapha ukhamba khona bengikubuyisele enarheni le. Angeze ngakutjhiya ukufikela ngiphetha engikuthembise khona.” Kwathi lokha uJakopo nakaphaphamako wadlumbana wathi: “Ngambala uSomnini ukhona endaweni le, awukhuzi bengingazi!” Wethukwa wathi: “Indawo le iyasabeka! Akunalitho elinye, le yindlu kaZimu! Leli, lisango lezulu!” Wavuka ngamasa wathatha ilitje abegade alisamele walijamisa laba sikhumbuzo. Walizesa ngamafutha. Wathiya indawo leyo bona yiBhethe-Eli, nanyana umuzi lowo bewuphele ubizwe bona yiLuzi. Nje-ke uJakopo wenza isifungo wathi: “Nange uZimu angaba nami abe angivikele ekhambeni lameli, angiphe ukudla ngigome nezambatho ngembathe bengibuyele ekhaya kubaba ngiphephile, uSomnini ube nguZimami. Khona-ke ilitje engilibeke lapha njengesikhumbuzweli lizakuba yindlu kaZimu. Begodu ngiyathembisa bonyana kikho koke ongipha khona, ngizakunikela kwetjhumi.” UJakopo waraga ngekhambo lakhe lokuya enarheni yabantu bangepumalanga. Khonapho wabona umthombo emmangweni, kwakulele imihlambi emithathu yezimvu eqadi kwawo ngombana bekusezwa izimvu lapho. Umlomo womthombo lowo wawugutjuzeswe ngelitje elikhulu. Bekuthi yoke imihlambi nasele iphelele lapho, abelusi bagede ilitjelo balisuse emlonyeni womthombo bese baseza izimvu. Nabaqedako basibekele umthombo lowo ngelitjelo. UJakopo wabuza abelusi wathi: “Bafowethu, nibuya tjhuba liphi?” Baphendula bathi: “Sibuya ngeRharana.” Wabuza godu wathi: “Niyamazi uLabani, umsa kaNarhori na?” Baphendula bathi: “Iye, siyamazi.” Wabuza wathi: “Usaphila na?” Bamphendula bathi: “Iye, usaphila. Qala nasiya indodakazakhe uRarheli isiza nomhlambakhe.” UJakopo wathi kibo: “Alo, njengombana kusesemini ekulu kangaka nje begodu akukabi sikhathi sokubuthelela umhlambi. Kubayini ningawusezi ubuyele emadlelweni na?” Baphendula bathi: “Asikwazi ukwenza njalo kungakafiki yoke imihlambi bese-ke kugedwa ilitjeli emlonyeni womthombo. Ngemva kwalapho-ke sele kungasezwa izimvu.” Kwathi uJakopo asakhuluma nabo, kwafika uRarheli nezimvu zakayise ngombana gade angumelusazo. Lokha uJakopo nakabona uRarheli nomhlambi kamalumakhe uLabani, wanqomba emthonjeni wageda ilitje, waseza izimvu zakamalumakhe. Yeke uJakopo wancwanga uRarheli bewathoma wakhihla isililo. UJakopo watjela uRarheli bonyana usihlobo sakayise nokobana uyindodana kaRabega. Yeke uRarheli wagijima wayokutjela uyise. Kwathi bona uLabani ezwe ngeendaba zakaJakopo umzukulwanakhe wagijima bona amhlangabeze. Wamgona wamncwanga emhlathini, wamngenisa ngekhaya. UJakopo wadembela uLabani koke kwekhabo. ULabani wathi kuye: “Ngambala usihlobo sami seengazi.” Ngemva kobana uJakopo sele ahlezi kwaLabani inyanga yoke, uLabani wathi kuye: “Ukuthi usihlobo sami akutjho bonyana sekumele ungisebenzele simahla. Ungathanda bonyana ngikukhokhele kangangani?” ULabani gade anamadodakazi amabili, izibulo kwakunguLeya, omncani kunguRarheli. Amehlo kaLeya gade angasibukhali, kodwana uRarheli gade anejamo begodu amuhle. UJakopo wathanda uRarheli, nje-ke wathi kuLabani: “Ngizakusebenzela iminyaka elikhomba mayelana nendodakazakho encani uRarheli.” ULabani wathi: “Kuzaba ngcono ngimnikele wena kunobanyana ngimnikele enye nje indoda. Yeke hlala kimapha.” UJakopo wasebenza iminyaka elikhomba bona afunyane uRarheli. Kodwana kwaba kwangathi malanga ambalwa kuye ngebanga lethando agade athanda ngalo uRarheli. Yeke uJakopo wathi kuLabani: “Nginikela umkami. Isikhathi sami sengisiqedile, sengifuna ukumngena.” Nje-ke uLabani wenza umnyanya, wamema boke abantu bendawo leyo. Kodwana kwathi sekurhwaqele wathatha indodakazakhe uLeya wayisa kuJakopo, uJakopo walala nayo. ULabani gade anikele uLeya incekukazakhe, uZilipha, njengesipho somtjhado. Kwathi nakusako, uJakopo wathi: “Madekhethu, nguLeya lo!” Waya kuLabani wathi: “Yintobani ongenze yona le? Angithi bengisebenzela uRarheli? Alo, ungigalajelani?” ULabani waphendula wathi: “Kumphambo ekhethwapha bona omncani angenda qangi omkhulu angakendi. Lindalinda bekuphele iveke yobukhazi le, ngizabe sengikunikela uRarheli nayibe uzangisebenzela eminye iminyaka elikhomba.” UJakopo wenza njalo. Kuthe bona iveke yobukhazi iphele, uLabani wanikela uJakopo indodakazakhe uRarheli bona abe mkakhe. ULabani wapha uRarheli incekukazakhe, uBhilirha, njengesipho somtjhado. UJakopo wangena uRarheli. Ngambala wathanda uRarheli khulu kunoLeya. Yeke wasebenzela uLabani eminye iminyaka elikhomba. Kuthe uSomnini nabona bonyana uLeya akathandwa, yavula isibeletho sakhe, yavala sakaRarheli. ULeya waba sidisi bewabeletha indodana. Wayithiya bona nguRubeni ngombana wathi: “Ngambala uSomnini ubone umtlhagwami. Ngiqinisile indodami izangithanda kwanjesi.” Waba sidisi godu, wabeletha enye indodana, wathi: “USomnini ungiphe enye indodana godu ngombana uzwile bona angithandwa.” Yeke wayithiya bona nguSimiyoni. ULeya godu waba sidisi, wabeletha indodana godu, wathi: “Kwanjesi indodami izakunamathela kimi ngombana ngiyibelethele amadodana amathathu.” Yeke wayithiya bona nguLevi. Godu waba sidisi, wabeletha enye indodana, wathi: “Gadesi ngizakudumisa uSomnini.” Yeke wayithiya bona nguJuda. Ngemva kwalapho imbelekwakhe yajama. Lokha uRarheli nakabona bonyana akabeletheli uJakopo abantwana, wafela udadwabo umona. Wathi kuJakopo: “Ngipha abantwana, nakungasinjalo ngizakufa!” UJakopo wamthukuthelela wathi: “Kanti senginguZimu okuvale bona ungabelethi na?” URarheli wathi: “Nangu uBhilirha incekukazami. Lala naye khona azakubelethela emathangenami, yeke nami ngizakuba ngunobantwana ngaye.” Yeke wamnikela uBhilirha incekukazakhe kobana abe mkakhe. UJakopo walala naye. UBhilirha waba sidisi. Wabelethela uJakopo indodana. URarheli wathi: “UZimu ungigwebele, walalela isibawo sami, wangipha indodana.” Ngebangelo wamthiya bona nguDani. UBhilirha incekukazi kaRarheli waba sidisi godu wabelethela uJakopo indodana yesibili. URarheli wathi: “Ngibindene nodadwethu ngamandla amakhulu, ngamhlula.” Alo-ke wayithiya bona nguNafitali. Kuthe lokha uLeya nakabona bonyana akasabelethi, wathatha uZilipha incekukazakhe, wamnikela uJakopo bona abe mkakhe. Yeke uZilipha incekukazi kaLeya wabelethela uJakopo indodana. ULeya wathi: “Ngehlelwe litjhudu!” Yeke wayithiya bona nguGadi. UZilipha incekukazi kaLeya wabelethela uJakopo indodana yesibili. ULeya wathi: “Maye nginamile! Ngambala amaqhakazana azongibiza ngonosinamile.” Yeke wayithiya ibizo bona ngu-Atjheri. Kwathi ngesikhathi sokuvunwa kwekoroyi uRubeni waphuma waya emasimini wafese wathola ikofe, wayilethela unina uLeya. URarheli wayibona wathi: “Akhe ungiphe ikofe leyo oyiphathelwe yindodanakho.” ULeya waphendula wathi: “Akukaneli ukungithathela indodami na? Nanje usalinga ukuthathela indodanami ikofe yayo?” URarheli wathi: “Nangabe indodanakho ingangipha ikofe yayo, khona-ke ungalala noJakopo ubusukobu.” Kuthe bona uJakopo abuye emasimini, uLeya waphuma wayomhlangabeza, wafese wathi: “Uzolala nami ubusuku banamhlanjesobu ngombana ngikuqatjhe ngekofe yendodanami.” Nje-ke walala naye ubusukobo. UZimu wezwa umthandazo kaLeya, waba sidisi bewabelethela uJakopo indodana yesihlanu. ULeya wathi: “UZimu ungikhokhele ngombana nganikela indodami incekukazami.” Nje-ke wayithiya ibizo bona ngu-Isakari. ULeya waba sidisi godu bewabelethela uJakopo indodana yesithandathu. Wathi: “UZimu ungiphe isipho esihle, kwanjesi indodami izakuba ngemkhawulwenami ngombana ngiyibelethele amadodana amathandathu.” Yeke wayithiya ibizo bona nguZebuloni. Ngemva kwalokho wabelethela uJakopo indodakazi, wayithiya bona nguDina. Yeke uZimu wakhumbula uRarheli, wezwa umthandazwakhe wavula isibeletho sakhe. Waba sidisi wabeletha indodana, wathi: “UZimu ungithule ihlazo lami.” Wayithiya ibizo bona nguJosefa asithi: “Inga uSomnini angangingezelela ngomsana omunye godu.” Ngemva kokobana uRarheli abelethe uJosefa, uJakopo wathi kuLabani: “Ngivumela ngigoduke, ngibuyele enarhenekhethu. Nginikela abafazi bami engabafumana ngokubasebenzela kuwe kanye nabantwabami. Nawe uyazi bona ngakusebenzela kuhle kangangani.” ULabani wathi kuye: “Ungangivumela khengithi kuwe: Nginjingile. Ngokuba khona kwakho kimapha, uSomnini ungibusisile. Ngitjela bona ungibulalelaphi, ngizakukhokhela.” UJakopo waphendula wathi: “Nawe uyazi bona ngakusebenzela kangangani nokobanyana imihlambakho yanda kangangani ngaphasi kwesandla sami. Iye, okuncani gade unakho ngaphambi kokobana ngifike, nokho ngemva kwalokho kwanda khulu. USomnini wakubusisa ngokuba khona kwami kuwapha. Alo, mina ngiyokuthoma nini-ke ngezomzami?” ULabani wathi: “Ufuna ngikunikeleni?” UJakopo waphendula wathi: “Angifuni ikokhelo. Ngizokusoloko ngikwelusela umhlambakho nange singavumelana kilokhu: Ngizakhamba hlangana nemimhlambakho namhlanje ngikhuphe zoke iinlwana ezinemibala engakajayeleki. Ngizakuthatha zoke iimvana ezinzima nazo zoke iimbuzi ezimabalabala nezinemitleza. Lokho-ke kuzakuba yikokhelwami. Ukwethembeka kwami kuzakubonakala kuhle ngesikhathi esizako lokha nawuzokuhlola umhlambami: Nawufunyana iimbuzi ezingasimabalabala nezinganamitleza nezimvu ezingasinzima, uzakwazi bona zetjiwe ngimi.” ULabani waphendula wathi: “Kulungile, akube njengombana usitjho.” Kodwana khona mhlokho, uLabani wakhetha zoke iimpongo ezimabalabala nezimtleza, nazo zoke iimbuzi ezisikazi ezimabalabala nezimtleza, okutjho zoke ezinamabala amhlophe nezimvu zoke ezingasinzima, wazibeka ezandleni zamadodanakhe. ULabani wabeka ibanga lekhambo lamalanga amathathu phakathi kwakhe noJakopo. UJakopo yena welusa inengi lemihlambi yakaLabani. UJakopo wathatha amaswazi kapopuliri, i-alimondi newamapalatani wawahluba amaqolwawo ngokwenza imitleza ukuze kubonakale ubumhlope bamaswazi lawo. Wabeka amaswazi awahlubileko lawo ngaphambi komhlambi weembuzi ngeenkerebheni lapha uselela khona amanzi. Umhlambi lowo gade ulungele ukujarhwa lokha nawuzokusela amanzi, bekuthi lokha nawujarhana phambi kwamaswazi lawo, uzale iimbuzana ezinamabala amhlophe, ezimtleza nezimabalabala. UJakopo wahlukanisa izimvu eembuzini. Waqalisa izimvu eembuzini ezimitleza nezinzima lokha nazijarhanako. Ngokwenza njalo wazenzela imihlambi angazange ayihlanganise neyakaLabani. Kwathi umhlambi weembuzi oqinileko nawujarhanako, uJakopo wabeka amaswazi phambi kwawo ngeenkerebheni ukuze ujarhanele phambi kwamaswazapho. Kodwana azange abeke amaswazi phambi komhlambi obogabogako. Ngaleyondlela umhlambi obogabogako waba ngewakaLabani kwathi oqinileko waba ngewakaJakopo. Yeke koke uJakopo anakho kwanda. Azange abe nezimvu neembuzi kwaphela kodwana waba namakhobokakazi, amakhoboka, amakamela nabodumbana. UJakopo wezwa bonyana amadodana kaLabani gade asithi: “UJakopo lo, sese athethe koke okungokwakababa. Uzinonise khulu ngakho koke ubaba anakho.” Wabona bonyana uLabani akasese mehlweni njengaphambilini. USomnini wathi kuJakopo: “Buyela emuva enarheni yaboyihlo neenhlobeni zakho. Ngizakuba nawe.” Yeke uJakopo wathumela ilizwi kuRarheli noLeya bonyana beze emmangweni emhlambinakhe. Wathi kibo: “Ngilemuke bonyana ubabenu akasese mehlweni kimapha njengombana gade angakho ngaphambilini, kodwana uZimu kababa ungisizile. Nani niyazi bonyana ngisebenzele ubabenu ngamandlami woke. Phezu kwalokho yena wangidlelezela ngokuphambanisa umrholwami kalitjhumi. Nokho uZimu akakamvumeli kobana angilimaze. Bekathi lokha nakathi uzangikhokhela ngomhlambi omabalabala, woke umhlambi uzale iimvana neembuzana ezimabalabala. Athi lokha nakathi uzangikhokhela ngomhlambi onemitleza, woke uzale iimvana neembuzana ezinemitleza. Nje-ke uZimu uthathele ubabenu ifuyo wayinikela mina. “Ngesikhathi sokujarhwa ngakhe ngabhudanga, ngathi nangiqalako ngabona bonyana iimpongo ezijarha umhlambi ngezimabalabala, ezinemitleza nezimapharaphara. Ingilozi kaZimu yathi kimi ebhudangweni, ‘Jakopo!’ ngathi, ‘Ngilapha!’ Yaraga yathi, ‘Qala, zoke iimpongo ezijarha umhlambi ngezimabalabala, ezinemitleza nezimapharaphara. Lokhu kwenzeka ngombana ngibone koke uLabani akwenze kuwe. NginguZimu weBhethe-Eli lapha wazesa khona ilitje nalapha wenze khona isifungo kimi. Nje-ke suka enarheni le bese ubuyela emuva enarheni yekhenu.’ ” URarheli noLeya baphendula bathi: “Sisese nesabelo elifeni lakababa na? Angithi usithatha njengamaphandle! Akakasithengisi kwaphela, kodwana ugomojele koke esikhokhelwe ngakho. Ngambala woke umnono uZimu awumuke ubabethu ungowethu nabantwabethu. Yeke yenza nanyana yini uZimu akutjele bona uyenze.” UJakopo walungisa, wakhweza abantwabakhe nabafazi bakhe phezu kwamakamela, waraga yoke imihlambakhe okutjho yoke ifuyo azifumanela yona ePadana-Aramu, wanqomba kuyise u-Isaka enarheni yeKanana. Lokha uLabani nayokurhuna izimvu, uRarheli weba imihlalandlini yakayise. Phezu kwalokho uJakopo wakhukhuthela uLabani umAramu ngokungamtjeli bonyana uyabaleka. Wabaleka nakho koke agade anakho, wayama umlambo iYufrathe wanqomba eentatjaneni zakwaGiliyadi. Kwathi elangeni lesithathu uLabani wabikelwa bonyana uJakopo ubalekile. ULabani wabutha iinhlobo zakhe, wagijimisa uJakopo amalanga alikhomba. Wambambela eentatjaneni zakwaGiliyadi. UZimu waziveza kuLabani umAramu ngebhudango ebusuku wathi kuye: “Utjheje ikulumakho noJakopo.” UJakopo gade ahlome itendakhe eentatjaneni zakwaGiliyadi lokha uLabani namfumanako. ULabani nomndenakhe nabo bahloma amatendabo lapho. ULabani wathi kuJakopo: “Yintobani oyenzileko le? Ungikhukhuthele ngokuraga amadodakazami njengeembotjhwa epini. Ungebeleleni bewabaleka sidu na? Nangathana fese wangibikela, bengizokwenzela umnyanya wokukulayelisa ngethabo nangokukuvumela ingoma sililise abosotjherere namaharibha. Azange usangipha nethuba lokuncwanga abantwana babantwabami namadodakazami ngibalayelise. Uyazi wenze ubudlhadlha bakodlhadlha. Nginamandla wokunilimaza, kodwana ubusuku bayizolo uZimu waboyihlo uthe kimi, ‘Utjheje ikulumakho noJakopo.’ Ngiyabona bonyana ngambala usendleleni ngombana uhlulukele khulu ukubuyela kwenu. Alo-ke webeleni abozinyana bami?” UJakopo waphendula wathi kuLabani: “Ngibalekile ngombana gade ngesaba. Ngadlumbana bonyana uzangemuka amadodakazakho. Kodwana nange ufunyana nanyana ngubani ogugudlhele abozinyana bakho, uzakuhlukana namabele. Ngikhombisa phambi kweenhlobo zethwezi bonyana yini yakho engiyithetheko. Nawuyifunyanako, ithathe.” UJakopo gade angazi bonyana uRarheli webe abosingazimabo. Yeke uLabani wangena ngetendeni lakaJakopo, lakaLeya neencekukazi ezimbili; kodwana azange afunyane litho. Naphuma etendeni lakaLeya waya kelakaRarheli. URarheli gade athethe imihlalandlini wayibeka ngaphakathi kwesala sekamela wahlala phezu kwayo. ULabani waphumbutha koke ngetendenapho kodwana azange afunyane litho. URarheli wathi kuyise: “Ubaba angathukutheli nangibona ngitshimalele phasi ngingasikimi ubaba nangenako, ngisesikhathini.” Yeke wabhenyegula kodwana azange ayifunyane imihlalandlini. UJakopo wathukuthela wasola uLabani wathi: “Ngikone ngani? Ngikwenze sono bani nawulokhu utjha kangaka ngami nje? Iye, uphumbuthe yoke ipahlami! Alo, ufunyaneni-ke okungekwakho? Kuveze ukubeke phambi komndenakho nowami ukuze kuphele intwele phakathi kwami nawe! Sele kuminyaka ematjhumi amabili yoke ngihlala nawe. Izimvu neembuzi zakho azange zipholoze, nami azange khengigome amaqama womhlambakho. Azange khengikulethele iinlwana ezidatjulwe ziinyamazana zommango; kube kukonakalelwa kwami koke lokho. Ngaphezu kwalokho ubize ikokhelo kimi malungana nanyana yini eyetjiweko emini namkha ebusuku. Ngiphile makghwakghwa nawe: Emini bengikhanzingwa mtjhiso kuthi ebusuku ngigongobaliswe makhaza. Bengihlwa ngiqale ngamehlo wayizolo! Ngiphile njalo iminyaka ematjhumi amabili yoke endawenakho. Ngikusebenzele iminyaka elitjhumi nane kobana ngifumane amadodakazakho amabili neminyaka esithandathu ukufumana umhlambi. Khonapho waphambanisa umrholwami katjhumitjhumi. Nangathana uZimu wabobaba, uZimu ka-Abrahamu, uZimu ohloniphekako ku-Isaka gade angasi nami, ngiqinisile ngithi ngabe ungiqotjhe ngimkhonoze. Kodwana uZimu ubonile umtlhagwami nomjuluko wezandla zami bekwathi ebusukwini bayizolo wakusola.” ULabani waphendula uJakopo wathi: “Abantazanaba madodakazami, abantwanaba bantwabami, nomhlambi lo ngewami. Koke okubonakokhu kuthi mina. Kodwana yini engabe ngisayenza namhlanje ngamadodakazami lawa, namkha ngabantwana ababelethwe ngiwo? Yeke mina nawe asenze isivumelwano, kube bufakazi phakathi kwami nawe.” UJakopo wathatha ilitje walijamisa laba lilitje lesikhumbuzo. ULabani wathi eenhlotjeni zakhe: “Buthelelani amatje.” Ngambala benza njalo bawakghubelela aba siqorho. Nabaqeda lapho bagomela esiqorhwenapho. ULabani wasibiza bonyana yiYegari-Sahaduta, kodwana uJakopo wasibiza bonyana yiGaledi. ULabani wathi: “Isiqorhwesi singufakazi phakathi kwami nawe namhlanjesi.” Kungebangelo kwathiwa yiGaledi. Godu kwathiwa yiMitsipha ngombana uLabani wathi: “Inga uSomnini angaba mlindi phakathi kwami nawe lokha nasisemakudana. Nakwenzeka uhlukumeze amadodakazami namkha uthathe abanye abafazi ngaphandle kwamadodakazami, ngitjho nanyana kungekho obonako, khumbula bonyana uZimu ungufakazi phakathi kwami nawe.” Godu uLabani wathi: “Nasi isiqorho engisikghubelele phakathi kwami nawe begodu nanti nelitje lesikhumbuzo. Isiqorho esingakimi nelitje lesikhumbuzo elingakuwe bufakazi besivumelwano sokobana angeze ngasidlula ngize ngakuwe bona ngikulimaze, nawe angeze wasidlula uze ngakimi bona ungilimaze. UZimu kayihlo u-Abrahamu nabozinyana bakababa uNarhori bazakugweba phakathi kwethu.” UJakopo wafunga ngoZimu ohloniphekileko kuyise u-Isaka. Wenza umhlatjelo entabeni, wamema iinhlobo zakhe bona zizogoma. Ngemva kobana sele bagomile, bahlala ubusukobo entabenapho. Ekuseni ngakusasa uLabani wancwanga abantwana babantwabakhe namadodakazakhe wawabusisa. Wabuyela kwakhe. UJakopo wangena indlelakhe, khonapho iingelozi zakaZimu zahlangana naye. Kwathi lokha uJakopo nazibonako wathi: “Leli libutho lakaZimu!” Wathiya indawo leyo bonyana yiMarhanayimu. UJakopo wathuma iinthunywa phambi kwakhe kumfowabo u-Esewu enarheni yeSeyiri kwa-Edomu. Wathi kizo: “Tjelani ikosami u-Esewu bonyana incekwayo uJakopo ithi, ‘Bengiseze ngikhonze kwaLabani bekube gadesi. Ngineenkomo nabodumbana, izimvu neembuzi, amakhoboka namakhobokakazi. Nje-ke ngithi angithumele umlayezo lo ekosinami kobanyana ngifumane umusa emehlwenayo.’ ” Iinthunywa zabuyela kuJakopo zathi: “Sifikile kwamfowenu u-Esewu, nje-ke usendleleni uzokuhlangabeza, ukhamba namakhulu amane wamadoda.” UJakopo wethukwa khulu bewakhathazeka ngalokho. Wahlukanisa abantu akhamba nabo, imihlambi yezimvu neembuzi, yeenkomo neyamakamela ngeenqhema ezimbili. Wadlumbana wathi: “Kuzakuthi u-Esewu nakasahlela isiqhema esinye nokho kube nesinye esiphunyurhako.” Yeke uJakopo wathandaza wathi: “Maye Zimu kabamkhulu u-Abrahamu, Zimu kababa u-Isaka! Somnini wena owathi kimi angibuyele enarhenekhethu neenhlotjeni zami begodu wathi uzangiphumelelisa, ngimncani khulu bonyana ungabeze ube nomusa ongaka bewutjengise nokwethembeka okungaka kimi mina ncekwakho. Iye, benginedondolo kwaphela lokha nangiyama iJordani le, kodwana gadesi sele ngiziinqhema ezimbili. Ngibawa kobana ungisindise esandleni somfowethu u-Esewu ngombana ngiyamesaba. Nginevalo lokobana uzangisahlela abe abulale abonobantwana nabantwana ababavikeleko. Somnini wena ngokwakho uthe ngambala uzangiphumelelisa bewenze iinzukulwana zami zibe ngangehlabathi yelwandle engabalekiko.” Wahlwa ubusukobo lapho, wakhethela umfowabo u-Esewu isipho phakathi kwalokho agade anakho: iimbuzi ezisikazi ezimakhulu amabili neempongo ezimatjhumi amabili, izimvu ezisikazi ezimakhulu amabili namaqama amatjhumi amabili, amakamela asikazi amatjhumi amathathu namakamedlana wakhona, iinkomazi ezimatjhumi amane neenkunzi ezilitjhumi, abodumbana abasikazi abamatjhumi amabili nabaduna abalitjhumi. Koke lokhu wakubeka ezandleni zeensebenzi zakhe, wakuhlukanisa ngemihlambi wathi kizo: “Khambani phambi kwami, nitjhiye isikhala hlangana nemihlambi.” Wayala isisebenzi esimrholi wathi: “Lokha umfowethu u-Esewu nakahlangana nawe bese abuze bonyana ungewakabani, uthathelaphi nokobana umhlambi ongaka lo ngewakabani, uthi kuye, ‘Ngewencekwakho uJakopo. Usisipho esithunyelelwe ikosakhe u-Esewu. Ngikhuluma nje useenthendeni zethu.’ ” Wayala nesisebenzi sesibili, sesithathu nazo zoke ezinye ezaziraga imihlambi wathi: “Nani nitjho njalo ku-Esewu nanihlangana naye. Niqiniseke bonyana nithi, ‘UJakopo incekwakho useenthendeni zethu.’ ” UJakopo wayala njalo ngombana wadlumbana wathi: “Ngizomthoba ummoya ngezipho engimthumelela zonezi. Ngemva kwalokho sengingaqalana naye. Mhlamunye uzangamukela.” Yeke izipho zakaJakopo zakhamba phambi kwakhe, kodwana yena wahlwa ubusukobo ekampeni. Ngobusukobo uJakopo wavuka wathatha abafazi bakhe ababili, amakhohlwakhe amabili namadodanakhe alitjhumi nanye bayama izibuko leJabokhi. Ngemva kobana abayamise umlanjana, wayamisa nayo yoke ipahlakhe. Kuthe bona uJakopo asale yedwa, kwafika umuntu othize wabindana naye bekwasa. Umuntu loyo nakabona bonyana akahluli uJakopo wamkghodlha inyonga beyakhwamuka nakalokhu abindana naye njalo. Wathi kuJakopo: “Ngilisa ngikhambe, nakhu kuyasa.” Kodwana uJakopo wathi: “Angizukulisa ungakangibusisi.” Umuntu loyo wambuza wathi: “Ungubani ibizo lakho?” Yena wathi: “NginguJakopo.” Umuntu wathi: “Ibizo lakho akusazokuba nguJakopo, kodwana uzakuba ngu-Israyeli ngombana uwunawunene nabozinyana nabantu bewahlula.” UJakopo wabuza wathi: “Alo, wena, ibizo lakho ngubani?” Kodwana waphendula wathi: “Ungibuzelani ibizo lami?” Wabusisa uJakopo khonapho-ke. UJakopo wathiya indawo leyo bonyana yiPeniyeli asithi: “Ngambala ngibonene nozinyana ubuso nobuso, khonapho ipilwami yabulungeka.” Kwathi uJakopo nakadlula ePenuweli wabona ilanga liphuma. Gade ahluza ngombana inyongakhe beyirhwahlaphele. Kungebangelo bekube namhlanjesi ama-Israyeli akawugomi umsipha wenyonga ngombana umuntu loyo wakghodlha umsipha wenyonga kaJakopo. Kwathi lokha uJakopo nakaphakamisa amehlo, nangu u-Esewu asiza namakhulu amane wamadoda. Wahlukanisa abantwana: abanye baba noLeya abanye baba noRarheli kanye namakhohlo amabili. Wabeka amakhohlo nabantwabawo ngaphambili, alandelwa nguLeya nabantwabakhe, uRarheli noJosefa baba semuva. Yena wakhamba phambi kwabo boke wafese waguqa ehlabathini wahloma ihloko phasi kalikhomba alokhu atjhidela kumfowabo. Kodwana u-Esewu wagijima wamhlangabeza wamgona, wabeka ihlokwakhe emahlombe, wamncwanga emhlathini. Bathoma balila bobabili. Kuthe bona u-Esewu avuse amehlo wabona amakhosikazi nabantwana, wabuza wathi: “Bobani abakhamba nawaba?” UJakopo wathi: “Bantwana okuthe uZimu ngesisa sakhe wabapha incekwakho.” Amakhohlo nabantwabawo atjhidela ahloma iinhloko phasi. Kwalandela uLeya nabantwabakhe nabo bahloma iinhloko phasi. Kwaswaphelisa ngoJosefa noRarheli nabo bahloma iinhloko phasi. U-Esewu wabuza wathi: “Alo, uthini ngemihlambi engaka engihlangene nayo leya?” UJakopo waphendula wathi: “Bengithi angifunyane umusa emehlweni wekosami.” Kodwana u-Esewu wathi: “Nginakho ngokwaneleko mfowethu. Zilondele lokho onakho.” UJakopo wathi: “Awa, ngiyakubawa! Nayibe ngifumene umusa kuwe, yamukela isipho samesi. Kazi ngithe nangikubonako kwaba ngathi ngibona uZimu, kodwana phezu kwalokho ungamukele kuhle. Ngibawa wamukele isipho esilethwe kuwe ngombana uZimu ube nomusa kimi nginokwaneleko.” UJakopo watomatomela u-Esewu wagcina asamukele. Khonapho u-Esewu wathi: “Asikhambeni, ngilandelani.” Kodwana uJakopo wathi: “Ikosami iyazi bonyana abantwana basese buthakathaka nokobana ngisamele ngitlhogomele izimvu ezisikazi namathole amunyisako. Nange zikhanjiswa ngamandla ngelanga linye, zingafa zoke. Yeke bengithi ikosami ayikhambe phambi kwencekwayo, mina nginanye ngamaqa wokukhamba kwabantwana nangokuya ngomsebenzi odingeka emhlambini, bengifike ekosinami eSeyiri.” U-Esewu wathi: “Nakunjalo-ke yithi ngitjhiye amanye wamadoda engikhamba nawo kuwapha.” Kodwana uJakopo waphendula wathi: “Uzitshwenyelani kangako? Bengithi kwanele ukufumana umusa ekosinami.” Khona mhlokho u-Esewu wathoma ikhambo lokubuyela eSeyiri. Kodwana uJakopo yena waya eSukothi lapha azakhela khona indawo bewenzela nefuywakhe imithunzi ngamatjhwaba. Kungebangelo indawo leyo kwathiwa yiSukothi. Ngemva kobana uJakopo abuye ePadana-Aramu, wafika aphephile edorobheni leTjhekemu enarheni yeKanana. Wahloma itende lakhe ngepumalanga yedorobho. Indawo lapha gade ahlome khona itende lakhe wayithenga eenhlotjeni zakaRhamori uyise kaTjhekemu ngeempaparwana ezilikhulu zesiliva. Wajamisa lapho i-aldari, walibiza bonyana yi-Eli-Elohe-Israyeli. UDina indodakazi kaJakopo ayibelethelwa nguLeya waphuma wayokubukela abantazana bendawo leyo. Kwathi lokha uTjhekemu umsa kaRhamori umRhivi omphathi wendawo nakambonako wamthatha wamgagadlhela, ngendlela leyo wamrhubutjha. Ihliziywakhe yanamathela kuDina indodakazi kaJakopo, wamthanda wabe wamsomasoma. UTjhekemu wathi kuyise uRhamori: “Ngibawa ungithathele umntazana lo abe mkami.” Lokha uJakopo nakezwa bonyana uDina indodakazakhe usilaphaziwe, amadodanakhe gade asekweluseni nomhlambakhe. Yeke wazithulela abe abuya ekweluseni. URhamori nabakhambisani bakhe baya kuJakopo bona bayokukhuluma naye. Kusesenjalo amadodana kaJakopo abuya emrhuleni ngombana gade sele ezwile okwenzekileko. Amadoda lawo bekaqumbelene agcwele ipotjwana ngobuhlola obenziwe nguTjhekemu ngokulala nendodakazi kaJakopo, into engakameli ukwenziwa kwa-Israyeli! URhamori wenza isiphakamiso wathi kiwo: “Ihliziyo yendodanami uTjhekemu iyancithika ngomntwanenu. Yeke ngizoyibawela umkhamanzi. Thathelanani nathi, siphani amadodakazenu bese nithatha amadodakazethu. Hlalani nathi. Inarha ibanzi phambi kwenu, hlalani ninzinze kiyo. Dlisani umhlambenu nanyana kukuphi, nizizuzele ipahla enarhenapha.” UTjhekemu wathi kuyise lakaDina nabafowabo: “Naningivumelako ngifumene umusa kini, ngizaninikela nanyana yini eniyibiza kimi. Ningangibiza nanyana lilobolo eliphezulu kangangani ngomakoti nesipho esikhulu, ngizanikhokhela lokho enikubizako kimi. Kwaphela nginikelani umntazana abe mkami.” Ngebanga lokobana udadwabo uDina gade asilaphaziwe, amadodana kaJakopo aphendula ngobuqili nakakhuluma noTjhekemu noyise uRhamori. Bathi kibo: “Asikwazi ukwenza into enjalo, akwazeki ukunikela udadwethu indoda engakasoki. Lokho kungaba lihlazo kithi. Singavumelana nawe kwaphela nange nivuma ukufana nathi ngokusoka boke abaduna benu. Nanenze njalo, sizaninikela amadodakazethu bese sithatha amadodakazenu. Sizakuhlala nani sibe munye. Kodwana naningavumelani nathi nisoke, sizakuthatha umntazanethu, sifuduke.” Isiphakamiso sabo sabonakala sisihle kuRhamori nendodanakhe uTjhekemu. Isokana ebegade kungelihlonitjhwako ngakwabo azange lone isikhathi, lenza njengombana batjhwile ngombana gade lithathekile ngendodakazi kaJakopo. Yeke uRhamori nendodanakhe uTjhekemu baya esangweni ledorobho labo ukuyokhuluma namadoda womuzi, bathi kiwo: “Abantwaba banobuntu nathi. Yeke bavumeleni bahlale enarhenapha badlisele khona ifuywabo. Qalani inarha ibanzi mahlangothi woke. Nje-ke asendiselaneni nabo. Kodwana naku umbandela abavuma ngawo bona bahlale nathi sibe munye nabo: Akusokwe boke abaduna bethu njengombana nabo basokile. Ngithi sibulele ngombana imihlambabo, ipahlabo nayo yoke ifuywabo izakuba ngeyethu. Kwethu sekuvuma ukuze bahlale phakathi kwethwapha!” Woke amadoda agade anekghono lokulwa avumelana noRhamori nendodanakhe uTjhekemu. Yeke woke omduna wasokwa, okutjho boke abanekghono lokulwa. Elangeni lesithathu lokha basese seenhlungwini, amadodana amabili wakaJakopo, uSimiyoni noLevi, abanakwabo kaDina, bobabili bathatha iinsabula zabo bazingenela edorobheni ngaphandle kwesiliyo, babulala boke abaduna. Babulala uRhamori nendodanakhe uTjhekemu ngesabula bathatha uDina ngekumbeni kaTjhekemu bakhamba naye. Amanye amadodana kaJakopo aya lapha kuneendumbu khona, aphanga idorobho ngombana udadwabo wasilaphazelwa lapho. Athatha imihlambabo yezimvu neembuzi, iinkomo zabo nabodumbana babo nakho koke kwabo okungedorobheni nokungaphandle emmangweni. Athumba woke amakhobokabo, abantwababo nababafazi babo. Aphanga koke okungeenkumbeni. UJakopo wathi kuSimiyoni noLevi: “Ningibangele ihlekelele ngokungenza isizondo ebantwini balapha okumaKanana namaPerizi. Nginedlanzana labantu, yeke nange bangazihlanganisa balwe nami, mina nomzami sizokurhayilwa.” Kodwana baphendula uyise bathi: “Bekumele aphathe udadwethu njengengwadla na?” UZimu wathi kuJakopo: “Yenyuka uyokuhlala eBhethe-Eli. Nawufika lapho wakhe i-aldari lakaZimu owazibonakalisa kuwe lokha nawubalekela umfowenu u-Esewu.” UJakopo wathi emndeninakhe nakibo boke egade banaye: “Lahlani abosingazimu abaphakathi kwenu, nizihlambulule nembathe izambatho ezinye. Yizani sikhuphukele eBhethe-Eli lapha ngizafese ngakhele khona uZimu i-aldari, yena owangiphendula mhlana ngitshwenyekileko nobesoloko anami lapha bengikhamba khona.” Yeke banikela uJakopo boke abosingazimu ebegade baphakathi kwabo, bamnikela namancinabo. UJakopo wakuthatha koke lokho wakufihla ngaphasi komuthi we-owuku eTjhekemu. Kwathi lokha nabafudukako ukwesaba okuvela kuZimu kwehlela imizi ebabhodileko kangangobana akunamuntu owalinga ukugijimisa amadodana kaJakopo. UJakopo nabantu boke egade bakhamba naye bafika eLuzi, okutjho iBhethe-Eli, esenarheni yeKanana. Wakha i-aldara lapho wathiya indawo leyo bona inguZimu eBhethe-Eli ngombana kukulapha uZimu azibonakalisa kuye khona lokha nakabalekela umnakwabo. Eduze neBhethe-Eli kunendawo okuthiwa yi-Owuku yesiLilo ngombana uDebhora imbelesi kaRabega wahlongakalela khona, wabulungwa lapho ngaphasi komuthi we-owuku. Godu uZimu wazibonakalisa kuJakopo lokha nakabuya ePadana-Aramu. Wambusisela eBhethe-Eli, wathi kuye: “Ibizo lakho unguJakopo, kodwana awusazokubizwa njalo, kuzakuthiwa ungu-Israyeli.” Nje-ke uZimu wamthiya ibizo bona ngu-Israyeli. UZimu wathi kuye: “NginguZimu oSabekako. Yanda ngembeleko ukuze kuvele iinkoro ngeenkoro kuwe, ubelethe namakhosi. Wena ngizakupha inarha engayipha u-Abrahamu no-Isaka, kuthi ngemva kwakho ngiyinikele iinzukulwana zakho.” Yeke uZimu wenyuka wamtjhiya lapha agade akhuluma naye khona. UJakopo wajamisa ilitje lesikhumbuzo lapha uZimu akhulume naye khona, wathululela umnikelo wokuselwako kilo, godu walizesa ngamafutha. Wathiya indawo leyo bona yiBhethe-Eli ngombana uZimu wakhuluma naye lapho. UJakopo banomndenakhe bafuduka eBhethe-Eli. Kwathi kusese mumangwana ukuya e-Efrata, uRarheli wathoma ukubeletha kodwana waphatheka khulu. Kuthe asese seenhlungwini zokubeletha njalo, umbelethisi wathi kuye: “Ungesabi ngombana sele unomunye godu umsanyana.” Wadosa umphefumulo kokugcina ngombana gade sele ahlongakala wathiya umsanakhe bona nguBhen-Oni. Kodwana uyise wamthiya bona nguBhenjamini. Yeke uRarheli wahlongakala bewabulungwa endleleni eya e-Efrata okutjho iBhethe-Lehema namhlanje. UJakopo wajamisa ilitje lesikhumbuzo ngehla kwethuna lakhe; ilitjelo lisikhumbuzo sethuna lakaRarheli bekube gadesi. U-Israyeli wahlabela phambili, wahloma itende ngaphetjheya kweMigidali-Ederi. Kwathi u-Israyeli asahlezi kilesosifunda, uRubeni wangenela uBilirha ikhohlo lakayise, walala naye. U-Israyeli wakuzwa lokho. UJakopo gade anamadodana alitjhumi nambili: Amadodana kaLeya bekunguRubeni, izibulo lakaJakopo, uSimiyoni, uLevi, uJuda, u-Isakari noZebuloni. Amadodana wakaRarheli bekunguJosefa noBhenjamini. Amadodana wencekukazi kaRarheli, okutjho uBhilirha, bekunguDani noNafitali. Amadodana wencekukazi kaLeya, okutjho uZilipha, bekunguGadi no-Atjheri. Lawo-ke madodana kaJakopo abelethelwa wona ePadana-Aramu. UJakopo wabuyela kuyise u-Isaka eMamre eduze neKhiriyathi-Araba okutjho iRhebroni namhlanje, lapha bekukhonze khona u-Abrahamu no-Isaka. U-Isaka waphila iminyaka elikhulu namatjhumi abunane. Gade sele aluphele khulu lokha nakakhohlela kokugcina, wahlongakala aliqhegu begodu anelisekile ngepilo. Amadodanakhe u-Esewu noJakopo ambulunga. Naku umlando ka-Esewu okutjho u-Edomu. U-Esewu wathatha abafazi emadodakazini weKanana: u-Ada indodakazi ka-Eloni umRhithi, u-Oholibhama indodakazi ka-Ana oyindodakazi kaTsibiyoni, umRhivi noBhasemathi indodakazi ka-Itjhimayeli udadwabo kaNebayothi. U-Ada wabelethela u-Esewu u-Elifazi, uBhasemathi wabeletha uRewuyeli, u-Oholibhama wabeletha uJewutjhi, uJalamu noKhorarhi. Lawo bekumadodana ka-Esewu abelethelwa wona eKanana. U-Esewu gade athethe abafazi bakhe, amadodanakhe, amadodakazakhe nabo boke bomndenakhe, ifuywakhe, zoke iinlwana ezinye kanye nayo yoke ipahla ayizuza enarheni yeKanana, wafudukela enarheni engepumalanga komfowabo uJakopo. Ipahlabo besele iyinengi khulu kobana bebangaragela phambili nokuhlala ndawonye. Inarha ebegade bahlala kiyo besele ingasakghoni ukubondla bobabili ngebanga lefuywabo. U-Esewu okutjho u-Edomu, wanzinza eentatjaneni zeSeyiri. Lo mlando ka-Esewu uyise wama-Edomu wangeentatjaneni zeSeyiri. Lawa-ke mabizo wamadodana ka-Esewu: u-Elifazi indodana ka-Ada umka-Esewu, uRewuyeli indodana kaBhasemathi umka-Esewu. Amadodana ka-Elifazi bekunguTemana, u-Omari, uTsefo, uGatami noKhenazi. Indodana ka-Esewu, u-Elifazi, gade anekhohlo ibizo lalo kunguTimna owambelethela u-Amalekhi. Lezo bekuziinzukulwana zomka-Esewu u-Ada. Lawa bekumadodana kaRewuyeli: uNarhathi, uZerarhi, uTjhama noMiza. Lezo bekuziinzukulwana zomka-Esewu uBhasemathi. Amadodana womka-Esewu u-Oholibhama, indodakazi ka-Ana oyindodakazi kaTsibiyoni, awabelethela u-Esewu bekunguJewutjhi, uJalamu noKhorarhi. Lawa bekumakhosana weenzukulwana zaka-Esewu okumadodana ka-Elifazi izibulo laka-Esewu: ikosana uTemana, ikosana u-Omari, ikosana uTsefo, ikosana uKhenazi, ikosana uKhorarhi, ikosana uGatamu, ikosana u-Amalekhi. Lawo bekumakhosana abelethelwe ngu-Elifazi enarheni yakwa-Edomu. Wona gade aziinzukulwana zaka-Ada. Lawa bekumadodana kaRewuyeli umsa ka-Esewu: ikosana uNarhathi, ikosana uZerarhi, ikosana uTjhama, ikosana uMiza. Lawo-ke bekumakhosana abelethelwe nguRewuyeli enarheni yakwa-Edomu. Wona gade aziinzukulwana zomka-Esewu uBhasemathi. Lawa bekumadodana ka-Oholibhama umka-Esewu: ikosana uJewutjhi, ikosana uJalamu, ikosana uKhorarhi. Lawo-ke bekumakhosana abelethwe mka-Esewu u-Oholibhama oyindodakazi ka-Ana. Lezo bekuziinzukulwana zaka-Esewu okutjho u-Edomu ebegade zimakhosana weenkoro. Lawa bekumaRhori, azizakhamuzi zendabuko zeSeyiri: uLothani, uTjhobali, uTsibiyoni, u-Ana, uDitjhoni, u-Etseri noDitjhani. Lawo bekumakhosana wamaRhori azizakhamuzi zeSeyiri enarheni yakwa-Edomu. Amadodana kaLothani bekunguRhori noHemami, ukghariyabo kunguTimna. Lawa bekumadodana kaTjhobali: u-Alvani, uManarhathi, u-Ebali, uTjhefo no-Onami. Lawa bekumadodana kaTsibiyoni: u-Aya no-Ana. U-Ana lo ngowathi aseluse abodumbana bakayise uTsibiyoni erhalawumbeni wazithela phezu kwamagoqo. Laba bekubantwana baka-Ana: uDitjhoni indodana no-Oholibhama indodakazi. Amadodana kaDitjhoni bekungilawa: uRhemdani, u-Etjhibhani, uJitirani noKerana. Naka amadodana ka-Etseri: uBhilirhana, uZavana no-Akhana. Lawa bekumadodana kaDitjhani: u-Utsi no-Arana. Lawa bekumakhosana wamaRhori: ikosana uLothani, ikosana uTjhobali, ikosana uTsibiyoni, ikosana u-Ana, ikosana uDitjhoni, ikosana u-Etseri, ikosana uDitjhani. Bona gade bamakhosana weenkoro zamaRhori ukuya ngokobukhosi benarha yeSeyiri. Lawa kwaba makhosi abusa kwa-Edomu ngaphambi kokobana ikosi yakwa-Israyeli ibuse naphezu kwama-Edomu: UBhela umsa kaBhewori ovela edorobheni leDinihaba. Lokha uBhela nakahlongakalako, uJobabi umsa kaZerarhi weBhotsira waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. Kwathi nakuhlongakala uJobabi, uRhutjhamu wenarheni yamaTemani waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. Nakuhlongakala uRhutjhamu, uHadadi umsa kaBhedadi owasahlela bakwaMidiyani esifundeni sakwaMowabi, waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. Idorobho avela kilo bekuyi-Avithi. Lokha uHadadi nakahlongakalako, uSamla weMasirekha waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. Kwathi lokha nakuhlongakala uSamla, uSawula weRerhobhothi magegana nomlambo waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. Nakuhlongakala uSawula, uBhali-Rhanani umsa ka-Akibhori waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. Lokha uBhali-Rhanani umsa ka-Akibhori nakahlongakalako, uHadadi waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. Idorobho lakhe labizwa bona yiPawu; ibizo lomkakhe bekunguMehethabheli indodakazi kaMathiredi oyindodakazi kaMezahabu. Lokha uHadadi nakahlongakalako, amakhosana alandelako la, abusa kwa-Edomu: ikosana uTimna, ikosana u-Aliva, ikosana uJetethi, ikosana u-Oholibama, ikosana u-Ela, ikosana uPinoni, ikosana uKhenazi, ikosana uTemani, ikosana uMibitsari, ikosana uMagidiyeli, ikosana u-Iramu. Lawo bekumakhosana wakwa-Edomu enye nenye emzinayo esifundeni sayo. Ngiwo-ke lowo umlando ka-Esewu, ongukhokho wama-Edomu. UJakopo wahlala enarheni lapha gade kukhonze khona uyise, inarha yeKanana. Lo mlando womndeni kaJakopo. UJosefa, isokana elineminyaka elitjhumi nekhomba, gade elusa imihlambi nabafowabo okumadodana kaBhilirha newakaZilipa abafazi bakayise. Wabaceba kuyise ngakho koke okumbi ebebakwenza. U-Israyeli gade athanda uJosefa khulu ukudlula amanye amadodana ngombana wabelethelwa yena sele amdala. Wamenzela ijasana kanokutjho. Kuthe bona abafowabo babone bonyana uyise umthanda khulu kunabo boke, bamfela umona begodu nokukhuluma kwakhe kuhle bebangasakuthathi. UJosefa waba nebhudango, kwathi lokha nakatjela abafowabo, bamfela umona ukudlula. Wathi kibo: “Akhese nilalele nanti ibhudango engibe nalo: Uyazi gade sibopha iintjherefu zekoroyi esimini. Qalani khonapho isitjherefu sami savuka sajama rwe, nanziya zenu zizombeleza bezikhothamele sami.” Abafowabo bathi kuye: “Eya, hi! Utjho bonyana wena uzoba yikosethu, usibuse na?” Bamhloya khulu ngebanga lebhudango lakhelo nalokho akutjhwileko. UJosefa waba nelinye ibhudango, watjela abafowabo godu wathi: “Lalelani, ngibe nelinye ibhudango. Ngibone ilanga nenyezi neenkwekwezi ezilitjhumi nanye zingikhothamela.” Kuthe lokha nakatjela uyise nabafowabo ngebhudangwelo, uyise wamthethisa wathi: “Libhudango bani lakhweli wena msana? Udlumbana bonyana mbala mina nonyoko nabafowenu sizakuza kuwe sihlome iinhloko phasi phambi kwakho na?” Abafowabo basilingeka ngaye, kodwana uyise wayidlela ngaphakathi indaba le. Abanakwabo kaJosefa gade bayokwelusa imihlambi kayise eduze neTjhekemu, u-Israyeli wathi kuJosefa: “Angithi uyazi bonyana abanakwenu belusele imihlambi eduze neTjhekemu? Yewize-ke ngikuthume kibo.” UJosefa waphendula wathi: “Kulungile baba.” Uyise wathi kuye: “Khamba uyokuqala bonyana koke kusakhamba kuhle ngabafowenu nemihlambi na bese ungilethela ilizwi.” Nje-ke uyise wamthuma; wasuka emrhobeni weRhebroni, akhamba ngendlela eya eTjhekemu. Umuntu othileko wafunyana uJosefa azulazula emmangweni alahlekile, wambuza wathi: “Uzulazula nje ufunani?” UJosefa wamphendula wathi: “Ngifuna abanakwethu. Kghani ungangitlhadlhula bonyana beluselephi umhlambabo?” Umuntu loyo wathi: “Sebasuka lapha. Ngabezwa basithi, ‘Asiyeni eDotani.’ ” Yeke uJosefa wabalandela wabafumana eDotani. Bambona aseza kude. Kwathi angakafiki nokufika babesele bamenzele ubukhwebetjhana bokumbulala. Bathi omunye komunye: “Qalani, nasiya isibhudangikazesiya sisiza! Nje-ke yizani sisibulale, sisiphosele ngakomunye wemigodi yomphathamanzi le bese sithi sekwavela isibandana sommango sasiqeda nya. Khesibone bonyana kuzakwenzakalani ngamabhudangwanaso lawo.” URubeni wathi bona ezwe lokho, walinga ukuphephisa uJosefa ezandleni zabo ngombana wadlumbana wathi: “Singambulali.” Yeke wathi kubafowabo: “Ningathululi iingazi. Mphoseleni ngemgodini womphathamanzi oserhalawumbeni lo, kodwana ningamusi isandla.” URubeni watjho lokhu ukuze amphephise ezandleni zabo kobana akghone ukumbuyisela kuyise. Kuthe lokha uJosefa nakafika kibomnakwabo, bamhlubulisa ijasanakhe agade ayembethe, okuyijasana kanokutjho. Bamthatha bamphosela ngemgodini womphathamanzi onganalitho. Kuthe nabahlala phasi bonyana bagome, bathi nabaphakamisa amehlo babona umlandelande wama-Itjhimayeli uvela eGiliyadi. Amakamelawo gade asiya eGibhide, athwele iinthako zokwenza amakha azithethe emihlobohlobeni yemithi. UJuda wathi kubafowabo: “Sizakuzuzani nasibulala umfowethu bese sidibizesa iingazi zakhe? Kubayini singamthengiseli ama-Itjhimayeli lawa? Ngalokho sizabe singakambeki isandla ngombana vele mfowethu, uziingazi nenyamethu.” Abanakwabo bavumelana naye. Yeke kuthe lokha abarhwebi bamaMidiyani nabadlulako, abanakwabo bakhupha uJosefa ngemgodini bamthengisela ama-Itjhimayeli ngeempaparwana ezimatjhumi amabili zesiliva. Wona akhamba naye eGibhide. Kuthe lokha uRubeni nabuyela emgodini womphathamanzi wafumana uJosefa angasekho lapho, warathula izambatho zakhe. Wabuyela kubafowabo wafese wathi kibo: “Umsana loya akasesekho lapha! Maye mina, ngizakuba yini?” Yeke bahlaba imbuzi, bathatha ijasana kaJosefa bayenya eengazini zayo. Bathumela ijasana kanokutjho leyo kuyise bathi: “Sithole lokhu. Kuqale bonyana akusi ngokwendodanakho na?” UJakopo wayibona wayazi wathi: “Maye mina, yijasana yomsanami le! Kutjho bonyana esinye seembandana ezinelaka simbulele! Ngambala uJosefa urathulwe waba ziinquqwana!” Yeke uJakopo wadabula izambatho zakhe, wembatha umgodla. Kwathi lokha nasoloko alilela indodanakhe isikhathi eside, boke abantwabakhe basikima beza kuye bamduduze, kodwana wala ukududuzwa wathi: “Ngizokulila bengehlele phasi ethuneni lapha kunendodanami khona.” Wamlilela njalo-ke uyise. AmaMidiyani wona athengisa uJosefa eGibhide kuPothifara oyinduna ekulu yakaFaro nomphathi wobuzimba. Ngesikhatheso uJuda watjhiya abafowabo wehla wayokuhlala nomuntu we-Adulamu okuthiwa nguRhira. Lapho uJuda wafese wabona indodakazi yendoda yomKanana okuthiwa nguTjhuwa, wayithatha. Wayiyama, yabeletha indodana, uJuda wayithiya ibizo bona ngu-Eri. Yaba sidisi godu, yabeletha indodana, yayithiya ibizo bona ngu-Onani. Yabeletha indodana godu yayithiya ibizo bona nguTjhela. Ngesikatheso uJuda gade aseKeziba. UJuda wathathela u-Eri izibulo lakhe umfazi, ibizo lakhe bekunguTamari. Kodwana u-Eri, izibulo lakaJuda gade akhohlakele phambi kwakaSomnini, ngalokho uSomnini wamliselela bona afe. Yeke uJuda wathi ku-Onani: “Ngena umkamnakwenu, ugcine isiko kuye njengomrharibakho ubelethele umnakwenu abantwana.” Kodwana u-Onani gade asazi bonyana nakuba nendodana angeze kwaba ngeyakhe, nje-ke bekuthi njalo lokha nayama umrharibakhe aphalazele imbewu phasi ukuze angabeletheli umnakwabo abantwana. Isenzo sakheso saba simbi phambi kwakaSomnini, yeke wamliselela bona naye afe. UJuda wathi kumalukazanakhe uTamari: “Buyela ekhenu, uhlale umuhlolokazi bekukhule indodanami uTjhela.” Watjho njalo ngombana wadlumbana wathi: “Naye uzabe ahlongakale njengabafowabo.” Yeke uTamari wabuyela kwabo. Ngemva kwesikhathi eside umkaJuda, indodakazi kaTjhuwa wahlongakala. Kuthe bona uJuda aqede ukuzila, wakhuphukela eTimna emadodeni ebegade arhuna izimvu zakhe. Waphekelelwa mkhongakhe uRhira we-Adulamu. Kwathi bona uTamari atjelwe bonyana usosokanakhe uya eTimna ukuyorhuna izimvu zakhe, wahlubula izambatho zobuhlolokazi, waziphotjhonga bewazigubuzesa ngesiyaya. Wathithibala ejikeni le-Enayimu, endleleni eya eTimna. Lokhu wakwenza ngombana wabona bonyana nanyana uTjhela sele akhulile, akanikelwa yena bona abe mfazakhe. Kuthe uJuda nakambonako, wadlumbana bona uyingwadla ngombana gade agubuzese ubuso bakhe. Waphambukela kuye angamboni bonyana ngumalukazanakhe, wafese wathi kuye: “Kunjani ngamabhayi?” Yena wathi kuJuda: “Uzawahlawula ngani amabhayi lawo?” UJuda wathi: “Mina ngizakuthumelela imbuzana emihlambinami.” Yena wathi: “Kulungile, kwaphela nange unganginikela isibambiso kufikela lapha uthumela khona imbuzana leyo.” UJuda wathi: “Alo, sibambiso bani nje engingakunikela sona?” Yena wathi: “Umtiya onedzilamnwana yetshwayo lakho kanye nedondolo lakhwelo kwaphela.” Yeke uJuda wamnikela izintwezo, wamngena-ke, wamenza waba sidisi. Nakasuka lapho uTamari, wanqomba ekhaya, wahlubula isiyaya sakhe, wembatha izambatho zobuhlolokazi godu. UJuda wathumela imbuzi ngomkhongakhe umAdulamu ukuze afunyane isibambiso sakhe emfazini lowaya. Kodwana nakafika lapho wafunyana ngesikhundla. Wabuza abantu balapho wathi: “Siphi isitjhatjha ebegade siseqadi kwendlela e-Enayimu?” Bathi kuye: “Azange khekube nesitjhatjha lapha.” Yeke wabuyela kuJuda wafese wathi: “Akhange ngimfumane. Nabantu balapho bathi akhange khekube nesitjhatjha lapho.” UJuda wathi: “Silise sizigcinele lokho esikuphetheko. Nasisoloko sifunana naso sizaziphendula isihlekiso. Angithi ngisithumelele imbuzi kodwana wangasifumana.” Bekungaba ziinyanga ezintathu ngemva kwalapho lokha uJuda nakabikelwa bona umalukazanakhe uTamari ufebile, nje-ke usebantwini. UJuda wathi: “Mkhupheleni ngaphandle komuzi nimtjhise abe afe!” Kuthe lokha nakakhutjhelwa ngaphandle wathumela umyalezo kusosokanakhe wathi: “Umuntu ongenze ngaba sidisi mnikazi wezintwezi. Bengithi akhe ufumane qangi bonyana idzilamnwana, umtiya nedondolweli ngezakabani.” UJuda wazazi izintwezo bewathi: “Yena umsulwa kunami ngombana ngiriyadile ukumnikela indodanami uTjhela.” Ukusuka lapho azange alale naye godu. Kuthe lokha nakufika isikhathi sakhe sokubeletha, kwabonakala bona mawele wabantwana. Kwathi nakasabelethako omunye wamawele lawo waveza isandla sakhe, umbelethisi wasibopha ngentanjana ebomvu wathi: “Lo ngowamantange.” Kodwana labuyisela isandla salo emva kwase kuvela umfowabo. Umbelethisi wathi: “Kungendlela ophundlukele ngayo-ke leyo!” Nje-ke wathiywa ibizo bona nguPeretsi. Yeke umfowabo ogade abotjhwe ngentanjana ebomvu esandleni wabelethwa, wathiywa ibizo bona nguTserarhi. UJosefa gade asiwe eGibhide. Kwathi ama-Itjhimayeli nakafika lapho, uJosefa wathengiselwa uPothifara umGibhide ogade ayinduna ekulu kaFaro begodu amphathi wobuzimba. USomnini gade anoJosefa, ngalokho waphumelela. Wahlala emzini womphathakhe omGibhide. Umphathakhe lokha nakabona bonyana uSomnini inoJosefa nokobana imnikele ukuphumelela kikho koke agade akwenza, waba nomusa kuye bewamenza waba sisandla sakhe. UPothifara lo, wabeka uJosefa bonyana abe mtjheji womzakhe, wabeka koke anakho emahlombakhe. Ukusuka ngesikhathi umphathi abeka ngaso uJosefa bonyana amqalele endlinakhe nakho koke anakho, uSomnini wabusisa woke umndeni womGibhide ngebanga lakaJosefa. Isibusiso sakaSomnini sehlela phezu kwakho koke uPothifara agade anakho, ngekumbeni nemasimini. Watjhiya koke agade anakho ezandleni zakaJosefa ngombana nakusaphethe yena uPothifara bekangazitshwenyi ngalitho ngaphandle kokudla agade akugoma. UJosefa bekanejamo begodu ahlamazana. Emva kwesikhathi esithize umfazi womphathakhe wathatheka ngoJosefa lo wathi kuye: “Yewize ulale nami!” Kodwana uJosefa wala, wathi kuye: “Njengombana ngiphethe lapha nje, umphathami akazitshwenyi ngalitho ngokungendlini. Koke anakho ukubeke ezandleni zami. Ungenze ngalingana naye emzinakhapha, yeke akukho nokuncani angidime khona ngaphandle kwakho ngombana wena umkakhe. Alo-ke ngingakwenza njani ukukhohlakala okungako ngone kuZimu na?” Nanyana gade asomasoma uJosefa imihla namalanga, uJosefa wala ukulala naye namkha ukutjhidela hlanu kwakhe. Ngelinye ilanga wangena ngekumbeni kobana ayokwenza imisebenzakhe, gade kungekho namunye weensebenzi zangekumbenapho ngaphakathi. Yeke umkaPothifara wamtjhubelela ngesambatho sakhe wathi: “Ngiyakubawa hle, lala nami!” Kodwana uJosefa waphunyurha, watjhiya isambatho sakhe ezandleni zomfazi loyo, waphumela ngaphandle. Kuthe umkaPothifara nakabona bonyana uJosefa utjhiye isambatho sakhe bewaphumela ngaphandle, wabiza iinsebenzi zangekumbenakhe wathi: “Akhese nithi niyaqala, umHebheru lo ulethwe kithapha bonyana azosiphuphela! Khona nje ungene lapha bonyana azokulala nami kodwana ngarhuwelela. Uthe lokha nangizwa ngirhuwelela, weqa bewatjhiya nesambatho sakhe hlanu kwami, waphumela ngaphandle.” Umfazi lo wabeka isambatho sakaJosefa hlanu kwakhe bekwafika umphathakhe. Wamtjela indaba leyo wathi: “Ikhoboka lomHebheru owasilethela loneli, lize kimi lazongiphuphela. Kodwana kuthe lokha nangirhuwelelako, leqa belatjhiya isambatho salo hlanu kwami labalekela ngaphandle.” Kwathi lokha uPothifara nakezwa amagama womkakhe wokuthi, “Lingiwunawune njalo-ke ikhobokanyana lakhwelo,” wabhoka ngobukhali. Wathatha uJosefa wamphosela ngejele lapha kubotjhwe khona iimbotjhwa zesigodlo. UJosefa gade asejele, kodwana uSomnini gade anaye. Waba nesisa kuye bewamenzela umusa phambi komphathijele. Umphathijele wabeka uJosefa bona abe yinduna phezu kwazo zoke iimbotjhwa. Wabekwa bonyana atjheje koke okwenziwa ngapho. Umphathijele azange azitshwenye ngokutjhejisisa nanyana yini ebe ingaphasi kwelihlo lakaJosefa ngombana uSomnini gade anoJosefa begodu amphumelelisa kinanyana yini agade ayenza. Emva kwesikhathi esithize, umphathikapho nombhagi wekosi yeGibhide bonela umphathabo oyikosi yeGibhide. UFaro wathukuthelela iinduna ezikulu zakhe ezimbili okutjho ihloko yabaphathikapho nehloko yababhagi, beyazibeka ngesikhungweni emzini womphathi wobuzimba, hlanu kwejele lapha bekunoJosefa khona. Umphathi wobuzimba wanikela uJosefa eendunenezo bona azitjheje. Ngemva kobana zihlezi ngesikhungweni isikhatjhana, enye nenye yazo, umphathikapho nombhagi wekosi yeGibhide, zaba namabhudango busukubunye zingesikhungwenapho. Elinye nelinye ibhudango gade linehlathululwalo. Lokha uJosefa nakafika kizo ekuseni wazifumana zinyamile. Yeke wabuza iindunezo ebegade zinaye ngesikhungweni emzini womphathakhe wathi: “Kubayini ninyukubele nje namhlanjesi?” Zamphendula zathi: “Sibe namabhudango, kodwana akunamuntu ongasihlathululela wona.” UJosefa wathi: “Angithi nguZimu okwazi ukuhlathulula amabhudango? Ningangitjela amabhudangwenu lawo-ke.” Yeke ihloko yabaphathikapho yatjela uJosefa ibhudango layo yathi: “Ebhudangweni lami bekunesidiribe ngaphambi kwami, sinamahlumela amathathu. Sekwathi sisahluma njalo, satjhatjhaza, khonokho sathela amatjatho wamadiribe avuthiweko. Ikapho kaFaro gade isesandleni sami, ngathatha amadiribe ngawaminyela ngekatjheni kaFaro leyo bengayibeka esandleni sakhe.” UJosefa wathi: “Nakhu okutjhiwo libhudangwelo: Amahlumela amathathu atjho amalanga amathathu. Emalangeni amathathu la uFaro uzakugweba umlandwakho abe akubuyisele esikhundleni sakho. Wena uzakubeka ikapho kaFaro esandleni sakhe njengaphambilini lokha nawugade usesemphathikaphakhe. Kodwana ungikhumbule-ke nasele izinto zikukhambela kuhle. Ungizamele ngokungibika kuFaro, angikhuphe ngejelapha. Ungibona nginje, ngathathwa ngekani enarheni yamaHebheru. NeGibhidapha sengaphoselwa ngemgodinapha ngingakenzi litho elimbi.” Kuthe bona ihloko yababhagi izwe bonyana uJosefa ukhulume ihlathululo ekarisako yebhudango yathi kuye: “Uyazi nami ngibhudangile. Ebhudangweni lami gade ngithwele iinqwebu ezintathu zesikwa esimhlophe. Esiqwebini esingaphezulu bekunemifunda yoke yezikwa ezikhethekileko ezibhagelwe uFaro, kodwana iinyoni bezikugoma seze kusehlokwami njalo.” UJosefa wayiphendula wathi: “Nakhu okutjhiwo libhudango lakhwelo: Iinqwebu ezintathu malanga amathathu. Emalangeni amathathu la uFaro uzakugweba umlandwakho abe akuhlomele esigodweni, iinyoni zinqothule inyamakho.” Kwathi elangeni lesithathu okwakulilanga uFaro abelethwa ngalo, wenzela zoke iinkhulu zakhe umnyanya. Wagweba umlandu wehloko yabaphathikapho nowehloko yababhagi phambi kweenkhulu zakhe: Wabuyisela ihloko yabaphathikapho esikhundleni sayo kobana ibuye godu ibeke ikapho esandleni sakaFaro, kodwana wahlomela ihloko yababhagi esigodweni. Kwaba njengombana uJosefa gade azihlathululele. Ihloko yabaphathikapho azange ikhumbule uJosefa. Yamkhohlwa nya. Kuthe bona kudlule iminyaka emibili poro, uFaro wabhudanga ajame emlanjeni iNayili. Kwathi vumbu iinkomo ezilikhomba ngemlanjenapho. Zazinone ziphazima, zakarula utjani eqadi komlambo. Khonapho kwanyuka ezinye ezilikhomba egade zondile zimigorhu. Zafese zajama malungana negade zisedongeni lomlambo. Iinkomo ezonde zimigorhwezo zaginya ezilikhomba ezinone ziphazima. Khonapho uFaro waphaphama. Wabanjwa buthongo wabhudanga godu: Nanzi iinqwambi ezilikhomba zekoroyi, ezimabhombo nezinothileko zitlhurha emudzwini munye. Ngemva kwazo kwavela ezinye iinqwambi ezilikhomba, zona bezimatsikani begodu zitjhwabiswe mumoya wepumalanga. Iinqwambi ezimatsikani zarhiribidela ezimabhombo nezinothileko. Yeke uFaro waphaphama. Agu, bekulibhudango! Ekuseni wavuka atshwenyekile. Wabiza boke abosomlingo nabosiyazi beGibhide. Wabatjela amabhudangwakhe, kodwana akakho owakghona ukumhlathululela wona. Yeke ihloko yabaphathikapho yathi kuFaro: “Maye mina! Namhlanje ngikhumbula imitjhaphami. UFaro wakhe wathukuthelela iinkhulu zakhe, ngalokho wangithatha ngikanye nehloko yababhagi wasifaka ngesikhungweni emzini womphathi wobuzimba. Omunye nomunye wethu waba nebhudango ngobusuku bunye. Ibhudango ngalinye belinehlathululwalo. Phakathi kwethu bekunesokana lomHebheru ebegade liyinceku yomphathi wobuzimba. Salitjela amabhudangwethu, lasihlathululela wona ngamunye ngamunye ngokwebhudango lakhe. Ngambala kwenzeka poro njengombana lalihlathululile: Mina ngabuyiselwa esikhundleni sami kodwana indodenye leya yona yahlonywa esigodweni.” Yeke uFaro wathumela bona kubizwe uJosefa. Msinyana wakhutjhwa ngesikhungweni, warhuna iindevu bewembatha ezinye izambatho, weza kuFaro. UFaro wathi kuJosefa: “Ngibe nebhudango, kodwana akunamuntu ongalihlathululako. Yeke besele ngilunywe indlebe ngawe bonyana ngokuzwa nje ibhudango kwaphela, uyakwazi ukulihlathulula.” UJosefa waphendula uFaro wathi: “Awa, akusikho kwami ukuhlathulula amabhudango, kodwana nguZimu ozakunikela ipendulo elungele kuFaro.” UFaro wathi kuJosefa: “Ebhudangweni lami gade ngijame edongeni lomlambo iNayili. Sekwathi vumbu iinkomo ezilikhomba ngemlanjenapho, zinone ziphazima. Zakarula utjani hlanu komlambo. Khonapho kwavela ezinye iinkomo ezilikhomba ezonde zimigorhu. Azange khengibone imigorhwana yeenkomo ezonde kangaka kiyo yoke inarha yeGibhide le. Iinkomo ezonde zimigorhwezo zaginya zokuthoma ezilikhomba ezinonileko. Kodwana ngitjho nangemva kokobana seziziginyile azange kubonakale bona zingenile eziswini zazo ngombana zase zaqaleka zizimbi zimigorhu njalo. Yeke ngaphaphama. “Kwelinye ibhudango ngabona iinqwambi zekoroyi ezilikhomba ezinothileko nezimabhombo, zitlhurha emudzwini munye. Kwavela nezinye iinqwambi zekoroyi ezilikhomba zinganalitho, zimatsikani begodu zitjhwabiswe mumoya wepumalanga. Nje-ke iinqwambi ezimatsikanezo zarhiribidela ezimabhombo. “Manje, amabhudango la ngiwazise abosomlingo, kodwana akukho noyedwa wabo owakhe wakghona ukungihlathululela wona.” UJosefa wathi kuFaro: “Womabili amabhudango la atjho into eyodwa. UZimu ubonise uFaro into azoyenza. Iinkomo ezilikhomba ezinonileko minyaka elikhomba begodu neenqwambi ezimabhombo ezilikhomba zekoroyi minyaka elikhomba, koke njalo kutjho ibhudango linye. Iinkomo ezilikhomba ezonde zimigorhu ezivele muva kwezinye minyaka elikhomba, kanjalo neenqwambi ezilikhomba ezimatsikani, ezitjhwabiswe mumoya wepumalanga: Kuzokuba neminyaka elikhomba yendlala. “Sekunjengombana ngitjele uFaro, uZimu ubonise uFaro lokho azokwenza. Kuzokuba khona inala ekulu kiyo yoke inarha yeGibhide iminyaka elikhomba. Ngemva kwalokho kuzokuba khona indlala iminyaka elikhomba. Koke ukusutha kuzakulitjalwa eGibhide ngombana indlala izakukhothulula inarha. Iye, ukusutha angeze bekusakhunjulwa enarheni ngombana indlala leyo iza ngamandla. Isizathu sokobana uFaro anikelwe ibhudango ngeendlela ezimbili kukobana indaba le uZimu uyiqinisekisile begodu uzayenza msinyazana. “Nje-ke uFaro akakhethe indoda enelihlo nehlakaniphileko ayibeke bonyana yengamele inarha yeGibhide. UFaro akabone bonyana ubeka iinduna enarheni yoke kobana zithathe ingcenye eyodwa kezihlanu yesivuno seGibhide eminyakeni elikhomba yenala. Kumele zibuthelele koke ukudlokho eminyakeni yenala ezako le. Azibulunge isivuno ngaphasi kwelawulo lakaFaro emadorobheni beziseluse. Ukudla enizokubulungokho kufuze kugcinelwe abantu benarha kobana kusetjenziswe eminyakeni elikhomba yendlala ezakwehlela iGibhide ukuze inarha ingabhujiswa yindlala.” Iqhingeli laba lihle kuFaro nakizo zoke iinkhulu zakhe. UFaro wakhuluma neenkhulu zakhe wathi: “Singamthathaphi umuntu onjengendoda le, umuntu onommoya kaZimu?” Nje-ke wathi kuJosefa: “Njengombana uZimu akwambulele koke lokhu nje, kuyakhanya bonyana akakho omunye onelihlo nohlakaniphe njengawe. Nguwe ozakuphatha isigodlo sami. Nje-ke boke abantu bami kumele balalele wena. Mina ngizakuba mkhulu kuwe ngesigodlo kwaphela.” Yeke uFaro wathi kuJosefa: “Ngalokho ngikubeka bona wengamele yoke inarha yeGibhide.” Wakhupha idzilamnwanakhe yokutlikitla emnweni wayifaka kewakaJosefa. Wamembathisa isambatho esimhlope selineni, wamfaka umncamo wegolide entanyeni. Wamkhweza ekaraneni esezingeni lesibili keyakhe, abantu barhuwelela phambi kwakhe bathi: “Khothamani!” Ngaleyondlela wamenza umengameli wenarha yoke yeGibhide. UFaro wathi kuJosefa: “NginguFaro, kodwana ngaphandle kwelizwi lakho akunamuntu ozakusikinyeka kilo loke leGibhide.” Wathiya uJosefa ibizo lesiGibhide wathi nguTsafenati-Paneyarha, bewamupha u-Asenathi indodakazi kaPothi-Fera umphristi we-Oni bona abe mkakhe. Njalo-ke idumo lakaJosefa lasabalala nenarha yeGibhide. UJosefa gade aneminyaka ematjhumi amathathu lokha nakangena esikhundleni somsebenzi kaFaro ikosi yeGibhide. Kwathi lokha nakasuka phambi kwakaFaro wakhambela yoke inarha yeGibhide. Eminyakeni elikhomba yenala inarha yathela isivuno esinengi. UJosefa wabuthelela koke ukudla okukhiqizwe eminyakeni elikhomba leyo yenala eGibhide wakulondoloza emadorobheni. Kelinye nelinye idorobho walondoloza ukudla okuvunwe emasimini walapho. Walondoloza isivuno esinengi kwanga yihlabathi yelwandle. Sasisinengi kangangobana walisa ukubala ngombana sasingasabaleki. Ngaphambi kokufika kweminyaka yendlala, u-Asenathi indodakazi kaPothi-Fera umphristi we-Oni wabelethela uJosefa amadodana amabili. UJosefa wathiya izibulo bona nguManase wathi: “Kungebanga lokobana uZimu ungenze ngakhohlwa boke ubudisi bami kanye nawo woke umuzi kababa.” Indodana yesibili wayithiya bona ngu-Efrayimu wathi: “Kungebanga lokobana uZimu ungiphumelelisile enarheni yokurhubutjhwa kwami.” Iminyaka elikhomba yenala yaphela eGibhide. Kwathoma iminyaka elikhomba yendlala kwaba njengokutjho kwakaJosefa. Kizo zoke iinarha ezinye kwaba nendlala kodwana yoke inarha yeGibhide yona yaba nokudla. Kwathi lokha indlala nayithoma ukusahlela neGibhide, abantu balila ngokudla kuFaro. Yena wathi kiwo woke amaGibhide: “Khambani niye kuJosefa nifese nenze koke athi nikwenze.” Indlala yabhoka eGibhide. Kwathi bona indlala leyo yembathe inarha yoke, uJosefa wavula zoke iinlulu lapha bekunesivuno khona wathengisela amaGibhide. Nephasi loke leza eGibhide ukuzokuthenga ukudla kuJosefa ngombana indlala besele ibhoke iphasi loke. Kuthe bona uJakopo ezwe bonyana kunekoroyi eGibhide, wathi emadodanenakhe: “Kubayini nihlalele ukuqalana ngemehlweni nje? Qalani, ngizwe bonyana kunekoroyi eGibhide. Yehlani niyosithengela ukuze siphile singafi.” Kwaba ngabalitjhumi kwaphela abanakwabo kaJosefa abehla ukuyokuthenga ikoroyi eGibhide ngombana uJakopo wathi uBhenjamini olama uJosefa asale, angakhambi nabanye. Gade esaba bonyana naye angahle ehlelwe yingozi. Ngaleyondlela amadodana ka-Israyeli gade akhambisana nalabo ebebayokuthenga ikoroyi ngombana nenarheni yeKanana indlala beyiphodlha. UJosefa gade ambusi wenarha yeGibhide, athengisela abantu ikoroyi. Nje-ke kuthe lokha abanakwabo nabafikako, baguqa bahloma iinhloko phasi phambi kwakhe. Kuthe bonyana uJosefa abone abafowabo, wabazi kodwana wenza ngathi akabazi. Wabakhulumisa ngokubakgharameja wathi: “Nibuyaphi nina?” Baphendula bathi: “Sibuya eKanana sizokuthenga ukudla.” Nanyana uJosefa wabazi abanakwabo, kodwana bona akhange bamazi. Wakhumbula amabhudangwakhe ngabo. Wathi kibo: “Sukanapha, niziinhloli nina! Nizele ukuzokuhlola bonyana kukuphi lapha inarha yekhethu le ingakavikeleki khona.” Bamphendula bathi: “Awa kosi, iinceku zakho zizele ukuzokuthenga ukudla. Nasinje siziinlamani zendoda yinye. Iinceku zakho zimadoda athembekileko, asisizo iinhloli.” UJosefa wathi kibo: “Sukelani le! Nizele ukuzokuhlola bonyana kukuphi lapha inarha yekhethu le ingakavikeleki khona.” Kodwana baphendula bathi: “Emanyeni iinceku zakho gade zibabafo abalitjhumi nambili, amadodana wendoda yinye ehlala enarheni yeKanana. Ubuphetjhani gadesi nje busele nobaba, kanti omunye akasekho.” UJosefa wathi kibo: “Ngisatjho bonyana niziinhloli nina! Nasi-ke indlela enizakuhlolwa ngayo: Ngifunga uFaro ngithi anizukukhamba enarhenapha kungakalethwa umfowenu omncani. Thumelani omunye phakathi kwenu ayomthatha, nina abanye nizakuhlala ngesikhungwenapha. Ngaleyondlela amezwi wenu azabe azizinywa ukubona bonyana nineqiniso kangangani. Nakungasinjalo, ngimfunge uFaro, ngithi niziinhloli nina!” Ngambala wababeka boke ngesikhungweni amalanga amathathu. Elangeni lesithathu uJosefa wathi kibo: “Yenzani lokhu nizakuphila ngombana mina ngimumuntu owesaba uZimu: Nakube nimadoda athembekileko akuthi omunye wenu asale esikhungwenapha khibe abanye benu nithatha ikoroyi nibuyele emindeninenu elambileko. Kodwana kumele nilethe umfowenu omncani kimapha ukuze kuqinisekiswe amezwi wenu nokobana ningafi.” Mbala benza njalo. Bathi omunye komunye: “Iye, sihlunguphazwa ngebanga lalokho esakwenza kumfowethu. Sambona bonyana gade akhathazeke kangangani lokha nasirabhelako, kodwana azange simlalele. Ngikho-nje iinkathazwezi zehlele phezu kwethu.” URubeni wathi kibo: “Angithi nganitjela bona ningenzi ubumbi emsaneni? Kodwana nanghanghabala! Gadesi-ke sekumele sithwale umlandu ngeengazi zakhe.” Azange batjheje bonyana uJosefa uyabezwa ngombana gade asebenzisa umrhumutjhi lokha nakhuluma nabo. UJosefa wabasukela, wathoma ukulila. Kwathi nakabuyela kibo, wakhuluma nabo bewathatha uSimiyoni wambopha phambi kwabo. UJosefa wayaleza bona imithwalo yabo izaliswe ikoroyi, enye nenye indoda ibuyiselwe isilivayo ifakwe ngesikhwameni sayo bebanikelwe umphako. Mbala benzelwa njalo. Yeke abanakwabo kaJosefa bakhweza ikoroyabo kibodumbana bangena indlela. Kuthe lokha omunye wabo nakavula isikhwama sakhe kobana adlise udumbanakhe lapha bahlwelwa khona, qala naso isilivakhe emlonyeni wesitjhuba sekoroyi! Wabiza abafowabo wathi: “Ngibuyiselwe isilivami! Qalani, nasi ingesitjhubeni sami!” Bakhungatheka, bangenwa kukwesaba babuzana bathi: “Yini esiyenziwa nguZimu le?” Kuthe nabafika kuyise uJakopo enarheni yeKanana, bambikela koke okwenzekileko kibo, bathi: “Umuntu ombusi weGibhide usitjhobolile, wasiphatha njengeenhloli enarhenakhe. Sabathe siyamtjela bonyana asisizo iinhloli kodwana simadoda athembekileko, nokobana besiziinlamani ezilitjhumi nambili, amadodana kababa. Samtjela nokobana omunye wethu sele asitjhiya, kanti obuphetjhani yena usele nobaba eKanana. Kodwna umuntu ombusi wenarha loyo wathi kithi, ‘Nayibe sithembekile ngizakubona ngalokhu: Munye wenu uzakusala nami bese abanye benu bathathela emindenenu elambileko ukudla, barhatjheke. Nilethe ubuphetjhani bekhenu kimi, ngalokho ngizakholwa bonyana anisizo iinhloli kodwana nimadoda athembekileko. Nanenza njalo ngizanibuyisela umfowenu bese nikhamba enarheni ngokutjhaphuluka.’ ” Kuthe lokha nabathulula iinkhwama zabo ebebazikhweze kibodumbana, omunye nomunye wafumana imbadanakhe yesiliva ebe ingesikhwameni. Uyise kanye nabo bangenelwa kukwesaba lokha nababona iimbadana zesilivezo. UJakopo uyisabo wathi kibo: “Ningemuke abantwabami. UJosefa akasekho, uSimiyoni naye uthethwe. Gadesi sele nifuna ukungithathela uBhenjamini! Maye mina, iphasi lingijikele!” URubeni wathi kuyise: “Nakube angimbuyiseli kuwe uBhenjamini, ungabulala amadodanami womabili. Mbeke ngaphasi kwesandla sami, ngizambuyisa.” Kodwana uJakopo wathi: “Indodanami ayikazokwehla nani. Umnakwabo uhlongakele, sekusele yona yedwa tere. Nakwenzeka yehlelwe yingozi ekhambeni lenu, nizabe ningibangele bona ngife ngamatlhuwiso sengimdala kangaka.” Indlala beyisabhokile enarheni yeKanana. Kwathi bona bagome yoke ikoroyi abayithatha eGibhide, uyise wathi kibo: “Buyelani niyosithengela ukudlana godu.” Kodwana uJuda wathi kuyise: “Umuntu loya wasidosa ngendlebe wathi akafuni nokusibona nakube asizi nomfowethu. Nayibe sikhamba nomfowethu, khona kulungile sizakwehla siyokuthengela ubaba ukudla. Kodwana nakube akakhambi nathi, angeze sikghone ukwehla ngombana umuntu loya wasidosa ngendlebe wathi akafuni nokusibona nakube asizi nomfowethu.” U-Israyeli wabuza wathi: “Kubayini ningilethele amatlhuwo anje ngokutjela indoda leyo bonyana ninomfowenu omncani.” Baphendula bathi: “Indoda leya isifake esifuthweni semibuzo ngathi nomndenethu. Yabuza bonyana ubaba usaphila na. Godu yasibuza bona sinomfowethu omunye na. Sesaphendula imibuzwayo kwaphela. Besizakwazi njani bonyana uzakuthi kithi size nomfowethu loyo kuye?” UJuda wathi kuyise u-Israyeli: “Ngithuma nomsana lo, sizakhamba khona nje ukuze mina nobaba nabantwana bekhayaba siphile singafi. Mina ngizamgada ngepilwami. Ubaba akambize esandleni sami. Nakube angimbuyisi ngimbeke phambi kwakababa aphila, khona-ke angibe mlandu kubaba ipilwami yoke. Nangathana azange siriyade ngasele sibuya eGibhide kabili.” Yeke uyisabo u-Israyeli wathi kibo: “Nakube kunjalo, khona-ke yenzani lokhu: Thathani imikhiqizo ephambili yenarha le niyifake emithwalwenenu nehle nayo nifese niyiphe indoda leyo. Ninghwathe kancani imihlobohlobo yeenthako zokwenza amakha, iliju, amapistatjhiyo kanye nama-alimondi. Thathani inani elibuyelelweko lesiliva ngombana kumele nibuyisele isiliva eyafakwa emilonyeni yeentjhuba zenu. Mhlambe kwaba yiphoso. Khambani nomfowenu-ke nibuyele emuntwini loyo khona nje. Kwanga uZimu oSabekako anganenzela umusa phambi komuntu loyo ukuze abuyise umfowenu loya noBhenjamini. Akusenani, nakumele ngilahlekelwe bantwana nakhona sekulungile.” Yeke amadoda athatha izipho, abuyelela inani lesiliva abe akhamba noBhenjamini, arhaba ehlela eGibhide bona aziveze kuJosefa. Kwathi lokha uJosefa nakabona uBhenjamini akanye nawo, wathi kumphathimuzakhe: “Thatha amadoda la uwase kwami, uhlabe isilwana bese uyalungisa bona agome nami ukudla kwemini.” Umphathimuzakhe wenza njengombana uJosefa amtjelile, wathatha amadoda wawasa kwaJosefa. Kwathi lokha amadoda lawo nakabona bonyana asiwa kwaJosefa, akhuluma wodwa athi: “Silethwe lapha ngebanga lesiliva leya eyafakwa emilonyeni yeentjhuba zethu nasithoma ukuza lapha. Yeke ufuna ukusibhudungela asihlule bese usenza amakhobokakhe asithathele abodumbana bethu.” Nje-ke anqomba kumphathimuzi kaJosefa akhuluma naye esangweni lesirhodlo, athi: “Siyakukhombela nomzana akhe usilalele. Kuliqiniso bona seza lapha sazokuthenga ukudla phambilini. Kodwana kuthe lokha nasifika endaweni esahlwelwa kiyo, sathi nasithi sivula iintjhuba zethu, qala isiliva yomunye nomunye gade isemlonyeni wesitjhuba sakhe. Isiliva leyo beyilingana poro nesithenge ngayo. Yeke nasi siyiphethe, sithe asiyibuyise. Ngaphezu kwalokho size nesiliva enye kobana sizokuthenga ukudla. Asazi bonyana ngubani owafaka isiliva leya ngeentjhubeni zethu.” Umphathimuzi wathi kiwo: “Ngiyanizwa; ningesabi! UZimenu nonguZimu waboyihlomkhulu uninikele umnono ngeentjhubeni zenu. Ngayifumana isilivenu.” Ngemva kwalokho wawalethela uSimiyoni. Umphathimuzi wawangenisa kwaJosefa, wawanikela amanzi wokusula iinyawo zawo bewapha nabodumbana bawo ilusereni. Wona alungisa isibiko sawo bona azosipha uJosefa lokha nakafikako ngemva kwemini ngombana besele ezwile bonyana ayokugomela lapho. Kwathi lokha uJosefa nakafika ekhaya, amadoda lawo angenisa isibiko agade eze naso, aguqa ahloma iinhloko phasi amnikela sona. Wawabuza amavuko wabuye wathi: “Unjani uyihlo osele aluphele enangitjela ngaye? Usaphila na?” Aphendula athi: “Ubaba incekwakho usaphile kuhle.” Aguqa godu ahloma iinhloko phasi. Wathi nakaqalako wabona umfowabo uBhenjamini, indodana kanina, wabuza wathi: “Nguye umfowenu obuphetjhani ebeningitjela ngaye lo na?” Yeke wathi kuBhenjamini: “UZimu abe nomusa kuwe ndodanami.” UJosefa wasikima msinyana wafuna indawana yokulila ngombana watlhuwa nakabona umfowabo. Yeke wangena ngelawini lakhe walilela khona. Kuthe bonyana asule ubuso bakhe, waphuma, waziqinisa wathi: “Phakululani ukudlokho.” Bamphakela yedwa, baphakela abanakwabo bodwa namaGibhide wodwa. AmaGibhide gade angagomi namaHebheru ngombana bekazila ukwenza njalo. Amadoda lawa gade ahlaliswe ngaphambi kwakaJosefa ngokulamana kwawo ukusuka komkhulu ukuya komncani. Arhedlulana ararekile. Aphiwa ukudla etafuleni lakaJosefa, uBhenjamini yena waphiwa okubuyelelwe kahlanu kunabanakwabo. Basela, badakwa phambi kwakaJosefa. UJosefa wayala umphathimuzakhe wathi: “Zalisa iintjhuba zamadoda lawa ngokudla kube ngendlela angathwala ngayo. Ufake isiliva yenye nenye indoda emlonyeni wesitjhuba sayo. Faka ikaphami yesiliva emlonyeni wesitjhuba sobuphetjhani kanye nesiliva athenge ngayo.” Umphathimuzi wenza njengombana uJosefa atjhwile. Kuthe lokha nakusako amadoda lawa atjhatjhululwa kobana abuyele ekhabo nabodumbana bawo. Gade angakakhambi ukuyaphi ukusuka edorobheni lokha uJosefa nakathi kumphathimuzakhe: “Rhaba ulandele amadoda lawaya! Nawuwafumanako uwabuze uthi, ‘Kubayini nibuyisela okuhle ngokumbi? Niyebeleni ikaphami yesiliva? Akusiyikapho esela ngomphathami naziphengula ngayo na? Bukhohlakali into eniyenzileko le.’ ” Ngambala kuthe lokha umphathimuzi nawawafumanako, watjho amezwi lawo. Wona amphendula athi: “Kubayini unomzana akhulume njalo? Iinceku zakho angeze bezayenza into efana naleyo! Kunalokho angithi uyazi bonyana nesiliva leya esayifumana ngeentjhubeni zethu nasiseKanana siyibuyisile? Alo, besizayebelani-ke isiliva namkha igolide ngekumbeni yomphathakho? Nakube ingatholakala kinanyana ngiyiphi yeenceku zakhwezi, ayibulawe bese kuthi thina abanye sibe makhoboka wekosethu.” Umphathimuzi wathi: “Kulungile, akube njengamagamenu: Nanyana ngubani ezakutholakala kuye uzakuba likhoboka lami bese kuthi nina abanye nibe msulwa, nitjhaphuluke.” Omunye nomunye wawo wehlisa msinyana isitjhuba sakhe kobana asivule. Wathoma-ke umphathimuzi wabhenyegula, wathoma ngomkhulu wehlela komncani. Ikapho yafunyanwa ngesitjhubeni sakaBhenjamini. Amadoda lawo adabula izambatho zawo. Asuka lapho akhweza imithwalwawo kibodumbana abuyela ngedorobheni. UJosefa gade asese ngekumbeni lokha uJuda nabafowabo nabangenako. Bafika baziphosela phasi phambi kwakhe. UJosefa wathi kibo: “Yintobani eniyenzileko le? Anazi bonyana umuntu onjengami nje kufuze aziphengule na?” UJuda waphendula wathi: “Yini esingayitjho ekosinami na? Sizivikele sithini? Singazihlanza njani? UZimu wembule umlandu weenceku zekosami. Nje-ke sele simakhoboka wekosami, thina ngokwethu kanye naloyo okufunyenwe kuye ikapho.” Kodwana uJosefa wathi: “Awa, nokho angeze bengiyenze into efana naleyo! Umuntu okufunyenwe kuye ikaphami nguye kwaphela ozakuba likhoboka lami. Nina abanye buyelani kuyihlo ngokuthula.” Yeke uJuda watjhidela kuJosefa wathi: “Ngiyakhombela kosami! Nanyana ikosami ilingana noFaro incekwakho beyibawa ukuba nelizwi nekosayo. Nokho bengithi ikosami ingapheleli incekwayo ihliziyo. Ikosami yabuza iinceku zayo yathi, ‘Nisese nobaba namkha umfowenu na?’ Sayiphendula sathi, ‘Iye, ubaba sele amdala, godu sathi sinomfowethu obelethwe ubaba sele aluphele. Umnakwabo lomsana loyo wahlongakala, nje-ke sese kusele yena yedwa tere ngakwabo. Ngalokho uyise umthanda khulu.’ Yeke ikosami yathi eencekweni zayo, ‘Mletheni kimapha ngizombona ngamehlwami la.’ Thina sathi ekosinami, ‘Umsana lo akakwazi ukusukela uyise. Nange angenza njalo, uyise angaqaleka bekabulungwe.’ Yeke ikosami yathi, ‘Angifuni ukubona ubuso benu lapha nakube anizi naye.’ “Sithe lokha nasibuyela ekhaya kubaba oyinceku yekosami, samtjela koke ikosami ekutjhwileko. Kwathi lokha ubaba nakathi kithi, ‘Buyelani niyosithengela ukudlana godu,’ thina sathi kuye, ‘Angeze sakghona ukwehla nakube umfowethu obuphetjhani akakhambi nathi. Asikazukukghona ukubonana nonomzana loyo nakube asikezi naye.’ Ubaba oyinceku yekosami wathi kithi, ‘Niyazi nani bonyana umkami oyintandokazi wangibelethela abesana ababili kwaphela. Omunye wanyamalala, ngamhloboka ngathi wadatjulwadatjulwa iinquqwana. Mbala solo kwalokho azange bengisambona. Nje-ke naningithathela nalo, naye bese wehlelwa yingozi, nizabe ningibangele bona ngife ngesihluku sengimdala kangaka.’ Njengombana ipilo kababa inamathele emsaneni kangaka, nasibuyela kubaba ngaphandle kwakhe bese uyabona bonyana umsana lo akakho, uzokuqaleka. Ngaleyondlela iinceku zekosami zizabe zibangele bona ubaba oyinceku yekosami ahlongakale ngamatlhuwiso sele amdala. Mina ncekwakho ngiqinisekise ubaba bonyana ngizakugada umsana lo ngepilwami ngathi, ‘Nakube angimbuyisi kubaba, angibe mlandu phambi kwakababa ipilwami yoke!’ “Nje-ke bengibawa bona ikosami ivumele incekwayo bonyana isale lapha ibe likhoboka lekosami esikhundleni somsana lo. Ikosami ivumele umsana lo aphenduke nabomnakwabo ngombana mina ngingaya njani kubaba khibe umsana lo akasinami? Angifuni ukubona amatlhuwiso azakwehlela ubaba!” UJosefa azange asakghona ukuzibamba phambi kweensebenzi zakhe, warhuwelela wathi: “Phumani noke nje ngekumbenapha!” Nje-ke gade kunganamuntu lokha uJosefa nakaziveza kubafowabo. Warhahlawula kangangobana amaGibhide amuzwa, kwezwakala ngitjho nesigodlweni sakaFaro. UJosefa wathi kubafowabo: “NginguJosefa! Ubaba usaphila na?” Kodwana abafowabo azange bakghone ukumphendula ngombana bakhungatheka phambi kwakhe. Yeke uJosefa wathi kibo: “Tjhidelani kimapha.” Kuthe bona benze njalo, wathi: “Ngimi umfowenu uJosefa, enamthengisa eGibhide! Nje-ke ningatshwenyeki begodu ningazithukutheleli ngebanga lokungithengisa kwenu ngombana nguZimu owangithumela ngaphambi kwenu kobana ngisindise ipilwenu. Sele kuminyaka emibili kunendlala enarheni, kanti-ke kusazokuthatha iminyaka emihlanu ezako kungalinywa begodu kungavunwa. Kodwana uZimu ungithume ngaphambili kwenu kobana nginibulungele imisalela ephasini begodu ngisindise ipilwenu ngetjhaphuluko ekulu. Ngalokho-ke akusini enangithumela lapha, kodwana nguZimu. Ungenze ngaba mluleki kaFaro, umphathi womzakhe woke nombusi weGibhide yoke. Nje-ke rhabani niye kubaba nithi kuye, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguJosefa indodanakho: UZimu ungenze ngaba mphathi weGibhide yoke. Ubaba akehle eze kimi, angariyadi. Uzakuhlala esifundeni seGotjheni abe seduze nami: ubaba, abantwabakhe neenzukulwana zakhe, izimvu zakhe nemihlambakhe nakho koke anakho. Ubaba ngizamondla alapho ngombana kuseza iminyaka emihlanu yendlala. Nakungasinjalo ubaba nomndenakhe nabo boke abanaye bazakuswela.’ ” UJosefa waraga wathi: “Nani niyabona ngitjho noBhenjamini uyangibona bonyana ngimi okhuluma nani. Tjelani ubaba ngakho koke ukuhlonitjhwa kwami eGibhidapha nangakho koke enikubonileko. Nirhabe nize naye kimapha!” Wagona umntanabo uBhenjamini bewathoma watlhuwa walila, noBhenjamini naye wamgona, walila. Wasuka lapho wancwanga boke abafowabo emhlathini alokhu alila njalo. Ngemva kwalokho abafowabo bacoca naye. Kuthe iindabezi nazifika esigodlweni sakaFaro kobanyana uJosefa uthekelwe bafowabo, uFaro nazo zoke iinkhulu zakhe bajabula. UFaro wathi kuJosefa: “Tjela abafowenu bona bakhweze imithwalo kibodumbana babo babuyele eKanana, bafese bakhuphuke noyihlo nemindenabo beze kimapha. Ngizabasikela kelinonileko eGibhidapha bese bazinikelela ngamanoni wenarha le. Wena Josefa bona ukuqeda bonyana bathathela abantwana abancani nabafazi babo iinkoloyana eGibhidapha. Bakhweze noyihlo beze naye. Bangatshwenyeki ngepahla yomizabo ngombana koke okuhle kweGibhide kuzakuba ngokwabo.” Yeke amadodana ka-Israyeli enza njalo. UJosefa wawanikela iinkoloyana njengombana kutjho uFaro, godu wawapha nomphako. Wanikela omunye nomunye wawo izambatho ezitja, kodwana uBhenjamini yena wamupha amakhilogremu amathathu nesiquntu wesiliva kanye nezambatho ezihlanu. Khonokho wathumela uyise abodumbana abalitjhumi abalayitjhe izinto zeGibhide eziphambili, nabodumbana abalitjhumi abasikazi abalayitjhe ikoroyi nezikwa kanye nomphako. Walayelisa abafowabo nabakhambako wathi kibo: “Ningesabi litho endleleni!” Basuka eGibhide bakhamba babuyela kuyise uJakopo enarheni yeKanana. Bafese bamtjela bona uJosefa usaphila. Kodwana kuthe lokha nabathi uJosefa umbusi weGibhide yoke, wakhena, azange abakholwe. Kwathi nabamtjela koke uJosefa akukhulume kibo, nalokha nakabona iinkoloyana uJosefa azithumele bona zizomthatha, ummoyakhe wahlambuluka. Nje-ke u-Israyeli wathi: “Sengiyakholwa-ke! Indodanami uJosefa isaphila! Yeke bengikhamba khona nje ngiyombona ngaphambi kobana ngife.” Yeke u-Israyeli wasuka wakhamba nakho koke kwakhe. Kwathi lokha nakafika eBheritjheba wenza imihlabelo kuZimu kayise u-Isaka. UZimu wakhuluma no-Israyeli ebusuku ngombono wathi: “Jakopo! Jakopo!” Yena wathi: “Ungubani?” UZimu wathi: “NginguZimu, uZimu kayihlo. Ungasabi ukwehlela eGibhide ngombana ngizokwenza ube sisizwe esikhulu lapho. Mina ngokwami ngizakwehlela nawe eGibhide bese ngiyakubuyisa godu. NguJosefa ngesandla sakhe ozakuvala amehlo nawuhlongakalako.” Nje-ke uJakopo watjhiya iBheritjheba. Amadodanakhe amkhweza yena nabantwabawo nabafazi eenkoloyaneni uFaro azithumela bonyana athuthwe ngazo. Godu athatha imihlambawo nefuywawo egade ayibuthelele enarheni yeKanana, aya eGibhide. Ngaleyondlela uJakopo neenzukulwana zakhe waya eGibhide: yena, amadodanakhe, amadodakazakhe, abantwana babantwabakhe okutjho zoke iinzukulwana zakhe. Naka amabizo wama-Israyeli akhamba noJakopo eGibhide kanye neezukulwana abelethelwa zona: URubeni izibulo lakaJakopo. Amadodana kaRubeni: ngu-Inogo, uPalu, uRhetsironi noKarimi. Amadodana kaSimiyoni: nguJemuweli, uJamini, u-Ohadi, uJakini, uTsorhari noSawula indodana yomfazi weKanana. Amadodana kaLevi: nguGeritjhoni, uKhehathi noMerari. Amadodana kaJuda: ngu-Eri, u-Onani, uTjhela, uPeretsi noZerarhi. (U-Eri no-Onani gade sebahlongakele lokha nakusukwa eKanana.) Amadodana kaPeretsi: nguRetsironi noRhamulu. Amadodana ka-Isakari: nguTola, uPuwa, uJobho noTjhimroni. Amadodana kaZebuloni: nguSeredi, u-Eloni noJarhiliyeli. (Lawo bekumadodana uLeya awabelethela uJakopo ePadana-Aramu, ngaphandle kwendodakazakhe uDina. Zoke iinzukulwana zakhe ezimadodana namadodakazi bezimatjhumi amathathu nazintathu.) Amadodana kaGadi: nguTsifiyoni, uRhagi, uTjhuni, u-Etsiboni, u-Eri, u-Arodi no-Areli. Amadodana ka-Atjheri: nguJimina, uJitjhiva, uJitjhivi noBheriya. (Udadwabo gade kunguSerarhi.) Amadodana kaBheriya nguRhebere noMalikiyeli. (Lezo bekuziinzukulwana zakaZilipha ezabelethelwa uJakopo. UZilipha bekuyincekukazi uLabani ayipha indodakazakhe uLeya. Zoke iinzukulwana zakhe bezilitjhumi nathandathu.) Amadodana womkaJakopo uRarheli: nguJosefa noBhenjamini. (EGibhide kwabelethwa uManase no-Efrayimu. Bona bebabantwana bakaJosefa ababelethelwa ngu-Asenathi indodakazi kaPothi-Fera umphristi we-Oni.) Iinzukulwana zakaBhenjamini: nguBhela, uBhekere, u-Atjhibeli, uGera, uNamani, u-Erhi, uRotjha, amaMupi, amaRhupi no-Aradi. (Lezo bekuziinzukulwana zakaRarheli ezabelethelwa uJakopo. Zoke iinzukulwanezo bezilitjhumi nane.) Iinzukulwana zakaDani: maRhutjhi. Amadodana kaNafitali nguJarhitsiyeli, uGuni, uJetseri noTjhilemu. (Lezo bekuziinzukulwana zakaBhilirha ezabelethelwa uJakopo. UBhilirha bekuyincekukazi uLabani ayipha indodakazakhe uRarheli.) Boke abaya eGibhide noJakopo ebegade baziinzukulwana zakhe ngenyama, ngaphandle kwabomalukazana bakhe, bebamatjhumi asithandathu nabathandathu. Amadodana kaJosefa abelethelwa wona eGibhide gade amabili. Yeke woke umndeni kaJakopo owanzinza eGibhide gade umatjhumi alikhomba. UJakopo wathumela uJuda bona akhambe phambili ayokubuza indlela eya eGotjheni kuJosefa. Kuthe bona bafike esifundeni seGotjheneso, uJosefa wabophela ikaranakhe waya khona ukuyokuhlangabeza uyise u-Israyeli. UJosefa wathi nakabona uyise, waziphosa phezu kwakhe wamgona, walila isikhathi eside. U-Israyeli wathi kuJosefa: “Ngombana nakhu sele ngibone ubuso bakho, ngabona bonyana uyaphila, awa njekhona sengingafa-ke.” UJosefa wathi kibomnakwabo nemndenini kayise: “Ngizakhuphuka ngiyonibika kuFaro ngithi kuye, ‘Abomnakwethu nomndeni woke wakababa ebegade bahlala enarheni yeKanana sebafikile kimi. Amadoda wakhona abelusi. Iye, madoda afuyileko. Nje-ke eze nemihlambi yezimvu, yeembuzi, neenkomo nayo yoke ifuyo anayo.’ Kuzakuthi lokha uFaro nanibizako anibuze bona nazi msebenzi bani, nithi kuye, ‘Iinceku zakho zimadoda afuyileko, ukusukela ebusaneni bekube namhlanje. Thina-ke sifuze abobaba.’ Ngaleyondlela nizakuvunyelwa bonyana nihlale esifundeni seGotjheni ngombana amaGibhide ayabanyenya abelusi.” UJosefa wakhamba wabikela uFaro wathi: “Ubaba nabafowethu basukile eKanana sele baseGotjheni kanye nemihlambi yezimvu, yeembuzi, neenkomo nayo yoke ifuyo abanayo.” Phakathi kwabafowabo boke wathatha abahlanu wabethula kuFaro. UFaro wabuza abafowabo wathi: “Nazi msebenzi bani?” Baphendula bathi: “Iinceku zakho zibelusi, zifuze aboyise.” Godu bathi kuye: “Size bonyana sizokhonza enarhenapha ngombana indlala iyaphodlha eKanana le, kanti nemihlambi yeenceku zakho beyingasenamadlelo. Nje-ke sithe asibawe bonyana uvumele iinceku zakho zihlale eGotjhenapha.” UFaro wathi kuJosefa: “Njengombana uyihlo nabafowenu beze kuwe nje, qeda wena bonyana ungababeka kuphi. Bahlalise endaweni eyazisako yeGibhidapha. Ungase ubahlalise eGotjheni. Nange kukhona phakathi kwabo abanekghono elikhethekileko, babeke babe baphathi babelusi befuywami.” UJosefa waletha uyise uJakopo wamethula kuFaro. UJakopo walotjhisa uFaro bewambusisa. UFaro wambuza wathi: “Uneminyaka emingaki?” UJakopo wathi kuFaro: “Ngineminyaka elikhulu namatjhumi amathathu woke ngisikhonzi ephasinapha. Iminyaka yokuphila kwami mincani begodu ibudisi, ayilingani neminyaka yabobaba.” UJakopo wabusisa uFaro wamlayelisa, wakhamba. Yeke uJosefa wahlalisa uyise nabafowabo eGibhide, wabapha indawo okungeyabo. Bekuyindawo eyazisako, isesifundeni seRamasese njengokutjho kwakaFaro. UJosefa wondla uyise nabafowabo kanye nawo woke umndeni kayise ukuya ngokwesidingo sawo. Soke isifunda besinganakudla ngombana indlala beyibhokile. Abantu beGibhide nebeKanana bebaphodlhekile ngebanga lendlala. UJosefa wabuthelela loke isiliva elafumaneka eGibhide neKanana ngokuthengisa ikoroyi, waliletha esigodlweni sakaFaro. Kuthe bona abantu beGibhide nebeKanana baphelelwe lisiliva, yoke iGibhide yeza kuJosefa yathi: “Sipha ukudla. Kubayini usiliselele sibulawe yindlala usiqalile? Qala sesidududu asisenasiliva.” UJosefa wathi: “Nakube anisenasiliva, lethani ifuywenu. Ngizanipha ukudla ngokuninanela ngayo.” Yeke baletha ifuywabo kuJosefa, wabapha ukudla ngeenjomani, imihlambi yezimvu, yeembuzi, neyeenkomo kanye nabodumbana babo. Umnyaka lowo wabatjheja ngokudla, bona bathenga ngefuywabo yoke. Kuthe nakuphela umnyaka lowo babe bangasenalitho. Ngomnyaka olandelako beza kuJosefa bathi: “Amala akasizi, asisenalitho. Ifuywethu seyaba ngeyakho, sitlhoga nesiliva. Asinanto esingayinikela ikosethu ngaphandle kwemizimbethu namasimethu. Kubayini usiliselele sibulawe yindlala usiqalile, thina namasimethu? Thenga thina namasimethu ngokudla ukuze sibe ngebakaFaro. Godu usiphe imbewu ukuze siphile singafi, namasimu angabi mrhula.” Yeke uJosefa wathengela uFaro woke amasimu weGibhide. AmaGibhide woke athengisa amasimawo ngombana indlala beyibhoke khulu. Inarha yaba ngeyakaFaro. Kiyo yoke imikhawulo yeGibhide uJosefa wafudusa abantu bonyana baye emadorbheni. Kwaba masimu wabaphristi kwaphela angazange awathenge ngombana bona bebafunyana isondlo kuFaro. Isondlweso besibanele, kungebangelo bangazange bathengise amasimabo. UJosefa wathi ebantwini: “Njengombana nginithenge bona nibe ngebakaFaro nina namasimenu nje, nasi-ke imbewu, tjalani amasimu la. Kodwana lokha nanivunako, yenzani isivuno senu sibe ziingcenye ezihlanu. Thathani ingcenye eyodwa niyinikele uFaro. Okuseleko nikugcine kube yimbewu enizayitjala, nokudla kwenu nemindenenu nabantwabenu.” Bathi kuye: “Ikosethu isindise ipilwethu yeke nayifuna bonyana sisebenzele uFaro, sizakwenza njalo.” UJosefa wakwenza kwaba mthetho wenarha yeGibhide osalandelwako nagadesi ukobana isivuno esiyingcenye eyodwa kezihlanu isisabelo sakaFaro. Masimu wabaphristi kwaphela angazange abe ngewakaFaro. Ama-Israyeli gade sele ahlala eGibhide esifundeni seGotjheni. Azuza ipahla lapho, abeletha, anda khulu ngesibalo. UJakopo wahlala eGibhide iminyaka elitjhumi namikhomba, yena waphila iminyaka elikhulu namatjhumi amane namikhomba. Kuthe nakufika isikhathi sokobana ahlongakale, wabiza indodanakhe uJosefa wathi kiyo: “Nange ngifumana umusa kuwe, faka isandla sakho ngaphasi kwenyongami bese uyangithembisa ngeqiniso nangokwethembeka bonyana awuzungibulungela eGibhidapha, kodwana nangihlongakalako, ngisusa lapha, ungithwale uyongibeka kibobamkhulu.” UJosefa wathi: “Ngizakwenza njengombana ubaba asitjho.” UJakopo wathi: “Funga phambi kwami.” Yeke uJosefa wafunga-ke. U-Israyeli wakhothama wathandaza eenhloko zombhedakhe. Isikhatjhana ngemva kwalokho uJosefa wabikelwa bonyana uyise uyagula. Wakhamba namadodanakhe uManase no-Efrayimu bayokubona uyise. Lokha uJakopo nakatjelwa bonyana indodanakhe uJosefa ize ukuzombona, waziqinisa, wavuka wahlala embhedeni. UJakopo wathi kuJosefa: “UZimu oSabekako waziveza kimi eLuzi enarheni yeKanana, wangibusisa wathi kimi, ‘Ngizokwenza ubelethe ngikwandise kuvele iinkoro ngeenkoro kuwe. Ngizokupha iinzukulwana zakho emva kwakho inarha le kube lilifa lazo lanini nanini.’ Nje-ke amadodanakho owabelethele eGibhidapha ngaphambi kobana ngize kuwe azakuthathwa bonyana ngewami. U-Efrayimu noManase bazakuba madodanami njengombana uRubeni noSimiyoni bangebami. Abanye-ke abantwana ababelethwe ngemva kwabo ngibo abazakuba ngebakho kodwana bazakudla ilifa kanye nabantwana baka-Efrayimu noManase. Bengithanda bonyana kube njalo ngombana unyoko uRarheli ngambulunga eKanana. Ngehlelwa lisizi lokha nakangitjhiya ngisendleleni kudanyana ne-Efrata. Ngambeka khonapho eqadi kwendlela eya e-Efrata.” (I-Efrata namhlanje kuthiwa yiBhethe-Lehema.) Yeke u-Israyeli wabuza uJosefa wathi: “Bobani-ke okhamba nababa?” Watjho lokho ngombana waphosa amehlwakhe emadodaneni kaJosefa. UJosefa wathi kuyise: “Madodanami uZimu angiphe wona enarheni le.” U-Israyeli wathi: “Balethapha ngibabusise.” U-Israyeli bekangasaboni ngombana amehlwakhe gade sele afiphele ngebanga lokuluphala. UJosefa wabandameza amadodanakhe kuyise, yena wawancwanga emhlathini wawagona. U-Israyeli wathi kuJosefa: “Besele ngahloboka bonyana ngingabuye ngikubone godu. Nokho uZimu ungivumele bonyana ngibone nabantwabakho.” UJosefa wasusa amadodanakhe egade ajame emadolweni kayise, wahloma ihloko phasi phambi kwakhe. Wawathatha womabili, u-Efrayimu waba ngesidleni sakhe bonyana abe ngesinceleni saka-Israyeli, kwathi uManase waba ngesinceleni sakhe bonyana abe ngesidleni saka-Israyeli. Wawatjhideza ku-Israyeli ngaleyondlela. Kodwana u-Israyeli welula isandla sakhe sokudla wasibeka ehloko ka-Efrayimu phezu kobana gade angomncani, waphambanisa izandla zakhe wabeka sekhohlo ehloko kaManase phezu kobana uManase bekalizibulo. Wabusisa uJosefa wathi: “Abobaba u-Abrahamu no-Isaka gade batjhidelene noZimu. UZimu waba ngumelusami ipilwami yoke bekube gadesi nengilozakhe yangisindisa kizo zoke iingozi. Inga uZimethu angabusisa abasanaba ukuze ngabo kungakhohlwakali ibizo lami namabizo wabobaba u-Abrahamu no-Isaka, godu bande khulu ephasinapha.” Lokha uJosefa nakabona uyise abeka isandla sakhe sokudla ehloko ka-Efrayimu wadana. Wabamba isandla sakayise ukuze asisuse ehloko ka-Efrayimu asise kweyakaManase. Wathi kuyise: “Awa baba, olizibulo ngilo; ubaba akabeke isandla sakhe sokudla ehlokwakhe.” Kodwana uyise wala wathi: “Ngiyazi ndodanami, ngikwazi kuhle lokho. Naye uzakuba sisizwe. Nokho umfowabo omncani uzakuba ngaphezu kwakhe, neenzukulwana zakhe zizakuba zizizwe ezinengi.” Wababusisa mhlokho wathi: “Ngani u-Israyeli uzakutjho amezwi lawa nakabusisako athi, ‘Inga uZimu angakwenza ube njengo-Efrayimu noManase.’ ” Ngaleyondlela wabeka u-Efrayimu ngaphambi kwakaManase. U-Israyeli wathi kuJosefa: “Sengiyahlongakala, kodwana uZimu uzakuba nani anibuyisele enarheni yaboyihlomkhulu. Wena-ke Josefa, mina ngikunikela okukhethekileko nokungehla kokwabafowenu okulihlangothi elilodwa lentaba engayithatha kuma-Amori ngesabula nangomsebe wami.” UJakopo wabiza amadodanakhe wathi: “Bizanani nihlangane ukuze nginitjele bonyana kuzokwenzakalani kini esikhathini esizako. “Buthanani nilalele madodana kaJakopo; lalelani uyihlo u-Israyeli. “Rubeni, ulizibulo lami, umamandlami, umphumela wokuthoma wobudoda bami. Ngawe ngasasa, ngaqina amandla. Kodwana njengamanzi anyamalalako, nawe angeze waba neenzukulwana, ngombana wangena emalalweni kayihlo, wasilaphaza umbhedami. “USimiyoni noLevi zizelamani iinsabula zabo ziinhlabano zenturhu. Angingangeni ebandleni labo, ngingabi mdibi munye nabo, ngombana ngetukuthelwabo babulala abantu, ngokuhlosa baqunta imisipha yemilenze yeenkomo. Akunikelelwe ukuthukuthela kwabo ngombana kubhamba, nobukhali babo ngombana buyavutha! Ngiyabaphadlhalaja kwaJakopo, ngibahlakaze kwa-Israyeli. “Wena Juda, abafowenu bayakubuka, isandla sakho siphezu kwentamo yezitha zakho, amadodana kayihlo ayakukhothamela. UJuda umntwana webhubezi, indodanami ifana nebhubezi elisuthiko: Liyakhothama lizigedagede phasi, akakho ongalinga ukulivusa! Intonga yobukhosi angeze yasuka kuJuda, nentonga yombusi hlangana neenyawo zakhe, bekulethwe isibiko kuye, nezizwe zoke zitjengise ukumlalela. Ubophela udumbanakhe esidiribeni, udumbanyanakhe epandeni ekhethekileko, ahlanze isambatho sakhe ewayinini, iphuraphurakhe eengazini zamadiribe. Amehlwakhe amnyama kunewayini, amazinywakhe amhlophe kunebisi. “UZebuloni uzakuphila ngegwini lelwandle, abe njengesebe leenthayamanzi; imikhawulwakhe inabele ngeTsidoni. “U-Isakari uyikakha kadumbana, ubhesa hlangana nemithwalo. Lokha nakabona ubuhle bendawo yokuphumula, nobuhle benarha, wehlisa ihlombe lakhe bonyana athwale abe likhoboka lomsebenzi okatelelako. “UDani umela amalungelo wabantu bekhabo angomunye wesizwe sakwa-Israyeli. UDani uyinyoka esendleleni, ulirabi elisemzileni, eliluma iinthende zenjomani umkhweli wakhona abe aketuke. “Mina ngiqale isindiswakho Somnini. “UGadi usahlelwa siqhema semigulukudu, kodwana yena ugijimisa isiqhemeso. “Ku-Atjheri kunokudla okunothileko, uphakela iinkhanakhana ezilungele ikosi. “UNafitali umumuthi onabileko, oveza iimpande ezihle. “UJosefa usidiribe esithelako, isidiribe esithelako esiseduze nomthombo, esineempande ezirarela umthangala. Abadumuzi ngomsebe bayamtlhorholoja, bayamsahlela ngombana banevunda naye. Kodwana umsebakhe uhlala uqinile, umkhonwakhe nezandla zakhe zimsinya, ngombana usizwa ngongonamandla kaJakopo, usizwa ngumelusi olidwala laka-Israyeli, iye, usizwa nguSabekako onguZimu kayihlo. UZimu uyakwenyela abe akubusise ngeembusiso zamazulu aphezulu, iimbusiso zamanzi azikileko neembusiso zamabele nesibeletho. Iimbusiso zakaZimu uyihlo zikulu kuneembusiso zeentaba zekadeni, kunezinto ongazifisa emibundwini yekadeni. Inga zoke iimbusiswezi zingaba phezu kwehloko kaJosefa, phezu kwepandla yekosana yabafowabo. “UBhenjamini uyipisi evithizako, ekuseni urhiribidela ukudla kwakhe, entambama wahlukanisa ipango.” Zoke lezi ziinkoro ezilitjhumi nambili zakwa-Israyeli begodu lokhu ngokwatjhiwo nguyisazo kizo lokha nazibusisako. Wanikela enye nenye isibusiso esiyifaneleko. UJakopo wanikela amadodanakhe umyalo wathi: “Sele ngizokuhlongakala. Ningibulunge kibobamkhulu erholweni elisesimini ka-Efroni umRhithi. Ngitjho irholo lesimu yeMakaphela engepumalanga yeMamre eKanana, u-Abrahamu alithenga nesimu ku-Efroni umRhithi kobana kube yindawo yamathuna wasafuthi. Lapho, yindawo lapha kwabulungwa u-Abrahamu nomkakhe uSara, u-Isaka nomkakhe uRabega nabo babulungwa lapho. Nami ngabulunga uLeya lapho. Isimu kanye nerholo elilapho kwathengwa kumaRhithi.” Kuthe bona uJakopo aqede ukuyala amadodanakhe, wanabisela iinyawo zakhe embhedeni, wadosa ummoya kokugcina, wahlongakala. UJosefa waziphosa phezu kwakayise, wamlilela, wamncwanga emhlathini. Walayela amagedla amsebenzelako bonyana omise isidumbu sakayise ngeenhlahla. Yeke amagedla asomisa ngeenhlahla. Kwawathatha amalanga amatjhumi amane ngombana leso bekusikhathi esibekelwe ukomisa isidumbu ngeenhlahla. AmaGibhide alilela uJakopo amalanga amatjhumi alikhomba. Kuthe nasele kudlule amalanga wokulila uJosefa wathi ebaphathini besigodlo sakaFaro: “Nange ngifumene umusa emehlwenenu ngikhulumelani noFaro nimtjele bonyana ubaba wangifungisa wathi, ‘Sele ngizokuhlongakala, ungibulunge ethuneni engazilungisela lona enarheni yeKanana.’ Nje-ke bengithi ngivumela ngikhambe ngiyokubulunga ubaba ngizakubuya.” UFaro wathi: “Khuphuka uyokubulunga uyihlo njengombana akufungisa njalo.” Yeke uJosefa wakhuphuka wayokubulunga uyise. Zoke iinkhulu zakaFaro zamphekelela: kwakuziintatanyiswa zesigodlo sakhe nazo zoke iintatanyiswa zeGibhide, zazikhambisana nawo woke amalunga wekumba kaJosefa nabafowabo nebekumba kayise. Bantwababo nefuywabo kwaphela okwasala eGotjheni. Abakhweli beenkarana bakhuphuka naye, kwaba siqubuthu esikhulu. Lokha nabafika eGoreni-Hayathadi ngaphetjheya kweJordani bahlaba umkhosi omkhulu wesililo. Lapho uJosefa wadlulisa amalanga alikhomba wokuzilela uyise. Lokha amaKanana ahlala lapho nakabona isililo eGoreni-Hayathadi athi: “Lo, mkhosi omkhulu wesililo samaGibhide.” Kungebangelo indawo engaphetjheya kweJordani leyo yabizwa bonyana yi-Abela-Mitsirayimu. Ngaleyondlela amadodana kaJakopo aphetha ilizwi lakhe: Amthwala, amngenisa enarheni yeKanana. Ambulunga ngerholweni lesimu yeMakaphela engepumalanga yeMamre. Lelo bekulirholo elisesimini eyathengwa ngu-Abrahamu ku-Efroni umRhithi bonyana kube yindawo yamathuna wasafuthi. Ngemva kokubulungwa kwakayise, uJosefa wabuyela eGibhide kanye nabafowabo nabo boke ebegade bamphekelele. Kuthe bona abafowabo babone bonyana uyisabo uhlongakele bathi: “UJosefa usasibambele ivunda. Ngalokho uzozibuyiselela ngakho koke okumbi esamenza khona!” Yeke bazisa uJosefa bathi: “Uyihlo watjhiya umyalezo naku nazakuhlongakala, ‘Nakhu enizakutjho kuJosefa: Ngibawa bona ulibalele abafowenu imitjhapho nezono abakwenza zona ngokukuphatha makghwakghwa.’ Nje-ke sibawa uqolele imitjhapho yeenceku zakaZimu kayihlo.” UJosefa walila nakezwa amezwi lawo. Abafowabo beza ngokwabo bazilahlela phambi kwakhe bathi: “Simakhobokakho.” Kodwana uJosefa wathi: “Ningesabi. Angeze ngazibeka esikhundleni sakaZimu. Nina nanihlele ukungilimaza kodwana uZimu wakujika lokho kwaba ngokuhle ukuze asindise amaphilo wabanengi njengombana kunjalo namhlanje. Yeke musani ukwesaba. Ngizanondla kanye nabantwabenu.” Wabaduduza, wakhuluma kuhle nabo. UJosefa wahlala eGibhide kanye nomndeni kayise. Waphila iminyaka elikhulu netjhumi. Wabona abantwana bomntwana ka-Efrayimu. Wathatha abantwana bakaMakiri umsa kaManase njengebakhe. UJosefa wathi kubafowabo: “Sele ngizakuhlongakala. Kodwana yazini uZimu uzanikhumbula anikhuphe enarheni le niye enarheni ayithembisa ngesifungo ku-Abrahamu, u-Isaka noJakopo.” UJosefa wafungisa amadodana ka-Israyeli wathi: “Khambani namathambami nanisuka lapha lokha uZimu nakanikhumbulako.” UJosefa wahlongakala aneminyaka elikhulu netjhumi. Isidumbu sakhe somiswa ngeenhlahla safakwa ngekasini eGibhide. U-Israyeli onguJakopo waya eGibhide. Amadodanakhe akhamba naye, enye nenye nomndenayo. Naka amabizwawo: uRubeni, uSimiyoni, uLevi noJuda; u-Isakari, uZebuloni noBhenjamini; uDani noNafitali; uGadi no-Atjheri. Ngesikhatheso uJosefa bekasele aseGibhide. Yeke iinzukulwana zakaJakopo gade zimatjhumi alikhomba ngesibalo. UJosefa nabo boke abafowabo kanye nazo zoke iinzukulwanezo bahlongakala, kodwana ama-Israyeli abeletha, ahluma abe anda ngesibalo kangangobana azala inarha yeGibhide. Ngokukhamba kwesikhathi eGibhide kwaba nekosi etja egade ingamazi uJosefa. Yathi ebantwini bayo: “Qalani, ama-Israyeli kwanjesi sele andile kunathi. Yeke asibeni nelisu ngawo, sikhandele bona angandi. Nakungasinjalo nakube kuyenzeka bona siqalane nepi azakuba libutho nezitha zethu bese alwa nathi, athumbe inarha.” Ngalokho bawabekela abatjhotjhozeli kobana bawagandelele emsebenzinawo okatelelako. Bekufuze akhe iPitomu neRamesese njengamadorobho wakaFaro wokubeka ipahla. Kodwana bathi nabarhagala ngokuwagandelela nawo arhagala ngokwanda, anaba. Ngalokho amaGibhide athoma ukukhathazeka khulu ngama-Israyeli. Nje-ke aqinisa isandla phezu kwawo, abe enza ipilo yama-Israyeli bona ibe munyu ngokuwasebenzisa umsebenzi obudisi weentina nedaka nangayo yoke imihlobo yemisebenzi yemasimini. Kiyo yoke imisebenzi ebudisi, amaGibhide asebenzisa ama-Israyeli ngesihluku. Ikosi yeGibhide yakhuluma kuTjhifira noPuwa okubabelethisi bamaHebheru yathi: “Lokha nanisiza abafazi bamaHebheru ukubeletha bese nanibona kumsana, mbulaleni, nakumntazana mliseni aphile.” Kodwana ababelethisi besaba uZimu, azange benze lokho ikosi yeGibhide ethe bakwenze. Balisa abesana baphila. Nje-ke ikosi yeGibhide yabiza ababelethisi yababuza yathi: “Nikwenzeleni lokhu? Kubayini nilise abesana baphile na?” Ababelethisi baphendula uFaro bathi: “Abafazi bamaHebheru abafani nebamaGibhide, bona banamandla, kuthi umbelethisi angakafiki ibe sebabelethile.” Ngalokho uZimu waba nomusa ebabelethisini, nabantu banda baba banengi khulu ukudlula. Ngebanga lokobana ababelethisi besaba uZimu, wabapha imbeleko. Yeke uFaro wakhupha umyalo othi: “Boke abesana ababelethwako baphoseleni emlanjeni iNayili, kodwana abentazana bona nibalise baphile.” Indoda yendlu kaLevi gade ithethe umfazi omLevi. Umfazi loyo waba sidisi bewabeletha indodana. Kwathi angabona bonyana umntwana muhle, wamfihla iinyanga ezintathu. Kodwana kuthe nangasakghoni ukumfihla, wathatha umantji wephaphirasi wawutjhatjha ngemihlobohlobo yesikontiri. Wafaka umntwana ngaphakathi komantji wawubeka hlangana nomgaba emanzini magegana nomlambo iNayili. Udadwabo lomntwana wajamela kujanyana afuna ukubona bonyana kuzokwenzakalani ngaye. Kwehla indodakazi kaFaro yaya emlanjeni iNayili kobana iyokuhlamba. Lokha nayisahlambako iinsebenzi zayo bezikhambakhamba magegana nomlambo. Kuthe kusesenjalo yabona umantji hlangana nomgaba, yathumela ikhobokakazi layo bonyana liwuthathe. Yawuvula, yabona isana lilila. Yeke yalirhawukela yathi: “Leli ngelinye lamasana wamaHebheru.” Udadwabo lesanelo wakhuluma nendodakazi kaFaro wathi: “Ngingayokufunela omunye wabafazi bamaHebheru kobana azokumunyisela isaneli na?” Yona yathi: “Iye, gijima!” Nje-ke umntazana wakhamba wayokubiza unina. Indodakazi kaFaro yathi kunina: “Thatha isaneli ungondlele lona, ngizakukhokhela.” Yeke umfazi wathatha isanelo walondla. Kuthe umntwana loyo nasele akhulile, wamthatha wamusa endodakazini kaFaro waba yindodanayo. Yamthiya bona nguMosi ngombana yathi: “Iye, ngamthatha emanzini.” Ngelinye ilanga, uMosi sele akhule ngokwaneleko, waphuma waya ebantwini bekhabo, wababona basebenza kabudisi. Khonapho wabona umGibhide abetha umHebheru ongomunye wabantu bekhabo. Waqala ngapha nangapha wangabona muntu, wabulala umGibhide loyo bewamfihla ehlabathini. Ngelanga elilandelako nakhona waphuma, wabona amaHebheru amabili asilwa. Wabuza onomlandu wathi: “Kubayini ubethe umHebheru wekhenu?” Indoda leyo yathi kuye: “Ubekwe ngubani bonyana ube mbusi nomgwebi phezu kwethu? Kghani ucabanga ukungibulala nami njengomGibhide ombuleleko loya?” UMosi waba nokwesaba wadlumbana wathi: “Kutjho bona sekuyaziwa ngendabami le.” Kwathi bona uFaro ezwe ngendaba le, walinga ukubulala uMosi, kodwana uMosi wabalekela eMidiyani wafika wahlala emthonjeni. Umphristi weMidiyani gade anamadodakazi alikhomba. Ehla azokukha amanzi bese azalisa neenkerebhe kobana aseze ifuyo kayisawo. Khonapho kwavela abelusi abanye bawaqotjha. Kodwana uMosi wasikima wawenyela bewaseza ifuywawo. Lokha amadodakazi nabuyela kuyise, uRewuyeli, wawabuza wathi: “Naba msinya kangaka namhlanje kwenze njani?” Aphendula athi: “Senyelwe mGibhide othize ebelusinaba. Godu usikhelele namanzi bewaseza nefuywethu.” Nje-ke wabuza amadodakazakhe wathi: “Alo, uphi umuntu loyo? Nimtjhiyeleni ebaleni? Khambani niyomkhombela azogoma intwanyana.” UMosi wazimisela ukuhlala noRewuyeli. Wamupha indodakazakhe uTsiphora bonyana abe mkakhe. UTsiphora wabeletha indodana, uMosi wayithiya bona nguGeritjhomu asithi: “Ngibe sikhonzi enarheni etjhili.” Ngemva kwesikhathi eside ikosi yeGibhide yahlongakala. Kodwana ama-Israyeli bekasoloko anghunanghuna ngobukhoboka bawo. Abalabala njalo ngobukhoboka bawo isililo sawo sabe safika kuZimu. UZimu wezwa ukububula kwawo, wakhumbula isivumelwano sakhe no-Abrahamu, u-Isaka noJakopo. UZimu wayelela ama-Israyeli bewabazi ubujamo bawo. UMosi gade eluse umhlambi kaJetero, umkhwe wakhe, umphristi weMidiyani. Waragela umhlambi ngaphetjheya kwerhalawumba bewafika eRhorebe intaba kaZimu. Khonapho kwavela ingilozi kaZimu ngamalangabi womlilo iphakathi kwesithukghwana. UMosi wabona bonyana nanyana isithukghwaneso sisitjha kodwana besingapheli. Yeke uMosi wadlumbana wathi: “Akhe ngiphambuke ngiyokuhlola isimangaliswesi. Kubayini isithukghwanesi sisitjha kodwana singapheli?” Lokha uSomnini nabona bonyana uphambukele ukuyohlola bona kwenzakalani, uZimu wambiza asesithukghwanenapho wathi: “Mosi! Mosi!” UMosi wathi: “Ngilapha!” USomnini wathi: “Ungatjhideli lapha, hlubula amapatlagwanakho ngombana lapha ujame khonapho yindawo ecwengileko. NginguZimu kayihlo, uZimu ka-Abrahamu, u-Isaka noJakopo.” UMosi wagubuzesa ubuso bakhe ngombana bekesaba ukuqala uZimu. Godu uSomnini wathi: “Ngambala ngibonile amatlhuwiso wabantu bami eGibhide. Ngisizwile isililo sabo ngebanga labatjhotjhozeli. Iye, ngiyalazi isizi labo. Ngalokho ngehlile kobana ngibenyele esandleni samaGibhide, ngibakhuphe enarheni leyo ngibase enarheni ehle nevulekileko. Iye, inarha egeleza ibisi neliju, ikhaya lamaKanana, amaRhithi, ama-Amori, amaPerizi, amaRhivi namaJebusi. Gadesi nje isililo sama-Israyeli sele sifike eendlebeni zami. Begodu ngibonile indlela amaGibhide awagandelele ngayo. Yeke yewize, ngikuthume kuFaro kobana uyokukhupha abantu bami ama-Israyeli eGibhide.” Kodwana uMosi wathi kuZimu: “Bengingubani bonyana ngingaya kuFaro ngiyokukhupha ama-Israyeli eGibhide?” UZimu wathi: “Mbala ngizakuba nawe. Nasi isibonakaliso esizakuba litshwayo kuwe kobana ngimi engikuthumileko: Nasele ukhuphe abantu eGibhide, nizakudumisa uZimu entabeni le.” UMosi wathi kuZimu: “Akhe sithi ngiya kuma-Israyeli bese ngithi, ‘UZimu waboyihlomkhulu ungithume kini’, angibuze-ke athi, ‘Ngubani ibizo lakhe uZimu loyo?’ alo, ngizakuthini kiwo?” UZimu wathi kuMosi: “Nginguye enginguye. Nakhu ozakutjela ama-Israyeli, ‘UNginguye ungithume kini.’ ” UZimu godu wathi kuMosi: “Yithi kuma-Israyeli, ‘USomnini uZimu waboyihlomkhulu, uZimu ka-Abrahamu, u-Isaka noJakopo ungithume kini.’ Lelo libizo lami lanini nanini, okulibizo engizakuduma ngalo iinzukulwana ngeenzukulwana. “Khamba ufese uhlanganise abaphathi bakwa-Israyeli ndawonye bese uthi kibo, ‘USomnini uZimu waboyihlomkhulu, uZimu ka-Abrahamu, u-Isaka noJakopo uzibonakalise kimi wathi: Nginitjhejile bengabona lokho amaGibhide akwenze phezu kwenu. Nje-ke sengithembise ukunikhupha esizini leGibhide nginise enarheni yamaKanana, amaRhithi, ama-Amori, amaPerizi, amaRhivi namaJebusi, inarha egeleza ibisi neliju.’ Abaphathi bakwa-Israyeli bazakulalela. Wena-ke nabaphathi nizakuya ekosini yeGibhide nithi kiyo, ‘USomnini uZimu wamaHebheru ubonene nathi. Yeke sivumela sikhambe ikhambo lamalanga amathathu erhalawumbeni kobana senzele uSomnini uZimethu imihlabelo.’ Kodwana mina ngiyazi bonyana ikosi yeGibhide angeze yanivumela bona nikhambe ngaphandle kokukatelelwa sisandla esinamandla. Ngalokho-ke ngizakwelula isandla sami ngimadlhe amaGibhide ngazo zoke iimangaliso engizazenza phakathi kwawo. Ngemva kwalapho izanitjhaphulula. “Godu ngizakwenza bonyana amaGibhide abe nesisa ebantwinaba ukuze nithi naniphumako ningakhambi nimkhonoze. Woke umfazi akakhombele umakhelwanakhe nanyana omunye nomunye umfazi ahlala ekumbenakhe kobana amuphe iintwanyana zesiliva negolide kanye nezambatho enizazembathisa amadodana namadodakazenu. Ngaleyondlela nizakuphanga amaGibhide.” UMosi waphendula wathi: “Bahlumba ukungikholwa namkha ukungilalela bese bathi, ‘Sukapha wena! AkunaSomnini okhe waziveza kuwe.’ ” USomnini wathi kuye: “Uphetheni kuwapho?” UMosi wathi: “Ngiphethe idondolo.” USomnini wathi: “Liphosele phasi.” UMosi waliphosela phasi laphenduka inyoka. Kuthe lokha uMosi nayibalekelako, uSomnini wathi kuye: “Lula isandla sakho uyibambe ngomsila!” Yeke uMosi welula isandla sakhe wayibamba, yabuya yaphenduka idondolo esandleni sakhe. USomnini wathi: “Naso-ke isibonakaliso ukuze bakholwe bonyana uSomnini uZimu waboyisemkhulu, uZimu ka-Abrahamu, u-Isaka noJakopo uziveze kuwe.” Godu uSomnini wathi: “Faka isandla sakho esifubeni.” UMosi wenza njalo, kwathi lokha nasikhuphako sabe sikghamathele ikhwekhwe simhlophe inga sithwathwa. USomnini wathi: “Sibuyisele esifubeni.” UMosi wasibuyisela, kwathi lokha nasikhuphako sabe sele silaphekile sifana nesinye. USomnini waraga wathi: “Nayibe abakukholwa namkha abathatheki ngesibonakaliso sokuthoma, bazakukholwa sesibili. Kodwana nayibe abazikholwa zombili iimbonakaliswezo namkha abakulaleli, yikha amanzi eNayili uwathele equlwanini. Amanzi owakhe emlanjeni azakuphenduka iingazi equlwanini.” UMosi wathi kuSomnini: “Maye Kosami! Mina angisisikhulumi, azange khengibe ngiso nesikhathini esidlulileko, ngitjho nanje njengombana uSomnini athome ukukhuluma nencekwakhe nje. Ngiyangunguza godu ngikhuluma sidondi.” USomnini wathi kuye: “Ngubani owenze umuntu bona akhulume? Ngubani omenza bona abe simumu namkha angezwa? Ngubani omenza abone namkha abe siphofu? Akusimi mina Somnini na? Nje-ke ngena indlela, ngizakusiza ukukhuluma bengikufundise nalokho ozokukhuluma.” Kodwana uMosi wathi: “Awu, Kosami! Ngiyakubawa, bengithi uSomnini akhe athume omunye.” USomnini wathukuthelela uMosi wathi: “Angitjho unomfowenu u-Aroni umLevi? Ngiyazi bonyana yena ukghona ukukhuluma kuhle. Sele asendleleni uzokuhlangabeza, ihliziywakhe izokuthaba nakubonako. Uzakhuluma naye umfunze ngamagama; ngizanisiza nobabili ukukhuluma benginifundise nenifanele nikwenze. Nguye ozakukhuluma nabantu esikhundleni sakho. Yena uzakuba mlomakho, wena ube njengoZimu kuye. Thatha idondolwelo ukuze wenze ngalo iimbonakaliso.” UMosi wabuyela kumkhwe wakhe uJetero wathi kuye: “Bengithi ngitjhaphulula ngiye ebantwini bekhethu eGibhide ngiyobabona bonyana basaphile kuhle na.” UJetero wathi: “Goduka, inga izinto zingakukhambela kuhle.” USomnini watjela uMosi asese seMidiyani wathi: “Buyela eGibhide ngombana boke abantu ebegade bafuna ukukubulala sebafile kwanjesi.” Yeke uMosi wathatha umkakhe namadodanakhe, wabakhweza kudumbana wanqomba eGibhide. Waphatha nedondolo lakaZimu. USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Lokha nawubuyela eGibhide, qinisekisa bonyana wenza phambi kwakaFaro yoke imikarisomraro engikunikele amandla bonyana uyenze. Kodwana ngizakukhunyalalisa ihliziywakhe ukuze angavumi bonyana abantu batjhaphuluke bakhambe. Bese uthi kuFaro, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: U-Israyeli yindodanami elizibulo; ngikutjele ngathi utjhaphulule indodanami leyo kobana ikwazi ukungilotjha. Kodwana nawunghanghabalako, yazi bonyana ngizokubulala indodanakho elizibulo.’ ” Kwathi endleleni, endaweni yokulala, uSomnini weza kuye wafuna ukumbulala. Kodwana uTsiphora wathatha ilitje elibukhali watsepunya ijwabu lendodanakhe, wathinta uMosi ngejwabelo ebudodeni bakhe wathi: “Ngambala kimi ungovikeleke ngeengazi!” Watjho lokho akhomba ukusoka. Yeke uSomnini wamlisa. USomnini wathi ku-Aroni: “Khamba uye erhalawumbeni uyokuhlangabeza uMosi.” Yeke wahlangana noMosi entabeni kaZimu wamncwanga emhlathini. UMosi watjela u-Aroni koke uSomnini amthume bona akutjho, nangazo zoke iimbonakaliso amlayele bonyana azenze. UMosi no-Aroni bakhamba, babizela ndawonye boke abaphathi bakwa-Israyeli. U-Aroni wafese wabatjela koke uSomnini akukhulume kuMosi. Godu wenza neembonakaliso phambi kwabantu, yeke bakholwa. Kuthe lokha nabezwa bonyana uSomnini utshwenyekile ngabo nokobana ubonile isizi labo, badumisa ngokuguqa bahlome iinhloko phasi. Ngemva kwalokho uMosi no-Aroni baya kuFaro bathi: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, ‘Tjhaphulula abantu bami bakhambe ukuze bangenzele umnyanya erhalawumbeni.’ ” UFaro wathi: “Bekangubani uSomnini wakhona loyo bonyana ngingabeze ngimlalele ngitjhaphulule ama-Israyeli? Angimazi uSomnini loyo, ngalokho ngithi nakuma-Israyeli akayi ndawo!” Yeke bathi: “UZimu wamaHebheru ubonene nathi. Nje-ke sibawa usivumele sikhambe ikhambo lamalanga amathathu erhalawumbeni siyokuhlabela uSomnini uZimethu. Nakungasinjalo uzasirhadla ngamatshwenyeko namkha ngepi.” Kodwana ikosi yeGibhide yathi kibo: “Wena Mosi nawe Aroni, kubayini nifune ukususa abantu emsebenzinabo? Buyelani emsebenzinenu!” UFaro waraga wathi: “Qalani bona abantu benu banengi kangangani enarhenapha, kodwana khonapho nina nifuna ukujamisa abasebenzako.” Khona mhlokho uFaro wayala abatjhotjhozeli babantu neenduna zabo wathi: “Ningasanikela abantu amawunguwungu wekoroyi ukwenza iintina. Abakhambe bayozifunela wona. Kodwana nibatjele benze inani leentina elilingana nelaphambilini, ningehlisi inani abafanele balenze ngelanga. Bayadonda abantwaba, ngikho bangenana ngendlebeni nje hlebasithi, ‘Sitjhaphulula siyokuhlabela uZimethu.’ Yenzani umsebenzi ube nzima phezu kwendoda kunekuthomeni ukuze basebenze, bangalokhu balalele amala.” Yeke abatjhotjhozeli neenduna zaphuma zaya ebantwini zathi kibo: “UFaro uthi angeze abe asaninikela amawunguwungu wekoroyi. Nizakufanela bonyana niyozifunela nanyana kukuphi lapha niwafumana khona. Kodwana umsebenzenu angeze wancitjhiswa nakancani.” Nje-ke abantu basabalala nenarha yeGibhide yoke bona babuthelele amahlengelo wotjani esikhundleni samawunguwungu wekoroyi. Abatjhotjhozeli babahlala entanyeni balokhu basithi: “Qedani umsebenzenu wangamalanga ulingane nalokha nanisanikelwa amawunguwungu wekoroyi.” Iinduna zakwa-Israyeli ezakhethwa batjhotjhozeli bakaFaro zadulwa bekwathiwa kizo: “Kubayini ningakafikeleli esibalweni esibekiweko seentina namhlanjesi njengombana benenza phambilini?” Iinduna zakwa-Israyeli zakhamba zayokumangala kuFaro zathi: “Kubayini uFaro aphathe iinceku zakhe ngalendlela? Iinceku zakhe azisaphiwa amawunguwungu wekoroyi kodwana khonapho kuthiwa asenze iintina; qala bona zidulwa kangangani. Into esiyenziwe babantu bakaFaro le ayisiyihle.” UFaro wathi: “Arha sukanapha mavila ndina! Niphethwe buvila! Ngikho nilokhu ningifundekela nithi, ‘Sivumela siyokuhlabela uSomnini.’ Ayiye, buyelani emsebenzinenu! Anisazokunikelwa amawunguwungu wekoroyi kodwana kumele nenze inani elifunekako leentina.” Amezwi kaFaro wokuthi, “Ninganciphisi isibalo seentina okumele nizenze ngelanga” enza iinduna zakwa-Israyeli zabona bonyana zisemrarweni. Kuthe lokha nazisuka kuFaro, zazithela kuMosi no-Aroni bazilindele, zathi: “USomnini ukubonile enikwenzileko. Uzonigweba! Nisenze saba nyamanambana kuFaro neenkhulu zakhe nabeka isabula esandleni sabo bona basibulale!” UMosi wabuyela kuSomnini wathi: “Maye! Kubayini uSomandla ehlisele amatshwenyeko phezu kwabantwaba? USomandla ungithumeleleni lapha? Soloko ngaya kuFaro bona ngikhulume ebizweni lakaSomnini, ngambala uFaro uwurubaja abantwaba. USomnini akazange alamulele abantu bakhe.” USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Uzakubukela kwanjesi bonyana ngizomenzani uFaro: Ngebanga lesandla sami esinamandla uzatjhaphulula ama-Israyeli; iye, ngesandla sami esinamandla awaqotjhe enarhenakhe le.” UZimu godu wakhuluma noMosi wathi: “NginguSomnini. Ngaziveza ku-Abrahamu, u-Isaka nakuJakopo njengoZimu oSabekako, kodwana angizange ngibazise ibizo lami elithi Somnini. Godu ngenza isivumelwano sami nabo kobana ngibaphe inarha yeKanana lapha bakhonza khona njengamaphandle. Ngambala ngikuzwile ukububula kwama-Israyeli akhobongwe maGibhide, yeke ngisikhumbulile isivumelwano sami. “Ngalokho tjela ama-Israyeli uthi, ‘NginguSomnini begodu ngizonikhupha emsebenzini okatelelako wamaGibhide. Nginitjhaphulule ekubeni makhobokawo, nginihlenge ngomkhono olulekileko nangokugweba amaGibhide ngesigwebo esikhulu. Ngizanenza isizwe sami, mina ngibe nguZimenu. Ngalokho nizakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini uZimenu owanikhupha emsebenzini okatelelako wamaGibhide. Ngizanisa enarheni engayifungela ngokuphakamisa isandla sami kobana ngiyiphe u-Abrahamu, u-Isaka noJakopo. Ngizanipha yona kube lilifa lenu lasafuthi. NginguSomnini.’ ” UMosi wabikela ama-Israyeli indaba le, kodwana azange amlalele ngombana gade anyamile ngebanga lokugandelelwa kwawo. USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi: “Khambani niyokutjela uFaro ikosi yeGibhide bonyana atjhaphulule ama-Israyeli aphume enarheni le.” Kodwana uMosi wathi kuSomnini: “Kosami, ama-Israyeli akangilaleli, alo uFaro yena uzangilalela njani-ke? Mina angisiso isikhulumi.” Nje-ke uSomnini wakhuluma noMosi no-Aroni babobabili, wabayala ngama-Israyeli noFaro ikosi yeGibhide bonyana kufuze bona ama-Israyeli aphume eGibhide. UMosi no-Aroni gade bangebemindeni elandelako: URubeni bekalizibulo laka-Israyeli. Amadodana kaRubeni kungu-Inogo noPalu, uRhetsironi noKarimi. Bona bebaziinhloko zemindeni kaRubeni. USimiyoni bekalama uRubeni. Amadodana kaSimiyoni kunguJemuweli, uJamini, u-Ohadi, uJakini, uTsorhari noSawula indodana yomfazi weKanana. Bona bebaziinhloko zemindeni kaSimiyoni. ULevi bekalama uSimiyoni. Lawa bekumabizo wamadodana kaLevi ukuya ngokutloliswa kwawo: uGeritjhoni, uKhehathi noMerari. ULevi waphila iminyaka elikhulu namatjhumi amathathu namikhomba. Iinzukulwana zakaGeritjhoni bekunguLibhina noTjhimeyi nemindenabo. Amadodana kaKhehathi bekungu-Amramu, uJitsihari, uRhebroni no-Uziyeli. UKhehathi waphila iminyaka elikhulu namatjhumi amathathu namithathu. Amadodana kaMerari bekunguMarhili noMutjhi. Bona bebamindeni edabuka kuLevi. U-Amramu wathatha ukghariyakhe uJokobedi bona abe mkakhe. Yena wambelethela u-Aroni noMosi. U-Amramu waphila iminyaka elikhulu namatjhumi amathathu namikhomba. Amadodana kaJitsihari bekunguKhorarhi, uNefegi noZikiri. Amadodana ka-Uziyeli bekunguMitjhayeli, u-Elitsafana noSitiri. U-Aroni wathatha u-Elitjheba indodakazi ka-Aminadaba nongudadwabo kaNarhitjhoni. Wambelethela uNadabi no-Abihu, u-Elazara no-Itamara. Amadodana kaKhorarhi bekungu-Asiri, u-Elikhana no-Abiyasafi. Bona bebaziinzukulwana zakaKhorarhi. U-Elazara indodana ka-Aroni wathatha enye yamadodakazi kaPuthiyeli. Indodakazi leyo yambelethela uFiniyasi. Bona bebaziinhloko zemindeni yamaLevi neenzukulwana zabo. U-Aroni noMosi okukhulunywe ngabo lapha, ngibo uSomnini athi kibo: “Khuphani ama-Israyeli eGibhide ngombana agandelelwe ngomsebenzi.” Ngibo abo-Aroni noMosi abakhuluma noFaro ikosi yeGibhide bona akhuphe ama-Israyeli eGibhide. Lokha uSomnini nakhuluma noMosi eGibhide, wathi kuye: “NginguSomnini. Tjela uFaro ikosi yeGibhide koke engikutjele khona.” Kodwana uMosi wathi kuSomnini: “Kosami, mina angisiso isikhulumi. Alo, uFaro yena uzangilalela njani?” Yeke uSomnini wathi kuMosi: “Qala, ngikwenze waba njengoZimu kuFaro, umfowenu u-Aroni uzakuba mphorofidakho. Wena uzakufanela bonyana ukhulume yoke into engikuyale ngayo, umfowenu u-Aroni yena atjele uFaro bona atjhaphulule ama-Israyeli aphume enarhenakhe. Mina ngizaqinisa ihliziyo kaFaro, nanyana ngingabuyelela iimbonakaliso nemikarisomraro yami eGibhide, angeze anilalela. Kodwana ngizakubeka isandla sami phezu kweGibhide bese kuthi ngesigwebo sami esikhulu ngikhuphe abantu bami ama-Israyeli barhwante ngeengaba zabo. Ngalokho amaGibhide azakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini lokha nangelula isandla sami ngokujamelana neGibhide ngikhuphe ama-Israyeli kiyo.” UMosi no-Aroni benza poro njengombana uSomnini abayalile. UMosi gade aneminyaka ematjhumi abunane, u-Aroni anamatjhumi abunane namithathu lokha nabakhuluma noFaro. USomnini gade athe kuMosi no-Aroni: “Lokha uFaro nathi kuwe, ‘Zibonakaliseni ngokwenza umkarisomraro’, wena uthi ku-Aroni, ‘Thatha idondolo lakho uliphosele phasi ngaphambi kwakaFaro’, yeke lizakuba yinyoka.” Kwathi lokha uMosi no-Aroni nabaya kuFaro bona benze njengombana uSomnini abayalile, u-Aroni waphosela idondolo lakhe phasi ngaphambi kwakaFaro neenkhulu zakhe. Idondolwelo laphenduka inyoka. UFaro wabiza abosiyazi nabaloyi. Abosomlingo beGibhidabo benza soneso ngemilingwabo. Omunye nomunye wabo waphosela idondolo lakhe phasi, amadondolo lawo aphenduka iinyoka. Kodwana idondolo laka-Aroni laginya wamaGibhide. Khonapho ihliziyo kaFaro yaqina, azange alalele uMosi no-Aroni. Kwaba njengokutjho kwakaSomnini. USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Ihliziyo kaFaro ikhunyalele, walela abantu bonyana bakhambe. Khamba uye kuFaro ekuseni ngesikhathi sokuphuma kwakhe ukuya emlanjeni. Mlinde edongeni lomlambo iNayili umhlangabeze lapho. Uphathe idondolo elaphenduka inyoka, uthi kuye, ‘USomnini uZimu wamaHebheru wangithuma bona ngikutjele utjhaphulule abantu bakhe bakhambe ukuze bamlotjhe erhalawumbeni. Kodwana azange ulalele bekube gadesi. Godu uSomnini ungitjele bona uzakwazi bonyana unguSomnini ngalokhu okuzakwenzeka nje: Ngedondolo elisesandleni sami ngizobetha amanzi weNayili bese aphenduka iingazi. Iinhlambi eziseNayili zizakufa bese umlambo uba nesivunda, amaGibhide azakubhalelwa kusela amanzi weNayili.’ ” USomnini wabuya wathi kuMosi: “Tjela u-Aroni athathe idondolo lakhe elulele isandla sakhe ngehla kwamanzi weGibhide, phezu kwemilambo yakhona, okutjho imilanjana yeNayili, iintete nazo zoke izinto eziphatha amanzi. Woke amanzi azakuba ziingazi. Kuzakuba neengazi yoke indawo eGibhide, ngitjho nangakizo zoke izitja zesigodo nezamatje.” UMosi no-Aroni benza poro njengombana uSomnini abayalile. Waphakamisa idondolo lakhe phambi kwakaFaro neenkhulu zakhe wabetha amanzi weNayili, nje-ke woke amanzi ajika aba ziingazi. Iinhlambi ngeNayili zafa, umlambo waba nesivunda kangangobana amaGibhide azange akwazi ukusela amanzi wakhona. Kwazala iingazi iGibhide yoke. Kodwana abosomlingo beGibhide nabo benza soneso ngemilingwabo. Ngalokho ihliziyo kaFaro yakhunyalala, azange alalele uMosi no-Aroni. Kwaba njengombana uSomnini bekatjhwile. UFaro wafulathela waziyela esigodlweni sakhe, wakubetha mthalazeni okwenzakeleko. AmaGibhide woke emba eqadi kweNayili bona azifunyanele amanzi wokusela ngombana bekungakghoneki ukusela amanzi wemilambo. Amatshwenyeko wokuthoma athatha amalanga alikhomba kusukela mhlana uSomnini amadlha iNayili. Yeke uSomnini wathi kuMosi: “Khamba uye kuFaro uthi kuye, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: Tjhaphulula abantu bami ukuze bangilotjhe. Nawala ukubatjhaphulula, ngizakwehlisela inarhakho yoke ngeenrhwarhwa. INayili izakuzala swi ngeenrhwarhwa. Zizakukhuphuka zipharumele ngesigodlweni sakho, zingene ngelawini lakho zimumele umbhedakho, zingene ngeenkumbeni zeenkhulu zakho nebantwini bakho, zizale nangema-ondweni nangezitjeni zakho zokudubela. Iinrhwarhwa zizakunamathela wena nabantu bakho kanye neenkhulu zakho zoke.’ ” Yeke uSomnini wathi kuMosi: “Tjela u-Aroni elulele isandla sakhe ngedondolo lakhe ngehla kwemilambo yeGibhide okutjho imilanjana yeNayili nemisele bese kuvele iinrhwarhwa zembathe inarha yeGibhide.” Nje-ke u-Aroni welulela isandla sakhe ngehla kwamanzi weGibhide. Kwavela iinrhwarhwa zembatha inarha. Abosomlingo benza soneso ngemilingwabo. Nabo benza bonyana kube neenrhwarhwa enarheni yeGibhide. Yeke uFaro wabiza uMosi no-Aroni wathi kibo: “Ncengani uSomnini bonyana asuse iinrhwarhwakazezi kimapha nebantwini bami, ngizakutjhaphulula ama-Israyeli bonyana ayokuhlabela uSomnini.” UMosi wathi kuFaro: “Kukuwe ukubeka isikhathi kobana ngikuncengele neenkhulu zakho kanye nabantu bakho bonyana iinrhwarhwa zinigadunge ngaphandle kwalezo eziphila eNayili.” UFaro wathi: “Kusasa okusakokhu!” UMosi wathi: “Kuzakuba njengokutjho kwakho ukuze wazi bonyana akakho ofana noSomnini uZimethu. Iinrhwarhwa zizakusuka kuwe, esigodlweni sakho, eenkhulwini nebantwini bakho. Zizakuba seNayili kwaphela.” Ngemva kobana uMosi no-Aroni basukile kuFaro, uMosi wathandaza kuSomnini malungana neenrhwarhwa azehlisele kuFaro. USomnini wenza njengokwesibawo sakaMosi. Iinrhwarhwa ebegade zingeenkumbeni, ngeenrhodlweni nemasimini zafa. Zabuthelelwa zaba maqubi. Inarha yoke yazala isivunda. Kodwana uFaro nabona bonyana sele kubetha ummoya, wakhunyalalisa ihliziywakhe, azange alalele uMosi no-Aroni. Kwaba njengokutjho kwakaSomnini. USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Tjela u-Aroni bonyana aphakamise idondolo lakhe bese ubetha ithuli lehlabathi. Enarheni yoke yeGibhide ithuli lizakuphenduka imiyani.” Bakwenza-ke lokho. Kwathi lokha u-Aroni nakelula isandla sakhe esiphethe idondolo wabetha ithuli lehlabathi, kwavela imiyani yadumela abantu neenlwana. Loke ithuli enarheni yoke yeGibhide laphenduka imiyani. Abosomlingo balinga ukuveza imiyani ngemilingwabo, kodwana babhalelwa. Ngokubona bonyana imiyani inamathele abantu neenlwana, abosomlingo bathi kuFaro: “Lesi sisandla sakaZimu!” Kodwana ihliziyo kaFaro gade iqinile begodu azange alalele. Kwaba njengokutjho kwakaSomnini. Yeke uSomnini wathi kuMosi: “Vuka ekuseni ulindele uFaro lokha naya emlanjeni bese uthi kuye, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: Tjhaphulula abantu bami ukuze bangilotjhe. Nakungasinjalo, ngizokuthumela iwoma leembawu phezu kwakho neenkhulu zakho, phezu kwabantu bakho ngitjho nangesigodlweni sakho. Iinkumba zamaGibhide zizokuzala ngeembawu ngitjho nemasiminawo. “ ‘Kodwana mhlokho ngizokusebenza ngokwahlukileko enarheni yeGotjheni lapha kuhlala khona abantu bami. Angeze kwaba khona iimbawu lapho ukuze nazi bonyana mina Somnini ngisenarheni le. Ngizakwenza umahluko phakathi kwabantu bami nebakho. Isibonakaliswesi sizokwenzeka kusasa.’ ” Ngambala uSomnini wakwenza lokho. Kwavela iwoma elimabhombo leembawu lamumela isigodlo sakaFaro langena ngeenkumbeni zeenkhulu zakhe. Iimbawezo zabanga umonakalo esifundeni samaGibhide. UFaro wabiza uMosi no-Aroni wathi kibo: “Khambani niyokuhlabela uZimenu khona enarhenapha.” Kodwana uMosi wathi: “Angeze kwalunga lokho. Imihlabelo esiyinikela uSomnini uZimethu izakuba sikghabhudlho emaGibhideni. Nje-ke nasenza imihlabelo ewakghabhudlhako azasikhanda ngamatje! Kumele sikhambe ikhambo lamalanga amathathu erhalawumbeni kobana sihlabele uSomnini uZimethu njengombana asiyala.” UFaro wathi: “Awa yeke, mina ngiyanitjhaphulula bonyana nihlabele uSomnini uZimenu erhalawumbeni, kodwana ningayi kude. Yeningithandazeleni-ke.” UMosi wathi: “Ngizakuthi bona ngisuke lapha, ngithandaze kuSomnini, kuzakuthi kusasa iimbawu zisuke kuFaro neenkhulwini zakhe kanye nebantwini. Kodwana uFaro aqinisekise bonyana akenzi ubuqili godu ngokwalela abantu bonyana bayokuhlabela uSomnini.” UMosi wasuka kuFaro, wafese wathandaza kuSomnini. USomnini wenza njengokwesibawo sakaMosi: Iimbawu zasuka kuFaro neenkhulwini nebantwini bakhe. Azange kusale ngitjho nasinye. Kodwana nagadesi uFaro wakhunyalalisa ihliziyo, azange atjhaphulule ama-Israyeli. USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Khamba uye kuFaro uthi kuye, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uZimu wamaHebheru: Tjhaphulula abantu bami ukuze bangilotjhe. Nawala bonyana bakhambe uragele phambili ngokubabambezela, isandla sakaSomnini sizokwehlisela ubhubhani phezu kwefuywakho esemrhuleni: iinjomani, abodumbana, amakamela, iinkomo, izimvu neembuzi. Kodwana uSomnini uzakwenza umahluko phakathi kwefuyo yama-Israyeli neyamaGibhide ngendlela yokobana akunasilwana sama-Israyeli esizakufa. USomnini ubeke isikhathi wathi: Kusasa uSomnini uzakwenza isigesi enarheni.’ ” Ngelanga elilandelako uSomnini wenza isigeso: Yoke ifuyo yamaGibhide yafa, kodwana kuma-Israyeli azange kufe ngitjho nayinye ifuyo. UFaro wabikelwa bonyana mbala akunafuyo nayinye yama-Israyeli efileko. Kodwana khonapho ihliziywakhe yayilokhu ikhunyalele. Azange atjhaphulule abantu bona bakhambe. USomnini wathi kuMosi no-Aroni: “Rhurhulani umule nge-ondweni ekulu nizalise izandla bese uMosi awurhatjhe emmoyeni phambi kwakaFaro. Uzakuphenduka ithuli phezu kweGibhide yoke bese kuqubuka amathumba abhibhidlhako ebantwini neenlwaneni enarheni yoke.” Yeke barhurhula umule, bajama ngaphambi kwakaFaro. UMosi wawurhatjha emmoyeni, kwaqubuka amathumba abhibhidlhako ebantwini neenlwaneni. Abosomlingo babhalelwa kujama phambi kwakaMosi ngebanga lamathumba ebegade aqubuke kibo nemaGibhideni woke. Kodwana uSomnini waqinisa ihliziyo kaFaro wangalalela uMosi no-Aroni. Kwaba njengombana uSomnini atjho kuMosi. USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Vuka ekuseni, ujamelane noFaro uthi kuye, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uZimu wamaHebheru: Tjhaphulula abantu bami, bakhambe ukuze bangilotjhe! Gadesi khona ngizokumadlha neenkhulu zakho kanye nabantu bakho ngamatshwenyekwami anzima. Ngalokho uzakwazi kuhle bonyana akakho ofana nami ephasinapha. Iye, ngesikhathesi bekusemandlenami kobana ngiphakamise isandla sami ngikumadlhe wena nabantu bakho ngamatshwenyeko uphele nya ephasini. Kodwana ngikubabalele ngomnqopho wokukukhombisa amandlami nokobana ibizo lami libatjazwe iphasi loke. Nawusoloko uphatha abantu bami makghwakghwa ngokubalela bona bakhambe, ngiyakutjela hi, ngesikhathesi kusasa ngizokwehlisa isinanja esikhulu nesingazange khesibe khona eGibhidapha soloko yaba khona bekube gadesi. Nje-ke thumela bonyana kubuthwe yoke ifuywakho nakho koke kwakho okusemrhuleni kulethwe esidalasini ngombana isinanja sizakwehlela phezu kwawo woke umuntu nakizo zoke iinlwana ezingakakhoseliswa ezisasabalele emrhuleni, zizakufa ngiyakutjela.’ ” Iinkhulu zakaFaro ezesaba ilizwi lakaSomnini zarhaba zaletha amakhobokazo nefuywazo ngesidalasini. Kodwana lezo ezabeba ilizwi lakaSomnini zalisa amakhobokazo nefuywazo emrhuleni. USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Lulela isandla sakho emkayini ukuze isinanja sehlele phezu kweGibhide: phezu kwabantu neenlwana naphezu kwaso soke isivuno emasimini wamaGibhide.” Lokha uMosi naphakamisela idondolo lakhe emkayini, uSomnini wathumela umdumo nesinanja. Umbani wamekezela ehlabathini, isinanja sarhulukela enarheni yeGibhide. Kwaphambana imibani njalo phakathi kwesiwuruwuru sesinanja. Kwaba yinto engazange kheyibe khona emlandweni woke weGibhide. Kiyo yoke iGibhide isinanja sarhayila koke okusemrhuleni, abantu neenlwana. Sarhayila soke isivuno emasimini, sarwadlha nayo yoke imithi esemmangweni. Kodwana lapha bekuhlala khona ama-Israyeli, eGotjheni, azange kube nesinanja. UFaro wathumela ilizwi bona kubizwe uMosi no-Aroni, wathi kibo: “Awa kwanje khona ngonile. USomnini uqinisile, mina nabantu bami sinephoso. Akhese nithandaze nisirabhelele kuSomnini. Sekwanele kwanjesi ngomdumo osabekako nangesinanja esingaka. Ngizanitjhaphulula-ke, ningasahlala.” UMosi wathi: “Ngizakuthi ngingaphuma ngedorobhenapha, ngilule izandla zami ngithandaze kuSomnini. Umdumo uzakuthula begodu kungasaba nesinanja ukuze wazi bonyana iphasi ngelakaSomnini. Kodwana ngiyazi bonyana wena neenkhulu zakho anikabukwesaba uSomnini uZimu.” (Isitjalo selineni nebhali kwarhayileka ngombana ibhali besele iphalazile nesitjalo selineni sithuthumbile. Ikoroyi nesakoroyi nokho azange zirhayileke ngombana zona zivuthwa muva.) UMosi wasuka kuFaro waphumela ngaphandle kwedorobho. Welulela izandla zakhe kuSomnini, umdumo nesinanja zathula nezulu azange lisawulukela enarheni. Kuthe lokha uFaro nabona bonyana izulu lisile, isinanja nomdumo zithulile, wona godu: Yena neenkhulu zakhe bakhunyalalisa iinhliziyo zabo. Ngaleyondlela ihliziyo kaFaro yaqina, azange atjhaphulule ama-Israyeli. Kwaba njengombana uSomnini atjho ngoMosi. USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Khamba uye kuFaro ngombana ngimi engikhunyalalise ihliziywakhe neenhliziyo zeenkhulu zakhe ukuze ngenze iimbonakaliso zami phakathi kwabo. Wena-ke uzakwazisa abantwabakho neenzukulwana zakho ngeembonakaliso zami engazenza phakathi kwamaGibhide nokobana ngadlala kangangani ngawo. Ngalokho nizakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini.” Yeke uMosi no-Aroni baya kuFaro bathi kuye: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uZimu wamaHebheru, ‘Kuzabe kube nini usoloko wala ukuzithoba phambi kwami? Tjhaphulula abantu bami bakhambe ukuze bangilotjhe. Nawulokhu ubalela bonyana bakhambe, ngizakwehlisela intethe esifundeni sakho kusasa. Izakwembatha ihlabathi yoke ingasabonakala. Izakuqothula nokuncani okukusaleleko nakuna isinanja, irhiribidele ngitjho nayo yoke imithi emila emasiminakho. Izakuzala ngesigodlweni sakho, ngeenkumbeni zeenkhulu zakho zoke nakiwo woke amaGibhide. Kuzakuba yinto engazange kheyenzeke kiboyihlo nakiboyihlomkhulu ukusuka mhlana bathoma ukuhlala lapha bekube kunamhlanjesi.’ ” Yeke uMosi wafulathela uFaro wakhamba. Iinkhulu zakaFaro zathi kuye: “Kuzabe bekube nini umrhali lo alokhu ayipehli kithapha? Tjhaphulula amadoda wakhona lawo akhambe ukuze alotjhe uSomnini uZimawo. Kghani awuboni bonyana iGibhide iyaphela na?” Yeke uMosi no-Aroni babuyiselwa kuFaro wathi kibo: “Khambani niyokulotjha uZimenu! Kuhlekuhle bobani okhamba nabo?” UMosi wathi: “Sizokukhamba nabo boke abadala nabancani, amadodana namadodakazethu, izimvu neembuzi kanye neenkomo zethu ngombana siyokugidinga imbedla yomnyanya kuSomnini.” UFaro wathi kibo: “Nidlumbana bonyana uSomnini unani kangako kobana ngingabeze nginitjhaphulule nikhambe nababuthakathaka benu na? Ngambala ninamaqhinga nina! Angeze kwaba njalo! Khambani namadoda kwaphela niyokulotjha uSomnini ngombana vele beniseze nibawa lokho.” Baqotjhwa njalo-ke uMosi no-Aroni phambi kwakaFaro. USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Phakamisela isandla sakho phezu kweGibhide; kuzakufika iwoma lentethe likhithikele phezu kweGibhide bese lirhiribidela koke okuhlaza enarheni, koke okutjhiywe sinanja.” Yeke uMosi waphakamisa idondolo lakhe phezu kweGibhide, uSomnini wenza bonyana kuvunguze ummoya wepumalanga, wadabula inarha mhlokho nobusuku boke. Kwathi nakusako kwabe ummoya sele ulethe intethe. Yakhithikela phezu kweGibhide yoke beyahlala ngobunengi bayo esifundeneso. Azange khekube nesinyokotho esingakaya samatshwenyeko wentethe phambilini begodu angeze sisaba khona. Yembatha yoke ihlabathi yaba nzima. Yarhiribidela koke okuhlaza enarheni, kanye neenthelo zoke zemithi yenarha, koke okutjhiywe sinanja. Akunahlaza elasalako kiyo yoke inarha yeGibhide, emithini namkha eentjalweni. UFaro warhaba wabiza uMosi no-Aroni wathi kibo: “Ngonile phambi kwakaSomnini uZimenu naphambi kwenu. Ngibawa ningilibalele godu bese niyathandaza kuSomnini uZimenu bonyana asuse ukufokhu kimapha!” UMosi wafulathela uFaro wakhamba wayokuthandaza kuSomnini. USomnini watjhugulula ummoya waba mumoya onamandla wetjingalanga. Wathatha intethe wayiphephulela ngelwandle lomGaba. Azange kusale ngitjho nayinye intethe eGibhide. Kodwana uSomnini wakhunyalalisa ihliziyo kaFaro. Azange atjhaphulule ama-Israyeli bonyana akhambe. USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Phakamisela isandla sakho emkayini ukuze kube nobumnyama phezu kweGibhide. Kube bumnyama obunga buyathinteka.” Yeke uMosi waphakamisela isandla sakhe emkayini, kwavela ubumnyama obunzima tshu obembatha iGibhide yoke amalanga amathathu. Abantu bebangabonani begodu bangakghoni ukususa inyawo amalanga amathathu woke. Kodwana lapha bekuhlala khona ama-Israyeli umkhanyo gade ukhona. UFaro wabiza uMosi wathi kuye: “Kwanje khona khambani noke niyokulotjha uSomnini. Ababuthakathaka benu nabo abakhambe nani kodwana nitjhiye izimvu neembuzi kanye neenkomo zenu.” UMosi waphendula wathi: “Nanyana wena bewungasipha imihlabelo yetjhebiswano neyokutjhiswa bona sihlabele uSomnini uZimethu, ifuywethu yona kumele ikhambe nathi. Akuzukusala ngitjho neqatjhana lesilwana lapha. Kumele sisebenzise ezinye zazo ekulotjheni uSomnini uZimethu. Angeze sazi nasisese lapha nje bonyana ngiziphi esizazisebenzisa ekulotjheni uSomnini, kuzakubonakala sesifikile.” Kodwana uSomnini wakhunyalalisa ihliziyo kaFaro. Azange azimisele ukubatjhaphulula. UFaro wathi kuMosi: “Suka phambi kwamapha! Utjheje bona ungasabonakala phambi kwamapha godu! Ngiqinisile ngithi mhlana ubeka umqonjwanakho lapha, ufile wena!” UMosi wathi: “Vele, angeze bewusangibona!” USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Ngizakuletha okhunye godu ukutshwenyeka phezu kwakaFaro neGibhide. Ngemva kwalapho uzanitjhaphulula, aniqotjhe noke ngendlwana lapha. Tjela abantu bonyana woke amadoda nabafazi ngokufanako bakhombele amagugu wesiliva newegolide ebakhozini babo beGibhide.” USomnini wenza bonyana amaGibhide abe nomusa kuma-Israyeli begodu neenkhulu zakaFaro kanye nabantu beGibhide bamhlonipha khulu uMosi. UMosi waya kuFaro wafese wathi: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Kuzakuthi phakathi kobusuku ngikhambele iGibhide. Woke umsana olizibulo eGibhide uzakufa, ukusuka kowakaFaro esihlalweni sobukhosi ukuya kowekhobokakazi elitjeni lokusila, nawo woke amazibulo wefuyo. Kuzakuba nesililo esikhulu eGibhide yoke. Sizakuba ngesingazange khesibe khona nesingasoze saba khona godu. Kodwana phakathi kwama-Israyeli nefuywawo kuzokuthi nghwayi, neemvungana zingakhonkothi.’ Ngalokho nizakwazi bonyana uSomnini wenza umahluko phakathi kwamaGibhide nama-Israyeli. Zoke iinkhulu zakhwezo zizakuza kimi zihlome iinhloko phasi zithi, ‘Khambani, wena nabo boke abantu abakulandelako!’ Ngemva kwalapho ngizakukhamba.” UMosi waphuma agcwele ipotjwana, wasukela uFaro. USomnini wathi kuMosi: “UFaro uzokwala ukukulalela ukuze imikariswami yande eGibhidapha.” UMosi no-Aroni benza yoke imikariso le phambi kwakaFaro, kodwana uSomnini wakhunyalalisa ihliziyo kaFaro. Azange atjhaphulule ama-Israyeli kobana aphume enarhenakhe. USomnini wathi kuMosi no-Aroni eGibhide: “Inyanga le izakuba yinyanga yokuthoma kini, kube ngeyokuthoma komnyaka. Tjela yoke ihlangano yakwa-Israyeli bonyana elangeni letjhumi lenyanga le akube ngileyo naleyo ndoda ithathele umndenayo imvana, kube yimvana yinye ekumbeni ngayinye. Nakube ikumba iba yincani khulu bona ingagoma imvana, khona abayihlukaniselane nabomakhelwana babo abaseduze, baqale isibalo sabantu abalapho. Kumele bayabe ngendlela yokobana omunye nomunye anele ngokwesilinganiso sokugoma kwakhe. Khethani iimvana eziduna ezinomnyaka, zibe msulwa. Kungaba yimvana namkha imbuzana. Zaluseni bekufike ilanga letjhumi nane lenyanga le, lokha yoke ihlangano yakwa-Israyeli nasele kumele izihlabe ngamarhwaqela. Yeke bazakuthatha ezinye zeengazi bazitjhatjhe ngemaqadi naphezu kweengoseni zeenkumba zabo lapha bagomela khona. Khona ntambamokho kumele bagome inyama ebaswe emlilweni, bayitjhebe ngeenrhabelo ezibabako nesikwa esinganangumelo. Ningagomi inyama ehlaza namkha ephekwe ngamanzi, kodwana niyibase emlilweni isitutu njalo, isese nehloko, iinqatha neenredlo. Ningatjhiyi ngitjho nesiqutjana senyamayo bekuse. Nakube nibanjwe kukusa ningakayiqedi, eseleko niyitjhise. “Nasi-ke indlela enizayigoma ngayo: Izambatho zenu azibotjhwe edinini, nihlale nifake amapatlagwana namadondolo abe sezandleni zenu, niyigome nirhabile. KuliPhasika lakaSomnini. Khona ngobusukobo ngizakudlula eGibhide ngimadlhe phasi woke amazibulo aduna wabantu neweenlwana. Ngizogweba boke abosingazimu beGibhide ngombana nginguSomnini. Iingazi eziseenkumbeni lapha nikhona zizakuba litshwayo lokunivikela. Kuzakuthi nangibona iingazi, ngineqe. Angeze nathintwa matshwenyeko arhayilako lokha nangimadlha iGibhide. Leli lilanga okumele nilikhumbule, niligidinge njengomnyanya kaSomnini, libe simiso sanini nanini eenzukulwaneni zenu. Amalanga alikhomba nizakugoma isikwa esinganangumelo. Elangeni lokuthoma nisuse ihlama enengumelo eenkumbeni zenu ngombana nanyana ngubani ogoma nanyana yini enengumelo ukusuka elangeni lokuthoma bekube ngelekhomba, uzakujutjwa kwa-Israyeli. Bambani umhlangano okhethekileko elangeni lokuthoma nelekhomba. Ningathinti umsebenzi nakancani kilamalanga abaliweko, ngaphandle kokulungiselela okudliwako kwaphela. Gidingani umnyanya wesiKwa esinganaNgumelo ngombana kungelangeli lapha ngakhupha khona ihlanganwenu ngeengaba zayo eGibhide. Ugidingeni ube simiso sanini nanini eenzukulwaneni zenu. Ngenyanga yokuthoma kumele nigome isikwa esinganangumelo ukusuka ekuhlweni kwelanga letjhumi nane bekube kusekuhlweni kwelanga lamatjhumi amabili nalinye. Kuzabe kube malanga alikhomba kuzilwa ukuba nehlama enengumelo ngeenkumbeni zenu. Nanyana ngubani ogoma nanyana yini enesibiliso uzakujutjwa ehlanganweni yakwa-Israyeli, kungaba sikhonzi namkha umuntu wendabuko. Ningagomi litho eliwunyelweko. Kuphi nakuphi lapha nakhe khona, gomani isikwa esinganangumelo.” Yeke uMosi wabiza boke abaphathi bakwa-Israyeli wathi kibo: “Bambelani imindenenu imvana namkha imbuzana bese nihlaba iPhasika. Thathani ihlukuzu lehisophi nilitjhebe eengazini ngesitjeni bese nitjhatjha iingazezo phezu kwegoseni nangemaqadi wayo. Kungabi nomuntu namunye wenu ozakuphumela ngaphandle komnyango wekumbakhe bekube sekuseni. Lokha uSomnini nadabula enarheni bona ehlisele amaGibhide amatshwenyeko, uzakubona iingazi phezu kwegoseni nangemaqadi wayo bese weqa umnyango lowo. Angeze avumela umrhayili bonyana angene ngeenkumbeni zenu anehlisele amatshwenyeko. Gcinani imiyalo le kube simiso senu sanini nanini neenzukulwana zenu. “Godu lokha naningena enarheni uSomnini aninikela yona njengokwesithembiso sakhe, ragelani phambili ngokugcina umkhuba wokulotjha lo. Kuzakuthi abantwabenu nabanibuza bonyana umkhuba wokulotjha lo utjho ukuthini, nibatjele nithi mhlabelo wePhasika owenzelwa uSomnini oweqa iinkumba zama-Israyeli eGibhide wababalela imizi yethu lokha nakehlisela amaGibhide amatshwenyeko.” Nje-ke abantu baguqa bahloma iinhloko phasi. Ama-Israyeli akhamba enza poro njengombana uSomnini ayale uMosi no-Aroni. Phakathi kobusuku uSomnini wamadlha woke amazibulo eGibhide, ukusuka ezibulweni lakaFaro esihlalweni sobukhosi ukuya ezibulweni lesibotjhwa ngejele kanye namazibulo wayo yoke ifuyo. UFaro nazo zoke iinkhulu zakhe namaGibhide woke bavuka phakathi kobusuku. Kwaqubuka ukurhahlawula okukhulu eGibhide ngombana kwakunganandlu nayinye eyayinganasidumbu. UFaro wabiza uMosi no-Aroni ngobusukobo wathi kibo: “Ayigubhe! Hlukanani nabantu bami nina nama-Israyelenu la! Khambani niyokulotjha uSomnini njengombana nikhombele. Thathani izimvu neembuzi zenu kanye neenkomo zenu njengombana nitjhwile bese ningena indlela. Nami ningibeke.” AmaGibhide akatelela abantu bonyana barhabe baphume enarheni ngombana athi: “Soke sizokufa nya!” Ama-Israyeli athatha ihlamawo enganangumelo ayithwala emahlombe ngezitjeni zokudubela aziphuthela ngamatjhila. Godu enza njengombana uMosi awayala abe akhombela amaGibhide kobana awaphe amagugu wesiliva newegolide kanye nezambatho. USomnini gade enze amaGibhide bonyana abe nomusa khulu kuma-Israyeli. Nje-ke awapha lokho akukhombeleko, ngaleyondlela aphanga amaGibhide. Ama-Israyeli akhamba asuka eRamesese anqomba eSukothi. Kwakungaba ziinkulungwana ezimakhulu asithandathu zamadoda akhamba ngeenyawo ngaphandle kwabafazi, abantwana nababuthakathaka. Akhamba nezimvu neembuzi kanye neenkomo, kwaba mihlambi eminengi khulu. Godu kwaba nesiqubuthu sabantu bezinye izizwe esakhamba nawo. Abhaga iimphaphatha ezinganangumelo ngehlama aphume nayo eGibhide. Ngebanga lokobana bekaqotjhiwe eGibhide, azange abe nesikhathi sokuzilungiselela imiphako nokuwumela ihlama. Ama-Israyeli ahlala eGibhide isikhathi esiminyaka emakhulu amane namatjhumi amathathu. Kwathi ngelanga lokugcina lokuhlangana kweminyaka emakhulu amane namatjhumi amathathu, yoke ihlangano kaSomnini yaphuma enarheni yeGibhide ngeengaba zayo. Ngobusukobo uSomnini wabeka ilihlo phezu kwama-Israyeli kobana awakhuphe eGibhide. Ngebangelo woke ama-Israyeli, iinzukulwana ngeenzukulwana, ayalindela ngobusukobo ukuze ahloniphe uSomnini. USomnini wathi kuMosi no-Aroni: “Nanzi iimiso zePhasika: Kungabi nomqhamuka oligomako. Nakunekhoboka olithengileko lona lingaligoma ngemva kobana ulisokile. Umhlali oqubileko nesisebenzi esiqatjhiweko bona bangaligomi. Kumele ligonyelwe ngekumbeni yinye, kungabi nenyama ekhutjhelwa ngaphandle kwekumba. Ningephuli nalinye lamathambo. Yoke ihlangano yakwa-Israyeli kumele iligidinge. Lokha nakunesikhonzi phakathi kwenu esifuna ukugidinga iPhasika lakaSomnini, kumele sisoke boke abaduna esinabo, ngemva kwalokho-ke singaba nesabelo njengomuntu woke wendabuko kwa-Israyeli. Omduna ongakasoki angaligomi. Umthetho lo wembatha nomuntu wendabuko kwa-Israyeli ngitjho nesikhonzi phakathi kwenu.” Woke ama-Israyeli enza poro njengombana uSomnini ayale uMosi no-Aroni. Khona mhlokho uSomnini wakhupha ama-Israyeli eGibhide ngeengaba zawo. USomnini wayala uMosi wathi: “Ngihlukanisela woke amazibulo. Koke okuvele qangi esibelethweni kwa-Israyeli, kungaba mumuntu namkha ifuyo kungekwami.” UMosi wathi ebantwini: “Khumbulani ilangeli eniphuma ngalo eGibhide, ekumbeni yobukhoboka ngombana uSomnini unikhupha endaweni le ngamandla wesandla sakhe. Ngalokho ningagomi isikwa esinengumelo ngelangeli. Namhlanje, ngenyanga ka-Abibi, niphuma eGibhide. Lokha uSomnini nanifikisa enarheni yamaKanana, amaRhithi, ama-Amori, amaRhivi namaJebusi owafunga kiboyihlomkhulu bonyana uzanipha yona, inarha egeleza ibisi neliju, nihlale nigidinga ngenyanga le umkhuba wokulotjha olandelako: “Nizagoma isikwa esinganangumelo amalanga alikhomba. Kuthi elangeni lobukhomba nigidingele uSomnini umnyanya. Isikwa esinganangumelo sizagonywa amalanga alikhomba. Akukameli bonyana kufunyanwe isikwa esinengumelo phakathi kwenu, ngitjho nehlama enengumelo ingeze yafaniswa enarhenenu yoke. Nizakutjela amadodanenu mhlokho nithi, ‘Kungebanga lalokho uSomnini asenzela khona nasiphuma eGibhide.’ “Umkhuba lo uzakuba sikhumbuzo kini. Njengenyongo esandleni nanjengomkhala ehloko uzanikhumbuza bonyana uSomnini wanikhupha eGibhide ngesandla sakhe esinamandla. Umthetho kaSomnini lo awube semlonyenenu njalo. Ngalokho nizakuphetha isimiswesi ngesikhathi sakhona esifaneleko qobe mnyaka. “Lokha uSomnini naniletha enarheni yamaKanana njengombana afunga kini nakiboyihlomkhulu bona uzaninikela yona, nihlukanisele uSomnini woke amazibulo wefuywenu aduna. Koke okuduna okuphume qangi esibelethweni kuzakuba ngokwakaSomnini. Elinye nelinye izibulo lakadumbana nilihlenge ngemvana namkha ngembuzana, nakungasinjalo nilephule intamo. Woke amazibulo wabantu hlangana namadodanenu niwahlenge. “Nakube ngokuzako indodanakho iyakubuza ithi, ‘Baba, kutjho ukuthini lokhu?’ uzakuthi kiyo, ‘USomnini wasikhupha eGibhide ekumbeni yobukhoboka ngesandla sakhe esinamandla. Lokha uFaro nakhunyalala angafuni ukusitjhaphulula, uSomnini wamadlha woke amazibulo enarheni yeGibhide. Kwaba mazibulo woke wabantu newefuyo. Ngalokho nginikela uSomnini woke amazibulo aduna wefuyo aphume qangi esibelethweni, kodwana indodanami elizibulo ngiyayihlenga.’ Umkhuba lo nawo uzakuba sikhumbuzo kini. Njengenyongo esandleni nanjengomkhala ehloko uzanikhumbuza bonyana uSomnini wanikhupha eGibhide ngesandla sakhe esinamandla.” Lokha uFaro natjhaphulula abantu bona bakhambe, uZimu azange abarhole ngendlela yangenarheni yamaFilista nanyana bekuyindlela efitjhani leyo ngombana uZimu wathi: “Abantu bazakuthi nabamele balwe epini, bazisole bona basukeleni eGibhide hle babuyela khona.” Ngalokho uZimu wenza bona abantu babhode ngendlela yerhalawumbeni banqombe ngelwandle lomGaba. Abantu bakwa-Israyeli baphuma enarheni yeGibhide ngeengaba. UMosi wathatha amathambo kaJosefa ngombana uJosefa wafungisa abantu bakwa-Israyeli wathi: “UZimu uzanikhambela, nina-ke nithwale amathambami niwasuse lapha.” Basuka eSukothi bahloma amatende e-Ethamu magegana nerhalawumba. USomnini wakhamba phambi kwabo ngesika yelifu emini bona ibarhole, ebusuku yaba yisika yomlilo bona ibakhanyisele. Ngaleyondlela baphumelela ukukhamba ubusuku nemini. Isika yelifu emini nesika yomlilo ebusuku azange isuke phambi kwabantu. Yeke uSomnini wathi kuMosi: “Tjela ama-Israyeli bonyana abuyele emuva ayokuhloma amatendawo ngaphambi kwePi-Harhirothi hlangana neMigidoli nelwandle, malungana neBhali-Tsefoni esebeni lelwandle. UFaro uzadlumbana bona ama-Israyeli ararejeke enarheni nokobana avaleleke erhalawumbeni. Yeke ngizakhunyalalisa ihliziyo kaFaro ukuze agijimise ama-Israyeli. Ngalokho ngizakubonakalisa idumo lami ngoFaro nalo loke ibutho lakhe. Nje-ke amaGibhide azakwazi bona nginguSomnini.” Ngambala kwenzeka njalo. Lokha ikosi yeGibhide nayitjelwa bonyana ama-Israyeli athuthile, uFaro neenkhulu zakhe watjhugulula umkhumbulo ngawo wathi: “Yintobani esiyenzileko le? Madekhethu, sathukulula ama-Israyeli bona angasasisebenzeli!” Yeke wabophela ikaranakhe wathatha ibutho lakhe, okutjho iinkarana ezikhethekileko ezimakhulu asithandathu nazo zoke ezinye iinkarana zeGibhide, enye nenye inomlawuli. USomnini wakhunyalalisa ihliziyo kaFaro ikosi yeGibhide, walandela ama-Israyeli njengombana gade ahlabela phambili ajekezela. AmaGibhide alandela ama-Israyeli ngazo zoke iinjomani zeenkarana zakaFaro nabakhweli bazo okutjho amabutho wakhona. Awafunyana ahlome amatende elwandle ngePi-Harhirothi malungana neBhali-Tsefoni. UFaro nebutho lakhe watjhidela. Kwathi lokha ama-Israyeli naphakamisa amehlo, qala nako amaGibhide eza ngemva kwawo! Angenelwa kukwesaba okukhulu abe arhuwelela akhombela isizo kuSomnini. Godu athi kuMosi: “Kungebanga lokobana kunganamathuna eGibhide bonyana usisuse khona sizokufela erhalawumbenapha na? Yintobani osenze yona ngokusikhupha eGibhide le? Angithi sakutjela nasiseGibhide sathi kuwe, ‘Sisusela thina! Sifuna ukusebenzela amaGibhide ngombana kungcono ukusebenzela amaGibhide kunokufela erhalawumbeni!’ ” UMosi wathi ebantwini: “Ningesabi benidlhamazele. Lindani nibone isindiso kaSomnini azanenzela yona namhlanjesi. Ngiyanitjela ngithi amaGibhide eniwabona namhlanjesi la, angeze benisawabona godu. USomnini uzanilwela, nina kwenu sekuthula nibukele.” USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Ungangilileli; tjela ama-Israyeli bonyana aragele phambili. Phakamisa idondolo lakho, ululele isandla sakho ngehla kwelwandle, ulihlukanise phakathi kobana ama-Israyeli akghone ukukhamba phezu kwehlabathi eyomileko ayame ilwandle. Ngizakhunyalalisa iinhliziyo zamaGibhide bese awalandele abe angene ngelwandle. Ngalokho ngizakubonakalisa idumo lami ngoFaro nalo loke ibutho lakhe, okutjho iinkarana nabakhweli bazo. AmaGibhide azakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini nasele ngibonakalise idumo lami ngoFaro, iinkarana zakhe nabakhweli bazo.” Nje-ke ingilozi kaZimu ebegade ingaphambi komkhambathi wakwa-Israyeli yatjhida yaya ngemva kwawo, kwathi isika yelifu yatjhida ngaphambi kwawo yaya ngemva kwawo kobana ibe phakathi kwebutho leGibhide nomkhambathi wakwa-Israyeli. Ngobusukobo ilifelo laletha ubumnyama ngehlangothini lamaGibhide kodwana ngehlangothini lama-Israyeli lakhanyisa. Kwaba njalo ukuze iinqhema ezimbilezi zingakwazi ukuhlangana ubusuku boke. UMosi welulela isandla sakhe ngehla kwelwandle. USomnini wahlehlisa ilwandle ngokulivuthela ngommoya wepumalanga nonamandla ubusuku boke. Amanzi ahlukana phakathi kwaba nehlabathi eyomileko. Ama-Israyeli akhamba phakathi kwelwandle ehlabathini eyomileko, khibe amanzi aliboda ngapha nangapha kwawo. AmaGibhide athoma ukulandela ama-Israyeli ngelwandlapho. Zoke iinjomani neenkarana zakaFaro kanye nabakhweli bazo zangena ngelwandle. Kwathi ekuseni ngovivi uSomnini asesikeni yomlilo neyelifu waqalela ibutho lamaGibhide phasi. USomnini wafakela ibutho lamaGibhide ivalo ngokwenza bona amavili weenkarana zalo abhajwe ukuze atjhitjhirize. AmaGibhide athi: “Asibalekeni ema-Israyelenapha ngombana uSomnini uwalwela ngokujamelana nathi.” USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Lulela isandla sakho ngehla kwelwandle bonyana amanzi agubuzese amaGibhide, okutjho iinkarana zawo nabakhweli bazo.” Yeke uMosi welulela isandla sakhe phezu kwelwandle. Ekuseni ilwandle labuyela esigeni. AmaGibhide athi ayabaleka, ahlangana namanzi. USomnini wawadlhunya ngaphakathi kwelwandle. Amanzi agubuzesa bunjalo-ke iinkarana nabakhweli bazo, okutjho loke ibutho lakaFaro elalilandele ama-Israyeli ngelwandle. Azange kusinde namunye. Kodwana ama-Israyeli akhamba ehlabathini eyomileko phakathi kwelwandle, khibe amanzi aliboda ngapha nangapha kwawo. Ngaleyondlela uSomnini wasindisa ama-Israyeli mhlokho esandleni samaGibhide. Ama-Israyeli abona iindumbu zamaGibhide zitutumele magegana nelwandle. Kwathi lokha ama-Israyeli nabona umsebenzi omkhulu owenziwe nguSomnini ngokujamelana namaGibhide, amesaba abe akholwa kuye nencekwinakhe uMosi. UMosi nabantu bakwa-Israyeli babhinela uSomnini ingoma nasi: Ngizakubhinela uSomnini ngombana uphakeme khulu, wajikijela iinjomani neenkarana ngelwandle. USomnini umamandlami neenkhwepha zami begodu uyisindiswami. UnguZimami yeke ngizamdumisa, unguZimu kababa ngizamphakamisa. USomnini uyingorho, ubongelelwa ngebizo lakaSomnini. Ujikijele iinkarana zakaFaro nebutho lakhe ngelwandle, abalawuli beenkarana abakhethekileko bacwila ngelwandle lomGaba. Amanzi azikileko azisibekela, zatjhinga phasi ekuzikeni njengelitje. Isandla sakho Somnini, siyesabeka ngamandlaso; iye, isandla sakho Somnini, sibhubhisa isitha. Ngobukhulu bobukhosi bakho uketula abajamelani bakho, uthumela itukuthelwakho, ibaqothule inga mawunguwungu. Ngokufutha kweempumulo zakho amanzi ayabuthelelana, iinkhukhula zijame inga lidonga, amanzi azikileko akhaphuzele phakathi kwelwandle. Isitha sathi: “Ngizabagijimisa, ngibabambe, ngihlukanise ipango. Ngizakwanelisa ivunda lami kibo nangirhwatjha isabulami, ngibarhayile ngesandla sami.” Wena Somnini wavuthela ummoyakho, ilwandle lawagubuzesa, acwila njengomthofi emanzini anamandla. Ngubani onjengawe Somnini phakathi kwabosingazimu? Ngubani onjengawe onobukhosi obucwengileko nemisebenzi ebabazekako ngokwenza imikarisomraro? Kwathi nawelula isandla sakho, iphasi lawaginya. Ngokwethembeka kwakho warhola abantu obahlengileko, ngamandlakho wabakhokhela endawenakho ecwengileko. Izizwe zoke zezwa, zathuthumela; abahlali beFilistiya baba nevalo. Nje-ke amakhosana wakwa-Edomu akakamala, abaphathi bakwaMowabi bathuthumela; zoke izakhamuzi zeKanana zahlengezela. Zehlelwa kukwesaba okukhulu kanye nevalo ngebanga lobukhulu bakho obenzileko; zathula zathi du njengelitje, lokha nakudlula abantu bakho, Somnini, iye, kudlule abantu bakho obazuzileko. Wena Somnini uzabangenisa, ubatjale entabeni yelifa lakho, endaweni Somnini owayilungisako kobana bahlale kiyo, iye, indawo ecwengileko wena Mninimandlawoke owayisungula ngezandla zakho. USomnini uzakubusa nini nanini. Lokha iinjomani neenkarana zakaFaro kanye nabakhweli bazo nazingena ngelwandle, uSomnini wabuyisa amanzi welwandle azigubuzesa kodwana ama-Israyeli akhamba phezu kwehlabathi eyomileko phakathi kwelwandle. Nje-ke uMiriyamu umphorofidikazi, ongudadwabo ka-Aroni waphuma aphethe abosotjherere, boke abafazi bamlandela nabo baphethe babo bagida. UMiriyamu wakhalela wathi: “Bhinelani uSomnini ngombana uphakeme khulu, wajikijela iinjomani neenkarana ngelwandle.” Yeke uMosi warhola u-Israyeli ukusuka elwandle lomGaba bangena erhalawumbeni leTjhuri. Bakhamba amalanga amathathu erhalawumbeni, azange bafunyane amanzi. Kuthe lokha nabafika eMara, azange bakghone ukusela amanzi wakhona ngombana gade amunyu. Ngalokho athiywa bona yiMara. Abantu banghonghoyila kuMosi bathi: “Uthi sisele ini nasome kangaka?” UMosi walila kuSomnini, uSomnini wamkhombisa umuthi. Wawuthatha wawuphosela ngemanzini, amanzi aba mnandi. Khonapho uSomnini wabenzela isimiso nomthetho godu wabazizinya. USomnini wathi: “Nakube nizakulalela ngokuzimisela ilizwi lami, mina Somnini uZimenu, nenze okuhle phambi kwami, niphethe imiyalwami bese nigcina zoke iimiso zami, angeze nganehlisela nasinye isifo kilezo engazehlisela amaGibhide ngombana mina Somnini ngimlaphi wenu.” Yeke bafika e-Elimi lapha gade kunemithombo elitjhumi nambili yamanzi kanye nemithi yesundu ematjhumi alikhomba. Bahloma amatendabo lapho eqadi kwamanzi. Umkhambathi woke wama-Israyeli wasuka e-Elimi wafika erhalawumbeni leSini eliphakathi kwe-Elimi neSinayi elangeni letjhumi nahlanu lenyanga yesibili ngemuva kobana uphumile enarheni yeGibhide. Umkhambathi lowo wanghonghoyila kuMosi no-Aroni erhalawumbeni, wathi kibo: “Ngathana uSomnini wase wasibulalela enarheni yeGibhide lapha gade sizihlalela khona kamnandi ngeempotweni zenyama, sidla isikwa, sibetha esimonyongwana. Kodwana qalani nje, nina nisilethe erhalawumbenapha bona nibulale yoke ihlangano le ngendlala.” Yeke uSomnini wathi kuMosi: “Qala, ngizanehlisela isikwa esivela ezulwini. Abantu bazakuphuma ilanga nelanga babuthelele okwanele ilanga. Ngalokho ngizabe ngibazizinya kobana ngibone nakube bazakukhamba ngomyalwami namkha njani. Kuzakuthi ngelanga lesithandathu, lokha nabalungiselela abakubuthileko, kube ngokubuyelelwe kabili.” Yeke uMosi no-Aroni bathi kuma-Israyeli: “Besiyini thina bona ninganghonghoyila kithi? Kuhlekuhle ninghonghoyila kuSomnini! USomnini ukuzwile ukunghonghoyila kwenu ngaye. Ngalokho ntambama nizakwazi bonyana nguSomnini owanikhupha enarheni yeGibhide, godu nakusasa ekuseni nizakubona ubukhulu bephazimulwakhe.” Godu uMosi wathi: “Lokha uSomnini nanipha inyama namhlanje ntambama kobana nigome nesikwa esaneleko kusasa ekuseni, khona nizakwazi bonyana ukuzwile ukunghonghoyila kwenu. Thina asisilitho; emanyeni naninghonghoyilako aninghonghoyileli thina kodwana ninghonghoyilela uSomnini.” UMosi wathi ku-Aroni: “Yithi kiwo woke umkhambathi wama-Israyeli, ‘Tjhidelani eduze noSomnini ngombana ukuzwile ukunghonghoyila kwenu.’ ” Kuthe u-Aroni asakhuluma nabantu bakwa-Israyeli, baqala ngerhalawumbeni, babona iphazimulo kaSomnini ivela elifini. USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Ngikuzwile ukunghonghoyila kwama-Israyeli. Nje-ke yithi kiwo, ‘Ngamarhwaqela nizagoma inyama bese ekuseni nisuthiswa ngesikwa. Ngalokho nizakwazi bonyana mina Somnini nginguZimenu.’ ” Kwathi nakuthambamako kwehla iinkwali zembatha ikampa, ekuseni kwaba nombethe magegana nayo. Kuthe bona umbethe uthintitheke, kwasala into esamakariya, yayisileke inga sithwathwa phasi. Lokha ama-Israyeli nabona lokho athi omunye komunye: “Madekhethu, yintobani-ke le?” Gade angazi bonyana kuyini. UMosi wathi kiwo: “Sisikwa uSomnini anipha sona kobana nigome. Ngikhokhu uSomnini akutjhwileko nasithi, ‘Omunye nomunye wenu akazibuthele okumanelisako, kube lithungana umuntu ngamunye. Nibuthelele ukuya ngesibalo sabantu omunye nomunye wenu anabo ngetendeni lakhe.’ ” Yeke ama-Israyeli enza njalo, amanye abuthelela khulu amanye kancani. Kwathi lokha nasele kulinganiswa ngesilinganiso sethungana, kwafunyanwa bona obuthelele khulu azange abe namasalela nobuthelele kancani azange atlhayelelwe. Enye nenye ihloko yomndeni beyibuthe okwanela umndenayo. UMosi wathi kibo: “Kungabi nomuntu otjhiyela kwakusasa.” Kodwana abanye azange balalele uMosi, batjhiya ingcenye yokudlokho bekwaba sekuseni. Kwaba neempethu kwanuka. Nje-ke uMosi wabathukuthelela. Njalo ekuseni bebabutha kube ngiloyo naloyo ngendlela anganeliseka ngakho. Kodwana bekuthi ilanga nalithoma ukutjhisa bese kuyancibilika. Elangeni lesithandathu babuthelela ukudlokho ngokubuyelelwe kabili kwaba mathungana amabili umuntu ngamunye. Boke abarholi bomkhambathi beza kuMosi bambikela. Yena wathi kibo: “Nakhu uSomnini akutjhwileko, ‘Kusasa lilanga elikhethekileko lokuphumula, liSabatha elicwengileko lakaSomnini. Bhagani enifuna ukukubhaga, nipheke enifuna ukukupheka, kuthi koke okuseleko nikubeke bekube kusasa ekuseni.’ ” Yeke bakubeka bekwaba sekuseni njengombana uMosi abayalile. Azange kunitjhe bekuphethuke iimbungu. UMosi wathi: “Kugomeni namhlanjesi lokho ngombana kuliSabatha phambi kwakaSomnini. Angeze nakufunyana namhlanjesi emmangweni. Kubutheleleni amalanga asithandathu ngombana elangeni lekhomba okuliSabatha angeze kwaba khona emmangweni.” Kwathi elangeni lekhomba abanye baphuma bona bayokubutha kodwana bafumana kunganalitho. USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Kuzabe kube nini nilokhu ningafuni ukugcina imiyalo nemithethwami? Qalani, mina Somnini nginiphe iSabatha, nje-ke elangeni lesithandathu nginipha ukudla kwamalanga amabili. Omunye nomunye wenu kumele abe ngakwakhe, kungabikho ophumako elangeni lekhomba.” Yeke abantu baphumula ngelanga lekhomba. Isizwe sakwa-Israyeli sathiya isikweso bona yimana. Sasinjengembewu yekhoriyanda, simhlophe begodu sinandipha njengamabhagwana enziwe ngeliju. UMosi wathi: “Nakhu uSomnini akutjhwileko, ‘Akubulungelwe iinzukulwana zenu ithungana elizeleko lokudlokhu ukuze zibone ukudla enganondla ngakho erhalawumbeni lokha nanginikhupha enarheni yeGibhide.’ ” UMosi wathi ku-Aroni: “Thatha umjeka uthele ithungana elizeleko lemana ngaphakathi bese uwubeka endaweni yokulotjhela uSomnini bona ulondele iinzukulwana zenu.” U-Aroni wenza njengombana uMosi bekayalwe nguSomnini. Emva kwesikhathi wawubeka ngaphambi kwemiqebethu yobufakazi bonyana ulondeke. Ama-Israyeli agoma imana iminyaka ematjhumi amane abe afika enarheni ehlalekako. Agoma imana leyo abe afika emkhawulweni wenarha yeKanana. Ithungana lilingana nengcenye yinye yokwetjhumi kapumpana. Umkhambathi woke wama-Israyeli wasuka erhalawumbeni leSini wakhamba uhloma amatendawo ukuya ngomyalo kaSomnini. Kwathi lokha nawuhloma amatende eRefidimu wafumana kunganamanzi wokusela. Ngalokho abantu basola uMosi bathi: “Siphani amanzi sisele nina!” UMosi wathi kibo: “Kubayini nisola mina? Kuhlekuhle nizizinya uSomnini ngesenzo senwesi!” Kodwana abantu bomela amanzi banghonghoyila kuMosi bathi: “Umuntu bekasikhuphelani eGibhide nazosibulalisa ngomrhawu thina nabantwabethu kanye nefuywethu na?” Yeke uMosi walila kuSomnini wathi: “Ngizokwenzani ngabantwaba? Sekusele kancani bona bangikghadlhe ngamatje.” USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Dlula phambi kwabantu, uthathe abanye babaphathi bakwa-Israyeli bese uphatha idondolo owabetha ngalo iNayili, ukhambe. Qala, ngizakujama lapho phambi kwakho edwaleni elisentabeni yeRhorebe. Ubethe idwalelo bese kuphuma amanzi ukuze abantu basele.” Yeke uMosi wenza njalo phambi kwabaphathi bakwa-Israyeli. Wathiya indawo leyo bona yiMasa neMeriba ngombana ama-Israyeli bekamsola begodu azizinya uSomnini ngokuthi: “SineKosi nasinje na?” Kwavela ama-Amalekhi alwa nama-Israyeli eRefidimu. UMosi wathi kuJotjhuwa: “Sikhethela amadoda bese uphuma nawo niyosahlela ama-Amalekhi kusasa. Mina ngizakujama esiqongolweni sentatjana ngiphethe idondolo lakaZimu.” UJotjhuwa wenza njengombana uMosi amyalile, walwa nama-Amalekhi. UMosi, u-Aroni noRhuri bakhuphukela esiqongolweni sentatjana. Bekuthi njalo lokha uMosi naphakamisa isandla sakhe nedondolo ama-Israyeli adlondlobale, kuthi nasehlisako kudlondlobale ama-Amalekhi. Kodwana imikhono kaMosi yadinwa. Nje-ke u-Aroni noRhuri bathatha ilitje balisunduzela ngaphasi kwakhe. Wahlala phezu kwalo. U-Aroni noRhuri bamphahla baphakamisa izandla zakhe ngokuzidlheganisa. Ngaleyondlela isandla sakhe sahlala siphakeme njalo bekwatjhinga ilanga. UJotjhuwa wahlula ama-Amalekhi ngobukhali besabula. USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Tlola lokhu encwadini kube sikhumbuzo nikutjho eendlebeni zakaJotjhuwa bonyana ngizokutjhabalalisa nya ukukhunjulwa kwama-Amalekhi ngaphasi komthunzi welanga.” UMosi wakha i-aldari walithiya wathi: “USomnini ulitshwayo lami.” Godu wathi: “Ngambala isandla sami siphethe itshwayo lakaSomnini! Iye, uSomnini uzakulwa nama-Amalekhi iinzukulwana ngeenzukulwana.” UJetero umphristi weMidiyani ongumkhwe kaMosi wezwa ngakho koke uSomnini uZimu akwenzela uMosi kanye nabantu bakhe u-Israyeli nokobana wawakhupha njani ama-Israyeli eGibhide. Kwathi lokha uMosi naseseGibhide wathumela umkakhe kuJetero umkhwe wakhe bona amtjheje, yena namadodanakhe amabili. Ibizo lenye bekunguGeritjhomu ngombana uMosi wathi: “Ngibe sikhonzi enarheni etjhili.” Enye bekungu-Eliyezeri ngombana wathi: “UZimu kababa ube msizami bewangisindisa esabuleni kaFaro.” Yeke uJetero, umkhwe kaMosi, weza nomkaMosi namadodanakhe kuye erhalawumbeni lapha agade ahlome khona itende entabeni kaZimu. UJetero gade athumele ilizwi kuMosi wathi: “UJetero umkhwe wakho uza nomkakho namadodanakho amabili.” Nje-ke uMosi waphuma wayomhlangabeza. Wafese wahloma ihloko phambi kwakhe, wamncwanga emhlathini bebabuzana amavuko. Bangena ngetendeni. UMosi watjela umkhwe wakhe ngakho koke okwenziwa nguSomnini kuFaro namaGibhide ngebanga lama-Israyeli. Wamtjela nangobudisi boke obabehlelako endleleni nokobana uSomnini wabasindisa njani. UJetero wathabela boke ubuhle uSomnini abenzela ama-Israyeli ngombana uSomnini wawasindisa esandleni samaGibhide. Nje-ke wathi: “Akadunyiswe uSomnini onisindise esandleni seGibhide nesakaFaro. Iye, kudunyiswe uSomnini owasindisa abantu bakhe emandleni wamaGibhide agade abaphatha ngokubanyaza. Gadesi sengiyazi bonyana uSomnini mkhulu kunabo boke abosingazimu.” Khonapho uJetero, umkhwe kaMosi, waphuma wayokwenzela uZimu umhlabelo wokutjhiswa newetjhebiswano. U-Aroni nabo boke abaphathi bakwa-Israyeli bahlanganyela nomkhwe kaMosi ekugomeni umhlabelo wetjhebiswano phambi kwakaZimu. Ngakusasa uMosi wahlala bona agwebe abantu. Abantu bajama ubuhlomohlomo kuMosi ukusuka ekuseni bekwahlwa. Umkhwe wakhe wathi nabona koke lokho uMosi agade akwenzela abantu, wathi: “Yintobani oyenza ebantwini le? Kubayini uhlale wedwa bese abantu bajama ubuhlomohlomo kuwe ukusuka ekuseni bekuhlwe?” UMosi wathi kuye: “Abantu beza kimi babuze ngoZimu. Lokha nabarareneko nakhona beza kimi bese ngigweba phakathi komuntu nomakhelwanakhe. Vane ngibafundisa iimiso nemithetho kaZimu.” Umkhwe wakhe wathi kuye: “Into oyenzako ayikalungi. Wena nabantu abakuwaba niyazibulalisa ngombana umtjhikatjhika lo mkhulu khulu, angeze wawenza uwedwa. Ngilalela, ngizakweluleka kuhle; uZimu akusize! Wena kumele ujamele abantu phambi kwakaZimu, ulethe imilandwabo phambi kwakhe. Ubayelelise ngeemiso nemithetho, ubafundise indlela okumele bakhambe ngayo nalokho okumele bakwenze. Ngaphezu kwalokho beka ilihlo emadodeni, ukhethe anekghono, esaba uZimu, athembekileko nazonda ukufunjathiswa bese uwabeka bonyana abe ziinduna zeenkulungwana, zekhulu, zamatjhumi amahlanu nezamatjhumi phezu kwabantu. Akube ngiwo agweba abantu ngeenkhathi zoke. Akagwebe iindaba ezilula, kodwana ezimaphorodlha azilethe kuwe. Ngaleyondlela kuzakuba lula kuwe ngombana azakuphumuza. Nawenza lokhu noZimu akuyala bonyana ukwenze, uzakubambelela, nabantwaba boke nje bazakuya emizinabo bathokozile.” Ngalokho uMosi walalela iseluleko somkhwe wakhe, wenza koke agade athe akwenze. UMosi wakhetha amadoda anekghono kwa-Israyeli wawenza abarholi babantu, aba ziinduna zeenkulungwana, zamakhulu, zamatjhumi amahlanu nezamatjhumi. Agweba abantu ngeenkhathi zoke, iindaba ezimaphorodlha aziletha kuMosi kodwana lezo ezilula azigwebela zona. UMosi waphekelela umkhwe wakhe bonyana akhambe. Njalo-ke waya enarheni yekhabo. Enyangeni yesithathu, ngelanga lenyanga ama-Israyeli asuka ngalo enarheni yeGibhide, ngemva kokusuka kwawo eRefidimu, afika erhalawumbeni leSinayi. Ahloma amatendawo eduze nentaba. UMosi wakhuphukela kuZimu. USomnini wambiza asentabeni wathi kuye: “Nakhu ozakutjho ekumbeni kaJakopo, ozakutjela abantu bakwa-Israyeli, ‘Nibonile bonyana ngawenzani amaGibhide nokobana nganithwala njani ngamaphiko wekhozi nganitjhideza kimi. Iphasi loke ngelami kodwana nanilalela ilizwi lami, nilonde isivumelwano sami, nina nizakuba ngabakhethekileko bami phakathi kwezizwe zoke. Kimi nizaba mbuso wabaphristi, isizwe esicwengileko.’ Lawa mamezwi ozawatjela ama-Israyeli.” Yeke uMosi wafika, wabiza abaphathi babantu wababikela woke amezwi lawo uSomnini amyale ngawo. Boke abantu baphendula ngazwi linye bathi: “Koke uSomnini akukhulumileko sizakwenza.” UMosi wabika amezwi wabantu kuSomnini. USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Qala, ngiza kini ngelifu elinzima ukuze abantu bezwe lokha nangikhuluma nawe nokobana bakholwe kuya kuyile.” Lokha uMosi nabika amezwi wabantu kuSomnini, uSomnini godu wathi kuye: “Khamba uye ebantwini uqinisekise bona bayazihlambulula namhlanje nakusasa, bahlanze nezambatho zabo. Abalunge ngelanga lesithathu ngombana mina Somnini ngizakwehlela entabeni yeSinayi phambi kwabantu boke mhlokho. Wenzele abantu umkhawulo uthi kibo, ‘Nitjheje bonyana ningakhuphukeli entabeni namkha nithinte umkhawulwayo ngombana nanyana ngubani othinta intaba, akabulawe. Angathintwa ngesandla kodwana akhandwe ngamatje namkha ahlatjwe ngemisubi. Lokhu kwenzeni namkha kumumuntu namkha kusilwana. Lokha nakulila ipalapala abakhuphukele entabeni.’ ” Yeke uMosi wehla entabeni waya ebantwini, waqinisekisa kobana bayazihlambulula begodu bahlanza nezambatho zabo. Wathi ebantwini: “Lungani ngelanga lesithathu, kungabi nomuntu okitakitana nomfazi.” Ngokusa kwelanga lesithathu kwaba nemidumo nemibani, kwaqubuka ilifu elinzima entabeni. Kwaba netjhada elikhulu elizwakala njengelepalapala. Boke abantu egade basekampeni bathuthumela. UMosi wakhupha abantu ekampeni kobana bayokuhlangana noZimu; bajama ekuthomeni kwentaba. Intaba yeSinayi gade ithe kupe ngentuthu ngombana uSomnini wehlela phezu kwayo ngomlilo. Intuthu yakhona yakhuphukela phezulu kwanga yintuthu ye-ondo ekulu. Intaba yoke yahlengezela ngamandla. Itjhada lokusapalapala nalilokhu liya phezulu, uMosi wakhuluma, uZimu wamphendula ngelizwi elikhulu. Kwathi bona uSomnini ehlele esiqongolweni sentaba yeSinayi, wabizela uMosi kuye. Yeke uMosi wakhuphuka. USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Yewuka ufese uyelelise abantu bonyana bangafahli beze kuSomnini bona bazokubukela ngombana bazakubhubha ngobunengi. Nabaphristi abavane batjhidele kuSomnini abajamele kude, nakungasinjalo uSomnini uzabavuthela.” UMosi wathi kuSomnini: “Njengombana uSomnini ngokwakhe bekasiyalile wathi, ‘Yenza umkhawulo magegana nentaba ukuze ibe ngehlukaniselwe uSomnini’ abantu angeze benyukela entabeni iSinayi.” USomnini wathi kuye: “Yehla ukhuphuke no-Aroni, kodwana ungavumeli abaphristi nabantu bona bafahle umkhawulo beze kuSomnini, nakungasinjalo uSomnini uzabavuthela.” Yeke uMosi wehlela ebantwini wakhuluma nabo. UZimu wakhuluma woke amezwi la wathi: “Mina Somnini nginguZimakho owakukhupha enarheni yeGibhide ekumbeni yobukhoboka. Ungalotjhi abosingazimu, lotjha mina kwaphela. Ungazenzeli isithombesibazwa namkha umfanekiso wananyana yini esezulwini phezulu namkha ephasini phasi nanyana ngemanzini ngaphasi kwephasi. Ungazikhothameli izintwezo, ungazilotjhi ngombana mina Somnini nginguZimakho. NginguZimu onesikhwele owehlisela isibetho sezono zaboyise phezu kwabantwababo besizukulwana sesithathu nesesine salabo abangenzi intandwami. Kodwana ukwethembeka kwami kuzakuhlala eenkulungwaneni zeenzukulwana zalabo abangikhathalelako nabalonda imiyalwami. Ungakhulumeli butjhilweni ngebizo lakaSomnini uZimakho ngombana uSomnini uzambeka umlandu loyo ophatha ibizo lakhe butjhilweni. Hlonipha ilanga leSabatha ngombana licwengile. Sebenza amalanga asithandathu, wenze woke umsebenzakho, kodwana ilanga lekhomba liliSabatha, lahlukaniselwe uSomnini uZimakho. Mhlokho ungasebenzi ngitjho nakancani, wena, indodanakho, indodakazakho, ikhoboka nekhobokakazi lakho, ifuywakho namkha isikhonzi esihlala nawe, ngombana emalangeni asithandathu uSomnini wenza izulu nephasi, ilwandle nakho koke okudaliweko, waphumula ngelanga lekhomba. Ngalokho uSomnini wabusisa ilanga leSabatha, wathi licwengile. Yazisa uyihlo nonyoko khona kuzakwanda amalangakho wokuphila endaweni oyiphiwa nguSomnini uZimakho. Ungabulali umuntu. Ungahlobongi. Ungebi. Ungafakazi amala ngomunye umuntu. Ungafisi ikumba yomunye umuntu; ungakhanukeli umfazi womunye umuntu, ungafisi ikhoboka namkha ikhobokakazi lakhe, ikomakhe, udumbanakhe nanyana yini engeyomunye umuntu.” Boke abantu bezwa imidumo netjhada lepalapala begodu babona imibani nentuthu ethunya entabeni. Kwathi nababona lokho besaba, bathuthumela. Nje-ke bajamela kujana, bathi kuMosi: “Akungabi nguZimu okhuluma nathi ngombana sizakufa! Akukhulume wena, sizakulalela.” UMosi wathi ebantwini: “Ningesabi ngombana uZimu uze bona anizizinye nokobana nimesabe ukuze ningoni.” Abantu bajamela kujana, uMosi yena watjhidela eduze elifini elimabhombo nelimnyama lapha bekunoZimu khona. USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Nakhu ozakutjho kuma-Israyeli, ‘Nizibonele ngokwenu bonyana ngikhulume nani ngisezulwini. “ ‘Nje-ke ningazenzeli abozinyana besiliva nebegolide bonyana nibalotjhe kanye nami.’ ” Godu uSomnini wathi kuMosi: “Ngenzela i-aldari lequlwani bese wenzela kilo umhlabelwakho wokutjhiswa, umnikelwakho wetjhebiswano okutjho imihlabelo yezimvu neembuzi kanye neenkomo zakho. Kuzakuthi kiyo yoke indawo lapha ngenza khona bona ibizo lami lidunyiswe, ngehlele kiyo, ngikubusise. “Nawungenzela i-aldari lamatje, ungalakhi ngamatje acoziweko ngombana nawuwaqoqoda ngeentlabagelo zakho, uyawangcolisa. Ungenzeli i-aldari lami iintepisi ngombana nawukhwela ngazo ububhunubhunu bakho buzakwembulekela kilo.” UZimu wathi kuMosi: “Nasi imithetho ozayibeka phambi kwama-Israyeli: “Lokha nawuthenga ikhoboka lomHebheru, kumele likusebenzele iminyaka esithandathu. Kodwana emnyakeni wekhomba, lizakutjhaphuluka ngaphandle kokukhokha litho. Nakube lize lilodwa lizakutjhaphuluka lilodwa njalo; kodwana nalize nomfazi kumele umfazi loyo akhambe nalo. Nakube umphathalo ulipha umfazi bese umfazi loyo ulibelethela amadodana namkha amadodakazi, umfazi loyo nabantwabakhe bazakuba ngebomphathakhe. Lona-ke lizakhamba lilodwa. Kodwana nakube ikhobokelo ngokwalo lithi, ‘Ngithanda umphathami, umkami nabantwabami; nje-ke angiyi ndawo,’ yeke-ke umphathalo uzaliletha kuZimu endaweni ecwengileko. Umphathi loyo uzalibekelela ebadini namkha egosenini bese athumbuse indlebalo ngesungulo. Lona-ke lizamsebenzela ipilwalo yoke. “Lokha indoda nayithengisa indodakazayo bona ibe likhobokakazi, indodakazi leyo ayizokutjhatjhululwa njengombana kusenziwa nakulikhoboka eliduna. Nakube umphathayo owazithengela yona akasakareki ngayo, khona-ke umphathi loyo uzayinikela bonyana ihlengwe mndenayo. Akanalungelo lokuyithengisela abantu abatjhili ngombana wephule isivumelwano sokuyithenga. Nakube umphathi loyo uthengele indodanakhe indodakazi leyo, kufanele bonyana ayithathe njengomalukazana. Indodana yomphathi loyo nayithatha omunye umfazi, inganciphisi isabelo sendodakazi leyo, kungaba kugoma, izambatho namkha ukulala nayo. Nakube indodakazi leyo ayenzelwa izinto ezintathwezi, inelungelo lokukhamba simahla, ingakhokhi ilitho.” “Umuntu omadlha omunye ambulale naye akabulawe. Nayibe ubangakahlosi ukumbulala, kodwana uZimu wavuma bonyana ahlongakale ngesandla sakhe, obuleleko loyo akabalekele endaweni engizakukhombisa yona. Nakube umuntu ubulala omunye ngehloso nangokumkhukhuthela, nanyana angabalekela e-aldarini lami, msuse lapho abulawe. “Obetha uyise namkha unina akabulawe. “Oweba umuntu amthengise namkha afunyanwe amvalele akabulawe. “Owethuka uyise namkha unina akabulawe. “Kungenzeka abantu baphikisane, khonapho omunye amadlhe omunye ngelitje namkha ngeguduva bese omadlhiweko loyo angafi kodwana alimale abe alale phasi. Umuntu loyo nasele azizwa angcono, avuke bese adondoloze aye ngaphandle, omlimazileko uzakuba msulwa, kodwana kumele akhokhele isikhathi alele ngaso phasi nokwelatjhwa kwakhe. “Lokha umuntu naphobola ikhoboka namkha ikhobokakazi lakhe ngentonga bese lihlongakalela esandleni sakhe, uzakuhlunguphazwa. Kodwana nakube ikhobokelo liphile ilanga namkha amalanga amabili, umuntu loyo akazukuhlunguphazwa ngombana uzilobise yena. “Lokha amadoda nalwako, akhahlameze umfazi osidisi bese uyonakalelwa, nokho angabi namanceba, omlimazileko loyo uzakuhlawuliswa phambi kwabagwebi ukuya ngendlela indoda yomfazi loyo izakubiza ngakhona. Nakube umfazi loyo naye ulimele, uzagweba ipilo ngepilo, ilihlo ngelihlo, izinyo ngezinyo, isandla ngesandla, inyawo ngenyawo, ukutjha ngokutjha, umvuvu ngomvuvu nenceba ngenceba. “Lokha umuntu namanya ilihlo lekhoboka namkha lekhobokakazi lakhe bese liyapatlaka, kumele atjhaphulule ikhobokelo likhambe ngebanga lelihlo lalo alipatlazileko. Lokha naporola izinyo lekhoboka namkha lekhobokakazi lakhe, kumele atjhaphulule ikhobokelo likhambe ngebanga lezinywelo.” “Nakube ikomo ihlaba indoda namkha umfazi imbulale, izakubulawa ngamatje nenyamayo ningayigomi. Umniniyo uzakuba msulwa. Kodwana nakube ikomo leyo beyivele inomkhuba wokuhlaba abantu bese umniniyo alokhu akhalinywa ngayo kodwana wangayivalela, yabulala indoda namkha umfazi, izakubulawa ngamatje nomniniyo abulawe. Nakube umniniyo loyo uyahlawuliswa, uzakuhlawula ngananyana yini ebizwa phezu kwakhe malungana nepilwakhe. Umthetho lo uzakusetjenziswa nalokha ikomo leyo ihlabe umsana namkha umntazana. Nakube ikomo ihlaba ikhoboka namkha ikhobokakazi, umniniyo uzakunikela umphathi wekhobokelo iimpaparwana ezimatjhumi amathathu zesiliva bese ikomo leyo ibulawa ngamatje. “Lokha umuntu nalisa ipetsi ingakavalwa, namkha lokha umuntu nemba ipetsi ayitjhiye ikhamisile bese ikomo namkha udumbana arhohlomele ngapho, umninipetsi leyo uzakuhlawula: Uzakunikela umninisilwana loyo imali. Kodwana isilwana esifilekweso sibe ngesakhe. “Nakube ikomo yomunye ihlaba yomunye bese iyafa, bazakuthengisa ikomo ephilako bese bahlukaniselana imali. Kumele godu bahlukaniselane nekomo efileko leyo. Nangabe kuyaziwa bonyana ikomo leyo inomkhuba wokuhlaba ezinye bese umniniyo akayivaleli, uzakukhokha ikomo ngekomo bese kuthi ikomo efileko kube ngeyakhe.” “Lokha umuntu neba ikomo, imvu namkha imbuzi bese uyayihlaba namkha ayithengise, uzakuhlawuliswa iinkomo ezihlanu ngekomo yinye, ahlawuliswe izimvu namkha iimbuzi ezine ngemvu yinye namkha ngembuzi yinye. “Nakube isela libanjwe liseba bese liyabethwa belife, angeze kwaba nomlandu wokuthulula iingazi zalo. Kodwana nakube lokho kwenzeke ilanga sele liphumile, olibuleleko uzakuba nomlandu weengazi. “Isela kumele lihlawule ngokuzeleko. Nakube alinanto, kufuze lithengiswe ukuze kukhokhelwe umonakalo eliwenzileko. Nakube okwetjiweko kufunyanwa esandleni salo kusaphila, lizakuhlawuliswa ngokubuyelelweko, kungaba yikomo, udumbana, imvu namkha imbuzi. “Nakube umuntu ukghaphela ifuywakhe esimini namkha esidiribeni bese ifuyo leyo ikarula esimini yomunye umuntu, uzakukhokhela umninisimu ngesivuno esikhethekileko sesimakhe nesesidiribe sakhe. “Nakuqubuka umlilo ulumathise ameva bese kutjhe isithala sekoroyi namkha ikoroyi engakavunwa namkha isimu, umuntu othungelele umlilo lowo uzakuhlawula woke umonakalo ngokuzeleko. “Nakube umuntu usisa isiliva namkha ipahla komunye umuntu bese yetjiwa ngekumbeni yomuntu loyo, isela eliyebileko lifunyanwe, lizakhokha ngokubuyelelwe kabili. Nakube isela alifunyanwa, umninimuzi uzakusondela kuZimu endaweni ecwengileko, afunge bonyana akanasandla ekwetjiweni kwepahla yomuntu loyo. “Nakwenzeka umuntu afanise ipahlakhe komunye bese athi ngeyakhe, kungaba yikomo, udumbana, imvu, imbuzi, izambatho okutjho nanyana yini emlahlekeleko, abantwabo bazakuletha umbangwabo bobabili phambi kwakaZimu endaweni ecwengileko. Kuzakuthi loyo uZimu ambona umlandu, akhokhele umbangisanakhe ngokubuyelelwe kabili. “Nakube umuntu usisa udumbana, ikomo, imvu, imbuzi namkha esinye nesinye isilwana komunye umuntu bese siyafa namkha sikhubale nanyana sinyamalale kungabi nomuntu obonako, umsolwa uzakwenza isifungo komsolako phambi kwakaSomnini bonyana azange abe nesandla epahleni yomuntu omsolako loyo. Umnikazi kumele amukele isifungweso begodu angabizi imbuyiselo. Kodwana nakube ipahla leyo ngambala yetjiwe ezandleni zakhe, kumele akhokhele umniniyo. Nakube isilwaneso sidatjulwe ziimbandana, akasilethe sibe bufakazi; akazukhokhela isilwana esidatjuliweko. “Lokha umuntu naboleka into ethize namkha ifuyo komunye umuntu bese iyalimala namkha ife, umniniyo angekho, umuntu loyo uzakukhokha imbuyiselo ngokuzeleko. Nakube umniniyo gade akhona nakwenzeka lokho, umuntu loyo akazukukhokha imbuyiselo. Nakube beyiqatjhiwe izakukhokhelwa ngemali yokuqatjhwa kwayo. “Nakube indoda ikhwatjha itlawu elingakabonwa bese ilala nalo, kumele ililobole libe mkayo. Nakube uyise wetlawelo ubetha phasi ngenyawo uthi akalendiseli endodeni leyo, indoda leyo izakukhokha inani elilingana nelobolo lamatlawu. “Ungavumeli bonyana umloyi aphile. “Nanyana ngubani olalana nesilwana akabulawe. “Owenzela nanyana ngimuphi usingazimu imihlabelo angenzeli uSomnini kwaphela akarhayilwe. “Ungahlukumezi isikhonzi namkha usigandelele ngombana nani beniziinkhonzi enarheni yeGibhide. Ungarhubutjhi umhlolokazi namkha intandani. Nanibarhubutjhako bese bayangililela, ngambala ngizasizwa isililo sabo, ubukhali bami buzakuvutha phezu kwenu nginibulale ngesabula bese abafazi benu baba bahlolokazi, abantwabenu babe ziintandani. “Nawubolekisa imali komunye wabantu bami abadududu abahlala nawe, ungabi njengomatjhonisa kuye; ungambizi inzalo. Nakube uthathela umuntu isambatho sakhe njengesibambiso, kumele umbuyisele sona ngaphambi kobana kutjhinge ilanga, ngombana isambathweso ngiso sodwa esisisembeso sakhe, siyingubo yomzimbakhe. Angalala ngani ngaphandle kwaso? Godu lokha nalila kimi, mina ngizakwizwa ngombana nginesisa. “Ungakhulumi uZimu kumbi, namkha uthuwelelise umphathi wabantu bakho. “Ungariyadi ukunikela isivuno sakhe sekoroyi, sewayini nesamafutha we-oliva. “Ngihlukaniselani amadodanenu wamazibulo. Nenze soneso nangamazibulo weenkomo, wezimvu neweembuzi zenu. Izibulo eliduna alihlale nonina amalanga alikhomba bese kuthi ngelanga lobunane ninginikele lona. “Nibabantu bami, nje-ke ningagomi inyama yesilwana esibulewe ziimbandana emmangweni. Inikeleni izinja.” “Ungarhatjhi iindaba ezimamala. Ungazibandakanyi nesikhohlakali ngokuba ngufakazi wobukhohlakali. Ungalandeli inengi bona nenze ubumbi. Nawufakaza emlandwini ungahlanakeli ubulungiswa ngokulandela inengi. Ungagwebi ochakileko ngokumzamela. “Lokha nawuhlangana nekomo namkha udumbana olahlekileko wesitha sakho, mrage umbuyisele kiso. Lokha nawubona udumbana waloyo okuhloyileko arabhalaliswe mthwalwakhe, ungamdluli anjalo, kodwana msize. “Ungahlanakeli ubulungiswa nawugweba umlandu womuntu ochakileko. Ungayengwa bufakazi bamala nawugwebako ngombana ungahle ukhuphe isigwebo sokubulawa konganamlandu nolungileko. Angeze ngamlisa umgwebi okhohlakeleko. Ungalingi wamukele ukufunjathiswa ngombana ukufunjathiswa kuphophaza ohlolisisako, kwenze abaneqiniso babe bakhohlisi. “Ningagandeleli isikhonzi; niyayazi ihliziyo yesikhonzi ngombana nani gade niziinkhonzi enarheni yeGibhide. “Uzakutjala bewuvune amasimakho iminyaka esithandathu, kodwana emnyakeni wekhomba uzawaphumuza, uwalise abe mraga ukuze abadududu bekhenu bakghone ukugoma amakhikhizela. Abawatjhiyileko azakudliwa ziinlwana zommango. Wenze soneso nangesidiribe sakho nesivande sakho se-oliva. “Yenza umsebenzakho amalanga asithandathu. Elangeni lekhomba uphumule ukuze kuphumule nekomakho nodumbanakho bese indodana yekhobokakazi lakho nesikhonzi esikusebenzelako nabo bakhokhe ummoya. “Yelelani koke engikutjho kini; ningabizi amabizo wabosingazimu; niwakhafule nemilonyenenu. “Ningenzele umnyanya kathathu ngomnyaka. Yenzani umnyanya wesiKwa esinganaNgumelo njengombana nginiyalile. Nizagoma isikwa esinganangumelo amalanga alikhomba ngesikhathi esibekiweko ngenyanga ka-Abibi ngombana leyo yinyanga enaphuma ngayo eGibhide. Kungabi nomuntu ozakuvela phambi kwami amkhonoze. Gidingani umnyanya wesiVuno okumnyanya womkhiqizo womsebenzenu walokho enikutjele emasimini. Nigidinge umnyanya wokuButhelela ekupheleni komnyaka lokha nanibuthelela iinthelo zomsebenzenu emasimini. Boke abaduna benu bazakuvela phambi kwakaSomnini uSomandla kathathu ngomnyaka. “Ingumelo ingeze yabandakanywa neengazi zomhlabelo. Godu ungalisi amafutha wemihlabelo yeminyanyami ahlale bekuse ungakawatjhisi. “Letha njalo imikhiqizo yokuthoma yehlabathakho endaweni ecwengileko kaSomnini uZimakho. “Ungapheki imbuzana ngebisini lakanina.” “Qalani, ngithumela ingilozi phambi kwenu bona ineluse endleleni beyinise endaweni enginilungiselele yona. Ziqapheleni ngombana iphakathi kwenu; nilalele ilizwi layo, ningalwi nayo. Naningayilaleliko angeze yaqolela imitjhapho yenu ngombana ngimi okhuluma kiyo. “Kodwana lokha naniyilalelisisa kuhle bese nenza koke engithi nikwenze, khona-ke ngizakuba sisitha sezitha zenu ngibe mjamelani ebajamelanini benu. “Lokha ingilozami nayikhamba phambi kwenu bese iningenisa kuma-Amori, amaRhithi, amaPerizi, amaKanana, amaRhivi namaJebusi bese ngiyawabhubhisa, ningakhothameli abosingazimu bawo begodu ningabalotjhi. Ningenzi izinto ngendlelabo kodwana nibaphelise nya beniphadlhe namatjabo akhethekileko. Lotjhani uSomnini uZimenu. Mina ngizakubusisa isikwa namanzenu bengisuse izifo phakathi kwenu. Akunamfazi ozakubuya endleleni namkha abe yinyumba enarhenenu; ngizanandisela ipilo. Ngizathumela ukwesaba kwami phambi kwenu bese ngihlangahlanganisa boke abantu eniqabene nabo ngenze zoke izitha zenu zinibaleke. Godu ngizakuthumela abonondovu phambi kwenu, baqotjhe amaRhivi, amaKanana namaRhithi phambi kwenu. Izizwezi angeze ngaziqotjha phambi kwenu ngamnyaka munye ngombana inarha izasala inganamuntu bese iinlwana zommango ziyanda zinivukele. Kodwana ngizaziqotjha kancani kancani phambi kwenu, kufikela lapha nanda khona benithathe inarha. Ngizabeka imikhawulwenu ukusuka elwandle lomGaba ukuya elwandle lamaFilista nokusuka erhalawumbeni ukuya eYufrathe. Iye, ngizanikela abahlali benarha ezandleni zenu bese nina niyabagijimisa. Ningenzi isivumelwano nabo namkha nabosingazimu babo. Bangahlali enarhenenu ngombana bazanenza none phambi kwami lokha nanilotjha abosingazimu babo. Lokho kuzakuba sisifu kini.” USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Yenyukela kimi, wena no-Aroni, uNadabi no-Abihu kanye namatjhumi alikhomba wabanye babaphathi bakwa-Israyeli, kodwana niguqe kudanyana nihlome iinhloko phasi. Nguwe kwaphela Mosi ozakubandamela kimi, kodwana abaphathi bangabandameli. Kungabi nabanye abantu abenyuka nawe.” UMosi wehla wabikela abantu woke amezwi nemithetho kaSomnini. Abantu baphendula boke ngalizwi linye bathi: “Woke amezwi akhulunywe nguSomnini sizawaphetha.” UMosi watlola woke amezwi kaSomnini. Wavuka ngovivi wakha i-aldari enzasi kwentaba, wajamisa namatje wesikhumbuzo alitjhumi nambili agade ajamele iinkoro ezilitjhumi nambili zakwa-Israyeli. Wayala amasokana wama-Israyeli kobana enzele uSomnini imihlabelo yokutjhiswa neyetjhebiswano ngeenkunzi. UMosi wathatha ingcenye yeengazi wayifaka ezitjeni, kwathi ingcenye enye wayifafaza e-aldarini. Wathatha incwadi yesivumelwano, wayifundela abantu. Bona bathi: “Koke okukhulunywe nguSomnini sizokwenza begodu sizokulalela.” Nje-ke uMosi wathatha iingazi wafafaza abantu ngazo wathi: “Qalani, lezi ziingazi zesivumelwano uSomnini asenze nani ngokuya ngawo woke amezwi la.” Emva kwalokho uMosi no-Aroni, uNadabi no-Abihu kanye namatjhumi alikhomba wabanye babaphathi bakwa-Israyeli benyukela entabeni, bafika babona lapha kujame khona uZimu wakwa-Israyeli: Ngaphasi kweenyawo zakhe gade kunokungathi yindlela egangadwe ngelitje lesafaya, isuleke inga mkayi ngokwawo. Nanyana iinkhulu zama-Israyelezi zabona uZimu, azange azenze litho. Bagoma bebasela. USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Khuphukela kimi entabeni, ulinde khonapho; ngizokunikela imiqebethu enomthetho nemiyalo engiyitlolele bona ngifundise ama-Israyeli ngayo.” Yeke uMosi wazilungiselela ukukhuphuka nencekwakhe uJotjhuwa bona baye entabeni kaZimu. Wathi ebaphathini: “Silindelani lapha besibuye. Qalani nango u-Aroni noRhuri phakathi kwenu, nanyana ngubani onomraro akaye kibo.” Yeke uMosi wakhuphukela entabeni, ilifu lagubuzesa intaba. Iphazimulo kaSomnini yembatha intaba yeSinayi yasibekelwa lilifu amalanga asithandathu, kwathi elangeni lekhomba uZimu wabiza uMosi phakathi kwelifu. Kuthe lokha ama-Israyeli nabona iphazimulo kaSomnini egade injengomlilo oqothulako phezu kwesiqongolo sentaba uMosi wangena elifini, wakhuphukela entabeni. UMosi waba sentabeni amalanga amatjhumi amane nobusuku bakhona. USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Tjela ama-Israyeli bonyana angilethele umnikelo. Abaphathi abawuthathe komunye nomunye umuntu onehliziyo evumako. Nanti ihlobo lomnikelo enizalithatha kiwo: igolide, isiliva nekoporo, iwulu ehlaza komkayi, ebubende netlerebede, ilineni emhlophe kanye noboya beembuzi, iinkhumba zamaqama ezifakwe umbala obovu, iinkhumba ezitjhukiweko bezazeswa ngamafutha, iingodo zomtholo, amafutha weembani, iinungo zamafutha wokuzesa kanye namakha wetjhwalo, amatje we-oniksi namatje wokukghabisa i-efodi neporiyana yomphristi. “Ngenzelani indawo ecwengileko ukuze ngihlale phakathi kwama-Israyeli. Nenze ithaberinakeli nakho koke okukilo ngendlela yomfanekiso engizakukhombisa wona.” Godu uSomnini wathi kuMosi: “Ngenzelani umfaji ngeengodo zomtholo ube limitha nesiqunjwana ubude, ube siquntu nesiqunjwana semitha ububanzi nokuphakama. Uwunameke ngegolidembala ngaphakathi nangaphandle bese uwuphetha ngegolide. Uwubumbele amasongo wegolide amane bese uwabethelela emajikeni wawo amane ngaphasi, amasongo amabili ngehlangothini lawo namanye amabili ngakelinye ihlangothi. Ulungise iingodo zomuthi womtholo, uzinameke ngegolide. Ufake iingodwezo ngaphakathi kwamasongo ngemahlangothini womfaji ukuze uwuthwale ngazo. Iingodo azibe ngemasongweni womfaji; zingasuswa kiwo. Ufake ubufakazi besivumelwano engizakunikela bona ngemfajini. Wenze isisibekelo somfaji ngegolidembala sibe limitha nesiqunjwana ubude, sibe siquntu nesiqunjwana semitha ububanzi. “Wenze amakerubhi amabili wegolide ngokuwakhanda ekugcineni kwemiphetho emibili yesisibekelo somfaji. Ukhande ikerubhi linye ngehlangothini elinye nekerubhi elinye ngakelinye ihlangothi. Amakerubhi amabili angemaqadi wesisibekelweso akabe yinto yinye nesisibekelweso. Amakerubhi akathabululele amaphikwawo ngaphezulu engamele isisibekelo somfaji aqalane ngobuso, womabili aqale isisibekelo. Ufake ubufakazi besivumelwano engizakunikela bona ngaphakathi komfaji bese uvala umfaji ngesisibekelo. Ngizakuhlangana nawe lapho, ngikhulume nawe ngingehla kwesisibekelo hlangana namakerubhi amabili aphezu komfaji wobufakazi. Ngizakuyala ngalokho okumalungana nama-Israyeli.” USomnini wabuya wathi: “Yenza itafula ngomuthi womtholo libe ngaphasana kwemitha ubude, ngaphasana kwesiquntu semitha ububanzi, libe siquntu nesiqunjwana semitha ukuphakama. Linameke ngegolidembala bese uliphetha ngesakhelelo segolide magegana nalo. Ukusuka emphethweni ukuya ngaphakathi kube bubanzi besandla bese wakha umqoqo wesakhelelo segolide. Lenzele amasongo amane wegolide, uwabophelele emajikenalo amane emilenzeni. Amasongo wokufaka iingodo zokuthwala itafula akabe ngaphasana kwesakhelelo. Lungisa iingodo zomuthi womtholo, uzinameke ngegolide, uthwale ngazo itafula. “Lenzele izitja ezahlukahlukeneko, iinkapho nemijeka yokuvubela umnikelo wewayini. Koke lokhu kwenze ngegolidembala. Beka izikwa ezibekwa phambi kwakaZimu etafulenapho zibe phambi kwami ngeenkhathi zoke.” Godu uSomnini wathi: “Yenza ilithi leembani ngegolidembala. Isikhondo, isiqu, iimpundu okutjho amaqumbe namathuthumbo walo kube msebenzi okhandwe wahlanganiswa nalo. Akube namagatja asithandathu aphuma ngemaqadi wesiqu selithi leembani, kube magatja amathathu ngehlangothini linye lesiqu bese amagatja amathathu abe ngehlangothini elinye. Emagatjeni akube neempundu ezinjengama-alimondi okutjho amaqumbe namathuthumbo. Egatjeni ngalinye kilawo asithandathu kube neempundu ezintathu. Kuthi esiqwini selithi leembani kube neempundu ezine ezinjengama-alimondi, zibe namaqumbe namathuthumbo. Akube nequmbe linye esiqwini ngaphasi komsuka wamagatja akhamba ngamabili. Kube njalo kiwo woke amagatja asithandathu asuka esiqwini. Amaqumbe namagatja wakhona akhandwe ndawonye nesiqu ngegolidembala. “Lenzele iimbani ezilikhomba. Ubeke isibani phezu kwesiqu nangaphezu kwegatja negatja ukuze zikhanyise esibangeni esingaphambi kwelithi leembani. Iincimasibani nezitjana zalo zibe ngezegolidembala. “Ilithi leembani sele lihlangene nezitja zalo zoke libe makhilogremu amatjhumi amathathu nane wegolidembala. “Qinisekisa bonyana wenza koke lokhu ngomfanekiso owakhonjiswa wona entabeni.” USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Yenza ithaberinakeli ngamatjhila alitjhumi welineni emhlophe. Uthunge nemifanekiso yamakerubhi ngobukghoni ematjhilenapho ngewulu ehlaza komkayi, ebubende netlerebede. Ubude betjhila ngalinye bube mamitha alitjhumi nambili nesiquntu, libe ngaphasana kwamamitha amabili ububanzi. Woke amatjhila lawa kumele alingane. Amatjhila akahlanganiswe ndawonye ngamahlanu. Wenze iinrhobelo ezihlaza komkayi emphethweni welinye letjhila elihlanganisiweko elingeqadi. Wenze njalo nakelinye itjhila elihlanganisiweko. Akube ziinrhobelo ezimatjhumi amahlanu etjhileni lokuthoma elihlanganisiweko, ezinye iinrhobelo ezimatjhumi amahlanu emphethweni wetjhila lesibili elihlanganisiweko. Iinrhobelwezo aziqalane. Wenze iinqobotjhelo ezimatjhumi amahlanu zegolide bese uqobotjhela amatjhila elinye kelinye ngeenqobotjhelwezo ukuze ithaberinakeli lihlangane libe linye. “Godu wenze amatjhila woboya beembuzi wokwenza itende phezu kwethaberinakeli; uwenze abe litjhumi nanye. Ubude betjhila ngalinye bube mamitha alitjhumi nantathu nesiquntu bese ububanzi buba ngaphasana kwamamitha amabili. Wolitjhumi nanye amatjhila lawo kumele alingane. Uhlanganise amatjhila amahlanu ndawonye nasithandathu ndawonye. Itjhila lesithandathu uzalibhinca ngehla komnyango wetende. Wenze iinrhobelo emphethweni welinye letjhila elihlanganisiweko elingeqadi. Wenze njalo nakelinye itjhila elihlanganisiweko. Wenze iinqobotjhelo ezimatjhumi amahlanu zekoporo bese uqobotjhela iinrhobelo. Qobotjhela ngazo itende ukuze lihlangane libe linye. Ingcenye yamatjhila wetende edluleleko okuyingcenye yamatjhila ahlanganisiweko, ayilembeleliswe ngeswazini langemuva lethaberinakeli. Ingcenye esiquntu semitha ngehlangothini elinye nelinye lalokho okudluleleko ebudeni bamatjhila wetende izakulembelela ngemaqadi wethaberinakeli, ngapha nangapha ligubuzeseke. “Yenza isigubuzeso setende ngeenkhumba zamaqama ezifakwe umbala obomvu begodu wenze isigubuzeso esinye ngeenkhumba ezitjhukiweko bezazeswa ngamafutha ngaphezu kwaso. “Wenze amahlaka wethaberinakeli ajamileko ngeengodo zomtholo. Ihlaka ngalinye libe nobude obumamitha amane nesiquntu, libe siquntu nesiqunjwana semitha ububanzi. Iingodo ezimbili ezihlanganiswe bona zenze ihlaka kufuze zibe neentlobo ezimbili ngaphasi. Woke amahlaka wethaberinakeli uwenze ngaleyondlela. “Wenze amahlaka wethaberinakeli amatjhumi amabili ngeswazini langesewula. Ngaphasi kwamahlaka amatjhumi amabili lawo wenze amanzinziso wesiliva amatjhumi amane. Akube manzinziso amabili ngaphasi kwehlaka ngalinye lapha iintlobo zalo ezimbili zizakungena khona. Yenza njalo ehlakeni elinye nelinye. “Godu nangeswazini elinye langetlhagwini lethaberinakeli kube mahlaka amatjhumi amabili namanzinziso wesiliva amatjhumi amane. Akube manzinziso amabili ngaphasi kwehlaka ngalinye. “Ngeswazini lethaberinakeli elingetjingalanga wenze amahlaka asithandathu. Yenza amahlaka amabili ukuze enze amajika wethaberinakeli ngemuva. Ijika linye alenziwe ziingcenye ezimbili ezifanako. Iingcenye ezimbilezi kumele zihlanganiswe ukusuka phasi ukuya phezulu lapha isongo lokuthoma lizafakwa khona. Akube njalo emajikeni womabili. Nje-ke kuzakuba namahlaka abunane ngemuva kwethaberinakeli namanzinziso wesiliva alitjhumi nasithandathu. Ihlaka ngalinye libe namanzinziso amabili. “Wenze iinqabo ngeengodo zomtholo zibe ngezamahlaka wethaberinakeli. Yenza zibe zihlanu ngeswazini elinye zibe zihlanu ngakelinye; godu zibe zihlanu ngemuva lethaberinakeli ngeswazini langetjingalanga. Iinqabo ezingeziphakathi emahlakeni wamaswazi wethaberinakeli kumele zithome ekuthomeni kweswazi ukuyokutjhayisa ekugcineni. Unameke amahlaka neenqabo ngegolide. Amasongo wokubamba iinqabo enziwe ngegolide. “Jamisa ithaberinakeli ukuya ngendlela owaboniswa ngayo usentabeni. “Wenze isiyaya ngelineni emhlophe. Uthungelele phezu kwesiyayapho ngobukghoni imifanekiso yamakerubhi ngewulu ehlaza komkayi, ebubende netlerebede. Yenza iinsika ezine zomtholo ezinamekwe ngegolide zijame phezu kwamanzinziso wesiliva. Lembelelisa isiyayeso ngeenkhonkhwani zegolide phezu kweensika, silembelele ngaphasi kweenqobotjhelo zamatjhila. “Ngenisa umfaji wobufakazi uwubeke ngemuva kwesiyaya. Isiyaya sizakuhlukanisa indawo ecwengileko kecwenge khulu. Beka isisibekelo somfaji phezu komfaji wobufakazi ngendaweni ecwenge khulu. Beka itafula ngaphandle kwesiyaya, ubeke ilithi leembani ngeswazini langesewula yethaberinakeli malungana netafula elingeswazini langetlhagwini. “Yenza itjhila lomnyango wetende ngelineni emhlophe ulithungelele newulu ehlaza komkayi, ebubende netlerebede. Wenzele itjhila lomnyango iinsika ezine zomtholo bese uzinameka ngegolide; iinkhonkhwani zakhona kube ngezegolide. Uzibumbele amanzinziso amahlanu wekoporo.” USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Wenze i-aldari ngeengodo zomtholo libe sikwere ngaphezulu. Ubude nobubanzi libe mamitha amabili nesiqunjwana. Libe limitha nesiqunjwana ukuphakama. Ulenzele iimpundu emajikenalo amane; zinamathele kilo bese ulinameka ngekoporo. “Ulenzele izitja zokufaka umlotha, iintjhefula, izitja zokunyenyeza, iimforogo nezitja zokutjhisela itjhwalo. Zoke izitja zalo uzenze ngekoporo. “Godu ulenzele umsefo wekoporo njengenede ngemaqadi walo. Wenze amasongo amane wekoporo emajikenalo amane. Ubeke umsefo ngaphasi komqoqo we-aldari ukuze ulembelele uphelele phakathi e-aldarini. Wenzele i-aldari iingodo, kube ziingodo zomtholo bese uzinameka ngekoporo. Iingodwezo zifakwe emasongweni ukuze zibe ngemaqadi we-aldari lokha naligugwako. Ulenze ngamaplanka libe nomkghotho ngaphakathi njengombana wakhonjiswa lona entabeni.” Godu uSomnini wathi kuMosi: “Wenze isirhodlo sethaberinakeli ngalendlela: Ngeswazini langesewula lethaberinakeli ulembelelise umlembelembe wamatjhila welineni emhlophe anomthungo abe mamitha amatjhumi amane nahlanu. Ihlangothi lesirhodlwelo alibe neensika ezimatjhumi amabili namanzinziso wakhona amatjhumi amabili kwenziwe ngekoporo, kodwana iinkhonkhwani zeensika kanye nemipherho yakhona kwenziwe ngesiliva. “Ngokunjalo ngeswazini langetlhagwini lethaberinakeli kube nomlembelembe wamatjhila omamitha amatjhumi amane nahlanu ubude. Akube neensika ezimatjhumi amabili namanzinziso wakhona amatjhumi amabili kwenziwe ngekoporo, kodwana iinkhonkhwani zeensika kanye nemipherho yakhona kwenziwe ngesiliva. “Ububanzi besirhodlo, ngeswazini langetjingalanga lethaberinakeli, bube nomlembelembe wamatjhila omamitha amatjhumi amabili nambili nesiquntu. Godu bube neensika ezilitjhumi kanye namanzinziso wakhona alitjhumi. “Ububanzi besirhodlo ngeswazini langaphambili lethaberinakeli ngepumalanga bube mamitha amatjhumi amabili nambili nesiquntu. Ihlangothi lesirhodlo langaphambili libe nemilembelembe emibili yamatjhila ephahle isango. Ubude bomlembelembe ngamunye bube mamitha asithandathu nesiquntu nesiqunjwana. Yomibili imilembelembe leyo ibe neensika ezintathu namanzinziso amathathu. Esangweni lesirhodlo akube nesivalo esimamitha alithoba ububanzi, senziwe ngelineni emhlophe ethungwe ngewulu ehlaza komkayi, ebubende netlerebede. Asibe neensika ezine ezinamanzinziso amane. “Zoke iinsika magegana nesirhodlo zibe nemipherho yesiliva, iinkhonkhwani zesiliva namanzinziso wekoporo. Ubude besirhodlo bube mamitha amatjhumi amane nahlanu, ububanzi bube mamitha amatjhumi amabili nambili nesiquntu. Ukuphakama komlembelembe kube mamitha amabili nesiqunjwana. Umlembelembe lowo ube ngewelineni emhlophe enomthungo; amanzinziso wakhona enziwe ngekoporo. Zoke izitja zethaberinakeli zananyana ngimuphi umsebenzi, nazo zoke iinkhonkhwani ezibamba itende nesirhodlo zizakuba ngezekoporo.” USomnini wathi: “Wena-ke Mosi utjele ama-Israyeli bonyana alethe kuwe amafutha we-oliva atsengileko nacwebileko wokukhanyisa ilithi leembani. Iimbani azihlale zivutha ngetendeni lokuhlanganela ngaphandle kwesiyaya esingaphambi kobufakazi. U-Aroni namadodanakhe kumele bahlale babona bonyana iimbani ziyakhanya phambi kwakaSomnini ukusukela ntambama bekuse. Lokhu kuzakuba simiso esijame nini nanini sama-Israyeli iinzukulwana ngeenzukulwana.” USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Umnakwenu u-Aroni namadodanakhe akaphume phakathi kwama-Israyeli. Qala ngimkhethile yena namadodanakhe uNadabi no-Abihu, u-Elazara no-Itamara kobana babe baphristi bangilotjhe. “Wenzele umnakwenu u-Aroni izambatho ezicwengileko kobana abe nesithunzi ahlonipheke. Tjela boke abanekghono, engibaphe ukuhlakanipha, kobana benzele u-Aroni izambatho ukuze ahlukaniselwe ubuphristi bami. “Nanzi izambatho okumele bazenze: iporiyana yomphristi, i-efodi, ijasi, iphuraphura enomphetho, ingwani yomphristi kanye nomkhungo. Abenzele namadodana womfowenu u-Aroni izambatho ezikhethekileko kobana abe baphristi bami. “Bazakusebenzisa imicwana yegolide, iwulu ehlaza komkayi, ebubende netlerebede kanye nelineni emhlophe. Abasebenze ngobukghoni ukwenza i-efodi ngelineni emhlophe, ethungwe ngemicwana yegolide nangewulu ehlaza komkayi, ebubende netlerebede. I-efodi leyo ayibe nemitletle emibili yamahlombe ukuze ihlanganise ingcenye yangemuva neyangaphambili emphethwenayo. Ibhande lokuyibopha elithungelelwe kiyo nalo alenziwe ngelineni emhlophe ethungwe ngemicwana yegolide nangewulu ehlaza komkayi, ebubende netlerebede. “Uthathe amatje amabili abomvu naligugu utlole kiwo ngokugobhodlha amabizo wamadodana ka-Israyeli, asithandathu elitjeni elinye, nasithandathu kelinye ilitje ngendlela alamana ngayo. Ugobhodlhe amabizo wamadodana ka-Israyeli ematjeni amabili njengombazi natlola elitjeni lokugiba. Amatje lawo uwaphethe ngemicwana yegolide bewuwathungelele phezu kwemitletle yamahlombe we-efodi, abe sikhumbuzo samadodana ka-Israyeli. U-Aroni akembathe amabizwawo emahlombakhe phambi kwakaSomnini kube sikhumbuzo. Lokha nawuphetha amatje lawo ngemicwana yegolide uthungelele iinketanyana ezimbili zegolidembala khonapho. Iinketanyanezo azilukwe njengalokha nakulukwa imicwana. “Wenze ngobukghoni imbada yeporiyana yomphristi lapha kufakwa khona amatje wefumbe. Uyenze ifane nangendlela ekwenziwe ngayo i-efodi: ngelineni emhlophe, ethungwe ngemicwana yegolide nangewulu ehlaza komkayi, ebubende netlerebede. Ayilingane mahlangothi woke nayibhinciweko, ibe masentimitha amatjhumi amabili nambili ubude nobubanzi. Uyifake amarhemo amane wamatje aligugu: “Irhemo lokuthoma libe nerubi, ithophazi ne-emeraldi; irhemo lesibili libe nesimaragidu, isafaya nedayimani; irhemo lesithathu libe nehiyasinthi, i-agatha ne-ametisthi; irhemo lesine libe nebherili, i-oniksi nejasipere. “Woke amatje lawo uwarubele ngemicwana yegolide. Akube mamatje alitjhumi nambili, anamabizo ukuya ngamadodana ka-Israyeli. Azakuba njengamatje wokugiba, enye nenye ikoro kezilitjhumi nambili itlolwe ngokugobhodlhwa elitjeni layo. “Iinketanyana ezimbili zegolidembala ezilukwe njengemicwana uzazibophelela eporiyaneni nganasi indlela: Yenza amasongo amabili wegolide bese uwathungelela emajikenayo angehla. Ufake iinketanyana ezimbili zegolide ngemasongweni amabili emajikeni weporiyana. Bopha amaphelelo weenketanyana ezimbili emphethweni orutjelweko wamatje asemtletleni we-efodi emahlombe ukuze iporiyana ibe sesifubeni. Wenze amasongo amanye amabili wegolide, uwathungelele emajikeni amanye angaphasi womphetho weporiyana. Godu wenze amanye amasongo amabili wegolide bese uwathungelela ngaphambili phasi emitletleni yamahlombe hlanu kwalapha ihlangana khona ne-efodi ngehla kwebhande. Bophelela amasongo weporiyana emasongweni we-efodi ngomtiya ohlaza komkayi ukuze ibe ngehla kwebhande le-efodi. Lokho kuzakwenza bonyana iporiyana ingatjhaphuluki isuke e-efodini. “Ngaleyondlela u-Aroni uzakuthwala amabizo wamadodana ka-Israyeli eporiyaneni enembada yamatje wefumbe. Amabizo lawo uzawathwala ehliziywenakhe lokha naya endaweni ecwengileko kube sikhumbuzo sanini nanini phambi kwakaSomnini. Ngembadeni yeporiyana ubeke amatje wefumbe okuyi-urimi nethumimi, abe sehliziyweni ka-Aroni lokha nayokuvela phambi kwakaSomnini. Ngaleyondlela u-Aroni uzakuhlala athwele amatje wefumbe yokuhlahla ama-Israyeli ehliziywenakhe njalo. “Wenze ijasi ekhambisana ne-efodi ibe hlaza komkayi koke. Phakathi nendawo ibe nentamo lapha kungena khona ihloko, uyithungelele umphetho olukiweko entanyeni ufane nomphetho wesambatho sepi ukuze ingadabuki. Emphethwenayo ngenzasi wenze amarharinada ngewulu ehlaza komkayi, ebubende netlerebede azombeleze umphetho abe neenkhencezo zegolide hlangana, kube sikhencezo segolide nerharinada, godu isikhencezo segolide nerharinada njalo njalo magegana nomphetho wejasi. U-Aroni akembathe ijasi leyo njalo lokha nangenako nalokha naphumako endaweni ecwengileko yokulotjha phambi kwakaSomnini ukuze kuzwakale ukukhenceza. Nangembathi njalo, uzakufa. “Godu wenze ithuthumbo legolidembala, uligwale ngokuligobhodlha amagama athi, ‘Ohlukaniselwe uSomnini’ njengomgobhodlho wesigibo. Ulibophelele engwanini ngomtiya ohlaza komkayi; libe ngaphambili engwanini phezu kwepandla ka-Aroni. Ithuthumbelo lizakuhlala lisepandla ka-Aroni njalo ukuze ama-Israyeli amukeleke phambi kwakaSomnini lokha naletha izipho ezikhethileko. Ngaleyondlela u-Aroni uzakwenza bonyana izono zama-Israyeli zithethelelwe lokha naphambukako ekunikeleni nanyana ngiziphi izipho.” Godu uSomnini wathi kuMosi: “Lokha nawuthungela u-Aroni iphuraphura ngelineni emhlophe nalokha nawumenzela ingwani ngelineni emhlophe kanye nomkhungo ngobukghoni, wenzele namadodanakhe iimphuraphura, imikhungo yokuthekeleza nemibhode. Lokhu ukwenze kobana abe nesithunzi abe ahlonipheke. Wembathise umnakwenu u-Aroni namadodanakhe akanye naye, ubahlukanisele ubuphristi bami ngokubazesa nangokubajamisa. Ubenzele iindzeredzere ngelineni kobana bafihle ububhunubhunu babo ukusuka edinini ukufika emadolweni. U-Aroni namadodanakhe bayembathe lokha nabangena ngetendeni lokuhlanganela ngitjho nalokha nabatjhidela e-aldarini kobana balotjhe endaweni ecwengileko. Nakungasinjalo bazazithwesa umlandu bese bayafa. Lokhu kuzakuba simiso sanini nanini ku-Aroni neenzukulwaneni zakhe ngemva kwakhe.” USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Nakhu ozakwenza kibo nawubahlukaniselako kobana babe baphristi bami: Thatha ikunzana eyodwa namaqama amabili amsulwa, izikwa ezindulungu, izikwa ezimasongo ezidutjwe ngamafutha we-oliva neemphaphatha ezitjhatjhwe ngamafutha we-oliva. Izikwezo zingabi nengumelo begodu zenziwe ngeflowuru esefiweko. Zifake ngesiqwebini sinye uzilethe bese utjhideza ikunzana namaqama amabili. “Utjhideze u-Aroni namadodanakhe emnyango wetende lokuhlanganela bese ubahlambulula ngamanzi. Thatha izambatho, wembese u-Aroni iphuraphura kanye nejasi ekhambisana ne-efodi, i-efodi neporiyana yomphristi bese umbopha ngebhande le-efodi. Umthwese ingwani bese ubeka isihlohlo esahlukaniselweko phezu kwengwani. Thatha amafutha wokuzesa umthele ehloko bese uyamzesa. “Utjhideze amadodanakhe, uwembathise iimphuraphura, bese uwabopha ngemikhungo yokuthekeleza emadinini njengombana wenze ku-Aroni, uwathwese imibhode. Ubuphristi buzakuba ngebabo ngokwesimiso sanini nanini. “Uzajamisa u-Aroni namadodanakhe ngalendlela: Letha ikunzana ngaphambi kwetende lokuhlanganela. U-Aroni namadodanakhe bazakubeka izandla zabo phezu kwehloko yekunzana. Uhlabe ikunzana leyo phambi kwakaSomnini emnyango wetende lokuhlanganela bese uthatha ingcenye yeengazi zekunzana uzininde phezu kweempundu ezisemajikeni we-aldari ngomunwakho. Iingazi eziseleko uzithululele emanzinzweni we-aldari. Uthathe woke umhlwehlwe weenredlo, ipundu yesibindi, iziso zombili nomhlwehlwe wakhona ukutjhisele e-aldarini. Kodwana inyama yekunzana, isikhumba kanye nomswani wakhona ukutjhise ngaphandle kwekampa. Lokho kumhlabelo wehlambululo. “Uthathe elinye lamaqama bese u-Aroni namadodanakhe babeka izandla zabo phezu kwehlokwalo, ulihlabe. Uthathe iingazi zalo uzifafaze magegana ne-aldari. Uhlahlele iqamelo, uhlanze iinredlo neenqatha zalo bese ubeka izitho nehloko yakhona ndawonye. Utjhise loke iqamelo e-aldarini, libe mhlabelo wokutjhiswa kuSomnini. Lokho kumnikelo owamukelekako kuSomnini. “Uthathe iqama elinye; u-Aroni namadodanakhe babeke izandla zabo phezu kwehlokwalo. Ulihlabe bese uthatha ingcenye yeengazi zalo uzininde endlebeni yangesidleni ka-Aroni neendlebeni zangesidleni zamadodanakhe, phezu kwabothubha babo bangesidleni naphezu kwabothubhakghuru babo bangesidleni. Ufafaze iingazi eziseleko e-aldarini magegana nalo. Uthathe ingcenye yeengazi ezise-aldarini nengcenye yamafutha wokuzesa bese ukufafaze phezu kwaka-Aroni nezambatho zakhe naphezu kwamadodanakhe nezambatho zawo. Yena nezambatho zakhe uzakuba ngocwengileko kanye namadodanakhe nezambatho zawo. “Leli liqama abazakujanyiswa ngalo, yeke thatha amafuthalo okutjho amanoni womsila nomhlwehlwe weenredlo, ipundu yesibindi, iziso zombili nomhlwehlwe wakhona kanye nomlenze wangesidleni. Godu uthathe sinye isikwa esindulungu, esimasongo esidutjwe ngamafutha nesiphaphatha ngesiqwebini sesikwa esinganangumelo esiphambi kwakaSomnini. Koke lokhu ukubeke ezandleni zaka-Aroni nezamadodanakhe ukuze kuphakanyiswe njengomnikelo osibiko kuSomnini. Uthathe lokho ezandleni zabo, ukutjhise e-aldarini ngaphezu komhlabelo wokutjhiswa kube mnikelo owamukelekako kuSomnini. “Uthathe isifuba seqama okujanyiswe ngalo u-Aroni, usiphakamise njengomnikelo osibiko kuSomnini. Lokho kusisabelo sakho. “Ngebanga lokobana isifuba nomlenze weqama kwaphakanyiswa njengomnikelo osibiko nakujanyiswa u-Aroni namadodanakhe, lokho kufuze kutjhejwe ngokukhethekileko ngomuso: Kusisabelo saka-Aroni namadodanakhe. Iye, izithwezi zazimnikelo okhethekileko lokha nakujanyiswa abaphristi, nangokuzako kumele zibe ngezikhethekileko. Lokha ama-Israyeli nenza imihlabelo yetjhebiswano kumele aphakamisele izithwezo kuSomnini bese zinikelwa abaphristi. Lokhu kusimiso sanini nanini ama-Israyeli okumele asigcine. “Izambatho ezikhethekileko zaka-Aroni zizakwambulelwa lowo ozakuba mphristi omkhulu eenzukulwaneni zakhe. Uzazembatha lokha nazeswako nalokha najanyiswako. Indodana ezakuba mphristi esikhundleni sakhe izazembatha emalangeni alikhomba wokujanyiswa kwayo etendeni lokuhlanganela. Godu izembathe njalo nayingena endaweni ecwengileko bonyana izokulotjha. “Uthathe inyama yeqama okujanyiswe ngalo abaphristi uyiphekele endaweni ecwengileko. U-Aroni namadodanakhe bazagoma inyama yeqama leyo nesikwa esingesiqwebini emnyango wetende lokuhlanganela. Abazagoma ukudlokho ngilabo kwaphela abazibandakanye ekambisweni yetethelelo ukuze bajanyiswe ngokuhlukaniselwa uSomnini. Ongaphandle akukameli agome ngombana kukhethekile. Nakube kunamasalela wenyama yokujanyiswa namkha wesikwa asele bekwaba sekuseni, uwatjhise. Angeze agonywa ngombana akhethekile. “Koke engikuyale ngakho ngo-Aroni namadodanakhe kumele kubuyelelwe amalanga abe likhomba: Bajamise bewulungise ngamalanga ikunzana yomhlabelo wehlambululo kube yitethelelwabo. Lokha nawenzela i-aldari ihlambululo, lihlambulule begodu ulizese ukuze lihlukaniselwe uSomnini. Buyelela ikambiso yehlambululo ye-aldari amalanga alikhomba bese uyalihlukanisela. I-aldari lizakuba ngelicwenge khulu; nanyana yini ethinta i-aldarelo izakucwenga.” USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Nakhu okuzakwenziwa phezu kwe-aldari: Kuzakuhlatjwa iimvana ezimbili ezinomnyaka munye, imihla yoke ngokungapheliko. Imvana eyodwa unikele ngayo ekuseni bese kuthi enye unikele ngayo ngamarhwaqela. Imvana yokuthoma ayikhambisane nethungana leflowuru esefiweko edutjwe ngelitha nesiquntu samafutha we-oliva, nelitha nesiquntu sewayini yomnikelo wokuselwako. Enye imvana unikele ngayo ngamarhwaqela ikhambisane nomnikelo weenthoro newokuselwako njengombana wenza ekuseni ukuze kube mnikelo okhethekileko owamukelekako kuSomnini. Kuzakuba mhlabelo wokutjhiswa owenziwa njalo eenzukulwaneni zenu emnyango wetende lokuhlanganela phambi kwakaSomnini. “Ngizakuhlangana nabaphristi lapho bengikhulume nawe. Godu ngizakuhlangana nama-Israyeli lapho. Indawo leyo izakucwengiswa yiphazimulwami. Ngizakwahlukanisela itende lokuhlanganela kanye ne-aldari; u-Aroni namadodanakhe nabo ngizabahlukanisela kobana babe baphristi bami. Ngizakuhlala hlangana nama-Israyeli, ngibe nguZimawo. Azakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini uZimawo. Ngawakhupha enarheni yeGibhide kobana ngihlale phakathi kwawo. Iye, nginguSomnini uZimawo.” USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Yenza i-aldari lokutjhisela itjhwalo ngomuthi womtholo. Alibe sikwere ngaphezulu okutjho isiquntu semitha ubude nesiquntu semitha ububanzi. Libe ngaphasi kwemitha ukuphakama, iimpundu zalo zilingane nalo. Ulinameke ngegolidembala ngaphezulu nemahlangothini walo kanye neempundu zalo. Umphethwalo uwenze ngegolide. Ulenzele amasongo wegolide abe ngaphasi komphetho walo. Kube masongo amabili ngehlangothini linye namabili ngehlangothini elifulatheleko. Azakuba ziimphatho zalo lapha kufakwa khona iingodo zokulithwala. Ulungise iingodo zomuthi womtholo bese uzinameka ngegolide. Beka i-aldarelo ngaphambi kwesiyaya sendawo ecwenge khulu, lapha kunomfaji wobufakazi khona. Ulibeke lapha ngizakuhlangana nawe khona okutjho ngaphambi kwesisibekelo somfaji esisibekela ubufakazi. U-Aroni uzakutjhisela kilo amakha wetjhwalo njalo ekuseni ngesikhathi sokucima iimbani abe azilungise. Godu awatjhise ngamarhwaqela lokha nakhanyisa iimbani. Umphristi omkhulu akatjhise amakha wetjhwalo imihla ngemihla phambi kwakaSomnini iinzukulwana ngeenzukulwana. Ungenzeli kilo itjhwalo elingakacwengi, umhlabelo wokutjhiswa nomnikelo weenthoro. Ungalingi wenzele kilo umnikelo wokuselwako. U-Aroni uzakuninda iimpundu zalo ngeengazi zomhlabelo wehlambululo kanye ngomnyaka. Qobe mnyaka uzakwenza ngaleyondlela itethelelo kilo. I-aldarelo licwenge khulu kuSomnini.” USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Lokha nawubala ama-Israyeli bona utlolise amadoda wepi, omunye nomunye wawo uzakuhlawulela ipilwakhe kuSomnini. Enze njalo ukuze kungabi namatshwenyeko phakathi kwawo lokha natloliswako. Omunye nomunye otlolisweko uzakunikela ngalokhu: amagremu asithandathu wesiliva ukuya ngokwesilinganiso sendawo ecwengileko kube mnikelo kaSomnini. Woke umuntu otlolisweko, ukusuka koneminyaka ematjhumi amabili ukuya phezulu uzakunikela umnikelo kaSomnini. Lokha naninikela umnikelo kaSomnini ukuze nizenzele itethelelo, abanesabo banganikeli ngaphezu kwamagremu asithandathu nabadududu banganikeli ngaphasi kwamagremu asithandathu. Uthathe isiliva yomnikelo wetethelelo kuma-Israyeli ibe ngeyomsebenzi wetende lokuhlanganela. Isiliva leyo izakuba sikhumbuzo sama-Israyeli phambi kwakaSomnini kobana nizenzele itethelelo.” USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Godu yenza isitja sekoporo sibe nesinzinziso sekoporo kube ngesokuhlambela. Usibeke hlangana netende lokuhlanganela ne-aldari lomhlabelo. Uthele amanzi ngaphakathi kwaso ukuze u-Aroni namadodanakhe bahlambele khona izandla neenyawo zabo lapho. Abahlambe lokha nabaya ngetendeni lokuhlanganela, namkha nabatjhidela e-aldarini kobana balotjhe nalokha nabatjhisela uSomnini umnikelo. Nakungasinjalo bazakufa. Abahlambe izandla neenyawo zabo, nakungasinjalo bazakufa. Lokhu kuzakuba simiso sanini nanini kibo ngitjho nakuye kube ziinzukulwana ngeenzukulwana.” USomnini godu wathi kuMosi: “Zithathele iinthako eziphambili zalokhu: amakhilogremu asithandathu wemire emagiqana, isinamoni nomgaba okuzizinto ezinuka kamnandi, zibe makhilogremu amathathu ngayinye, amakhilogremu asithandathu wegcolo lomuthi wekhasiya ukuya ngokwesilinganiso sendawo ecwengileko kanye namalitha asithandathu nesiquntu wamafutha we-oliva. Uthathe koke lokhu wenze ngakho amafutha wokuzesa ahlukaniselweko kube mvango okhethekileko. Ulungise umvango lowo ube njengowomvangi weenhlahla. Uthathe amafutha wokuzesa ahlukaniselweko lawo, uzese ngawo itende lokuhlanganela, umfaji wobufakazi, itafula nezitja zakhona zoke, ilithi leembani nezitja zakhona, i-aldari letjhwalo, i-aldari lomhlabelo wokutjhiswa nazo zoke izitja zakhona kanye nesitja sokuhlambela nesinzinziso sakhona ukuze kube ngokucwengileko. Iye, kuzakuba ngokucwenge khulu kangangobana nanyana yini ekuthintako izakucwenga. “Uzese u-Aroni namadodanakhe, ubahlukanisele ukuze babe baphristi bami. Bese uthi kuma-Israyeli, ‘Lokhu kuzakuba mafutha akhethekileko wokuzesa kibo boke abaphristi bangomuso. Ningazesi nanyana ngubani, godu ningenzi amanye afana nawo ngeenthako. Amafutha la akhethekile, nakini akabe ngakhethekileko. Nanyana ngubani ozenzela wakhe afana nawo namkha azese ngawo nanyana ngubani ongakahlukaniselwa, uzakujutjwa ebantwini bekhabo.’ ” USomnini godu wathi kuMosi: “Zithathele iinthako ezilinganako zamakha alandelako: uburegu bomuthi webhalisamu, inovu enuka kamnandi ye-onikha neyegalibhanumu kanye noburegu obutsengileko bomuthi welebhona. Ngeenthakwezo wenze itjhwalo libe inga lenziwe muvangi weenhlahla. Ulinunge ngetswayi elihlanzekileko nelikhethekileko. Ukghadlhe ingcenye yazo zibe ziinquqwana bese uzibeka ngaphambi kobufakazi ngetendeni lokuhlanganela lapha ngizakuhlangana nawe khona. Itjhwalweli lizakuba ngelikhetheke khulu kini. Itjhwalo enizolenza ukuya ngeenthako zalo ningazenzeli nina. Ngakini lizakuba ngelikhethekileko kuSomnini. Nanyana ngubani owenza elifana nalo kobana alisebenzise njengamakha wakhe uzakujutjwa ebantwini bekhabo.” uSomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi: “Qala, ngikhethe uBhetsaleli umsa ka-Uri omsa kaRhuri wekoro yakwaJuda. Ngimzalise ngesiphiwo esikhethekileko bona abe nekghono nokuhlakanipha, ilwazi nobuno, kobana enze imitlamo yobukghwari, asebenze ngegolide, isiliva nekoporo, abaze amatje aligugu wokurubela, abaze iingodo okutjho namkha ngiliphi isino. Qala-ke, ngimbeke kanye no-Oholiyaba umsa ka-Arhisamaki, wekoro yakwaDani. Godu nginikele woke amadoda anekghono ukuhlakanipha kobana enze koke engikuyale ngakho: itende lokuhlanganela, umfaji wokufaka ubufakazi, isisibekelo somfaji esiphezu kwawo nakho koke okukhambisana netende, itafula nezitja zalo, ilithi leembani legolidembala nazo zoke izitja zakhona, i-aldari letjhwalo, i-aldari lomhlabelo wokutjhiswa nazo zoke izitja zakhona, isitja sokuhlambela nesinzinziso saso, izambatho ezithungiweko nezikhethekileko zaka-Aroni umphristi omkhulu kanye nezambatho zamadodanakhe kobana babe baphristi, amafutha wokuzesa namakha wetjhwalo malungana nendawo ecwengileko. Lokho bakwenze ngendlela engikuyale ngayo.” USomnini godu wathi kuMosi: “Yithi kuma-Israyeli, ‘Gcinani amaSabatha wami ngombana lokhu kulitshwayo phakathi kwami nani ukudlulela eenzukulwaneni zenu ukuze nazi bonyana mina Somnini ngiyanihlukanisela. Nigcine iSabatha ngombana licwengile kini; nanyana ngubani olisilaphazako akabulawe. Iye, nanyana ngubani owenza umsebenzi mhlokho, akajutjwe ebantwini bekhabo. Umsebenzi awenziwe emalangeni asithandathu, kodwana ilanga lekhomba liliSabatha elihlukaniselweko nelicwengileko kuSomnini. Nanyana ngubani owenza umsebenzi ngeSabatha akabulawe. Ngalokho ama-Israyeli azakugidinga iSabatha, aligcine eenzukulwaneni zawo zoke kube sivumelwano sanini nanini. Kulitshwayo lanini nanini phakathi kwami nama-Israyeli kobana emalangeni asithandathu uSomnini wenza izulu nephasi kodwana waphumula ngelanga lekhomba, ngalokho waqabuleka.’ ” Kwathi naqeda ukukhuluma noMosi entabeni yeSinayi wamnikela imiqebethu emibili yobufakazi, imiqebethu etlolwe ngomuno kaZimu. Kwathi lokha abantu nababona bonyana uMosi uyariyada ukubuya entabeni, babungelela u-Aroni bathi kuye: “Sikima usenzele isithombe sakaZimu ozasikhokhela ngombana nakhu uMosi okunguye owasikhupha enarheni yeGibhide asazi bonyana kwenzakeleni ngaye.” U-Aroni wathi kibo: “Ncomulani amancina wegolide aseendlebeni zabomkenu, zamadodanenu nezamadodakazenu niwalethapha.” Nje-ke boke abantu bancomula amancina wegolide eendlebeni zabo bawaletha ku-Aroni. Wathatha amancina wegolide lawo kibo wenza isithombe esibunjiweko wasibaza ngebhedlhela saba yikunzana. Abantu bathi: “Israyeli, nangu-ke uZimenu owanikhupha enarheni yeGibhide!” Kwathi lokha u-Aroni nabona lokhu, wakha i-aldari phambi kwekunzana leyo bewenza isimemezelo wathi: “Kusasa kuzakuba mnyanya kaSomnini.” Bavuka ekuseni, benza imihlabelo yokutjhiswa bebaletha nemihlabelo yetjhebiswano. Abantu bahlala phasi bagoma, basela iwayini, basikima, bathoma ukukhwatjhana. USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi: “Yehla ngombana nakhu abantu owabakhupha enarheni yeGibhide barhubutjhe isivumelwano! Baphambuke msinyana endleleni engabayala ngayo. Bazenzele ikunzana ebunjiweko bebayikhothamela, bazenzela imihlabelo kiyo bathi, ‘Israyeli, nangu-ke uZimenu owanikhupha enarheni yeGibhide!’ ” USomnini godu wathi kuMosi: “Ngiyababona abantwaba bonyana baneentanyana! Nje-ke ngilisa ukuze ilaka lami livuthe bhe phezu kwabo belibaqothule. Wena ngizakwenza ube sisizwe esikhulu.” Kodwana uMosi wancancabeza kuSomnini uZimakhe wathi: “Maye Somnini, kuzakuba njani nasele ilaka lakaSomnini livutha phezu kwabantu bakhe abakhupha enarheni yeGibhide ngamandla amakhulu nangesandla sakhe esiqinileko na? AmaGibhide azakuthi, ‘Iye, uZimabo wabakhuphela zonezi eGibhide bonyana abehlisele ihlekelele abe abarhayilele eentabeni abaqede nya ebusweni bomhlaba.’ Bengithi uSomnini akaphenduke elakeni lakhe elivuthako, azisole ngokuhlosa ubumbi ebantwini bakhe. USomnini akakhumbule u-Abrahamu, u-Isaka no-Israyeli iinceku zakhe afunga kizo ngebizo lakhe wathi, ‘Ngizakwandisa iinzukulwana zenu zibe njengeenkwekwezi zomkayi, nginikele iinzukulwana zenu yoke inarha enginithembise yona le kobana ibe lilifa lazo isiphelani.’ ” Ngambala uSomnini wazisola ngobumbi egade ithi izobehlisela phezu kwabantu bakhe. UMosi waphenduka, wehla entabeni aphethe imiqebethu emibili yobufakazi. Imiqebethu leyo beyitlolwe ngapha nangapha. Imiqebethu leyo beyenziwe nguZimu begodu itlolwe nguye ngesandla sakhe. Gade itlolwe ngokugobhodlhwa. Kwathi lokha uJotjhuwa nezwa itjhada labantu nabalokhu barhuwelela, wathi kuMosi: “Baba-ke! Kunetjhada lepi ekampeni!” Kodwana uMosi wathi: “Awa, engilizwakweli akusilo itjhada lokuthabela ukuhlula namkha lokulilela ukuhlulwa. Litjhada lokudumisa leli.” Kwathi bona atjhidele eduze nekampa wabona ikunzana nabantu babetha isikhalanga, uMosi wavutha ngelaka. Waphosa imiqebethu phasi wayephula emsukeni wentaba. Wathatha ikunzana leyo wayiphosa emlilweni. Wayitshidlha yaba yiputjhana, wayirhatjha emanzini bewaseza ama-Israyeli amanzi lawo ngekani. UMosi wathi ku-Aroni: “Bakwenzeni abantwaba kobana ungabeze ubehlisele isonokazi esingaka na?” U-Aroni wathi: “Umphathami akangavuthi ngelaka. Angitjho umphathami uyabazi abantu bonyana bonakele kangangani. Ngibo abathe kimi, ‘Senzela uZimu ozasikhokhela ngombana nakhu uMosi loyo owasikhupha eGibhide unyamalele; asazi bonyana kwenzakeleni ngaye.’ Mina ngathi kibo, ‘Woke onegolide akalikhuphe.’ Mbala banginikela-ke. Ngaliphosela emlilweni kwase kuphuma ikunzana leyo.” UMosi wabona bonyana abantu abasalawuleki ngombana u-Aroni wahluleka ukubalawula. Ngokwenza lokho abantu bazirhubutjha phambi kwabajamelani babo. Nje-ke uMosi wajama esangweni lekampa wathi: “Boke abangehlangothini lakaSomnini abeze kimapha.” Woke amadodana kaLevi abuthanela kuye. Wathi kiwo: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, ‘Omunye nomunye wenu akahlome ngesabulakhe, athome emasangweni wekampa abulale nanyana ngubani, kungaba ngumfowabo, umnganakhe nanyana umakhelwanakhe.’ ” Amadodana kaLevi aphetha ilizwi lakaMosi; mhlokho kwafa abantu abangaba ziinkulungwana ezintathu. UMosi wathi: “Namhlanje nizahlukanisele ngokwenu kobana nibe baphristi bakaSomnini ngombana omunye nomunye wenu ujike wajamelana ngitjho nomndenakhe. Ngalokho nizifumanele isibusiso.” Ngakusasa ekuseni uMosi wathi ebantwini: “Nenze isono esikhulu. Nje-ke ngizakhuphukela kuSomnini, mhlambe nginganenzela itethelelo ngesonokazi senwesi.” Nje-ke uMosi wabuyela kuSomnini wathi: “Awu Kosami! Abantwaba benze isono esikhulu ngokwenza usingazimu wegolide. Nokho bengithi uSomnini akalibalele isono sabesi. Nakube kuyabhala, ngiyarabhela, uSomnini akangisule encwadinakhe ayitlolileko.” Kodwana uSomnini wathi kuMosi: “Awa, ngizakusula kwaphela loyo owonileko kimi encwadinami. Gadesi-ke khamba uyokhokhela abantu ubase endaweni engikutjele ngayo. Qala, ingilozami izakhamba phambi kwakho. Kuzakuba nesikhathi lapha ngizabahlunguphaza khona ngezono zabo.” USomnini wehlisela abantu amatshwenyeko ngebanga lokobana benza ikunzana leyo eyabazwa ngu-Aroni. USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Thutha lapha wena nabantu owabakhupha enarheni yeGibhide uye enarheni engayifungela ku-Abrahamu, u-Isaka noJakopo ngathi ngizayinikela iinzukulwana zabo. Ngizathumela ingilozi phambi kwakho, ngiqotjhe amaKanana, ama-Amori, amaRhithi, amaPerizi, amaRhivi namaJebusi. Khuphuka uye enarheni egeleza ibisi neliju, kodwana angizukhamba nani ngombana ngizabe nginiqothule endleleni ngebanga lokobana nineentanyana.” Kuthe lokha abantu nabezwa iindaba ezibuhlungwezi, balila. Akakho owaziphotjhongako mhlokho. Abantu benza njalo ngombana uSomnini bekathe kuMosi: “Tjela ama-Israyeli bona ababantu abaneentanyana. Nange kungenzeka ngikhambe phakathi kwawo, ngingabona sele ngiwaqothule wokanyana nje. Nje-ke akakhuphe imikghabiswawo leyo ngibone kuhle bona ngizokwenzani ngawo.” Yeke ama-Israyeli ahlubula imikghabiswawo ukusukela mhla asuka entabeni yeHorebe. UMosi wathatha itende walihloma ngaphandle kwekampa kudanyana nayo, walibiza bonyana litende lokuhlanganela. Bekuthi nanyana ngubani ofuna uSomnini eze ngetendeni lokuhlanganelelo elingaphandle kwekampa. Bekuthi njalo lokha uMosi naya etendeni, boke abantu basikime. Woke umuntu ajame emnyango wetende lakhe bese uqala uMosi abe ayongena ngetendenelo. Lokha uMosi nangena ngetendenelo, bekwehla isika yelifu ijame emnyango wetende bese uSomnini ukhuluma noMosi. Abantu nababona isika yelifelo ijame emnyango wetende, omunye nomunye wabo gade azilungiselela asemnyango wetende lakhe kobana ahlome ihloko phasi. USomnini bekakhuluma noMosi ngokwakhe njengomuntu nacoca nomnganakhe. Lokha uMosi nabuyela ekampeni, incekwakhe uJotjhuwa isokana elimsa kaNuni azange iphume ngetendeni. UMosi wathi kuSomnini: “Iye, uSomnini bekanande athi kimi, ‘Khupha abantwaba’, kodwana uSomnini azange asangitjela bonyana ngubani azomthuma nami. Angithi nguSomnini ngokwakhe owathi kimi, ‘Ngikukhethile begodu ufumene umusa emehlwenami.’ Nje-ke ngiyabawa, nakube ngifumene umusa emehlweni kaSomnini, uSomnini akangikhombise iindlela zakhe, ngalokho ngizamazi bengiqiniseke bonyana uSomnini unami. USomnini akhumbule godu bonyana isizwesi ngesakhe.” USomnini wathi kuye: “Ufuna ubukhona bami bukhambe nawe ukuze unethezeke na?” UMosi waphendula wathi: “Iye, nakube uSomnini akakhambi nathi, khona angeze sakwazi ukutjhida lapha. Kuzakwazeka njani bonyana ngifumene umusa emehlweni kaSomnini, mina nesizwe sakhesi? Angithi kuzakubonakala lokha uSomnini nakhamba nathi bonyana mina nabantu bakhe sikhethekile kibo boke abantu ephasini.” USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Ngizakwenza lokho okukhulumileko ngombana ufumene umusa emehlwenami begodu ngikukhethile.” UMosi wathi kuSomnini: “Ngiyabawa, Somnini akhese ungikhombise iphazimulwakho.” USomnini wathi: “Ngizakwenza bona boke ubuhle bami budlule phambi kwakho bese ngibize ibizo elithi ‘Somnini’. Iye, ngizakuba nomusa kengifuna ukuba nomusa kuye, ngikhombise isirhawu kengithanda ukumkhombisa. Kodwana awukwazi ukubona ubuso bami ngombana akunamuntu ongangibona aphile.” Godu uSomnini wathi: “Qala, kunendawo eduze nami phezu kwedwala lapha ungajama khona. Kuzakuthi lokha iphazimulwami nayidlulako ngikufake hlangana nompharu wedwala ngikusithe ngesandla sami bengidlule. Ngizabese ngisusa isandla sami, ubone umhlana wami; kodwana nakububuso bami bona abubonwa.” USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Baza imiqebethu emibili njengeyokuthoma. Ngizotlola kiyo amagama agade akeyokuthoma owayephulako. Qinisekisa bonyana kusasa ekuseni ulungela ukwenyukela kimi entabeni yeSinayi, ungilinde esiqongolweni sentaba. Kungabi nomuntu oza nawe godu kungabonakali muntu kiyo yoke intaba. Ungavumeli bonyana kutjhidele izimvu, iimbuzi neenkomo entabenapha.” Yeke uMosi wabaza imiqebethu emibili njengeyekuthomeni. Wavuka ekuseni wakhuphukela entabeni yeSinayi aphethe imiqebethu emibili njengombana uSomnini bekamyalile. USomnini wehla ngelifu lapha uMosi agade alinde khona. Kwathi asathandaza, uSomnini wadlula ngaphambi kwakhe wamemezela wathi: “USomnini, uSomnini unguZimu onomusa nesirhawu, ubuthaka ekusilingekeni, uzele ukwethembeka neqiniso! Uhlala athembekile eenkulungwaneni ngeenkulungwana zeenzukulwana, ulibalela imilandu, imitjhapho nezono, kodwana akazumlisa onomlandu. Wehlisela isibetho sezono zaboyise phezu kwabantwababo besizukulwana sesithathu nesesine.” Msinyana uMosi waguqa, wahloma ihloko phasi, wathi kuSomnini: “Nakube gadesi ngifumene umusa emehlweni kaSomandla, bengithi angibawe bona uSomandla akhambe phakathi kwethu nanyana sineentanyana nje. USomnini akalibalele imilandu nezono zethu, asithathe njengelifa lakhe.” USomnini wathi kuye: “Qala, ngizimisele ukuvuselela isivumelwano. Phambi kwabo boke abantu bakho ngizakwenza iimangaliso ezingazange khezibonwe kilo loke iphasi namkha ezizweni zoke. Boke abantu ophakathi kwabo bazakubona umsebenzi kaSomnini. Iye, ngizakwenza okwesabekako ngawe. “Gcinani imiyalo enginiyala ngayo namhlanjesi. Qala, ngizaqotjha ama-Amori, amaKanana, amaRhithi, amaPerizi, amaRhivi namaJebusi phambi kwenu. Tjhejani ningenzi isivumelwano nabahlali benarha eniya kiyo ngombana lokho kuzakuba sisifu phakathi kwenu. Nibhuruze ama-aldarabo, niphadlhe amatjabo wesikhumbuzo benigawule imifanekiswabo yabo-Atjhera. Ningakhothameli usingazimu ngombana nginguZimu ongahlanganiswako, ngikho ngaziwa bonyana nginguSomnini onesikhwele nje. Ningenzi isivumelwano nabahlali benarha le ngombana bazakuthi lokha nabadlhemadlhema ngemva kwabosingazimu babo babahlabele bese bayanimema bona nigome imihlabelwabo. Ningathathelani nabo ngombana abantwababo nabadlhemadlhema ngemva kwabosingazimu babo bazakuyenga abantwabenu bona nabo bagijime nabosingazimu. “Ningazenzeli abosingazimu ababaziweko. “Yenzani umnyanya wesiKwa esinganaNgumelo njengombana nginiyalile. Nizagoma isikwa esinganangumelo amalanga alikhomba ngesikhathi esibekiweko ngenyanga ka-Abibi ngombana leyo yinyanga enaphuma ngayo eGibhide. Koke okuduna okuphume qangi esibelethweni kungokwami, kungaba ngokweenkomo namkha kwezimvu neembuzi. Elinye nelinye izibulo lakadumbana nilihlenge ngemvana namkha ngembuzana, nakungasinjalo nilephule intamo. Woke amazibulo wabantu hlangana namadodanenu niwahlenge. Kungabi nomuntu ozakuvela phambi kwami amkhonoze. “Nisebenze amalanga asithandathu bese kelekhomba niphumule. Nanyana kungaba sikhathi sokulima namkha sokuvuna niphumule. Nenze umnyanya weemVeke lokha nanivuna ikoroyi yokuthoma. Godu nenze umnyanya wokuButhelela ekupheleni komnyaka. Boke abaduna benu bazakuvela kathathu ngomnyaka phambi kwakaSomandla uSomnini onguZimu ka-Israyeli. Njengombana ngizokuqotjha izizwe phambi kwenu bese ngikhulise imikhawulwenu nje, akunamuntu ozarhalela inarhenu lokha naniyokuvela kathathu ngomnyaka phambi kwakaSomnini uZimenu. “Kungabi nesibiliso lapha nenzela khona umhlabelo. “Umhlabelo womnyanya wePhasika ungahlali bekuse. “Lethani njalo imikhiqizo yokuthoma yehlabathenu endaweni ecwengileko kaSomnini uZimenu. “Ningapheki imbuzana ngebisi lakanina.” Godu uSomnini wathi kuMosi: “Tlola naka amezwi ngombana ukuya ngamezwi la, ngenze isivumelwano nawe no-Israyeli.” UMosi wahlala lapho noSomnini amalanga amatjhumi amane nobusuku bakhona. Azange agome isikwa namkha asele amanzi. USomnini watlola amezwi wesivumelwano phezu kwemiqebethu. Lokho bekumiyalo elitjhumi. UMosi nehla entabeni yeSinayi nemiqebethu emibili yobufakazi, gade angakatjheji bonyana ubuso bakhe buyaphazimula ngebanga lokukhuluma kwakhe noZimu. Kwathi lokha u-Aroni nabantu boke bakwa-Israyeli nababona bonyana ubuso bakaMosi buyaphazimula, besaba ukutjhidela kuye. Kodwana uMosi wababiza. U-Aroni nabo boke abaphathi bomkhambathi beza kuye, wakhuluma nabo. Ngemva kwalapho woke ama-Israyeli atjhidela, wawanikela yoke imiyalo uSomnini amnikele yona entabeni yeSinayi. Kuthe bona uMosi aqede ukukhuluma nabo wazigubuzesa ngesiyaya. Bekuthi njalo lokha uMosi nayokhuluma noSomnini agubulule isiyaya kufikela lapha aphuma khona ngetendeni. Naphuma lapho gade atjela ama-Israyeli lokho uSomnini amyale ngakho, ama-Israyeli aphele abona bonyana ubuso bakaMosi buyaphazimula. Yeke uMosi gade azigubuzesa ngesiyaya godu kufikela lapha ayokhuluma khona noSomnini. UMosi wabizela ndawonye woke umkhambathi wama-Israyeli wathi kiwo: “Nanzi izinto uSomnini aniyale bonyana nizenze: Umsebenzi awenziwe emalangeni asithandathu, kodwana ilanga lekhomba liliSabatha elihlukaniselweko nelicwengileko kuSomnini. Nanyana ngubani owenza umsebenzi mhlokho akabulawe. Ningaphembi umlilo kiyo yoke imizenu ngelanga leSabatha.” UMosi wathi kiwo woke umkhambathi wama-Israyeli: “Naku umyalo uSomnini awukhuphileko, ‘Thathani phakathi kwenu umnikelo niwuse kuSomnini, nanyana ngubani onehliziyo evumako, akalethe umnikelo kaSomnini kube ligolide, isiliva nekoporo, iwulu ehlaza komkayi, ebubende netlerebede, ilineni emhlophe kanye noboya beembuzi, iinkhumba zamaqama ezifakwe umbala obovu, iinkhumba ezitjhukiweko bezazeswa ngamafutha, iingodo zomtholo, amafutha weembani, iinungo zamafutha wokuzesa kanye namakha wetjhwalo, amatje we-oniksi namatje wokukghabisa i-efodi neporiyana yomphristi.’ “Woke umuntu onekghono phakathi kwenu akeze azokwenza koke uSomnini ayale ngakho: ithaberinakeli, itende lalo nesigubuzeso salo, iinqobotjhelo namahlaka walo, iinqabo zalo, iinsika zalo namanzinziswalo, umfaji wesivumelwano neengodo zakhona, isisibekelo somfaji, kanye nesiyaya esilitjhila lomnyango, itafula neengodo zakhona kanye nazo zoke izitja zakhona nezikwa ezibekwa phambi kwakaZimu, ilithi leembani lokukhanyisa kanye nezitja neembani zakhona, amafutha weembani, i-aldari letjhwalo neengodo zakhona, amafutha wokuzesa namakha wetjhwalo, itjhila lomnyango okumnyango wethaberinakeli, i-aldari lomhlabelo wokutjhiswa, nomsefo walo wekoporo, iingodo zakhona, izitja zakhona, isitja sokuhlambela nesinzinziso sakhona, imilembelembe yesirhodlo, iinsika zakhona kanye namanzinziso wakhona, itjhila lokuvala isango lesirhodlo, iinkhonkhwani zethaberinakeli nezesirhodlo neentambo zakhona, izambatho ezithungiweko zokulotjha endaweni ecwengileko, izambatho ezikhethekileko zaka-Aroni umphristi omkhulu nezambatho zamadodanakhe kobana babe baphristi.” Yeke umkhambathi wama-Israyeli wasuka phambi kwakaMosi. Ngambala beza, omunye nomunye agugwa yihliziyo begodu nommoyakhe uvuma waletha umnikelo kaSomnini kobana usetjenziswe etendeni lokuhlanganela nemisebenzinalo yoke kanye nezambathweni ezikhethekileko. Ngaleyondlela beza-ke kwaba madoda nabafazi. Boke ebegade banehliziyo evumako baletha iinqobotjhelo, amancina wepumulo, iindzilamnwana zokutlikitla, abonongoro nayo yoke imihlobo yezinto zegolide; kwaba ngiloyo naloyo wanikela umnikelo wegolide kuSomnini. Woke umuntu waletha lokho anakho kwaba yiwulu ehlaza komkayi, ebubende netlerebede, ilineni emhlophe, uboya beembuzi, iinkhumba zamaqama ezifakwe umbala obomvu neenkhumba ezitjhukiweko bezazeswa ngamafutha. Nogade akghona ukunikela ngesiliva nangekoporo wenza njalo. Abaneengodo zomtholo ebezingasetjenziselwa umsebenzi lo nabo baziletha emnikelweni kaSomnini. Boke abafazi ebegade banekghono lokuphotha, baletha emnikelweni abakuphothileko okutjho iwulu ehlaza komkayi, ebubende netlerebede kanye nemicu yelineni emhlophe. Labo-ke bekubafazi abanekghono nebebagugwa ziinhliziyo kobana baphothe uboya beembuzi. Abarholi baletha amatje we-oniksi namatje wokukghabisa i-efodi neporiyana yomphristi, iinungo, amafutha weembani newokuzesa kanye namakha wetjhwalo. Woke amadoda nabafazi okutjho abantu bakwa-Israyeli abagugwa ziinhliziyo kobana balethe nanyana yini emsebenzini kaSomnini ayala ngoMosi bonyana wenziwe, bakuletha lokho njengomnikelo wesihle kuSomnini. UMosi wathi ebantwini bakwa-Israyeli: “USomnini ukhethe uBhetsaleli umsa ka-Uri omsa kaRhuri wekoro yakwaJuda, yamzalisa ngesiphiwo esikhethekileko bona abe nekghono nokuhlakanipha, ilwazi nobuno kobana enze imitlamo yobukghwari, asebenze ngegolide, isiliva kanye nekoporo, abaze amatje aligugu wokurubela, abaze neengodo okutjho nanyana ngiliphi isino. USomnini wamhlohlozela bona afundise abanye abantu, yena no-Oholiyaba umsa ka-Arhisamaki wekoro yakwaDani. Yabazalisa ngekghono lokwenza woke umsebenzi owenziwa bososino, nabatlami, umsebenzi wokuthunga ngewulu ehlaza komkayi, ebubende etlerebede nemicu yelineni emhlophe newokuluka. Bebakwazi ukwenza nanyana ngiliphi isino nemitlamo yobukghwari.” UMosi waraga wathi: “UBhetsaleli no-Oholiyaba nabo boke abantu abanekghono uSomnini abaphe ubukghoni nobuhlakani bokwazi ukwenza nanyana ngimuphi umsebenzi ekwakhiweni kwendawo ecwengileko, bazasebenza ukuya ngakho koke uSomnini akuyalileko.” Yeke uMosi wabiza uBhetsaleli no-Oholiyaba nabo boke abantu abanekghono, loyo naloyo uSomnini amuphe ubuhlakani okutjho boke abagugwa ziinhliziyo bonyana beze bazokusebenza. Bathatha kuMosi woke umnikelo wesihle owalethwa ma-Israyeli malungana nomsebenzi wendawo ecwengileko. Abantu baragela phambili ngokuletha iminikelo yesihle kuMosi qobe kusekuseni bekwathi labo abanekghono ebegade basebenza umsebenzi wendawo ecwengileko omunye nomunye wabo walisa ukusebenza weza kuMosi wathi kuye: “Abantu baletha okunengi ngokudluleleko kilokho okudingeka ekwenzeni umsebenzi uSomnini asiyale bona siwenze.” UMosi wayala bonyana kumemezelwe kiyo yoke ikampa bona kungasalethwa umnikelo wesihle malungana nendawo ecwengileko. Yeke abantu bakhawula ukuletha iminikelo. Ipahla ebeyikhona besele yanele beyeqa kokudingeka ekwenzeni woke umsebenzi. Boke abantu abanobukghoni ebebasebenza ekwakheni ithaberinakeli benza amatjhila alitjhumi welineni emhlophe. Bathungelela nemifanekiso yamakerubhi ngobukghoni ematjhilenapho ngewulu ehlaza komkayi, ebubende netlerebede. Ubude betjhila ngalinye gade bumamitha alitjhumi nambili nesiquntu, lingaphasana kwamamitha amabili ububanzi. Woke amatjhila lawo gade alingana. Amatjhila ahlanganiswa ndawonye ngamahlanu. Benza iinrhobelo ezihlaza komkayi emphethweni welinye letjhila elihlanganisiweko elingeqadi. Benza soneso nakelinye itjhila elihlanganisiweko. Kwaba neenrhobelo ezimatjhumi amahlanu etjhileni lokuthoma elihlanganisiweko nezinye ezimatjhumi amahlanu emphethweni wetjhila lesibili elihlanganisiweko. Iinrhobelwezo gade ziqalene. Benza iinqobotjhelo ezimatjhumi amahlanu zegolide bese baqobotjhela amatjhila elinye kelinye ngazo ukuze ithaberinakeli lihlangane libe linye. Godu benza amatjhila ngoboya beembuzi kobana kwenziwe itende phezu kwethaberinakeli; kwaba matjhila alitjhumi nanye. Ubude betjhila ngalinye gade bumamitha alitjhumi nantathu nesiquntu bese ububanzi bungaphasana kwamamitha amabili. Wolitjhumi nanye amatjhila lawo gade alingana. Bahlanganisa amatjhila amahlanu ndawonye nasithandathu ndawonye. Benza iinrhobelo emphethweni welinye letjhila elihlanganisiweko elingeqadi. Kwaba njalo nakelinye itjhila elihlanganisiweko. Benza iinqobotjhelo ezimatjhumi amahlanu zekoporo kobana kuqobotjhelwe ngazo itende ukuze lihlangane libe linye. Benzela itende isigubuzeso ngeenkhumba zamaqama ezifakwe umbala obovu begodu benza isigubuzeso esinye ngaphezu kwaso ngeenkhumba ezitjhukiweko bezazeswa ngamafutha. Godu benzela ithaberinakeli amahlaka ajamileko ngeengodo zomtholo. Ihlaka ngalinye gade linobude obumamitha amane nesiquntu, lisiquntu nesiqunjwana semitha ububanzi. Iingodo ezimbili ezihlanganiswe bona zenze ihlaka bekufuze zibe neentlobo ezimbili ngaphasi. Woke amahlaka wethaberinakeli bawenza ngaleyondlela. Benzela ithaberinakeli amahlaka amatjhumi amabili ngeswazini langesewula. Ngaphasi kwamahlaka amatjhumi amabili lawo benza amanzinziso wesiliva amatjhumi amane. Kwaba manzinziso amabili ngaphasi kwehlaka ngalinye lapha iintlobo zalo ezimbili zazingena khona. Benza njalo ehlakeni elinye nelinye. Godu nangeswazini elinye langetlhagwini lethaberinakeli kwaba mahlaka amatjhumi amabili namanzinziso wesiliva amatjhumi amane. Kwaba manzinziso amabili ngaphasi kwehlaka ngalinye. Ngeswazini elingetjingalanga lethaberinakeli benza amahlaka asithandathu. Benza amahlaka amabili ukuze enze amajika wethaberinakeli ngemuva. Ijika linye belenziwe ziingcenye ezimbili ezifanako. Iingcenye ezimbilezi bezihlanganiswe ukusuka phasi ukuya phezulu lapha isongo lokuthoma belizokufakwa khona. Bekunjalo emajikeni womabili. Gade kunamahlaka abunane ngemuva kwethaberinakeli namanzinziso wesiliva alitjhumi nasithandathu. Ihlaka ngalinye belinamanzinziso amabili. Benza iinqabo ngeengodo zomtholo zaba ngezamahlaka wethaberinakeli. Benza zaba zihlanu ngeswazini elinye, zaba zihlanu ngakelinye; godu zaba zihlanu ngeswazini langetjingalanga elingemuva kwethaberinakeli. Iinqabo ezingeziphakathi emahlakeni wamaswazi wethaberinakeli begade zithoma ekuthomeni kweswazi ukuyokutjhayisa ekugcineni. Banameka amahlaka neenqabo ngegolide, benza amasongo wokubamba iinqabo ngegolide. Benza isiyaya ngelineni emhlophe. Bathungelela phezu kwesiyayapho ngobukghoni imifanekiso yamakerubhi ngewulu ehlaza komkayi, ebubende netlerebede. Godu benza iinsika ezine zomtholo zokuphanyeka isiyaya, bazinameka ngegolide. Iinkhonkhwani zakhona zona kwaba ngezegolide. Babumbela iinsikezo amanzinziso amane wesiliva. Benza itjhila lomnyango wetende ngelineni emhlophe, balithungelela ngewulu ehlaza komkayi, ebubende netlerebede. Godu benzela itjhilelo iinsika ezihlanu neenkhonkhwani zakhona. Banameka iimpundu zalo nemipherho yakhona ngegolide, kodwana amanzinziso wakhona amahlanu gade angewekoporo. UBhetsaleli wenza umfaji ngomuthi womtholo, waba limitha nesiqunjwana ubude, waba siquntu nesiqunjwana semitha ububanzi nokuphakama. Wawunameka ngegolidembala ngaphakathi nangaphandle, wawuphetha ngegolide. Wawubumbela amasongo amane wegolide, wawabethelela emajikenawo amane ngaphasi. Kwaba masongo amabili ngehlangothini lawo namanye amabili ngakelinye ihlangothi. Wenza neengodo ngomtholo nazo wazinameka ngegolide, wafaka iingodwezo ngaphakathi kwamasongo ngemahlangothini womfaji bonyana kuthwalwe ngazo umfaji. Wenza isisibekelo somfaji ngegolidembala saba limitha nesiqunjwana ubude, saba siquntu nesiqunjwana semitha ububanzi. Godu wenza amakerubhi amabili wegolide ngokuwakhanda ekugcineni kwemiphetho emibili yesisibekelo somfaji, kwaba likerubhi linye ngehlangothini elinye nekerubhi linye ngehlangothini elinye. Amakerubhi amabili bekangemaqadi wesisibekelweso ayinto yinye naso. Amakerubhi bekathabululele amaphikwawo ngaphezulu engamele isisibekelo somfaji aqalene ngobuso; womabili aqala isisibekelweso. Godu wenza netafula ngomuthi womtholo laba ngaphasana kwemitha ubude, ngaphasana kwesiquntu semitha ububanzi, laba siquntu nesiqunjwana semitha ukuphakama. Walinameka ngegolidembala, waliphetha ngomphetho wegolide magegana nalo. Ukusuka emphethweni ukuya ngaphakathi kwaba bubanzi besandla, wakha umqoqo wesakhelelo segolide. Wabumba amasongo amane wegolide, wawabophelela emajikeni wemilenzenalo emine. Amasongo wokufaka iingodo zokuthwala itafula aba ngaphasana komphetho. Walungisa iingodo zomtholo kobana kuthwalwe ngazo itafula, wazinameka ngegolide. Godu wenza nezitja ngegolidembala ebekumele zibe phezu kwetafula, izitja ezihlukahlukeneko zakhona, iinkapho nemijeka yokuvubela umnikelo wewayini. Wenza ilithi leembani ngegolidembala. Isikhondo, isiqu, iimpundu okutjho amaqumbe namathuthumbalo kwaba msebenzi okhandwe wahlanganiswa nalo. Gade kunamagatja asithandathu aphuma ngemaqadi wesiqu selithi leembani, kwaba magatja amathathu ngehlangothini linye lesiqu namathathu ngehlangothini elinye. Emagatjeni gade kuneempundu ezinjengama-alimondi okutjho amaqumbe namathuthumbo. Egatjeni ngalinye kilawo asithandathu kwaba neempundu ezintathu. Esiqwini selithi leembani bekuneempundu ezine ezinjengama-alimondi, zaba namaqumbe namathuthumbo. Bekunequmbe linye esiqwini ngaphasi komsuka wamagatja akhamba ngamabili. Kwaba njalo kiwo woke amagatja asithandathu asuka esiqwini. Amaqumbe namagatja wakhona bekakhandwe ndawonye nesiqu ngegolidembala. Wenza iimbani zakhona ezilikhomba, iincimasibani nezitjana zakhona ngegolidembala. Ilithi leembani sele lihlangene nezitja zalo zoke, belimakhilogremu amatjhumi amathathu nane wegolidembala. Wenza i-aldari letjhwalo ngomuthi womtholo. Gade lisikwere ngaphezulu okutjho isiquntu semitha ubude nesiquntu semitha ububanzi, lingaphasi kwemitha ukuphakama. Iimpundu zalo gade zinamathele kilo. Walinameka ngegolidembala ngaphezulu nangemahlangothinalo kanye neempundu zalo, waliphetha ngegolide. Walenzela amasongo wegolide aba ngaphasi komphethwalo. Kwaba masongo amabili ngehlangothini linye namabili ngehlangothini elifulatheleko kobana kube ziimphatho zalo lapha kufakwa khona iingodo zokulithwala. Walungisa iingodo zomuthi womtholo, wazinameka ngegolide. Godu wenza amafutha wokuzesa ahlukaniselweko namakha wetjhwalo elihlanzekileko. Kwaba njengomsebenzi womvangi weenhlahla. UBhetsaleli wenza i-aldari lomhlabelo wokutjhiswa ngomuthi womtholo, laba sikwere ngaphezulu. Ubude nobubanzi belimamitha amabili nesiqunjwana, liphakeme ngemitha nesiqunjwana. Walenzela iimpundu emajikenalo amane. Iimpundwezo gade zinamathelene nalo, walinameka ngekoporo. Wenza zoke izitja ze-aldari ngekoporo. Zona gade kungilezi: iimbiza, iintjhefula, izitja zokunyenyeza, iimforogo nezitja zokutjhisela itjhwalo. Walenzela umsefo wekoporo njengenede ngemaqadi walo. Wabeka umsefo ngaphasi komqoqo we-aldari ukuze ulembelele uphelele phakathi e-aldarini. Walibumbela amasongo amane, wawabophelela emajikeni amane womsefo wekoporo bona abe ziimphatho zeengodo. Wenzela i-aldari iingodo zomtholo, wazinameka ngekoporo. Wafaka iingodwezo emasongweni ngemaqadi we-aldari kobana lithwalwe ngazo. I-aldari gade lenziwe ngamaplanka laba nomkghotho ngaphakathi. Godu wenza isitja sekoporo saba nesinzinziso sekoporo ngeemboniboni zabafazi okwathi muva basebenza emnyango wetende lokuhlanganela. UBhetsaleli wenza isirhodlo sethaberinakeli ngalendlela: Ngeswazini langesewula lethaberinakeli walembelelisa umlembelembe wamatjhila welineni emhlophe anomthungo, waba mamitha amatjhumi amane nahlanu. Ihlangothi lesirhodlwelo laba neensika ezimatjhumi amabili namanzinziso wakhona amatjhumi amabili enziwe ngekoporo. Kodwana iinkhonkhwani zeensika kanye nemipherho yakhona gade kwenziwe ngesiliva. Ngeswazini langetlhagwini lethaberinakeli nakhona kwaba nomlembelembe omamitha amatjhumi amane nahlanu ubude. Iinsika zakhona zaba matjhumi amabili namanzinziso wakhona enziwe ngekoporo aba matjhumi amabili. Kodwana iinkhonkhwani zeensika kanye nemipherho yakhona gade kwenziwe ngesiliva. Ngeswazini langetjingalanga lethaberinakeli khona gade kunomlembelembe wamatjhila omamitha amatjhumi amabili nambili nesiquntu, iinsika zakhona zilitjhumi namanzinziso wakhona alitjhumi. Iinkhonkhwani zeensika kanye nemipherho yakhona gade kwenziwe ngesiliva. Ngeswazini langaphambili lethaberinakeli ngepumalanga gade limamitha amatjhumi amabili nambili nesiquntu. Ihlangothi lesirhodlo langaphambili laba nemilembelembe emibili yamatjhila ephahle isango. Ubude bomlembelembe ngamunye bebumamitha asithandathu nesiquntu nesiqunjwana. Yomibili imilembelembe leyo yaba neensika ezintathu namanzinziso amathathu. Woke umlembelembe wamatjhila magegana nesirhodlo gade wenziwe ngelineni emhlophe enomthungo. Amanzinziso weensika gade ayikoporo, kodwana iinkhonkhwani zakhona kanye nemipherho yakhona gade kwenziwe ngesiliva. Iimpundu zeensika gade zinamekwe ngesiliva. Zoke iinsika zesirhodlo bezinemipherho yesiliva. Isivalo sesango lesirhodlo gade senziwe ngelineni emhlophe ethungwe ngewulu ehlaza komkayi, ebubende netlerebede. Gade simamitha alithoba ububanzi, simamitha amabili nesiqunjwana ukuphakama. Besilingana nokuphakama komlembelembe wesirhodlo. Isango belineensika ezine namanzinziso amane wekoporo. Iinkhonkhwani zeensika kanye nemipherho yakhona gade kuyisiliva. Iimpundu zakhona bezinamekwe ngesiliva. Zoke iinkhonkhwani zethaberinakeli nezesirhodlo magegana, gade ziyikoporo. Ngomyalo kaMosi amaLevi atlola isibalo seentlabagelo ezasetjenziswa mayelana nethaberinakeli okutjho itende lapha bekufakwe khona ubufakazi. AmaLevi lawo gade arholwa ngu-Itamara umsa ka-Aroni umphristi omkhulu. Lokho kwenziwa ngemva kobana uBhetsaleli umsa ka-Uri omsa kaRhuri ongowekoro yakwaJuda enze koke uSomnini ayala uMosi ngakho. Yena gade asekelwe ngu-Oholiyaba umsa ka-Arhisamaki wekoro yakwaDani ongusosino, umtlami nomthungi ngewulu ehlaza komkayi, ebubende netlerebede phezu kwelineni emhlophe. Inani legolide elasetjenziswa kiwo woke umsebenzi wethaberinakeli nakho koke okukilo gade limakhilogremu ayikulungwana ukuya ngesilinganiso esisetjenziswa endaweni ecwengileko. Igolideli lalethwa babantu njengesibiko. Isiliva eyalethwa ma-Israyeli atlolisweko gade imakhilogremu aziinkulungwana ezintathu namakhulu amane namatjhumi amathathu ukuya ngesilinganiso esisetjenziswa endaweni ecwengileko. Kwaba magremu amahlanu anesiquntu nesiqunjwana emuntwini ngamunye otlolisweko. Lokho bekusilinganiso esisiquntu sesipaparwana ukuya ngesilinganiso esisetjenziswa endaweni ecwengileko. (Bekubalwe ukusuka koneminyaka ematjhumi amabili ukuya phezulu, kwaba madoda aziinkulungwana ezimakhulu asithandathu nantathu namakhulu amahlanu anamatjhumi amahlanu.) Amakhilogremu aziinkulungwana ezintathu namakhulu amane netjhumi wesiliva gade asetjenziselwe ukubumba amanzinziso wendawo ecwengileko newesiyaya. Inaneli lasetjenziselwa ukubumba amanzinziso alikhulu okutjho bona amakhilogremu angaphezudlwana kwamatjhumi amathathu nane enza inzinziso linye. Ngamakhilogremu amatjhumi amabili wesiliva aseleko uBhetsaleli wenzela iinsika iinkhonkhwani, wanameka iimpundu zeensika bewazenzela nemipherho. Ikoporo eyalethwa njengesibiko gade imakhilogremu aziinkulungwana ezimbili namakhulu amane namatjhumi amabili nahlanu. UBhetsaleli wenza ngayo amanzinziso womnyango wetende lokuhlanganela, i-aldari lekoporo nomsefo wekoporo ngemaqadi kanye nazo zoke izitja ze-aldari, amanzinziso weensika zesirhodlo newesango laso kanye nazo zoke iinkhonkhwani zethaberinakeli nezesirhodlo. Abantu abanobukghoni benzela abaphristi izambatho zokulotjha endaweni ecwengileko. Izambathwezo bezithungwe ngewulu ehlaza komkayi, ebubende netlerebede. Godu benzela u-Aroni izambatho ezikhethekileko njengombana uSomnini bekayale uMosi. Benza i-efodi ngelineni emhlophe ethungwe ngemicwana yegolide nangewulu ehlaza komkayi, ebubende netlerebede. Bebakhande igolide laba sipara balisika imicwana kobana balithungelele ngobukghoni ewulwini ehlaza komkayi, ebubende netlerebede kanye nelinenini emhlophe. Benza imitletle yamahlombe kobana ihlanganise ingcenye ye-efodi yangemuva neyangaphambili emphethweni. Ibhande lokuyibopha elithungelelwe kiyo nalo gade lenziwe ngelineni emhlophe ethungwe ngemicwana yegolide nangewulu ehlaza komkayi, ebubende netlerebede njengombana uSomnini ayala uMosi. Balungisa amatje amabili we-oniksi: Batlola ngokugobhodlha amabizo wamadodana ka-Israyeli ematjeni lawo njengombazi natlola elitjeni lokugiba, bawaphetha ngemicwana yegolide. Bawabeka phezu kwemitletle yamahlombe we-efodi kobana abe mamatje wesikhumbuzo wamadodana ka-Isayeli njengombana uSomnini bekayale uMosi. Benza ngobukghoni iporiyana yomphristi omkhulu yafana nangendlela ekwenziwe ngayo i-efodi: ngelineni emhlophe ethungwe ngemicwana yegolide nangewulu ehlaza komkayi, ebubende netlerebede. Gade ilingana mahlangothi woke nayibhinciweko, imasentimitha amatjhumi amabili nambili ubude nobubanzi. Bafaka amarhemo amane wamatje aligugu: Irhemo lokuthoma belinerubi, ithophazi ne-emeraldi; irhemo lesibili belinesimaragidu, isafaya nedayimani; irhemo lesithathu belinehiyasinthi, i-agatha ne-ametisthi; irhemo lesine belinebherili, i-oniksi nejasipere. Woke amatje lawo gade arutjelwe ngemicwana yegolide anamabizo wamadodana ka-Israyeli. Bekanjengamatje wokugiba, enye nenye ikoro kezilitjhumi nambili beyitlolwe ngokugobhodlhwa elitjeni layo. Benza iinketanyana ezimbili zegolidembala ezilukwe njengemicwana, bazibophelela eporiyaneni nganasi indlela: Benza amasongo amabili wegolide, bawarubela ngemicwana yegolide. Bathungelela amasongo lawo emajikeni angehla weporiyana. Bafaka iinketanyana ezimbili zegolide ngemasongweni amabili emajikeni weporiyana. Babopha amaphelelo weenketanyana ezimbili emphethweni orutjelweko wamatje asemtletleni we-efodi emahlombeni ukuze iporiyana ibe sesifubeni. Benza amasongo amanye amabili wegolide, bawathungelela emajikeni amanye angaphasi womphetho weporiyana. Godu benza amanye amasongo amabili wegolide, bawathungelela ngaphambili phasi emitletleni yamahlombe hlanu kwalapha ihlangana khona ne-efodi ngehla kwebhande. Babophelela amasongo weporiyana emasongweni we-efodi ngomtiya ohlaza komkayi kobana ube ngehla kwebhande le-efodi. Benza njalo bonyana iporiyana ingatjhaphuluki isuke e-efodini. Kwaba njengombana uSomnini ayala uMosi. Godu benza ijasi elukwe ngokuhlaza komkayi koke, yakhambisana ne-efodi. Phakathi nendawo beyinentamo ithungelelwe umphetho olukiweko ofana nowesambatho sepi ukuze ingadabuki. Emphethweni wejasi ngenzasi benza amarharinada ngokutatela iwulu ehlaza komkayi, ebubende netlerebede. Godu benza iinkhencezo ngegolidembala bazibeka hlangana namarharinada phezu komphetho wejasi magegana nawo phakathi kwamarharinada. Kwaba sikhencezo nerharinada, godu isikhencezo nerharinada njalo njalo magegana nomphetho wejasi yokulotjha, njengombana uSomnini ayala uMosi. Benzela u-Aroni namadodanakhe iimphuraphura ezilukwe ngelineni emhlophe, ingwani yomphristi omkhulu yelineni emhlophe nemibhode yabaphristi, iindzeredzere zelineni kanokutjho kanye nomkhungo wokuthekeleza welineni ekhethekileko ethungwe ngewulu ehlaza komkayi, ebubende netlerebede njengombana uSomnini ayala uMosi. Godu benza nethuthumbo legolidembala okutjho isihlohlo esahlukaniselweko, batlola phezu kwaso amagama anjengawomgobhodlho wesigibo athi, “Ohlukaniselwe uSomnini”. Babophelela kiso umtiya ohlaza komkayi kobana basibophelele engwanini ngaphambili njengombana uSomnini ayala uMosi. Ngaleyondlela woke umsebenzi mayelana nethaberinakeli okutjho itende lokuhlanganela, waphethwa. Ama-Israyeli enza ngakho koke uSomnini agade ayale uMosi ngakho. Abantu baletha kuMosi ithaberinakeli okutjho itende nazo zoke izitja zakhona, iinqobotjhelo zalo, amahlaka, iinqabo, iinsika, amanzinziso, isembeso esenziwe ngeenkhumba zamaqama ezifakwe umbala obovu nesinye isembeso esenziwe ngeenkhumba ezitjhukiweko bezazeswa ngamafutha, isiyaya esilitjhila lomnyango, umfaji wobufakazi neengodo zawo nesisibekelo, itafula nazo zoke izitja zakhona, izikwa ezibekwa phambi kwakaZimu, ilithi leembani legolidembala neembani zakhona, zoke izitja zakhona namafutha weembani, i-aldari legolide, amafutha wokuzesa, amakha wetjhwalo, itjhila lomnyango wetende, i-aldari lekoporo nomsefo walo wekoporo, iingodo zakhona, nazo zoke izitja zakhona, isitja sokuhlambela nesinzinziso sakhona, imilembelembe yamatjhila yesirhodlo, iinsika zakhona namanzinziso wakhona, itjhila lokuvala isango lesirhodlo, iintambo neenkhonkhwani ezibamba imilembelembe yesirhodlo, nazo zoke izitja zokulotjha ethaberinakelini okutjho itende lokuhlanganela, izambatho ezithungiweko zokulotjha endaweni ecwengileko okutjho izambatho ezikhethekileko zaka-Aroni umphristi omkhulu kanye nezambatho zamadodanakhe kobana babe baphristi. Ama-Israyeli enza woke umsebenzi kwaba njengombana uSomnini ayala uMosi. Kwathi lokha uMosi nabona bonyana mbala ama-Israyeli enze woke umsebenzi njengombana uSomnini amyalile, wawabusisa. USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Jamisa ithaberinakeli okutjho itende lokuhlanganela ngelanga lokuthoma lenyanga yokuthoma. Faka ngaphakathi kwalo umfaji wobufakazi bese uwusitha ngesiyaya. Ungenise itafula bewuhlele koke kuhle phezu kwalo. Ngenisa nelithi leembani bese uhlela iimbani zalo. Ubeke i-aldari legolide lokutjhisela itjhwalo phambi komfaji wobufakazi bese ulembelelisa itjhila lomnyango wethaberinakeli. Ujamise i-aldari lomhlabelo wokutjhiswa ngaphandle komnyango wethaberinakeli okutjho itende lokuhlanganela. Ubeke isitja sokuhlambela hlangana netende lokuhlanganela ne-aldari bese uthela amanzi ngaphakathi kwaso. Wakhe isirhodlo magegana nethaberinakeli bese ulembelelisa itjhila esangweni lesirhodlweso. Thatha amafutha uzese ithaberinakeli nakho koke okungaphakathi kwalo, ulihlukanisele kanye nepahlalo yoke engaphakathi; lizakuba ngelicwengileko. Uzese ne-aldari lomhlabelo wokutjhiswa kanye neensetjenziswa zalo zoke, ulihlukanisele, nje-ke lizakuba ngelicwenge khulu. Godu uzese nesitja sokuhlambela kanye nesinzinziso sakhona, usihlukanisele. Ngemva kwalokho kuze u-Aroni namadodanakhe emnyango wetende lokuhlanganela bese ubahlambulula ngamanzi. Wembathise u-Aroni izambatho ezikhethekileko bese uyamzesa umhlukanisele ukuze abe mphristami. Utjhideze namadodanakhe, uwembathise iimphuraphura bese uwazesa njengombana uzese uyisawo ukuze abe baphristi bami. Ukuzeswa kwawo kuzawenza abe baphristi nini nanini eenzukulwaneni zawo.” UMosi wenza koke njengombana uSomnini bekamyalile. Nje-ke kwathi ngelanga lokuthoma enyangeni yokuthoma emnyakeni wesibili, ithaberinakeli lajanyiswa. UMosi wajamisa ithaberinakeli ngokuthoma ukubeka amanzinziswalo, amahlakalo, iinqabo neensika zalo. Yeke wendlala itende phezu kwamahlaka wethaberinakeli waleka itendelo ngezembeso zakhona njengombana uSomnini bekamyalile. Wathatha imiqebethu yobufakazi wayifaka ngemfajini, wawufakela iingodo zokuwuthwala, wabeka isisibekelo somfaji ngaphezu kwawo. Khonapho wangenisa umfaji lowo ngethaberinakelini wabese ulembelelisa isiyaya setjhila lokusitha umfaji wobufakazi njengombana uSomnini bekamyalile. Wabeka itafula ngetendeni lokuhlanganela ngetlhagwini yethaberinakeli ngaphandle kwendawo esithwe ngesiyaya. Wahlela kuhle phezu kwalo izikwa ezibekwa phambi kwakaSomnini njengombana uSomnini bekamyalile. Wabeka nelithi leembani ngetendeni lokuhlanganela, laba malungana netafula ngesewula, wahlela neembani zalo phambi kwakaSomnini njengombana bekamyalile. Godu uMosi wabeka i-aldari legolide ngetendeni lokuhlanganela, laba ngaphambi kwesiyaya sendawo ecwenge khulu, watjhisela phezu kwalo amakha wetjhwalo njengombana uSomnini bekamyalile. Nje-ke walembelelisa itjhila lomnyango wethaberinakeli. Wajamisa i-aldari lomhlabelo wokutjhiswa ngaphandle komnyango wethaberinakeli okutjho itende lokuhlanganela, watjhisa phezu kwalo umhlabelo wokutjhiswa nomnikelo weenthoro njengombana uSomnini bekamyalile. Wabeka isitja sokuhlambela hlangana netende lokuhlanganela ne-aldari lomhlabelo wokutjhiswa, wabese uthela amanzi wokuhlambulula ngaphakathi kwaso. Nje-ke uMosi, u-Aroni namadodanakhe bahlambulula izandla neenyawo zabo ngesitjenapho. (Bekuthi njalo ngaphambi kobana bangene ngetendeni lokuhlanganela nalokha nabatjhidela e-aldarini, bazihlambulule njengombana uSomnini bekayale uMosi.) UMosi wabuye wakha isirhodlo magegana nethaberinakeli ne-aldari bewalembelelisa itjhila esangweni lesirhodlweso. Wawuqeda njalo-ke uMosi umsebenzi. Ilifu lembatha itende lokuhlanganela, iphazimulo kaSomnini yazala ithaberinakeli. Ngebanga lokobana ilifu belembethe itende lokuhlanganela nephazimulo kaSomnini izele ithaberinakeli, uMosi akhange akghone ukungena ngetendenapho. Kilo loke ikhambo lama-Israyeli erhalawumbeni, begade afuduka aragela phambili kwaphela lokha ilifu nalikhuphuka lisuka ethaberinakelini. Ngalokho gade ahlala bekube kumhlana ilifu likhuphukako. Ilifu lingakakhuphuki bekangakhambi. Iye, ilifu lakaSomnini gade liba sethaberinakelini emini, kuthi ebusuku libe mlilo ngaphakathi kwalo. Woke ama-Israyeli akubona lokho kilo loke ikhambo lawo erhalawumbeni. USomnini angetendeni lokuhlanganela, wabiza uMosi wakhuluma naye wathi akakhulume nama-Israyeli athi: “Lokha nanyana ngubani phakathi kwenu naletha umnikelo wefuyo kuSomnini kufuze kube yikomo, imvu nanyana imbuzi. “Nangabe umnikelwakhe umhlabelo wokutjhiswa, kumele kube yikunzi emsulwa. Ayilethe emnyango wetende lokuhlanganela kube ngendlela eyamukelekako kuSomnini: Umuntu loyo uzakubeka isandla sakhe phezu kwehloko yekunzi emhlabelo leyo. Umhlabelwakhe uzakwamukeleka njengetethelelo. Kuzakufanela bona ahlabe ikunzana leyo phambi kwakaSomnini bese kuthi amadodana ka-Aroni okubaphristi bathathe iingazi zayo bazifafaze mahlangothi woke we-aldari ngaphambi komnyango wetende lokuhlanganela. Umuntu loyo akahlinze umhlabelwakhe abe awuhlahlele. Amadodana ka-Aroni umphristi akalungise iinkuni bese aphemba umlilo phezu kwe-aldari. Amadodana ka-Aroni abaphristi lawo, akabeke izitho, ihloko kanye nomhlwehlwe phezu kweenkuni ezivuthako e-aldarini. Umuntu loyo akahlanze iinredlo neenqatha ngamanzi ukuze umphristi akwazi ukutjhisa woke umhlabelo e-aldarini. Lokho kuzakuba mhlabelo wokutjhiswa okumnikelo okhethekileko, owamukeleka kuSomnini. “Nakube umnikelwakhe uwuthethe emhlambini wezimvu namkha weembuzi bona kube mhlabelo, khona kumele alethe iduna elimsulwa. Kufuze ahlabele idunelo ngehlangothini elingetlhagwini ye-aldari phambi kwakaSomnini bese abaphristi okumadodana ka-Aroni bathathe iingazi zedunelo bazifafaze mahlangothi woke we-aldari. Umuntu loyo akalihlahlele idunelo ngezitho zalo. Umphristi ahlele izithwezo, ihloko nomhlwehlwe phezu kweenkuni ezivuthako e-aldarini. Umuntu loyo akahlanze iinredlo neenqatha ngamanzi ukuze umphristi akwazi ukutjhisa woke umhlabelo e-aldarini. Lokho kuzakuba mhlabelo wokutjhiswa okumnikelo okhethekileko, owamukeleka kuSomnini. “Nakube umnikelwakhe kuSomnini kumhlabelo wokutjhiswa weenyoni, khona-ke umuntu loyo kufuze enze umhlabelo wezuba lommango namkha izutjana lekhaya. Umphristi akalethe umhlabelo wenyoni leyo e-aldarini, aquntule ihlokwayo, ayitjhise e-aldarini. Iingazi zayo aziphophisele ngeqadi kwe-aldari. Asuse ingingila neensiba azilahlele ezaleni ngepumalanga ye-aldari. Umuntu loyo kufuze ayivule ukufikela emaphikweni, kodwana angayiphadlhuli bona ihlukaniseke yoke. Umphristi ayitjhise phezu kweenkuni ezivuthako e-aldarini. Lokho kuzakuba mhlabelo wokutjhiswa okumnikelo okhethekileko, owamukeleka kuSomnini.” “Nakube kunomuntu oletha umnikelo weenthoro kuSomnini umnikelwakhe awube yiflowuru esefiweko. Kufuze athele amafutha we-oliva phezu kwayo, afake namakha bese alethe umnikelo lowo emadodaneni ka-Aroni okubaphristi. Umphristi uzakunghwatha isandla seflowuru enamafutha kanye namakha woke. Koke lokho uzakutjhisa e-aldarini kube sisabelo sesikhumbuzo. Lokho bekumnikelo okhethekileko, owamukeleka kuSomnini. Omunye umnikelo weenthoro oseleko ungewaka-Aroni namadodanakhe. Umnikelo lowo ungocwenge khulu ngombana bewulethwa njengomnikelo okhethekileko kuSomnini. “Nawuletha umnikelo weenthoro obhagwe nge-ondweni, awube zizikwa ezimasongo ezidutjwe ngamafutha we-oliva namkha izikwa ezisipara ezitjhatjhwe ngamafutha we-oliva. Izikwezo zingabi nengumelo begodu zenziwe ngeflowuru esefiweko. Nakube umnikelwakho weenthoro ungokhanzingwe ngedengela, akube ngoweflowuru esefiweko edutjwe ngamafutha we-oliva; kube siphaphatha esinganangumelo. Usihlephule iinquqwana uzithele ngamafutha we-oliva. Lokho kumnikelo weenthoro. Nakube umnikelwakho weenthoro uphekwe ngesithetjhelelo, akube ngodutjwe ngeflowuru esefiweko namafutha we-oliva. “Nawuletha umnikelo weenthoro owenziwe ngezintwezo kuSomnini uwunikele umphristi ozawuthatha awulethe e-aldarini. Umphristi loyo uzakuthatha isabelo sesikhumbuzo emnikelweni weenthoro asitjhise e-aldarini. Lokho bekumnikelo okhethekileko, owamukeleka kuSomnini. Omunye umnikelo weenthoro oseleko ungewaka-Aroni namadodanakhe. Lowo bekumnikelo ocwenge khulu ngombana bewulethwa njengomnikelo okhethekileko kuSomnini. “Akungalethwa umnikelo weenthoro onengumelo kuSomnini. Iye, akungatjhiswa isikwa esinengumelo namkha iliju njengomnikelo okhethekileko kuSomnini. Nokho nakube mnikelo wesilumo, ningawuletha kuSomnini kodwana nakuse-aldarini khona, ungakhe unganikelwa kobana wamukeleke kuSomnini. Nungani yoke iminikelwenu yeenthoro ngetswayi. Ningalikhohlwa itswayi lesivumelwano sakaZimenu eminikelweni yeenthoro. Fakani itswayi njalo kiyo yoke iminikelwenu. “Lokha nawuletha umnikelo weenthoro okungewesilumo kuSomnini rhabula iinqwambi zekoroyi etja leyo emlilweni, uzitlhutlhure bese ugaya ikoroyi yakhona. Ulethe ikoroyi leyo njengomnikelwakho wesilumo. Thela amafutha we-oliva phezu kwayo bese ufaka amakha ngaphezulu. Lowo kumnikelo weenthoro. Umphristi uzakutjhisa isabelo sesikhumbuzo seenthoro ezigayiweko namafutha we-oliva kanye namakha woke. Lokho kumnikelo okhethekileko kuSomnini.” “Nakube umnikelo womuntu kumnikelo wetjhebiswano awuthethe emhlambini weenkomo, akube ngeduna namkha esikazi emsulwa, ilethwe phambi kwakaSomnini. Umuntu loyo uzakubeka isandla sakhe phezu kwehloko yomhlabelwakhe. Kuzakufanele bonyana awuhlabe phambi komnyango wetende lokuhlanganela bese kuthi amadodana ka-Aroni okubaphristi bafafaze iingazi zawo mahlangothi woke we-aldari. Emhlabelweni wetjhebiswano umuntu loyo kufuze alethe umnikelo okhethekileko kuSomnini. Lokho kutjho umhlwehlwe owembese iinredlo nakho koke okuphathelene nawo, iziso zombili nomhlwehlwe wakhona, amanoni wesifunzi kanye nepundu yesibindi ekufuze ikhutjhwe neziso. Amadodana ka-Aroni akatjhise koke lokho e-aldarini phezu kweenkuni ezivuthako ngemva kobana enze umhlabelo wokutjhiswa. Lokho kumnikelo okhethekileko, owamukeleka kuSomnini. “Nakube umnikelwakhe uwuthethe emhlambini wezimvu namkha weembuzi bona kube mhlabelo wetjhebiswano, khona akube ngeduna namkha esikazi emsulwa, ilethwe kuSomnini. Nakube unikela ngeqamanyana, akalilethe phambi kwakaSomnini, abeke isandla sakhe phezu kwehloko yomhlabelwakhe lowo, awuhlabe phambi komnyango wetende lokuhlanganela. Amadodana ka-Aroni afafaze iingazi zawo mahlangothi woke we-aldari. Emhlabelweni wetjhebiswano umuntu loyo kufuze alethe amanoni njengomnikelo okhethekileko kuSomnini. Lokho kutjho woke umsila ononileko oquntwe emngolweni, umhlwehlwe owembese iinredlo nakho koke okuphathelene nawo, iziso zombili nomhlwehlwe wakhona, amanoni wesifunzi kanye nepundu yesibindi ekufuze ikhutjhwe neziso. Umphristi uzakutjhisa koke lokhu phezu kwe-aldari. Lokho kukudla okumnikelo okhethekileko wakaSomnini. “Nakube unikela ngembuzi, akayilethe phambi kwakaSomnini, abeke isandla sakhe phezu kwehloko yomhlabelwakhe lowo, awuhlabe phambi komnyango wetende lokuhlanganela. Amadodana ka-Aroni afafaze iingazi zawo mahlangothi woke we-aldari. Emnikelwenakhe umuntu loyo kufuze alethe umnikelo okhethekileko kuSomnini. Lokho kutjho umhlwehlwe owembese iinredlo nakho koke okuphathelene nawo, iziso zombili nomhlwehlwe wakhona, amanoni wesifunzi kanye nepundu yesibindi ekufuze ikhutjhwe neziso. Umphristi uzakutjhisa koke lokhu phezu kwe-aldari. Lokho kukudla okumnikelo okhethekileko, owamukeleka kuSomnini. “Woke umhlwehlwe ngowakaSomnini. Lokhu kusimiso sanini nanini eenzukulwaneni ngeenzukulwana lapha nizakuhlala khona: Ningalingi nidle umhlwehlwe, amanoni namkha ububende.” USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi kuye akakhulume nama-Israyeli athi kiwo: “Nanyana ngubani owona ngokungakahlosi ngokwenza okuphambene neminye yemiyalo kaSomnini, akaphathwe nganasi indlela: “Nangabe kona umphristi ozesiweko, abangele abantu umlandu, akalethe ikunzana emsulwa kuSomnini kube mhlabelwakhe wehlambululo mayelana nesono asenzileko. Akalethe ikunzana leyo phambi kwakaSomnini emnyango wetende lokuhlanganela. Abeke isandla sakhe phezu kwehloko yekunzana bese uyihlabela phambi kwakaSomnini. Yeke umphristi ozesiweko uzakuthatha ezinye zeengazi zekunzana leyo angene nazo ngetendeni lokuhlanganela. Kufuze atlubhuze umunwakhe ngeengazinapho bese ufafaza ezinye zazo kalikhomba phambi kwakaSomnini ngaphambi kwesiyaya sendawo ecwengileko. Godu umphristi uzabese uninda ezinye iingazi phezu kweempundu ze-aldari letjhwalo phambi kwakaSomnini ngetendeni lokuhlanganela. Inengi leengazi zekunzana leyo azithululele emanzinzweni we-aldari lomhlabelo wokutjhiswa phambi komnyango wetende lokuhlanganela. Kufuze asuse woke umhlwehlwe wekunzana yomhlabelo wehlambululo okutjho umhlwehlwe weenredlo nakho koke okuhlangene nazo, iziso zombili nomhlwehlwe wakhona namanoni wesifunzi kanye nepundu yesibindi ekufuze ikhutjhwe neziso. Koke lokho akube njengalokha nakukhutjhwa umhlwehlwe ekomeni eyenzelwa umhlabelo wetjhebiswano. Yeke umphristi uzakutjhisa lokho e-aldarini lomhlabelo wokutjhiswa. Kodwana isikhumba sekunzana nenyama yayo yoke, ihloko nemilenze, iinredlo nemiswanayo okutjho koke okuseleko kwekunzana kufuze akuthathe aphumele nakho ngaphandle kwekampa endaweni ekhethekileko, lapha kuthululwa khona umlotha we-aldari. Abase umlilo ezalenapho atjhise koke lokho. “Nangabe woke umkhambathi wama-Israyeli owona ngokungakahlosi ngokweqa imiyalo kaSomnini kodwana ihlangano ingakuboni lokho bese umkhambathi lowo uzizwe unomlandu, ihlangano ayilethe ikunzana njengomhlabelo wehlambululo, masinyana nasele isono somkhambathi sazekile. Kufuze ilethwe phambi kwetende lokuhlanganela, bese abaphathi bomkhambathi babeka izandla zabo phezu kwehloko yekunzana, bayihlabe phambi kwakaSomnini. Umphristi ozesiweko uzakuthatha ezinye zeengazi zekunzana angene nazo ngetendeni lokuhlanganela. Uzakutlubhuza umunwakhe ngeengazinapho bese uzifafaza phambi kwakaSomnini kalikhomba ngaphambi kwesiyaya sendawo ecwengileko. Godu umphristi uzabese uninda ezinye iingazi phezu kweempundu ze-aldari letjhwalo phambi kwakaSomnini ngetendeni lokuhlanganela. Inengi leengazi zekunzana leyo azithululele emanzinzweni we-aldari lomhlabelo wokutjhiswa phambi komnyango wetende lokuhlanganela. Kuzakufanela bona asuse woke umhlwehlwe bese uwutjhisa e-aldarini. Lokho akwenze ngekunzana leyo yaphambilini, akakwenze nangekunzana yomhlabelo wehlambululo lo. Ngendlela leyo umphristi uzabe wenzela umkhambathi itethelelo. Ngalokho umkhambathi uzakuhlambuluka esonweni sawo. Nje-ke uzakukhuphela ikunzana leyo ngaphandle kwekampa, ayitjhise njengombana atjhise yokuthoma. Lokho kumhlabelo wehlambululo wehlangano. “Nangabe kona umrholi ngokungakahlosi ngokwenza okuphambene neminye yemiyalo kaSomnini uZimakhe bese uzizwa anomlandu, akalethe ipongo emsulwa njengomhlabelwakhe wehlambululo, masinyana nasele alemukile ngesono asenzileko. Uzakubeka isandla sakhe phezu kwehloko yepongo bese uyihlabela phambi kwakaSomnini lapha kuhlatjelwa khona umhlabelo wokutjhiswa. Lokho kumhlabelo wehlambululo. Nje-ke umphristi uzakuthatha ezinye zeengazi zomhlabelo wehlambululo ngomunwakhe azininde eempundwini ze-aldari lomhlabelo wokutjhiswa bese uthulula inengi leengazezo emanzinzweni we-aldari. Uzakutjhisa woke umhlwehlwe phezu kwe-aldari kube njengombana atjhisa umhlwehlwe womhlabelo wetjhebiswano. Ngendlela leyo umphristi uzabe enzela umuntu loyo itethelelo ngebanga lezono zakhe. Ngalokho uzakuhlambuluka esonweni sakheso. “Nangabe kona umuntukazana ngokungakahlosi ngokwenza okuphambene neminye yemiyalo kaSomnini bese uzizwa anomlandu, akalethe imbuzi esikazi emsulwa njengomhlabelwakhe wehlambululo, masinyana nasele alemukile ngesono asenzileko. Uzakubeka isandla sakhe phezu kwehloko yembuzi, ayihlabe njengomhlabelo wehlambululo lapha kuhlatjelwa khona umhlabelo wokutjhiswa. Nje-ke umphristi uzakuthatha ezinye zeengazi zomhlabelo wehlambululo ngomunwakhe, azininde eempundwini ze-aldari lomhlabelo wokutjhiswa bese uthulula inengi leengazezo emanzinzweni we-aldari. Umuntukazana loyo uzakususa woke umhlwehlwe kube njengalokha nakasusa umhlwehlwe womhlabelo wetjhebiswano. Umphristi uzawutjhisa phezu kwe-aldari ube mhlabelo owamukeleka kuSomnini. Ngendlela leyo umphristi uzabe umenzela itethelelo. Ngalokho uzakuhlambuluka esonweni sakheso. “Umuntukazana loyo uvunyelwe ukuletha imvana njengomhlabelwakhe wehlambululo. Yona kufuze ibe ngesikazi emsulwa. Uzakubeka isandla sakhe phezu kwehloko yemvana, ayihlabe njengomhlabelo wehlambululo lapha kuhlatjelwa khona umhlabelo wokutjhiswa. Nje-ke umphristi uzakuthatha ezinye zeengazi zomhlabelo wehlambululo ngomunwakhe, azininde eempundwini ze-aldari lomhlabelo wokutjhiswa bese uthulula inengi leengazezo emanzinzweni we-aldari. Umuntukazana loyo uzakususa woke umhlwehlwe kube njengalokha nakawususa emvaneni yomhlabelo wetjhebiswano. Umphristi uzawutjhisa phezu kwe-aldari neminikelo ekhethekileko kuSomnini. Ngendlela leyo umphristi uzabe umenzela itethelelo ngesono asenzileko. Ngalokho uzakuhlambuluka esonweni sakheso.” “Kungenzeka umuntu abone namkha ezwe ngobulelesi kodwana athule ngobufakazi, phezu kokobana asazi bonyana umuntu onjalo unikelelwe, ngalokho uzabe wonile bese uyakhathazeka ngebanga lesonweso; godu kungenzeka umuntu athinte into esilapheleko ngokungazi, kungaba sidumbu sesilwana esisilapheleko sommango, sefuyo esilapheleko namkha seemphili ezikhakhaba ehlabathini uzakusilaphala bese uzizwa anomlandu; kungenzeka godu umuntu athinte ukusilaphala komunye umuntu ngokungazi, kungaba nanyana yini engasilaphaza umuntu, alemuke ngalokho bese uzizwa anomlandu; namkha enze isifungo ngamawala, kungaba ngokuhle namkha okumbi kwananyana yini angahle afunge ngayo ngobutjhapho, alemuke ubutjhapho bakhe bese uzizwa anomlandu; kufuze avume lokho one ngakho kikho koke okubaliweko. Akalethe ihlawulo kuSomnini okuyimvana namkha imbuzana esikazi ayithethe emhlambinakhe, ibe mhlabelo wehlambululo mayelana nesono sakhe. Ngendlela leyo umphristi uzabe enzela umuntu loyo itethelelo ngebanga lesono sakheso. Nakube akanamandla wokuletha imvana, akalethe ihlawulo kuSomnini okumazuba amabili wommango namkha amazutjana amabili wekhaya kube mhlabelwakhe wehlambululo mayelana nesono sakhe. Elinye libe ngelomhlabelo wehlambululo bese elinye liba ngelomhlabelo wokutjhiswa. Kufuze awalethe kumphristi bese umphristi uthoma ngokunikela linye lawo libe mhlabelo wehlambululo. Aliquntule intanyana le eduze nehloko, nokho angavuli isitutu salo. Akaphophisele ezinye zeengazi zalo zomhlabelo wehlambululo ngeqadi kwe-aldari, ezinye aziphophisele emanzinzwenalo. Lokho kumhlabelo wehlambululo. Elinye umphristi uzakwenza ngalo umhlabelo wokutjhiswa, enze njengombana kuvame ukwenziwa. Ngendlela leyo umphristi uzabe enzela umuntu loyo itethelelo ngebanga lesono sakhe. Ngalokho uzakuhlambuluka esonweni sakheso. “Nakube akanamandla wokuletha amazuba amabili wommango namkha amazutjana amabili wekhaya, akalethe umnikelwakhe ositjhutjana seflowuru esefiweko kube mnikelo wehlambululo. Akukafuzi afake amafutha we-oliva namkha amakha phezu kwayo ngombana lowo mnikelo wehlambululo. Akayilethe kumphristi ozakunghwatha isandla seflowuru leyo kube sisabelo sesikhumbuzo bese uyitjhisa e-aldarini kanye neminikelo ekhethekileko kuSomnini. Lokho kumnikelo wehlambululo. “Ngendlela leyo umphristi uzabe enzela umuntu loyo itethelelo ngebanga lesinye sezono ezibaliweko. Ngalokho uzakuhlambuluka esonweni sakheso. “Woke omunye umnikelo ungowomphristi, njenganyana kwenziwa ngomnikelo weenthoro.” USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi: “Nangabe umuntu wenza isiphambeko ngokona angakahlosi ngokusilaphaza izinto ezicwengileko zakaSomnini, kufuze alethe ihlawulo kuSomnini okuliqama elimsulwa alithethe emhlambinakhe. Iqama aliletha njengomhlabelwakhe wehlawulo alibe nobungako besiliva obubekwa mphristi ngokwesilinganiso sendawo ecwengileko. Kufuze abuyisele koke lokho one ngakho mayelana nezinto ezicwengileko begodu angezelele ngobungako besihlanu. Akanikele umphristi iqamelo bese amenzele itethelelo ngalo. Ngalokho uzakuhlambuluka esonweni sakheso. “Nangabe umuntu wona ngokwenza okuphambene neminye yemiyalo kaSomnini kodwana angazi bonyana wone muphi, khonapho azizwe anomlandu begodu akhathazeke, kufuze alethe kumphristi umhlabelo wehlawulo okuliqama elimsulwa alithethe emhlambinakhe. Iqama alilethako alibe nobungako besiliva obubekwa mphristi. Umphristi uzamenzela itethelo mayelana nesono asenze angakahlosi. Nanyana angazi bonyana wenze sonobani, uzakuhlambuluka emmoyenakhe. Lowo-ke mhlabelo wehlawulo. Iye, umuntu loyo abuyisene noSomnini ngawo.” Godu uSomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi: “Nangabe umuntu wona ngokwenza isiphambeko kuSomnini ngokuba nobuqili emuntwini womphakathi ngento esiswe kuye netjhiywe kuye bona ayitjheje, ngokumgalaja, ngokumdlelezela namkha ngokufunyana into yomuntu womphakathi ilahlekile bese ufunga ngekohliso ngananyana yini yezintwezi umuntu angona ngazo phambi kwakaSomnini, nakubanyana wona ngendlela enjalo kodwana azizwe anomlandu, akabuyisele akwebileko, akuthethe ngokudlelezela, lokho egade kusiswe kuye namkha ipahla ayifunyene ilahlekile okutjho nanyana yini afunge ngakho ngekohliso. Kufuze abuyise lokho kuphelele, abe angezelele ngokwesihlanu sobungako bepahla leyo. Akakubuyisele kumninipahla ngelanga aletha ngalo umhlabelwakhe wehlawulo. Kufuze alethe ihlawulo kuSomnini okuliqama elimsulwa alithethe emhlambinakhe. Iqama aliletha njengomhlabelo wehlawulo alibe nobungako besiliva obubekwa mphristi. Ngendlela leyo umphristi uzabe enzela umuntu loyo itethelelo kuSomnini. Ngalokho uzakuhlambuluka kinanyana ngiyiphi yezinto okuthi umuntu nakayenzileko abe nomlandu.” USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi akayale u-Aroni namadodanakhe athi: “Naku umyalo womhlabelo wokutjhiswa: Umhlabelo wokutjhiswa kufuze uhlale ezikweni le-aldari ubusuku boke, godu nomlilo uhlale uvutha phezu kwe-aldari. Ekuseni umphristi embathe iphuraphurakhe yelineni, athekeleze nedzeredzere ngaphasi kwayo, akhuphe umlotha womhlabelo wokutjhiswa otjhiswe mlilo phezu kwe-aldari awuthululele eqadi kwalo. Uzabese uhlubula izambatho zakhe afake ezinye. Nje-ke uzakuwola umlotha ayowulahlela ngaphandle kwekampa endaweni ekhethekileko. Awuhlale uvutha umlilo phezu kwe-aldari, ungacimi. Njalo ekuseni umphristi kufuze abaselele umlilo abese ulungisa umhlabelo wokutjhiswa phezu kwawo, godu atjhise nemihlwehlwe yemihlabelo yetjhebiswano emlilweni lowo. Iye, umlilo kufuze uhlale uvutha njalo phezu kwe-aldari, ungacimi.” “Naku umyalo womnikelo weenthoro: Amadodana ka-Aroni kufuze alethe umnikelo lowo kuSomnini ngaphambi kwe-aldari. Umphristi uzakunghwatha isandla seflowuru esefiweko enamafutha we-oliva kanye namakha woke aphezu komnikelo weenthoro. Koke uzakutjhisa e-aldarini kube sisabelo sesikhumbuzo. Lokho kumnikelo owamukeleka kuSomnini. U-Aroni namadodanakhe bazakudla koke okuseleko. Kufuze kudliwe kunganangumelo endaweni ecwengileko ngesirhodlweni setende lokuhlanganela. Kungaphekwa ngengumelo. Ngikunikele abaphristi bona kube sisabelo sabo. Njengomhlabelo wehlambululo newehlawulo umnikelo lowo ungocwenge khulu ngombana bewulethwa njengomnikelo okhethekileko kuSomnini. Boke abaduna baka-Aroni bangakudla. Eminikelweni ekhethekileko kuSomnini lokhu kuzakuba sisabelo sabo sanini nanini eenzukulwaneni ezizako. Nanyana yini ethinta umnikelo lowo izakuba ngecwengileko.” Godu uSomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi: “Naku umnikelo ekufuze ulethwe ngu-Aroni namadodanakhe kuSomnini ngelanga azeswa ngalo: isitjhutjana seflowuru esefiweko kube mnikelo weenthoro wangemihla, ingcenye ekuseni nengcenye ngamarhwaqela. Awuhlanganiswe kuhle namafutha we-oliva, ubhagwe phezu kwedengela. Awuhletjhulwe ube ziinquqwana kube mnikelo owamukeleka kuSomnini. Awulungiswe yindodana ezakulandela u-Aroni esikhundleni sokuba mphristi ozesiweko. Umnikelo lowo utjhiswe woke ngombana ungokaSomnini isiphelani. Woke uminikelo weenthoro olethwa mphristi uzakutjhiswa ngokupheleleko, awungadliwa.” USomnini wakhuluma noMosi godu wathi akakhulume no-Aroni namadodanakhe athi: “Naku umyalo womhlabelo wehlambululo: Umhlabelo wehlambululo kufuze uhlatjelwe phambi kwakaSomnini endaweni lapha kuhlatjelwa khona umhlabelo wokutjhiswa. Lowo kumhlabelo ocwenge khulu. Umphristi owunikelako akawudle. Kufuze udlelwe endaweni ecwengileko ngesirhodlweni setende lokuhlanganela. Nanyana yini ethinta inyama leyo izakuba ngecwengileko. Begodu nanyana ngiziphi iingazi zomhlabelo lowo ezithontela esambathweni kufuze sihlanzelwe endaweni ecwengileko. Ipoto yomdaka ebekuphekwe ngayo ayiphadlhwe. Kodwana nakube bekuphekwe ngeyekoporo, ayiphalwe kuhle iyakazwe ngamanzi. Boke abaduna emndenini wobuphristi bangayidla. Lokho kumnikelo ocwenge khulu. Kodwana nanyana ngimuphi umhlabelo wehlambululo okulethwa iingazi zawo etendeni lokuhlanganela bona kwenzelwe itethelelo ngawo endaweni ecwengileko akukafuzi udliwe, kodwana utjhiswe.” “Naku umyalo womhlabelo wehlawulo: Lowo kumhlabelo ocwenge khulu. Umhlabelo wehlawulo kufuze uhlatjelwe lapha kuhlatjelwa khona umhlabelo wokutjhiswa. Iingazi zawo zifafazwe mahlangothi woke we-aldari. Woke umhlwehlwe wawo kufuze kunikelwe ngawo. Lokho kutjho umsila ononileko, umhlwehlwe owembese iinredlo, iziso zombili nomhlwehlwe wakhona, amanoni wesifunzi kanye nepundu yesibindi ekufuze ikhutjhwe neziso. Umphristi akutjhise koke lokho phezu kwe-aldari kube mnikelo okhethekileko kuSomnini. Lokho kumhlabelo wehlawulo. Boke abaduna phakathi kwabaphristi bangawudla. Abawudlele endaweni ecwengileko ngombana kumhlabelo ocwenge khulu. “Umyalo womhlabelo wehlawulo usebenza ngokufana nowehlambululo: Uzakuba ngowomphristi owenzela umuntu itethelelo ngawo. Umphristi owenzela umuntu umhlabelo wokutjhiswa angazithathela isikhumba somhlabelo lowo. Woke umnikelo weenthoro obhagwe nge-ondweni, ophekwe ngesithetjhelelo namkha edendelekweni, ungowomphristi osebenza e-aldarini. Kodwana woke umnikelo weenthoro ongakaphekwa, kungaba ngodutjwe ngamafutha we-oliva namkha owomileko ungowamadodana ka-Aroni begodu kufuze bawabelane.” “Naku umyalo womhlabelo wetjhebiswano ongahle ulethwe kuSomnini: Nakube umuntu uwunikela ngokutjengisa ukuthokoza anakho, kufuze anikele ngezikwa ezimasongo ezidutjwe ngamafutha we-oliva, izikwa ezisipara ezitjhatjhwe ngamafutha we-oliva nezikwa ezimasongo zeflowuru esefiweko ehlanganiswe kuhle ngamafutha we-oliva. Izikwezo zingabi nengumelo. Emnikelweni wezikwa awuletha nomhlabelo wetjhebiswano athokoza ngawo, kufuze angezelele izikwa ezimasongo eziwunyelweko. Komunye nomunye umhlobo wesikweso, sinye saso kufuze sibe mnikelo kaSomnini. Lokho kungokomphristi ofafaza iingazi zomhlabelo wetjhebiswano. Inyama yomhlabelo wetjhebiswano umuntu awunikela ngokuthokoza kufuze idliwe ngelanga enikelwa ngalo, angayitjhiyeli ikusasa. “Kodwana nakube umhlabelo olethwa mumuntu ungebanga lesifungo namkha ungowesihle kufuze udliwe ngelanga awunikela ngalo, okuseleko kudliwe ngelanga elilandelako. Yoke inyama yomhlabelo esalako bekube lilanga lesithathu, kufuze itjhiswe. Nakube inyama yomhlabelo wetjhebiswano idliwa ngelanga lesithathu, umuntu olethe umhlabelo lowo angeze amukeleka begodu angeze wambhadekela. Inyama leyo isinyenyiso begodu nanyana ngubani oyidlako uzazizwa. “Inyama yomhlabelo wetjhebiswano ethinta nanyana yini into engakahlambuluki ingeze yadliwa, kufuze itjhiswe. Inyama yomhlabelo wetjhebiswano idliwa ngohlambulukileko kwaphela. Umuntu ongakahlambuluki odla inyama yomhlabelo wetjhebiswano owenzelwe uSomnini, akajutjwe ebantwini bekhabo. Iye, nanyana ngubani othinta into engakahlambuluki, kungaba mumuntu, isilwana namkha ngikuphi okunyenyisako bese udla inyama yomhlabelo wetjhebiswano owenzelwe uSomnini, akajutjwe ebantwini bekhabo.” USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi akakhulume nama-Israyeli athi: “Nakumhlwehlwe namanoni akungadliwa, kungaba ngewekomo, wemvu namkha wembuzi. Amanoni wesilwana esifunyenwe sidindilizile namkha sidatjulwe ziimbandana, angasetjenziselwa nanyana ngiliphi ibanga, kodwana angadliwa nakancani. Nanyana ngubani odla umhlwehlwe womnikelo okhethekileko kuSomnini akajutjwe ebantwini bekhabo. Ningalingi nidle inyama isese neengazi, kungaba ngezenyoni namkha zesilwana kuphi nakuphi lapha nizakuhlala khona. Umuntu odla nanyana ngiziphi iingazi akajutjwe ebantwini bekhabo.” USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi akakhulume nama-Israyeli athi kiwo: “Umuntu onikela umhlabelo wetjhebiswano, akanikele ingcenye yawo kuSomnini. Akube zizandla zakhe eziletha umnikelo okhethekileko kuSomnini. Alethe umhlwehlwe, amanoni nesifuba ukuze isifubeso siphakanyiswe njengomnikelo osibiko kuSomnini. Umphristi uzabese utjhisa umhlwehlwe namanoni e-aldarini, kodwana isifuba singesika-Aroni namadodanakhe. Umlenze wangesidleni womhlabelo wetjhebiswano awunikelwe umphristi ube sibiko sakhe, okutjho indodana ka-Aroni enikela ngeengazi, umhlwehlwe namanoni womhlabelo e-aldarini. Umlenze wangesidleni uzakuba sisabelo sayo. Iye, isifuba nomlenze okuphakanyiswa njengomnikelo osibiko ngikuthethe emihlabelweni yetjhebiswano yama-Israyeli, ngakunikela u-Aroni umphristi omkhulu namadodanakhe bona kube simiso sanini nanini kuma-Israyeli. “Lokhu kusisabelo saka-Aroni namadodanakhe esithethwe eminikelweni ekhethekileko kaSomnini ukusuka ngelanga abahlukaniselwa ngalo bona babe baphristi bakaSomnini. USomnini wayala bonyana banikelwe isifuba nomlenze ngelanga abazeswa ngalo. Lokhu kuzakuba simiso esijame nini nanini sama-Israyeli iinzukulwana ngeenzukulwana.” Leyo-ke miyalo emayelana nomhlabelo wokutjhiswa, umnikelo weenthoro, umhlabelo wehlambululo, umhlabelo wehlawulo, umhlabelo wokuhlukaniselwa kanye nomhlabelo wetjhebiswano, uSomnini awunikela uMosi phezu kwentaba yeSinayi erhalawumbeni mhlana ayala ama-Israyeli bona alethe umnikelo kuye. USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi: “Yewize no-Aroni namadodanakhe, izambatho zabo, amafutha wokuzesa, ikunzana yomhlabelo wehlambululo, amaqama amabili kanye nomqebethu onezikwa ezinganangumelo, bese uhlanganisa umkhambathi woke emnyango wetende lokuhlanganela.” Mbala uMosi wenza njengombana uSomnini amyalile, umkhambathi nawo wabuthana emnyango wetende lokuhlanganela. UMosi wathi kumkhambathi: “Okuzakwenziwa nje, yinto uSomnini ayale bona yenziwe.” Nje-ke watjhideza u-Aroni namadodanakhe bewabahlambulula ngamanzi. Wembesa u-Aroni iphuraphura, wambopha edinini ngomkhungo wokuthekeleza, wamembathisa ijasi ekhambisana ne-efodi bewameleka nge-efodi wayibopha ngebhande endawenayo. Wamfaka iporiyana yomphristi bewabeka ngembadeni yeporiyana amatje wefumbe okuyi-urimi nethumimi. Ehloko wamthwesa ingwani yomphristi wabophelela ithuthumbo legolidembala okutjho isihlohlo esahlukaniselweko. Kwaba njengombana uSomnini ayale uMosi. Nje-ke uMosi wathatha amafutha wokuzesa, wazesa ngawo ithaberinakeli nakho koke okungaphakathi, walihlukanisela. Enye ingcenye yamafutha wayifafaza e-aldarini kalikhomba, wazesa i-aldari nakho koke okusetjenziswa kilo kanye nesitja sokuhlambela nesinzinziso saso ukuze kwahlukaniselwe. Amanye amafutha wawathela ehloko ka-Aroni, wamzesa bona amhlukanisele. Watjhideza amadodana ka-Aroni, wawembesa iimphuraphura zabaphristi, wawabopha emadinini ngemikhungo yokuthekeleza bewawathwesa iingwani. Kwaba njengombana uSomnini ayale uMosi. Waletha ikunzana yomhlabelo wehlambululo. U-Aroni namadodanakhe babeka izandla zabo phezu kwehlokwayo. Nje-ke uMosi wahlaba ikunzana leyo, wathatha ingcenye yeengazi zekunzana wazininda phezu kweempundu ezisemajikeni we-aldari ngomunwakhe bona alihlambulule. Iingazi eziseleko wazithululela emanzinzweni we-aldari. Ngendlela leyo-ke, walihlukanisela ngokulenzela itethelelo. UMosi wathatha woke umhlwehlwe owembese iinredlo, ipundu yesibindi, iziso zombili nomhlwehlwe wakhona, wakutjhisa e-aldarini. Kodwana yoke ikunzana, okutjho isikhumba sayo, inyama nomswani wakhona, wakutjhisela ngaphandle kwekampa. Kwaba njengombana uSomnini ayale uMosi. Wabese utjhideza iqama lomhlabelo wokutjhiswa. U-Aroni namadodanakhe babeka izandla zabo phezu kwehlokwalo. Nje-ke uMosi walihlaba, wafafaza iingazi zalo magegana ne-aldari. Walihlahlela bewatjhisa ihloko, izitho nomhlwehlwe. Wahlanza iinredlo neenqatha ngamanzi wabese utjhisa iqamelo loke e-aldarini. Lokhu bekumhlabelo wokutjhiswa okumnikelo okhethekileko, owamukeleka kuSomnini. Kwaba njengombana uSomnini ayale uMosi. Watjhideza godu elinye iqama okuliqama abajanyiswa ngalo. U-Aroni namadodanakhe babeka izandla zabo phezu kwehlokwalo. UMosi wahlaba iqamelo, wathatha ingcenye yeengazi zalo, wazininda endlebeni yangesidleni ka-Aroni, kuthubha wangesidleni nakuthubhakghuru wangesidleni. Watjhideza amadodana ka-Aroni wafese waninda eendlebeni zawo zangesidleni, kibothubha bawo bangesidleni nakibothubhakghuru bawo bangesidleni. Iingazi eziseleko wazifafaza magegana ne-aldari. Wathatha amafuthalo okutjho amanoni womsila nomhlwehlwe weenredlo woke, ipundu yesibindi, iziso zombili nomhlwehlwe wakhona kanye nomlenze wangesidleni, ngesiqwebini sesikwa esinganangumelo ebesibekwa phambi kwakaSomnini wathatha sinye isikwa esilisongo, nasinye esihlanganiswe ngamafutha we-oliva kanye nasinye esisipara, wakubeka phezu kwamafutha weqama naphezu komlenze wangesidleni; koke lokhu wakubeka ezandleni zaka-Aroni nezamadodanakhe. Bakuphakamisa njengomnikelo osibiko kuSomnini. Yeke uMosi wakuthatha ezandleni zabo wakutjhisa e-aldarini phezu komhlabelo wokutjhiswa. Lokhu bekumhlabelo wokujanyiswa, okumnikelo okhethekileko, owamukeleka kuSomnini. Wathatha godu isifuba seqama wasiphakamisa njengomnikelo osibiko kuSomnini. Isifuba seqama lokujanyisweso bekusisabelo sakhe. Kwaba njengombana uSomnini ayale uMosi. UMosi wathatha ingcenye yamafutha wokuzesa nengcenye yeengazi ezise-aldarini wafafaza phezu kwaka-Aroni nezambatho zakhe, naphezu kwamadodanakhe nezambatho zawo. Njalo-ke wahlukanisela u-Aroni nezambatho zakhe, amadodanakhe kanye nezambatho zawo. UMosi wathi ku-Aroni namadodanakhe: “Phekelani inyama emnyango wetende lokuhlanganela bese niyigomela khonapho nesikwa esingesiqwebini sokujanyiswa ngombana ngayalwa kwathiwa, ‘Asidliwe ngu-Aroni namadodanakhe.’ Kodwana woke amasalela wenyama newesikwa niwatjhise. Ningasuki ebungenweni betende lokuhlanganela bekube malanga alikhomba, ukufikela lapha kuphela khona amalanga wokujanyiswa kwenu. Iye, ukujanyiswa kufuze kuthathe amalanga alikhomba. USomnini wayala bona okwenziwe namhlanjesi kwenziwe amalanga alikhomba kobana nenzelwe itethelelo. Kufuze nihlale ebungenweni betende lokuhlanganela imini nobusuku amalanga alikhomba. Gcinani imiyalo kaSomnini ukuze ningafi ngombana ngilokho nami engayalwa ngakho.” Nje-ke u-Aroni namadodanakhe benza koke uSomnini akuyala ngoMosi. Kwathi ngelanga lokugcina lokujanyiswa kwabaphristi uMosi wabiza u-Aroni namadodanakhe kanye nabaphathi bakwa-Israyeli, wathi ku-Aroni: “Thatha ikunzana ibe mhlabelwakho wehlambululo neqama libe mhlabelwakho wokutjhiswa, kokubili kube msulwa, ukulethe kuSomnini. Nje-ke khuluma nama-Israyeli uthi, ‘Lethani ipongo ibe mhlabelo wehlambululo, ikunzana neqama okunomnyaka owodwa nokumsulwa, kube mhlabelo wokutjhiswa, ikunzana neqama kube mihlabelo yetjhebiswano ehlatjelwa phambi kwakaSomnini kanye nomnikelo weenthoro ohlanganiswe ngamafutha we-oliva. Iye, khona namhlanje uSomnini uzozibonakalisa kini.’ ” Baletha koke lokho uMosi ayala ngakho phambi kwetende lokuhlanganela, umkhambathi nawo wabandamela, wajama phambi kwakaSomnini. Nje-ke uMosi wathi: “Okuzakwenziwa nje, yinto uSomnini ayale bona yenziwe ukuze iphazimulwakhe ibonakale kini.” UMosi wathi ku-Aroni: “Tjhidela e-aldarini unikele umhlabelwakho wehlambululo kanye newokutjhiswa, uzenzele itethelelo, wena nomndenakho. Nikela umhlabelo ongowabantu ubenzele itethelelo njengombana uSomnini ayalile.” Nje-ke, u-Aroni watjhidela e-aldarini wafese wahlaba ikunzana yomhlabelwakhe wehlambululo. Amadodanakhe amnikela iingazi, watlubhuza umunwakhe kizo, wazininda eempundwini ze-aldari. Iingazi eziseleko wazithululela emanzinzweni we-aldari. Watjhisa umhlwehlwe, iziso nepundu yesibindi somhlabelo wehlambululo e-aldarini. Kwaba njengombana uSomnini ayale uMosi. Inyama nesikhumba wazitjhisela ngaphandle kwekampa. Godu wahlaba umhlabelo wokutjhiswa. Amadodanakhe amnikela iingazi, wazifafaza mahlangothi woke we-aldari. Amlethela nomhlabelo wokutjhiswa ngezitho zawo kanye nehloko yakhona; wawutjhisa e-aldarini. Wahlanza iinredlo neenqatha, nazo wazitjhisela phezu komhlabelo wokutjhiswa e-aldarini. Nje-ke u-Aroni watjhideza imihlabelo yabantu. Wathatha ipongo yomhlabelo wehlambululo, wayihlaba wabenzela ihlambululo njengombana enze ekuthomeni ngomhlabelwakhe wehlambululo. Wenza umhlabelo wokutjhiswa njengokomyalo. Godu waletha nomnikelo weenthoro: Wanghwatha kiwo isandla, wawutjhisa phezu kwe-aldari. (Lokhu bekungafani nomhlabelo wokutjhiswa ebewulethwa ekuseni.) U-Aroni wahlaba ikunzana neqama kwaba mihlabelo yabantu yetjhebiswano. Amadodanakhe amnikela iingazi wazifafaza mahlangothi woke we-aldari. Amafutha wekunzi neweqama, okumsila ononileko, umhlwehlwe owembese iinredlo, iziso nepundu yesibindi, amadodanakhe awabeka phezu kweemfuba zemihlabelo yetjhebiswano. U-Aroni watjhisa woke amafutha lawo e-aldarini kodwana iimfuba nomlenze wangesidleni wakuphakamisa njengomnikelo osibiko kuSomnini. Kwaba njengombana uMosi ayalile. Nje-ke u-Aroni waphakamisela izandla zakhe ngebantwini wababusisa. Njengombana gade sele aqede ukunikela umhlabelo wehlambululo, wokutjhiswa kanye nowetjhebiswano, wasuka e-aldarini. UMosi no-Aroni bangena ngetendeni lokuhlanganela. Kwathi lokha nabaphumako, babusisa abantu. Iphazimulo kaSomnini yabonakala ebantwini boke: Khonapho kwehla umlilo uvela kuZimu waqothula umhlabelo wokutjhiswa namafutha e-aldarini. Boke abantu nababona lokho, bahlokoma ngelizwi elikhulu, bawa ngobuso phasi. Amanye amadodana ka-Aroni okunguNadabi no-Abihu, enye nenye yathatha idengela layo, yakha amalahle, yathela netjhwalo kilo beyaliletha phambi kwakaSomnini. Kodwana lawo bekumalahle atjhili uSomnini angazange ayale bona asetjenziswe. Nje-ke kwavela umlilo endaweni ecwengileko phambi kwakaSomnini wawaqothula afela phambi kwakhe. UMosi wathi ku-Aroni: “USomnini bekatjho khona lokho nasithi, ‘Kilabo abeza kimi ngizazibonakalisa ngicwengile; emehlweni wabantu boke ngizaziphazimulisa.’ ” U-Aroni wathula. UMosi wabiza uMitjhayeli no-Elitsafana amadodana ka-Uziyeli, ongusonghwanakhe laka-Aroni, wathi kiwo: “Tjhidelani, nisuse abafowenwaba phambi kwendawo ecwengileko nibase ngaphandle kwekampa.” Mbala batjhidela, babathwala basambethe iimphuraphura njalo, babakhuphela ngaphandle kwekampa njengombana uMosi ayalile. UMosi wakhuluma no-Aroni namadodanakhe u-Elazara no-Itamara wathi kibo: “Ningaliseleli iinhluthu zenu zimatlharatlhara begodu ningatlebhuli izambatho zenu. Nanenza lokho nizakufa noSomnini uzakusilingeka ngomkhambathi woke. Kodwana abafowenu okuyindlu yoke yakwa-Israyeli, bangabalileli labo ababhujiswe nguSomnini ngomlilo. Ningasuki emnyango wetende lokuhlanganela ukuze ningafi ngombana amafutha wokuzesa kaSomnini aphezu kwenu.” Nje-ke benza njengombana uMosi atjhwile. USomnini wathi ku-Aroni: “Wena namadodanakho ningaseli iwayini namkha utjwala lokha naningena ngetendeni lokuhlanganela, nakungasinjalo nizakufa. Lokhu kusimiso sanini nanini eenzukulwaneni ngeenzukulwana. Kufuze nihlukanise phakathi kokucwengileko nokujayelekileko, okuhlambulukileko nokusilapheleko. Godu kufuze nifundise ama-Israyeli zoke iimiso uSomnini ayala ngazo ngoMosi.” UMosi wakhuluma no-Aroni namadodanakhe aseleko okungu-Elazara no-Itamara wathi: “Thathani umnikelo weenthoro osele eminikelweni ekhethekileko kuSomnini niwudlele ngeqadi kwe-aldari unganangumelo ngombana ucwenge khulu. Udleleni endaweni ecwengileko ngombana usisabelo sakho nesamadodanakho eminikelweni ekhethekileko kuSomnini; kungendlela engayalwa njalo ngayo. Kodwana wena, amadodana kanye namadodakazakho ningadla isifuba nomlenze wokuphakanyiswa. Kudleleni endaweni ehlambulukileko ngombana kunikelwe wena, amadodanakho kanye namadodakazakho bona kube sisabelo sakho nabantwabakho emihlabelweni yetjhebiswano yama-Israyeli. Lokha nakulethwa amafutha weminikelo ekhethekileko e-aldarini, umlenze nesifuba sokuphakanyiswa kufuze nakho kulethwe njengomnikelo osibiko kuSomnini. Umlenze nesifubesi kuzakuba sisabelo senu nabantwabenu imihla ngemihla, kube njengombana uSomnini ayalile.” Kuthe lokha uMosi nabuzisisa ngepongo yomhlabelo wehlambululo, wafunyana bona selebe itjhisiwe. Nje-ke wasilingekelela u-Elazara no-Itamara okumadodana ka-Aroni aseleko, wathi kiwo: “Kubayini ningadleli umhlabelo wehlambululo endaweni ecwengileko na? Umhlabelo lo ucwenge khulu, wanikelwa nina bona ususe imilandu yomkhambathi ngokuwenzela itethelelo kuSomnini. Akhese nithi niyaqala, iingazi zepongo azange bezisasiwa ngendaweni ecwengileko. Bekufuze niyidlele endaweni ecwengileko njengombana ngayala.” Yeke u-Aroni waphendula uMosi wathi: “Qala, namhlanjesi abantu banikele umhlabelwabo wehlambululo nomhlabelwabo wokutjhiswa phambi kwakaSomnini, nokho into enjalo nami ingehlele! Nakube bengidle umhlabelo wehlambululo namhlanje, bekuzakuba kuhle lokho phambi kwakaSomnini na?” Kuthe bona uMosi ezwe lokhu, waneliseka. USomnini wakhuluma noMosi no-Aroni bonyana batjele ama-Israyeli bathi: “Kizo zoke iimphili ezikhona enarheni, nanzi eningazidla: Zoke iinlwana ezihlukanisa kabili iinqatha bezetjise zidleni. “Kodwana lezo ezetjisa kwaphela namkha ezahlukanisa iinqatha kwaphela, ningazidli. Ikamela liyetjisa kodwana iinqatha zalo azikahlukani; yeke lisilaphele kini. Nembila iyetjisa kodwana iindlawu zayo azikahlukani; isilaphele kini. Umqasa nawo uyetjisa kodwana iindlawu zawo azikahlukani; usilaphele kini. Godu iwotji ineenqatha ezihlukene kabili kodwana ayetjisi; isilaphele kini. Ningadli inyamazo begodu ningathinti iindumbu zazo; zisilaphele kini. “Kizo zoke eziphila ngemanzini elwandle nemlanjeni, ningadla nanyana yini eneengwedlo neempepha. Kodwana nanyana ngisiphi isiphili esihlala ngelwandle namkha ngemilanjeni esinganangwedlo neempepha okutjho eziphithizelako nezikulu, zisinyenyiso kini. Nizinyenye ezinjalo, inyamazo ningayidli neendumbu zazo zizakuhlala zingezinyenyisako kini. Nanyana yini engemanzini enganangwedlo neempepha isinyenyiso kini. “Iinyoni ezisinyenyiso kini neningakafaneli ukuzidla ngilezi: yoke imihlobo yamadlanga, imihlobo yabokholo, yoke imihlobo yamagubulu, iinciliba, yoke imihlobo yeenrhululurhulu, yoke imihlobo yamakhozi, abotlhame, amalanda, abonogolantethe, abodoyi, amagqofu nabonomaphelaphelana. “Zoke iinunwana ezineempiko nemilenzana zisinyenyiso kini. Kodwana phakathi kweenunwana ezineempiko nemilenzana, ningadla lezo ezinamaqondo wokweqayeqa ehlabathini. Kizo ningadla: isikhonyani ngokwemihlobaso, amaboni ngemihlobawo, amadiye ngokwemihlobawo kanye nezinye iintethe. Zoke ezinye iinunwana ezineempiko nemilenzana zisinyenyiso kini. “Nasi indlela enizakusilaphala ngayo: Nanyana ngubani othinta isidumbu sesiphili esisilapheleko uzokuba ngosilapheleko bekuhlwe. Nanyana ngubani othwala isidumbu sesiphileso kufuze ahlanze izambatho zakhe, kodwana uzokuba ngosilapheleko bekuhlwe. Zoke iinlwana ezineenqatha ezingakahlukani kabili begodu zingetjisi, zisilaphele kini; nanyana ngubani othinta iindumbu zazo uzakuba ngosilapheleko. Zoke iinlwana ezikhamba ngeendlawu zisilaphele kini. Nanyana ngubani othinta iindumbu zazo uzakusilaphala bekuhlwe. Nanyana ngubani othwala isidumbu sazo kufuze ahlanze izambatho zakhe, kodwana uzokuba ngosilapheleko bekuhlwe ngombana zisilaphele kini. “Phakathi kweenkhakhabi eziphithizela ehlabathini, nanzi ezisilapheleko kini: iimfukwana namakhondlo, yoke imihlobo yeembhadwa nabononkghadanyana kanye namanwabu. Lezo zisilaphele kini phakathi kwazo zoke iimbandana ezikhakhaba ehlabathini. Othinta iindumbu zazo uzakuba ngosilapheleko bekuhlwe. Nanyana yini ewelwa ziindumbezo izakuba ngesilapheleko, kungaba ngeyenziwe ngesigodo, ngetjhila, ngesikhumba, ngomgodla namkha ngisiphi isitja esisetjenziselwa nanyana yini. Yeke kufuze sitlubhuzwe ngemanzini kodwana sizakuba ngesisilapheleko bekuhlwe. Emva kwalokho sizakuhlambuluka. Okungaphakathi kwesitja somdaka esiwelwa nanyana ngisiphi seendumbezo, kusilaphele. Ngalokho kufuze nisephule. Koke ukudla okuqaphakelwe mamanzi wesitjeso, kuzakuba ngokusilapheleko. Zoke iinselo ezingahle ziselelwe ngaphakathi kwaso zisilaphele. Nanyana yini ewelwa ziindumbezo, isilaphele. Kungaba siwulu somdaka namkha iziko, akwephulwe ngombana kusilaphele begodu kuzakuhlala kusilaphele kini. Nakumthombo namkha umphathamanzi kuzakuba ngokuhlambulukileko, kodwana othinta isidumbu esiwele ngaphakathi, usilaphele. Nanyana ngiyiphi imbewu ekufuze itjalwe, nayiwelwa sidumbu sazo izakuba ngehlambulukileko, kodwana nakube imbewu ithambile bese kuthi isidumbu sazo siwele imbewu leyo, khona-ke isilaphele kini. “Nakube kuyenzeka bona kufe isilwana enisidlako, othinta isidumbu sesilwaneso uzakuba ngosilapheleko bekuhlwe. Loyo odla inyama yesilwana esizifeleko kufuze ahlanze izambatho zakhe begodu uzakuba ngosilapheleko bekuhlwe. Kanti-ke nothwala isidumbu sesilwaneso kufuze ahlanze izambatho zakhe abe ngosilapheleko bekuhlwe. “Zoke iimbandana ezikhakhaba ehlabathini ziyanyenyisa kini, azingadliwa, kungaba ngokurhurhubako, okukhakhaba ngemilenze emine namkha okuneenyawo ezinengi. Koke okuphithizela ehlabathini ningakudli ngombana kuyanyenyisa kini. Ningazenzi bona nibe ngabanyenyekako ngebanga lananyana ngisiphi isikhakhabi esiphithizelako. Ningazisilaphazi ngazo ukuze ningasilaphali. NginguSomnini uZimenu, ngalokho zahlukaniseleni mina. Yibani ngabacwengileko ngombana mina ngicwengile. Ningazisilaphazi nanganyana yini ekhakhaba ehlabathini. Iye, nginguSomnini owanikhupha enarheni yeGibhide bona ngibe nguZimu kini. Ngebangelo yibani ngabacwengileko ngombana mina ngicwengile. “Lowo-ke mthetho ophathelene neenlwana, iinyoni, iimphili zoke eziphithizela ngemanzini nezikhakhaba ehlabathini. Ngawo nizakwazi ukuhlukanisa phakathi kokuhlambulukileko nokusilapheleko, naphakathi kweemphili ezidliwako nezingadliwako.” USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi akakhulume nama-Israyeli athi kiwo: “Lokha umfazi osidisi nabeletha umntwana omsana, uzakuba ngosilapheleko amalanga alikhomba. Njengemalangenakhe wokubona inyanga, uzakuba ngosilapheleko. Akuthi ngelanga lobunane kusokwe isana. Umfazi lo kufuze ahlalele ubudlezana amanye amalanga amatjhumi amathathu nantathu ngaphambi kobana ahlambuluke eengazini zokubeletha kwakhe. Akukafaneli athinte litho elicwengileko begodu angangeni endaweni ecwengileko bekuphelele amalangakhe wokuhlanjululwa. “Nakube ubeletha umntwana omntazana, uzakuba ngosilapheleko njengemalangenakhe wokubona inyanga, kodwana kube ziimveke ezimbili. Uzakuhlalela ubudlezana amanye amalanga amatjhumi asithandathu nasithandathu ngaphambi kobana ahlambuluke eengazini zokubeletha kwakhe. “Lokha amalangakhe wokuhlanjululwa sele aphelele, kungaba ngewomntwana omsana namkha omntazana, kufuze alethe imvana enomnyaka munye kumphristi emnyango wetende lokuhlanganela kube mhlabelo wokutjhiswa. Alethe godu izuba lommango namkha izutjana lekhaya kube mhlabelwakhe wehlambululo. Uzakwenza umhlabelo lowo phambi kwakaSomnini, azenzele itethelelo. Ngokunjalo uzakuba ngohlambulukileko ekusilaphaleni kwakhe kweengazi. “Lowo-ke, mthetho womfazi obeletha umntwana omsana namkha omntazana. Nakube akanamandla wokuletha imvana, akalethe amazuba amabili wommango namkha amazutjana amabili wekhaya, elinye libe ngelomhlabelo wokutjhiswa bese elinye liba ngelomhlabelo wehlambululo. Yeke umphristi uzamenzela itethelelo, abe ngohlambulukileko.” USomnini wakhuluma noMosi no-Aroni wathi: “Lokha umuntu nanendawo evuvukileko emzimbeni nanyana anokukaruka namkha ibala elikhanyelako okungahle kubonakale inga likhwekhwe, akalethwe ku-Aroni umphristi namkha kwenye yamadodanakhe. Umphristi loyo uzabese uhlola indawo enesifo esikhumbeni. Nakube uboya besikhumba buphenduke baba mhlophe nokobana isifo singenelele esikhumbeni, kulikhwekhwe lokho. Kuzakuthi umphristi nabona lokho amemezele bona umuntu loyo usilaphele. Kodwana nakube isilonda siyakhanyela kwaphela nokobana asikangeneleli esikhumbeni, noboya abukaphenduki baba mhlophe, umphristi akakhuphe umuntu loyo hlangana nabantu amalanga alikhomba. Ngelanga lekhomba umphristi akamhlole godu. Nangabe kubonakala emehlweni womphristi bona isilonda asikasabalali esikhumbeni, kufuze amkhuphe godu amanye amalanga alikhomba. Kuzakuthi ngelanga lekhomba amhlole godu. Nangabe isilonda asisakhanyeli kuhle begodu asikasabalali esikhumbeni, umphristi uzakumemezela bona uhlambulukile. Lokho sesibabu nje kwaphela. Umuntu loyo akahlanze izambatho zakhe, ahlambuluke. Kodwana nangabe isibabu leso sisabalala nesikhumba emva kobana sele azibonakalise kumphristi ngokuhlanjululwa kwakhe, kufuze azibonakalise phambi komphristi godu. Umphristi uzabese uyamhlola. Nangabe isibabu sisabalele nesikhumba, umphristi uzakumemezela bona usilaphele. Likhwekhwe lelo. “Nangabe umuntu unekhwekhwe, kufuze alethwe kumphristi. Umphristi akamhlole, nakube mbala kunendawo ekhanyela ngokuvuvuka esikhumbeni okuphendule uboya baba mhlophe nokobana sekunesilonda, lelo likhwekhwe elingeneleleko esikhumbeni. Nje-ke umphristi uzakumemezela bona usilaphele. Loyo-ke akahlukaniswe nabantu kwesikhatjhana ngombana usilaphele. Kodwana nangabe isifo sisabalele nesikhumba ukufika lapha sele sembese umzimba woke womuntu, ihloko neenyawo okutjho zoke izitho ezibonakala kumphristi, umphristi uzabese uyamhlola. Nangabe isikhumba sakhe simhlope, uzakumemezela bona uhlambulukile. Nanyana isifo besele sembese woke umzimba, ungohlambulukileko. Kodwana nakube masinyana uba nesilonda, khona-ke usilaphele. Umphristi akahlole isilondeso bese amemezele bona umuntu loyo usilaphele. Isilonda sisilaphele, silikhwekhwe. Kodwana nakube isilonda siyabutha bese siba mhlophe, akeze kumphristi, umphristi amhlole. Nangabe isilonda siphenduke saba mhlophe, umphristi uzakumemezela bona uhlambulukile; yeke mbala uhlambulukile. “Nangabe umuntu unethumba elipholako esikhumbeni sakhe bese kuthi esikhundleni salo kube nokuvuvuka okubuthako namkha ibala elibovu elingakhanyeliko, naloyo kufuze azibonakalise phambi komphristi. Umphristi akamhlole. Nangabe indawo ethintekileko ibonakala bona sele ingenelele esikhumbeni noboya buphenduke baba mhlophe, umphristi uzakumemezela bona usilaphele. Kulikhwekhwe eliqubuke esilondeni. Kodwana nangabe umphristi uhlola indawo ethintekileko afunyanise bona ayikangeneleli esikhumbeni nokobana ayikakhanyeli kuhle begodu uboya abukaphenduki baba mhlophe, khona-ke umphristi akamkhuphe hlangana nabantu amalanga alikhomba. Nangabe ibala lisabalala nesikhumba, umphristi uzakumemezela bona usilaphele. Likhwekhwe-ke lelo. Kodwana nakube ibala lihlala linjalo alisabalali, kusibazi sethumba kwaphela. Umphristi uzakumemezela bona umuntu loyo uhlambulukile. “Nakube umuntu unenceba lokutjha esikhumbeni bese isilonda sakhona siba nebala elimthuthu namkha elimhlophe umphristi akalihlole ibalelo. Nakube uboya bebala buphenduke baba mhlophe begodu ibala libonakala lingenelele esikhumbeni, lelo likhwekhwe elivele encebeni lokutjha. Yeke umphristi uzakumemezela bona usilaphele. Lokho sisifo sekhwekhwe. Kodwana nakube umphristi uyalihlola bese afunyanise bona uboya bebala abusi mhlophe nokobana alikangeneleli esikhumbeni begodu alikhanyeli kuhle, akamkhuphe hlangana nabantu amalanga alikhomba. Kuzakuthi ngelanga lekhomba umphristi amhlole godu. Nakube lisabalala nesikhumba akamemezele bona umuntu loyo usilaphele. Lokho sisifo sekhwekhwe. Kodwana nakube ibala lihlala lisendaweni eyodwa alisabalali nesikhumba begodu alikhanyeli kuhle, lokho sekuvuvuka kwenceba lokutjha nje. Umphristi uzakumemezela bona uhlambulukile ngombana lokho sibazi sokutjha. “Nakube indoda namkha umfazi unesifo ehloko nanyana esilevini, umphristi akahlole isifeso. Nakube sibonakala singenelele esikhumbeni nokobana uboya obukiso bumthubi ngombala begodu buthambile, umphristi uzakumemezela bona umuntu loyo usilaphele. Lobo kubuthana bembuzana okulikhwekhwe lehloko namkha lesilevu. Nakube umphristi uhlola ubuthana bembuzanobo, bekubonakale bona akukangeneleli esikhumbeni nokobana akunaboya obunzima tshu phezu kwabo, khona umphristi uzakhupha umuntu onesifo hlangana nabantu amalanga alikhomba. Ngelanga lekhomba umphristi uzakuhlola isifo godu. Nakube ubuthana bembuzana abukasabalali begodu abukangeneleli esikhumbeni nokobana akunaboya obumthubi, umuntu loyo uzakurhunwa, kodwana lapha kunobuthana bembuzana khona angakurhuni. Umphristi uzamkhupha hlangana nabantu amanye amalanga alikhomba. Ngelanga lekhomba umphristi akahlole ubuthana bembuzana godu. Nakube ubuthana bembuzana abukasabalali begodu abukangeneleli esikhumbeni, khona-ke umphristi uzakumemezela bona uhlambulukile. Yeke umuntu loyo uzakuhlanza izambatho zakhe abe ngohlambulukileko. Kodwana nakube ubuthana bembuzana busabalala nesikhumba emva kokuhlanjululwa kwakhe, umphristi uzamhlola godu. Nakube ubuthana bembuzana busabalele nesikhumba, akudingeki bona umphristi ahlole uboya obumthubi. Nanjalo ungosilapheleko. Kodwana nangabe ekuboneni komphristi ubuthana bembuzana bujame ndawonye noboya obunzima bumilile, khona-ke ubuthana bembuzana bupholile nomuntu uhlambulukile. Yeke umphristi uzakumemezela bona uhlambulukile. “Nakube indoda nanyana umfazi unamabala amhlophe esikhumbeni, umphristi akamhlole. Nangabe amabala asesikhumbeni amthuthu, lobo bumhlophe besikhumba obujayelekileko, umuntu loyo uhlambulukile. “Nakube indoda ineenhluthu eziqothukileko ehlokwayo yaba liphandla, ihlambulukile. Godu nakube indoda iqothuke iinhluthu ukusuka epandlayo, ihlambulukile ngombana seliphandla nje. Kodwana nakube kunebala elibovu nokumhlophe phezu kwephandla nepandla, lokho kungatjho bona likhwekhwe elisabalalako. Yeke umphristi kufuze amhlole. Nangabe ukuvuvuka kwebala phezu kwephandla lakhe namkha epandla kunebala elibovu nokumhlophe elifana nekhwekhwe lomzimba, khona-ke sekumumuntu onekhwekhwe nosilapheleko. Umphristi kufuze amemezele bona usilaphele. Isifo sakhe siphezu kwehloko. “Umuntu onesifo sekhwekhwe kufuze embathe amanikiniki abe aliselele neenhluthu zakhe zimatlharatlhara bese avale isibhena sakhe somlomo esingehla arhuwelele athi, ‘Ngisilaphele! Ngisilaphele!’ Uzakuhlala angosilapheleko njalo mlunga anesifeso. Usilaphele yena begodu kufuze ahlale yedwa endaweni engaphandle kwekampa.” “Kungaba nokukghora esambathweni esenziwe ngewulu namkha ngelineni, namkha phezu kwentambo ephothiweko netjhila elenziwe ngelineni nanyana ngewulu namkha phezu kwesikhumba esitjhukiweko nanyana yini yesikhumba. Nakube kubonakala ubuhlazana namkha ububovana phezu kwesambatho, isikhumba esitjhukiweko, intambo ephothiweko netjhila, namkha naphezu kwananyana yini yesikhumba, kukghora-ke lokho. Okunjalo akutjengiswe umphristi. Umphristi uzakuhlola indawo ethintekileko bese ubekela into leyo eqadi amalanga alikhomba. Kuzakuthi ngelanga lekhomba ayihlole godu. Nakube ukukghora kusabalele nesambatho, intambo ephothiweko, itjhila nesikhumba esitjhukiweko namkha kungaba nanyana yini eyenziwe ngesikhumba, lokho kukukghora okukhambeleleko. Ipahla leyo isilaphele. Umphristi akatjhise nanyana yini enokukghora okukhambeleleko eyenziwe ngewulu namkha ngelineni, kungaba sisambatho, intambo ephothiweko namkha itjhila nananyana yini eyenziwe ngesikhumba. Iye, nayinokukghora okukhambeleleko kufuze itjhiswe. “Nangabe umphristi uthi nahlolako afunyane bona ukukghora akukasabalali nesambatho, intambo ephothiweko, itjhila namkha nanyana yini eyenziwe ngesikhumba, khona-ke uzakuyala bona kuhlanzwe into enokukghora leyo abe ayibekele eqadi amanye amalanga alikhomba. Emva kwalokho umphristi kufuze ahlole into leyo. Nakube indawo ethintekileko ayikatjhugululi umbala namkha ayikasabalali, nanyana injalo isilaphele. Into leyo ayitjhiswe nanyana ukukghora kungemuva namkha ngaphambili kwayo. “Kodwana nakube umphristi uhlola into leyo afunyane ukukghora kufiphele ngemva kokobana ihlanziwe beyabekelwa eqadi, kuzakufanela bona adabule indawo ethintekileko esambathweni, entweni yesikhumba namkha entanjeni ephothiweko netjhileni. Nakube kuyenzeka ukukghora kuvele godu esambathweni, entanjeni ephothiweko, etjhileni nakunanyana yini yesikhumba, kutjho bona kuyasabalala. Into enokukghora leyo ayitjhiswe. Kodwana isambatho, intambo ephothiweko, itjhila nanyana yini yesikhumba ukukghora okususiweko kikho emva kokobana kuhlanziwe, kufuze ihlanzwe ngokwesibili. Nje-ke kuzakuba ngokuhlambulukileko. “Lowo mthetho wokukghora okuhlolwa ngawo bona isambatho sewulu namkha selineni, intambo ephothiweko, itjhila nanyana yini yesikhumba kuhlambulukile namkha kusilaphele.” USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi: “Naku umthetho womuntu ogade anekhwekhwe lokha nahlanjululwako: Akalethwe kumphristi ozakuphumela ngaphandle kwekampa bona ayomhlola. Nakube ikhwekhwe lipholile, umphristi uzakuyala bona ozokuhlanjululwa alethelwe iinyoni ezimbili ezihlambulukileko, isigojwana somsedari, nomtiya otlerebede nehlukuzu lehisophi. Umphristi uzakuyala bona kukhiwe amanzi agelezako ngomjeka bese kuhlatjelwa enye yeenyoni ngehla kwawo. Bese uthatha enye inyoni ephilako, isigojwana somsedari, umtiya otlerebede nehlukuzu lehisophi akutlubhuze eengazini zenyoni ehlatjelwe ngehla komjeka onamanzi akhiweko. Akafafaze umuntu ozokuhlanjululwa loyo kalikhomba, amemezele bona uhlambulukile. Nje-ke akalise inyoni ephilako iphaphele emmangweni. “Ohlanjululwako kuzakufanela ahlanze izambatho zakhe, arhune iinhluthu noboya boke emzimbeni bese uyaduda. Yeke uzakuba ngohlambulukileko. Emva kwalokho uzakubuyela ngekampeni nokho ahlale ngaphandle kwetende lakhe amalanga alikhomba. Ngelanga lekhomba akagude zoke iinhluthu ehloko, esilevini namatjhiya. Iye, akasuse boke uboya emzimbeni. Nje-ke uzakuhlanza izambatho zakhe bese uyaduda. Yeke uzakuba ngohlambulukileko. “Ngelanga lobunane ohlanjululwako loyo kufuze alethe amaqamanyana amabili nemvana esikazi enomnyaka, zoke zibe msulwa. Akalethe namathungana amathathu weflowuru esefiweko edutjwe ngamafutha we-oliva kanye nekwana yamafutha we-oliva. Umphristi omhlambululako uzamletha kanye nezintwezo phambi kwakaSomnini emnyango wetende lokuhlanganela. Yeke umphristi uzakuthatha linye lamaqamanyana lawo alihlabe libe mhlabelo wehlawulo kanye nekwana yamafutha bese uziphakamisa njengomnikelo osibiko kuSomnini. Iqamanyanelo alihlatjelwe endaweni ecwengileko lapha kuhlatjelwa khona umhlabelo wehlambululo nomhlabelo wokutjhiswa. Umhlabelo wehlawulo njengomhlabelo wehlambululo ungowomphristi, ungocwenge khulu. Umphristi uzakuthatha ingcenye yeengazi zomhlabelo wehlawulo azininde endlebeni yangesidleni, kuthubha wangesidleni naphezu kothubhakghuru wangesidleni emuntwini ohlanjululwako. Yeke uzakuthatha ikwana yamafutha we-oliva awathele ngentendeni yesandla sakhe sesincele. Nje-ke atlubhuze ngokhombabantu wangesidleni emafutheni angentendenakhe yangesinceleni, afafaze amafutha lawo kalikhomba phambi kwakaSomnini. Amanye amafutha asentendeni yomphristi uzawaninda phezu kweengazi zomhlabelo wehlawulo endlebeni yangesidleni, kuthubha wangesidleni naphezu kothubhakghuru wangesidleni emuntwini ohlanjululwako. Amafutha aseleko entendeni yomphristi uzawatjhatjha ehloko yomuntu loyo. Yeke umphristi uzakwenzela umuntu loyo itethelelo phambi kwakaSomnini. Uzakunikela umhlabelo wehlambululo ukwenzela itethelelo yaloyo okufuze ahlanjululwe ekusilaphaleni kwakhe. Emva kwalokho ahlabe umhlabelo wokutjhiswa. Umphristi uzakutjhisa umhlabelo wokutjhiswa noweenthoro phezu kwe-aldari. Ngendlela leyo umphristi uzamenzela itethelelo; yeke umuntu loyo uzakuba ngohlambulukileko. “Kodwana nakube umuntu uchakile begodu akanamandla wokwenza koke lokhu, uzakuthatha iqamanyana elilodwa libe mhlabelo wehlawulo osibiko kuSomnini ukumenzela itethelelo. Akalethe umnikelo weenthoro okulithungana leflowuru esefiweko edutjwe ngamafutha we-oliva, ikwana yamafutha we-oliva, amazuba amabili wommango namkha amazutjana amabili wekhaya kube ngilokho angakukghona. Elinye libe ngelomhlabelo wehlambululo bese elinye liba ngelomhlabelo wokutjhiswa. Kufuze alethe lokho kumphristi ngelanga lobunane emnyango wetende lokuhlanganela phambi kwakaSomnini bona kube ngekokuhlanjululwa kwakhe. Umphristi uzakuthatha imvana yomhlabelo wehlawulo nekwana yamafutha we-oliva bese ukuphakamisa njengomnikelo osibiko kuSomnini. Uzakuhlaba imvana yomhlabelo wehlawulo, athathe ingcenye yeengazi zayo azininde endlebeni yangesidleni, kuthubha wangesidleni naphezu kothubhakghuru wangesidleni emuntwini ohlanjululwako. Godu umphristi uzakuthela amanye wamafutha ngentendeni yesandla sakhe sesincele bese ufafaza amafutha angentendenakhe yangesinceleni ngokhombabantu wangesidleni kalikhomba phambi kwakaSomnini. Amanye amafutha asentendeni yomphristi uzawaninda phezu kweengazi zomhlabelo wehlawulo endlebeni yangesidleni, kuthubha wangesidleni naphezu kothubhakghuru wangesidleni emuntwini ohlanjululwako. Amafutha aseleko entendeni yomphristi uzawatjhatjha ehloko yomuntu loyo. Yeke umphristi uzakwenzela umuntu loyo itethelelo phambi kwakaSomnini. Umphristi uzakwenza imihlabelo ngamazutjana, kube ngendlela umuntu loyo aphumelela ngayo ukunikela. Elinye libe ngelomhlabelo wehlambululo bese kuthi elinye libe ngelomhlabelo wokutjhiswa linikelwe kanye nomnikelo weenthoro. Ngendlela leyo umphristi uzakwenza itethelelo yomuntu ohlanjululwako loyo phambi kwakaSomnini. “Lowo mthetho womuntu onekhwekhwe, ozihlulekelako ukuletha imihlabelo yehlambululo ejayelekileko.” USomnini wakhuluma noMosi no-Aroni wathi: “Lokha nanifika enarheni yeKanana enganinikela yona bona ibe lilifa lenu bese ngibangela ukukghora endlini enye nenye enarhenenu, umninindlu kuzakufanela bona eze kumphristi azokubika athi, ‘Ngibona kwangasuthi kwamapha kungene umkhokha.’ Yeke umphristi uzakuyala bona kukhutjhwe koke okungendlini ngaphambi kokobana angene bona azoyihlola. Nakungasinjalo koke okungendlini kungahle kumenyezelwe bona kusilaphele. Nasele kukhutjhwe koke, umphristi uzakungena bona ahlole indlu. Nje-ke umphristi uzakuhlola umkhokha lowo. Nangabe ufunyana bona iboda linokukghora okuhlazana namkha okubovana okubonakala kungenelele ebodeni, umphristi uzakuphuma ngendlini ajame emnyango ngaphandle bese uvala indlu leyo amalanga alikhomba. Ngelanga lekhomba umphristi uzakubuya azokuhlola indlu. Nangabe ufunyana ukukghora kusabalele neboda lendlu, uzakuyala bonyana kukhutjhwe amatje anokukghora, aphoselwe ngaphandle komuzi ezaleni. Uzakwenza bona kurhwayiwe umpharo wendlu ngaphakathi, kuthi koke okuqeqebuliweko, kuthululelwe ngaphandle komuzi ezaleni. Kuzakuthathwa amanye amatje ajamiselele alahliweko bese usinda indlu leyo butjha ngehlabathi. “Nakube ukukghora kuyabuya ngendlinapho bekusabalale ngemva kokobana sele kususwe amatje, kwarhwaywa bekwasindwa, umphristi kufuze abuyele ayokuhlola godu. Nakubonakala bona isifo sisabalele nendlu godu, yeke lokho kukukghora okukhambeleleko. Indlu leyo isilaphele. Yeke ayibhuruzwe indlu leyo, kuthi yoke iququ okutjho amatje, iingodo nehlabathi ebekusindwe ngayo, kukhutjhelwe ngaphandle komuzi ezaleni. Loyo ozakungena ngendlini ngesikhathi sokuvalwa kwayo uzakuba ngosilapheleko bekuhlwe; naloyo olala namkha adlele ngendlini leyo uzakuhlanza izambatho zakhe. “Kodwana nangabe umphristi uthi nangena ngendlini azoyihlola, afunyane bona ukukghora akukasabalali ngemva kokobana indlu besele isindiwe, uzakumemezela bona indlu leyo ihlambulukile okutjho bona ukukghora kusukile. Mayelana nokuhlanjululwa kwendlu leyo umniniyo uzaletha iinyoni ezimbili, isigojwana somsedari, umtiya otlerebede nehlukuzu lehisophi. Umphristi uzakuyala bona kukhiwe amanzi agelezako ngomjeka bese kuhlatjelwa enye yeenyoni ngehla kwawo. Godu akathathe isigojwana somsedari, ihlukuzu lehisophi nomtiya otlerebede kanye nenyoni ephilako bese utlubhuza izintwezo ngemanzini aneengazi zenyoni ehlatjiweko, afafaze indlu leyo kalikhomba. Ngendlela leyo uzabe uhlambulula indlu ngeengazi zenyoni leyo, amanzi asemjekeni, inyoni ephilako, isigojwana somsedari, ihisophi nangomtiya otlerebede. Uzakulisa inyoni ephilako iphaphele ngaphandle komuzi emmangweni. Ngalokho uzabe enzele indlu leyo ihlambululo, ibe ngehlambulukileko. “Lowo-ke mthetho wanyana ngisiphi isifo sekhwekhwe, ubuthana bembuzana, ukukghora engutjeni nangendlini, ukuvuvuka, ukukaruka nebala. Nako-ke umthetho wezifezo umuntu angakghona ukuhlukanisa ngawo bona into isilaphele nini namkha ihlambuluke nini.” USomnini wakhuluma noMosi no-Aroni wathi abakhulume nama-Israyeli bathi: “Nangabe indoda inokuvuza ebudodeni bayo, ukuvuza kwayokho kusilaphele. Isilaphele nanyana ukuvuza kwayo kuthonta namkha kungasathonti. Iye, ukuvuza kukusilaphala kiyo. Yoke imibhede ovuzako alala kiyo izakuba ngesilapheleko nezinto zoke ahlala phezu kwazo zisilaphele. Woke umuntu othinta umbhede womuntu onjalo kuzakufanela bona ahlanze izambatho zakhe, adude bese uhlala angosilapheleko bekuhlwe. Woke umuntu ohlala phezu kwananyana yini ehlezwi ngovuzako kuzakufanela bona ahlanze izambatho zakhe, adude bese uhlala angosilapheleko bekuhlwe. Othinta umzimba womuntu ovuzako kuzakufanela bona ahlanze izambatho zakhe, adude bese uhlala angosilapheleko bekuhlwe. Nakube ovuzako ukhafulela ohlambulukileko, khona-ke ohlambulukileko kufuze ahlanze izambatho zakhe, adude bese uhlala angosilapheleko bekuhlwe. Esinye nesinye isihlalo senjomani ekhwelwa ngovuzako sizakuba ngesisilapheleko. Iye, nanyana ngubani othinta into egade ihlezwi namkha ilelwe ngovuzako uzakuba ngosilapheleko bekuhlwe. Begodu othwala into enjalo kuzakufanela bona ahlanze izambatho zakhe, adude bese uhlala angosilapheleko bekuhlwe. Othintwa ngovuzako angakahlambi izandla zakhe, uzakuhlanza izambatho zakhe, adude bese uhlala angosilapheleko bekuhlwe. Isitja somdaka esithintwa ngovuzako kufuze sephulwe; kuthi zoke izitja zesigodo zihlanzwe ngamanzi. “Nasele ovuzako ahlanjululiwe, uzazibalela amalanga alikhomba wehlambululo bese uhlanza izambatho zakhe, adude ngemanzini agelezako, yeke uzakuba ngohlambulukileko. Ngelanga lobunane alethe amazuba amabili wommango namkha amazutjana amabili wekhaya kumphristi phambi kwakaSomnini emnyango wetende lokuhlanganela. Umphristi uzakwenza imihlabelo ngawo. Elinye libe mhlabelo wehlambululo bese kuthi elinye libe mhlabelo wokutjhiswa. Nje-ke umphristi uzamenzela itethelelo kuSomnini ngokuvuza kwakhe.” “Nangabe indoda itsanyazile, kufuze idude umzimba woke bese ihlala isilaphele bekuhlwe. Nanyana ngiyiphi into yetjhila namkha yesikhumba etsanyazelweko, kufuze ihlanzwe bese ihlala ingesilapheleko bekuhlwe. Nangabe indoda ilala nomfazi bese itsanyaze, bobabili kufuze badude, babe ngabasilapheleko bekuhlwe. “Nangabe umfazi usesikhathini, uzakuba ngosilapheleko amalanga alikhomba, nomthintako uzakuba ngosilapheleko bekuhlwe. Yoke into alala phezu kwayo nasesikhathini, izakuba ngesilapheleko. Nakho koke ahlala kikho, kuzakuba ngokusilapheleko. Naloyo othinta umbhedakhe kufuze ahlanze izambatho zakhe, adude bese uhlala angosilapheleko bekuhlwe. Nothinta nanyana yini ehlezwi nguye, kufuze ahlanze izambatho zakhe, adude bese uhlala angosilapheleko bekuhlwe. Iye, uzakuba ngosilapheleko bekuhlwe nakube uthinta umbhede nanyana yini egade ihlezwi mfazi loyo. “Nangabe indoda ilala naye anjalo, ukusilaphala kwakhe kuba phezu kwayo. Indoda leyo izakuba ngesilapheleko amalanga alikhomba nombhede elala kiwo, uzakuba ngosilapheleko.” “Nangabe umfazi wopha iingazi amalanga amanengi kungasi sikhathi sakhe namkha ukudlula esikhathini, uzakuba ngosilapheleko njengalokha nasesikhathini mlunga nje asopha. Omunye nomunye umbhede alala kiwo nasophako, uzakuba ngosilapheleko njengalowo alala kiwo nasesikhathini. Nento yoke ahlala kiyo izakuba ngesilapheleko, ibe njenganyana asesikhathini. Woke umuntu othinta izintwezo uzakuba ngosilapheleko. Kufuze ahlanze izambatho zakhe, adude bese uhlala angosilapheleko bekuhlwe. “Nangabe ukopha kuphelile emfazini loyo, akazibalele yena amalanga alikhomba, emva kwalokho uzakuba ngohlambulukileko. Ngelanga lobunane akalethe amazuba amabili wommango namkha amazutjana amabili wekhaya kumphristi phambi kwakaSomnini emnyango wetende lokuhlanganela. Nje-ke umphristi uzakwenza elinye libe mhlabelo wehlambululo, elinye libe mhlabelo wokutjhiswa. Ngendlela leyo umphristi uzamenzela itethelelo kuSomnini ngokusilaphala kokopha kwakhe. “Ngokunjalo nizabe niyelelisa ama-Israyeli ekusilaphaleni kwawo ukuze angafi ngebanga lokusilaphala kwawo ngokurhubutjha ithaberinakeli lami eliphakathi kwenu. “Lowo kumthetho omayelana nomuntu ovuzako okutjho indoda etsanyazako bese iyasilaphala, umfazi osesikhathini, umuntu ovuzako nowophako kanye nendoda elala nomfazi osilapheleko.” Ngemva kokufa kwamadodana amabili ka-Aroni lokha nabandamela uSomnini, uSomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi kuye: “Tjela u-Aroni umnakwenu bona angezi ngeenkhathi zoke endaweni ecwenge khulu engemuva kwesiyaya setjhila esiphambi kwesisibekelo somfaji wobufakazi ukuze angafi ngombana mina ngizokubonakala ngelifu phezu kwesisibekelweso. Nanzi izinto u-Aroni ekufuze angene nazo ngendaweni ecwenge khulu: ikunzana yomhlabelo wehlambululo neqama lomhlabelo wokutjhiswa. Akembathe iphuraphura ekhethekileko yelineni, afake idzeredzere yelineni ngaphasi kwayo, azibophe ngomkhungo welineni womphristi, athwale ingwani yelineni. Lokho kuzizambatho ezikhethekileko, yeke uzakududa umzimba ngaphambi kokwembatha. Uzabese uthatha iimpongo ezimbili emkhambathini wama-Israyeli, zibe mihlabelo yehlambululo kanye neqama linye, libe mhlabelo wokutjhiswa. “Nje-ke u-Aroni kufuze ahlabe ikunzana bona ibe mhlabelwakhe wehlambululo, azenzele yena nomndenakhe itethelelo kuSomnini. Akathathe iimpongo ezimbili azijamise phambi kwakaSomnini emnyango wetende lokuhlanganela. Enze ifumbe yeempongo ezimbilezo, enye ifumbe ibe ngekaSomnini kuthi enye ibe ngeka-Azazeli. Uzakunikela ngepongo ewelwe yifumbe engekaSomnini, ayenze ibe mhlabelo wehlambululo. Kodwana ipongo ewelwe yifumbe engeyaka-Azazeli uzayijamisa phambi kwakaSomnini iphila bona enze itethelelo ngayo bese uyithumela ku-Azazeli erhalawumbeni. “U-Aroni uzakunikela ikunzana bona ibe mhlabelo wehlambululwakhe, azenzele yena nomndenakhe itethelelo kuSomnini. Ngemva kobana ahlabe ikunzana leyo njengomhlabelo wehlambululo uzakuthatha isitja sokutjhisela itjhwalo esigcwele amalahle avuthako e-aldarini eliphambi kwakaSomnini, akhelele izandla ezimbili zamakha wetjhwalo eligayiweko angene nawo ngaphakathi kwesiyaya setjhila. Uzakuthela itjhwalwelo emalahleni avuthako phambi kwakaSomnini ukuze ukuthunya kwentuthu yetjhwalo kuvale isisibekelo somfaji wobufakazi; ukwenzela bona angafi. Godu uzakuthatha ingcenye yeengazi zekunzana leyo afafaze ilingaphambili lesisibekelo somfaji ngomuno, abuye afafaze kalikhomba phasi phambi kwaso. “Uzakuhlaba ipongo yomhlabelo wehlambululo ekungeyabantu, alethe iingazi zayo ngaphakathi kwesiyaya setjhila bese wenza ngeengazi zayo njengombana enze ngezekunzana: Afafaze ilingaphambili lesisibekelo somfaji begodu afafaze phasi phambi kwaso. Ngendlela leyo uzabe enzela indawo ecwenge khulu ihlambululo ngebanga lokusilaphala kwama-Israyeli nangeemphambeko zabo okutjho zoke izono zabo. Uzalihlambulula njalo-ke itende lokuhlanganela eliphakathi kwabo, hlangana nokusilaphala kwabo. Akunamuntu ofanele abe ngetendeni lokuhlanganela lokha u-Aroni nangena endaweni ecwenge khulu bona enze itethelelo kuSomnini bekube sikhathi lapha aphuma khona. Nasele aqedile ukuzenzela yena nomndenakhe kanye nehlangano yoke yama-Israyeli itethelelo, uzakuphuma aye e-aldarini elisesirhodlweni alenzele ihlambululo. Akathathe ezinye zeengazi zekunzana nezepongo azininde phezu kweempundu ezisemajikeni we-aldari. Uzakufafaza ezinye ngomuno phezu kwalo kalikhomba. Ngendlela leyo uzakwenzela i-aldari ihlambululo ngebanga lokusilaphala kwama-Israyeli bese ulihlukanisela uSomnini godu. “Kuzakuthi lokha u-Aroni nasele enze ihlambululo yendawo ecwenge khulu, yetende lokuhlanganela neye-aldari, atjhideze ipongo ephilako. Akabeke izandla zakhe zombili phezu kwehloko yepongo ephilako leyo, avume kiyo boke ubukhohlakali bama-Israyeli, zoke iimphambeko zawo, okutjho zoke izono zawo, azibeke phezu kwehloko yepongo. Athumele ipongo leyo erhalawumbeni ngesandla saloyo okhethelwe ukwenza lokho. Ipongo leyo izakuthwala zoke izono zabantu iye nazo erhalawumbeni, endaweni engahlali muntu. “Lokha umuntu loyo nasele alise ipongo erhalawumbeni, u-Aroni akangene ngetendeni lokuhlanganela, ahlubule izambatho zelineni agade azembethe lokha nangena endaweni ecwenge khulu, azitjhiye lapho. Adudele umzimbakhe ngaphakathi kwendawo ecwengileko, embathe izambatho zobuphristi bese uphuma lapho unikela umhlabelwakhe wokutjhiswa nomhlabelo wokutjhiswa wabantu, azenzele yena nabantu itethelelo kuSomnini. Umhlwehlwe womhlabelo wokutjhiswa uzawutjhisela phezu kwe-aldari. Umuntu othethe ipongo wayisa ku-Azazeli uzakuhlanza izambatho zakhe, adude nomzimba. Emva kwalokho angangena ngekampeni. Ikunzana nepongo yomhlabelo wehlambululo ekulethwe iingazi zazo endaweni ecwenge khulu ukwenza itethelelo, zizakukhutjhelwa ngaphandle kwekampa. Iinkhumba zazo, inyamazo nomswanazo kuzakutjhiswa. Naloyo otjhisa lokho kufuze ahlanze izambatho zakhe, adude nomzimba. Emva kwalokho angabuyela ngekampeni. “Lokhu kuzakuba simiso sanini nanini kini: Ngenyanga yekhomba lokha nayinamalanga alitjhumi nizakuba nesizilo, mhlokho ningawuthinti umsebenzi. Lokho kungekomuntu wendabuko nesikhonzi phakathi kwenu. Lokho nizakwenza ngombana ilangelo lizakuba ngeletethelelo nelehlambululo ezonweni zenu zoke phambi kwakaSomnini ukuze nibe msulwa. Lelo kuliSabatha elicwengileko kini, yeke nizakuzila ukudla. Lokho kuzakuba simiso sanini nanini. Umphristi ozesiweko bewahlukaniselwa isikhundla sakayise omphristi omkhulu, nguye kwaphela ozakwenza itethelelo. Kufuze embathe izambatho ezikhethekileko zelineni lokha nenza ihlambululo yendawo ecwenge khulu, yetende lokuhlanganela neye-aldari nalokha enzela abaphristi nehlangano yoke itethelelo kuSomnini. Lokho kuzakuba simiso sanini nanini kini: Kanye ngomnyaka akwenzelwe ama-Israyeli itethelelo kuSomnini ngebanga lezono zawo.” U-Aroni wenza njengombana uSomnini ayale uMosi. USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi akakhulume no-Aroni namadodanakhe kanye nawo woke ama-Israyeli athi: “Nakhu uSomnini ayale ngakho: Nangabe umuntu wendlu yakwa-Israyeli uhlaba ikomo, imvu nanyana imbuzi ekampeni namkha ngaphandle kwekampa, angayihlabeli emnyango wetende lokuhlanganela, okutjho ngaphambi kwethaberinakeli lakaSomnini, njengomnikelo kaSomnini, uzakubekwa umlandu wokuthulula iingazi. Iye, uthulule iingazi ngalokho uzakujutjwa ebantwini bekhabo. Lokho kutjho bona imihlabelo yama-Israyeli avane ayihlabele emmangweni, kufuze ayilethe kumphristi emnyango wetende lokuhlanganela njengemihlabelo kaSomnini. Ahlabele uSomnini imihlabelo yetjhebiswano leyo lapho. Nje-ke umphristi uzakufafaza iingazi e-aldarini lakaSomnini emnyango wetende lokuhlanganela bese utjhisa umhlwehlwe bona ube ngowamukeleka kuSomnini. Angeze asahlabela uzinyana onesimo seembuzi adlhemadlheme ngemva kwakhe. Lokho kuzakuba simiso sanini nanini kibo eenzukulwaneni ngeenzukulwana.” USomnini wathi godu akawatjele athi: “Nangabe umuntu wendlu yakwa-Israyeli nanyana osikhonzi phakathi kwenu uletha umhlabelo wokutjhiswa namkha omunye umhlabelo nje, bese angawulethi emnyango wetende lokuhlanganela bona ube mhlabelo kuSomnini, umuntu loyo uzakujutjwa ebantwini bekhabo.” Godu uSomnini wathi kuMosi akakhulume nama-Israyeli athi: “Nangabe umuntu wendlu yakwa-Israyeli nanyana osikhonzi phakathi kwenu udla iingazi, ngizakujamelana nomuntu loyo. Ngizamjuba ebantwini bekhabo ngombana ukuphila kwenyama kuseengazini. Ngimi oninikele iingazi bona nenze ngazo itethelelo yemiphefumulwenu e-aldarini. Ngebanga lokobana iingazi ziletha itethelelo ngepilo ekizo ngalokho nginiyale nina ma-Israyeli ngathi, ‘Kungabi nomuntu phakathi kwenu namkha isikhonzi esihlala nani esidla iingazi’. “Nangabe umuntu wakwa-Israyeli nanyana isikhonzi esiphakathi kwenu sikhamba siyokuzuma inyamazana namkha inyoni edliwako, kufuze siyikhuphe iingazi bese sizivala ngehlabathi. Ngebanga lokobana ukuphila kwenyama yoke kuseengazini, ngiyale nina ma-Israyeli ngathi, ‘Nakuziingazi, akungabi nomuntu ozidlako ngombana ukuphila kwenyama yoke kuseengazini. Ozidlako uzakujutjwa ebantwini bekhabo.’ “Woke umuntu odla okuzifeleko namkha okudatjulwe ziimbandana, kungaba ngowendabuko namkha sikhonzi, kufuze ahlanze izambatho zakhe bese adude umzimbakhe. Uzakuhlala angosilapheleko bekuhlwe, emva kwalokho uzakuba ngohlambulukileko. Kodwana nangabe akahlanzi izambatho zakhe abe adude umzimbakhe, uzazizwa ngesono sakheso.” USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi akakhulume nama-Israyeli athi: “Mina nginguSomnini uZimenu. Ningenzi njengombana kwenza amaGibhide lapha benihlala khona begodu ningenzi njengombana kwenza abantu benarha yeKanana enginisa kiyo. Ningakhambi ngemikhubabo kodwana yenzani imithethwami, nilonde neemiso zami, niphile ngazo. NginguSomnini uZimenu. Iye, londani iimiso zami nemithethwami ngombana umuntu owenza njalo uzakuphila ngayo. NginguSomnini. “Akungabi khona owambula ubuze bomuntu wekhabo ngokwamabhayi. NginguSomnini. Ungambuli ubuze bakanyoko ngombana bungebakayihlo; ngunyoko, ungambuli ubuze bakhe. Ungambuli ubuze bomkayihlo ngombana bungebakayihlo. “Ungambuli ubuze bakadadwenu, kungaba mntwana kayihlo namkha kanyoko okhulele ekhaya namkha ngaphandle. Ungambuli ubuze bomntwana womntwanakho ngombana ubuze bakhe bububuze bakho. Ungambuli ubuze bendodakazi kayihlo ebelethwe ngomunye umfazi ngombana ingudadwenu. Ungambuli ubuze bakakghariyakho ngombana uziingazi zakayihlo. Ungambuli ubuze bakadadwabo lakanyoko ngombana uziingazi zakanyoko. Ungambuli ubuze bomfazi wakamfowabo lakayihlo ngombana bungebakayihlo begodu ngunyoko. Ungambuli ubuze bomalukazanakho ngombana mfazi wendodanakho, ungabumbuli ubuze bakhe. Ungambuli ubuze bomfazi womfowenu ngombana bungebomfowenu. “Ungambuli ubuze bomfazi kanye nomntwanakhe omntazana begodu ungalali nanomntwana womntwana womfazi loyo ngombana batjhidelene khulu nawe; lokho kubuhlola. Ungathathi umlamu wakho njengehlanzi wambule ubuze bakhe umkakho asaphila. “Ungatjhideli emfazini bona wambule ubuze bakhe lokha nasasilapheleko ngebanga lokobana asesikhathini. Ungalali nomfazi womuntu womphakathi uzisilaphaze ngalokho. “Unganikeli ngananyana ngimuphi wabantwana bakho bona bahlukaniselwe uMoleki njengeengwadla, ngombana akukafaneli ulirhubutjhe ibizo lakaZimakho. NginguSomnini. Ungalalani nenye indoda njenganyana ulala wesifazana. Lokho kuyanyenyisa. Ungalingi ulale isilwana uzisilaphaze ngalokho. Godu akungabi khona umfazi ozinikela esilwaneni bona simlale. Lokho kubuhlola. “Ungazisilaphazi nangasinye sezintwezo ngombana izizwe engiziqotjha phambi kwenu zazisilaphaza ngazo nenarha yasilaphala. Yeke ngakhambela ukonakala kwayo. Ngebangelo inarha yabaphalaza abahlali bayo. Kodwana nina londani iimiso zami nemithethwami. Iye, tjhejani nina bantu bendabuko neenkhonzi eziphakathi kwenu bona ningenzi neyodwa yezinto ezinyenyisakwezo ngombana abantu bendawo le ebebahlala lapho phambilini benza zoke iinyenyiswezo, yeke inarha yasilaphala. Nanisilaphaza inarha, nayo izoniphalaza njengombana kwenzeka ezizweni ebezihlala enarheni ngaphambi kwenu. Iye, boke abenza nanyana ngiziphi iinyenyiswezo, bazakujutjwa ebantwini bekhabo. “Yeke londani imiyalwami, ningalingi nenze nayinye yemikhuba enyenyisako leyo eyayenziwa phambilini. Ningazisilaphazi ngayo. NginguSomnini uZimenu.” USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi akakhulume nomkhambathi woke wama-Israyeli athi: “Yibani ngabacwengileko ngombana mina Somnini uZimenu ngicwengile. Omunye nomunye wenu ahloniphe unina noyise. Gcinani amaSabatha wami. NginguSomnini uZimenu. Ningalandeli abosingazimu begodu ningazenzeli abozinyana ababaziweko. NginguSomnini uZimenu. “Lokha nanihlabela uSomnini umhlabelo wetjhebiswano, uhlabeni ukuze namukeleke kuye. Umhlabelo lowo uzakudliwa ngelanga ohlatjwa ngalo namkha ngakusasa. Okuseleko bekwaba lilanga lesithathu, akutjhiswe. Nakube inyama leyo idliwa ngelanga lesithathu izakuba sinyenyiso. Umhlabelo lowo angeze wamukeleka. Nanyana ngubani oyidlako uzazizwa ngombana usilaphaze okucwengileko kwakaSomnini. Umuntu onjalo akajutjwe ebantwini bekhabo. “Lokha nanivuna isivuno senarhenu, ningakhothululi koke namkha niburukuje emva kwesivuno. Ningakhi isidiribe senu sidududu begodu ningadobhi amadiribe awele phasi. Lokho kuliseleleni odududu nosikhonzi. NginguSomnini uZimenu. “Ningebi, ningakhohlisani begodu ningephuli isithembiso omunye komunye. Ningafungi ibizo lami ngamanga ukuze ningarhubutjhi ibizo lakaZimenu. NginguSomnini. “Ungagandeleli umakhelwanakho begodu ungamdlelezeli. “Ungabambeli isisebenzi esitorhako ikokhelo bekube ngakusasa. Ngokwesaba uZimakho ungathuki ongezwako begodu ungabeki isikhubekiso phambi kwesiphofu. NginguSomnini. “Ningahlanakezeli isigwebo; ungakhethi ubuso besichaka namkha nijamele onothileko. Gwebani abantu bekhenu ngokulunga. Ungafaki abantu bekhenu engozini ngokukhamba ubahleba. NginguSomnini. “Ungabi nevunda nomfowenu kodwana mkhalimele epanyameni ungamgegi ukuze ungakhambi uqumbelene. Ungazibuyiseleli namkha ube nevunda ebantwini ophila nabo, kodwana thanda umakhelwanakho njengombana uzithanda wena. NginguSomnini. “Londani iimiso zami. Ungavumeli ifuywakho izekwe ngelinye ihlobo lefuyo. Nesiminakho ungatjali imihlobo emibili yembewu begodu ungembathi isambatho esilukwe ngemihlobo emibili yemicu eyahlukeneko. “Nangabe umnini khobokakazi ulala nalo sele lithengwe ngenye indoda, nokho khibe alikabi ukukhokhelwa imali begodu alikabi ukutjhatjhululwa uzakuhlawula umthengi. Bangeze babulawa ngombana ikhobokakazelo belingakabi ukutjhatjhululwa. Kodwana umuntu olele nalo kufuze alethe iqama njengomhlabelo wehlawulo kuSomnini emnyango wetende lokuhlanganela. Nje-ke umphristi uzamenzela itethelelo kuSomnini ngeramelo ngesono asenzileko. Ngalokho uzakuhlambuluka esonweni sakheso. “Lokha nasele ningenile enarheni benatjala yoke imihlobo yemithi edliwako, kuzakuba minyaka emithathu yoke iinthelo zemithi leyo ningakavunyelwa ukuzidla. Ngomnyaka wesine zoke iinthelo zemithi zizakuba ngezikhethekileko kudunyiswa ngazo uSomnini uZimu. Ngomnyaka wesihlanu ningadla iinthelo. Ngendlela leyo imithi izakuhloma khulu. NginguSomnini uZimenu. “Ningahlanganyeli emihlatjelweni yabarhedeni. Ningafuniseli begodu ningaphenguli. Lokha nanihlobokako ningarhuni iinhloko zenu ngokuzigega namkha niphungule iindevu zenu. Ningazirhayi begodu ningazidali amabala emizimbenenu. NginguSomnini. “Ungarhubutjhi indodakazakho ngokuyivumela bona ingwadle. Nawenza njalo inarha izakudlhemadlhema ngemva kwabosingazimu beyigcwale ubuhlola. Gcinani amaSabatha wami, nihloniphe indawami ecwengileko. NginguSomnini. “Ningaphendukeli ebezimini namkha kwabanemimoya. Ningaziphenguli kibo ngombana nanenza njalo bazanisilaphaza. NginguSomnini uZimenu. “Ngokwesaba uZimu, thulelani othukgheleko ingwani, nihloniphe omdala. NginguSomnini. “Naninesikhonzi enarhenenu, ningasigandeleli. Niphathe kuhle isikhonzi enihlala naso njenganyana nenza ebantwini bekhenu. Thandani isikhonzi njengombana nizithanda nina ngombana nani naniziinkhonzi enarheni yeGibhide. NginguSomnini uZimenu. “Ningakhwabanisi lokha nanenza iinlinganiso zobudisi, ubude nomthamo. Linganisani ngokulunga, nisebenzise iinkala neenlinganiso ezifaneleko kube mthamo kapumpana weqiniso nekwana yeqiniso. NginguSomnini uZimenu owanikhupha enarheni yeGibhide. Londani iimiso zami zoke, nenze imiyalwami yoke. NginguSomnini.” USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi akakhulume nama-Israyeli athi: “Nanyana ngubani wama-Israyeli namkha isikhonzi esikhonze kwa-Israyeli onikela ngomntwanakhe kuMoleki, akabulawe. Izakhamuzi zimkhande ngamatje. Nakungasinjalo ngizakujamelana naye ngokwami ngokumjuba ebantwini bekhabo ngombana unikele umntwanakhe kuMoleki. Usilaphaze indawami ecwengileko bewarhubutjha nebizo lami elicwengileko. Iye, nakube izakhamuzi zisitheza ubuso bazo emuntwini loyo ngokungambulali lokha nanikela umntwanakhe kuMoleki, ngizakujamelana naye kanye nomndenakhe ngokwami. Ngizamjuba ebantwini bekhabo ngokudlhemadlhema kwakhe ngemva kwakaMoleki, yena nejima loke elimlandelako. “Nangabe umuntu uphendukela ebezimini namkha kwabanemimoya, adlhemadlheme emva kwabo, ngizakujamelana naye umuntu loyo, ngimjube ebantwini bekhabo. Ngalokho zahlukaniseleni, nibe ngabacwengileko ngombana mina nginguSomnini uZimenu. Londani iimiso zami nizenze. NginguSomnini onihlukaniselako. Nanyana ngubani othuka uyise namkha unina akabulawe. Iye, umuntu othuka uyise nonina iingazi zakhe zizakuba phezu kwakhe. “Nangabe indoda ihlobonga nomfazi wenye indoda ababulawe bobabili njalo, isihlobongi nesihlobongikazi. Umuntu olala nomkayise wambule ubuze bakayise. Bobabili indodana nomfazi lowo ababulawe; iingazi zabo zizakuba phezu kwabo. Nangabe indoda ilala nomalukazanayo, bobabili ababulawe, iingazi zabo zizakuba phezu kwabo ngombana benze ubuhlola. Indoda elalana nenye indoda kanjenganyana ilala nomfazi, womabili akabulawe. Iingazi zawo zizakuba phezu kwawo ngombana enze isinyenyiso. Nangabe indoda ithatha umfazi kanye nomkhwekazayo, buhlola lokho. Abatjhiswe bobathathu njalo ukuze kungabi nobuhlola phakathi kwenu. Umuntu olala nesilwana akabulawe kanye nesilwaneso. Nangabe umfazi uzinikela esilwaneni bona simlale, bulala umfazi kanye nesilwaneso. Akubulawe kokubili njalo; iingazi zakho zizakuba phezu kwakho kokubili. “Nangabe umuntu uthatha udadwabo namkha umntamamakhe bahlubulelane, kulihlazo lokho. Bobabili abajutjwe ebantwini bekhabo emtarini ngombana umuntu loyo wambule ubuze bakadadwabo, nje-ke uzazizwa ngesono sakheso. Nangabe umuntu ulala nomfazi amyame asesikhathini, angene efindweni lomfazi, nomfazi loyo amngenise-ke efindweni lakhelo, bobabili abajutjwe ebantwini bekhabo. Ungabambuli ubuze bakadadwabo kanyoko namkha bakakghariyakho ngombana lokho kukukwambula ubuze besihlobo sakho, abenza njalo bazazizwa ngesono sabeso. Nangabe umuntu ulala nomfazi womfowabo kayise, wambule ubuze bakayise; umuntu nomfazi loyo bazazizwa ngesono sabo: Bazakufa banganabizo. Nangabe umuntu uthatha umkamfowabo, kumphambo lokho. Wambule ubuze bakamfowabo, nje-ke bobabili bazakuswela ibizo. “Londani iimiso zami zoke, nenze imiyalwami yoke ukuze inarha enginiletha bona nihlale kiyo inganiphalazi. Ningakhambi ngemikhuba yabantu engizobaqotjha phambi kwenu ngombana bona bebazenza zoke izinto ezimbezi, ngebangelo ngibasuthi. Kodwana nina nganithembisa ngathi, ‘Nizakuzuza inarhabo. Ngimi oninikela yona bona ibe lilifa lenu. Kuyinarha egeleza ibisi neliju.’ NginguSomnini uZimenu owanihlukanisa nezinye izizwe. Ngalokho yahlukanisani phakathi kwesilwana esihlambulukileko nesisilapheleko, naphakathi kwenyoni esilapheleko nehlambulukileko. Ningazenzi ninyenyeke ngesilwana, inyoni namkha yini ekhakhaba ehlabathini leyo engazahlukanisa nani ngathi zisilaphele. Yibani ngabacwengileko kimi ngombana mina Somnini ngicwengile begodu nginahlukanisile nezinye izizwe bona nibe ngabami.” “Indoda namkha umfazi onabezimu nanyana onommoya, akabulawe. Abakhandwe ngamatje; iingazi zabo zizakuba phezu kwabo.” USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi akakhulume nabaphristi okumadodana ka-Aroni athi: “Akungabi namunye ozisilaphaza ngokuphatha isidumbu sabantu bekhabo, ngaphandle kwesesihlobo seengazi okutjho unina, uyise, indodana, indodakazi, umnakwabo namkha udadwabo osese litlawana ohlala naye ngombana angakendi. Ngaye angazisilaphaza ngokuthinta isidumbu sakhe. Angazisilaphazi ngabantu ahlobene nabo ngobukhazi abe ngongakahlambuluki. Abaphristi akukafuzi bona bazigude ibande ehloko namkha bazigege emaphethelweni weenlevu zabo nanyana bazirhaye imizimbabo ngebanga lohlongakeleko. Kufuze babe ngabacwengileko kuZimabo bangarhubutjhi ibizo lakaZimabo ngombana ngibo abaletha e-aldarini iminikelo ekhethekileko kuSomnini okukukudla kwakaZimabo. Nje-ke kufuze babe ngabacwengileko. Abaphristi bangathathi ingwadla namkha ithari begodu bangathathi ibuya ngombana abaphristi bangabakhethekileko kuZimabo. Hloniphani isikhundla somphristi ngombana unikela ukudla kuZimenu. Mthatheni njengocwengileko ngombana mina Somnini enginicwengisako, ngicwengile. Nangabe indodakazi yomphristi izirhubutjha ngobungwadla, irhubutjha uyise, yeke kufuze itjhiswe ngomlilo. “Umphristi ongomkhulu kubafowabo, nongowazeswa ngamafutha ehlokwakhe, wahlukaniselwa ukwembatha izambatho ezikhethekileko, akukafaneli aliselele iinhluthu zakhe zimatlharatlhara namkha atlebhule izambatho zakhe ngebanga lohlongakeleko. Angatjhideli esidunjini; iye, angazisilaphazi ngitjho nanyana kusidumbu sakayise namkha sakanina, begodu angaphumi endaweni ecwengileko kaZimakhe ngombana angayirhubutjha. Yena wahlukaniselwe uZimakhe ngokuzeswa kwakhe ngamafutha. NginguSomnini. “Umphristi omkhulu kufuze athathe umfazi osese litlawu. Angathathi umhlolokazi, ibuya, ithari namkha ingwadla. Kodwana akathathe kwaphela itlawu ebantwini bekhabo; nakungasinjalo uzakurhubutjha isizukulwana sakhe. Ngimi mina Somnini omenza abe ngocwengileko.” Godu uSomnini wathi kuMosi akakhulume no-Aroni athi kuye: “Akungabi noyedwa esizukulwaneni sakho onomphambo ozakuletha ukudla kwakaZimakhe e-aldarini. Iye, kungabi namunye onomphambo ozakutjhidela ekunikeleni: ophopheleko, ohluzako, okhubazeke ebusweni namkha emzimbeni, orhwahlaphele inyawo namkha isandla, onesifumba, osirhonodwana, onelihlo elithunyileko, obhibhidlhako namkha onesibabu nopatlazwe amahlwayi. Akungabi nomphristi onomphambo esizukulwaneni saka-Aroni ozakutjhidela e-aldarini alethe iminikelo ekhethekileko kuSomnini. Njengombana anomphambo nje, angatjhideli bona anikele ukudla kwakaZimakhe. Yena nokho angakudla ukudla kwakaZimakhe, okutjho ukudla okubuya eminikelweni ecwenge khulu nakecwengileko. Kodwana ngebanga lokobana anomphambo akakafaneli angene lapha kunesiyaya setjhila lokusitha umfaji wobufakazi namkha atjhidele e-aldarini ukuze angarhubutjhi indawami ecwengileko. Ngimi mina Somnini engenze izintwezo zaba ngezicwengileko.” Ngokunjalo uMosi watjela u-Aroni namadodanakhe kanye nama-Israyeli woke iindabezo. Godu uSomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi: “Tjela u-Aroni namadodanakhe bona bahloniphe iminikelo ecwengileko yama-Israyeli ayihlukanisele mina ukuze bangarhubutjhi ibizo lami elicwengileko. NginguSomnini. Yithi kibo, ‘Nanyana ngubani wesizukulwana senu othi asilaphele atjhidele eminikelweni ecwengileko, ama-Israyeli ayinikele ngokuyihlukanisela mina Somnini, akakhawulwe ekungilotjheni. NginguSomnini.’ “Nangabe kunomuntu wesizukulwana saka-Aroni onekhwekhwe namkha onokuvuza ebudodeni akakavunyelwa ukugoma ukudla okubuya eminikelweni ecwengileko angakahlambuluki. Othinta okusilapheleko, kungaba sidumbu, indoda etsanyazileko, isikhakhabi esingamsilaphaza namkha ngubani ongahle amsilaphaze nanyana kukusilaphala kwaliphi ihlobo, uzakuba ngosilapheleko bekuhlwe. Kufuze angadli ukudla okubuya eminikelweni ecwengileko angakadudi umzimba mantange. Nakutjhinga ilanga uzabe sele ahlambulukile, emva kwalokho angadla ukudlokho ngombana lokho kusisabelo sakhe. Kodwana akakavunyelwa nakancani ukudla okuzifeleko nokudatjulwe ziimbandana zommango ukuze angazisilaphazi ngalokho. NginguSomnini. “Abaphristi abalonde imiyalwami ukuze bangabi nomlandu bebafele endawenami ecwengileko ngebanga lokuyirhubutjha kwabo. NginguSomnini okucwengisako lokho. “Woke umuntu ongaphandle kwendlu yobuphristi akakafaneli ukugoma ukudla okubuya eminikelweni ecwengileko, ngitjho nanyana kusithekeli somphristi namkha isisebenzi sakhe. Kodwana ikhoboka elithengwe mphristi ngemali bona libe njengepahlakhe nalawo abelethelwe endlinakhe, angakudla ukudlokho. Nangabe indodakazi yomphristi ithethwe ngongasuye wendlu yobuphristi, akukafaneli idle iminikelo esibiko kuSomnini. Kodwana nakube imhlolokazi namkha ilibuya begodu ayinamntwana bese ibuyela kwabo ibe njengalokha isese mntazana, ingadla koke okudliwa nguyise. Nakuliphandle lona, lingeze ladla ukudla okubuya eminikelweni ecwengileko. “Nakwenzeka bona umuntu agome ukudla kweminikelo ecwengileko ngephoso, akakubuyisele kumphristi kungezelelwe ngokwesihlanu sobungako bokudla. Abaphristi bangavumeli bona kurhubutjhwe ukudla kweminikelo ecwengileko okusibiko ama-Israyeli asiletha kuSomnini begodu bafanele bathwese ama-Israyeli umlandu wokuwahlawulisa lokha nadle ukudla okucwengileko kwabaphristi. NginguSomnini ocwengisa ukudlokho.” USomnini wabuya wakhuluma noMosi wathi akakhulume no-Aroni namadodanakhe kanye nawo woke ama-Israyeli athi: “Nanyana ngubani wendlu yakwa-Israyeli namkha osikhonzi oletha umnikelo njengomhlabelo wokutjhiswa kuSomnini, ekungaba ngewesifungo namkha wesihle, kufuze kube liduna elimsulwa: ikunzi, iqama namkha ipongo ukuze amukeleke. Ninganikeli ngesilwana esinomphambo ngombana lokho angeze kwanibhadekela. Nakube umuntu unikela ngekomo, imvu namkha imbuzi njengomhlabelo wetjhebiswano kuSomnini ukwenzela ukuzalisa isifungo namkha umnikelo wesihle, kufuze kube ngemsulwa; ingabi nomphambo. Ninganikeli ngesilwana esiphopheleko, esirholopheleko, esilimeleko, esineensupa, esibhibhidlhako namkha esinesibabu. Ningalethi nasinye sazo e-aldarini njengomnikelo okhethekileko kuSomnini. Unganikela ngekunzi namkha ngeqama elinesitho eside namkha esifitjhani kunezinye kube mhlabelo wesihle, kodwana emhlabelweni wokuzalisa isifungo, azamukeleki. Ninganikeli kuSomnini ngesilwana esiphakulwe ngokuncinzwa, ngokupatlazwa, ngokudatjulwa namkha ngokuquntwa. Ningathomi niphakule iinlwana enarheni yekhenu, godu ningamukeli iinlwana ezinjalo kewakosozizwe bona nenze ngazo umhlabelo njengokudla kwakaZimenu. Iye, ngebanga lokobana ziqanduliwe, angeze zanibhadekela.” Godu uSomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi: “Lokha nakuzalwa ikonyana, imvana namkha imbuzana, akuhlale nonina amalanga alikhomba, kodwana ukusukela elangeni lobunane ukuya phambili kuzakwamukeleka njengomnikelo okhethekileko kuSomnini. Ningahlabi ikomo nekonyana layo namkha imvana nonina ngalanga linye. “Lokha naninikela umhlabelo wokuthokoza kuSomnini, qinisekani bona uyamukeleka: Awudliwe khona mhlokho uphele. Ningatjhiyi ngitjho neqatjhana lenyama bekuse. NginguSomnini. “Londani imiyalwami niyenze. NginguSomnini. Begodu ningarhubutjhi ibizo lami elicwengileko, kodwana liphatheni ngokukhethekileko phakathi kwama-Israyeli. Mina NginguSomnini onicwengisako nowanikhupha enarheni yeGibhide bona ngibe nguZimu kini. NginguSomnini.” USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi akakhulume nama-Israyeli athi kiwo: “Nasi iminyanya kaSomnini ekumele nibize ngayo imihlangano ekhethekileko. Leyo-ke minyanyami ejanyisiweko.” “Umsebenzi awenziwe emalangeni asithandathu, kodwana ilanga lekhomba liliSabatha elihlukaniselwe umhlangano okhethekileko. KuliSabatha kuSomnini, ningenzi umsebenzi ngalo kuphi nakuphi lapha nizakuhlala khona.” “Nasi iminyanya ejanyisiweko kaSomnini ekumele nibize ngayo imihlangano ekhethekileko ngeenkhathi zayo ezibekiweko: IPhasika lakaSomnini lizakuba ntambama elangeni letjhumi nane ngenyanga yokuthoma emnyakeni. Kuthi mhlana zilitjhumi nahlanu khona enyangeni leyo kuthome umnyanya kaSomnini wesiKwa esinganaNgumelo. Nizakudla isikwa esinganangumelo amalanga alikhomba. Elangeni lokuthoma lomnyanya lowo nibe nomhlangano okhethekileko, nje-ke ningawuphathi umsebenzenu wangemihla. Amalanga alikhomba lawo, nizakunikela iminikelo ekhethekileko kuSomnini. Kuthi ngelanga lekhombelo, nibe nomhlangano okhethekileko, yeke ningawuphathi umsebenzenu wangemihla.” USomnini wabuya wakhuluma noMosi wathi akakhulume nama-Israyeli athi: “Lokha naningena enarheni engininikela yona bese nivuna isivuno sakhona, lethani iinqwambi zebhali zokuthoma kumphristi. Umphristi uzabese uphakamisa iinqwambezo njengomnikelo osibiko kuSomnini ukuze namukeleke. Kufuze aziphakamise ngakusasa ngemva kwelanga leSabatha. Ngelanga mhlana niphakamisa iinqwambi kuSomnini, mhlokho nizakunikela iqamanyana elimsulwa nelinomnyaka munye bona libe mhlabelo wokutjhiswa kuSomnini. Nikelani iqamanelo kanye nomnikelo weenthoro omathungana amabili weflowuru esefiweko edutjwe ngamafutha we-oliva libe mnikelo owamukelekako kuSomnini. Godu kube nomnikelo wewayini elingaba lilitha nesiquntu. Ningadli isikwa, iinthoro ezikhanzingiweko namkha ibhali etja bekufike ilangelo lapha niletha khona umnikelo kuZimenu. Lokhu kusimiso sanini nanini eenzukulwaneni zenu kuphi nakuphi lapha nizakuhlala khona. “Nizakuthoma ukubala ilanga emva kweSabatha, okutjho ilanga eniletha ngalo iinqwambi zomnikelo wokuphakanyiswa, kube ziimveke ezilikhomba ezigcweleko. Balani bekube lilanga lamatjhumi amahlanu, okulilanga emva kweSabatha lekhomba bese kuthi mhlokho nilethe umnikelo wekoroyi etja kuSomnini. Kuphi nakuphi lapha nizakuhlala khona lethani amapani amabili wesikwa sokuphakanyiswa esiwunyelweko esibhagwe ngamathungana amabili weflowuru esefiweko, sibe njengesilumo kuSomnini uZimenu. Lethani izikwezo kanye namaqamanyana amsulwa alikhomba abe nomnyaka munye, ikunzana kanye namaqama amabili kube mhlabelo wokutjhiswa kuSomnini kanye nomnikelo weenthoro newokuselwako kube mnikelo owamukelekako kuSomnini. Godu kufuze ninikele ipongo ibe mhlabelo wehlambululo namaqamanyana amabili anomnyaka abe mhlabelo wetjhebiswano. Umphristi kufuze aphakamise izikwa zesilumo njengomnikelo osibiko kuSomnini kanye namaqamanyana amabili. Amaqamanyana lawo akhethekile kuSomnini, asisabelo somphristi. Mhlokho nimemezele umhlangano okhethekileko begodu ningawuphathi umsebenzenu wangemihla. Lokhu kusimiso sanini nanini eenzukulwaneni zenu kuphi nakuphi lapha nizakuhlala khona. “Lokha nanivuna isivuno senarhenu, ningakhothululi koke namkha niburukuje emva kwesivuno. Tjhiyelani odududu nosikhonzi. NginguSomnini uZimenu.” USomnini wabuya wakhuluma noMosi wathi akakhulume nama-Israyeli athi: “Elangeni lokuthoma enyangeni yekhomba akube liSabatha elikhethekileko, isikhumbuzo sokubetha iimporompita zomhlangano okhethekileko. Ningawuphathi umsebenzenu wangemihla. Nikelani iminikelo ekhethekileko kuSomnini.” Godu uSomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi: “Elangeni letjhumi lenyanga yekhomba kulilanga letethelelo kuSomnini. Kini kuzakuba mhlangano okhethekileko, nizakuzila ukudla, nilethe iminikelo ekhethekileko kuSomnini. Ningawuphathi nakancani umsebenzi ngelangelo ngombana kulilanga letethelelo enizenzela yona phambi kwakaSomnini uZimenu. Ongazithobi ngokuzila ukudla mhlokho akajutjwe ebantwini bekhabo. Owenza umsebenzi mhlokho, ngizamthanyela ebantwini bekhabo. Iye, ningawuphathi nakancani umsebenzi. Lokhu kusimiso sanini nanini eenzukulwaneni zenu kuphi nakuphi lapha nizakuhlala khona. Lelo kuliSabatha elihlukaniselweko kini, yeke nizakuzila ukudla. Elangeni lethoba lenyanga leyo ukuthoma ntambama bekube ngakusasa ntambama niphumule ngokupheleleko.” USomnini wabuyelela wakhuluma noMosi wathi akakhulume nama-Israyeli athi kiwo: “Mhlana zilitjhumi nahlanu enyangeni yekhomba, amalanga alikhomba kumnyanya wemiTlhatlhana kuSomnini. Ngelanga lokuthoma kumhlangano okhethekileko, ningawuphathi umsebenzenu wangemihla. Amalanga alikhomba woke nizakuletha iminikelo ekhethekileko kuSomnini. Kuzakuthi ngelanga lobunane nibe nomhlangano okhethekileko nalapha niletha khona iminikelo ekhethekileko kuSomnini. Lowo mgidi omkhulu, yeke ningawuphathi umsebenzenu wangemihla. “Leyo-ke minyanya kaSomnini ekumele bona niyimemezele njengemihlangano ekhethekileko, ibe ngeyokuletha iminikelo ekhethekileko kuSomnini, ekumihlabelo yokutjhiswa, iminikelo yeenthoro, imihlabelo yetjhebiswano kanye neminikelo yokuselwako njengombana kubekelwe ilanga nelanga. Iminikelo leyo ayifaki phakathi izipho zenu zamaSabatha, iminikelwenu yesithembiso neminikelwenu yesihle eniyinikela kuSomnini. “Yelelani ukugidinga umnyanya kaSomnini amalanga alikhomba ngelanga letjhumi nahlanu enyangeni yekhomba, lokha nasele nibuthelele isivuno senarha. Ilanga lokuthoma kuzakuba liSabatha elikhethekileko godu kube njalo nangelanga lobunane. Ngelanga lokuthoma kufuze nikhe iinthelo zemithi ekhethekileko, iingala zamasundu, zemithi enamakari amahle nezemiyezani yemilanjaneni bese nijekezela phambi kwakaSomnini uZimenu amalanga alikhomba. Gidingani umnyanya kaSomnini amalanga alikhomba emnyakeni. Lokho kusimiso sanini nanini eenzukulwaneni zenu. Ugidingeni ngenyanga yekhomba. Nizakuhlala emitlhatlhaneni amalanga alikhomba. Boke abantu bendabuko kwa-Israyeli bazakuhlala emitlhatlhaneni ukuze iinzukulwana zenu zazi bona ngathi lokha nangenyula ama-Israyeli enarheni yeGibhide, ngawenza bonyana ahlale emitlhatlhaneni. NginguSomnini uZimenu.” UMosi wawethulela njalo-ke ama-Israyeli iminyanya kaSomnini. USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi: “Yala ama-Israyeli bona alethe kuwe amafutha we-oliva atsengileko nacwebileko wokukhanyisa ilithi leembani. Iimbani azihlale zivutha njalo ngetendeni lokuhlanganela ngaphandle kwesiyaya esingaphambi kobufakazi. U-Aroni kufuze abone bonyana iimbani zihlala zikhanya phambi kwakaSomnini ukusukela ntambama bekuse. Lokhu kuzakuba simiso sanini nanini eenzukulwaneni zenu. Akathi ngantambama ahlele iimbani phezu kwelithi legolidembala phambi kwakaSomnini. “Thatha iflowuru esefiweko bese ubhage izikwa ezimasongo ezilitjhumi nambili ngayo. Isikwa ngasinye sidutjwe ngamathungana amabili weflowuru. Kufuze uzibeke ngamahla amabili, zibe zithandathu elihleni ngalinye, zibekwe phezu kwetafula legolidembala. Elihleni ngalinye utjhise uburegu obutsengileko bomuthi welebhona, esikhundleni sezikwa kube mnikelo okhethekileko kuSomnini. ISabatha elinye nelinye u-Aroni kufuze ahlele izikwezo phambi kwakaSomnini. Lokho akwenziwe njalo esikhundleni sama-Israyeli, kube sibopho sanini nanini. Izikwezo zingezaka-Aroni namadodanakhe, bazazidlela endaweni ecwengileko ngombana zimnikelo ocwenge khulu, zisisabelo sakhe eminikelweni ekhethekileko kuSomnini. Lokhu kusimiso sanini nanini.” Gade kunomfazi wakwa-Israyeli ibizo lakhe kunguTjhelomithi oyindodakazi kaDibhiri wekoro yakwaDani. Bekanendodana uyisayo egade kumGibhide, ihlala nama-Israyeli. Ngelinye ilanga kwaba khona ukulwa ngekampeni phakathi kwendodana leyo nomIsrayeli othileko. Ekulwenapho indodana leyo yahlambalaza ibizo lakaZimu lokha nayithukanako. Nje-ke abantu bayiletha kuMosi. Yavalelwa ngesikhungweni, kwalindelwa ukwizwa bona intando kaSomnini uZimu izakuthini kibo ngayo. Nje-ke uSomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi: “Khupha umhlambalazi loyo ngekampeni, kuthi boke abamizwe athukana babeke izandla phezu kwehlokwakhe bese umkhambathi woke umkhanda ngamatje. Godu tjela woke ama-Israyeli uthi, ‘Nanyana ngubani othuka uZimu uzakuthwala umlandu wesono sakheso. Akabulawe ohlambalaza ibizo lakaSomnini. Umkhambathi woke umkhande ngamatje. Woke umuntu ohlambalaza ibizo lakaSomnini, kungaba sikhonzi namkha umuntu wendabuko, akabulawe.’ ” Godu uSomnini wathi: “Obulala umuntu, naye akabulawe. Obulala ifuyo yomunye kufuze ayijamiselele, kube yipilo ngepilo. Olimaza omunye umuntu, naye akalinyazwe: ithambo ngethambo, ilihlo ngelihlo, izinyo ngezinyo, abuyiselelwe njengombana enze komunye. Iye, obulala ifuyo yomunye kufuze ayijamiselele, kodwana obulala omunye umuntu akabulawe. Nibe nomthetho munye owembethe isikhonzi naloyo ongowendabuko. Mina nginguSomnini uZimenu.” UMosi wakhuluma njalo-ke nama-Israyeli. Ngalokho bamkhupha ngekampeni loyo ogade athukene, bamkhanda ngamatje. Ngokunjalo ama-Israyeli enza njengombana uSomnini ayale uMosi. USomnini wakhuluma noMosi phezu kwentaba yeSinayi wathi akakhulume nama-Israyeli athi kiwo: “Lokha naningena enarheni engizoninikela yona, inarha leyo kufuze iphumule ukuphumula kweSabatha elahlukaniselwe uSomnini. Iminyaka emithandathu nizakutjala amasimenu, nihlunge isidiribe senu benikhe iinthelo zaso. Kodwana umnyaka wekhomba uzakuba ngoweSabatha, okuliSabatha elihlukaniselweko kuSomnini. Ngomnyaka loyo anizukutjala amasimenu namkha nihlunge isidiribe senu. Ningavuni amakhakhazela wokulinyiweko namadiribe esidiribeni senu esingakahlungwa. Kuzakuba mnyaka wokuphumula okukhethekileko kwenarha. Okuzimilela ngomnyaka weSabatha kudleleni khonapho, nina, amakhoboka namakhobokakazenu, iinsebenzi kanye neenthekeli ezigogobele phakathi kwenu. Godu kuzakuba kukudla kwefuywenu kanye neenlwana zommango ezisenarhenenu.” “Zibaleleni iminyaka elikhomba yamaSabatha okutjho iminyaka elikhomba ebuyelelwe kalikhomba, kube minyaka ematjhumi amane nethoba. Nje-ke kuzakuthi lokha inyanga yekhomba nayinamalanga alitjhumi nivuthele ipalapala izwakale eendaweni zoke. Zwakalisani ipalapala enarhenenu yoke ngelanga letethelelo. Nihloniphe umnyaka wamatjhumi amahlanu welimo, niwucwengise ngokumemezela ukusulwa kwesikolodo enarheni yoke kizo zoke izakhamuzi. Kuzakuba mnyaka wokubuyisela kini, lapha omunye nomunye wenu azakutjhaphuluka khona abuyele elifeni lakhe nemndeninakhe. Umnyaka wamatjhumi amahlanu uzakuba mnyaka wokubuyisela kini, okumnyaka lapha ningeze natjala, navuna amakhakhazela namkha isidiribe esidiribeni senu esingakahlungwa. Njengombana kumnyaka wokubuyisela nje, kufuze ube ngocwengileko kini. Nizakudla kwaphela okuzimilela emasimini. “Emnyakeni wokubuyisela lowo, omunye nomunye wenu akabuyele endaweni yelifa lakhe. Lokha nanisiselana nabantu bekhenu ngendawo yelifa, ningadlelezelani. Inani lokusisa lihloswa sibalo seminyaka ngemva komnyaka wokubuyisela, okutjho bona inani lesivuno seminyaka eseleko ngaphambi komnyaka wokubuyisela ngilo elihlosa inani lokusisa. Ubunengi beminyaka eseleko buzakutjho ukuphakama kwenani lokusisa, kuthi ubuncani beminyaka eseleko kube kukwehla kwenani ngombana kuhlekuhle kusiselwana isivuno kwaphela. Ngokwesaba uZimakho ungadlelezeli umuntu wekhenu ngombana mina nginguSomnini uZimenu. “Nanenza iimiso zami, nilonde imithethwami beniyenze, nizakuphila niphephile enarheni. Inarha izakuthela iinthelo zayo, nidle nisuthe begodu nizakuhlala kiyo niphephile. Mhlambe ningazibuza nithi, ‘Alo, ngomnyaka wekhomba sizokudlani ngombana singeze satjala namkha sivune?’ Lalelani-ke, ngomnyaka wesithandathu ngizonehlisela isibusiso sami ukuze isivuno somnyaka lowo sibambelele iminyaka emithathu. Nanitjalako ngomnyaka wobunane, nizabe nisalokhu nidla isivuno esidala bekube mnyaka wethoba. Iye, nizakudla isivuno esidala bekube sikhathi sesivuno somnyaka wethoba. Inarha ayingathengiswa, ayisiswe kwaphela ngombana ingeyami, nina niziinkhonzi neenthekeli kimi. Ilungelo lokuhlenga inarha engininikele yona bona ibe lilifa lenu alihlonitjhwe.” “Nangabe umfowenu uyakhwahla bese usisa ingcenye yamasimakhe, kuzakufanela bona umhlengi oseduze naye aye kiloyo okusiswe kuye afese ahlenge isimu yomfowabo leyo. Nakube umfo loyo akanaye ongamhlengela yona, kodwana yena athome ukuhluma bese uba nalokho angayihlenga ngakho isimu leyo, akabale inani leminyaka yamasiso bese ukhokha iminyaka eseleko ngaphambi komnyaka wokubuyisela kiloyo amsisiseleko. Nje-ke uzabese ubuyisa ubunikazi belifa lakhe. Kodwana nangabe akahlumi ukuze akghone ukuzihlengela isimu leyo, izakuhlala ezandleni zaloyo okusiswe kuye bekube mnyaka wokubuyisela. Ubunikazi besimu leyo abubuyiswe bese umuntu loyo ubuyela elifeni lakhe ngomnyaka wokubuyisela. “Nangabe umuntu usisa indlwakhe engedorobheni elizombelezwe ngomthangala, unesikhathi somnyaka woke sokobana ayihlenge ngemva kokuyithengisa kwakhe. Ilungelo lokuyihlenga lizakuba mnyaka munye. Nangayihlengiko bekuphele umnyaka woke swana, khona-ke indlu leyo izakuba lilifa lomthengi isiphelani, iinzukulwana ngeenzukulwana. Akukameli ibuyiselwe kumthengisi ngomnyaka wokubuyisela. Kodwana izindlu ezisemizini engakazombelezwa ngomthangala zingathathwa njengegcenye yamasimu wendawo leyo. Zona kunelungelo lokuzihlenga begodu zingatjhatjhululwa ngomnyaka wokubuyisela. “AmaLevi wona anelungelo lokuhlenga izindlu ezisemadorobhenawo ngesikhathi soke. Nangabe kunomLevi ongahlengi indlu esiswe edorobheni lelifa lawo, kufuze ibuyiswe ngomnyaka wokubuyisela. Lokhu kungebanga lokobana izindlu ezisemadorobheni wamaLevi zililifa lawo kwa-Israyeli. Amadlelo asemadorobhenawo akukafuzi asisiswe ngombana alilifa lawo isiphelani. “Nangabe umfowenu uyakhwahla bese uhluleka ukuzondla, msize njengombana bewungasiza isikhonzi nesithekeli ukuze akwazi ukuphila nawe. Kungabi khona inzalo ombiza yona nawumboleka imali namkha nayibuyisako. Ngokwesaba uZimakho msize ukuze akwazi ukuphila nawe. Ungambizi inzalo lokha nawumboleka imali begodu ungafuni ukuzuza nawumthengisela ukudla. NginguSomnini uZimenu owanikhupha enarheni yeGibhide bona ngininikele inarha yeKanana ukuze ngibe nguZimu kini. “Nangabe umfowenu uyakhwahla bese uzithengisa kuwe, ungamphathi njengekhoboka. Kufuze umphathe njengomunye weensebenzi namkha weenthekeli ezihlala nawe. Akusebenzele bekube mnyaka wokubuyisela, nje-ke angakhamba, yena nabantwabakhe, abuyele kebekhabo enarheni yaboyisemkhulu. Ama-Israyeli aziinceku zami engazenyula enarheni yeGibhide, ngalokho akukafuzi athengiswe njengamakhoboka. Ngokwesaba uZimakho ungaphathi umIsrayeli ngokumkhahlameza. Nanifuna amakhoboka namakhobokakazi athengeni ezizweni ezinye, godu ningawathenga phakathi kwabaphalali abakhonze kini kanye nemindeninabo ebelethelwa enarhenenu nehlala nani. Wona-ke alilifa lenu begodu ningawatjhiyela abantwabenu bona abe lilifa labo. Akanisebenzele nini nanini. Kodwana ama-Israyeli wona okubafowenu angakhahlamezani. “Nangabe umfowenu uyakhwahla bese azithengise esikhonzini namkha kumphalali onjingileko nanyana eenzukulwaneni zabo usese nelungelo lokobana ahlengwe emva kokuzithengisa kwakhe. Kufuze ahlengwe ngomunye wabafowabo: Umfowabo kayise, indodana yomfowabo kayise namkha omunye womndeni wekhabo angamhlenga. Kanti-ke nangabe kuyenzeka ahlume angazihlenga yena ngekwakhe. Uzakubonisana naloyo omthengileko, kubalwe ukusukela ngomnyaka azithengisa ngawo bekube mnyaka wokubuyisela: Inani lokuhlengwa kwakhe lizakuya ngesibalo seminyaka eseleko ekusebenzeni kwakhe lapho. Inanelo libe njengelesisebenzi. Nangabe kusasele iminyaka eminengi, kufuze kuthi emalini athengwe ngayo abuyise ingcenye yayo ngokweminyaka eseleko leyo njengesihlengo sakhe. Kodwana nakusele iminyaka embalwa ngaphambi komnyaka wokubuyisela kufuze kutjhejwe lokho: Isihlengo asibe njengokweminyaka eseleko. Emnikazinakhe akabe njengomqatjhwa womnyaka ngomnyaka; niqalisise bona umthengi lo akamkhahlamezi na. Nangabe akukghoneki bona ahlengeke ngeendlelezo, ngomnyaka wokubuyisela kufuze atjhaphuluke nabantwabakhe ngombana kimi ama-Israyeli aziinceku. Iye, aziinceku zami engazenyula enarheni yeGibhide. NginguSomnini uZimenu.” “Ningazenzeli abosingazimu: Ningazijamiseli iinthombembazwa namkha amatje akhethekileko begodu kungabi khona imifanekiso yamatje abaziweko ekhothanyelwako enarhenenu. Mina Somnini nginguZimenu. Londani amaSabatha wami nihloniphe nendawami ecwengileko. NginguSomnini. “Nanikhamba ngeemiso zami, nilonde benenze imiyalwami, khona-ke ngizanipha izulu ngeenkhathi zalo, inarha ibe nesivuno esihle nemithi yommango ithele iinthelo zayo. Nizakubhula iinthoro bekube sikhathi sokuvuna amadiribe, nivune amadiribe bekube sikhathi sokutjala iinthoro. Nizakudla ukudla kwenu nisuthe nihlale enarhenenu niphephile. Inarhenu ngizayipha ukuthula, nilale nitjhaphulukile kungabi nalitho eliniphazamisako. Ngizakususa neembandana eziyingozi enarheni, ngenze kungabi nezipi enarhenenu. Nizakugijimisa izitha zenu, nizirhayile ngesabula. Abahlanu benu bazakugijimisa abalikhulu, kuthi abalikhulu benu bagijimise iinkulungwana ezilitjhumi. Iye, nizakurhayila izitha zenu ngesabula. Ngizanitjheja, ngibusise imbelekwenu benginenze nande. Ngizakuhlala esivumelwaneni sami engasenza nani. Nizakudla isivuno esidala bekube sikhathi sokuvuna esitjha, nitjhidise amasalela ukuze nilonde esitjha. Ngizakuzenzela indawo yokuhlala phakathi kwenu, ngingakghabhudlheki ngani. Ngizakutjhidelana nani; ngibe nguZimu kini, nina nibe babantu bami. NginguSomnini uZimenu owanikhupha enarheni yeGibhide bona ningasabi makhobokawo. Ngiwephulile amajogi agade aseentanyeni zenu nganenza nakhamba amahlombenu aphakamile.” “Nje-ke naningangilaleliko ngokungenzi yoke imiyalwami leyo, nidela iimiso zami nehliziywenu ikghabhudlhwa mithethwami kobana niphambane nemiyalwami yoke bese nephule isivumelwano sami, nakhu engizokwenza kini: Ngizonehlisela isizi, isifo esiqeda amandla, umkhuhlani orhwahlisa amehlo nodambisa ipilo. Nizakutjalela ilize ngombana ukudla kwenu kuzakudliwa zizitha zenu. Ngizanifulathela ukuze izitha zenu zinimadlhe. Nizakubuswa ngabanizondako, nibaleke nanyana kungekho onigijimisako. “Nangabe naphezu kwakho koke lokho anizungilalela, ngizokungezelela isibetho sezono zenu sibuyelelwe kalikhomba: Ngizoniqeda amandla wokuzazi kwenu, ngenze umkayi ngaphezu kwenu ufane nesimbi nehlabathenu ifane nekoporo. Ukusebenza kwenu kuzakuba lilize ngombana amasimenu angeze aba nesivuno nemithi yenarhenenu ayisoze yathela iinthelo zayo. “Nangabe nisaragalala, nala ukungilalela, ngizonehlisela amanye amatlhuwo abe manengi nangaphezu kokubuyelelwe kalikhomba njengokwezono zenu. Ngizokuliselela neembandana zommango zibe hlangana nani bona zitle abantwabenu nefuywenu, zinenze niphunguke ngesibalo ukuze nemizilenu ingasabi nabantu. “Nangabe nangaphezu kwakho koke lokho anifuni ukuzwa, kodwana nisoloko niphambene nami, nami ngizakuphambana nani: Ngimi ozonibetha ngokubuyelelwe kalikhomba ngebanga lezono zenu. Ngizakwehlisela isabula phezu kwenu, yona izakuba sibuyiselelo sokwephula kwenu isivumelwano. Lokha nanibalekela emadorobhenenu, ngizokuthumela izifo phakathi kwenu, niwele ezandleni zesitha. Ngizokwephula umphekgho wesikwa senu bese abafazi abalitjhumi bahlanganyele ekubhageleni imindenabo ipani eyodwa nge-ondweni yinye. Isikwa sakhona sihlukaniselwane ngokulinganisiweko. Nizakudla kodwana ningasuthi. “Nangabe nangaphezu kwezintwezi soloko anifuni ukungilalela kodwana niphambana nami, nami ngizokuphambana nani ngivutha ngobukhali. Ngizonibetha ngokubuyelelwe kalikhomba ngebanga lezono zenu: Nizokudla ngitjho nenyama yamadodanenu, iye neyamadodakazenu niyirhiribidele. Ngizokutjhabalalisa iindunduma zenu, ngiphohloze ama-aldarenu wetjhwalo, ngilahlele iindumbu zenu phezu kweenthombembazwa zenu ezingaphiliko. Ngizokukghabhudlheka ngani. Amadorobhenu ngizowenza amarubhi, iindawo ezicwengileko zenu zibe maqubi. Iminikelwenu angizukuyamukela. Ngizokwenza inarhenu ibe libhudu kangangombana nezitha zenu ezingena kiyo bona zihlale, zikhuze ngayo. “Nina-ke ngizonihlakazela hlangana nezinye izizwe nesabula ihlale irhwatjhiwe ngemuva kwenu. Iye, inarhenu izakuba libhudu namadorobhenu abe marubhi. Ngesikhatheso inarha izakuba nethuba lokuba namaSabatha ebegade inganawo. Iye, lokha naniseenarheni zezitha zenu inarha izabe iphumule, ivuselela iminyaka yamasabhathayo. Ngesikhathi soke inarha isese libhudu, izakuba nokuphumula engazange kheyibe nakho eminyakeni yamaSabatha lokha nanisahlala kiyo. Nakungabanye benu eniseleko, ngizonenza nibe nommoya odanileko eenarheni zezitha zenu. Ngitjho netjhada lokuphephuka kwekari lomuthi lizonenza nibaleke inga mumuntu ubalekela ipi, niwe kungekho onigijimisako! Nizokukhubeka niwelane phezulu kube inga niphepha ibutho, nanyana kungekho onigijimisako. Angeze naba nesibindi sokujamelana nezitha zenu. Niyokufela hlangana nebakosozizwe, niginywe yinarha yezitha zenu. Abanye benu abasaseleko bazokuphela eenarheni zezitha zabo ngebanga lezono zabo nangenca yeemphambeko zaboyisemkhulu. “Nje-ke bazokuvuma izono zabo nezaboyisemkhulu bona akhange bathembeke kimi nokobana baphambene nami kangangobana nami ngaphambana nabo bengabanikela eenarheni zezitha zabo. Nangabe bathoba iinhliziyo zabo ezikhunyaleleko begodu bamukele isibetho sezono zabo, ngizokukhumbula isivumelwano sami engasenza noJakopo, no-Isaka kanye no-Abrahamu, ngikhumbule nenarhabo. Inarha kufuze khebayitjhiye ukuze iphumule, ithabele iminyaka yamaSabathayo ngokungabikho kwabo kiyo, nje-ke bona kufuze bamukele isibetho sezono zabo ngombana bahlubuka imithethwami bebakghabhudlhwa ziimiso zami. “Nanyana baseenarheni zezitha zabo angeze ngabahlubuka namkha bangikghabhudlhe kangangobana ngingabeze ngibabhubhise nya bengephule nesivumelwano sami nabo ngombana nginguSomnini uZimabo. Ngenca yabo ngizakukhumbula isivumelwano sami engasenza naboyisemkhulu lokha nangibenyula tjhatjhalazi phambi kwezizwe enarheni yeGibhide ukuze ngibe nguZimu kibo. NginguSomnini!” Lezo kwaba ziimiso, imithetho kanye nemiyalo uSomnini ayinikela ngoMosi entabeni yeSinayi ukuze yakhe ubudlelwano phakathi kwayo nama-Israyeli. USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi akakhulume nama-Israyeli athi kiwo: “Lokha umuntu enza isithembiso sokuhlukanisela umuntu kuSomnini bese kudingeke bona kubekwe inani lokumhlenga kuzakusetjenziswa imithetho elandelako: Inani lomuntu omduna ukusungula eminyakeni ematjhumi amabili ukuya kwematjhumi asithandathu simagremu amakhulu amahlanu namatjhumi alikhomba wesiliva ngokwesilinganiso sendawo ecwengileko. Nangabe kumumuntu omsikazi kuzakuba magremu amakhulu amathathu namatjhumi amane wesiliva. Nangabe kumumuntu oneminyaka emihlanu ukuya ematjhumini amabili, inani lizakuba magremu amakhulu amabili namatjhumi amathathu wesiliva nakumsana, kube magremu alikhulu netjhumi nahlanu wesiliva nakumntazana. Nangabe kumntwana onenyanga eyodwa ukuya eminyakeni emihlanu, inani lizakuba magremu amatjhumi amahlanu nekhomba wesiliva nakumsanyana, kube magremu amatjhumi amathathu nane wesiliva nakumntazanyana. Nangabe umuntu uneminyaka ematjhumi asithandathu ukudlula, inani lizakuba magremu alikhulu namatjhumi alikhomba wesiliva nakuliqhegu, esilukazini kube magremu alikhulu netjhumi nahlanu. Nangabe owenza isifungo uchake kangangobana uhluleka ukuhlenga umuntu ofungelweko ngokwenani elibekiweko, khona-ke akamlethe phambi komphristi bona kube mphristi ohlosa inani. Umphristi uzakuhlosa inani elingakghonwa ngowenze isifungo. “Nangabe umuntu uthembisa ifuyo kuSomnini ekungaba ngeyomhlabelo, ingekaSomnini. Ifuyo leyo icwengile nomuntu oyinikelako akakavunyelwa ukuyijamiselela. Angayenani ngehle namkha ngembi. Nangabe mbala ujamiselela ifuyo ngenye ifuyo, zombili njalo zingezicwengileko, ngezakaSomnini. “Nangabe umuntu uthembisa uSomnini ifuyo esilapheleko nekungakghonakali bona kwenziwe umhlabelo ngayo, ifuyo leyo ayilethwe phambi komphristi. Umphristi uzabese uhlosa ubungako bayo ngokuqala bona yihle namkha yimbi na. Okuquntwe mphristi ngayo kujamile. Nangabe umniniyo uthanda ukuyihlenga, uzakungezelela ngokwesihlanu sobungako benani lefuyo leyo. “Lokha umuntu ahlukanisela indlwakhe uSomnini, icwengile kuSomnini. Umphristi kufuze ahlose ubungako benani layo ngokuqala bona yihle namkha yimbi na. Okuquntwe mphristi ngayo kujamile. Nangabe umniniyo uthanda ukuyihlenga, uzakungezelela ngokwesihlanu sobungako benani lendlu leyo. Nje-ke izakuba ngeyakhe godu. “Nangabe umuntu wahlukanisela uSomnini ingcenye yesimu elilifa lakhe, ubungako benani lesimu leyo kufuze buhloswe ngokulinganiswa kwembewu etjalwa kiyo: Intundu eyodwa kadumbana yebhali ibiza amagremu amakhulu amahlanu namatjhumi alikhomba wesiliva. Nakubana uhlukanisela isimakhe ukusukela ngomnyaka wokubuyisela, inani layo lizakuhlala lijamile. Kodwana nakube uhlukanisela isimakhe emva komnyaka wokubuyisela, umphristi kufuze abale iminyaka eseleko bese wehlisa inani. Nangabe ohlukanisela ngesimakhe usafuna ukuyihlenga, uzakungezelela ngokwesihlanu sobungako benani lesimu leyo. Nje-ke izakuba ngeyakhe godu. Kodwana nangayihlengiko bese uthengisela omunye umuntu ilungelo lokuyisebenzisa, angekhe asayihlenga godu. Kuzakuthi lokha nayitjhatjhululwako ngomnyaka wokubuyisela, ibe ngecwengileko kuSomnini. Njengesimu ezilwako iba ngeyabaphristi, kube lilifa labo. Nangabe umuntu uhlukanisela uSomnini isimu anelungelo lokuyisebenzisa nekungasiyo ingcenye yelifa lakhe, umphristi kufuze abale inani lokuhlengwa kwayo bekube mnyaka wokubuyisela. Umuntu loyo uzakukhokha khona mhlokho inani lokuhlengwa njengesipho esikhethekileko kuSomnini. Ngomnyaka wokubuyisela isimu izakubuyela keyathengwa kuye, ekunguye umniniyo ngokwelifa. Koke ukuhlosa kufuze kwenziwe ngokwesilinganiso sendawo ecwengileko. “Khumbulani bona amazibulo wefuyo angawakaSomnini, nje-ke akungabi khona owahlukanisela uSomnini. Kungaba ngelekomo namkha lemvu lingelikaSomnini. Kodwana nangabe ngelefuyo esilapheleko, umninilo kufuze alihlenge ngenani elibekwe phezu kwalo bese angezelele ngokwesihlanu. Nakube alikahlengwa lizakuthengiswa ngenani lalo esele libekiwe. “Khumbulani bona nanyana yini umuntu azilela ngayo uSomnini epahlenakhe angeze yathengiswa namkha ihlengwe, kungaba mumuntu, isilwana namkha ingcenye yesimu yelifa lakhe. Koke okuzilelwa ngakho uSomnini kucwenge khulu kuSomnini. Umuntu osele azilelwe kuSomnini, akabulawe; angeze asahlengwa. “Koke kwetjhumi kwenarha, kungaba ngokweenthoro namkha kweenthelo, kungokwakaSomnini. Yeke kucwengile kuSomnini. Nangabe umuntu ufuna ukuhlenga nanyana yini yokwetjhumi kwakhe, kufuze angezelele ngokwesihlanu enanini lentweleyo. Koke kwetjhumi kwemihlambi yeenkomo namkha kwezimvu neembuzi, okutjho lokho okudlula ngaphasi kwentonga yomelusi, kucwengile kuSomnini. Umuntu akukafuzi aqale bona kuhle namkha kumbi nanyana akwenane ngokhunye. Nangabe mbala ujamiselela ifuyo ngenye ifuyo, zombili njalo zingezicwengileko, ngezikaSomnini. Akukafaneli bona zihlengwe.” Leyo miyalo uSomnini ayala ngayo uMosi entabeni yeSinayi mayelana nama-Israyeli. USomnini wakhuluma noMosi asetendeni lokuhlanganela erhalawumbeni leSinayi ngelanga lokuthoma enyangeni yesibili ngomnyaka wesibili, emva kokuphuma kwama-Israyeli enarheni yeGibhide wathi: “Balani umkhambathi woke wama-Israyeli ngokweenkoro, ngemindeni yaboyise, ngezindlu zabo, iye, boke abaduna, umuntu nomuntu ukusukela kwabaneminyaka ematjhumi amabili ukuya phezulu. Boke kwa-Israyeli abasele balungele ukuya epini, batloliseni wena no-Aroni ngokwamabuthwabo. Kufuze kube nendoda yinye eyihloko yomndeni kileyo naleyo koro ekumele inisize ukubala. Naka-ke amabizo wamadoda ekufuze anisize: “KebakwaRubeni ngu-Elitsuri umsa kaTjhedewuri, kwaSimiyoni nguTjhelumiyeli umsa kaTsuritjhadayi, kwaJuda nguNarhitjhoni umsa ka-Aminadaba, kwa-Isakari nguNataneli umsa kaTsuwari, kwaZebuloni ngu-Eliyabu umsa kaRheloni, emadodaneni kaJosefa: ku-Efrayimu ngu-Elitjhama umsa ka-Amihudi, kuManase kube nguGamaliyeli umsa kaPedatsuri, kwaBhenjamini ngu-Abidani umsa kaGidiyoni, kwaDani ngu-Arhiyezeri umsa ka-Amitjhadayi, kwa-Atjheri nguPagiyiyeli umsa ka-Okirani, kwaGadi ngu-Eliyasafa umsa kaDewuyeli, kwaNafitali ngu-Arhira umsa ka-Enani.” Labo-ke ngibo abakhethwa emkhambathini bona babe barholi beenkoro zaboyise, babekwa baba ziinhloko zamabutho wakwa-Israyeli. UMosi no-Aroni babiza amadoda akhethiweko lawo, kwabizwa nomkhambathi woke ngelanga lokuthoma lenyanga yesibili. Boke abaduna, umuntu nomuntu, ukusukela kwabaneminyaka ematjhumi amabili ukuya phezulu batloliswa ngokweenkoro, ngemindeni yaboyise nangokwezindlu zabo. Kwaba njengombana uSomnini bekayale uMosi. Lokha natlolisa abantu erhalawumbeni leSinayi, iinzukulwana zakwaRubeni olizibulo laka-Israyeli beziziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amane nesithandathu namakhulu amahlanu. Kwabalwa umuntu nomuntu ngokweenkoro, ngemindeni yaboyise nangokwezindlu zabo, boke abaduna abasele balungele ukuya epini, okutjho abaneminyaka ematjhumi amabili ukuya phezulu. Iinzukulwana zakwaSimiyoni beziziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amahlanu nethoba namakhulu amathathu. Kwabalwa umuntu nomuntu ngokweenkoro, ngemindeni yaboyise nangokwezindlu zabo, boke abaduna abasele balungele ukuya epini, okutjho abaneminyaka ematjhumi amabili ukuya phezulu. Iinzukulwana zakwaGadi beziziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amane nahlanu namakhulu asithandathu namatjhumi amahlanu. Kwabalwa ngokweenkoro, ngemindeni yaboyise nangokwezindlu zabo, boke abaduna abasele balungele ukuya epini, okutjho abaneminyaka ematjhumi amabili ukuya phezulu. Iinzukulwana zakwaJuda beziziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi alikhomba nane namakhulu asithandathu. Kwabalwa ngokweenkoro, ngemindeni yaboyise nangokwezindlu zabo, boke abaduna abasele balungele ukuya epini, okutjho abaneminyaka ematjhumi amabili ukuya phezulu. Iinzukulwana zakwa-Isakari beziziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amahlanu nane namakhulu amane. Kwabalwa ngokweenkoro, ngemindeni yaboyise nangokwezindlu zabo, boke abaduna abasele balungele ukuya epini, okutjho abaneminyaka ematjhumi amabili ukuya phezulu. Iinzukulwana zakwaZebuloni beziziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amahlanu nalikhomba namakhulu amane. Kwabalwa ngokweenkoro, ngemindeni yaboyise nangokwezindlu zabo, boke abaduna abasele balungele ukuya epini, okutjho abaneminyaka ematjhumi amabili ukuya phezulu. Iinzukulwana zakwaJosefa beziziinkoro ezimbili, okutjho u-Efrayimu noManase: Iinzukulwana zakwa-Efrayimu beziziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amane namakhulu amahlanu. Kwabalwa ngokweenkoro, ngemindeni yaboyise nangokwezindlu zabo, boke abaduna abasele balungele ukuya epini, okutjho abaneminyaka ematjhumi amabili ukuya phezulu. Neenzukulwana zakwaManase beziziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amathathu nambili namakhulu amabili. Kwabalwa ngokweenkoro, ngemindeni yaboyise nangokwezindlu zabo, boke abaduna abasele balungele ukuya epini, okutjho abaneminyaka ematjhumi amabili ukuya phezulu. Iinzukulwana zakwaBhenjamini beziziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amathathu nahlanu namakhulu amane. Kwabalwa ngokweenkoro, ngemindeni yaboyise nangokwezindlu zabo, boke abaduna abasele balungele ukuya epini, okutjho abaneminyaka ematjhumi amabili ukuya phezulu. Iinzukulwana zakwaDani beziziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi asithandathu nambili namakhulu alikhomba. Kwabalwa ngokweenkoro, ngemindeni yaboyise nangokwezindlu zabo, boke abaduna abasele balungele ukuya epini, okutjho abaneminyaka ematjhumi amabili ukuya phezulu. Iinzukulwana zakwa-Atjheri beziziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amane nanye namakhulu amahlanu. Kwabalwa ngokweenkoro, ngemindeni yaboyise nangokwezindlu zabo, boke abaduna abasele balungele ukuya epini, okutjho abaneminyaka ematjhumi amabili ukuya phezulu. Iinzukulwana zakwaNafitali beziziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amahlanu nantathu namakhulu amane. Kwabalwa ngokweenkoro, ngemindeni yaboyise nangokwezindlu zabo, boke abaduna abasele balungele ukuya epini, okutjho abaneminyaka ematjhumi amabili ukuya phezulu. Ngilawo-ke amadoda uMosi no-Aroni abawatlolisa ngokusizwa ziinhloko zemindeni ezilitjhumi nambili ezazijamele ikoro nekoro kwa-Israyeli. Nje-ke boke abatloliswako kwa-Israyeli ngemindeni yaboyise, okutjho abaneminyaka ematjhumi amabili ukuya phezulu abasele balungele ukuya epini, bebaziinkulungwana ezimakhulu asithandathu nantathu namakhulu amahlanu namatjhumi amahlanu. Ikoro yakwaLevi yona akhange itloliswe neenkoro ezinye ngombana uSomnini gade athe kuMosi: “Ungatlolisi ikoro yakwaLevi begodu ungayifaki esibalweni seenkoro zakwa-Israyeli. Kodwana beka amaLevi bona aphathe ithaberinakeli lobufakazi, ipahlalo kanye nakho koke kwalo. Wona kufuze athwale ithaberinakeli nepahlalo yoke begodu aleluse. Akakhe amatendawo magegana nalo. Lokha ithaberinakeli nalithuthwako, lizakuwiswa maLevi. Godu nalihlonywako, maLevi azalijamisa. Nanyana ngubani omunye ozakutjhidela kilo akabulawe. Ngesikhathi ama-Israyeli ahlome amatendawo ekampeni ebaleni lawo ngokwamabuthwawo, enye nenye ikoro ngaphasi kwesibekiso sayo, amaLevi wona akahlome amatendawo magegana nethaberinakeli lobufakazi ukuze ilaka lami lingavutheli emkhambathini wama-Israyeli. MaLevi azakulawula ethaberinakelini lobufakazi.” Ama-Israyeli enza koke uSomnini ayala ngakho uMosi bona kwenziwe. USomnini wakhuluma noMosi no-Aroni wathi: “Lokha ama-Israyeli nakahloma amatendawo kufuze ahlome magegana netende lokuhlanganela kudanyana nalo. Omunye nomunye ahlome itende lakhe esibekisweni sekoro yekhabo ngokwetshwayo lomndeni waboyise. “BakwaJuda kufuze bahlome amatendabo esibekisweni sabo ukuyela ngepumalanga. Umrholi wekoro yakwaJuda kube nguNarhitjhoni umsa ka-Aminadaba. Abatlolisweko bebutho lakhe bazakuba ziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi alikhomba nane namakhulu asithandathu. Bakwa-Isakari kufuze bahlome amatendabo ngehlangothini lakwaJuda. Umrholi wekoro leyo kube nguNataneli umsa kaTsuwari. Abatlolisweko bebutho lakhe bazakuba ziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amahlanu nane namakhulu amane. BakwaZebuloni nabo bahlome khonapho. Umrholi wekoro leyo kube ngu-Eliyabu umsa kaRheloni. Abatlolisweko bebutho lakhe bazakuba ziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amahlanu nalikhomba namakhulu amane. Isibalo soke samabutho ahlome noJuda sizakuba ziinkulungwana ezilikhulu namatjhumi abunane nasithandathu namakhulu amane wabatlolisweko. Ngibo abazakuphuma qangi. “Isibekiso sakwaRubeni sizakuba ngesewula lapha bazakuhloma khona amatendabo. Umrholi wekoro leyo kube ngu-Elitsuri umsa kaTjhedewuri. Abatlolisweko bebutho lakhe bazakuba ziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amane nasithandathu namakhulu amahlanu. BakwaSimiyoni kufuze bahlome amatendabo ngehlangothini lakwaRubeni. Umrholi wekoro leyo kube nguTjhelumiyeli umsa kaTsuritjhadayi. Abatlolisweko bebutho lakhe bazakuba ziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amahlanu nalithoba namakhulu amathathu. BakwaGadi nabo bahlome khonapho. Umrholi wekoro leyo kube ngu-Eliyasafa umsa kaDewuyeli. Abatlolisweko bebutho lakhe bazakuba ziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amane nahlanu namakhulu asithandathu namatjhumi amahlanu. Isibalo soke samabutho ahlome noRubeni sizakuba ziinkulungwana ezilikhulu namatjhumi amahlanu nanye namakhulu amane namatjhumi amahlanu. Ngibo abazakuphuma kwesibili. “Ngemva kwalokho itende lokuhlanganela lizakuwiswa kanye nekampa yamaLevi ephakathi kweenkampa ezinye. Ama-Israyeli azakuwisa amatendawo ngendlela awahlome ngayo, ikoro ngekoro endawenayo njengokwesibekiso. “Isibekiso sakwa-Efrayimu sizakuba ngetjingalanga lapha bazakuhloma khona amatendabo. Umrholi wekoro leyo kube ngu-Elitjhama umsa ka-Amihudi. Abatlolisweko bebutho lakhe bazakuba ziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amane namakhulu amahlanu. BakwaManase kufuze bahlome amatendabo ngehlangothini lakwa-Efrayimu. Umrholi wekoro leyo kube nguGamaliyeli umsa kaPedatsuri. Abatlolisweko bebutho lakhe bazakuba ziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amathathu nambili namakhulu amabili. BakwaBhenjamini nabo bahlome khonapho. Umrholi wekoro leyo kube ngu-Abidani umsa kaGidiyoni. Abatlolisweko bebutho lakhe bazakuba ziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amathathu nahlanu namakhulu amane. Isibalo soke samabutho ahlome no-Efrayimu sizakuba ziinkulungwana ezilikhulu nabunane nekhulu. Ngibo abazakuphuma kwesithathu. “Isibekiso sakwaDani sizakuba ngetlhagwini lapha bazakuhloma khona amatendabo. Umrholi wekoro leyo kube ngu-Arhiyezeri umsa ka-Amitjhadayi. Abatlolisweko bebutho lakhe bazakuba ziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi asithandathu nambili namakhulu alikhomba. Bakwa-Atjheri kufuze bahlome amatendabo ngehlangothini lakwaDani. Umrholi wekoro leyo kube nguPagiyiyeli umsa ka-Okirani. Abatlolisweko bebutho lakhe bazakuba ziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amane nanye namakhulu amahlanu. BakwaNafitali nabo bahlome khonapho. Umrholi wekoro leyo kube ngu-Arhira umsa ka-Enani. Abatlolisweko bebutho lakhe bazakuba ziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amahlanu nantathu namakhulu amane. Isibalo soke samabutho ahlome noDani sizakuba ziinkulungwana ezilikhulu namatjhumi amahlanu nalikhomba namakhulu asithandathu. Ngibo abazakuphuma kokugcina ngaphasi kwesibekiso sabo.” Lawo-ke ma-Israyeli atloliswa ngokuya ngokwezindlu zaboyise. Isibalo sawo woke atloliswako ngokwamabuthwawo saba ziinkulungwana ezimakhulu asithandathu nantathu namakhulu amahlanu namatjhumi amahlanu. Ikoro yakwaLevi yona akhange itloliswe neenkoro ezinye. Kwaba njengombana uSomnini bakayale uMosi. Ama-Israyeli enza koke uSomnini ebe ayale uMosi ngakho. Nje-ke ahloma amatendawo ngokweembekiso zawo begodu aphuma ngokwemindeni yaboyise nangokwezindlu zawo. Naku-ke umlando weenzukulwana zaka-Aroni noMosi ngesikhathi uSomnini akhuluma noMosi entabeni yeSinayi: Amabizo wamadodana ka-Aroni bekunguNadaba izibulo, alanywe ngu-Abihu, u-Elazara no-Itamara. Lawo-ke mabizo wamadodana ka-Aroni abaphristi abazesiweko ebegade ajanyiswe kobana abe baphristi. Kodwana uNadaba no-Abihu bafela phambi kwakaSomnini erhalawumbeni leSinayi lokha nabatjhidela e-aldarini namalahle atjhili. Bebanganabantwana. Ngu-Elazara no-Itamara kwaphela abasala bona balotjhe njengabaphristi ngesikhathi saka-Aroni uyise. Yeke uSomnini wathi kuMosi: “Tjhideza ikoro yakwaLevi bese uyibeka ngaphasi kwelawulo laka-Aroni umphristi. Kufuze imsekele ngokwenza imisebenzakhe phambi kwetende lokuhlanganela kanye neyomkhambathi woke, okutjho imisebenzi okufanele iyenze ethaberinakelini. AmaLevi kufuze atjheje yoke ipahla yetende lokuhlanganela begodu enze imisebenzi yethaberinakeli esikhundleni sama-Israyeli. Beka amaLevi aphelele emsebenzini ka-Aroni namadodanakhe. Kufuze abasize ngehlangothini lama-Israyeli. Kodwana u-Aroni namadodanakhe ababekwe bona benze umsebenzi wobuphristi. Nange kungaba khona omunye othatha umsebenzabo, akabulawe.” USomnini wakhuluma noMosi godu wathi: “Qala, ngimi okhethe amaLevi hlangana nama-Israyeli kobana ajamele woke amazibulo, okutjho koke okuphume qangi esibelethweni. Iye, amaLevi azakuba ngewami ngombana woke amazibulo ngewami. Kwathi lokha nangimadlha phasi woke amazibulo wenarheni yeGibhide, ngazihlukanisela woke amazibulo aduna, wabantu neweenlwana kwa-Israyeli; nje-ke angewami. NginguSomnini.” USomnini wabuye wakhuluma noMosi erhalawumbeni leSinayi wathi: “Tlolisa amaLevi ngokwezindlu zaboyise nangemindenawo. Boke abaduna ukusukela esaneni lenyanga ukuya phezulu kufuze batloliswe.” Nje-ke uMosi wawatlolisa ukuya ngelizwi lakaSomnini. Wenza njengombana bekayaliwe. Naka-ke amadodana kaLevi ngokwamabizwawo: NguGeritjhoni, uKhehathi noMerari. Amabizo wamadodana kaGeritjhoni ngokwemindenawo kunguLibini noTjhimeyi. WakaKhehathi ngokwemindenawo kungu-Amramu, uYitsihari, uRhebroni no-Uziyeli. WakaMerari ngokwemindenawo, kunguMarhili noMutjhi. Leyo-ke bekumindeni yamaLevi ngokwezindlu zaboyise. KuGeritjhoni kudabuka imindeni yamaLibini neyamaTjhimeyi. Leyo-ke bekumindeni kaGeritjhoni. Isibalo sabo boke abaduna abatlolisweko bemindeni le, ukusukela esaneni lenyanga ukuya phezulu, besiziinkulungwana ezilikhomba namakhulu amahlanu. Umndeni kaGeritjhoni lo, bekufuze uhlome amatendawo ngemuva kwethaberinakeli nca ngetjingalanga. Umrholi womndeni kaGeritjhoni bekungu-Eliyasafa umsa kaLayela. AmaGeritjhoni bekufuze atjheje itende lokuhlanganela: ithaberinakeli netende, okutjho isigubuzeso sethaberinakeli, itjhila lomnyango wetende lokuhlanganela, imilembelembe yesirhodlo, isivalo sesango lesirhodlo esizombeleze ithaberinakeli ne-aldari kanye neentambo zakhona. Koke okuphathelene nalokho bekumsebenzawo. KuKhehathi kudabuka imindeni yama-Amramu, yamaYitsihari, yamaRhebroni neyama-Uziyeli. Leyo-ke bekumindeni kaKhehathi. Isibalo sabo boke abaduna abatlolisweko bemindeni le, ukusukela esaneni lenyanga ukuya phezulu, besiziinkulungwana ezibunane namakhulu asithandathu. Umndeni lo bekufuze utjheje ipahla yendawo ecwengileko. AmaKhehathi la bekufuze ahlome amatendawo ngehlangothini langesewula yethaberinakeli. Umrholi womndeni kaKhehathi bekungu-Elitsafani umsa ka-Uziyeli. Imisebenzi yamaKhehathi beyiphathelene nokutjheja umfaji wesivumelwano, itafula, ilithi leembani, ama-aldari, izitja zendawo ecwengileko ezisetjenziswa baphristi kanye nesiyaya sendawo ecwenge khulu. Koke okuphathelene nalokho bekumsebenzawo. U-Elazara umsa ka-Aroni umphristi, bekayinduna ekulu yamaLevi begodu bekufuze abe nelihlo phezu kwabatjheji bendawo ecwengileko. KuMerari kudabuka imindeni yamaMarhili neyamaMutjhi. Leyo-ke bekumindeni kaMerari. Isibalo sabo boke abaduna abatlolisweko bemindeni le, ukusukela esaneni lenyanga ukuya phezulu, besiziinkulungwana ezisithandathu namakhulu amabili. Umrholi womndeni kaMerari bekunguTsuriyeli umsa ka-Abirhayili. AmaMerari bekufuze ahlome amatendawo ngehlangothini langetlhagwini yethaberinakeli. Imisebenzi yamaMerari beyiphathelene nokutjheja amahlaka wethaberinakeli, iinqabo, iinsika namanzinziswalo kanye nazo zoke iinsetjenziswa zakhona. Koke okuphathelene nalokho bekumsebenzawo. Godu bekufuze atjheje iinsika ezizombeleze isirhodlo namanzinziswazo, iinkhonkhwani kanye neentambo zakhona. Labo ebekufuze bahlome amatendabo ngaphambi kwethaberinakeli, ngehlangothini langepumalanga yetende lokuhlanganela, nguMosi no-Aroni kanye namadodanakhe. Ngibo ebe baqalene nokulotjha endaweni ecwengileko esikhundleni sama-Israyeli. Nanyana ngubani omunye ozakutjhidela eendaweni ezikhethiselako, akabulawe. Isibalo samaLevi esatloliswa nguMosi no-Aroni ngokomyalo kaSomnini, besiziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili nambili. Bekutloliswe boke abaduna ngokwemindeni ukusukela esaneni lenyanga ukuya phezulu. Godu uSomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi: “Yewutlolise woke amazibulo aduna kwa-Israyeli ukusukela esaneni lenyanga ukuya phezulu, uwabale ngokwamabizwawo. Esikhundleni samazibulo woke aduna wama-Israyeli, ngihlukanisela amaLevi, nesikhundleni samazibulo wefuyo yama-Israyeli ungihlukanisele amazibulo wefuyo yamaLevi. NginguSomnini.” Nje-ke uMosi watlolisa woke amazibulo hlangana nama-Israyeli njengombana uSomnini bekamyalile. Isibalo sabatlolisweko, okutjho boke abaduna abamazibulo ukusukela esaneni lenyanga ukuya phezulu, besiziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili nambili namakhulu amabili namatjhumi alikhomba nantathu. USomnini wabuya wakhuluma noMosi wathi: “Ngihlukanisela amaLevi esikhundleni samazibulo woke wama-Israyeli nefuyo yamaLevi esikhundleni sefuyo yama-Israyeli. Iye, amaLevi ngewami. NginguSomnini. Amazibulo amakhulu amabili namatjhumi alikhomba nantathu wama-Israyeli angaphezulu kwesibalo samaLevi kufuze ahlengwe. Umuntu ngamunye akahlengwe ngeempaparwana ezihlanu zesiliva okumagremu amatjhumi amahlanu nahlanu ngokwesilinganiso sendawo ecwengileko. Thatha koke lokho ukunikele u-Aroni namadodanakhe kube sihlengo samazibulo wama-Israyeli angaphezulu kwesibalo samaLevi.” Nje-ke uMosi wabuthelela isiliva yesihlengo ebantwini abangaphezulu kwesibalo sabahlengwe maLevi. Isiliva ayibuthelele emazibulweni wama-Israyeli leyo, yaba makhilogremu alitjhumi nahlanu nesiquntu ngokwesilinganiso sendawo ecwengileko. Ngokunjalo-ke uMosi wanikela u-Aroni namadodanakhe isiliva yesihlengo ngokuya ngelizwi lakaSomnini. Kwaba njengombana uSomnini bekamyalile. USomnini wakhuluma noMosi no-Aroni wathi: “Emadodaneni kaLevi, bala amaKhehathi ngokwemindeni nangezindlu zaboyise. Utlolise ukusukela kwabaneminyaka ematjhumi amathathu ukuya ematjhumini amahlanu, okutjho boke ekufuze balotjhe bebasebenze etendeni lokuhlanganela.” “Naku umsebenzi wamadodana kaKhehathi etendeni lokuhlanganela endaweni ecwenge khulu: Lokha ikampa yama-Israyeli nayifuduswako, u-Aroni namadodanakhe kufuze bangene ngetendeni behlise isiyaya sendawo ecwenge khulu bese bembesa umfaji wobufakazi ngaso. Bazagubuzesa umfaji lowo ngesikhumba esitjhukiweko, godu baleke nangetjhila elihlaza komkayi koke bese bahlomela iingodo zakhona. “Endaweni ecwengileko, phezu kwetafula elinezikwa ezibekwa phambi kwakaZimu, abaleke itjhila elihlaza komkayi. Izikwa azihlale zisetafulenapho ngeenkhathi zoke. Ababeke phezu kwetjhilelo izitja ezihlukahlukeneko kanye neenkapho nemijeka yokuvubela umnikelo wewayini. Abagubuzese koke lokho ngetjhila elitlerebede bese baleka ngesikhumba esitjhukiweko ngaphezulu, bahlomele neengodo zakhona. Bazakuthatha itjhila elihlaza komkayi bembese ngalo ilithi leembani lokukhanyisa neembani zakhona, iincimasibani nezitjana zalo kanye nezitja zamafutha weembani abazisebenzisa kilo. Nje-ke ababeke ilithi leembanelo nazo zoke izitja zalo phezu kwesikhumba esitjhukiweko. Koke lokho kukhwezwe phezu kwehlaka. Godu bazakwendlala itjhila elihlaza komkayi phezu kwe-aldari legolide, baleke itjhilelo ngesikhumba esitjhukiweko bese balihlomela iingodo zalo. Abathathe zoke izitja ezisetjenziswa endaweni ecwengileko bazibeke etjhileni elihlaza komkayi, baleke ngesikhumba esitjhukiweko ngaphezulu bese bazikhweza ehlakeni. Abakhuphe umlotha e-aldarini bese balembesa ngetjhila elibubende. Babeke phezu kwe-aldarelo zoke iinsetjenziswa zalo okulotjhwa ngazo kilo. Lokhu kufaka hlangana izitja zokutjhisela itjhwalo, iimforogo, iintjhefula, izitja zokunyenyeza, iye, zoke izitja ze-aldari. Abalileke ngesikhumba esitjhukiweko bese balihlomela iingodo zalo. U-Aroni namadodanakhe nasele baqedile ukwembesa ipahla yendawo ecwengileko nazo zoke iinsetjenziswa zayo, nakufuzwa ikampa, amadodana kaKhehathi kufuze eze athwale ipahla. Kodwana angathinti izinto ezicwengileko zingakembeswa ukuze angafi. Lezo-ke bekuzizinto zetende lokuhlanganela amadodana kaKhehathi ebekufuze azithwale. “U-Elazara umsa ka-Aroni umphristi, nguye ekufuze aqaphele amafutha weembani, amakha wetjhwalo, umnikelo weenthoro wemihla ngemihla kanye namafutha wokuzesa. Godu kufuze abe nelihlo phezu kwethaberinakeli nezintweni zoke ezingaphakathi kwalo, ngitjho nakiyo yoke indawo ecwengileko kanye nezitja zayo.” Godu uSomnini wakhuluma noMosi no-Aroni wathi: “Qinisekisani bonyana indlu kaKhehathi iyagcineka hlangana namaLevi. AmaKhehathi gade angakafuzi ukungena ngendaweni ecwengileko bona alunguze izinto ezicwengileko ngitjho nanyana beyingakafuzwa ngombana bekazakufa. Ukuze ahlale agcinekile nakhu okuzakwenziwa: U-Aroni namadodanakhe abawathathe bawatjengise omunye nomunye umsebenzakhe wokuthwala izintwezo ngombana azakuhlongakala lokha natjhidela ezintweni ezicwenge khulu.” USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi: “Godu bala amaGeritjhoni ngezindlu zaboyise nangokwemindeni. Utlolise ukusukela kwabaneminyaka ematjhumi amathathu ukuya ematjhumini amahlanu, okutjho boke ekufuze balotjhe bebasebenze etendeni lokuhlanganela. Naku umsebenzi wemindeni yamaGeritjhoni ekulotjheni nekuthwaleni imithwalo: Kuzakufanela bona ithwale amatjhila wethaberinakeli, itende lokulembesa, iinkhumba ezitjhukiweko ezelekwa phezu kwetendelo, itjhila lomnyango wetende lokuhlanganela, imilembelembe yesirhodlo, itjhila lokuvala isango lesirhodlo esizombeleze ithaberinakeli ne-aldari, iintambo zesirhodlo kanye nazo zoke iinsetjenziswa zakhona. Koke okuphathelene nokutjhwiweko kumsebenzi yemindeni yamaGeritjhoni. Woke umsebenzi wokuthwala uzakwenziwa maGeritjhoni ngomyalo ka-Aroni namadodanakhe. Wena-ke Mosi no-Aroni kufuze nibatjengise koke okumele bakuthwale. Lowo-ke kuzakuba msebenzi wemindeni yamaGeritjhoni etendeni lokuhlanganela. Imisebenzayo izakuba ngaphasi kwesandla saka-Itamara, umsa ka-Aroni umphristi.” Godu uSomnini wathi: “AmaMerari nawo uwabale ngokwemindenawo nangezindlu zaboyise. Utlolise ukusukela kwabaneminyaka ematjhumi amathathu ukuya ematjhumini amahlanu, okutjho boke ekufuze balotjhe bebasebenze etendeni lokuhlanganela. Naku umsebenzi wamaMerari wokuthwala etendeni lokuhlanganela: Akathwale amahlaka wethaberinakeli neenqabo zawo, iinsika, amanzinziso, iinsika magegana nesirhodlo namanzinziso wazo, iinkhonkhwani ezibamba isirhodlo, iintambo kanye nazo zoke iinsetjenziswa zakhona. Wena Mosi no-Aroni niyitjho ngamabizo ipahla ekufuze ithwalwe madoda lawo. Lowo-ke kuzakuba msebenzi wemindeni yamaMerari etendeni lokuhlanganela. Imisebenzayo izakuba ngaphasi kwesandla saka-Itamara, umsa ka-Aroni umphristi.” UMosi no-Aroni kanye nabarholi bomkhambathi babala amaKhehathi ngokwemindeni nangezindlu zaboyise. Batlolisa ukusukela kwabaneminyaka ematjhumi amathathu ukuya ematjhumini amahlanu, okutjho boke ekufuze balotjhe bebasebenze etendeni lokuhlanganela. Abatlolisweko ngokwemindenabo baba ziinkulungwana ezimbili namakhulu alikhomba namatjhumi amahlanu. Leso-ke bekusibalo semindeni yamaKhehathi agade asebenza etendeni lokuhlanganela nagade atloliswe nguMosi no-Aroni. Kwaba njengombana uSomnini bekayale uMosi. Abatlolisweko bamaGeritjhoni ngokwemindeni nangezindlu zaboyise ukusukela kwabaneminyaka ematjhumi amathathu ukuya ematjhumini amahlanu, okutjho boke ekufuze balotjhe bebasebenze etendeni lokuhlanganela, bebaziinkulungwana ezimbili namakhulu asithandathu namatjhumi amathathu. Leso-ke bekusibalo semindeni yamaGeritjhoni agade asebenza etendeni lokuhlanganela nagade atloliswe nguMosi no-Aroni. Kwaba njengombana uSomnini bekayalile. Abatlolisweko bamaMerari ngokwemindeni nezindlu zaboyise, ukusukela kwabaneminyaka ematjhumi amathathu ukuya ematjhumini amahlanu, okutjho boke ekufuze balotjhe bebasebenze etendeni lokuhlanganela, bebaziinkulungwana ezintathu namakhulu amabili. Leso-ke bekusibalo semindeni yamaMerari agade asebenza etendeni lokuhlanganela nagade atloliswe nguMosi no-Aroni. Kwaba njengombana uSomnini bekayale uMosi. Boke ababalwako bamaLevi abatloliswa nguMosi, u-Aroni nabarholi bama-Israyeli ngokwemindeni nangezindlu zaboyise, ukusukela kwabaneminyaka ematjhumi amathathu ukuya ematjhumini amahlanu, okutjho boke ekufuze benze umsebenzi wokuthwala etendeni lokuhlanganela, bebaziinkulungwana ezibunane namakhulu amahlanu namatjhumi abunane. Ngokuya ngomyalo kaSomnini kuMosi, ngiloyo naloyo wanikelwa umsebenzi nalokho ekumele akuthwale etendeni lokuhlanganela njengokutloliswa kwabo. Kwaba njengombana uSomnini ayale uMosi. USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi: “Yala ama-Israyeli bona akhuphele ngaphandle kwekampa boke abanekhwekhwe, woke onokuvuza namkha loyo osilaphele ngokuthintana nesidumbu. Nikhuphe omduna nomsikazi ngokufanako. Bakhupheleni ngaphandle kwekampa ukuze bangasilaphazi ikampabo ngombana ngihlala phakathi kwabo.” Ngambala ama-Israyeli enza njalo, abakhuphela ngaphandle kwekampa. Iye, enza njengombana uSomnini bekayale uMosi. Godu uSomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi akakhulume nama-Israyeli athi: “Nangabe indoda namkha umfazi wenza nanyana ngisiphi isono kowekhabo ngendlela leyo one kuSomnini, uzakuba nomlandu. Kufuze avume isono asenzilekweso, ahlawule nokona kwakhe ngokupheleleko begodu angezelele kwesihlanu ehlawulwenakhe. Uzakunikela lokho kiloyo amonileko. Nangabe umoniwa akasekho begodu akanamjameli ongamukela ihlawulo yomoni, khona ihlawulo yomlandu leyo ayisiwe kuSomnini kobana ibe ngeyomphristi. Ihlawulo leyo ayinikelwe neqama lokuthethelela ukuze umphristi enzele umoni itethelelo kuSomnini. Godu eemphiweni ezikhethekileko ama-Israyeli aziletha kumphristi, umnikelo osibiko kuSomnini uzakuba ngowomphristi. Umuntu angahlosa bona ufuna ukwenzani ngezipho zakhe ezikhethekileko, kodwana nangabe sele anikele isipho kumphristi angeze asasibuyisela kuye godu.” USomnini wabuya wakhuluma noMosi wathi akakhulume nama-Israyeli athi: “Nangabe umfazi akathembeki endodenakhe ngokuhlobonga, azebe nenye indoda, kodwana kufihlakale endodenakhe begodu kungeze kwazeka bonyana uzisilaphazile ngombana angakhange abanjwe nobufakazi bungekho, kwenzeke indodakhe ingenwe mumoya wesikhwele imsolele bona usilaphele, indoda leyo kuzakufanela ilethe umkayo loyo kumphristi. Lokhu kufuze kwenziwe nalokha iba nesikhwele nokumsolela, khibe akakazisilaphazi. Ayilethe nomnikelo ofunekako ngomfazi loyo okutjho ithungana leflowuru yebhali. Ingatheli amafutha we-oliva phezu kwayo begodu ingafaki amakha kiyo ngombana imunikelo weenthoro ngebanga lesikhwele, umnikelo weenthoro wokuveza bona umfazi unomlandu namkha akanamlandu. “Umphristi uzakutjhideza umfazi loyo, amjamise phambi kwakaSomnini. Uzakukha amanzi acwengileko ngesitjeni somdaka bese ukha ihlabathi phasi ngethaberinakelini ayithele ngemanzinapho. Ngemva kobana umphristi ajamise umfazi loyo phambi kwakaSomnini, uzamtlharulula iinhluthu ehloko bese ubeka ezandleni zakhe umnikelo weenthoro osikhumbuzo, okumnikelo wesikhwele. Esandleni somphristi kuzabe kunamanzi amunyu, okumamanzi aletha amanikelela. Nje-ke umphristi uzakumemezela amanikelela emfazini loyo athi, ‘Nangabe akhange kube nenye indoda elala nawe, wangazisilaphaza ngokuhlobonga ngesikhathi usesandleni somyenakho, khona-ke yiba ngotjhaphulukileko emanikeleleni wamanzi amunyu la. Kodwana nangabe khewazisilaphaza, wahlobonga ngokulala nenye indoda ngaphandle komyenakho, lokha usese sesandleni sakhe, kwanga uSomnini angakwenza isithuko nesiga phakathi kwabantu bekhenu. USomnini akutjhwabanise igwayana lakho bese avuvukise isibeletho sakho.’ Leyo kuyindlela umphristi ekufuze amemezele ngayo amanikelela emfazini loyo begodu athi, ‘Kwanga amanzi aletha amanikelela la, angangena esiswini sakho avuvukise isibeletho begodu atjhwabanise negwayana lakhwelo.’ Yeke umfazi uzakuthi, ‘Amen, Amen.’ “Umphristi uzabese utlola amanikelela lawo encwadini, abuye godu ahlanze umtlolo ngemanzini amunyu. Uzakuseza umfazi loyo amanzi amunyu nabanga amanikelela ukuze angene emzimbenakhe athome ukumbangela ikathazo. Umphristi uzakwenza lokho ngemva kobana athethe umnikelo weenthoro ongowesikhwele ezandleni zomfazi, awuphakamise njengomnikelo osibiko kuSomnini bese awulethe e-aldarini. Uzakunghwatha isandla esigcweleko somnikelo weenthoro kube sisabelo sesikhumbuzo, awutjhise phezu kwe-aldari. Emva kwalokho aseze umfazi loyo amanzi wakhona. Nangabe mbala umfazi loyo uzisilaphaze ngokungathembeki endodenakhe, khona kuzakuthi bona umphristi amseze amanzi amunyu wokubanga amanikelela, amanzi lawo azamngena, isibeletho sakhe sivuvuke bese igwayana lakhe litjhwabane. Umfazi loyo uzakuba sithuko hlangana nabantu bekhabo. Kodwana nangabe umfazi loyo azange azisilaphaze begodu umsulwa, khona-ke uzakuba ngotjhaphulukileko emanikeleleni nabantwana uzababeletha. “Lowo-ke kumthetho mayelana nesikhwele. Usebenza nangabe umfazi uzisilaphaza ngokuhlobonga asese sesandleni sendodakhe, nalokha indoda engenwa mumoya wesikhwele bese isolela umfazayo. Kufuze kulethwe umfazi phambi kwakaSomnini bese umphristi usebenzisa woke umthetho lo emfazini loyo. Indoda leyo izakuhlambuluka esonweni sokusolela kodwana umfazi yena uzakuthwala umlandu nakube wonile.” USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi akakhulume nama-Israyeli athi: “Lokha omduna namkha omsikazi nakenza isifungo esikhethekileko sokuzahlukanisela bona abe mnaziri kuSomnini, kufuze azahlukanise newayini namkha utjwala. Akukameli asele okumunyu okuvela ewayinini namkha etjwaleni begodu akukameli asele nanyana ngimuphi umhluzi wamadiribe namkha adle amadiribe, kungaba ngamatjha namkha omisiweko. Ngesikhathi soke sokuzahlukanisela kwakhe bona abe mnaziri, angadli okuphuma esidiribeni ngitjho nanyana yintanga namkha ikhasi lediribe. “Yoke imihla yokuzahlukanisela kwakhe akungathinti utjhefana ehlokwakhe. Akabe ngocwengileko kuSomnini soke isikhathi sokuzahlukanisela kwakhe, aliselele iinhluthu zakhe zibe zide. “Yoke imihla azahlukanisele ngayo uSomnini akukafuzi azitjhideze eduze kwesidumbu. Ngitjho nanyana kungahlongakala uyise, unina, umfowabo namkha udadwabo, angazisilaphazi ngeendumbu zabo ngombana itshwayo lokuzahlukanisela kwakhe uZimu liphezu kwehlokwakhe. Yoke imihla yokuzahlukanisela kwakhe uzakuba ngocwengileko kuSomnini. “Nakwenzeka kube khona umuntu ohlongakala masinyana hlanu kwakhe, ngalokho asilaphazwe itshwayo lokuzahlukanisela kwakhe ehloko, akazihlambulule elangeni lekhomba ngokuziguda ihloko. Kuzakuthi ngelanga lobunane alethe kumphristi phambi komnyango wetende lokuhlanganela amazuba amabili wommango namkha amazutjana amabili wekhaya. Nje-ke umphristi uzakunikela linye lawo bona libe ngelomhlabelo wehlambululo, elinye libe ngelomhlabelo wokutjhiswa, enzele umuntu loyo itethelelo ngombana wone ngokuba seduze kwesidumbu. Kuzakuthi khona mhlokho ahlukanisele ihlokwakhe bese azahlukanisele uSomnini, godu isikhathi soke azifungele ngaso bona abe mnaziri. Akalethe iqamanyana elinomnyaka libe ngelomhlabelo wehlawulo. Ngebanga lokusilaphazeka kobunaziri bakhe, isikhathi athome ngaso asisayelwa. “Lokha isikhathi sobunaziri nasiphelako, nakhu okufanele kwenzeke: Umnaziri kufuze alethwe phambi komnyango wetende lokuhlanganela. Kufuze alethe umhlabelwakhe kuSomnini: iqamanyana linye elimsulwa elinomnyaka munye libe ngelomhlabelo wokutjhiswa, imvana yinye emsulwa esikazi enomnyaka munye ibe ngeyomhlabelo wehlambululo neqama linye elimsulwa libe ngelomhlabelo wetjhebiswano. Godu akalethe nesiqwebu esinezikwa ezinganangumelo: izikwa ezimasongo zeflowuru esefiweko ezidutjwe ngamafutha we-oliva nezikwa ezisipara ezitjhatjhwe ngamafutha we-oliva. Zilethwe kanye neminikelo yakhona yeenthoro neyokuselwako. “Yeke umphristi uzakutjhideza iminikelo leyo e-aldarini, enzele umnaziri umhlabelo wehlambululo newokutjhiswa. Iqama alinikele njengomhlabelo wetjhebiswano kuSomnini kanye nesiqwebu esinezikwa ezinganangumelo. Godu umphristi uzakunikela iminikelo yakhona yeenthoro neyokuselwako. “Emva kwalokho umnaziri uzakuguda iinhluthu zakhe ezilitshwayo lokuzahlukanisela. Azigudele emnyango wetende lokuhlanganela bese uziphosela emlilweni lapha kuphekwe khona umhlabelo wetjhebiswano. “Kuzakuthi umnaziri nasele aqede ukuguda iinhluthu zakhe zokuzahlukanisela, umphristi athathe umkhono weqama ophekiweko, isikwa sinye esimasongo esinganangumelo nasinye esisipara esinganangumelo ngesiqwebini. Koke lokho akubeke ezandleni zomnaziri, godu akuthathe ukuze akuphakamise njengomnikelo osibiko kuSomnini. Isibikweso sikhethekile, kusisabelo somphristi kanye nesifuba nomlenze weqama okuphakanyiswe njengomnikelo osibiko kuSomnini. Emva kwalokho umnaziri loyo angasela iwayini. “Lowo-ke mthetho womnaziri. Lokha umuntu nakafunga bona abe mnaziri, kufuze alethe iminikelo leyo kuSomnini. Godu kufuze alethe iminikelo athembise ukuyinikela lokha nakazahlukaniselako ukuba mnaziri. Kufuze anikele lokho kanye neminikelo ehlathululwa mthetho wobunaziri.” USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi akakhulume no-Aroni namadodanakhe athi: “Busisani ama-Israyeli ngamezwi la, ‘USomnini uzanibusisa, anigcine; uSomnini uzanikhanyisela, abe nomusa kini; uSomnini uzanitjheja, aniphe ipumelelo.’ “Ngendlela leyo-ke bazabe bamemezela ibizo lami phezu kwama-Israyeli, nje-ke mina ngizawabusisa.” Kwathi mhlana uMosi aqeda ukujamisa ithaberinakeli walahlukanisela kanye nepahlalo yoke ngokulizesa. Godu wahlukanisela i-aldari neensetjenziswa zakhona zoke ngokulizesa. Emva kwalokho abarholi bakwa-Israyeli abaziinhloko zemindeni yaboyise, okutjho iinduna zeenkoro ebegade ziqale abatlolisweko, baletha iminikelwabo phambi kwakaSomnini: iinkoloyana ezivalekileko ezisithandathu neenkomo ezilitjhumi nambili. Abarholi ababili baletha ikoloyana yinye, umrholi ngamunye waletha ikomo. Kwathi bona balethe koke lokho phambi kwethaberinakeli, uSomnini wathi kuMosi: “Kwamukele lokho kibo ukuze kusetjenziselwe imisebenzi yetende lokuhlanganela. Kunikele amaLevi mayelana nomsebenzi ekufuze wenziwe mumuntu ngamunye.” Ngokunjalo uMosi wathatha iinkoloyana neenkomo wazinikela amaLevi. Iinkoloyana ezimbili neenkomo ezine wazinikela amaGeritjhoni, ngokuya ngokomsebenzawo; kwathi iinkoloyana ezine neenkomo ezibunane wazinikela amaMerari ngokomsebenzawo. Boke bebangaphasi kwesandla saka-Itamara umsa ka-Aroni umphristi. Kodwana amaKhehathi akhange awanikele ilitho ngombana wona gade anomsebenzi wepahla yendawo ecwengileko ebe kufuze ayithwale ngamahlombe. Ngelanga i-aldari elahlukaniselwa ngalo, abarholi baletha iminikelwabo yokuhloma umnyanya walo. Kwathi lokha nabaletha iminikelwabo phambi kwe-aldari, uSomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi: “Abalethe iminikelwabo yokuhloma umnyanya we-aldari kube mrholi munye ilanga nelanga.” Umrholi owaletha umnikelwakhe ngelanga lokuthoma kwaba nguNarhitjhoni umsa ka-Aminadaba wekoro yakwaJuda. Umnikelwakhe kwaba sisitja esikhulu sesiliva, sinobudisi obulikhilogremu elilodwa nesiquntu. Waletha nesitja sokunyenyeza sinobudisi obumagremu amakhulu abunane ukuya ngesilinganiso sendawo ecwengileko. Zombili izitjezo bezinomhlumba weflowuru esefiweko edutjwe ngamafutha we-oliva bona kube mnikelo weenthoro. Godu waletha nesitja segolide esinobudisi bamagremu alikhulu netjhumi, sigcwele amakha, ikunzana eyodwa, iqama elilodwa neqamanyana elilodwa elinomnyaka kwaba ngokomhlabelo wokutjhiswa. Wabuya godu wanikela nangepongo yomhlabelo wehlambululo, iinkomo ezimbili, amaqama amahlanu, iimpongo ezihlanu kanye namaqamanyana amahlanu anomnyaka munye bona kube ngokomhlabelo wetjhebiswano. Ngilowo-ke umnikelo kaNarhitjhoni umsa ka-Aminadaba. Ngelanga lesibili uNataneli umsa kaTsuwari umrholi wama-Isakari, waletha wakhe umnikelo. Umnikelwakhe kwaba sisitja esikhulu sesiliva, sinobudisi obulikhilogremu elilodwa nesiquntu. Waletha nesitja sokunyenyeza sinobudisi obumagremu amakhulu abunane ukuya ngesilinganiso sendawo ecwengileko. Zombili izitjezo bezinomhlumba weflowuru esefiweko edutjwe ngamafutha we-oliva bona kube mnikelo weenthoro. Godu waletha nesitja segolide esinobudisi bamagremu alikhulu netjhumi, sigcwele amakha, ikunzana eyodwa, iqama elilodwa neqamanyana elilodwa elinomnyaka kwaba ngokomhlabelo wokutjhiswa. Wabuya godu wanikela nangepongo yomhlabelo wehlambululo, iinkomo ezimbili, amaqama amahlanu, iimpongo ezihlanu kanye namaqamanyana amahlanu anomnyaka munye bona kube ngokomhlabelo wetjhebiswano. Ngilowo-ke umnikelo kaNataneli umsa kaTsuwari. Ngelanga lesithathu u-Eliyabu umsa kaRheloni umrholi wamaZebuloni, naye waletha umnikelo. Umnikelwakhe kwaba sisitja esikhulu sesiliva, sinobudisi obulikhilogremu elilodwa nesiquntu. Waletha nesitja sokunyenyeza sinobudisi obumagremu amakhulu abunane ukuya ngesilinganiso sendawo ecwengileko. Zombili izitjezo bezinomhlumba weflowuru esefiweko edutjwe ngamafutha we-oliva bona kube mnikelo weenthoro. Godu waletha nesitja segolide esinobudisi bamagremu alikhulu netjhumi, sigcwele amakha, ikunzana eyodwa, iqama elilodwa neqamanyana elilodwa elinomnyaka kwaba ngokomhlabelo wokutjhiswa. Wabuya godu wanikela nangepongo yomhlabelo wehlambululo, iinkomo ezimbili, amaqama amahlanu, iimpongo ezihlanu kanye namaqamanyana amahlanu anomnyaka munye bona kube ngokomhlabelo wetjhebiswano. Ngilowo-ke umnikelo ka-Eliyabu umsa kaRheloni. Ngelanga lesine u-Elitsuri umsa kaTjhedewuri umrholi wamaRubeni, naye waletha umnikelo. Umnikelwakhe kwaba sisitja esikhulu sesiliva, sinobudisi obulikhilogremu elilodwa nesiquntu. Waletha nesitja sokunyenyeza sinobudisi obumagremu amakhulu abunane ukuya ngesilinganiso sendawo ecwengileko. Zombili izitjezo bezinomhlumba weflowuru esefiweko edutjwe ngamafutha we-oliva bona kube mnikelo weenthoro. Godu waletha nesitja segolide esinobudisi bamagremu alikhulu netjhumi, sigcwele amakha, ikunzana eyodwa, iqama elilodwa neqamanyana elilodwa elinomnyaka kwaba ngokomhlabelo wokutjhiswa. Wabuya godu wanikela nangepongo yomhlabelo wehlambululo, iinkomo ezimbili, amaqama amahlanu, iimpongo ezihlanu kanye namaqamanyana amahlanu anomnyaka munye bona kube ngokomhlabelo wetjhebiswano. Ngilowo-ke umnikelo ka-Elitsuri umsa kaTjhedewuri. Elangeni lesihlanu uTjhelumiyeli umsa kaTsuritjhadayi umrholi wamaSimiyoni, naye waletha umnikelo. Umnikelwakhe kwaba sisitja esikhulu sesiliva, sinobudisi obulikhilogremu elilodwa nesiquntu. Waletha nesitja sokunyenyeza sinobudisi obumagremu amakhulu abunane ukuya ngesilinganiso sendawo ecwengileko. Zombili izitjezo bezinomhlumba weflowuru esefiweko edutjwe ngamafutha we-oliva bona kube mnikelo weenthoro. Godu waletha nesitja segolide esinobudisi bamagremu alikhulu netjhumi, sigcwele amakha, ikunzana eyodwa, iqama elilodwa neqamanyana elilodwa elinomnyaka kwaba ngokomhlabelo wokutjhiswa. Wabuya godu wanikela nangepongo yomhlabelo wehlambululo, iinkomo ezimbili, amaqama amahlanu, iimpongo ezihlanu kanye namaqamanyana amahlanu anomnyaka munye bona kube ngokomhlabelo wetjhebiswano. Ngilowo-ke umnikelo kaTjhelumiyeli umsa kaTsuritjhadayi. Elangeni lesithandathu u-Eliyasafa umsa kaDewuyeli umrholi wamaGadi, naye waletha umnikelo. Umnikelwakhe kwaba sisitja esikhulu sesiliva, sinobudisi obulikhilogremu elilodwa nesiquntu. Waletha nesitja sokunyenyeza sinobudisi obumagremu amakhulu abunane ukuya ngesilinganiso sendawo ecwengileko. Zombili izitjezo bezinomhlumba weflowuru esefiweko edutjwe ngamafutha we-oliva bona kube mnikelo weenthoro. Godu waletha nesitja segolide esinobudisi bamagremu alikhulu netjhumi, sigcwele amakha, ikunzana eyodwa, iqama elilodwa neqamanyana elilodwa elinomnyaka kwaba ngokomhlabelo wokutjhiswa. Wabuya godu wanikela nangepongo yomhlabelo wehlambululo, iinkomo ezimbili, amaqama amahlanu, iimpongo ezihlanu kanye namaqamanyana amahlanu anomnyaka munye bona kube ngokomhlabelo wetjhebiswano. Ngilowo-ke umnikelo ka-Eliyasafa umsa kaDewuyeli. Ngelanga lekhomba u-Elitjhama umsa ka-Amihudi umrholi wama-Efrayimu, naye waletha umnikelo. Umnikelwakhe kwaba sisitja esikhulu sesiliva, sinobudisi obulikhilogremu elilodwa nesiquntu. Waletha nesitja sokunyenyeza sinobudisi obumagremu amakhulu abunane ukuya ngesilinganiso sendawo ecwengileko. Zombili izitjezo bezinomhlumba weflowuru esefiweko edutjwe ngamafutha we-oliva bona kube mnikelo weenthoro. Godu waletha nesitja segolide esinobudisi bamagremu alikhulu netjhumi, sigcwele amakha, ikunzana eyodwa, iqama elilodwa neqamanyana elilodwa elinomnyaka kwaba ngokomhlabelo wokutjhiswa. Wabuya godu wanikela nangepongo yomhlabelo wehlambululo, iinkomo ezimbili, amaqama amahlanu, iimpongo ezihlanu kanye namaqamanyana amahlanu anomnyaka munye bona kube ngokomhlabelo wetjhebiswano. Ngilowo-ke umnikelo ka-Elitjhama umsa ka-Amihudi. Ngelanga lobunane uGamaliyeli umsa kaPedatsuri umrholi wakwaManase, naye waletha umnikelo. Umnikelwakhe kwaba sisitja esikhulu sesiliva, sinobudisi obulikhilogremu elilodwa nesiquntu. Waletha nesitja sokunyenyeza sinobudisi obumagremu amakhulu abunane ukuya ngesilinganiso sendawo ecwengileko. Zombili izitjezo bezinomhlumba weflowuru esefiweko edutjwe ngamafutha we-oliva bona kube mnikelo weenthoro. Godu waletha nesitja segolide esinobudisi bamagremu alikhulu netjhumi, sigcwele amakha, ikunzana eyodwa, iqama elilodwa neqamanyana elilodwa elinomnyaka kwaba ngokomhlabelo wokutjhiswa. Wabuya godu wanikela nangepongo yomhlabelo wehlambululo, iinkomo ezimbili, amaqama amahlanu, iimpongo ezihlanu kanye namaqamanyana amahlanu anomnyaka munye bona kube ngokomhlabelo wetjhebiswano. Ngilowo-ke umnikelo kaGamaliyeli umsa kaPedatsuri. Ngelanga lethoba u-Abidani umsa kaGidiyoni umrholi wamaBhenjamini, naye waletha umnikelo. Umnikelwakhe kwaba sisitja esikhulu sesiliva, sinobudisi obulikhilogremu elilodwa nesiquntu. Waletha nesitja sokunyenyeza sinobudisi obumagremu amakhulu abunane ukuya ngesilinganiso sendawo ecwengileko. Zombili izitjezo bezinomhlumba weflowuru esefiweko edutjwe ngamafutha we-oliva bona kube mnikelo weenthoro. Godu waletha nesitja segolide esinobudisi bamagremu alikhulu netjhumi, sigcwele amakha, ikunzana eyodwa, iqama elilodwa neqamanyana elilodwa elinomnyaka kwaba ngokomhlabelo wokutjhiswa. Wabuya godu wanikela nangepongo yomhlabelo wehlambululo, iinkomo ezimbili, amaqama amahlanu, iimpongo ezihlanu kanye namaqamanyana amahlanu anomnyaka munye bona kube ngokomhlabelo wetjhebiswano. Ngilowo-ke umnikelo ka-Abidani umsa kaGidiyoni. Ngelanga letjhumi u-Arhiyezeri umsa ka-Amitjhadayi umrholi wamaDani, naye waletha umnikelo. Umnikelwakhe kwaba sisitja esikhulu sesiliva, sinobudisi obulikhilogremu elilodwa nesiquntu. Waletha nesitja sokunyenyeza sinobudisi obumagremu amakhulu abunane ukuya ngesilinganiso sendawo ecwengileko. Zombili izitjezo bezinomhlumba weflowuru esefiweko edutjwe ngamafutha we-oliva bona kube mnikelo weenthoro. Godu waletha nesitja segolide esinobudisi bamagremu alikhulu netjhumi, sigcwele amakha, ikunzana eyodwa, iqama elilodwa neqamanyana elilodwa elinomnyaka kwaba ngokomhlabelo wokutjhiswa. Wabuya godu wanikela nangepongo yomhlabelo wehlambululo, iinkomo ezimbili, amaqama amahlanu, iimpongo ezihlanu kanye namaqamanyana amahlanu anomnyaka munye bona kube ngokomhlabelo wetjhebiswano. Ngilowo-ke umnikelo ka-Arhiyezeri umsa ka-Amitjhadayi. Ngelanga letjhumi nanye uPagiyiyeli umsa ka-Okirani umrholi wama-Atjheri, naye waletha umnikelo. Umnikelwakhe kwaba sisitja esikhulu sesiliva, sinobudisi obulikhilogremu elilodwa nesiquntu. Waletha nesitja sokunyenyeza sinobudisi obumagremu amakhulu abunane ukuya ngesilinganiso sendawo ecwengileko. Zombili izitjezo bezinomhlumba weflowuru esefiweko edutjwe ngamafutha we-oliva bona kube mnikelo weenthoro. Godu waletha nesitja segolide esinobudisi bamagremu alikhulu netjhumi, sigcwele amakha, ikunzana eyodwa, iqama elilodwa neqamanyana elilodwa elinomnyaka kwaba ngokomhlabelo wokutjhiswa. Wabuya godu wanikela nangepongo yomhlabelo wehlambululo, iinkomo ezimbili, amaqama amahlanu, iimpongo ezihlanu kanye namaqamanyana amahlanu anomnyaka munye bona kube ngokomhlabelo wetjhebiswano. Ngilowo-ke umnikelo kaPagiyiyeli umsa ka-Okirani. Ngelanga letjhumi nambili u-Arhira umsa ka-Enani umrholi wamaNafitali, naye waletha umnikelo. Umnikelwakhe kwaba sisitja esikhulu sesiliva, sinobudisi obulikhilogremu elilodwa nesiquntu. Waletha nesitja sokunyenyeza sinobudisi obumagremu amakhulu abunane ukuya ngesilinganiso sendawo ecwengileko. Zombili izitjezo bezinomhlumba weflowuru esefiweko edutjwe ngamafutha we-oliva bona kube mnikelo weenthoro. Godu waletha nesitja segolide esinobudisi bamagremu alikhulu netjhumi, sigcwele amakha, ikunzana eyodwa, iqama elilodwa neqamanyana elilodwa elinomnyaka kwaba ngokomhlabelo wokutjhiswa. Wabuya godu wanikela nangepongo yomhlabelo wehlambululo, iinkomo ezimbili, amaqama amahlanu, iimpongo ezihlanu kanye namaqamanyana amahlanu anomnyaka munye bona kube ngokomhlabelo wetjhebiswano. Ngilowo-ke umnikelo ka-Arhira umsa ka-Enani. Leyo gade kuminikelo yokuhloma umnyanya we-aldari eyalethwa barholi bakwa-Israyeli ngesikhathi elahlukaniselwa ngalo. Bekuzizitja ezikulu zesiliva ezilitjhumi nambili, izitja zokunyenyeza zesiliva ezilitjhumi nambili kanye nezinye izitjana zegolide ezilitjhumi nambili. Esinye nesinye isitja esikhulu sesiliva besinobudisi obulikhilogremu elilodwa nesiquntu bese kuthi isitja sokunyenyeza sibe nobudisi obumagremu amakhulu abunane. Ubudisi bezitja zesiliva sezizoke ukuya ngesilinganiso sendawo ecwengileko bebumakhilogremu amatjhumi amabili nabunane. Izitja zegolide ezilitjhumi nambili ezigcwele amakha bezinobudisi obumagremu alikhulu netjhumi ngokuya ngesilinganiso sendawo ecwengileko. Ubudisi begolide lezitjezo zoke bebungaba likhilogremu nesiquntu. Zoke iinkomo zomhlabelo wokutjhiswa bewuziinkunzi ezilitjhumi nambili, amaqama alitjhumi nambili, amaqamanyana anomnyaka munye alitjhumi nambili kanye nomnikelo wakhona weenthoro. Godu bekuneempongo ezilitjhumi nambili zomhlabelo wehlambululo. Kuthi zoke iinkomo zomhlabelo wetjhebiswano kube ziinkunzi ezimatjhumi amabili nane, amaqama amatjhumi asithandathu, iimpongo ezimatjhumi asithandathu kanye namaqamanyana anomnyaka munye amatjhumi asithandathu. Lokho bekuminikelo yokuhloma umnyanya we-aldari emva kokobana selihlukaniselwe. Kwathi lokha uMosi nakangena ngetendeni lokuhlanganela bona ayokukhuluma noSomnini, wezwa ilizwi likhuluma naye livela esisibekelweni somfaji wobufakazi hlangana namakerubhi amabili. Ngendlela leyo uSomnini bekakhuluma naye. USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi akakhulume no-Aroni athi: “Lokha nawukhanyisa iimbani ezilikhomba kufuze zikhanyise indawo ephambi kwelithi lazo.” Nje-ke u-Aroni wenza njalo. Wajamisa iimbani bona zikhanyise endaweni ephambi kwelithi lazo njengombana uSomnini ayale uMosi. Ilithi leembani, ukusukela esikhondweni bekube semathuthumbenalo, belikhandwe ngegolide. Bekumsebenzi okhandwe ukuya ngomfanekiso uSomnini awukhombisa uMosi. Godu uSomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi: “Khupha amaLevi kuma-Israyeli, uwahlambulule. Nasi indlela ozawahlambulula ngayo: Afafaze ngamanzi wehlambululo, uwenze bona asuse boke uboya emzimbenawo bese ahlanze nezambatho zawo nawo ahlambe. Nje-ke akathathe ikunzana nomnikelo wakhona weenthoro ongoweflowuru esefiweko edutjwe ngamafutha we-oliva bese wena uthatha enye ikunzana kube ngeyomhlabelo wehlambululo. Tjhideza amaLevi ngaphambi kwetende lokuhlanganela bese uhlanganisa umkhambathi wakwa-Israyeli woke. Lokha nawutjhideza amaLevi phambi kwakaSomnini, ama-Israyeli kufuze abeke izandla zawo phezu kwawo. U-Aroni yena kufuze anikele amaLevi lawo phambi kwakaSomnini njengomnikelo wesibiko ophuma kuma-Israyeli ukuze akwazi ukusebenzela uSomnini. Ngalokho amaLevi azakubeka izandla zawo phezu kweenhloko zeenkunzanezo. Wena-ke unikele enye yazo ibe ngeyomhlabelo wehlambululo kuthi enye ibe ngeyomhlabelo wokutjhiswa kuSomnini, ukwenzela amaLevi itethelelo kuSomnini. Nje-ke jamisa amaLevi phambi kwaka-Aroni namadodanakhe bese wena uwanikela abe njengomnikelo osibiko kuSomnini. Ngendlela leyo-ke uzakukhupha amaLevi phakathi kwama-Israyeli ukuze abe ngewami. “Emva kobana uhlambulule bewanikela amaLevi njengomnikelo osibiko, azakungena ngetendeni lokuhlanganela bona alotjhe. Iye, amaLevi anikelwe mina ngokupheleleko hlangana nama-Israyeli. Ngizithathele wona bona abe ngewami esikhundleni sawo woke amazibulo wama-Israyeli, koke okuvele qangi esibelethweni. Mbala, woke amazibulo wama-Israyeli, kungaba ngewabantu namkha wefuyo, angewami. Kwathi mhlana ngimadlha woke amazibulo enarheni yeGibhide, ngazahlukanisela wona kwa-Israyeli bona abe ngewami. Nje-ke esikhundleni sawo woke amazibulo wama-Israyeli, ngizithathele amaLevi bona abe ngewami. Nginikele amaLevi ngokupheleleko ku-Aroni namadodanakhe bona enze umsebenzi wama-Israyeli ngetendeni lokuhlanganela. Azakwenzela ama-Israyeli itethelelo kuSomnini, ngaleyondlela avikele amatshwenyeko nakwenzeka bona ama-Israyeli atjhidele khulu endaweni ecwengileko.” UMosi no-Aroni kanye nomkhambathi woke wama-Israyeli benza kumaLevi koke uSomnini agade ayale uMosi ngakho. AmaLevi ahlanza izambatho zawo bese u-Aroni wawanikela njengomnikelo osibiko kuSomnini, wawenzela netethelelo kobana awahlambulule. Ngaleyondlela amaLevi ahlanjululwa ezonweni zawo. Emva kwalokho amaLevi eza bona athome umsebenzawo etendeni lokuhlanganela ngaphasi kwelihlo laka-Aroni namadodanakhe. Lokho uSomnini agade ayale uMosi bona kwenziwe kumaLevi, bakwenza kiwo. USomnini wabuya wakhuluma noMosi wathi: “Nakhu okumayelana nabaduna bamaLevi: Ukusukela kwabaneminyaka ematjhumi amabili nahlanu ukuya phezulu, bazakungena bona benze umsebenzi wetende lokuhlanganela, kodwana abaneminyaka ematjhumi amahlanu bazakuthatha umhlalaphasi, bangasasebenzi. Nokho bangasiza ngokuba lilihlo labafowabo etendeni lokuhlanganela, kodwana bangasebenzi. Ngilokho ozakwenza ngamaLevi lokha nawuwahlelela umsebenzi.” USomnini wakhuluma noMosi erhalawumbeni leSinayi ngenyanga yokuthoma yomnyaka wesibili emva kokuphuma kwama-Israyeli enarheni yeGibhide wathi: “Yenza ama-Israyeli bona agidinge umnyanya wePhasika ngesikhathi esibekiweko salo. Kufuze libe ngelanga letjhumi nane enyangeni le, kube ngamarhwaqela ngesikhathi esibekiweko. Ligidingeni ngokuya ngazo zoke iimiso zalo nemithethwalo yoke.” UMosi wawatjela njalo-ke ama-Israyeli ngokugidingwa kwePhasika. Mbala kwathi ngenyanga yokuthoma mhlana zilitjhumi nane, ama-Israyeli agidinga iPhasika ngamarhwaqela erhalawumbeni leSinayi. Ama-Israyeli enza koke kwaba njengendlela uSomnini ayala ngayo uMosi. Kodwana bekukhona amadoda asilapheleko ngebanga lokobana gade athinte isidumbu somuntu. Ngalokho wona akhange aphumelele ukugidinga iPhasika, yeke mhlokho aziveza phambi kwakaMosi no-Aroni, athi kibo: “Nasinje, sibe ngabasilapheleko ngebanga lokuthinta isidumbu somuntu. Alo, singakhandelwa yini bona sinikele umnikelo kaSomnini ngesikhathi sawo esijanyisiweko phakathi kwama-Israyeli na?” UMosi wathi kiwo: “Lindani khengiyokwizwa bona uSomnini uzokuyala athini ngani.” USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi akakhulume nama-Israyeli athi: “Nangabe omunye wenu namkha weenzukulwana zenu usekhambeni kude namkha usilaphele ngebanga lokuthinta isidumbu, kodwana ufuna ukugidinga iPhasika lakaSomnini, kufuze aligidinge ngamarhwaqela mhlana inyanga yesibili inamalanga alitjhumi nane. Alidle ngesikwa esinganangumelo neenrhabelo ezibabako. Angatjhiyi litho lalo begodu angephuli ithambo lakhona. Agidinge iPhasika kulandelwe zoke iimiso zalo. Kodwana nangabe umuntu ohlambulukileko begodu ongekho ekhambeni wala ukugidinga iPhasika, uzakujutjwa ebantwini bekhabo ngombana akakanikeli umnikelwakhe ngesikhathi sawo kuSomnini. Kwamambala umuntu loyo uzazizwa ngesono sakheso. “Nangabe kunesikhonzi phakathi kwenu esithanda ukugidinga iPhasika, asiligidinge ngokweemiso nemithethwalo. Nibe nesimiso sinye esikhonzini namkha emuntwini wendabuko kwa-Israyeli.” Kwathi mhlana kujanyiswa ithaberinakeli, ilifu lembesa ithaberinakelelo, okulitende lobufakazi. Nakuhlwako bekuyokusa ilifelo belibonakala linjengekehla yomlilo ngehla kwethaberinakeli. Bekunjalo-ke ngaso soke isikhathi: Emini belembeswa lilifu, kuthi ebusuku ilifelo libonakale linjengekehla yomlilo. Bekuthi lokha ilifu naliphakamako, ama-Israyeli afuduke, kuthi lokha ilifu nalijamako, ama-Israyeli ahlome amatendawo lapho. Ama-Israyeli bekafuduka ngomyalo kaSomnini begodu ahlome amatendawo ngomyalwakhe. Ngesikhathi soke ilifu nalisajame ngehla kwetende, ama-Israyeli gade angasuki. Ngitjho nanyana ilifu belingajama amalanga amanengi ngehla kwethaberinakeli, ama-Israyeli gade agcina umyalo kaSomnini, angasuki. Kwesinye isikhathi ilifu belijama amalangana ngehla kwethaberinakeli, nanyana kunjalo ama-Israyeli bekahlala ekampeni. Bekakhamba kwaphela ngomyalo kaSomnini. Kwesinye isikhathi ilifu belijama ukusuka ntambama bekube sekuseni. Bese kuthi lokha ilifu nalikhuphukako ekuseni, nawo afuduke. Ngitjho nanyana ilifelo belingahlala ubusuku nemini, naliphakamako nawo bekakhamba. Nangabe malanga amabili, inyanga namkha isikhathi eside ilifu lijamile, ama-Israyeli nawo gade angasuki ekampenapho. Kodwana bekasuka kwaphela ilifu naliphakamako. Bekahloma amatendawo namkha asuke kwaphela ngomyalo kaSomnini. Alalela iimiso zakaSomnini ayala uMosi ngazo. USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi: “Yenza iimporompita ezimbili ezikhandwe ngesiliva. Zona zizakuba libika lokubiza umkhambathi nokufudusa ikampa. Kuzakuthi lokha nazililiswa zombili, umkhambathi woke ubuthane phambi kwakho emnyango wetende lokuhlanganela. Kodwana lokha nakuliliswa yinye, kuzakubuthana phambi kwakho abarholi abaziinhloko zeenkoro zakwa-Israyeli kwaphela. Lokha iporompita nayipopozako, akufuduswe iinkampa ezingepumalanga. Kuthi lokha nayipopoza ihlandla lesibili, kufuduswe iinkampa ezingesewula. Ukupopoza kuzakuba liphawu lokufuduka. Kodwana nakufuze ihlangano ibuthane, kuzakuliliswa iporompita, nokho ingaliliswa ngokupopoziswa. “Ekufuze bavuthele iimporompita baphristi okumadodana ka-Aroni. Lowo kuzakuba myalo wanini nanini kini ngitjho neenzukulwaneni zenu. Lokha naniphuma ipi bona nilwe nabajamelani benu enarhenenu, popozisani iimporompita. Nanenza njalo nizakukhumbuleka phambi kwakaSomnini uZimenu, nje-ke nizakusindiswa ezitheni zenu. Kanti-ke godu ngeenkhathi zokujabula kwenu, iminyanyenu ejanyisiweko nekuthwaseni kwenyanga, vuthelani iimporompita lokha naninikela imihlabelwenu yokutjhiswa neyetjhebiswano. Lokho kuzanenza nikhumbuleke phambi kwakaZimenu. NginguSomnini uZimenu.” Ngomnyaka wesibili, lokha inyanga yesibili nayinamalanga amatjhumi amabili, ilifu lakhutjhulwa ethaberinakelini lobufakazi. Ama-Israyeli afuduka erhalawumbeni leSinayi ngeengaba zawo. Ilifu lakhamba belayokujama erhalawumbeni leParana. Kwaba ngekokuthoma ama-Israyeli afuduka ngomyalo kaSomnini ngoMosi. Isibekiso seenkampa zabakwaJuda saba ngesokuthoma ukufuduka ngokwamabuthwaso. Induna yebutho lakwaJuda bekunguNarhitjhoni umsa ka-Aminadaba, yakwa-Isakari kunguNataneli umsa kaTsuwari, yakwaZebuloni kungu-Eliyabu umsa kaRheloni. Bekuthi lokha ithaberinakeli nalehliswako, amaGeritjhoni namaMerari okungiwo alithwalako, afuduke. Isibekiso seenkampa zabakwaRubeni saba ngesesibili ukufuduka ngokwamabuthwaso. Induna yebutho lakwaRubeni bekungu-Elitsuri umsa kaTjhedewuri, yakwaSimiyoni kunguTjhelumiyeli umsa kaTsuritjhadayi, yakwaGadi kungu-Eliyasafa umsa kaDewuyeli. Emva kwalokho kwalandela amaKhehathi athwele ipahla ecwengileko yethaberinakeli. Itende lokuhlanganela lalifanele lijanyiswe endaweni lapha kwakuzokuhlonywa khona amatende ngaphambi kokobana amaKhehathi afike nepahla leyo. Nje-ke isibekiso seenkampa zabakwa-Efrayimu safuduka ngokwamabuthwaso. Induna yebutho lakwa-Efrayimu bekungu-Elitjhama umsa ka-Amihudi, yakwaManase kunguGamaliyeli umsa kaPedatsuri, yakwaBhenjamini kungu-Abidani umsa kaGidiyoni. Isibekiso seenkampa zabakwaDani saba ngesokugcina ukufuduka ngokwamabuthwaso. Induna yebutho lakwaDani bekungu-Arhiyezeri umsa ka-Amitjhadayi, yakwa-Atjheri kunguPagiyiyeli umsa ka-Okirani, yakwaNafitali kungu-Arhira umsa ka-Enani. Lokho bekulihlelo lokufuduka kwamabutho wama-Israyeli; kuyindlela egade afuduka ngayo-ke leyo. Nje-ke uMosi wakhuluma noRhobabi umsa kaRewuyeli umkhwe wakhe, omuMidiyani, wathi: “Sifudukela endaweni uSomnini athi uzasinikela yona. Yeke, namba nathi, sizokunanageja ngombana uSomnini ukhulume kuhle ngo-Israyeli.” Kodwana uRhobabi wathi: “Awa, angizukukhamba, sekunalokho ngizokubuyela enarheni yekhethu nebantwini bekhethu.” Godu uMosi wathi: “Ungasitjhiyi Rhobabi, ngiyakuncenga. Angitjho nguwe owaziko bona kufuze sihlome njani amatendethu erhalawumbeni. Wena-ke uzokuba lilihlo lethu. Yeke nawunamba nathi, sizokuhlomulisa kiyo yoke into ehle uSomnini azasenzela yona.” Nje-ke ama-Israyeli asuka entabeni kaSomnini, akhamba amalanga amathathu. Umfaji wesivumelwano sakaSomnini bewuphambi kwawo ekhambenelo; lapha bewujama khona, nama-Israyeli bekaphumula lapho. Bekuthi emini, ilifu lakaSomnini libe ngehla kwawo lokha nakafudukako endaweni ahlome kiyo. Lokha umfaji nawufudukako, uMosi gade aphele athi: “Sikima Somnini ukuze izitha zakho zihlakazeke nabakuzondako babaleke phambi kwakho!” Kuthi lokha nawubekwa phasi athi: “Somnini, buyela ku-Israyeli, iye, kumatjhumitjhumi weenkulungwana!” Abantu bakwa-Israyeli bakhola uSomnini ngokumbalabalela ngobudisi abanabo. Kwathi lokha uSomnini nabezwako wavutha khulu ngelaka lakhe. Nje-ke kwaqubuka umlilo kaSomnini hlangana nabantwabo watjhisa amahlangothi wekampa. Abantu balila kuMosi, yena wabathandazela kuSomnini, umlilo wacima. Bathiya indawo leyo ibizo bona yiTabhera ngombana kwavutha umlilo kaSomnini phakathi kwabo. Phakathi kwama-Israyeli bekunecubevange yabantu egade imarhamaru ifuna ukutla. Kanti-ke nama-Israyeli athoma abubula godu athi: “Uyazi bona sikhanuka inyama kangangani! Sese sikhumbula neenhlambi ebegade sizidlela zona eGibhide singazithengi, iinkomukomu, amakhabe, imihlobohlobo yama-eyi namakonofula. Kodwana kwanjesi khona imiphimbo le sese yome kere, akunanja ngaphandle kwemana esikholileko le.” (Imana beyinjengembewu yekhoriyanda, ifana noburegu obunuka kamnandi. Abantu bebakhambakhamba bayibuthe bese bayayisila ngelitje lokugaya namkha ngesigigo. Gade bayipheka ngembiza namkha bayenze iimphaphatha. Yona beyizwakala inga litjhatjhatjha elenziwe ngamafutha we-oliva. Imana beyikhithika ekampeni lokha nakukhithika umbethe ebusuku.) UMosi wezwa ukulila kwabantu kiyo yoke imindenabo kungiloyo naloyo ngaphambi komnyango wetende lakhe. USomnini naye wabhoka khulu ngelaka lakhe. Lokho kwamkhathaza khulu uMosi. Nje-ke wabuza uSomnini wathi: “Kubayini uSomnini aphathe incekwakhe ngesihluku esingaka? Somnini awusangithandi na, kobana ungabeze uthwese umthwalo wabantwaba phezu kwami? Akhange ngizithwale ngabantwaba begodu ababelethwa ngimi. USomnini utjho njani nakathi ngigone boke abantwaba esifubeni sami njengomdlezana omunyisa umntwana? Alo, kufuze ngibabhebhule ngibase enarheni uSomnini ayithembisa aboyise na? Ngizoyifunyanaphi inyama yabantwaba boke nje? Angithi balilela mina bathi, ‘Sipha inyama sidle.’ Awa mina, angizukukghona ukuthwala boke abantwaba ngingedwa. Umthwalo lowo ubudisi khulu kimi! Nakube mbala Somnini uzongiphatha bunje, dumbana ungibulale nya. Nangabe uSomnini uyangithanda, akenze ngingasabona amatlhuwami la.” Nje-ke uSomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi: “Yewungihlanganisele amadoda amatjhumi alikhomba ebaphathini bakwa-Israyeli owaziko bona babaphathi abakwazi ukwengamela abantu. Atjhideze etendeni lokuhlanganela bese ajame nawe lapho. Mina-ke ngizakwehla ngikhulume nawe lapho. Begodu ngizakuthatha ingcenye yommoya ophezu kwakho ngiyithele kiwo. Wona-ke, azakuthwalisa umthwalo wabantwaba ukuze ungasawuthwali uwedwa. Bese utjela abantu uthi, ‘Zihlambululeni ngombana kusasa nizokudla inyama. Angithi nililile nakhola uSomnini ngokuthi ngubani ozanipha inyama, godu nathi eGibhide bekungcono, angitjho? Nje-ke uSomnini uzonipha inyamenu leyo bona nidle. Anikazuyidla ilanga elilodwa, amabili, amahlanu, alitjhumi namkha amatjhumi amabili, kodwana inyanga yoke, ize ininukele beyinigonyulukise ngombana nidele uSomnini ophakathi kwenu ngokubuza bona kubayini naphuma enarheni yeGibhide.’ ” UMosi waphendula uSomnini wathi: “Qala, abantu engikhamba phakathi kwabo baziinkulungwana ezimakhulu asithandathu, kodwana khonapho uSomnini uthi uzabapha inyama abazayidla inyanga yoke! Imihlambi yezimvu neembuzi kanye neenkomo ezizakuhlatjwa zingabanela na? Namkha kuzakubuthelelwa zoke iinhlambi zelwandle bona zibanele?” USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Kanti uSomnini unesandla esifitjhani na? Manje uzokubona-ke bona ilizwi lami liyafezeka namkha awa.” Ngalokho uMosi waphuma wafese watjela abantu amezwi kaSomnini. Begodu wahlanganisa amadoda amatjhumi alikhomba ekubaphathi babantu wawajamisa etendeni mazombe. Nje-ke uSomnini wehla ngelifu wakhuluma naye, wathatha nengcenye yommoyakhe wawuthela ebaphathini abamatjhumi alikhomba. Kuthe lokha ummoya wehlela phezu kwabo baphorofida. Ngemva kwalokho akhange asaphorofida. Ngekampeni bekusele amanye amadoda amabili u-Elidada noMedada egade asesibalweni sabamatjhumi alikhomba. Wona akhange aphumelele ukuya etendeni. Amadoda lawo ehlelwa mumoya, nawo abe aphorofida khona ngekampenapho. Isokana elithileko lagijima lafese labikela uMosi lathi: “Kazi ngekampenaphaya, u-Elidada noMedada bayaphorofida!” UJotjhuwa umsa kaNuni noyinceku kaMosi ukusukela ebutjheni bakhe, gade angomunye wamadoda akhethiweko, wathi kuMosi: “Kosami, Mosi, bathulise!” Kodwana uMosi wathi kuye: “Kanti awufuni ngami na? Mina bengingafisa ngathana boke abantu bakaSomnini bekungaba baphorofidi, nokobana sengasuthi uSomnini bakangathela ummoya ovela kuye phezu kwabo.” Nje-ke uMosi nabaphathi bakwa-Israyeli babuyela ngekampeni. USomnini wavusa ummoya ovela elwandle waphaphisela iinkwali ekampeni, zaphuphuruza pheze ngemitha ukuphakama. Zazigcwele ikampa yoke begodu kulikhambo lelanga mahlangothi woke ukuzibamba. Mhlokho abantu baphuma imini yoke nobusuku bakhona kanye nelanga elilandelako bona bayokubutha iinkwalezo. Owabutha kancani ngogade abuthe amaqubi alitjhumi. Nje-ke baneka iinkwalezo magegana nekampa. Kuthe inyama yeenkwalezo isese semazinyweni, ingakahlafunywa, ubukhali bakaSomnini bavutha phezu kwabantu. Khonapho uSomnini wamadlha abantu ngehlupheko ekulu. Ngebangelo indawo leyo yathiywa bona yiKhibrothi-Hatava, ngombana lapho kwangcwatjwa abantu ebe bamarhamaru. Ukusuka eKhibrothi-Hatava ama-Israyeli afudukela eRhatserothi, afese ahlala khona. UMiriyamu no-Aroni bahleba uMosi ngebanga lokuthatha kwakhe umfazi omuKutjhe, bathi: “Kazi uthethe umKutjhe!” Godu bathi: “Ingabe mbala uSomnini ukhulume kwaphela ngoMosi? Kanti akakakhulumi nangathi godu na?” USomnini wakwizwa lokho. NakunguMosi yena bekazithobe ukudlula boke abantu abaphila ngaphasi komthunzi welanga. Khonapho uSomnini wakhuluma noMosi no-Aroni kanye noMiriyamu wathi: “Yeyi nina, ngobuthathu benu njalo, yizani etendeni lokuhlanganela!” Mbala baphuma beza bobathathu. Nje-ke uSomnini wehla ngesika yelifu wajama emnyango wetende lokuhlanganela, wafese wabiza u-Aroni noMiriyamu. Batjhidela-ke bobabili. USomnini wathi kibo: “Akhese nilalele la: Nakube kukhona umphorofidi hlangana nani, mina-ke Somnini ngizazazisa kuye ngombono, ngikhulume naye ngebhudango. Nokho akusinjalo ngencekwami uMosi, yena ungothembekileko emsebenzinami woke. Yena ngikhuluma naye bunqopha, ubuso nobuso ingasi ngekulumo yokugwagwanisa. Iye, yena uyakwazi ukuzibonakalisa kwami. Kubayini-ke nina ningakhange nesabe ukuhleba incekwami uMosi na?” Ubukhali bakaSomnini bavutha phezu kwabo, wase uyabatjhiya. Lithe lisuka nje ilifu phezu kwetende, qala, uMiriyamu gade sele akghamathele ikhwekhwe amhlophe njengesithwathwa. Uthe u-Aroni nakathi uphendukela kuye, madekhethu unekhwekhwe! Nje-ke wabikela uMosi wathi: “Maye, babethu! Bengithi akhe ngikhulume. Ngiyakubawa hle, ungasihlunguphazi ngobudlhayela esone ngabo. UMiriyamu akangabi njengobelethwa ahlongakele, ophuma esibelethweni sakanina sele onakele.” Nje-ke uMosi walila kuSomnini wathi: “Zimu ngiyakuncenga, mphilise hle.” USomnini waphendula uMosi wathi: “Nangabe gade akhafulelwe nguyise ebusweni, bekangazukuhlala amalanga alikhomba arhubutjhekile na? Yeke akavalelwe amalanga alikhomba ngaphandle kwekampa, kuthi emva kwalokho abuyiswe.” Nje-ke uMiriyamu wavalelwa ngaphandle kwekampa amalanga alikhomba. Ngesikhatheso abantu akhange bathathe ikhambo, bekwabuyiswa uMiriyamu. Emva kwalokho abantu bafuduka eRhatserothi bafese bahloma amatendabo erhalawumbeni leParana. USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi: “Thumela amadoda bona ayokuhlola inarha yeKanana engiyinikele ama-Israyeli. Ekorweni ngayinye yaboyise nithumele umrholi oyedwa.” Nje-ke uMosi wathuma amadoda lawo asuka erhalawumbeni leParana njengokomyalo kaSomnini. Boke bekumadoda aziinhloko zeenkoro zakwa-Israyeli. Naka-ke amabizwawo: Ekorweni yakwaRubeni bekunguTjhamuwa umsa kaZakuru, keyakwaSimiyoni kunguTjhafathi umsa kaRhori, keyakwaJuda kunguKalebi umsa kaJefune, keyakwa-Isakari kunguYigali umsa kaJosefa, keyakwa-Efrayimu kunguHosiya umsa kaNuni, keyakwaBhenjamini kunguPalithi umsa kaRafu, keyakwaZebuloni kunguGadiyeli umsa kaSodi, keyakwaJosefa (okutjho ikoro yakwaManase) kunguGadi umsa kaSusi, keyakwaDani kungu-Amiyeli umsa kaGemali, keyakwa-Atjheri kunguSeturi umsa kaMikayeli, keyakwaNafitali kunguNarhibi umsa kaVofsi, keyakwaGadi kunguGewuyeli umsa kaMaki. Lawo-ke bekumabizo wamadoda uMosi awathuma bona ayokuhlola inarha. UMosi wathiya uHosiya umsa kaNuni bona nguJotjhuwa. Lokha uMosi nakawathumako bona ayokuhlola inarha yeKanana, wathi kiwo: “Nqombani ngesewula yenarha, nenyukele entatjaneni yakhona, niqale bona inarha injani, abantu abakhe kiyo baqinile namkha mitheretherana, banengi namkha lidlanzana, nokobana inarha leyo yihle namkha yimbi, iindawo abahlala kizo zikhamukhamu namkha zimadorobho abiyelwe ngomthangala na. Niqale bona ihlabathi ivundile namkha ilibhudu nokobana inemithi namkha awa na. Qinani isibindi nibuye neenthelo zayo.” (Ngesikhatheso bekusikhathi sokuvuthwa kwamadiribe wokuthoma.) Akhamba-ke ayokuhlola inarha leyo ukusukela erhalawumbeni leTsini ukufikela eRerhobho eduze neLebo-Rhamathi. Akhuphukela ngesewula yenarha, afika eRhebroni lapha bekuneenzukulwana zaka-Anakhi, okungu-Arhimani, uTjhetjhayi noTalimayi. (IRhebroni beyakhiwe iminyaka elikhomba ngaphambi kokwakhiwa kweTsowani eGibhide.) Afika emrhobeni we-Etjhikolo afese aquntula lapho ipande enesitjhutha samadiribe. Amadoda amabili atjatha isitjhutheso ngesigodo saba phakathi kwawo. Godu bekathwele amarharinada namakhiwani. Indawo leyo yabizwa bona mrhoba we-Etjhikolo ngebanga lesitjhutha samadiribe esakhiwa madoda wama-Israyeli lapho. Abuya ekuhloleni inarha ekupheleni kwamalanga amatjhumi amane. Afika kuMosi no-Aroni kanye nemkhambathini woke wama-Israyeli eKhadetjhi eserhalawumbeni leParana. Abikela aboMosi nomkhambathi woke umbiko abuye nawo, abe abakhombisa neenthelo zenarha leyo. Atjela uMosi athi: “Kazi besafika-ke enarheni owasithuma kiyo. Kuyinarha egeleza ibisi neliju, neenthelo zakhona nanzi. Nokho abantu bakhona ziinkakaramba namadorobho wakhona anemithangala begodu aziinthabathaba. Phezu kwalokho sabona neenzukulwana zaka-Anakhi lapho. Ama-Amalekhi ahlale ngesewula yenarha. AmaRhithi, amaJebusi nama-Amori wona ahlala ngeentatjaneni zenarha leyo. Kuthi amaKanana ahlale eduze nelwandle namagegana neJordani.” UKalebi wathulisa amadoda lawo phambi kwakaMosi wathi: “Asikhuphukeni khona nje sithumbeni inarha ngombana vele singaphumelela ukukwenza lokho.” Kodwana amadoda agade akhambe naye athi: “Awa, akukghonakali bona singajamelana nabantu labaya ngombana baziinkakaramba kunathi.” Nje-ke aletha kuma-Israyeli umbiko omumbi ngenarha akhamba bona ayoyihlola athi: “Thina inarha esaya kiyo bona siyoyihlola, kuyinarha eginya abantu abahlala kiyo. Begodu boke abantu esibabone khona, kubabantu abaziinkakaramba. Godu sabona lapho neentsitsirimba, okutjho ama-Anakhi iinzukulwana zeentsitsirimba. Thina-ke sazibona sifana neentethe kizo; khisibe nazo vele zasibona sinjalo.” Umkhambathi woke wapongoloza, iye, abantu barhahlawula ngobusukobo. Woke ama-Israyeli anghonghoyila kuMosi no-Aroni. Umkhambathi woke wathi kibo: “Ibe thana sase safela enarheni yeGibhide leya namkha ngathana sesafela erhalawumbenapha. Kubayini uSomnini asilethe enarheni le bona sibulawe ngesabula na? Abomkethu nabantwabethu bazakuba yipango. Akusingcono sizibuyelele eGibhide na?” Wakhulumisana wodwa wathi: “Asizikhetheleni induna, sibuyele eGibhide.” Nje-ke uMosi no-Aroni bawa ngobuso ngaphambi kwayo yoke ihlangano yakwa-Israyeli. UJotjhuwa umsa kaNuni noKalebi umsa kaJefune, ebegade kungabanye ebe baphakathi kweenhloli zenarha, badabula izambatho zabo, bakhuluma nomkhambathi woke wama-Israyeli bathi: “Niyazi, inarha esakhamba sayoyihlola, kuyinarha ehle kwamambala. Nakukuhle emehlweni kaSomnini ngathi, uzosifikisa enarheni leyo abe asiphe yona. Iye, kuyinarha egeleza ibisi neliju. Into nje masani ukuhlubuka uSomnini begodu ningabesabi abantu benarha leyo ngombana bakukudla kwethu. Ukuvikeleka kwabo kususiwe kibo begodu uSomnini ujame nathi; nje-ke ningabesabi.” Kodwana umkhambathi wakhulumisana bona ubakhande ngamatje. Nje-ke iphazimulo kaSomnini yabonakala etendeni lokuhlanganela kiwo woke ama-Israyeli. USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi: “Kuzabe kube nini abantwaba bangidelela na? Begodu kuzabe kube nini bangakholwa kimi ngaphezu kwazo zoke iimbonakaliso engiziveze phakathi kwabo na? Ngiyakutjela yi, ngizobamadlha ngamahlungu bengibamuke ilifa labo. Kodwana nakunguwe ngizokwenza ube sisizwe esikhulu nesinamandla, undlondlobale kunabo.” UMosi wathi kuSomnini: “AmaGibhide owenyula kiwo abantwaba ngamandlakho azokwizwa lokho bese atjela abantu benarha le iindabezo. Bona sebezwile bonyana wena Somnini uphakathi kwabantu bakho, nokobana ubonakele kibo ubuso nobuso, nelifu lakho lihlala lijame ngehla kwabo begodu ukhamba phambi kwabo ngesika yelifelo emini kuthi ebusuku ube yisika yomlilo. Nje-ke nawubulala abantwaba kube kanye, izizwe ezizwe ngedumo lakho zizokuthi, ‘Ngebanga lokobana uSomnini uhlulekile ukufikisa abantwaba enarheni abafungela yona, yeke ubabulalele erhalawumbeni.’ Nje-ke ngiyancenga, kwanga uSomandla angabonakalisa amandlakhe njengokutjho kwakhe nasithi, ‘USomnini ubuthaka ekusilingekeni, uzele ukwethembeka, ulibalela imilandu nemitjhapho, kodwana akazumlisa onomlandu. Wehlisela isibetho sezono zaboyise phezu kwabantwababo besizukulwana sesithathu nesesine.’ Ngiyabawa Somnini, ngebanga lokwethembeka kwakho okukhulu, colela ubukhohlakali babantwaba, kube njengombana wabacolela kusukela eGibhide bekube lapha.” USomnini waphendula uMosi wathi: “Awa, ngamezwakho lawo, ngibacolele. Kodwana wazi-ke, ngifunga ngepilwami nephazimulwami ezele iphasi loke ngithi: Woke amadoda abone iphazimulwami neembonakaliso zami engazenza eGibhide nerhalawumbeni, kwathi kunjalo angilinga kalitjhumi ngokungalaleli ilizwi lami, angekhe ayibona inarha engayifungela aboyise. Iye, akakho namunye wabangidelelako ozayibona inarha leyo. Kodwana ngebanga lokobana incekwami uKalebi inommoya owehlukileko nokobana ingilandele ngokupheleleko, ngizayingenisa enarheni eye kiyo yayoyihlola begodu izakuba lilifa leenzukulwana zayo. Nje-ke, njengombana ama-Amalekhi namaKanana ahlala ngemirhobeni yeentaba, jikani kusasa nitjhinge nca ngerhalawumbeni ngendlela elunge elwandle lomGaba.” USomnini wakhuluma noMosi no-Aroni wathi: “Kuzabe kube nini umkhambathi okhohlakeleko lo usoloko unginghonghoyilela? Yazini bona ngikuzwile ukungibalabalela kwama-Israyeli anghonghoyilako lawo. Atjeleni bona uSomnini uthi, ‘Ngifunga ngepilwami, lokho engikwizwe nikukhuluma, ngizokwenza kini: Iindumbu zenu zizokurabhalaliswa erhalawumbenapha. Noke enitlolisweko ukusukela kwabaneminyaka ematjhumi amabili ukuya phezulu eninghonghoyile ngami, angeze nangena enarheni engafunga bona nizakuhlala kiyo, ngaphandle kwakaKalebi umsa kaJefune noJotjhuwa umsa kaNuni. Kodwana iinzukulwana zenu enikhulume ngazo nathi zizokuba yipango, ngizozingenisa begodu zizayifunda inarha enayinyefulako nina. Kodwana nakungini, iindumbu zenu zizokurabhalala erhalawumbenapha. Abantwabenu bazakuba belusi erhalawumbeni iminyaka ematjhumi amane, bahlupheke ngebanga lokungathembeki kwenu bekube kulapha iindumbu zenu zibolela khona erhalawumbeni. Isibalo samalanga amatjhumi amane enahlola ngawo inarha, sizakuba minyaka ematjhumi amane nisoloko nihlunguphazelwa izono zenu. Ilanga linye libe mnyaka. Nje-ke nizakwazi bona kunjani nanginifulathelako. Ngikhulumile mina Somnini, ngiyafunga ngithi kwamambala ngizokwenza koke lokho emkhambathini okhohlakeleko nobuthene bona ujamelane nami lo. Kilo lona leli irhalawumba, kulapha uzakuphelela khona, iye, uzokufa nya.’ ” (Amadoda agade athunywe nguMosi bona ayokuhlola inarha, abuya enza bona woke umkhambathi unghonghoyile ngokujamelana naye ngokuletha umbiko omumbi ngenarha. Ngemva kwesikhathi amadoda lawo abhubha phambi kwakaSomnini ngesifo. Lokho kwenzeka njalo ngombana aletha umbiko omumbi ngenarha. Kodwana uJotjhuwa umsa kaNuni noKalebi umsa kaJefune baba ngabasindileko kilabo abayokuhlola inarha.) Kuthe lokha uMosi nakabikela ama-Israyeli umbiko lowo, abantu balila khulu. Bavuka ekuseni kobana banyukele esiqongolweni seentaba bathi: “Sonile, kodwana qalani sesilungele ukuya enarheni uSomnini akhuluma ngayo.” UMosi wathi: “Niweqelani umyalo wakaSomnini na? Anizukuphumelela. Ningenyuki ngombana uSomnini akakho phakathi kwenu. Nakungasinjalo, nizakumadlhwa zizitha zenu ngombana nako ama-Amalekhi namaKanana phambi kwenu. Nizokubulawa yisabula ngokufulathela kwenu uSomnini. USomnini angeze abe ajame nani.” Kodwana banghakalala bakhuphukela esiqongolweni seentaba nanyana umfaji wesivumelwano sakaSomnini noMosi bebasese ngekampeni. Nje-ke ama-Amalekhi namaKanana ahlala ngeentabeni zenarha leyo ehla abamadlha abe abagijimisa bekwaba seRhorema. USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi akakhulume nama-Israyeli athi kiwo: “Lokha naningena enarheni enizokuhlala kiyo, ekuyinarha enginipha yona, begodu naninikela umhlabelo wokutjhiswa namkha umhlabelo wetjhebiswano njengomnikelo okhethekileko kuSomnini emhlambini weenkomo, wezimvu noweembuzi kobana nizalise isifungo namkha ukunikelela isihle nanyana lokha nanineminyanya, kufuze niwulethe bonyana ube ngowamukelekako kuSomnini. Umuntu oletha umnikelwakhe kuSomnini kufuze angezelele ngomnikelo weenthoro ekulithungana leflowuru esefiweko, edutjwe ngelitha nesiquntu samafutha we-oliva kanye nelitha nesiquntu sewayini njengomnikelo wokuselwako. Lokho akunikelako akukhambisane nenye nenye imvana ehlatjwa njengomhlabelo wokutjhiswa namkha wetjhebiswano. Lokha nawunikela iqama ungezelele ngomnikelo weenthoro, ekumathungana amabili weflowuru esefiweko edutjwe namalitha amabili wamafutha we-oliva kanye namalitha amabili wewayini njengomnikelo wokuselwako, kube mnikelo owamukelekako kuSomnini. Lokha nawunikela ikunzana njengomhlabelo wokutjhiswa namkha wetjhebiswano kobana uzalise isifungo kuSomnini kufuze ungezelele emhlabelweni lowo ngomnikelo weenthoro ekumathungana amane weflowuru esefiweko, edutjwe ngamalitha amane wamafutha we-oliva kanye namalitha amane wewayini njengomnikelo wokuselwako kube mnikelo okhethekileko, owamukelekako kuSomnini. Kuzakwenziwa njalo-ke ngenye nenye ikunzana, iqama, iqamanyana nepongwana. Ngokuya ngobungako bomhlabelo onikelwako, ungezeleleni ngeminikelo ekhambisana nawo. “Boke abantu bendabuko bazakwenza lokho ngendlela leyo lokha nabanikela umnikelo okhethekileko, owamukelekako kuSomnini. Isikhonzi esikhonze phakathi kwenu namkha esihlala nani kufuze naso sinikele njengani lokha nasifuna ukunikela umnikelwaso okhethekileko, owamukelekako kuSomnini. Lokha nanihlanganako phambi kwakaSomnini, kuzakuba nesimiso sinye ekungesenu nesesikhonzi esiphakathi kwenu. Lokho kufuze kube simiso sanini nanini eenzukulwaneni zenu: Njengombana kunjalo kini, kuzakuba njalo nesikhonzini. Kuzakuba mthetho munye nomyalo munye kini nesikhonzini esiphakathi kwenu.” USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi akakhulume nama-Israyeli athi kiwo: “Lokha naningena enarheni enginisa kiyo, nalokha nanidla isikwa sakhona, akube nesibiko kuSomnini. Ehlamenenu yokuthoma nikelani isikwa esimasongo, kube sibiko kuSomnini njengombana ninikela isibiko esiphuma eselelweni. Iye, iinzukulwana ngeenzukulwana nizakunikela umnikelo onjalo kuSomnini, uphume ehlamenenu yokuthoma.” Godu uSomnini wathi: “Kungenzeka bonyana none ngokungakahlosi ngokungenzi nanyana ngimiphi yemiyalo mina Somnini engiyikhulume ngawe wena Mosi, okutjho koke engayala ngakho kusukela mhlana nginikela imiyalo eenzukulwaneni ngeenzukulwana ukuya phambili. Nakube kwenzeke ngokungakahloswa nomkhambathi ungazi, nje-ke woke umkhambathi lowo uzakunikela ngekunzana yinye ibe mhlabelo wokutjhiswa kube mnikelo okhethekileko, owamukelekako kuSomnini, okhambisana nomnikelo weenthoro zawo newokuselwako ukuya ngomyalo. Godu kunikelwe nepongo yinye ibe ngeyomhlabelo wehlambululo. Nje-ke umphristi uzakwenzela umkhambathi woke wama-Israyeli itethelelo. Ngalokho-ke umkhambathi uzakuhlambuluka esonweni sawo ngombana wone ngokungakahlosi nokobana ulethe nomnikelo okhethekileko kuSomnini kanye nomhlabelo wehlambululo ngokona kwawo ungakahlosi. Woke umkhambathi wama-Israyeli uzakuhlambuluka kanye nesikhonzi esiphakathi kwawo ngombana woke umuntu gade athinteke ngokona angakahlosi. “Nangabe kona umuntu munye ngokungakahlosi, uzakunikela imbuzi esikazi enomnyaka munye kube mhlabelo wehlambululo. Umphristi uzakwenzela umuntu loyo itethelelo phambi kwakaSomnini mayelana nesono asenze angakahlosi. Iye, ngokumenzela itethelelo, uzakucolelwa. Kuzakuba nomthetho munye kiloyo owona angakahlosi, kungaba mumuntu wendabuko kwa-Israyeli namkha osikhonzi. Kodwana umuntu owona ngamabomu, kungaba ngowendabuko namkha osikhonzi, udelela uSomnini. Umuntu onjalo akajutjwe ebantwini bekhabo ngombana anyaze ilizwi lakaSomnini begodu wephula nomyalwakhe. Iye, umuntu loyo uzakujutjwa nya ebantwini bekhabo, athwale isono sakhe.” Kwathi lokha ama-Israyeli nakaserhalawumbeni, kwafunyaneka indoda itheza iinkuni ngeSabatha. Labo abayifunyanako, bayiletha kuMosi no-Aroni nakiwo woke umkhambathi. Bavalela indoda leyo ngesikhungweni ngombana bekungakazeki bona kufuze kwenziweni ngayo. USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Indoda leyo ayibulawe nokubulawa. Umkhambathi woke uyikhande ngamatje ngaphandle kwekampa.” Mbala umkhambathi woke wathatha indoda leyo wayikhuphela ngaphandle kwekampa, wafese wayikhanda ngamatje bonyana ifele lapho. Kwaba njengombana uSomnini ayala uMosi. Emva kwalokho uSomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi: “Tjela ama-Israyeli bona wona neenzukulwana zawo azenzele amatjharhatjharha emiphethweni yezambatho zawo lapha kuzakuthungelelwa khona imicwana elihlaza komkayi. Kuzakuthi nanibona amatjharhatjharha lawo, nikhumbule ukwenza imiyalo kaSomnini ukuze ningabi ngabangakathembeki ngokulandela iinkanuko zeenhliziyo zenu nezamehlwenu. Nizakukhumbula benenze yoke imiyalwami ukuze nibe ngabacwengileko kuZimenu. NginguSomnini uZimenu owanenyula enarheni yeGibhide bona ngibe nguZimu kini. NginguSomnini uZimenu.” UKhorarhi umsa kaJitsihari omsa kaKhehathi umsa kaLevi kanye namaRubeni okunguDatani no-Abiramu amadodana ka-Eliyabu no-Oni umsa kaPelethi bavukela uMosi. Basekelwa madoda amakhulu amabili namatjhumi amahlanu wakwa-Israyeli. Lawo-ke bekubarholi bomkhambathi, abakhethwa ehlanganweni ekubabantu abanedumo. Babuthana ndawonye bajamelana noMosi no-Aroni bathi kibo: “Kwanje khona, sekwanele! Boke abantu bomkhambathi, omunye nomunye wabo ungocwengileko begodu noZimu uphakathi kwabo. Alo, nina kubayini niziphakamisa ngaphezu kwehlangano kaSomnini na?” Kuthe lokha uMosi nakezwa lokho, wahloma ihloko phasi, wakhuluma noKhorarhi nejima lakhe wathi: “Kusasa ekuseni uSomnini uzozitjengisa bona ngubani ongowakhe nokobana ngubani ongocwengileko begodu uSomnini uzakwenza onjalo atjhidele kuye. Iye, loyo azamkhetha uzamenza atjhidele kuye. Nje-ke wena Khorarhi nejima lakho yenzani lokhu: Thathani izitja zokutjhisela itjhwalo, bese kuthi kusasa nokhele amalahle nithele itjhwalo phezu kwawo phambi kwakaSomnini. Nje-ke loyo uSomnini amkhethileko kuzakuba nguye ongocwengileko. Kwanje khona, nami senganele ngani madodana kaLevi!” Godu uMosi wathi kuKhorarhi: “Lalelani la nina madodana kaLevi: Kuyinto encani kini kobana uZimu wakwa-Israyeli anihlukanisele emkhambathini wakwa-Israyeli ukuze anitjhideze kuye bonyana nilotjhe ethaberinakelini lakaSomnini nokobana nijame esikhundleni somkhambathi beniwulotjhe na? Njengombana anitjhideze hlanu kwakhe nje, nina nabafowenu boke bamaLevi, alo, nisafunana nobuphristi godu? Aninghonghoyili ku-Aroni! Eqinisweni wena nalo loke ijinyana lakhwelo niphambene noSomnini ngokukghuthana kwenu lapha!” Nje-ke uMosi wathumela bona kubizwe uDatani no-Abiramu amadodana ka-Eliyabu. Bona bathi: “Thina asizi lapho! Akukaneli kuwe bona usenyule enarheni egeleza ibisi neliju bonyana uzosibulalela erhalawumbenapha, ubuye uzenze ikosana ngaphezu kwethu? Ngaphezu kwalokho, akhange usilethe enarheni egeleza ibisi neliju begodu akhange bewusiphe ngitjho kungaba masimu namkha isidiribe bona kube lilifa lethu. Abantu abanjengathi nje ungababeka isandla ebusweni na? Thina asizi lapho!” UMosi gade anyenye khulu; nje-ke wathi kuSomnini: “Somnini, ungawunaki umnikelwabo! Angikathathi ngitjho nodumbana kibo begodu akhange khe ngikhube noyedwa wabo.” Waphendukela kuKhorarhi wathi: “Kusasa, ubekhona wena nejima lakhwelo loke phambi kwakaSomnini; iye, wena nalo kanye no-Aroni. Omunye nomunye wenu akeze nesitja sakhe sokutjhisela itjhwalo, athele itjhwalo phezu kwaso asilethe phambi kwakaSomnini, okutjho izitja ezimakhulu amabili namatjhumi amahlanu. Nawe wena Khorarhi no-Aroni niphathe zenu izitja.” Nje-ke omunye nomunye wazithathela isitja sakhe, wokhela amalahle wathela netjhwalo phezu kwawo, bajama emnyango wetende lokuhlanganela banoMosi no-Aroni. Kuthe bona uKhorarhi abuthelele loke ijima lakhe elijamelene noMosi phambi komnyango wetende lokuhlanganela, kwabonakala iphazimulo kaSomnini emkhambathini woke. Nje-ke uSomnini wakhuluma noMosi no-Aroni wathi: “Zahlukaniseni nejimelo ukuze ngiliqede kube kanye.” Bona bahloma iinhloko phasi, bathi: “Maye Zimu! Wena Zimu wemiphefumulo yenyama yoke, kanti kuzakona umuntu munye bese ukhaliphela umkhambathi woke na?” USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi: “Khuluma nomkhambathi bonyana usuke magegana nalapha kuhlala khona uKhorarhi, uDatani no-Abiramu.” Nje-ke uMosi wasikima waya kuDatani no-Abiramu. Abaphathi bakwa-Israyeli bamlandela. Wakhuluma nomkhambathi wathi: “Ngiyanibawa, sukani ematendeni wamadoda akhohlakeleko lawo, ningathinti litho lawo ukuze ningathanyelwa ngebanga lazo zoke izono zawo.” Mbala umkhambathi wasuka magegana nalapha bekuhlala khona uKhorarhi, uDatani no-Abiramu. UDatani no-Abiramu baphuma bajama eminyangweni yamatendabo nabafazi babo, abantwana kanye namasanabo. UMosi wathi: “Ngalokhu nizakwazi bona uSomnini ungithumile bona ngenze woke umsebenzi lo, nokobana akuveli kimi. Nangabe abarhalaba bafa ukufa kwabantu boke, behlelwe ngokwehlela abantu boke, khona-ke uSomnini uzabe angakangithumi. Kodwana nangabe uSomnini wenza isiga esitjha, ihlabathi ivule umlomayo ibaginye kanye nakho koke okungekwabo, baye endaweni yabafileko basezwa. Nje-ke nizakwazi bona abarhalaba badelele uSomnini!” Kuthe angakaginyi namezwi agade awakhuluma, ihlabathi abarhalabo ebegade bajame kiyo yahlukana phakathi, iphasi lavula umlomalo labaginya nemizabo kanye nabo boke abantu bakaKhorarhi nepahlabo yoke. Ngendlela leyo behlela endaweni yabafileko nakho koke kwabo basezwa. Ihlabathi yabadibizesa, babhubha baphela ehlanganweni. Ama-Israyeli woke agade amagegana nabo abaleka nakezwa barhuwelela, adlumbana athi: “Baba-ke! Nathi iphaseli lizosiginya!” Kwehla umlilo uvela kuSomnini, waqothula amakhulu amabili namatjhumi amahlanu wabantu abagade banikela itjhwalo. Godu uSomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi: “Tjela u-Elazara umsa ka-Aroni umphristi bona asuse izitja zokutjhisela itjhwalo emthuthwini bese ukghuthulela amalahle wakhona kude le ngombana amalahle lawo acwengile. Izoni lezo zife ngebanga lokobana bezinikela itjhwalo ngezitjezo. Nje-ke izitjezo zibe ngezicwengileko ngokulethwa kwazo phambi kwakaSomnini. Yeke zikhandeni zibe sipara nizinamathisele e-aldarini. Ngendlela leyo zizakuba siyeleliso kuma-Israyeli.” Nje-ke u-Elazara umphristi wathatha izitja zokutjhisela itjhwalo zekoporo egade zisetjenziswa ngabatjhisiweko, zakhandwa zaba sipara bona zinamathiselwe e-aldarini. Zaba siyeleliso kuma-Israyeli bonyana kungabi khona noyedwa ongasuye umphristi nongasiso isizukulwana saka-Aroni ozakutjhidela phambi kwakaSomnini batjho utjhisa itjhwalo. Nakungasinjalo uzakufana noKhorarhi nejima lakhe. Kwaba njengombana uSomnini ayala u-Elazara ngoMosi. Ngakusasa kwamhlokho umkhambathi woke wama-Israyeli wanghonghoyila ngoMosi no-Aroni wathi kibo: “Nina, nibulele abantu bakaSomnini!” Kwathi lokha umkhambathi lowo nawukghuthanako bona ujamelane noMosi no-Aroni, wajika etendeni lokuhlanganela; qala nanto ilifu lembatha itende, kwabonakala iphazimulo kaSomnini. Nje-ke uMosi no-Aroni batjhidela phambi kwetende lokuhlanganela; uSomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi: “Tjhidani hlangana nomkhambathi lowo ukuze ngiwuqede kube kanye.” Bobabili bahloma iinhloko phasi. UMosi wathi ku-Aroni: “Thatha isitja sakho sokutjhisela itjhwalo bese wokhela amalahle e-aldarini ngakiso, uthele itjhwalo phezu kwawo, usithathe masinyana uye naso emkhambathini uwenzele itethelelo ngombana ilaka lakaSomnini liyavutha begodu sekusunguleke nesifo.” Nje-ke u-Aroni wathatha isitja sakhe njengombana uMosi atjhwile, wagijimela phakathi kwehlangano lapha isifo besele sisunguleke khona. Wathela itjhwalo phezu kwamalahle bona enzele abantu itethelelo. Wajama phakathi kwabasaphilako nesele bafile, isifo saphela. Labo ebe basele babulewe sisifo bebaziinkulungwana ezilitjhumi nane namakhulu alikhomba, ngaphandle kwalabo abafa ngesigemegeme sakaKhorarhi. U-Aroni wabuyela kuMosi emnyango wetende lokuhlanganela emva kokuphela kwesifo. USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi: “Khuluma nama-Israyeli akunikele iintonga ezilitjhumi nambili, kube yintonga yinye ephuma kumrholi wekoro enye nenye. Utlole ibizo lomrholi phezu kwentongakhe. Ibizo laka-Aroni litlolwe phezu kwentonga yekoro kaLevi. Kufuze kube nentonga yinye yehloko yekoro. Beka iintongezo ngetendeni lokuhlanganela phambi komfaji wobufakazi, lapha vane ngihlangane nawe khona. Intonga yomuntu engizakumkhetha izakuhluma. Ngalokho ngizakuqeda ukubelesela kokunghonghoyila kwama-Israyeli kini.” UMosi wakhuluma nama-Israyeli, nje-ke omunye nomunye umrholi wamnikela intonga, zaba litjhumi nambili. Kwaba mrholi nomrholi intonga ngokuya ngokweenkoro zawo. Intonga ka-Aroni beyihlangana nazo. Nje-ke uMosi wabeka iintonga phambi kwakaSomnini ngetendeni elinobufakazi. Kwathi ngakusasa uMosi nakaya ngetendeni elinobufakazi, qala, intonga ka-Aroni ongowendlu kaLevi beyihlumile! Beyinamaqumbe, amakhwa nama-alimodi avuthiweko! Nje-ke uMosi wakhupha zoke iintonga phambi kwakaSomnini waziletha kuma-Israyeli woke. Emva kokobana sele azibonile iintongezo, umrholi omunye nomunye wathatha yakhe. Godu uSomnini wathi kuMosi: “Buyisela intonga ka-Aroni phambi komfaji wobufakazi bona ibe siyeleliso samahlubuka. Akuphele ukunghonghoyila kwabo kimi, nakungasinjalo bazakufa bokanyana nje.” Mbala uMosi wenza njengombana uSomnini amyalile. Ama-Israyeli athi kuMosi: “Qala siyafa, siphelile nasinje, iye siphele sokanyana nje. Ngambala, omunye nomunye otjhidela ethaberinakelini lakaSomnini uzokufa! Alo, sifanele sife sokanyana nje?” USomnini wakhuluma no-Aroni wathi: “Wena namadodanakho kanye nekoro yekhenu enawe nizakuthwala isiphambeko esenziwe endaweni ecwengileko. Kodwana wena namadodanakho kwaphela nizakuthwala isiphambeko sobuphristi. Utjhideze abafowenu okutjho ikoro yamaLevi okuyindlu kayihlo ukuze bahlanganyele nawe, bakusize lokha wena namadodanakho nanilotjha phambi kwetende elinobufakazi. Bazakwenza imisebenzi obanikela yona etendeni loke, kodwana bangatjhideli ezitjeni ezicwengileko namkha e-aldarini. Nange bangatjhidela bazakufa bese nani niyafa. Bazakuhlanganyela nawe, baqale itende lokuhlanganela bebenze yoke imisebenzalo kodwana ongasi mphristi angatjhideli kini lokha nanisebenza ngezitja ezicwengileko namkha e-aldarini. Ngendlela leyo nizabe nikhandela ilaka lakaSomnini bona lingehleli phezu kwama-Israyeli godu. Yelela-ke, mina Somnini ngikhethe abafowenu amaLevi phakathi kwama-Israyeli njengesipho senu. Bona bahlukaniselwe uSomnini bonyana benze umsebenzi wetende lokuhlanganela. Kodwana wena namadodanakho akanye nawe nizakwenza umsebenzenu wobuphristi omayelana nakho koke okuphathelene ne-aldari nendawo engemuva kwesiyaya setjhila. Lokho kumsebenzenu. Ubuphristi ngibunikele nina njengesipho, nje-ke nanyana ngubani otjhidela eduze angasi mphristi, uzakubulawa.” Godu uSomnini wathi ku-Aroni: “Mina Somnini, ngimi engikunikele umsebenzi ophathelene neminikelo esibiko, okutjho izipho ezikhethekileko zama-Israyeli. Ngikunikele zona bona kube sisabelo sakho namadodanakho nini nanini. Eminikelweni yoke ecwenge khulu uzakufunyana okungakatjhiswa e-aldarini. Iye, yoke iminikelo ecwenge khulu ephuma eminikelweni yeenthoro, emihlabelweni yehlambululo neyehlawulo ingeyakho namadodanakho. Nizayidla njengomnikelo ocwenge khulu. Boke abaduna phakathi kwabaphristi banelungelo lokuwudla. Kumnikelo ocwengileko kini. Nakhu okhunye godu okungokwakho: Isabelo esibekiweko eminikelweni yoke esibiko ama-Israyeli ayiletha kuSomnini, ngesakho. Ngisinikele wena namadodanakho kanye namadodakazakho njengesabelo senu nini nanini. Woke ohlambulukileko endlinakho angadla kiso. Koke okuhle kwesivuno sokuthoma samafutha we-oliva, kwewayini nokweenthoro okulethwa ma-Israyeli kuSomnini, ngikunikela wena. Isilumo sakho koke okusemasiminabo asiletha kuSomnini, sizakuba ngesakho. Woke ohlambulukileko endlinakho angadla kiso. Godu okuzilelwa ngakho uSomnini kwa-Israyeli kungokwakho. Koke okuduna okuphume qangi esibelethweni, kwabantu nekweenlwana okulethwe kuSomnini, kuzakuba ngokwakho. Nokho-ke amazibulo wabantu neweenlwana ezingakahlambuluki, niwahlenge. Lokha izibulo nalinenyanga yinye kumele ubeke inani lokuhlengwa elimagremu amatjhumi amahlanu nalikhomba wesiliva ukuya ngesilinganiso sendawo ecwengileko. Kodwana amazibulo weenkomo, izimvu neembuzi angahlengwa ngombana acwengile. Fafaza iingazi zawo phezu kwe-aldari, utjhise imihlwehlwe yawo kube mnikelo okhethekileko, owamukeleka kuSomnini. Inyama yawo izakuba ngeyakho njengombana isifuba esiphakanyiswa nomlenze wangesidleni kungokwakho. Yoke iminikelo esibiko elethwa ma-Israyeli kuSomnini, ngiyinikela wena, amadodanakho namadodakazakho kube sisabelo sakho nini nanini. Lokho kusivumelwano esijanyiswe ngetswayi ngehlangothini lakaSomnini mayelana nawe neenzukulwana zakho.” Godu uSomnini wathi ku-Aroni: “Angeze waba nelifa hlangana nama-Israyeli begodu nesabelo sesimu angeze ube naso phakathi kwawo. Mina Somnini ngisisabelo sakho nelifa lakho phakathi kwama-Israyeli. “Koke kwetjhumi kwa-Israyeli, ngikunikele amaLevi bona kube lilifa lawo lokuwavuza emsebenzinawo wokulotjha etendeni lokuhlanganela. Kusukela nje, ama-Israyeli akukafaneli atjhidele etendeni lokuhlanganela ngombana nakenza njalo azakuthwala isono bese ayafa. Kodwana maLevi azakwenza umsebenzi wetende lokuhlanganela begodu azakuthwala isiphambeko esenziwa kilo. Lokhu kuzakuba simiso sanini nanini eenzukulwaneni zawo. AmaLevi angeze aba nelifa hlangana nama-Israyeli ngombana ngiwanikele kwetjhumi okulethwa ma-Israyeli kuSomnini bona kube lilifa lawo. Kungalokho ngithe kiwo angeze aba nelifa hlangana nama-Israyeli.” USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi akakhulume namaLevi athi kiwo: “Lokha nanamukela kwetjhumi kuma-Israyeli engininikele khona bona kube ngokwenu, khuphani kwetjhumi emnikelweni lowo kube ngokwakaSomnini. Lokho kuzakuba ngokwetjhumi kokwetjhumi. Umnikelwenu wokwetjhumi lowo uzakubalwa ngasuthi mnikelo weenthoro ophuma eselelweni senu newayini kanye namafutha we-oliva aphuma ebutlhodlhelweni benu. Ngendlela leyo nani nizakhupha kuSomnini umnikelo wokwetjhumi kwakho koke kwenu enikwamukela kuma-Israyeli. Nje-ke nizakuthatha umnikelo kaSomnini lowo niwunikele u-Aroni umphristi. Eminikelweni yoke eninikelwa yona, nikelani uSomnini umnikelo ongowakhe. Lokho kuzakuba mnikelo ocwengileko kuSomnini kikho koke okuhle kweminikelo.” Godu uSomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi akakhulume namaLevi athi: “Lokha nina maLevi naninikela okukhethekileko kweminikelo leyo bese ithathwa ingasuthi sivuno esivela eselelweni nebutlhodlhelweni, okuseleko ningakudlela nanyana kukuphi, nina nezindlu zenu. Lokho kumvuzo wenu mayelana nomsebenzi wokulotjha etendeni lokuhlanganela. Angeze naba nomlandu ngawo naniwudlako ikani nje nanithome ngokunikela okukhethekileko kwawo kuSomnini. Ngalokho ningasilaphazi izipho ezikhethekileko zama-Israyeli ukuze ningafi.” USomnini wakhuluma noMosi no-Aroni wathi: “Nasi isimiso somthetho uSomnini ayale ngaso: Tjelani ama-Israyeli bona anilethele ithokazi elibovu libe msulwa, lingabi nomphambo begodu libe ngelingazange khe libotjhelwe. Alinikele u-Elazara umphristi bese likhutjhelwa ngaphandle kwekampa lihlatjelwe lapho phambi kwakhe. Nje-ke u-Elazara umphristi uzakuthatha ezinye zeengazi zalo ngomuno, afafaze kalikhomba aqalise ngaphambi kwetende lokuhlanganela. Ithokazelo lizakutjhiswa umphristi aliqalile. Kutjhiswe isikhumba, inyama, iingazi kanye nomswanalo. Godu umphristi uzakuthatha isigojwana somsedari, ihlukuzo lehisophi nomtiya otlerebede, akuphosele emlilweni lapha kutjhiswa khona ithokazelo. Umphristi loyo uzakuhlanza izambatho zakhe, adude nomzimba, emva kwalokho angabuyela ngekampeni, kodwana uzakuba ngosilapheleko bekuhlwe. Naloyo otjhise ithokazi kufuze ahlanze izambatho zakhe adude nomzimba, naye uzakuba ngosilapheleko bekuhlwe. Indoda ehlambulukileko izakuwola umlotha wethokazi bese iwubeka ngaphandle kwekampa endaweni ekhethekileko. Uzakulondwa lapho bona usetjenziswe emanzini wehlambululo yomkhambathi wama-Israyeli ukuze uhlanjululwe ezonweni. Naloyo owola umlotha wethokazi kufuze ahlanze izambatho zakhe, abe ngosilapheleko bekuhlwe. Lokhu kuzakuba simiso sanini nanini kuma-Israyeli nesikhonzini esiphakathi kwawo. “Nanyana ngubani othinta isidumbu somunye nomunye umuntu, uzakuba ngosilapheleko amalanga alikhomba. Kufuze azihlambulule ngamanzi wehlambululo elangeni lesithathu nelekhomba, nje-ke uzakuba ngohlambulukileko. Kodwana nangabe akazihlambululi ngelanga lesithathu nelekhomba, angeze aba ngohlambulukileko. Nanyana ngubani othinta isidumbu somuntu ohlongakeleko bese angazihlambululi, usilaphaza ithaberinakeli lakaSomnini. Onjalo akajutjwe ebantwini bakwa-Israyeli ngombana akakafafazwa ngamanzi wehlambululo. Yeke uzakuhlala angosilapheleko. Iye, usananyathelwe kusilaphala. “Naku umthetho lokha umuntu nakahlongakalela ngetendeni lokuhlala: Woke umuntu ongena ngetendenelo namkha ongaphakathi kwalo uzakuba ngosilapheleko amalanga alikhomba. Kanti-ke nesitja esingetendeni esingakavalwa sabotjhwa ngesisibekelo, sisilaphele. “Nanyana ngubani osemmangweni othinta obulewe ngesabula, isidumbu somuntu ohlongakele ngemvelo, ithambo lomuntu namkha ithuna, uzakuba ngosilapheleko amalanga alikhomba. “Mayelana nomuntu osilapheleko, kufuze kuthathwe emlotheni wethokazi egade litjhiselwe ihlambululo, uthelwe ngesitjeni esinamanzi agelezako. Kuthi umuntu ohlambulukileko athathe ihlukuzo lehisophi alenye ngemanzinapho bese afafaze itendelo, ipahla yoke yetende nomuntu woke ogade alapho. Godu afafaze nomuntu okhe wathinta ithambo, isidumbu sobulewe ngesabula, isidumbu sozihlongakaleleko namkha ithuna. Umuntu ohlambulukileko loyo uzakufafaza godu phezu kokusilapheleko elangeni lesithathu nelekhomba. Ngendlela leyo uzakuhlambulula umuntu loyo ngelanga lekhomba. Ohlanjululweko uzakuhlanza izambatho zakhe, adude nomzimba, kuthi nakuhlwako abe ngohlambulukileko. “Kodwana nangabe osilapheleko akazihlambululi, uzakujutjwa ehlanganweni ngombana usilaphaze indawo ecwengileko kaSomnini. Ngebanga lokobana akakafafazwa ngamanzi wehlambululo, ungosilapheleko. Lokho kuzakuba simiso sanini nanini kuma-Israyeli. Umuntu ofafaza amanzi wokuhlambulula uzakuhlanza izambatho zakhe bese kuthi othinta amanzi wokuhlambulula abe ngosilapheleko bekuhlwe. Nanyana yini ethintwa mumuntu ongakahlambuluki izakuba ngesilapheleko. Nothinta okusilapheleko uzakuba ngosilapheleko bekuhlwe.” Kwathi ngenyanga yokuthoma woke umkhambathi wama-Israyeli wafika erhalawumbeni leTsini wahlala eKhadetjhi. UMiriyamu wahlongakalela lapho bewabekwa. Nje-ke lapho umkhambathi bewunganamanzi wokusela. Abantu bakghuthana ndawonye bajamelana noMosi no-Aroni. Basola uMosi bathi: “Bekungcono ukube ngathana sesafa nabafowethu lokha nabafa ngelaka lakaSomnini! Niyiletheleni ihlangano kaSomnini erhalawumbenapha? Benenzelela bonyana sizokufela lapha, thina nefuywethu, yi! Njekhona nisenyuleleni enarheni yeGibhide bona nisilethe endaweni embikazi le? Indawo enganamabele, imithi yamakhiwani, isidiribe nemithi yamarharinada; namanzi tle wokusela, awekho!” Nje-ke uMosi no-Aroni basuka ehlanganweni banqomba emnyango wetende lokuhlanganela, bafese bahloma iinhloko phasi. Khonapho kwabonakala kibo iphazimulo kaSomnini. USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Thatha idondolo lakho bese wena no-Aroni umfowenu nihlanganise umkhambathi. Khulumani edwaleni phambi kwawo bona likhuphe amanzi akilo. Ngendlela leyo nizawuvezela amanzi edwaleni ukuze usele wona nefuywawo.” Khonapho uMosi wathatha idondolo lakhe endaweni ecwengileko njengombana uSomnini amyalile. Mbala uMosi no-Aroni babuthelela ihlangano ndawonye phambi kwedwala, wathi kiyo: “Nje-ke lalelani nina mahlubuka ndina! Siniphundlusele amanzi edwaleneli na?” Yeke uMosi waphakamisa isandla sakhe wabetha idwala ngedondolo kabili; kwagobhoza amanzi amanengi kwasela umkhambathi kanye nefuywawo. Kodwana uSomnini wathi kuMosi no-Aroni: “Njengombana ningakhange ningethembe, nikhombise ukungihlonipha emehlweni wama-Israyeli, angeze nayingenisa ihlangano leyo enarheni engiyinikela yona.” Lawo bekumamanzi weMeriba lapha abantu bakwa-Israyeli basola khona uSomnini; nalapha uSomnini waziveza khona kibo ngobumsulwa bakhe. UMosi wathuma iinthunywa zisuka eKhadetjhi, zaya ekosini yakwa-Edomu zafese zathi: “Nakhu okutjhiwo ngumfowenu u-Israyeli, ‘Wena uyabazi boke ubunzima obasehlelako. Abobamkhulu behlela eGibhide, sahlala khona isikhathi eside. AmaGibhide asiphatha kumbi njengombana aphatha abobamkhulu. Kwathi lokha nasilila kuSomnini, uSomnini wasizwa bewathumela ingilozi bonyana isenyule eGibhide. Kwanjesi, singapha ngeKhadetjhi ekumumuzi ongemkhawulwenakho. Yeke sibawa usivumele bonyana sidlule enarhenakho. Angeze satlaya emasimini namkha esidiribeni begodu asizukusela amanzi wemithombakho. Sizokukhamba endleleni ekhanjwa makhosi, singaphambukeli ngesidleni namkha ngesinceleni size sidlule emkhawulwenakho.’ ” Kodwana u-Edomu waphendula wathi: “Awa, ningadluli lapha, nakungasinjalo, ngizanihlangabeza ngesabula.” Nje-ke ama-Israyeli amphendula athi: “Awa hle, sizokukhamba kwaphela endleleni ekulu. Nakungenzeka bona thina namkha ifuywethu isele amanzakho, sizakukukhokhela. Esikubawako sekudlula ngeenyawo kwaphela, akukho okhunye.” Godu waphendula wathi: “Ngithi, ningakhe ningadlula lapha!” Nje-ke u-Edomu waphuma wawakhandela ngamadoda amanengi ekulibutho elinamandla. Ngendlela leyo u-Edomu walela u-Israyeli bona adlule emkhawulwenakhe. Nje-ke u-Israyeli wajika, wamgadunga. Woke umkhambathi wama-Israyeli wasuka eKhadetjhi, wakhamba wabe wafika entabeni yeHori. USomnini wakhuluma noMosi no-Aroni entabeni yeHori ngemkhawulweni wenarha yakwa-Edomu wathi: “Nakungu-Aroni uzakulandela aboyisemkhulu. Angeze angena enarheni engiyinikela ama-Israyeli ngombana nafulathela umyalwami emanzini weMeriba. Thatha u-Aroni no-Elazara indodanakhe wenyukele nabo entabeni yeHori, uhlubulise u-Aroni izambatho zakhe zobuphristi bese uzembesa indodanakhe u-Elazara. U-Aroni uzakuhlongakalela lapho, abekwe.” UMosi wenza njengombana uSomnini amyalile. Bakhuphuka intaba yeHori umkhambathi woke ubaqalile. Mbala uMosi wahlubulisa u-Aroni izambatho zobuphristi wazembesa indodanakhe u-Elazara. U-Aroni wahlongakalela lapho esiqongolweni sentaba. Nje-ke uMosi no-Elazara bewuka intaba. Kuthe lokha umkhambathi woke nawubona bonyana u-Aroni uhlongakele, indlu yoke yakwa-Israyeli yamlilela amalanga amatjhumi amathathu. Ikosi ye-Aradi egade imKanana ihlala ngesewula yenarha, yezwa bona u-Israyeli uza ngendlela yange-Atarimu. Yasahlela ama-Israyeli beyathumba amanye wawo. Ama-Israyeli enza isifungo kuSomnini athi: “Nange mbala uSomnini anganikela abantwaba esandleni sethu, amadorobhabo sizowabhubhisa nya.” USomnini wezwa isibawo sama-Israyeli, wanikela amaKanana esandleni sawo. Ama-Israyeli abhubhisa amaKanana lawo nya kanye namadorobhawo. Nje-ke ibizo lendawo leyo labizwa bona yiRhorima. Ama-Israyeli asuka entabeni yeHori alunga ngendlela eya elwandle lomGaba ukuze abhode inarha yakwa-Edomu. Khonapho endleleni banyefa ummongo. Abantu banyefula uZimu noMosi bathi: “Nisikhupheleni eGibhide bona sizokufela erhalawumbenapha? Akunakudla! Namanzi awekho lapha! Begodu sese sidinwe nakukudlanyana okungazisikokhu!” Nje-ke uSomnini wathumela iinyoka ezinesihlungu ebantwini, zabaluma; kwafa ama-Israyeli amanengi. Abantu beza kuMosi bafese bathi: “Sonile ngombana sinyefule uSomnini kanye nawe. Yeke sithandazela kuSomnini bona asuse iinyokezi kithapha.” Nje-ke uMosi wabathandazela-ke. USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Yenza umfanekiso wenyoka enesihlungu uyiphakamise ibe liphawu okuzakuthi omunye nomunye olunyiweko nakayiqalako, aphiliswe.” UMosi wenza inyoka yekoporo, wayiphakamisa kobana ibe liphawu. Bekuthi nanyana ngubani olunywa yinyoka nakaqala inyoka yekoporo, aphile. Ama-Israyeli afuduka ayokuhloma amatendawo nge-Obhothi. Afuduka godu e-Obhothi ayokuhloma e-Iye-Habharimu, eserhalawumbeni elingepumalanga yakwaMowabi. Ukusuka lapho afuduka ayokuhloma emlanjaneni iZeredi. Ukusuka lapho afuduka godu ayokuhloma ngale kwe-Arinoni, ngerhalawumbeni elinabela ngemkhawulweni wama-Amori. Kwakhona i-Arinoni le, isemkhawulweni hlangana neMowabi nendawo yama-Amori. Kungalokho encwadini yezipi zakaSomnini kuthiwa: “... eWahebe eseSufa emilanjaneni ye-Arinoni namadonga wemirhoba enabela ngebuhlalweni be-Ari, izeyame ngemikhawulo yakwaMowabi.” Ukusuka lapho ama-Israyeli aragela phambili aya eBheri, ekumthombo lapha uSomnini akhuluma khona noMosi wathi: “Buthelela abantu ndawonye ukuze ngibaphe amanzi.” Nje-ke ama-Israyeli avuma nasi ingoma: “Gobhoza mthombo! Vumani njalo ngomthombo owenjiwe barholi, warhujwa ngitjho nangani makhosi wabantu ngentonga yombusi nangamadondolwawo.” Asuka erhalawumbenapho aya eMatana, ukusuka eMatana aya eNarhaliyeli, eNarhaliyeli aya eBhamothi. Ukusuka eBhamothi kwayiwa emrhobeni ongesifundeni sakwaMowabi lapha esiqongweni sePisiga umuntu angabona khona iJetjhimoni. Ama-Israyeli athumela iinthunywa kuSirhoni ikosi yama-Amori athi: “Sivumela bonyana sidlule enarhenakho. Angeze satlaya emasimini namkha esidiribeni begodu asizukusela amanzi wemithombakho. Sizokukhamba endleleni ekhanjwa makhosi, size sidlule emkhawulwenakho.” Kodwana uSirhoni akhange avumele u-Israyeli bona adlule emkhawulwenakhe. Wahlanganisa loke ibutho lakhe waphuma bonyana asahlele u-Israyeli erhalawumbeni. Wafika eJahatsi walwa no-Israyeli. Ama-Israyeli alwa naye ngesabula amhlula abe athumba inarhakhe ukusukela emlanjeni i-Arinoni bekwaba semlanjeni iJabokhi. IJabokhi bekumkhawulo oqinisiweko wama-Amoni. Ama-Israyeli athatha woke amadorobho wakhona, ahlala ngemadorobheni wama-Amori, ngeRhetjhibhoni nemizanayo yoke. IRhetjhibhoni bekulidorobho lakaSirhoni ikosi yama-Amori. USirhoni lo, gade alwe nekosi yaphambilini yakwaMowabi bewayemuka inarhayo yoke bekube semlanjeni i-Arinoni. Ngikho nje iimbongi zithi: “Yizani eRhetjhibhoni ukuze lakhiwe, idorobho lakaSirhoni aliqiniswe. Phambilini kwaphuma umlilo eRhetjhibhoni, iye, amalangabi edorobheni lakaSirhoni. Aginya i-Ari kwaMowabi, nabanini beendunduma hlangana ne-Arinoni. Maye kuwe Mowabi! Niphelile nina balotjhi bakaKemotjhi! Wenze amadodanakhe aba bakhoseli, namadokazakhe aba bathunjwa bekosi yama-Amori, uSirhoni. Amasimabo atjhabalele ukusukela eRhetjhibhoni ukuya eDibhoni, begodu ukusukela eNatjhimu ukuya eNofarhi.” (INofarhi le iseduze neMedeba.) Ngendlela leyo-ke ama-Israyeli ahlala enarheni yama-Amori. UMosi wathumela bona kuyokuhlolwa iJazeri. Ama-Israyeli athumba imizanayo, aqotjha nama-Amori agade alapho. Nje-ke ama-Israyeli ajika akhuphuka ngendlela eya eBhatjhani. U-Ogi ikosi yakhona yaphuma nebutho layo loke bonyana ibasahlele ngepi e-Edreyi. Kodwana uSomnini uZimu wathi kuMosi: “Ungamesabi ngombana ngimnikele esandleni sakho, iye, yena nebutho lakhe kanye nenarhakhe. Uzakwenza kuye njengombana wenze kuSirhoni ikosi yama-Amori ebe yakhe eRhetjhibhoni.” Mbala ama-Israyeli abulala u-Ogi namadodanakhe kanye nabantu bakhe boke, kwangabi khona noyedwa wakhe osindako. Ngendlela leyo athumba inarhakhe. Ama-Israyeli afuduka afese ahloma amatendawo ngemrhobeni weJordani kwaMowabi malungana neJerikho. UBhalakhi umsa kaTsipori wakubona koke ama-Israyeli agade akwenze kuma-Amori. AmaMowabi aba nevalo elikhulu ngama-Israyeli ngombana gade amanengi. Iye, akhathazeka khulu ngawo. UMowabi wakhuluma nabaphathi bamaMidiyani wathi: “Nje-ke isiqubuthwesi sizokutjhwamadela koke okusizombileko njengekomo nayitjhwamadela utjani emrhuleni.” UBhalakhi umsa kaTsipori, ogade ayikosi yakwaMowabi ngesikhatheso, wathumela iinthunywa kuBhiliyamu umsa kaBhewori ngePetora emagegana nomlambo iYufrathe enarheni lapha adabuka khona, bona ziyombiza zithi kuye: “Yelela, kunabantu abaphuma eGibhide, abasibekele ubuso bephasi begodu bakhe eduze kwami. Nje-ke yewize, uzonginikelelela abantwaba ngamanikelela ngombana banamandla khulu kunami. Mhlamunye kungahle kwenzeke bona ngibahlule bengibaqotjhe enarheni. Iye, ngiyazi bona obusiswa nguwe, ubusisiwe nonikelelwa nguwe unikelelwe.” Nje-ke abaphathi bakwaMowabi nebakwaMidiyani basuka baphethe isiliva yokuthukula ezandleni zabo. Bafika kuBhiliyamu, bambikela umlayezo kaBhalakhi. Yena wathi kibo: “Lalani lapha namhlanje, kuzakuthi kusasa nginibuyele nelizwi engilifumene kuSomnini.” Mbala iinkhulu zakwaMowabezo zalala kwaBhiliyamu. UZimu wabonakala kuBhiliyamu wambuza wathi: “Bobani amadoda anawe la?” UBhiliyamu waphendula uZimu wathi: “UBhalakhi ikosi yakwaMowabi omsa kaTsipori ungithumelele umbiko ngawo wathi, ‘Yelela, kunabantu abaphuma eGibhide, abasibekele ubuso bephasi begodu bakhe eduze kwami. Nje-ke yewize, uzongithiyela abantwaba ngemilingo. Mhlamunye kungahle kwenzeke bona ngibahlule bengibaqotjhe.’ ” UZimu wathi kuBhiliyamu: “Ungakhambi nawo. Begodu unganikeleli abantwabo ngombana bangababusisiweko.” UBhiliyamu wavuka ekuseni wathi eenkhulwini zakaBhalakhi: “Buyelani enarheni yekhenu ngombana uSomnini walile bona ngikhambe nani.” Nje-ke iinkhulu zakwaMowabi zasuka zabuyela kuBhalakhi zafese zathi: “UBhiliyamu walile ukuza nathi.” Godu uBhalakhi wathumela iinkhulu ezinengi nezinesithunzi kunezokuthoma. Zeza kuBhiliyamu zafese zathi kuye: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguBhalakhi umsa kaTsipori uthi, ‘Hle, akungabi khona into ekuthiyako ukuza kimi ngombana ngizakupha umvuzo omkhulu. Nanyana yini oyitjhoko kimi ngizayenza. Yewize wena, uzongithiyela abantwaba ngemilingo.’ ” Kodwana uBhiliyamu waphendula iinceku zakaBhalakhi wathi: “Ngitjho nanyana uBhalakhi gade angangipha isigodlo sakhe sigcwele isiliva negolide bengingeze ngeqa umyalo kaSomnini uZimami ngenze nanyana yini. Nje-ke akhese nilale lapha nani ubusukobu, khengizwe bona yini enye into uSomnini azayitjho kimi.” UZimu wabonakala kuBhiliyamu ngobusukobo wathi kuye: “Nangabe amadoda lawo eze bona azokubiza, zilungiselele ukhambe nawo. Kodwana uzakwenza kwaphela lokho mina engikutjela khona.” Nje-ke uBhiliyamu wavuka ekuseni wabophela udumbanakhe wemuka neenkhulu zakwaMowabi. Kodwana gade asese sendleleni, akhwele udumbanakhe akhamba neenceku zakhe ezimbili, lokha ilaka lakaZimu nalithoma ukuvutha ngokukhamba kwakhe neenkhulwezo. Nje-ke ingilozi kaSomnini yajama endleleni phambi kwakhe kobana imkhandele. Udumbana wabona ingilozi kaSomnini ijame endleleni irhwatjhe isabulayo. Nje-ke udumbana waphuma endleleni wavundla ummango. UBhiliyamu wadula udumbana loyo bona abuyele endleleni. Ingilozi kaSomnini yajama emzilaneni phakathi kwesidiribe hlanu komthangala ngapha nangapha. Kuthe lokha udumbana nakabona ingilozi kaSomnini, waziyama ngomthangala, warhuhlisa inyawo lakaBhiliyamu ngomthangala lowo. Nje-ke uBhiliyamu wamdula godu. Ingilozi kaSomnini yaragela phambili yafese yajama emkghothaneni womthangala lapha kunganandawo yokujikela ngesidleni namkha ngesinceleni. Kwathi lokha udumbana nakabona ingilozi kaSomnini walala phasi uBhiliyamu asakhwele njalo. UBhiliyamu wabila khulu, watutlula udumbana loyo ngomtjhizakhe. Nje-ke uSomnini wavula umlomo kadumbana, wakhuluma noBhiliyamu wathi: “Ngikwenzeni mntabantu njengombana sekulihlandla lesithathu usoloko ungidula nje?” UBhiliyamu waphendula udumbana wathi: “Kungebanga lokobana ungitshime isidlhayela. Sengathi ngathana bengiphethe isabula esandleni samapha; bengizokubulala nya wena, khona nje!” Udumbana wathi kuBhiliyamu: “Kanti angisuye udumbanakho omkhwelileko esikhathini eside esidlulileko bekube namhlanje na? Bengiphele ngenze lokhu kuwe na?” UBhiliyamu wathi: “Awa.” Nje-ke uSomnini wavula amehlo kaBhiliyamu, wabona ingilozi kaSomnini ijame endleleni irhwatjhe isabulayo. Khonapho waguqa wahloma ihloko phasi. Ingilozi kaSomnini yathi kuye: “Kubayini ututlule udumbanakho bekube kathathu na? Yelela-ke, mina ngize bona ngizokukhandela ngombana indlela leyo inameva ngokubona kwami. Udumbana ungibonile bewaphambuka kathathu phambi kwami. Nangathana udumbana akhange aphambuke phambi kwami, ngiqinisile yi, wena ngasele ngikubulele nya, yena ngamlisa waphila.” Nje-ke uBhiliyamu wathi engilozini kaSomnini: “Ngonile ngombana akhange ngazi bona ujame endleleni kobana ungihlangabeze. Yeke nangabe akuthandeki emehlweni wekosami, ngizokubuyela emuva.” Ingilozi kaSomnini yathi kuBhiliyamu: “Khamba namadoda lawo, kodwana ukhulume kwaphela amezwi engizakutjela wona.” Nje-ke uBhiliyamu wakhamba neenkhulu zakaBhalakhi lezo. Kwathi lokha uBhalakhi nakezwa bona uBhiliyamu usendleleni, waphuma wayomhlangabeza edorobheni lakwaMowabi elisemlanjeni i-Arinoni, ngemaphelelweni womkhawulo. UBhalakhi wathi kuBhiliyamu: “Akhange ngithumele bona ubizwe na? Alo, kubayini ungakhange uze kimi ngesikhatheso? Kghani ngiyahluleka ukukuvuza na?” UBhiliyamu waphendula uBhalakhi wathi: “Lalela-ke, kwanje sengifikile kuwe. Kodwana ungacabangi bonyana ngizakukhuluma ilizwi uSomnini angakalitjho kimi. Kwaphela lokho uSomnini athe ngikutjho.” Nje-ke uBhiliyamu wakhamba noBhalakhi bebafika eKiriyathi-Rhutsothi. UBhalakhi wenza umhlabelo weenkomo nezimvu wabese uthumela isabelo kuBhiliyamu neenkhulu egade zinaye. Kwathi ngakusasa kwakhona uBhalakhi wathatha uBhiliyamu wenyukela naye eBhamothi-Bhali. Lapho uBhiliyamu wabona ingcenye yabantu bakwa-Israyeli. UBhiliyamu wathi kuBhalakhi: “Ngakhelani ama-aldari alikhomba bese ningilethela iinkunzi ezilikhomba namaqama alikhomba.” UBhalakhi wenza njengombana uBhiliyamu atjhwile. Nje-ke uBhalakhi noBhiliyamu banikela ngekunzi neqama phezu kwelinye nelinye i-aldari. UBhiliyamu wathi kuBhalakhi: “Jama hlanu kwemihlabelwakho yokutjhiswa le, mina ngisathi ukubethwa mumoya; mhlamunye uSomnini uzazibonakalisa kimi. Nje-ke nanyana yini azakwambula kimi, ngizakutjela khona.” Mbala wakhamba waya embunjwaneni onganalitho. UZimu wazibonakalisa kuBhiliyamu. UBhiliyamu wathi kuye: “Ngilungise ama-aldari alikhomba, kwathi phezu kwelinye nelinye nganikela ikunzi neqama.” USomnini wafaka uBhiliyamu ilizwi ngemlonyeni. Begodu wathi: “Buyela kuBhalakhi ufese umtjele engikutjele khona.” Nje-ke wabuyela kuBhalakhi, qala, yena neenkhulu zoke zakwaMowabi bebajame hlanu kwemihlabelwakhe yokutjhiswa. UBhiliyamu waphimisa umlayezwakhe wathi: “UBhalakhi wangilanda ukusukela e-Aramu, iye, ikosi yakwaMowabi yangisusa ngeentabeni zepumalanga ngokuthi, ‘Yewize uzonginikelelela uJakopo ngamanikelela; yewize uzokuthuwelelisa u-Israyeli!’ Ngingamnikelela njani ongakanikelelwa nguZimu? Ngimthuwelelise njani ongakathuweleliswa nguSomnini na? Iye, ukusukela phezu kwamadwala ngiyababona, naphezu kwemibundu basavelile: Qala, kubabantu abahlala bodwa, begodu abazibali nezinye izizwe! Ngubani ongabala uJakopo onjengethuli, u-Israyeli onjengesibalo sethuli lesivunguvungu? Angife ukufa kolungileko, nokuphela kwami kube njengokwakhe!” UBhalakhi wathi kuBhiliyamu: “Kanti ndoda ungisebenze njani? Angitjho ngikuthethe bona uzongithiyela izitha zami ngemilingo! Qala, sewazibusisa kwaphela!” Yena waphendula wathi: “Kanti akukafaneli bona ngiyelele lokho uSomnini akufake emlonyenami na?” UBhalakhi wathi kuye: “Akhese unambe nami siye kenye indawo lapha uzababona khona abantwabo. Lapho-ke uzakubona ingcenye yabo ingasi boke. Nje-ke ungithiyele bona ngemilingo usendaweni leyo.” Mbala uBhalakhi wamthatha wakhamba emmangweni weTsofimu esiqongweni sePisiga, wafese wakha ama-aldari alikhomba lapho bewanikela ngekunzi nangeqama phezu kwelinye nelinye lawo. UBhiliyamu wathi kuBhalakhi: “Akhusuje ujame hlanu kwemihlabelo yokutjhiswa, mina ngisafuna ukuzihlanganisa noSomnini ngaphetjheyaphaya.” USomnini wahlangana noBhiliyamu wafese wafaka ilizwi ngemlonyenakhe. Begodu wathi: “Buyela kuBhalakhi ufese umtjele engikutjele khona.” Mbala uBhiliyamu wabuyela kuye wamfunyana ajame hlanu kwemihlabelwakhe yokutjhiswa neenkhulu zakwaMowabi ezikanye naye. UBhalakhi wambuza wathi: “Alo, uSomnini utheni?” UBhiliyamu waphimisa umlayezo okuye wathi: “Sikima wena Bhalakhi, ulalele, iye, lalela kuhle wena msa kaTsipori: UZimu akasuye umuntu bona angabeze aleye amala, namkha indodana yomuntu bona angabeze aphenduke. Uyakhuluma yena angenzi na? Uyathembisa angaphethi na? Yelela-ke mina ngamukele umyalo wokubusisa, yena ubusisile, yeke mina angeze ngakuphendula lokho. KwaJakopo akufunyanwa iinthuweleliso, akubonwa umonakalo kwa-Israyeli. USomnini uZimabo unabo, ukusasela kwabo uSomnini kuphakathi kwabo. UZimu wabakhupha eGibhide, kibo unjengeempondo zekukhama. Kwamambala awukho umlingo ongaphumelela kuJakopo, akukho ukufunisela okungajamelana no-Israyeli. UZimu ukhuluma ngoJakopo ngesikhathi esifaneleko, iye, uZimu ngokwakhe uhlosa okuzokwenzeka ngo-Israyeli. Isizwesi sifana nengwenyamakazi esikimako, iye, sifana nengwenyama ezisikimisako; ayilali phasi ingakadli inyamazana, ikhothe iingazi zesibandana esidabulileko.” Nje-ke uBhalakhi wathi kuBhiliyamu: “Khona-ke nakube awubathiyi ngemilingo, ungababusisi!” Kodwana uBhiliyamu waphendula uBhalakhi wathi: “Angitjho ngikutjelile bona kufuze ngenze kwaphela lokho uSomnini akutjhwileko.” UBhalakhi wathi kuBhiliyamu: “Namba khengikuthathe ngikuse kenye indawo. Mhlambe nawulapho kungahle kuthokozise uZimu bona ungithiyele abantwaba ngemilingo.” Nje-ke uBhalakhi wathatha uBhiliyamu wamusa esiqongweni sePewori lapha umuntu angabona khona iJetjhimoni. UBhiliyamu wathi kuBhalakhi: “Yewungakhele ama-aldari alikhomba bese ungilethela iinkunzi ezilikhomba namaqama alikhomba.” Mbala uBhalakhi wenza njengombana uBhiliyamu atjhwile bewanikela ngekunzi nangeqama e-aldarini elinye nelinye. Kwathi lokha uBhiliyamu nakabona bona okuhle kuSomnini kukobana abusise ama-Israyeli, azange aphendukele emilingweni njengesiqhelo, kodwana waqala erhalawumbeni. Kwathi lokha nakaphakamisa amehlwakhe, wabona u-Israyeli ahlome amatendakhe ikoro ngekoro. UMoya kaZimu wehlela phezu kwakhe, waphimisa umlayezwakhe wathi: “Isitjho sakaBhiliyamu umsa kaBhewori, isitjho somuntu onelihlo elibukhali, isitjho somuntu olalela amezwi kaZimu, nobona isambulo soSabekako, obona kuhle nakasemmoyeni: Maye mahle kangangani amatendakho Jakopo, imitlhatlhanakho wena Israyeli! Anjengemithi emide yamasundu, nanjengeemvande ezimagegana nomlambo, nanjengesilele esitjalwa nguSomnini, nanjengemithi yomsedari emile hlanu kwamanzi. Amanzi azakukhelelwa ngeenkhwama zabo zesikhumba, nembewabo izakuba namanzi aneleko. Ikosabo izakuphakamela ngehla kwaka-Agagi, nombuswayo uzakuphakanyiswa. UZimu wabakhupha eGibhide, kibo unjengeempondo zekukhama. Bazakuginya izizwe ezizizitha zabo bephule amathambazo abe ziinquqwana, baphihlize ababagandelelako. Bayakhothama bazigedagede phasi njengebhubezi nanjengebhubezikazi; akakho ongalinga ukubavusa! Abanibusisako bazakubusiswa, nabaninikelelako bazakunikelelwa.” Ilaka lakaBhalakhi lavutha kuBhiliyamu, wathintitha izandla wathi: “Ngikubizele bona uzongithiyela izitha zami ngemilingo! Qala-ke wena uzibusise bekwaba kathathu! Yeke goduka khona nje, utjhinge ekhenu. Bengithi ngizokuvuza kuhle, kodwana uSomnini ukwenze bona ungavuzeki.” UBhiliyamu wathi kuBhalakhi: “Angitjho ngizitjelile iinthunywa ogade uzithume kimi ngathi, ‘Nanyana uBhalakhi gade angangipha isigodlo sakhe sigcwele isiliva negolide bengingeze ngeqa umyalo kaSomnini ngenze okuhle namkha okumbi. Kwaphela lokho uSomnini athi ngikutjho.’ Iye, ngiyagoduka-ke nje, ngiya ekhethu. Yizapha ngikulemukise bona abantwaba bazokwenzani ebantwini bakho ngomuso.” Nje-ke godu uBhiliyamu waphimisa umlayezwakhe wathi: “Isitjho sakaBhiliyamu umsa kaBhewori, isitjho somuntu onelihlo elibukhali, isitjho somuntu olalela amezwi kaZimu, owazi ilwazi lakaZimu ongoPhezulu, obona isambulo soSabekako nobona kuhle nakasemmoyeni: Ngiyambona yena kodwana ingasi manjesi, ngiyambona kodwana ingasi eduze. Iye, ikwekwezi izakuvumbuka kuJakopo, intonga yobukhosi izakuvela ku-Israyeli; izakuphihliza iindlani zombili zakwaMowabi, neenhloko zamaTjhethi woke. U-Edomu uzakuba sisabelo sayo, iye, uSeyiri, isitha sayo, uzakuba sisabelo. Iye, u-Israyeli uzakubonisa amandlakhe lokha loyo ovela kuJakopo nakabusako. Uzakubhubhisa abasindileko emadorobheni.” Nje-ke uBhiliyamu waqala ngaku-Amalekhi waphimisa umlayezwakhe wathi: “U-Amalekhi uyindlondlo hlangana nezizwe kodwana ekugcineni uzakuwa ngephondo.” UBhiliyamu waqala amaKheni waphimisa umlayezwakhe wathi: “Indawakho yokuhlala ingeyasafuthi, isihlakana sakho sakhiwe edwaleni. Kodwana uKhayini uzokutjhiswa. Akuzukuba kade bona u-Asiriya akuthumbe.” UBhiliyamu waphimisa nomlayezo lo: “Maye! Kazi ngubani ozakuphila lokha uZimu nakenza lokho? Iye, kuzakuvela iinthayamanzi endaweni yamaKithi, zihlunguphaze u-Asiriya no-Ebhere; kanti-ke no-Asiriya uzakuhloma ngephondo phasi.” Nje-ke uBhiliyamu wasikima wagoduka waya ekhabo. UBhalakhi naye wabona eze ngayo. Kwathi lokha ama-Israyeli asahlezi eTjhithimu, amadoda athoma ukungwadla namadodakazi wakwaMowabi. Amadodakazi lawo awamema emihlatjelweni yabozinyana bawo. Amadoda lawo adla abe alotjha abozinyana bamadodakazi lawo. Ngalokho ama-Israyeli azibophelela kuBhali wePewori. Nje-ke ilaka lakaSomnini lavutha ngama-Israyeli bewathi kuMosi: “Thatha boke abarholi babantwaba bese ubaphanyeka babe selangeni phambi kwakaSomnini ukuze ilaka lakaSomnini lizokwazi ukusuka kuma-Israyeli.” Yeke uMosi wathi ebagwebini bakwa-Israyeli: “Omunye nomunye wenu akabulale abantu abengameleko abazibophelele kuBhali wePewori.” Khonapho, nango omunye wama-Israyeli aletha umfazi wakwaMidiyani emndeninakhe, uMosi nomkhambathi woke wakwa-Israyeli baqalile. Ngesikhatheso bebasalila phambi kwetende lokuhlanganela. Kwathi lokha uFiniyasi umsa ka-Elazara omsa ka-Aroni umphristi nakabona lokho, wasikima watjhiya umkhambathi, wathatha umkhontwakhe, walandela umuntu wakwa-Israyeli loyo ngencabafazi ngetendeni. Kwathi basalele wabahlaba bobabili, indoda nomfazi loyo, umkhonto waphundlukela esiswini somfazi. Emva kwalokho isifo sasuka kuma-Israyeli. Labo ebegade sele bafe ngesifo bebaziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili nane. USomnini wathi kuMosi: “UFiniyasi umsa ka-Elazara omsa ka-Aroni umphristi, urhobhise ilaka lami kuma-Israyeli ngombana yena ube netjisakalo ngami. Ngalokho akhange ngiwabhubhise ama-Israyeli ngesikhwele enginaso. Yeke mtjele bona ngenza naye isivumelwano sokuthula: Yena neenzukulwana zakhe bazakwamukeliswa isivumelwano sobuphristi nini nanini ngombana ube nesikhwele ngoZimakhe, wabuye wenzela ama-Israyeli itethelelo.” Ibizo lendoda yakwa-Israyeli eyabulawa nomfazi wakwaMidiyani bekunguZimri umsa kaSalu oyihloko yomndeni wakwaSimiyoni. Ibizo lomfazi wakwaMidiyani owabulawako bekunguKozibi indodakazi kaTsuri oyihloko yemindeni yekoro yakwaMidiyani. USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Phathani amaMidiyani njengezitha zenu bese niyawabulala, ngombana nawo aniphatha njengezitha ngobuqili bawo lokha nakaniyenga ngendaba yePewori. Kwaba njalo nangendaba kadadwawo uKozibi indodakazi yomrholi wakwaMidiyani, owabulawa ngelanga lesifo esabangwa yiPewori.” Ngemva kwalokho uSomnini wakhuluma noMosi no-Elazara umsa ka-Aroni umphristi wathi: “Balani woke umkhambathi wama-Israyeli ngemindeni yaboyise, okutjho boke abaduna abasele balungele ukuya epini ukusukela kwabaneminyaka ematjhumi amabili ukuya phezulu.” Nje-ke uMosi no-Elazara umphristi bakhuluma nama-Israyeli kwaMowabi ngemrhobeni weJordani malungana neJerikho bonyana kutloliswe abaduna ukusukela kwabaneminyaka ematjhumi amabili ukuya phezulu. Kwaba njengombana uSomnini ayale uMosi. Ama-Israyeli aphuma enarheni yeGibhide nakabalwa nguMosi bekungilawa: Lezi bekuziinzukulwana zakaRubeni izibulo laka-Israyeli: uRhanoko owabeletha umndeni wamaRhanoko, uPalu owabeletha umndeni wamaPalu, uRhetsironi owabeletha umndeni wamaRhetsironi, uKarimi owabeletha umndeni wamaKarimi. Leyo-ke bekumindeni yakaRubeni. Labo abatlolisweko bebaziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amane nantathu namakhulu alikhomba namatjhumi amathathu. Indodana kaPalu bekungu-Eliyabu. Amadodana ka-Eliyabu kunguNemuweli, uDatani no-Abiramu. (Laba bekunguDatani no-Abiramu abakhethwa emkhambathini. Ngibo abaphikisana noMosi no-Aroni ejimeni lakaKhorarhi. Ngalokho bebaphikisana noSomnini. Iphasi lavula umlomalo labaginya kanye noKhorarhi. Ijima lamadoda amakhulu amabili namatjhumi amahlanu lafa ngokuqothulwa mlilo. Ngendlela leyo abantwaba baba sitjengiso sesiyeleliso. Nokho amadodana kaKhorarhi akhange ahlongakale.) Lezi bekuziinzukulwana zakaSimiyoni ngokwemindenazo: uNemuweli owabeletha umndeni wamaNemuweli, uJamini owabeletha umndeni wamaJamini, uJakini owabeletha umndeni wamaJakini, uZerarhi owabeletha umndeni wamaZerarhi, uSawula owabeletha umndeni wamaSawula. Leyo-ke bekumindeni yakaSimiyoni. Labo abatlolisweko bebaziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili nambili namakhulu amabili. Lezi bekuziinzukulwana zakaGadi ngokwemindenazo: uTsefoni owabeletha umndeni wamaTsefoni, uRhagi owabeletha umndeni wamaRhagi, uTjhuni owabeletha umndeni wamaTjhuni, u-Ozini owabeletha umndeni wama-Ozini, u-Eri owabeletha umndeni wama-Eri, u-Arodi owabeletha umndeni wama-Arodi, u-Areli owabeletha umndeni wama-Areli. Leyo-ke bekumindeni yakaGadi. Labo abatlolisweko bebaziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amane namakhulu amahlanu. U-Eri no-Onani bekumadodana kaJuda, kodwana bahlongakalela enarheni yeKanana. Lezi bekuziinzukulwana zakaJuda ngokwemindenazo: uTjhela owabeletha umndeni wamaTjhela, uPeretsi owabeletha umndeni wamaPeretsi, uZerarhi owabeletha umndeni wamaZerarhi. Amadodana kaPeretsi bekunguRhetsironi owabeletha umndeni wamaRhetsironi noRhamulu owabeletha umndeni wamaRhamulu. Leyo-ke bekumindeni yakaJuda. Labo abatlolisweko bebaziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi alikhomba nathandathu namakhulu amahlanu. Lezi bekuziinzukulwana zaka-Isakari ngokwemindenazo: uTola owabeletha umndeni wamaTola, uPuva owabeletha umndeni wamaPuni, uJatjhubi owabeletha umndeni wamaJatjhubi, uTjhimroni owabeletha umndeni wamaTjhimroni. Leyo-ke bekumindeni yaka-Isakari. Labo abatlolisweko bebaziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi asithandathu nane namakhulu amathathu. Lezi bekuziinzukulwana zakaZebuloni ngokwemindenazo: uSeredi owabeletha umndeni wamaSeredi, u-Eloni owabeletha umndeni wama-Eloni, uJarhiliyeli owabeletha umndeni wamaJarhiliyeli. Leyo-ke bekumindeni yakaZebuloni. Labo abatlolisweko bebaziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi asithandathu namakhulu amahlanu. Amadodana kaJosefa bekunguManase no-Efrayimu. Lezi bekuziinzukulwana zakaManase ngokwemindenazo: uMakiri owabeletha umndeni wamaMakiri, uGiliyadi umsa kaMakiri owabeletha umndeni wamaGiliyadi. Nanzi-ke iinzukulwana zakaGiliyadi: u-Iyezeri owabeletha umndeni wama-Iyezeri, uRhelekhi owabeletha umndeni wamaRhelekhi, u-Asriyeli owabeletha umndeni wama-Asriyeli, uTjhekemu owabeletha umndeni wamaTjhekemu, uTjhemida owabeletha umndeni wamaTjhemida, uRheferi owabeletha umndeni wamaRheferi. (UTselofirhadi umsa kaRheferi gade anganawo amadodana kodwana amadodakazi kwaphela, amabizwawo bekunguMarhila, uNoya, uRhogila, uMilika noTiritsa.) Leyo-ke bekumindeni kaManase. Labo abatlolisweko bebaziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amahlanu nambili namakhulu alikhomba. Nanzi-ke iinzukulwana zaka-Efrayimu ngokwemindenazo: uTjhutelarhi owabeletha umndeni wamaTjhutelarhi, uBhekeri owabeletha umndeni wamaBhekeri, uTarhani owabeletha umndeni wamaTarhani. Iinzukulwana zakaTjhutelarhi bekuma-Erani abelethwa ngu-Erani. Leyo-ke bekumindeni yaka-Efrayimu. Labo abatlolisweko bebaziinkuluwana ezimatjhumi amathathu nambili namakhulu amahlanu. Zoke lezo bekuziinzukulwana zakaJosefa ngokwemindenazo. Lezi bekuziinzukulwana zakaBhenjamini ngokwemindenazo: uBhela owabeletha umndeni wamaBhela, u-Atjhibhela owabeletha umndeni wama-Atjhibhela, u-Arhiramu owabeletha umndeni wama-Arhiramu, uTjhefufamu owabeletha umndeni wamaTjhefufamu, uRhufamu owabeletha umndeni wamaRhufamu. Amadodana kaBhela bekungu-Aridi noNamani; u-Aridi wabeletha umndeni wama-Aridi, uNamani wabeletha umndeni wamaNamani. Lezo-ke bekuziinzukulwana zakaBhenjamini ngokwemindenazo. Labo abatlolisweko bebaziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amane nahlanu namakhulu asithandathu. Nanzi iinzukulwana zakaDani ngokwemindenazo: uTjhurhamu owabeletha umndeni wamaTjhurhamu. Lezo-ke bekuziinzukulwana zakaDani. Woke umndeni wakaTjhurhamu owatloliswako bewuziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi asithandathu nane namakhulu amane. Lezi bekuziinzukulwana zaka-Atjheri ngokwemindenazo: uJimna owabeletha umndeni wamaJimna, uJitjhivi owabeletha umndeni wamaJitjhivi, uBheriya owabeletha umndeni wamaBheriya. Amadodana kaBheriya bekunguRhebhere owabeletha umndeni wamaRhebhere uMalikiyeli owabeletha umndeni wamaMalikiyeli. (U-Atjheri gade anendodakazi ekuthiwa nguSerarhi.) Leyo-ke bekumindeni yaka-Atjheri. Labo abatlolisweko bebaziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amahlanu nantathu namakhulu amane. Lezi bekuziinzukulwana zakaNafitali ngokwemindenazo: uJarhitsiyeli owabeletha umndeni wamaJarhitsiyeli, uGuni owabeletha umndeni wamaGuni, uJetseri owabeletha umndeni wamaJetseri, uTjhilemu owabeletha umndeni wamaTjhilemu. Leyo-ke bekumindeni yakaNafitali. Labo abatlolisweko bebaziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amane nahlanu namakhulu amane. Boke abatlolisweko bama-Israyeli bebaziinkulungwana ezimakhulu asithandathu nanye namakhulu alikhomba namatjhumi amathathu. USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi: “Inarha izakwabelwa abantwabo ibe lilifa labo ngokuya ngesibalo samabizo. Ikoro enesibalo esikhulu izakwabelwa inarha ekulu, kuthi enesibalo esincani yabelwe inarha encani. Ikoro nekoro izakwabelwa ilifa layo ngokuya ngesibalo sabatlolisweko bayo. Inarha kufuze yabiwe ngefumbe. Izakuba lilifa ngokuya ngamabizo weenkoro zaboyisemkhulu. Woke amafa wekoro ekulu nencani azakwabiwa ngefumbe.” Napa-ke abatlolisweko bamaLevi ngokwemindenabo: uGeritjhoni owabeletha umndeni wamaGeritjhoni, uKhehathi owabeletha umndeni wamaKhehathi, uMerari owabeletha umndeni wamaMerari. Godu eminye imindeni yamaLevi bekunginasi: umndeni wamaLibini, umndeni wamaRhebroni, umndeni wamaMarhili, umndeni wamaMutjhi, umndeni wamaKhorarhi. (UKhehathi wabeletha u-Amramu. Ibizo lomka-Amramu bekunguJokobedi indodakazi kaLevi eyabelethelwa eGibhide. Yena wabeletha u-Aroni, uMosi nodadwabo uMiriyamu. U-Aroni bekanguyise kaNadaba, u-Abihu, u-Elazara no-Itamara. Kodwana uNadaba no-Abihu bahlongakala lokha nabathi banikela ngamalahle atjhili phambi kwakaSomnini.) Boke abaduna abatlolisweko bamaLevi ukusukela esaneni lenyanga ukuya phezulu bebaziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili nantathu. Bona azange batloliswe kanye nama-Israyeli ngombana akhange bamukele ilifa lenarha hlangana nama-Israyeli. Labo-ke babantu abatloliswa nguMosi no-Elazara umphristi lokha nabatlolisa ama-Israyeli kwaMowabi ngemrhobeni weJordani malungana neJerikho. Isibalo sabantu abatloliswekwaba, asifaki noyedwa walabo abatloliswa nguMosi no-Aroni umphristi erhalawumbeni leSinayi, ngombana uSomnini bekathe ngabo: “Ngambala bazakufela erhalawumbeni.” Yeke akhange kusale namunye wabo ngaphandle kwakaKalebi umsa kaJefune noJotjhuwa umsa kaNuni. UTselofirhadi gade alilunga lekoro kaManase. Gade ayindodana kaRheferi umsa kaGiliyadi omsa kaMakiri umsa kaManase omsa kaJosefa. Amabizo wamadodakazakhe bekunguMarhila, uNoya, uRhogila, uMilika noTiritsa. Amadodakazi lawo atjhidela afese ajama phambi kwakaMosi, u-Elazara umphristi, abaphathi kanye nomkhambathi woke emnyango wetende lokuhlanganela athi: “Ubaba wahlongakalela erhalawumbeni. Nokho-ke yena gade angekho hlangana nejima lakaKhorarhi elajamelana noSomnini. Wase wazihlongakalela ngesono sakhe, anganandodana. Alo, ukungabi kwakhe namadodana ngilo ibanga elenza bona ibizo lakhe lingasabalwa emndeninakhe na? Nje-ke siphani isabelo senarha hlangana nabafowabo kababa.” UMosi waletha indaba yamadodakazi lawo phambi kwakaSomnini. USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Amadodakazi kaTselofirhadi akhuluma iqiniso. Kufuze uwanikele isabelo selifa hlangana nabafowabo kayisawo bese wenza bona ilifa lakayisawo lidlulele kiwo. Begodu khuluma nama-Israyeli uthi, ‘Lokha indoda nayihlongakala inganandodana, nizakudlulisela ilifa layo endodakazinayo. Nangabe ayinandodakazi, nikelani ilifa layo kubafowayo. Nayinganabafowayo, nikelani ilifa layo kubafowaboyise. Nangabe ayinabo abafowaboyise, nikelani ilifelo kosihlobo sayo seengazi esitjhidelene khulu nayo kube sisabelo sakhe. Lokho kuzakuba simiso somthetho kuma-Israyeli njengombana uSomnini ayale uMosi.’ ” USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi: “Khuphuka intaba ye-Abhiramu le bese ubona inarha engiyinikele ama-Israyeli. Kuzakuthi nasele uyibonile, nawe uzakulandela aboyihlomkhulu njengomfowenu u-Aroni. Lokhu kungenca yokobana nafulathela umyalwami erhalawumbeni leTsini ngesikhathi umkhambathi ungisola begodu akhange nikhombise ukungihlonipha emehlweni wama-Israyeli.” (Lokho kwenzeka emanzini weMeriba yeKhadetjhi ngerhalawumbeni leTsini.) UMosi waphendula uSomnini wathi: “USomnini uZimu wemiphefumulo yenyama yoke, akakhombe umuntu ozakuba ngaphezu komkhambathi lo, kube mumuntu ozawurhola epini, akhambe phambi kwawo njengomelusi ukuze umkhambathi kaSomnini ungabi njengezimvu ezingenamelusi.” USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Thatha uJotjhuwa umsa kaNuni okuyindoda enommoya, umbeke izandla bese umtjhideza phambi kwaka-Elazara umphristi naphambi komkhambathi woke, umgunyaze phambi kwabo boke. Mnikele amanye wamagunya onawo ukuze ama-Israyeli amlalele. Yena uzakujama e-aldarini phambi kwaka-Elazara umphristi ozakumbuzela isiphetho se-urimi kuSomnini. Isiphethweso ngiso esizakuqunta bona baphume ipi namkha bangaphumi. Iye, isiphethweso simayelana noJotjhuwa nama-Israyeli woke anaye, okutjho umkhambathi woke.” Mbala uMosi wenza njengombana uSomnini amyalile: Wathatha uJotjhuwa wamjamisa phambi kwaka-Elazara umphristi nomkhambathi woke, wabeka izandla phezu kwakhe wamgunyaza njengombana uSomnini bekamyalile. USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi: “Yala ama-Israyeli uthi kiwo, ‘Yelelani bona kulethwa kimi ngesikhathi esifaneleko iminikelwami okutjho ukudla okumnikelo okhethekileko, owamukelekako kimi.’ “Godu yithi kiwo, ‘Naku umnikelo okhethekileko enizawunikela kuSomnini: Amaqamanyana amabili anomnyaka munye abe msulwa, kube mhlabelo wokutjhiswa onikelwa imihla ngemihla. Kunikelwe linye ekuseni, linye ngamarhwaqela. Umhlabelo lowo awukhambisane nokwetjhumi kwakapumpana womnikelo weenthoro okuyiflowuru esefiweko edutjwe ngelitha nesiquntu samafutha we-oliva. Lowo kumhlabelo wokutjhiswa wesikhathi soke owasungulwa entabeni yeSinayi bona ube mnikelo okhethekileko, owamukelekako kuSomnini. Iqamanyana linye alikhambisane nelitha nesiquntu somnikelo wokuselwako. Umnikelo wokuselwako obutjwala lowo awuthululelwe endaweni ecwengileko phambi kwakaSomnini. Iqamanyana elinye olinikela ngamarhwaqela, linikele nomnikelo weenthoro newokuselwako kube njenganyana wenze kelekuseni. Linikele libe njengomnikelo okhethekileko owamukelekako kuSomnini.’ ” “ ‘Ngelanga leSabatha umhlabelo akube maqamanyana amabili anomnyaka munye abe msulwa, namathungana amathathu weflowuru esefiweko edutjwe ngamafutha we-oliva kube mnikelo weenthoro kanye nomnikelo wakhona wokuselwako. Lokho kuzakuba mhlabelo wokutjhiswa wangamaSabatha, ngaphandle komhlabelo wokutjhiswa wangemihla nomnikelo wakhona wokuselwako.’ ” “Ekuthomeni kwenyanga enye nenye, nikelani umhlabelo wokutjhiswa kuSomnini: iinkunzana ezimbili, iqama linye namaqamanyana alikhomba anomnyaka munye abe msulwa. Ikunzana enye nenye niyinikele kanye namathungana amathathu weflowuru esefiweko edutjwe ngamafutha we-oliva kube mnikelo weenthoro. Iqamelo alikhambisane namathungana amabili weflowuru esefiweko edutjwe ngamafutha we-oliva kube mnikelo weenthoro. Iqamanyana ngalinye alikhambisane nethungana leflowuru esefiweko edutjwe ngamafutha we-oliva kube mnikelo weenthoro. Linikele libe mhlabelo wokutjhiswa, njengomnikelo okhethekileko owamukelekako kuSomnini. Umnikelo wokuselwako okhambisana nekunzana enye nenye uzakuba malitha amane wewayini. Umnikelo wokuselwako okhambisana neqama uzakuba malitha amabili nesiquntu bese okhambisana neqamanyana kube lilitha nesiquntu. Lokho kuzakuba mhlabelo wokutjhiswa waqobe yinyanga umnyaka woke. Ninikele nepongo yinye kube mhlabelo wehlambululo kuSomnini, ngaphandle komhlabelo wokutjhiswa ojayelekileko nomnikelo wakhona wokuselwako.” “IPhasika lakaSomnini lizakuba elangeni letjhumi nane, ngenyanga yokuthoma emnyakeni. Ngelanga letjhumi nahlanu lenyanga leyo kufuze kube nomnyanya, kudliwe isikwa esinganangumelo amalanga alikhomba. Elangeni lokuthoma lomnyanya nizakuba nomhlangano okhethekileko, nje-ke mhlokho ningawuthinti umsebenzi. Nikelani umhlabelo wokutjhiswa okumnikelo okhethekileko kuSomnini: iinkunzana ezimbili, iqama elilodwa namaqamanyana alikhomba anomnyaka munye. Qinisekisani bona zoke iinlwanezo zimsulwa. Kufuze ninikele imihlabelo leyo neminikelo yeenthoro yeflowuru esefiweko edutjwe ngamafutha we-oliva. Ikunzana enye nenye ikhambisane namathungana amathathu weflowuru bese iqama nalo likhambisane namathungana amabili weflowuru leyo. Elinye nelinye iqamanyana kilawo alikhomba, nilinikele nethungana leflowuru leyo. Godu kube nepongo yomhlabelo wehlambululo bonyana nizenzele itethelelo kuSomnini. Nizakunikela ngalokho ngaphandle kweminikelo yokutjhiswa ejayelekileko eyenziwa njalo ekuseni. Ngendlela efanako imihla ngemihla nizakunikela ukudla okumnikelo okhethekileko owamukelekako kuSomnini nomnikelo wakhona wokuselwako. Iminikelo leyo izakunikelwa amalanga alikhomba ngaphandle kwemihlabelo yokutjhiswa ejayelekileko. Elangeni lekhomba lomnyanya nizakuba nomhlangano okhethekileko, nje-ke mhlokho ningawuthinti umsebenzi.” “Ngelanga eniletha ngalo umnikelo weenthoro ezitja wesilumo kuSomnini, okutjho emnyanyeni weemVeke, yibani nomhlangano okhethekileko, nje-ke mhlokho ningawuthinti umsebenzi. Nikelani umhlabelo wokutjhiswa owamukelekako kuSomnini: iinkunzana ezimbili, iqama elilodwa namaqamanyana alikhomba anomnyaka munye. Kufuze ninikele imihlabelo leyo neminikelo yeenthoro yeflowuru esefiweko edutjwe ngamafutha we-oliva. Ikunzana enye nenye ikhambisane namathungana amathathu weflowuru bese iqama nalo likhambisane namathungana amabili weflowuru leyo. Elinye nelinye iqamanyana kilawo alikhomba, nilinikele nethungana leflowuru leyo. Godu kube nepongo bonyana nizenzele itethelelo kuSomnini. Nizakunikela ngalokho kanye neminikelo yakhona yokuselwako, ngaphandle komnikelo wokutjhiswa ojayelekileko nomnikelo wakhona weenthoro. Qinisekisani bona zoke iinlwanezo zimsulwa.” “ ‘Ngelanga lokuthoma enyangeni yekhomba nizakuba nehlangano ekhethekileko, nje-ke mhlokho ningawuthinti umsebenzi. Lelo kulilanga lokuvuthela iimporompita. Nikelani umhlabelo wokutjhiswa owamukelekako kuSomnini: ikunzana eyodwa, iqama elilodwa namaqamanyana alikhomba anomnyaka munye. Qinisekisani bona zoke iinlwanezo zimsulwa. Kufuze ninikele imihlabelo leyo neminikelo yeenthoro yeflowuru esefiweko edutjwe ngamafutha we-oliva. Ikunzana ikhambisane namathungana amathathu weflowuru bese iqama nalo likhambisane namathungana amabili weflowuru leyo. Elinye nelinye iqamanyana kilawo alikhomba, nilinikele nethungana linye leflowuru leyo. Godu kube nepongo yomhlabelo wehlambululo bonyana nizenzele itethelelo kuSomnini. Nizakunikela ngalokho kube mnikelo okhethekileko, owamukelekako kuSomnini ngaphandle kwemihlabelo yokutjhiswa yokuthwasa kwenyanga neminikelo yakhona yeenthoro. Godu ngaphandle kwemihlabelo yokutjhiswa ejayelekileko neminikelo yakhona yeenthoro kanye neminikelo yakhona yokuselwako. Lokho kube ngokwemikhuba yakhona.’ ” “ ‘Ngenyanga yekhomba lokha nayinamalanga alitjhumi nizakuba nomhlangano okhethekileko nizile ukudla. Nje-ke mhlokho ningawuthinti umsebenzi. Nikelani umhlabelo wokutjhiswa owamukelekako kuSomnini: ikunzana eyodwa, iqama elilodwa namaqamanyana alikhomba anomnyaka munye, koke kube msulwa. Kufuze ninikele imihlabelo leyo neminikelo yeenthoro yeflowuru esefiweko edutjwe ngamafutha we-oliva. Ikunzana ikhambisane namathungana amathathu weflowuru bese iqama nalo likhambisane namathungana amabili weflowuru leyo. Elinye nelinye iqamanyana kilawo alikhomba, nilinikele nethungana linye leflowuru leyo. Godu kube nepongo yomhlabelo wehlambululo, ngaphandle komhlabelo wehlambululo okwenziwa ngawo itethelelo nangaphandle komhlabelo wokutjhiswa ojayelekileko nomnikelo wakhona weenthoro kanye nomnikelo wakhona wokuselwako.’ ” “ ‘Ngelanga letjhumi nahlanu enyangeni yekhomba nizakuba nomhlangano okhethekileko. Mhlokho ningawuthinti umsebenzi, kodwana nigidinge umnyanya kaSomnini amalanga alikhomba. Ninikele umhlabelo wokutjhiswa okumnikelo okhethekileko, owamukelekako kuSomnini: iinkunzana ezilitjhumi nanthathu, amaqama amabili namaqamanyana alitjhumi nane anomnyaka munye; koke kube msulwa. Kufuze ninikele imihlabelo leyo neminikelo yeenthoro yeflowuru esefiweko edutjwe ngamafutha we-oliva. Enye nenye yeenkunzana ezilitjhumi nanthathu kumele ikhambisane namathungana amathathu weflowuru bese elinye nelinye iqama nalo likhambisane namathungana amabili weflowuru leyo. Elinye nelinye iqamanyana kilawo alitjhumi nane, nilinikele nethungana linye leflowuru leyo. Godu kube nepongo yomhlabelo wehlambululo, ngaphandle komhlabelo wokutjhiswa ojayelekileko nomnikelo wakhona weenthoro kanye nomnikelo wakhona wokuselwako. “ ‘Ngelanga lesibili nikelani iinkunzana ezilitjhumi nambili, amaqama amabili namaqamanyana alitjhumi nane anomnyaka munye, koke kube msulwa. Kesinye nesinye isibalo seenkunzana, amaqama namaqamanyana lawo, kunikelwe iminikelo yeenthoro kanye neyokuselwako njengokwesimiso sakhona. Godu kube nepongo yomhlabelo wehlambululo, ngaphandle komhlabelo wokutjhiswa ojayelekileko nomnikelo wakhona weenthoro kanye nomnikelo wakhona wokuselwako. “ ‘Ngelanga lesithathu ninikele ngeenkunzana ezilitjhumi nanye, amaqama amabili namaqamanyana alitjhumi nane anomnyaka munye, koke kube msulwa. Kesinye nesinye isibalo seenkunzana, amaqama namaqamanyana lawo, kunikelwe iminikelo yeenthoro kanye neyokuselwako njengokwesimiso sakhona. Godu kube nepongo yomhlabelo wehlambululo, ngaphandle komhlabelo wokutjhiswa ojayelekileko nomnikelo wakhona weenthoro kanye nomnikelo wakhona wokuselwako. “ ‘Ngelanga lesine ninikele ngeenkunzana ezilitjhumi, amaqama amabili namaqamanyana alitjhumi nane anomnyaka munye, koke kube msulwa. Kesinye nesinye isibalo seenkunzana, amaqama namaqamanyana lawo, kunikelwe iminikelo yeenthoro kanye neyokuselwako njengokwesimiso sakhona. Godu kube nepongo yomhlabelo wehlambululo, ngaphandle komhlabelo wokutjhiswa ojayelekileko nomnikelo wakhona weenthoro kanye nomnikelo wakhona wokuselwako. “ ‘Ngelanga lesihlanu ninikele ngeenkunzana ezilithoba, amaqama amabili namaqamanyana alitjhumi nane anomnyaka munye, koke kube msulwa. Kesinye nesinye isibalo seenkunzana, amaqama namaqamanyana lawo, kunikelwe iminikelo yeenthoro kanye neyokuselwako njengokwesimiso sakhona. Godu kube nepongo yomhlabelo wehlambululo, ngaphandle komhlabelo wokutjhiswa ojayelekileko nomnikelo wakhona weenthoro kanye nomnikelo wakhona wokuselwako. “ ‘Ngelanga lesithandathu ninikele ngeenkunzana ezibunane, amaqama amabili namaqamanyana alitjhumi nane anomnyaka munye, koke kube msulwa. Kesinye nesinye isibalo seenkunzana, amaqama namaqamanyana lawo, kunikelwe iminikelo yeenthoro kanye neyokuselwako njengokwesimiso sakhona. Godu kube nepongo yomhlabelo wehlambululo, ngaphandle komhlabelo wokutjhiswa ojayelekileko nomnikelo wakhona weenthoro kanye nomnikelo wakhona wokuselwako. “ ‘Ngelanga lekhomba ninikele ngeenkunzana ezilikhomba, amaqama amabili namaqamanyana alitjhumi nane anomnyaka munye, koke kube msulwa. Kesinye nesinye isibalo seenkunzana, amaqama namaqamanyana lawo, kunikelwe iminikelo yeenthoro kanye neyokuselwako njengokwesimiso sakhona. Godu kube nepongo yomhlabelo wehlambululo, ngaphandle komhlabelo wokutjhiswa ojayelekileko nomnikelo wakhona weenthoro kanye nomnikelo wakhona wokuselwako. “ ‘Ngelanga lobunane nizakuba nomgidi omkhulu, nje-ke mhlokho ningawuthinti umsebenzi. Ninikele umhlabelo wokutjhiswa okumnikelo okhethekileko, owamukelekako kuSomnini: ikunzana eyodwa, iqama elilodwa namaqamanyana alikhomba anomnyaka munye, koke kube msulwa. Kesinye nesinye isibalo seenkunzana, amaqama namaqamanyana lawo, kunikelwe iminikelo yeenthoro kanye neyokuselwako njengokwesimiso sakhona. Godu kube nepongo yomhlabelo wehlambululo, ngaphandle komhlabelo wokutjhiswa ojayelekileko nomnikelo wakhona weenthoro kanye nomnikelo wakhona wokuselwako. “ ‘Nikelani koke lokho kuSomnini ngesikhathi sakhona seminyanyenu, kube singezelelo eminikelwenenu yesithembiso, yesihle, yeenthoro, yokuselwako neyetjhebiswano kanye nemihlabelwenenu yokutjhiswa.’ ” UMosi watjela ama-Israyeli koke njengombana uSomnini amyalile. UMosi wakhuluma nazo zoke iinhloko zeenkoro zakwa-Israyeli wathi: “Nakhu uSomnini ayale ngakho: Lokha indoda yenza isithembiso kuSomnini namkha yenza isifungo sokuzibophelela ngepilwayo, kufuze ingawephuli amezwayo. Ayenze koke ekukhulumileko. Lokha wesifazana enza isithembiso kuSomnini namkha azibophe ngesibopho ebutjheni bakhe khisibe usese ngakwabo, noyise ezwe isithembiso namkha isibopho azibophe ngaso kodwana angatjho litho kuye, khona-ke zoke iinthembiso zakhe zizakujama begodu esinye nesinye isibopho azibophe ngaso naso sizakuba ngesijamileko. Kodwana nangabe uyise uthi ngokuzwa ngaso bese umsola khona mhlokho, khona-ke akunasithembiso namkha isibopho umntazana azibophe ngaso esizakujama. USomnini uzamcolela ngombana uyise umsolile. “Nangabe wende endodeni asese sesithembisweni sakhe namkha ekulumeni engayi ndawo ayikhulumileko wazibopha ngayo, bese umyenakhe ezwe ngalokho, angatjho litho nokho ngelanga ezwa ngalo; khona-ke iinthembiso zakhe neembopho azibophe ngazo zizakujama. Kodwana nangabe kuthi ngelanga indodakhe ezwa ngalo bese imsole, izakwenza bona isithembiso nekulumo engayi ndawo ayikhulumileko wazibopha ngayo, ibe lilize. USomnini uzamcolela. (Mayelana nomhlolokazi namkha ibuya: Koke azibopha ngakho kuzakujama.) Nangabe umfazi uthembisa angakwakhe namkha azibophe ngesibopho sokufunga, indodakhe izwe ngalokho, nokho ingatjho litho kuye begodu ingamsoli, khona-ke esinye nesinye isithembiso sakhe nesibopho esinye nesinye azibophe ngaso sizakujama. Kodwana nangabe indodakhe yenza izintwezo ilize mhlana izwa ngazo, nje-ke koke okuphume emlonyenakhe mayelana neenthembiso namkha iimbopho zakhe angeze kwajama. Indodakhe izabe yenze koke lokho ilize, yeke uSomnini uzamcolela. Esinye nesinye isithembiso nanyana isifungo sokuzibopha ngokuzila, indodakhe ingenza bona sijame namkha isenze ilize. Kodwana nangabe woke amalanga indodakhe ithe du ngendaba leyo, khona-ke yenza zoke iinthembiso neembopho zomfazi loyo zijame. Iye, izenze zajama ngombana akhange itjho litho kuye mhlana izwa ngazo. Nangabe indodakhe izenza ilize ngemva kwesikhathi esithileko sele izwile ngazo yeke ngiyo ezakuthwala isiphambeko somfazi.” Lezo-ke ziimiso uSomnini ayala ngazo uMosi mayelana nendoda nomkayo, uyise nendodakazi ebutjheni bayo nayisese sendlini kayise. USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi: “Buyiselela ukubuyiselela kwama-Israyeli kumaMidiyani. Ngemva kwalokho nawe uzakulandela aboyihlomkhulu.” Nje-ke uMosi wathi ebantwini: “Hlomisani amadoda aphakathi kwenu bona ayokulwa namaMidiyani, abuyiselele ukubuyiselela kwakaSomnini kumaMidiyani. Ekorweni enye nenye yakwa-Israyeli nithumele epini ikulungwana yamadoda.” Mbala ikoro nekoro yakwa-Israyeli yakhupha ikulungwana yamadoda, kwaba libutho lepi eliziinkulungwana ezilitjhumi nambili. UMosi wathumela ibuthwelo epini, kwaba yikulungwana ekorweni ngayinye. Gade likhamba noFiniyasi umsa ka-Elazara umphristi aphethe izitja ezicwengileko neemporompita. Ibuthwelo lalwa namaMidiyani njengombana uSomnini bekayale uMosi, labulala omunye nomunye omduna epini. Labulala namakhosi amahlanu wakwaMidiyani okungu-Evi, uRekhemu, uTsuri, uRhuri noReba. Godu abulala noBhiliyamu umsa kaBhewori ngesabula. Ama-Israyeli azithumbela abafazi bamaMidiyani kanye nabantwana. Abuya athatha zoke iinkomo kanye nefuyo enye yamaMidiyani; iye, ipahlawo yoke yaba yipango. Atjhisa woke amadorobho ahlala kiwo kanye namatendawo angeenrhodlweni. Athatha yoke ipango yabantu neyefuyo leyo, ayiletha kuMosi, ku-Elazara umphristi kanye nemkhambathini wama-Israyeli. Iye, abathunjiweko nepango balethwa ekampeni ngemrhobeni weJordani kwaMowabi malungana neJerikho. UMosi, u-Elazara umphristi kanye nabarholi bomkhambathi baphuma bahlangabeza ibutho ngaphandle kwekampa. UMosi bekasilingekile ngeenkhulu zebutho, iinduna zeenkulungwana nezamakhulu egade zibuya epini. Nje-ke wathi kizo: “Nilise boke abafazi baphila na? Yelelani la, laba ngibo abahlohlozelwa nguBhiliyamu bona babe sisifu kuma-Israyeli ukuze one ngokungathembeki kuSomnini endabeni yePewori. Ngalokho isifo sehlela emkhambathini kaSomnini. Yeke phakathi kwabancanaba, bulalani omunye nomunye omduna bese nibulala omunye nomunye wesifazana okhe wangenwa yindoda, kodwana zigcineleni woke amatlawana angazange akhe angenwe yindoda. Boke benu abakhe babulala umuntu namkha bathinta obuleweko, hlalani ngaphandle kwekampa amalanga alikhomba, nizihlambulule kanye nabathunjwa benu elangeni lesithathu nelekhomba. Hlambululani esinye nesinye isambatho, yoke into eyenziwe ngesikhumba, koke okwenziwe ngoboya bembuzi nento yoke ebazwe ngesigodo.” U-Elazara umphristi wakhuluma namadoda agade aye epini wathi: “Nasi isimiso somthetho uSomnini ayale ngaso uMosi: Igolide, isiliva, ikoporo, isimbi, isinjana, umthofi nakho koke okungatjhiko, kudluliseni emlilweni, nje-ke kuzakuhlambuluka. Nanyana kunjalo kufuze kuhlanjululwe ngamanzi wehlambululo godu. Lokho okungakghoni ukujamelana nomlilo kudluliseni ngemanzini wehlambululo. Ngelanga lekhomba nihlanze izambatho zenu, nizakuhlambuluka. Emva kwalokho ningangena ekampeni.” USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi: “Wena no-Elazara umphristi kanye neenhloko zemindeni yomkhambathi, balani okuthunjwe epini okubabantu nefuyo. Okuthunjiweko kwepango kwabiwe kabili phakathi komkhambathi namadoda agade aye epini. Epangweni yamadoda agade aye epini lawo khuphani umthelo kaSomnini: Emakhulwini amahlanu nilethe kunye kwepango yabantu, yeenkomo, yabodumbana, yezimvu neembuzi. Lokho kuthatheni esiquntwini sesabelo samadoda lawo ninikele u-Elazara umphristi kube njengomnikelo kaSomnini. Esiquntwini sepango yama-Israyeli thathani kunye ngefumbe ematjhumini amahlanu kwepango yabantu, yeenkomo, yabodumbana, yezimvu neembuzi, okutjho eenlwaneni zoke nikunikele amaLevi abatjheji bepahla yethaberinakeli lakaSomnini.” UMosi no-Elazara umphristi benza njengombana uSomnini ayale uMosi. Ipango eyathunjwa madoda wepi egade imele yabiwe ngile: bekuzizimvu neembuzi eziziinkulungwana ezimakhulu asithandathu namatjhumi alikhomba nahlanu, iinkomo eziziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi alikhomba nambili, abodumbana abaziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi asithandathu nanye, abantu, okutjho iintombi eziziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amathathu nambili ezingazange khe zingenwe madoda. Isiquntu sesabelo salabo abagade baye epini bekuzizimvu neembuzi eziziinkulungwana ezimakhulu amathathu namatjhumi amathathu nalikhomba namakhulu amahlanu. Umthelo kaSomnini waba zizimvu neembuzi ezimakhulu asithandathu namatjhumi alikhomba nahlanu. Iinkomo beziziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amathathu nantandathu. Umthelo kaSomnini kizo waba matjhumi alikhomba nambili. Abodumbana bebaziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amathathu namakhulu amahlanu. Umthelo kaSomnini kibo waba matjhumi asithandathu nanye. Abantu baba ziinkulungwana ezilitjhumi nantandathu. Umthelo kaSomnini ngabo waba matjhumi amathathu nambili. UMosi wanikela umthelo weminikelo kaSomnini ku-Elazara umphristi. Kwaba njengombana uSomnini bekayale uMosi. Isabelo sama-Israyeli, okusiquntu sepango eyalethwa madoda agade aye epini, ebe sabiwe nguMosi, besingalendlela: Umkhambathi wafunyana okulandelako: izimvu neembuzi eziziinkulungwana ezimakhulu amathathu namatjhumi amathathu nalikhomba namakhulu amahlanu, iinkomo eziziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amathathu nesithandathu, abodumbana abaziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amathathu namakhulu amahlanu, abantu abaziinkulungwana ezilitjhumi nesithandathu. Esiquntwini sepango yama-Israyeli uMosi wathatha ngefumbe munye ebantwini abamatjhumi amahlanu nefuyo yinye kematjhumi amahlanu, wanikela amaLevi abatjheji bepahla yethaberinakeli lakaSomnini. Kwaba njengombana uSomnini bekayale uMosi. Iinkhulu egade zengamele ibutho leenkulungwana neenduna zeenkulungwana nezamakhulu zatjhidela kuMosi, zafese zathi kuye: “Iinceku zakho seziwabalile amadoda wepi angaphasi kwelawulo lazo, nje-ke akukho neyodwa indoda elahlekileko. Begodu silethe nomnikelo kaSomnini, okungilokho omunye nomunye wethu akufunyeneko kwezinto zegolide: imihlobohlobo yeenkhono, iindzilamnwana, amancina nabonongoro kobana sizozenzela itethelelo kuSomnini.” Yeke uMosi no-Elazara umphristi bamukela izinto zegolidezo kizo, ebe kubuphaziphazi obenziweko. Loke igolide ebegade liphuma eenduneni zeenkulungwana neenduneni zamakhulu, uMosi no-Elazara abanikela ngalo kuSomnini, belingaba makhilogremu alikhulu namatjhumi alithoba. Amadoda wepi gade azithathele ipango ebuphaziphazi epini. UMosi no-Elazara umphristi bamukela igolide eenduneni zeenkulungwana nezamakhulu baliletha etendeni lokuhlanganela bona libe sikhumbuzo sama-Israyeli phambi kwakaSomnini. AmaRubeni namaGadi gade anemihlambi emikhulu yefuyo. Wona-ke abona indawo kaJazeri neyakaGiliyadi kungeyamadlelo. Nje-ke amaGadi namaRubeni eza kuMosi, ku-Elazara umphristi nakubarholi bomkhambathi afese athi: “Indawo ye-Atarothi, iDibhoni, iJazeri, iNimra, iRhetjhibhoni, i-Elale, iSebhama, iNebo neBhewoni, uSomnini ayirhayila phambi komkhambathi wama-Israyeli, yona kuyinarha yokufuya. Iinceku zenu zinefuyo, yeke nange sifunyene umusa emehlwenenu sibawa bona iinceku zenu ziphiwe yona inarha leyo ibe lilifa lazo. Nje-ke ningasiyamisi iJordani.” Kodwana uMosi wakhuluma namaGadi namaRubeni wathi: “Abafowenu bazakuya epini khisibe nina nizihlalele lapha na? Kubayini nidanisa ihliziyo yama-Israyeli kobana angayameli ngaphetjheya enarheni uSomnini awaphe yona? Lokhu ngekwenziwa boyihlo lokha nangibathuma basuka eKhadetjhi-Bharineya bonyana bayokuhlola inarha. Bathi bonyana bafike emrhobeni we-Etjhikolo babone inarha, bakhuluma okudanisa ihliziyo yama-Israyeli mayelana nokuya enarheni uSomnini agade abaphe yona. Nje-ke ubukhali bakaSomnini bavutha mhlokho, wabe wafunga wathi, ‘Ngiqinisile yi, akunamuntu owaphuma eGibhide kilabo abaneminyaka ukusukela ematjhumini amabili ukuya phezulu ozakubona inarha engayifungela u-Abrahamu, u-Isaka noJakopo ngombana akhange bangilandele ngokupheleleko, ngaphandle kwakaKalebi umsa kaJefune umKhenizi noJotjhuwa umsa kaNuni. Bona balandela uSomnini ngokupheleleko.’ Nje-ke ubukhali bakaSomnini bavutha ngama-Israyeli, yawenza azulazula erhalawumbeni iminyaka ematjhumi amane bekwaphela soke isizukulwaneso esenza okumbi phambi kwakaSomnini. Qalani lapha-ke nina nzalo yezoni ndina, nivukile najama esikhundleni saboyihlo, yeke nibange bona uSomnini abhokele u-Israyeli ngelaka! Nakubanyana nani niyahlubuka ukumlandela, naso isizukulwanesi uzositjhiya erhalawumbenapha. Ngini enizobe nibhubhise boke abantwaba.” Nje-ke amaRubeni namaGadi atjhidela kuye afese athi: “Yeke sizozakhela iimbaya zezimvu khonapha zibe ngezomhlambethu, sakhele abafazi nabantwabethu amadorobho. Abantwabethu bazokuhlala emadorobheni anemithangala ukuze baphephe ebantwini abakhe enarheni le. Thina-ke sizokuhloma bese sikhamba ngaphambi kwama-Israyeli besiyowafikisa endawenawo. Angeze sabuyela lapha omunye nomunye wama-Israyeli angakazizuzeli ilifa lakhe. Thina angeze sahlala nabo elifeni lenarha elingaphetjheya kweJordani ngombana lethu ilifa lisitjharhathelele ngepumalanga enganeno kweJordani le.” UMosi wathi kibo: “Nakube nizakwenza lokho, nihlome nikhambe phambi kwakaSomnini niye epini, omunye nomunye wenu ohlomileko ayame iJordani phambi kwakaSomnini bekube sikhathi lapha uSomnini aqotjha izitha zakhe phambi kwakhe, ukuze inarha ibe seenyaweni zakaSomnini. Nje-ke emva kwalokho seningabuyela emuva bese niba ngabatjhaphulukileko esibopheni senu kuSomnini nakuma-Israyeli. Ngalokho inarha le izakuba lilifa lenu phambi kwakaSomnini. Kodwana nangabe angeze nenza njalo, nizabe nonile phambi kwakaSomnini. Nje-ke yazini bonyana isono senu sizanibamba. Yakhelani abantwabenu amadorobho nemihlambenu iimbaya bese nenza njengombana nithembisile.” AmaGadi namaRubeni athi kuMosi: “Thina nceku zakho sizakwenza njengombana ubabethu asiyalile. Abantwabethu, abafazi bethu nemihlambethu, iye yoke ifuywethu, kuzakusala khona emadorobheni wakwaGiliyadi la. Kodwana iinceku zakho zona zizakuyama, indoda enye nenye ihlomele ipi phambi kwakaSomnini; kube njengombana ubabethu asiyala.” Nje-ke uMosi wanikela imiyalo ngawo ku-Elazara umphristi, kuJotjhuwa umsa kaNuni kanye neenhlokweni zemindeni yeenkoro zakwa-Israyeli wathi: “Nangabe amaGadi namaRubeni aniyamisa umlambo iJordani, indoda enye nenye ihlomele ipi phambi kwakaSomnini bese inarha iba sezandleni zenu, khona-ke anikeleni inarha yakwaGiliyadi ibe lilifa lawo. Kodwana nangabe angeze aniyamise ahlomile, khona-ke nabo ilifa labo lizakuba senarheni yeKanana kanye nani.” AmaGadi namaRubeni avuma athi: “Njengombana uSomnini uZimu akhulume eencekwini zenu, sizokwenza njalo. Thina sizokuyama sihlomile phambi kwakaSomnini singene enarheni yeKanana, kodwana ilifa lethu esele silithumbile lizakuba nganeno kweJordani le.” UMosi wanikela amaGadi namaRubeni kanye nesiquntu sekoro yakwaManase umsa kaJosefa umbuso kaSirhoni ikosi yama-Amori nombuso ka-Ogi ikosi yeBhatjhani, okumadorobho wenarha namadlelwawo magegana nawo. AmaGadi avuselela iDibhoni, i-Atharothi, i-Aroweri, i-Athirothi-Tjhofani, iJazeri, iJogibhoha, iBhethe-Nimra neBhethe-Harana okumadorobho anemithangala neembaya zakhona zemihlambi. AmaRubeni avuselela iRhetjhibhoni, i-Elale, iKhiriyatayimu, iNebo, iBhali-Mewoni (okumabizo ebe kufuze atjhugululwe) kanye neSibima. Bathiya namanye amadorobho abawavuselelako amabizo. Iinzukulwana zakaMakiri umsa kaManase, zaya eGiliyadi zalithumba, kwathi ama-Amori alapho zawaqotjha. Nje-ke uMosi wanikela uMakiri umsa kaManase iGiliyadi. Iinzukulwana zakhe zahlala kiyo. Iinzukulwana zakaJayire umsa kaManase zaya zathumba imizi yamatende yama-Amori bezayithiya bona yiRhavothi-Jayire. UNobarhi wathumba iKhenathi kanye nemizayo wayithiya ngebizo lakhe wathi yiNobarhi. Nanzi-ke iindawo lapha ama-Israyeli agade akhamba ahlala kizo ekuphumeni kwawo enarheni yeGibhide ngaphasi koburholi bakaMosi no-Aroni. Ngomyalo kaSomnini uMosi watlola iindawo asungula kizo nalapha ahloma khona amatendawo. Lezi-ke kuziindawo lapha akhamba ahloma khona amatendawo: Afuduka eRamesese mhlana inyanga yokuthoma inamalanga alitjhumi nahlanu, ngakusasa emva kwePhasika. Aphuma afuduka ngokutjakadula amaGibhide woke aqalile. (Ngesikhatheso amaGibhide gade asangcwabana nabantwabawo abamazibulo ebegade uSomnini abamadlhe phakathi kwawo. Begodu uSomnini gade alethe isigwebo phezu kwabosingazinyana bawo.) Ama-Israyeli afuduka eRamesese ayokuhloma amatendawo eSukothi. Afuduka eSukothi ahloma e-Etamu elingemaphethelweni werhalawumba. Afuduka e-Etamu abuyela emuva ePhi-Harhirothi engepumalanga yeBhali-Tsefoni ayokuhloma hlanu kweMigidoli. Afuduka ePhi-Harhirothi adabula phakathi kwelwandle atjhinga erhalawumbeni. Emva kwekhambo lamalanga amathathu erhalawumbeni le-Etamu afese ahloma amatendawo eMara. Afuduka eMara afika ahloma amatendawo e-Elimu lapha bekunemithombo yamanzi elitjhumi nambili nemithi yamasundu ematjhumi alikhomba. Afuduka e-Elimu ahloma elwandle lomGaba. Afuduka elwandle lomGaba ahloma erhalawumbeni leSini. Afuduka erhalawumbeni leSini ahloma eDofikha. Afuduka eDofikha ahloma e-Alutjha. Afuduka e-Alutjha ahloma eRefidimu lapha bekunganamanzi khona bona abantu basele. Afuduka eRefidimu ahloma erhalawumbeni leSinayi. Afuduka erhalawumbeni leSinayi ahloma eKhibrothi-Hatava. Afuduka eKhibrothi-Hatava ahloma eRhatserothi. Afuduka eRhatserothi ahloma eRitima. Afuduka eRitima ahloma eRimoni-Peretsi. Afuduka eRemoni-Peretsi ahloma eLibina. Afuduka eLibina ahloma eRisa. Afuduka eRisa ahloma eKhehelata. Afuduka eKhehelata ahloma entabeni iTjheferi. Afuduka entabeni iTjheferi ahloma eRharada. Afuduka eRharada ahloma eMakhehelothi. Afuduka eMakhehelothi ahloma eTarhathi. Afuduka eTarhathi ahloma eTerarhi. Afuduka eTerarhi ahloma eMitikha. Afuduka eMitikha ahloma eRhatjhimona. Afuduka eRhatjhimona ahloma eMoserothi. Afuduka eMoserothi ahloma eBhene-Jakhani. Afuduka eBhene-Jakhani ahloma eRhori-Hagidigadi. Afuduka eRhori-Hagidigadi ahloma eJothibata. Afuduka eJothibata ahloma e-Abrona. Afuduka e-Abrona ahloma e-Etsiyoni-Gebere. Afuduka e-Etsiyoni-Gebere ahloma ngerhalawumbeni leTsini eKhadetjhi. Afuduka eKhadetjhi ahloma entabeni iHori emkhawulweni wenarha yakwa-Edomu. (Ngomyalo kaSomnini uZimu, u-Aroni umphristi wakhuphuka intaba iHori, wafese wahlongakalela lapho ngelanga lokuthoma enyangeni yesihlanu, ngemva kweminyaka ematjhumi amane ama-Israyeli aphume enarheni yeGibhide. Gade aneminyaka elikhulu namatjhumi amabili namithathu lokha nakahlongakalela entabeni iHori leyo. Ngesikhatheso ikosi ye-Aradi emKanana egade ihlala ngesewula yeKanana besele izwile bona ama-Israyeli ayeza.) Ama-Israyeli afuduka entabeni yeHori ahloma amatendawo eTsalimona. Afuduka eTsalimona ahloma ePunoni. Afuduka ePunoni ahloma e-Obhothi. Afuduka e-Obhothi ahloma e-Iye-Habharimu. Afuduka e-Iye-Habharimu ahloma eDibhoni-Gadi. Afuduka eDibhoni-Gadi ahloma e-Alimoni-Dibilatayimu. Afuduka e-Alimoni-Dibilatayimu ahloma eentabeni ze-Abarimu buqamamana neNebo. Afuduka eentabeni ze-Abarimu ahloma ngemrhobeni weJordani kwaMowabi malungana neJerikho. Ahloma kwaMowabi ngemrhobeni weJordanapho ukusukela eBhethe-Hajetjhimothi ukululekela e-Abela-Hatjhithimu. USomnini wakhuluma noMosi ngemrhobeni weJordani kwaMowabi malungana neJerikho wathi akatjele ama-Israyeli athi: “Lokha naniyama iJordani ningena enarheni yeKanana, qotjhani boke abahlali benarha leyo phambi kwenu. Phahlazani yoke imifanekiso yamatje abaziweko nephule zoke iinthombembazwa zabosingazimu begodu nibhuruze zoke iindunduma zabo. Thumbani inarha leyo nihlale kiyo ngombana ngininikele yona bona ibe ngeyenu. Nizayaba ngefumbe ngokuya ngemindenenu. Umndeni omkhulu niwabele ilifa elikhulu kuthi omncani niwabele elincani. Omunye nomunye uzakuzuza ilifa ngokuya ngendlela ifumbe emwele ngayo. Ngendlela leyo nizakwabelana inarha ngokweenkoro zaboyihlo. Kodwana nangabe nizakuhluleka ukuqotjha abahlali benarha leyo, labo enibavumele bona bahlale nani, bazokuba liliva enyamenenu banikhole njengentuthu emehlweni. Bazokuba lihlupho kini enarheni enizobe nihlezi kiyo leyo. Mina-ke ngizakwenza kini lokho ebe ngizimisele ukukwenza kibo.” USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi akayale ama-Israyeli athi: “Lokha naningena enarheni yeKanana, ekuyinarha enizakwabelwa yona bona ibe lilifa lenu, imikhawulo yayo izakuba bunje: Isewula yenu izakuba serhalawumbeni leTsini magegana nenarha yakwa-Edomu. Umkhawulo wakhona usuke ngesewula-pumalanga yelwandle leTswayi uyokujika ngesewula yomkghotha we-Akhirabhimu udabule irhalawumba leTsini ukuyokutjhayisa ngesewula yeKhadetjhi-Bharineya, ululekele eRhatsari-Adari bese utjhayise i-Atsimona. Umkhawulo lowo uzakujika e-Atsimona ukuyokutjhayisa emlanjaneni weGibhide bese uphelela elwandle. “Umkhawulo wangetjingalanga uzakuba lilwandle elikhulu neligu lakhona. Lowo kuzakuba mkhawulwenu ngetjingalanga. “Naku-ke umkhawulwenu wangetlhagwini: Ukusuka elwandle elikhulu bekisani umuda bekube sentabeni yeHori. Ukusuka entabeni yeHori niwubekise bekube seLebo-Rhamathi. Amaphethelo womkhawulo abe seTsedadi, bese ululekela eZifroni uphelele eRhatsari-Enani. Lowo-ke kuzakuba mkhawulwenu wangetlhagwini. “Umkhawulwenu wangepumalanga nizawubekisa ukusukela eRhatsari-Enani bekube seTjhefamu. Ukusukela eTjhefamu uzakwehlela enzasi, tjhuba langeRibla ngepumalanga ye-Ayini. Uzakudosa bewuyokufika enzasi magegana nehlangothi lentaba ngepumalanga yelwandle iKinerethi. Godu uzakunabela enzasi ngeJordani bese uphelela elwandle leTswayi. “Leyo kuzakuba yinarhenu nemikhawulwenu yoke mazombe.” UMosi wayala ama-Israyeli wathi: “Le yinarha ezakuba lilifa lenu ngefumbe. USomnini uyale bona inikelwe iinkoro ezilithoba nesiquntu sazo, ngombana ikoro yakwaRubeni ngokwemindeni yaboyise neyakwaGadi ngokwemindeni yaboyise kanye nesiquntu sekoro yakwaManase sele zamukele ilifa lazo. Iinkoro ezimbilezi nesiquntu zamukela ilifa lazo nganeno kweJordani ukuyela ngepumalanga yeJerikho.” USomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi: “Naka amabizo wamadoda azakwaba inarha yelifa lenu: Ngu-Elazara umphristi kanye noJotjhuwa umsa kaNuni. Ekorweni ngayinye thathani umrholi abe munye ukuze asize ekwabiweni kwelifa lenarha. “Naka-ke amabizo wamadoda abarholi lawo: “Ekorweni yakwaJuda: uKalebi umsa kaJefune; ekorweni yeenzukulwana zakaSimiyoni: uSamyela umsa ka-Amirhudi; ekorweni yakwaBhenjamini: u-Elidadi umsa kaKisiloni; ekorweni yeenzukulwana zakaDani: umrholi uBhukhi umsa kaJogili; eenzukulwaneni zakaJosefa ekorweni yakwaManase: umrholi uRhaniyeli umsa ka-Efodi; ekorweni yeenzukulwana zaka-Efrayimu: umrholi uKhemuweli umsa kaTjhifithani; ekorweni yeenzukulwana zakaZebuloni: umrholi u-Elitsafani umsa kaParinakhi; ekorweni yeenzukulwana zaka-Isakari: umrholi uPalithiyeli umsa ka-Azani; ekorweni yeenzukulwana zaka-Atjheri: umrholi u-Arhihudi umsa kaTjhelomi; ekorweni yeenzukulwana zakaNafitali: umrholi uPedayeli umsa ka-Amihudi.” Lawo bekumadoda uSomnini ayale ngawo bona abele ama-Israyeli inarha iKanana. USomnini wakhuluma noMosi kwaMowabi ngemrhobeni weJordani malungana neJerikho wathi: “Yala ama-Israyeli bona epahleni ekulilifa lawo, anikele amaLevi amadorobho azakwakha kiwo neendawo zamadlelo magegana namadorobho lawo. Amadorobho lawo azakuba ngewawo bona ahlale kiwo bese amadlelo wakhona kube ziindawo zemihlambi, okutjho yoke ifuywawo. Ububanzi beendawo zamadlelo enizazinikela amaLevi magegana namadorobho kufuze okungasenani zibe mamitha amakhulu amane namatjhumi amahlanu ukusuka emthangaleni wedorobho. Ngaphandle kwedorobho nizakulinganisa amamitha angaba makhulu alithoba ngehlangothini langepumalanga, amamitha angaba makhulu alithoba ngehlangothini langesewula, amamitha angaba makhulu alithoba ngehlangothini langetjingalanga namamitha angaba makhulu alithoba ngehlangothini langetlhagwini, khisibe idorobho liphakathi. Leyo kuzakuba yindawawo yamadlelo emadorobhenawo. Amadorobho eniwanikela amaLevi kuzakuba madorobho asithandathu wobuphephelo, lapha nizakuvumela umbulali abalekele khona. Ngaphezu kwalokho nizawanikela amanye amadorobho amatjhumi amane namabili. Sele awoke amadorobho enizawanikela amaLevi azakuba matjhumi amane nabunane kanye neendawo zawo zamadlelo. Mayelana namadorobho eniwathethe esabelweni sama-Israyeli ekufuze niwanikele amaLevi: Enye nenye ikoro kumele inikele ngokuya ngelifa elizuzileko. Eenkorweni ezikulu nithathe amadorobho amanengi bese kuthi kezincani nithathe ambalwa.” Godu uSomnini wakhuluma noMosi wathi akakhulume nama-Israyeli athi: “Lokha naniyama iJordani ningena eKanana, khethani amadorobho bona abe ngewobuphephelo kini, lapha kuzakuthi lokha umuntu nakabulele omunye ngephoso, abalekele khona. Amadorobho lawo azakuba buphephelo kini lokha nanibalekela umbuyiseleli ukuze obuleleko angafi angakajami ebandla bona agwetjwe. Amadorobho asithandathu lawo nizawajamisa bona abe ngewobuphephelo. Amathathu wawo akabe nganeno kweJordani kuthi amanye amathathu abe ngenarheni yeKanana, kube ngawobuphephelo. Amadorobho asithandathu lawo, azakuba ziindawo zobuphephelo kuma-Israyeli, isikhonzi nomphalali ophakathi kwawo ukuze kuthi nanyana ngubani obulala umuntu ngokungakahlosi abalekele khona. “Kodwana nangabe kunomuntu obetha omunye ngesimbi ambulale, loyo umbulali. Nje-ke umbulali kufuze abulawe. Nangabe umuntu uphethe ilitje esandleni sakhe elingabulala bese umadlha omunye ngalo ambulale, naye umbulali. Nje-ke umbulali akabulawe. Nangabe umuntu uphethe umphini osibulawo bese uphobola omunye ngawo ambulale, umbulali naye. Nje-ke umbulali kufuze abulawe. Umbuyiseleli weengazi kufuze kube nguye obulala umbulali loyo lokha nakahlangana naye. Iye, ambulale nya. Nangabe umuntu uthi ngokuzonda omunye bese umsunduzela endaweni eyingozi ambulale, namkha amphose ngento ngehloso yokumlimaza ambulale, namkha ngenca yevunda amdule phasi ngeguduva ambulale, umbethi loyo kufuze abulawe ngombana umbulali. Umbuyiseleli weengazi kufuze ambulale lokha nakahlangana naye. “Kodwana nangabe umuntu uqhula omunye ngephoso kunganavunda namkha aphose ngananyana yini angakahlosi ukulimaza umuntu, namkha aliselele ilitje elingabulala umuntu bese likhande omunye khisibe gade angamboni, umuntu loyo ahlongakale; nanyana gade bangasi zizitha begodu angakahlosi ukulimaza, ibandla lizakugweba phakathi kobuleleko nombuyiseleli weengazi ngokulandela iimiswezo. Ibandla kufuze livikele umuntu obuleleko ezandleni zombuyiseleli weengazi, limbuyisele edorobheni lobuphephelo lapha gade abalekele khona. Uzakuhlala lapho bekuhlongakale umphristi omkhulu nogade azeswe ngamafutha acwengileko. Kodwana nangabe obuleleko angalinga eqe imikhawulo yedorobho lobuphephelo abalekele kilo, bese umbuyiseleli weengazi amfunyane ngaphandle kwemikhawulo yedorobho lobuphephelo ambulale, angeze abekwa umlandu weengazi. Lokho kungebanga lokobana obuleleko bekufuze ahlale ngedorobheni lobuphephelo bekube kulapha kuhlongakala khona umphristi omkhulu. Kodwana ngemuva kokuhlongakala komphristi omkhulu, obuleleko angabuyela enarheni yelifa lakhe. Lokho kuzakuba ziimiso nemithetho yenu kanye neenzukulwana ngeenzukulwana zenu lapha nizakuhlala khona.” “Umuntu obulala omunye naye uzakubulawa ngesiqiniseko sabofakazi. Kodwana umuntu angakhe angabulawa ngobufakazi bomuntu oyedwa. Ningayamukeli ihlawulo yokuhlenga ipilo yombulali onomlandu wokubulala. Onjalo, akabulawe nokubulawa. Godu ningayamukeli ihlawulo yokuhlenga umuntu obalekele edorobheni lobuphephelo kobana abuyele enarheni yekhabo kungakahlongakali umphristi omkhulu. Ningasilaphazi inarha eniphila kiyo ngombana iingazi ziyayisilaphaza inarha. Akunatethelelo engenzelwa inarha ethulukelwe ziingazi ngaphandle kokuthululwa kweengazi zaloyo ozithululileko. Ningayirhubutjhi inarha eniphila kiyo ngombana mina Somnini ngihlala kiyo. Iye, ngihlala phakathi kwabantu bakwa-Israyeli.” Iinhloko zemindeni kaGiliyadi umsa kaMakiri omsa kaManase okuziinzukulwana zekoro kaJosefa, zeza zakhuluma phambi kwakaMosi nabarholi okuziinhloko zemindeni yama-Israyeli, zafese zathi: “Ngesikhathi uSomnini uZimu ayala ikosethu bona inarha le yabelwe ama-Israyeli ngefumbe, ikosethu yayalwa nguSomnini uZimu bonyana ilifa lomfowethu uTselofirhadi linikelwe amadodakazakhe. Kodwana nangabe ende kenye yamadodana weenkoro zama-Israyeli, khona ilifa lawo lizakuthathwa esabelweni sabobaba lingezelelwe ekorweni ebendele kiyo. Nje-ke ingcenye yelifa lethu esabelwe lona ngefumbe izokuthathwa kithi. Lokha umnyaka wokubuyisela nawufikako kuma-Israyeli, ilifa lawo lizokungezelelwa elifeni lekoro endele kiyo. Ngalokho ilifa labo lizokuhletjhulwa elifeni lekoro yabobaba.” Ngokomyalo kaSomnini uMosi wayala ama-Israyeli wathi: “Ikoro yesizukulwana sakaJosefa ikhuluma iqiniso. Nje-ke nakhu uSomnini ayale ngakho mayelana namadodakazi kaTselofirhadi uthi, ‘Wona angathathwa nanyana ngubani abona awalungele, ikani kumumuntu womndeni wekoro kayisawo. Ilifa lama-Israyeli akukafaneli lidluliselwe ekorweni ngekoro ngombana omunye nomunye wama-Israyeli kufuze anamathele elifeni lekoro yaboyise. Nje-ke nanyana ngimuphi umntazana weenkoro zama-Israyeli onelifa, kufuze ende komunye womndeni wekoro kayise ukuze omunye nomunye wama-Israyeli abe nelifa lendlu yaboyise. Ngalokho akunalifa elizakudluliselwa ekorweni ukuya kwenye ngombana enye nenye ikoro izakunamathela elifeni layo.’ ” Amadodakazi kaTselofirhadi enza njengombana uSomnini ayale uMosi: UMarhila, uTiritsa, uRhogila, uMilika noNoya bebathethwe madodana wendlu yabafowabo kayisabo. Iye, bebathethwe ngemndenini wakaManase umsa kaJosefa. Ngalokho ilifa labo lahlala lisekorweni yomndeni kayise wamadodakazi lawo. Leyo-ke mithetho nemiyalo uSomnini ayala ngayo ama-Israyeli ngoMosi kwaMowabi ngemrhobeni weJordani malungana neJerikho. Le, yikulumo kaMosi ayethula kuma-Israyeli woke ngepumalanga yeJordani erhalawumbeni, okutjho umrhoba we-Araba emalungana neSufi hlangana neParana ngehlangothini elinye neTofeli, iLabana, iRhatserothi kanye neDizahaba ngakelinye. Bekuthatha amalanga alitjhumi nanye kwaphela ukusuka eRhorebe ukuya eKhadetjhi-Bharineya ngendlela yentabeni iSeyiri, kodwana uMosi wethula ikulumo le kuma-Israyeli ngemva kweminyaka ematjhumi amane. Gade kulilanga lokuthoma lenyanga yetjhumi nanye lokha uMosi nakhuluma nama-Israyeli ikulumo uSomnini amyale bona ayitjho kiwo. Lokho kwaba ngemva kobana ahlule uSirhoni ikosi yama-Amori egade ihlala eRhetjhibhoni; godu wahlula no-Ogi etatawini lokulwa e-Edreyi. U-Ogi lo, bekayikosi yeBhatjhani egade ihlala e-Atjhitarothi. Kwathi nabangepumalanga yeJordani, ngenarheni yakwaMowabi, uMosi wakubeka emahlombakhe bonyana aveze umthetho lo emtarini, wathi: USomnini uZimethu wathi kithi nasiseRhorebe: “Sele nihlezi isikhathi eside ngokwaneleko entabenapha. Nje-ke jikani nifudukele eentabeni zama-Amori nakibo boke abomakhelwana bawo, okutjho umrhoba we-Araba, iintaba nemibundu yeTjhefela, isewula yenarha yamaKanana, isifunda seligu neLibhanoni bekuyokufika emlanjeni omkhulu iYufrathe. Qalani, ngibeke inarha phambi kwenu. Ngenani nithumbe inarha mina Somnini engafunga kiboyihlomkhulu u-Abrahamu, u-Isaka noJakopo kobana ngizayinikela bona neenzukulwana zabo ngemva kwabo.” Ngesikhatheso mina Mosi ngathi kini: “Afeke, angeze ngakghona ukunithwala ngingedwa. Qala bona uSomnini uZimu unandise kangangani: Namhlanje sese nifana neenkwekwezi zomkayi ngobunengi. Bengifisa inga uSomnini uZimu waboyihlomkhulu bekanganandisa kayikulungwana ngobunengi abe anibusise njengombana anithembisile, kodwana ngizowathwala njani amacalenu, imirarwenu nemibangwenu ngingedwa na? Khethani amadoda ahlakaniphileko, anombono nelemuko ukuya ngokweenkoro zenu ukuze ngiwabeke bona abe ziinhloko zenu.” Nangiphendula nathi: “Into ositjela yona le, kuhle bonyana siyenze.” Yeke ngathatha iinhloko zeenkoro zenu, okumadoda ahlakaniphileko nanelemuko ngawabeka bonyana abe ziinhloko phezu kwenu, abe ziinduna zeenkulungwana, zamakhulu, zamatjhumi amahlanu, zamatjhumi okutjho bona abe ziinkhulu kizo zoke iinkoro zenu. Ngesikhatheso ngathi kubagwebi benu: “Lalelani imilandu ngokufanako hlangana komuntu nomuntu; nigwebe ngokulunga phakathi komuntu nomfowabo namkha isikhonzi esihlala naye. Ningakhethi ubuso nanigwebako; nilalele obuthakathaka nonamandla ngokufanako. Ningethuswa bubuso bomuntu ngombana ukugweba ngekwakaZimu. Umlandu obudisi kini uletheni kimi, mina ngizawulalela.” Nganiyala ngesikhatheso ngakho koke okwakumele nikwenze. Nje-ke safuduka eRhorebe sadabula erhalawumbeni elikhulu nelesabekako enalibonako endleleni eya eentabeni zama-Amori njengombana sayalwa nguSomnini uZimethu besafika eKhadetjhi-Bharineya. Godu ngathi kini: “Angithi niyabona bonyana sele nifike eentabeni zama-Amori esizinikelwe nguSomnini uZimethu? Arha-ke, uSomnini uZimenu ubeke inarha phambi kwenu; khuphukani niyithumbe njengombana uSomnini uZimu waboyihlomkhulu anitjelile. Ningesabi namkha niphele amandla.” Noke natjhidela hlanu kwami nathi: “Asithumele amadoda phambi kwethu kobana ayosiqalela inarha bese asilethele ilizwi lokobana sithathe yiphi indlela yamadorobho esizakudlula kiwo.” Kwabonakala kukuhle kimi lokho, nje-ke ngathatha amadoda alitjhumi nambili phakathi kwenu kwaba yindoda yinye ikoro nekoro. Akhamba-ke anyukela eentabeni abe afika emrhobeni we-Etjhikolo awuhlola. Athi nabuyako eza asiphathele ezinye zeenthelo zenarha leyo abe asipha nombiko othi: “Yinarha ehle esiyiphiwe nguSomnini uZimethu.” Khonapho nakhunyalala azange nenyuke, nalwa nomyalo kaZimenu, naba neensolo ngematendenenu nathi: “Kungebanga lokobana uSomnini asizondile bona asikhuphe enarheni yeGibhide ukuze asinikelele ngama-Amori kobana asirhayile. Alo, sizakuyaphi nje? Nabafowethu napa nabo basethusile bathi abantwaba banengi begodu bandlondlobele kunathi. Amadorobho wakhona makhulu begodu anemithangala etjhayisa emkayini. Phezu kwalokho sibone neenzukulwana zaka-Anakhi lapho.” Nje-ke ngathi kini: “Ningabi nevalo begodu ningesabi ngabantwabo. NguSomnini uZimenu okhamba ngaphambi kwenu, yena uzanilwela. Uzanilwela njengombana enza eGibhide niqalile, nanjengombana enza erhalawumbeni lapha nabona khona bonyana uSomnini uZimenu wanithwala njengobaba nathwala umntwanakhe. Wanithwala endlelenenu yoke benafika endaweni le.” Nangaphezu kwelizwi enginitjele lona, azange nethembe uSomnini uZimenu, owakhamba phambi kwenu ekhambeni lenu ngomlilo ebusuku nangelifu emini kobana anifunele iindawo zokuhloma amatendenu nokunibonisa indlela okufanele nikhambe ngayo. Lokha uSomnini nezwa enikutjhwileko, wathukuthela bewafunga wathi: “Akunamuntu namunye wesizukulwana esikhohlakelekwesi ozakubona inarha ehle engafunga bonyana ngizayinikela aboyihlomkhulu, ngaphandle kwakaKalebi umsa kaJefune. Yena uzayibona begodu ngizamnikela inarha agadanga kiyo, yena neenzukulwana zakhe ngombana ulandele uSomnini ngokupheleleko.” USomnini nami wangithukuthelela ngebanga lenu bewathi kimi: “Nawe abe awuzukungena enarheni leyo, ngiyakutjela! UJotjhuwa umsa kaNuni omsizakho, nguye ozakungena. Yena-ke mkhuthaze ngombana nguye ozokuthumbisa ama-Israyeli inarha leyo. Ababuthakathaka benu egade nibathukwele bonyana bazakuba yipango okutjho abantwabenu abangakwazi ukuhlukanisa phakathi kokuhle nokumbi, ngibo abazakungena. Ngizabanikela yona begodu ngibo abazayithumba. Kodwana nina-ke, jikani nifuduke niye erhalawumbeni ngendlela yelwandle lomGaba.” Nje-ke nangiphendula nathi: “Maye thina, sonile phambi kwakaSomnini! Sizakukhuphuka ngokwethu silwe njengombana uSomnini uZimethu asiyalile.” Nabhinca, enye nenye indoda phakathi kwenu yahloma ngeenhlabano zayo zepi ngombana kwabonakala kulula kini ukukhuphukela eentatjaneni. USomnini wathi nginitjele bonyana ningakhuphuki namkha nilwe ngombana akakho phakathi kwenu. Nakungasinjalo nizokuhlulwa zizitha zenu. Yeke ngakhuluma nani kodwana azange beningilalele. Esikhundleni salokho nalwa nomyalo kaSomnini, nanghanghabala nakhuphukela eentatjaneni. Kwasuka ama-Amori ahlala eentabenezo anikhandela anikhweza ummango njengeenyosi nazithutha abesana abe anidulela ngeSeyiri ukuyokufika eRhorema. Nabuya lapho nalila phambi kwakaSomnini. USomnini azange abe anilalele ekububuleni kwenu begodu azange anitjheje. Sahlala isikhathi eside eKhadetjhi. Ngemva kwesikhathi safuduka saya erhalawumbeni ngendlela yelwandle lomGaba njengombana uSomnini gade angitjelile. Sathatha isikhathi eside silokhu sibhoduluka intaba iSeyiri. USomnini wathi kimi: “Sekwanele bonyana nilokhu nibhoduluka ummango weentaba lo, jikelani ngetlhagwini. Utjele abantu bonyana sele nizokudlula emkhawulweni wenarha yabafowenu okuziinzukulwana zaka-Esewu ezihlala eSeyiri. Zizonesaba, nje-ke yelelani kuhle: Ningalwi nazo ngombana angeze nganinikela ngitjho nesiqetjhana senarhazo. Intaba iSeyiri ngayinikela u-Esewu kobana kube lilifa lakhe. Nizakuthenga kibo ukugoma ngesiliva kobana nigome. Nithenge namanzi kibo ngesiliva kobana nisuse umrhawu. USomnini uZimenu unibusisile kiyo yoke imisebenzi yezandla zenu. Uyakwazi ukukhamba kwenu phakathi kwerhalawumbakazeli. USomnini uZimu ube nani eminyakeni ematjhumi amane le, akhange niswele litho.” Njalo-ke saragela phambili sagegeda inarha yabafowethu okuziinzukulwana zaka-Esewu ezihlala eSeyiri, kude nendlela ye-Elathi ne-Etsiyoni-Gebhere phakathi komrhoba we-Araba. Sajika sakhamba ngendlela yerhalawumbeni lakwaMowabi. Ngesikhatheso uSomnini wathi kimi: “Ningethuseli amaMowabi namkha nilwe nawo ngepi ngombana angizuninikela inarhawo bona ibe lilifa lenu ngebanga lokobana nginikele iinzukulwana zakaLothi i-Ari bonyana ibe lilifa lazo. Nje-ke zilungiseleleni nikhuphukele emrhobeni iZeredi.” (Ngaphambilini ama-Emi gade ahlala kwaMowabi. Wona bekasisizwe esikhulu nesinengi kanti godu mindondotjhiya yabantu abeluleke inga ma-Anakhi. Njengama-Anakhi, ama-Emi nawo bekathathwa bonyana maRafa, kodwana amaMowabi awabiza bona ma-Emi. Ekuthomeni amaRhori nawo gade ahlala eSeyiri kodwana amadodana ka-Esewu awaqotjha, awabhubhisa abe azithathela indawawo njengombana no-Israyeli enza ngenarha yelifa lawo ayiphiwa nguSomnini.) Sayama-ke umrhoba iZeredi. Isikhathi esasithatha ukuthoma mhla sisuka eKhadetjhi-Bharineya ukufikela lapha sayama khona umrhoba iZeredi sasiminyaka ematjhumi amathathu nabunane, bekwabhubha soke isizukulwana esasimadoda wepi ekampeni njengombana uSomnini bekafungile kiso. Ngambala isandla sakaSomnini gade sijamelene naso kobana siphume hlangana nabantu ekampeni kufikela lapha siphela khona nya. Kwathi bona woke amadoda wepi abhubhe nya hlangana nabantu, USomnini wathi kimi: “Namhlanje nina nizakudabula i-Ari okuyinarha yakwaMowabi. Lokha nanifika emikhawulweni yama-Amoni, ningawethuseli namkha nilwe nawo ngepi. Angeze nganinikela inarhawo kobana ibe lilifa lenu ngombana sele ngiyinikele iinzukulwana zakaLothi kobana ibe lilifa lazo.” (Inarha leyo godu beyithathwa bonyana yinarha yamaRafa. AmaRafa ngiwo agade ahlala lapho ekuthomeni, kodwana ama-Amoni gade awabiza bona maZamzumi. Gade kubabantu abakhulu begodu babanengi. Bekumindondotjhiya kwanga ma-Anakhi. Kodwana uSomnini wabarhayila nya phambi kwama-Amoni. Ama-Amoni awaqotjha amaZamzumi lawo abe ahlala enarhenawo. USomnini wazenzela njalo neenzukulwana zaka-Esewu ezihlala eSeyiri lokha narhayila amaRhori phambi kwazo. Zawaqotjha zabe zathumba indawawo bekube kunamhlanje. Nakuma-Avi agade ahlala emizaneni yeGaza, arhayilwa maKafitori avela ngeKafitori abe ahlala eendaweni zawo.) USomnini wathi: “Fudukani niyame umrhoba we-Arinoni. Qala, nginikele uSirhoni umAmori ikosi yeRhetjhibhoni ezandleni zenu kanye nenarhakhe. Thomani-ke nithumbe ilifa bese nilwa naye ngepi. Namhlanje ngizokuthoma ukufaka ivalo ebantwini abangaphasi kwawo woke umthunzi welanga kobana banesabe. Lokha nabezwa ngeendaba zakho bazakuthuthumela bavevezele phambi kwakho.” Nje-ke ngathumela iinthunywa zasuka erhalawumbeni leKhedemothi zaya kuSirhoni ikosi yeRhetjhibhoni ziphethe amazwi wokuthula athi: “Ngivumela ngidlule enarhenakho, ngizakhamba ngendlela kwaphela, angeze ngaphambukela ngesigomeni namkha ngesinceleni. Uzangithengisela ukugoma ngesiliva kobana ngigome, namanzi kobana ngisele. Ngivumela kwaphela bonyana ngidlule ngeenyawo, njengombana neenzukulwana zaka-Esewu ezihlala eSeyiri namaMowabi ahlala e-Ari enza kimi. Ngipha indlela bengeyame iJordani ngiye enarheni uSomnini uZimethu asinikela yona.” Kodwana uSirhoni ikosi yeRhetjhibhoni azange asivumele bonyana sidlule ngakuye ngombana uSomnini uZimenu waqinisa ummoyakhe, wakhunyalalisa nehliziywakhe kobana amnikele esandleni senu njengombana kwenzekile namhlanje. USomnini wathi kimi: “Qala sele ngithome ukunikela uSirhoni nenarhakhe kuwe. Thoma-ke uzihlele kobana uthumbe inarhakhe.” Nje-ke uSirhoni waphuma kobana asikhandele, yena nabo boke abantu bakhe kobana silwe eJahatsi. USomnini uZimethu wamnikela kithi, samumadlha yena namadodanakhe nabo boke abantu bakhe. Sathumba woke amadorobhakhe ngesikhatheso, sawarhayila nya. Kelinye nelinye idorobho sarhayila amadoda, abafazi nababuthakathaka. Azange sitjhiye namunye aphila, ngaphandle kwefuyo esazithathela yona njengepango kanye nepahla yamadorobho esawathumbako. Ukusuka emlanjaneni we-Arinoni okutjho idorobho le-Aroweri elingemrhobeni ukuyela ngeGiliyadi, azange kube nedorobho eliphakeme khulu kithi. USomnini uZimethu wawanikela woke njalo ezandleni zethu. Kusenarheni yama-Amoni kwaphela lapha ungazange utjhidele khona, okutjho kiyo yoke indawo eseempambosini zomlanjana iJabokhi kanye namadorobho weentatjaneni nakho koke lapha uSomnini uZimethu wasalela khona bona singene. Sajika-ke sakhuphuka ngendlela yeBhatjhani. U-Ogi ikosi yakhona yaphuma nebutho layo loke bonyana isisahlele ngepi e-Edreyi. Kodwana uSomnini wathi kimi: “Ungamesabi ngombana ngimnikele esandleni sakho, yena nabo boke abantu bakhe kanye nenarhakhe. Umenze isenzo owasenza uSirhoni ikosi yama-Amori ogade ahlala eRhetjhibhoni.” Yeke uSomnini uZimethu wanikela u-Ogi ikosi yeBhatjhani esandleni sethu kanye nabo boke abantu bakhe. Samumadlha bekwatlhoga namunye wabantu bakhe ophunyurhako. Sathatha woke amadorobhakhe ngesikhatheso. Akunadorojana esingazange simemuke lona. Kwakumadorobho amatjhumi asithandathu, sahlanganisa soke isifunda i-Arigobho, okumbuso ka-Ogi eBhatjhani. Woke lawo bekumadorobho aqiniswe ngemithangala ephakamileko, amasango neenqabo. Sathatha godu nemizi eminengi enganamithangala. Sawarhayila nya njengombana senza kuSirhoni ikosi yeRhetjhibhoni nasirhayila elinye nelinye idorobho, okutjho amadoda, abafazi nababuthakathaka. Kodwana yoke ifuyo nepango yedorobho sazithathela yona. Nje-ke ngesikhatheso samuka amakhosi amabili wama-Amori ebegade angepumalanga yeJordani inarha, ukusuka emrhobeni we-Arinoni ukuya entabeni iRherimoni. (AmaTsidoni abiza iRherimoni bona yiSiriyoni khibe ama-Amori wona athi yiSeniri.) Iye, sathatha woke amadorobho wenarha yemibundu eligagadu, okutjho iGiliyadi yoke neBhatjhani yoke ukuyokufika eSaleka ne-Edreyi okumadorobho wombuso ka-Ogi weBhatjhani. (Ngu-Ogi yedwa ikosi yeBhatjhani owasalako kumisalela yamaRafa. Qala, umbhedakhe gade wenziwe ngesimbi, useRabha okuyihlokodorobho yama-Amoni. Gade umamitha amane ubude, ulimitha nesiquntu nesiqunjwana ububanzi ngesilinganiso esijayelekileko.) Lokha nasithumba inarha le ngesikhatheso, nganikela amaRubeni namaGadi isifunda ukusuka e-Aroweri okulidorobho elingemrhobeni we-Arinoni ukuyela ngetlhagwini kanye nesiquntu senarha yemibundu yakwaGiliyadi namadorobho wakhona. Inarha eseleko yakwaGiliyadi nayo yoke iBhatjhani, okumbuso waka-Ogi, ngakunikela isiquntu sekoro kaManase. (Soke isifunda se-Arigobho, okutjho yoke iBhatjhani, godu sibizwa bonyana yinarha yeRafa. UJayire osizukulwana sakaManase wathatha soke isifunda se-Arigobho okutjho iBhatjhani, ukuyokufika emkhawulweni wamaGetjhuri newamaMakathi. Wathiyelela isifundeso ngebizo lakhe wathi yiRhavothi-Jayire njengombana saziwa njalo nanamhlanje.) UMakiri ngamnikela isifunda esingetlhagwini yeGiliyadi bese amaRubeni namaGadi ngawanikela isifunda esingesewula yeGiliyadi ukuyokufika emrhobeni we-Arinoni. Imikhawulo yawo bekumlanjana we-Arinoni ngesewula, umlanjana weJabokhi ngetlhagwini, isifunda sama-Amoni ngetlhagwini-pumalanga, umrhoba i-Araba ngetjingalanga (okutjho umlambo iJordani ukusuka eKinerethi ukuyokufika elwandle le-Araba, okulilwandle leTswayi). Umkhawulo ngesewula-pumalanga bekumathomo wentaba iPisiga. Nganiyala ngesikhatheso ngathi: “USomnini uZimenu uninikele inarha le bona ibe lilifa lenu. Woke amadoda anesibindi azakuyama ahlomile ngaphambi kwabafowenu ama-Israyeli. Kodwana abafazi benu, ababuthakathaka benu kanye nefuywenu njengombana ninefuyo enengi nje, bazakusala ngemadorobheni engininikele wona; bekube kulapha uSomnini anikela khona abafowenu ukuphumula njengombana wenza kini, nabo bathumba inarha ebayiphiwa nguSomnini uZimenu ngaphetjheya kweJordani. Ngemva kwalapho-ke nizakubuyela omunye nomunye endawenakhe enganinikela yona.” Ngesikhatheso ngayala uJotjhuwa ngathi: “Amehlwakho abone koke uSomnini uZimenu akwenze emakhosini amabili la. USomnini uzakwenza soneso nemibusweni enizokudabula kiyo. Anizuyesaba ngombana nguSomnini uZimenu onilwelako.” Yeke ngabawa uSomnini ngesikhatheso ngathi: “Awu, Somnini Somandla, sewuthome ukutjengisa incekwakho ubukhulu bakho nesandla sakho esinamandla. Ngimuphi uzinyana emkayini namkha ephasini ongenza imisebenzi engaka kanye nezenzo ezikulu ezinjengezakho na? Bengithi uSomnini akangivumele ngiyame, ngiyokubona inarha ehle ngaphetjheya kweJordani, inarha ehle yeentatjana kanye neLibhanoni.” Kodwana uSomnini wangithukuthelela ngebanga lenu, azange angilalele, wathi kimi: “Sekwanele, ungabe usakhuluma litho kimi ngendaba le. Yenyukela esiqongolweni sePisiga, uphakamisele amehlwakho ngetjingalanga, ngetlhagwini, ngesewula nangepumalanga, uzibonele wena ngokwakho ngombana awuzokuyama iJordani le. Kodwana yala uJotjhuwa, umkhuthaze bewumqinise ngombana nguye ozakuyama nabantwaba. Yena uzabathumbisa inarha ozayibona.” Nje-ke sahlala emrhobeni ngaphetjheya kweBhethe-Pewori. Nje-ke nina ma-Israyeli, yelelani iimiso nemithetho enginifundisa yona, niyiphethe kobana niphile nikwazi ukungena nithumbe inarha uSomnini uZimu waboyihlomkhulu aninikele yona. Ningangezeleli begodu ningaphunguli elizwini enginiyala ngalo, kodwana phethani imithetho enginiyala ngayo kaSomnini uZimenu. Amehlwenu akubonile okwenziwa nguSomnini kuBhali-Pewori. USomnini uZimenu warhayila phakathi kwenu woke amadoda agade alandela uBhali wePewori, kodwana nina enakakarela kuSomnini uZimenu, noke nisaphila nanamhlanje. Qala, nginifundise iimiso nemithetho njengombana ngayalwa nguSomnini uZimami ukuze niphile ngayo naningena enarheni enizoyithumba. Ibulungeni beniyiphethe ngombana lokho kuzakuba kuhlakanipha nelwazi lenu emehlweni wabantu abazakuthi nabezwa zoke iimiswezi bathi: “Ngambala isizwe esikhulwesi sibabantu abahlakaniphileko nabanelihlo.” Alo, ngisiphi isizwe esikhulu esinozinyana ohlala hlangana naso njengombana kwenza uSomnini uZimethu kithi kikho koke esimbizela khona? Godu ngisiphi isizwe esikhulu esineemiso nemithetho elunge njengawo woke umyalo engininikela wona namhlanje lo? Yelelani, nizitjheje ngesikhathi soke bonyana ningakhohlwa izinto enizibone ngamehlwenu. Azihlale zisemikhumbulwenenu ipilwenu yoke, nizifundise abantwabenu neenzukulwana zenu bona kwenzakalani mhlana nijame phambi kwakaSomnini uZimenu eRhorebe lokha uSomnini nakazakuthi kimi: “Ngibuthelelela abantu kobana ngibazwise amezwami ukuze bafunde ukungesaba imihla yoke yokuphila kwabo lapha bahlala khona nokobana bafundise nabantwababo ukuwagcina.” Natjhidela najama ekuthomeni kwentaba, intaba yavutha umlilo ukufikela emkayini elifini elimabhombo nelimnyama. Yeke uSomnini wakhuluma nani aphakathi komlilo, nezwa umdumo wamezwi kodwana nangabona isimo, kwezwakala ilizwi kwaphela. Wamemezela kini isivumelwano sakhe aniyala bonyana nisenze, okutjho imiyalo elitjhumi, ayitlola phezu kwemiqebethu emibili. USomnini wangiyala ngesikhatheso bonyana nginifundise iimiso nemithetho kobana niyenze enarheni eniya kiyo nenizoyithumba. Ngalokho zitjhejeni khulu. Njengombana ningazange nibone nanyana ngisiphi isimo mhlana uSomnini akhuluma nani eRhorebe aphakathi komlilo, zitjhejeni ningenzi ukurhubutjheka ngokuzibumbela iinthombembazwa nganamkha ngisiphi isimo, kungaba ngesomduna namkha somsikazi, iye, isimo sanamkha ngisiphi isilwana ephasini, isimo sanamkha ngiyiphi inyoni enamaphiko ephapha emkayini, isimo sanamkha yini erharhaba equlwanini, isimo sanamkha ngiyiphi ihlambi engemanzini ngaphasi kwephasi. Godu nitjheje ningathi naniphakamisela amehlwenu emkayini, nanibona umkhambathi womkayi, okutjho ilanga, inyanga neenkwekwezi bese niyadurha nithome nizikhothamele nizilotjhe. Izintwezi uSomnini uZimenu uzabele boke abantu ngaphasi komthunzi welanga, kodwana nina uSomnini unithethe wanikhupha ekehleni yomlilo wesimbi eGibhide bonyana nibe lilifa lakhe njengombana kunjalo nanamhlanje. USomnini wangithukuthelela ngebanga lenu bewafunga bona ngingayami iJordani nokobana ngingalibhadi enarheni ehle uSomnini uZimenu aninikela yona bona ibe lilifa lenu. Nje-ke ngizakufela enarheni le, angizukuyamela ngaphetjheya kweJordani, kodwana nina nizakuyama nithumbe inarha ehle leyo ibe lilifa lenu. Zitjhejeni ningakhohlwa isivumelwano sakaSomnini uZimenu asenza nani bese niyadurha nenze iinthombembazwa zomfanekiso wanamkha yini uSomnini uZimenu analela ngayo. Mbala, uSomnini uZimenu umlilo oqothulako, uZimu onesikhwele. Nanibeletha abantwana kanye neenzukulwana, sele nihlezi ninethezekile enarheni bese niyazirhubutjha ngokwenza iinthombembazwa zomfanekiso wanamkha yini, nithukuthelise uSomnini uZimenu ngokwenza okumbi lokho, yazini bona ngenza izulu nephasi kobana zibe bofakazi bami namhlanje ngokujamelana nani: Ngambala nizakubhubha masinyana enarheni eniya kiyo bona ibe lilifa lenu naniyama iJordani. Angeze naphila ukuyaphi nanifika khona, kodwana nizakurhayilwa nya. USomnini uzanihlakaza hlangana nabantu nibe lidlanzana ezizweni uSomnini azanisa kizo. Lapho nizakulotjha abosingazimu besigodo nebelitje okumisebenzi yezandla zabantu, izinto ezingaboniko, ezingezwako, ezingagomiko nezinganukeleliko. Kodwana ukusuka lapho nizakufuna uSomnini uZimenu begodu nizamfumana nakube nimfuna ngeenhliziyo zenu ezipheleleko nangemiphefumulwenu yoke. Lokha nanisematshwenyekweni bese zoke izintwezi zehlela phezu kwenu emalangeni wokugcina, nizakubuyela kuSomnini uZimenu nilalele ilizwi lakhe, ngombana uSomnini uZimenu unguZimu onomusa. Angeze anitjhiya namkha anirhayile namkha akhohlwe isivumelwano saboyihlomkhulu asifunga kibo. Nje-ke buzani ngesikhathi esibe ngaphambi kwenu soloko kwamhla uZimu adala umuntu ephasinapha, nibuze emagumbini womane kobana kunento ekulu efana nale eyakhe yenzeka namkha kwezwakala ngayo na? Kunabantu abakhe bezwa ilizwi lakazinyana likhuluma phakathi komlilo njengombana nina nizwe ilizwi lakaZimu khonapho khibe nisaphila na? Kwakhe kwaba nozinyana owalinga ukukhamba ayozenyulela isizwe hlangana nezinye ngokuzibonakalisa ngamatshwenyeko, iimbonakaliso, imikarisomraro nezipi, ngamandla amakhulu nangesiphanga sakhe nangokwesabeka okukhulu njengombana kwenza uSomnini uZimenu eGibhide niqalile na? Nina nakhonjiswa bonyana nazi ukuthi uSomnini unguZimu, akakho omunye ngaphandle kwakhe. Wanizwisa ilizwi lakhe asezulwini kobana anikhalime, ephasini wanibonisa umlilwakhe omkhulu, nezwa amezwakhe aphakathi komlilo. Ngebanga lokobana wathanda aboyihlomkhulu, wakhetha iinzukulwana zabo ngemva kwabo, wanikhupha eGibhide ngokwakhe nangamandlakhe amakhulu, waqotjha phambi kwenu izizwe ezikulu nezinamandla kunani kobana aningenise, aniphe inarha yezizwezo ibe lilifa lenu njengombana kunjalo nanamhlanje. Yazini-ke namhlanje, nikufake eenhliziyweni zenu kobana uSomnini unguZimu ezulwini phezulu nephasini phasi, akakho omunye! Ngalokho gcinani iimiso nemiyalwakhe enginiyala ngayo namhlanje ukuze izinto zinikhambele kuhle kanye neenzukulwana zenu ezilandelako nokobana amalangenu wokuphila ande endaweni enihlala kiyo, okuyindawo uSomnini uZimenu anipha yona isiphelani. (Ngesikhatheso uMosi wahlukanisa amadorobho amathathu angepumalanga yeJordani kobana nakukhona obuleleko abalekele kiwo. Obulala omunye umuntu angakahlosi nongazange akhe amzonde phambilini nabalekela emadorobheni lawa uzakuphephisa ipilwakhe: IBhetseri eserhalawumbeni elisenarheni yemibundu eligagadu izakuba ngeyakwaRubeni, iRamothi ibe ngeyamaGadi bese iGolani eseBhatjhani ibe ngeyakwaManase.) UMosi wajamisa umthetho phambi kwama-Israyeli, okutjho ubufakazi, iimiso nemithetho kaSomnini. Wakhuluma kuma-Israyeli emva kokuphuma eGibhide ngepumalanga yeJordani emrhobeni ngaphetjheya kweBhethe-Pewori. Bekusenarheni kaSirhoni ikosi yama-Amori ogade ahlala eRhetjhibhoni owahlulwa nguMosi nama-Israyeli sele baphumile eGibhide. Bathumba inarhakhe kanye neyaka-Ogi ikosi yeBhatjhani okumakhosi amabili wama-Amori agade ahlala ngepumalanga ngaphetjheya kweJordani. Godu bathumba nenarha ukusuka e-Aroweri emagegana nomlanjana i-Arinoni ukuyela entabeni iSiwoni okutjho iRherimoni kanye nomrhoba woke ongepumalanga yeJordani ukusukela ngetlhagwini ukuyela ngelwandle elisemrhobeni weJordani emathomeni wentaba iPisiga. UMosi wabiza woke ama-Israyeli wabeka kiwo ikulumo le: Yizwani nina ma-Israyeli, iimiso nemithetho engiyikhulume kini namhlanje ukuze niyifunde beniyelele ukuyenza. USomnini uZimethu wenza isivumelwano nathi eRhorebe. USomnini azange enze isivumelwanesi nabobaba kodwana usenze nathi soke esilapha esisaphilako namhlanje. USomnini wakhuluma nani ubuso nobuso entabeni aphakathi komlilo, mina ngangijame hlangana noSomnini nani ngesikhatheso kobana ngimemezele kini ilizwi lakaSomnini ngombana gade nesaba ngebanga lomlilo; ngalokho azange nenyukele entabeni. USomnini wathi: “Mina Somnini nginguZimakho owakukhupha enarheni yeGibhide ekumbeni yobukhoboka. Ungalotjhi abosingazimu, lotjha mina kwaphela. Ungazenzeli isithombesibazwa, namkha umfanekiso wananyana yini esezulwini phezulu namkha ephasini phasi nanyana ngemanzini ngaphasi kwephasi. Ungazikhothameli izintwezo, ungazilotjhi ngombana mina Somnini nginguZimakho. NginguZimu onesikhwele owehlisela isibetho sezono zaboyise phezu kwabantwababo besizukulwana sesithathu nesesine salabo abangenzi intandwami. Kodwana ukwethembeka kwami kuzakuhlala eenkulungwaneni zeenzukulwana zalabo abangikhathalelako nabalonda imiyalwami. Ungakhulumeli butjhilweni ngebizo lakaSomnini uZimakho ngombana uSomnini uzambeka umlandu loyo ophatha ibizo lakhe butjhilweni. Hlonipha ilanga leSabatha, ulilonde ngokucwenga njengombana uSomnini uZimakho akuyala. Sebenza amalanga asithandathu, wenze woke umsebenzakho; kodwana ilanga lekhomba liliSabatha, lahlukaniselwe uSomnini uZimakho. Mhlokho ungasebenzi ngitjho nakancani, wena, indodanakho nendodakazakho, ikhoboka nekhobokakazi lakho, ikomakho nodumbanakho, okutjho yoke ifuywakho namkha isikhonzi esihlala nawe; ukuze ikhoboka nekhobokakazi lakho liphumule njengawe. Ukhumbule bonyana gade ulikhoboka enarheni yeGibhide, uSomnini uZimakho wakukhupha lapho ngesandla esinamandla nangesiphanga sakhe. Ngalokho uZimakho wakuyala bonyana ugidinge ilanga leSabatha. Yazisa uyihlo nonyoko njengombana uyalwe nguSomnini uZimakho ukuze kwande amalangakho wokuphila nokobana izinto zikukhambele kuhle endaweni oyiphiwa nguSomnini uZimakho. Ungabulali umuntu. Ungahlobongi. Ungebi. Ungafakazi amala ngomunye umuntu. Ungakhanukeli umfazi womunye umuntu, ungafisi ikumbakhe, isimakhe, ikhoboka namkha ikhobokakazi lakhe, ikomakhe, udumbanakhe nanyana yini engeyomunye umuntu.” Amezwi lawo akhulunywa nguSomnini kiwo woke umkhambathi wenu entabeni aphakathi komlilo, elifini elimabhombo nelimnyama ngelizwi elikhulu begodu azange angezelele. Wawatlola emiqebethwini emibili wanginikela wona. Kwathi lokha nanizwa ilizwi phakathi kobumnyama, lokha intaba nayitjhako, natjhidela eduze kwami nazo zoke iinhloko zeenkoro zenu kanye nabaphathi benu nathi: “Qala uSomnini uZimethu usikhombise iphazimulo nobukhulu bakhe, nje-ke silizwile ilizwi lakhe lihlangana nomlilo, namhlanje sibone uZimu akhuluma nomuntu kodwana umuntu usaphila. Alo, thina sizakufelani? Umlilo omkhulu lo uzosiqothula; nange singabuya godu sizwe ilizwi lakaSomnini uZimethu, ngiqinisile ngithi sizokufa. Ngubani phakathi kwayo yoke inyama owakhe wezwa ilizwi lakaZimu ophilako likhuluma phakathi komlilo njengombana kwenzeka kithi, kodwana waphila? Tjhidela wena uzwe koke uSomnini uZimethu azokutjho, usitjele koke uSomnini uZimethu azokukhuluma nawe, thina-ke sizakulalela besenze.” Ngambala uSomnini wawezwa amezwi wenu lokha nanikhuluma nami, wathi kimi: “Ngiwezwile amezwi abantwaba abawakhulume kuwe; koke abakutjhwileko kuwe kulungile. Inga bangahlala banomkhumbulo onjalo wokobana bangesabe bebagcine yoke imiyalwami ngeenkhathi zoke ukuze izinto zibakhambele kuhle nabantwababo isiphelani! Khamba ufese ubatjele bonyana babuyele ematendenabo. Kodwana wena jama eduze namapha, ngizakutjela yoke imiyalo, iimiso nemithetho ozabafundisa yona kobana bayenze enarheni engibanikela yona njengelifa labo.” Ngalokho yelelani nenze koke uSomnini uZimenu aniyale ngakho; ningaphambukeli ngesigomeni namkha ngesinceleni. Nikhambe endleleni yoke uSomnini uZimenu aniyale ngayo ukuze niphile nokobana koke kunikhambele kuhle, niphile isikhathi eside enarheni enizayithumba. Le-ke miyalo, okutjho iimiso nemithetho uSomnini uZimenu angiyale bonyana nginifundise ukuze niyenze enarheni enizokungena kiyo niyithumbe. Umnqopho womyalo lo kukobana nesabe uSomnini uZimenu ngokulonda iimiso nemithethwakhe enginiyala ngayo. Yenzeni nina, abantwabenu neenzukulwana zenu imihla yoke yokuphila kwenu ukuze niphile isikhathi eside. Yelelani nina ma-Israyeli niphethe imiyalo ngokupheleleko ukuze koke kunikhambele kuhle enarheni egeleza ibisi neliju, nokobana nande khulu njengombana uSomnini uZimu waboyihlomkhulu anithembisile. Yizwa wena Israyeli! USomnini nguZimethu, nguye yedwa uSomnini. Ngalokho uzakukhathalela uSomnini uZimakho ngayo yoke ihliziywakho, nangomphefumulwakho woke nangawo woke amandlakho. Amezwi la engikuyala ngawo namhlanje azakuba sehliziywenakho. Uwabuyekeze njalo ebantwaneni bakho ngokuzimisela, ukhulume ngawo nawuhlezi emzinakho, nalokha nawukhamba endleleni, nawulalako nalokha nawuvukako. Uzawabopha njengenyongo esandleni nanjengomkhala ehloko abe sikhumbuzo. Uzawatlola egosenini yekumbakho nemasangwenakho. USomnini uZimenu uzaningenisa enarheni ayifungela kiboyihlomkhulu, ku-Abrahama, u-Isaka noJakopo. Lokha nayininikela amadorobho amakhulu namahle eningazange niwakhe, neenkumba ezizele ipahla ehle eningazange niyisebenzele, imiphathamanzi eningazange niyembe, iindiribe nemithi ye-oliva eningazange niyitjale, nalokha nigoma, nisutha, yelelani bona ningakhohlwa uSomnini owanikhupha enarheni yeGibhide, ekumbeni yobukhoboka. Yesabani uSomnini uZimenu kwaphela; nimlotjhe benifunge ngebizo lakhe. Ningadlhemadlhemi ngemva kwabosingazimu babantu abanibhodileko, ngombana uSomnini ophakathi kwenu unguZimu onesikhwele; ubukhali bakhe buzakuvutha phezu kwenu, anirhayile ebusweni bephasi. Ningazizinyi uSomnini uZimenu njengombana nenza eMasa. Gcinani ngokuzimisela imiyalo kaSomnini uZimenu nobufakazi bakhe neemiso zakhe aniyale ngazo. Nenze okulungileko nokuhle phambi kwakaSomnini ukuze izinto zinikhambele kuhle, nokobana nikwazi ukungena nithumbe inarha ehle uSomnini ayifungela kiboyihlomkhulu ngokuqotjha zoke izitha zenu phambi kwenu njengombana uSomnini wathembisa. Amadodanenu azanibuza ngamunye esikhathini esizako athi: “Butjho ukuthini ubufakazi, iimiso nemithetho uSomnini uZimethu aniyale ngakho?” Yeke nizawaphendula nithi: “Sasimakhoboka kaFaro eGibhide, kodwana uSomnini wasikhupha lapho ngesandla esinamandla; wasikhombisa iimbonakaliso nemikarisomraro emikhulu nesabekako ngokujamelana noFaro kanye naso soke isigodlo sakhe, siqalile. Wasikhupha-ke thina lapho kobana asilethe abe asiphe inarha ayifungela kibobamkhulu. Nje-ke uSomnini usiyale bonyana senze yoke imithetho le, ukwesaba uSomnini uZimethu kobana izinto zisikhambele kuhle isikhathi soke, asigcine siphilile njengombana kunjalo namhlanje. Lokho kuzakuba buqotho kithi nakube siyelela bonyana senze yoke imiyalo le phambi kwakaSomnini uZimethu njengombana asiyalile.” Lokha uSomnini uZimenu aniletha enarheni eningena kiyo bona niyithumbe bese aqotjhe izizwe ezinengi phambi kwenu, okumaRhithi, amaGirigatjhi, ama-Amori, amaKanana, amaPerizi, amaRhivi namaJebusi, izizwe ezilikhomba ezikulu nezinamandla kunani, nalokha uSomnini uZimenu anikela izizwezo kini bese nizihlule; nizakufanela bonyana nizirhayile nya. Ningenzi isivumelwano nazo begodu ningabi nomusa phezu kwazo. Ningakhi isikhozi nazo ngokwendisela amadodakazenu emadodanenazo namkha nithathele amadodanenu amadodakazazo. Nakungasinjalo, zizakudurhisa amadodanenu angasalandeli uSomnini bese alotjha abosingazimu. Itukuthelo kaSomnini izakuvutha phezu kwenu, anirhayile masinyana. Kodwana nakhu enizakwenza kizo: Bhuruzani ama-aldarazo, niphahlaze amatje akhethekileko, nigawule nemifanekiso yabo-Atjhera bese nitjhisa iinthombembazwa zazo. Nina nibabantu abacwengileko kuSomnini uZimenu. USomnini uZimenu unikhethe kobana nibe sisizwe esingesakhe hlangana nabo boke abantu abasephasinapha. USomnini akakabeki ihliziywakhe kini bewanikhetha ngebanga lokobana nibanengi ngesibalo kunabanye (emanyeni benilidlanzana khulu kibo boke abantu), kodwana kungebanga lokobana uSomnini uyanithanda nokobana ufeza isithembiso asifunga kiboyihlomkhulu. Ngebangelo uSomnini unikhuphe ngesandla esinamandla, wanihlenga ekumbeni yobukhoboka, esandleni sakaFaro ikosi yeGibhide. Ngalokho yazini-ke bonyana uZimenu nguye yedwa uZimu, uZimu othembekileko ngokugcina isivumelwano. Uthembekile kilabo abamkhathalelako balonde imiyalwakhe, eenkulungwaneni zeenzukulwana, kodwana uhlunguphaza labo abangakathembeki kuye, abarhayile. Akazokuhlehlisa isibetho songakathembeki kuye kodwana uzomhlunguphaza. Ngalokho niyelele ukwenza imiyalo, iimiso nemithetho enginiyala ngayo namhlanje. Ngebanga lokobana nilalele imithetho leyo, nayilonda benayenza, uSomnini uZimenu uzakulonda isivumelwano nokwethembeka akufungela kiboyihlomkhulu bona uzakwenza. USomnini uzanithanda, anibusise abe anandise enarheni ayifunga kiboyihlomkhulu bona uzaninikela yona. Uzakubusisa imbelekwenu, inzalo yeenkomo nezimvu zenu, neentjalo zenu okutjho ikoroyi, iwayini namafuthenu we-oliva. Nizakubusiseka ngaphezu kwezizwe zoke: Akuzukuba nenyumba phakathi kwenu, komduna namkha komsikazi. Ngitjho nefuywenu ayikho ezakuhlala ingazali. USomnini uzakususa zoke izifo phezu kwenu. Angeze anehlisela amagulo amambi weGibhide enakhe nawabona, kodwana uzawehlisela phezu kwabo boke abanizondako. Nizakuqeda boke abantu uSomnini uZimenu azabanikela ezandleni zenu, amehlwenu angabarhawukeli. Ningalotjhi abosingazimu babo ngombana lokho kuzakuba sisifu kini. Mhlamunye ningadlumbana nithi: “Izizwezi zikulu kunathi, alo singazirhayila njani?” Ningazesabi, kodwana khumbulani kuhle lokho uSomnini uZimenu akwenza ngoFaro nabo boke eGibhide: USomnini uZimenu wanenyula eGibhide ngamatshwenyeko amakhulu niqalile, iimbonakaliso nemikarisomraro, ngesandla esinamandla nangesiphanga sakhe. Ngaleyondlela uSomnini uZimenu uzakwenza soneso kibo boke abantu enibesabakwaba. Ngaphezu kwalokho uSomnini uZimenu uzabathumelela abonondovu kufikela lapha labo abaseleko nabazifihlele nina barhayilwa khona. Ningabi nevalo ngabo ngombana uSomnini uZimenu uphakathi kwenu, uZimu omkhulu nosabekako. USomnini uZimenu uzakutjhabalalisa izizwezi phambi kwenu kancani kancani, anizoziqeda zoke kanye kanye. Nakungasinjalo kuzakwanda iimbandana zommango ezingaba yingozi kini. Kodwana uSomnini uZimenu uzakunikela izizwezi ezandleni zenu bese uzihlanganisa iinhloko kufikela lapha zirhayileka khona. USomnini uzakunikela amakhosi wazo ezandleni zenu, nitjhabalalise amabizwawo ngaphasi komthunzi welanga. Akunamuntu ozakghona ukujamelana nani kufikela lapha nibarhayila khona. Nitjhise iinthombembazwa zabosingazimu bazo, ningarhaleli namkha nizithathele isiliva namkha igolide elikibosingazimu labo ngombana lizanibamba njengesifu. Izintwezo zisinyenyiso kuSomnini uZimenu. Ngalokho ningalethi izinto ezinyenyisakwezo ngeenkumbeni zenu bese niba ngabathuwelelisiweko njengazo. Ninyenye benigonyuluke ngalokho ngombana kuzizinto ezithuwelelisiweko. Nitjheje ukwenza yoke imiyalo enginiyala ngayo namhlanje ukuze niphile, nande, beningene nithumbe inarha uSomnini afunga bonyana uzayinikela aboyihlomkhulu. Nikhumbule yoke indlela uSomnini uZimenu anirhole ngayo eminyakeni ematjhumi amane erhalawumbeni. Wanithoba lokha nakanihlolako bonyana azi okuseenhliziywenu zenu nokobana nizakulalela imiyalwakhe namkha njani. Ngambala wanithoba ngokunibulalisa ngendlala. Wanondla ngemana ebeningayazi, ngitjho naboyihlomkhulu bebangayazi ukuze anifundise bonyana umuntu akaphili ngesikwa kwaphela kodwana uphila nangelinye nelinye ilizwi eliphuma emlonyeni kaSomnini. Kiyo yoke leminyaka ematjhumi amane, izambatho zenu azange zirhaluke neenyawo zenu azange zivuvuke. Yazini-ke eenhliziyweni zenu bonyana njengobaba nakhalima umntwanakhe, ngokunjalo noZimu uyanikhalima. Ngalokho gcinani imiyalo kaSomnini uZimenu ngokukhamba eendleleni zakhe nangokumesaba. USomnini uZimenu uniletha enarheni ehle, inarha enemilanjana neeyalu, okutjho amanzi avinyilika emirhobeni neentabeni, inarha yekoroyi nebhali, iindiribe, amakhiwani namarharinada, inarha yeliju namafutha we-oliva, inarha lapha nizagoma khona isikwa singapheli, lapha ningekhe naswela khona, inarha lapha amatje wakhona kungewesimbi, lapha ningemba khona ikoporo emibundwini yakhona. Nizagoma nibethe esimonyongwana, nikhakhazise uSomnini uZimenu ngobuhle benarha aniphe yona. Yelelani bona ningakhohlwa uSomnini uZimenu ngokungalaleli imiyalwakhe, imithethwakhe kanye neemiso zakhe enginiyala ngazo namhlanje. Nasele nigome nasutha, nakha iinkumba zamabono benahlala kizo, nalokha iinkomo, izimvu neembuzi zenu nasele zandile, isiliva negolide lenu nalo landile nakho koke eninakho sele kwandile, ningazikhukhumezi, nikhohlwe uSomnini uZimenu owanikhupha eGibhide ekumbeni yobukhoboka. Iye, uSomnini owanirhola erhalawumbeni elikhulu nelesabekako elineenyoka ezinesihlungu nabofezela kanye nequlwani eyomileko lapha bekunganamanzi khona, wanipha amanzi ngitjho edwaleni. Wanondla niserhalawumbeni ngemana naboyihlomkhulu abangayaziko ukuze anithobe abe anizizinye, kuthi ekugcineni nizuze. Ningathi eenhliziyweni zenu: “Umnono ongaka lo, kazi mjuluko wamandla nezandla zethu.” Kodwana khumbulani uSomnini uZimenu ngombana nguye onipha amandla wokufumana umnono ukuze aqinisekise isivumelwano sakhe asifunga kiboyihlomkhulu njengombana kunjalo namhlanje. Yazini bonyana nange ningakhohlwa uSomnini uZimenu, nidlhemadlheme ngemva kwabosingazimu, nibalotjhe benibakhothamele, ngiyafunga namhlanje bona nizakubhubha nya. Iye, nizakubhubha njengezizwe uSomnini azibhubhise phambi kwenu ngombana anilaleli ilizwi lakaSomnini uZimenu. Lalelani nina ma-Israyeli! Nizakuyama iJordani namhlanje ningene bese nithumba izizwe ezikulu nezinamandla kunani, amadorobho amakhulu anemithangala etjhayisa emkayini, okubabantu abanengi nabandlondlobeleko kunathi, iinzukulwana zaka-Anakhi enimaziko benezwa ngaye nakuthiwa: “Akunamuntu ongajama phambi kweenzukulwana zaka-Anakhi!” Yazini-ke namhlanje bonyana loyo okhamba phambi kwenu anjengomlilo oqothulako, nguSomnini uZimenu. Uzaziqeda izizwezo ngokuziguqisa phambi kwenu, nina-ke niziqotjhe benizibhubhise msinyana njengombana uSomnini anithembisile. Ningathi ngemva kobana uSomnini uZimenu sele aqotjhe izizwezo phambi kwenu bese nidlumbana nithi: “Kungebanga lokulunga kwethu okwenze uSomnini bonyana asiphe inarha le.” Awa, kungebanga lobukhohlakali bezizwezi okwenze bonyana uSomnini aziqotjhe phambi kwenu. Anizokuthumba inarha yezizwezo ngebanga lokulunga kwenu namkha ubumsulwa beenhliziyo zenu, kodwana kungebanga lobukhohlakali bazo kobana uSomnini uZimenu aziqotjhe phambi kwenu nokobana aqinisekise ilizwi alifungela kiboyihlomkhulu u-Abrahamu, u-Isaka noJakopo. Yazini-ke bonyana uSomnini uZimenu akakaninikeli inarha ehle le kobana niyithumbe ngebanga lokulunga kwenu. Kuhlekuhle nina nibabantu abaneentanyana! Khumbulani begodu ningakhohlwa bona nimthukuthelise njani uSomnini uZimenu naniserhalawumbeni ukusuka mhlana niphuma enarheni yeGibhide bekube kumhlana nifika endaweni le, nilokhu nilwa noSomnini. Khulukhulu eRhorebe kulapha nathukuthelisa khona uSomnini. USomnini wasilingeka kangangobana kwakuthi akanirhayile. Lokha nangikhuphukela entabeni ukuyokwamukela imiqebethu yesivumelwano uSomnini asenza nani, ngahlala lapho amalanga amatjhumi amane nobusuku bakhona. Azange ngigome isikwa namkha ngisele amanzi. USomnini wanginikela imiqebethu emibili etlolwe ngomuno kaZimu. Emiqebethwinapho gade kutlolwe woke amezwi uSomnini awakhuluma nani aphakathi komlilo entabeni ngelanga lomhlangano. Kwathi ekupheleni kwamalanga amatjhumi amane nobusuku bakhona uSomnini wanginikela imiqebethu emibili, okungeyesivumelwano, wathi kimi: “Sikima, wehle msinyana ngombana abantu bakho owabakhupha eGibhide barhubutjhe isivumelwano, baphambuka msinyana endleleni engabayala ngayo, bazenzela isithombesibunjwa.” USomnini waraga wathi kimi: “Ngibabonile abantwaba, maye uthi baneentanyana na! Yewungilise ngibarhayile, ngisule amabizwabo ngaphasi komthunzi welanga, wena ngikwenze isizwe esinamandla nesikhulu kunabo.” Nje-ke ngafulathela ngehla entabeni, intaba gade ivutha umlilo; imiqebethu emibili yesivumelwano beyisezandleni zami. Ngaqala ngabona bonyana nonile phambi kwakaSomnini uZimenu; nizenzele ikunzana ebunjiweko. Nirhabile ukuphambuka endleleni uSomnini aniyala ngayo. Yeke ngagugudlhela imiqebethu emibili leyo ngayimadlha phasi, yephuka niyiqalile. Ngawa ngobuso phambi kwakaSomnini. Njengaphambilini kwaba malanga amatjhumi amane nobusuku bakhona ngingagomi isikwa namkha ngirhamule amanzi ngebanga lesonokazi enisenzileko ngokwenza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini namthukuthelisa. Gade nginesabela itukuthelo nobukhali bakaSomnini phezu kwenu ngombana bekanidinekele kangangobana besele alungele ukunirhayila. Kodwana nangesikhatheso uSomnini wangilalela. USomnini godu wathukuthelela u-Aroni kangangobana besele alungele ukumrhayila, khonapho naye ngamthandazela. Nje-ke ngathatha isinyenyiso senweso, okuyikunzana eniyenzileko, ngasitjhisa ngasiqova iinquqwana, ngasitshidlha saba njengethuli ngarhatjha ithulelo ngemlanjaneni ovela entabeni. Godu eThabhera, eMasa neKhibrothi-Hatava nakhona nahlalela ukuthukuthelisa uSomnini. Kwathi lokha uSomnini nanisusa eKhadetjhi-Bharineya wathi nikhuphuke nithumbe inarha aniphe yona, nalwa nomyalo kaSomnini uZimenu. Azange nimkholwe namkha nilalele ilizwi lakhe. Benilokhu nilwa noSomnini ukusuka mhlana ngithoma ukunazi. Yeke ngawa ngobuso phambi kwakaSomnini amalanga amatjhumi amane nobusuku bakhona ngombana uSomnini bekathe uzonirhayila. Ngathandaza kuSomnini ngathi: “Maye Somnini Somandla! Ungarhayili abantu bakho abalilifa lakho, owabahlenga ngobukhulu bakho, wabakhupha eGibhide ngesandla esinamandla. Khumbula incekwakho u-Abrahamu, u-Isaka noJakopo, ungayeleli ukunghanghabala kwabantwaba, namkha ubukhohlakali babo nanyana isono sabo, ngombana inarha owasikhupha kiyo izakuthi, ‘USomnini uhlulekile ukubafikisa enarheni abathembise yona, nokubazonda bekabazonda, ubakhuphele zonezi enarheni kobana abarhayilele erhalawumbeni.’ Bababantu bakho nelifa lakho, owalikhupha ngamandlakho amakhulu nangesiphanga sakho.” Ngesikhatheso uSomnini wathi kimi: “Baza imiqebethu emibili ifane neyokuthoma ukhuphukele kimi entabeni bese wenze umfaji weengodo. Ngizotlola kiyo amezwi agade akeyokuthoma owayephulako bese uyifaka ngemfajini.” Yeke ngenza umfaji ngeengodo zomtholo, ngabaza imiqebethu emibili njengeyokuthoma, ngakhuphukela entabeni ngiphethe imiqebethu emibili leyo. USomnini watlola emiqebethwinapho njengekuthomeni: imithetho elitjhumi akhuluma ngayo kini entabeni aphakathi komlilo ngelanga lomhlangano, wanginikela yona. Ngasuka entabeni ngehlela phasi, ngabeka imiqebethu ngemfajini engangiwenzile, naso-ke imiqebethu leyo njengombana uSomnini angiyala. (Ama-Israyeli gade afuduke emithonjeni yeBheni-Jakhani aya eMosera. U-Aroni wahlongakala bewabulungelwa lapho. Indodanakhe u-Elazara yalotjha njengomphristi esikhundleni sakhe. Ekufudukeni kwama-Israyeli lapho, anqomba eGudigoda, asuka eGudigoda aya eJothibata inarha enemilanjana. Ngesikhatheso uSomnini wahlukanisela ikoro yakwaLevi kobana ithwale umfaji wesivumelwano sakhe nokobana ibe ziinceku zakhe ukuze ilotjhe uSomnini beyibusise ebizweni lakhe njengombana kunjalo nanamhlanje. Ngalokho amaLevi akanasabelo namkha ilifa kubafowawo, ilifa lawo nguSomnini njengombana uSomnini atjho njalo kiwo.) Ngahlala entabeni njengekuthomeni, kwaba malanga amatjhumi amane nobusuku bakhona. Nalapha uSomnini wangilalela, wangathanda ukunirhayila. Nje-ke uSomnini wathi kimi: “Sikima uthathe ikhambo lakho urhole abantu ukuze bangene bathumbe inarha engayifungela kiboyihlomkhulu kobana ngizabanikela yona.” Alo-ke wena Israyeli, yini efunwa nguSomnini uZimakho ngaphandle kobana wesabe uSomnini uZimakho, ukhambe eendleleni zakhe zoke, uthembeke kuye, umlotjhe ngehliziywakho yoke nangomphefumulwakho woke, ugcine imiyalo neemiso zakaSomnini engikuyala ngazo namhlanje kobana izinto zikukhambele kuhle. Nanyana izulu, iye izulu lamazulu lingelakaSomnini uZimenu nephasi nakho koke okukilo khonapho uSomnini bekasoloko abeke ihliziywakhe kiboyihlomkhulu bewakhetha iinzukulwana zabo, okutjho nina, phakathi kwezizwe zoke njengombana kunjalo namhlanje. Ngalokho sokani amajwabu weenhliziyo zenu, ningasabi nekani. USomnini uZimenu unguZimu ongaphezu kwabozinyana, yiKosi yamakhosi, uZimu omkhulu, onamandla nosabekako, ongenzi izinto ngokukhetha ibala nongafunjathiswako. Iye, uSomnini ujamela intandani nomhlolokazi, uthanda isikhonzi, ubapha ukugoma nokokwembatha. Ngalokho thandani isikhonzi ngombana nani gade niziinkhonzi enarheni yeGibhide. Nesabe uSomnini uZimenu, nimlotjhe beninamathele kuye, nifunge ngebizo lakhe. Uyindumiswenu, unguZimenu onenzele izinto ezikulu nezethusakwezo enizibone ngamehlwenu. Aboyihlomkhulu behlela eGibhide bamatjhumi alikhomba wabantu. Nje-ke gadesi uSomnini uZimenu unenze naba banengi njengeenkwekwezi zomkayi. Ngalokho khathalelani uSomnini uZimenu, nigcine iimfanelo zakhe, okutjho iimiso zakhe, imithethwakhe, kanye nemiyalwakhe ngaso soke isikhathi. Yazini-ke namhlanje bona abantwabenu abazi begodu azange babone ukukhalima kwakaSomnini uZimenu, kodwana nina niyabazi ubukhulu bakhe, isandla sakhe esinamandla kanye nesiphanga sakhe. Iye, niyawazi amatshwayo kanye nezenzo zakhe azenza ekabeni yeGibhide kuFaro ikosi yakhona nenarhenakhe yoke; nalokho akwenza ebuthweni leGibhide, eenjomaneni neenkaraneni zalo lokha nagubuzesa ibuthwelo ngamanzi welwandle lomGaba nalinigijimisako nangendlela uSomnini alibhubhisa nya ngayo njengombana nazi namhlanje. Niyakwazi okwenziwa nguSomnini kini naniserhalawumbeni kufikela lapha nifika khona endaweni le, nokobana yenzani kuDatani no-Abiramu amadodana ka-Eliyabu umsa kaRubeni lokha iphasi livula umlomalo bonyana libaginye nemindenabo, amatendabo nakho koke okuphilako okwabalandelako, phakathi kwawo woke ama-Israyeli. Njengombana amehlwenu abone yoke imisebenzi emikhulu uSomnini ayenzileko, gcinani yoke imiyalo enginiyala ngayo namhlanje. Qinani idolo, ningene nithumbe inarha eniyamela kiyo ukuyithatha bona ibe ngeyenu ukuze niphile isikhathi eside endaweni uSomnini ayifungela kiboyihlomkhulu bona uzabanikela yona kanye neenzukulwana zabo. Leyo-ke yinarha egeleza ibisi neliju. Ngambala, inarha eningena kiyo kobana niyithumbe ayifani neGibhide eniphuma kiyo, lapha benitjala khona imbewenu kwanga sivande semirorho, niyisezela ngokumodza edakeni; kodwana inarha eningena kiyo kobana niyithumbe yinarha yeentaba nemirhoba esezelwa lizulu emkayini. Kuyinarha etjhejwa nguSomnini uZimenu, amehlwakhe ahlala akiyo ukusuka ekuthomeni komnyaka bekube sekupheleni kwawo. Nakube ngambala nizakulalela imiyalo kaSomnini enginiyala ngayo namhlanje, ukobana nikhathalele uSomnini uZimenu, nimlotjhe ngeenhliziyo zenu zoke nangemiphefumulwenu yoke, yena wathembisa bonyana uzakunisa izulu enarhenenu ngesikhathi esifaneleko: izulu lokuthoma nelamuva. Nizakubulunga ikoroyi, iwayini namafuthenu we-oliva; godu uSomnini uzakumilisa utjani emirhulenenu kobana ifuywenu ikarule, nina nigome nisuthe. Ziyeleleni ningayengwa bese niyaphambuka nilotjhe abosingazimu benibakhothamele ngombana itukuthelo kaSomnini izakuvutha phezu kwenu, ivale amazulu ukuze izulu lingasana, inarha ingasakhiqiza ukudla bese nibhubha masinyana enarheni ehle uSomnini aninikele yona. Ngalokho bekani amezwami la eenhliziyweni zenu nemiphefumulwenenu; niwabophelele abe njengenyongo ezandleni zenu nanjengomkhala eenhloko zenu abe sikhumbuzo. Niwafundise abantwabenu, nikhulume ngawo naniditjhileko emizinenu, nanikhambako endleleni, nanilalako nalokha nanivukako. Niwatlole eengosenini zeenkumba zenu nemasangwenenu ukuze amalangenu newabantwabenu ande endaweni uSomnini ayifungela kiboyihlomkhulu ukubanikela yona ikani kusaphilwa. Naniwulonda ngokupheleleko woke umyalo enginiyala bona niwenze, nikhathalele uSomnini uZimenu, nikhambe eendleleni zakhe zoke benikakarele kuye, khona-ke uSomnini uzokuqotjha zoke izizwezi phambi kwenu, nina niphange izizwe ezikulwezo nezinamandla kunani. Yoke indawo lapha inyawo lenu ligadanga khona izakuba ngeyenu; umkhawulwenu uzakuthoma erhalawumbeni ngesewula uphelele eLibhanoni ngetlhagwini begodu usuke emlanjeni iYufrathe ngepumalanga ukuya elwandle elingetjingalanga. Akunamuntu ozakghona ukujamelana nani; uSomnini uZimenu uzakubeka ukwesabeka nevalo lenu phezu kwayo yoke inarha enibeka kiyo inyawo lenu njengombana anithembisa. Qalani, ngibeka namhlanje phambi kwenu isibusiso namanikelela: isibusiso, nakube nilalela imiyalo kaSomnini uZimenu enginiyala ngayo namhlanje; amanikelela, naningalaleli imiyalo kaSomnini uZimenu, niphambuke endleleni enginiyale ngayo namhlanje, kobana nidlhemadlheme ngemva kwabosingazimu beendawezi. Lokha uSomnini uZimenu aniletha enarheni eningena kiyo kobana niyithumbe, nizakubeka isibusiso entabeni iGerizimu nibeke amanikelela entabeni i-Ebali. (Iintabezi zingaphetjheya kweJordani ngetjingalanga, zifulathele indlela eya ngetjingalanga, enarheni yamaKanana ahlala emrhobeni weJordani. Iintabezi zingaphetjheya kweGiligali eduze nemithi emikhulu yeMore.) Lokha naniyama iJordani kobana ningene nithumbe inarha uSomnini uZimenu aninikela yona nalokha naniyithathako benihlale kiyo, tjhejani bona nenza zoke iimiso nemithetho engininikela yona namhlanje. Nanzi iimiso nemithetho enizayenza ngokutjheja enarheni uSomnini uZimu waboyihlomkhulu aninikele yona kobana niyithumbe, imihla yoke yokuphila kwenu endaweni leyo. Nitjhabalalise ngokupheleleko zoke iindawo lapha izizwe enizoziqotjha zilotjhela khona abosingazimu bazo eentabeni eziphakemeko, phezu kwemibundu nangaphasi komunye nomunye umuthi ohlaza. Nizakubhuruza ama-aldarazo, niphadlhe namatjazo akhethekileko. Godu tjhisani imifanekiswazo yabo-Atjhera, nikghunule iinthombembazwa zabosingazimu bazo. Iye, nitjhabalalise ibizo labosingazimabo endaweni leyo. Ningalotjhi uSomnini uZimenu ngendlela izizwezo zilotjha abosingazimu bazo ngayo, kodwana akube sendaweni ezakukhethwa nguSomnini uZimenu hlangana kwazo zoke iinkoro zenu, kobana ijamise ibizo layo lapho belidunyiswe khonapho. Lapho kulapha nizakuza khona bona nibuze intando kaZimu, nilethe lapho imihlabelwenu yokutjhiswa neyetjhebiswano, kwetjhumi neminikelwenu ekhethekileko, iminikelwenu yeenthembiso neyesihle, namazibulo weenkomo, wezimvu neweembuzi zenu. Nigome khonapho phambi kwakaSomnini uZimenu, nijekezele, nina nemindenenu, ngayo yoke imisebenzi yezandla zenu uSomnini uZimenu anibusisa ngayo. Ningenzi njengombana senza lapha namhlanje, lapha omunye nomunye azenzela khona umathanda. Njenganje, anikabi ukungena enarheni yelifa lapha uSomnini uZimenu azaninikela khona ukuphumula. Kodwana lokha naniyama iJordani, nihlale enarheni uSomnini uZimenu aninikela yona bona niyithumbe, nalokha aninikela ukuphumula ezitheni zenu zoke zombelele ukuze nihlale niphephile, nasele nazi indawo uSomnini uZimenu ayikhethileko kobana ibizo lakhe lijanyiswe lapho, khona-ke nizakuletha koke enginiyale ngakho: imihlabelwenu yokutjhiswa neyetjhebiswano, kwetjhumi kwenu neminikelo ekhethekileko, nayo yoke imihlabelo yeenthembiso enayithembisa kuSomnini. Nijekezele phambi kwakaSomnini uZimenu, nina, amadodana namadodakazenu, iinceku neencekukazi zenu kanye namaLevi asemadorobhenenu ngombana wona akanasabelo namkha ilifa phakathi kwenu. Yelelani bonyana ninganikeli imihlabelwenu yokutjhiswa phezu kwanamkha ngiyiphi indawo eniyibonako, kodwana akube sendaweni ekhethwe nguSomnini kenye yeenkoro zenu kwaphela. Lapho-ke nizanikela khona imihlabelwenu yokutjhiswa benenze khonapho koke enginiyala ngakho. Nokho ningahlaba benigome inyama kinamkha ngiyiphi yamadorobhenu, kube ngendlela enithanda ngayo, kuye ngeembusiso eniziphiwe nguSomnini uZimenu, ongakahlambuluki nohlambulukileko angagoma inyama leyo njengombana benizakwenza nakugonywa itsephe nehlangumataka. Kodwana ningagomi iingazi, nizithululele equlwanini njengamanzi. Ningalingi nigomele ngemadorobhenenu kwetjhumi kwesivuno senu sekoroyi, sewayini kanye nesamafutha we-oliva, namkha amazibulo weenkomo zenu namkha wezimvu neembuzi namkha omunye nomunye umnikelo wenu weenthembiso enawuthembisako namkha iminikelo yesihle namkha iminikelo ekhethekileko. Gomelani koke lokho phambi kwakaSomnini uZimenu endaweni ezakukhethwa nguSomnini uZimenu, nina namadodana namadodakazenu, iinceku neencekukazi zenu kanye namaLevi ahlala emadorobhenenu. Nijekezele phambi kwakaSomnini uZimenu ngayo yoke imisebenzi yezandla zenu. Tjhejani bona ningahlanuki amaLevi qobe nisahlala eendaweni zenu. Lokha uSomnini uZimenu andisa imikhawulwenu njengombana anithembisile, indawo ayikhethileko kobana ajamise ibizo lakhe lapho, ingahle ibe kude nani. Nakube kunjalo bese nikhanukela inyama khulu, khona-ke ningayigoma ngesikhathi soke eniyikhanuka ngaso. Ningahlaba nanyana ngiyiphi yeenkomo, yezimvu namkha yeembuzi zenu eniziphiwe nguSomnini. Nigomele inyama leyo ngemadorobhenenu njengombana nginiyalile kube ngendlela nifuna ngayo. Ningayigoma njengombana kugonywa itsephe nehlangumataka. Woke umuntu, ohlambulukileko nongakahlambuluki angagoma. Kwaphela qinisekisani bona ningagomi iingazi ngombana zikuphila, yeke ningagomi ipilo nenyama. Ningagomi iingazi kodwana zithululeleni equlwanini njengamanzi. Naningagomi iingazi nenza kuhle phambi kwakaSomnini, yeke koke kuzanikhambela kuhle nina neenzukulwana zenu. Kodwana iminikelo ekhethekileko eninayo, neminikelwenu yesithembiso nizayithatha niye nayo endaweni ekhethwe nguSomnini. Nikelani inyama neengazi zemihlabelwenu yokutjhiswa e-aldarini lakaSomnini uZimenu. Iingazi zeminikelwenu yetjhebiswano nizithululele e-aldarini lakaSomnini, kodwana inyama yona ningayigoma. Tjhejani ukwenza woke amezwi enginiyala ngawo ukuze koke kunikhambele kuhle, nina neenzukulwana zenu nini nanini ngombana nizabe nenza okuhle nokulungileko phambi kwakaSomnini uZimenu. Lokha uSomnini uZimenu nakabhubhisa izizwe eziphambi kwenu eniyokungena nithumbe inarhazo benihlale kiyo, tjhejani kobana ningathi ngemva kobana sezibhujisiwe, nilandele imikhubazo. Nizakubambeka esifwini lokha nanikhamba nibuza ngabosingazimu bazo nithi: “Izizwezi bezilotjha njani abosingazimu bazo? Nathi sifuna ukwenza njengazo nasilotjha uSomnini.” Ningenzi njalo kuSomnini uZimenu ngombana izizwezo zenze kibosingazimu bazo isinyenyiso uSomnini asizondako! Zathuwelela kangangobana zabe zatjhisa amadodana namadodakazazo ngomlilo njengomnikelo kibosingazimu bazo. Tjhejani ukuphetha elinye nelinye ilizwi enginiyale ngalo; ningangezeleli namkha niphungule kilo. Kungenzeka bonyana kuvuke umphorofidi phakathi kwenu, namkha umbhudangi wamabhudango anibonise itshwayo namkha isimangaliso bese itshwayelo namkha isimangalisweso siyenzeka begodu ngemva kwalokho athi: “Asilandeleni abozinyana sibalotjhe.” Nakube labo bozinyana, akusinguZimu enimaziko, ningalaleli amezwi womphorofidi namkha wombhudangi loyo ngombana uSomnini uZimenu uyanizizinya ukubona bonyana nimkhathalela ngeenhliziyo zenu zoke nangomphefumulwenu woke na. Nizakulandela uSomnini uZimenu kwaphela benimesabe, nilonde imiyalwakhe, nilalele ilizwi lakhe, nimlotjhe benikakarele kuye kwaphela. Kodwana umphorofidi namkha umbhudangi wamabhudango loyo akabulawe ngombana unihlohlozele bona nihlubuke uSomnini uZimenu owanikhupha enarheni yeGibhide wanihlenga ekumbeni yobukhoboka. Uniyenge bona nisuke endleleni uSomnini uZimenu aniyala bona nikhambe ngayo. Ngalokho thanyelani ubumbi phakathi kwenu. Nakube umfowenu, indodana kanyoko namkha indodanakho nanyana indodakazakho namkha umfazakho oyintandokazi namkha umnganakho enimamathe nelimu, ukuyenga ngasese athi: “Namba siyokulotjha abozinyana.” Nakube labo bozinyana, akusinguZimu omaziko wena ngitjho naboyihlomkhulu kodwana khibe ngomunye wabosingazimu babantu abanibhodileko nanyana bangaba seduze namkha kude nani, ukusuka egumbini lomhlaba ukuya kelinye, ungaphiki naye, ungamlaleli begodu ungamtlhuweli, ungamzweli namkha umfihle. Umbulale nya! Isandla sakho asibe ngesokuthoma bese kulandele zabo boke abanye abantu. Mkhandeni ngamatje abe afe ngombana ufune ukukuyenga kobana usuke kuSomnini uZimakho owakukhupha enarheni yeGibhide, ekumbeni yobukhoboka. Woke u-Israyeli uzakuzwa, esabe, angasenza ubuhlola obunjengalobo obenzeke phakathi kwenu. Kungenzeka bonyana kelinye lamadorobhenu uSomnini uZimenu aninikela wona bona nihlale kiwo, kunabaphehli benturhu abaphuma bayokuyenga abahlali bedorobhabo bathi: “Nambani siyokulotjha abozinyana.” Nakube labo bozinyana, akusinguZimu enimaziko khona-ke nizakubuzisisa bese niyafunisisa nikhambe nibuza ngokuzimisela. Nakube ngambala nifunyana bona isinyenyisweso senzekile phakathi kwenu, bulalani nya abahlali bedorobhelo ngesabula, nirhayile ngokupheleleko loke idorobhelo nakho koke okukilo, ngitjho nefuyo yakhona yoke, niyibhubhise ngesabula. Buthelelani ipango yakhona niyibeke ekabeni yetatawu ledorobho, nitjhise idorobho nayo yoke ipangwalo njengomnikelo otjhiswa woke kuSomnini uZimenu. Idorobhelo lihlale liliqubi njalo lingabe lisakhiwa godu. Ningababaleli izinto ekufanele zirhayilwe ukuze uSomnini atjhuguluke ekuthukutheleni kwakhe. Uzakuba nomusa kini, anandise njengombana afunga kiboyihlomkhulu nakube nilalela ilizwi lakaSomnini uZimenu, nigcine yoke imiyalwakhe enginiyale ngayo namhlanje, nenze okuhle phambi kwakhe. Nina nibantwana bakaSomnini uZimenu, ngalokho ningazirhayi namkha nizigude ehloko ngebanga labahlongakeleko. Nina nisisizwe esicwengileko kuSomnini uZimenu begodu uSomnini unikhethe phakathi kwabo boke abantu abasebusweni bephasi kobana nibe ngebakhe. Ningagomi litho elinyenyisako. Nanzi iinlwana enizazigoma: ikomo, imvu, imbuzi, imihlobo yehlangumataka, yeentsephe neyeenkukhama kanye nembuzi yommango, okutjho zoke iinlwana ezihlukanisa iinqatha kabili bezetjise. Kodwana ezihlukanisa iinqatha kabili kwaphela namkha ezetjisa kwaphela ningazigomi. Ikamela, umqasa nembila ziyetjisa kodwana azihlukanisi iinqatha kabili, ngalokho zisilaphele kini. Iwotji nayo ningayigomi ngombana ihlukanisa iinqatha kabili kodwana ayetjisi; isilaphele kini. Ningasithinti isidumbu sayo. Kizo zoke eziphila ngemanzini gomani lezi: zoke ezineengwedlo neempepha; koke okunganangwedlo neempepha ningakugomi. Lokho kusilaphele kini. Ningagoma zoke iinyoni ezihlambulukileko. Kodwana lezi, ngilezo eningakafaneli ukuzigoma: yoke imihlobo yamadlanga; imihlobo yabokholo, yoke imihlobo yamagubulu, iinciliba, yoke imihlobo yeenrhulurhulu, yoke imihlobo yamakhozi, abotlhame, amalanda, abonogolantethe, imihlobo yabodoyi, amagqovu nabonomaphelaphelana. Zoke iinunwana ezineempiko zisilaphele kini, ningazigomi. Zoke iinunwana ezihlambulukileko zona ningazigoma. Ningagomi ingcuba; inikeleni abatjhili abasemadorobhenenu kobana bazigomele yona. Nakungasinjalo niyithengisele imiqhamuka. Khumbulani bona nina nisisizwe esicwengileko kuSomnini uZimenu. Ningapheki imbuzana ngebisi lakanina. Nikhuphe kwetjhumi kwakho koke enikutjeleko enikuvuna minyaka yoke. Thathani kwetjhumi kwenu kwekoroyi, iwayini namafutha we-oliva kanye namazibulo weenkomo, wezimvu neweembuzi zenu nikugomele phambi kwakaSomnini uZimenu endaweni azayikhetha kobana ajamise ibizo lakhe lapho. Ngaleyondlela nizakufunda ukwesaba uSomnini uZimenu soke isikhathi. Nakube ibanga lide khulu kini kobana ningafika endaweni uSomnini uZimenu ayikhethileko bona ajamise ibizo lakhe lapho bese nibhalelwa kuletha kwetjhumi lokha uSomnini uZimenu nanibusisako, khona nizayenana ngesiliva. Niyitjhubelele, nikhuphukele endaweni uSomnini uZimenu ayikhethileko leyo, bese niyigomele lapho ngokuthenga namkha yini eniyithandako, iinkomo, izimvu, iwayini namkha utjwala, nanyana yini eniyikhanukelako. Nibethe esimonyongwana lapho phambi kwakaSomnini uZimenu, nijekezele nina nemindenenu. Ningahlanuki amaLevi ahlala emadorobhenenu ngombana akanasabelo namkha ilifa phakathi kwenu. Njalo ekupheleni kweminyaka emithathu nilethe koke kwetjhumi kwemikhiqizo yenu ngawo lowo mnyaka, nikukghubelele emadorobhenenu. AmaLevi anganasabelo nelifa phakathi kwenu, iinkhonzi kanye neentandani nabahlolokazi abasemadorobhenenu beze bazogoma babethe esimonyongwana. Ngaleyondlela uSomnini uZimenu uzanibusisa kiwo woke umsebenzi wezandla zenu eniwenzako. Njalo ekupheleni komnyaka wekhomba nisule iinkolodo. Nasi indlela enizakusula ngayo iinkolodo: Omunye nomunye okolodwako uzakusula lokho akukolodwa ngomunye umuntu. Angalandeleli umuntu loyo namkha umfowabo kobana amkhokhele ngombana ukusulwa kweenkolodo sele kumenyezelwe ebizweni lakaSomnini. Umqhamuka wona kumele ukukhokhele, kodwana usule nanyana ngisiphi isikolodo umfowenu akukoloda sona. Nanyana kunjalo akuzukuba nesichaka phakathi kwenu ngombana uSomnini uzonibusisa enarheni aniphe yona kobana ibe lilifa lenu, kwaphela nakube nilalela ilizwi lakaSomnini uZimenu, niyelele ukwenza yoke imiyalo enginiyala ngayo namhlanje. Ngambala uSomnini uZimenu uzanibusisa njengombana anithembisa. Izizwe ezinengi zizokugogela kini kodwana nina ningagogeli litho kizo, nilawule izizwe ezinengi kodwana zona zinganilawuli. Nakube kunesichaka phakathi kwenu, esingomunye wabafowenu, kinamkha ngiliphi lamadorobhenu enarhenenu eniyiphiwe nguSomnini uZimenu, ningaqinisi iinhliziyo zenu nirhunyeze izandla zenu kumfowenu ochakileko, kodwana mvuleleni izandla, nimboleke ngokwanele iindingo zakhe, nanyana kungaba yini. Yelelani kungabi nobumenemene eenhliziywenu zenu bese nithi: “Afe-ke, umnyaka wekhomba wokusulwa kweenkolodo sele useduze!” Bese ninyokoloza umfowenu ochakileko ngelihlo elimbi, ningamnikeli litho. Uzakulila ngani kuSomnini, lokho kube sisono kini. Mupheni nitjhaphulukile, ningamnikeli ngeenhliziyo ezigugunekako ngombana uSomnini uZimenu uzanibusisa kiwo woke umsebenzenu nakikho koke enitlama ukukwenza. Abadududu angeze baphela enarheni, ngalokho ngiyaniyala bona nivule izandla zenu ngokupheleleko namukele umfowenu, okutjho otlhagako kanye nodududu enarheni. Nakube umfowenu, okuyindoda namkha umfazi omHebheru, azithengisa kuwe bona akukhonze, uzakusebenzela iminyaka esithandathu bese kuthi emnyakeni wekhomba umtjhaphulule kuwe. Nawumtjhaphululako kuwe, ungamkhambisi amkhonoze; kodwana mtshayele ngokutjhaphulukileko ezimvini neembuzini, umabele eselelweni nebutlhodlhelweni bakho ukuya ngendlela uSomnini uZimenu akubusise ngayo. Khumbula bonyana benimakhoboka enarheni yeGibhide, nje-ke uSomnini uZimenu wanihlenga, ngalokho ngiyakuyala-ke ngamezwi la namhlanje. Kodwana nakube umuntu loyo athi akazukusuka kuwe ngombana akuthanda wena nomndenakho begodu ahlezi kamnandi nawe, yeke uzakuthatha isungulo umthumbuselele indlebe ngalo emnyango bese uba sisebenzi sakho sanini nanini. Nesisebenzini esimfazi uzakwenza soneso. Kungabi nzima kuwe ukumtjhaphulula simahla bonyana akhambe ngombana ukusebenzele iminyaka esithandathu ngesiquntu senani lokuqatjhwa kwesisebenzi. Ngalokho uSomnini uZimakho uzakubusisa kikho koke okwenzako. Hlukaniselani uSomnini uZimenu woke amazibulo aduna weenkomo, izimvu neembuzi zenu. Kungabi nomsebenzi eniwenza ngamazibulo aziinkunzana namkha nirhune amazibulo wezimvu neembuzi zenu. Agomeni qobe mnyaka nina nemindenenu phambi kwakaSomnini uZimenu endaweni ekhethwe nguSomnini. Kodwana nakube amazibulo lawo anomphambo, kungaba kuhluza namkha ukuphophala namkha kungaba sizila sananyana yini, ningawanikeli kuSomnini uZimenu. Agomeleni ngemadorobhenenu; abahlambulukileko nabangakahlambuluki ngokufanako abagome njengombana kwenziwa nakuyitsephe namkha ihlangumataka. Kwaphela ningagomi iingazi zakhona, kodwana zithululeleni equlwanini njengamanzi. Gcinani inyanga ka-Abibi, nenzele uSomnini uZimenu iPhasika ngombana ngenyanga ka-Abibi uSomnini uZimenu wanikhupha eGibhide ebusuku. Nizakuhlabela uSomnini uZimenu iPhasika eenkomeni, ezimvini neembuzini zenu endaweni ezakukhethwa nguSomnini kobana ajamise ibizo lakhe lapho. Ningaligomi ngesikwa esinengumelo. Ligomeni amalanga alikhomba ngesikwa esinganangumelo, isikwa esinikhumbuza igandelelo ukuze kiwo woke amalanga wokuphila kwenu nikhumbule ilanga enaphuma ngalo eGibhide nirhabile. Kungabi nehlama enengumelo phakathi kwenu kiyo yoke imikhawulwenu amalanga alikhomba. Inyama eniyihlabe ntambama elangeni lokuthoma, ingahlali bekuse. Anikavunyelwa ukuhlaba iPhasika kinamkha ngiliphi lamadorobhenu eniwaphiwe nguSomnini uZimenu ngaphandle kwendawo ezakukhethwa nguSomnini uZimenu, bona ajamise ibizo lakhe lapho. Nizakuhlaba iPhasika lapho ntambama nakutjhinga ilanga ngesikhathi enaphuma ngaso eGibhide. Nipheke inyama yakhona niyigomele endaweni ezakukhethwa nguSomnini uZimenu bese ekuseni nibuyele lapha nihlala khona. Nizakugoma isikwa esinganangumelo amalanga alikhomba bese elangeni lekhomba nenzele uSomnini uZimenu umgidi omkhulu. Nje-ke mhlokho ningawuthinti umsebenzi. Nizakubala iimveke ezilikhomba ukusuka ngesikhathi nithoma ukugweba ibhali. Nigidinge umnyanya weemVeke kuSomnini uZimenu ngokunikela ngomnikelo wesihle ukuya ngendlela uSomnini uZimenu anibusise ngayo. Nijekezele phambi kwakaSomnini uZimenu, nina namadodana namadodakazenu, amakhoboka namakhobokakazenu, amaLevi asemadorobhenenu, iinkhonzi, iintandani kanye nabahlolokazi abaphakathi kwenu, endaweni ezakukhethwa nguSomnini uZimenu bona ajamise ibizo lakhe lapho. Nizakhumbula bonyana nakhe naba makhoboka eGibhide, ngalokho nitjheje ukugcina iimiswezo. Gidingani umnyanya wemiTlhatlhana amalanga alikhomba lokha nanibutha eselelweni nebutlhodlhelweni benu. Yenamani ngomnyanyenu lowo, nina namadodana namadodakazenu, amakhoboka namakhobokakazenu, amaLevi, iinkhonzi, iintandani nabahlolokazi abaphakathi kwamadorobhenu. Gidingani umnyanya kaSomnini uZimenu amalanga alikhomba endaweni ezakukhethwa nguSomnini ngombana uzanibusisa kiyo yoke imikhiqizwenu nakiyo yoke imisebenzi yezandla zenu ukuze nename noke. Kuzakuthi kathathu ngomnyaka boke abaduna benu bavele phambi kwakaSomnini uZimenu endaweni azayikhetha: ngomnyanya wesiKwa esinganaNgumelo, emnyanyeni weemVeke nemnyanyeni wemiTlhatlhana. Ningaveli phambi kwakaSomnini nimkhonoze, kodwana woke umuntu akanikele ngendlela akghona ngayo ukuya ngesibusiso sakaSomnini uZimenu ambusise ngaso. Khethani abagwebi neenkhulu kiwo woke amadorobhenu uSomnini uZimenu anipha wona ukuya ngeenkoro zenu bese bagweba abantu ngeengwebo ezinokulunga. Ningahlanakeli ubulungiswa, ningakhethi ubuso, ningamukeli ukufunjathiswa ngombana ukufunjathiswa kuphophaza amehlo wohlakaniphileko bese kwenza abaneqiniso babe bakhohlisi. Yenzani ubulungiswa kwaphela ukuze niphile benizuze inarha eniyiphiwa nguSomnini uZimenu. Ningathi nanakha i-aldari lakaSomnini uZimenu bese nitjala umuthi ojamele u-Atjhera eqadi kwalo. Ningazijamiseli amatje akhethekileko ngombana uSomnini uZimenu uyazizonda izintwezo. Ningahlabeli uSomnini uZimenu ikomo, imvu nembuzi enomphambo, nanyana kungaba sisici bani ngombana lokho kusinyenyiso kuSomnini uZimenu. Nakube phakathi kwenu, emadorobhenenu eniwaphiwe nguSomnini uZimenu, kufunyaneka indoda namkha umfazi owenza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini uZimenu ngokwephula isivumelwano sayo, abe adlhemadlheme ngemva kwabosingazimu abalotjhe namkha akhothamele ilanga namkha inyanga nanyana ngiyiphi yeenkwekwezi emkayini, engayala bona ningakwenzi, bese niyabikelwa namkha niyezwa ngalokho, khona-ke nizakubuzisisa kuhle. Nakube kuliqiniso bona mbala isinyenyisweso senzakele kwa-Israyeli, nizakuletha indoda namkha umfazi owenze ubuhlolobo esangweni bese nimkhanda ngamatje abe afe. Uzakubulawa ngesiqiniseko sabofakazi ababili namkha abathathu. Umuntu angeze abulawa nakube kunofakazi oyedwa. Nabambulalako isandla sabofakazi sizakuba ngesokuthoma bese ngemva kwalapho kulandele isandla sabo boke abantu. Ngalokho nizabe nithanyela ubumbi phakathi kwenu. Nakube kuvela umlandu okumele uwugwebe omalungana nokubulalana, wamalungelo womthetho, newokulimazana, okutjho nanyana kungaba mlandu onjani emadorobhenenu, ufumane bonyana ubudisi kuwe, kuzakufanela bona wenyuke uye endaweni ezakukhethwa nguSomnini uZimakho, uye kubaphristi bamaLevi nakumgwebi osesikhundleni emihleni leyo. Uzakubonisana nabo, bazakuhlahla ekwenzeni isiqunto. Wenze njengokweseluleko sabo endaweni leyo ezakukhethwa nguSomnini. Yelela ukwenza koke abakuyale ngakho. Iye, uhlale emyalweni abakululeke ngawo nequntweni abakunikele lona. Ungaphambukeli ngesigomeni namkha ngesinceleni emezwini wesigwebo sabo abakunikela sona. Umuntu ozitjhayako angalaleli umphristi olotjha phambi kwakaSomnini uZimakho endaweni leyo, namkha ongalaleli umgwebi, akabulawe. Ngalokho uzabe uthanyela ubumbi kwa-Israyeli. Boke abantu bazakuzwa, besabe, balahle ukuzitjhaya. Lokha nanifika enarheni eniyinikelwa nguSomnini uZimenu bese niyayithumba benihlale kiyo, nje-ke nizakuthi: “Kwanjesi khona asizikhetheleni ikosi ezakubusa phezu kwethu njengezizwe zoke ezisibhodileko.” Nakunjalo kufanele niqiniseke bonyana ikosi enizayibeka leyo iba ngekhethwe nguSomnini uZimenu. Akube ngomunye hlangana nabafowenu. Anikavunyelwa ukubeka iphandle phezu kwenu nokwenza elingasimfowenu. Kwaphela yena-ke akukameli azandisele iinjomani namkha abangele bona ibutho lakhe libuyele eGibhide kobana kwandiswe iinjomani njengombana uSomnini bekathe kini: “Ningasalibeka eGibhide.” Angabi nabafazi abanengi ngombana ihliziywakhe izakuhlubuka begodu angazandiseli isiliva negolide elinengi. Nasele ahlezi esihlalweni sakhe sobukhosi, uzazitlolela isithunzi somthetho lo encwadini, athathele kileyo ekubaphristi bamaLevi, ayiphathe kuye, ayifunde imihla yoke yokuphila kwakhe ukuze afunde ukwesaba uSomnini uZimakhe ngokugcina woke amezwi womthetho lo begodu enze neemiswezi. Nakube wenza njalo angeze aziphakamisa kubafowabo begodu angeze aphambukele ngesigomeni namkha ngesinceleni emiyalweni. Uzakuphatha isikhathi eside embuswenakhe, yena nabantwabakhe kwa-Israyeli. Abaphristi bamaLevi, okutjho yoke ikoro yamaLevi, ayizukuba nesabelo namkha ilifa kwa-Israyeli. Ilifa labo liminikelo ekhethekileko kuSomnini, ngilokho abamele bakugome. Abazukuba nelifa kubafowabo, kodwana ilifa labo nguSomnini njengombana athembisa. Iminikelo ekhethekileko izakuba lilungelo labaphristi elibuya ebantwini abaletha imihlabelo, okungaba ziinkomo, izimvu namkha iimbuzi. Umphristi osebenza e-aldarini uzakunikelwa umkhono, imihlathi emibili nomrhoru. Iinthelo zokuthoma zekoroyi yenu, zewayini lenu nezamafuthenu we-oliva kanye noboya bokuthoma bezimvu zenu nikunikele umphristi. USomnini uZimakho ukhethe uLevi hlangana neenkoro zenu kobana abe yincekwakhe elotjha ebizweni lakhe, yena namadodanakhe nini nanini. UmLevi obuya lapha aqube khona kinamkha ngiliphi lamadorobhenu kilo loke lakwa-Israyeli, angeza endaweni ekhethwe nguSomnini nanyana kunini nafunako. Lapho-ke angalotjha ebizweni lakaSomnini uZimakhe njengawo woke amaLevi wekhabo alotjha phambi kwakaSomnini. Uzakufumana isabelo sokugoma esilingana nesabafowabo, ngaphandle kwaleso asifumene ekuthengiseni kwakhe ipahlakhe. Lokha nanifika enarheni eniyiphiwa ngusomnini uZimenu, ningafundi ukwenza imikhuba enyenyisako yezizwezo. Phakathi kwenu kungafunyanwa umuntu otjhisa indodanakhe namkha indodakazakhe emlilweni njengomnikelo namkha umuntu osisangoma, osisanusi, omloyi, oyinyanga, ongusomlingo, othukulako, obhulako nophahla abezimu. Nanyana ngubani owenza lokhu, usinyenyiso kuSomnini begodu ngebanga lemikhuba enyenyisako leyo uSomnini uZimenu uqotjha izizwezo phambi kwenu. Yibani msulwa phambi kwakaSomnini uZimenu. Izizwe enizoziphangezi, zilalela izanusi nezangoma, kodwana nina uSomnini uZimenu azange anivumele kobana nenze njalo. USomnini uZimenu uzanivusela umphorofidi onjengami phakathi kwenu, kubafowenu. Nguye okufanele nimlalele. Kuzakuba njengombana nanifuna uSomnini uZimenu eRhorebe ngelanga lomhlangano lokha nanithi: “Asisakwazi ukulalela umdumo welizwi lakaSomnini uZimethu nokubona umlilokazi lo ngombana sizokufa!” USomnini wathi kimi: “Koke abakutjhwileko kuwe kulungile. Ngizabavusela umphorofidi onjengawe phakathi kwabafowabo, ngibeke amezwami emlonyenakhe, abatjele koke engimyale ngakho. Nanyana ngubani ongeze alalela amezwami umphorofidi azabe awakhuluma ebizweni lami, mina ngokwami ngizakubona ukuqeda ngaye. Kodwana umphorofidi okhuluma ebizweni lami ngokuzitjhaya khibe angikamthumi, namkha okhuluma ebizweni labozinyana, akabulawe.” Ningazibuza nithi: “Sizahlukanisa njani bona leli akusilo ilizwi elikhulunywe nguSomnini?” Ipendulo kukobana nakube umphorofidi ukhuluma ebizweni lakaSomnini bese lokho akutjhoko akwenzeki namkha akubi liqiniso, kuzabe kungasilo ilizwi elikhulunywe nguSomnini. Umphorofidi loyo uzabe akhuluma ngokuzitjhaya, yeke ningamesabi onjalo. Lokha uSomnini uZimakho narhayila izizwe aninikele inarhazo, niziqotjhe bese nihlala emadorobhenazo neenkumbeni zazo, nizakwahlukanisela amadorobhenu amathathu enarheni uSomnini uZimenu aninikela yona bona niyithumbe. Nizakulinganisa iindlela bese nihlukanisa kathathu umkhawulo wenarha uSomnini uZimenu aninikela yona bona ibe lilifa lenu ukuze nanyana ngubani obulala angakahlosi abalekele lapho. Umbulali angabalekela emadorobheni lawo asindise ipilwakhe kwaphela nakube ubulele omunye umuntu ngaphandle kwehloso begodu angakhange amzonde ngaphambilini. Isibonelo salokho kukulokha mhlambe umuntu naya ngehlathini nomunye umuntu ukuyokutheza iinkuni bese athi nagawula isigodo, ihloko yezembe itsomuke emphinini imadlhe umuntu loyo abe ahlongakale. Nakunjalo, obuleleko loyo angabalekela emadorobheni lawo kobana asindise ipilwakhe. Nakube idorobho lobuphephelo likude umbuyiseleli weengazi othukutheleko, lokha nagijimisa umbulali, uzambamba bese uyambulala, khibe akanamlandu wokubulawa ngombana umbulali bekangakamzondi ambuleleko loyo ngaphambilini. Ngalokho ngiyaniyala bona nihlukanisele amadorobho amathathu. Yengezani amadorobho amathathu lawo ngamanye amathathu lokha uSomnini uZimenu nakhulisa umkhawulwenu njengombana afunga kiboyihlomkhulu. Iye, uzaninikela inarha yoke ayithembisa ukuyinikela aboyihlomkhulu, kwaphela nakube niyatjheja ukugcina yoke imiyalo enginiyala ngayo le namhlanje, kobana nikhathalele uSomnini uZimenu nokobana nikhambe eendleleni zakhe. Ngaleyondlela iingazi ezinganamlandu angeze zathululwa enarheni uSomnini uZimenu aninikela yona kobana ibe lilifa lenu. Nakungasinjalo umlandu wokuthuluka kweengazi uzakuba phezu kwenu. Nakube kunomuntu ozonda omunye, amlalele endleleni bese uyameqela, amumadlhe phasi abe ahlongakale, nje-ke umbulali loyo abalekele kelinye lamadorobho lawo, abaphathi bedorobho lapho abuya khona bazakuthumela bona azokuthathwa asiwe esandleni sombuyiseleli weengazi, abulawe. Ningamtlhuweli kodwana phelisani umlandu wokuthululwa kweengazi ezimsulwa kwa-Israyeli ukuze izinto zinikhambele kuhle. Ningatjhidisi isikhonkhwani sakamakhelwana esabekwa ngabadala elifeni eliyinarha enayabelwa nguSomnini uZimenu kobana ibe ngeyenu. Ningathathi ubufakazi bomuntu oyedwa emlandwini wokusolwa komuntu owenze ubulelesi namkha owone nganamkha ngimuphi umlandu. Akube nabofakazi ababili namkha abathathu ngaphambi kobana ningalalela umlandu lowo. Nakube kuvela ufakazi onobuqili avukele omunye umuntu amfungele ngamanga, bobabili njalo bazakuvela phambi kwakaSomnini, phambi kwabaphristi naphambi kwabagwebi abasesikhundleni ngesikhatheso. Abagwebi bazabaphenyisisa bese nakube ufakazi loyo ngowamanga begodu ufungele umfowabo ngamanga, yenzani kuye lokho ebegade akuhlose ngomfowabo. Ngaleyondlela nizabe nithanyela ubumbi phakathi kwenu. Inengi lizakuzwa, lesabe bese lingasalingi ukwenza ubumbi obunjalo phakathi kwenu. Ilihlo lenu lingatlhuweli, akube yipilo ngepilo, ilihlo ngelihlo, izinyo ngezinyo, isandla ngesandla, inyawo ngenyawo. Lokha naniya epini niyokulwa nezitha zenu bese nibona iinjomani neenkarana nebutho elikhulu kunelenu, ningesabi ngombana uSomnini uZimenu owanikhupha enarheni yeGibhide unani. Nasele nitjhidele epini, umphristi uzakuza ngaphambili akhulume nebutho athi kilo: “Lalela Israyeli, namhlanje uze epini ukuzokulwa nezitha zakho. Ihliziywakho ayingadani, ungesabi ubaleke ngebanga levalo ngazo ngombana uSomnini uZimakho nguye okhamba nawe bona akulwele ezitheni zakho, akunikele ukuhlula.” Iinkhulu zizakukhuluma nebutho zithi: “Nakube omunye wenu wakhe ikumba etja kodwana wangayivula, akabuyele ekumbenakhe. Nakungasinjalo uzakufela epini bese ivulwa ngomunye umuntu. Nakube omunye wenu utjele isidiribe kodwana wangagoma iinthelo zakhona, akabuyele ekhaya. Nakungasinjalo uzakufela epini bese omunye umuntu ugoma iinthelo zakhona. Nakube omunye wenu sele aveze indaba kodwana wangasathatha intombakhe leyo, akabuyele ekhaya. Nakungasinjalo uzakufela epini bese enye indoda izithathela intombakhe leyo.” Iinkhulu zizakuragela phambili nokukhuluma nebutho zithi: “Nakube omunye wenu unevalo entanyeni njengesirhwarhwa akabuyele ekhaya. Nakungasinjalo iinhliziyo zabafowabo zizakuphelelwa mamandla njengeyakhe.” Nasele iinkhulu ziqedile ukukhuluma nebutho, kuzakubekwa iinduna ezizakurhola ibuthwelo. Nanitjhidela eduze kwedorobho kobana nilwe nalo, thomani ngokubekelana nalo imibandela. Nakube ipendulwalo ingeyokuthula bese linivulela amasango, boke abangaphakathi kwalo bazanenzela umsebenzi okatelelako bese bayanisebenzela. Kodwana nakube idorobhelo alibi nokuthula nani bese lilwa nani, khona-ke nizalivimbezela, kuzakuthi lokha uSomnini uZimenu nakalinikela ezandleni zenu, nibulale boke abaduna balo ngesabula. Nizithathele abafazi nabantwana, ifuyo nakho koke okunye okungedorobheni, okutjho yoke ipango yalo. Nizibusise ngepango yezitha zenu leyo eniyiphiwe nguSomnini uZimenu. Nenze soneso kiwo woke amadorobho akude nani okungasi madorobho wezizwe eziseduze. Kodwana emadorobheni wabantu uSomnini aninikela wona njengelifa lenu, ningatjhiyi litho eliphefumulako. Bhubhisani nya izizwe zamaRhithi nama-Amori, amaKanana namaPerizi, amaRhivi namaJebusi njengombana uSomnini uZimenu ayalile ukuze zinganifundisi imikhuba yazo enyenyisako eziyenza nazilotjha abosingazimu bazo bese niyona phambi kwakaSomnini uZimenu. Nanivimbezela idorobho isikhathi eside benilwe nalo ukuze nilithumbe, ningarhayili imithi yalo ngokuyikghedlha ngezembe, kodwana gomani iinthelo zayo, yeke ningayigawuli. Kanti imithi le sese ifana nabantu bonyana ningabeze niyivimbezele nayo na? Mimithi enaziko bona akusi ngegonywako kwaphela ekumele niyirhayile beniyigawule ukuze nivimbezele ngayo idorobho elilwa nani kufikela beliwe. Nakube enarheni eniyiphiwa nguSomnini uZimenu kobana ibe lilifa lenu, kufunyanwa umuntu abulewe, adindilize emmangweni, kungaziwa bonyana ubulewe ngubani, abaphathi benu nabagwebi benu bazakuza bafese balinganise ibanga eliphakathi komuntu obuleweko namadorobho aseduze. Abaphathi bedorobho eliseduze khulu nomuntu obuleweko bazakuthatha ithokazi elingazange khelibotjhelwe. Abaphathi bedorobho bazakwehlela nethokazelo emlanjaneni lapha kungalimeki namkha kutjaleke khona. Bazafese balephule intamo emlanjanenapho. Abaphristi abamadodana kaLevi bazakuza ngombana uSomnini uZimenu ubakhethile bona bamlotjhe bebabusise ebizweni lakhe. Ngibo ekumele babenelizwi lokha nakunokurarana namkha inturhu. Boke abaphathi bedorobho eliseduze khulu nomuntu obuleweko bazakuhlambela izandla ngehla kwethokazi elephulwe intamo emrhobeni, bafakaze bathi: “Izandla zethu azange zithulule iingazezi, ngitjho namehlwethu azange abone ukuthuluka kweengazokho. USomnini akathethelele abantu bakhe u-Israyeli, abahlengako; angabeki umlandu weengazi ezimsulwa phakathi kwabantu bakhe u-Israyeli.” Nje-ke bazakuthethelelwa emlandwini weengazi lowo. Ngalokho nizakutjhaphuluka emlandwini weengazi ezimsulwa. Ngaleyondlela nizakwenza okulungileko phambi kwakaSomnini. Lokha u-Israyeli naya epini ayokulwa nezitha zakhe, uSomnini uZimakhe azinikele ezandleni zakhe, azithumbe bese kuthi phakathi kwabathunjwa ubone isimomondiya somfazi osithandako nofuna ukusithatha bona sibe mkakho, ungakhamba naso ekhenu. Lapho-ke umfazi loyo uzazirhuna ihloko aqunte namaziphakhe, ahlubule izambatho zakhe zobukhoboka, ahlale endlinakho alilele uyise nonina inyanga yoke. Ngemva kwalokho ungamngena-ke, ube yindodakhe, yena abe mkakho. Nakube ngemva kwesikhathi awusathokozi ngomfazi loyo, mtjhaphulule azikhambele aye lapha athanda ukuya khona. Awukavunyelwa ukumthengisa namkha wenane ngaye ngombana umrhubutjhile. Nakube indoda inabafazi ababili, omunye ayintandokazi omunye asisaliwakazi bese bobabili bambelethele abantwana, izibulo libe ngelesaliwakazi, mhlana yabela amadodanayo ilifa ingathathi indodana yentandokazi iyenze izibulo phezu kwendodana elizibulo yesaliwakazi. Ayamukele izibulo eliyindodana yesaliwakazi ngokuyinikela isabelo esibuyelelwe kabili kesomunye kwakho koke enakho ngombana imamandlayo wokuthoma. Ilungelo lobuzibulo ngelayo. Nakube indoda inendodana enekani netjhingako engalaleli ilizwi lakayise namkha lakanina, kuthi nanyana bayikhalima ingabalaleli, khona-ke uyise nonina bazayibamba bayilethe kubaphathi bedorobho lekhabo abasesangweni lendawo leyo. Bazakuthi kubaphathi: “Indodanethu le kazi inekani begodu iyatjhinga, ayilaleli ilizwi lethu. Isirhiribideli nesidakwa.” Nje-ke woke amadoda wedorobho azayikhanda ngamatje ibe ife. Ngalokho nizakuthanyela ubumbi phakathi kwenu. Woke u-Israyeli uzakuzwa bese uyesaba. Nakube umuntu wenze ubulelesi besibetho sokufa bese ngambala uyabulawa, nimhlomele esigodweni, isidumbu sakhe singahlali ubusuku boke sisesigodwenapho. Kodwana mbulungeni khona mhlokho ngombana umuntu ohlonywe esigodweni uthuweleliswe nguZimu. Ningasilaphazi inarhenu eniyiphiwa nguSomnini uZimenu kobana ibe lilifa lenu. Ungathi nawubona ikomo namkha imvu kamfowenu ilahleka bese uyayilisa. Irage uyibuyisele kumfowenu. Nakube akasiseduze nawe, namkha nakube awumazi, iragele kwakho, ihlale kwakho kufikela lapha umfowenu afuna ukutholatholiswa yona bese uyamtholatholisa-ke. Wenze soneso nangodumbanakhe, ngesambatho ngitjho nangananyana yini yomfowenu emlahlekeleko nawuyitholileko, ungagodli isizo lakho kuye. Ungathi nawubona udumbana namkha ikomo kamfowenu iphareme endleleni uyilise. Msize kobana niyivuse ijame godu. Umfazi angavunuli litho eliphathelene namadoda, nendoda ingembathi iimvunulo zabafazi ngombana nanyana ngubani owenza njalo usinyenyiso kuSomnini uZimenu. Nakwenzeka uzithele phezu kwesihlakana senyoni, kinamkha ngimuphi umuthi namkha equlwanini, sinamadzinyani namkha sinamaqanda khibe unina wakhona uhlezi phezu kwawo, ungathatha amaqanda namkha amadzinyani kodwana ulise unina. Tjhaphulula unina akhambe, kodwana abantwana ungazithathela bona ukuze kukukhambele kuhle nokobana uphile isikhathi eside. Nawakha ikumba etja, yakha nesirhodlwana seengodo phezu kwephahla layo ukuze ungaziletheli umlandu weengazi nakwenzeka bona kube nomuntu othi asephahlenapho amadlheke phasi. Ungatjali umhlobo omunye wembewu esidiribeni sakho. Nakungasinjalo zoke iinthelo zakhona zizakuba ngezendawo ecwengileko: isivuno ositjalileko kanye neenthelo zesidiribe. Ungalimi ngokubophela ikomo nodumbana ndawonye. Ungembathi izambatho ezivangeneko, okuyiwulu nelineni ndawonye. Zenzeleni amatjharha emiphethweni yengubo enizembesa ngayo. Kungenzeka umuntu athathe umfazi, amngene bese angasathokozi ngaye amsolele ngamanga, amlethele ibizo elimbi ngokuthi: “Ngithethe umfazi lo, ngathi nangimtjhidelako, ngafunyana bonyana akasese litlawu.” Nakwenzeka njalo yeke usomntazana nonomntazana bazakuthatha ubufakazi bobutlawu bakhe babuse kubaphathi bedorobho esangweni. Usomntazana uzafese athi kubaphathi: “Nginikele umrhali lo indodakazami bona ibe mkayo, nje-ke nangu akasathokozi ngayo. Usolele indodakazami ngamanga batjho uyifumene ingasese litlawu. Kodwana nginobufakazi napu obukhomba ubutlawu bendodakazami.” Bazakwendlala ingubo leyo phambi kwabaphathi bedorobho. Abaphathi bedorobho bazakuthatha indoda leyo bayirithe bese bayihlawulise isiliva elikhilogremu nesiqunjwana bayinikele usomntazana ngombana ilethe ibizo elimbi phezu kwetlawu lakwa-Israyeli. Umntazana loyo uzakuba mkayo begodu angeze isabe isamtlhala ipilwayo yoke. Kodwana nakube indaba leyo iliqiniso, kobana azange kufunyanwe ubufakazi bobutlawu emntazanenapho, khona-ke bazakuletha umntazana loyo esangweni lomuzi kayise bese amadoda wedorobho amkhande ngamatje abe afe ngombana wenze ubuhlola kwa-Israyeli ngokufeba emzini kayise. Ngalokho nizakuthanyela ubumbi phakathi kwenu. Nakube indoda ibanjwa ilele nomfazi wenye indoda, ababulawe bobabili njalo. Ngalokho nizakuthanyela ubumbi phakathi kwenu. Nakube kunetlawu eliboniweko bese lihlangane nendoda ngedorobheni, indoda leyo ilale nalo, baletheni bobabili njalo esangweni ledorobho, nibakhande ngamatje bebafe ngombana itlawelo azange lirhuwelele libawe isizo phezu kobana belingedorobheni. Indoda leyo yona irhubutjhe umfazi womunye umuntu. Ngalokho nizakuthanyela ubumbi phakathi kwenu. Kodwana nakube kusemmangweni, indoda ihlangane nomntazana oboniweko bese iyamgagadlhela, yindoda leyo kwaphela ezakubulawa. Nakulitlawelo lona ningalenzi litho. Itlawu alinamlandu wesibetho sokufa. Umlandu onje ufana nowalokha umuntu nasahlele bewabulala omunye umuntu ngombana uliragelele emmangweni; nanyana itlawu eliboniwekwelo lirhuwelele libawa isizo azange kube nomuntu olisizako. Nakube indoda ihlangana netlawu elingakabonwa, ilibambe ilale nalo bese kuyaziwa, indoda leyo izakunikela usomntazana loyo isiliva engaphezu kwesiquntu sekhilogremu bese umntazana loyo uba mkayo ngombana imrhubutjhile. Ingabe isamtlhala epilwenayo yoke. Indoda ingathathi umfazi kayise namkha yambule ubuze bomfazi kayise. Opatlazwe amahlwayi namkha oquntwe ubudoda akazukungena ehlanganweni kaSomnini. Umntwana wephandle akazukungena ehlanganweni kaSomnini, ngitjho nesizukulwaneni sakhe setjhumi akakho ozakungena ehlanganweni kaSomnini. Akunamu-Amoni namkha umuMowabi ozakungena ehlanganweni kaSomnini, ngitjho nesizukulwaneni setjhumi. Iye, akunamuntu womndenabo ozakungena ehlanganweni kaSomnini nini nanini, ngombana azange banihlangabeze ngesikwa namanzi nanisendleleni lokha nanibuya eGibhide. Godu baqatjha uBhiliyamu umsa kaBhewori ngePetora eMesopotamiya kobana anithuke. USomnini uZimenu azange alalele uBhiliyamu, kodwana waphendula isithukweso saba sibusiso kini ngombana uSomnini uZimenu uyanithanda. Epilwenenu yoke ningasekeli ukuthula kwabo nepumelelwabo. Ninganyenyi umEdomu ngombana ngumfowenu, ninganyenyi umGibhide ngombana nakhe naba ziinkhonzi enarheni yekhabo. Abantwana besizukulwana sabo sesithathu bangangena ehlanganweni kaSomnini. Naniyokulwa nezitha zenu bese nihlala ekampeni, zilondeni kikho koke okumbi. Nakube kunomuntu phakathi kwenu ongakahlambuluki ngebanga lokuzitsanyazela ebusuku, akaphumele ngaphandle kwekampa, angatjhideli eduze kwayo. Kodwana kuzakuthi ntambama, adude bese nakutjhinga ilanga angene-ke ngekampeni. Yibani nendawana ngaphandle kwekampa lapha nizazithumela khona. Niphathe ingembo eenkhalini zenu enizakwemba ngayo umgodi nanizithumako bese naniqedako nidibizese uthuvi benu lobo, ngombana uSomnini uZimenu ukhamba phakathi kwenu ekampeni kobana anisindise abe anikele izitha zenu phambi kwenu. Ngalokho ikampenu kumele ihlanzeke ukuze uSomnini angakhambi abona ameswe wenu bese uyanifulathela. Lokha ikhoboka nalibalekele kini ningalibuyiseli kumninilo, alihlale nani, libe phakathi kwenu, endaweni elizayikhetha hlangana namadorobhenu, lapha lithanda khona, ningaligandeleli. Kungabi nesitjhatjha sendawo ecwengileko emadodakazini nemadodaneni wakwa-Israyeli. Ningalethi ikokhelo yengwadla namkha umrholo wenja ngekumbeni kaSomnini uZimenu kobana kukhokhelwe nanyana ngisiphi isifungo ngombana kokubili lokho kusinyenyiso kuSomnini uZimenu. Ungathi nawuboleka umfowenu imali, okugonywako namkha nanyana yini ebolekwako, umbize inzalo. Nakumqhamuka wona ungawubiza inzalo nawuwubolekako, kodwana umfowenu ungambizi inzalo nawumbolekako ukuze uSomnini uZimakho akubusise kikho koke okwenzako enarheni eningena kiyo bona niyithumbe. Lokha nawenza isithembiso kuSomnini uZimakho, ungadosi iinyawo nakumele usiphethe ngombana ngambala uSomnini uZimakho uzasifuna kuwe begodu kuzakuba sisono nawungasiphethiko. Kodwana nawungathembisiko, akuzukuba sisono kuwe. Okuthembise ngomlomakho, kulonde bewukwenze ngombana isithembisweso usenze kuSomnini uZimakho ngokuthanda kwakho. Lokha nawuya esidiribeni somunye umuntu, ungagoma usuthe amadiribe, kube ngendlela ofuna ngayo, kodwana ungaphathi umphako. Lokha nawungena esimini yekoroyi yomunye umuntu, ungakha iinqwambi ngesandla, kodwana ungayigwebi ngesegere. Nakube indoda ithatha umfazi ibe myenakhe, kuthi ngemva kwesikhathi izifumane ingasenakareko ngaye ngebanga lokobana ibone ubutjhophori kuye, kumele itlole incwadi yesahlukaniso imnikele yona esandleni, imkhuphe emzinayo. Nakube umfazi loyo uyaphuma akhambe emzini wendoda leyo, athathwe ngenye indoda, nayo izizwe inesicasucasu ngaye itlole incwadi yesahlukaniso imnikele yona esandleni beyimkhuphe emzinayo, namkha nakube iyahlongakala, indodakhe yokuthoma eyamtlhalako ayisenalungelo lokumthatha godu njengomkayo ngemva kobana arhubutjhiwe. Lokho kusinyenyiso phambi kwakaSomnini. Ningalethi umlandu enarheni uSomnini uZimenu aninikela yona bona ibe lilifa lenu. Nakube indoda iqeda ukuthatha, ingaphumi nepi namkha inikelwe nanyana ngimuphi umsebenzi okatelelako. Kumele itjhaphuluke ibe sekhaya umnyaka munye kobana ithokozise umkayo emthetheko. Kungabi nomuntu othatha ilitje lokugayela njengesibambiso ngitjho nanyana kungaba yimbokotho ngombana uzabe abambisa ngepilo. Nakube indoda ifunyanwa yeba omunye wabafowabo, okumumuntu wakwa-Israyeli bese yenane ngaye njengekhoboka namkha imthengise, yeke alibulawe iselelo. Ngalokho nizakuthanyela ubumbi phakathi kwenu. Yelelani bona nanisahlelwe likhwekhwe, nitjheje ukwenza ukuya ngakho koke abaphristi bamaLevi abanifundise ngakho. Tjhejani ukwenza ngendlela engayala ngayo abaphristabo. Khumbulani okwenziwa nguSomnini uZimenu kuMiriyamu endleleni lokha nanibuya eGibhide. Nawuboleka omunye umuntu nanyana yini, ungayi ekumbenakhe ukuyokuthatha isibambiso sakhe. Jama ngaphandle bese umuntu ombolekileko alethe isibambiso kuwe. Nakube mumuntu odobha phasi, ungalali usaphethe isibambiso sakhe. Nakutjhinga ilanga, uzambuyisela isibambiso sakhe ukuze akghone ukulala ngengubakhe leyo akuthokoze. Lokho kuzakuba kulunga kuwe phambi kwakaSomnini uZimakho. Ungagandeleli isisebenzi esiqatjhiweko esidobha phasi nesiswelako, nanyana kungaba ngomunye wabafowenu nanyana osikhonzi esisenarhenenu ngemadorobhenenu. Sikhokhele umrholwaso ilanga elinye nelinye ngaphambi kokutjhinga kwelanga ngombana sidududu, sithembele emrholweni lowo. Nakungasinjalo sizakulila ngawe phambi kwakaSomnini bese kuba sisono kuwe. Aboyise bangabulawa ngebanga labantwana, nabantwana abangabulawa ngebanga laboyise. Omunye nomunye uzakufela isono sakhe. Ningahlanakezeli ilungelo lesikhonzi namkha intandani. Godu ningathathi ingubo yomhlolokazi njengesibambiso. Khumbulani kobana benimakhoboka eGibhide, uSomnini uZimenu wanihlenga. Ngalokho ngiyaniyala bona nikwenze lokho. Nanivuna isivuno senu emasiminenu bese nikhohlwa isitjherefu emasiminapho, ningabuyeli niyosithatha; sizakuba ngesesikhonzi, intandani nomhlolokazi ukuze uSomnini uZimenu anibusise kiyo yoke imisebenzi yezandla zenu. Lokha nanitlhwara imithenu ye-oliva ningayitlhwarisisi; okusele lapho kuzakuba ngokwesikhonzi, intandani nomhlolokazi. Lokha nanivuna amadiribe wesidiribe senu, ningawaburuji ngemva kwalokho; azakuba ngewesikhonzi, intandani nomhlolokazi. Khumbulani bona benimakhoboka enarheni yeGibhide, ngalokho ngiyaniyala bona nikwenze lokho. Nakube amadoda ayararana bese aya ebandla, umgwebi abange umlandwawo, akhuphe omsulwa, asole onomlandu bese indoda enomlandu leyo kumele irithwe, umgwebi uzayibhambalalisa phasi irithwe phambi kwakhe kube mivuvu ekhambisana nomlandwayo. Ingarithwa imivuvu ematjhumi amane, kodwana kungadluli lapho. Namritha ukudlula lapho umfowenu lo, uzakuhlaziseka emehlwenenu. Ungafaki ikomo isifonyo lokha nayibhula ibhali nekoroyi. Nakube abafo bahlala ndawonye bese omunye wabo uhlongakala anganandodana, umfazi wohlongakeleko angaphakeli umuntu ongasingowomndeni, okutjho iphandle. Kumele aphakele umfowabo lendodakhe, amthathe abe mkakhe, agcine isiko kuye njengomrharibakhe. Indodana elizibulo ezakubelethwa, izakuba ngeyomfowabo ohlongakeleko ukuze ibizo lakhe lingasuswa kwa-Israyeli. Nakube indoda leyo ayithandi ukungena umkamfowabo, umkamfowabo uzakukhuphukela kubaphathi esangweni afike athi: “Umrharibami kazi uyala ukuvusa ibizo lomfowabo kwa-Israyeli. Akafuni ukugcina isiko kimapha.” Abaphathi bedorobho bazambiza-ke bakhulume naye. Nakube uyaragalala athi: “Ngithi angimfuni!” Khona-ke umkamfowabo loyo uzakuya kuye phambi kwabaphathi afese amhlubulise ipatlagwana, amkhafulele ebusweni athi kuye: “Kuzakuba njalo endodeni engafuni ukuvusa umuzi womfowabo.” Umndenakhe uzakwaziwa kwa-Israyeli bona ngowaHlutjuliswa iPatlagwana. Nakube amadoda ayalwa bese umfazi wendodenye atjhidele bona alamulele indodakwakhe ebhudungelweko, atjhubelele indoda leyo ngepahlayo yangaphasi, nizakuqunta isandla somfazi loyo, ilihlo lenu lingamtlhuweli. Ningabi nemihlobo emibili yamatje wokulinganisa, amakhulu namancani, ngeembadeni zenu. Ningabi namathungana amabili wokulinganisa, amakhulu namancani, ngeenkumbeni zenu. Yibani nesilinganiso sinye seqiniso, okulilitje nethungana ukuze amalangenu ande enarheni uSomnini uZimenu aninikela yona. Iye, uSomnini uZimenu uyabanyenya boke abenza izinto ezinjalo, okutjho abarhweba ngekohliso. Khumbulani enakwenziwa ngu-Amalekhi naniphuma eGibhide: Kwathi lokha nanidiniweko begodu niphelelwe mamandla wanisahlela endleleni. Warhayila boke ebebasemuva, wangesaba uZimu. Ngalokho emva kobana uSomnini uZimenu aninikele ukuphumula ezitheni zenu zoke, enarheni uSomnini uZimenu aninikela yona bona ibe lilifa lenu, susani zoke iinkhumbuzo zaka-Amalekhi ngaphasi komthunzi welanga. Ningakhohlwa. Nawufika enarheni uSomnini uZimakho akunikela yona kobana ibe lilifa lakho bese uyayithumba, uhlale kiyo, uzakuthatha ezinye zazo zoke iinthelo zokuthoma zequlwanakho, ozivuna enarhenakho oyiphiwe nguSomnini uZimakho, uzifake ngesiqwebini, uye endaweni ezakukhethwa nguSomnini uZimakho kobana ajamise ibizo lakhe lapho. Uye kumphristi osesikhundleni ngesikhatheso, uthi kuye: “Ngimemezela ilangeli kuSomnini uZimakho kobana ngifikile enarheni uSomnini ayifungela kibobamkhulu kobana uzanginikela yona.” Yeke umphristi uzakuthatha isiqwebu esandleni sakho asibeke phambi kwe-aldari lakaSomnini uZimakho. Uzakuvuma phambi kwakaSomnini uZimakho uthi: “Ubaba gade amAramiya onguzulani, wehlela eGibhide waba sikhonzi lapho, umndenakhe ulidlanzana. Lapho wanda waba sisizwe esikhulu, okutjho esinamandla nesinengi ngesibalo. AmaGibhide thina asiphatha kumbi, asigandelela, asithwesa umthwalo obudisi. Salila kuSomnini uZimu wabobamkhulu. USomnini wasizwa isililo sethu, wabona isizi lethu, ubudisi nokuhlunguphazwa kwethu. Wasikhupha eGibhide ngesandla esinamandla nangesiphanga sakhe, ngokwesabeka okukhulu, ngeembonakaliso nemikarisomraro. Wasiletha lapha, wasinikela inarha le, inarha egeleza ibisi neliju. Qala-ke, gadesi ngiletha iinthelo zokuthoma zequlwani uSomnini anginikele yona.” Uzakubeka isiqwebu phambi kwakaSomnini uZimakho, ukhothame phambi kwakhe. Uzakujekezela kibo boke ubuhle obenzelwe nguSomnini uZimakho wena nomndenakho, umLevi kanye nesikhonzi esikhonze phakathi kwenu. Nasele uqede ukukhokha koke kwetjhumi kwesivuno sakho emnyakeni wesithathu, okumnyaka wokwetjhumi ukunikele umLevi, isikhonzi, intandani nomhlolokazi ukuze bagome basuthe edorobheni lakho. Nje-ke uzakuthi phambi kwakaSomnini uZimakho: “Ngisisusile isipho esikhethekileko endlinami, khulukhulu ngisinikele umLevi, isikhonzi, intandani kanye nomhlolokazi ukuya ngayo yoke imiyalo uSomnini angiyale ngayo, azange ngeqe namunye godu azange ngiyikhohlwe. “Azange ngigome kokwetjhumi nangizilileko; azange ngisuse ingcenye yakhona nangisasilapheleko; azange ngiphahle ngengcenye yakhona kwabafileko. “Ngilalele ilizwi lakaSomnini uZimami. Ngenze koke engikuyalwe nguSomnini. USomnini akaqale asendawenakhe ecwengileko, ezulwini bese abusise abantu bakhe u-Israyeli kanye nequlwani uSomnini asinikele yona njengombana uSomnini afunga kibobamkhulu, inarha egeleza ibisi neliju.” Namhlanje uSomnini uZimenu uyaniyala kobana nenze iimiso nemithetho le. Ngalokho tjhejani niyenze ngeenhliziyo zenu nangemiphefumulwenu epheleleko. Nivumile namhlanje kobana uSomnini unguZimenu, nathi nizokukhamba eendleleni zakhe, nilonde iimiso zakhe nemiyalwakhe kanye nemithethwakhe, nilalele ilizwi lakhe. USomnini naye umemezele namhlanje bona nisisizwe esingesakhe njengombana anithembisile. Ngalokho londani yoke imiyalwakhe. USomnini uzaniphakamisa ngaphezu kwazo zoke izizwe azidalileko, ngokudunyiswa, ngokwaziwa nangokuhlonitjhwa. Nizakuba babantu abacwengileko kuSomnini uZimenu njengombana akhulumile. UMosi ngokusekelwa baphathi bakwa-Israyeli wayala abantu ngamezwi alandelako: Gcinani yoke imiyalo enginiyala ngayo namhlanje. Mhlana niyama iJordani niya enarheni uSomnini uZimenu aninikela yona, zilungiseleleni ukubeka amatje amakhulu nokuwatjhatjha ngepembe, ukuze nitlole phezu kwawo woke amezwi womthetho lo. Lokho nikwenze naniyamako kobana ningene enarheni uSomnini uZimenu aninikela yona, inarha egeleza ibisi neliju, njengombana uSomnini uZimu waboyihlomkhulu anithembisa. Nasele niyame iJordani, nizakubeka amatje enginiyale ngawo namhlanje la, entabeni i-Ebali, niwatjhatjhe ngepembe. Nakhele lapho uSomnini uZimenu i-aldari lamatje, ningawaqoqodi ngesisetjenziswa sesimbi. Nizakwakhela uSomnini uZimenu i-aldari lamatje angakabazwa, nenzele uSomnini uZimenu iminikelo yokutjhiswa kilo. Yenzelani lapho iminikelo yetjhebiswano, nigomele khonapho benijekezele phambi kwakaSomnini uZimenu. Qinisekisani bonyana nitlole woke amezwi womthetho lo phezu kwamatjapho abonakale kuhle. UMosi ngokusekelwa baphristi bamaLevi wathi kiwo woke ama-Israyeli ngamezwi alandelako: Thulani nithi du, nilalele nina ma-Israyeli: Namhlanje sele nibabantu bakaSomnini uZimenu. Ngalokho lalelani uSomnini uZimenu, nilonde imiyalwakhe neemiso zakhe, enginiyala ngazo namhlanje. Godu uMosi wayala abantu khona mhlokho ngamezwi la: Nasele niyame iJordani, iinkoro ezilandelako zizakujama e-aldarini ngehlangothini lentaba iGerizimu lokha nakumenyezelwa iimbusiso: bakwaSimiyoni, bakwaLevi, bakwaJuda, bakwa-Isakari, bakwaJosefa nebakwaBhenjamini. Iinkoro ezilandelako zizakujama e-aldarini ngehlangothini lentaba i-Ebali lokha nakumenyezelwa amanikelela: bakwaRubeni, bakwaGadi, bakwa-Atjhere, bakwaZebuloni, bakwaDani nebakwaNafitali. AmaLevi azakumemezela kibo boke abantu bakwa-Israyeli ngelizwi elikhulu athi: “Akanikelelwe umuntu obaza namkha obumba isithombe bese asijamise ngemsitheleni, okuyinto eyenziwe ngezandla zakasosino. Lokho kusinyenyiso kuSomnini.” Boke abantu bazakuphendula bathi: “Amen!” “Akanikelelwe umuntu odelela uyise nonina.” Boke abantu bazakuthi: “Amen!” “Akanikelelwe otjhidisa isikhonkhwani sakamakhelwana.” Boke abantu bazakuthi: “Amen!” “Akanikelelwe umuntu odurhisa isiphofu endleleni.” Boke abantu bazakuthi: “Amen!” “Akanikelelwe umuntu ohlanakezela ilungelo lesikhonzi, lentandani nelomhlolokazi.” Boke abantu bazakuthi: “Amen!” “Akanikelelwe umuntu olalana nomkayise ngombana wembule ubuze bomkayise.” Boke abantu bazakuthi: “Amen!” “Akanikelelwe umuntu olalana nanamkha mhlobo bani wesilwana.” Boke abantu bazakuthi: “Amen!” “Akanikelelwe umuntu olalana nodadwabo, kungaba yindodakazi kayise namkha indodakazi kanina.” Boke abantu bazakuthi: “Amen!” “Akanikelelwe umuntu olalana nomkhwekazakhe.” Boke abantu bazakuthi: “Amen!” “Akanikelelwe umuntu obulala omunye umuntu ngemsitheleni.” Boke abantu bazakuthi: “Amen!” “Akanikelelwe umuntu owamukela ukufunjathiswa kobana abulale umuntu, ngokwenza njalo athulule iingazi ezimsulwa.” Boke abantu bazakuthi: “Amen!” “Akanikelelwe umuntu ongadzimeleli emazwini womthetho lo.” Boke abantu bazakuthi: “Amen!” Nanilalela ilizwi lakaSomnini uZimenu, niyelela ukwenza yoke imiyalwakhe enginiyala ngayo namhlanje, uSomnini uZimenu uzoniphakamisa ngaphezu kwazo zoke izizwe zephasi. Iye, nanilalela ilizwi lakaSomnini uZimenu, zoke iimbusiswezi zizakwehlela phezu kwenu, zinembathe. Nizakubusiswa ngedorobheni, nibusiswe nemasimini. Kuzakubusiswa iimbeletho zenu, iinthelo zequlwanenu, inzalo yeenlwana zenu: Iinkomo, izimvu neembuzi zenu zizakwanda. Kuzakubusiswa iinqwebu zenu nezitja zenu zokudubela. Nizakubusiswa naningenako nalokha naniphumako. USomnini uzakwenza bonyana izitha zenu ezinivukelako zihlulwe phambi kwenu, zizanisahlela ngandlelanye, zibaleke phambi kwenu ngeendlela ezilikhomba. USomnini uzakuvulela iimbusiso phezu kweenlulu zenu nakikho koke enikwenzako. Iye, uzanibusisa enarheni aninikela yona. USomnini uzanijamisa njengesizwe esicwengileko kuye njengombana afunga kini, iye, nanigcina imiyalo kaSomnini uZimenu benikhambe eendleleni zakhe. Boke abantu bephasi bazakubona bonyana nibizwa ngebizo lakaSomnini, yeke bazanesaba. USomnini uzanandisela ipumelelo: Nizakuba nabantwana abanengi, ifuyo enengi neenthelo ezinengi zequlwani enarheni ayifungele ukuyinikela aboyihlomkhulu. USomnini uzanivulela umnonwakhe omuhle, okumazulu, kobana aniphe izulu enarhenenu ngesikhathi sakhona abe abusise woke umsebenzi wezandla zenu. Nizakuboleka izizwe ezinengi kodwana nina ningaboleki litho kizo. USomnini uzanenza ihloko, ningabi msila. Nizakukhuphuka njalo ningehli. Lokho kuzakwenzeka kwaphela nanilalela imiyalo kaSomnini uZimenu enginiyala ngayo namhlanje kobana niyilonde beniyenze, nalokha naningaphambukiko emazwini enginiyala ngawo namhlanje ngokudlhemadlhema ngemva kwabosingazimu nibalotjhe. Naningalaleli ilizwi lakaSomnini uZimenu namkha ningatjheji ukwenza yoke imiyalwakhe neemiso zakhe enginiyale ngazo namhlanje, yeke woke amanikelela la azakwehlela phezu kwenu anembathe. Nizakunikelelwa edorobheni, ninikelelwe nemasimini. Kuzakunikelelwa iinqwebu zenu, kunikelelwe nezitja zenu zokudubela. Kuzakunikelelwa iimbeletho zenu, iinthelo zequlwanenu, iinkomo, izimvu neembuzi zenu. Nizakunikelelwa naningenako, ninikelelwe nalokha naniphumako. USomnini uzanithumelela iinthuweleliso, ihlangahlangano nokungezwani kikho koke enikwenzako kufikela lapha nirhayileka khona. Nizakuphela msinyana ngebanga lezenzo zenu ezimbi nanimhlubukako. USomnini uzakubangela bonyana amatshwenyeko aninamathele abe aniqotjhe enarheni eningena kiyo bonyana niyithumbe: Izanibetha ngesifo esiqeda amandla nangomgomani, nokutjhisa komzimba nokuhlangahlangana kwengqondo; inibethe ngesomiso, ububori nokukghora. Koke lokhu kuzaninamathela bekunibhubhise nya. Umkayi ngehla kwenu uzakuba yikoporo nomhlaba ngaphasi kwenu ube yisimbi. USomnini uzakwenza izulu enarhenenu libe lithuli neputjhana, uzakwehlela phezu kwenu avela emkayini abe anirhayile nya. USomnini uzanenza nihlulwe zizitha zenu, nizisahlele ngandlelanye kodwana nizakubaleka phambi kwazo ngeendlela ezilikhomba. Nizakuba sibonelo esesabekako emibusweni yoke yephasi: Iindumbu zenu zizakuba kugoma kwazo zoke iinyoni zomkayi neembandana zephasi. Kuzakutlhogeka umuntu wokuzethusa. USomnini uzanibetha ngamathumba weGibhide, iinlonda, ukubhibhidlha nangobuzikazikani besikhumba okungapholiko. USomnini uzanibetha ngokurhapha nangobuphofu, nihlangane iinhloko, nizakuphumbutha emini ka bha inga kusemnyameni njengesiphofu. Anizukuphumelela eendleleni zenu, nizakuhlala nigandelelwe benidlelezelwe njalo, nizakutlhoga umuntu ozanisiza. Omunye wenu nabona intombi, omunye umuntu uzayigagadlhela. Nizakwakha iinkumba kodwana ningazihlali, nitjale isidiribe kodwana ninganandiphi neenthelo zakhona. Kuzakuhlatjwa iinkomo zenu niqalile, ningagomi neqatjhana lakhona. Kuthathwe abodumbana benu ngekani niqalile, bangasabuyiselwa kini. Izimvu zenu zizakunikelwa izitha zenu, kungabi nomuntu onisizako. Amadodana namadodakazenu azakunikelwa abanye abantu ningabi namandla wokukukhandela lokho. Kwenu kuzakuba kuhlala nigolozele ukubuya kwawo. Isizwe eningasaziko sizakurhiribidela iinthelo zequlwanenu nomsebenzi woke wezandla zenu. Nizakuhlala nigandelelwe njalo beniphathwe kumbi kufikela lapha nihlanyiswa khona ngilokho enikubonako. USomnini uzonibetha ngamathumba amambi nangalaphekiko emadolweni neenyonga, ehlele eenyaweni abe akhuphukele neenhloko. USomnini uZimu uzanithatha nekosi enizibekele yona inise esizweni eningasaziko nina naboyihlomkhulu. Lapho-ke nizakulotjha abosingazimu besigodo nebelitje. Nizakuba sithuko, isiga nesiphoqo phakathi kwabo boke abantu lapha uSomnini azanisa khona. Nizakutjala imbewu enengi emasimini, kodwana nivune idlanzana ngombana isivuno senu sizakurhiribidelwa yintethe. Nizakutjala isidiribe benisihlunge, kodwana anizukusela iwayini lakhona namkha nikhe amadiribe wakhona ngombana azakudliwa ziimbungu zobubori. Nizakuba nemithi ye-oliva esifundeni senu soke, kodwana anizozizesa ngamafutha wakhona ngombana ama-olivenu azakuthintitheka. Nizakubeletha amadodana namadodakazi, kodwana akazukuba ngewenu ngombana azakuthunjwa. Intethe izakumumela yoke imithenu neenthelo zequlwanenu. Isikhonzi esiphakathi kwenu sizakuphumelela sindlondlobale sibe ngehla kwenu, nina nichake nehlele phasi phasi. Nizakuboleka kiso, kungasaba ngiso esiboleka kini, sizakuba yihloko nina nibe msila. Woke amanikelela la azanehlela, anilale nje, abe anembathe kufikela lapha nirhayileka khona nya ngombana azange nilalele ilizwi lakaSomnini uZimenu, ukulonda imiyalwakhe nemithethwakhe aniyale ngayo. Azakuba njengesibonakaliso nesimangaliso phezu kwenu naphezu kweenzukulwana zenu nini nanini. Ngombana nakhu anizange nilotjhe uSomnini uZimenu ngethabo nangokuthokoza kwehliziyo ngebanga lokobana benisutha, ngalokho nizakusebenzela izitha zenu uSomnini azazithumela bona zijamelane nani. Zizanibulalisa ngendlala, zinibangele umrhawu, zinihlubulise nibe bhunubhunu niswele koke. USomnini uzakubeka ijogi lesimbi eentanyeni zenu abe anibhubhise nya. USomnini uzakuletha isizwe esizakujamelana nani esivela kude epelazwe, esizakufika inga likhozi, isizwe eningazi ilimi laso, isizwe esinelunya nesingekhe sarhawukela umuntu omdala namkha sibe nomusa ebantwaneni. Sizakufika siqothule inzalo yefuywenu neenthelo zequlwanenu kufikela lapha nirhayileka khona: Angeze sanitjhiyela ikoroyi, iwayini namkha amafutha we-oliva. Singanitjhiyeli inzalo yeenkomo, yezimvu neembuzi zenu kufikela lapha sinibhubhisa khona. Sizanivimbezela kiwo woke amadorobhenu enarhenenu yoke, kufikela lapha kugirika khona imithangalenu ephakamileko neqinileko enithembele kiyo. Iye, sizanivimbezela kiwo woke amadorobhenu enarhenenu yoke eniyinikelwe nguSomnini uZimenu benitle abantwabenu, inyama yamadodanenu namadodakazenu eniwaphiwe nguSomnini uZimenu. Lokho kuzakwenzeka esizini nebudisini enizakuhlunguphazwa ngabo zizitha zenu. Ngitjho nendoda ephakathi kwenu ethambileko ngombana ikhuliswe ngokutotoswa khulu, mhlokho ayizukutlhuwela umfowayo, umkayo emthanda khulu kanye nomntwanayo esele kusele yena yedwa zwi. Ayizukupha namunye wabo inyama yabantwabayo eyigomako ngombana kuzabe kungasenalitho layo eliseleko. Lokho kuzakwenzeka esizini nebudisini enizakuhlunguphazwa ngabo zizitha zenu kiwo woke amadorobhenu. Ngitjho nomfazi ophakathi kwenu othambileko nodedesa khulu, ongekhe agadanga ubunyonyo ngendlela adedesa ngayo, mhlokho angeze atlhuwela indodakhe ayithanda khulu, indodanakhe nendodakazakhe. Akazukubapha ingubo yomntwana ephuma hlangana nemilenzakhe nenyama yomtwanakhe ambelethako. Koke lokho uzakutlela ngemsitheleni ngebanga lokuswela kwakhe. Lokho kuzakwenzeka esizini nebudisini enizakuhlunguphazwa ngabo zizitha zenu emadorobhenenu. Naningaqapheli ukwenza woke amezwi womthetho lo atlolwe encwadinapha ukuze nesabe ibizo elidumileko nelesabekako lakaSomnini uZimenu, khona-ke uSomnini uzanehlisela nina neenzukulwana zenu amatshwenyeko eningazange kheniwabone, amatshwenyeko amakhulu nangapheliko kanye namagulo amambi angalaphekiko. Uzanehlisela zoke izifo zeGibhide ebenizesaba, ngithi zizaninamatha. Godu uzanehlisela woke amagulo namatshwenyeko angakatlolwa ngencwadini yomthetho le benirhayileke nya. Nizakusala niyikereketjhana phezu kobana beniliwoma njengeenkwekwezi zomkayi ngombana azange nilalele ilizwi lakaSomnini uZimenu. Njengombana uSomnini athabela ukunenzela okuhle abe anandise, ngokunjalo uzakuthabela ukuniqeda abe anirhayile. Nizakuqotjhwa enarheni eningena kiyo bona niyithumbe. USomnini uzanihlakaza hlangana nabantu boke, ukusuka egumbini elinye lephasi ukuya kelinye. Lapho nizakulotjha abosingazimu besigodo nebelitje eningabaziko nina ngitjho naboyihlomkhulu. Anizukufumana ukuthula hlangana nezizwezi; iye, iinyawo zenu angeze zaphumula. USomnini uzokwenza iinhliziyo zenu zithuthumele, amehlwenu afifiyele nemiphefumulwenu iphelelwe mamandla; ipilwenu izakulengela erharheni. Ubusuku nemini nizakuphila ngevalo ningabi nesiqiniseko ngepilwenu. Ngebanga lokugcwala kwevalo eenhliziyweni zenu nalokhu okuzakubonwa mamehlwenu, nizakuthi ekuseni, “Hayi, thana sele kusebusuku!” bese kuthi entambama nithi, “Hayi, thana sekusile!” USomnini uzanibuyisela eGibhide ngemikhumbi, ikhambo enganithembisa bona angeze nisalibona. Lapho nizazinikela ezitheni zenu njengamakhoboka namakhobokakazi, kodwana akunamuntu ozanithenga. Naka amezwi wesivumelwano uSomnini ayala ngawo uMosi bona asenze nama-Israyeli enarheni yakwaMowabi, ngaphandle kwaleso asenza nawo eHorebe. UMosi wabiza woke ama-Israyeli wathi kiwo: “Nikubonile koke uSomnini akwenze phambi kwenu enarheni yeGibhide kuFaro neencekwini zakhe zoke kanye nenarhenakhe yoke. Lokhu kutjho amatshwenyeko amakhulu enzeka phambi kwenu, iimbonakaliso nemikarisomraro emikhulu. Kodwana kunamhlanje kwaphela lapha uSomnini aniphe umkhumbulo wokuzwisisa, amehlo wokubona neendlebe zokuzwa. Nginirhole iminyaka ematjhumi amane erhalawumbeni, izambatho zenu azange zirhalukele emizimbenenu, namapatlagwanenu azange adabuke eenyaweni zenu. Azange nigome isikwa, azange nisele iwayini namkha utjwala ukuze nazi bonyana uSomnini unguZimenu. “Bona nifike endaweni le, uSirhoni ikosi yeRhetjhibhoni no-Ogi ikosi yeBhatjhani bajamelana nathi epini kodwana sabahlula. Sathatha inarhabo sayinikela bakwaRubeni, bakwaGadi kanye nesiquntu sekoro yakwaManase njengelifa labo. Ngalokho tjhejani ukwenza amezwi wesivumelwaneso ukuze niphumelele kikho koke enikwenzako. “Noke nijame namhlanje phambi kwakaSomnini uZimenu, iinhloko zeenkoro zenu, abaphathi benu kanye neenkhulu zenu, woke amadoda wakwa-Israyeli, abantwabenu, abafazi benu, neenkhonzi ezisekampenenu, ngitjho nabanithezela iinkuni nabanikhela amanzi ukuze ningene esivumelwaneni sakaSomnini uZimenu asenza nani namhlanje kanye nokuzithathela amanikelela akhambisana naso. Ngaleyondlela uSomnini unenze abantu bakhe namhlanje, naye uzakuba nguZimenu njengombana anithembisile nanjengombana afunga kiboyihlomkhulu u-Abrahamu, u-Isaka noJakopo. Isivumelwanesi namanikelela akhambisana naso angisenzi nani kwaphela; ngisenza nanamkha ngubani ojame nathi phambi kwakaSomnini uZimethu namhlanje kanye nalabo abangekho lapha. “Niyazi bonyana besihlala njani enarheni yeGibhide, nokobana saphuma njani hlangana nezizwe esadlula kizo. Godu nibonile iinyenyiso zazo, okutjho abozinyana beengodo nebamatje, besiliva nebegolide ezibalotjhako. Mhlamunye kungaba khona phakathi kwenu indoda, umfazi, umndeni namkha ikoro enehliziyo esele ihlanuke uSomnini uZimethu bona idlhemadlheme ngemva kwabosingazimu bezizwezo. Nakube kunjalo kuzakumila umrabhu onobuthi neenthelo ezimunyu: Umuntu onjalo uzakuthi nezwa amezwi wamanikelela akhambisana nesivumelwano lawo azibusise ehliziywenakhe athi, ‘Nokho ngizakubulungeka, ije ngikhamba ngikhunyalele kangaka ehliziywenami ngombana uSomnini akazukuvuthisa isikhuni esomileko hlangana nezimanzi.’ USomnini angeze amcolela kodwana itukuthelo kaSomnini nesikhwele sakhe kuzakuvutha phezu komuntu loyo, namanikelela atlolwe encwadinapha azakwehlela phezu kwakhe bese uSomnini usula ibizo lakhe ngaphasi komthunzi welanga. USomnini uzamkhupha hlangana nazo zoke iinkoro zakwa-Israyeli ehlelwe yihlekelele ukuya ngawo woke amanikelela akhambisana nesivumelwano atlolwe ngencwadini yomthetho le. Isizukulwana esizako, okutjho abantwabenu abazakuvela ngemva kwenu, nomqhamuka ovela ezizweni uzakubona woke amahlungu wenarha nezifo uSomnini aziphose phezu kwayo. Inarha yoke izakwembathwa litswayi nesibabula ibe mlotha lapha kungeze kwatjalwa bekwamila litho khona. Ngitjho neemila angeze zamila lapho. Kuzakuba njengeSodoma neGomora, i-Adima neTseboyimu uSomnini aziketula ngetukuthelo evuthako. Zoke izizwe zizakubuza zithi, ‘Kubayini uSomnini enze into enje enarheni le? Kutheni ngetukuthelo evutha kangaka?’ “Kuzaphendulwa kuthiwe, ‘Kungombana bahlanuke isivumelwano sakaSomnini uZimu waboyisemkhulu, asenza nabo nabakhupha enarheni yeGibhide. Badlhemadlhema bayokulotjha abosingazimu bebabakhothamela. Abosingazimu abangabaziko begodu uSomnini angazange abanikele kibo. Ngalokho-ke itukuthelo kaSomnini yavutha phezu kwenarha le, wayehlisela woke amanikelela atlolwe encwadinapha. USomnini wabaruthula enarhenabo ngetukuthelo, ngobukhali nangelaka elikhulu, wabalahlela enarheni enye njengombana kunjalo namhlanje.’ “Izinto ezifihlakeleko ngezikaSomnini uZimethu, kodwana lokho okwambuliweko kungekwethu nabantwabethu isiphelani ukuze senze woke amezwi womthetho lo.” “Nasele koke lokho kunehlele, okutjho iimbusiso namanikelela engiwabeke phambi kwenu, khibe niphakathi kwezizwe zoke uSomnini uZimenu anihlakazele kizo bese nikufaka ehloko, nibuyele kuSomnini uZimenu, nina nabantwabenu, nilalele ilizwi lakhe ngeenhliziyo zenu nangemiphefumulwenu yoke, kikho koke enginiyala ngakho namhlanje, khona-ke uSomnini uZimenu uzakutjhugulula ubujamo benu, abe nezwelo phezu kwenu. Uzabuye anibuthelele hlangana nabo boke abantu lapha bekanihlakazele khona. Nanyana abaqotjhiweko benu basepelazwe, uSomnini uZimenu uzanibuthelela khonapho, anithathe lapho, anise enarheni yaboyihlomkhulu kobana ibe ngeyenu. Uzaniphumelelisa khulu anandise ukudlula aboyihlomkhulu. USomnini uZimenu uzakusoka iinhliziyo zenu nezeenzukulwana zenu ukuze nimthande ngeenhliziyo zenu ezipheleleko nangemiphefumulwenu yoke. Nanenza njalo nizakuphila. USomnini uZimenu uzakubeka woke amanikelela la phezu kwezitha zenu naphezu kwabanizondako banigijimise. Godu nizakulalela ilizwi lakaSomnini, nigcine yoke imiyalwakhe enginiyala ngayo namhlanje. USomnini uZimenu uzanenza niphumelele khulu kiyo yoke imisebenzi yezandla zenu, ngabantwabenu, ngenzalo yefuywenu nangeenthelo zequlwanenu ngombana uSomnini uzakubuye athabele ukuniphumelelisa njengombana kwabanjalo ngaboyihlomkhulu. Lokho kuzakwenzeka nanilalela ilizwi lakaSomnini uZimenu, nigcine imiyalwakhe neemiso zakhe ezitlolwe encwadini yomthetho le, niphendukele kuSomnini uZimenu ngeenhliziyo nangemiphefumulwenu ngokupheleleko. “Umyalo enginiyala ngawo lo namhlanje, awusilikhuni kangako kini begodu awusi kude. Awusisezulwini bonyana ningathi, ‘Sizakufikelwa ngubani ezulwini ayosithathela wona ukuze siwuzwe besiwenze?’ Godu awusingaphetjheya kwelwandle bonyana ningathi, ‘Sizakufikelwa ngubani ngaphetjheya kwelwandle kobana asilethele wona ukuze siwuzwe besiwenze?’ Iye, ilizwi liseduze khulu nani, lisemilonyeni neenhliziyweni zenu kobana nilenze. “Qalani, ngibeke phambi kwenu namhlanje ukuphila nobuhle, ukufa nobumbi. Nanilalela imiyalo kaSomnini uZimenu enginiyala ngayo namhlanje ngokukhathalela uSomnini uZimenu, nikhambe eendleleni zakhe, nigcine imiyalo, iimiso kanye nemithethwakhe, nizakuphila benande. USomnini uZimenu uzanibusisa enarheni eningena kiyo bona niyithumbe. Kodwana nakube iinhliziyo zenu ziyahlanuka, ningasalalela bese nidlhemadlhema niyokulotjha abosingazimu nibakhothamele, ngiyanitjela namhlanje ngithi nizakubhubha nya, ipilwenu izakuba yifitjhani enarheni eniyama iJordani kobana niyithumbe. Ngenza izulu nephasi kobana zibe bofakazi bami namhlanje ngokujamelana nani: Ngibeka phambi kwenu ipilo nokufa, iimbusiso namanikelela. Ngalokho khethani ukuphila ukuze niphile nina neenzukulwana zenu, nikhathalele uSomnini uZimenu, nilalele ilizwi lakhe, nikakarele kuye ngombana lokho kukuphila kini nokwanda kwamalanga ukuze nihlale enarheni uSomnini ayifungela kiboyihlomkhulu u-Abrahamu, u-Isaka noJakopo kobana uzabanikela yona.” Yeke uMosi waragela phambili nokukhuluma amezwi la kiwo woke ama-Israyeli, wathi kiwo: “Namhlanje sele ngineminyaka elikhulu namatjhumi amabili; angisakghoni ukunirhola epini begodu uSomnini uthe kimi angeze ngayama iJordani. USomnini uZimenu ngokwakhe uzakukhamba phambi kwenu, nguye ozakurhayila izizwezi phambi kwenu ukuze nizithumbe. UJotjhuwa uzanirhola ekuyameni iJordani njengombana uSomnini akhulumile. USomnini uzakwenza izizwezo lokho akwenza kuSirhoni no-Ogi, amakhosi wama-Amori nenarhenawo lokha nabarhayilako. NguSomnini ozakunikela izizwezo ezandleni zenu bese nenza kizo ukuya ngokomyalo enginiyale ngawo. Qinani nibe nesibindi, ningesabi nibe nevalo ngazo ngombana nguSomnini uZimenu okhamba nani, angeze anitjhiya namkha anilahle.” UMosi wabiza uJotjhuwa wakhuluma naye phambi kwama-Israyeli woke wathi: “Qina, ube nesibindi ngombana nguwe ozakukhamba nabantwaba enarheni uSomnini ayifungela kiboyisemkhulu bona uzoyinikela bona. Nguwe-ke ozakwenza bonyana bathumbe inarha leyo. NguSomnini okhamba phambi kwakho, nguye ozakuba nawe, angeze akutjhiya namkha akulahle. Ungesabi bewuphele amandla.” UMosi watlola umthetho lo, wawunikela abaphristi abamadodana kaLevi ebegade bathwala umfaji wesivumelwano sakaSomnini kanye nabo boke abaphathi bakwa-Israyeli. UMosi wabayala wathi: “Njalo ekupheleni kweminyaka elikhomba, ngesikhathi esibekiweko somnyaka wokusulwa kweenkolodo, ngomnyanya wemiTlhatlhana, lokha woke ama-Israyeli nazokuvela phambi kwakaSomnini uZimenu endaweni azayikhetha, nizakufunda umthetho lo phambi kwawo ukuze azizwele wona. Nizakubuthelela abantu okutjho amadoda, abafazi, ababuthakathaka kanye neenkhonzi emadorobhenenu ukuze bezwe bebafunde ukwesaba uSomnini uZimenu begodu batjheje ukwenza woke amezwi womthetho lo. Nabantwababo abangakabi ukuwazi umthetho lo, kumele bawizwe bebafunde ukwesaba uSomnini uZimenu, qobe nisahlala enarheni eniyoyithumba naniyama iJordani.” USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Qala, amalanga wokuhlongakala kwakho sele afikile. Biza uJotjhuwa nize nijame ngetendeni lokuhlanganela ukuze ngimthume.” UMosi noJotjhuwa bakhamba-ke bajama ngetendeni lokuhlanganela. USomnini wavela ngetendenapho ngesika yelifu. Isika leyo yajama emnyango. USomnini wathi kuMosi: “Qala, sele uzokuhlongakala. Abantwaba bazakusuka badlhemadlheme ngemva kwabosingazimu benarha abayokuhlala kiyo, bazangitjhiya bebephule isivumelwano sami engasenza nabo. Yeke itukuthelwami izakuvutha phezu kwabo mhlokho, ngifihle ubuso bami kibo. Bazakuba yinyamana kakatsu, behlelwe bubumbi obunengi namatshwenyeko. Mhlokho bazakuthi, ‘Uthi akusingebanga lokobana uZimethu angasinathi ukuze sehlelwe bubumbobu na?’ Kodwana mina ngiqinisile ngithi mhlokho ngizakufihla ubuso bami ngebanga labo boke ubumbi ababenzileko ngokuphendukela kibosingazimu. Yeke tlola ingoma nasi bese uyifundisa ama-Israyeli, uyihlohle ngemilonyenawo ukuze ibe bufakazi bami ngokujamelana nawo. Nasele ngiwalethe enarheni egeleza ibisi neliju, engayifungela ukuyinikela aboyisemkhulu, sele agomile asuthi aziimputjuputjwana, azakuphendukela kibosingazimu abalotjhe, mina angeqise amehlo, ephule isivumelwano sami. Nasele ehlelwe bubumbi obunengi namatshwenyeko, ingoma le izawakhumbuza ibe bufakazi obujamelene nawo ngombana izakuhlala isemilonyeni yeenzukulwana zawo zingasayikhohlwa. Koke esele asophe ukukwenza, ngikwazile ngaphambi kobana ngiwalethe enarheni engafunga bona ngizawanikela yona.” Yeke uMosi watlola ingoma leyo khona mhlokho bewayifundisa ama-Israyeli. USomnini wayala uJotjhuwa umsa kaNuni wathi: “Qina, ube nesibindi ngombana uzakungenisa ama-Israyeli enarheni engafunga bona ngizawanikela yona. Mina ngizakuba nawe.” UMosi nasele aqedile ukutlola amezwi womthetho la ngencwadini bekube sekugcineni, wayala amaLevi agade athwala umfaji wesivumelwano sakaSomnini wathi: “Thathani incwadi yomthetho le, niyibeke ngeqadi komfaji wesivumelwano sakaSomnini uZimenu ukuze ibe bufakazi ngokujamelana nani. Ngiyanazi bona nimahlubuka angangani nokobana iintamo zenu ziqinile. Nanihlubuka uSomnini ngisaphila nginani nje, alo, kuzokuba kangangani-ke nasele ngihlongakele! Bizelani ndawonye kimapha boke abaphathi beenkoro zenu, neenkhulu zenu ukuze ngikhulume amezwi la eendlebeni zabo ngibize izulu nephasi kobana zibe bofakazi abajamelene nabo. Iye, ngiyazi bonyana ngemva kokuhlongakala kwami, ngiqinisile ngithi nizokwenza amanyala, niphambuke endleleni enganiyala ngayo. Emalangeni ezako nizokwehlelwa bubumbi ngombana nizokwenza ubukhohlakali phambi kwakaSomnini, nimthukuthelise ngemisebenzi yezandla zenu.” UMosi wakhuluma amezwi wengoma le eendlebeni zomkhambathi woke wama-Israyeli, bekwafika ekugcineni. Lalelani, nina mazulu ngikhulume, nomhlaba uzwe amezwi womlomami. Ifundiswami ayehle njengezulu, ikulumami iwe njengombethe, iwuluke njengemvula phezu kwehlungu nanjengomfefezwana phezu kweemila. Ngambala ngizakumemezela ibizo lakaSomnini; nje-ke, dumisani ubukhulu bakaZimethu! Ulidwala, umsebenzakhe uphelele, iye, zoke iindlela zakhe zilungile. UnguZimu wokwethembeka, uZimu onganasiphambeko, umsulwa begodu uneqiniso. Kodwana abantwabakhe baziphethe ngameswe, kusukela kwakade basizukulwana esiphambeneko nesikhohlakeleko. Leyo yindlela enithokoza ngayo uSomnini na? Nibabantu abaziindlhadlha nabanganangqondo! USomnini akasiyihlo owanidalako na? Iye, nguye owanenza bewaninzinzisa! Khumbulani isikhathi esadlulako, niyelele okwenzeka ngesizukulwana ngesizukulwana; nibuze aboyihlo banikhombise, abaphathi benu, banidembele. Lokha uZimu ongoPhezulu anikela izizwe ilifa lazo, nalokha nahlukanisa amadodana wabantu, wajamisa imikhawulo yabantu ukuya ngesibalo samadodana kaZimu. Kodwana uSomnini wathatha abantu bakhe njengesabelo sakhe, iye, uJakopo waba lilifa lakhe. Wamfumana enarheni elirhalawumba, endaweni engahlalwa muntu, emajukujukwini anabaphaphi; wamgona, wamtjheja, wambabalela njengehlavu yelihlo lakhe. Njengekhozi elikhanukeza idzinyani lalo ukuphapha, liphuphuruze ngehla kwalo, livule amaphikwalo, lilibambe, lilithwale ngawo, ngokunjalo noSomnini nguye kwaphela owamrholako; kungekho singazimu hlanu kwakhe. Wamkhweza eendaweni eziphakemeko zenarha, wagoma iinthelo zommango; wamenza wazitika ngeliju edwaleni namafutha we-oliva elitjeni legwari. Wazitika ngamakghamatha weenkomo nebisi leembuzi kanye namafutha weemvana; wazitika ngamaqama weBhatjhani neembuzi kanye namafutha wehliziyo yekoroyi; wazitika ngomhluzi wamadiribe, iye, wasela iwayini elisabilako. Kodwana uJetjhuruni wanona bewatjakadula, iye, wanona, waba sibhumbudu bewaragalala. Watjhiya uZimu owamdalako, wanyefula iDwala lesindiswakhe. Abantu bakaZimu bamvusela isikhwele ngabosingazimu abatjhili, bamthukuthelisa ngemifanekiso enyenyisako. Bahlabela imimoya emimbi, izinto ezibosingazimu, okubozinyana abangazange babazi, izinto ezifike izolo, naboyihlo abangazange bazazi. Ngitjho neDwala elakubelethako walikhohlwa, walibala uZimu owezwa ubuhlungu ngawe. Lokha uSomnini nabona lokho, wathukuthela khulu ngebanga lokudabukiswa madodana namadodakazakhe bewathi: “Ngizokufihla ubuso bami kiwo, khengibone bonyana azokuphelelaphi ngombana asizukulwana esikhohlakeleko, abantwana abangathembekiko: Bangivusela isikhwele ngento engasinguzimu, bangithukuthelisa ngezinto ezingatjho litho. Nje-ke, mina ngizabavusela isikhwele ngesingasizwe, ngibathukuthelise ngeendlhayela zabantu. Lokha itukuthelwami nayivutha umlilo ubabule bekube sekuzikeni kwendawo yabafileko; uzakuqothula iphasi nesivuno salo, ukhothe isisekelo seentaba. Ngizabadindela ngamatshwenyeko, ngibarhululele ngemisubelami. Indlala izabaqoba, badliwe matshwenyeko nobhubhani wesifo. Ngizabanikelela ngamazinyo weembandana nangesihlungu seenrhurhubi. Endleleni isabula izabathathela abantwana, emizinabo kubuse ukwesaba. Kuzakubhubha amasokana kanye namatlawu, amasana kanye nabathukgheleko. Bengithe ngizabathanyela, ngisuse ukukhunjulwa kwabo ebantwini, kodwana azange ngifune ukuzwa isiphoqo sesitha sabo: Abajamelani babo bebazazitjhaya ngamanga, bathi, ‘Izandla zethu ngizo ezihlulileko; akusinguSomnini owenze koke lokhu.’ ” Basisizwe esinganatlha, abanawo umbono phakathi kwabo. Nangathana bebahlakaniphile, bebazakghona ukuzwisisa lokhu, bahlole bona siyini isiphetho sabo. Umuntu munye angeze agijimisa abaziinkulungwana nababili angeze balwise itjhumi leenkulungwana, ngaphandle kwanange iDwala labo libathengisile; iye, iKosabo ibalahlile! Idwala abalithembako alifani neDwala lethu nezitha zethu kumele zikubone lokho. Godu uSomnini wathi: “Amadiribabo abuya eSodoma esidiribeni seGomora. Amadiribabo anesihlungu nesitjhutha sakhona simunyu. Iwayini abazolisela lisihlungu seenyoka, isihlungu esibulalako samabululu. Lokhu kubulungwe kimi, kuvalelwe ngekumbenami yamagugu. Ukubuyiselela nokuhlomulisa kungokwami, ngesikhathi sakhona iinyawo zabo zizakutjhelela. Ngambala ilanga labo lehlekelele selitjhidele, iye, ilangelo libarhabile.” Iye, uSomnini uzokumela abantu bakhe abe nesirhawu eencekwini zakhe. Lokha nabona bonyana amandlazo aphelile sekusele bona zinyamalale zoke, uzakuthi: “Alo, baphi-ke abozinyana babo abalidwala ababalekela kilo, abozinyana abagoma amafutha wemihlabelwabo basele iwayini lomphahlwabo na? Abavele phela banisize! Baninikele umthunzi! Qalani-ke gadesi, mina ngingimi kwaphela; akunaZimu ngaphandle kwami! Mina ngiyabulala, ngibuye ngiphilise, nangilimazileko, ngibuye ngipholise; akakho ongasindisa esandleni sami. Ngambala ngiphakamisela isandla sami ezulwini ngifunge ngithi, ‘Ngokuphila kwami kwanini nanini: Nangilola isabulami emanyazelako, isandla sami siyibambe bona ngigwebe, ngizazibuyiselela ezitheni zami, ngibuyiselele kilabo abangizondako. Ngizakucwilisa imisubelami eengazini zababuleweko nabathunjiweko; khibe isabulami irhiribidela inyama yabosaziwako bezitha.’ ” Nina zizwe, thokozisani abantu bakaSomnini ngombana uzokubuyiselela iingazi zeenceku zakhe. Lokha nazibuyiselela ezitheni zakhe uzabe enzela abantu bakhe nenarhakhe itethelelo. UMosi wakhuluma woke amezwi wengoma leyo eendlebeni zabantu ngokusekelwa nguJotjhuwa umsa kaNuni. Kwathi lokha uMosi naqeda yoke ikulumakhe kuma-Israyeli woke, wathi: “Yelelani woke amezwi womthetho engiwamemezele njengobufakazi kini namhlanje ukuze niyale abantwabenu kobana bawalalele ngokutjheja. Akusimamezwi nje angatjho litho kini, kodwana abuphilo benu. Ngawo nizakuphila isikhathi eside enarheni eniyama iJordani kobana niyoyithumba.” Khona mhlokho uSomnini wathi kuMosi: “Khuphukela entabeni i-Abarimu kwaMowabi, okuyintaba iNebo ngepumalanga yeJerikho bese ubukela iKanana, inarha engizoyinikela ama-Israyeli njengelifa lawo. Uzakuhlongakalela entabeni oya kiyo leyo, ulandele bekhenu njengombana no-Aroni umfowenu wahlongakala entabeni iRhori walandela bekhabo. Lokhu kungebanga lokobana nobabili nalahlekelwa kungethemba phambi kwama-Israyeli emanzini weMeriba eKhadetjhi naniserhalawumbeni leTsini. Lapho azange nikhombise ukungihlonipha emehlweni wama-Israyeli. Yeke uzakubona inarha leyo buqamama kwaphela, kodwana awuzungena enarheni engiyinikela ama-Israyeli.” Lesi sibusiso uMosi umuntu kaZimu abusisa ngaso ama-Israyeli ngaphambi kobana ahlongakale. Wathi: “USomnini wavela eSinayi, wakhanyisela abantu bakhe eSeyiri, waphazimula eentabeni zeParana; wavela neenkulungwana ezilitjhumi zabacwengileko ngesidleni sakhe bekunomkhambathi wezulwini. Iye, Somnini, wena othanda izizwe, boke abacwengileko basesandleni sakho; bazithoba eenyaweni zakho, benza imiyalwakho. UMosi wasiyala ngomthetho, njengelifa lehlangano kaJakopo. UZimu waba yikosi kaJetjhuruni, lokha iinhloko nazibutheneko, iye, nakuhlangene iinkoro zakwa-Israyeli. “URubeni akaphile, angafi nebutho lakhe linganciphi. “NgoJuda uMosi wathi: “Somnini, yewulalele ilizwi lakaJuda, umlethe ebantwini bekhabo. Yiba zizandla zakhe ezimlwelako, isizo ezitheni zakhe. “NgoLevi wathi: “Ithumimi ne-urimakho Somnini, ngezabathembekileko kuwe; labo owabazizinya eMasa, wabasola emanzini weMeriba. Abantwabo bathi kiboyise nabonina: Siyabahlubuka! Baphika abafowabo, babeba abantwababo; Kodwana bayelela ilizwi lakho, Somnini, balonda isivumelwano sakho. Bafundisa uJakopo imiyalwakho, u-Israyeli umthethwakho; batjhisa itjhwalo phambi kwakho nomhlabelo otjhiswa woke e-aldarini lakho. Somnini, busisa amandla wamaLevi, wamukele nemisebenzi yezandla zawo; uphorhoze amadini wezitha zawo, lezo eziwazondako, ukuze zingasavuki. “NgoBhenjamini wathi: “Othandiweko kaSomnini, uzakuhlala aphephile kuye; amsibekele ngesikhathi soke, uzakuhlala hlangana neentaba zakaSomnini.” “NgoJosefa wathi: “Inarhakhe ibusiswe nguSomnini, ngombethe, isipho somkayi, ngamanzi wangaphasi, ngesipho seenthelo zomnyaka, iye, imikhiqizo yeenkhathi zomnyaka, ngemikhiqizo ephambili yeentaba zekadeni, iye, isipho semibundu yanini nanini, ngezipho ezikhethekileko iphasi elingaba nazo. Umusa waloyo ohlala esithukghwaneni inga ungaba phezu kwehloko kaJosefa, iye, phezu kwepandla yekosana yabafowabo. Unedumo njengekunzi elizibulo, iimpondo zakhe ngezekukhama; usunduza ngazo izizwe, bekube semikhawulweni yephasi; abanjalo ziinkulungwana ezilitjhumi zaka-Efrayimu, abanjalo ziinkulungwana zakaManase. “NgoZebuloni wathi: “Jabula wena Zebuloni ekuphumeni kwakho ipi, nawe Isakari ngematendenakho. Babizela izizwe entabeni, bahlabele khona imihlabelo yokulunga ngombana bamunya umnono welwandle namagugu afihlakeleko wetjhwabatjhwaba. “NgoGadi wathi: “Akabusiswe onabisa uGadi! UGadi uphila njengebhubezi, udabula umkhono nepandla. Uzikhethela indawo ekhethekileko ebegade ingakhethwa mrholi. Lokha iinhloko zeenkoro zihlangana lapho, yena ufeza okulungileko kwakaSomnini nemithethwakhe ku-Israyeli. “NgoDani wathi: “UDani libhubezana eleqa lisuka eBhatjhani. “NgoNafitali wathi: “UNafitali waneliswe mumusa, uzele iimbusiso zakaSomnini, inga angathumba itjingalanga nesewula. “Ngo-Atjheri wathi: “U-Atjheri akabusiswe ngaphezu kwamadodana, akathandwe bafowabo, acwilise inyawo lakhe emafutheni. Iinqabo zakho zizakuba ngezesimbi nezekoporo, amandlakho abe njengamalangakho. “Akakho onjengoZimu kaJetjhuruni, oza ngephazimulwakhe, adabule umkayi namafu bona azokusiza. UZimu wanini nanini usiphephelo, imikhonwakhe ikuthwala isiphelani. Uqotjha izitha zakho lokha nathi, ‘Bhubhisa!’ U-Israyeli uhlezi ngokuphepha, uJakopo unzinzile enarheni yekoroyi newayini, iye, umkayi wakhona wehlisa umbethe. Ubusisekile wena Israyeli! Ngubani nje ofana nawe, isizwe esisindiswa nguSomnini! Nguye osihlangu esikuvikelako nesabula yokuhlula kwakho! Izitha zakho zizakuza zikhasa kuwe, wena ubeke iinyawo zakho emahlombazo.” UMosi wakhuphukela emrhobeni weJordani kwaMowabi entabeni iNebo, esiqongolweni sePisiga, emalungana neJerikho. USomnini wamkhombisa yoke inarha: ukusuka eGiliyadi ukuyokufika kwaDani, yoke iNafitali, inarha yakwa-Efrayimu neyakwaManase, yoke inarha yakwaJuda ukuyokufika elwandle elingetjingalanga, isewula yenarha nomrhoba weJordani, okutjho umrhula weJerikho idorobho lamasundu, ukuyokufika eTsowari. USomnini wathi kuye: “Nasi inarha engayifungela ku-Abrahamu, u-Isaka noJakopo ngathi ngizayinikela iinzukulwana zabo. Ngikuvumele bonyana uyibone ngamehlwakho, kodwana awuzukungena kiyo.” Yeke uMosi inceku kaSomnini wahlongakalela lapho enarheni yakwaMowabi ukuya ngelizwi lakaSomnini. USomnini wambulungela ngakeminye yemirhoba enarheni yakwaMowabi malungana neBhethe-Pewori. Akunamuntu owazi ithuna lakhe bekube namhlanje. UMosi gade aneminyaka elikhulu namatjhumi amabili lokha nahlongakalako. Amehlwakhe gade asabona kuhle begodu asese namandla emzimbeni. Ama-Israyeli alilela uMosi kwaMowabi ngemrhobeni weJordani amalanga amatjhumi amathathu. Ngemva kwalapho amalanga wokulila nokuzila aphela. UJotjhuwa umsa kaNuni wayezele ngommoya wokuhlakanipha ngombana uMosi wayembeke izandla. Yeke ama-Israyeli amlalela, enza njengombana uSomnini ayale uMosi. Nje-ke solo kwalokho azange bekusaba nomphorofidi onjengoMosi kwa-Israyeli uSomnini atjhidelene khulu naye. Azange kube nonjengaye uSomnini amnikela zoke iimbonakaliso nemikarisomraro kobana azenze enarheni yeGibhide kuFaro nakizo zoke iinceku zakhe nenarhenakhe yoke. Woke ama-Israyeli awabona amandla amakhulu nezenzo ezesabekako ezikulu uMosi azenzako. Ngemva kokuhlongakala kwakaMosi inceku kaSomnini, uSomnini wathi kuJotjhuwa umsa kaNuni omsizi kaMosi: “UMosi incekwami uhlongakele. Yeke zilungiselele ukuyama iJordani le, wena nabo boke abantwaba, niye enarheni engiyipha ama-Israyeli. Yoke indawo lapha kugadanga khona iinyawo zenu ngininikele yona njengombana ngathembisa uMosi. Ukusuka erhalawumbeneli ukuya eLibhanoni begodu nokusuka emlanjeni omkhulu iYufrathe ukuyokufika elwandle elikhulu ngetjingalanga, okutjho yoke inarha yamaRhithi, kuzakuba yinarhenu. Imihla yoke yokuphila kwakho akunamuntu ozakujama phambi kwakho. Ngizakuba nawe njengombana nganginoMosi. Angeze ngakulahla namkha ngikutjhiye. Qina ube nesibindi ngombana nguwe ozokwenza bonyana abantwaba bazuze inarha engayifungela kiboyisemkhulu bona ngizabanikela yona. Kwaphela nje wena, qina amandla ube nesibindi khulu, uyelele ukwenza ukuya ngawo woke umthetho incekwami uMosi eyakuyala ngawo. Ungaphambukeli ngesigomeni namkha ngesinceleni ukuze ube nepumelelo koke lapha ukhamba khona. Incwadi yomthetho le ingasuki emlonyenakho, kodwana zindla ububule ngayo ubusuku nemini ukuze uyelele ukwenza ukuya ngakho koke okutlolwe kiyo. Ngalokho uzakwenza iindlela zakho zibe mhlophe bese uba nepumelelo. Angithi ngikuyalile: Qina-ke ube nesibindi. Ungabi nevalo namkha uphele amandla ngombana uSomnini uZimakho unawe koke lapha ukhamba khona.” Yeke uJotjhuwa wayala iinduna zabantu bona zikhambe ziye ebantwini ngekampeni zifese zithi: “Lungisani imiphako ngombana emalangeni amathathu nizokuyama iJordani niyokuthumba inarha uSomnini uZimenu aninikele yona bona ibe lilifa lenu.” UJotjhuwa wathi kebakwaRubeni, bakwaGathi nesiquntwini sekoro yakwaManase: “Khumbulani igama inceku kaSomnini uMosi eyaniyala ngalo nayithi, ‘USomnini uZimenu unibonelele ngendawo yokuphumula lokha nakanipha inarha le.’ Abafazi nababuthakathaka benu bazakusala kanye neenkomo zenu enarheni uMosi aninikele yona nganeno kweJordani. Kodwana zoke iingorho phakathi kwenu zizakuyama zihlomile ngaphambi kwabafowenu kobana zibasize, kufikela lapha uSomnini anikela khona abafowenu ukuphumula njengani lokha nabo nabathumba inarha abayinikelwe nguSomnini uZimenu. Nje-ke ngemva kwalokho ningabuyela enarheni elilifa lenu, nihlale kiyo, okutjho inarha uMosi inceku kaSomnini aninikele yona ngepumalanga yeJordani.” Baphendula uJotjhuwa bathi: “Koke osiyala ngakho sizakwenza nalapha usithuma khona sizakuya. Njengombana salalela uMosi kikho koke, nawe sizakulalela. Inga uSomnini uZimakho angaba nawe njengombana gade anoMosi! Nanyana ngubani ojamelana nemiyalwakho ngokungalaleli amezwakho kinamkha yini omyala ngayo, akabulawe. Wena qina ube nesibindi.” UJotjhuwa umsa kaNuni wathumela amadoda amabili ngasese aseTjhithimu kobana abe ziinhloli wathi: “Khambani niyokuhlola inarha, khulukhulu iJerikho.” Akhamba-ke, afika ekumbeni yengwadla ekuthiwa nguRarhabu kobana alale lapho. Ikosi yeJerikho yabikelwa kwathiwa: “Tjheja, kunamadoda athileko wakwa-Israyeli afike entambama nje kobana azokuhlola inarha.” Yeke ikosi yeJerikho yathumela iinthunywa kuRarhabu yathi: “Khupha amadoda eze kuwe nangene ekumbenakho lawo ngombana into ayizeleko kuzokuhlola inarha kwaphela.” Kodwana uRarhabu gade afihle amadoda amabili lawo, yeke wathi: “Iye, awa, khona kuliqiniso bona kufike amadoda amabili lapha. Kodwana angiwazi bona adabukaphi. Nje-ke kuthe lokha nakurhwalalako sele kuvalwa amasango, nawo aphuma. Ukuthi atjhingephi-ke, awa nami abe angazi. Nokho nange ningarhaba niwagijimise, ningawafumana.” URarhabu gade enyusele amadoda lawo ephahleni lekumba, wawafihla hlangana neenhlanga zeflaksi ebegade azineke ephahlenapho. Yeke iinthunywa zeJerikho zagijimisa amadoda lawo ngendlela yeJordani ukuyela emazibukweni. Kuthe bona iinthunywa ezigijimisa amadoda ziphume, kwavalwa isango ledorobho. Kwathi ngaphambi kobana kulalwe, uRarhabu wenyukela phezu kwephahla emadodeni lawo, wathi kiwo: “Ngiyazi bonyana uSomnini uninikele inarha, nokobana sehlelwe kukunesaba begodu boke abahlali benarha bayathuthumela phambi kwenu. Kambe sizwile bona uSomnini womisa amanzi welwandle lomGaba phambi kwenu naniphuma eGibhide, godu sezwa nalokho enakwenza emakhosini amabili wama-Amori ebegade angaphetjheya kweJordani, aboSirhoni no-Ogi enabarhayilako. Kuthe bona sizwe lokho, sangenwa mamanzi emadolweni, azange kube nomuntu oba nomdlandla ngebanga lenu ngombana uSomnini uZimenu unguZimu ezulwini phezulu nephasini phasi. Nje-ke ngibawa nifunge kimi ngoSomnini kobana njengombana ngibe nomusa kini, nani nizakuba nomusa ngomuzi kababa. Ninginikele itshwayo lesiqinisekiso kobana niphunyurhise ubaba nomma, abomnakwethu nabodadwethu nabo boke abanabo, iye, nisindise ipilwethu ekufeni.” Amadoda athi kuye: “Sifunga ngepilwethu! Nange ungavala phetjheya ngendabethu le, khona-ke sizakuba nomusa besithembeke kuwe lokha uSomnini nasinikela inarha le.” Ngebanga lokobana uRarhabu gade ahlala ekumbeni eyakhiwe phezu komthangala wedorobho, wawehlisa ngentambo ngefesidere, wathi kiwo: “Khambani niye eentatjaneni, nakungasinjalo abanigijimisako bazanifumana. Zifihleni lapho amalanga amathathu abanigijimisako bebabuye. Ngemva kwalokho-ke seningakhamba.” Amadoda athi kuye: “Thina angeze saba nomlandu ngesifungo osifungise sona, nakube kuzakuthi nasingena enarheni le, wena ubophelele intambo etlerebede le efesidereni osikhuphe ngalo. Ubizele ekumbenakho uyihlo nonyoko, abafowenu, iye, boke bakwenu. Nakube nanyana ngubani onawe ngekumbeni uyathintwa, iingazi zakhe zizakuba phezu kweenhloko zethu. Kodwana nange kungaba nomuntu ophumela ngaphandle kweminyango yekumbakho, iingazi zakhe zizakuba phezu kwehlokwakhe, thina-ke asizukuba nomlandu. Godu asizukuba nomlandu malungana nesifungo sakho osenze kithi nange wakhuluma ngendabethu le.” Yena wathi: “Akube njengokwamezwenu.” Yeke wawalayelisa, akhamba. Ngambala wabophelela intambo etlerebede efesidereni. Amadoda lawo akhamba-ke anqomba eentatjaneni, ahlala lapho amalanga amathathu abantu abawagijimisako bebabuya ngombana babhenyegula yoke indlela kodwana bangawafumana. Amadoda amabili godu ehla abuya eentatjaneni ayama iJordani aya kuJotjhuwa umsa kaNuni, ambikela koke okuwehleleko. Godu athi kuJotjhuwa: “Ngambala uSomnini unikele yoke inarha ezandleni zethu, nabahlali bakhona basesabela ukufa.” UJotjhuwa wavuka ngamasa; yena nawo woke ama-Israyeli basuka eTjhithimu baya eJordani bafese bahlala lapho ngaphambi kobana bayame. Ekupheleni kwamalanga amathathu iinkhulu zakhamba zigega nekampa, zayala abantu zathi: “Lokha nanibona umfaji wesivumelwano sakaSomnini uZimenu uthwelwe baphristi bamaLevi, fudukani eendaweni zenu niwulandele, ukuze nazi indlela ekumele nikhambe ngayo ngombana azange khenikhambe ngendlela le ngaphambilini. Nokho kumele kube nesikhala phakathi kwenu nawo, kube sibanga esingaba mamitha amakhulu athobako. Ningatjhideli hlanu kwawo.” UJotjhuwa wathi ebantwini: “Zihlambululeni ngombana kusasa uSomnini uzokwenza iimangaliso phakathi kwenu.” Godu uJotjhuwa wathi kubaphristi: “Thwalani umfaji wesivumelwano, nikhambe phambi kwabantu niyame.” Yeke bawuqubula, bakhamba phambi kwabantu. USomnini wathi kuJotjhuwa: “Namhlanje ngizokuthoma ukukukhulisa emehlwenawo woke ama-Israyeli ukuze azi bonyana njengombana nganginoMosi, nawe ngizakuba nawe. Wena yala abaphristi abathwele umfaji wesivumelwano bona nabafika eligwini lomlambo iJordani, bajame.” UJotjhuwa wathi kuma-Israyeli: “Tjhidelani nizokwizwa amezwi sakaSomnini uZimenu.” Waraga wathi: “Ngalokhu nizakwazi bonyana uZimu ophilako uphakathi kwenu: Ngambala uzakuqotjha phambi kwenu amaKanana, amaRhithi, amaRhivi, amaPerizi, amaGirigatjhi, ama-Amori namaJebusi. Qalani, umfaji wesivumelwano sakaSomnini wephasi loke wayama iJordani phambi kwenu. Ngalokho-ke thathani amadoda alitjhumi nambili eenkorweni zakwa-Israyeli. Akube yindoda ngayinye ekorweni ngayinye. Kuzakuthi lokha iinyawo zabaphristi abathwele umfaji kaZimu onguSomnini wephasi loke nazikghwatha amanzi weJordani, amanzi avela ngehla azakujama angasadluli bese akghubelelane akhuphuke abe yintaba.” Yeke kwathi lokha abantu nabafudusa amatendabo bona bayokuyama iJordani, abaphristi abathwele umfaji wesivumelwano bakhamba phambi kwabo. Nanyana iJordani beyithwala iingodo ngeenkhathi zokuvuna, kwathi bona iinyawo zabaphristi abathwele umfaji zikghwathe amanzi wakhona, lawo avela ngehla ajama athoma ukukhuphuka aba yintaba. Lokhu kwenzeka kude e-Adamu okulidorobho elihlanu kweTsaretani ukuze amanzi ageleza ukuyela ngelwandle lomrhoba, okulilwandle leTswayi, aqunteke. Abantu bayama manqophana neJerikho. Lokha ama-Israyeli nasayama njalo akhamba ehlabathini eyomileko, abaphristi ebebathwele umfaji wesivumelwano sakaSomnini bajama ehlabathini eyomileko phakathi kweJordani soke isizwe besaqeda ukuyama. Kuthe bona soke isizwe siqede ukuyama iJordani, uSomnini wathi kuJotjhuwa: “Thatha amadoda alitjhumi nambili hlangana nabantu, kube yindoda ngayinye ekorweni ngayinye, uwayale bona aye phakathi kweJordani afese athi lapha kunzinze khona iinyawo zabaphristi, athathe lapho amatje alitjhumi nambili, eze nawo akhambisane nani ukuyowabeka lapha nizakulala khona ebusuku banamhlanjesi.” Yeke uJotjhuwa wabiza amadoda alitjhumi nambili ebegade awakhethe ebantwini bakwa-Israyeli, kwaba yindoda ngayinye ekorweni ngayinye, wathi kiwo: “Buyelani lapha kunomfaji kaSomnini uZimenu phakathi kweJordani, omunye nomunye wenu athathe ilitje alithwale emahlombe ukuya ngesibalo seenkoro zakwa-Israyeli, ukuze abe litshwayo phakathi kwenu. Kuzakuthi lokha abantwabenu nabanibuzako esikhathini esizako bathi, ‘Atjho ukuthini kini amatje la?’ Nizabatjela-ke bonyana amanzi weJordani ajama lokha umfaji kaSomnini nawuyama iJordani. Yeke amatje la azakuba sikhumbuzo sanini nanini ebantwini bakwa-Israyeli.” Ama-Israyeli enza njengombana uJotjhuwa awayalile: Amadoda alitjhumi nambili lawo athatha amatje alitjhumi nambili phakathi kweJordani ukuya ngesibalo seenkoro zakwa-Israyeli njengombana uSomnini atjela uJotjhuwa. Akhamba namatje lawo ayowabeka endaweni lapha afese alala khona. UJotjhuwa wajamisa amanye amatje alitjhumi nambili phakathi kweJordani lapha bekujame khona iinyawo zabaphristi ebegade bathwele umfaji. Asese lapho nanamhlanje. Abaphristi ebegade bathwele umfaji bajama phakathi kweJordani bekwaphela koke uSomnini ebegade ayale uJotjhuwa bona akutjele abantu, ukuya ngakho koke uMosi agade amyale ngakho. Abantu bayama barhabile, kwathi bona boke baqede ukuyama, abaphristi abathwele umfaji kaSomnini badlulela ngaphambi kwabantu. BakwaRubeni nebakwaGadi kanye nesiquntu sekoro kaManase badlula bahlomile phambi kwama-Israyeli njengombana uMosi bekabayalile. Bebangaba madoda aziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amane ahlome aphelele alungele ipi akhamba nomfaji kaSomnini kobana ayokulwa emrhuleni weJerikho. Mhlokho uSomnini waphakamisa uJotjhuwa phambi kwama-Israyeli woke. Ama-Israyeli esaba uJotjhuwa imihla yoke yokuphila kwakhe njengombana bekesaba uMosi. Kwathi lokha nabayamako uSomnini wathi kuJotjhuwa: “Yala abaphristi abathwele umfaji wobufakazi kobana bakhuphuke baphume ngemlanjeni iJordani.” Yeke uJotjhuwa wayala abaphristi wathi: “Yeniphume ngeJordanapho.” Kuthe lokha abaphristi abathwele umfaji wobufakazi nabaphuma ngeJordani, bona iinyawo zabo zigadange ehlabathini eyomileko, amanzi weJordani abuyela endawenawo, umlambo wathwala iingodo njengaphambilini. Abantu baphuma ngeJordani ngelanga letjhumi lenyanga yokuthoma, bahloma amatendabo eGiligali emkhawulweni wangepumalanga yeJerikho. Amatje alitjhumi nambili lawo abawathatha ngeJordani, uJotjhuwa wawajamisa eGiligali, wathi kuma-Israyeli: “Lokha iinzukulwana zenu nazinibuzako nina boyise esikhathini esizako bona amatje la atjho ukuthini, nizazitjela nithi, ‘Lobu bufakazi bokobana u-Israyeli wayama iJordani equlwanini eyomileko.’ USomnini uZimenu womisa amanzi weJordani bonyana nikwazi ukuyama njengombana enza elwandle lomGaba nakomisa amanzi kobana siyame. Lokhu kwenzeka ukuze boke abantu bephasi bazi bonyana isandla sakaSomnini sinamandla, nokobana nesabe uSomnini uZimenu nini nanini.” Kwathi lokha woke amakhosi wama-Amori ebegade angaphetjheya kweJordani ngetjingalanga, newamaKanana ebegade amagegana nelwandle bona ezwe ukuthi uSomnini womise amanzi weJordani phambi kwama-Israyeli kobana akghone ukuyama, angenwa mamanzi emadolweni, azange kube nomuntu oba nomdlandla ngebanga lama-Israyeli. Ngesikhatheso uSomnini wathi kuJotjhuwa: “Zenzele imikhwa yamatje, uvuselele umkhuba wokusoka ama-Israyeli godu.” Yeke uJotjhuwa wenza imikhwa, wasoka woke ama-Israyeli eGibeyathi-Haralothi. UJotjhuwa wasoka ama-Israyeli ngebanga lokobana boke abaduna abaphuma eGibhide, okutjho boke ebebamadoda wepi, bahlongakalela endleleni erhalawumbeni ngemva kokuphuma kwabo. Iye, boke abaduna abaphuma eGibhide bebasokiwe, kodwana boke labo ababelethelwa endleleni erhalawumbeni ngemva kokuphuma kwabo, bebangakasokwa. Ama-Israyeli akhamba amatjhumi amane woke weminyaka erhalawumbeni kufikela lapha soke isizwe, okutjho amadoda wepi aphuma eGibhide, ahlongakala khona ngombana angazange alalele ilizwi lakaSomnini. USomnini wafunga kiwo bona akazowabonisa inarha ayifungela kiboyisemkhulu bona uzabanikela yona, inarha egeleza ibisi neliju. Nje-ke uJotjhuwa wasoka abantwana bamadoda lawo ngombana bebangakasokwa erhalawumbeni. USomnini wazivusela bona esikhundleni saboyise. Kuthe bona boke abaduna basokwe, isizwe sahlala ematendenaso ngekampeni bebaphola. USomnini wathi kuJotjhuwa: “Namhlanjesi ngisuse loke ihlazo leGibhide phezu kwenu.” Nje-ke indawo leyo kwathiwa yiGiligali bekube namhlanje. Kwathi ama-Israyeli asahlezi eGiligali, agidinga iPhasika entambama ngelanga letjhumi nane lenyanga emrhuleni weJerikho. Ngakusasa kwePhasika, ama-Israyeli agoma iinthelo zenarha mhlokho, okutjho izikwa ezinganangumelo kanye nesibere. Yeke imana yagcina mhlokho ukwehla, lokha nathoma ukugoma iinthelo zenarha. Iye, ukusukela mhlokho ngomnyaka lowo, ama-Israyeli azange asagoma imana, kodwana athoma ukugoma imikhiqizo yenarha yeKanana. UJotjhuwa waphakamisa amehlwakhe aseJerikho wabona umuntu ajame phambi kwakhe aphethe isabula erhwatjhiweko. UJotjhuwa wanqomba kuye wathi: “Ujame nathi namkha ujame nezitha zethu na?” Umuntu loyo wathi: “Awa, mina ngiyinduna yebutho lakaSomnini, kungalokho ngilapha.” UJotjhuwa waguqa, wahloma ihloko phasi wathi kuye: “Isikhulu sami sinomlayezo wencekwaso na?” Induna yebutho lakaSomnini yathi kuJotjhuwa: “Hlubula amapatlagwanakho ngombana lapha ujame khonapho kucwengile.” UJotjhuwa wenza njalo. IJerikho gade ivalwe ntsi ngebanga lama-Israyeli. Bekungaphumi begodu kungangeni muntu. USomnini wathi kuJotjhuwa: “Qala, nginikele esandleni sakho iJerikho, ikosi yakhona kanye neengorho zakhona. Thatha woke amadoda wepi nizombeleze iJerikho kanye. Lokho ukwenze amalanga asithandathu. Abaphristi abalikhomba abaphethe iimpalapala zamaqama ezilikhomba bakhambe phambi komfaji. Ngelanga lekhomba nizombeleze idorobho kalikhomba bese abaphristi bavuthele iimpalapalezo. Bazakuvuthela iimpalapala ihlandla elide. Kuzakuthi nanizwa ukuvuthelokho bese abantu bahlaba umkhosi wepi. Umthangala wedorobho uzakubhusuka phasi bese abantu bazingenele, omunye nomunye lapha akhona.” Yeke uJotjhuwa umsa kaNuni wabiza abaphristi wathi kibo: “Thwalani umfaji wesivumelwano bese abaphristi abalikhomba baphathe iimpalapala zamaqama ezilikhomba bakhambe phambi komfaji kaSomnini.” Wathi ebantwini: “Ragelani phambili, abantu bazombeleze idorobho. Amadoda ahlomileko akhambe phambi komfaji kaSomnini.” Kwenzeka njengombana uJotjhuwa ayale abantu: Abaphristi abalikhomba abaphethe iimpalapala ezilikhomba phambi komfaji kaSomnini batjhinga phambili, bavuthela iimpalapalezo. Umfaji wesivumelwano sakaSomnini wabalandela khisibe amadoda ahlomileko akhamba phambi kwabaphristi ebebavuthela iimpalapala, abantu abangemuva balandela umfaji. Iimpalapala zaragela phambili nokuvuthelwa, kodwana uJotjhuwa gade ayale abantu wathi: “Ningahlabi umkhosi wepi namkha nibange itjhada, ningavuli ngitjho nemilomenu bekube kumhla nginiyala bonyana nirhuwelele. Nasele ngitjhwile, seningahlaba-ke umkhosi wepi.” Ngaleyondlela wazombisa umfaji kaSomnini edorobheni. Abantu balizombeleza kanye babuyela ngekampeni, balala ubusukobo lapho. Ngakusasa uJotjhuwa wavuka ekuseni. Abaphristi bathwala umfaji kaSomnini. Abaphristi abalikhomba abaphethe iimpalapala ezilikhomba bakhamba phambi komfaji, baragela phambili ngokuvuthela iimpalapala. Phambi kwabo kwakhamba amadoda ahlomileko kwathi ngemuva komfaji kwalandela abantu khibe iimpalapala zirhagele. Nelangeni lesibili bazombeleza idorobho kanye, babuyela ekampeni. Benza njalo amalanga asithandathu. Elangeni lekhomba bavuka ngesamarimarima, bazombeleza idorobho njengombana bebenza emihleni. Kodwana mhlokho kwaba kalikhomba. Kuthe nasele bazombeleza kwekhomba, bona abaphristi babethe iimpalapala, uJotjhuwa wathi ebantwini: “Rhuwelelani! USomnini uniphe idorobheli! Idorobho nakho koke okukilo kuzakunikelwa uSomnini kobana kubhujiswe. Kuzakusinda uRarhabu ingwadla nabo boke abanaye ngekumbenakhe ngombana wafihla iinthunywa esasizithumile. Zilondeni ezintweni ezikhethelwe ukubhujiswa ngombana nanizithathako nizakubangela bonyana ikampa yama-Israyeli ibhujiswe, ngalokho niyibangele ihlekelele. Kodwana loke isiliva negolide kanye nezitja zekoporo nezesimbi zikhethekile kuSomnini, zizakubulungelwa ikumba yamagugu kaSomnini.” Yeke abantu barhuwelela, kwavuthelwa neempalapala. Kuthe bona abantu bezwe ukulila kweempalapala, bahlaba umkhosi, umthangala weJerikho wabhusuka phasi. Abantu bazingenela, omunye nomunye lapha akhona. Bathumba idorobho, babhubhisa koke okukilo, amadoda nabafazi, abatjha nabadala, iinkomo, izimvu kanye nabodumbana ngesabula. UJotjhuwa wathi emadodeni amabili ebegade ayokuhlola inarha: “Khambani niye ekumbeni yengwadla niyoyithatha kanye nabo boke abanayo njengombana nafunga kiyo.” Yeke amadoda lawo akhamba ayokukhupha uRarhabu, uyise, unina, abafowabo kanye nabo boke abanaye. Iye, akhupha woke umndenakhe awuhlalisa ngaphandle kwekampa yama-Israyeli. Ama-Israyeli atjhisa idorobho nakho koke ebekukilo. Kwaba lisiliva negolide kanye nezitja zekoporo nezesimbi kwaphela abakubulungela ikumba yamagugu kaSomnini. UJotjhuwa azange abulale uRarhabu ingwadla, uyise kanye nabo boke ebebanaye. Umfazi loyo neenzukulwana zakhe zahlala kwa-Israyeli bekube namhlanje ngombana wafihla iinthunywa uJotjhuwa ayezithume bona zihlole iJerikho. UJotjhuwa wabafungisa ngesikhatheso wathi: “Akanikelelwe phambi kwakaSomnini umuntu ozakuncama avuselele idorobho leJerikhweli. Ngomphefumulo wendodanakhe elizibulo uzakuleya isisekelo sedorobho, ngomphefumulo wendodanakhe ebuphetjhani ajamise amasangwalo.” Yeke uSomnini waba noJotjhuwa, idumo lakhe lasabalala nenarha yoke. Ama-Israyeli eqa umthetho malungana nezinto ezikhethelwe ukubhujiswa ngombana u-Akani umsa kaKarimi omsa kaZabadi umsa kaZerarhi wekoro kaJuda wathatha ezinye zezinto ezibekelwe ukubhujiswa. Itukuthelo kaSomnini yavutha phezu kwama-Israyeli. UJotjhuwa wathumela amadoda ukusuka eJerikho aya e-Ayi ngepumalanga yeBhethe-Eli wathi kiwo: “Khuphukani niyokuhlola inarha.” Yeke amadoda lawo akhuphuka ayokuhlola i-Ayi. Abuyela kuJotjhuwa athi kuye: “Akungakhuphuki woke umuntu. Iinkulungwana ezimbili namkha ezintathu zamadoda zinganela ukubhudabhuda i-Ayi. Akunasidingo sokukhathaza abantu kobana baye boke ngombana akunalitho laphaya.” Yeke kwakhuphuka iinkulungwana ezintathu zamadoda, kodwana zabuya zingasaqali nemuva zigijinyiswa madoda we-Ayi. Amadoda we-Ayi lawo amadlha ama-Israyeli, awagijimisa ukusuka esangweni ledorobho ukuya eTjhebarimu. Abulala pheze amatjhumi amathathu nesithandathu emehlelweni. Abantu baphela amandla bangenwa mamanzi emadolweni. UJotjhuwa wadabula izambatho zakhe, wahloma ihloko phasi phambi komfaji kaSomnini bekwahlwa akanye nabaphathi bakwa-Israyeli. Bazithela iinhloko ngequlwani. UJotjhuwa wathi: “Maye, Somnini Somandla! Bewusasiyamiselani iJordani isizwesi? Kungabe bewusinikela ezandleni zama-Amori kobana asirhayile na? Bekungasi ngcono thana sase sazihlalela ngaphetjheya kweJordani! Awu, Somandla! Alo, yinto engizoyithini-ke le nasele ama-Israyeli agijinyiswa zizitha zawo kangaka! AmaKanana nabahlali benarha le bazokwizwa ngalokhu, basizombe basuse ibizo lethu ngaphasi komthunzi welanga. USomnini uzokuthini ngebizo lakhe elikhulu kangaka na?” USomnini wathi kuJotjhuwa: “Sikima, kubayini uhlome ihloko phasi nje? Ama-Israyeli onile, eqe isivumelwano sami engiwayale ngaso. Athethe ezinye zezinto ekumele zibhujiswe. Ngalokho ebile, abe akhuluma amala, afihla ezinye zezintwezo epahlenawo. Yeke ama-Israyeli angeze akwazi ukujama phambi kwezitha zawo. Azakufulathela izitha zawo abaleke ngombana aphenduke isiga sokubhujiswa. Angeze ngisaba nani ngaphandle kwanange nirhayila izinto ekufanele zibhujiswe eziphakathi kwenu. Sikima uhlambulule abantu uthi, ‘Zihlambululeni nilungiselele ikusasa ngombana uSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli uthi kunezinto ekumele zibhujiswe eziphakathi kwenu. Wena Israyeli angeze wakghona ukujama phambi kwezitha zakho kufikela lapha ususa khona izinto ekumele zibhujiswe phakathi kwakho. Kuzakuthi ekuseni-ke nitjhidezwe ngeenkoro zenu. Ikoro ezakukhonjwa yifumbe kaSomnini izakutjhidela ngemindenayo, umndeni ozakukhonjwa yifumbe kaSomnini utjhidele ngokweenkumba zawo, nekumbeni ezakukhonjwa yifumbe kaSomnini kutjhidele indoda nendoda. Loyo okhonjwe nezinto ezibhujiswako uzakutjhiswa, yena nakho koke anakho ngombana weqe isivumelwano sakaSomnini nokobana wenze ubudlhayela kwa-Israyeli.’ ” UJotjhuwa wavuka ekuseni, watjhideza ama-Israyeli ngeenkoro zawo. Kwakhonjwa ikoro yakwaJuda. Watjhideza imindeni yakwaJuda, kwakhonjwa umndeni kaZerarhi. Watjhideza ihloko nehloko yomndeni kaZerarhi kwakhonjwa uZabadi. Watjhideza ihloko nehloko yemizi kaZabadi kwakhonjwa u-Akani umsa kaKarimi omsa kaZabadi umsa kaZerarhi wekoro yakwaJuda. UJotjhuwa wathi ku-Akani: “Ndodanami, nikela idumo kuSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, uvume kuSomnini, ungitjele koke okwenzileko ungangifihleli litho.” U-Akani waphendula uJotjhuwa wathi: “Eqinisweni ngimi owonileko kuSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, nakhu engikwenzileko: Ngithe nangiqala ipango ngabona inaka lakanokutjho leTjhinari, isiliva engaphezu kwamakhilogremu amabili nesitina segolide esinobudisi obungaba siquntu sekhilogremu. Yeke ngazirhalela izintwezi, ngazithatha. Ngizifihle ehlabathini ngetendeni lami, isiliva lingaphasi kwenaka.” UJotjhuwa wathumela iinthunywa, zagijimela ngetendeni laka-Akani. Ngambala zafumana koke lokho kufihlwe ngetendeni lakhe, isiliva lingaphasi kwenaka. Bazikhupha ngetendenapho baziletha phambi kwakaJotjhuwa nama-Israyeli woke. Bazendlala phambi kwakaSomnini. UJotjhuwa nawo woke ama-Israyeli bathatha u-Akani umsa kaZerarhi, isiliva nenaka lakanokutjho nesitina segolide, amadodanakhe namadodakazakhe, iinkomo nabodumbana bakhe, izimvu neembuzi zakhe, itende lakhe nakho koke anakho bakwenyusela emrhobeni we-Akori. UJotjhuwa wathi: “Kubayini ubange ihlekelele engaka phezu kwethu? Nawe-ke uSomnini ukwehlisela ihlekelele namhlanje.” Woke ama-Israyeli abakhanda ngamatje, abatjhisa yena nakho koke kwakhe, abavala ngamatje. Akghubelela phezu kwabo isiqorho samatje esisese khona nanamhlanje. USomnini waphenduka etukuthelwenakhe evuthako. Yeke bekube namhlanje indawo leyo kuthiwa mrhoba we-Akori. USomnini wathi kuJotjhuwa: “Ungesabi namkha uphelelwe mamandla. Thatha woke amadoda wepi uphanagele wenyukele e-Ayi. Qala, nginikele ikosi yakhona esandleni sakho, abantu bayo, idorobho layo kanye nenarhayo. Wenze nge-Ayi nekosayo owasenza ngeJerikho nekosi yakhona. Kwanjesi ningazithathela ipango nefuyo yakhona kube ngekwenu. Nanabelani idorobheli nilivelele ngemuva.” UJotjhuwa waphuma nawo woke amadoda wepi wenyukela e-Ayi. Wakhetha iinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amathathu zeengorho wazithumela ebusuku. Waziyala wathi: “Qalani la, nanabelani idorobheli nilivelele ngemuva. Ningayi kude khulu nalo kodwana hlalani nizilungiselele. Mina-ke nabo boke abantu abakhamba nami, sizalivelela ngaphambili. Kuzakuthi nabaphumako basihlangabeza, sibaleke njengombana senza phambilini. Bazasigijimisa kufikela lapha sibadosela khona kude nedorobho ngombana bazabe bazitjela bathi, ‘Qalani, babaleka njengaphambilini.’ Thina-ke nasibalekako, nina nizakuvumbuka bese nithumba idorobho ngombana uSomnini uZimu uzalinikela ezandleni zenu. Nasele niragelele idorobho, nilithungelele ngomlilo njengombana uSomnini ayalile. Qinisekani bona nenza njengokuniyala kwami.” Yeke uJotjhuwa wathumela amadoda wepi, aya lapha gade azokulalela khona idorobho. Afike aqupha ngetjingalanga ye-Ayi, hlangana neBhethe-Eli ne-Ayi, kodwana uJotjhuwa wahlala ubusuku bamhlokho aphakathi kwabantu. UJotjhuwa wavuka ekuseni, wahlela amadoda, wakhuphuka nabaphathi bakwa-Israyeli bakhamba phambi kwabantu banqombe e-Ayi. Woke amadoda wepi ebegade anaye akhuphuka, abandamela edorobheni. Ahloma amatende ngetlhagwini ye-Ayi ahlukaniswe mrhoba phakathi kwawo ne-Ayi leyo. Godu wathatha amadoda angaba ziinkulungwana ezihlanu, wawabadalalisa phakathi kweBhethe-Eli ne-Ayi ngetjingalanga yedorobho. Ngendlela leyo bajamisa amabutho: Ibutho elikhamba phambili belingetlhagwini yedorobho kwathi elikhamba ngemuva laba ngetjingalanga. Ngobusukobo uJotjhuwa wangena ngemrhobeni nebutho. Kwathi lokha ikosi ye-Ayi nayibona lokhu, yona nabo boke abantu bayo, okumadoda wedorobho, barhaba baphuma ekuseni banqomba etatawini ukuyela emrhobeni weJordani kobana bahlangane no-Israyeli epini. Kodwana ikosi leyo azange ilemuke bonyana kunabantu abayilaleleko ngemva kwedorobho. UJotjhuwa nawo woke ama-Israyeli bafulathela, babalekela nca ngebhudwini. Boke abantu ebebangedorobheni babizwa kwathiwa abagijimise ama-Israyeli. Nabalokhu bagijimisana noJotjhuwa njalo bagadunga idorobho. Azange kusale muntu e-Ayi namkha eBhethe-Eli ongazange agijimise ama-Israyeli. Batjhiya amasango wedorobho avuleke khamukhamu bagijimisana nama-Israyeli. USomnini wathi kuJotjhuwa: “Yelulela izenjana oliphethekwelo nca nge-Ayi ngombana ngizoyinikela esandleni sakho.” UJotjhuwa welulela izenjana ebegade aliphethe nca ngedorobheni. Ababalaleleko bavumbuka msinyana lapha bebabadalele khona, kuthe bona uJotjhuwa elule isandla sakhe, bangena ngedorobheni baliragelela bebalithungela ngomlilo khonokho. Kuthe lokha amadoda we-Ayi naqala emuva, madekhethu, intuthu evela ngedorobheni besele ithe kupe itjhinga emkayini. Akakamala ahluleka ukubalekela ngapha nangapha ngombana ibutho ebelibalekele ebhudwini lajikela abagijimisi balo. Iye, kwathi lokha uJotjhuwa nawo woke ama-Israyeli nababona bonyana labo ebebalalele idorobho sebalithumbile nokobana intuthu yedorobho besele isemkayini, bajika bona balwe namadoda we-Ayi lawo. Kanti-ke namanye ama-Israyeli avela ngedorobheni alwa namadoda lawo. Ngaleyondlela azifumana aphahlwe ma-Israyeli ngapha nangapha. Ama-Israyeli awamadlha kangangobana azange kube nophunyurhako namkha osindako, ngaphandle kwekosi ye-Ayi ayibamba iphila ayiletha kuJotjhuwa. Kuthe bona ama-Israyeli aqede ukubulala boke abahlali be-Ayi emmangweni lapha gade agijinyiselwe khona, ngemva kobana boke bafe ngesabula kufikela kewokugcina, woke ama-Israyeli abuyela e-Ayi afese ayibhubhisa ngesabula. Boke abantu be-Ayi, okutjho boke abafa mhlokho okumadoda nabafazi, bebaziinkulungwana ezilitjhumi nambili, ngombana uJotjhuwa azange abuyisele isandla sakhe ebegade aphethe ngaso izenjana emuva kufikela lapha kubhujiswa khona boke abahlali be-Ayi. Ama-Israyeli azithathela ifuyo nepango kwaphela edorobheni, ukuya ngokwelizwi lakaSomnini ayala ngalo uJotjhuwa. UJotjhuwa watjhisa i-Ayi yaba liqubi leququ lasafuthi njengombana kunjalo nanamhlanje. Wahlomela ikosi ye-Ayi esigodweni bekwahlwa. Kwathi nakutjhinga ilanga uJotjhuwa wayala bona kuphanyulwe isidumbu sayo esigodwenapho siphoselwe ebungenweni besango ledorobho. Sadindelwa ngesiqorho samatje esisajame lapho nanamhlanje. Nje-ke uJotjhuwa wakhela uSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli i-aldari entabeni i-Ebali, njengombana uMosi inceku kaSomnini yayala ama-Israyeli encwadini yomthetho kaMosi. I-aldarelo belakhiwe ngamatje angakabazwa namkha angakabandulwa ngesisetjenziswa sesimbi. Batjhisela kilo imihlabelo yokutjhiswa kuSomnini, bahlabela nemihlabelo yetjhebiswano. Khonapho, phambi kwama-Israyeli, watlola ematjeni isifaniso somthetho kaMosi ebegade awutlolile. Woke ama-Israyeli, abaphathi, iinkhulu nabagwebi bawo, okutjho boke bendabuko kanye neenkhonzi, bajama ngapha nangapha komfaji ngaphambi kwabaphristi bamaLevi abathwala umfaji wesivumelwano sakaSomnini. Ingcenye yabo yaba ngaphambi kwentaba yeGerizimu enye yaba ngaphambi kwentaba ye-Ebali kobana kube kubusiswa kwama-Israyeli njengombana uMosi inceku kaSomnini ayala phambilini. Ngemva kwalapho uJotjhuwa wafunda woke amezwi womthetho, iimbusiso namanikelela ukuya ngakho koke okutlolwe encwadini yomthetho. Wafunda woke amezwi phambi kwehlangano yama-Israyeli kanye nabafazi, abantwana neenkhonzi ebezihlala phakathi kwawo. Kiwo woke amezwi uMosi ayala ngawo, azange atjhiye nalinye. Woke amakhosi angaphetjheya kweJordani ezwa ngokwenzakeleko. Lawo bekumakhosi wamaRhiti, ama-Amori, amaKanana, amaPerizi, amaRhivi namaJebusi ahlala ngenarheni yeentaba nemibundu yeTjhefela, namagegana nelwandle eliKhulu ukuyela eLibhanoni. Nje-ke abuthana ndawonye avumelana ngalizwi linye bona alwe noJotjhuwa nama-Israyeli. Kodwana kuthe bona abahlali beGibiyoni bezwe ngokwenziwe nguJotjhuwa eJerikho ne-Ayi, benza iqhinga lobuqili. Bakhamba baya kuJotjhuwa bazenza inga ziinthunywa. Bebathethe iinquthulo ezidala zemigodla bazikhweza phezu kwabodumbana, bathatha neenkhumba zewayini ezidala ezidabukileko nezineentjheza, bafaka amapatlagwana adabukileko nakhibelelweko, bembatha izambatho ezirhalukileko. Yoke imiphakwabo beyome kere begodu ikokorene. Banqomba kuJotjhuwa ekampeni eGiligali bathi kuye nama-Israyeli: “Sibuya kude kwamambala nasinje; yeke besithi yewenze isivumelwano nathi.” Kodwana ama-Israyeli athi kumaRhivi: “Afe-ke, singenza njani isivumelwano nani singanazi nokunazi? Mhlamunye nihlala khona hlanu kwethwapha nje!” Bona bathi kuJotjhuwa: “Siziinceku zakho.” UJotjhuwa wabuza wathi: “Nibobani-ke nina? Khonanje nibuya tjhuba liphi?” Bamphendula bathi: “Iinceku zakho zibuya kude tle, sithe asize kuwapha ngebanga lebizo lakaSomnini uZimakho. Sizwe umbiko ngoSomnini uZimakho ngalokho akwenze amaGibhide, namakhosi amabili wama-Amori ebegade angaphetjheya kweJordani, uSirhoni ikosi yeRhetjhibhoni no-Ogi ikosi yeBatjhana ehlala e-Atjhitarothi. Abaphathi nabo boke abahlali benarhekhethu bathe kithi, ‘Thathani umphako nikhambe niyokuhlanganisa amehlo nabo nifese nithi siziinceku zabo. Yeke sibawa benze isivumelwano nathi.’ Nasi isikwana sethu ebesisiphethe njengomphako, nokho besisatjhisa sona nasisuka ekhaya. Gadesi sele somelele begodu sikokorene, iinkhumba zewayinezi nazo kokwakho bezizitja nasizivubelako. Gadesi sele zidabukile, nezambatho namapatlagwanethu sese kuphelile kuqedwe yindlelakazi ede le.” Kwathi ama-Israyeli angakabuzi nokubuza kuSomnini, adumela umphako lowo ahlanganyela nabo! UJotjhuwa waba nokuthula nabo, wenza isivumelwano sokobana baphephile bese abarholi bomkhambathi bafunga kibo. Ekupheleni kwamalanga amathathu ngemva kobana benze isivumelwano nabo, bezwa bonyana babomakhelwana babo nokobana bahlala phakathi kwabo. Ama-Israyeli aphuma anqomba emadorobheni wabantwabo afika elangeni lesithathu. Amadorobhabo gade kuyiGibiyoni, iKefira, iBherothi neKhiriyathi-Jeyarimu. Kodwana azange abulale abantwabo ngombana abarholi bomkhambathi bafunga ebantwinabo ngoSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli. Kwathi lokha umkhambathi woke nawunghonghoyila kubarholabo, boke abaphathi bathi kiwo woke umkhambathi: “Ngithi esifunge kibo ngoSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, nje-ke angeze sisababeka isandla. Nasi indlela esizabaphatha ngayo: Sizabalisa baphile ukuze ubukhali bakaSomnini bungabi phezu kwethu ngebanga lesifungo esisifunge kibo.” Abaphathi godu bathi: “Nje-ke nani baliseni baphile.” Ngalokho abaphathi baqunta bonyana abantwabo babe ziinsebenzi zawo woke umkhambathi, bawugawulele iinkuni bawukhelele namanzi. Yeke uJotjhuwa wabiza abantwabo wathi kibo: “Nisikhohliseleni ngokusitjela bonyana nivela kude khibe nihlala enyonga yesilukazapha? Ngalokho-ke ninikelelwe, nizakuhlala nimakhoboka, abathezi beenkuni nabakheleli bamanzi ekumbeni kaZimami.” Baphendula uJotjhuwa bathi: “Iinceku zakho zaqinisekiswa bonyana uSomnini uZimakho ayale incekwakhe uMosi bonyana aniphe yoke inarha le nokobana nina kumele nibhubhise nya phambi kwenu boke abahlali bakhona. Sesabela khulu amaphilwethu ngebanga lenu, kungalokho senze lokhu. Qala, njenganje sisesandleni sakho, yeke yewenze ngokubona kwakho ngathi.” Nje-ke nasi indlela uJotjhuwa enza ngayo kibo: Wabasindisa esandleni sama-Israyeli. Azange ababulale. Kodwana ukusuka mhlokho wabenza bona basebenzele umkhambathi ne-aldari lakaSomnini ngokutheza iinkuni nokukhelela amanzi. Lokho bakwenza bekwaba kunamhlanje endaweni eyakhethwa nguSomnini. U-Adonitsedekhi ikosi yeJerusalema wezwa bona uJotjhuwa uthumbe i-Ayi bewayibhubhisa nya. Wezwa godu bonyana i-Ayi nekosi yakhona uyenze njengalokho akwenza ngeJerikho nekosi yakhona, nokobana abahlali beGibiyoni babe nokuthula naye begodu sele bangaphasi kwama-Israyeli. Yena nabantu bakhe bahlalela evalweni ngalokho ngombana iGibiyoni gade kulidorobho elikhulu, elalifana nelinye lamadorobho webukhosini. IGibiyoni beyidlula i-Ayi begodu namadoda wakhona aziingorho. Yeke u-Adonitsedekhi ikosi yeJerusalema wathumela ilizwi kuHohami ikosi yeRhebroni, uPiramu ikosi yeJarimuthi, uJafiya ikosi yeLakitjhi nakuDebiri ikosi ye-Egiloni wathi: “Khuphukani nizapha nizongisiza sisahlele iGibiyoni ngombana yenze ukuthula noJotjhuwa nama-Israyeli.” Amakhosi amahlanu wama-Amori lawo, okuyikosi yeJerusalema, ikosi yeRhebroni, ikosi yeJarimuthi, ikosi yeLakitjhi nekosi ye-Egiloni, ahlanganisa woke amabuthwawo ndawonye, akhuphuka, avimbezela iGibiyoni bona alwe nayo. Amadoda weGibiyoni athumela ilizwi kuJotjhuwa ekampeni eGiligali athi: “Ungaliseleli iinceku zakho, yewukhuphuke msinya uzosisindisa ngokusisiza ngombana woke amakhosi wama-Amori ahlala ngeentabeni abuthene kobana ajamelane nathi.” UJotjhuwa wakhuphukela eGiligali akhamba nawo woke amadoda wepi neengorho zoke. USomnini wathi kuJotjhuwa: “Ungabesabi ngombana sele ngibanikele esandleni sakho. Akunandoda nayinye phakathi kwabo ezakujama phambi kwakho.” UJotjhuwa wasuka eGiligali, warhwanta ubusuku boke wavelela amakhosi lawo angakatjheji. USomnini wenza amakhosi lawo nabantu bawo bona bahlangahlangane phambi kwama-Israyeli, abadulela eGibiyoni abagijimisa ngendlela eyehlelako yeBhethe-Rhoroni, abamadlha kufikela e-Azekha neMakheda. Nabalokhu babaleka phambi kwama-Israyeli, nabehlela emehlelweni weBethe-Rhoroni, uSomnini wawululela iingiditjha zesinanja phezu kwabo bekwaba se-Azekha, bafela khonapho. Abafa ngebanga leengiditjha zesinanja baba banengi ukudlula ababulawa ma-Israyeli ngesabula. UJotjhuwa wakhuluma noSomnini mhlana anikela ama-Amori kuma-Israyeli, wathi phambi kwawo: “Langa, jama tsi ngehla kweGibiyoni, nawe nyezi ngehla komrhoba we-Ayaloni.” Ngambala ilanga lajama nenyezi yangakhambi, kufikela lapha isizwe sizibuyiselela khona ezitheni zaso. Lokhu kwatlolwa encwadini kaJatjhari. Ilanga lajama phakathi kwesibhakabhaka, azange lirhabe ukutjhinga isikhathi esingaba lilanga. Azange kube nelanga elifana nalo ngaphambilini namkha ngemva kwalo, kobana uSomnini ulalele ilizwi lomuntu ngombana mhlokho walwela ama-Israyeli. UJotjhuwa wabuyela ekampeni eGiligali nawo woke ama-Israyeli. Amakhosi amahlanu lawo abaleka, azifihla ngerholweni leMakheda. Bekubikwe kuJotjhuwa kwathiwa: “Amakhosi amahlanu afunyenwe azifihle ngerholweni leMakheda.” UJotjhuwa wathi: “Sunduzelani ilitje elikhulu emlonyeni werholo, nibeke amadoda awagade, kodwana ningahlali lapho nina ngokwenu. Gijimisani izitha zenu, nibe seenthendeni zazo, ningazivumeli zingene ngemadorobhenazo ngombana uSomnini uZimenu uzinikele esandleni senu.” Kwathi ngemva kobana uJotjhuwa nama-Israyeli bamadlhe khulu izithezo kufikela lapha ziphela khona nya, nalokha abasindileko sele bangene ngemadorobheni anemithangala, boke abantu babuyela baphephile kuJotjhuwa ekampeni yeMakheda. Akunamuntu owavula umlomakhe ngama-Israyeli. UJotjhuwa wathi: “Vulani umlomo werholo bese nilethe amakhosi amahlanu lawo kimapha.” Yeke benza njalo, bakhupha amakhosi amahlanu lawo ngerholweni bawaletha kuye. Gade kuyikosi yeJerusalema, ikosi yeRhebroni, ikosi yeJarimuthi, ikosi yeLakitjhi nekosi ye-Egiloni. Lokha nabaletha amakhosi lawo kuJotjhuwa, uJotjhuwa wabiza woke amadoda wakwa-Israyeli wathi eenduneni zamadoda wepi ebegade zikhambe nawo: “Tjhidelani, nibeke iinyawo zenu phezu kweentamo zamakhosi la.” Yeke zatjhidela, zabeka iinyawo zazo eentanyeni zawo. UJotjhuwa wathi kizo: “Ningesabi namkha niphelelwe mamandla. Qinani nibe nesibindi ngombana ngilokho uSomnini azakwenza kizo zoke izitha zenu enilwa nazo.” Ngemva kwalokho uJotjhuwa wawamadlha, wawabulala bewawahlomela enye nenye esigodweni sayo. Alembelela eengodwenapho bekwahlwa. Kodwana kwathi nakutjhinga ilanga, uJotjhuwa wayala bonyana aphanyulwe eengodweni, wawaphosela ngerholweni lapha begade azifihle khona. Kwabekwa amatje amakhulu emlonyeni werholwelo, asese lapho nanamhlanje. UJotjhuwa wathatha iMakheda mhlokho wayimadlha kanye nekosi yakhona ngesabula. Wabhubhisa nya koke okuphilako okungedorobhenapho. Azange atjhiye nakunye kuphunyurhile. Ikosi yeMakheda wayenza asenze ikosi yeJerikho. UJotjhuwa wasuka eMakheda nama-Israyeli woke wanqomba eLibhina bona alwe nayo. USomnini wanikela iLibhina nekosi yakhona esandleni sama-Israyeli. UJotjhuwa wayimadlha ngesabula nakho koke okuphilako okukiyo. Azange atjhiye nakunye kuphunyurhile. Ikosi yakhona wayenza asenze ikosi yeJerikho. UJotjhuwa wasuka eLibhina nama-Israyeli woke wanqomba eLakitjhi. Wayivimbezela wayisahlela. USomnini wanikela iLakitjhi esandleni sama-Israyeli. Ngelanga lesibili uJotjhuwa wayithumba, wayimadlha ngesabula nakho koke okuphilako okukiyo njengombana enza ngeLibhina. Kwathi lokha uHoramu ikosi yeGezeri nenyuka ukusiza iLakitjhi, uJotjhuwa wamumadlha kanye nabantu bakhe, wangatjhiya namunye wakhe ophunyurhako. UJotjhuwa wasuka eLakitjhi nama-Israyeli woke banqomba e-Egiloni. Bafese bayivimbezela bayisahlela, bayithumba khona mhlokho, bayigongoda ngesabula. UJotjhuwa wabhubhisa nya koke okuphilako okukiyo njengombana enza ngeLakitjhi. UJotjhuwa wasuka e-Egiloni akhamba nama-Israyeli woke, banqomba eRhebroni. Bafese bayisahlela, bayithumba, bayigongoda ngesabula. UJotjhuwa wabhubhisa ikosi nemizana yakhona yoke, nakho koke okuphilako okukiyo. Azange atjhiye nakunye kuphunyurhile; kwaba njengombana enza nge-Egiloni. Iye, wayibhubhisa nya nakho koke okuphilako okukiyo. UJotjhuwa nawo woke ama-Israyeli babuyela eDebhiri, nayo bayisahlela. Bayithumba nekosi yakhona kanye nemizana yakhona yoke. Bayigongoda ngesabula, babhubhisa nya koke okuphilako okukiyo. UJotjhuwa azange atjhiye nakunye kuphunyurhile. Lokho akwenza ngeRhebroni neLibhina namakhosi wakhona, wakwenza ngeDebhiri nekosi yakhona. Ngaleyondlela uJotjhuwa wathumba soke isifunda sesewula: iintaba, isewula yenarha, iTjhefela kanye namathomo wakhona. Wabhubhisa woke amakhosi wesifundeso. Azange atjhiye nakunye kuphunyurhile, iye, wabhubhisa nya koke okuphilako njengombana uSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli ayalile. UJotjhuwa wabamadlha boke ukusuka eKhadetjhi-Bharineya ukuya eGaza, nayo yoke inarha yeGotjheni ukuyokufika eGibiyoni. Wathumba woke amakhosi lawo nenarhawo ngasikhathi sinye ngombana uSomnini uZimu waka-Israyeli walwela u-Israyeli. Yena nama-Israyeli woke babuyela ekampeni eGiligali. Kwathi bona uJabhini ikosi yeRhatsori ezwe ngeendabezi, wathumela igama kuJobabi ikosi yeMadoni, ekosini yeTjhimroni nekosini ye-Akitjhafi. Igamelo lafika nemakhosini ebegade angeentabeni zangetlhagwini, angemrhobeni weJordani ngesewula yelwandle iKinerethi, nangenarheni ethulamelwe ziintaba neligwini leDori ngetjingalanga. Godu lafika kumaKanana ngepumalanga netjingalanga, ama-Amori, amaRhithi, amaPerizi namaJebusi ngeentabeni namaRhivi angaphasi kwakaRherimoni enarheni yeMitsipha. Amakhosi lawo aphuma nawo woke amabuthwawo, kwaba liwoma, kwanga yitjhwabatjhwaba yelwandle. Godu bekuneenjomani neenkarana zepi ezinengi khulu. Woke amakhosi lawo abuthana, ahloma amatendawo ndawonye emanzini weMeromi kobana alwe no-Israyeli. USomnini wathi kuJotjhuwa: “Ungawesabi ngombana kusasa ngesikhathesi ngizowanikela woke esandleni sama-Israyeli afile. Wena uquntule imisipha yeenjomani zawo bese utjhise iinkarana zawo.” Yeke uJotjhuwa nawo woke amadoda wepi bawavelela, bawathelekela emanzini weMeromi. USomnini wanikela amakhosi lawo nabantu bawo esandleni sama-Israyeli, abamadlha, abagijimisa bekwaba seTsidoni eKulu neMisrefothi-Mayimu ukufikela ngemrhuleni weMitsiphe ngepumalanga. Ama-Israyeli abamadlha, angatjhiya namunye wabo owaphunyurhako. UJotjhuwa wenza kibo njengombana uSomnini amyalile, waqunta imisipha yeenjomani zabo bewatjhisa neenkarana zabo zepi. UJotjhuwa wabuyela emuva ngesikhatheso, wathumba iRhatsori ngombana phambilini gade iyihloko yayo yoke imibuso leyo, bewamadlha ikosi yakhona ngesabula. Yena nama-Israyeli bamadlha ngesabula koke okuphilako okukiyo. Babhubhisa koke nya kwangaba khona okusala kuphila. Godu batjhisa iRhatsori. Iye, uJotjhuwa bekenze njengombana uMosi inceku kaSomnini amyalile: Bekamadlhe ngesabula woke amakhosi lawo bewabhubhisa nabo boke abahlali bamadorobhawo. Nokho ama-Israyeli azange atjhise nalinye lamadorobho ngaphandle kweRhatsori eyatjhiswa nguJotjhuwa. Amadorobho lawo nanje asajame embundwini. Ama-Israyeli azithathela yoke ipango yamadorobho lawo kanye nefuyo; kwaba sisabelo sawo. Kodwana bekamadlhe boke abantu ngesabula kufikela lapha abaqeda khona nya; azange batjhiye namunye aphila. Njengombana uSomnini ayala incekwakhe uMosi, uMosi wayala uJotjhuwa, uJotjhuwa waphetha njengokomyalo lowo, azange atjhiye litho lingakenziwa kikho koke uSomnini akuyala uMosi. Ngaleyondlela uJotjhuwa wathatha yoke inarha, okutjho iintaba zakwaJuda, yoke inarha yangesewula neyeGotjheni, iTjhefela, umrhoba weJordani, iintaba zakwa-Israyeli neendawo ezithulamelwe ziintaba. Imikhawulo le ithoma entabeni iRhalakha enabele ngeSeyiri ukuyokufika eBhali-Gadi ngemrhobeni weLibhanoni ngenzasi kwentaba iRherimoni. Wabamba woke amakhosi wakhona, wawamadlha, wawabulala. Kwaba sikhathi eside uJotjhuwa asilwa nawo woke amakhosi lawo. Azange kube nedorobho elaba nokuthula nama-Israyeli ngaphandle kwamaRhivi, okubahlali beGibiyoni. Ama-Israyeli athumba koke ngepi. Kwaba sisenzo sakaSomnini sokuqinisa iinhliziyo zamakhosi lawo kobana ajamelane nama-Israyeli epini ukuze amakhosi lawo abhujiswe nya, nokobana angafumani umusa kodwana apheliswe njengombana uSomnini ayala uMosi. UJotjhuwa weza ngesikatheso, wathanyela ama-Anakhi eentabeni zakwa Juda nakizo zoke iintaba zakwa-Israyeli. Wawabhubhisa nya namadorobhawo iRhebroni, iDebhiri ne-Anaba. Azange kusale namunye wama-Anakhi enarheni yama-Israyeli. Kwaba seGaza, eGathi ne-Atjhidodi kwaphela lapha kwaba khona abasindako. UJotjhuwa wathatha yoke inarha ukuya ngendlela uSomnini akhuluma ngakho kuMosi. UJotjhuwa wayinikela bona ibe lilifa lama-Israyeli ukuya ngokwesabelo seenkoro zawo. Ngesikhatheso inarha yaphumula izipi. Lawa-ke makhosi weendawo ezahlulwa ma-Israyeli. Athumba iindawo zawezo ezingaphetjheya ngepumalanga yeJordani, ukusuka emlanjaneni i-Arinoni ukuya entabeni iRherimoni, ukufaka phakathi umrhoba woke ongepumalanga yeJordani: USirhoni ikosi yama-Amori ogade ahlala eRhetjhibhoni wabusa phezu kwesiquntu seGiliyadi. Umkhawulwakhe usuka edorobheni i-Aroweri eliseligwini lomlanjana i-Arinoni ngekabeni yomrhoba wakhona, ukuyokufika emlanjaneni iJabokhi okumkhawulo wama-Amoni, ukufaka phakathi ipumalanga yomrhoba weJordani ukuyela elwandle leKinerethi nokuyela elwandle le-Araba, okulilwandle leTswayi, nangetjhubeni langeBhethe-Hajetjhimothi. Ngesewula umkhawulwakhe unabela emathomeni wentaba iPisiga. Amathomo lawo bekumkhawulo. U-Ogi ikosi yeBhatjhani, ongomunye wemisalela yakwaRafa, gade ahlala e-Atjhitarothi ne-Edreyi. Wabusa entabeni yeRherimoni neSaleka nakiyo yoke inarha yeBhatjhani ukuya emkhawulweni wamaGetjhuri newamaMakathi nangaphezu kwesiquntu seGiliyadi ukuya emkhawulweni kaSirhoni ikosi yeRhetjhibhoni. UMosi inceku kaSomnini nama-Israyeli bawahlula. UMosi inceku kaSomnini wathatha iinarha zawo wazinikela bakwaRubeni nebakwaGathi nesiquntu sekoro yakwaManase. Lawa-ke makhosi weendawo uJotjhuwa nama-Israyeli abazihlula ngetjingalanga yeJordani ukusuka eBhali-Gadi emrhobeni weLibhanoni ukuya entabeni iRhalakha enabela ukuyela ngeSeyiri. (Iindawo zawo uJotjhuwa wazinikela ama-Israyeli ukuya ngokwesabelo seenkoro zawo kobana kube lilifa lazo. Iindawezo bekuziintaba, iTjhefela, umrhoba weJordani, iindawo ezithulamelwe ziintaba, irhalawumba nesewula yenarha, okutjho inarha yamaRhithi, ama-Amori, amaKanana, amaPerizi, amaRhivi namaJebusi.) UJotjhuwa wahlula enye nenye yamakhosi alandelako: ikosi yeJerikho, ikosi ye-Ayi (ebeyihlanu kweBhethe-Eli), ikosi yeJerusalema, ikosi yeRhebroni, ikosi yeJarimuthi, ikosi yeLakitjhi, ikosi ye-Egiloni, ikosi yeGezeri, ikosi yeDebhiri, ikosi yeGederi, ikosi yeRhorima, ikosi ye-Aradi, ikosi yeLibhina, ikosi ye-Adulamu, ikosi yeMakheda, ikosi yeBhethe-Eli, ikosi yeTapuwarhi, ikosi yeRheferi, ikosi ye-Afekhi, ikosi yeLatjharoni, ikosi yeMadoni, ikosi yeRhatsori, ikosi yeTjhimironi-Meroni, ikosi ye-Akitjhafi, ikosi yeTanaka, ikosi yeMegido, ikosi yeKhedetjhi, ikosi yeJokhineyamu eKarameli, ikosi yeDori eligwini leDori, ikosi yeGoyimu eGalile, ikosi yeTiritsa. Kwaba makhosi amatjhumi amathathu nanye sele awoke. UJotjhuwa bekasele aluphele namalanga ayile. USomnini wathi kuye: “Sele uluphele begodu namalanga sele ayile, kanti kusese nenarha ekulu ekusafanele ithunjwe. Nasi inarha esaseleko: Zoke iimfunda zamaFilista nezamaGetjhuri ukusuka emlanjaneni omkhawulo wangepumalanga yeGibhide ukuyokufika emkhawulweni we-Ekhironi ngetlhwagwini. (Iindawezo bezithathwa bona ngezamaKanana kodwana bezibuswa babusi abahlanu bamaFilista eemfundeni ezilandelako: iGaza, i-Atjhidodi, i-Atjhikeloni, iGathi, ne-Ekhironi. Ama-Awi nawo gade ahlala ngesewula yenarha.) Yoke inarha yamaKanana, okutjho ukusuka e-Ara yamaTsidoni ukuya e-Afekhi ukufika emkhawulweni wama-Amori. Godu nenarha yamaGibili neLibhanoni yoke ngepumalanga, ukusuka eBhali-Gadi ngenzasi kwentaba iRherimoni ukuya eLebo-Rhamathi. Lokhu kutjho boke abahlali bangeentabeni ukusuka eLibhanoni ukuya eMisirefothi-Mayimu ngitjho woke amaTsidoni. Ngizabaqotjha mina ngokwami phambi kwama-Israyeli, wena yabela nje kwaphela ama-Israyeli inarha leyo ibe lilifa lawo njengombana ngakuyala. Yeke hlukanisa inarha le kobana ibe lilifa leenkoro ezilithoba kanye nesiquntu sakwaManase.” UMosi inceku kaSomnini wabela isiquntu sekoro yakwaManase, ikoro yakwaRubeni neyakwaGadi isabelo sazo ngaphetjheya kweJordani ngepumalanga. Iinkorwezo zathatha ilifa lazwelo, kwaba njengombana zabelwa nguMosi. Imikhawulo yenarhazo beyisuka edorobheni i-Aroweri eliseligwini lomlanjana i-Arinoni ngekabeni yomrhoba wakhona ukuyokufika emkhawulweni wama-Amoni. Beyifaka phakathi inarha eyikangala ukusuka eMedeba ukuya eDibhoni kanye nawo woke amadorobho wakaSirhoni ikosi yama-Amori ogade abusa eRhetjhibhoni. Imikhawulo yenarhazo leyo godu beyinabela eGiliyadi, emkhawulweni wamaGetjhuri namaMakathi, kiyo yoke intaba iRherimoni neBhatjhani ukuya eSaleka, okutjho yoke imibuso ka-Ogi weBhatjhani obusa e-Atjhitarothi ne-Edreyi. (U-Ogi lo besele kunguye kwaphela oseleko hlangana nemisalela yamaRafa.) UMosi wahlula ama-Amori lawo bewawaqotjha, kodwana ama-Israyeli azange aqotjhe amaGetjhuri namkha amaMakathi; yeke izizwezo zazihlalela hlangana nama-Israyeli bekube kunamhlanje. Kwaba yikoro yamaLevi kwaphela uMosi angazange ayabele ilifa ngombana ilifa lawo bekuminikelo ekhethekileko kuSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli njengombana atjho kuye. UMosi wanikela ikoro yakwaRubeni ilifa ukuya ngemindenayo. Imikhawulwayo beyisuka edorobheni i-Aroweri eliseligwini lomlanjana i-Arinoni ngekabeni yomrhoba wakhona ukufaka phakathi yoke ikangala ukuyokufika eMedeba neRhetjhibhoni kanye nemizanayo yoke esekangala. Imikhawulo yenarha leyo beyifaka phakathi iDibhoni, iBhamothi-Bhali, iBhethe-Bhali-Mewoni, iJahatsi, iKhedemothi, iMefathi, iKhiriyathayimu, iSibima, iTserethi-Hatjharhari entabeni ethulamele umrhoba, iBhethe-Pewori, amathomo wentaba iPisiga kanye neBhethe-Jetjhimoni. Ngilawo-ke amadorobho wekangala okutjho yoke imibuso kaSirhoni ikosi yama-Amori owabusa eRhetjhibhoni. UMosi wabulala uSirhoni loyo kanye nabarholi beMidiyani, u-Evi, uRekhemu, uZuri, uRhuri noReba okumakhosana kaSirhoni agade ahlala enarhenapho. Hlangana nabo boke ababulawa ma-Israyeli ngesabula kwakunoBhiliyamu umsa kaBhewori, umbhuli. Umlambo iJordani gade umkhawulo wamaRubeni. Amadorobho lawo nemizanawo gade kulilifa lamaRubeni ukuya ngemindenawo. UMosi godu wabela ikoro yakwaGadi ilifa ukuya ngokwemindenayo. Imikhawulo yenarhayo kwakuyiJazeri nawo woke amadorobho weGiliyadi nesiquntu senarha yakwa-Amoni ukuya e-Aroweri engepumalanga yeRabha. Imikhawulo leyo beyithoma eRhetjhibhoni ukuya eRamathi-Mitsiphe neBhethonimu nokusuka eMarhanayimu ukuya emkhawulweni weLo-Debhara. Godu beyifaka phakathi amanye amadorobho angemrhobeni weJordani, okutjho iBhethe-Haramu, iBhethe-Nimra, iSukothi neTsafoni. Lokhu kutjho ubunengi bombuso kaSirhoni ikosi yeRhetjhibhoni ngepumalanga yomlambo iJordani. IJordani leyo kwaba mkhawulo wakhona ukuyela ngesewula yelwandle leKinerethi. Amadorobho lawo nemizanawo gade kulilifa lamaGadi ukuya ngokwemindenawo. UMosi godu wabela isiquntu sekoro yakwaManase ilifa ngokwemindenaso. Imikhawulo yaso isuka eMarhanayimu ifake phakathi iBhatjhani yoke, okutjho woke umbuso ka-Ogi ikosi yakhona nemizi yoke yeRhavothi-Jayire eseBhatjhani, ebeyingaba madorobho amatjhumi asithandathu. Imikhawulo leyo godu beyifaka phakathi isiquntu sakwaGiliyadi, i-Atjhitarothi ne-Edreyi, okumadorobho wobukhosi baka-Ogi eBhatjhani. Lezo bekuziindawo ezanikelwa isiquntu sekoro yakwaManase okuziinzukulwana zakaMakiri ngokwemindenazo. Lelo-ke kwaba lilifa uMosi alaba lokha nagade angemrhobeni weJordani kwaMowabi malungana neJerikho. UMosi azange ayabele litho ikoro yamaLevi ngombana isabelo sayo nguSomnini uZimu njengombana kwatjhiwo njalo kiyo. La mamafa ama-Israyeli awafumana enarheni yeKanana abawabelwa ngu-Elazara umphristi, uJotjhuwa umsa kaNuni kanye neenhloko zemindeni yaboyise beenkoro zama-Israyeli. Ilifa labo labiwa ngefumbe njengombana uSomnini ayala uMosi mayelana neenkoro ezilithoba nesiquntu. UMosi gade abele iinkoro ezimbili nesiquntu ilifa ngepumalanga yeJordani. AmaLevi azange awabele ilifa hlangana neenkorwezo. Abantu bakwaJosefa gade baziinkoro ezimbili, uManase no-Efrayimu. Iye, amaLevi azange awabele ilifa njengenarhawo; kwaphela amadorobho wokuhlala kanye namadlelo wakhona kobana ifuywawo idle. Nje-ke ama-Israyeli aba inarha njengombana uSomnini ayala uMosi. Abajameli babantu bakwaJuda beza kuJotjhuwa eGiligali. UKalebi umsa kaJefune umKhenizi wathi kuye: “Nguwe owaziko bona uSomnini wathini kuMosi inceku kaZimu eKhadetjhi-Bharineya mayelana nami nawe. Gade ngineminyaka ematjhumi amane lokha uMosi inceku kaSomnini nangithuma ngiseKhadetjhi-Bharineya kobana ngiyokuhlola inarha, ngambuyela nependulo njengombana kwakusehliziywenami. Abafowethu abenyuka nami bafakela abantu amanzi emadolweni, kodwana mina ngalandela uSomnini uZimami ngokupheleleko. UMosi wafunga mhlokho wathi, ‘Ngambala inarha obeke kiyo inyawo lakho izakuba lilifa lakho nabantwabakho isiphelani ngombana ulandele uSomnini uZimami ngokupheleleko’. Yeke, qala, uSomnini ungibulungile njengombana watjho eminyakeni ematjhumi amane namihlanu le, ukusuka ngesikhathi akhuluma amazwi lawa kuMosi lokha u-Israyeli nasakhamba erhalawumbeni. Nakhu namhlanje sengineminyaka ematjhumi abunane nahlanu, kodwana ngisesenamandla nanamhlanjesi njengombana nganginjalo mhlana uMosi nangithumako. Amandlami nagadesi asese njengaleso sikhathi, ngisengaphuma ipi, ngirhole nabantu. Yeke nginikela inarha yeentabezi uSomnini akhuluma ngayo mhlokho. Iye, mbala nawe wezwa mhlokho bona ama-Anakhi ahlala lapho anamadorobho amakhulu anemithangala. Nakube uSomnini uzakuba nami, ngiwaqotjhe lapho njengombana athembisa.” Yeke uJotjhuwa wambusisa, wanikela uKalebi umsa kaJefune iRhebroni kwaba lilifa lakhe. Ngaleyondlela iRhebroni yaba lilifa lakaKalebi umsa kaJefune umKhenizi bekube namhlanje ngombana walandela uSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli ngokupheleleko. Ibizo leRhebroni ekuthomeni bekuyiKhiriyathi-Ariba. U-Ariba loyo gade ayitsitsirimbakazi hlangana nama-Anakhi. Ngesikhatheso inarha yaphumula izipi. Ifumbe yesabelo sekoro yakwaJuda ukuya ngokwemindenayo yafikelela ngesewula yomkhawulo wakwa-Edomu ukuyela erhalawumbeni leTsini ekugcineni kwamaphethelo wenarha ngesewula. Umkhawulwayo wangesewula wawuthoma ekugcineni kwelwandle leTswayi ukusuka eligwini eliqalene nesewula, urhubalale njalo uye ngesewula yomkghotha we-Akhirabhimu udlulele eTsini bese ukhuphukela ngesewula yeKhadetjhi-Bharineya, udlule eRhetsironi ukhuphukele e-Adari bese ujikela eKharakha, udlulele e-Atsimoni urhubalale ngomlanjana weGibhide bese ugcine elwandle. Lowo-ke mkhawulo wangesewula. Umkhawulo wangepumalanga lilwandle leTswayi ukuya ekugcineni kweJordani. Umkhawulo ongetlhagwini uthoma eligwini lelwandle, lapha iJordani igcina khona, ukhuphukele eBhethe-Rhogila, udlulele ngetlhagwini yeBhethe-Araba bese ukhuphukele elitjeni lakaBhohani. (UBhohani lo bekusizukulwana sakaRubeni.) Umkhawulo lowo wenyukela eDebhiri udabule emrhobeni we-Akori unqombe ngetjingalanga nca ngeGiligali emalungana nomkghotha we-Adumimi ongehlangothini langesewula yomlanjana. Ukusuka lapho udlulele emanzini womthombo iTjhemetjhi bese uyokutjhayisa emthonjeni iRogeli. Ukusuka lapho wenyuke ngomrhoba weBheni-Hinomu ugege nehlangothi langesewula yentaba yamaJebusi (okutjho iJerusalema), uye esiqongolweni sentaba elinganisene nomrhoba weHinomu ngetjingalanga okumaphethelo womrhoba weRafa, bese ujike ukusuka esiqongolweni sentaba leyo uye emthonjeni weNefitowarhi, ukusuka lapho unqombe emizaneni engentabeni i-Efroni, ujikele nca ngemzini weBhala (okutjho iKhiriyathi-Jeyarimu). Ukusuka lapho ujikela ngetjingalanga uye entabeni iSeyiri, unqombe ngehlangothini elingetlhagwini yentaba iJeyarimu (okutjho iKesaloni) bese wehlele eBhethe-Tjhemetjhi, udabule eTimna. Ukusuka lapho umkhawulo udlula ehlangothini elingetlhagwini yentaba i-Ekhironi, ujikele nca ngeTjhikeroni udlulele entabeni iBhala bese utjhinga nca ngeJabiniyeli ubhoduluke uzokuphelela ekupheleleni kwelwandle. Umkhawulo wangetjingalanga kwakulilwandle elikhulu kanye neligu lalo. Leyo-ke mikhawulo ebegade izombeleze abantu bakwaJuda ukuya ngokwemindenabo. Ukuya ngokomyalo kaSomnini kuJotjhuwa, uKalebi umsa kaJefune wanikelwa isabelo hlangana nabantu bakwaJuda. Isabelweso bekuyiKhiriyathi-Ariba, okutjho iRhebroni (u-Ariba gade kunguyise ka-Anakhi). UKalebi waqotjha lapho amadodana amathathu ka-Anakhi okunguTjhetjhayi, u-Arhimani noTalimayi. Wasuka lapho wenyuka wayokusahlela abahlali beDebhiri. Ekuthomeni iDebhiri bekuthiwa yiKhiriyathi-Seferi. UKalebi wathi: “Nanyana ngubani omadlha iKhiriyathi-Seferi, ayithumbe, ngizamnikela u-Akisa indodakazami abe mkakhe.” U-Otiniyeli umsa kaKhenazi, ongumfowabo omncani kaKalebi, wayithumba. UKalebi wamnikela indodakazakhe u-Akisa bona abe mkakhe. Ekufikeni kwaka-Akisa ku-Otiniyeli gade amyenge bonyana akhombele uyise isimu. Kodwana kuthe nabafika kuyise, u-Akisa asehla kudumbanakhe, uKalebi wathi kuye: “Ufuna ngikwenzeleni?” Yena waphendula wathi: “Ngibawa isipho. Ubaba ungibeke ngesewula yenarha eyomileko, yeke akangiphe indawo enamanzi.” Nje-ke uKalebi wamnikela indawo enamanzi emibundwini nangemirhobeni. Nanti ilifa lekoro yabantu bakwaJuda ukuya ngokwemindenayo: Amadorobho wabantu bakwaJuda ngemaphethelweni wangesewula ukuyela emkhawulweni waka-Edomu bekuyiKhabitsiyeli, i-Ederi, iJaguri, iKhina, iDimona, i-Adadi, iKhedetjhi, iRhatsori, iJitinani, iZifi, iThelemu, iBheyalothi, iRhatsori-Rhadata, iKheriyothi-Rhetsironi (godu okuthiwa yiRhatsori), i-Amamu, iTjhema, iMolada, iRhatsari-Gada, iRhetjhimoni, iBhethe-Pelethi, iRhatsari-Tjhuwali, iBheritjheba, iBhiziyothiya, iBhala, i-Iyimu, i-Etsemu, i-Elitoladi, iKesili, iRhorima, iTsikhilagi, iMadimana, iSansana, iLebawothi, iTjhilirhimu, i-Ayini neRimoni. Sele awoke kwaba madorobho amatjhumi amabili nethoba nemizanawo. Eendaweni ezithulamelwe ziintaba bekuyi-Etjhitawoli, iTsora, i-Atjhina, iZanowarhi, i-Eni-Ganimu, iTapuwarhi, i-Enamu, iJarimuthi, i-Adulamu, iSoko, i-Azekha, iTjhayarayimu, i-Aditayimu, iGedera neGederotayimu. Kwaba madorobho alitjhumi nane nemizanawo. Hlanu kwamadorobho lawo bekunalawa: iTsenani, iRhadatjha, iMigidali-Gadi, iDilani, iMitsiphe, iJokitiyeli, iLakitjhi, iBhotsikhathi, i-Egiloni, iKaboni, iLarhimasi, iKitilitjhi, iGederothi, iBhethe-Dagoni, iNama neMakheda. Kwaba madorobho alitjhumi nathandathu nemizanawo. Amanye godu bekuyiLibhina, i-Eteri, i-Atjhani, iJifitarhi, i-Atjhina, iNetsibi, iKheyila, i-Akziba neMaretjha. Kwaba madorobho alithoba nemizanawo. Godu i-Ekhironi nemizayo kanye nemizanayo; ukusuka e-Ekhironi ukuya elwandle, woke amadorobho ebegade amagegana ne-Atjhidodi nemizanawo. Godu ukusuka e-Atjhidodi nemizayo kanye nemizanayo neGaza nemizayo kanye nemizanayo ukuya emlanjaneni weGibhide nelwandle eliKhulu kanye neligu lalo. Ngenarheni yangeentabeni, kwaba yiTjhamiri, iJatiri, iSoko, iDana, iKhiriyathi-Sana (okutjho iDebhiri), i-Anabi, i-Etjhitemo, i-Animu, iGotjheni, iRholoni neGilo. Kwaba madorobho alitjhumi nanye nemizanawo. Amanye godu bekuyi-Arabu, iRuma, i-Etjhani, iJanimu, iBhethe-Tapuwarhi, i-Afekha, iRhumeta, iKhiriyathi-Ariba (okutjho iRhebroni) neTsiwori. Kwaba madorobho alithoba nemizanawo. Godu kwaba yi-Mawoni, iKarameli, iZifi, iJutha, iJizriyela, iJokideyamu, iZanowarhi, iKhayini, iGibeya neTimina. Kwaba madorobho alitjhumi nemizanawo. Godu iRhalirhuli, iBhethe-Tsuri, iGedori, iMarathi, iBhethe-Anothi ne-Elitekhoni. Kwaba madorobho asithandathu nemizanawo. Godu iKhiriyathi-Bhali (okutjho iKhiriyathi-Jeyarimu) neRaba. Kwaba madorobho amabili nemizanawo. Erhalawumbeni kwaba yiBhethe-Araba, iMidini, iSekaka, iNibitjhani, i-Iri-Hamelarhi ne-Eni-Gedi. Kwaba madorobho asithandathu nemizanawo. Kodwana abantu bakwaJuda azange baphumelele ukuqotjha amaJebusi, okubahlali beJerusalema; yeke amaJebusi ahlala nabantu bakwaJudabo eJerusalema bekube kunamhlanje. Ifumbe yabeka umkhawulo weenzukulwana zakaJosefa ngesewula ngalendlela: Wathoma emlanjeni iJordani eJerikho; ukusuka lapho wadlula imithombo yeJerikho ngepumalanga, wadabula erhalawumbeni wenyukela eentabeni zeBhethe-Eli. Ukusuka lapho wanqomba eLuzi ukuyela e-Atharothi nca ngemkhawulweni wama-Ariki bese wehlela ngetjingalanga emkhawulweni wamaJafilethi ukudlula eBhethe-Rhoroni esenzasi, wanqomba eGezeri ukuyokutjhayisa elwandle. Lokha iinzukulwana zakaJosefa, uManase no-Efrayimu, nazithatha ilifa lazo imikhawulo yabakwa-Efrayimu ngokwemindenabo yayingalendlela: Umkhawulo welifa labo ngesewula usuka ngepumalanga ye-Atharothi-Adara uye eBhethe-Rhoroni engehla, uyokufika elwandle. Umkhawulo wangepumalanga uthoma eMikimetathi ngetlhagwini bese ujikela ngesewula-pumalanga ukuya eTanathi-Tjhilo, udabule kiyo ngepumalanga uye eJanowarhi. Ukusuka lapho wehlele e-Atharothi neNara, udlule eJerikho bese uphelele eJordani. Umkhawulo wangetlhagwini usuka eTapuwarhi unqomba ngetjingalanga emlanjaneni iKhana bese uphelela elwandle. Lelo-ke bekulilifa lekoro yama-Efrayimu ngokwemindenayo. Ama-Efrayimu godu gade abelwe amanye amadorobho nemizanawo ngaphakathi kwelifa lakwaManase. Kodwana azange baqotjhe amaKanana ebegade ahlala eGezeri. Yeke amaKanana lawo ahlala hlangana nama-Efrayimu bekube kunamhlanje nanyana gade enza umsebenzi okatelelako. Godu ifumbe yabeka umkhawulo wekoro yakwaManase. UManase gade alizibulo lakaJosefa, uMakiri alizibulo lakaManase nonguyise kaGiliyadi. Ngebanga lokobana uMakiri gade ayingorho bekabelwe iGiliyadi neBhatjhani. Inengi lekoro yakwaManase lafumana ilifa ngokwemindeni. Imindeni leyo bekungu-Abiyezeri neenzukulwana zakaRhelekhi, zaka-Asiriyeli, zakaTjhekemu, zakaRheferi nezakaTjhemida. Lezo-ke bekuziinzukulwana eziduna zakaManase umsa kaJosefa ngokwemindenazo. UTselofirhadi umsa kaRheferi omsa kaGiliyadi umsa kaMakiri omsa kaManase azange abe namadodana. Waba namadodakazi kwaphela, amabizwawo ngilawa: uMarhila, uNoya, uRhogila, uMilika noTiritsa. Wona eza phambi kwaka-Elazara umphristi noJotjhuwa umsa kaNuni nabarholi athi: “USomnini wayala uMosi kobana asiphe ilifa phakathi kwabafowethu.” Yeke ukuya ngokomyalo kaSomnini, wawanikela ilifa phakathi kwabafowabo. UManase wabelwa iingcenye ezilitjhumi ngaphandle kwenarha yeGiliyadi neBhatjhani engaphetjheya kweJordani, ngombana amadodakazi wekoro yakwaManase afumana ilifa hlangana namadodanakhe. Inarha yeGiliyadi gade yabelwe elinye inengi lekoro yakwaManase. Umkhawulo wakwaManase wawusuka e-Atjhera ufike eMikimetathi eseTjhekemu. Umkhawulo lowo bewukhamba ugegele ngesewula ukuyela eJatjhibi nomthombo weTapuwarhi. Inarha yeTapuwarhi bekungeyakaManase, kodwana idorobho leTapuwarhi emkhawulweni wakwaManase belingelama-Efrayimu. Umkhawulo bewehlela ngesewula yomlanjana iKhana. Amanye wamadorobho asenarheni yakwaManase ngetlhagwini yomlanjana lowo gade kungewaka-Efrayimu. Umkhawulo lowo bewuphelela elwandle. Nje-ke inarha engesewula yomlanjana bekungeyaka-Efrayimu bese engetlhagwini kungeyakaManase. Ilwandle belimkhawulo ngetjingalanga yenarha yakwaManase. Ngetlhagwini-tjingalanga beyifika kwa-Atjheri bese ngetlhagwini-pumalanga ifike kwa-Isakari. Enarheni yakwa-Isakari neyakwa-Atjheri uManase gade abelwe amadorobho alandelako nemizanawo: iBhethe-Tjhani, iJibiliyamu, iDoro nabahlali bakhona (lokhu kutjho iDoro eentatjaneni zeligu), i-Eni-Doro nabahlali bakhona, iTanaki nabahlali bakhona kanye neMegido nabahlali bakhona. Amadodana kaManase azange aphumelele ukuthumba amadorobho lawo, nje-ke amaKanana aragela phambili nokuzihlalela enarhenapho. Kodwana kuthe lokha ama-Israyeli naqina amandla, akatelela amaKanana lawo ngomsebenzi. Ngalokho azange awaqotjhe woke emadorobheni lawo. Isizukulwana sakaJosefa sakhuluma noJotjhuwa sathi: “Kubayini uthi usibona sibanengi kangaka ngesibalo, nokobana sibusiswe nguSomnini wena usiphosele ifumbe kanye kobana usabele isabelo sinye kwaphela na?” UJotjhuwa wathi kiso: “Nakube nibanengi kangako, kubayini ningakhuphukeli ehlathini bese nizirhulele lapho indawo enarheni yamaPerizi namaRafa nangabe mbala inarha yeentaba zakwa-Efrayimu yincani khulu kini?” Isizukulwana sakaJosefa sathi: “Inarha yeentaba nayo ayikasaneli, kanti namaKanana ahlala emirhuleni aneenkarana zepi zesimbi, okutjho lawo ahlala eBhethe-Tjhani nemizanayo nalawo asemrhobeni weJizriyela.” UJotjhuwa wathi ekumbeni kaJosefa, okungu-Efrayimu noManase: “Vele nibabantu abanengi begodu ninamandla amakhulu. Ngalokho anikafaneli ukuba nesabelo sinye kwaphela, iye, inarha yeentaba ingeyenu begodu nanyana imahlathi, nizayirhula ibe ngeyenu ukuyokufika emathomeni weentaba. Nizakuqotjha amaKanana nanyana anamandla begodu neenkarana zawo zepi zingezesimbi njalo.” Umkhambathi woke wama-Israyeli wahlangana eTjhilo wahloma itende lokuhlanganela lapho. Inarha leyo besele ihluliwe. Gade kusese neenkoro ezilikhomba hlangana nama-Israyeli ebegade zingakabi ukwabelwa ilifa lazo. UJotjhuwa wathi kuma-Israyeli: “Nizolokhu nitatazela kufika nini ningangeni nithathe inarha uSomnini uZimu waboyihlo aninikele yona le? Khuphani amadoda amathathu ekorweni ngayinye, mina ngizawathuma kobana aphume adabule inarha athale ubujamo bayo ukuze yabiwe njengelifa. Lokha nabuyela kimi izakuhlukaniswa iingcenye ezilikhomba. Ilifa lakwaJuda lizakuhlala linjalo ngesewula nelifa lekumba kaJosefa ngetlhagwini. Lokha nasele nithale inarha iingcenye ezilikhomba, lethani ihlathululo leyo kimi ukuze ngenze ifumbe yokwaba inarha khonapha phambi kwakaSomnini uZimethu. AmaLevi akanasabelo phakathi kwenu ngombana ubuphristi bakaSomnini bulilifa lawo. BakwaGadi, bakwaRubeni kanye nesiquntu sakwaManase sebafumene ilifa labo ngaphetjheya kweJordani ngepumalanga okuyinarha ebayabelwa nguMosi inceku kaSomnini.” Kuthe lokha amadoda ebekakhethelwe ukuyokuthala inarha nasele alungele ukuphuma uJotjhuwa wabuyelela umyalwakhe kiwo wathi: “Khambani nidabule inarha niyithale bese nibuyela kimi. Mina ngizanenzela ifumbe khona eTjhilwapha phambi kwakaSomnini.” Amadoda aphuma-ke adabula inarha, atlola emsongweni ihlathululwayo ngokwamadorobhayo iingcenye ezilikhomba. Abuyela kuJotjhuwa ekampeni eTjhilo. UJotjhuwa wawenzela ifumbe eTjhilo phambi kwakaSomnini, wahlukanisela ama-Israyeli inarha khonapho. Ikoro ngayinye yafumana isabelo sayo. Ifumbe yawela ekorweni yakwaBhenjamini ngokwemindenayo. Inarha eyabelwa yona yaba hlangana kwekoro yakwaJuda neyakwaJosefa. Umkhawulo ongetlhagwini wathoma eJordani, wakhuphukela ngehlangothini langetlhagwini yentaba yeJerikho, wakhuphuka njalo uqamula intaba waya ngetjingalanga, wayokubetha erhalawumbeni leBhethe-Aveni. Ukusuka lapho umkhawulo waqamula ngehlangothini langesewula yentatjana yeLuzi (okutjho iBhethe-Eli) ukuya enzasi e-Atharothi-Adari ukudabula phezu kwentaba engesewula yeBhethe-Rhoroni esenzasi. Khonapho wajika waba mkhawulo wangetjingalanga. Ukusuka entabeni engesewula hlanu kweBhethe-Rhoroni umkhawulo wanqomba ngesewula wayokutjhayisa eKhiriyathi-Bhali (okutjho iKhiriyathi-Jeyarimu), okulidorobho lekoro yakwaJuda. Lowo-ke bekumkhawulo wangetjingalanga. Umkhawulo wangesewula bewuthoma hlanu kweKhiriyathi-Jeyarimu; ukusuka ngetjingalanga uye emthonjeni weNefitowarhi, wehlele emathomeni wentaba ehlanu komrhoba weBheni-Hinomu nangetlhagwini yomrhoba weRafa, urhubalale njalo ukwehlela enzasi emrhobeni kaHinomu bese uqamule ihlangothi langesewula yentaba yamaJebusi, wehlele emthonjeni weRogeli. Ukusuka lapho ujikele ngetlhagwini-pumalanga uye emthonjeni weTjhemetjhi bese lapho-ke unqombe eGelilothi emalungana nomkghotha we-Adumimi, wehle njalo unqombe elitjeni lakaBhohani osizukulwana sakaRubeni. Umkhawulo lowo udlulele ngehlangothini langetlhagwini yentaba magegana neBhethe-Araba, wehlele emrhobeni weJordani. Godu udlulele ngehlangothini langetlhagwini yentaba yeBhethe-Rhogila bese uyokuphelela ngetlhagwini yeligu lelwandle leTswayi ekugcineni kweJordani. Lowo-ke bekumkhawulo wangesewula. IJordani beyimkhawulo wangepumalanga. Leyo-ke bekumikhawulo mazombe yelifa lekoro yakwaBhenjamini ukuya ngokwemindenayo. Amadorobho wekoro yakwaBhenjamini ukuya ngokwemindenayo gade kuyiJerikho, iBhethe-Rhogila, i-Emekhi-Ketsitsi, iBhethe-Araba, iTsemarayimu, iBhethe-Eli, i-Avimu, iPara, i-Ofira, iKefara-Hamoni, i-Ofini neGeba. Kwaba madorobho alitjhumi nambili nemizanawo. Amanye bekuyiGibiyoni, iRama, iBherothi, iMitsiphe, iKefira, iMotsa, iRekhemu, iJiripiyeli, iTarala, iTsela, i-Elefi, iJebusi (okutjho iJerusalema), iGibeya neKhiriyathi-Jeyarimu. Kwaba madorobho alitjhumi nane nemizanawo. Lelo-ke bekulilifa lekoro yakwaBhenjamini ukuya ngokwemindenayo. Ifumbe yesibili yawela ekorweni yakwaSimiyoni ukuya ngokwemindenayo. Ilifa layo laba hlangana nelifa lekoro yakwaJuda. Isabelo sayo saba yiBheritjheba, iTjheba, iMolada, iRhatsari-Tjhuwali, iBhala, i-Etsemu, i-Elitoladi, iBhetuli, iRhorima, iTsikhilagi, iBhethe-Hamarikabothi, iRhatsari-Susa, iBhethe-Lebawothi neTjharurheni. Kwaba madorobho alitjhumi nantathu nemizanawo. Amanye bekuyi-Ayini, iRimoni, i-Eteri ne-Atjhani. Kwaba madorobho amane nemizanawo, iye, yoke imizana emagegana namadorobho lawo ukufaka phakathi iBhalathi-Bheri neRamathi-Negevu. Lelo bekulilifa lekoro yakwaSimiyoni ukuya ngokwemindenayo. Ilifa lekoro yakwaSimiyoni beliyingcenye yenarha yakwaJuda ngombana isabelo sekoro yakwaJuda besisikhulu khulu kiso. Ngalokho ikoro yakwaSimiyoni yafumana isabelo hlangana nelifa lekoro yakwaJuda. Ifumbe yesithathu yawela ekorweni yakwaZebuloni ukuya ngokwemindenayo. Imikhawulo yelifa layo beyithoma eSaridi. Umkhawulo omunye ukhuphukela nca ngelwandle neMarala, udlule eduze neDabetjhethi, uthinte umlanjana oseJokhineyamu. Omunye bewusuka eSaridi utjhinge tjhuba langepumalanga ukudabula inarha yeKisilothi-Tabori unqombe eDaberathi bese ukhuphukela eJafiya. Ukusuka lapho utjhinge tjhuba langepumalanga yeGathi-Rheferi ne-Eti-Khatsini, unqombe eRimoni bese ujikela ngeNeya. Ngetlhagwini yeRhanatoni ujike bese uphelela emrhobeni weJifitarheli. Ilifelo belifaka phakathi iKhathathi, iNahalali, iTjhimroni, iJidala neBhethe-Lehema. Kwaba madorobho alitjhumi nambili nemizanawo. Lelo bekulilifa lekoro yakwaZebuloni ukuya ngokwemindenayo, okumadorobho nemizanawo. Ifumbe yesine yawela ekorweni yakwa-Isakari ukuya ngokwemindenayo. Isabelo sayo safaka phakathi iJizriyela, iKesulothi, iTjhunemu, iRhafarayimu, iTjhiyoni, i-Anarharathi, iRabithi, iKhitjhiyoni, i-Ebetsi, iRemethi, i-Eni-Ganimu, i-Eni-Rhada neBhethe-Patsetsi. Umkhawulo wesabelo sayo wathinta iTabori wadlulela eTjharhatsima neBhethe-Tjhemetjhi waphelela eJordani. Kwaba madorobho alitjhumi nesithandathu nemizanawo. Lelo bekulilifa lekoro yakwa-Isakari ukuya ngokwemindenayo, okumadorobho nemizanawo. Ifumbe yesihlanu yawela ekorweni yakwa-Atjheri ukuya ngokwemindenayo. Isabelo sayo safaka hlangana iRhelikhathi, iRhali, iBhetheni, i-Akitjhafi, i-Alameleki, i-Amadi neMitjhali. Umkhawulo wakhona bewudlula entabeni iKarameli bese urhubalale uye ngetjingalanga ukuyokufika ekugcineni komlanjana iLibinathi. Ukuyela ngepumalanga, umkhawulo bewujikela eBhethe-Dagoni, ugege namaphethelo weZebuloni ngetlhagwini yomrhoba iJifitharhi-Eli, unqombe eBhethe-Emekhi neNehiyeli bese uragele phambili utjhinge eKabhulu ngetlhagwini. Umkhawulo bewufaka phakathi i-Eburoni, iRerhobho, iRhamoni neKhana, ukuyokufika eTsidoni eKulu. Usuke lapho ujike uye eRama uyokutjhayisa eTirosi okulidorobho elinemithangala; godu ujike udlule iRhosa uphelele elwandle. Amanye amadorobho bekuyiMarhalebu, i-Akziba, i-Uma, i-Afekhi neRerhobho. Kwaba madorobho amatjhumi amabili nambili nemizanawo. Lelo bekulilifa lekoro yakwa-Atjheri ukuya ngokwemindenayo, okumadorobho nemizanawo. Ifumbe yesithandathu yawela ekorweni yakwaNafitali ngokuya ngemindenayo. Umkhawulwayo ngesewula bewuthoma eRhelefi, emthini omkhulu we-owuku eTsananimu, udabule e-Adami-Nekhebi neJabhiniyeli ukuyokufika eLakhumu bese uphelela eJordani. Ukusuka eRhelefi ujikele ngetjingalanga uye e-Azinothi-Tabori, urhubalale njalo uye eRhukhokhi ufese ugege emaphethelweni wakwaZebuloni ngesewula newakwa-Atjheri ngetjingalanga, wayokuphelela ngepumalanga eJehuda ngemlanjeni iJordani. Amadorobhayo anemithangala kwaba yiTsidimu, iTseri, iRhamathi, iRakhathi, iKinerethi, i-Adama, iRama, iRhatsori, iKhedetjhi, i-Edreyi, i-Eni-Rhatsori, iJironi, iMigidali-Eli, iRhoremu, iBhethe-Anathi neBhethe-Tjhemetjhi. Kwaba madorobho alitjhumi nethoba nemizanawo. Lelo bekulilifa lekoro yakwaNafitali ukuya ngokwemindenayo, okumadorobho nemizanawo. Ifumbe yekhomba yawela ekorweni yakwaDani ukuya ngokwemindenayo. Umkhawulo welifa layo bewufaka phakathi iTsora, i-Etjhitawolo, i-Iri-Tjhemetjhi, iTjhalabhini, i-Ayaloni, iJitila, i-Eloni, iTimna, i-Ekhironi, i-Elitekhe, iGibetoni, iBhalathi, iJehudi, iBhene-Bherakhi, iGathi-Rimoni, iMe-Jarikhoni neRakhoni kanye nemikhawulo emalungana neJafo. Kodwana bakwaDani baloba umkhawulwabo. Nje-ke bakhuphuka bayokulwa neLetjhemu, bayisahlela, bayimadlha ngesabula, bayithumba bebahlala kiyo. Bayibiza bona yiDani, bayithiyelela ngoyisemkhulu uDani. Lelo bekulilifa lekoro yakwaDani ukuya ngokwemindenayo, okumadorobho nemizanawo. Kuthe bona baqede ukwaba inarha njengelifa ngokwemikhawulwayo, ama-Israyeli anikela uJotjhuwa umsa kaNuni isabelo phakathi kwawo. Ngokomyalo kaSomnini ama-Israyeli amnikela idorobho alikhombelako, okuyiTimnathi-Serarhi ngeentatjaneni zakwa-Efrayimu. Wavuselela idorobhelo, wahlala kilo. Lawo-ke mamafa u-Elazara umphristi noJotjhuwa umsa kaNuni kanye neenhloko zemindeni yaboyise beenkoro zama-Israyeli abawaba ngefumbe eTjhilo phambi kwakaSomnini emnyango wetende lokuhlanganela. Baqeda njalo-ke ukwaba inarha. USomnini wakhuluma noJotjhuwa wathi akakhulume nama-Israyeli athi: “Khethani amadorobho wobuphephelo engakhuluma ngawo nani ngoMosi, bonyana umuntu obulele omunye ngephoso angakahlosi, abalekele kiwo. Azakuba yindawo yokuphephela kini nanibalekela umuntu ofuna ukubuyiselela ngeengazi. Umuntu loyo uzakubalekela kelinye lamadorobho lawo afese ajame ebungenweni besango lakhona, ahlathululele abaphathi bedorobhelo indabakhe. Bona-ke bazamngenisa ngedorobheni, bamnikele indawo, ahlale nabo lapho. Nakube umbuyiseleli weengazi uyamlandelela, abaphathi abakameli ukunikela umbulali loyo ezandleni zombuyiseleli ngombana ubulele umuntu womphakathi ngaphandle kwehloso angazange amzonde phambilini. Uzakuhlala ngedorobhenelo bekufike isikhathi sokobana ayokuvela ngaphambi kwebandla. Nakube akakabonwa umlandu uzakuhlala ngedorobhenapho kufikela lapha kuhlongakala khona umphristi omkhulu wangaleso sikhathi. Ngemva kwalokho-ke umbulali loyo angabuyela edorobheni lekhabo aye emzinakhe, okulidorobho abaleka kilo.” Yeke ama-Israyeli ahlukanisela iKhedetjhi eGalile ngeentatjaneni zakwaNafitali, iTjhekemu ngeentatjaneni zakwa-Efrayimu neKhiriyathi-Ariba (okutjho iRhebroni) ngeentatjaneni zakwaJuda. Ngaphetjheya kweJordani ngepumalanga yeJerikho bahlukanisela iBhetseri eserhalawumbeni elisekangala ukusuka ekorweni yakwaRubeni, iRamothi eseGiliyadi ekorweni yakwaGadi neGolana eseBhatjhani ekorweni yakwaManase. Lawo bekumadorobho wobuphephelo abelwe woke ama-Israyeli neenkhonzi eziphakathi kwawo ukuze kuthi nanyana ngubani obulala umuntu ngaphandle kwehloso abalekele kiwo. Umbuyiseleli weengazi akukameli ambulale angakaveli phambi kwebandla. Iinhloko zemindeni yamaLevi zeza ku-Elazara umphristi nakuJotjhuwa umsa kaNuni neenhlokweni zemindeni yaboyise beenkoro zama-Israyeli baseTjhilo enarheni yeKanana zathi kibo: “USomnini wayala ngoMosi bonyana sinikelwe amadorobho wokuhlala kanye namadlelo wefuywethu.” Yeke ngomyalo kaSomnini ama-Israyeli athatha elifeni lawo amadorobho namadlelo wakhona awanikela amaLevi. Ifumbe yawela emindenini yamaKhehathi. Yeke hlangana namaLevi aziinzukulwana zaka-Aroni umphristi amanye amaKhehathi afumana amadorobho alitjhumi nantathu ngefumbe ekorweni yakwaJuda, yakwaSimiyoni neyakwaBhenjamini. Godu amanye amaKhehathi afumana amadorobho alitjhumi ngefumbe emindenini yekoro yakwa-Efrayimu, yakwaDani kanye nesiquntwini sakwaManase. AmaGeritjhoni afumana amadorobho alitjhumi nantathu ngefumbe emindenini yekoro yakwa-Isakari, yakwa-Atjheri, yakwaNafitali kanye nesiquntwini sakwaManase eBhatjhani. AmaMerari ngokwemindenawo afumana amadorobho alitjhumi nambili ekorweni yakwaRubeni, yakwaGadi kanye neyakwaZebuloni. Ngaleyondlela ama-Israyeli anikela amaLevi amadorobho lawo kanye namadlelo wakhona ngefumbe njengombana uSomnini ayala ngoMosi. Njengombana ifumbe nayiwako yathoma emindenini yamaKhehathi okuziinzukulwana zaka-Aroni ekorweni yamaLevi, amadorobho abalwe ngenzasi athathwa ekorweni yakwaJuda neyakwaSimiyoni anikelwa iinzukulwanezo. Amadorobho lawo bekuyiKhiriyathi-Ariba, okutjho iRhebroni, ngeentatjaneni zakwaJuda kanye namadlelwayo magegana nayo. (U-Ariba lo gade kunguyise ka-Anakhi.) Kodwana amasimu wedorobho nemizanalo kwanikelwa uKalebi umsa kaJefune njengelifa lakhe. Ngaphandle kweRhebroni, okulidorobho lobuphephelo, kanye namadlelwayo, iinzukulwana zaka-Aroni umphristi zanikelwa iLibhina namadlelwayo, iJatiri namadlelwayo, i-Etjhitemowa namadlelwayo, iRholoni namadlelwayo, iDebhiri namadlelwayo, i-Ayini namadlelwayo, iJutha namadlelwayo neBhethe-Tjhemetjhi namadlelwayo. Wolithoba amadorobho lawo aphuma eenkorweni ezimbili, okutjho yakwaJuda neyakwaSimiyoni. Ekorweni yakwaBhenjamini kwathathwa iGibiyoni namadlelwayo, iGeba namadlelwayo, i-Anatothi namadlelwayo ne-Alimoni namadlelwayo. Kwaba madorobho amane. Amadorobho wabaphristi abaziinzukulwana zaka-Aroni, gade alitjhumi nantathu sele awoke kanye namadlelwawo. Amanye amaKhehathi angewomndeni wamaLevi, abelwa amadorobho ekorweni yakwa-Efrayimu. Anikelwa iTjhekemu, okulidorobho lobuphephelo namadlelwayo ngeentatjaneni zakwa-Efrayimu, iGezeri namadlelwayo, iKhibitsayimu namadlelwayo neBhethe-Rhoroni namadlelwayo. Kwaba madorobho amane. Ekorweni yakwaDani kwathathwa i-Elitekhe namadlelwayo, iGibetoni namadlelwayo, i-Ayaloni namadlelwayo neGathi-Rimoni namadlelwayo. Kwaba madorobho amane. Esiquntwini sekoro yakwaManase kwathathwa iTanaki namadlelwayo neJibiliyamu namadlelwayo. Kwaba madorobho amabili. Amadorobho wemindeni yamaKhehathi amanye gade alitjhumi nawo woke amadlelwawo. AmaGeritjhoni, okungeminye yemindeni yamaLevi, anikelwa amadorobho esiquntwini sekoro yakwaManase. Wona gade kuyiGolana eseBhatjhani namadlelwayo (okulidorobho lobuphephelo), iBhetjhitera namadlelwayo. Kwaba madorobho amabili. Ekorweni yakwa-Isakari anikelwa iKhitjhiyoni namadlelwayo, iDaberathi namadlelwayo, iJarimuthi namadlelwayo ne-Eni-Ganimu namadlelwayo. Kwaba madorobho amane. Ekorweni yakwa-Atjheri anikelwa iMitjhali namadlelwayo, i-Abidoni namadlelwayo iRhelikhathi namadlelwayo neRerhobho namadlelwayo. Kwaba madorobho amane. Ekorweni yakwaNafitali anikelwa iKhedetjhi eseGalile namadlelwayo (okulidorobho lobuphephelo), iRhamothi-Dori namadlelwayo neKharitani namadlelwayo. Kwaba madorobho amathathu. Amadorobho wemindeni yamaGeritjhoni gade alitjhumi nantathu sele awoke namadlelwawo. KumaLevi aseleko, imindeni yamaMerari yanikelwa amadorobho alandelako: Ekorweni yakwaZebuloni anikelwa iJokhineyamu namadlelwayo, iKharita namadlelwayo, iDimina namadlelwayo neNahalali namadlelwayo. Kwaba madorobho amane. Ekorweni yakwaRubeni anikelwa iBhetseri namadlelwayo, iJatsa namadlelwayo, iKhedemothi namadlelwayo neMefathi namadlelwayo. Kwaba madorobho amane. Ekorweni yakwaGadi anikelwa iRamothi eseGiliyadi namadlelwayo (okulidorbho lobuphephelo), iMarhanayimu namadlelwayo, iRhetjhibhoni namadlelwayo neJazeri namadlelwayo. Kwaba madorobho amane sele awoke. Sele awoke amadorobho abelwa imindeni yamaMerari okumaLevi aseleko, gade alitjhumi nambili. Woke amadorobho wamaLevi agade aphakathi kwama-Israyeli bekamatjhumi amane nobunane kanye namadlelwawo. Elinye nelinye lamadorobho lawo gade linamadlelo magegana nalo. Iye, bekunjalo-ke kiwo woke amadorobho lawo. Ngaleyondlela uSomnini wanikela ama-Israyeli inarha yoke afunga bona uzoyinikela aboyisemkhulu. Kwathi bona ayithumbe, ahlala kiyo. USomnini wanikela ama-Israyeli ukuphumula mahlangothi woke njengombana afunga kiboyisemkhulu. Akunasitha nasinye esajamelana nawo ngombana uSomnini wanikela zoke izitha ezandleni zawo. Akunasithembiso nasinye esihle uSomnini asenza ekumbeni yama-Israyeli esingazange siphumelele. Koke kwenzeka. UJotjhuwa wabiza bakwaRubeni nebakwaGadi kanye nesiquntu sekoro yakwaManase, wathi kibo: “Nigcine koke uMosi inceku kaSomnini eniyale ngakho, nalalela nelizwi lami kikho koke enginiyale ngakho. Emalangeni amanengi la, azange nilahle abafowenu bekube kunamhlanjesi. Niqaphelile ukwenza umyalo kaSomnini uZimenu. Nje-ke uSomnini uZimenu unikele abafowenu ukuphumula njengombana wabathembisa. Ngalokho buyelani emizini yenu enarheni lapha kunelifa lenu khona, endaweni enayabelwa nguMosi inceku kaSomnini ngaphetjheya kweJordani. Tjhejani bonyana nigcina kuhle umyalo nomthetho uMosi inceku kaSomnini aniyale ngawo kobana nikhathalele uSomnini uZimenu. Nikhambe kizo zoke iindlela zakhe nigcine imiyalwakhe bese nikakarela kuye nimlotjhe ngeenhliziyo ezipheleleko nangemiphefumulwenu yoke.” Yeke uJotjhuwa wababusisa, wathi kibo: “Buyelani emizinenu ninomnotho omnengi, nefuyo enengi, isiliva, igolide, ikoporo, isimbi kanye nezambatho ezinengi khulu. Hlukaniselanani nabafowenu ipango eniyifumene ezitheni zenu.” Nje-ke wabalayelisa, baya emizinabo. Isiquntu esinye sekoro yakwaManase sanikelwa nguMosi isabelo eBhatjhani, kodwana esinye sabelwa nguJotjhuwa hlangana nabafowabo enarheni engetjingalanga yeJordani. Ngalokho bakwaRubeni nebakwaGadi kanye nesiquntu sekoro yakwaManase babuyela ekhaya, basuka ebantwini bakwa-Israyeli eTjhilo esenarheni yeKanana kobana baye enarheni yakwaGiliyadi, okuyinarhabo abayithumbe ngokwabo ngokomyalo kaSomnini ngoMosi. Lokha nabafika esifundeni esinothileko ngemrhobeni weJordani enarheni yeKanana, bakha i-aldari elikhulu nelibabazekako eduze neJordani. Ama-Israyeli, okubafowabo, ezwa bona bakwaRubeni, bakwaGadi nesiquntu sekoro yakwaManase bakhe i-aldari emkhawulweni wenarha yamaKanana esifundeni esinothileko ngemrhobeni weJordani ehlangothini lakwa-Israyeli. Kwathi bona woke ama-Israyeli akuzwe lokho, kwahlangana woke umkhambathi eTjhilo kobana ulwe nabo. Ama-Israyeli athumela uFiniyasi umsa ka-Elazara umphristi kebakwaRubeni, bakwaGadi nesiquntwini sekoro yakwaManase enarheni yeGiliyadi, akhambisana namakhosana alitjhumi. Enye nenye beyijamele ikoro ngayinye yakwa-Israyeli, omunye nomunye wabo njengehloko yomndeni eenkorweni zakwa-Israyeli. Beza kebakwaRubeni, kebakwaGadi nesiquntwini sekoro yakwaManase enarheni yeGiliyadi bathi kibo: “Nakhu okutjhiwo ngiwo woke umkhambathi kaSomnini, ‘Kubayini nenze isiphambeko esingaka phambi kwakaZimu wakwa-Israyeli ngokulisa namhlanjesi ukulandela uSomnini bese nizakhela i-aldari nijamelane noSomnini na? Bekungakaneli ngesono sePewori na? Bekube namhlanje besingakazihlambululi kiso begodu kuvele kiso amatshwenyeko ehlela umkhambathi wakaSomnini. Nina-ke senifulathela uSomnini kwanjesi! Nanijamelana noSomnini namhlanje, uzokuthukuthelela woke umkhambathi wakwa-Israyeli kusasa. Yeke nakube inarhenu ayikahlambuluki, yizani enarheni kaSomnini lapha kunethaberinakeli lakaSomnini khona bese nihlukaniselane nathi inarha phakathi. Kwaphela ningajamelani noSomnini namkha nijamelane nathi ngokuzakhela kwenu i-aldari elinye ngaphandle kwelakaSomnini uZimethu. U-Akani umsa kaZerarhi wenze isiphambeko ezintweni ezikhethelwe ukubhujiswa, ngalokho umkhambathi wakwa-Israyeli wawelwa bukhali! Angithi azange abhubhe yedwa ngesono sakheso?’ ” BakwaRubeni, bakwaGadi nesiquntu sekoro yakwaManase baphendula amakhosana weenkoro zakwa-Israyeli bathi: “UZimu uSomnini oyiKosi yamakhosi, iye, uZimu uSomnini oyiKosi yamakhosi nguye owaziko; ngitjho no-Israyeli ngokwakhe kumele azi bonyana esikwenzileko akusikho ukujamelana namkha ukufulathela uSomnini. Khona-ke ningasibabaleli namhlanje nakube i-aldari silakhele ukufulathela uSomnini namkha ukunikela iminikelo yokutjhiswa namkha iminikelo yeenthoro neyetjhebiswano. USomnini ngokwakhe akasibone umlandu nakube kunjalo. Kodwana koke lokho sikwenze ngokwesaba ngombana esikhathini esizako abantwabenu bangahle babuze bathi, ‘Ninasabelo sini kuSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli? USomnini wenze iJordani yaba mkhawulo phakathi kwethu nani.’ Yeke abantwabenu bangahle bangasavumi nakancani kobana bethu beze balotjhe uSomnini. Ngalokho sazitjela sathi, ‘Asizakheleni i-aldari.’ Kodwana azange silakhele imihlabelo yokutjhiswa namkha yetjhebiswano. Awa, sengelobufakazi kwaphela phakathi kwethu nani naphakathi kweenzukulwana ezizako ngemva kwethu bonyana nathi silotjhe phambi kwakaSomnini ngemihlabelwethu yokutjhiswa neyetjhebiswano kanye neminye ukuze abantwabenu bangathi kebethu esikhathini esizako, ‘Aninasabelo kuSomnini.’ Yeke sacabanga bonyana nange lokho bekungatjhiwo kithi namkha eenzukulwaneni zethu ngesikhathi esizako, besizakuthi, ‘Qalani, umfuziselo we-aldari lakaSomnini elenziwa bobaba, akusilo lemihlabelo yokutjhiswa neyetjhebiswano, kodwana libufakazi phakathi kwethu nani.’ Angeze sajamelana noSomnini simfulathele namhlanjesi ekumlandeleni ngokwakha i-aldari! Asizukuletha imihlabelo yokutjhiswa, iminikelo yeenthoro namkha imihlabelo yetjhebiswano ngaphandle kwe-aldarini lakaSomnini uZimethu eliphambi kwethaberinakeli!” Lokha uFiniyasi umphristi namakhosana womkhambathi, iinhloko zemindeni yakwa-Israyeli ebegade banaye nabezwa amezwi akhulunywe ngebakwaRubeni, bakwaGadi kanye nesiquntu sekoro yakwaManase, baneliseka. UFiniyasi umsa ka-Elazara umphristi wathi kebakwaRubeni, bakwaGadai nesiquntu sekoro yakwaManase: “Namhlanje siyazi bonyana uSomnini uphakathi kwethu ngombana anikenzi isiphambeko ngokujamelana naye. Ngalokho nisindise ama-Israyeli esandleni sakaSomnini.” UFiniyasi umsa ka-Elazara umphristi namakhosana basuka kebakwaRubeni nebakwaGadi enarheni yakwaGiliyadi baya enarheni yeKanana kuma-Israyeli, bawabikela ngekhambo labo. Umbiko lowo wanelisa ama-Israyeli, abe adumisa uZimu. Azange asakhuluma godu ngokulwa nangokurhayila inarha yebakwaRubeni nebakwaGadi. BakwaRubeni nebakwaGadi bathiya i-aldarelo bathi: “Bufakazi.” Benza lokho ngombana bathi: “Libufakazi phakathi kwethu kobana uSomnini unguZimu.” Kwathi ngemva kwesikhathi eside uSomnini aphumuze ama-Israyeli ezitheni zawo zoke eziwabhodileko, noJotjhuwa bekaluphele namalanga sele ayile, wabiza woke ama-Israyeli, abaphathi bakhona, iinhloko zemindeni, abagwebi kanye neenkhulu, wathi kibo: “Niyangibona bonyana sele ngiluphele namalanga ayile, begodu nibone koke uSomnini uZimenu akwenze kizo zoke izizwezi ngenca yenu ngombana nguye onilweleko. Qalani-ke, iinkoro zenu ngizabele ilifa ngefumbe, okuyinarha yezizwe ezisaseleko kanye nalezo engazirhayilako ukusuka eJordani ukuyokufika elwandle eliKhulu ngetjingalanga. USomnini uZimenu uzaziqotjha izizwezo phambi kwenu, zisuke endlelenenu, nizakuthumba inarhazo njengombana uSomnini uZimenu anithembisa. Ngalokho qinani khulu nigcine benenze koke okutlolwe ngencwadini yomthetho kaMosi, ningaphambukeli ngesigomeni namkha ngesinceleni, ukuze ningahlangahlangani nezizwezi eziseleko phakathi kwenu. Ningaphathi amabizo wabozinyana bazo emilonyenenu, ningafungi ngabo, ningabalotjhi namkha nibakhothamele, kodwana kakarelani kuSomnini uZimenu njengombana nenzile bekube kunamhlanje. Iye, nguSomnini oqotjhe phambi kwenu izizwe ezikulu nezinamandla, nje-ke bekube kunamhlanje akunamuntu owakhe wajama phambi kwenu. Umuntu munye kini ukghona ukugijimisa amadoda ayikulungwana ngombana nguSomnini uZimenu nguye onilwelako njengombana anithembisa. Yeke nakelelani khulu ukukhathalela uSomnini uZimenu ngombana nanifulathela uSomnini, nihlanganyele nemisalela yezizwe eziphakathi kwenwezi, nikhozisane nazo ngokuthatha abafazi kizo nazo zithathe abafazi kini, yazini kuhle bonyana uSomnini uZimenu akazukuragela phambili ngokuqotjha izizwezo phambi kwenu. Zizakuba sisifu nesithiyo kini, zibe sibebhu emihlanenu nameva emehlwenenu, kufikela benibhubhe enarheni ehle kangaka uSomnini uZimenu aniphe yona le. “Nje-ke mina sele ngizakuhlongakala. Kumele nazi ngeenhliziyo zenu zoke nangemiphefumulwenu yoke bonyana akunalitho elakhe langaba yipumelelo kikho koke okuhle uSomnini uZimenu anithembisa khona. Koke kwenzeka njengokwesithembiso, akunalitho elingazange libe yipumelelo. Kodwana njengombana koke okuhle uSomnini uZimenu anithembisa khona kwanehlela, ngokunjalo uSomnini uzanehlisela koke okumbi, kufikela lapha anithanyela khona endaweni ehle kangaka aniphe yona le. Iye, naniphambukako esivumelwaneni sakaSomnini uZimenu aniyala ngaso bese nidlhemadlhema ngemva kwabozinyana nibalotjhe benibakhothamele, itukuthelo yakaSomnini izakuvutha phezu kwenu, nibhubhe msinyana enarheni ehle kangaka uSomnini aniphe yona le.” UJotjhuwa wabuthelela zoke iinkoro zakwa-Israyeli eTjhekemu, wabiza abaphathi, iinhloko zemindeni, abagwebi kanye neenkhulu zakwa-Israyeli, baziveza phambi kwakaZimu. UJotjhuwa wathi kibo boke abantu: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, ‘Ekadeni aboyihlo bebahlala ngaphetjheya komlambo iYufrathe, uTerarhi uyise ka-Abrahamu noNarhori. Bona balotjha abozinyana khonapho. Yeke ngathatha uyihlomkhulu u-Abrahamu ngaphetjheya komlambo ngamdabulisa loke iKanana, ngamenza wanda ngeenzukulwana: Ngamupha u-Isaka, ku-Isaka ngamupha uJakopo no-Esewu. Ngapha u-Esewu inarha yangeentabeni zeSeyiri kobana kube lilifa lakhe, kodwana uJakopo nabantwabakhe behlela enzasi eGibhide. Ngathumela uMosi no-Aroni, ngehlisela iGibhide amatshwenyeko njengombana ngenza phakathi kwayo, ngemva kwalapho nganikhupha eGibhidapho. Iye, ngakhupha aboyihlomkhulu eGibhide. Kwathi nanifika elwandle, amaGibhide anihlala eenthendeni ngeenkarana zepi nangeenjomani ukuyokufika elwandle lomGaba. Kuthe lokha nanililela uSomnini, mina Somnini ngabeka ubumnyama phakathi kwenu namaGibhide, ngenza bona ilwandle liwabhibhe, nje-ke amehlwenu abona engakwenza ngeGibhide, nahlala erhalawumbeni isikhathi eside. Nganiletha enarheni yama-Amori ebegade ahlala ngaphetjheya kweJordani. Alwa nani kodwana ngawanikela ezandleni zenu, nathumba inarhawo nawarhayila phambi kwenu. Yeke uBhalaki umsa kaTsiphori ikosi yakwaMowabi wavuka walwa no-Israyeli. Wathumela ilizwi wamema uBhiliyamu umsa kaBhewori kobana aninikelele. Kodwana azange ngilalele uBhiliyamu, yeke wanibusisa. Ngalokho nganitjhaphulula esandleni sakhe. Nayama iJordani nafika eJerikho. Amadoda weJerikho alwa nani, nama-Amori, amaPerizi, amaKanana, amaRhithi, amaGirigatjhi, amaRhivi namaJebusi. Boke njalo ngabanikela ezandleni zenu. Ngathumela abonondovu phambi kwenu, baqotjha amakhosi amabili wama-Amori phambi kwenu. Bekungasi msebe namkha isabulenu okwaqotjha amakhosi lawo. Nganinikela inarha eningazange niyijulukele, namadorobho eningazange niwakhe. Nahlala lapho, nagoma iinthelo zamadiribe neemvande zemithi ye-oliva eningazange niyitjale.’ ” UJotjhuwa waraga wathi: “Ngalokho-ke yesabani uSomnini nimlotjhe ngokuzimisela nangokwethembeka. Lahlani abosingazimu ebebalotjhwa boyihlomkhulu ngaphetjheya komlambo iYufrathe neGibhide bese nilotjha uSomnini. Nakube anifuni ukulotjha uSomnini, khona-ke khethani namhlanjesi kobana nifuna ukulotjha bani, kungaba bosingazimu ebebalotjhwa boyihlomkhulu ngaphetjheya komlambo iYufrathe, namkha abozinyana bama-Amori enarheni enihlala kiyo le. Kodwana mina nomzami sizakulotjha uSomnini.” Abantu baphendula bathi: “Afe-ke! Angeze sathoma safulathela uSomnini bese sidlhemadlhema ngemva kwabosingazimu sibalotjhe, ngombana nguSomnini uZimethu owasikhupha thina nabobaba enarheni yeGibhide, ekumbeni yobukhoboka. USomnini wenza iimbonakaliso ezikulu phambi kwethu, wasibulunga kiyo yoke indlela esayikhambako, naphakathi kwabo boke abantu esadlula hlangana nabo. USomnini godu waqotjha phambi kwethu zoke izizwe, ama-Amori ebegade ahlala enarheni, ngalokho nathi sizayilotjha uSomnini ngombana unguZimethu.” Kodwana uJotjhuwa wathi ebantwini: “Anikwazi ukulotjha uSomnini ngombana unguZimu ocwengileko nonesikhwele. Angeze acolela iimphambeko namkha izono zenu. Nakube nifulathela uSomnini nilotjhe abozinyana, uSomnini uzakujika anilimaze, aniqede nya, nanyana akhe wanenzela okuhle nje.” Abantu bathi kuJotjhuwa: “Awa! Thina sizokulotjha uSomnini.” Yeke uJotjhuwa wathi ebantwini: “Nibofakazi ngokwenu bonyana nikhethe uSomnini kobana nimlotjhe.” Abantu bathi: “Kunjalo, sibofakazi.” Waraga wathi: “Khona-ke lahlani abosingazinyana abaphakathi kwenu bese nibeka umqondwenu kuSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli.” Abantu bathi kuJotjuwa: “NakunguSomnini uZimethu yena, sizamlotjha! Sizakulalela ilizwi lakhe.” Ngaleyondlela uJotjhuwa wenza isibopho nabantu mhlokho eTjhekemu, wabanikela imithetho nemiyalo ayitlola ngencwadini yomthetho kaZimu. Wathatha ilitje elikhulu walijamisa lapho ngaphasi komuthi omkhulu endaweni ecwengileko kaSomnini. UJotjhuwa wathi ebantwini: “Qalani, ilitjeli lizakuba ngufakazi ngathi ngombana lizwe woke amezwi kaSomnini awakhulume kithi. Iye, lizakuba ngufakazi ngani nakube aninaqiniso phambi kwakaZimenu.” Nje-ke uJotjhuwa wathi abantu abakhambe, omunye nomunye abuyele elifeni lakhe. Ngemva kwalokho uJotjhuwa umsa kaNuni inceku kaSomnini wahlongakala. Gade aneminyaka elikhulu netjhumi. Bambulungela elifeni lakhe eTimnathi-Serarhi, okuyinarha yeentatjana zakwa-Efrayimu, ngetlhagwini yeGatjhi. Ama-Israyeli alotjha uSomnini emihleni yoke yokuphila kwakaJotjhuwa nemihleni yoke yabaphathi abasala ngemva kwakaJotjhuwa nebegade bazi koke uSomnini akwenzela ama-Israyeli. Amathambo kaJosefa abantu abawathatha eGibhide abekwa eTjhekemu, endaweni eyathengwa nguJakopo emadodaneni kaRhamori uyise kaTjhekemu ngeempaparwana ezilikhulu zesiliva. Indawo leyo yaba lilifa leenzukulwana zakaJosefa. U-Elazara umsa ka-Aroni wahlongakala. Bambulungela embundwini wakaFiniyasi indodanakhe, egade anikelwe wona eentatjaneni zakwa-Efrayimu. Incwadi le iphathelene nokwenzeka ngemva kokuhlongakala kwakaJotjhuwa. Ngaphambi kobana ahlongakale ama-Israyeli abuza kuSomnini athi: “Ngubani ozakukhuphuka qangi ayosilwela namaKanana?” USomnini wathi: “Kuzakwenyuka bakwaJuda. Qalani, nginikele inarha ezandleni zabo.” BakwaJuda bathi kebakwaSimiyoni abafowabo: “Yenyukelani nathi enarheni esabelwe yona ukuze silwe namaKanana. Nathi sizakwenyukela nani enarheni enabelwe yona.” Yeke bakwaSimiyoni bakhamba nabo. BakwaJuda benyuka-ke, uSomnini wanikela amaKanana namaPerizi ezandleni zabo. Bamadlha iinkulungwana ezilitjhumi eBhezekhi. Bathi basamadlhana nawo eBhezekhapho, bafumana u-Adoni-Bhezekhi, bamsahlela. U-Adoni-Bhezekhi loyo wabaleka kodwana bamgijimisa, bambamba, bamqunta abothubha nabothubhakghuru bakhe. Nje-ke u-Adoni-Bhezekhi wathi: “Amakhosi amatjhumi alikhomba aquntwe abothubha nabothubhakghuru gade aphele adobhelele iintshutshurwana ngaphasi kwetafulami, ngalokho uZimu ungibetha ngezami.” Walethwa eJerusalema, wahlongakalela lapho. BakwaJuda nabo balwa neJerusalema, bayithumba, bayimadlha ngesabula, bayithungelela ngomlilo. Ngemva kwalokho abantu bakwaJuda balwa namaKanana ebegade ahlala eentabeni, ngesewula yenarha nangeTjhefela. BakwaJuda basahlela amaKanana ebegade ahlala eRhebroni. (Ekuthomeni iRhebroni bekuthiwa yiKhiriyathi-Ariba.) Bahlula uTjhetjhayi, u-Arhimani noTalimayi khonapho. Ukusuka lapho basahlela abahlali beDebhiri. (Ekuthomeni iDebhiri bekuthiwa yiKhiriyathi-Seferi.) Ngesikhatheso uKalebi wathi: “Nanyana ngubani omadlha iKhiriyathi-Seferi, ayithumbe, ngizamnikela u-Akisa indodakazami abe mkakhe.” U-Otiniyeli umsa kaKhenazi, ongumfowabo omncani kaKalebi, wayithumba. UKalebi wamnikela indodakazakhe u-Akisa bona abe mkakhe. Ekufikeni kwaka-Akisa ku-Otiniyeli gade amyenge bonyana akhombele uyise isimu. Kodwana kuthe nabafika kuyise, u-Akisa asehla kudumbanakhe, uKalebi wathi kuye: “Ufuna ngikwenzeleni?” Yena waphendula wathi: “Ngibawa isipho. Ubaba ungibeke ngesewula yenarha eyomileko, yeke akangiphe indawo enamanzi.” Nje-ke uKalebi wamnikela indawo enamanzi emibundwini nangemirhobeni. Iinzukulwana zomukhwe kaMosi, okutjho amaKheni, zakhuphuka nabantu bakwaJuda zisuka edorobheni lamasundu zaya ngerhalawumbeni lakwaJuda elingesewula yenarha eduze ne-Aradi. Zahlala lapho nabantu bakhona. BakwaJuda bakhamba nebakwaSimiyoni abafowabo, basahlela amaKanana ebegade ahlezi eTsefathi bawahlula, babhubhisa nya indawo leyo. Yeke ibizo ledorobhelo kwathiwa yiRhorima. Godu bakwaJuda bathatha iGaza nemikhawulwayo, i-Atjhikheloni nemikhawulwayo kanye ne-Ekhironi nemikhawulwayo. USomnini waba nebakwaJuda bebathumba inarha yangeentabeni, kodwana azange bakghone ukuqotjha abahlali bekangala ngombana gade baneenkarana zepi zesimbi. IRhebroni yanikelwa uKalebi njengombana kwatjho uMosi. Kuhlekuhle nguye owaqotjha amadodana amathathu ka-Anakhi ebegade ahlala lapho. BakwaBhenjamini azange baqotjhe amaJebusi ebegade ahlala eJerusalema. Yeke amaJebusi lawo ahlala nabantu bakwaBhenjamini eJerusalema bekube kunamhlanje. Ikumba kaJosefa nayo yenyuka, yasahlela iBhethe-Eli. USomnini waba nayo. BakwaJosefa bathumela iinhloli zayokuhlola iBhethe-Eli. Ngesikhatheso ibizo ledorobheli bekuthiwa yiLuzi. Iinhloli zabona umuntu aphuma ngedorobheni zathi kuye: “Nange ungasikhombisa intunja yokungena ngedorobhenapha, sizakuba nomusa kuwe.” Yeke wazikhombisa indawo yokungena. Zafese zamadlha idorobho ngesabula. Zasindisa umuntu loyo nomzakhe woke. Umuntu loyo waya enarheni yamaRhithi wafese wakha idorobho walithiya bona yiLuzi, okulibizo lalo bekube kunamhlanje. BakwaManase azange baqotjhe abahlali beBhethe-Tjhani nemizanayo, iTanaki nemizanayo, abahlali beDori nemizanayo, abahlali beJibiliyamu nemizanayo nabahlali beMegido nemizanayo. Ngaleyondlela amaKanana aragela phambili ngokuhlala enarheni leyo. Lokha ama-Israyeli naba namandla, akatelela amaKanana ngomsebenzi, kodwana azange awaqotjhe. Bakwa-Efrayimu azange baqotjhe amaKanana ebegade ahlala eGezeri. Ngaleyondlela aragela phambili ngokuhlala phakathi kwabo. BakwaZebuloni nabo azange baqotjhe abahlali beKhithironi namkha abahlali beNahaloli. Ngaleyondlela amaKanana aragela phambili ngokuhlala phakathi kwabo. Bawakatelela ngomsebenzi. Bakwa-Atjheri nabo azange baqotjhe abahlali be-Ako, abahlali beTsidoni, be-Arhilaba, be-Akziba, beRhelibha, be-Afekhi namkha beRerhobho. Ngaleyondlela bakwa-Atjheri bahlala hlangana namaKanana, okubahlali benarha ngombana azange bawaqotjhe. NebakwaNafitali nabo azange baqotjhe abahlali beBhethe-Tjhemetjhi nabahlali beBhethe-Anathi, kodwana bahlala hlangana namaKanana, okubahlali benarha. Abahlali beBhethe-Tjhemetjhi nebeBhethe-Anathi bakatelelwa ngomsebenzi. Ama-Amori asunduzela bakwaDani emuva ngenarheni yangeentabeni ngombana azange abavumele ukwehlela ekangala. Ama-Amori aphumelela ukuhlala eHari-Rheresi, e-Ayaloni neTjhalibimu, kodwana isandla sekumba kaJosefa sanzinza phezu kwawo akatelelwa ngomsebenzi. Umkhawulo wama-Amori wawuthoma emkghotheni we-Akhirabhimu ukuya eSela ukhuphukele phezulu. Ingilozi kaSomnini yakhuphuka isuka eGiligali yaya eBhokimu, yathi kuma-Israyeli: “Nganikhupha eGibhide nganisa enarheni engafunga bonyana ngizayipha aboyihlo. Ngathembisa bonyana angeze ngephula isivumelwano sami nani. Nina-ke ningenzi isikhozi nabahlali benarha le, ngalokho bhuruzani ama-aldarabo. Kodwana azange nilalele umyalwami. Nikwenzeleni lokho na? Yeke, gadesi ngithi angeze ngaziqotjha izizwezi phambi kwenu kodwana zizakuba sithiyo kini, nabozinyana bazo babe sisifu.” Lokha ingilozi kaSomnini nayikhuluma amezwi la kiwo woke ama-Israyeli, ama-Israyeli arhahlawula. Athiya indawo leyo bona yiBhokimu. Enzela uSomnini umhlabelo khonapho. Lokha uJotjhuwa natjhaphulula abantu bonyana bakhambe, omunye nomunye waya esabelweni sakhe kobana athumbe inarha ibe lilifa lakhe. Abantu balotjha uSomnini emihleni yoke yokuphila kwakaJotjhuwa, nemihleni yoke yabaphathi abasala ngemva kwakaJotjhuwa, ababone yoke imisebenzi emikhulu uSomnini ayenzela ama-Israyeli. UJotjhuwa umsa kaNuni, inceku kaSomnini, wahlongakala aneminyaka elikhulu netjhumi. Bambulungela emkhawulweni welifa lakhe eTimnathi-Rheresi ngeentatjaneni zakwa-Efrayimu ngetlhagwini yentaba yeGatjhi. Soke isizukulwaneso naso sahlongakala, kwavuka esinye ngemva kwaso ebesingamazi uSomnini namkha imisebenzi uSomnini ayenzela ama-Israyeli. Ama-Israyeli enza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini ngokulotjha aboBhali. Afulathela uSomnini uZimu waboyisemkhulu owabakhupha enarheni yeGibhide, adlhemadlhema ngemva kwabosingazimu babantu ebebahlala hlangana nabo, abakhothamela. Ngokwenza njalo athukuthelisa uSomnini. Iye, afulathela uSomnini, alotjha aboBhali nabo-Atjhitarothi. Yeke itukuthelo kaSomnini yavutha phezu kwama-Israyeli, wawanikela esandleni sabaphangi, bawaphanga. Godu wawathengisela izitha zawo ebeziwazombelezile kangangobana azange akghone ukujamelana nazo. Njalo lokha naya epini, isandla sakaSomnini besijamelana nawo siwehlisele ubumbi njengombana uSomnini bekawayelelisile bewafunga kiwo. Aba sembandezelekweni ekulu. USomnini wavusa abakhokheli abasindisa ama-Israyeli ezandleni zalabo ebegade bawaphanga. Khonapho ama-Israyeli azange alalele abakhokheli bawo ngombana adlhemadlhema ngemva kwabosingazimu abakhothamela. Aphambuka msinyana eendleleni ezakhanjwa boyisemkhulu ebegade balalela imiyalo kaSomnini, wona azange enze njalo. Njalo lokha uSomnini navusela ama-Israyeli abakhokheli, bekasekela umkhokheli wesikhatheso. Umkhokheli loyo bekasindisa ama-Israyeli ezandleni zezitha zawo emihlenakhe yoke ngombana uSomnini bekarhawuka ngokububula kwawo ngebanga labagandeleli nabahlunguphazi bawo. Kodwana njalo lokha nakuhlongakala umkhokheli, ama-Israyeli gade abuyela emuva aziphathe kumbi ukudlula aboyise, adlhemadlheme ngemva kwabosingazimu, abalotjhe abe abakhothamele. Azange alahle imikhuba namkha iindlela zawo zokudaza ikani. Yeke itukuthelo kaSomnini yavutha phezu kwaka-Israyeli, bewathi: “Ngebanga lokobana abantwaba baphambukile esivumelwaneni sami engayala ngaso aboyise, bangalalela ilizwi lami, angeze bengisaqotjha phambi kwabo ngitjho nasinye sezizwe ezatjhiywa nguJotjhuwa nahlongakalako.” Ngebangelo uSomnini waliselela izizwezo wangaziqotjha khonokho, azange azinikele esandleni sakaJotjhuwa ukuze azizinye ama-Israyeli ukubona bonyana azakutjheja abe akhambe endlelenakhe njengombana kwenza aboyise, namkha njani. Izizwe uSomnini azilisa kobana azizinye ngazo ama-Israyeli, okutjho lawo ebegade anganalwazi lepi eKanana nokuwafundisa ukwazi ipi njengombana bekangazange akhe ayibone ngaphambilini, ngilezi: ababusi abahlanu beemfunda zamaFilista, woke amaKanana, amaTsidoni namaRhivi ebekahlala entabeni iLibhanoni, ukusuka entabeni eBhali-Rherimoni ukuyokufika eLebo-Rhamathi. Izizwezo uSomnini bekazizinya ngazo ama-Israyeli ukubona bonyana azakulalela imiyalwakhe ayala ngayo aboyise ngoMosi na. Yeke ama-Israyeli ahlala phakathi kwamaKanana, amaRhithi, ama-Amori, amaPerizi, amaRhivi namaJebusi. Kodwana athatha amadodakazi wezizwezo njengabafazi bawo begodu anikela amadodana wezizwezo amadodakazawo bona abe bafazi bawo. Alotjha abosingazimu bezizwezo. Ama-Israyeli enza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini, akhohlwa uSomnini uZimawo, alotjha aboBhali nabo-Atjhera. Ngalokho itukuthelo kaSomnini yavutha phezu kwama-Israyeli, wawathengisa ezandleni zakaKutjhana-Ritjhatayimu ikosi ye-Aramu-Naharayimu, asebenzela uKutjhana-Ritjhatayimu iminyaka ebunane. Kodwana kwathi lokha ama-Israyeli nalilela uSomnini, uSomnini wawavusela umsindisi owawasindisako, ongu-Otiniyeli umsa kaKhenazi, umfowabo omncani kaKalebi. UMoya kaSomnini wehlela phezu kwakhe, wakhokhela u-Israyeli. Waphuma ipi, uSomnini wanikela uKutjhana-Ritjhatayimu ikosi ye-Aramu esandleni sakhe. Wahlula uKutjhana-Ritjhatayimu ngokumeyisa. Inarha yaba nokuthula iminyaka ematjhumi amane. U-Otiniyeli umsa kaKhenazi wahlongakala. Godu ama-Israyeli enza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini. USomnini waqinisa u-Egiloni ikosi yakwaMowabi bona alwe nama-Israyeli ngombana enza ubumbi phambi kwakhe. U-Egiloni wabuthelela kuye ama-Amoni nama-Amalekhi, waphuma wayokulwa nama-Israyeli, wawahlula. Bathumba idorobho lamasundu. Ama-Israyeli asebenzela u-Egiloni ikosi yakwaMowabi iminyaka elitjhumi nabunane. Kodwana kwathi lokha ama-Israyeli nalilela uSomnini, uSomnini wawavusela umsindisi, u-Ehudi umsa kaGera wakwaBhenjamini. U-Ehudi loyo gade asincele. Ama-Israyeli athumela isibiko ku-Egiloni ikosi yakwaMowabi ngo-Ehudi. U-Ehudi wazenzela isabulana ebukhali mahlangothi woke nengaba masentimitha amatjhumi amathathu ubude, wayibophelela enyongenakhe yangesigomeni ngaphakathi kwezambatho zakhe. Waletha isibiko ku-Egiloni ikosi yakwaMowabi. U-Egiloni lo kwakuyindoda ezimuke khulu. Kwathi bona u-Ehudi aqede ukwethula isibiko, wajika nabantu ebebathwele isibikweso. Kodwana yena wathi nafika ematjeni aseGiligali wabuyela emuva wafese wathi ku-Egiloni: “Nginomlayezwakho oyifihlo, kosi.” U-Egiloni wathi ku-Ehudi: “Akhe uyibambe kancani!” Nje-ke wayala iinsebenzi zakhe bona zimrhaduke. Njengombana u-Egiloni gade azipholele ngelawini lakhe elipholileko elingaphezulu, u-Ehudi watjhidela kuye wathi: “Nginomlayezwakho obuya kuZimu.” Wasikima lapha gade ahlezi khona. U-Ehudi welula isandla sakhe sesincele wakhupha isabulana enyongakhe yangesigomeni wahlaba ngayo u-Egiloni esiswini. Kwangena ngitjho nesibambo sesabulana esiswini, yacwila emafutheni. U-Ehudi azange akhuphe isabulana esiswini saka-Egiloni kodwana waphuma ngentunja, ngemva kobana avale iminyango yakhona wayilodlhela. Waphuma hlangana neensika zesigodlo. Ngemva kobana akhambe, iinsebenzi zaka-Egiloni zafika. Kuthe nazibona iminyango yelawu elingaphezulu ilodlhelwe zadlumbana zathi: “Awa, usazibangula ngelawini lakhe elipholileko.” Zalinda bezaphela amandla. Kwathi nakubonakala angavuli iminyango yelawu elingaphezulu zathatha isilodlhelo zayivula. Zafumana ikosazo idindilizile. U-Ehudi waphunyurha lokha iinsebenzezo nazisadidizelako, wadlula hlangana namatje aseGiligali wabalekela eSeyira. Kwathi nafikako wavuthela ipalapala ngeentatjaneni zakwa-Efrayimu. Ama-Israyeli asuka ngeentatjanenapho ehla naye, yena wakhamba phambi kwawo. Wathi kiwo: “Ngilandelani ngombana uSomnini unikele izitha zenu, amaMowabi, ezandleni zenu.” Ngambala amlandela, avimbezela amazibuko weJoridani ukuyela ngakwaMowabi. Azange avumela abantu ukudlula lapho. Ngesikhatheso abulala amaMowabi angaba ziinkulungwana ezilitjhumi. Woke njalo bekumadoda wepi ondlekileko kodwana azange kusinde nayinye. Yeke mhlokho amaMowabi eyiswa ma-Israyeli. Inarha yaba nokuthula iminyaka ematjhumi abunane. U-Ehudi welanywa nguTjhamgari umsa ka-Anathi, owabulala amaFilista amakhulu asithandathu ngetlobo yokutlhorholoja iinkabi. Naye wasindisa ama-Israyeli. Ama-Israyeli godu enza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini ngemva kokuhlongakala kwaka-Ehudi. USomnini wawathengisa esandleni sakaJabhini ikosi yeKanana ebeyibusa eRhatsori. Induna yamabuthwakhe gade kunguSisera obegade ahlala eRharotjhethi-Hagoyimu. Abantu bakwa-Israyeli balilela uSomnini bona abasize ngombana uJabhini gade aneenkarana zepi zesimbi ezimakhulu alithoba begodu gade agandelele abantu bakwa-Israyeli ngesihluku iminyaka ematjhumi amabili. UDibhora umphorofidikazi oyikosikazi kaLapidothi gade amkhokheli kwa-Israyeli ngesikhatheso. Gade avame ukuhlala ngaphasi komuthi wamasundu okuthiwa ngewakaDibhora ogade uhlangana neRama neBhethe-Eli ngeentatjaneni zakwa-Efrayimu. Ama-Israyeli begade eza kuye kobana awahlahle. Wathumela igama bona kubizwe uBharakhi umsa ka-Abinowamu weKhedetjhi eNafitali wathi kuye: “USomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli uyakuyala bonyana ukhambe namadoda aziinkulungwana ezilitjhumi ekorweni yakwaNafitali neyakwaZebuloni, nizihlele entabeni iTabori. Ngizakwenza uSisera induna yebutho lakaJabhini kobana aphume anihlangabeze ngemlanjaneni iKhitjhoni ngeenkarana zakhe kanye nejima lakhe, ngimnikele esandleni sakho.” UBharakhi wathi kuye: “Nakube uzakukhamba nami, kulungile ngizakhamba, kodwana nakube awukhambi nami, nami angiyi ndawo.” UDibhora wathi: “Ngambala ngizakukhamba nawe, nokho indlela oyikhambako angeze yakulethela idumo ngombana uSomnini uzokunikela uSisera esandleni somfazi.” Yeke wasikima wakhamba noBharakhi eKhedetjhi. UBharakhi wabizela uZebuloni noNafitali eKhedetjhi. Kwenyuka iinkulungwana ezilitjhumi zamadoda zamlandela noDibhora wakhamba naye. ETsananimu eseduze neKhedetjhi bekunomKheni okuthiwa nguRhebheri ogade ahlome itende lakhe emithini ye-owuku. Yena gade azihlukanisile namaKheni, okuziinzukulwana zakaRhobabi umkhwe kaMosi. Lokha uSisera natjelwa bonyana uBharakhi umsa ka-Abinowamu wenyukele entabeni iTabori, wabutha zoke iinkarana zakhe zepi zesimbi, ezazimakhulu alithoba, nawo woke amadoda agade anaye ukusuka eRharotjhethi-Hagoyimu ukuya emlanjaneni iKhitjhoni. UDibhora wathi kuBharakhi: “Ayiye! Leli lilanga uSomnini anikele ngalo uSisera esandleni sakho. Angithi uyazi bonyana uSomnini ukhamba phambi kwakho!” Yeke uBharakhi wehla ukusuka entabeni iTabori alandelwa madoda aziinkulungwana ezilitjhumi. USomnini wahlangahlanganisa uSisera nazo zoke iinkarana zakhe zepi nebutho lakhe loke phambi kwakaBharakhi. USisera wehla ekaranenakhe wabhebhula iinthende. UBharakhi wagijimisa iinkarana kanye nebutho lakaSisera ukuya eRhoretjhethi-Hagoyimu. Loke ibutho lakaSisera lafa ngesabula, azange kusinde namunye. Kodwana uSisera wabaleka ngeenyawo waya etendeni lakaJayeli, ikosikazi kaRhebheri umKheni ngombana gade kunokuthula phakathi kwakaJabhini ikosi yeRhatsori kanye nekumba kaRhebheri umKheni. UJayeli waphuma bona ahlangabeze uSisera, wathi kuye: “Ikosami ayiphambukele, iye, iphambukele kwamapha, ingesabi.” Yeke waphambukela kuye ngetendeni, wamembesa ngomkghadi. USisera wathi kuJayeli: “Uthi ngomile na, akhese ungiphe amanzi wokusela.” Yeke wavula ikwana yesikhumba yebisi wamnikela bona asele, wamembesa. Godu uSisera wathi kuJayeli: “Yewujame emnyango wetende. Nakufika umuntu akubuze bona kunomuntu ngapha na, uthi, awa.” Kodwana uJayeli ikosikazi kaRhebheri wathi angabona bonyana uSisera uyile ngobuthongo ngebanga lokudinwa, wathatha isikhonkhwani setende nenondo, wananabela kuye wabethelela isikhonkhwaneso ehlafunyweni samhlanganisa nehlabathi. Wafela khonapho. Khonokho kwavela uBharakhi ogade agijimisana noSisera, uJayeli wamhlangabeza wathi kuye: “Yiza ngizokukhombisa umuntu omfunako loyo.” UBharakhi wangena ngetendeni lakaJayeli, wabona uSisera adindilizile. Isikhonkhwani setende sisehlafunywenakhe. Yeke mhlokho uZimu waguqisa uJabhini ikosi yeKanana phambi kwama-Israyeli. Isandla sama-Israyeli saya ngokuqina phezu kwakaJabhini ikosi yeKanana kufikela lapha ambhubhisa khona nya! Mhlokho uDibhora wakhalela ingoma nasi anoBharakhi umsa ka-Abinowamu: “Abantu batjhaphulukile godu kwa-Israyeli, iye, bazinikela ngokuthanda kwabo. Akudunyiswe uSomnini! Yizwani nina makhosi, lalelani nani bahlonipheki! Ngizakubhina kuSomnini, iye, ngibhinele uSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli. “Maye Somnini, nawusuka eSeyiri, urhwanta esifundeni sakwa-Edomu, iphasi lahlengezela, amazulu awulula izulu, iye, amafu awulula amanzi. Iintaba zazamazama phambi kwakaSomnini weSinayi, iye, phambi kwakaSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli. “Emihleni kaTjhamgari umsa ka-Anathi, emihleni kaJayeli imilandelande yabathengisi beyingekho, iinkhambi zakhamba ngezimazombe. Uburholi basweleka kwa-Israyeli, basweleka kufikela wena Dibhora uvela, iye, wavela waba ngumma kwa-Israyeli. Ngambala, uSomnini wakhetha abarholi abatjha. “Ngesikhatheso imizi emihlanu beyinganamvikelo, kwangabonakala ngitjho nemikhonto hlangana nemindeni ematjhumi amane kwa-Israyeli. “Ihliziywami isebarholini bakwa-Israyeli abazinikela ngokuthanda kwabo hlangana nabantu. Dumisani uSomnini ngabo! Dembani, nina enikhwele abodumbana abanzotho, enibakhwele ngesala esifotjhozelako, nina enikhamba ngendlela. Iindaba zokuhlula kwakaSomnini kumele zibhinwe ngelizwi elikhulu; iye, ukuhlula koburholi bayo kwa-Israyeli kube ngaphezu kwetjhada lokukha nokuthulula amanzi! “Abantu bakaSomnini barhwantela emasangweni! Yewuvuke! Vuka Dibhora! Vuka! Vuka ubhine ingoma! Sikima Bharakhi msa ka-Abinowamu! Uthumbe abakuthumbileko! Imisalela yabahloniphekileko yarhwantela enzasi, abantu bakaSomnini barhwanta bamlwela, bajamelana neengorho. Bavela kwa-Efrayimu badabuka kwa-Amalekhi, balandela wena Bhenjamini nabantu bekhenu; iinduna zarhwanta zisuka eMakiri, abasuka kwaZebuloni baphuma baphethe intonga yekoporo. Iinkhulu zakwa-Isakari zeza noDibhora, Iye, bakwa-Isakari basekela uBharakhi, ngemrhobeni bamlandela eenthendeni. Hlangana nemindeni yakwaRubeni, kwaba nokuzibuza okukhulu. Kubayini uriyade hlangana neenquthulu ukuzwa umlozi wokubiza imihlambi na? Hlangana nemindeni yakwaRubeni, kwaba nokuzibuza okukhulu kwaphela. UGiliyadi wahlala ngaphetjheya kweJordani. UDani kubayini ahlale nemikhumbi? U-Atjheri anzinze eligwini lelwandle, wahlala wazibumba emsebenalo. BakwaZebuloni sisizwe esimadelakufa, bakwaNafitali bangisweso emibundwini yenarha. “Amakhosi afika alwa, iye, amakhosi weKanana alwa eTanaki emanzini weMegido, kodwana azange afumane ipango yesiliva. Kwalwa iinkwekwezi esibhakabhakeni, ngemizilazo zalwa noSisera. Umlanjana iKhitjhoni wabakhukhula, iye, umlanjana wekadeni. Wena mlanjana iKhitjhoni, gadanga phezu kweentamo zabanamandla! Kwaduma izigi zeenqatha zeenjomani ngokugadula, iye, ukugadula kweenjomani ezinamandla. ‘Ayinikelelwe iMerozi’, kwatjho isithunywa sakaSomnini, ‘kunikelelwe ngesihluku abahlali bakhona ngombana azange balwele uSomnini, lokha nakulwiwa neengorho.’ “UJayeli akabe ngobusisiweko ebafazini boke, iye, umfazi kaRhebheri umKheni, abe ngobusisiweko ebafazini boke abahlala ematendeni. USisera wabawa amanzi, uJayeli wamnikela ibisi, wamlethela amakghamatha ngomjeka ohloniphekileko. Walalamela isikhonkhwani setende, ngesandla sakhe sesigoma wathatha inondo, wamadlha uSisera wamphihliza ihloko, iye, wayihlahlatha, wamphihliza ehlafunyweni. USisera wakoropana eenyaweni zakaJayeli, wabhusuka, wanyefa; iye, wakoropana eenyaweni zakhe, wafela lapha anyefele khona. “Unina kaSisera wahlola ngentunja, emlukweni wefesidere wabalabala, ‘Kubayini ikaranakhe iriyade kangaka? Kubayini kungezwakali izigi zamasondo wekaranakhe?’ Incekukazakhe engehlakaniphileko yamphendula, iye, yaphendula imizindlo yehliziywakhe, ‘Mhlamunye bafumene ipango, basabelana ngayo; kube lidini namkha mabili endodeni ngayinye. Ipango kaSisera okumatjhila wemibalabala, iye, ipango yamatjhila alukiweko wemibalabala; amatjhila amabili alukiweko wemibalabala kube yipango yentamo yami!’ “Azibhubhe bunjalo zoke izitha zakho, Somnini! Kodwana abangani bakho bafane nelanga, lona eliphuma ngamandlalo.” Yeke inarha yaba nokuthula iminyaka ematjhumi amane. Abantu bakwa-Israyeli benza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini. Nje-ke uSomnini wabanikela esandleni samaMidiyani iminyaka elikhomba. Isandla samaMidiyani sasiqinile phezu kwaka-Israyeli, ngalokho ama-Israyeli azenzela iindawo zokuzifihla eentabeni, okutjho emipharwini, emarholweni neenqongolweni. Bekuthi njalo lokha ama-Israyeli angatjala bese amaMidiyani, ama-Amalekhi nabantu bangepumalanga benyuke bawasahlele. Gade bahloma amatende bajamelane nama-Israyeli bese batjhabalalisa isivuno senarhawo ukufikela emkhawulweni weGaza, bangatjhiyi litho lokudla kwa-Israyeli. Godu batjhabalalisa kwasamvu, kwasakomo ngitjho nakwasadumbana. Benyuka nemihlambi yabo namatendabo bembatha yoke indawo inga yintethe. Babanengi namakamelabo kungakghoneki nokubabala kangangobana lapha bakhambe khona bebatjhiya inarha ilibhudu. Ama-Israyeli ahlukumezeka ngebanga lamaMidiyani, alilela uSomnini. Lokha ama-Israyeli nalilela uSomnini ngebanga lamaMidiyani, uSomnini wathumela umphorofidi owafika kiwo wathi: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Nganenyula eGibhide, nganikhupha ekumbeni yobukhoboka, nganenyela esandleni samaGibhide nesandleni sabo boke abanigandelelako, ngabaqotjha phambi kwenu, nganinikela inarhabo. Nganazisa bona nginguSomnini uZimenu, ngalokho ningesabi abosingazimu bama-Amori enihlala enarhenabo. Kodwana azange nilalele ilizwi lami.’ ” Ingilozi kaSomnini yeza yahlala ngaphasi komuthi we-owuku e-Ofira okungewakaJowatjhi umAbiyezeri, lokha indodanakhe uGidiyoni nayisabhula ikoroyi ebutlhodlhelweni bamadiribe kobana iyifihlele amaMidiyani. Ingilozi leyo yazibonakalisa kuGidiyoni yathi: “USomnini unawe, wena ngorho.” UGidiyoni wathi kiyo: “Babethu, alo, nakube uSomnini unathi, kubayini sehlelwe ngikho koke lokhu? Ziphi izenzo zakhe ezihle abobaba ebebalokhu basitjela ngazo basithi, ‘USomnini wasikhupha eGibhide’? Kodwana thina uSomnini usilahlile begodu usinikele esandleni samaMidiyani.” Nje-ke uSomnini waphendukela kuye wathi: “Ngithi khamba ngamandla onawo lawo ufese utjhaphulule u-Israyeli esandleni samaMidiyani. Angithi ngimi engikuthumako!” Yena wathi kiyo: “Kosami, bengingubani-ke mina bona ngingatjhaphulula u-Israyeli na? Qala, nekorwanami ngiyo ebogaboga khulu kezakwaManase. Kanti nami ngingomncani ngakwethu.” USomnini wathi kuye: “Ngebanga lokobana nginawe, uzakumadlha amaMidiyani inga umadlha umuntu munye.” UGidiyoni wathi: “Awa, yeke nakube ngifumene umusa emehlweni kaSomnini, uSomnini akangibonise iphawu bonyana ngambala nguye okhuluma nami. USomnini angasuki lapha, ngiyamrabhela, kufikela bengibuye ngimnikele isibiko sami.” USomnini wathi: “Ngizakuhlala bewubuye.” UGidiyoni wangena ngekumbenakhe walungisa imbuzana nesikwa esinganangumelo ngesitjhutjhana seflowuru, wafaka inyama ngesiqwebini, wathela umhluzi ngembizeni, waletha phambi kwayo ngaphasi kwe-owuku wakubika. Ingilozi kaZimu yathi kuye: “Thatha inyama nesikwa esinganangumelo bese ubeka phezu kwedwaleli, uthele umhluzi phezulu.” Ngambala wenza njalo. Yeke ingilozi kaSomnini yelula idondolo ebelisesandleni sayo yathinta ngalo inyama nesikwa esinganangumelo. Kwaqubuka umlilo edwalenapho waqothula inyama nesikweso. Khonapho ingilozi kaSomnini yanyamalala. Yeke kwembuka kuGidiyoni bonyana umuntu loyo bekuyingilozi kaSomnini, wathi: “Maye mina, Somnini Somandla! Qala-ke sele ngibonene nengilozi kaSomnini ubuso nobuso.” Kodwana uSomnini wathi kuye: “Yiba nokuthula, ungesabi ngombana awuzukufa.” UGidiyoni wakha i-aldari lakaSomnini, khonapho walithiya wathi, “USomnini, ukuthula”. Nanamhlanjesi lisajame e-Ofira okungeyama-Abiyezeri. Ngobusukobo uSomnini wathi kuGidiyoni: “Thatha emhlambini kayihlo ikunzi yekhethelo eneminyaka elikhomba, ubhuruze i-aldari uyihlo alakhele uBhali, ugawule nesigodo saka-Atjhera esiseqadi kwalo, wakhe i-aldari lakaSomnini uZimakho phezu kwendunduma ezombelezwe mthangala le. Ulakhe amahla ngamatje. Uthathe ikunzi yekhethelo leyo unikele ngayo njengomhlabelo wokutjhiswa ngeenkuni zesigodo saka-Atjhera osigawulilekweso.” Yeke uGidiyoni wathatha amadoda alitjhumi aziinceku zakhe, wenza njengombana uSomnini amyalile. Kodwana azange enze lokho emini ngebanga lokobana gade esaba khulu bakwabo kanye namadoda wedorobho. Ngalokho wakwenza lokho ngobumnyama. Kwathi lokha amadoda wedorobho navukako ekuseni, qala, abona i-aldari lakaBhali libhuruziwe no-Atjhera ogade aseqadi kwalo agawuliwe bekwanikelwa ngekunzi yekhethelo e-aldarini elitjha ebegade lakhiwe. Athi enye kenye: “Ngubani-ke owenze lokhu?” Ngemva kobana afunisisile abe abuzisisa, kwathiwa: “NguGidiyoni umsa kaJowatjhi owenze lokhu.” Yeke amadoda wedorobho athi kuJowatjhi: “Khupha umsanakho loyo! Kumele abulawe ngombana ubhuruze i-aldari lakaBhali bewagawula no-Atjhera ogade ajame eqadi kwalo.” Kodwana uJowatjhi wathi kibo boke ebegade bajamelene naye: “Madekhethu, nilwela uBhali na? Nifuna ukumvikela? Nakube unguzimu, uzazilwela, ngoba nakhu i-aldari lakhe libhuruziwe.” (Nanyana ngubani olwela uBhali kumele abulawe ekuseni.) Mhlokho uJowatjhi wathiya uGidiyoni bona nguJerubhali, okuhlathululwa ngokuthi, “UBhali akalwe naye” ngombana ubhuruze i-aldari lakhe. Woke amaMidiyani nama-Amalekhi kanye nabantu bepumalanga bahlangana, bathi bangayama iJordani bahloma amatendabo emrhobeni weJizriyela. Kodwana uMoya kaSomnini wehlela kuGidiyoni, wavuthela ipalapala, wabiza ama-Abiyezeri bonyana amlandele. Wathuma iinthunywa kilo loke lakwaManase, nabo babizwa bonyana bamlandele. Wathumela iinthunywa ku-Atjheri, uZebuloni noNafitali, bakhuphuka bayokuhlangana nabo. UGidiyoni wathi kuZimu: “Ukuze ngibone bonyana uSomnini uzakutjhaphulula u-Israyeli ngesandla sami njengombana atjhwile, qala ngendlala isitjhuba sobuboya bemvu eselelweni. Nakube buvuka bunombethe bona bodwa kodwana ngemaqadi kwabo khibe kome kere, khona-ke ngizakwazi bonyana uSomnini uzakutjhaphulula u-Israyeli ngesandla sami njengombana atjhwile.” Yeke kwaba njalo. Wavuka ngakusasa ekuseni, waminya isitjhuba sobuboya, kwaphuma amanzi azala isitja swi. UGidiyoni wathi kuZimu: “Itukuthelo kaSomnini ingavuthi phezu kwami, akhe ngikhulume kanye nje kwaphela, ngiyarabhela. USomnini akangivumele ngizizinye kokugcina. Isitjhuba sobuboyesi asome kere bese kuthi yoke indawo ibe nombethe.” Ngambala uZimu wakwenza lokho ngobusukobo. Kwavuka kunombethe yoke indawo kodwana isitjhuba sobuboya some kere. UJerubhali, okutjho uGidiyoni, nabo boke abantu ebegade banaye bavuka ekuseni bahloma amatendabo eqadi komthombo iRharodi. Ikampa yabakwaMidiyani yaba ngehlangothini labo langetlhagwini, ngembundwini weMore emrhobeni. USomnini wathi kuGidiyoni: “Abantu onabo lapho banengi khulu kobana ngingabasebenzisa ukunikela amaMidiyani esandleni sakho. Nakungasinjalo ama-Israyeli azangigabisela adlumbane bonyana ahlule ngamandlawo. Ngalokho memezela ebantwini uthi, ‘Omunye nomunye onevalo nothuthumelako, akabuyele ekhaya. Akakhukhuthe ngeentaba zakwaGiliyadi.’ ” Kwakhamba iinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili nambili zajika, kwasala ezilitjhumi. USomnini wathi kuGidiyoni: “Abantwaba basesebanengi, bathathe ubase emanzini, ngizakuhlungela bona. Nanyana ngubani engizakuthi kuwe ngaye, ‘Lo, uzakhamba nawe’, akhambe nawe bese engithi kuwe ngaye, ‘Lo akasale’, asale.” Yeke waletha abantu emanzini, uSomnini wathi kuye: “Boke abaqabha amanzi ngelimu njengenja ubabuthelele ndawonye, nalabo abaguqako nabaselako ubabeke ndawonye.” Isibalo salabo abaqabha amanzi, saba makhulu amathathu. Kodwana inengi kwaba ngilelo eliguqako nalisela amanzi ngokubeka izandla zabo emilonyeni. USomnini wathi kuGidiyoni: “Ngizakusebenzisa amadoda amakhulu amathathu la ukukutjhaphulula bese nginikela amaMidiyani esandleni sakho. Loke inengi lamadoda ungalitjhaphulula kube ngileyo naleyo ndoda ibuyele emzinayo.” Emva kokuthathwa kwemiphako neempalapala ebekuphethwe madoda, inengi lawo labuyiselwa emuva kwaba ngileyo naleyo indoda yabuyela etendeni layo. UGidiyoni wasala namakhulu amathathu wamadoda kwaphela. Ikampa yabakwaMidiyani gade ingenzasi kwakaGidiyoni ngemrhobeni. Khona ngobusukobo uSomnini wathi kuGidiyoni: “Sikima, wehlele ngekampeni ngombana ngiyinikele esandleni sakho. Kodwana nakube uyesaba ukwehla, yehla noPura incekwakho. Uzafese uzwe abakukhulumako, ngemva kwalapho uzokuqina idolo ulungele ukusahlela ikampa.” Yeke wehla noPura incekwakhe baya emaphethelweni wekampa lapha kunamadoda ahlomileko. AmaMidiyani nama-Amalekhi nabo boke abantu bepumalanga bebabanengi njengentethe nayembethe umrhula. Amakamelabo gade kungakghoneki ukuwabala amanengi njengequlwani eseligwini lelwandle. UGidiyoni nafikako, qala, bekunendoda egade ihlathululela umnganayo ibhudango isithi: “Uyazi, ngibhudange isikokoro sesikwa sebhali sigedekela ngekampeni yakwaMidiyani, safika satjhayisa itende yawa, yasala iketukile.” Umnganayo wathi: “Akunangenye indlela, leyo yisabula kaGidiyoni umsa kaJowatjhi umuntu wakwa-Israyeli. UZimu unikele amaMidiyani nawo woke amabuthwawo esandleni sakhe.” Lokha uGidiyoni nezwa kucocwa ngebhudangweli nokuhlathululwa kwalo, wakhothama ngokuthokoza. Wabuyela ekampeni yakwa-Israyeli wathi: “Sikimani ngombana uSomnini unikele ibutho lamaMidiyani ezandleni zenu.” Wahlukanisa amadoda amakhulu amathathu ngeenqhema ezintathu, wawanikela iimpalapala woke kanye nemijeka enganalitho. Ngaphakathi kwemijekapho kwakuneenhlothi ezivuthako. Wathi kiwo: “Qalani mina bese nenza engikwenzako. Nangifika emaphethelweni wekampa, nenze lokho engikwenzako. Nangivuthela ipalapala, mina nesiqhema esinami, nani vuthelani zenu ngemahlangothini wayo yoke ikampa bese nirhuwelela nithi, ‘Silwela uSomnini noGidiyoni!’ ” Yeke uGidiyoni namadoda alikhulu agade akhamba naye bafika emaphethelweni wekampa ngesikhathi sabogadi baphakathi kobusuku, emva nje kokobana amaMidiyani abeke abogadi abanye. Bavuthela iimpalapala baphadlha imijeka esezandleni zabo. Ngaleyondlela iinqhema zontathu zavuthela iimpalapala bezaphadlha nemijeka esezandleni, zabamba iinhlothi ngesincele kwathi ngesandleni sokugoma zaphatha iimpalapala kobana zivuthele, zarhuwelela zathi: “Asihlabanele uSomnini noGidiyoni!” Bajama kwaba ngileyo naleyo indoda endawenayo magegana nekampa, boke abantu ngekampeni bagijima, barhuwelela babaleka. Kwathi lokha nabavuthela iimpalapala ezimakhulu amathathu, uSomnini wenza boke abantu ngekampeni bajikelane, basikane ngeensabula. Babaleka bekwaba seBhethe-Tjhitha ukuyela eTserera ukuyokufika esebeni lomlambo we-Abela-Merhola eThabathi. Ama-Israyeli abizwa aseNafitali ne-Atjheri nakilo loke lakwaManase, agijimisa amaMidiyani. UGidiyoni wathumela iinthunywa kiyo yoke inarha yeentatjana zakwa-Efrayimu wathi: “Yenehle nisahlele amaMidiyani niwalalele ngemlanjeni iJordani ukuyokufika eBhethe-Bhara.” Yeke boke abantu bakwa-Efrayimu babizwa bavimba umlambo iJoridani ukuyokufika eBhethe-Bhara. Babamba iinduna ezimbili zakwaMidiyani, u-Orebi noZebi. Nabalokhu bagijimisa amaMidiyani njalo, babulala u-Orebi edwaleni laka-Orebi noZebi ebutlhodlhelweni bakaZebi. Banikela uGidiyoni ihloko ka-Orebi neyakaZebi ngaphetjheya kweJordani. Abantu bakwa-Efrayimu bathi kuGidiyoni: “Yintobani osenze yona le? Kubayini ungasibizi lokha nawuyokulwa namaMidiyani?” Bamsola ngamandla. Yena wathi kibo: “Bekuyini-ke engikwenzileko kunalokho okwenziwe ngini? Okwenziwe babantu bakwa-Efrayimu kungaphezu kwalokho okwenziwe mndenami ama-Abiyezeri. UZimu unikele iinduna zakwaMidiyani, u-Orebi noZebi, ezandleni zenu. Alo, yini-ke engcono engiyenzileko kunalokho okwenziwe ngini?” Awa-ke, ukutjho kwakhe njalo kibo kwabathela ngamanzi. UGidiyoni gade ayame iJordani namadoda amakhulu amathathu nalokhu agijimisa amaMidiyani. Ngebanga lokobana gade adinwe aphelile, wathi ebantwini beSukothi: “Siseenthendeni zakaZebarhi noTsalmuna amakhosi wakwaMidiyani. Nje-ke ngiyanibawa, akhese niphe amadoda akhamba nami la izikwa ezindulungu ngombana alambile kanti nokudinwa kuziphe amandla.” Iinkhulu zeSukothi zathi: “Kanti uZebarhi noTsalmuna sele basezandleni zakho bonyana singabeze siphe ibutho lakhwelo isikwa na?” UGidiyoni wathi: “Nihlale nazi-ke bonyana lokha uSomnini nanikela uZebarhi noTsalmuna esandleni sami, ngizokhekhebula inyamenu ngameva nangeenumba.” Ukusuka lapho wakhuphukela kwaPenuweli, wakhuluma lokho akukhulume ebantwini beSukothi. Abantu bakwaPenuweli nabo bakhamba emagameni wabantu beSukothi. Godu wathi ebantwini bakwaPenuweli: “Mhlana ngibuya ngokuthula ngizobhuruza isithala sabalindesi.” UZebarhi noTsalmuna gade baseKharikhori nebutho labo ebelingaba madoda aziinkulungwana ezilitjhumi nahlanu. Lawo gade kumadoda asele ebuthweni loke labantu bepumalanga. Abahlongakalako bekuziinkulungwana ezilikhulu namatjhumi amabili zamadoda akwazi ukulwa ngesabula. UGidiyoni wakhuphuka ngendlela yabosomatende ngepumalanga yeNobarhi neJogiboha, wasahlela ibutho lakhona ngombana belingakatjheji. Loke ibutho langenwa livalo. Amakhosi amabili wakwaMidiyani, uZebarhi noTsalmuna, abaleka, kodwana uGidiyoni wawagijimisa. UGidiyoni umsa kaJowatjhi wabuya epini sele akhamba ngendlela yomenyukelo weRheresi. Wabamba isokana ebantwini beSukothi walipheka ngemibuzo. Isokanelo lamtlolela amabizo weenkhulu nabaphathi beSukothi. Kwaba madoda amatjhumi alikhomba nakhomba. Wafika ebantwini beSukothi wathi: “Napa-ke aboZebarhi noTsalmuna ebeningichotjhela ngabo nithi, ‘Sele basezandleni zakho kobanyana singabeze siphe ibutho lakho elidiniweko isikwa na?’ ” Wathatha abaphathi bedorobho, wathatha ameva werhalawumba neenumba, ngawo wafundisa amadoda weSukothi isifundo. Wephula isithala sabalindi bePenuweli, wabulala namadoda wedorobho. Wathi kuZebarhi noTsalmuna: “Nganjani amadoda eniwabulele eTabori?” Baphendula bathi: “Gade afana nawe, woke gade anjengamakhosana.” Wathi kibo: “Baba-ke! Bafowethu labo, madodana kamma. Ngifunga uSomnini, ngathana azange nibabulale, nami bengingeze nganibulala.” Wathi kuJeteri izibulo lakhe: “Babulale!” Kodwana umsana azange arhwatjhe isabulakhe, gade esaba ngombana bekasesemncani. UZebarhi noTsalmuna bathi: “Sibulala wena ngokwakho ngombana uyindoda!” UGidiyoni wasuka wababulala, wathatha imikghabiso yeenqetjhana zenyezi ebegade iseentanyeni zamakamela. Abantu bakwa-Israyeli bathi kuGidiyoni: “Yewusibuse, wena nendodanakho kanye nomntwanomntwanakho ngombana usitjhaphulule esandleni samaMidiyani.” UGidiyoni wathi kibo: “Mina angeze nganibusa, ngitjho nendodanami angeze yanibusa, kodwana nguSomnini ozanibusa.” Godu wathi: “Akhe nginikhombele lokhu: omunye nomunye wenu akangiphe idzilamnwana epangwenakhe.” (AmaMidiyani lawo bekaziinzukulwana zaka-Itjhimayeli, ngalokho gade afaka iindzilamnwana.) Baphendula bathi: “Sizakupha ngeenhliziyo ezimhlophe.” Baqhisa isambatho phasi, woke umuntu waphosela idzilamnwana ayiphangileko lapho. Ubudisi beendzilamnwana azikhombelako, bebupheze bube makhilogremu amatjhumi amabili ngaphandle kwemikghabiso yeenqetjhana zenyezi namancina kanye nezambatho ezibubende ezazembathwa makhosi wakwaMidiyani begodu nangaphandle kwemikghabiso ebegade iseentanyeni zamakamelawo. UGidiyoni wenza i-efodi ngegolidelo wayibeka edorobheni lakhe e-Ofira. Woke u-Israyeli wadlhemadlhema ne-efodi leyo ngokuyilotjha khonapho. Yaphenduka isifu kuGidiyoni nomndenakhe. AmaMidiyani aguqiswa phambi kwama-Israyeli, azange asaziphakamisa. Ngalokho inarha yaba nokuthula iminyaka ematjhumi amane emihleni kaGidiyoni. UJerubhali umsa kaJowatjhi wakhamba wayokuhlala emzinakhe. UGidiyoni lo gade anamadodana amatjhumi alikhomba, okubantwabakhe ngenyama ngombana gade anabafazi abanengi. Ikhohlo lakhe ebegade liseTjhekemu nalo lambelethela indodana. Wayithiya bona ngu-Abimeleki. UGidiyoni umsa kaJowatjhi wahlongakala sele aluphele kwamambala. Wabulungwa ethuneni lakayise uJowatjhi e-Ofira lama-Abiyezeri. Kwathi bona uGidiyoni ahlongakale, ama-Israyeli godu abuyela adlhemadlhema ngemva kwaboBhali. Enza uBhali-Bherithi uzinyanawo. Azange akhumbule uSomnini uZimawo owawaphunyurhisa ezandleni zazo zoke izitha zawo eziwazombelezileko. Godu azange akhombise nesisa emndenini kaJerubhali okutjho uGidiyoni, ngakho koke okuhle awenzele khona. U-Abimeleki umsa kaJerubhali waya eTjhekemu kibomalumakhe nakiyo yoke ikoro yekhabomkhulu wayokukhuluma nayo wathi: “Khulumani nabo boke abaphathi beTjhekemu nithi, ‘Ngikuphi okungcono ukubuswa madodana kaJerubhali amatjhumi alikhomba namkha ukubuswa ngeyodwa le? Nikhumbule bonyana ngiziingazi zenu nanginje.’ ” Ngambala abomalumakhe bawukhambisa umlayezo lowo kibo boke abaphathi beTjhekemu. Iinhliziyo zabo zathanda ukulandela u-Abimeleki ngombana bathi: “Mfowethu”. Bamnikela iimpaparwana ezimatjhumi alikhomba zesiliva ezazingethempelini lakaBhali-Bherithi. U-Abimeleki waqatjha ngazo imigulukudu namahlongandlebe ebekamlandela. Waya emzini kayise e-Ofira, wabulala abafowabo, amadodana kaJerubhali abamatjhumi alikhomba elitjeni linye. Kodwana uJotamu obuphetjhani wasinda ngombana wazifihla. Boke abaphathi beTjhekemu nebemizana emagegana nalo babuthana eTjhekemu emthini omkhulu we-owuku eduze nesika kobana babeke u-Abimeleki abe yikosi. Kwathi lokha uJotamu nabikelwa ngalokho, wakhamba wayokujama esiqongolweni sentaba iGerizimu warhuwelela ebantwini wathi kibo: “Yeningilalele nina baphathi beTjhekemu ukuze uZimu anilalele. “Kwakhe kwasuka imithi yayokuzesa ikosi bona ibuse phezu kwayo. Yathi emthini we-oliva, ‘Yewube yikosethu.’ “Kodwana umuthi we-oliva wathi, ‘Nithi ngilise amafuthami enza bonyana abosingazimu nabantu bahlonipheke bese ngiyokuyathazela phezu kwemithi na?’ “Imithi yathi emthini wamakhiwani, ‘Yewube yikosethu.’ “Kodwana umuthi wamakhiwani wathi, ‘Nithi ngilise ubumnandi bami neenthelo zami ezihle ngiyokuyathazela phezu kwemithi na?’ “Imithi yathi esidiribeni, ‘Yewube yikosethu.’ “Kodwana isidiribe sathi, ‘Nithi ngitjhiye umhluzi wamadiribami oncibilikisa abosingazimu nabantu ngiyokuyathazela phezu kwemithi na?’ “Yeke yoke imithi yathi emthini womunga, ‘Yewube yikosethu.’ “Umuthi womunga wathi emithini leyo, ‘Nakube ningizesa ngommoya omuhle bona ngibe yikosi, khona-ke yizani nizokukhosela emthunzinami. Kodwana nakungasinjalo, akuphume umlilo emungeni lo uqothule imisedari yeLibhanoni.’ “Nidlumbana bonyana nenze kuhle nangokwethembeka kobana nibeke u-Abimeleki abe yikosi phezu kwenu na? Enikwenze ngoJerubhali nekumbakhe kuhle begodu kufanelana nezenzo zakhe na? Ubaba wanilwela, wabeka ipilwakhe engozini, wanitjhaphulula esandleni samaMidiyani, kodwana namhlanje nivukele ikumba kababa, nabulala amadodanakhe amatjhumi alikhomba elitjeni linye, nathuwelela nabeka u-Abimeleki indodana yekhohlo lakhe kobana abe yikosi phezu kwabaphathi beTjhekemu ngombana amzukulwanenu. Nakube nenze kuhle nangokwethembeka kuJerubhali nekumbakhe namhlanjesi, khona-ke jekezelani no-Abimelekenu loyo, naye ajekezele nani. Kodwana nakube akusinjalo, akuqubuke umlilo ku-Abimeleki uqothule abaphathi beTjhekemu nebemizana elizombileko. Akuphume umlilo ebaphathini beTjhekemu nebemizana elizombileko uqothule u-Abimeleki.” UJotamu wabaleka wanqomba eBheri wahlala lapho ngombana esaba u-Abimeleki umfowabo. U-Abimeleki wabusa kwa-Israyeli iminyaka emithathu. UZimu wehlisela ummoya omumbi phakathi kwaka-Abimeleki nebaphathini beTjhekemu. Abaphathi beTjhekemu baphatha u-Abimeleki ngobugirikijani. Lokhu kwenzeka ukuze kubuyiselelwe inturhu eyenziwa phezu kwamadodana kaJerubhali amatjhumi alikhomba nokobana iingazi zawo zibe phezu kwaka-Abimeleki umfowabo owawabulalako naphezu kwabaphathi beTjhekemu abamsiza bona abulale abafowabo. Abaphathi beTjhekemu bajamelana no-Abimeleki ngokubeka amadoda eenqongolweni zeentaba. Wona alalela abantu lapho, akhuthuza woke umuntu odlula ngendlela leyo. U-Abimeleki wabikelwa ngalokhu. Ngesikhatheso uGali umsa ka-Ebede wafudukela eTjhekemu akhamba neenhlobo zakhe, abaphathi beTjhekemu baba nethemba kuye. Abantu beTjhekemu babuyela emasimini, babuthelela amadiribe eendiribeni zabo, bawaminya. Benza umnyanya, baya ethempelini lakasingazimabo, bafika bagoma, basela baphoqa u-Abimeleki. UGali umsa ka-Ebede wathi: “Emanyeni bekangubani u-Abimeleki? Kwakhona kubayini thina maTjhekemu kufuze sibuswe nguye? Angithi yena msa kaJerubhali, nokwenza uZebhulu umjamelakhe! Dumbana sisebenzele abantu bakaRhamori umsunguli weTjhekemu! Nakungu-Abimeleki yena, do! Nangathana abantwaba bebangaphasi kwesandla sami, ngasele ngimsusile u-Abimeleki wakhona loyo. Bengizakuthi, ‘Wena Abimeleki, ngezelela amabuthwakho uphume sihlangane.’ ” Kwathi lokha uZebhulu umbusi wedorobho nezwa amezwi kaGali umsa ka-Ebede, wavutha ngetukuthelo. Wathumela iinthunywa ku-Abimeleki ngobuqili wathi: “Tjheja, uGali umsa ka-Ebede neenhlobo zakhe beze eTjhekemu, bahlohlozela idorobho kobana lijamelane nawe. Yeke phuma ebusuku wena namadoda anawe nifese nizifihle emasimini. Vukani ekuseni, kuthi bona kuphume ilanga nisahlele idorobho. Kuzakuthi yena namadoda anaye nabaphuma bona bajamelane nani, nibabhudungele nenze umathanda ngabo.” U-Abimeleki nawo woke amadoda agade anaye bavuka ebusuku, balalela iTjhekemu ngeenqhema ezine. Kwathi lokha uGali umsa ka-Ebede naphuma ayokujama ebungenweni besango ledorobho, u-Abimeleki namadoda agade anaye bavuka lapha bebazifihle khona. UGali wabona amadoda lawo, wathi kuZebhulu: “Qala nakaya amadoda ehla esiqongolweni sentaba!” UZebhulu wathi kuye: “Awa, wena ufanisa iinthunzi zeentaba nabantu.” UGali godu wathi: “Baba-ke! Qala nakaya amanye amadoda ehla entabeni iGerizimu, esinye isiqhema sivela tjhuba langemuthini we-owuku yezanusi.” UZebhulu wathi kuye: “Kuphi-ke ukukhuluma kwakho khulu? Angithi nguwe owathi bekayini u-Abimeleki loyo bonyana singabeze simsebenzele? Nako-ke amadoda ogade uwanyaza! Phuma phela uyokulwa nawo sibone!” UGali waphuma warhola amadoda weTjhekemu walwa no-Abimeleki. U-Abimeleki wamgijimisa, wabaleka phambi kwakhe. Abanengi barabhalaliswa bekwaba sebungenweni besango. Kwathi u-Abimeleki nabuyela e-Aruma, uZebhulu waqotjha uGali nabantu bakhe baphuma eTjhekemu. Ngelanga elilandelako abantu beTjhekemu baphuma baya emasimini. U-Abimeleki watjelwa ngalokho. Wathatha amabuthwakhe wawahlukanisa iinqhema ezintathu, wazifihla emasimini ebusuku. Kwathi ibutho lakhe nalibona abantu baphuma ngedorobheni, lavuka labasahlela. U-Abimeleki wasuka nesinye isiqhema sakhe bagijimela ebungenweni besango ledorobho bayokuvimba khona. Iinqhema ezimbili zasahlela boke abantu ebegade basesimini zababulala. U-Abimeleki walwa nedorobho imini yoke mhlokho, walithumba, wabulala boke abantu abakilo, walirhayila bewalirhatjha ngetswayi. Kwathi lokha boke abaphathi beMigidali-Tjhekemu nabezwa ngalokho, bangena embhotjhongweni wobuphephelo bethempeli laka-Eli-Bherithi. U-Abimeleki wabikelwa bonyana boke abaphathi beMigidali-Tjhekemu babuthene ndawonye. Wenyukela entabeni iTsalimoni, yena nawo woke amadoda agade anaye. Waphatha izembe, wagawula amaqobetjhwana wawabuthelela, wawatjatha ehlombe. Wathi emadodeni agade anaye: “Lokho enikubone ngikwenza, rhabani nani nikwenze njengombana ngikwenzile!” Yeke omunye nomunye wagawula amaqobetjhwana walandela u-Abimeleki. Basamisa amaqobetjhwana lawo magegana nombhotjhongo wobuphephelo, batika umlilo. Boke abantu beMigidali-Tjhekemu bafela ngapho, kwakungaba yikulungwana yoke yamadoda nabafazi. Yeke u-Abimeleki waya eTebetsi, wayivimbezela bewayithumba. Kodwana gade kunombhotjhongo oqinileko ngedorobhenelo. Woke amadoda nabafazi kanye nabaphathi bedorobho babalekela ngapho, bazivalela ngaphakathi, bakhuphukela ephahleni lombhotjhongo. U-Abimeleki wafika embhotjhongwenapho, walwa nawo. Watjhidela emnyango kobana awutjhise. Umfazi othileko waphosa imbokotho phezu kwehloko ka-Abimeleki, yamphahlaza ikhakhayi. Wabiza msinyana isokana elalimphathele iinkhali wathi: “Rhwatjha isabulakho ungiqedelele ngombana amadoda azakuthi, ‘Loyo wabulawa mfazi.’ ” Isokanelo lamhlanganisa nesabula wafa. Kwathi lokha abantu bakwa-Israyeli nababona bonyana u-Abimeleki uhlongakele, baphadlhalala kwaba ngiloyo naloyo waziyela kwakhe. Ngalokho uZimu wabuyiselela ubukhohlakali obenziwa ngu-Abimeleki kuyise ngokubulala abafowabo abamatjhumi alikhomba. Godu uZimu wenza bonyana boke ubukhohlakali babantu beTjhekemu buwele phezu kweenhloko zabo. Behlelwa manikelela kaJotamu umsa kaJerubhali. Ngemva kokuhlongakala kwaka-Abimeleki, uTola umsa kaPuwa omsa kaDodo indoda yakwa-Isakari, watjhaphulula u-Israyeli. Wahlala eTjhamiri ngeentatjaneni zakwa-Efrayimu. Yena wakhokhela ama-Israyeli iminyaka ematjhumi amabili namithathu. Ngemva kwalapho wahlongakala, wabulungwa eTjhamiri. Ngemva kwakhe kwaba nguJayire umGiliyadi owakhokhela ama-Israyeli iminyaka ematjhumi amabili namibili. Gade anamadodana amatjhumi amathathu agade akhwela abodumbana abamatjhumi amathathu. Amadodana lawo gade aziinduna zemizi ematjhumi amathathu enarheni yakwaGiliyadi, ebizwa bona yiRhavothi-Jayire bekube namhlanje. UJayire wahlongakala, wabulungwa eKhamoni. Ama-Israyeli godu enza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini. Alotjha aboBhali nabo-Atjhitarothi, abosingazimu be-Aramu, beTsidoni nebeMowabi kanye nabosingazimu bama-Amoni nebamaFilista. Afulathela uSomnini, azange amlotjhe. Itukuthelo kaSomnini yavutha phezu kwaka-Israyeli, wawanikela esandleni samaFilista nesandleni sama-Amoni. AmaFilista nama-Amoni agandelela abe agadangela ama-Israyeli umnyaka lowo. Kwaba minyaka elitjhumi nobumnane izizwezi zigandelela woke ama-Israyeli angaphetjheya kweJordani eGiliyadi, enarheni ebegade ingeyama-Amori. Ama-Amoni ayama iJordani kobana nawo ayokulwa kwaJuda, kwaBhenjamini kanye nekumbeni ka-Efrayimu. Ngalokho ama-Israyeli aba sesizini elikhulu. Ama-Israyeli alilela uSomnini athi: “Sonile phambi kwakaSomnini ngombana sifulathele uZimethu salotjha aboBhali.” USomnini wathi kiwo: “Azange nginitjhaphulule esandleni samaGibhide nama-Amori, ama-Amoni namaFilista na? Godu nagandelelwa maTsidoni, ama-Amalekhi namaMawoni nangililela, nganitjhaphulula esandleni sawo. Khonapho ningifulathele nalotjha abosingazimu, ngalokho angeze bengisanitjhaphulula. Khambani niyokulilela abosingazimu enibakhethilekwabo. Batjeleni banitjhaphulule esizini lenwelo.” Ama-Israyeli athi kuSomnini: “Siyavuma, sonile. Besithi uSomnini akenze nanyana yini ayithandako ngathi. USomnini akhe asitjhaphulule kube kanye.” Nje-ke alahla abosingazimu abaphakathi kwawo, athoma ukulotjha uSomnini. USomnini waba nesirhawu ngesizi lama-Israyeli. Ama-Amoni abizelwa epini, ahloma amatendawo eGiliyadi. Ama-Israyeli nawo ahlangana ndawonye, ahloma amatendawo eMitsipha. Abarholi babantu beGiliyadi bakhuluma bodwa bathi: “Nakungaba nomuntu ongathoma ntange alwe nama-Amoni, uzakuba yinduna yabo boke abahlali beGiliyadi.” UJafta umGiliyadi gade ayingorho. Uyise bekunguGiliyadi, kodwana unina gade ayingwadla. Umfazi kaGiliyadi naye wambelethela amadodana. Kuthe lokha amadodana lawo nakhulako, aqotjha uJafta athi kuye: “Angeze waba nesabelo emzini kababa ngombana uyindodana yomfazi omunye.” UJafta wabaleka kubafowabo wayokuhlala enarheni yeThobu. Wafika lapho wabuthelela imigulukudu, yamlandela. Ngemva kwesikhathi ama-Amoni alwa no-Israyeli. Kwathi lokha ama-Amoni nathoma ukulwa no-Israyeli, abaphathi bakwaGiliyadi bakhamba bayokuthatha uJafta enarheni yeThobu, bathi kuye: “Yewize uzokuba mrholethu ukuze silwe nama-Amoni.” Kodwana uJafta wathi kubaphathi bakwaGiliyadi: “Angithi beningizonda benangiqotjha emzini kababa! Alo, kubayini-ke sele nigijimela kimapha naninomraro?” Abaphathi bathi kuye: “Iye, khona kunjalo. Nokho-ke size kuwe. Nange unganamba nathi, ulwe nama-Amoni lawa, uzakuba mrholethu kilo loke lakwaGiliyadi.” UJafta wathi ebaphathinabo: “Naningibuyisela ekhaya bona ngiyokulwa nama-Amoni bese uSomnini uwanikela esandleni sami, nitjho bona ngizaba mrholenu na?” Abaphathi bathi: “Iye, uSomnini uzakuba ngufakazi phakathi kwethu, sizakwenza okutjhoko.” Yeke uJafta wakhamba nabaphathi bakwaGiliyadabo. Abantu bakhona bamenza ihloko nomrholabo. UJafta wabuyelela amezwakhe phambi kwakaSomnini eMitsipha. UJafta wathumela iinthunywa ekosini yama-Amoni wathi: “Ngigomeni yakho kobana ungabeze uphume ipi uzokulwa nenarhami na?” Ikosi yama-Amoni yaphendula iinthunywezo yathi: “Ngombana u-Israyeli naphuma eGibhide wathatha inarhami ukusuka e-Arinoni ukuya eJabokhi ukuyokufika eJordani. Yeke ibuyise ngokuthula.” Godu uJafta wathumela iinthunywa ekosini yama-Amoni wathi kiyo: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguJafta: U-Israyeli azange athathe inarha yakwaMowabi namkha yama-Amoni, kodwana kwathi naphuma eGibhide, waratha erhalawumbeni wanqomba elwandle lomGaba wafika eKhadetjhi. U-Israyeli wathumela umlayezo ekosini yakwa-Edomu wathi, ‘Sibawa usivumele sidlule enarhenakho.’ Kodwana ikosi yakwa-Edomu yaqinisa ihloko. Godu wathumela ilizwi ekosini yakwaMowabi, nayo yakhunyalala. Yeke u-Israyeli wahlala eKhadetjhi. Ukusuka lapho wakhamba phakathi kwerhalawumbapho, wazombeleza inarha yakwa-Edomu neyakwaMowabi wabe wafika ngepumalanga yenarha yakwaMowabi. Wahloma amatendakhe ngehlangothini le-Arinoni. Azange ayame i-Arinoni, okumkhawulo wakwaMowabi, kobana abeke inyawo lakhe enarheni yakwaMowabi. U-Israyeli wathumela ilizwi kuSirhoni ikosi yama-Amori, egade iphethe eRhetjhibhoni wathi kiyo, ‘Ngibawa ukudlula enarhenakho ngiye keyami.’ Kodwana ikosi uSirhoni azange ithembe u-Israyeli bonyana angadlula enarhenayo. Yeke, yabuthelela abantu bayo ndawonye, yahloma amatende eJahatsi yalwa no-Israyeli. USomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli wanikela uSirhoni nabo boke abantu bakhe esandleni saka-Israyeli, wamhlula. Yeke u-Israyeli wathatha yoke inarha yama-Amori ebegade ahlala lapho. Wathatha woke umkhawulo wama-Amori ukusuka e-Arinoni ukuya eJabokhi nokusuka erhalawumbeni ukuya eJordani. Ngalokho-ke uSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli waqotjha ama-Amori phambi kwabantu bakhe, ama-Israyeli. Alo, wena ufuna ukuwathathela ilifa lawo na? Wena wamukela okuphiwa ngusingazimakho uKemotjhi. Nathi-ke sizakulonda yoke inarha uSomnini uZimethu ayimuke abanye phambi kwethu wasinikela yona. Kghani wena ubona inga ungcono kunoBhalakhi umsa kaTsipori ikosi yakwaMowabi? Yena zange akhe ajamelane no-Israyeli namkha alwe naye. Kubayini ungazange ulinge uthathe umkhawulo lowo eminyakeni emakhulu amathathu le ngesikhathi ama-Israyeli asahlala eRhetjhibhoni nemizanenayo ne-Aroweri nemizanenayo kanye nakiwo woke amadorobho aseligwini le-Arinoni? Ngalokho-ke angikakoni mina, kodwana wena uyangona ngokuphuma ipi bona ulwe nami. USomnini omugwebi uzakuqunta namhlanje phakathi kwama-Israyeli nama-Amoni.” Kodwana ikosi yama-Amoni azange ilalele umlayezo kaJafta agade awuthumele kiyo lowo. UMoya kaSomnini wehlela kuJafta, wadlula kwaGiliyadi nakwaManase wadlulela eMitsipha eseGiliyadi, ukusuka lapho wanqomba kuma-Amoni. UJafta wenza isifungo kuSomnini wathi: “Nange uSomnini anganikela ama-Amoni esandleni sami, nanyana yini ephuma emnyango wekumbami ukungihlangabeza ekufikeni kwami, nangibuya ukuyohlula ama-Amoni, kuzakuba ngokwakaSomnini. Ngizakwenza ngakho umhlabelo wokutjhiswa.” Yeke uJafta wayamela ngaphetjheya kuma-Amoni kobana alwe nawo. USomnini wawanikela esandleni sakhe. Wawamadlha ukusuka e-Aroweri ukuya esifundeni seMinithi nokuyokufika e-Abela-Keramimi. Wabulala abantu abanengi bewathumba nemizi ematjhumi amabili. Yeke ama-Amoni aguqiswa ma-Israyeli. UJafta wabuyela ekhaya eMitsipha. Baba-ke, nakho-ke ahlangatjezwa yindodakazakhe igida ngabosotjherere neentanga zayo. Umntazana loyo gade ayithorwanakhe, ngaphandle kwakhe uJafta gade anganandodana namkha indodakazi. Wathi lokha nambonako, wadabula izambatho zakhe, wathi: “Maye ndodakazami! Ungiqede amandla! Alo, sekube nguwe ongifaka emrarweni ongaka! Ngirhabe ngakhuluma kuSomnini, nje-ke angisakwazi ukujika amezwami.” Yona yathi kuyise: “Baba, nakube wathembise uSomnini, yenza lokho okuthembise uSomnini ngami ngombana uSomnini ukubuyiselele ezitheni zakho, ama-Amoni.” Emva kwalokho yathi kuyise: “Nginesibawo sinye phambi kwakho: Ngibawa ungitjhaphulule iinyanga ezimbili ngiye eentabeni ngiyokulilela ubuntombi bami, mina neentanga zami.” UJafta wathi: “Kulungile, khamba.” Watjhaphulula indodakazakhe iinyanga ezimbili. Yakhamba kanye neentanga zayo kobana iyokulilela ubuntombi bayo eentabeni. Ekupheleni kweenyanga ezimbili, yabuyela kuyise. Wenza ngayo umhlabelo njengombana afunga kuSomnini. Indodakazi leyo beyingazange yembulele indoda amabhayi. Ukusuka ngesikhatheso kwaba mkhuba kwa-Israyeli bonyana amadodakazi wakwa-Israyeli minyaka yoke akhambe ayokulilela indodakazi kaJafta umGiliyadi amalanga amane. Abantu bakwa-Efrayimu babizelwa embizweni bahlomile, bayama umlambo weJordani eTsafoni, bathi kuJafta: “Kubayini uyamele ngaphetjheya ulwe nama-Amoni ungasibizi bona sikhambe nawe? Sizokutjhisa kanye nekumbakho.” UJafta wathi kibo: “Mina nabantu bami silwe khulu nama-Amoni, ngithe nanginibizako azange ningisize esandleni sawo. Ngathi nangibona bonyana aniyingeni, ngabeka ipilwami emlonyeni wethuna. Ngayamela ngaphetjheya ngayokulwa nama-Amoni, uSomnini wawanikela esandleni sami. Alo, kubayini nijamelane nami namhlanjesi? Kghani nifuna ukulwa nami?” Abantu bakwa-Efrayimu baphendula bathi: “Nina bantu bakwaGiliyadi, nihlubuke kwa-Efrayimu. Kuhlekuhle uGiliyadi uyingcenye yakwa-Efrayimu neyakwaManase.” Ngalokho uJafta wabuthelela ndawonye boke abantu bakwaGiliyadi walwa nabantu bakwa-Efrayimu wabahlula. Abantu bakwaGiliyadi bavimbezela amazibuko weJoridani ukuyela ngakwa-Efrayimu. Bekuthi lokha omunye wabakwa-Efrayimu ophunyurhileko nakhombela ukudlula, amadoda wakwaGiliyadi bekambuza athi: “UmEfrayimu na?” Lokha nathi “Awa”, bese athi kuye: “Akhe uthi ‘tjhibolethi’.” Nahluleka ukuphimisa kuhle igameli bese athi “sibolethi” ambambe ambulalele khona ezibukweni leJordanapho. Lapho kwafela abantu bakwa-Efrayimu abaziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amane nambili. UJafta, umGiliyadi wakhokhela ama-Israyeli iminyaka esithandathu. Ngemva kwalokho wahlongakala, wabulungelwa edorobheni lakhe eGiliyadi. Ngemva kwakaJafta ama-Israyeli akhokhelwa ngu-Ibitsani weBhethe-Lehema. Yena gade anamadodana amatjhumi amathathu namadodakazi amatjhumi amathathu. Wendisela amadodakazi lawo eenkorweni zangaphandle, godu wathathela amadodanakhe abomalukazana eenkorweni zangaphandle. Wakhokhela ama-Israyeli iminyaka elikhomba. U-Ibitsani wahlongakala, wabulungelwa eBhethe-Lehema. Ngemva kwakhe ama-Israyeli akhokhelwa ngu-Eloni umZebuloni. Yena wawakhokhela iminyaka elitjhumi. Wahlongakala, wabulungelwa e-Ayaloni enarheni yakwaZebuloni. Ngemva kwakhe ama-Israyeli akhokhelwa ngu-Abidoni umsa kaHileli umPiratoni. Gade anamadodana amatjhumi amane neenzukulwana eziduna ezimatjhumi amathathu. Labo-ke gade bakhwela abodumbana abamatjhumi alikhomba. Yena wakhokhela ama-Israyeli iminyaka ebunane. Wahlongakala, wabulungelwa ePiratoni enarheni yakwa-Efrayimu ngentabeni ye-Amalekhi. Ama-Israyeli godu enza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini; ngalokho uSomnini wawanikela esandleni samaFilista iminyaka ematjhumi amane. Kwakunendoda ethileko yeTsora okwakuthiwa nguManowarhi yekoro yakwaDani. Umkayo gade ayinyumba, anganabantwana. Ingilozi kaSomnini yazibonakalisa emfazini loyo yathi kuye: “Qala, uyinyumba, awunabantwana, kodwana uzazithwala bese ubeletha indodana. Ngalokho-ke zitjheje, ungaseli iwayini namkha isiselo esidakako begodu ungagomi litho elingakahlambuluki ngombana uzazithwala ubelethe indodana. Ingathintwa ehloko ngotjhefana ngombana imsana ozakuba mnaziri kuZimu kwasesibelethweni sakanina. Ngiyo ezakuthoma ukutjhaphulula ama-Israyeli esandleni samaFilista.” Umfazi loyo wafese watjela ubaba wakwakhe wathi: “Kazi kufike umuntu kaZimu kimi. Uqaleka inga yingilozi kaZimu, wesabeka khulu. Azange bengisambuza nokobana ubuyaphi, naye azange angitjele ibizo lakhe. Kodwana uthe kimi, ‘Qala, uzazithwala bese ubeletha indodana. Yeke zitjheje ungaseli iwayini namkha isiselo esidakako begodu ungagomi litho elingakahlambuluki ngombana umsana loyo uzakuba mnaziri kuZimu ukusukela esibelethweni sakanina bekube sekufeni kwakhe.’ ” UManowarhi wancenga uSomnini wathi: “Awu Somnini, ngiyarabhela. Bengithi umuntu kaZimu, uSomnini ebegade amthume kithi loya, akasikhambele godu ukuze asifundise bonyana senzeni ngomsana ozokubelethwa lo.” UZimu wamizwa uManowarhi, nje-ke ingilozi leyo yeza kumkaManowarhi yamfumana ahlezi esimini. Kodwana uManowarhi gade angasi naye. Umfazi wagijima msinyana wayokutjela ubaba wakwakhe wathi: “Qala, umuntu oweza kimi mhlokha, uzibonakalisile godu.” UManowarhi wasikima walandela umkakhe, wafika emuntwini loyo wathi: “Nguwe umuntu okhulume nomkami lo na?” Wathi: “Iye, ngimi.” UManowarhi wathi: “Lokha amezwakho nazalisekako, uzokuphila ipilo enjani umsana loyo begodu yini azoyenza epilweni?” Ingilozi kaSomnini yathi kuManowarhi: “Koke engikutjele umkakho kumele akuyelele. Angagomi litho elibuya esidiribeni, angaseli iwayini namkha isiselo esidakako. Angagomi litho elingakahlambuluki. Akatjheje koke engimyale ngakho.” UManowarhi wathi engilozini kaSomnini: “Ngiyakukhombela, bengithi asikubambezele kancani, sikulungisele imbuzana.” Ingilozi kaSomnini yathi kuManowarhi: “Iye, ungahle ungibambezele, nokho yazi bonyana angizogoma litho lakho. Kodwana nawufuna ukulungisela uSomnini umhlabelo wokutjhiswa, ungakwenza lokho.” UManowarhi gade angazi bonyana umuntu loyo yingilozi kaSomnini, yeke wathi kuye: “Konje ubaba ngubani ibizo? Sengibuza ngombana kuzakuthi amezwakho nazalisekileko bese sikuthumelela isibiko.” Ingilozi kaSomnini yathi: “Kubayini ungibuze ibizo lami? Liligugu khulu.” Yeke uManowarhi wathatha imbuzana nomnikelo weenthoro, wenzela uSomnini umnikelo phezu kwedwala. USomnini wenza imikarisomraro phambi kwakaManowarhi nomkakhe: Kuthe lokha ilangabi e-aldarini nalenyukela phezulu, ingilozi kaSomnini yakhuphuka ngalo. UManowarhi nomkakhe gade baqalile nakwenzeka lokho. Bahloma iinhloko phasi. Ingilozi kaSomnini azange isazibonakalisa kuManowarhi nomkakhe godu. Kuthe lokha uManowarhi nalemuka bonyana gade kuyingilozi kaSomnini, wathi kumkakhe: “Ngambala sizokufa ngombana sibone uZimu.” Kodwana umkakhe wathi: “Nakube uSomnini bekafuna ukusibulala, bekangeze amukela umhlabelo wokutjhiswa nomnikelo weenthoro ezandleni zethu namkha asibonise koke lokhu namkha asibikele iindaba ezinje.” Umfazi loyo wabeletha indodana, wayithiya bona nguSamsoni. Wakhula umsana, uSomnini wambusisa. UMoya kaSomnini wathoma ukumthinta aseMarhane-Dani hlangana neTsora ne-Etjhitawoli. USamsoni waya eTimna, wafika lapho wabona intombi emadodakazini wamaFilista. Wabuyela kwabo wafese watjela uyise nonina wathi: “Ngibone intombi emaFilisteni eTimna, bengithi ngithathelani yona ibe mkami.” Uyise nonina bathi kuye: “Kghani akunamntazana phakathi kweenhlobo zakho namkha ebantwini bekhethwaba bona ungabeze uyokuthatha intombi emaFilisteni angasokiko na?” Kodwana uSamsoni wathi kuyise: “Ngithathela yona leyo ngombana ngiyo kanye engiyifunako!” Uyise nonina gade bangazi bonyana lokho kuvela kuSomnini ngombana gade atjhijila amaFilista. Ngesikhatheso amaFilista gade abusa ama-Israyeli. USamsoni wehla noyise nonina baya eTimna, bafika esidiribeni sakhona. Esidiribenapho uSamsoni wabhevumulelwa libhubezi. UMoya kaSomnini wehlela ngamandla phezu kwakhe. Wadabula ibhubezelo ngezandla walihlukanisa phakathi inga mumuntu nahlukanisa imbuzana. Kodwana azange atjele uyise nonina ngalokho akwenzileko. Wehla wayokhuluma nomntazana loyo, asathathekile ngaye. Ngemva kwamalangana uSamsoni wabuya wazothatha umntazana, waphambukela bona ayokubona isidumbu sebhubezi. Qala, gade sele kunesihlaka seenyosi esidunjinapho, kuneliju. Watapa iinyosezo wazalisa izandla zakhe, wahlabela phambili, wakhamba agoma. Wafika kuyise nonina, wabanikela elinye leliju, bagoma. Kodwana azange abatjele bona ilijwelo ulithethe esidunjini sebhubezi. Ngemva kobana uyise akhulume nebekhabo lomntazana, uSamsoni wenza umnyanya njengombana amasokana bekenza ngesikhatheso. Kwathi bona balotjhisane, kwalethwa amatjhumi amathathu wabaphekeleli bonyana bazomhlalisa. USamsoni wathi kibo: “Anginenzele isirarejo, nange mbala ningaphumelela ukufumana ipendulo yaso ningitjele yona emalangeni alikhomba womnyanya, ngizaninikela izambatho zangaphakathi ezimatjhumi amathathu nezokugqoka ezimatjhumi amathathu. Kodwana nanibhalelwa yipendulo, ngini enizonginikela izambatho zangaphakathi ezimatjhumi amathathu nezokugqoka ezimatjhumi amathathu.” Bathi kuye: “Yitjho isirarejo sakho sizwe ndoda!” Wathi kibo: “Phakathi komgomi kwaphuma okugonywako, phakathi konamandla kwaphuma okumnandi.” Kwaphela amalanga amathathu banganayo ipendulo yesirarejweso. Kwathi elangeni lesine bathi emfazini kaSamsoni: “Somasoma indodakho le isitjele bonyana isirarejwesi sitjho ukuthini, nakungasinjalo sizokutjhisa kanye nomuzi kayihlo. Nisimemele ukuzosichakisa, angitjho.” UmkaSamsoni wamgona walila kuye wathi: “Ngiyakubona bonyana uyangizonda, awungithandi. Wenze isirarejo nabantu benarha yekhethu awusangitjeli bonyana sitjho ukuthini!” USamsoni wathi kuye: “Baba-ke, ngingathi ngingakatjeli ubaba nomma bese ngizotjela wena!” Wamtomatomela bekwaba lilanga lekhomba lomnyanyabo. Kwathi elangeni lekhomba uSamsoni wamtjela ngombana bekamhlezi emphinjeni. Wasuka lapho wayokutjela abantu benarha yekhabo. Abantu bedorobho beza kuSamsoni ngelanga lekhomba ngaphambi kobana kutjhinge ilanga bathi: “Yini emnandi kuneliju? Yini enamandla kunebhubezi?” USamsoni wathi kibo: “Ukube azange nilime ngethole lami, beningeze nazi isirarululo sesirarejo sami.” UMoya kaSomnini wehlela phezu kwakaSamsoni ngamandla, yena wehlela e-Atjhikheloni wabulala abantu bedorobho abamatjhumi amathathu, wabaphanga. Wathatha izambatho zokugqoka ezimatjhumi amathathu wazinikela labo ababambe isirarejo sakhe. Wabuyela kwabo athukuthele. UmkaSamsoni loyo wanikelwa isokana ebegade liyipelesi kaSamsoni emnyanyeni. Ngemva kwesikhathi, lokha nakuvunwa ikoroyi, uSamsoni wavakatjhela umkakhe wamphathela imbuzana wathi: “Ngizokuya kumkami ngelawini.” Kodwana umkhwe wakhe wamalela kobana angene ngapho, ngombana wathi kuye: “Bengiqinisekile bonyana awumthandi, yeke ngamnikela ipelesakho. Nokho unodadwabo omncani omuhle kunaye. Thatha yena esikhundleni sakhe.” USamsoni wathi: “Kwanjesi khona angizukuba nomlandu kumaFilista nangibenza nyamanambana.” USamsoni wakhamba wayokubamba iimpungutjha ezimakhulu amathathu, wazibophelela ngazimbili ngemisilazo. Wathatha iinhlothi wazibopha hlangana nemisilazo. Wathungela iinhlothezo ngomlilo, waqotjhela iimpungutjhezo emasimini wekoroyi yamaFilista. Ngendlela leyo watjhisa iinthala zekoroyi, ikoroyi engakavunwa, amasimu wesidiribe kanye nemithi ye-oliva. AmaFilista athi: “Ngubani owenze lokhu?” Kwathiwa: “NguSamsoni, umkhwenyana womTimna ngombana umTimna loyo uthethe umkaSamsoni wamnikela ipelesakhe.” AmaFilista enyuka, atjhisa umkaSamsoni kanye noyise. USamsoni wathi kumaFilista: “Nakube nenza nje, ngiyafunga ngithi angizukuphumula ngingakazibuyiseleli.” Wawephula iinyonganezi, wadala umonakalo omkhulu phezu kwawo. Emva kwalokho wehla wayokuhlala erharheni ledwala le-Ethamu. AmaFilista eza ahloma amatendawo kwaJuda, afese aphanga idorobho leLerhi. Abantu bakwaJuda bathi: “Nisisahlelelani?” AmaFilista athi: “Sifuna ukubamba uSamsoni, simenze asenze sona.” Amadoda aziinkulungwana ezintathu wakwaJuda angena ngerharheni ledwala le-Ethamu athi kuSamsoni: “Awazi bonyana amaFilista abusa phezu kwethu na? Yintobani-ke osenze yona le?” Yena wathi kiwo: “Ngibenze abasenze kimi.” Athi kuye: “Sehle kobana sikubambe sikunikele ezandleni zamaFilista.” Wawaphendula wathi: “Fungani bonyana nina anizungibhudungela.” Amadoda lawo athi: “Awa, sizokubopha kwaphela sikunikele ezandleni zawo. Angeze sakubulala.” Yeke ambopha ngeentambo ezimbili ezitja, amkhupha ngerharheni. Kwathi nafika eLerhi, amaFilista amhlangabeza ngetjhada. Nje-ke uMoya kaSomnini wehlela ngamandla phezu kwakhe. Intambo ebe isemikhonwenakhe yanyefa inga yintanjana yelineni nayizwa umlilo, ngokunjalo-ke negade isezandleni zakhe. Wafumana umhlathi omutjha kadumbana, welula isandla sakhe wawuthatha. Wamadlha ikulungwana yamadoda ngawo. USamsoni wathi: “Ngomhlathi kadumbana mbala ngiwakghedlhile, ngomhlathi kadumbana ngimadlhe ikulungwana yamadoda.” Kuthe bona aqede ukukhuluma, walahla umhlathi lowo. Indawo leyo yabizwa bona yiRamathi-Lerhi. Wazizwa omele amanzi, wabiza uSomnini wathi: “Somnini unikele ukuhlula okukhulu okungakokhu ngesandla sencekwayo; alo, ngife ngomrhawu bese ngiwela ezandleni zabantu abangakasokaba na?” UZimu waphadlhula indawo esikepetlu eseLerhi, kwaphuma amanzi. Kwathi naselako, wavuseleleka, amandlakhe abuya. Yeke ibizo lendawo leyo kwathiwa yi-Eni-Hakhore. Nanamhlanje indawo leyo isese seLerhi. USamsoni wakhokhela ama-Israyeli iminyaka ematjhumi amabili emihleni yamaFilista. USamsoni waya eGaza. Wafika lapho wabona ingwadla, wayingena. Abantu beGaza batjelwa kwathiwa: “Kazi uSamsoni ulapha.” Bazombeleza indawo leyo bamlalela ubusuku boke esangweni ledorobho. Bathula bathi du ubusuku boke bazitjela bathi: “Asilindeni bekuse bese siyambulala.” Kodwana uSamsoni walala lapho bekwaba kuphakathi kobusuku. Wavuka khonokho, wabamba iminyango yesango ledorobho wayisiphula namagosenayo amabili kanye nesiqabo sakhona, wakutjatha koke lokho emahlombe, wakhamba nakho esiqongolweni sentaba ephambi kweRhebroni. Ngemva kwalokho waba nelihlo emntazaneni wemrhobeni weSorekhi ebekuthiwa nguDelila. Ababusi beemfunda zamaFilista beza kuDelila bathi kuye: “Msomasome ufumane bonyana amandlakhe akuphi. Khona-ke thina sizambamba, simbophe, simhlule. Omunye nomunye wethu uzokunikela iimpaparwana ezimakhulu alitjhumi nanye zesiliva.” UDelila wathi kuSamsoni: “Ngiyakubawa, akhese ungitjele bonyana amandlakho amakhulu akuphi. Umuntu angakubopha njani ukuze akuhlule na?” USamsoni wathi kuye: “Nange ngingabotjhwa ngemikhwepha elikhomba emitjha nengakonyiswa, ngiyakutjela ngizokuphela amandla ngibe njengaye woke umuntu.” Yeke ababusi beemfunda zamaFilista balethela uDelila imikhwepha elikhomba emitjha nengakonyiswa, wambopha ngayo. Gade asele abeke amadoda alalele uSamsoni ngelawini elinye. Warhuwelela wathi kuSamsoni: “Nako amaFilista phezu kwakho Samsoni!” Kodwana uSamsoni wavuthula imikhwepha leyo kwaba njengalokha umtiya welineni nawuzwa umlilo. Ngaleyondlela ifihlakalo yamandlakhe azange yaziwe. UDelila wathi kuSamsoni: “Qala, ungenze ukeke, wangitjela amala. Akhese ungitjele bona ungabotjhwa njani.” USamsoni wathi kuye: “Nange bangibopha ngeentambo ezitja ezingazange zisetjenziswe, ngizokuphela amandla bese ngibe njengaye woke umuntu.” UDelila wathatha iintambo ezitja wambopha ngazo warhuwelela wathi kuye: “Nako amaFilista phezu kwakho Samsoni!” Amadoda gade amlalele ngelawini elinye. Kodwana wavuthula iintambezo emkhonwenakhe kwanga mumucwana. UDelila wathi kuSamsoni: “Bekube gadesi usalokho ungenza ukeke, ungitjela amala. Ngitjela bona ungabotjhwa njani.” Yena wathi kuye: “Nawungalukelela imiyekwami elikhomba ehloko hlangana nemicu yeenkoteni bese uyiqinisa ngesikhonkhwani, khona-ke ngizakuphela amandla, ngibe njengaye woke umuntu.” Kwathi asalele, uDelila wathatha imiyeko elikhomba ehlokwakhe wayilukelela hlangana nemicu yeenkoteni bese wayiqinisa ngesikhonkhwani. Warhuwelela wathi kuye: “Nako amaFilista phezu kwakho Samsoni!” Kodwana wavuka ebuthongweni, wasiphula isikhonkhwani somphekgho womluki kanye neenkoteni. UDelila wathi kuSamsoni: “Ungatjho njani uthi uyangithanda khibe ihliziywakho ayikho kimapha? Sele ungenze ukeke bekwaba kathathu, awufuni ukungitjela bonyana akuphi amandlakho amakhulu!” Kwathi uDelila nalokhu amngena ngendlebeni ngelizwi lakhelo, uSamsoni wadineka kokufa. Wagcina amtjela soke isifuba sakhe wathi: “Azange khengithintwe ngotjhefana ehloko ngombana ngaba mnaziri kuZimu ngisese sesibelethweni sakamma. Nange ngingagudwa, amandlami azokhamba, ngiphelelwe bese ngibe njengaye woke umuntu.” UDelila wathi angabona bonyana kwanjesi umtjele soke isifuba sakhe, wathumela igama bona kubizwe ababusi beemfunda zamaFilista, wathi: “Yenikhuphuke msinyana ngombana kwanje khona, uyikhuphe ngonina ifihlakalwakhe.” Yeke ababusi beemfunda zamaFilista bakhuphukela kuye, beza baphethe iimpaparwana. UDelila wayenga uSamsoni bona alale emathangenakhe. Wabiza indoda ethileko bona agude imiyeko elikhomba ehloko kaSamsoni phambi kwayo. Ngaleyondlela uDelila wenza bona uSamsoni abe buthakathaka, amandlakhe amtjhiya. Nje-ke warhuwelela wathi kuye: “AmaFilista aphezu kwakho Samsoni!” USamsoni wavuka ebuthongweni wadlumbana bona uzakuphuma njengemhleni, azitjhaphulule. Gade angazi bonyana uSomnini sele amtjhiyile. AmaFilista ambamba amgobhodlha amehlo. Ambopha ngeenketani zekoporo, amehlisela eGaza. Umsebenzakhe kwaba kugaya ikoroyi ejele. Kodwana iinhluthu ehlokwakhe zathoma ukumila godu ngemva kokugudwa kwazo. Ababusi beemfunda zamaFilista bahlangana ndawonye kobana benzele uDagoni usingazimabo umhlatjelo omkhulu begodu bajekezele ngombana bathi: “Uzimethu unikele uSamsoni isitha sethu esandleni sethu.” Lokha abantu nababona uSamsoni, badumisa usingazimabo ngombana bathi: “Uzimethu unikele esandleni sethu, isitha sethu okumbhubhisi wenarhethu obulele inengi lethu.” Kwathi nasele iinhliziyo zabo zithabile, bathi: “Bizani uSamsoni bona azosidlalela.” Yeke babiza uSamsoni ngejele. Bamjamisa hlangana neensika ezimbili zethempeli kobana abadlalele. USamsoni wathi emsaneni omdosako: “Yewungidosele eensikeni ezisekele ithempeleli bese ungithintisa zona ukuze ngizesame ngazo.” Ithempeli beligcwele amadoda nabafazi. Ephahleni lethempeli gade kunabantu abapheze babe ziinkulungwana ezintathu ebegade bazokubukela uSamsoni nadlalako. Nababusi beemfunda ezihlanu zamaFilista gade balapho. USamsoni wabiza uSomnini wathi: “Somnini Somandla, ngibawa bona uSomnini akhumbule abakwenza kimi. Zimu, ngibawa ungiphe amandla sekube namhlanjesi kwaphela ukuze ngizibuyiselele kumaFilista ngebanga lalinye lamehlwami.” USamsoni wabamba iinsika ezimbili ezisekele ithempeli. Isandla sakhe sokugoma saba kenye nesobuncele saba kenye. Wathi: “Angife namaFilista!” Wasunduza iinsikezo ngamandlakhe woke, ithempeli lawela phezu kwababusi naphezu kwabo boke abantu ebegade bangapho. Abantu ababulala nafako gade bangaphezu kwalabo ababulala nasaphilako. Abafowabo nawo woke umndeni wekhabo beza, bamthatha banyuka naye bambulungela phakathi kweTsora ne-Etjhitawoli ethuneni lakaManowarhi uyise. Gade akhokhele ama-Israyeli iminyaka ematjhumi amabili. Kwakunendoda ehlala ngeentatjaneni zakwa-Efrayimu ebekuthiwa nguMikha. Yathi kunina: “Iimpaparwana eziyikulungwana nekhulu zesiliva ezathathwa kuwe, owakhuluma ngazo amanikelela begodu wakhuluma ngawo kimi, kazi zikimi, ngazithatha.” Unina wathi: “USomnini akabusise indodanami.” Yabuyisela iimpaparwana eziyikulungwana nekhulu kunina. Unina wathi: “Isiliva esesandleni sami ngiyahlukanisela uSomnini kobana indodanami yenze isithombesibazwa esitshidzwe ngesiliva. Ngalokho ngiyibuyisela kuwe.” Kodwana yabuyisela isilivelo kunina. Unina wathatha iimpaparwana ezimakhulu amabili zesiliva, wazinikela umkhandisiliva. Yena wenza ngazo isithombesibazwa esitshidzwe ngesiliva. Sabekwa ngekumbeni kaMikha. UMikha lo gade anethempedlana. Wenza i-efodi nemihlalandlini, wabeka enye yamadodanakhe kobana ibe mphristi. Emihleni leyo gade kunganakosi kwa-Israyeli, woke umuntu gade azenzela umathanda. Kwakunesokana ebegade limLevi eBhethe-Lehema kwaJuda okuyindawo yelifa lakwaJuda. Labe lisikhonzi lapho. Isokanelo laphuma edorobheni leBhethe-Lehema kwaJuda layokukhonza lapha lalingafumana khona indawo. Lathi lisakhamba njalo, lafika eentatjaneni zakwa-Efrayimu ekumbeni kaMikha. UMikha wathi kilo: “Ubuya ndawanaphi?” Lathi kuye: “NgimLevi, ngivela eBhethe-Lehema kwaJuda, ngikhamba ngifuna indawo lapha ngingakhonza khona.” UMikha wathi kilo: “Hlala nami, ube njengomfundisi nomphristi kimi, ngizakunikela iimpaparwana ezilitjhumi zesiliva ngomnyaka, izambatho ozidingako kanye nokugonywako.” Isokanelo ladla amathambo wengqondo. Emva kwalokho lavuma ukuhlala naye. Nje-ke uMikha walithatha njengenye yamadodanakhe. Walibeka laba mphristakhe, lahlala ekumbenakhe. UMikha wathi kilo: “Ngiyazi bonyana uSomnini uzokukhanyisa iindlela zami ngombana kwamapha nginomphristi omLevi.” Emihleni leyo gade kunganakosi kwa-Israyeli. Ikoro yakwaDani gade izifunela ilifa eliyinarha yokuhlala ngombana bekube ngesikhatheso beyingakabi ukuba nesabelo elifeni lakwa-Israyeli. Yeke amaDani akhetha iingorho ezihlanu kiso soke isibalo semindenawo, azithuma ukusukela eTsora ne-Etjhitawoli kobana ziyozihlolisa inarha bese ziyiqalisise, athi kizo: “Khambani niyozihlolisa inarha.” Zafika enarheni yeentatjaneni zakwa-Efrayimu emzini kaMikha zalala lapho. Kwathi lokha nasele zisemzini kaMikha, zezwa ilizwi lesokana lomLevi, zajika zaya kilo zathi: “Ubekwa yini lapha? Yintobani oyenza endaweni le? Usebenzani lapha?” Lona lathi kizo: “UMikha lo, ungenzele ukuthi nokuthi. Nje-ke ungiqatjhile, ngalokho sele ngimphristakhe.” Zona zathi kilo: “Sibawa khewusibuzele kuZimu, sizwe bonyana indlelethu izakuba yipumelelo na.” Umphristi loyo wathi kizo: “Khambani ngokuthula. Indlelenu itjhejwe nguSomnini.” Yeke amadoda amahlanu lawo akhamba afika eLayitjhi, afese abona ukuthi abantu bomuzi lowo bahlala baphephile njengamaTsidoni. Bebazigedlile begodu bavikelekile ngombana bekunganakwethuselwa enarheni leyo, banepumelelo. Gade bakude namaTsidoni kanti godu bebanganabudlelwano nabanye abantu. Athi nabuyela eTsora ne-Etjhitawoli, abafowawo bathi kiwo: “Nikhambe njani?” Athi: “Madoda, lisani ukuriyada! Siyibonile inarha, heyi ayisikunona kwenarha! Musani ukuzibumba, rhabani sikhambeni senyukeleni khona siyokuthumba inarha leyo! Lokha naniya khona, nizokufumana abantu bazigedlile nenarha yakhona isithabathaba. Ngambala uZimu uninikele inarha lapha kungaswelwa khona litho lephaseli.” Kwaphuma amadoda amakhulu asithandathu wekoro yakwaDani. Ahloma ngeenkhali zepi asuka eTsora ne-Etjhitawoli, akhuphuka, ahloma amatendawo eKhiriyathi-Jeyarimu kwaJuda. Ngalokho indawo leyo kuthiwa yiMarhane-Dani bekube kunamhlanje. Yona ingetjingalanga yeKhiriyathi-Jeyarimu. Ukusuka lapho anqomba enarheni yangeentatjaneni zakwa-Efrayimu, afika emzini kaMikha. Amadoda amahlanu ebegade ayozihlolisa inarha athi kubafowawo: “Nikhumbule bonyana kenye yeenkumba zomuzi lo kune-efodi, imihlalandlini nesithombesibazwa sesiliva. Nje-ke niyazi bona nizokwenza njani.” Aphambukela-ke, angena ngekumbeni yesokana lomLevi emzini kaMikha, alibuza amavuko. Kwathi lokha amadoda amakhulu asithandathu wamaDani agade ahlome ngeenkhali zepi najama ebungenweni besango lomuzi, amadoda amahlanu ebegade ayozihlolisa inarha akhuphuka, angena bona athathe isithombesibazwa esinamekwe ngesiliva, i-efodi nemihlalandlini. Ngesikhatheso umphrisiti gade asajame ebungenweni besango namadoda amakhulu asithandathu lawo. Lokha amadoda amahlanu nangena ngekumbeni kaMikha athatha isithombesibazwa, i-efodi nemihlalandlini, umphristi wawabuza wathi: “Heyi nina! Nenzani?” Wona athi: “Thula wena, uvale umlonyanakho lowo! Khamba nathi, ube mfundisi nomphristethu. Akusigcono ukuba mphristi womndeni ngitjho nowekoro kwa-Israyeli kunokuba mphristi wekumba yomuntu oyedwa na?” Umphristi wajabula, wathatha i-efodi, imihlalandlini nesithombesibazwa wangena hlangana nabantu. Bajika, baragela phambili ngendlelabo. Bakhambisa ngaphambili abantwana, imihlambi nezinto eziligugu. Kwathi nasele bamlenzana ukusuka kwaMikha, kwahlatjwa umkhosi emadodeni agade akhelene noMikha. Agijima afunyana amaDani. Lokha narhuwelela abantu bakwaDani njalo, baphendukela kuMikha bathi: “Ulunywa yini bona ungabeze usilandele ngesiqubuthu esingaka?” Yena wathi: “Nithethe uzimami engizenzele yena benathatha nomphristami nangena indlela, nangitjhiya nginganalitho! Alo, ningibuza njani-ke bonyana ngilunywa yini?” AmaDani athi kuye: “Ungabi nomlomo omkhulu kithapha wena! Yelela! Nakungasinjalo amadoda aneenhliziywana azakuwalazela bese ulahlekelwa buphilo, wena nomzakho.” Ukusuka lapho amaDani azikhambela. UMikha wathi nabona bonyana bangambhedlha, wajika, wabuyela kwakhe. Ngaleyondlela amaDani athatha lokho okwenziwe nguMikha kanye nomphristakhe. Aya eLayitjhi, abhudungela abahlali bakhona ebebazigedlile begodu bavikelekile, abamadlha ngesabula abe atjhisa nomzabo. Azange babe nomenyeli ngombana umuzi lowo bewukude neTsidoni begodu abahlali bakhona gade banganabudlelwano nabo. Gade kungemrhobeni wakaBhethe-Rerhobu. AmaDani akha idorobho lapho, ahlala kilo. Athiya idorobhelo bona yiDani, alithiyelela ngoDani ukhokho wawo owabelethwa ngu-Israyeli, kodwana ekuthomeni umuzi lowo bekuyiLayitjhi. AmaDani azijamisela isithombesibazwa, kwathi uJonathani umsa kaGeritjhomu omsa kaMosi namadodanakhe baba baphristi bekoro yamaDani kufikela mhlana kuthunjwa inarha leyo. Yeke amaDani ajamisa isithombesibazwa esenziwa nguMikha ngeenkhathi zoke lokha ithempeli lakaZimu naliseTjhilo. Emihleni leyo, lokha nakunganakosi kwa-Israyeli, kwakunomLevi othileko ogade asikhonzi eendaweni ezingenelele ngeentatjaneni zakwa-Efrayimu. Wazithathela intombi njengekhohlo lakhe eBhethe-Lehema kwaJuda. Kwaba nokuqabana phakathi kwekhohlwelo nomLevi, nje-ke labaleka layokuhlala ekumbeni kayise eBhethe-Lehema kwaJuda. Ngemva kweenyanga ezine indodalo yalilandela kwabo kobana iyolincenga libuye. Gade ikhamba nencekwayo kanye nabodumbana ababili. Lokha nayifikako ikhohlo layisa ngekumbeni kayise. Kwathi uyise lekhohlo nabona indoda leyo, wayamukela ngetokozo. Umkhwe wayo, okunguyise lekhohlo, wayikatelela bonyana ihlale amalanga amathathu naye. Yeke yahlala naye, bagoma bebehlisa. Elangeni lesine bavuka ngamasa, indoda leyo yazilungiselela ukukhamba, kodwana usomntazana wathi: “Mkhwenyanami, yewubambise amathumbu ngegedzwana lesikwesi, ngemva kwalokho sewungakhamba-ke.” Yeke amadoda amabili lawo ahlala phasi, agoma ndawonye abe ehlisa. Usomntazana godu wathi kumkhwenyanakhe: “Hlala godu obunye ubusuku, uthakase.” Kuthe lokha nathi uyasikima bona akhambe, umkhwe wakhe wamtomatomela bewavuma, walala ebukhweni bakhapho godu. Elangeni lesihlanu, wavuka ngamasa wabhincela ukukhamba, usomntazana wathi kuye: “Yewubambise amathumbu.” Yeke bagoma bobabili, bariyada bekwaphakama ilanga. Kuthe lokha indoda leyo nekhohlo layo kanye nencekwayo nabasikima bathi bayakhamba, usomntazana wathi: “Agu, qala sekuhlwile, lalani lapha. Qala ilanga sele liyokutjhinga. Lalani lapha nithakase bese kuthi kusasa-ke nivuke ngesamarimarima, nibe yindlela.” Kodwana indoda azange ivume, yasikima, yakhamba beyayokufika malungana neJebusi, okutjho iJerusalema. Gade ikhamba nabodumbana ababili ababotjhelweko kanye nekhohlo layo. Kuthe nasele batjhidele eJebusi besele kuhlwile. Inceku yathi kumniniyo: “Bengithi asiphambukeleni edorobheni lamaJebuseli, sikhombele amalalo khona.” Umniniyo wathi kiyo: “Asikwazi ukuphambukela edorobheni labantu abatjhili abangasi ngebakwa-Israyeli. Asidluleleni eGibeya.” Godu wathi encekwinakhe: “Asikhambeni siye eGibeya namkha eRama, siyokulala kenye yeendawezi.” Yeke bayidlula iJebusi baragela phambili ngekhambo labo. Ilanga labatjhingela hlanu kweGibeya yakwaBhenjamini. Baphambukela lapho kobana balale eGibeya. Bangena ngedorobheni bafese bahlala etatawini lakhona ngombana akunamuntu owabangenisa kwakhe kobana balale khona. Ntambama kwavela iqhegu libuya ukuyosebenza esiminalo. Lona gade lidabuka enarheni yangeentatjaneni zakwa-Efrayimu, lisikhonzi eGibeya. Abantu bendawo leyo bekumaBhenjamini. Lathi naliqalako labona isikhambi etatawini ledorobho lathi: “Uphumaphi? Ulibangisephi?” Umuntu loyo wathi kilo: “Sisendleleni ebuya eBhethe-Lehema lakwaJuda, silibangise eendaweni ezingenelele ngeentatjaneni zakwa-Efrayimu, lapha ngidabuka khona. Bengithekele eBhethe-Lehema lakwaJuda, nje-ke ngiya ekhaya. Ubona silaphanje, akunamuntu othe siyokulala kwakhe. Nokho abodumbana bethu sibaphathele iinhlanga nelusereni, kanti incekwakho nencekukazakho kanye nesokana elikhamba nathi siziphathele isikwa newayini. Angeze sadinga litho.” Iqhegu lathi: “Ungakhathazeki, ngizakutjheja zoke iindingo zenu, kwaphela nje ningalali etatawinapha.” Lakhamba nabo emzinalo, lafese lapha abodumbana ifuru. Ngemva kwalokho abathekeli balo baqopha iinyawo zabo, bagoma bebehlisa. Kuthe basathakasile, qala kwafika iinkhohlakali zamadoda wedorobho zazombeleza ikumba, zaqoqoda umnyango zathi eqhegwini elimninikumba: “Sithi khupha indoda engene kwakho leyo, sifuna ukuyilala.” Umninikumba waphuma wathi eenkhohlakalini: “Kahleni bafowethu, ningenzi amanyala. Njengombana indoda le ize kwamapha nje, lisani ukwenza ubuhlola obunjalo. Qalani, nginetlawu kanye nekhohlo layo indoda le, anginikhuphele bona kobana nibarhubutjhe, nizikholise ngabo. Kodwana nakuyindoda le yona, awa ningenzi ubuhlola obunjalo kiyo.” Kodwana amadoda lawo azange afune ukwazi. Yeke umLevi wasunduzela ikhohlo lakhelo kiwo ngaphandle. Aligagadlhela, alihlukumeza ubusuku boke bekwasa. Kwathi nakudabuka ukusa, alitjhaphulula. Kuthe nakusako, ikhohlwelo leza lawela emnyango wekumba lapha bekunendodalo khona bekwathoma ukukhanya. Indodalo yavuka ekuseni, yathi nayivula umnyango kobana ikhambe, baba-ke, yabona ikhohlo layo lilele emnyango wekumba izandla zalo zisembunjwaneni womnyango. Yathi kilo: “Vuka sikhambe.” Kodwana azange kube nependulo. Yalikhweza kudumbana, yakhamba. Kwathi bona ifike emzinayo yathatha umukhwa, yahlahlela ikhohlo layo isitho ngesitho, laba ziinququ ezilitjhumi nambili yazithumela kiyo yoke indawo yakwa-Israyeli. Woke owabona iinquqwezo wathi: “Umhlolo onje azange khewenzeke namkha ubonwe soloko abantu bakwa-Israyeli baphuma eGibhide bekube kunamhlanjesi. Akhe nicabange ngalokho, nibonisane bese niyatjho bona kwenziwani-ke nakunje!” Boke abantu bakwa-Israyeli baphuma ukusukela kwaDani ngetlhagwini ukuya eBheritjheba ngesewula ngitjho nenarheni yakwaGiliyadi, umkhambathi woke wahlangana ngahliziyonye phambi kwakaSomnini eMitsipha. Iinsika zabo boke abantu, okutjho zoke iinkoro zakwa-Israyeli, zaziveza ehlanganweni yabantu bakaZimu. Kwaba madoda aziinkulungwana ezimakhulu amane akhamba ngeenyawo akwazi ukulwa ngesabula. AmaBhenjamini gade avele ezwile bonyana abantu bakwa-Israyeli bakhuphukele eMitsipha. Ama-Israyeli athi: “Akhe nitjho-ke, into embi kangaka yenzeke njani?” UmLevi oyindoda yomfazi obuleweko waphendula wathi: “Ngifike eGibeya lakwaBhenjamini, mina nekhohlo lami sabawa amalalo khona. Amadoda abaphathi beGibeya angivukela, azombeleza ikumba ebe ngilele kiyo ebusuku ahlose ukungibulala. Nje-ke agagadlhele ikhohlo lami belahlongakala. Ngathatha ikhohlo lami ngaliqobelela iinququ ngazithumela enarheni yoke yakwa-Israyeli ngombana isenzwesi besisinyenyiso nobuhlola kwa-Israyeli. Yelelani noke ma-Israyeli njengombana nilapha nje, khulumani beniveze amazizo wenu ngendaba le.” Boke abantu bagugeka banyandanye bathi: “Akakho kithapha ozakuya etendeni lakhe, akakho ozakuya ekumbenakhe. Nakhu esizakwenza phezu kwamaGibeya: Sizowasahlela! Ngefumbe sizokukhupha kizo zoke iinkoro zakwa-Israyeli amadoda alitjhumi kalikhulu, alikhulu kayikulungwana nayikulungwana kaziinkulungwana ezilitjhumi kobana alethele ibutho umphako lokha naliyozibuyiselela kumaGibeya kwaBhenjamini ngobuhlola abenze kwa-Israyeli.” Yeke woke amadoda wakwa-Israyeli abuthana ajamelana nedorobhelo, ahlangene ngahliziyonye. Iinkoro zakwa-Israyeli zathumela amadoda kiyo yoke imindeni yakwaBhenjamini zathi: “Buhlola bani obenzeke phakathi kwenobu? Nje-ke khuphani amadoda weGibeya aziinkhohlakali lawo kobana siwabulale ukuze sithanyele ubumbi hlangana nama-Israyeli.” Kodwana amaBhenjamini azange alalele ilizwi labafowabo, ama-Israyeli. AmaBhenjamini aphuma emizinawo ahlangana eGibeya kobana ayokulwa nama-Israyeli ngepi. Mhlokho amaBhenjamini akhupha emizinawo amadoda aziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili nantandathu akwazi ukulwa ngesabula ngaphandle kwabahlali beGibeya. Godu kwakhutjhwa amadoda akhethekileko amakhulu alikhomba. Amadoda akhethekileko amakhulu alikhomba lawo akhethwa kilo loke ibutho. Gade aziincele begodu anekghono lokujikijela ngesarwayi anembe ngitjho nento engangesihluthu sinye angageji. Ngaphandle kwamaBhenjamini, amadoda wakwa-Israyeli azihlelako gade aziinkulungwana ezimakhulu amane. Woke amadoda lawo gade aziingorho ezikwazi ukulwa ngesabula. Ama-Israyeli abhinca akhuphukela eBhethe-Eli, abuza kuZimu bona ngubani phakathi kwawo ozakuphuma qangi ayokulwa namaBhenjamini. USomnini wathi kuzakuphuma uJuda. Yeke avuka ngesamarimarima, avimbezela iGibeya. Amadoda wakwa-Israyeli aphuma ipi, azihlela eGibeya kobana ahlangane ngeemfuba namaBhenjamini. AmaBhenjamini aphuma eGibeya, amadlha phasi iinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili nambili zamadoda wakwa-Israyeli mhlokho. Kodwana abantu, okutjho amadoda wakwa-Israyeli, baqina idolo, godu bazihlela lapha bebazihlele khona ngelanga lokuthoma, ngombana gade bakhuphuke bayokulila phambi kwakaSomnini bekwahlwa. Babuza uSomnini bathi: “Sibuyele godu siyokulwa nabafowethu amaBhenjamini na?” USomnini wathi: “Tjhingani khona.” Ngebangelo ama-Israyeli atjhidela godu ajamelana namaBhenjamini elangeni lesibili. NamaBhenjamini aphuma eGibeya ahlangana nawo ngeemfuba elangeni lesibili. Amadlha phasi iinkulungwana ezilitjhumi nabunane zamadoda wakwa-Israyeli. Woke lawo bekumadoda akwazi ukulwa ngesabula. Woke ama-Israyeli, okutjho loke ibutho, akhuphukela eBhethe-Eli bona ayokulila. Ahlala lapho phambi kwakaSomnini azila ukugoma mhlokho bekwahlwa. Emva kwalokho enzela uSomnini imihlabelo yokutjhiswa neyetjhebiswano ukuze abuze kuSomnini. Emihleni leyo umfaji wesivumelwano sakaSomnini gade useBhethe-Eli. UFiniyasi umsa ka-Elazara omsa ka-Aroni gade kunguye olotjha phambi komfaji wesivumelwano. Amadoda wakwa-Israyeli abuza-ke kuSomnini athi: “Siphume godu siyokulwa nabafowethu amaBhenjamini namkha silise na?” USomnini wathi: “Tjhingani khona, kusasa ngizabanikela ezandleni zenu.” Ama-Israyeli abadalalisa amadoda magegana neGibeya. Elangeni lesithathu ibutho lama-Israyeli lakhuphuka layokulwa namaBhenjamini. Lazihlela njengemihleni layokusahlela iGibeya. AmaBhenjamini adoselwa kude nedorobho lokha naphuma bona alwe nama-Israyeli. Njengesiqhelo athoma ukumadlha abulala amanye wama-Israyeli emmangweni lapha kuhlukana khona indlela yeBhethe-Eli neyeGibeya. Mhlokho kwabulawa amadoda wakwa-Israyeli apheze abe matjhumi amathathu. AmaBhenjamini adlumbana bona azakuhlula ama-Israyeli njengemihleni, kodwana ama-Israyeli gade avumelene bona azakwenza inga ayahlehla. Ngokwenza njalo bekahlose ukudosela amaBhenjamini kude nedorobho eendleleni ezikulu. Nje-ke woke amadoda wakwa-Israyeli ahlehla eendaweni zawo, azihlela eBhali-Tamari. Amadoda wakwa-Israyeli agade abadalele ngehlangothini ledorobho elingakavikelwa, avuka agijimela endaweni engaphambi kwesango. Gade kumadoda aziinkulungwana ezilitjhumi akhethwe kilo loke lakwa-Israyeli. Ipi eBhali-Tamari beyimanzima, kodwana amaBhenjamini bekangazi bonyana asemlonyeni wehlekelele. USomnini wenza bona ama-Israyeli ahlule amaBhenjamini. Amadoda wakwa-Israyeli amadlha iinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili nahlanu nekhulu zamadoda wakwaBhenjamini mhlokho. Woke lawo gade kumadoda akwazi ukulwa ngesabula. AmaBhenjamini abona bonyana ahluliwe. Ipi leyo yenzeka ngalendlela: Amadoda wakwa-Israyeli gade ahlehle phambi kewakwaBhenjamini ngombana bekathembele kilawo agade abadalele hlanu kweGibeya. Amadoda agade abadalele lawo, avumbuka agijimela ngeGibeya, athumba abe amadlha loke idorobho ngesabula. Isivumelwano esabekwa phakathi kwama-Israyeli namadoda agade abadalele lawo, bekukukuthi wona azokwenza intuthu ekulu ngedorobheni. Kungebangelo ibutho elikhulu lahlehla, kwaba kulapha amaBhenjamini abulala khona amadoda wakwa-Israyeli apheze abe matjhumi amathathu, adlumbana bonyana nakanjani azawahlula njengehlandleni lokuthoma lepi. Kodwana kwathi lokha amaBhenjamini naqala ngemva kwawo, abona bonyana idorobho loke liyatjha. Ngesikhatheso kwathoma ukuqubuka isikhatha sentuthu ngedorobheni ebekulitshwayo, nje-ke amadoda wakwa-Israyeli ajika. Amadoda wakwaBhenjamini aba sevalweni ngombana alemuka bonyana asemlonyeni wehlekelele. Yeke afulathela ibutho elikhulu lakwa-Israyeli abalekela tjhuba langerhalawumbeni. Kodwana avinjezelwa yipi ngombana amadoda wakwa-Israyeli agade angedorobheni aphuma bonyana awamadlhe phasi. Ama-Israyeli aminyezela amaBhenjamini, awagijimisa angawaphumuza. Awatshidlha ukuyokufika ngale kweGibeya ngepumalanga. Amadoda wakwaBhenjamini aziinkulungwana ezilitjhumi nabunane asala epini. Lawo bekumadoda akwazi ukulwa ngesabula. Inengi lamaBhenjamini laphenduka labalekela ngerhalawumbeni emadwaleni weRimoni, kodwana ama-Israyeli akghedlha iinkulungwana ezihlanu zawo eendleleni ezikulu. Awahlala eenthendeni bekwaba seGidomu, abulala ezinye iinkulungwana ezimbili. Sele awoke amadoda wakwaBhenjamini abulawa mhlokho gade pheze aziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili nahlanu. Woke lawo bekumadoda akwazi ukulwa ngesabula begodu aziingorho. Kwaphunyurha amadoda amakhulu asithandathu kwaphela. Abalekela tjhuba langerhalawumbeni emadwaleni weRimoni, ahlala lapho iinyanga ezine. Amadoda wakwa-Israyeli abuyela kwaBhenjamini, afese abhubhisa ngesabula koke akufumanako ukuthoma ngedorobho, abantu ngitjho nefuyo. Woke amadorobho abadlula kiwo bawathungela ngomlilo. Amadoda wakwa-Israyeli afunga eMitsipha athi: “Akukho noyedwa phakathi kwethu ozakwendisela indodakazakhe kumBhenjamini.” Nje-ke abantu baya eBhethe-Eli, bahlala lapho bekwahlwa baphambi kwakaZimu. Barhahlawula babibitheka bathi: “Maye Somnini, Zimu wakwa-Israyeli! Kubayini sehlelwe yinto enje kobanyana namhlanje silahlekelwe yikoro enye kwa-Israyelapha na?” Kwathi ekuseni ngakusasa abantu bavuka ngovivi bakha i-aldari lapho, benza umhlabelo wokutjhiswa newetjhebiswano. Yeke ama-Israyeli athi: “Ngubani phakathi kwazo zoke iinkoro zakwa-Israyeli ongazange eze ehlanganweni phambi kwakaSomnini?” Bebafunge ngokuqinisileko bonyana ongeze eza phambi kwakaSomnini eMitsipha, uzakubulawa. Ama-Israyeli adabuka ngoBhenjamini umfowawo, athi: “Ikoro enye isuliwe kwa-Israyeli namhlanjesi. Sizokwenzani ngalabo abaseleko bakwaBhenjamini? Bazobathathaphi abafazi ngombana safunga phambi kwakaSomnini bonyana angeze sabendisela amadodakazethu?” Kungebangelo abuza athi: “Ngiyiphi yeenkoro zakwa-Israyeli engazange ize phambi kwakaSomnini eMitsipha?” Afumana bonyana azange kuze namunye weJabetjhi yeGiliyadi ehlanganweni, ngombana kwathi nakubalwa abantu, azange kufunyanwe namunye umhlali weJabetjhi yeGiliyadi. Yeke umkhambathi wathumela iinkulungwana ezilitjhumi nambili zamadoda anesibindi ukudlula woke, wawalayela wathi: “Khambani nifese nimadlhe abahlali beJabetjhi yeGiliyadi ngesabula, ningatjhiyi mfazi namntwana. kodwana yenzani ngalendlela: Bulalani nya woke omduna nabo boke besifazana asele bazi indoda.” Phakathi kwabahlali beJabetjhi yeGiliyadi amadoda lawo afumana amakhulu amane wamatlawana angazange alale nendoda. Eza nawo ekampeni eTjhilo esenarheni yeKanana. Nje-ke umkhambathi woke wathumela ilizwi kumaBhenjamini agade asemadwaleni weRimoni, wamemezela ukuthula kiwo. AmaBhenjamini abuya-ke ngesikhatheso, ama-Israyeli awanikela amatlawana ebegade awasindise eJabetjhi yeGiliyadi, kodwana azange abanele. Abantu bakhathazeka ngoBhenjamini ngombana uSomnini gade enze isikhala eenkorweni zakwa-Israyeli. Yeke abaphathi bomkhambathi bathi: “Alo, sizokuthini ngalabo abangakafumani abafazi ngombana babulewe boke abafazi kwaBhenjamini?” Godu bathi: “Ilifa labasindileko kufanele lidlulele eenzukulwaneni zakwaBhenjamini. U-Israyeli akakwazi ukulahlekelwa yikoro enye. Nanyana kunjalo, asikwazi ukubanikela amadodakazethu bona abe bafazi babo ngombana thina bantu bakwa-Israyeli safunga sathi akanikelelwe ozakunikela umBhenjamini umfazi.” Yeke bakhumbula bonyana kunomnyanya kaSomnini qobe mnyaka eTjhilo engetlhagwini yeBhethe-Eli, ngepumalanga yendlela ekulu esuka eBhethe-Eli eya eTjhekemu nangesewula yeLebona. Bayala amaBhenjamini bathi: “Nina khambani niyokubadalala esidiribeni, nilinde lapho, kuzakuthi lokha amadodakazi weTjhilo naphumako bona ayogida emnyanyeni lo, nina-ke nivumbuke esidiribenapho enye nenye indoda izibambele umfazi emadodakazini weTjhilo bese niya enarhenenu kwaBhenjamini. Kuzakuthi abomayise namkha abomnakwabo nabazonghonghoyila kithi, sizakuthi kibo: ‘Sibawa nibe nomusa kithi ngombana azange sibamuke abafazi lokha nasilwa namaBhenjamini. Nani azange nibanikele amadodakazenu, ngalokho aninamlandu wamanikelela lawo.’ ” Yeke amaBhenjamini enza njalo, azithathela abafazi emadodakazini agade agida ukuya ngesibalo sawo. Abuyela enarhenawo, afese avuselela amadorobhawo, ahlala lapho. Ama-Israyeli aphadlhalala, kwaba ngiloyo naloyo waya ekorweni yekhabo nemndenini wekhabo. Iye, omunye nomunye waziyela endawenakhe. Emihleni leyo gade kunganakosi kwa-Israyeli. Omunye nomunye umuntu gade azenzela umathanda. Eminyakeni yokubusa kwabagwebi, kwaba nendlala enarheni, kwathi indoda ethileko egade ihlala eBhethe-Lehema kwaJuda yakhamba nomkayo namadodana amabili yayokugogobala enarheni yakwaMowabi. Ibizo lendoda le gade kungu-Elimeleki, ibizo lomkakhe bekunguNawomi, kanti amabizo wamadodanakhe amabili wona gade kunguMarhaloni kanye noKiliyoni. Abantwaba gade bama-Efrata bavela ngeBhethe-Lehema lakwaJuda. Baya enarheni yakwaMowabi bahlala khona. U-Elimeleki, umyeni kaNawomi wahlongakala, watjhiya uNawomi namadodana amabili. Amadodana la athatha abafazi kwaMowabi, ibizo lowokuthoma bekungu-Oripa lowesibili kunguRute. Bahlala lapho iminyaka elitjhumi. UMarhaloni noKiliyoni nabo bahlongakala batjhiya unina uNawomi angasenabani. UNawomi wezwa asesekwaMowabi bonyana uSomnini uhlenge abantu bakhe ngokubapha ukudla, wazilungiselela nabomalukazana bakhe ukubuyela ekhabo. Yena nabomalukazana bakhe basukela indawo ebebahlala kiyo babamba indlela enqombe enarheni yakwaJuda. UNawomi wathi kibomalukazana bakhe ababili: “Buyelani emuva, omunye nomunye aye kwabo. Kwanga uSomnini angaba nomusa kini njengombana nani naba nomusa kimi nemadodanenami. Kwanga uSomnini anganipha ukuhlala ngokuthula nabayeni enizabathola.” Wabamanga bathoma barhahlawula isililo, bathi kuye: “Awa, sizakubuyela nawe ebantwini bekhenu.” Kodwana uNawomi wathi: “Buyelani emakhaya, madodakazami. Nizakuthi niyaphi nami nanginje? Kghani ninomkhumbulo wokobana ngingabeletha amanye amadodana; okuzakuthi nasele akhulile abe bayeni benu na? Buyelani emakhaya, madodakazami. Sengimdala khulu kobanyana ngingaba nendoda. Ngitjho nanyana bengisesenethemba lokuba nendoda, ngingene nayo emabhayini namhlanje ebusuku bese ngibeletha amadodana, nizawalinda bonyana akhule na? Nizakuhlala ningendi nilinde wona na? Awa, madodakazami, ngilisizi mina kunani ngombana isandla sakaSomnini sijamelene nami!” Barhahlawula isililo godu. U-Oripa wamanga unosokanakhe wamlayelisa. Kodwana uRute wanamathela kunosokanakhe. UNawomi wathi: “Yelela, umncayenu ubuyela emuva kebakwabo nakibosingazimu bekhabo. Nawe mlandele.” Kodwana uRute waphendula wathi: “Ungangikateleli bonyana ngikutjhiye ngikuhlamuke. Ngizokukhamba nawe lapho uya khona, ngihlale nawe lapho uyokuhlala khona. Abantu bekhenu nami bazakuba ngebekhethu bese kuthi uZimakho abe nguZimami. Ngizokufela lapho uyokufela khona, bengingcwatjwe khona lapho. Ngiyafunga ngithi, dumbana uSomnini angihlunguphaze nange kungaba nento engihlukanisa nawe ngaphandle kokufa.” Kuthe bonyana uNawomi abone ukuthi uRute uncamile ngokukhamba naye, walisa ukumkatelela. Yeke abafazi ababili laba bakhamba bebafika eBhethe-Lehema. Ekufikeni kwabo eBhethe-Lehema umuzi woke wabararekela. Abafazi bomuzi lowo bathi: “Kungaba nguNawomi lo na?” Yena wathi kibo: “Ningangibizi ngoNawomi, ngibizani nithi Mara, ngombana uSomandla wenze ipilwami yaba munyu khulu. Ngakhamba nginesami, kodwana uSomnini ungibuyisa ngidududu. Alo-ke nizakuthi ningibizelani ngoNawomi na? USomnini ungifulathele, uSomandla ungehlisele ubumbi bodwa.” Leyo-ke yindlela uNawomi abuyela ngayo enarheni yakwaMowabi akhambisana nomalukazanakhe uRute uMowabikazi. Bafika eBhethe-Lehema ekuthomeni kokuvunwa kwebhali. UNawomi gade anesihlobo sendodakhe ekungesomndeni wakwa-Elimeleki, indoda enjingileko; ibizo layo kunguBhowazi. URute uMowabikazi wathi kuNawomi: “Akhese ungivumele bonyana ngiyoburuja esimini yananyana ngubani ongivumelako.” UNawomi wathi kuye: “Khamba, ndodakazami.” Wakhamba-ke wafika esimini wathoma ukuburuja ngemuva kwabavuni. Wazithola asebenza esimini yakaBhowazi ongowomndeni wakwa-Elimeleki. Khonokho uBhowazi wafika eBhethe-Lehema walotjhisa abavuni wathi: “USomnini akabe nani!” Baphendula bathi: “USomnini akubusise!” UBhowazi wabuza inceku eyinduna yabavuni wathi: “Ngekabani incekukazi le?” Inceku eyinduna yabavuni yaphendula yathi: “Incekukazi le nguMowabikazi obuye noNawomi enarheni yakwaMowabi. Ithe kimi, ‘Akhese ungivumele bonyana ngiburukuje bengidobhe hlanu kweentjherefu ngemuva kwabavuni.’ Soloko ifike lapha ekuseni bekube nje isebenza. Yeke khona iphumuphumulako emthunzini.” UBhowazi wathi kuRute: “Ndodakazami, akhe ungilalele: Ungasaburuja esimini enye begodu ungasaya ndawo nawusuka lapha. Zibandakanye neencekukazi zamezi. Phosa amehlo esimini evunwako, ulandela iincekukazezi. Ngizitjelile iinceku zami bonyana zingakuwalazeli. Lokha nawomileko, ukhambe uyokusela emijekeni yamanzi lapha kusela khona iinceku.” URute wawa ngobuso equlwaneni, wathi kuye: “Kubayini ungenzele umusa ongaka ngokungitjheja ngiliphandle na?” UBhowazi wamphendula wathi: “Ngibikelwe koke okwenzele unosokanakho, soloko kwahlongakala umyenakho nokuthi watjhiya uyihlo nonyoko kanye nenarha owabelethelwa kiyo wazokuhlala nabantu ongakhange ubazi ngaphambilini. Kwanga uSomnini angakwandisela ngalokho okwenze kwabanye. Inga ungafumana umvuzo ophuphumako kuSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli okhosele ngaphasi kwamaphikwakhe.” URute wathi: “Angifumane umusa njalo kuwe, kosami. Ngombana ungiduduzile begodu ukhulume kamnandi nekhobokakazi lakho nanyana bengingafani nelinye lawo.” Ngesikhathi sokugoma uBhowazi wabiza uRute wathi: “Yewuzapha! Nghwatha isikwa usitjhebe ewayinini emunyu.” Kuthe lokha uRute nakahlala phasi nabavuni, uBhowazi wamnikela ikoroyi ekhanzingiweko. URute wagoma wanela bekwasala. Kuthe lokha nakasikimako ukuyokuburuja, uBhowazi wayala iinceku zakhe wathi: “Nanyana angaburuja hlangana neentjherefu, ningamfakeli amehlo. Nimkhithizele iinqwambi emidini nimlise aziburukujele; ningamkhalimeli.” Yeke uRute waburuja esimini bekwahlwa. Wayibhula ibhali ayibutheleleko yalingana nopumpana. Wamthwala-ke wakhamba naye emzini, unosokanakhe wakubona akuburukujileko. URute godu wapha unosokanakhe okwasala nakagomako. Unosokanakhe wambuza wathi: “Bewuburujaphi namhlanjesi? Bewusebenzaphi na? Akabusiswe umuntu okutjhejileko!” URute wabikela unosokanakhe ngomuntu agade asebenza kuye wathi: “Ibizo lendoda ebengisebenza kiyo namhlanjesi nguBhowazi.” UNawomi wathi kumalukazanakhe: “USomnini ambusise! Kutjho ukuthi uSomnini akalisi ukwethembeka kwabaphilako nabafileko.” Waraga wathi: “Indoda le sihlobo sethu; ingomunye wabahlengi.” Yeke uRute uMowabikazi wathi: “Begodu uthe kimi ngizibandakanye neenceku zakhe beziqede isivuno sakhe.” UNawomi wathi kuRute umalukazanakhe: “Kube kuhle ndodakazami bonyana ukhambisane neencekukazi zakhe ngombana nange waya esimini yomunye umuntu bangakuwalazela.” URute wazibandakanya neencekukazi zakaBhowazi, waburuja bekwaphela isikhathi sokuvunwa kwebhali nekoroyi. Wahlala nonosokanakhe. UNawomi unosokanakhe wathi kuye: “Ndodakazami, kungaba njani nange ngingakufunela ikhaya lapha uzakuhlala khona ngokuzigedla na? Nje-ke uBhowazi obugade usebenza neencekukazi zakhe lo, kazi usihlobo sethu. Ntambama uzabe ayela ibhali eselelweni. Qopha, uzithela ngamakha weqele ngezambatho zakho zakanokutjho bese wehlela ngeselelweni. Kodwana kungabi nokubonako abe aqede ukudla nokusela. Kuthi lokha nakayokulala uqalisise bona ulelephi. Ufike wembule iinyawo zakhe ungene ulale. Uzakutjela-ke yena bonyana wenzeni.” URute wamphendula wathi: “Ngizakwenza koke okutjhoko.” Mbala wehlela ngeselelweni wafese wenza njengombana unosokanakhe amtjelile. Kuthe uBhowazi sele aqedile ukudla nokusela, sele athokozile wayokulala eqadi komidi. URute wananabela kuye, wafika wembula iinyawo zakhe wangena walala. Phakathi kobusuku indoda le yarurhuluka yahlala. Madekhethu, nangumfazi alele eenyaweni zayo! Yabuza yathi: “Ungubani?” URute wathi: “Ngimi incekukazakho, uRute. Yewungembulele amabhayi ngombana wena umhlengi.” UBhowazi wathi: “Ubusisiwe kuSomnini wena ndodakazami, ukwethembeka okubonakalisileko nje kudlula kwaphambili. Azange ugijime ngemuva kwamasokana anjingileko nanyana adududu. Yeke ungesabi, ndodakazami; ngizokwenzela koke okubawako. Zoke iinhlobo zami emzinapha ziyazi bonyana umfazi ovuthiweko. Iye, kuliqiniso bona ngimhlengi, kodwana kukhona nokho umhlengi oseduze kunami. Hlala nami kilobubusuku, nange afuna ukukungena kusasa kulungile angakungena. Kodwana nange angaphumeleli ngiyafunga phambi kwakaSomnini mina ngizakuhlenga. Lala la bekuse.” Walala-ke eenyaweni zakhe bekwaba setathakusa. Wavuka ngesamarimarima ngombana uBhowazi wathi: “Kungakhe kungazeka bonyana bekunomfazi eselelwena.” UBhowazi wathi kuye: “Letha itjali oyimbetheko leyo bese uyayikhongozela.” Wakhongozela-ke uRute, uBhowazi wathela iinlinganiso zebhali ezingaphezu kopumpana; wamthwesa. Wabuyela emzini. URute nakafikako, unosokanakhe uNawomi wambuza wathi: “Ukhambe njani, ndodakazami?” Wamdembela koke uBhowazi amenzele khona. Wangezelela ngokuthi: “Ungiphe neenlinganiso zebhali ezingaphezu kopumpana wathi, ‘Ungabuyeli kunosokanakho umkhono ze.’ ” UNawomi wathi: “Akhe ujame ndodakazami, uqalelele bonyana kuzokwenzekani ngombana indoda le angeze yazigedla kungakadluli indaba le namhlanjesi.” UBhowazi wakhuphukela esangweni lomuzi wahlala lapho. Kuthe lokha nakufika umhlengi agade akhuluma ngaye, wathi kuye: “Akhe uzapha, mfo; hlala phasi.” Weza-ke wahlala phasi. UBhowazi wabiza abaphathi bomuzi abalitjhumi wathi kibo: “Hlalani lapha.” Bahlala-ke. Wathi kumhlengi: “UNawomi ovela kwaMowabi uthengisa isabelo senarha yomfowethu u-Elimeleki. Ngithe angiyethule kuwe indaba le bengiphakamise bona uyithenge phambi kwabantu abahlezi laphaba naphambi kwabaphathi babantu bekhethwaba. Nange uphumelela ukuyihlenga, kulungile. Kodwana nawungaphumeleliko, ungazise ukuze ngazi. Akakho onelungelo lokwenza lokho ngaphandle kwakho bese kulandela mina.” Umhlengi wathi: “Awa, ngizayihlenga.” UBhowazi wathi: “Mhlana uthenga inarha leyo kuNawomi kufanele uthathe noRute uMowabikazi omhlolokazi kamufi ukuze ilifa lijame ebizweni lehloko leya.” Umhlengi wathi: “Awa-ke, nakunjalo angiphumeleli ukuyihlenga ngombana kungalimala ilifa lami. Kungcono uyihlenge wena. Awa-ke khona abe angisaphumeleli.” (Kwakumkhuba wekadeni kwa-Israyeli wokobana nakubotjhwa ifindo lokuhlenga nokwenana ipahla ngokomthetho, onikela ngelifa gade akhupha ipatlagwana anikele kowamukela ilifa. Lokhu bekusibopho kwa-Israyeli.) Yeke umhlengi wathi kuBhowazi: “Ithenge wena.” Wahlubula ipatlagwana lakhe. UBhowazi wabikela boke abaphathi nabo boke abantu wathi: “Namhlanje nibofakazi bokobana ngithenge yoke ipahla yaka-Elimeleki banoKiliyoni noMarhaloni kuNawomi. Ngithethe noRute uMowabikazi, umhlolokazi kaMarhaloni abe mkami ukuze ilifa lijame ebizweni lehloko leya, ukwenzela bonyana ibizo lehloko leya lingatjhabalali emndemini nemasangweni wekhabo.” Boke abantu nabaphathi abasesangweni lomuzi bathi: “Iye, sibofakazi. Inga uSomnini angenza umfazi ozongena kwakho lowo abe njengoRayitjheli noLeya abakha indlu ka-Israyeli ngokubambisana. Kwanga unganjinga e-Efrata lapha bewube nedumo eBhethe-Lehema. Kuthi abantwana uSomnini akupha bona ngeqhakazaneli babe mndeni ofana nowakaPereza, uTamara awubelethela uJuda.” Yeke uBhowazi wamthatha uRute waba mkakhe. Wangena naye emabhayini; uSomnini wenza bonyana azithwale, wabeletha umsana. Abafazi bathi kuNawomi: “Akudunyiswe uSomnini ongazange akutjhiye unganamhlengi namhlanje. Kwanga ibizo lakhe lingabatjazwa kwa-Israyeli. Uzokuvuselela ipilwakho abe akunakekele nasele uluphele ngombana umalukazanakho okuthandako begodu nongcono kuwe kunamadodana alikhomba ukubelethele yena.” UNawomi wathatha umntwana lowo wamsingatha wamkhulisa. Abafazi bomuzi lowo bathi: “UNawomi ubelethelwe indodana.” Bamthiya ibizo laka-Obede. Yena waba nguyise kaJese onguyise kaDavida. Le-ke yikoro ka Peretsi: UPeretsi nguyise kaRhetsironi, uRhetsironi nguyise kaRama, uRama nguyise ka-Aminadaba, u-Aminadaba nguyise kaNarhitjhoni, uNarhitjhoni nguyise kaSalimoni, uSalimoni nguyise kaBhowazi, uBhowazi nguyise ka-Obede, u-Obede nguyise kaJese, uJese nguyise kaDavida. Kwakukhona umuntu weRamatayimi, umTsufi weentabeni zakwa-Efrayimu. Ibizo lakhe bekungu-Elikhana, ayindodana kaJerohamu umsa ka-Elihu omsa kaTohu umsa kaTsufi umEfrate. Ubenabafazi ababili, ibizo lowokuthoma bekunguHana, ibizo lowesibili kunguPhenina. UPhenina gade anabantwana, uHana yena anganabo. Qobe mnyaka indoda le beyenyuka emzini wekhabo iye eTjhilo bona ilotjhe beyenze umhlabelo kuSomnini uMninimandlawoke. Kileyondawo amadodana amabili ka-Eli, okutjho uHofni noFiniyasi, gade abaphristi bakaSomnini. Ngaso soke isikhathi lokha u-Elikhana nakenza umhlabelo, gade anikela uPhenina umkakhe namadodanakhe namadodakazakhe woke, izabelo. Wanikela uHana isabelo esikhethekileko ngombana gade amthanda khulu. Nokho uSomnini gade avale isibeletho sakhe. UPhenina, ogade ajamelene naye, wamkokomeja kobana azinyaze ngombana uSomnini gade amvale isibeletho. Kwabanjalo iminyaka ngeminyaka: Lokha uHana nakenyukela endlini kaSomnini, uPhenina wamkokomeja bekwabhala bona adle. U-Elikhana umyenakhe wathi: “Hana, ulilelani? Kubayini ungadli? Ihliziywakho isilingekeleni? Angisingcono kunamadodana alitjhumi kuwe na?” U-Eli gade ahlezi esitulweni emathurini wethempeli lakaSomnini. Selebadlile bebasela, uHana wasikima, amunyu emphefumulweni, wathandaza kuSomnini alila isibibithwana. Wafunga isifungo wathi: “Somnini, Mninimandlawoke! Nange nangambala ungaqala ukutshwenyeka kwencekukazakho godu ukhumbule ungakhohlwa incekukazakho bese upha incekukazakho umntwana womsana, ngizambuyisela kuSomnini ipilwakhe yoke notjhefana angathinti ehlokwakhe.” Kwathi asathandaza ngokuqinisela phambi kwakaSomnini, u-Eli wayelelisisa umlomakhe. Kodwana uHana gade abubula ngehliziywenakhe, bekusikinyeka iimbhena zomlomo kwaphela, ilizwi lakhe lingazwakali. U-Eli wacabanga bona udakiwe. U-Eli wathi kuye: “Uzakudakwa bekube nini? Akhe ulise ubudakwa bakhobu!” UHana waphendula wathi: “Awa kosami! Ngimfazi onommoya owurubajekileko. Angikaseli iwayini nanyana utjwala. Bengizibubula phambi kwakaSomnini. Ungalinganisi incekukazakho nomfazi okhohlakeleko; kungesibanga sobuhlungu namatshwenyeko bona ngikhulume kangaka.” U-Eli waphendula wathi: “Yewukhambe ngokuthula. UZimu ka-Israyeli uzakupha okubawileko kuye.” UHana wathi: “Incekukazakho ayifunyane umusa emehlwenakho.” Wasuka-ke wakhamba, wadla, ubuso bakhe akhange busatjhitjhibala. Bavuka ngamasa, balotjha phambi kwakaSomnini, bagodukela ekhabo eRama. U-Elikhana wangena kumkakhe uHana. USomnini wamkhumbula; waba sidisi uHana. Sesifikile isikhathi, wabeletha umsana. Wamthiya ibizo lakaSamyela ngombana wathi: “Ngimbawe kuSomnini.” Umuntu loyo, u-Elikhana wenyuka nendlwakhe yoke ukuyokwenzela uSomnini umhlabelo weminyaka nokuzalisa isifungo sakhe. UHana akhange enyuke ngombana wathi emyeninakhe: “Ngizakuhlala umntwana abe akhunyulwe, khona-ke ngizamusa bona abonakale phambi kwakaSomnini, ahlale khona isiphelani.” U-Elikhana umyenakhe wathi kuye: “Yewenze okuhle okubonako. Hlala ubumkhumule. Kwanga uSomnini angakusiza.” Kwabanjalo, umfazi wahlala wakhulisa umtwana bewamkhumula. Selamkhumulile wanyukela ethempelini lakaSomnini eTjhilo nomndenakhe. Bakhamba nekunzi eneminyaka emithathu nopumpana wepuphu yamabele nomjeka wewayini. Umsana gade asesemncani. Bahlaba ikunzi, umntwana bamusa ku-Eli. UHana wathi: “E, kosami! Kwamambala ngimi umfazi owajama lapha phambi kwakho ngathandaza kuSomnini. Umsana lo, ngangimthandazela. USomnini wanginikela engikubawileko kuye. Nami-ke ngimnikela kuSomnini isiphelani ngombana ubawiwe kuSomnini.” Balotjha uSomnini lapho. UHana wathandaza wathi: “Ihliziywami iyathaba kuSomnini, kuSomnini amandlami makhulu khulu. Ngihleka amanabami, iye, ngithatjiswa lisizo lakho. AkunaZimu onjengawe, Somnini; iye, akakho noyedwa ngaphandle kwakho; alikho idwala elinjengoZimethu. “Lisani ukukhuluma ngokuzikhakhazisa, kungaphumi ukuzazi emilonyenenu; ngombana uSomnini unguZimu owazi koke, nguye olinganisa izenzo zoke. “Imisubi yeentsitsirimba yephukile, nokho abakhutjwako bahlonyiswa amandla. Abagade basuthi basebenzela isikwa, abagade balambile banenala. Ogade ayinyumba ubeletha abantwana abalikhomba, kuthi onabantwana abanengi anyefe emandleni. USomnini uyabulala, aphilise; uSomnini wehlisela phasi kwabaleleko, abuye enyuse. USomnini uyakhwahlisa abe anjingise, uyathobisa abe aphakamise. Uvusa abakhwahlileko ebhudwini, asikimise abatlhogileko ezaleni; abahlalise namakhosana, abaphe isikhundla esiphakamileko. “Ngambala iinsekelo zephasi ngezakaSomnini, ubeke inarha phezu kwazo. Ubulunga iindlela zabathembekileko bakhe; abakhohlakeleko bazakuthuliswa ekufeni. Nangambala ukuhlula komuntu akuyi ngeenqababa. Abajamelene noSomnini bazakuphihlizwa. “USomnini uzabathuthumbisa ngombani asezulwini. uSomnini uzakugweba iphasi loke; anikele umzeswakhe amandla, aqinise ozesiweko wakhe.” U-Elikhana wabuyela kwakhe eRama, kodwana umsana uSamyela wasala, wasiza ethempelini atjhejwe ngu-Eli, umphristi. Amadodana amabili ka-Eli gade aziinkhohlakali, angahloniphi uSomnini. Abaphristi gade banelungelo elithileko ebantwini lokha nabazokwenza umhlabelo. Bekuthi inyama isaphekiwe, kufike isisebenzi somphristi siphethe iforogo enamazinyo amathathu, sihlabe ngayo ngakugalaza namkha ngaphakathi kwananyana ngiyiphi into esapoto. Kuthi koke iforogo ephuma nakho, umphristi azithathele khona. Benza njalo kibo boke bakwa-Israyeli abagade bafika eTjhilwapho. Kodwana amadodana ka-Eli gade angasinjalo. Bekuthi uSomnini angakatjhiselwa umhlwehlwe e-aldarini, afike emuntwini owenza umhlabelo, athi: “Lethapha inyama yokubaswa leyo wena, umphristi akazukwamukela inyama ephekiweko kuwe; kodwana ehlaza kwaphela.” Lokha umuntu loyo nakathi: “Awa, akhese kutjhiselwe uSomnini umhlwehlwe qangi bese uthatha koke okufunako,” bamphendule bathi: “Sukapha, letha inyama leyo khona nje. Nawungafuniko ngizazithathela yona ngekani.” Nje-ke isono samadodana la sabasikhulu phambi kwakaSomnini ngombana abantu badelela umnikelo kaSomnini. USamyela wasebenza phambi kwakaSomnini asesemsanyana njalo, embethe isambatho somphristi selineni. Qobe mnyaka unina wamenzela iphuraphurana, wamlethela yona lokha nanyuka nomyenakhe bona benze umhlatjelo weminyaka. U-Eli wabusisa u-Elikhana nomkakhe wathi: “Kwanga uSomnini angakwandisela imbeleko ngomma lo esikhundleni somsana enimnikele uSomnini.” Bagoduka-ke. USomnini wamkhumbula uHana, waba sidisi wabeletha. Waba namadodana amathathu namadodakazi amabili. Umntwana uSamyela wakhulela kuSomnini. U-Eli ubasele aluphele khulu. Wezwa koke amadodanakhe agade akwenza ku-Israyeli woke, nokuthi gade alala nabesifazana abagade basebenza emnyango wethempeli. Wathi kiwo: “Nenzelani izinto ezinjalo bekuthi soke isizwe sakaSomnini sibalabale kimi ngobukhohlakali enibenzako na? Awa madodanami! Akusiyo indaba ehle engiyizwa ngani. Nidurhisa isizwe sakaSomnini. Lokha umuntu nakonela omunye umuntu, uZimu angakhe amzwele. Kodwana lokha umuntu onela uSomnini, ngubani ozamlamlela na?” Kodwana amadodanakhe akhange alalele ilizwi lakayise lokha nawakhalimako. USomnini waqinta ukuwabulala. Umsana uSamyela waragela phambili wakhula ngejamo begodu wathandwa nguSomnini nabantu. Kwafika umuntu kaZimu ku-Eli wathi kuye: “Nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Angithi ngaziveza kuhle kiyo indlu kayihlo basese seGibhide, emzini kaFaro na? Angithi ngamkhetha phakathi kweenkoro zoke zakwa-Israyeli bona abemphristami ukuze avele e-aldarini lami atjhise khona itjhwalo, aphathe nembada ethempelini? Azange ngiyinikele indlu kayihlo ingcenye yeminikelo yabakwa-Israyeli na? Manjesi niwudelelelani umhlabelwami nomnikelwami engiwujamise endlinami na? Kubayini amadodanakho aqakatheke khulu kuwe kunami? Nikhetha ukuzinonisa ngeminikelo yoke ekhethekileko yabantu bami bakwa-Israyeli abangihlonipha ngayo.’ “Nje-ke mina Somnini, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli ngithi ngathembisa bonyana indlwakho nendlu kayihlo nizakusebenza e-aldarini lami ngeenkhathi zoke. Kodwana kwanjesi nginisuthi ngombana ngidumisa abangidumisako nginyaze abanginyazako. Yelela, kuza isikhathi sokobana ngisuse amandlakho namandla wendlu kayihlo, bekungasaba khona oluphalako ekorwenakho. Lokha u-Israyeli nakenzelwa okuhle endlinami, wena uzakubona amatlhuwiso wodwa; angeze bekusaba nomuntu oluphalako ekorwenakho. Nange kungaba nomuntu wekhenu e-aldarini lami engingakamsusi, uzakubangela iinyembezi namatlhuwo kwaphela. Zoke iinzukulwana zakho zizokufa zisaqinile. Lokhu kuzakuba siboniso kuwe bona uHofni noFiniyasi, amadodanakho amabili, azakwehlelwa kukufa ngalanga linye. “Ngizazivusela ngokwami umphristi othembekileko, ozakwenza njengombana ngithanda ehliziywenami nemkhumbulwenami. Ngizamakhela indlu eqinileko. Yena asebenze ngeenkhathi zoke phambi kwekosi engizayikhetha. Kuzakuthi woke osalako endlinakho amkhothamele, abawe isipaparwana sesiliva neentshutshurwana zesikwa athi, ‘Ngiyakurabhela, akhese ungizamele isikorojana sobuphristi ukuze ngikghone ukufumana uburotjhwana ngidle.’ ” Umsana uSamyela wasebenzela uSomnini atjhejwe ngu-Eli. Ilizwi lakaSomnini belingakandi amalanga lawo, nombono uyivela kancani. Ngesikhatheso u-Eli gade alele endawenakhe sele athoma ukuphophala, angasaboni kuhle. Ikesi kaZimu beyingakacimi, uSamyela yena alele ethempelini lakaSomnini lapha bekunomfaji kaZimu khona. USomnini wabiza uSamyela. Yena waphendula wathi: “Ngilapha!” Wagijimela ku-Eli, wafika wathi: “Ngizwe ungibiza; ngilapha.” U-Eli wathi: “Akhange ngikubize. Khamba uyokulala.” Wakhamba-ke walala. USomnini wabuyelela wabiza wathi: “Samyela!” USamyela wavuka waya ku-Eli wafika wathi: “Ngizwe ungibiza; ngilapha.” U-Eli wathi: “Ndodanami, akhange ngikubize. Khamba uyokulala.” USamyela gade angakabukwazi uSomnini kuhle, nelizwi lakaSomnini belingakabukwambuleka kuye. Godu uSomnini wabiza uSamyela ihlandla lesithathu. Yena wavuka waya ku-Eli wafika wathi: “Ngilapha ngombana ngizwe ungibiza.” U-Eli walemuka bona nguSomnini obiza umsana lo. Wathi kuSamyela: “Khamba uyokulala. Nakukhona okubizako godu bese uthi, ‘Khuluma Somnini. Isisebenzi sakho silalele.’ ” USamyela wabuyela endawenakhe wayokulala. USomnini weza wafese wajama, wabiza njengekuthomeni wathi: “Samyela! Samyela!” USamyela waphendula wathi: “USomnini akakhulume. Isisebenzi sakhe silalele.” USomnini wathi: “Yelela! Ngizokwenza isiga kwa-Israyeli ekuzokuthi lokha abantu nabasizwako iindlebe zabo zibe buzikazikani. Mhlokho ngizakwenza ku-Eli yoke into engayikhulumako ngendlwakhe kusukela ekuthomeni bekube sekugcineni. Ngamtjela u-Eli bona ngizakugweba indlwakhe ngebanga lesono asaziko ngombana lokha amadodanakhe nakazinyazisako azange awakhalime. Ngebangelo ngiyafunga ngiyaqinisa phezu kwendlu ka-Eli ngithi, ‘Akunamhlabelo nanyana umnikelo ongahlangula isono sendlu ka-Eli.’ ” USamyela waphilelwa bekwasa. Ngomuso wavuka wavula iminyango yethempeli lakaSomnini. Wesaba ukutjela u-Eli umbono. U-Eli wambiza uSamyela wathi: “Samyela, ndodanami!” USamyela wasabela wathi: “Ngilapha!” U-Eli wathi: “USomnini utheni kuwe na? Ungangifihleli litho. UZimu uzakuhlunguphaza kumbi nawungangifihlela into ayikhulume kuwe.” Yeke uSamyela wamtjela koke; akhange amfihlele litho. U-Eli wathi: “Yena unguSomnini. Uzakwenza akubonako.” USamyela wakhula. USomnini waba naye begodu akhange avumele nelilodwa ilizwi lakhe bona liwele phasi. Kusukela eDani ngetlhagwini bekube seBheritjheba ngesewula, u-Israyeli woke wabona bonyana uSamyela umphorofidi wamambala kaSomnini. USomnini waragela phambili ngokuziveza eTjhilo. Iye, waziveza ngelizwi lakhe kuSamyela. Ilizwi lakaSamyela lanqopha ku-Israyeli woke. Nje-ke u-Israyeli gade aphumile bona alwe namaFilista. Ama-Israyeli ahloma amatendawo e-Ebheni-Ezeri, amaFilista wona ahloma e-Afeki. AmaFilista akhupha ipi bona isahlelane neyama-Israyeli. Kwathi ipi isabambene kulwiwa, ama-Israyeli ahlulwa. Kwabulawa etatawini lokulwa ama-Israyeli alinganiselwa eenkulungwaneni ezine. Abantu babuyela ekampeni, abaphathi bakwa-Israyeli babuza bathi: “Kubayini uSomnini asiliselele bona sihlulwe maFilista namhlanje na? Nambani siyokuthatha umfaji wesivumelwano sakaSomnini eTjhilo bona ube nathi bewusisindise esandleni sezitha zethu.” Abantu bathumela amadoda eTjhilo. Eza nomfaji kaSomnini uMninimandlawoke ohlala phezu kwamakerubhi. Namadodana amabili ka-Eli, uHofni noFiniyasi, gade alapho hlanu komfaji wesivumelwano sakaZimu. Lokha umfaji wesivumelwano sakaSomnini nawufika ekampeni, woke u-Israyeli warhuwelela khulu bekwadengezela iphasi. AmaFilista ezwa itjhada lomdumo wokurhuwelela abuza athi: “Litjhada lani leli elisekampeni yamaHebheru na?” AmaFilista alemuka bona umfaji kaSomnini ufikile ekampeni yama-Israyeli. AmaFilista esaba, athi: “UZimu ufikile ekampeni! Maye thina bo! Intwenje azange kheyenzeke ngaphambilini. Maye babo! Sizokusindiswa ngubani kuZimu onamandla kangaka na? Nguye uZimu lo owarhadla amaGibhide erhalawumbeni ngamatshwenyeko woke. Qinani! Yibani madoda maFilista! Ngaphandle kwalokho nizakuba makhoboka wamaHebheru njengombana nawo gade amakhoboka wenu. Khombisani ubudoda benu! Yilwani!” Alwa-ke amaFilista, ama-Israyeli ahlulwa. Kwaba ngileyo naleyondoda yabalekela etendeni layo. Ukurhadlwa phasi kwama-Israyeli kwaba kukhulu khulu. Aloba amabutho aziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amathathu. Umfaji kaZimu wathunjwa, namadodana amabili ka-Eli, uHofni noFiniyasi, afa. Kwaphuma umuntu wakwaBhenjamini etatawini lokulwa wagijima wafika khona mhlokho eTjhilo, izambatho zakhe zitlebhukile, anehlabathi ehloko. U-Eli gade ahlezi esitulweni hlanu kwendlela alindile ngombana ihliziywakhe beyitshwenyekile ngomfaji kaZimu. Kuthe lokha umuntu loyo nangena emzini wabika okwenzekileko. Umuzi woke warhahlawula isililo. U-Eli wezwa itjhada lesililo wabuza wathi: “Sitjho ukuthini isililokazesi na?” Umuntu loyo warhaba waya ku-Eli, wambikela. U-Eli gade asele aneminyaka ematjhumi athobako nabunane, namehlwakhe selaphophele, angasaboni. Umuntu loyo wabikela u-Eli wathi: “Mina ngingobuya etatawini lokulwa. Ngibaleke khona namhlanjesi.” U-Eli wabuza wathi: “Ndodanami, kwenzekeni?” Umbiki waphendula wathi: “U-Israyeli uhlulwe maFilista wabaleka, nebutho lethu lilobe khulu kwamambala. Amadodanakho womabili, uHofni noFiniyasi, abulewe bekwathunjwa nomfaji kaZimu.” Kuthe lokha umuntu loyo nakhuluma ngomfaji kaZimu, u-Eli wagenuka esitulweni agade ahlezi kiso hlanu kwesango lomuzi. Waphuka intamo bewahlongakala ngombana gade asele aluphele begodu azimukile. Ubegade asikhulu sakwa-Israyeli iminyaka ematjhumi amane. Umalukazanakhe, umkaFiniyasi, gade asidisi nesikhathi sobana abelethe sesitjhidele. Kuthe lokha nezwa bona umfaji kaZimu uthunjiwe nokuthi usosokanakhe nomyenakhe bahlongakele, wasongana bewabeletha khonapho ngombana wahlulwa ziinhlabi. Kuthe lokha nahlongakalako, abafazi abagade bambelethisa bathi: “Ungadani! Sewubelethe umsana!” Yena akhange abaphendule namkha abatjheje. Wathiya umsana loyo ibizo laka-Ikhabhodi, asithi: “Iphazimulo isukile ku-Israyeli.” Lokho wakutjho ngebanga lokuthunjwa komfaji kaZimu nokuhlongakala kwakasosokanakhe nomyenakhe. Iye, wathi: “Iphazimulo isukile ku-Israyeli ngombana umfaji kaZimu uthunjiwe.” AmaFilista athumba umfaji kaZimu, awususa e-Ebheni-Ezeri awusa e-Atjhidodi. Awuthatha-ke umfaji kaZimu awungenisa ngethempelini lakaDagoni; awubeka eqadi kwakhe. Lokha abantu be-Atjhidodi nabavukako ngomuso ekuseni; qala nango uDagoni arabhalele ngobuso phambi komfaji kaSomnini! Bamthatha uDagoni bambuyisela endawenakhe. Nabavukako godu ngomuso ekuseni; nango uDagoni arabhalele ngobuso phambi komfaji kaSomnini! Ihlokwakhe nezandla zakhe zikghunukile zisembunjwaneni oqabe umnyango; isidumbu sakhe silele sodwa phasi. Kungebangelo bekube gadesi abaphristi bakaDagoni naye woke umuntu ongena ethempelini lakhe e-Atjhidodi, akagadangi embunjwaneni oqabe umnyango. USomnini waba nesandla esiqinileko ebantwini be-Atjhidodi, wabehlisela ukuloba okukhulu. Warhadla i-Atjhidodi nebhoduluko layo ngamathumba. Lokha abantu be-Atjhidodi nababona okwenzakeleko bathi: “Umfaji kaZimu wama-Israyeli lo awukameli ukuba hlangana nathi ngombana isandla sakhe siqinile phezu kwethu naphezu kozimethu uDagoni.” Yeke babizela ndawonye boke ababusi beemfunda zamaFilista. Bababuza bathi: “Senzeni ngomfaji kaZimu wakwa-Israyeli lo na?” Ababusi baphendula bathi: “Umfaji kaZimu wakwa-Israyeli lo awususwe lapha usiwe eGathi.” Bawususa-ke umfaji kaZimu wakwa-Israyeli. Emva kobana sebawususile, isandla sakaSomnini sajamelana nedorobhelo, lehlelwa kuhlubayela okukhulu. USomnini wabetha boke abantu bedorobhelo, abakhulu nabancani; bavela amathumba. Bathumela umfaji kaZimu e-Ekroni. Kuthe lokha umfaji kaZimu nawungena e-Ekroni abantu bakhona barhuwelela bathi: “Afeke! Abantwaba balethe umfaji kaZimu wakwa-Israyeli hlangana nathi bonyana usibulale thina nabantu bekhethu.” Babizela ndawonye ababusi beemfunda zamaFilista bathi kibo: “Susani umfaji kaZimu wakwa-Israyeli lo lapha; awubuyele ekhabo, nakungasinjalo uzosibulala thina nabantu bekhethu.” Batjho njalo ngombana ivalo lokufa lalembethe idorobho loke. Isandla sakaZimu sasiqine khulu phezu kwalo. Abantu abangakhange bafe, babheduka amathumba. Isililo somuzi sazwakala kude. Umfaji kaSomnini wahlala enarheni yamaFilista iinyanga ezilikhomba. AmaFilista abiza abaphristi nezangoma athi: “Senzeni ngomfaji kaSomnini lo na? Sitjelani bona singawubuyisela njani ekhabo?” Baphendula bathi: “Lokha nanibuyisela umfaji kaZimu wama-Israyeli, ningawubuyiseli udududu; kodwana yenzani ngakho koke okusemandlenenu bona nimthumelele umnikelo werhobhe. Yeke nizakuphola begodu nizakulemuka bonyana kubayini isandla sakhe singakhange sisuke phezu kwenu.” AmaFilista abuza athi: “Simthumelele umnikelo werhobhe onjani na?” Baphendula bathi: “Amathumba amahlanu wegolide nabongozo abahlanu begolide, ngokuya ngesibalo sababusi beemfunda zamaFilista ngombana ukuloba lokhu kwehlele nina nababusi benu. Bumbani imifanekiso yamathumba aniphetheko neyabongozo ababhubhisa inarha, ninikele uZimu wakwa-Israyeli idumo. Mhlamunye uzakususa isandla sakhe phezu kwenu, kibozimenu nenarhenenu. Kubayini nikhunyalalise iinhliziyo zenu njengamaGibhide noFaro na? Lokha uZimu nabatshwenya khulu akhange bagcine bawatjhidele ama-Israyeli kobana akhambe na? Yeke zilungiseleleni ikoloyana etja neenkomo ezimbili ezimunyisako begodu nezingazange khezibotjhelwe. Bophelani iinkomezo ekoloyaneni, amakonyanazo niwatjhiye avalelwe ngesibayeni. Thathani umfaji kaSomnini niwukhweze ekoloyaneni. Izinto zegolide enizithumela kuSomnini kobana zibe mnikelwenu werhobhe, zifakeni embadeni nizibeke hlanu komfaji bese niyawugodusa. Nitjheje, nange ungakhuphukela emabhodulukweni anqombene neBhethe-Tjhemetjhi, kuzabe kunguSomnini osithumele amanikelelakazi angaka. Kodwana nawungakhuphukeli khona sizakwazi bonyana bekuyingozi nje, kuzenzakalele bekungasiso isandla sakhe.” Benza njalo-ke abantu babophela iinkomo ezimbili ekoloyaneni, bavalela namakonyana wazo ngesibayeni. Bakhweza umfaji kaSomnini ekoloyaneni nembada ephethe abongozo begolide nomfanekiso wamathumba wabo wegolide. Iinkomo zanqomba eBhethe-Tjhemetjhi ngendlela leyo zikhamba zilila. Akhange ziphambukele ngesandleni sokudla namtjhana ngesinceleni. Ababusi beemfunda zamaFilista bazilandela bekwaba semkhawulweni weBhethe-Tjhemetjhi. Abantu beBhethe-Tjhemetjhi gade bavuna ikoroyi emrhobeni, bathe nabathi tla amehlo babona umfaji; bawuthabela khulu. Ikoloyana yafika emmangweni wakwaJotjhuwa eBhethe-Tjhemetjhi; yajama lapho edwaleni elikhulu. Abantu bakghema iingodo zekoloyana leyo, iinkomo banikela ngazo zabamhlabelo wokutjhiselwa uSomnini. AmaLevi ehlisa umfaji kaSomnini kanye nezinto zegolide ebezisekoloyaneni, azibeka phezu kwedwala elikhulu. Mhlokho abantu beBhethe-Tjhemetjhi benzela uSomnini iminikelo yokutjhiswa nemihlabelo. Ababusi beemfunda zamaFilista abahlanu babona koke lokhu babuyela e-Ekroni khona mhlokho. Amathumba wegolide agade athunyelwe maFilista njengomnikelo werhobhe kuSomnini gade ajamele amadorobho amakhulu wamaFilista: elinye bekungele-Atjhidodi, elinye kungeleGaza, elinye kungele-Atjhikeloni, elinye kungeleGathi, elinye kungele-Ekroni. Abongozo begolide gade bathunyelwe iimfunda ezihlanu zamaFilista eziphethwe babusi abahlanu, kusukela emadorobheni azombelezwe ngomthangala kufikela emizaneni yawo yemakhaya nengaphandle komthangala. Idwala elikhulu elisemmangweni wakwaJotjhuwa weBhethe-Tjhemetjhi ekwabekwa kilo umfaji kaSomnini lisikhumbuzo bekube namhlanje. Kodwana uZimu wamadlha phasi abanye babantu beBhethe-Tjhemetjhi abamatjhumi alikhomba ngombana balunguza ngaphakathi komfaji kaSomnini. Isizwe salila ngombana uSomnini wamadlha phasi abanengi baso. Abantu beBhethe-Tjhemetjhi babuza bathi: “Ngubani ongajama phambi kwakaSomnini uZimu ocwengileko lo na? Kazi umfaji lo uzakunyukela kosobani nawusuka lapha na?” Yeke bathumela iinthunywa ebantwini beKiriyathi-Jeyarimu bathi: “AmaFilista awubuyisile umfaji kaSomnini. Yehlani-ke nizowuthatha niwenyusele kinapho.” Beza-ke abantu beKhiriyathi-Jeyarimu bawuthatha umfaji kaSomnini, bawusa endlini ka-Abinadaba esembundwini. U-Eliyazari umsa ka-Abinadaba wahlukaniselwa bona agade umfaji kaSomnini. Kwadlula amatjhumi amabili weminyaka umfaji useKiriyathi-Jeyarimu. Boke abantu bakwa-Israyeli batlhuwa bebalila bafuna ubuso bakaSomnini. USamyela wakhuluma kiyo yoke indlu yakwa-Israyeli wathi: “Nanibuyela kuSomnini ngeenhliziyo zenu zoke, khona-ke susani kini abosingazimu abatjhili nabosingazimukazi, abo-Atjhitarothi, nizinikele kuSomnini nilotjhe yena yedwa, uzanitjhaphulula esandleni samaFilista.” Kwaba njalo-ke, bakwa-Israyeli balahla aboBhali nabo-Atjhitarothi babo balotjha uSomnini kwaphela. USamyela wathi: “Buthelelani woke u-Israyeli eMitsipha bona nginirabhelele kuSomnini.” Bahlangana-ke eMitsipha bakha amanzi bawathululela phambi kwakaSomnini. Mhlokho bazila ukudla bebavuma izono zabo bathi: “Sonile kuSomnini.” USamyela wafundisa ama-Israyeli intando kaSomnini eMitsipha. Lokha amaFilista nezwa bona ama-Israyeli ahlangene eMitsipha, ababusi beemfunda zamaFilista bazilungiselela ukusahlela ama-Israyeli. Kwathi bona ama-Israyeli ezwe lokho esaba ngebanga lamaFilista. Athi kuSamyela: “Ungalisi ukusirabhelela phambi kwakaSomnini uZimethu bona asisindise esandleni samaFilista.” USamyela wathatha imvana esamunyako wanikela ngayo iphelele kuSomnini, yabamhlabelo wokutjhiswa. USamyela warabhelela u-Israyeli kuSomnini; uSomnini wamphendula. Kwathi uSamyela asatjhisa umhlabelo, amaFilista atjhidela bonyana asahlele u-Israyeli ngepi. Kodwana mhlokho uSomnini wathuthumbisa amaFilista ngomdumo wombani. Wawahlangahlanganisa ukuze u-Israyeli awahlule. Ama-Israyeli aphuma eMitsipha agijimisa amaFilista akhamba awamadlha phasi bekwaba ngenzasanyana kweBhethe-Kari. USamyela wathatha ilitje walijamisa phakathi kweMitsipha neTjheni. Walithiya ibizo wathi yi-Ebheni-Ezeri asithi: “Bekube lapha uSomnini usisizile.” Arhubutjhwa njalo-ke amaFilista begodu azange asagabaza atjhidele emabhodulukweni wakwa-Israyeli godu. Isandla sakaSomnini sasijamelene namaFilista esikhathini soke sakaSamyela. Amadorobho agade athunjwe maFilista ku-Israyeli kusukela e-Ekroni bekube seGathi, abuyela ku-Israyeli begodu u-Israyeli watjhaphulula woke amabhoduluko wamadorobho akhelene nawo emandleni wamaFilista. Kwaba nokuthula phakathi kwaka-Israyeli nama-Amori. USamyela wafundisa ama-Israyeli intando kaSomnini ipilwakhe yoke. Qobe mnyaka gade akhamba kusuka eBhethe-Eli azombe abe afike eGiligali neMitsipha, akhambe afundisa ama-Israyeli intando kaSomnini kizo zoke iindawezo. Ngemva kwalokho wabuyela eRama; lapha gade ahlala khona. Nalapho wafundisa ama-Israyeli intando kaSomnini. Wakha i-aldari lakaSomnini khonapho. Lokha uSamyela naluphalako, wajamisa amadodanakhe bona abe bagwebi kwa-Israyeli. Ibizo lezibulo lakhe bekunguJuweli, lowesibili kungu-Abiya; womabili bekabagwebi beBheritjheba. Kodwana amadodanakhe la, akhange akhambe emtlhalenakhe. Aphendukela enzuzweni yobukhohlakali, arhuluphela ukufunjathiswa abe ahlanakela neengwebo. Abaphathi bakwa-Israyeli babuthana boke beza kuSamyela eRama. Bathi kuye: “Qala, ubaba selaluphele; nabesabakhe napa nabo abakhambi emtlhalenakhe. Nje-ke besithi ubaba akasibekele ikosi isiphathe njengombana kunjalo nakezinye izizwe.” Nokho kwaba kumbi kuSamyela lokha nabathi: “Sipha ikosi bona isiphathe.” Yeke wabuza uSomnini. USomnini wathi kuye: “Lalela koke abantu abakutjhoko kuwe. Abakalahli wena, kodwana balahle mina ekubeni yikosabo. Solo kwamhlana ngibakhupha eGibhide bekube gadesi sebenza zonezi, bayangitlhanamela balotjhe abosingazimu abatjhili; nawe-ke bakwenza zonezo. Yeke, balalele; kodwana qinisa ubayalisise bewubahlathululele amalungelo wekosi ezokubusa phezu kwabo.” USamyela wakhuluma woke amezwi kaSomnini ebantwini abathe kuye bafuna ikosi. Wathi: “Nanti ilungelo lekosi ezokubusa ngalo phezu kwenu. Amadodanenu izowathatha izibekele wona ekaranenayo neenjomaneni zayo, iwenze amavulandlela phambi kwekaranayo. Izowakatelela bona abe ziinduna zamabuthwayo, amanye azakulima amasimayo kanti amanye azakuvuna isivuno sayo, amanye azokwenza iinhlabano zepi bese amanye enze iimpahla zekaranayo. Izazithathela amadodakazenu iwenze abenzi bamakha, abapheki nababhagi. Izithathele okukhethekileko kwamasimenu, iindiribe zenu nemithenu yamafutha we-oliva, inikele iimphathiswa zayo. Izithathele kwetjhumi kwembewu yenu nokwesivuno sesidiribe senu ikunikele iinkhulu neemphathiswa zayo. Iinceku neencekukazi zenu kanye namagade weenkomo zenu nabodumbana benu, izithathele khona; kusebenzele yona. Izazithathela kwetjhumi komhlambenu. Nina nibe makhobokayo. Ngesikhatheso nizakulilela uSomnini ngebanga lekosi enazikhethela yona, nokho uSomnini akazuniphendula mhlokho.” Kodwana abantu bala ukulalela uSamyela bathi: “Awa, kufanele kube nekosi esibusako, ukuze nathi sifane nezinye izizwe sibe nekosi esiphetheko nezokhamba phambi kwethu nasiya epini.” Kwathi bona uSamyela ezwe koke abantu abakutjhoko, wakufikisa lokho eendlebeni zakaSomnini. USomnini wathi kuSamyela: “Lalela ilizwi labo ubanikele ikosi.” USamyela wathi ebaphathini bakwa-Israyeli: “Omunye nomunye akaye emzinekhabo.” Kwakukhona indoda kwaBhenjamini, ibizo layo kunguKhitjhi; injingile. Uyise u-Abiyeli naboyisemkhulu aboTserori, uBhekhorathi, no-Afiyarhi bebamaBhenjamini. Gade anendodana okuthiwa nguSawula, isokana ebelihlamazana kunawo woke kwa-Israyeli begodu lidephile kunamanye. Nje-ke abodumbana bakaKhitjhi uyise kaSawula balahleka. UKhitjhi wathi kuSawula indodanakhe: “Thatha inceku eyodwa ukhambe nayo uyokuqala abodumbanabo.” Badundubala njalo badlula iintatjana zenarha yakwa-Efrayimu baqamula nemimango yeTjhalitjha, kodwana akhange babafunyane. Baqamula nemimango yeTjhalima, nalapho do. Baqamula nemimango yeJemina, nalapho godu akhange babafunyane. Kuthe lokha nabafika emmangweni weTsufi, uSawula wathi encekwinakhe agade akhamba nayo: “Namba sibuyele emuva, ubaba angahle alise ukucabanga ngabodumbana bese athome ukutshwenyeka ngathi.” Inceku yaphendula yathi kuye: “Qala, ngemzinapha kunomuntu kaZimu ohloniphekileko; nanyana yini ayitjhoko iyenzeka. Namba siye khona gadesi. Mhlambe angasitjela bona sifunele ngakuphi.” USawula wathi encekwinakhe: “Iye, singakhamba, kodwana sizomphani umuntu loyo? Ukudla ngemigodlaneni yethu kuyile. Asinanto esingayiphathela umuntu kaZimu. Kghani sinani?” Inceku yamphendula godu yathi: “Qala, ngiphethe isipaparwana sesiliva. Ngizasinikela umuntu kaZimu ukuze asitjele bona sifunele ngakuphi.” (Ekadeni kwa-Israyeli lokha umuntu nayokubuza kuZimu gade asithi: “Namba siye kumboni.” Ngombana lo okuthiwa mphorofidi namhlanje, endulo gade abizwa bona mboni.) USawula wathi encekwinakhe: “Kulungile, namba sikhambe.” Bakhamba-ke baya edorobheni lapha gade kunomuntu kaZimu khona. Basakhuphuka intatjana leyo banqombe edorobheni, bahlangana nabantazana bayokukha amanzi, bababuza bathi: “Umboni ukhona na?” Bona babaphendula bathi: “Iye, ukhona. Niseenthendeni zakhe. Nange ningarhaba khona nje ningamfunyana, ususandukufika khona namhlanjesi ekhethwapha ngombana abantu banomhlatjelo esidulini. Nisangena nje edorobheni nizamfunyana angakenyukeli esidulini ukuyogoma. Abantu abazukuthoma ukugoma angakafiki ngombana ufanele abusise umhlabelo bese ngemva kwalokho abamenyiweko bagome-ke. Yenyukani khona nje ngombana nizamfunyana.” Benyukela edorobheni, bathi basangena nje, nango uSamyela anqombe ngakibo eza ngendlela elunge esidulini. Ufika nje uSawula uSomnini besele akwambule ngayizolo kwakhona kuSamyela ukuza kwakhe wathi: “Ngeenkhathezi kusasa ngizokuthumela umuntu obuya enarheni yakwaBhenjamini kuwapha. Umzese abe mbusi wabantu bami u-Israyeli ukuze abasindise esandleni samaFilista ngombana isililo sabo sifikile kimi, bona ngibatjheje.” Kuthe lokha uSamyela nabona uSawula, uSomnini wathi kuye: “Nangu-ke umuntu ebengikutjela ngaye, nguye ozakubusa abantu bami.” USawula wanqomba kuSamyela esangweni wabuza wathi: “Ngiyakubawa, angeze wangitjela bona indlu yomboni ikuphi na?” USamyela waphendula wathi: “Umboni ngimi. Yewenyuke phambi kwami uye esidulini ngombana namhlanjesi nizokugoma nami bese kuthi kusasa ekuseni nginiphekelele sele ngikutjele koke okusehliziywenakho. Nakubodumbana okusele kumalanga amathathu balahlekile, ungasatshwenyeka ngabo sebafunyenwe. Kanti umuntu ofunwa khulu kwa-Israyeli akusinguwe nendlu kayihlo na?” USawula waphendula wathi: “Angisuye umBhenjamini ophuma ekorweni encancani kwa-Israyeli na? Nomndeni wakwethu akusingomncancani kiyo yoke ikoro yakwaBhenjamini? Alo-ke, kubayini ukhulume nami njalo?” USamyela wangenisa uSawula nencekwakhe ngekumbeni wafese wabahlalisa ngaphambi kwabamenyiweko ebebangaba matjhumi amathathu. USamyela wathi kumpheki: “Letha isabelo senyama engikunikele sonesiya, ngitjho lesiya engithe usibekele eqadi.” Umpheki waguga isabelo somlenze esikhethekileko wasibeka phambi kwakaSawula. USamyela wathi: “Nakhu ebegade ubekelwe khona. Yewugome-ke ngombana gade kuvele kubekelwe wena, emnyanyeni lo kusukela ekuthomeni.” Mhlokho uSawula wagoma noSamyela. Emva kobana sebehlile esidulini bangena emzini, uSamyela wakhuluma noSawula angaphezulu kwephahla. Bavuka ngamasa, uSamyela wabiza uSawula angaphezulu kwephahla, wathi: “Vuka ngikuphekelele ukhambe.” Wavuka-ke uSawula baphuma bobabili noSamyela. Basakhamba behlela emaphelelweni wedorobho, uSamyela wathi kuSawula: “Tjela incekwakho bonyana ikhe isigadunge kancazana, kodwana wena jama kancani ngikutjele umlayezo ovela kuZimu.” Inceku yenza njalo. USamyela wathatha ikwana yamafutha we-oliva wawathela phezu kwehloko kaSawula, wamgona wathi: “USomnini uzese ubaba bona abe mbusi phezu kwelifa lakhe. Namhlanje nawusuka kimapha, uzokuhlangana namadoda amabili hlanu kwethuna lakaRarheli; eTselitsarha ngemaphelelweni wenarha yakwaBhenjamini. Azakuthi kuwe: ‘Abodumbana obugade ubafuna sebafunyenwe. Noyihlo selebe alisile nokucabanga ngabo, kodwana utshwenyeke khulu ngani. Ubalabala uthi, “Maye mina bo; ngendodanami!” ’ Nawusuka lapho uzakuragela phambili bewufike emthini omkhulu weThabori. Uzakuhlangana namadoda amathathu enyukela kuZimu eBhethe-Eli. Enye izabe itjathe iimbuzana ezintathu, enye iphethe amagedzu amathathu wezikwa ezindulungu, enye iphethe umjeka wewayini. Azakubuza amavuko abe akuphe amagedzu amabili wezikwa, uwamukele. Emva kwalokho uzakuya eGibeya lakaZimu lapha kunesiqhema samajoni wamaFilista khona. Kuzakuthi nawuvelela emzini, uhlangane nabafundi bomphorofidi behla babuya esidulini bancinza imihlobohlobo yamaharibha, balilisa abosotjherere neemfludu; basemmoyeni wabaphorofidi. UMoya kaSomnini uzakwehlela phezu kwakho, nawe ube semmoyeni wabaphorofidi bewutjhuguluke ube ngomunye umuntu. Nasele kuzaliseke amatshwayo lawa, yenza okusemandlenakho ngombana uZimu unawe. Khamba phambi kwami wehlele eGiligali. Ngiyaqinisa bonyana ngizokulandela ngizokwenza umhlabelo wokutjhiswa nomnikelo wetjhebiswano, kodwana ulinde amalanga alikhomba bengifike kuwe ukuze ngikutjele lokho ofanele ukwenze.” Kuthe lokha uSawula nafulathela uSamyela, uZimu watjhugulula ihliziywakhe; bekwathi woke amatshwayo azaliseka khona mhlokho. Nabafika eGibeya, wahlangana nabafundi bomphorofidi. UMoya kaZimu wehlela phezu kwakhe, naye wavukwa mumoya hlangana nabo. Boke agade bamazi ngaphambilini, lokha nabambona avukwe mumoya hlangana nabanye abaphorofidi babuzana bodwa bathi: “Yintobani engene kumsa kaKhitjhapha? Kanti noSawula sele ahlangana nabaphorofidi na?” Umuntu walapho waphendula wathi: “Njekhona ngubani umphathabo?” Yeke intwele yaphenduka isaga sabo sokuthi: “Kanti noSawula sele ahlangana nabaphorofidi na?” Emva kobana uSawula selaqaqulukile emmoyeni, wenyukela esidulini. Usonghwanakhe wabuza uSawula nencekwakhe wathi: “Beniyephi?” USawula wathi: “Besiqalana nabodumbana, kodwana kuthe nasibona singababoni saya kuSamyela.” Usonghwanakhe kaSawula wathi: “Akhutjho-ke, uSamyela utheni kini?” USawula waphendula wathi: “Usiqinisekisile bonyana abodumbana bafunyenwe.” Kodwana akhange amtjele usonghwanakhe bona uSamyela utheni ngobukhosi. USamyela wabiza abantu bakwa-Israyeli bona beze kuZimu eMitsipha. Wathi kibo: “Nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, ‘Ngimi enganyula u-Israyeli eGibhide. Nganihlenga emandleni wamaGibhide nemandleni wayo yoke imibuso eyanigandelelako.’ Kodwana nina namhlanjesi nilahle uZimenu owanisindisa kizo zoke izehlakalo nemitlhagwenu, nathi, ‘Awa, thina sifuna ikosi ezosibusa.’ Yeke zihleleni phambi kwakaSomnini ukuya ngeenkoro zenu nangemindenenu.” Lokha uSamyela nabandameza iinhloko zeenkoro zakwa-Israyeli ngaphambili, ikoro yakwaBhenjamini yadliwa yifumbe. Wabese ubandameza ikoro yakwaBhenjamini ngaphambili ngemindenayo, umndeni wakaMatri wadliwa yifumbe. Ekugcineni uSawula umsa kaKhitjhi wadliwa yifumbe. Kodwana kwathi lokha nafunwako wangatholakala. Babuza godu kuSomnini bathi: “Umuntu loyo selafikile na?” USomnini wathi: “Iye, ubhace hlangana nemithwalo.” Bagijima, bamrhubhulula beza naye, wajanyiswa hlangana nabantu wabonakala avele ngehloko amude kunabo boke abanye. USamyela wathi kibo boke abantu: “Niyambona umuntu uSomnini amkhethileko na? Hlangana nabantu boke akakho ofana naye.” Abantu barhuwelela bathi: “Bayede kosi!” USamyela wahlathululela abantu ilungelo lobukhosi. Walitlola emsongweni, wawubeka phambi kwakaSomnini. USamyela wabese uphadlhalaja abantu; omunye nomunye waya kwakhe. USawula naye waya kwakhe eGibeya, aphekelelwa madoda anesibindi nathintwe nguZimu. Kodwana abanye abaphehli benturhu bathi: “Umrhali lo angasisindisa njani?” Bamnyaza bebamdima amalotjhiso. Kodwana uSawula wavala phetjheya. UNarhatjhi umAmoni wenyuka wayokusahlela iJabetjhi-Giliyadi. Boke abantu beJabetjhi bathi kuye: “Yenza isivumelwano nathi, sizakuba ziinceku zakho.” Kodwana uNarhatjhi umAmoni waphendula wathi: “Isivumelwano nani ngingasenza kwaphela nange nivuma bonyana ngithi komunye nomunye wenu ngigobhodlhe ilihlo langesidleni. Ngaleyondlela ngizabe ngirhubutjha u-Israyeli woke.” Abaphathi beJabetjhi bathi kuye: “Sinikela amalanga alikhomba ukuze sithumele isithunywa enarheni yoke yakwa-Israyeli; nayibe akakho osisindisako, yeke sizazinikela kuwe.” Lokha iinthunywa nazifika eGibeya edorobheni lakaSawula, zabika umbiko njengombana unjalo. Abantu boke bakhihla isililokazi. Khonokho uSawula gade abuya esimini, atjhayela iinkabi ezibotjhelweko; wabuza wathi: “Abantwaba bangenwe yini na? Barhahlawulelani kangaka?” Bamtjela umbiko oze nabantu beJabetjhi. Lokha uSawula nezwa amezwabo la, uMoya kaZimu wehlela phezu kwakhe ngamandla, wabhoka ngobukhali. Wathatha iinkabi ezimbili wazihlahlela iinquqwana, wathumela iinquqwanezo ngeenthunywa kilo loke lakwa-Israyeli wathi: “Kuzakwenziwa nje eenkabini zomuntu omunye nomunye ongalandeli uSawula noSamyela.” Abantu bangenwa kukwesaba, ngokwazi bonyana lokhu kuvela kuSomnini. Baphuma njengomuntu munye ukuyokulwa. USawula wabahlela eBhezeki wababala: Bakwa-Israyeli baba ziinkulungwana ezimakhulu amathathu, bakwaJuda baba ziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amathathu. Batjela iinthunywa ebegade zifike eJabetjhi bathi: “Yithini ebantwini beJabetjhi-Giliyadi, ‘Lokha ilanga nalitjhisa khulu kusasa nizakusindiswa.’ ” Kuthe lokha iinthunywa nazifika zibika indaba le ebantwini beJabetjhi, bathaba. Abantu beJabetjhi bathi kebakwa-Amoni: “Kusasa sizazinikela kini, nizenzele umathanda ngathi.” Ekuseni ngovivi elangeni elilandelako uSawula wavelela ama-Amoni ngemahlangothini amathathu. Wawamadlha bekwaba semini. Abaphunyurhako baphadlhalajwa kangangoba azange kube nabakhamba ngababili. Abantu bathi kuSamyela: “Bobani abathe, ‘Naye uSawula angabusa phezu kwethu na?’ Lethani abantwabo kithapha sibabulale.” Kodwana uSawula wathi: “Akunamuntu ozakubulawa namhlanjesi ngombana kulilanga uSomnini asindise ngalo u-Israyeli.” Nje-ke uSamyela wathi ebantwini: “Nambani siyeni eGiligali siyokuqinisa ubukhosi ngobutjha.” Abantu boke banqomba eGiligali. Khonapho e-aldarini babeka uSawula kobana abe yikosi. Banikela ngemihlabelo yetjhebiswano phambi kwakaSomnini. USawula no-Israyeli woke benza imbedla yomnyanya wethabo. USamyela wathi ku-Israyeli woke: “Nginilalele kikho koke enikukhulume kimi bengabeka nekosi phezu kwenu. Gadesi-ke ninekosi eniphetheko. Mina-ke sengimdala, sengithukghele: Amadodanami ziintanga zenu. Soloko ngathoma ebutjheni bami ukuba mrholenu bekube gadesi. Nakhu lapha ngikhona namhlanjesi, vezani ubumbi bami phambi kwakaSomnini naphambi kozesiweko wakhe. Ngakhe ngathatha ikomo kabani na? Ngakhe ngathatha udumbana kabani? Ngubani phakathi kwenu engakhe ngamgalaja na? Ngubani engakhe ngamgandelela? Ngubani owakhe wangifumbathisa kobana ngicimeze na? Nange kukhona enye yezinto kilezi engizitjhwileko engiyenzileko, ngizayilungisa.” Abantu baphendula bathi: “Azange khewusigalaje namkha usigandelele. Azange khewufunjathiswe.” USamyela wathi: “USomnini ungufakazi nozesiweko wakhe ungufakazi namhlanje kobana nithe azange ngenze litho elimbi.” Abantu bathi: “Iye, uSomnini ngufakazi.” Yeke uSamyela wathi ebantwini: “Niyazi bonyana nguSomnini owakhetha uMosi bano-Aroni bewenyula naboyihlomkhulu eGibhide. Yeke yizani emlandwini, ngizokufakazela uSomnini ngokutjho koke okuhle akwenza kini naboyihlomkhulu: Emva kobana uJakopo nabantu bakhe bangene eGibhide, balilela uSomnini kobana abasize. USomnini wathumela uMosi no-Aroni abafika babakhupha aboyihlomkhulu eGibhide babahlalisa kilendawo. Kodwana bakhohlwa uSomnini uZimabo, yeke wabanikela esandleni sakaSisera, induna yebutho lakaRhatsoro, nezandleni zamaFilista nekosini yakwaMowabi eyalwa nabo. Balila kuSomnini bathi, ‘Sonile, satjhiya uSomnini sayokulotjha aboBhali nabosingazimukazi abo-Atjhitarothi. Kodwana yewusisindise esandleni sezitha zethu, yeke sizakulotjha.’ Nje-ke uSomnini wathumela uJerubhali, uBhedani, uJafta nami Samyela, wanihlangula ezitheni zenu mahlangothi woke, yeke naphila nibulungekile. Kodwana kwathi lokha nanibona uNarhatjhi ikosi yama-Amoni ijamelene nani, nathi kimi, ‘Awa, thina sifuna ikosi ezasibusa,’ nanyana uSomnini uZimu bekaseze ayikosenu nje. Arha-ke, naso-ke ikosi enizikhethele yona nenithe niyayifuna; uSomnini uninikele ikosenu leyo. Nanesaba uSomnini uZimu, nimlotjhe, nimlalele ningakhunyalali niphikisane nemithethwakhe begodu nimlandele nina nekosi enibusako, uSomnini uzakuba nguZimenu. Kodwana naningalaleli uSomnini begodu nanikhunyalalako nijamelane nemithethwakhe, nizazizwa; isandla sakhe sizakuba phezu kwenu njengombana kwenzeka kiboyihlomkhulu. Akhenijame-ke, umlandu awukapheli. Qalani bona kukhulu kangangani uSomnini azokwenza phambi kwenu: Akusisikhathi sokuvuna ikoroyi lesi na? Ngizakubiza uSomnini kobana athumele umdumo nezulu. Yeke nizakulemuka bonyana yimbi kangangani into eniyenze phambi kwakaSomnini ngokuzibawela kwenu ikosi.” Ngambala uSamyela wabiza uSomnini, khona mhlokho uSomnini wathumela umdumo nezulu. Boke abantu besaba khulu uSomnini noSamyela. Boke abantu bathi kuSamyela: “Yewusirabhelela thina nceku zakho kuSomnini uZimakho; kobana singafi ngombana sithe sinezono, sazingezelela ngokuzibawela ikosi.” USamyela waphendula wathi: “Ningesabi, vele; ukona khona nonile, kodwana ningamhlubuki uSomnini, mlotjheni ngeenhliziyo zenu zoke. Ningaphendukeli kibosingazimu abanganabubhadekelo. Akunanto abanganisiza ngayo begodu angeze banisindisa ngombana abanabubhadekelo. Ngebanga lebizo lakhe elikhulu uSomnini akazukubalahla abantu bakhe ngombana wakuthabela ukunenza bona nibe ngebakhe. Mina angizukona phambi kwakaSomnini ngokubhalelwa kunirabhelela. Begodu ngizanifundisa indlela ehle nelungileko. Yesabani uSomnini begodu nimlotjhe ngokwethembeka, ngeenhliziyo zenu ezipheleleko, nikhumbule izinto ezikulu anenzele zona. Kodwana nanikhunyalalako nenza ubumbi, nina nekosenu nizazizwa, nizakutjhabalaliswa.” USawula bekanamatjhumi amathathu weminyaka lokha naba yikosi. Wabusa u-Israyeli iminyaka ematjhumi amane nambili. Ekuthomeni uSawula wakhetha amadoda aziinkulungwana ezintathu kwa-Israyeli, wathatha aziinkulungwana ezimbili wahlala nawo eMikimasi nemibundwini yeBhethe-Eli, kwathi ayikulungwana eyodwa akhamba noJonathani eGibeya kwaBhenjamini. Inengi lamadoda aseleko wawabuyisela emizinawo. UJonathani wasahlela isithala samaFilista eGeba, amaFilista akwizwa lokho. USawula wathi akuliliswe ipalapala enarheni yoke kubizwe amajoni wamaHebheru. Boke abantu bakwa-Israyeli bayizwa indaba yokuthi: “USawula usahlele isithala samaFilista, nje-ke u-Israyeli sele asikhubekiso kumaFilista.” Yeke woke amadoda abizelwa eGiligali kobana ahlangane noSawula. AmaFilista abuthana bonyana alwe no-Israyeli, aphuma ngeenkarana eziziinkulungwana ezintathu, nabakhweli bakhona abaziinkulungwana ezintathu, namajoni amanenginengi kwanga yitjhwabatjhwaba yelwandle. Enyuka ahloma eMikimasi ngepumalanga yeBhethe-Aveni. Kuthe lokha amadoda wakwa-Israyeli nabona ukuthi ubujamo akibo bumasikizi, nokuthi ibutho lawo ligandeleleke kangangani, abhaca emarholweni, hlangana namarharha, emirhobeni, emigodini neenkhelebetheni. Amajoni wamaHebheru ayama iJordana aya enarheni yakwaGadi neyakwaGiliyadi. USawula wahlala eGiligali amabuthwakhe athuthumela ngemva kwakhe. Walinda amalanga alikhomba, okwakusikhathi esasibekwe nguSamyela, kodwana uSamyela akhange afike eGiligali, amadoda akhamba noSawula abe athoma ukunghala. USawula wathi: “Ngilethelani umhlabelo wokutjhiswa newetjhebiswano.” USawula wanikela ngomhlabelo wokutjhiswa. Uthe naqeda ukwenza umhlabelo wokutjhiswa, nakhuya uSamyela afika. USawula wamhlangabeza wambingelela. USamyela wabuza wathi: “Wenzeni?” USawula waphendula wathi: “Ngithe lokha nangibona amadoda sele anghala; ngabona nesikhathi esibekiweko sesibethe besadlula ungakabonakali, kanti namaFilista sele ahlomile eMikimasi, ngadlumbana bona amaFilista la azabe angisahlele eGiligalapha ngingakabawi isisa kuSomnini. Yeke ngazibona ngikatelelekile kobana nginikele ngomhlatjelo wokutjhiswa.” USamyela wathi: “Wenze ubudlhadlha, awukabulungi umyalo uSomnini uZimakho akunikele wona. Nangathana bewuwubulungile, uSomnini bekazakusekela umbuswakho phezu kwaka-Israyeli ngeenkhathi zoke. Kodwana umbuswakho awukazokudzimelela, uSomnini sele afune umuntu osehliziywenakhe bewamkhetha bona abe mrholi wabantu bakhe ngombana wena ubhalelwe kubulunga umyalwakhe.” USamyela wasuka eGiligali waya eGibeya kwaBhenjamini. USawula wabala amadoda agade asele nawo. Imbalo yawo yayimakhulu asithandathu. USawula nendodanakhe uJonathani kanye namadoda agade akhamba nawo bahlala eGibeya kwaBhenjamini, kanti amaFilista wona ahloma eMikimasi. Iinqhema ezihluthulako zaphuma ekampeni yamaFilista zenza iimpondo ezintathu. Iphondo elinye laphuma lanqomba e-Ofira nca ngeTjhuwali, elinye lanqomba eBhethe-Rhoroni; lesithathu lona lanqomba ngembundwini lapha ungabona khona umrhoba weTseboyimu omalungana nerhalawumba. Kwakutlhogeka ngitjho namunye umbumbisimbi enarheni yoke yakwa-Israyeli ngombana amaFilista athi: “Nakungasinjalo, amaHebheru azakwenza iinsabula namkha imikhonto.” Woke ama-Israyeli gade ehlela kumaFilista ukuyokulungisa iinkara zeemplurhu, amalembe, amazembe neensegere zawo. Inani lokulungisa isikara seplurhu nelembe beliziinkghedlhwana ezimbili zesiliva bese kuba sikghedlhu sinye ukulungisa iforogo nezembe kanye nokuvuselela isitlhorholojakomo. Ngelanga lepi bekunganajoni egade liphethe umkhonto namkha isabula esandleni kilawa agade akhamba noSawula noJonathani, ngaphandle kwakaSawula nendodanakhe uJonathani. Abogadi bamaFilista gade sele baphumile banqombe eMikimasi endleleni edlula hlangana neentaba. Ngelinye ilanga uJonathani umsa kaSawula wathi kusonkhandakhe: “Yewize siyamele ngaphetjheya kibogadi bamaFilista.” Kodwana azange atjele uyise. Kwakunamadoda amakhulu asithandathu agade anoSawula ngaphandle kweGibeya. USawula wayehlezi ngaphasi komuthi ocwengileko wamarharinada eMigroni, ano-Arhija ogade embethe i-efodi. (U-Arhija gade angomunye wabaphristi beTjhilo. Uyise kungu-Arhitubi, umnakwabo ka-Ikabhodi; uyisemkhulu kunguFiniyasi umsa ka-Eli.) Akakho owakhe watjheja bonyana uJonathani unyamalele. Ngakelinye nelinye ihlangothi lendlela enqombe entabeni gade kunentatjana lapha uJonathani agade anqophe ukuyama khona nakaya kibogadi bamaFilista. Enye kwakuthiwa yiBhosesi kanti enye kuthiwa yiSene. Intatjana enye beyinzinze ngetlhagwini yeMikimasi, enye ingesewula yeGeba. UJonathani wathi kusonkhandakhe: “Namba siyamele kibogadi abangakasoki labaya. USomnini angasisiza, nanyana siliwoma namkha sinzunzwana.” Usonkhandakhe wathi kuye: “Yewenze koke okusemkhumbulwenakho. Ragela phambili ngizakusekela ngakho koke.” UJonathani wathi: “Asikhambe-ke siyamele ebantwinabaya ukuze basibone kuhle. Nange basithi kithi, ‘Jamani lapho besifike kini,’ sizakujama lapha sikhonapho singenyukeli kibo. Kodwana nange basithi, ‘Yenyukelani kithi,’ sizakwenyuka ngombana lokho kuzabe kulitshwayo lethu lokutjengisa bona uSomnini ubanikele ezandleni zethu.” Yeke baziveza bobabili kibogadi bamaFilista. AmaFilista abizana athi: “Akhese niqale! Nakaya amaHebheru arhubhuluka emgodini lapha agade abhace khona.” Abogadi barhuwelela uJonathani nosonkhandakhe bathi: “Yenyukelani kithapha ukuze sinikhombise into enamehlo.” Yeke uJonathani wathi kusonkhandakhe: “Yenyuka ungilandele; uSomnini ubanikele esandleni saka-Israyeli.” UJonathani wakhuphuka akhasa ngamadolo; usonkhandakhe wamlandela eenthendeni. AmaFilista asala awile lapha kudlule khona uJonathani; kwathi usonkhandakhe yena wakhamba awaqedelela. Ehlandleni lokuthoma lokusahlela kwabo, uJonathani nosonkhandakhe babulala abantu abamatjhumi amabili, iindumbu zabo zakghubelelana. Kwaba khona ivalo kwabasekampeni, emmangweni, nakiwo woke amajoni. Abagadileko nabahluthulako nabo babethwa livalo. Ukuhlengezela kwephasi kwabethusa khulu. Iinhloli zakaSawula zeGibeya kwaBhenjamini zabona ibutho lamaFilista lihlangahlangene emahlangothini woke. USawula wathi emadodeni agade anawo: “Akhe nihlanganise ibutho loke nihlole bonyana ngubani ongekho phakathi kwalo.” Sele bakwenzile lokho bafunyana ukuthi nguJonathani nosonkhandakhe abangekho ebuthweni. USawula wathi ku-Arhija: “Yenilethe umfaji kaZimu lowo.” (Ngesikhatheso gade ukwa-Israyeli.) Kwathi uSawula nasakhuluma nomphristi, isiyaluyalu esisekampeni yamaFilista saya ngokurhagala. USawula wathi kumphristi: “Yeniwulise, ningasawuletha.” USawula nabantu bakhe babuthana banqomba epini. Bafika bafunyana amaFilista ahlangahlangene kwamanikelela, abulalana wodwa ngeensabula. AmaHebheru akhambako begodu ahlala namaFilista ekampenawo, abuyela kuma-Israyeli agade anoSawula noJonathani. Kwathi lokha ama-Israyeli agade abhace emibundwini ngenarheni yakwa-Efrayimu nakezwa bonyana amaFilista ayabaleka, arhubhuluka awahlala eenthendeni. Mhlokho uSomnini wawasiza ama-Israyeli. Ipi yaragela phambili kufikela eBhethe-Aveni. Mhlokho abantu bakwa-Israyeli baphela amandla ngombana uSawula wafunga kibo wathi: “Akathuweleliswe umuntu ogoma ukudla kungakarhwaqeli; ngingakazibuyiseleli ezitheni zami!” Yeke ibutho azange likunambithe nakancani ukudla. Ibutho loke langena ngehlathini lafunyana iinyosi ngemgodini. Zazithwele zithonta, kodwana kwangaba khona ozitapako ngombana bebesaba isifungo. Kodwana uJonathani gade angakezwa bona uyise ubophe abantu ngesifungo. Watlhorholoja amanembe ngedondolo egade aliphethe, wakhotha. Kuthe lokha nanambithako, amehlwakhe aphazima. Elinye lamabutho lathi kuye: “Uyihlo ubophe abantu ngesifungo esimanzima wathi, ‘Akathuweleliswe umuntu ozokugoma ukudla namhlanjesi!’ Kungakho abantwaba babogaboga nje.” UJonathani wathi: “Ubaba ubangele inarha le inyakanyaka. Akhese uqale bonyana amehlwami afese aphazima kangangani lokha nangigoma ilujwanyaneliya. Kuyatjho bonyana abantwaba nangathana bafese bavunyelwa ukobana bagome ezinye zezinto abazithumbe emanabeni wabo, amaFilista bekazakuloba khulu kunalokhu.” Mhlanokho ama-Israyeli amadlha amaFilista phasi ukusukela eMikimasi bekube se-Ayaloni. Ngebanga lokobana abantu babesele badinwe khulu baziphosa phezu kwepango. Babhudungela izimvu, iinkomo namakonyana, bahlabela khona phasapho, badla inyama isese neengazi. Omunye wathi kuSawula: “Qala, abantwaba bayona phambi kwakaSomnini nabagoma inyama ingakaphophi iingazi.” Yena wathi: “Nenze kumbi. Gedani ilitje elikhulu nililethapha.” Godu wathi: “Tjela abantwabo bonyana ngithi, ‘Omunye nomunye akalethe ikomakhe nemvakhe bese nizihlabela elitjenapha nigome. Nilise ukona phambi kwakaSomnini ngokugoma inyama ningakasi iingazi e-aldarini.’ ” Yeke omunye nomunye weza araga ikomakhe ngobusukobo wayihlabela khonapho. Njalo-ke uSawula wakhela uSomnini i-aldari; nokho bekathoma ukwenza into enjalo. USawula wathi: “Nambani sehlele kumaFilista ngamarhwaqela siwasahlele, siwaphange bekuse, singatjhiyi namunye ophilako.” Abantu bathi: “Akube njengombana usitjho.” Kodwana umphristi wathi: “Akhe sibuze kuZimu qangi.” USawula wabuza wathi: “Ngiwalandelele amaFilista na? Uzawanikela esandleni sama-Israyeli?” Kodwana mhlokho uZimu wathi du. USawula wathi: “Yizanapha noke nina barholi bebutho, akhe sihlolisiseni bonyana sisono bani esenzakeleko namhlanjesi. Ngifunga uZimu owasindisa u-Israyeli ngithi: Ngitjho nanyana kungathiwa msanami uJonathani owonileko, kuzakufanela bonyana afe.” Kodwana abantu bazithulela. USawula wathi ku-Israyeli woke: “Jamani lapha; mina nendodanami uJonathani sizakujama laphaya.” Abantu bathi: “Awa, yewenze ngokubona kwakho.” USawula wathandaza kuSomnini uZimu ka-Israyeli wathi: “Zimu yewungiphe ipendulo enqophileko.” Kwase kwenziwa ifumbe phakathi kwakaJonathani noSawula nabantu. Kwafumaniseka bona abantu abanamlandu. USawula wathi: “Yenzani ifumbe phakathi kwami nendodanami uJonathani.” Ifumbe yadla uJonathani. USawula wathi kuJonathani: “Akhe utjho-ke, wenzeni?” UJonathani wamtjela wathi: “Senganambitha ilujwanyana ngedondolo lami. Alo kufuze ngifele lokho na?” USawula wathi: “UZimu angangibulala nange ngingakubulali wena Jonathani.” Kodwana abantu bathi kuSawula: “Uthi uJonathani kufuze abulawe na? Yena lo olwele u-Israyeli kangaka? Afeke! Sifunga uSomnini ajame ngeenyawo, abe akunamuntu ongamthinta ngombana wenze into ekulu namhlanjesi ngokusizwa nguZimu.” Ngaleyondlela abantu bamsindisa uJonathani; azange asabulawa. USawula wakhawula ukugijimisana namaFilista, nawo abuyela enarheni yekhabo. Ngemva kobana uSawula anzinzise ubukhosi kwa-Israyeli, walwa nezitha zakhe ezimzombelezileko: uMowabi, ama-Amoni, u-Edomu, amakhosi wakwaTsobha namaFilista. Qobe kuhlangana nawo; gade awahlunguphaza. Walwa ngamandla wahlula ama-Amalekhi, wasindisa ama-Israyeli esandleni salabo ebegade bawahlunguphaza. Amadodana kaSawula bekunguJonathani, uYitjhivi noMaliki-Tjhuwa. Ibizo lomntazanakhe omkhulu bekunguMeraba, lomncani kunguMikala. Ibizo lomkakhe kungu-Arhinowami indodakazi ka-Arhimatsa. Ibizo lomphathi webutho lakaSawula bekungu-Abineri umsa kaNeri; uNeri lo, bekungusonghwanakhe kaSawula. Uyise kaSawula uKhitjhi noyise ka-Abineri, uNeri bebamadodana ka-Abiyela. Ngeenkhathi zoke zokuphila kwakaSawula bekuhlala kunezipi ezimasikizi njalo namaFilista. Qobe kuhlangana kwakhe nomuntu onamandla nonesibindi, bekamthatha amfake ebuthweni lakhe. USamyela wathi kuSawula: “Ngimi engithunywe nguSomnini bonyana ngikuzese, ngikubeke ube yikosi yabantu bakhe u-Israyeli; nje-ke lalela umlayezo uSomnini awutjhoko. Nakhu-ke okwatjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke uthi, ‘Ngizokudula ama-Amalekhi ngombana aqaba indlela yama-Israyeli lokha naphuma eGibhide. Yewukhambe-ke, ufese usahlele ama-Amalekhi bewubhubhise koke okungekwawo. Ungawababaleli; ubulale kwandoda, kwamfazi, kwamntwana ngitjho namasana, iinkomo, kwamvu, kwakamela ngitjho nabodumbana bakhona.’ ” USawula wenza imbizo eThelayimi, wahlela abantu ngeengaba; kwakuziinkulungwana ezimakhulu amabili zamadoda wakwa-Israyeli nabantu abaziinkulungwana ezilitjhumi abavela kwaJuda. USawula waya edorobheni le-Amalekhi wabhaca ngedongeni wenza amaqhinga wokuwakhukhuthela. Wathi kumaKheni: “Khambani nisukele ama-Amalekhi la ukuze nangiwabhubhisako ningachaphazelwa ziingazi ngombana nina naba nomusa kiwo woke ama-Israyeli naphuma eGibhide.” AmaKheni aphuma-ke kuma-Amalekhi. USawula wasahlela ama-Amalekhi ukusukela eRhavila bekwaba seTjhuru; hlanu kweGibhide. Wabamba u-Agagi ikosi yama-Amalekhi wangambulala, kodwana boke abantu bakhe wababhubhisa ngesabula. Kodwana uSawula nebutho lakhe bambabalela u-Agagi kanye nezimvu neenkomo zekhethelo, kwathi keziqalekako bababalela amaqama anonileko, kwaba ngehle yodwa ifuyo. Koke lokhu azange bathande ukukubulala bakubhubhise, kodwana yoke imikgherana bayibhubhisa nya. Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kuSamyela lathi: “Ngiyazisola kobana ngambekelani uSawula njengekosi ngombana ungitlhanamele begodu azange aphethe ilizwi lami.” USamyela wakhathazeka; walila ubusuku boke bamhlokho phambi kwakaSomnini. Kusasa ngovivi uSamyela wavukela indlela, wayokubonana noSawula, kodwana wafumana igama lokuthi: “USawula uye eKaramela. Uzafese ajamise ilitje lakhe lesikhumbuzo kileyondawo bese wehlela enzasi eGiligali.” Kuthe lokha nabahlanganako, uSawula wathi kuSamyela: “USomnini akubusise! Ngiliphethile ilizwi lakaSomnini.” Kodwana uSamyela wathi: “Alo-ke kubayini ngizwa kulila izimvu? Iinkomezi zona zibongolelelani?” USawula wathi: “Madoda eze neenkomo zama-Amalekezi lapha, ababalele izimvu neenkomo ezinefutha kobanyana azokuhlabela uSomnini uZimakho, nokho okunengi sikubhubhisile.” USamyela wathi kuSawula: “Thula! Yithi ngikutjele bonyana uSomnini utheni kimi izolo ebusuku ngawe.” USawula wathi: “Yiza nazo.” USamyela wathi: “Angitjho bewuzinyaza; akusinjalo na? Nokho-ke ugcine uyihloko yeenkoro zakwa-Israyeli ngombana uSomnini wakubeka waba yikosi yakwa-Israyeli. USomnini wakuthuma wathi, ‘Khamba ufike ubhubhise zoke iinkhohlakali zama-Amalekhi, ulwe nazo uziqede nya.’ Kubayini ungazange ulalele ilizwi lakaSomnini? Kubayini wenze ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini ngokuziphosa phezu kwepango?” USawula wathi: “Kodwana ngimlalele uSomnini. Ngiliphethile ilizwi lakhe, ngabhubhisa ama-Amalekhi nya bengeza no-Agagi ikosawo. Amadoda athatha izimvu neenkomo, akhetha ezinefutha ezilungele uZimu ukuze enzele uSomnini uZimakho umhlabelo eGiligali.” Kodwana uSamyela wathi: “USomnini uthabiswa mihlabelo yokutjhiswa neminikelo kunokuthobela ilizwi lakhe na? Ukulalela kungcono kunemihlabelo, begodu nokuyelela kungcono kunamafutha wamaqama. Yeke ukuhlubuka uSomnini umuntu alalele ihlokwakhe le, sekufana nokulalela abosomthwadlana nanyana umphristi wabosingazimu. Njengombana ulahle ilizwi lakaSomnini nje, naye-ke ukulahlile ekubeni yikosi.” USawula wathi kuSamyela: “Maye mina ngonile. Nginyaze umyalo kaSomnini namezwakho. Ngesabe abantu, ngenza intandwabo. Nje-ke ngiyakurabhela, libalela isono sami ujike nami siyokuguqa phambi kwakaSomnini.” USamyela wamphendula wathi: “Angeze bengakhamba nawe. Unyaze ilizwi lakaSomnini, yeke noSomnini naye ukulahlile ekubeni yikosi phezu kwaka-Israyeli!” Kuthe lokha uSamyela nathi uyakhamba, uSawula wagugudlhela umphetho wephuraphurakhe beyadabuka. USamyela wathi kuye: “USomnini urharhule ubukhosi bakwa-Israyeli ezandleni zakho namhlanjesi, wabunikela umakhelwanakho ongcono kunawe. OngaTjhugulukiko ka-Israyeli akaleyi amala namkha atjhugulule umkhumbulwakhe ngombana akasinjengomuntu kobana angaloko atjhugulula umkhumbulwakhe.” USawula waphendula wathi: “Iye, kazi ngonile. Kodwana ngiyakubawa bonyana khese ungihloniphe eemphathimandleni zabantu bami naphambi ko-Israyeli, jika nami ukuze ngiyoguqa phambi kwakaSomnini uZimakho.” Ngambala uSamyela wabuyela emva noSawula; uSawula waguqa phambi kwakaSomnini. USamyela wathi: “Yenilethapha u-Agagi ikosi yama-Amalekhi leyo.” U-Agagi weza athwele ihloko adlumbana bonyana: “Nakumahlungu wokufa aphele kade.” USamyela wathi kuye: “Njengombana isabulakho yenza bonyana abafazi balobe abantwababo, nonyoko-ke kuzakuba nguye hlangana nabafazi oloba umntwanakhe namhlanjesi.” USamyela wambulala u-Agagi phambi kwakaSomnini eGiligali. USamyela waya eRama, kodwana uSawula yena wakhuphukela kwakhe eGibeya. USamyela wabe wahlongakala angazange akhe abonane noSawula godu. USamyela wakhathazeka ngoSawula, noSomnini wazisola ngokubeka kwakhe uSawula bona abe yikosi phezu kwaka-Israyeli. USomnini wathi kuSamyela: “Uyokukhathazeka bekube nini ngoSawula? Ngimlahlile ekubeni yikosi phezu kwaka-Israyeli. Zalisa iphondo lakho ngamafutha we-oliva bese ungena indlela; ngikuthuma kuJese weBhethe-Lehema. Ngikhethe omunye wamadodanakhe kobana abe yikosi.” Kodwana uSamyela wathi: “Ngingaya njani lapho? Indaba le izakufika eendlebeni zakaSawula bese uyangibulala.” USomnini wathi kuye: “Thatha ithole bese nawufika khona uthi, ‘Ngize ukuzokwenzela uSomnini umhlabelo.’ Umemele uJese emhlabelweni, yeke ngizakukhombisa ofanele ukwenze. Ngifuna bonyana uzese loyo engizakukhombisa yena.” USamyela wenza njengombana ikosi imtjelile. Nakafika eBhethe-Lehema, iinkhulu zedorobho zatatazela nazihlangana naye. Zambuza zathi: “Uze ngobuhle na?” USamyela waphendula wathi: “Iye, ngize ngobuhle; ngize ukuzokwenzela uSomnini umhlabelo. Zicwengiseni bese nikhuphuka nami siyokwenza umhlabelo.” Nje-ke wacwengisa uJese namadodanakhe wabe wabamemela emhlabelweni. Kuthe lokha nabafikako, uSamyela wabona u-Eliyabu wathi: “Ngambala nangu ozesiweko kaSomnini ajame phambi kwakaSomnini.” Kodwana uSomnini wathi kuSamyela: “Ungaqali ubunjalo bakhe namkha ijamo lakhe ngombana ngimalile loyo. USomnini akaqali izinto eziqalwa babantu. Abantu batjheja ijamo lomuntu kodwana uSomnini utjheja ihliziyo.” Yeke uJese wabiza u-Abinadaba kobana azokubingelela uSamyela. Kodwana uSamyela wathi: “Awa, naye lo akusuye okhethwe nguSomnini.” UJese wabiza uTjhama bona naye azokubingelela uSamyela. Kodwana uSamyela wathi: “Awa, nalo godu akusuye uSomnini amkhethileko.” UJese wabiza amadodanakhe alikhomba bonyana nawo azokubingelela uSamyela. Kodwana uSamyela wathi kuye: “Akakho namunye uSomnini amkhethileko kilaba.” Wase ubuza uJese wathi: “Amadodanakho aphelele na?” UJese wathi: “Awa, kusesekhona omunye ongumaswaphela, nokho uselusa izimvu.” USamyela wathi: “Akabizwe ngombana angeze sagoma angakafiki.” Bambiza-ke bafika naye. Bekakhanya begodu aqaleka, anamehlo amahle. USomnini wathi: “Nangu-ke engimkhethileko. Sikima umzese.” Yeke uSamyela wathatha iphondo lamafutha we-oliva wamzesa phambi kwabafowabo. Kusukela mhlokho uMoya kaSomnini wehlela phezu kwakaDavida. USamyela wanqomba eRama. UMoya kaSomnini wemuka kuSawula, kwathi ummoya omumbi owathunywa nguSomnini wamhlunguphaza. Abatlhogomeli bakaSawula bathi kuye: “Qala, ummoya omumbi othunywe nguZimu uyakuhlunguphaza. Ikosi ayitjho, iinceku zayo zizakufuna umuntu ongakghona ukubetha iharibha. Umuntu loyo uzakubetha iharibha lokha ummoya omumbi othunyelwe nguZimu nawehlela phezu kwakho, yeke uzakuqaquluka.” USawula wathi kubatlhogomeli bakhe: “Iye, funani umuntu onekghono lokubetha iharibha, nimlethe kimapha.” Omunye wabatlhogomeli wathi: “Ngibone umsa kaJese weBhethe-Lehema okwazi ukubetha iharibha. Usihlabani begodu unesibindi. Uhlamazana kanti nekulumo uyayilonda. USomnini unaye.” USawula wathumela iingijimi kuJese wathi: “Yewungithumelele indodanakho uDavida osekweluseni.” UJese wathatha izikwa nekwana yewayini, wazikhweza phezu kwakadumbana wazithumela kanye nembuzana kuSawula ngendodanakhe uDavida. UDavida wafika kuSawula wathoma wasebenza. USawula wamthanda tle uDavida bewamenza usonkhande wakhe. Yeke uSawula wathumela ilizwi kuJese wathi: “Akhese uvumele uDavida kobana ahlale kimapha ngombana nganelisekile ngaye.” Njalo lokha ummoya omumbi owathunywa nguZimu wehlela phezu kwakaSawula, uDavida gade athatha iharibha ayibethe. Yeke uSawula aqaquluke, azizwe angcono bese ummoya omumbi uyamgadunga. AmaFilista abutha amabutho wawo azilungiselela ipi ahlanganela eSoko kwaJuda. Ahloma itende e-Efesi-Damimi, phakathi kweSoko ne-Azeka. USawula nama-Israyeli bahlangana bahloma itende labo emrhobeni we-Ela bazilungiselela ukuhlangabezana namaFilista. AmaFilista ahlala ngaphetjheya kombundu, ama-Israyeli ahlala nganeno kombundu, bahlukaniswa mrhoba phakathi. Kwaphuma itsitsirimba yekulwazo ekampeni yamaFilista, ibizo layo kunguGoliyadi weGathi. Ubude bakhe babungaba mamitha amathathu. Wayethwele isikupuru sekoporo, embethe nembaji yepi enamarhururhuru wekoporo enobudisi obubalelwa kumakhilogremu amatjhumi amahlanu nalikhomba. Eenyaweni afake amapatanisi wekoporo; abhebhule izenjana lekoporo. Umphini womkhontwakhe wawufana nompherho womluki, kanti itlobo yakhona yayinesimbi enobudisi obumakhilogremu asithandathu. Usonkhandakhe aphethe isihlangu esikhulu akhamba phambi kwakhe. UGoliyadi wehlela emrhobeni wajokolela iinqhema zama-Israyeli wathi: “Kutheni niphume imijeje kobana nilwe ipi? NgimFilista mina. Nina nimakhobokana kaSawula! Khethani indoda ezizwako sihlangane. Nangabe iyakghona ukulwa nami ingirhayile, yeke sizakuba makhobokenu. Kodwana nange mina ngiyirhirizile, nina nizakuba makhobokethu nisikhonze.” UmFilista waragela phambili wathi: “Namhlanje ngiyazeyisa zoke iinqhenyana zakwa-Israyeli! Khuphani indoda ezizwako ibe yinye sihlangane.” Kwathi lokha nabezwa amagama womFilista la, uSawula nama-Israyeli woke besaba khulu bathuthumela. Kwaba malanga amanengi umFilista alokhu ajokola lapho ekuseni nantambama. Yeke uDavida gade ayindodana yomEfratha ekuthiwa nguJese, ogade avela eBhethe-Lehema lakwaJuda. UJese gade anamadodana abunane, kanti ngesikhathi sakaSawula wayesele aluphele khulu kobana angaphuma ipi. Amadodana amathathu amadala kaJese alandela uSawula epini: Izibulo kwakungu-Eliyabu; alanywa ngu-Abinadaba; yena alandelwa nguTjhama. UDavida bekabuphetjhani. Amadodana amathathu amakhulu ahlala noSawula, kodwana uDavida bekalokhu eza kuSawula begodu abuyele emuva ayokwelusa umhlambi kayise eBhethe-Lehema. UJese wathi endodanenakhe uDavida: “Thatha upumpana wekoroyi ekhanzingiweko lo, neempani ezilitjhumi zesikwezi uzise kubafowenu ekampeni msinyazana. Iintina ezilitjhumi zetjhizezi, ziphathele umphathisiqhema. Uhlole bonyana abafowenu baphethe njani bewubuye nobufakazi bona gade unabo. Abafowenu banoSawula kanye nawo woke amadoda wakwa-Israyeli emrhobeni we-Ela, ukuyokulwa namaFilista.” Kwathi ekuseni uDavida watjhiya izimvu nomelusi, wathatha umthwalo wakhamba njengokutjho kwakaJese. Wafika ekampeni lokha amabutho nakathoma ukuzilungiselela ukuya evadleni, avuma ingoma yepi, ngombana ama-Israyeli namaFilista begade azihlela ngeengaba zawo bona alwe. UDavida watjhiya umthwalo wakhe kugadi wemithwalo wagijimela evadleni walotjhisa abafowabo. Kuthe nasakhuluma nabafowabo, kwavela uGoliyadi weGathi, ikulwazo yetsitsirimba yamaFilista, waphuma esiqhemeni sakhe ajokola, akhuluma amagama anamadinyana njengemihleni. UDavida wakuzwa lokho. Lokha ama-Israyeli nakabona indoda le, ethuka khulu ahlehla woke. Ama-Israyeli atjelwa kwathiwa: “Niyayibona indoda ejokolako le, iphumele ukurhubutjha u-Israyeli. Umuntu ozokubulala umrhali lo ikosi izomnjingisa khulu. Begodu izamendisela indodakazayo kanti nomndeni kayise lomuntu loyo awuzukuhlawuliswa umthelo kwa-Israyeli.” UDavida wabuza amadoda agade ajame hlanu kwawo wathi: “Uzakwenzelwani umuntu ozakubulala umFilista lo bese ususa ihlazweli ku-Israyeli na? Ungubani yena umFilista ongakasoki lo bonyana angazokurhubutjha amabutho kaZimu ophilako?” Amphendula uDavida amadoda la abuyekeza lokho agade akukhuluma athi: “Umuntu ozakubulala umFilista uzakwenzelwa lokhu nalokhuya.” U-Eliyabu, umfowabo omdala kaDavida wezwa lokha uDavida nakhuluma namadoda lawo, wamcasukela wathi: “Ufunani lapha? Izimvu zinobani emrhuleni nawulapha nje? Ngiyakwazi bonyana ungumaqobolwana begodu unobuqili; uzele ukuzokubukela ipi nje kwaphela.” UDavida wabuza wathi: “Sengenzeni-ke gadesi? Kanti lokhu akukaqakatheki na?” UDavida waya komunye umuntu, wambuza njengombana abuze ekuthomeni, yeke umuntu loyo naye wamphendula njengombana aphendulwe ekuthomeni. Ikulumo kaDavida yafika eendlebeni zakaSawula. USawula wathi akabizwe. UDavida wathi kuSawula: “Akungabi nomuntu onyamako ngebanga lomFilista lo; incekwakho izakwehla iyokulwa naye.” USawula wathi: “Angeze wakghona ukwehla uyokulwa nomFilista loya; usesemsana, kanti yena uyitsitsirimba eyathoma ukulwa kusukela ebutjheni bayo.” Kodwana uDavida wathi kuSawula: “Incekwakho beyelusa izimvu zakayise. Bekuthi nakufika ibhubezi nanyana ibhere ithathe imvu hlangana nomhlambi, ngiyilandele, ngifike ngiyisawule bese ngihlangula imvu emlonyenayo. Nayibe iyangijikela, ngiyibambe ngomphinjanayo, ngiyimadlhe phasi ngiyibulale. Incekwakho ibulele iibhubezi nebhere, yeke nomFilista ongakasoki lo, uzakufana nenye yazo ngombana uhlazise amabutho kaZimu ophilako. USomnini owangisindisa eqatheni lebhubezi neqatheni lebhere, uzangisindisa esandleni somFilista lo.” USawula wathi kuDavida: “Khamba, yeke uSomnini abe nawe.” USawula wembathisa uDavida izambatho zakhe zepi. Wamembathisa imbaji yepi wamthwesa nesikupuru sekoporo. UDavida wabophelela isabula yakaSawula ezambathweni zepi, walinga ukukhambakhamba ngazo ngombana ubangakazijayeli. Wathi kuSawula: “Angikghoni ukukhamba ngembethe izintwezi ngombana angikazijayeli.” Yeke wazihlubula. Wathatha isibhuku sakhe wasiphatha ngesandla sakhe, wakhetha amatje amahlanu nabutjhelelezi emlanjaneni, wawafaka ngesikhwameni sembadakhe yekweluseni, waphatha isarwayi sakhe ngesandla, wanqomba kumFilista. UmFilista watjhidela kuDavida apeleselwa ngusonkhandakhe aphethe isihlangu esikhulu. Waqala uDavida wambona amsanyana, akhanya begodu aqaleka, yeke wamnyaza. Wathi kuDavida: “Ngiyinja na, uza kimi uphethe iingojwana nje?” UmFilista wathuka uDavida ngabosingazimu bakhe. Wathi: “Yizapha ukuze ngiphe amadlanga nabophagana inyamakho!” UDavida wathi kumFilista: “Uza kimi ngesabula nomkhonto nangezenjana, kodwana mina ngiza kuwe ngebizo lakaSomnini uMninimandlawoke, uZimu wamabutho ka-Israyeli, oweyisileko. Namhlanje uSomnini uzokunikela ezandleni zami, ngizokumadlha phasi bese ngiqunta ihlokwakho. Namhlanje ngizokuthatha iindumbu zamabutho wamaFilista ngiziphe amadlanga nabophagana. Iphasi loke lizakwazi bonyana kunoZimu kwa-Israyeli. Woke umuntu olapha namhlanjesi uzakwazi bonyana uSomnini akasindisi ngesabula nomkhonto kwaphela ngombana ipi ngeyakaSomnini. Nje-ke uzoninikela ezandleni zethu nokanyana nje.” Kuthe lokha umFilista natjhidelako afuna ukulwa, uDavida wagijima ngebelo wanqomba evadleni wamhlangabeza. Wafaka isandla ngesikhwameni sembadakhe wakhupha ilitje, walijuguja ngesarwayi walidedela, lafike lavirimeja umFilista epandla. Ilitje lamodza epandla yakhe bewarabhalala ngobuso phasi. Yeke uDavida wahlula umFilista ngelitje nesarwayi; angakaphathi isabula esandleni, kodwana wamadlha phasi umFilista bewambulala. UDavida wagijima wafika wajama ngehla kwakhe. Warhwatjha isabula yomFilista loyo emgodlanenayo, wamqedelela bewaqunta ihlokwakhe ngayo. Lokha amaFilista nakabona bonyana ikutana yawo ifile, ajika abeletha iinthende. Amadoda wakwa-Israyeli newakwaJuda aragela phambili arhuwelela, agijimisa amaFilista awaragela ebungenweni beGathi nemasangweni we-Ekroni. Iindumbu zawo zazirhatjheke magegana nendlela yeTjharayimi ukuya eGathi ne-Ekroni. Ama-Israyeli nabuya ekugijimiseni amaFilista, aphanga ikampawo. (Ngemva kwesikhathi uDavida wathatha ihloko yomFilista wayiletha eJerusalema, wathatha neenhlabani zomFilista wazifaka endlinakhe.) Kwathi lokha uSawula nabona uDavida ahlangabeza umFilista, wathi ku-Abineri umphathibutho: “Abineri-ke, msakabani isokaneliya?” U-Abineri waphendula wathi: “Ngiqinisile kosi, abe angazi.” USawula wathi: “Akhe ubuze bonyana msakabani isokaneli.” Kuthe lokha uDavida nabuya ukubulala umFilista, u-Abineri wamthatha wamusa kuSawula; asaphethe ihloko yomFilista. USawula wambuza wathi: “Umsa kabani, sokana?” UDavida wathi: “Ngimntwana wencekwakho, uJese weBhethe-Lehema.” Kusukela mhlokho uSawula akhange asavuma bona uDavida abuyele endlini kayise kodwana wamenza bona ahlale naye. Emva kobana uDavida aqede ukukhuluma noSawula, ihliziyo kaJonathani yanamathela kuDavida ngombana wamkhathalela njengombana azikhathalela yena. UJonathani wenza isivumelwano noDavida ngombana wamkhathalela njengombana azikhathelela yena. UJonathani wahlubula iphuraphura ebegade ayembethe wayinikela uDavida. Wamnikela izambatho zakhe zepi, ngitjho nesabulakhe, nomsebe kanye nebhande lakhe. Noma yini uSawula agade amthuma yona, uDavida wayenza ngokuphumelela okukhulu. USawula wamupha isikhundla esiphakamileko ebuthweni. Lokhu kwathabisa abantu boke ngitjho neenkhulu zakaSawula. Ekubuyeni kwabantu emva kobana uDavida abulele umFilista, abafazi baphuma kiyo yoke imizi yakwa-Israyeli bona bahlangabeze ikosi uSawula ngokuvuma nokugida, ngeengoma zethabo, ngabosotjherere nangegatara yeenara ezintathu. Basagida njalo gade bavuma bathi: “USawula ubulele iinkulungwana, uDavida ubulele iinkulungwana ezilitjhumi.” USawula wasilingeka khulu, ingoma egade ivunywa le yamhlabekisa. Waba nomkhumbulo othi: “Bakhakhazisa uDavida ngamatjhumi weenkulungwana kodwana mina ngeenkulungwana nje. Sekusele nje bonyana bambeke abe yikosi!” Kusukela lokho uSawula wathoma ukuqala uDavida ngokumrhonona. Kwathi ngakusasa uSawula wangenwa ziinlwana, wadlharuma njengehlanya esigodlweni sakhe. UDavida wabetha iharibha njengombana gade asenza emihleni. USawula gade aphethe umkhontwakhe ngesandla, wawuphosa ngamandla azitjela athi: “Ngifuna ukuhlaba uDavida ngimhlanganise neboda.” Kodwana uDavida waphepha bekwaba kabili. USawula gade esaba uDavida ngombana uSomnini gade anoDavida kodwana amtjhiyile uSawula. Ngebangelo wasusa uDavida eduze kwakhe, wambeka induna yekulungwana yabantu. UDavida warhola amajoni ejimeni lawo. Ezintweni zoke agade azenza uDavida waphumelela khulu ngombana uSomnini gade anaye. Lokha uSawula nabona indlela uDavida aphumelela ngayo, wamesaba ukudlula. Kodwana u-Israyeli woke noJuda bamthanda uDavida ngombana wabarhola emajimenabo. Yeke uSawula wathi kuDavida: “Nangu uMerabi indodakazami elizibulo, ngizakwendisela yena abemkakho; kwaphela ngisebenzela ngesibindi ulwe izipi zakaSomnini uZimakho.” USawula wazitjela wathi: “Angingasibeki isandla sami phezu kwakhe, akube maFilista ambulalako.” Kodwana uDavida wathi kuSawula: “Ngingubani mina begodu uyini umndeni wekhethu namkha ikoro kababa kwa-Israyeli, bonyana ngibe mkhwenyana wekosi na?” Kwathi nakufika isikhathi sokobana uMerabi indodakazi kaSawula anikelwe uDavida, wendiselwa u-Adriyeli wakwaMerhola. Kwathi kusesenjalo uMikali indodakazi kaSawula wakarwa nguDavida. USawula wathaba lokha nabamtjela ngalokho, wacabanga wathi: “Ngizomendisela yena, ngaleyondlela uzakugadanga isifu ukuze isandla samaFilista sibe phezu kwakhe.” Nje-ke uSawula wathi kuDavida: “Unethuba lesibili lokobana ube mkhwenyanami.” Alo-ke uSawula wabiza iinceku zakhe wathi: “Khulumani noDavida ngemsitheleni nithi, ‘Qala ndoda, ikosi izwana nawe, neenceku zayo zoke ziyakuthanda. Yeke yiba mkhwenyanayo.’ ” Iinceku zazinande zikhobelela uDavida. Kodwana uDavida wathi: “Enjephana ukuba mkhwenyana wekosi yintwana encancani ngokucabanga kwenu na? Mina ngisichakana begodu angaziwa kangako.” Lokha iinceku zakaSawula zimtjela bonyana uDavida utheni, uSawula waphendula wathi: “Yenithi kuDavida, ‘Ikosi ifuna ukuzibuyiselela ezitheni zayo, nje-ke abe ayifuni ilitho elingako elililobolo ngomlobokazi ngaphandle kwamajwabu alikhulu wamaFilista.’ ” USawula gade anethemba lokobana uDavida uzakuwela ezandleni zamaFilista. Kuthe lokha iinceku zibikela uDavida iindabezi, zamthabisa kwaba kuhle kuye bonyana abe mkhwenyana wekosi. Yeke uDavida akhange asalinda bona iphole, waphuma nabantu bakhe wabulala amakhulu amabili wamaFilista. Waletha amajwabawo wawabeka aphelele phambi kwakaSawula ukuze abe mkhwenyanakhe. USawula wamendisela uMikali indodakazakhe bona abe mkakhe. Lokha uSawula alemuka bona uSomnini unoDavida nokuthi uMikali indodakazakhe uthanda uDavida, kwaba khona amesaba khulu gadesi begodu waba sisitha sakhe ipilwakhe yoke. Iinduna zamaFilista zaragela phambili nokulwa no-Israyeli; kodwana ngesikhathi soke uDavida gade aphumelela ukuzihlula ukudlula iinkhulu zakaSawula. Ngebangelo ibizo lakhe laduma khulu. USawula watjela indodanakhe uJonathani kanye nazo zoke iinceku bona kubulawe uDavida. Ngebanga lokobana uJonathani gade akhathalela khulu uDavida wamlemukisa wathi: “Ubaba, uSawula, ufuna ithuba lokobona akubulale. Uzeluse-ke kusasa ekuseni; ufunyane indawo esithekileko ubhace lapho. Mina ngizakuphuma nobaba siye emmangweni hlanu kwalapha ukhona. Ngizakukhuluma naye ngawe, ngimuzwe bona uthini bese ngiyakubikela-ke.” UJonathani wancengela uDavida kuyise uSawula wathi: “Ubaba yikosi, yeke akangenzi okumbi encekwinakhe uDavida; akhange one ubaba, akwenzileko kwenze nobaba wazuza khulu. Ipilwakhe beyisengozini lokha nabulala umFilista. USomnini wasindisa woke u-Israyeli ngokuhlula okukhulu begodu ubaba wakubona lokho bewathaba. UDavida umsulwa. Alo, kubayini-ke ubaba afune ukuphalaza iingazi ezinganamlandu ngokumbulala na?” USawula walalela uJonathani bewafunga wathi: “Mncwi, uSomnini uyangizwa, uDavida angeze asabulawa.” Nje-ke, uJonathani wabiza uDavida wamdembela koke. UJonathani wabe waletha uDavida kuSawula; uDavida waba noSawula njengemihleni yangaphambili. Kwabuya kwaqubuka ipi godu, waphuma uDavida walwa namaFilista. Wabarhadla okurara khulu bebambalekela. Kodwana uSawula wavukwa ziinlwana, asazihlalele esigodlweni sakhe aphethe umkhonto ngesandla. UDavida yena gade abetha iharibhakhe. USawula walinga ukumphundluselela ebodeni ngomkhonto, kodwana uDavida waphepha, umkhonto waphundlusa iboda. Ngobusukobo uDavida wabaleka esigodlweni waphunyurha. USawula wathumela amadoda endlini kaDavida bona ayoyigada kuthi ekuseni ambulale. Kodwana uMikali umkaDavida wamyelelisa wathi: “Nawungabalekiko ebusukwini banamhlanjesi, kusasa uzokubulawa.” Nje-ke uMikali wakhupha uDavida wamehlisa ngefesidere, wabaleka wasinda. UMikali wathatha isithombesibunjwa esinguzinyana wekhaya wasilalisa embhedeni, wasembesa ngengubo bewabeka uboya bembuzi ngeenhloko. Kuthe lokha uSawula nakathumela amadoda bona ayokubamba uDavida, uMikali wathi: “Uyagula.” USawula wabuye wathumela amadoda kuDavida bona ayombona wawayala wathi: “Nize naye kimapha ngombhedakhe lowo ukuze ngimbulale.” Kodwana kwathi lokha amadoda nangenako, qala naso isithombe silele embhedeni, ngeenhloko zaso kunoboya bembuzi! USawula wathi kuMikali: “Kubayini ungikhohlise kangaka bewusindise isitha sami ngokusibalekisa na?” UMikali wathi kuye: “Uthe kimi, ‘Yewungilise ngibaleke, nakungasinjalo ngiyakubulala.’ ” UDavida sele abalekile bewasinda, waya kuSamyela eRama wafese wamtjela koke uSawula akwenze kuye. Yena noSamyela bakhamba bayokuhlala endlini yabaphorofidi. Kweza ilizwi kuSawula lathi: “UDavida usendlini yabaphorofidi eRama.” Nje-ke uSawula wathuma amadoda bona ayombamba. Kodwana kwathi nababona isiqubuthu sabaphorofidi sisemmoyeni, noSamyela alapho njengomkhokhelaso, uMoya kaZimu wehlela phezu kwamadoda abuya kuSawula, nawo aba semmoyeni. Kuthe bona uSawula atjelwe ngalokho, wathumela amanye amadoda, nawo aba semmoyeni. USawula wathumela amanye ihlandla lesithathu, nawo kwaba ngisweso. Ekugcineni, waziyela yena ngenyama eRama. Lokha nakafika emthonjeni omkhulu weSekhu, wabuza wathi: “Baphi aboSamyela noDavida na?” Bamphendula bathi: “Basendlini yabaphorofidi eRama.” USawula waya endlini yabaphorofidi eRama. UMoya kaZimu wehlela naphezu kwakhe, wakhamba asemmoyeni bewayokufika endlini yabaphorofidi. Naye wahlubula izambatho zakhe waba semmoyeni phambi kwakaSamyela. Walala ahlubule imini leyo yoke nobusuku bakhona. Kungebangelo isiga sithi: “Kanti uSawula naye uhlangana nabaphorofidi na?” UDavida wabaleka endlini yabaphorofidi eRama waya kuJonathani, wafese wabuza wathi: “Kanti ngenzeni? Umlandwami uyini? Ngimone ngani ubabakho ukuze afune ukungibulala na?” UJonathani waphendula wathi: “Nakanye! Awukazukufa! Ngiyathembisa akunalitho ubaba alenzako, nanyana likhulu nanyana lincani angakangitjeli. Alo, ubaba uzabe ayifihlelani indaba le kimi na? Akunanto enjalo.” UDavida wathi: “NgoZimu uqinisile, ubabakho uyazi bona ngiyathandeka kuwe, nje-ke uzitjele wathi, ‘UJonathani akakafaneli akwazi lokhu ngombana angaphatheka kumbi.’ Nokho ngiqinisile ngithi uSomnini uyangizwa, phila ngiphile, ngisemlonyeni wokufa.” UJonathani wathi kuDavida: “Alo-ke ungathanda bona ngikwenzeleni?” UDavida wathi: “Qala, kusasa lilanga lomgidi wokuthwasa kwenyezi, kufanele ngihlale esidlweni kanye nekosi. Yeke ngivumela bona ngiyokubhaca emmangweni bekube lilanga laphambi kwakusasa ntambama. Nange ubabakho angabona bona angikho, umtjele uthi, ‘UDavida ungirabhele khulu bona ngimvumele arhabele eBhethe-Lehema emzinekhabo ngombana ikoro yekhabo yoke inomhlatjelo womnyaka.’ Nangabe uthi, ‘Awa kulungile,’ khona umkhozakho uzabe aphephile. Kodwana nange angasilingeka, yazi-ke nawe bona unqophe ukungilimaza. Ngebanga lesithembiso owasenza phambi kwakaSomnini, umkhozakho ubopheleke kuwe. Yeke nange kunento embi engiyenzileko, yewungisize ungibulale wena. Ngiyakubawa, unganginikeli ezandleni zakababakho.” UJonathani wathi: “Awa, angeze ngakwenza lokho kuwe! Nangabe bekukhona okumbi engikwaziko ubaba akunqophe ngawe, bengizokwazisa nakanjani.” UDavida wabuza wathi: “Ngubani ozongazisa nakube ubabakho uphendula ngokuhluthuka na?” UJonathani wathi: “Iza, namba siphume siye emmangweni.” Bakhamba-ke bobabili baya emmangweni. UJonathani wathi kuDavida: “Ngiyakuthembisa phambi kwakaSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, ngesikhathesi phambi kwakusasa, ngizakubuzisisa kubaba ngawe. Nangabe uyakwamukela ngizakuthumelela ilizwi ngikwazise. Kodwana nangabe ubaba unqophe ukukulimaza, ngizakwazisa bengiqinisekise bonyana ukhamba uphephile. Nange ngingenzi njalo uSomnini akangibulale. “USomnini uzakuba nawe njengombana abe nobaba. Nangisaphilako, yiba nomusa kimi njengombana noSomnini anomusa kuwe ukuze ngingabulawa. Lokha uSomnini asusa zoke izitha zakho ephasini, yiba nesisa endlinami nawusaphilako.” UJonathani wenza isivumelwano nendlu kaDavida wathi: “USomnini uzamhlunguphaza ongagcini isibopho lesi.” UJonathani wenza uDavida bona abuye afunge bonyana uzakwethembeka, amkhathelele njengombana azikhathelela yena. Yeke wathi uJonathani kuDavida: “Kusasa lilanga lomgidi wokuthwasa kwenyezi. Uzokukhunjulwa ngombana isihlalo sakho sizobe singanamuntu. Phambi kwakusasa ntambama, iya endaweni owazifihla kiyo phambilini, ulinde elitjeni i-Ezeli. Ngizakudumuza imisubi emithathu ngehlangothini lalo, kubesengathi nginqophise entweni. Ngizakuthumela umsana bese ngithi kuye, ‘Khamba uyokufuna imisubi leya.’ Lokha nangithi kuye, ‘Naso imisubi inganeno kwakho, yiza nayo la,’ ungaphuma-ke ngombana kuphephile. NgoZimu ngiqinisile akunangozi. Kodwana nangithi emsaneni, ‘Imisubi ingale kwakho!’ Yewukhambe ngombana uZimu ukutjhaphululile. Mayelana nesithembiso esisenzilekwesiya, khumbula bonyana uSomnini ungufakazi phakathi kwami nawe isiphelani.” UDavida wazifihla emmangweni. Ngelanga lomgidi wokuthwasa kwenyezi, ikosi uSawula yahlala phasi bona igome. Yahlala endaweni engebodeni njengesiko layo, yalungana noJonathani, u-Abineri ahlezi hlanu kwayo; kodwana indawo kaDavida beyinganamuntu. USawula akhange atjho ilitho mhlokho ngombana waba nomkhumbulo othi: “Ikhona into esilapheleko eyenze uDavida angezi emgidini. Iye, kutjho bona usilaphele.” Kwathi ngelanga elilandelako, ilanga lesibili enyangeni, indawo kaDavida yatlhoga umuntu godu. USawula wabuza indodanakhe uJonathani wathi: “Kubayini umsa kaJese angakhange eze ekudleni izolo nanamhlanjesi na?” UJonathani waphendula wathi: “UDavida ungibawile warabhela bona ngimvumele aye eBhethe-Lehema. Wathi, ‘Yithi ngikhambe ngombana ikoro yekhethu inomhlatjelo emzinekhethu, nje-ke umnakwethu ungibawe bona ngibe khona. Nakulungileko kuwe, ithi ngikhambe ngiyokubona abafowethu.’ Kungebangelo angakezi etafuleni lekosi.” USawula wasilingekela uJonathani bewathi kuye: “Wena sidlhadlha somsana ndina! Udlumbana angazi bona sewukhethe ukukhambisana nomsa kaJese! Lokho kuzakuba lihlazo lakho neenhloni zakanyoko owakubelethako! Nakusaphila umsa kaJese ephasinapha, uzasoloko ayingozi kuwe nembuswenakho. Akalethwe njenganje kimapha, kumele afe!” UJonathani wabuza uyise uSawula wathi: “Kanti ubulawelani? Wenzeni?” Kodwana uSawula wamjikijela ngomkhonto bona ambulale. UJonathani walemuka bona uyise gade anqophe ukubulala uDavida. UJonathani wasikima etafuleni asilingeke khulu, akhange agome mhlokho ngombana gade akhubekile ngepatho eziinhloni uyise aphatha ngayo uDavida. Ekuseni ngakusasa uJonathani wakhamba nomsana emmangweni bona ahlangane noDavida. Wathi emsaneni: “Gijima uyokuqala imisubi engiyidumuzako.” Umsana asagijima wadumuza umsubela ngaphambi kwakhe. Kuthe lokha umsana nafika lapha umsubela kaJonathani uwele khona, uJonathani wamrhuwelela wathi: “Umsubela awusingaphambi kwakho na?” Warhuwelela godu wathi: “Rhaba! Ungariyadi!” Umsana wadobha umsubela wabuyela ekosinakhe. Umsana gade angazi litho ngalokhu; nguJonathani noDavida kwaphela egade bazi. UJonathani wanikela umsana iinhlabano zakhe wathi: “Zithathe ukhambe ubuyele nazo emzini.” Emva kobana umsana akhambile, uDavida wasikima ngemva kwelitje waguqa wakhothama kathathu phambi kwakaJonathani. Base bayangana balila bobabili, kufikela lapha uDavida acola khona. UJonathani wathi kuDavida: “Khamba uphephile kwanjesi ngombana sifunge ubuhlobo phakathi kwethu sobabili ebizweni lakaSomnini sathi, ‘USomnini ungufakazi phakathi kwami nawe, naphakathi kwesizukulwani sami nesakho isiphelani.’ ” Wakhamba-ke uDavida, noJonathani wabuyela emzinekhabo. UDavida watjhinga eNobi ku-Arhimeleki umphristi. U-Arhimeleki wabethwa livalo nahlangana naye, wabe wabuza wathi: “Alo, kubayini ube wedwa, unganamkhambisani na?” UDavida waphendula u-Arhimeleki umphristi wathi: “Ikosi, uSawula ingiphe umyalo beyathi kimi, ‘Kungabi nomuntu owaziko bona ngikuthumeni nokuthi ngikuyale ngathini.’ Amadoda engikhamba nawo ngiwatjele bona angihlangabeze endaweni ethileko. Alo, ungiphatheleni egonywako? Yewungiphe iimpani ezihlanu zesikwa, nanyana yini ongayifunyana.” Kodwana umphristi waphendula uDavida wathi: “Anginaso isikwa esijayelekileko, nokho kukhona izikwa zethempeli kwaphela. Ungazifumana kwaphela nakube amadoda lawo azahlukanisile ebafazini ngokwamabhayi.” UDavida wathi kumphristi: “Iye, vane sizahlukanise nabafazi ngokujayelekileko lokha nasiya epini. Imizimba yamadoda ayinasici nanyana singayi epini. Kangangani-ke nakube ikhambo liqakatheke njengelanamhlanje!” Umphristi wamnikela izikwa zethempeli ngombana bezingekho ezinye ngaphandle kwalezo ezisuswe etafuleni lakaSomnini nakubekwa ezitjha. Mhlokho enye yeenceku zakaSawula gade isethempelini ngamabanga athileko. Ibizo layo bekunguDowegi umEdomu. Yona beyiyinduna yabelusi bakaSawula. UDavida wabuza u-Arhimeleki wathi: “Awunamkhonto namkha isabula kuwapho na? Akhange ngize nesabula nanyana ngisiphi seenhlabano zami ngombana iindaba zekosi bezirhabekile.” Umphristi waphendula wathi: “Isabula kaGoliyadi umFilista, owambulala emrhobeni we-Ela, ikhona. Isongwe ngetjhila ngemva kwe-efodi. Nawuyifunako ithathe ngombana ayikho enye ngaphandle kwaleyo.” UDavida wathi: “Ayikho enjengayo; nginikela yona.” Mhlokho uDavida wabalekela uSawula waya ku-Akhitjhi ikosi yeGathi. Iinsebenzi zaka-Akhitjhi zathi kuye: “AkusinguDavida ikosi yenarha lo na? Akusuye, abafazi abakhalele ngaye nabagidako bathi, “ ‘USawula ubulele iinkulungwana, uDavida ubulele iinkulungwana ezilitjhumi.’ ” Kuthe uDavida nacabanga amezwi la, wesaba khulu u-Akhitjhi ikosi yeGathi. Yeke wazenza kwanga uphambene phambi kwabo. Warhuhla amabadi wesango ngamazipho, wawuluka neendenda esilevini, waba sengathi lihlanya. U-Akhitjhi wathi eensebenzini zakhe: “Qalani umuntu lo! Uphambene! Nimlethelani kimapha na? Nicabanga bonyana ngifuna amahlanya bona ningangilethela umuntu ozanande agila imikhuba phambi kwamapha na? Nimfunisani umuntu onje esigodlweni samesi?” UDavida wasuka eGathi wayokubhaca erholweni le-Adulamu. Kwathi bona abomnakwabo nebekhabo bezwe ngalokho, behlela kuye khonapho. Boke ebegade basemtlhagweni, eenkolodweni neenghonghoyilweni bakghubelelana kuye, waba mrholabo. Bekungaba babantu abamakhulu amane. Kusukela lapho uDavida waya eMitsiphe kwaMowabi, wafese wathi ekosini yakhona: “Bewungeze wavumela ubaba nomma bona bagugubale nawe lapha, bengizwisise bona uZimu ufuna ukungenzelani na?” Nje-ke wabatjhiya nekosi yakwaMowabi, bahlala nayo isikhathi soke yena agade asabhace ngaso eentabeni. Kodwana umphorofidi uGadi wathi kuDavida: “Ungahlali eentabenapha. Khamba uye enarheni yakwaJuda.” Wasuka-ke uDavida waya ehlathini leRhereti. USawula wezwa bona kuyaziwa bonyana uDavida nabantu bakhe bakuphi. USawula wahlala ngaphasi komuthi womtamariski aphethe umkhontwakhe entatjaneni yeGibeya, zoke iinkhulu zakhe zazijamile zimzombile. USawula wathi kizo: “Lalelani, madoda wakwaBhenjamini! Nicabanga bona umsa kaJese uzaninikela noke nje amasimu neemvande zediribe? Uzanenza noke nje bona nibe ziinduna zeenkulungwana neenduna zamakhulu na? Kungebangelo noke nenze isibopho sokujamelana nami na? Akakho noyedwa ongitjelako lokha indodanami yenza isivumelwano nomsa kaJese. Akakho noyedwa kinapha otjhejako ngami nanyana angitjele bona indodanami itjitjizele incekwami bona ingilalele endleleni njengombana yenza namhlanje.” Nje-ke uDowegi umEdomu ogade ajame neenkhulu zakaSawula wathi: “Ngiyibonile indodana kaJese ifika ku-Arhimeleki umsa ka-Arhithubi eNobi. U-Arhimeleki wayibuzela kuSomnini bona ifanele yenze njani. Wayipha nomphako nesabula kaGoliyadi umFilista.” Ikosi uSawula yathumela bona kubizwe umphristi u-Arhimeleki umsa ka-Arhithubi nendlu kayise yoke, ebekubaphristi beNobi. Boke beza ekosini uSawula. USawula wathi: “Nje-ke lalela wena msa ka-Arhithubi.” Yena wathi: “Iye kosami, ngilalele.” USawula wathi kuye: “Kubayini wenze isibopho ngami ninomsa kaJese? Umuphe izikwa nesabula, bewambuzela kuZimu ukuze angihlubuke, abe ngongilalela endleleni njengombana enzile namhlanjesi?” U-Arhimeleki waphendula wathi: “Awu kosami, ngubani eencekwini zoke zekosi othembeke njengoDavida umkhwenyana wekosi, induna yamabutho agada ikosi, nohlonipheke kangaka esigodlweni soke sekosi? Nokho bebekungathomi mhlokha bona ngimbuzele kuZimu. Iye awa, bengingathomi! Ikosi ayingabeki incekwayo nanyana indlu kayise umlandu ngombana inceku yekosi ayazi litho ngendaba le.” Kodwana uSawula wathi: “Ngiqinisile uzokufa Arhimeleki, wena nendlu kayihlo yoke!” USawula walayela abogadi ebebajame hlanu kwakhe wathi: “Bulalani abaphristi bakaSomninaba ngombana nabo bahlangene noDavida! Bebazi bonyana uyabaleka, kodwana akhange bangitjele.” Kodwana iinkhulu ezinye zakaSawula akhange zithande ukuphakamisa isandla phezu kwabaphristi bakaSomnini. Yeke uSawula walayela uDowegi wathi: “Rhayila abaphristaba!” UDowegi umEdomu waphendukela kibo wabarhayila. Mhlokho wabulala amadoda amatjhumi abunane nahlanu embatha iphuraphura yobuphristi. Waragela phambili wasahlela neNobi umuzi wabaphristi. Amadoda nabafazi, abantwana namasana, iinkomo, abodumbana nezimvu kwabulawa ngesabula. Kodwana u-Abiyatari, umsa ka-Arhimeleki omsa ka-Arhithubi, wasinda bewabaleka bona ayokuhlangana noDavida. Wafese watjela uDavida bona uSawula ubulele abaphristi bakaSomnini. Nje-ke uDavida wathi ku-Abiyatari: Mhlokha, mhlana uDowegi umEdomu asethempelini, ngazile bona uzokwenza ngakho koke bona atjele uSawula. Ngimi onomlandu wokufa kwayo yoke indlu kayihlo. Hlala nami, ungesabi. Umuntu ofuna ubuphilo bakho ufuna mina. Uphephile nawunami. Kwafika umbiko kuDavida wathi: “Qala, amaFilista asahlela iKeyila aphanga nezelelo.” UDavida wabuza kuSomnini wathi: “Ngiwasahlele amaFilista lawo na?” USomnini wamphendula wathi: “Khamba, usahlele amaFilista usindise iKeyila.” Kodwana abantu bakaDavida bathi kuye: “Qala sisengozini kwaJudapha, kangangani-ke nakube sizakuya eKeyila siyokusahlela ibutho lamaFilista?” Godu uDavida wabuza kuSomnini, uSomnini wamphendula wathi: “Yehlela eKeyila ngombana ngizowanikela esandleni sakho amaFilista.” Yeke uDavida nabantu bakhe baya eKeyila, basahlela amaFilista bawabhubhisa ngokurhayila okukhulu, bebathumba nefuywabo, wasindisa abantu beKeyila. USawula wabikelwa bona uDavida wehlele eKeyila, yeke wacabanga wathi: “UZimu umkhaphele esandleni sami ngombana uziphekelele yena ngokungena emzini ngamasango anesiqabo.” USawula wazisa woke amabuthwakhe bona ehlele eKeyila kusahlelwe uDavida nabantu bakhe. Kwathi bona uDavida ezwe ukuthi uSawula useqhingeni lokumsahlela, wathi ku-Abiyatari umphristi: “Letha i-efodi lapha.” U-Abiyatari umsa ka-Arhimeleki gade ehle ne-efodi lokha nabalekela kuDavida eKeyila. UDavida wathandaza wathi: “Maye Somnini, Zimu ka-Israyeli! Incekwakho izwile kwamambala bona uSawula uluka iqhinga lokuza eKeyila bona arhayile umuzi ngebanga lami. Izakhamuzi zeKeyila zizangikhaphela kuye na? USawula uzokwehla njengombana incekwakho izwile na? Awu Somnini, Zimu ka-Israyeli, phendula incekwakho!” USomnini wathi: “Uzokuza uSawula.” Godu uDavida wabuza wathi: “Ingabe izakhamuzi zeKeyila zizongikhaphela nabantu bami kuSawula na?” USomnini wathi: “Bazokukhaphela.” Yeke uDavida nabantu abangaba makhulu asithandathu ngesibalo, basuka eKeyila bakhamba indawo ngeendawo. Lokha uSawula nakezwa bona uDavida usukile eKeyila, akhange asaya khona. UDavida wahlala eendaweni eziphephileko zommango neentatjaneni zerhalawumba leZifu. USawula ubemzuma ilanga nelanga, kodwana uZimu akhange amnikele ezandleni zakhe. UDavida walemuka bona uSawula uphumele ukumbulala. Lokha uDavida aseRhoretjha erhalawumbeni leZifu, uJonathani umsa kaSawula weza kuye bona amsekele aqine amandla kuZimu. Wathi: “Ungesabi Davida, ubaba, uSawula, angeze asibeka isandla phezu kwakho. Uzokuba yikosi phezu kwaka-Israyeli; mina ngibe ngaphasi kwakho. Ngitjho nobaba uSawula uyakwazi lokho.” Benza isivumelwano bobabili phambi kwakaSomnini. UJonathani wagoduka, kodwana uDavida wasala eRhoretjha. AmaZifu akhuphukela kuSawula eGibeya afese athi: “Angithi nguDavida obhace hlangana nathi ngeendaweni eziphephileko zeRhoretjha? Uphezu kweentatjana zeRhakila, ngesewula yerhalawumba leJetjhimoni? Nje-ke kosi, yehla nanyana nini nakukuhle kuwe, kuzakuba ngithi esimnikela ekosini.” USawula waphendula wathi: “USomnini anibusise ngokutshwenyeka kwenu ngami. Buyelani emuva, niqinisekise bonyana nifunyana bona uDavida ukhambelaphi begodu ngubani ovane ambone lapho. Ngitjelwe bona unamaqhinga khulu. Qinisekisani bona nazi zoke iindawo abhaca kizo bese niyabuya nizongitjela indaba enetlha. Ngizabe ngikhamba nani nakube usendaweni leyo, ngimthungathe hlangana nemindeni yoke yakwaJuda.” Baphuma-ke babuyela eZifu. USawula wabalandela muva. UDavida nabantu bakhe bebaserhalawumbeni leMawoni, emrhobeni we-Araba engesewula yerhalawumba leJetjhimoni. USawula nabantu bakhe bathoma ukuphenya, kwathi lokha uDavida atjelwako ngalokho wehla, wahlala emadwaleni erhalawumbeni leMawoni. Lokha uSawula ezwa lokho, wehlela ngerhalawumbeni leMawoni alandelela uDavida. USawula gade agega ngehlangothini elinye lamadwala, uDavida nabantu bakhe angakelinye ihlangothi, arhabile bona agadunge uSawula. Kwathi lokha uSawula nebutho lakhe sele babandamele bona babambe uDavida nabantu bakhe, kwafika isithunywa kuSawula sathi: “Yewize masinyana! AmaFilista athelekela inarha.” Yeke uSawula walisa ukulandelela uDavida, wajika bona ayokuqalana namaFilista. Kungebangelo babiza indawo leyo ngokuthi, Lidwala Lokwahlukanisa. UDavida wasuka lapho wayokubhaca eentabeni ze-Eni-Gedi. USawula selabuyile ekuqotheni amaFilista, kwathiwa kuye: “UDavida useentabeni ze-Eni-Gedi.” Yeke uSawula wathatha iinkulungwana ezintathu zamadoda akhethwe kibo boke bakwa-Israyeli, waphuma bona ayokuqala uDavida nabantu bakhe eduze kwamaDwalepunzi. USawula wafika esibayeni sezimvu eqadi kwendlela, bekunerholo lapho, wangena khona wazithuma. UDavida nabantu bakhe bebangaphakathi kwerholwelo! Abantu bakaDavida bathi kuye: “Namhlanje kunamhlanje! Angithi uSomnini utjhwile kuwe wathi, ‘Ngizakunikela isitha sakho esandleni bona wenze njengokuthanda kwakho.’ ” Yeke uDavida wasikima, wakhukhutha, wafese watsepunya umphetho wephuraphura kaSawula. Emva kwalokho uDavida wabethwa sisazela sokutsepunya umphetho wephuraphura kaSawula. Wathi ebantwini bakhe: “USomnini akavumi bona ngenze into enje ekosinami, umzeswa kaSomnini, nanyana ngiphakamise isandla sami kiyo ngombana imzeswa kaSomnini.” UDavida wakhalimela abantu bakhe ngokuncama. Akhange abavumele bona bathinte uSawula. USawula nasikimako aphuma ngerholweni uDavida waphumisana naye khonokho wamlandela. Wamrhuwelela wathi: “Bayede, kosi!” USawula naqala emuva, uDavida waguqa wahloma ihloko phasi. Wathi kuSawula: “Kosami, kubayini ulalele abantu lokha nabathi, ‘UDavida ufuna ukukulimaza?’ Namhlanjesi uzibonele ngawakho bona uZimu ukusindise njani ezandleni zami ngerholweni. Abantu bami bangihlohlozele bona ngikubulale, kodwana mina ngakubabalela. Ngathi kibo, ‘Angizusiphakamisa isandla sami ekosinami ngombana imzeswa kaSomnini.’ Ubaba akaqale, naku umphetho wephuraphurakhe esandleni sami! Ngitsepunye umphetho wephuraphura kababa nokho ubaba ngangambulala. Ubaba uyabona-ke bona anginantwembi namkha ikani kuye. Akhange ngikone baba, kodwana ubaba uzumana nepilwami. UZimu akabe mgwebi phakathi kwethu. Mhlamunye yena angangibuyiselela kubaba ngalokho akwenze kimi, kodwana mina angeze ngambeka isandla ubaba. Angithi ikulumo yabadala ithi, ‘Ziinkhohlakali zodwa ezenza ubukhohlakali’? Yeke mina angeze ngambeka isandla ubaba. Kuhlekuhle ikosi yakwa-Israyeli izumana nobani? Ilandelelene nenja efileko, itsetse nje! UZimu uzakuba mgwebi phakathi kwethu abe akhombe onomlandu. Ngebanga lokobana ubona koke, uzakujamela indabami angitjhaphulule kubaba.” Kwathi bona uDavida aqede ukutjho lokho, uSawula wabuza wathi: “Davida ndodanami, lilizwi lakho lelo na?” Wakhihla isililokazi, wathi: “Ulunge khulu kunami ngombana wangiphatha kuhle, kodwana mina ngakuphatha kumbi. Ukhombisile khona nje bona awunantwembi ngami: USomnini bekanginikele esandleni sakho kodwana akhange ungibulale. Abasibangaki abantu abangathi sele babambe isitha sabo ngezandla basilise sikhambe siphephile. Kwanga uSomnini angakuhlomulisa khulu ngendlela ongiphethe ngayo namhlanje. Sengiyazi bona ngambala uzokuba yikosi begodu umbuso wakwa-Israyeli uzokunzinza ezandleni zakho. Nje-ke funga bona ngoSomnini awuzukubhubhisa iinzukulwani zami namkha uphelise ibizo lami endlini kababa.” UDavida wafunga-ke kuSawula. USawula wabuyela ekhaya kodwana uDavida nabantu bakhe bakhuphukela eentabeni. USamyela wahlongakala, u-Israyeli woke wabuthana wazomlilela. Bambulunga ekhabo eRama. UDavida wehlela erhalawumbeni leParani. EMawoni kwakunendoda enjinge khulu, inepahla godu eKarameli. Beyinekulungwana yeembuzi, neenkulungwana ezintathu zezimvu. Gade irhuna izimvu eKarameli. Ibizo layo bekunguNabhali, amKhalebi; ibizo lomkakhe lingu-Abigeyili. Umkakhe gade ahlakaniphile begodu amuhle, kodwana uNabhali gade anekani nehliziyo embi. Lokha uDavida aseserhalawumbeni, wezwa bona uNabhali urhuna izimvu. Wathuma amasokana alitjhumi wathi kiwo: “Khuphukelani eKarameli kuNabhali nifike nimtjele bona ngiyambingelela. Ngithi pilohle, pilode kuye nomndenakhe. Sengathi umsebenzakhe ungakhula udlondlobale. Nimtjele bonyana ngizwile bona urhuna izimvu. Nange angabuza iinsebenzi zakhe zizamtjela bona lokha abelusi bakhe nabahlanu kwethu eKarameli, akhange sibaphathe makghwakghwa. Soke isikhathi abasihlala nathi akunamvu neyodwa yabo eyalahlekako. Yeke, ngilindele bona abe nomusa kini njengombana kusikhathi seminyanya nje. Nithi: ‘Ngibawa bona ubaba aphe indodanakhe uDavida neensebenzi zayo nanyana yini ubaba angaba nayo.’ ” Lokha amasokana wakaDavida nafika kuNabhali, amnikela umlayezo wakaDavida njengombana unjalo. Alindela ipendulo-ke. UNabhali waphendula amasokana lawo wathi: “Ngubani yena uDavida wakhona loyo? Umsa kaJese loyo uyini nje khona? Uyazi amalanga la, sekukhamba kugcwele amakhoboka abaleka ebanikazini bawo! Nje nidlumbana bona ngizakuthatha isikwa sami namanzami nezimvu engizihlabele abarhuni bami ngiphe imiqhamuka nabosikhotheni?” Amasokana ajika khonapho abuyela emuva. Nafika kuDavida ambikela woke amezwi kaNabhali. UDavida wathi ebantwini bakhe: “Hlomani ngeensabula zenu!” Bahloma-ke ngeensabula zabo, noDavida naye ngeyakhe. Kwakhuphuka amadoda angaba makhulu amane noDavida, amakhulu amabili asala agade iimpahla. Esinye seensebenzi zakaNabhali satjela u-Abigeyili sathi: “UDavida uthumele iinthunywa erhalawumbeni bona zilotjhise unomzana, kodwana yena wazithela ngehlamba. Nokho abantwaba bebasilungele khulu thina. Akhange basiphathe kumbi begodu ngesikhathi soke ebegade sikanye nabo emmangweni hlanu kwabo, ayikho into ekhe yasilahlekela. Ngesikhathi soke siselusele izimvu zethu hlanu kwabo, gade baliboda elisizombileko ubusuku nemini. Nje-ke cabanga ubone bona ungenzani ngombana ihlekelele ilengele phezu konomzana nendlwakho yoke. Unomzana uhlaza kangangobana akakho umuntu ongakhuluma naye.” U-Abigeyili akhange asalinda ibhadi. Wathatha khonokho amakhulu amabili weempani zesikwa, imijeka emibili yewayini, izimvu ezihlanu eziphekiweko, isiqwebu sekoroyi ekhanzingiweko, ikhulu lamakhekhe wamakwapa wediribe namakhulu amabili wamakwapa wamakhiwani, walayitjha phezu kwabodumbana. U-Abigeyili wathi eencekwini zakhe: “Khambani phambi kwami, ngizanilandela.” Kodwana akhange atjele umyenakhe uNabhali. Wakhwela udumbana wehlela ngemrhobeni wentaba. UDavida nabantu bakhe bebeza nganeno. U-Abigeyili wavumbukela phezu kwabo. UDavida gade asacabanga asithi: “Akhange kusize ilitho ukugada kwami ifuyo yomrhali lo bona kungalahleki nayinye imvakhe emmangweni. Nje-ke ungithokoza ngothuvi. NgoZimu ngiqinisile ngithi akunandoda namkha umsana emzinakhe ozalibona lakusasa!” Kwathi lokha u-Abigeyili nabona uDavida, wehla masinyana kudumbanakhe waguqa wahloma ihloko phasi phambi kwakaDavida. Wawela eenyaweni zakhe wathi: “Kosami, ngimi onomlandu. Ngiyabawa bona uvumele incekukazakho ikhulume ekosinayo; ikosi ilalele lokho incekukazayo ekutjhoko. Sengathi ikosi ingeze yatjheja uNabhali isirithirithi sendodesiya. Unjengebizo lakhe, elithi Sidlhayela; naye udlhayele. Mina ncekukazakho, akhange ngibabone abantu ikosami ebegade ibathumile. NgoZimu nangokuphila kwakho ngiqinisile ngithi: NguZimu okuvimbe bona ungazenzeli ngokwakho ukuthulula iingazi. Sengathi izitha zekosami nabo boke abancamele ukuyilimaza bangaba njengoNabhali. Sengathi isiphesi incekukazakho esilethele ikosayo, singanikelwa abantu abalandela ikosami. Ngiyarabhela, ikosi ayithethelele iphoso yencekukazayo. Ngambala uZimu uzokwakhela ikosami indlu eqinileko ngebanga lokobana ikosami ilwe izipi zakaZimu. Ihlekelele asoze yakwehlela nawusaphilako, begodu nange kungabakhona okulandelela ngemuva afuna ukukubulala, uSomnini uZimakho uzakuvikela, njengomelusi nabulunga ilitje esikhwameni sembada. Kodwana ukuphila kwezitha zakho uzakukuvirimejela kude njengelitje lesarayi. Lokha uZimu nasele enzele ikosami koke okuhle akuthembisileko nokuyibeka ibe mbusi phezu kwaka-Israyeli, ikosami ayikazukuzizwela ehliziywenayo inomlandu wokubulala ngaphandle kwebanga nanyana ukuzibuyiselela. Kuzakuthi lokha uZimu naphumelelisa ikosami bese iyakhumbula incekukazayo.” UDavida wathi ku-Abigeyili: “Akadunyiswe uSomnini uZimu ka-Israyeli, okuthume bona namhlanjesi uzongihlangabeza. Sengathi ungabusiswa ngokuhlakanipha obenakho nokungenza bona namhlanje ngingazibuyiseleli ngokuthulula iingazi ngezandla zami. Ngathana akhange uze masinyana uzongihlangabeza, ngoZimu uSomnini wakwa-Israyeli ngiqinisile mncwi ngithi, akunandoda namkha umsana emzini kaNabhali obezalibona lakusasa.” UDavida wamukela esandleni sakhe agade amlethele khona wabe wathi kuye: “Iya ekhaya, ungasakhathazeki. Ngiwezwile amezwakho nesibawo sakho ngisamukele.” Lokha u-Abigeyili nafika kuNabhali, wamfunyana asendlini enze imbedla yomgidi. Gade athakase khulu begodu adakwe afile. Nokho u-Abigeyili akhange amtjele litho bekwasa ngomuso. Kwathi ngomuso ekuseni uNabhali sele aqaqulukile, umkakhe wamtjela zoke izintwezo. Wawa watsirimezeka. Emva kwamalanga angaba litjhumi uSomnini godu wabetha uNabhali bewafa. Kwathi bona uDavida ezwe ukuthi uNabhali uhlongakele wathi: “USomnini akadunyiswe, ngokungibuyiselela kuNabhali owangithukako. USomnini ungibulungile ekoneni, kodwana wabetha uNabhali ngeentonga zakhe.” Emva kwalokho uDavida wathumela iinceku bona ziyomkhulumela ku-Abigeyili bonyana amngene. Iinceku zakaDavida zaya eKharameli, zafese zathi ku-Abigeyili: “UDavida usithume bona sizokuthatha uzokuba mkakhe.” U-Abigeyili waguqa wahloma ihloko phasi wathi: “Incekukazenu nasi njengekhoboka, ilungele ukuhlanza iinyawo zeenceku zekosayo.” U-Abigeyili wasikima masinyana wakhwela udumbana aphekelelwa lidwendwe labafazi abahlanu. Wakhamba neenceku zakaDavida, waba mkakhe. UDavida wathatha no-Arhinowami weJizriyela, bobabili baba bomkakhe. Kodwana uSawula gade sele athethe indodakazakhe uMikali umkaDavida, wamendisela kuPhalithi umsa kaLayitjhi, ogade abuya eGalima. AmaZifu aya kuSawula eGibeya afese athi kuye: “Angithi nguDavida obhace entatjaneni yeRhakila, eqalene nerhalawumba leJetjhimoni?” Yeke uSawula wehlela erhalawumbeni leZifu, wayokuzuma uDavida lapho, wakhamba neenkulungwana ezintathu zamadoda akhethiweko wakwa-Israyeli. USawula wenza ikampakhe hlanukwendlela entatjaneni yeRhakila eqalene nerhalawumba leJetjhimoni. UDavida gade aseserhalawumbeni lokha nabona bonyana uSawula umlandelele khonapho. Yeke wathumela iinhloli bona ziyokuhlola bonyana uSawula ukuphi. UDavida waphuma waya lapha uSawula enze ikampakhe khona. Wafese wabona lapha uSawula no-Abineri umsa kaNeri induna yebutho balele khona. USawula gade alele phakathi kwekampa azonjwe libutho. Nje-ke uDavida wabuza u-Arhimeleki umHite no-Abitjhayi umsa kaTseruya umnakwabo lakaJowabi, wathi: “Ngubani ozokukhamba nami ekampeni siye kuSawula?” U-Abitjhayi wathi: “Ngimi ozakukhamba nawe.” Nje-ke uDavida no-Abitjhayi bakhamba baya ebantwinabo ebusuku. Nabafikako, qala nango uSawula alele phakathi kwabo, umkhontwakhe uhlatjwe phasi ngeenhloko zakhe. U-Abineri namabutho bebalele bamzombile. U-Abitjhayi wahlebela uDavida wathi: “Namhlanje, uZimu unikele isitha sakho ezandleni zakho. Yeke yithi ngimthungelele phasi ngomkhonto kube kanye; angeze ngamkhutha bona ngibuyelele kabili.” Kodwana uDavida wathi ku-Abitjhayi: “Awa, ungathomi umbulale! Ngubani ongabeka isandla phezu kozesiweko kaSomnini angabi nomlandu?” UDavida wabuye wathi: “NgoZimu ngiqinisile ngithi, nguSomnini kwaphela ozambulala, nakungasinjalo isikhathi sakhe sizakufika azifele, namkha uzakuya epini abhubhele khona. Kodwana uSomnini uyangalela bona ngingabeka isandla phezu kozesiweko wakhe. Yeke, thatha umkhonto hlanu kwehlokwakhapho nomjekana wamanzi lowo sikhambe.” UDavida wathatha njalo-ke umkhonto nomjekana wamanzi hlanu kwehloko kaSawula, bakhamba. Akakho owabonako nowakhe wazi ngalokho begodu akakho owaphaphamako. Boke bebalele ngombana uSomnini bekabehlisele ubuthongo obukhulu. UDavida wayamela ngaphetjheya komrhotjana, wajama phezu kwesiqongo sentatjana ebangeni eliphephileko phakathi kwabo. Warhuwelela ibutho no-Abineri umsa kaNeri, wathi: “Abineri-ke! Uyangizwa na?” U-Abineri waphendula wathi: “Ungubani wena orhuwelela ikosi?” UDavida waphendula wathi: “Abineri, bewufanele ube yindoda yamambala kwa-Israyeli! Kubayini ungakhange ugade ikosakho? Bekunomuntu ogade eze ukuzokubulala ikosakho leyo. Okwenzileko akusikuhle. NgoSomnini ngiqinisile ngithi, wena nebutho lakho nifanele ukufa ngombana akhange nigade ikosenu, umzeswa kaSomnini. Akhe niqale hlanu kwenu: Uphi umkhonto wekosenu nomjekana wamanzi obekugade kuhlanu kwehlokwayo na?” USawula walemuka ilizwi lakaDavida bewathi: “Davida ndodanami, lilizwi lakho lelo na?” UDavida waphendula wathi: “Iye kosami, ngilo.” Godu wathi: “Kubayini ikosami ilandelelana nencekwayo na? Ngenzeni? Uyini umlandwami ekosini na? Ngibawa ikosami kheyilalele amezwi wencekwayo. Nangabe ubaba udlumbana bona nguSomnini ofuna bonyana angibulale, kubayini angayenzeli umnikelo? Kodwana nakube babantu abahlohloloja ubaba, abanikelelwe phambi kwakaSomnini! Bangikhuphile enarheni kaSomnini lapha nginesabelo khona. Kwaba sengasuthi bathi, ‘Khamba uyokukhothamela abosingazimu abanye.’ Ngiyakubawa, angingafeli enarheni yabatjhili kude noSomnini. Ubaba, ikosi yakwa-Israyeli, uphume nebutho bona azokufunana netsetse lakotsetse, uzumana nekwali eentabeni na?” Yeke uSawula wathi: “Davida ndodanami, ngonile; yewubuye. Angeze ngisazama ukukulimaza ngombana ubone ubuphilo bami buqakathekile namhlanjesi. Ngenze ubudlhayela, ngatjhapha khulu.” UDavida waphendula wathi: “Naku-ke umkhonto wekosi, akweqe elinye lamasokana lize nganeno lizowuthatha. UZimu uhlomelisa loyo naloyo ngokulunga nokwethembeka kwakhe. Unikele ubaba ezandleni zami namhlanjesi, nokho bengingeze ngabeka isandla sami phezu komzeswa kaSomnini. Njengombana ngibabalele ukuphila kwakababa nanamhlanjesi, kwanga uSomnini angababalela ipilwami, angisindise kiwo woke amatshwenyeko.” USawula wathi kuDavida: “Kwanga ungabusiseka Davida ndodanami; uzakwenza izinto ezikulu uphumelele.” UDavida wathatha indlelakhe, noSawula wabuyela ekhaya. UDavida wadlumbana wathi: “Ngelinye ilanga, uSawula uzongibamba. Okungcono angibalekele enarheni yamaFilista, ngisinde. Nangenze njalo, uSawula uzakudinwa ukufunana nami nanyana kukuphi kwa-Israyeli. Ngizabe ngiphunyurhile-ke esandleni sakhe.” UDavida nabantu abamakhulu asithandathu abagade banaye, bakhamba bayamela ku-Akhitjhi umsa kaMawoko ikosi yeGathi. UDavida nabantu bakhe banzinza eGathi no-Akhitjhi. Omunye nomunye gade anomndenakhe, noDavida anabafazi bakhe ababili: U-Arhinowami weJizriyela no-Abigeyili weKarameli, umfelokazi kaNabhali. Lokha uSawula natjelwa bona uDavida ubalekele eGathi, akhange asamfuna. Yeke uDavida wathi ku-Akhitjhi: “Kungaba njani nange ikosi ingangipha indawo komunye wemizi esemaphandleni ukuze ngihlale khona? Incekwakho ingahlala njani nekosayo edorobheni na?” Nje-ke mhlanokho u-Akhitjhi wamabela iTsikhilagi. Yona yaba ngeyamakhosi wakwaJuda kusukela mhlokho. UDavida wahlala emkhawulweni wamaFilista umnyaka neenyanga ezine. Ngesikhatheso uDavida nabantu bakhe benyuka basahlela amaGetjhuri, amaGirizi nama-Amalekhi. Abantwaba bebahlala endaweni le ukusuka eThelamu ukuya eTjhuri emaphethelweni weGibhide. Ngesikhathi soke lokha uDavida nasahlela inarha gade abulala boke abantu. Kodwana izimvu, iinkomo, abodumbana namakamela kanye nezambatho azithathele zona. Kuthi emva kwalokho abuyele ku-Akhitjhi. U-Akhitjhi ubephele ambuze athi: “Bewusahlelephi namhlanje, wena Davida?” Ubephendula athi: “Esewula yakwaJuda”, nanyana “Isewula yeJerarhamiyeli”, nanyana “Isewula yamaKheni.” Gade angalethi umuntu aphila eGathi ngombana wacabanga wathi: “Bangasikhaphela bathi, ‘UDavida wenze lokhu nalokhu.’ ” Lokhu bekumumukghwakhe ngesikhathi soke asahlala enarheni yamaFilista. U-Akhitjhi wathemba uDavida bewazitjela wathi: “Uzondeke khulu ebantwini bekhabo kwa-Israyeli, yeke sewuzaba yincekwami isiphelani.” Emalangeni lawo, amaFilista ahlanganisa ibutho lawo bona alwe no-Israyeli. Yeke u-Akhitjhi wathi kuDavida: “Yazi bona wena nabantu bakho nizakukhamba nami siyokulwa ipi.” UDavida wathi: “Khona-ke uzazibonela ngokwakho bona incekwakho yenzani.” U-Akhitjhi waphendula wathi: “Kulunge khulu nakunjalo, ngizakwenza ube mtjhejami nakusaliwako.” USamyela gade sele ahlongakele, no-Israyeli woke sele ambeka emzinakhe eRama bewamlilela. Ngesikhatheso uSawula naye gade aqothe zoke izangoma neenyanga enarheni yakwa-Israyeli. AmaFilista ahlangana enza ikampawo eTjhunemi; uSawula naye wahlanganisa woke ama-Israyeli wenza ikampa eGilibowa. Kwathi lokha uSawula nabona ipi yamaFilista, wesaba khulu bewathuthumela. Wabuza kuSomnini, kodwana uSomnini akhange amphendule ngitjho ngamabhudango nanyana nge-urimi nangabaphorofidi. Yeke wathi uSawula eencekwini zakhe: “Ngifunelani isangoma somfazi ukuze ngiye ngiyokuphengula kiso.” Iinceku zathi kuye: “Sikhona esinye e-Eni-Dori.” Nje-ke uSawula wazitjhatjhanisa, wembatha izambatho ezijayelekileko, wakhukhutha ebusuku akhamba namadoda amabili baya emfazini loyo. Wafese wathi kuye: “Ngibawela ebezimini bona ngikhulume naloyo engizakumutjho ngebizo.” Kodwana isangoma sathi: “Afeke! Angithi uyazi bona uSawula wenzeni: Uqothe zoke iinyanga nezangoma enarheni. Alo, ungibekelelani isifu bona ngibulawe na?” USawula wafunga ngoSomnini wathi: “NgoZimu ngiqinisile ngithi, awukazukubethwa ngesibanga sentwele.” Nje-ke isangoma sathi: “Ngikubawele bani?” USawula wathi: “Ngibawela uSamyela.” Kuthe bona isangoma sibone kuvela uSamyela, sarhuwelela khulu sathi kuSawula: “Alo, ungirhwaleleni? Angithi wena unguSawula!” USawula wathi kuye: “Ungesabi! Ubonani?” Isangoma sathi: “Ngibona isithunzi sikhuphuka sivela kabaphasi.” Wasibuza wathi: “Sinjani?” Sona sathi: “Liqhegu elilupheleko, lembethe iphuraphura liyakhuphuka.” Yeke uSawula wazi bona nguSamyela, waguqa bewahloma ihloko phasi. USamyela wathi kuSawula: “Ungiphazamiseleni ngokungenyusa na?” USawula wathi: “Ngitshwenyeke khulu. AmaFilista alwa nami noZimu ungihlanukele. Akasangiphenduli ngitjho ngabaphorofidi namkha ngamabhudango. Nje-ke ngibize wena bona ungitjele bonyana ngifanele ngenzeni?” USamyela wathi: “Alo, uzelani kimi nakube uSomnini ukuhlanukele waba sisitha sakho? USomnini wenze akukhuluma kimi ngawe ngaphambili: USomnini uwususile umbuso esandleni sakho, wawunikela uDavida, umakhelwanakho, ongcono kunawe. USomnini wenze lokhu kuwe namhlanjesi ngebanga lokobana ungakhange umlalele. Bekasilingekele ama-Amalekhi, nje-ke bewufanele uwarhayile nya. USomnini uzokunikela kanye no-Israyeli esandleni samaFilista. Kusasa wena nabesabakho nizobe nikimapha. Begodu ibutho laka-Israyeli uSomnini uzolinikela emaFilisteni.” Khonokho uSawula wadusuka phasi azele ukwesaba ngebanga lamezwi kaSamyela. Gade aphelelwe mamandla ngombana loke ilangelo nobusukobo, ubengakhange agome ilitho. Kuthe lokha isangomeso nasifika kuSawula simbona bonyana uyarutharutha, sathi: “Kosami, nginikele ukuphila kwami ngakulalela, ngenza koke othe ngikwenze. Nje-ke ngiyakubawa, lalela incekukazakho. Yithi ngikunikele ukudla ugome ukuze ube namandla wokukhamba indlela.” USawula wala wathi: “Angifuni ukudla.” Kodwana amadoda agade akhamba naye asiza isangoma, amncenga wawalalela. Wavuka, wahlala emkghadini. Isangoma besinethole elinonisiweko ekhaya, salihlaba masinyana. Sathatha iflowuru sayibhica, sabhaga isikwa esinganangumelo. Sase sibeka phambi kwakaSawula neenceku zakhe, bagoma. Khona ngobusukobo basikima bagoduka. AmaFilista abutha woke amabuthwawo e-Afeki, u-Israyeli wabuthana ngemthonjeni eJizriyela. Ababusi beemfunda zamaFilista barhwanta ngeenqhema zamakhulu neenkulungwana, uDavida namadoda agade akhamba nawo bebarhwanta ngemuva no-Akhitjhi. Iinduna zamaFilista zabuza zathi: “Afunani-ke amaHebheru la?” U-Akhitjhi waphendula wathi: “NguDavida lo obekagade ayinduna ekulu kaSawula ikosi yakwa-Israyeli. Sekuphele umnyaka ahlezi nami, kusukela mhlana abalekela uSawula bekube kunamhlanjesi, angikafunyani iphoso kuye.” Kodwana iinduna zamaFilista zasilingeka ngaye bezathi: “Buyisela umrhali loyo emuva ukuze abuyele endaweni omabele yona. Angakhambi nathi epini ngombana nakungasinjalo, angajikela thina sisalwa. Yini nje umuntu lo into angazincengela ngayo ekosinakhe, nakungasi ziinhloko zamadoda la? Akusuye nje uDavida lo, abakhalela ngaye nabagidako bathi, “ ‘USawula ubulele iinkulungwana, kodwana uDavida ubulele amatjhumi weenkulungwana?’ ” Yeke u-Akhitjhi wabiza uDavida wathi kuye: “NgoZimu ngiqinisile ngithi bewusathembakele kimi begodu bengingathaba nange bewungasebenza nami epini. Kusukela mhlana ufika kimi bekubenje, akhange ngifumane iphoso kuwe. Nokho-ke ababusi abakwamukeli. Jika ukhambe ngokuthula; ungenzi ilitho elizakusilinga ababusi beemfunda zamaFilista.” UDavida wabuza wathi: “Alo, ngenzeni? Yini ephambeneko oyifunyene encekwinakho kusukela mhlana ngifika kuwe bekube njesi? Kubayini-ke ngingeze ngakhamba ngayokulwa nezitha zekosami?” U-Akhitjhi waphendula wathi: “Iye, ngiyazi bona emehlwenami, ube ngothokozisa njengesithunywa esibuya kuZimu. Nokho-ke, iinduna zamaFilista zithe, ‘Angakhambi nathi epini.’ Nje-ke, yewuvuke ekuseni kanye neenceku zekosakho ezize nawe, ukhambe ekuseni nakuqeda ukusa.” UDavida namadoda agade akhamba nawo bavuka ekuseni ngakusasa bona babuyele enarheni yamaFilista. AmaFilista wona aya epini eJizriyela. UDavida namadoda agade akhamba nawo bafika eTsikhilagi ngemva kwamalanga amabili. Ngesikhatheso ama-Amalekhi gade ahlangule isewula yakwaJuda neTsikhilagi. Bebasahlele iTsikhilagi bebalitjhisa. Bathumba abafazi bomuzi nabo boke abakiwo. Akhange babulale noyedwa wabo, kodwana babaraga bakhamba nabo. Lokha uDavida nabantu bakhe bafika eTsikhilagi, bayifunyana ibhujiswe ngomlilo. Abomkabo, amadodanabo namadodakazabo bathunjiwe. Nje-ke uDavida namadoda agade akhamba nawo bakhihla isililo esikhulu bebabibitheka. Bobabili abafazi bakaDavida, u-Arhinowami weJizriyela no-Abigeyili umfelokazi kaNabhali weKharameli bebathunjiwe. UDavida gade asengozini ngombana abantu bebakhuluma ngokumkhanda ngamatje. Woke umuntu gade abilile emmoyeni ngebanga lamadodanabo namadodakazabo. Kodwana uDavida wafunyana amandla kuSomnini uZimakhe. Yeke uDavida wathi kumphristi u-Abiyatari, indodana ka-Arhimeleki: “Akhungilethele i-efodi hle.” U-Abiyatari wamlethela yona. UDavida wabuza kuSomnini wathi: “Ngibagijimise abasahlelaba na? Ngizabafunyana na?” USomnini waphendula wathi: “Bagijimise, uzabafunyana begodu uzakuphumelela ukusindisa abakuthumbileko.” UDavida namakhulu amathandathu wamadoda bafika emlanjeni iBhesori, lapha amanye amadoda asala khona. Amakhulu amabili gade seladiniwe angasakwazi ukuyama esikhisini iBhesori. Kodwana uDavida waragela phambili namakhulu amane wamadoda. Amadoda agade akhamba noDavida afunyana umGibhide emmangweni, amusa kuDavida. Amupha ukudla wagoma, wasela namanzi. Amupha igagwana lamakwapa wamakhiwani namakhekhe amabili wamakwapa wediribe. Wagoma wase ubuyelwa mamandla ngombana ubangakhange agome ukudla namkha asele amanzi amalanga amathathu nobusuku obuthathu. UDavida wambuza wathi: “Akhusungitjele, ungowakosobani? Udabukaphi?” Yena wathi: “NgimGibhide, ikhoboka lomunye wama-Amalekhi. Ikosami ingisukele lokha nangithoma ukugula emalangeni amathathu adlulileko la. Besisahlele isewula yakwaJuda lapha kuhlala khona amaFilista nekoro yamaKhalebi. Sase sitjhisa iTsikhilagi.” UDavida wambuza godu wathi: “Ungehla nami uyongikhombisa abathumbabo na?” Yena wathi: “Iye, nawungafunga kimi phambi kwakaZimu bona angeze ungibulale begodu angeze unginikele ekosinami, khona ngingakwehlisela kibo.” Yeke wehla noDavida. Madekhethu! Qalani, bazigedlile benze umnyanya ngezinto abazithumbe enarheni yamaFilista neyamaJuda. Bayagoma, bayasela bebayagida. Ngelanga elilandelako uDavida wabasahlela kusukela ngamasa bekwaba kuntambama. Akhange kube khona noyedwa phakathi kwabo ophunyurhako, ngaphandle kwamasokana amakhulu amane akhwela amakamela abaleka. UDavida wakusindisa koke obekuthunjwe ma-Amalekhi, ngitjho nabafazi bakhe ababili. Bekungakalahleki litho: boke abantwana nabantu abakhulu, nepahla yoke egade ithunjwe ma-Amalekhi. UDavida wabuya nakho koke. Amadoda agade akhamba noDavida araga imihlambi yefuyo abayithathela ama-Amalekhi ngaphambi kweyabo abayibuyise ekuthunjweni, basithi: “Yipahla kaDavida le.” UDavida weza ebantwini abamakhulu amabili abagade batjhiywe esikhisini iBhesori ngebanga lokudinwa. Baphuma bonyana bahlangabeze uDavida nabantu agade anabo. UDavida watjhidela ebantwinabo, wabalotjhisa. Hlangana namadoda akhamba noDavida bekukhona iimbhidlamnyanya, iinkhohlakali zabantu. Zathi kilabo abangakhange baphume nazo: “Ngebanga lokobana ningazange niphume nathi, angeze sabelane nani ipahla esiyiphangileko. Nokho-ke, ngileyo naleyo indoda ingathatha umkayo nabantwabayo igoduke.” Kodwana uDavida wathi kizo: “Awa bafowethu, niyayilahla. Ningenzi njalo ngezinto uSomnini asiphe zona. USomnini usibulungile bewanikela kithi ibutho egade lijamelene nathi. Akunamuntu onganisekela entweni eniyitjhoko leyo. Isabelo somuntu osele nepahla sifanele silingane nesomuntu owehle nepi. Asabelaneni ngokulinganako.” UDavida wenza lokho kwaba mthetho kwa-Israyeli bekube namhlanjesi. Kuthe lokha uDavida nafika eTsikhilagi, wathumela enye yepahla ebaphathini bakwaJuda ebegade kubasekeli bakhe, wathi: “Naso isipho senu esiyipahla ethunjwe ezitheni zakaSomnini.” Wasithumela kilabo abagade baseBhethe-Eli neRamothi-Negebi kanye neJatiri; nakilabo abase-Aroweri, eSifmoti, ne-Etjhitemowa; nabaseRakala, emizini yamaJerarhamiyeli namaKheni; nabaseRhoroma, eBhori-Atjhana, e-Ataka neRhebroni; nakilabo egade bakezinye iindawo lapha uDavida nabantu bakhe bebaphele bajikajike khona. AmaFilista gade alwa nama-Israyeli. Ama-Israyeli abaleka phambi kwamaFilista. Inengi lama-Israyeli lafa ngokurabhalaliswa entabeni iGilibowa. AmaFilista amlala nje uSawula, abe abulala amadodanakhe uJonathani, u-Abinadaba noMaliki-Tjhuwa. Ipi yarhagalela uSawula. Abadumuza ngemisubi abamfikelako bamkhubaza okwesabekako. USawula wathi kusonkhandakhe: “Rhwatjha isabulakho ungihlabe ngife, kungaze kufike abarhali ababarhedenaba bangitlhofoze bese bayangirhubutjha.” Kodwana usonkhande loyo wesaba khulu ukwenza lokho. Yeke uSawula wathatha isabulakhe wazidlhunya phezu kwayo. Kuthe lokha usonkhande nabona bona uSawula ufile, naye wazidlhunya phezu kwesabulakhe, wafa noSawula. Nje-ke uSawula namadodanakhe amathathu, nosonkhandakhe, nabantu bakhe, bafa boke khona mhlokho. Kuthe lokha ama-Israyeli agade angemrhobeni weJizriyela nangaphetjheya kweJordani nabona bonyana ipi yama-Israyeli ibalekile, nokobana uSawula namadodanakhe bahlongakele, atjhiya imizawo abaleka nawo. Ngemva kwalokho amaFilista afika ahlala emizini leyo. Ilanga emva kwepi amaFilista ahlubulisa iindumbu. Afunyana uSawula namadodanakhe amathathu bahlongakalele phezu kwentaba iGilibowa. Baqunta ihlokwakhe bebathatha iinkhande zakhe. Bathumela umlayezo enarheni yoke yamaFilista babika iindabezi emathempelini wabosingazimu babo nebantwini babo. Bafaka iinkhande zakhe ngethempelini labo-Atjhitarothi bebabophelela isidumbu sakhe ebodeni leBhethe-Tjhana. Kuthe lokha abantu beJabetjhi-Giliyadi nabezwa lokho amaFilista akwenze ngoSawula, kwaphuma woke amadoda anesibindi akhamba ubusuku boke aya eBhethe-Tjhana. Afese ehlisa isidumbu sakaSawula neendumbu zamadodanakhe ebodeni leBhethe-Tjhana. Akhamba nazo eJabetjhi, lapha azitjhisa khona. Athatha amathambazo awangcwaba ngaphasi komuthi womtamariske eJabetjhi, azila amalanga alikhomba. Emva kokufa kwakaSawula, uDavida wabuya ekubulaleni ama-Amalekhi, wahlala amalanga amabili eTsikhilagi. Ngelanga lesithathu kwafika umuntu etatawini lokulwa lakaSawula, izambatho zakhe bezidabukile, azele ithuli ehloko. Lokha nafika kuDavida, wawa ngamadolo wahloma ihloko phasi. UDavida wambuza wathi: “Ubuyaphi?” Yena waphendula wathi: “Ngibaleke etatawini lokulwa lama-Israyeli.” UDavida wambuza wathi: “Akhe ungitjele, kwenzekeni?” Yena wathi: “Abantu babalekile epini. Inengi labo lirabhalalisiwe belafa. USawula nendodanakhe uJonathani nabo bahlongakele.” UDavida wabuza isokana elimlethele umbikwelo wathi: “Alo, wena wazinjani bona uSawula nendodanakhe uJonathani bahlongakele?” Isokana laphendula lathi: “Kwenzekile bona ngifike entabeni iGilibowa, ngabona uSawula aziyame ngomkhontwakhe, ikarana yeenjomani kanye nabakhweli sekutjhidele bona zimgadange. Uthe nathi rhedlu wangibona, wangibiza. Mina ngathi, ‘Ngingakwenzelani?’ Wangibuza wathi, ‘Ungubani wena na?’ Ngamphendula ngathi, ‘NgingumAmalekhi.’ Nje-ke wathi kimi, ‘Nanyana ngisaphefumula nje, sekusele isikhohlela. Yeke bandamela kimapha ungiqedelele.’ Ngambandamela-ke ngamqedelela ngombana ngazile bona ubangekhe asasinda ngemva kokuhlulwa kwakhe. Ngathatha umbhode wekosi obusehlokwakhe nebhengela emkhonwenakhe, ngakulethela ikosi.” Ngalokho uDavida watjhuba izambatho zakhe wazidabula, nabo boke ebegade banaye benza njalo. Batlhuwa barhahlawula bazilela uSawula nendodanakhe uJonathani nebutho lakaSomnini uZimu kanye nekumba ka-Israyeli bekwaba kuntambama ngombana bebabulewe ngesabula. UDavida wathi esokaneni ebelimlethele umbiko: “Udabukaphi?” Laphendula lathi: “Ngiyindodana yesikhonzi, umAmalekhi.” UDavida wambuza godu wathi: “Waba nesibindi-ke sokuphakamisela umzeswa kaSomnini isandla!” UDavida wabiza enye yeenceku zakhe wathi kiyo: “Mbandamele, umsuse!” Yeke inceku yadula isokanelo phasi, lafa. UDavida wathi esokaneni: “Iingazi zakho azibe phezu kwehlokwakho ngombana namezwi womlomakho ayakufakazela nawuthi, ‘Ngibulele umzeswa kaSomnini.’ ” UDavida wavuma ingoma yesililo elandelako ngoSawula nendodonakhe uJonathani. Wakhupha umyalo bona abantu bakwaJuda bafunde ingoma le. Isihloko sengoma leyo Msebe. Itlolwe encwadini kaJatjhara. Iintsitsirimba zakho Israyeli, zibulewe emibundwini. Maye ukuwa kweenkutani zakho! Lokhu ningakubiki eGathi, kungakhulunywa eentaradeni ze-Atjhikeloni; ukuze abafazi bamaFilista bangathatjiswa, abafazi balabo abangasokiko bangathakasi. Nina ntaba zeGilibowa, kwanga ningatlhoga umbethe namkha izulu, iye, eendaweni zenu eziphakamileko; ngombana iinhlangu zeentsitsirimba zirhubutjhiwe; isihlangu sakaSawula asisatjhatjhwa ngamafutha. Umsebe kaJonathani bewuhlala ulungile, bewuhlaba uhlukanisa umhlwehlwe esiswini seengorho, kuphalake iingazi. Isabula kaSawula nayo beyinemba. USawula noJonathani bebathandeka begodu bebaligugu nabasaphilako, nekufeni akhange bahlukane. Bebanebelo ukudlula amadlanga, banamandla ukudlula amabhubezi. Nina bafazi bakwa-Israyeli, lilelani uSawula, indoda enembathise ezibubende, yanikghabisa ngezambatho ezirutjelwe ngegolide. Maye ukuwa kweenkutani epini! UJonathani ubulewe eentabeni zakho. Ngibuhlungu ngawe mfowethu Jonathani, bewuligugu kimi! Ukungikhathalela kwakho bekukarisa ukudlula kwabantu bengubo. Maye iinkutani ziwile! Iinhlabano zepi zitjhabalele! Emva kwalokho uDavida wabuza uSomnini wathi: “Ngingenyukela keminye yemizi yakwaJuda na?” USomnini wathi: “Yewenyuke.” UDavida wabuza godu wathi: “Ngenyukelephi?” USomnini wamphendula wathi: “ERhebroni.” Yeke uDavida wenyukela lapho nabafazi bakhe ababili, u-Arhinowami weJizriyeli no-Abigeyili umfelokazi kaNabhali weKharameli. Wathatha nabantu ebegade banaye ngemindenabo, bafese bakha eRhebroni nemizaneni yakhona. Abantu bakwaJuda beza eRhebroni, bazesa uDavida bona abe yikosi phezu kwendlu yakwaJuda. Kuthe lokha uDavida aziswa bona babantu beJabetjhi-Giliyadi ababulunga uSawula, wathumela iinthunywa ebantwini beJabetjhi-Giliyadi bona zithi kibo: “USomnini anibusise ngokubonisa kwenu isisa esingaka ngokubulunga uSawula ikosenu. Kwanga uSomnini angaba nomusa kini abe anikhumbule. Nami-ke ngiyanibuka ngenikwenzileko. Yeke, qinani nibe nesibindi madoda ngombana uSawula ikosenu uhlongakele. Ngifuna nazi bonyana indlu yakwaJuda izese mina bona ngibe yikosi phezu kwayo.” U-Abineri umsa kaNeri oyinduna yebutho lakaSawula gade sele athethe u-Itjhi-Bhotjhethi umsa kaSawula wamyamisa iJordani waya eMarhanayimu. Wambeka bona abe yikosi phezu kweGiliyadi, i-Atjhuri neJizriyela begodu naphezu kwaka-Efrayimu, uBhenjamini no-Israyeli woke. U-Itjhi-Bhotjhethi umsa kaSawula gade aneminyaka ematjhumi amane ekuthomeni kwakhe ukubusa phezu kwaka-Israyeli; wabusa iminyaka emibili. Nokho-ke, indlu yakwaJuda yalandela uDavida. Isikhathi uDavida abusa ngaso eRhebroni phezu kwendlu yakwaJuda saba minyaka elikhomba neenyanga ezithandathu. U-Abineri umsa kaNeri neviyo laka-Itjhi-Bhotjhethi umsa kaSawula, basuka eMarhanayimu baya eGibiyoni. UJowabi umsa kaTseruya neviyo lakaDavida baphuma bahlangana nabo emthonjeni weGibiyoni. Isiqhema esinye sahlala phasi nganeno komthombo kwathi esinye saba ngaphetjheya kwawo. U-Abineri wathi kuJowabi: “Asifumane amasokana asikime ahlangane ngeemfuba phambi kwethwapha.” UJowabi wathi: “Kulungile, abahlangane.” Asikima-ke amadoda, kwakhethwa amasokana alitjhumi nambili kebakwaBhenjamini bonyana alwele u-Itjhi-Bhotjhethi umsa kaSawula; nakebakwaDavida kwakhethwa abalitjhumi nambili bonyana balwele uDavida. Kwaba ngilelo nalelosokana labamba isokana elinqombene nalo ehloko, ahlabana ehlangothini ngomukhwa omkhulu, awela phasi womabili. Yeke indawo leyo eGibiyoni yabizwa bona yiRhelikhathi Hatsidimi. Ipi yamhlokho yayesabeka khulu. U-Abineri nabantu bakwa-Israyeli bahlulwa babantu bakaDavida. Amadodana amathathu kaTseruya nawo gade asepini; kunguJowabi, u-Abitjhayi no-Asayeli. U-Asayeli gade asigijimi esinjengeqina emmangweni. Wagijimisa u-Abineri, wamlala nje eenthendeni. U-Abineri waqala ngemva kwakhe, warhuwelela wathi: “Asayeli, nguwe loyo na?” Yena waphendula wathi: “Iye ngimi!” U-Abineri wathi kuye: “Yewulise ukungigijimisa, bamba elinye lamasokana ulimuke iinhlabano zalo!” Kodwana u-Asayeli wathi ulale ulahlile. U-Abineri warhuwelela godu wathi ku-Asayeli: “Ndoda, lisa ukugijimisana nami! Ufunelani bona ngikudule phasi? Njekhona, ngingamqalelwa ngubani uJowabi umnakwenu na?” Kodwana u-Asayeli akhange amlalele. Yeke u-Abineri wamhlaba ngetlobo yesidunu somkhonto emathunjini, umkhonto bewaphundlukela ngemva kwakhe. Wawa bewafa khonapho. Woke umuntu gade ajama lokha nafika lapha kwafela khona u-Asayeli. Kodwana uJowabi no-Abitjhayi baqothelana no-Abineri. Ilanga labatjhingela lokha nabafika embundwini we-Ama, hlanu kweGiyarhi endleleni yebhudu leGibiyoni. BakwaBhenjamini bazibutha bazibumba isiqhema, bajama esiqongweni sombundu emuva kwaka-Abineri. U-Abineri warhuwelela uJowabi wathi kuye: “Sifanele sihlale ngokulwa isiphelani na? Wazi kuhle bona isiphetho sento le simbi kangangani. Uzabatjela nini abantu bakhwabo bona balise ukugijimisana nabafowabo?” UJowabi waphendula wathi: “NgoZimu ngiqinisile ngithi, ibe thana khewakhuluma ekuseni, abantu bebangazukubhudabhudana nabafowabo kangaka.” Nje-ke, uJowabi wabetha ipalapala; boke abantu bajama. Akhange basaragela phambili nokugijimisana nama-Israyeli begodu akhange basalwa. Boke ubusukobo u-Abineri nabantu bakhe badabula esikepetlwini seJordani, bayama umlambo. Baragela phambili, bafika eMarhanayimu emini ekulu. Ekubuyeni kwakaJowabi ekugijimiseni u-Abineri, wahlanganisa boke abantu bakhe. Ngaphandle kwaka-Asayeli, kwafumaniseka bona kunamadoda alitjhumi nethoba acimeleko. Kodwana abantu bakaDavida babulala amakhulu amathathu namatjhumi asithandathu wabantu bakwaBhenjamini ebegade bakhamba no-Abineri. Bathatha u-Asayeli bambulunga ethuneni lakayise eBhethe-Lehema. UJowabi nabantu bakhe bakhamba ubusuku boke bebafika eRhebroni nakuthathela ukusa. Ipi hlangana nendlu kaSawula nendlu kaDavida yathatha isikhathi eside. UDavida waya ngokuya akhula emandleni, indlu kaSawula yaya ngokuya iphelelwa mamandla. UDavida wabelethelwa amadodana eRhebroni: Izibulo lakhe ku-Arhinowami weJizriyela bekungu-Amnoni; yesibili nguKiliyabu ku-Abigeyili umfelokazi kaNabhali weKarameli; yesithathu kungu-Absalomu kuMakha, indodakazi kaTalimayi ikosi yeGetjhuri; yesine ngu-Adoniya kuRhagithi; yesihlanu kunguTjhefathiya ku-Abitala; yesithandathu kunguYitriyamu, emfazini kaDavida u-Egila. Ngesikhathi kusekhona ipi phakathi kwendlu kaSawula nendlu kaDavida, u-Abineri waqinisa isikhundla sakhe endlini kaSawula. USawula gade anomngena, ibizo lawo bekunguRitsipha indodakazi ka-Aya. U-Itjhi-Bhotjhethi wabuza u-Abineri wathi: “Ungeneleni emabhayini nekhohlo lakababa na?” U-Abineri wasilingeka khulu ngombuzo ka-Itjhi-Bhotjhethi, bewaphendula wathi: “Udlumbana bona mina ngikhotha uJuda na? Kusukela ekuthomeni ngithembekile endlini kayihlo uSawula, nakubafowabo nebakhozini bakhe, nawe akhange ngikunikele kuDavida. Alo, wena namhlanje ungibeka umlandu ngomfazi tle! UZimu uyangizwa, dumbana ngife mina Abineri, nangingenzi njengombana uSomnini athembisa uDavida, wathi, ‘Ngizokususa umbuso endlini kaSawula, ngijamise isihlalo sobukhosi bakaDavida phezu kwaka-Israyeli noJuda, kusukela kwaDani ngetlhagwini bekube seBheritjheba ngesewula.’ ” U-Itjhi-Bhotjhethi akhange asaba nesibindi sokukhupha ilizwi ku-Abineri ngombana gade amesaba. U-Abineri wathumela iinthunywa zakhe kuDavida bona zifike zithi: “Inarha le akusingeyakho yoke na? Wena yenza isivumelwano nami, mina ngizakusiza ukubuyisa woke u-Israyeli bona abe ngakuwe.” UDavida wathi: “Kulungile, ngizakwenza isivumelwano nawe. Kodwana kunye engikufuna kuwe: Ungezi kimapha, nawungezi noMikali indodakazi kaSawula, lokha nawuzongibona.” UDavida wathumela iinthunywa ku-Itjhi-Bhotjhethi, wathi: “Nginikela umkami uMikali, engazizuzela yena ngekhulu lamajwabu wamaFilista.” Nje-ke u-Itjhi-Bhotjhethi wakhupha umyalo bona uMikali asuswe emyeninakhe uPaltiyeli umsa kaLayitjhi. UPaltiyeli wakhamba nomkakhe, wamlandela ngemuva indlela yoke alila, bekwaba seBharhurimu. Yeke u-Abineri wathi kuye: “Buyela ekhaya!” Wajika-ke. Kuthe kusesenjalo, u-Abineri wakhuluma nabaphathi bakwa-Israyeli wathi: “Sekusikhatjhana nifuna ukubeka uDavida bona abe yikosenu. Yeke, kwenzeni-ke lokho! Angithi uSomnini wathembisa uDavida wathi, ‘Ngencekwami uDavida ngizakusindisa abantu bami u-Israyeli ezandleni zamaFilista nezandleni zezitha zabo zoke.’ ” U-Abineri waya ngokwakhe wayokukhuluma nebakwaBhenjamini. Kwathi emva kwalokho waziyela yena kuDavida eRhebroni, wamhlebela uDavida bonyana woke u-Israyeli nendlu yoke yakwaBhenjamini bayavuma bona abe yikosi. U-Abineri wafika namadoda amatjhumi amabili kuDavida eRhebroni. UDavida wabenzela umgidi. U-Abineri wathi kuDavida: “Kosami, yithi ngikhambe ngiyokubiza woke u-Israyeli ahlangane ekosinamapha ukuze enze isivumelwano nekosi bese ikosi ibusa phezu kwenarha yoke eyithandako.” Nje-ke, uDavida walayelisana no-Abineri; bahlukana ngokuthula. Khonokho ngemva kobana u-Abineri ahlukene noDavida ngokuthula eRhebroni, kwafika uJowabi neviyo lakaDavida. Bebabuya ukuyokusahlela, beza nepango enengi. Kwathi bona uJowabi namabutho woke agade anaye bafike, watjelwa kwathiwa: “Kazi u-Abineri umsa kaNeri gade eze ekosini, ikosi imlisile wakhamba, bahlukana ngokuthula.” Nje-ke uJowabi waya ekosini wafese wathi: “Yendoda! Walisa inyoni yaphapha? Qala u-Abineri gade akuwapha. Alo, umliseleni akhambe? Ukhambile-ke! Uyamazi u-Abineri umsa kaNeri loya, gade azele ukuzozihlolisa nokuzokuqala imikhambakho ukuze afunyane koke okwenzako.” Kuthe bona uJowabi ahlukane noDavida, wathumela iinthunywa zalandela u-Abineri, zambuyisa asele asemthonjeni womunga. Kodwana uDavida gade angazi litho ngalokho. Kwathi lokha u-Abineri nafika eRhebroni, uJowabi wamdosela ngeqadi kwesango, yaba sengathi uyokukhuluma naye ngemsitheleni. Khonapho, wamhlaba emathunjini wafa. Lokhu wakwenza abuyiselela ukufa komfowabo u-Asayeli. Emva kokobana kwenzekile lokho, uDavida wezwa, bewathi: “Bekube nini nanini, mina nombuswami, asinamlandu phambi kwakaSomnini ngeengazi zaka-Abineri umsa kaNeri. Kwanga iingazi zakhe zingawela ezandleni zakaJowabi nendlini yoke kayise! Kwanga indlu kaJowabi ingeze yahlala inganamuntu onenjovela, olunyiweko, onekhwekhwe, orholopheleko nofela epini nanyana otlhoga ukudla.” (Vele uJowabi nomnakwabo u-Abitjhayi babulala u-Abineri ngombana naye wabulala u-Asayeli umfowabo epini eGibiyoni.) Yeke uDavida wathi kuJowabi nebantwini boke agade anabo: “Tlebhulani izambatho zenu nembathe iinzilo nikhambe nilila phambi kwaka-Abineri.” Ikosi uDavida ngekwayo yakhamba ngemva komkghadi. Bangcwaba u-Abineri eRhebroni. Ikosi uDavida yahlaba isililo ethuneni laka-Abineri, nabantu boke balila nayo. Ikosi yakhalela ingoma yesililo ngo-Abineri, yathi: “Abineri, ufeleni njengesidlhadlha? Izandla zakho bezingakabotjhwa, neenyawo zakho zingakakinatwa. Uwe njengomuntu owa phambi kwabantu abakhohlakeleko.” Isizwe soke sarhahlawula ngo-Abineri. Yeke boke abantu beza bancenga uDavida bona adle intwanyana kusesemini; kodwana uDavida wenza isifungo wathi: “NgoZimu ngiqinisile ngithi, akunanto engizayinuka ilanga lingakatjhingi.” Boke abantu bakubona lokho bathaba; yoke into eyenziwa yikosi yabathabisa tle. Nje-ke mhlokho boke abantu, iye u-Israyeli woke wazi bona ikosi gade inganasandla ekubulaweni kwaka-Abineri umsa kaNeri. Ikosi uDavida yathi eviyweni layo: “Kuyabonakala bonyana kuwe ikosana nomuntu omkhulu kwa-Israyeli namhlanjesi. Nanyana ngiyikosi ezesweko namhlanje, nokho ngisesebuthakathaka kobana ngingajamelana namadodana kaTseruya. USomnini uzakubuyisela umenzi wesono njengokwezenzo zakhe ezimbi.” Kwathi bona u-Itjhi-Bhotjhethi umsa kaSawula ezwe bona u-Abineri uhlongakalele eRhebroni, waphelelwa mamandla, no-Israyeli woke wesaba. (Ngaphandle kwaka-Itjhi-Bhotjhethi bekunomunye oseleko womndeni kaSawula. Ibizo lakhe bekunguMefi-Bhotjhethi umsa kaJonathani; arholophele iinyawo zombili. Gade aneminyaka emihlanu lokha kufika iindaba zakaSawula noJonathani ezibuya eJizriyela. Imbelesakhe yamdzwebula bona ibaleke naye; kodwana ithe nayithi iyarhaba bona isuke, yawisa umntwana loya, kwaba kurholophala kwakhe-ke njalo.) U-Itjhi-Botjhethi umsa kaSawula bekanamadoda amabili agade abarholi beenqhema zabagongodi. Ibizo lenye bekunguBhana enye kunguRekabi; bebamadodana kaRimoni umBherothi wekoro yakwaBhenjamini. (IBherothi ithathwa njengengcenye yakwaBhenjamini ngombana abantu beBherothi babalekela eGithayimu; baba ziinkhonzi lapho bekwaba namhlanjesi.) Kwathi ngelinye ilanga, ngemva kwedina, URekabi noBhana, amadodana kaRimoni umBherothi, aya endlini ka-Itjhi-Bhotjhethi. Ilanga lalitjhisa, u-Itjhi-Botjhethi asathethe isithongwana ngendlini. Bangena ngaphakathi endlini kwaba sengathi bazokufuna ikoroyi. Kuthe nabangenako bafunyana u-Ithji-Botjhethi abhambalele embhedeni ngelawini lakhe. Bamhlaba emathunjini bambulala, baquntula ihlokwakhe, babaleka; bakhamba nayo ubusuku boke ngendlela yemrhobeni weJordani. Baletha ihloko ka-Itjhi-Bhotjhethi leyo kuDavida eRhebroni bathi kuye: “Nasi ihloko ka-Itjhi-Bhotjhethi, umsa kaSawula, isitha sakho esalinga ukuthatha ukuphila kwakho. Namhlanje, uSomnini uZimu ubuyiselele ikosami kuSawula nesizukulwaneni sakhe.” UDavida waphendula uRekabi nomnakwabo uBhana, amadodana kaRimoni umBherothi wathi: “USomnini owangithukulula kiwo woke amatshwenyekwami uyangizwa: ETsikhilagi kweza umuntu wangitjela bona uSawula uhlongakele, adlumbana bona uletha iindaba ezihle. Ngamuthi bhi! Ngambulala! Lokho, kwaba mvuzo engamupha wona ngeendaba zakhezo! Kungangani-ke engizokwenza ngeenkhohlakali ezibulele umuntu onganamlandu ngendlinakhe phezu kombhedakhe? Nje-ke, nizokuhlawula ipilwakhe ngeengazi zenu. Ngizonihlukanisa namabele!” UDavida walayela iinceku zakhe bona zibabulale. Zabaquntula izandla neenyawo, zaphanyeka iindumbu zabo hlanu kwelitsha eRhebroni. Kodwana zathatha ihloko ka-Itjhi-Bhotjhethi zayingcwaba ezindleni laka-Abineri eRhebroni. Zoke iinkoro zakwa-Israyeli zeza kuDavida eRhebroni zathi: “Siziingazi zakho. Eenkhathini ezidlulileko, uSawula asese yikosi phezu kwethu, nguwe ogade udosa u-Israyeli ukuya epini. USomnini wathi kuwe, ‘Nguwe ozakwelusa abantu bami u-Israyeli begodu nguwe ozakubusa u-Israyeli.’ ” Ngaleyondlela boke abaphathi bakwa-Israyeli beza ekosini uDavida eRhebroni. UDavida wenza nabo isivumelwano eRhebroni phambi kwakaSomnini; base bayamzesa waba yikosi phezu kwaka-Israyeli. UDavida gade anamatjhumi amathathu weminyaka lokha naba yikosi, wabusa amatjhumi amane weminyaka. ERhebroni wabusa uJuda iminyaka elikhomba neenyanga ezithandathu, kwathi eJerusalema wabusa phezu kwaka-Israyeli woke noJuda iminyaka ematjhumi amathathu nantathu. Ikosi uDavida nabantu bakhe baya eJerusalema bona basahlele amaJebusi ahlala lapho. AmaJebusi arhuwelela uDavida athi: “Awuzukungena la; ngitjho iimphofu neenrhole zizokukhandela lula.” Ngalokho bebazitjela bonyana uDavida angeze angena lapho. Khonapho, uDavida wathumba ubuphephelo beZiyoni, okwathi ngemva kwesikhathi baba muMuzi kaDavida. Mhlokho, uDavida wathi: “Woke ofuna ukuhlula amaJebusi, kuzakufanela bona asebenzise umsele wamanzi.” UDavida wayihloya ikulumo ethi: “Iinrhole neemphofu zizokukhandela lula.” Ngikho-nje kuthiwa: “Iimphofu neenrhole azizukungena ethempelini.” UDavida wathuthela ebuphephelweni, wabubiza bona muMuzi kaDavida. Wakha izindlu ukusukela endundumeni ezombeleze ubuphephelo ukuya emthangaleni wedorobho. Waragela phambili wakhula ngamandla ngombana uSomnini uMninimandlawoke gade anaye. URhiramu ikosi yeTirosi wathumela iinthunywa kuDavida kanye neengodo zomsedari nababazi, nabakhi ngelitje; bakhela uDavida isigodlo. UDavida walemuka bona uSomnini umjamise waba yikosi phezu kwaka-Israyeli, nokobana uphakamise umbuswakhe ngebanga labantu bakwa-Israyeli. Emva kokobana uDavida asuke eRhebroni, wathatha imingena eminye nabafazi eJerusalema, wabelethelwa amadodana namadodakazi amanye. Lawa mabizo wabantwana abelethelwa bona lapho: UTjhamuwa, uTjhobabi, uNathani, uSolomoni, uYibhurhari, u-Elitjhuwa, uNefegi, uJafiya, u-Elitjhama, u-Eliyada no-Elifelethi. Kwathi lokha amaFilista nezwa bona uDavida uzeswe bonyana abe yikosi yakwa-Israyeli, aphuma woke ayomzuma. Kodwana uDavida wezwa ngalokho waya ebuphephelweni. Lokha amaFilista nasabalala emRhobeni waBezimu, uDavida wabuza uSomnini wathi: “Ngingawasahlela amaFilista na? Uzawanikela ezandleni zami?” USomnini wamphendula wathi: “Iye khamba, ukuwanikela ngizawanikela amaFilista ezandleni zakho.” Yeke uDavida waya eBhali-Peratsimu, wawahlula lapho amaFilista, bewathi: “USomnini urhurhule izitha zami njengamanzi agobhoza arhurhule koke.” Ngebangelo, indawo leyo yabizwa bona yiBhali-Peratsimu. AmaFilista atjhiya abosingazimu bawo lapho, uDavida nabantu bakhe babadobha. Godu amaFilista akhuphuka asabalala ngemRhobeni waBezimu. UDavida wabuza uSomnini, yena wamphendula wathi: “Unganqophi kibo, kodwana bazombe ngemuva bese ubasahlela ngaphambi kwemithi yebhalisamu. Masinyana-nje nawizwa itjhada lamagadango ngaphezu kwemithi yebhalisamu, rhaba ngombana uSomnini uzabe akhamba phambi kwenu ukumadlha ipi yamaFilista.” UDavida wenza njengombana uSomnini amyalile, wamadlha amaFilista indlela yoke kusukela eGeba ukuya eGezeri. UDavida wabuya godu wahlanganisa boke abakhethiweko kwa-Israyeli, baba ziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amathathu sebaboke. UDavida wasuka nabo boke abantwabo bakhamba bayokuthatha umfaji kaZimu eBhala kwaJuda. Umfaji lowo ungodumileko. Ubukhona bakaSomnini uMninimandlawoke buhlala emfajinapho hlangana namakerubhi. Bakhweza umfaji kaZimu phezu kwekoloyana etja, bawukhupha endlini ka-Abinadaba ebigade iphezu kwentatjana. U-Uza no-Arhiyo abantwanabomntwana ka-Abinadaba batjhayela ikoloyana etja leyo ithwele umfaji kaZimu. U-Arhiyo wakhamba pambi kwayo hlanu kweenkomo. Bawuthatha njalo-ke umfaji kaSomnini endlini ka-Abinadaba. UDavida nendlu yoke yakwa-Israyeli bebathabile phambi kwakaSomnini, bancinza imihlobohlobo yamaharibha eyenziwe ngesigodo somsayipurusi, balilisa abosotjherere, amafahlawana neewahlo. Kuthe nabafika eselelweni seNakhoni, u-Uza welula isandla wabamba umfaji kaZimu ngombana ikoloyana yakhahlumezeka lokha iinkomo nazifika edwalenapho. Ubukhali bakaSomnini bavuthela u-Uza ngebanga lesenzo sakhe sokungahloniphi; ngebangelo uSomnini wamumadlha phasi wafela khonapho eqadi komfaji kaZimu. UDavida wakhathazeka ngebanga lokobana uSomnini aphahlaze u-Uza. Yeke wathiya indawo leyo bona yiPeretsi-Uza. Ibizwelo lisajamile nanamhlanjesi. Mhlokho uDavida wesaba uSomnini bewadlumbana wathi: “Alo, ngingawusa njani umfaji kaSomnini kwami?” Ngalokho gade angakazimiseli bona athathe umfaji kaSomnini ubenaye eMzini kaDavida. Kunalokho, wawuphambukisa wawusa endlini ka-Obede-Edomu umGathi. Umfaji kaSomnini wahlala iinyanga ezintathu endlini ka-Obede-Edomu umGathi. USomnini wambusisa nendlwakhe yoke. Ikosi uDavida yabikelwa bonyana uSomnini ubusise indlu ka-Obede-Edomu nakho koke anakho ngebanga lomfaji kaZimu. Yeke uDavida wehla wakhuphula umfaji kaZimu endlini ka-Obede-Edomu wawuletha eMzini kaDavida ngethabo. Kwathi lokha abathwele umfaji kaSomnini sebathethe amagadango asithandathu, wanikela ngekunzi nangekonyana elinonisiweko. UDavida gade embethe iphuraphura yomphristi kwaphela. Wahlaba iinsondo phambi kwakaSomnini ngokuzimisela okukhulu. Ngaleyondlela uDavida nendlu yoke yakwa-Israyeli bakhuphula umfaji kaSomnini ngetjhada lokuvuma nangokuliliswa kwepalapala. Kuthe lokha umfaji kaSomnini nawungena eMzini kaDavida, uMikali indodakazi kaSawula wabukela ahlole ngefesidere. Uthe nabona ikosi uDavida athamba, agida phambi kwakaSomnini, wamnyaza. Baletha umfaji kaSomnini ngetendeni uDavida agade alihlomele wona, bawubeka endaweni ekhethekileko. UDavida wanikela ngomhlabelo wokutjhiswa nangomhlabelo wetjhebiswano phambi kwakaSomnini. Emva kobana aqedile ngemihlabelo leyo, wabusisa abantu ebizweni lakaSomnini uMninimandlawoke. Omunye nomunye esiqubuthwini sakwa-Israyeli, amadoda nabafazi, waphiwa isikwa esindulungu, amakwapa wesundu namakwapa wamadiribe. Abantu baphadlhalala-ke, babuyela emakhaya. Kuthe lokha uDavida nabuyela ekhaya bona abusise indlwakhe, uMikali indodakazi kaSawula waphuma bona amhlangabeze, wamtshima wathi kuye: “Ikosi yama-Israyeli yazibonakalisa-ke namhlanjesi! Yazineka bhunubhunu phambi kwamakhobokakazi weenceku zayo kanjengombana bekuzokwenza omunye nomunye umuntu ongazisiko.” UDavida wathi kuMikali: “Bengigida phambi kwakaSomnini owakhetha mina kunokobana akhethe uyihlo nanyana omunye wendlu yakhe. Ngigide ngombana uSomnini ajamisa mina bona ngibe mbusi wesizwe sakhe, u-Israyeli. Ngisazozehlisa khulu kunalokhu, bengizilulaze: Ngizozehlisa ngamakhobokakazi okhulume ngawo la, ngihlonipheke kiwo.” UMikali indodakazi kaSawula akhange abe nomntwana bekwaba sekufeni kwakhe. Emuva kokobana ikosi uDavida seyinzinze esigodlweni sayo noSomnini selayiphe ukuphumula ezitheni zayo zoke eziyizombelezileko, yathi kuNathani umphorofidi: “Akhese uqale, mina ngihlezi ngesigodlweni somsedari ukube umfaji kaZimu wona usele ngetenjaneni.” UNathani waphendula ikosi uDavida wathi: “Ikosami ayenze ngokubona kwayo ngombana uSomnini uZimu unayo.” Ngobusukobo ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kuNathani lathi: “Khamba ufese utjele incekwami uDavida uthi, ‘Nakhu uSomnini akutjhwileko: Wena ufuna ukungakhela indlu bona ngihlale kiyo na? Mina akhange khengihlale ngendlini kusukela mhlana ngikhupha bakwa-Israyeli eGibhide bekube namhlanjesi. Bengiseze ngidlhedlha ngetende nginganabuhlalo. Azange khengitjho litho ngendlu lokha nangidlhedlha nama-Israyeli. Phakathi kwabo boke ababusi engabakhetha bonyana beluse abantu bami u-Israyeli, akakho engambawa bona angakhele indlu yomsedari.’ “Nje-ke, yewutjele uDavida incekwami uthi, ‘Nakhu uSomnini uMninimandlawoke akutjhwileko: Mina ngakususa emadlelweni nekweluseni umhlambi bona ube yikosana yesizwe sami u-Israyeli. Ngibe nawe nomaphi la uya khona, ngaphelisa nezitha zakho zoke phambi kwakho. Nje-ke ngizokwenza ube ngomunye wabadumileko ephasini. Ngizokulungiselela isizwe sami u-Israyeli indawo, ngisinzinzise ukuze sibe nekhaya laso singasaphazamiseki. Iinkhohlakali azisoze zisabagandelela njengombana zenzile ekuthomeni, lokha nangibeka ababusi phezu kwabantu bami u-Israyeli. Godu ngizaniphumuza kizo zoke izitha zenu. Mina Somnini ngiyakwazisa bonyana ngizokwakhela indlu. Lokha amalangakho selaphelile sewuphumule kiboyihlomkhulu, esikhundleni sakho ngizakuvusa omunye esizukulwaneni sakho seengazi, ngiqinise umbuswakhe. Kuzakuba nguye owakha indlu lapha ngizakuba khona. Ngizakuqinisa ubukhosi bakhe bujame mndundu. Ngizakuba nguyise yena abe yindodanami. Lokha nalelesako, ngizamritha njengobaba nanunga umntwanakhe. Kodwana ukwethembeka kwami angeze ngakususa kuye njengombana ngenza kuSawula, engamsusa phambi kwakho. Indlwakho nombuswakho kuzakujamela futhi phambi kwami. Isihlalo sakho sobukhosi sihlale mndundu.’ ” UNathani wakhuluma kuDavida woke amezwi wesambulweso. Ikosi uDavida yangena ngetendeni yahlala ebukhoneni bakaSomnini, yafese yathi: “Somnini Somandla, bengiyini mina, nomdenami uyini bonyana ungangirhola bekube lapha na? Kuba sengathi akukaneli ebusweni bakho Somnini Somandla, ubuye godu wakhuluma ngelikusasa lendlu yencekwakho. Somnini Somandla, kghani le yindlela ejayelekileko ovane usebenze ngayo nomuntu? Incekwakho uDavida ingabuye ithini nje kuSomninini ngombana uSomnini uSomandla uyayazi incekwakhe. Wenze izinto ezikulwezi ngombana uthembisile nokobana bezisehliziywenakho, bewazazisa incekwakho. Maye Somnini Somandla, uthi umkhulu na! Ngokuya ngesikuzwileko, akakho ofana nawe begodu akakho uZimu ngaphandle kwakho. “Ngisiphi esinye isizwe ephasini esinjengabantu bakho u-Israyeli. U-Israyeli sisizwe uZimu asihlenga bona sibe babantu bakhe nokobana azenzele ibizo. Wenza iimanga ezikulu nezesabekako ngokuqotjha phambi kwaso ezinye izizwe nabozinyana bazo. Ujamise abantu bakho u-Israyeli bona babe ngabakho isiphelani, wena-ke Somnini unguZimabo. “Nje-ke Somnini Zimu, zalisa isiphelani iinthembiso ozenzileko mayelana nencekwakho kanye nendlwayo. Yenza njengombana uthembisile ukuze ibizo lakho libe likhulu isiphelani. Yeke abantu bazakuthi, ‘USomnini uMninimandlawoke unguZimu phezu kwaka-Israyeli.’ Inga indlu yencekwakho uDavida ingajama inzinze phambi kwakho ngombana wena Somnini Mninimandlawoke, Zimu ka-Israyeli, wembule lokhu encekwinakho ngokwakho wathi, ‘Ngizakwakhela indlu.’ Ngikho incekwakho ifunyene isibindi sokobana ithandaze kuwe umthandazo lo. Iye Somnini Somandla unguZimu! Amezwakho athembekile begodu namezwi amahle owakhulume encekwinakho la athembekile. Nje-ke ngibawa bonyana ubusise indlu yencekwakho ukuze iphumelele isiphelani phambi kwakho. Wena Somnini Somandla ukhulumile, nangesibusiso sakho indlu yencekwakho izakubusiseka isiphelani.” Kwathi emva kwalokho uDavida wamadlha amaFilista; wawalawula ngokuwathathela iintambo zokubusa ezandleni zawo. Waragela phambili wamadlha nebakwaMowabi. Wabalalisa umjeje phasi ehlabathini wabalinganisa ngentambo. Boke abalinganiseka ngobude bentambo kabili bebabulawa bese kuthi abalinganiseke kanye baliswe. Yeke amaMowabi asebenzela uDavida abe aletha nemithelo kuye. Ngaphezu kwalokho uDavida wamadlha noHadadi-Ezeri umsa kaRerhobi ikosi yeTsoba lokha uHadadi-Ezeri nasathi ubuyisa amandlakhe wokulawula iindawo ezimagegana nomlambo iYufrathe. UDavida wathumba kuHadadi-Ezeri amajoni weenyawo aziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili nabakhweli abayikulungwana namakhulu alikhomba. Wakhupha ikhulu lesipani seenjomani zeenkarana kwathi eziseleko waziqunta imisipha yeenqatha. Kwathi lokha ama-Arami weDamaseku nezako bona asize uHadadi-Ezeri ikosi yeTsoba, uDavida warhadla phasi iinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili nambili zawo. Wajamisa iinqhema zamajoni embusweni wama-Arami eDamaseku. Ama-Arami asebenzela uDavida abe aletha nemithelo kuye. USomnini wapha uDavida ukuhlula koke lapha akhamba khona. UDavida wathatha iinlanda zegolide egade kungezeenduna kaHadadi-Ezeri waziletha eJerusalema. Ikosi uDavida yathatha idzila enengi eBhetharhi neBherothayi ekumimizi egade ingekaHadadi-Ezeri. Lokha uToyi ikosi yeRhamathi ezwa bona uDavida uhlule loke ibutho lakaHadadi-Ezeri, wathumela uJoramu indodanakhe kuDavida ukumbingelela nokumkwakwazela ekuhluleni kwakhe ipi kaHadadi-Ezeri ngombana uHadadi-Ezeri bekahlala alwa naye. UJoramu waphathela uDavida izipho zesiliva, igolide kanye nedzila. UDavida wanikela ngeziphezo kuSomninini njengombana bekenzile ngesiliva negolide agade alithumbe kizo zoke izizwe azihlulileko. Izizwezi gade kuma-Arami, amaMowabi, ama-Amoni, amaFilista kanye nama-Amalekhi. Wanikela nangepango ayifunyene kuHadadi-Ezeri umsa kaRerhobi ikosi yeTsoba. Ekubuyeni kwakaDavida epini, wamadlha iinkulungwana ezilitjhumi nobunane zama-Edomu ngemRhobeni weTswayi. Lokhu kwamenza waduma khulu. Wajamisa iinqhema zamajoni kilo loke lakwa-Edomu. Ama-Edomu woke amsebenzela. USomnini wapha uDavida ukuhlula koke lapha akhamba khona. UDavida wabusa phezu kwaka-Israyeli woke, wagweba ngokulungileko boke abeza kuye ngemiraro. UJowabi umsa kaTseruya gade amphathi webutho; uJehotjhafathi umsa ka-Arhiludi kungusosiba; uTsadokhi umsa ka-Arhithubi no-Arhimeleki umsa ka-Abiyatari bekubaphristi; uSeraya angumabhalana; uBhenaya umsa kaJehoyada gade aphethe amaKereti namaPeleti; abesa bakaDavida nabo bebabaphristi. UDavida wabuza wathi: “Kukhona osaseleko wendlu kaSawula bona ngimenzele umusa ngenca kaJonathani na?” Bekukhona isisebenzi sendlu kaSawula ibizo laso kunguTsiba. Wabizelwa ekosini uDavida, yeke ikosi yambuza yathi: “Nguwe uTsiba na?” Yena waphendula wathi: “Ndabezitha! Iye ngimi.” Ikosi uDavida yabuza yathi: “Akakho osaseleko wendlu kaSawula engingamenzela umusa njengombana ngathembisa phambi kwakaZimu na?” UTsiba waphendula ikosi wathi: “Kusesekhona indodana kaJonathani kwaphela, irholophele iinyawo zombili.” Ikosi yabuza yathi: “Alo, iphi yona?” UTsiba waphendula wathi: “IkwamaMakhiri umsa ka-Amiyeli ngeLo-Debhara.” Yeke ikosi uDavida yathi, ayiyokuthathwa eLo-Debharapho, kwamaMakhiri umsa ka-Amiyeli. Lokha uMefi-Bhotjheti umsa kaJonathani, omsa kaSawula nafika kuDavida, waguqa wahloma ihloko phasi. UDavida wathi kuye: “Mefi-Bhotjheti!” Yena waphendula wathi: “Ndabezitha, ngilapha!” UDavida wathi kuye: “Ungesabi ngombana ngambala ngizokwenzela umusa ngebanga lakayihlo uJonathani. Ngizokubuyisela kuwe zoke iindawo ebegade zingezakaSawula uyihlomkhulu, wena udle etafulenami ngesikhathi soke.” UMefi-Bhotjheti wahloma ihloko phasi wathi: “Njekhona, bengiyini mina kosami, bona ungabeze utjheje into enjengami?” Yeke ikosi uDavida yabiza uTsiba isisebenzi sakaSawula yathi kiso: “Senginikele indodana esizukulwani sekosakho koke ebegade kungekwakaSawula nomdenakhe. Wena-ke, amadodanakho neenceku zakho nifanele nimlimele isimu benimlethele isivuno ukuze isizukulwani sekosakho sibe nokudla. UMefi-Bhotjheti isizukulwani sekosakho sizakugoma etafulenami ngesikhathi soke.” UTsiba wathi ekosini: “Ndabezitha, kosami, incekwakho izakwenza njengombana ikosi isitjho.” UTsiba gade anamadodana alitjhumi nahlanu neenceku ezimatjhumi amabili. Boke bendlu kaTsiba bebaziinsebenzi zakaMefi-Bhotjheti. Yeke uMefi-Bhotjheti wagoma etafuleni lakaDavida njengomunye wamakhosana. Ngebanga lokobana gade arholophele iinyawo zombili, wahlala eJerusalema ukuze akwazi ukugoma etafuleni lekosi uDavida ngesikhathi soke. UMefi-Bhotjheti gade anendodana eseseyincani ebizwa bona nguMikha. Kwathi emva kwalokho ikosi yakwa-Amoni yahlongakala. URhanuni indodanayo waba yikosi esikhundleni sayo. UDavida wadlumbana wathi: “Ngizakuba nomusa kuRhanuni umsa kaNarhatjhi kanjengombana uyise waba nomusa kimi.” Nje-ke uDavida wathumela abazenda bakhe bona bayomtjhiriyela kuRhanuni ngoyise. Kwathi lokha abantu bakaDavida nabafika enarheni yama-Amoni, abaphathi bakwa-Amoni bathi kuRhanuni ikosabo: “Ikosi icabanga bona uDavida uhlonipha usokosi kangangobana angabe athumele abantwaba bona bazokutjhiriya na? Uthi akakabathumeli nje bona bazozihlolisa idorobheli, bekuthi emva kwesikhathi balibhubhise?” Yeke uRhanuni wabamba abantu bakaDavida wabarhuna, ngiloyo naloyo ingcenye yesilevu sakhe. Waqunta izambatho zabo ngehla kwedini iindunu zabo zaba semtarini, wabalisa-ke bakhamba. Kuthe lokha uDavida nakatjelwako lokho, wathumela iinthunywa bona zihlangabeze abantu bakhe ngombana gade barhubutjhwe kabuhlungu. Ikosi uDavida yathi: “Hlalani eJerikho iintjebe zenu bezikhule kuhle bese niyabuya-ke.” Lokha ama-Amoni nalemukako bona atlhorholoje uDavida ngesidunwini, aqatjha amajoni weenyawo wama-Aramu aziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili eBhethe-Rerhobu neTsoba, nekulungwana yabantu ekosini yeMakha, kanye neenkulungwana ezilitjhumi nambili zabantu eTobu. Lokha uDavida nezwa lokho, wathumela uJowabi bona aphume nebutho loke leengorho zamajoni. Bakwa-Amoni baphuma bazihlela bona babe yipi ekungeneni kwesango ledorobhabo, ukube ama-Aramu weTsoba neRerhobu namadoda weTobu neweMakha bekathiyelele emrhuleni. Lokha uJowabi nabona bonyana ubhodwe yipi ngaphambili nangemuva, wakhetha abomakadebona beengorho kwa-Israyeli, wabahlela bona baqalane nama-Aramu. Wabeka inengi lamajoni ezandleni zaka-Abitjhayi umnakwabo, wawahlela bona aqalane nebakwa-Amoni. UJowabi wathi ku-Abitjhayi: “Nakube ama-Aramu anamandla kunami, ubuye uzongisiza; kodwana nakube bakwa-Amoni banamandla kunawe ngizakuza bona ngikusize. Qina ndoda, silwele isizwe sethu namadorobho wakaZimethu ngesibindi. UZimu uzakwenza okulungileko kuye.” Yeke uJowabi nebutho lakhe baphuma basahlela ama-Aramu, bawahlula abe abaleka. Lokha bakwa-Amoni nababona bonyana ama-Aramu ayabaleka, nabo babaleka phambi kwaka-Abitjhayi bangena ngaphakathi kwedorobhabo. Nje-ke uJowabi wajika ekusahleleni bakwa-Amoni wabuyela eJerusalema. Emuva kokobana ama-Aramu abone bona ahlulwe ngu-Israyeli, azihlela ngobutjha godu. UHadadi-Ezeri wabuyisa ngitjho nama-Aramu angaphetjheya komlambo iYufrathe, eza eRhelamu. Ayerholwa nguTjhobaki induna ekulu yebutho lakaHadadi-Ezeri. Lokha uDavida natjelwa lokho, wahlanganisa woke u-Israyeli, wayama iJordani waya eRhelamu. Ama-Aramu azihlela bona ahlangabeze uDavida alwe naye. Kodwana abaleka phambi kwaka-Israyeli. UDavida wabulala amakhulu alikhomba wabakhweli beenkarana nabakhweli beenjomani abaziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amane. Wamadlha phasi noTjhobaki induna yebutho labo bewafela khonapho. Kwathi lokha amakhosi ebegade angaphasi kwakaHadadi-Ezeri nakabona bonyana u-Israyeli uhlulile, enza ukuthula no-Israyeli abe akhosela ngaphasi kwakhe. Nje-ke, ama-Aramu esaba ukubuye asize bakwa-Amoni godu. Kwathi ngesilimela, ngesikhathi amakhosi aphuma ngaso ipi, uDavida wathumela amajonakhe noJowabi nabo boke abantu bakwa-Israyeli kobana bayokulwa. Babhubhisa bakwa-Amoni bebaminyezela iRabha. Kodwana uDavida yena wasala eJerusalema. Ngelinye ilanga kusihlwa uDavida wavuka embhedenakhe wakhambakhamba esirhodlweni esingaphezulu sesigodlo. Khonapho wabona umfazi ahlamba. Umfazi lo, gade angasimuhle athoma phasi. UDavida wathumela umuntu othileko bona abuzisise ngaye. Umuntu loyo wathi: “Ndabezitha, umfazi lo nguBhathi-Tjheba indodakazi ka-Eliyamu omka-Uriya umHite.” UDavida wathumela iinthunywa bona zimbize. Wafika-ke kuDavida, uDavida wamlala. (UBhathi-Tjheba gade asanda ukuzihlambulula esifazini.) Wabuyela ekhaya-ke. UBhathi-Tjheba wazibona bona uzithwele, wathumela ilizwi kuDavida wathi: “Kazi ngisebantwini.” UDavida wathumela nanti ilizwi kuJowabi wathi: “Thumela u-Uriya umHite kimi.” Mbala wamthumela-ke kuDavida. Kwathi lokha u-Uriya nafika kuye, uDavida wambuza bona uJowabi namadoda bavuke njani, nokuthi ipi iraga njani. Nje-ke uDavida wathi ku-Uriya: “Khamba uyokusela amanzi kwakho.” U-Uriya waphuma esigodlweni, walandelwa ziinkhanakhana zekosini. Kodwana u-Uriya walala neenceku zekosakhe zoke esangweni lesigodlo, akhange ehlele kwakhe. Kuthe lokha uDavida natjelwa bona u-Uriya akakayi kwakhe, wambuza wathi: “Alo, njengombana uyafika ubuya kude nje, kubayini ungayi kwakho?” U-Uriya waphendula wathi: “Ngingaya njani kwami ngifese ngidle, ngisele bengilale nomkami khibe umfaji kaZimu, u-Israyeli noJuda bahlezi ematendeni, ikosami nabantu bayo basemmangweni. Ngifunga uDavida ikosami ngithi, angisoze ngayenza into enjalo mina.” UDavida wathi kuye: “Hlala lapha ilanga libe linye godu, kuzakuthi kusasa ngikubuyisele emuva.” Mhlokho, u-Uriya wahlala eJerusalema. Ngelanga elilandelako uDavida wamema u-Uriya bona azokudla abe asele naye, enzelela bona adakwe. Kodwana nangobusukobo u-Uriya akhange ehlele kwakhe, wasuka wayokulala neenceku zekosakhe esigodlweni. Ekuseni ngakusasa uDavida watlolela uJowabi incwajana bewayithumela ngaye u-Uriya. Encwajaneni leyo, gade atlole wathi: “Beka u-Uriya ngaphambili lapha ipi itjhisa khulu khona bese uyamliselela wenzelele bona adulwe phasi afe.” Kwathi lokha uJowabi navimbezela idorobho, wabeka u-Uriya ngapha azi khona bona ziyabenya. Kwathi lokha abantu bedorobho nabaphumako bona balwe noJowabi, amanye wamajoni wakaDavida adulwa phasi; u-Uriya umHite, wabulawa nawo. UJowabi wathumela kuDavida woke umbiko ngepi. Wayala isithunywa wathi: “Tjela ikosi koke okwenzekileko epini. Ikosi ingahle ibhoke ngobukhali beyikubuze ithi, ‘Kubayini nibandamele idorobho kangaka nanilwa nalo? Beningazi bona bebanganijikijela basemthangaleni na? Niyakhohlwa bonyana kwenzakalani ngo-Abimeleki umsa kaJerubhetjhethi na? Angithi wabulawa mfazi ngokumjikijela ngembokotho asemthangaleni, bewafela eThebezi! Benibandamelelani-ke nina eduze komthangala?’ Lokha nakubuza koke lokhu, yithi kuye, ‘Nencekwakho u-Uriya umHite uhlongakele.’ ” Saphuma-ke isithunywa, kwathi lokha nasifika kuDavida sabika koke uJowabi agade asithume bona sikutjho. Isithunywa sathi kuDavida: “Ibuthwelo lalidlondlobele khulu kunathi begodu laphuma lasisahlela ebaleni. Kodwana thina salidudulela emuva sayolibeka ebungeneni besango ledorobho. Yeke abanembi bakhona bajikijela abantu bakho ngemisubela basemithangaleni, abanye babantu bekosi bafa. Ngaphezu kwalokho nenceku yekosi u-Uriya umHite, ihlongakele.” UDavida wathi esithunyweni: “Yithi kuJowabi, ‘Ungazikhathazi khulu ngendaba le; abantu bahlala bafa epini. Qinisa usahlele idorobho bewulibhubhise.’ Tjela uJowabi bona uyibambe ngesibhukwini.” Lokha umka-Uriya nakezwa bona umyenakhe uhlongakele, wamzilela. Kwathi isikhathi sokumzilela sesiphelile, uDavida wathi akayokuthathwa angeniswe esigodlweni sakhe. Yeke waba mkakhe wambelethela indodana. Kodwana into eyenziwe nguDavida le, yaba yimbi kuSomninini. USomnini wathuma uNathani kuDavida. Lokha nafika kuye wathi: “Emzini othileko gade kukhona amadoda amabili, enye beyinjingile enye ichakile. Enjingileko leyo beyinomhlambi omkhulu wezimvu neenkomo, kodwana echakileko beyinganalitho ngaphandle kwemvanakazi egade iyithengile. Yazikhulisela yona idla esandleni sayo nabantwabayo. Gade incunguluzelana nayo koke ekudlako; isela ekaphenayo begodu iyisingatha; sele ifana nendodakazi kiyo. “Kwathi ngelinye ilanga enjingileko yafikelwa sikhambi. Injinga le akhange ithande ukuthatha enye yezimvu namkha yeenkomo zayo bona ilungiselele isikhambi ebesifike kwayo. Esikhundleni salokho yathatha imvanakazi yendoda echakileko yalungisela isikhambi sayo.” UDavida wasilingeka wabila ngesenzo sendoda leyo bewathi kuNathani: “NgoZimu ngiqinisile ngithi, umuntu owenze lokho ufanelwe kukufa! Kufuze akhokhele imvanakazi leyo sekubuyelelwe kane ngombana wenze into embi begodu akhange abe nezwelo.” Nje-ke uNathani wathi kuDavida: “Umuntu loyo nguwe! Nakhu uSomnini uZimu ka-Israyeli akutjhwileko, ‘Ngimi engakubeka waba yikosi yakwa-Israyeli begodu ngimi engakusindisa esandleni sakaSawula. Ngakunikela koke okusendlini yekosakho; namakhohlo wekosakho bona uwayame. Ngakupha indlu yakwa-Israyeli neyakwaJuda. Nakube koke lokho bekukuncancani khulu kuwe, bengingakunikela okhunye ngaphezulu. Ulinyazeleni ilizwi lakaSomnini ngokwenza okumbi kangaka emehlwenakhe na? Ubulele u-Uriya umHite ngesabula bewathatha umkakhe bona abe ngewakho. Umbulele ngabomu ngesabula yabakwa-Amoni. Yeke isabula ayisobe isasuka endlinakho ngombana unyaze mina ngokuthatha umka-Uriya umHite wamenza wakho.’ “Mina Somnini ngithi kuwe, ‘Uzasuyihlole, kuzokuvela amanikelela endlinakho. Ngizokuthatha abomkakho phambi kwamehlwakho ngibanikele otjhidelene nawe; yena alale nabo emtarini. Wena wenze lokhu emsitheleni, kodwana mina ngizokwenza lokhu emini kukhanya phambi kwaka-Israyeli woke.’ ” UDavida wathi kuNathani: “Ngonile kuSomninini.” UNathani wathi: “USomnini usihlangulile isigwebo sakho sokufa. Kodwana njengombana ngokwenza lokhu uhlome uSomnini ngomuno ngelihlweni, ayizukuphila indodana obelethelwe yona.” Kwathi bona uNathani abuyele kwakhe, uSomnini wabetha umntwana ogade abelethelwe uDavida ngumka-Uriya ngokugula, wagula khulu. UDavida wancengela umntwana lo kuZimu. Wangena ngendlini walala phasi amalangana azile ukudla. Abaphathi bendlwakhe bamrabhela bona avuke, kodwana walikhomba libaba. Akhange adle nanyana yini nabo. Ngelanga lekhomba umntwana wahlongakala. Iinsebenzi zakaDavida bezesaba ukumtjela bona umntwana selahlongakele ngombana bezicabanga zithi: “Lokha umntwana nasaphilako, samrabhela uDavida kodwana akhange asilalele. Alo, singamtjela njani bona umntwana selahlongakele? Angahle azilimaze.” UDavida wabona iinsebenzi zakhe zihlebahleba zizodwa, walemuka-ke bona umntwana akasekho. Wabuza wathi: “Uhlongakele umntwana na?” Zavuma zathi: “Iye, uhlongakele.” Nje-ke uDavida wasikima phasi. Kuthe bona aqede ukuhlamba, wazela bewembatha nezambatho ezinye, wakhamba waya endlini kaSomnini wadumisa. Emuva kwalokho wabuyela endlinakhe wabawa ukudla bamnikela wadla. Iinsebenzi zakhe zambuza zathi: “Kubayini ikosi yenze nje? Lokha umntwana nasaphilako ikosi yazila ukudla yalila, kodwana nje, njengombana umntwana selahlongakele ikosi iyasikima iyadla?” UDavida waphendula wathi: “Iye, lokha umntwana nasaphilako, ngazila ngalila ngombana ngangicabanga ngithi, ‘Ngubani owaziko? Mhlamunye uSomnini angaba nomusa kimi, avumele umntwana aphile.’ Alo, njengombana selahlongakele nje, ngizakuzilelani? Ngingambuyisa na? Awa, mina ngizakuya kuye kodwana yena angekhe asabuyela kimi.” UDavida watjhiriya uBhathi-Tjheba umkakhe. Ngemva kwesikhathi walala naye, wabeletha indodana; bayithiya bona nguSolomoni. USomnini wamthanda. Njengombana uSomnini amthandile nje, wathumela ilizwi ngomphorofidi uNathani bona amthiye ibizo lakaJedidiya. Ngesikhatheso uJowabi gade asalwa neRabha yama-Amoni bewaminyezela isigodlo sedorobho. UJowabi wathumela iinthunywa kuDavida wathi: “Ngilwile neRabha, ngaphezu kwalokho ngithethe nendawo lapha bakha khona amanzi. Nje-ke hlanganisa inengi lamabutho uragelele idorobho, ulithumbe. Nakungasinjalo ngizakuthumba idorobhelo bengidume ngalo.” UDavida wahlanganisa loke ibutho bewaya eRabha, walisahlela bewalithumba. Wethula isihlohlo ebegade sisehloko yakasingazimu uMilikomu. Ubudisi baso bebuligolide elimakhilogremu amatjhumi amathathu nane begodu ngaphakathi kwaso bekunelitje eliligugu; sathweswa uDavida. Wathatha ipango enengi yedorobhelo. Wakatelela abantu bedorobhelo bona bamsebenzele: abanye wabasebenzisa ngeensarha, ngamapeke wesimbi nangamazembe; abanye wabenzisa iintina. Wenza koke lokho kiwo woke amadorobho wabakwa-Amoni. UDavida nebutho lakhe loke babuyela eJerusalema. Emva kwalokho u-Amnoni umsa kaDavida wathanda umntakamanakhe uTamari. UTamari gade amuhle, angudadwabo laka-Absalomu indodana encani kaDavida. U-Amnoni wagula ngebanga lakaTamari udadwabo ngombana angakwazi ukumbandamela ngebanga lokobana gade aselawini labentazana. Nje-ke u-Amnoni gade anomngani ibizo lakhe kunguJonadabi umsa kaTjhama, umnakwabo lakaDavida. UJonadabi loyo gade kungumaqangubana. Wabuza u-Amnoni wathi: “Hawu! Ilanga nelanga ikosana yatjhiba kangaka? Akhese ungitjele, kwenzenjani?” U-Amnoni wathi kuye: “Ngithanda uTamari udadwabo laka-Absalomu umfowethu.” UJonadabi wathi: “Khamba uyokulala embhedeni uzigulise. Kuzakuthi lokha uyihlo nakeza kuwe ukuzokubona, uthi kuye, ‘Bengingathaba nange udadwethu uTamari angeza azongiphekela umdokwana. Angiphekele wona ngelawini lamapha ngimqalile, angifunze.’ ” Nje-ke u-Amnoni walala phasi wazigulisa. Kuthe lokha ikosi nayizombona, u-Amnoni wathi kiyo: “Bengingathanda nange udadwethu uTamari angeza azongenzela izikwa ezimbili ezisahliziyo, angifunze.” UDavida wathumela ilizwi kuTamari esigodlweni wathi: “Khamba uye endlini yomfowenu u-Amnoni ufese umlungisele ukudlanyana.” UTamari waya endlini yomfowabo u-Amnoni, ogade alele. Wathatha ihlama wayiwumela wambhagela izikwa ezisahliziyo. U-Amnoni bekasoloko amphekelela ngamehlo. Wathatha ipani wayikghuthulela esithebeni phambi komfowabo, kodwana wala ukudla. Wathi: “Khupha boke abantu ngendlinapha.” Baphuma-ke boke. U-Amnoni wathi kuTamari: “Letha ukudlokho emsamo uzongifunza.” UTamari wathatha izikwa ezisahliziyo azilungisileko waziletha ku-Amnoni umnakwabo emsamo. Kodwana wathi lokha nathi uyamfunza, wamuthi bhi, wathi kuye: “Yiza dadwethu, lala nami.” UTamari wathi: “Awa mfowethu! Ungangikateleli. Into enje, akukafaneli yenziwe kwa-Israyeli! Ungenzi ubudlhadlha obungaka! Maye mina! Ngizokuphila njani nokurhubutjhwa okunje? Kazi kuzakuthiwani ngawe? Awuzukufana nesinye seendlhayela zakwa-Israyeli? Ngiyakuncenga, khuluma nekosi, angekhe ikwalele nami bona ungitjhade.” Kodwana wala ukumlalela, kwathi njengombana gade anamandla kunaye, wamgagadlhela. Emva kwalokho u-Amnoni wanyenya uTamari khulu, wamnyenya ukudlula indlela agade amthanda ngayo ekuthomeni. Wathi kuye: “Sikima, uphume la!” UTamari wathi kuye: “Awa mfowethu, ukungiqotjha kwakho kuzakuba kumbi khulu kunobuhlola obenze kimobu.” Kodwana wala ukumlalela. Wabiza isisebenzi sakhe wathi kiso: “Kghurumejela intwele ngaphandle le, uyikhiyelele.” Nje-ke isisebenzeso samkhuphela ngaphandle samkhiyelela. UTamari gade embethe isambatho esikghatjisiweko ngombana bekumhlobo wesambatho owembathwa matlawu wekosini. UTamari wazithela ngomlotha ehloko bewatlebhula isambatho esikghatjisiwekweso. Wathwala imikhono ehloko wakhamba arhahlawula isililo. U-Absalomu umnakwabo wathi kuye: “Angithi ngu-Amnoni umfowenu okurhubutjhileko? Thula wena dadwethu, ayibe ngeyomndeni. Ungayithatheli ehloko indaba le.” Yeke uTamari wahlala kwa-Absalomu asesizini elikhulu. Lokha uDavida nakezwa koke lokho, wasilingeka khulu. U-Absalomu wazonda u-Amnoni buthule ngombana arhubutjhe udadwabo uTamari. Emva kweminyaka emibili abarhuni bezimvu zaka-Absalomu bebarhuna izimvu eBhali-Rhatsori eduze nomuzi we-Efrayimu. U-Absalomu wabefuna ukumema woke amadodanekosi bona eze lapho. Waya-ke ekosini wathi kiyo: “Abantu bami barhuna izimvu. Alo, ikosi neenkhulu zayo beyingeza nayo na?” Ikosi yathi: “Awa ndodanami, sibanengi khulu bona singeza soke kwakho; singaba mthwalo kuwe.” Kwala nanyana u-Absalomu selayincenga, akhange ivume, nokho yambusisa. Yeke u-Absalomu wathi kiyo: “Nakungasinjalo-ke, ngibawa bona u-Amnoni umfowethu akhambe nathi.” Ikosi yabuza yathi: “Kubayini kube nguye okumele akhambe nani?” Kodwana u-Absalomu wayincengisisa, beyavumela u-Amnoni namadonanekosi woke bona akhambe nabo. U-Absalomu wayala iinceku zakhe wathi: “Lalelani-la! Lokha nasele nibona bonyana u-Amnoni wenamile ngewayini bese ngithi kini, ‘Mrhadleni phasi’, nimbulale. Ningesabi, ngizayijamela. Qinani nibe nesibindi.” Nje-ke, iinceku zaka-Absalomu zenza ku-Amnoni njengombana u-Absalomu aziyalile. Khonapho, woke amadodanekosi ararhuka, enye nenye yakhwela imeyilayo yarhotjha. Kwathi asesendleleni njalo, kwafika umbiko kuDavida othi: “U-Absalomu urhadle woke amadodanekosi phasi; akukasali neyodwa yawo.” Ikosi yasikima, yatlebhula izambatho zayo beyazilahla phasi; boke abazenda bayo bajama bayizombeleza izambatho zayo zimanikiniki. Kodwana uJonadabi umsa kaTjhama umnakwabo lakaDavida wathi: “Ikosami ingacabangi bonyana babulele woke amakhosana; ngu-Amnoni yedwa obuleweko. Lokhu kube mnqopho ka-Absalomu kusukela mhlana u-Amnoni agagadlhela udadwabo uTamari. Ikosami ingakhathazeki ngombiko othi kubulewe woke amadodanekosi. Sengu-Amnoni kwaphela obuleweko.” Ngesikhatheso, u-Absalomu vele gade selabalekile. Ngokuphazima kwelihlo ihloli yesigodlo yabona abantu abanengi ngendleleni engetjingalanga behla magegana nombundu. UJonadabi wathi ekosini: “Qalani, naka amakhosana asiza! Khengatjho musi ekosini!” Kuthe angakaliginyi, amakhosana angena esigodlweni, athoma akhihla isililokazi. Ikosi nabazenda bayo babibitheka kabuhlungu. U-Absalomu wabaleka waya kuTalimayi umsa ka-Amirhudi ikosi yeGetjhuri. Ikosi uDavida yalila mihla yoke, ililela indodanayo u-Amnoni. Wabalekela bunjalo-ke u-Absalomu eGetjhuri; wahlala lapho iminyaka emithathu. Ikosi uDavida beyisasophe ukulwisana no-Absalomu ngombana ihliziywayo beyisesebuhlungu ngokufa kwaka-Amnoni. UJowabi umsa kaTseruya walemuka bona ikosi uDavida isesenevunda ku-Absalomu. Yeke wathumela bona kubizwe umfazi ohlakaniphileko eTekhowa. UJowabi wathi kuye: “Zenze inga uzilile. Wembathe iinzilo, ungazimonyongi. Yenza inga umfazi osele anamalanga alilela umuntu ohlongakeleko. Iya ekosini-ke, ufese ukhulume naka amezwi kiyo.” Nje-ke uJowabi wamtjela bona kufanele athini. Umfazi weTekhowa waya ekosini, wafese waguqa phambi kwayo wahloma ihloko phasi, wathi: “Maye, ikosami akhese ingisize hle!” Ikosi yambuza yathi: “Utshwenywe yini mma?” Waphendula wathi: “Awa ngimhlolokazi; nanginje. Angisenabani. Babethu, benginamadodana amabili. Kwathi ngelinye ilanga asesimini alwa wodwa, bekungekho ongawalamula. Enye yadula enye beyayibulala. Nje-ke boke abantu bomndeni bajamelene nencekukazakho. Bafuna bonyana ngibanikele leyo erhadle umnakwabo phasi bona bayibulale ukuze ikhokhele ukufa kwakamnakwabo ngepilwayo. Ngaleyondlela bafuna ukususa indlalifa, bangicimele ilahlana elisasele livutha lodwa. Babulale indodanami ingakatjhiyeli umyenami ibizo nanyana isizukulwana esizakulima isimakhe.” Ikosi yathi emfazini: “Yewuye ekhaya, mina ngizakukhupha umyalo ngikulungisele indaba le.” Kodwana umfazi weTekhowa wathi ekosini: “Babethu, nabangabuyiseleliko kuzakusolwa mina nendlwakwethu, akuzokusolwa ikosi nobukhosi bayo.” Ikosi yaphendula yathi: “Nakube kukhona ongakhuluma ilitho kuwe, mlethapha, angeze asakukhathaza godu.” Umfazi wathi: “Bengithi ikosami ayifunge ngoSomnini uZimayo bonyana izakukhandela loyo obuyiselelako angathululi iingazi ezinengi. Bangangibulaleli indodanami.” Ikosi yaphendula yathi: “NgoZimu ngiqinisile ngithi, ‘Akunangozi nencancani ezakuvelela indodanakho.’ ” Godu umfazi wathi: “Ikosi ingangivumela kobana ngibe negama na?” Ikosi yathi: “Khuluma.” Umfazi wathi: “Alo, kubayini ikosi yona yenza iqhinga lokubuyiselela komunye womndeni kaZimu na? Ikosi ayikazigwebi ngamezwi ewakhulumileko la? Angithi ikosi ayikavumeli bonyana indodanayo eyalahlekako ibuyele ekhaya? Woke umuntu uzokufa. Njengamanzi athulukileko angasoze awolwa, unjalo nohlongakeleko, angeze asabuya. UZimu akameqisi amehlo obuleleko, nokho uyayenza indlela bona olahlekileko abuyele emndenini kaZimu. Nje-ke, ngithe angizokukhuluma nekosami. Ngebanga lokobana bekhakwami bangenze bona ngihlalele evalweni, incekukazakho yadlumbana yathi, ‘Ngizokukhuluma nekosi, mhlamunye ingaphumelelisa isibawo sencekukazayo. Mhlamunye ingahle ivume ukusindisa incekukazayo esandleni saloyo olinga ukuhluthula mina nendodanami ilifa uZimu asiphe lona.’ Incekukazakho beyithi, ‘Ilizwi lekosami lingangilethela ukuphumula ngombana ikosami ifana nesithunywa sakaZimu ekwahlukaniseni okuhle nokumbi.’ Inga uSomnini uZimakho angasiza ikosami.” Nje-ke ikosi yathi emfazini: “Ungangifihleli litho kilokho engizokubuza khona.” Umfazi wathi: “Ikosami ingabuza.” Ikosi yathi: “UJowabi akakho endabenakhwapha na?” Umfazi waphendula wathi: “Iye, awa kosami, ukufihla yini nje, akunamuntu ongahle aye ngapha nangapha ikosi nayibuzako. Mbala yinduna yekosi uJowabi. Nguye owangiyala bona ngenze lokhu begodu nguye owangifunza ngawo woke amezwi la. UJowabi indunekosi wenze lokhu ukuze ikosi ikghone ukuqala ubujamobu ngelinye ilihlo. Ikosami inokuhlakanipha njengesithunywa sakaZimu, yazi koke okwenzeka enarheni.” Ngemva kwalokho ikosi yathi kuJowabi: “Kulungile, ngizakwenza okubawileko. Khamba, ubuye nomsana loyo u-Absalomu.” UJowabi waguqa wahloma ihloko phasi, wathokoza ekosini wathi: “Bayede! Namhlanjesi incekwakho iyazi bona ifumene umusa phambi kwekosayo ngombana ikosi iphendule isibawo sencekwayo.” Yeke uJowabi akhange asapholisa ihloko, wanqomba eGetjhuri wabuya no-Absalomu wamletha eJerusalema. Kodwana ikosi yathi: “Akaye endlinakhe, angifuni nokumbona.” Nje-ke u-Absalomu waya endlinakhe, akhange abonane nekosi. Kilo loke lakwa-Israyeli, bekungekho umuntu obatjazwa ngejamo njengo-Absalomu. Gade kungekho mphambo kuye kusukela ehloko ukufika eenyaweni. Gade anesihluthu esikhulu. Bekuthi kanye ngomnyaka azirhune ngombana beziba zide. Nasele zirhuniwe beziba sitjhuba esingaba pheze makhilogremu amabili ngokwesilinganiso esisemthethweni. U-Absalomu waphiwa amadodana amathathu nendodakazi eyodwa. Ibizo lendodakazi leyo bekunguTamari begodu waba yintombi ehle tle. U-Absalomu wahlala iminyaka emibili yoke eJerusalema angabonani nekosi. Nje-ke, wathumela ilizwi kuJowabi kobana amuse ekosini, kodwana uJowabi wala ukuza kuye. Wabuye wathumela kwesibili, nalapho uJowabi wala ukuza. Yeke wathi eensebenzini zakhe: “Angithi niyayazi isimu kaJowabi ehlanu kweyami, lapha atjale khona ibhali? Khambani niyoyithungelela ngomlilo.” Nje-ke iinsebenzi zaka-Absalomu zayithungelela-ke isimu leyo. UJowabi wararhuka waya endlini yaka-Absalomu, wafese wabuza wathi: “Kubayini iinsebenzi zakho zithungelele isimami ngomlilo?” U-Absalomu waphendula wathi: “Qala la, ngithumele ilizwi kuwe bona ungise ekosini. Ngifuna ubuze ikosi bona ngabuyiselwani eGetjhuri. Bekungaba ngcono kimi nangathana bengiseselapho. Nje-ke ngifuna ukubona ikosi. Nakube nginomlandu, ayingibulale nayingibulalako.” Nje-ke uJowabi waya ekosini wafese wayitjela lokho. Ikosi yabiza u-Absalomu, wangena waguqa phambi kwekosi wahloma ihloko phasi. Ikosi yamgona. Emva kwalokho u-Absalomu wazithathela ikarana, iinjomani namatjhumi amahlanu wamavulandlela. Gade anande avuka ekuseni ayokulinda magegana nendlela eya esangweni ledorobho iJerusalema. Bekuthi lokha umuntu eza ekosini nesililo bona sigwetjwe, u-Absalomu ambuze athi: “Ubuya kiwuphi umuzi?” Lokha umuntu loyo naphendula athi: “Incekwakho ibuya kenye yeenkoro zakwa-Israyeli,” u-Absalomu gade athi kuye: “Iye, awa isililo sakho siyazwakala begodu silula, kodwana nginevalo ngombana ikosi angeze yasibeka ndawo.” Abuye godu athi: “Mntabantu, thana bekukhethwe mina bona ngibe mgwebi enarhenapha; bekuzakuthi lokha umuntu nanesililo namkha umlandu, ubangeza kimi, mina-ke bengizamenzela ukulunga!” Bekuthi lokha umuntu eza kuye ngokumkhothamela, elule isandla sakhe, abambe umuntu loyo amgone. U-Absalomu waziphatha ngendlela leyo kiwo woke umIsrayeli ogade eza ekosini bona abawe ubulungiswa. Ngendlela leyo-ke wazuza iinhliziyo zabantu bakwa-Israyeli. Kwathi ekupheleni kweminyaka emine, u-Absalomu wathi ekosini uDavida: “Yewungivumele ngiye eRhebroni ngiyokuzalisa isifungo engasenza kuSomninini. Lokha mina incekwakho nangisese seGetjhuri eSiriya, ngenza isifungwesi ngathi, ‘Nange uSomnini uZimu angangibuyisela eJerusalema, ngizamlotjha eRhebroni.’ ” UDavida wathi kuye: “Yewukhambe ngokuthula.” Waya-ke eRhebroni. Khonapho wathumela iinhloli kizo zoke iinkoro zakwa-Israyeli wathi: “Lokha nanizwa ukulila kwepalapala, yithini, ‘U-Absalomu sele ayikosi eRhebroni.’ ” Abantu abamakhulu amabili beJerusalema gade baphekelele u-Absalomu. Gade bamenywe njengeenthekeli ezikulu begodu baye lapho bangakatjheji, bangazi litho ngendaba le. U-Absalomu wamema no-Arhitofeli umGilo, omluleki kaDavida bona eze emgidini womhlatjelo. Ngaleyondlela izungu laka-Absalomu laqina nabalandeli bakhe banda. Kwafika isithunywa kuDavida sathi: “Iinhliziyo zabantu bakwa-Israyeli seziku-Absalomu.” UDavida wathi eenkhulwini zakhe egade zinaye eJerusalema: “Nambani sibalekeni, nakungasinjalo akakho ozakusinda ku-Absalomu. Asirhabeni, angaze asifunyane asibhubhise abe abulale woke umuntu edorobhenapha.” Yeke iinkhulu zakaDavida zaphendula zathi: “Iinceku zekosi sezilungele ukwenza nanyana yini ikosethu ekukhethako.” Ikosi yatjhiya isigodlo, yalandelwa yindlwayo yoke; kodwana yasukela imingena elitjhumi bona isale itjheje isigodlo. Kwathi lokha ikosi nayiphuma ngedorobheni ibutho layo layilandela. Nabafika endlini yokugcina bajama, kwathi amabuthwayo adlula phambi kwayo nawowoke amaKereti namaPeleti, kanye namaGathi amakhulu amathandathu ebegade ayiphekelele eGathi aqamula phambi kwekosi. Ikosi yathi ku-Itayi umGathi: “Ukhambelani nathi? Buyela emuva uyokuhlala no-Absalomu ikosi. Wena umqhamuka obaleke enarhenekhabo. Ungumafikizolo. Angikwazi ukuzulazula nawe, ukube nalapha ngiya khona nami angikwazi. Buyela emuva mntabantu, ujike nabekhenu. Ngiyathemba bonyana koke kuzakukhambela kuhle.” Kodwana u-Itayi waphendula ikosi wathi: “Mncwi, ngoZimu ngiqinisile ngithi ngifunga ikosami, ‘Nanyana kukuphi lapha ikosami izakubakhona, ekuphileni nekufeni, incekwakho izakuba lapho.’ ” UDavida wathi ku-Itayi: “Awa-ke, yewudlule, uragele phambili.” Yeke u-Itayi umGathi waragela phambili wakhamba nabo boke abantu nemindeni egade inaye. Boke abantu besigodi balila lokha loke ibutho nalidlulako. Ikosi nayo yaqamula umrhoba weKidroni, nabantu boke ebegade banayo balunga erhalawumbeni. UTsadokhi naye gade alapho, nawo woke amaLevi ebegade anaye athwele umfaji wesivumelwano sakaZimu. Abeka phasi umfaji kaZimu kwandawo, u-Abiyatari wanikela ngemihlabelo kufikela lapha boke abantu ebebakhamba noDavida baphuma khona edorobheni. Nje-ke ikosi uDavida yathi kuTsadokhi: “Buyisela umfaji kaZimu ngedorobheni. Nange ngingafunyana umusa phambi kwakaSomnini, uzangibuyisela emuva bona godu ngibone umfaji nendawawo. Kodwana nayibe uZimu akasathokozi ngami, kulungile; akazibonisele ngami.” Godu ikosi yathi kuTsadokhi umphristi: “Ngifuna ube yihloli. Yeke buyela edorobheni ngokuthula, wena no-Abiyatari namadodanenu u-Arhimahatsi noJonathani. Mina ngizakulinda emazibukweni weJordani bengifunyane umbikwenu.” Nje-ke uTsadokhi no-Abiyatari bathatha umfaji kaZimu bawubuyisela eJerusalema, bahlala lapho. UDavida bekakhamba alila nanyuka intaba ye-Oliva, azigubuzese ihloko, angakafaki namanyathelo. Boke abantu abanaye bagubuzesa iinhloko zabo, nabo bakhuphuka balila. UDavida wafumana umlayezo bonyana u-Arhitofeli uhlangana nabakhokhobeli kanye no-Absalomu. Yeke uDavida wathandaza wathi: “Kosami, dlhayeja ubululeki baka-Arhitofeli.” Kwathi bona uDavida afike esiqongolweni lapha abantu bebaphele balotjhe khona uZimu, uRhutjhayi umAriki gade alapho bona amhlangabeze, izambatho zakhe bezitlebhukile nehlokwakhe inethuli. UDavida wathi kuye: “Nayibe ukhamba nami uzokuba mthwalo kimi. Kodwana nange ungabuyela edorobheni ungangisiza ngokutjharaganisa ubululeki baka-Arhitofeli. Khamba ufese utjele u-Absalomu bonyana ufuna ukuba sisebenzi sakhe. Mtjele bona phambilini gade uyinceku kayise, nje-ke ufuna ukuba yincekwakhe. Abaphristi uTsadokhi no-Abiyatari nabo bazabe baseJerusalema. Batjele nanyana yini oyizwa esigodlweni sekosi. Amadodanabo amabili, u-Arhimahatsi umsa kaTsadokhi noJonathani umsa ka-Abiyatari bazabe balapho nabo. Balume indlebe ngananyana yini oyizwako.” URhutjhayi umngani kaDavida wafikisana no-Absalomu edorobheni. Kuthe bona uDavida akhambakhambe abe ayokufika ngaphetjheya kwesiqongolo, wahlangana noTsiba isisebenzi sakaMefi-Bhotjheti simlindile. UTsiba gade araga umjeje wabodumbana ababotjhelweko bathwele amakhulu amabili wamapani wesikwa, ikhulu lamakhekhe wamakwapa wediribe, ikhulu leenthelo ezivuthiweko nomjeka wewayini. UDavida wabuza uTsiba wathi: “Uzisa kwanabani izintwezi?” UTsiba waphendula wathi: “Abodumbanaba ngebekosini, kobanyana bekosini babe nento ekhwelwako; izikwa neenthelo ngezamadoda wekosini kobana agome; iwayini ngelokwehlisa ithuli kilabo abazakubulawa mrhawu erhalawumbeni.” Yeke ikosi yabuza yathi: “Uphi umntwanomntwana womphathakho?” UTsiba wathi ekosini: “Usele eJerusalema ngombana udlumbana bonyana namhlanje ikumba ka-Israyeli izombuyisela umbuso kabamkhulwakhe.” Yeke ikosi yathi kuTsiba: “Koke okungekwakaMefi-Bhotjheti kusukela gadesi kuzakuba ngekwakho.” UTsiba wathi: “Ngikhothama ngokuzithoba ndabezitha ngombana ngifunyene umusa phambi kwakho kosami!” Kuthe lokha ikosi uDavida nayifika eBharhurimu, kwavela indoda yekoro yomndeni kaSawula, ibizo layo nguTjhimeyi umsa kaGera. Yavela ikhamba ithukana, yathoma nokujikijela uDavida nedwendwe lakhe ngamatje. Yakwenza lokho phezu kobana loke iviyo ngitjho neentsitsirimba liphahle uDavida ngapha nangapha. Gade ithukana irhuwelela ithi: “Sukapha! Phuma lapha mbulali ndina! Isikhothamukhwesi! USomnini uZimu ukwehlisele isibetho ngeengazikazi ozichithe endlini kaSawula, owaba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. USomnini udlulisele umbuswakho endodanenakho u-Absalomu. Khonanje, uzwa ubuhlungu obukufaneleko ngombana umbulali!” U-Abitjhayi umsa kaTseruya wathi ekosini: “Ndabezitha! Umgodoyikazi lo, ungubani bona ungathukana nekosami? Angiwuphahlazilini ihlokwanyana le!” Kodwana ikosi yathi: “Niyithenga ngani indaba le, nina besa bakaTseruya? Ayithukane! Mhlamunye uSomnini uyivumele bona ingithuke. Besibobani-ke thina bonyana singabuza sithi, ‘Ungenwe yini lo?’ ” UDavida wathi ku-Abitjhayi nakilo loke idwendwe lakhe: “Kungathi indodanami eligazi lakogazi lami ifuna ukungihlukanisa namabele, kangangani-ke ngomBhenjaminikazi lo? Mliseni athukane, sizamthini nje, mhlamunye ulayelwe nguSomnini bona enze njalo. Mhlamunye uSomnini uzakubona iinhlupheko zami bese ungibuyiselela ngobuhle godu phezu kwamanikelela engiwabona namhlanjesi la.” Yeke uDavida nedwendwe lakhe baragela phambili nendlela, ngapha uTjhimeyi naye nangu ugega nombundu ulinganisene nabo. Ukhamba athukana, ajikijela uDavida ngamatje nangamagade. Ikosi kanye nedwendwe layo, bafika sebadinwe baphelile emazibukweni weJordani. Ikosi yafese yakhokha ummoya. Ngesikhatheso, u-Absalomu nawo woke amadoda wakwa-Israyeli bafika eJerusalema, u-Arhitofeli naye gade alapho. URhutjhayi umAriki, omngani kaDavida, waya ku-Absalomu wathi: “Bayede, ndabezitha! Bayede, ngwenyama!” U-Absalomu wabuza uRhutjhayi wathi: “Yindlela okhombisa ngayo umnganakho ithando le na? Kubayini ungazange ukhambe nomnganakho?” URhutjhayi wathi ku-Absalomu: “Awa, mina ngikhamba naloyo okhethwe nguSomnini, abantwaba nawo woke amadoda wakwa-Israyeli. Nango-ke umuntu engikakarele kuye. Ukudlula lapho, kanti ngubani omunye ekumele ngimlotjhe? Akukameli bona ngilotjhe umntwanomgani na? Njengombana bengilotjha uyihlo, nawe ngizakulotjha.” U-Absalomu wathi ku-Arhitofeli: “Akhe useluleke. Senze njani nakunje?” U-Arhitofeli waphendula wathi: “Lala nemingena kayihlo ayitjhiye bona itjheje isigodlo. Ngalokho woke u-Israyeli uzakuzwa bonyana uhlolele uyihlo bese woke okusekelako uqina idolo.” Yeke bahlomela u-Absalomu itende esirhodlweni esingaphezulu, walala nayo yoke imingena kayise epanyameni. Ngeenkhathezo nawululekwe ngu-Arhitofeli bese kufana nalokha nawuphendulwa nguZimu. Kwakunjalo ngoDavida no-Absalomu bebathatha zoke iinluleko zaka-Arhitofeli. U-Arhitofeli wathi ku-Absalomu: “Ngivumela bona ngikhethe amadoda aziinkulungwana ezilitjhumi nambili, ngiphume khona kusihlwa nje ngigijimise uDavida. Ngizamphuthuma asadiniwe asadiyazela, ngimethuse bese boke abantu akhamba nabo babaleke; ngimadlhe yena kwaphela. Ngizakwenza bonyana boke abantu bakulandele njengombana gade balandela indoda oyifunako le. Yeke kuzakuba nokuthula esizweni soke.” Iqhingeli laqaleka lilihle ku-Absalomu nakibo boke abaphathi bakwa-Israyeli. Kodwana u-Absalomu wathi: “Yiza noRhutjhayi umAriki ukuze sizwe bonyana yena ubeka uthini.” Lokha uRhutjhayi nafika kuye, u-Absalomu wathi: “U-Arhitofeli uze neseluleko. Silandele iseluleko sakhe na? Nakungasinjalo, wena uthini?” URhutjhayi wathi ku-Absalomu: “Kilelihlandla u-Arhitofeli ukhe phasi ngeseluleko sakhe. Uyamazi uyihlo namaviywakhe baziingorho, kanti godu banesiwuruwuru njengonomrhaso othathelwe abantwana. Nangaphandle kwalokho, uyihlo yimbilinga ekade izibona, angeze ahlala namabutho bekuse. Sikhuluma nje, ubhace erharheni, namkha kenye nje indawo. Nange kungenzeka aragelele amaviywakho ntange, kuzakuzwakala yoke indawo bonyana inengi lamabutho ka-Absalomu lirhayiliwe. Ngitjho nejoni ekuthiwa linesibindi, nelinehliziyo yengwenyama, lizakurhirizwa livalo ngombana woke u-Israyeli uyazi bonyana uyihlo yingorho yakongorho, nabantu akhamba nabo ziinkakaramba. “Yeke mina bengingakuyelelisa bonyana ubuthe woke u-Israyeli, kusuka eDani ngetlhagwini ukuya eBheritjheba ngesewula. Babuthe babe banengi njengethuli lehlabathi bahlangane kuwe; ukhambe nabo ukuya epini. Nje-ke sizamsahlela nanyana angaba kuphi, simbungelele njengeenyosi. Akuzukusinda namunye phakathi kwakhe nabantu akhamba nabo. Nange kufumaneka bonyana sele angedorobheni elinemithangala, woke ama-Israyeli azakuletha iintambo bese abopha imithangala yedorobhelo ayirhurhulele ngemrhobeni kungasali ngitjho nebojana lawo.” U-Absalomu nawo woke amadoda wakwa-Israyeli bavumelana bonyana iseluleko sakaRhutjhayi umAraki singcono kunesaka-Arhitofeli. Lokho kwabangelwa kukobana uSomnini uZimu wafelelisa iseluleko esihle saka-Arhitofeli ukuze u-Absalomu ehlelwe manikelela. URhutjhayi watjela abaphristi uTsadokhi no-Abiyatari wathi: “Kazi u-Arhitofeli ululeke u-Absalomu nabaphathi bakwa-Israyeli bonyana benze ukuthi nokuthi, kodwana mina ngithe kungcono benze lokhu nalokhu. Nje-ke rhaba uthumele umlayezo kuDavida uthi kuye: ‘Namhlanje ikosi ingaditjhi emazibukweni ayamela erhalawumbeni; ayiyame iJordani msinyana. Nakungasinjalo, kuphelile ngekosi nabantu bayo.’ ” UJonathani no-Arhimahatsi gade bahlala emthonjeni weRogele ngombana bebangekhe balinge ukwehla benyuka edorobheni babonwa. Kwakufanele bonyana ikhobokakazi libalethele umlayezo bese bona-ke bawusa kuDavida. Kodwana kunesokana elababonako, layokuluma u-Absalomu indlebe. Nje-ke basuka msinyana baya ekumbeni yomrhali omunye eBharhurimu. Umuntu loyo gade anomthombo awemba ecabazini lakhe, nje-ke bangena ngaphakathi kwawo bazifihla khona. Ikosikazakhe yathatha isembeso yembesa umlomo womthombo lowo beyaneka amakariya webhali phezu kwaso. Akukho noyedwa owaba nakwaziko ngendaba le. Lokha ibutho laka-Absalomu nalifika kumma ekumbeni labuza lathi: “Uphi u-Arhimahatsi noJonathani?” Umma loyo wabaphendula wathi: “Badlule esibayeni banqomba emlanjeni.” Amadoda la afunafuna kodwana akhange afunyane litho, aphendukela eJerusalema. Ngemva kobana amadoda lawo sele akhambile, ababilaba baphuma ngemthonjeni, balunga ekosini uDavida kobana bayomtjela. Bafika bathi kuye: “Ikosi ayiphume iyame umlambo khona nje; u-Arhitofeli ululeke u-Absalomu ngokuthi nokuthi ngayo.” Yeke uDavida nabo boke abantu akhamba nabo baphuma bayama umlambo iJordani. Nakusako kwakungasenamuntu ongakayami iJordani. Kwathi bona u-Arhitofeli abone bonyana iseluleko sakhe asikalandelwa, wabophela udumbanakhe walunga kwakhe, emzinekhabo. Wafika walungisa iindaba zomzakhe, waziphanyeka wafa, wabulungwa ezindleni lakayise. UDavida waya eMarhanayimu, u-Absalomu wayama iJordana nalo loke ibutho lakwa-Israyeli. U-Absalomu wabeka u-Amasa bona aphathe ipi esikhundleni sakaJowabi. (U-Amasa gade ayindodana yomuntu okuthiwa nguJethera, umIsrayeli obekatjhade no-Abigeyili indodakazi kaNarhatjhi nongudadwabo kaTseruya ongunina kaJowabi.) Ama-Israyeli no-Absalomu bahloma imitlhatlhana enarheni yeGiliyadi. Lokha uDavida nafika eMarhanayimu, uTjhobi noMakhiri kanye noBharzilayi beza kuye. (UTjhobi gade kumsa kaNarhatjhi weRabha lakwa-Amoni, uMakhiri amsa ka-Amiyeli weLo-Debhara, uBharzilayi yena gade amGiliyadi weRogelimi.) Baletha kuDavida nabantu akhamba nabo imikghade nezitja nezinto ezibunjwe ngomdaka. Godu baletha ukudla: ikoroyi nebhali, iflowuru nesibere, amabhontjisi neenhlumaya, iliju namakghamatha, izimvu netjhizi eyenziwe ngebisi lekomo. Bathi: “Abantu balambile nokudinwa badiniwe, kanti sele bafile ngomrhawu erhalawumbeni.” UDavida wahlola amaviywakhe, wakhetha iinduna zekulungwana neenduna zekhulu. Wakhupha amabutho ngeenqhemaqhema, isithathu sesiqhema sarholwa nguJowabi, esinye sarholwa ngumnakwabo kaJowabi u-Abitjhayi umsa kaTseruya, esinye sarholwa ngu-Itayi umGathi. Ikosi yathi kumabutho: “Nami ngizokuphuma nani ngenyama.” Kodwana amadoda athi: “Ungaphumi nathi, nange sizifumana sikateleleka bonyana sibaleke, angeze bebasitjheje. Nanyana kungafa ingcenye yethu angeze kwabatjhisa ndawo lokho ngombana kibo wena uqakatheke ukudlula thina simadoda aziinkulungwana ezilitjhumi kunathi. Kungaba ngcono kobana wena usisekele usedorobhenapha.” Ikosi yathi: “Ngizakwenza nanyana yini okubonakala kungcono kini.” Yeke ikosi yajama hlanu kwesango lokha amadoda naphuma ngeenqhema zamakhulukhulu nezeenkulungwana. Ikosi yalayela uJowabi, u-Abitjhayi no-Itayi yathi: “Ningisize nibe buthaka ngendodanami u-Absalomu.” Woke amabutho azizwela lokha ikosi nayitjela zoke iinduna ngo-Absalomu. Ipi yaphuma yayokuhlangana no-Israyeli etatawini lokulwa, yabambanela eHlathini laka-Efrayimu. Lapho, ipi yakwa-Israyeli yahlulwa liviyo lakaDavida, kanti neenkhubela zaba zinengi tle mhlokho, amatjhumi amabili weenkulungwana zamadoda. Ipi yabheduka inarha yoke, abantu abafela ehlathini baba banengi ukudlula ababulawa yisabula. Khonokho u-Absalomu wazithela phezu kwebutho lakaDavida. Bekakhwele imeyilakhe, kuthe lokha imeyila leyo nayisakhambakhamba ngaphasi kweempande ezimdlani zomuthi omkhulu we-owuku, ihloko yaka-Absalomu yakghiya emthinapho. Wasala alembelele lapho khibe imeyila agade ayikhwele ihlabela phambili. Kuthe lokha enye yamadoda nayibona umhlolo lowo, yayokutjela uJowabi yathi: “Kazi ngibone u-Absalomu alembelele emthini we-owuku.” UJowabi wathi endodeni ebikako leyo: “Baba-ke! Usangitjela bona umbonile? Kutheni ungakamumadlhi khonapho umhlanganise nehlabathi? Ngabe sikhuluma nje ngikunikela iimpaparwana ezilitjhumi zesiliva nebhande lobungorho.” Kodwana indoda yaphendula yathi: “Ngitjho nanyana bewunganginikela iimpaparwana eziyikulungwana, bengingekhe ngigabaze ngibeke indodana yekosi isandla. Ngizizwele ngezami zombili lokha ikosi nayithi kuwe naku-Abitjhayi no-Itayi, ‘Nibabalele indodanami u-Absalomu.’ Ngathana ngimbulalele ngemsitheleni, ikosi beyizokwazi; wena bewuyokujamela kude nami.” UJowabi wathi: “Angizokulokhu ngona isikhathi nawe lapha.” Nanguya athatha imikhonto emithathu wahlaba ngayo u-Absalomu esifubeni asaphila alokhu alembelele emthini we-owuku njalo. Abosonkhande abalitjhumi bakaJowabi bazombeleza u-Absalomu, bamphobola bebambulala. Khonokho uJowabi wavuthela ipalapala, amabutho alisa ukugijimisa u-Israyeli ngombana uJowabi bekasithi ayisele. Bathatha u-Absalomu bamjikijela ngemgodini omkhulu ehlathini bebambhibeza ngentaba yamatje. Ngesikhatheso ama-Israyeli gade abelethe iinthende, omunye nomunye abambe indlela eya kwakhe. Kwakunesinye isikhumbuzo esajanyiswa ngu-Absalomu: Ngeenkhathi zakhe u-Absalomu wathatha isika wayijamisa ngemRhobeni kaSomnini ngombana bekasithi nadlumbanako: “Anginandodana ezakuvusa ibizo lami.” Wathiyelela isika leyo ngaye, nanje isabizwa bonyana siKhumbuzo saka-Absalomu. U-Arhimahatsi umsa kaTsadokhi wathi: “Angigijime ngiyokwazisa ikosi uDavida bonyana uSomnini uZimu umtjhaphululile esandleni sezitha zakhe.” Kodwana uJowabi wathi kuye: “Kahle ngokurhaba, awuzukubikela ikosi namhlanje, uzakwenza lokho ngelinye ilanga, hayi namhlanje. Ukhumbule bonyana yindodana yekosi ehlongakeleko.” UJowabi wathi kumKutjhe: “Khamba uyokwazisa ikosi ngokubonileko.” UmKutjhe wakhothama phambi kwakaJowabi, wasuka lapho wagijima. U-Arhimahatsi umsa kaTsadokhi godu wathi kuJowabi: “Ngivumela nami ngilandele umKutjhe.” Kodwana uJowabi wathi: “Ndodana, watjhabatjheka kangaka nje? Abe akunalitho ozalithola ngombikwakho lowo.” Waphendula wathi: “Akhese ungilise ngigijime.” Yeke uJowabi wathi: “Gijima-ke!” U-Arhimahatsi wagijima wathatha indlela eqamula emrhobeni weJordani wadlula umKutjhe. Kwathi uDavida asahlezi hlangana nesango langaphakathi nelangaphandle ledorobho, umqapheli wakhwela phezu kwephahla lesango elisemthangaleni. Wathi nathi uyaqala wabona umuntu eza nganeno agijima ayedwa. Umlindidorobho warhuwelela wabikela ikosi. Ikosi yathi: “Nangabe ukhamba yedwa, kuyatjho bona uphethe iindaba ezimnandi.” Umuntu loyo waya ngokuya asondela. Godu umlindidorobho wabona omunye umuntu naye agijima, warhuwelela umlindisango wathi: “Qala, godu nango omunye umuntu uza agijima yedwa!” Ikosi yathi: “Naye uza neendaba.” Umlindidorobho wathi: “Igijimo lomuntu wokuthoma loya ungathi ngelaka-Arhimahatsi umsa kaTsadokhi.” Ikosi yathi: “Leyo yindoda elungileko, iza nezimnandi.” U-Arhimahatsi warhuwelela ikosi asesekude wathi: “Koke kukhamba kuhle!” Wafika wakhothama phambi kwekosi wathi: “Bayede! Akathokozwe uZimu wekosami! Ubephule umkhono abantu egade baphakamisela ikosami imikhonto.” Ikosi yabuza yathi: “Umsanami u-Absalomu ulondekile na?” U-Arhimahatsi wathi: “Gade kunesiyaluyalu ngaphambi kobana uJowabi athumele inceku yekosi nami, incekwakho, abe ayazi bonyana bekwenzakalani.” Ikosi yathi: “Jamela eqadi, ulinde khonapha.” Mbala wajamela eqadi walinda khonapho. Kwase kufika umKutjhe wathi: “Ngwenyama! Ikosi ayilalele nanzi iindaba ezimnandi! UZimu namhlanje usindise ikosami kiboboke abayivukelako.” Ikosi yabuza umKutjhe yathi: “Alo, umsanami u-Absalomu yena ulondekile na?” UmKutjhe wathi: “Inga zoke izitha zekosami nalabo abavukela ikosi bona bayilimaze bangaba njengesokanelo.” Ikosi yawurubajeka. Yakhuphukela elawini eliphezu kwesango, yalila. Yabe ilokhu yehla yenyuka isithi: “Maye mina ngomsanami u-Absalomu! Umsanami, umsanami u-Absalomu! Ngathana kuhlongakele mina esikhundleni sakho. Maye ngo-Absalomu, maye mina ngomsanami!” Abantu batjela uJowabi bonyana ikosi iyalila, ililela u-Absalomu. Kwathi bona amabutho ezwe bonyana ikosi isemahlungwini ngomsanayo, ukuhlula kwawo mhlokho kwaphenduka isililo. Amabutho angena emzini akhwetjhezela mhlokho njengamadoda nangena ngokunanya lokha nabaleke epini. Ikosi yazibhibeza ubuso yarhahlawula yathi: “Maye mina, ngomsanami u-Absalomu! Maye mina ngo-Absalomu, umsanami, umsanami!” UJowabi wangena ngelawini waya ekosini wafese wathi: “Awa, namhlanje khona uwadanisile-ke amabuthwakho akusindise abe asindisa namadodanakho namadodakazakho kanye nepilo yamakhosikazakho neyemingenakho. Ujama nezitha zakho, uhlanukela abangani bakho. Ubonakalise kuhle namhlanje bonyana iinduna namabutho akatjho litho kuwe. Ngiyabona bonyana bewuzakuthaba nangathana u-Absalomakho loyo gade aphila, khibe kufe thina sokanyana nje. Phuma khona nje uyokukhuthaza amabuthwakho lawaya. Nawungaphumiko, ngoZimu ngiqinisile ngithi bazakutjhiya boke usale wedwa tere nakutjhinga ilangeli, uzase uyihlole. Kuzakuba budisi kuwe ukudlula ubudisi boke owakhe wabuthwala epilwenakho.” Yeke ikosi yasikima yakhamba yayokuhlala esangweni. Amadoda nezwa bonyana ikosi isesangweni, eza azoyilotjhisa. Ngesikhatheso ama-Israyeli agade akhamba no-Absalomu gade sele abalekele eendlini zawo. Phakathi kweenkoro zoke zakwa-Israyeli gade sele kunokuphikisana hlangana nabantu. Bathi kubaphathi: “Ikosi uDavida eyasisindisa esandleni sezitha zethu, iye ikosi eyasisindisa esandleni samaFilista, ibalekile enarhenapha ngebanga laka-Absalomu. Kodwana u-Absalomu loyo esamzesa bonyana asibuse, uhlongakele epini. Alo, kubayini nathi du nje; ningasathi ikosi ayibuye?” Yeke ikosi uDavida yathumela umlayezo othi kubaphristi uTsadokhi no-Abiyatari: “Akhe nibuze abaphathi bakwaJuda ngesewula bonyana benziwa yini kobana badose iinyawo ekubuyiseleni ikosi esigodlweni sayo. Batjeleni bonyana ikosi lapha igugubele khona iwezwile amahlebezi wokobana ama-Israyeli ngetlhagwini afuna izokuba yikosawo. Batjeleni nithi, ‘Nibafowethu mbala, niyinyama negazi lami. Alo, kubayini nidosa iinyawo ekubuyiseleni ikosi?’ Bese nithi ku-Amasa, ‘Awusinyama negazi lami na? NgoZimu ngiqinisile ngithi uzakuba yinduna yamabuthwami esikhundleni sakaJowabi kusuka khona nje.’ ” Amezwi kaDavida athumba iinhliziyo zabantu boke bakwaJuda kwaba ngathi bamumuntu munye. Bathumela ilizwi ekosini bathi: “Yewubuye namabuthwakho woke.” Yeke ikosi yabuya beyakhamba yayokufika eJordani. Abantu bakwaJuda bafika eGiligali kobana bahlangabezane nekosi, bayiyamise iJordani. UTjhimeyi umsa kaGera, umBhenjamini weBharhurimu, naye wagijima nabantu bakwaJuda wayokuhlangabeza ikosi uDavida. Bekaphekelelwa yikulungwana yamaBhenjamini, uTsiba isisebenzi sekumba kaSawula kanye namadodanakhe alitjhumi nahlanu neenceku zakhona ezimatjhumi amabili. Bagijimela eJordani lapha kwakunekosi khona. Bayama ezibukweni kobana bayamise umndeni wekosi bebenze nanyana yini efunwa yikosi. Ngemva kobana uTjhimeyi umsa kaGera ayame iJordani, wazilahlela phasi phambi kwekosi wathi kiyo: “Ikosi ayidle izitjhiyele. Inga ikosi ingakhohlwa ubudlhayela obenziwa yincekwayo mhlana ikosami isuka eJerusalema. Bengithi ekosinami tjhebetjhebe. Incekwakho iyazi bonyana itjhaphele ikosi, kodwana namhlanje ithe ayiphume ibe ngeyokuthoma ekumbeni kaJosefa ukwehla izokuhlangabeza ikosayo.” U-Abitjhayi umsa kaTseruya wathi: “Usaphilelani nje uTjhimeyi wakhona loyo, nathuke umzeswa kaZimu kangaka?” UDavida wathi: “Niyithenga ngani indaba le, nina besa bakaTseruya? Namhlanje nijamelene nami! Akunamuntu ozakubulawa kwa-Israyelapha namhlanjesi. Ngimi ikosi kwa-Israyeli, ngiqedile nangitjho njalo.” Ikosi yathi kuTjhimeyi: “Awuzukufa.” Ikosi yamthembisa ngesifungo. UMefi-Bhotjhethi, umntwanomntwana kaSawula naye wehla wayokuhlangabeza ikosi. Bekangazange ahlambe iinyawo zakhe nanyana aphungule iindevu zakhe, nezambatho zakhe azange azihlanze soloko kwamhlana ikosi isuka eJerusalema, bekwaba sekubuyeni kwayo isabulungekile. Naye weza ukuzokuhlangabeza ikosi asuka eJerusalema. Ikosi yambuza yathi: “Awu, Mefi-Bhotjhethi, kubayini ungazange ukhambe nami?” Waphendula wathi: “Kosami, ndabezitha, njengombana incekwakho irholophele nje, ngazitjela bona ngizakubophela udumbanami ukuze ngikghone ukukhamba nekosi. Nakhuya-ke uTsiba isisebenzi sami singidlelezela. Wafika wangikhuluma kumbi ekosinami. Nokho-ke ikosami ikghona ukuzwisisa kuhle njengesithunywa sakaZimu. Yeke ayenze nanyana yini elungileko emehlwenayo. Bewunelungelo lokubulala zoke iinzukulwana zakabamkhulwami, kodwana unikele incekwakho indawo hlangana nalabo abagoma esithebeni sekosi. Alo, ngingabe ngisathi ngifunelani ukubawa okhunye ekosinami?” Ikosi yathi kuye: “Ungasanda namezwi! Ngithi wena noTsiba hlukaniselanani amasimu.” UMefi-Bhotjhethi wathi ekosini: “UTsiba akawathathe woke amasimu lawo, mina kimi kwanele ukubona ikosami ibuyele ekhaya ibulungekile.” UBharzilayi umGiliyadi wehla avela eRogelimi kobana azokulotjhisa ikosi eJordani. UBharzilayi lo gade kuliqhegu elidala, aneminyaka ematjhumi abunane. Watlhogomela ikosi lokha nayisahlala eMarhanayimu ngombana wayemumuntu onjingileko. Ikosi yathi kuBharzilayi: “Yewuyame nami uyokuhlala nami eJerusalema, ngizakutlhogomela.” Kodwana uBharzilayi wathi ekosini: “Ikosi itjho bonyana ngingabe ngisafika eJerusalema nanginje? Nginamatjhumi abunane woke weminyaka. Angisanandiphelwa lilitho. Ukudla nokuselwako sekuduma qwatjhi. Nalokha abobaba nabomma nababhina esigodlweni angeze bengisabezwa. Incekwakho izokuba mthwalo ekosinami. Kungaba budisana bonyana incekwakho iyame iJordani nekosi. Ikosi ingibonani kangaka? Ikosi ayingivumele ngiphenduke, ngiyokufela emzinekhethu, ngilale eduze nezindla lakababa nomma. Nokho nangu umsanami uKimhamu. Akayame nekosi, ikosi imenzele nanyana yini ekubona kukuhle emehlwenayo.” Ikosi yathi: “Iye, awa; uKimhamu angayama nami. Ngizamenzela nanyana yini ekuthokozisako ngombana kuyangithokozisa ukukwenzela nanyana yini oyifuna kimi.” Yeke boke abantu bayama iJordani. Ikosi nayo yayama ngemva kobana igone uBharzilayi beyambusisa. UBharzilayi waphendukela ekhaya. Ikosi yanqomba eGiligali, uKimhamu wakhamba nayo. Bekungiwo woke amabutho wakwaJuda nengcenye yamabutho wakwa-Israyeli ayamisa ikosi eJordani. Kwasuka inengi labantu bakwa-Israyeli laya ekosini lafese lathi: “Banalungelo liphi abafowethu bakwaJuda bona bangathatha ikosi nomndenayo bayiyamise iJordani nabo boke abantu abakhamba nayo na?” Boke abantu bakwaJuda bafahlela, baphendula bakwa-Israyeli bathi: “Lokho sikwenze ngombana ikosi iseduze nathi ngegazi. Alo, nitjhiswa yini ngalokho? Kghani kunento esiyigomileko esabelweni sekosi? Kunezinto esizithathele zona na?” Abantu bakwa-Israyeli baphendula bakwaJuda bathi: “Thina siziinkoro ezilitjhumi kunani, yeke sinesandla esibanzi ekosini uDavida. Alo, nisinyazelani kangaka? Akusithi esize nombono wokobana kulandwe ikosi na?” Abantu bakwaJuda barhagalela bakwa-Israyeli ngendaba le. Kwavela isibhidlamnyanya ekuthiwa nguTjheba umsa kaBhikiri, umBhenjamini, savuthela ipalapala sarhuwelela sathi: “Asinasabelo noDavida, asithintani ndawo nomsa kaJese! Ayigubhe, Israyeli; omunye nomunye etendeni lakhe!” Yeke boke abantu bakwa-Israyeli bahlanuka uDavida balandela uTjheba umsa kaBhikiri. Kodwana bakwaJuda bona bahlala nekosabo uDavida ukusuka eJordani bekuyokufika eJerusalema. Lokha uDavida nabuyela esigodlweni sakhe eJerusalema, wathatha imingena elitjhumi egade ayitjhiye bonyana yeluse isigodlo wayibeka ngekumbeni egadiweko. Wayondla kodwana azange ayiyame. Kwafanela bonyana ihlale igadwe njalo bekufike isikhathi sokuhlongakala kwayo, iphila inga bahlolokazi. Yeke ikosi yathi ku-Amasa: “Biza amadoda wakwaJuda aphelele kimapha emalangeni amathathu ezako; nawe ube khona.” Kodwana u-Amasa wathatha isikhathi eside ukubuthelela amadoda wakwaJuda kunegade asibekelwe yikosi. Yeke uDavida wathi ku-Abitjhayi: “Nangiqalako nje, uTjheba umsa kaBhikiri lo ungathi uzasidalela umonakalo omnengi khulu kuno-Absalomu. Thatha ibutho lami umlandele; uyangisolisa uzabe afunyane amadorobho anemithangala bese uyasiphunyurha.” Yeke ibutho lakaJowabi, amaKereti namaPeleti kanye neengorho zekosi, laphuma lirholwa ngu-Abitjhayi. Laphuma eJerusalema ligijimisa uTjheba umsa kaBhikiri. Kwathi lokha nafika edwaleni elikhulu eGibiyoni, u-Amasa wawahlangabeza. UJowabi gade embethe izambatho zakhe zepi, edinini atlinye ibhande elinesabula engemgodlenayo. Uthe natjhidelako, isabula yarhwatjheka ngemgodlenayo. UJowabi wathi ku-Amasa: “Kunjani mnakwethu?” Wadosa itjebe ka-Amasa ngesandla sokugoma kwanga ufuna ukumncwanga. U-Amasa azange atjheje umukhwa ongesinceleni sakaJowabi, uJowabi wamrharhabula ngawo esiswini, amathumbu achithekela equlwanini. Azange kusaba nesidingo sokobana uJowabi amsike kwesibili bonyana ambulale. UJowabi nomfowabo u-Abitjhayi baragela phambili bagijimisa uTjheba umsa kaBhikiri. Enye yamadoda webutho lakaJowabi yajama eqadi kwaka-Amasa yathi: “Nangabe nithanda uJowabi begodu nijame noDavida, landelani uJowabi!” U-Amasa wabhudabhudeka eengazini zakhe phakathi kwendlela. Indoda leyo yabona bonyana amabutho akakhambi yarhurhubisela u-Amasa eqadi kwendlela. Kwathi nayilemuka bonyana woke umuntu nafika ku-Amasa uyajama, yambhibha ngengubo. Ngemva kobana u-Amasa asusiwe endleleni, boke abantu baragela phambili noJowabi ekugijimiseni uTjheba umsa kaBhikiri. UJowabi wadlula hlangana nazo zoke iinkoro zakwa-Israyeli bewafika e-Abela okutjho iBhethe-Mahakha. Woke amaBheri abuthana alandela uJowabi. Abalandeli bakaJowabi bafika baragelela uTjheba e-Abela-Bhethe-Mahakha. Bakhamba basakha iinqabo magegana nomthangala ongaphambili wedorobho. Kwathi lokha nabasalwa nokuwisa umthangala, kwavela isihlakaniphi somfazi ngedorobheni sathi: “Yenilalele! Yenilalele! Tjelani uJowabi loyo bonyana akhe avele lapha, ngisafuna ukukhuluma naye.” UJowabi wamhlangabeza. Umfazi loyo wathi kuye: “Nguwe uJowabi na?” Yena wathi: “Iye, uJowabi ngimi lo.” Umfazi loyo wathi: “Akhe ulalele lokho incekukazakho ekuphathele khona.” UJowabi wathi: “Khuluma, ngilalele.” Waragela phambili umfazi wathi: “Ekadeni kwakuphele kuthiwe, ‘Nawunomraro khamba uye e-Abela uzakurarululwa’. Thina sibabantu abangananturhu begodu sithembekile ku-Israyeli. Gadesi wena ulinga ukubhuruza idorobho elingunina wama-Israyeli. Kubayini ufuna ukurhiribidela ilifa lakaZimu na?” UJowabi wathi: “Kanti-ke awa! Angeze bengithome, angeze bengithome nakancani ngibhuruze nanyana ngirhiribidele idorobho! Awa, abe akusinjalo mma. Into nje phakathi kwenwapha kunesiphehlanturhu esitlhorholoje ikosami uDavida. Sidabuka ngale kombundu enarheni yakwa-Efrayimu, ibizo laso nguTjheba umsa kaBhikiri. Nawunganginikela umrhali loyo, bengiphuma khona nje ngedorobhenapha.” Umfazi wathi kuJowabi: “Awa yeke, nakunjalo, khona-ke ihlokwanakhe nizayigama ngehla komthangala.” Umfazi lo wathumba boke abantu ngeseluleko sakhe. Khonokho bajuqula ihloko kaTjheba umsa kaBhikiri bayijikijela kuJowabi. UJowabi wavuthela ipalapala, amabuthwakhe alitjhiya idorobhelo, aphadlhalala omunye nomunye walunga kwakhe. UJowabi wabuyela ekosini eJerusalema. UJowabi gade engamele loke ibutho lakwa-Israyeli; uBhenaya umsa kaJehojada engamele amaKereti namaPeleti; u-Adoniramu yena gade alawula zemisebenzi; uJehotjhafathi umsa ka-Arhiludi angusosiba; uTjheva angumabhalana; uTsadokhi no-Abiyatari kubaphristi; kanti u-Ira weJayiri naye gade amphristi kaDavida. Ngesikhathi sokubusa kwakaDavida kwaba nendlala iminyaka emithathu ngokulandelana. UDavida walila kuSomninini. USomnini wathi: “Kungebanga lakaSawula kanye nekumbakhe ezele iingazi; ngokubulala kwakhe amaGibiyoni.” (AmaGibiyoni la gade angasiyo ingcenye yama-Israyeli, kodwana bekusiqubutjhwana sabakwa-Amori abasindako. Bakwa-Israyeli bafunga bonyana bazabababalela, kodwana uSawula wasuka wancama khulu ngo-Israyeli noJuda bewazama nokuwabhubhisa). Ikosi uDavida yabiza amaGibiyoni bona ikhulume nawo, yawabuza yathi: “Nginenzeleni? Ngingalungisa njani ukuze koke kubuyele esigeni enarheni kaZimu?” AmaGibiyoni amphendula athi: “Asifuni isiliva namkha igolide kuSawula nesizukulwana sakhe. Godu asinalungelo lokubulala umuntu kwa-Israyeli.” UDavida wathi: “Alo, nifuna nginenzeleni?” Amphendula athi: “USawula walinga ukusibhubhisa bewasibekela isifu kobana asirhayile ukuze singabi nesabelo kwa-Israyeli. Nje-ke sifuna iinzukulwana zakhe eziduna ezilikhomba zibulawe bezirhubutjhwe phambi kwakaSomnini uZimu. Siziphanyeke eGibeya lakaSawula, ikosi yokuthoma eyakhethwa nguZimu.” Yeke uDavida wathi: “Ngizaninikela zona.” Ikosi yambabalela uMefi-Bhotjheti umsa kaJonathani umsa kaSawula ngebanga lesifungo esenziwa phambi kwakaSomnini phakathi kwakaDavida noJonathani. Kodwana ikosi yathatha amadodana amabili wakaRitsipa ongomunye wemingena kaSawula. URitsipa gade kuyindodakazi ka-Aya. Amabizo wamadodana lawo gade kungu-Aramoni noMefi-Bhotjheti. Godu ikosi yathatha amadodana amahlanu wendodakazi kaSawula uMikali. UMikali gade kumfazi ka-Adriyeli umsa kaBharzilayi weMerhola. Yawanikela ezandleni zamaGibiyoni, awabulala awaneka embundwini e-aldarini lakaSomnini. Afa ndawonye wolikhomba njalo, abulawa emalangeni wokuthoma wokuvuna njengombana bekuthonywa ukuvunwa kwebhali. URitsipa indodakazi ka-Aya wazendlalela ingubo yesizilo phezu kwedwala. Wagada iindumbezo kusukela ekuthomeni kokuvunwa bekwaba sikhathi sokuna kwezulu. Azange avumele bona zithintwe madlanga emini nanyana abophagana ebusuku. Kuthe lokha uDavida nezwa ngalokho okwenziwa nguRitsipa umngena kaSawula, wakhamba wayokuthatha amathambo kaSawula newendodanakhe uJonathani emphakathini weJabetjhi-Giliyadi. (Abantu beJabetjhi bebawathethe ngemsitheleni esirhodlweni seBhethe-Tjhani lapha bebaphanyekwe khona maFilista ngemva kobana amadlhe uSawula eGilibowa.) UDavida waletha amathambo kaSawula newakaJonathani kanye newabanye ababulawa bebaphanyekwa eGibiyoni. Bafihla woke amathambo lawo ethuneni lakaKitjhi uyise kaSawula, eTsela kwaBhenjamini. Ngemva kobana sele benze koke ikosi eyabayala ngakho, uZimu waphendula umthandazo wenarha. Kwabuya godu kwaba nepi phakathi kwamaFilista nama-Israyeli. UDavida waphuma namabuthwakhe wehla wayokulwa namaFilista eGobo. Lokha uDavida nathoma ukudinwa, umFilista wadlumbana bona angambulala. UmFilista lo gade ayitsitsirimba, anomkhonto onetlobo enobudisi obungaphezu kwamakhilogremu amathathu begodu ahlome nangesabula etja. Kodwana u-Abitjhayi umsa kaTseruya walamulela uDavida, wamadlha umFilista loyo wambulala. Ngemva kwalokho amabutho kaDavida afunga kuye athi: “Angeze bewusakhamba nathi epini, asifuni bonyana ilanga lakwa-Israyeli licime.” Kwaba nenye godu ipi namaFilista eGobo. Ngesikhatheso uSibekayi weRhutjha wabulala uSafi enye yeentsitsirimba. Kenye ipi namaFilista eGobo, u-Elirhanana umsa kaJare-Oregimi weBhethe-Lehema wabulala uGoliyadi weGathi. Umphini womkhontwakhe wawulingana nomphekgho. Nakenye godu ipi eyaba seGathi, kwakunendoda ede enemino esithandathu esandleni ngasinye namazwani asithandathu enyaweni ngalinye, okuba matjhumi amabili nane sele kukoke. Nayo gade ingenye yeentsitsirimba. Yathi lokha nayitlhorholoja ama-Israyeli, uJonathani umsa kaTjhimeyi, umfowabo kaDavida wayibulala. Laba abane gade baziinzukulwana zakaRafa eGathi, bafa babulawa nguDavida namabuthwakhe. UDavida wadumisa uSomnini ngokuvuma ingoma le lokha uSomnini namsindisa esandleni sazo zoke izitha zakhe ngitjho nakuSawula. Wabhina wathi: USomnini ulidwala lami, isiphephelo sami nomsindisami. UZimami ulirholo lami engiphephela kilo; usihlangu sami namandla wesindiswami; uyisikami, isiviko sami nomenyelami. Nakibondwendweni uyangisindisa. USomnini ufanele ukudunyiswa: Nangilila kuye ungisindisa ezitheni zami. Ngenganyelwa magagasi wokufa, iinrhurhula ezibhubhisako zafuna ukungigubuzesa. Iinkawule zezindla bezingirarele; ngabandamelwa zizifu zokufa. Ematlhuwenami ngalilela uSomnini, ngarhuwelela uZimami. Wezwa ilizwi lami asethempelini lakhe, isililo sami safika eendlebeni zakhe. Iphasi ladengezela begodu lahlengezela, iinsekelo zamazulu zasikinyeka, zathuthumela ngombana gade asilingekile. USomnini nasilingekileko ufana nentabamlilo ethunya intuthu nekhafula amalangabi nekehla. Wavula amazulu wehlela phasi; ngaphasi kweenyawo zakhe kuthe kupe amafu anzima tshu. Kwaba ngathi uphapha ngekerubhi emafini, isiwuruwuru saba ngasuthi maphiko aphapha ngawo. Wagubuzeswa lilifu elinzima njengesisitho, namafu wezulu amnyama wemkayini. Ebuphaziphazini bobukhona bakhe kwamekeza, kwaphambana imibani. USomnini waduma asemafini, kwezwakala ilizwi longoPhezulu. Wadubula imisubi kwaphadlhalala izitha zami, zadiyazeliswa kumekezela kobuphaziphazi bombani. Lokha uSomnini navuthela ummoya ngeempumulo, akhalima, ukuzika kwelwandle kwambuleka, iinsekelo zephasi zanekeka ebaleni. Welula isandla sakhe aphezulu wangidzwebula; wangenyula emanzini azikileko. Wangisindisa esitheni sami esinamandla nebajamelanini bami egade banamandla kunami. Bangithelekela ngelanga lehlekelele, kodwana uSomnini waba msizami. Wangikhupha emkghothweni wangibeka etjhatjhalazini, wangisindisa ngombana angithanda. USomnini wangivuza ngombana nginganamlandu; wangisiza ngombana ngimsulwa. Iye ngilondile iindlela zakaSomnini; azange ngenze okumbi ngokuhlanuka uZimu. Ngihlala ngilonda imithethwakhe; azange ngiphambuke emiyalwenakhe. Bengisolo ngiphetha ilizwi lakhe, ngizilondile ngaba kude necala. USomnini wangivuza ngombana nginganamlandu, ngimsulwa phambi kwakhe. Somnini, uziveza uthembekile kabathembekileko, uziveza umsulwa kabamsulwa, nakohlanzekileko uziveza uhlanzekile, kodwana oneengwegwe akaphunyurhi kuwe. Usindisa abazithobileko, uqaphela abazigqajako ubehlise. Ukukhanya kwami wena Somninami, utjhugulula ubumnyama engikibo ubenze ukukhanya. Ngesizo lakho angeze ngakhisimela; ngoZimami ngingagiriza umthangala wedorobho. UZimu akaphosisi, ilizwi lakaSomnini alisoleki. USomnini usiphephelo sabo boke ababalekela kuye. Ngubani uZimu ngaphandle kwakaSomnini? Ngubani idwala ngaphandle kwakaZimu? NguZimu ongihlomisa ngamandla nowenza indlelami ilunge. Ungenza ngiqhanase njengehlangu, angivumele ngijame eenqongolweni. Ubandulela izandla zami ukulwa, imikhonwami ikghona ukucupha umsebe wekoporo. Ukungivikela kwakho kungenza ngihlule; nawuphendula imithandazwami ngiqina idolo. Ugangadela indlelami, bonyana ngingatshinyeki iingogoriyana. Ngagijimisa izitha zami ngazifihliza; azange ngijike zingakafi zoke nya. Ngaziqoba nya, zaparalala zangasavuka; zarabhalala ngaphasi kweenyawo zami. Wangihlomisa ngamandla wokulwa, wathobisa izitha zami phambi kwami. Wenza izitha zami bona zifulathele ipi, ngarhayila amanabami. Zarhuwelela zifuna isizo, kodwana azange kube khona ongazisindisa; zalilela uSomnini, kodwana azange aziphendule. Ngazitshidlha zasileka kwanga lithuli lehlabathi; ngazigadanga njengeensila zeendledlana. Somnini, ungisindisile nangisahlelwa sisizwe sekhethu, wangenza ngaba yihloko yezizwe ezitjhili. Abantu bakosobantu bayangikhothamela, nemiqhamuka iyathuthumela phambi kwami, yenze engikutjhoko. Imiqhamuka iyangesaba, iza itatazela kusukela esiphephelweni sayo. USomnini uyaphila! Alidunyiswe idwala lami! Akaphakanyiswe uZimu, olidwala nomsindisami! UnguZimu ongibuyiselelako, obeka izizwe ngaphasi kwami, ongithukulula ezitheni zami. Ungiphakamisela ngaphezu kwezitha zami, angisindise kibondwendweni. Nje-ke ngizakudumisa, Somninami, hlangana nezizwe; ngibhine iingoma zokudumisa ebizweni lakho. Unikela ikosi ayibekileko ukuhlula okukhulu; akhombise umusa ongapheliko kabazesiweko bakhe, kuDavida neenzukulwana zakhe isiphelani. Le yingoma yokugcina eyathonywa nguDavida: Ikulumo kaDavida umsa kaJese, ikulumo yendoda eyaphakanyiswa khulu; indoda ezeswe nguZimu kaJakopo, umtloli weengoma ezihle khulu kwa-Israyeli. UMoya kaSomnini wakhuluma ngami; amezwakhe gade aselimini lami. UZimu ka-Israyeli wakhuluma, iDwala laka-Israyeli lathi kimi: Obusa abantu ngokulunga, obusa ngokwesaba uZimu, ufana nomkhanyo wokuphuma kwelanga ekuseni elinganalifu, unjengomkhanyo wokwembula kwezulu elivuselela utjani ehlabathini. Ukubusa kwami kukhambisana nentando kaZimu; wenze isivumelwano esingapheliko nami, esiqinileko nesingasoze sephulwa. Kodwana abambi bafana nesithukghu sameva esisitjhulweko: Asithintwa ngezandla. Ofuna ukusiwola usebenzisa isikghopholo nanyana umphini womkhonto, sitjhiswa besilahlelwe khonapho. Lawa mabizo weengorho zakaDavida: UJotjheba-Bhasitjhebethi umTarhikemoni gade amrholi wesiqhema sabathathu esaziwako. Wabulala abantu abamakhulu abunane ngesilembe ngehlandla linye. Ingorho yesibili kwakungu-Eliyazari umsa kaDodo umArhorhi. Wabengomunye wesiqhema sabathathu ebegade sinoDavida mhla batjhijila amaFilista nahlangene ukuyokulwa. Abantu bakwa-Israyeli babaleka, kodwana yena wajama wamadlha amaFilista isandla sakhe besakokorana phezu kwesabula. USomnini wehlisa ukuhlula okukhulu mhlokho. Amabutho abuyela ku-Eliyazari arhabele ukuyokukhuthuza iindumbu kwaphela. Ingorho yesithathu kwakunguTjhama umsa ka-Agiye umHarari. AmaFilista ahlangana eLerhi lapha gade kunesimu yeenhlumaya khona. Kwathi lokha amabutho wakwa-Israyeli nabaleka amaFilista, uTjhama yena waba nesibindi, wajama phakathi kwesimu. Wayivikela, wamadlha phasi amaFilista ngapha nangapha. USomnini wakwehlisa njalo-ke ukuhlula okukhulu. Godu kwakunesiqhema samatjhumi amathathu. Ngesikhathi sokuvuna, kwaphuma iingorho ezintathu kezimatjhumi amathathu zeza kuDavida erharheni le-Adulamu, khonapho ipi yamaFilista yayihlome emRhobeni wabeZimu. Ngesikhatheso uDavida gade aserholweni, umkhambathi wamaFilista useBhethe-Lehema. UDavida womela amanzi wathi: “Uthi ngomile na, inga kungaba nomuntu ongayongikhelela amanzi wokusela emthonjeni ohlanu kwesango leBhethe-Lehema!” Nje-ke iingorho ezintathu kezimatjhumi amathathu zaratha phakathi kwamaFilista zayokukha amanzi emthonjeni ohlanu kwesango leBhethe-Lehema zawaletha kuDavida. Kodwana uDavida wala ukuwasela, esikhundleni salokho, wawathulula phambi kwakaSomnini wathi: “Kosami, angeze bengithome! Kuzakuba ngathi ngisela iingazi zabantu abadele ukuphila kwabo.” Yeke uDavida azange asawasela. Zazinjalo-ke iindaba zeengorho ezintathwezi. U-Abitjhayi umnakwabo kaJowabi umsa kaTseruya bekayikulu yesiqhema samatjhumi amathathu. Wabulala abantu abamakhulu amathathu ngomkhonto. Ngalokho waduma njengeengorho ezintathu ezakhelela uDavida amanzi. Waduma khulu bewadlula iingorho ezimatjhumi amathathu. Waba yindunazo, kodwana idumo lakhe azange lidlule lezintathu zokuthoma. UBhenaya weKhabitsiyeli umsa kaJehojada isihlabani sengorho, gade adume ngezinto ezinengi. Wamadlha amadoda amabili okuthiwa “mabhubezi wakwaMowabi.” Nguye godu owangena ngemgodini wabulala ibhubezi mhlana kukhithika igabhogo. Godu wamadlha itsitsirimba yomGibhide. UmGibhide wabephethe umkhonto, kodwana uBhenaya wamdumela kunjalo ngentonga. Wahluthula umkhonto esandleni somGibhide wambulala ngawo. Zazinjalo-ke iindaba zakaBhenaya umsa kaJehojada, naye waduma njengeengorho ezintathu zesibili. Wahlonitjhwa khulu phakathi kwabamatjhumi amathathu, kodwana azange abalwe kilabo abathathu bokuthoma. UDavida wambeka bonyana alawule amancusakhe. Hlangana nabamatjhumi amathathu gade kunalaba: U-Asayeli umnakwabo kaJowabi, u-Elirhanana umsa kaDodo weBhethe-Lehema, uTjhama weRharodi no-Elikha weRharodi, uRheletsi wePalethi, u-Ira umsa ka-Ikhetjhi weTekhowa, u-Abiyezeri we-Anatothi, uMebunayi weRhutjha, uTsalmoni we-Arhorhi, uMaharayi weNethofa, uRhelebi umsa kaBhahana weNethofa, u-Ithayi umsa kaRibayi weGibeya kwaBhenjamini, uBhenaya wePirathoni, uHidayi wangemirhobeni yeGahatjha, u-Abi-Alboni we-Araba, u-Azimavethe weBharirhumi, u-Eliyarhiba weTjhalibhoni, uJatjheni weRhuni, uJonathani umsa kaTjhama weHarari, u-Arhiyamu umsa kaTjharari we-Arari, u-Elifelethi umsa ka-Arhasibayi weMahaka, u-Eliyamu umsa ka-Arhitofeli weGiloni, uRhetsiro weKarameli, uPaharayi we-Arabi, u-Yigala umsa kaNathani weTsoba, uBhani weGadi, uTselekhe umAmoni, uNarharayi weBhiyerothi, usonkhande kaJowabi umsa kaTseruya, u-Ira weJetere noGarebe weJetere kanye no-Uriya umHite. Bebamatjhumi amathathu nalikhomba nasele baboke. Godu ubukhali bakaSomnini behlela phezu kwaka-Israyeli. USomnini watjitjizela uDavida bona ajamelane no-Israyeli wathi: “Khamba ufese ubale u-Israyeli noJuda.” Yeke uDavida wathi kuJowabi neenduna zamabutho: “Khamba uqale kizo zoke iinkoro zakwa-Israyeli ukusuka kwaDani ngetlhagwini ukuya eBheritjheba ngesewula, utlolise amadoda wepi ukuze ngazi bonyana mangaki.” Kodwana uJowabi waphendula uDavida wathi: “Inga uSomnini uZimakho angandisa amabutho kalikhulukhulu, godu inga amehlo wekosami angawabona. Alo, kubayini ikosami ifuna kwenziwe njalo?” Kodwana uDavida wahlula uJowabi neenduna zepi ngamezwi; basuka phambi kwakhe bakhamba bayokutlolisa amadoda wepi wakwa-Israyeli. Bayama iJordani bathoma ukubala e-Aroyeri, ngemlanjeni ongesewula yedorobho. Ukusuka lapho badlulela eGadi neJayezere. Banqomba ngetlhagwini badabula eGiliyadi bebayokufika eKadetjhi hlanu kwenarha yamaHite. Ukusuka lapho baya eDani-Jayani bajikela ngetjingalanga baya eTsidoni. Badlulela eTirosi idorobho elinemithangala nakiwo woke amadorobho wamaHivi newamaKanana. Bagcina ngokuya eBheritjheba ngesewula yakwaJuda. Ngemva kobana sele bayibhadule yoke inarha, babuyela eJerusalema ngemva kweenyanga ezilithoba namalanga amatjhumi amabili. UJowabi wazisa uDavida ngesibalo samadoda wepi: Kwa-Israyeli kwaphuma iinkakaramba zamadoda aziinkulungwana ezimakhulu abunane akwazi ukulwa ngesabula, kwaJuda khona kwaphuma iinkulungwana ezimakhulu amahlanu. Ngemva kwalokho uDavida wathoma ukuzisola ehliziyweni ngokubala kwakhe amadoda wepi, wathi kuSomnini: “Maye mina, ngonile ngesenzo samesi. Ngiyabawa Somnini, libalela umlandu wencekwakho. Ubudlhadlha abelatjhwa.” UDavida navuka ekuseni ngakusasa, uGadi umphorofidi ombonakhe gade sele afunyene ilizwi lakaSomnini elithi: “Khamba ufese uthi kuDavida uZimu uthi, ‘Ngikunikela izinto ezintathu. Khetha kube kunye kwazo ofuna bona ngikuhlunguphaze ngayo.’ ” UGadi waya-ke kuDavida wathi kuye: “Khetha phakathi kokwehlelwa sisomiso enarhenakho iminyaka emithathu yoke, nanyana iinyanga ezintathu unganasikhundla njengomqasa ugijinyiswa zizitha zakho, nanyana amalanga amathathu wamatshwenyeko enarhenakho. Cabangisisa kuhle, nawuqedileko ungitjele ukuze ngibe negama engilibuyisela kongithumileko.” UDavida wathi kuGadi: “Ngisenyakanyakeni nanginje. Kungcono siwele ezandleni zakaSomnini ngombana yena umusakhe mkhulu; ngingaba yini ezandleni zabantu.” Ngebangelo-ke uSomnini warhadla inarha yakwa-Israyeli ngamanikelela ukusuka mhlokho ekuseni bekwaba sikhathi esibekiweko. Kwafa abantu abaziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi alikhomba ukusuka kwaDani ngetlhagwini ukuya eBheritjheba ngesewula. Kuthe lokha ingilozi nayelula isandla bona irhayile iJerusalema, uSomnini warhawuka ngebanga lamatlhuwo wathi engilozini leyo: “Kahle! Kwanele! Khawula kwanjesi.” Ingilozi kaSomnini gade iseselelweni saka-Arawuna umJebusi. UDavida nabona ingilozi egade irhadla abantu wathi kuSomnini: “Ngimi owonileko ngokwenza okumbi. Abantwaba sezizimvu nje. Boneni kangaka? Isandla sakaSomnini asiwele phezu kwami nomzami.” Mhlokho uGadi waya kuDavida wathi kuye: “Khuphuka bese wakhela uSomnini i-aldari eselelweni saka-Arawuna umJebusi.” UDavida wakhuphuka njengombana uSomnini bekalayezele ngoGadi. Lokha u-Arawuna nambona eza neensebenzi zakhe, waphuma waguqa phambi kwakhe wahloma ihloko phasi, wathi: “Ndabezitha, kubayini ikosami ikhambele incekwayo?” UDavida wathi: “Ngize ukuzokuthenga iselelo sakho bonyana ngakhe i-aldari lakaSomnini khona kuzakukhawuka amatshwenyeko ehlele abantu.” U-Arawuna wathi kuDavida: “Ikosami ayithathe nanyana yini eyibona iyihle inikele ngayo. Nanzi neenkabi zomnikelo wokutjhiswa, nanzi neenleyi zesibhulo kanye namajogi weenkabi kobana kubaswe. Maye kosami, mina Arawuna ngithi ikosi ayizenzele.” Godu wathi u-Arawuna: “Inga uSomnini uZimakho angamukela umhlabelwakho.” Kodwana uDavida wathi ku-Arawuna: “Awa, angikukhokhele. Angeze bengithome ngenzele uSomnini umhlabelo wokutjhiswa wasimahla.” Nje-ke uDavida wathenga iselelweso kanye neenkabi ngamatjhumi amahlanu wamatjhekeli wesiliva. UDavida wakhela uSomnini i-aldari lapho bewenza imihlabelo yokutjhiswa neminikelo yetjhebiswano. USomnini waphendula umthandazo wenarha, kwathi amatshwenyeko ehlele u-Israyeli akhawuka. Ikosi uDavida gade sele amdala, seyiphaphela phasi; iingazi zakhe bezingasatjhisi ngitjho nanyana bambhibha ngemikghadi. Iinceku zakhe zathi kuye: “Asifune intombi engakakhonjwa kobana izokutjheja ikosi, ibe mhlengikazayo, iyisingathe ukuze ikosethu ifuthumale.” Bafuna isiphalaphala sentombi kiyo yoke imikhawulo yakwa-Israyeli, bathola u-Abitjhagi umTjhunemi, bamletha ekosini. Kwakusiphalaphala sakanomhlekhabo, ngambala waba mhlengikazi wekosi, wayonga kodwana ikosi ayizange imeyame. Kwasuka u-Adoniya indodana kaRhagithi wazibetha isifuba wathi: “Mina ngizakuba yikosi.” Wazilungisela iinjomani neenkarana wazifumanela namatjhumi amahlanu wamavulandlela. U-Adoniya gade amhlamazana, alama u-Absalomu. Uyise gade amtotosa, azange akhe amkhalime nanyana ambuze athi: “Wenzelani into enje?” U-Adoniya wazwana noJowabi umsa kaTseruya no-Abiyatari umphristi, bamsekela. Kodwana umphristi uTsadokhi, uBhenaya umsa kaJehojada, uNathani umphorofidi, uTjhimeyi noReyi kanye neengorho zakaDavida azange bazibandakanye no-Adoniya. U-Adoniya wenza umhlabelo ngezimvu, iinkomo kanye namathole anonisiweko elitjeni leZorhelethi eduze nomthombo weRogeli. Wamema boke abanakwabo, amadodana wekosi nabo boke abantu bakwaJuda ebegade baziinkhulu zekosini, kodwana azange ameme umphorofidi uNathani, uBhenaya, iingorho ngitjho nomfowabo uSolomoni. UNathani wabuza uBhathi-Tjheba, unina kaSolomoni wathi: “Besele uzwile bonyana u-Adoniya indodana kaRhagithi sele azibeke ikosi ngaphandle kokwazisa ikosethu uDavida na? Nje-ke ngithi angikulume indlebe bonyana ungayisindisa njani ipilwakho kanye neyendodanakho uSolomoni. Khamba uye ekosini uDavida ufese uthi, ‘Ikosami, azange ifunge kimi, mina ncekukazayo, bonyana nakanjani uSolomoni indodanami izakuba yikosi emva kwayo begodu ihlale esihlalweni sayo sobukhosi na? Alo, u-Adoniya sele ayikosi nakutheni?’ Uzakuthi nawusakhuluma nekosi njalo, mina ngivele; ngifakazele amezwakho.” Yeke uBhathi-Tjheba wakhamba wayokubona ikosi. Ikosi beyingekumbenayo, iluphele khulu ihlengwa ngu-Abitjhagi umTjhunemi. Wafika wakhothama uBhathi-Tjheba waguqa phambi kwayo. Ikosi yambuza yathi: “Ubekwa yini lapha?” Waphendula wathi: “Ikosami yafunga yaqinisa kimi, incekukazayo, phambi kwakaSomnini uZimu yathi, ‘Ngithi uSolomoni indodanakho uzakuthatha iintambo zobukhosi emva kwami, abe ahlale esihlalweni sami sobukhosi.’ Kodwana u-Adoniya sele ayikosi ngaphandle kokwazisa ikosami, bewenze nomhlabelo ongangobaba ngomhlambi weenkomo namathole anonisiweko kanye nezimvu. Umeme u-Abiyatari umphristi noJowabi induna yepi kanye nawo woke amadodanekosi, kodwana watjhiya uSolomoni incekwakho. Nje-ke ngithi, kazi amehlwabo boke kwa-Israyeli lapha aphezu kwekosami, balindele ukuzwa kiyo bonyana ngubani ozokuhlala esihlalweni sekosami emva kwayo. Nakungasinjalo, ikosami ingakhothama la, mina nendodanami uSolomoni sizakukhonjwa ngomuno kuthiwe simavukelambuso.” Kuthe asakhuluma nekosi njalo, kwangena uNathani umphorofidi. Babikela ikosi bathi: “Umphorofidi uNathani uyathokoza.” Bamngenisa, wafika phambi kwekosi waguqa wahloma ihloko phasi, wathi ekosini: “Ikosami ibeke u-Adoniya kobanyana abe yikosi emva kwayo nokobana ahlale esihlalweni sekosami na? Igidigidi ligidigidi ngaphandlapha namhlanjesi, bewenze nomhlabelo ngomhlambi weenkomo, namathole anonisiweko kanye nezimvu. Umeme woke amadodanekosi, wamema neenduna zepi kanye no-Abiyatari umphristi. Ngikhuluma nje bazinikelele ngokudla nangamarhamulo esithebeni sakhe baseze bathi, ‘Bayede ngwenyama Adoniya!’ Kodwana mina ncekwakho, umphristi uTsadokhi, uBhenaya umsa kaJehojada kanye nencekwakho uSolomoni azange asimeme. Kghani kungaba sisenzo sekosami esenze ngaphandle kokwazisa iinceku zayo kobana ngubani ofanele ahlale esihlalweni sekosami emva kwayo?” Ikosi uDavida yathi: “Ngibizelani uBhathi-Tjheba loya.” Yeke wangena wajama phambi kwekosi. Ikosi yenza isifungo yathi: “Ngifunga uSomnini owangisindisa kiyo yoke inyakanyaka, ngithi namhlanje ngizakuphumelelisa engakuthembisa khona ngakufungela ngoSomnini uZimu ka-Israyeli: USolomoni indodanakho uzakuba yikosi emva kwami begodu uzakuhlala esihlalweni sami sobukhosi.” UBhathi-Tjheba waguqa phambi kwekosi wahloma ihloko phasi wathi: “Inga ikosami ingwenyama uDavida ingaphila isiphelani!” Ikosi uDavida yathi: “Ngenisani umphristi uTsadokhi, umphorofidi uNathani kanye noBhenaya umsa kaJehojada.” Kuthe lokha nabafika phambi kwekosi, yathi kibo: “Thathani iinsebenzi zami bese nithatha indodanami uSolomoni niyikhweze phezu kwemeyila niyehlisele eGihoni. Nanifika lapho, wena mphristi Tsadokhi nawe mphorofidi Nathani zesani uSolomoni bona abe yikosi phezu kwaka-Israyeli. Nivuthele ipalapala nirhuwelele nithi, ‘Bayede ngwenyama Solomoni!’ Nanisuka lapho, nikhuphuke naye ukuze azokuhlala esihlalweni sami sobukhosi. Nguye okufanele abuse esikhundleni sami. Ngibeke yena bonyana abe mbusi phezu kwaka-Israyeli noJuda.” UBhenaya umsa kaJehojada wathi ekosini: “Akube njengokutjho kwekosi! Inga uSomnini uZimu wekosami angakuzalisekisa lokho. Njengombana uZimu waba nekosami, inga angenza njalo nakuSolomoni enze umbuswakhe bonyana udlondlobale udlule wekosami ingwenyama uDavida!” Yeke umphristi uTsadokhi, umphorofidi uNathani, uBhenaya umsa kaJehojada, amaKereti namaPeleti behla bakhweza uSolomoni phezu kwemeyila yekosi uDavida banqomba naye eGihoni. Umphristi uTsadokhi wathatha iphondo lamafutha etendeni elicwengileko wazesa uSolomoni. Bavuthela ipalapala abantu boke barhuwelela bathi: “Bayede ngwenyama Solomoni!” Boke abantu benyuka bamlandela, babetha amafludu bajekezela bahlaba iinsondo bekwadengezela iphasi ngebanga lomdumo. U-Adoniya nabo boke abamenywa egade banaye balizwa itjhadelo lokha nabaqedelela umnyanyabo. Kuthe lokha uJowabi nezwa kulila ipalapala, wabuza wathi: “Litjhada lani elisedorobheneli?” Kuthe asakhuluma njalo, kwafika uJonathani umsa ka-Abiyatari umphristi. U-Adoniya wathi: “Ngena! Indoda eyazisa njengawe nje ifuze bona iza nezimnandi.” UJonathani wathi: “Ubethe phasi! Ikosethu ingwenyama uDavida ibeke uSolomoni bona abe yikosi. Ikosi ithumele umphristi uTsadokhi, umphorofidi uNathani, uBhenaya umsa kaJehojada, amaKereti namaPeleti bona bamkhweze imeyila yekosi. Nje-ke umphristi uTsadokhi nomphorofidi uNathani bamzese eGihoni bona abe yikosi. Nabasuka lapho benyuka beza edorobhenapha bakhamba bajekezela, idorobho loke lahlokoma. Litjhada lakhona-ke enilizwakweli. Ngaphezu kwalokho, uSolomoni selahlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi. Godu neenduna zebukhosini sezifikile ukuzokuthokozisa ikosethu ingwenyama uDavida zithi, ‘Inga uZimakho angenza bona ibizo lakaSolomoni lazeke khulu kunelakho nobukhosi bakhe bunabe kunebakho!’ Ikosi yakhothama yadumisa isembhedenayo yathi, ‘Akudunyiswe uSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, ovumele bonyana amehlwami abone loyo ongilandelako ebukhosini bami namhlanje.’ ” Nabezwa lokhu, boke abamenywa baka-Adoniya baba nevalo baphuma ngesibuya. Kodwana u-Adoniya, ngokwesaba uSolomoni, wakhamba wayokukakarela iimpondo ze-aldari. USolomoni watjelwa bona u-Adoniya ukakarelene neempondo ze-aldari ngombana wesaba ikosi uSolomoni. Uthi ikosi uSolomoni ayifunge kuye namhlanje kobana angeze abulala incekwayo ngesabula. USolomoni wathi: “Nange angazibonakalisa bonyana umumuntu othembekileko, angeze adliwa mkhonto; kodwana nange kungatholakala ubukhohlakali kuye, ngiqinisile ngithi uzakufa.” Ikosi uSolomoni yathumela amadoda afese amnamathulula e-aldarini ehla naye. U-Adoniya wafika waguqa wahloma ihloko phasi phambi kwekosi uSolomoni. USolomoni wathi kuye: “Khamba uye kwakho.” Kwathi nasele kusondele isikhathi sokobana uDavida ahlongakale, wayala indodanakhe uSolomoni wathi: “Sengizokukhamba ngiziyele kwamhlaba. Nje-ke, qina amandla msanami, uzibonakalise bonyana uyindoda emadodeni. Ulonde okufunwa nguSomnini uZimakho: Khamba eendleleni zakhe, ulonde iimiso nemiyalwakhe, imithetho neemfuneko zakhe njengombana kutlolwe emthethweni kaMosi, ukuze uphumelele kikho koke okwenzako nalokho onqophe ukukwenza. Phetha koke lokhu ukuze uSomnini aphumelelise isithembiso sakhe kimi nathi, ‘Nange iinzukulwana zakho zingatjheja indlela eziphila ngayo, zikhambe ngokwethembeka phambi kwami, ziphelele ngeenhliziyo nangemiphefumulwazo, angeze wabhalelwa kubeka umuntu esihlalweni sobukhosi kwa-Israyeli.’ “Uyazazela-ke nawe bonyana uJowabi umsa kaTseruya wenzani kimi lokha nabulala iinduna ezimbili zebutho lakwa-Israyeli, u-Abineri umsa kaNeri no-Amasa umsa kaJeteri. Kwathi kusikhathi sokuthula waphalaza iingazi zabo kwanga kusepini, watjhatjha ibhande edinini lakhe namapatlagwana eenyaweni zakhe ngeengazi zabo. Bona ukuqeda ngaye ngendlela ongakghona ngayo, kodwana ungamlisi azifele ngokuthula. “Yiba nesisa emadodaneni kaBharzilayi weGiliyadi, uwavumele abe hlangana nalabo abagoma etafuleni lakho ngombana angisekela lokha nangibaleka umfowenu u-Absalomu. “Ukhumbule-ke bonyana kunoTjhimeyi umsa kaGera umBhenjamini weBharhurimu, owangijikijela ngazo zoke iinhlamba mhlana ngiya eMarhanayimu. Wewuka wangihlangabeza eJordani, ngafunga kuye ngathi, ‘NgoZimu ngiqinisile ngithi angeze ngakuqunta ihloko ngesabula.’ Nokho angitjho bonyana umthathe njengomuntu omsulwa. Wena uyindoda ehlakaniphileko, uzazibonisela ngaye. Akafe ngengongoma.” UDavida wahlongakala, wafihlwa eMzini kaDavida. Wabusa iminyaka ematjhumi amane kwa-Israyeli. Wabusa iminyaka elikhomba eRhebroni; ematjhumi amathathu nantathu eJerusalema. Nje-ke uSolomoni wahlala esihlalweni sobukhosi sakayise uDavida, umbuswakhe wahlonywa ngokunzinzileko. Kwasuka u-Adoniya indodana kaRhagithi waya kuBhathi-Tjheba unina kaSolomoni. UBhathi-Tjheba wambuza wathi: “Uze ngokuthula na?” Waphendula wathi: “Iye, ngize ngokuthula.” Godu wathi: “Kunento engifuna ukuyikhuluma nawe.” UBhathi-Tjheba wathi: “Yiza nazo.” Waraga-ke u-Adoniya wathi: “Njengombana wazi, umbuso bewungewami. Woke u-Israyeli gade aqale mina bonyana ngizakuba yikosi. Kodwana kube nomphambo, iintambo zaphathwa ngumfowethu. Nokho-ke lokho ukwabelwe nguZimu. Yeke nginento yinye tere engifuna ukuyikhombela kuwapha. Ngibawa bonyana ungali.” UBhathi-Tjheba wathi: “Ungakhuluma.” U-Adoniya wathi: “Ngikhombela bonyana ungikhulumele nekosi uSolomoni ingiphe u-Abitjhagi umTjhunemi bona abe mkami. Ngiyazi angeze aba likhuni nakatjelwa nguwe.” UBhathi-Tjheba wathi: “Iye, awa kulungile. Ngizakukhulumela nekosi.” UBhathi-Tjheba waya ekosini uSolomoni bonyana ayokukhulumela u-Adoniya. USolomoni wasikima wamhlangabeza, wafese wamkhothamela. Wahlala esihlalweni sakhe wathi akulethwe isihlalo sendlovukazi izokuhlala. UBhathi-Tjheba wahlala phasi ngesidleni sakhe. UBhathi-Tjheba wathi: “Nginesibawo esincani esisodwa tere engisilethe kuwapha. Ungangaleli.” Ikosi yathi: “Yewukhulume mma, angeze ngakwalela.” Wakhuluma-ke uBhathi-Tjheba wathi: “Vumela u-Abitjhagi umTjhunemi kobana ende kumfowenu u-Adoniya.” Ikosi uSolomoni yathi endlovukazini: “Kubayini ubawa bona u-Abitjhagi umTjhunemi ende ku-Adoniya? Akusingcono usale sele umbawela nobukhosobu? Angithi vele nguye omkhulu! Iye, ubawele nomphristi u-Abiyatari noJowabi umsa kaTseruya!” Ikosi uSolomoni yafunga ngoZimu yathi: “Ngithi nange u-Adoniya angafi ngesibanga sesibawo sakhesi, uZimami akangihlunguphaze, ngiphele nya! NgoZimu owangibeka esihlalweni sobukhosi sakababa uDavida bewanginikela nobukhosi njengombana athembisa, ngiqinisile ngithi u-Adoniya loyo, uzakubulawa khona namhlanjesi!” Ikosi uSolomoni yayala uBhenaya umsa kaJehojada bonyana abulale u-Adoniya. Ngambala wafika wamrharhabula wafa. Ikosi yathi kumphristi u-Abiyatari: “Buyela ekhenu e-Anatothi. Umumuntu wokufa wena. Emanyeni ngabe ngikubulele ibe thana bewungasimthwali womfaji kaSomnini uSomandla phambi kwakababa uDavida, wahlanganyela nobaba kiyo yoke imitlhagwakhe.” USolomoni waqotjha u-Abiyatari esikhundleni sobuphristi bakaSomnini, kwazaliseka ilizwi lakaSomnini alikhuluma eTjhilo ngekumba ka-Eli. Kwathi bona uJowabi ezwe ngokwenzekileko, wabalekela etendeni lakaSomnini, wakakarela iimpondo ze-aldari. UJowabi lo gade ahlala isicathana no-Adoniya kodwana azange enze isigungu no-Absalomu. Ikosi uSolomoni yabikelwa bonyana uJowabi ubalekele etendeni lakaSomnini begodu use-aldarini. USolomoni wayala uBhenaya umsa kaJehojada wathi: “Khamba, ufese umrharhabule!” Yeke uBhenaya wangena ngetendeni lakaSomnini wathi kuJowabi: “Ingwenyama ithi uphume lapho.” Kodwana wathi: “Ulale ulahlile, abe angiphumi lapha, dumbana ngifele khonapha.” UBhenaya wabikela ikosi wathi: “Ulikhomba libaba.” Ikosi yayala uBhenaya yathi: “Nafuna ukufela lapho, akube njengamagamakhe: Mrharhabule! Umngcwabe ukuze kuhlanzeke ibizo lami kanye nekumba yakababa emlandwini wokuthululwa kweengazi ezinganamlandu okwenziwa nguJowabi. UZimu umthwese umlandu weengazi azithululako ngokumadlha abulale amadoda amabili, u-Abineri umsa kaNeri ogade ayinduna yebutho lakwa-Israyeli, no-Amasa umsa kaJeteri ogade ayinduna yebutho lakwaJuda. Womabili amadoda lawo gade kumadoda alungileko nangcono khulu kunaye. Koke lokhu wakwenza ngaphandle kokwazisa ubaba uDavida. Iingazi zabo zizakuba phezu kwakaJowabi kanye neenzukulwana zakhe isiphelani. Kodwana ukuthula kwakaZimu kuzakwanda isiphelani kuDavida neenzukulwana zakhe, esigodlweni sakhe nakilabo abazakubusa emva kwakhe.” Yeke uBhenaya umsa kaJehojada wenyuka wayokurharhabula uJowabi wambulala. Wangcwatjwa endawenakhe emrhuleni. Ikosi uSolomoni yabeka uBhenaya umsa kaJehojada bona abe mphathibutho esikhundleni sakaJowabi begodu isikhundla saka-Abiyatari yasinikela umphristi uTsadokhi. Ikosi uSolomoni yathumela bona kubizwe uTjhimeyi yathi kuye: “Zakhele ikumba eJerusalema bese uzihlalela lapho, kodwana ungalingi uye kwenye indawo. Mhlana weqa umlanjana weKhidroni, wazi bonyana uziphekelele! Iingazi zakho zizakuba phezu kwehlokwakho.” UTjhimeyi wathi ekosini: “Amagamakho lawo ahlaba ikomo. Yeke incekwakho izakwenza njengombana kusitjho ikosami.” Ngambala uTjhimeyi wahlala eJerusalema isikhathi eside. Kodwana ngemva kweminyaka emithathu, amakhoboka amabili wakaTjhimeyi abalekela ku-Akhitjhi umsa kaMakha, ikosi yeGathi. UTjhimeyi wabikelwa kwathiwa: “Amakhobokakho aseGathi.” Khonokho uTjhimeyi wabophela udumbanakhe wanqomba ku-Akhitjhi eGathi ukuyokufuna amakhobokakhe. Kwaba kuwabuyisa kwakhe-ke amakhobokakhe eGathi. USolomoni wabikelwa bonyana uTjhimeyi khewaphuma eJerusalema waya eGathi bewabuya. Yeke ikosi uSolomoni yathi akubizwe uTjhimeyi. Yathi kuye: “Kanti azange ngikufungise phambi kwakaSomnini bengakukhalima ngathi, ‘Nange watjhida kelalapha, wazi bonyana uziphekelele?’ Mhlokho wathi kimi, ‘Amagamakho lawo ahlaba ikomo; ngizakwenza njalo.’ Alo-ke kutheni ungazange ulonde isithembiso sakho owasenza phambi kwakaSomnini bese ulalela umyalo engakuyala ngawo na?” Ikosi yathi godu kuTjhimeyi: “Ehliziywenakho wazi yoke imitjhapho owatjhaphela ngayo ubaba uDavida. Nje-ke uZimu uzokuhlawulisa ngokona kwakho. Kodwana mina Solomoni, uZimu uzangibusisa begodu aqinise ubukhosi bakaDavida isiphelani.” Ikosi uSolomoni yalayela uBhenaya umsa kaJehojada bonyana aphume afese arharhabule uTjhimeyi ambulale. Baqina njalo-ke ubukhosi ezandleni zakaSolomoni. USolomoni waba mkhwenyana kaFaro ikosi yeGibhide. Ngemva kokobana athethe indodakazakhe, waje ayibeke eMzini kaDavida. Yahlala lapho uSolomoni bewaqeda ukwakha isigodlo sakhe nethempeli lakaSomnini kanye nemithangala ezombeleze iJerusalema. Ngesikhatheso abantu bebasaragela phambili ngokwenza imihlabelo eendundumeni ngombana uSomnini bekangakabi ukwakhelwa ithempeli. Nanyana uSolomoni akhombisa ukuthanda uSomnini ngokukhamba ngemiyalo kayise uDavida, ubangakalisi ukwenza imihlabelo nokutjhisa itjhwalo eendundumeni. Nje-ke ikosi uSolomoni yaya eGibiyoni yayokwenza imihlatjelo ngombana indawo leyo bekuyindunduma eqakatheke khulu. Yanikela iminikelo yokutjhiswa eyikulungwana e-aldarinapho. UZimu waziveza kuSolomoni ebusuku ngebhudango eGibiyoni wathi: “Bawa okufunako ngikuphe.” USolomoni waphendula wathi: “Uyenzele umusa omkhulu incekwakho ubaba uDavida ngombana gade athembakele kuwe, aqotho begodu anehliziyo ehle. Uragele phambili ngokuba nomusa omkhulu kuye wamupha indodana kobana ihlale esihlalweni sakhe sobukhosi namhlanjesi. Nje-ke Somnini Zimami, ubeke incekwakho bonyana ibe yikosi esikhundleni sakababa uDavida. Kodwana ngisesemsanyana, abe angazi nokuthi ngizakubambaphi ngilisephi nakunje. Incekwakho nasi hlangana nabantu abanengi obakhethileko, banengi babulala inyoka. Yeke Somnini yenza incekwakho ibe mgwebi ohlakaniphileko ukuze ikwazi ukubusa abantu bakho nokwazi ukuhlukanisa phakathi kokuhle nokumbi. Ngombana ngubani ongakghona ukubusa isizwe sakho nasisikhulu kangaka?” UZimu wakareka ngesibawo sakaSolomoni, wathi kuye: “Njengombana ubawe lokhu, wangazibawela ipilo ede nanyana ubunjinga, nanyana ubawe ukubulawa kwezitha zakho, kodwana wabawa kwaphela ukuhlakanipha ukuze ubuse ngokulunga, ngizakupha okubawileko: Ngizakunikela ihliziyo ehlakaniphileko nenombono ukuze kungabikhona owakhe wafana nawe begodu nongeze abakhona. Ngaphezu kwalokho, ngizakunikela nalokho ongazange ukubawe: Ngizakunikela ubunjinga nokuhlonitjhwa ukuze epilwenakho yoke kungabinakosi elingana nawe. Begodu nawukhamba eendleleni zami bewulalele imithetho nemiyalwami njengombana kwenza uyihlo uDavida, ngizakupha ipilo ede.” USolomoni waphaphama, walemuka bonyana gade abhudanga. Wabuyela eJerusalema, wajama ngaphambi komfaji wesivumelwano sakaSomnini wenza iminikelo yokutjhiswa neyetjhebiswano. Wenzela boke abantu abasesigodlweni sakhe umnyanya. Ngemva kwalokho kweza iingwadla ezimbili zafika zajama phambi kwekosi uSolomoni. Enye yazo yathi: “Babethu, bengithi akhe ngikhulume: Mina nomfazi lo sihlala kumba yinye. Ngabeletha nginaye ngekumbenapho. Kuthe elangeni lesithathu sele ngibelethile, naye wabeletha. Besisodwa tere ngekumbenapho; bekungekho omunye ngaphandle kwethu; besisobabili kwaphela. Kuthe ebusuku, indodana yomfazi lo yahlongakala ngombana ulele phezu kwayo wayiminyazela. Nanguya avuka phakathi kobusuku ananabela umsanami, mina ncekukazakho ngisalele. Wathatha umsanakhe osele ahlongakele wamlalisa esifubeni sami. Wathatha wami wamlalisa esifubeni sakhe. Ekuseni ngavuka ngathi ngimunyisa umsanami. Baba-ke! Ngafumana bonyana uhlongakele! Kodwana ngithe nangimqalisisa kuhle emkhanyweni, ngabona bonyana akusuye obelethwe ngimi.” Umfazi omunye loyo naye wathi: “Afeke! Ophilako lo ngewami; wakho ngohlongakeleko loyo.” Kodwana wokuthoma waphikelela wathi: “Ngithi ofileko ngewakho, wami ngophilako!” Baphikisana njalo-ke phambi kwekosi. Ikosi yathi: “Lo uthi, ‘Wami umsana uyaphila; wakho uhlongakele,’ loya uthi, ‘Umsanakho ngohlongakeleko; ophilako ngowami.’ Yeke ngilethelani isabula.” Ngambala kwalethwa isabula ekosini. Ikosi yathi: “Sikani umntwana ophilako lo phakathi, ninikele omunye nomunye ihlangothi.” Umfazi ongunina lomntwana ophilako warhawuka waba lisizi ngomsanakhe wathi ekosini: “Babethu, ngiyakubawa, kungcono umnikele umntwana ophilako loyo! Ungambulali!” Kodwana umfazi omunye wathi: “Sukela le! Dumbana simlobe sobabili. Mrharhabuleni phakathi!” Yeke ikosi yakhupha isigwebo sayo yathi: “Nikelani umfazi wokuthoma loya umntwana ophilako. Ningambulali; kuyakhanya bonyana nguye unina.” Woke u-Israyeli wezwa ngesigwebo ikosi eyasikuphako. Abantu bahlonipha khulu ikosi ngombana balemuka bonyana uZimu uyiphe ukuhlakanipha ekugwebeni ngokulunga. Ikosi uSolomoni yabusa phezu kwaka-Israyeli woke. Iinkhulu zakhe eziphezulu bekungilezi: u-Azariya umsa kaTsadokhi umphristi; u-Elirhorefi no-Arhiya, amadodana kaTjhitjha bekubomabhalana; uJehotjhafathi umsa ka-Arhiludi angunobhala; uBhenaya umsa kaJehojada ayinduna yamabutho; uTsadokhi no-Abiyatari babaphristi; u-Azariya umsa kaNathani angumphathi weenkhulu zeemfunda; uZabudi umsa kaNathani amphristi nomeluleki wekosi; u-Arhitjhari amphathi wesigodlo; u-Adoniramu umsa ka-Abida amphathi wezemisebenzi. USolomoni gade anababusi beemfunda ezilitjhumi nambili kilo loke lakwa-Israyeli, egade baphakela ikosi nesigodlo. Omunye nomunye gade afanele alethe isondlo senyanga yoke ngomnyaka. Amabizwabo bekungu Bhen-Rhuru wangeentatjaneni zakwa-Efrayimu; uBhen-Dekere aphethe eMakatsa, eTjhayalbimi, eBhethe-Tjhemetjhi ne-Eloni-Bhethe-Rhanani; uBhen-Rhesedi aphethe e-Arubhotho (iSoko nayo yoke inarha yeRhefere bekungezakhe); uBhen-Abinadaba aphethe yoke iNaphathi-Dori (gade atjhade noThafati indodakazi kaSolomoni); uBhana umsa ka-Arhiludi aphethe eTanakha neMegido, nayo yoke iBhethe-Tjhani eseduze neTsarithani ngenzasi kweJizriyela, ukusuka eBhethe-Tjhani ukuya e-Abela-Merhola ngaphetjheya kweJokomoyamu; uBhen-Gebere aphethe eRamothi eGiliyadi (wathatha amatende kaJayire umsa kaManasa oseGiliyadi bona abe ngewakhe kanye nesifunda se-Arigobho eseBhatjhani esinamadorobho amathandathu amakhulu, anemithangala namasango aneenqabo zekoporo); U-Arhinadaba umsa ka-Ido aphethe eMarhanayimu; U-Arhimahatsi aphethe eNafitali (gade atjhade uBhasemathi indodakazi kaSolomoni); UBhana umsa kaRhutjhayi aphethe e-Atjhere ne-Alothi; UJehotjhafathi umsa kaParuwarha aphethe e-Isakari; UTjhimeyi umsa ka-Ela aphethe eBhenjamini; UGebere umsa ka-Uri aphethe eGiliyadi (inarha yeSirhoni, ikosi yama-Amori nenarha ye-Ogi, ikosi yeBhatjhani). Gade kunguye kwaphela umbusi wesifunda. Abantu bakwaJuda nebakwa-Israyeli gade babanengi inga yihlabathi yelwandle; bangatlhogi okudliwako nokuselwako, bajekezela. USolomoni wabusa yoke imibuso ukusukela emlanjeni iYufrathe ukuya enarheni yamaFilista, ukuyokufika emkhawulweni weGibhide. Yoke imibuso le yaletha umthelwayo kuSolomoni begodu wayibusa ipilwakhe yoke. Ukudla kwakaSolomoni kwangamalanga gade kulikhulu namatjhumi amathathu nahlanu wemigodla yeflowuru esefiweko namakhulu amabili anamatjhumi alikhomba wemigodla yeflowuru emakariya; iinkomo ezilitjhumi ezinonisweko, iinkomo ezimatjhumi amabili ezidla emrhuleni nezimvu ezilikhulu, imihlobo yeempalapala, iinhlangumataka neentsephe kanye namadada anonisiweko. Wabusa imibuso yoke engetjingalanga yomLambo, ukusuka eTifsarha ukuya eGaza, godu anokuthula mahlangothi woke. Ngesikhathi sokuphila kwakaSolomoni, uJuda no-Israyeli baphila ngokuphepha ukusuka eDani etlhagwini ukuya eBheritjheba esewula, enye nenye indoda beyizigedla ngaphasi komthunzi wakwayo wesidiribe nomuthi wamakhiwani. USolomoni gade aneenkulungwana ezine zeenjomani zeenkarana, neenkulungwana ezilitjhumi nambili zabakhweli. Isikhulu esinye nesinye sesifunda bekuthi nakuyinyanga yedlhego laso sithumele isibiko ekosini uSolomoni kanye nazo zoke iinthekeli zakhe. Gade ziqinisekisa bonyana akunanto etlhayelako esigodlweni. Godu gade ziletha nebhali neforiji endaweni efaneleko ukuze kuzokuphiwa iinjomani zeenkarana nezinye nje iinjomani. UZimu wapha uSolomoni ukuhlakanipha okukhulu nokubona kuhle izinto ngelihlo elibukhali, nommoya wokuzwisisa ngendlela ebanzi. Ukuhlakanipha kwakaSolomoni gade kudlula kwawo woke amadoda wepumalanga, godu kudlula ukuhlakanipha koke kweGibhide. Gade ahlakaniphe ukudlula woke umuntu, adlula ngitjho no-Ethani umEzrarhi, uHemani, uKalkolo noDarida, amadodana kaMarholo. Iye, idumo lakhe lasabalala kizo zoke izizwe ezizombelezileko. Wakhuluma izaga eziziinkulungwana ezintathu neengoma zakhe zaziyikulungwana nahlanu. Wahlathulula zoke iintjalo ukusuka keziqakathekileko njengomsedari weLibhanoni ukuya kezijayelekileko njengehisophi emila emithangaleni. Begodu bekafundisa ngeenlwana neenyoni, iinrhurhubi neenhlambi. Kweza amadoda avela ezizweni zoke ukuzokulalela ubuhlakani bakaSolomoni, athunyelwe makhosi woke wephasi egade sele ezwile ngobuhlakani bakhe. Lokha uRhiramu ikosi yeTirosi nezwa bonyana uSolomoni uzeswe bona abe yikosi athathe iintambo zakayise uDavida, wathumela abazenda bakhe kuSolomoni ngombana gade azwana noDavida. USolomoni wathumela umlayezo kuRhiramu wathi: “Uyazi bonyana ubaba uDavida gade asahlelwa zizipi ngapha nangapha, nje-ke ngebangelo akhange akghone ukwakhela uSomnini uZimakhe ithempeli, uZimu angakabeki izitha zakhe ngaphasi kweenyawo zakhe. Nje-ke uSomnini uZimami unginikele ukuphumula mahlangothi woke begodu anginasitha nanyana ingozi. Yeke, ngiyabhinca ngifuna ukwakhela uSomnini uZimami ithempeli njengombana uSomnini watjela ubaba uDavida wathi, ‘Indodanakho engizayibeka esihlalweni sobukhosi endawenakho izangakhela ithempeli.’ Ngebangelo-ke thumela umlayezo bonyana ngilungiselwe iingodo zomsedari weLibhanoni. Abantu bami bazakusebenza nebakho begodu ngizakukhokhela nanyana yimalini oyibizako ngabantu bakho. Uyazi bonyana asinaye umuntu onekghono lokukghedlha imithi njengamaTsidoni.” Lokha uRhiramu nezwa umlayezo kaSolomoni wathaba khulu wathi: “Akuthokozwe uSomnini uZimu namhlanjesi ngombana uphe uDavida indodana ehlakaniphileko kobana ibuse isizwe esikhulu kangakesi.” Yeke uRhiramu wathumela ilizwi kuSolomoni wathi: “Ngiwufumene umlayezwakho begodu ngizakwenza koke okubawileko, umsedari neengodo zomsayipurusi. Abantu bami bazazidudula ukusuka eLibhanoni bekube selwandle bese ngizithayisa ngeenyanda elwandle kufikela lapha uzifuna khona. Nazifika lapho ngizabese ngiyazitlharhulula-ke, uzithathe ukhambe nazo. Wena-ke uzakufanela bonyana uphe isigodlo sami ukudla engikubawileko.” Ngambala uRhiramu wahlinzeka uSolomoni ngomsedari nangeengodo ayegade azidinga, noSolomoni wapha uRhiramu amatjhumi athobako weenkulungwana zemigodla yekoroyi njengokudla kwesigodlo sakhe. Godu wamupha neenkulungwana ezilithoba zamalitha wamafutha we-oliva etlhodlhiweko. USolomoni waragela phambili nokupha uRhiramu ngalendlela iminyaka ngeminyaka. USomnini wapha uSolomoni ukuhlakanipha njengombana bekamthembisile. Kwaba khona itjhebiswano ehle phakathi kwakaSolomoni noRhiramu ngombana benza isivumelwano sokuthula. Ikosi uSolomoni yakatelela amadoda aziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amathathu kilo loke lakwa-Israyeli bona asebenze. Wawathumela eLibhanoni ngamajima wabaziinkulungwana ezilitjhumi ngenyanga ukuze aqede inyanga aseLibhanoni bese aqeda zimbili asemakhaya. U-Adoniramu gade ayinduna yamajima. USolomoni gade aneenkulungwana ezimatjhumi alikhomba zamadoda athwala amatje neenkulungwana ezimatjhumi abunane akghedlha ngeentabeni, kanye neenduna eziziinkulungwana ezintathu namakhulu amathathu ebegade zibeke ilihlo emsebenzini begodu zilawula abasebenzi. Ikosi uSolomoni yayala bonyana kukghadlhwe amatje amakhulu nakhethekileko ukuze kuyokwakhiwa isisekelo sethempeli ngamatje abaziweko. Abososino bakaSolomoni noRhiramu namadoda weGebali bagawula bebalungisa iingodo kanye namatje wokwakha ithempeli. Ngomnyaka wamakhulu amane namatjhumi abunane ngemva kokuphuma kwama-Israyeli eGibhide, emnyakeni wesine wokubusa kwakaSolomoni phezu kwaka-Israyeli, ngenyanga kaZifu, okuyinyanga yesibili, uSolomoni wathoma ukwakha ithempeli lakaSomnini. Ithempeli ikosi uSolomoni eyalakhela uSomnini lalimamitha amatjhumi amathathu ubude, amamitha alitjhumi ububanzi begodu namamitha alitjhumi nahlanu ukuphakama. Isirhodlwana sobungeno esingaphambi kwesirhodlo esikhulu sethempeli gade silingana nethempeli ngobubanzi, simamitha alitjhumi. Isirhodlwaneso gade siphume ngamamitha amahlanu ngaphambi kwethepeli. Wenza amafesidere anomluko ethempelini. Ngaphandle emabodeni wethempeli wahlomelela amalawana. Wawakha magegana neboda lomakhiwo wethempeli okusirhodlo esikhulu nelawu elingaphakathi. Amalawana angaphandle lawo wawakha ngamaplanka. Umgangadelo ophasi wamalawana angaphandle gade umamitha amabili nesiquntu ububanzi, kuthi ophakathi ube mamitha amathathu bese kuthi umgangadelo ongehla ube mamitha amathathu nesiquntu. Iboda langaphandle lethempeli gade linemiphetho emibili etjhiyanako magegana nalo ukuze kungalinyazwa iboda lethempeli. Nakwakhiwa ithempeli bekusetjenziswa amatje abazelwe ekwarini kwaphela, kwakungazwakali nondo, tjhizela namkha sitlabagelo bani sesimbi nakwakhiwako. Ubungeno bomgangadelo ophakathi bebungesewula yethempeli. Umuntu bekakghona ukungena ngeminyangwana ukusuka emgangadelweni ophakathi ukuya emgangadelweni wesithathu. Kwathi lokha naqeda ukwakha amaboda wethempeli wenza isilinghi ngamabhaluga namaplanka womsedari. Amalawana angaphandle awakha magegana nethempeli gade amamitha amabili nesiquntu ukuphakama emgangadelweni ngamunye. Gade ahlomelelwe ethempelini ngamabhaluga womsedari. Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kuSolomoni lathi: “Mayelana nethempeli olakhako leli, kuzakuthi nawulandela iimiso zami, wenze imiyalwami, ulonde imithethwami bewuyilalele, ngizalise iinthembiso engazenza kuDavida uyihlo ngawe: Ngizakuhlala hlangana nama-Israyeli, ngingabasukeli abantu bami bakwa-Israyeli.” Lokha uSolomoni naqeda ukwakha ithempeli wanameka ilingaphakathi lamaboda wakhona ngamaplanka womsedari, wawavala ukusuka phasi emgangadelweni ukufika phezulu esilinghini. Wanameka umgangadelo wethempeli ngamaplanka womsayipurusi. Waqunta amamitha alitjhumi ukusuka emsamo wethempeli ngamaplanka womsedari, wawajamisa kusukela phasi emgangadelweni ukuya esilinghini. Ngokwenza njalo gade alungiselela ukwakha ilawu elingaphakathi okutjho indawo ecwenge khulu. Isirhodlo esikhulu, esingaphambi kwendawo ecwenge khulu besimamitha amatjhumi amabili ubude. Amaplanka womsedari emabodeni angaphakathi kwethempeli gade abazwe aba mfanekiso weenkurwana namakhwa aqhakazileko. Woke amaboda ngaphakathi bekanamekwe ngomsedari, kungabonakali litje. Ngaleyondlela walungisa indawo ecwenge khulu ngethempelini ukuze abeke umfaji wesivumelwano sakaSomnini lapho. Indawo ecwenge khulu le beyimamitha alitjhumi ubude, amamitha alitjhumi ububanzi namamitha alitjhumi ukuphakama. Wayinameka yona ne-aldari lomsedari ngecwecwe legolide. USolomoni wanameka ilingaphakathi lethempeli ngecwecwe legolide. Walembelelisa iinketani zegolide ziqaba ingaphambili lendawo ecwenge khulu, ebeyembeswe ngegolide. Ngaleyondlela wanameka ngegolide woke umakhiwo ngaphakathi kanye ne-aldari elingaphambi kwendawo ecwenge khulu. Ngaphakathi kwendawo ecwenge khulu wenza amakerubhi amabili ngeengodo ze-oliva; ikerubhi ngalinye laba mamitha amahlanu ukuphakama. Iphiko ngalinye lekerubhi lalimamitha amabili nesiquntu ubude, kumamitha amahlanu ukusuka etlobeni yephiko ukuya kwenye itlobo yephiko. Ikerubhi lesibili nalo gade linesilinganiso samamitha amahlanu ngombana amakerubhi amabili lawa gade afana poro ngobukhulu nangesibumbeko. Ukuphakama kwekerubhi ngalinye gade kumamitha amahlanu. Wabeka amakerubhi ngaphakathi kwendawo ecwenge khulu, amaphiko wakhona avulekile. Iphiko lekerubhi elilodwa belithinte iboda bese kuthi iphiko lelinye ikerubhi nalo lithinte iboda elinye. Wona gade athintene ngamaphiko phakathi nendawo ecwenge khulu. Wanameka amakerubhi ngegolide. Wabazela amakerubhi, imithi yamasundu namakhwa aqhakazileko emabodeni angaphakathi wethempeli, endaweni ecwenge khulu nesirhodlweni esikhulu. Wanameka nomgangadelo wendawo ecwenge khulu nesirhodlo esikhulu ngegolide. Ebungenweni bendawo ecwenge khulu wenza iminyango yeengodo zemithi ye-oliva, igoseni yakhona beyinamahlangothi amahlanu. Wabazela amakerubhi, imithi yamasundu namakhwa aqhakazileko eminyangweni emibili leyo yeengodo ze-oliva. Wanameka iminyango ngegolide, ngokufanako wanameka amakerubhi kanye nemithi yamasundu. Wenza soneso nebungenweni besirhodlo esikhulu: Igoseni yeengodo zemithi ye-oliva beyinamahlangothi alinganako. Iminyango emibili yegoseni leyo gade yenziwe ngeengodo zomsayipurusi. Umnyango omunye nomunye gade uphayeka begodu wenziwe ngamaplanka amabili. Wabazela amakerubhi, imithi yamasundu namakhwa aqhakazileko phezu kweminyango leyo, watlinkelela igolide emlabulabana phezu kobaziweko. Wakha nesirhodlo esingaphakathi esinamahla amathathu wamatje abaziweko nelihla elilodwa lamabhaluga womsedari. Isisekelo sethempeli lakaSomnini sakhiwa emnyakeni wesine, ngenyanga kaZifu. Emnyakeni wetjhumi nanye wokubusa kwakaSolomoni, ngenyanga kaBhulu, okuyinyanga yobumnane ithempeli laqedwa ukwakhiwa ngokwemininingwana yoke yakhona nangendlela yoke ebeyijanyiswe ngayo. Kwamthatha iminyaka elikhomba uSolomoni ukwakha ithempeli. USolomoni kwamthatha iminyaka elitjhumi nantathu ukwakha nokuqedelela yoke imakhiwo yesigodlo sakhe. Wakha umakho okwakuthiwa liHlathi leLibhanoni, waba mamitha amatjhumi amahlanu ubude, amatjhumi amabili nahlanu ububanzi netjhumi nahlanu ukuphakama. Bewunemilandelande emine yeensika zomsedari ezisekele amabhaluga womsedari. Bewuvalwe ngamaplanka womsedari ngehla kwamabhaluga abekwe avundla phezu kweensika. Begade kumabhaluga amatjhumi amane nahlanu, okutjho itjhumi nahlanu emlandelandeni ngamunye phakathi kweensika. Iintunja zakhona bezibekwe emahleni amathathu aqaleneko, zikhamba ngantathu. Zoke iimvalo zeentunja namagosenazo gade zinamahlangothi alinganako; zikhamba ngantathu ziqalene. Esigodlweni wenza isirhodlwana sobungeno esineensika, saba mamitha amatjhumi amabili nahlanu ubude netjhumi nahlanu ububanzi. Ngaphambi kwaso gade kunamathuri enziwe ngeensika kanye nephahla. USolomoni wenza ibandla elinesihlalo sobukhosi, okwakuthiwa siRhodlo sokuGweba, lapha gade agwebela khona. Walivala ngeengodo zomsedari ukusuka phasi ukuya phezulu emgangadelweni ongehla. Amalawu ebekahlala kiwo bekaseduze nendawo evulekileko esigodlweni, akhiwe ngendlela efanako nebandla. Namalawana ebegade awenzele umkakhe uNaFaro gade akhiwe ngendlela efanako. Yoke imakhiwo le, ukusuka ngaphandle ukuya ngebaleni elakhelelweko nokusuka esisekelweni ukuya phezulu, gade yakhiwe ngamatje acoziweko wezinga eliphezulu abawalungise ngokulinganako ngesarha ngaphakathi nangaphandle. Iinsekelo zakhona bezendlalwe ngamatje amakhulu wezinga eliphezulu, amanye wawo gade amamitha amahlanu amanye amamitha amane. Phezu kwazo bekunamatje wezinga eliphezulu, nawo alungiswe ngokulinganako kanye neengodo zomsedari. Ibala elikhulu belizombelezwe mthangala onamahla amathathu wamatje acoziweko alungiswe ngokulinganako kanye nelihla elilodwa leengodo zomsedari ezibazwe kuhle. Nendawo evulekileko ethempelini lakaSomnini beyinjalo kanye nesirhodlwana sobungeno sesigodlo. Ikosi uSolomoni yathumela bona kulandwe uRhiramu eTirosi. Unina kaRhiramu gade amhlolokazi wesizwe sakwaNafitali, uyise amTirosi. URhiramu gade angusosino wekoporo, anekghono elikhulu begodu anelwazi kiyo yoke imisebenzi eyahlukahlukeneko yekoporo. Weza ekosini uSolomoni wenza woke umsebenzi anikelwa wona. Wabumba iinsika ezimbili zekoporo. Isika ngayinye beyimamitha alithoba ukuphakama namamitha asithandathu ubundulungu. Wenza neempundu ezimbili zekoporo encibilikisiweko ukuze azibeke phezu kweensika. Ipundu ngayinye beyimamitha amabili nesiquntu ukuphakama. Gade inemiluko eyenziwe umphambo phezu kweempundu ezaziphezu kweensika. Gade kurarelwe imiluko elikhomba phezu kwepundu ngayinye. Wakghabisa iimpundu egade ziphezulu kweensika ngamahla amabili wamarharinada azombeleza imiluko. Wenza njalo epundwini enye nenye. Iimpundu egade ziphezu kweensika esirhodlweni sobungeno zazibunjwe zafana namathuthumbo wommango, zimamitha amabili ukuphakama. Ngehla kwengcenye esamjeka eduze nomluko, phezu kweempundu zeensika zombili, gade kuzombeleze amakhulu amabili wamarharinada ahlelwe ngamahla. Wajamisa iinsikezo esirhodlweni sobungeno besirhodlo esikhulu. Isika engesewula wayibiza bona yiJakini kwathi engetlhagwini wathi yiBhowazi. Umsebenzi ophezu kweensika waphela lokha nakuqedwa ukwenziwa kwamathuthumbo wommango eempundwini. Wenza ilwandle ngekoporo encibilikisiweko, laba siyingilizi ngesibumbeko, linobukhulu obumamitha amahlanu ukusuka emqoqweni ukuya komunye namamitha amabili nesiquntu ukuphakama. Kwakungathatha intambo emamitha alitjhumi nahlanu ukulizombeleza. Ngaphasi komqoqo gade kuneenkurwana, zibekwe zaba matjhumi amabili emitheni ngayinye. Gade zimamahla amabili zakhelelwe safuthi emqoqweni ozombeleze ilwandle. Ilwandle lalibekwe phezu kweenkunzi ezilitjhumi nambili, ezintathu ziqale ngetlhagwini, ezintathu ziqale ngetjingalanga, ezintathu ziqale ngesewula neentathu ziqale ngepumalanga. Ilwandle lalinzinze phezu kwazo, ilingemuva lazo linqophe phakathi nendawo. Lalibanzi ngangepama yesandla begodu linomqoqo ofana newekapho, kwanga lithuthumbo lommango. Lalimumethe iinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amane nane zamalitha. Godu wenza iinjamiso zezitja zokuhlambela ezilitjhumi zekoporo; isijamiso ngasinye saba mamitha amabili ubude, amamitha amabili ububanzi nemitha elinesiquntu ukuphakama. Nasi indlela iinjamisezo ezazakhiwe ngayo: Zazineenqabo ezinamathelene nalezo ezisemajikeni. Phezu kwazo zoke iinqabo lezo gade kunomkghabiso wamabhubezi, iinkunzi namakerubhi. Ngehla nangenzasi kwamabhubezi neenkunzi bekunamathuthumbo alembeleleko. Isijamiso ngasinye gade sinamavili amane wekoporo nama-asa wekoporo. Emanzinzweni wamajika amane gade kuneensekelo zokunzinzisa ama-asa. Ngaphasi kwesitja sokuhlambela bekuneensekelo ezinamathezwe ngamathuthumbo alembelele hlangana nazo. Ngaphakathi kwesijamiso bekunesongo elizike ngesiquntu semitha, livuleke ngesiquntu nesiqunjwana semitha. Begade ligobhodlhwe mahlangothi woke. Amahlangothi wesijamiso gade asikwere, angasiyindulungu. Amavili amane gade angaphasi kweenqabo bese ama-asa wamavili gade anamathele esijamisweni. Ubukhulu bevili ngalinye gade busiquntu nesiqunjwana semitha. Amavili lawa gade enziwe njengewekarana yepi; ama-asa, amarimu, iimpiki namahabhu gade kwenziwe ngekoporo enamatheziweko. Isijamiso ngasinye besineemphatho ezine, isiphatho sinye sisejikeni ngalinye, zinamathele esijamisweni. Isongo elingaphakathi kwesijamiso beliphakeme ngesiqunjwana semitha kunaso, lisekeleke ngeenqabo ezingaphezu kwesijamiso. URhiramu wakghabisa iinsekelwezo neenqabo ngamakerubhi, amabhubezi nemithi yesundu. Kesinye nesinye isikhadlana wafaka amathuthumbo alembeleleko mahlangothi woke. Le, ngiyo-ke indlela enza ngayo iinjamiso ezilitjhumi. Zazinamathezwe ngendlela efanako zoke begodu gade zilingana ngobukhulu nangesibumbeko. Wenza izitja zokuhlambela zekoporo ezilitjhumi, isitja ngasinye simumethe amakhulu abunane namatjhumi abunane wamalitha, sivuleke ngamamitha amabili. Isitja sokuhlambela ngasinye sabekwa phezu kwesinye nesinye isijamiso. Wathatha iinjamiso ezihlanu kezilitjhumi wazibeka ngesewula yethempeli nezihlanu ngetlhagwini yalo. Wabeka ilwandle lekoporo ngesewula ejikeni elingesewula-pumalanga yethempeli. Godu wenza nezinye izitja zokuhlambela, iintjhefula nezitja zokufafaza. URhiramu wawuqeda woke umsebenzi agade awenzela ikosi uSolomoni ethempelini lakaSomnini: iinsika ezimbili; iimpundu ezimbili ezisamjeka phezu kweensika; imiluko emibili ezombeleze iimpundu eziphezu kweensika; amakhulu amane wamarharinada emilukweni emibili (amahla amabili wamarharinada epundwini ngayinye, ukwembesa iimpundu ezimbili ebeziphezu kweensika); iinjamiso ezilitjhumi ezinezitja zokuhlambela ezilitjhumi phezu kwazo; ilwandle lekoporo neenkunzi ezilitjhumi nambili ezilisekeleko; izitja ezinye zokuhlambela, iintjhefula nezitja zokufafaza. Zoke izintwezi uRhiramu azenzela ikosi uSolomoni malungana nethempeli lakaSomnini zazenziwe ngekoporo emanyazelako. Izintwezo bezibunjelwe emdakeni ngemrhobeni weJordani phakathi kweSukothi neTsaretani ngelizwi lekosi uSolomoni. USolomoni watjhiya zoke izintwezi angakazilinganisi ngombana gade zizinengi; ubudisi bekoporo azange bufuniselwe. USolomoni wenza yoke ipahla egade isethempelini lakaSomnini: i-aldari legolide, itafula legolide ebegade kubekwe kilo izikwa zobukhona, izinti zeembani ezenziwe ngegolidembala (zizihlanu ngesigomeni nahlanu ngesinceleni ngaphambi kwendawo ecwenge khulu); amathuthumbo aseembanini kanye neencimasibani ebe kwenziwe ngegolide; izitja zegolidembala, iinquntapete, izitja zokufafaza, izitjana; igolide elinamekwe eminyango yethempeli, okutjho iminyango yesirhodlo esikhulu neyelawu elingaphakathi kwethempeli ebekuthiwa yindawo ecwenge khulu. Lokha ikosi uSolomoni sele iqedile ukwenza woke umsebenzi wethempeli lakaSomnini, yaletha izipho ezikhethekileko uyise uDavida anikela ngazo: isiliva negolide kanye nepahla enye. Yazibeka endlini yamagugu ngethempelini lakaSomnini. Ikosi uSolomoni yabizela kiyo eJerusalema abaphathi bakwa-Israyeli, okumakhosi woke weenkoro nazo zoke iinhloko zemindeni yakwa-Israyeli kobana banyuse umfaji wesivumelwano sakaSomnini eMzini kaDavida, okuyiZiyoni. Woke amadoda wakwa-Israyeli ahlangana ekosini uSolomoni ngesikhathi somnyanya ngenyanga ka-Ethanimi okuyinyanga yekhomba. Kwathi bona kufike boke abaphathi bakwa-Israyeli, abaphristi bathatha umfaji, bawuthwala netende lokuhlanganela nakho koke okucwengileko okwakungaphakathi kwalo. AmaLevi asiza abaphristi ukuletha itendelo ethempelini. Ikosi uSolomoni nabo boke abantu bakwa-Israyeli bahlangana phambi komfaji benza umhlabelo ngezimvu nangeenkomo ezingangobaba. Nje-ke abaphristi baletha umfaji wesivumelwano sakaSomnini endawenawo okuyindawo engaphakathi ethempelini, indawo ecwenge khulu. Bawubeka ngaphasi kwamaphiko wamakerubhi. Amaphiko wamakerubhi gade avulekile, angehla kwendawo yomfaji. Amaphiko lawo gade engamele umfaji kanye neengodo zawo othwalwa ngazo. Iingodwezo gade zizide kangangobana zazibonakala nawungaphakathi kwendawo ecwengileko ngaphambi kwendawo ecwenge khulu; kodwana nawungaphandle kwendawo ecwengileko wawungekhe uzibone. Ngitjho nanamhlanje zisese lapho. Bekunganalitho ngemfajini ngaphandle kwemiqebethu emibili eyabekwa nguMosi eRhorebe, lapha uSomnini enza khona isivumelwano nama-Israyeli ngemva kokuphuma kwawo eGibhide. Kwathi lokha abaphristi nabasuka endaweni ecwengileko, ilifu lazala ithempeli lakaSomnini. Abaphristi babhalelwa kukwenza imisebenzabo ngebanga lelifelo, iye iphazimulo kaSomnini yayizele ithempeli lakhe. Yeke uSolomoni wathi: “USomnini uthe batjho uzokuhlala elifini elinzima; nje-ke Somnini sele ngikwakhele ithempeli elibonakalako lapha uzakuhlala khona isiphelani.” Khonapho ikosi uSolomoni yaphenduka yabusisa woke umbuthano wakwa-Israyeli. Kwathi umbuthano wakwa-Israyeli usajame lapho woke, uSolomoni wathi: “Akudunyiswe uSomnini, uZimu ka-Israyeli, othe ngesandla sakhe wazalisa akuthembisileko ngomlomakhe kubaba uDavida. USomnini wathi kuye, ‘Solo kwamhla ngikhupha isizwe sami u-Israyeli eGibhide, azange ngikhethe idorobho kinanyana ngiyiphi ikoro bona kwakhiwe ithempeli lapho ukuze kudunyiswe ibizo lami. Kodwana ngakhetha uDavida bonyana abuse isizwe sami u-Israyeli.’ “Bekusehliziyweni kababa uDavida kobana akhe ithempeli ebizweni lakaSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli. Kodwana uSomnini wathi kubaba uDavida, ‘Kuyinto ehle khulu kobana wakhe ithempeli ebizweni lami. Nokho akusuwe ozokwakha ithempelelo, lizakwakhiwa yindodanakho, eligazi lakho. Ngiyo-ke ezokwakha ithempeli ebizweni lami.’ “USomnini usiphethile isithembiso asenzako: Nakhu nje ngithethe iintambo zakababa uDavida, ngihlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi bakwa-Israyeli njengombana uSomnini athembisa. Ngakhe ithempeli bonyana kudunyiswe ibizo lakaSomnini, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli. Ngilungise nendawo yomfaji lapha kuhlala khona imiqebethu yesivumelwano sakaSomnini asenza nabobaba lokha nabakhupha eGibhide.” USolomoni wathatha indawakhe ngaphambi kwe-aldari lakaSomnini phambi kombuthano woke wakwa-Israyeli, welulela izandla zakhe ezulwini zikhongozele wathi: “Maye! Somnini, Zimu wakwa-Israyeli, akunazimu onjengawe phezulu ezulwini namkha phasi ephasini. Wena ugcina isivumelwano nokwethembeka eencekwini zakho ezikhamba phambi kwakho ngokwethembeka. Ugcine isithembiso sakho encekwinakho ubaba uDavida, wathembisa ngomlomakho bewaphetha ngesandla sakho njengombana kunjalo namhlanje. Yeke-ke Somnini, Zimu wakwa-Israyeli, ngibawa uphethe godu isithembiso owasenza kubaba uDavida lokha nawuthi kuye, ‘Angeze wabhalelwa kukuba nendoda engahlala phambi kwami esihlalweni sobukhosi bakwa-Israyeli, nakube amadodanakho ayelela iindlela zawo kikho koke akwenzako phambi kwami njengombana wena wenzile.’ Ngiyabawa, Zimu wakwa-Israyeli, akuphetheke ilizwi lakho owalithembisa incekwakho ubaba uDavida. “Kodwana nithi uZimu angahlala ephasinapha na? Ngitjho namazulu, ukufika nezulwini eliphezulu khulu, angeze akghona ukumumumatha. Alo, ithempeli engilakhilekweli beliyini-ke lona! Nanyana kunjalo Somnini, Zimami, nokho bengithi uSomnini akatjheje umthandazo wencekwakhe kanye nesibawo sayo sesirhawu. Lalela isililo kanye nomthandazo othandazwa yincekwakho phambi kwakho namhlanjesi. Inga amehlwakho angatjheja ithempeleli ubusuku nemini, okuyindawo othe kiyo, ‘Ibizo lami lizakuba lapho’ ukuze uzwe umthandazo othandazwa yincekwakho iqale ngendaweni le. Yewizwe ukurabhela kwencekwakho kanye nekwabantu bakho u-Israyeli lokha nabathandaza baqale ngendaweni le. Yizwa usezulwini, okuyindawo lapha uhlala khona bese kuthi nawuzwako, ucolele. “Lokha umuntu naphosisela umakhelwanakhe bese kudingeka bonyana enze isifungo sobumsulwa ngaphambi kwe-aldari lakho ethempeleneli, yizwa usezulwini bese uyenza: Gweba phakathi kweenceku zakho, ukhalime onomlandu bese wehlisela phezu kwakhe lokho afunge ngakho. Omsulwa ungambeki umlandu, mbeke etjhatjhalazini bonyana umsulwa. “Lokha isizwe sakwa-Israyeli nasihlulwa sisitha ngebanga lokona kwaso kuwe bese siyaphenduka sivuma ibizo lakho, sithandaze sizirabhelele kuwe ethempelinapha, yewizwe usezulwini bese ucolela isono sabantu bakho u-Israyeli bewubabuyisele enarheni owayinikela aboyisemkhulu. “Lokha amazulu navalekileko, kutlhogeka nezulu ngebanga lokobana abantu bakho bakonele, nabathandaza baqale endaweni le, bavume ibizo lakho bese baphenduka ekoneni kwabo, ngebanga lokobana ubahlunguphazile, yeke yewizwe usezulwini bese ucolela isono seenceku zakho, abantu bakho u-Israyeli. Bafundise indlela elungileko yokuphila bese unisa izulu enarheni oyinikele abantu bakho bonyana kube lilifa labo. Yewizwe lokha nakunendlala enarheni, kunezifo, ubori, ukukghora, isikhonyani namkha iwoma lentethe, lokha isitha nasiwurubaja abantu bakho emkhawulweni wenarha kuvele namatshwenyeko namkha ubhubhani wesifo. Yizwa usezulwini, lapha uhlala khona, lokha nanyana ngubani wabantu bakho u-Israyeli athandaza nanyana arabhela, akhongozele aqale ngethempelinapha, avuma imilandu yehliziywakhe. Colela bese uyenza: Nikela loyo naloyo ukuya ngeendlela zakhe ngombana wazi ihliziywakhe. Iye, nguwe wedwa owazi iinhliziyo zabantu. Nje-ke bazakwesaba ngazo zoke iinkhathi zokuhlala kwabo enarheni owayinikela abobaba. “Yewulalele nomqhamuka ongabalelwa ebantwini bakho u-Israyeli nawuza ubuya khatjhana ngebanga lokobana uzwe indumela yebizo lakho. Iye, abantu bazokuzwa ngobukhulu bebizo lakho nangesandla sakho esinamandla kanye nomkhonwakho olulekileko. Lokha umqhamuka nawufika uthandaze ethempelinapha, yewizwe usezulwini, lapho uhlala khona bese wenza nanyana yini ekhonjelwa mqhamuka. Nje-ke boke abantu bephasinapha bazokwazi ibizo lakho bakwesabe njengombana kwenza abantu bakho u-Israyeli begodu bazi bonyana ithempeli engilakhilekweli lahlukaniselwe ibizo lakho. “Lokha abantu bakho nabaphuma ipi bayokulwa nezitha zabo, nanyana bangaba kuphi lapha ubathumela khona, nabathandaza kuwe Somnini baqale ngedorobheni olikhethileko nangethempelini engilakhele ibizo lakho, yewizwe usezulwini umthandazwabo nokurabhela kwabo bese ujama ngakibo. “Akunamuntu ongakoneliko. Nje-ke lokha nabakonelako bese uyabathukuthelela bewubanikelele ngesitha, sona sibathumbele enarhenaso ekude namkha eseduze, nabafika lapho bese batjhugulula iinhliziyo zabo, baphenduke bakurabhele basendaweni yesitheso bathi, ‘Sonile nasinje, senze okumbi, sikhohlakele,’ nabaphendukela kuwe ngeenhliziyo zabo zoke nangemiphefumulwabo yoke basendaweni yesitheso, bakuthandaze baqale ngenarheni owayinikela aboyisemkhulu, ncaya ngedorobheni olikhethileko nethempelini engilakhileko elahlukaniselwe ibizo lakho, yewizwe usezulwini, lapho uhlala khona, yizwa umthandazo nokurabhela kwabo bese ujama ngakibo. Colela nabantu bakho abakoneleko; colela yoke imitjhapho abakutjhaphele ngayo bese wenza bonyana abathumbi babo babe nomusa kibo; ngombana bababantu bakho begodu balilifa lakho, owalikhupha eGibhide, nekehleni yomlilo wokuncibilikisa isimbi. Inga amehlwakho angabona ukurabhela kwencekwakho kanye nokurabhela kwabantu bakho u-Israyeli, inga ungabalalela lokha nabalila kuwe. Ngombana wabakhetha phakathi kwazo zoke izizwe zephasi kobana babe lilifa lakho njengombana watjho ngencekwakho uMosi lokha, wena Somnini Somandla ukhupha abobaba eGibhide.” Kuthe bona uSolomoni aqede ukuthandaza nokurabhela kuSomnini, wasikima phambi kwe-aldari lakaSomnini lapha agade aguqe khona elulele izandla zakhe ezulwini zikhongozele. Wajama wabusisa woke umbuthano wakwa-Israyeli ngelizwi elikhulu wathi: “Akathokozwe uSomnini onikele abantu bakhe u-Israyeli ukuphumula njengombana athembisa. Akunalizwi nalinye elahlulekileko kizo zoke iinthembiso azenza ngencekwakhe uMosi. Inga uSomnini uZimethu angaba nathi njengombana aba nabobaba; akangasitjhiyi begodu angasilahli. Akaphendulele iinhliziyo zethu kuye kobana sikhambe kizo zoke iindlela zakhe nokugcina imiyalo, imithetho kanye neemiso azinikela abobaba. Inga amezwami lawa engirabhele ngawo phambi kwakaSomnini angaba seduze noSomnini uZimethu ubusuku nemini, ajame ngakimi mina ncekwakhe nangebantwini bakhe u-Israyeli ukuya ngesidingo selanga nelanga. Kwanga boke abantu bephaseli bangakghona ukwazi bonyana uSomnini unguZimu nokuthi akakho omunye. Inga iinhliziyo zenu zingazimisela ngokupheleleko kuSomnini uZimethu ukuphila ngemithethwakhe nokulalela iimiso zakhe njengombana kunjalo namhlanjesi.” Nje-ke ikosi uSolomoni nesizwe soke sakwa-Israyeli benza umhlabelo phambi kwakaSomnini. USolomoni wenza umhlabelo wetjhebiswano phambi kwakaSomnini: iinkomo eziziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili nambili nezimvu eziziinkulungwana ezilikhulu namatjhumi amabili. Ikosi uSolomoni naye woke u-Israyeli banikela ithempeli kuZimu. Khona mhlokho ikosi uSolomoni yahlukanisa indawo ephakathi yesirhodlo ngaphambi kwethempeli lakaSomnini, yenzela khona imihlabelo yokutjhiswa, iminikelo yeenthoro kanye namafutha wemihlabelo yetjhebiswano ngombana i-aldari lekoporo elaliphambi kwakaSomnini lalilincani khulu kobana lingathwala imihlabelo yokutjhiswa, iminikelo yeenthoro kanye namafutha wemihlabelo yetjhebiswano. Ngaleyondlela uSolomoni wenzela uSomnini umnyanya ngesikhatheso. Woke u-Israyeli wahlanganyela naye phambi kwakaSomnini uZimethu. Kwaba yimbedla yomnyanya, bavela eLebo Rhamati ngetlhagwini ukuyokutjhayisa emlanjaneni weGibhide ngesewula. Bagidinga phambi kwakaSomnini uZimethu amalanga alikhomba woke poro, babuyelela godu amanye amalanga alikhomba kwaba ziimveke ezimbili. Ngelanga elilandelako wathi ebantwini ngamakoro ngamakoro. Abantu balayelisa ikosi bagoduka bathokozile neenhliziyo zabo zincibilikile ngakho koke okuhle uSomnini uZimu akwenzele incekwakhe uDavida kanye nabantu bakhe u-Israyeli. Kwathi bona uSolomoni aqede ukwakha ithempeli lakaSomnini kanye nesigodlo, bewenza koke agade ahlose ukukwenza, uSomnini waziveza kuye kwesibili njengombana aziveza kuye eGibiyoni. USomnini wathi kuye: “Ngiwuzwile umthandazo nokurabhela kwakho okwenze phambi kwami; ngilicwengisile ithempeli olakhilekweli ngokubeka ibizo lami lapho isiphelani. Ihliziywami namehlwami kuzakuhlala kulapho. “Wena-ke nawukhamba phambi kwami ngehliziyo epheleleko nangokuhlonipheka njengombana uyihlo uDavida enza bese wenza koke engikuyala ngakho bewulonde imithetho neemiso zami, ngizakunzinzisa isihlalo sakho sobukhosi phezu kwaka-Israyeli njengombana ngathembisa uyihlo uDavida lokha nangithi, ‘Angeze wabhalelwa kukuba nendoda engahlala esihlalweni sobukhosi bakwa-Israyeli.’ “Kodwana nange wena namkha amadodanakho ningihlanukela bese aniphethi imiyalo nemithetho engininikele yona, nigijime niyokulotjha abosingazimu benibakhothamele, ngizokususa u-Israyeli enarheni engimnikele yona bengifulathele nethempeli engilicwengisele ibizo lami. U-Israyeli uzakuba sisaga nesiphoqo hlangana nabo boke abantu. Ithempeleli lizakuba liqubi leququ. Woke umuntu odlula ngendlela uzalikhuza ababaze athi, ‘Alo, kubayini uSomnini enze into enje enarhenapha nethempelinapha?’ Abantu bazakuphendula bathi, ‘Awa musi, angithi bahlanuke uSomnini uZimabo owakhupha aboyise eGibhide, badlhemadlhema ngemva kwabosingazimu, babakhothamela bebabalotjha. Ngikho uSomnini abehlisele ihlekelele engaka nje.’ ” USolomoni kwamthatha iminyaka ematjhumi amabili ukwakha imakhiwo emibili, okulithempeli lakaSomnini nesigodlo sakhe. Ngesikhatheso uRhiramu ikosi yeTirosi wahlinzeka uSolomoni ngazo zoke iingodo zomsedari nezomsayipurusi nangegolide ukuya ngendlela agade atlhoga ngakhona. Kwathi nakuqedwa ukwakhiwa, ikosi uSolomoni yathatha amatjhumi amabili wamadorobho aseGalile yawanikela uRhiramu ikosi yeTirosi. Kodwana kwathi lokha uRhiramu nasuka eTirosi athi uyokubona amadorobho awaphiwe nguSolomoni lawo, wafika wadana. Wabuza wathi: “Anjani nje amadorojanyana ongiphe wona la, mntanthu?” Wawabiza bona yinarha yeKhabhulu, okulibizo elawanamathela bekwaba kunamhlanjesi. URhiramu gade athumele igolide ebelingaba makhilogremu angaphezu kweenkulungwana ezine ekosini uSolomoni nakwakhiwako. Naku umlando wokukatelela ngomsebenzi owahlonywa yikosi uSolomoni bona kwakhiwe ithempeli lakaSomnini, isigodlo sakhe, indunduma nomthangala ozombeleze iJerusalema, neRhatsori, iMegido kanye neGezeri: UFaro ikosi yeGibhide gade asahlela bewathumba iGezeri. Wayithungelela ngomlilo. Wabulala abahlali bayo abamaKhanana wayinikela indodakazakhe, umfazi kaSolomoni, yaba sisipho sayo somtjhado. Yeke uSolomoni wavuselela iGezeri. Godu wakha neBhethe-Rhoroni engenzasi, iBhalathi neTadimori eserhalawumbeni enarhenakhe, nawo woke amadorobhakhe agade abeka kiwo ipahla nemizi lapha bekuhlala khona iinkarana neenjomani. Wakha nanyana yini ayethanda ukuyakha eJerusalema, eLibhanoni nakiyo yoke inarha agade ayibusa. USolomoni wakatelela ngomsebenzi boke abantu egade basele kuma-Amori, amaHite, amaPherizi, amaRhivi namaJebusi. Abantwaba bekungasiwo ama-Israyeli, kodwana gade baziinzukulwana zabo ezasala eenarheni ezingazange zibhujiswe ma-Israyeli. Lokho kusese njalo nanamhlanjesi. USolomoni azange akatelele namunye wama-Israyeli ngomsebenzi, kodwana gade awenze amabuthwakhe wepi, iinkhulu zakhe zombuso, iimphathiswa zakhe, abalawuli neenduna zeenkarana zakhe zepi nabakhweli bazo. Godu ama-Israyeli gade aziinkhulu eziphezulu ezaziqalene nomsebenzi kaSolomoni. Bekunamadoda amakhulu amahlanu namatjhumi amahlanu agade eluse abantu abenza umsebenzi. USolomoni wakha indunduma yeJerusalema ngemva kobana uNaFaro asukile eMzini kaDavida waya esigodlweni asakhelwe nguSolomoni. Wenza imihlabelo yokutjhiswa neyetjhebiswano kathathu ngomnyaka e-aldarini alakhele uSomnini. Godu watjhisa nepepho phambi kwakaSomnini. Ngaleyondlela waphelelisa ihloso yokwakhiwa kwethempeli. Ikosi uSolomoni yakha neenthayamanzi e-Etsiyoni-Gebere eseduze ne-Elathi eliseligwini lelwandle eliBomvu enarheni yakwa-Edomu. URhiramu wathumela iinsebenzi zakhe eenthayamanzini zakaSolomoni, kobana zisebenzisane neensebenzi zakaSolomoni. Gade kumadoda azizazi zelwandle. Zathayela e-Ofira zeza namakhilogremu wegolide angaphezu kweenkulungwana ezilitjhumi nane. Zafese zalethula ekosini uSolomoni. Kwathi bona indlovukazi yeTjheba izwe ngendumela kaSolomoni ayiphiwa nguZimu, yeza yazomrareja ngeenrarejo ezibudisi. Yafika eJerusalema nedwendwe elikhulu, ikhamba namakamela athwele iinungo, umhlumba wegolide namatje aligugu. Yakhuluma noSolomoni ngakho koke eyayikucabanga. USolomoni waphendula yoke imibuzwayo, akunalitho elalibukhuni ekosini bona yayingabhalelwa kuliphendula endlovukazini. Kuthe lokha indlovukazi yeTjheba nayibona ubuhlakani bakaSolomoni kanye nesigodlo asakhileko, ukudla okwakusetafuleni lakhe, ihlelo lokuhlala kweenkhulu zakhe, ukukhuthala kweensebenzi zakhe zesigodlweni nevunulwazo, abaphathikapho bakhe kanye nemihlabelo yokutjhiswa ayenza ethempelini lakaSomnini, yaphelelwa mamandla. Yathi ekosini: “Umbiko engiwuzwe ngisenarhenami ngawe kanye nobuhlakani bakho kutjho bona uliqiniso. Uyazi azange ngikholwe, kufikela bengifike ngizozibonela mina ngamehlwami. Awa, ngambala lokho engitjelwe khona akwenzi ngitjho nengcenye yalokhu engikubonako. Ukuhlakanipha nomnotho onawo kudlula umbiko engiwuzwileko kude. Agu! Abantu bakho bayajekezela uyazi! Maye zinetjhudu kangangani iinsebenzi zakho ezihlala ziza kuwe zizokuzwa ukuhlakanipha kwakho! Akudunyiswe uSomnini uZimakho, okarekileko ngawe bewakubeka esihlalweni sobukhosi bakwa-Israyeli. Ngebanga lethando elingapheliko uSomnini athanda ngalo u-Israyeli, ukwenze waba yikosi bona ulethe ukulunga nobulungiswa.” Yanikela ikosi igolide elimakhilogremu angaphezu kweenkulungwana ezine, umhlumba weenungo namatje aligugu. Godu azange khekube neenungo ezinengi kangako njengalezo indlovukazi yeTjheba eyazipha ikosi uSolomoni. Ikosi uSolomoni yanikela indlovukazi yeTjheba izipho zebukhosini. Ngaphezu kwalokho yayinikela nalokho ebegade ikufisa nekubawileko. Yasuka yagoduka-ke ikhamba nedwendwe layo yabuyela enarhenayo. Iinthayamanzi zakaRhiramu zaletha igolide zisuka nayo e-Ofira, ukusuka lapho zaletha imithwalo emikhulu yeengodo ze-almugi kanye namatje aligugu. Ikosi yasebenzisa iingodo ze-almugi ukwenza ilihla elingaphezulu ebodeni lethempeli lakaSomnini kanye nesigodlo, nokwenzela ababhini imihlobohlobo yamaharibha. Azange khekuthathwe ngaphandle namkha kubonwe iingodo ezingakaya ze-almugi bekube kunamhlanje. Ubudisi begolide elalifunyanwa nguSolomoni minyaka yoke lalimakhilogremu aziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili nantathu. Lokho bekungafaki okulethwa barhwebi nenzuzo efunyanwa bathengisi, nalokho okulethwa makhosi woke we-Arabhiya kanye nabaphathi benarha. Ikosi uSolomoni yenza amakhulu amabili weenhlangu ezikhandwe ngegolide elisipara. Isihlangu ngasinye besenziwe pheze ngamakhilogremu alikhomba wegolide. Godu wakhanda namakhulu amathathu wamakhande ngegolide elisipara. Ikhande ngalinye belingaba makhilogremu amabili wegolide. Ikosi yawabeka esigodlweni seHlathi leLibhanoni. Ikosi yenza isihlalo sobukhosi esikhulu yasikghabisa ngamazinyo wendlovu godu yasembesa ngegolide ecolisiweko. Isihlalo sobukhosi sasineentepisi ezithandathu, umgogodlho waso gade unehloko eyindulungu. Ngemaqadi kwesihlalo bekunalapha ubeka khona imikhono bese ngapha nangapha kwakhona kujame ibhubezi. Kwakujame amabhubezi alitjhumi nambili eentepisini ezithandathu, kujame linye ngapha nangapha komqoqo wesitepisi. Akunabukhosi obakhe benzelwa into efana nale. Zoke iinqoko zekosi uSolomoni gade zenziwe ngegolide, nazo zoke iinsetjenziswa ebezisesigodlweni seHlathi leLibhanoni gade ziyigolide etsengileko. Akunalitho ebegade lenziwe ngesiliva ngombana ngeenkhathi zakaSolomoni isiliva gade lingakaqakatheki. Ikosi gade inemijeje yemikhumbi yokurhweba elwandle ikhambisana neyakaRhiramu. Njalo ngemva kweminyaka emithathu beyibuya ithwele igolide nesiliva, amazinyo wendlovu, iimfene neenkghabu. Ikosi uSolomoni gade injinge khulu godu inobuhlakani obukhulu ukudlula woke amakhosi wephasi. Iphasi loke lafuna ukuzokulotjhisa uSolomoni nokuzwa ngobuhlakani uZimu abubeke emkhumbulwenakhe. Omunye nomunye wabantwabo gade eza nesibiko, okuyipahla yesiliva negolide, izambatho, amakha neenungo kanye neenjomani neemeyila. Lokhu bekwenzeka umnyaka nomnyaka. USolomoni wabuthelela iinkarana zepi neenjomani. Gade anamakhulu alitjhumi nane weenkarana zepi neenkulungwana ezilitjhumi nambili zeenjomani agade azibeke emadorobheni weenkarana zepi nendawenakhe eJerusalema. Ikosi yenza bonyana eJerusalema isiliva lijayeleke libe linengi njengamatje, nomsedari ube mnengi njengemithi yamakhiwani wommango eentatjaneni zenarha. Iinjomani zakaSolomoni zazithethwe eGibhide, khulukhulu eKewe. Zazithengwa barhwebi bekosini eKewe ngentengo ephasi. Bathenga ikarana yepi eGibhide ngesiliva elingaphasi kwamakhilogremu alikhomba, nenjomani ngesiliva elingaphasi kwamakhilogremu amabili. Godu bazithengisa kiwo woke amakhosi wamaHite newama-Aramiya. Ngaphandle kwakaNaFaro, ikosi uSolomoni yabuye yathanda nabanye abafazi abanengi abatjhili, okubafazi abamaMowabi, ama-Amoni, ama-Edomu, amaTsidoni namaHite. Bekungebezizwe uSomnini uZimu athi kuma-Israyeli ngazo: “Ningalingi nihlanganyele nazo ngombana zizakuyengela iinhliziyo zenu kibosingazimu bazo.” Nanyana kunjalo uSolomoni wanamathela ebafazinabo ngethando. Waba namakhulu alikhomba wabafazi ababelethwa ebukhosini kanye namakhulu amathathu wemingena. Abafazi bakhabo bamkhupha endleleni. Kuthe uSolomoni lokha nathoma ukuluphala, abafazi bakhe bayengela ihliziywakhe kibosingazimu. Yeke ihliziywakhe azange inamathele ngokupheleleko kuSomnini uZimakhe njengekayise uDavida. Walandela u-Atjhitaroti usingazinyanakazi wamaTsidoni noMilikomu usingazimu onyenyisako wama-Amoni. Ngalokho uSolomoni wenza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini, azange alandele uSomnini ngokupheleleko njengombana kwenza uyise uDavida. USolomoni wakhela uKemotjhi usingazimu onyenyisako wamaMowabi, noMoleki usingazimu onyenyisako wama-Amoni, indunduma phezu kombundu ongepumalanga yeJerusalema. Wabenzela njalo boke abafazi bakhe abatjhili ebebatjhisa ipepho bebenzele nabosingazimu babo imihlabelo. USomnini wathukuthelela uSolomoni ngombana ihliziywakhe yasele ifulathele uSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli owaziveza kabili kuye. USomnini naziveza kuSolomoni wamyala bonyana angadlhemadlhemi ngemva kwabosingazimu, kodwana azange awulalele umyalo kaSomnini. Yeke uSomnini wathi kuSolomoni: “Ngebanga lesenzo sakho sokungaphethi isivumelwano sami kanye nemithethwami engakuyala ngayo, ngiqinisile ngithi ngizokurharhabula umbuso ngiwususe ezandleni zakho bese ngiwunikela omunye wabangaphasi kwakho. Nokho ngebanga lakayihlo uDavida, angeze ngakwenza lokho ngesikhathi sokuphila kwakho. Ngizawurharhabula ngesikhathi sokubusa kwendodanakho. Nalapho angizuwurharhabula woke ezandleni zayo, kodwana ngizayinikela ikoro yinye ngebanga lakaDavida incekwami nangebanga leJerusalema engayikhethako.” USomnini wavusela uSolomoni umjamelani, uHadadi umEdomu ovela ebukhosini baka-Edomu. Kwathi lokha uDavida naseduze ne-Edomu, uJowabi umphathibutho wenyuka bona ayokubulunga abahlongakalele e-Edomu. Ngemva kwalokho warhadla woke amadoda e-Edomu. Kwabathatha iinyanga ezisithandathu bonyana uJowabi nawo woke ama-Israyeli abhubhise woke amadoda e-Edomu. Kodwana uHadadi wabalekela eGibhide kanye neenkhulu ezinye ze-Edomu ebegade zisebenzela uyise. Ngesikhatheso ubasese msana. Basuka eMidiyani baya eParana. Bathatha amadoda eParana bakhamba nawo eGibhide kuFaro ikosi yeGibhide owanikela uHadadi ikumba nenarha bewamondla nangokudla. UFaro wathabela uHadadi kangangobana wabe wamendisela nomlamakhe, wekhabo lendlovukazi, umma wesizwe. Umntazana wekhabo lendlovukazi wabelethela uHadadi umsana, wamthiya bona nguGenubathi. Indlovukazi yamkhulisela esigodlweni. Nje-ke uGenubathi wakhula nabentwana bakaFaro. Kwathi uHadadi asese seGibhide, wezwa bonyana uDavida sele aye kiboyisemkhulu nokuthi uJowabi umphathibutho naye sele alele. Wathi kuFaro: “Bengithi yewungivumele ngibuyele enarhenekhethu.” UFaro wabuza wathi: “Uzakuthi utlhogeni lapha bona ungaze ubuyele enarhenekhenu?” UHadadi wathi: “Awa, abe angitlhogi litho, nokho bese ngithi ngivumela ngikhambe!” Godu uZimu wavusela uSolomoni omunye umjamelani, uRezoni umsa ka-Eliyada, owabalekela isikhulu sakhe uHadadi-Ezeri ikosi yeTsoba. Wabuthelela amadoda bona amsingathe bewaba mrholi wesiqhema semigulukudu. Lokha uDavida nalinga ukubarhayila, banqomba eDamaseku lapha bafika banzinza khona bebabeka uRezoni bona abe yikosi. URezoni waba mjamelani waka-Israyeli ngesikhathi soke sokuphila kwakaSolomoni, wangezelela imiraro eyabangwa nguHadadi. URezoni wabusa e-Aramu begodu gade akghabhudlheka nabona u-Israyeli. NoJerobhowamu umsa kaNebathi wajamelana noSolomoni. Gade angomunye weenkhulu zakaSolomoni, umEfrayimu weTsereda, unina gade amhlolokazi ekwakuthiwa nguTseruwa. Nanti ibanga elamenza bonyana ajamelane nekosi: USolomoni gade akhe indunduma begodu wapara nesikhala ebegade sisebodeni loMuzi kaDavida uyise, uJerobhowamu waziveza bonyana uyindoda emadodeni. Kwathi lokha uSolomoni nabona bonyana isokaneli liwenza kuhle kangangani umsebenzalo, walibeka bona liqale woke umsebenzi wokukatelela owenziwa yikoro kaJosefa. Ngesikhatheso uJerobhowamu gade aphuma eJerusalema, wahlangana no-Arhiya umphorofidi weTjhilo endleleni embethe iphuraphura etja. Gade babobabili njalo kwaphela emmangwenapho, u-Arhiya wathatha iphuraphura etja agade ayembethe leya wayirathurathula yaba ziinqetjhana ezilitjhumi nambili. Wathi kuJerobhowamu: “Zithathele iinqetjhana ezilitjhumi ngombana lokhu ngokwatjhiwo nguSomnini uZimu ka-Israyeli wathi, ‘Qala, ngizokurharhabula umbuso ezandleni zakaSolomoni bese ngikupha iinkoro ezilitjhumi. Kodwana yena uzakubusa ikoro eyodwa ngebanga lencekwami uDavida kanye nedorobho iJerusalema engalikhetha hlangana nazo zoke iinkoro zakwa-Israyeli. Ngizakwenza lokhu ngombana uSolomoni ungihlanukile walotjha u-Atjhiterothi usingazimukazi wamaTsidoni, uKemotjhi usingazimu wamaMowabi noMilikomu usingazimu wama-Amoni. Azange akhambe eendleleni zami, enze okulungileko phambi kwami begodu aphethe imithethwami neemiso zami njengombana kwenza uDavida uyise. Nokho angeze ngawuthatha woke umbuso ezandleni zakaSolomoni. Ngizamenza abe liduna amalanga woke wokuphila kwakhe ngebanga lakaDavida incekwami, engayikhethako neyaphetha imiyalo nemithethwami. Ngizakuthatha umbuso ezandleni zendodanakhe bese ngikunikela iinkoro ezilitjhumi. Ngizakunikela indodanakhe ikoro eyodwa ukuze uDavida incekwami ikghone ukuhlala inesibani phambi kwami eJerusalema, idorobho lapha ngakhetha ukubeka khona ibizo lami. Wena-ke ngizakuthatha bese ubusa phezu kwakho koke okuthandwa yihliziywakho, uzakuba yikosi phezu kwaka-Israyeli. Nawenza koke engikuyala ngakho bese ukhamba eendleleni zami, wenze okulungileko phambi kwami ngokuphetha imithetho nemiyalwami njengombana kwenza uDavida incekwami, ngizakuba nawe. Ngizakwakhela ubukhosi obuqine njengalobo engabakhela uDavida bese ngikunikela u-Israyeli. Ngizakululaza iinzukulwana zakaDavida ngebangeli, nokho kube ngokwesikhatjhana.’ ” USolomoni walinga ukubulala uJerobhowamu, kodwana uJerobhowamu wabalekela kuTjhitjhakhi ikosi yeGibhide, wahlala lapho uSolomoni bewakhothama. Zoke ezinye zezehlakalo zakaSolomoni nakho koke akwenzako kanye nobuhlakani ayenabo kutlolwe encwadini yemilando kaSolomoni. USolomoni wabusa woke u-Israyeli iminyaka ematjhumi amane eJerusalema. Ngemva kwalokho waya kiboyisemkhulu, wafihlwa eMzini kayise uDavida. URerhobhowamu indodanakhe yathatha iintambo zobukhosi emva kwakhe. URerhobhowamu waya eTjhekemu ngombana woke ama-Israyeli aya lapho kobana ambeke abe yikosi. UJerobhowamu umsa kaNebathi wezwa ngendaba le asese seGibhide lapha abalekela khona uSolomoni. Wahlala eGibhidapho, nje-ke kwathunyelwa abantu kuye bonyana abuye. UJerobhowamu nomkhambathi woke wakwa-Israyeli baya kuRerhobhowamu bafese bathi kuye: “Uyihlo gade asithwese ijogi elibudisi. Yeke wena gedlisa umsebenzi obudisi kayihlo lo bewunyefise nejogi asithwese loneli; khona-ke sizakulotjha.” URerhobhowamu wathi: “Khambani bese nibuya elangeni lesithathu.” Awa, yeke abantu bakhamba-ke. Ikosi uRerhobhowamu yabonana neengwevu zabaphathi ezazilotjha uyise uSolomoni ngesikhathi sokuphila kwakhe yathi: “Ningangeluleka bonyana ngithini ebantwinapha na?” Bathi kiyo: “Nawungakhe ube yinceku ebantwinaba namhlanjesi, ubenzele kuhle bese ubanikela ipendulo ehle, bazakuhlala baziinceku zakho.” Kodwana uRerhobhowamu wala iseluleko asinikelwa ziingwevu, wayokubonana neentanga zakhe nebegade sele bamlotjha. Wababuza wathi: “Umbono wenu uthini? Singabaphendula njani abantwaba abathi kimi angigedlise ijogi abalithweswe ngubaba na?” Iintanga zakhe zamphendula zathi: “Tjela abantu abathe kuwe batjho bafuna ukugedliselwa ijogi elibudisi abalithweswa ngubabakho uthi, “ ‘Utsetserwanami umabhombo kunedini lakababa. Ubaba wanethwesa ijogi elibudisi; mina-ke ngizalenza libe budisi ukudlula. Ubaba bekaniritha ngeembebhu; mina ngizonirhadla ngomrwedla.’ ” Elangeni lesithathu uJerobhowamu nabantu boke babuyela ekosini uRerhobhowamu njengombana wayethe: “Yenibuye elangeni lesithathu.” Ikosi yalahla iseluleko eyasinikelwa baphathi, yaphendula abantu ngobukhali ngombana yalandela iseluleko seentanga zayo yathi: “Ubaba wenza ijogi lenu laba budisi; kimapha-ke nizokubhesa. Ubaba waniritha ngeembebhu; mina ngizonirhadla ngomrwedla.” Yeke ikosi azange ilalele abantu ngombana isenzekwesi sasiyintando kaZimu, ukuzalisa amagama awakhuluma kuJerobhowamu umsa kaNebathi ngo-Arhiya umTjhilo. Kuthe lokha woke u-Israyeli nabona bonyana ikosi ayimuphi indlebe, waphendula ikosi wathi: “Asinasabelo noDavida, asithintani ndawo nomsa kaJese! Ayigubhe Israyeli! Uzazibona ukuqeda wena ndlu kaDavida!” Yeke ama-Israyeli aphadlhalala, agoduka. Kodwana nakuma-Israyeli agade ahlala emadorobheni wakwaJuda wona, uRerhobhowamu wawabusa. Ikosi uRerhobhowamu yathumela u-Adoniramu owayegade ayinduna yomsebenzi okatelelako, kodwana woke u-Israyeli wamkhanda ngamatje bewahlongakala. Nokho ikosi uRerhobhowami yakghona ukuphunyurha yakhwela ekaranenayo yabalekela eJerusalema. Ngalokho u-Israyeli wathoma ukujamelana nendlu kaDavida bekwaba kunamhlanje. Kuthe bona woke u-Israyeli ezwe bonyana uJerobhowamu ubuyile, kwaphuma igama lokobana abizelwe emkhambathini azokubekwa bonyana abe yikosi phezu kwaka-Israyeli woke. Yikoro yakwaJuda yodwa eyathembekako endlini kaDavida. Lokha uRerhobhowamu nafika eJerusalema, wabutha yoke indlu kaJuda kanye nekoro kaBhenjamini, kwaba ziinhlabani zeenkakaramba ezilikhulu namatjhumi abunane weenkulungwana kobana zilwe nendlu ka-Israyeli nokubuyisa ubukhosi bakaRerhobhowamu umsa kaSolomoni. Kodwana kwafika ilizwi lakaZimu kuTjhemaya umuntu kaZimu lathi: “Yewuthi kuRerhobhowamu umsa kaSolomoni ikosi yakwaJuda, kiyo yoke indlu kaJuda noBhenjamini, nakibo boke abantu, nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Ningenyuki bona niyokulwa nabafowenu, ama-Israyeli. Godukani, omunye nomunye anqombe kwakhe ngombana lokhu kusisenzo sami.’ ” Yeke balalela ilizwi lakaSomnini babuyela emakhaya njengombana uSomnini bekabatjelile. UJerobhowamu waqinisa iTjhekemu ngembundwini we-Efrayimu bewahlala lapho. Ukusuka lapho waphuma wayokwakha iPenuweli. UJerobhowamu wazitjela wathi: “Kwanjesi umbuso ungahle ubuyele endlini kaDavida. Nange abantwaba bangalokhu benyuka bayokwenza imihlabelo ethempelini lakaSomnini eJerusalema, iinhliziyo zabo zizakubuyela ekosinabo uRerhobhowamu ikosi yakwaJuda. Bazangibulala bese babuyela kuRerhobhowamu.” Ikosi uJerobhowamu yafuna iseluleko, yenza amathole amabili wegolide. Yathi ebantwini: “Sekwanele kwanje bonyana nilokhu nenyukela eJerusalema. Napa musi abozimu bakho, wena Israyeli abakukhupha eGibhide.” Elinye lamathole lawo walibeka eBhethe-Eli, elinye walibeka eDani. Lokhu kwaba sisono. Abantu bakhamba bebayokufika eDani ukuze balotjhe itholelo lapho. UJerobhowamu wakha amathempedlana emibundwini bewabeka nabaphristi abakhethe ebantwini abahlukahlukileko nanyana gade bangasi maLevi. Wasungula umnyanya elangeni letjhumi nahlanu lenyanga yobumnane, okumnyanya ofana nowawuphele ubanjwe kwaJuda, wenza imihlabelo e-aldarini. Lokhu wakwenza eBhethe-Eli, wenzela namathole awenzileko imihlatjelo. NeBhethe-Elapho wabeka abaphristi ethempelini alenze emibundwini. UJerobhowamu wakhwelela e-aldarini alenze eBhethe-Eli. Lokhu wakwenza elangeni letjhumi nahlanu lenyanga yobumnane, okuyinyanga azikhethela yona ehliziywenakhe kobana enzele ama-Israyeli umhlatjelo. UJerobhowamu wakhwelela e-aldarinapho kobana enze umhlabelo. Gade asatjhisa umhlabelo lokha nakuthi veliyani umuntu kaZimu obuya kwaJuda nelizwi elivela kuSomnini uZimu. Umuntu loyo warhuwelela i-aldari ngelizwi lakaSomnini wathi: “Maye aldari, aldari-ke! Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Kuzakubelethwa umsana okuthiwa nguJosiya endlini kaDavida. Uzakwenza umhlabelo ngabaphristi beendunduma phezu kwakho. Iye, abaphristi abenza umhlabelo kuwapha. Kuzakutjhiswa amathambo wabantu phezu kwakho.’ ” Khona mhlokho umuntu kaZimu wenza itshwayo wathi: “Leli litshwayo elizaliselela amezwi akhulunywe nguSomnini: I-aldari lizakuphadlhuka phakathi bese umsizalo onamafutha urhatjheke.” Kuthe bona ikosi uJerobhowamu izwe amezwi umuntu kaZimu arhuwelele ngawo i-aldari leBhethe-Eli, yelula isandla sayo ise-aldarini yathi: “Bambani intwele!” Kodwana isandleso akhombe ngaso umuntu kaZimu somelela bewabhalelwa kusibuyisa. Ne-aldari laphadlhuka kabili, umsizalo onamafutha warhatjheka njengokwetshwayo elivezwe mumuntu kaZimu ngokwelizwi lakaSomnini. Ikosi uJerobhowamu yathi emuntwini kaZimu: “Yewungirabhelele kuSomnini uZimakho bese uyangithandazela bonyana isandla sami sibuyele esigeni.” Yeke umuntu kaZimu warabhela kuSomnini, ngambala isandla sekosi sabuyela esigeni. UJerobhowamu wathi emuntwini kaZimu: “Namba siye ekhaya ukuze ufunyane okugonywako, ngizakukhunga ngesipho.” Kodwana umuntu kaZimu waphendula ikosi wathi: “Ngitjho nanyana bewungangipha isiquntu salokho onakho kwakho, bengingeze ngakhamba nawe, namkha ngigome isikwa nanyana ngisele amanzi endaweni le. Ngombana ngilaywe lilizwi lakaSomnini lathi, ‘Ungagomi isikwa namkha usele amanzi walapho begodu ungabuyeli emva ngendlela oze ngayo.’ ” Nje-ke wathatha enye indlela, azange asakhamba ngendlela eze ngayo eBhethe-Eli. Gade kunomphorofidi othileko omdala ahlala eBhethe-Eli. Amadodanakhe ambikela ngalokho okwenziwe mumuntu kaZimu mhlokho. Bamtjela nokuthi umuntu kaZimu loyo utheni ekosini. Uyise wawabuza wathi: “Uthethe yiphi indlela nakhambako?” Amadodanakhe amkhombisa indlela eyathathwa mumuntu kaZimu ovela kwaJuda. Wathi-ke emadodanenakhe: “Ngibophelani udumbana.” Kuthe nabaqeda ukubophela udumbana, wakhwelela wakhamba, walandela umuntu kaZimu. Wamfumana ahlezi ngaphasi komuthi we-owuku, wambuza wathi: “Umumuntu kaZimu ovela kwaJuda na?” Umuntu loyo wathi: “Iye, nginguye.” Yeke umphorofidi omdala wathi kuye: “Namba siye ekhaya uyokugoma.” Umuntu kaZimu wathi: “Awa, angeze ngiphenduke nawe namkha ngigome isikwa namkha ngisele amanzi nawe endaweni le. Ngombana uSomnini ungidose ngendlebe wathi, ‘Ungalingi ugome isikwa namkha usele amanzi walapho, godu ungabuyi ngendlela oze ngayo.’ ” Umphorofidi omdala wathi: “Nami ngimphorofidi njengawe. Ingilozi ithe kimi ngelizwi lakaSomnini, ‘Mbuyise eze kwakho ukuze agome isikwa abe asele namanzi.’ ” Kodwana bekamrhwala. Yeke umuntu kaZimu waphenduka nomphorofidi loya waya endlinakhe wafike wagoma isikwa bewasela namanzi. Kuthe basahlezi etafulenapho, ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kumphorofidi omdala ojikise umuntu kaZimu. Warhuwelela umuntu kaZimu obuya kwaJuda loya wathi: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Ngombana ungazange ulalele ilizwi lakaSomnini bewangaphetha umyalo kaSomnini uZimakho akuyale ngawo, ujikile wagoma isikwa bewasela namanzi endaweni lapha uZimu athe ungagomi bewusele khona, nje-ke isidumbu sakho angeze sangcwatjwa emazindleni waboyihlomkhulu.’ ” Kuthe bona umuntu kaZimu aqede ukugoma nokusela, umphorofidi omjikisileko loya wambophela udumbana. Kwathi asakhamba endleleni abuyela emuva, wasahlelwa libhubezi lambulala. Isidumbu sakhe sasimadlheke endleleni siphahlwe libhubezi nodumbana. Ngambala abantu abadlula lapho babona isidumbu sirabhalele phasi senganyelwe libhubezi. Bakhamba bayokubika edorobheni lapha kuhlala khona umphorofidi omdala. Kuthe lokha umphorofidi omjikisileko nezwa indaba le, wathi: “Mumuntu kaZimu ongazange alalele umyalo kaSomnini. USomnini umnikelele ngebhubezi elifike lamdabudabula belambulala njengombana ilizwi lakaSomnini belikhulumile ngaye.” Umphorofidi wathi emadodanenakhe: “Ngibophelani udumbana.” Ngambala benza njalo. Waya lapho wafunyana isidumbu sirabhalele endleleni, siphahlwe ngudumbana nebhubezi. Ibhubezi azange lidle isidumbu namkha lisahlele udumbana. Umphorofidi wathatha isidumbu somuntu kaZimu, wasilayitjha kudumbana, weza naso edorobheni lekhabo bona azosililela abe asibulunge. Wabulunga isidumbu ezindleni lakhe, basililela bathi: “Maye, umfowethu!” Ngemva kobana sele asibulungile wathi emadodanenakhe: “Nangihlongakalako, ningibulunge lapha kubulungwe khona umuntu kaZimu lo, nilinganise amathambami newakhe. Ngombana umlayezo awukhulume ngokuthunywa lilizwi lakaSomnini ngokujamelana namathempedlana asemibundwini emadorobheni weSamariya, nakanjani uzokuphetheka.” Ngitjho nangemva kwesigemegemesi, uJerobhowamu azange alise iindlela zakhe ezimbi. Kunalokho wabeka abaphristi beendunduma abakhetha kiyo yoke imihlobo yabantu. Nanyana ngubani ogade afuna ukuba mphristi, gade amhlukanisela ubuphristi beendundumobo. Lokhu sisono sendlu kaJerobhowamu esabangela ukubhujiswa nokurhayilwa kwayo ephasini. Ngesikhatheso u-Abiya umsa kaJerobhowamu wagula. UJerobhowamu wathi kumkakhe: “Khamba, uzitjhatjhanise ukuze kungabonakali bona umfazi kaJerobhowamu. Iya eTjhilo, uzakufumana lapho u-Arhiya umphorofidi owathi kimi ngizakuba yikosi phezu kwabantwaba. Uthathe nezikwa ezilitjhumi, amabhagwana anentunja nomjeka weliju, uye kuye. Uzafese akutjele bonyana kuzakwenzakalani ngomsana lo.” Ngambala umkaJerobhowamu wenza njengombana ayaliwe waya ku-Arhiya eTjhilo. U-Arhiya ubasele aphophele ngebanga lokuluphala. USomnini gade atjele u-Arhiya wathi: “UmkaJerobhowamu usendleleni, uzokubuza ngomsanakhe ngombana uyagula. Uzafese umphendule ngokuthi nokuthi. Nafikako uzozenza inga ngomunye umuntu.” Kuthe lokha u-Arhiya nezwa izigi zeenyawo zakhe emnyango, wathi: “Ngena mkaJerobhowamu. Uzitjhatjhaniseleni? Ngithunywe kuwe ngeendaba ezimaphorodlha. Khamba ufese utjele uJerobhowamu kobana nakhu okutjhiwe nguSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, ‘Ngambala ngakuphakamisa hlangana nabantu bengakwenza umrholi phezu kwabantu bami u-Israyeli. Ngadabula umbuso ngawususa endlini kaDavida owaphetha imiyalwami bewangilandela ngehliziywakhe yoke, asenza lokho okulungileko kwaphela phambi kwami. Wena wenze ubumbi obudluleleko kunabo boke obalamako. Uzenzele abosingazimu; iye, abosingazimu ababazwe bebanamekwa ngesimbi kobana ungithukuthelise. Mina wangifuthela ngemva kwakho. Ngebanga lalokhu, ngizakwehlisela ihlekelele phezu kwendlu kaJerobhowamu. Ngizakurhayila koke okuduna, okukhulu nokuncani, okusendlini kaJerobhowamu kwa-Israyeli. Ngizakurhurhula indlu kaJerobhowamu njengamanzi narhurhula amabibi kufikela lapha itjhabalala khona nya. Abantu bakaJerobhowamu abafele emadorobheni bazakudliwa zizinja, kuthi abafele emrhuleni badliwe madlanga. USomnini ukhulumile.’ “Wena-ke, sikima, ubuyele ekhaya. Uzakuthi nawubeka inyawo lakho edorobheni, umsana ahlongakale. Woke u-Israyeli uzamlilela abe amngcwabe. Nguye kwaphela ongewakaJerobhowamu ozakungcwatjwa ngombana nguye kwaphela endlini kaJerobhowamu uSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli afunyene kuye okulungileko. UZimu uzazivusela ikosi phezu kwaka-Israyeli ezakutjhabalalisa umndeni kaJerobhowamu. Namhlanje kunamhlanje phezu kwendlu kaJerobhowamu, okukhulu kuseza ku-Israyeli! USomnini uzakumadlha u-Israyeli kube inga mhlanga nawubhecenyeka emanzini. Uzakusiphula u-Israyeli enarheni ehle ayinikela aboyisemkhulu le bese abaphadlhalaje ngaphetjheya komlambo iYufrathe ngombana bathukuthelise uSomnini ngokwenza imifanekiso yabo-Atjhera. USomnini uzakulahla u-Israyeli ngebanga lezono ezenziwe nguJerobhowamu abangela ngazo bonyana u-Israyeli one.” UmkaJerobhowamu wasikima wakhamba waya eTiritsa. Kuthe lokha nagadanga emnyango wendlu, umsana wahlongakala. Bamngcwaba, woke u-Israyeli wamlilela njengombana uSomnini bekatjhwile ngencekwakhe umphorofidi u-Arhiya. Ezinye izehlakalo zombuso kaJerobhowamu, izipi azilwileko nokobana wabusa njani, koke kutlolwe encwadini yemilando yamakhosi wakwa-Israyeli. Wabusa amatjhumi amabili nambili weminyaka, wahlongakala. Indodanakhe uNadaba yaba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. URerhobhowamu umsa kaSolomoni gade ayikosi kwaJuda. Bekaneminyaka ematjhumi amane nanye lokha nathatha iintambo zobukhosi, wabusa iminyaka elitjhumi nekhomba eJerusalema, idorobho uSomnini alikhetha hlangana nazo zoke iinkoro zakwa-Israyeli kobana abeke khona ibizo lakhe. UNoRerhobhowamu gade kunguNama umAmoni. UJuda wenza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini. Ngezono abazenzako batlhorholoja uSomnini ukudlula aboyise. Nabo bazakhela iindunduma, babeka amatje akhethekileko kanye nemifanekiso yabo-Atjhera komunye nomunye umbundu ophakamileko nangaphasi komuthi omunye nomunye ohlaza. Kwabe kwaba khona ngitjho neentjhatjha zethempeli ezimadoda enarheni, abantu abenza woke amanyala afunyanwa ezizweni uSomnini aziqotjha phambi kwama-Israyeli. Emnyakeni wesihlanu wokubusa kwekosi uRerhobhowamu, uTjhitjhaga ikosi yeGibhide wasahlela iJerusalema. Wathumba umnotho wethempeli lakaSomnini kanye nomnotho wesigodlo. Wakhukhula yoke into, ngitjho neenhlangu zegolide ezenziwa nguSolomoni. Ikosi uRerhobhowamu yenza iinhlangu zekoporo ukujamiselela ezithethweko yazibeka esandleni seenduna zamavulandlela agade agada isango lesigodlo. Njalo lokha ikosi nayiya ethempelini lakaZimu, amavulandlela gade athwala iinhlangu bese ngemva kwalokho azibuyisele endlwaneni esesangweni lesigodlo. Zoke izehlakalo ezinye zokubusa kwakaRerhobhowamu zitlolwe encwadini yemilando yamakhosi wakwaJuda. Kwaba khona ipi phakathi kwakaRerhobhowamu noJerobhowamu emihleni yoke yokubusa kwabo. URerhobhowamu wahlongakala wabulungwa kiboyisemkhulu eMzini kaDavida. UNoRerhobhowamu gade kunguNama umAmoni. U-Abiya indodanakhe yaba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. Emnyakeni wetjhumi nobunane wokubusa kwakaJerobhowamu umsa kaNebathi, u-Abiya waba yikosi yakwaJuda. Wabusa iminyaka emithathu eJerusalema. UNo-Abiya gade kunguMakha indodakazi ka-Abitjhalomu. Wenza zoke izono ezazenziwa nguyise phambi kwakhe, ihliziywakhe yayingakanamatheli ngokupheleleko kuSomnini uZimakhe njengombana kwakunjalo ngehliziyo kaDavida uyisemkhulu. Nokho-ke uSomnini uZimu waba nomusa kuDavida wamvusela isibani eJerusalema ngokumnikela isizukulwana esamelamako ebukhosini nangokuqinisa iJerusalema. USomnini wenza lokhu ngombana uDavida wenza okulungileko emehlwenakhe. Epilwenakhe yoke azange akhe aphambuke emiyalweni yoke uSomnini amyala ngayo, kwase kwaba yindaba ka-Uriya umHite. Ipi eyathoma phakathi kwakaRerhobhowamu noJerobhowamu yaragela phambili ngitjho nangesikhathi soke sokubusa kwaka-Abiya. Zoke izehlakalo ezinye zokubusa kwaka-Abiya nakho koke akwenzako, nepi eyaba phakathi kwakhe noJerobhowamu kutlolwe encwadini yemilando yamakhosi wakwaJuda. U-Abiya wahlongakala, wabulungwa eMzini kaDavida. U-Asa indodanakhe waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. Emnyakeni wamatjhumi amabili wokubusa kwakaJerobhowamu ikosi yakwa-Israyeli, u-Asa waba yikosi yakwaJuda. Wabusa eJerusalema iminyaka ematjhumi amane nanye. Ugogwakhe gade kunguMakha indodakazi ka-Abitjhalomu. U-Asa wenza okulungileko phambi kwakaSomnini njengokhokhwakhe uDavida. Waqotjha iintjhatjha zethempeli ezimadoda enarheni wathanyela nawo woke amanyala wabosingazimu ebegade enziwe boyisemkhulu. Wabe wehlisa nogogwakhe uMakha ekubeni yindlovukazi ngombana wenza umfanekiso onyenyisako waka-Atjhera. U-Asa wagawula umfanekiso lowo wawutjhisa esikhisini iKhidroni. Nanyana angazange asuse iindunduma, ihliziyo ka-Asa yayinamathele ngokupheleleko kuSomnini ipilwakhe yoke. Waletha isiliva negolide ethempelini lakaSomnini kanye nenye ipahla yena noyise abayihlukanisela umsebenzi kaSomnini. Kwakunepi phakathi kwaka-Asa noBhatjha ikosi yakwa-Israyeli esikhathini soke sokubusa kwabo. UBhatjha ikosi yakwa-Israyeli wenyuka wayokulwa noJuda bewakha nomthangala magegana neRama ukuze u-Asa ikosi yakwaJuda akhandeleke ngenarhenakhe. U-Asa wathatha loke isiliva negolide elalisele endlini yamagugu ngethempelini lakaSomnini nendlini yamagugu esigodlweni sakhe. Walinikela iinkhulu zakhe, wazithuma kuBhen-Hadadi umsa kaThabrimoni, omsa kaRheziyoni, ikosi ye-Aramu, owayebusa eDamaseku, wathi: “Kunesivumelwano phakathi kwami nawe njengombana kwakunjalo phakathi kwakababa nobabakho. Qala, ngikuthumelela isipho sesiliva negolide. Nje-ke qeda isivumelwano sakho noBhatjha ikosi yakwa-Israyeli ukuze angigadunge.” UBhen-Hadadi wavumelana nekosi u-Asa bewathumela abaphathi bamabuthwakhe bona asahlele amadorobho wakwa-Israyeli. Wahlula i-Iyoni, iDani, i-Abela-Bhethe-Makha nayo yoke iKineretha kanye neNafitali. Kuthe bona uBhatjha ezwe, walisa ukwakha iRama wabalekela eTiritsa. Ngomyalo wekosi u-Asa owawembatha woke umuntu kilo loke lakwaJuda, kwathathwa amatje neengodo ebezisetjenziswa nguBhatjha eRama. Ikosi u-Asa yakha ngazo iGeba kwaBhenjamini neMitsipha. Ezinye izehlakalo zokubusa kwaka-Asa, koke akwenzileko, ukuhlula kwakhe kanye namadorobho awakhileko kutlolwe encwadini yemilando yamakhosi wakwaJuda. Kuthe u-Asa naluphalako wabanjwa kugula okwamrhwahlaphaza iinyawo; wahlongakala bewabulungwa kiboyisemkhulu eMzini kayisemkhulu uDavida. UJehotjhafathi waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. UNadaba umsa kaJerobhowamu waba yikosi kwa-Israyeli emnyakeni wesibili wokubusa kwaka-Asa ikosi yakwaJuda. Wabusa iminyaka emibili kwa-Israyeli. Wenza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini, wakhamba emtlhaleni kayise, wamfuza nangokona, abangela ngakho bonyana u-Israyeli one. UBhatjha umsa ka-Arhiya omunye wekoro ka-Isakari, wamakhela uNadaba ubukhwebetjhana bewamumadlha eGibhethoni, idorobho lamaFilista ngesikhathi uNadaba naye woke u-Israyeli bebalivimbezele. UBhatjha wabulala uNadaba emnyakeni wesithathu wokubusa kwaka-Asa ikosi yakwaJuda bewathatha isikhundla sakhe waba yikosi. Kuthe nathoma ukubusa, wabulala zoke iinzukulwana zakaJerobhowamu. Azange ababalele nakhunye okuphefumulako kwakaJerobhowamu. Wabulala koke ukuya ngelizwi lakaSomnini alikhuluma ngencekwakhe u-Arhiya umTjhilo, ngebanga lezono zakaJerobhowamu abangela ngazo bonyana u-Israyeli one, nangebanga lokuthukuthelisa kwakhe uSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli. Ezinye izehlakalo zokubusa kwakaNadaba, nakho koke akwenzileko, kutlolwe encwadini yemilando yamakhosi wakwa-Israyeli. Kwakuhlala kulwiwa njalo phakathi kwaka-Asa noBhatjha ikosi yakwa-Israyeli esikhathini soke sokubusa kwabo. Emnyakeni wesithathu wokubusa kwaka-Asa ikosi yakwaJuda, uBhatjha umsa ka-Arhiya waba yikosi yakwa-Israyeli woke eTiritsa, wabusa iminyaka ematjhumi amabili nane. Wenza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini, wakhamba emtlhaleni kaJerobhowamu nezonweni zakhe abangela ngazo bonyana u-Israyeli one. Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kuJehu umsa kaRhanani lijamelene noBhatjha lathi: “Ngakudobha ethulini ngakwenza umrholi wabantu bami u-Israyeli, kodwana ukhambe eendleleni zakaJerobhowamu bewabangela bona abantu bami u-Israyeli nabo bone, wangithukuthelisa ngezono zabo. Nje-ke ngizakurhurhula indlwakho, wena Bhatjha, njengamanzi narhurhula amabibi; ngiyenze ifane neyakaJerobhowamu umsa kaNebathi. Abantu bakho abafele emadorobheni bazakudliwa zizinja, kuthi abafele emrhuleni badliwe madlanga.” Zoke izehlakalo zokubusa kwakaBhatjha, koke akwenzileko nokuhlula kwakhe, kutlolwe encwadini yemilando yamakhosi wakwa-Israyeli. UBhatjha wahlongakala, wabulungelwa eTiritsa. U-Ela indodanakhe yaba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. Umlayezo uSomnini awuphathisa umphorofidi uJehu umsa kaRhanani gade unqophe kuBhatjha neenzukulwana zakhe, ngebanga lakho koke okumbi akwenza phambi kwakaSomnini. Wathukuthelisa uSomnini ngezenzo zakhe, waba njengendlu kaJerobhowamu. Elinye ibanga kukobana uBatjha wabhubhisa indlu kaJerobhowamu. Emnyakeni wamatjhumi amabili nathandathu wokubusa kwaka-Asa ikosi yakwaJuda, u-Ela umsa kaBhatjha waba yikosi kwa-Israyeli. Wabusa eTiritsa iminyaka emibili. Omunye weenkhulu zakhe okuthiwa nguZimri ogade amphathi wengcenye yeenkarana zakhe wamakhela ubukhwebetjhana. Ngesikhatheso u-Ela gade aseTiritsa, azinikelele ngotjwala kwa-Aritsa, induna egade yeluse isigodlo seTiritsa. UZimri wangena, wamdula phasi bewambulala. Lokhu kwenzeka emnyakeni wamatjhumi amabili nekhomba wokubusa kwaka-Asa ikosi yakwaJuda. UZimri wathatha ubukhosi. Kuthe nathoma ukubusa, sele abekiwe esihlalweni sobukhosi, wabulala boke endlini kaBhatjha. Azange atjhiye namunye omduna, wabulala kwasihlobo namngani. Iye, uZimri wabhubhisa woke umndeni kaBhatjha kwaba njengokutjho kwelizwi lakaSomnini alikhuluma kuJehu ngokujamelana noBhatjha. Ngebanga lazo zoke izono ezenziwa nguBhatjha nendodanakhe u-Ela, ngokubangela bonyana no-Israyeli one ngabosingazimu abangatjho litho, bathukuthelisa uSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli. Ezinye izehlakalo zokubusa kwaka-Ela, nakho koke akwenzako kutlolwe encwadini yemilando yamakhosi wakwa-Israyeli. Emnyakeni wamatjhumi amabili nalikhomba wokubusa kwaka-Asa ikosi yakwaJuda, uZimri wabusa eTiritsa amalanga alikhomba. Kwakunamabutho agade avimbezele iGibhethoni, idorobho lamaFilista. Kuthe lokha ama-Israyeli asekampeni nezwa bonyana uZimri ubophele ikosi ubukhwebetjhana, bewambulala, athatha u-Omri umphathibutho amenza ikosi phezu kwaka-Israyeli khona mhlokho ekampenapho. U-Omri nawo woke ama-Israyeli agade anaye lapho baphuma eGibhethoni bavimbezele iTiritsa. Lokha uZimri nabona bonyana idorobho liragelelwe, wanqomba esiphephelweni sesigodlo, wafese wasithungelela ngomlilo ngehla kwakhe, wahlongakala. Wafa ngebanga lezono azenzileko ngombana wenza okumbi phambi kwakaSomnini ngokukhamba eendleleni zakaJerobhowamu nezonweni azenzako, nabangela ngazo u-Israyeli bona one. Ezinye izehlakalo zokubusa kwakaZimri kanye nobukhwebetjhana bakhe ngo-Ela kutlolwe encwadini yemilando yamakhosi wakwa-Israyeli. Abantu bakwa-Israyeli bahlukana iinqhema ezimbili, esinye isiquntu sasekela uTibni umsa kaGinathi kobana abe yikosi, esinye sasekela u-Omri. Kodwana abalandeli baka-Omri bebanamandla ukudlula bakaTibni umsa kaGinathi. Kuthe uTibni selahlongakele, u-Omri waba yikosi. Emnyakeni wamatjhumi amathathu nanye wokubusa kwaka-Asa ikosi yakwaJuda, u-Omri wathatha iintambo kwa-Israyeli. Wabusa iminyaka elitjhumi nambili; iminyaka esithandathu wayibusela eTiritsa. Wathenga intatjana yeSamariya kuTjhemeri ngamakhilogremu amatjhumi asithandathu nobunane wesiliva. Wakha nomuzi phezu kwentatjanapho, wawuthiya bona yiSamariya, awuthiyelela ngoTjhemeri ogade amnikazi waphambilini wentatjana leyo. Kodwana u-Omri wenza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini, wathuwelela ukudlula boke ababuse phambi kwakhe. Wakhamba kizo zoke iindlela zakaJerobhowamu umsa kaNebathi ngitjho nezonweni zakhe, abangela ngazo bonyana u-Israyeli one, bekwafika lapha bathukuthelisa khona uSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli ngabosingazimu abangatjho litho. Ezinye izehlo zokubusa kwaka-Omri, koke akwenzileko nokuhlula kwakhe, kutlolwe encwadini yemilando yamakhosi wakwa-Israyeli. U-Omri waphumula kiboyisemkhulu, wabulungwa eSamariya. U-Arhabi indodanakhe waba yikosi emva kwakhe. Emnyakeni wamatjhumi amathathu nobunane wokubusa kwaka-Asa ikosi yakwaJuda, u-Arhabi umsa ka-Omri waba yikosi yakwa-Israyeli. Wabusa eSamariya phezu kwaka-Israyeli iminyaka ematjhumi amabili nambili. U-Arhabi umsa ka-Omri wathuwelela khulu ukudlula boke ababuse phambi kwakhe ngokwenza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini. Wabona inga akukaneli ukudlhemadlhema eendleleni zokona kwakaJerobhowamu umsa kaNebathi, watjhada no-Izebeli indodakazi ka-Ethi-Bhali ikosi yamaTsidoni, bewakhamba alotjha uBhali wamkhothamela. Wajamisela uBhali i-aldari ethempelini lakaBhali alakha eSamariya. U-Arhabi godu wenza umfanekiso ka-Atjhera begodu wathuwelela ngokuthukuthelisa uSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli kunawo woke amakhosi abuse ngaphambi kwakhe. Ngesikhathi saka-Arhabi, uHiyeli weBhethe-Eli wavuselela iJerikho. Waleya isisekelo sayo ngomphefumulo wezibulo lendodanakhe u-Abiramu, wajamisa amasangwayo ngomphefumulo wobuphetjani bendodanakhe uSegubhi, kwaba njengelizwi lakaSomnini alikhuluma ngoJotjhuwa umsa kaNuni. U-Eliya owavela eTitjhibe yeGiliyadi wathi ku-Arhabi: “Ngifunga uSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli engimlotjhako ngithi, akuzukuba nombethe nazulu eminyakeni ezako kufikela lapha ngitjho khona bona akube njalo.” Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika ku-Eliya lathi: “Suka lapha, jikela ngepumalanga uzifihle emlanjaneni weKerithe, ngepumalanga yeJordani. Uzakusela emlanjanenapho begodu ngilayele amagubulu bonyana akondle.” Yeke wenza njengombana uSomnini amyalile. Wanqopha emlanjaneni weKerithe ngepumalanga yeJordani, wahlala lapho. Amagubulu amlethela isikwa nomlibhani ekuseni nantambama, wasela emlanjanenapho. Ngokukhamba kwesikhathi umlanjana lowo woma ngombana gade kunganazulu enarheni. Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kuye lathi: “Khamba khona nje uye eTsarifathi yeTsidoni uyokuhlala khona. Qala ngilayele umhlolokazi lapho bonyana akondle.” Wasikima khonokho waya eTsarifathi. Kuthe lokha nafika esangweni ledorobhelo, wathi vumbu phezu komhlolokazi atheza iinkuni. Wambiza, wambuza wathi: “Ungakhe ungizele amanzana ngesikurwana ngisuse ithuli na?” Kuthe umhlolokazi nasathi uyokukha amanzi lawo, u-Eliya wathi kuye: “Usale sewusiza negedzwana lesikwa, ngiyakurabhela.” Umhlolokazi waphendula wathi: “Ngifunga uSomnini uZimu, abe anginalitho mntabantu. Selirhotjhana leflowuru neqobho lamafutha. Ungibona ngithezatheza amaqobotjhwana nje, kokwakho bengithi ngiyokwenzela mina nomsanyanami iqebelengwanyana, sesisule umlomo ngaphambi kobana kuphume isikhohlela.” U-Eliya wathi kuye: “Ungesabi. Khamba uye ekhaya ufese wenze njengombana utjhwile. Kodwana uthome ngokwenzela mina iqebelengwanyana ngalokho onakho ukulethe kimapha bese-ke uzenzela wena nomsanyanakho ngombana nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli: “Irhotjhana leflowuru angeze laba dududu neqobho lamafutha angeze loma, bekube kumhlana uSomnini anisa izulu enarheni.” Wakhamba-ke, wenza njengombana u-Eliya amtjelile. Yeke ngamalanga kwaba nokudla okwanele u-Eliya nomhlolokazi nendlwakhe. Ngambala irhotjhana leflowuru azange libe dududu neqobho lamafutha azange lome, kwaba njengombana ilizwi lakaSomnini latjho ngo-Eliya. Kwathi ngemva kwalokho indodana yomhlolokazi u-Eliya afikela kuye loya, yagula. Kwembulwa kwembeswa ngendodana leyo bekwafika lapha ingasaphefumuli khona. Umhlolokazi wathi ku-Eliya: “Akhusuthi uyaqala bona ungenzeleni, wena muntu kaZimu! Uze lapha bona uzongikhumbuza ngesono sami bewubulale indodanami?” U-Eliya wathi: “Lethapha indodanakho leyo.” Wayithatha emathangenakhe, wayisa elawini eliphezulu lapha agade alala khona, wayilalisa embhedenakhe. Wabiza uSomnini wathi: “Somnini Zimami, wehlisele nomhlolokazi engikhonze kwakhe lo ihlekelele ngokubangela bonyana indodanakhe ihlongakale na?” Wabhambalala phezu komntwana kathathu walila kuSomnini wathi: “Maye Somnini Zimami, buyisela umphefumulo womsana lo!” USomnini wezwa isililo saka-Eliya, umphefumulo womntwana wabuyela kuye, waphila. U-Eliya waguga umntwana loyo weza naye asuka elawini eliphezulu wamletha ngendlini. Wamnikela unina wathi: “Qala, indodanakho iyaphila!” Yeke umhlolokazi wathi ku-Eliya: “Gadesi sengiyazi bonyana umumuntu kaZimu nokobana ilizwi lakaSomnini eliphuma emlonyenakho liliqiniso.” Ngemva kwesikhathi eside, emnyakeni wesithathu wesomiso, ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika ku-Eliya lathi: “Khamba ufese uziveze ku-Arhabi ukuze ngithumele izulu enarheni godu.” Nje-ke u-Eliya waya bona ayoziveza ku-Arhabi. Indlala gade ibhokile ngesikhatheso eSamariya. U-Arhabi wabiza u-Obadiya umelusi wesigodlo. U-Obadiya lo, gade kumumuntu owesaba uZimu. Kwathi lokha u-Izebeli nabulala abaphorofidi bakaSomnini, u-Obadiya wathatha abalikhulu wabafihla emarholweni amabili, kwaba matjhumi amahlanu erholweni ngalinye, wabapha ukudla namanzi. U-Arhabi wathi ku-Obadiya: “Khamba udabule inarha uye kiyo yoke imithombo nemilanjana. Mhlamunye kungaba notjanyana bokulonda iinjomani neemeyila zethu bona zingafi ukuze singabulali ezithileko zazo.” Nje-ke bahlukanisa inarha ebegade bafanele bayikhambe, u-Arhabi waya ngapha no-Obadiya waya ngale. Kuthe u-Obadiya nasakhamba njalo, u-Eliya wamhlangabeza. U-Obadiya wamlemuka bonyana nguye, wahloma ihloko phasi wathi: “Kosami Eliya, ngambala nguwe lo na?” Waphendula wathi: “Iye ngimi. Yeke khamba uyokutjela ikosakho bonyana mina Eliya sele ngilapha.” U-Obadiya walila wathi: “Kazi ngoneni kangaka bona sewungaze unikelele incekwakho ngo-Arhabi kobana ayihlukanise namabele na? NgoZimu ngiqinisile ngithi uSomnini uyangizwa, akunasizwe namkha umbuso lapha ikosami ingazange ithumele khona umuntu bonyana ayokufuna. Bekuthi lokha isizwe namkha umbuso nawukulandulako bese uyawufungisa bona ngambala azange ufumaneke kiwo. Nje-ke wena kosami uthi angiye ekosinami fese ngithi, ‘Kazi u-Eliya ulapha’. Ngizakuthi nangifulathela lapha bese uMoya kaSomnini uyakuthwala ukuse kwandawo. Ngifike-ke mina ngibikele u-Arhabi ngawe, athi nathi uyakugola afumane ngesikhundla, ngizakuba mumuntu wokufa. Khibe mina ncekwakho ngathoma ukwesaba uZimu kusukela ebutjheni bami. Ikosami ayikezwa bonyana ngenzani lokha u-Izebeli nabulala abaphorofidi bakaSomnini? Ngafihla ikhulu labaphorofidi bakaSomnini emarholweni amabili, kwaba matjhumi amahlanu erholweni ngalinye, ngabondla ngokudla nangamanzi. Gadesi wena kosami uthi angiye ku-Arhabi fese ngithi, ‘Kazi u-Eliya ulapha.’ Uzongibulala!” U-Eliya wathi: “NgoZimu uMninimandlawoke engimlotjhako, ngithi ngambala ngizoziveza ku-Arhabi namhlanjesi.” Yeke u-Obadiya wakhamba wayokubona u-Arhabi wafese wamtjela-ke, u-Arhabi wasuka wayokuhlangabeza u-Eliya. Kuthe lokha u-Arhabi nabona u-Eliya, wathi kuye: “Sihlola ndina, nguwe lo? Mtlhorholoji ka-Israyeli!” U-Eliya wathi: “Afeke! Azange khengitlhorholoje u-Israyeli mina. Nguwe nendlu kayihlo enenza njalo. Nilahle imiyalo kaSomnini nalandela aboBhali. Nje-ke biza abantu kilo loke lakwa-Israyeli bona bazokuhlangana nami entabeni iKarameli. Uze nabaphorofidi abamakhulu amane namatjhumi amahlanu bakaBhali nebaka-Atjhera abamakhulu amane abagoma etafuleni laka-Izebeli.” Yeke u-Arhabi wathumela ilizwi kilo loke lakwa-Israyeli wabuthelela abaphorofidi entabeni iKarameli. U-Eliya wajama phambi kwabantu wathi: “Kuzabe kube nini nilokhu nilotjha amakhosi amabili? Nangabe uSomnini nguye onguZimu, mlandeleni; kodwana nangabe nithi nguBhali onguZimu, mlandeleni-ke.” Kodwana abantu bathi du. Yeke u-Eliya wathi kibo: “Ngimi ngedwa oseleko ebaphorofidini bakaSomnini, kodwana uBhali unamakhulu amane namatjhumi amahlanu woke wabaphorofidi. Lethani iinkunzi ezimbili. Abazikhethele yinye, bayihlahlele bese bayibeke phezu kweenkuni kodwana bangathungeleli umlilo. Nami ngizakuhlahlela ikunzi enye bese ngiyibeka phezu kweenkuni ngingathungeleli umlilo. Nina baphorofidi nizabe seniyathoma-ke nibize ibizo lakazimenu, nami ngizakubiza ibizo lakaSomnini. Uzimu ozakuphendula ngokuthungelela umlilo, nguye uZimu wamambala.” Boke abantu bathi: “Ufike kuhle.” U-Eliya wathi ebaphorofidini bakaBhali: “Thomani ntangi nikhethe enye yeenkunzi bese niyayihlahlela ngombana niliwoma. Bizani ibizo lakazimenu, kodwana ningathungeleli umlilo.” Bathatha ikunzi abayinikelweko leyo bayihlahlela. Bathoma-ke babiza ibizo lakaBhali ukusuka ekuseni bekwaba semini ekulu. Barhuwelela bathi: “Siyakubawa Bhali, yewusiphendule!” Kodwana do ipendulo, sekwathi tse. Bagida magegana ne-aldari abalenzileko. Kwathi phakathi kwemini ekulu u-Eliya wathoma ukubatshima wathi: “Rhuwelelani khulu! Angithi nibiza uzimu na! Mhlamunye usatshwenyekile, usazibuza ayedwa nanyana usendleleni. Uthi akakalali nje? Mhlambe ufuna ukuphatjhanyiswa.” Bathoma-ke barhuwelela bazirhaya ngeensabula nangemikhonto bebathelwa ziingazi njengombana gade kumkhubabo ukwenza njalo. Imini yadlula, baragela phambili ngokuba semmoyeni wokuphorofida bekwafika isikhathi somnikelo wantambama; kodwana kwathi tse, do ipendulo, kwangenzeka litho. Yeke u-Eliya wathi ebantwini boke: “Bandamelani kimapha.” Ngambala abantu babandamela kuye. Wavuselela i-aldari lakaSomnini ebegade sele ligirikile: Wathatha amatje alitjhumi nambili, ilitje ngalinye lijamele ikoro yesizukulwana sakaJakopo, okwafikela kuye ilizwi lakaSomnini elathi ibizo lakhe kuzakuba ngu-Israyeli. Wakha i-aldari ngamatje lawo ebizweni lakaSomnini, wemba umsedlana magegana ne-aldari. Umsedlana lo bewungamumatha imbewu engaba ligagogo nesiquntu. Waqaba iinkuni. Wahlahlela ikunzi, wayibeka phezu kweenkunapho. Wathi kibo: “Zalisani imijeka emine ngamanzi bese niwathela phezu komhlabelo naphezu kweenkuni.” Yeke wathi: “Thelani godu.” Ngambala bawathela. Godu wathi: “Buyelelani kwesithathu nithele.” Bawadlhuwelela kwesithathu. Amanzi ageleza azombeleza i-aldari. U-Eliya naye wazalisa umsedlana lowo ngamanzi. Kuthe nakufika isikhathi sokwenza umnikelo, umphorofidi u-Eliya watjhidela ngaphambili wathandaza wathi: “Maye Somnini, Zimu ka-Abrahamu, ka-Isaka no-Israyeli, akwazeke namhlanjesi bonyana unguZimu kwa-Israyeli nokobana ngiyincekwakho begodu koke lokhu engikwenzileko ngikwenze ngokulayelwa nguwe. Ngiphendule Somnini, ngiphendule ukuze abantwaba bazi bonyana wena Somnini unguZimu nokobana utjhugululela iinhliziyo zabo kuwe.” Yeke umlilo kaSomnini wehla waqothula umhlabelo, iinkuni, amatje kanye nehlabathi, bewakhotha namanzi agade angemsedlaneni. Kuthe lokha abantu nababona koke lokhu, bawa ngamadolo bahloma iinhloko phasi bathi: “USomnini nguye onguZimu! USomnini nguZimu!” U-Eliya wathi kibo: “Bambani boke abaphorofidi bakaBhali! Kungaphunyurhi noyedwa!” Yeke bababamba, u-Eliya wathi abalethwe emlanjaneni weKhidroni, wababulalela lapho. U-Eliya wathi ku-Arhabi: “Khamba, ufese ugome bewusele ngombana kunomrhubo wezulu.” Kwathi u-Arhabi nayokugoma abe asele, u-Eliya yena wenyukela esiqongolweni seKarameli. Wahlala phasi wahloma ihloko hlangana namadolwakhe. Wathi encekwinakhe: “Khamba uqale ncaya ngelwandle.” Yakhamba-ke yayokuqala, yathi: “Akunalitho.” U-Eliya wathi: “Buyela emuva ufese uqale kakhomba.” Kuthe ehlandleni lekhomba inceku yathi: “Kunelifu elincani elilingana nesandla somuntu elenyuka ngelwandle.” U-Eliya wathi: “Arha-ke, khamba ufese utjele u-Arhabi uthi, ‘Bophela iinjomani uthewuke ukuze izulweli lingakuvaleli.’ ” Ngokuphazima kwelihlo umkayi wathi kupe ngamafu anzima tshu, kwavuka ummoya, kwaqubuka izulu elikhulu. U-Arhabi wakhwela ekaranenakhe wanqomba eJizriyela. Amandla kaSomnini embatha u-Eliya, wakhwezelela ingubakhe ebhandeni, wagijima phambi kwaka-Arhabi bekwaba sendleleni eya eJizriyela. U-Arhabi wadembela u-Izebeli yoke into eyenziwe ngu-Eliya nangendlela abulele ngayo boke abaphorofidi ngesabula. U-Izebeli wathumela isithunywa ku-Eliya bonyana sithi: “Ngiyafunga ngithi abozimu abangikghame nange kusasa ngeenkhathezi ngingenzi ipilwakho ifane neyomunye wabaphorofidaba.” U-Eliya wesaba u-Izebeli, khonokho wabaleka. Kuthe lokha nafika eBheritjheba kwaJuda, watjhiya incekwakhe lapho. Yena waragela phambili nekhambo elamthatha ilanga erhalawumbeni. Wafika wahlala ngaphasi kwesithukghwana somuthi wafisa ngathi angafa wathi: “Somnini, ngiyisuthi ipilo. Thatha ummoyami, ngizakuthi ngingcono ngani nje kunabokhokho bami?” Wazitjhutheka ngaphasi kwesithukghwaneso, wabanjwa buthongo. Khonokho ingilozi yamthinta yathi: “Vuka ugome.” Wathalaza, wabona isikwa esibhagwe emalahleni atjhisako nomjekana wamanzi. Wagoma bewasela wabuya walala godu. Ingilozi kaSomnini yabuya kwesibili yamthinta yathi: “Vuka ugome ndoda, usesenekhambo elide.” Yeke wavuka wagoma bewasela. Ukudlokho kwamqinisa, wakhamba amalanga amatjhumi amane nobusuku bakhona bewafika entabeni kaZimu iRhorebe. Wafika wangena ngerholweni bona alale ubusukobo lapho. Nje-ke kwafika ilizwi lakaSomnini kuye lathi: “Ufunani lapha Eliya?” Waphendula wathi: “Gade ngitjhisakalela wena Somnini Zimu Mninimandlawoke. Ama-Israyeli aphayele isivumelwano sakho eqadi, agiriza ama-aldarakho abe abulala nabaphorofidi bakho ngesabula. Ungibona nginje, sekusele mina ngedwa. Nje-ke bafuna ukungikgharidlhela.” USomnini wathi: “Phuma ujame phezu kwentaba phambi kwami ngombana mina Zimu ngizasuke ngidlula lapho.” Khonapho kwavuka ummoya omkhulu nonamandla warharhabula iintaba waqeqebula amadwala phambi kwakaSomnini, kodwana uSomnini gade angekho phakathi kommoya lowo. Ngemva kommoya lowo kwaba nokudengezela kwephasi, kodwana nalapho uSomnini gade angekho. Ngemva kokudengezela kwephasi kwavela umlilo, kodwana nemlilwenapho uSomnini gade angekho. Ngemva komlilo lowo kwaba nokutjhitjhiza okuzothileko. Kwathi lokha u-Eliya nezwa lokho, wazigubuzesa ngenaka lakhe waphumela ngaphandle wajama emnyango werholo. Ilizwi lathi kuye: “Ufunani lapha Eliya?” U-Eliya wathi: “Gade ngitjhisakalela wena Somnini Zimu Mninimandlawoke. Ama-Israyeli aphayele isivumelwano sakho eqadi, agiriza ama-aldarakho abe abulala nabaphorofidi bakho ngesabula. Ungibona nginje, sekusele mina ngedwa. Nje-ke bafuna ukungikgharidlhela.” USomnini wathi kuye: “Buyela emuva ngendlela oze ngayo bese uya erhalawumbeni leDamaseku. Nawufika lapho, uzese uRhazayeli abe yikosi yama-Aramu. Godu uzese uJehu umsa kaNimtjhi abe yikosi kwa-Israyeli, uzese no-Elitjha umsa kaTjhafathi we-Abela-Merhola bonyana athathe iintambo zobuphorofidi emva kwakho. Ophunyurha esabuleni kaRhazayeli uzakubulawa nguJehu, kuthi ophunyurha esabuleni kaJehu abulawe ngu-Elitjha. Nokho ngizakubabalela abaziinkulungwana ezilikhomba kwa-Israyeli: boke abangazange bakhothamele uBhali nabangazange bamncwange.” Yeke u-Eliya wasuka lapho wafumana u-Elitjha umsa kaTshafathi. Gade kuneempani ezilitjhumi nambili zeenkabi zilima ngaphasi kwelihlo lakhe, yena gade atjhayela ezimbili zokugcina. U-Eliya wanqomba kuye wafese wamembesa ngenaka lakhe emahlombe. U-Elitjha watjhiya iinkabezo walandela u-Eliya ngebelo wathi: “Angilayelise ubaba nomma bese ngiyakulandela-ke.” U-Eliya wathi: “Buyela emuva, kodwana ungalibali engikwenze kuwe.” Awa, u-Elitjha wajika-ke. Wathatha iinkabi ezimbili agade alima ngazo wazihlaba. Ngeentlabagelo zokulima wapheka inyama wayiphakela iinsebenzi, zazinikelela. Wasuka lapho walandela u-Eliya waba msizakhe. UBhen-Hadadi ikosi yama-Aramu wahlanganisa loke ibutho lakhe. Wakhuphuka aphekelelwa makhosi amatjhumi amathathu nambili akhamba ngeenjomani kanye neenkarana. Bavimbezela iSamariya ngokuthoma ipi. Wathumela iinthunywa ngedorobheni ku-Arhabi ikosi yakwa-Israyeli wathi: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguBhen-Hadadi, ‘Isiliva negolide lakho kungekwami, iintandokazi ezibafazi bakho kanye nabantwabakho, ngebami.’ ” Ikosi yakwa-Israyeli yaphendula yathi: “Ndabezitha, sekunjengombana ikosami isitjho. Mina nakho koke enginakho singebakho.” Iinthunywa zabuya godu zathi: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguBhen-Hadadi, ‘Namhlanje ngithumele umlayezo bonyana kulandwe isiliva negolide lakho kanye nabafazi bakho nabantwabakho. Kodwana kusasa ngeenkhathezi ngizokuthumela iinkhulu zami bonyana zizokubhenyegula isigodlo sakho kanye nezindlu zeenkhulu zakho. Zizakuhlwitha yoke into eligugu kuwe zimuke nayo.’ ” Ikosi yakwa-Israyeli yabiza boke abaphathi benarha yathi kibo: “Nithi niyambona umrhali lo bonyana uphehla inturhu na? Ngimvumele nathi ufuna ngimnikele abafazi bami, abantwabami kanye nesiliva negolide lami. Kodwana kwanje khona sekwedlulele!” Abaphathi nabo boke abantu bathi ekosini: “Alale alahlile! Ungavumi!” Yeke ikosi yaphendula iinthunywa zakaBhen-Hadadi yathi: “Fikani nithi ekosinami, ‘Incekwakho izakwenza koke okufune ekuthomeni, kodwana lokhu osele ukufuna gadesi; uzakufumana ngifile.’ ” Zakhamba iinthunywa zayokutjela uBhen-Hadadi umlayezo lowo. UBhen-Hadadi wathumela omunye umlayezo ku-Arhabi wathi: “Ngiyafunga ngithi abozimu abangikghame nange ngingalisa iSamariya ngingayiphenduli iqutjana leququ elingeze lafunjathwa ngitjho mabuthwami.” Ikosi yakwa-Israyeli yaphendula yathi: “Mtjeleni bonyana angazibethi isifuba ngokuhlanza ithunga ikomo ingakazali.” Umlayezo lo wafika kuBhen-Hadadi lokha yena namakhosi basaditjhe ngamarhalibogo ebandla, wathi ebantwini bakhe: “Hlomani!” Yeke bahloma bona basahlele idorobho. Qala kwafika omunye wabaphorofidi ku-Arhabi ikosi yakwa-Israyeli wathi: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Uyasibona isinyokotho samabuthwesi na? Ngizosinikela esandleni sakho namhlanje, uzakwazi-ke bonyana mina nginguSomnini.’ ” U-Arhabi wathi: “Kuzokwenziwa ngubani lokho?” Umphorofidi wathi: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Kuzakwenziwa ziinkhulu ezincani zabalawuli beemfunda.’ ” Yeke wabuza wathi: “Ngubani ozokuthoma ipi leyo?” Umphorofidi wathi: “Nguwe.” U-Arhabi wahlela iinkhulu ezincani zabalawuli beemfunda: Kwaba madoda amakhulu amabili namatjhumi amathathu namabili. Ngemva kwalapho wahlela woke u-Israyeli: Waba ziinkulungwana ezilikhomba. Baphuma phakathi kwemini ekulu lokha uBhen-Hadadi namakhosi amatjhumi amathathu nambili aqheme naye baburhiqwa ngamarhalibogo ebandla. Iinkhulu ezincani zabalawuli beemfunda zaphuma qangi. UBhen-Hadadi gade asabalalise iinhloli ezabuya nomlayezo othi: “Kunamadoda aphuma ngeSamariya.” Wathi: “Nangabe eze ngokuthula, abambeni ningawabulali. Nangabe eze ngepi nakhona abambeni ningawabulali.” Iinkhulu ezincani zabalawuli beemfunda zajokola zaphuma edorobheni ziqabelelwe libutho. Esinye nesinye isikhulu samadlha umjamelanaso phasi. Ama-Aramu abaleka, ama-Israyeli awalala eenthendeni. UBhen-Hadadi ikosi ye-Aramu yaphunyurha ikhwelele injomani iphahlwe mabuthwayo weenjomani. Ikosi yakwa-Israyeli yatjhidela beyahlula iinkarana neenjomani zama-Aramu, yawalobisa khulu. Ngemva kwalapho kwafika umphorofidi ekosini yakwa-Israyeli wathi: “Khwezelela amabuthwakho, utjheje bonyana uzokuthathani uhlanganise nani ngombana ekuthomeni komnyaka ozako ikosi yama-Aramu izokusahlela godu.” Iinkhulu zekosi ye-Aramu zayiluleka zathi: “Abozimu babo babozimu beentaba. Kungebangelo babenamandla khulu kunathi. Kodwana nange singalwela nabo egagadwini, nakanjani singababinda. Yenza lokhu: Susa woke amakhosi lapha aphethe khona bese uwajamiselela ngezinye iinkhulu. Zakhele ibutho elifana naleliya olilobileko. Libe neenjomani neenkarana ezilingana poro nezokuthoma. Asilwe nabo egagadwini, ngalokho sizakuba namandla kunabo.” Yavumelana nabo, yenza njengombana batjhwile. Ekuthomeni komnyaka olandelako uBhen-Hadadi wahlomisa ama-Aramu bonyana akhuphukele e-Afeki ukuyokulwa no-Israyeli. Ngesikhatheso ama-Israyeli nawo ahlonyiswa abe aphiwa nemiphako, aphuma ayokuhlangabezana nama-Aramu. Ama-Israyeli ahloma amatendawo aqalana nama-Aramu. Gade anzunzwana inga mihlanjana emibili yeembuzana ukube ama-Aramu wona azele ummango woke. Umuntu kaZimu wafika wathi ekosini yakwa-Israyeli: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Njengombana ama-Aramu adlumbana bonyana uSomnini unguzinyana weentaba ingasi wemirhoba, ngizakunikela soke isinyokotho samabuthwesi esandleni sakho, nje-ke wena uzakulemuka bonyana nginguSomnini.’ ” Baqeda amalanga alikhomba baqalene ngamehlo abomvu, kwathi elangeni lekhomba yatholana phezulu. Ama-Israyeli akhubaza iinkulungwana ezilikhulu zamajoni weenyawo wama-Aramu ngelanga elilodwa. Amanye aphunyurha abalekela e-Afeki ngedorobheni. Khonapho umthangala wedorobho wagirikela amajoni aziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili nekhomba. UBhen-Hadadi wabalekela edorobheni wazifihla elawini elisemsamo. Iinkhulu zakhe zathi kuye: “Qala, sizwile bonyana amakhosi agade abusa indlu yakwa-Israyeli bekanesirhawu. Nambani siye ekosini yakwa-Israyeli sembethe imigodla emadininethu, sibophe neentambo eenhloko zethu. Mhlamunye ingababalela ipilwakho.” Bembatha imigodla emadininabo, babopha neentambo eenhloko zabo, banqomba ekosini yakwa-Israyeli bafika bathi: “Ithi incekwakho uBhen-Hadadi, ‘Ngiyakubawa, yewungibabalele.’ ” Ikosi yakwa-Israyeli yathi: “Kanti usaphila? Musi mfowethu loyo!” Amadoda la athatha ikulumo le njengetshwayo elihle abe arhaba ukuyihlanganisa athi: “Iye, sitjho umfowenu uBhen-Hadadi!” Ikosi yathi: “Khambani niyomthatha.” Kwathi lokha uBhen-Hadadi nafikako, u-Arhabi wathi akakhwelele ekaranenakhe. UBhen-Hadadi wathi: “Ngizakubuyisa amadorobho ubaba awathatha kubabakho. Ungahloma iindawo zerhwebo eDamaseku njengombana nobaba enza njalo eSamariya.” U-Arhabi wathi: “Nawulungele ukwenza lokho okutjhoko, mina ngizakutjhaphulula.” Yeke benza isivumelwano, wamthukulula. Ngokulayelwa nguSomnini omunye wabafundi bomphorofidi wathi kumkhambisanakhe: “Ngimadlha!” Kodwana umkhambisanakhe wala. Yeke umfundi loyo wathi: “Ngebanga lokobana wale ukulalela uSomnini, kuzakuthi nawuqeda ukusuka kimapha, kuvele ibhubezi likurathurathule.” Ngambala uthe bona asuke, veliyani ibhubezi lambamba lambulala. Umfundi wafumana omunye umuntu wathi kuye: “Akhese ungimadlhe ngiyakurabhela.” Umuntu loyo wamumadlha-ke, wamlimaza. Yeke umfundi wakhamba wayokujama endleleni walindela ikosi. Wazitjhatjhanisa ngokuzitateja ngebhanditjhi esiphongweni. Kuthe lokha ikosi nayidlulako, umfundi wazililisa wathi: “Incekwakho yangena ekabeni yepi, yeke kwaba nomunye oza kimi nethunjwa wathi, ‘Yelusa umuntu lo. Wathi sithe, uzomkhokhela ngepilwakho, nakungasinjalo uzakubhadela amakhilogremu amatjhumi amathathu nane wesiliva.’ Kuthe incekwakho nayisadibadiba ngokhunye, umrhali loya walahleka.” Ikosi yakwa-Israyeli yathi: “Naso-ke isigwebo sakho. Uzigwebe ngokwakho.” Khonokho umfundi wasusa ibhanditjhi ebusweni bakhe; ikosi yakwa-Israyeli yambona bonyana ngomunye wesiqhema sabaphorofidi. Wathi ekosini: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Utjhaphulule umuntu ebengiqunte bonyana afe. Nje-ke uzakufa esikhundleni sakhe, nabantu bakho bafe esikhundleni sabantu bakhe.’ ” Ikosi yakwa-Israyeli yabuyela esigodlweni sayo eSamariya idanile begodu igcwele ipotjwana. Emva kwalokho kwaba nesigemegeme esilandelako: UNabhothi umJizriyela gade anesidiribe. Isidiribesi gade siseJizriyela hlanu kwesigodlo saka-Arhabi ikosi yeSamariya. U-Arhabi wathi kuNabhothi: “Nginikela isidiribe sakho ngifuna ukusenza isivande semirorho ngombana sihlanu kwakwami. Esikhundleni sesidiribe sakho ngizakunikela esingcono, namkha nawuthandako ngizakukhokhela sona ngentengo elingeneko.” Kodwana uNabhothi wathi: “UZimu angeze avuma bonyana ngikunikele ilifa labobamkhulu.” U-Arhabi waya kwakhe adanile begodu agcwele ipotjwana ngebanga lamezwi wakaNabhothi umJiziriyela nathi: “Ulale ulahlile ngelifa labobamkhulu.” Walala embhedenakhe aqumbelene bewala nokugoma. Umkakhe u-Izebeli wangena wambuza wathi: “Udaniswe yini? Awugomilini?” Waphendula wathi: “Ngombana ngithe kuNabhothi umJizriyela, ‘Ngithengisela isidiribe sakhwesi; nawuthandako, ngizakunikela esinye isidiribe esikhundleni salesi.’ Kodwana wathi kimi, ‘Ulale ulahlile.’ ” U-Izebeli umkakhe wathi: “Njengekosi, angithi unamandla phezu kwaka-Israyel? Vuka ugome! Yenama! Mina ngizakufumanela isidiribe sakaNabhothi umJizriyela.” Watlola iincwadi ebizweni laka-Arhabi, bewazifaka netshwayo lakhe, wazithumela kubaphathi neenkhulu ezihlala noNabhothi edorobheni lakhe. Eencwadinapho watlola ukuthi: Memezelani ilanga lokuzila ukudla bese nibeka uNabhothi endaweni ephakamileko hlangana nabantu. Kodwana bekani iinrhwirirhwiri ezimbili ngaphambi kwakhe bese nithi azifakaze zithi, “UNabhothi uthuke uZimu kanye nekosi.” Ngemva kwalokho bese nimkhuphela ngaphandle komuzi, nimkghadlhe ngamatje nimbulale. Yeke abaphathi kanye neenkhulu ezihlala edorobheni lakaNabhothi zenza njengombana u-Izebeli atjhwile eencwadini abatlolele zona. Bamemezela ukuzila ukudla bese babeka uNabhothi endaweni ephakamileko hlangana nabantu. Kwase kuza iinrhwirirhwiri ezimbili zazokuhlala phambi kwakhe zammangalela phambi kwabantu zathi: “UNabhothi uthuke uZimu kanye nekosi.” Bamdumela-ke bamkhuphela ngaphandle kwedorobho bamkghadlha ngamatje bambulala. Bathumela ilizwi ku-Izebeli bathi: “UNabhothi ukghadlhwe ngamatje begodu uhlongakele.” Kuthe ngemva kobana u-Izebeli ezwe bonyana uNabhothi ukghadlhwe ngamatje bewahlongakala, wathi ku-Arhabi: “Sikima khona nje, uthathe isidiribe sakaNabhothi umJizriyela owala ukukuthengisela sona. Akasaphili, selahlongakele.” Kwathi bona u-Arhabi ezwe bonyana uNabhothi uhlongakele, weqa, wehlela esidiribeni sakaNabhothi umJizriyela, wasithatha. Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika ku-Eliya umTitjhibe lathi: “Yeqa khona nje uyokuhlangabeza u-Arhabi ikosi yakwa-Israyeli, obusa eSamariya. Gadesi nje usesidiribeni sakaNabhothi, lapha ehlele khona kobana asithathe. Ufike uthi kuye, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: Angithi ubulele umuntu bewamthathela nepahlakhe?’ Bese uthi kuye godu, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: Lapha izinja ziqabhe khona iingazi zakaNabhothi, zizakuqabha nezakho, iye ngitjho iingazi zakho!’ ” Kuthe u-Arhabi nabona u-Eliya wathi: “Sewungifumene-ke njalo sitha sami ndina!” Waphendula wathi: “Vele ngikufumene ngombana uzithengisile ngokwenza okumbi phambi kwakaSomnini. USomnini uthi, ‘Ngizokwehlisela ihlekelele. Ngizakurhurhula iinzukulwana zakho njengamanzi narhurhula amabibi. Ngirhayile koke okuduna, okukhulu nokuncani kwaka-Arhabi kwa-Israyeli. Indlwakho ngizayenza njengeyakaJerobhowamu umsa kaNebathi neyakaBhatjha umsa ka-Arhiya ngombana ungisilingile bewabangela no-Israyeli bonyana one.’ Malungana no-Izebeli uthi uSomnini, ‘Izinja zizakurhiribidela u-Izebeli endundumeni yeJizriyela.’ Abantu baka-Arhabi abafele edorobheni bazakudliwa zizinja, kuthi abafele emrhuleni badliwe madlanga.” Iye, azange khekube nendoda efana no-Arhabi owazithengisa ngokwenza okumbi phambi kwakaSomnini ahlohlolozelwa ngu-Izebeli umkakhe. Wazirhubutjha khulu ngokudlhemadlhema ngemva kwamanyala wabosingazimu, njengama-Amori uSomnini awaqotjha phambi kwama-Israyeli. Lokha u-Arhabi nezwa amagama lawo, wadabula izambatho zakhe, wembatha inzilo bewazila nokudla. Walala ngazo wazulazula athobekile. Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika ku-Eliya umTitjhibe lathi: “Umbonile u-Arhabi bonyana uzithobe kangangani phambi kwami? Njengombana azithobe kangaka nje, angeze ngisamehlisela ihlekelele epilwenakhe, esikhundleni salokho ngizayehlisela endlinakhe emalangeni wokubusa kwendodanakhe.” Kwaba minyaka emithathu kunganapi phakathi kwama-Aramu nama-Israyeli. Kodwana kwathi emnyakeni wesithathu uJehotjhafathi ikosi yakwaJuda wehla wayokuthekela ikosi yakwa-Israyeli. Ikosi yakwa-Israyeli yayithe eenkhulwini zayo: “Anazi bonyana iRamothi eGiliyadi ingeyethu na? Kodwana sihlezi asilubalubeli ukuyibuyisa ezandleni zekosi ye-Aramu!” Kwathi lokha uJehotjhafathi nafikako, ikosi yakwa-Israyeli yambuza yathi: “Uzakwehla nami siyokulwa neRamothi eGiliyadi na?” UJehotjhafathi wathi ekosini yakwa-Israyeli: “Ngithi nginawe! Amajonami ngewakho neenjomani zami ngezakho!” Kodwana uJehotjhafathi godu wathi ekosini yakwa-Israyeli: “Buza kuSomnini mantange.” Yeke ikosi yakwa-Israyeli yabizela abaphorofidi ndawonye, babamadoda amakhulu amane. Wababuza wathi: “Nithi angiphume ngiyokulwa neRamothi eGiliyadi, namkha ngihlale na?” Baphendula bathi: “Khamba ngombana uSomandla uzoyinikela ezandleni zekosi.” Kodwana uJehotjhafathi wabuza wathi: “Akunamphorofidi kaZimu eduzapha esingabuza kuye na?” Ikosi yakwa-Israyeli yathi: “Awa, usekhona yena ongasibuzela kuZimu, into nje mina uyangikghabhudlha ngombana akunanto ehle akhe ayiphorofide ngami, uhlala angikhuluma kumbi njalo. Batjho nguMikaya umsa kaYimla.” UJehotjhafathi wathi: “Akusikuhle bonyana ikosi ikhulume njalo.” Ikosi yakwa-Israyeli yabiza esinye seenkhulu zayo yathi: “Rhaba uze noMikaya umsa kaYimla loyo.” Ikosi yakwa-Israyeli noJehotjhafathi ikosi yakwaJuda babembethe izambatho zabo zobukhosi bahlezi eenhlalweni zobukhosi eselelweni ngaphandle kwesango leSamariya, kuthe swi abaphorofidi phambi kwabo basemmoyeni wokuphorofida. UTsedekhiya umsa kaKenana wenza iimpondo zesimbi wathi: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Ngeempondwezi, uzakutlhofoza ama-Aramu abe aphele nya.’ ” Boke abaphorofidi abanye bebaphorofida bakhuluma into eyodwa basithi: “Sahlela iRamothi eGiliyadi bewuhlule ngombana uZimu uzayinikela ezandleni zekosi.” Isithunywa ebesiyokubiza uMikaya sathi kuye: “Qala, abaphorofidaba bakhuluma ngalizwi linye, boke baboniswa okuhle ngekosi. Nawe-ke zwana nabo ukhulume okuhle njengabo.” Kodwana uMikaya wathi: “Ngiyaqinisa phambi kwakaSomnini ngithi, ngizokukhuluma kwaphela lokho uSomnini akukhuluma kimi.” Kwathi nafikako ikosi yambuza yathi: “Mikaya, ngiye epini ukuyokulwa neRamothi eGiliyadi, namkha ngilise na?” Yena wathi: “Iye, khamba uyokusahlela bewuhlule ngombana uSomnini uZimu uzayinikela ezandleni zekosi.” Ikosi yathi kuye: “Ufuna ngikufungise kangaki bonyana ungitjele iqiniso kwaphela ebizweni lakaSomnini na?” Yeke uMikaya wathi: “Ngibone woke u-Israyeli asabalaliswe emibundwini njengezimvu ezinganamelusi. UZimu wathi, ‘Abantwaba abanamelusi. Omunye nomunye akaziyele kwakhe ngokuthula.’ ” Ikosi yakwa-Israyeli yathi kuJehotjhafathi: “Uyezwa-ke! Angithi ngikutjelile bonyana abe akunabuhle angabuphorofida ngami. Into ayaziko sekungikhuluma kumbi!” UMikaya waragela phambili wathi: “Yeke lalela okwatjhiwo nguSomnini nangimbona ahlezi esihlalweni sakhe sobukhosi aphahlwe mkhambathi woke wezulwini, ngesigomeni nangesinceleni sakhe asithi, ‘Ngubani ungayokuyenga u-Arhabi bonyana asahlele iRamothi eGiliyadi ukuze aziphekelele yena ekufeni na?’ Omunye watjho lokhu nomunye watjho lokhuya. Khonapho kwavela omunye womkhambathi wajama phambi kwakaSomnini wathi, ‘Ngizamyenga.’ USomnini wabuza wathi, ‘Uzamyenga njani?’ Yena wathi, ‘Ngizakuphuma bese ngiba mummoya wamala emilonyeni yabo boke abaphorofidi bakhe.’ USomnini wathi, ‘Khamba uyomyenga, uzakuphumelela.’ Nje-ke, qala uSomnini ubeke ummoya wamala emilonyeni yabo boke abaphorodi bakhwaba. USomnini ukuhlelele ihlekelele.” UTsedekhiya umsa kaKenana wakhuphuka wafika wawahla uMikaya emhlathini wathi: “Kuzenjani bonyana ummoya obuya kuSomnini usuke kimi uzokukhuluma kuwe?” UMikaya wathi: “Uzakwazi mhlana uyokubhaca elawini elisemsamo.” Ikosi yakwa-Israyeli yathi: “Thathani uMikaya lo nimbuyisele ku-Amoni oyinduna yedorobho nakuJowatjhi umntwanekosi bese nithi, ‘Ikosi ithi: Phoselani umrhali lo ngesikhungweni, nimuphe isikwana nethosana lamanzi ngamalanga kufikela bengibuye ngisaphephile.’ ” UMikaya wathi: “Nange ngambala ungabuya uphephile, uZimu uzabe angakakhulumi ngami.” (Umphorofidi lo ufaniswa nowathi: “Yizwani noke nina bantu!”) Yeke ikosi yakwa-Israyeli noJehotjhafathi ikosi yakwaJuda bakhuphukela eRamothi eGiliyadi. Ikosi yakwa-Israyeli yathi kuJehotjhafathi: “Ngizakungena epini ngokuzitjhatjhanisa, kodwana wena yembatha izambatho zakho zobukhosi.” Yeke ikosi yakwa-Israyeli yazitjhatjhanisa, yangena epini. Ikosi yama-Aramu gade iyale iinduna zeenkarana ezimatjhumi amathathu nambili yathi: “Ningalwi nananyana ngubani ngaphandle kwekosi yakwa-Israyeli.” Kuthe lokha iinduna zeenkarana nazibona uJehotjhafathi zathi: “Sayibamba inyamazana! Ngiyo ikosi yakwa-Israyeli!” Zajika bonyana zimthelekele. UJehotjhafathi warhuwelela afuna isizo. Iinduna zeenkarana zalemuka bonyana akusiyo ikosi yakwa-Israyeli, zajika. Khonapho kwase kwaba nodumuza ngomsebe angakanqophi muntu, wanemba ikosi yakwa-Israyeli hlangana nomphetho wesiphanga sembaji yepi. Ikosi leyo yathi kumtjhayeli wekaranayo: “Jikisa ikarana ungikhuphe epinapha, nakhu sele ngilimele khulu.” Ipi yadlondlobala mhlokho. Ikosi yayilokhu isekelwe ekaranenayo iqalene nama-Aramu. Yayiphopha iingazi encebeni zigelezela phezu kwekaranayo, yahlongakala ilanga nalitjhingako. Khonokho kwahlatjwa umkhosi kiwo woke amabutho kwathiwa: “Omunye nomunye akabuyele ekhabo, buyelani eenarheni zenu!” Ikosi yahlongakala ngaleyondlela, yalethwa eSamariya bona ibulungelwe khona. Bahlanza ikarana esizibeni esiseSamariya, lokha iingwadla nazihlambako. Izinja zaqabha iingazi zaka-Arhabi njengombana ilizwi lakaSomnini lalitjhwile. Zoke izehlakalo zokubusa kwaka-Arhabi, nakho koke akwenzileko, isigodlo asakhileko bewasikghabisa ngamazinyo wendlovu, namadorobho awaqinisileko, kutlolwe encwadini yemilando yamakhosi wakwa-Israyeli. U-Arhabi wabulungwa kiboyisemkhulu. Indodanakhe u-Arhaziya yathatha iintambo esikhundleni sakhe. UJehotjhafathi umsa ka-Asa waba yikosi yakwaJuda emnyakeni wesine wokubusa kwaka-Arhabi ikosi yakwa-Israyeli. UJehotjhafathi bekaneminyaka ematjhumi amathathu nahlanu lokha nathatha iintambo zobukhosi, wabusa eJerusalema iminyaka ematjhumi amabili nahlanu. Ibizo lakanina bekungu-Azubha indodakazi kaTjhilirhi. Wakhamba emtlhaleni kayise u-Asa kikho koke, azange aphambuke; wenza ubuhle ebusweni bakaSomnini. Nokho azange asuse iindunduma, ngebangelo abantu baragela phambili nokuletha imihlabelo nokutjhisa ipepho lapho. UJehotjhafathi naye gade anokuthula nekosi yakwa-Israyeli. Zoke izehlakalo zokubusa kwakaJehotjhafathi, ukuhlula kwakhe, okutjho izipi azilwileko, kutlolwe encwadini yemilando yamakhosi wakwaJuda. Wathanyela enarheni iintjhatjha zethempeli ebegade zisele lapho soloko kwangesikhathi kusabusa uyise u-Asa. Kwahlala kunganakosi kwa-Edomu; kwabusa umjaphethe. UJehotjhafathi wakha imijeje yemikhumbi yokurhweba kobana akghone ukuya e-Ofira ukufunyana igolide, kodwana imikhumbi leyo azange beyilinge nokuthaya, yaphahlazeka e-Etsiyoni-Gebere. Ngesikhatheso u-Arhaziya umsa ka-Arhabi wathi kuJehotjhafathi: “Vumela abantu bami bathaye nebakho.” Kodwana uJehotjhafathi wala. UJehotjhafathi wahlongakala, wabulungelwa eMzini kayisemkhulu uDavida. UJehoramu indodanakhe yathatha ubukhosi emva kwakhe. U-Arhaziya umsa ka-Arhabi waba yikosi yakwa-Israyeli eSamariya emnyakeni wekhomba wokubusa kwakaJehotjhafathi ikosi yakwaJuda. Wabusa u-Israyeli iminyaka emibili. Wenza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini ngombana wakhamba emtlhaleni kayise nonina nemtlhaleni kaJerobhowamu umsa kaNebathi, abangela ngawo bonyana u-Israyeli one. Walotjha bewakhothamela uBhali, ngaleyondlela wathukuthelisa uSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, walingisa uyise weyi. Emva kokuhlongakala kwaka-Arhabi, uMowabi wahlubuka u-Israyeli. U-Arhaziya warhohlomela efesidereni-mluko lelawu elingaphezulu lesigodlo sakhe eSamariya, wamadlheka phasi, wazilimaza. Yeke wathumela iinthunywa wathi kizo: “Khambani niyokuthukula kuBhali-Zebhubi, uzinyana we-Ekroni nizwe bona ngizokuphola ekulimalenokhu na?” Kodwana ingilozi kaSomnini yathi ku-Eliya umTitjhibe: “Khuphuka uhlangabeze iinthunywa zekosi yeSamariya uzibuze uthi, ‘Kungenca yokobana kunganaZimu kwa-Israyeli bonyana ningaze niyokuthukula kuBhali-Zebhubi uzinyana we-Ekroni na? Yeke nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “ ‘Angekhe usasuka embhedeni olele kiwo. Ngiqinisile uzokufa!’ ” U-Eliya wakhamba-ke. Iinthunywa zabuyela ekosini. Ikosi yazibuza yathi: “Nibuya ngaliphi?” Zaphendula zathi: “Kunomuntu osihlangabezileko wafese wathi kithi, ‘Buyelani ekosini enithumileko nithi kiyo: Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, “Kungenca yokobana kunganaZimu kwa-Israyeli bonyana ungaze uthumele abantu bona bayokuthukula kuBhali-Zebhubi, uzinyana we-Ekroni na? Yeke angekhe usasuka embhedeni olele kiwo. Ngiqinisile uzokufa!” ’ ” Ikosi u-Arhaziya yazibuza yathi: “Gade kumhlobo bani umuntu ofese wanihlangabeza lo, wanitjela lokhu?” Zaphendula zathi: “Bekuyindoda enesambatho soboya nebhetjha edinini lakhe.” Ikosi yathi: “Ngu-Eliya umTitjhibe loyo.” Yeke yathumela induna nesiqhema sayo sabantu abamatjhumi amahlanu ku-Eliya. Induna yakhuphukela ku-Eliya ogade ahlezi esiqongolweni sombundu yafese yathi kuye: “Muntu kaZimu, ikosi ithi, ‘Yewehle!’ ” U-Eliya wayiphendula wathi: “Nakubanyana ngimumuntu kaZimu, akwehle umlilo ezulwini uqothule wena nabantu bakho abamatjhumi amahlanu.” Mbala kwehla umlilo ezulwini waqothula induna nabantu bayo. U-Arhaziya wathumela godu enye induna nabantu bayo abamatjhumi amahlanu. Induna yakhuphuka yafika ku-Eliya yathi: “Muntu kaZimu, nakhu okutjhiwo yikosi u-Arhaziya, ‘Yehla masinyana!’ ” U-Eliya wathi: “Nakubanyana ngimumuntu kaZimu, akwehle umlilo ezulwini uqothule wena nabantu bakho abamatjhumi amahlanu!” Kwehla umlilo kaZimu ezulwini waqothula induna nabantu bayo abamatjhumi amahlanu. Godu u-Arhaziya wathumela kwesithathu induna nabantu bayo abamatjhumi amahlanu. Induna yesithathu yona yenyuka yafese yaguqa phambi kwaka-Eliya yamrabhela yathi: “Muntu kaZimu, ngiyakurabhela akhese ubabalele ipilwami kanye neempilo zabantu abamatjhumi amahlanwaba! Qala-nje, kwehle umlilo ezulwini waqothula iinduna ezimbili nabantu bazo boke. Kodwana njesi akhese ubabalele ipilwami.” Nje-ke ingilozi kaSomnini yathi ku-Eliya: “Yehla naye, ungesabi.” Yeke u-Eliya wasikima wehlela nayo ekosini. U-Eliya wathi ekosini: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uZimu, ‘Ngebanga lokobana uthumele iinthunywa kobana ziyokuthukula kuBhali-Zebhubi uzinyana we-Ekroni, kwanga akunaZimu kwa-Israyeli ongabuza kuye ngelizwi lakhe, ngalokho-ke awuzukwehla embhedeni olele kiwo. Ngiqinisile uzokufa.’ ” Wahlongakala njalo-ke u-Arhaziya ngokuya ngelizwi lakaZimu agade alikhulume ngo-Eliya. Ngebanga lokobana gade anganandodana, umnakwabo uJoramu waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe emnyakeni wesibili wokubusa kwakaJehoramu umsa kaJehotjhafathi ikosi yakwaJuda. Zoke izehlakalo zokubusa kwaka-Arhaziya nalokho akwenzileko, kutlolwe encwadini yemilando yamakhosi wakwa-Israyeli. Nakhu okwenzeka mhlana uSomnini ahlwithela u-Eliya ezulwini ngesiwuruwuru: U-Eliya bano-Elitjha gade basendleleni ephuma eGiligali, u-Eliya wathi kuye: “Akhe uje usele lapha ngombana uSomnini usangithume eBhethe-Eli.” Kodwana u-Elitjha wathi: “NgoZimu ngiqinisile ngithi phila ngiphile, ngizokuba sithunzi sakho.” Yeke bewuka baya eBhethe-Eli. Khonapho abafundi bomphorofidi eBhethe-Eli beza ku-Elitjha bambuza bathi: “Bewazi bona namhlanje uSomnini uzokuhlwitha kuwe ikosakho na?” U-Elitjha waphendula wathi: “Iye, ngiyazi. Kodwana lisani indaba le.” U-Eliya wathi kuye: “Akhe uje usele lapha ngombana uSomnini usangithume eJerikho.” Yena waphendula wathi: “NgoZimu ngiqinisile ngithi phila ngiphile, ngizokuba sithunzi sakho.” Yeke baya eJerikho. Abafundi bomphorofidi eJerikho babandamela ku-Elitjha bambuza bathi: “Bewazi bona namhlanje uSomnini uzokuhlwitha kuwe ikosakho na?” Yena waphendula wathi: “Iye ngiyazi, kodwana lisani indaba le.” Godu u-Eliya wathi kuye: “Akhe uje usele lapha ngombana uSomnini usangithume eJordani.” Yena waphendula wathi: “NgoZimu ngiqinisile ngithi phila ngiphile, ngizokuba sithunzi sakho.” Yeke baragela phambili bobabili. Amatjhumi amahlanu wabafundaba nabo bakhamba, kodwana bajamela kude lokha u-Eliya no-Elitjha bafika bajama khona eJordani. U-Eliya wathatha inaka lakhe walisonga, wabetha ngalo amanzi. Amanzi ahlukana phakathi, bobabili bayama bakhamba etjhwabatjhwabeni eyomileko. Kwathi nasele bayamile, u-Eliya wathi ku-Elitjha: “Akhese ungitjele, ufuna ngikwenzeleni ngaphambi kobana ngihlwithwe kuwe na?” U-Elitjha waphendula wathi: “Ngibawa bona isabelo sommoyakho esabelwa abafundi bomphorofidi kimi sibuyelelwe.” U-Eliya wathi: “Ubawe into ebukhuni; nokho nange ungangibona lokha nangihlwithwa kuwe, kuzakuya njengesibawo sakho; nakungasinjalo kuzabe kubhalile.” Kwathi basakhamba njalo bacoca, ginigini kwavela ikarana yomlilo idoswa ziinjomani zomlilo yahlukanisa ababilaba. U-Eliya wakhutjhulelwa ezulwini ngesiwuruwuru. U-Elitjha wakubona lokhu warhuwelela wathi: “Babami! Babami! Gade ufana nebutho leenkarana kwa-Israyeli!” U-Elitjha akhange abe asambona. Yeke wabamba izambatho zakhe wazitlebhula zahlukana kabili. Wadobha inaka eliwe ku-Eliya wabuyela emuva bewajama magegana neJordani. Yeke wathatha inaka eliwe ku-Eliya wabetha amanzi ngalo kodwana azange ahlukane. Warhuwelela wathi: “Uphi-ke nje uSomnini, uZimu waka-Eliya?” Wabetha amanzi kwesibili, ahlukana phakathi, wabese uyayama. Kuthe lokha abafundi bomphorofidi beJerikho egade bajame kude nababona lokhu bathi: “Ummoya ka-Eliya sewuhlezi ku-Elitjha.” Baya bayomhlangabeza bafese baguqa phambi kwakhe bahloma iinhloko phasi. Bathi kuye: “Akhese uthi uyaqala, thina nceku zakho sinabantu abamatjhumi amahlanu abanekghono. Bavumele bakhambe bayokuqala ikosakho. Mhlamunye isiwuruwuru sakaSomnini simguge sayomphosela ngenzasi kwenye yeentaba namkha yemirhoba.” U-Elitjha waphendula wathi: “Awa, ningabathumeli.” Kodwana bamngena endlebeni bewathi: “Bathumeleni-ke!” Babathumela-ke abantu abamatjhumi amahlanwabo, bafuna amalanga amathathu kodwana akhange bamfunyane. Babuyela ku-Elitjha ogade asele eJerikho. U-Elitjha wathi kibo: “Angithi nginitjele bona ningakhambi?” Abantu bedorobho bathi ku-Elitjha: “Umuzi lo usendaweni ehle njengombana ikosethu iwubona nje, kodwana amanzi mambi kanti nenarha yenza ifuyo ipholoje.” Yena wathi: “Lethanapha irhotjhana elitjha nithele itswayi ngaphakathi kwalo.” Yeke bamlethela. Waya esiyalweni wathela itswayi ngaphakathi wathi: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Ngiphilisile amanzi la. Angeze kusavela ukufa namkha ukupholoja godu emanzinapha.’ ” Amanzi aba ngaphilisiweko bekube namhlanjesi, kwaba njengelizwi elikhulunywe ngu-Elitjha. Ukusuka lapho u-Elitjha wenyukela eBhethe-Eli. Kwathi asakhamba endleleni njalo, kwavela itlabelwana yabesanyana ngedorobheni yamkokomeja yathi: “Yenyuka wena pandlana ndina! Yenyuka wena pandlana ndina!” Wajika wayiqala emehlweni wakhuluma amanikelela ebizweni lakaSomnini. Nje-ke kwaphuma amabhere amabili ehlathini, adabula amatjhumi amane nababili wabesanabo. Yena waragela phambili waya entabeni iKarameli; ukusuka lapho wabuyela eSamariya. UJoramu umsa ka-Arhabi waba yikosi yakwa-Israyeli eSamariya emnyakeni wetjhumi nabunane wokubusa kwakaJehotjhafathi ikosi yakwaJuda. Wabusa iminyaka elitjhumi nambili. Wenza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini, kodwana ingasi njengombana uyise nonina benza. Wasusa ilitje lakaBhali elisikhumbuzo elalijanyiswe nguyise. Nokho wanamathela ezonweni zakaJerobhowamu umsa kaNebathi, abangela ngazo bonyana u-Israyeli one; akhange aphambuke kizo. Nje-ke uMetjha ikosi yakwaMowabi gade afuye izimvu begodu bekufuze anande anikela ikosi yakwa-Israyeli ikhulu leenkulungwana leemvana nekhulu leenkulungwana lamaqama angakarhunwa. Kodwana emva kokuhlongakala kwaka-Arhabi, ikosi yakwaMowabi yahlubuka ikosi yakwa-Israyeli. Yeke ngesikhatheso ikosi uJoramu yaphuma eSamariya yahlomisa woke u-Israyeli. Yathumela umlayezo lo nakuJehotjhafathi ikosi yakwaJuda yathi: “Ikosi yakwaMowabi ingihlubukile. Uzokukhamba nami siyosahlela uMowabi na?” Waphendula wathi: “Ngizakukhamba nawe. Ngimunye nawe, abantu bami banjengabakho neenjomani zami zinjengezakho.” UJoramu wabuza wathi: “Sizokusahlela ngayiphi indlela?” UJehotjhafathi wathi: “Ngendlela yerhalawumba le-Edomu.” Nje-ke ikosi yakwa-Israyeli yaphuma nekosi yakwaJuda kanye neyakwa-Edomu. Emva kokobana sele bagege amalanga alikhomba, gade kungasenamanzi webutho neweembandana ezikanye nalo. Ikosi yakwa-Israyeli yathi: “Madekhethu! UZimu usibize sobathathu bonyana asinikele esandleni samaMowabi!” UJehotjhafathi wabuza wathi: “Akunamphorofidi kaSomnini, esingabuza uSomnini ngaye lapha na?” Esinye seenkhulu zekosi yakwa-Israyeli saphendula sathi: “Iye, kuno-Elitjha umsa kaTjhafathi, ogade anande aqongela u-Eliya.” UJehotjhafathi wathi: “Loyo-ke ilizwi lakaSomnini likuye.” Nje-ke ikosi yakwa-Israyeli, uJehotjhafathi nekosi yakwa-Edomu behlela kuye. U-Elitjha wathi ekosini yakwa-Israyeli: “Alo, wena-ke ngihlangene ngani nawe? Iya emphorofidini kayihlo nanyana wakanyoko.” Ikosi yakwa-Israyeli yaphendula yathi: “Awa, qala nguZimu osihlanganise sobathathu bonyana asinikele esandleni samaMowabi!” U-Elitjha wathi: “NgoZimu uMninimandlawoke engimlotjhako ngiqinisile ngithi, ukube thana uJehotjhafathi ikosi yakwaJuda, engimhloniphako gade angekho la, bengingeze ngakuqala namkha ngikuyelele.” Waragela phambili wathi: “Yewungilethele usonodo.” Kwathi lokha usonodo ancinza iharibha, isandla sakaSomnini saba phezu kwaka-Elitjha wabe wathi: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Yembani iinkghidlhi emilanjeni eyomileko le.’ Ngombana nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Anizukubona ummoya namkha izulu, nokho umlambo owomileko lo uzakugcwala amanzi bese nina, nefuywenu ebotjhelwako nethwalako niyasela.’ Zincani lezi emehlweni kaSomnini, uzokunikela noMowabi esandleni senu. Nizokuhlula elinye nelinye idorobho elinomthangala nayo yoke imizi ekhethekileko. Nizokugawula yoke imithi emihle, nidibizese yoke imithombo benibhubhise woke amasimu avundileko ngamatje.” Ngakusasa ekuseni, pheze ngesikhathi sokuletha umnikelo, baba-ke, naka amanzi ehla ncaya nge-Edomu! Inarha beyigcwele amanzi! Nje-ke boke bakwaMowabi gade bezwile bona amakhosi eze ukuzokulwa nabo; woke umuntu ogade angakghona ukuthwala iinhlabano ngitjho nolupheleko wabizwa wajanyiswa ngemkhawulweni. Kwathi lokha nabavukako ekuseni ngakusasa, ilanga beliphazima phezu kwamanzi. EmaMowabini agade angaphetjheya kwamanzi, amanzi abonakala abomvu inga ziingazi. AmaMowabi athi: “Ziingazi leziya! Kutjho bona amakhosi lawa alwile, abulalana wodwa. MaMowabi, asiyozikholisa ngepahlabo!” Kodwana lokha amaMowabi afika ekampeni yama-Israyeli, ama-Israyeli arubhuluka alwa nawo abe awagijimisa. Ama-Israyeli ayisahlela inarha leyo abulala amaMowabi. Agiriza amadorobho anomthangala. Athatha amatje awaphosa kiwo woke amasimu avundileko abe awavala. Adibizesa yoke imithombo abe agawula yoke imithi emihle. YiKiri-Rhareseti yodwa eyasala nomthangalayo, kodwana abantu ebegade bahlome ngeensarayi bayizombeleza nayo bayisahlela. Kuthe lokha ikosi yakwaMowabi nayibonako bonyana iyahlulwa epini, yathatha amadoda amakhulu alikhomba akwazi ukulwa ngesabula ukuze iphundlukele ekosini yakwa-Edomu kodwana yabhalelwa. Yeke yathatha indodanayo elizibulo ebe kuzokuba ngiyo ethatha ubukhosi bayo, yanikela ngayo phezu komthangala wedorobho njengomhlabelo. Ama-Israyeli akghabhudlheka khulu abe ajika abuyela enarhenekhabo. Umfazi womunye wabafundi bomphorofidi walila ku-Elitjha wathi: “Incekwakho, emyenami ihlongakele begodu uyazi bona beyesaba uSomnini kangangani. Nje-ke umuntu egade imkoloda uyeza bona azokuthatha amadodanami amabili bona abe makhobokakhe.” U-Elitjha waphendula wathi: “Alo, ngingakusiza ngani? Akhese ungitjele, unani endlinakho?” Umfazi waphendula wathi: “Incekukazakho ayinalitho ngendlinapha ngaphandle komjeka onamafutjhana we-oliva amancani.” U-Elitjha wathi: “Gega nabomakhelwana bakho ubawe imijeka enganalitho, ibe minengi. Ngena ngendlinakho uzivalele wena namadodanakho. Thela amafutha layo kiyo yoke imijeka, ubekele egcweleko ngeqadi.” Wakhamba-ke umhlolokazi. Emva kwalokho wazivalela yena namadodanakhe ngendlini. Amadodanakhe amnikela imijeka yena wasoloko athela amafutha we-oliva. Kuthe lokha nasele yoke imijeka igcwele, wathi kenye yamadodanakhe: “Letha omunye umjeka.” Yona yathi: “Awa mma, awusekho omunye.” Yeke amafutha we-oliva akhawuka ukuwuluka. Wakhamba wayokubikela umuntu kaZimu, yena wathi: “Mma, khamba uyokuthengisa amafutha lawo bese ukhokhela imilandwakho. Wena-ke namadodanakho senizakuphila ngokuseleko.” Ngelinye ilanga u-Elitjha waya eTjhunemi. Endaweni leyo bekunomfazi ohloniphekileko. Umfazi lo, wabawa u-Elitjha bona akhe aphambukele kwakhe azokufunyana okugonywako. Yeke bekuthi njalo nakadlula ngapho aphambukele kwamma lo bona agome. Wathi emyeninakhe: “Uyazi, ngilemuke bonyana indoda ephele idlule lapha le, imumuntu omsulwa kaZimu. Ngalokho, bengithi asimenzele ilawana ngaphezulu, simfakele umbhede, itafula nesihlalo kanye nesibani. Kuzakuthi nakeza kithi afese azihlalele ngapho.” Kuthe ngelinye ilanga lokha u-Elitjha nakafika lapho wangena ngelawini lakhelo wabhambalala khona. Wathi encekwinakhe uGerhazi: “Akhese ungibizele umTjhunemikazi loyo.” Inceku yambiza wafese wajamela kudanyana kunaye. U-Elitjha wathi kuGerhazi: “Yithi kuye, ‘Alo mntabantu, njengombana nizikhathaze kangaka nje ngenca yethu, yini esinganenzela yona? Kghani singanikhulumela nengwenyama namkha nenduna yebutho?’ ” Yena waphendula wathi: “Awa, nokho bengisahlezi kuhle nabantu bekhethu.” U-Elitjha wabuza uGerhazi wathi: “Alo batjho yini esingamenzela yona?” UGerhazi waphendula wathi: “Batjho akanandodana, ekubeni nomyenakhe selaluphele.” U-Elitjha wathi: “Mbize.” UGerhazi wambiza-ke, weza wafese wajama emnyango. U-Elitjha wathi kuye: “Mma, umnyaka ozako ngesikhathesi, uzabe usingethe isana.” Yena wakhuza wathi: “Afeke! Awa kosami. Wena umumuntu kaZimu, ungarhwali incekukazakho.” Kodwana kwaba njengombana u-Elitjha agade atjhwile, wazithwala umfazi lo. Ngomnyaka olandelako ngaso isikhatheso wazibula ngendodana. Wakhula umntwana. Kwathi ngelinye ilanga waphuma waya kuyise ogade aphakathi kwabavuni esimini. Walila wathi kuyise: “Ihlokwami! Ihlokwami!” Uyise wathi encekwini: “Mguge umuse kunina.” Inceku yamguga yamusa kunina. Wafese wahlala phezu kwakanina bekwaba ngamadina, wahlongakala. Unina wenyuka naye wayomlalisa embhedeni womuntu kaZimu, wavala umnyango waya esimini. Wabiza umyenakhe wathi: “Ngiyakuncenga ngithumelela esinye seensebenzi kanye nodumbana omsikazi ukuze ngiye emuntwini kaZimu bengibuye msinyana.” Umyenakhe wambuza wathi: “Uyelani kuye namhlanje? Nenyanga ayikabukuthwasa begodu akusilo iSabatha.” Umkakhe wathi: “Kulunge koke.” Wabophela udumbana, wathi esisebenzini sakhe: “Tjhayela! Ungajami ngingakatjho.” Nje-ke waphuma umfazi wakhamba bewayokufika emuntwini kaZimu entabeni yeKarameli. Kuthe lokha umuntu kaZimu nakabona umfazi asesekujana eza, wathi encekwinakhe uGerhazi: “Qala, nanguya umTjhunemikazi asiza! Gijima umhlangabeze bewubuze uthi, ‘Usavuke kuhle ekhaya na? Umyenakho nomntanakho basavukile?’ ” Umfazi waphendula wathi: “Iye, awa sisaphaphamile.” Kuthe lokha nakafika emuntwini kaZimu entabeni, wagagadlhela iinyawo zakhe. UGerhazi weza bona amtjhidise, kodwana umuntu kaZimu wathi: “Awa, yewumlise! Usesizini elikhulu, kodwana uSomnini ungifihlele begodu akakangitjeli bona kubayini.” Umma lo wabuza wathi: “Kosami, ngakhe ngakubawa indodana na? Akhange ngitjho bona ungangirhwali?” U-Elitjha wathi kuGerhazi: “Yewubhincele ingubakho ebhandeni uthathe idondolo lami urhabe. Ungalotjhisi muntu ohlangana naye endleleni nokubingelelako ungamphenduli. Nawufikako ubeke idondolo lamelo ebusweni bomsana.” Kodwana unina lomntwana wathi: “NgoZimu ngiqinisile ngithi phila ngiphile, ngizokuba sithunzi sakho.” Yeke u-Elitjha wasikima bona alandele umma lo. UGerhazi waragela phambili wafese wabeka idondolo ebusweni bomsanyana, kodwana sekwathi du kwangaba nokusikinyeka. Yeke uGerhazi wabuyela emuva wayokuhlangabeza u-Elitjha wafese wathi kuye: “Umntwana akhange avuke.” Lokha u-Elitjha nakafika endlini, wafunyana umsanyana alele embhedenakhe athulile. Wangena wavala umnyango baba bobabili, wathandaza kuSomnini. Waya embhedeni wafese walala phezu komsanyana umlomo phezu komlomo, ilihlo phezu kwelihlo nezandla phezu kwezandla. Uthe asazithabululela phezu kwakhe, umzimba womsanyana wathoma ukufuthumala. U-Elitjha wasuka embhedenapho wehla wenyuka ngendlini. Wabuya wakhwela embhedeni wazithabululela phezu komsanyana godu. Umsanyana wathimula kalikhomba wavula amehlo. U-Elitjha wabiza uGerhazi wathi kuye: “Biza umTjhunemikazi loyo.” Wambiza. Kuthe bona afike u-Elitjha wathi kuye: “Thatha umsanyanakho.” Wangena wawela eenyaweni zakhe, wahloma ihloko phasi. Yeke wathatha umsanyanakhe waphuma naye. U-Elitjha wabuyela eGiligali; esifundeni la bekunendlala khona. Kwathi abafundi bomphorofidi basahlezi phambi kwakhe, wathi encekwinakhe: “Tlhariya ipoto ekulu, uphekele amadoda la iinkhanakhana.” Omunye wabo waphuma waya emmangweni bona ayokukha umrorho, wafunyana ithangezana. Wadobha iinthelo zalo wazitjhubelela ephuraphurenakhe. Kuthe bona afike ekhaya, wazirhabelela epotweni yeenkhanakhana, kodwana gade angazi bonyana kuyini. Waphakululela amadoda lawo iinkhanakhana. Kodwana kuthe nathoma ukugoma, athoma arhuwelela athi: “Muntu kaZimu, kazi kunokufa ngepotwenapha!” Akhange asagoma. U-Elitjha wathi: “Lethanapha iflowuru.” Wayithela ngepotweni wathi: “Phakululelani abantu bona bagome.” Yeke bekungasenalitho eliyingozi ngepotweni. Kwafika umuntu obuya eBhali-Tjhalitjha, alethele umuntu kaZimu isilumo: amapani amatjhumi amabili wezikwa zebhali neenqwambe zekoroyi ngomgodlana. U-Elitjha wathi: “Nikelani abantu bagome.” Incekwakhe yambuza yathi: “Ngingabapha njani abantu abalikhulu ukudla okuncani kangaka?” Kodwana u-Elitjha waphendula wathi: “Nikela abantu bona bagome ngombana nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Bazakugoma bekusale.’ ” Wabanikela-ke, bagoma bekwasala njengombana ilizwi lakaSomnini belitjhwile. UNamani gade ayinduna yebutho lekosi ye-Aramu. Bekamumuntu ohloniphekileko ekosinakhe begodu akhakhaziswa babantu ngombana ngaye uSomnini gade anikele i-Aramu ukuhlula. Nanyana bekayikutani kodwana gade anekhwekhwe. Ama-Aramu gade aphume ngesiqhema, abuya athumbe umntazanyana enarheni yakwa-Israyeli. Yena waba sisebenzi somkaNamani. Umntazanyana wathi kumkaNamani: “Ibe thana ikosami beyingayokubona umphorofidi oseSamariya, gade angayiphilisa ekhwekhweni layo.” UNamani waya ekosinakhe wayitjela bona utheni umntazanyana wakwa-Israyeli. Ikosi ye-Aramu yathi: “Nakanjani khamba. Mina ngizakuthumela incwadi ekosini yakwa-Israyeli.” Wasuka-ke uNamani wakhamba aphethe amakhilogremu amakhulu amathathu namatjhumi amane wesiliva, amakhilogremu amatjhumi alikhomba wegolide nezambatho ezilitjhumi zakanokutjho. Incwadi egade itlolelwe ikosi ye-Aramu beyifundeka bunje: “Ngencwadi le ngiqinisa bona uNamani incekwami uthunyelwe ngimi bonyana umpholise ekhwekhweni lakhe.” Kuthe bona ikosi yakwa-Israyeli ifunde incwadi, yatlebhula izambatho zayo beyathi: “Kghani senginguZimu bona ngingaba namandla wokubulala newokuphilisa na? Uyazi, umrhali lo uthumele kimi umuntu bona ngimphilise ekhwekhweni lakhe! Nani niyazibonela bonyana umuntu lo uyatjhijila nenza nje!” Kwathi u-Elitjha umuntu kaZimu nezwako bona ikosi yakwa-Israyeli itlebhule izambatho zayo, wathumela umlayezo kiyo wathi: “Uzitlebhuleleni izambatho zakho? Thumela umuntu loyo eze kimapha ukuze azi bona kunomphorofidi kwa-Israyeli.” Yeke uNamani wakhamba ngeenjomani nangeenkarana zakhe wafese wajama emnyango wendlu ka-Elitjha. U-Elitjha wathumela umuntu kuye bona amtjele athi: “Khamba uyokuhlamba kalikhomba ngemlanjeni iJordani. Yeke umzimbakho uzakuphola begodu uhlambuluke.” UNamani wanyenya khulu bewakhamba wathi: “Uyazi, bengicabanga bona uzazizela afese ajame kimapha abize ibizo lakaSomnini uZimakhe, akhambise isandla sakhe ngehla kwamabala enginawo aphilise ikhwekhwe lami. Khona nje, i-Abana neParipari imilambo yeDamaseku beyingasingcono kunayo yoke imilambo yakwa-Israyeli na? Alo, kubayini ngingayokuhlamba kiyo, ngihlambuluke?” Nje-ke wajika asilingeke kokufa. Iinceku zakhe zaya kuye zafese zambonisa zathi: “Babethu, ibe thana umphorofidi gade athe yenza izinto ezikulu, ubungazukuzenza na? Kangangani-ke nakathe, ‘Hlamba ukuze uhlambuluke?’ ” Nje-ke uNamani wehla wafika wazicwilisa kalikhomba eJordani njengokutjho kwelizwi lomuntu kaZimu. Umzimbakhe waphuluka waba njengowomsanyana wahlambuluka. UNamani nabo boke agade eze nabo babuyela emuntwini kaZimu. Wajama phambi kwakhe wathi: “Kwanjesi ngiyazi bona ephasini loke akakho omunye uZimu ngaphandle kwakwa-Israyeli. Ngiyakurabhela-ke yewamukele nasi isipho encekwinakho.” Umphorofidi waphendula wathi: “Ngiqinisile ngoZimu engimlotjhako ngithi, angizukwamukela litho.” Wala nanyana uNamani sele amncenga. UNamani wathi: “Nawungasamukeliko, yeke vumela incekwakho ithathe ihlabathi engathwalwa ziimeyila ezimbili ngombana incekwakho angeze isatjhisela omunye uzinyana nanyana ngimuphi umhlabelo ngaphandle kwakaSomnini uZimu. Mayelana nokulotjha abozinyana: Inga uSomnini uZimu angacolela incekwakho lokha nayifanele iphekelele ikosayo kobana iyokulotjha ethempelini lakaRimoni. Iye, lokha incekwakho nayiguqa ethempelini lakaRimoni, ngiyarabhela inga uSomnini uZimu angacolela incekwakho ngalokhu.” U-Elitjha wathi: “Yewukhambe ngokuthula, ungakhathazeki.” Kwathi uNamani asakhambe ibangana, uGerhazi inceku yaka-Elitjha umuntu kaZimu, wadlumbana wathi: “Uyazi, ikosami imbabalele uNamani umAramu loya ngokungamukeli kuye lokho agade akulethile. NgoZimu, ngizorhaba ngimlandele ukuze ngifunyane okuthize kuye.” Yeke uGerhazi wagijima walandela uNamani. Lokha uNamani nakambona agijima eza kuye, weqa ekaraneni bona amhlangabeze. Wambuza wathi: “Kusalunge koke na?” UGerhazi waphendula wathi: “Iye, awa koke kusalungile. Kwaphela ikosami ingithume bona ngithi, ‘Kusanda ukufika amasokana amabili wabafundi bomphorofidi, avela entatjaneni yeenarha zakwa-Efrayimu. Bewungawapha amakhilogremu amatjhumi amathathu nane wesiliva nezambatho ezimbili zakanokutjho na?’ ” UNamani wathi: “Awa, yewusale sewuthatha amakhilogremu amatjhumi asithandathu nabunane wesiliva.” Wabelesela uGerhazi bona ayamukele, wabophelela isiliva leyo emigodleni emibili kanye nezambatho ezimbili zakanokutjho. Wayinikela iinceku zakhe ezimbili bona ziyithwale zikhambe phambi kwakaGerhazi. Kuthe lokha uGerhazi nakafika entatjaneni yedorobho, wathatha koke eencekwinezo wakubhadeka ngendlini. Wajikisa iinceku zakhamba. Wangena-ke yena wafese wajama phambi kwekosakhe u-Elitjha. U-Elitjha wambuza wathi: “Ubuyaphi wena Gerhazi?” UGerhazi waphendula wathi: “Awa, incekwekosi akhange kheyiye ndawo.” Kodwana u-Elitjha wathi kuye: “Kutjho bona ummoyami gade ungasinawe lokha umuntu ehla ekaraneni bona akuhlangabeze. Kungabe lesi sikhathi sokuthatha isiliva, uthathe izambatho, amafutha, isidiribe, ipahla efuywako ekulu nencani, kanye neenceku neencekukazi na? Ikhwekhwe lakaNamani lizokunamathela kuwe neenzukulwana zakho isiphelani.” UGerhazi watjhiya u-Elitjha sele amhlophe njengesithwathwa ngekhwekhwe. Abafundi bomphorofidi bathi ku-Elitjha: “Qala, indawo lapha sihlanganela khona nawe seyiyincani. Yeke sivumela bona siye ngeJordani siyokugawula iingodo ukuze sizakhele indawo yokuhlangana.” Yena wathi: “Khambani.” Omunye wabo wathi: “Bewungeze wathabela ukukhamba neenceku zakho na?” U-Elitjha waphendula wathi: “Iye, ngizakukhamba.” Nje-ke wakhamba nabo. Kuthe nabafika emlanjeni iJordani bathoma ukugawula imithi. Kwathi omunye wabo asagawula isigodo, izembe latsomuka lawela ngemanzini. Walila wathi: “Maye, kosami! Kazi belibolekiwe nalinjaya!” Umuntu kaZimu wabuza wathi: “Liwelephi?” Kuthe lokha nakamtjengisa indawo, u-Elitjha waqunta isigojwana wasiphosela lapho, izembe lapapamala emanzini. U-Elitjha wathi: “Lithathe.” Yeke umuntu loyo welula isandla sakhe walenyula. Ikosi ye-Aramu yalwa nama-Israyeli. Ngemva kobana sele ikhulumisene neenkhulu zayo yathi: “Sizowalalela ngesiqhema ndawana thize.” Nje-ke umuntu kaZimu wathumela ilizwi ekosini yakwa-Israyeli wathi: “Qaphela ukudlula endaweni leyo ngombana ama-Aramu akulalele lapho.” Yeke ikosi yakwa-Israyeli beyiphele ithumele umlayezo endaweni umuntu kaZimu ayitjele abe ayiqaphelise ngayo. Indawo leyo yahlala iqatjhelwe. Kuthe lokha lokhu nakwenzeka ngesikhathi soke, ikosi ye-Aramu yakhathazeka. Yabiza iinduna zayo yabuza yathi: “Akhese ningitjele, ngubani phakathi kwethwapha ojame nekosi yakwa-Israyeli?” Omunye weenduna waphendula wathi: “Ndabezitha, kosami, akakho phakathi kwethu onjalo. Kodwana u-Elitjha umphorofidi okwa-Israyeli, nguye otjela ikosi yakwa-Israyeli koke, ngitjho negama ikosi elikhuluma ingelawini layo.” Ikosi yathi: “Khambani, nifune lapha akhona ukuze ngithumele amadoda ayombamba.” Kwabuya umbiko othi: “UseDotani.” Yeke ikosi yathumela iinjomani neenkarana kanye nebutho elinamandla lapho. Ibutho laya ebusuku lazombeleza idorobhelo. Inceku yomuntu kaZimu yavuka ekuseni yaphumela ngaphandle. Qala nanto ibutho lizombeleze idorobho ngeenjomani nangeenkarana. Inceku yathi ku-Elitjha: “Maye kosami! Kazi sizokwenzani-ke nakunje?” Waphendula wathi: “Ungesabi. Abangakithi banengi khulu kunabangakibo.” U-Elitjha wathandaza wathi: “Awu Somnini, ivule amehlo ukuze ibone!” Yeke uSomnini wavula amehlo wenceku, kwathi nayiqalako yabona umbundu ugcwele iinjomani neenkarana zomlilo zizombeleze u-Elitjha! Kuthe lokha ama-Aramu nabandamela kuye wathandaza wathi: “Somnini, betha abantwaba ngobuphofu.” Mbala uSomnini wabaphophaza kanjengombana u-Elitjha gade abawile. U-Elitjha wabalahlekisa wathi kibo: “Le akusiyo indlela begodu akusilo idorobho leli. Ngilandelani ngizanisa emuntwini enimfunako.” Wabarholela eSamariya. Kuthe nabasangena eSamariya, u-Elitjha wathandaza wathi: “Somnini, vula amehlo wabantwaba ukuze babone.” USomnini wavula amehlwabo. Baba-ke! Bazifunyana bangaphakathi kweSamariya! Kwathi lokha ikosi yakwa-Israyeli nayibabonako, yabuza u-Elitjha yathi: “Ngibabulale na? Ngibabulale baba?” Yena waphendula wathi: “Awa, ungababulali. Awukavunyelwa ukubulala abantu obathumbe ngesabulakho nangomsebe. Baphe ukudla namanzi ukuze badle basele, bagoduke baye ekosinabo.” Yeke ikosi yakwa-Israyeli yabalungiselela imbedla yomnyanya, kwathi nasele baqede ukudla nokusela, yabalisa bakhamba babuyela ekosinabo. Isiqhema sama-Aramu akhange sisabuyela enarheni yakwa-Israyeli godu. Emva kwesikhathi, uBhen-Hadadi ikosi ye-Aramu wahlanganisa loke ibutho lakhe. Waphuma wavimbezela iSamariya. Lokhu kwabangela indlala ekulu eSamariya: Ukuvimbezela kwathatha isikhathi eside khulu ngangobana ihloko kadumbana yathengiswa ngeempaparwana ezimatjhumi abunane wesiliva. Kuthi umsuqwa wamazuba ongagcwala itjhethe ubize iimpaparwana ezihlanu. Kwathi ikosi yakwa-Israyeli isakhamba emthangaleni wedorobho ihlola ubujamo, yezwa umfazi ayirhuwelela athi: “Ngisize kosami! Ngisize ngwenyama!” Ikosi yaphendula yathi: “Nakubanyana uSomnini uZimu akakusizi, mina ngizalifunyanaphi isizo lokusizana nawe? Kghani ngizalifumana eselelweni samabele namkha ebutlhodlhelweni bewayini?” Nokho yambuza yathi: “Kuhlekuhle, kwenzekani ngawe?” Umfazi waphendula wathi: “Akusimfazi lo, othe kimi, ‘Letha indodanakho ukuze siyidle namhlanje, kuzakuthi kusasa sidle yami.’ Nje-ke sayipheka indodanami sayidla-ke. Kodwana ngakusasa nangithi kuye, ‘Letha indodanakho ukuze nayo siyidle-ke,’ wayifihla.” Kuthe lokha ikosi nayizwa amezwi womfazi loyo, yatlebhula izambatho zayo, yathi: “UZimu akangibulale, nakube ngizakulisa ihloko ka-Elitjha umsa kaTjhafati isese kuyapha namhlanje!” Kwathi isakhamba njalo phezu komthangala, abantu bayihlola, qala, ngaphakathi emzimbenayo bekunesambatho sesizilo. U-Elitjha gade ahlezi ngendlinakhe nabaphathi bomuzi. Ikosi yathumela ngaphambili isithunywa sayo kuye. Kodwana kuthe singakafiki kuye, u-Elitjha wathi ebaphathini bomuzi: “Nithi niyangibonisa nje bonyana umbulali lo uthumele isithunywa sakhe kobana sizongiqunta ihloko? Qalani la, lokha isithunywa nasifikako, nivale umnyango wesango, niwubambe sivaleleleke ngaphandle. Angithi ikosaso iseenthendeni zaso?” Kuthe asakhuluma nabo njalo, mbala nasi ikosi ivela yehlela ngakuye idlumbana ithi: “Angithi nguZimu osehlisele ihlekelele engaka le. Alo, ngizabe ngisamlindelelani bona asisize?” Kodwana U-Elitjha wathi kiyo: “Lalela ilizwi lakaSomnini. Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uthi, ‘Ngesikhathesi kusasa, pheze igagogo leflowuru esefiweko lizakuthengiswa ngesipaparwana negagogo nesiquntu sebhali lithengiswe ngesipaparwana esangweni leSamariya.’ ” Induna esisandla sekosi yaphendula umuntu kaZimu yathi: “Lokhu angeze kwenzeka, ngitjho nanyana uZimu bekangavula iintunja ezulwini!” U-Elitjha wathi: “Lokho uzazibonela ngamehlwakho, kodwana angeze wakunuka.” Nje-ke kwakunamadoda amane anekhwekhwe esangweni ledorobho. Athi omunye komunye: “Sihlaleleni lapha besife na? Nasithi sizakuya ngedorobheni, indlala ikhona lapho begodu sizakufa. Nakho nasiloko sikokomele la, sizakufa. Asiyeni ekampeni yama-Aramu sizinikeleni. Nakube bayasincenekela sizakuphila, nabasibulalako sizakufa.” Kwathi nakurhwalalako basuka baya ekampeni yama-Aramu. Kodwana kuthe lokha nabafika ebungenweni bekampa, qala, bekunganamuntu! Kwenzeka bonyana uSomandla enze ama-Aramu kobana ezwe umdumo weenkarana neenjomani, kwaba mdumo wepi ekulu, bebathi omunye komunye: “Yizwani! Ikosi yakwa-Israyeli iqatjhe amakhosi wamaHite newamaGibhide bona ajamelane nathi! Asendleleni azosisahlela!” Yeke ama-Aramu eqa abalekela ebumnyameni. Atjhiya amatendawo, iinjomani kanye nabodumbana bawo. Abaleka kobana azisindise atjhiya ikampa njengombana injalo. Nje-ke amadoda anekhwekhwe la nafika ebungenweni bekampa afese angena kwelinye lamatende, adla abe asela. Athwala isiliva, igolide kanye neempahla zokwembatha, akhamba ayozifihla. Abuya godu angena kwelinye lamatende athatha izinto kilo nazo azifihla. Khonapho athi omunye komunye: “Asenzi kuhle. Leli lilanga leendaba ezimnandi, kodwana thina sizithulele. Nakube silinda bekuse, sizakuhlunguphazwa. Asikhambeni khona nje siyokubika iindabezi esigodlweni.” Akhamba-ke afese arhuwelela abalindisango bedorobho athi kibo: “Khesaya ekampeni yama-Aramu, kodwana bekunganamuntu lapho, ngitjho nalizwi ukuzwakala! Bekunganalitho ngaphandle kweenjomani nabodumbana abakhungiweko! Amatende asala njengombana anjalo!” Abalindisango bamemezela iindabezi, zabikwa ngesigodlweni. Ikosi yasikima ngobusukobo yathi eenduneni zayo: “Yithini nginitjele bona ama-Aramu enzeni kithi: Ayazi bona sibulawa yindlala; yeke atjhiye ikampawo ayozifihla emmangweni, adlumbana athi, ‘Kuzakuthi nabaphumako, sibagole bese singena ngedorobheni.’ ” Omunye weenduna zayo wathi kiyo: “Akuthathwe iinjomani ezingaba zihlanu kilezo eziseleko, sizithumele ngaphandle ukuze sibone bonyana kwenzekani. Iye ngombana iinjomani ezisele ngedorobhenezi zizase zifane nawo woke ama-Israyeli angedorobhenapha namkha asele abhubhile.” Yeke bathatha iinkarana ezimbili neenjomani zazo. Ikosi yazithumela ekampeni yama-Aramu yathi ebatjhayelini bazo: “Khambani niyokuqala bona kwenzekeni.” Abatjhayeli balandela umtlhala wama-Aramu bekwaba seJordani, bafunyana indlela yoke igcwele izambatho nepahla ekhithizwe ma-Aramu lokha nabalekako. Yeke iinthunywezo zajika zayokubikela ikosi. Nje-ke abantu beSamariya baphuma ngedorobheni bayokuphanga ikampa yama-Aramu. Ngambala, pheze igagogo leflowuru esefiweko lathengiswa ngesipaparwana kwathi igagogo nesiquntu sebhali lathengiswa ngesipaparwana njengombana uSomnini uZimu gade atjhwile. Ngesikhatheso ikosi beyibeke induna esisandla sayo bona igade isango. Abantu bafuhluzela esangwenelo bayigadanga beyahlongakala. Kwaba njengokutjho komuntu kaZimu ekosinakhe lokha nabegade yehlele endlinakhe. Lokhu kwenzeka ngombana lokha umuntu kaZimu nakatjela ikosi bonyana ngesikhathesi kusasa, igagogo nesiquntu sebhali lizakuthengiswa ngesipaparwana, pheze negagogo leflowuru esefiweko lithengiswe ngesipaparwana esangweni leSamariya, nalokha induna nayitjela umuntu kaZimu bonyana lokhu angeze kwenzeka, ngitjho nanyana uZimu bekangavula iintunja ezulwini, umuntu kaZimu wayitjela wathi: “Lokho uzazibonela ngamehlwakho, kodwana angeze wakunuka.” Iye, ngilokho-ke okwenzeka kuye: Abantu bamgadangela phasi esangweni bewahlongakala. U-Elitjha wathi emfazini avusa indodanakhe ekufeni: “Zilungiselele wena nendlwakho; nikhambe niyokukhonza nanyana kukuphi lapha kungakghonakala khona ngombana uSomnini uZimu umemezele iminyaka elikhomba yendlala enarheni.” Umfazi lo wazilungiselela wenza njengombana umuntu kaZimu gade atjhwile. Yena nendlwakhe baya enarheni yamaFilista bakhonza lapho iminyaka elikhomba. Ekupheleni kweminyaka elikhomba babuya enarheni yamaFilista, wayokulila ekosini kobana imsize ukubuyisa indlwakhe nenarhakhe. Ikosi beyisakhuluma noGerhazi inceku yomuntu kaZimu, isithi: “Ngitjela zoke izinto ezikulu u-Elitjha azenzileko.” Kwathi uGerhazi asadembela ikosi bona u-Elitjha wavusa njani ofileko, kwafika umfazi u-Elitjha agade avuse umntanakhe ekufeni azokulila bona ikosi imsize ukubuyisa indlwakhe nenarhakhe. Yeke uGerhazi wathi: “Ndabezitha, kosami, umfazi nguye lo, nendodana ngiyo le u-Elitjha ayivusa ekufeni.” Ikosi yabuza umfazi ngendaba le, umfazi wayihlathululela. Nje-ke yamnikela umjameli osikhulu kobana atjheje isibawo somfazi lo, yathi kuye: “Qiniseka bonyana ufunyana zoke izinto ekungezakhe, ngitjho nemikhiqizo yoke yenarhakhe kusukela ngesikhathi akhamba ngaso bekube kunamhlanje.” U-Elitjha waya eDamaseku lapha bekugulela khona uBhen-Hadadi ikosi ye-Aramu. Kwathi lokha ikosi nayibikelwa bona umuntu kaZimu sekafikile eDamaseku yathi kuRhazayeli: “Thatha isipho ukhambe naso uyokuhlangabeza umuntu kaZimu, ubuze uSomnini uZimu ngaye uthi: ‘Ngizakuphuluka esifeni sami na?’ ” URhazayeli waphuma ukuyokuhlangabeza u-Elitjha, akhamba namakamela amatjhumi amane, athwele zoke izinto ezihle zeDamaseku. Wafese wajama phambi kwakhe wathi: “Indodanakho uBhen-Hadadi ikosi ye-Aramu ungithumile bona ngimbuzele ngithi, ‘Ngizakuphuluka esifeni sami na?’ ” U-Elitjha waphendula wathi: “Khamba ufese umtjele uthi, ‘Iye, uzakuphuluka,’ nokho uSomnini uZimu wambulile kimi bona yena uzakuhlongakala.” U-Elitjha warhudulela uRhazayeli amehlo, wamqalisisa bewadliwa ziinhloni. Khonapho umuntu kaZimu wathoma ukulila. URhazayeli wabuza wathi: “Alo, ikosami ililelani?” U-Elitjha waphendula wathi: “Kungombana ngiyawazi umonakalo ozowenza kuma-Israyeli. Uzokuthungelela umlilo eendaweni zawo ezinemithangala, ubulale amadodanawo ngesabula, usakaze amasana phasi usike nabasidisi izisu.” URhazayeli wathi: “Alo, incekwakho ingaphumelela njani ukwenza isihluku esingaka njengombana iyinja nje?” U-Elitjha waphendula wathi: “USomnini uZimu ungibonisile bona uzokuba yikosi ye-Aramu.” Yeke uRhazayeli watjhiya u-Elitjha wabuyela ekosinakhe. UBhen-Hadadi wabuza wathi: “Alo, utheni u-Elitjha kuwe?” URhazayeli waphendula wathi: “Uthe kimi, ‘Nakanjani uzokuphuluka.’ ” Kodwana ngakusasa wathatha itjhila lokugubuzesa walenya ngemanzini, wagubuzesa ubuso bekosi ngalo yaba nesimuku beyahlongakala. Nje-ke uRhazayeli waba yikosi esikhundleni sakaBhen-Hadadi. Ngomnyaka wesihlanu wokubusa kwakaJoramu umsa ka-Arhabi ikosi yakwa-Israyeli, uJehotjhafathi aseseyikosi yakwaJuda, uJehoramu indodanakhe wathoma ukubusa njengekosi. Gade aneminyaka ematjhumi amathathu nambili lokha nakathoma ukubusa njengekosi. Wabusa eJerusalema iminyaka ebunane. Wakhamba eendleleni zamakhosi wakwa-Israyeli njengombana indlu ka-Arhabi yenza ngombana vele watjhada indodakazi ka-Arhabi. Wenza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini uZimu. Nokho ngenca yencekwakhe uDavida, uSomnini uZimu bekangakazimiseli ukubhubhisa uJuda ngombana bekathembise ukugcinela uDavida neenzukulwana zakhe isibani bekube siphelani. Ngesikhathi sokubusa kwakaJehoramu, u-Edomu wahlubuka uJuda bewazibekela ikosakhe. Yeke uJehoramu waya eTsayire kanye nazo zoke iinkarana zakhe. Ama-Edomu amvimbezela kanye nendunakhe yekarana. Wazilungiselela ngobusukobo wasahlela ama-Edomu, kodwana ibutho lakhe lona labaleka labuyela ekhaya. Kuze kube kunamhlanje, u-Edomu ube lihlubuka kuJuda. Ngesikhatheso iLibhina nayo yavuka umbhejazana. Zoke izehlakalo zokubusa kwakaJehoramu nalokho akwenzileko, kutlolwe encwadini yemilando yamakhosi wakwaJuda. UJehoramu wahlongakala bewabulungwa kiboyisemkhulu eMzini kaDavida. U-Arhaziya indodanakhe waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. Ngomnyaka wetjhumi nambili wokubusa kwakaJoramu umsa ka-Arhabi ikosi yakwa-Israyeli, u-Arhaziya umsa kaJehoramu ikosi yakwaJuda, wathoma ukubusa. U-Arhaziya bekaneminyaka ematjhumi amabili nambili lokha nakaba yikosi. Wabusa eJerusalema umnyaka munye. Ibizo lakanina bekungu-Ataliya isizukulwana saka-Omri ikosi yakwa-Israyeli. Walandela indlu ka-Arhabi ngokwenza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini ngombana gade amkhwenyana ka-Arhabi. U-Arhaziya waphuma noJoramu umsa ka-Arhabi ukuyokulwa noRhazayeli ikosi ye-Aramu eRamothi eGiliyadi. Ama-Aramu alimaza uJoramu. Ikosi uJoramu yabuyela eJizriyela ukuyokupholisa amanceba eyawafunyana ngokuhlatjwa ma-Aramu eRamothi lokha nayilwa noRhazayeli ikosi ye-Aramu. Nje-ke u-Arhaziya umsa kaJehoramu ikosi yakwaJuda, wehla ukuyokubona uJoramu umsa ka-Arhabi eJizriyela ngombana gade alinyaziwe. Umphorofidi u-Elitjha wabiza omunye wabafundi bomphorofidi wathi kuye: “Yewubhincele ingubakho ebhandeni, uthathe ikwana yamafutha we-oliva le ukhambe nayo eRamothi eGiliyadi. Nawufika lapho, ufune uJehu umsa kaJehotjhafathi omsa kaNimtjhi. Ngena lapha akhona, umsikimise umkhuphe eentangeni zakhe bese umngenisa ngelawini elisemsamo. Nje-ke thatha ikwana yamafutha we-oliva umthele ehloko bese umemezela uthi, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “ ‘Ngikuzesa bona ube yikosi phezu kwaka-Israyeli.’ “Yeke vula umnyango ubaleke, ungariyadi!” Isokana elalimphorofidelo, lakhamba laya eRamothi eGiliyadi. Lokha nalifikako, mbala nanzo iinduna zebutho zihlezi ebandla. Lathi kizo: “Mphathi, nginomlayezo wenduna.” UJehu wabuza wathi: “Unqophe kubani umlayezo lowo kithapha?” Laphendula lathi: “Ngewakho, nduna.” UJehu wasikima wangena ngendlini. Yeke isokana lathela amafutha we-oliva phezu kwehloko kaJehu belamemezela lathi: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, ‘Ngikuzesa bona ube yikosi phezu kwaka-Israyeli, isizwe sakaZimu. Ufanele ubhubhise indlu ka-Arhabi ikosakho begodu ngizozibuyiselela ngeengazi zeenceku zami abaphorofidi nezazo zoke iinceku zami ezathululwa ngu-Izebeli. Yoke indlu ka-Arhabi izakubhujiswa. Ngizakurhayila koke okuduna, okukhulu nokuncani kwaka-Arhabi kwa-Israyeli. Ngizokwenza indlu ka-Arhabi ibe njengeyakaJerobhowamu umsa kaNebathi neyakaBhatjha umsa ka-Arhiya. Nakungu-Izebeli yena, uzokudliwa zizinja esigodini seJizriyela, kungabikhona ongambulunga.’ ” Isokanelo lavula umnyango labaleka. Kuthe lokha uJehu nabuyela eenkhulwini zekosakhe, zambuza zathi: “Kusakhamba kuhle koke na? Alo, ihlanyeli belizokwenzani kuwapha?” UJehu waphendula wathi: “Indoda le nani niyayazi bonyana inemigilingwana.” Zona zathi: “Ungasirhwali ndoda! Khuluma into ezwakalako!” UJehu wathi: “Ingitjele okunengi, yagcina ngokuthi, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “ ‘Ngikuzese bona ube yikosi phezu kwaka-Israyeli.’ ” Masinyana zathatha izambatho zazindlala ngaphasi kweenyawo zakhe emqaqadweni womgangadelo. Nje-ke zabetha ipalapala zamemeza zathi: “UJehu yikosi!” Yeke uJehu wathi: “Nangabe lokhu kumbonwenu, khona-ke ningavumeli namunye ukuphuma ngedorobheni ukuyokubika iindabezi eJizriyela.” Ngaleyondlela uJehu umsa kaJehotjhafathi omsa kaNimtjhi, wenzela uJoramu ubukhwebetjhana. Ngesikhatheso uJoramu gade aseJizriyela. Wafika avela eRamothi eGiliyadi lapha woke ama-Israyeli agade alinga khona ukuvikela umuzi ezandleni zakaRhazayeli ikosi yama-Aramu. UJoramu wakhubala epini lokha nalwa nama-Aramu, wabuyela eJizriyela kobana aphole. Yeke uJehu wakhwela ikaranakhe waya eJizriyela lapha uJoramu gade alele khona, agula. U-Arhaziya ikosi yakwaJuda naye wehlela eJizriyela ukuyokubona uJoramu. Umlindi ogade aqaphe esithaleni seJizriyela wabona isiqubuthu siza noJehu. Warhuwelela wathi: “Ngibona isiqubuthu!” UJoramu wathi: “Funyana umkhweli wenjomani, umthume kibo abuze bonyana beze ngokuthula na?” Umkhweli wenjomani waphuma bona ahlangabeze uJehu wathi kuye: “Ingwenyama iyabuza ithi, ‘Nize ngokuthula na?’ ” UJehu waphendula wathi: “Uzakwenzani wena ngokuthulokho? Bhoda ngemuva kwami ungilandele!” Umlindi wabika wathi: “Isithunywa sifikile kibo kodwana asibuyi!” Yeke ikosi yathuma omunye umkhweli wenjomani. Lokha nafika kibo wathi: “Ingwenyama iyabuza ithi, ‘Nize ngokuthula na?’ ” UJehu waphendula wathi: “Uzakwenzani wena ngokuthulokho? Bhoda ngemuva kwami ungilandele!” Umlindi wabika wathi: “Yena ufikile kibo kodwana akabuyi! Umtjhayeli okhamba phambi kwesiqubuthu utjhayela njengoJehu umsa kaNimtjhi ngombana ugijimisa njengehlanya.” UJoramu wayala wathi: “Bophelani ikaranami!” Bayibophela-ke ikaranakhe. Yeke uJoramu ikosi yakwa-Israyeli no-Arhaziya ikosi yakwaJuda baphuma, kwaba ngiloyo naloyo akhwele ikaranakhe. Baphuma ukuyokuhlangabeza uJehu, bamfumana esigodini sakaNabothi umJizriyela. Lokha uJehoramu nakabona uJehu wabuza wathi: “Uze ngokuthula na, Jehu?” UJehu waphendula wathi: “Kungaba njani nokuthula nangabe ubungwadla nobuloyi bakanyoko u-Izebeli busarhagele kangaka?” UJehoramu waphekghuka wabaleka, warhuwelela u-Arhaziya asithi: “Arhaziya! Bukhwebetjhana lobu!” Nje-ke uJehu wadosa umsebakhe wadumuza uJoramu hlangana namahlombe. Umsubela waphundlusa ihliziywakhe bewagebela ekaranenakhe. UJehu wathi kuBidikhari indunakhe: “Mthathe umlahlele esimini esesigodini sakaNabothi umJizriyela. Angithi uzakukhumbula bona mina nawe sasikhwela silinganisane ngekarana ngemuva kwekarana kayise u-Arhabi, lokha nasizwa umlayezo kaSomnini ojamelene naye, usithi ‘Ngibone iingazi zakaNabothi nezamadodanakhe izolo ntambama; yeke-ke ngiqinisile ngithi ngizakwenza uzihlawule ngeengazi zakho.’ Wawutjho njalo-ke umlayezo kaSomnini. Nje-ke mthatheni nimjikijele esiminapho njengombana ilizwi lakaSomnini likhulumile.” Kuthe lokha u-Arhaziya ikosi yakwaJuda nakubonako okwenzekileko, wabaleka wangena indlela enyukela eBhethe-Hagani. UJehu gade amgijimisa arhuwelela asithi: “Naye mbulaleni!” Bamdumuzela phezu kwekaranakhe asanyuka umbundu weGuri eseduze neJibiliyamu. Wabalekela ngeMegido wahlongakalela lapho. Iinkhulu zakhe zamthatha ngekarana zamusa eJerusalema lapha zambulunga khona ethuneni lakhe kiboyisemkhulu eMzini kaDavida. Ngomnyaka wetjhumi nanye wekosi uJoramu umsa ka-Arhabi, u-Arhaziya waba yikosi yakwaJuda. Yeke uJehu waya eJizriyela. Kuthe lokha u-Izebeli nakezwako ngalokho, wazikghabisa amehlo, wazilungisa iinhluthu wabese uhlola ngefesidere eliphezulu. Kwathi uJehu asangena ngesango njalo, u-Izebeli wathi: “Usavukile na wena Zimri ndina, mbulali womphathakho?” UJehu waqala phezulu efesidereni warhuwelela wathi: “Ngubani ongakimi? Ngubani?” Abaphakulwa abambalwa bamlunguza ngefesidere. UJehu wathi kibo: “Mphoseni phasi umfazi loyo!” Yeke bamphosa phasi, iingazi zakhe zathela iboda neenjomani. Wamtlhifizisa ngeenjomani. UJehu wangena wadla bewasela. Yeke wathi: “Tjhejani umfazi onikelelweko loyo nimbulunge ngombana gade ayindodakazi yekosi.” Kodwana kuthe lokha nabaphumako bona bayombulunga, akhange bafunyane ilitho ngaphandle kwekhakhayi, iinyawo nezandla zakhe kwaphela. Babuyela emuva babikela uJehu owafese wathi: “Leli lilizwi lakaSomnini alikhuluma ngencekwakhe u-Eliya umTitjhibe wathi, ‘Esigodini seJizriyela izinja zizakurhiribidela inyama ka-Izebeli. Njengamalongwe emmangweni uzakuba njalo nomzimba ka-Izebeli esigodini seJizriyela. Kungabi nongamkhomba athi, “Nangu u-Izebeli.” ’ ” U-Arhabi gade anamadodana amatjhumi alikhomba eSamariya. Nje-ke uJehu watlola iincwadi wazithumela eenduneni zeJizriyeli ezaziseSamariya, ebaphathini nebondlini babantwana baka-Arhabi wathi: “Njengombana amadodana wekosenu akinapho begodu nineenkarana, iinjomani, idorobho elinemithangala kanye neenhlabano, yeke lokha nakufika incwadi le kinapho, khethani indodana ekhethekileko nenekghono khulu emadodaneni wekosenu bese niyikhweza phezu kwesihlalo sobukhosi sakayise. Nje-ke, nilwele indlu yekosenu.” Kodwana bona bethukwa khulu bebathi: “Nakube amakhosi amabili akhange akghone ukujamelana naye, alo-ke thina besibobani?” Yeke umphathi wesigodlo, induna yedorobho, abaphathi nabondli bathumela umlayezo lo kuJehu bathi: “Siziinceku zakho, sizakwenza nanyana yini othi asiyenze. Angekhe sabeka enye ikosi, akube nguwe obonako bona kuyini okusilungeleko.” UJehu watlola enye incwadi wathi: “Nakube ningakimi begodu nizangilalela, khona-ke lethani iinhloko zamadodana wekosenu kimi eJizriyela kusasa ngesikhathesi.” Amakhosana amatjhumi alikhomba lawo, gade anabarholi bedorobho, ababondli bawo. Lokha nakufika incwadi, abarholabo bathatha amakhosana amatjhumi alikhomba lawo bawaqunta iinhloko. Bafaka iinhloko zawo eenqwebini bazithumela kuJehu eJizriyela. Kwafika isithunywa satjela uJehu sathi: “Balethe iinhloko zamakhosana.” Yeke uJehu wayala wathi: “Zibekeni zibe maqubi amabili esangweni ledorobho, bekube sekuseni kusasa.” Ngakusasa uJehu waphuma wajama phambi kwesizwe wathi: “Nina nimsulwa. Ngimi owakhela ikosami ubukhwebetjhana ngayibulala. Kodwana ngubani obulele boke laba? Yazini-ke bona alikho igama uSomnini uZimu alikhuluma ngendlu ka-Arhabi elingazukuphetheka. Iye, uSomnini ukwenzile akukhuluma ngencekwakhe u-Eliya.” UJehu wabulala boke bendlu ka-Arhabi abaseleko eJizriyela, zoke iinkhulu, abangani kanye nabaphristi, akhange atjhiye noyedwa. Nje-ke uJehu wazilungiselela waphuma walunga eSamariya. Kuthe lokha nakaseBhethe-Ekhedi-Harowimu, wahlangana nezinye iinhlobo zaka-Arhaziya ikosi yakwaJuda, wathi kizo: “Nibobani-ke nina?” Zona zathi: “Awa, thina siziinhlobo zaka-Arhaziya. Sehle bona sizokulotjhisa amakhosana wakwa-Israyeli neenhlobo zendlovukazi.” UJehu wathi: “Babambeni!” Nje-ke bababamba, bababulalela emthonjeni eBhethe-Ekhedi. Bekumatjhumi amane nambili wamadoda. Akhange atjhiye noyedwa. Nakasuka lapho wahlangana noJonadaba umsa kaRekabi, ogade asendleleni eya kuJehu. UJehu wafese wamlotjhisa wathi: “Ummoya munye nami nanjengombana nami ngimmoya munye nawe na?” UJonadaba wathi: “Iye.” UJehu wathi: “Nakubanyana kunjalo, ngibamba ngesandla.” Ngambala wenza njalo, uJehu wamdosa bona akhwele ikaranakhe. UJehu wathi: “Namba uzokubona ukutjhisakalela kwami uSomnini uZimu.” Yeke wakhamba naye ngekaranakhe. Lokha uJehu nakafika eSamariya, wabulala boke abagade basele bomndeni ka-Arhabi. Wababhubhisa njengokutjho kwelizwi lakaSomnini alikhuluma ku-Eliya. Nje-ke uJehu wabuthelela abantu ndawonye wathi kibo: “U-Arhabi walotjha uBhali kancani, kodwana mina Jehu ngizamlotjha ukudlula. Yeke bizelani kimi boke abaphorofidi bakaBhali, abalotjhi nabaphristi bakhe, baphelele boke. Nginembedla yomhlatjelo kaBhali. Obhalelwa kufika uzakufa.” Lokhu uJehu wakwenza ngobuqili ngombana afuna ukubhubhisa abalotjhi bakaBhali. UJehu wathi: “Bizani-ke umhlangano wokuhlonipha uBhali.” Yeke bawumemezela. UJehu wathumela ilizwi kilo loke lakwa-Israyeli. Abalotjhi bakaBhali beza ngendlwana. Akhange kube khona noyedwa owasalako. Bagcwala swi ngethempelini lakaBhali. UJehu wathi kugadi wezambatho: “Lethela boke abalotjhi bakaBhali isambatho.” Nje-ke wabalethela. Yeke uJehu banoJonadaba umsa kaRekabi bangena ethempelini lakaBhali. UJehu wathi ebalotjhini bakaBhali: “Qinisekisani bona azikho iinceku zakaSomnini uZimu phakathi kwenwapha, kwaphela abalotjhi bakaBhali.” Nje-ke bangena bona benze iminikelo nemihlabelo yokutjhiswa. UJehu gade abeke amadoda amatjhumi abunane ngaphandle ngomyalo othi: “Nange omunye wenu angenza bona kuphunyurhe munye wamadoda engiwabeke ezandleni zenu la, uzakufa esikhundleni sakhe.” Kwathi bona uJehu aqede ukwenza umhlabelo wokutjhiswa, wabiza abogadi neenduna wathi: “Ngenani nibabulale; kungaphunyurhi ngitjho noyedwa wabo.” Yeke bababulala ngesabula. Abogadi neenduna bafuthela iindumbu ngaphandle. Bangena ngelawini elisemsamo lethempeli lakaBhali, bakhupha iinsika ezicwengileko bazitjhisa. Baphadlha ilitje lakaBhali lesikhumbuzo. Babhuruza ithempeli lakhe balenza indlwana yokuphumela kusukela mhlokho bekube kunamhlanje. UJehu waphelisa bunjalo-ke ukulotjhwa kwakaBhali kwa-Israyeli. Nokho, akhange aphambuke ezonweni zakaJerobhowamu umsa kaNebathi, abangela ngazo bonyana u-Israyeli one ngokulotjha amakonyana wegolide eBhethe-Eli nakwaDani. USomnini uZimu wathi kuJehu: “Ngombana wenze okuhle phambi kwami ngokuphumelelisa endlini yaka-Arhabi lokho ebekusemkhumbulwenami, iinzukulwana zakho zizakuhlala esihlalweni sobukhosi kwa-Israyeli bekube sizukulwana sesine.” Kodwana uJehu akhange atjheje ukulandela umthetho kaSomnini, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli ngehliziywakhe yoke. Akhange aphambuke ezonweni zakaJerobhowamu, abangela ngazo bonyana u-Israyeli one. Ngamalanga lawo uSomnini wathoma ukuphungula inarha yakwa-Israyeli. URhazayeli wahlula ama-Israyeli kiyo yoke imikhawulo ukuya epumalanga yeJordani: yoke inarha yakwaGiliyadi lapha kuhlala khona ikoro yakwaGadi, yakwaRubeni neyakwaManase, ukusukela e-Aroweri engemlanjaneni we-Arinoni ukudabula iGiliyadi ukuya eBhatjhani. Ezinye izehlakalo zokubusa kwakaJehu, koke akwenzileko kanye nokuhlula kwakhe, kutlolwe encwadini yemilando yamakhosi wakwa-Israyeli. UJehu waziyela kiboyisemkhulu, wabulungwa eSamariya. UJehowarhazi indodanakhe waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. Isikhathi uJehu asibusa phezu kwaka-Israyeli eSamariya, saba minyaka ematjhumi amabili nabunane. Kuthe lokha u-Ataliya unina ka-Arhaziya nakabona bonyana indodanakhe ihlongakele, wasikima khonokho wabulala boke abantwana bekosi. Kodwana uJehotjheba indodakazi yekosi uJoramu ogade angudadwabo laka-Arhaziya, wathatha uJowatjhi umsa ka-Arhaziya ogade asele azokubulawa, wameba hlangana namakhosana, wamfihla nembelesakhe emphekghweni welawu lethempeli. Gade ambalekisela u-Ataliya, yeke akhange asabulawa. Wahlala nembelesakhe afihlwe ethempelini iminyaka emithandathu yokubusa kwaka-Ataliya enarheni. Ngomnyaka wekhomba uJehoyada umphristi omkhulu wathumela bonyana kuyokuthathwa iinduna zekhulu, amaKari nabogadi bona beze kuye ethempelini lakaSomnini. Wenza isivumelwano nabo bewabafungisa ethempelini phambi kwakaSomnini. Ngemva kwalokho wabatjengisa nendodana yekosi. Wabayala wathi: “Nakhu enimele nikwenze: Esinye seenqhema zenu ezintathu, leso esivamise ukugada isigodlo ngeSabatha, simele ukugada isigodlo ngokutjheja esangweni leeNjomani nesangweni elingemuva kwamancusa. Boke benu abaseenqhemeni ezimbili abangasebenzi ngeSabatha, kumele bagade ithempeli lakaZimu ukuvikela ikosana. Zihleleni niphahle ikosana mahlangothi woke, kube ngiloyo naloyo aphathe iinkhali zakhe. Nanyana ngubani obandamela eensikeni zethempeli kufuze abulawe. Yibani hlanu kwekosana nanyana kukuphi lapha iya khona.” Iinduna zekhulu zenza njengombana uJehoyada umphristi omkhulu aziyalile: Ngileyo naleyo induna yathatha amadoda kilawo ebekangena emsebenzini ngeSabatha nalawo ebekatjhayisa ngeSabatha, eza kuJehoyada. Yena wanikela iinduna zekhulu umkhonto wobukhosi nezinye iinkhali egade zibekwe ethempelini lakaSomnini uZimu. Wabeka abogadi abaphethe iinkhali ezandleni, ukusuka ngesewula ukuya ngetlhagwini letatawu eliphambi kwe-aldari nethempeli ukuze bakwazi ukuphahla ikosana. UJehoyada wakhupha indodana yekosi wayethwesa isiba, wayinikela incwadi yomthetho. Bayibeka yaba yikosi ngokuyezesa nangokuwahla izandla bathi: “Bayede! Ikosi ayisiphilele!” Kuthe lokha u-Ataliya nakezwa itjhada elenziwa bogadi nabantu, waphuma waya ebantwini ethempelini lakaZimu. Uthe nakathi tla amehlo, qala naso ikosi ijame hlanu kwesika njengombana kwakulisiko. Iinduna nabosomporompita bebahlanu kwayo, nabantu boke bendawo bebathabile babetha neemporompita. Nje-ke u-Ataliya watlebhula izambatho zakhe, warhuwelela wathi: “Bukhwebetjhana! Bukhwebetjhana-ke lobu!” UJehoyada umphristi omkhulu wayala iinduna zekhulu ebegade ziphethe iinqhema wathi: “Khuphani umfazi loyo hlangana neensika zethempeli, kuthi boke abamlandelako nibabulale.” Umphristi gade akubeke kwakhanya bonyana angabulalelwa ethempelini lakaSomnini. Nje-ke bamdzwebula asathi ungena esigodlweni ngesango leeNjomani, wabulawelwa khonapho. UJehoyada wenza isivumelwano esiphakathi kwakaZimu, ikosi nabantu. Bona bathembisa bonyana bazakuba babantu bakaZimu. Godu wenza isivumelwano hlangana nekosi nabantu. Boke abantu bendawo baya ethempelini lakaBhali bona balibhuruze: Baphadlha ama-aldari neenthombembazwa zaba ziincucwana bebabulala noMathani umphristi wakaBhali phambi kwama-aldari. Yeke uJehoyada umphristi omkhulu, wajamisa abogosa ethempelini lakaSomnini. Yena wabutha iinduna zekhulu, amaKari, abogadi kanye nabantu boke bendawo. Sele baboke-ke, basusa ikosabo ethempelini lakaZimu bayisa esigodlweni. Bangena esigodlweni ngendlela yesango labogadi. Ikosi yahlala esihlalweni sobukhosi bakaDavida. Abantu boke bendawo bathokoza ngalokho. Idorobho gade linokuthula ngombana u-Ataliya awiswe ngesabula esigodlweni. UJowatjhi gade aneminyaka elikhomba lokha nakathoma ukubusa. Ngomnyaka wekhomba wokubusa kwakaJehu, uJowatjhi waba yikosi, bewabusa eJerusalema iminyaka ematjhumi amane. Ibizo lakanina bekunguTsibiya abuya eBheritjheba. Yoke iminyaka yokubusa kwakhe uJowatjhi wenza okulungileko ebusweni bakaSomnini ngombana uJehoyada umphristi gade amyale njalo. Nokho iindunduma akhange zisuswe; abantu baragela phambili ngokwenza imihlabelo nokutjhisa itjhwalo lapho. UJowatjhi wathi ebaphristini: “Nina baphristi, ningayisebenzisa imali ekhethekileko elethwa babantu ethempelini lakaSomnini. Imali le kufanele ibe ngeyamukelekileko ethempelini. Lokhu kutjho imali yokuhlenga umuntu nanyana isilwana ebekwa mphristi ngokwesilinganiso sakhe. Iye, yoke imali umuntu ayikhupha ngokuzithandela kwakhe kumphathimali wethempeli lakaSomnini ningazisebenzisela yona, kodwana nizakufanela bonyana nilungise koke okubonakala kufanele ukuvuselelwa ethempelini.” Kwaze kwaba ngomnyaka wamatjhumi amabili nantathu wokubusa kwekosi uJowatjhi, abaphristi basoloko bangakalungisi ithempeli. Ngalokho-ke ikosi uJowatjhi yabiza uJehoyada umphristi omkhulu nabanye abaphristi, yababuza yathi: “Kubayini ningakalungisi umonakalo owenzakele ethempelini na? Yeke ningasazithatheli imali kubaphathimali, kodwana idluliseleni ekulungisweni kwethempeli.” Abaphristi bavuma bona angekhe basabuthelela imali ephuma ebantwini nokobana ithempeli angeze lisalungiswa ngibo. Umphristi omkhulu uJehoyada wathatha ikasi, wathumbusa intunja esivalweni salo. Walithatha walibeka hlanu kwe-aldari ngesidleni sobungeno bethempeli lakaSomnini. Abaphristi abagada esangweni bafaka imali yoke eyayilethwa ethempelini lakaSomnini ngekasini. Bekuthi lokha nababona bona kunemali enengi ekasini, kuze umabhalana wekosi nomphristi omkhulu, babophe imali egade ilethwa ethempelini ibe ngemigodlana bese bayayibala. Nje-ke bathatha imali ekaliweko leyo bayinikela abantu ebegade bengamele umsebenzi wokuvuselela ithempeli. Ngemali leyo bakhokhela abafuleli nabakhi abasebenza ngethempelini lakaSomnini, ababeki bamatje nabacozi bawo. Bathenga iingodo namatje acoziweko; bahlangabezana neemfuno zoke zokuvuselela ithempeli. Imali eyalethwa ethempelini akhange isetjenziselwe ukwenza izitja zesiliva, neenquntapete, izitja zokunyenyeza, iimporompita namkha kungaba yini eyenzelwe ithempeli lakaSomnini ngegolide nanyana ngesiliva, ngombana yanikelwa iinsebenzi, ezayisebenzisela ukuvuselela ithempeli. Akhange bebazitshwenye ngokwenza ilandelelo ngemali abayinikela abantu kobana bakhokhele iinsebenzi ngombana benza koke ngokwethembeka. Imali yomhlabelo womlandu nomhlabelo wesono akhange ilethwe ethempelini lakaSomnini; gade ingeyabaphristi. Ngemva kwesikhathi uRhazayeli ikosi ye-Aramu wasahlela iGathi bewayithumba. Nakasuka lapho wayokusahlela iJerusalema. Yeke uJowatjhi ikosi yakwaJuda wabuthelela izipho ezikhethekileko ezazinikelwe boyisemkhulu, uJehotjhafathi, uJehoramu no-Arhaziya, amakhosi wakwaJuda, nezipho ezikhethekileko ezazinikelwe nguye negolide loke elalifunyenwe endlini yamagugu wethempeli lakaSomnini nesigodlweni. Koke lokho wakuthumela kuRhazayeli ikosi ye-Aramu. Yena-ke akhange asasahlela iJerusalema. Ezinye izehlakalo zokubusa kwakaJowatjhi, koke akwenzileko, kutlolwe encwadini yemilando yamakhosi wakwaJuda. Iinduna zakaJowatjhi zamakhela ubukhwebetjhana zambulalela endleleni eya eSila magegana nendlu endundumeni engaphandle komthangala weJerusalema. Iinduna ezambulalako bekunguJozabadi umsa kaTjhimeyati noJehozabadi umsa kaTjhomeri. Wahlongakala-ke uJowatjhi wabulungwa kiboyisemkhulu eMzini kaDavida. U-Amatsiya indodanakhe waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. Ngomnyaka wamatjhumi amabili nantathu wokubusa kwekosi uJowatjhi umsa ka-Arhaziya ikosi yakwaJuda, uJehowarhazi umsa kaJehu waba yikosi yakwa-Israyeli eSamariya. Wabusa iminyaka elitjhumi nalikhomba. Wenza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini ngokulandela izono zakaJerobhowamu umsa kaNebathi, abangela ngazo bona no-Israyeli one. Naye-ke akhange aphambuke kizo. Yeke ubukhali bakaZimu bavutha phezu kwaka-Israyeli, wabanikela isikhathi eside esandleni sakaRhazayeli ikosi ye-Aramu noBhen-Hadadi indodanakhe. Nje-ke uJehowarhazi wabawa isisa sakaZimu; uZimu wamizwa ngombana wabona isihlungu ikosi ye-Aramu egade igandelele u-Israyeli ngaso. UZimu wanikela ama-Israyeli umsindisi, kwaba kuphunyurha kwawo esandleni sama-Aramu. Nje-ke ama-Israyeli azihlalela enarhenawo njengaphambilini. Kodwana akhange aphambuke ezonweni zendlu kaJerobhowamu abangela ngazo bonyana one. Aragela phambili ngezonwezo. Nesithombesibunjwa saka-Atjhera, sasisoloko siseSamariya. UZimu akhange amtjhiyele litho lebutho lakaJehowarhazi ngaphandle kwamadoda amatjhumi amahlanu, abakhweli beenjomani, itjhumi leenkarana namajoni weenyawo alitjhumi leenkulungwana. Ikosi ye-Aramu gade ibhubhise ibutho lakaJehowarhazi, yalitshidlha lafana nebhudu. Ezinye izehlakalo zokubusa kwakaJehowarhazi, koke akwenzileko nokuhlula kwakhe, kutlolwe encwadini yemilando yamakhosi wakwa-Israyeli. UJehowarhazi wahlongakala wabulungwa eSamariya. UJowatjhi indodanakhe waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. Kwathi ngomnyaka wamatjhumi amathathu kaJowatjhi ikosi yakwaJuda, uJehowatjhi umsa kaJehowarhazi waba yikosi yakwa-Israyeli eSamariya. Wabusa iminyaka elitjhumi nathandathu. Wenza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini begodu akhange aphambuke ezonweni zakaJerobhowamu umsa kaNebathi, abangela ngazo bonyana ama-Israyeli one; aragela phambili ngezonwezo. Ezinye izehlakalo zokubusa kwakaJehowatjhi, koke akwenzileko nokuhlula kwakhe, ngitjho nokulwa kwakhe no-Amatsiya ikosi yakwaJuda, kutlolwe encwadini yemilando yamakhosi wakwa-Israyeli. UJehowatjhi wahlongakala wabulungwa eSamariya namakhosi wakwa-Israyeli. UJerobhowamu waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. Ngesikhatheso u-Elitjha gade agula aphethwe sisifo esagcina simthethe. UJehowatjhi ikosi yakwa-Israyeli gade ehlele kuye bona ayombona, wafese walila phambi kwakhe wathi: “Babami! Babami! Gade ufana nebutho leenkarana kwa-Israyeli!” U-Elitjha wathi kuye: “Thatha umsebe nemisubela.” Yena wenza njalo. U-Elitjha wathi ekosini yakwa-Israyeli: “Bamba umsebe ngesandla sakho.” Kuthe lokha nayisabambe umsebe, u-Elitjha wabeka izandla zakhe phezu kwezandla zekosi, wathi: “Vula ifesidere langepumalanga.” Ikosi yalivula. U-Elitjha wathi: “Dumuza!” Mbala yadumuza ikosi. U-Elitjha wamemezela wathi: “Lo-ke msubela wokuhlula wakaSomnini uZimu! Msubela wokuhlula phezu kwe-Aramu! Ngambala uzowabhubhisa nya, ama-Aramu e-Afeki.” Nje-ke wathi: “Thatha imisubela.” Ikosi yayithatha. U-Elitjha wathi ekosini: “Betha ihlabathi ngemisubela!” Ikosi yabetha ehlabathini kathathu, yalisa. Umuntu kaZimu wasilingekela ikosi wathi kiyo: “Ngathana bewubethe ehlabathini kahlanu namkha kathandathu ngombana ngokwenza njalo bekuzakube uyihlulile i-Aramu, wayibhubhisa nya. Kodwana kwanje, uzoyihlula kathathu kwaphela.” U-Elitjha wahlongakala bewabekwa. Iinqhema zemigulukudu zamaMowabi gade zinande zisahlela inarha qobe silimela. Kwakhe kwathi amanye ama-Israyeli asangcwaba umuntu othize, masinyana abona isiqhema semigulukudu. Khonokho aphosela isidumbeso elibeni laka-Elitjha. Kuthe bona isidumbu sithinte amathambo ka-Elitjha, savuka sajama ngeenyawo. URhazayeli ikosi ye-Aramu yagandelela u-Israyeli isikhathi soke sokubusa kwakaJehowarhazi. Kodwana uSomnini uZimu waba nomusa ku-Israyeli, waba nezwelo bewatjengisa isirhawu kuye ngenca yesivumelwano sakhe no-Abrahamu, u-Isaka noJakopo. Kwabe kwaba sikhatheso angavumi ukubabhubhisa namkha ukubaphelisa phambi kwakhe. URhazayeli ikosi ye-Aramu yahlongakala, uBhen-Hadadi waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. Nje-ke uJehowatjhi umsa kaJehowarhazi wabuye wayithumba kuBhen-Hadadi umsa kaRhazayeli yoke imizi egade ithunjwe kuyise uJehowarhazi ngepi. Kwaba kathathu uJehowatjhi ahlula uBhen-Hadadi. Ngaleyondlela wabuyisa imizi yama-Israyeli. Ngomnyaka wesibili kaJehowatjhi umsa kaJehowarhazi ikosi yakwa-Israyeli, u-Amatsiya umsa kaJowatjhi ikosi yakwaJuda wathoma ukubusa. Gade anamatjhumi amabili nahlanu weminyaka lokha nakathoma ukubusa. Wabusa eJerusalema iminyaka ematjhumi amabili nethoba. Ibizo lakanina bekunguJehowadini, weJerusalema. U-Amatsiya wenza okulungileko phambi kwakaSomnini, kodwana ingasi njengombana uyisemkhulu uDavida enza. Kikho koke wakhamba emtlhaleni kayise uJowatjhi. Nokho iindunduma akhange zisuswe; abantu baragela phambili ngokwenza imihlabelo nokutjhisa itjhwalo lapho. Kuthe masinyana ngemva kokobana umbuso unzinze esandleni sakhe, wabulala iinkhulu ezabulala uyise ikosi. Nokho akhange athande ukubulala abantwana bababulali. Wenza njengombana kutlolwe encwadini yomthetho kaMosi, lapha uSomnini ayala khona wathi: “Aboyise abazukubulawa ngenca yabantwana namkha abantwana babulawe ngenca yaboyise; ngiloyo naloyo uzakufa ngenca yesono sakhe.” Ngu-Amatsiya owabulala ama-Edomu alitjhumi leenkulungwana emrhobeni wetswayi bewathumba neSela ngepi. Wayithiya bona yiJokithiyeli, ekulibizo layo bekube kunamhlanje. Yeke u-Amatsiya wathumela iinthunywa kuJehowatjhi umsa kaJehowarhazi omsa kaJehu ikosi yakwa-Israyeli, wamtjhijila wathi: “Yewize, sizokuzwana amandla.” Kodwana uJehowatjhi ikosi yakwa-Israyeli waphendula u-Amatsiya ikosi yakwaJuda wathi: “Umtjhatjhana ogade useLibhanoni wathumela umlayezo emthini womsedari eLibhanoni wathi, ‘Yendisela umntazana wakwakho esokaneni lakwami.’ Nje-ke isibandana sommango eLibhanoni seza safihliza umtjhatjhana lowo ngeenyawo zaso. Iye, nawe uwamadlhile ama-Edomu, ngikho nje sewuzikhakhazisa kangaka. Zikhakhazise ekuhluleni kwakho kodwana uhlale kwakho! Uzibizelelani umutja bona uzikhube wena kanye nabantu bakwaJuda na?” U-Amatsiya wathwala umsila, yeke uJehowatjhi ikosi yakwa-Israyeli wamsahlela. Yena no-Amatsiya ikosi yakwaJuda baqalana eBhethe-Tjhemetjhi kwaJuda. UJuda wamadlhwa ngu-Israyeli, kwaba ngileyo naleyo ndoda yabalekela kwayo. UJehowatjhi ikosi yakwa-Israyeli wathumba u-Amatsiya ikosi yakwaJuda, umsa kaJowatjhi omsa ka-Arhaziya. Wamthumba eBhethe-Tjhemetjhi. Nje-ke, uJehowatjhi waya eJerusalema wafese wabhuruza umthangala ingcenye engaba magadango amamitha amakhulu amabili, kusukela esangweni i-Efrayimu ukuya esangweni okuthiwa siKghudlhu. Wathatha loke igolide, isiliva kanye nazo zoke izinto ebezisethempelini lakaSomnini nebegade zisendlini yamagugu wesigodlo. Waraga nabathunjwa wabuyela eSamariya. Ezinye izehlakalo zokubusa kwakaJehowatjhi, koke akwenzileko nokuhlula kwakhe, ngitjho nokulwa kwakhe no-Amatsiya ikosi yakwaJuda, kutlolwe encwadini yemilando yamakhosi wakwa-Israyeli. UJehowatjhi wahlongakala wabulungwa eSamariya namakhosi wakwa-Israyeli. UJerobhowamu indodanakhe waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. U-Amatsiya umsa kaJowatjhi ikosi yakwaJuda waphila iminyaka elitjhumi nahlanu emva kokuhlongakala kwakaJehowatjhi umsa kaJehowarhazi ikosi yakwa-Israyeli. Ezinye izehlakalo zokubusa kwaka-Amatsiya zitlolwe encwadini yemilando yamakhosi wakwaJuda. Abantu bamakhela ubukhwebetjhana eJerusalema, yena wabalekela eLakitjhi, kodwana bathumela abantu emuva kwakhe eLakitjhi, bambulalela khonapho. Wabuyiswa sekathwelwe ngeenjomani, wabekwa eJerusalema kiboyisemkhulu eMzini kaDavida. Nje-ke isizwe sakwaJuda sathatha u-Azariya ogade aneminyaka elitjhumi nathandathu, sambeka bona abe yikosi esikhundleni sakayise u-Amatsiya. Nguye owavuselela i-Elathi wayibuyisela kwaJuda emva kokukhothama kwakayise. Kwathi ngomnyaka wetjhumi nahlanu wekosi u-Amatsiya umsa kaJowatjhi ikosi yakwaJuda, uJerobhowamu umsa kaJehowatjhi ikosi yakwa-Israyeli waba yikosi eSamariya. Wabusa iminyaka ematjhumi amane nanye. Wenza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini, akhange aphambuke ezonweni zakaJerobhowamu umsa kaNebathi, abangela ngazo bonyana u-Israyeli one. Nguye owabuyisela imikhawulo kwa-Israyeli ukusukela eLebo-Rhamathi etlhagwini ukuya elwandle eliFileko ngesewula, ngokuya ngelizwi lakaSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli alikhulumako ngencekwakhe umphorofidi uJona umsa ka-Amitayi, weGathi-Rheferi. Lokhu kwenzeka ngombana uSomnini wabona isihlungu u-Israyeli agade agandelelwe ngaso; bekunganamenyeli namunye kwa-Israyeli. Njengombana uSomnini bekangakatjho nje bona uzakuphelisa ibizo laka-Israyeli ngaphasi komthunzi welanga, wabasindisa ngesandla sakaJerobhowamu umsa kaJowatjhi. Ezinye izehlakalo zokubusa kwakaJerobhowamu, koke akwenzileko, ukuhlula kwakhe ezipini, ngitjho nokubuyisela kwakhe kwa-Israyeli iDamaseku neRhamathi ebekungeyeYawudi, kutlolwe encwadini yemilando yamakhosi wakwa-Israyeli. UJerobhowamu wahlongakala wabulungwa namakhosi wakwa-Israyeli. UZakariya indodanakhe waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. Ngomnyaka wamatjhumi amabili nalikhomba wekosi uJerobhowamu ikosi yakwa-Israyeli, u-Azariya umsa ka-Amatsiya ikosi yakwaJuda wathoma ukubusa. Gade aneminyaka elitjhumi nathandathu lokha nakathoma ukubusa. Wabusa eJerusalema iminyaka ematjhumi amahlanu nambili. Ibizo lakanina gade kunguJekholiya, weJerusalema. Wenza okulungileko phambi kwakaSomnini njengombana kwenza uyise u-Amatsiya. Nokho iindunduma akhange zisuswe; abantu baragela phambili ngokwenza imihlabelo nokutjhisa itjhwalo lapho. UZimu wabetha u-Azariya ngekhwekhwe bekwaba lilanga ahlongakala ngalo. Wajanyiswa ekwenzeni imisebenzakhe yangamalanga. UJotamu indodanakhe watlhogomela isigodlo bewabusa nesizwe. Ezinye izehlakalo zokubusa kwaka-Azariya nakho koke akwenzileko, kutlolwe encwadini yemilando yamakhosi wakwaJuda. U-Azariya wahlongakala wabekwa kiboyisemkhulu eMzini kaDavida. UJotamu indodanakhe waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. Ngomnyaka wamatjhumi amathathu nabunane wekosi u-Azariya ikosi yakwaJuda, uZakariya umsa kaJerobhowamu waba yikosi eSamariya. Wabusa iinyanga ezithandathu. Wenza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini njengombana kwenza aboyisemkhulu. Akhange aphambuke ezonweni zakaJerobhowamu umsa kaNebathi abangela ngazo bonyana u-Israyeli one. UTjhalumu umsa kaJabetjhi wakhela uZakariya ubukhwebetjhana. Wamsahlela phambi kwabantu, wambulala bewangena esikhundleni sakhe waba yikosi. Ezinye izehlakalo zokubusa kwakaZakariya zitlolwe encwadini yemilando yamakhosi wakwa-Israyeli. Nje-ke kwazaliseka ilizwi uSomnini alikhuluma kuJehu, elithi: “Iinzukulwana zakho zizakuhlala esihlalweni sobukhosi bakwa-Israyeli bekube sesizukulwaneni sesine.” UTjhalumu umsa kaJabetjhi waba yikosi ngomnyaka wamatjhumi amathathu nathoba wekosi u-Uziya ikosi yakwaJuda. Wabusa eSamariya inyanga yinye. UMenarhemu umsa kaGadi wasuka eTiritsa wakhuphukela eSamariya. Wasahlela uTjhalumu umsa kaJabetjhi eSamariya, wambulala bewangena esikhundleni sakhe waba yikosi. Ezinye izehlakalo zokubusa kwakaTjhalumu nobukhwebetjhana abenzako, kutlolwe encwadini yemilando yamakhosi wakwa-Israyeli. Ngesikhatheso uMenarhemu wasahlela iThifisarhi, naye woke umuntu ogade alapho namabhoduluko walo ukusuka eTiritsa ngombana bala ukumvulela amasango. Wabhuruza iThifisarhi; wakghakghamula izisu zabo boke abafazi abazithweleko. Kwathi ngomnyaka wamatjhumi amathathu nathoba ka-Azariya ikosi yakwaJuda, uMenarhemu umsa kaGadi waba yikosi yakwa-Israyeli. Wabusa eSamariya iminyaka elitjhumi. Wenza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini. Esikhathini soke sokubusa kwakhe akhange aphambuke ezonweni zakaJerobhowamu umsa kaNebathi, abangela ngazo bonyana u-Israyeli one. Nje-ke uPhuli ikosi ye-Asiriya wasahlela inarha. UMenarhemu wamnikela isiliva elimakhilogremu aziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amathathu nane azincengela bona amsekele ukuze anzinze ebukhosini bakhe. UMenarhemu gade akhuphisa bakwa-Israyeli imali leyo ngekani, okutjho boke abanesabo. Omunye nomunye wabo bekufuze anikele isiliva engaphezu kwesiquntu sekhilogremu ukuze kunikelwe ikosi ye-Asiriya. Yeke ikosi ye-Asiriya yamlisa uMenarhemu, yaphuma enarheni. Ezinye izehlakalo zokubusa kwakaMenarhemu nakho koke akwenzileko, kutlolwe encwadini yemilando yamakhosi wakwa-Israyeli. UMenarhemu wahlongakala, uPhekarhiya indodanakhe waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. Ngomnyaka wetjhumi nahlanu ka-Azariya ikosi yakwaJuda, uPhekharhiya umsa kaMenarhemu waba yikosi eSamariya. Wabusa iminyaka emibili. Wenza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini. Akhange aphambuke ezonweni zakaJerobhowamu umsa kaNebathi abangela ngazo bonyana u-Israyeli one. UPhekharhi umsa kaRemaliya, oyinduna esisandla sakhe, wamakhela ubukhwebetjhana. Wakhamba namadoda amatjhumi amahlanu weGiliyadi, wambulalela eSamariya ebuphephelweni besigodlo obungaphakathi kanye no-Arigobho no-Ariye. UPhekharhi wabulala uPhekarhiya njalo-ke, bewaba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. Ezinye izehlakalo zokubusa kwakaPhekarhiya nakho koke akwenzileko, kutlolwe encwadini yemilando yamakhosi wakwa-Israyeli. Ngomnyaka wamatjhumi amahlanu nambili ka-Azariya ikosi yakwaJuda, uPhekharhi umsa kaRemaliya waba yikosi yakwa-Israyeli eSamariya. Wabusa iminyaka ematjhumi amabili. Wenza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini. Akhange aphambuke ezonweni zakaJerobhowamu umsa kaNebathi abangela ngazo bonyana u-Israyeli one. Ngesikhathi sakaPhekharhi ikosi yakwa-Israyeli, uTigilathi-Pileseri ikosi ye-Asiriya wafika wathumba i-Iyoni, i-Abeli-Bhethe-Makha, iJanowarhi, iKhedetjhi kanye neRhatsori. Wathumba iGiliyadi kanye neGalile, ngitjho nalo loke lakwaNafitali. Wathumba abantu wabathumela ekudingisweni e-Asiriya. UHosiya umsa ka-Ela, wakhela uPhekharhi umsa kaRemaliya ubukhwebetjhana. Wamsahlela wambulala bewaba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe ngomnyaka wamatjhumi amabili kaJotamu umsa ka-Uziya. Ezinye izehlakalo zokubusa kwakaPhekharhi nakho koke akwenzileko, kutlolwe encwadini yemilando yamakhosi wakwa-Israyeli. Kwathi ngomnyaka wesibili kaPhekharhi umsa kaRemaliya ikosi yakwa-Israyeli, uJotamu umsa ka-Uziya ikosi yakwaJuda wathoma ukubusa. Gade aneminyaka ematjhumi amabili nahlanu lokha nakathoma ukubusa. Wabusa eJerusalema iminyaka elitjhumi nathandathu. Ibizo lakanina bekunguJerutjha indodakazi kaTsadokhi. Wenza okulungileko phambi kwakaSomnini njengombana kwenza uyise u-Uziya. Nokho iindunduma akhange zisuswe; abantu baragela phambili ngokwenza imihlabelo nokutjhisa itjhwalo lapho. UJotamu wavuselela isango lethempeli lakaSomnini elisekuphakameni. Ezinye izehlakalo zokubusa kwakaJotamu nalokho akwenzileko, kutlolwe encwadini yemilando yamakhosi wakwaJuda. Ngesikhathi sakhe uZimu wathoma ukuthumela uRetsini ikosi ye-Aramu noPhekharhi umsa kaRemaliya bona bajamelane noJuda. UJotamu wahlongakala wabekwa kiboyisemkhulu eMzini kaDavida. U-Arhazi indodanakhe waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. Ngomnyaka wetjhumi nalikhomba kaPhekharhi umsa kaRemaliya, u-Arhazi umsa kaJotamu ikosi yakwaJuda wathoma ukubusa. U-Arhazi gade aneminyaka ematjhumi amabili lokha nabekwa bona abe yikosi. Wabusa eJerusalema iminyaka elitjhumi nathandathu. Akhange enze okuhle phambi kwakaSomnini uZimakhe njengombana kwenza uyisemkhulu uDavida. Wakhamba ngeendlela zamakhosi wakwa-Israyeli. Wabe wanikela indodanakhe bona ibe mhlabelo, njengombana bekwenza izizwe ezitjhili uZimu aziqotjha phambi kwaka-Israyeli. Wanikela ngemihlabelo yokutjhiswa bewatjhisa netjhwalo eendundumeni, eenqongweni zeentatjana nangaphasi kwayo yoke imithi esitjhutha. Ngesikhathi sokubusa kwaka-Arhazi, uRetsini ikosi ye-Aramu wabuyisela i-Elathi kuma-Edomu: Waqotjha amaJuda e-Elathi. Nje-ke bakwa-Edomu bathuthela e-Elathi, bahlala lapho bekube kunamhlanje. Ngesikhatheso uRetsini ikosi ye-Aramu noPhekharhi umsa kaRemaliya ikosi yakwa-Israyeli, bajokola bakhuphuka bona balwe neJerusalema bebavimbezela u-Arhazi. Kodwana akhange baphumelele ngombana u-Arhazi wathatha isiliva negolide elafunyanwa ngethempelini lakaSomnini nangendlini yamagugu wesigodlo sekosi, walithumela ngeenthunywa kuTigilathi-Pileseri ikosi ye-Asiriya njengesibiko bona ziyombawela isizo kuye zithi: “Ngiyinceku nesikhonzi sakho. Yewukhuphuke uzongisindisa esandleni sekosi ye-Aramu neyakwa-Israyeli ngombana ayangisahlela.” Ikosi ye-Asiriya yamlalela, yakhuphuka yasahlela iDamaseku beyayithumba. Yabulala uRetsini yathumela izakhamuzi zakhona ekudingisweni eKhiri. Kwathi lokha u-Arhazi nakaya eDamaseku bona ayokulotjhisa uTigilathi-Pileseri ikosi ye-Asiriya, wabona i-aldari eDamaseku bewathumela ku-Uriya umphristi omkhulu itlhatlha lesakhiwo se-aldarelo nemininingwana yoke yomtlamo wokulakha. Umphristi u-Uriya wakha i-aldari ngokulandela woke umtlamo ikosi u-Arhazi egade iwuthumele kuye iseDamaseku. Walakha waliqeda ngaphambi kokobana ikosi u-Arhazi ibuye. Ekubuyeni kwayo eDamaseku, ikosi yabona i-aldarelo, yaya kilo yakhwelela phezu kwalo. Yenza umhlabelwayo wokutjhiswa, iminikelwayo yeenthoro; yafafaza neengazi zomhlabelo wetjhebiswano phezu kwe-aldarelo. Kodwana i-aldari lekoporo elalijama phambi kwethempeli lakaSomnini yalisusa endawenalo yalibeka ngetlhagwini ye-aldari elitjha. Nje-ke ikosi u-Arhazi yayala u-Uriya umphristi omkhulu yathi: “Phezu kwe-aldari elikhulu elitjha, yewutjhise umhlabelo wokutjhiswa wekuseni nomnikelo weenthoro wentambama, umhlabelwami wokutjhiswa nomnikelwami weenthoro, imihlabelo yokutjhiswa yabantu boke benarha neminikelwabo yeenthoro kanye neyeenselo. Fafaza phezu kwe-aldarelo zoke iingazi zemihlabelo yokutjhiswa neminikelo yokutjhiswa nezayo yoke imihlabelo. I-aldari lekoporo ngizalisebenzisela ukufuna ukuhlahlwa.” Umphristi u-Uriya wenza njengombana ikosi u-Arhazi imyale ngayo. Ikosi u-Arhazi yephula iinqabo zeenkoloyana beyasusa nezitja zokuhlambela eenkoloyanenapho. Yasusa ilwandle lekoporo ebegade liphezu kweenkunzi zekoporo, yalibeka phezu kwamatje asindiweko. Yasusa isiqingi samakhosi egade sakhiwe ngethempelini nesango lamakhosi elingena ethempelini. Yenza lokho ngenca yekosi ye-Asiriya. Ezinye izehlakalo zokubusa kwaka-Arhazi nalokho akwenzileko, kutlolwe encwadini yemilando yamakhosi wakwaJuda. U-Arhazi wahlongakala wabekwa kiboyisemkhulu eMzini kaDavida. UHezekhiya umsakhe waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. Ngomnyaka wetjhumi nambili ka-Arhazi ikosi yakwaJuda, uHosiya umsa ka-Ela waba yikosi yakwa-Israyeli eSamariya. Wabusa iminyaka elithoba. Wenza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini, kodwana ingasi njengamakhosi wakwa-Israyeli agade abuse phambi kwakhe. UTjhalimaneseri ikosi ye-Asiriya wakhuphuka bona asahlele uHosiya. UHosiya waba sikhonzi sakhe begodu wakhokha nemithelo kuye. Kodwana ngemva kwesikhathi ikosi ye-Asiriya yafunyana bona uHosiya liqili ngombana gade athumele abazenda esikhulwini esiphezulu sekosi yeGibhide. Begodu gade angasakhokhi imithelo ekosini ye-Asiriya njengombana gade asenza qobe mnyaka. Ngebangelo ikosi ye-Asiriya yambamba yamfaka ngesikhungweni. Yeke ikosi ye-Asiriya yasahlela yoke inarha, yavimbezela iSamariya bekwaba minyaka emithathu. Ngomnyaka wethoba kaHosiya ikosi ye-Asiriya yathumba iSamariya beyathumela ama-Israyeli ekudingisweni e-Asiriya. Yawahlalisa eRhalarhi, neGozani magegana nomlambo iRhabhori nemizini yamaMede. Koke lokhu kwenzeka ngombana ama-Israyeli ona kuSomnini uZimawo, owawenyula eGibhide emandleni kaFaro ikosi yeGibhide. Asuka alotjha abosingazimu abe alandela amasiko wakosobantu okuzizizwe uSomnini aziqotjha phambi kwawo. Enza nemikhuba eyavezwa makhosi wakwa-Israyeli. Ama-Israyeli aba nemikhumbulo engakalungi ngoSomnini uZimawo. Kusukela esithaleni sabalindi ukuya edorobheni elinemithangala, azakhela iindunduma emizinawo yoke. Azijamisela amatje akhethekileko nemifanekiso yabo-Atjhera komunye nomunye umbundu ophakamileko nangaphasi komunye nomunye umuthi ohlaza. Atjhisa itjhwalo kizo zoke iindunduma, enza njengezizwe uSomnini azidingisa phambi kwawo. Enza izinto zobukhohlakali ezathukuthelisa uSomnini. Alotjha amanyala wabosingazimu nanyana uSomnini bekathe: “Lokhu ningakwenzi.” USomnini wayelelisa u-Israyeli noJuda ngabaphorofidi nababoni wathi: “Tjhugulukani eendleleni zenu ezimbi. Phethani imiyalwami nemithethwami, ukuya ngokomyalo engayala ngawo aboyihlo nengawuthumela kini ngeenceku zami abaphorofidi.” Kodwana akhange balalele, kunalokho bakhunyalala njengaboyise abangazange bathembe uSomnini uZimabo. Badela imiyalwakhe nesivumelwano sakhe asenza naboyise kanye neemfuneko abalemukisa ngazo. Balandela umlotha nabo baba mlotha. Balingisa izizwe ezibabhodileko uSomnini abayala ngazo bonyana bangazilingisi. Bafulathela yoke imiyalo kaSomnini uZimabo bebazenzela abosingazimu ababaziweko abamakonyana amabili; bazakhela nemifanekiso ka-Atjhera. Bakhothamela zoke iinkwekwezi zomkayi bebalotjha noBhali. Banikela amadodana namadodakazabo bona abe mhlabelo. Baphengula, bebafunisela, bazithengisa ngokwenza okumbi phambi kwakaSomnini, bamthukuthelisa. Yeke uSomnini wasilingeka khulu ngo-Israyeli bewamsusa phambi kwakhe. Akakho owasalako ngaphandle kwekoro yakwaJuda kwaphela. Naye uJuda loyo akhange alonde imiyalo kaSomnini uZimakhe. Walandela imikhuba ebigade sele ifakwe ngu-Israyeli. Ngebangelo-ke uSomnini wadela soke isizukulwana saka-Israyeli; wasenzela isizi bewasinikela ezandleni zabahlanguli, wasiqeda nya phambi kwakhe. Kuthe lokha uSomnini nahlukanisa u-Israyeli nendlu kaDavida, u-Israyeli wabeka uJerobhowamu umsa kaNebathi bona abe yikosakhe. UJerobhowamu wahlubukisa u-Israyeli ekulandeleni uSomnini, wamenza bona enze isono esikhulu. Ama-Israyeli aragela phambili nezono zakaJerobhowamu; akhange aphambuke kizo bekwaba kulokha uSomnini awasusa phambi kwakhe njengombana ayelelisa ngazo zoke iinceku zakhe abaphorofidi. Yeke u-Israyeli waya ekudingisweni, wasuka enarheni yekhabo wasiwa e-Asiriya, useselapho nanamhlanje. Ikosi ye-Asiriya yathatha abantu beBhabheli, beKhutha, be-Ava, beRhamathi nabeSefarivayimu yabahlalisa eSamariya esikhundleni sama-Israyeli. Bathumba idorobho iSamariya bebahlala nakamanye amadorobho wesifunda. Ekufikeni kwabo endaweni leyo, akhange besabe bebalotjhe uSomnini; yeke uSomnini wabathumela ngeengwenyama zafese zabulala abanye babo. Kwabikwa ekosini ye-Asiriya kwathiwa: “Izizwe ozithumbe bewazihlalisa emadorobheni weSamariya, aziyazi imiyalo kazimu olotjhwa enarheni le. Yeke uzinikelele ngeengwenyama; qala, ziyaziqeda ngombana aziyazi imiyalo kazimu olotjhwa enarheni le.” Nje-ke ikosi ye-Asiriya yakhupha naku umyalo yathi: “Thumelani munye wabaphristi enamthumba enarheni leyo abuyele lapho ukuze afundise abantu imiyalo kazimu olotjhwa enarheni le.” Yeke omunye wabaphristi ogade alithunjwa leSamariya weza wazokuhlala eBhethe-Eli wabafundisa indlela yokulotjha uSomnini. Kodwana izizwe ezahlukahlukeneko zaragela phambili ngokuzenzela iinthombe zabozinyana bazo. Zabajamisa emathempedlaneni aseendundumeni egade zakhiwe babantu beSamariya: Amadoda weBhabheli azenzela isithombe sakaSukothi-Bhenothi, weKhutha enza isithombe sakaNerigali, kwathi weRhamathi wona azenzela saka-Atjhima; ama-Ava enza isithombe sakaNibhirhazi noTaritakhi. AmaSefarivayimu wona anikela abantabawo emlilweni njengomhlabelo ku-Adramelekhi naku-Anameleki abozinyana babo. Godu balotjha uSomnini uZimu, kodwana bazikhethela abantu babo abahlukahlukeneko bona babe baphristi beendundumeni. Abaphristabo benzela abantwabo imihlabelo emathempedlaneni aseendundumeni. Yeke besaba uSomnini uZimu, kodwana basalotjha nabozinyana babo njengomkhuba wezizwe zalapho bebasuswe khona. Ama-Israyeli agade asele enarheni aragela phambili nemikhubawo yakade bekube namhlanjesi. Akhange esabe uSomnini uZimu begodu akhange aphethe iimiso, imithetho, isiyeleliso kanye nomyalo uSomnini awunikela iinzukulwana zakaJakopo bewamthiya bona ngu-Israyeli. USomnini gade enze isivumelwano nama-Israyeli bewawayala wathi: “Ningesabi abozinyana, ningabakhothameli, ningabalotjhi begodu ningabenzeli imihlabelo. Kodwana uSomnini owawenyula eGibhide ngamandla amakhulu nangesiphanga sakhe, nguye yedwa ekufuze nimesabe: Khothamani kuye begodu nenze imihlabelo kuye. Tjhejani bona epilweni yenu yoke niphetha iimiso, imithetho, isiyeleliso kanye nomyalo anitlolela wona. “Ningalotjhi abozinyana begodu ningakhohlwa isivumelwano engasenza nani. Ningabalotjhi abozinyana, kodwana yesabani uSomnini uZimenu. Nguye yedwa ozanisindisa esandleni sezitha zenu zoke.” Nalapho akhange balalele, kodwana bakhunyalala benza imikhubabo yakade. Izizwe ezalethwa enarhenezo zesaba uSomnini uZimu, kodwana zaragela phambili nokukhothamela iinthombe zazo. Bekube namhlanje iinzukulu neenzukulwana zazo zisaragela phambili nokwenza njengaboyisemkhulu. Ngomnyaka wesithathu kaHosiya umsa ka-Ela ikosi yakwa-Israyeli, uHezekhiya umsa ka-Arhazi ikosi yakwaJuda wathoma ukubusa. Gade aneminyaka ematjhumi amabili nahlanu lokha nakathoma ukubusa. Wabusa eJerusalema iminyaka ematjhumi amabili nethoba. Ibizo lakanina bekungu-Abi indodakazi kaZakariya. Wenza okulungileko phambi kwakaSomnini njengoyisemkhulu uDavida. Yena wabhuruza iindunduma, waphihliza amatje akhethekileko kanye nemifanekiso yabo-Atjhera. Wafahlaza inyoka yekoporo uMosi agade ayenzile yaba ziinquqwana ngombana bekube sikhatheso abantu bakwa-Israyeli gade basayitjhisela itjhwalo. Inyoka leyo beyibizwa bona nguNerhutjhitani. UHezekhiya wathemba uSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli. Gade kungekho onjengaye phakathi kwawo woke amakhosi wakwaJuda, kungaba ngaphambili namkha ngemuva kwakhe. Wabambelela kuSomnini, akhange aphele amandla ekumlandeleni; walonda imiyalo uSomnini ayinikela uMosi. USomnini gade anaye, aphumelela kikho koke akwenzako. Wahlubuka ikosi ye-Asiriya, akhange avume ukuyilotjha. Kusukela esithaleni sabalindi ukuya edorobheni elinemithangala wahlula amaFilista bekwaba seGaza nemikhawulweni yalo. Ngomnyaka wesine wekosi uHezekhiya, okwakumnyaka wekhomba kaHosiya umsa ka-Ela ikosi yakwa-Israyeli, uTjhalimaneseri ikosi ye-Asiriya wasahlela iSamariya wayivimbezela. Ekupheleni kweminyaka emithathu wayithumba. Njalo-ke iSamariya yathunjwa ngomnyaka wesithandathu wekosi uHezekhiya, okwakumnyaka wethoba kaHosiya ikosi yakwa-Israyeli. Ikosi ye-Asiriya yathumba ama-Israyeli yawathumela ekudingisweni e-Asiriya, yawahlalisa eRhalarhi, neGozani magegana nomlambo iRhabhori nemizini yamaMede. Lokhu kwenzeka ngombana akhange balalele ilizwi lakaSomnini uZimabo. Kodwana beqa isivumelwano sakhe, lokhu kutjho koke uMosi inceku kaSomnini eyabayala ngakho. Akhange balalele imiyalo namkha bayenze. Ngomnyaka wetjhumi nane wokubusa kwekosi uHezekhiya, uSanirheribu ikosi ye-Asiriya wasahlela amadorobho anemithangala wakwaJuda bewawathumba. Nje-ke uHezekhiya ikosi yakwaJuda, wathumela umlayezo ekosini ye-Asiriya eLakitjhi wathi: “Ngonile. Yewungilise, ngizakukhokhela nanyana yini oyifuna kimi.” Ikosi ye-Asiriya yafuna kuHezekhiya ikosi yakwaJuda amakhilogremu wesiliva aziinkulungwana ezilitjhumi nekulungwana yamakhilogremu wegolide. Yeke uHezekhiya wayinikela loke isiliva egade lingethempelini lakaSomnini neligade lingendlini yamagugu wesigodlo. Ngesikhatheso uHezekhiya ikosi yakwaJuda wanamathulula igolide egade linamekwe eminyango neengosenini zethempeli lakaSomnini, walinikela ikosi ye-Asiriya. Khonapho ikosi ye-Asiriya yathumela indunayo yebutho, induna ekulu kanye nomkhulumelayo. Iindunezi zasuka eLakitjhi zaya kuHezekhiya eJerusalema nebutho elikhulu lepi. Ibuthwelo lafika eJerusalema lafese lajama emseleni ovela esizibeni esingehla, endleleni eya endaweni lapha kuhlanzwa khona iimpahla. Lokha iindunezi nazibiza ikosi, u-Eliyakhimu umsa kaRhilikhiya umphathi wesigodlo, noTjhebina ongumabhalana kanye noJowarhi ongusosiba baphuma bazihlangabeza. Umkhulumeli wekosi ye-Asiriya wabatjela bona batjele uHezekhiya bathi: “Nakhu ekutjhoko ikosi ekulu, ingwenyama ye-Asiriya ithi, ‘Ulibeke kuphi ithemba lakho? Ucabanga bona amagamakho amumoya lawo angajamelana namaqhinga webutho kanye namandla na? Uzakuthi uthembele kubani nawuhlubuka mina nje? Kuyabonakala bonyana uthembe iGibhide efana nomhlanga ophukileko ohlaba ulimaze isandla somuntu odzimelela kiwo! Kuba njalo-ke nakiloyo oziseka ngoFaro, ikosi yeGibhide. Nanyana ufuna ukungitjela bona uthembele kuSomnini uZimenu? Kanti akusuye uzinyana loyo uHezekhiya abhuruze iindunduma nama-aldarakhe lokha natjela abantu bakwaJuda nebeJerusalema bonyana balotjhe e-aldarini eJerusalema kwaphela?’ “Ngikubhejela ngekosami ye-Asiriya: Nanyana ngingakunikela iinkulungwana ezimbili zeenjomani, angeze bewaba nabantu abangazikhwela. Alo-ke, ungajamelana njani namunye wabaphathi abancani beensebenzi zekosami nakusahlelako? Nanyana uthembe iGibhide bona izakulethela iinkarana nabakhweli bazo na?” Umkhulumeli wamtshima godu wathi: “Ngaphezu kwalokho, ucabanga bona ikosami ize lapha ukuzokubhubhisa indawo le ngaphandle kwelizwi lakaSomnini uZimenu? NguZimenu loyo oyithumele lapha bona ibhubhise inarha le.” Nje-ke u-Eliyakhimu umsa kaRhilikhiya, uTjhebina noJowarhi bathi kumkhulumeli: “Sibawa bona ukhulume neenceku zakho ngesi-Aramu ngombana sona siyasizwa. Sibawa ungakhulumi nathi ngesiJuda phambi kwabantu abaphezu komthangala wedorobho.” Kodwana umkhulumeli waphendula wathi: “Kanti nidlumbana bona ngithunywe bonyana ngikhulume izintwezi ekosinenu nakini kwaphela, kungabi nebantwini abahlezi phezu komthangalaba? Nabo njengani kuzakufanela bona badle uthuvi babo bebasele nomhlambulukwabo!” Yeke umkhulumeli wasikima, warhuwelela ngesiJuda wathi: “Lalelani ilizwi lekosi ekulu, ingwenyama ye-Asiriya! Nakhu ekutjhoko ithi, ‘Ningavumeli uHezekhiya anikhohlise ngombana angekhe anisindise esandleni sami. Ningamvumeli bona aniyenge nithembele kuSomnini uZimu ngokuthi athi kini: “ ‘USomnini uzasisindisa nedorobheli angekhe lanikelwa esandleni sekosi ye-Asiriya.’ “Ningamlaleli uHezekhiya ngombana nakhu ekutjhoko ikosi ye-Asiriya ithi, ‘Zinikeleni! Niphume edorobheni nize kimi! Omunye nomunye kini uzazidlela esidiribeni sakhe nemakhiwaninakhe bese uziselela amanzi womthombo azenzele wona. Nje-ke ningenza lokho bengifike nginithathe nginise enarheni efanele nina, okuyinarha yekoroyi neyewayini elitjha, inarha yamabele nesidiribe, okuyinarha yemithi ye-oliva neliju. Nizakuphila ningafi! Yeke ningamlaleli uHezekhiya ngombana uyanihlohlozela kwaphela lokha nakanitjela bona uSomnini uZimenu uzanisindisa. Kukhona uzinyana wananyana ngisiphi isizwe owakhe wasindisa inarhakhe esandleni sekosi ye-Asiriya na? Baphi abozinyana beRhamathi ne-Ariphadi? Baphi abozinyana beSefarivayimu, beHena ne-Ava? Bayisindisa iSamariya esandleni sami na? Ngiwuphi kibo boke abozinyana bamazwe la owakghona ukusindisa inarhakhe esandleni sami? Alo, uZimenu loyo yena angayisindisa njani iJerusalema esandleni samesi?’ ” Kodwana abantu bazithulela bathi du, akhange batjho litho ngombana ikosi uHezekhiya gade ibayalile yathi: “Ningathomi nimphendule.” Nje-ke u-Eliyakhimu umsa kaRhilikhiya umphathi wesigodlo, uTjhebina umabhalana kanye noJowarhi usosiba omsa ka-Asafa, baya kuHezekhiya izambatho zabo zitlebhukile, bafese bamtjela koke umkhulumeli akutjhwileko. Kuthe lokha ikosi uHezekhiya nayizwa lokhu, yatlebhula izambatho zayo yembatha iinzilo yangena ngethempelini lakaSomnini. Yathumela u-Eliyakhimu umphathi wesigodlo, noTjhebina umabhalana kanye nabaphathi babaphristi ku-Isaya umphorofidi, omsa ka-Amosi. Boke bebembethe iinzilo. Bafese bathi kuye: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguHezekhiya, ‘Ilanga lanamhlanje lilanga elidanisako lokuhlunguphazwa nokurhubutjhwa. Linjengalokha nakufanele kubelethwe abantwana bese kutlhogeka amandla wokubabeletha. Mhlamunye uSomnini uZimakho uwezwile woke amezwi akhulunywe mkhulumeli ogade athunywe mphathakhe ikosi ye-Asiriya bonyana azokuphoqa uZimu ophilako. Kungenzeka bona uSomnini uZimakho uzibuyiselele ngamezwi awezwileko lawo. Yeke wena thandazela abantu abaseleko.’ ” Kuthe lokha iinkhulu zakaHezekhiya nazifika ku-Isaya nomlayezo lo, u-Isaya wathi kizo: “Tjelani ikosenu bona nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uZimu, ‘Ungethukwa ngalokho okuzwileko, okumamezwi iinkhulu zekosi ye-Asiriya ezingithuke ngawo. Qala-ke! Ngizokudlharumisa ikosi ye-Asiriya, izwe amahemuhemu bese ibuyela enarhenayo, ibulawe ngesabula khonapho.’ ” Kuthe lokha umkhulumeli nakezwa bona ikosi ye-Asiriya isukile eLakitjhi, naye wajika wafunyana ikosakhe isilwa neLibhina. USanirheribu wezwa bonyana uTirihakha ikosi yeKutjhe uyeza ukuzomsahlela. Nje-ke wabuye wathumela godu iinthunywa kuHezekhiya wathi: “Tjelani uHezekhiya ikosi yakwaJuda bona angavumeli ukukhohliswa nguzinyanakhe athembele kuye ngokuthi athi, ‘IJerusalema angeze yanikelwa esandleni sekosi ye-Asiriya.’ Nginesiqiniseko sokobana uzizwele ngokwakho bona enzeni amakhosi we-Asiriya ngeenarha ezinye lokha nazirhayilako. Alo, wena uzakusinda na? Abozinyana bezizwe ezabhujiswa bobamkhulu bakhe bazisindisa na? Ngitjho izizwe zeGozani, zeRharani, zeRetsefu nabantu be-Edeni abagade baseTelasari. Iphi ikosi yeRhamathi, ye-Ariphadi neyedorobho leSefarivayimu namkha yeHena nanyana ye-Ava?” UHezekhiya wamukela incwadi eenthunyweni wayifunda. Yeke waya ethempelini lakaSomnini wafese wayendlala phambi kwakaSomnini. Wathandaza kuSomnini wathi: “Awu, wena Somnini Zimu wakwa-Israyeli ohlala phezu kwamakerubhi, wena wedwa onguZimu ngaphezu kwemibuso yoke yephasi. Wena wenze izulu nephasi. Awu Somnini, akhese ubeke indlebe ulalele, uvule namehlwakho Somnini, bese uyabona. “Akhese uthi ulalela amezwi uSanirheribu awathumele bona aphoqe uZimu ophilako. Iye, kuliqiniso Somnini, amakhosi we-Asiriya, azirhayilile izizwe kanye neenarha zazo. Aphosela abozinyana bazo emlilweni ababhubhisa ngombana bebanganabujamo bakaZimu kodwana bebaziingodo namatje, izinto ezibunjwe ngezandla. Nje-ke Somnini Zimethu, sisindisa esandleni sekosi ye-Asiriya ukuze yoke imibuso yephasi yazi bona wena Somnini, nguwe wedwa uZimu.” Yeke u-Isaya umsa ka-Amosi wathumela umlayezo kuHezekhiya wathi: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, ‘Iye, ngiwuzwile umthandazwakho mayelana noSanirheribu ikosi ye-Asiriya.’ “Nanti ilizwi uSomnini alikhulume ngaye wathi, “Itlawana eliyindodakazi yeZiyoni liyakunyaza beliyakukhwinyisela wena Sanirheribu. Indodakazi yeJerusalema ikuthintithela ihloko nawufulatheleko. Ngubani omphoqileko bewamthuka na? Bewurhuwelela bani bewumphakamisele iinhlonze? Uziphakamise ngoCwengileko wakwa-Israyeli! Ngeenthunywa zakho uphoqe uSomandla! Uzitjele wathi, ‘Ngeenkarana zami ezinengi sengiphakamele eenqongweni zeentaba, eendaweni ezingangenekiko zeLibhanoni. Ngiqunte imisedari emide nemithi ekhethekileko yomsayipurusi; ngangena erharheni layo nesiminyaminyeni samahlathayo. Ngimi owembe imithombo bengasela namanzi avinyilikileko. Ngomise yoke imilambo yeGibhide ngebhadulo lami.’ Awukezwa na? Ngakuhlela kade lokho. Ngakujamisa emihleni yekadeni, nje-ke ngikuphumelelisile, kobana amadorobho anemithangala, uwenze aba liqubi lewiliwili, iye, iinqorho zenyakanyaka. Abantu bawo baphelelwe mamandla begodu bakhenile ngokurhubutjhwa. Babe njengeentjalo zommango nanjengamahlumela asathambileko. Babe njengotjani etatawini obubuniswa lilanga busahluma. Kodwana ngazi ukusuka nokuhlala kwakho nokuthi ungibhevumulela kangangani. Njengombana ungibhevumulela nje nokuzikhakhazisa kwakho ngikulemukile, ngizokufaka isikghopholo sami epumulwenakho netomu lami ngemlonyenakho. Ngizokwenza ubuyele emuva ngendlela oze ngayo. “Nakhu okuzakuba litshwayo kuwe, Hezekhiya: “Nonyaka uzazidlela amakhakhazela, ngomnyaka wesibili udle okuzimilelako. Kodwana ngomnyaka wesithathu uzakutjala uvune, uzakuhloma iindiribe bewudle iinthelo zazo. Abasindileko nabaseleko endlini kaJuda bazokuba nemirabhu bese bahloma iinthelo. Ngambala abaseleko eJerusalema bazakusabalala nabasinde entabeni yeZiyoni banabe. Ukutjhisakalela kwakaSomnini uMninimandlawoke kuzakuphelelisa lokhu. “Yeke nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini mayelana nekosi ye-Asiriya: “Angekhe yangena edorobheneli namkha idumuze umsubela la. Asoze yalisahlela ngokuzivikela ngesihlangu namkha ilakhele isiqabo esiqhube magegana nomthangala. Izakubuyela emuva ngendlela eze ngayo. Asoze yangena kilelidorobho. Ngizolivikela idorobheli bengilisindise ngenca yami nangenca kaDavida incekwami.” Kutjho uSomnini. Ngobusukobo ingilozi kaSomnini yasahlela ekampeni yama-Asiriya yabulala abantu abalikhulu namatjhumi abunane nahlanu weenkulungwana. Kwathi abantu nabavuka ekuseni ngakusasa, iindumbu bezilele ubujadajada! Nje-ke uSanirheribu ikosi ye-Asiriya wadiliza ikampa wabuyela eNiniva wayokuhlala khona. Kwathi ngelinye ilanga asalotjha ethempelini lakazinyanakhe uNisiroki, amadodanakhe u-Adrameleki noSaretseri bambulala ngesabula bebabalekela enarheni ye-Ararathi. U-Esarirhadoni indodanakhe waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. Emihleni leyo uHezekhiya wagula wabangwa neenzibi. Umphorofidi u-Isaya umsa ka-Amosi waya kuye wafese wathi: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Lungisa iindaba zomzakho ngombana uzokufa, awukazukuphola.’ ” UHezekhiya waphendulela ubuso bakhe ebodeni wathandaza kuSomnini wathi: “Awu Somnini, ngibawa ukhumbule bona ngakhamba phambi kwakho ngokwethembeka nangehliziyo epheleleko, ngenza okulungileko ebusweni bakho.” UHezekhiya walila kabuhlungu. Kuthe u-Isaya angakaphumi ngitjho nemabaleni wesigodlo, ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kuye lathi: “Buyela emuva ufese utjele uHezekhiya umrholi wabantu bami bonyana uSomnini uZimu kayise uDavida uthi, ‘Ngiwuzwile umthandazwakho ngabona neenyembezi zakho. Nje-ke ngizokupholisa, kuthi ngelanga lesithathu kusukela nje, ukhuphukele ethempelini lakaSomnini. Ngizokungezelelela iminyaka elitjhumi nahlanu epilwenakho. Begodu wena nedorobheli, ngizonisindisa esandleni sekosi ye-Asiriya. Idorobheli ngizolivikela ngenca yami nangenca kaDavida incekwami.’ ” Yeke u-Isaya wathi: “Lethani isitjhuba samakhiwani.” Basiletha bafese basibeka ethumbeni lakaHezekhiya, walulama. UHezekhiya wabuza u-Isaya wathi: “Siyini isiboniso sokobana uSomnini uzongiphilisa nokobana ngizokhuphukela ethempelini lakaSomnini ngelanga lesithathu na?” U-Isaya waphendula wathi: “Isiboniso sakaSomnini kuwe sokobana uzokwenza lokho akuthembisileko nasi: Isithunzi sizakululekeleka phambili namkha sibuyele emuva ngamagadango alitjhumi.” UHezekhiya wathi: “Kulula esithunzini bona siluleke amagadango alitjhumi, ngcono sibuyele emuva amagadango alitjhumi.” Nje-ke umphorofidi u-Isaya wathandaza kuSomnini, uSomnini wenza isithunzi bona sibuyele emuva amagadango alitjhumi lapha besele sehle khona phezu kwesitepisi saka-Arhazi. Ngesikhatheso uBherodaki-Bhaladani umsa kaBhaladani ikosi yeBhabheli gade athumele incwadi nesipho ngombana ezwile ngokugula kwakaHezekhiya. UHezekhiya wamukela umlayezo weenthunywa bewazitjengisa koke okugade kungendlinakhe yamagugu: isiliva, igolide, iinungo namakha. Wabatjengisa nalokho ekugade kusendlini yeenkhali nakho koke okwafunyanwa eendlini zakhe zokubeka ipahla. Akukho angakhange abatjengise khona esigodlweni namkha embuswenakhe woke. Nje-ke u-Isaya umphorofidi waya ekosini uHezekhiya wabuza wathi: “Abantwaba bafunani kuwapha? Njekhona, babuyaphi?” UHezekhiya waphendula wathi: “Bavela khatjhana, eBhabheli.” Umphorofidi wabuza wathi: “Alo, ubatjengiseni ngesigodlweni sakho?” UHezekhiya wathi: “Akukho into engingakhange ngibatjengise yona eendlini zami zokubeka ipahla.” Yeke u-Isaya wathi kuHezekhiya: “Lalela-ke bona ilizwi lakaSomnini lithini, ‘Kwamambala isikhathi siyeza lapha koke okusesigodlweni sakho, nakho koke aboyihlo abakhe bakubulunga bekube namhlanje, kuzakuthathwa khona kusiwe eBhabheli. Akukho okuzakutjhiywa.’ “Godu uSomnini uthe: ‘Abanye bamadodanakho, abaziingazi nenyamakho, obabelethileko, bazakuba bathunjwa bebalotjhe esigodlweni sekosi yeBhabheli babaphakulwa.’ ” UHezekhiya wathi ku-Isaya: “Liyazwakala ilizwi lakaSomnini alikhulumileko.” Gade azibuza athi: “Lokhu kutjho bona kuzakuba nokuthula nokuvikeleka kiso soke isikhathi sepilwami.” Zoke izehlakalo zokubusa kwakaHezekhiya, koke ukuhlula kwakhe kanye nendlela enza ngayo isiziba nomsele wokuletha amanzi ngaphakathi kweJerusalema, kutlolwe encwadini yemilando yamakhosi wakwaJuda. UHezekhiya wahlongakala. UManase indodanakhe waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. UManase gade aneminyaka elitjhumi nambili lokha nakabekwa bona abe yikosi. Wabusa eJerusalema iminyaka ematjhumi amahlanu nahlanu. Ibizo lakanina bekunguRhefitsiba. Wenza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini njengeenkghabhudlho ezenziwa zizizwe uSomnini aziqotjha phambi kwama-Israyeli. Wabuye wakha iindunduma uyise uHezekhiya agade azibhuruzile; wakhela uBhali ama-aldari, wenza nomfanekiso waka-Atjhera njengombana u-Arhabi ikosi yakwa-Israyeli gade enzile. Wakhothamela zoke iinkwekwezi zomkayi, wazilotjha. Wakha ama-aldari ethempelini lakaSomnini, lapha uSomnini gade athe khona: “Ibizo lami ngizalibeka eJerusalema.” Iye, wakha ama-aldari wokulotjha iinkwekwezi zomkayi eenrhodlweni zombili zethempeli lakaSomnini. Wanikela indodanakhe bona ibe mhlabelo. Waba ngophengulako nofuniselako, wabeka izangoma neenyanga. Wenza ubumbi obunengi phambi kwakaSomnini, wamthukuthelisa. Wathatha umfanekiso waka-Atjhera agade awenzile wawubeka ngethempelini uSomnini akhuluma ngalo kuDavida nakuSolomoni indodanakhe wathi: “Kilelithempeli neJerusalema engilikhethileko kizo zoke iinkoro zakwa-Israyeli, ibizo lami ngizalibeka khona isiphelani. Angisoze ngenze bona iinyawo zabakwa-Israyeli zizule enarheni engayinikela aboyisemkhulu, nakube kwaphela bazakutjhejisisa benze koke engabayala ngakho, nokobana bazakugcina woke umthetho incekwami uMosi eyabayala ngawo.” Kodwana abantu akhange balalele: UManase naye wabaphambukisa, baze benza okumbi ukudlula izizwe uSomnini azibhubhisa phambi kwama-Israyeli. USomnini bekakhulumile ngeenceku zakhe abaphorofidi. Abaphorofidaba bathi: “Ngombana uManase ikosi yakwaJuda enze iinkghabhudlhwezi, iye, wenze okumbi khulu ukudlula ama-Amori agade akhona ngaphambi kwakhe begodu uwisele noJuda ezonweni ngamanyala wabosingazimu bakhe, yeke nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, ‘Yelelani, ngizokwehlisela ihlekelele phezu kweJerusalema noJuda kangangobana kuzakuthi lokha abantu nabezwa ngayo bahlahlathelwe mzimba. Ngilinganisile iJerusalema ngalihlola. Yeke isibetho salo sizakuba njengeSamariya nanjengesibetho engabetha ngaso indlu ka-Arhabi. Isitja esisilapheleko siyasulwa sigutjuzwe. Ngizokwenza okufanako ngeJerusalema: Ngizoyithanyela ngiyiphendukezele! Abaseleko abalilifa lami ngizobafulathela bengibanikele ezandleni zezitha zabo. Bazokuthunjwa bebaphangwe zizitha zabo ngombana benze okumbi khulu emehlwenami begodu bangithukuthelisile kusukela mhlana aboyisemkhulu baphuma eGibhide bekube namhlanje.’ ” Ngaphezu kwalokho, uManase wathulula iingazi ezinengi khulu zabantu abanganamlandu. Wagcwalisa yoke iJerusalema ngeengazi. Lokhu bekungaphandle kwezono zakhe abangela ngazo bonyana uJuda one. Nguye owabangela uJuda enze ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini. Zoke izehlakalo zokubusa kwakaManase, koke akwenzileko ngitjho nezono azenzako, kutlolwe encwadini yemilando yamakhosi wakwaJuda. UManase wahlongakala wabekwa esivandeni sesigodlo sakhe, isivande saka-Uza. U-Amoni indodanakhe waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. U-Amoni gade aneminyaka ematjhumi amabili nambili lokha nakathoma ukubusa. Wabusa eJerusalema iminyaka emibili. Ibizo lakanina bekunguMetjhulemethi indodakazi kaRharutsi weJothiba. Wenza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini njengoManase uyise. Wakhamba kizo zoke iindlela ezakhanjwa nguyise: Walotjha bewakhothamela amanyala wabosingazimu uyise agade awalotjha. Wahlubuka uSomnini uZimu waboyisemkhulu, akhange akhambe eendleleni zakaSomnini. Iinduna zaka-Amoni zamakhela ubukhwebetjhana zambulalela esigodlweni sakhe. Kodwana abantu bendawo babulala boke abagade benze ubukhwebetjhana ngekosi u-Amoni. Babeka uJosiya indodanakhe bona abe yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. Zoke izehlakalo zokubusa kwaka-Amoni nakho koke akwenzileko kutlolwe encwadini yemilando yamakhosi wakwaJuda. Wabekwa ethuneni lakhe esivandeni saka-Uza. UJosiya indodanakhe waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. UJosiya gade aneminyaka ebunane lokha nakathoma ukubusa. Wabusa eJerusalema iminyaka ematjhumi amathathu nanye. Ibizo lakanina gade kunguJedida indodakazi ka-Adaya weBhotsikhati. Wenza okulungileko phambi kwakaSomnini, wakhamba endleleni kayisemkhulu uDavida, akhange abe namabatha. Emnyakeni wetjhumi nabunane wokubusa kwekosi uJosiya, wathumela umabhalana uTjhafani umsa ka-Atsaliya omsa kaMetjhulami ethempelini lakaSomnini, wathi: “Yenyukela kuRhilikhiya umphristi omkhulu, umtjele alungise imali eyalethwa ethempelini lakaSomnini, abalindi besango abayibuthelela ngokuyithatha ebantwini. Akayibeke ezandleni zamadoda aziinsebenzi ezengamele umsebenzi wethempeli lakaSomnini ukuze akhokhele iinsebenzi ezivuselela ithempeli, okutjho abafuleli, abakhi nababeki bamatje; godu athenge iingodo namatje acoziweko bona kuvuselelwe ithempeli. Kodwana akhange bebazitshwenye ngokwenza ilandelelo ngemali leyo ngombana benza koke ngokwethembeka.” URhilikhiya umphristi omkhulu wathi kuTjhafani umabhalana: “Ngifunyene nasi incwadi yomthetho ethempelini lakaSomnini.” Yeke wayinikela uTjhafani bona ayifunde. UTjhafani umabhalana waya ekosini wafese wabika wathi: “Iinceku zakho ziyikhuphile imali ngekasini egade lingethempelini, zayinikela iinsebenzi nabaphathi ethempelini.” Godu wabikela ikosi wathi: “URhilikhiya umphristi unginikele incwadi.” Nje-ke wafunda incwadi leyo phambi kwakaJosiya ikosi. Kuthe lokha ikosi nayizwa amezwi wencwadi yomthetho, yatlebhula izambatho zayo. Yayala uRhilikhiya umphristi, u-Arhikhamu umsa kaTjhafani, u-Akibori umsa kaMikaya, uTjhafani umabhalana kanye no-Asaya isandla sekosi yathi: “Khambani niyongibuzela kuSomnini, nibuzele abantu kanye noJuda woke ngalokho okutlolwe encwadini efunyenweko le. Ubukhali bakaZimu buyavutha phezu kwethu ngenca yabobaba abangakhange balalele amezwi wencwadi le. Akhange benze njengombana kutlolwe lapho bona sikwenze.” URhilikhiya umphristi kanye no-Arhikhamu, u-Akibori, uTjhafani kanye no-Asaya baya bayokukhuluma nomphorofidikazi uRhulda ogade amfazi kaTjhalumu umphathi wompherho. (UTjhalumu gade amsa kaTikhiva omsa kaRharirhasi.) URhulda gade ahlala engcenyeni etja yeJerusalema. Kuthe sele bamtjele koke, wabathumela emuva kobathumileko nomlayezo naku obuya kuSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli wathi: “Nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini uZimu, ‘Ngizokwehlisela ihlekelele phezu kwendawo le naphezu kwabantu bayo, ukuya ngakho koke okutlolwe encwadini ikosi yakwaJuda eyifundileko. Ngizokwenza lokhu ngombana bangihlubukile bebatjhisela abosingazimu itjhwalo ukuze bangithukuthelise ngazo zoke iinthombe abazenze ngezandla zabo. Yeke ubukhali bami ngendawo le buyavutha begodu abusoze bacinywa mumuntu.’ “Ikosi yakwaJuda enithumileko leyo bona nizoyibuzela kuSomnini uZimu, itjeleni naku umlayezwayo: Nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, ‘Uwalalele kuhle amezwi wencwadi le. Ihliziywakho ithintekile bewazithoba phambi kwami, mina Somnini, lokha nawuzwa lokho engikutjhwileko ngendawo le nangabantu bayo, okutjho bona kuzokuba yindawo eligagadu ngendlela abantu abayihlolozela ngayo. Iye, utlebhulile izambatho zakho bewalila phambi kwami. Njengombana wenze lokhu, ngehlangothini lami, umthandazwakho uzwakele.’ La mamezwi kaSomnini. “Begodu uSomnini wathi, ‘Lokha nangizokubuthelela naboyihlomkhulu, ngiqinisile bona uzokubulungwa ngokuthula. Amehlwakho akasoze abona yoke ihlekelele engizoyehlisela phezu kwendawo le.’ ” Nje-ke bathatha umlayezo womphorofidikazi loyo babuyela nawo ekosini. Ikosi uJosiya wabiza boke abaphathi bakwaJuda neJerusalema. Wakhuphukela ethempelini lakaSomnini nabantu boke bakwaJuda nezakhamuzi zoke zeJerusalema; bekubaphristi nabaphorofidi kanye nabo boke abantu kusukela kwabakhulu ukuya kwabancani. Wabafundela bona bezwe woke amezwi wencwadi yesivumelwano eyayigade ifunyenwe ethempelini lakaSomnini. Ikosi yajama hlanu kwesika yenza isivumelwano phambi kwakaSomnini uZimu bona izakulandela uZimu nokobana izakulonda imiyalwakhe, iimfuno neemiso zakhe ngehliziywayo nangomphefumulwayo woke. Ngalokho beyiqinisa bona izakukhamba ngokwamezwi wesivumelwano agade atlolwe encwadini leyo. Nje-ke boke abantu bazibandakanya nesivumelwaneso. Ikosi yatjela uRhilikhiya umphristi omkhulu, abaphristi abangaphasi kwakhe nabalindi besango bona basuse ethempelini lakaSomnini zoke izintwana ezenzelwe uBhali no-Atjhera kanye nazo zoke iinkwekwezi zomkayi. Yazitjhisela ngaphandle kweJerusalema emathaleni womrhoba iKidroni, yathatha umlothazo yawusa eBhethe-Eli. Yaqotjha boke abaphristi babosingazimu ebegade bajanyiswe yikosi yakwaJuda bona batjhise itjhwalo eendundumeni zemizi yakwaJuda nakileyo ebhode iJerusalema. Yasusa nalabo ebegade batjhisa itjhwalo kuBhali, ilanga, inyanga, imithala yeenkwekwezi, iye neenkwekwezi zoke. Yasusa umfanekiso waka-Atjhera ethempelini lakaSomnini. Yawusa esikhisini iKhidroni ongaphandle kweJerusalema yawutjhisela lapho. Yawusila waba yipuphu, yawurhatjha phezu kwamathuna wabantu nje. Yabhuruza amalawana weentjhatjha zethempeli ezimadoda asethempelini lakaSomnini, lapha abafazi gade balukela khona imimada ka-Atjhera. Ikosi uJosiya yaletha boke abaphristi abasemizini yakwaJuda, beyarhubutjha neendunduma ukusukela eGeba ngetlhagwini ukuya eBheritjheba ngesewula, lapha abaphristi gade batjhisa khona itjhwalo. Yephula iindawo zemihlabelo egade zingekungeneni ngesinceleni sesango lakaJotjhuwa umbusi weJerusalema. Abaphristi beendunduma bebangakavunyelwa ukuza e-aldarini lakaSomnini eJerusalema. Nokho bebavunyelwe ukudla isikwa esinganangumelo kanye nabaphristi ababozakwabo. Ikosi uJosiya yarhubutjha iTofeti egade ingemrhobeni wamadodana kaHinomi, ukuze kungasaba noyedwa onikela emlilweni indodana namkha indodakazakhe bona ibe mhlabelo kuMoleki. Yasusa iinthombe zeenjomani neenkarana amakhosi wakwaJuda agade azihlukanisele ilanga. Iinthombezi gade zibekwe ukusukela ekungeneni kwethempeli ngepumalanga ukuya ngelawini lakaNathani-Meleki induna ekulu. Ilaweli gade lakhiwe ngemathurini ahlonywe ethempelini nca ngetjingalanga. Ikosi uJosiya yazitjhisa iinthombezo. Yabhuruza ama-aldari amakhosi wakwaJuda agade awakhe ngehla kwephahla lelawu laka-Arhazi elingaphezulu. Yabhuruza nama-aldari uManase agade awakhe ngeenrhodlweni ezimbili zethempeli lakaSomnini. Yasusa lapho masinyana iququ lama-aldari lawo yayolithela ngesikhisini iKidroni. Godu ikosi yarhubutjha neendunduma egade zingepumalanga yeJerusalema, ngesewula yentaba ye-Oliva. Iindundumezo uSolomoni gade azakhele u-Atjhitarothi usingazinyanakazi onyenyisako wamaTsidoni, uKemotjhi uzinyana onyenyisako wakwaMowabi noMilikomu uzinyana okghabhudlhako wabantu bakwa-Amoni. UJosiya waphadlha amatje akhethekileko, wagawula nemifanekiso yabo-Atjhera bewazalisa iindawo zabo ngamathambo wabantu. Ngitjho nendunduma ye-aldari eBhethe-Eli eyayakhiwe nguJerobhowami umsa kaNebathi, enza ngayo bona u-Israyeli one, indawo yomhlabelo leyo wayibhuruza: Wenza umlilo phezu kwayo bewayitlhifirija; watjhisa no-Atjhera. Kuthe uJosiya asenza lokhu watjhuguluka, amehlwakhe aphoseka phezu kwamaliba agade asemaqadi kwentatjana. Wathumela abantu bona balethe amathambo asemalibeni lawo. Nawo wawatjhisela phezu kwendunduma leyo. Ngendlela le warhubutjha i-aldari. Kwaba njengelizwi lakaSomnini elamenyezelwa phambilini mumuntu kaZimu izintwezi zingakabi ukwenzeka. Ikosi uJosiya yabuza yathi: “Ilitje leliba engilibonakweli lingelani?” Amadoda womuzi ayiphendula athi: “Lisibekiso sethuna lomuntu kaZimu owavela kwaJuda nowaphorofida nge-aldari leBhethe-Eli mayelana nazo zoke izinto osele uzenze kilo.” Bona izwe lokho yathi: “Awa, akaziphumulele. Ningaphazamisi amathambakhe.” Nje-ke balisa amathambo womuntu kaZimu kanye nawomphorofidi owavela eSamariya. UJosiya waragela phambili ngokwenza njengombana gade enze eBhethe-Eli: Wabhuruza amathempedlana aseendundumeni agade akhiwe makhosi wakwa-Israyeli emizini yeSamariya, okwakuzizinto ezathukuthelisa uSomnini uZimu. UJosiya wahlahlela boke abaphristi beendundumezo phezu kwama-aldari bewatjhisa amathambo wabantu phezu kwawo. Emuva kwalokho wabuyela eJerusalema. Ikosi uJosiya yakhupha umyalo oya ebantwini boke yathi: “Gidingelani uSomnini uZimenu umnyanya wePhasika njengombana kutlolwe encwadini yesivumelwano le.” Akhange khekube nePhasika elakhe lagidingwa njengaleli, kusukela ngeenkhathi zabagwebi bakwa-Israyeli nemihleni yoke yamakhosi wakwa-Israyeli newakwaJuda. IPhasikeli, lagidingelwa uSomnini uZimu eJerusalema ngomnyaka wetjhumi nabunane wokubusa kwakaJosiya. Ngaphezu kwalokho uJosiya wathanyela izangoma neenyanga, imihlalandlini, amanyala wabosingazimu nakho koke okunyenyisako okwafunyanwa kwaJuda neJerusalema. Lokhu wakwenza ukuze kuqinisekiswe amezwi womthetho agade atlolwe encwadini eyavunjululwa nguRhilikhiya umphristi endlini kaSomnini. Akhange khekube nekosi eyafana neyenza njengoJosiya ngaphambi kwakhe nangemuva kwakhe, ngokobana iphendukele kuSomnini uZimu ngayo yoke ihliziywayo, umphefumulwayo nangamandlayo ngokulandela woke umthetho kaMosi. Nanyana kunjalo, uSomnini uZimu akhange atjhuguluke ebukhalini bakhe obukhulu, wavutha ngoJuda ngenca yakho koke uManase akwenza ngokumtlhorha ngelihlweni. USomnini wathi: “UJuda naye ngizomthanyela phambi kwami njenganyana ngathanyela u-Israyeli. IJerusalema idorobho engalikhethako ngilidelile kanye nethempeli engatjho ngalo ngathi, ‘Ibizo lami lizakuba lapho.’ ” Zoke izehlakalo zokubusa kwakaJosiya nakho koke akwenzileko kutlolwe encwadini yemilando yamakhosi wakwaJuda. Ngesikhathi uJosiya aseseyikosi, uFaro Nekho ikosi yeGibhide wenyukela emlanjeni iYufrathe bona ayokusiza ikosi ye-Asiriya. Ikosi uJosiya yarhwanta yayomhlangabeza epini, kodwana ekuhlanganeni kwabo uNekho wamsahlela wambulalela eMegido. Iinceku zakaJosiya zaletha isidumbu sakhe zisithwele ngekarana ukusuka eMegido ukuya eJerusalema, zafese zamfihla ethuneni lakhe. Abantu bendawo bathatha uJehowarhazi umsa kaJosiya bamzesa, bambeka waba yikosi esikhundleni sakayise. UJehowarhazi gade aneminyaka ematjhumi amabili nantathu lokha nakathoma ukubusa. Wabusa eJerusalema iinyanga ezintathu. Ibizo lakanina bekunguRhamuthali indodakazi kaJoromiya, weLibhina. UJehowarhazi wenza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini njengaboyisemkhulu. UFaro Nekho wamvalela eRibhila okuyinarha yeRhamathi ukuze angabusi eJerusalema. Wahlawulisa nenarha yakwaJuda bona ithele umthelo oziinkulungwana ezintathu namakhulu amane wamakhilogremu wesiliva namakhilogremu wegolide elimatjhumi amathathu nane. UFaro Nekho wabeka u-Eliyakhimu umsa kaJosiya bona abe yikosi esikhundleni sakayise uJosiya, watjhugulula nebizo laka-Eliyakhimu laba nguJehoyakhimu. Wasusa uJehowarhazi wamusa eGibhide. Wahlongakalela lapho. UJehoyakhimu wahlawulela uFaro ngesiliva negolide. Kodwana ukuze aphumelele ukukhokha inani lemali uFaro ayifunako, kwakufuze aveze indaba yomthelo. Lokho wakwenza ngokuthelisa abantu bendawo. Nje-ke, omunye nomunye umuntu watheliswa ngokuya ngomnotho anawo. UJehoyakhimu gade aneminyaka ematjhumi amabili nahlanu lokha nakathoma ukubusa. Wabusa eJerusalema iminyaka elitjhumi nanye. Ibizo lakanina bekunguZebida indodakazi kaPedaya weRuma. Wenza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini, kwaba njengakho koke okwenziwa boyisemkhulu. Ngesikhathi sokubusa kwakaJehoyakhimu, uNebukadinetsari ikosi yeBhabheli wasahlela inarha. UJehoyakhimu waba yikosi ngaphasi kwakhe iminyaka emithathu. Kodwana wajika wavukela uNebukadinetsari. USomnini uZimu wathumela iinqhema ezimigulukudu zamaKasidi, zama-Aramu, zamaMowabi nama-Amoni bona zijamelane noJehoyakhimu. Wazithumela bona zirhayile uJuda ngokuya ngamezwi awamemezela ngeenceku zakhe abaphorofidi. Mbala izintwezi zenzeka kuJuda ukuya ngomyalo kaSomnini ukuze abasuse phambi kwakhe ngenca yezono zakaManase nangakho koke akwenzako, kanye nokuthulula kwakhe iingazi ezinganamlandu. Ngenca yokobana uManase gade azalise iJerusalema ngeengazi ezinganamlandu, uSomnini uZimu bekangakazimiseli bona athethelele. Zoke izehlakalo zokubusa kwakaJehoyakhimu nakho koke akwenzileko kutlolwe encwadini yemilando yamakhosi wakwaJuda. UJehoyakhimu wahlongakala. UJehoyakini indodanakhe waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. Ikosi yeGibhide akhange isaphumela ngaphandle kwenarhayo godu ngombana ikosi yeBhabheli gade sele ithethe imikhawulwayo kusukela emlanjaneni weGibhide bekwaba semlanjeni iYufrathe. UJehoyakini gade aneminyaka elitjhumi nabunane lokha nakathoma ukubusa. Wabusa eJerusalema iinyanga ezintathu. Ibizo lakanina bekunguNerhutjhita indodakazi ka-Elinathani weJerusalema. Wenza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini, kwaba njengakho koke okwenziwa boyisemkhulu. Ngesikhatheso, iinduna zakaNebukadinetsari ikosi yeBhabheli zakhuphuka zavimbezela iJerusalema. Kwathi lokha iinduna zisazombeleze iJeruselema, uNebukadinetsari ngokwakhe wakhuphukela kiyo. UJehoyakini ikosi yakwaJuda wazinikela ekosini yeBhabheli: yena, unina, iinsebenzi zesigodlo, iinduna zepi kanye neenkhulu zesigodlo. Ikosi yeBhabheli yabopha uJehoyakini lokha nayineminyaka ebunane ibusa. UNebukadinetsari wasusa woke amagugu ethempelini lakaSomnini nesigodlweni. Wanamathulula nezinto zoke zegolide uSolomoni ikosi yakwa-Israyeli agade azenzele ithempeli lakaSomnini, wakhamba nazo. Kwaba njengombana uSomnini uZimu atjho. Wathumba loke iJerusalema: zoke iinduna zepi nazo zoke iingorho zokulwa ebeziziinkulungwana ezilitjhumi, abososino kanye nabosodzila boke. Kwatjhiywa kwaphela iinkhwahla zabantu bendawo. Wadingisela uJehoyakini eBhabheli. Godu wathumba eJerusalema unina lekosi, abomkakhe, iinsebenzi zesigodlo nabosaziwako emphakathini. Godu wathumba abantu bakwaJuda: Woke amadoda anamandla, aziinkulungwana ezilikhomba, boke abososino nabosodzila, abaziinkulungwana, iye zoke iintsitsirimba ezazingakghona ukulwa zathunjelwa eBhabheli yikosi uNebukadinetsari. Wabeka uMataniya usonghwanakhe lakaJehoyakini bona abe yikosi esikhundleni sakaJehoyakini, wamtjhugulula nebizo bona abe nguTsedekhiya. UTsedekhiya gade aneminyaka ematjhumi amabili nanye lokha nakathoma ukubusa. Wabusa eJerusalema iminyaka elitjhumi nanye. Ibizo lakanina bekunguRhamuthali indodakazi kaJoromiya weLibhina. Wenza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini njengoJehoyakhimu. Kwaba ngenca yokusilingeka kwakaSomnini uZimu bona koke lokhu kwenzeke eJerusalema nakwaJuda. Ekugcineni wabathanyela phambi kwakhe. UTsedekhiya wayihlubuka ikosi yeBhabheli. Kwathi ngomnyaka wethoba wokubusa kwakaTsedekhiya, inyanga yetjhumi nayinamalanga alitjhumi, uNebukadinetsari ikosi yeBhabheli nebutho lakhe loke warhwanta asahlela iJerusalema. Waliragelela bewakha iinqabo mazombe nalo. Idorobheli lavinjezelwa bekwaba mnyaka wetjhumi nanye wokubusa kwekosi uTsedekhiya. Indlala beyirhagele khulu ngedorobheni kangangobana abantu bendawo gade bangasenalitho elidliwako. Kwathi ngelanga lethoba lenyanga yesine amaKasidi aphundlukela ngedorobheni ngomthangala. Woke amajoni abaleka afahla ngesango elihlangana nemithangala emibili eya esivandeni sekosi. Nanyana amaBhabheli gade azombeleze idorobho loke, amajoni kanye nekosi abaleka ngendlela yangemrhobeni weJordani. Kodwana ibutho lamaKasidi layilala nje ikosi uTsedekhiya, belayifunyana emrhobeni weJordani hlanu kweJerikho. Woke amajonayo asuswa kiyo aphadlhalajwa. Yona yathunjwa yasiwa ekosini yeBhabheli eRibhila, lapha isigwebo sayo sakhutjhwa khona. Amadodana kaTsedekhiya abulawa phambi kwakhe aqalile. Emva kwalokho bagobhodlha amehlwakhe, bambopha ngamakhamandela wekoporo bamusa eBhabheli. Ngomnyaka wetjhumi nethoba wokubusa kwakaNebukadinetsari ikosi yeBhabheli, lokha inyanga yesihlanu inamalanga alikhomba, uNebuzaradani umphathi wobuzimba oyinduna yekosi yeBhabheli, weza eJerusalema. Wafese wathungelela ithempeli lakaSomnini, isigodlo nezindlu zoke zeJerusalema ngomlilo. Waqothula nezakhiwo zoke eziqakathekileko. Ibutho lamaKasidi elalingaphasi komphathi wobuzimba lephula umthangala ozombeleze iJerusalema. Labo abazinikela ekosini yeBhabheli ngesikhathi sokuvinjezelwa kweJerusalema, iinhlabani zamadoda egade zisasele ngedorobheni kanye nenengi labantu badingiswa nguNebuzaradani umphathi wobuzimba. Watjhiya enarheni abanye balabo abakhwahlileko bona babe balimi nabatjheji besidiribe. AmaKasidi ephula iinsika zekoporo, iinjamiso zezitja zokuhlambela kanye nebhada ekulu yekoporo okwakugade kusethempelini lakaSomnini, athwala ikoporwelo alisa eBhabheli. Athwala ngitjho neempoto, iintjhefula, iinquntapete, izitjana nakho koke kwekoporo okusetjenziselwa ukulotjha ngethempelini. Umphathi wobuzimba wathatha izitja zokutjhisela itjhwalo nezitja zokunyenyeza, zoke zazenziwe ngegolide nangesiliva elitsengileko. Ikoporo yeensika ezimbili, yebhada ekulu neyeenkoloyana uSolomoni azenzela ithempeli lakaSomnini, zazingaphezu kwesilinganiso. Enye nenye ikoporo beyimamitha alithoba ukuphakama. Phezu kwayo kunepundu yekoporo elimitha nesiquntu ukuphakama, ikghatjiswe yoke mazombe ngemiluko nangamarharinada wekoporo. Isika yesibili nayo gade ifana neyokuthoma ngomluko. Umphathi wobuzimba wathumba uSeraya umphristi omkhulu, uZefaniya ongaphasi kwakhe ngesikhundla kanye nabalindi besango abathathu njengeembotjhwa. EJerusalema wathatha isikhulu samajoni nabeluleki abahlanu bekosi ebegade basese ngedorobhenapho, umabhalana womphathibutho ogade abizela abantu bendawo epini kanye namatjhumi asithandathu wabantu bendawo nabo ebegade basese ngedorobheni. UNebuzaradani umphathi wobuzimba wabathatha boke abantwaba wabaletha ekosini yeBhabheli eRibhila. Ikosi yeBhabheli yabamadlha beyababulalela khona eRibhila, enarheni yeRhamathi. Nje-ke uJuda wathunjelwa kude nendawo yekhabo. UNebukadinetsari ikosi yeBhabheli wakhetha uGedaliya umsa ka-Arhikhamu omsa kaTjhafani bona abuse boke abantu ebegade batjhiywe emuva kwaJuda. Kwathi lokha zoke iinkhulu zebutho namadoda anazo nazizwa bona ikosi yeBhabheli ikhethe uGedaliya bonyana abe mbusi, zeza kuGedaliya eMitsipha. Zona bekungu-Itjhimayeli umsa kaNetaniya, uJorhanani umsa kaKhareyarhi, uSeraya umsa kaTanirhumethi omNethofathi, uJazaniya umsa kaMakathi kanye namadoda akhamba nazo. UGedaliya wenza isifungo kizo nemadodeni anazo wabaqinisekisa wathi: “Ningesabi iinkhulu zamaKasidi. Nanihlala enarheni, nilotjhe ikosi yeBhabheli, kuzanikhambela kuhle.” Kodwana kwathi ngenyanga yekhomba, u-Itjhimayeli umsa kaNathaniya omsa ka-Elitjhama ongoweengazi zebukhosini, weza namadoda alitjhumi wasahlela bewabulala uGedaliya, amadoda wakwaJuda namaKasidi agade anaye eMitsipha. Ngalokhu, boke abantu kusukela kwabakhulu ukuya kwabancani kanye neenduna zebutho, barhaba babalekela eGibhide ngebanga lokwesaba amaKasidi. Mhla amalanga amatjhumi amabili nekhomba enyangeni yetjhumi nambili womnyaka wamatjhumi amathathu nekhomba wokudingiswa kwakaJehoyakini ikosi yakwaJuda, u-Evili-Merodaki nakathoma ukubusa eBhabheli, watjhaphulula uJehoyakini esikhungweni. Wakhuluma kuhle naye bewamnikela isikhundla esihloniphekako esingaphezu kwamanye amakhosi agade anaye eBhabheli, nje-ke uJehoyakini akhange asembatha izambatho zangesikhungweni. Soke isikhathi sokuphila kwakhe wagoma njalonjalo etafuleni lekosi yeBhabheli. Ilanga nelanga ikosi yanikela uJehoyakini isibonelelo ipilwakhe yoke. U-Adamu, uTjhethi, u-Enotjhi, uKhenani, uMarhalalela, uJaredi, u-Inoko, uMetutjhelarhi, uLameka, uNowarhi, uTjhemu, uRhamu noJafethi. Amadodana kaJafethi bekunguGomeri, uMagogi, uMadayi, uJavana, uTubali, uMetjheki noTirasi. Amadodana kaGomeri kungu-Atjhikenazi, uDifathi noTogarima. Iinzukulwana zakaJavana bekungu-Elitjha, uTaratjhitjhi, amaKithi namaRodani. Amadodana kaRhamu bekunguKutjhe, uGibhide, uPhuthi noKanana. Amadodana kaKutjhe kunguSeba, uRhavila, uSabita, uRama noSabiteka. Amadodana kaRama kunguTjheba noDedani. UKutjhe wabeletha uNimrodi owaba yindlhondlho yokuthoma ephasini. UGibhide wabeletha amaLudi, ama-Anami, amaLerhabi, amaNafiturhi, amaPatrusi, amaKasilurhi (lapha amaFilista avela khona) namaKafitori. UKanana wabeletha uTsidoni olizibulo lakhe, noRhethi; godu gade angukhokho wamaJebusi, ama-Amori, amaGirigatjhi, amaRhivi, ama-Arikhi, amaSini, ama-Arivadi, amaTsemari namaRhamathi. Amadodana kaTjhemu bekungu-Elamu, u-Atjhuri, u-Aripakitjhadi, uLudi, u-Aramu, u-Utsi, uRhuli, uGeteri noMetjheki. U-Aripakitjhadi wabeletha uTjhelarhi; uTjhelarhi wabeletha u-Ebhere. U-Ebhere wabeletha amadodana amabili, enye beyibizwa bona nguPelegi ngombana ngeenkhathi zakhe izizwe zephasi bezihlukene. Umnakwabo gade abizwa bona nguJokhithani. UJokithani wabeletha u-Almodadi, uTjhelefi, uRhatsarimavethi, uJerarhi, uHadoramu, u-Uzali, uDikhila, u-Ebhali, u-Abimayeli, uTjheba, u-Ofiri, uRhavila noJobabi. Boke labo bekumadodana kaJokhithani. Yeke abokhokho baka-Abramu owabizwa bona ngu-Abrahamu ngilaba: UTjhemu, u-Aripakitjhadi, uTjhelarhi, u-Ebhere, uPelegi, uRewu, uSerugu, uNarhori noTherarhi. Amadodana ka-Abrahamu bekungu-Isaka no-Itjhimayeli. Nanzi iinzukulwana zawo: Izibulo laka-Itjhimayeli bekunguNebayothi bese kuba nguKhedari, u-Adibiyeli, uMibisamu, uMitjhima, uDuma, uMasa, uRhadadi, uTema, uJethuri, uNafitjhi noKhedema. Boke laba bekumadodana ka-Itjhimayeli. Amadodana abelethwa nguKhethura umngena waka-Abrahamu bekunguZimrani, uJokhitjhani, uMedani, uMidiyani, uYitjhibhakhi noTjhuwarhi. Amadodana kaJokhitjhani bekunguTjheba noDedani. Amadodana kaMidiyani bekungu-Efa, u-Eferi, uRhanoki, u-Abida no-Elidaya. Boke laba bekuziinzukulwana zakaKhethura. U-Abrahamu wabeletha u-Isaka. Amadodana ka-Isaka bekungu-Esewu no-Israyeli. Amadodana ka-Esewu kungu-Elifazi, uRewuyeli, uJewutjhi, uJalamu noKhorarhi. Amadodana ka-Elifazi kunguTemani, u-Omari, uTsefi, uGatamu, uKhenazi, uTimna no-Amalekhi. Amadodana kaRewuyeli kunguNarhathi, uZerarhi, uTjhama noMiza. Amadodana kaSeyiri kunguLothani, uTjhobali, uTsibiyoni, u-Ana, uDitjhoni, u-Etseri noDitjhani. Amadodana kaLothani kunguRhori noHomamu. UTimna angudadwabo lakaLothani. Amadodana kaTjhobali kungu-Aliyani, uManarhathi, u-Ebhali, uTjhefi no-Onamu. Amadodana kaTsibiyoni kungu-Aya no-Ana. Indodana ka-Ana kunguDitjhoni. Amadodana kaDitjhoni kunguRhamrani, u-Etjhibhani, uJitirani noKerana. Amadodana ka-Etseri bekunguBhilihani, uZavani noJakhani. Amadodana kaDitjhoni kungu-Utsa no-Arani. Lawa kwaba makhosi abusa kwa-Edomu ngaphambi kokobana ikosi yakwa-Israyeli ibuse naphezu kwama-Edomu: UBhela umsa kaBhewori ovela edorobheni leDinihaba. Lokha uBhela nakahlongakalako, uJobabi umsa kaZerarhi weBhotsira waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. Kwathi nakuhlongakala uJobabi, uRhutjhamu wenarheni yamaTemani waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. Nakuhlongakala uRhutjhamu, uHadadi umsa kaBhedadi owasahlela bakwaMidiyani emmangweni wakwaMowabi, waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. Idorobho avela kilo bekuyi-Avithi. Lokha uHadadi nakahlongakalako, uSamla weMasirekha waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. Kwathi lokha nakuhlongakala uSamla, uSawula weRerhobhothi magegana nomlambo waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. Nakuhlongakala uSawula, uBhali-Rhanani umsa ka-Akibhori waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. Lokha uBhali-Rhanani nakahlongakalako, uHadadi waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. Idorobho lakhe labizwa bona yiPayi; ibizo lomkakhe bekunguMehethabheli indodakazi kaMathiredi oyindodakazi kaMezahabu. Lokha uHadadi nakahlongakalako, amakhosana alandelako la, abusa kwa-Edomu: ikosana uTimna, ikosana u-Aliva, ikosana uJetethi, ikosana u-Oholibama, ikosana u-Ela, ikosana uPinoni, ikosana uKhenazi, ikosana uTemani, ikosana uMibitsari, ikosana uMagidiyeli, nekosana u-Iramu. Lawo bekumakhosana wakwa-Edomu. Naka amadodana ka-Israyeli: nguRubeni, uSimiyoni, uLevi, uJuda, u-Isakari, uZebuloni, uDani, uJosefa, uBhenjamini, uNafitali, uGadi no-Atjheri. Amadodana kaJuda bekungu-Eri, u-Onani noTjhela. Amadodana amathathu wawabelethelwa nguBhathi-Tjhuwa umKanana. U-Eri izibulo lakaJuda bekanobukhohlakali phambi kwakaSomnini, yeke uSomnini wamnikelela ekufeni. UTamari umalukazana kaJuda, wambelethela uPeretsi noZerarhi. Amadodana kaJuda gade amahlanu nasele awoke. Amadodana kaPeretsi bekunguRhetsironi noRhamuli. Amadodana kaZerarhi bekunguZimri, u-Etani, uHemani, uKalikoli noDara; sele awoke bekamahlanu. Umsa kaKarimi bekungu-Akari, owabangela bona ama-Israyeli ehlelwe yihlekelele ngokuthatha lokho ebegade kuzilwa bona kuthintwe. Umsa ka-Ethani bekungu-Azariya. Amadodana abelethelwa uRhetsironi bekunguJerarhimiyeli, uRamu noKalebi. URamu wabeletha u-Aminadabi, u-Aminadabi wabeletha uNarhitjhoni umrholi wabantu bakwaJuda. UNarhitjhoni wabeletha uSalima, uSalima wabeletha uBhowazi, uBhowazi wabeletha u-Obede, u-Obede wabeletha uJese. UJese wabeletha u-Eliyabu olizibulo lakhe; wesibili kungu-Abinadabi, wesithathu kunguTjhimeya, wesine kunguNathaneli, wesihlanu kunguRadayi, wesithandathu kungu-Otsemu bese kuba nguDavida wekhomba. Abodadwabo bekunguTseruya no-Abigeyili. U-Abitjhayi noJowabi kanye no-Asayeli bekumadodana amathathu kaTseruya. U-Abigeyili wabeletha u-Amasa. Uyise ka-Amasa kunguJeteri umItjhimayeli. UKalebi umsa kaRhetsironi wabeletha abantwana no-Azuba umkakhe. Godu wabeletha abantwana noJeriyothi. Naka-ke amadodana ka-Azuba: nguJetjheri, uTjhobabi no-Aridoni. Ekuhlongakaleni kwaka-Azuba, uKalebi wathatha u-Efrata owambelethela uRhuri. URhuri wabeletha u-Uri, u-Uri wabeletha uBhetsaleli. Emva kwalokho uRhetsironi wathatha indodakazi kaMakiri umsunguli weGiliyadi. Gade ineminyaka ematjhumi asithandathu lokha nayithathako bona ibe mkakhe. Yona yambelethela uSegubi. USegubi wabeletha uJayire. (UJayire waba nemizi ematjhumi amabili nantathu enarheni yakwaGiliyadi. Wangenela inarha yeGetjhuri ne-Aramu, wathumba imizi yamatende kaJayire, iKhenathi kanye nemizayo. Kwaba mimizi ematjhumi asithandathu sele iyoke.) Boke labo bekuziinzukulwana zakaMakiri umsunguli weGiliyadi. Kodwana emva kokobana uRhetsironi ahlongakalele eKalebi-Efrata, u-Abiya umkakhe wasala ambelethela u-Atjhirhuri umsunguli weTekhowa. Amadodana kaJerarhimiyeli olizibulo lakaRhetsironi bekunguRamu izibulo kulandele uBhuna, u-Orene, u-Otsemu no-Arhiya. UJerarhimiyeli gade anomunye umfazi, ibizo lakhe kungu-Athara angunina laka-Onamu. Amadodana kaRamu olizibulo lakaJerarhimiyeli bekunguMatsi, uJamini no-Ekheri. Amadodana ka-Onamu kunguTjhamayi noJada. Amadodana kaTjhamayi kunguNadabi no-Abitjhuri. Ibizo lomka Abitjhuri bekungu-Abihayili. Yena wambelethela u-Arhibhani noMolidi. Amadodana kaNadabi bekunguSeledi no-Apayimu. USeledi wahlongakala anganamntwana. Umsa ka-Apayimi bekunguYitjhi, umsa kaYitjhi kunguTjhetjhani, umsa kaTjhetjhani kungu-Arhilayi. Amadodana kaJada umnakwabo lakaTjhamayi bekunguJeteri noJonathani. UJeteri wahlongakala anganamntwana. Amadodana kaJonathani bekunguPelethi noZaza. Boke labo, bekuziinzukulwana zakaJerarhimiyeli. UTjhetjhani bekanganamadodana kodwana anabentazana kwaphela. Gade anesisebenzi somGibhide ibizo laso kunguJarirha. UTjhetjhani wanikela indodakazakhe bona ithathwe sisebenzi sakhe uJarirha. Yona yambelethela u-Atayi. U-Atayi wabeletha uNathani, uNathani wabeletha uZabadi. UZabadi wabeletha u-Efilali, u-Efilali wabeletha u-Obede. U-Obede wabeletha uJehu, uJehu wabeletha u-Azariya. U-Azariya wabeletha uRheletsi, uRheletsi wabeletha u-Eliyasa. U-Eliyasa wabeletha uSisimayi, uSisimayi wabeletha uTjhalumu. UTjhalumu wabeletha uJekhamiya, uJekhamiya wabeletha u-Elitjhama. Amadodana kaKalebi ongumnakwabo lakaJerarhimiyeli bekunguMetjha izibulo lakhe. UMetjha waba msunguli weZifu, indodanakhe kunguMaretjha umsunguli weRhebroni. Abantu beRhebroni bekunguKhorarhi, uTapuwarhi, uRekhemu noTjhema. UTjhema wabeletha uRarhamu umsunguli weJorokhowamu. URekhemu wabeletha uTjhamayi. Umsa kaTjhamayi bekunguMawoni umsunguli weBhethe-Tsuri. Umngena wakaKalebi, u-Efa, wambelethela uRharana, uMotsa noGazezi. URharana wabeletha uGazezi. Amadodana kaJodayi bekunguRegemu, uJotamu, uGetjhana, uPelethi, u-Efa noTjhafu. Umngena omunye wakaKalebi, uMaka, wambelethela uTjhebheri noTirirhana. Wabuya wambelethela uTjhafu umsunguli weMadimana, noTjheva umsunguli weMakibhena neGiba. Indodakazi kaKalebi bekungu-Aksa. Ezinye iinzukulwana zakaKalebi bekumadodana kaRhuri olizibulo laka-Efrata: uTjhobali amsunguli weKhiriyathi-Jeyarimu, uSalima amsunguli weBhethe-Lehema noRharefu umsunguli weBhethe-Gaderi. Iinzukulwana zakaTjhobali umsunguli weKhiriyathi-Jeyarimu, bekunguReyaya kanye nengcenye yamaManarha. Imindeni yeKhiriyathi-Jeyarimi bekumaJiteri, amaPuthi, amaTjhuma namaMitjhira. Esizukulwanenesi kulapha kwavela khona amaTsora nama-Etjhitawuli. KuSalima kwadabuka amaBhethe-Lehema, amaNethofa, ama-Athirothi-Bhethe-Jowabi, ingcenye yamaManarha, amaTsori nemindeni yabatloli abagade bahlala eJabetsi, okutjho amaTira, amaTjhimiya namaSuka. Lawa bekumaKhena adabuka kuRhamathi umsunguli wesigungu samaRekabi. Amadodana kaDavida awabelethelwa eRhebroni ngilawa: Izibulo bekungu-Amnoni ku-Arhinowamu weJizriyela; yesibili kunguDanyela ku-Abigeyili weKarameli; yesithathu bekungu-Absalomu kuMaka indodakazi kaTalimayi ikosi yeGetjhuri; wesine kungu-Adoniya kuRhagithi; yesihlanu bekunguTjhefathiya ku-Abithali, kuthi yesithandathu kube nguJitriyamu ku-Egila umkakhe. Amadodana amathandathu la uDavida wabelethelwa wona eRhebroni, lapha abusa khona iminyaka elikhomba neenyanga ezithandathu. UDavida wabusa eJerusalema iminyaka ematjhumi amathathu namithathu. Napa-ke abelethelwa bona eJerusalema: NguTjhimeya, uTjhobabi, uNathani noSolomoni. Abane labo bebabelethwe nguBhathi-Tjhuwa indodakazi ka-Amiyeli. Gade kunamanye amadodana alithoba: Wona kunguJibirhari, u-Elitjhuwa, u-Elifelethi, uNoga, uNefegi, uJafiya, u-Elitjhama, u-Eliyada no-Elifelethi. Woke lawo bekumadodana kaDavida, kungasabalwa amadodana wemingena. UTamari gade kungudadwabo. USolomoni gade anguyise kaRerhobhowamu onguyise ka-Abiya uyise ka-Asa onguyise kaJehotjhafathi, uyise kaJehoramu onguyise ka-Arhaziya, uyise kaJowatjhi onguyise ka-Amatsiya, uyise ka-Azariya onguyise kaJotamu, uyise ka-Arhazi onguyise kaHezekhiya, uyise kaManase onguyise ka-Amoni, uyise kaJosiya. Amadodana kaJosiya bekunguJorhanani izibulo, yesibili kunguJehoyakhimu, yesithathu bekunguTsedekhiya, yesine kunguTjhalumu. Amadodana kaJehoyakhimu bekunguJekoniya uyise kaTsedekhiya. Amadodana kaJekoniya ngesikhathi sokuthunjwa kwakhe bekunguTjheyalitiyeli, uMalikiramu, uPedaya, uTjhenatsari, uJekhamiya, uHotjhama noNedabiya. Amadodana kaPedaya bekunguZerubhabheli noTjhimeyi. Amadodana kaZerubhabheli kunguMetjhulamu noRhananiya. UTjhelomithi bekungudadwabo. Gade kukhona abahlanu godu: bona kunguRhatjhubha, u-Oheli, uBherekiya, uRhasadiya kanye noJutjhabi-Rhesedi. Iinzukulwana zakaRhananiya bekunguPelathiya no-Isaya onguyise kaRefaya, uyise ka-Arinani onguyise ka-Obadiya, uyise kaTjhekaniya. Iinzukulwana zakaTjhekaniya kunguTjhemaya namadodanakhe uRhathutjhi, uJigali, uBhariyarhi, uNeyariya noTjhafathi; bebabathandathu sebaboke. Amadodana kaNeyariya kungu-Elijowenayi, uHezekhiya no-Azrikhamu; bebabathathu sebaboke. Amadodana ka-Elijowenayi kunguHodaviya, u-Eliyatjhibu, uPelaya, u-Akhubu, uJorhanana, uDelaya no-Anani; bebalikhomba sebaboke. Iinzukulwana zakaJuda bekunguPeretsi, uRhetsironi, uKarimi, uRhuri noTjhobali. UReyaya indodana kaTjhobali wabeletha uJarhata; uJarhata wabeletha u-Arhumayi noLarhadi. Labo bekumindeni yamaTsora. UJizriyela, uYitjhima noJidibhatjhi bekubasunguli be-Ethamu. Udadwabo bekunguHatsileliponi. UPhenuweli waba msunguli weGedori no-Ezeri waba msunguli weRhutjha. Lezi bekuziinzukulwana zakaRhuri olizibulo laka-Efrata. URhuri waba ngukhokho wamaBhethe-Lehema. U-Atjhirhuri umsunguli weTekhowa gade anabafazi ababili, uRhela noNara. UNara wambelethela u-Arhuzamu, uRheferi nabokhokho bamaTemeni kanye nama-Arhatjhitari. Lezo bekuziinzukulwana zakaNara. Amadodana kaRhela bekunguTserethi, uTsorhari no-Etinani. UKotsi wabeletha u-Anubi noTsobeba. Godu waba ngukhokho womndeni waka-Arharirheli umsa kaHarumu. UJabetsi gade ahlonipheka khulu kunabafowabo. Unina wamthiya ibizo lakaJabetsi asitjho ukuthi: “Ngambeletha ngiseenhlungwini.” UJabetsi wathandaza kuZimu wakwa-Israyeli wathi: “Hawu Somnini, kwanga ungangibusisa khulu wandise nemikhawulwami! Beka isandla sakho phezu kwami, ungivikele eengozini bonyana ngibe kude neenhlungu.” Ngambala uZimu wezwa isibawo sakhe. UKelubi umnakwabo lakaTjhurha wabeletha uMerhiri onguyise ka-Etjhitoni. U-Etjhitoni wabeletha indlu yakaRafa, uPaseyarha noTerhina umsunguli wedorobho iNarhatjhi. Labo bekubabantu beReka. Amadodana kaKenazi bekungu-Otiniyeli noSeraya. Amadodana ka-Otiniyeli kunguRhatathi noMewonotayi owabeletha u-Ofira. USeraya wabeletha uJowabi umsunguli womrhoba wabososino. Bathiyelelwa bunje ngombana bekubabantu ababososino. Amadodana kaKalebi umsa kaJefune bekungu-Iru, u-Ela noNamu. Umsa ka-Ela kunguKenazi. Amadodana kaJehaleleli bekunguZifu noZifa, uTiriya no-Asariyeli. Amadodana ka-Ezra bekunguJeteri, uMeredi, u-Eferi noJaloni. UMeredi wathatha uBhitiya indodakazi kaFaro, wambelethela uMiriyamu, uTjhamayi no-Yitjhibharhi umsunguli we-Etjhitemowa. Labo bekubantwana bakaBhithiya. Umkakhe weJudiya wambelethela uJeredi umsunguli weGedori, uRheberi umsunguli weSoko noJekhutiyeli umsunguli weZanuwarhi. UHodiya wathatha udadwabo kaNarhamu. Iinzukulwana zakhe bekumaGarimu abahlali beKheyila, namaMaka abahlali be-Etjhitemowa. Amadodana kaTjhimoni bekungu-Amnoni, uRina, uBhen-Rhanani noTiloni. Iinzukulwana zakaYitjhi bekunguZorhethi noBhen-Zorhethi. Amadodana kaTjhela umsa kaJuda bekungu-Eri onguyise kaLeka noLada umsunguli weMaretjha kanye nemindeni yesigungu sabaluki belineni eBhethe-Atjhibeya. Godu gade anguyise kaJokhimu nabantu beKozeba, kanye noJowatjhi noSarafu abatjhada emndenini wamaMowabi bebahlala khona; kodwana babuyela eBhethe-Lehema godu, ukuya ngokwesiko lakade. Bekubabumbi egade bahlala eNethayimu neGedera, basebenzela ikosi yakhona. Iinzukulwana zakaSimiyoni bekunguNemuweli, uJamini, uJaribi, uZerarhi noSawula. USawula gade anguyise kaTjhalumu onguyise kaMibisamu uyise kaMitjhima. Iinzukulwana zakaMitjhima kunguRhamuweli, uyise kaZakuru onguyise kaTjhimeyi. UTjhimeyi gade anamadodana alitjhumi nathandathu namadodakazi asithandathu. Kodwana abafowabo akhange babe nabentwana abanengi. Nje-ke, ikoro yakwaSimiyoni akhange ibe yinengi njengeyabantu bakwaJuda. Gade bahlala eBheritjheba, eMolada, eRhatsari-Tjhuwali, eBhilirha, e-Etsemu, eToladi, eBhethuweli, eRhorima, eTsikhilagi, eBhethe-Marikabothi, eRhatsari-Susimu, eBhethe-Bhiri neTjharayimu. Lawo bekumadorobho kanye nemizawo bekwaba sikhathi sokubusa kwakaDavida. Godu bebanamadorobho amanye amahlanu: i-Ethamu, i-Ayini, iRimoni, iTokeni ne-Atjhani, kanye nemizana yoke ewabhodileko bekube seBhali. Lezi-ke, bekuziindawo zabo zokuhlala. Amabizo agade aserhelweni leenzukulwana zabo bekungilawa: uMetjhobabi, uJamleki, uJotjha umsa ka-Amatsiya, uJuweli, uJehu, umsa kaJotjhibiya omsa kaSeraya, umsa ka-Asiyeli, u-Eliyowenayi, uJakhobha, uJetjhorhaya, u-Asaya, u-Adiyeli, uJesimiyeli, uBhenaya, uZiza, umsa kaTjhifi omsa ka-Aloni, umsa kaJedaya omsa kaTjhimri, umsa kaTjhemaya. Boke ababaliwekwabo gade babarholi bemindenabo. Kwathi lokha imindenabo nayikhula ngamandla, baya esangweni lomrhoba weGedoro ukuya ngepumalanga yawo, bafunela izimvu neembuzi zabo amadlelo. Bafunyana bonyana amadlelo anothile, inarha isithabathaba nokobana inokuthula godu izothile ngombana ngesikhatheso amaRhamu amanye gade ahlala lapho. Bekusemihleni kaHezekhiya, ikosi yakwaJuda lokha amadoda aserhelweni ngehla nakangenela inarha. Abhubhisa imizi yamatende wabahlali kanye nemithombo yamanzi; abe amadlha nabantu egade bahlala lapho kangangobana akhange basabuya. Ahlala endawenabo ngombana gade inamadlelo aneleko wezimvu neembuzi zawo. Amakhulu amahlanu wabantwaba okungebekoro kaSimiyoni baphuma baya eentabeni zeSeyira barholwa nguPelatiya, uNiyariya, uRefaya no-Uziyeli okumadodana kaYitjhi. Babulala ama-Amalekhi agade asasele lapho asindile, nanamhlanje basahlala lapho. URubeni gade alizibulo laka-Israyeli. Kodwana wasilaphaza umbhede kayise, yeke amalungelo wobuzibulo bakhe anikelwa amadodana kaJosefa umsa ka-Israyeli nanyana yena gade angabalwa ebuzibulweni. UJuda waba namandla ukudlula abafowabo, khulukhulu umrholi owavela kuye, kodwana ilungelo lobuzibulo laba ngelakaJosefa. Amadodana kaRubeni izibulo laka-Israyeli bekunguRhanokhi, uPalu, uRhetsironi noKarimi. Iinzukulwana zakaJuweli ngilezi: uJuweli anguyise kaTjhemaya onguyise kaGogi, uyise kaTjhimeyi onguyise kaMikha, uyise kaReyaya onguyise kaBhali, uyise kaBhera owadingiswa nguTigilathi-Pileseri ikosi ye-Asiriya. UBhera lo, gade amrholi wekoro yakwaRubeni. Abafowabo kaBhera ngokuya ngemindenabo njengombana itlolwe ngokulandelana kwayo bekungilaba: uJehiyeli oyihloko, uZakariya noBhela umsa ka-Azazi omsa kaTjhema umsa kaJuweli. Umndeni kaBhela wahlala enarheni ye-Aroweri ukuya eNebo neBhali-Mewoni. Ngepumalanga ikoro kaRubeni yahlala ukuyela ngemkhawulweni werhalawumba nganeno komlambo iYufrathe ngombana ifuywayo beyandile sele iminyana enarheni yeGiliyadi. Bekusemihleni kaSawula lokha bakwaRubeni nabasahlela amaHagari bebawahlula. Bahlala emizinawo yamatende esifundeni soke sangepumalanga yeGiliyadi. Iinzukulwana zakaGadi gade zihlala eBhatjhani ukuya ngeSaleka endaweni eseduze nebakwaRubeni. UJuweli gade ayihloko eBhatjhani, kulandele uTjhafamu bese kuza uJanayi noTjhafathi. EGiliyadi u-Arhi umsa ka-Abidiyeli omsa kaGuni gade ayihloko yemindeni egade irholwa nguMikhayeli, uMetjhulamu, uTjheba, uJorayi, uJakani, uZiya no-Ebhere, bebalikhomba sebaboke. Labo bekumadodana ka-Abirhayili umsa kaRhuri omsa kaJarowarhi umsa kaGiliyadi omsa kaMikhayeli umsa kaYetjhitjhayi omsa kaJarhido umsa kaBhuzi. AmaGadi gade ahlala emizaneni yeGiliyadi neBhatjhani kanye nemirhuleni yeTjharoni ukuya ngemaphethelwenayo. Yoke imindeni le beyitloliswe erhelweni leenzukulwana ngesikhathi sokubusa kwakaJotamu ikosi yakwaJuda noJerobhowamu ikosi yakwa-Israyeli. BakwaRubeni, bakwaGadi nesiquntu sekoro yakwaManase gade baneengorho ezibandulelwe ukulwa ngesabula nesihlangu kanye nangomsebe; banekghono lepi. Bebanamatjhumi amane nane weenkulungwana namakhulu alikhomba anamatjhumi asithandathu wabantu ebebalungele ipi. Balwa nebakwaHagari, okutjho iinkoro zamaJethuri, amaNafitjhi namaNodabi. UZimu wabasiza wanikela bakwaHagari nabo boke abanabo ezandleni zabo ngombana balila kuye ngesikhathi sepi. Waphendula imithandazwabo ngombana gade bamthemba. Bathumba ifuyo yabakwaHagari: iinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amahlanu weenkamela, iinkulungwana ezimakhulu amabili namatjhumi amahlanu wezimvu, iinkulungwana ezimbili zabodumbana kanye nabantu abalikhulu leenkulungwana. Inengi labantu laradlhwa phasi lafa ngombana ipi beyingeyakaZimu. Bahlala enarheni leyo bekwaba sikhathi sokuthunjwa kwabo. Isiquntu sekoro yakwaManase besisinengi khulu. Besihlala enarheni yeBhatjhani ukuya ngemikhawulweni yangetlhagwini yeBhali-Rherimoni, neentabeni zeSeniri neRherimoni. Iinhloko zemindenaso bekungu-Eferi, uYitjhi, u-Eliyeli, u-Azriyeli, uJoromiya, uHodaviya noJarhidiyeli. Bekuziingorho, iinhloko zemindeni ezinedumo. Kodwana bebangakathembeki kuZimu waboyisemkhulu, badlhemadlhema ngemva kwabosingazimu babantu benarha leyo, abantu uZimu ababhubhisa phambi kwabo. Nje-ke uZimu wakwa-Israyeli wavusa ummoya kaPhuli ikosi ye-Asiriya (ogade asaziwa ngelikaTiligathi-Pilineseri). UPhuli wadingisa bakwaRubeni, bakwaGadi nesiquntu sekoro yakwaManase wabahlalisa eRhalarhi, eRhabori, eHara nangemlanjeni iGozani. Basese lapho nanamhlanje. Amadodana kaLevi bekunguGeritjhoni, uKhehathi noMerari. Amadodana kaKhehathi kungu-Amramu, uJitsihari, uRhebroni no-Uziyeli. Abantwana baka-Amramu kungu-Aroni, uMosi noMiriyamu. Amadodana ka-Aroni kunguNadabi, u-Abihu, u-Elazara no-Itamara. U-Elazara wabeletha uFiniyasi; uFiniyasi wabeletha u-Abitjhuwa. U-Abitjhuwa wabeletha uBhukhi; uBhukhi wabeletha u-Uzi. U-Uzi wabeletha uZerarhiya; uZerarhiya wabeletha uMerayothi. UMerayothi wabeletha u-Amariya; u-Amariya wabeletha u-Arhithubi. U-Arhithubi wabeletha uTsadokhi; uTsadokhi wabeletha u-Arhimahatsi. U-Arhimahatsi wabeletha u-Azariya; u-Azariya wabeletha uJorhanana. UJorhanana wabeletha u-Azariya. (Yena waba mphristi wokuthoma ethempelini elakhiwe nguSolomoni eJerusalema.) U-Azariya wabeletha u-Amariya; u-Amariya wabeletha u-Arhithubi. U-Arhithubi wabeletha uTsadokhi; uTsadokhi wabeletha uTjhalumu. UTjhalumu wabeletha uRhilikhiya; uRhilikhiya wabeletha u-Azariya. U-Azariya wabeletha uSeraya; uSeraya wabeletha uJehotsadakhi. UJehotsadakhi wathunjwa ngesikhathi uSomnini anikela uJuda neJerusalema esandleni sakaNebukadinetsari. Amadodana kaLevi bekunguGeritjhomu, uKhehathi noMerari. Lawa mabizo wamadodana kaGeritjhomu: uLibini noTjhimeyi. Amadodana kaKhehathi bekungu-Amramu, uJitsihari, uRhebroni no-Uziyeli. Amadodana kaMerari bekunguMarhili noMutjhi. Laba bekumindeni yamaLevi ukuya ngabokhokhwabo: UGeritjhomu gade anguyise kaLibini onguyise kaJarhathi, uyise kaZima onguyise kaJowarhi, uyise ka-Ido onguyise kaZerarhi, uyise kaJeyathirayi. UKhehathi gade anguyise ka-Aminadabi onguyise kaKhorarhi, uyise ka-Asiri onguyise ka-Elikhana, uyise ka-Ebiyasafu onguyise ka-Asiri, uyise kaTarhathi onguyise ka-Uriyeli, uyise ka-Uziya onguyise kaSawula. Amanye amadodana ka-Elikhana bekungu-Amasayi no-Arhimothi. U-Arhimothi gade anguyise ka-Elikhana onguyise kaTsofayi, uyise kaNarhathi onguyise ka-Eliyabu, uyise kaJerorhamu onguyise ka-Elikhana. Amadodana kaSamyela bekunguJuweli izibulo, yesibili kungu-Abiya. Iinzukulwana zakaMerari bekunguMarhili onguyise kaLibini, uyise kaTjhimeyi onguyise ka-Uza, uyise kaTjhimeya onguyise kaRhagiya, uyise ka-Asaya. UDavida wabeka amadoda bona aphathe zomvumo endlini kaSomnini emva kokobana umfaji wesivumelwano uhlaliswe lapho. Alotjha ngomvumo phambi kwethaberinakeli okulitende lokuhlanganela, bekwaba sikhathi lapha uSolomoni akha khona ithempeli lakaSomnini eJerusalema. Enza imisebenzawo ngokuya ngomyalo abekelwa wona. Naka amadoda enza umsebenzi lo ngokumukeza aboyise: KebakwaKhehathi umkhaleli bekunguHemani, umsa kaJuweli omsa kaSamyela, umsa ka-Elikhana omsa kaJerorhamu, umsa ka-Eliyeli omsa kaTowarhi, umsa kaTsufi omsa ka-Elikhana, umsa kaMarhathi omsa ka-Amasayi, umsa ka-Elikhana omsa kaJuweli, umsa ka-Azariya omsa kaTsefaniya, umsa kaTarhathi omsa ka-Asiri, umsa ka-Ebijasafu omsa kaKhorarhi, umsa kaJitsirhari omsa kaKhenathi, umsa kaLevi omsa ka-Israyeli. U-Asafa umfowabo kaHemani wajama ngesidleni sakhe. U-Asafa bekuyindodana kaBherekiya, umsa kaTjhimeya omsa kaMikayeli, umsa kaBaheseya omsa kaMalikiya, umsa ka-Ethini omsa kaZerarhi, umsa ka-Adaya omsa ka-Etana, umsa kaZima omsa kaTjhimeyi, umsa kaJarhathi omsa kaGeritjhomu, umsa kaLevi. Abafowabo bangekhohlo bekumadodana kaMerari: U-Etana umsa kaKhitjhi omsa ka-Abidi, umsa kaMaluki omsa kaRhatjhabiya, umsa ka-Amatsiya omsa kaRhilikhiya, umsa ka-Amitsi omsa kaBhani, umsa kaTjhemeri omsa kaMarhili, umsa kaMutjhi omsa kaMerari, umsa kaLevi. AmaLevi amanye anikelwa eminye imisebenzi ethaberinakelini okuyindlu kaSomnini uZimu. Kodwana u-Aroni neenzukulwana zakhe bebaqalene nomsebenzi we-aldari lokutjhisa imihlabelo kanye ne-aldari lokutjhisa itjhwalo. Godu gade baqalene nomsebenzi wendawo ecwenge khulu nokwenzela u-Israyeli itethelelo kuZimu ngokuya ngendlela uMosi inceku kaZimu agade ayale ngayo. Nanzi-ke iinzukulwana zaka-Aroni: U-Aroni gade anguyise ka-Elazara onguyise kaFiniyasi uyise ka-Abitjhuwa onguyise kaBhukhi uyise ka-Uzi onguyise kaZerarhiya uyise kaMerayothi onguyise ka-Amariya uyise ka-Arhithubi onguyise kaTsadokhi uyise ka-Arhimahatsi. AmaKhehathi, aziinzukulwana zaka-Aroni, akhethwa ngefumbe bona amukele nanzi iimfunda ezilandelako kobana ahlale kizo: Enarheni yakwaJuda amukeliswa iRhebroni namadlelo ayibhodileko, kodwana amasimu nemizana yeRhebroni besele yabelwe uKhalebi umsa kaJefune. Iinzukulwana zaka-Aroni zabelwa amadorobho wobuphephelo: iRhebroni, iLibhina namadlelwayo, iJatiri, i-Etjhitemowa namadlelwayo, iRhilezi namadlelwayo, iDebiri namadlelwayo, i-Atjhani namadlelwayo, iBhethe-Tjhemetjhi namadlelwayo. Esifundeni sekoro yakwaBhenjamini iinzukulwana zaka-Aroni zabelwa iGeba namadlelwayo, i-Alemethi namadlelwayo kanye ne-Anatothi namadlelwayo. Sele awoke amadorobho wemindeni le bekalitjhumi nantathu. Amadorobho alitjhumi wesiquntu sekoro kaManase abelwa ngefumbe labo ebebahlobene neenzukulwana eziseleko zakaKhehathi. Amadorobho alitjhumi nantathu ngeemfundeni zekoro ka-Isakari, ka-Atjheri, kaNafitali nekoro kaManase eBhatjhani abelwa imindeni yeenzukulwana zakaGeritjhomu. Amadorobho alitjhumi nambili ngeemfundeni zekoro kaRubeni, kaGadi neyakaZebuloni abelwa ngefumbe imindeni yeenzukulwana zakaMerari. Nje-ke bakwa-Israyeli babela amaLevi amadorobho la kanye namadlelwawo. Amadorobho eemfundeni zakwaJuda, kwaSimiyoni nakwaBhenjamini abalwe ngehla nawo abiwa ngefumbe. Abanye bemindeni yamaKhehathi bebabelwe imizi nemikhawulwayo ngesifundeni sekoro ka-Efrayimu. Bebamukeliswe iindawo ezilandelako njengamadorobhabo wobuphephelo: iTjhekemu eentatjaneni zakwa-Efrayimu namadlelwayo, iGezeri namadlelwayo, iJokimeyamu namadlelwayo, iBhethe-Rhoroni namadlelwayo, i-Ayaloni namadlelwayo, iGathi-Rimoni namadlelwayo. Godu ezinye zeenzukulwana eziseleko zakaKhehathi zabelwa esifundeni sesiquntu sekoro yakwaManase i-Aneri namadlelwayo, iBhiliyamu namadlelwayo. AmaGeritjhomu abelwa lokhu: Esifundeni sesiquntu sekoro kaManase iGolani engeBhatjhani namadlelwayo, i-Atjhitarothi namadlelwayo. Esifundeni sekoro ka-Isakari iKhedetjhi namadlelwayo, iDaberathi namadlelwayo, iRamothi namadlelwayo, i-Anemu namadlelwayo. Esifundeni sekoro ka-Atjheri iMatjhala namadlelwayo, i-Abidoni namadlelwayo, iRhukhokhi namadlelwayo, iRerhobi namadlelwayo. Esifundeni sekoro kaNafitali iKhedetjhi engeGalile namadlelwayo, iRhamoni namadlelwayo, iKhiriyatayimu namadlelwayo. Iinzukulwana eziseleko zamaMerari zabelwa: Esifundeni sekoro kaZebuloni iRimoni namadlelwayo, iThabori namadlelwayo. Esifundeni sekoro yakwaRubeni ngaphetjheya kweJordani nangepumalanga yeJerikho iBhetseri engerhalawumbeni namadlelwayo, iJarhitsa namadlelwayo, iKhedemothi namadlelwayo, iMefahathi namadlelwayo. Esifundeni sekoro yakwaGadi iRamothi engeGiliyadi namadlelwayo, iMarhanayimu namadlelwayo, iRhetjhiboni namadlelwayo, iJazeri namadlelwayo. Amadodana ka-Isakari bekunguTola, uPuwa, uJatjhubi noTjhimroni; babane sebaboke. Amadodana kaTola kungu-Uzi, uRefaya, uJeriyeli, uJarhimayi, uJibisamu noSamyela; bebaziinhloko zemindenabo. Eenzukulwaneni zomndeni kaTola bekunamadoda wepi. Ngesikhathi sokubusa kwakaDavida bebaziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili nambili namakhulu asithandathu ngesibalo. Umsa ka-Uzi bekunguJizrarhiya. UJizrarhiya namadodanakhe uMikayeli, u-Obadiya, uJuweli noYitjhiya bebaziinhloko zemindeni; babahlanu sebaboke. Ngokuya ngokomlando weenzukulwana zabo, bebamadoda aziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amathathu nathandathu alungele ukulwa ngombana gade banesithembu nabantwana abanengi. Yoke eminye imindeni yekoro ka-Isakari beyinesibalo samadoda wepi aziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi abunane nalikhomba. Yoke njalo itlolwe erhelweni leenzukulwana. Amadodana amathathu kaBhenjamini bekunguBhela, uBhekeri noJediyayeli. Amadodana kaBhela kungu-Etsibhoni, u-Uzi, u-Uziyeli, uJerimothi no-Iri. Amadoda amahlanu la gade aziinhloko zemindeni begodu aziingorho. Iinzukulwana zabo bezinesibalo esimatjhumi amabili nambili weenkulungwana namatjhumi amathathu nane wamadoda wepi. Amadodana kaBhekeri bekunguZemira, uJowatjhi, u-Eliyezeri, u-Eliyowenayi, u-Omri, uJeremothi, u-Abiya, u-Anatothi no-Alemethi. Woke lawo bekumadodana kaBhekeri, neenzukulwana zawo egade zitloliswe ngokweenhloko zemindeni kumadoda wepi aziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili namakhulu amabili. Umsa kaJediyayeli bekunguBhilirhana. Amadodana kaBhilirhana kunguJewutjhi, uBhenjamini, u-Ehudi, uKenana, uZetani, uTaratjhitjhi no-Arhitjharhari. Woke lawo bekumadodana kaJediyayeli, neenzukulwana zawo ngokweenhloko zemindeni kumadoda wepi aziinkulungwana ezilitjhumi nalikhomba namakhulu amabili alungele ukulwa. AmaTjhufi namaRhufi bekuziinzukulwana zaka-Iri, amaRhutjhi kuziinzukulwana zaka-Arheri. Amadodana kaNafitali bekunguJarhitsiyeli, uGuni, uJetseri noTjhalumu. Labo bekuziinzukulwana zakaBhilirha. Umsa kaManase bekungu-Asriyeli obelethwa mngena omAramu. Godu wabeletha uMakiri uyise kaGiliyadi. UMakiri wathatha umfazi emindenini yamaRhufi namaTjhufi. Ibizo lomkakhe ogade ayintandokazi kuye bekunguMaka. UTselofirhadi ogade angowesizukulwana sesibili bekanamadodakazi kwaphela. UMaka umkaMakiri wambelethela umsana wamthiya ibizo bona nguPeretjhi. Umnakwabo wamthiya bona nguTjheretjhi. Iinzukulwana zakaGiliyadi bekungu-Ulamu noRekhemu. Umsa ka-Ulamu bekunguBhedani. Lezo-ke bekuziinzukulwana zakaGiliyadi umsa kaMakiri omsa kaManase. Udadwabo lakaGiliyadi bekunguMolekethi owabeletha u-Itjhihodi, u-Abiyezeri noMarhala. Amadodana kaTjhemida bekungu-Arhiyana, uTjhekemu, uLikhirhi no-Aniyamu. Iinzukulwana zaka-Efrayimu bekunguTjhuthelarhi uyise kaBeredi onguyise kaTarhathi uyise ka-Eliyada onguyise kaTarhathi, uyise kaZabadi onguyise kaTjhuthelarhi. Abahlali bendawo okumadoda weGathi babulala u-Ezeri no-Eliyadi amadodana ka-Efrayimu lokha nabalinga ukuthatha ifuywabo. Uyise u-Efrayimu wabalilela amalanga amanengi, iinhlobo zakhe bezeza bona zizomtjhiriya. Wayama umkakhe, wazithwala wabeletha indodana. Wayithiya ibizo lakaBheriya ngombana umndenakhe bewunesinyama. Indodakazi ka-Efrayimu bekunguTjhera owasungula iBhethe-Rhoroni engenzasi neBhethe-Rhoroni engehla kanye ne-Uzeni-Tjhera. U-Efrayimu gade anenye indodana okuthiwa nguRefarhi uyise kaRetjhefu onguyise kaTelarhi, uyise kaTarhana onguyise kaLadani, uyise ka-Amihudi onguyise ka-Elitjhama, uyise kaNuni onguyise kaJotjhuwa. Iinarha zabo nemizabo bekuyiBhethe-Eli nemizanayo. Ngepumalanga isifunda sabo besinabela emkhawulweni weNarana, ngetjingalanga sinabela emikhawulweni yeGezeri nemizanayo. Isifundesi sifaka iTjhekemu nemizanayo besinabele nemikhawulweni ye-Aya nemizanayo. BakwaManase bebalawula iBhethe-Tjhani nemizanayo, iTanaki nemizanayo, iMegido nemizanayo kanye neDori nemizanayo. Iinzukulwana zakaJosefa umsa ka-Israyeli bezihlala emizini le. Amadodana ka-Atjheri bekunguJimna, uYitjhiva, uYitjhivi noBheriya. Udadwabo kunguSerarhi. Amadodana kaBheriya kunguRhebere noMalikiyeli ogade anguyise kaBhirizayithi. URhebhere wabeletha uJafilethi, uTjhomeri, uRhotamu nodadwabo uTjhuwa. Amadodana kaJafilethi kunguPasaki, uBhimirhali no-Atjhivathi. Lawo bekumadodana kaJafilethi. Amadodana kaTjhomeri bekungu-Arhi, uRohega, uRhuba no-Aramu. Amadodana kamnakwabo lakaRhotamu kunguTsofarhi, uJimna, uTjheletjhi no-Amala. Amadodana kaTsofarhi kunguSuwarhi, uRharineferi, uTjhuwali, uBheri, uJimra, uBhetseri, uHodi, uTjhama, uTjhilitjha, uJitirani noBhera. Amadodana kaJeteri bekunguJefune, uPisipa no-Ara. Amadodana ka-Ula bekungu-Ararhi, uRhaniyeli noRitsiya. Boke labo bekuziinzukulwana zaka-Atjheri. Bebaziinhloko zemindeni, amadoda ahloniphekako, iingorho nabarholi abaphezulu. Isibalo samadoda wepi gade siziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili nathandathu. UBhenjamini wabeletha uBhela olizibulo lakhe, wesibili kungu-Atjhibeli, wesithathu kungu-Arhirarhi, wesine kunguNorha, wesihlanu kunguRafa. Amadodana kaBhela bekungu-Adari noGera onguyise ka-Ehudi. U-Abitjhuwa, uNamani, u-Arhowarhi, uGera, uTjhefufani noRhuramu bekumadodana ka-Ehudi. Gade baziinhloko zemindeni egade ihlala eGeba kodwana uNamani no-Arhowarhi bafuduselwa eManarhathi ngekani. UGera nguye owabafudusako. Emva kwesikhathi uGera wabeletha u-Uza no-Arhirhudi. UTjharharayimu wabelethelwa amadodana enarheni yakwaMowabi emva kokobana atlhale abafazi bakhe uRhutjhimu noBhara. URhodetjhi umkakhe wambelethela uJobabu, uTsibiya, uMetjha, uMalikamu, uJewutsi, uSakiya noMirima. Lawo bekumadodanakhe, baziinhloko zemindeni. NgoRhutjhimu gade abelethelwe u-Abithubi no-Elipali. Amadodana ka-Elipali bekungu-Ebhere, uMitjhamu noTjhemedi. UTjhemedi lo ngowakha i-Ono neLodi nemizanayo. Amanye amadodana ka-Elipali kunguBheriya noTjhema. Bebaziinhloko zemindeni ehlala e-Ayaloni; ngibo abaqotjha izakhamuzi zeGathi. U-Arhiyo, uTjhatjhakhi, uJeremothi, uZebadiya, u-Aradi, u-Ederi, uMikayeli, uYitjhipa noJorha gade bamadodana kaBheriya. UZebadiya, uMetjhulamu, uRhizikhi, uRhebhere, uYitjhimerayi, uJiziliya noJobabi bamadodana ka-Elipali. UJakimu, uZikiri, uZabidi, u-Eliyenayi, uTsiletayi, u-Eliyeli, u-Adaya, uBheraya noTjhimrathi bamadodana kaTjhimeyi. UYitjhipani, u-Ebhere, u-Eliyeli, u-Abidoni, uZikiri, uRhanani, uRhananiya, u-Elamu, u-Anitotiya, uJifideya noPenuweli bamadodana kaTjhatjhakhi. UTjhamitjherayi, uTjherhariya, u-Ataliya, uJaretjhiya, u-Eliya noZikiri bamadodana kaJerorhamu. Labo bekuziinhloko zemindenabo, bahlala eJerusalema ngokuya ngeenzukulwana zabo. Umsunguli weGibiyoni gade ahlala eGibiyoni. Ibizo lomkakhe bekunguMaka. Indodanakhe elizibulo kungu-Abidoni, alanywe nguTsuri, kulandele uKhitjhi, uBhali, uNeri, uNadaba, uGedori, u-Arhiyo, uZekeri bese kuba nguMikilothi owabeletha uTjhimeya. Nabo gade bahlala eduze kweenhlobo zabo eJerusalema. UNeri wabeletha uKhitjhi, uKhitjhi wabeletha uSawula. USawula wabeletha uJonathani, uMaliki-Tjhuwa, u-Abinadaba no-Etjhi-Bhali. Umsa kaJonathani bekunguMeribhali. UMeribhali wabeletha uMikha. Amadodana kaMikha kunguPitoni, uMeleki, uTariya no-Arhazi. U-Arhazi wabeletha uJehowada, uJehowada wabeletha u-Alemethi, u-Azimavethi noZimri. UZimri wabeletha uMotsa, uMotsa wabeletha uBhina onguyise kaRafa uyise ka-Eliyasa onguyise ka-Atseli. U-Atseli gade anamadodana amathandathu. Wona bekungu-Azrikhamu, uBhokeru, u-Itjhimayeli, uTjheyariya, u-Obadiya noRhanani. Boke labo bekumadodana ka-Atseli. Amadodana womnakwabo u-Etjhekhi bekungu-Ulamu olizibulo lakhe, wesibili kunguJewutjhi, wesithathu kungu-Elifelethi. Amadodana ka-Ulamu bekuziingorho ezikwazi ukusebenzisa umsebe. Gade zinamadodana nabazukulu abanengi; balikhulu namatjhumi amahlanu sebaboke. Boke labo bekuziinzukulwana zakaBhenjamini. Boke bakwa-Israyeli gade batlolwe erhelweni egade lisemtlolweni wamakhosi wakwa-Israyeli. Abantu bakwaJuda gade bathunjwe basiwa eBhabheli ngenca yokungathembeki kwabo. Ababa ngebokuthoma ukubuyela eendaweni zabo ngemadorobheni bekungabanye bama-Israyeli, abaphristi, amaLevi neensebenzi zethempeli. EJerusalema kwahlala abanye bakwaJuda, bakwaBhenjamini, bakwa-Efrayimu nebakwaManase. Bona bekungilaba: u-Utayi, umsa ka-Amihudi omsa ka-Omri, umsa ka-Imri omsa kaBhani osizukulwana sakaPeretsi, umsa kaJuda; kebakwaTjhiloni kungu-Asaya olizibulo namadodanakhe; kebakwaZerarhi kunguJehiyeli. Isibalo semindeni le besimakhulu amathandathu namatjhumi alithoba. BakwaBhenjamini kunguSalu, umsa kaMetjhulamu omsa kaHodaviya, umsa kaHasenuwa; uJibineya, umsa kaJerorhamu; u-Ela, umsa ka-Uzi omsa kaMikiri noMetjhulamu, umsa kaTjhafathiya omsa kaRewuyeli, umsa kaJibiniya. Iinzukulwana zabantwaba, bezimakhulu alithoba namatjhumi amahlanu nathandathu. Bona bebaziinhloko zemindeni. Abaphristi abagade bahlala eJerusalema kunguJedaya, uJehoyaribi, uJakini, u-Adaya, umsa kaJerorhamu omsa kaPatjhirhuri, umsa kaMalikiya, uMasayi, umsa ka-Adiyeli omsa kaJarhizera, umsa kaMetjhulamu omsa kaMetjhilemithi, umsa ka-Imeri. U-Azariya, umsa kaRhilikiya omsa kaMetjhulamu, umsa kaTsadokhi omsa kaMerayothi, umsa ka-Arhithubi gade asikhulu sendlu kaZimu. Abaphristaba gade baziinhloko zemindeni. Bekumadoda anetlha nanekghono lokwenza umsebenzi wendlu kaZimu. Isibalo semindenabo besiyikulungwana namakhulu alikhomba namatjhumi asithandathu. AmaLevi agade ahlala eJerusalema kunguTjhemaya, umsa kaRhatjhubi omsa ka-Azrikhamu, umsa kaRhatjhabiya okuziinzukulwana zakaMerari, uBhakhibhakhari, uRheretjhi, uGalali, uMataniya, umsa kaMika omsa kaZikiri, umsa ka-Asafa, u-Obadiya, umsa kaTjhemaya omsa kaGalali, umsa kaJedutuni noBherekiya, umsa ka-Asa omsa ka-Elkhana ogade ahlala emizini yamaNethofathi. Abalindisango abagade bahlala eJerusalema kunguTjhalumu, u-Akhubu, uThalimoni, u-Arhimani nabozakwabo. Ihlokwabo kunguTjhalumu. Bekube namhlanje basese balindisango ababekwe esangweni lekosi ngepumalanga yethempeli. Lo bekumndeni wabalindisango ukusukela ngesikhathi sokujanyiswa kwekampa yamaLevi erhalawumbeni. Yeke uTjhalumu umsa kaKhore omsa ka-Ebiyasafu umsa kaKhorarhi nabafowabo abamaKhorarhi, gade baphethe isikhundla sokugada imibunjwana yethempeli njengaboyisemkhulu abagade baqalene nokugada isango lethaberinakeli lakaSomnini. Erhalawumbeni uFiniyasi umsa ka-Eliyazari gade amrholabo noSomnini anaye. UZakariya umsa kaTjhalumu gade amlindisango esangweni elikhulu lethempeli. Sebaboke labo abakhethwa bona babe balindisango emibunjwaneni yethempeli, bebamakhulu amabili anetjhumi nambili. Gade bahlala emizanenabo lapha bebatloliswe khona. UDavida nomboni uSamyela ngibo abenza isikhundla somlindisango bona sibe ngesesiphelani ethempelini. Ukusukela ngesikhatheso amaKhorarhi gade agada amasango wendlu kaSomnini ngokuya ngedlhego lawo. Abalindisango bebangemahlangothini womane wethempeli: ngepumalanga, ngetjingalanga, ngesewula nangetlhagwini. Abarholi abane babalindisango ababalwe ngehla gade baneenkhundla ezisiphelani ethempelini, kodwana abalindisango abangemizaneni bekumelwe banande beza ethempelini amalanga alikhomba ukuzokusizana nabarholabo. Labo-ke bekumaLevi begodu bebanikelwe ukuqala amarhayisi namadladla wendlu kaZimu. Bekuthi nabatjhayisako balale endlini kaZimu ngombana bebamele bayigade bebavule namasangwayo njalo ekuseni. Abanye babo gade baqale ipahla egade isetjenziselwa ukulotjha ethempelini. Gade babala iimpahlezo lokha nazingeniswako nalokha nazikhutjhwako. Abanye bebanikelwe umsebenzi wokutjheja enye ipahla yangethempelini okutjho ipahla ecwengileko, iflowuru esefiweko, iwayini, amafutha we-oliva, itjhwalo namakha. Kodwana bekubaphristi abathileko kwaphela ebegade bavunyelwe ukwenza umvango wamakha. UMatitiya umLevi olizibulo lakaTjhalumu umKhorarhi, gade abekwe bona abe mukiniyi wesikwa somnikelo. Abanye babomnakwabo abamaKhehathi gade baphethe umsebenzi wokulungisa isikwa esibekwa etafuleni qobe liSabatha. Labo abagade babavumi, baziinhloko zemindeni yamaLevi, bebahlala emalawini wethempeli lokha nabatjhayisileko ngombana gade kufuze bafunyanwe eduze nabafunwako ubusuku nemini. Boke labo bebaziinhloko zemindeni yamaLevi. Ngokuya ngokweenzukulwana, iinhloko zemindenezi bezihlala eJerusalema. EGibiyoni gade kuhlala uJehiyeli umsunguli weGibiyoni. Ibizo lomkakhe bekunguMaka. Amadodanakhe bekungu-Abidoni izibulo, uTsuri, uKhitjhi, uBhali, uNeri, uNadabi, uGedori, u-Arhiyo, uZakariya noMikhilothi. UMikhilothi wabeletha uTjhimiyamu. Nabo gade bahlala eduze kweenhlobo zabo eJerusalema. UNeri wabeletha uKhitjhi; uKhitjhi wabeletha uSawula. USawula wabeletha uJonathani, uMaliki-Tjhuwa, u-Abinadaba no-Etjhi-Bhali. Indodana kaJonathani bekunguMeribi-Bhali. UMeribi-Bhali wabeletha uMika. Amadodana kaMika kunguPitoni, uMeleki, uTarhireya no-Arhazi. U-Arhazi wabeletha uJara; uJara wabeletha u-Alemethi, u-Azimavethi noZimri. UZimri wabeletha uMotsa. UMotsa wabeletha uBhiniya onguyise kaRefaya uyise ka-Eliyasa onguyise ka-Atseli. U-Atseli gade anamadodana asithandathu, amabizwawo bekungu-Azrikhamu, uBhokeru, u-Itjhimayeli, uTjheyariya, u-Obadiya noRhanani. Boke labo bekumadodana ka-Atseli. AmaFilista gade alwa nama-Israyeli. Ama-Israyeli abaleka phambi kwamaFilista. Inengi lama-Israyeli lafa ngokurajalaliswa entabeni iGilibowa. AmaFilista amlala nje uSawula, abe abulala amadodanakhe uJonathani, u-Abinadaba noMaliki-Tjhuwa. Ipi yamrhagalela uSawula. Abadumuza ngemisubi bamfikela bamkhubaza okwesabekako. Nje-ke uSawula wathi kusonkhandakhe: “Rhwatjha isabulakho ungitlhofoze, kungabe kufike abarhedenaba bangirhubutjhe.” Kodwana usonkhande loyo wesaba khulu ukwenza lokho. Yeke uSawula wathatha isabulakhe wazidlhunya phezu kwayo. Kuthe lokha usonkhande nakabona bonyana uSawula ufile, naye wazidlhunya phezu kwesabula, wafa. USawula namadodanakhe amathathu bahlongakala. Yeke umndenakhe wahlongakala ngendlwana. Kuthe lokha ama-Israyeli agade ahlala ngemrhobeni nakabona bonyana ipi yawo ibalekile nokobana uSawula namadodanakhe bahlongakele, atjhiya imizawo woke abaleka. Kwaba kungena kwamaFilista azihlalela emizini leyo-ke. Ilanga emva kwepi amaFilista ahlubulisa iindumbu. Afunyana uSawula namadodanakhe barabhalele phezu kwentaba iGilibowa. Amhlubulisa aqunta ihlokwakhe ayithatha kanye neenkhande zakhe, athumela umlayezo enarheni yoke yamaFilista abika iindabezi kibosingazimu nebantwini bawo. Afaka iinkhande zakhe ngethempelini labosingazimawo, ihlokwakhe yona ayilengisa ngethempelini lakaDagoni. Kuthe bona kuzwakale kibo boke abantu beJabetjhi-Giliyadi lokho amaFilista akwenze ngoSawula, kwaphuma woke amadoda anesibindi ayokuthatha isidumbu sakaSawula nezamadodanakhe aziletha eJabetjhi. Bangcwaba iindumbezo ngaphasi komuthi omkhulu eJabetjhi, bebazila amalanga alikhomba balila. USawula wahlongakala ngombana angakhange athembakale kuSomnini, akhange abulunge ilizwi lakaSomnini. Ukudlula lapho waya esangomeni bonyana ayokuthukula. Akhange abuze indlela kuSomnini. Yeke uSomnini wamnikela ekufeni, bewathatha ubukhosi wabunikela uDavida umsa kaJese. Woke ama-Israyeli eza kuDavida eRhebroni afese athi kuye: “Siziingazi zakho. Eenkhathini ezidlulileko, uSawula asese yikosi, nguwe ogade udosa u-Israyeli ukuya epini. USomnini uZimakho wathi kuwe, ‘Nguwe ozakwelusa abantu bami u-Israyeli begodu nguwe ozakubusa abantu bami u-Israyeli.’ ” Ngaleyondlela boke abaphathi bakwa-Israyeli beza ekosini uDavida eRhebroni. UDavida wenza isivumelwano nabo eRhebroni phambi kwakaSomnini; base bayamzesa-ke waba yikosi phezu kwaka-Israyeli njengombana uSomnini bekathembisa ngaphambilini ngoSamyela. UDavida nama-Israyeli woke barhwantela eJerusalema okuyiJebusi. AmaJebusi okubahlali bendawo leyo ngendabuko gade asese lapho. Izakhamuzi zeJebusezo zathi kuDavida: “Awuzukungena la!” Khonapho, uDavida wathumba ubuphephelo beZiyoni, okwathi ngemva kwesikhathi baba muMuzi kaDavida. UDavida gade athe: “Nanyana ngubani ozakusahlela amaJebusi qangi uzakuba yinduna ekulu yepi.” UJowabi umsa kaTseruya wenyuka qangi, yeke waba yinduna. UDavida wangena wahlala ebuphephelweni, kungalokho babizwa bona muMuzi kaDavida. Wakha izindlu kiyo yoke indawo ukusukela endundumeni ezombeleze ubuphephelo. Kanti-ke uJowabi yena, wavuselela idorobho elidala. UDavida wadlondlobala ngombana uSomnini uMninimandlawoke gade anaye. Lezi bekuziingorho ezibomaqhuzu zakaDavida ezahlala zithembekile embuswenakhe. Ngizo kanye no-Israyeli woke ezamenza bona abe yikosi njengombana uSomnini uZimu athembisa u-Israyeli. Nanti irhelo leengorho zakaDavida: UYatjhobiyamu umsa kaRhakimoni gade amrholi wesiqhema sabathathu esaziwako. Yena-ke wabulala amadoda amakhulu amathathu epini yinye ngomkhontwakhe. Hlanu kwakhe bekungu-Eliyazari umsa kaDodo umArhorhi ogade angomunye wesiqhema sabathathu. Yena gade anoDavida ePasi-Damimi lokha amaFilista ahlangene lapho ngepi. Kuyindawo lapha bekunesimu egcwele ibhali. Amabutho wama-Israyeli athi lokha nabalekela amaFilista, u-Eliyazari wajama phakathi kwesimu wayivikela. Wamadlha amaFilista phasi ngapha nangapha. USomnini wakwehlisa njalo-ke ukuhlula okukhulu. Ngelinye ilanga kwaphuma iingorho ezintathu kezimatjhumi amathathu, zehlela kuDavida edwaleni eliserholweni le-Adulamu, khonapho ipi yamaFilista yayihlome emrhobeni wamaRafa. UDavida gade angerholweni ngesikhatheso, umkhambathi wamaFilista useBhethe-Lehema. Nje-ke uDavida womela amanzi bewathi: “Uthi ngomile na, inga kungaba nomuntu ongayongikhelela amanzi wokusela emthonjeni ohlanu kwesango leBhethe-Lehema!” Yeke iingorho ezintathwezo zaratha hlangana kwamaFilista, zafese zakha amanzi emthonjeni ohlanu kwesango leBhethe-Lehema, zawaletha kuDavida. Kodwana uDavida wala ukuwasela, esikhundleni salokho wawathulula phambi kwakaSomnini, wathi: “Somnini, angeze bengithome! Kuzakuba ngathi ngisela iingazi zabantu abadele ukuphila kwabo. Iye, babeke ubuphilo babo engozini ngokungilethela wona.” Yeke uDavida akhange awasele. Zazinjalo-ke iindaba zeengorho ezintathwezi. U-Abitjhayi umnakwabo kaJowabi bekayikulu yesiqhema samatjhumi amathathu. Wabulala abantu abamakhulu amathathu ngomkhontwakhe. Ngalokho waduma njengeengorho ezintathu ezakhelela uDavida amanzi. Waduma khulu bewadlula iingorho ezimatjhumi amathathu. Waba yindunazo, kodwana idumo lakhe akhange lidlule lezintathu. UBhenaya weKhabitsiyeli umsa kaJehoyada, isihlabani sengorho, gade adume ngezinto ezinengi. Yena wamadlha amadoda amabili okuthiwa “mabhubezi wakwaMowabi.” Nguye godu owangena ngemgodini wabulala ibhubezi mhlana kukhithika igabhogo. Godu wamadlha itsitsirimba yomGibhide, ipesewula yendoda ephakeme ngamamitha amabili nesiquntu. UmGibhide gade anomkhonto owawufana nompherho womaluki esandleni sakhe, kodwana uBhenaya wamdumela kunjalo ngentonga. Wahluthula umkhonto esandleni somGibhide wambulala ngawo. Zazinjalo-ke iindaba zakaBhenaya umsa kaJehoyada; naye waduma njengeengorho ezintathu. Wahlonitjhwa khulu phakathi kwabamatjhumi amathathu, kodwana akhange abalwe kilabo abathathu. UDavida wambeka bonyana alawule amancusakhe. Ezinye zeengorho bekungu-Asayeli umnakwabo kaJowabi, u-Elirhanana umsa kaDodo weBhethe-Lehema, uTjhamothi umHarori, uRheletsi umPeloni, u-Ira umsa ka-Ikhetjhi weTekhowa, u-Abiyezeri we-Anatothi, uSibekayi umRhutjhathi, u-Ilayi umArhorhi, uMaherayi umNethofathi, uRheledi umsa kaBhana umNethofathi, u-Itayi umsa kaRibayi weGibeya kwaBhenjamini, uBhenaya umPiratoni, uRhurayi wemilanjaneni yeGatjhi, u-Abiyeli umAribhathi, u-Azimavethi umBharharumu, u-Eliyarhiba umTjhaliboni, uHatjhemu umGizoni, uJonathani umsa kaTjhage umHarari, u-Arhiyamu umsa kaSakari umHarari, u-Elifali umsa ka-Uri, uRheferi umMekera, u-Arhija umPeloni, uRhetsiro umKarameli, uNarayi umsa ka-Ezibhayi, uJuweli umnakwabo kaNathani, uMibirhari umsa kaHagiri, uTselekhi umAmoni, uNarharayi umBerothi usonkhande kaJowabi umsa kaTseruya, u-Ira umJitri, uGarebi umJitri, u-Uriya umHethi, uZabadi umsa ka-Arhilayi, u-Adina umsa kaTjhiza ogade ayihloko yakwaRubeni oweza namadoda amatjhumi amathathu, uRhanani umsa kaMaka, uJotjhafathi umMitini, u-Uziya umAtjhitera, uTjhama noJehiyeli amadodana kaRhothamu umAroweri, uJediyeli umsa kaTjhimri, nomnakwabo uJorha umTitsi, u-Eliyeli umMarhavi, uJeribhayi noJotjhaviya amadodana ka-Elinamu, uJitima umMowabi, u-Eliyeli, u-Obede noJasiyeli umTsoba. Lawa-ke madoda eza kuDavida eTsikhilagi lokha nasazithukusileko ngenca kaSawula umsa kaKhitjhi. Wona bekaphakathi kweengorho ezazibasizi bakhe epini. KebakwaBhenjamini emndenini kaSawula kweza amadoda abosomisubela akwaziko ukudumuza ngomsebe begodu nakghona ukujikijela ngesarwayi ngazo zombili. Iinduna zabo bekungu-Arhiyezeri noJowatjhi okumadodana kaTjhema umGibeya. Abanye abeza kuDavida bekunguJezuweli noPelethi amadodana ka-Azimavethi, uBheraka, uJehu umAnatothi, uYitjhimaya umGibiyoni, ayingorho phakathi kwamatjhumi amathathu, godu amrholi wabamatjhumi amathathu. Abanye bekunguJoromiya, uJarhaziyeli, uJorhanana, uJozabadi umGedera, u-Eluzayi, uJerimothi, uBhehaliya, uTjhemariya noTjhefathiya umRharufi, u-Elikhana, uYitjhiya, u-Azareli, uJowezeri, uYatjhobiyamu umKhorarhi, uJuweli noZebadiya amadodana kaJerorhamu weGedori. Abanye bamaGadi batlherela kuDavida ebuphephelweni bakhe erhalawumbeni. Gade kuziingorho, ezinelemuko lepi begodu zihlome ngeenhlangu nemikhonto. Bezisabeka njengamabhubezi, zeqa njengamaqina eentabeni. U-Ezeri gade ayihloko, u-Obadiya kungowesibili ngokwesikhundla, wesithathu kungu-Eliyabu, uMitjhimana kungowesine, wesihlanu kunguJoromiya, u-Atayi kungowesithandathu, wekhomba kungu-Eliyeli, uJorhanani kungowobunane, wethoba kungu-Elizabhadi, uJoromiya kungowetjhumi, kuthi uMakibhanayi abe ngowetjhumi nanye. AmaGadi la bekuziinduna zepi: iinduna zekhulu neenduna zekulungwana. Kwaba ngiwo ayama iJordani ngenyanga yokuthoma mhlana igcwele ithwele iingodo. Abalekisa boke abantu abagade bahlala ngemrhobeni, abatjhingisa ngepumalanga nangetjingalanga yomlambo. BakwaBhenjamini abathileko namanye amadoda wakwaJuda beza kuDavida ebuphephelweni bakhe. UDavida waphuma wayobahlangabeza wafese wathi kibo: “Nakube nize kimi ngokuthula bona nizongisiza, khona sizakuba yirhara nomncamo. Kodwana nakube nize bona ningiyengele esitheni sami ukube izandla zami azinamlandu, sengasuthi uZimu wabobaba angakubona lokho anigwebe.” Nje-ke, kwehlela uMoya phezu kwaka-Amasayi induna yamatjhumi amathathu, wathi: “Davida, singabakho! Msa kaJese sinawe! Nako umnono, umnono phezu kwakho! Umnono phezu kwabasizi bakho! Iye, uZimakho akusize!” Yeke uDavida wabamukela wabenza abarholi beviyo lakhe lokusahlela. Amanye amadoda wakwaManase atlherela kuDavida lokha nakakhamba namaFilista bona alwe noSawula. (Eqinisweni uDavida nabantu bakhe akhange awasize amaFilista ngombana kwathi ngemva kokobana ababusi beemfunda zamaFilista sebakhulumisene bambuyisela emuva. Badlumbana bathi: “Phela nange umrhali lo angatlherela ekosinakhe uSawula, soke sifile.”) Naka amadoda wakwaManase atlherela kuDavida lokha nakaya eTsikhilagi: ngu-Adinarha, uJozabadi, uJediyeli, uMikayeli, uJozabadi, u-Elihu noTsiletayi ebegade kuziinduna zekulungwana zakwaManase. Ngibo abasiza uDavida ukusahlela isiqhema semigulukudu ngombana gade baziingorho boke begodu baziinduna zebutho. Imihla ngemihla amadoda eza bonyana asize uDavida, bekwafika lapha sele kunebutho elikhulu, iye ibuthokazi elingangobaba. Naka amanani wamadoda eza ahlomile kuDavida eRhebroni bona azokuphendulela umbuso kaSawula kuye njengombana uSomnini atjhwile: KebakwaJuda abagade bahlomele ipi ngesihlangu nomkhonto, bebaziinkulungwana ezisithandathu namakhulu abunane; kebakwaSimiyoni ekuziingorho zepi bebaziinkulungwana ezilikhomba nekhulu; kebakwaLevi kuziinkulungwana ezine namakhulu asithandathu; sekufakwe noJehoyada omrholi womndeni wakwa-Aroni anamadoda aziinkulungwana ezintathu namakhulu alikhomba noTsadokhi isokana lengorho anabarholi abamatjhumi amabili nambili bomndenekhabo; kebakwaBhenjamini emndenini kaSawula bebaziinkulungwana ezintathu (bekube sikhatheso inengi labakwaBhenjamini lathembeka endlini kaSawula); kebakwa-Efrayimu ekuziingorho ezidumileko emindenini yekhabo, bebaziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili namakhulu abunane; kebakwaManase, okutjho isiquntu sabo, bebaziinkulungwana ezilitjhumi nabunane; bathunywe ngokomthetho bonyana bazokubeka uDavida abe yikosi; kebakwa-Isakari, bebaziinduna ezimakhulu amabili zineenhlobo ezingaphasi kwazo; iindunezi bezinelemuko leenkhathi zokwenza izinto; kebakwaZebuloni, ebebalungele ukuya epini, bebahlome ngemihlobohlobo yeenhlabano, babilelwa ziingazi begodu banehloso yinye yokusiza uDavida; bona gade kumadoda aziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amahlanu; kebakwaNafitali gade kuziinduna eziyikulungwana, zinamadoda aziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amathathu nalikhomba ahlome ngeenhlangu nemikhonto; kebakwaDani ebebalungele ukuya epini bebaziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili nabunane namakhulu asithandathu; kebakwa-Atjheri ebebalungele ukuya epini, bebaziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amane; kebakwaRubeni, bakwaGadi nesiquntu sabakwaManase ukusuka ngepumalanga yeJordani bekumadoda aziinkulungwana ezilikhulu namatjhumi amabili, ahlome ngemihlobohlobo yeenhlabano. Woke lawo gade kumadoda wepi, alungele ukulwa; eza eRhebroni azinikele ngeenhliziyo kobana azokubeka uDavida abe yikosi ngaphezu kwaka-Israyeli woke. Nenengi loke lakwa-Israyeli belinehliziyo yinye yokubeka uDavida bona abe yikosi. Amadoda lawo ahlala eRhebroni amalanga amathathu aditjhe noDavida, asidla begodu asela ngombana abafowabo bakwaJuda bebabenzele imiphako. Ngitjho nabafowabo ababuya kude njengakwa-Isakari, kwaZebuloni nakwaNafitali beza baletha ukudla ngabodumbana, ngamakamela, ngemimeyila nangeenkabi. Bekunikelwe ngokwaneleko iflowuru, amakwapa wamakhiwani, amakhekhe wamakwapa wediribe, iwayini, amafutha we-oliva, iinkomo nezimvu ngombana gade kunokuthokoza kwa-Israyeli. UDavida wakhulumisana neenduna zakhe zeenkulungwana nezamakhulu, nazo zoke iinhloko. Kiyo yoke ihlangano yeenhloko zakwa-Israyeli wathi: “Nakube kuhle kini nebusweni bakaSomnini uZimethu, asiphadlhalaleni sifikise ilizwi kilo loke inengi labafowethu abasemikhawulweni yoke yakwa-Israyeli, nebaphristini nakumaLevi asemizini abelwe yona bona beze bazozihlanganisa nathi. Asihlanganeni ukuze sibuyisele umfaji kaZimu ngakithi ngombana emihleni kaSawula akhange siwukhathalele.” Ihlangano yavumelana yoke nesiphakamisweso ngombana abantu boke basibona silungile. Ngalokho uDavida wahlanganisa woke u-Israyeli ukusukela ephakgheni lomlambo weGibhide ngesewula ukuya eLebo-Rhamathi ngetlhagwini bona kususwe umfaji kaZimu eKhiriyathi-Jeyarimu. UDavida nabantu boke bakwa-Israyeli baya eBhala okuyiKhiriyathi-Jeyarimu yakwaJuda bona bakhuphule lapho umfaji kaZimu onguSomnini ohlala phezu kwamakerubhi; umfaji ogade umanyaniswa nebizo lakhe. Bathwala umfaji kaZimu bawususa endlini ka-Abinadaba ngekoloyana etja. U-Uza no-Arhiyo bekubatjhayeli bekoloyana leyo. UDavida nawo woke ama-Israyeli gade bagidinga ngamandlabo woke phambi kwakaSomnini. Bebavuma lokha nabancinza imihlobohlobo yamaharibha, bebabetha abosotjherere neewahlo begodu balilisa neemporompita. Nabafika eselelweni seKidoni, u-Uza welula isandla bona abambe umfaji ngombana ikoloyana yakhahlumezeka lokha iinkomo nazifika edwalenapho. Ubukhali bakaSomnini uZimu bavuthela u-Uza, wamradlha phasi ngombana gade athinte umfaji. Wafela khonapho phambi kwakaZimu. UDavida wakhathazeka ngombana uSomnini uphahlaze u-Uza. Yeke wathiya indawo leyo bona yiPeretsi-Uza. Ibizwelo lisajamile nanamhlanjesi. Mhlokho uDavida wesaba uZimu bewadlumbana wathi: “Alo, ngingawuletha njani umfaji kaZimu kwamapha?” Akhange asathatha umfaji bona uye kwakhe, eMzini kaDavida. Kunalokho wawuphambukisela endlini ka-Obede-Edomu umGathi. Umfaji kaZimu wahlala khonapho nomndeni ka-Obede-Edomu iinyanga ezintathu. Nje-ke uSomnini uZimu wabusisa umndenakhe nakho koke anakho. URhiramu ikosi yeTirosi wathumela iinthunywa kuDavida kanye neengodo zomsedari, abacozi belitje nababazi beengodo bona bakhele uDavida isigodlo. UDavida walemuka bona uSomnini uZimu umjamise bona abe yikosi kwa-Israyeli nokobana uphakamise umbuswakhe ngebanga labantu bakaSomnini, u-Israyeli. EJerusalema uDavida wathatha abanye abafazi bambelethela amadodana nabentazana abanye. Naka amabizo wabantwana abelethelwa bona eJerusalema: NguTjhamuwa, uTjhobabi, uNathani, uSolomoni, uJibirhari, u-Elitjhuwa, u-Elifelethi, uNoga, uNefegi, uJafiya, u-Elitjhama, uBheliyada no-Elifelethi. Kuthe lokha amaFilista nakezwa bona uDavida uzeswe waba yikosi yama-Israyeli woke, aphuma ngendlwana bona ayomzuma. Lokha uDavida nakezwa ngalokho, waphuma bona awahlangabeze. Kwathi amaFilista sele afikile bona amlalele emrhobeni wamaRafa, uDavida wabuza kuZimu wathi: “Ngingawasahlela amaFilista la na? USomnini uzowanikela esandleni sami na?” USomnini wamphendula wathi: “Iye, yewukhambe ngizowanikela esandleni sakho.” Nje-ke uDavida neviyo lakhe bakhuphukela eBhali-Peratsimu, wafese wawahlula lapho. Wabe wathi: “Ngesandla sami uSomnini urhurhule izitha zami njengamanzi agobhoza arhurhule koke.” Ngebangelo, indawo leyo yabizwa bona yiBhali-Peratsimu. AmaFilista abaleka atjhiya abosingazimu bawo lapho; uDavida wayala bona babatjhise ngomlilo. AmaFilista abuya godu alalela uDavida emrhobeni. UDavida wabuza kuZimu godu, uZimu wamphendula wathi: “Ungakhuphuki unqophe kiwo, kodwana yewuwazombe ngemuva bese uwasahlela ngaphambi kwemithi yebhalisamu. Masinyana-nje nawizwa itjhada lamagadango ngaphezu kwemithi yebhalisamu, nje-ke phuma usahlele ngombana uZimu uzabe akhamba phambi kwakho bona amadlhe ibutho lamaFilista.” UDavida wenza njengombana uZimu amyalile, barhayila amaFilista yoke indlela ukusukela eGibiyoni bekwaba seGezeri. Lanaba njalo-ke idumo lakaDavida enarheni yoke, noSomnini wenza bonyana izizwe zoke zimesabe. UDavida wazakhela izindlu eMzini kaDavida, walungisa nendawo yomfaji kaZimu bewawuhlomela netende. Nje-ke wathi: “Akakho namunye ongathwala umfaji kaZimu ngaphandle kwamaLevi ngombana uSomnini wakhetha wona bonyana athwale umfaji kaZimu nokobana alotjhe phambi kwakhe isiphelani.” UDavida wahlanganisa woke ama-Israyeli eJerusalema ngombana bekafuna ukuletha umfaji kaZimu eJerusalema lapha gade asele awulungisele khona. Wabiza iinzukulwana zaka-Aroni namaLevi bona zihlangane ndawonye: emndenini kaKhehathi bekunamadoda alikhulu namatjhumi amabili arholwa ngu-Uriyeli; emndenini kaMerari bekunamadoda amakhulu amabili namatjhumi amabili arholwa ngu-Asaya; emndenini kaGeritjhomu bekunamadoda alikhulu namatjhumi amathathu arholwa nguJuweli; emndenini ka-Elitsafani bekunamadoda amakhulu amabili arholwa nguTjhemaya; emndenini kaRhebroni bekunamadoda amatjhumi abunane arholwa ngu-Eliyeli; emndenini ka-Uziyeli bekunamadoda alikhulu netjhumi nambili arholwa ngu-Aminadaba. Nje-ke uDavida wabiza uTsadokhi no-Abiyatari abaphristi, kanye no-Uriyeli, u-Asaya, uJuweli, uTjhemaya, u-Eliyeli no-Aminadaba amaLevi, wathi kibo: “Ngini iinhloko zemindeni yamaLevi. Nje-ke nina nabafowenu amaLevi, zihlambululeni bonyana nilethe umfaji kaSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli lapha ngiwulungiselele khona. Ngombana akhange niwuthwale bona niwulethe kwekuthomeni, yeke uSomnini uZimethu usibhokele ngobukhali. Iye, akhange sibuze kuye bona singenza njani njengombana kujanyisiwe.” Nje-ke abaphristi namaLevi bazihlambulula ukuze bakhuphule umfaji kaSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli. AmaLevi athwala umfaji kaZimu ngeengodo emahlombawo, kwaba njengombana uMosi awayalile ngokuya ngelizwi lakaSomnini. Godu uDavida watjela iinhloko zamaLevi bona zikhethe abafowazo ababavumi bonyana bakhalele iingoma zethabo, babethe neenliliswa okumihlobohlobo yamaharibha neewahlo. Nje-ke amaLevi akhetha uHemani umsa kaJuweli, u-Asafa umsa kaBherekiya no-Etani umsa kaKhutjhaya. U-Asafa gade angewomndeni kaHemani. U-Etani umfowabo gade angewomndeni kaMerari. Abavumi abathathwaba gade bafanele balilise iiwahlo zekoporo. Isiqhema sesibili naso esimndeni gade kunguZakariya umsa kaJaziyeli, uTjhemiramothi, uJerhiyeli, u-Uni, u-Eliyabu, uBhenaya, uMaseya, uMatitiya, u-Elifelehu, uMikhiniya, u-Obede-Edomu noJehiyeli, abalindi. Esiqhemenesi, uZakariya, uTjhemiramothi, uJerhiyeli, u-Uni, u-Eliyabu, uMaseya noBhenaya gade bafanele balilise amaharibha ngesinara esiphezulu. UMatitiya, u-Elifelehu, uMikhineya, u-Obede-Edomu, uJehiyeli kanye no-Azaziya bekufuze basize ukudlala iharibha elinye elineenara ezibunane. UKenaniya ongomunye wabarholi bamaLevi gade amyeleli oqalene nokuthuthwa komfaji. Wanikelwa umsebenzi lo ngombana gade anelemuko lawo. UBherekiya no-Elkhana gade babalindi bomfaji. Abaphristi uTjhebaniya, uJotjhafathi, uNetaneli, u-Amasayi, uZakariya, uBhenaya no-Eliyezeri gade kufuze bavuthele iimporompita phambi komfaji kaZimu. U-Obede-Edomu noJerhiya nabo gade kufuze babe balindi bomfaji. Yeke uDavida nabaphathi bakwa-Israyeli kanye neenduna zekulungwana, bakhamba bayokunyusa umfaji wesivumelwano sakaSomnini endlini ka-Obede-Edomu ngegido elikhulu. UZimu wasiza amaLevi kikho koke. AmaLevi agade athutha umfaji wesivumelwano sakaSomnini, enza umhlabelo weenkunzi ezilikhomba namaqama angako. UDavida gade ambethe iphuraphura yelineni njengawo woke amaLevi athwala umfaji, nanjengabavumi noKenaniya ogade amyeleli wabavumi abathutha umfaji. Godu uDavida gade aleke ngenaka lobuphristi. Nje-ke woke u-Israyeli waletha umfaji wesivumelwano sakaSomnini ngomkhulungwana wehlokomo, ngomdumo wepalapala neporompita, isiwahlo nangeenliliswa zemihlobohlobo yamaharibha. Kwathi lokha umfaji wesivumelwano sakaSomnini nawusangena eMzini kaDavida, uMikali indodakazi kaSawula wahlola ngefesidere. Uthe nakabona ikosi uDavida igida ithamba, wayinyaza. Bathatha umfaji kaZimu bawungenisa ngetendeni uDavida agade alihlomele wona. Banikela ngemihlabelo yokutjhiswa neyetjhebiswano phambi kwakaZimu. Kuthe lokha uDavida nakaqeda ukunikela ngemihlabelo yokutjhiswa neyetjhebiswano, wabusisa abantu ebizweni lakaSomnini. Wanikela omunye nomunye umuntu wembaji nowengubo kwa-Israyeli isikwa esindulungu, amakwapa wesundu nawediribe. Wakhetha amanye amaLevi bona alotjhe phambi komfaji wakaSomnini, abonge, akhalele abe adumise uSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli. U-Asafa gade ayihloko, alandelwe nguZakariya. UJehiyeli, uTjhemiramothi, uJerhiyeli, uMatitiya, u-Eliyabu, uBhenaya, u-Obede-Edomu noJehiyeli bekufuze badlale imihlobohlobo yamaharibha. U-Asafa gade kufuze azwakalise iiwahlo; uBhenaya noJarhaziyeli abaphristi bebafuze bavuthele njalonjalo iimporompita phambi komfaji wesivumelwano sakaZimu. Bekumhlokho lokha uDavida nanikela kokuthoma u-Asafa nesiqhema sakhe irhubo lokudumisa uSomnini elithi: Dumisani uSomnini, nibize ibizo lakhe; nazise izenzo zakhe phakathi kwezizwe. Mvumeleni ingoma, nimdlalele; babazani zoke izenzo zakhe ezikarisako. Zikhakhaziseni ebizweni lakhe elicwengileko; yenzani iinhliziyo zabafuna uSomnini zithokoze. Funani uSomnini namandlakhe; nifunisise ubuso bakhe njalonjalo. Khumbulani iimangaliso azenzileko, imikarisomraro neemiso azikhulumileko nina nzukulwana zaka-Israyeli inceku kaSomnini, nina madodana kaJakopo okhethiweko wakhe. USomnini unguZimethu; iimiso zakhe zembethe iphasi loke. USomnini ukhumbula isivumelwano sakhe isiphelani, nelizwi ayala ngalo iinzukulwana eziziinkulungwana: isivumelwano asenza no-Abrahamu, nesifungo asenza no-Isaka. Wasiqinisa kuJakopo saba mthetho, ku-Israyeli saba sivumelwano isiphelani. Wathi: “Jakopo ngizakunikela iKanana ibe sisabelo selifa lakho.” Lokha basesembalwa ngesibalo, iye, baseselidlanzana begodu baziinkhonzi kilo bazulazula izizwe ngezizwe, bandinda nemibuso ngokuhlukahlukana. USomnini akhange avumele noyedwa bona abagandelele; nangebanga labo wakhalima amakhosi, wathi: “Ningathinti abazesiweko bami, ningahlunguphazi abaphorofidi bami.” Khalelani ingoma kuSomnini nina phasi loke, memezelani isindiswakhe imihla ngemihla. Zwakalisani iphazimulwakhe ezizweni, iimangaliso zakhe phakathi kwabantu boke; ngombana mkhulu uSomnini, mbala ufanele ukudunyiswa, wesatjwa ngaphezu kwabo boke abozinyana. Iye, boke abozinyana bezizwe babosingazimu, kodwana uSomnini yena wenza amazulu. Iphazimulo nobukhosi kuphambi kwakhe, amandla netokozo kusesigodlweni sakhe. Nina zizwe, hloniphani uSomnini, nivume iphazimulo namandlakhe; ninikele ibizo lakhe ihlonipho emfaneleko. Lethani umnikelo bese niza phambi kwakhe; khothamelani uSomnini nembethe izambatho ezihloniphekileko; thuthumelani phambi kwakhe nina zizwe zoke zephasi. Iye, iphasi linzinzile, angekhe lasikinywa, nje-ke amazulu akathokoze, iphasi lihlokome; izizwe azitjelwe kuthiwe: “USomnini uyabusa!” Ilwandle alibhodle nakho koke okungendenalo; ummango awujekezele nakho koke okukiwo. Nje-ke imithi yehlathi izakukhalela phambi kwakaSomnini, ngombana uyeza bona abuyisele koke esigeni. Dumisani uSomnini ngombana ulungile; iye, ithando lakhe ngelanini nanini. Yeke thandazani nithi: “Sisindisa Zimu wesindiswethu! Senyule hlangana nezizwe bonyana sidumise ibizo lakho elicwengileko, sibabaze iphazimulwakho. USomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli akaphakanyiswe bekube nini nanini.” Boke abantu bathi: “Amen! USomnini akadunyiswe!” UDavida watjhiya u-Asafa nabafowabo phambi komfaji wesivumelwano sakaSomnini bonyana balotjhe uZimu lapho isiphelani. Bekufuze balotjhe ngokweendingo zemihla ngemihla. Watjhiya no-Obede-Edomu anabafowabo abamatjhumi asithandathu nabunane. U-Obede-Edomu umsa kaJedutuni noRhosa bekubalindi. UDavida watjhiya uTsadokhi umphristi nabanye abaphristi abakanye naye phambi kwethaberinakeli lakaSomnini elisendundumeni eGibiyoni, kobana banikele imihlabelo yokutjhiswa kuSomnini phezu kwe-aldari njalo ekuseni nantambama mlibe. Bekufuze kwenziwe koke okutlolwe emthethweni kaSomnini ayala ngawo u-Israyeli. Abanye abagade banabo bekunguHemani noJedutuni nenengi labagade bakhethwe ngokomthetho bonyana babe ngabazokudumisa uSomnini bathi: “Iye, ithando lakhe lijame isiphelani.” UHemani noJedutuni gade baneemporompita neewahlo kanye nemihlobohlobo yeenliliswa ebegade babhinela ngazo uZimu. Amadodana kaJedutuni gade abalindisango lethaberinakeli. Yeke boke abantu baphadlhalala kwaba ngiloyo naloyo waya kwakhe, uDavida naye wabuyela kwakhe bonyana abusise indlwakhe. Kuthe lokha uDavida nasele ahlezi anzinzile esigodlweni sakhe, wathi kuNathani umphorofidi: “Akhusuqale, mina ngihlezi ngesigodlweni somsedari ukube umfaji wesivumelano sakaSomnini wona usele ngetenjaneni.” UNathani waphendula uDavida wathi: “Ikosami ayenze ngokubona kwayo ngombana uZimu unayo.” Ngobusukobo ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kuNathani lathi: “Khamba uyokutjela incekwami uDavida bonyana nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Akusuwe ozongakhela indlu kobana ngihlale kiyo. Mina akhange khengihlale ngendlini kusukela mhlana ngikhupha u-Israyeli eGibhide bekube namhlanje. Bengiseze ngigega netende kusukela kwelinye ukuya kwelinye, ngigelagela ethaberinakelini. Kiyo yoke indawo lapha bengikhamba khona no-Israyeli, nakhe nangizwa ngikhuluma komunye wabarholi engabayala bona beluse abantu bami ngambuza bonyana kubayini angangakheli indlu yomsedari na?’ Nje-ke tjela incekwami uDavida uthi, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimadlawoke: Mina ngakususa emadlelweni, ekweluseni umhlambi, ngakwenza bona ube mphathi wabantu bami u-Israyeli. Ngibe nawe nanyana kukuphi lapha uya khona, ngaphelisa nezitha zakho zoke phambi kwakho. Nje-ke ube ngomunye wabadumileko ephasini. Ngizokulungiselela isizwe sami u-Israyeli indawo, ngisinzinzise ukuze sibe nekhaya laso singasaphazamiseki. Iinkhohlakali azisoze zisasigandelela njengombana zenza ekuthomeni, nanjengombana zenza soloku ngakhetha ababusi phezu kwabantu bami u-Israyeli. Nezitha zakho zoke ngizaziguqisa. Ngimemezela kuwe bona ngimi engizakwakhela indlu. Lokha amalangakho sele aphelile sewuphumule kiboyihlomkhulu, ngizakuvusa isizukulwana sakho, omunye wamadodanakho. Ngizakuqinisa ubukhosi bakhe. Nguye-ke ozangakhela indlu, ngizakunzinzisa isihlalo sakhe isiphelani. Ngizakuba nguyise yena abe yindodanami. Angisoze ngasusa ithando lami kuye njengombana ngalisusa kiloyo okhambe ngaphambi kwakho. Ngizambeka ngaphezu kwabantu bami nangaphezu kombuswami isiphelani. Nesihlalo sakhe sizakujama isiphelani.’ ” UNathani wabikela uDavida woke amezwi wesambulo. Nje-ke uDavida wangena ngetendeni wahlala phasi phambi komfaji kaSomnini wathi: “Hawu Somnini, Zimami! Bengiyini mina nomndenami bonyana ungabe ungibeke ezingeni elingaka? Kwangasuthi lokho bekungakaneli phambi kwakho, wena Zimu, wakhuluma godu nangelikusasa lomndeni wencekwakho. Iye, ungikhethile mina, thuli lehlabathi njengombana kutjho incwadi yomyalwakho, wangiphakamisa Somnini, Zimami. Alo-nje, incekwakho uDavida beyingathini okhunye ngehlonipho engaka ngombana wena, Somnini nguwe owazi incekwakho. Ngebanga lencekwakho nangentandwakho wenze izinto ezikulwezi bewenza bona zazeke. Akakho onjengawe! Njengombana sezwa ngeendlebe zethu, akakho uZimu ngaphandle kwakho. Ngubani-ke onjengabantu bakho u-Israyeli, isizwe ekukuphela kwaso ephasini uZimu aphuma ukuyosihlenga bonyana sibe babantu bakhe? Wazenzela idumo ngokwenza imikarisomraro emikhulu neyesabekako ngokuqotjha izizwe phambi kwabantu bakho owabahlenga eGibhide. Wenza u-Israyeli bonyana abe sisizwe sakho isiphelani begodu wena Somnini, waba nguZimakhe. Nje-ke Somnini, qinisa isithembiso owasenza ngencekwakho kanye nendlwayo isiphelani; wenze njengombana wathembisa. Ibizo lakho lizakunzinza belibe likhulu isiphelani bese abantu bathi, ‘USomnini uMninimandlawoke, obizwa bona unguZimu ka-Israyeli, mbala nguye uZimu ka-Israyeli!’ Nendlu yencekwakho uDavida izakujama inzinze phambi kwakho. Wena Zimami, wembulile encekwinakho bonyana uzayakhela indlu. Ngalokho incekwakho ifunyene isibindi sokuthandaza phambi kwakho. Iye, wena Somnini unguZimu! Incekwakho uyithembise intwehle le. Njengombana kube kuhle ukubusisa indlu yencekwakho, akube njalo phambi kwakho isiphelani. Lokha wena Somnini nawuyibusisako, izakubusiseka nini nanini.” Kwathi emva kwalokho uDavida wamadlha amaFilista bewawabusa. Wathumba iGathi nemizanayo wayikhupha ezandleni zamaFilista. UDavida waragela phambili wamadlha namaMowabi, aba ziinsebenzi zakhe, athela nemithelo kuye. Ngaphezu kwalokho wamadlha nekosi yeTsoba uHadadi-Ezeri hlanu kweRhamathi, lokha uHadadi-Ezeri nasendleleni bona ayokusungula umbuswakhe magegana nomlambo iYufrathe. UDavida wathumba kuye iinkulungwana zeenkarana zepi, iinkulungwana ezilikhomba zabakhweli beenkarana kanye neenkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili zamajoni weenyawo. Waqunta imisipha yeenjomani wazitjhiyela kwaphela ikhulu leenjomani ezibotjhelwako. Kuthe lokha ama-Aramu weDamaseku nakeza bonyana azokusiza uHadadi-Ezeri ikosi yeTsoba, uDavida wamadlha phasi iinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili nambili zawo. Wajamisa iinqhema zamajoni embusweni wama-Aramu eDamaseku. Ama-Aramu asebenzela uDavida abe athela nemithelo kuye. USomnini wapha uDavida ukuhlula koke lapha akhamba khona. UDavida wathatha iinlanda zegolide egade kungezeenduna zakaHadadi-Ezeri waziletha eJerusalema. Ukusukela eThibirhathi neKuni ekumimizi egade ingeyakaHadadi-Ezeri, uDavida wabutha lapho ikoporo enengi kwamambala. Emva kwesikhathi ngekoporo leyo uSolomoni wenza ilwandle lekoporo, iinsika zethempeli nezitjana zoke zekoporo. Kuthe lokha uTowu ikosi yeRhamathi nakezwa bonyana uDavida uhlule loke ibutho lakaHadadi-Ezeri ikosi yeTsoba, wathumela uHadoramu indodanakhe ekosini uDavida uyokumbingelela nokumthokozisa ekwahluleni kwakhe ipi kaHadadi-Ezeri ngombana uHadadi-Ezeri bekahlala alwa naye. UHadoramu waphathela uDavida imihlobohlobo yezipho zegolide, zesiliva nezekoporo. Ikosi uDavida yanikela iziphezo kuZimu njengombana bekenzile ngesiliva negolide agade alithumbe kizo zoke izizwe azihlulileko. Izizwezi gade kuma-Edomu, amaMowabi, ama-Amoni, amaFilista nama-Amalekhi. U-Abitjhayi umsa kaTseruya wamadlha phasi itjhumi nabunane leenkulungwana zabakwa-Edomu ngemrhobeni weTswayi. Wajamisa iinqhema zamajoni kwa-Edomu. Ama-Edomu woke asebenzela uDavida. Ngambala uSomnini uZimu wapha uDavida ukuhlula koke lapha akhamba khona. UDavida wabusa phezu kwaka-Israyeli woke, wagweba ngokulungileko boke abeza kuye ngemiraro. UJowabi umsa kaTseruya gade amphathi webutho; uJehotjhafathi umsa ka-Arhiludi kungusosiba; uTsadokhi umsa ka-Arhitubi no-Abimeleki umsa ka-Abiyatari bekubaphristi; uTjhavitjha angumabhalana; uBhenaya umsa kaJehoyada gade aphethe amaKereti namaPeleti; amadodana kaDavida wona bekaziinkhulu ngehlangothini lakayise. Kwathi emva kwalokho uNarhatjhi ikosi yakwa-Amoni wahlongakala, uRhanuni indodanakhe waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. UDavida wadlumbana wathi: “Kungcono ngibe nomusa kuRhanuni umsa kaNarhatjhi ngombana uyise waba nomusa kimi.” Yeke uDavida wathumela abazenda bona bayomtjhiriyela uRhanuni ngoyise. Kodwana kuthe lokha abazenda bakaDavida nabafika kuRhanuni enarheni yama-Amoni bona bazomtjhiriya, abarholi bama-Amoni bathi kuRhanuni: “Ikosi icabanga bona uDavida uhlonipha usokosi kangangobana angabe athumele abantwaba bona bazokutjhiriya? Uthi amadoda la, akakezi nje bonyana azokuba botamlana abazokuhlola inarha kuthi emva kwesikhathi ayibhubhise?” Yeke uRhanuni wabamba abantu bakaDavida wabarhuna iinlevu. Waqunta izambatho zabo ngehla kwedini iinkhondo zaba semtarini, wabalisa-ke bakhamba. Kuthe lokha omunye nakatjela uDavida ngamadoda lawo, uDavida wathumela isigijimi bonyana sibahlangabeze ngombana gade barhubutjhwe kabuhlungu. Ikosi uDavida yathi: “Hlalani eJerikho iintjebe zenu bezikhule, emuva kwalokho nibuye-ke.” Lokha ama-Amoni nakalemuka bona atlhorholoje uDavida ngesidunwini, uRhanuni nama-Amoni wathumela isiliva elimakhilogremu aziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amathathu nane eMesopotamiya, e-Aramu-Maka neTsoba bonyana kuyokucatjhwa iinkarana zepi nabakhweli bazo. Bacatjha iinkarana eziziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amathathu nambili, abakhweli bazo kanye nekosi yeMaka namabuthwayo. Labo beza bazokuhloma amatendabo hlanu kweMedeba, ukube ama-Amoni wona gade asahlanganisa amabutho ngemizinawo bonyana aphume ipi. Kuthe bonyana uDavida ezwe lokhu, wathumela uJowabi nebutho loke leengorho zamajoni. Ama-Amoni aphuma azihlela ngeenqhema esangweni ledorobho lawo, ukube amakhosi agade eze bona azokusiza asazihlalele emmangweni. UJowabi wabona bonyana ubhodwe yipi ngaphambili nangemuva, yeke wakhetha abomakadebona beembilinga kwa-Israyeli, wabahlela bona baqalane nama-Aramu. Wabeka inengi lamadoda ezandleni zaka-Abitjhayi umnakwabo bona liqalane nebakwa-Amoni. UJowabi wathi ku-Abitjhayi: “Nakube ama-Aramu anamandla kunami, ubuye uzongisiza; kodwana nakube ama-Amoni anamandla kunawe, ngizakusiza. Qina ndoda, silwele abantu bekhethu namadorobho wakaZimethu. USomnini uZimu uzakwenza akubona kulungile emehlwenakhe.” Yeke uJowabi nebutho lakhe baphuma basahlela ama-Aramu, bawahlula abe abaleka. Lokha ama-Amoni nakabona bonyana ama-Aramu ayabaleka, nawo abaleka phambi kwaka-Abitjhayi umnakwabo kaJowabi aziphosela ngaphakathi kwedorobho. Nje-ke uJowabi wabuyela eJerusalema. Emva kobana ama-Aramu abone bona ahlulwe ma-Israyeli, athumela iinthunywa bonyana ziyokuthatha amanye ama-Aramu angaphetjheya komlambo. Ama-Aramu la, arholwa nguTjhofaki induna kaHadadi-Ezeri. Lokha uDavida nakatjelwa lokhu, wahlanganisa woke ama-Israyeli wayama umlambo iJordani. Kuthe lokha uDavida nakafika kiwo, wahlela amabuthwakhe bona aqalane nama-Aramu. Kwathi lokha uDavida nasele alungele ukuwasahlela, ama-Aramu angena epini. Kodwana ama-Aramu abaleka phambi kwaka-Israyeli. UDavida wabulala iinkulungwana ezilikhomba zabakhweli beenkarana namajoni weenyawo amatjhumi amane weenkulungwana. Wabulala noTjhofaki indunabo yepi. Kuthe lokha amakhosi agade angaphasi kwakaHadadi-Ezeri nakabona bonyana ahlulwe ma-Israyeli, enza ukuthula noDavida bona abe ngaphasi kwakhe. Nje-ke ama-Aramu akhange asathanda ukusiza bakwa-Amoni godu. Kwathi nakuthoma umnyaka lokha amakhosi naphuma ipi, uJowabi waphuma nebutho lamajoni ukuyokulwa. Wabhubhisa inarha yakwa-Amoni, waragela phambili wavimbezela iRabha. UDavida yena wasala eJerusalema. UJowabi wasahlela iRabha wayitjhiya imarubhi. UDavida wathatha isihlohlo ebegade sisehloko yekosi yakwa-Amoni. Ubudisi baso bebumakhilogremu amatjhumi amathathu nane begodu ngaphakathi kwaso bekunelitje eliligugu. Sathweswa uDavida. UDavida wathatha ipango enengi yedorobhelo. Wakatelela abantu bedorobhelo bona bamsebenzele: Wabasebenzisa ngeensarha, ngamapeke wesimbi nangamazembe. Wenza lokhu kiwo woke amadorobho wama-Amoni. UDavida nebutho lakhe loke babuyela eJerusalema. Emva kwalokho kwaqubuka ipi namaFilista eGezeri. Ngesikhatheso uSibekayi weRhutjha wabulala uSipayi owabe ayitsitsirimba. Ngalokho amaFilista aguqiswa. Kenye ipi namaFilista, u-Elirhanani umsa kaJayiri wabulala uLarhimi ongumnakwabo kaGoliyathi umGathi. Umphini womkhontwakhe wawufana nompherho womaluki. Nakenye godu ipi eyaba seGathi, kwakunendoda ede enemino esithandathu esandleni ngasinye namazwani asithandathu enyaweni ngalinye, okumatjhumi amabili nane sekukoke. Naye gade ayitsitsirimba. Wathi lokha natlhorholoja ama-Israyeli, uJonathani umsa kaTjhimeya omnakwabo kaDavida wayibulala. Lezo bekuziinzukulwana zakaRafa weGathi, ezabulawa nguDavida neenduna zakhe. Umjamelani ogade afuna ukubangela u-Israyeli inyakanyaka watjitjizela uDavida bona abale ama-Israyeli. UDavida wathi kuJowabi neenduna zamabutho: “Khambani niyokubala ama-Israyeli kusukela eBheritjheba ngesewula ukuya eDani ngetlhagwini. Nibuye-ke nizongitjela umphumela bona ngazi bonyana mangaki.” Kodwana uJowabi wathi: “Kubayini-ke ikosami ifune ukwazi lokhu? UZimu angandisa isibalo samabuthwakhe sibuyelelwe ngamakhulukhulu kunalokhu esingikho kwanje? Kosami, Ndabezitha, amabutho lawo akasisesandleni sakho na? Alo, kubayini u-Israyeli kufuze athwale umlandu ngebanga lesenzwesi?” Kodwana uJowabi wabindeka ngependulo yekosi uDavida. Yeke waphuma wadabula kilo loke lakwa-Israyeli, emva kwalokho wabuyela eJerusalema. UJowabi wabikela uDavida isibalo samadoda wepi: Kilo loke lakwa-Israyeli bekunesigidi nekhulu leenkulungwana lamadoda akwazi ukulwa ngesabula, sekuhlanganiswe neenkulungwana ezimakhulu amane namatjhumi alikhomba wakwaJuda. Kodwana uJowabi akhange afake bakwaLevi nebakwaBhenjamini esibalweni sakhe ngombana gade akghabhudlhwa myalo wekosi uDavida. Begodu into leyo yaba yimbi phambi kwakaZimu; ngebangelo wamadlha u-Israyeli. Nje-ke uDavida wathi kuZimu: “Maye mina, ngone khulu ngokwenza into enje. Maye mina, ngonile ngesenzo samesi. Ngiyabawa, libalela umlandu wencekwakho. Ubudlhadlha abelatjhwa.” USomnini uZimu wathi kuGadi umboni kaDavida: “Khamba uyokutjela uDavida bonyana nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Ngikwendlalela nanzi izinto ezintathu, khetha yinye yazo ekufuze ngikuhlunguphaze ngayo.’ ” Nje-ke uGadi waya kuDavida wafese wathi kuye: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Zikhethele: iminyaka emithathu yendlala namkha iinyanga ezintathu usoloko ubaleka izitha zakho zikutsepunya ngesabulazo, nanyana amalanga amathathu wesabula kaSomnini okutjho isifo esizakwembatha inarha lokha ingilozi kaZimu ibhubhisa yoke imikhawulo yakwa-Israyeli.’ Yeke khetha ndoda bonyana kufuze ngibuyisele liphi kongithumileko.” UDavida wathi kuGadi: “Ngisenyakanyakeni nanginje. Kungcono ngiwele ezandleni zakaSomnini ngombana yena umusakhe mkhulu; ngingaba yini ezandleni zabantu.” Yeke uSomnini warhadla u-Israyeli ngesifo, kwabhubha iinkulungwana ezimatjhumi alikhomba zamadoda. Nje-ke uZimu wathumela ingilozi ebhubhisako bonyana ibhubhise iJerusalema. Kodwana kwathi ingilozi isathi yenza lokho, uZimu wacabanga godu. Warhawuka ngebanga lamatlhuwo wathi engilozini leyo: “Kahle! Kwanele kwanjesi.” Ngesikhatheso ingilozi kaSomnini beyijame eselelweni saka-Orinani umJebusi. UDavida waqala phezulu wabona ingilozi kaSomnini ijame emkayini phakathi kwezulu nephasi, iphethe isabulayo erhwatjhwiweko iyelulele eJerusalema. Nje-ke uDavida kanye nabaphathi bomuzi bembatha iinzilo bawa ngobuso ehlabathini. UDavida wathi kuZimu: “Zimami, ngimi oyale bonyana kubalwe amadoda wepi. Yeke ngimi okhohlakeleko ngokwenza isono esingaka. Abantwaba sezizimvu nje. Boneni kangaka? Maye Somnini, Zimami, yeke isandla sakho asibe phezu kwami nomndenami, kodwana isifo asingehleli abantu bakaZimu.” Ingilozi kaSomnini yatjela uGadi bonyana ayokutjela uDavida akhuphuke ayokwakhela uSomnini i-aldari eselelweni saka-Orinani umJebusi. Yeke uDavida wakhuphukela eselelweni saka-Orinani njemgombana uGadi amtjelile ngokuya ngelizwi lakaZimu. U-Orinani gade abhula ikoroyi, uthe lokha najika ngesileyi wabona ingilozi. Amadodanakhe amane agade anaye esaba, azifihla. Wathi u-Orinani nakaqalako wabona uDavida asiza kuye. Wasuka eselelweni wehla wafese waguqa phambi kwakaDavida wahloma ihloko phasi. UDavida wathi kuye: “Ngithengisela iselelo sakhwesi ukuze ngakhele uSomnini uZimu i-aldari khonapho. Ngalokho isifo sizakusuka ebantwini. Mina ngizakukhokhela sona ngemali ezeleko.” Kodwana u-Orinani wathi kuDavida: “Awa, ikosi ingasithatha. Begodu ikosi ingenza njengombana ithanda. Mina ngizakunikela iinkabi bona zibe mhlabelo wokutjhiswa bese kuthi iingodo zeenleyi ngizinikele zibe ziinkuni, nekoroyi yona ibe mnikelo weenthoro. Koke lokhu kuzakuba sisipho.” Ikosi uDavida yamphendula yathi: “Awa mntabantu! Ngizakukhoka inani elipheleleko. Angikwazi ukuthathela uSomnini uZimu okungokwakho nanyana nginikele umhlabelo wokutjhiswa ngalokho engikufunyene ngesihle.” Yeke uDavida wakhokhela indawo leyo ku-Orinani ngamakhilogremu alikhomba wegolide. UDavida wakhela uSomnini i-aldari lapho bewanikela imihlabelo yokutjhiswa neyetjhebiswano. Wathandaza kuSomnini, uSomnini wamphendula ngomlilo ovela ezulwini wehlela e-aldarini lokutjhisa imihlabelo. Nje-ke uSomnini wakhuluma nengilozi, yona yabuyisela isabulayo ngesikhwameni sayo. Ngesikhatheso uDavida nakalemuka bonyana uSomnini uphendule umthandazwakhe ngeselelweni saka-Orinani umJebusi, wathoma ukunikela imihlabelo khonapho. Itende lokuhlanganela egade lenziwe nguMosi erhalawumbeni, ne-aldari lokutjhisa imihlabelo bekusese sendundumeni eGibiyoni, kodwana uDavida akhange aphumelele ukuya lapho bonyana abuze kuZimu ngombana gade esaba isabula yengilozi kaZimu. UDavida wathi: “Nasi indawo yendlu kaSomnini uZimu neye-aldari lokutjhisa imihlabelo yakwa-Israyeli.” Yeke uDavida walayela bonyana kubizwe iinkhonzi egade zisenarheni yakwa-Israyeli. Wazikhetha bonyana zibe bacozi bamatje ukuze zilungise amatje abaziweko ukwenzela bona kwakhiwe ithempeli lakaZimu. Waletha isimbi enengi bona kwenziwe iinkhonkhwani zesango neenghamelo, kanye nekoporo enengi enobudisi obungalinganisekiko. Godu waletha iingodo zomsedari ezingangobaba ezathulwa maTsidoni namaTirosi ngobunengi kuDavida. UDavida wenza lokhu ngombana wadlumbana wathi: “Indodanami uSolomoni isakhula begodu isengakabi nelizwi. Ithempeli elizakwakhelwa uSomnini kufuze libabazeke ngobukhulu libe nedumo belikarise emehlweni wezizwe. Yeke ngimi ozakwenza amalungiselelo walo.” Ngalokho uDavida wancama wabhinca ngaphambi kobana ahlongakale. Nje-ke uDavida wabiza indodanakhe uSolomoni wayiyala bona yakhele uSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli ithempeli, wathi: “Ndodanami, uyazi bekusehliziywenami bonyana ngakhe ithempeli ebizweni lakaSomnini uZimami. Kodwana kufike nanti ilizwi lakaSomnini lathi, ‘Wena sewuthulule iingazi ezinengi ephasini phambi kwami begodu izipi ozilwileko zinengi khulu. Ngebangelo awuzukwakha ithempeli ebizweni lami. Ngalokho uzakubeletha indodana; yona izakuba yindoda yokuthula ngombana ngizayinikela ukuphumula kizo zoke izitha zayo mahlangothi woke. Iye ibizo layo kuzakuba nguSolomoni, ngombana emihlenakhe ngizakwehlisela ukuthula nokuzotha phezu kwaka-Israyeli. Nguye-ke ozakwakha ithempeli ebizweni lami. Yena uzakuba yindodana kimi, mina ngibe nguyise kuye. Begodu ngizakunzinzisa ubukhosi bombuswakhe phezu kwaka-Israyeli isiphelani.’ Nje-ke ndodanami, inga uSomnini angaba nawe ukuze uphumelele wakhe indlu kaSomnini uZimakho njengokutjho kwakhe. Kwanga uSomnini angakupha ukuhlakanipha nokuzwisisa lokha nakakubeka bona wengamele u-Israyeli ukuze uphethe umthetho kaSomnini uZimakho. Nawuphetha iimiso nemithetho kaSomnini ayinikela uMosi ngebanga lama-Israyeli, uzakuba nepumelelo. Qina, ungapheli amandla; ungabi nevalo wesabe ukuragela phambili. Qala, ngithwele boke ubunzima kobana ngibonelele ithempeli lakaSomnini ngamakhilogremu aziingidi ezintathu namakhulu amane namatjhumi amabili nekhomba weenkulungwana zegolide, ngamakhilogremu aziingidi ezimatjhumi amathathu nane namakhulu amabili namatjhumi alikhomba weenkulungwana zesiliva, nangomhlumba wekoporo nesimbi enengi engalinganisekiko. Godu ngibonelele ngeengodo kanye namatje. Nawe-ke kufuze ungezelele kilokhu. Unamadoda amanengi ongawasebenzisa: abacozi bamatje, abakhi ngamatje, abafuleli kanye nenengi labososino bemihlobohlobo yemisebenzi yegolide, yesiliva, yekoporo nesimbi. Nje-ke thoma umsebenzi, uSomnini uzakuba nawe.” Yeke uDavida wayala boke abarholi bakwa-Israyeli bona basize indodanakhe uSolomoni, wathi: “USomnini uZimenu unani ngombana uninikele ukuphumula mahlangothi woke. Iye, unikele izakhamuzi zendawo le esandleni sami, nje-ke abantu benarha le baseenyaweni zakaSomnini nabantu bakhe. Yeke funani uSomnini uZimenu ngeenhliziyo nangemiphefumulwenu. Thomani ngokwakha indawo ecwengileko kaSomnini uZimu ukuze kulethwe umfaji wesivumelwano sakaSomnini neentlabagelo ezikhethekileko zakaZimu ngethempelini elizabe lakhelwe ibizo lakaSomnini.” Kuthe lokha uDavida nasele amdala angasakhanuki litho, wabeka indodanakhe uSolomoni bona ibe yikosi yakwa-Israyeli. Wahlanganisa boke abarholi bakwa-Israyeli, abaphristi kanye namaLevi. Wabala amaLevi abasele aneminyaka ematjhumi amathathu nokudlula. Bekuziinhloko zamadoda aziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amathathu nabunane. UDavida wathi: “Phakathi kwamadoda la, iinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili nane zizakuqalana nokulotjha ngethempelini lakaSomnini, iinkulungwana ezisithandathu kube ziinkhulu nabagwebi, iinkulungwana ezine zibe balindisango bese kuthi iinkulungwana ezine zona zidumise uSomnini ngeenliliswa engazenzela bona adunyiswe ngazo.” UDavida wahlukanisa amaLevi ngeenqhema ukuya ngokwemindeni kaGeritjhoni, uKhehathi noMerari. Emndenini kaGeritjhoni kwavela imindeni kaLadani noTjhimeyi. Iinzukulwana zakaLadani bekumindeni kaJehiyeli ogade angoqakatheke khulu, uZethamu noJuweli; kwaba mindeni emithathu. Endodaneni kaJuweli enguTjhimeyi kwavela imindeni kaTjhelomithi, uRhaziyeli noHarana; kwaba mindeni emithathu. Iinzukulwana zakaTjhimeyi bekumindeni kaJarhathi, uZina, uJewutjhi noBheriya. Imindeni emine le gade iziinzukulwana zakaTjhimeyi. Umndeni kaJarhathi gade ungoqakathekileko, ulandelwe ngewakaZina. UJewutjhi noBheriya akhange babe namadodana amanengi, yeke babalwa njengomndeni munye banikelwa umsebenzi munye. Iinzukulwana zakaKhehathi bekumindeni emine elandelako: u-Amramu, uJitsihari, uRhebroni no-Uziyeli. Amadodana ka-Amramu kungu-Aroni noMosi. U-Aroni wahlukaniselwa bonyana esikhathini soke yena nesizukulwana sakhe baphathe iminikelo ezilwako. Bebamele batjhise itjhwalo phambi kwakaSomnini, bamlotjhe bebamemezele isibusiso ebizweni lakhe isiphelani. Iinzukulwana zakaMosi umuntu kaZimu zabalwa nengcenye yekoro yakaLevi. Amadodana kaMosi bekunguGeritjhomu no-Eliyezeri. Eenzukulwaneni zakaGeritjhomu, uTjhebuyeli gade angoqakatheke khulu. URerhabiya gade ayihloko yeenzukulwana zaka-Eliyezeri. U-Eliyezeri gade anganawo amanye amadodana, kodwana uRerhabiya waba namadodana amanengi. Eenzukulwaneni zakaJitsihari, uTjhelomithi gade angoqakatheke khulu. Eenzukulwaneni zakaRhebroni, uJeriya gade angoqakatheke khulu, wesibili kungu-Amariya, wesithathu kunguJarhaziyeli, uJekhameyamu angowesine. Eenzukulwaneni zaka-Uziyeli, uMika gade angoqakatheke khulu, kulandele uYitjhiya. Iinzukulwana zakaMerari bekumindeni kaMarhili noMutjhi. Amadodana kaMarhili bekungu-Eliyazari noKhitjhi. U-Eliyazari wahlongakala anganawo amadodana, anabentazana kwaphela. Abentazanabo bathathwa bomnakwabo okumadodana kaKhitjhi. Iinzukulwana zakaMutjhi bekumindeni kaMarhili, u-Ederi noJeremothi; kwaba mindeni emithathu. Laba-ke bekumindeni yamaLevi ebekumele basebenze ngethempelini lakaSomnini. Boke ebebangaphezu kweminyaka ematjhumi amabili ubudala babalwa, amabizwabo abe atloliswa eenqhemeni zomsebenzi ngaphasi kweenhloko zemindeni. Kwaba njalo ngombana uDavida wathi: “USomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli unikele abantu bakhe ukuphumula begodu uhlala eJerusalema isiphelani, yeke amaLevi nawo akusafuneki ahlale athwele ithaberinakeli nanyana enye into esetjenziselwa ukulotjha uSomnini.” Ngokuya ngomyalo wokugcina kaDavida, amaLevi gade abalwe kusukela kwabaneminyaka ematjhumi amabili ubudala nanyana ukudlula. Umsebenzi wamaLevi bekukusiza iinzukulwana zaka-Aroni ekulotjheni ngethempelini lakaSomnini: ukutjheja iinrhodlo zethempeli namarhayisi, ukuhlanza zoke izinto ezikhethekileko nokwenza eminye imisebenzi ephathelene nokulotjha endlini kaZimu. Bebatjheja izikwa ezibekwa etafuleni, iflowuru esefiweko yomnikelo weenthoro, izikwa ezirhwamuzelako, izikwa zedendeleko, ihlama nokulinganisa iinthako. Bekufuze njalo ekuseni bathokoze bebadumise uSomnini, nantambama benze soneso. Godu bekufuze benze njalo ngaso soke isikhathi lokha nakutjhiselwa uSomnini imihlabelo yokutjhiswa, ngamaSabatha, ngeminyanya yokuthwasa kwenyanga nangemigidi ejanyisiweko. Bekumele njalo nje isibalo esibekiweko samaLevi silotjhe ngethempelini lakaSomnini. Ngendlela leyo amaLevi enza imisebenzawo ngetendeni lokuhlangana nangendaweni ecwengileko. Enza lokhu asiza abafowabo okuziinzukulwana zaka-Aroni malungana nokulotjha ngethempelini lakaSomnini. Iinzukulwana zaka-Aroni gade zihlelwe ngeenqhema bunje: Amadodana ka-Aroni bekunguNadabi, u-Abihu, u-Eliyazari no-Itamara. UNadabi no-Abihu bahlongakala ngaphambi kokobana uyisabo ahlongakale. Gade banganabantwana, nje-ke u-Eliyazari no-Itamara balotjha njengabaphristi. Ngokusizwa nguTsadokhi isizukulwana saka-Eliyazari no-Arhimeleki isizukulwana saka-Itamara, uDavida wabahlukanisa ngokweenqhema zokulotjha. Iinzukulwana zaka-Eliyazari gade zineenhloko ezinengi zemindeni kunezaka-Itamara. Yeke iinzukulwana zaka-Eliyazari zahlukaniswa zaba ziinhloko zemindeni ezilitjhumi nesithandathu, kwathi iinzukulwana zaka-Itamara zaba ziinhloko zemindeni ezibunane. Bazihlukanisa ngefumbe ngokungakhethi ngombana bekunabarholi bezekolo, iinceku zakaZimu hlangana kweenzukulwana zaka-Eliyazari no-Itamara. Umabhalana uTjhemaya umsa kaNetaneli umLevi watlola amabizwabo ebukhoneni bekosi uDavida, iinkhulu, uTsadokhi umphristi, u-Arhimeleki umsa ka-Abiyatari naphambi kweenhloko zemindeni yabaphristi namaLevi. Kwakhethwa babili ngefumbe emndenini ka-Eliyazari, kwakhethwa munye emndenini ka-Itamara. Ifumbe yokuthoma yadla uJehoyaribi, yesibili uJedaya, yesithathu yadla uRharimu, yesine uSeworimu, yesihlanu yadla uMalikiya, yesithandathu uMijamini, yekhomba yadla uRhakhotsi, yobunane u-Abiya, yethoba yadla uJetjhuwa, yetjhumi uTjhekaniya, yetjhumi nanye yadla u-Eliyatjhibu, yetjhumi nambili uJakhimu, yetjhumi nantathu yadla uRhupha, yetjhumi nane uYetjhebabi, yetjhumi nahlanu yadla uBhiliga, yetjhumi nesithandathu u-Imeri, yetjhumi nalikhomba yadla uRheziri, yetjhumi nabunane uHaphitsetsi, yetjhumi nethoba yadla uPetarhiya, yamatjhumi amabili uJerhezikheli, yamatjhumi amabili nanye yadla uJakini, yamatjhumi amabili nambili uGamulu, yamatjhumi amabili nantathu yadla uDelaya, yamatjhumi amabili nane uMazeya. Leli-ke lidlhego abahlelwa ngalo lokha nabangena ethempelini lakaSomnini uZimu bona balotjhe. Kwaba ngendlela uyise u-Aroni abayala ngayo, ukuya ngomyalo kaSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli. Iinzukulwana ezinye zakaLevi nazo bezihlelwe ngeenqhema: eenzukulwaneni zaka-Amramu kwakhutjhwa isiqhema sakaTjhubayeli, emadodaneni kaTjhubayeli kwakhutjhwa sakaJerhideya; eenzukulwaneni zakaRerhabiya kwakhutjhwa isiqhema sakaYitjhiya oyihloko yomndeni; eenzukulwaneni zakaJitsihari kwakhutjhwa isiqhema sakaTjhelomothi, emadodaneni kaTjhelomothi kwakhutjhwa sakaJarhathi; eenzukulwaneni zakaRhebroni kwakhutjhwa isiqhema sakaJeriya oyihloko, alanywe ngu-Amariya, wesithathu kunguJarhaziyeli, wesine kunguJekhamamu; eenzukulwaneni zaka-Uziyeli kwakhutjhwa isiqhema sakaMika, emadodaneni kaMika kwakhutjhwa sakaTjhamiri; eenzukulwaneni zakaYitjhiya umnakwabo kaMika, kwakhutjhwa isiqhema sakaZakariya. UMarhili noMutjhi bekumadodana kaMerari; eenzukulwaneni zakaJaziya umzukulu kaMerari, kwakhutjhwa iinqhema zakaTjhohamu, uZakuri no-Ibri; u-Eliyazari bekuyindodana kaMarhili, kodwana gade anganamadodana; eenzukulwaneni zakaKhitjhi kwakhutjhwa isiqhema sakaJerarhimiyeli; eenzukulwaneni zakaMutjhi kwakhutjhwa iinqhema zakaMarhili, u-Ederi noJerimothi. Ngilezo-ke iinqhema zamaLevi ngokwemindenawo. Nawo-ke aphosa ifumbe njengabomnakwabo okuziinzukulwana zaka-Aroni benza lokho ebukhoneni bekosi uDavida, uTsadokhi, u-Arhimeleki naphambi kweenhloko zemindeni yabaphristi namaLevi. Lokhu bekwenziwa ngokungakhethi phakathi komndeni waloyo oyihloko nowabamlamako. UDavida kanye neenduna zebutho bahlukanisela amadodana ka-Asafa, uHemani noJedutunu bona aphorofide ancinze imihlobohlobo yamaharibha neewahlo. Nanti-ke irhelo lamadoda agade enza umsebenzi lo: Emadodaneni ka-Asafa bekunguZakuru, uJosefa, uNetaniya no-Asarela. Amadodana ka-Asafa aphekelela uyise ngomvumo lokha naphorofida ngaphasi kwelihlo lekosi uDavida. Emadodaneni kaJedutunu bekunguGedaliya, uTseri, u-Isaya, uTjhimeyi, uRhatjhabiya noMatitiya, babathandathu sebaboke. Baphekelela uyise uJedutunu ngamaharibha lokha naphorofida ngokuthokoza nangokudumisa uSomnini uZimu. Emadodaneni kaHemani bekunguBhukhiya, uMathaniya, u-Uziyeli, uTjhebuweli, uJerimothi, uRhananiya, uRhanani, u-Eliyata, uGidalithi, uRomamithi-Ezeri, uYotjhibekhatjha, uMalothi, uHotiri noMarhaziwothi. Woke lawo bekumadodana kaHemani umboni wekosi uDavida. UZimu wathembisa uHemani bonyana uzamphakamisa, yeke wamupha amadodana alitjhumi nane namadodakazi amathathu. Woke amadodana lawo aphekelela uyise ethempelini lakaSomnini uZimu ngomvumo ancinza iiwahlo nemihlobohlobo yamaharibha kobana kulotjhwe ngethempelini lakaZimu. U-Asafa, uJedutunu noHemani bona bebangaphasi kwelihlo lekosi uDavida. Bona sebahlangene neenhlobo zabo ebezibanduliwe begodu zinekghono lokukhalelela uSomnini uZimu, bebamakhulu amabili namatjhumi abunane nabunane. Kwenziwa ifumbe malungana nomsebenzabo ngaphandle kokukhetha omkhulu nomncani, umfundisi nomfundi. Ifumbe yokuthoma emndenini ka-Asafa yadla uJosefa. Yesibili yadla uGedaliya. Yena nabafowabo kanye namadodanakhe bebalitjhumi nambili sebaboke. Yesithathu yadla uZakuru, amadodanakhe nabafowabo, bebalitjhumi nambili sebaboke. Yesine yadla uJitsiri, amadodanakhe nabafowabo, bebalitjhumi nambili sebaboke. Yesihlanu yadla uNetaniya, amadodanakhe nabafowabo, bebalitjhumi nambili sebaboke. Yesithandathu yadla uBhukiya, amadodanakhe nabafowabo, bebalitjhumi nambili sebaboke. Yekhomba yadla uJesarela, amadodanakhe nabafowabo, bebalitjhumi nambili sebaboke. Yobunane yadla u-Isaya, amadodanakhe nabafowabo, bebalitjhumi nambili sebaboke. Yethoba yadla uMataniya, amadodanakhe nabafowabo, bebalitjhumi nambili sebaboke. Yetjhumi yadla uTjhimeyi, amadodanakhe nabafowabo, bebalitjhumi nambili sebaboke. Yetjhumi nanye yadla u-Azariyeli, amadodanakhe nabafowabo, bebalitjhumi nambili sebaboke. Yetjhumi nambili yadla uRhatjhabiya, amadodanakhe nabafowabo, bebalitjhumi nambili sebaboke. Yetjhumi yadla uTjhubayeli, amadodanakhe nabafowabo, bebalitjhumi nambili sebaboke. Yetjhumi nane yadla uMatitiya, amadodanakhe nabafowabo, bebalitjhumi nambili sebaboke. Yetjhumi nahlanu yadla uJerimothi, amadodanakhe nabafowabo, bebalitjhumi nambili sebaboke. Yetjhumi nathandathu yadla uRhananiya, amadodanakhe nabafowabo, bebalitjhumi nambili sebaboke. Yetjhumi nalikhomba yadla uYotjhibekhatjha, amadodanakhe nabafowabo, bebalitjhumi nambili sebaboke. Yetjhumi nabunane yadla uRhanani, amadodanakhe nabafowabo, bebalitjhumi nambili sebaboke. Yetjhumi nethoba yadla uMalothi, amadodanakhe nabafowabo, bebalitjhumi nambili sebaboke. Yamatjhumi amabili yadla u-Eliyata, amadodanakhe nabafowabo, bebalitjhumi nambili sebaboke. Yamatjhumi amabili nanye yadla uHotiri, amadodanakhe nabafowabo, bebalitjhumi nambili sebaboke. Yamatjhumi amabili nambili yadla uGidalithi, amadodanakhe nabafowabo, bebalitjhumi nambili sebaboke. Yamatjhumi amabili nantathu yadla uMarhaziwothi, amadodanakhe nabafowabo, bebalitjhumi nambili sebaboke. Yamatjhumi amabili nane yadla uRomamithi-Ezeri, amadodanakhe nabafowabo, bebalitjhumi nambili sebaboke. Iinqhema zabalindisango bezijame bunje: Emndenini kaKhorarhi bekunguMetjhelemiya umsa kaKhore osizukulwana saka-Asafa. Amadodana kaMetjhelemiya bekunguZakariya izibulo, alanywa nguJediyaheli, wesithathu kunguZebadiya, wesine kunguJatiniyeli, wesihlanu kungu-Elamu, wesithandathu kunguJehorhanani wekhomba kungu-Eliyehowenayi. Amadodana ka-Obede-Edomu bekunguTjhemaya olizibulo alanywa nguJehozabadi, wesithathu kunguJowarhi, wesine kunguSakari, wesihlanu kunguNetaneli, wesithandathu kungu-Amiyeli, wekhomba kungu-Isakari noPewuletayi wobunane. UZimu gade ambusisile u-Obede-Edomu. UTjhemaya umsa ka-Obede-Edomu naye gade anamadodana. Amadodana lawo bekabarholi emndenini kayise ngombana gade kuziingorho. Amadodana kaTjhemaya bekungu-Otini, uRefayeli, u-Obede no-Elizabadi; iinhlobo zakaTjhemaya u-Elihu noSemakiya bekumadoda anekghono. Zoke iinzukulwana zaka-Obede-Edomu lezo, zona namadodanazo nabafowazo bekumadoda anetlha nanamandla ekusebenzeni. Sezizoke bezimatjhumi asithandathu nambili. UMetjhelemiya gade anamadodana nabafowabo, kumadoda anekghono. Bebalitjhumi nabunane sebaboke. URhosa osizukulwana sakaMerari gade anamadodana alandelako: uTjhimri (owathi nanyana angasilo izibulo, uyise wamenza ihloko yomndeni), alanywa nguRhilikhiya, wesithathu kunguThebaliya, wesine kunguZakariya. Amadodana nabafowabo kaRhosa bebalitjhumi nantathu. Iinqhema zabalindisangwezi, ngokurholwa ziinduna zazo, gade zenza imisebenzi yokulotjha ethempelini lakaSomnini njengombana gade kwenza iinhlobo zazo. Isango nesango lenzelwa ifumbe ngokwemindeni emikhulu nemincani ngokufanako. Kwathi lokha nakuphoswa iimfumbe, zawa ngendlela le: Ifumbe yesango langepumalanga yadla uTjhelemiya. Ifumbe yesango langetlhagwini yadla indodana kaTjhelemiya uZakariya obegade amluleki ohlakaniphileko. Ifumbe yesango langesewula yadla u-Obede-Edomu. Ifumbe yeenlulu yadla amadodanakhe. Ifumbe yesango langetjingalanga nendleleni ekhuphukela esangweni leTjhalekethi yadla uTjhupimu noRhosa. Iindlwana zabalindaba bezisemaduzana. Imihla ngemihla bekugada amaLevi asithandathu ngepumalanga yethempeli, amane ngetlhagwini, amane ngesewula. Isilulu ngasinye besigadwa babantu ababili. Abane bagada indlela eya emathurini ngetjingalanga yethempeli, ababili bagada ngemathurini. Labo-ke bekuziinqhema zabalindisango ebegade baziinzukulwana zakaKhorarhi noMerari. AmaLevi amanye gade aqalene nokuphathwa kweenlulu zethempeli lakaZimu neenlulu zeminikelo ekhethekileko. Iinlulwezi bezisesandleni seenhloko zomndeni kaLadani osizukulwana sakaGeritjhoni ngoJerhiyeli. UZetamu umsa kaJerhiyeli noJuweli umnakwabo gade balawula iinlulu zethempeli lakaSomnini. Godu bezisesandleni semindeni ka-Amrami, uJitsihari, uRhebroni no-Uziyeli: UTjhebuyeli isizukulwana sakaGeritjhoni umsa kaMosi gade asikhulu esengamele amagugu. U-Eliyezeri umnakwabo kaTjhebuyeli bekunguyise kaRerhabiya onguyise ka-Isaya, uyise kaJoramu, onguyise kaZikiri, uyise kaTjhelomithi. UTjhelomithi lo neenhlobo zakhe gade bengamele yoke iminikelo ekhethekileko eyahlukaniselwa yikosi uDavida, iinhloko zemindeni, iinduna zeenkulungwana, iinduna zamakhulu kanye nezinye iinduna zamabutho. Enye yepango eyahlangulwa epini bayinikelela ukutjhejwa kwethempeli lakaSomnini. Yoke into eyahlukaniselwa nguSamyela umboni, noSawula umsa kaKhitjhi, u-Abineri umsa kaNeri noJowabi umsa kaTseruya nazo zoke izinto ezazihlukaniselweko, gade zisesandleni sakaTjhelomithi neenhlobo zakhe. Emndenini kaJitsihari uKenaniya neenzukulwana zakhe gade banikelwe umsebenzi ongaphandle kwethempeli kilo loke lakwa-Israyeli kobana babe batjheji nabagwebi. Emndenini kaRhebroni uRhatjhabiya neenhlobo zakhe okumadoda anekghono ayikulungwana namakhulu alikhomba, gade batjheje umsebenzi wezokuphathwa kwa-Israyeli ngetjingalanga yeJordani okutjho ukuphelelisa yoke imisebenzi kaZimu neyekosabo. Emndenini kaRhebroni uJeriya gade ayihloko. Kwathi ngomnyaka wamatjhumi amane wokubusa kwakaDavida, kwenziwa irhubhululo, kwafunyanwa hlangana kweenzukulwana nemindeni yakwaRhebroni amadoda aziingorho eJazeri eGiliyadi. Iinhlobo zakaJeriya gade kumadoda anekghono. Iinhloko zemindenazo beziziinkulungwana ezimbili namakhulu alikhomba. Wona-ke ikosi uDavida yawabeka phezu kwebakwaRubeni, bakwaGadi naphezu kwesiquntu sekoro yabakwaManase mayelana nazo zoke iindaba zakaZimu nekosabo. Kwenziwa irhelo lama-Israyeli ngokweenhloko zemindeni, iinduna zeenkulungwana, zamakhulu kanye nabatjheji bazo. Labo basebenzela ikosi uDavida mayelana nakho koke okuphathelene neenqhema zamabutho. Iinqhemezo gade zisemsebenzini inyanga nenyanga bekube mnyaka woke. Esinye nesinye isiqhema gade sinamadoda aziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili nane. Irhelwelo belijame bunje: Phezu kwesiqhema sokuthoma enyangeni yokuthoma bekunguYatjhobamu umsa kaZabidiyeli. Esiqhemeni sakhe bekunamadoda aziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili nane. UYatjhobamu gade asizukulwana sakaPeretsi begodu ayinduna yeenkhulu zoke zebutho enyangeni yokuthoma. Phezu kwesiqhema senyanga yesibili bekunguDodayi umArhorhi. Esiqhemeni sakhe ebesinamadoda aziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili nane bekunoMikhilothi ikosana. Induna yesiqhema sesithathu senyanga yesithathu bekunguBhenaya umsa kaJehoyada umphristi omkhulu. Esiqhemeni sakhe bekunamadoda aziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili nane. UBhenaya lo, ngogade ayingorho yamatjhumi amathathu begodu aphethe abamatjhumi amathathu. Indodanakhe u-Amizabadi gade asesiqhemeneso. Induna yesiqhema sesine senyanga yesine bekungu-Asayeli umnakwabo kaJowabi. Indodanakhe uZebadiya nguye owamlandelako ngokuphatha. Esiqhemeni sakhe bekunamadoda aziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili nane. Induna yesiqhema sesihlanu senyanga yesihlanu bekunguTjhamuthi umJizrarhi. Esiqhemeni sakhe bekunamadoda aziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili nane. Induna yesiqhema sesithandathu senyanga yesithandathu bekungu-Ira umsa ka-Ikhetjhi umTekhowa. Esiqhemeni sakhe bekunamadoda aziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili nane. Induna yesiqhema sekhomba senyanga yekhomba bekunguRheletsi umPeloni wakwa-Efrayimu. Esiqhemeni sakhe bekunamadoda aziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili nane. Induna yesiqhema sobunane senyanga yobunane bekunguSibekayi umRhutjha wakwaZarirhi. Esiqhemeni sakhe bekunamadoda aziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili nane. Induna yesiqhema sethoba senyanga yethoba bekungu-Abiyezeri umAnatothi wakwaBhenjamini. Esiqhemeni sakhe bekunamadoda aziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili nane. Induna yesiqhema setjhumi senyanga yetjhumi bekunguMarayi umNethofa wakwaZarirhi. Esiqhemeni sakhe bekunamadoda aziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili nane. Induna yesiqhema setjhumi nanye senyanga yetjhumi nanye bekunguBhenaya umPiratoni wakwa-Efrayimu. Esiqhemeni sakhe bekunamadoda aziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili nane. Induna yesiqhema setjhumi nambili senyanga yetjhumi nambili bekunguRhelidayi umNethofa womndeni ka-Otiniyeli. Esiqhemeni sakhe bekunamadoda aziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili nane. Phezu kweenkoro zakwa-Israyeli bekungilaba: KebakwaRubeni bekungu-Eliyezeri umsa kaZikiri, kwaSimiyoni kunguTjhefathiya umsa kaMaka, kwaLevi kunguRhatjhabiya umsa kaKhemuyeli, kwa-Aroni kunguTsadokhi, kwaJuda kungu-Elihu omunye wabomnakwabo kaDavida, kwa-Isakari kungu-Omri umsa kaMikayeli, kwaZebuloni kunguYitjhimaya umsa ka-Obadiya, kwaNafitali kunguJerimothi umsa ka-Azriyeli, kuma-Efrayimu kunguHosiya umsa ka-Azaziya, esiquntwini sekoro yakwaManase kunguJuweli umsa kaPhedaya, kwesinye isiquntu sekoro yakwaManase ngeGiliyadi kunguJido umsa kaZakariya, kwaBhenjamini kunguJasiyeli umsa ka-Abineri, kwaDani kungu-Azariyeli umsa kaJerorhamu. Lezo-ke bekuziinkhulu phezu kweenkoro zakwa-Israyeli. UDavida akhange abale amadoda aneminyaka ematjhumi amabili namkha ngaphasi kwaleyo ngombana uSomnini uZimu gade athembise bona uzakwenza u-Israyeli abe mnengi njengeenkwekwezi zomkayi. UJowabi umsa kaTseruya wathoma ukubala amadoda kodwana wangaqeda ukuwabala. Ngenca yokubala lokho u-Israyeli wehlelwa manikelela, nesibalweso akhange besisangena encwadini yemilando yekosi uDavida. U-Azimavethi umsa ka-Adiyeli gade aphethe amagugu wesigodlo. UJonathani umsa ka-Uziya aphethe iinlulu ngeemfundeni okutjho emadorobheni, emizaneni neenthaleni zabalindi. U-Ezri umsa kaKelubi gade aphethe iinsebenzi zemasimini. UTjhimeyi umRama gade aphethe iimvande zesidiribe. UZabidi umTjhifimi aphethe umkhiqizo weemvande zesidiribe okutjho ibulungelo lewayini. UBhali-Rhanani umGederi aphethe imithi ye-oliva neyamakhiwani wommango eentatjaneni zenarha yangetjingalanga. UJowatjhi aphethe ibulungelo lamafutha we-oliva. UTjhirithayi umTjharoni aphethe imihlambi yeenkomo efula ngeTjharoni. UTjhafathi umsa ka-Adilayi aphethe imihlambi yeenkomo yangemirhobeni. U-Obili umItjhimayeli aphethe amakamela. UJerhideya umMeronothi aphethe abodumbana. UJazizi umHagiri aphethe imihlambi yezimvu neembuzi. Boke labo gade kubaphathi bepahla yekosi uDavida. UJonathani usonghwanakhe lakaDavida gade amluleki, amumuntu onomkhumbulo obanzi begodu amtloli. Yena noJerhiyeli umsa kaRhakimoni gade batjheje amadodana wekosi. U-Arhitofeli gade amluleki wekosi; uRhutjhayi umAriki yena amnganayo. U-Arhitofeli walandelwa nguJehoyada umsa kaBhenaya kwase kuba ngu-Abiyatari. UJowabi yena waba yinduna yebutho lesigodlo. UDavida wabiza zoke iinkhulu zakwa-Israyeli bona zibuthane eJerusalema: Iinkhulu zeenkoro, iinduna zeenqhema ezimsebenzelako, iinduna zeenkulungwana nezamakhulu kanye neenkhulu eziphethe yoke ipahla nefuyo yekosi neyamadodanayo; godu wabiza iimphathimandla zesigodlo, iingorho, ngitjho boke abosaziwako. UDavida wasikima wathi: “Bafowethu nani bantu bekhethu, akhese ningilaleleni kuhle. Bekusehliziywenami bonyana ngakhe indlu ibe yindawo lapha umfaji wesivumelwano sakaSomnini uzakunzinza khona nokobana ube sinabelo seenyawo zakaZimu. Begodu ngenze namalungiselelo wokuyakha. Kodwana uZimu wathi kimi, ‘Awukafaneli wakhele idumo lami indlu ngombana ube mumuntu wezipi begodu uthulule iingazi.’ Nokho uSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, wakhetha mina emndenini woke wakwethu bona ngibe yikosi phezu kwaka-Israyeli nini nanini ngombana wakhetha uJuda bona abe mrholi, kwathi khonapho endlini kaJuda wakhetha umndeni wakwethu begodu phakathi kwamadodana kababa kwamthokozisa bona enze mina ngibe yikosi phezu kwaka-Israyeli. USomnini ungiphe amadodana amanengi, yeke kwathi kiwo woke wakhetha indodanami uSolomoni bona ihlale esihlalweni sobukhosi bakhe phezu kwaka-Israyeli. Wathi kimi, ‘USolomoni indodanakho nguye ozakwakha ithempeli lami neenrhodlo zami ngombana ngikhethe yena bona abe yindodanami, mina ngizakuba nguyise kuye. Ngizakunzinzisa ubukhosi bakhe isiphelani nakube udzimelele ekwenzeni imiyalwami nemithethwami njengombana asenza namhlanje.’ “Yeke mina uDavida nginiyala phambi kwama-Israyeli woke nehlangano yoke naphambi kwakaZimu ngithi: Tjhejani bona niyilandela yoke imiyalo kaSomnini uZimenu ukuze nizuze inarha ehle le, benikwazi nokuyidlulisela eenzukulwaneni zenu isiphelani. Wena ndodanami Solomoni, thembeka kuZimu kayihlo, umlotjhe ngehliziyo epheleleko nangomkhumbulo ovumako ngombana uSomnini uZimu uhlolisisa ihliziyo enye nenye begodu wazi yoke ihloso yemicabango. Nawumfunako uzamfunyana; kodwana nawumfulathelako naye uzakuliselela isiphelani. Yelela-ke ndodana, uSomnini uZimu ukhethe wena bona wakhe ithempeli libe yindawo ecwengileko. Yeke qina idolo, wenze umsebenzi.” Nje-ke uDavida wanikela indodanakhe uSolomoni umtlamo wethempeli, okutjho umtlamo wamathuri, wemimakho, wamadladla, wamalawu angaphezulu, wemisamo newendawo ecwenge khulu. Wamnikela nomtlamo wakho koke agade anakho emmoyenakhe mayelana neenrhodlo zethempeli lakaSomnini, woke amarhayisi azombeleze iinrhodlo, iinlulu zethempeli lakaZimu neenlulu zeminikelo ekhethekileko. Wamnikela imiyalo mayelana neenqhema zabaphristi namaLevi, ikambiso yoke yokulotjha ethempelini kanye neentlabagelo zoke ezifanele zisetjenziselwe ukulotjha. Godu wamnikela imiyalo mayelana nobudisi beentlabagelo zoke zegolide nezesiliva ezifanele zisetjenziswe ekulotjheni okuhlukahlukeneko, okutjho ubudisi begolide belinye nelinye ilithi leembani kanye neembani zalo zegolide, ubudisi besiliva belinye nelinye ilithi leembani kanye neembani zalo zesiliva ngokuya ngokusetjenziswa kwelinye nelinye ilithi lesibani; ubudisi begolide belinye nelinye itafula lezikwa zakaZimu, ubudisi besiliva leentafula zesiliva; ubudisi begolide elihlanzekileko leemforogo, izitja zokunyenyeza neenkapho zegolide; ubudisi begolide kwesinye nesinye isitja segolide; ubudisi besiliva kwesinye nesinye isitja sesiliva; nobudisi begolide elicolisiweko le-aldari letjhwalo. Wamnikela nomtlamo wekarana newamakerubhi wegolide anamaphiko avulekileko engamele umfaji wesivumelwano sakaSomnini. UDavida wathi: “Woke umtlolo womtlamo lo ngiwufumene kuSomnini begodu nguSomnini owangembulela koke ngokusetjenzwa komtlamo lo.” Godu uDavida wakhuluma nendodanakhe uSolomoni wathi: “Qina, ungapheli amandla! Yenza umsebenzi! Ungabi nevalo wesabe ukuragela phambili ngombana uSomnini uZimu, iye uZimami unawe. Angeze akufulathele namkha akutjhiye bekube sekupheleni komsebenzi woke wokwakha ithempeli lakaSomnini. Qala, iinqhema zabaphristi namaLevi sezilungele ukulotjha ethempelini lakaZimu; kanti-ke unabantu abaneenhliziyo ezivumako nabanamakghono woke wemisebenzi efanele yenziwe. Iinkhulu nabantu boke bazakuthobela yoke imiyalwakho.” Ikosi uDavida yakhuluma nehlangano yoke yathi: “Indodanami uSolomoni uZimu akhetha yona yodwa, isakhula begodu isengakabi nelizwi. Umsebenzi wokwakha mkhulu ngombana umakho lo akusiwo womuntu kodwana ngewakaSomnini uZimu. Ngenze ngamandlami woke ukubonelela ithempeli lakaZimami: Ngibonelele ngegolide mayelana nomsebenzi wegolide, isiliva kokwesiliva, ikoporo kokwekoporo, isimbi kokwesimbi nesigodo kokwesigodo. Godu ngibonelele ngamatje aligugu abomvu nahlaza mayelana nokukghabisa, amatje wemifunda ngemifunda wokwendlala phasi, nemihlobohlobo yamatje aligugu kanye nemabula enengi. Ngaphezu kwakho koke engibonelele ngakho, ngenca yokuthanda kwami ithempeli lakaZimami, nginikela nangalokho okungekwami okuligolide nesiliva mayelana nendlu ecwengileko, ithempeli lakaZimami: iinkulungwana ezilikhulu nantathu zamakhilogremu wegolide, neenkulungwana ezimakhulu amabili namatjhumi amane wamakhilogremu wesiliva elicolisiweko bonyana kunamekwe amaboda wemakhiwo, igolide kokwegolide nesiliva kokwesiliva, koke okufuze kwenziwe bososino. “Nje-ke ngubani kinapha namhlanje ofuna ukuzahlukanisela uZimu ngokunikela ngehliziyo evumako na?” Iinhloko zemindeni, iinkhulu zeenkoro zakwa-Israyeli, iinduna zeenkulungwana nezamakhulu kanye nabaphathi bomsebenzi wekosi uDavida, banikela ngehliziyo evumako. Banikelela umsebenzi wethempeli lakaZimu iinkulungwana ezilikhulu namatjhumi alikhomba nanye zamakhilogremu wegolide, iinkulungwana ezilitjhumi zeempaparwana zegolide, iinkulungwana ezimakhulu amathathu namatjhumi amane nambili zamakhilogremu wesiliva, iinkulungwana ezimakhulu asithandathu netjhumi nesithandathu zamakhilogremu wekoporo iingidi ezintathu neenkulungwana ezimakhulu amane namatjhumi amabili nekhomba zamakhilogremu wesimbi. Boke abagade banamatje aligugu bawanikela esithaleni samagugu wethempeli lakaSomnini ngaphasi kwesandla sakaJerhiyeli umGeritjhoni. Abantu bathokoza khulu ngokunikela kwabo. Iye, banikela ngokuvuma kwehliziyo kuSomnini uZimu. UDavida naye wathaba khulu. UDavida wadumisa uSomnini phambi kwehlangano yoke wathi: Idumo alibe kuwe Somnini, Zimu wakababethu u-Israyeli, bekube nini nanini. Iye Somnini, ubukhulu namandla ngekwakho, idumo, iphazimulo nobukhosi ngekwakho ngombana koke okusezulwini nephasini kungekwakho. Iye, Somnini, umbuso ungewakho, wena Somnini uphakamile, uyihloko yakho koke. Umnono nokuhlonitjhwa kuvela kuwe; umbusi wakho koke wena Somnini. Iinkhwepha namandla kulawulwa nguwe; ukukhulisa nokuqinisa kukuwe wedwa. Yeke-ke Zimethu, siyakuthokoza, nebizo lakho elibabazekako siyalidumisa. “Nje-ke bengingubani mina, nesizwe sami besiyini bona singabe sinikele ngehliziyo evumako? Lokhu sikwenze ngombana koke kuvela kuwe Somnini, thina sinikele kwaphela lokho esikuphiwe sisandla sakho. Thina siziinkhonzi nemiqhamuka phambi kwakho, njengabo boke abobamkhulu. Imihla yethu ephasini injengethunzi, akukho okujame isiphelani. Maye Somnini! Yoke ipahla osibonelele ngayo bona sikwakhele ithempeli lebizo lakho elicwengileko, ibuya ezandleni zakho begodu yoke ingeyakho. Ngiyazi Zimami bona uhlola ihliziyo begodu uthokozela ubuqotho. Iye Somnini, nami nginikele koke lokhu ngobuqotho behliziyo begodu nabantu bakho abakhona lapha ngibabonile bona bakunikelele ngokuthakasa batjhaphulukile. Somnini, Zimu wabobaba u-Abrahamu, u-Isaka no-Israyeli, yenza abantwaba babe nomkhumbulo lo eenhliziyweni zabo isiphelani. Nqophisa iinhliziyo zabo kuwe Somnini. Nikela noSolomoni indodanami ihliziyo epheleleko yokulonda imiyalo, iimfuneko neemiso zakho zoke, nokobana enze koke okusemandlenakhe bona akhe umakho engiwuboneleleko.” Nje-ke uDavida wathi kiyo yoke ihlangano: “Dumisani uSomnini uZimenu” Yeke ihlangano yadumisa uSomnini uZimu waboyise. Abantu baguqa bahloma iinhloko phasi phambi kwakaSomnini uZimu naphambi kwakaDavida ikosabo. Benza imihlabelo kuSomnini. Ngelanga elilandelako benza imihlabelo yokutjhiswa kuSomnini: ikulungwana yeenkunzi, ikulungwana yamaqama, ikulungwana yeemvana eziduna neenselo zomnikelo ezikhambisana nayo. Godu kwenzelwa woke u-Israyeli imihlabelo eminengi yetjhebiswano. Badla bebasela bathakasa khulu phambi kwakaSomnini uZimu mhlanokho. USolomoni umsa kaDavida godu wabekwa waba yikosi. Bamzesa njengomrholi emsebenzini kaSomnini uZimu bebazesa noTsadokhi bona abe mphristi omkhulu. USolomoni wahlala esihlalweni sobukhosi bakaZimu esikhundleni sakayise uDavida. Waba ngophumelelako, nama-Israyeli woke amlalela. Iinkhulu zoke neengorho, ngitjho nawo woke amadodana wekosini uDavida azibophelela ukusekela ikosi uSolomoni. USomnini uZimu wamphakamisa khulu uSolomoni phambi kwama-Israyeli woke. Wamthwesa ubukhosi obudlondlobeleko nobungakhange bube khona nakeyodwa yamakhosi ngaphambilini kwa-Israyeli. UDavida umsa kaJese gade ayikosi yakwa-Israyeli woke. Wabusa kwa-Israyeli iminyaka ematjhumi amane. Elikhomba wayibusa eRhebroni, ematjhumi amathathu nantathu kwaba seJerusalema. Wahlongakala asele athukghele khulu; gade anelisekile ngamalanga wokuphila, ngomnono nangedumo. USolomoni indodanakhe wabusa esikhundleni sakhe. Izehlakalo zekosi uDavida, kusukela ekuthomeni bekube sekugcineni zitlolwe emtlolweni wakaSamyela umboni, wakaNathani umphorofidi newakaGadi umboni. Emitlolweni leyo bekulandwa ngakho koke ukubusa kwakhe, izenzo zobungorho bakhe nezehlakalo zoke ezamvelelako yena no-Israyeli kanye nemibuso yeenarha ezinye. USolomoni umsa kaDavida wazakha waqina embuswenakhe ngombana uSomnini uZimakhe gade anaye begodu wamdlondlobalisa khulu. Wenza imbizo yakwa-Israyeli woke: Wabiza iinduna zeenkulungwana neenduna zamakhulu, abagwebi neenkosana zoke zakwa-Israyeli okuziinhloko zemindeni. USolomoni nembizo yoke bakhuphukela endundumeni eGibiyoni ngombana itende lakaZimu lokuhlanganela elenziwa nguMosi inceku yakaSomnini erhalawumbeni belilapho. Ngesikhatheso umfaji kaZimu wesivumelwano gade useJerusalema ngombana uDavida bekawususe eKhiriyathi-Jeyarimu wawusa endaweni agade ayilungiselele wona, wawuhlomela itende eJerusalema. Kodwana i-aldari lekoporo elenziwa nguBhetsalele umsa ka-Uri, omsa kaRhuri beliseGibiyoni ngaphambi kwethaberinakeli lakaSomnini; uSolomoni nehlangano babuza uSomnini lapho. USolomoni wenza imihlabelo lapho phambi kwakaSomnini e-aldarini lekoporo ebelingaphambi kwetende lokuhlanganela. Wanikela khona imihlabelo yokutjhiswa eyikulungwana. Ngobusukobo uZimu waziveza kuSolomoni wathi kuye: “Bawa nanyana yini ofuna ngikuphe yona.” USolomoni waphendula uZimu wathi: “Uthembeke khulu kubaba uDavida ngokungibeka ngaba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. Nje-ke Somnini Zimu, isithembiso sakho kuDavida ubaba, asiqinisekiswe. Ngambala ungibeke ngaba yikosi phezu kwesinyokotho sabantu abangangethuli lequlwani, yeke ngibawa ukuhlakanipha nelwazi, kobana ngikghone ukurhola abantwaba. Ngingaba yini ngabantu bakho abanengi kangakaba?” UZimu wathi kuSolomoni: “Azange ukhombele umnono, ifuyo, idumo nokubulawa kwezitha zakho begodu azange ukhombele bonyana uphile isikhathi eside; kodwana wakhetha ukuhlakanipha kanye nelwazi lokobana ukwazi ukubusa abantu bami engikwenze waba yikosabo. Njengombana lokhu kube sifiso sakho, nje-ke ngizakunikela ukuhlakanipha nelwazi. Phezu kwalokho ngizakupha nomnono, ifuyo kanye nedumo okungazange khekube nekosi eyaba nakho ngaphambilini namkha ngemva kwakho.” Emva kwalokho uSolomoni wasuka etendeni lokuhlanganela egade lisendundumeni eGibiyoni, waya eJerusalema lapha afese wabusa khona phezu kwaka-Israyeli. USolomoni wabuthelela iinkarana neenjomani; waba neenkarana eziyikulungwana namakhulu amane kanye neenjomani eziziinkulungwana ezilitjhumi nambili. Wazibeka emadorobheni weenkarana kanye nemzinakhe eJerusalema. Ikosi uSolomoni yenza bonyana eJerusalema igolide nesiliva lijayeleke libe linengi njengamatje, nomsedari ube mnengi njengemithi yamakhiwani wommango eentatjaneni zenarha. Iinjomani zakaSolomoni zazithethwe eGibhide, khulukhulu eKhewe. Zazithengwa barhwebi bekosini eKhewe ngentengo ephasi. Abarhwebi bathenga ikarana yepi eGibhide ngesiliva engaphasi kwamakhilogremu alikhomba, nenjomani ngesiliva engaphasi kwamakhilogremu amabili. Godu bazithengisa kiwo woke amakhosi wamaHite newama-Aramu. USolomoni wakhupha umyalo wokwakhela uSomnini ithempeli kanye nokwakhiwa kwesigodlo sakhe. Wabeka iinkulungwana ezimatjhumi alikhomba zamadoda athwala imithwalo neenkulungwana ezimatjhumi abunane zabacozi bamatje emibundwini namakhulu amatjhumi amathathu nesithandathu weenduna. USolomoni wathumela umyalezo lo kuRhiramu ikosi yeTirosi wathi: “Kwanjesi sele ngizokwakhela uSomnini uZimami ithempeli. Ngizalihlukanisela yena ngokutjhisa itjhwalo phambi kwakhe, ukubeka isikwa esibekwa etafuleni ngamalanga nangokwenza imihlabelo yokutjhiswa ekuseni nantambama, ngamaSabatha, ngokuthwasa kwenyanga nangeenkhathi zomnyanya obekwe nguSomnini uZimethu. Lokhu ngizakwenza njengombana bekumthetho wanini nanini kwa-Israyeli. Ngithumelela iingodo zomsedari njengombana wenza kubaba uDavida lokha nawumthumelela umsedari kobana akhe isigodlo azakuhlala kiso. Iye, ithempeli engizolakha lizokuba likhulu ngombana uZimethu mkhulu kunabo boke abosingazimu. Akakho ongakghona ukumakhela indawo yokuhlala ngombana amazulu ngitjho nezulu elingaphezu kwamazulu angeze anela kilo. Yeke angeze ngakghona ukumakhela indawo yokuhlala, engifuna ukukwenza yindawo yokutjhisa imihlabelo phambi kwakhe. Ngalokho-ke ngithumelela umuntu onelwazi lokusebenza ngegolide nesiliva, ikoporo nesimbi, nangokububende, okutlerebede nokuhlaza komkayi. Godu kumele abe nekghono lokwenza umgwalogobhodlho. Akeze kwaJuda neJerusalema azokusebenza nabososino bami ababekwa ngubaba uDavida. Ungithumelele iingodo zomsedari, zomsayipurusi neze-almugi ezivela eLibhanoni. Ngiyazi bonyana iinsebenzi zakho zinekghono lokugawula iingodo zeLibhanoni. Iinsebezi zami zizakusebenza nezakho ukubonelela iingodo ezinengi ngombana ithempeli engizolakha kufanele libe likhulu begodu libe lihle okurarako. Ngizakunikela iinsebenzi zakho ezibagawuli bemithi, iinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili zemigodla yekoroyi njengokudla, iinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili zemigodla yebhali, iinkulungwana ezimakhulu amane namatjhumi amane zamalitha wewayini neenkulungwana ezimakhulu amane namatjhumi amane zamalitha wamafutha we-oliva.” URhiramu ikosi yeTirosi waphendula uSolomoni ngencwadi wathi: “Ngebanga lokobana uSomnini uZimu uthanda abantu bakhe, ukubeke waba yikosabo.” Waragela phambili wathi: “Akudunyiswe uSomnini, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli owenza izulu nephasi! Uphe ikosi uDavida indodana ehlakaniphileko, ezele ngelwazi nokuzwisisa ezokwakhela uSomnini uZimu ithempeli beyizakhele nesigodlo. Ngikuthumelela indoda ehlakaniphileko nezele ukuzwisisa, uRhuramu osisazi. Yena yindodana yomfazi wakwaDani, uyise yindoda yeTirosi. Ubandulelwe ukusebenza ngegolide nangesiliva, ngekoporo nangesimbi, ngelitje nangesigodo. Godu usebenza nangamatjhila abubende, ahlaza komkayi, ayilineni natlerebede. Unekghono lokusebenza ngazo zoke iindlela zomgwalogobhodlho begodu angenza nanyana ngimuphi umtlamo okuthiwa akawenze. Uzakusebenza nabososino bakho nebekosami, uyihlo uDavida. Ikosi ayithumele ikoroyi, ibhali namafutha we-oliva ngeenceku zayo njengombana ithembisile; thina-ke sizakugawula zoke iingodo ozifunako eLibhanoni bese sizithayisa ngeenyanda elwandle ukufika eJopha. Ungazithatha lapho-ke uzise eJerusalema.” USolomoni wabala zoke iinkhonzi ebegade zikwa-Israyeli (lokhu kwenzeka ngemva kokubala okwenziwa nguyise uDavida). Kwafunyanwa iinkhonzi eziziinkulungwana ezilikhulu namatjhumi amahlanu nantathu namakhulu asithandathu. Wabeka iinkhonzi eziziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi alikhomba bonyana zithwale imithwalo. Wabeka eziziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi abunane bonyana zicoze amatje emibundwini bese kwathi iinkulungwana ezintathu namakhulu asithandathu kwaba ziinduna zakhona ezeluse bonyana kusetjenzwe. USolomoni wathoma ukwakha ithempeli lakaSomnini eJerusalema entabeni iMoriya lapha uyise uDavida afumana khona isambulo. Gade kuseselelweni saka-Arawuna umJebusi, indawo eyathengwa nguDavida. Wathoma ukwakha elangeni lesibili lenyanga yesibili emnyakeni wesine wokubusa kwakhe. Lezi ziinlinganiso ezaquntwa nguSolomoni mayelana nokwakhiwa kwethempeli lakaZimu ukuya ngokweenlinganiso zaphambilini: Kwakumamitha amatjhumi amathathu ubude namamitha alitjhumi ububanzi. Ubude bethempeli bebululwe ngamathuri anobubanzi bethempeli obumamitha alitjhumi, namamitha alitjhumi ukuphakama. Wanameka ilingaphakathi lawo ngegolide elitsengileko. Wavala ilawu elikhulu ngomsayipurusi bewalinameka ngegolide elitsengileko elivela eParivayimu. Walikghabisa ngomuthi wesundu, ngemikghabiso yeketani nangamatje aligugu. Godu wabaza namakerubhi emabodeni. Wanameka loke ilawelo ngegolide: amabhaluga, amagoseni, amaboda kanye neminyango. Indawo ecwenge khulu beyingenelele emsamo ngamamitha alitjhumi ilingana nobubanzi bethempeli. Ububanzi bayo nabo bebumamitha alitjhumi. Wanameka ilingaphakathi layo pheze ngeenkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili zamakhilogremu wegolide elitsengileko. Iinkhonkhwani zegolide bezinobudisi obungaphezu kwamakhilogremu amatjhumi amabili nabunane. Godu wanameka namalawu angaphezulu ngegolide. Wabumba amakerubhi amabili endaweni ecwenge khulu bewawanameka ngegolide. Ubukhulu bamaphiko wamakerubhi gade bumamitha alitjhumi. Iphiko elilodwa lekerubhi gade limamitha amabili nesiquntu ubude lithintene neboda lethempeli, khibe iphiko elinye lalo nalo elimamitha amabili nesiquntu ubude liphawulukeleke ephikweni lekerubhi elinye. Ngokunjalo iphiko elilodwa lekerubhi lesibili belimamitha amabili nesiquntu ubude begodu lithinte iboda elinye lethempeli, iphiko lalo elinye nalo elimamitha amabili nesiquntu belinamathelene nephiko lekerubhi lokuthoma. Nje-ke amaphiko wamakerubhi lawo gade amamitha alitjhumi. Bekajame ngeenyawo zawo aqale ngelawini elikhulu. USolomoni waluka irharideni ngelineni emhlophe nangewulu ehlaza komkayi, ebubende netlerebede linomfanekiso wamakerubhi. Wakhela icabazi lethempeli iinsika ezimbili. Isika ngayinye sele ihlangene nepundwayo beyimamitha amatjhumi amabili ukuphakama. Ipundu ngayinye beyimamitha amabili nesiquntu. Wenza iinketani njengombana uDavida ambulelwa, wazirhorheja eempundwini zeensika. Godu wenza amarharinada alikhulu wawakghwayeja eenketanini. Wajamisa iinsikezo ecabazini lethempeli, enye yaba ngesewula, enye yaba ngetlhagwini. Kwathi engesewula wayithiya bona yiJakini, engetlhagwini wathi yiBhowazi. USolomoni wayala bona kwenziwe i-aldari lekoporo elimamitha alitjhumi ubude, amamitha alitjhumi ububanzi namamitha amahlanu ukuphakama. Kwenziwa nebhada ekulu okwakuthiwa lilwandle. Beyibunjwe yaba ndulungu ngalendlela: imamitha amabili nesiquntu ukuphakama, inomqoqo omamitha alitjhumi nahlanu ukuzomba, amamitha amahlanu ukusuka komunye umqoqo ukuya komunye ukuvundla. Ngaphasi komqoqo bekunemifanekiso yeenkunzi ezizombelezileko. Zazilitjhumi esiquntwini ngasinye semitha, zimijeje emibili. Bezibunjelelwe ebhadeni. Ibhada beyinzinze phezu kweenkunzi ezilitjhumi nambili, ezintathu ziqale ngetlhagwini, ezintathu ziqale ngetjingalanga, ezintathu ziqale ngesewula begodu ezintathu ziqale ngepumalanga. Ibhada beyinzinze phezu kwazo, zona zifulathelene. Beyimabhombo ngangesandla inomqoqo ofana newebhegere kwanga ngewelikhwa lommango. Gade ithwele amalitha aziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi asithandathu nesithandathu. Kwenziwa izitja zokuhlambela ezilitjhumi, kwabekwa ezihlanu ngesewula, ezihlanu ngetlhagwini. Ngezitjenapho bekuhlanzelwa izinto ezazifanele ukusetjenziswa emhlabelweni wokutjhiswa, kodwana abaphristi bona bahlambela ngaphakathi kwebhada ekulu. Kwenziwa izinti zeembani zegolide ezilitjhumi ukuya ngendlela okufanele zenziwe ngakhona. Zabekwa ngethempelini, zaba zihlanu ngesewula, zaba zihlanu ngetlhagwini. Kwenziwa amatafula alitjhumi abekwa ngethempelini. Aba mahlanu ngesewula, aba mahlanu ngetlhagwini. Godu kwenziwa izitja zokunyenyeza zegolide ezilikhulu. Kwenziwa isirhodlo sabaphristi, nesirhodlo esikhulu kanye neminyango yakhona. Kwanamekwa iminyango leyo ngekoporo. Ibhada ekulu yabekelwa ngeqadi kwethempeli ukuyela ngejikeni elingesewula-pumalanga. Godu uRhuramu wenza iimbiza neenrharafu kanye nezitja zokunyenyeza. Ngaleyondlela uRhuramu waphetha umsebenzi athembisa ukuwenzela ikosi uSolomoni ethempelini lakaZimu. Iinsika ezimbili, iimpundu ezisamjeka phezu kweensika ezimbili, imiluko emibili ezombeleze imijeka ephezu kweensika, amakhulu amane wamarharinada malungana nemiluko emibili (imijeje emibili yamarharinada emlukweni ngamunye) ikghabise imijeka egade iphezu kweensika, iinjamiso azenzako nezitja zazo zokuhlambela, ibhada ekulu ekhethekileko neenkunzi ezilitjhumi nambili ezingaphasi kwayo, iimbiza, iinrharafu, iimforogo kanye nazo zoke iintlabagelo eziphathelene nazo, koke lokhu ngokwenziwa nguRhuramu osisazi ngekoporo emanyako. Wazenzela uSolomoni mayelana nethempeli lakaSomnini. Izintwezo bezibunjelwe emdakeni ngemrhobeni weJordani phakathi kweSukothi neTsereda ngelizwi lekosi uSolomoni. Zoke izinto ezenziwa nguSolomoni lezi zaba zikulu kangangobana azange kukghoneke ukubala ubudisi bekoporo yakhona. Ngaleyondlela uSolomoni wenza koke okwakusethempelini lakaZimu: i-aldari legolide, amatafula okwakubekwe kiwo izikwa zobukhona, izinti zeembani ezenziwe ngegolide etsengileko kanye neembani zakhona, ezazivutha ngaphambi kwendawo ecwenge khulu njengombana gade kuhleliwe; amathuthumbo aseembanini kanye nesicimasibani ebe kwenziwe ngegolide ekhethekileko, iinquntapete, izitja zokunyenyeza, izitja ezinye namadengela ebe kwenziwe ngegolide etsengileko; godu neminyango yegolide engenela ethempelini kanye neminyango yegolide engenela endaweni ecwenge khulu. Kwathi nasele uSolomoni awenze woke umsebenzi wethempeli lakaSomnini, wangenisa zoke izinto uyise uDavida azahlukanisela uZimu. Wabeka isiliva negolide nezinye iinsetjenziswa ngezindlini zamagugu zethempeli lakaZimu. Nje-ke uSolomoni wabizela eJerusalema abaphathi bakwa-Israyeli, zoke iinhloko zeenkoro kanye nabarholi bemindeni yakwa-Israyeli bonyana basuse umfaji wesivumelwano sakaSomnini eMzini kaDavida ebuphephelweni beZiyoni. Woke amadoda wakwa-Israyeli abuthana ngekosini ngesikhathi somnyanya ngenyanga yekhomba. Kuthe bona kufike boke abaphathi bakwa-Israyeli, amaLevi aguga umfaji, awenyusa kanye netende lokuhlanganela nakho koke okucwengileko okwakungaphakathi kwawo. Abaphristi abamaLevi bathwala koke lokho. Ikosi uSolomoni nayo yoke ihlangano yakwa-Israyeli eyayibuthanele kiyo yeza phambi komfaji, yenza imihlabelo ngezimvu nangeenkomo ezinengi kangangobana kwakubudisi ukuzibala. Abaphristi baletha umfaji wesivumelwano sakaSomnini endawenawo emsamo wethempeli, okuyindawo ecwenge khulu. Bawubeka ngaphasi kwamaphiko wamakerubhi. Amakerubhi anamaphiko aphawulukele ngehla kwendawo yomfaji awugubuzesa kanye neengodo zawo zokuwuguga. Iingodwezo zazizide kangangobana amaphelelo wazo ukusuka emfajini gade abonakala nawungaphambi komsamo kodwana ingasi nawusesirhodlweni. Umfaji usese lapho nanamhlanjesi. Kwakunganalitho ngaphakathi komfajapho ngaphandle kwemiqebethu emibili eyafakwa nguMosi eRhorebe lapha uSomnini enza khona isivumelwano nama-Israyeli ngemva kokuphuma kwawo eGibhide. Boke abaphristi ebebalapho bazihlukanisela, ngitjho nalabo ebegade bangasi semsebenzini. Woke amaLevi agade ababhini, u-Asafa, uHemani, uJeduthuni kanye namadodanabo neenhlobo zabo bajama ngepumalanga ye-aldari ebe lingesirhodlweni. Bebavunule ilineni begodu baphethe iiwahlo nemihlobohlobo yamaharibha. Bebaphekelelwa baphristi abalikhulu namatjhumi amabili abababethi beemporompita. Ababethi beemporompita nabakhaleli bekufuze badumise begodu bathokoze uSomnini ngelizwi linye. Kuthe lokha abaphristi nabaphuma esakhiweni sethempeli beza ngesirhodlweni nalokha kuzwakala iimporompita, iiwahlo nezinye iinliliswa, abakhaleli nabathoma ukukhalela ingoma yokudumisa uSomnini basithi, “USomnini ulungile, iye, ithando lakhe ngelanini nanini”, kwavela ilifu lazala ithempeli lakaSomnini. Abaphristi azange basakghona ukwenza umsebenzabo ngebanga lelifelo. Ithempeli lakaZimu lazala swi ngephazimulo kaSomnini. Yeke uSolomoni wathandaza wathi, “USomnini, wathi uzakuhlala elifini elimnyama. Nje-ke Somnini, ngikwakhele ithempeli eliphakamileko lapha uzakuhlala khona isiphelani.” USolomoni waphendukela ehlanganweni yakwa-Israyeli eyayijame lapho, wayibusisa. Godu wathi: “Akuthokozwe uSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli othe ngesandla sakhe waphetha isithembiso asenza ngomlomakhe kubaba uDavida. Ngombana wathi, ‘Solo kwamhlana ngikhupha abantu bami eGibhide, azange khengikhethe idorobho kinanyana ngiyiphi ikoro yakwa-Israyeli kobana kwakhiwe kilo ithempeli ebizweni lami namkha ngikhethe nanyana ngubani kobana abe mrholi wabantu bami u-Israyeli. Kodwana gadesi ngikhethe iJerusalema kobana iphathe ibizo lami begodu ngakhetha uDavida bonyana abuse abantu bami u-Israyeli.’ “Bekulokhu kusehliziyweni kababa uDavida kobanyana akhele uSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli ithempeli, kodwana uSomnini wathi kubaba uDavida, ‘Kuyinto ehle khulu kobana wakhe ithempeli ebizweni lami. Nokho akusuwe ozokwakha ithempelelo, lizakwakhiwa yindodanakho, eziingazi zakho. Ngiyo-ke ezokwakha ithempeli ebizweni lami.’ “UZimu usiphethile isithembiso asenzako. Ngilandele ubaba uDavida ekubuseni. Nje-ke ngihlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi bakwa-Israyeli njengombana uSomnini athembisa. Begodu ngakhe ithempeli ebizweni lakaSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, ngabeka umfaji lapho. Ngaphakathi kwawo kunesivumelwano uSomnini asenze nabantu bakwa-Israyeli.” USolomoni gade ajame e-aldarini lakaSomnini phambi kwehlangano yoke yakwa-Israyeli aphakamisele izandla zakhe kuSomnini. Gade enze itatawu ngekoporo, belimamitha amabili nesiquntu ubude, limamitha amabili nesiquntu ububanzi nemitha elilodwa nesiquntu ukuphakama. Walibeka ekabeni yesirhodlo esingaphandle. Wajama phezu kwalo aphakamisele izandla zakhe ezulwini, waguqa phasi phambi kwehlangano yoke, wathi, “Kosami! Zimu wakwa-Israyeli! AkunaZimu onjengawe ezulwini namkha ephasinapha. Wena uphetha isivumelwano sakho nokwethembeka eencekwini zakho ezitjhabatjhekela indlelakho. Ugcine isithembiso sakho encekwinakho ubaba uDavida, wathembisa ngomlomakho bewaphetha ngesandla sakho njengombana kunjalo namhlanje. Yeke-ke Somnini, Zimu wakwa-Israyeli, ngibawa uphethe godu isithembiso owasenza kubaba uDavida lokha nawuthi kuye, ‘Angeze wabhalelwa kukuba nendoda engahlala phambi kwami esihlalweni sobukhosi bakwa-Israyeli, nakube amadodanakho ayelela iindlela zawo alonde imithethwami njengombana wena wenzile phambi kwami.’ Ngiyabawa Somnini, Zimu wakwa-Israyeli, akuphetheke ilizwi lakho owalithembisa incekwakho uDavida. “Kodwana ngithi uZimu angahlala ephasinapha nabantu na? Ngitjho namazulu, ukufika nezulwini eliphezulu khulu, angeze akghona ukumumumatha. Alo, beliyini-ke ithempeli engilakhilekweli! Nanyana kunjalo Somnini, Zimami, nokho bengithi uSomnini akatjheje umthandazo wencekwakhe kanye nesibawo sayo sesirhawu. Lalela isililo kanye nomthandazo othandazwa yincekwakho phambi kwakho. Inga amehlwakho angatjheja ithempeleli ubusuku nemini, okuyindawo uSomnini athe uzakujamisa ibizo lakhe kiyo ukuze uzwe umthandazo othandazwa yincekwakho iqale ngendaweni le. Yewizwe ukurabhela kwencekwakho kanye nekwabantu bakho u-Israyeli lokha nabathandaza baqale ngendaweni le. Yizwa usezulwini, okuyindawo lapha uhlala khona bese kuthi nawuzwako, ucolele. “Lokha umuntu naphosisela umakhelwanakhe bese kudingeka bonyana enze isifungo sobumsulwa ngaphambi kwe-aldari lakho ethempelineli, yizwa usezulwini bese uyenza: Gweba phakathi kweenceku zakho, ukhalime onomlandu bese wehlisela phezu kwakhe lokho afunge ngakho. Omsulwa ungambeki umlandu, mbeke etjhatjhalazini bonyana umsulwa. “Lokha abantu bakho u-Israyeli nabahlulwe sisitha ngebanga lokona kwabo kuwe, nababuyako bavume ibizo lakho, bathandaze bebazirabhelele kuwe ngethempelinapha, yewizwe usezulwini bese ucolela isono sabantu bakho u-Israyeli. Babuyisele enarheni owabanikela yona naboyisemkhulu. “Lokha amazulu navalekileko, kunganazulu ngebanga lokobana abantu bakho bakonele, nabathandaza baqale endaweni le, bavume ibizo lakho bese baphenduke ekoneni kwabo, ngebanga lokubahlunguphaza kwakho, yewizwe usezulwini bese ucolela isono seenceku zakho, abantu bakho u-Israyeli. Ubafundise indlela elungileko ukuze bakhambe ngayo bese unisa izulu enarheni oyinikele abantu bakho bonyana kube lilifa labo. “Yewizwe lokha nakunendlala enarheni, kunezifo, ubori, ukukghora, isikhonyani namkha iwoma lentethe, lokha isitha nasiwurubaja abantu bakho emkhawulweni wenarha kuvele namatshwenyeko namkha ubhubhani wesifo. “Yizwa usezulwini, lapha uhlala khona, lokha namkha ngubani wabantu bakho u-Israyeli athandaza nanyana arabhela, azibubula ngemitlhago namatshwenyekwakhe, akhongozele aqale ngethempelinapha. Colela bese uyenza hle: Nikela loyo naloyo ukuya ngeendlela zakhe ngombana wazi ihliziywakhe. Iye, nguwe wedwa owazi iinhliziyo zabantu. Nje-ke bazakwesaba, bakhambe ngeendlela zakho ngazo zoke iinkhathi zokuhlala kwabo enarheni owayinikela abobaba. “Yewulalele godu nemiqhamuka engabalwa ebantwini bakho u-Israyeli, kodwana evela khatjhana ngebanga lendumela yebizo lakho kanye nesandla sakho esinamandla nomkhonwakho owelulekileko. Lokha nayizako bona izokuthandaza ethempelinapha, yewizwe usezulwini, lapho uhlala khona bese wenza nanyana yini ekhonjelwa miqhamuka. Ngalokho boke abantu bephasinapha bazalazi ibizo lakho bese bayakwesaba njengombana kwenza abantu bakho u-Israyeli begodu bazi bonyana ithempeli engilakhilekweli lahlukaniselwe ibizo lakho. “Lokha abantu bakho nabaphuma ipi bayokulwa nezitha zabo, nanyana kuphi lapha ubathumela khona, nabathandaza kuwe baqale ngedorobheni olikhethileko nangethempelini engilakhele ibizo lakhweli, yewizwe usezulwini umthandazwabo nokurabhela kwabo bese ujama ngakibo. “Akunamuntu ongakoneliko. Nje-ke lokha nabakonelako bese uyabathukuthelela bewubanikelele ngesitha, sona sibathumbele endaweni ekude namkha eseduze, bathi nabafika enarheni abathunjwe kiyo leyo bazisole, baphenduke bebabethe irhobhe kuwe basenarhenapho bathi, ‘Sonile nasinje! Siziphethe kumbi sabe saphila ngameswe phambi kwakho!’, kuthi nabaphendukela kuwe ngayo yoke ihliziywabo nangomphefumulwabo basenarheni abathunjwe kiyo leyo, bathandaze baqale ngenarhenabo owayinikela aboyisemkhulu, ncaya ngedorobheni olikhethileko nethempelini engilakhileko lahlukaniselwe ibizo lakho, yewizwe usezulwini, lapha uhlala khona. Yizwa umthandazo nokurabhela kwabo bese ujama ngakibo. Colela abantu bakho abakoneleko. “Nje-ke Zimami, bengithi amehlwakho akatjheje neendlebe zakho zizwe imithandazo eyenziwa endaweni le. “Sikima, Zimu, Somnini, uye endawenakho yokuphumula, wena nomfaji wamandlakho. Inga abaphristi bakho, Somnini Zimami, bangembathiswa isindiso, abathembekileko bakho bajekezele ekulungeni. Somnini, Zimami, ungalahli umzeswakho. Khumbula ukwethembeka kwakaDavida incekwakho.” Kwathi bonyana uSolomoni aqede ukuthandaza, kwehla umlilo ezulwini waqothula umhlabelo wokutjhiswa neminikelo. Iphazimulo kaSomnini yazala ithempeli. Abaphristi azange bakghone ukungena ngethempelini lakaSomnini ngombana lalizele iphazimulo kaSomnini. Lokha woke ama-Israyeli nabona kwehla umlilo nephazimulo kaSomnini yengamele ithempeli, aguqa phasi ecabazini ahloma iinhloko phasi, adumisa uSomnini athi: “USomnini ulungile, iye, ithando lakhe ngelanini nanini!” Ikosi uSolomoni nabo boke abantu benza imihlabelo phambi kwakaSomnini. USolomoni wenza umhlabelo weenkomo eziziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili nambili nezimvu eziziinkulungwana ezilikhulu namatjhumi amabili. Ngendlela leyo yena nabo boke abantu banikela ithempeli kuZimu. Abaphristi bajama ngeenkhundla zabo. AmaLevi adumisa uSomnini ngengoma ethi “Iye, ithando lakhe ngelanini nanini” njengombana bekwenzeka nangeenkhathi zakaDavida. Baphekisa ingoma ngeenliliswa ezazenziwe nguDavida. Malungana nabo bekujame abaphristi bavuthela iimporompita nama-Israyeli woke ajama. USolomoni wahlukanisela indawo ephakathi yesirhodlo esikhulu ngaphambi kwethempeli lakaSomnini ukuze kulethwe lapho imihlabelo yokutjhiswa kanye nomhlwehlwe wemihlabelo yetjhebiswano ngombana i-aldari lekoporo alenzileko belinganeli imihlabelo yokutjhiswa, iminikelo yeenthoro nomhlwehlwe wemihlabelo. Ngesikhatheso uSolomoni wenza umnyanya wamalanga alikhomba. Bekuyimbedla yomnyanya; woke u-Israyeli alapho, bavela eLebo-Rhamathi ngetlhagwini ukuyokutjhayisa emlanjaneni weGibhide ngesewula. Elangeni lobunane benza umsebenzi. Ukunikelwa kwe-aldari kwathatha amalanga alikhomba nomnyanya wathatha amalanga alikhomba. Elangeni lamatjhumi amabili nantathu enyangeni yekhomba wathi abantu ababuyele emakhaya. Bagoduka bathokozile neenhliziyo zabo zincibilikile ngakho koke okuhle uSomnini uZimu akwenzele uDavida noSolomoni kanye nabantu bakhe u-Israyeli. Ngemva kobanyana uSolomoni sele aqede ithempeli lakaSomnini nesigodlo, waphumelela nokwenza koke ebegade kusemkhumbulwenakhe ngethempelini lakaSomnini nangesigodlo sakhe, uSomnini waziveza kuye ebusuku wathi: “Ngiwuzwile umthandazwakho begodu ngizikhethele indawo le kobana kube lithempeli lemihlabelo. Lokha nangivala amasango wezulu ukuze kungabi nezulu, ngilayele intethe bonyana idlavuze inarha namkha ngithumele izifo phakathi kwabantu bami, kuzakuthi abantu bami ababizwa ngebizo lami nabazithobako, bathandaze bebafune ubuso bami, baphenduke eendleleni zabo ezimbi, ngizakuzwa ngisezulwini bese ngithethelela isono sabo ngelaphe nenarhabo. “Yeke ukusukela nje, amehlwami azakuvuleka bese iindlebe zami zibe bukhali, ngizwe imithandazo eyenziwa endaweni le. Ngikhethe ithempeleli bengalihlukanisela bona ibizo lami libe kilo isiphelani. Amehlwami nehliziywami kuzakuhlala kulapho nini nanini. “Wena-ke, nawukhamba phambi kwami njengombana kwenza uyihlo uDavida, wenze koke engikuyala ngakho, ulonde iimiso nemithethwami, ngizakunzinzisa isihlalo sakho sobukhosi njengombana ngathembisa uyihlo uDavida lokha nangithi, ‘Angeze wabhalelwa kukuba nendoda engakuphathela ubukhosi kwa-Israyeli’. “Kodwana naningihlanukelako bese nibeba iimiso nemiyalwami engininikele yona, nidlhemadlheme ngemva kwabozinyana nibalotjhe benibakhothamele, ngizokuruthula u-Israyeli enarhenami engimnikele yona bengimfuthele kude nethempeli engilihlukanisele ibizo lami. Ngilenze libe sisaga nesiphoqo hlangana nabo boke abantu. Iye, ithempeleli lizakuba liqubi leququ. Woke umuntu odlula ngendlela uzalikhuza ababaze athi, ‘Alo, kubayini uSomnini enze into enje enarhenapha nethempelineli?’ Kuzakuthiwa, ‘Awa, angithi bahlanuke uSomnini uZimu waboyise owabakhupha eGibhide, badlhemadlhema ngemva kwabosingazimu, babakhothamela bebabalotjha. Ngikho uSomnini abehlisele ihlekelele engaka nje.’ ” Ekupheleni kwamatjhumi amabili weminyaka uSolomoni akha ngayo ithempeli lakaSomnini nesigodlo sakhe, wavuselela imizi ayiphiwa nguRhiramu, wahlalisa ama-Israyeli lapho. Waya neRhamathi-Tsoba wafese wayithumba. Wavuselela iTadimori eserhalawumbeni kanye nayo yoke imizi yokubeka ipahla agade ayakhe eRhamathi. Godu wavuselela iBhethe-Rhoroni engehla neBhethe-Rhoroni engenzasi kwaba madorobho aqinisiweko nanemithangala namasango aneenqabo. Wenza okufanako ngeBhalathi, nangawo woke amadorobhakhe agade abeka kiwo ipahla namadorobho lapha kuhlala khona iinkarana neenjomani zakhe. Wakha nanyana yini agade athanda ukuyakha eJerusalema, eLibhanoni nakiyo yoke inarha agade ayibusa. Boke abantu egade basele kumaHite, ama-Amori, amaPherizi, amaRhivi namaJebusi bakatelelwa nguSolomoni ngomsebenzi. Abantwaba bekungasiwo ama-Israyeli, kodwana gade baziinzukulwana zabo ezasala enarheni nezingazange zibhujiswe ma-Israyeli. Lokhu kusese njalo nanamhlanjesi. USolomoni azange akatelele namunye wama-Israyeli ngomsebenzi, kodwana bekamabuthwakhe wepi, abalawuli beenduna zeenkarana zakhe zepi nabakhweli bazo. Godu ama-Israyeli gade aziinkhulu eziphezulu ezaziqalene nomsebenzi kaSolomoni. Bekunamadoda amakhulu amabili namatjhumi amahlanu agade eluse abantu abenza umsebenzi. USolomoni wasusa uNaFaro eMzini kaDavida wamusa esigodlweni amakhele sona ngombana wathi: “Angifuni bonyana umkami ahlale esigodlweni sakaDavida ikosi yakwa-Israyeli ngombana zicwengile iindawo lapha khekwangena khona umfaji kaSomnini.” USolomoni wenzela uSomnini umhlabelo wokutjhiswa e-aldarini lakaSomnini alakha ngaphambi kwamathuri, ngendlela okumele kwenziwe ngayo umnikelo wangamalanga ukuya ngomthetho kaMosi malungana namaSabatha, ukuthwasa kwenyanga neminyanya emithathu yaminyaka yoke okumnyanya wesiKwa esinganaNgumelo, umnyanya weemVeke kanye nomnyanya wemiTlhatlhana. Ngokulandela umyalo wakayise uDavida, uSolomoni wahlela abaphristi ngokwemisebenzabo ngeenqhema. AmaLevi ahlelelwa ukukhokhela indumiso abe asize nabaphristi ngokweendingo zemisebenzi yangamalanga. Godu wahlela nabalindisango ngeenqhema zabo kobana balinde emasangweni ahlukahlukeneko ngombana lokho kwakumyalo kaDavida umuntu kaZimu. Azange baphambuke ngitjho nakowodwa umyalo ikosi eyayala ngawo abaphristi namkha amaLevi, ngitjho nalowo ophathelene namagugu. Woke umsebenzi kaSolomoni wakhamba ngenaneko kusukela mhla kwakhiwa isisekelo sethempeli lakaSomnini kwaze kwaba mhlana kuphelela woke umsebenzi ophathelene nokwakhiwa kwethempeli. Yeke uSolomoni waya e-Etsiyoni-Gebere ne-Elathi magegana nelwandle enarheni yakwa-Edomu. URhiramu wamthumelela iinthayamanzi ezilawulwa ziinkhulu zakhe, amadoda azizazi zelwandle. Amadoda lawa athaya nabantu bakaSolomoni aya e-Ofira ayokuthatha iinkulungwana ezilitjhumi nahlanu namakhulu amahlanu wamakhilogremu wegolide aliletha ekosini uSolomoni. Kwathi bona indlovukazi yeTjheba izwe ngendumela kaSolomoni, yeza eJerusalema kobana izomrareja ngeenrarejo ezibudisi. Yafika ikhamba nedwendwe elikhulu, ize namakamela athwele iinungo, umhlumba wegolide namatje aligugu. Yakhuluma noSolomoni ngakho koke eyayikucabanga. USolomoni waphendula yoke imibuzo yendlovukazi, akunalitho elalibukhuni kuye abhalelwa kuliphendula endlovukazini. Kuthe lokha indlovukazi yeTjheba nayibona ubuhlakani bakaSolomoni kanye nesigodlo asakhileko, ukudla okwakusetafuleni lakhe, ihlelo lokuhlala kweenkhulu zakhe, ubujamo beensebenzi zesigodlo nevunulwazo, abaphathikapho bakhe ngevunulwabo kanye nemihlabelo yokutjhiswa ayenza ethempelini lakaSomnini, yaphelelwa mamandla. Yathi ekosini: “Umbiko engiwuzwe ngisesenarhenami ngawe kanye nobuhlakani bakho kutjho bona uliqiniso. Uyazi, azange ngikholwe abakutjhwileko, kufikela bengifike ngizozibonela mina ngamehlwami. Angikatjelwa ngitjho nengcenye yobukhulu bobuhlakani bakho obungaka. Wena udlula umbiko engiwuzwe ngawe kude. Agu! Abantu bakho bayajekezela uyazi! Maye! Zinetjhudu kangangani iinsebenzi zakho ezihlala zizwa ukuhlakanipha kwakho! Akudunyiswe uSomnini uZimakho okarekileko ngawe, bewakwenza waba yikosi ngokukubeka esihlalweni sakhe sobukhosi kobana ubuse esikhundleni sakaSomnini uZimakho. UZimakho uthanda u-Israyeli begodu unetjisakalo yokobana abe sisizwe esinzinze isiphelani. Ngebangelo ukujamise waba yikosi phezu ko-Israyeli kobana ulethe ukulunga nobulungiswa.” Yanikela ikosi uSolomoni igolide elimakhilogremu angaphezu kweenkulungwana ezine, umhlumba weenungo namatje aligugu. Azange khekube neenungo ezinengi kangako njengalezo indlovukazi yeTjheba eyazipha ikosi uSolomoni. Ikosi uSolomoni yapha indlovukazi yeTjheba koke eyayikufisa neyakubawako. Izipho uSolomoni azipha indlovukazi zazidlula lezo eyamupha zona. Yagoduka-ke yabuyela enarhenayo ikhamba nedwendwe layo. Abantu bakaRhiramu nabantu bakaSolomoni beza negolide elivela e-Ofira, godu beza neengodo ze-almugi namatje aligugu. Ikosi yasebenzisa iingodo ze-almugi ukwakha iintepisi zethempeli lakaSomnini nezesigodlo, yenzela nababhini imihlobohlobo yamaharibha. Amabono anjengalawa azange akhe abonwe kwaJuda. Ubudisi begolide elalifunyanwa nguSolomoni minyaka yoke lalimakhilogremu aziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili nantathu. Lokhu bekungafaki inzuzo elethwa barhwebi nabathengisi. Woke amakhosi we-Arabhiya kanye nabaphathi benarha nabo baletha igolide nesiliva kuSolomoni. Ikosi uSolomoni yenza amakhulu amabili weenhlangu ezikhandwe ngegolide elisipara. Isihlangu ngasinye besenziwe pheze ngamakhilogremu alikhomba wegolide. Godu wakhanda namakhulu amathathu wamakhande ngegolide elisipara. Ikhande ngalinye laba namakhilogremu amabili wegolide. Ikosi yawabeka esigodlweni okwakuthiwa liHlathi leLibhanoni. Ikosi uSolomoni yenza isihlalo sobukhosi esikhulu yasikghabisa ngamazinyo wendlovu godu yasembesa ngegolide ecolisiweko. Isihlalo sobukhosi gade sineentepisi ezisithandathu nesinabelo seenyawo segolide esasinamatheliswe lapho. Ngemaqadi kwesihlalo gade kuneemphumuzamkhono, ngapha nangapha kwakhona kujame ibhubezi. Kwakujame amabhubezi alitjhumi nambili eentepisini ezisithandathu, kujame linye ngapha nangapha komqoqo wesitepisi ngasinye. Akunabukhosi obakhe benzelwa into efana nale. Zoke iinqoko zekosi uSolomoni gade zenziwe ngegolide, nazo zoke iinsetjenziswa ebezisesigodlweni seHlathi leLibhanoni gade ziyigolide etsengileko. Ngeenkhathi zakaSolomoni isiliva belingakaqakatheki. Ikosi uSolomoni gade inemijeje yemikhumbi yokurhweba ebegade ikhanjiswa ngokulawulwa babantu bakaRhiramu. Njalo ngemva kweminyaka emithathu beyibuya ithwele igolide, isiliva, amazinyo wendlovu, iimfene kanye neenkghabu. USolomoni gade anjinge khulu begodu anobuhlakani obukhulu ukudlula woke amakhosi wephasi. Woke amakhosi wephasi eza kuSolomoni ukuzokulalela ubuhlakani uZimu abubeke kuye. Omunye nomunye wabantwabo gade eza nesibiko, okuyipahla yesiliva negolide, izambatho, amakha neenungo kanye neenjomani neemeyila. Lokhu bekwenzeka umnyaka nomnyaka. USolomoni gade aneenkulungwana ezine zeendawo lapha agcina khona iinjomani neenkarana zakhe, godu aneenkulungwana ezilitjhumi nambili zabakhweli beenjomani. Koke wakugcina emadorobheni weenkarana nakuye eJerusalema. Wabusa woke amakhosi ukusuka emlanjeni iYufrathe ukuya enarheni yamaFilista emikhawulweni yeGibhide. Ikosi uSolomoni yenza bonyana eJerusalema isiliva lijayeleke inga mamatje, nomsedari ube mnengi inga mimithi yamakhiwani wommango eentatjaneni zenarha. Iinjomani zakaSolomoni zazithethwe eGibhide nakizo zoke iinarha ezinye. Izehlakalo zokubusa kwakaSolomoni, ukusuka ekuthomeni bekube sekupheleni, zitlolwe emitlolweni kaNathani umphorofidi, emphorofidweni zaka-Arhiya umTjhilo nemibonweni ka-Ido umboni owakhuluma ngoJerobhowamu umsa kaNebathi. USolomoni wabusa phezu kwaka-Israyeli woke iminyaka ematjhumi amane. Ngemva kwalokho wahlongakala, wabulungwa eMzini kayise uDavida. URerhobhowamu indodanakhe wabusa esikhundleni sakhe. URerhobhowamu waya eTjhekemu ngombana woke ama-Israyeli aya lapho kobana ambeke abe yikosi. Ngesikhatheso uJerobhowamu umsa kaNebathi gade asese seGibhide lapha abalekela khona uSolomoni. Kwathi bonyana ezwe ngendaba le, wasuka eGibhide. Nje-ke uJerobhowamu wabizwa. Wafika wakhambisana naye woke u-Israyeli baya kuRerhobhowamu bathi kuye: “Uyihlo wasithwesa ijogi elibudisi. Nje-ke wena gedlisa umsebenzi obudisi kayihlo lo nejogi asithwesa loneli, khona-ke sizakulotjha.” URerhobhowamu wathi: “Yenibuye kimapha ngelanga lesithathu.” Awa, yeke abantu bakhamba-ke. Ikosi uRerhobhowamu yabonana neengwevu zabaphathi ezazilotjha uyise uSolomoni ngesikhathi sokuphila kwakhe, yazibuza yathi: “Ningangiluleka bonyana ngithini ebantwinaba na?” Zathi kuye: “Nawungakhe ube nomusa ebantwinaba, ubaphathe kuhle bese ubanikela ipendulo ehle, bazakuhlala baziinceku zakho.” Kodwana uRerhobhowamu wala iseluleko seengwevu waya eentangeni zakhe ebegade zimlotjha. Wababuza wathi: “Umbono wenu uthini? Singabaphendula sithini abantu abathi kimi, angigedlise ijogi abalithweswe ngubaba na?” Iintanga zakhe zathi kuye: “Tjela abantu abathe kuwe batjho bafuna ukugedliselwa ijogi elibudisi abalithweswa ngubabakho uthi, “ ‘Utsetserwanami umabhombo kunedini lakababa. Ubaba wanithwesa ijogi elibudisi; mina-ke ngizalenza libe budisi ukudlula. Ubaba bekaniritha ngesibebhu; mina ngizonirhadla ngomrwedla.’ ” Ngelanga lesithathu uJerobhowamu nabantu boke babuyela kuRerhobhowamu njengombana ikosi yathi: “Yenibuye elangeni lesithathu.” Ikosi uRerhobhowamu yabaphendula ngobukhali. Yalahla neseluleko seengwevu, yalandela iseluleko seentanga zayo yathi: “Ngizokwenza ijogi libe budisi, mina ngokwami ngizolenza libe budisi ukudlula. “Ubaba waniritha ngesibebhu, mina ngizonirhadla ngomrwedla.” Yeke ikosi azange ilalele abantu ngombana isenzwesi sasiyintando kaZimu ukuzalisa ilizwi alikhuluma kuJerobhowamu umsa kaNebathi ngo-Arhiya umTjhilo. Kuthe lokha woke u-Israyeli nabona bonyana ikosi ayimuphi indlebe, waphendula ikosi wathi: “Asinasabelo noDavida, asithintani ndawo nomsa kaJese! Ayigubhe wena Israyeli! Uzazibona ukuqeda wena ndlu kaDavida!” Yeke woke u-Israyeli wagoduka. Kodwana nakuma-Israyeli agade ahlala emadorobheni wakwaJuda wona, uRerhobhowamu wawabusa. Ikosi uRerhobhowamu yathuma u-Adoniramu ogade ayinduna yomsebenzi okatelelako, kodwana ama-Israyeli amkhanda ngamatje ambulala. Kodwana ikosi uRerhobhowamu yakghona ukuphunyurha yakhwela ekaranenayo yabalekela eJerusalema. Ngalokho u-Israyeli wathoma ukujamelana nendlu kaDavida bekwaba kunamhlanjesi. Kwathi uRerhobhowamu nafika eJerusalema, wabutha indlu kaJuda neyakaBhenjamini kwaba libutho leenhlabani ezilikhulu namatjhumi abunane weenkulungwana likhethelwe kobana lilwe no-Israyeli libuyise nombuso kaRerhobhowamu. Kodwana kwafika ilizwi lakaSomnini kuTjhemaya umuntu kaZimu lathi: “Yewuthi kuRerhobhowamu umsa kaSolomoni ikosi yakwaJuda nakiwo woke ama-Israyeli akwaJuda nakwaBhenjamini, ‘Nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini: Ninganyuki ukuyokulwa nabafowenu. Godukani, omunye nomunye anqombe kwakhe ngombana lokhu kusisenzo sami.’ ” Yeke balalela amezwi kaSomnini babuya ekusahleleni uJerobhowamu. URerhobhowamu wahlala eJerusalema bewakha amadorobho wokuzivikela kwaJuda. Wakha iBhethe-Lehema, i-Ethamu, iTekhowa, iBhethe-Tsuri, iSoko, i-Adulamu, iGathi, iMaretjha, iZifi, i-Adorayimu, iLarhitjhi, i-Azekha, iTsora, i-Ayaloni neRhebroni. Lawo bekumadorobho anemithangala kwaJuda nakwaBhenjamini. Waqinisa ubuvikelo bawo, wabeka iinduna kiwo kanye nebulungelo lokudla, amafutha we-oliva newayini. Godu wabeka iinhlangu nemikhonto kiwo woke amadorobho, wawenza aqina kwamambala ukuze azigcinele ikwaJuda nekwaBhenjamini. Abaphristi namaLevi kizo zoke iimfunda zabo ezikilo loke lakwa-Israyeli bazihlanganisa noRerhobhowamu. Iye, amaLevi abe asukela imirhula kanye nepahlawo ehlela kwaJuda neJerusalema ngombana uJerobhowamu namadodanakhe bekawaqotjhile ekubeni baphristi bakaSomnini. Wazikhethela abaphristi kobana basebenze eendundumeni lapha bekukhona iinthombe zeembuzi nezeenkunzana azenzileko. Khonapho kwavela kenye nenye ikoro yakwa-Israyeli abantu egade iinhliziyo zabo zinamathele kuSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, balandela amaLevi eJerusalema ukuyokwenza imihlabelo kaSomnini uZimu waboyise. Baqinisa umbuso wakwaJuda bebasekela uRerhobhowamu umsa kaSolomoni iminyaka emithathu ngombana ngesikhatheso bakhamba ngokulandela iindlela zakaDavida noSolomoni. URerhobhowamu watjhada noMarhalathi. UMarhalathi bekayindodakazi kaJerimothi umsa kaDavida. Unina bekungu-Abihayeli indodakazi ka-Eliyabu umsa kaJese. UMarhalathi wambelethela amadodana: UJewutjhi, uTjhemariya noZahamu. Watjhada godu noMakha indodakazi ka-Absalomu owambelethela u-Abiya, u-Atayi, uZiza noTjhelomithi. URerhobhowamu wathanda khulu uMakha indodakazi ka-Absalomu ukudlula abafazi bakhe abanye nemingenakhe. Waba nabafazi abalitjhumi nobunane, imingena ematjhumi asithandathu, amadodana amatjhumi amabili nobunane namadodakazi amatjhumi asithandathu. Wakhetha u-Abiya indodana kaMakha njengekosana yabomnakwabo ngombana gade ahlose ukumbeka abe yikosi. Gade ahlakaniphile ngombana waphadlhalaja amanye wamadodanakhe eemfundeni zakwaJuda nakwaBhenjamini, wawabeka kiwo woke amadorobho anemithangala. Wawahlinzekela ngokunengi bewawathathela idwendwe labomalukazana. Kuthe bona umbuso kaRerhobhowamu unzinze nokobana sele alawula, yena naye woke u-Israyeli beqisa umthetho kaZimu amehlo. Emnyakeni wesihlanu wokubusa kwekosi uRerhobhowamu uTjhitjhakhi ikosi yeGibhide warhwantela eJerusalema. Lokhu kwenzeka ngebanga lokungathembeki kwabo kuSomnini uZimabo. UTjhitjhakhi weza akhamba neenkarana eziyikulungwana namatjhumi amabili, abakhweli beenjomani abaziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi asithandathu kanye nesinyokotho samajoni wamaLibhiya, amaSuki kanye namaKutjhe awathatha eGibhide. Wathumba amadorobho wakwaJuda anemithangala bewayokufika ngitjho neJerusalema. Khonapho kwafika umphorofidi uTjhemaya kuRerhobhowamu kanye nabarholi bakwaJuda ebegade babuthene eJerusalema ngokwesaba uTjhitjhakhi, wathi kibo: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Angithi ningilahlile! Nami-ke nginilahlela ezandleni zakaTjhitjhakhi.’ ” Abarholi bakwa-Israyeli kanye nekosi uRerhobhowamu bazithoba bathi: “USomnini uqinisile!” Lokha uZimu nabona bonyana bazithobile, wathi kuTjhemaya: “Ngombana nakhu bazithobile angeze ngisabarhayila kodwana ngizabatjhaphulula msinyazana. Itukuthelwami angeze isaba phezu kweJerusalema ngesandla sakaTjhitjhakhi. Nanyana kunjalo, bazakuba ziinceku zakhe ukuze bafunde ukuhlukanisa phakathi kokulotjha mina nokulotjha amakhosi weenarha ezinye.” Lokha uTjhitjhakhi ikosi yeGibhide nasahlela iJerusalema, wathumba umnotho wethempeli lakaSomnini nowesigodlweni. Wathanyela yoke into, wathatha ngitjho neenhlangu zegolide ezenziwa nguSolomoni. Yeke ikosi uRerhobhowamu yenza iinhlangu zekoporo ukujamiselela ezithethweko yazibeka esandleni seenduna zamavulandlela agade agada isango lesigodlo. Bekuthi njalo lokha ikosi nayiya ethempelini lakaSomnini, amavulandlela gade athwala iinhlangu bese ngemva kwalokho azibuyisele endlwaneni esesangweni lesigodlo. Ngebanga lokuzithoba kwakaRerhobhowamu, itukuthelo kaSomnini yasuka kuye; yeke azange arhayileke nya. Nokho bekusesekhona okuhle kwaJuda. Ikosi uRerhobhowamu yaqinisa ubukhosi bayo eJerusalema begodu yaragela phambili nokubusa. Gade ineminyaka ematjhumi amane nanye lokha nayithatha ubukhosi. Yabusa iminyaka elitjhumi nalikhomba eJerusalema, idorobho uSomnini alikhetha hlangana nazo zoke iinkoro zakwa-Israyeli kobana ajamise ibizo lakhe lapho. UNoRerhobhowamu gade kunguNama umAmoni. URerhobhowamu wenza ubumbi ngombana azange abeke ihliziywakhe ekufuneni uSomnini uZimu. Izehlakalo zokubusa kwakaRerhobhowamu, ukusuka ekuthomeni bekube sekupheleni kanye neenzukulwana zakhe, zitlolwe emitlolweni kaTjhemaya umphorofidi no-Ido umboni. Kwahlala sekulwiwa njalo phakathi kwakaRerhobhowamu noJerobhowamu. URerhobhowamu wahlongakala wabulungwa kiboyisemkhulu eMzini kaDavida. U-Abiya indodanakhe wathatha iintambo zobukhosi emva kwakhe. Emnyakeni wetjhumi nobunane wokubusa kwakaJerobhowamu, u-Abiya waba yikosi yakwaJuda. Wabusa eJerusalema iminyaka emithathu. Unina gade kunguMikaya, indodakazi ka-Uriyeli weGibeya. Kwaba nepi phakathi kwaka-Abiya noJerobhowamu. U-Abiya waphuma nepi yeengorho zamadoda akhethiweko aziinkulungwana ezimakhulu amane. UJerobhowamu waqaba umthala phambi kwakhe ngeengorho zamadoda akhethiweko aziinkulungwana ezimakhulu abunane. U-Abiya wajama phezu kwentaba yeTsemarayimu ngemibundwini yakwa-Efrayimu wathi: “Lalela lapha wena Jerobhowamu nani noke Israyeli! Kghani anazi bonyana ubukhosi bakwa-Israyeli, uSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli wabunikela uDavida neenzukulwana zakhe ngesivumelwano setswayi na? Kodwana khonapho uJerobhowamu umsa kaNebathi waluma isandla esimphakelako; abhodwe ziinrhwirirhwiri ezihlaza ezamsekela bonyana alwe noRerhobhowamu lokha nasese mncani, asathambile begodu asesebuthakathaka bona angajamelana nazo. Nje-ke nicabanga bona ningajamelana nombuso kaZimu osezandleni zeenzukulwana zakaDavida ngombana nilibutho elikhulukazi nokobana nineenkunzana zegolide enizenzelwe nguJerobhowamu njengabozimu benu na? Angithi niqotjhe abaphristi bakaSomnini, amadodana ka-Aroni namaLevi! Nasuka lapho nazenzela abaphristana benu nalingisa abantu beenarha ezinye! Nanyana ngubani oza kini nomhlabelo wekunzi namaqama alikhomba angazeswa bona abe mphristi wabosingazimu benwabo! Thina-ke, uSomnini uZimu nguye onguZimethu begodu asikamhlanuki. Nabaphristi bethu abalotjha uSomnini uZimu bamadodana ka-Aroni begodu basizwa maLevi. Njalo ekuseni nantambama baletha umhlabelo wokutjhiswa batjhise netjhwalo phambi kwakaSomnini. Babeka isikwa etafuleni elicwengisiweko bese bakhanyisa iimbani ezisezintini zegolide njalo ngantambama. Thina siphetha ilizwi lakaSomnini uZimethu. Kodwana nina nimlahlile. “Yelelani la, uZimu umrholethu unathi. Abaphristi bakhe bazakuhlaba umkhosi weemporompita zepi ngokujamelana nani. Madoda wakwa-Israyeli, kahleni ngokulinga ukulwa noSomnini uZimu waboyihlomkhulu ngombana angeze naphumelela.” UJerobhowamu gade asele athumele abakhokhobeli kobana bazombeleze amaJuda ngemuva ukuze kuthi lokha ibutho lakhe nalisaqalene nawo, abakhokhobeli bababhudungele ngemuva. AmaJuda athi nakathi ajikisa iinhloko abona kunepi ebasahlela ngemuva nangaphambili. Yeke abiza uSomnini. Abaphristi bavuthela iimporompita zabo, abantu bakwaJuda bahlaba umkhosi wepi. Kuthe basahlaba umkhosi wepi njalo, uZimu warhadla uJerobhowamu naye woke u-Israyeli phambi ko-Abiya noJuda. Ama-Israyeli abaleka, uZimu wawanikela ezandleni zabakwaJuda. U-Abiya nabantu bakhe bamadlha ama-Israyeli khulu kangangobana kwaba neenkulungwana ezimakhulu amahlanu zamadoda akhethiweko ezarabhalaliswa phasi. Abantu bakwa-Israyeli bahlulwa kilelo hlandla. Abantu bakwaJuda bona bahlula ngombana bathembela kuSomnini uZimu waboyisemkhulu. U-Abiya wagijimisa uJerobhowamu bewamthathela amadorobho alandelako: iBhethe-Eli, iJetjhana ne-Efroni kanye nemizi ewabhodileko. UJerobhowamu azange asaba namandla ngesikhathi saka-Abiya. USomnini wamdula phasi bewahlongakala. U-Abiya wadlondlobala ngamandla. Wathatha abafazi abalitjhumi nane, waba namadodana amatjhumi amabili nambili namadodakazi alitjhumi nesithandathu. Ezinye izehlakalo zokubusa kwaka-Abiya, iindlela zakhe namezwakhe kutlolwe emitlolweni yomphorofidi u-Ido. U-Abiya wahlongakala wabulungwa kiboyisemkhulu eMzini kaDavida. U-Asa indodanakhe waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. Inarha yaba nokuthula iminyaka elitjhumi yoke ekubuseni kwaka-Asa. U-Asa wenza okuhle nokulungileko phambi kwakaSomnini uZimakhe. Wasusa ama-aldari atjhili kanye neendunduma, waphahlaza amatje akhethekileko bewagawula nemifanekiso yabo-Atjhera. Wayala abantu bakwaJuda bonyana bafune uSomnini uZimu waboyisemkhulu begodu balalele umthetho nomyalwakhe. Wasusa iindunduma nama-aldari wetjhwalo kiwo woke amadorobho wakwaJuda. Kwaba nokuthula embusweni ophethwe nguye. Njengombana inarha beyinokuthula, kunganamuntu omlwisako ngesikhatheso, ngalokho u-Asa waphumelela ukwakha amadorobho anemithangala kwaJuda. NguSomnini owamupha ukuthulokho. U-Asa gade athe kuJuda: “Asakhe imizi le bese siyibiya ngemithangala eneenthala zabalindi, amasango kanye neenqabo. Inarha le isese ngeyethu ngombana sifune uSomnini uZimethu. Iye, samfuna bewasipha nokuthula mahlangothi woke.” Yeke bakha, baphumelela. U-Asa gade anebutho lamadoda aziinkulungwana ezimakhulu amathathu abuya kwaJuda. Gade ahlome ngamagebhegebhe weenhlangu kanye nemikhonto. Amadoda aziinkulungwana ezimakhulu amabili namatjhumi abunane abuya kwaBhenjamini, ahlome ngamakhande nemisubi. Woke amadoda lawo bekuziingorho. UZerarhi umKutjhe waphuma walwa nawo akhamba nebutho leenkulungwana ngeenkulungwana neenkarana ezimakhulu amathathu, bewayokufika eMaretjha. U-Asa waphuma wamhlangabeza. Bahlela ipi emrhobeni weTsefata eMaretjha. Yeke u-Asa wabiza uSomnini uZimakhe wathi: “Somnini, akakho onjengawe ongasiza obogabogako ezandleni zetsitsirimba. Nje-ke Somnini Zimethu, sisize ngombana sithembele kuwe. Sijamelene nesinyokotho sebuthweli ngokuthemba ibizo lakho. Maye Somnini! Kazi wena unguZimethu, ungavumeli bonyana umuntukazana adlondlobale ngaphezu kwakho.” USomnini uZimu wamadlha amaKutjhe phasi phambi kwaka-Asa noJuda. AmaKutjhe abaleka, u-Asa nebutho lakhe bawakhweza umbundu bekwaba seGerari. AmaKutjhe amanengi arabhalala, ngokubhujiswa nguSomnini uZimu nebutho lakhe. Abantu bakwaJuda bazithathela ipango enengi. Bahlula yoke imizi emagegana neGerari ngombana yehlelwa kukwesaba uSomnini. Baphanga yoke imizi leyo ngombana kwakunepahla enengi tle lapho. Godu basahlela namatende wabafuyi, bathatha imihlambi yezimvu, iimbuzi namakamela. Babuyela eJerusalema. U-Azariya umsa ka-Odedi ogade ehlelwe muMoya kaZimu phezu kwakhe, waphuma wayokuhlangabeza u-Asa wathi kuye: “Lalela lapha wena Asa nani noke bantu bakwaJuda nebakwaBhenjamini. USomnini uzakuba nani nanizibandakanya naye. Nanifuna ubuso bakhe, uzanitjheja. Kodwana nanimfulathelako, naye uzanifulathela. U-Israyeli uhlezi isikhathi eside anganaZimu owazisako, anganamphristi ongamfundisa begodu anganamthetho. Kodwana ematshwenyekweni wabo baphendukela kuSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, bamfuna bebamfumana. Ngesikhatheso bekungakaphephi ukukhamba enarheni ngombana gade kunomguruguru omkhulu phakathi kwabahlali beendawo. Abantu gade baqhulana: isizwe nesizwe, idorobho nedorobho. Lokhu kwenzeka ngombana nguZimu owabahlangahlanganisa ngemihlobo yoke yamatshwenyeko. Kodwana wena, qina, ungapheli amandla ngombana uzakuba nomvuzo ngomsebenzakho.” Lokha u-Asa nezwa amezwi lawo nesiphorofido esamenyezelwa mphorofidi, waqina amandla. Wasusa izinto ezinyenyisako enarheni yoke yakwaJuda nakwaBhenjamini nemadorobheni awathumba emibundwini yakwa-Efrayimu. Wavuselela i-aldari lakaZimu elalingaphambi kwamathuri wethempeli lakaSomnini. Wabuthela ndawonye woke uJuda noBhenjamini neenkhonzi ezivela kwa-Efrayimu, kwaManase nakwaSimiyoni ebezihlala hlangana nabo. Iye, inengi labantu leza kuye livela kwa-Israyeli ngemva kokubona bonyana uSomnini uZimakhe bekanaye. Bahlangana eJerusalema enyangeni yesithathu yomnyaka wetjhumi nahlanu wokubusa kwaka-Asa. Ngesikhatheso bathatha ipango ebe bayithumbile benzela ngayo uSomnini umhlabelo ngamakhulu alikhomba weenkomo neenkulungwana ezilikhomba zezimvu neembuzi. Bangena esivumelwaneni sokufuna uSomnini uZimu waboyisemkhulu ngokuphelela kweenhliziyo nemiphefumulwabo. Boke ebebangayingeni yokufuna uSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, bebazokubulawa, omkhulu nomncani namkha kuyindoda namkha umfazi. Benza isifungo kuSomnini ngelizwi elikhulu, barhuwelela bavuthela iimporompita neempalapala. Boke abantu bakwaJuda bathokoza ngesifungo sabeso. Ngebanga lokobana bafunga ngeenhliziyo zabo ezipheleleko bebafuna uZimu ngokuzimisela kwabo koke, yeke wafunyanwa ngibo bewabapha ukuphumula mahlangothi woke. Ikosi u-Asa godu yasusa nogogwayo uMaka esikhundleni sakhe sobundlovukazi ngombana wenza isithombe esinyenyisako saka-Atjhera. Yagawula isithombeso, yasihlahlela beyasitjhisela esikhisini iKhidroni. Nanyana ingazange isuse iindunduma ezazikwa-Israyeli, kodwana ihliziywayo beyiphelele kuSomnini ipilwayo yoke. Yaletha izipho ezikhethekileko zakayise nezayo ngethempelini lakaZimu: isiliva negolide kanye nenye ipahla. Azange kusaba nepi bekwaba mnyaka wamatjhumi amathathu nahlanu wokubusa kwaka-Asa. Emnyakeni wamatjhumi amathathu nesithandathu wokubusa kwaka-Asa, uBhatjha ikosi yakwa-Israyeli wenyuka wayokulwa noJuda bewakha nomthangala magegana neRama ukuze u-Asa ikosi yakwaJuda akhandeleke ngenarhenakhe. Yeke u-Asa wakhupha igolide nesiliva ngendlini yamagugu wethempeli lakaSomnini nesigodlweni sakhe wayithumela kuBhen-Hadadi ikosi yama-Aramu ogade ahlala eDamaseku, wathi: “Akube nesivumelwano phakathi kwami nawe njengombana kwakunjalo phakathi kwakababa nobabakho. Qala, ngikuthumelela isiliva negolide. Nje-ke qeda isivumelwano sakho noBhatjha ikosi yakwa-Israyeli ukuze angigadunge.” UBhen-Hadadi wavumelana nekosi u-Asa bewathumela abaphathi bamabuthwakhe kobana asahlele amadorobho wakwa-Israyeli. Wahlula i-Iyoni, iDani, i-Abela-Mayimu nawo woke amadorobhobulungelo wakwaNafitali. Kwathi bona uBhatjha ezwe lokho, walisa ukwakha umthangala eRama bewajamisa umsebenzakhe. Yeke ikosi u-Asa yaletha woke amadoda wakwaJuda eRama bonyana azokuthatha amatje neengodo ebezisetjenziswa nguBhatjha. Yakha ngazo iGeba neMitsipha. Ngesikhatheso uRhanani umboni weza ku-Asa ikosi yakwaJuda wathi kuye: “Ngebanga lokobana uthembele ekosini yama-Aramu kodwana ingasi kuZimu iKosakho, ibutho lekosi ye-Aramu liphunyurhile esandleni sakho. Angithi amaKutjhe namaLibhiya gade alibutho elinamandla begodu aneenkarana ezinengi nabakhweli beenjomani abanengi? Kodwana kwathi lokha nawuthembela kuSomnini, wabanikela esandleni sakho. Ngombana amehlo kaSomnini athalaza ephasini loke ukuqinisa labo abanhliziyo zabo zinamathele kuye. Wena-ke wenze ubudlhadlha. Nje-ke ukusuka gadesi uzakuphila ngepi.” U-Asa wathukuthelela umboni ngebanga lamezwi la. Wasilingeka kangangobana wamfaka esikhungweni. Kanti-ke ngesikhatheso, wagandelela nabanye babantu. Izehlakalo zokubusa kwaka-Asa ukusuka ekuthomeni bekube sekupheleni zitlolwe encwadini yamakhosi wakwaJuda newakwa-Israyeli. Emnyakeni wamatjhumi amathathu nethoba wokubusa kwakhe, wasahlelwa sisifo seenyawo sambhokela khulu. Ekuguleni kwakhe azange abe afune isizo lakaSomnini, kodwana wafuna isizo lamagedla kwaphela. Yeke wahlongakala u-Asa. Walala emnyakeni wamatjhumi amane nanye wokubusa kwakhe. Bambulunga ezindleni azakhela lona eMzini kaDavida. Bamlalisa emsemeni ogade ufafazwe ngeenthako ezilungiswe muvangi weenhlahla. Bamhlonipha ngokubasa ikehla yomlilo. UJehotjhafathi wathatha ubukhosi ngemva koyise u-Asa. Waziqinisa kobana aqalane no-Israyeli. Wabeka amajoni kiwo woke amadorobho wakwaJuda anemithangala, godu wabeka iinqhema zamajoni kilo loke lakwaJuda nemadorobheni wakwa-Efrayimu athunjwa nguyise u-Asa. USomnini gade anoJehotjhafathi ngombana walandela iindlela uyisemkhulu uDavida azilandela asesemutjha. Azange abuze kiboBhali, kodwana wafuna uZimu kayisemkhulu bewalandela imiyalwakhe kunobana alandele imikghwa yaka-Israyeli. USomnini uZimu wanzinzisa ubukhosi esandleni sakhe. Woke uJuda waletha izipho kuJehotjhafathi, kangangobana waba nomnotho omnengi nedumo elikhulu. Bekanegugu lokulandela iindlela zakaSomnini, nje-ke wasusa iindunduma nemifanekiso yabo-Atjhera kwaJuda. Emnyakeni wesithathu wokubusa kwakhe wathumela iinkhulu zakhe uBhen-Rhayili, u-Obadiya, uZakariya, uNethaneli noMikaya kobana bayokufundisa emizini yakwaJuda. Bebakhambisana namaLevi athize okutjho uTjhemaya, uNetaniya, uZebadiya, u-Asayeli, uTjhemiramothi, uJehonathana, u-Adoniya, uTobiya kanye noTob-Adoniya nabaphristi u-Elitjhama noJehoramu. Bafundisa kilo loke lakwaJuda. Bebaphethe incwadi yomthetho kaSomnini. Bazombeleza yoke imizi yakwaJuda bakhamba bafundisa abantu. Yoke imibuso yenarha ebeyizombeleze lakwaJuda yehlelwa kukwesaba uSomnini kangangobana azange kheyilwe noJehotjhafathi. AmaFilista athize alethela uJehotjhafathi izipho kanye nesiliva njengomthelo. Ama-Arabhu wona amlethela imihlambi: iinkulungwana ezilikhomba namakhulu alikhomba wamaqama neenkulungwana ezilikhomba namakhulu alikhomba weempongo. UJehotjhafathi waya ngokuya adlondlobala. Wakha ubuphephelo obunengi namadorobhobulungelo kwaJuda; kwaba nomkhiqizo omnengi emadorobheni wakwaJuda. Godu waba neengorho zepi azibeka eJerusalema. Isibalo sazo ngokwemindenazo sasijame bunjesi: KwaJuda bekunabaphathibutho bekulungwana. U-Adina umphathibutho aphethe amadoda wepi aziinkulungwana ezimakhulu amathathu; uJehorhanana umphathibutho aphethe iinkulungwana ezimakhulu amabili namatjhumi abunane; u-Amasiya umsa kaZikiri owazinikela ukwenza umsebenzi kaSomnini aphethe iinkulungwana ezimakhulu amabili. KwaBhenjamini kwavela u-Eliyada, ingorho aphethe amadoda aziinkulungwana ezimakhulu amabili ahlome ngemisubi nangeenhlangu; uJehozabadi aphethe amadoda aziinkulungwana ezilikhulu namatjhumi abunane alungele ipi. Lawo bekumadoda agade asebenzela ikosi, ngaphandle kwalawo eyawabeka emadorobheni anemithangala kilo loke lakwaJuda. UJehotjhafathi bekanomnotho omnengi begodu adumile. Wakha ubuhlobo no-Arhabi ngomtjhado. Emva kweminyaka ethize wakhamba wayokuthekela kwa-Arhabi eSamariya. U-Arhabi wahlabisa uJehotjhafathi nabantu akhamba nabo izimvu neenkomo ezinengi bewamtjitjizela bonyana asahlele iRamothi eGiliyadi. U-Arhabi ikosi yakwa-Israyeli wabuza uJehotjhafathi ikosi yakwaJuda wathi: “Uzakuphuma nami siyokusahlela iRamothi eGiliyadi na?” UJehotjhafathi wathi: “Ngithi nginawe! Amajonami ngewakho! Sizakubambisana nawe epini.” Kodwana uJehotjhafathi wabuye wathi ekosini yakwa-Israyeli: “Buza kuSomnini mantange.” Yeke ikosi yakwa-Israyeli yabizela ndawonye abaphorofidi abamakhulu amane wamadoda. Yababuza yathi: “Singaphuma siyokusahlela iRamothi eGiliyadi namkha ngihlale na?” Baphendula bathi: “Ayisahlele! UZimu uzayinikela esandleni sekosi.” Kodwana uJehotjhafathi wabuza wathi: “Akunamphorofidi kaSomnini uZimu eduzapha esingabuza kuye na?” Ikosi yakwa-Israyeli yaphendula yathi: “Awa, ukhona yena ongasibuzela kuZimu, into nje mina uyangikghabhudlha ngombana azange akhe aphorofide into ehle ngami, sewuhlala asaphorofida kumbi ngami. Batjho nguMikaya umsa kaYimla.” UJehotjhafathi wathi: “Akusikuhle bonyana ikosi ikhulume njalo.” Yeke ikosi yakwa-Israyeli yabiza esinye seenkhulu zayo yathi kiso: “Rhaba, uze noMikaya umsa ka-Yimla loyo!” Ikosi yakwa-Israyeli noJehotjhafathi ikosi yakwaJuda bebahlezi eenhlalweni zabo zobukhosi eselelweni, ebungenweni besango leSamariya, bavunule baphelele ngezobukhosi, kuthe swi abaphorofidi phambi kwabo basemmoyeni wokuphorofida. UTsedekhiya umsa kaKenana gade enze iimpondo zesimbi wathi: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Ngeempondwezi uzakutlhofoza ama-Aramu abe aphele nya.’ ” Boke abaphorofidi abanye nabo bebafakazela isiphorofidwesi bathi: “Sahlela iRamothi eGiliyadi bewuhlule ngombana uZimu uzayinikela ezandleni zekosi.” Isithunywa ebesiyokubiza uMikaya sathi kuye: “Qala, abaphorofidaba bakhuluma ngalizwi linye, boke baboniswa okuhle ngekosi. Vumelana nabo nawe ukhulume njengabo.” Kodwana uMikaya wathi: “Ngiyaqinisa phambi kwakaSomnini ngithi ngizokukhuluma kwaphela lokho uZimami athi angikutjho.” Kwathi lokha nafikako ikosi yambuza yathi: “Wena ongangoMikaya, singaphuma siyokusahlela iRamothi eGiliyadi namkha njani?” Waphendula wathi: “Iye, sahlela iRamothi eGiliyadi uyihlule ngombana bazakunikelwa esandleni sakho.” Ikosi yathi kuye: “Ngikufungise kangaki bonyana ungitjele iqiniso kwaphela ebizweni lakaSomnini uZimu na?” Yeke uMikaya wathi: “Ngibone woke u-Israyeli ahlakazeka emibundwini njengezimvu ezingenamelusi. UZimu wathi, ‘Abantwaba abanamelusi. Omunye nomunye akaziyele kwakhe ngokuthula.’ ” Ikosi yakwa-Israyeli yathi kuJehotjhafathi: “Uyabona-ke! Angithi ngikutjelile bonyana abe akunalitho elihle angaliphorofida ngami? Into ayaziko sekungikhuluma kumbi.” UMikaya waragela phambili wathi: “Yeke lalela okwatjhiwo nguSomnini nangimbona ahlezi esihlalweni sakhe sobukhosi aphahlwe mkhambathi woke wezulwini, ngesigomeni nangesinceleni sakhe asithi, ‘Ngubani ongayokuyenga u-Arhabi ikosi yakwa-Israyeli bonyana asahlele iRamothi eGiliyadi ukuze aziphekelele yena ekufeni?’ Omunye watjho lokhu nomunye watjho lokhuya. Khonapho kwavela omunye womkhambathi wajama phambi kwakaSomnini wathi, ‘Ngizamyenga.’ USomnini wabuza wathi, ‘Uzamyenga njani?’ Yena wathi, ‘Ngizakukhamba fese ngibe mumoya wamala emilonyeni yabo boke abaphorofidi bakhe.’ USomnini wathi, ‘Awa, yeke nakunjalo uzakuphumelela ukumyenga. Khamba-ke ufese wenze njalo.’ Nje-ke, qala uSomnini ubeke ummoya wamala emilonyeni yabaphorofidi bakhwaba. USomnini ukuhlelele ihlekelele.” Yeke uTsedekhiya umsa kaKenana wakhuphuka wafese wamukula uMikaya emhlathini wathi: “Kuzenjani bonyana ummoya obuya kuSomnini usuke kimi uzokukhuluma kuwe?” UMikaya wathi: “Uzakwazi mhlana uyokubhaca elawini elisemsamo.” Ikosi yakwa-Israyeli yathi: “Thathani uMikaya lo nimbuyisele ku-Amoni oyinduna yedorobho nakuJowatjhi umntwanekosi; bese nithi, ‘Ikosi ithi: Phoselani umrhali lo ngesikhungweni, nimuphe isikwana nethosana lamanzi ngamalanga kufikela bengibuye ngisaphephile.’ ” UMikaya wathi: “Nange ngambala ungabuya uphephile, uZimu uzabe angakakhulumi ngami.” (Umphorofidi lo ufaniswa nowathi: “Yizwani noke nina bantu!”) Yeke ikosi yakwa-Israyeli noJehotjhafathi ikosi yakwaJuda bakhuphukela eRamothi eGiliyadi. Ikosi yakwa-Israyeli yathi kuJehotjhafathi: “Ngizakungena epini ngokuzitjhatjhanisa, kodwana wena yembatha izambatho zakho zobukhosi.” Yeke ikosi yakwa-Israyeli yazitjhatjhanisa, yangena epini. Ikosi yama-Aramu gade iyale iinduna zayo zeenkarana yathi: “Ningalwi nomunye ngaphandle kwekosi yakwa-Israyeli.” Kuthe lokha iinduna zeenkarana nazibona uJehotjhafathi zathi: “Sayibamba inyamazana! Ngiyo ikosi yakwa-Israyeli!” Zajika bonyana zimthelekele. Kodwana uJehotjhafathi warhuwelela, uSomnini wamsiza. UZimu waphambukisa iindunezo bona zisuke kuye. Kwathi bona iinduna zeenkarana zingalemuka bonyana akusiyo ikosi yakwa-Israyeli, zalisa ukumkhweza ummango. Kodwana khonapho kwase kuba nomunye odumuza umsebakhe angakanqophi muntu, wanemba ikosi yakwa-Israyeli hlangana nomphetho wesiphanga sembaji yepi. Ikosi leyo yathi kumtjhayeli wekarana: “Jikisa ikarana ungikhuphe epinapha, nakhu sele ngikhubele khulu.” Ipi yadlondlobala mhlokho, ikosi yakwa-Israyeli yazisama ekaraneni iqale ngehlangothini lama-Aramu bekwahlwa. Kwathi nakutjhinga ilanga yahlongakala. Kwathi lokha uJehotjhafathi ikosi yakwaJuda nabuyela ngokuphephileko esigodlweni sakhe eJerusalema, uJehu umboni, umsa kaRhanani waphuma wamhlangabeza wathi kuye: “Waphuma-ke wayokusiza iinkhohlakali, wazwana nabazonda uSomnini uZimu! Ngebanga lalokho itukuthelo kaSomnini iphezu kwakho. Nokho kukhonyana ukulunga kuwapha ngombana nakhu ususe imifanekiso yabo-Atjhera enarheni, wabeka ihliziywakho ekufuneni uZimu.” Lokha uJehotjhafathi asahlala eJerusalema wathekela godu abantu ukusukela eBheritjheba ngesewula ukuya eentabeni zakwa-Efrayimi ngetlhagwini. Gade ahlose ukubuyisela abantwaba kuSomnini uZimu waboyisemkhulu. Wabeka abagwebi kelinye nelinye idorobho elinemithangala enarheni yakwaJuda. Wathi kibo: “Tjhejani lokho enikwenzako ngombana anigwebeli abantu kodwana nigwebela uSomnini uZimu ohlala anani njalo lokha nanikhupha isigwebo. Nje-ke ukwesaba uSomnini akube phezu kwenu, nigwebe ngokutlhogomela ngombana kuSomnini uZimethu akukho ukungalungi, akunasikhozi namkha ukufunjathiswa.” UJehotjhafathi wabeka godu eJerusalema amanye wamaLevi, abaphristi kanye nezinye zeenhloko zemindeni yakwa-Israyeli ukuze kubulungwe imiyalo kaSomnini nokobana bararulule ukungakhambisani ngemibono kwezakhamuzi zeJerusalema. Wabanikela imiyalo le wathi: “Kumele nisebenze ngokuziphendulela kuSomnini, ngokwethembeka nangokuzimisela. Khalimani abafowenu abahlala kamanye amadorobho kinamkha ngimuphi umbango olethwa phambi kwenu. Kungaba kuphambana ngokubulala namkha kungaba nanyana yini ephathelene nomthetho kaSomnini uZimu; bakhalimeni ukuze bangabi nomlandu kuSomnini nokobana itukuthelo kaSomnini ingehleli phezu kwenu nabafowenu. Ngokwenza njalo angekhe wazibangela umlandu. U-Amariya umphristi omkhulu uzanengamela ekugwebeni zoke iindaba eziphathelene noZimu. UZebadiya umsa ka-Itjhimayeli omrholi wekoro yakwaJuda uzanengamela ekugwebeni zoke iindaba eziphathelene nekosenu. AmaLevi azakuba ziinkhulu eziniphetheko. Qinani nisebenze. Kwanga uSomnini angaba nabalungileko!” Ngemva kwesikhathi amaMowabi nama-Amoni ngokuhlanganyela namaMeyuni abumbana alwa noJehotjhafathi. Kweza amadoda athize azokuluma uJehotjhafathi indlebe athi: “Yazi bonyana kunepi ekulu kwamambala ezokusahlela evela e-Edomu ngaphetjheya kwelwandle. Sebele iseRhatsetsoni-Tamari.” (IRhatsetsoni-Tamari kutjho i-Eni-Gedi). UJehotjhafathi waba nokwesaba, wabona bonyana kungcono abuze kuSomnini abe amemezele ukuzila ukudla kilo loke lakwaJuda. Abantu bakwaJuda babuthana kobana bafune isizo kuSomnini. Ngiqinisile ngithi baphuma kiyo yoke imizi yakwaJuda kobana bazokufuna ubuso bakaSomnini. Kwathi bona ihlangano yakwaJuda neyeJerusalema ibuthane ngaphambi kwesirhodlo esitjha sethempeli lakaSomnini, uJehotjhafathi wajama wathi: “Maye Somnini Zimu wabobamkhulu! Wena unguZimu osezulwini. Ubusa phezu kwayo yoke imibuso yezizwe. Amandla negunya kusesandleni sakho. Yeke abe akunamuntu ongajamelana nawe. Maye Zimethu! Angithi nguwe owaqotjha abahlali benarha le ngesandla sabantwabakho u-Israyeli wayinikela iinzukulwana zomnganakho u-Abrahamu isiphelani! Nje-ke abantu bakho sele bamile imirabhu lapha, bebabakhela nendawo ecwengileko kobana kudunyiswe ibizo lakho bathi, ‘Nakube sehlelwa matlhuwiso, nanyana kungaba isigwebo ngesabula, amanikelela namkha indlala, sizakujama phambi kwethempeleli, phambi kwakho ngombana ibizo lakho lisethempelinapha. Sizakurhahlawula kuwe ematlhuwiswenethu, wena usizwe bese uyasisindisa.’ Nje-ke Somnini, naka amadoda we-Amoni, weMowabi newentabeni yeSeyiri, ongazange uvume bonyana u-Israyeli naphuma eGibhide athumbe inarhawo. Ngambala siyigegedile azange siyibhubhise inarhawo. Napa-ke namhlanjesi, basithokoza ngokusivukela bazosiqotjha enarhenakho owasipha yona kobana ibe lilifa lethu. Awu Zimethu! Awusabagwebi na? Kazi thina asinamandla wokuqalana nepikazi engaka esisahlelako le. Abe asazi bonyana senzeni nasele kunje, yeke amehlwethu aqale kuwe.” Woke uJuda wajama lapho phambi kwakaSomnini ngitjho nabafazi, abantwana namasana. Khonapho uMoya kaZimu wehlela kuJarhaziyeli umsa kaZakariya omsa kaBhenaya umsa kaJehiyeli omsa kaMataniya umLevi nosizukulwana saka-Asafa, asajame phakathi kwehlangano, wathi: “Lalelani noke nina enihlala kwaJuda neJerusalema, nawe kosi Jehotjhafathi! Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini kini, ‘Ningesabi namkha niphele amandla ngebanga lesinyokotho sepi eniyibonako le. Ipi akusiyo yenu, kodwana ngeyakaZimu. Kusasa jokolani nibahlangabeze. Qalani, bazokukhuphuka emkghothweni weTsitsi, nizababona ekugcineni kwesikghidlhi sangerhalawumbeni leJeruweli. Akusikho kwenu ukulwa epini le. Zihleleni kuhle, nibukele isindiso uSomnini azaninikela yona, wena Juda nawe Jerusalema. Yeke masani ukwesaba, ningapheli amandla. Phumani niyokuqalana nabo kusasa, uSomnini uzakuba nani.’ ” UJehotjhafathi wakhothama wahloma ihloko phasi, boke abantu bakwaJuda nebeJerusalema nabo bawa ngobuso phambi kwakaSomnini bamlotjha. AmaLevi athize womndeni wamaKhehathi namaKhorarhi asikima adumisa uSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli ngelizwi elikhulu. Abantu bavuka ngesamarimarima batjhinga erhalawumbeni leTekhowa. Bathe lokha nabasaphumako uJehotjhafathi wajama ngeqadi kwendlela wathi kibo: “Yeningilalele nina bantu bakwaJuda nani beJerusalema! “Thembelani kuSomnini uZimenu nizakuba namandla, thembelani ebaphorofidini bakhe nizakuphumelela.” Ngemva kokukhulumisana kwakhe nabantu uJehotjhafathi wahlela amadoda kobana azobhinela uSomnini abe adumise ubukhosi boCwengileko. Ekuphumeni kwawo phambi kwebutho abhina athi: “Dumisani uSomnini ngombana ithando lakhe lijame isiphelani.” Kwathi nabathoma ukubhina nokudumisa, uSomnini wabekela amadoda we-Amoni, weMowabi newentabeni yeSeyiri agade angene kwaJuda isifu ngokuwararanisa bona arhayilwe. Lokhu kutjho bonyana amadoda we-Amoni neweMowabi avukela amadoda wentabeni yeSeyiri awarhayila nya. Ngemva kobana sele abulele amadoda weSeyiri, ajika abulalana wodwa. Kwathi lokha amadoda wakwaJuda nafika endaweni ephakamileko ngehla kwerhalawumba bonyana aqale isinyokotho samabutho, abona kwaphela iindumbu zidindilize ehlabathini. Kwakungekho namunye ophunyurhileko. Yeke uJehotjhafathi nabantu bakhe bakhamba bayokuthatha ipango, bafunyana phakathi kwabo izinto ezinengi: ipahla, ifuyo namagugu. Bazithathela okunengi ngaphezu kwezandla zabo. Ipango yayiyinengi kangangobana kwabathatha amalanga amathathu woke ukuyibuthelela. Elangeni lesine babuthanela emrhobeni weBheraka lapha badumisa khona uSomnini. Kungebangelo isabizwa bonyana mrhoba weBheraka bekube kunamhlanjesi. Woke amadoda wakwaJuda neweJerusalema abuyela eJerusalema arholwa nguJehotjhafathi. Gade ajekezela ngombana uSomnini bekawenze athokoza phezu kwezitha zawo. Angena eJerusalema aya ethempelini lakaSomnini abetha imihlobohlobo yamaharibha kanye neemporompita. Imibuso yoke yehlelwa kukwesaba uZimu lokha nayizwa indlela uSomnini alwele ngayo u-Israyeli ezitheni zakhe. Gade kunokuthula embusweni kaJehotjhafathi ngombana uZimakhe gade amuphe ukuphumula mahlangothi woke. Wabusa njalo-ke uJehotjhafathi kwaJuda. Gade aneminyaka ematjhumi amathathu namihlanu lokha nathoma ukubusa. Wabusa eJerusalema iminyaka ematjhumi amabili namihlanu. Ibizo lakanina gade kungu-Azubha indodakazi kaTjhilirhi. Wakhamba eendleleni zakayise u-Asa begodu azange aphambuke kizo, wenza okulungileko phambi kwakaSomnini. Nokho iindunduma azange zisuswe begodu abantu bebasaloko bangakabeki iinhliziyo zabo kuZimu waboyise. Ezinye izehlakalo zokubusa kwakaJehotjhafathi, ukusuka ekuthomeni ukuya ekugcineni, zitlolwe encwadini yemilando yakaJehu umsa kaRhanani, emtlolweni wamakhosi wakwa-Israyeli. Ngemva kwesikhathi uJehotjhafathi ikosi yakwaJuda wenza isikhozi no-Arhaziya ikosi yakwa-Israyeli obegade anemilandu yobukhohlakali. Wazihlanganisa naye ekwakheni imikhumbi eya eTharatjhitjhi. Bayakha e-Etsiyoni-Gebere. U-Eliyezeri umsa kaDodavahu weMaretjha waphorofida ngokujamelana noJehotjhafathi wathi: “Ngebanga lokwenza kwakho isikhozi no-Arhaziya, uSomnini uzakutjhabalalisa lokho okwenzileko.” Imikhumbi yaphahlazeka begodu azange ibe isakghona ukuthayela eTharatjhitjhi. UJehotjhafathi wahlongakala wabulungwa kiboyisemkhulu eMzini kaDavida. UJehoramu indodanakhe waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. Abafowabo kaJehoramu, okumadodana kaJehotjhafathi, gade kungu-Azariya, uJerhiyeli, uZakariya, u-Azariyahu, uMikayeli noTjhefathiya. Boke laba gade kumadodana kaJehotjhafathi ikosi yakwa-Israyeli. Uyise gade awanikele izipho ezinengi zesiliva negolide kanye namagugu namadorobho anemithangala kwaJuda. Kodwana umbuso wona wawunikela uJehoramu ngombana gade ayindodana elizibulo. Kwathi lokha uJehoramu nazinzinzisa phezu kombuso kayise, wabulala boke abafowabo kanye namanye amakhosana wakwa-Israyeli. UJehoramu gade aneminyaka ematjhumi amathathu nambili lokha nathoma ukuba yikosi. Wabusa eJerusalema iminyaka ebunane. Wakhamba eendleleni zamakhosi wakwa-Israyeli njengombana kwenza indlu ka-Arhabi ngombana watjhada indodakazi ka-Arhabi. Wenza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini. Nokho ngebanga lesivumelwano uSomnini asenza noDavida, uSomnini azange athande bonyana abhubhise indlu kaDavida. Wamthembisa bonyana uzamphembela umlilo iinzukulwana ngeenzukulwana isiphelani. Ngesikhathi sakaJehoramu, u-Edomu wahlubuka uJuda ngokuzibekela ikosakhe. Yeke uJehoramu wanqomba khonapho aphekelelwa ziinkhulu kanye neenkarana zakhe zoke. Ama-Edomu amzombeleza neenduna zeenkarana zakhe, kodwana wavuka ebusuku wahlula ama-Edomu. U-Edomu soloko ahlubuka uJuda bekube namhlanjesi. Nje-ke noLibhina wahlubuka khona ngesikhatheso. Lokho kwenzeka ngombana uJehoramu wahlubuka uSomnini uZimu waboyise. UJehoramu nguye godu owakhe iindunduma emibundwini yakwaJuda bewabangela bonyana abantu beJerusalema bahlobonge godu wadurhisa noJuda. UJehoramu wamukela incwadi kumphorofidi u-Eliya ithi: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uZimu kaDavida uyihlomkhulu: Azange ulandele iindlela zakayihlo uJehotjhafathi namkha u-Asa ikosi yakwaJuda, kodwana ukhambe eendleleni zamakhosi wakwa-Israyeli begodu ubangele bonyana abantu bakwaJuda nebakwa-Israyeli bahlobonge njengombana kwenza indlu ka-Arhabi. Ubulele nabafowenu, amalunga wendlu kayihlo, amadoda agade angcono kunani. Ngebangelo uSomnini uzokwehlisela ihlekelele ekulu phezu kwabantu bakho, amadodanakho, abafazi bakho nakikho koke okungekwakho. Wena uzakugula uphathwe bulwelwe bamathumbu. Ngokukhamba kwesikhathi isifesi sizakubhokela kufikela lapha amathumbakho aphumela khona ngaphandle.” USomnini wavusa ubutha phakathi kwakaJehoramu namaFilista kanye nama-Arabhu agade ahlala eduze namaKutjhe. Asahlela iJuda, afahla iinqabo zakhe abe athumba nayo yoke ipahla eyatholakala esigodlweni sekosi kanye namadodanayo nabafazi bayo. Akunandodana atjhiyelwa yona ngaphandle kwakaJehowarhazi ubuphetjhani. Ngemva kwakho koke lokhu, uSomnini warhadla uJehoramu ngobulwelwe bamathumbu obungalaphekiko. Ngokukhamba kwesikhathi, ekupheleni komnyaka wesibili, amathumbakhe aphumela ngaphandle ngebanga lobulwelwe. Ngebangelo wabhokelwa ziinhlabi bewahlongakala. Abantu azange bambasele umlilo ukumhlonipha njengombana benza kiboyise. UJehoramu gade aneminyaka ematjhumi amathathu nambili lokha naba yikosi. Wabusa eJerusalema iminyaka ebunane. Ekuhlongakaleni kwakhe azange bekube nomlilelako. Wabulungwa eMzini kaDavida kodwana ingasi emazindleni wamakhosi. Abantu beJerusalema babeka u-Arhaziya indodana encani kaJehoramu bona abe yikosi esikhundleni sakhe ngombana iwoma lemigulukudu eleza nama-Arabhu labulala woke amadodanakhe amakhulu ekampeni yama-Arabhu. Ngalokho-ke u-Arhaziya umsa kaJehoramu ikosi yakwaJuda wathoma ukubusa. U-Arhaziya gade aneminyaka ematjhumi amabili lokha naba yikosi. Wabusa eJerusalema umnyaka munye tere. Ibizo lakanina bekungu-Ataliya, isizukulwana saka-Omri. Naye wakhamba eendleleni zendlu ka-Arhabi ngombana unina wamtlhotlholoja bona enze ubukhohlakali. Wenza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini njengombana kwenza indlu ka-Arhabi ngombana ngemva kokuhlongakala kwakayise, bendlu ka-Arhabi baba beluleki bakhe. Lokhu kwabangela ukubhujiswa kwakhe. Godu kwaba ngeenluleko zabo bonyana adlhemadlheme noJoramu umsa ka-Arhabi ikosi yakwa-Israyeli kobana bayokulwa noRhazayeli ikosi ye-Aramu eRamothi eGiliyadi. Ama-Aramu alimaza uJoramu; wabuyela eJizriyela kobana aphole emancebeni awafumene eRamothi lokha nalwa noRhazayeli ikosi ye-Aramu. U-Arhaziya umsa kaJehoramu ikosi yakwaJuda wehlela eJizriyela kobana ayokubona uJoramu umsa ka-Arhabi ngombana gade alimele. Ivakatjho laka-Arhaziya kuJoramu lambangela bona uZimu amwise. Kwathi u-Arhaziya nafikako, waphuma noJoramu kobana ahlangabeze uJehu umsa kaNimtjhi owakhethwa nguSomnini kobana abhubhise indlu ka-Arhabi. Ngemva kobana uJehu aqede ukurhayila indlu ka-Arhabi, wafumana amakhosana wakwaJuda namadodana weenhlobo zaka-Arhaziya ebegade amphekelele. Wawabulala, wasuka lapho wabhudulana no-Arhaziya ogade abhace eSamariya. Wabanjwa, walethwa kuJehu, wabulawa. Abantu bambulunga ngombana bathi: “Nokho gade asizukulwana sakaJehotjhafathi, owafuna uSomnini ngehliziywakhe yoke.” Gade kunganamuntu endlini ka-Arhaziya onamandla wokobana angathatha ubukhosi. Lokha u-Ataliya unina ka-Arhaziya nabona bonyana indodanakhe ihlongakele, waragela phambili ngokubhubhisa umndeni wobukhosi bendlu kaJuda. Kodwana uJehotjhabathi indodakazi yekosi wathatha uJowatjhi umsa ka-Arhaziya ngemsitheleni hlangana namadodana wekosi ebe kumele abulawe. Wambeka nembelesakhe emphekghweni welawu lethempeli. UJehotjhabathi lo gade ayindodakazi yekosi uJehoramu engudadwabo ka-Arhaziya. Gade athethwe nguJehoyada umphristi omkhulu. Wafihla uJowatjhi bonyana u-Ataliya angambulali. Wahlala afihlwe nabo ethempelini lakaZimu iminyaka emithandathu yokubusa kwaka-Ataliya enarheni. Ngomnyaka wekhomba uJehoyada wabonakalisa amandlakhe. Wenza isivumelwano neenduna zekhulu: u-Azariya umsa kaJerorhamu, u-Itjhimayeli umsa kaJehorhanani, u-Azariya umsa ka-Obede, uMaseya umsa ka-Adaya kanye no-Elitjhafathi umsa kaZikiri. Balibhadula loke lakwaJuda babuthelela amaLevi neenhloko zemindeni yakwa-Israyeli kiwo woke amadorobho. Kwathi nabafika eJerusalema, yoke ihlangano yenza isivumelwano nekosi ethempelini lakaZimu. UJehoyada gade athe kibo: “Nasi indodana yekosi! Izakubusa njengombana uSomnini uZimu athembisile ngeenzukulwana zakaDavida. Nakhu-ke okufanele nikwenze: Isithathu senu nina baphristi nani maLevi esithewukela ngeSabatha kuzafanela bonyana sigade emasangweni wethempeli; isithathu esinye sigade esigodlweni bese esinye sigade esangweni lesiSekelo. Abanye abantu bona kumele babe ngesirhodlweni sethempeli lakaSomnini. Akunamuntu ozakungena ethempelini lakaSomnini ngaphandle kwabaphristi namaLevi abasemsebenzini. Bona bangangena ngombana bacwengisiwe kodwana boke abanye abantu kumele balonde umyalo kaSomnini. MaLevi, phahlani ikosana mahlangothi woke, ngileyo naleyo indoda iphathe iinkhali zayo ezandleni. Yibani hlanu kwekosana nanyana kukuphi lapha iya khona. Nibulale nanyana ngubani omunye ongena ngethempelini.” AmaLevi nawo woke amadoda wakwaJuda enza njengombana umphristi uJehoyada ayalile. Omunye nomunye wathatha isiqhema sakhe samadoda; lawo agade athewukela ngeSabatha nalawo abekatjhayisa ngombana umphristi uJehoyada ubegade angakatjhaphululi nasinye seenqhema. Yeke wanikela iinduna zekhulu imikhonto neenhlangu, nezinye iinkhali ebe kungezakaDavida negade zingethempelini lakaZimu. Wahlela boke abantu kwaba ngiloyo naloyo waphatha isikhali sakhe esandleni ukusuka ngesewula ukuya ngetlhagwini yethempeli ngaphambi kwe-aldari nobungeno bethempeli kobana aphahle ikosana. Nje-ke uJehoyada namadodanakhe bakhupha ikosana bayithwesa isiba. Bayinikela incwadi yomthetho bayibeka bona ibe yikosi ngokuyizesa. Abantu barhuwelela bathi: “Bayede! Ikosi ayisiphilele!” Kuthe lokha u-Ataliya nezwa itjhada labantu abagijimako nababongelela ikosi, watjhinga kibo ethempelini lakaSomnini. Wathi nakathi tla amehlo, qala naso ikosi ijame hlanu kwesikayo esangweni. Iinduna nabosomporompita bebahlanu kwayo, nabantu boke bendawo bebajekezela bavuthela iimporompita. Ababhini baphekelela umvumo ngeenliliswa. Nje-ke u-Ataliya watlebhula izambatho zakhe warhuwelela wathi: “Bukhwebetjhana! Bukhwebetjhana-ke lobu!” UJehoyada umphristi omkhulu wathumela iinduna zekhulu ebegade ziphethe iinqhema wathi: “Khuphani umfazi loyo hlangana neenqhemapho, nibulale nanyana ngubani omlandelako.” Umphristi gade akubeke kwakhanya bonyana angabulawelwi ethempelini lakaSomnini. Yeke bamdzwebula asathi ungena esigodlweni ngesango leeNjomani, bambulalela lapho. UJehoyada wenza isivumelwano sokuthi yena nabantu kanye nekosi bazakuba babantu bakaZimu. Boke abantu basuka baya ethempelini lakaBhali balibhuruza. Bagiriza ama-aldari, baphadlha iinthombembazwa bebabulala noMatana umphristi kaBhali phambi kwama-aldari. UJehoyada wabeka ukulawulwa kwethempeli lakaSomnini ezandleni zabaphristi ebegade bamaLevi uDavida awabeka ethempelini kobana enze imihlabelo yokutjhiswa yakaSomnini njengombana kutlolwe emthethweni kaMosi. Lokhu gade akwenza ngethabo nangokuhlabelela njengombana ayalwa nguDavida. Godu wabeka abogosa emasangweni wethempeli lakaSomnini kobana bangavumeli abantu abangakahlambuluki ukungena ngethempelini. Wathatha iinduna zekhulu, iinkhulu, ababusi babantu kanye nabo boke abantu bendawo kobana bayokwewula ikosi ethempelini lakaSomnini uZimu. Bangena esigodlweni ngesango elingehla babeka ikosi esihlalweni sobukhosi. Abantu boke bendawo bathokoza ngalokho. Idorobho laba nokuthula ngombana u-Ataliya awiswe ngesabula. UJowatjhi gade aneminyaka elikhomba lokha naba yikosi, wabusa iminyaka ematjhumi amane eJerusalema. Ibizo lakanina gade kunguTsibiya weBheritjheba. UJowatjhi wenza okulungileko phambi kwakaSomnini emihleni yoke kaJehoyada umphristi omkhulu. UJehoyada wamkhethela abafazi ababili. Wabelethelwa amadodana namadodakazi. Kwathi ngemva kwesikhathi kwaba sehliziyweni kaJowatjhi ukuvuselela ithempeli lakaSomnini. Wabizela ndawonye abaphristi namaLevi wathi kibo: “Khambani niye emadorobheni wakwaJuda nibuthelele imali kilo loke lakwa-Israyeli malungana nokuvuselelwa kweminyaka yoke kwethempeli lakaZimakho. Rhabani ngendaba le.” Kodwana amaLevi adosa iinyawo. Ngebangelo ikosi yabiza uJehoyada umphristi omkhulu yathi kuye: “Kungebanga lani ungazange ugandelele amaLevi bonyana alethe kwaJuda neJerusalema umnikelo owasungulwa nguMosi inceku kaSomnini nowanikelwa yihlangano yakwa-Israyeli ethaberinakelini lakaSomnini na?” Ikosi yatjho njalo ngombana amadodana wesikhohlakali somfazesiya u-Ataliya gade agcekeze ethempelini lakaZimu abe athatha nepahla eyayihlukaniselwe ithempeli lakaSomnini ayisebenzisela ekulotjheni aboBhali. Ikosi uJowatjhi yayala bonyana kwenziwe ikasi bese libekwa ngaphandle esangweni lethempeli lakaSomnini. Kwamenyezelwa kwaJuda neJerusalema kobana abantu balethe kuSomnini uZimu umnikelo uMosi inceku kaZimu ayala bona ama-Israyeli awukhuphe lokha naserhalawumbeni. Zoke iinkhulu kanye nabantu baletha iminikelwabo bathokozile, bayifaka ngekasini belazala swi. Bekuthi njalo lokha amaLevi nabona kunemali enengi ngekasini, ayilethe kilabo abakhethwe yikosi. Nje-ke umabhalana wekosi kanye nesikhulu somphristi omkhulu bebafike balikghuthule ikasi emva kobana libuyiselwe endawenalo. Lokhu bakwenza ngemihla. Ngalokho babuthelela imali enengi. Ikosi noJehoyada bayinikela amadoda agade enza umsebenzi wokuvuselela ithempeli lakaSomnini. Baqatjha abacozi bamatje nabafuleli, abakhandisimbi nabosodzila kobana bavuselele ithempeli lakaSomnini. Amadoda agade aqalene nomsebenzi wokwakha gade akhuthele, ngalokho umsebenzi wokuvuselela waraga kuhle khulu ngaphasi kwelihlo lawo. Avuselela ithempeli lakaZimu laba njengekuthomeni aliqinisa. Kwathi lokha naqedako, aletha yoke imali eseleko ekosini uJowatjhi nakuJehoyada. Yasetjenziselwa ukwakha ipahla yethempeli lakaSomnini: ipahla emalungana nokulotjha nokwenza imihlabelo yokutjhiswa, godu kwenziwa izitja nezinye iinsetjenziswa zegolide nesiliva. Imihlabelo yokutjhiswa yalethwa njalo ethempelini lakaSomnini emihleni yoke yokuphila kwakaJehoyada. UJehoyada gade aluphele, sele iphaphela phasi. Wahlongakala aneminyaka elikhulu namatjhumi amathathu. Wabulungwa namakhosi eMzini kaDavida ngebanga lobuhle abenzela uZimu nethempeli lakhe kwa-Israyeli. Ngemva kokuhlongakala kwakaJehoyada, iinkhulu zakwaJuda zeza zazozirhuhlarhuhla ngekosi, yeke yazilalela. Ngalokho abantu batjhiya ithempeli lakaSomnini uZimu waboyisemkhulu, balotjha imifanekiso yabo-Atjhera neenthombembazwa. Ngebanga lomlandwabo lowo, itukuthelo kaZimu yehlela phezu kwakwaJuda neJerusalema. Kwala ngitjho nanyana uSomnini sele athumela abaphorofidi ebantwini kobana babasome babuyele kuye, nanyana sele babasola ngomthetho kaZimu, azange balalele. Yeke uMoya kaZimu wehlela kuZakariya umsa kaJehoyada umphristi. Wajama phambi kwabantu wathi: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguZimu, ‘Kubayini ningalaleli imiyalo kaSomnini? Nizase niyihlole, anizukuphumelela ngombana nanifulathela uSomnini naye uzanifulathela.’ ” Kodwana bamakhela ubukhwebetjhana bekwathi ngokulayelwa yikosi uJowatjhi bambulala ngokumkhanda ngamatje ngesirhodlweni sethempeli lakaSomnini. Ikosi uJowatjhi azange ikhumbule isisa uJehoyada uyise kaZakariya aba naso kiyo. Kodwana wabulala indodanakhe okwathi sele ilele phasi isifa yathi: “Inga uSomnini angakubona lokhu bese uyabuyiselela.” Kwathi ekuthomeni komnyaka ibutho lama-Aramu laphuma bona lijamelane noJowatjhi. Lavimbezela uJuda neJerusalema belabulala zoke iinduna zamabutho. Lathumela yoke ipango ekosinalo eDamaseku. Nanyana ibutho lama-Aramu lalize namadoda ambalwa nalizokusahlela, uSomnini uZimu wanikela ibutho elikhulu ezandleni zalo ngombana uJuda ahlubuke uSomnini uZimu waboyise. Godu isigwebo sehlela phezu kwakaJowatjhi ngombana lokha ama-Aramu nabuyela emuva, atjhiya uJowatjhi akhubele khulu. Iinkhulu zakhe zamakhela ubukhwebetjhana ngokubulala kwakhe indodana yakaJehoyada umphristi. Zambulalela embhedenakhe. Wahlongakala bewabulungelwa eMzini kaDavida kodwana ingasi emazindleni wamakhosi. Labo abamakhela ubukhwebetjhana gade kunguZabadi indodana kaTjhimeyathi umAmonikazi noJehozabadi indodana kaTjhimrithi umuMowabikazi. Umlando wamadodanakhe, iimphorofido ezinengi ngaye kanye nomlando wokuvuselelwa kwethempeli lakaZimu kutlolwe emitlolweni yencwadi yamakhosi. U-Amatsiya indodanakhe waba yikosi emva kwakhe. U-Amatsiya gade aneminyaka ematjhumi amabili nahlanu lokha naba yikosi. Wabusa eJerusalema iminyaka ematjhumi amabili nethobako. Ibizo lakanina gade kunguJehowadani weJerusalema. Wenza okuhle phambi kwakaSomnini, kodwana ingasi ngehliziywakhe yoke. Wathi bona aqinise umbuso ezandleni zakhe, wabhubhisa iinkhulu ezabulala uyise ogade ayikosi. Nokho azange abulale amadodanazo, kodwana wenza njengombana kutlolwe emthethweni kaMosi lapha uSomnini ayala khona wathi: “Aboyise bangafeli imilandu yabentwababo, nabentwana bangafeli imilandu yaboyise. Kodwana akube ngiloyo naloyo afele izono zakhe.” U-Amatsiya wabizela abantu bakwaJuda ndawonye wabahlela ukuya ngemindenabo kobana babe ziinduna zekulungwana neenduna zekhulu kilo loke lakwaJuda nakwaBhenjamini. Wabala abaneminyaka yobudala ematjhumi amabili nangaphezulu, wafumana bona bamakhulu aziinkulungwana ezintathu zamadoda aziinhlabani alungele ipi nanekghono lokusebenzisa umkhonto nesihlangu. Godu waqatjha nekhulu leenkulungwana zeengorho kwa-Israyeli ngeenkulungwana ezintathu namakhulu amahlanu wamakhilogremu wesiliva. Kodwana kweza umuntu kaZimu kuye wathi: “Kosami, amabutho wakwa-Israyeli la angaphumi nawe ukuya epini ngombana uSomnini akakajami ngaku-Israyeli, ngitjho boke bakwa-Efrayimu. Wena udlumbana bonyana uzakukghona ukuqalana nepi ngabantwaba, kodwana uZimu uzokurareja phambi kwesitha sakho. Ngiqinisile nguZimu onamandla wokukwenza uphumelele namkha uhluleke.” U-Amatsiya wabuza umuntu kaZimu wathi: “Alo, uthi kwenziweni ngeenkulungwana ezintathu namakhulu amahlanu woke wamakhilogremu wesiliva engiwakhuphele amabutho wakwa-Israyeli la na?” Umuntu kaZimu waphendula wathi: “USomnini angakunikela ngaphezu kwalokho.” Yeke u-Amatsiya watjhaphulula amabutho agade eze kuye abuya kwa-Efrayimu bona aye emakhaya. Amabutho adla uJuda ahlaza, aya emakhaya agcwele ipotjwana. U-Amatsiya wavuselela amandlakhe wakhupha ibutho lakhe wanqomba emrhobeni weTswayi. Lapha afese wabulala khona itjhumi leenkulungwana zamadoda weSeyiri. Ibutho lakwaJuda labamba elinye itjhumi leenkulungwana zamadoda asaphila lawasa esiqongolweni serharha lafika lawakghurumejela phasi amadlheka sele aziinquqwana. Ngesikhatheso amabutho u-Amatsiya awabuyisele emuva nangazange awavumele bonyana abe nesandla epini, avimbezela imizi yakwaJuda ukusuka eSamariya ukuya eBethe-Rhoroni. Abulala abantu abaziinkulungwana ezintathu abe abamuka nentundu yepango. Lokha u-Amatsiya nabuya ukubhubhisa ama-Edomu, weza nabosingazimu babantu beSeyiri. Wabajamisa bona babe bosingazimu bakhe, wabaguqela bewabenzela nomhlabelo wokutjhiswa. Itukuthelo kaZimu yaba phezu kwaka-Amatsiya. UZimu wathumela umphorofidi kuye wafika wathi: “Kubayini uyokubuza kibosingazimu babantu ababhalelwe ngitjho nokusindisa abantu babo esandleni sakho?” Kuthe umphorofidi loyo asakhuluma njalo, ikosi yathi kuye: “Sukapha wena! Njekhona ubekwe ngubani bona ube mluleki wekosi? Uzibizela ukufa wena, ngiyakutjela!” Yeke umphorofidi wayilisa indaba leyo kodwana wathi: “Ngiyazi bonyana uZimu uqunte ukukubulala ngombana wenze lokhu begodu wangalaleli iinluleko zami.” Ngemva kokobana u-Amatsiya ikosi yakwaJuda athintene nabeluleki bakhe wathumela isitjhijilwesi kuJowatjhi umsa kaJehowarhazi omsa kaJehu ikosi yakwa-Israyeli wathi: “Yewize, sizokuzwana amandla!” Kodwana uJehowatjhi ikosi yakwa-Israyeli waphendula u-Amatsiya ikosi yakwaJuda wathi: “Umtjhatjhana ogade useLibhanoni wathumela umlayezo emthini womsedari eLibhanoni wathi, ‘Yendisela umntazana wakwakho esokaneni lakwami.’ Nje-ke isibandana sommango eLibhanoni seza safihliza umtjhatjhana lowo ngeenyawo zaso. Wena uzitjela bonyana uhlule u-Edomu, ngikho nje sewuzikhakhazisa kangaka. Zikhakhazise ekuhluleni kwakho kodwana uhlale kwakho! Uzidoselelani amanzi ngomsele bona uzikhube wena kanye nabantu bakwaJuda?” Kodwana u-Amatsiya azange alalele ngombana uZimu gade sele ahlele bonyana abanikele esandleni sakaJehowatjhi ngebanga lokubuza kwabo kibosingazimu bakwa-Edomu. Nje-ke uJehowatjhi ikosi yakwa-Israyeli yasahlela u-Amatsiya ikosi yakwaJuda. Zabambana ngeemfuba zizwana amandla eBhethe-Tjhemetjhi kwaJuda. UJuda wamadlhwa ngu-Israyeli. Enye nenye indoda yabalekela emzinayo. UJehowatjhi ikosi yakwa-Israyeli wathumba u-Amatsiya ikosi yakwaJuda, umsa kaJowatjhi omsa kaJehowarhazi, eBhethe-Tjhemetjhi. UJehowatjhi wamletha eJerusalema bewagiriza umthangala wakhona ukusukela esangweni i-Efrayimu ukuya esangweni okuthiwa siKghudlhu okuyingcenye engaba mamitha alikhulu namatjhumi abunane ubude. Wathatha loke igolide nesiliva nayo yoke enye ipahla eyatholakala ethempelini lakaZimu ebegade itjhejwe ngu-Obede-Edomu kanye namagugu wesigodlo neembotjhwa, wabuyela eSamariya. U-Amatsiya umsa kaJowatjhi ikosi yakwaJuda waphila iminyaka elitjhumi namihlanu ngemva kokufa kwakaJehowatjhi umsa kaJehowarhazi ikosi yakwa-Israyeli. Ezinye izehlakalo zokubusa kwaka-Amatsiya, ukusuka ekuthomeni bekube sekupheleni, zitlolwe encwadini yamakhosi wakwaJuda newakwa-Israyeli. Kwathi bona u-Amatsiya athome ukuphambuka ekulandeleni uSomnini uZimu, bamakhela ubukhwebetjhana eJerusalema. Wabalekela eLarhitjhi kodwana bathumela abantu eLarhitjhapho bambulalela khona. Wabuyiswa athwelwe ngeenjomani kobana azokubulungwa kiboyisemkhulu edorobheni lakwaJuda. Boke abantu bakwaJuda bathatha u-Uziya, ogade aneminyaka elitjhumi nesithandathu, bambeka bona abe yikosi esikhundleni sakayise u-Amatsiya. Nguye owavuselela i-Elatha bewayibuyisela kwaJuda ngemva kobana u-Amatsiya sele ahlongakele. U-Uziya gade aneminyaka elitjhumi nesithandathu lokha naba yikosi. Wabusa eJerusalema iminyaka ematjhumi amahlanu nambili. Ibizo lakanina gade kunguJekoliya weJerusalema. Wenza okuhle phambi kwakaSomnini njengombana kwenza uyise u-Amatsiya. Wafuna uZimu emihleni kaZakariya owamfundisa ukwesaba uZimu. Esikhathini soke ahlala ngaso kuSomnini uZimu, uZimu wamphumelelisa. Waphuma ipi walwa namaFilista, wagiriza imithangala yeGathi, yeJabine neye-Atjhidodi. Ngemva kwalapho wakha amadorobho anemithangala hlanu kwe-Atjhidodi nakezinye iindawo zamaFilista. UZimu wamsiza ukulwa namaFilista nama-Arabhu agade ahlala eGuru-Bhali kanye namaMewuni. Ama-Amoni aletha umthelo ku-Uziya, idumo lakhe lasabalala belayokufika emikhawulweni yeGibhide ngombana waba namandla khulu. U-Uziya wakha iinthala zabalindi eJerusalema esangweni okuthiwa siKghudlhu, esangweni lomRhoba kanye nejikeni lomthangala awuqinisako. Godu wakha iinthala zabalindi erhalawumbeni, wemba nemithombo eminengi ngombana gade anefuyo enengi eentatjaneni zenarha nemmangweni othabaleleko. Gade anabantu ebebasebenza emasiminakhe neendiribeni zakhe emibundwini neenarheni ezinehlabathi evundileko ngombana gade athanda ukusebenza ngehlabathi. U-Uziya gade anebutho elibandulwe kuhle, lilungele ukuya epini lihleleke ngokwesibalo salo njengombana latlolwa nguJehiyeli umabhalana kanye noMaseya osikhulu ngaphasi kwelawulo lakaRhananiya, ongomunye weenkhulu zebukhosini. Isibalo seenhloko zemindeni ebeziphethe ibutho besiziinkulungwana ezimbili namakhulu asithandathu. Zona gade ziphethe ibutho eliziinkulungwana ezimakhulu amathathu nekhomba namakhulu amahlanu wamadoda abandulelwe ipi nanamandla wokusiza ikosi ekulweni nezitha zayo. U-Uziya wahlomisa loke ibutho ngeenhlangu, imikhonto, iinkupuru, iimbaji zepi, imisubi kanye namatje wezarwayi. EJerusalema wenza imitjhini yepi eyatlanywa madoda anekghono kobana isetjenziswe eenthaleni zabalindi nemajikeni womthangala wedorobho. Imitjhini leyo abantu gade badumuza ngayo imisubela bavirimeje namatje. Idumo lakhe lasabalala nakude ngombana wasizwa ngendlela ekarisako bona abe namandla. Kodwana ukudlondlobala kwaka-Uziya kwamenza wazikhukhumeza kwaba kukuwa kwakhe njalo. Azange asathembeka kuSomnini uZimakhe, wangena ngethempelini lakaSomnini kobana ayotjhisa itjhwalo e-aldarini lalo. U-Azariya umphristi kanye nabanye abaphristi bakaSomnini abamatjhumi abunane nabanesibindi bamlandela bangena naye. Bajamelana nekosi u-Uziya bathi: “Awukameli ukutjhisela uSomnini itjhwalo wena Uziya. Msebenzi wabaphristi lowo aba ziinzukulwana zaka-Aroni ezahlukaniselwa kobana zitjhise itjhwalo. Phuma endaweni ecwengileko le ngombana uyona begodu uSomnini uZimu angeze akwamukela.” U-Uziya ogade asele aphethe idengela alungele ukutjhisa itjhwalo, kwathi akafe. Kuthe lokha asabhavumulela abaphristi phambi kwe-aldari letjhwalo ethempelini lakaSomnini, waqubuka ikhwekhwe epandla abaphristi bamqalile. U-Azariya umphristi omkhulu kanye nabo boke abaphristi abanye bathi bangabona bonyana uqubuke ikhwekhwe epandla, bamphuthumisela ngaphandle. Naye azange asanghanghabala ngombana uSomnini besele amhlunguphazile. Ikosi u-Uziya yaba nekhwekhwe njalo bekwaba kumhla ihlongakalako. Wakhutjhwa ngethempelini lakaSomnini, wahlaliswa ngendlini eseqadi yabanekhwekhwe. UJotamu indodanakhe welusa isigodlo bewabusa nesizwe. Ezinye izehlakalo zokubusa kwaka-Uziya, ukusuka ekuthomeni bekube sekupheleni, zitlolwe mphorofidi u-Isaya umsa ka-Amotsi. U-Uziya wahlongakala, wabulungwa eqadi kwaboyisemkhulu esimini yamazindla wamakhosi ngombana abantu bathi: “Angithi unekhwekhwe!” UJotamu indodanakhe wathatha ubukhosi emva kwakhe. UJotamu gade aneminyaka ematjhumi amabili nahlanu lokha naba yikosi. Wabusa eJerusalema iminyaka elitjhumi namithandathu. Ibizo lakanina gade kunguJerutjha, indodakazi kaTsadokhi. Wenza okuhle phambi kwakaSomnini njengombana kwenza uyise u-Uziya. Kodwana yena azange angene ngethempelini lakaSomnini njengoyise. Nanyana kunjalo abantu bona baragela phambili nemikhuba yokonakala. Nguye owavuselela isango elingaphezulu lethempeli lakaSomnini, wenza nomsebenzi omnengi emthangaleni wombundu we-Ofeli. Wakha imizi emibundwini yakwaJuda kanye nobuphephelo neenthala zabalindi endaweni yamahlathi. UJotamu walwa nekosi yama-Amoni wayihlula. Ngomnyaka lowo ama-Amoni amkhokhela iinkulungwana ezintathu namakhulu amahlanu wamakhilogremu wesiliva, iinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amahlanu zemigodla yekoroyi neenkulungwana ezimatjhumi amahlanu zemigodla yebhali. Nangomnyaka wesibili nowesithathu ama-Amoni abuyelela soneso. UJotamu wadlondlobala ngombana wakhamba ngokwethembeka phambi kwakaSomnini uZimakhe. Ezinye izehlakalo zokubusa kwakaJotamu, kanye nazo zoke izipi zakhe nokhunye akwenzileko, kutlolwe encwadini yamakhosi wakwa-Israyeli newakwaJuda. Gade aneminyaka ematjhumi amabili namihlanu lokha nabayikosi begodu wabusa eJerusalema iminyaka elitjhumi nasithandathu. UJotamu wahlongakala, wabulungwa kiboyisemkhulu eMzini kaDavida. U-Arhazi indodanakhe wathatha ubukhosi emva kwakhe. U-Arhazi gade aneminyaka ematjhumi amabili lokha naba yikosi. Wabusa eJerusalema iminyaka elitjhumi namithandathu. Azange afuze uyisemkhulu uDavida, wenza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini. Wakhamba eendleleni zamakhosi wakwa-Israyeli, naye wenza iinthombembazwa kobana alotjhe aboBhali. Watjhisa nemihlabelo emrhobeni weBheni-Hinomu wenza umhlabelo ngabantwabakhe emlilweni, walandela iindlela ezinyenyisako zezizwe uSomnini aziqotjhako phambi kwama-Israyeli. Wenza imihlabelo bewatjhisa netjhwalo eendundumeni, eenqongolweni zeentatjana nangaphasi komunye nomunye umuthi ohlaza. Ngalokho uSomnini uZimakhe wamnikelela ngekosi ye-Aramu. Ama-Aramu amhlula abe abopha nabantu bakhe abanengi abaletha eDamaseku. Godu uZimu wamnikela ezandleni zekosi yakwa-Israyeli, yona yalimaza amabuthwakhe khulu. UPhekharhi umsa kaRemaliya wabulala zoke iingorho zakwaJuda eziziinkulungwana ezilikhulu namatjhumi amabili ngelanga linye ngombana uJuda wahlubuka uSomnini uZimu waboyisemkhulu. UZikiri olibutho lakwa-Efrayimu wabulala uMaseya indodana yekosi, u-Azrikhamu isikhulu esiphethe isigodlo no-Elikhana osisandla sekosi. Ama-Israyeli athumba iinkulungwana ezimakhulu amabili zabafazi, amadodana namadodakazi wabafowabo, okutjho bakwaJuda. Athatha nentundu yepango ayibuyisela eSamariya. ESamariyapho gade kuhlala umphorofidi kaSomnini okuthiwa ngu-Odedi. Waphuma wahlangabeza ibutho nalibuyela eSamariya wathi kilo: “Ngebanga lokobana uSomnini uZimu waboyihlomkhulu gade athukuthelele bakwaJuda, wabanikela ezandleni zenu. Nabangenela nabulala abanye babo ngesihluku esathinta izulu. Nje-ke senisophe nokwenza amadoda nabafazi bakwaJuda nebeJerusalema kobana babe makhobokenu. Aninazono nina njengabo phambi kwakaSomnini uZimenu na? Lalelani-ke lapha! Godusani abafowenu esele nibathumbilekwaba, nakungasinjalo ubukhali bakoSomnini buzakuba phezu kwenu.” Abanye babarholi bakwa-Efrayimu, u-Azariya umsa kaJehorhanani, uBherekiya umsa kaMetjhilemothi, uHezekhiya umsa kaTjhalumu no-Amasa umsa kaRhadilayi bavimba labo ababuya epini bathi: “Ningalethi iimbotjhwezo lapha. Nakungasinjalo sizakuba nomlandu phambi kwakaSomnini uZimu. Ningathi nibona bonyana sinezonokazi ezinengi nemilandu khibe nina nisafuna ukungezelela khonapho? Qalani, itukuthelo kaSomnini iphezu kwaka-Israyeli.” Yeke ibutho lathukulula iimbotjhwa kanye nepango phambi kweenkhulu kanye nehlangano yoke. Kwasuka amadoda agade abalwe ngamabizo athatha izambatho epangwenapho embesa iimbotjhwa ebegade zibulanzi. Anikela iimbotjhwa izambatho namapatlagwana. Azipha ukudla nokuselwako abe azesa namancebazo ngamafutha. Kwathi zoke lezo egade zibogaboga azikhweza kibodumbana. Aphekelela iimbotjhwezo eJerikho, idorobho lamaSundu, emkhawulweni webekhabo. Nje-ke wona abuyela eSamariya. Ngesikhatheso ikosi u-Arhazi yabawa isizo ekosini ye-Asiriya ngombana ama-Edomu abuye asahlela uJuda abe athatha neembotjhwa, godu namaFilista ahlangula amadorobho ngeentatjaneni zangetjingalanga nerhalawumbeni elingesewula yakwaJuda. Athumba abe athatha iBhethe-Tjhemetjhi, i-Ayaloni, iGederothi, iSoko nemizanayo, iTimina nemizanayo kanye neGimizo nemizanayo kwaba ziindawo zawo. USomnini waguqisa uJuda ngebanga laka-Arhazi ikosi yakwa-Israyeli, ngombana waliselela ubukhohlakali kwaJuda begodu wakhambelela ngokungathembeki phambi kwakaSomnini. UTigilathi-Pileseri ikosi ye-Asiriya weza kuye kodwana wamfaka edakeni kunobana amsize. Nanyana u-Arhazi gade ahlangule amagugu wethempeli lakaSomnini, isigodlo kanye nemizi yamakhosana wawanikela ikosi ye-Asiriya, azange kumsize ngalitho. Ikosi u-Arhazi lo lokha naseenhluphekweni wangezelela ukukhambelela kwakhe kokungathembeki kuZimu: Wenzela abosingazimu beDamaseku imihlabelo, okubosingazimu babantu abamhlulako ngombana wadlumbana wathi: “Njengombana abosingazimu bamakhosi wama-Aramu bawasizile nje, yeke ngizabahlabela ukuze nami bangisize.” Kodwana ngibo abamwisako bebawisa no-Israyeli. U-Arhazi wabuthelela ipahla esethempelini lakaZimu wayikghadlha yaba ziinquqwana. Wavala iminyango yethempeli lakaSomnini wajamisa ama-aldari ejikeni elinye nelinye leendledlana zeJerusalema. Wakha iindunduma emzini omunye nomunye kwaJuda bonyana enzele abosingazimu imihlabelo yokutjhiswa. Ngokwenza njalo wahlabekisa uSomnini uZimu waboyisemkhulu. Ezinye izehlakalo zokubusa kwakhe kanye neendlela zakhe zoke, ukusuka ekuthomeni bekube sekupheleni, kutlolwe encwadini yamakhosi wakwaJuda newakwa-Israyeli. U-Arhazi wahlongakala, wabulungwa kiboyisemkhulu edorobheni leJerusalema, kodwana azange abekwe emazindleni wamakhosi wakwa-Israyeli. UHezekhiya indodanakhe wathatha ubukhosi emva kwakhe. UHezekhiya gade aneminyaka ematjhumi amabili nahlanu lokha naba yikosi. Wabusa eJerusalema iminyaka ematjhumi amabili nethoba. Ibizo lakanina gade kungu-Abiya indodakazi kaZakariya. Wenza okuhle phambi kwakaSomnini njengombana kwenza uyisemkhulu uDavida. Ngenyanga yokuthoma yomnyaka wokuthoma wokubusa kwakhe, wavula iminyango yethempeli lakaSomnini bewayilungisa. Wangenisa abaphristi namaLevi, wabahlanganisela ndawonye esirhodlweni esingepumalanga yethempeli, wathi kibo: “Akhese ningilalele nina maLevi! Nje-ke zihlambululeni nicwengise nethempeli lakaSomnini uZimu waboyihlomkhulu. Susani koke okusilapheleko endaweni ecwengileko. Abobaba azange bathembeke; benza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini uZimethu, bebamhlubuka. Bafulathela ithaberinakeli lakaSomnini bebakhunyalalisa iintamo zabo. Godu bavala neminyango yamathuri bacima neembani. Azange batjhise itjhwalo namkha benzele uZimu wakwa-Israyeli imihlabelo yokutjhiswa endaweni ecwengileko. Ngalokho itukuthelo kaSomnini yehlela kuJuda neJerusalema. Yabenza baba zizinto zokwesatjwa, indawo yabo yaba marubhi nesiga njengombana nani nizibonela ngamehlwenu bona abobaba babulawa njani ngesabula. Abafazi bethu, amadodana namadodakazethu basekuthunjweni ngalokho. Sele ngizimisele ukwenza isivumelwano noSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli ukuze itukuthelwakhe eyesabekako isuke kithi. Nje-ke madodanami, ningaliseleli izinto ngombana uSomnini ukhethe nina kobana nize phambi kwakhe nizomlotjha bese nitjhisa netjhwalo.” Yeke amaLevi azihlela ngokomsebenzi ngalendlela: KumaKhehathi kwaba nguMarhathi umsa ka-Amasayi noJuweli umsa ka-Azariya. KumaMerari kwaba nguKhitjhi umsa ka-Abadi no-Azariya umsa kaJehaleleli. KumaGeritjhoni kwaba nguJowarhi umsa kaZima no-Edeni umsa kaJowarhi. Eenzukulwaneni zaka-Elitsafani kwaba nguTjhimri noJeyeli. Eenzukulwaneni zaka-Asafa kwaba nguZakariya noMataniya. Eenzukulwaneni zakaHemani kwaba nguJerhiyeli noTjhimeyi. Eenzukulwaneni zakaJedutuni kwaba nguTjhemaya no-Uziyeli. Kuthe bona bahlanganise abafowabo ababaphristi ndawonye bazihlambulula. Bathoma ukuhlwengisa ithempeli lakaSomnini uZimu njengombana ikosi uHezekhiya beyibatjelile ukuya ngelizwi lakaZimu. Abaphristi bangena baya emsamo wethempeli lakaSomnini bonyana balihlwengise. Bakhupha yoke into engakahlambuluki abayifumana ngethempelini lakaSomnini bayisa ngesirhodlweni sethempeli. AmaLevi athatha koke lokho akusa emrhobeni weKidroni. Ngelanga lokuthoma lenyanga yokuthoma bathoma ukuhlambulula ithempeli ngaphakathi. Elangeni lobunane lenyanga besele bafikelele emathurini wethempeli. Ngamanye amezwi kwabathatha amalanga abunane kobana bahlwengise ithempeli lakaSomnini ngokwalo. Umsebenzi wokuhlambulula loke ithempeli bawuqeda elangeni letjhumi nantandathu lenyanga yokuthoma. Basuka lapho bayokubikela ikosi uHezekhiya bathi: “Sihlambulule loke ithempeli lakaSomnini, sahlambulula i-aldari lomhlabelo wokutjhiswa nazo zoke izitja zalo, netafula lokubeka izikwa ezicwengisiweko nazo zoke izitja zalo. Silungise besahlambulula yoke ipahla eyasuswa yikosi u-Arhazi ngokungathembeki kwakhe lokha nasese yikosi. Sikhuluma nje sele iphambi kwe-aldari lakaSomnini.” Ngakusasa ngovivi ikosi uHezekhiya yahlanganisa ndawonye zoke iinkhulu zedorobho, yenyukela ethempelini lakaSomnini. Baletha iinkunzi ezilikhomba, amaqama alikhomba, iimvana eziduna ezilikhomba neempongo ezilikhomba njengomhlabelo wesono malungana nombuso, indawo ecwengileko kanye noJuda. Ikosi uHezekhiya yayalela abaphristi, iinzukulwana zaka-Aroni kobana bathathe koke lokhu benze ngakho umhlabelo e-aldarini lakaSomnini. Yeke bahlaba iinkunzezo, abaphristi bathatha iingazi bazifafaza e-aldarini. Bahlaba amaqama bafafaza iingazi zawo e-aldarini, bahlaba neemvana bafafaza iingazi zazo e-aldarini. Kwalethwa iimbuzi zomhlabelo wesono phambi kwehlangano nekosini uHezekhiya, babeka izandla zabo phezu kwazo. Abaphristi bahlaba iimbuzezo baletha iingazi zazo e-aldarini kobana zibe mhlabelo wehlambululo kuthethelelwe woke u-Israyeli ngombana uHezekhiya gade athe kwenziwe umhlabelo wokutjhiswa kanye nowehlambululo malungana no-Israyeli woke. UHezekhiya wahlela amaLevi ethempelini lakaSomnini aphethe iiwahlo, imihlobohlobo yamaharibha njengombana kwatjho uDavida noGathi umboni wekosi kanye noNathani umphorofidi. Lokhu gade kumyalo kaSomnini awukhuluma ngabaphorofidi bakhe. Yeke amaLevi ajama ngendlela yakhona aphethe iinliliswa zakaDavida nabaphristi ngokunjalo baphethe iimporompita zabo. UHezekhiya wakhupha umyalo bonyana kwenziwe umhlabelo wokutjhiswa e-aldarini. Kwathi lokha nakuthonywa umhlabelo, kwaliliswa iimporompita bekwathonywa kwabhinelwa uSomnini. Umbhino bewuphekelelwa ziinliliswa zakaDavida ikosi yakwa-Israyeli. Yoke ihlangano yakhothama yadumisa, abakhaleli bakhalela, abosomporompita nabo bavuthela bavuthele. Koke lokhu kwaraga njalo bekwaphela ukwenziwa komhlabelo wokutjhiswa. Ngemva kobana sele kwenziwe imihlabelo, ikosi nabantu boke agade banayo baguqa balotjha. Ikosi uHezekhiya neenkhulu zayo bayalela amaLevi kobana adumise uSomnini ngamezwi kaDavida no-Asafa umboni. Yeke bavuma iingoma zokudumisa ngokujekezela bahloma iinhloko phasi balotjha. UHezekhiya wathi: “Njengombana sele nizinikele ekosini nje, yizani nilethe imihlabelo neminikelo yokuthokoza ethempelini lakaSomnini.” Yeke ihlangano yaletha imihlabelo neminikelo yokuthokoza, nabo boke ebebaneenhliziyo ezivumako baletha imihlabelo yokutjhiswa. Isibalo somhlabelo wokutjhiswa owalethwa yihlangano gade uziinkunzi ezimatjhumi alikhomba, amaqama alikhulu neemvana eziduna ezimakhulu amabili. Koke lokhu kwalethwa kuSomnini bona kube mhlabelo wokutjhiswa. Iinlwana ezahlukaniselwa bona zibe mhlabelo zafikelela emakhulwini asithandathu weenkunzi kanye neenkulungwana ezintathu zezimvu neembuzi. Abaphristi gade bambalwa khulu bonyana bangahlinza yoke imihlabelo yokutjhiswa. Yeke basizwa bafowabo amaLevi bekwaphela woke umsebenzi. AmaLevi asiza kwaphela kufikela lapha abaphristi abanye bazihlambulula khona. (AmaLevi gade akutjheje khulu ukuzihlambulula kunabaphristi.) Ngaphezu kwemihlabelo yokutjhiswa eminengi, abaphristi bekufuze basebenze ngamafutha wemihlabelo yetjhebiswano kanye neminikelo yeenselo ekhambisana nemihlabelo yokutjhiswa. Ngaleyondlela umsebenzi wethempeli lakaSomnini wavuselelwa. UHezekhiya nabo boke abantu bathokoza ngalokho uSomnini akwenzela abantu bakhe ngombana ukuvuselelwa kwethempeli kwabafikela bangakalindeli. UHezekhiya wathumela ilizwi kuye woke u-Israyeli noJuda godu watlolela u-Efrayimu noManase iincwadi zombuso. Wabamema bonyana beze ethempelini lakaSomnini eJerusalema bazogidinga iPhasika lakaSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli. Ikosi kanye neenkhulu zayo nayo yoke ihlangano yeJerusalema baqunta ukugidinga iPhasika enyangeni yesibili. Azange bakghone ukuligidinga ngesikhathi esifaneleko ngombana ngesikhatheso abaphristi abazicwengisileko gade bangakaneli begodu nehlangano beyingakahlangani eJerusalema. Iqhingeli laqaleka lilihle ekosini nakiyo yoke ihlangano. Baqunta ukuthumela isimemezelo kilo loke lakwa-Israyeli, ukusuka eBheritjheba ngesewula ukuya kwaDani ngetlhagwini, babiza abantu bonyana beze eJerusalema bazogidinga iPhasika kuSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli. Belingazange kheligidingwe siqubuthu esikhulu sabantu njengombana kutlolwe emthethweni. Ngomyalo wekosi, kwaphuma iingijimi zaya kilo loke lakwa-Israyeli nakwaJuda ziphethe iincwadi ezibuya ekosini kanye neenkhulwini zayo zitlolwe ukuthi: Bantu bakwa-Israyeli, akhese nibuyele kuSomnini uZimu waka-Abrahamu, ka-Isaka no-Israyeli. Nanenza njalo naye uzakubuyela kini nina eniseleko neniphunyurhe ezandleni zamakhosi we-Asiriya. Ningafani naboyihlo nabomnakwenu abangazange bathembeke kuSomnini uZimu waboyisemkhulu, okwabangela bonyana enze indawo yabo ibe marubhi njengombana nani nizibonela. Ningabi mipurelani njengaboyihlomkhulu, zinikeleni kuSomnini. Yizani endaweni ecwengileko uSomnini ayicwengise isiphelani. Lotjhani uSomnini uZimenu ukuze itukuthelwakhe eyesabekako isuke kini. Lokha nanibuyela kuSomnini, abathumbi babafowenu nabantwabenu bazakuba nesisa phezu kwabo ukuze babuyele enarheni le. Iye, uSomnini uZimenu unomusa nesirhawu, yeke angeze anifulathela lokha naniphendukela kuye. Yeke iingijimi zangena umuzi nomzana kwa-Efrayimu nakwaManase ukufikela kwaZebuloni. Kodwana abantu bazikokomeja bazihleka ubudlhayela. Nokho kwaba nabanye abantu kwa-Atjheri, kwaManase nakwaZebuloni abazithobako bakhuphukela eJerusalema. NakwaJuda isandla sakaZimu sabahlanganisa abantu baba mmoya munye benza njengokutjho kwekosi neenkhulu zayo ngokulandela ilizwi lakaZimu. Kwathi ngenyanga yesibili kwahlangana isiqubuthu esikhulu sabantu eJerusalema ukuzogidinga umnyanya wesiKwa esinganaNgumelo. Bathoma ukususa ama-aldari eJerusalema, bathanyela namazikwana wokutjhisela itjhwalo bebawajikijela ngesikhisini iKhidroni. Nje-ke elangeni letjhumi nane lenyanga yesibili bahlaba imvana yePhasika. Abaphristi namaLevi baba neenhloni bebazihlambulula baletha imihlabelo yokutjhiswa ethempelini lakaSomnini. Bazihlela njengokujayelekileko njengombana kutjhiwo emthethweni kaMosi, umuntu kaZimu. Abaphristi bafafaza iingazi abazinikelwa maLevi. Njengombana abanengi phakathi kwehlangano gade bangakazihlambululi, amaLevi kwafuneka bonyana ahlabe iimvana zePhasika esikhundleni sabo boke labo egade bangakahlanjululwa ukuze iimvanezo zibe ngezicwengileko kuSomnini. Nanyana abantu abanengi ababuya kwa-Efrayimu, kwaManase, kwa-Isakari nakwaZebuloni gade bangakazihlambululi, nokho baligoma iPhasika phezu kobana umtlolo ungavumi. Kodwana uHezekhiya wabathandazela wathi: “Inga uSomnini olungileko angathethelela omunye nomunye obeka ihliziywakhe ekufuneni uSomnini uZimu waboyisemkhulu nanyana angakahlambuluki ukuya ngemithetho yendawo ecwengileko.” USomnini wawuzwa umthandazo kaHezekhiya wapholisa abantu. Ama-Israyeli agade aseJerusalema agidinga umnyanya weSikwa esinganaNgumelo amalanga alikhomba ngokujekezela okukhulu. AmaLevi nabaphristi bona gade badumisa uSomnini ngamalanga baphekelelwa ziinliliswa zakaSomnini ezinomdumo onamandla. UHezekhiya wabeka ikulumo yokukhuthaza amaLevi enza umsebenzi kaSomnini ngekghono elikhulu. Amalanga alikhomba woke agoma ukudla komnyanya enza nemihlabelo yetjhebiswano avuma bona azakwethembeka kuSomnini uZimu waboyisemkhulu. Yoke ihlangano yavumelana ngokungezelela umnyanya ngamalanga alikhomba; yeke bagidinga amalanga alikhomba ngokujekezela. UHezekhiya ikosi yakwaJuda wabonelela ihlangano ngekulungwana yeenkunzi nangeenkulungwana ezilikhomba zezimvu neembuzi, kwathi iinkhulu zakhe zona zawubonelela ngekulungwana yeenkunzi neenkulungwana ezilitjhumi zezimvu neembuzi. Abaphristi abanengi bazicwengisa mhlokho. Ihlangano yoke yakwaJuda yajekezela kanye nabaphristi namaLevi nabo boke ababuya kwa-Israyeli. Iinkhonzi ezibuya kwa-Israyeli nakwaJuda nazo zazibandakanya zathakasa. Kwaba nethabo elikhulu eJerusalema ngombana ukusukela emihleni kaSolomoni umsa kaDavida ikosi yakwa-Israyeli azange khekube nento enjengale eJerusalema. Abaphristi namaLevi basikima bonyana babusise abantu. UZimu wabezwa ngombana umthandazwabo wafika ezulwini, endawenakhe ecwengileko. Kwathi bona koke kuphele, ama-Israyeli agade alapho aphuma aya emizini yakwaJuda. Afika aphadlha amatje akhethekileko abe agawula nemifanekiso yabo-Atjhera. Aphutjhula iindunduma agiriza nama-aldari kilo loke lakwaJuda, kwaBhenjamini, kwa-Efrayimu nakwaManase. Ngemva kobana sele abhidlize koke, ama-Israyeli abuyela emakhabo emadorobhenawo. UHezekhiya wahlela iinqhema zabaphristi namaLevi, isiqhema ngasinye ukuya ngokomsebenzaso. Abaphristi namaLevi bekufanele benze imihlabelo yokutjhiswa, nemihlabelo yetjhebiswano, ukulotjha, ukuthokoza nokudumisa emasangweni wendawo kaSomnini. Iimbonelelo ikosi uHezekhiya eyazikhupha epahlenayo zazingezemihlabelo yokutjhiswa ekuseni nentambama, ngamaSabatha, nakuthwasa inyanga nangeminyanya ebekiweko njengombana kutlolwe emthethweni kaSomnini. Wayala abantu abahlala eJerusalema bonyana banikele abaphristi namaLevi isabelo sabo ukuze bakwazi ukuzinikela ngokupheleleko emthethweni kaSomnini. Kwathi bona kuphume umyalo lowo, ama-Israyeli anikela iinthelo zokuthoma zekoroyi, isitjhidela sewayini, amafutha we-oliva neliju nakho koke okuvela emasimini. Aletha ngokuphuphumako kwetjhumi kwakho koke akuzuzileko. Amadoda wakwa-Israyeli newakwaJuda ahlala emizini yakwaJuda nawo aletha kwetjhumi kwefuywawo okumihlambi yeenkomo nezimvu kanye nokwetjhumi okuzizipho ezikhethekileko azithembisa uSomnini uZimawo. Afika akwethula lokho kwaba kunengi tle. Athoma ukubuthelela ndawonye ipahla leyo kusukela ngenyanga yesithathu, aqeda ngenyanga yekhomba. Kwathi lokha uHezekhiya neenkhulu zakhe nabafikako babona amaqubi lawo, badumisa uZimu bebabuka nabantu bakhe u-Israyeli. UHezekhiya wabuza abaphristi namaLevi ngamaqubi lawo, u-Azariya umphristi omkhulu ovela endlini kaTsadokhi waphendula wathi: “Soloko abantu bathome ukuletha iminikelwabo ethempelini lakaSomnini nje, sibetha esimonyongwana, singhwatha kusale. Ngambala uSomnini ubabusisile abantu bakhe, ngikho okuseleko kumaqubi angaka.” UHezekhiya wathi akulungiswe iinlulu ngethempelini lakaSomnini. Lokha nasele kwenziwe lokho abantu baletha iminikelo, kwetjhumi kanye nezipho zabo ezikhethekileko ngokwethembeka. Koke lokhu kwakutjhejwe nguKonaniya umLevi, isandla sakhe kungumfowabo uTjhimeyi. UJerhiyeli, u-Azaziya, uNarhathi, u-Asaheli, uJerimothi, uJozabadi, u-Eliyeli, uJisimakiya, uMarhathi noBhenaya gade bakhethwe ngesandla sekosi uHezekhiya kanye no-Azariya isikhulu sethempeli lakaZimu bona basebenze ngaphasi kwakaKonaniya nomfowabo uTjhimeyi. UKhore umsa kaJimna umLevi ogada isango langepumalanga yethempeli, gade kumtlhogomeli womnikelo wesihle olethwa kuZimu. Godu gade aba iminikelo elethwe kuSomnini kanye nezipho ezikhethekileko. U-Edeni, uMinyamini, uJetjhuwa, uTjhemaya, u-Amariya noTjhekaniya basiza uKhore ngokwethembeka emizini yabaphristi kobana babele abaphristi ukuya ngeenqhema zabo, abadala nabancani ngokufanako. Godu babela nabaduna abaneminyaka emithathu yobudala namkha abangaphezu kwalapho amabizwabo agade aserhelweni leenzukulwana: Boke egade bangena ngethempelini lakaSomnini njengombana bekufuneka ngamalanga kobana benze imisebenzi yabo ngeenqhema zabo ukuya ngehlelo lomsebenzi. Abaphristi gade batloliswa erhelweni leenzukulwana ngemindenabo. Gade kutloliswa boke, abancani, abafazi, amadodana namadodakazabo. Benza lokhu ngombana gade bathembekile ekuzihlambululeni kwabo. AmaLevi wona bekatloliswa ukuya ngokwehlelo lomsebenzi nangokweenqhema zawo lokha naneminyaka yobudala ematjhumi amabili namkha ngaphezulu. Abaphristi abaziinzukulwana zaka-Aroni ebegade bahlala emirhuleni yamadorobhabo bebaphathwa ngalendlela: Bekunamadoda akhethiweko kobana azokwabela izabelo boke abaduna phakathi kwabaphristi nawo woke amaLevi agade atlolisiwe. UHezekhiya wenza njalo kilo loke lakwaJuda, wenza okuhle begodu wathembeka phambi kwakaSomnini uZimakhe. Wafuna uZimakhe kikho koke agade akwenzela ithempeli lakaZimu kanye nokulalela imithetho neemiso zakhe. Wasebenza ngehliziywakhe yoke. Ngalokho waphumelela. Ngemva kokwethembeka kwekosi uHezekhiya ekwenzeni umsebenzi omuhle kaZimu, kwasuka uSanirheribu ikosi ye-Asiriya wasahlela inarha yakwaJuda. Wavimbezela amadorobho anemithangala, adlumbana bona uzawahlula azithathele wona. Kuthe lokha uHezekhiya nabona bonyana uSanirheribu ufikile begodu ufuna ukulwa neJerusalema, wakhulumisana neenkhulu zakhe kanye nabarholi bamabutho kobana bavale amanzi avela emithonjeni ngaphandle kweJerusalema. Ngambala basekela iqhinga lakhe. Kweza isiqubuthu samadoda savala yoke imithombo nemisele eletha amanzi edorobheni sathi: “Afeke! Asingalisi amakhosi we-Asiriya afumane amanzi kithapha!” UHezekhiya waqinisa ubuphephelo bedorobho: Wavuselela umthangala ogirikileko bewakha neenthala zabalindi phezu kwawo. Wakha omunye umthangala magegana nalowo ngaphandle waqinisa nendunduma eMzini kaDavida. Wenza nequbi leenkhali kanye neenhlangu. Wakhetha iinkhulu zamabutho bona ziqale abantu bezibabuthele ndawonye phambi kwakhe ecabazini elisesangweni ledorobho, wabakhuthaza ngamezwi la: “Qinani nibe nesibindi. Ningesabi namkha niphele amandla ngebanga lekosi ye-Asiriya kanye nesinyokotho samabuthwayo ngombana thina sinamandla amakhulu kunabo. Yena uhlome ngeenkhwepha zenyama kodwana thina siqine ngoSomnini uZimethu ozosisiza abe alwe izipi zethu.” Abantu baqina isibindi ngamezwi kaHezekhiya ikosi yakwaJuda. USanirheribu ikosi ye-Asiriya nalo loke ibutho lakhe bavimbezela iLarhitjhi. Wathumela abazenda bakhe eJerusalema kuHezekhiya ikosi yakwaJuda nabo boke abantu bakwaJuda egade balapho kobana base umyalezo othi: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSanirheribu ikosi ye-Asiriya, ‘Nizathi nithembeni nanikokomele eJerusalemapho njengombana ivinjezelwe nje? UHezekhiya uyanidurhisa kobana nife ngendlala nangomrhawu lokha nathi batjho uSomnini uZimenu uzanisindisa esandleni sekosi ye-Asiriya. Akusuye uHezekhiya ngokwakhe osuse iindunduma nama-aldari kazinyana loyo wathi ebantwini bakwaJuda nebeJerusalema kumele balotjhe phambi kwe-aldari linye bebatjhise netjhwalo kilo na? Niyazi bonyana mina nabobaba sabenzani abantu beenarha ezinye. Nabozinyana babo azange bebakghone ukusindisa iinarha zabo esandleni sami! Ngiwuphi-ke phakathi kwabo boke abozinyana bezizwezo abobamkhulu abazirhayilako owakhe wakghona ukusindisa abantu bakhe esandleni samesi? Alo, nidlumbana bonyana uzinyanenu loyo yena anganisindisa esandleni sami na? Yeke ningavumeli ukukhohliswa nguHezekhiya anidurhise ngalendlela. Ningamkholwa ngombana abe akunazinyana wanamkha ngisiphi isizwe namkha umbuso owakhe wakghona ukusindisa abantu bakhe esandleni sami namkha sabobamkhulu. Alo, yini-ke into engenziwa nguzinyanenu loyo ukunisindisa esandleni sami?’ ” Abazenda bakaSanirheribu baragela phambili ngokusatukela uSomnini uZimu kanye nencekwakhe uHezekhiya. Ikosi uSanirheribu godu yatlola iincwadi yanyefula uSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli yathi: “Njengombana abozinyana babantu beenarha ezinye bangazange bakghone ukusindisa abantu babo esandleni samapha, nozinyana kaHezekhiya angeze asindisa abantu bakhe kesamesi isandla.” Basuka lapho barhuwelela abantu beJerusalema egade basemthangaleni ngesiJuda kobana babethusele ukuze babaleke bese bona bathumbe idorobho. Bakhuluma ngoZimu weJerusalema inga bakhuluma ngabosingazimu babantu bephaseli, izinto ezenziwe ngezandla zomuntu. Ikosi uHezekhiya kanye nomphorofidi u-Isaya umsa ka-Amosi balilela uZimu ezulwini ngomthandazo ngendaba le. USomnini uZimu wathumela ingilozi eyafika yarhayila zoke iintsitsirimba kanye nabarholi neenkhulu ekampeni yekosi ye-Asiriya. USanirheribu wabuyela enarheni yekhabo atjhwabhele umsila. Wathi lokha nathi ungena ngethempelini lakazinyanakhe, amanye wamadodanakhe ambulala ngesabula. USomnini wamsindisa njalo-ke uHezekhiya nabantu beJerusalema esandleni sakaSanirheribu ikosi ye-Asiriya nesandleni sabo boke abanye. USomnini wabatjheja mahlangothi woke. Abantu abanengi baletha iminikelo kuZimu eJerusalema. Godu bapha noHezekhiya ikosi yakwaJuda izipho ezikhethekileko. Ukusukela ngesikhatheso zoke izizwe zamhlonipha zamazisa khulu. Emihleni leyo uHezekhiya wagulela ukufa. Wathandaza kuSomnini, uSomnini wamphendula bewamnikela nesibonakaliso esimkarisomraro. Kodwana uHezekhiya wazikhukhumeza, azange atjheje isirhawu uSomnini ambonise sona. Ngalokho itukuthelo kaSomnini yehlela phezu kwakhe nebantwini bakwaJuda nebeJerusalema. Yeke uHezekhiya waphenduka ekuzikhukhumezeni, nabantu beJerusalema benza njalo. Ngalokho itukuthelo kaSomnini azange isehlela phezu kwabo emihleni kaHezekhiya. UHezekhiya bekanjinge begodu ahlonipheka khulu. Wazihlelela izindlu zamagugu wafaka isiliva lakhe, igolide, amatje aligugu, iinungo, iinhlangu nakho koke okuligugu. Wakha nezakhiwo kobana abulunge isivuno seenthoro, sesitjhidela sewayini kanye nesamafutha we-oliva. Wakha neembaya zemihlobohlobo yeenlwana ezikulu nezincani. Wakha imizi wazuza nezimvu ezinengi kanye neenkomo ngombana uZimu gade ambusise ngobunjinga obukhulu. Nguye uHezekhiya lo owavimba amanzi wesiyalu esingehla somthombo weGirhoni; wakhambisa amanzi ngomsele ngaphasi kwehlabathi wawadosela ngetjingalanga yoMuzi kaDavida. Waphumelela kikho koke akwenzako. Kodwana kwathi lokha ababusi beBhabheli nabathumela abazenda kuHezekhiya bona babuze ngetshwayo lomkarisomraro owenzeke enarheni, uZimu wamsukela ngombana gade amlinga afuna ukubona koke okusehliziywenakhe. Ezinye izehlakalo zokubusa kwakaHezekhiya kanye nezenzo zakhe zokuzinikela kutlolwe embonweni womphorofidi u-Isaya umsa ka-Amosi encwadini yamakhosi wakwaJuda newakwa-Israyeli. UHezekhiya wahlongakala, wabulungwa embundwini emazindleni weenzukulwana zakaDavida. Woke uJuda nabantu beJerusalema bamhlonipha ekuhlongakaleni kwakhe. UManase indodanakhe wathatha ubukhosi emva kwakhe. UManase gade aneminyaka elitjhumi nambili lokha naba yikosi. Wabusa eJerusalema iminyaka ematjhumi amahlanu nahlanu. Wenza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini, walandela izenzo ezinyenyisako zezizwe uSomnini aziqotjhako phambi kwama-Israyeli. Wavuselela iindunduma ezarhirizwa nguyise uHezekhiya. Godu wakhela naboBhali ama-aldari bewajamisa nemifanekiso yabo-Atjhera. Wakhothamela zoke iinkwekwezi zomkayi wazilotjha. Wakha ama-aldari ngethempelini lakaSomnini phezu kobana uSomnini wathi: “Ibizo lami lizakuhlala eJerusalema isiphelani.” Kizo zombili iinrhodlo zethempeli lakaSomnini wakhela zoke iinkwekwezi zomkayi ama-aldari. Wanikela ngamadodanakhe bona abe mihlabelo emrhobeni weBheni-Hinomu, waba ngophengulako, ofuniselako, owenza ubuloyi, ubungoma nobunyanga. Wakhambelela ekwenzeni ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini, wamthukuthelisa. Wathatha isithombesibazwa agade asenzile wayosibeka ethempelini lakaZimu phezu kobana uZimu wayethe kuDavida nendodanenakhe uSolomoni: “Ethempelineli neJerusalema engiyikhethe hlangana nazo zoke iinkoro zakwa-Israyeli le, ngizakujamisa ibizo lami isiphelani. Angeze bengisathoma ngivumele bonyana iinyawo zama-Israyeli zigadunge inarha engayinikela aboyihlomkhulu, kwaphela nangabe bazakulonda koke engabayala ngakho malungana nawo woke umyalo okutjho iimiso nemithetho abayifumana ngoMosi.” Kodwana uManase wadurhisa uJuda nabantu beJerusalema kobana bakhambelele ngokwenza ubumbi kunezizwe ezinye uSomnini azirhayilako ngaphambi kwama-Israyeli. USomnini wakhuluma kuManase nabantu bakhe, kodwana azange bamlalele. Yeke uSomnini wabanikelela ngeenduna zamabutho wekosi ye-Asiriya ezathumba uManase zamfaka isikghopholo epumulweni, zambopha ngamakhamandela wekoporo zamusa eBhabheli. Ekutshwenyekeni kwakhe wafuna umusa kaZimakhe wazithoba khulu phambi kwakaZimu waboyisemkhulu. Kwathi lokha nathandaza kuye, uZimu wathinteka ngokuzisola kwakhe walalela ukurabhela kwakhe; wambuyisela eJerusalema nembuswenakhe. Kusukela mhlokho uManase walemuka bonyana uSomnini unguZimu. Ngemva kwalapho wakha umthangala omunye wangaphandle koMuzi kaDavida ngetjingalanga yomthombo weGirhoni ngemrhobeni bekwaba sesangweni leHlambi ukuzombeleza umbundu we-Ofeli; wayenza yaba mide. Wabeka iinduna zamabutho kiwo woke amadorobho anemithangala kwaJuda. Wasusa abosingazimu nesithombe ethempelini lakaSomnini kanye nama-aldari agade awakhe entatjaneni yethempeli lakaSomnini neJerusalema; wakulahlela ngaphandle kwedorobho. Yeke wavuselela i-aldari lakaSomnini bewenzela kilo imihlabelo yetjhebiswano neyokuthokoza kilo. Watjela uJuda bonyana alotjhe uSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli. Nokho abantu baragela phambili ukwenza imihlabelo eendundumeni kodwana bebayenzela uSomnini uZimabo. Ezinye izehlakalo zokubusa kwakaManase nomthandazwakhe kuZimakhe kanye namezwi womboni awakhulume kuye ebizweni lakaSomnini, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, kutlolwe emilandweni yamakhosi wakwa-Israyeli. Umthandazwakhe nendlela uZimu athintwa kuzisola kwakhe, nazo zoke izono nokungathembeki kwakhe, neziza lapha akha khona iindunduma bewahloma nemifanekiso yabo-Atjhera neenthombembazwa ngaphambi kobana azithobe, koke kutlolwe emitlolweni yakaRhozayi. UManase wahlongakala bewabulungwa esigodlweni sakhe. U-Amoni indodanakhe waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. U-Amoni gade aneminyaka ematjhumi amabili nambili lokha naba yikosi. Wabusa eJerusalema iminyaka emibili. Wenza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini njengokwenza kwakayise uManase. U-Amoni walotjha bewenzela umhlabelo zoke iinthombembazwa uyise uManase agade azenzile. Kodwana yena-ke azange azithobe nokuzithoba phambi kwakaSomnini njengombana kwenza uyise. Kunalokho wandisa umlandwakhe. Iinkhulu zakhe zamakhela ubukhwebetjhana, zambulalela esigodlweni sakhe. Yeke abantu bendawo babulala boke abantu abakhela ikosi u-Amoni ubukhwebetjhana, babeka indodanakhe uJosiya bona abe yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. UJosiya gade aneminyaka ebunane lokha naba yikosi. Wabusa eJerusalema iminyaka ematjhumi amathathu nanye. Wenza okuhle phambi kwakaSomnini, wakhamba eendleleni zakayisemkhulu uDavida, azange aphambukele ngesinceleni namkha ngesidleni. Kuthe emnyakeni wobunane wokubusa kwakhe, asesemncani njalo, wathoma ukufuna uZimu kayisemkhulu uDavida. Emnyakeni wetjhumi nambili wokubusa kwakhe wathoma ukuhlwengisa ikwaJuda neJerusalema ngokususa iindunduma, imifanekiso yabo-Atjhera, iinthombembazwa neenthombembunjwa. Waqinisekisa bonyana kubhuruzwa ama-aldari waboBhali, kwagawulwa nama-aldari wetjhwalo ebegade angehla kwaboBhalabo. Waphohloza imifanekiso yabo-Atjhera, abosingazimu neenthombembunjwa. Wathatha zoke izintwezo wazephulaphula zaba ziinquqwana wazirhatjha phezu kwamathuna wabagade bazenzela imihlabelo. Watjhisa amathambo wabaphristi ema-aldarenabo, ngalokho wahlwengisa ikwaJuda neJerusalema. Waphenya amathempedlana asemabhodulukweni wamadorobho wakwaManase, kwa-Efrayimu nakwaSimiyoni ukuyokufika kwaNafitali. Wabhuruza ama-aldari, wafahlaza imifanekiso yabo-Atjhera neenthombembazwa bewagawula ama-aldari wetjhwalo aba ziinquqwana kilo loke lakwa-Israyeli. Yeke wabuyela eJerusalema. Emnyakeni wetjhumi nabunane wokubusa kwakaJosiya lokha nasahlambulula inarha nethempeli, wathumela uTjhafani umsa ka-Atsaliya noMaseya oyinduna yedorobho noJowarhi umsa kaJowarhazi unobhala wekosi kobana bayokuvuselela ithempeli lakaSomnini. Bona baya kuRhilikhiya umphristi omkhulu bamnikela imali egade ilethwe ethempelini lakaZimu. AmaLevi agade abogosa bekabuthelele imali leyo ebantwini bakwaManase, bakwa-Efrayimu, kiyo yoke imisalela yakwa-Israyeli, ebantwini bakwaJuda, bakwaBhenjamini kanye nezakhamuzini zeJerusalema. Imali leyo yanikelwa amadoda agade akhethelwe ukutjheja umsebenzi ethempelini lakaSomnini. Amadoda lawo ayinikela iinsebenzi ezazilungisa begodu zivuselela ithempeli, okutjho abafuleli nabakhi kobana bathenge amatje abaziweko kanye neengodo zamabalelo namabhaluga malungana nemakho eyafadalaliswa makhosi wakwaJuda. Amadoda enza umsebenzi ngokwethembeka. Wona gade eluswe nguJarhathi no-Obadiya amaLevi aziinzukulwana zakaMerari, noZakariya noMetjhulamu iinzukulwana zakaKhehathi. Woke amaLevi agade anekghono lokudlala iinliliso zombhino, gade anikelwe umsebenzi wokwelusa abasebenza ngezandla kanye neensebenzi ngokuhlukahlukana komsebenzi. Amanye wamaLevi gade abososiba, abomabhalana nabogosa. Kwathi lokha aboTjhafani nabasakhuphela ngaphandle imali egade ingeniswe ngethempelini lakaSomnini, uRhilikhiya umphristi wafumana incwadi yomthetho kaSomnini eyatlolwa nguMosi. URhilikhiya wathi kuTjhafani umabhalana: “Ngifunyene nasi incwadi yomthetho ethempelini lakaSomnini.” Wamnikela yona. Yeke uTjhafani wathatha incwadi leyo wayisa ekosini, wayibikela wathi: “Iinkhulu zekosami zenze koke ezinikelwe bona zikwenze. Ziyikhuphile imali egade ingethempelini lakaSomnini zayinikela iinduna zomsebenzi kanye nabasebenzi.” UTjhafani ongumabhalana godu wathi ekosini: “URhilikhiya umphristi unginikele nasi incwadi.” Wayifundela ikosi. Kuthe lokha ikosi nayizwa amezwi womthetho, yadabula izambatho zayo. Yakhupha nasi imiyalo ngoRhilikhiya, u-Arhikhamu umsa kaTjhafani, u-Abidoni umsa kaMika, uTjhafani umabhalana nango-Asaya isandla sekosi yathi: “Khambani niyosibuzela kuSomnini, mina nemisalela yakwa-Israyeli nakwaJuda, ngokutlolwe encwadini efunyenweko le. Maye, yikulu kangangani itukuthelo kaZimu phezu kwethu ngebanga labobamkhulu abangazange balonde ilizwi lakaSomnini! Azange benze njengokutjho kwakho koke okutlolwe encwadinapha.” URhilikhiya nalabo ikosi egade imthume nabo bakhamba bayokubona umphorofidikazi uRhulda ogade amfazi kaTjhalumu umsa kaTokehathi omsa kaRhasira usompherho. URhulda gade ahlala engcenyeni etja yeJerusalema. Kuthe bona bamtjele amezwi kaJosiya yena wathi kibo: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, ‘Tjelani umuntu onithumele kimi loyo bonyana ngithi ngizokwehlisela ihlekelele phezu kwendawo le nebantwini bayo, okutjho woke amanikelela atlolwe encwadini efundwe phambi kwekosi yakwaJuda. Ngizokwenza lokhu ngombana bangihlubukile bebatjhisela abosingazimu itjhwalo ukuze bangihlabekise ngazo zoke iinthombe abazenze ngezandla zabo. Yeke ubukhali bami ngizabuthululela endaweni le begodu angeze bacinywa mumuntu.’ Ikosi yakwaJuda enithumileko leyo bona nizoyibuzela kuSomnini uZimu, itjeleni naku umyalezo kaSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli uthi, ‘Uwalalele kuhle amezwi wencwadi leyo. Ihliziywakho ithintekile wazithoba phambi kwakaZimu lokha nawuzwa lokho akukhulume ngokujamelana nendawo le nabantu bayo. Ngebanga lokuzithoba kwakho phambi kwami bewadabula nezambatho zakho walila phambi kwami, ngithi ngikuzwile.’ Lawa mamezwi kaSomnini uZimu. “Begodu uSomnini uZimu wathi, ‘Lokha nangizokubuthelela kiboyihlomkhulu, ngiqinisile bona uzokubulungwa ngokuthula. Amehlwakho akasoze abona yoke ihlekelele engizoyehlisela phezu kwendawo le nebantwini abahlala lapha.’ ” Yeke bathatha amezwi womphorofidikazi loyo bawasa ekosinabo. Yeke ikosi uJosiya yabiza boke abaphathi bakwaJuda nebeJerusalema. Yakhuphukela ethempelini lakaSomnini ikhambisana namadoda wakwaJuda, abantu beJerusalema, abaphristi namaLevi, boke abantu ukusukela kwabakhulu ukuya kwabancani. Wabafundela bona bezwe woke amezwi wencwadi yesivumelwano efunyenwe ngethempelini lakaSomnini. Ikosi yajama endawenayo yenza isivumelwano phambi kwakaSomnini uZimu bona izakulandela uZimu nokobana izakulonda imiyalwakhe, iimfuneko neemiso zakhe ngehliziywayo nangomphefumulwayo woke. Ngalokho beyiqinisa bona izakukhamba ngokwamezwi wesivumelwano agade atlolwe encwadinapho. Yasuka lapho yayala bona woke umuntu eJerusalema nakwaBhenjamini enze isibopho ngencwadi leyo. Yeke abantu beJerusalema bakwenza lokho ngokukhambisana nesivumelwano sakaZimu, uZimu waboyisemkhulu. UJosiya wasusa zoke iinthombembazwa ezinyenyisako kizo zoke iinarha zama-Israyeli, wayala boke ebegade bakhona kwa-Israyeli bonyana balotjhe uSomnini uZimabo. Azange bahluleke ukulandela uSomnini uZimu waboyisemkhulu emihleni yoke yokuphila kwakhe. UJosiya wagidinga iPhasika lakaSomnini eJerusalema begodu iimvana zePhasika zahlatjwa elangeni letjhumi nane lenyanga yokuthoma. Wakhetha abaphristi wabanikela imisebenzabo bewabakhuthaza emsebenzini kaSomnini ethempelini. Wathi kumaLevi ebegade ayala woke ama-Israyeli begodu azahlukanisele uSomnini: “Umfaji ocwengileko ogade ubekwe ngethempelini elakhiwa nguSolomoni umsa kaDavida ikosi yakwa-Israyeli, akusese msebenzenu ukuwuthwala emahlombe. Ngalokho kumele nilotjhe uSomnini uZimenu nabantu bakhe u-Israyeli bunje: Zihleleni ngemindenenu ngokweenqhema zenu, njengokwemiyalo etlolwe nguDavida ikosi yakwa-Israyeli nendodanakhe uSolomoni. Zilungiseleleni endaweni ecwengileko ukusiza imindeni yabafowenu okubabantu abajayekileko. Komunye nomunye umndeni wabantu akube nesiqhema samaLevi. Zihlambululeni nihlabe iimvana zePhasika bese nizihlahlelela abantu enibasizako; nenze lokho uSomnini akuyala ngoMosi.” UJosiya wabonelela boke abantu abajayelekileko egade balapho ngesibalo sezimvu neembuzi eziziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amathathu njengomhlabelo wePhasika, neenkomo eziziinkulungwana ezintathu. Koke lokho kwaphuma esibayeni sakhe. Iinkhulu zayo nazo zanikela ngokuthanda kwazo ebantwini nakubaphristi namaLevi. URhilikhiya, uZakariya noJehiyeli aba baphathi bethempeli lakaZimu, banikela abaphristi imihlabelo yePhasika emakhulu amatjhumi amabili nantandathu neenkomo ezimakhulu amathathu. Godu noKonaniya akhambisana noTjhemaya noNetaneli, abafowabo, noRhatjhabiya, uJehiyeli kanye noJozabadi, ababarholi bamaLevi, babonelela imihlabelo yePhasika eziinkulungwana ezihlanu banikelela namaLevi ngomhlambi weenkomo ezimakhulu amahlanu. Lokha nakuhlelwa umsebenzi, abaphristi bajama ngeendawo zabo namaLevi ngeenqhema zawo njengombana ikosi uJosiya beyitjhwile, kwahlatjwa iimvana zePhasika. Nje-ke abaphristi bafafaza iingazi abanikelwa zona, ngemva kwalokho amaLevi ahlinza iimvanezo. Akhupha izitho okumele zitjhiswe e-aldarini azinikela imindeni yabantu kobana inikele izithwezo kuZimu njengombana kutlolwe encwadini kaMosi. Enza soneso nangeenkomo. Kwathi nakusaphekwe iminikelo ecwengileko ngamanzi ngemihlobohlobo yeempoto zomdaka namkha zekoporo, amaLevi abasa iimvana zePhasika emlilweni njengokomkhuba wakhona. Aphakela boke abantu khonokho. Ngemva kwalokho, amaLevi azilungiselela iimvana zePhasika, alungiselela nabaphristi. Abaphristi abaziinzukulwana zaka-Aroni gade benza imihlabelo yokutjhiswa batjhisa nomhlwehlwe bekwahlwa. Kungebangelo-ke amaLevi azilungiselela abe alungiselela nabaphristi. Ababhini, okuziinzukulwana zaka-Asafa, bekungakameli bona batjhide eendaweni ezajanyiswa nguDavida, u-Asafa, uHemani noJedutuni umboni wekosi ngombana amaLevi okubafowabo abalungiselela iimvana zePhasika. AmaLevi godu alungiselela nabalindisango kelinye nelinye isango ukuze nabo bangatjhidi eendaweni zabo. Ngaleyondlela mhlokho kwenziwa umsebenzi opheleleko wokulotjha uZimu ngokugidinga iPhasika nokwenza imihlabelo yokutjhiswa e-aldarini lakaSomnini. Kwenziwa njengombana kwayala ikosi uJosiya. Ama-Israyeli agade akhona agidinga iPhasika ngesikhatheso. Agidinga nomnyanya wesiKwa esinganaNgumelo amalanga alikhomba. IPhasika belingazange kheligidingwe ngalendlela kwa-Israyeli ukusukela emalangeni womphorofidi uSamyela begodu akunakosi kwa-Israyeli eyakhe yagidinga iPhasika elingaka njengombana kwenza uJosiya, nabaphristi namaLevi naye woke uJuda no-Israyeli ogade alapho kanye nabantu beJerusalema. IPhasikeli lagidingwa emnyakeni wetjhumi nabunane wokubusa kwakaJosiya. Ngemva kwakho koke lokho, uJosiya sele ahlele kuhle ithempeli, uNeko ikosi yeGibhide wakhuphuka wayokulwa eKarikemitjhi phezu kweYufrathe. UJosiya naye waphuma wayomhlangabeza ngepi. Kodwana uNeko wathumela iinthunywa kuye wathi: “Kosi yakwaJuda, mina anginamraro nawe! Angilwi nawe namhlanjesi kodwana kunombuso engilwa nawo. UZimu uthe ngirhabe, yeke lisa ukuphikisana noZimu okhamba nami. Nakungasinjalo uzakurhayila.” Kodwana uJosiya azange abuyele emva, kunalokho wazitjhatjhanisa wangena naye epini. Azange alalele uNeko akukhulume ngomyalo kaZimu, kodwana wayokulwa naye etjhatjhalazini leMegido. Abosomsebe badumuza ikosi uJosiya, watjela iinceku zakhe wathi: “Yeningikhuphe lapha, sengilimele khulu.” Yeke zamkhupha ngekaranenakhe, zamfaka kenye ikaranakhe zamusa eJerusalema lapha ahlongakalela khona. Wabulungwa emathuneni waboyisemkhulu. IkwaJuda neJerusalema yoke bamlilela. UJoromiya watlamela uJosiya ingoma yesililo. Boke ababhini bembaji nebengubo basakhumbula uJosiya ngesililo bekube kunamhlanje. Lokhu kwaba lisiko kwa-Israyeli bekwatlolwa isililweso encwadini yesiLilo. Ezinye izehlakalo zokubusa kwakaJosiya, ukusuka ekuthomeni bekube sekupheleni kanye nokwethembeka kwakhe ngendlela okutlolwe ngakho emthethweni kaZimu, zitlolwe encwadini yamakhosi wakwa-Israyeli newakwaJuda. Abantu bendawo bathatha uJehowarhazi umsa kaJosiya bambeka ikosi eJerusalema esikhundleni sakayise. UJehowarhazi gade aneminyaka ematjhumi amabili namithathu lokha naba yikosi. Wabusa eJerusalema iinyanga ezintathu. Ikosi yeGibhide yamehlisa esihlalweni sobukhosi eJerusalema beyahlawulisa uJuda umthelo weenkulungwana ezintathu namakhulu amane wamakhilogremu wesiliva namatjhumi amathathu nane wamakhilogremu wegolide. Ikosi yeGibhide yabeka umnakwabo kaJehowarhazi, u-Eliyakhimu, bona abe yikosi kwaJuda neJerusalema beyatjhugulula ibizo lakhe yamthiya bona nguJehoyakhimu. Kodwana uNeko wathatha uJehowarhazi umnakwabo ka-Eliyakhimu wamusa eGibhide. UJehoyakhimu gade aneminyaka ematjhumi amabili namihlanu lokha naba yikosi. Wabusa eJerusalema iminyaka elitjhumi nanye. Wenza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini uZimakhe. UNebukadinetsari ikosi yeBhabheli yamsahlela yambopha ngamakhamandela wekoporo yamusa eBhabheli. UNebukadinetsari godu wathatha nepahla ethempelini lakaSomnini wayisa esigodlweni sakhe eBhabheli. Ezinye izehlakalo zokubusa kwakaJehoyakhimu, izinto ezinyenyisako nakho koke okumbi akwenzako kutlolwe encwadini yamakhosi wakwa-Israyeli newakwaJuda. UJehoyakini indodanakhe waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. UJehoyakini gade aneminyaka elitjhumi nabunane lokha nathoma ukuba yikosi. Wabusa eJerusalema iinyanga ezintathu namalanga alitjhumi. Wenza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini. Kwathi ekuthomeni komnyaka uNebukadinetsari wathumela bonyana kulandwe uJehoyakini alethwe eBhabheli kanye nepahla yenani eliphezulu ethethwe ethempelini lakaSomnini. Wabeka uTsedekhiya isihlobo sakaJehoyakini bona abe yikosi kwaJuda neJerusalema. UTsedekhiya gade aneminyaka ematjhumi amabili nanye lokha naba yikosi. Wabusa eJerusalema iminyaka elitjhumi nanye. Wenza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini uZimakhe, azange azithobe phambi kwakaJoromiya umphorofidi owakhuluma kuye ilizwi lakaSomnini. Godu wahlubuka ikosi uNebukadinetsari owamfungisa ebizweni lakaZimu. Wakhunyalala waqinisa ihliziywakhe wangafuna uSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli. Ukusuka lapho boke abarholi babaphristi kanye nabantu bathuwelela ngokungasathembeki, balandela woke amanyala enziwa zizizwe basilaphaza ithempeli lakaSomnini ebegade alihlambululile eJerusalema. USomnini uZimu waboyisemkhulu wabathumelela ilizwi ngeenthunywa zakhe kanenginengi ngombana yarhawukela abantu bayo nendawayo yokuhlala. Kodwana bahlekisa ngeenthunywa zakaZimu, banyaza amezwakhe bakokomeja nabaphorofidi bakhe kufikela lapha bavusa khona itukuthelo kaSomnini ebantwini bakhe bekwatlhogeka nentatha. UZimu wabanikelela ngekosi yamaKasidi eyabulala amasokanabo ngesabula endaweni ecwengileko. Yona azange irhawukele amasokana, abantazana, abalupheleko neengoga. UZimu wabanikela boke njalo esandleni sakaNebukadinetsari. UNebukadinetsari wabutha yoke ipahla ekulu nencani engethempelini lakaSomnini wayithwala wayisa eBhabheli. Wathanyela namagugu wethempeli lakaZimu namagugu wekosi neweenkhulu zayo. Amajonakhe athungelela ithempeli lakaSomnini ngomlilo abhuruza umthangala weJerusalema; atjhisa zoke iingodlo, atjhabalalisa koke okuligugu okwakulapho. UNebukadinetsari wathumba yoke imisalela eyaphunyurha esabuleni wayisa eBhabheli, yaba makhobokakhe kanye newamadodanakhe ukufikela lapha umbuso wePheresiya uthoma khona ukubusa. Ngaleyondlela ilizwi lakaSomnini alikhuluma ngoJoromiya lazaliseka. Inarha yafumana amaSabathayo ebeyifanele iwafumana esikhathini esidlulileko, yaphumula soke isikhathi sokulahlwa kwayo, bekwaphelela iminyaka ematjhumi alikhomba. Kwathi ngomnyaka wokuthoma wakaKoretjhi ikosi yePheresiya, uZimu wazalisekisa ilizwi elakhulunywa nguJoromiya ngokuthinta ihliziyo kaKoretjhi bonyana enze isimemezelo esitloliweko kiwo woke umbuswakhe: “UKoretjhi ikosi yePheresiya uthi, ‘USomnini uZimu wezulwini unginikele yoke imibuso yephaseli beyangikhetha bonyana ngimakhele ithempeli eJerusalema kwaJuda. Nanyana ngubani wabantu bakhe ophakathi kwenwapha, inga uSomnini angaba naye, yeke akakhuphuke.’ ” Bekungomnyaka wokuthoma wokubusa kwakaKoretjhi ikosi yePheresiya lokha nakuzaliseka ilizwi lakaSomnini elakhulunywa nguJoromiya. Ngesikhatheso uSomnini wavusa ihliziyo kaKoretjhi ikosi yePheresiya bonyana amemezele embusweni wakhe woke begodu akutlole lokho athi: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguKoretjhi, ikosi yePheresiya: USomnini, uZimu wezulwini, unginikele yoke imibuso yephasi begodu ungiyale bona ngimakhele ithempeli eJerusalema, kwaJuda. Kwanga uZimu angaba nananyana ngubani wabantu bakhe ophakathi kwenu, abuyele eJerusalema kwaJuda, ayokwakha ithempeli lakaSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, okunguZimu oseJerusalema. Nje-ke, akuthi boke abaseleko babantu bakwaJuda, nanyana kukuphi lapha bakhonze khona, izakhamuzi zendawo leyo zibasize ngesiliva negolide nangepahla nefuyo. Godu azibasize ngeminikelo yesihle abazayinikela bona ibe ngeyethempeli lakaZimu eliseJerusalema.” Iinhloko zemindeni yakwaJuda nezakwaBhenjamini ngokwezindlu zaboyise, abaphristi namaLevi, okutjho boke uZimu avusa ummoyabo, bazilungiselela bonyana bakhuphuke bayokuvuselela ithempeli lakaSomnini eliseJerusalema. Nje-ke, boke abomakhelwana babo babasiza ngezinto zesiliva nezegolide, ngepahla, ngefuyo nangezipho ezikhethekileko, sekungasabalwa yoke iminikelo yesihle eyanikelwako. Ikosi uKoretjhi yakhupha nezitja zethempeli lakaSomnini egade zithuthwe nguNebukadinetsari eJerusalema bewazifaka ngethempelini labozinyana bakhe. UKoretjhi ikosi yePheresiya yazikhupha ngokuyala uMitiredathi, umphathisikhwama, bonyana azibale bese uzinikela uTjhetjhibhatsari ikosana yakwaJuda. Nasi-ke isibalo sezitja: amatjhumi amathathu wezitja zegolide, ikulungwana yezitja zesiliva, amatjhumi amabili nethoba wemikhwa, amatjhumi amathathu wabomakupuru begolide, amakhulu amane netjhumi labomakupuru besiliva, ikulungwana yezitja ezinye. Sezizoke izitja zegolide nezesiliva beziziinkulungwana ezihlanu namakhulu amane. UTjhetjhibhatsari wathatha izitjezo wakhuphuka nazo lokha abathunjwa nabaphuma eBhabheli bakhutjhulelwa eJerusalema. UNebukadinetsari, ikosi yeBhabheli gade athumbe amaJuda wawasa eBhabheli. Abantwaba bebaphume ekuthunjweni babuyela eJerusalema nemizinabo esifundeni sakwaJuda. Bebakhamba noZerubhabheli, uJetjhuwa, uNerhemiya, uSeraya, uReyelaya, uMoridekayi, uBhilitjhani, uMisiphari, uBhigivayi, uRerhumu noBhana. Isibalo samadoda wakwa-Israyeli ngilesi: Iinzukulwana zakaParotjhi beziziinkulungwana ezimbili nekhulu namatjhumi alikhomba nambili, zakaTjhefathiya zimakhulu amathathu namatjhumi alikhomba nambili, zaka-Ararhi zimakhulu alikhomba namatjhumi alikhomba nahlanu, zakaParhathi-Mowabi okutjho amadodana kaJetjhuwa noJowabi, beziziinkulungwana ezimbili namakhulu abunane netjhumi nambili, zaka-Elamu ziyikulungwana namakhulu amabili namatjhumi amahlanu nane, zakaZathu zimakhulu alithoba namatjhumi amane nahlanu, zakaZakayi zimakhulu alikhomba namatjhumi asithandathu, zakaBhani zimakhulu asithandathu namatjhumi amane nambili, zakaBebayi zimakhulu asithandathu namatjhumi amabili nantathu, zaka-Azigadi ziyikulungwana namakhulu amabili namatjhumi amabili nambili, zaka-Adonikhamu zimakhulu asithandathu namatjhumi asithandathu nasithandathu, zakaBhigivayi ziziinkulungwana ezimbili namatjhumi amahlanu nasithandathu, zaka-Adini zimakhulu amane namatjhumi amahlanu nane, zaka-Atheri okutjho zakaHezekhiya zimatjhumi alithoba nabunane, zakaBhetsayi zimakhulu amathathu namatjhumi amabili nantathu, zakaJora zilikhulu netjhumi nambili, zakaRhatjhumu zimakhulu amabili namatjhumi amabili nantathu, zakaGibhari zimatjhumi alithoba nahlanu. Izakhamuzi zeBhethe-Lehema bezilikhulu namatjhumi amabili nantathu, zeNethofa zimatjhumi amahlanu nasithandathu, ze-Anatothi zilikhulu namatjhumi amabili nabunane, ze-Azimavethi zimatjhumi amane nambili, zeKhiriyathi-Arimu, zeKefira neBherothi zimakhulu alikhomba namatjhumi amane nantathu, zeRama neGeba zimakhulu asithandathu namatjhumi amabili nanye, zeMikimasi zilikhulu namatjhumi amabili nambili, zeBhethe-Eli ne-Ayi zimakhulu amabili namatjhumi amabili nantathu, zeNebo zimatjhumi amahlanu nambili. Iinzukulwana zakaMagibhitjhi bezilikhulu namatjhumi amahlanu nasithandathu, zaka-Elamu omunye ziyikulungwana namakhulu amabili namatjhumi amahlanu nane, zakaRharimu zimakhulu amathathu namatjhumi amabili. Izakhamuzi zeLodi, iRhadidi ne-Ono bezimakhulu alikhomba namatjhumi amabili nahlanu, zeJerikho zimakhulu amathathu namatjhumi amane nahlanu, zeSenaya ziziinkulungwana ezintathu namakhulu asithandathu namatjhumi amathathu. Isibalo sabaphristi ngilesi: Iinzukulwana zakaJedaya wendlu kaJetjhuwa zimakhulu alithoba namatjhumi alikhomba nantathu, zaka-Imeri ziyikulungwana namatjhumi amahlanu nambili, zakaPatjhirhuri ziyikulungwana namakhulu amabili namatjhumi amane nalikhomba, zakaRharimu ziyikulungwana netjhumi nekhomba. Isibalo samaLevi ngilesi: Iinzukulwana zakaJetjhuwa noKhadimiyeli, okutjho iinzukulwana zakaHodaviya, zimatjhumi alikhomba nane. Isibalo sabavumi ngilesi: Iinzukulwana zaka-Asafa, zilikhulu namatjhumi amabili nabunane. Isibalo sabalindisango ngilesi: Iinzukulwana zakaTjhalumu, zaka-Atheri, zakaThalimoni, zaka-Akhubu, zakaRhathitha noTjhobabi, sezizoke bezilikhulu namatjhumi amathathu nethoba. Iinsebenzi zethempeli ngilezi: Iinzukulwana zakaTsirha, zakaRhasufa nezakaThabhawothi, zakaKherosi, zakaSiyaha nezakaPadoni, zakaLebana, zakaRhagaba nezaka-Akhubu, zakaRhagabi, zakaTjhamlayi nezakaRhanani, zakaGideli, zakaGarhari nezakaRaya, zakaRetsini, zakaNekhoda nezakaGazamu, zaka-Uza, zakaPaseyarha nezakaBesayi, zaka-Asina, zakaMewunimu nezakaNefusimu, zakaBakhibhukhi, zakaRhakhufa nezakaRharirhuri, zakaBhatsiluthi, zakaMerhida nezakaRharitjha, zakaBarikhosi, zakaSisera nezakaTemarhi, zakaNetsiyarhi nezakaRhathifa. Iinzukulwana zeenceku zakaSolomoni ngilezi: Iinzukulwana zakaSothayi, zakaHasoferethi nezakaPeruda, zakaJala, zakaDarikhoni nezakaGideli, zakaTjhefathiya, zakaRhathili, zakaPhokerethi-Hatsebayimu nezaka-Ami. Sezizoke iinceku zethempelini kanye neenzukulwana zeensebenzi zakaSolomoni bezimakhulu amathathu namatjhumi alithoba nambili. Abalandelakwaba ngilabo ebegade baphuma emzini weTeli-Melarhi, weTeli-Rharitjha, weKerubu, we-Adani newe-Imeri. Kodwana akhange bakwazi ukuzihlathulula bonyana badabukaphi ngokwekoro nokobana kungabe basizukulwana sakwa-Israyeli na. Bona-ke bebamakhulu asithandathu namatjhumi amahlanu nambili, baziinzukulwana zakaDelaya, zakaThobiya nezakaNekhoda. Godu bekunjalo ngabaphristi bemindeni kaRhobaya, kaHakhotsi neyakaBharzilayi. (Umndeni kaBharzilayi bewubizwa ngebizweli ngombana ukhokhwabo gade athethe umfazi emadodakazini wakwaBharzilayi umGiliyadi.) Abaphristabo baphenya ukutloliswa kwabo erhelweni leenzukulwana ebegade sele zitlolisiwe, kodwana akhange bafunyanwe lapho. Nje-ke bakhutjhwa ebuphristini njengabangakahlambuluki. Umbusi wesikhatheso wabatjela bonyana akukameli bahlanganyele ekudleni kweminikelo ecwenge khulu ukufikela lapha kuzakuba nomphristi omkhulu owenza iqunto nge-urimi nethumimi. Sele bahlangene baboke bebaziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amane nambili namakhulu amathathu namatjhumi asithandathu. Ngaphezu kwalabo bekunalaba: amakhoboka namakhobokakazi aziinkulungwana ezilikhomba namakhulu amathathu namatjhumi amathathu nalikhomba, abavumi abaduna nabasikazi abamakhulu amabili, iinjomani ezimakhulu alikhomba namatjhumi amathathu nantandathu, iimeyila ezimakhulu amabili namatjhumi amane nahlanu, amakamela amakhulu amane namatjhumi amathathu nahlanu, abodumbana abaziinkulungwana ezisithandathu namakhulu alikhomba namatjhumi amabili. Ezinye iinhloko zemindeni zathi lokha nazifika ethempelini lakaSomnini eJerusalema, zanikela umnikelo wesihle kobana kwakhiwe ithempeli lakaZimu endawenalo. Zanikela ngokwamandlazo esikhwameni somsebenzi wokwakha, kwaba pheze makhilogremu amakhulu amahlanu wegolide, amakhilogremu aziinkulungwana ezintathu wesiliva nekhulu leemphuraphura zabaphristi. Abaphristi, amaLevi kanye nabanye abantu bahlala eJerusalema nemaphethelwenalo. Abavumi, abalindisango, iinsebenzi zethempeli kanye nenengi lama-Israyeli bahlala emizinabo. Kwathi lokha nakufika inyanga yekhomba, ama-Israyeli sele asemizini, abantu bahlangana njengomuntu oyedwa eJerusalema. UJetjhuwa umsa kaJotsadakhi nabafowabo ababaphristi kanye noZerubhabheli umsa kaTjheyaltiyeli nabafowabo, bazilungiselela ukwakha i-aldari lakaZimu wakwa-Israyeli kobana kunikelwe imihlabelo yokutjhiswa kilo njengombana kutlolwe emthethweni kaMosi umuntu kaZimu. Nanyana bebanevalo ngabantu ababazombelezileko, bakha i-aldarelo endawenalo, basungula ukunikela kuSomnini imihlabelo yokutjhiswa phezu kwalo. Kwaba mihlabelo yokutjhiswa ekuseni nantambama. Bagidinga umnyanya wemiTlhatlhana njengombana kubekiwe: imihla ngemihla banikela imihlabelo yokutjhiswa ukuya ngenani lesidingo samhlokho. Emva kwalokho baragela phambili ngokunikela imihlabelo yangemihla, imihlabelo yokuthwasa kwenyezi, imihlabelo yayo yoke iminyanya ekhethekileko kaSomnini kanye neminikelo yesihle ebeyithenjiswe uSomnini. Nanyana isisekelo sethempeli lakaSomnini besingakabekwa, ukusukela mhlokho basungula ukunikela imihlabelo yokutjhiswa kuSomnini ngelanga lokuthoma lenyanga yekhomba. Baqatjha abacozi bamatje nabafuleli bebabanikela ukudla nokuselwako. AmaTsidoni namaTirosi anikelwa amafutha we-oliva kobana alethe eJopha iingodo zomsedari weLibhanoni ezithayiswa ngelwandle. Lokhu kwenziwa ngegunya lakaKoretjhi ikosi yePheresiya. Emnyakeni wesibili ngemva kokufika kwabo ethempelini lakaZimu eJerusalema, enyangeni yesibili, uZerubhabheli umsa kaTjheyaltiyeli noJetjhuwa umsa kaJotsadakhi, bathoma umsebenzi. Lokho bakwenza ngokusekelwa baphristi okubafowabo, amaLevi nabo boke ebebabuya ekuthunjweni. Bathoma ngokubeka amaLevi aneminyaka ematjhumi amabili ukuya phezulu bona engamele umsebenzi wethempeli lakaSomnini. Nje-ke uJetjhuwa, amadodanakhe nabafowabo kanye noKhadimiyeli namadodanakhe, okuziinzukulwana zakaHodaviya, bebabambisene baqalene nomsebenzi wethempeli lakaZimu. Godu bebakanye namadodana kaRhenadadi, amadodanabo kanye nabafowabo, boke bamaLevi. Kwathi lokha abakhi nababeka isisekelo sethempeli lakaSomnini, abaphristi beza bembethe izambatho zabo baneemporompita, namaLevi okumadodana ka-Asafa eza neewahlo bona kuzokudunyiswa uSomnini njengombana kwayala uDavida ikosi yakwa-Israyeli. Badumisa begodu bathokoza uSomnini ngokukhalela ingoma yokuvumelana bathi: “USomnini ulungile; ukwethembeka kwakhe ku-Israyeli kujame isiphelani.” Boke abantu barhuwelela khulu, badumisa uSomnini ngokubekwa kwesisekelo sethempeli lakhe. Abaphristi abanengi, amaLevi neenhloko zemindeni, okutjho woke amaqhegu agade abone ithempeli lokuthoma, arhahlawula lokha nakabona kubekwa isisekelo sethempeli phambi kwawo, kodwana abanye abanengi barhuwelela bahlokoma. Itjhadelo belilikhulu kangangobana abantu akhange bakwazi ukuhlukanisa bonyana ngelokujabula namkha ngelokulila. Iye, abantu barhuwelela khulu, itjhada labo lazwakala kude. Kwathi lokha izitha zabakwaJuda nebakwaBhenjamini nazizwa bonyana abathunjwa ababuyileko bakha ithempeli lakaSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, zeza kuZerubhabheli neenhlokweni zemindeni, zathi kibo: “Sivumelani ukwakha nani ngombana njengani nathi siyamsaba uZimenu begodu sinikela imihlabelo kuye ukusukela emihleni ka-Esari-Rhadoni ikosi ye-Asiriya eyasiletha lapha.” Kodwana uZerubhabheli, uJetjhuwa kanye nezinye iinhloko zemindeni yakwa-Israyeli bathi kizo: “Asinahlanganyelo nani ekwakhiweni kwethempeli lakaZimethu. Thina sisodwa sizakwakhela uSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli ithempeli njengombana uKoretjhi ikosi yePheresiya yasiyala.” Ukusukela ngesikhatheso abantu benarha leyo bethusela amaJuda bebawanyefula aphelelwa mdlandla wokwakha. Esikhathini soke sokubusa kwakaKoretjhi ikosi yePheresiya bekube sembusweni kaDariyasi ikosi yePheresiya, abantwabo bafumbathisa abeluleki bonyana bajamelane nabantu bakwaJuda ngokuraranisa ihlelo labo lokwakha. Ngesikhathi sokuthoma kokubusa kwaka-Arhatjhiverotjhi, izitha zatlola zamangalela izakhamuzi zakwaJuda neJerusalema. Begodu emihleni ka-Aritarhitjhasta, uBhitjhilamu, uMiteredathi, uThabeyeli nenengi labasebenzisani babo batlolela u-Aritarhitjhasta ikosi yePheresiya incwadi. Incwadi leyo yatjhugululwa beyatlolwa ngomtlolo wesi-Aramu. Okulandelako kungesi-Aramu: URerhumu ongundunakulu kanye noTjhimtjhayi usosiba bebatlolele ikosi u-Aritarhitjhasta incwadi emangalela iJerusalema. Yeke incwadi leyo yatlolwa nguRerhumu ongundunakulu noTjhimtjhayi usosiba kanye nabasebenzisani babo boke: abagwebi, abazenda, iinkhulu, amaPheresiya, abahlali be-Uruki, beBhabheli nebeSusa (okuma-Elamu), kanye nezizwe zoke u-Osinaphari ohlonipheke khulu agade azithumbe wazibeka emadorobheni weSamariya nesifundeni esingetjingalanga yomlambo iYufrathe. Nje-ke, naku umkhuphelo wencwadi abayithumelako: Ikosi u-Aritarhitjhasta. Iinceku zekosi, okutjho abantu abangetjingalanga yomlambo iYufrathe bayalotjhisa. Ngalokho sazisa ikosi bonyana amaJuda agade asuka kiyo ukuza kithi sele aseJerusalema. Khona njesi amatasatasa akhana nedorobho elihlubukileko nelikhohlakeleko. Kazi alungisa iinsekelo begodu avuselela namaboda. Akwazeke ekosini bonyana lokha idorobheli nasele lakhiwe nemithangala seyivuselelwe, abantu bedorobhelo angeze basakhupha umthelo, isibiko nemali yendlela. Yeke indlu yamagugu wesigodlo izokulahlekelwa khulu. Manje, njengombana siphila ngesigodlo, akusihlaleli kuhle thina ukubona ikosi idelelwa. Ngalokho sithumela incwadi le ekosini ukuyazisa bonyana akuhlolisiswe kuhle encwadini yemilando yaboyise lekosi ngendaba le. Nje-ke encwadini yemilando leyo ikosi izakufunyana bonyana kazi idorobheli lingelokuhlubuka, linehlupho emakhosini neemfundeni begodu kwakade lidale bona kube nobuhlongandlebe. Kungebangelo labhujiswa. Nje-ke, sazisa ikosi bonyana nange idorobheli lingavuselelwa begodu kuvuswe nemithangalalo iphele ukwakhiwa, ikosi angeze isaba nelawulo lesifunda esingetjingalanga yomlambo iYufrathe. Ikosi u-Aritarhitjhasta yathumela ipendulo yathi: KuRerhumu ongundunakulu nakuTjhimtjhayi usosiba kanye nabasebenzisani babo boke abahlala eSamariya nesifundeni esingetjingalanga yomlambo iYufrathe. Ngiyabingelela. Incwadi enayithumela kithi yafundwa ngokurhunyutjhwa phambi kwami. Yeke ngikhuphe umyalo kwaphenywa. Kufunyenwe bona kwakade idorobheli livukele amakhosi nokobana ubuhlubuka nobuhlongandlebe kwenziwe kilo. Iye, iJerusalema beyinamakhosi aqinileko nanamandla, abuse isifunda soke esingetjingalanga yomlambo iYufrathe. Begade kukhutjhwa kiwo umthelo, isibiko kanye nemali yendlela. Yeke khuphani umyalo bonyana amadoda lawo angasarageli phambili nomsebenzi wokuvuselela idorobhelo, ukufikela lapha mina ngizakukhupha khona omunye umyalo. Tjhejani bona ningabi sidondi ngendaba le ukuze ubukhosi bungehlelwa mumonakalo omkhulu. Ngemva kokobana incwadi yekosi u-Aritarhitjhasta ifundwe phambi kwakaRerhumu noTjhimthayi usosiba kanye nabasebenzisani babo, bakhamba ngokurhaba okukhulu baya emaJudeni eJerusalema. Bawajamisa ngekani bona angasarageli phambili nomsebenzi wokwakha. Ngendlela leyo umsebenzi wethempeli lakaZimu ngeJerusalema wajanyiswa bekwaba mnyaka wesibili wokubusa kwakaDariyasi ikosi yePheresiya. Abaphorofidi, uZakariya osizukulwana saka-Ido noHagayi, baphorofida ebizweni lakaZimu wakwa-Israyeli ngokujamelana namaJuda agade akwaJuda neJerusalema. Nje-ke uZerubhabheli umsa kaTjheyaltiyeli noJetjhuwa umsa kaJotsadakhi basikima bathoma ukuvuselela ithempeli lakaZimu eliseJerusalema. Abaphorofidi bakaZimu bebakanye nabo babasiza. Ngesikhatheso uTatenayi umbusi wesifunda sangetjingalanga yomlambo iYufrathe akanye noTjhetari-Bhozenayi nabasebenzisani babo beze kibo bafese bakhulumisana nabo bunje: “Niyithethephi imvumo yokwakha ithempeleli nokubeka iphahla lalo na?” Godu bababuza bathi: “Bobani amabizo wamadoda akha isakhiwesi?” Kodwana ilihlo lakaZimu belibelusile abaphathi bamaJuda. Nje-ke akhange bakghone ukuwajamisa ukufika lapha kubikwa khona kuDariyasi bekufunyanwe nomyalwakhe otloliweko mayelana nendaba le. UTatenayi umbusi wesifunda sangetjingalanga yomlambo iYufrathe akanye noTjhetari-Bhozenayi nabasebenzisani babo abagade bangesifundeneso, bathumela incwadi kuDariyasi inombiko otlolwe bunje: Akwande ukuthula kuDariyasi ikosi! Besithi akwazeke ekosini bonyana siyile esifundeni sakwaJuda, ethempelini lakaZimu omkhulu. Lona-ke lakhiwe ngamatje acoziweko begodu neengodo sezibekiwe emabodeni. Umsebenzi lowo wenziwa ngokukhuthala okukhulu kanti godu uragela phambili. Nje-ke thina sibuze abaphathabo sathi kibo: “Niyithethephi imvumo yokwakha ithempeleli nokubeka iphahla lalo na?” Begodu sibabuze namabizwabo kobana siwatlole phasi ukuze sazise ikosi amabizo wabarholi babo. Yeke nasi ipendulwabo abasiphe yona: “Thina siziinceku zakaZimu wezulu nephasi begodu sivuselela ithempeli elalakhiwe yikosi edumileko yakwa-Israyeli laphela iminyaka eminengi eyadlulako. Kodwana ngenca yokobana abobamkhulu batjhijila uZimu wezulwini, wabanikela ezandleni zakaNebukhadinetsari ikosi yeBhabheli emKasidi yabhubhisa ithempeleli beyathumba abantu yabasa eBhabheli. Nokho-ke ngomnyaka wokuthoma wokubusa kwakaKoretjhi ikosi yeBhabheli, wakhupha umyalo bonyana ithempeli lakaZimeli kufuze livuselelwe. Ngitjho nezitja zegolide nezesiliva zethempeli lakaZimu egade zithethwe nguNebukhadinetsari eJerusalema wazisa eBhabheli, ikosi uKoretjhi wazikhupha eBhabheli zalethwa kiloyo ibizo lakhe ebekunguTjhetjhibhatsari, okunguye agade amenze umbusi, wathi kuye, ‘Thatha izitjezi ukhambe nazo. Wenze bona ithempeli lakaZimu liyavuselelwa endawenalo eJerusalema bese uzifake khona.’ Nje-ke, uTjhetjhibhatsari loyo weza wafese wabeka isisekelo sethempeli lakaZimu eJerusalema. Ukusukela ngesikhatheso bekube kunjesi, liyakhiwa begodu alikabi ukuphela.” Nangabe kubonakala kukuhle ekosini, akwenziwe iphenyo endlini yokubulunga imilando yesigodlo khonapho eBhabheli, kubonwe bonyana mbala umyalo loyo wakhutjhwa yikosi uKoretjhi kobana kuvuselelwe ithempeli lakaZimu eJerusalema na. Nje-ke besibawa bona ikosi isazise isiphetho sayo ngendaba le. UDariyasi ikosi yakhupha umyalo wokobana kuphenywe endlini lapha bekubulungwe khona imilando eBhabheli. Kwathi e-Ekibatana okuyihlokodorobho yesifunda seMidiya, kwafunyanwa umtlolomsongo ogade kutlolwe kiwo bunje: Isimemezelo. Ngomnyaka wokuthoma wokubusa kwakaKoretjhi ikosi, uKoretjhi loyo wakhupha umyalo malungana nethempeli lakaZimu eJerusalema: Ithempeli kufuze livuselelwe endaweni lapha kuhlatjelwa khona imihlabelo. Isisekelo salo kumele sifane nesaphambilini. Isakhiweso sibe mamitha amatjhumi amabili nalikhomba ukuphakama nobubanzi, godu sibe namahla amathathu wamatje acoziweko nelihla elilodwa leengodo, njalonjalo. Iindleko zakhona zikhokhelwe ngesikhwama sesigodlweni. Begodu izitja zegolide nezesiliva zethempeli lakaZimu egade zithethwe nguNebukhadinetsari ethempelini eJerusalema waziletha eBhabheli, azibuyiselwe eJerusalema. Kufuze zifakwe ethempelini lakaZimu endawenazo. Nje-ke uDariyasi waphendula uTatenayi umbusi wesifunda sangetjingalanga yomlambo iYufrathe kanye noTjhetari-Bhozenayi nabasebenzisani babo, wathi: “Nina bazenda besifunda sangetjingalanga yomlambo iYufrathe, yibani kude nalapho. Umsebenzi wethempeli lakaZimu ungaphazanyiswa. Akuvunyelwe umbusi wamaJuda nabaphathi bakhona bavuselele ithempeli lakaZimu endawenalo. Ngaphezu kwalokho ngikhupha nomyalo mayelana nalokho ofanele ukwenze kubaphathi bamaJuda ukubasekela ekuvuseleleni kwabo ithempeli lakaZimeli: Akukhutjhwe esikhwameni sesigodlo umthelo wesifunda sangetjingalanga yomlambo iYufrathe, kukhokhelwe iindleko zokusebenza kwamadoda lawo ngokukhuthala, kungariyadwa. Nanyana yini edingekako ukuya ngelizwi labaphristi beJerusalema, abakunikelwe: iinkunzana, amaqama neemvana zemihlabelo yokutjhiswa kuZimu wezulwini; godu banikelwe ikoroyi, itswayi, iwayini namafutha we-oliva. Abanikelwe lokho malanga woke kungatshwili ukuze banikele ngeminikelo eyamukeleka kuZimu wezulwini bebathandazele ukulondeka kwekosi namadodanayo. Begodu ngikhupha nomyalo othi nanyana ngubani ozakuhlanakela ilizwi lesimemezelwesi, akutsonyulwe isigodo endlinakhe aphanyekwe ngokuhlonyelelwa kiso. Indlu yomuntu loyo yenziwe iqubi leququ. UZimu owenze bonyana ibizo lakhe lihlale ethempelini lakhe eJerusalema, kwanga angaketula nanyana ngiyiphi ikosi namkha abantu abalinga ukujamelana nomyalo lo ngokubhubhisa ithempelelo. Iye, ngitjho njalo mina Dariyasi. Nje-ke umyalo lo awulandelwe ngokuzimisela okukhulu.” UTatenayi umbusi wesifunda sangetjingalanga yomlambo iYufrathe kanye noTjhetari-Bhozenayi nabasebenzisani babo benza ngokukhuthala okukhulu njengombana uDariyasi ikosi gade sele athumele ilizwi. Abaphathi bamaJuda baragela phambili bakha begodu baphumelela ngokuya ngokuphorofida kwakaHagayi umphorofidi noZakariya osizukulwana saka-Ido. Baqeda umakho wabo ngomyalo kaZimu wakwa-Israyeli nangomyalo kaKoretjhi noDariyasi kanye no-Aritarhitjhasta okumakhosi wePheresiya. Nje-ke ithempeleli laphela ngelanga lesithathu enyangeni ka-Adari ngomnyaka wesithandathu wokubusa kwekosi uDariyasi. Ama-Israyeli, abaphristi, amaLevi kanye nabo boke egade babuye ekuthunjweni, bagidinga ukuvulwa kwethempeli lakaZimu ngokuthakasa. Mhlana kuvulwa ithempeli lakaZimu, banikela ngekhulu leenkunzana, amaqama amakhulu amabili, iimvana ezimakhulu amane kanye nangeempongo ezilitjhumi nambili zaba njengomhlabelo wesono ngokuya kwesibalo seenkoro zakwa-Israyeli. Abaphristi bahlelwa ngokweengaba zabo namaLevi ngokweenqhema mayelana nomsebenzi wokulotjha uZimu eJerusalema njengombana kutloliwe encwadini kaMosi. Kwathi ngelanga letjhumi nane enyangeni yokuthoma, abathunjwa ababuyileko bagidinga iPhasika. Abaphristi namaLevi bazihlambulula bamunye; nje-ke boke njalo gade bamsulwa. AmaLevi ahlabela boke ababuye ekuthunjweni iPhasika, okutjho abafowabo, abaphristi kanye nawo ngokwawo. Ladliwa ma-Israyeli agade abuye ekuthunjweni kanye nabo boke ebebazihlukanise emikhubeni esilapheleko yabezizwe enarheni leyo. Labo-ke bazihlanganisa nama-Israyeli ukuze bafune intando kaSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli. Bagidinga umnyanya wesiKwa esinganaNgumelo amalanga alikhomba, banamile. Iye, uSomnini uZimu bekabanamisile ngombana bekaphendulele ihliziyo yekosi ye-Asiriya kibo ukuze ibasize emsebenzini wethempeli lakaZimu, onguZimu wakwa-Israyeli. Emva kwalokho, emihleni yokubusa kwaka-Aritarhitjhasta ikosi yePheresiya, u-Ezra wathoma umsebenzakhe. Yena gade amsa kaSeraya omsa ka-Azariya, umsa kaRhilikhiya omsa kaTjhalumu, umsa kaTsadokhi omsa ka-Arhithubi, umsa ka-Amariya omsa ka-Azariya, umsa kaMerayothi omsa kaZerarhiya, umsa ka-Uzi omsa kaBhukhi, umsa ka-Abitjhuwa omsa kaFiniyasi, umsa ka-Elazara omsa ka-Aroni umphristi wokuthoma. U-Ezra loyo wakhuphuka asuka eBhabheli. Yena bekamtloli osisazi somthetho kaMosi, okumthetho owanikelwa nguSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli. Ikosi yePheresiya beyimnikele koke agade akubawile ngombana isandla sakaSomnini uZimakhe besiphezu kwakhe. Godu kwathi ngomnyaka wekhomba wokubusa kwaka-Aritarhitjhasta ikosi, kwakhuphuka eJerusalema abanye bama-Israyeli nabanye babaphristi nebamaLevi, abavumi nabalindisango kanye neensebenzi zethempeli. U-Ezra wafika eJerusalema ngenyanga yesihlanu, okumnyaka wekhomba wokubusa kwekosi. Lokha inyanga yokuthoma nayinelanga linye wasungula ikhambo lakhe asuka eBhabheli. Kwathi ngelanga lokuthoma enyangeni yesihlanu walibhada eJerusalema. Mbala isandla esihle sakaZimakhe besiphezu kwakhe. U-Ezra lo bekabeke ihliziywakhe ekufundeni umthetho kaSomnini uZimu nokobana awenze begodu bekazimisele ukufundisa iimiso nemiyalwayo kwa-Israyeli. Naku-ke umkhuphelo wencwadi ikosi u-Aritarhitjhasta awunikela u-Ezra umphristi nomtloli osisazi semiyalo kaSomnini neemiso zakhe mayelana no-Israyeli, uthi: Incwadi le iphuma ku-Aritarhitjhasta ikosi yamakhosi, iya ku-Ezra umphristi nomfundisi omkhulu womthetho kaZimu wezulwini. Akwande! Nje-ke ngikhupha umyalo bona nanyana ngubani wabantu bakwa-Israyeli kungaba baphristi babo namkha amaLevabo embuswenami ofuna ukukhamba aye eJerusalema, angakhamba nawe. Wena uthunywe yikosi nabeluleki bayo abalikhomba bonyana uyokuhlolisisa kwaJuda neJerusalema bona abantu balandela umthetho wakaZimakho owuphethe esandleni sakho na. Begodu uthunywe bonyana ukhambise isiliva negolide enikelwe ngesihle yikosi nabeluleki bayo kuZimu wakwa-Israyeli ohlala eJerusalema. Ukhambe godu nesiliva negolide ozalifunyana kiso soke isifunda seBhabheli kanye neminikelo yoke yesihle enikelwe babantu nabaphristi ngehliziyo etjhaphulukileko mayelana nethempeli lakaZimabo eJerusalema. Ngesilivelo uthenge ngokuyelela iinkunzana, amaqama neemvana kanye neminikelo yakhona yeenthoro neyokuselwako ukuze unikele ngakho e-aldarini lethempeli lakaZimakho ngeJerusalema. Nanyana yini ebonakala ilungile kuwe nakubafowenu enithanda ukuyenza ngesiliva negolide eseleko, ningayenza, ikani nje nakungokwentando kaZimenu. Izitja ezinikelwe wena mayelana nomsebenzi wethempeli lakaZimakho, ufese uzethule eJerusalema. Okunye okudingako mayelana nethempeli lakaZimakho, ongahle uthande ukukusebenzisa nakwenzeka, uzakufunyana esikhwameni sesigodlo. Nje-ke mina Aritarhitjhasta ikosi, ngiyala boke abaphathi bezomnotho esifundeni sangetjingalanga yomlambo iYufrathe bonyana nanyana yini u-Ezra umphristi osisazi somthetho kaZimu wezulwini azayidinga kini, anikelwe yona ngaphandle kokuriyada. Kufuze banikele kufikela lapha kuba makhilogremu aziinkulungwana ezintathu namakhulu amane wesiliva, amakhilogremu aziinkulungwana ezilitjhumi nasithandathu namakhulu amahlanu wekoroyi, iinkulungwana ezimbili namakhulu amabili wamalitha wamafutha we-oliva kanye netswayi elingalinganisekiko ngobunengi. Nanyana yini uZimu wezulwini ayala ngayo, ayenziwe ngokupheleleko mayelana nethempeli lakaZimu wezulwini loyo ukuze ilaka lakhe lingavuthi phezu kombuso wekosi namadodanayo. Godu naziswa bonyana akukavumeleki ukubeka imithelo, iimbiko namkha imali yendlela phezu kwananyana ngiwuphi wabaphristi, amaLevi, abavumi, abalindisango, iinsebenzi zethempeli nanyana ngisiphi isisebenzi sethempeli lakaZimu. Nje-ke wena Ezra, ngokuhlakanipha onakho owakuphiwa nguZimakho, beka abakhokheli nabagwebi abazi imithetho kaZimakho ukuze bagwebe boke abantu ngesifundeni sangetjingalanga yomlambo iYufrathe. Labo abangayaziko imithetho leyo, ubafundise yona. Loyo ongekhe alalele umthetho kaZimakho nomthetho wekosi, akahlunguphazwe khulu, kungaba ngesigwebo sokubulawa, ngokudingiswa, ngokumukwa ipahlakhe namkha ngokubotjhwa. Akudunyiswe uSomnini uZimu wabobaba obeke into enjengale ehliziyweni yekosi bonyana kuhlotjiswe ithempeli lakaSomnini eJerusalema, nowengezelele kimi umusa wakhe ongapheliko phambi kwekosi nebelulekini bayo kanye naphambi kweenkhulu zoke ezinamandla zekosi leyo. Ngiqine idolo ngombana isandla sakaSomnini uZimami besiphezu kwami, nje-ke ngibuthelele amadoda abarholi kwa-Israyeli bonyana akhuphuke kanye nami. Lezi ziinhloko zemindeni kanye nerhelo leenzukulwana zalabo abenyuka nami Ezra ukusuka eBhabheli, emihleni yokubusa kwaka-Aritarhitjhasta ikosi: BekunguGeritjhomu eenzukulwaneni zakaFiniyasi, uDanyela eenzukulwaneni zaka-Itamara, uRhathutjhi womndeni kaDavida eenzukulwaneni zakaTjhekaniya. KunguZakariya eenzukulwaneni zakaParotjhi ogade atloliswe namadoda alikhulu namatjhumi amahlanu, u-Eliyowenayi umsa kaZerarhiya eenzukulwaneni zakaParhathi-Mowabi anamadoda amakhulu amabili, uZathu umsa kaJarhaziyeli eenzukulwaneni zakaTjhekaniya anamadoda amakhulu amathathu, u-Ebede umsa kaJonathani eenzukulwaneni zaka-Adini anamadoda amatjhumi amahlanu, uJosaya umsa ka-Ataliya eenzukulwaneni zaka-Elamu anamadoda amatjhumi alikhomba, uZebadiya umsa kaMikayeli eenzukulwaneni zakaTjhefathiya anamadoda amatjhumi abunane, u-Obadiya umsa kaJerhiyeli eenzukulwaneni zakaJowabi anamadoda amakhulu amabili netjhumi nabunane, uTjhelomothi umsa kaJosifiya eenzukulwaneni zakaBhani anamadoda alikhulu namatjhumi asithandathu, uZakariya umsa kaBebayi eenzukulwaneni zakaBebayi anamadoda amatjhumi amabili nabunane, uJorhanani umsa kaHakhathani eenzukulwaneni zaka-Azigadi anamadoda alikhulu netjhumi, u-Elifelethi, uJewuyeli noTjhemaya eenzukulwaneni zaka-Adonikhamu banamadoda amatjhumi asithandathu, (labo-ke bafika muva), u-Utayi noZakuri eenzukulwaneni zakaBhigivayi banamadoda amatjhumi alikhomba. Ngababutha sahlangana emseleni ogelezela e-Ahava, lapha safese sahloma khona amatende amalanga amathathu. Kwathi lokha nangihlolisisa abantu nabaphristi, ngafunyana bonyana gade kungekho noyedwa wamaLevi lapho. Nje-ke ngabiza u-Eliyezeri, u-Ariyeli, uTjhemaya, u-Elinatana, uJaribu, u-Elinatani, uNatani, uZakariya noMetjhulamu okumadoda abarholi anoJoyaribu no-Elinatana amadoda anelwazi. Ngawathumela ku-Ido okuyindoda emrholi endaweni ecwengileko yeKasifiya. Ngabatjela bona bafese bathini ku-Ido nabafowabo, okuziinsebenzi zethempeli leKasifiya ukuze basithumelele iinsebenzi zendlu kaZimethu. Kwathi ngesandla esihle sakaZimethu phezu kwethu, basilethela indoda enelihlo, okungeyeenzukulwana zakaMarhili, umsa kaLevi omsa ka-Israyeli. Indoda leyo bekunguTjherebiya akhambisana namadodanakhe kanye namadoda alitjhumi nabunane ekubafowabo. Godu bekunoRhatjhibiya akhambisana noJosaya weenzukulwana zakaMerari kanye nabafowabo namadodanabo amatjhumi amabili. Babuya baletha amakhulu amabili namatjhumi amabili weensebenzi zethempeli. Lezi bekuziinsebenzi uDavida kanye neenkhulu zakhe ebegade bazahlukanisele ukusiza amaLevi. Boke bebatloliswe ngamabizwabo. Khonapho emseleni we-Ahava ngamemezela ukuzila ukudla kobana sizithobe phambi kwakaZimethu ukuze sizifunele ikhambo elihle thina nabantwabethu kanye nepahlethu. Bengineenhloni zokubawa ikosi bonyana ingiphe amajoni nabakhweli beenjomani wokusivikela esitheni endlelenethu ngombana besikhe satjela ikosi sathi: “Isandla esihle sakaZimethu singesilungileko phezu kwabo boke abamfunako, kodwana amandlakhe okutjho ubukhali bakhe bujamelene nabo boke abamfulathelako.” Nje-ke sazila safuna uZimethu ngalokhu, wezwa isibawo sethu. Ngakhetha abaphristi abalitjhumi nambili ababarholi: uTjherebiya, uRhatjhabiya nabafowabo abalitjhumi. Ngabalinganisela isiliva negolide kanye nezitja okumnikelo wethempeli lakaZimu owanikelwa yikosi nabeluleki bayo, iinkhulu zayo kanye nama-Israyeli woke agade alapho. Ngalinganisa amakhilogremu aziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili nambili zesiliva, izitja zesiliva ezilikhulu ezinobudisi bamakhilogremu amatjhumi asithandathu nabunane kanye namakhilogremu aziinkulungwana ezintathu namakhulu amane wegolide, abomakupuru begolide abamatjhumi amabili abanobudisi obumakhilogremu abunane nesiquntu kanye nezitja ezimbili zekoporo eziligugu njengegolide. Ngathi kibo: “Nina nicwengile kuSomnini uZimu kanti godu nezitja zicwengile. Isiliva negolide kumnikelo wesihle kuSomnini uZimu waboyihlo. Zigadeni nizilonde izintwezi nize niyozilinganisa eJerusalema phambi kwabaphristi abakhulu namaLevi kanye neenhloko zemindeni yakwa-Israyeli ngelawini lokuhlanganela kwabaphristi ethempelini lakaSomnini.” Nje-ke abaphristi namaLevi bathatha izinto zesilinganiso sesiliva negolide kanye nezitja bona bakulethe eJerusalema ethempelini lakaZimu. Sasuka-ke emseleni we-Ahava ngelanga letjhumi nambili lenyanga yokuthoma bona siye eJerusalema. Isandla sakaZimu besiphezu kwethu begodu wasisindisa esandleni sesitha nakilaba abasilalela endleleni. Safika-ke eJerusalema lapha saphumula khona amalanga amathathu. Kwathi ngelanga lesine, salinganisa ngaphakathi kwethempeli lakaZimethu isiliva negolide kanye nezitja. Sakwethula lokho ezandleni zakaMeremothi umphristi omsa ka-Uriya. Yena gade ano-Elazara umsa kaFiniyasi kanye namaLevi uJozabadi umsa kaJetjhuwa noNowadiya umsa kaBhinuyi. Mhlokho koke kwabalwa, kwalinganiswa. Nje-ke isilinganiso sakho koke satlolwa phasi. Abathunjwa ababuyileko ekuthunjweni banikela imihlabelo yokutjhiswa kuZimu wakwa-Israyeli: iinkunzana ezilitjhumi nambili mayelana nama-Israyeli woke, amaqama amatjhumi alithoba nantandathu, iimvana ezimatjhumi alikhomba nalikhomba kanye neempongo zomhlabelo wehlambululo ezilitjhumi nambili. Koke lokho kwaba njengomhlabelo wokutjhiswa kuSomnini. Godu bethula imiyalo yekosi kubazenda bayo nakubabusi besifunda sangetjingalanga yomlambo iYufrathe. Bona basiza abantu nomsebenzi wethempeli lakaZimu. Emva kokobana izintwezo zenziwe, iinkhulu zeza kimi zafese zathi: “Abantu bakwa-Israyeli, abaphristi namaLevi, abakazihlukanisi emikhubeni eziinyenyiso zabantu ababazombelezileko, okutjho amaKanana, amaRhithi, amaPerizi, amaJebusi, ama-Amoni, amaMowabi, amaGibhide nama-Amori. Bazithathele amanye wamadodakazi wabantwabo bona abe bafazi babo nabamadodanabo. Nje-ke imbewu ecwengileko seyizihlanganise nabantu beenarha ezibazombileko. Begodu isandla seenkhulu nabaphathi siphambili endabeni yokungathembeki le.” Kwathi bona ngizwe lokho, ngadabula izambatho zami nephuraphurami, ngaruthula iinhluthu neendevu zami, ngahlala phasi ngikhenile. Boke abagade banevalo ngelizwi lakaZimu wakwa-Israyeli ngokungathembeki kwabathunjwa, babuthana kimi. Begade ngisolo ngihlezi phasi njalo ngikhenile bekwaba sikhathi somnikelo wakusihlwa. Kwathi ngomnikelo wakusihlwa ngasikima ekuzithobeni kwami, izambatho zami nephuraphurami kudabukile. Ngaguqa ngamadolo ngaphakamisela izandla zami kuSomnini uZimami, ngathi: “Maye Zimu, kazi ngineenhloni nanginje. Iye ngineenhloni kangangokuthi ngihluleka nokuphakamisela ubuso bami kuwe, Zimami ngombana iimphambeko zethu zikhule khulu kuneenhloko zethu necala lethu selifike nemazulwini. Sibe secaleni elikhulu kusukela emihleni yabobaba bekube namhlanje. Nje-ke ngebanga lezono zethu, thina namakhosethu kanye nabaphristi bethu sinikelwe ezandleni zamakhosi weenarha ezisizombelezileko. Iye, sinikelwe esabuleni, ekuthunjweni, ekuphangweni neenhlonini bekube namhlanje. Kodwana esikhatjhaneni esifitjhanesi uSomnini uZimu ube nomusa wasitjhiyela imisalela bewasipha ububambelelo endawenakhe ecwengileko. Ngendlela leyo uZimethu ukhanyise amehlwethu bewasipha imvuselelo encani ebukhobokeni bethu. Iye, simakhoboka, nokho uZimethu azange asitjhiye ebukhobokeni bethu: Ube nokwethembeka kithi phambi kwamakhosi wePheresiya. Wasipha imvuselelo kobana sakhe ithempeli lakaZimethu, ukuvuselela imithangala equqwini bewasipha umthangala osivikeleko kithi kwaJuda neJerusalema. “Maye Zimethu, sizokuthini emva kwalokhu? Phela sifulathele imiyalwakho, owayala ngayo ngeenceku zakho abaphorofidi lokha nawusithi, ‘Inarha eningena kiyo bona niyidle, kuyinarha esilaphazwe ngemikhuba enyenyisako yabantu abahlala kiyo. Ngokusilaphala kwabo bazalise inarha leyo ukusukela emaphethelweni amanye ukuya kwamanye. Yeke ningendiseli amadodakazenu emadodanenabo, kanti nani ningathatheli amadodanenu amadodakazabo. Ningalingi nikhanukele ukuba nobudlelwano nabo begodu ningaze nifune ipumelelwabo. Ngalokho nizakuba namandla, nidle okuhle kwenarha beniyitjhiyele abantwabenu bona ibe lilifa labo nini nanini.’ “Emva kwakho koke okusehleleko ngenca yezenzo zethu ezimbi nangebanga lecala lethu elikhulu, nokho wena Zimu usibethe ngesibetho esingaphasi kwesono esisifaneleko begodu usitjhiyele amasalela wabantu abanjengalaba. Alo, singabuya njani sephule imiyalwakho ngokuthathana nabantu abenza imikhuba enyenyisa kangaka? Kokwakho Zimethu, bekufanele bonyana uvuthe ngelaka usibhubhise bewungasitjhiyeli amasalela namkha abasindileko. Maye Somnini, Zimu wakwa-Israyeli, ulungile ngombana sisele simisalela esindileko bekube namhlanje. Akhusuthi uyaqala, thina siphambi kwakho necala lethu nanyana kungekho ongajama phambi kwakho ngenca yalokho.” Kwathi u-Ezra asathandaza njalo avuma izono, alila begodu azilahlele phasi phambi kwethempeli lakaZimu, ihlangano ekulu yamadoda, abafazi nabantwana ephuma kwa-Israyeli, yabuthana kuye. Nayo yalila kabuhlungu. UTjhekaniya umsa kaJerhiyeli weenzukulwana zaka-Elamu, wakhuluma no-Ezra wathi: “Akhange sithembeke kuZimethu ngokuthatha abafazi abatjhili bezizwe zenarha le. Nokho ngaphandle kwalokho kusekhona ithemba ku-Israyeli. Nje-ke asenzeni isivumelwano noZimethu sokobana siqotjhe abafazaba nabantwababo, kube njengombana ikosanami iluleka kanye nalabo abesaba umyalo kaZimethu. Lokho akwenziwe ngokomthetho. Yeke sikima ngombana kumsebenzakho lokho, thina sijame nawe. Qina idolo, ukwenze lokho.” Nje-ke u-Ezra wasikima wafungisa abarholi babaphristi, amaLevi nama-Israyeli woke bonyana benze njengombana kukhulunyiwe. Ngendlela leyo benza isifungo. U-Ezra wasuka phambi kwethempeli lakaZimu waya ngelawini lakaJorhanani umsa ka-Eliyatjhibu, wahlala khonapho angadli godu angaseli amanzi ngombana gade alilela ukungathembeki kwabathunjwa. Kwakhutjhwa isimemezelo kilo loke lakwaJuda neJerusalema kobana abathunjwa ababuyileko kufuze bahlangane eJerusalema. Kwathiwa loyo ongeze afike phakathi kwamalanga amathathu, ngokwesiphakamiso seenkhulu nabaphathi, kufuze alobe yoke ipahlakhe, kuthi naye mbala angasabalwa emphakathini wabathunjwa. Woke amadoda wakwaJuda newakwaBhenjamini abuthana eJerusalema emalangeni amathathu. Inyanga yethoba beyinamalanga amatjhumi amabili lokha nakwenzeka lokho. Nje-ke abantwabo bahlala ecabazini phambi kwethempeli lakaZimu. Bebathuthumela ngendaba leyo nangenca yezulu elalina liwuluka. U-Ezra umphristi wasikima wathi kibo: “Madoda, niphambukile ngokuthatha abafazi abatjhili, ngalokho nandise icala kwa-Israyeli. Nje-ke vumani izono kuSomnini uZimu waboyihlo, nenze intandwakhe. Hlukanani nabantu bezizwe zenarha le begodu nihlukane nabafazi abatjhili.” Ihlangano yaphendula ngelizwi elikhulu yathi: “Kunjalo uqinisile! Kufuze senze njengombana utjhwile! Manje abantu banengi begodu sikhathi sezulu elinengi, yeke asizukukghona ukujama ebalenapha. Indaba le, akusiyo yelanga linye namkha amabili ngombana siphambuke khulu ngayo. Iinkhulu zethu azijamele yoke ihlangano, kuthi boke emadorobhenethu abathethe abafazi abatjhili beze ngeenkhathi ezijanyisiweko neenkhulu kanye nabagwebi bamadorobho woke. Lokho akwenziwe ukuze kusuke ubukhali obuvuthako bakaZimethu phezu kwethu mayelana nendaba le.” Kwaba nguJonathani umsa ka-Asaheli noJarhizeya umsa kaTikhiva kwaphela abaphikisana nendaba leyo, basekelwa nguMetjhulamu noTjhabetayi umLevi. Abathunjwa ababuyileko benza njengombana bekuphakanyisiwe. U-Ezra umphristi wakhetha amadoda aziinhloko zemindeni yaboyise, enye nenye itloliswe ngokwebizo layo begodu ijamele umndenayo. Ngelanga lokuthoma enyangeni yetjhumi, bahlala phasi kobana baqalisise indaba leyo. Kwathi ngomnyaka olandelako lokha inyanga yokuthoma nayinelanga, bafika esiphethweni sendaba yabantu abathethe abafazi abatjhili. Ebegade bathethe abafazi abatjhili phakathi kweenzukulwana zabaphristi ngilaba: Eenzukulwaneni zakaJetjhuwa, umsa kaJotsadakhi nezabafowabo bekunguMaseya, u-Eliyezeri, uJaribi noGedaliya. (Bona baqinisekisa bonyana bazokuqotjha abafazi babo abatjhili. Mayelana nomnikelo wehlawulo, banikela omunye nomunye ngeqama eliphuma emhlambini bona kuhlanjululwe icala labo.) Eenzukulwaneni zaka-Imeri kunguRhanani noZebadiya; eenzukulwaneni zakaRharimu kunguMaseya, u-Eliya, uTjhemaya uJerhiyeli no-Uziya; eenzukulwaneni zakaPhatjhirhuri kungu-Eliyowenayi, uMaseya, u-Itjhimayeli, uNetaneli, uJozabadi no-Elasa. KumaLevi: kunguJozabadi, uTjhimeyi, uKhelaya (okutjho uKelitha), uPetarhiya, uJuda no-Eliyezeri. Kubavumi: kungu-Eliyatjhibu. Kubalindisango: kunguTjhalumu, uThelemu no-Uri. Kuma-Israyeli: eenzukulwaneni zakaParotjhi kunguRamiya, uJiziya, uMalikiya, uMiyamini, u-Elazara, uMalikiya noBhenaya; eenzukulwaneni zaka-Elamu kunguMataniya, uZakariya, uJerhiyeli, u-Abidi, uJeremothi no-Eliya; eenzukulwaneni zakaZatu kungu-Eliyowenayi, u-Eliyatjhibu, uMataniya, uJeremothi, uZabadi no-Aziza; eenzukulwaneni zakaBebayi kunguJorhanani, uRhananiya, uZabayi no-Atilayi; eenzukulwaneni zakaBhani kunguMetjhulamu, uMaluki, u-Adaya, uJatjhubi, uTjheyali noJeremothi; eenzukulwaneni zakaParhathi-Mowabi kungu-Adina, uKelali, uBhenaya, uMaseya, uMataniya, uBhetsaleli, uBhinuyi noManase; eenzukulwaneni zakaRharimu kungu-Eliyezeri, uJitjhiya, uMalikiya, uTjhemaya, uSimiyoni, uBhenjamini, uMaluki noTjhemariya; eenzukulwaneni zakaRhatjhumu kunguMatenayi, uMatata, uZabadi, u-Elifelethi, uJeremayi, uManase noTjhimeyi; eenzukulwaneni zakaBani kunguMadayi, u-Amramu, u-Uweli, uBhenaya, uBedeya, uKeluhu, uVaniya, uMeremothi, u-Eliyatjhibu, uMataniya, uMatenayi noJasayi; eenzukulwaneni zakaBhinuyi kunguTjhimeyi, uTjhelemiya, uNatani, u-Adaya, uMakinadibayi, uTjhatjhayi, uTjharayi, u-Azariyeli, uTjhelemiya, uTjhemariya, uTjhalumu, u-Amariya noJosefa; eenzukulwaneni zakaNebo kunguJehiyeli, uMatitiya, uZabadi, uZebina, uJadayi, uJuweli noBenaya. Boke labo bekungibo abathethe abafazi abatjhili. Abanye babafazabo bebababelethele abantwana. Amezwi alandelako akhulunywa nguNerhemiya umsa kaRhakaliya: Kwathi ngenyanga kaKisilevu, emnyakeni wamatjhumi amabili ngisebuphephelweni beTjhutjhani uRhanani okungomunye wabomnakwethu, weza namadoda athileko bavela kwaJuda. Mina-ke ngababuza ngeJerusalema nangamasalela wamaJuda asindako lokha nasithunjwako. Bona bangiphendula bathi: “Amasalela ahlala ngesifundeni sakwaJuda nekungilawo asindako ekuthunjweni, akhungathwe lisizi nokurhubutjhwa okukhulu. Imithangala yeJerusalema igiriziwe namasango wakhona atjhiswe ngomlilo.” Kwathi lokha nangizwa amezwi lawo, ngahlala phasi ngalila. Ngazila ukudla amalangana ngithandaza phambi kwakaZimu wezulwini, ngathi: “Maye Somnini, Zimu wezulwini! Wena unguZimu omkhulu, owesabekako, ogcina isivumelwano nothembekileko kilabo abakukhathalelako nabagcina imiyalwakho. Kwanga uSomnini angangilalela, angitjheje ukuze ezwe umthandazo incekwakho ewuthandaza phambi kwakho ubusuku nemini mayelana neenceku zakho ama-Israyeli. Mina ncekwakho ngivuma izono ama-Israyeli akone ngazo, godu ngivuma nezami nezomndenami. Senze okumbi khulu phambi kwakho Somnini begodu azange silonde imiyalo, iimiso kanye nemithetho owayala ngayo incekwakho uMosi. Nje-ke Somnini, khumbula ilizwi owayala ngalo incekwakho uMosi lokha nawuthi, ‘Naningathembekiko ngizanihlakazela hlangana nebakosozizwe; kodwana nanibuyela kimi nilonde imiyalwami beniyenze, ngizanibutha nginibuyisele endaweni engiyikhethileko ukuze ngenze ibizo lami lihlale lapho. Ngizakubutha nalabo abahlakazekileko abasemajukujukwini akude ngaphasi komkayi.’ Ama-Israyeli aziinceku nabantu bakho owabahlenga ngamandlakho amakhulu nangesandla sakho esiqinileko. Awu Somandla, ngibawa ulalele umthandazo wencekwakho kanye nomthandazo weenceku zakho ezithokozela ukuhlonipha ibizo lakho. Nje-ke yipha namhlanjesi incekwakho ukuphumelela uyenzele umusa emehlweni wekosi le.” Ngesikhatheso bengimphathikapho wekosi leyo. Kwathi ngenyanga kaNisani ngomnyaka wamatjhumi amabili wokubusa kwekosi u-Aritarhitjhasta, ngathatha iwayini ebelisetafuleni ngalinikela ikosi leyo. Njengombana bengingazange khengitlhuwe phambi kwayo ngaphambilini, yangibuza yathi: “Kutheni ubuso bakho bukhenile? Njengombana ungaguli nje, kutjho bona kukhona into ekuwurubajileko.” Mina-ke ngaba nevalo, ngithi ekosini: “Kwanga ikosi ingaphila njalo! Bengingahlala njani ngingadani lokha idorobho lapha kwabekwa khona abobaba sele limarubhi namasangwalo alothiswe ngomlilo na?” Ikosi yathi kimi: “Alo, mntabantu, isibawo sakho siyini ngalokho?” Nje-ke mina ngalila kuZimu wezulwini ngehliziyo, ngithi ekosinami leyo: “Nangabe kuhle emehlweni wekosi begodu ngifumene umusa phambi kwayo, ngibawa ikosi ingivumele bonyana ngiye kwaJuda, edorobheni lapha kwabekwa khona abobaba ukuze ngiyolivuselela.” Kwathi ikosi isahlezi nendlovukazi njalo yangibuza bona ngizokukhamba isikhathi esingangani nokobana ngiyokubuya nini. Ngasihlela-ke isikhathi, nje-ke kwayithokozisa ikosi bonyana ingivumele ngikhambe. Ngathi ekosini leyo: “Nangabe kuyayithokozisa ikosi, anginikelwe iincwadi eziya ebabusini besifunda sangetjingalanga yomlambo iYufrathe bonyana bangivumele ngirathe khona bengiyokufika kwaJuda. Godu kube nencwadi eya ku-Asafa umqapheli wehlathi lekosi kobana anginikele iingodo ukuze ngiyokwenza amabhaluga wesango lesiphephelo sethempeli nomthangala wedorobho kanye nelendlu engizakuhlala kiyo.” Mbala, ikosi yangipha engakubawako ngombana isandla esihle sakaZimami besiphezu kwami. Kwathi lokha nangifika ebabusini besifunda sangetjingalanga yomlambo iYufrathe, ngabanikela iincwadi zekosezo. Bengiphekelelwe ziinduna zepi nabakhweli beenjomani. Labo-ke bebatjhaphululwe yikosi kobana bakhambe nami. Kodwana kwathi bonyana uSanibhalathi umRhoroni noThobiya isikhulu ebesimu-Amoni bezwe lokho, baguguneka khulu ngokwazi bona kunomuntu ozileko ukuzokufuna isizo mayelana nama-Israyeli. Nje-ke ngafika eJerusalema. Emva kwamalanga amathathu ngilapho, mina namadoda ambalwa savuka ebusuku. Azange ngitjele noyedwa bonyana uZimami ubekeni ehliziywenami ekufuze ngiyenzele iJerusalema. Begodu bekungekho esinye isilwana hlanu kwami ngaphandle kwaleso ebegade ngisikhwelile. Ngaphuma ngobusukobo ngesango umRhoba ngadlula emthonjeni iPungutjha, ngaphundlukela esangweni iZala bonyana ngihlole imithangala yeJerusalema ebegade igirizelwe phasi kanye namasango wakhona egade abhujiswe ngomlilo. Ngasuka lapho ngaya esangweni umThombo nechibini lamaKhosi. Kodwana bekunganandawo yokudlula kwesilwana ebegade ngisikhwelile, ngalokho ngenyuka ngomrhoba iKidroni ngahlola umthangala ebusukokho. Ngajika ngabuyela emuva ngesango umRhoba; ngabuyela njalo-ke edorobheni. Nokho iinkhulu bezingazi bonyana khengaphuma nokobana bengiyokwenzani lapho ngombana kuze kube sikhatheso bengingakatjeli amaJuda, abaphristi, abosaziwako, iinkhulu kanye nabo boke ebe kufuze benze umsebenzi. Nje-ke ngabatjela ngathi: “Nani niyazibonela bonyana inyakanyaka esikiyo ingangani, yokobona iJerusalema limarubhi namasangwalo atjhisiwe. Yeke yizani sakheni umthangala weJerusalema ukuze singasabonakali sisehlazweni.” Ngabatjela bonyana isandla esihle sakaZimami siphezu kwami. Godu ngabatjela namezwi ikosi u-Aritarhitjhasta eyawakhuluma kimi. Bona bathi kimi: “Asisikimeni sakheni!” Nje-ke baqinisa izandla emsebenzinabo omuhle lowo. Kodwana kwathi bonyana uSanibhalathi umRhoroni noThobiya isikhulu ebesimu-Amoni noGetjhemu umArabhu bezwe ngendaba leyo, basiphoqa bebasinyefula bathi: “Njekhona yintobani eniyenzako le? Senihlubuka ikosi Aritarhitjhasta na?” Ngabaphendula ngathi: “UZimu wezulwini uzosenza siphumelele, nje-ke thina nceku zakhe sizokusikima sakhe. Kodwana nakungini aninaso isabelo nelungelo namkha ubuhlobo neJerusalema.” U-Eliyatjhibu umphristi omkhulu nabafowabo ababaphristi basungula ukwakha isango iMvu. Ngibo abalihlukanisela kuZimu bebajamisa iminyangwalo. Godu bahlukanisela nomthangala bekwaba sepundwini iKhulu ukuyokubetha epundwini iRhananiyeli. Eduze kwaka-Eliyatjhibu bekwakha amadoda weJerikho. Hlanu kwawo bekwakha uZakuri umsa ka-Imri. Amadodana kaHasenaya akha isango iHlambi. Aqaba amabhaluga, afaka iminyango kanye nemikhonywana neenqabo zakhona. Hlanu kwabo bekuvuselela aboMeremothi umsa ka-Uriya omsa kaHakhotsi. Hlanu kwabo kube boMetjhulamu umsa kaBherekiya omsa kaMetjhezabiyeli. Hlanu kwabo kube boTsadokhi umsa kaBhana. Hlanu kwabo kube maTekhowa. Kodwana abosaziwako bawo azange bafake isandla emsebenzini weKosawo uZimu. UJoyada umsa kaPhaseyarhi noMetjhulamu umsa kaBhesodiya bavuselela isango iJetjhana. Baqaba amabhaluga bafaka neminyango kanye nemikhonywana neenqabo zakhona. Hlanu kwabo bekuvuselela uMelathiya umGibiyoni noJadoni umMeronothi. Bona basekelwa madoda weGibiyoni neMitsipha lapho gade kunzinze khona umbusi wesifunda sangetjingalanga yomlambo iYufrathe. Hlanu kwabo bekuvuselela abo-Uziyeli umsa kaRharihaya. Bona gade babakhandi begolide. Hlanu kwabo bekuvuselela aboRhananiya. Bona gade bababenzi bamakha. Bebalungisa iJerusalema bekwaba semthangaleni uBanzi. Hlanu kwabo bekuvuselela aboRefaya umsa kaRhuri ombusi wengcenye yomkhawulo weJerusalema. Hlanu kwabo uJedaya umsa kaRharumafa wavuselela umthangala eduze nendlwakhe. Hlanu kwakhe bekuvuselela uRhathutjhi umsa kaRhatjhabineya. UMalikiya umsa kaRharimu noRhatjhubi umsa kaPharhathi-Mowabi bavuselela isigaba esilandelako kanye nepundu iin-Ondo. Hlanu kwakhe bekuvuselela uTjhalumu umsa kaHalorhetjhi ombusi wengcenye enye yomkhawulo weJerusalema anamadodakazakhe. Isango umRhoba lavuselelwa nguRhanuni nabahlali beZenowarhi. Balakha bebalifaka iminyango kanye nemikhonywana neenqabo zakhona. Babuye bavuselela namamitha amakhulu amane namatjhumi amahlanu womthangala ukufika esangweni iZala. UMalikhiya umsa kaRekabi, ombusi womkhawulo weBhethe-Hakeremu, wavuselela isango iZala. Walakha bewafaka iminyango kanye nemikhonywana neenqabo zakhona. UTjhaluni umsa kaKolirhoze, ombusi womkhawulo weMitsipha, wavuselela isango umThombo. Walakha walifulela bewalifaka iminyango kanye nemikhonywana neenqabo zakhona. Godu wavuselela nomthangala osuka echibini elinomsele osezela isivande sesigodlo ukuyokutjhayisa emqaqadweni owehlela enzasi ukusuka eMzini kaDavida. Emva kwakhe kwalandela uNerhemiya umsa ka-Azibukhi ombusi wengcenye yomkhawulo weBhethe-Tsuri. Yena wavuselela njalo ukudlula emazindleni kaDavida ukuyokutjhayisa echibini lokuzenzela nendlini yeengorho. Emva kwakhe kwavuselela amaLevi, okutjho uRerhumu umsa kaBhani. Hlanu kwakhe kwavuselela uRhatjhabiya ombusi wengcenye yomkhawulo weKheyila. Yena bekajamele umkhawulwakhe. Emva kwakhe kwavuselela abafowabo okuboBhavayi umsa kaRhenadadi ombusi wengcenye enye yomkhawulo weKheyila. Hlanu kwakhe kwavuselela u-Ezeri umsa kaJetjhuwa ombusi weMitsipha. Godu wavuselela esinye isigaba esisemenyukelweni malungana nendlu yeenkhali nesiKghudlhu. Emva kwakhe uBharuku umsa kaZabhayi wavuselela ngetjiseko esinye isigaba esisuka esiKghudlhwini ukufika ebungenweni bendlu ka-Eliyatjhibu umphristi omkhulu. Emva kwakhe uMeremothi umsa ka-Uriya omsa kaHakhotsi wavuselela esinye isigaba ukusuka ebungenweni bendlu ka-Eliyatjhibu ukuya lapho igcina khona. Emva kwakhe kwavuselela abaphristi bendawo leyo. Emva kwabo kwavuselela uBhenjamini noRhatjhubu. Bona bavuselela malungana nezindlu zabo. Emva kwabo kwavuselela u-Azariya umsa kaMaseya omsa ka-Ananiya. Yena wavuselela eqadi kwendlwakhe. Emva kwakhe uBhinuyi umsa kaRhenadadi wavuselela esinye isigaba somthangala ukusuka endlini ka-Azariya ukuya esiKghudlhwini neJikeni. UPalali umsa ka-Uzayi wavuselela malungana nesiKghudlhu nepundwini eyengamele isigodlo esingehla sekosi, esirhodlweni sabalindisigodlo. Emva kwakhe uPhedaya umsa kaPharotjhi kanye neensebenzi zethempeli ezihlala e-Ofeli bavuselela isigaba esimalungana nesango uManzi ngepumalanga nepundwini eyengameleko. Emva kwazo amaTekhowa avuselela esinye isigaba esimalungana nepundu ekulu eyengamele ukufikela emthangaleni we-Ofeli. Ngehla kwesango iNjomani kwavuselela abaphristi, omunye nomunye malungana nendlwakhe. Emva kwabo kwavuselela uTsadokhi umsa ka-Imeri malungana nendlwakhe. Emva kwakhe kwavuselela uTjhemaya umsa kaTjhekaniya umlindi wesango iPumalanga. Emva kwakhe uRhananiya umsa kaTjhelemiya noRhanuni oyindodana yesithandathu kaTsalafi bavuselela esinye isigaba. Emva kwabo uMetjhulamu umsa kaBherekiya wavuselela malungana nelawu lakhe. Emva kwakhe, uMalikiya omunye wabakhandi begolide, wavuselela ukufikela endlini yeensebenzi zethempeli neyabathengisi malungana nesango iHlanganelo, nelawini eliphezulu lepundu iJika. Kwase kuthi phakathi kwelawu eliphezulu lepundu iJika nesango iMvu, kwavuselela abakhandi begolide nabarhwebi. Kwathi lokha uSanibhalathi nakezwa bonyana sakha umthangala, wanyenya. Waphatheka kumbi khulu bewanyefula amaJuda phambi kwabantu bekhabo naphambi kwebutho leSamariya wathi: “Yintobani eyenziwa mitheretherana yamaJuda le? Adlumbana bonyana ikhona into angayilungisa bese enza umhlabelo na? Adlumbana bonyana angaqeda masinyana na? Njekhona angakghona ukubuya asebenzise amatje asequqwini yamawunguwungu etjhiswe mlilo leyo?” UThobiya umAmoni ogade amsekela wathi: “Iye, akuvuselelakokho, ngitjho nophagana nange angaqaqada phezu kwakho, angawugiriza umthangadlana wakhona wamatje lowo!” Ngathandaza ngathi: “Awu, Zimu! Akhusulalele ngombana siyanyefulwa. Phendulela ihlambabo le bonyana iwele phezu kweenhloko zabo, ubanikele babe yipango enarheni abathunjelwa kiyo. Ungakhe ungasibekela icala labo begodu ungavumeli bona izono zabo zisuleke emehlwenabo ngombana bathuke abakhi.” Nje-ke saragela phambili ngokwakha umthangala, ukuphakama kwawo bekwaba kuphakathi nendawo ngombana abantu bebanehliziyo yokusebenza. Kodwana kwathi lokha uSanibhalathi noThobiya kanye nama-Arabhu, ama-Amoni nabantu be-Atjhidodi nabezwa bonyana ukuvuselelwa komthangala eJerusalema kuragela phambili nokobana iinkhala besele zithome ukuvaleka, banyenya khulu. Nje-ke bakha isicathana sokobana kufuze beze bazokulwa neJerusalema bebabange ihlangahlangano kilo. Sathandaza uZimethu, sabeka abalindi ubusuku nemini bonyana bayelele ukuza kwabo. Abantu bakwaJuda bathi: “Amandla wabathwalako selayaphela, khisibe kusese neququ enengi; nje-ke asisakwazi ukuragela phambili nokwakha umthangala.” Ngahlanye izitha zethu zathi: “Bazokuthi bangakatjheji namkha bangaboni litho, sizobe sesiphakathi kwabo, sibabulale, sijamise umsebenzi.” Khonapho amaJuda ahlala hlanu kwezitha zethu eza kithi asitjela indlebe ukuzwa athi: “Buyelani kithi.” Nje-ke kwathi eenkhaleni lapha umthangala usese phasi khona, ngabeka abantu ngemuva kwawo ukuya ngemindenabo, baphethe iinsabula, imikhonto nemisubi. Kwathi sele ngihlole koke, ngasikima ngakhuluma nabosaziwako, iinkhulu kanye nabantu boke ngathi: “Ningabi nevalo ngabantwabo. Khumbulani uSomnini onamandla nowesabekako. Nje-ke lwelani abafowenu, amadodanenu, amadodakazenu, abomkenu kanye nemizenu.” Kuthe lokha izitha zethu nazizwa bonyana sele sazi ngesicathana sazo nokobana uZimu utjhiphirize ilisu lazo, zanyefa. Thina-ke sabuyela soke emthangaleni, omunye nomunye emsebenzinakhe. Kusukela mhlokho ingcenye yabantu bami yaraga umsebenzi, enye ingcenye yahloma ngeensabula, ngeemviko, imisubi nezambatho zepi. Abarholi bazihlela bonyana bajame ngemuva kwamaJuda, agade asakha umthangala. Labo ebebathwala ipahla yokwakha bebasebenza ngesandla sinye kuthi esinye siphathe isikhali. Omunye nomunye wabakhako gade ahlome isabulakhe edinini khisibe ngapha uyakha. Kodwana umbethi wepalapala gade ahlanu kwami. Ngakhuluma kibosaziwako neenkhulwini kanye nebantwini boke ngathi: “Umsebenzi mkhulu unabile, manje simaqalanga begodu sikude komunye nomunye emthangalenapha. Nje-ke kuphi nakuphi lapha nizwa khona ukulila kwepalapala, hlanganani nathi lapho. UZimethu uzasilwela.” Sangenelela khulu ekusebenzeni, ingcenye yamadoda ihlome iinsabula kusukela nakusako bekube ngamarhwaqela. Godu ngesikhatheso ngakhuluma nabantu ngathi: “Akuthi woke umuntu nesisebenzi sakhe bahlale ngeJerusalema ebusuku ukuze basisize babe balindi ebusuku kuthi emini babe ziinsebenzi.” Sengitjho mina, abafowethu, iinsebenzi zami namkha amadoda abalindi agade abalandeli bami, akakho noyedwa wethu owahlubula izambatho zakhe. Kwaba ngiloyo naloyo waziphathela isikhali esandleni sakhe. Kwasuka elikhulu itjhada labantu, khulukhulu abafazi, banghonghoyila ngabafowabo abamaJuda. Bekukhona ebebathe: “Thina namadodanethu kanye namadodakazethu sibanengi. Yeke ukuze sidle siphile, kufuze sifunyane ikoroyi.” Kwabakhona abathi: “Ngesikhathi sesomiso, thina sathatha amasimethu, iindiribe zethu namakhayethu senza iimbambiso ukuze sifunyane ikoroyi.” Kwabakhona godu abathi: “Thina siboleke imali ngamasimethu nangeendiribe zethu kobana sikhokhele umthelo wekosi. Nje-ke akunanto esingayenza ngombana amasimethu neendiribe zethu kusezandleni zabanye abantu. Ngalokho sikatelelekile bonyana senze amadodanethu namadodakazethu kobana abe makhoboka nanyana sinyamanye nabafowethu nabantwabethu banjengabantwababo nje.” Nganyenya khulu lokha nangizwa isililo sabo namezwabo. Ngazindla ngendaba leyo, ngakhupha umyalo kibosaziwako neenkhulwini, ngathi kibo: “Nina nibiza inzalo enengi kubafowenu.” Ngalokho ngabiza umhlangano omkhulu, ngakhuluma nabo ngathi: “Thina-ke ngendlela ebesingakghona ngayo, sibuyise abafowethu ababaJuda ebegade bathengiswe ezizweni. Kodwana nina nithengisa abafowenu esele kufanele sibahlenge godu.” Bona bebaseze bathulile banganalizwi abangalikhuluma. Nje-ke ngathi kibo: “Into eniyenzako le ayikalungi. Kanti bekungakafaneli bonyana nikhambe ngokumesaba uZimethu ukuze nikhandele ukuhlanjalazwa zizizwe ezizitha zethu na? Nami nabafowethu kanye neensebenzi zami sisababoleka imali nekoroyi. Yeke-ke, asisuleni isikolodo sabo. Babuyiseleni khona namhlanje amasimabo, iindiribe zabo, imithabo ye-oliva nezindlu zabo; nisule nenzalo yemali enibaboleke yona kobana bathenge ikoroyi, iwayini namafutha we-oliva.” Nje-ke bona bathi: “Iye, sizozibuyisela izintwezo begodu akukho okhunye esizobabiza khona. Sizokwenza njengombana usitjho.” Ngalokho ngabiza abaphristi, ngenza bonyana abosaziwako neenkhulu bafunge bonyana bazakwenza njengombana bathembisile. Ngathintitha neenkhwama zesambatho sami ngathi: “Ngendlela efanako, indoda engaphethi isithembiswesi, uZimu uzayithintitha endlinayo nepahlenayo. Iye, ngokunjalo-ke izakulahlekelwa ngikho koke, ibe dududu.” Nje-ke ihlangano yoke yathi: “Amen!” Yadumisa uSomnini. Abantu benza njengombana bathembisile. Iminyaka elitjhumi nambili yoke, okutjho emnyakeni wamatjhumi amabili ukuya ematjhumini amathathu nambili wekosi u-Aritarhitjhasta, lokha nagade ngisese mbusi enarheni yamaJuda, kungaba ngimi namkha abafowethu, akakho okhe wadla isabelo sombusi. Ababusi ebebangaphambi kwami babeka imithwalo enzima phezu kwabantu, bebabathathela ukudla newayini sekungasabalwa isiquntu sekhilogremu yesiliva. Ngitjho neensebenzi zabo bezibeyisa abantu. Kodwana mina azange ngenze njalo ngombana bengesaba uZimu. Kunalokho nganamathela emsebenzini womthangala lo, azange ngifune ukuzuza inarha. Iinsebenzi zami nazo bezihlangene lapho bonyana kusetjenzwe. Ngaphezu kwalokho bekunamadoda alikhulu namatjhumi amahlanu okumaJuda neenkhulu agade adla nami etafuleni, sekungasabalwa labo ebegade baphuma ezizweni ezisizombileko. Nje-ke ukudla egade sikulungiselela ilanga nelanga bekuba yikomo yinye nezimvu zekhethelo ezisithandathu. Godu gade ngilungiselelwa ifuyo enjengeenkukhu bese kuthi njalo elangeni letjhumi ngiyale bona kulethwe imihlobohlobo yewayini elinengi. Nanyana kunjalo azange ngibize isabelo sombusi ngombana umsebenzi ebebawenza bewumanzima emahlombe wabantwaba. Zimami, ngikhumbule ngakho koke engikwenze ngenca yabantwaba. Kwabikwa kuSanibhalathi, uThobiya noGetjhemu umArabhu nakizo zoke izitha zethu bonyana ngivuselele umthangala nokobana akunasikhala esiseleko kiwo, nanyana bekube sikhatheso bengingakabi ukufaka iimvalo emasangweni. Ngalokho uSanibhalathi noGetjhemu bangithumelela umlayezo othi: “Yewize khesihlangane eKefirimu engemrhuleni we-Ono.” Kodwana bebacuphe ukungenzakalisa. Mina-ke ngathumela iinthunywa kibo ngathi: “Umsebenzi engiwenzako lapha mkhulu, yeke angekhe ngiphumelele ukuza lapho. Ibekhona kubayini kufuze ngijamise umsebenzi, ngiwusukele batjho ngehlela kinapho na?” Bangithumelela imilayezo leyo kwaze kwaba kane, nami ngabaphendula ngendlela eyodwa. Ngendlela efanako uSanibhalathi wathumela kimi ngokwesihlanu isithunywa sakhe siphethe incwadi engakavalwa esandleni saso, itlolwe ngokuthi: “Kubikiwe phakathi kwezizwe noGetjhemu ukuqinisekisile lokho bonyana amaJuda afuna ukuhlubuka. Kungakho nje wakhe umthangala lowo. Ngokuya ngombiko lowo, uzimisele ukuzenza ikosi wena kungebangelo uzijamisele abaphrofidi bonyana baphorofide ngawe eJerusalema bathi, ‘Kunekosi kwaJuda!’ Kuzokubikelwa ikosi u-Aritarhitjhasta ngamezwi lawo! Nje-ke, yiza khona nje, sizokuhlanganisa iinhloko ngendaba le.” Ngamthumelela ilizwi ngathi: “Into oyikhulumako leyo ayisinjengombana usitjho, kodwana uyazibhudangela.” Boke bebafuna ukusethusela nje kwaphela, badlumbana bona izandla zethu zizakwehla ekusebenzeni, ngalokho isakhiwo singarageli phambili. Kodwana lokho kwaziqinisa khulu izandla zami emsebenzini. Kwathi lokha nangiya ngendlini kaTjhemaya umsa kaDelaya omsa kaMehethabiyeli ogade avalelwe lapho, wathi: “Kufuze sihlangane endlini kaZimu ngaphakathi kwethempeli. Kufanele sivale iminyango yalo! Bayeza bonyana bakubulale! Iye, bazokuza ngobusukobu kobana bakubulale.” Kodwana ngamphendula ngathi: “Indoda enjengami nje kufuze ibaleke na? Yindoda enjani enjengami ekufuze ingene ngethempelini ukuze izisindise? Ngithi angizukungena.” Bengizwisisa bonyana ngambala umuntu lo akakathunywa nguZimu, kodwana isiphorofido sakhe besijamelene nami ngombana gade aqatjhwe nguThobiya noSanibhalathi. Ibanga aqatjhelwe lona kukobana azongisabisa ukuze ngenze ngendlela akhulume ngayo bengone. Ngokunjalo bazakwazi ukungipha ibizo elimbi ukuze bangihlambalaze. Yeke Zimami, khumbula uThobiya noSanibhalathi mayelana nezinto abazenzilekwezi, nomphorofidikazi uNowadiya kanye nabaphorofidi abanye abalinge ukungenza ngesabe. Kwathi ngemva kwamalanga amatjhumi amahlanu namabili, mhlana inyanga ka-Elulu inamalanga amatjhumi amabili namahlanu, umthangala waphela. Lokha izitha zethu nezizwe zoke ezisizombelezileko nazizwa ngalokho, zathuthumela khulu ngathi bezalahlekelwa kuzethemba. Iye, zalemuka bonyana umsebenzi uphumelele ngebanga lesizo lakaZimethu. Emihleni leyo abosaziwako bakwaJuda bebathumela iincwadi ezinengi kuThobiya neempendulo zakaThobiya zibuyela ngokunjalo kibo. UThobiya lo, inengi lakwaJuda belinesibopho naye ngombana gade amkhwenyana kaTjhekaniya umsa ka-Ararhi, khisibe nendodanakhe uJorhanani gade athethe indodakazi kaMetjhulamu umsa kaBherekiya bona ibe mkakhe. Godu abaJudaba gade bakhulume kuhle ngemisebenzi kaThobiya loyo phambi kwami, khisibe nabo bebabike namezwami kuye. Kungalokho uThobiya bekathumele iincwadi kimi kobana angethusele. Kwathi ngemva kokobana umthangala sele uvuselelwe ngafaka iminyango. Ngabeka abalindisango, abavumi namaLevi emisebenzinabo. Godu ngabeka umfowethu uRhanani kanye noRhananiya induna yobuphephelo bona babe baqapheli beJerusalema. URhananiya loyo gade athembeke khulu begodu ayindoda edlula abanengi ngokwesaba uZimu. Ngathi kibo: “Amasango weJerusalema akangavulwa bekube kulokha ilanga lithoma ukutjhisa. Begodu abalindisango abavale iminyango bayifake iinqabo ngaphambi kobana batjhayise. Nikhethe abogadi hlangana nezakhamuzi zeJerusalema, omunye nomunye umjamise ngaphambi kwendlwakhe kobana aqaphe ibhodulukwelo.” Idorobho belibanzi begodu lilikhulu, kodwana ngaphakathi kwalo bekunedlanzana labantu begodu nezindlu bezingakabi ukwakhiwa. Nje-ke uZimu wabeka ehliziywenami bonyana ngihlanganise abosaziwako, iinkhulu kanye nabantu kobana bazitlolise erhelweni leenzukulwana. Ngafunyana nencwadi enerhelo leenzukulwana zalabo abakhuphuka kokuthoma, ngathola kutlolwe bunje: Laba babantu besifunda abakhuphuka babuya ekuthunjweni, okutjho labo ebebathunjwe ngesikhathi sakaNebukadinetsari, ikosi yeBhabheli. Babuyela eJerusalema nakwaJuda, omunye nomunye emzinakhe. Babuya noZerubhabheli, uJetjhuwa, uNerhemiya, u-Azariya, uRamiya, uNarhamani, uMoridekayi, uBhilitjhani, uMisipherethi, uBhigivayi, uNerhumu noBhana. Isibalo samadoda ebekungewakwa-Israyeli ngilesi: Iinzukulwana zakaParotjhi beziziinkulungwana ezimbili nekhulu namatjhumi alikhomba nambili, zakaTjhefathiya zimakhulu amathathu namatjhumi alikhomba nambili, zaka-Ararhi zimakhulu asithandathu namatjhumi amahlanu nambili, zakaParhathi-Mowabi, okutjho amadodana kaJetjhuwa newakaJowabi, ziziinkulungwana ezimbili namakhulu abunane netjhumi nabunane, zaka-Elamu ziyikulungwana namakhulu amabili namatjhumi amahlanu nane, zakaZatu zimakhulu abunane namatjhumi amane nahlanu, zakaZakayi zimakhulu alikhomba namatjhumi asithandathu, zakaBhinuyi zimakhulu asithandathu namatjhumi amane nabunane, zakaBhebayi zimakhulu asithandathu namatjhumi amabili nabunane, zaka-Azigadi ziziinkulungwana ezimbili namakhulu amathathu namatjhumi amabili nambili, zaka-Adonikhamu zimakhulu asithandathu namatjhumi asithandathu nalikhomba, zakaBhigivayi ziziinkulungwana ezimbili namatjhumi asithandathu nalikhomba, zaka-Adini zimakhulu asithandathu namatjhumi amahlanu nahlanu, zaka-Atheri okutjho uHezekhiya zimatjhumi alithoba nabunane, zakaRhatjhumu zimakhulu amathathu namatjhumi amabili nabunane, zakaBhetsayi zimakhulu amathathu namatjhumi amabili nane, zakaRharifi zilikhulu netjhumi nambili, zakaGibiyoni zimatjhumi alithoba nahlanu. Izakhamuzi zeBhethe-Lehema nezeNethofa bezilikhulu namatjhumi abunane nabunane, ze-Anatothi zilikhulu namatjhumi amabili nabunane, zeBhethe-Azimavethi zimatjhumi amane nambili, zeKhiriyathi-Jeyarimu, zeKefira nezeBherothi zimakhulu alikhomba namatjhumi amane nantathu, zeRama nezeGeba zimakhulu asithandathu namatjhumi amabili nanye, zeMikimasi zilikhulu namatjhumi amabili nambili, zeBhethe-Eli neze-Ayi zilikhulu namatjhumi amabili nantathu, zeNebo enye, zimatjhumi amahlanu nambili. Iinzukulwana zaka-Elamu omunye, beziyikulungwana namakhulu amabili namutjhumi amahlanu nane, zakaRharimu zimakhulu amathathu namatjhumi amabili. Izakhamuzi zeJerikho bezimakhulu amathathu namatjhumi amane nahlanu, zeLodi, zeRhadidi neze-Ono zimakhulu alikhomba namatjhumi amabili nanye, zeSenaya ziziinkulungwana ezintathu namakhulu alithoba namatjhumi amathathu. Isibalo sabaphristi ngilesi: Iinzukulwana zakaJedaya wendlu kaJetjhuwa bezimakhulu alithoba namatjhumi alikhomba nantathu, zaka-Imeri ziyikulungwana namatjhumi amahlanu nambili, zakaPhatjhirhuri ziyikulungwana namakhulu amabili namatjhumi amane nalikhomba, zakaRharimu ziyikulungwana netjhumi nalikhomba. Isibalo samaLevi ngilesi: Iinzukulwana zakaJetjhuwa, okutjho zakaKhadimiyeli odabuka eenzukulwaneni zakaHodeva, bezimatjhumi alikhomba nane. Isibalo sabavumi ngilesi: Iinzukulwana zaka-Asafa bezilikhulu namatjhumi amane nabunane. Isibalo sabalindisango ngilesi: Iinzukulwana zakaTjhalumu, zaka-Atheri, zakaThalimoni, zaka-Akhubu, zakaRhathitha nezakaTjhobayi bezilikhulu namatjhumi amathathu nabunane. Iinsebenzi zethempeli ngilezi: Bekuziinzukulwana zakaTsirha, zakaRhasufa nezakaThabhawothi, zakaKherosi, zakaSiya nezakaPadoni, zakaLebana, zakaRhagaba nezakaTjhalimayi, zakaRhanani, zakaGideli nezakaGarhari, zakaRaya, zakaRetsini nezakaNekhoda, zakaGazamu, zaka-Uza nezakaPaseyarha, zakaBesayi, zakaMewunimu nezakaNefutjhesimu, zakaBakhibukhi, zakaRhakhufa nezakaRharirhuri, zakaBhatsilithi, zakaMerhida nezakaRharitjha, zakaBarikhosi, zakaSisera nezakaTemarhi, zakaNetsiyarha nezakaRhathifa. Iinzukulwana zeenceku zakaSolomoni ngilezi: Bekuziinzukulwana zakaSothayi, zakaSoferethi nezakaPerida, zakaJala, zakaDarikhoni nezakaGideli, zakaTjhefathiya, zakaRhathili, zakaPhokerethi-Hatsebayimu nezaka-Amoni. Sezizoke iinceku zethempeli kanye neenzukulwana zeensebenzi zakaSolomoni bezimakhulu amathathu namatjhumi alithoba nambili. Abalandelakwaba ngilabo ebegade baphuma eTeli-Melarhi, eTeli-Rharitjha, eKerubu, e-Adoni ne-Imeri. Kodwana azange bakwazi ukuzihlathulula bonyana badabukaphi ngokwekoro nokobana kungabe basizukulwana sakwa-Israyeli na. Bona-ke bebamakhulu asithandathu namatjhumi amane nambili, baziinzukulwana zakaDelaya, zakaThobiya nezakaNekhoda. Godu bekunjalo ngabaphristi bemindeni kaRhobaya, kaHakhotsi neyakaBharzilayi. (Umndeni kaBharzilayi bewubizwa ngebizweli ngombana ukhokhwabo gade athethe umfazi emadodakazini wakwaBharzilayi, umGiliyadi.) Abaphristabo baphenya ukutloliswa kwabo erhelweni leenzukulwana ebegade sele zitlolisiwe, kodwana azange bafunyanwe lapho. Nje-ke bakhutjhwa ebuphristini njengabangakahlambuluki. Umbusi wesikhatheso wabatjela bonyana akukameli bahlanganyele ekudleni kweminikelo ecwenge khulu ukufikela lapha kuzakuba nomphristi omkhulu owenza iqunto nge-urimi nethumimi. Sele bahlangene baboke bebaziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amane nambili namakhulu amathathu namatjhumi asithandathu. Ngaphezu kwalabo bekunalaba: Amakhoboka namakhobokakazi aziinkulungwana ezilikhomba namakhulu amathathu namatjhumi amathathu nalikhomba, abavumi abaduna nabasikazi bamakhulu amabili namatjhumi amane nahlanu. Iinjomani zona bezimakhulu alikhomba namatjhumi amathathu nasithandathu, iimeyila zimakhulu amabili namatjhumi amane nahlanu, amakamela amakhulu amane namatjhumi amathathu nahlanu, abodumbana baziinkulungwana ezisithandathu namakhulu alikhomba namatjhumi amabili. Abanye beenhloko zemindeni yaboyise bafaka isandla ngokunikela emsebenzini wethempeli. Umbusi wanikela esikhwameneso igolide elimakhilogremu abunane nesiquntu, izitja zokunyenyeza ezimatjhumi amahlanu nezambatho zabaphristi ezimakhulu amahlanu namatjhumi amathathu. Ezinye iinhloko zemindeni yaboyise zanikela esikhwameni somsebenzi wethempeli ngegolide elimakhilogremu alikhulu namatjhumi alikhomba nesiliva elimakhilogremu ayikulungwana namakhulu amabili. Ihlangano yona yafaka isandla ngegolide elimakhilogremu alikhulu namatjhumi alikhomba, isiliva elimakhilogremu ayikulungwana nekhulu kanye nezambatho zabaphristi ezimatjhumi asithandathu nalikhomba. Yeke abaphristi, amaLevi, abalindisango, abavumi, inengi labantu, iinsebenzi zethempeli nama-Israyeli woke gade bahlezi ngemizinabo. Kwathi lokha nakufika inyanga yekhomba, abantu bakwa-Israyeli yabe sele bahlezi emzinabo, bahlangana boke njengomuntu oyedwa etatawini elingaphambi kwesango uManzi. Babawa u-Ezra omtloli bonyana alethe incwadi yomthetho kaMosi egade inikelwe nguSomnini kuma-Israyeli. Nje-ke u-Ezra umphristi waletha umthetho lowo phambi kwehlangano ngelanga lokuthoma lenyanga yekhomba. Bekuyihlangano yamadoda nabafazi kanye nabo boke abazwisisa umthetho. Wafunda umthetho lowo kusukela ekuseni bekwaba semini aphambi kwamadoda nabafazi kanye nalabo abazwisisako. Gade aqalene netatawu ngaphambili kwesango uManzi. Boke abantu bebabeke indlebe emthethweni lowo. U-Ezra omtloli gade ajame esithaleni seengodo ebesakhelwe umsebenzi lowo. Eqadi kwakhe ngesidleni bekujame uMatitiya, uTjhema, u-Anaya, u-Uriya, uRhilikhiya noMaseya; ngesinceleni kujame uPedaya, uMitjhayeli, uMalikiya, uRhatjhumu, uRhatjhibhadana, uZakariya noMetjhulamu. U-Ezra wavula incwadi aqalwe babantu boke ngombana gade ajame endaweni ephakamileko. Kwathi nakayivulako, abantu basikima boke. Lokha u-Ezra nakadumisa uSomnini uZimu omkhulu, abantu baphendula bathi: “Amen! Amen!” Baphakamisa izandla, baguqa bahloma iinhloko phasi phambi kwakaSomnini. Kwathi abantu basajame eendaweni zabo njalo, amaLevi ahlathululela abantu umthetho. Wona bekunguJetjhuwa, uBhani, uTjherebiya, uJamini, u-Akhubu, uTjhabatayi, uHodiya, uMaseya, uKhelitha, u-Azariya, uJozabadi, uRhanani noPelaya. Afunda encwadini yomthetho kaZimu abe ahlathulula ukuze abantu bazwisise umthetho ofundiweko. Kwathi lokha uNerhemiya ogade ambusi no-Ezra omphristi nomtloli kanye namaLevi nabafundisa abantu, bathi kibo boke: “Ilangeli licwengile kuSomnini uZimenu, yeke ningadabuki namkha nilile ngalo.” Batjho lokho ngombana abantu balila lokha nabezwa amezwi womthetho. UNerhemiya wathi kibo: “Khambani nifese nibethe esimonyongwana, nithumele isabelo konganalitho. Iye, ilangeli licwengile kuSomnini, ngalokho ningaphatheki kumbi ngombana ukwenama enikuphiwa nguSomnini kumamandlenu.” Godu namaLevi athulisa boke abantu athi: “Thulani ngombana ilangeli licwengile, ningaphatheki kumbi.” Mbala, abantu bakhamba kobana bayokudla, basele bebathumele isabelo konganalitho. Godu bebasase khulu ngombana bebazwisise amezwi amenyezelwe kibo. Kwathi ngelanga lesibili abaphristi namaLevi kanye neenhloko zemindeni yoke, beza babuthana ku-Ezra omtloli kobana bazokutlhadlhuluka kuhle ngeemiso zakaSomnini. Bafunyana iimiswezo zitlolwe emthethweni uSomnini agade ayale ngazo ngoMosi kobana ama-Israyeli kufuze ahlale emitlhatlhaneni nakusikhathi somnyanya wenyanga yekhomba, nokobana kumele azwakalise abe amemezele kiwo woke amadorobhawo neJerusalema athi: “Phumani, niye entatjaneni nifese nilethe amatjhwaba we-oliva, we-oliva yommango, wemithi yemiritlili, wesundu kanye naweminye imithi yamakari ukuze nizokwakha imitlhatlhana njengombana kutloliwe.” Nje-ke abantu baphuma beza namatjhwaba kobana bazozakhela imitlhatlhana. Omunye nomunye wazakhela umtlhatlhana ephahleni lendlwakhe namkha ecabazini lakhe, nanyana esirhodlweni sethempeli lakaZimu namkha etatawini lesango uManzi netatawini lesango u-Efrayimu. Yoke ihlangano yalabo ababuya ekuthunjweni yakha imitlhatlhana yahlala kiyo ngombana kusukela emihleni kaJotjhuwa umsa kaNuni, ama-Israyeli bekangazange enze njalo. Ngalokho kwaba khona ukwenama okukhulu. Imihla ngemihla ukusukela elangeni lokuthoma bekube kelokugcina, uNerhemiya wafunda encwadini yomthetho kaZimu. Bagidinga umnyanya amalanga alikhomba. Kwathi ngelanga lobunane kwaba khona umgidi omkhulu ukuya ngomyalo. Kwathi ngelanga lamatjhumi amabili nane lenyanga leyo, ama-Israyeli ahlangana ndawonye azila ukudla ambethe iinzilo azithele nangomlotha eenhloko. Ama-Israyeli wokubelethwa azihlukanisa nazo zoke iinzukulwana zabezizwe. Asikima avuma izono zawo nobukhohlakali baboyise. Nje-ke ajama lapho afunda encwadini yomthetho kaSomnini uZimawo isikhathi esingaba siquntwana selanga. Kwathi esinye isiquntwana sakhona senza isivumo sezono ngokukhothamela uSomnini uZimawo. Endaweni ephakamileko yamaLevi gade kujame uJetjhuwa, uBhani, uKhadimiyeli, uTjhebaniya, uBhuni, uTjherebiya, uBhani noKenani. Bona gade bathandaza amezwabo bawaphakamisele kuSomnini uZimabo. Nje-ke amaLevi ekuboJetjhuwa, uKhadimiyeli, uBhani, uRhatjhabineya, uTjherebiya, uHodiya, uTjhebaniya noPhatarhiya bathi: “Sikimani nidumise uSomnini uZimenu nini nanini ngokuthi, Alidunyiswe ibizo lakho eliphazimulako; iye, ibizo eliphakanyiswa ngaphezu kwedumo neembongo zoke. Wena wedwa unguSomnini. Nguwe owenze izulu, iye, izulu lamazulu kanye nazo zoke iinkhanyisi zalo. Wenze iphasi nakho koke okukilo, amalwandle kanye nakho koke okukiwo. Nguwe ophilisa koke lokho, kanti-ke neendalwa zezulu zikhothamela wena. Iye, unguSomnini, unguZimu owakhetha u-Abramu bewamkhupha enarheni ye-Uri lamaKasidi, wamthiya ibizo bona ngu-Abrahamu. Nguwe owafunyana bonyana ihliziywakhe yethembekile kuwe, wenza isivumelwano naye kobana unikele isizukulwana sakhe inarha yamaKanana, yamaRhithi, yama-Amori, yamaPherizi, yamaJebusi namaGirigatjhi. Nje-ke usiphethile isithembiso sakho ngombana wena uneqiniso. “Begodu wena wabona ukuhlupheka kwabobaba eGibhide, wezwa nesililo sabo elwandle lomGaba, wenza iimbonakaliso nemikarisomraro kuFaro neencekwini zakhe zoke kanye nebantwini boke benarha yakhona ngombana wena bewazi bonyana bazitjhaya kangangani phezu kwabobabethu. Ngalokho wazenzela ibizo bekube kunamhlanje. Wadabula phakathi ilwandle phambi kwabo kobana bayame ehlabathini eyomileko. Wabuye waphosela nabalandeli babo ekuzikeni kwelwandle, njengelitje naligqumukela ngemanzini anamandla. Wabarhola ngesika yelifu emini, kwathi ebusuku wabarhola ngesika yomlilo ukuze ubakhanyisele indlela ebegade bazoyikhamba. Wehlela entabeni yeSinayi, wakhuluma nabo usezulwini wabanikela iimiso ezilungileko nemithetho yeqiniso, iiyeleliso nemiyalo emihle. Wabazisa iSabatha lakho elicwengileko, wabayala ngemiyalo, ngeemiso nangomthetho ngencekwakho uMosi. Wabapha isikwa esivela ezulwini ngebanga lokulamba kwabo, wabavezela amanzi edwaleni ngokoma kwabo bewabatjela bonyana bangene bebathumbe inarha owafunga ukubanikela yona. “Kodwana bona kanye nabobaba bazitjhaya bebakhunyalalisa iintamo begodu azange balalele imiyalwakho. Bala ukulalela begodu azange basakhumbula neemangaliso wena Somnini owazenza phakathi kwabo. Kunalokho bakhunyalalisa iintamo bebazikhethela umrholi bonyana babuyele emuva eenkhungweni zeGibhide. Ngenca yokobana wena unguZimu olungele ukuthethelela, onomusa nesirhawu, obuthaka ekusilingekeni nonokwethembeka okukhulu, azange ubatjhiye. Nanyana sebazibumbele ikonyana bebathi linguZimu wama-Israyeli owawenyula enarheni yeGibhide, okwaba yindlela abahlambalaza ngayo uSomnini, wena Zimu ngomusakho omkhulu azange ubatjhiye erhalawumbeni. Isika yelifu beyisabarhola emini azange isuke kibo, ngokunjalo nesika yomlilo beyisakhamba phambi kwabo ebusuku kobana ibakhanyisele endleleni ebekufuze bayikhambe. Wabapha uMoyakho omuhle kobana ababonise begodu wangagodla imanakho kobana badle. Wabuye wabapha namanzi kobana basuse umrhawu. Wabalondoloza erhalawumbeni iminyaka ematjhumi amane, bangasweli litho. Izambatho zabo azange zirhaluke neenyawo zabo azange zivuvuke. Wabapha imibuso nezizwe, wenza woke amajika wenarha aba lilifa labo. Iye, bathumba ngitjho nenarha kaSirhoni ikosi yeRhetjhibhoni kanye nenarha ka-Ogi ikosi yeBhatjhani. Njengombana wakhuluma naboyisemkhulu, wandisa iinzukulwana zabo zaba njengeenkwekwezi zesibhakabhaka. Godu wabangenisa enarheni kobana ibe lilifa labo. Ngalokho iinzukulwana zangena zayithumba inarha. Godu waguqisa phambi kwazo amaKanana okubabantu benarha leyo. Wanikela abantwabo namakhosabo kanye nezizwe zenarha leyo ezandleni zeenzukulwana kobana iinzukulwana zenze kibo njengokubona kwazo. Bathumba namadorobho anemithangala nenarha enothileko. Bathumba izindlu zigcwele ipahla ehle, imigodi yomphathamanzi ebegade yenjiwe, iindiribe, imithi ye-oliva neminye imithi yeenthelo ezinengi. Nje-ke badla, basutha baba ziintumutumana, benama ngokuhle kwakho okukhulu Zimu. “Nanyana kunjalo baba mahlongandlebe, bakuhlubuka, baphayela imithethwakho ngeqadi. Babulala abaphorofidi bakho egade babayelelisa kobana babuyisane nawe Zimu. Ngalokho bakuhlambalaza khulu. Yeke wabanikela ezandleni zezitha zabo, ezabenza bahlupheka. Kwathi ngesikhathi seenhlupheko zabo balila kuwe wabezwa usezulwini. Ngokuya ngomusakho omkhulu, wabapha abasindisi ababasindisako ezandleni zezitha zabo. Kodwana kwathi sele baphunyuziwe, benza okumbi godu phambi kwakho. Nalapho wabaliselela ezandleni zezitha zabo kobana izithezo zibuse phezu kwabo. Nanyana kunjalo kwathi lokha nabalila babuyela kuwe, wabezwa usezulwini, wabenyula kanengi ngezwelo lakho elikhulu. Wabayelelisa kobana babuyele emthethwenakho. Kodwana bona bazitjhaya ngokungalaleli imiyalwakho. Beqa nemithethwakho umuntu ebegade kufuze aphile ngayo. Bafulathela bakhunyalele, baqinisa iintamo zabo, azange balalele. Wababekezelela iminyaka eminengi, wabayelelisa ngoMoya nangabaphorofidi, nokho azange balalele. Ngalokho wabanikela ezandleni zabantu bezizwe. Noma kunjalo, ngomusakho omkhulu azange ubaphelise namkha ubatjhiye ngombana unguZimu onomusa nesirhawu. “Nje-ke Zimethu, wena unguZimu omkhulu, onamandla nowesabekako, ogcina isivumelwano nokwethembeka, sibawa bona boke ubudisi obasehlela, bungabonakali bulula emehlwenakho. Iye, ngitjho ubudisi obehlele phezu kwethu, amakhosethu, abarholi, abaphristi, abaphorofidi nabobaba kanye naphezu kwabantu boke kusukela esikhathini samakhosi we-Asiriya bekube kunamhlanje. Wena ube neqiniso kikho koke okusehleleko. Mbala usiphethe kuhle ngokwethembeka nanyana thina besiziphethe ngameswe. Amakhosethu, abarholi, abaphristi nabobabethu azange balonde umthethwakho namkha bayelele imiyalwakho neemfuneko zakho owabanikela zona. Babe nombuswabo owabanikela wona ngokulunga kwakho okukhulu, kodwana azange bakulotjha enarheni ebanzi nenothileko leyo owayendlala phambi kwabo. Azange baphenduke emisebenzinabo yobukhohlakali. Akhusuthi uyaqala Zimu, namhlanje simakhoboka. Iye, simakhoboka enarheni owayinikela abobabethu kobana bazanelise ngesithelo sakhona nezipho zakhona ezihle; esikhundleni salokho simakhoboka enarheni leyo. Umkhiqizo wenarha uya emakhosini owenze bona abuse phezu kwethu ngenca yesono sethu. Alawula imizimbethu godu azenzela umathanda ngefuywethu. Yeke thina sisesizini elikhulu nasinje.” Ngemva kwalokho saqunta ukuzibopha ngokutloliweko. Abarholi bethu namaLevi kanye nabaphristi bethu bazakuqinisa isibopheso ngesigibo sabo. Labo abafaka isigibo esibopheni bekungilaba: uNerhemiya umbusi omsa kaRhakaliya noTsedekhiya; uSeraya, u-Azariya, uJoromiya, uPhatjhirhuri, u-Amariya, uMalikiya, uRhathutjhi, uTjhebaniya, uMaluki, uRharimu, uMeremothi, u-Obadiya, uDanyela, uGinetoni, uBharuki, uMetjhulamu, u-Abiya, uMijamini, uMaziya, uBhiligayi noTjhemaya. Boke labo, ukusuka kuSeraya, bekubaphristi. AmaLevi bekungilawa: uJetjhuwa umsa ka-Azaniya, uBhinuyi noKhadimiyeli osizukulwana sakaRhenadadi, bebakhambisana noTjhebaniya, uHodiya, uKhelitha, uPelaya, uRhanani, uMika, uRerhobu, uRhatjhabiya, uZakuru, uTjherebiya, uTjhebaniya, uHodiya, uBhani noBheninu. Abarholi babantu bekungilaba: uParotjhi, uPharhathi-Mowabi, u-Elamu, uZatu, uBhani, uBhuni, u-Azigadi, uBebayi, u-Adoniya, uBhigivayi, u-Adina, u-Atheri, uHezekhiya, u-Azuri, uHodiya, uRhatjhumu, uBhetsayi, uRharifu, u-Anatothi, uNebhayi, uMagipiyatjhi, uMetjhulamu, uRheziri, uMetjhezabiyeli, uTsadokhi, uJaduwa, uPhelathiya, uRhanani, u-Anaya, uHosiya, uRhananiya, uRhatjhubi, uHalorhetjhi, uPilirha, uTjhobekhi, uRerhumu, uRhatjhabina, uMaseya, u-Arhiya, uRhanani, u-Anani, uMaluki, uRharimu noBhana. Inengi labantu bekhethu lazihlanganisa nabosaziwakwabo. Inengelo, abaphristi, amaLevi, abalindisango, abavumi neensebenzi zethempeli, okutjho boke abazahlukanisa nabantu benarha le ngenca yomthetho kaZimu, bazibopha ngamanikelela nangesifungo sokobana bazakukhamba emthethweni kaZimu oweza ngoMosi incekwakhe. Bazibopha bonyana kulondwe bekwenziwe yoke imiyalo, imithetho neemiso zeKosethu uSomandla. Isibopheso besifaka phakathi abafazi babo, amadodanabo, amadodakazabo ebegade asele anokuzwisisa. Lokho kutjho okulandelako: Asizukwendisela amadodakazethu ebantwini benarha le namkha sithathele amadodanethu amadodakazabo. Nangabe abantu benarha le baletha ipahla namkha iinthoro kobana basithengisele ngelanga leSabatha, angeze sathenga kibo nakuliSabatha namkha ngelanga elikhethekileko. Ngomnyaka wekhomba asizowalima amasimu begodu sizakusula woke amacala ekufuze akhokhwe. Sazethwesa umthwalo wokobana qobe mnyaka sikhokhe amagremu amane wesiliva kobana kube msebenzi wokulotjha ethempelini lakaZimethu. Lokho kumalungana nezikwa zobukhona bakaZimu, iminikelo yeenthoro nemihlabelo yokutjhiswa yemihla ngemihla, imihlabelo yamaSabatha, yeminyanya yokuthwasa kwenyanga neyeminyanya ekhethekileko. Godu kumalungana neminikelo ecwengileko kanye neminikelo yehlambululo kobana kwenzelwe u-Israyeli itethelelo. Iye, ukwenza yoke imisebenzi yethempeli lakaZimethu. Thina, okutjho abaphristi namaLevi kanye nabantu, sizokwenza ifumbe malungana nokwethulwa kweenkuni zomlilo ofanele uvuthe njalo e-aldarini lethempeli lakaSomnini uZimethu njengombana kutloliwe emthethweni. Ngalokho sizakwazi bonyana ngimuphi umndeni ofuze ulethe iinkunezo qobe mnyaka ngeenkhathi ezibekiweko. Qobe mnyaka sizakuletha ethempelini lakaSomnini imikhiqizo yokuthoma yehlabathethu nazo zoke iinthelo zokuthoma zemithi yoke. Sizakuletha ethempelini lakaZimethu amazibulo wamadodanethu newefuywethu, okutjho weenkomo, wezimvu neweembuzi njengombana kutloliwe emthethweni. Lokho sizakunikela abaphristi abasebenza ngethempelini lakaZimethu. Sizakuletha ihlamethu yokuthoma kubaphristi esilulwini sethempeli lakaZimu kanye neminikelwethu yeenthelo zemithi yoke neyewayini kanye neyamafutha we-oliva. Sizakunikela kwetjhumi kwesivuno sethu kumaLevi. AmaLevi avunyelwe ukuthatha kwetjhumi kiyo yoke imizethu lapha silima khona. Umphristi okusizukulwana saka-Aroni uzakuba namaLevi lokha amaLevi lawo nakamukela kwetjhumi. AmaLevi azakuletha eendlini zesilulu kwetjhumi kokwetjhumi okungekwethempeli lakaZimethu. Iye, eendlini zesilulwezo abantu bakwa-Israyeli namaLevi bazakuletha umnikelo weenthoro, wewayini newamafutha we-oliva. Lezo-ke zizindlu lapha kukhona izitja zendawo ecwengileko nalapha kusebenzela khona abaphristi, abalindisango nabavumi. Angeze saliselela ithempeli lakaZimethu. Ngemva kobana abarholi babantu banzinze eJerusalema, abantu benza ifumbe ngombana bekufuneka munye umndeni njalo kelitjhumi ozokuhlala eJerusalema, idorobho elicwengileko. Eminye imindeni elithoba beyizokuhlala emizaneni eminye. Bekuthi lokha umuntu nomndenakhe nabazinikela ukuhlala eJerusalema, abantu bababuke. Amabizo alandelako ngeweenhloko zemindeni ebegade ibuya esifundeni sakwaJuda kobana izokuhlala eJerusalema. Nanyana inengi lama-Israyeli, abaphristi, amaLevi, iinsebenzi zethempelini kanye neenzukulwana zeenkhulu zakaSolomoni belihlala omunye nomunye endawenakhe emizini yakwaJuda, amanye wamaJuda namaBhenjamini anzinza eJerusalema. Eenzukulwaneni zakaJuda iinhloko zemindenezo bekungilezi: u-Ataya umsa ka-Uziya omsa kaZakariya umsa ka-Amariya omsa kaTjhefathiya umsa kaMahalaliyeli, okuziinzukulwana zakaPeretsi; uMaseya umsa kaBharuki omsa kaKolirhoze umsa kaRhazaya omsa ka-Adaya umsa kaJoyaribu omsa kaZakariya umsa womTjhiloni. Zoke iinzukulwana zakaPeretsi ebezihlala eJerusalema bezimakhulu amane namatjhumi asithandathu nabunane. Lawo bekumadoda aziingorho. Eenzukulwaneni zakaBhenjamini iinhloko zemindeni bekungilezi: uSalu umsa kaMetjhulamu omsa kaJowedi umsa kaPedaya omsa kaKholaya umsa kaMaseya omsa ka-Itiyeli umsa ka-Isaya; uGabhayi noSalayi abafika ngemva kwesikhathi. Isibalo sabo besimakhulu alithoba namatjhumi amabili nabunane. Omunye bekunguJoweli umsa kaZikiri, owengamele amadoda lawo, kanye noJuda umsa kaHasenuwa ogade asisandla sakamengameli wedorobho iJerusalema. Abaphristi bekungilaba: uJedaya umsa kaJoyaribu, uJakini, uSeraya umsa kaRhilikhiya omsa kaMetjhulamu umsa kaTsadokhi omsa kaMerayothi umsa ka-Arhithubi ogade asikhulu sethempeli lakaZimu nabafowabo egade basebenza ethempelini. Isibalo sabo besimakhulu abunane namatjhumi amabili nambili. Omunye bekungu-Adaya umsa kaJerorhamu omsa kaPelalaya umsa ka-Amatsi omsa kaZakariya umsa kaPatjhirhuri omsa kaMalikiya nabafowabo okuziinhloko zemindeni. Isibalo sabo besimakhulu amabili namatjhumi amane nambili. Omunye bekungu-Amatjhisayi umsa ka-Azareli omsa ka-Arhizayi umsa kaMetjhilemothi omsa ka-Imeri nabafowabo okumadoda aziingorho. Isibalo sabo besilikhulu namatjhumi amabili nabunane. UZabidiyeli umsa kaHagedolimu gade angumengamelabo. AmaLevi bekungilawa: uTjhemaya umsa kaRhatjhubi omsa ka-Azrikamu umsa kaRhatjhabiya omsa kaBhuni; uTjhabetayi noJozabadi ebegade bangabanye babaphathi bamaLevi. Bona gade baqalene nomsebenzi ongaphandle kwethempeli lakaZimu. Omunye bekunguMataniya umsa kaMika omsa kaZabadi umsa ka-Asafa ogade amkhaleli orhola indumiso ngomthandazo. Omunye bekunguBhakhibhukhiya osisandla sakaMataniya. Omunye godu bekungu-Abida umsa kaTjhamuwa omsa kaGalali umsa kaJedutuni. Sele awoke amaLevi ngedorobheni elicwengileko, bekamakhulu amabili namatjhumi abunane nane. Abalindisango bekungilaba: u-Akhubu, uThalimoni nabafowabo. Bona bebasoloko baqaphele amasango. Isibalo sabo besilikhulu namatjhumi alikhomba nambili. Inengi lama-Israyeli, abaphristi namaLevi belisemizini eminye yakwaJuda, omunye nomunye azihlalela elifeni lakhe. Kodwana iinsebenzi zethempeli bezihlala e-Ofeli, zenganyelwe nguTsirha noGitjhipha. Umengameli wamaLevi eJerusalema bekungu-Uzi umsa kaBhani omsa kaRhatjhabiya umsa kaMataniya omsa kaMika. U-Uzi lo bekusizukulwana sabo-Asafa ebebabakhaleli ekonzweni yokulotjha uZimu ngethempelini. Imisebenzi yangemihla yabakhalelaba beyingaphasi komyalo owawujanyiswe nguDavida ikosi. UPetharhiya umsa kaMetjhezabeli weenzukulwana zakaZerarhi umsa kaJuda, gade amyelelisi wekosi yePheresiya eendabeni zoke zabantu besifunda sakwaJuda. Mayelana nemizi esemaphandleni: Abanye babantu bakwaJuda bebahlala eKhiriyathi-Araba nemizayo, eDiboni nemizayo, eJekhabitsiyeli nemizanayo. Abanye bebahlala eJetjhuwa, eMolada, eBhethe-Pelethi, eRhatsari-Tjhuwali, eBheritjheba nemizayo, eTsikhilagi, eMekona nemizayo, e-Eni-Rimoni, eTsora, eJarimuthi, eZanowarhi, e-Adulamu nemizanayo, eLakitjhi nemimangwayo, e-Azekha nemizayo. Nje-ke banzinza kusukela eBheritjheba bekwaba semrhobeni weHinomu. Abantu bakwaBhenjamini bebanzinze ukusukela eGeba ukuya eMikimasi, e-Aya, eBhethe-Eli nemizayo, e-Anatothi, eNobi, e-Ananiya, eRhatsori, eRama, eGitayimu, eRhadida, eTseboyimu, eNebhalathi, eLodi, e-Ono nemrhobeni waboSosino. Ezinye iinqhema zamaLevi kwaJuda zahlanganiswa nebakwaBhenjamini. Napa abaphristi namaLevi abuyako akhuphuka noZerubhabheli umsa kaTjheyalitiyeli kanye noJetjhuwa. Abaphristi bekungilaba: uSeraya, uJoromiya, u-Ezra, u-Amariya, uMaluki, uRhathutjhi, uTjhekaniya, uRerhumu, uMeremothi, u-Ido, uGinetoyi, u-Abiya, uMinyamini, uMadiya, uBhiliga, uTjhemaya, uJoyaribu, uJedaya, uSalu, u-Amokhi, uRhilikhiya noJedaya omunye. Labo bekubarholi babaphristi kanye nabasebenzisani babo emalangeni kaJetjhuwa. AmaLevi bekungilawa: uJetjhuwa, uBhinuyi, uKhadimiyeli, uTjherebiya, uJuda noMataniya. UMataniya nabasebenzisani bakhe gade baphethe zomvumo wokudumisa. Abasebenzisanabo, okutjho aboBhakhibhukhiya nabo-Uni gade babavumeli bomkhaleli nakulotjhwako. UJetjhuwa bekanguyise kaJoyakhimu onguyise ka-Eliyatjhibu uyise kaJoyada onguyise kaJonathani uyise kaJaduwa. Abaphristi ebegade baziinhloko zemindeni emihleni kaJoyakhimu ngilaba: emndenini kaSeraya bekunguMeraya, kewakaJoromiya kunguRhananiya, kewaka-Ezra kunguMetjhulamu, kewaka-Amariya kunguJehorhanani, kewakaMeluki kunguJonathani, kewakaTjhebaniya kunguJosefa, kewakaRharimu kungu-Adina, kewakaMerayothi kunguRhelikhayi, kewaka-Ido kunguZakariya, kewakaGinetoni kunguMetjhulamu, kewaka-Abiya kunguZikiri, kewakaMinyamini newakaMowadiya kunguPilithayi, kewakaBhiliga kunguTjhamuwa, kewakaTjhemaya kunguJehonathani, kewakaJoyaribu kunguMatenayi, kewakaJedaya kungu-Uzi, kewakaSalu kunguKhalayi, kewaka-Amokhi kungu-Ebhere, kewakaRhilikhiya kungu Rhatjhabiya, kewakaJedaya kunguNethaneli. Iinhloko zemindeni yamaLevi zatloliswa emihleni ka-Eliyatjhibu, kaJoyada, kaJorhanani noJaduwa. Iinhloko zemindeni yabaphristi zatloliswa ukufikela emihleni yombuso kaDariyatjhi ikosi yePheresiya, kodwana iinhloko zemindeni yeenzukulwana zakaLevi bezitlolwe encwadini yemilando ukufikela emihleni kaJorhanani umsa ka-Eliyatjhibu kwaphela. Iinhloko zamaLevezo bekunguRhatjhabiya, uTjherebiya noJetjhuwa umsa kaKhadimiyeli. Abasebenzisani babo bebabavumeli bomkhaleli nakudunyiswa bekuthokozwe ngokweenqhema ukuya ngomyalo kaDavida umuntu kaZimu. Abasebenzisanabo bekuboMataniya, uBhakhibhukhiya no-Obadiya. UMetjhulamu, uThalimoni no-Akhubu bekubalindisango ebebalinde eenlulwini zamasango. Bona bebenza umsebenzi lowo emihleni kaJoyakhimu umsa kaJetjhuwa omsa kaJotsadakhi, nemihleni kaNerhemiya umbusi no-Ezra omphristi nomtloli. Ngesikhathi okwahlukaniselwa ngaso umthangala weJerusalema, kwafunwa amaLevi lapha ahlala khona kobana eze eJerusalema azokugidinga umnyanya lowo, ngokudumisa, ngokuvuma nangokubetha iiwahlo nemihlobohlobo yamaharibha. Abavumi bahlangana ndawonye baphuma eemfundeni ezizombeleze iJerusalema nemizaneni yamaNethofathi neBhethe-Giligali kanye nesifundeni seGeba nese-Azimavethi, okutjho emizaneni yabavumi ebebazakhele yona magegana neJerusalema. Kwathi lokha abaphristi namaLevi nasele bazihlambululile, bahlambulula abantu, amasango kanye nomthangala wedorobho. Nje-ke ngakhuphulela abarholi bakwaJuda ngaphezu komthangala. Ngakhetha iinqhema ezimbili ezikulu zabadumisi. Esinye sakhuphukela phezu komthangala ngesidleni nca ngesangweni iZala. Emva kwaso bekulandela uHotjhaya nengcenye yabarholi bakwaJuda, no-Azariya, u-Ezra, uMetjhulamu, uJuda, uBhenjamini, uTjhemaya noJoromiya kanye nabanye babaphristi baphethe iimporompita. Bona bekunguZakariya umsa kaJonathani omsa kaTjhemaya umsa kaMataniya omsa kaMikaya umsa kaZakuru omsa ka-Asafa nabasebenzisani bakhe uTjhemaya, u-Azariyeli, uMilalayi, uGilalayi, uMayi, uNethaneli, uJuda noRhanani, baphethe iinliliso zakaDavida umuntu kaZimu. U-Ezra omtloli gade abarhola. Esangweni umThombo baragela phambili bakhuphuka ngemiqaqado edlula eMzini kaDavida. Emenyukeni womthangala bakhuphukela ngehla kwesigodlo sakaDavida ukuyela nca ngesangweni uManzi ngepumalanga. Esinye isiqhema sabadumisi saya ngesinceleni. Ngasilandela nengcenye yabantu phezu komthangala, sadlula epundwini iin-Ondo ukuya emthangaleni obanzi nangehla kwesango u-Efrayimu. Sadlula godu nesango iJetjhana, isango iHlambi, epundwini iRhananiyeli nepundwini iKhulu, satjhinga esangweni iMvu. Isiqhemeso safese sajama esangweni umLindi. Nje-ke iinqhema zombili zabadumisi zajama ethempelini lakaZimu. Ingcenye yeenkhulu beyinami nabaphristi u-Eliyakhimu, uMaseya, uMinyamini, uMikaya, u-Eliyowenayi, uZakariya noRhananiya bebaphethe iimporompita. Godu bekukhona noMaseya, uTjhemaya, u-Elazara, u-Uzi, uJehorhanani, uMalikiya, u-Elamu no-Ezeri. Abavumabo bebakhalela barholwa nguJizrarhiya. Mhlokho abantu banikela ngemihlabelo eminengi, bajabula ngombana uZimu gade abenze bona bename ngokusasa okukhulu. Kwajabula ngitjho abafazi nabantwana. Itjhada lokwenama kweJerusalema belizwakala kude. Ngelanga lokwahlukaniselwa komthangala kwakhethwa amadoda azakwengamela amalawu weenlulu zokubeka iminikelo yemikhiqizo yokuthoma neyokwetjhumi. Bekufuze abuthelele lapho izabelo zabaphristi namaLevi ezifunakalako ukuya ngokomthetho. Izabelwezo beziphuma emasimini abhode imizi. AmaJuda athokoza ngomsebenzi wabaphristi newamaLevi ngombana gade enze umsebenzi kaZimawo nomsebenzi wokuhlambulula. Abavumi nabalindisango nabo benza umsebenzabo ukuya ngomyalo kaDavida nendodanakhe uSolomoni. Iye, umsebenzi wabavumi wokudumisa ngomvumo wokuthokoza uZimu, wasungula ekadeni ngeenkhathi zakaDavida no-Asafa. Kanti-ke woke u-Israyeli emihleni kaZerubhabheli nemihleni kaNerhemiya, anikela izabelo zemihla ngemihla kubavumi nakubalindisango. Godu abela amaLevi, namaLevi abela abaphristi okuziinzukulwana zaka-Aroni. Kwathi mhlana kwahlukaniselwa umthangala, incwadi kaMosi yafundelwa phezulu abantu balalele. Nje-ke kwafunyanwa kutloliwe bonyana umAmoni namkha umMowabi akukafaneli angene ehlanganweni kaZimu ngombana azange bahlangabeze ama-Israyeli ngokudla namanzi. Kunalokho baqatjha uBhalamu bonyana awanikelele. Nanyana kunjalo uZimethu waphendula amanikelela aba ziimbusiso. Kwathi lokha abantu nabezwa umthetho lowo, bakhupha boke ebebangasiwo ama-Israyeli ngokuzeleko. Ngaphambi kwalokho, u-Eliyatjhibu umphristi ogade akhethelwe ukuba mphathi weenlulu zethempeli lakaZimu nogade amkhozi kaThobiya, walungiselela uThobiya loyo ilawu elikhulu. Ilawelo belisilulu lapho gade bafaka khona umnikelo weenthoro, itjhwalo nezitja zethempeli. Godu lapho bekubekwe kwetjhumi kweenthoro, kwewayini nekwamafutha we-oliva ebekusisabelo samaLevi, sabavumi nesabalindisango. Isabelo sabaphristi naso besigcinwe ngesilulwinapho. Lokha nakwenzeka lokhu, mina bengingekho eJerusalema ngombana bengiye ku-Aritarhitjhasta ikosi yeBhabheli ngomnyaka wamatjhumi amathathu nambili wokubusa kwakhe. Ngemva kwesikhathi ngabawa isiphande ekosini ngabuyela eJerusalema. Nangifika lapho ngafunyana u-Eliyatjhibu enze ubumbi ngokunikela uThobiya ilawu eenrhodlweni zethempeli lakaZimu. Into leyo yangikghabhudlha khulu, yeke ngafuthela ngaphandle kwelawelo yoke ipahla kaThobiya yangendlini. Ngabeka umyalo wokobana kuhlanjululwe amalawu. Emva kwalokho ngabuyisela lapho izitja zethempeli lakaZimu kanye neminikelo yakhona yeenthoro neyetjhwalo. Godu ngafunyana bonyana amaLevi azange abelwe izabelo zawo; kangangobana wona nabavumi ekubabantu abenza umsebenzi, gade sele omunye nomunye wabo abalekile waziyela esiminakhe. Nje-ke ngakhalima iinkhulu ngathi kizo: “Kubangelwe yini bona indlu kaZimu iliselelwe?” Khonokho ngahlanganisa amaLevi nabavumi ngababeka eendaweni zabo zokusebenza. Ngalokho woke uJuda waletha kwetjhumi kweenthoro, kwewayini nekwamafutha we-oliva eenlulwini. Ngakhetha uTjhelemiya umphristi, uTsadokhi omtloli noPedaya ongomunye wamaLevi bonyana babe baphathi beenlulu. Njengombana gade bathathwa njengabathembekileko, ngenza bona uRhanani umsa kaZakuru omsa kaMataniya abe msizabo. Nje-ke bona bebasebenza ukwabela abafowabo. Hawu Zimami, ngikhumbule mayelana nalokhu; ungasuli izenzo zami ezihle engizenzele ithempeli lakaZimami nomsebenzakhe! Kwathi emihleni leyo ngabona kwaJuda amadoda atlhodlha amadiribe ngokugadanga ngelanga leSabatha. Begodu bekunabodumbana abathwele imithwalo yokuziinthoro. Ngabona newayini, amadiribe, amakhiwani nemihlobohlobo yezinto ezithengiswako kungeniswa eJerusalema. Lokho kwenzeka nangaphezu kokobana kulilanga leSabatha! Nje-ke ngawakhalima bonyana angathengisi ukudla ngelangelo. Kanti-ke namaTirosi agade ahlala ngedorobheni, aletha ihlambi kanye nayo yoke imihlobohlobo yepahla ethengiswako; ayithengisela amaJuda ngeSabatha khona eJerusalemapho. Nje-ke ngakhalima abosaziwako bakwaJuda ngathi: “Ayini amanyala eniwenzako la? Nisilaphaza iSabatha ngento yenu leyo! Angitjho aboyihlomkhulu benza njalo, uZimu bewehlisela yoke ihlekelele phezu kwethu naphezu kwedorobheli? Ngokusilaphaza kwenu ilanga leSabatha, ningezelela ilaka lakaZimu phezu kwama-Israyeli!” Kwathi nakurhwalalako emasangweni weJerusalema ngaphambi kobana kube liSabatha, ngayala bona iimvalo zivalwe begodu zingavulwa bekube ngemva kweSabatha. Ngabeka abanye beensebenzi zami bona baqaphele emasangweni ukuze kungabikhona umthwalo ongeniswako ngelanga leSabatha. Nje-ke abenani nabathengisi bemihlobohlobo yepahla balala ngaphandle amahlandla ambadlwana. Ngabayelelisa ngathi kibo: “Kungani nilala phambi komthangala? Nange nakhe nabuyelela into leyo, ngizonibopha ngiyanitjela!” Ukusukela ngesikhatheso ukuya phambili azange baseza ngeSabatha. Nje-ke ngayala amaLevi kobana azihlambulule bese eza azokuqapha esangweni ukuze iSabatha lilondeke licwengile. Zimami, ngikhumbule godu nangalokhu, ungilonde ngokwethembeka kwakho. Emihleni leyo ngabona namaJuda egade athethe abafazi be-Atjhidodi, bakwa-Amoni nebakwaMowabi. Ingcenye yabantwana bawo besele ikhuluma ilimi le-Atjhidodi kanye namanye amalimi atjhili. Abantwanaba bebangasakwazi ukukhuluma isiJuda. Ngawakhalimela amaJuda lawo bengawathuwelelisa. Amanye wawo ngawabetha bengawayobula iinhlutjhwana zawo. Ngawafungisa ebizweni lakaZimu ngathi: “Ningasanikela amadodakazenu emadodaneni wabantwabo begodu ningazithatheli namkha nithathele amadodanenu amadodakazabo. Angitjho noSolomoni ikosi yakwa-Israyeli wona ngenca yokuthatha abafazi abanjalo. Ezizweni ezinengi bekungekho ikosi enjengaye begodu niyazi bonyana bekathandwa nguZimu. Nanyana uZimu wamenza ikosi ngaphezu kwama-Israyeli woke, abafazi bakosozizwe naye bamonisa. Alo, kufanele sizwe bonyana nani nenze izonokazi ezingakwezo na? Anithembeki kuZimu nanithatha abafazi bezizwe!” Ngitjho nomunye wamadodana kaJehoyada umsa ka-Eliyatjhibu umphristi omkhulu gade amkhwenyana wakaSanibhalathi umRhoroni; nje-ke ngamqotjha kimapha. Awu Zimami, bakhumbule ngombana basilaphaze ubuphristi nesibopho sobuphristi kanye nesamaLevi. Ngalokho ngahlambulula abaphristi namaLevi kikho koke kwabezizwe. Ngajamisa kabutjha imisebenzi yabaphristi namaLevi, kwaba ngomunye nomunye emsebenzinakhe. Ngabuya ngahlela bonyana kuthi ngeenkhathi ezijanyisiweko, kwethulwe ngesikhathi esifaneleko iinkuni zomlilo we-aldari nezeminikelo yeenthelo zokuthoma. Zimami, yewungikhumbule ngobuhle. Nakhu okwenzeka emihleni ka-Arhatjhiverotjhi owabusa ngaphezu kweemfunda ezilikhulu namatjhumi amabili nalikhomba, ukusuka e-Indiya ukuya eKutjhe. Kwathi ngesikhatheso ikosi u-Arhatjhiverotjhi ihlezi ebuphephelweni beTjhutjhani emnyakeni wesithathu wokubusa kwayo, yenzela zoke iinkhulu neenduna zayo imbedla yomnyanya. Iinduna zepi zePheresiya nezeMediya, abosaziwako nababusi bayo beemfunda gade balapho lokha u-Arhatjhiverotjhi nakatjengisa ngomnono nedumo lobukhosi bakhe kanye nobuphaziphazi bobukhulu bakhe. Lokho kwenzeka isikhathi eside okwakungaba malanga alikhulu namatjhumi abunane woke. Kwathi ngemva kwamalanga lawo, ikosi yenza omunye umnyanya. Lowo-ke yawenzela abantu abakhulu nabancani abasebuphephelweni beTjhutjhani. Umnyanya lowo wagidingwa amalanga alikhomba etatawini elisesivandeni sesigodlo. Bekukhona imilembelembe yelineni emhlophe nelihlaza kwesibhakabhaka, ibotjhelelwe ngeentambo zelineni ecolekileko nebubende emasongweni wesiliva eensikeni zemabula emhlophe. Iinhlalo zegolide nezesiliva beziphezu komgangadelo wamatje aligugu anombala onzotho, omhlophe, ophazimako nonzima. Iinselo zakhona beziselwa ngeensinjana ezahlukahlukeneko zegolide. Iwayini lebukhosini belilinengi njengombana kulindelekile esigodlweni. Ukusela kwaya ngokomthetho kobana kungabi nomuntu osezwa ngekani. Lokho kwenzeka ngombana ikosi beyiyale zoke iinkhulu zesigodlo sayo kobana zenze okuthandeka emuntwini. Kanti-ke nendlovukazi uVatjhithi gade yenzele abafazi umnyanya khona esigodlweni sekosi u-Arhatjhiverotjhi. Kwathi ngelanga lekhomba lokha ikosi sele yenamile ngewayini, yayala uMehumani, uBhizeta, uRharibhona, uBhigeta, u-Abageta, uZetari noKarikasi ekuziinduna ezikulu ezilikhomba ebeziyilotjha, kobana balethe indlovukazi uVatjhithi phambi kwayo ithwele umkhala wobukhosi. Ikosi beyifuna bona indlovukazi izokubukisa ngobuhle bayo ebantwini neenkhulwini. Heyi, uVatjhithi loyo gade angasi muhle, adosa amehlo endodeni. Kodwana indlovukazi uVatjhithi yala ukuza phambi kwabantu njengombana ikosi beyiyale ngeenduna. Ngalokho ikosi yavutha ngelaka, kwathi ayithuthumbe. Nje-ke ikosi yakhuluma nabahlakaniphileko egade bazi ngobujamo bezinto. Lokho bekuyindlela yekosi kibo boke ebebazi umthetho nokulunga. Amadoda ebekaseduze nayo bekunguKaritjhena, uTjhetari, u-Adimata, uTaritjhitjhi, uMeresi, uMarisena noMemukani okuziinkhulu ezilikhomba zePheresiya neMediya. Iinkhulwezo bezinesikhundla esiphakamileko embusweni begodu bezikghona ukukhuluma nekosi ngesikhathi soke. Ikosi yathi kizo: “Akhese ningitjele, ngokuya ngokomthetho, kufuze kwenziweni ngendlovukazi uVatjhithi njengombana ingakathobeli umyalo wekosi u-Arhatjhiverotjhi olethwe ziinduna kiyo?” UMemukani waphendula aphambi kwekosi neenkhulu wathi: “Uyazi babethu, indlovukazi uVatjhithi lo, akakaphosiseli ikosi kwaphela, kodwana iinduna nabantu boke abaseemfundeni zoke zekosi u-Arhatjhiverotjhi. Iye, kunjalo ngombana isenzo sendlovukazesi sizokwaziwa ebafazini boke. Nje-ke lokho kuzokwenza abafazi badelele amadodabo ngombana bazokuthi, ‘Angithi nekosi u-Arhatjhiverotjhi wayala bonyana kulethwe indlovukazi phambi kwayo kodwana yala ukuza.’ Yeke khona namhlanjesi, abafazi abanedumo bePheresiya neMediya abezwe ngesenzo sendlovukazesi, bazosisebenzisela ukubhevumulela zoke iinkhulu zekosi. Lokhu kuzobangela bona abafazi badelele bese amadodabo anyenya khulu. Nangabe kuhle ekosini, akuphume kiyo umyalo wobukhosi otlolwe ngokomthetho wamaPherisi namaMedi ongeze usaphenduleka kobana uVatjhithi angasabuyi alibeke phambi kwekosi u-Arhatjhiverotjhi. Ikosi ayinikele ubundlovukazi bakhe komunye oziphethe kuhle kunaye. Nje-ke lokha isiphetho sekosi nasimenyezelwa embuswenayo ngobukhulu bawo bese siyezwakala, boke abafazi abakhulu nabancani, bazakuhlonipha amadodabo.” Iselulekwesi sathokozisa ikosi neenkhulu. Nje-ke yenza njengombana uMemukani agade aphakamisile. Yathumela iincwadi eemfundeni zoke zobukhosi, isifunda esinye nesinye samukela incwadi ngomtlolwaso, isigodi nesigodi ngelimi laso. Iincwadezo bezithi indoda enye nenye ayibe yihloko emzinayo, ikhulumele umndeni. Emva kweendabezo ilaka lekosi u-Arhatjhiverotjhi sele libohlile, wakhumbula uVatjhithi nalokho akwenzileko kanye nalokho ekuquntwe ngaye. Nje-ke iinceku zekosi ebeziyilotjha zathi: “Akufunelwe ikosi iimomondiya zamatlawu. Yeke ikosi ayigunyaze iinduna eemfundeni zoke zombuswayo bona zibuthelele woke amatlawu amahle asiwe eqathaneni lebukhosini ebuphephelweni beTjhutjhani, ngaphasi kwesandla sakaHegayi omphakulwa wekosi nophethe abafazi. Amatlawana lawo akaphotjholozwe ngamakha. Nje-ke akuthi lelo elizakudosa amehlo wekosi, libe yindlovukazi esikhundleni sakaVatjhithi.” Lokhu kwayithokozisa ikosi, yenza njalo. Ebuphephelweni beTjhutjhani bekukhona umJuda ibizo lakhe kunguMoridekayi umsa kaJayiri omsa kaTjhimeyi umsa kaKhitjhi umBhenjamini. UmJuda lo ngogade athunjwe eJerusalema nabathunjwa abanye ebegade bathunjwe noJekoniya ikosi yakwaJuda. Bona bebathunjelwe eBhabheli nguNebukadinetsari ikosi yakhona. UMoridekayi loyo wakhulisa uHadasa, okutjho u-Esta. U-Esta bekamntwana kasonghwanakhe kaMoridekayi, ayintandani. Lokha ababelethi baka-Esta nabahlongakalako, uMoridekayi wamthatha waba njengendodakazakhe. Umntazana lo bekanejamo begodu amuhle. Nje-ke kwathi lokha ikosi nayikhupha umyalo nalokha isimemezelo sayo sesiphumile, iintombi ezinengi zalethwa bona zihlangane ngaphasi kwelawulo lakaHegayi ebuphephelweni beTjhutjhani. U-Esta naye walethwa esigodlweni sekosi, wethulwa kuHegayi ophethe abafazi. U-Esta wathandeka emehlweni kaHegayi, wazuza umusa kuye. Masinyana wamfaka ehlelweni lokuphotjholozwa kanye nelokudla okukhethekileko. Wabuye wamkhethela iincekukazi ezilikhomba esigodlweni wambeka yena neencekukazi zakhezo endaweni ephambili eqathaneni lebukhosini. U-Esta gade angakabi ukwazisa muntu ngabantu bekhabo nangobuzwe bakhe ngombana uMoridekayi gade amyale bona angakuphathi lokho. Imihla ngemihla uMoridekayi gade anande akhambela esirhodlweni seqathana lebukhosini, ukuhlola bonyana u-Esta uvuke njani nokobana uraga njani ehlelwenelo. Bekuba ziinyanga ezilitjhumi nambili ezijanyiselwe ukuphotjholoza beengubo: ezisithandathu kungezokutjhatjhwa ngesimonyo semire nezisithandathu zokuthelwa ngamakha nezinye iinthako zokuzimonyonga. Emva kobana amatlawu lawo sele aphotjholozwe iinyanga ezilitjhumi nambili, bekuba lidlhego lelinye nelinye kobana lingeniswe emabhayini wekosi u-Arhatjhiverotjhi. Bekuthi lokha umntazana nakaya ekosini ngendlela leyo, anikelwe nanyana yini akhanukela ukukhamba nayo ukusuka eqathaneni lebukhosini ukuya esigodlweni sekosi. Ngokuhlwa umntazana loyo gade angeniswa emabhayini wekosi bese ekuseni asiwe ngeqathaneni lesibili lapha kuhlala khona amakhohlo aphethwe nguTjhatjhigazi omphakulwa wekosi. Ubengeze aye ekosini godu ngaphandle kokobana ikosi ithathekile ngaye bese ithumela bona abizwe ngebizo lakhe. Kwathi nasele kulidlhego laka-Esta, oyindodakazi ka-Abirhayili usonghwanakhe kaMoridekayi owakhulisa u-Esta njengomntanakhe, kobana ayokungena emabhayini wekosi, akhange abawe ilitho ngaphandle kwalokho elulekwe ngakho nguHegayi umphakulwa ogade eluse iqathana lebukhosini. Mbala u-Esta wakhanga boke abambonako. U-Esta wasiwa esigodlweni ku-Arhatjhiverotjhi ikosi ngenyanga yetjhumi, okuyinyanga kaThebethi ngomnyaka wekhomba wokubusa kwakhe. Ikosi yamthanda ukudlula boke beengubo, wazuza umusa nokuthandwa ngiyo ngaphezu kwawo woke amatlawu, kangangobana yabe yamthwesa umkhala wobukhosi, yamenza indlovukazi esikhundleni sakaVatjhithi. Nje-ke ikosi yenzela zoke iinkhulu neenduna zayo umnyanya omkhulu. Kuhle kuhle lowo bekumnyanya ka-Esta. Yabuye yamemezela bona leso kube sikhathi sokuphumula eemfundeni begodu yapha nezipho njengombana bekulindelekile ekosini. Kwathi lokha amatlawu nawasahlangeneko kwenzeka isiga sesibili: UMoridekayi bekasebandla esigodlweni. Ngesikhatheso u-Esta bekangakabi ukwazisa ubuzwe bakhe namkha abantu bekhabo; lokho kwaba njengombana uMoridekayi amyalile. U-Esta bekasahlonipha uMoridekayi njenganyana nasamkhulisako. Emihleni leyo, uMoridekayi asese sebandla esigodlweni, uBhigitani noTeretjhi, okubaphakulwa ababili bekosi ebegade babaqaphi bomnyango, bangenwa kunyenya bafuna indlela yokubulala ikosi u-Arhatjhiverothi. Indaba leyo yafika eendlebeni zakaMoridekayi, yena wabikela indlovukazi u-Esta, nje-ke u-Esta wabikela ikosi ebizweni lakaMoridekayi. Kuthe lokha indaba nayiphenywako ifunyaniswa bonyana injalo, amadoda lawo alengiswa womabili esigodweni. Lokho kwatlolwa phambi kwekosi encwadini yomlando wemihla ngemihla. Emva kwezintwezo ikosi u-Arhatjhiverotjhi yakhuphula ngokwesikhundla uHamani umsa kaHamedata umAgagi, yamdlondlobalisa yamnikela isikhundla esingaphezu kweenkhulu zoke ezazikanye naye. Zoke iinsebenzi zekosi ebezisebandla esigodlweni beziguqa zihloma iinhloko phasi phambi kwakaHamani ngombana ikosi beyiyale njalo ngaye. Kodwana uMoridekayi bekangaguqi abe ahlome ihloko phasi phambi kwakhe. Nje-ke iinsebenzi zekosi ebezisebandla esigodlweni zathi kuMoridekayi: “Kubayini weqa umyalo wekosi?” Zakhuluma naye imihla ngemihla kodwana akhange afune ukuzilalela. Ngalokho zabikela uHamani kobana abone bonyana ukuziphatha kwakaMoridekayi kufuze kubekezelelwe na ngombana gade azitjelile bona yena umuJuda. Lokha uHamani nakabona bonyana uMoridekayi akhange amguqele abe ahlome ihloko phasi phambi kwakhe, kwathi akafe, wasopha ukumbulala. Kuthe bona abikelwe kobana abantu bakaMoridekayi basisizwe siphi, akhange afune ukubulala uMoridekayi ayedwa, kodwana nabantu bakhe boke. Ngalokho waluka iqhinga lokubhubhisa woke amaJuda kiwo woke umbuso ka-Arhatjhiverotjhi. Ngenyanga yokuthoma (lokhu kutjho inyanga kaNisani), ngomnyaka wetjhumi nambili ka-Arhatjhiverotjhi, baphosa ipuri (lokhu kutjho ifumbe) phambi kwakaHamani kobana ihlose ilanga nenyanga. Ifumbe leyo yakhupha inyanga yetjhumi nambili (lokhu kutjho inyanga ka-Adari). Nje-ke uHamani wathi ekosini u-Arhatjhiverotjhi: “Kunabantu abathileko abahlakazeke hlangana nabantu kizo zoke iimfunda zombuswakho. Abantwabo bayazahlukanisa: Imithethwabo yehlukile keyabantu boke begodu abathobeli imiyalo yekosi. Abantu abanjalo akusikuhle bonyana ikosi ibalise banjalo. Nakube kuthokozisa ikosi, akumenyezelwe bonyana bapheliswe. Nje-ke mina ngizakukhokhela abasebenza umsebenzi lowo amakhilogremu aziinkulungwana ezimakhulu amathathu namatjhumi alikhomba nahlanu wesiliva. Isilivelo bangalifaka eenlulwini zesigodlo.” Nje-ke ikosi yakhupha idzilamnwana yesigibo esandleni sayo yanikela uHamani umsa kaHamedata umAgagi osisitha samaJuda. Yakhuluma noHamani yathi kuye: “Isiliva nabantwabo kusesandleni sakho, yeke yenza okuthandako ngesizweso.” Nje-ke kwathi lokha inyanga yokuthoma nayinamalanga alitjhumi nantathu, kwabizwa abososiba bekosi. Mhlokho kwatlolwa isimemezelo ukuya ngakho koke uHamani ayala ngakho. Kwatlolelwa ababusi abakhulu bekosi, abengameli beemfunda zoke nabarholi babantu ngokuhlukahlukana kwabo. Isifunda esinye nesinye satlolelwa umtlolwaso ngokwamalimi wabantu baso. Lokho kwenziwa ebizweni lekosi u-Arhatjhiverotjhi bekwagitjwa ngedzilamnwanayo. Iincwadi zathunyelwa ngeengijimi eemfundeni zoke zekosi kobana kubhujiswe, kubulawe, kupheliswe woke amaJuda, abakhulu nabancani, abafazi nabantwana bekuphangwe nepahlawo. Lokho kwenziwe ngelanga elilodwa, mhlana zilitjhumi nantathu enyangeni yetjhumi nambili okuyinyanga ka-Adari. Umkhuphelo wesimemezelo bekufuze ukhutjhwe njengomthetho esifundeni esinye nesinye kwaziswe boke abantu ukuze bakwazi ukuzilungiselela ngelangelo. Nje-ke iingijimi zaphuma zisunduzwa myalo wekosi. Isimemezelweso sakhutjhwa ngitjho nebuphephelweni beTjhutjhani. Kwathi ikosi noHamani basaditjhe njalo ngokusela, kwabe idorobho lona lisesiyaluyalwini. Kwathi uMoridekayi sele azwile ngokwenzakeleko, wadabula izambatho zakhe wembatha imigodla wazithela nangomlotha. Waphuma ebandla lesigodlweni waya phakathi kwedorobho wafese wakhihla esibuhlungu isililokazi. Kwathi lokha nakabuyela phambi kwebandla lesigodlweni wajama ngombana bekungakameli umuntu angene lapho ambethe zemigodla. Eemfundeni zoke lapha bekufike khona umyalo nomthetho wekosi, kwaba nokulila okukhulu phakathi kwamaJuda. Azila ukudla, athwala imikhono ehloko abe ahlaba umkhosi. Inengi lawo lazibhudabhuda phasi lembethe imigodla, lizithele nangomlotha. Kwathi lokha abantazana kanye nabaphakulwa baka-Esta nabambikelako, wakhathazeka khulu. Wathumela izambatho kuMoridekayi kobana azembathe esikhundleni semigodla, kodwana akhange azamukele. Nje-ke u-Esta wabiza uHataki, ongomunye wabaphakulwa bekosi nogade akhethelwe kobana aqalelele iindingo zakhe, wamyala bonyana ayokuqala uMoridekayi bona udliwa yini. Mbala uHataki waya kuMoridekayi etatawini ledorobho ngaphambi kwebandla lesigodlo. UMoridekayi watjela umphakulwa loyo koke okwenzeke kuye, ukufaka phakathi nesamba sesiliva uHamani athembise ukusifaka eenlulwini zesigodlo kobana kupheliswe amaJuda. Godu uMoridekayi wamnikela nomthunzi wencwadi yesimemezelo eyakhutjhwa eTjhutjhani yokubhujiswa kwamaJuda. Incwadi leyo bekufuze ayitjengise u-Esta abe amhlathululele yona nokobana amyale bona aye ekosini ayokuncancabeza abe ancengele abantu bekhabo kiyo. UHataki wabuya wafese wabikela u-Esta bona uMoridekayi utheni. Nje-ke u-Esta wakhuluma noHataki wamthuma kuMoridekayi bona athi kuye: “Zoke iinsebenzi zekosi nabantu beemfundeni zekosi bayazi bonyana nanyana ngubani ongena ngesirhodlweni esingaphakathi sesigodlo angakabizwa, kungaba yindoda namkha umfazi, kunomthetho munye wokuthi umuntu loyo uzakubulawa. Ozakuphila ngiloyo kwaphela ikosi ezamelulela intonga yegolide. Nami ngokwami angikabizwa bona ngingene ekosini emalangeni amatjhumi amathathu la.” Kwathi lokha nakubikelwa uMoridekayi lokho u-Esta akutjhwileko, uMoridekayi wathi akubuyiselwe ku-Esta ipendulo ethi: “Ungadlumbani bonyana wena esigodlwenapho uzakuba ngophephileko kiwo woke amaJuda. Iye, nakube uyathula esikhathini esinje, ukwenyulwa nokusindiswa kuzokuvela kumaJuda akwenye indawo, kodwana wena nendlu kayihlo nizakubhubha. Ngubani owaziko, mhlamunye kungesizathwesi bonyana esikhathini esinje ube yindlovukazi!” Nje-ke u-Esta wathi akubuyiselwe kuMoridekayi ipendulo ethi: “Khamba uyokubuthelela woke amaJuda afunyaneka eTjhutjhani bese ningizilela ukudla. Ningadli namkha nisele bekube malanga amathathu ubusuku nemini. Nami-ke nabantazana bami sizakuzila njengani njalo. Ngemva kwalokho mina ngizakuya ekosini, nanyana lokho kuphambene nomthetho. Ngithi nakube ngiyabhubha, angibhubhe!” UMoridekayi wakhamba wayokwenza koke njengombana u-Esta amyalile. Kwathi elangeni lesithathu u-Esta wembatha zobukhosi wayokujama esirhodlweni esingaphakathi sesigodlo, malungana nelawu lesihlalo sekosi. Ikosi gade ingesigodlweni ihlezi esihlalweni sayo sobukhosi ngelawinelo ilungene nomnyango. Kuthe lokha ikosi nayibona indlovukazi u-Esta ijame ngesirhodlweni, yakareka ngaye. Yeke yelulela ngaku-Esta intongayo yegolide egade iyiphethe. Nje-ke u-Esta watjhidela wafese wathinta ihloko yentonga leyo. Ikosi yathi kuye: “Ndlovukazi Esta, ulila ngani? Siyini isibawo sakho? Ngitjho nanyana kungaba siquntu sombuso, uzakunikelwa sona.” U-Esta waphendula wathi: “Nangabe kuyamukeleka ekosini, ngibawa ikosi noHamani bonyana beze namhlanje emnyanyeni engiwulungiselele ikosi.” Nje-ke ikosi yathi: “Akubizwe uHamani khona nje ukuze senze njengombana u-Esta afisa.” Mbala ikosi noHamani beza emnyanyeni egade ulungiswe ngu-Esta. Kwathi basasela iwayini njalo, ikosi yathi ku-Esta: “Siyini isililo sakho? Uzakwenzelwa sona. Yitjho isibawo sakho! Ngitjho nanyana kungaba siquntu sombuswami, uzakuphiwa sona.” U-Esta waphendula wathi: “Isililo nesibawo sami ngilesi: Nakube ngizuze umusa emehlweni wekosi begodu kuthandeka ekosini bonyana ingenzele engikulilelako beyizalise isibawo sami, khona-ke akuthi kusasa ikosi ize godu noHamani emnyanyeni engizabe ngibalungiselele wona. Nje-ke kusasokho ngizakwenza njengombana ikosi ithe angenze.” Mhlokho uHamani waphuma asasile nehliziywakhe yenamile. Kodwana lokha nakabona uMoridekayi ebandla lesigodlweni, angakasikimi namkha athuthumele phambi kwakhe, wanyenya wagcwala ilaka ngaye. Nanyana kunjalo wazibamba wakhamba waya ekhaya. Wathumela bonyana kuyokubizwa abangani bakhe kanye nomkakhe uZeretjhi. Nje-ke uHamani wabalandisa ngokuzikhakhazisa ngomnothokazakhe, ngesibalo samadodanakhe nangakho koke ikosi emhloniphe ngakho ngokumphakamisa ngaphezu kweenkhulu neenduna zayo zoke. Nje-ke wabe wangezelela wathi: “Ngitjho nendlovukazi u-Esta ayikavumeli bonyana emnyanyeni ewulungisileko, ikosi ize nomunye umuntu ngaphandle kwami mina Hamani! Godu nakusasa umeme mina lo bona ngize nekosi kuye. Nokho, koke lokho akungiphathi kuhle, ije nangisabona iJudanyana elinguMoridekayela liququbele ebandla lesigodlweni.” Nje-ke uZeretjhi umkakhe kanye nabangani bakaHamani boke bathi kuye: “Akwenziwe isigodo esimamitha amatjhumi amabili nantathu ukuphakama bese kuthi kusasa utjele ikosi bonyana uMoridekayi loyo ahlonyelwe kiso. Kuzakuthi emva kwalokho uzikhambele nekosi unamile uziyele emnyanyeni.” Iselulekweso saba sihle kuHamani, yeke wajamisa isigodweso. Ngobusukobo ikosi yaphilelwa. Nje-ke yayala bonyana kulethwe incwadi yemilando ekhumbuza imisebenzi yemihla ngemihla. Ngambala incwadi yemilando leyo yafundwa phambi kwekosi. Kwafunyanwa kutlolwe kiyo bonyana uMoridekayi gade atheni ngoBhigitana noTeretjhi okubaphakulwa ababili bekosi ebegade kubaqaphi bomnyango wesigodlo begodu bafuna indlela yokubulala ikosi u-Arhatjhiverotjhi. Nje-ke ikosi yathi: “Ngiyiphi ihlonipho nokukhuliswa okwenzelwa uMoridekayi ngesenzwesi?” Iinceku zayo ebeziyilotjha zayiphendula zathi: “Akunanja akhe enzelwa yona.” Ikosi yabuza yathi: “Ingabe kunomuntu ongangeluleka ngesirhodlwenapho na?” Ngesikhatheso uHamani gade asanda ukungena ngesirhodlweni esingaphandle sesigodlo bonyana azokukhuluma nekosi kobana uMoridekayi akahlonyelwe esigodweni egade asele amlungiselele sona. Nje-ke iinceku zekosi zaphendula ikosi zathi: “Iye, nangu uHamani ajame ngesirhodlweni.” Yeke ikosi yathi: “Mngeniseni.” Mbala uHamani wangena, nje-ke ikosi yathi kuye: “Kufuze kwenziweni ngendoda ikosi efuna ukuyidlhudlha?” Manje uHamani wazitjela wathi: “Ingaba ngubani ikosi engathanda ukumdlhudlha ngaphandle kwami?” Yeke wathi ekosini: “Mayelana nendoda ikosi ethokozela ukuyidlhudlha, akulethwe izambatho zobukhosi ikosi ekhe yazembatha bese kulethwa nenjomani ekhe yakhwelwa yikosi nethweswe isihlohlo sobukhosi. Izambathwezo nenjomani azinikelwe omunye weenkhulu zekosi ongusaziwako bese yena wembathisa indoda ikosi ethanda ukuyidlhudlha leyo. Abayikhweze phezu kwenjomanapho, ikhambe ebaleni ledorobho kumenyezelwe phambi kwayo kuthiwe: ‘Kuzakwenziwa bunje endodeni ikosi ethanda ukuyidlhudlha.’ ” Ikosi yathi kuHamani: “Khamba khona nje uthathe izambatho nenjomani njengombana utjhwile, wenze lokho kuMoridekayi umJuda osebandla lesigodlweni. Ungatjhiyi nokukodwa kilokho okubalileko.” Nje-ke uHamani wathatha izambatho nenjomani, wembathisa uMoridekayi bewamkhweza phezu kwenjomani, wamkhambisa ebaleni ledorobho amemezela asithi: “Kuzakwenziwa bunje endodeni ikosi ethanda ukuyidlhudlha!” UMoridekayi wabuyela ebandla lesigodlweni. Kodwana nakunguHamani yena warhabela endlinakhe alila, azigubuzese ihloko. Nje-ke watjela boke abangani bakhe kanye nomkakhe uZeretjhi yoke into emehleleko. Yeke abeluleki bakhe nomkakhe uZeretjhi bathi kuye: “Nangabe uMoridekayi osele asungule ukukuguqisa phambi kwakhe ungowesizwe samaJuda, angeze usalunga phambi kwakhe kodwana mbala uzomgobela.” Kwathi basakhuluma naye njalo, kwafika abaphakulwa bekosi bamrhabisela emnyanyeni ebegade ulungiswe ngu-Esta. Ikosi noHamani baya emnyanyeni, bayokudla no-Esta indlovukazi. Kwathi elangeni lesibili basasela iwayini njalo, ikosi yathi godu ku-Esta: “Ndlovukazi Esta, siyini isililo sakho? Uzakwenzelwa sona. Yitjho isibawo sakho! Ngitjho nanyana kungaba siquntu sombuswami, uzakuphiwa sona.” Indlovukazi u-Esta yaphendula yathi: “Maye kosi, nangabe ngifunyene umusa emehlweni wekosi begodu nangabe kuthokozisa ikosi, ikosi ayingiphe ukuphila beyisindise nabantu bekhethu. Ngileso-ke isililo nesibawo sami. Iye, kungombana sithengisiwe, mina nabantu bekhethu kufuze sibhujiswe, sibulawe besipheliswe. Ngathana besithengiswe njengamakhoboka namakhobokakazi, bengizozithulela ngombana isizi elingaka belingeze lafaka ikosi ebujameni obumasikizi.” Nje-ke ikosi u-Arhatjhiverotjhi yathi ku-Esta indlovukazi: “Ngubani umuntu obe nesibindi esingaka sokwenza lokho? Njekhona uphi umuntu wakhona loyo?” U-Esta waphendula wathi: “Mumuntu ojamelene nathi nosisitha, ngitjho yena uHamani, into ekhohlakeleko le!” Lokho kwenza uHamani abethwe livalo elikhulu phambi kwekosi nendlovukazi. Ikosi yasikima emnyanyenapho inyenye khulu yatjhinga esivandeni sesigodlo. UHamani wahlala kobana ancengele ubuphilo bakhe endlovukazini u-Esta ngombana gade asele alemukile bonyana ikosi ihlose okumbi ngaye. Kwathi lokha ikosi nayibuya esivandeni sesigodlo kobana ingene lapha bekubanjelwe khona umnyanya, qala nango uHamani awele esihlalweni sokuphumula lapha kuhlezi khona u-Esta, azincengela. Ikosi yathi: “Baba-ke! Umswa lo, sele afuna nokugagadlhela indlovukazi phambi kwami ngesigodlwenapha!” Kuthe ikosi ingalitjho lelo, iinceku zagubuzesa ubuso bakaHamani. Nje-ke uRharibhona ongomunye wabaphakulwa bekosi wathi: “Qala kosi, endlini kaHamani kujame isigodo esimamitha amatjhumi amabili nantathu ukuphakama. Isigodweso uHamani gade asilungiselele uMoridekayi umuntu owakhuluma ikosi kuhle.” Ikosi yathi: “Mphanyekeni kiso!” Mbala baphanyeka uHamani esigodweni egade asilungisele uMoridekayi. Nje-ke ilaka lekosi labohla. Mhlokho ikosi u-Arhatjhiverotjhi yanikela indlovukazi u-Esta ilifa lendlu kaHamani isitha samaJuda. UMoridekayi weza phambi kwekosi ngombana u-Esta gade ayitjelile bona uhlobana njani naye. Ikosi yakhupha idzilamnwanayo yesigibo egade iyithethe kuHamani, yayinikela uMoridekayi. Nje-ke u-Esta wajamisa uMoridekayi bona alawule ilifa lendlu kaHamani. U-Esta wabuye wakhuluma nekosi ngokuziphosela eenyaweni zayo, waciphiza ezimathosi wayincenga bonyana iphambukise iqhinga elimbi uHamani umAgagi agade alihlose ngamaJuda. Ikosi yelulela ngaku-Esta intonga yegolide. Nje-ke u-Esta wasikima wajama phambi kwekosi, wathi: “Nangabe kuthokozisa ikosi nokobana ngifumene umusa emehlwenayo begodu lokho kulungile phambi kwekosi, khisibe nami ngiyathandeka emehlwenayo; akutlolwe umyalo osula iincwadi ebezihlelwe nguHamani umsa kaHamedata umAgagi egade azitlolele ukuphelisa amaJuda aseemfundeni zoke zekosi. Iye, ngingabekezela njani ngibona isizi elizokwehlela isizwe sekhethu na? Namkha nginganyamezela njani ngibona ukupheliswa kwabantu bekhethu?” Nje-ke ikosi u-Arhatjhiverotjhi yathi endlovukazini u-Esta nakuMoridekayi umJuda: “Yelelani, nginikele u-Esta ilifa lendlu kaHamani begodu yena bamphanyeka esigodweni ngombana gade afuna ukubulala amaJuda. Ngalokho ngini eningatlola omunye umyalo eniwuthandako ngamaJuda ebizweni lekosi bese nigiba umyalo lowo ngedzilamnwana yekosi. Iye, isimemezelo esitlolwe ebizweni lekosi besagitjwa ngedzilamnwanayo angeze sasulwa mumuntu.” Khonokho, mhlana inyanga kaSivana, okuyinyanga yesithathu, inamalanga amatjhumi amabili nantathu, kwabizwa abososiba bekosi. Nje-ke kwatlolwa isimemezelo ukuya ngakho koke uMoridekayi ayala ngakho. Kwatlolelwa amaJuda, ababusi abakhulu bekosi, abomengameli nabarholi beemfunda zoke ezilikhulu namatjhumi amabili nalikhomba, ukusuka e-Indiya bekube seKutjhe. Isifunda esinye nesinye satlolelwa umtlolwaso ngokwamalimi wabantu baso. AmaJuda nawo atlolelwa wawo umtlolo ngelimi lawo. UMoridekayi watlola isimemezelweso ebizweni lekosi u-Arhatjhiverotjhi bewasigiba ngedzilamnwanayo. Nje-ke wathumela iincwadi ngeengijimi ezikhwele iinjomani ezinebelo ezikhuliselwe emhlanjini webukhosini. Eencwadinezo ikosi beyivumela amaJuda kiwo woke amadorobho bona ahlangane avikele ipilwawo, abhubhise, abulale, aphelise abe aphange ipahla yananyana ngiliphi ibutho labantu namkha lesifunda elingahle lisahlele wona, abantwabawo nabafazi bawo. Lokho kwenziwe ngelanga elilodwa, mhlana zilitjhumi nantathu enyangeni yetjhumi nambili okuyinyanga ka-Adari, eemfundeni zoke zekosi u-Arhatjhiverotjhi. Umkhuphelo womtlolo bekufuze ukhutjhwe njengomthetho uye kizo zoke iimfunda, kumenyezelwe ebantwini boke ukuze mhlokho amaJuda kube ngazilungiseleleko ukuzibuyiselela ezitheni zawo. Nje-ke iingijimi zakhwela iinjomani ezinebelo ezithethwe emhlanjini webukhosini, zaphuma ngebelo elikhulu ngokuhlohlozelwa myalo wekosi. Umthetho lowo godu bewukhutjhelwe nebuphephelweni beTjhutjhani. UMoridekayi waphuma asuka phambi kwekosi embethe zobukhosi zelineni ehlaza kwesibhakabhaka nemhlophe; athwele isihlohlo esikhulu segolide embethe nenaka lelineni ecolekileko nebubende. Idorobho leTjhutjhani lahlokoma ngokujabula. Kwaba sikhathi somkhanyo, ukujabula, ukuthaba nokuhlonipheka emaJudeni. Eemfundeni zoke nemadorobheni woke lapha umthetho wekosi bewufike khona, bekukhona ukujabula nokuthaba emaJudeni, kulilanga lokugidinga nokuphumula kiwo. Yeke abantu abanengi ezizweni baphendukela ebuJudeni ngombana baba nokwesaba amaJuda. Ilanga letjhumi nantathu lenyanga yetjhumi nambili, okuyinyanga ka-Adari, lafika. Lelo-ke bekulilanga lapha umthetho nomyalo wekosi bewufanele wenziwe ngalo, okutjho mhlana izitha zamaJuda bezithemba bonyana zizowabhudungela. Kodwana ilangelo laphendulelwa: AmaJuda kwaba ngiwo abhudungela labo egade bawazondile. Ahlangana emadorobhenawo eemfundeni zoke zekosi u-Arhatjhiverotjhi kobana azokubulala labo ebebafuna ukuwarhayila. Bekungekho obekangajama phambi kwawo ngombana boke abantu baba nokwesaba amaJuda. Boke ababusi beemfunda, ababusi abakhulu bekosi, abomengameli beemfunda neenkhulu zesigodlo zasiza amaJuda ngombana zaba nokwesaba uMoridekayi. Iye, uMoridekayi loyo besele kumumuntu omkhulu esigodlweni nedumo lakhe lasabalala neemfunda zoke. Wadlondlobala wakhula emandleni. Nje-ke amaJuda asahlela zoke izitha zawo ngesabula, azibulala aziqeda, azenzela umathanda kilabo ebebawazondile. Ebuphephelweni beTjhutjhani abulala abe aphelisa amakhulu amahlanu wamadoda. Abuya godu abulala uPharitjhanidata, uDalifoni, u-Asiphata, uPhorata, u-Adaliya, u-Aridata, uPharimatjhita, u-Arisayi, u-Aridayi noVayizata, okumadodana alitjhumi kaHamani umsa kaHamedata isitha samaJuda. Kodwana akhange ayithinte ipango. Khona mhlokho kwabikwa ekosini isibalo salabo ababulewe ebuphephelweni beTjhutjhani. Ikosi yathi ku-Esta indlovukazi: “Ebuphephelweni beTjhutjhani amaJuda abulele amadoda amakhulu amahlanu abe abhubhisa amadodana alitjhumi kaHamani. Kazi kungangani-ke ukubulala okwenziwe kezinye iimfunda zebukhosini! Kosikazi, nawunesililo, uzakwenzelwa sona. Yitjho isibawo sakho! Uzakuphiwa sona!” Nje-ke u-Esta wathi: “Nangabe kuhle ekosini, akuthi kusasa amaJuda aseTjhutjhani avunyelwe bonyana enze njengombana kusitjho umthetho wanamhlanjesi lo. Iindumbu zamadodana alitjhumi kaHamani aziphanyekwe eengodweni.” Nje-ke ikosi yayala bonyana kwenziwe lokho. Kwakhutjhwa isimemezelo eTjhutjhani, yeke iindumbu zamadodana alitjhumi kaHamani zaphanyekwe. AmaJuda agade aseTjhutjhani ahlangana godu ngelanga letjhumi nane lenyanga ka-Adari, abulala eTjhutjhanapho amadoda amakhulu amathathu. Kodwana akhange ayithinte ipango. Nje-ke namaJuda amanye agade aseemfundeni zekosi abuthana bonyana avikele ipilwawo nokobana akhe aphumule ezitheni zawo. Abulala iinkulungwana ezimatjhumi alikhomba nahlanu zalabo ebebawazondile. Kodwana akhange ayithinte ipango. Lokho kwenzeka elangeni letjhumi nantathu lenyanga ka-Adari. Kwathi ngelanga letjhumi nane aphumula enza ilangelo laba ngelomgidi wokwenama. AmaJuda agade aseTjhutjhani begodu ahlangene ngelanga letjhumi nantathu neletjhumi nane, aphumula ngelanga letjhumi nahlanu okulilanga alenza umgidi wokwenama. Ngalokho amaJuda wezabelo zoke agade ahlala emizaneni enganamithangala, athatha ilanga letjhumi nane lenyanga ka-Adari njengelokwenama, lomgidi nelokuphumula. Godu kwaba lilanga lokuritjhana. UMoridekayi wazitlola izintwezo, wathumela iincwadi kumaJuda woke ebegade angeemfundeni zoke zekosi u-Arhatjhiverotjhi, kude neduze. Bekawazisa bonyana agidinge qobe mnyaka ilanga letjhumi nane neletjhumi nahlanu lenyanga ka-Adari, kube malanga amaJuda afunyene ngawo ukuphumula ezitheni zawo nenyanga ephendulele isizi lawo ekwenameni nokulila kwawo ekugidingeni. Enza amalanga lawo aba ngewokugidinga nokwenama, iye, namalanga wokuritjhana nokupha abadududu izipho. Nje-ke amaJuda akwamukela lokho njengomkhuba kobana enze njengombana uMoridekayi awatlolele. Lokho wakwenza ngombana isitha samaJuda uHamani umsa kaHamedata umAgagi, gade enze ilisu elimbi ngamaJuda kobana awaqede. Begodu gade enze bona kuphoswe ipuri (lokhu kutjho ifumbe) ngawo ukuze awararanise abe awaqede nya. Kodwana emva kobana u-Esta eze phambi kwekosi, ikosi yakhupha umyalo ngokutlola kobana ilisu lobukhohlakali uHamani agade alilukile ngamaJuda, kufuze libuyele ehlokwenakhe. Yena namadodanakhe baphanyekwa eengodweni. Ngalokho babiza amalanga lawo bona yiPurimu ngokususela ebizweni elithi ipuri. Nje-ke ngebanga lakho koke ebekutlolwe encwadini eyatlolwa nguMoridekayi, nalokho amaJuda aqalana nakho endabeni le kanye nalokho okwawehlelako, akwamukela njengomkhuba wawo noweenzukulwana zawo kanye nabo boke azihlanganisa nawo bonyana azakulonda amalanga amabili lawo ngaphandle kokuhluleka. Kuzakuba njengombana kutloliwe begodu kuzakwenziwa ngesikhathi esibekiweko, qobe mnyaka. Amalanga lawo azakukhunjulwa begodu azakulondwa iinzukulwana ngeenzukulwana, imindeni ngemindeni, iimfunda ngeemfunda nemizi ngemizi. Iye, amalanga wePurimu akukameli eqiselwe amehlo emaJudeni namkha aliswe ukugidingwa eenzukulwaneni zawo. Nje-ke indlovukazi u-Esta oyindodakazi ka-Abirhayeli, banoMoridekayi umJuda, bakhupha umtlolo wesibili ogunyaza ngokugcweleko incwadi yokuthoma mayelana nePurimu. Kwathunyelwa iincwadi ezineenlokotho ezihle nezikhuthazako kiwo woke amaJuda eemfundeni ezilikhulu namatjhumi amabili nalikhomba zombuso ka-Arhatjhiverotjhi. Eencwadinezo bekuqiniswa bonyana kugidingwe amalanga wePurimu ngeenkhathi zawo ezijanyisiweko. Lokho bekufanele kube njengesimiso esabekwa nguMoridekayi umJuda emaJudeni besaqiniswa ngu-Esta indlovukazi. Begodu kube ngendlela wona agade azimisele ngayo kanye neenzukulwana zawo ngendaba yokuzila nokulila kwawo. Umyalo wendlovukazi u-Esta waqinisa isimiso sokugidinga iPurimu, nje-ke lokho kwatlolwa phasi encwadini yemilando. Ikosi u-Arhatjhiverotjhi yabeka bona kube nomthelo embuswenayo, okutjho enarhakazini kanye neenhlengeleni. Angithi zoke izenzo zakhe zegunya namandla, nayo yoke indaba yobukhulu uMoridekayi ahlonitjhwa ngabo lokha ikosi nayimphakamisako, kutloliwe encwadini yeendaba zemihla ngemihla yamakhosi weMediya newePheresiya. Iye, uMoridekayi umJuda gade asisandla sekosi u-Arhatjhiverotjhi, amkhulu phakathi kwamaJuda. Abafowabo abanengi bamthathela phezulu ngombana gade asebenzela abantu kuhle begodu ancengela boke abantu bekhabo kobana baphatheke kuhle. Kwakukhona indoda enarheni ye-Utsi ebekuthiwa nguJobho. Indoda leyo gade imsulwa begodu iqotho. Ngokwesaba uZimu, beyibalekela ubumbi. Beyinamadodana alikhomba namadodakazi amathathu. Beyinezimvu neembuzi eziziinkulungwana ezilikhomba, amakamela aziinkulungwana ezintathu, ikulungwana yeenkomo ezibotjhelwako, amakhulu amahlanu wabodumbana abasikazi kanye neensebenzi ezinengi kwamambala. Gade ayindoda enjinge ukudlula woke umuntu enarheni engepumalanga. Amadodanakhe gade avame ukugega ngokweenkumba zawo enze imigidi, ameme nabodadwawo abathathu kobana bazogoma bebasele ndawonye. Bekuthi kungaphela umzombe wemigidi leyo, uJobho abize abantwabakhe abahlambulule. Gade avuka ekuseni bese abenzele imihlabelo yokutjhiswa ukuya ngokwesibalo sabo boke ngombana uJobho gade adlumbana asithi: “Kungenzeka abantwabami bone ngokuthuka uZimu eenhliziyweni zabo.” UJobho gade enza lokho ngeenkhathi zoke. Kwaba nelanga mhlana amadodana kaZimu aziveza khona phambi kwakaSomnini nomphikisi weza wazifaka hlangana nawo. USomnini wabuza umphikisi wathi: “Uvelaphi-ke wena?” Umphikisi wathi: “Gade ngizulazula ephasini, ngehla ngenyuka.” USomnini wathi kuye: “Uthi khewatjheja nje ngencekwami uJobho? Akunamuntu ofana naye ephasini, uyindoda emsulwa neqotho. Ngokwesaba uZimu ubalekela ubumbi.” Umphikisi waphendula uSomnini wathi: “UJobho wesaba uZimu ngelize na? Angithi umbiyele ngomthangala kanye nomzakhe nakho koke anakho. Ubusise umsebenzi wezandla zakhe, ngalokho imihlambakhe yandile enarheni. Kodwana nawelula isandla sakho uthinte koke anakho gadesi, ngiyakutjela ngithi uzakuthuka emtarini.” USomnini wathi kumphikisi: “Qala, koke anakho ngikunikela esandleni sakho, kodwana yena ngenyama ungamthinti.” Yeke umphikisi wasuka phambi kwakaSomnini. Ngelinye ilanga amadodana namadodakazi kaJobho gade agoma begodu asela iwayini ngekumbeni yezibulo. Khonapho kweza isigijimi kuJobho sathi: “Iinkomo gade zilima, abodumbana bakarula utjani hlanu kwazo, kwavela amaTjheba asahlela iinceku zakho ngesabula, athatha zoke iinkomo nabodumbana. Ungibona nginje sengimi ngedwa ophunyurhileko, nje-ke ngithe angizokubikela.” Kwathi sisakhuluma njalo kwafika esinye sathi: “Kwehle umbani esibhakabhakeni warhadla izimvu neembuzi kanye neenceku zakho. Sekwaba ngimi ophunyurhileko ngathi angizokubikela.” Kwathi naso sisakhuluma njalo kwafika esinye isigijimi sathi: “AmaKasidi eze ngeenqhema ezintathu afese asahlela iinceku azibulala ngesabula abe athumba amakamela. Ungibona nginje, sengimi ophunyurhileko ngathi angizokubikela.” Naso kuthe sisakhuluma njalo kwafika esinye sathi: “Amadodanakho namadodakazakho gade agoma, asela iwayini ngekumbeni yezibulo, qala, sekwavela isiwuruwuru erhalawumbeni samadlha phasi amaswazi womane wekumba, yawela phezu kwabantwabakho. Bahlongakele boke, sekwaba ngimi ophunyurhileko ngathi angizokubikela.” Yeke uJobho wasikima, wadabula iphuraphurakhe, waguda ihlokwakhe, wawa ngobuso wathi: “Ngavela ngibulanzi esibelethweni sakamma, ngizakubuyela ehlabathini nginjalo. USomnini bekangiphile, uSomnini uthethe; alithokozwe ibizo lakaSomnini!” Kikho koke lokhu uJobho azange one namkha asole uZimu ngobumbi. Godu kwaba nelanga lapha amadodana kaZimu aziveza khona phambi kwakaSomnini, nomphikisi wazifaka hlangana nawo naye waziveza phambi kwakaSomnini. USomnini wathi kumphikisi: “Uvelaphi-ke wena?” Umphikisi wathi: “Gade ngizulazula ephasini, ngehla ngenyuka.” USomnini godu wathi kuye: “Uthi khewatjheja nje ngencekwami uJobho? Akunamuntu ofana naye ephasini, uyindoda eqotho nethembekileko. Ngokwesaba uZimu ubalekela ubumbi. Usadzimelele ekubeni qotho nanyana ungitjitjizele bona ngijamelane naye, ngamlobisa ngaphandle kwesizathu.” Umphikisi waphendula wathi: “Ubuhlungu busesikhunjeni! Umuntu uzakunikela koke anakho ikani azakusindisa ipilwakhe. Yeke nange ungelula isandla sakho umthinte enyameni nemathanjenakhe, ngiyakutjela ngithi uzokuthuka emtarini.” USomnini wathi kumphikisi: “Qala, ngimnikele esandleni sakho, kwaphela ungathinti ipilwakhe.” Yeke umphikisi wasuka phambi kwakaSomnini wayokuhlunguphaza uJobho ngamathumba ukusukela ngaphasi kweenyawo bekube sefokothweni. UJobho wathatha isiqetjhana sediko wazirhwaya ngaso, wahlala ezaleni. Umkakhe wathi kuye: “Usabambelele ekubeni qotho kwakho na? Thuka uZimu lo, ufe.” Kodwana yena wathi kuye: “Ukhuluma njengesidlhadlha somfazi. Kanti sizakwamukela okuhle kwaphela kuZimu singasamukela nokumbi na?” Kikho koke lokho uJobho azange one begodu azange akhulume litho elimbi. Kuthe bona abangani abathathu bakaJobho bezwe ngakho koke okumbi okumehleleko, beza omunye nomunye abuya lapha ahlala khona. Bahlangana kobana baye kuJobho bayomtjhiriya. Bona bekungu-Elifasi umTemani, uBhilidadi umTjhurhi noTsofara umNama. Kwathi lokha nabambona basesebuqamamana, kwaba bukhuni ukumfanisa. Bathoma ukurhahlawula, badabula iimphuraphura zabo, bazirhatjha ngethuli eenhloko. Bahlala equlwanini noJobho loyo amalanga alikhomba nobusuku bakhona. Akakho owaba nelitho alitjhoko kuJobho ngombana bebabona bonyana udosa emhlweni kangangani. Ngemva kwalapho uJobho wavula umlomakhe wathuwelelisa ilanga abelethwa ngalo. Wathoma ukukhuluma wathi: “Alibhubhe ilanga engabelethwa ngalo nobusuku obathi, ‘Isibeletho sibambe umtwana womsana.’ Ilangelo alibe bumnyama, uZimu ongaphezulu angalibali, kungabi nomkhanyo mhlokho. Alembathwe bumnyama, iye, ubumnyama obunzima tshu; amafu aligubuzese, lisatjiswe lithunzi elinzima lesiwuruwuru. Kwanga ubumnyama bungasula ubusukobo; bungabalwa namanye amalanga womnyaka, bungabi nendawo emalangeni weenyanga. Ubusukobo abube yinyumba, kungazwakali ukulilizela kibo. Abanikelela amalanga abahlolozele ubusukobo, iye, abanekghono lokutlhorholoja unomrhaso welwandle. Iinkwekwezi zobusukobo azibe mnyama, buhlulukele umkhanyo, kodwana ungabikhona, bungaboni nokudabuka kokusa, ngombana bungakavali iminyango yesibeletho sakamma, namkha bufihlele amehlwami amatshwenyeko. “Ngangingafilini-ke ekubelethweni kwami, ngiphume esibelethweni ngife? Amathanga avumeleni ukungamukela? Amabele avumeleni ukungimunyisa? Ngombana ngabe ngizilalele ngithulile, iye, ngilele, ngiphumulile ethuneni; ngilele namakhosi nabeluleki bephasi, labo ebegade bavuselele amarubhi, namkha ngilele namakhosana egade anegolide, azalisa iinkumba zawo ngesiliva. Kubayini ngingazange ngifihlwe equlwanini njengombungu orhulukileko, iye, njengesana elingazange libone ilanga? Ethuneni iinkhohlakali zilisa ukuba yipehli, abadiniweko bayaphumula. Lapho, iimbotjhwa ziphumula ndawonye, zingasezwa ilizwi lomgandelelazo. Lapho, kunabakhulu nabancani, nekhoboka litjhaphulukile emphathinalo. Kubayini uZimu aphilisa osesizini, nabamunyu emmoyeni? Abantwabo bahlulukela ukufa, kodwana kungafiki, bakurhubhe inga baphenya amagugu; bathabe ngokweqileko, bathokoze lokha nabafumana ithuna. Kubayini uZimu aphilisa ongaboni indlela, iye, loyo uZimu amvalele umzila? Isibibithwana sami kwanga sisikwa kimi, nokububula kwami kugobhoza njengamanzi. Ngambala into ebengiyesaba ingehlele, ebekungethusa kungigubuzesile. Ngiyawurubajeka, anginakuthula, ngiyahlubayela, anginakuphumula, umtlhago ungembethe.” U-Elifasi umTemani waphendula wathi: “Nange umuntu angakhuluma nawe ungakhubeka na? Nokho-ke, akunamuntu ongathula nakunje. Qala, ufundise abanengi, waqinisa abazandla zibuthakathaka. Amezwakho abe sisekelo kokhutjwako, waqinisa abamadolo nzima. Kodwana nasele zibuya ngawe, uphela amandla, nawuthintekako, uyakakamala. Kanti ukwesaba kwakho uZimu, akukuqinisi na? Ubuqotho bepilwakho, abusilithemba lakho na? Akhese ucabangisise kuhle: Wakhe wabonaphi omsulwa atjhabalaliswa na? Kukuphi lapha olungileko akhe abhujiswa khona? Mina-ke ngokubona kwami: Labo abalima ikohlakalo, batjale isizi, bavuna abakutjalileko. UZimu naphefumulako, bayabhubha, navuthela ngobukhali bakhe, bayaphela. Ukubhodla kwebhubezi, ilizwi lengwenyama ethukutheleko namazinyo webhubezana akuwasizi. Ikosi yeenyamazana izulazula inganakudla namawundlu webhubezikazi aphadlhalele. “Ilizwi leza kimi ngefihlakalo, indlebami yezwa umhlebezwana, emizindlweni yemibono yamabhudango, lokha abantu nababanjwe buthongo. Ngehlelwa kukwesaba nokuthuthumela, amathambami woke aqhaqhazela. Kwavela isithunzi ebusweni bami, kwaphakama iinhluthu ehlokwami. Isithunzeso sajama rwe, azange ngazi bona yintobani. Kwathi isigeso sisajame phambi kwami njalo, ngezwa ilizwi elihlebezako lithi, ‘Obhubhako angaba neqiniso ngaphezu koZimu na? Umuntu angaba msulwa ngaphezu komDali wakhe na? Qala, uZimu akanikeli iindalwa zezulu ukuzilawula begodu neengilozi zakhe uyazisola nazenza iimphoso. Alo, bebayini-ke abahlala eenkumbeni zamasoyi, ezidzimelele esisekelweni sethuli, abapitlizeka lula njengomuhlwa na? Babhujiswa ngalanga linye batjhabalala unomphela banganakwa. Angithi nakuqhusulwa intambo yamatendabo, bayafa ngokungazi kwabo!’ ” “Nawubizako, uzakuphendulwa ngubani? Ngisiphi seendalwa zezulu ozakuphendukela kiso na? Ngambala itukuthelo kaZimu iyasibulala isidlhadlha nesikhwele sakhe simadlha isidlhamatletle. Mina ngikhe ngabona isidlhadlha siphumelela, khonapho ikumbaso yaba sisiga sokuthuwelelisa. Abantwabaso abakavikeleki, indababo ayithathwa ebandla, akakho obasekelako. Isivuno saso sigonywa bomalambana, basithuthela hlangana nameva; imigulukudu leyo irharhela ilifa laso. Ngambala ukonakala akuveli ethulini nehlekelele ayiqubuki equlwanini: Umuntu unemvelo yokonakala asabelethwa njengombana kuyimvelo yedlanga ukuphaphela phezulu. “Thana benginguwe, bengizazifunela uZimu, ngethule kuye indabami. Nguye ongumenzi wokukhulu nokungahlathululekiko okuzizinto ezimkariso nezinganasibalo: Unisa izulu phezu komhlaba, athumele amanzi phezu kwemimango ukuze aphakamisele phezulu labo abaphasi, abalilako abanyusele ekwenameni. Utjharaganisa amaqhinga wamaqili, ukuze izandla zawo zingaphumeleli. Abahlakaniphileko ubabamba ngobuqili babo, amaqhinga wamaqili apheliswe msinyana. Emini bahlangana nobumnyama, baphumbuthe inga kusebusuku. Iye, uZimu usindisa abadududu esabuleni, emlonyeni nezandleni zabanamandla, ukuze abakhwahlileko babe nethemba begodu ukungalungi kuvaleke umlomo. “Tjheja-ke, ubusisiwe umuntu okhalinywa nguZimu, yeke unganyazi ukusolwa ngoSabekako. Iye, ubanga ubuhlungu, kodwana uyapholisa, godu amadlhe, kodwana isandla sakhe sibuye selaphe. Uzakwenyula kasithandathu ematshwenyekweni, nakwesikhomba kungabi nobumbi obukuthintako. Nakunendlala uzakuhlenga ekufeni, nakunepi akuhlenge emandleni wesabula. Uzakuvikeleka elimini elinesihlungu, ungesabi ukubhujiswa nakukufikelako. Uzakuhleka ukubhujiswa nendlala, angeze waba nevalo ngeembandana zephasi; ngombana uzakuba nesivumelwano neenlwana, iimbandana zommango zilawulwe nguwe. Uzakwazi bonyana itende lakho liphephile, nawuhlola ipahlakho, kungabikho elahlekileko. Godu uzakwazi bona iinzukulwana zakho zizakwanda, nabantwabakho bahlume njengotjani ehlabathini. Ithuna lakho lizakwamukela sele ukhulile, kube njengesithala sekoroyi nasiwela eselelweni ngesikhathi sakhona. Iye, sikuhlolile lokhu, yeke kuliqiniso. Kulalele, ulemuke bese uyakusebenzisa.” UJobho waphendula wathi: “Maye, thana isizi lami liyalinganiseka! Nehlekelelami ibekwe esilinganisweni sinye! Kokubili bekuzakuba budisi kunetjhwabatjhwaba yelwandle! Kungebangelo ngikhuluma ngehliziyo ebuhlungu: Ngambala imisubela kaZimu oSabekako ingihlabile, ummoyami urhamula isihlungu sayo, ukwesabeka kwakaZimu kuyangiqoba. Udumbana webaleni uyalila nakunotjani na? Nekomo iyalila nayinefuru na? Okunganandiphiko kungagomeka kunganatswayi na? Kunokunandipha ebumhlopheni beqanda na? Umphimbami uyala ukukwamukela, amezwenu afana nokugoma okungigonyulukisako. “Inga ngingazwakalisa isibawo sami, uZimu angiphe engikurhuluphelako. Kwanga uZimu angangipitliza asuse isandla sakhe, uqunte intambo yepilwami! Lokho-ke kuzangiduduza godu; ngithabe nanyana ngisebuhlungwini. Akazukungibabalela ngombana azange ngigodle amezwi woCwengileko. Anginamandla wokulinda, anginasikhathi sokwelula ipilwami! Ngiqine njengelitje na? Inyamami yikoporo na? Ngambala anginamdlandla nepumelelo itjhabalalisiwe kimi. “Kulihlazo emuntwini onyelelela umnganakhe, onjalo udela ukwesaba uZimu oSabekako. Abafowethu abathembeki, banjengomlanjana wesikhatjhana, iye, bamilanjana egeleza ebusika: Balithunzi elimnyama nerhwaba, kibo kuzifihla iliqhwa. Kuthi nakuthoma ukutjhisa banyamalale, nakutjhisako banyelele endawenabo. Imilanjana leyo iphumbutha indlelayo, iphelele erhalawumbeni bese iyanyamalala. Imilandelande yeTema yazuma imilanjana leyo; idwendwe elisuka eTjheba larhuluphela amanzayo. Ladana ethembeni lalo, lafika lapho lakhungatheka. Ninjalo-ke nina kimi: Lokha nanibona ihlekelele, niyacimela. “Nikhe nangizwa ngitjho okulandelako na? ‘Yeningiphe okuthileko! Ngisikelani emnonwenenu ukuze ngifumbathise! Ngenyelani esandleni somjamelani!’ namkha, ‘Ngihlengani ezandleni zeenrhonga!’ Yeke ngifundisani, khona ngizakuthula, ningibonise bona ngiyitjhaphe kuphi. Iqiniso alibulali! Kodwana ukungisola kwenu akusizi. Nidlumbana bona ningakhalima ngamezwi lokha nanithatha amezwi womuntu odangeleko njengommoya na? Nenza ifumbe ngentandani, nenaniselane ngomnganenu! Akhe ningiqale emehlweni. Ngiyafunga, angeze nganikhohlisa! Akhe niphenduke ngiyanibawa, akungabi nobumbi. Iye, phendukani! Indabami inetlha, akukho ukonakala elimini lami, ngiyizwile ihlekelele bona injani!” “Umuntu obhubhako akadosi emhlweni ephasinapha na? Amalangakhe akasinjengowomqatjhwa? Iye, unjengekhoboka elirhuluphela ukuphola kwelanga, nomqatjhwa olubalubela umrholwakhe. Ngaleyondlela, nami ngabelwe iinyanga ezinganamvuzo, ngalinganiselwa amatshwenyeko ubusuku nobusuku. Nangilalako ngithi, ‘Kazi ngiyokuvuka nini?’ Ubusuku bungilethele ukuwurubajeka ngihlubayele bekube ngamarimarima. Inyamami yembethwe ziimbungu nesila; isikhumba sami siyakokorana, sikhune. Amalangami ayarhaba ukuphela kunentambo yomluki, iye, afika ekupheleni kunganathemba. “Khumbula bona ipilwami semuphefumulo; amehlwami angeze asabona ubuhle. Ilihlo elingiqalileko alisazongibona; amehlwakho azangifuna angasangifumani. Njengelifu nalinyamalalako, unjalo nowehlela ethuneni, akasabuyi. Akasabuyeli ekumbenakhe, abantu bekhabo angeze basambona. “Ngalokho angeze ngavala umlomami; ngifuna ukukhuluma esizini lomphefumulwami, nginghonghoyile ebumunywini behliziywami. Ngililwandle nanyana unomrhaso welwandle kobana ungabeze ungibekele umlindi na? Nangithi, ‘Icasi lami lizangiduduza, umbhedami unciphise isinghonghoyilo sami’, wena ungisabisa ngamabhudango, ungihlunguphaze ngemibono. Ngalokho ngikhethe ukukghanywa nokufa kunomzimbami lo. Kwanje sengiphosele itewu, angeze ngisaphila ukuyaphi. Akhe ungisuduke ngombana amalanga ayile. Kubayini obhubhako aqakathekile kuwe, kobana ungabeze umtjheje na? Umkhambela njalo ekuseni, umzizinye umzuzu nomzuzu! Uzongirhudulela amehlo bekube nini, ngaphambi kobana ungigadunge ngikhokhe ummoya na? Ngikone ngani na? Ngikwenzeni wena hloli yabantu? Kubayini unemba mina? Ngimthwalo kuwe na? Alo, kubayini ungacoleli isiphambeko sami, ususe isono sami na? Qala, sele ngizaziyela kwamhlaba, uzangifuna kodwana ngizabe ngingasekho.” UBhilidadi umTjhurhi waphendula uJobho wathi: “Kuzabe kube nini ulokhu ukhuluma njalo? Umlomakho ukhuluma ilize lakolize! UZimu uyahlanakezela ubulungiswa na? OSabekako uyahlanakezela okulungileko na? Nakube abantwabakho bonile kuye, ubanikele emandleni wesiphambeko sabo. Wena nawungafunisisa uZimu, wenze isibawo sakho koSabekako, nakube umsulwa begodu ulungile, ngambala yena uzakuphakamela kuwe, abuyisele umuzi wakho esigeni. Nanyana isithomo sakho sibe sincani, isiphetho sakho sizakuba sikhulu kwamambala. “Yeke, buza kabadala, ubeke ihliziywakho efundisweni yaboyise, ngombana thina singebayizolo, yeke abe akunanto esiyaziko namalangethu ephasini asithunzi. Bona bazakufundisa, bakuhlahle, bakuyale ngelwazi labo. “Incinini ingamila lapha kunganachibi na? Umgaba ungahluma lapha kunganamanzi na? Kuzakuthi kungakaphalazi begodu kungakasikwa nokusikwa, kutjhwabe msinyana kunabo boke utjani. Zinjalo iindlela zaloyo okhohlwa uZimu, irhuluphelo yonganaZimu iyatjhabalala. Ithemba lakhe linjengentambo yesiswebu nesisekelo sakhe siyindlwana yeswebu. Naziyama ngekumbakhe, iyawa, nayikakarelako, ayidzimeleli. Ufana nomgade omila endaweni enelanga, onamahlumela anabela esivandeni. Imirajanawo irarela isiqorho, ihlala hlangana namatje. Kodwana nawuruthulwako endawenawo, indawo leyo ayitjho bona kwakhe kwamilani kiyo. Lokho kukukwenama kwepilwawo: Equlwanenapho kuzakumila omunye. “UZimu akasoze alahle umuntu omsulwa begodu angeze asekele abenza ubumbi. UZimu angazalisa umlomakho ngesihleko godu neembhena zakho ngokuhlokoma. Labo abakuzondako bazakwembathwa mahloni namatende wabakhohlakeleko atjhabalale.” UJobho waziphendulela wathi: “Ngambala, ngiyazi bonyana kunjalo: Obhubhako angeze aba ngolungileko kuZimu. Nakube umuntu ufuna ukujamelana noZimu ebandla, akunambuzo namunye angawuphendula phakathi kweyikulungwana. UZimu unobuhlakani obukhulu, uqinile emandleni. Ngubani owakhe wajamelana naye waphumelela? Nguye otjhidisa iintaba, zona zingazi, azigubude ngetukuthelwakhe. Unyakazisa iphasi alisuse endawenalo, kuthuthumele iinsika zalo. Uyala ilanga bona lingakhanyi, agubuzese iinkwekwezi. Yena yedwa weneka amazulu, agadange amaza welwandle. Wenza iinkwekwezi zeBhere nezesiRuthwana, zesiLimela neendawo lapho zicimela khona ngesewula. Wenza izinto ezikulu ezingahlathululekiko neemangaliso ezinganakubalwa. Qala, udlula ngakimi ngingamboni, iye, uyadlula ngingayeleli. Nahlwithako, ngubani ongamkhandela? Ngubani ozakuthi kuye, ‘Wenzani?’ “UZimu angeze abuyisela itukuthelwakhe emuva, ngaphasi kwakhe abasizi bakaRahabu bathotjisiwe. Alo, ngingamphendula njani na? Ngiwathathephi amezwi wokujamelana naye? Nanyana ngimsulwa, angeze ngamphendula, kwaphela ngingazibawela umusa kumjamelanami. Ngitjho nanyana bengingalila, angiphendule; angikholwa bona ubezakulalela amezwami. Kunalokho ubezangiwurubaja ngesiwuruwuru, andise imivuvu yami ngaphandle kwesizathu. Ubengazukuvuma bona ngikhokhe ummoya, kodwana ubezangizalisa ngomunyu. Nakube kuyindaba yamandla, nguye odlondlobeleko! Nakuyindaba yomthetho, ngubani obezambizela ebandla? Nanyana ngimsulwa nje, ngakhuluma ngimlandu; noma nginganamlandu nje, umlomami ungibeka icala. Emanyeni ngimsulwa! Yeke ipilwami ililize, ngiyihlobokile. Sekuyafana koke, kungakho ngisithi, ‘UZimu ubhubhisa omsulwa nokhohlakeleko ngokufanako.’ Lokha isikhukhula nasiletha ukufa msinyana, sinyefula ukuqobeka kwabanganamlandu. Nakuliphasi, uZimu ulinikele ezandleni zabakhohlakeleko; usitha ubuso babagwebi balo. Nakube akusuye, alo, kungaba ngubani? “Amalangami ayarhaba kunomgijimi, ayaphephuka, angaboni ubuhle. Athaya njengesithayamanzi somgaba, anjengekhozi nalidzwebula ukudla kwalo. Nakube bengingalibala isililo sami, ngilise ukunyukubala ngename, bengizokuba nevalo lakho koke ukuhlupheka kwami, ngombana ngiyazi bonyana angeze wahlala ungangibeki icala. Mina vele sengahlala nginomlandu! Alo, ngizakuthi ngisasebenzelani nje? Nangihlamba ngeliqhwa, ngiqophe izandla zami ngesoda, uzangidlhunya ngemgodini onedaka, benginyenywe zizambatho zami. UZimu akasimumuntu njengami kobana ngingabangisana naye, nokobana ngingajamelana naye ebandla. Thana bekunomlamuli phakathi kwethu obengasilawula sobabili, ukuze uZimu asuse intongakhe kimi, nokumesaba kwami kungasabi khona. Khona-ke bengizakukhuluma ngaphandle kokumesaba, ngombana ngiyazi bona anginamlandu.” “Ngiyayinyenya ipilwami; ngifuna ukuzwakalisa isililo sami ngitjhaphulukile, ngikhulume ebumunywini bomphefumulwami. Yeke ngizakuthi kuZimu, ‘Ungangibeki icala, ngazisa bonyana kubayini ujamelene nami. Kghani uyakareka nawumgandeleli, ulahle umsebenzi wezandla zakho na? Ingabe uthanda amaqhinga weenkhohlakali? Uthi unamehlo wenyama nje? Ubona ngendlela obhubhako abona ngayo? Imihla yakho ifana neyobhubhako na? Iminyakakho ifana neyomuntu na? Kubayini ubhenyegulula imitjhaphami, urhubhulule izono zami, nanyana wazi bonyana anginamlandu, begodu akakho ongasindisa esandleni sakho? Izandla zakho zangibumba, zangitshidza, ngemva kwalokho wangijikela, wangirhayila. Khumbula bonyana ungenze ngomdaka, nje-ke uzangibuyisela ethulini. Azange ungithulule njengebisi, wangitjhujisa njengetjhizi na? Wangembathisa inyama nesikhumba, wangiluka ngokuhlanganisa amathambo nemisipha. Wangipha ipilo ngokwethembeka kwakho, netjhejo lakho labulunga umphefumulwami. Izinto engihlupheka ngazo wazifihla ehliziywenakho; kodwana manje ngiyazi bonyana lokhu kuyihloswakho ngami: Nakube bengingona, wena bewuzangelusa, bewungeze wathethelela ukona kwami. Nakube benginomlandu, maye mina! Nabe gade ngilungile, bengingeze ngavusa ihloko ngombana ngizele ihlazo ngobuhlungu engibuzwako. Nakube bengingaphakamisa ihlokwami, bewuzangizuma njengebhubezi, godu ungigandelele ngamandlakho amakhulu! Uvusa abofakazi abatjha abajamelene nami, wandisa itukuthelwakho kimi, ukuhlupheka kwami kuza ngokudlhegana. Alo, wangikhuphelani esibelethweni? Ngathana ngafa ngingakabonwa nangelihlo, ngaba njengongazange abe khona, ngithathwe esibelethweni ngisiwe ezindleni. Amalanga wokuphila kwami ambalwa. Yeke akhese ungigadunge! Lisa ukunginaka ukuze ngithabe kwesikhatjhana; ngaphambi kobana ngiye kwamgodi uyagcina, enarheni enobumnyama obunzima tshu; iye, inarha enethunzi elinzima nesiyaluyalu, lapha umkhanyo wakhona inga bumnyama.’ ” Yeke uTsofara umNama waphendula wathi: “Amezwi amanengi kangaka akazukuphendulwa na? Ukuphophotha kangaka kuzakwenza oqinisileko na? Ikulumakho engazisiko leyo izakuthulisa abantu na? Ukuhlahlatha kwakhokho akuzukukuveza emtarini na? Uthi, ‘Indabami inetlha’, begodu uthi kuZimu, ‘Ngimsulwa kuwe’. Maye, kwanga uZimu angakhuluma, iye, akhulume nawe umlomo nomlomo! Inga angakwembulela iimfihlakalo zokuhlakanipha! Ukuhlakanipha kwakhe kunepumelelo epheleleko. Nje-ke, uzakwazi bona isibetho sakaZimu kuwe sincani kunomlandwakho. Ungazifunyana iimfihlakalo zakaZimu na? Sewuyifikelele imikhawulo yoSabekako na? Iphakeme ngaphezu kwamazulu! Yini nje into ongayenza wena ngalokho? Itjhinge khulu kunendawo yabafileko! Lilwazana bani ongaba nalo wena? Isilinganiso sayo sinabile kunephasi, begodu sibanzi kunelwandle. UZimu nadlulako, ufaka umuntu ekufeni, bese kuthi omunye amgcine aphilile. Akakho ongamkhandela kilokho. Nguye owazi abaphehli benturhu, ubona ubukhohlakali akude. Akadingi ukutjhidela eduze azokuphenya! Njengomjeka ofakwa emlilweni uphekwe unganalitho, injalo nehloko yomuntu. Iye, ubelethwa anjengodumbana wommango. “Wena-ke nawulungisa ihliziywakho, uzakwelulela izandla zakho kuZimu. Nakube kunesono esandleni sakho, silahle! Ungavumeli ubukhohlakali emzinakho! Nawenze njalo, uzakuphakamisa ubuso bakho umsulwa, ube ngoqinileko, ungabi nevalo. Mbala uzakukhohlwa amatshwenyekwakho; uzawakhumbula inga mamanzi ageleze adlula. Ipilwakho izakuphakama kunelanga eminekulu, izakuphazima njengelanga lekuseni. Uzakuba nesibindi ngombana ithemba likhona; uzakuqaphela ipahlakho, uphumule uphephile. Uzakulala uzigedle, kunganamuntu okusabisako. Abanengi bazazincengela kuwe, kodwana amehlo wabakhohlakeleko azokufifiyela. Bangabi nendawo yokuphephela, ithemba labo lizakuba kuphelelwa mamandla.” UJobho waphendula wathi: “Ngambala nibabantu bekhethu! Nanihlongakalako nokuhlakanipha kuzokunyelela! Nami nginomkhumbulo njengani; angisingaphasi kwenu. Ngubani ongakwaziko okutjhwileko? Ngiyihlekisa emnganinami, uthi, ‘Qala, ubiza uZimu, akamphendule-ke.’ Kunjalo-ke ukunyefula konganamlandu nomsulwa! Umbono wozigedlileko lo uthi, ‘Ungatshwenyeki ngehlekelele! Ilungiselelwe abangakhambi kuhle.’ Kodwana ngithi, ‘Abarhayilako baphila ngokuthula, nabatlhorholoja uZimu bavikelekile, ngitjho labo uZimu abanikele amandla ezandleni zabo!’ Iye, buzani iinlwana, zizanifundisa, nibuze neenyoni zomkayi, zizanitjela. Yelelani iinunwana zequlwani, zizanifundisa, neenhlambi zelwandle zinidembele. Ngisiphi sazo zoke iinlwanezo esingaziko bonyana sisandla sakaSomnini esenza lokhu. Esandleni sakhe kunepilo yakho koke okuphilako, kanye nomphefumulo womuntu woke. Indlebe izizinya amezwi, njengelimu linandipha ukugoma. Ukuhlakanipha kusebantwini abadala na? Nokwazi kusekuphileni isikhathi eside na? Awa, ukuhlakanipha namandla kukuZimu, nguye oneseluleko nokwazi. Nagirizako, akunamuntu ongavuselela; navalela umuntu, akakho ongamvulela. Lokha nagodla izulu, amanzi ayatjha nalithumelako, amanzi akhukhula inarha. UZimu nguye onamandla nohlosa koke, ulawula odurhileko nodurhisako. Nguye okhambisa abeluleki bahlubule, enze abakhokheli iindlhadlha. Unikela amakhosi ezitheni zawo esangweni awabophe ngebhande letjhila emadinini. Ukhambisa nabaphristi bahlubule; aphelise iinkhundla zabo zeminyaka neminyaka. Uthulisa iseluleko sabathembekileko, amuke abaphathi umbono. Uthela amakhosana ngehlazo, onamandla amthukulule ibhande. Wembula amaqhinga afihlakeleko, okwenziwe ebumnyameni akulethe ekukhanyeni. Wandisa izizwe, abuye azibhubhise, azinabise, azirholele ekuthunjweni. Wemuka amakhosi wephasi ukwazi, awenze azulazule ebhudwini elinganandlela. Aphumbutha ebumnyameni kunganamkhanyo, awenze atherezele njengesidakwa. “Amehlwami abone koke lokhu, neendlebe zami zakuzwa zakulemuka. Enikwaziko nami ngiyakwazi, angisingaphasi kwenu. Kodwana mina ngizakhuluma noSabekako, ngiphikisane noZimu. Nakungini khona, ningininda ngamanga, niziinyanga ezingazisiko nokanyana nje. Kwangathi ningathula nithi du, lokho kuzakuba kuhlakanipha kini! Akhese nizwe ipikiswanami, nilalele ukusola komlomami. Ningakhulumela uZimu ngobumbi na? Ningamkhulumela ikohliso na? Ningakhetha ubuso nanisebandla, nikhulume esikhundleni sakaZimu na? Nizakuba yini nange anganihlola na? Nizamkhohlisa njengalokha nanikhohlisa umuntu na? Ngambala uzanisola, nakube nikhetha ubuso ngemsitheleni. Ubukhosi bakhe abuzunethusa na? Ukumesaba kwenu akuzunembatha na? Iinkolelo zenu zizizaga zomlotha, iimpendulo zenu ngezomdaka. Thulani phambi kwami! Mina ngizakukhuluma. Nanyana ngingehlelwa yini, akusenandaba. Ngizakubeka intamami esigodweni, iye, ngibeke ipilwami esandleni sami. Nanyana uZimu azangibulala, angizukulinda, kodwana ngizakuvikela iindlela zami kuye. Lokhu kungaba yisindiswami, ngombana onganaZimu angeze ajama phambi kwakhe. Lalelani kuhle amezwami, ihlathululwami izwakale eendlebeni zenu. Qala-ke, ngibeke indabami ngokuhlelekileko, ngiyazi bonyana anginamlandu. Ngubani wenu ongaphikisana nami? Nakunjalo, ngizakuthula ngithi du, bekube kumhla ngifako.” “Zimu, nginikela izinto ezimbili kwaphela, khona-ke angeze ngazifihlela wena: Isandla sakho asibe kude nami, ukwesabeka kwakho kungangethusi. Nje-ke nawungibizela ebandla, ngizaziphendulela, namkha kukhulume mina, wena-ke uziphendulele. Zingangani iimphoso nezono zami na? Yewungilemukise isiphambeko nesono sami. Kubayini ufihla ubuso bakho, ungithathe njengesitha sakho? Wethusa ikari eliphetjhulwa mumoya, ugijimise ihlanga elomileko na? Utlola imilandwami ibe munyu safuthi, ungigomise ilifa lezono zobutjha bami. Ubophelela iinyawo zami ngesimbi esigodweni, uqalisise zoke iindlela zami, ubeke amatshwayo wasafuthi etendeni yeenyawo zami. Lokho ukwenza emuntwini obola njengesibozi, iye, njengesambatho esigonywa mvunya. Umuntu obelethwe mfazi, imihlakhe mifitjhani begodu izele ngomtlhago. Uyavela njengethuthumbo, abuye atjhwabe; uyabaleka njengesithunzi esingajamiko. Konje ungakhe uqalelele onjalo, umlethe phambi kwakho kobana umgwebe na? Ngubani ongaveza okuhlambulukileko kokusilapheleko na? Akakho do! Njengombana amalangakhe abaliwe, nesibalo seenyanga zakhe sikuwe, wambekela umkhawulo angeze aweqa, ungamqali, yewumlise, ukuze azithokozise ngelanga lakhe njengomqatjhwa. Mbala kunethemba emthini, nakube uyagawulwa ukuze uhlume godu, namahlumelawo akapheli. Nanyana umrabhawo uluphalela equlwanini, nesirumula sawo sifela ehlabathini, nasizwa amanzi sizakuhluma siveze iimpande njengesitjalo esincani. Kodwana indoda nayifako, iphela amandla! Umuntu nadlula ephasini, akasabonwa! Njengamanzi nanyamalala elitsheni, nomlambo uye ngokoma kere, ngokunjalo nomuntu uyalala, angasavuka: Kuzakudlula isibhakabhaka alele njalo, angavuswa ebuthongweni bakhe. “Inga ungangifihla endaweni yabafileko, ungithukuse bekudlule itukuthelwakho, ungibekele isikhathi esibekiweko, ungikhumbule! Nakube umuntu nafako ubengabuye aphile, bengizakulinda soke isikhathi engibekelwe sona, bekufike idlhego lokuphunyuzwa kwami. Bewuzakubiza, mina ngikuphendule, ngombana ulangazelela imisebenzi yezandla zakho. Nje-ke, mbala uzakubala amagadangwami, awuzukuhlala weluse isono sami, uzakuvalela isiphambeko sami ngembadeni, usibekele ukona kwami. Kodwana njengentaba nayiwako igirike, kususwe idwala endawenalo, iye, njengamanzi narhubha amatje, iinkhukhula zikhukhule itjhwabatjhwaba, ngokunjalo ubhubhisa ithemba lomuntu. Uyamhlula nini nanini, adlule: Urhohlomeza ubuso bakhe, umlise anjalo. Amadodanakhe ayaphakanyiswa, nokho yena angazi litho, namkha ehliselwe phasi, yena angayeleli litho. Uzwa ubuhlungu bomzimbakhe kwaphela, begodu uzililela yena kwaphela.” U-Elifasi umTemana waphendula wathi: “Mumuntu ohlakaniphileko na, ozwakalisa ilwazi elingazisiko, nakhulumako abhodle ummoya? Uzakuphikisana ngekulumo engatjho litho, nangamezwi anganabubhadekelo na? Wena nguwe owonakalisa ukwesaba uZimu, unciphisa ukuzindla ngaye. Iimphambeko zakho zifundisa umlomakho, ukhetha ilimu labanobuqili. Akusimi okulahlako, kodwana mlomakho lowo; iye, iimbhena zakho zifakaza ngokujamelana nawe. Umumuntu wokuthoma owabelethwako na? Kghani wavela ngaphambi kweentaba? Wakuzwa okwaquntwa emkhandlwini kaZimu na? Wazithathela ingcenye yokuhlakanipha kwakaZimu na? Yini oyaziko thina esingayazi? Yini oyilemukako thina esingayizwisisiko? Phakathi kwethu kunabathukgheleko nabadala, abadala ngitjho nakuyihlo. “Kuncani kuwe ukududuzwa nguZimu, okutjho ilizwi elikhuluma nawe ngesizotha na? Kubayini ihliziywakho ikukhohlisa, amehlwakho wona akudurhiselani, ummoyakho bewufulathele uZimu, kuphume amezwi anjalo emlonyenakho na? Uyini obhubhako kobana angabamsulwa nobelethwe mfazi kobana angaba ngolungileko? Nakube uZimu akathembi ngitjho neengilozi zakhe namazulu angakahlanzeki phambi kwakhe, kangangani-ke emuntwini onyenyisako nowonakeleko, orhuqa izono inga usela amanzi! “Ngilalela, ngikutjele! Ngifuna ukukucocela ngengikubonileko. Ngikutjele lokho okwadenjwa ngabahlakaniphileko, ngegunya laboyise bangakufihlela. Ngitjho labo abanikelwa inarha bodwa, kwangabakhona amaphandle adlula hlangana nabo. Okhohlakeleko uphila ngokwesaba ngaso soke isikhathi neminyaka ebekelwe isirhonga ilibinzana. Eendlebeni zakhe uzwa ngathi kunemidumo esabekako, umbhubhisi uzomfikela asanethezekile. Akalingi asuke ebumnyameni emsamo, ngombana abantu bayamhlola bese bathi ufanelwa yisabula. Uyazi bonyana uzakuzulazula afunane nesikwa athi, ‘Sikuphi?’ Uyazi kobana ilanga lobumnyama limlindele. Ngokunjalo ukutshwenyeka nokutlhuwa kuyamethusa, kumembatha njengekosi elindele ukusahlelwa. “Ngebanga lokobana gade ajugujela uZimu iguduva, aziphakamisa ajamelene noSabekako, godu nokobana gade aqinise ihloko wamdumela, athembe bona isihlangu sakhe siqinile begodu simabhombo, ngalokho wembesa ubuso bakhe ngamafuthakhe, warephuzela ngamafutha emadininakhe! Umuntu loyo uzakuhlala emadorobheni amarubhi, ngeenkumbeni ezingakameli ukuhlalwa mumuntu, ebezimele zibe liqubi leququ. Yena uzakuloba ipahlakhe nomnonwakhe awuzukubambelela; ilifa lakhe angeze lamlandela ethuneni. Akazukuphunyurha ebumnyameni, umlilo uzotjhwabisa amahlumelakhe, atjhiswe kuphefumula kwakaZimu. Umuntu angathembeli kokungekho, azikhohlise, ngombana uzakuzuza ilize lakolize. Uzakufana nepande etjhwaba kungakabi sikhathi namakarayo angasese lihlaza. Iye, njengesidiribe esithintithwe iinthelo zingakavuthwa, nomuthi we-oliva orhulula amathuthumbo. Mbala abanganaZimu abatheli nomlilo uqothula ipahla ezuzwe ngekohliso. Bakhulelwa ihlekelele, babelethe ubumbi, iye, isisu sabo sikhulisa ikohliso.” UJobho waphendula wathi: “Ngizwe izinto ezinengi ezinjalo; nibaduduzi abambi nokanyana njalo. Lesi sikhathi samezwenu amumoya na? Nakungasinjalo, nitjhiswa yini beniphikise na? Nami bengingakhuluma njengani nje, nabegade kungini lapha ngikhonapha; bengingabumba amezwi ngiphikisane nani, nami ngithintithe ihloko nanginiqalako. Benginganikhuthaza ngomlomami kwaphela, induduzo yeembhena zomlomami inibangule. Madoda, ukukhuluma ngobuhlungu bami, akubenzi budambe, begodu nangithulako nakhona abusuki kimi. “UZimu lo, nguye ongiqede amandla, wakhenisa woke umkhambathami. Ungenze ngaba sibonelo sehlekelele, ukonda kwami kujamelene nami, kufakazela amanga wabantu ngami. Itukuthelo kaZimu ingirathule, ngombana ungibambele ivunda; wangisinela amazinywakhe, umjamelanami wangiqala ngamehlo abukhali. Abantu bangikhamisela imilomo, bangiphoqa ngokungiwakala emhlathini, bangihlalela isicathana. UZimu unginikelele ngemigulukudu, wangilahlela ezandleni zeenkhohlakali. Bengizihlalele, wangiqovaqova, wangithi bhi ngentanyana wangidabudabula. Wangijamisa ngaba sinenjwa, imisubelakhe yawela ngapha nangapha kwami, yangihlaba iziso. Ngaphandle kwesirhawu yachithela inyongwami equlwanini. Ungivula iintunja ngeentunja, angithelekele njengengorho. “Ngithungelele umgodla esikhumbeni sami, ihlokwami izele ngomlotha. Ubuso bami buba bumbi ngesililo neenkopheni zami kunobumnyama obunzima tshu, nanyana kungananturhu ezandleni zami, nomthandazwami uhlambulukile. Wena phasi, ungafihli iingazi zami, isililo sami asingafumani ukuphumula. Nanyana ngingaba njengombana nginje, kwanga ngingaba nofakazi phakathi kweendalwa zezulu, ozokukhuluma indabami keliphezulu, iye, umkhulumelami, omnganami, lokha amehlwami achiphizela uZimu ngeenyembezi. Yena uzakuncengela obhubhako phambi koZimu, njengomuntu nancengela umnganakhe. Mbala, sekusele iminyakana embalwa ngaphambi kobana ngikhambe indlela engabuyiko. Ummoyami wephukile, amalangami aphelile, sengilungele ithuna. Nakungasinjalo, ukukokomejwa kusisabelo sami namehlwami ahlala atjheje ilunya labantu. Zimu, beka isibambiso sami kuwe ngombana ngubani ozangijamela na? Mbala usithe imikhumbulo yabangani bami ekuzwisiseni, ngalokho angeze ubavumele ebandleni lezulwini. “Isaga sithi, ‘Othengisa ngomnganakhe kobana afumane isabelo, amehlo wabantwabakhe azakufifiyela.’ Kodwana uZimu wenze mina ngaba siphoqo sabantu, nabangibonako batsaka amathe. Amehlwami sese afifiyela ngebanga lesizi, angikondi ngimathambo. Abazenza qotho bayarareka ngalokhu, nokuthiwa bamsulwa badanile ngonganaZimu! “Godu isaga sithi, ‘Olungileko unamathela endlelenakhe, nonezandla ezihlanzekileko uyandlondlobala.’ Kodwana nina noke niqhiqha kimapha, nokho angifunyani noyedwa onobuhlakani kini. “Imihla yami idlulile, amasu wami aphelile, iye, iimfiso zehliziywami zitjhabalele. Abangani bami bathi ubusuku yimini lokha nakuba mnyama bathi kuyasa. Ithemba lami linye, indawo yabafileko yindlwami! Sengendlale umkghadami ebumnyameni! Nakube ngibiza ithuna ngithi, ‘Baba’, iimpethu ngizibize ngithi, ‘Mma nabodadwethu’, likuphi-ke ithemba lami? Ngubani ongabona ithemba lami? Kghani lizakwehlela nami endaweni yabafileko? Sizakwehlela kanyekanye ethulini na?” UBhilidadi umTjhurhi waphendula wathi: “Uzakuratharatha kuze kube nini? Buyela emikhumbulwenakho! Emva kwalokho singakhuluma. Kubayini usithathe njengeenkomo, sibe bokeke emehlwenakho? Wena ozirathula ngetukuthelwakho. Utjho bona inarha ingalahlwa ngebanga lakho, namkha kususwe idwala linye endawenalo na? Ngambala umkhanyo weenkhohlakali uzakucinywa, iye, amalahle womlilo wokhohlakeleko amthuthu. Umkhanyo ufiphele ngetendeni lakhe nesibani sakhe lapho akhona siyacima. Ancitjhisiwe amabhadulwakhe anamandla, amaqhingakhe ayamkhuba. Iinyawo zakhe zimrholela ngenedeni, urhohlomela ngemgodini. Isithiyo simbamba ngesithende, isifu siyamurhorheja. Ufihlelwe ikawule equlwanini, iye, ubekelwe unoqhaka endleleni. Ivalo limethusa ngapha nangapha, limhlala eenthendeni. Amandlakhe aqothulwa yindlala, ihlekelele imlele nje, eqadi kwakhe; iqothula isikhumba sakhe izibulo lokufa liqede amalungu womzimbakhe. Udzwetjulwa ebuphephelweni betende lakhe, alethwe ekosini yevalo. Etendeni lakhe kunomlilo, isibabuli sisabalele endawenakhe yokuhlala. Imirabhakhe ngaphasi iyomelela neempande zakhe ngehla ziyabuna. Ukukhunjulwa kwakhe kuyaphela ephasini, ibizo lakhe alisaphathwa enarheni. Ususwa ekukhanyeni, aphoselwe ebumnyameni, aqotjhwe ephasini. Akanabantwana namkha isizukulwana ebantwini bakwabo, sekutlhogeka ngitjho noseleko lapha gade ahlala khona. Bangetjingalanga bayakhena mhlana awako, bepumalanga bangenwa kukwesaba, bathi, ‘Unje-ke umuzi womgulukudu! Le, bekuyindawo yomuntu ongazi uZimu!’ ” Yeke uJobho waphendula wathi: “Nizangizwisa ubuhlungu bekube nini, nilokhu ningiqoba ngamezwi na? Ningirhubutjhe kalitjhumitjhumi! Aninanhloni zokungiwurubaja na? Nanyana bekuliqiniso bonyana ngiphosisile, ukuphosisa kwami yindabami. Nakube ngambala nizikhukhumezela mina, nenze ihlazo lami libe yinto yokungiphikisa, yazini bonyana uZimu ungibeke ngemmoyeni, yinedakhe engirhobele ngaba nje. Nanyana ngirhuwelela ngithi, ‘Ngoniwe!’ akakho ophendulako. Nangimemeza ngifuna isizo, nalapho akukho ukulunga. Ungakhele isiqabo emzilenami angikghoni ukudlula, wabeka ubumnyama eendleleni zami. Ungihlubulise idumo lami, wangemuka isihlohlo ehloko. Ungirhiriza mahlangothi woke, angisekho, wasiphula ithemba lami njengomuthi. Ungivuthelise ngetukuthelwakhe, wangibalela kabajamelene naye. Amabuthwakhe ahlangana ndawonye, ahloma amatendawo angizombeleza, angivimbezela njengedorobho. “Umndenami ubekwe kude nami, engijayelene nabo bami bangihlamukile. Iinhlobo zami nabangani bami bangilahlele izandla, sengilibelwe naziimvakatjhi ekumbenami. Iincekukazi zami zingithatha njengomyeni, sese nginjengephandle emehlwenazo. Nangibiza incekwami, iyazithulela, bengisuke mina ngincengane nayo. Ummoyami usivunda kumkami, ngisinyenyiso ebantwaneni bakwethu. Sese nginyazwa naziinratjhana, nangikhuluma nazo, ziyangifulathela. Boke abakhozi bami bayanginyenya, iye, labo engibathandako sebangijikele. Umphefumulwami uhlulukela abaziingazi zami, kodwana angisenabani. Akhese ningirhawukele hle! Ngirhawukelani bangani bami, ngombana ngigandelelwe sisandla sakaZimu. Kubayini nani ningigijimise njengoZimu? Ananeliswa ngenyamami na? Maye, kubethana amezwami lawa gade atloliwe! Iye, ngathana gade atlolwe emsongweni! Atlolwe ngesimbi elitjeni, kuzaliswe imisele yakhona ngomthofi, ngaleyondlela agobhodlhwe unomphela! Mina ngathana bengazi bonyana umhlengami uyaphila, asikime ebandla ajamelane nabasephasini; nasele asikimile, babone amabono. Nje-ke, ngizambona ongiphathele iindaba ezihle, iye, osidalwa sezulu. Kwanga mina ngingambona ngamehlwami la, iye, abonwe ngimi ngenyama. Umphefumulwami ukomele lokho! Lokha nanithi, ‘Utjhiswa yini, nakube isisusa sendaba silele kuye?’ yelelani isabula ngombana lezo zizono ezifanela ukufa! Nje-ke, nizakwazi bonyana kunesigwebo.” UTsofara umNama waphendula wathi: “Mbala, imikhumbulo engikhathazako ingenza bona ngiphendule, ngebanga lokungabi nokuhlaliseka ngaphakathi kwami. Ngizwa ukusolwa okungihlambalazako, nomqondo engingawuzwisisiko ongenza ngiphendule. Angithi uyakwazi lokhu: Kusukela kade, ekubekweni komuntu ephasini, ukujabula kwabakhohlakeleko kufitjhani nokuthokoza konganaZimu kungokwesikhatjhana. Nanyana ukuziphakamisa kwakhe kufika emkayini, nehlokwakhe ithinta emafini, uzakubhubha isiphelani njengothuvi bakhe. Labo abambonileko bazakuthi, ‘Uphi nje?’ Uphapha njengebhudango, angasabonwa, agijinyiswe njengombono webusuku. Ilihlo elakhe lamrhedlula, alisoze lisambona, angeze lisambona endawenakhe. Abantwabakhe bazakubuyisela umnothwakhe kabadududu, iye, kube sisandla sakhe esibuyisela akuthethe kibo. Amathambakhe gade anamandla wobutjha, kodwana amandla lawo azakulala naye ethulini. “Izenzo ezimbi zinjengeliju ngemlonyenakhe, azifihle ngaphasi kwelimu lakhe. Iye, zinjengeliju alimumethe angalikhafuli, alibambe ngerhwalabha lakhe. Kodwana ukudlokho nasele kungendeni kuyajika: Kube sihlungu senyoka ngaphakathi kwakhe. Uhlanza umnono awuginyileko, uZimu amgonyulukise wona. Uphila ngokumunya isihlungu seenyoka, nje-ke, uzakubulawa lilimu lesiqandani. Akangathabeli imisele, iye, imilanjana egeleza iliju nemilaza: Uzakubuyisa akukhandlekeleko angakakugomi, anganandiphi ngitjho nenzuzo yerhwebo lakhe. Nanyana agandelele bewalahla abadududu, iinkumba abemuke zona angeze azivuselela. “Ngebanga lokobana amarhamaru, umnonwakhe angeze wamsindisa. Ngenca yokurhiribidela kwakhe, ubunjinga bakhe angeze badzimelela. Uzakuthi asadakwe mnono, afikelwe lisizi, iye, amatlhuwo amthelekele ngamandla. Uzakuzalisa isisu sakhe ngesizi! Iye, uZimu amvuthele ngetukuthelwakhe, imnethe njengezulu eliwulukela phezu kwakhe. Nanyana athi ubalekela isibulawo sesimbi, uzakuhlatjwa msebe onetlobo yekoporo. Kuzakuthi nawutsomulako kobana uphume emhlanakhe, itlobo leyo imanyazele inyongo. Uzakwehlelwa livalo lokufa! Bumnyama bodwa obubekelwe amagugwakhe, umlilo ongakabaswa mumuntu uzamtjhwamadela, uqothule nokuseleko emzinakhe. Amazulu azakwambula isono sakhe, nephasi lijamelane naye. Iinkhukhula zizakukhukhula nekumbakhe, iye, amadlambi wamanzi ngelanga letukuthelo kaZimu. Sinjalo-ke isiphetho uZimu asibekele isikhohlakali, iye, ilifa elimenyezelwe nguZimu.” UJobho waphendula wathi: “Lalelisisani amezwami, kube yinduduzo evela kini. Ngibekezelelani khengikhulume, kuthi nangiqedako, nihlekise ngami-ke. Isinghonghoyilo sami asikaqaliswa ebantwini. Alo-ke, kubayini kumele ngibekezele? Nange ningalalela engikutjhoko, nizakumangala, nje-ke nizakuthula nithi du. Nangicabanga ngalokhu, ngehlelwa kukwesaba, umzimbami uyathuthumela. “Kubayini iinkhohlakali ziphila isikhathi eside, ziluphale godu zidlondlobale zibe namandla? Abantwabazo baphumelela phambi kwazo, iye, imindeni neenzukulwana zikanye nazo. Amakhayazo aphephile, akunavalo kiwo, iswazi lakaZimu alikho phezu kwazo. Iinkunzi zazo azibhalelwa kumithisa, iinkomo zazo ziyabamba, aziphunzi. Iinkhohlakali zikhupha abantwabazo njengemihlambi, iye, baphuma, bajekezele ngaphandle. Zibhina ngokulilisa abosotjherere namaharibha, zithabele itjhada lamanghwani. Zizwa kuhle ipilwazo yoke, ziziyele kabafileko ngokuthula. Zithi kuZimu: ‘Hlukana nathi! Asikhanuki ukwazi iindlela zakho. Bekayini oSabekako loyo bonyana singabeze simlotjhe? Sizakubuyelwa yini nasimthandazako?’ “Nakube umnono weenkhohlakali awusisezandleni zazo, amaqhingazo akude noZimu, kukangaki isibani sazo sicinywa na? Kukangaki zehlelwa yihlekelele ezifaneleko? Ingabe uZimu uyazabela ukubhujiswa etukuthelwenakhe na? Kukangaki zifana neenhlanga eziphetjhulwa mumoya, njengamawunguwungu akhukhulwa siwuruwuru na? Namkha uZimu wehlisela isibetho sesikhohlakali emadodanenaso? Awa, uZimu akabethe isikhohlakaleso ukuze sazi nakusasa! Amehlwaso akabone ukubhujiswa kwaso, sisele itukuthelo yoSabekako, ngombana asinandaba nomndenaso esiwutjhiyako lokha nakufika ukuphela kwamalangaso! “Ngubani ongafundisa uZimu ilwazi, onguye ogweba iindalwa zezulu na? Omunye umuntu ufa asaqinile, aphephile begodu azigedlile, iinqwebu zakhe zihlala zigcwele namathambakhe anommongo. Omunye umuntu ufa alisizi angazange akhe abone ubuhle. Bobabili balala ngokufanako ethulini, iimpethu zibembese. “Ngiyakwazi enikucabangako namazungu eningona ngawo ngombana nithi, ‘Iphi-ke gadesi ikumba yomuntu omkhulu? Liphi ikhaya leenkhohlakali?’ Kubayini ningabuzi abantu bemilandelande? Angeze naphikisana nobufakazi ababulethako, okutjho ngomhla wehlekelele iinkhohlakali ziyasinda, ngelanga letukuthelo ziphunyurha zingakalimali. Ngubani ongasola uZimu tjhatjhalazi ngalokhu na? Ngubani ongamhlawulisa ngalokho akwenzileko? “Isikhohlakali sisiwa emathuneni wekhabo, sigadwe liqubi lequlwani. Iye, amagade emlonyeni werholo asisithe kuhle; boke abantu bekhabo bazasilandela, begodu sizakuba kanye nabanengi abakhamba phambi kwaso. Alo-ke nakunjalo, ningangiduduza njani ngenyakanyakenu leyo? Aninazo iimpendulo ngaphandle kwekohliso kwaphela.” Yeke u-Elifasi umTemani waphendula wathi: “UZimu angasizwa mumuntu na? Nohlakaniphileko angaba lisizo kuye na? OSabekako ujatjuliswa kulunga kwakho na? Uzuzani ngobumsulwa beendlela zakho? Kungebanga lokuzithoba kwakho kobana uZimu akusole, abe akuse ebandla na? Ukukhohlakala kwakho kukhulu! Izono zakho azinasiphetho, ngombana ufune isibambiso kubafowenu, ngokuncani abakubamba khona. Bewubahlubulisa izambatho. Azange ubaphe amanzi abadiniweko, watima abalambileko ukudla. Kodwana onamandla bewumnikela inarha, iye, omthandako bekahlala kiyo. Wajikisa abahlolokazi bamkhonoze nabanganaboyise wabaqeda amandla. Kungebangelo iinthiyo zikuzombelezile, ivalo eliza ungakatjheji liyakubhudungela. Kghani awuboni ubumnyama, neenkhukhula zamanzi ezikugubuzesako na? “UZimu akahlali ekuphakameni kwezulu na? Qala iinkwekwezi ezisekabeni yomkayi: Maye, ziphakeme kangangani! Khonapho wena uthi, ‘UZimu wazini nje? Angagweba asebumnyameni obunjalo na? Amafu anzima tshu ayamsitha kobana angaboni lokha nakhamba esibhakabhakeni.’ Uzakukhamba endleleni yekadeni, eyakhanjwa ngabakhohlakeleko, abadudulwa ngaphambi kwesikhathi, iinsekelo zabo zakhukhulwa ziinkhukhula na? Ngibo abathi kuZimu, ‘Hlukana nathi!’ Godu bathi, ‘Yini engenziwa ngoSabekako kithi na?’ Khisibe nguye oSabekako ozalise iinkumba zabo ngokuhle. Kodwana amaqhinga weenkhohlakali akude noZimu! Abalungileko bayakubona lokho bese bajabule, abamsulwa babakokomeje ngokuthi, ‘Iye, abajamelene nathi bayatjhabalaliswa, nomlilo uqothule amasalelabo.’ “Nawubuyisana noZimu, uzakuba nokuthula; ngaleyondlela ipumelelo izakuza kuwe. Yamukela ifundiso ephuma emlonyenakhe, ubeke amezwakhe ehliziywenakho. Nawubuyela koSabekako, uzakuvuselelwa. Tjhidisela ikohlakalo kude nomzakho. Lahlela igade legolidakho ethulini, igolide elicolisakeleko emadwaleni wemilanjana. Nje-ke, oSabekako uzakuba ligade lakho legolide, godu abe yisilivakho ephazimako. Khona-ke uzakuthaba kuye, uphakamisele ubuso bakho kuZimu. Nawumncengako, uzakuzwa, yeke uzakghona ukuphetha iinthembiso zakho. Okuquntileko kuzakwenzeka, neendlela zakho zizakukhanya, ngombana wehlisa amehlo aziphakamisako, kodwana usindisa amehlo azithobileko. Ngomsulwa kwaphela amtjhaphululako, iye, usindiswa kuhlanzeka kwezandla zakhe.” UJobho waphendula wathi: “Ilanga loke isinghonghoyilo sami simunyu, nanyana ngibubula, isandla sakaZimu sinzima phezu kwami. Nangathana bengazi bonyana ngingamfunyanaphi, bengizakuya ebandla alilungiseleleko. Bengizakwendlala indabami phambi kwakhe, umlomami bewuzakuzala amezwi wokuzivikela. Bengizakufumana kobana ubezangiphendula njani; iye, bengizakwazi lokho agade azokutjho kimi. Ubezakujamelana nami ngamandla amakhulu na? Awa, gade azongitjheja yena ngokwakhe. Ebandlapho olungileko ubezakubeka indabakhe phambi kwakhe, iye, ngirarulule indabami isiphelani. Kodwana nangiya epumalanga, yena akakho lapho, nangiya etjingalanga, angimtholi. Emsebenzinakhe ngetlhagwini, angimboni, najikela ngesewula, angimboni nakancani. “Nabe angayelela iindlela zami, nabe angangizizinya, bengizakuphuma nginjengegolide. Iinyawo zami zinamathele iinthende zakhe, ngihlezi endlelenakhe ngangaphambuka. Azange ngisuke emiyalweni yomlomakhe, amezwakhe ngawafihla esifubeni sami. Kodwana yena ufana yedwa. Ngubani ongamtjhugulula? Wenza lokho akuthandako. Ufeza akuqunte ngami, ngaleyondlela uneminqopho enjalo ngabanengi. Kungalokho ngiyathuthumela phambi kwakhe. Nangicabanga ngakho koke lokhu, ngifikelwa livalo. UZimu unyamise ihliziywami, oSabekako ungithuthumelisile. Mbala angikathuliswa bumnyama, namkha ubujamo obunzima engikibo. Kubayini oSabekako angabeki iinkhathi zokugweba? Kubayini labo abamaziko bafune amalanga anjalo bangawafumani? Kukhona abatjhidisa iinkhonkhwani, belusa imihlambi abayithumbileko. Bathumba abodumbana beentandani, bemuke umhlolokazi ikomakhe ngesibambiso. Bafuqula abadududu endleleni, abakhwahlileko enarheni bayabhaca nabezako. Abachakileko banjengabodumbana, iye, abodumbana bommango erhalawumbeni: Baphuma baye emsebenzini wemihla, bazumane neenquqwana zokudla ebhudwini, kobana kube kukudla kwabantwababo. Emasimini babuthelela amakhikhizela wakhona, baburuje eendiribeni zeenkhohlakali. Ngokutlhoga iingubo, balala lize, baswele kokuzembesa emakhazeni. Bathambiswa lizulu leentaba, bazisitha edwaleni kobana baphephe. Kukhona abahlwitha onganayise ebeleni, benze isibambiso ngesana lochakileko. Iinkhwahla zikhamba hlubule, azinazambatho; zithwala iintjherefu zekoroyi ngendlala. Emini zihlala emkghotheni wendlela; zigadange amadiribe ngomrhawu. Ngedorobheni kuquma abahlongakalako, imiphefumulo esebuhlungwini bamanceba ifuna isizo, kodwana uZimu akasoli namunye ngobumbi. “Kunalabo abahlubuka ukukhanya, abangazi iindlela zakhona, begodu abahlali emizileni yakhona. Lokha nakuhlwako umbulali uyavuka, abulale ochakileko noswelako, iye, ebusuku unanaba njengesela. Ilihlo lesihlobongi ligada ukuhlwa, sizitjele sithi, ‘Angingabonwa’, nje-ke, sifihla ubuso baso. Ebusuku iinkumba ziyagqekezwa, emini abagqekezi bayazivalela, ngombana abazwani nomkhanyo. Ilanga labo lithoma nakumnyama tshu, bajayelene nokwesabeka kobumnyama. “Nina nithi, ‘Abantwabo bakhukhulwa mamanzi, isabelo sabo senarha sizakuba sisethuko, akunamuntu ozakunaka iindiribe zabo. Isomiso nomtjhiso ziginya amanzi werhwaba, ngokunjalo nethuna lirhiribidela abonileko. Umbelethakhe uzamkhohlwa, iimpethu zimudle, angeze asakhunjulwa nakanye, iye, ubumbi bephulwa njengeenkuni. UZimu uzakondla inyumba, iye, umfazi onganamntwana, kanye nomhlolokazi ongaphathwa kuhle. Ngamandlakhe uzakukhukhula iinrhonga, amele onganathemba epilweni. Uzamnikela ukuphepha ukuze ename ngombana amehlwakhe aseendleleni zeenrhonga. Iinrhonga ziphakanyiswa kwesikhatjhana kodwana zibuye zinyamalale; zibuna njengotjani bezibuthelelwe ndawonye; mbala, zigwetjwa njengeenqwambe zekoroyi.’ “Amezwami aliqiniso! Ngubani ongangiphikisa, awenze abe lilize na?” Yeke uBhilidadi umTjhurhi waphendula wathi: “Igunya nokwesabeka kungekwakaZimu, yena ugcina ukuthula ekuphakameni kwezulu lakhe. Ngubani ongabala amabuthwakhe? Ukukhanya kwakhe kukiyo yoke indawo. Alo, obhubhako angaba ngolungileko njani phambi kwakaZimu? Angaba msulwa njani obelethwe mfazi? Nakube ngitjho nenyezi ayikacwebi neenkwekwezi azikhanyeli emehlwenakhe, kangangani-ke obhubhako, oziimpethu kwaphela, iye, indodana yomuntu esibungu sakosibungu!” UJobho waphendula wathi: “Maye, umsize kangangani obogabogako! Wanceda ingalo enganamandla! Wanikela ongakahlakaniphi iseluleko! Wazisa okungaveza imiphumela emihle! Ngubani okufundise amezwi lawo? Uwakhulume ngommoya kabani? Iintsitsirimba zithuthumela ekuzikeni kwelwandle, iye, amanzi nokukiwo kuyazamazama. Indawo yabafileko yembulekile kuZimu, indawo yokubhujiswa isepepeneneni. Wendlala isibhakabhaka esingetlhagwini njengetende elinganansika, alembelelise umhlaba phezu kwelize. Uphuthela amanzi ngamafu wakhona, kodwana amafu lawo akaphadlhuki. Wembesa ilingaphambili lesihlalo sakhe sobukhosi, aqhise amafu phambi kwaso. Uthala isiyingi somkayi ebusweni bamanzi, sibe mkhawulo okude wepelamehlo phakathi kobumnyama nokukhanya. Iinsekelo zamazulu zihlengezele, zethuswe kukhalima kwakhe. Ngamandlakhe wathulisa ilwandle, ngekghono lakhe waphihliza uRahabu. Iye, isandla sakhe sahlaba inyoka etjhelelako, ngokuphefumula kwakhe umkayi wacweba. Lokhu seziinquqwana zomsebenzakhe; amahlebezi ngaye siwazwela kude. Ngubani ongazwisisa umdumo wamandlakhe?” UJobho waragela phambili ngekulumakhe wathi: “NguZimu obekele indabami eqadi, iye, ngoSabekako owenze umphefumulwami waba munyu, ngiyafunga ngithi, qobana ummoyami usahlangene nenyama, iye, nomphefumulo engiwuphiwe nguZimu useempumulweni zami, umlomami angeze wakhuluma okuphambeneko, nelimu lami alizukuba nekohliso. Angeze bengivume bonyana nineqiniso, ngizabe ngiyokufa ngilokhu ngimsulwa. Ngizakukakarela ekulungeni kwami, ngingavumi bona kungiphunyurhe. Imihla yoke yokuphila kwami, akukho lapha ihliziywami ingisola khona. Izitha zami sese zifana nabakhohlakeleko, abajamelene nami banjengabonakeleko. Liyini ithemba lomzenzisi, lokha uZimu naqunta ipilwakhe iye, nasele athatha umphefumulwakhe na? UZimu uyasilalela isililo sakhe na, lokha nehlelwa matshwenyeko? Onjalo uyathokoza koSabekako na? Uyambiza uZimu ngeenkhathi zoke na? Nginifundisa njalo lokho uZimu akwenze kimi, angifihli iindlela zoSabekako! Qalani, noke nizibonele lokhu! Alo, yikulumo yani-ke engazisiko le?” “Awa, nasi isiphetho uSomnini asibekele isikhohlakali, nelifa elifunyanwa migulukudu koSabekako: Nanyana abantwabaso bangaba banengi, bazakuphelela esabuleni, iinzukulwana zaso ziswele ukudla. Eziseleko ziye ethuneni ngebanga lesifo, abahlolokazi abanaso baphelelwe ziinyembezi. Nanyana singabuthelela isiliva inga lithuli, sidindele izambatho njengendunduma yomdaka, abalungileko bazakwembatha nasilokhu sidindela njalo, nabamsulwa bahlukanise isilivelo. Ikumba esiyakhako ifana nendlelwana yomvunya, injengomthunzi wamatjhwaba owakhiwe mlindi esivandeni. Silala singonjingileko, sivuke singanalitho, nasivula amehlwaso, koke kutjhabalele. Ukwesaba kusibhudungela njengeenkhukhula, ebusuku siphetjhulwe siwuruwuru. Ummoya wepumalanga uyasiphephula, sikhambe, usidudule, sitjhide endawenaso. Usithelekela ngaphandle kwesirhawu, silinga ngakho koke ukubalekela amandlawo. Iye, wenza itjhada lokuwahla phezu kwaso, uvunguze ngehla kwaso, besibaleke endawenaso.” Ngambala kunomgodi wesiliva nendawo lapha kuhlungwa khona igolide. Isimbi ikhutjhwa equlwanini ephadlhiweko, ikoporo incibilikiswa elitjeni lakhona. Umuntu uyabuphelisa ubumnyama, abhenyegule abe ayokufika emaphethelweni, afunisise elitjeni lapha kufifiyela khona, ngitjho nalapha kunzima tshu. Ulembeleliselwa ngemgodini ngomutja, aqeqebule umkghotha edwaleni, iinyawo zisemmoyeni; ulengela emgodini, kude nabantu. Umhlaba okuvela kiwo ukudla, ngaphasi uphendulelwa ngomlilo edwaleni lawo kuvela amatje wesafaya nethuli lakhona linegolide. Indlela eya emikghotheni leyo ayaziwa madlanga, namakhozi akayiboni. Iinkhakhabi azingeni emikghothwenapho nebhubezi alitjhideli lapho. Umuntu ubeka isandla sakhe elitjeni eliqinileko; apewule iintaba emirabhinazo. Wemba imikghotha edwaleni, amehlwakhe abone woke amagugu. Uvala imithambo yamanzi, okufihliweko akuveze emkhanyweni. Kodwana kufunyanwaphi ukuhlakanipha? Ilwazi lona lihlala kuphi na? Umuntu akazwisisi ukuqakatheka kwalo, ngombana alifunyanwa emphakathini. Ukuzika kuthi: “Akukho kimi.” Ilwandle nalo lithi: “Akukho kimapha.” Akuthengwa ngegolidembala, namkha kulinganiswe isiliva njengenani lakhona. Akukhokhelwa ngegolide le-Ofira, namkha ngamatje aligugu we-oniksi newesafaya. Igolide nerhalasi azilinganiseki nokuhlakanipha, namkha kwenaniswe ngezitja zegolide. Ungalingi ukukhokhele ngekorali nekhristali, ngombana inani lokuhlakanipha lingaphezu kwamaparele. Akulinganiswa nethophazi kaKutjhe, godu angeze kwathengwa ngitjho nangegolidembala. Alo, kubuyaphi-ke ukuhlakanipha? Ukuzwisisa khona kuhlala kuphi? Kufihlakele emehlweni wakho koke okuphilako, kufihlakele ngitjho neenyonini zomkayi. Ukubhujiswa nokufa kuthi: “Nathi siyakuzwela ukuhlakaniphokho.” UZimu nguye owazi indlela eya kikho, nguye kwaphela owaziko bona kuhlalaphi. Iye, yena ubona amaphethelo womhlaba, abone koke okungaphasi komthunzi welanga. Lokha nanikela ummoya amandla, walinganisa ubukhulu bamanzi, lokha nenzela izulu isimiso namafu anzima indlelawo, waqala ukuhlakanipha wakubuka, wakuhlela bewakuhlolisisa. Wathi emuntwini: “Ukwesaba uSomandla kukuhlakanipha! Ukutjhida ebumbini kukuzwisisa!” UJobho wabuyela endabenakhe godu wathi: “Maye, ngubani nje ongangibuyisela eenyangeni ezadlulako, emihleni lokha uZimu nagade angelusa! Isibani sakhe besikhanyisa ehlokwami, ngokukhanya kwakhe ngikhambe ebumnyameni! Maye, ngikhumbula nakusese ngimokha, lokha umuzami usavikelwa nguZimu, oSabekako nasese nami nabantwabami bangibhodile, iinyawo zami ngizihlamba ngomlaza negagadu lingigelezela imisele yamafutha we-oliva. “Lokha nangikhuphukela etatawini ledorobho. ngibeke isihlalo sami ebandla, amasokana nangibonako bekadeda, amaqhegu asikime, ajame. Iinkhulu bezithula zithi du, zibambe umlomo; nakumele kukhulunywe, abosaziwako bebajamela ncanye, amalimabo anamathele erhwalabheni. Woke ogade angizwa bekangibuka, nalabo abangibonako bebangikhakhazisa, ngombana bengenyela okhwahlileko nonganayise, onganabani ongamsiza ezandleni zeenjinga ezimarhamaru. Uzulani nangibusisako bengibusiseka bese ngijabulise ihliziyo yomhlolokazi. Bengembatha ukulunga, nakho kungembathe; ubulungiswa kimi bebunjengenaka nomtjhotjho. Bengililihlo kongaboniko, ngiziinyawo zorholopheleko. Iye, bengingubaba kabakhwahlileko, ngijamela ngitjho nendaba yesikhambi. Nje-ke, ngikhamisise abakhohlakeleko, ngahlwitha abongazimbi emazinywenabo. “Ngadlumbana ngathi, ‘Ngizakufela hlangana namadzinyanami, amalangami azakuba manengi, abe njengetjhwabatjhwaba yelwandle. Ngemirabhami emanzini nombethe eempandeni zami ebusuku, ngizakuhlala ngidunyiswa njalo, negunya lami livuselelwe.’ Ebandla abantu bebathula bangilalele, iye, bebathula balalele izeluleko zami. Ngemva kwekulumami, bebangasabi nelizwi; amezwami befumbentela phezu kwabo. Bebangilinda kwanga balinde izulu, bavule imilomabo inga bakhamisele izulu lesilimela. Bengimomotheka lokha nabanganathemba, ukuhleka kwami bekubakhuthaza. Bengibakhethela indlela, ngibe ngusihlalo ebandla ngihlale inga ngiyikosi hlangana namabuthwayo, nginjengomduduzi wabalilako kibo. Kodwana gadesi bahlekisa ngami, ngitjho nabantu abancani kimi ngeminyaka! Iye, abantwana balabo egade ngingabatjheji kobana ngingabahlalisa nezinja zomhlambami. Amandla wezandla zabo bekazakuba yini kimi? Umdlandlabo uyile, ngebanga lokuswela nangendlala ebhokileko! Ebusuku bakhuma ihlabathi eyomileko: Ebhudwini nendaweni emumango bakha imirorho emunyu emahlatjhaneni, banqothula nemirabhu yemithi yomthanyelo ukuze baziphilise. Bayaqotjhwa emphakathini, kurhuwelelwe emva kwabo inga masela. Bakatelelekile ukuhlala emadongeni wemilanjana, iye, emipharwini yomhlaba neyamadwala. Babongolela hlangana namahlatjhana, babuthane hlangana neentjhutha. Basizukulwana esinganamikghwa nesinganabizo, ngilabo abaqotjhiweko enarheni! “Nje-ke, gadesi ngisiphoqo sengomabo! Sese ngiphenduke isiga kibo! Bayanginyenya, bakhambela kude nami, abananhloni zokungikhafula phambi kwami. Njengombana uZimu angitjhiye ngingakavikeleki bewangithobisa, bona-ke sese bazenzela phezu kwami. Ngesigomeni sami ngivukelwa yicubevange, bangenza bona ngibaleke, bangisahlela kobana bangibhubhise. Bavimba indlelami yokuphuma ukuze bangiqedelele, onganamsizi kumele abhace. Bangithelekela njengamanzi agobhozako, beza njengeenkhukhula zezulu elinamandla. Ngehlelwa kukwesabeka, isithunzi sami siyaphephuka inga mumoya, njengelifu ukwaziwa kwami kuyatjhabalala. Nakungimi yena, ipilwami iyathuluka, ngikakarelwa malanga wokuhlunguphazwa kwami. Ubusuku buqhoboza amathambami, ubuhlungu obungiququdako abupheli. Ngamandla amakhulu uZimu ubamba isambatho sami, iye, ungitjhubelela ngentamo yenaka lami, ungijikijela edakeni, sengaba njengethuli nomlotha. “Ngiyakubiza Zimu, kodwana awungiphenduli, ngiyasikima ngithandaze, awungitjheji! Ungiphendukele ngokunganasirhawu, ngesandla sakho esinamandla, wangiphatha njengesitha. Ungidzwebule, wangikhweza ummoya, wangivunguzela hlangana nesiwuruwuru. Ngiyazi uzongehlisela phasi kabafileko, endaweni ebekelwe boke abaphilako. Akunamuntu ongatjhejana newiliwili, ingode engasenakuhlengwa! Mina ngabalilela abasesizini, ummoyami wazwelana nabakhwahlileko, kodwana nangilindele okuhle, kuvela ubumbi, nangiqalelela umkhanyo, kuvela ubumnyama. Ukuwurubajeka okungaphakathi kwami akuthuli, ngehlelwa malanga wamahlungu. Ngikhamba ngitjhile, kodwana ingasi ngokutjhiswa lilanga. Ebandla ngiyasikima ngizibike. Sese ngimfowabo leempungutjha, umngani weenciliba. Isikhumba sami sese sinzima begodu siyakaruka, ngiyatjha emzimbeni ngomgomani. Iharibha lami liphenduke isililo nenghwani lami isirhahlawulo. Ngenze isivumelwano namehlwami, kobana ngingaqali itlawu ngokulikhanukela. Siyini isabelo somuntu kuZimu ongaphezulu, ilifa alifumana koSabekako ekuphakameni na? Lokho kuyihlekelele yokhohlakeleko, nelitjhwa kabenza okuphambeneko. Ingabe uZimu akaboni iindlela zami, abe abale woke amagadangwami na? Ngiyafunga bona akhange ngikhambe magwegwe, namkha inyawo lami lirhabele ikohliso! Nakube uZimu ungibeke esilinganisweni seqiniso, uzakubona ubuqotho bami. Ngiyafunga bona amagadangwami akhange aphambuke endleleni, ihliziywami akhange ilandele amehlwami nezandla zami akhange zichaphazelwe yisila. Nakungasinjalo, engikutjalileko akugonywe ngabanye, iye, basiphule ngitjho nesivuno sami. Ngiyafunga bona ihliziywami akhange iyengwe mfazi, akhange nginanabele umkamakhelwanami. Nakungasinjalo, umkami akasilele omunye, angenwe nanyana ngiyiphi indoda. Ngambala ukuyengwa mfazokho, bekuzakuba lihlazo lakohlazo, kube sisono sokwahlulelwa; iye, kube mlilo ongatjhisa ubulale, kungibize isivuno sami soke! Ngiyafunga bona akhange ngilahle indaba yekhoboka neyekhobokakazi lami, lokha nanghonghoyila kimi. Bengizokwenza njani lokha uZimu nasikima ngokujamelana nami na? Bengizokuphendula ngithini nagade angiphenya? Owangibumba esibelethweni, nguye owabumba nekhoboka. Nguye yedwa owasidala esiswini. Ngiyafunga bona azange ngigodle iinrhuluphelo zabadududu, namkha ngifiphaze amehlo womhlolokazi. Godu azange ngigome isikwa sami ngedwa, kodwana nentandani yaba nesabelo kiso, ngombana ukusukela ebutjheni bami uZimu wangiphatha njengobaba, iye, wangihlahla ukusukela esibelethweni sakamma. Ngiyafunga bona akhange ngithi nangibona uzulani aswela izambatho namkha otlhagileko akhamba hlubule, ngimlise. Imizimbabo beyithokoza ngami, nasele ifuthumele ngoboya bezimvu zami. Ngiyafunga bona akhange ngikhombe omsulwa ngeguduva, lokha nangizibona nginabasekeli ebandla. Nakungasinjalo, isiphanga sami asiwohloke ehlombe lami, umkhonwami ukhwamuke esiphangeni. Ngambala, benginevalo ngehlekelele evela kuZimu; bengingeze ngakwazi ukujamelana nephazimulwakhe! Ngiyafunga bona akhange ngibeke ithemba lami egolideni, namkha ngathi egolidenimbala, ‘Wena usibambelelo sami’. Akhange ngename ngomnonwami ongangobaba, namkha ngamandla wenzuzo yawo. Ngiyafunga bona akhange ngiqale ilanga ekukhanyeni kwalo, namkha inyezi nayikhamba ekuphazimuleni kwayo. Godu ihliziywami akhange iyengeke buntumba, namkha ngincwange isandla sami. Ngambala lokho bekuzakuba sisono ekumele sahlulelwe, bengizabe ngingakathembeki kuZimu ophezulu. Ngiyafunga bona akhange ngithabele ihlekelele eyehlela ongizondako, namkha ngibukise ngobumbi obumehleleko. Akhange ngivumele umlomami bona wone, ngokumhlolozela ngamanikelela wokufa. Ngiyaqinisa bona amalunga womzami gade ahlala asithi, ‘Ngubani ongazange azisuthise etafuleni lakaJobho na?’ Ngambala akunasikhonzi esakhe salala ebaleni, iminyangwami beyihlala ivulekele isikhambi. Ngiyafunga bona, nanyana ngimumuntu wenyama, akhange ngisibekele isono sami. Azange ngifihle umlandwami esifubeni, ngebanga lokwesaba isiqubuthu. Akhange ngesabe kobana imindeni izangirhubutjha bese ngathula, ngangaphumela tjhatjhalazi. “Ngiphetha ikulumami ngokutlikitla! Inga uZimu angangizwa, oSabekako angiphendule! Kwanga ongimangalelako angatlola phasi indabakhe! Ngiyafunga bona lokho ngizakutjatha emahlombe, ngikuthwale njengesihlohlo. Ngizamnikela imininingwana yelinye nelinye igadango lami, njengalokha bengizakunikela umgwebi ngokunjalo ngizamnikela yona. Ngiyafunga bona amasimami azange akhe angimangalele, imisedlanayo akhange ilile phambi kwakaZimu. Iye, akhange ngigome iinthelo zawo simahla, azange ngibangele bona iinsebenzi zawo zidose nzima. Nakungasinjalo, akumile ameva esikhundleni sekoroyi, kumile ikhula esikhundleni sebhali.” Aphelela lapha-ke amezwi kaJobho. Yeke amadoda amathathu lawo alisa ukuphendulana noJobho ngombana gade azibona amsulwa. Kodwana u-Elihu umsa kaBharakeli, umBhuzi womndeni kaRama, wathukuthelela uJobho khulu. Wamthukuthelela ngebanga lokuzithethelela kwakhe phambi koZimu. Godu wathukuthelela abangani abathathu ngombana bahlulwa kufumana ipendulo kuJobho kodwana khonapho baragela phambili nokumsola ngobukhohlakali. Ngebanga lokobana amadoda lawo bekamakhulu kuye, u-Elihu walinda ngaphambi kobana akhulume noJobho. Nje-ke, kuthe lokha nabona bonyana amadoda amathathu lawo akasenapendulo, kwathi akafe ngetukuthelo. Yeke u-Elihu umsa kaBharakeli umBhuzi wathi: “Mina ngisese mutjha ngeminyaka, nina sele nibadala. Kungalokho ngibe nevalo, ngesaba ukunitjela engikwaziko. Ngadlumbana ngathi, ‘Akukhulume isikhathi, iminyaka ifundise ukuhlakanipha.’ Kuhlekuhle mumoya osemuntwini, iye, mphefumulo woSabekako onikela abantu ukwazi. Ubudala abumenzi umuntu ahlakaniphe nokuluphala akumenzi azi okufaneleko. Kungalokho ngithe, ‘Ngilalelani! Nami ngizanitjela engikwaziko.’ Qala, fengalinda amezwenu, ngalalela imibonwenu. Nanilokhu nifunana namagama, bengiseze nginilalele kuhle. Kodwana akakho okghone uJobho, iye, phakathi kwenu akakho okghone ukuphendula amezwakhe. Ningeze nathi, ‘Sifumene ukuhlakanipha kwamambala, nje-ke akube nguZimu oqalana noJobho, kungabi mumuntu.’ UJobho nahlela indabakhe ubangakayiqalisi kimi, ngalokho angizumphendula ngamezwenu.” “Abangani bakho bakhenile, baphelelwe begodu abasenamezwi abangawatjho. Iye, bathule bathe du, bajamile, abasenapendulo! Alo, ngilinde na? Awa, kwanje-ke lithuba lami lokuphendula, iye, ngitjho engikwaziko. Ngiyaphuphuma ngamezwi, ngisunduzwa mumoya ongaphakathi kwami. Ngambala, ngaphakathi kwamapha kunjengewayini elivalwe lisabila, iye, njengeenkhumba ezidatjulwa liwayini elitjha. Ngimele ngikhulume ngihlambuluke, ngivule umlomami ngiphendule. Angizukukhetha ibala, namkha ngiyenge umuntu, ngombana angikwazi ukutshima. Nagade ngikwazi, umBumbami ubezangisusa msinyana. Nje-ke Jobho, akhe ulalele amezwami, ulalelisise koke engikutjhoko. Qala, ngivula umlomami, ilimu lami ngemlonyeni lifuna ukukhuluma. Amezwami avuthiweko azakuveza ubuqotho behliziywami, umlomami ukhulume okumsulwa kwaphela. UMoya kaZimu uyangenzisa, umphefumulo woSabekako ungenza ngikhulume. Ngiphendula-ke, nakube uyakghona, zilungiselele uqalane nami. Phambi kwakaZimu sengizifanela nawe, nami ngabunjwa ngomdaka. Ngalokho ukungesaba kungakwethusi, nesandla sami singakudisibezi. “Kodwana ngikuzwe kuhle, namezwakho ngisawezwa eendlebeni zami lokha nawusithi, ‘Ngihlanzekile, anginasiphambeko, ngimsulwa, anginasono. Qala, uZimu uyangitjhijila, ungithatha njengesitha sakhe. Ubophelela iinyawo zami ngesimbi esigodweni, uqalisisa zoke iindlela zami.’ Kodwana ngokutjho njalo kwakho, uphambukile. Ipendulwami kilokho ithi, ‘UZimu mkhulu kunobhubhako.’ Kubayini usolane naye, uthi akaphenduli nalinye ilizwi lomuntu? Phela uZimu uyakhuluma, kungaba ngalendlela namkha ngenye, nanyana umuntu angakuboni lokho. Kungaba ngebhudango, umbono webusuku: Lokha abantu nababanjwe buthongo, barhona emikghadinabo, yena uvula iindlebe zabo, abaphazamise ngeeyeleliso, ukuze atjhidise umuntu ekoneni kwakhe, ahlunge ukuzitjhaya kuye, amphephise emlonyeni wethuna, iye, ipilwakhe ekubhujisweni ngomkhonto. Godu umuntu angakhalinywa ngesihlabi asemkghadini, okukuqaqamba kwamathambo okungapheliko, ihliziywakhe ithitjhelwe kugoma, angabi nendeni emhlophe ngeenkhanakhana. Umzimbakhe uyawohloka angasaqaleka, namathambakhe ebegade angabonakali, abonakale avele ngaphandle. Umphefumulwakhe utjhidela ethuneni, ipilwakhe ibandamela kabafileko. “Nakunengilozi yinye phakathi kwekulungwana ebeyingamsekela, imkhulumele, imemezele ukulunga ngaye, ibe nomusa kuye ithi, ‘Zimu, msindise emlonyeni wethuna, ngimfumanele isihlengo’, umzimbakhe uzakwenziwa butjha ube ngaphezu kwebutjheni bakhe iye, uzakuphuluka ube namandla wobutjha. Uzakuthandaza kuZimu, uZimu amamukele, uzazizwela ubukhona bakaZimu ngokuhlokoma, uZimu abuyisele obhubhako esimeni sokulunga. Umuntu loyo uzakusuka aye ebantwini athi, ‘Ngonile, ngahlanakezela okulungileko, azange ngifumane okungifaneleko. UZimu uhlenge umphefumulwami ekufeni, yeke ngizakuphila ngithokozele ukukhanya.’ “UZimu wenzela umuntu koke lokhu, kube kabili, bekube kathathu, abuyise umphefumulwakhe ekufeni, ukuze umkhanyo wokuphila ukhanye kuye. Yelela-ke Jobho, ungilalelisise, thula uthi du, ngikhulume. Nakube kunento ofuna ukuyitjho, ngiphendula, khuluma ndoda, ngombana ngifuna ukuvumelana nawe. Kodwana nakube akunalitho, khona-ke yewungilalele, thula uthi du, ngikufundise ukuhlakanipha.” U-Elihu wathatha wathi: “Lalelani amezwami nina nhlakaniphi, bekani indlebe kimi nina zazi ndina. Mbala, indlebe izizinya amezwi njengombana nelimu linandipha ukugoma. Asikhetheni thina lokho okulungileko, siqunte ngokwethu lokho okuhle. Njengombana uJobho lo athe, ‘Ngimsulwa! UZimu ungimuke ilungelo lami. Nanyana ngineqiniso nje, ngibonwa njengomleyimala; nanyana nginganamlandu, umsubela okimi ungibangele isilonda esingapholiko.’ Mumuntu onjani ofana noJobho, ozikholisa ngokunyefula uZimu inga mumuntu osela amanzi na? Ukhozisana nabenza okumbi, azihlanganise neenkhohlakali, ngombana uthi, ‘Akumsizi ngalitho umuntu lokha nalinga ukujabulisa uZimu.’ Yeke yeningilalele nina madoda anokwazi: Kukude noZimu ukwenza okumbi, kukude noSabekako ukwenza okuphambeneko. Unikela umuntu umvuzo ngokwezenzo zakhe, amehlisele okukhambisana nokuziphatha kwakhe. Mbala, uZimu akenzi ubukhohlakali, oSabekako akahlanakezeli ubulungiswa. Ngubani owambeka bona aphathe umhlaba? Ngubani owambeka phezu kwelizwe loke? Nabegade angahlosa ukuthatha ummoyakhe nomphefumulwakhe, koke okuphilako gade kuzakubhubha, umuntu abuyele ethulini. “Nakube unelwazi wena Jobho, lalela lokhu, yelela amezwami! Ozonda ukulunga angabusa na? Ungasola olungileko nonamandla ngokungalungi na? Nguye ongathi emakhosini, ‘Niziinrhwirirhwiri’, bese athi emakhosaneni, ‘Niziinkhohlakali’, ongakhethi ubuso beenkhulu, ongabeki abanothileko phambi kwabadududu ngombana boke bamsebenzi wezandla zakhe. Msinyana bayabhubha, ngokurhabileko abanjingileko bayadlula banyamalale, abanamandla bayasuswa kungengasandla somuntu. Amehlwakhe aseendleleni zabantu, ubona amagadangwabo woke. Akunandawo emnyama, ngitjho nobumnyama obunzima tshu, lapha abenza okumbi bangabhaca khona. UZimu akadingi ukubeka isikhathi sokobana umuntu avele phambi kwakhe ebandla. Ngaphandle kokubuza, ususa abanamandla, ajamise abanye eenkhundleni zabo, ngombana uyelela izenzo zabo. Msinyana angabehlisela ihlekelele bese bayabhubha. Ubahlunguphazela ukukhohlakala kwabo, emtarini babonwe mumuntu woke. Umphumela wokuhlubuka kwabo nokungayeleli iindlela zakhe, kukukobana isililo sodududu sizwakala kuye, begodu uzwa isililo sabagandelelweko. Lokha uZimu nathulileko, ngubani ongamsola ngokungalungi? Nange afihla ubuso bakhe, ngubani ongamkhalimela? Yena ulawula izizwe nomuntu ngamunye ukuze onganaZimu angabusi, angabi sisifu ebantwini. Akhe sithi umuntu onjalo uthi kuZimu, ‘Nginomlandu, nokho angeze bengisona; ngizakuyelela, yewungifundise, nakube ngiphosisile, angeze bengisathoma.’ Alo, utjho bona uZimu ahlunguphaze onjalo ngebanga lokobana wena umlahlile na? Nguwe owenze isiqunto elinjalo, ingasi mina! Nje-ke, veza umbonwakho ndoda! Amadoda anelwazi azakuvumelana nami, iye, indoda ehlakaniphileko izakuthi kimi, ‘UJobho ukhuluma anganalwazi, amagamakhe akakavuthwa.’ “Madoda! Kwangathi uJobho lo angahlala ahlolisiswa, ngombana iimpendulo zakhe ngezabantu abakhohlakeleko. Uthi anezono angezelele ngokuba lihlubuka, uthintitha izandla ngokunyefula phakathi kwethwapha, abe namagama amdlulako kuZimu.” Godu u-Elihu wathatha wathi: “Wena Jobho, udlumbana bona lokhu kulungile lokha nawuzitjela uthi, ‘Anginamlandu ngehlangothini lakaZimu’, nalokha nawubuza uthi, ‘Kungisizani nje? Ngizathi ngizuzani nangingoniko?’ Mina ngizakuphendula-ke, wena nabangani bakhwabo: Qala phezulu emazulwini uyelele, ubone amafu aphakeme ngehla kwakho. Nawonako, lokho kumthinta ngani uZimu? Nakube iimphambeko zakho ziba zinengi, kumgugunaphi yena? Nakube wena ulungile, yini oyiletha kuye? Wamukela ini kuwe na? Ubukhohlakali bakho buthinta kwaphela umuntu onjengawe, nokulunga kwakho kuthinta kwaphela indoda efana nawe. “Abantu bayarhahlawula ngabagandeleli abanengi, balila ngebanga lamandla wabanengi, esikhundleni sokuthi, ‘Uphi uZimu, umDalami ongikhoselisa ebumnyameni, osenze sehluka eembandaneni zephasi, nosihlakaniphise kuneenyoni zomkayi na?’ Ebandlapho baliliswa kuziphakamisa kwabambi, kodwana uZimu akaphenduli. Ngambala uZimu akasilaleli isililo esingatjho litho, oSabekako akasinaki. Nanyana ungamboni asenza ilitho, yazi bonyana indabakho iphambi kwakhe. Wena mlindele nje kwaphela. Nawungenzi njalo, itukuthelwakhe izakwehlela; yena akayeleli umuntu oqoqomako. UJobho lo ukhuluma ummoya, wande ngamezwi aqinileko anganangqondo.” U-Elihu wangezelela wathi: “Akhe ningibekezelele kancani, kunengi engingakutjho ukumela uZimu. Ilwazi enginalo libuya kudanyana, ngizakhuluma ukulunga ngoMdalami. Ngambala, amezwami akasimamala, nangumuntu onelwazi elipheleleko phakathi kwenu. Qalani, uZimu unamandla begodu akanyazi umuntu, yena unamandla amakhulu ekuzwisiseni. Abakhohlakeleko akabagcini baphila, kodwana umela abagandelelweko. Akawasusi amehlwakhe kabalungileko, ubahlalisa namakhosi esihlalweni sawo; bagcinekile begodu bayaphakanyiswa. Nakube abantu babotjhwe ngeenketani, bakhungwa ngeentambo zobuhlungu, uZimu ubatjela lokho abakwenzileko, ngitjho neemphambeko zabo kobana banezenzo zelunya. Ubenza bayelele bonyana uyabakhalima, abayale kobana baphenduke kokumbi. Nakube bayamlalela bebamlotjhe, bazakuhlala emnonweni imihlabo yoke, bakhombe ngophakathi iminyakabo yoke. Kodwana nakube abalaleli, bazakubhubha ngomkhonto, bafe ngokuswela ilwazi. AbanganaZimu ehliziyweni bakghubelela itukuthelwakhe, abalileli isizo kuye lokha nababophako. Bafa basese batjha, ipilwabo isathambile. UZimu usindisa ngobuhlungu abahlunguphaziweko, iye, uvula iindlebe zabo ngegandelelo. “UZimu bekangakuphunyurhisa hlangana nemihlathi yesizi, akuse endaweni ebanzi. Bekangagcwalisa isithebe sakho ngeenkhanakhana zokudla godu. Kodwana wena ulungelwe sigwebo sesikhohlakali, sewembethwe kugwetjwa kanye nokulunga. Umuntu kufuze atjheje angayengwa mnono, angavumeli ukufunjathiswa okunengi kumphambukise. Idumo lakho belingalinganiswa negolide, ngitjho nepahlakho yoke na? Ebusuku bewungakameli ukutjhidisa abantu eendaweni zabo. Bewufanele utjheje, ungaphambukeli ekohlakalweni, ngombana ngalokho uzizinywe yihlupheko. Nakube uZimu uziveza aphakeme emandlenakhe ngubani ongafundisa njengaye na? Ngubani omkhokhela eendleleni zakhe, namkha athi kuye, ‘Lapha utjhaphile’ na? “Khumbula ukudumisa imisebenzakhe, abantu ababhina ngayo. Boke abantu bakubonile lokho, obhubhako ukubukela akude. Maye uZimu mkhulu! Ungaphezu kokwazi kwethu! Inani leminyakakhe aliphenyeki. Wenyusa amathosi wamanzi, awatsenge ekungwini kube lizulu, elehliselwa mamafu ehlabathini nombethe okhithikela phezu kwabantu. Godu ngubani ongalemuka bona amafu endlaleka njani nokuduma kwesibhakabhaka sakhe na? Qala, uhlakaza umbanakhe phezulu, ngawo embese amaphethelo welwandle. Ngezulu nangombani ugweba abantu, abe anikele ngokudla okunengi. Izandla zakhe zifumbethe umbani, uyawuyala bona urarambe kuphi. Umdumo womkhosakhe uyambika, itukuthelwakhe ilwa nokonakala. Ngalokho ihliziywami iyathuthumela, yeqayeqa endawenayo ngebanga lomdumakhe. Lalela ukundonda kwelizwi lakhe nokundindiza okuvela emlonyenakhe, uthukulula umdumo usabalale nephasi loke. Umbanakhe uphazima emaphethelweni wephasi, ngemva kwalapho kurarambe umdumo, iye, adume ngelizwi lobukhosi bakhe. Akagodli ukunyazima kwakhe ukuze azwakalise ilizwi lakhe. Iphimbo lakaZimu lithuthumba ngeendlela ezibabazekako, wenza izinto ezikulu ngaphezu kokwazi kwethu: Uyala iliqhwa athi, ‘Yehlela ephasini!’, umwuluko wezulu, iye, umwuluko ukhombisa amandlakhe. Ujamisa boke abantu ekusebenzeni, ukuze bazi imisebenzakhe. Iinyamazana zibhaca eenkhundleni zazo, zihlale emiphandwinazo. Isiwuruwuru sivela ngesewula nemimoya ihlakaza amakhaza. Ukuphefumula kwakaZimu kuveza iliqhwa, ngaphezu kwamanzi kulale irhwaba. Uzalisa amafu ngomswakama, amafu wezulu asabalalise imibanakhe. Umbani ugijima mazombe, ngokuhlahlwa nguZimu, kobana wenze koke ayala ngakho, wehlele phasi ehlabathini yoke indawo. Ngamafu anzima uhlunguphaza iphasi, namkha ngesisa sakhe, abusise ngawo. “Lalela lapha wena Jobho, akhe ujame, uyelele iimangaliso zakaZimu. Uyazi bonyana uZimu ulawula njani imibani, akhanyise njani amafu wakhe na? Ingabe uyalemuka bona imimoya iphephula njani amafu na? Kuziimangaliso zopheleleko ngelwazi lokha izambatho zakho nazifuthumalako, iphasi nalithulileko kunganamsikinyeko ngebanga lomtjhiso otjhwabisako. Ungamsiza uZimu ekwendlaleni isibhakabhaka, sona esiqine inga siboniboni sekoporo na? Sitjela-ke bonyana sithini kuZimu. Ngebanga lokobana sisebumnyameni, angeze sakghona ukwendlala indabethu. Udlumbana bona kufuze atjelwe engikutjhoko, namkha kukhona ozakuthi indaba le ayibikwe na? “Ehlobo umbani awusabonwa uphazima emafini, ngombana ummoya sewudlulile wembula isibhakabhaka, watjhiya umkayi wangetlhagwini uphazima njengegolide. UZimu wembethwe bukhosi obesabekako, nje-ke asikwazi ukufikelela koSabekako. Omkhulu ngamandla nangokulunga akadingi ukuphendula. Ngalokho, inga abantu bangamesaba, boke abahlakaniphileko bamhloniphe!” Khonapho uZimu waphendula uJobho asesiwuruwurwini wathi: “Ungubani yena lo, ofiphaza ihlelo ngamezwi abe anganalwazi na? Zilungiselele njengendoda: Ngizakufaka imibuzo bese uyangiphendula. Wawukuphi lokha nangendlala isisekelo sephasi? Khuluma nakube unelwazi. Ngubani owahlosa ubukhulu bakhona? Ngiyethemba bonyana uyazi! Ngubani owelula intambo yokulinganisa lapha kufuze usekeleke khona? Wanzinziswa phezu kwani na? Ngubani owabeka ilitje lawo elisisekelo, lokha iinkwekwezi zokusa nazibhina ndawonye, namadodana woke kaZimu narhuwelela ngethabo? Ngubani owavalela ilwandle ngamasango amabili, lokha nalithumbuka esibelethweni na? Bewukuphi nangenza amafu abe sisambatho salo, nangilisonga ngamafu anzima, nangibeka iinkhonkhwani zalo, ngilivalela ngeminyango emibili nesiqabo na? Ngathi kilo, ‘Nakhu lapha uzakuphelela khona, ungayi phambili. Lapha ngibeka umkhawulo wamadlambakho azigqajako.’ “Wakhe wayala itathakusa bona ivele, namkha ukhombise ukusa indawo yakhona, kobana kubambe umhlaba ngomphetho, kuthintithe kiwo abakhohlakeleko na? Umhlaba utjhugululwa ube njengomdaka nawugitjiweko, uba nemibala njengesambatho nasitjhugululwe umbala. Abakhohlakeleko baselwe, amandlabo adanjiswa kukusa. “Ukhe wangena esiyalwini selwandle, namkha wakhamba ekuzikeni kwamanzi amanengi na? Amasango wokufa akhe embulwa kuwe, wabona abalindisango bobumnyama obunzima tshu? Uyalemuka bonyana kwenzakalani phezu kwephasi na? Yitjho nakube unelwazi ngawo woke! Iphi indlela eya ekhabo lomkhanyo begodu unelwazi bona ubumnyama buhlalaphi, ukuze ububeke endawenabo bese ukhombisa ukukhanya indlela yekhabo na? Ngambala uyazi, angithi besele ubelethiwe! Iye, namalanga wokuphila kwakho manengi! “Ukhe wangena eenlulwini zeliqhwa, namkha wabona ububulungelo besinanja engibubekele iinkhathi zamatshwenyeko okumalanga wepi nokulwa na? Ngiyiphi indlela eya endaweni lapha umkhanyo uhlakazwa khona kube mibani, nalapha ummoya wepumalanga uhlakazeka khona ephasini na? Ngubani owemba umsele weenkhukhula zezulu nendlela yamafu anzima, alethe izulu enarheni engahlalwa mumuntu, ekulirhalawumba elinganabantu, anelise inarha eligagadu nelibhudu, nokuyimilisa utjani na? Ngubani uyise wezulu, amathosi wombethe abelethwe ngubani na? Irhwaba liphuma esibelethweni sakabani, isithwathwa esivela emkayini sibelethwa ngubani na? Amanzi aqina njengelitje, ilingaphezulu lamanzi amanengi liyarhwaba. “Ungabophela iinkwekwezi zesiLimela, namkha utjhaphulule iintambo zesiRuthwana na? Ungakhupha iinkwekwezi ezinguFezela ngesikhathi sazo, namkha urhole eziliBhere nabantwabalo na? Uyazazi iimiso zobujamo beenkwekwezi na? Ungajamisa umlawuli wesibhakabhaka na? Ungayala amafu ngelizwi elidumako, ukuze iinkhukhula zamanzi zikwembese na? Ungayithuma imibani bona ikhambe bese ithi, ‘Sisemsenakho’ na? Ngubani obeke ukuhlakanipha emafini amhlophe, wawanikela ilwazi kobana athaye njengeenthayamanzi na? Ngubani onobuhlakani bokukhupha isibalo samafu, atjhikamise imijeka yezulu leyo, ukuze ithuli liphenduke idaka namagade ahlangane na? “Ungazumela ibhubezi inyamazana, wanelise iphango lamabhubezana, lokha nabadalala endawenawo, azilungiselela ukubhudungela asemthunzini kobana akhukhuthele na? Ngubani onikela igubulu ukudla nalizulazula liswele okugonywako namadzinyanalo atsiyozela uZimu na? Uyazi bona iimbuzi zeentaba zizala nini na? Utjhejile ukuzala kweenhlangukazimataka? Vane uzibalele iinyanga bezizale, uhlose isikhathi sokuzala kwazo na? Ziyakoropana bese abantwabazo bayaphundluka, okubanga imirhelwazo kuyawuluka. Abantwabazo baqine, bakhule baziphe inarha, bangasabuya kizo. “Ngubani otjhaphulule udumbana wommango; iye, omvulele ummango wokuziphilela? Ngimi owahlosa bona irhalawumba libe likhaya lakhe nenarha enetswayi kube yindawakhe yokuhlala. Akakhathali ngetjhada ledorobheni, akezwa ukurhuwelela komtjhayeli. Ukhamba eentabeni athalaza amadlelo, afunafune nanyana yini elihlaza. “Inyathi ingavuma ukukusebenzela na? Ihlale eqadi kwekerebhakho ebusuku? Ungayibophela bona ilime, uyibambe emseleni ngentambo na? Ingavuma ukulalisa amasoyi emva kwakho? Ungayirhuluphela ngebanga lamandlayo amakhulu, uliselele umsebenzakho obudisi kiyo na? Ungayithemba bona ingabuya ikulethele amabelakho eselelweni na? “Amaphiko wenciliba abhakuza ngethabo, kodwana amaphikwayo afana newakadoyi namkha wakapekwa na? Ngebangelo ibekela amaqandayo ehlabathini, iwafuthumeze ngetjhwabatjhwaba. Iyakhohlwa bonyana angapitlizwa linyawo, iye, angagadangwa ziinyamazana. Iphatha amadzinyanayo makghwakghwa, kwanga akusiwo wayo; ayikhathali bonyana isebenzela ilize. Mbala uZimu uyidime ukuhlakanipha, azange ayiphe isabelo ekwazini, kodwana nayiphakamisa ihlokwayo kobana igijime, ihleka injomani nomkhwelayo. “Uyayinikela injomani amandlayo namkha wembathise intamayo ngomdlwenga na? Uyenza bona ithiyelele njengewoma leentethe na? Ukuduma kokuthimula kwayo kuyayethusa, igige phasi ngeenqatha, ijabule, isuke ngamandla ihlangabezane nepi. Ayikhathali ngengozi, ayinavalo ngalitho, ayidedi ngebanga lesabula, lokha imisubela nayivuruza ngehla kwayo, nalokha kumekeza umkhonto nezenjana. Ngokuduma kweenqatha zayo iphasi liyadengezela. Ayijiki lokha ipalapala nayijamisa ipi. Nakulila ipalapala, iyathimula ithi, ‘Nakho-ke!’ Ithi isese khatjhana izwelele ipi nokurhuwelela kweenduna kanye nomkhosi wepi. “Ngelwazi lakho ukholo uyathiyelela, anabululele amaphikwakhe ngesewula na? Kungomyalwakho bona idlanga liphaphe phezulu, lakhe isidleke salo ekuphakameni na? Lihlala empharwini, lilale emaweni wamadwala kube buphephelo balo. Khonapho lithalaza ukudla kwalo, amehlwalo akubona likude. Amadzinyanalo arhubula iingazi, nakunokubuleweko, nalo liba lapho.” USomnini waragela phambili wathi kuJobho: “Ophikisana noSabekako angabuye amkhombise indlela na? Akuthi loyo osola uZimu amphendule!” Yeke uJobho waphendula uSomnini wathi: “Qala, ngimncani khulu, uSomnini ngizamphendula ngithini? Nje-ke ngivala phetjheya. Ngibe nomlomo omude, angisazokulinga ukuphendula; ngikhulume okungidlulako, angeze bengisathoma.” Yeke uSomnini waphendula uJobho asesiwuruwurwini godu wathi: “Zilungiselele njengendoda: Ngizakufaka imibuzo bese uyangiphendula. Ufuna ukuphazamisana nelungelo lami na? Ufuna ukungenza inga ngisikhohlakali ukuze wena ube msulwa na? Unengalo enjengeyakaZimu na? Ungaduma ngephimbo elinjengelakhe na? Nakunjalo-ke, zihlobise ngedumo nangephazimulo, uzembathise ngokuhlonitjhwa nangobukhosi. Nje-ke thuthumba ngobukhali bakho phezu kwesinye nesinye isikhohlakali. Hlolisisa boke abaziphakamisako bese uyabehlisa. Iye, hlolisisa boke abaziphakamisako bese uyabathobisa, uphihlize boke abakhohlakeleko lapha bakhona. Bangcwabe ndawonye ethulini, ubophe abanjalo ngaphakathi kwezindla. Yeke mina ngokwami ngizakudumisa, ngombana isandla sakho sokugoma sikwenza bona uhlule. “Akhese uqale imvubu engayidala kanye nawe: Yona idla utjani njengekomo. Mbala, amandlayo asedinini, ubukunzi bayo busemisipheni yesisu sayo. Iqinisa umsilayo njengomsedari, imisipha yesidunu sayo iyararamala. Amathambayo amhlanga wekoporo, iimbambo zayo zimigqala yesimbi. Iphuma phambili eendalweni zakaZimu, isidalwa esiziphathele iinsabula. Ilethelwa isibiko seentaba, zoke iinlwana zommango zidlala phambi kwayo. Ilala emthunzini wemithi eseqadi komlambo, izifihle emgabeni wesitete. Imithi leyo iyembesa ngomthunzi, izombelezwe miyezani esemilanjaneni. Lokha umlambo nawuthwala iingodo, yona ayiphazami, iyazigedla lokha iJordana nayigobhoza phezu kwayo. Ukhona ongayibamba ngamehlo, ayihlabe ngesigodo epumulweni na? Ungakhupha ingwenya ngemanzini ngesikghopholahlambi, uvalele ilimu layo ngokubopha umlomayo ngentambo na? Ungaphundlusa ipumulwayo ngomgaba, namkha ubhoboze umhlathayo ngesikghopholahlambi na? Izalokhu ikuncenga, ikhulume kuwe amezwi athambileko na? Izakubawa ukwenza nawe isivumelwano, sokobana uyithathe ibe likhoboka lakho isiphelani na? Ungayenza ifuyosithandwa njengenyoni ebotjhwa ngomtiya enyaweni, ukuze umntazanakho adlale ngayo na? Abarhwebi bangaphalisana ngentengwayo, abathengi babelane ngayo na? Ungazalisa isikhumba sayo ngamasungulo nehlokwayo ngemikhonto yokubamba iinhlambi na? Nawubeka isandla sakho phezu kwayo, uzakhumbula bona ipi injani; angeze bewusathoma! Loke ithemba lokuyibamba lililize. Ukuyibona nje kwaphela uyaketuka! Akakho noyedwa onesibindi sokuyiphaphamisa, abuye ajame phambi kwayo! Ngubani ongayisahlela ahlale angalimali na? Ngaphasi komthunzi welanga, ngimi ngedwa oyilawulako. “Yithi ngikutjele ngengubayo, ngamandlayo ababazekako begodu ayifaniseki: Ngubani ongayembula isambatho esingaphakathi, ayihlubulise imbajayo yepi na? Ngubani ongagabaza ayivule umlomo, ogegwe mazinyokazi asabekako? Umhlanayo unomsele ophahlwe marhururhuru, abophene aba mlukuluku abekwa aminyaniswa kangangobana akunammoya ongadlula hlangana. Ahlanganiswe ndawonye, aqiniswa, anamathelene begodu angeze ahlukaniswa. “Nayithimulako umrhwamuko uyaphazima, amehlwayo afana nemisebe yokusa. Emlonyenayo kuphuma iinhlothi ezivuthako, kusabalale iinsahlela zawo. Eempumulweni zayo kuphuma isikhutha, inga siphuma embizeni ebilako emalahleni avuthako. Ukuphefumula kwayo kungavuthisa amalahle namalangabi aphuma emlonyenayo. Amandla alele entanyenayo, ukwesabeka kukhamba phambi kwayo. Amakghwakghwa womzimbayo anamathelene, akghamathele phezu kwayo, akasuki. Ihliziywayo iqine njengedwala, iye, iqine njengelitje lokusila. Lokha nayiphuma ngemanzini, abanamandla bayathuthumela, nayiphundluka esizibeni, bayahlehla. Isabula efika kiyo ayiyenzi litho, ngitjho nomkhonto, neminye imihlobo yeenkhali. Kiyo isimbi iba ngathi ziinhlanga, ikoporo ifane nesigodo esinepehli. Imisubela ayiyenzi ibaleke, amatje wesarwayi afana neenhluba kiyo. Iye, ngitjho nesibhuku sifana nehlanga kiyo; ihleka ukukhecezela kwezenjana phezu kwayo. Ilingaphasi layo lifana neenkghedlhu zembiza, liveza umtlhala edakeni inga lidosa isileyi sokubhula. Yenza ukuzika kubile njengembiza, inyakazise isiziba inga yimbiza yeenthako. Ngemva kwayo kunomthala ophazimako ngemanzini, kube ngathi ukuzika kuthukghele. “Akunalitho emhlabenapha elilingana nayo, mbala isidalwa esinganavalo. Ikuqalela phasi koke okuziphakamisako, iyikosi phezu kwakho koke okuzikhukhumezako.” Yeke uJobho waphendula uZimu wathi: “Ngiyazi bonyana ungenza yoke into, nokobana ihloswakho angeze yaphazanyiswa. Ubuze wathi, ‘Ungubani yena lo, ofiphaza ihlelo ngamezwi abe anganalwazi na?’ Ngambala, ngikhulume ngezinto engingazaziko, izinto ezimangazako enginganalwazi lazo. Godu uthe, ‘Lalela-ke, ngizakukhuluma, ngizakufaka umbuzo, bese ungiphendule.’ Bengikuzwa ngamahlebezi, kodwana gadesi sengiyakwazi. Ngalokho ngizisola ngengikukhulumileko, ngiyaphenduka, ngizilahla ethulini nemlotheni.” Ngemva kobana uSomnini akhulume koke lokhu kuJobho, wathi ku-Elifasi umTemani: “Ngikuthukuthelele wena nabangani bakho ababili ngombana azange nikhulume kuhle ngami njengombana uJobho incekwami enzile. Yeke ngalokho thatha iinkunzi ezilikhomba namaqama alikhomba uye encekwinami uJobho bese nizenzela umhlabelo wokutjhiswa. Incekwami uJobho izanithandazela, yeke ngizakwamukela umthandazwakhe ukuze ngingazikhohlwa ngani. Azange nikhulume okulungileko ngami njengombana kwenze incekwami uJobho.” Yeke u-Elifasi umTemani, uBhilidadi umTjhurhi noTsofara umNama benza njengombana uSomnini abatjelile. USomnini wamukela umthandazo kaJobho. Ngemva kobana uJobho athandazele abangani bakhe, uSomnini waphendulela ubujamo bakhe: Wamupha lokho agade anakho ngokubuyelelwe kabili. Boke abafowabo nabodadwabo kanye nabo boke ebebamazi ngaphambilini, beza emzinakhe bazogoma naye. Bamduduza bebamqinisa kiwo woke amatshwenyeko ebegade awehliselwe nguSomnini. Omunye nomunye wabo wamupha isipaparu sesiliva nesongo legolide. USomnini wabusisa ingcenye yokugcina yepilo kaJobho ukudlula yekuthomeni. Gade aneenkulungwana ezilitjhumi nane zezimvu neembuzi, iinkulungwana ezisithandathu zamakamela, iinkulungwana ezimbili zeenkomo ezibotjhelwako kanye nekulungwana yabodumbana abasikazi. Godu gade anamadodana alikhomba namadodakazi amathathu. Indodakazi yokuthoma gade ayithiye bona nguJemima, yesibili kunguKhetsiya bese yesithathu kunguKhereni-Hapuku. Alikho nalinye ilizwe elakhe lafunyanwa linamadodakazi amahle njengewakaJobho. Uyise wawabela ilifa kanye nabafowawo. Ngemva kwalokhu, uJobho waphila iminyaka elikhulu namatjhumi amane. Wabona abantwabakhe kanye nesizukulwana sabo. Yeke wahlongakala sele amdala khulu ngeminyaka. Ubusisiwe loyo ongangeni esiqhemeni seenkhohlakali, ongajami endleleni yezoni namkha ongahlali esicathaneni sabanyefulako. Kodwana ifundiso kaSomnini ikuthaba kwakhe, uyihumuza imini nobosuku. Unjengomuthi otjalwe emiseleni: Uthela ngesikhathi esifaneleko namakarawo akatjhwabi. Umuntu onjalo uyaphumelela kikho koke akwenzako. Iinkhohlakali azisinjalo, kodwana zinjengomungu ophetjhulwa mumoya. Ngalokho iinkhohlakali azizukujama ebandla nezoni emkhambathini wabalungileko. Mbala, uSomnini uyelela indlela yabalungileko, kodwana indlela yeenkhohlakali iyanyelela. Kubayini bezizwe bayaluza nabantu bahumuzela na? Kungelize! Amakhosi wephasi ayazihlela, nababusi baluka amaqhinga ngoSomnini nangozesiweko wakhe ngokuthi: “Asivuthuleni iintambo zayo, silahle iimbopho zayo kude nathi.” Yena ohlezi emazulwini uyahleka, uSomandla uyabakokomeja. Nje-ke ubakhalimela ngobukhali bakhe, abethuse ngelaka lakhe, athi: “Ngimi obeke ikosi ekungeyami eZiyoni, entabenami ecwengileko.” Umzeswa kaSomnini umemezela isimiso sakhe: “USomnini wathi kimi, ‘Uyindodanami wena; namhlanje ngiyakuvuselela. Bawa kimi, ngikunikele bezizwe babe lilifa lakho, nemikhawulo yephasi ibe sisabelo sakho. Uzabaphihliza ngentonga yesimbi, ubaphahlaze njengomjeka.’ ” Ngalokho, makhosi hlakaniphani; khalimekani nina babusi bephasi. Lotjhani uSomnini ngokwesaba, nename ngehlonipho. Ncwangani iinyawo zendodanayo, nakungasinjalo uZimu uzakuthukuthela bese niyabhubha endleleni. Mbala, ilaka lakhe livutha masinyana. Babusisiwe boke abaphephela kuye. Irhubo lakaDavida lokha nabalekela u-Absalomu indodanakhe. Maye Somnini, izitha zami zinengi! Banengi abangivukelako, iye, banengi abathi kimi: “UZimu angeze amsindise.” Sela Wena Somnini usihlangu mazombe kimi, ubuyise isithunzi sami, waphakamisa ihlokwami. Ngilila kuSomnini ngelizwi elikhulu; yena ungiphendula asentabenakhe ecwengileko. Lokha nangilalako, ngizunywe buthongo; ngivuka ngombana uSomnini ungisingathile. Amatjhumi aziinkulungwana wamajoni angiwesabi, iye, lawo angivimbezele nca zoke. Sikima Somnini, ungisindise, Zimami! Wawahla zoke izitha zami emhlathini, wephula namazinyo wabakhohlakeleko. Ukusindiswa kuvela kuSomnini. Isibusiso sakho asibe phezu kwabantu bakho. Kumkhaleli; ngesililiso seenara; irhubo lakaDavida. Lokha nangikubizako ngiphendule, wena Zimu welungelo lami. Wangipha isibanga ekubandezelekeni. Yeke yiba nesirhawu kimi, uzwe umthandazwami. Nina bantu, kuzabe kube nini ukuhlonitjhwa kwami kudelelwa na? Kuzabe kube nini nithanda ikohliso begodu nilandelelana namanga na? Yazini bonyana uSomnini, uphatha othembekileko kuhle; uSomnini uyangizwa lokha nangilila kuye. Lokha nanithathekileko, ningoni; zindlani ngalokho emikghadinenu nibe nokuthula. Nikelani imihlabelo efaneleko, nethembe uSomnini. Banengi abathi: “Ngathana singabona okuhle! Somnini, yewusikhanyisele!” Kodwana kimi mina Somnini, uzalise ihliziywami ngokwenama ukudlula ukwenama kwabo lokha nabavuna iinthoro nalokha iwayini labo livamile. Ngokuthula ngizakulala ngizunywe buthongo ngombana nguwe wedwa Somnini ongenza ngihlale ngiphephile. Kumkhaleli; livunywa ngamafludu; irhubo lakaDavida. Hawu Somnini, beka indlebe emezwinami, uzwe ukububula kwami. Yelela ilizwi lesililo sami, wena Kosami noZimami ngombana ngithandaza kuwe. Kosami, ulalela ilizwi lami ekuseni; kuthi ngamasa ngendlale isibawo sami phambi kwakho ngiyalindele. Wena awusuye uZimu ozwana nekohlakalo, okumbi angeze kwahlala kuwe. Abazitjhayako angeze bajama phambi kwakho, boke abenzi bobumbi uyabazonda. Abakhuluma amanga uyababhubhisa. Iye, uSomnini uyamnyenya umbulali nomkhohlisi. Kodwana mina, ngomusakho omkhulu ngingangena endlinakho, ngokukuhlonipha ngizakukhothama ngethempelini lakho elicwengileko. Somnini, ngebanga lezitha zami, ngirhole ngokulunga kwakho, yenza indlelakho ihlelembe phambi kwami. Ngambala akunaqiniso emlonyenazo, imizindlwazo igcwele ukubhubhisa, umphimbazo ulithuna elivulekileko, ilimu lazo likabili. Zimu, zenze zithwale icala lazo, amaqhingazo abe kukuwa kwazo. Ziqotjhe ngebanga leemphambeko zazo ezinengi ngombana zikuhlubukile. Yenza boke abaphephela kuwe bathabe, benze bahlale bavuma iingoma ngokwenama. Yembesa isivikelo sakho phezu kwabo, abakhathalela ibizo lakho basase kuwe. Mbala Somnini, nguwe obusisa abalungileko, umusakho ubavikela mazombe njengesihlangu. Kumkhaleli; ngesililiso seenara; ngeTjheminithi; irhubo lakaDavida. Somnini, ungangikhalimi ngobukhali bakho, ungangibethi uselakeni lakho. Yiba nomusa kimi, Somnini ngombana ngibuthakathaka. Yewungipholise Somnini ngombana ngisebuhlungwini, iye, umphefumulwami ukhathazeke khulu. Awu Somnini, kuzabe kube nini na? Phenduka Somnini! Hlenga ipilwami! Ngisindise ngenca yokwethembeka kwakho ngombana akukho ukukulotjha kwabafileko. Ngubani okudumisako endaweni yabafileko na? Sengidiniwe ngesibibithwana sami: Ubusuku boke ngithambisa umsamelwami; iye, ngimanzisa umsemami ngeenyembezi. Amehlwami avuvukile ngebanga lesizi, ayafiphala ngenca yezitha zami zoke. Dedani kimi noke nina benzi bobumbi ngombana uSomnini usizwile isililo sami; uSomnini usizwile isibawo sami sesirhawu, iye, uSomnini uwamukele umthandazwami. Zoke izitha zami zizakukhena, zikhathazeke khulu, zibuyele emuva, zidane masinyana. ITjhigayoni kaDavida ayirhubela uSomnini ngenca yamezwi kaKutjhe umBhenjamini. Somnini Zimami, ngiphephela kuwe, ngisindise kwabangizumako ungihlenge, bangangidabudabuli njengebhubezi, bangitlebhule iinquqwana, kungekho ongilamulelako. Somnini, Zimami, kukhona okumbi engikwenzileko na? Kunokungakalungi ezandleni zami? Ngenze ubumbi kengikhambisana naye na? Ngidlelezele umjamelanami ngaphandle kwesizathu? Nakunjalo, vumela isitha sami sizumane nami besingifumane, sigandelele ipilwami phasi, iye, sigadangele isithunzi sami ethulini. Sikima ngelaka lakho Somnini! Phakama ujamelane nokuvutha kwabajamelani bami! Yeqa Zimu ungenyele! Uyale bona kube nesigwebo, nje-ke vumela umhlangano wezizwe ukuphahle, buyela esikhundleni sakho esiphakamileko wengamele. Iye, uSomnini nguye ogweba abantu. Nje-ke Somnini, yewungigwebe ngokulunga kwami nangokuya ngobuqotho obukimi. Inga kungapheliswa ubumbi beenkhohlakali! Somnini, inga ungaqinisa abalungileko! Mbala, ohlola iinhliziyo neziso nguZimu olungileko. Isihlangu sami sikuZimu osindisa abaqotho ngehliziyo. UZimu ungumgwebi olungileko, uhlala aphambene nokumbi imihla yoke. Ngambala uzakubuya godu, alole isabulakhe, acuphe umsebe wakhe kobana ulunge. Ulungise iinhlabano zakhe zokubulala, wenza imisubelakhe ibe masungulo avuthako. Lokha umuntu namitha okumbi, akhulelwe umonakalo, uzakubeletha ikohliso. Iye, owemba umgodi wesifu, akhuphe ihlabathawo, uzakuwela ngaphakathi komlindi awenzileko lowo. Umonakalwakhe uzakubuyela phezu kwehlokwakhe, ubudlova bakhe behlele ekhakhayini lakhe. USomnini ngizamthokoza ngokulunga kwakhe, ngizakuvuma ngidumise ibizo lakaSomnini ongoPhezulu. Kumkhaleli; livunywa ngeenodo zeGathi; irhubo lakaDavida. Kosethu, Somandla, maye likhulu kangangani idumo lakho ephasini loke! Ubukhosi bakho bubatjazwa ukufikela emazulwini! Ngemilomo yabantwana namasana wendlale iinsekelo zesivikelo ngokujamelana namanabakho; iye, ngokususa izitha nabazibuyiselelako. Nangiqala isibhakabhaka sakho okumsebenzi weminwakho inyezi neenkwekwezi, ozinameke eendaweni zazo, ngithi uyini-ke obhubhako bona ungabe umtjheje, ubayini umuntu wephasinapha bona ungambeka abe mphathi na? Mbala umenze waba ngaphasana kweendalwa zezulu wamthwesa ukuhlonitjhwa nobukhosi! Wamenza waba mphathi womsebenzi wezandla zakho; wabeka koke ngaphasi kweenyawo zakhe: zoke izimvu neembuzi kanye neenkomo, ngitjho neembandana zommango, iinyoni zesibhakabhaka neenhlambi zelwandle ezivundla ngemizila yamalwandle. Kosethu, Somandla, maye likhulu kangangani idumo lakho ephasini loke! Kumkhaleli; ngeenodo zengoma ethi, “Ukufa kwendodana”; irhubo lakaDavida. USomnini ngizamdumisa ngehliziywami yoke. Somnini, ngizakukhuluma ngeemangaliso zakho zoke. Ngizakwenama, ngisase kuwe; ngidumise ibizo lakho, Zimu ongoPhezulu. Lokha izitha zami nazibalekako, ziyawa, zibhubhe phambi kwakho. Iye, uvikele ilungelo lami nendabami uhlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi, wena mGwebi olungileko. Ukhalimele izizwe; wabhubhisa iinkhohlakali; ibizo lazo ulisulile isiphelani. Izitha uzitjhabalalisile, wasiphula amadorobhazo, sele ayiququ isiphelani; iye, ukukhunjulwa kwazo kuphelile. Zipheliswe njalo-ke zona ngombana uSomnini ubusa isiphelani. Unzinzise nesihlalo sakhe sobukhosi bona agwebe. Ngiyo obusa iphasi ngokulunga, igwebe abantu ngokufaneleko. USomnini usiphephelo sabagandelelweko, iye, usiqongolo ngeenkhathi zokubandezelwa. Abalaziko ibizo lakho babeka ithemba labo kuwe ngombana abakufunako azange ubafulathele, Somnini. Rhubelani uSomnini ohlala eZiyoni, nimemezele izenzo zakhe ezizweni. Obuyiselela iingazi, wabakhumbula abazwiswa ubuhlungu, azange akhohlwe isililo sabo. Yiba nomusa kimi, Somnini! Yelela isizi lami engilibangelwe ngabangizondako! Nguwe ongihlenga emasangweni wokufa, ukuze ngibabaze idumo lakho begodu ngijabule esindiswenakho emasangweni weZiyoni. Bezizwe bawele ngemgodini abazembele wona, inyawo labo libanjwe esifwini abasithiyileko. USomnini uzazisile, bewabeka isigwebo; iinkhohlakali zicutjhwe emsebenzini wezandla zazo. Higayoni Inga iinkhohlakali zingaya endaweni yabafileko, iye, zoke izizwe ezikhohlwa uZimu. Kodwana ngesikhathi soke odududu angakhohlweki, nethemba labachakileko lingafeleli nini nanini. Sikima Somnini, ungavumeli umuntu adlondlobale! Izizwe azigwetjwe phambi kwakho! Faka ivalo kabezizwe, Somnini, ubenze bazi bonyana bangababhubhako! Somnini, kubayini ujamele kude na? Ufihlelani ubuso ngeenkhathi zokubandezelwa? Ngokuzigqaja iinkhohlakali zizumana nabadududu! Inga zingabanjwa emaqhingenazo eziwalukileko. Isikhohlakali sikhuzela iimfiso zaso, sibongelele inzuzwaso, sinyefule uSomnini. Isikhohlakali siyazitjhaya, asinandaba noSomnini; woke amahlelwaso akanaZimu. Iindlela zaso ziyabambelela ngesikhathi soke, siqoqomele, iingwebo zakho zikude naso, sitsakela boke abajamelani baso amathe. Sithi ehliziywenaso: “Angeze ngasikinywa; ngesikhathi soke angisoze ngehlelwa yingozi.” Umlomaso ugcwele ukuthukana, ikohliso nenturhu; ngaphasi kwelimu laso kukhona ukonakala nekohlakalo. Sizifihla emizaneni ukuze sikhukhuthele, sibulale onganacala eendaweni ezisithekileko. Amehlwaso ahlala aqaphele ungazimbi; sibadalala njengebhubezi nalithiyelela emphandwinalo, sibadalala bona sibambe ohluphekileko. Iye, sibamba ohluphekileko ngokumyengela ngenedenaso. Sisunduza besiwise abanganamenyeli ngamandlaso; nanyana kunjalo sithi ehliziywenaso: “UZimu ukhohliwe, ubuso bakhe ubusithezile, yeke akasoze akubone lokhu.” Sikima Somnini! Phakamisa isandla sakho, Zimu! Ungabakhohlwa abahluphekileko! Kuyangani bonyana isikhohlakali sinyefule uZimu, ngokudlumbana bona wena awunaki na? Kodwana wena Somnini, uyabona! Wena ngokwakho uyelela umonakalo nesizi ukuze lokho kube sesandleni sakho. Yeke ungazimbi uzinikela kuwe, iye, wena umsizi wentandani. Yephula ingalo yesikhohlakali nesoni; urhubhulule iimphambeko zomoni kungasali litho! Mbala, uZimu uyikosi nini nanini; izizwe zizakubhujiswa enarhenakhe. Wena Somnini, ulalela ukulangazela kwabathobileko, iye, ihliziywabo uyayikhuthaza nendlebakho uyibeke kibo, kobana wenze ukulunga entandaneni nakogandelelweko. Isikhohlakali asingahlali sihlukumeza onganabani ngokumqotjha enarheni. Kumkhaleli; irhubo lakaDavida. Ngiphephela kuSomnini. Alo, ningatjho njani kimi nithi, “Balekela eentabeni njengenyoni,” na? Mbala iinkhohlakali ziqupha umsebe, zithiya umsubela emsebeni ukuze ebumnyameni zidumuze abaqotho ngehliziyo! Nakube iinsekelo ziyasitjhulwa, olungileko angenzani na? USomnini usethempelini lakhe elicwengileko, USomnini usezulwini esihlalweni sakhe sobukhosi; amehlwakhe ayaphenyisisa, ukuqala kwakhe kuqaphela abantu. USomnini uqaphela olungileko nomumbi, uyamnyenya othanda inturhu. Phezu kwabakhohlakeleko unisa amalahle avuthako, umlilo nesibabuli, iye, isivunguvungu sizakuba sisabelo sabo. Njengombana uSomnini alungile, uthanda izenzo zokulunga. Oqotho uzakulemuka ubukhona bakhe. Kumkhaleli; ngeTjheminithi irhubo lakaDavida. Siza Somnini! Abathembekileko abasekho! Ngambala, abaqotho banyamalele ebantwini! Bakhohlisana bodwa, banamalimu ambaqambili begodu babomalakazi. Kwanga uSomnini angaqunta amalimu ambaqambili, iye, umlomo okhuluma ngokuzigqaja, walabo abathi: “Ngelimu lethu sinamandla, thina sinomlomo wokuzikhulumela, ngubani osiphetheko na?” USomnini uthi: “Ngebanga lokobana abadududu bayadlelezelwa, abachakileko bayabubula, mina ngizakusikima kwanjesi, ngizabanikela isindiso abayifisako.” Amezwi kaSomnini atsengileko, anjengesiliva elicoliswe emgodini wekehla yomlilo, iye, elihlanjululwe kalikhomba. Wena Somnini, uzakulondoloza abadududu, uzabavikela esizukulwanenesi nini nanini. Iinkhohlakali zizula yoke indawo namanyala akhulile hlangana nabantu. Kumkhaleli; irhubo lakaDavida. Kuzabe kube nini Somnini usoloko ungikhohliwe? Uzakusitha ubuso bakho kimi bekube nini? Kuze kube nini ngiwurubajekile, nginesizi ehliziywenami ilanga loke na? Kuzabe kube nini isitha sami singidlondlhomalela na? Somnini Zimami, akhese uyelele, ungiphendule! Khanyisa amehlwami ukuze ngingalali ubuthongo bokufa, isitha sami singathi, “Ngimhlulile” namanabami angathabi ngombana ngigeba amadolo. Kodwana mina ngibambelele ekwethembekeni kwakho, ihliziywami iyathaba ngesindiswakho. USomnini ngizamrhubela ngombana ungenzele okuhle. Kumkhaleli; irhubo lakaDavida. Iindlhayela zizitjela zithi: “UZimu akakho.” Zikhohlakele, zenza izinto ezinyenyisako; akakho noyedwa owenza okulungileko. USomnini usezulwini uyabaqala abantu bephasini ukubona bonyana kukhona ohlakaniphileko, orhuluphela uZimu na. Kodwana boke baphambukile, boke bonakele ngokufanako; akakho noyedwa owenza okulungileko, akakho ngitjho namunye. Kanti boke abenzi bobumbi abalemuki na? Labo abatla abantu bami inga badla isikwa, abambizi uSomnini. Nje-ke bazakuba nevalo khulu ngombana uZimu usesizukulwaneni esilungileko. Nina nkhohlakali, isiqhema sabadududu ningasihlazisa, kodwana uSomnini usiphephelo songanalitho. Kwanga isindiso ka-Israyeli ingavela eZiyoni! Lokha uSomnini natjhugulula ubujamo babantu bakhe, uJakopo uzakurhuwelela ngethabo, iye, u-Israyeli uzakujabula. Irhubo lakaDavida. Somnini, ngubani ongakhosela ngetendeni lakho? Ngubani ongaqupha entabenakho ecwengileko na? Ngiloyo okhamba ngobuqotho nowenza okulungileko, okhuluma iqiniso ngokupheleleko; ongahlebi abanye, ongenzi okumbi kubafowabo nongahlazisi iinhlobo zakhe. Ngiloyo onyaza abaninwa nguZimu, kodwana ahloniphe abesaba uSomnini; ongephuli isifungo nanyana sibuhlungu, ongabolekisi imalakhe ngenzalo nongafunjathiswa bona alahle onganamlandu. Owenza izintwezi, angeze anyakaziswa. IMikitamu lakaDavida. Ngivikela Zimu ngombana ngiphephela kuwe. Mina ngathi kuSomnini: “Wena uyiKosami, anginakho okuhle ngaphandle kwakho.” Abosingazimu enarheni, labo okuthiwa ngabanamandla, angikareki nakancani ngabo. Abazikhethela abosingazimu bazandisela isizi; angeze nganikela kibo iminikelo yeengazi, namkha ngiphathe amabizwabo ngeembhena zami. USomnini usisabelo sami, iye, ulilifa lami nekaphami, wena Somnini ungilondele ifumbe yami. Ngisikelwe umkhawulo eendaweni ezihle, iye, ilifa elinganelisako. Ngidumisa uSomnini ongilulekako, ngitjho nebusuku ihliziywami iyangikhalima. Ngesikhathi soke ngibeka uSomnini phambi kwami njengombana angesidleni sami angeze nganyakaziswa. Ngalokho ihliziywami yenamile; ngihlokoma ngamandla ngombana umzimbami ulondekile. Esikhundleni sokobana ungilahlele endaweni yabafileko, namkha uvumele othembekileko wakho abone ithuna, wena ungikhombisa indlela yokuphila. Ukujabula okwanelisako kuphambi kwakho nokwenama kungesidleni sakho isiphelani. Umthandazo kaDavida. Akhese ulalele, wena Somnini ogcina ukulunga! Beka indlebakho esililweni sami, uzwe umthandazwami, ovela eembheneni ezinganakohliso. Ilungelo lami alivele kuwe, amehlwakho abone okuliqiniso. Lokha nawuzizinya ihliziywami nalokha nawungihlolisisako ebusuku, iye, nawungihlahlubako angeze ufunyane ihlazo kimi: Umlomami awuphambuki. Mayelana nezenzo zabantu: Ngokwamezwi womlomakho ngiyelele iindlela zobudlova. Yeke, amagadangwami anamathele emitlhalenakho; iinyawo zami akhange zitjhelele. Mina ngibiza wena Zimu ngombana uzangiphendula, beka indlebakho kimi, uzwe amezwami. Tjengisa ukukhathalela kwakho okumangalisako. Wena usindisa ngesandla sakho sokudla labo abafuna isiphephelo ebajamelanini babo. Ngilonde njengehlavu yelihlo, ungifihle emthunzini wamaphikwakho, iye, ungifihle eenkhohlakalini ezinenturhu kimi, okuzizitha zepilwami ezingizombileko. Zivale iinhliziyo zazo esirhawini, imilomazo ikhuluma ngokuzitjhaya. Zilandelele umtlhalami, nje-ke sezingizombile; amehlwazo anqophe ukungirabhalalisa. Zinjengamabhubezi arhalele ukudabudabula inyamazana nanjengamabhubezana akhukhuthako. Sikima Somnini! Qalana nazo, uziguqise! Ngesabulakho sindisa ipilwami eenkhohlakalini, iye, Somnini, ngesandla sakho ebantwinabo. Ababulalako abanapilwede, lokho kusisabelo sabo epilweni ngombana uzalisa izisu zabo ngesibetho obabekele sona. Abantwababo bazakusutha ngaso bebanikele iinzukulwana zabo iinsalela. Kodwana mina ngizazizwela ubukhona bakho ngisendawenakho yokulunga. Lokha nangivukako ngizakwaneliswa kuzibonakalisa kwakho. Kumkhaleli; irhubo lakaDavida, inceku kaSomnini. UDavida wakhuluma amezwi wengoma le lokha uSomnini namsindisa esandleni sazo zoke izitha zakhe ngitjho nakuSawula. Wathi: Ngiyakuthanda Somnini, umamandlami. USomnini ulidwala lami, isiphephelo nomsindisami. UZimami ulirholo lami engiphephela kilo; usihlangu sami namandla wesindiswami. Usiqongolo sami ufanele ukudunyiswa: Nangilila kuSomnini, ngisindiswa ezitheni zami. Ngenganyelwa misinga yokufa, iinkhukhula ezibhubhisako zangethusa. Iinkawule zezindla bezingirarele; ngabandamelwa zizifu zokufa. Ematlhuwenami ngalilela uSomnini, ngarhuwelela uZimami. Wezwa ilizwi lami asesigodlweni sakhe, ukulila kwami kuye kwafika eendlebeni zakhe. Iphasi ladedemela begodu lahlengezela, iinsekelo zeentaba zasikinyeka, zathuthumela ngombana gade asilingekile. USomnini nasilingekileko ufana nentabamlilo ethunya intuthu nekhafula amalangabi nekehla. Wavula amazulu wehlela phasi; ngaphasi kweenyawo zakhe bekunamafu anzima tshu. Kwaba ngathi uphapha ngekerubhi, ebeliphapha belithiyelele emaphikweni wommoya. Ubumnyama wabenza isigubuzeso sakhe, ubusithelo bakhe baba mamafu anzima wezulu. Ebuphaziphazini bobukhona bakhe kwakhithika isinanja emafini, kwamekeza nemibani. USomnini uyaduma usemafini, kwezwakala ilizwi lakaZimu ongoPhezulu. Wadubula imisubela kwaphadlhalala izitha, waphosa imibani kwahlangahlangana amanaba. Somnini, lokha nawuvuthela ummoya ngeempumulo, ukuzika kwelwandle kwambuleka; iinsekelo zephasi zanekeka ebaleni ngebanga lokukhalima kwakho. Welula isandla sakhe aphezulu, wangidzwebula; wangenyula emagwimbini wamanzi. Wangisindisa esitheni sami esinamandla nakilabo abangizondako bangigabisela ngeenkhwepha. Bangithelekela ngelanga lami lehlekelele, kodwana uSomnini waba msekelami. Wangikhupha emkghothweni wangibeka etjhatjhalazini, wangisindisa ngombana angithanda. USomnini wangivuza ngombana nginganamlandu; wangikhokhela ngombana nginezandla ezimsulwa. Iye, ngilondile iindlela zakaSomnini; azange ngenze okumbi ngokuhlanuka uZimami. Ngihlala ngikhumbula imithethwakhe; azange ngilahle iimiso zakhe. Bengisoloko ngimsulwa kuye, ngizilondile esonweni. USomnini wangivuza ngombana nginganamlandu, ngokuya ngobumsulwa bezandla zami phambi kwakhe. Somnini, uziveza uthembekile kabathembekileko, uziveza umsulwa kabamsulwa, nakohlanzekileko uziveza uhlanzekile, kodwana koneengwegwe uzibonakalisa uliqili. Iye, wena usindisa abazithobileko, abazigqajako ubehlise. Mbala, Somnini, nguwe okhanyisa isibani sami, utjhugulula ubumnyama engikibo ubenze ukukhanya. Ngesizo lakho ngingathelekela ibutho, ngoZimami ngingeqa umthangala wedorobho. UZimu lo, ngoneendlela ezipheleleko, ilizwi lakaSomnini alisoleki. USomnini usihlangu sabo boke abaphephela kuye. Ngubani uZimu ngaphandle kwakaSomnini? Ngubani idwala ngaphandle kwakaZimu na? NguZimu ongihlomisa ngamandla nowenza indlelami iphephe. Uqinisa imilenzami njengeyehlangumataka angenze ngijame ngokuphepha eenqongolweni. Ubandulela izandla zami ukulwa, imikhonwami ikghona ukugoba umsebe wekoporo. Ukungisekela kwakho kube sihlangu kimi, isandla sakho sokudla singilondile nawuphendula imithandazwami ngiqina idolo. Ugangadela indlelami bonyana ngingatshinyeki iingogoriyana. Ngagijimisa izitha zami ngazifunyana; azange ngijike zingakafi nya. Ngaziphihliza zangasavuka; zarabhalala ngaphasi kweenyawo zami. Wangihlomisa ngamandla wokulwa, wathobisa amanabami phambi kwami. Wenza izitha zami zifulathele ipi, ngarhayila abangizondako. Barhuwelela bafuna isizo, kodwana bangaba nomsizi. Balilela uSomnini, kodwana azange abaphendule. Ngabatshidlha basileka kwanga ziintuli emmoyeni; ngabagadanga njengedaka leendledlana. Somnini, ungisindisile nangisahlelwa babantu, wangenza ngaba yihloko yezizwe ezitjhili. Abantu bakosobantu bayangikhothamela, nabezwako ngami, bayangithobela, imiqhamuka iyazincengela. Imiqhamuka iyakoropana, iza itatazela kusukela esiphephelweni sayo. USomnini uyaphila! Alidunyiswe idwala lami! Akaphakanyiswe uZimu omsindisami! UnguZimu ongibuyiselelako, obeka izizwe ngaphasi kwami, ongithukulula ezitheni zami. Mbala, ungiphakamisa ngaphezu kwabajamelani bami, angihluthule ebantwini benturhu. Ngalokho ngizakudumisa Somnini, hlangana nezizwe; ngibhine iindumiso ebizweni lakho. UZimu unikela ikosi ayibekileko ukuhlula okukhulu; akhombise ukwethembeka kozesiweko wakhe, iye, kuDavida neenzukulwana zakhe isiphelani. Kumkhaleli; irhubo lakaDavida. Isibhakabhaka sibika iphazimulo kaZimu iye, umkayi umemezela umsebenzi wezandla zakhe. Ilanga libikela elinye umlayezo nobusuku bulandisa obulandelako ngelwazi. Nanyana kungekho ikulumo namezwi nelizwi lazo lingazwakali, umlayezwazo urhatjheka iphasi loke nombikwazo emaphelelweni womhlaba, ukuya phezulu etendeni lelanga. Ilanga linjengomkhwenyana naphuma ngelawini lakhe, lithaba njengengorho ekhamba ibanga layo. Liphuma ngakelinye ihlangothi lesibhakabhaka, libuyele emuva ngakelinye. Akukho okungafihleka ekutjhiseni kwalo. Umthetho kaSomnini uphelele, uvuselela ipilo. Ubufakazi bakaSomnini buthembekile, bunikela ubuhlakani kabanganalwazi. Ifundiso kaSomnini ilungile, yenamisa ihliziyo. Imiyalo kaSomnini imsulwa, ikhanyisa amehlo. Ukuzithoba kuSomnini kuhlambulukile kunzinzile ngeenkhathi zoke. Iingwebo zakaSomnini ziliqiniso, zifanelekile. Koke lokho kuthandeka ukudlula igolide, iye, ukudlula igolidembala elinengi. Kunandipha ukudlula iinyosi, iye, ukudlula iliju lesihlaka. Incekwakho nayo ilulekwa ngikho; ukukulonda lokho kunomvuzo omkhulu. Akakho noyedwa owazi imitjhapho efihlakeleko; nje-ke, Somnini, ungangibethi ngebanga lemitjhapho leyo! Khandela incekwakho ingenzi izono ngabomu. Ungazivumeli zingibuse. Khona ngizahlala ngimsulwa begodu nginganacala lesiphambeko esikhulu. Sengathi amezwi womlomami nemikhumbulo yehliziywami ingamukeleka kuwe Somnini, Dwala lami nomHlengami. Kumkhaleli; irhubo lakaDavida. Kwanga uSomnini angakuphendula ngesikhathi sokubandezelwa, ibizo lakaZimu wakaJakopo likuvikele. Inga angakuthumelela isizo elisuka endaweni ecwengileko, akusekele aseZiyoni; akhumbule yoke iminikelwakho, amukele imihlabelwakho yokutjhiswa. Inga angakupha okufiswa yihliziywakho, aphelelise woke amaswakho. Kwanga singahlokoma ngokuhlula kwakho, siphakamise itshwayo ebizweni lakaZimu; iye, inga uSomnini angaphumelelisa zoke iimbawo zakho. Nje-ke mina ngiyazi bona uSomnini usiza ozesiweko wakhe, amuphe ipendulo asezulwini lakhe elicwengileko, ngesindiso enamandla evela ngesandleni sakhe sokudla. Abanye baqina ngeenkarana zepi, abanye ngeenjomani, kodwana thina siqina ngebizo lakaSomnini uZimethu. Abanjalo bazakuguqa, bawe, kodwana thina sizakusikima, sijame. Somnini, yipha ikosethu ukuhlula! Usiphendule lokha nasilila kuwe. Kumkhaleli; irhubo lakaDavida. Zimu, emandlenakho ikosethu iyathaba, ekuhluleni kwakho idumisa ngamandla! Iye, uyiphile isifiso sehliziywayo nesibawo seembhena zayo akhange usigodle. Uyihlangabeze ngeembusiso ezihle, wayithwesa isihlohlo segolidembala. Yabawa ukuphila kuwe, wayinikela khona; iye, wayipha amalanga amanengi, isikhathi eside. Idumo layo likhulu ngenca yokuhlula kwakho, ubeke ukuhlonitjhwa nobukhosi phezu kwayo. Mbala, ubeke kiyo iimbusiso nini nanini, wayijabulisa khulu ngobukhona bakho. Ngebangelo ikosi yethemba uZimu, nje-ke, ngokwethembeka kwakaZimu ongoPhezulu, angeze yazanyazanyiswa. Ngwenyama, isandla sakho sizozifunyana zoke izitha zakho; sokudla sakho sizabafunyana abakuzondako. Lokha nawubonakalako, uzazenza zibe njengekehla yomlilo. UZimu uzaziginya ngelaka lakhe, ziqothulwe mlilo. Inzalwazo uzoyitjhabalalisa ephasini, iye, isizukulwana sazo hlangana nabantu. Lokha nazikuphendukela ngobumbi, zikubophele izungu, angeze zaphumelela. Mbala, uzazenza zibaleke, lokha nawuzinemba ngemisebakho ebusweni bazo. Phakama Zimu, emandlenakho! Thina sizakuvuma, sidumise imisebenzakho emikhulu. Kumkhaleli; nge-Ayelethi-Hatjharhari irhubo lakaDavida. Zimami, Zimami, ungitjhiyeleni na? Kubayini ukude ungangisizi, iye, ukude namezwi wesililo sami na? Zimami, ngilila emini, kodwana awuphenduli nebusuku kodwana angifunyani ukuthula. Wena ongocwengileko, uhlezi eembongweni zaka-Israyeli. Abobamkhulu bathembela kuwe; bakwethemba, wabasindisa. Kuwe balila, wabasindisa; kuwe bathembela, bangadaniswa. Mina ngiyipethu nje, angisuye umuntu, ngisithuko sabantu, ngidelelwa zizizwe. Boke abangibonako bayanginyefula, bayangikokomeja, bebathintithe iinhloko bathi: “Uzinikele kuSomnini, uSomnini akamsindise, amenyule, angithi uyamthanda!” Somnini, nguwe owangikhupha esibelethweni, wangikhoselisa emabeleni wakamma. Kuwe ngalahlelwa ngisabelethwa, kwasesibelwethweni sakamma, waba nguZimami. Ungabi kude nami ngombana imbandezelo iseduze begodu akakho ongangisiza. Iinkunzi ezinengi zingizombelezile, iye, iinkunzi ezinamandla zeBhatjhani zingibungelele. Zingikhamisele imilomazo njengengonyama ebhodlako efuna ukudabudabula. Ngithululiwe njengamanzi, woke amalungami akhwamukile; ihliziywami injengamanyephe, iyancithika ngaphakathi kwami. Amandlami omile njengedengela, ilimu lami linamathela eensinini zami. Ungilalisa ethulini lokufa. Izinja zingizombelezile, ijima labenzi bobumbi lingibungelele; izandla neenyawo zami zilinyaziwe, amathambami ngingawabala woke. Abantwabo bangirhudulele amehlo ngokungikokomeja, babelana iimpahla zami zokwembatha, benzelana ifumbe ngesambatho sami. Nakunguwe Somninini, ungabi kude; wena Sizo lami, tjhidela masinyana kimi ungisize. Sindisa umphefumulwami ekembeni, ipilwami eligugu emandleni wezinja. Ngisindisa emlonyeni wengonyama neempondweni zekukhama! Wangizwa, wangiphendula, nje-ke ngizakumemezela ibizo lakho kubafowethu, ngikudumise phakathi kwebandla lamakholwa. Nina enesaba uSomnini, mdumiseni, noke nina nzukulwana zakaJakopo, mkhakhaziseni; iye, noke nina nzukulwana zaka-Israyeli, msikimeleni ngokumhlonipha. Mbala uSomnini azange akhe anyaze, namkha adelele ukuhlupheka kodududu; akhange afihle ubuso bakhe kuye, kodwana umzwile lokha nalila kuye. Somnini, kuwe kuvela ukudumisa kwami ebandleni elikhulu! Ngizaziphumelelisa iinthembiso zami phambi kwabayesabako. Abathobekileko bazakudla basuthe. Abafuna uSomnini bazamdumisa bathi: “Uyaphila!” Iinhliziyo zenu ngesikhathi soke zizakukhumbula. Boke abasemaphethelweni wephasi bazakuphendukela kuSomnini. Iye, zoke iinkoro zezizwe zizakhothama phambi kwakhe ngombana umbuso ungowakaSomnini obusa phezu kwezizwe, iye, yena yedwa. Boke abamajadu bazamkhothamela; phambi kwakhe boke abafako bazakuguqa. Onganapilo uzakuvuseleleka! Iinzukulwana zizakulotjha uSomnini, imindeni ezako ibikelwe ngoSomandla; ukuhlula kwakhe kuzakutjelwa abangakabelethwa, kuthiwe: “Lokhu kwenziwa nguSomnini!” Irhubo lakaDavida. USomnini ungumelusami, angizukuhlonga litho. Ungilalisa emadlelweni alihlaza, angidosele hlanu kwamanzi endaweni epholileko. Uvusa umphefumulwami, angirholele endleleni efaneleko. Nanyana ngikhamba ngerharheni lethunzi elesabekako, angizukwesaba okumbi ngombana wena ukimi; intonga nedondolo lakho kuyangiduduza. Uqhisa isithebe phambi kwami, amanabami angiqalile. Uzesa ihlokwami ngamafutha we-oliva ikaphami iyaphuphuma. Ngambala okuhle nokwethembeka kuyangilandela imihla yoke yokuphila kwami. Ngizakubuyela ngekumbeni kaSomnini qobana ngisaphila. Irhubo lakaDavida. Iphasi lingelakaSomnini nakho koke okukilo, ilizwe nabakhileko kilo ngombana yena walisekela phezu kwamalwandle, yalijamisa phezu kwemilambo. Ngubani ongakhuphukela entabeni kaSomnini? Ngubani ongajama endawenakhe ecwengileko na? Ngiloyo onezandla ezinganacala, nehliziyo ehlanzekileko, ongakhulumeli butjhilweni ngoSomnini nongafungi ngekohliso. Uzakwamukela isibusiso kuSomnini nokulunga kuZimu, omsindisakhe. Leso sizukulwana esimfunako; iye, esifuna ubuso bakaZimu wakaJakopo. Phakamisani iinhloko zenu, nina masango! Iye, ziphakamiseni nina minyango yekadeni kobana umBusi ohloniphekileko angene! Ungubani umBusi ohloniphekileko loyo na? UnguSomnini onamandla noyingorho, iye, nguSomnini oyingorho yepi! Phakamisani iinhloko zenu, nina masango! Iye, ziphakamiseni nina minyango yekadeni, kobana umBusi ohloniphekileko angene! Ungubani umBusi ohloniphekileko loyo na? UnguSomnini uMninimandlawoke; nguye emBusi ohloniphekileko. Irhubo lakaDavida. Somnini, umphefumulwami uyakulangazelela. Zimami, ngithembele kuwe, ungavumeli bona ngingene ehlazweni; ungavumeli izitha zami ziqhanase ngami. Ngambala boke abaqalelele kuwe angeze badaniswa. Labo abakuhlubukako ngelize bazakuhlaziswa. Ngazise iindlela zakho Somnini; ungifundise imizilakho. Ngikhambisa eqinisweni lakho, ungifundise ngombana wena unguZimu wesindiswami, ngithembele kuwe ngesikhathi soke. Somnini, khumbula izenzo zesisa nezokwethembeka kwakho ngombana zibekhona ekadeni. Ungakhumbuli izono zobutjha bami namkha iimphambeko zami; ngikhumbule ngokwethembeka kwakho ngebanga lezenzo zakho ezihle. USomnini ulungile begodu uqotho, ngalokho ukhombisa izoni indlela. Urholela abathobekileko kokulungileko, iye, abathobekileko ubafundisa indlelakhe. Zoke iindlela zakaSomnini zikukwethembeka, ziliqiniso kilabo abalonda isivumelwano nobufakazi bakhe. Ngebanga lebizo lakho Somnini, colela icala lami ngombana likhulu. Ngimuphi umuntu wesaba uSomnini na? Yena uzamfundisa indlela azayikhetha. Umuntu loyo uzakuhlala aphumelela, isizukulwana sakhe sizakuzuza inarha. USomnini wenza isikhozi nabamesabako, azise isivumelwano sakhe kibo. Nini nanini amehlwami ahlala akuSomnini ngombana nguye ophephisa inyawo lami esifwini. Phendukela kimi Somnini, ube nomusa kimi ngombana nginesizungu, ngihluphekile. Iinhlupheko zehliziywami zingikhulele, yewungikhuphe esizini lami. Yelela ukuhlupheka nokubandezelwa kwami, ungicolele zoke izono zami. Akhusuthi uyaqala, izitha zami zinengi, uqale nelunya ezingizonda ngalo. Londoloza ipilwami, ungenyule; ungavumeli bona ngingene ehlazweni ngombana ngiphephela kuwe. Kwanga ubuqotho nokulunga kungangilondoloza ngombana ngiqalelele kuwe, Somnini. Zimu, akhese ukhuphe u-Israyeli kizo zoke iinhlupheko zakhe. Irhubo lakaDavida. Ngihlambulula Somnini ngombana ngikhambe ngobuqotho, ngathemba uSomnini ngokungazazi. Ngizizinye Somnini, ungiphenye; uhlolisise iziso nehliziywami. Ngebanga lokwethembeka kwakho ngikhamba eqinisweni lakho. Angihlali neengilamkhuba, namkha ngizihlanganise nabazenzisi. Ngiyawuzonda umhlangano wabenzi bobumbi begodu angeze ngahlala neenkhohlakali. Ngihlamba izandla zami, ngimsulwa, iye, ngizombeleza i-aldari lakho Somnini, ngokuphakamisa ilizwi lokuthokoza nangokumemezela zoke iimangaliso zakho. Somnini, ngiyayithanda indlu ohlala kiyo, iye, lapha kuhlala khona iphazimulwakho. Ungangithanyeli nezoni, namkha ipilwami nabantu abomele iingazi. Ungangithanyeli nabanezandla zokonakala, iye, labo isidla sabo esigcwele ukufunjathiswa. Kodwana mina, ngikhamba ngobuqotho, yeke, ngihlenge ube nomusa kimi. Inyawo lami lijame ehlabathini elelezekileko; iye, emkhandlwini omkhulu ngizakudumisa uSomnini. Irhubo lakaDavida. USomnini ukukhanya nesindiswami, ngizakwesaba bani na? USomnini ubuphephelo bokuphila kwami; alo, ngizakuba nevalo ngobani na? Lokha abenzi bobumbi nabatjhidela kimi kobana bangidle ngiphila, iye, izitha nabajamelani bami, ngibo abakhutjhwa bebawe. Nanyana ibutho lingivimbezela, ihliziywami ayinavalo; nalokha ngivukelwa yipi, nalapho nginethemba. Kunye engikubawa kuSomnini begodu ngizakulandelela lokho: Kukobana ngihlale ngekumbeni kaSomnini, amalanga woke wokuphila kwami, nje-ke ngizazizwela umusa kaSomnini nokuhlahlwa ethempelini lakhe. Yena uzongibhacisa emtlhatlhanenakhe ngelanga elimbi, angifihle ekusithekeni kwetende lakhe, iye, uzongibeka ekuphakameni phezu kwedwala. Yeke ihlokwami iphakamile ngehla kwezitha zami ezingizombelezileko; ngizakunikela iminikelo yokuhlokoma etendeni lakhe, ngizakuvuma, ngidumise uSomnini. Ngizwe Somnini lokha nangilila ngelizwi elikhulu; yiba nesirhawu kimi, ungiphendule! Ihliziywami ikhumbula bona uthe: “Funani ubuso bami!” Nje-ke, ubuso bakho Somnini, ngizabufuna, ngalokho ungabufihli kimi. Ungayiqotjhi incekwakho ngetukuthelo; wena ube lisizo lami, ungangilahli; ungangitjhiyi, wena Zimu wesindiswami. Ubaba nomma bangangitjhiya, kodwana uSomnini uzangamukela. Somnini, ngifundise indlelakho, ngirhole emzileni olelezekileko ngenca yezitha zami. Unganginikeleli entandweni yamanabami ngombana abofakazi bamanga bangivukele, iye, bafuthekile ngenturhu. Mbala ngiyakholwa bonyana ngizazizwela ukulunga kwakaSomnini ngisesephasinapha. Qalelela uSomnini, uqine, ihliziywakho ibe nesibindi; iye, qalelela uSomnini. Irhubo lakaDavida. Ngilila kuwe Somnini, Dwala lami, ungabi njengesithulu kimi ngombana nawuthulileko kimi, ngizakufana nabehlela endaweni yabafileko. Yizwa ilizwi lesibawo sami, lokha nangilila kuwe Somnini; iye, lokha nangiphakamisela izandla, endawenakho ecwenge khulu. Ungangirhurhuli nabakhohlakeleko, nabababenzi bobumbi, labo abakhuluma kuhle nabanye abantu, khisibe babakhohlisi eenhliziyweni. Bavuze njengokwemisebenzabo, iye, njengobumbi bezenzo zabo; bakhokhele njengokomphumela wezandla zabo, ubabuyisele umvuzwabo, obafaneleko. Njengombana banganaki okwenziwa nguSomnini, namkha umsebenzi wezandla zakhe, uSomnini uzabadiliza, angasabavusi. Akadunyiswe uSomnini ngombana uzwile ilizwi lokuncenga kwami. USomnini umamandlami nesihlangu sami, ihliziywami ithembela kuye; ngalokho ngisizakele nehliziywami isasile; nje-ke, ngengomami ngizamdumisa. USomnini umamandla wabantu bakhe, ulirharha lesindiso kozesiweko wakhe. Somnini, sindisa abantu bakho, ubusise ilifa lakho; yiba mumelusabo, ubathwale isiphelani. Irhubo lakaDavida. Nina madodana kaZimu, nikelani uSomnini, iye, mnikeleni iphazimulo namandla! Nikelani uSomnini iphazimulo yebizo lakhe! Mkhothameleni nembethe izambatho ezicwengileko. Ilizwi lakaSomnini lingaphezu kwamanzi, uZimu wephazimulo uyararambisa; iye, uSomnini ungaphezu kwamanzi amanengi. Ilizwi lakaSomnini linamandla; ilizwi lakaSomnini linobukhosi. Ilizwi lakaSomnini lephula imithi yemisedari; iye, uSomnini uphohloza imisedari yeLibhanoni. USomnini wenza iintaba zitjekule njengekonyana, iye, iLibhanoni neSiriyoni njengekunzana yekukhama. Ilizwi lakaSomnini libabela amalangabi womlilo. Ilizwi lakaSomnini lizamazamisa irhalawumba; iye, USomnini uzamazamisa irhalawumba leKhadetjhi. Ilizwi lakaSomnini lithintitha imithi ye-owuku lenza amahlathi asale awohlokile. Ngesigodlweni sakhe boke bathi: “Iphazimulo!” USomnini uhlezi ngaphezu kwamanzi wesibhakabhaka; iye, uSomnini uyabusa, uyikosi isiphelani. Kwanga uSomnini anganikela abantu bakhe amandla! Kwanga angababusisa ngokuthula. Ingoma yokwahlukaniselwa ithempeli; irhubo lakaDavida. Ngiyakuphakamisa Somnini ngombana ungenyulile, akhange uvume bonyana izitha zijabule ngami. Somnini, Zimami, ngilile kuwe, wangipholisa. Wena Somnini ungenyule endaweni yabafileko, wangihlenga phakathi kwabehlela emgodini. Khalelani nidumise uSomnini nina bathembekileko bayo, thokozani ibizo layo elicwengileko ngombana itukuthelo kaSomnini ingeyesikhatjhana, kodwana umusayo ungowepilo yoke. Nanyana kungaba nesililo ebusuku, nokho amasa eza nesihleko. Ekwenameni kwami mina ngathi: “Angisoze nganyakaziswa.” Somnini bekungomusakho kobana ungenze nganzinza njengentaba eqinileko; kodwana lokha nawufihla ubuso bakho, ngathoma ukukakamala. Ngalila kuwe Somnini, iye, ngazincengela kuSomandla, ngathi: “Ingabe kukhona okuzuzako ngokufa kwami, lokha nangehlela emgodini na? Ithuli lona lizakudumisa, lidembe ngokwethembeka kwakho na? Yizwa Somnini, ube nomusa kimi, yiba msizami Somnini!” Uphendule isililo sami saba ligido, wangihlubulisa izambatho zami zesililo, wangembathisa ukujabula, ukuze ngikudumise ngamandla, ngingathuli. Somnini Zimami, ngizakuthokoza nini nanini. Kumkhaleli; irhubo lakaDavida. Kuwe Somnini, ngiyaphephela, nini nanini ungavumi ngingene ehlazweni ngisindise ngokulunga kwakho. Beka kimi indlebakho, ungenyule masinyana. Yiba lidwala lobuphephelo kimi, ube yindawo yokukhosela kobana ngilondeke. Mbala wena ulidwala lami nobuphephelo bami; yeke ngirhole, ungihlahle ngenca yebizo lakho; ungikhuphe esithiyweni ebesifihlelwe mina ngombana wena usiphephelo sami. Esandleni sakho ngibeka ummoyami, uyangihlenga Somnini, Zimu othembekileko. Ngiyabazonda abalotjha abosingazimu abalilize ngombana mina ngethemba uSomnini. Ekuthembekeni kwakho ngizakuthaba, ngijabule ngombana ukuhlupheka kwami ukubonile, wanaka iinhlupheko zomphefumulwami. Akhange unginikele esandleni sesitha, kunalokho ujamise iinyawo zami endaweni ebanzi. Somnini, yiba nomusa kimi ngombana ngibandezelekile. Amehlwami avuvukile ngebanga lesizi, umphefumulwami nomzimbami uyanyefa. Mbala, ipilwami ihlala iseenhlungwini neminyakami inesibibithwana, amandlami adambile ngebanga lesono sami, iye, nginyefe ummongo. Ngibe siphoqo sawo woke amanabami, kibomakhelwana bami khona angisakhulumi, iye, sese ngisisethuso eenhlobeni zami, abangibona ngaphandle bayangibaleka. Nginjengofileko: angisakhumbuleki; ngaba ngofana nesitja esephukileko. Ngizwile abanengi bangihleba, ukwesaba kungizomba mahlangothi woke, lokha nabahlala isicathana ngami. Bahlosa ukungibulala kodwana mina ngithemba wena Somnini, ngithi: “UnguZimami.” Esandleni sakho kuneenkhathi zami; ngitjhaphulule esandleni sezitha zami nakilabo abangizumako. Khanyisa ubuso bakho phezu kwencekwakho; ngisindise ngokwethembeka kwakho. Somnini, ungavumi ngingene ehlazweni ngombana ngibiza wena. Yenza iinkhohlakali ziphoqeke, ziye endaweni yabafileko zithulile. Ayithuliswe imilomo ekhuluma amanga, iye, ekhuluma ngokuzazi ngabalungileko nangokuzigqaja nokunyaza. Maye, kuvamile okuhle okwenzako, okulondele labo abakwesabako, okulungisile phambi kwabantu kilabo abaphephela kuwe. Ubafihla ekusithekeni kobukhona bakho, ekuhlebeni kwabantu. Ubasitha emtlhatlhanenakho ekuphikisweni kweenkulumo. USomnini akadunyiswe ngombana ungibonisile ukukhathalela kwakhe okumangalisako, lokha nangivinjezelwe njengedorobho. Mina-ke ngaba namawala ngokuthi: “Ngiqotjhiwe ebusweni bakho, Somnini.” Kodwana wezwa isibawo sokuncenga kwami, lokha nangilila kuwe. Thandani uSomnini noke nina bathembekileko bayo! USomnini uyabalondoloza abaqotho, kodwana ozigqajako umbuyiselela kanzima. Qinani, ihliziywenu ibe nesibindi nina noke eniqalelele kuSomnini. Irhubo lakaDavida; iMaskili. Ubusisiwe othethelelwe isiphambeko, iye, osono sakhe sisibekelweko. Ubusisiwe umuntu uSomnini angambaleli icala onehliziyo enganakohliso. Kwathi nangithulileko, umzimbami wanyefa ngokububula kwami ilanga loke ngombana ubusuku nemini isandla sakho besinzima phezu kwami, amandlami adamba njengalokha kunomtjhisokazi ehlobo. Ngasivuma isono sami kuwe necala lami akhange ngilifihle. Ngathi: “Ngizazivuma iimphambeko zami kuSomnini.” Wena wathethelela icala lesono sami. Ngebangelo woke othembekileko uthandaza kuwe. Ngesikhathi sokugcwala komlambo, iye, lokha nahlangana nesikhukhula, amanzi angeze amfikelela. Wena uyindawo yokubhaca kimi, uyangilondoloza eengozini; ungizombeleza ngokuhlokoma kwetjhaphuluko. USomnini wathi: “Ngizakufundisa, ngikubonise indlela ozakukhamba ngayo; ngikweluleke, ngikuphose ilihlo. Ungabi njengenjomani namkha imeyila enganangqondo, ekufuze ilawulwe ngetomu, ingafuni ukusondela kuwe.” Isikhohlakali sineenhlupheko ezinengi, kodwana othemba uSomnini uzakuzombelezwa kukwethembeka. Thakasani kuSomnini, nithabe nina balungileko! Hlokomani nina baqotho ngehliziyo! Hlokomani kuSomnini nina balungileko! Iye, ukudumisa kungokwabaqotho! Dumisani uSomnini ngeharibhana, nimbethele iharibha leenara ezilitjhumi! Mrhubeleni ingoma etja, niyibethe kuhle ngeenara, nihlokome! Mbala, ilizwi lakaSomnini liliqiniso, zoke izenzo zakhe zikukwethembeka. Uthanda okufaneleko nokulungileko, iphasi ligcwele ukwethembeka kwakaSomnini. Ngelizwi lakaSomnini, kwadaleka umkayi, iye, ngokukhuluma kwakhe kwenzeka koke okukiwo. Wabuthelela amanzi welwandle kwanga angemgqomini; wabeka amanzi amanengi ngeenlulwini. Iphasi loke alimesabe uSomnini; kuthi zoke izakhamuzi ephasini, zithuthumele ngaye ngombana wakhuluma, kwadaleka, wayala, kwaba khona. USomnini uhlangahlanganisa iinhloso zezizwe, araranise amaqhinga wabantu. Iinhloso zakaSomnini zijame isiphelani, iqhinga lakhe lingelanini nanini. Sibusisiwe isizwe uZimaso kuSomnini, isizwe uSomnini azikhethele bona sibe lilifa lakhe. USomnini ubona phasi asezulwini, aqale woke umuntu. Esihlalweni sakhe uyelela boke bephasi. Yena owadala iinhliziyo zabo boke, uqaphela zoke izenzo zabo. Amakhosi akahluli ngobunengi bebutho lawo neengorho azisindi ngobukhulu bamandlazo. Iinjomani zepi zilithemba elililize ekusindiseni begodu azihlengi ngobukhulu bamandlazo. Kwamambala, ilihlo lakaSomnini liphezu kwabamesabako, iye, phezu kwabaqalelele ukwethembeka kwakhe, kobana atjhaphulule ipilwabo ekufeni, abalonde baphilile ngesikhathi sendlala. Umphefumulwethu ulindela uSomnini; yena ulisizo nesihlangu sethu. Iinhliziyo zethu zenamile kuye ngombana sithemba ibizo lakhe elicwengileko. Somnini, ukwethembeka kwakho akube phezu kwethu ngombana siqalelele wena. Irhubo lakaDavida; ngemva kokusuka kwakhe esigodlweni saka-Abimeleki ngombana azenze ihlanya, nje-ke waqotjhwa. USomnini ngizamdumisa ngeenkhathi zoke; ngizakuhlala ngimbabaza njalo ngomlomami. Mina ngizazikhakhazisa ngoSomnini, abathobekileko abezwe lokho, bajabule. Phakamisani uSomnini kanye nami, sikhulise ibizo lakhe kanyekanye. Ngathandaza kuSomnini, wangiphendula; wangitjhaphulula kikho koke ukwesaba kwami. Qalelelani uSomnini, niyamomotheke, yeke ubuso benu abusoze badana! Nasi isihlupheki esalilako, uSomnini wasizwa, wasisindisa kizo zoke iinhlupheko. Abesaba uSomnini, baphahlwa yingilozi mazombe, ibenyule. Yizwani benibone bonyana uSomnini muhle, ubusisiwe umuntu ophephela kuye. Mesabeni uSomnini nina bacwengileko bakhe ngombana abamesabako abasweli litho. Amabhubezana ayadinga abe aphathwe yindlala, kodwana labo abafuna uSomnini abasweli litho. Nina bantwana, izani nizongilalela, nje-ke ngizonifundisa ukwesaba uSomnini: Ngubani kini othanda ukuphila, nofisa amalanga amanengi wokwenama na? Akalonde ilimu lakhe ekohlakalweni, neembhena zakhe ekukhulumeni ikohliso. Akahlukane nobumbi, enze okuhle; afune ukuthula akurhuluphele. Amehlo wakaSomnini aphezu kwabalungileko, neendlebe zakhe zivulekele isililo sabo. Ubuso bakaSomnini bujibile phezu kweengilamkhuba, uphelisa ukukhunjulwa kwazo ephasini. Abalungileko nabanesililo, uSomnini uyabezwa, abatjhaphulule kizo zoke iinhlupheko zabo. USomnini useduze nabanehliziyo ephukileko, usindisa abanommoya odanileko. Zinengi iinhlupheko zolungileko, kodwana uSomnini uyamtjhaphulula kizo zoke; alonde woke amathambakhe, kungabikho nelilodwa kiwo elizakwephulwa. Okumbi kuyambulala okhohlakeleko, abazonda olungileko bazakuhlawuliswa. USomnini uhlenga ipilo yeenceku zakhe; akakho noyedwa ophephela kuye ozakuhlawuliswa. Irhubo lakaDavida. Somnini, phikisana nabaphikisana nami, ulwe nalabo abalwa nami. Hloma ngekhande nesihlangu, usikime kobana ungisize. Rhwatjha umkhonto nesilembe, uqalane nabalandelana nami. Yithi kimi: “Ngiyisindiswakho.” Akuthi labo abazumana nami badane, barhubutjheke bebabaleke; iye, abangisongelako bakhene. Ababe njengomungu ophetjhulwa mumoya, lokha ingilozi kaSomnini nayibadudulako; indlelabo ibe mnyama, itjhelele, lokha ingilozi kaSomnini nayibagijimisako. Bangembele umgodi ngaphandle kwesizathu, bawufihla ngokuwembesa ngenedabo; iye, bangembele wona kunganabanga. Ukubhujiswa akubehlele bangakanaki, kuthi isifu abasithiyileko sibambe bona; bawele ngemgodinapho babhubhe. Khona-ke ngizakuthaba kuSomnini, ngename ngokusindisa kwayo. Ngamandlami woke ngizakuthi: “Somnini, ngubani onjengawe? Wena osindisa ohluphekileko kilabo abanamandla kunaye, iye, ohluphekileko nodududu kilabo abamdlelezelako.” Kuvuka abofakazi abanelunya bangibuza izinto engingazaziko. Bangibuyiselela okumbi ngokuhle; ngizizwa inga ngilahliwe. Kodwana nakugula bona, mina ngembatha izambatho zokuzila, ngazikhandla ngokuzila ukudla; ngaqinisela ekubathandazeleni. Kwaba sengathi ngililela umngani namkha umfowethu. Ngembatha iinzilo, ihlokwami ikhotheme, ngakhamba njengotlhuwileko ngonina. Kodwana ekukhutjhweni kwami bona bajabula babuthana ndawonye. Babuthana kobana bangibethe ngingakatjheji, bangidabula bangasakhawula. Ekuhluzeni kwami abaphoqi bangiphoqa, bangigugudela amazinyo. Somnini, lokho uzakubukela bekube nini na? Ngisindise elunyeni labo, iye, ipilwami eligugu emabhubezini. Ngizakuthokoza ebandleni elikhulu, ngikudumise phakathi kwesiqubuthu. Ungavumeli izitha zami, iye, abakhohlisi bajabule ngami nabangizonda kunganasizathu bona bangikhwinyisele. Ngambala abakhulumi ukuthula begodu kilabo abahlezi ngokuthula enarheni basopha izinto eziyikohliso. Bangikhamisela imilonyanabo bathi: “Arha! Arha! Sizibonele ngawethu.” Somnini, uyakubona lokho, nje-ke ungathuli; ungabi kude nami, Somnini. Zimami, Somandla, phakama! Sikima umele indabami, ungivikele! Somnini, Zimami, ngimela ngokulunga kwakho! Ungabavumeli bajabule ngami. Ungabavumeli bathi eenhliziyweni zabo: “Arha, nakho-ke ebesikufisa!” Ungabavumeli bathi: “Simginyile.” Akuthi boke abathakasa ngesizi lami badaniswe bebakhene; labo abazikhukhumeza ngami, bembathiswe ihlazo neenhloni. Kuthi abathokoza ngobumsulwa bami, bahlokome, bajabule. Njalonjalo bathi: “Mkhulu uSomnini othatjiswa kuthula kwencekwakhe.” Nje-ke ilimu lami lizakumemezela ukulunga kwakho, iye, ilanga loke idumo lakho. Kumkhaleli; irhubo lakaDavida, inceku kaSomnini. Phakathi kwehliziyo yesikhohlakali, kubusa isiphambeko. Ngokubona kwaso akunasidingo sokwesaba uZimu. Emehlwenaso sizitjhaya khulu kobana singabona icala laso besilizonde. Amezwaso amamala nekohliso; silise ukuhlakanipha nokwenza okuhle. Embhedenaso sisopha ikohliso sidzimelele ekwenzeni okumbi asinyenyi ukonakala. Somnini, ukwethembeka kwakho kunabele emazulwini, nobuqotho bakho bufika emkayini. Ukulunga kwakho kunjengeentaba ezikulu, ubulungiswa bakho bunjengamalwandle azikileko. Wena Somnini, usindisa abantu neenlwana. Maye, kuligugu elingangani ukwethembeka kwakho Zimu! Boke abantu bakhosela emthunzini wamaphikwakho. Bayaqabuleka endlinakho, ubakholisa ngamanzi womlambo ohlobileko ngombana kuwe kunomthombo wokuphila; iye, ekukhanyeni kwakho sibona ukukhanya. Yenabisa ukwethembeka kwakho kilabo abakwaziko nokulunga kwakho kilabo abaqotho ngehliziyo. Ungavumeli inyawo lozigqajako lingigadange, namkha isandla seenkhohlakali singiqotjhe. Qala bona ziwe njani iingilamkhuba; iye, zimadlheke phasi, asoze zisavuka. Irhubo lakaDavida. Ungathakasi ngabenzi bobumbi, ungazikhathazi ngabangakalungi ngombana bazakutjhwaba msinyana njengotjani, iye, babune njengeemila ezilihlaza. Nawethemba uSomnini, wenze okulungileko, khona-ke uzakuhlala enarheni, wename unzinzile. Thaba kuSomnini, uzakunikela iimfiso zehliziywakho. Nikela indlelakho kuSomnini, umethembe, yena uzakwenzela okulandelako: Uzakwenza ukulunga kwakho kukhanye njengokusa nobumsulwa bakho njengelanga emini. Thula phambi kwakaSomnini, uqalelele kuye; ungathakasi ngophumelelako endlelenakhe, iye, ngomuntu owenza okuphambeneko. Lisa ukuhluthuleka, utjhide elakeni, ungathakasi ngabenzi bobumbi! Lokho sekubanga ukona kwaphela. Abenzi bobumbi bazakususwa, kodwana abarhuluphela uSomnini bazakuzuza inarha. Kuzakuba muzuzwana isikhohlakali singasabi khona nalokha uhlola indawaso, awusoze usasifunyana. Kodwana abathobekileko bazakuzuza inarha, bathabele ukuthula okukhulu. Isikhohlakali sisongela olungileko, simgugudela amazinyo, kodwana uSomandla uyasihleka, uyazi bonyana ilanga laso liyeza. Iinkhohlakali zirhwatjha isabula, zigobe imisubazo, kobana ziwise abachakileko nabadududu bezirhayile abaneendlela eziqotho. Isabulazo izakuhlaba iinhliziyo zazo nemisubi yazo iphohloke. Okuncani anakho olungileko, kungcono kunomnono weenkhohlakali ezinengi. Mbala, imikhono yeenkhohlakali izakwephulwa, kodwana uSomnini uyabasekela abalungileko. USomnini uyawazi amalanga walabo abamsulwa nelifa labo lizakuhlala bekube nini nanini. Ngesikhathi sobunzima angeze badaniswa, emalangeni wendlala bazakusutha, kodwana iinkhohlakali zizakubhubha; izitha zakaSomnini zizakunyamalala njengobuhle bamadlelo anyamalala entuthwini. Isikhohlakali siyaboleka, singasabuyiseli, kodwana olungileko unesirhawu, uyaphana. Labo ababusiswe nguSomnini, bazakuzuza inarha, kodwana abanikelelwe nguye, bazakujutjwa. Lokha uSomnini nathokoziswa yindlela yomuntu, uqinisa amagadangwakhe. Nanyana akhutjhwa, akasoze awele phasi ngombana uSomnini uhlala ambambe ngesandla sakhe. Gade ngimutjha, manje sengimdala, nokho angizange ngibone olungileko atjhiyiwe nesapho lakhe ligogela ukudla. Yena ungophanako nobolekisanako nesapho lakhe lisibusiso kuye. Deda kokumbi, wenze okuhle ukuze nini nanini uhlale enarhenakho. Ngambala uSomnini uthanda ukulunga, akabatjhiyi abathembekileko bakhe. Iye, abalungileko bazakulondolozwa isiphelani, kodwana isapho leenkhohlakali lizakujutjwa. Abalungileko bazakuzuza inarha, bahlale kiyo nini nanini. Umlomo wolungileko uveza ukuhlakanipha; kuthi ilimu lakhe likhulume ukulunga. Umthetho kaZimakhe usehliziywenakhe neenyawo zakhe azitjheleli. Isikhohlakali selusa olungileko ngombana simsongele ukumbulala. USomnini akasoze aliselela olungileko esandleni sesikhohlakali: Angeze avume alahlwe lokha nadoselwa ebandla. Rhuluphela uSomnini, ukhambe endlelenakhe, yena uzakuphakamisa, uzuze inarha; ubone ukususwa kweenkhohlakali. Ngisibonile isikhohlakali sinobudlova, siziphakamisa njengomuthi wendabuko onamakari, kodwana nawudlulako godu, qala, umuthi lowo awusekho; nasifuna isikhohlakaleso, akhange sisatholakala. Qalisisa omsulwa, ubeke ilihlo koqotho: Kunelikusasa emuntwini onokuthula. Kodwana abaphambukileko bazakubhujiswa ndawonye nelikusasa leenkhohlakali lizakususwa. Ukusindiswa kwabalungileko kuvela kuSomnini, isiphephelo sabo esikhathini sobunzima. USomnini uyabasiza abe abaphephise; iye, ubaphephisa eenkhohlakalini; ubasindisa ngombana baphephela kuye. Irhubo lakaDavida; livunywa emnikelweni wesikhumbuzo. Somnini ungangikhuzi ngelaka lakho, namkha ungikhalimele ngobukhali ngombana imisubelakho ingenile kimi nesandla sakho sesehlele phezu kwami. Akusenapilo emzimbenami ngebanga lelaka lakho; akukho ukuthula emathanjenami ngenca yesono sami. Mbala amacalami adlula ihlokwami, njengomthwalo obudisi khulu ayangidisibeza. Amancebami ayabhibhidlha, anuke ngebanga lobudlhayela bami. Sese ngigobene, ngikoropene khulu; ngikhamba ngeenzilo imini yoke. Iye, idini lami liqaqamba khulu nepilo ayikho enyamenami. Ngibuthakathaka begodu ngivithikile; ngiyabubula ngenca yokubibitheka ehliziywenami. Somandla, koke ukufisa kwami kuphambi kwakho; ukubalabala kwami akukafihleki kuwe. Ihliziywami iyadukuza namandlami angitjhiyile, ngitjho nokukhanya kwamehlwami kukhambile. Abangani nabakhozi bami bajamela kude neenhlungu zami; ngitjho neenhlobo zami zijamele kude nami. Abantu abafuna ipilwami bangibekela isifu, kuthi abasophe ukungilimaza, bakhulume ngokungisongela, bahumuze ikohliso ilanga loke. Kodwana mina nginjengesithulu, angibalaleli! Nginjengesimumu esingavuli umlomo; iye, nginjengomuntu ongezwako nonganakuphikisa emlonyenakhe. Kodwana ngiqalelele kuwe Somnini, nguwe Somandla Zimami ozangiphendula. Ngikubawe ngathi: “Labo abazikhukhumeza ngami, ungabavumeli bajabule lokha inyawo lami nalitjhelelako.” Emanyeni, sengiseduze nokuwa nesihlabi singinamathele. Ngiyalivuma icala lami, ngibuhlungu ngesono sami. Kodwana izitha zami ziphilile, zinamandla begodu banengi abangizonda ngokungakafaneli. Babuyiselela okuhle ngokumbi, bayangisola nanyana ngiqotho. Somnini ungangitjhiyi! Zimami, ungabi kude nami! Somandla, Sindiswami, rhaba ungisize! Kumkhaleli; kuJedutuni; irhubo lakaDavida. Mina ngathi: “Iindlela zami ngizaziqaphela ukuze ngingoni ngelimu lami, mlunga okhohlakeleko asesephambi kwami, ngizakulonda umlomami ngesifonyo.” Bengisimumu, ngizithulele, kodwana ukuthula kwami akhange kusize litho; ubuhlungu bami bakhambelela, ihliziywami yavutha ngaphakathi kwami, kuthe ngisabubula, ngezwa kutjhisa, nje-ke ngatjhaphulula umlomami ngathi: “Somnini ngazise ukuphela kwami, nokobana siyini isilinganiso samalangami; ngazise bona ngingodlulako. Qala, wenze amalangami aba yikereketjhana, ukuphila kwami kulilize phambi kwakho; mbala, woke umuntu umuphefumulo nje. “Kwamambala, umuntu ukhamba njengethunzi; iye mbala, uzikhathaza ngelize; uyabuthelela, kodwana akamazi ozokuhlomula. “Yeke Somnini, yini okhunye engisakuqaleleleko? Ithemba lami likuwe. Ngisindise kizo zoke iimphambeko zami, ungavumi ngibe siphoqo sabokeke. Ngizazithulela, ngingawuvuli umlomami ngombana nguwe Somnini owenzileko. Susa kimi isibetho sakho ngombana sengifile mivimbo yesandla sakho. Ufundisa umuntu ngokumkhalimela ngecala; njengomvunya ovithizako, wena uqeda okuligugu kuye: Mbala, woke umuntu umuphefumulo nje. “Yizwa umthandazwami Somnini, ubeke indlebe esililweni sami, ungathuli ngeenyembezi zami ngombana kuwe ngisikhonzi, ngisithekeli njengabo boke abokhokho. Susa amehlwakho kimi, ukuze ngikwazi ukumomotheka ngaphambi kobana ngigoduke, ngingasabakhona.” Kumkhaleli; irhubo lakaDavida. Ngaqalelela bengaqalelela uSomnini, wabeka indlebe, wezwa isililo sami. Wangikhupha ngemgodini wokufa, iye, edakeni elimodzako; wajamisa iinyawo zami edwaleni, wangikhambisa endaweni eqinileko. Wabeka ingoma etja emlonyenami, indumiso yokubabaza uZimu. Abanengi bazakubona lokho besabe, bathembele kuSomnini. Ubusisiwe othembela kuSomnini, ongaphendukeli ezitheni nakwabadlhemadlhema ngemva kwabosingazimu. Wena Somnini Zimami, akakho ongafaniswa nawe: Uzandisile iimangaliso nemizindlwakho ngathi. Nangifuna ukuyitjho engikhuluma ngayo, iba minengi khulu kobana ingabalwa. Imihlabelo neminikelo yeenthoro awuyithokozeli; iye, imihlabelo yokutjhiswa neyehlambululo awuyibizi. Ukotakote iindlebe zami, nje-ke ngithe: “Qala, ngizile njengombana ngitlolelwe njalo emsongweni. Ngiyathanda ukwenza intandwakho, Zimami nomthethwakho ungaphakathi kwami.” Ngimemezele ebandleni elikhulu iindaba ezihle zokulunga. Mbala, akhange ngivale umlomami njengombana wazi wena, Somnini. Akhange ngigodle ubulungiswa bakho ehliziywenami, ngikhulume ngobuqotho nangesindiswakho; ukwethembeka neqiniso lakho akhange ngikufihle ebandleni elikhulu. Yeke Somnini, ungagodli umusakho kimi; kwanga ukwethembeka neqiniso lakho kungangilonda isiphelani. Ngiphahlwe zizinto ezimbi ezingabalekiko, iye, amacalami angitholile, manengi kuneenhluthu zehlokwami; ngitjho nokubona angisaboni, sengiphelelwe mamandla. Somnini, kwanga ungathokozela ukungisindisa; ube masinyana Somnini ekungisizeni. Boke labo abafuna ukuhlwitha ipilwami, kwanga bangadaniswa bebakhene, kuthi labo abangifisela okumbi, bakhahlamezelwe emuva bebaphoqeke. Abakakamale ngenca yokuphoqeka, labo abathi kimi: “Arha! Uswinakele!” Kodwana boke abakufunako abajabule bename ngawe; kwanga abathabela isindiswakho, bangatjho njalonjalo bathi: “USomnini uyababazeka!” Nakungimi yena, ngichakile ngiyaswela, nokho uSomandla uyangikhumbula. Wena ungumsizami nomsindisami, yeke, ungariyadi wena, Zimami. Kumkhaleli; irhubo lakaDavida. Ubusisiwe onakekela odududu; uSomnini uzamsindisa mhlana kukumbi. USomnini uzamvikela abe amlonde, enarheni uzakubizwa bona ngothakasileko; angeze amnikele entandweni yezitha zakhe. USomnini uzamsekela ekuguleni alele. Wena, Somnini uzakuguqula umkghadakhe, aphile ngokupheleleko. Nakungimi ngithi: “Ngirhawukele Somnini, ungiphulukise ngombana ngonile kuwe.” Izitha zami zikhuluma okumbi ngami, zithi: “Njekhona uzakufa nini ukuze ibizo lakhe liphele na?” Lokha naziza kimi, zikhuluma ilize; ihliziywazo igaya iimbozi. Nazisuka lapho, zikhambe zicacatha ngazo. Boke abangizondako bahleba ngami; bangihlolozela okumbi, bathi: “Unanyathelwe ngokumbi, angekhe asavuka lapha alele khona.” Ngitjho nomkhozami engimethembako, iye, loyo onghwatha nami ungiphendukele waba mkhapheli. Kodwana wena Somnini, yewungirhawukele, ungivuse ukuze ngizibuyiselele kibo. Nawenamileko ngami, ngizakwazi ngalokhu: Izitha zami azingathabi ngami, kodwana ngebanga lobuqotho bami ungiqinise, ungijamise phambi kwakho njalo. Akadunyiswe uSomnini uZimu ka-Israyeli, kusukela nini nanini bekube siphelani. Amen, iye, Amen. Kumkhaleli; iMaskili lamaKhorarhi. Njengehlangumataka ilangazelela amanzi wemilanjana, ngokunjalo umphefumulwami ulangazelele wena, Zimu. Umphefumulwami womele uZimu, iye, uZimu ophilako. Ngizakuya nini ngethempelini ngiyozizwela ubukhona bakaZimu na? Ubusuku nemini, iinyembezi zami zikukudla kwami ngombana soke isikhathi abantu bathi kimi: “Njekhona uphi uZimakho?” Lezi zizinto engizikhumbulako lokha nangithulula umphefumulwami: Ngakhamba newoma, ngaya endlini kaZimu ngokuhlokoma nokudumisa, isiqubuthu sagidinga umnyanya. Umphefumulwami udaneleni, uyaluzelani ngaphakathi kwami na? Angiqalelele kuZimu ngombana ngizamdumisa godu, yena omsindisami noZimami. Umphefumulwami udanile! Ngalokho ngiyakukhumbula ngisemisukeni yeJordani, eentabeni zeRherimoni, esiqongolweni seMitsari. Ukuzika kumemeza ukuzika lapha kuhlokoma khona iimphoroma zakho! Woke amagagasi namagwimbakho eqe ngaphezu kwami! Emini uSomnini uyaleza ukwethembeka kwakhe, kuthi ebusuku ingomakhe ibe kimi, iye, umthandazo kuZimu wepilwami. Ngithi kuZimu olidwala lami: “Ungikhohlweleni na? Kubayini kufuze ngikhambe ngeenzilo, ngebanga lokugandelelwa zizitha na?” Ukungikhola kwezitha zami kungihlaba ehliziyweni, nazisoloko zithi kimi: “Njekhona uphi uZimakho?” Umphefumulwami udaneleni, uyaluzelani ngaphakathi kwami na? Angiqalelele kuZimu ngombana ngizamdumisa godu, yena omsindisami noZimami. Ngihlambulule Zimu, ujamele indabami ebantwini abangakholwako; ungisindise kabakhohlisako nabangakalungi ngombana wena unguZimu engiphephela kuye. Alo, ungilahleleni na? Kubayini kufuze ngikhambe ngeenzilo, ngebanga lokugandelelwa zizitha na? Thuma ukukhanya neqiniso lakho, ukwenze kungirhole. Kungirholele entabenakho ecwengileko, okuyindawakho yokuhlala ukuze ngiye e-aldarini lakaZimu, iye, kuZimu wokuhlokoma kwami. Nje-ke ngizakudumisa ngeharibha, wena Zimu onguZimami. Umphefumulwami udaneleni, uyaluzelani ngaphakathi kwami na? Angiqalelele kuZimu ngombana ngizamdumisa godu, yena omsindisami noZimami. Kumkhaleli; iMaskili lamaKhorarhi. Zimu, sizwile ngeendlebe zethu, abokhokho bethu basitjelile, ngemisebenzi oyenzileko emihleni yabo, iye, emihleni yakade. Nguwe owaqotjha bezizwe ngesandla sakho, kodwana abokhokho wabatjala. Nguwe owahlunguphaza izizwe, kodwana abokhokho wabatjhaphulula. Ngambala ngeenhlabano zabo, azange bathumbe inarha, namkha bahlule ngeenkhwepha zabo. Kwaba ngesidla sakho nangengalwakho nokukhanya kobukhona bakho ngombana bewubathanda. Wena Zimu, uyiKosami, yeke layeza ukuhlula kwakaJakopo. Ngesizo lakho sizakutlhofoza izitha zethu; ngebizo lakho sizakugadangela abasivukelako. Angithembeli emsebenami nesabulami angeze yangisindisa. Ngambala, wena usisindisile ezitheni zethu bewaphoqa abasizondako. Woke amalanga sazigqaja ngawe, Zimu, sadumisa ibizo lakho ngesikhathi soke. Nokho sewusilahlile, bewasirhubutjha begodu awusaphumi nezipi zethu. Usenze sabalekela izitha nabasizondako bazizuzele ipango. Usenze safana nezimvu zokuhlatjwa bewasihlakazela ezizweni. Uthengise isizwe sakho ngetupurujwana, akhange usibize inani eliphezulu nawusithengisako. Usenze isiphoqo sabomakhelwana bethu, isithuko nesinyefulo kilabo abasiphahlileko. Usenze isaga hlangana nabezizwe nehlekiso phakathi kwabantu. Ilanga loke ihlazo lami liphambi kwami nobuso bami bugcwele iinhloni, ngebanga lamezwi wabangiphoqako nabangithukako, iye, nokobana ngiphambi kwesitha nakumbuyiseleli. Koke lokho kusehlele; nokho asikakukhohlwa wena, namkha sibe bakhohlisi esivumelwaneni sakho. Ihliziywethu akhange ihlanuke namagadangwethu akhange asuke endlelenakho, kobana ungabeze usiphahlazele edzabeni labophagana bewusigubuzese ngethunzi elesabekako. Nangathana besikhohlwe ibizo lakaZimethu, namkha selulela izandla zethu kuzinyana othileko, uZimu gade angekhe akubone lokho na? Angitjho yena wazi iimfihlo zehliziyo! Ngebanga lakho sibulawa imihla yoke, sesesifana nezimvu zokuhlatjwa. Somandla, akhe uvuke! Ulaleleni kanti? Sikima, musa ukusilahla isiphelani! Ubufihlelani ubuso bakho na? Kubayini ukhohlwe iinhlungu nokugandelelwa kwethu? Ngambala, umphefumulwethu unyelela ethulini; imizimbethu inamathele ehlabathini. Sikima, uze kobana usisize! Yewusihlenge ngebanga lokwethembeka kwakho. Kumkhaleli; ngeTjhotjhanimu; kumaKhorarhi; iMaskili; ingoma yethando. Ihliziywami iyaphuphuma ngamezwi amahle; ngizakwethula amezwi wekondlwami engwenyameni, ilimu lami lifana nesiba lakasosiba onobukghoni. Uyaqaleka wena kunabantu boke; isisa sithululelwe eembheneni zakho ngombana uZimu ukubusise isiphelani. Wena ngorho, hloma isabulakho enyonga, lokho kube lidumo nobukhosi bakho, iye, ubukhosi bakho. Yiba nepumelelo nawuphumako ngenca yeqiniso nokujamela ukulunga! Isandla sakho sokudla asikwenzise imisebenzi eyesabekako. Ngwenyama, imisubela yakho ibukhali, ihlaba ehliziyweni yezitha zakho, ziwe ngaphasi kwakho. Isihlalo sakho Ngwenyama, ngesanini nanini; intongakho yobukhosi ingeyokulunga; uthanda ukulunga, uzonda okumbi. Ngalokho Ngwenyama, uZimakho ukuzese ngamafutha wokwenama ngaphezu kwabangani bakho. Zoke izambatho zakho zifufuzelwe, ngemire, iqolo lesikghopha namakhwa wesinamoni. Eengodlweni ezikghatjiswe ngamazinyo wendlovu kubethwa imitjingo eyenza wename. Amakhosazana azihlobise ngobuphaziphazi bakho, ngesidleni sakho kujame indlovukazi, ihlobe ngegolide le-Ofiri. Lalela wena ndodakazi! Phosa amehlo ubeke indlebe, ukhohlwe abantu bekhenu nendlu kayihlo. Lokha ingwenyama nayikhangwa bubuhle bakho, kumele uyikhothamele ngombana iyikosakho. Kosazana yeTirosi, abanjingileko bazakuncenga umusakho ngezipho. Ngevunulo kanokutjho ikosazana leyo ilinde ngelawini, ingubayo irutjelwe ngegolide. Ilethwa ekosini yembethe imibalabala, ilandelwa matlawana, iimpelesi zayo. Iye, balethwa kuwe, Ngwenyama. Ngokulilizela nokwenama, bayahlahlwa ekungeneni kwabo ngesigodlweni. Amadodanakho Ngwenyama, azakuhlala esikhundleni saboyihlo. Uzawenza abe makhosana enarheni yoke. Ngizakwenza ibizo lakho lidunyiswe eenzukulwaneni zoke, ngalokho abantu bazakudumisa ngokungapheliko. Kumkhaleli; kumaKhorarhi; ngesinara esiphezulu; ingoma. UZimu ubuphephelo namandlethu; mbala ufumaneka alisizo ngeenkhathi zobudisi. Yeke angekhe sesaba, ngitjho nanyana iphasi lizamazama, iintaba zisikinyeka ekuzikeni kwamanzi; namtjhana amanzi welwandle arhuba, abhubhudlha amagwebu neentaba zidengezeliswa kubhodla kwalo. Kukhona umlambo onemisele ethabisa umuzi kaZimu, indawo ecwengileko, lapha kuhlala khona ongoPhezulu. UZimu uhlala ngemzini lowo, angekhe wasikinywa uZimu uzawuhlenga ngetathakusa. Izizwe ziyavungama, imibuso iyazamazama; uZimu nazwakalisa ilizwi lakhe, iphasi liyancibilika. USomnini uMninimandlawoke, unathi; uZimu kaJakopo ubuphephelo bethu. Yizani nizobona imisebenzi kaSomnini, obanga izehlakalo ezethusako ephasini: Uthulisa izipi ephasini loke, aphokghoze imisebe, aphohloze imikhonto, aphosele iinhlangu ngemlilweni. Uthi: “Thulani! Yazini bona nginguZimu, ngimkhulu phezu kwezizwe, ngimkhulu phezu kwephasi.” USomnini uMninimandlawoke, unathi; uZimu kaJakopo ubuphephelo bethu. Kumkhaleli; kumaKhorarhi; irhubo. Wahlani izandla, noke nina zizwe! Hlokomelani uZimu ngamezwi wokuthaba. Mbala uSomnini ongoPhezulu, uyasabeka, umbusi omkhulu ngaphezu kwephasi loke. Wathobisa izizwe ngaphasi kwethu, iye, iinkoro ngeenkoro ngaphasi kweenyawo zethu. Wasikhethela ilifa lethu, igugu lakaJakopo alithandako. UZimu wenyuka ngokuhlokoma, iye, uSomnini ukhuphuka ngomdumo wepalapala. Dumisani uZimu, dumisani! Iye, dumisani iKosethu, dumisani! Mbala uZimu unguSomnini wephasi loke, mdumiseni ngokuzwisisa! UZimu ubusa ngaphezu kwabantu. UZimu uhlezi esihlalweni sakhe esicwengileko. Amakhosana wezizwe ayabuthana, abe nesizwe sakaZimu ka-Abrahamu ngombana kuZimu aziinhlangu zephasi; ngalokho uphakanyiswa khulu. Ingoma; irhubo; kumaKhorarhi. Mkhulu uSomnini uZimethu, ubabazeka khulu emzinakhe. Intabakhe ecwengileko, yihle ngejamo layo, ikujabula kwenarha yoke. Le yintaba yeZiyoni engetlhagwini yomuzi kaSomnini omkhulu. UZimu ongaphakathi kwemibhotjhongo yomuzi lo, waziwa bona ubuphephelo. Lokha amakhosi nabuthanako, arhwanta ndawonye. Kodwana nabona lokho, akhena, abethwa livalo, abhebhula iinthende. Lapho gade angenwe mamanzi emadolweni, aba neenhlungu njengomfazi obelethako, nanjenganyana ummoya wepumalanga uphadlha imikhumbi yokurhweba. Njengombana sizwile, ngokunjalo sibonile emzini kaSomnini uMninimandlawoke, ekumumuzi kaZimethu: UZimu uwunzinzisa isiphelani. Zimu, sizindla ngokwethembeka kwakho, lokha nasingaphakathi kwethempeli lakho. Njengebizo lakho Zimu, kunjalo ukudunyiswa kwakho: Kufikelela emikhawulweni yephasi. Isandla sakho sokudla sigcwele ukulunga! Ngalokho intaba yeZiyoni ayijabule, imizana yakwaJuda yename ngebanga leengwebo zakho. Zombani iZiyoni, niyibhode mazombe nibale nemitlomogwayo. Qalisisani kuhle imibundu yomthangalayo, nitlaye emibhotjhongwenayo, ukuze nibikele iinzukulwana ezizako, nithi: “Lo, nguZimu wamambala! UnguZimethu nini nanini. Usivikela ekufeni.” Kumkhaleli; kumaKhorarhi; irhubo. Yizwani lokhu noke nina zizwe, iye, noke nina enakhileko ephasini. Bekani indlebe nina bantukazana neenkhulu, nani njinga nabadududu noke. Umlomami uzakukhuluma ukuhlakanipha, ukuzindla kwehliziywami ngizakwenza kuzwisiseke. Izaga ngizilalelisisa kuhle, ngirarulule iinrarejo zami ngomvumo weharibha. Alo, kubayini kufuze ngesabe ngesikhathi esimbi, lokha ubukhohlakali babakhohlisi nabungizombileko, okutjho labo abathemba umnothwabo, nabazigqaja ngobukhulu bobunjinga babo na? Mbala, umnotho lowo angeze wahlenga umuntu. Umuntu angeze awunikela uZimu kobana ube sihlengo sakhe. Isihlengo sepilo yabantu sibiza khulu, yeke umuntu akakhohlwe nokukhohlwa kobana angaphila ngaso isiphelani ukuze angasaboni ukufa. Ngambala kuyakhanya: Abahlakaniphileko bafa ngokufanako neendlhadlha neeyila. Bayabhubha, umnothwabo usalele abanye. Amathuna alikhaya labo nini nanini, iye, bazakuhlala kiwo iinzukulwana ngeenzukulwana, nanyana banamasimu abizwa ngamabizwabo. Umuntu angeze ahlala namagugwakhe isiphelani, ufana neembandana ezibhubhako. Injalo indlela yabazethembako nalabo abathokozele amezwabo ngemva kokufa kwabo. Njengezimvu babuthelelwe endaweni yabafileko ukufa kuyabelusa. Ekuseni abaqotho bagadanga phezu kwabo, isibumbeko sabo sitjhabalaliswa yipethu, indawo yabafileko izakuba likhaya labo. Kodwana uZimu uzakuhlenga umphefumulwami esandleni sokufa, iye, angisuse. Ungadani lokha omunye nanjingako, nalokha umnotho wendlwakhe nawukhulako ngombana nafako akazukuthatha litho, umnothwakhe angekhe wehle naye. Abantu bayamdumisa umuntu lokha nazenzela okuhle. Kodwana nanyana aziphakamisa epilwenakhe, uzakuya kiboyisemkhulu, abangeze basabona ukukhanya nini nanini. Umuntu onomnotho kodwana anganalwazi ufana neembandana ezifako. Irhubo laka-Asafa. UZimu ongaphezu kwabosingazimu okutjho uSomnini, uyakhuluma; ubiza iphasi kusukela epumalanga bekube setjingalanga. Kusukela eZiyoni elipheleleko ngobuhle, uZimu ukhanya ngokudarhileko. UZimethu uyeza begodu angeze athula, phambi kwakhe kunomlilo oqothulako, uphahlwe siwuruwuru esesabekako. Ubiza amazulu phezulu kanye nephasi kobana agwebe abantu bakhe, athi: “Ngibuthelani abathembekileko bami, labo abenza isivumelwano nami ngomhlabelo.” Amazulu amemezela ukulunga kwakhe, athi: “Mbala, uZimu umugwebi!” UZimu uthi: “Yizwani nina bantu bami, ngizakukhuluma, wena Israyeli, ngizakufakaza ngokujamelana nawe. NginguZimu, uZimakho. Angikukhalimi ngebanga lemihlabelwakho, Israyeli. Imihlabelwakho yokutjhiswa ihlala iphambi kwami njalo. Angidingi ukuthatha ikunzi emizinenu, namkha iimbuzi eembayeni zenu ngombana zingezami zoke iinyamazana zehlathi neenkomo ezisemibundwini eyikulungwana. Ngazi zoke iinyoni zeentatjana neenkhakhabi zommango zingezami. Ibe thana bengilamba, bengingeze nganitjela ngombana iphasi nakho koke okukilo kungekwami. Kanti mina ngidla inyama yeenkunzi, ngisele iingazi zeembuzi na? Yenzani ukuthokoza kwenu kube mhlabelo kuZimu, niphethe iinthembiso zenu kongoPhezulu. Ngibizani ngelanga lembandezeleko, mina ngizanitjhaphulula, nina nizangihlonipha.” Kodwana kokhohlakeleko uZimu uthi: “Unelungelo liphi lokumemezela iimiso zami bewukhulume ngesivumelwano sami na? Wena uzonda ukusolwa namezwami uwaphayela ngemva kwakho. Lokha nawubona isela, uvumelana nalo; umdibi munye neenhlobongi. Uliselela umlomakho kibo boke ubumbi, ubophele ilimu lakho ekohlisweni. Uditjha ngokunyefula umfowenu, uhlebe umntwanakwenu. Nawenza lokhu, kufuze ngithule na? Udlumbana bona nami ngifana nawe? Awa, ngiyakukhalima, ngibeke iimphambeko zakho phambi kwakho. “Yelelani indaba le, nina enikhohlwa uZimu, nakungasinjalo ngizanidabula, kutlhogeke nomenyeli. Loyo oletha ukuthokoza njengomnikelwakhe, uyangihlonipha; owenza ngendlela leyo, ngizomambulela isindiso kaZimu.” Kumkhaleli; irhubo lakaDavida ekufikeni komphorofidi uNathani emva kokungena kwakaDavida kuBhathi-Tjheba. Ngirhawukele Zimu, ngokwethembeka kwakho; sula iimphambeko zami ngokwesisa sakho esikhulu. Ungihlanzisise ecaleni lami, ungihlambulule esonweni sami. Ngambala ngiyazazi iimphambeko zami nesono sami siphambi kwami mlibe. Ngonile kuwe, iye, kuwe wedwa; ngenze ameswe phambi kwakho. Wena ulungile nawuthwesa umlandu, awusoleki nawukhupha isigwebo sakho. Ngambala, ngabelethwa nginecala, ngibe sisoni umma asangibamba. Wena uthanda ngibe neqiniso ngaphakathi, nje-ke, ungifundisa ukuhlakanipha ehliziyweni. Ngirhuhle ngehisophi ukuze ngihlambuluke, ungihlanze ngibe mhlophe kunogabhogo. Ngenze ngizwe ithabo nenjabulo godu, wenze umzimba owufihlizileko uhlokome. Fihla ubuso bakho ezonweni zami, usule koke ukonakala kwami. Zimu, ngidalela ihliziyo ehlanzekileko, uvuselele ummoya oqinileko ngaphakathi kwami. Ungangilahli ebukhoneni bakho, ungangemuki uMoyakho oCwengileko. Buyisela kimi ukwenama kwesindiswakho, ungisekele ngommoya wokuzimisela. Ngifuna ukufundisa abaphambukako iindlela zakho ukuze izoni ziphendukele kuwe. Zimu, ngephule ecaleni leengazi, iye, wena Zimu wesindiswami, khona ilimu lami lizakukhalela ngokulunga kwakho. Somandla, vula iimbhena zami ukuze umlomami umemezele idumo lakho. Mbala awuthandi umhlabelo. Nanyana benginganikela ngomhlabelo wokutjhiswa bewungeze wawukarekela. Umnikelo owamukelekako kuZimu umumoya ophukileko. Iye Zimu, ihliziyo ephukileko nedabukileko, angekhe wayiqalela phasi. Yenzela iZiyoni okuhle ngethando lakho, uvuselele imithangala yeJerusalema. Ngalokho uzakujabulela imihlabelo efaneleko, iye, imihlabelo yokutjhiswa njengeminikelo etjhiswa yoke; nje-ke, e-aldarini lakho kuzakunikelwa ngeenkunzi. Kumkhaleli; iMaskili; lakaDavida ekufikeni kwakaDowegi umEdomu oweza kuSawula wafese wathi: “UDavida ufikile endlini ka-Arhimeleki”. Ngorho, uzigqajelani ngobumbi na? Lokhu kulihlazo kuZimu! Ilanga loke usophe ukubhubhisa, ilimu lakho linjengotjhevana omutjha, wena menzi wekohliso ndina! Uthanda ikohlakalo khulu kunokuhle namanga kunokukhuluma okulungileko. Uthanda woke amezwi ayingozi, unelimu elikhohlisako. Kodwana uZimu ngokwakhe uzakuphohloza mlibe. Uzakususa akuse kude, akudzwebule etendeni lakho, akusiphule enarheni yabaphilako. Abalungileko bazakubona lokho, besabe, bazakuhleka isikhohlakali, bathi: “Qala, ingorho engazange yenze uZimu bona abe siphephelo sayo! Yathemba ubunjingakazi bayo, yaqinelela ekubhujisweni kwayo!” Kodwana mina endlini kaZimu, nginjengomuthi ohlaza we-oliva; ngethemba ukwethembeka kwakaZimu nini nanini. Zimu, ngizakuthokoza isiphelani, ngenca yezinto ozenzileko. Ngibeka ithemba lami ebizweni lakho phambi kwabathembekileko ngombana lona lihle. Kumkhaleli; ngeMarhalathi; iMaskili; lakaDavida. Iindlhayela zizitjela zithi: “UZimu akakho.” Zikhohlakele, zenza izinto ezinyenyisako; akakho noyedwa owenza okulungileko. UZimu usezulwini, uqala abantu ephasini ukubona bonyana kukhona ohlakaniphileko, orhuluphela uZimu na. Kodwana boke baphambukile, boke bonakele ngokufanako; akakho noyedwa owenza okulungileko, akakho ngitjho namunye. Kanti abenzi bobumbi abalemuki na? Labo abatla abantu bami inga badla isikwa, abambizi uZimu. Nje-ke bazakuba nevalo khulu, babe nevalo ebangazange khebabenalo ngombana uZimu uzokusabalalisa amathambo walabo abakuvimbezelako. Uzabarhubutjha ngombana uZimu ubalahlile. Kwanga isindiso ka-Israyeli ingavela eZiyoni! Lokha uZimu natjhugulula ubujamo babantu bakhe, uJakopo uzakurhuwelela ngethabo, iye, u-Israyeli uzakuthaba. Kumkhaleli; ngesililiso seenara; iMaskili; lakaDavida ekufikeni kwamaZifu lokha nathi kuSawula: “UDavida ubhace hlangana nathi na?”. Zimu, ngisindise ngebizo lakho, umele amalungelwami ngamandlakho. Yizwa umthandazwami, Zimu, ubeke indlebe emezwini womlomami ngombana imiqhamuka ingivukele, iindlova zizumana nomphefumulwami, zona azimbeki phambili uZimu. Mbala, uZimu umsizami, uSomandla umsekeli wepilwami. Uzakubuyisela okumbi ezitheni zami, ngeqiniso lakhe uzazibhubhisa. Ngizakunikela kuwe ngomhlabelo wesihle, ngidumise ibizo lakho, Somnini, ngombana lona lihle. Mbala, uSomnini ungisindise kiwo woke amatshwenyeko; ilihlo lami liqalela izitha zami phasi. Kumkhaleli; ngesililiso seenara; iMaskili; lakaDavida. Zimu, beka indlebe emthandazwenami, ungazifihli esibaweni sami. Ngizwe, ungiphendule, ekububuleni kwami ngigandelelekile. Ngiwurubajekile ngebanga letjhada lezitha, nokutlewula kweenkhohlakali: Zingethusela ngobumbi, ngelaka zingibambela ivunda. Ihliziywami iyathuthumela, ukwesabeka kokufa kungehlele. Ngingenwe livalo nokuqhaqhazela, ngembathwe kuhlengezela. Ngithi: “Ngathana bengingaba namaphiko njengezuba, bengizokuphaphela kude ngihlale khona. Iye, bengizokubalekela kude, ngiyozihlalela erhalawumbeni. Bengizakurhabela ukuzifunyanela isiphephelo, kude nesivunguvungu nesiwuruwuru.” Somandla, bararanise, uhlangahlanganise ikulumabo ngombana ngiyibonile inturhu nombango edorobheni; ubusuku nemini ulizombelezile, ngitjho naphezu kwemithangalalo. Ubukhohlakali nomonakalo kungaphakathi kwalo; iye, ngaphakathi kwalo kunokubhujiswa; ukubandezela nekohliso akusuki ecabazini lalo. Nangabe bekusisitha esinginyefulako bengizokuthwala lokho; nangabe bekungongizondako, oziphakamisa phezu kwami bengizombhacela. Kodwana manje nguwe ntangami, mnganami nomkhozami, iye, wena ebenginobudlelwano obuhle nawe, siya endlini kaZimu kanye nebandla elithabileko. Kwanga ukufa kungazehlela izitha zami, zehlele endaweni yabafileko zisezwa ngombana ubumbi buseenhliziyweni zazo, iye, ngaphakathi kwazo. Mina ngilila kuZimu, nje-ke uSomnini uzangisindisa. Ntambama, ekuseni nemini ngithulula isililo sami, ngibubule; yona iyalizwa ilizwi lami. Epini engiqalene nayo uzangihlenga ngingalimali, nanyana babanengi abajamelene nami. UZimu obusa nini nanini, uzakwizwa, athobise izitha. Yena akaphenduki, khonapho azimesabi. Untangami ungibeke isandla, wephula isivumelwano. Ilimu lakhe libutjhelelezi kunamafutha wepehlo, kodwana ihliziywakhe inelunya; amezwakhe athambile kunamafutha, kodwana ayisabula erhwatjhiweko. Phosa umthwalwakho kuSomnini, yena uzakusekela, angekhe avumela olungileko asikinywe. Kodwana nakuzizitha zona, wena ngokwakho Zimu uzaziphosela emgodini wethuna. Abomele iingazi nabakhokhobeli angeze baphile ngitjho ingcenye yemihla yabo. Nakungimi, ngethemba wena Somnini. Kumkhaleli; livunywa ngeenodo zeZuba lama-Owuku asemaJukujukwini; lakaDavida; iMikitamu, lokha nabhudungelwe maFilista eGathi. Ngirhawukele Zimu ngombana abantu bayangibhozomela. Ilanga loke bangigandelela ngokulwa. Iye, ilanga loke izitha zami ziyangibhozomela! Ngambala banengi abalwa nami. Wena ongoPhezulu, lokha nanginokwesaba, ngibeka ithemba lami kuwe. UZimu engidumisa ilizwi lakhe, nguZimu engimethembako. Nje-ke angeze ngibe nevalo. Alo, umuntu nje angangenzani na? Ilanga loke abangethuselako badunga ummoyami; yoke imikhumbulwabo igaya iimbozi ngami. Baphehla inturhu, bakhukhuthe. Batjheja imikhambo yami, ngethemba lokuqeda ipilwami. Kukhona ukuphunyurha ebumbini na? Ngobukhali bakho Zimu, guqisa izizwe. Wena ngokwakho ukutlolile ukuzulazula kwami. Faka iinyembezi zami ngekwanenakho yesikhumba, kufuze zitlolwe encwadinakho. Mhlana ngikubizako, izitha zami zizakudeda isinyava. Mina ngiyakwazi lokho: UZimu unami. UZimu engidumisa ilizwi lakhe, iye, uSomnini engidumisa ilizwi lakhe, nguZimu engimethembako. Nje-ke angeze ngibe nevalo. Alo, umuntu angangenzani na? Zimu, kuwe ngenze iimfungo; ngizakunikela kuwe imihlabelo yokuthokoza ngombana ungisindise ekufeni neenyawo zami kobana ngingakhutjwa ukuze ngikhambe phambi kwakaZimu ekukhanyeni kokuphila. Kumkhaleli; “Ungatjhabalalisi”; lakaDavida; iMikitamu, lokha nabalekela uSawula ngerholweni. Ngirhawukele Zimu, ngirhawukele ngombana kuwe umphefumulwami uyaphephela; ngikhosela emthunzini wamaphikwakho, kufikela lapha kudlula khona ubhubhani. Ngilila kuZimu ongoPhezulu, iye, kuZimu ongenyelako. Uzakuthumela isizo lisuka ezulwini, angisindise. Uzakuraranisa labo abangiwalazelako. UZimu uzakuthumela ukwethembeka neqiniso lakhe. Ipilwami iphakathi kwamabhubezi, kufuze ngilale neendlamuntu. Amazinywazo amikhonto nemisubela, amalimu wazo ayisabula ebukhali. Zimu, phakama ngaphezu kwamazulu, iphazimulwakho ayibe ngaphezu kwephasi loke. Abantu babekele amagadangwami isifu; ummoyami wephukile. Bangembele umgodi emzilenami, kodwana kukhalakathele bona. Zimu, ihliziywami inzinzile, iye, ihliziywami inzinzile; ngizakuvuma, ngidumise. Vuka, mphefumulwami, vuka! Ngeenara zamaharibha ngizakuphaphamisa ukusa. Somandla, ngizakudumisa hlangana nabantu, ngikhalele ingoma kuwe phakathi kwezizwe. Ukwethembeka kwakho kuphakeme njengamazulu neqiniso lakho lelulekele emafini. Zimu, phakama ngaphezu kwamazulu, iphazimulwakho ayibe ngaphezu kwephasi loke. Kumkhaleli; “Ungatjhabalalisi”; lakaDavida; iMikitamu. Nina abanamandla, niyazikhupha iinqunto ezilungileko, nigwebe abantu ngokufaneleko na? Awa! Eenhliziyweni zenu nisopha okumbi; izandla zenu ziphehla inturhu ephasini. Iinkhohlakali ziphambuke zisabikwa; abakhohlisi bonakele basabelethwa. Isihlungu sabo sinjengesenyoka; bavala iindlebe zabo inga lirabi elisithulu, ukuze bangezwa ilizwi labosomlingo, ngitjho nosomlingo ongumakadebona. Zimu, yephula amazinyo ngemlonyenabo! Somnini, phohloza imihlathi yamabhubezana! Abanyelele njengamanzi ehlabathini, batjhwabe njengotjani obugadangiweko. Ababe njengomhlobo wesibungu oncithika uphele, babe njengombungu orhulukileko ongazange ubone ilanga. Ngokuzuma okukhulu uZimu uzabasusa, abavuthele njengommoya otjhisako basaphila. Abalungileko bazakuthaba nababona ukubuyiselela, bahlanze iinyawo zabo eengazini zeenkhohlakali. Abantu bazakuthi: “Ngambala kukhona umvuzo wabalungileko, iye, ukhona uZimu ogwebako ephasini.” Kumkhaleli; “Ungatjhabalalisi”; lakaDavida; iMikitamu; lokha uSawula nathumela amadoda kobana agade indlu kaDavida ukuze ambulale. Zimami, ngisindisa ezitheni zami, ungivikele kabangivukelako. Ngenyule eengilamkhubeni, ungisindise ebantwini abomele iingazi. Qala, bakhukhuthela ipilwami! Iingorho ziyangitlhorholoja kungekho isiphambeko Somnini, iye, kungekho sono kimi. Nanyana nginganacala zehla zenyuka kobana zizilungiselele. Sikima Somnini, uzizele ngokwakho uzokubona! Wena unguSomnini, uZimu uMninimandlawoke, iye, unguZimu wakwa-Israyeli. Vuka, uhlole zoke izizwe, ungarhawukeli namunye wabakhohlisi. Njalo ngantambana bayabuya, babethe umule njengezinja, bazombeleze umuzi. Emilonyenabo kugeleza ubukhali, amezwabo ayisabula elimazako, bathi: “Ngubani osizwako?” Kodwana wena Somnini uyabahleka, unyefula boke bezizwe. Somnini, kuqina kwami, ngiqale kuwe; mbala, Zimu, usiphephelo sami. UZimu wokwethembela kwami uzangenyela; iye, uZimu, uzangenza ngiqalele phasi izitha zami. Somandla, sihlangu sethu, ungazibulali izithezo, ukuze abantu bekhethu bangakukhohlwa. Zisikinye ngamandlakho, uzimadlhe phasi! Nazivula imilomo, ziyona ngamezwazo. Nje-ke zenze zibanjwe ekuzikhukhumezeni kwazo, nangebanga lokuthukana namangazo eziwakhulumako. Ziqede ngobukhali bakho! Ziqede ukuze zingasabakhona! Khona-ke kuzakwazeka emajukujukwini wephasi kobana uZimu ubusa kwaJakopo. Njalo ngantambama ziyabuya, zibethe umule njengezinja, zizombeleze umuzi. Zizulazule zifunana nokudla; lokha nazingakasuthi, ziyakhwabitha. Kodwana mina ngizakuvumela phezulu ngamandlakho nakusako ngihlokome ngokwethembeka kwakho ngombana wena ube siphephelo sami nesiviko ngesikhathi sokubandezeleka. Wena kuqina kwami, ngizakukhalelela ingoma ngombana wena Zimu, usiphephelo sami, iye, uZimu wokwethembela kwami. Kumkhaleli; ngeenodo zengoma ethi, “iLikhwa lobuFakazi”; iMikitamu; irhubo lakaDavida ekufundiseni, lokha nalwa nama-Aramu weMesopotamiya nama-Aramu weTsoba nalokha uJowabi nabuya ekubhubhiseni iinkulungwana ezilitjhumi nambili zama-Edomu ngemrhobeni weTswayi. Zimu, usilahlile! Wasibhavumulela ngokufutheka! Nje-ke sivuselela! Wenze inarha yadengezela, wayidabula. Lungisa iphadlhuka ngombana inarha ihlephukile. Uthwalise abantu bakho nzima, wasipha iwayini elisitherezelisako. Kilabo abakwesabako uphakamise iphawu, ukuze babuthanele kilo kude nemisebe. Sindisa ngesidla sakho, ukuze abathandekako kuwe batjhaphuluke. Siphendule! UZimu uthembisile endawenakhe ecwengileko wathi: “Ngokuthakasa ngizohlukanisa iTjhekemu, ngilinganise umrhoba weSukothi. Ngeyami iGiliyadi, ngeyami iManase! I-Efrayimu iyingwanami, iJuda iyintongami yobukhosi. IMowabi isisitja sami sokuhlambela; phezu kwe-Edomu ngiphosa ipatlagwana lami; ngikuhlokomela ngokwenama wena Filistiya!” Ngubani ozangisa edorobheni elinemithangala? Ngubani ozangihlahla angise kwa-Edomu na? Angitjho nguwe Zimu osilahlileko, wangasaphumi ipi namabuthwethu? Akhese usincede esitheni ngombana isizo lomuntu lililize. NgoZimu sizakuba nesibindi, uZimu ngokwakhe uzazigadangela phasi izitha zethu. Kumkhaleli; ngesililiso seenara; irhubo lakaDavida. Zimu, yizwa umkhosi wesililo sami, ulalele umthandazwami. Ngilila kuwe ngisepelazwe, lokha ummoyami nawuphasi. Ngirholele edwaleni eliphakemeko kunami ngombana kimi bewusoloko usiphephelo, umbhotjhongo oqinileko kude nezitha. Ngifisa ukuhlala etendeni lakho nini nanini, ngikhosele ngekhwapheni lamaphikwakho. Mbala, wena Zimu uzwile iimfungo zami, waphetha isibawo salabo abesaba ibizo lakho. Yeleka ubude bepilo yekosethu, welulele iminyakayo eenzukulwaneni ezinengi. Kwanga ingahlala esihlalweni sobukhosi phambi kwakaZimu nini nanini. Thumela ukwethembeka neqiniso, kobana kuyilonde. Ngalokho ngizakudumisa ibizo lakho ngesikhathi soke, lokha nangizalisa iimfungo zami imihla ngemihla. Kumkhaleli; kuJedutuni; irhubo lakaDavida. Umphefumulwami uzithulele kuZimu kwaphela; isindiswami ivela kuye. Nguye yedwa olidwala nesindiswami, iye, isiphephelo sami, angeze ngasikinywa linengi. Kuzabe kube nini nidumela umuntu kobana nimhlanganyele nimbulale, khisibe unjengeboda eliwako nomthangala obhurukako? Baneqhinga lokumketula esihlalweni sakhe esiphakemeko benamela ikohliso: ngemilomabo bayabusisa, kodwana ngeenhliziyo bayathuwelelisa. Mphefumulwami, ziphumulele kuZimu kwaphela ngombana ithemba lami livela kuye. Nguye yedwa olidwala nesindiswami, iye, isiphephelo sami, angeze nganyakaziswa. KukuZimu ukusindiswa nokwaziwa kwami; idwala lobuphephelo nerholo lami nguZimu. Thembelani kuye ngeenkhathi zoke nina bantu, thululani iinhliziyo zenu phambi kwakhe; uZimu usiphephelo sethu. Abantukazana bamumoya nje, abantu abaziinkhulu bayikohliso; esilinganisweni bayakhuphuka, boke balula kunommoya. Ningabeki ithemba ekudlelezeleni, ningabi nethemba elililize lobugebengu. Nanyana umnotho wanda, ningabeki ihliziywenu kiwo. UZimu ukhulume kanye, ngezwa kabili: Amandla angawakaZimu. Kukuwe ukwethembeka, Somandla ngombana uvuza umuntu ngokwemisebenzakhe. Irhubo lakaDavida; lokha naserhalawumbeni lakwaJuda. Zimu, wena unguZimami! Ngikufuna khulu: Ihliziywami ikomele, umzimbami uyakululukela, ngisenarheni eyomileko nelibhudu, lapho amanzi angekho khona. Mbala ngikubone endaweni ecwengileko ngokukhangwa mamandla nephazimulwakho. Iimbhena zami zizakuvuma zikubabaze ngombana ukwethembeka kwakho kungcono kunepilo. Kwamambala ngizakudumisa qobe ngisaphila, ngizakuphakamisa izandla zami, ngithandaze ebizweni lakho. Umphefumulwami uyaneliswa, kubengathi ngidle amanoni nommongo; ngikudumisa ngomlomami ngithabile, lokha nangikukhumbula ngilele emsemenami, ubusuku boke ngihumuza ibizo lakho. Ngambala wena ube lisizo lami, emthunzini wamaphikwakho ngiyahlokoma. Umphefumulwami uyakunamathela nesandla sakho sokudla siyangibamba. Kwanga labo abazumana nokuphelisa ipilwami, bangakhalakathela ekuzikeni kwephasi; banikelwe esandleni sesabula, babe kukudla kwabophagana. Kodwana ikosethu izakuthaba ngoZimu boke abafunga ngebizo lakaZimu bazazikhakhazisa ngombana imilomo enamanga izakuvalwa. Kumkhaleli; irhubo lakaDavida. Zimu, yewungizwe ekububuleni kwami, londoloza ukuphila kwami ekwethuselweni sisitha. Ngifihle esicathaneni sabenzi bobumbi, iye, ekutjitjizeleni kweengilamkhuba; kilabo abalola ilimu labo njengesabula, abasophe amezwi anesihlungu njengemisubela, kilabo abadumuza onganacala ngokukhukhuthela, bamdumuze angakalindeli. Abantwaba abanavalo; bakhuthazana ngehloso embi, babonisana ngokufihla izifu, bathi: “Akungabi nokubonako lokhu. Izenzo ezimbi azibonakali, thina simsulwa, isitjhatjhaniso siphethekile!” Omunye nomunye wabo utjhidela ngesibindi. Kodwana uZimu uzobadumuza ngomsubela, masinyana balimale. Ilimu labo lizabenza bakhutjwe; boke abababonako bathintithe iinhloko, iye, boke bazakubethwa livalo. Bazakukhuluma lokho uZimu akwenzileko, balemuke izenzo zakhe. Olungileko uzakuthaba kuSomnini begodu aphephele kuye. Boke abaqotho ngehliziyo bazamdumisa. Kumkhaleli; irhubo lakaDavida; ingoma. Zimu, nguwe ofanele ukudunyiswa eZiyoni! Kuwe kufuze kuzaliswe iimfungo, iye, kuwe ozwa imithandazo. Abantu boke beza kuwe neendaba zamacalabo. Lokha iimphambeko zethu nazisidizibezako, nguwe osithethelelako. Ubusisiwe omenyulako wena, omtjhideza kobana ahlale eenrhodlweni zakho. Sanelisekile ngobuhle bendlwakho, iye, ngokucwengeka kwethempeli lakho. Usiphendule ngokulunga nangezinto ezethusako, wena Zimu wesindiswethu! Ulithemba lemikhawulo yoke yephasi nelamajukujuku welwandle. Ngamandlakho wanzinzisa iintaba, wena uvunule amandla, uthulisa ukurhuba kwamalwandle, ukuhlokoma kwamagagasawo netjhada lezizwe. Labo abahlala epelazwe bayathuthumela ngeembonakaliso zakho; wena ubangela ukumangala, ukusuka epumalanga ukuya etjingalanga. Uthekela iphasi bewulithelelele, ulivundisa khulu; mbala, isiziba sakaZimu sizele amanzi, abantu ubabonelela ngamabele, iye, ngendlela leyo uyababonelela: Uzalisa imisele yamasimu ngamanzi, ulalisa amasoyawo; uyithambisa ngomvimbi, ubusise iintjalo zakhona. Uhlobisa umnyaka ngobuhle bakho, lapha ukhambe khona kuncithika umnono. Amadlelo werhalawumba ayaphuphuma, imibundu izivunulise ukuthakasa. Imirhula izembathise imihlambi; imirhoba izisibekele ngamabele, iyavuma, ihlabe umkhosi wokwesasa. Kumkhaleli; ingoma; irhubo. Hlokomani kuZimu, noke nina bantu bephasi! Dumisani ukuhlonipheka kwebizo lakhe, nibabaze idumo lakhe! Yenithi kuZimu: “Imisebenzakho iyesabeka ngebanga lamandlakho amakhulu, izitha zakho zizakutjhotjhobana phambi kwakho. Loke iphasi lizakukhothama kuwe, lidumise wena, iye, lidumise ibizo lakho.” Yizani nizokubona izenzo zakaZimu, kuyesabeka ukwenza kwakhe phakathi kwabantu: Uphendule ilwandle walenza ihlabathi eyomileko, abantu beyama umlambo ngeenyawo. Nje-ke asithakaseni kuye, kuye obusa ngeenkhwepha isiphelani, onamehlo ahlala eluse izizwe. Ngalokho abakhunyaleleko abangaziphakamisi. Babazani uZimethu nina zizwe, akuzwakaliswe ilizwi lobukhulu bakhe, yena osilonde hlangana nabaphilako, akhange avume bona iinyawo zethu zitjhelele. Mbala wena Zimu, usizizinyile; wasihlola njengesiliva nalihlungwako. Wasingenisa esifwini, wasithwesa iinhlupheko. Wavumela abantu bakhwela phezu kweenhloko zethu; sakhamba emlilweni nemanzini, kodwana wena wasikhuphela ebukhosini. Ngizakungena ethempelini lakho nemihlabelo yokutjhiswa, ngizalise kuwe iimfungo zami, iye, iimfungo engiziphimise ngeembhena zami; ekuhluphekeni ngathembisa ngomlomami ngathi: “Ngizakunikela kuwe imihlabelo yokutjhiswa yezimvu ezinonisiweko kanye nomnuko wemihlabelo yamaqama; godu ngizakunikela ngeenkunzi nangeempongo.” Yenize nizokulalela noke nina enesaba uZimu, ngizonibikela lokho angenzele khona: Kuye ngalila ngomlomami indumiso iselimini lami. Ngathana bengisophe okumbi ehliziyweni, uSomandla ubangeze angizwa. Kodwana mbala uZimu ungizwile, wabeka indlebe emezwini womthandazwami. UZimu akadunyiswe ngombana akhange awale umthandazwami, namkha asuse ukwethembeka kwakhe kimi. Kumkhaleli; ngesililiso seenara; irhubo; ingoma. Kwanga uZimu angaba nomusa kithi, asibusise, asikhanyisele. Kwanga indlelakho ingaziwa ephasini nesindiswakho kibo boke bezizwe. Kwanga izizwe zingakudumisa Zimu, iye, boke abantu abadumise wena. Izizwe azithakase, zihlokome ngombana awukhethi ubuso ekugwebeni nezizwe uyazihlahla ephasini. Kwanga izizwe zingakudumisa Zimu, iye, boke abantu abadumise wena. Ihlabathi ithelile iinthelo zayo; uZimu, iye uZimethu usibusisile. Kwanga uZimu angasibusisa njalonjalo; ukuze imikhawulo yoke yephasi imesabe. Kumkhaleli; irhubo lakaDavida; ingoma. UZimu uzakusikima, izitha zakhe zisabalale; abamzondako babaleke phambi kwakhe. Zimu, baqotjhe njengentuthu nayiphephethwako. Mbala, njengokuncithika kwamanyephe ahlanu komlilo, ngokunjalo iinkhohlakali zizakubhubha phambi kwakaZimu. Kodwana abalungileko bazakuthaba basase phambi kwakaZimu; bathakase ngokujabula. Rhubelani uZimu, nidumise ibizo lakhe, hlokomani kiloyo okhwele amafu; ibizo lakhe nguSomnini, nililizele phambi kwakhe. Unguyise weentandani nomjameli wabahlolokazi, unguZimu ohlezi endawenakhe ecwengileko. UZimu upha abadududu ikhaya, arholele iimbotjhwa ekuthakaseni, kodwana abahlubukileko bahlala ebhudwini. Zimu, nawuphuma ipi phambi kwabantu bakho, iye, lokha nawukhamba erhalawumbeni leJetjhimoni, iphasi lahlengezela. Amazulu anisa izulu phambi kwakaZimu, onguZimu weSinayi, iye, phambi kwakaZimu, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli. Zimu, wawululela izulu phezu kwelifa lakho. Umhlambakho wanzinza kilo, ngokulunga kwakho Zimu, walilungiselela labo abadududu. USomandla ukhupha umyalo; abafazi abanengi bamemezela iindaba, bathi: “Amakhosi ayabaleka! Amabuthwawo nawo ayabaleka! Ngitjho nani eniseembayeni nifumana amaphiko wezuba atshidzwe ngesiliva, iye, iinsiba zakhona zinegolide elidarhileko!” Lokha oSabekako nahlakaza amakhosi enarheni, igabhogo likhithikela ngeTsalimoni. Wena ntaba enamandla, ntaba yeBhatjhani, iye, neenqongo zentaba yeBhatjhani, ngitjho nina ntaba ezineenqongo ezinengi, kubayini ninomona naniqala intaba uZimu ayikhethe kobana ahlale kiyo na? USomnini uzakuhlala lapho isiphelani! Ngeenkarana ezinamandla, eziziinkulungwana ngeenkulungwana, iye, iinkulungwana ebuphaziphazini, uSomandla uvele eSinayi ngokucwenga. Ngemva kobana uthumbe abathunjwa, wathatha izipho ebantwini, ngitjho nakilabo abahlubukileko, wakhuphukela ekuphakameni, kobana uhlale lapho, wena Somnini, Zimu. Akudunyiswe uSomnini, osisingatha imihla ngemihla, iye, uZimu oyisindiswethu. Mbala, uZimethu unguZimu wesindiso; ukuphepha ukufa, kukuSomnini uSomandla. UZimu uzakuphahlaza iinhloko zezitha zakhe, iye, ifokotho eneenhluthu yalabo abaphikelela ekoneni. USomandla wathi: “Ngizabehlisa eBatjhani, ngibenyuse ekuzikeni kwelwandle, ukuze nihlanze iinyawo zenu eengazini, namalimu wezinja zenu afunyane isabelo ezitheni.” Zimu, iinqhema zakho ziyabonakala, nazingena endaweni ecwengileko, iye, iinqhema zakho Zimami, Kosami. Ngaphambili kukhamba abavumi, phakathi kube matlawu aphethe abosotjherere, ngemva kube ngababetha iinara, bavuma bathi: “Dumisani uZimu emihlanganweni emikhulu; nidumise uSomnini emthonjeni ka-Israyeli.” Ngemva kwabo uBhenjamini ongomncani, urhola phambili; ulandelwa liviyo leenkhulu zakwaJuda neenkhulu zakwaZebuloni kanye nezakwaNafitali. Zimu, bonakalisa amandlakho, iye, amandla owasikhombisa wona, Zimu, usethempelini lakho ngehla kweJerusalema. Amakhosi kumele alethe iimbiko kuwe. Khalimela isibandana emhlangeni, okuziinkunzikazi ezibhodlela abantu, inga bamathole. Gadangela labo abathanda isiliva; uhlakaze abantu abakarekela ipi. Akuze abazenda abasuka eGibhide, amaKutjhe akarhabe alethe izipho kuZimu. Nina mibuso yephasi, rhubelani uZimu, nidumise uSomandla, iye, yena okhwele amafu emkayini wakade. Qalani, uzwakalisa ilizwi lakhe, iye, ilizwi elinamandla. Yamukelani amandla kaZimu, yena obukhosi bakhe buphezu kwaka-Israyeli namandlakhe asemafini. UZimu uyesabeka endawenakhe ecwengileko, unguZimu wakwa-Israyeli; upha abantu bakhe amandla nesibindi. Akadunyiswe uZimu! Kumkhaleli; ngeenodo zengoma ethi, “amaKhwa”; irhubo lakaDavida. Zimu, ngisindise ngombana sengivele ngehloko ngemanzini! Ngiminza edakeni elitjhingako, sengifike emanzini azikileko neenkhukhula ziyangigubuzesa. Ngidiniwe ngokulila kwami, umphimbami uyarhoroza, amehlwami selafiphele ngokuqalelela uZimami. Abangizonda ngelize banengi ukudlula iinhluthu ehlokwenami. Abangiqedako banamandla, iye, labo abajamelana nami ngamanga. Ngikatelelwa ukubuyisela engingakakudlelezeli. Zimu, wena uyabazi ubudlhayela bami, amacalami abhamba kuwe. Somnini, Somandla, Mninimandlawoke, abaqalelela kuwe, abangadaniswa ngenca yami. Zimu ka-Israyeli, abakufunako abangarhubutjhwa ngebanga lami. Ngenca yakho ngithwele ihlamba, ihlazo lembese ubuso bami. Sengiphenduke otjhili ngakwethu, ngimqhamuka ebantwaneni bakababa. Ukutjhisakalela indlwakho kungidlile; iinhlamba zabakuthukako zehlele kimi: Ngazithobisa ngokuzila, kwaba yihlamba kimi. Ngembatha izambatho zokuzila nalapho ngaba siphoqo kibo. Abahlezi esangweni bathamba ngami neengomeni zeendakwa kunjalo. Kodwana mina, ngithandaza kuwe, Somnini, akube sikhathi sokwamukeleka kuwe, Zimu: Ngiphendule ngokwethembeka kwakho okukhulu! Ngeqiniso lesindiswakho ngikhuphe edakeni! Angifuni ukutjhinga phasi; ngifisa ukwenyulwa kabangizondako, ngitjho nekuzikeni kwamanzi. Ungavumeli isikhukhula singigubuzese, ungavumeli ukuzika kungiginye namkha umgodi wethuna ungibhibhe. Ngiphendule Somnini ngombana ukwethembeka kwakho kukhulu; phendukela kimi ngesirhawu sakho esikhulu, ungayifihleli incekwakho ubuso bakho ngombana ngihluphekile. Rhaba ungiphendule! Tjhidela kimi, ungihlenge, ngitjhaphulule ngenca yezitha zami. Wena uyayazi ihlamba engethukwa ngayo, ihlazo nokurhubutjhwa kwami; zoke izitha zami ziyazeka kuwe. Iinhlamba ziyephulile ihliziywami, ayiselapheki. Ngalindela ukutlhuwelwa, kodwana do nokurhawukelwa, kodwana akhange ngikufunyane. Banginikela inyongo esikhundleni sokudla nangomileko bangiseza isibharha. Itafula labo alibe sisifu phambi kwabo, libe sithiyo ebakhozini babo. Amehlwabo akaphophale ukuze bangaboni; wenze amadinabo ahlale agedla. Thululela ilaka lakho phezu kwabo, ubukhali bakho obuvuthako bubafikele. Kwanga ikampabo ingaba dududu kungabikhona ohlala ematendenabo ngombana bazumana nalabo obabethileko, bakhuluma ngalabo obalimazileko. Ngezelela icala ecaleni labo, ungababali emsenakho. Abasulwe encwadini yabaphilako, bangatlolwa erhelweni labalungileko. Ngihluphekile, ngineenhlungu; yeke isindiswakho ayingivikele! Ibizo lakaZimu ngilidumisa ngengoma, iye, ngimphakamisa ngokuthokoza! Lokhu kuzamthabisa uSomnini ukudlula umhlabelo wekomo, iye, ikunzi eneempondo neenqatha ezihlukene kabili. Abathobekileko bayabona, bajabule, abafuna uZimu bayathaba. Nje-ke iinhliziyo zenu azename! Ngambala, uZimu uyabalalela abanesidingo, akabadeleli abangabakhe abasekuthunjweni. Akadunyiswe lizulu nephasi, ilwandle nakho koke okuphila kilo. Ngambala uZimu uzakusindisa iZiyoni, avuselele amadorobho wakwaJuda. Abangabakhe bazakuhlala lapho bawathumbe; iye, iinzukulwana zeenceku zakhe zizakuzuza inarha, abathanda ibizo lakhe bazakuhlala kiyo. Kumkhaleli; irhubo lakaDavida; livunywa emnikelweni wesikhumbuzo. Zimu, yewungiphephise; Somnini, ngisize masinyana! Akuthi abazumana nepilwami bakhene, barhubutjheke bebabaleke; iye, abangisongelako badane. Labo abathi, “Arha! Arha!” babuyiselwe emuva ngebanga lokudana kwabo. Kuthi abakufunako bathabe bebathakase; abathanda isindiswakho ngesikhathi soke bathi: “Mkhulu uZimu.” Mina ngichakile begodu ngidududu, yeke, rhaba uze kimi, Zimu. Wena ulisizo nomhlengami, nje-ke Somnini, ungariyadi! Kuwe Somnini, ngiyaphephela, yeke ungavumi ngingene ehlazweni. Ngokulunga kwakho ngenyule, ungihlenge, beka indlebakho kimi, ungisindise. Yiba lidwala kimi, irharha lokuphephela ngesikhathi soke. Uyaleze bonyana ngisinde! Mbala, ulidwala nerholo lami! Zimami, ngisindise esandleni seenkhohlakali, iye, ekubanjweni ngabangakalungi nabagandeleli ngombana ulithemba lami, Somnini, Somandla. Kwebutjheni bami ngithembele kuwe; ngizesame kuwe kwekubelethweni kwami. Nguwe owaqunta inongo nangibelethwako. Ukudumisa kwami kukuwe soke isikhathi. Ngibe sibonelo kabanengi ngombana wena usiphephelo sami esiqinileko. Umlomami uzele idumo nokukubabaza ilanga loke. Ungangilahli esikhathini sokuluphala, ungangitjhiyi lokha amandlami naphelako ngombana izitha zami zikhuluma ngami nalabo abeluse ipilwami bazwana ngami, bathi: “UZimu umtjhiyile! Mlandeleni, nimbambe ngombana akanamenyeli!” Zimu, ungabi kude nami! Zimami, rhaba ungisize! Abajamelene nami abakhene bebapheliswe, abangisongelako bembeswe ihlamba nehlazo. Mina ngizakuhlala ngethemba, ngirhagala ekukudumiseni. Umlomami uzakukhuluma ngokulunga kwakho nesindiswakho ilanga loke ngombana angibazi ubukghwari bokutlola. Ngize kobana ngikhulume godu ngezenzo zakho ezikulu, Somnini, Somandla, iye, isindiso eyenziwe nguwe wedwa. Kwasebutjheni bami Zimu, ungifundisile; nanje, ngisamemezela iimangaliso zakho. Njengombana sengimdala ngithukghele, ungangitjhiyi Zimu bengikhulume ngamandlakho eenzukulwaneni, okutjho ubungorho bakho kibo boke abazakubelethwa. Mbala, ukulunga kwakho Zimu, kufika emazulwini aphakamileko. Kukhulu okwenzileko Zimu! Ngubani onjengawe na? Wena ungibonise iinsizi ezinengi kanye neenhlekelele. Yeke vuselela ipilwami godu, ubuye ungenyule ekuzikeni kwethuna. Dlondlobalisa idumo lami, ujike ungitjhiriye. Mina-ke ngizakudumisa ngeharibha; iye, ngidumise iqiniso lakho, Zimami, ngikukhalelele ngeharibhana, wena ongocwengileko wakwa-Israyeli. Lokha nangikhalela iindumiso kuwe, iimbhena zami zizakuhlokoma, ngokunjalo nomphefumulwami owuhlengileko. Iye, nelimu lami lizakuhumuza ngokulunga kwakho imini yoke ngombana labo abangisongeleko babekwe ekukheneni nehlazweni. Irhubo lakaSolomoni. Zimu, yipha umbusi imithethwakho nokulunga kwakho kozesiweko. Kwanga angagweba abantu bakho ngokulunga, iye, abeyame kuwe ngokufaneleko. Kwanga iintaba zingakhiqiza ukuthula ebantwini nemibundu ithele ukulunga. Kwanga angajamela indaba yabazeyame ngawe; iye, asindise abachakileko; kodwana aphohloze ogandelelako. Inga kungathi kusakhanya nenyanga isadarhile, abantu bakho bakwesabe, iye, iinzukulwana ngeenzukulwana. Inga umbusi angafana nezulu eliwulukela etjanini obusikiweko nanjengomfefezwana othambisa iphasi. Kwanga emihlenakhe kunganda ukulunga, kuvame ukuthula, inyanga ingasabikhona. Kwanga angabusa ukusuka elwandle ukuya kelinye, kusukela emlanjeni omkhulu ukuya epelazwe; abahlali berhalawumbeni bakhothame phambi kwakhe, izitha zakhe zikhothe ithuli. Kwanga amakhosi weTharatjhitjhi neweligwini angaletha kuye umthelo; amakhosi weTjheba neSeba amlethele izipho; iye, woke amakhosi aguqe phambi kwakhe; zoke izizwe zizinikele kuye. Yena wenyela abadududu nabalilako, iye, abakhwahlileko nabanganabani. Ukhathalela ababuthakathaka nabadududu; asindise nabatlhogako. Ekugandelelweni nenturhwini uyabahlenga, ipilwabo iligugu emehlwenakhe. Kwanga angasiphilela! Inga angaphiwa igolide leTjheba, athandazelwe njalonjalo, ahlale abusisekile ilanga loke. Inga kungabakhona inala enarheni, ngitjho neenqongweni zeentaba, iinthelo zakhona ziyathazele njengemithi yeLibhanoni, abantu emadorobheni baphalaze njengotjani emmangweni. Kwanga ibizo lakhe lingahlala mlibe, idumo lakhe lijame ije kusakhanya; kwanga zoke izizwe zingakhanukela ukubusiswa njengaye, zimbize bonyana ungobusisekileko. Akadunyiswe uSomnini uZimu, iye, uZimu ka-Israyeli, okunguye yedwa owenza iimangaliso. Alidunyiswe isiphelani ibizo lakhe eliphazimulako; kwanga iphazimulwakhe ingazala iphasi loke. Amen, iye, Amen. Ukuphela kwemithandazo kaDavida indodana kaJese. Irhubo laka-Asafa. Ngambala uZimu umlungele u-Israyeli, iye, labo abanehliziyo ehlanzekileko. Kodwana nakungimi yena, iinyawo zami zapheze zatjhelela, kwasala kancani bona ziphambuke ngombana ngakhanukela abazikhukhumezako, nangibona itjhudu labakhohlakeleko. Bona abananhlungu bekube sekufeni, izisu zabo zihlala zitatamele. Abatjhabatjheki njengabantukazana, abahlunguphazwa njengabanye. Yeke ukuzigqaja kungunongoro entanyenabo, bambethe ubudlova njengengubo. Amehlwabo abimbekile ngokunona, imicabango yehliziywabo iyaphuphuma. Bayaphoqa bakhulume ngokukhohlakala, ngokuziphakamisa bagandelela abanye. Imilomabo inyefula izulu namalimabo ahlambalaza iphasi. Iwoma liyabalandela, lirhuqa amezwabo inga mamanzi, lokha nabathi: “UZimu wazi njani na? OngoPhezulu unelwazi na?” Qalani, zinjalo-ke iinkhohlakali: Zihlala zikhomba ngophakathi, zikhule ngomnono. Kube lilize kobana ngihlambulule ihliziywami, ngahlamba izandla zami ngimsulwa ngombana ngakhathazwa ilanga loke, njalo ekuseni ngahlunguphazwa. Nakube bengithe, “Ngizakuhlala ngikhuluma njalo”, bengizokuba mkhohlisi esigungwini sabantwabakho. Kodwana ngathi nangilinga ukuzwisisa lokhu, kwabonakala kuyinto ebudisi kimi, bekwaba kulapha ngingena khona ngethempelini lakho Zimu, lokha nangilemuka isiphetho sabo: Mbala ubeka iinkhohlakali eendaweni ezibutjhelelezi, uzenze bona ziwele ebhudwini. Maye, zibhujiswa ngesikhatjhana! Zitjhabalaliswa nya ngevalo! Zinjengebhudango elimbi ekuphaphameni komuntu: Somandla, lokha nawuvukako uzithalalisa njengombono webhudangwelo. Lokha ihliziywami imunyu nemizwami idungekile, mina ngaba siyila nongalemukiko; iye, ngaba njengesibandana kuwe. Nokho mina bengiseze nginawe; ubambe isandla sami sokudla. Ungirhola ngeseluleko sakho, ungamukele ebukhoneni bakho. Ngubani enginaye ezulwini ngaphandle kwakho na? Ngaphandle kwakho ephasini akunanto engiyikhanukelako. Umzimbami nehliziywami zingaphelelwa, kodwana uZimu ulidwala lehliziywami nesabelo sami ngokungapheliko. Mbala, abadeda kuwe bazakubhubha; uphelisa boke abangakathembeki kuwe. Kodwana nakungimi, kuhle ukuba seduze noZimu; ngenze uSomnini uSomandla isiphephelo sami ukuze ngikhulume ngakho koke akwenzileko. IMaskili laka-Asafa. Awu Zimu, usilahleleni isiphelani na? Kubayini ilaka lakho livuthe phezu komhlambakho? Khumbula ibandla lakho owalizuza ekadeni, ikoro yelifa lakho owayihlengako nentaba yeZiyoni ohlala kiyo. Yewize emarubhini wesiphelani; endaweni ecwengileko isitha sone yoke into. Amanabakho arore ekabeni yehlanganwakho, ajamisa amatshwaywawo khonapho. Njengabaphakamisa iinlembe ukuze bakghedlhe ihlathi eliminyeneko, amanaba eza njalo ngamazembe nemigqala, aphohloza nya umsebenzayo obaziweko. Okhele indawakho ecwengileko ngomlilo, ayitjhisa ngokuyidula phasi; asilaphaza indawo lapha kuhlala ibizo lakho. Adlumbana athi: “Asiqedeni koke!” Nje-ke atjhisa zoke iindawo zemihlangano kaZimu enarheni. Amatshwaywethu asiwaboni; njengombana kungekho umphorofidi akakho kithi owaziko bona kuzabe kube nini kunjalo. Zimu, umjamelani uzasiphoqa bekube nini? Isitha sizakuhlambalaza ibizo lakho isiphelani na? Kubayini ugodla isandla sakho? Rhotjha isidla sakho usiqede! Zimu, kwakade wena uyiKosami, wenza imisebenzi yokusindisa phakathi kwenarha. Nguwe owaphehla ilwandle ngamandlakho, waphohloza iinhloko zeembandana ezikulu zemanzini. Iye, nguwe owaphihliza iinhloko zakanomrhaso welwandle, wamenza bona abe kukudla kweendalwa zerhalawumba. Nguwe owabhoboza imithombo nemilanjana, godu nguwe owomisa imilambo ehlala igeleza. Ngeyakho imini, godu nobusuku ngebakho; nguwe owabeka inyezi nelanga. Nguwe owajamisa yoke imikhawulo yephasi, iye, nguwe owenza ihlobo nobusika. Khumbula lokhu, Zimu: Izitha ziphoqe wena, Somnini neendlhayela zihlambalaze ibizo lakho. Unganikeli izuba lakho eembandaneni; iye, ipilo yabeyame kuwe, ungayikhohlwa nini nanini. Khumbula isivumelwano ngombana iindawo ezimnyama enarheni, zigcwele ubudlova. Ungajikisi ogandelelweko adanile! Yenza isichaka nodududu badumise ibizo lakho. Sikima Zimu, jamela indabakho; khumbula, iindlhayela ziyakuphoqa imihla yoke. Ungakhohlwa itjhada lamanabakho, iye, umkhosi wabajamelani bakho, ohlala ukukholile. Kumkhaleli; ngeenodo zengoma ethi, “Ungatjhabalalisi”; irhubo laka-Asafa; ingoma. Siyakudumisa Zimu, siyakudumisa! Ibizo lakho liseduze nathi; iimangaliso zakho kufuze kukhulunywe ngazo. Wena uthi: “Ngesikhathi esifaneleko, ngizakugweba ngeqiniso. Nanyana iphasi lidengezela nabahlali balo, ngimi obambe iinsika zalo zijame. Ngithi kwabazigqajako, ‘Ningazikhukhumezi!’ Kwabakhohlakeleko ngithi, ‘Ningabi nelunda! Ningabi nelunda kophezulu, namkha nibe nentanyana nanikhulumako.’ ” Iye, ukuphakanyiswa komuntu akuveli epumalanga namkha etjingalanga, ngitjho nerhalawumbeni, kodwana nguZimu ogwebako: Omunye uyamehlisa, omunye amphakamise. Ngambala esandleni sakaSomnini kukhona ikapho, iye, ikapho enewayini elibilako nelengezwe ngeembiliso. Uqathekela boke abakhohlakeleko bephasi, basele bebarhuqe ngitjho nesiminya sehlama yakhona. Mina ngizakukhuluma isiphelani ngikhalele ngoZimu kaJakopo ngombana wathi: “Ngizokususa woke amalunda weenkhohlakali, kodwana wolungileko azakuphakanyiswa.” Kumkhaleli; ngesililiso seenara; irhubo laka-Asafa; ingoma. KwaJuda uZimu uyaziwa, ibizo lakhe likhulu kwa-Israyeli. Umtlhatlhanakhe wanzinziswa eSalema, iye, indawakhe yokuhlala eseZiyoni. Lapho wephula imisubela ebenyezelako, isihlangu, isabula neenkhali zepi. Wena Ziyoni, uyaphazimula, udarhe udlula iintaba ezikuzumako. Iingorho zemukwe ipangwazo, zisacwile phakathi ebuthongweni; woke amabutho abanjwe izandla. Ngokukhalima kwakho, Zimu kaJakopo, kukhungatheka umkhweli nenjomani. Somnini, mbala wena uyesabeka! Ngubani ongajama phambi kwakho lokha nasele ubhoke ngelaka lakho na? Lokha nawukhupha isigwebo sakho usezulwini, iphasi lethuka lathula du. Iye, uZimu wasikima kobana agwebe, asindise boke abagandelelweko benarha. Ngambala, iRhamathi-Aramu izakudumisa, iye, inengi leRhamathi lizakuphephela kuwe. Yenzani iinthembiso kuSomnini uZimenu begodu niziphethe. Akuthi zoke izizwe zombelele, zilethe iimbiko koSabekako; yena othobisa amakhosana, nowenza amakhosi wephasi athuthumele. Kumkhaleli; ngeenodo zengoma ethi, “Jeduthuni”; laka-Asafa; irhubo. Ngilila kuZimu, ngiyarhuwelela; iye, ngilila kuZimu kobana angizwe. Elangeni lesizi lami ngifuna uSomnini, ebusuku izandla zami zeluliwe, azidinwa; umphefumulwami wala ukududuzwa. Ngiyabubula nangikhumbula wena Zimu, ngiyazindla nommoyami udambe. Ungenza ngiphilelwe, iye, ngikhathazekile namezwi anginawo lokha nangicabanga amalanga wakade neminyaka eyadlulako. Ebusuku ngikhumbula iinodo zami; ngibubule ngehliziywami bengiwurubajeke, ummoyami uguduze, ngizibuze: USomandla ulahlela safuthi, angasabi nomusa godu na? Ukwethembeka kwakhe sekuphelile na? Ilizwi lakhe selikhawukile iinzukulwana ngeenzukulwana na? Ingabe uZimu ukhohlwe ukuba nesirhawu, namkha ngelaka lakhe ususa isisa sakhe na? Yeke ngafika esiphethweni sokuthi: Imbangela yenceba lami kukobana isidla songoPhezulu siphendukile! Kodwana ngizahlala ngikhumbula izenzo zakaSomnini. Mbala ngikhumbule iimangaliso zakho zekadeni, ngihumuze ngemisebenzakho yoke, ngizindle ngezenzo zakho zamandla. Zimu, indlelakho icwengile! Ngimuphi uzinyana omkhulu njengoZimu? Wena unguZimu owenza iimangaliso, ubonakalise amandlakho phakathi kwabantu. Ngengalwakho wahlenga abantu bakho, iye, iinzukulwana zakaJakopo noJosefa. Lokha amanzi abona wena Zimu, iye, lokha nakubonako, ayayaluka; ngitjho namanzi amanengi ayanyakaza. Amafu athulula amanzi, umphezulu wararamba, kwabenya imibanakho phasi phezulu. Ukuthuthumba kwakho kwaba njengetjhada levili lekarana; imibanakho yaphazima enarheni yoke, iphasi lanyakaza belazamazama. Indlelakho beyidabula elwandle, iye, imizilakho isemanzini anamandla, nokho amagadangwakho bekangabonakali. Warhola abantu bakho njengezimvu, iye, ngesandla sakaMosi no-Aroni. IMaskili laka-Asafa. Bantu bekhethu, lalelani ukufundisa kwami, nibeke iindlebe zenu emezwini womlomami. Ngizakuvula umlomami ngomfanekiso, ngiphuphume iimfihlakalo zekadeni. Izinto esizizwileko nesizaziko, esatjelwa zona bobamkhulu, angeze sazifihla eenzukulwaneni zabo; sizokutjela nesizukulwana esizako ngemikarisomraro kaSomnini namandlakhe, kanye neemangaliso azenzileko. Wajamisa ubufakazi kwaJakopo, wabeka umthetho kwa-Israyeli ayala ngawo abobamkhulu kobana bawufundise abantwababo, ukuze isizukulwana esilandelako siwazi, iye, abantwana abasazakubelethwa. Nabo basikime, batjele abantwababo kobana babeke ithemba labo kuZimu. Kumele bangakhohlwa imisebenzi kaZimu, kodwana balonde imiyalwakhe. Bangabi njengaboyisemkhulu ebekusizukulwana esikhunyaleleko nesihlubukako; iye, isizukulwana ebesinehliziyo enganaqiniso nebesinommoya ongakathembeki kuZimu. Bakwa-Efrayimu bebahlome ngemisubi nemisubela, nokho bahlehla ngelanga lepi. Akhange balonde isivumelwano sakaZimu begodu bala ukwenza njengokweemfundiso zakhe. Iye, bakhohlwa lokho akwenzileko neemangaliso ababonisa zona. Wenza iimangaliso phambi kwaboyisemkhulu enarheni yeGibhide, emmangweni weTsowana. Wahlukanisa ilwandle, wabeyamisa, wajamisa amanzi aba njengedonga. Emini wabarhola ngelifu, ebusuku ngomkhanyo womlilo. Waqhekeza amadwala erhalawumbeni, wabaseza amanzi inga abuya esizibeni esikhulu. Wathumbula iinkhukhula edwaleni, wagelezisa amanzi ehla njengemilambo. Nanyana kunjalo, bathuwelela ngokona kuye, bahlubuka ongoPhezulu ebhudwini. Bazizinya uZimu eenhliziyweni zabo ngokubawa ukudla ngokukhaluza. Bakhuluma kumbi ngoZimu, bathi: “UZimu angalungisa isithebe erhalawumbeni na? Wabetha idwala, kwaphuma amanzi nemilanjana yagobhoza. Kghani, angapha abantu bakhe ukudla, abalungisele inyama na?” Lokha uSomnini nezwa lokho, wabila khulu, waphuphuma, wavutha umlilo ngoJakopo, ilaka lakhe larubha ngo-Israyeli ngombana akhange bakholwe kuZimu begodu azange bathembe amandla wesindiswakhe. Nje-ke wayala umkayi phezulu, wavula iminyango yezulwini, wanisa imana phezu kwabo bona badle, wabapha amabele wezulwini. Abantu badla isikwa seengilozi, wabathumela umphako omnengi. Wavunguzisa ummoya wepumalanga ukusuka phezulu, ngamandlakhe waphephethisa ummoya wangesewula. Wabehlisela inyama yaba yinengi njengethuli, iinyoni eziphapha njengetjhwabatjhwaba yelwandle. Wazenza zidoyele ekabeni yekampakhe, iye, ethaberinakelini lakhe zombelele. Badla bebasutha sentwala! Wabapha ebebakukhanukela. Kodwana bathi basakhanuka inyama, iye, isesemlonyenabo njalo, ubukhali bakaZimu babavukela. Wabulala abazimukileko phakathi kwabo, wadula phasi amasokana wakwa-Israyeli. Ngaphezu kwakho koke lokho baragela phambili nokona; akhange bazethembe iimangaliso zakhe. Yeke, waphelisa amalangabo njengomphefumulo neminyakabo ekwesabeni. Lokha nasele ababulalako, bamfuna, baphenduka bafunisisa uZimu. Bakhumbula bona uZimu ulidwala labo, uZimu ongoPhezulu umhlengabo. Kodwana bamkhohlisa ngemilomabo, baleya kuye amala ngamalimabo. Ihliziywabo akhange ibe neqiniso kuye bebangakathembeki esivumelwaneni sakhe. Phezu kwalokho yena waba nomusa, wacolela ubumenemene babo; iye, akhange ababhubhise, wazibamba kanengi elakeni lakhe, azange aveze boke ubukhali bakhe. Wakhumbula ukuthi bayinyama nje, bamumoya odlulako nongasabuyiko godu. Kwaba kanengi kangangani bamhlubuka erhalawumbeni, iye, bamdanisa enarheni elibhudu. Bazizinya uZimu kanenginengi, barhuga ongoCwengileko wakwa-Israyeli. Akhange bakhumbule amandlakhe emalangeni abasindisa ngawo esitheni, lokha enza iimbonakaliso zakhe eGibhide neemangaliso endaweni yeTsowana: Waphendula imilanjana yeNayili iingazi, azange bakwazi ukusela emilanjenabo. Wabathumela ngeembawu ezabadlako neenrhwarhwa ezabhubhisako. Wanikelela iintjalo zabo ngentethe, iinthelo zomsebenzabo ngesikhonyani. Warhayila iindiribe zabo ngesinanja namakhiwani wommango ngesikhukhula. Waphobolisa iinkomo zabo ngesinanja nemihlambabo ngombani womphezulu. Wehlisela phakathi kwabo ilaka lakhe elivuthako: ubukhali, itukuthelo namatshwenyeko; iye, iwoma leenthunywa ezibhubhisako. Wavula indlela yelaka lakhe, akhange abababalele bona bangafi, kodwana wanikelela ipilwabo ngezifo. Warhayila woke amazibulo eGibhide, iye, isithelo sokuthoma sobudoda ematendeni kaRhamu. Nje-ke wakhupha abantu bakhe njengezimvu, wabarhola erhalawumbeni njengomhlambi. Wabelusa ngokuthula ukuze bangesabi ngombana ilwandle labhibha izitha zabo. Wabaletha emkhawulwenakhe ocwengileko, enarheni yeentaba ethunjwe sisidla sakhe. Waqotjha izizwe phambi kwabo; wabahlukanisela inarhazo njengelifa labo, wanzinzisa iinkoro zakwa-Israyeli eendaweni zazo. Nanyana kunjalo bazizinya uZimu ongoPhezulu; bamhlubuka ngokungalondi iimiso zakhe. Baba nokungathembeki, bahlehla sinyava njengaboyisemkhulu. Bahluleka njengomsebe ongazisiko. Bamtlhorholoja ngeendunduma zabo, bamnyenyisa ngeenthombe-mbazwa zabo. Lokha uZimu nabona lokho, wabila khulu waphuphuma, walahla u-Israyeli ngokupheleleko. Watjhiya indawakhe ngeTjhilo ekulitende ahlala kilo hlangana nabantu. Wanikela amandlakhe ekuthunjweni, iye, igugu lakhe esandleni sesitha. Wanikelela abantu bakhe esabuleni, wabila khulu ngelifa lakhe. Amasokanabo adliwa mlilo, iintombi zabo azange zivunyelwe irhalani. Abaphristi babo bawa ngesabula; abahlolokazi babo akhange balile. Nje-ke uSomandla wavuka inga uvuka ebuthongweni, njengengorho ebeyihlulwe liwayini, wahlula izitha zakhe ngokuzidedisa, wazithela ngeenhloni ezingapheliko. Walahla itende lakaJosefa, akhange akhethe ikoro ka-Efrayimu. Kodwana wakhetha ikoro yakwaJuda nentaba yeZiyoni ayithandako. Wakha indawakhe ecwengileko yaphakama nanjengephasi wayijamisela iinsekelo isiphelani. Wakhetha uDavida incekwakhe, wamsusa eembayeni zezimvu. Ekweluseni izimvukazi ezimunyisako, wamthatha bona eluse abantu bakhe uJakopo nelifa lakhe u-Israyeli. Wabelusa ngehliziyo eqotho, wabarhola ngekghono lesandla sakhe. Irhubo laka-Asafa. Awu Zimu, izizwe ziza elifeni lakho, zisilaphaze ithempeli lakho elicwengileko, zenze iJerusalema yaba marubhi. Zanikela iindumbu zeenceku zakho kobana zibe kukudla kweenyoni zomkayi, iye, inyama yabathembekileko bakho eembandaneni zommango. Zathulula iingazi zabo njengamanzi eJerusalema yoke, kwangabakhona obembelako. Sibe siphoqo sabomakhelwana bethu, isithuko nesinyefulo kilabo abasiphahlileko. Somnini, kuzabe kube nini? Uzakuthukuthela isiphelani na? Isikhwele sakho sizakuvutha njengomlilo na? Thela ilaka lakho phezu kwabezizwe abangakwaziko naphezu kwemibuso engabizi ibizo lakho ngombana sebamdlile uJakopo bebarhayila nendawakhe yokuhlala. Ungasibeki amacala wekadeni, masinyana yehlisela umusakho kithi ngombana sehliswe khulu. Sisize, wena Zimu wesindiswethu, ngebanga ledumo lebizo lakho; sisindise, bewusithethelele izono zethu, ngenca yebizo lakho. Kubayini bezizwe kufuze bathi: “Uphi uZimabo loyo na?” Yenza bona izizwe zazi ukubuyiselelwa kweengazi zeenceku zakho ezathululwako begodu nathi usibonise lokho. Ukububula kweembotjhwa akufike phambi kwakho; ngamandla wengalwakho, tjhaphulula labo esele benganyelwe kukufa. Somandla, buyiselela esifubeni sabomakhelwana bethu isiphoqo abakuphoqe ngaso, iye, sibuyelelwe kalikhomba! Thina sibabantu bakho, iye, umhlambi wedlelo lakho. Nje-ke, sizakuthokoza isiphelani, sikhulume ngedumo lakho iinzukulwana ngeenzukulwana. Kumkhaleli; ngeTjhotjhanimu; ubufakazi; irhubo laka-Asafa. Yewusizwe melusi ka-Israyeli, wena orhola uJosefa njengomhlambi! Wena ohlala phezu kwamakerubhi, ziveze ngephazimulo phambi kwaka-Efrayimi, uBhenjamini noManase. Vuselela amandlakho, uze uzosisindisa. Zimu, sibuyise! Khanyisa ubuso bakho, khona sizakusindiswa. Somnini, Zimu Mninimandlawoke, kuzabe kube nini unevunda ngemithandazo yabantu bakho na? Wabondla ngesikwa seenyembezi, wabaseza isiziba seenyembezi. Wasenza isihlekiso sabomakhelwana bethu nezitha zethu ziyasikokomeja. Zimu ongoPhezulu, sibuyise! Khanyisa ubuso bakho, khona sizakusindiswa. Wakhupha isidiribe eGibhide, waqotjha izizwe wasitjala. Wasilungisela indawaso, senabisa imirabhaso, sazala inarha. Iintaba zembeswa mthunzaso nemisedari emikhulu mirarelaso; sanabululela iingala zaso elwandle, amahlumelaso afika emilanjeni iYufrathe. Kubayini wephule iimbiyelo zaso, kuthi okudlulako kukhe koke na? Iwotji yehlathi iyasitlhifirija neenkhakhabi zommango ziyadla. Awu, wena Zimu ongoPhezulu, yewubuyele kithi godu; usezulwini qala phasi ubone, unake isidiribesi, iye, ilungu owalitjala ngesidla sakho. Basitjhise ngomlilo isidiribeso, basiquntile basiwisela phasi. Kwanga bangabhubha ngokukhalima kobukhona bakho. Kodwana isandla sakho Somnini, asibe phezu kwaloyo ongesidleni sakho, iye, phezu kwaloyo ozikhulisele yena. Yeke, angeze sisaba ngabangathembekiko kuwe, sivuselele, khona sizakubabaza ibizo lakho. Somnini, Zimu ongoPhezulu, sibuyise! Khanyisa ubuso bakho, khona sizakusindiswa. Kumkhaleli; livunywa ngeenodo zeGathi; irhubo laka-Asafa. Hlokomelani uZimu omamandlethu ngokujabula, rhuwelelani uZimu kaJakopo. Vumani ingoma, nililise abosotjherere, nibethe iharibha elihle kanye nelincani. Vuthelani ipalapala ekuthwaseni kwenyanga, iye, nalokha inyanga ihlangene ngelanga lomnyanyethu. Lokho kusimiso ku-Israyeli, kumyalo kaZimu kaJakopo. UZimu wenza isimemezelo kuJosefa lokha narhwanta ngokujamelana neGibhide. Ngezwa ilimi ebengingalazi lithi: “Ngaphumuza ihlombe lakhe emthwalweni, ngasusa isandla sakhe esiqwebini.” USomnini wathi: “Israyeli, lokha nawusesizini, wangibiza ngakuhlenga. Ngakuphendula ngisebumnyameni besiwuruwuru. ngakuzizinya emanzini weMeriba. Yizwani bantu bami, lokha nanginibonisako. Israyeli, kwanga ungangilalela! Akungabikhona uzinyana phakathi kwakho, ungakhothameli usingazimu. Mina Somnini nginguZimakho owakwenyula enarheni yeGibhide. Khamisa umlomakho, ngizawuzalisa.” Nje-ke uSomnini wathi: “Abantu bami akhange balalele ilizwi lami, u-Israyeli azange anginake. Ngalokho ngabaliselela ekanini yehliziywabo kobana bakhambe ngokubona kwabo! Kwanga abantu bami bangangizwa, inga u-Israyeli angakhamba eendleleni zami. Nje-ke bengizakuthobisa masinyana izitha zabo, isandla sami sihlanakele amanababo. Abazonde uSomnini bebazakutjhotjhobana phambi kwakhe, kube sisabelo sabo sanini nanini. USomnini bekazakupha ikoroyi ehle. Iye, mina Somnini bengizakusuthisa ngeenyosi zemadwaleni.” Irhubo laka-Asafa. UZimu wajama ehlanganweni yezulwini kobana agwebe hlangana nabozinyana: Mina Somnini ngathi kibozinyana, “Kuzabe kube nini nigweba ngokungakalungi, nikhetha ubuso beenkhohlakali na? Vikelani amalungelo wohluphekileko nentandani, niphathe isichaka nodududu ngokulunga. Hlengani ohluphekileko nokhwahlileko, nibenyule esandleni sabakhohlakeleko.” “Kodwana abozinyana abanalwazi nokuzwisisa; bakhamba ebumnyameni; yeke zoke iinsekelo zephasi ziyasikinywa. Ngalokho mina ngathi, ‘Nina nibozinyana, ningaphasi kongoPhezulu noke nje. Nanyana nibozinyana, nizakufa njengabantu boke; niwe njengazo zoke iinduna.’ ” Sikima wena Zimu, ugwebe iphasi ngombana zoke izizwe zingezakho. Ingoma; irhubo laka-Asafa. Zimu, ungathuli, ungali ukukhuluma. Nyakaza Zimu! Qala, izitha zakho ziyavungama, abakuzondileko baphakamisa iinhloko. Ngabantu bakho balumba amano, bakha isicathana ngalabo obavikeleko. Bathi: “Izani sibaqedeni ukuze bangasabi sisizwe; ibizo laka-Israyeli lingasakhunjulwa.” Ngahliziyonye balumbisana amano, benza isivumelwano ngani: Labo-ke matende ka-Edomu nama-Itjhimayeli, bakwaMowabi namaHagari, wakaGebali, ama-Amoni nama-Amalekhi, iFilistiya kanye nabahlali beTirosi. Ne-Asiriya lizihlanganise nabo, laba yingalo yeenzukulwana zakaLothi. Yenza kibo njengeMidiyaneni nanjengakuSisera noJabini emlanjaneni weKhitjhoni: Bona ababhubhela e-Eni-Dori, baba msuqwa ehlabathini. Yenza eenkhulwini zabo njengaku-Orebi noZebi, wenze emakhosanenabo njengakuZebarhi noTsalimuna, okungibo ebebathi: “Asizithathele amadlelo kaZimu, abe lilifa lethu.” Zimami, benze babe njengekhula elomileko, iye, njengamawunguwungu emuka nommoya. Njengomlilo otjhisa ihlathi nanjengelangabi elithungelela iintaba, ngendlela leyo bagijimise, ubarage ngesivunguvungu sakho, ubethuse ngesiwuruwuru sakho. Thela ubuso babo ngeenhloni ukuze bakwazi ukufuna ibizo lakho, Somnini. Benze barhubutjheke bebadane nini nanini; bakhene bebabhubhe. Benze balemuke bona wena, nguwe wedwa obizwa bona unguSomnini, iye, wena ungoPhezulu ephasini loke. Kumkhaleli; livunywa ngeenodo zeGathi; lamaKhorarhi; irhubo. Maye iyathandeka indlwakho, Somnini, Mninimandlawoke! Umphefumulwami uyalangazelela, iye, ufisa ukuba sesirhodlweni sakaSomnini; ihliziywami nomzimbami ululukela uZimu ophilako. Zimami, Somnini, ngitjho nemirwibili ifunyene ikhaya ema-aldarinakho. Kosami, Mninimandlawoke, nekonjani ifunyene indlwanayo lapha ibeka khona amadzinyanayo. Babusisiwe abahlala endlinakho ngombana bakudumisa nini nanini. Babusisiwe abantu amandlabo akuwe, iye, labo abanhliziyo zinomendo weZiyoni. Lokha nabadabula umrhoba wemithi yebhalisamu, bawenza waba siyalu nezulu lokuthoma lawusibekela ngitjho nangamachibi. Baragela phambili ngamandla ekhambeni labo ngombana bazakuvela phambi kwakaZimu eZiyoni. Somnini, Zimu Mninimandlawoke, yizwa umthandazwami, beka indlebe Zimu kaJakopo. Zimu, yelela umvikelethu, uqale ubuso bomzeswakho. Kwamambala, ilanga ngesirhodlweni sakho lihle kunamalanga ayikulungwana kenye indawo. Kungcono ngibe sembunjwaneni wendlu kaZimami, kunokuhlala ematendeni weenkhohlakali ngombana uSomnini uZimu ulilanga nesihlangu; iye, upha umusa nokuhlonipheka. Ayikho into ehle ayigodlako kilabo abakhamba ngobuqotho. Somnini, Mninimandlawoke, ubusisiwe umuntu othembela kuwe! Kumkhaleli; irhubo lamaKhorarhi. Somnini, wabonisa umusa enarhenakho, wabuyisa itjhudu lakaJakopo. Wacolela amacala wabantu bakho, wasibekela zoke izono zabo. Wasusa yoke itukuthelwakho, waphenduka ekuvutheni kwelaka lakho. Nje-ke, Zimu wesindiswethu, buyela kithi godu, bamba ukusilingeka kwakho phezu kwethu. Uzasithukuthelela isiphelani na? Kghani, uzakwelula ilaka lakho kizo zoke iinzukulwana na? Wena awuzukusivuselela godu ukuze abantu bakho bathabe kuwe na? Sitjengise ukwethembeka kwakho, Somnini, usiphe isindiswakho. Ngifuna ukuzwa lokho uZimu uSomnini azakutjho ngombana uzakukhuluma ukuthula ebantwini, iye, kwabathembekileko bakhe. Bangabuyeli ebudlhayeleni! Ngambala isindiswakhe iseduze kwabamesabako: Iphazimulwakhe izakuhlala enarhenethu, ukwethembeka neqiniso kuhlangabezane, ukulunga nokuthula kwangane. Kuzakuhluma iqiniso ehlabathini, ukulunga komkayi kwengamele iphasi. Godu uSomnini uzasipha okuhle, inarhethu ithele iinthelo zayo. Ukulunga kuzakukhamba phambi kwakhe, kwenzele iinyawo zakhe umzila. Umthandazo kaDavida. Beka indlebakho Somnini, ungiphendule ngombana ngisichaka begodu ngiswele. Londa ipilwami ngombana ngingothembekileko. Wena unguZimami, sindisa incekwakho ekwethembako. Ngirhawukele Somandla ngombana ilanga loke ngilila kuwe. Thabisa umphefumulo wencekwakho ngombana ngilangazelela wena, Somandla. Mbala, wena Somandla ulungile begodu uyacolela, ukwethembeka kwakho kukhulu kibo boke abalila kuwe. Somnini, lalela umthandazwami, ubeke indlebe esililweni sesibawo sami. Ngelanga lesizi lami ngilila kuwe ngombana uyangiphendula. Kibo boke abozinyana akakho onjengawe Somandla nemisebenzi enjengeyakho ayikho. Zoke izizwe ozenzileko Somnini, zizakuza ziguqe phambi kwakho, zidumise ibizo lakho ngombana wena umkhulu begodu wenza iimangaliso. Wena wedwa unguZimu. Ngifundise indlelakho Somnini, ukuze ngikhambe eqinisweni lakho; ngiphe ihliziyo epheleleko ukuze ngesabe ibizo lakho. Somandla, Zimami, ngikuthokoza ngehliziywami yoke, ngidumisa ibizo lakho nini nanini ngombana ukwethembeka kwakho kukhulu kimi: Watjhaphulula umphefumulwami emgodini wokufa. Zimu, iindeleli zingivukele, ijima leendlova lizumana nepilwami begodu wena azikubeki ndawo. Kodwana wena Somandla, unguZimu onomusa nesirhawu, ubuthaka ekusilingekeni, uzele ukwethembeka neqiniso. Phendukela kimi ungirhawukele! Qinisa incekwakho ngamandlakho, usindise indodana yencekukazakho. Ngibonise iphawu lesisa sakho ukuze abangizondako badane nababona wena Somnini ungisiza, ungiduduza. Irhubo lamaKhorarhi; ingoma. Iinsekelo zeJerusalema ziseentabeni ezicwengileko. USomnini uthanda amasango weZiyoni ukwedlula zoke iindawo zokuhlala zakaJakopo. Kukhulunywa ngezinto ezidumisekako ngawe, muzi kaZimu. “Hlangana nabangaziko mina Jerusalema, ngibala isihlola iGibhide neBhabheli, iye, iFilistiya, iTirosi kanye neKutjhe.” Nanyana abantu babelethelwa lapho, kodwana ngeZiyoni kuzakuthiwa: “Omunye nomunye umntwanayo begodu ongoPhezulu ngokwakhe uzayenza inzinze.” Lokha uSomnini natlolisa izizwe, uzakutlola bunje: “Laba bantwana beZiyoni.” Nalokha nabagidako bavuma bathi: “Inongwethu ngokupheleleko iseZiyoni.” Ingoma; irhubo lamaKhorarhi; kumkhaleli; ngeMarhalathi; ngokudlhegana; iMaskili; lakaHemani umEzrarhi. Somnini, Zimu wesindiswami, emini ngiyarhuwelela, ebusuku ngiphambi kwakho. Umthandazwami awufike kuwe, indlebakho ilalele ukulila kwami ngombana umphefumulwami uzwile ngamatshwenyeko nokuphila kwami kutjhidele ekufeni. Ngibalwa kanye nabehlela emgodini, sese ngifana nomuntu ophelelwe mamandla, otjhiyiweko hlangana nabafileko nanjengabamadlhwe bebalala ethuneni ongasabakhumbuliko; iye, njengabasusiweko esandleni sakho. Ungibeke ekuzikeni komgodi, eendaweni zobumnyama obutjhingako. Ilaka lakho lingehlele, ungibhibha ngamadlambakho. Wenze iinhlobo zami zangitjhiya, wangenza ngaba sinyenyiso kizo; ngivalelekile, angikwazi ukuphuma. Ilihlo lami liyafiphala ngesizi. Imihla yoke ngilila kuwe Somnini, ngikhongozela kuwe izandla zami. Abafileko uyabenzela iimangaliso na? Iinthunzi ziyavuka zikuthokoze na? Ukwethembeka kwakho kuyatjhunyayelwa ethuneni, namkha ubuqotho bakho endaweni yokubhujiswa na? Iimangaliso zakho ziyaziwa ebumnyameni, namkha ukulunga kwakho ezweni lokukhohlwa na? Yeke mina Somnini, ngilila kuwe; ekuseni umthandazwami wenyukela kuwe. Somnini, ungilahlelani? Ungifihlelelani ubuso bakho? Kusukela ebutjheni bami ngingochakileko, ngisengozini yokufa; ngiphelile ngokwethuswa nguwe. Ubukhali bakho bungehlele; ukwesabeka kwakho kungiqedile. Kungizombe njengamanzi imini yoke, kungizombeleze mahlangothi woke. Wenze bona abangithandako nabomakhelwana bangihlubuke, iinhlobo zami sese kubumnyama. IMaskili laka-Etani umEzrarhi. Ngizakuvuma ngezenzo zokwethembeka kwakaSomnini nini nanini. Somnini, ngomlomami ngizakumemezela ubuqotho bakho iinzukulwana ngeenzukulwana. Ngambala, ngizakumemezela ngithi: Ukwethembeka kwakho kunzinze isiphelani, uqinise ubuqotho bakho emazulwini. Wena wathi: “Ngenze isivumelwano nokhethiweko wami, ngafunga encekwinami uDavida ngathi, ‘Isizukulwana sakho ngizasiqinisa isiphelani, nginzinzise isihlalo sakho sobukhosi iinzukulwana ngeenzukulwana.’ ” Iindalwa zezulu azidumise iimangaliso zakho, Somnini; iye, ubuqotho bakho ehlanganweni yabacwengileko ngombana hlangana nabaphezulu ngubani ongalinganiswa noSomnini? Iye, ngubani ongafaniswa noSomnini phakathi kwabozinyana? USomnini unguZimu osabekako ebandla labacwengileko; mkhulu uyababazeka kibo boke abamzombelezileko. Somnini, Zimu Mninimandlawoke, ngubani onamandla njengawe? Somnini, ubuqotho bakho bukuzombelezile. Wena ulawula ilwandle naliphakamako; uthulise amadlambalo nakhiphizelako. Wena wahlaba uRahabu bewamtshidlha; wahlakaza izitha zakho ngengalwakho enamandla. Amazulu angawakho nephasi ngelakho; wanzinzisa umhlaba nakho koke okukiwo. Wena wadala itlhagu nesewula; iTabori neRherimoni ziyahlokoma ebizweni lakho. Ingalwakho ineenkhwepha, isandla sakho sinamandla, isidla sakho siphakamile. Ukulunga nobulungiswa kusisekelo sesihlalo sakho sobukhosi; ukwethembeka neqiniso kukhamba phambi kwakho. Somnini, babusisiwe abantu abazi umkhosi womgidi, labo abakhamba emkhanyweni wobukhona bakho. Ilanga loke bahlokoma ngebizo lakho begodu baphakamisa ukulunga kwakho. Mbala, uyiphazimulo yamandlethu, ngomusakho idumo lethu liphakamile. Umbusi osihlangu sethu, ungowakaSomnini, iye, ubabethu ungowoCwengileko ka-Israyeli. Kothembekileko wakho wakhe wakhuluma ngombono wathi: “Ngibeke isihlohlo phezu kwengorho, ngaphakamisa loyo okhethwe ebantwini. Ngifumene incekwami uDavida, ngamzesa ngamafuthami acwengileko. Isandla sami sizakuhlala simsekele begodu ingalwami izamqinisa. Akunasitha esizamhlula nesikhohlakali angeze samthobisa. Ngizakuqova amanabakhe phambi kwakhe, ngimadlhe phasi labo abamzondileko. Ubuqotho nokwethembeka kwami kuzakuba naye; ngebizo lami idumo lakhe lizakuphakanyiswa. Ngizakubeka isandla sakhe phezu kwelwandle nesidla sakhe phezu kwemilambo. Uzangibiza ngokuthi, ‘UnguBaba, unguZimami, nedwala lesindiswami.’ Ngizamenza izibulo lami, iye, ongehla kwamakhosi wephasi. Ngizamgcinela ukwethembeka kwami isiphelani, isivumelwano sami naye sizakuhlala siqinile. Ngizakujamisa isizukulwana sakhe nini nanini, iye, nobukhosi bakhe, ije izulu lisekhona. “Nakube abantwabakhe bahlubuka umthethwami begodu bangakhambi ngeemfundiso zami, nalokha nabalulaza neemiso zami begodu bangagcini imiyalwami, ngizokuphobola ngentonga iimphambeko zabo namacalabo ngamatshwenyeko. Kodwana angekhe ngasusa ukwethembeka kwami kuye namkha ngiphambukise ubuqotho bami. Isivumelwano sami asobe ngasilulaza, namkha ngijikele ilizwi engilikhulumileko. Ngafunga kwaba kanye ngokucwengeka kwami, angeze ngamkhohlisa uDavida: Isizukulwana sakhe sizakujama nini nanini, isihlalo sakhe sinzinze phambi kwami njengelanga, sizakudzimelela isiphelani njengenyezi ebufakazi obuqinileko esibhakabhakeni.” Kodwana wena Zimu, kwanjesi umlahlile, wamala. Uvuthe ngelaka lakho kumzeswakho, wajikela isivumelwano sakho nencekwakho, wabhutjhabhutjha isihlohlo sayo ehlabathini. Uphundluse yoke imithangalayo, wenza iimphephelo zayo zaba liququ. Boke abadlula ngendlela bayayiphanga; seyiphenduke isiphoqo sabomakhelwana. Uphakamise isidla samanabayo, wenza zoke izitha zayo zathakasa begodu uphendulele ubukhali besabulayo, iye, epini akhange uyisekele. Ususe isithunzi sayo, waradlha phasi isihlalo sayo sobukhosi. Urhunyeze amalanga wobutjha bayo, wayithela ngeenhloni. Kuzabe kube nini Somnini uzifihla? Ilaka lakho livutha njengomlilo isiphelani na? Khumbula bona ukuphila kwami kungangani: Boke abantu owabadalako imihla yabo mifitjhani. Ngubani ongaphila angasaboni ukufa? Ngubani ongasinda emandleni wethuna na? Somandla, kuphi ukwethembeka kwakho kwakade owafunga ngakho ngobuqotho bakho kuDavida na? Somandla, khumbula isiphoqo seenceku zakho engisethwele ngaphakathi kwami; khumbula zoke izizwekazi eziphoqakwezi, iye, Somnini, izitha zakho eziphoqa amabhadu wozesiweko wakho. Akadunyiswe uSomnini nini nanini! Amen, iye, Amen. Umthandazo kaMosi, umuntu kaZimu. Somandla, wena ube siphephelo sethu iinzukulwana ngeenzukulwana! Wena bewunguZimu nini nanini, iintaba zingakabi khona, iye, ungakavezi iphasi nelizwe. Ubuyisela obhubhako ethulini ngokuthi kwaphela: “Buyani nina bantu.” Ngambala, emehlwenakho iminyaka eyikulungwana injengelanga linye, iye, ilanga layizolo elidlulileko; ifana nesikhathi sinye somlindo wobusuku. Wena uqeda abantu, ekuseni baba njengobuthongo obudlulileko; babe njengotjani obuphelako: Iye, ekuseni buyahluma, kodwana ntambama buphetha ngokutjhwaba, bubune. Itukuthelwakho iyasiqothula, ubukhali bakho buyasethusa. Wena ubeke amacalethu phambi kwakho, iye, okufihliweko phambi kwakho emkhanyweni. Amalangethu ayaphela ngelaka lakho neminyakethu siyiphetha ngokububula. Iminyaka yokuphila kwethu imatjhumi alikhomba, nasiqinileko ibe matjhumi abunane; kodwana ubuhle bayo bunobudisi nesizi. Mbala iminyakethu idlula masinyana bese thina siyaphapha semuke. Ngubani owazi amandla wetukuthelwakho, njengombana ilaka lakho lilikhulu, lifana nokwesabeka kwakho na? Somnini, sifundise ukubala amalangethu ukuze sizuze ihliziyo enokuhlakanipha. Buya Somnini! Kuzabe kube nini na? Tlhuwela iinceku zakho. Ekuseni yewusisuthise ngokwethembeka kwakho ukuze sithabe, sename emalangenethu woke. Siphe amalanga wokujabula, abe ngangalawo owasibetha ngawo; iye, njengeminyakeni esabona ngayo okumbi. Umsebenzakho awubonakale eencekwini zakho nephazimulwakho ebantwaneni bazo. Somandla, Zimethu, kwanga isisa sakho singaba phezu kwethu! Nzinzisa umsebenzi wezandla zethu, iye, uqinise umsebenzi wezandla zethu. Umuntu ohlezi ekusithekeni kongoPhezulu nokhosele emthunzini woSabekako, uthi kuSomnini: “Ubuphephelo bami nerholo lami, uZimami engimethembako.” Ngambala yena uyakuhlenga esifwini somthiyi, iye, kubhubhani orhayilako. Ukufihla ngeensiba zakhe, ngaphasi kwamaphikwakhe ufunyana ubuphephelo, ubuqotho bakhe busihlangu nomthangala. Angeze wesaba ukwesabeka kobusuku namkha imisubela ephapha emini, nanyana ubhubhani ogega ebumnyameni, iye, umbulalazwe obhubhisa emini ekulu. Ikulungwana ingawa eqadi kwakho, ngitjho netjhumi leenkulungwana ngesidleni sakho, kodwana ubhubhani angeze ehlela kuwe. Uzamqala kwaphela ngamehlwakho, ubone ukubuyiselelwa kweenkhohlakali. Ngambala wena Somnini usiphephelo sami! Nakube wenze ongoPhezulu isiphephelo sakho, akunabumbi obuzakwehlela nemikhokha ezakutjhidela etendeni lakho. Mbala, uzakuyala iingilozi zakhe ngawe, zikulonde eendleleni zoke zakho; zikuthwale ngezandla zazo ukuze inyawo lakho lingakhutjwa lilitje. Uzakubhadula phezu kwebhubezi nephiphi, ugadange ibhubezana nenyoka. USomnini uthi: “Ongikhathalelako ngizamsindisa, ngimvikele ngombana wazi ibizo lami. Lokha nangibizako ngizamphendula; ngibe naye eensizini, ngimhlenge bengimuphe idumo. Ngizamsuthisa ngepilo ede, ngimbonise isindiswami.” Irhubo; ingoma yelanga leSabatha. Kuhle ukuthokoza uSomnini, iye, ukudumisa ibizo lakho, wena ongoPhezulu, ukumemezela ukwethembeka kwakho ekuseni nobuqotho bakho ebusuku, ngomkenenezo weharibha leenara ezilitjhumi nangomvumo weharibhana. Ngambala, ungithokozisile ngomsebenzakho, Somnini, ngezenzo zezandla zakho ngizakuhlokoma. Maye, zikulu izenzo zakho Somnini! Imicabangwakho uthi izikile na! Isiyila angekhe sakwazi lokhu nesidlhadlha angeze sazwisisa: Iinkhohlakali zihluma njengotjani neengilamkhuba ziyaqhakaza, kobana zibhujiswe isiphelani. Wena Somnini, nini nanini uphakeme, kodwana izitha zakho, Somnini, iye, izitha zakho, qala ziyabhubha; mbala, iingilamkhuba ziyahlakazwa. Wena uphakamise idumo lami njengephondo leliza, wangithambisa ngamanyephe amatjha. Amehlwami abonile ukuwa kwamanabami neendlebe zami zizwile ukubhubha kwabajamelani bami. Abalungileko bahluma njengomdubi, bakhule njengomsedari weLibhanoni. Bona batjalwe ngendlini kaSomnini, bahluma esirhodlweni sakaZimethu. Nebudaleni babo basathela iinthelo, balihlaza begodu bahlala baqhakazile ukuze batjengise bona uSomnini wethembekile. Yena ulidwala lami begodu akunabukhohlakali kuye. USomnini uyabusa, wembethe iphazimulo; uvunule bewazithekeleza amandla! Ngalokho wanzinzisa iphasi, nje-ke angeze lanyakaziswa. Somnini, isihlalo sakho sobukhosi sinzinze mandulondulo; wena ungowanini nanini. Amanzi amanengi aphakamile, Somnini, iye, iinkhukhula ziphakamise iphimbo lazo; mbala, amalwandle aphakamise ukubhodla kwawo. Kodwana ngaphezu kwetjhada lamanzi amanengi, iye, itjhada lamadlambi welwandle anamandla, kunoSomnini phezulu onamandla. Ubufakazi besivumelwano sakho bethembakele khulu, ukucwengeka kuyifanele indlwakho Somnini, bekube nini nanini. Zimu obuyiselelako, Somnini, iye, wena Zimu obuyiselelako, khanya ngokudarhileko! Sikima wena mgwebi wephasi, uphe abazitjhayako okubafaneleko! Somnini, kuzabe kube nini iinkhohlakali ziziphakamisa, iye, kuzabe kube nini zidlondlobala na? Zikhuluma ngamaganyana wokuzitjhaya iye, zoke iingilamkhuba ziyazikhakhazisa. Ziqova abantu bakho, Somnini, zigandelela ilifa lakho. Zibulala umhlolokazi nesikhonzi, iye, zitjhabalalisa iintandani, zibuye zithi: “USomnini akaboni; uZimu kaJakopo akanaki.” Yelelani nina bantu abalibeleko! Nina ndlhayela ndina, nizakuhlakanipha nini? Owanameka indlebe, akezwa na? Owahlomela ilihlo, akaboni na? Okhalimela bezizwe, akabethi na? Mbala ofundisa umuntu ilwazi, unguSomnini owazi imicabango yomuntu kobana ililize lakolize. Ubusisiwe omkhalimelako Somnini; iye, loyo omfundisa ngomthethwakho ukuze umnikele ukuphumula emalangeni amambi, ukufikela lapha isikhohlakali senjelwa khona umgodi. Ngambala, uSomnini angeze abatjhiye abantu bakhe, angeze alilahla ilifa lakhe. Iye, ubulungiswa buzakubuyela kwabalungileko nabaqotho ngehliziyo bazabulandela. Ngathi: “Ngubani ozangijamela kabenza okumbi? Ngubani ozangenyela eengilamkhubeni na?” Ngathana uSomnini akhange angisize, ngabe sengibalwa nabaleleko. Nangidlumbana bonyana inyawo lami liyatjhelela, ukwethembeka kwakho, Somnini, kwangisekela. Lokha imikhumbulwami nayihlubayezeka khulu, induduzwakho ivuselela umphefumulwami. Wena angeze waba nehlanganyelo nabagwebi abakhohlakeleko, labo ababumba okumbi ngokujamelana nomthetho. Baluka ilisu ngepilo yolungileko, balahle onganacala ngesigwebo sokufa. Kodwana uSomnini ube lirholo lami, iye, uZimami olidwala lobuphephelo bami. USomnini uzababuyiselela ngesono sabo, abathanyele ngobukhohlakali babo; iye, uSomnini uZimethu uzabathanyela. Yenize sihlokomele uSomnini; iye, sihlokomalele iDwala lesindiswethu! Asitjhideleni phambi kwakhe ngokuthokoza, simhlokomalele ngeengoma! Mbala, uSomnini unguZimu omkhulu nombusi omkhulu ngaphezu kwabozinyana. Esandleni sakhe uphethe ukuzika kwephasi, iinqongo zeentaba nazo zingezakhe. Ilwandle lingelakhe ngombana walenza nezandla zakhe zabumba indawo eyomileko. Yizani simlotjhe simkhothamele, siguqe phambi kwakaSomnini umenzethu! Mbala, yena unguZimethu, thina sibabantu bedlelo lakhe nomhlambi wesandla sakhe. Namhlanje kwanga ningalalela iphimbo lakhe ngombana wathi: “Ningaqinisi iinhliziyo zenu njengeMeriba nanjengelangeni lelo eMasa, erhalawumbeni, lapha aboyihlomkhulu bangizizinya khona, bangilinga nanyana besele babonile umsebenzami. Iminyaka ematjhumi amane isizukulwaneso sangikghabhudlha. Nje-ke ngathi, ‘Sibabantu abaphambene ngehliziyo, neendlela zami asiziyeleli.’ Ngalokho ngafunga elakeni lami ngathi, ‘Angeze bangene ekuphumuleni kwami.’ ” Vumani ingoma etja kuSomnini; iphasi loke alivumele uSomnini! Vumelani uSomnini, nidumise ibizo lakhe, nilethe iindaba ezimnandi zesindiswakhe imihla ngemihla. Memezelani iphazimulwayo ezizweni neemangaliso zayo hlangana nabantu boke. Mbala mkhulu uSomnini begodu kumele adunyiswe ngamandla. Yena wesatjwa ngaphezu kwabozinyana boke ngombana abosingazimu babantu baziinthombe nje kwaphela. USomnini wawenza amazulu, ukuhlonitjhwa nobukhosi kuphambi kwakhe, iye, amandla nephazimulo kusethempelini lakhe. Lethani kuSomnini nina nkoro zezizwe; iye, lethani kuSomnini idumo namandla. Lethani kuSomnini idumo elifanele ibizo lakhe; lethani iminikelo, ningene esirhodlweni sethempeli lakhe. Lotjhani uSomnini ekucwengeni kwephazimulwakhe; iphasi loke alithuthumele phambi kwakhe. Memezelani ezizweni nithi: “USomnini uyabusa! Ilizwe lihlezi lanzinza, angeze lanyakaziswa. Uzakugweba izizwe ngokufaneleko.” Amazulu akathabe, iphasi lijabule, ilwandle lihlokome nakho koke okukilo. Ummango awusase nakho koke okukiwo, yoke imithi yehlathi ihlokome phambi kwakaSomnini ngombana uyeza, iye, uyeza bona azokugweba iphasi. Uzakugweba ilizwe ngokulunga nezizwe ngeqiniso lakhe. USomnini uyabusa; iphasi alijabule, iye, zoke iinarha ezingaphetjheya zithabe! Amafu nobumnyama kumphahlile; ukulunga nobulungiswa kusisekelo sesihlalo sakhe sobukhosi. Phambi kwakhe kukhamba umlilo oqothula amanabakhe mazombe. Imibanakhe ibaneka ilizwe; iphasi libone lokho lithuthumele. Iintaba zincithika njengamanyephe phambi kwakaSomnini, iye, ngebanga lobukhona bomnikazi wephasi loke. Amazulu amemezela ukulunga kwakhe nezizwe zoke zibona iphazimulwakhe. Boke abalotjhi bemifanekiso bakhenile, iye, labo abazigqaja ngeenthombe zabo. Boke abosingazimu bayaguqa phambi kwakhe. IZiyoni nalizwa lokho liyajabula nemizi yakwaJuda iyathaba, iye, ngebanga leengwebo zakho, Zimu. Mbala wena Somnini, ephasini loke uphakeme, kibozinyana boke, ungehla khulu. USomnini uthanda abazonde ubumbi, welusa amaphilo wabathembekileko bakhe, abahlenge esandleni seenkhohlakali. Umkhanyo usabalele kwabalungileko nokwenama kungokwabaqotho ngehliziyo. Thakasani kuSomnini nina abalungileko, nithokoze ibizo lakhe elicwengileko! Irhubo. Vumani ingoma etja kuSomnini ngombana wenze iimangaliso. Isidla sakhe nengalwakhe ecwengileko kumlethele ukuhlula. USomnini uzwakalise ukuhlula kwakhe, wembule isigwebo sakhe phambi kwezizwe. Wakhumbula ukwethembeka nobuqotho bakhe endlini ka-Israyeli. Imikhawulo yoke yephasi yabona ukuhlula kwakaSomnini. Hlokomelani uSomnini nina bephasi loke! Thabani nihlokome begodu nirhube! Rhubelani uSomnini ngeharibhana, iye, ngeharibha nomvumo. Hlokomani phambi kwakaSomnini umbusi ngeemporompita nomdumo wepalapala. Ilwandle alirhube nokugcwala kwalo, iphasi lidume nabahlali balo, iinkhukhula ziphorome, iintaba zihlokome kanyekanye phambi kwakaSomnini ngombana uyeza uzokugweba iphasi; iye, agwebe ilizwe ngokulunga nezizwe ngokufaneleko. USomnini uyabusa, izizwe azithuthumele. Uhlezi phezu kwamakerubhi, iphasi alidengezele. USomnini mkhulu eZiyoni, wengamele izizwe zoke. Yeke, ibizo lakhe elesabekako alidunyiswe zizizwe. Mbala yena ucwengile! Somnini onamandla, mthandi wobulungiswa, wena wabeka ukuhleleka, wenza ubulungiswa nokulunga kwaJakopo. Phakamisani uSomnini uZimethu; mlotjheni ebunabelweni beenyawo zakhe. Mbala, yena ucwengile! UMosi no-Aroni bebaphakathi kwabaphristi bakhe noSamyela kilabo ababiza ibizo lakhe. Nabalilela uSomnini wabezwa; wakhuluma nabo asesikeni yelifu. Bona balonda ubufakazi neemiso abanikela zona. Somnini, Zimethu, wabaphendula; waba nguZimu ocolelako kibo, nanyana wababetha ngezono zabo. Phakamisani uSomnini uZimethu; mlotjheni entabenakhe ecwengileko. Mbala, uSomnini uZimethu ucwengile! Irhubo lokuthokoza. Hlokomelani uSomnini nina bephasi loke! Lotjhani uSomnini ngokuthaba, nize phambi kwakhe ngehlokomo. Yazini bona uSomnini unguZimu. Nguye owasidalako, singebakhe; thina sibabantu bakhe nefuyo yedlelo lakhe. Ngenani emasangwenakhe ngokuthokoza nesirhodlweni sakhe ngokudumisa; mthokozeni, nibabaze ibizo lakhe! Mbala, uSomnini ulungile, ukwethembeka kwakhe kujame isiphelani nobuqotho bakhe iinzukulwana ngeenzukulwana. Irhubo lakaDavida. Ngizakukhalela ngokwethembeka nangokulunga, ngokurhubela wena, Somnini. Iye, ngizakuyelela indlela epheleleko. Uzakuza nini kimi na? Ngizakukhambakhamba ngesigodlweni sami ngehliziyo eqotho. Angekhe ngabekezelela ubukhohlakali phambi kwami. Ngiyayizonda indlela yeemphambeko; angeze ngathatheka ngayo. Ngizakuba kude nehliziyo eneengwegwe; angeze ngaba nendaba nokumbi. Loyo ohleba umuntu, ngizamthulisa. Amehlo azitjhayako nehliziyo ezikhukhumezako angeze ngayamukela. Ngikhetha abaqotho enarheni ukuze bakwazi ukuphila nami; okhamba endleleni epheleleko nguye ongangisebenzela; owenza ikohlakalo angekhe ahlala esigodlweni sami; okhuluma amanga angeze ajama phambi kwami. Imihla ngemihla ekuseni ngizakuthulisa iinkhohlakali enarheni, ngisuse zoke iingilamkhuba emzini kaSomnini. Umthandazo wohluphekileko lokha abuthakathaka godu abubula phambi kwakaSomnini. Somnini, yizwa umthandazwami; ilizwi lesililo sami alifike kuwe. Ungafihli ubuso bakho kimi elangeni lesizi lami; beka indlebakho kimi mhlana ngikubizako; ungiphendule masinyana! Iye, amalangami aphela njengentuthu namathambami avutha njengomlilo eziko. Ihliziywami iwohlokile begodu ibune njengotjani; sese ngibuthakathaka kobana ngingadla. Ngebanga lokuquma kwami sese ngikhehlile, ngimathambo. Nginjengegubulu lerhalawumba nanjengesirhulurhulu semarubhini. Nangileleko ngiyaphilelwa, nginjengenyoni ehlezi yodwa ephahleni. Ilanga loke izitha zami ziyangiphoqa; abangithukako bahlolozela ngami. Ngikhuma umlotha inga ngidla isikwa, ngivange isiselo sami neenyembezi, ngebanga lobukhali nelaka lakho, iye, ungithethe wangifuthela eqadi. Amalangami anjengethunzi entambama, ngiyabuna njengotjani. Kodwana wena Somnini, unobukhosi banini nanini, isinanazelo sakho ngeseenzukulwana ngeenzukulwana. Yewusikime ngokwakho urhawukele iZiyoni! Kusikhathi somusa ngalo, iye, isikhathi esibekiweko sifikile ngombana iinceku zakho ziyawabuka amatje walo begodu zitlhuwela ithuli leZiyonelo. Izizwe zizalesaba ibizo lakaSomnini, idumo lakhe lihlonitjhwe makhosi woke wephasi lokha navuselela iZiyoni. Uzazibonakalisa asephazimulwenakhe, anake umthandazo wabahlubule begodu angekhe asinyaze isibawo sabo. Mbala, lokhu kuzakutlolwa phasi kube ngokwesizukulwana esizako nesizwe esizakudaleka sizakudumisa uSomnini lokha nasele asiqalile aphezulu ekucwengeni, iye, lokha uSomnini nasele aqale phasi asezulwini, ukuze alalele ukububula kweembotjhwa nokutjhaphulula labo esele benganyelwe kukufa. Ibizo lakaSomnini lizakumenyezelwa eZiyoni nedumo lakhe eJerusalema, lokha abantu nababuthana ndawonye, ngitjho nemibuso ukuze balotjhe uSomnini. USomnini waqeda amandlami ngisesephakathi kwendlela yepilo, iye, warhunyeza amalangami. Ngebangelo ngiyancenga ngithi: “Zimami, ungangisusi ngisesephakathi kwamalangami.” Iminyakakho iseenzukulwaneni ngeenzukulwana. Wabeka iinsekelo zephasi emandulo namazulu amsebenzi wezandla zakho. Zona izintwezo zizakubhubha, kodwana wena ujamile. Iye, koke lokho kuzakuphela njengengubo; mbala, njengesambatho uzakukuphendulela, ngalokho kuzakuphela. Kodwana wena unguwe njalo, iminyakakho ayinamkhawulo. Abantwana beenceku zakho, bazakuhlala baphephile. Iinzukulwana zabo zizakunzinza phambi kwakho. Irhubo lakaDavida. Dumisa uSomnini mphefumulwami! Iye, koke okuphakathi kwami akudumise ibizo lakhe elicwengileko. Dumisa uSomnini mphefumulwami! Soke isirhawu sakhe ungasikhohlwa! Yena olibalela woke amacalakho, elaphe zoke izifo zakho, okuhlenga uphephe emgodini wokufa, akubusise ngokwethembeka nangomusa, okuzalisa ngokuhle, kufikela lapha waneliseka khona; ubutjha bakho buvuseleleke njengekhozi. USomnini wenza okulungileko, boke abagandelelweko ubenzela ubulungiswa. Wazisa uMosi iindlela zakhe, iye, nama-Israyeli izenzo zakhe. USomnini unomusa nesirhawu, ubuthaka ekusilingekeni, uzele ukwethembeka. Akahlali asola; akanghaleli kwasafuthi. Akasiphathi njengokufanele izono zethu; akasibuyiseleli ngokulingene amacalethu. Njengokuphakama kwezulu ngehla kwephasi, kungako ukwethembeka kwakhe kwabamesabako. Njengepumalanga idedelene netjingalanga, ngokunjalo ususa iimphambeko zethu kithi. Njengoyise onesirhawu ebantwaneni bakhe noSomnini unesirhawu kangako kwabamesabako. Yena uyazi bona sibunjwe ngani, uyakhumbula bonyana silithuli nje. Amalanga wobhubhako anjengotjani: Uqhakaza njengelikhwa lommango, kodwana lokha ummoya nawulibethako, liyaphela, indawalo lingasayazi. Nokho ukwethembeka kwakaSomnini kungokwanini nanini kwabamesabako nokulunga kwakhe kungokweenzukulwana kilabo abalonda isivumelwano sakhe, iye, labo abakhumbula ukulandela ifundiswakhe. USomnini unzinzise isihlalo sakhe sobukhosi ezulwini; ubukhosi bakhe bengamele koke. Dumisani uSomnini nina ngilozi zakhe, iye, nina ngorho ezinamandla eziphelelisa imilaywakhe ngokulalela amezwi wephimbo lakhe! Dumisani uSomnini nina noke mabuthwakhe, iye, nina nceku zakhe enenza intandwakhe! Dumisani uSomnini nina noke mbunjwa zakhe eendaweni zoke azibusako. Dumisa uSomnini mphefumulwami! Dumisa uSomnini mphefumulwami! Somnini, Zimami, umkhulu khulu wena, wembethe ukuhlonitjhwa nobukhosi! Yena ozisonga ngokukhanya njengengubo; ondlala amazulu njengetende, owakha amalawakhe angehla emanzini, amafu awenze ikaranakhe, akhambe phezu kwamaphiko wommoya. Yena owenza imimoya iinthunywa zakhe, umlilo namalangabi kube ziinsebenzi zakhe. Yena osekela iphasi phezu kweensekelo zalo ukuze lingasanyakaziswa nini nanini. Wena Somnini, wagubuzesa iphasi ngamanzi amanengi njengengubo, njengombana amanzi ajama ngehla kweentaba. Ngokukhalima kwakho abaleka, ngokuzwakala kokuduma kwakho asuka masinyana, anyukela eentabeni, agelezela phasi emikghotheni, endaweni owawajamisela yona. Wawabekela umkhawulo lapha angeze afahla khona; akhange asagubuzesa iphasi godu. USomnini wenza iiyalo ziphundluke emirhobeni; zigeleze hlangana neentaba, ziseze zoke iimbadana zenarha: Abodumbana bommango basuse ukoma kwabo; iinyoni zesibanga zizakhele ngehla kwamanzi, zibethe imilozi hlangana namakari wemithi. Uthelelela iintaba ngamanzi asemalawinakhe angehla, iphasi lanelisiwe ngeenthelo zemisebenzakhe. Yena omilisela ifuyo utjani neentjalo kobana abantu bazilime ukuze bavune ukudla ehlabathini: Iwayini elithokozisa ihliziyo yomuntu, amafutha we-oliva aphazimulisa ubuso nesikwa esiqinisa ihliziyo yobhubhako. Imithi yakaSomnini isezelwa kuhle, ngitjho nemisedari yeLibhanoni ayitjalileko, lapha iinyoni zakha khona iinhlakana; udoyi abe nendlwana emithini yomsayipurusi. Iintaba eziphakamileko zingezeembuzi zeentaba; amadwala alirharha leembila. Wenze inyezi kobana kuphawuleke iinkhathi nelanga elazi isikhathi sokutjhinga kwalo. Uletha ubumnyama kube busuku, khonapho kuphume zoke iinlwana zehlathi. Amabhubezana ayabhodla afune inyama, abawe ukudla kwawo kuZimu. Ilanga naliphumako, ayasithela, alale emadzabenawo. Umuntu uyaphuma aye emsebenzinakhe, iye, emtjhikatjhikeni bekuhlwe. Maye, minengi kangangani imisebenzakho Somnini! Yoke uyenze ngokuhlakanipha; iphasi ligcwele umnothwakho. Le, kunelwandle elikhulu begodu libanzi lendlalekile; ligcwele iwoma leemphili ezikhakhabako, iye, iindalwa ezinganakubalwa ezikulu nezincani. Kilo kukhamba iinthayamanzi nonomrhaso welwandle owamdalako; wamenza bona adlale kilo. Koke kuqalelele kuwe kobana ukuphe ukudla ngesikhathi. Lokha nawukunikela ukudla, kuyakudobha; nawuvula isandla sakho kwaneliswe ngokuhle. Lokha nawusitheza ubuso, kuyakakamala; nawususa ummoya wakho lokho, kuyafa, kubuyele ethulini lapha kubuya khona. Lokha nawuphefumulela kikho, kuyadaleka; ngendlela leyo uvuselela ubuso bephasi. Kwanga iphazimulo yakaSomnini ingajama isiphelani! Kwanga uSomnini angathaba emsebenzinakhe; iye, yena othi naqala iphasi, lidengezele; nathinta iintaba, zithunye intuthu. Ngizakukhalelela uSomnini ipilwami yoke, ngidumise uZimami qobe ngisekhona. Kwanga ukuzimisela kwami kungamukeleka kuye, njengombana ngenamile kuSomnini. Kwanga izoni zingapheliswa ephasini neenkhohlakali zingasabakhona. Dumisa uSomnini mphefumulwami! Haleluya! Bongani uSomnini, nibize ibizo lakhe; nazise izenzo zakhe phakathi kwezizwe. Mvumeleni ingoma, nimdumise; babazani zoke iimangaliso zakhe. Zikhakhaziseni ebizweni lakhe elicwengileko; azithabe iinhliziyo zabafuna uSomnini. Rhuluphelani uSomnini namandlakhe; nifunisise ubuso bakhe njalonjalo. Khumbulani iimangaliso zakhe azenzileko, imikarisomraro nemithetho ayikhulumileko, iye, nina nzukulwana zaka-Abrahamu inceku yakaSomnini, nina bantwana bakaJakopo okhethiweko wakhe. Yena unguSomnini uZimethu; imithethwakhe yembethe iphasi loke. Ukhumbula isivumelwano sakhe nini nanini nesithembiso ayala ngaso iinkulungwana zeenzukulwana, iye, isivumelwano asenza no-Abrahamu nesifungo sakhe ku-Isaka. Wasiqinisa kuJakopo saba simiso nakuma-Israyeli saba sivumelwano isiphelani; wathi: “Wena Jakopo ngizakunikela inarha yeKanana, ibe sisabelo selifa lama-Israyeli.” Lokha ama-Israyeli nasesembalwa ngesibalo, aba ziinkhonzi kwesikhatjhana eKanana, nalokha azulazula ezizweni ngezizwe, iye ukusuka emibusweni ukuya komunye, uZimu akhange avumele noyedwa, bonyana awagandelele. Wabe wakhalima namakhosi ngebanga lawo, ngokuthi: “Ningathinti abazesiweko bami, ningalimazi abaphorofidi bami.” Lokha nawuthumele indlala ephasini, nalokha nawephula umphekgho wesikwa, wathumela umuntu phambi kwawo: uJosefa owathengiswa njengekhoboka. Baminyezela iinyawo zakhe ngamakhamandela, intamakhe yafakwa ikholoro yesimbi. Ilizwi lakaSomnini lamzizinya ukufikela lapha isithembiso sakhe sizaliseka khona. Ikosi uFaro yathumela kobana athukululwe, umbusi wabantu loyo wamtjhaphulula. Yena wamenza umengameli wesigodlo sakhe nombusi phezu kwepahlakhe yoke, kobana ngelizwi nangokuthanda kwakhe abophe iinkhulu zakaFaro, abe afundise nabaphathi ukuhlakanipha. Ngalokho u-Israyeli weza eGibhide; uJakopo wahlala njengesikhonzi enarheni kaRhamu. USomnini wandisa abantu bakhe khulu, wabenza babanamandla ngaphezu kwabagandeleli babo. Waphendula iinhliziyo zabo kobana zizonde abantu bakhe, zibenzele ubukhwebetjhana. Wathumela uMosi incekwakhe kanye no-Aroni amkhethako. Benza iimbonakaliso kumaGibhide, iye, imikarisomraro enarheni kaRhamu. UMosi no-Aroni azange batjhugulule amezwakhe: Lokha uSomnini nathumela ubumnyama, mbala kwaba nzima tshu. Waphendula amanzawo aba ziingazi, ukuze iinhlambi zabo zife. Inarhawo yazala swi ngeenrhwarhwa, ngitjho nemalawini wamakhosanawo. Wakhuluma kwavela iwoma leembawu, kwaba nemiyani emkhawulweni woke. Wawehlisela isinanja esikhundleni sezulu, kwamanyaza umbani enarhenawo, waphohloza isidiribe namakhiwanawo, wephula nemithi yenarhawo. Wakhuluma kwavumbuka intethe, iye, isikhonyani esingangobaba. Sona sadla zoke iimila zenarhawo, sarhiribidela iinthelo zamasimawo. Wamadlha woke amazibulo enarhenawo, iye, isithelo sokuthoma sobudoda bawo. Wakhupha ama-Israyeli aphethe isiliva negolide, akakho noyedwa phakathi kweenkoro zakhe owararejekako. IGibhide yajabulela ukuphuma kwama-Israyeli ngombana besele yehlelwe kukwesaba. USomnini wendlala ilifu kobana libe mthunzi ngehla kwawo nomlilo wokuwakhanyisela ebusuku. Lokha nakhombelako, wawapha iinkwali, iye, wawasuthisa ngokudla okuvela ezulwini. Wavula idwala, kwageleza amanzi, aba njengomlambo ebhudwini. Mbala, wakhumbula isithembiso sakhe esicwengileko asinikela ku-Abrahamu incekwakhe. Wakhupha abantu bakhe ngokujabula, abakhethiweko bakhe ngokuhlokoma. Wabanikela iinarha zezizwe, iye, bazuza umjuluko wazo ukuze balonde iimiso zakhe, bagcine imithethwakhe. Haleluya! Haleluya! Dumisani uSomnini ngombana ulungile nokwethembeka kwakhe kujame isiphelani! Ngubani ongamemezela izenzo zakaSomnini zamandla, namkha azwakalise loke idumo lakhe na? Babusisiwe abalonda okufaneleko, benze nokulungileko ngeenkhathi zoke! Somnini, ungikhumbule lokha nawuba nomusa ebantwini bakho; ungitjheje nawubasindisako ukuze ngibone okuhle kwabakhethiweko bakho, ngijabule ekwenameni kwesizwe sakho, ngizikhakhazise nabalilifa lakho. Thina njengabobamkhulu sonile; siphambukile, nje-ke sonakele. Lokha abobamkhulu nabaseseGibhide, akhange banake iimangaliso zakho; azange bakhumbule ukwethembeka kwakho okukhulu. Bahlubuka nabaselwandle, iye, elwandle lomGaba. Nokho uSomnini wabasindisa ngenca yebizo lakhe, kobana azise amandlakhe amakhulu. Wakhalimela ilwandle lomGaba, loma, wabayamisa ekuzikeni inga kuserhalawumbeni. Wabasindisa esandleni sabanezondo, wabahlenga esandleni sezitha. Amanzi abhibha amanababo, akhange kusinde nelilodwa lawo. Nje-ke bakholwa amezwakhe, bavuma idumo lakhe. Kodwana baba masinya ekukhohlweni imisebenzakhe; akhange baqalelele iseluleko sakhe. Baba nokukhaluza okukhulu nabaserhalawumbeni, bazizinya uZimu khona enarheni elibhudu. Wabapha abakubawako, kodwana wabehlisela ukugonyuluka. Ekampeni bafela uMosi umona no-Aroni ocwengileko wakaSomnini. Iphasi lavuleka laginya uDatani, ladibizesa nejima laka-Abiramu. Hlangana nejimelo kwaqubuka nomlilo; iinkhohlakalezo zadliwa malangabi. Benza ikunzana eRhorebe, balotjha isithombesibunjwa. Benana uZimu oyiphazimulwabo ngomfanekiso wekomo edla utjani! Bakhohlwa uZimu omsindisabo owenza izinto ezikulu eGibhide, iye, iimangaliso enarheni kaRhamu nezinto ezesabekako elwandle lomGaba. Yeke wathi gade azobabhubhisa, kodwana ngetjhudu uMosi, okhethiweko wakhe, wajama esikhaleni phambi kwakhe kobana adambise ilaka lakhe ekubhubhiseni. Godu banyaza nenarha ekhangako, akhange bakholwe iinthembiso zakaSomnini. Bakhonona ematendenabo, azange balalele ilizwi lakaSomnini. Ngalokho waphakamisa isandla, wafunga bona uzobawisa erhalawumbeni, nokobana uzokusabalalisa iinzukulwana zabo hlangana nezizwe, azihlakaze kizo zoke iinarha. Nje-ke bazibophelela kuBhali wePewori, badla okuhlatjelwe abafileko. Ngalokho bathukuthelisa uSomnini ngezenzo zabo, kwaqubuka isifo phakathi kwabo. UFiniyasi wasikima walamula, isifo saphela; wabalelwa lokho njengokulunga, iinzukulwana ngeenzukulwana nini nanini. Godu bathukuthelisa uSomnini emanzini weMeriba, uMosi wehlelwa zizehlo ngebanga labo: Lokha nabahlubuka uMoya kaSomnini, umlomo wakaMosi wakhuluma ngamawala. Godu akhange babhubhise izizwe njengombana uSomnini bekabayalile. Kodwana bakhozisana nazo bebafunda ukwenza imikhubazo. Balotjha abosingazimu bazo okwabuye kwaba sisifu kibo. Benzela imimoya emimbi imihlabelo ngamadodana namadodakazabo. Bathulula iingazi ezinganamlandu, iye, iingazi zamadodana namadodakazabo. Benzela ngawo abosingazimu beKanana imihlabelo; ngalokho inarha yasilaphazwa ziingazi ezinengi. Mbala, bazininda ngezenzo zabo, ngemikhubabo leyo bangwadla. Yeke ilaka lakaSomnini lavutha ngabantu bakhe, wanyenya ilifa lakhe. Wabanikela esandleni sezizwe ukuze labo ababazondako bababuse. Izitha zabo zabagandelela, baguqiswa ngaphasi kwesandla sazo. Wabasindisa kanengi uSomnini, kodwana bona baba namasu wokuhlubuka; ngalokho bacwila ngecala labo. Nokho wanaka isizi labo lokha nezwa isililo sabo. Wakhumbula isivumelwano sakhe ngenca yabo, waba nomusa ngokwethembeka kwakhe okukhulu. Wenza bona barhawukelwe kilabo egade babathumbile. Somnini, Zimethu, sisindise! Yewusibuthe hlangana nezizwe ukuze sazise ibizo lakho elicwengileko, sibabaze iphazimulwakho. Akudunyiswe uSomnini uZimu ka-Israyeli kusukela nini nanini bekube siphelani! Abantu abatjho bathi: “Amen!” Haleluya! Bongani uSomnini ngombana ulungile nokwethembeka kwakhe kujame isiphelani. Abahlengiweko bakaSomnini abatjho njalo, labo abahlenge esandleni somjamelani, iye, labo ababuthe emazweni, ukusuka epumalanga netjingalanga nokusuka etlhagwini nesewula. Abanye bazula erhalawumbeni, ebhudwini bangafunyana indlela eya emzini, iye, indawo yokuhlala; balambile begodu bomile, umphefumulwabo udambile. Nje-ke esizini labo balila kuSomnini, wabatjhaphulula ematlhuwenabo; wabarhola ngendlela enqophileko kobana baye emzini, iye, indawo yokuhlala. Abathokoze uSomnini ngokwethembeka kwakhe nangeemangaliso zakhe ebantwini. Mbala, wakholisa owomileko, wasuthisa onephango ngokuhle. Abanye bahlala ebumnyameni, iye, ethunzini elesabekako; baziimbotjhwa ezisesizini, emakhamandeleni ngombana bahlubuka amezwi kaZimu, banyenya iinluleko zongoPhezulu. Badanjiswa kusebenza nzima; bakhutjwa kwangabikhona obasizako. Nje-ke esizini labo balila kuSomnini, wabasindisa ematlhuwenabo; wabakhupha ebumnyameni, iye, ethunzini elesabekako; wavuthula iimbopho zabo. Abathokoze uSomnini ngokwethembeka kwakhe nangeemangaliso zakhe ebantwini. Mbala, wafohloza iminyango yekoporo, wephula iinqabo zeensimbi zamasango. Abanye baphila ngobudlhayela ngebanga lendlela yeemphambeko zabo, bahlupheka ngenca yamacalabo. Imiphimbabo yanyenya koke ukudla, batjhidela emasangweni wokufa. Nje-ke esizini labo balila kuSomnini, wabasindisa ematlhuwenabo; wathumela ilizwi lakhe wabaphilisa, wabaphephisa emgodini wokufa. Abathokoze uSomnini ngokwethembeka kwakhe nangeemangaliso zakhe ebantwini. Abanikele ngemihlabelo yokuthokoza, babike imisebenzakhe ngokuhlokoma. Abanye behlela elwandle ngeenthayamanzi kobana benze umsebenzi wangemihla emanzini amanengi. Bona babona imisebenzi kaSomnini, iye, iimangaliso zakhe ekuzikeni: Wakhuluma, wavusa isiwuruwuru, wasikimisa amadlambi welwandle. Abakhuphulela phezulu, abuya abaphosa ekuzikeni; engozini leyo baphakanyelwa ziimbindi, badiyazela, batherezela njengesidakwa, bafika kwamgodi uyagcina. Nje-ke esizini labo balila kuSomnini, wabakhupha ematlhuwenabo: Wathulisa isiwuruwuru namadlambi arhobha. Bathaba ngombana athula, wabaletha echwebeni abalifisako. Abathokoze uSomnini ngokwethembeka kwakhe nangeemangaliso zakhe ebantwini. Abamphakamise ebandleni elikhulu, bamdumise ehlanganweni yabaphathi. USomnini wenza imilambo ibe lirhalawumba, iiyalo zibe yihlabathi eyomileko, inarha enothileko ibe libhudu ngenca yobukhohlakali babahlali bayo. Uphendula irhalawumba libe midzwela, ihlabathi eyomileko ibe ziiyalo. Lapho-ke, waphilisa abanephango, bakha khona umuzi, iye, indawo yokuhlala. Barhatjha imbewu emasimini, batjala iindiribe, bafunyana isivuno esihle. Lokha nababusisako, banda khulu, akhange avume bona ifuywabo iphunguke. Kodwana nabangabusisiko bancipha ngesibalo, babhesa ngebanga lokugandelelwa, iinkinga nesizi. USomnini uthela amakhosana ngehlazo, awenze azulazule ebhudwini elinganandlela, kodwana uvikela abadududu ekugandelelweni, andise imindenabo njengemihlambi. Abaqotho bayakubona lokho bajabule; kodwana zoke iinkhohlakali zivala umlomo. Ohlakaniphileko uzaziyelela izintwezi; acabange ngokwethembeka kwakaSomnini. Ingoma; irhubo lakaDavida. Zimu, ihliziywami inzinzile; ngizakuvuma, ngidumise. Mphefumulwami, vuka! Ngeenara zamaharibha ngizakuphaphamisa ukusa. Somnini, ngizakuthokoza hlangana nezizwe; ngikudumise phakathi kwabantu. Ukwethembeka kwakho kuphakeme njengamazulu neqiniso lakho lilulekele emafini. Zimu, phakama ngaphezu kwamazulu, iphazimulwakho ayibe ngaphezu kwephasi loke. Sindisa ngesidla sakho ukuze abathandekako kuwe batjhaphuluke. Ngiphendule! UZimu uthembisile endawenakhe ecwengileko wathi: “Ngokuthakasa ngizohlukanisa iTjhekemu, ngilinganise umrhoba weSukothi. Ngeyami iGiliyadi, ngeyami iManase! I-Efrayimu iyingwanami, iJuda iyintongami yobukhosi. IMowabi isisitja sami sokuhlambela; phezu kwe-Edomu ngiphosa ipatlagwana lami; Ngikuhlokomela ngokwenama wena Filistiya!” Ngubani ozangisa edorobheni elinemithangala? Ngubani ozangihlahla angise kwa-Edomu na? Angitjho nguwe, Zimu osilahlileko, wangasaphumi ipi namabuthwethu? Akhese usisize esitheni ngombana isizo lomuntu lililize. NgoZimu sizakuba nesibindi, uZimu ngokwakhe uzazigadangela phasi izitha zethu. Kumkhaleli; irhubo lakaDavida. Ungathuli Zimu wendumiswami ngombana imilomo ekhohlisako ivulekile ngokujamelana nami, ikhuluma amanga ngami. Bangizombeleze ngamezwi wezondo, bangisahlela ngaphandle kwesizathu. Ngenca yethando lami, bayangisola, ngitjho nanyana ngisemthandazweni. Bangibuyisela okumbi esikhundleni sokuhle nezondo esikhundleni sethando lami. Bathi: “Bekani isikhohlakali sifakaze ngokujamelana naye, iye, ummangaleli ajame ngesidleni sakhe. Lokha nabangiswako, akafunyanwe amlandu; ngitjho nomthandazwakhe awuthathwe njengesono! Amalangakhe akancitjhiswe, omunye athathe isikhundla sakhe. Abantwabakhe ababe ziintandani nomkakhe abe mhlolokazi. Abantwabakhe ababe bozulani, bakhombele, bafune ukudla emarubhini wekhabo. Umatjhonisa akamthathele koke anakho nemiqhamuka iphange umsebenzi wezandla zakhe! Akungabikhona oba nesisa kuye, namkha arhawukele abantwabakhe nabaziintandani. Iinzukulwana zakhe azijutjwe, iye, amabizwazo asulwe esizukulwaneni esilandelako! Icala laboyise beenzukulwanezo alikhumbuleke phambi kwakaSomnini nesono sabonina singasuleki. Izono zazo azihlale ziphambi kwakaSomnini, yena aphelise ukukhunjulwa kwazo ephasini ngombana umuntu loyo akhange akhumbule ukubonisa isisa, kodwana walandelela iinchaka nabadududu kanye nabanehliziyo eyaphukileko bekwaba sekufeni. Wathanda ukuthuwelelisa ngamanikelela, yeke amanikelela akawele kuye; Akhange athande ukubusisa, nje-ke akube kude naye! Iye, amanikelela akamembathe njengengubakhe, angene ngaphakathi kwakhe njengamanzi nanjengamafutha azeswe emzimbenakhe! Kuye akabe njengesambatho esimphuthelako nanjengebhande alithekeleza mihla le.” Kodwana kwanga lokhu kungaba sibetho esivela kuSomnini, salabo abangisolako; iye, salabo abakhuluma okumbi ngepilwami! Wena Somnini, Somandla, ngenzela lokho ngebanga lebizo lakho; iye, ungihlenge ngebanga lokwethembeka kwakho! Mbala ngichakile, ngiswele nehliziywami ihlabekile ngaphakathi kwami. Ipilwami inyamalala njengethunzi entambama, ngithintithwa njengentethe. Amadolwami ayageba ngebanga lokuzila ukudla; umzimbami ukhehlile, ngimathambo. Sese ngisiphoqo kabangisolako lokha nabangibonako, banikina iinhloko. Ngisize Somnini, Zimami! Ngisindise ngokwethembeka kwakho! Benze bazi bona sisandla sakho, nokobana wena Somnini lokho ukwenzile! Bona banganikelela, wena uzakubusisa! Nabaphoqakalako ngemva kobana bangivukele, incekwakho izakuthaba. Abangisolako abembathwe ziinhloni, baphuthelwe lihlazo labo njengengubo! Ngomlomami ngizamthokoza khulu uSomnini; ngimdumise phakathi kwesiqubuthu ngombana ujame ngesidleni soswelako, kobana amsindise kilabo abalahle ipilwakhe. Irhubo lakaDavida. Naku umlayezo kaSomnini oya ekosinami: “Hlala ngesidleni sami bekube kulokha nangenza izitha zakho zibe sinabelo seenyawo zakho.” EZiyoni uSomnini uzakwelula intonga ekunikela amandla, ngokuthi: “Busa phakathi kwezitha zakho!” Abantu bakho bazimisele ukulandela mhlana amandlakho abonakaliswa ekucwengeni kwephazimulo. Amasokanakho afana nombethe wokudabuka kokusa. USomnini ufungile begodu angeze azisole, uthi: “Wena umphristi nini nanini, ngokwendlela kaMalkitsedekhi.” Somnini, ikosami engesidleni sakho izakumadlha amakhosi ngelanga lelaka layo. Izakugweba hlangana nezizwe, ezizaliswe ngeendumbu; iye, imadlhe ababusi enarheni ngokunabileko. Izakusela emlanjaneni ohlanu kwendlela, ngalokho izakuphakamisa ihlokwayo. Haleluya! Ngizakuthokoza uSomnini ngehliziywami yoke ebandla labaqotho, iye ehlanganweni. Mikhulu imisebenzi kaSomnini, iphenywa ngibo boke abayijabulelako. Umsebenzakhe unokuhlonitjhwa nobukhosi nokulunga kwakhe kujame isiphelani. Iye, uzenzele ibizo ngeemangaliso zakhe. USomnini unomusa nesirhawu: Wabela abamesabako ukudla; akhumbule isivumelwano sakhe nini nanini; atjengise abantu bakhe amandla wemisebenzakhe, ngokubapha ilifa labezizwe. Imisebenzi yezandla zakhe ithembekile begodu ilungile; yoke ifundiswakhe iliqiniso. Mbala inzinzile nini nanini ngombana yenziwa ngeqiniso nangobuqotho. Wathumela abantu bakhe isihlengo; wayala isivumelwano sakhe isiphelani. Ibizo lakhe licwengile beliyesabeka! Ukwesaba uSomnini kukuthoma kokuhlakanipha; kunikela ukuzwisisa okuhle kibo boke abahlonipha isivumelwaneso. Idumo lakhe lijame isiphelani! Haleluya! Ubusisiwe loyo owesaba uSomnini, othokozela khulu imiyalwakhe! Iinzukulwana zakhe zizakuhlonitjhwa enarheni; iye, abantwana babaqotho bazakubusiswa. Umnotho nobunjinga kusendlinakhe; nokulunga kwakhe kuzakujama isiphelani. Umuntu loyo ufana nomkhanyo ebumnyameni kilabo abaqotho: unomusa, isirhawu nokulunga. Kumkhambela kuhle umuntu ophanako nobolekisako, ophatha iindaba zakhe ngokwethembeka. Mbala, angeze anyakaziswa; olungileko uzakubongwa ngesikhathi soke. Angeze esaba umbiko omumbi; ihliziywakhe isekelekile, iqiniswe kuSomnini; iye, ihliziywakhe inzinzile. Yeke angeze esaba, ekugcineni uzakuqalela phasi amanabakhe. Wabela ngesihle, aphe abachakileko; ukulunga kwakhe kujame isiphelani; idumo lakhe liphakanyiswa ngehlonipho. Isikhohlakali sibona lokho, sitjhibe, sigugude amazinyo, siphele amandla; isifiso seenkhohlakali siyanyelela. Haleluya! Nina nceku zakaSomnini, dumisani, iye, dumisani ibizo lakaSomnini! Alibusiswe ibizo lakaSomnini kusukela nje bekube nini nanini! Kusukela ekuphumeni kwelanga bekube sekutjhingeni kwalo ibizo lakaSomnini kufuze lidunyiswe! USomnini uphakeme ngaphezu kwezizwe zoke nephazimulwakhe ngaphezu kwamazulu! Ngubani onjengoSomnini uZimethu na? Yena uhlezi ekuphakameni phezulu, uyakhothama aqale umkayi nephasi. Uvusa abakhwahlileko ebhudwini, asikimise abatlhogileko ezaleni; abahlalise namakhosana, iye, namakhosana wabantu bakhe. Unikela inyumba ikhaya, ayenze unina ojabulileko wabantwana. Haleluya! Lokha u-Israyeli naphuma eGibhide, iye, indlu kaJakopo nayiphuma ebantwini belimi elitjhili, uJuda waba sisabelo esicwengileko sakaZimu, u-Israyeli waba mbuswakhe. Ilwandle lakubona lokho labaleka, iJordani yajika yabuyela emuva. Iintaba zatjakadula njengamaqama, imibundu njengeemvana. Kubayini wena lwandle ubaleka, nawe Jordani ubuyela emuva na? Kubayini nina ntaba nitjakadula njengamaqama, nani mibundu njengeemvana na? Wena phasi, thuthumela phambi kobukhona bakaSomandla, iye, phambi kwakaZimu wakaJokopo, owaphendula idwala laba siziba, ilitje eliqinileko laba siyalo. Akungabi kithi Somnini, iye, akungabi kithi ukuhlonitjhwa; kodwana akube sebizweni lakho ngebanga lokwethembeka nobuqotho bakho. Kubayini izizwe zithi uphi uZimabo, khisibe usezulwini, wenza koke akuthandako na? Abosingazimu babo balisiliva negolide, okumsebenzi wezandla zomuntu. Banemilomo kodwana ayikhulumi; banamehlo kodwana akaboni. Baneendlebe kodwana azizwa; baneempumulo kodwana azinukeleli. Banezandla kodwana azinamizwa; baneenyawo kodwana azikhambi; imiphimbabo ayikwazi ukuhomuza. Ababenzileko bafana nabo; banjalo-ke boke abathembela kibo. Israyeli, thembani uSomnini! Mbala, ulisizo nesihlangu senu. Ndlu ka-Aroni, thembani uSomnini! Mbala, ulisizo nesihlangu senu. Nina abesaba uSomnini, thembani kuye! Mbala, ulisizo nesihlangu senu. USomnini uyasikhumbula: Uyabusisa, iye, abusise indlu ka-Israyeli, abusise indlu ka-Aroni, abusise labo abamesabako, abakhulu nabancani. Kwanga uSomnini anganandisa, nina nabantwabenu. Inga ningabusiswa nguSomnini owenza izulu nephasi! Amazulu mazulu kaSomnini, iphasi walinikela abantu. Abafileko abamdumisi uSomnini, iye, noyedwa owehlela kwabathulileko. Kodwana thina sizamdumisa uSomnini, kusukela nje bekube nini nanini. Haleluya! Ngiyamthanda uSomnini ngombana uzwa iphimbo lami, iye, neenlilo zami. Mbala, ubeka indlebakhe kimi, nje-ke ngizambiza ipilwami yoke. Ngenganyelwa misinga yokufa, ivalo lendawo yabafileko langifikela; ngehlelwa yimbandezelo nesizi. Nje-ke ngabiza ibizo lakaSomnini, ngathi: “Awu, Somnini, sindisa ipilwami!” USomnini unesirhawu, ulungile, iye, uZimethu unomusa. USomnini uvikela abathobekileko; wangisindisa nangithotjiswako. Nje-ke, buyela ekuphumuleni kwakho, mphefumulwami ngombana uSomnini ukondle kuhle. Mbala wena Somnini, uhlenge ipilwami ekufeni, amehlwami eenyembezini neenyawo zami ekukhutjweni. Ngikhamba phambi kwakaSomnini enarheni yabaphilako. Ngiyakholwa, nanyana ngisithi: “Ngihlunguphazwe khulu.” Mina-ke ngaba namawala ngokuthi: “Boke abantu banamanga.” Yini lokho engingakhokhela ngakho uSomnini, ngalokho okuhle angenzele khona na? Ngizakutjhidela e-aldarini ngekapho yesindiso, ngibize ibizo lakaSomnini. Ngizakugcwalisa iimfungo zami kuSomnini, iye, phambi kwabantu bakhe boke. Ngilemukile bona kuyabiza emehlweni kaSomnini ukufa kwabathembekileko bakhe. Awu, Somnini, ngiyincekwakho! Njengombana ngiyincekwakho, indodana yencekukazakho, ungitjhaphululile emakhamandeleni. Kuwe ngizakunikela umnikelo wokuthokoza, ngibize ibizo lakaSomnini. Ngizakugcwalisa iimfungo zami kuSomnini, iye, phambi kwabantu bakhe boke, esirhodlweni sethempeli lakaSomnini ngaphakathi kwakho, Jerusalema. Haleluya! Dumisani uSomnini, nina zizwe zoke! Mbabazeni noke nina bantu! Iye, kukhulu ukwethembeka kwakhe kithi, nobuqotho bakaSomnini bujame isiphelani. Haleluya! Thokozani uSomnini ngombana ulungile; ukwethembeka kwakhe kujame isiphelani. U-Israyeli akathi: “Ukwethembeka kwakhe kujame isiphelani.” Indlu ka-Aroni ayithi: “Ukwethembeka kwakhe kujame isiphelani.” Abesaba uSomnini abathi: “Ukwethembeka kwakhe kujame isiphelani.” Ekubandezelweni kwami ngalila kuSomnini, wangiphendula, wangibeka esibangeni. USomnini ungakimi, yeke angesabi. Umuntu angangenzani na? USomnini ungakimi, ungumsizami omkhulu; mina ngizakuqalela phasi abangizondako. Kungcono ukuphephela kuSomnini, kunokwethembela emuntwini. Kungcono ukuphephela kuSomnini, kunokwethembela emakhosaneni. Zoke izizwe zingizombelezile! Ebizweni lakaSomnini ngiziphayile! Zingizombelezile, iye, zingizombelezile! Ebizweni lakaSomnini ngiziphayile! Zingizombelezile njengeenyosi, zapheliswa njengomlilo wameva! Ebizweni lakaSomnini ngiziphayile! Nina nangidudula ngamandla kobana ngiwe, kodwana uSomnini wangisekela. USomnini umamandlami neenkhwepha zami begodu ukusindiswa kwami. Ematendeni wabalungileko kukhona ukuhlokoma kokuhlula ngokuthi: “Sokudla sakaSomnini senze izenzo ezinamandla! Sokudla sakhe siphakamile, iye, sokudla sakaSomnini senze izenzo ezinamandla!” Angeze ngafa kodwana ngizakuphila, ngizakukhuluma ngezenzo zakaSomnini: USomnini wangihlunguphaza khulu, kodwana akhange anginikelele ekufeni. Ngivulele amasango wokulunga ukuze ngingene ngawo, ngithokoze uSomnini. Leli lisango eliya kuSomnini, abalungileko bazakungena ngalo. Somnini, ngikuthokoza ngombana ungiphendulile begodu ukusindiswa kwami. Ilitje eladelwa babakhi libe ngeliqakathekileko ejikeni. Lokho kuzizenzo zakaSomnini; kusimangaliso emehlwenethu. Nanti ilanga uSomnini alenzileko; asithabeni sithakase kilo. Awu, Somnini, sindisa! Awu, Somnini, phumelelisa! Ubusisiwe ongenako ebizweni lakaSomnini. Siyanibusisa sisethempelini lakaSomnini. USomnini unguZimu, usiphe ukukhanya. Thomani umgidi, niphethe amatjhwaba ngezandla; niye eempondweni ze-aldari. Wena unguZimami, nje-ke ngizakuthokoza, unguZimami ngizakuphakamisa. Thokozani uSomnini ngombana ulungile; ukwethembeka kwakhe kujame isiphelani. Babusisiwe abamsulwa eendleleni zabo, abakhamba ngokuya ngomthetho kaSomnini. Babusisiwe ababulunga ubufakazi bakhe, iye, abamfuna ngehliziyo epheleleko, abangenzi litho elimbi, abakhamba eendleleni zakhe. Somnini nguwe oyale ngeemfundiso zakho kobana zilondwe ngokupheleleko. Kwanga ukukhamba kwami kunganzinza ukuze ngilonde iimiso zakho! Angekhe ngaba neenhloni lokha nangitjheja yoke imiyalwakho. Ngizakuthokoza ngehliziyo eqotho lokha nangifunda imithethwako elungileko. Ngizakulonda iimiso zakho; yeke, ungangilahleli safuthi. Omutjha angayihlambulula njani indlelakhe na? Ngokuyilonda ngokwelizwi lakho. Ngikufuna ngehliziywami yoke; ungavumi ngiphambuke emiyalwenakho. Ngifihla amezwakho ehliziywenami ukuze ngingoni kuwe. Akudunyiswe wena Somnini! Ngifundise iimiso zakho. Ngeembhena zami ngimemezela yoke imithetho yomlomakho. Ukukhamba ngobufakazi bakho kungijabulisa ngaphezu komnotho woke. Ngizindla ngeemfundiso zakho, ngiyelele iindlela zakho. Ngiyathaba ngeemiso zakho, ilizwi lakho angeze ngalidela. Phatha incekwakho kuhle, khona ngizakuphila, ngilonde amezwakho. Vula amehlwami kobana ngibone iimangaliso ezisemthethwenakho. Ngisikhonzi ephasini, ungayifihli imiyalwakho kimi. Umphefumulwami sewuphodlhekile ngokulangazelela imithethwakho ngesikhathi soke. Uyazikhalimela iindeleli, okutjho abanikelelweko, labo abaphambuka emiyalwenakho. Susa kimi isiphoqo nenyazo ngombana ngibubulungile ubufakazi bakho. Nanyana ababusi bahlangene, bahleba ngami, incekwakho izakuzindla ngeemiso zakho. Ubufakazi bakho bukuthaba kwami, iye, buziinluleko zami. Umphefumulwami unamathele ethulini, nje-ke vuselela ipilwami ngesithembiso sakho. Nganeka iindlela zami kuwe, wena wangiphendula, yeke ngifundise iimiso zakho. Ngiphe ukuzwisisa indlela yeemfundiso zakho, ngalokho ngizakuzindla ngeemangaliso zakho. Umphefumulwami ulisizi, nje-ke ngiqinise ngokwesithembiso sakho. Susa indlela yamala kimi, ungirhawukele ngokomthethwakho. Ngikhethe indlela yeqiniso, ngabeka imithethwakho phambi kwami. Somnini, ngikakarele ebufakazini bakho, yeke ungavumi ngihlazeke. Ngigijima endleleni yemiyalwakho ngombana welule umkhumbulwami. Somnini, ngifundise indlela yeemiso zakho, nje-ke ngizayibulunga bekube sekupheleni. Ngiphe ukuzwisisa ukuze ngibulunge umthethwakho, ngiwulonde ngehliziywami yoke. Ngihlahle emizileni yemiyalwakho ngombana ngiyathaba ngayo. Phendulela ihliziywami ebufakazini bakho, kungabi sekufuneni inzuzo. Fulatheza amehlwami ekuqaleni ilize; ungiphilise endlelenakho. Zalisa isithembiso sakho encekwinakho ukuze wesatjwe. Susa ihlazo kimi ngombana liyangilulaza; imithethwakho iyanganelisa. Maye, ngilangazelela iimfundiso zakho! Yeke yewungiphilise ngokulunga kwakho. Somnini, kwanga ukwethembeka kwakho kungeza kimi, iye, isindiswakho ngokwesithembiso sakho; nje-ke ngizakwazi ukuphendula abangithukako ngombana ngethemba ilizwi lakho. Ungalisuseli safuthi ilizwi leqiniso emlonyenami ngombana ngiqalelela imithethwakho. Ngizakulonda umthethwakho ngesikhathi soke, iye, ngizawulonda nini nanini. Ngizakukhamba petlege ngombana ngifunana neemfundiso zakho. Ngizakukhuluma ngobufakazi bakho phambi kwamakhosi, angekhe ngaba neenhloni. Ngiyathaba ngemiyalwakho ngombana ngiyayithanda. Ngikhongozela imiyalwakho ngombana ngiyayithanda begodu ngifuna ukuzindla ngeemiso zakho. Khumbula isithembiso sakho encekwinakho ongiphe ngaso ithemba. Nakhu ukutjhiriyeka kwami esizini lami: Isithembiso sakho sivuselela ipilwami. Iindeleli zihlalele ukungiphoqa, kodwana angiphambuki emthethwenakho. Ngikhumbula imithethwakho yakade, Somnini, ngiziduduza ngayo. Ngebanga leenkhohlakali ngiyanyenya, iye, ngalabo abalahla umthethwakho. Iimiso zakho zimuvumo kimi endlinami yokugogobala. Ebusuku ngikhumbula ibizo lakho, Somnini, ngilonda umthethwakho. Lokhu kusisabelo sami: ukubulunga iimfundiso zakho. Somnini, sabelo sami, ngiyathembisa bona ngizakulonda amezwakho. Ngincancabeza kuwe ngehliziywami yoke, yiba nomusa kimi ngokwesithembiso sakho. Iindlela zami ngizicabangisisile, yeke ngizokulandela ubufakazi bakho godu. Ngirhaba ngingariyadi ukulonda imiyalwakho. Nanyana iintambo zeenkhohlakali zingirarejile, angeze ngawukhohlwa umthethwakho. Naphakathi kobusuku ngiyavuka ngikuthokoze ngebanga lemithethwako elungileko. Ngisinini sabo boke abakwesabako, iye, boke abalonda iimfundiso zakho. Somnini, iphasi lizele ngokwethembeka kwakho; ngifundise iimiso zakho. Uphethe incekwakho kuhle ngokwelizwi lakho Somnini. Ngifundise ilemuko elihle kanye nelwazi ngombana ngikholelwa emiyalwenakho. Ngingakathotjiswa ngangivame ukuphosisa; kodwana kwanje, ngilonda ilizwi lakho. Wena ulungile nokwenzako kulungile, nje-ke ngifundise iimiso zakho. Iindeleli zingininda ngamala, kodwana ngibulunga iimfundiso zakho ngehliziywami yoke. Njengamafutha iinhliziyo zazo azinamizwa, kodwana nakungimi yena, ngithabela umthethwakho. Kwaba kuhle kimi kobana ngithotjiswe ukuze ngifunde iimiso zakho. Umthetho womlomakho muhle kimi, udlula amakhulukhulu weempaparwana zegolide nezesiliva. Izandla zakho zangenza begodu zangijamisa, nje-ke ngiphe ukuzwisisa ukuze ngifunde imiyalwakho. Abakwesabako bazangibona, bathabe ngombana ngiqalelela isithembiso sakho. Somnini, ngiyazi bona imithethwakho ilungile begodu ungithobise ngeqiniso. Ukwethembeka kwakho kube yinduduzwami ngokwesithembiso sakho encekwinakho. Kwanga umusakho ungeza kimi ukuze ngiphile ngombana umthethwakho ukuthaba kwami. Kwanga iindeleli zingaphoqeka ngombana zingidlelezela ngamala, kodwana nakungimi yena, ngizakuzindla ngeemfundiso zakho. Akuthi labo abekwesabako, baphendukele kimi ukuze bazi ubufakazi bakho. Ihliziywami ayingasoleki mayelana neemiso zakho ukuze ngingahlaziseki. Umphefumulwami ufisa isindiswakho, ngiqalelela isithembiso sakho. Amehlwami sele afiphele ngokurhuluphela isithembiso sakho, ngizibuza ngithi: “Uzongiduduza nini?” Nanyana nginjengesikhumba sewayini emuleni, angizikhohlwa iimiso zakho. Mangaki amalanga asalele incekwakho na? Uzabagweba nini abazumana nami? Iindeleli zingembele umgodi, zaphambana nomthethwakho. Yoke imiyalwakho iliqiniso; ngisize ngombana abantu bangizuma ngamala. Bapheze bangiqeda ephasini, kodwana mina angikazilahli iimfundiso zakho. Yewungiphilise ngokwethembeka kwakho ukuze ngilonde ubufakazi bomlomakho. Somnini, ilizwi lakho lingelanini nanini; lijame liqinile emazulwini. Ubuqotho bakho bungebeenzukulwana ngeenzukulwana; unzinzise iphasi lajama. Imithethwakho iseliqiniso nanje, mbala, koke kulotjha wena. Nangathana umthethwakho bewungasikho ukuthakasa kwami, ngabe sele ngabhubha esizini lami. Angeze ngazilibala iimfundiso zakho ngombana ngazo uyangiphilisa. Ngingowakho; ngisindise ngombana ngifunana neemfundiso zakho. Iinkhohlakali zilindele ukungibhubhisa, kodwana ngicabanga ngobufakazi bakho. Ngibonile kobana kunomkhawulo kikho koke okuphelelisiweko, kodwana umyalwakho wenabile. Maye, ngiyawuthanda umthethwakho! Ngizindla ngawo ilanga loke. Imiyalwakho ingenza ngihlakaniphe ngaphezu kwezitha zami ngombana ihlala ikimi. Nginelwazi ukudlula abafundisi bami ngombana ngizindla ngobufakazi bakho. Nginelemuko ukudlula abadala ngombana ngibulunga iimfundiso zakho. Angibeki inyawo lami eendleleni zobumbi, ngalokho ngilonda ilizwi lakho. Akhange ngiphambuke emithethwenakho, ngombana nguwe ongifundisileko. Maye, amezwakho anandipha kurhwalabhami! Amnandi ukudlula iliju emlonyenami! Ngeemfundiso zakho ngizuza ukuzwisisa; ngalokho ngizonda indlela yamala. Ilizwi lakho lisibani eenyaweni zami begodu likukhanya emzilenami. Ngenze isifungo ngasiqinisa kobana ngilonde imithethwakho yokulunga. Ngitlhage khulu; ngiphilise Somnini ngokwesithembiso sakho. Somnini, yamukela iminikelo yesihle yomlomami, ungifundise imithethwakho. Ipilwami isengozini ngesikhathi soke, nokho angiwukhohlwa umthethwakho. Iinkhohlakali zingibekele isifu, kodwana akhange ngiphambuke eemfundisweni zakho. Nini nanini ubufakazi bakho bulilifa lami; mbala, bukuthaba kwehliziywami. Ihliziywami izimisele ukwenza iimiso zakho bekube sekupheleni. Ngiyamzonda uhliziyombili, kodwana ngiyawuthanda umthethwakho. Usiphephelo nesihlangu sami; ngiqalelela isithembiso sakho. Sukani kimi nina benzi bobumbi ukuze ngibulunge imiyalo kaZimami! Ngisingathe ngokwesithembiso sakho ukuze ngiphile; ungavumi ithemba lami lihlaziseke. Ngisekele ukuze ngisinde; iimiso zakho ngizakuhlala ngizinakile. Udela boke abahlubuka iimiso zakho: Ubukhohlisi babo bulilize. Zoke iinkhohlakali zephasi, uzengula njengegwebu; ngalokho ngithanda ubufakazi bakho. Umzimbami uyathuthumela ngokukwesaba begodu nginevalo ngemithethwakho. Ngenzile okufaneleko nokulungileko, yeke ungangiliseleli ebagandelelini. Qinisekisa incekwakho ihlalohle; iindeleli zingangigandeleli. Amehlwami sele afiphele ngokurhuluphela isindiswakho, iye, ukulunga okuthembisileko. Phatha incekwakho ngokwethembeka kwakho, ungifundise iimiso zakho. Ngiyincekwakho, ngiphe ukuzwisisa ukuze ngazi ubufakazi bakho. Somnini, kusikhathi, hlanazela; abantu bephule umthethwakho. Njengombana ngithanda imiyalwakho, ukudlula igolide, ngitjho igolidembala, nokobana ngiyelela ngokupheleleko zoke iimfundiso zakho, ngizonda yoke indlela yamanga. Ubufakazi bakho buyakarisa; ngalokho ngiyabubulunga. Isambulo selizwi lakho sikukhanya; sinikela ukuzwisisa kwabanganalwazi. Ngivula umlomo ngikhaluze, iye, ngikhanukela imiyalwakho. Phendukela kimi, ungirhawukele, njengombana uvame ukwenza kwabathanda ibizo lakho. Nzinzisa amagadangwami njengokwesithembiso sakho; ungavumi bona ngibuswe nanyana ngibuphi ubumbi. Ngihlenge ekugandelelweni babantu ukuze ngikwazi ukulonda iimfundiso zakho. Khanyisela incekwakho; ungifundise iimiso zakho. Amehlwami ageleza iinyembezi, ngombana abantu abalondi umthethwakho. Somnini, wena ulungile nemithethwakho iqotho. Wayala ubufakazi bakho, iye, bulungile begodu buthembeke ngokupheleleko. Ukutjhisakalela kwami kuyangiqeda, lokha amanabami nadela amezwakho. Isithembiso sakho sihlolisisiwe, nje-ke incekwakho iyasithanda. Nanyana ngiphasi ngidelelekile, angizikhohlwa iimfundiso zakho. Ukulunga kwakho kulunge mlibe nomthethwakho uliqiniso. Ngehlelwe lisizi nobudisi, kodwana imiyalwakho ikuthaba kwami. Nini nanini iimfundiso zakho ziliqiniso; yeke ngiphe ukuzwisisa ukuze ngiphile. Ngilila ngehliziywami yoke, nje-ke ngiphendule Somnini, ngibulunge iimiso zakho. Ngilila kuwe, ngisindise ukuze ngilonde ubufakazi bakho. Ngivuka ngamasa, ngibawe isizo; ngiqalelele amezwakho. Ngemilindo yobusuku ngiyaphilelwa, ngizindle ngesithembiso sakho. Yizwa ilizwi lami ngokwethembeka kwakho; Somnini, ungiphilise ngokulunga kwakho. Labo abangizuma ngobumbi bayatjhidela, bakude nomthethwakho. Kodwana wena Somnini, useduze nemiyalwakho yoke iliqiniso. Bengiseze nginelemuko lobufakazi bakho kwakade: Wabunzinzisa bajama isiphelani. Yelela isizi lami, ungisindise ngombana akhange ngiwukhohlwe umthethwakho. Mela indabami, ungihlenge; ngiphilise ngokwesithembiso sakho. Ukusindiswa kukude neenkhohlakali, ngombana azifuni iimiso zakho. Maye, mkhulu umusakho Somnini! Ngiphilise ngokwemithethwakho. Banengi abangizumako kanye namanabami, kodwana akhange ngiphambuke ebufakazini bakho. Nangiqala abahlubuki, ngifikelwa kunyenya, ngombana abalondi isithembiso sakho. Qala, ngithanda iimfundiso zakho, Somnini, yeke yewungiphilise ngokwethembeka kwakho. Ummongo welizwi lakho kukwethembeka begodu zoke iimphetho zakho zijame isiphelani. Ababusi bangizuma kunganabanga, kodwana ihliziywami inevalo ngamezwakho. Ngiyathaba ngesithembiso sakho njengomuntu ofunyana ipango enengi. Ngiwazondile amala, iye, ngiyawanyenya; kodwana ngithanda umthethwakho. Ngikudumisa kalikhomba ngelanga ngebanga lemithethwakho elungileko. Abathanda umthethwakho banokuthula okukhulu, akukho okungabenza bakhutjwe. Somnini, ngilindele isindiswakho nemiyalwakho ngiyayilandela. Ngilonda ubufakazi bakho, iye, ngibuthanda khulu. Ngilonda iimfundiso nobufakazi bakho: Zoke iindlela zami ziphambi kwakho. Kwanga isibawo sami singatjhidela kuwe, Somnini; ungiphe ukuzwisisa ngokwelizwi lakho. Inga isibawo sami sesirhawu singafika phambi kwakho; ungisindise ngokwesithembiso sakho. Iimbhena zami zizakuphuphuma ngokudumisa, ngombana ungifundisa iimiso zakho. Ilimu lami lizakuvuma ngesithembiso sakho; mbala, yoke imiyalwakho ilungile. Kwanga isandla sakho singalungela ukungisiza, ngombana ngikhethe iimfundiso zakho. Somnini, ngilangazelela isindiswakho, iye, umthethwakho ukuthaba kwami. Angiphile ukuze ngikudumise nemithethwakho ingisize. Ngeduke njengemvu elahlekileko. Yewufune incekwakho ngombana angikayikhohlwa imiyalwakho. Ingoma yekhambo lokuya ethempelini. Esizini lami ngiyalila kuSomnini kobana ungiphendule, ngithi: “Somnini, sindisa ipilwami emlonyeni okhuluma amanga iye, elimini lekohliso.” Wena limu lekohliso, yini ekufuze unikelwe khona? Yini okhunye ekufuze wenzelwe khona na? Imisubela ebukhali yengorho, enamalahle avuthako wemithi yomthanyelo! Maye kimi, ngombana ngisikhonzi eMetjheki begodu ngihlala hlangana namatende weKhedari! Sekusikhathi eside mina ngihlezi phakathi kwabantu abazonda ukuthula. Mina ngimumuntu wokuthula; kodwana nangikhuluma ukuthula, bona baphehla ipi. Ingoma yekhambo lokuya ethempelini. Ngiqala eentabeni ngizibuze: Isizo lami livelaphi na? Isizo lami livela kuSomnini owenze izulu nephasi. Akasoze aliselela inyawo lakho likhutjwe, umlondakho angekhe ayenda. Mbala, umlondi ka-Israyeli akayendi namkha alale. USomnini ungumlondakho. USomnini umthunzi ngesidleni sakho. Ilanga angeze lakulimaza emini, ngitjho nenyanga ebusuku. USomnini uzakulonda ebumbini boke, alonde nepilwakho. Iye, uSomnini uzakulonda yoke indawo, kusukela nje bekube nini nanini! Ingoma yekhambo lokuya ethempelini; irhubo lakaDavida. Ngajabula lokha nabathi kimi: “Asiyeni endlini kaSomnini.” Iinyawo zethu sezijame emasangwenakho, Jerusalema. IJerusalema lakhiwe njengedorobho elihlanganiswe ngokuqinileko ndawonye, lapha iinkoro zikhuphukela khona, iye, iinkoro zakaSomnini. Ukuthokoza ibizo lakaSomnini kubufakazi ku-Israyeli. EJerusalema kuneenhlalo zokugweba, iye, iinhlalo zendlu kaDavida. Bawani ukuthula kweJerusalema nithi: “Kwanga abakuthandako bangaba ngabavikelekileko. Kube nokuthula ngemithangalenakho nokuvikeleka ngemibhotjhongwenakho.” Ngenca yabafowethu nabangani ngizakuthi: “Ukuthula akube ngaphakathi kwakho, Jerusalema.” Ngenca yendlu kaSomnini ngizakufuna okuhle ngawe. Ingoma yekhambo lokuya ethempelini. Ngiphakamisela amehlwami kuwe, wena onesihlalo sobukhosi ezulwini. Iye, njengamehlo weenceku aqalelele esandleni sekosazo nanjengamehlo wencekukazi aqalelele esandleni sekosikazi, ngokunjalo amehlwethu aqalelele uSomnini uZimethu, kufikela lapha asirhawukela khona. Sirhawukele Somnini, sirhawukele, ngombana sesanele ngokudelelwa. Umphefumulwethu wanele ngokunyefulwa ngabazikhukhumezako, iye, nokudelelwa ngabazaziko. Ingoma yekhambo lokuya ethempelini; irhubo lakaDavida. Nangabe uSomnini bekangekho ngakithi -- u-Israyeli akatjho lokhu -- iye, nangabe uSomnini bekangekho ngakithi lokha abantu nabajamelana nathi, bebazasiginya siphila, lokha ilaka labo nalivutha ngathi. Iinkhukhula bezizosithanyelela kude, iinrhurhula ngabe zisigubuzesile; iye, amanzi arhageleko ngabe sele asigubuzesile. USomnini akadunyiswe ngombana akhange asinikelele njengongazimbi emazinywenabo. Siphunyuke njengenyoni ephuma esithiyweni sabathiyi: Isithiyo sonakele, thina saphunyuka! Isizo lethu lisebizweni lakaSomnini owenze izulu nephasi. Ingoma yekhambo lokuya ethempelini. Abethemba uSomnini bafana nentaba yeZiyoni engeze yanyakaziswa, kodwana ijame isiphelani. Njengeentaba zizombeleze iJerusalema, ngokunjalo uSomnini uzombeleze abantu bakhe, kusukela nje bekube nini nanini. Intonga yobukhohlakali angeze yahlala phezu kwelifa elabelwe abalungileko ukuze abalungileko bangabeki isandla sabo ebumbini. Somnini, phatha abalungileko kuhle, iye, labo abaqotho ngehliziyo. Kodwana labo abaphendukela eendleleni zamabatha, uSomnini akabaqotjhe neengilamkhuba. Ukuthula akube phezu kwaka-Israyeli. Ingoma yekhambo lokuya ethempelini. Lokha uSomnini natjhugulula ubujamo beZiyoni saba njengababhudangako. Samomotheka isikhathi soke, ilimu lethu belizele ukuhlokoma. Ezizweni kwathiwa: “USomnini ubenzele izinto ezikulu.” Iye, uSomnini usenzele izinto ezikulu, nje-ke sathaba. Somnini, tjhugulula ubujamo bethu njengamadonga erhalawumbeni nalinako! Labo abatjala ngeenyembezi bazakuvuna ngokuhlokoma. Kwamambala loyo okhamba alila, aphethe umgodla wembewu, uzakubuya ngokuhlokoma, aphethe iintjherefu zakhe zesivuno. Ingoma yekhambo lokuya ethempelini; irhubo lakaSolomoni. Lokha uSomnini nakangakhi indlu, iinthukuthuku zabakhi zililize. Lokha uSomnini nangalindi idorobho, abalindi bagada ilize. Kulilize bona nivuka ekuseni, niphumule ebusuku ngemva kwesikhathi, nidle ukudla enikujulukeleko. USomnini upha ngokwaneleko amthandako asalele. Qala, abantwana balilifa elivela kuSomnini; isithelo sesibeletho simvuzo ovela kuye. Njengemisubela esandleni sengorho, banjalo abantwana bobutjha. Ibusisiwe indoda ezalise incilayo ngemisubela leyo. Angeze yaba neenhloni lokha nayimangalela amanabayo ebandla. Ingoma yekhambo lokuya ethempelini. Ubusisiwe owesaba uSomnini, okhamba eendleleni zakhe. Wena uzakudla isithelo somsebenzi wezandla zakho; uzakubusiseka, koke kukukhambele kuhle: Umkakho uzakuba njengesidiribe esithelako ngendlinakho. Abantwana bakho bazakuba njengamahlumela wemithi ye-oliva esithebeni sakho sokudlela. Qala-ke, indoda eyesaba uSomnini izakubusiswa bunjalo. Kwanga uSomnini angakubusisa aseZiyoni. Kwanga ungabona ubuhle beJerusalema imihla yoke yokuphila kwakho. Kwanga ungabona iinzukulwana zakho. Ukuthula akube phezu kwaka-Israyeli. Ingoma yekhambo lokuya ethempelini. U-Israyeli akatjho lokhu: Bangisahlela kanengi kwasebutjheni bami iye, bangisahlela kanengi kwasebutjheni bami, kodwana akhange bangihlule. Abalimi balime emhlanami, benza imiselabo yaba mide. Kodwana uSomnini ulungile; uquntile iintambo zeenkhohlakali. Kwanga boke abahloye iZiyoni bangadaniswa, bakhahlamezelwe emuva. Sengathi bangaba njengotjani ephahleni obutjhwaba busamila. Umvuni angeze azalisa ngitjho isandla sakhe nobuthelelako angeze enze isitjherefu ngabo. Abadlulako angeze bathi, “Isibusiso sakaSomnini asibe phezu kwenu”, namkha, “Sinibusisa ebizweni lakaSomnini.” Ingoma yekhambo lokuya ethempelini. Somnini, ngilila kuwe ngisekuzikeni! Somandla yizwa iphimbo lami, iindlebe zakho azibe bukhali elizwini lesibawo sami! Somnini, nabegade ubulunga amacala, ngubani obekangaphila na? Kodwana wena unokulibalela ukuze uhlonitjhwe. Ngiqalelela uSomnini, iye, umphefumulwami uyamqalelela! Sengilindele ilizwi lakhe. Umphefumulwami ulindela uSomandla ukudlula ukulinda kwabalinde ukusa, iye, ukulinda kwabalinde ukusa. Israyeli, thembela kuSomnini, ngombana unokwethembeka, iye, unokuhlenga okubuyelelweko. Nguye ohlenga u-Israyeli emacalenakhe woke. Ingoma yekhambo lokuya ethempelini; irhubo lakaDavida. Somnini, ihliziywami ayizikhukhumezi, amehlwami akaziphakamisi; izinto ezikulu nezimangalisako kimi, angizikhathazi ngazo. Kunalokho ngizehlisile, ngathulisa umphefumulwami. Njengomntwana okhunyulweko lokha nanonina, unjalo umphefumulwami ngaphakathi kwami. Israyeli, thembela kuSomnini kusukela nje bekube nini nanini. Ingoma yekhambo lokuya ethempelini. Somnini, cabangela uDavida, ngazo zoke iinhlupheko abekezele kizo, nangalokho akufunga kuSomnini, iye, lokho akuthembisa kongonamandla kaJakopo, ngokuthi: “Angisobe ngangena ngendlinami, namkha emalalwenami. Angizukuvumela amehlwami alale, namkha iinkhopha zami zicimeze bengifunyanele uSomnini indawo, iye, ubuhlalo bongonamandla kaJokopo.” Qala, sezwa ngomfaji sise-Efrata; sawufunyana esifundeni seJeyarimu. Ngalokho asiyeni endlinakhe, siguqe esinabelweni seenyawo zakhe. Sikima Somnini! Yewuye endawenakho yokuphumula, wena nomfaji wamandlakho. Inga abaphristi bakho bangembathiswa ukulunga nabathembekileko bakho bahlokome. Ngebanga lencekwakho uDavida, ungafulatheli umzeswakho. Ngeqiniso uSomnini wafunga kuDavida isifungo angeze asiphendukela. Wathi: “Omunye wamadodana wedini lakho, ngizambeka esihlalweni sakho sobukhosi. Nangabe amadodanakho agcina isivumelwano sami neemfundiso engizawafundisa zona, khona-ke, amadodanawo, azakuhlala esihlalweni sakho sobukhosi mlibe.” Mbala, uSomnini ukhethe iZiyoni; wathanda bona ibe sihlalo sakhe; wathi: “Le yindawami yokuphumula isiphelani; lapha, ngizakuhlala khona, ngombana ngikuthandile. Ngizakubusisa ukudla kwayo ngokuphuphumako; ngisuthise abachakileko bayo ngesikwa. Abaphristi bayo ngizabembathisa isindiso, abathembekileko bayo bahlokome ngokwethaba. Lapho-ke ngizakukhulisa amandla kaDavida; ngilungisele umzeswami isibani. Izitha zakhe ngizazembathisa ihlazo, kodwana isihlohlo sakhe sihlale siqhakazile.” Ingoma yekhambo lokuya ethempelini; irhubo lakaDavida. Maye kuhle, kumnandi kangangani ukuhlalisana kwabafo ndawonye! Kufana nokuzeswa ehloko ngamafutha we-oliva aligugu, ancithikela eendevini, iye, eendevini zaka-Aroni. Ehlela ngitjho nentanyeni yesambatho sakhe. Kufana nehlobo lombethe weRherimoni okhithikela phezu kweentaba zeZiyoni. Mbala, lapha abafo bahlalisana khona, uSomnini ulayeza isibusiso; okutjho ipilo engapheliko. Ingoma yekhambo lokuya ethempelini. Dumisani uSomnini, noke nina nceku zakhe; iye, nina enilotjha ubusuku boke, ngendlini kaSomnini! Phakamiselani izandla endaweni ecwenge khulu, nidumise uSomnini. Kwanga uSomnini angakubusisa aseZiyoni, iye, yena owenze izulu nephasi. Haleluya! Dumisani ibizo lakaSomnini, mdumiseni nina nceku zakhe, iye, nina enilotjha endlini kaSomnini, esirhodlweni sethempeli lakaZimethu. Dumisani uSomnini ngombana ulungile, nirhubele ibizo lakhe, ngombana lihle. Mbala, uSomnini ukhethe uJakopo bona abe ngowakhe, iye, u-Israyeli abe lilifa elingelakhe. Kwamambala ngiyazi bona uSomnini mkhulu; iye, iKosethu yikulu ngaphezu kwabo boke abosingazimu. USomnini wenza koke akuthandako ezulwini nephasini, iye, emalwandle nekuzikeni koke. Nguye okhuphula amafu amhlophe emikhawulweni yephasi; wenzela izulu imibani; nguye ovuthela ummoya eenlulwini zakhe. Nguye owarhayila amazibulo wamaGibhide, iye, amazibulo wabantu nefuyo. Wathumela iimbonakaliso nemikarisomraro phakathi kwakho, wena Gibhide, ngokujamelana noFaro neenceku zakhe zoke. Nguye owamadlha izizwe ezinengi, wabulala amakhosi anamandla: uSirhoni ikosi yama-Amori, u-Ogi ikosi yeBhatjhani namakhosi wemibuso yoke yeKanana. Wanikela inarhawo kobana ibe lilifa, iye, ilifa labantu bakhe, u-Israyeli. Somnini, ibizo lakho lijame isiphelani, isinanazelo sakho ngeseenzukulwana ngeenzukulwana, ngombana uSomnini umela abantu bakhe, abe nesirhawu eencekwini zakhe. Abosingazimu bezizwe balisiliva negolide, benziwe ngezandla zomuntu: Banemilomo kodwana ayikhulumi; banamehlo kodwana akaboni. Baneendlebe kodwana azizwa; banjalo nje abanammoya emilonyenabo. Ababenzileko bafana nabo; banjalo-ke boke abathembela kibo. Wena ndlu ka-Israyeli, dumisani uSomnini! Wena ndlu ka-Aroni, dumisani uSomnini! Wena ndlu kaLevi, dumisani uSomnini! Nani enesaba uSomnini, mdumiseni! Akadunyiswe uSomnini aseZiyoni, iye, yena ohlala eJerusalema. Haleluya! Thokozani uSomnini ngombana ulungile -- ukwethembeka kwakhe kujame isiphelani! Thokozani uZimu ophezu koke -- ukwethembeka kwakhe kujame isiphelani! Thokozani uSomandla oyiKosi yamakhosi -- ukwethembeka kwakhe kujame isiphelani! Nguye yedwa owenza iimangaliso ezikulu -- ukwethembeka kwakhe kujame isiphelani -- nguye owenza amazulu ngelwazi -- ukwethembeka kwakhe kujame isiphelani -- wendlala iphasi phezu kwamanzi -- ukwethembeka kwakhe kujame isiphelani -- wadala iinkhanyisi ezikulu -- ukwethembeka kwakhe kujame isiphelani -- iye, ilanga kobana libuse imini -- ukwethembeka kwakhe kujame isiphelani -- inyanga neenkwekwezi kobana zibuse ubusuku -- ukwethembeka kwakhe kujame isiphelani! Nguye owamadlha amaGibhide ngokubulala amazibulwawo -- ukwethembeka kwakhe kujame isiphelani -- wenyula u-Israyeli hlangana nawo -- ukwethembeka kwakhe kujame isiphelani -- wamenyula ngamandla amakhulu nangesiphanga sakhe -- ukwethembeka kwakhe kujame isiphelani -- wahlukanisa ilwandle lomGaba phakathi -- ukwethembeka kwakhe kujame isiphelani -- wenza u-Israyeli bona ayame phakathi kwalo -- ukwethembeka kwakhe kujame isiphelani -- wadlhunya uFaro nebutho lakhe ngaphakathi kwelwandle lomGaba -- ukwethembeka kwakhe kujame isiphelani -- warhola abantu bakhe erhalawumbeni -- ukwethembeka kwakhe kujame isiphelani -- wamadlha amakhosi amakhulu -- ukwethembeka kwakhe kujame isiphelani -- iye, wabulala amakhosi anamandla -- ukwethembeka kwakhe kujame isiphelani -- uSirhoni ikosi yama-Amori -- ukwethembeka kwakhe kujame isiphelani -- no-Ogi ikosi yeBhatjhani -- ukwethembeka kwakhe kujame isiphelani -- wanikela inarhawo bona ibe lilifa -- ukwethembeka kwakhe kujame isiphelani -- iye, ilifa lencekwakhe, u-Israyeli -- ukwethembeka kwakhe kujame isiphelani! Nguye owasikhumbulako nasisabogabogako -- ukwethembeka kwakhe kujame isiphelani -- wasisindisa emanabenethu -- ukwethembeka kwakhe kujame isiphelani -- Nguye opha ukudla kikho koke okuphilako -- ukwethembeka kwakhe kujame isiphelani -- Thokozani uZimu wezulwini -- ukwethembeka kwakhe kujame isiphelani! Ngemiseleni yeBhabheli sahlala phasi, salila lokha nasikhumbula iZiyoni. Phezu kwemithi yomdubi saphanyeka amaharibhethu, ngombana abasithumbileko bathi sibavumele ingoma; iye abaphangi bethu bafuna ingoma yethabo, bathi: “Sivumelani yinye yeengoma zeZiyoni.” Sizayivuma njani ingoma kaSomnini enarheni etjhili na? Nangikhohlwa wena Jerusalema, asizikhohlwe isandla sami sesidla! Ilimu lami alinamathele kurhwalabhami, nangabe angikukhumbuli, iye, nakube angilibeki iJerusalema ngaphezu kwesitlhori sokujabula kwami. Somnini, khumbula okwenziwe ma-Edomu mhlana kuhlakazwa iJerusalema. Athi: “Bhuruzani! Bhuruzani bekube sesisekelweni salo!” Wena Bhabheli, ndodakazi ezakubhujiswa, ubusisiwe ozakubuyisela kuwe, lokho owakwenza kithi! Iye, ubusisiwe ohlwitha iinratjhana zakho, aziphahlaze edwaleni! Irhubo lakaDavida. Ngikuthokoza ngehliziywami yoke; ngikudumise phambi kwabosingazimu. Ngiguqa nca ngethempelini lakho elicwengileko; ngithokoze ibizo lakho ngebanga lokwethembeka neqiniso lakho. Mbala, uphakamise ibizo lakho ngaphezu kwakho koke. Mayelana nesithembiso sakho: Ngelanga engakubiza ngalo, wena wangiphendula. Wangiqinisa idolo, wanginikela amandla. Woke amakhosi wephasi azakuthokoza wena Somnini, lokha nezwa amezwi womlomakho. Azakuvuma iingoma ngezenzo zakaSomnini, athi: “Yikulu iphazimulo kaSomnini!” Nanyana uSomnini aphakamile, uyamtjheja ophasi. Kodwana ozitjhayako umbona akude. Nanyana ngikhamba phakathi kwamanaba, wena ulonda ipilwami etukuthelweni yezitha zami. Welula isandla sakho, iye, isidla sakho singisindise. Somnini uyangenyela. Ukwethembeka kwakho, Somnini, kujame isiphelani. Yeke ungalahli umsebenzi wezandla zakho. Kumkhaleli; irhubo lakaDavida. Somnini, ungiphenyile, uyangazi. Wena wazi ukuhlala nokuvuka kwami, ulemuka imizindlwami ukude. Uhlolisisa ikhambo nokuzigedla kwami, wazana neendlela zami zoke. Ngitjho ilizwi lingakabi semlonyenami, wena Somnini, ulazi ngokupheleleko. Ungiphahle ngaphambili nangemuva nesandla sakho singehla kwami. Ukwazi okunjalo kuyangimangalisa, kuphakeme khulu, angikufikeleli. Ngizakuyaphi kude noMoyakho? Ngizakubalekelaphi kude nebukhoneni bakho na? Lokha nangikhuphukela emazulwini, wena ulapho! Lokha nangendlala umkghadami endaweni yabafileko, wena ukhona! Lokha nangithatha amaphiko wokusa, ngidoyele emikhawulweni yelwandle, nalapho isandla sakho sizangirhola, isidla sakho singisingathe. Lokha nabe ngingathi, “Ubumnyama abungibhudungele, ukukhanya okungizombileko kube busuku” nobumnyama abuzukuba mnyama kuwe; ubusuku buzakukhanya njengemini, iye, ubumnyama bufane nokukhanya. Nguwe owadala iimbindi zami, wangeluka esibelethweni sakamma. Ngiyakudumisa ngesimangaliso esesabekako sokuba khona kwami! Iye, imisebenzakho iyamangalisa; lokho ngikwazi kuhle khulu! Amathambami bekangakafihleki kuwe lokha nangibunjwa ekusithekeni. Lokha ngelukwa ekuzikeni kwesibeletho, amehlwakho angibona ngisese lihlwili. Koke ukubunjwa kwami kwatlolwa encwadinakho, iye, azange kwatjhiywa nalinye ilanga lakhona. Zimu, amaqhingakho abudisi kimi! Inani lawo liyababazeka! Lokha nangilinga ukuwabala adlula ubunengi betjhwabatjhwaba. Ngitjho nalokha nangivukako, nalapho ngisese nawe ngemizindlo. Nina abomele iingazi, dedani kimi! Zimu, kwanga bewungabhubhisa iinkhohlakali, iye, labo abakhuluma ikohliso ngawe. Izitha zakho ziphatha ibizo lakho butjhilweni. Somnini, ngiyabazonda abakuzondako; ngiyabanyenya abahlubukako. Ngibazonda ngezondo epheleleko; bazizitha kimi. Yewungiphenye Somnini, wazi ihliziywami; ngizizinye, wazi imikhumbulwami. Qala nakube ngisendleleni enesiphetho esinzima, ungirholele endleleni yasafuthi. Kumkhaleli; irhubo lakaDavida. Somnini ngisindise eenkhohlakalini, ngivikele ebantwini benturhu; labo abahlela okumbi eenhliziyweni zabo nabaphehla ipi isikhathi soke. Balola ilimu labo libe bukhali njengelenyoka, eembheneni zabo kunesihlungu serabi. Ngilonde, Somnini, ezandleni zeenkhohlakali; ngivikele ebantwini benturhu, iye, labo abasophe ukungirareja. Abazigqajako bangifihlele isifu, bangibekela iinrhobelo zeentambo; iye, endleleni yoke bangibekela iinthiyo. Ngathi kuSomnini: “Wena unguZimami! Beka iindlebe elizwini lesibawo sami. Somnini, Somandla, msindisami onamandla, usithe ihlokwami ngelanga lepi. Nje-ke Somnini, ungaphumelelisi iimfiso zeenkhohlakali, ungavumeli zifikelele ihlelo lazo elimbi. Baphakamisa iinhloko labo abangizombileko! Ingozi abayikhulumako ayibagubuzese! Kwanga amalahle avuthako angawela phezu kwabo, baphoselwe emlilweni, iye, ngemgodini bangasaphuma! Ungavumeli onelimu alibhade enarheni; ubumbi abuzumane nomuntu onenturhu.” Ngiyazi bona uSomnini uyabamela abadududu avikele ilungelo labakhwahlileko. Mbala, abalungileko bazakuthokoza ibizo lakho, Somnini nabaqotho bazakuphila ebukhoneni bakho. Irhubo lakaDavida. Somnini, ngilila kuwe, yewungitjheje; beka indlebe elizwini lami nangilila kuwe. Umthandazwami awube njengetjhwalo kuwe; izandla engiziphakamisileko zibe njengomnikelo wakusihlwa. Somnini, bekela umlomami umlindi; ulonde umnyango weembhena zami. Ungavumeli ihliziywami iphendukele ebumbini kobana ngizibandakanye ezenzweni zobukhohlakali ngokuhlanganyela nabantu abenza ubumbi. Ungavumi ngidle iinkhanakhana zabo. Nange ngiwakalwa nguwe wena olungileko bekungaba yinto ehle; nakube ngikhalinywa nguwe bekuzakuba njengokuzeswa ngamafutha. Ungavumi ihlokwami ikwale lokho, kodwana umthandazwami awuhlale ujamelene nobumbi beenkhohlakali. Nanyana abarholi bazo bebangasunduzelwa ngerharheni, bebazakuzwa kobana amezwi womthandazwami mahle. Lokha amathambethu narhatjheka emlonyeni wethuna njengamasoyi wolimako natlaya ihlabathi, amehlwami ahlala akuwe Somnini, Somandla; iye, kuwe ngiyaphephela, ungangingeniseleli ngengozi. Ngiphephise ekubanjweni sisifu abangithiye ngaso, iye, eenthiyweni zeengilamkhuba. Iinkhohlakali aziwele ezifini zazo, lokha mina ngedwa nangiphunyurhako. IMaskili lakaDavida; lokha nagade angemrhobeni; umthandazo. Ngirhuwelela uSomnini, ngelizwi lami ngizincengela kuye. Ngithululela ukububula kwami kuye, ngibika ikingami phambi kwakhe; ngithi: “Wena wazi indlelami lokha ummoyami nawudambileko. Endleleni lapha ngikhamba khona, abantu bangifihlele isifu. Akhusuthi uqala ngesidleni sami, akakho noyedwa ongiyelelako; abukho ubuphephelo kimi, akakho umuntu ongitjhejako. “Ngirhuwelela kuwe Somnini ngithi, ‘Wena usiphephelo sami; ungikho koke enginakho enarheni yabaphilako. Tjheja isililo sami, ngombana ngithotjiswe khulu. Ngephule kwabazumana nami, ngombana banamandla khulu kunami. Ngikhuphe ngesikhungweni ukuze ngidumise ibizo lakho. Abalungileko bazangizombeleza, ngombana wena ungiphethe kuhle.’ ” Irhubo lakaDavida. Somnini, yizwa umthandazwami ngobuqotho bakho; beka indlebe esibaweni sami, ungiphendule ngokulunga kwakho. Incekwakho ungayimangaleli, ngombana akunamuntu ophilako ongolungileko phambi kwakho. Mbala, isitha sizumene nami, sagandelela phasi ipilwami, sangihlalisa ebumnyameni njengalabo esele bahlongakala kade. Ngalokho ummoyami ngaphakathi kwami udambile; ihliziywami inevalo. Ngakhumbula imihla yekadeni, ngazindla ngemisebenzakho yoke, ngayelela okwenziwe zizandla zakho. Nje-ke ngelulela izandla zami kuwe; umphefumulwami womele wena njengenarha elibhudu. Somnini, ngiphendule masinyana; ummoyami ulangazelela wena. Ungabufihli ubuso bakho kimi ukuze ngingafani nabawela ngemgodini. Ngizwise ukwethembeka kwakho ekuseni, ngombana kuwe ngibeka ithemba lami. Ngikhombise indlela ekufuze ngikhambe ngayo, ngombana umphefumulwami uyakulangazelela. Somnini, ngenyule ezitheni zami; kuwe ngibeka ithemba lami. Ngifundise ukwenza intandwakho, ngombana wena unguZimami. UMoyakho olungileko akangirhole, angikhambise ehlabathini elelezekileko. Ngebanga lebizo lakho, Somnini, londa ipilwami. Iye, ngokulunga kwakho ngikhuphe ematshwenyekweni. Ngokuthembeka kwakho phelisa izitha zami, bewubhubhise boke abajamelani bami, ngombana ngiyincekwakho. Irhubo lakaDavida. Akadunyiswe uSomnini olidwala lami, yena obandulela izandla zami ipi neminwami ukulwa. USomnini ulidwala nobuphephelo bami, irharha nomsindisami; usihlangu sami engiphepha ngaso, uthobisa abantu bami ngaphasi kwami. Somnini, umuntu bekayini kobana umnake, namkha obhubhako kobana umkhumbule? Umuntu ufana nomphefumulo nje; imihlakhe ifana nesithunzi esinyamalalako. Somnini, vula amazulu, wehlele phasi; thinta iintaba ukuze zithunye intuthu. Phazimisa imibani, uphadlhalaje izizwe; thumela imisubelakho, uzihlangahlanganise. Yelula isandla sakho uphezulu; ngisindise bewungenyule emanzini amanengi, iye, ezandleni zabatjhili, abanemilomo ekhuluma amala nabanesidla sekohliso. Ngizakuvuma ingoma etja kuwe Zimu; ngikubethele iharibha leenara ezilitjhumi! Nguwe opha amakhosi ukuhlula nosindisa uDavida incekwakho esabuleni yesihluku. Iye, ngisindise bewungenyule ezandleni zabatjhili abanemilomo ekhuluma amala nabanesidla sekohliso! Kwanga amadodanethu ebutjheni bawo angafana nesimila esikhula kuhle; amadodakazethu afane neensika zesikghudlhu ezibazwe njengezesigodlweni. Kwanga iinlulu zethu zingaphuphuma ngemihlobohlobo yemikhiqizo; izimvu neembuzi zethu zande ngeenkulungwana, iye, ngeenkulungwana ezilitjhumi emirhuleni yamadlelwethu; kwanga neenkomo zethu zingamitha. Kungabi nomphundlukelo emithangalenethu, kungabi nesililo sesizi eendledlaneni zethu. Babusisiwe abantu abehlelwa ngilokho, iye, babusisiwe abantu uZimabo onguSomnini. Indumiso kaDavida. Ngiyakuphakamisa Zimami, wena Somnini, ngidumisa ibizo lakho nini nanini. Imihla ngemihla ngizakudumisa, ngibabaze ibizo lakho nini nanini. USomnini mkhulu, kufuze adunyiswe khulu; ubukhulu bakhe abuphenyeki. Isizukulwana sizakubabaza imisebenzakho kesinye, simemezele izenzo zakho zamandla. Ngizakuzindla ngephazimulo yokuhlonitjhwa kobukhosi bakho kanye neemangaliso zakho. Abantu bazakumemezela amandla wokwesabeka kwakho; nami ngizakufakaza ubukhulu bakho. Bazakwendlala idumo lobunengi bobuhle bakho, bahlokome ngokulunga kwakho, bathi: “USomnini unomusa nesirhawu; ubuthaka ekusilengekeni nokwethembeka kwakhe kukhulu. USomnini ulungile kibo boke nesisa sakhe sengamele koke akudalileko.” Yoke imisebenzakho izakuthokoza, Somnini nabathembekileko bakho bazakubabaza. Bazakhuluma ngephazimulo yombuswakho, bamemezele izenzo zakho zamandla, bazise abantu izenzo zakho zamandla nokuhlonitjhwa kwephazimulo yombuswakho. Umbuswakho, umbuso wesiphelani nokubusa kwakho kuhlezi iinzukulwana zoke. USomnini uthembekile emezwinakhe woke nezenzweni zakhe zoke unesisa. Boke abawako uSomnini uyababamba, aphakamise boke abathotjisiweko. Woke amehlo aqalelele kuwe begodu ubapha ukudla ngesikhathi esifaneleko. Uvula izandla zakho, wanelise iimfiso zakho koke okuphilako. USomnini ulungile eendleleni zakhe zoke, unesisa kikho koke akwenzako. USomnini useduze nabo boke abambizako, iye, boke abambiza ngeqiniso. Uzalisa iimfiso zabo boke abamesabako, alalele isililo sabo abasindise. USomnini ulonda boke abamkhathalelako, kodwana uzakubhubhisa zoke iinkhohlakali. Umlomami uzakukhuluma idumo lakaSomnini nenyama yoke izakudumisa ibizo lakhe elicwengileko nini nanini. Haleluya! Dumisa uSomnini mphefumulwami! Iye, ngizakudumisa uSomnini ipilwami yoke, ngivumele uZimami qobe ngisekhona. Ningabeki ithemba lenu eenkhulwini, iye, emuntwini obhubhako okungekho kuye ukusindisa. Lokha umphefumulwakhe nawuphumako, yena ubuyela ehlabathini; khona mhlokho aphele amaqhingakhe. Ubusisiwe umuntu omsizakhe unguZimu kaJakopo, loyo ithemba lakhe likuSomnini uZimakhe, owenza izulu nephasi, ilwandle nakho koke okukikho, olonda iqiniso isiphelani, owenzela abagandelelweko ubulungiswa nopha abalambileko ukudla. USomnini utjhaphulula iimbotjhwa; uSomnini uvula amehlo wabaphopheleko, aphakamise abathotjisiweko, athande abalungileko. USomnini ulonda iinkhonzi, asekele iintandani nabahlolokazi; kodwana indlela yeenkhohlakali uyayiphambanisa. USomnini uzakubusa isiphelani, iye, uZimakho, wena Ziyoni, iinzukulwana ngeenzukulwana. Haleluya! Haleluya! Kuhle ukurhubela uZimethu! Maye kumnandi kangangani! Iye, indumiso imfanele! Umakhi weJerusalema nguSomnini, ubuthelela abahlakazekileko bakwa-Israyeli. Uphulukisa abaneenhliziyo ezaphukileko, abophe amancebabo. Ubala inani leenkwekwezi, abize enye nenye ngebizo layo. IKosethu yikulu, namandlayo makhulu, ukwazi kwayo akulinganiseki. USomnini usekela abathobekileko, athobise abakhohlakeleko. Vumelani uSomnini ngokuthokoza, nikhalelele uZimethu ngeharibhana! Yena osibekela umkayi ngamafu, alungiselele izulu kobana line ephasini, ahlumise utjani eentatjaneni. Unikela iinlwana ukudla kwazo, ngitjho namadzinyani wegubulu nalilako. Ukuthaba kwakhe akukho emandleni wenjomani, namkha ukujabula kwakhe eenthumbeni zendoda. USomnini uthaba ngabamesabako, iye, abaqalelela ukwethembeka kwakhe. Babaza uSomnini, wena Jerusalema, udumise uZimakho, wena Ziyoni, ngombana yena uqinisa iinqabo zamasangwakho, abusise abantwabakho abangaphakathi kwakho. Wenza ukuthula ngemikhawulwenakho, akwanelise ngamabele anonileko. Uthumela umyalwakhe ephasini, ilizwi lakhe ligijima ngebelo. Wendlala iliqhwa inga buboya, arhatjhe isithwathwa njengomlotha. Wehlisa isinanja sakhe njengeroro. Alo, ngubani ongajama phambi kwamakhazakhe na? Uthumela ilizwi lakhe lincithikise isinanja, avuse ummoyakhe, amanzi ageleze. Wembula ilizwi lakhe kuJakopo, imithetho neemiso zakhe ku-Israyeli. Asikho isizwe akhe enza njalo kiso; imithethwakhe ayaziwa kiso. Haleluya! Haleluya! Dumisani uSomnini nina enisezulwini, nimdumise kweliphezulu! Mdumiseni nina ngilozi zakhe, iye, mdumiseni noke nina butho lakhe! Mdumiseni nina langa nenyanga, mdumiseni noke nina nkwekwezi eziphazimako! Mdumiseni nina mazulu aphakamileko, nani manzi angehla komkayi! Koke lokho akudumise ibizo lakaSomnini, ngombana wayala kwadaleka. Lokho wakujamisa isiphelani, wakubekela isimiso esingapheliko. Dumisani uSomnini nina enisephasini, nina mbandana ezikulu zemanzini, nani kuzika kwamalwandle, nawe mbani nesinanja, liqhwa nawe kungu, nawe mmoya owenza umyalwakhe. Iye, dumisani nina ntaba nemibundu yoke, nina mithi yeenthelo nemisedari yoke, mbandana nawe fuyo yoke, nrharhabi nani nyoni. Dumisani nina makhosi wephasi nani noke zizwe, nina nkhulu nani noke babusi benarha, nina masokana neentombi, nani abadala nabancani. Koke lokho akudumise ibizo lakaSomnini, ngombana libizo lakhe lodwa eliphakamileko; iphazimulwakhe ingehla kwephasi nezulu. Uvusele abantu bakhe isithunzi, idumo kwabathembekileko bakhe boke, iye, kuma-Israyeli, okubabantu abasehliziywenakhe. Haleluya! Haleluya! Vumani ingoma etja kuSomnini, idumo lakhe ehlanganweni yabathembekileko. U-Israyeli akathabe kumenzakhe; abantwana beZiyoni bahlokome eKosinabo. Abadumise ibizo lakaZimabo ngokugida, bamlilisele abosotjherere namaharibhana. Mbala, uSomnini uyabathabela abantu bakhe; abathobekileko ubembathisa ukuhlula. Abathembekileko abalilizele ngehlonipho, bahlokome basemikghadinabo. Ukuphakamisa uZimu akube semaphinjenabo nesabula ebukhali mahlangothi woke ayibe sesandleni sabo ukuze bazibuyiselele kebezizwe, bebahlunguphaze nabantu, babophe amakhosabo ngeenketani nabosaziwako bakhona ngamakhamandela, baphethe isigwebo kibo sokutloliweko. Lokhu kulidumo kwabathembekileko bakhe boke. Haleluya! Haleluya! Dumisani uZimu ethempelini lakhe; mdumiseni esibangeni samandlakhe. Mdumiseni ngezenzo zamandlakhe; nimdumise ngobukhulu bakhe obudluleleko. Mdumiseni ngomdumo wepalapala, nimdumise ngemihlobohlobo yamaharibha. Mdumiseni ngabosotjherere nangegido, nimdumise ngemitjingo nangamanghwani. Mdumiseni ngeewahlo ezinetjhada, nimdumise ngeewahlo ezinomdumo. Koke okuphilako, akudumise uSomnini. Haleluya! Izaga zakaSolomoni umsa kaDavida ikosi yakwa-Israyeli Ngezokwazi ubuhlakani nokuyelelisa, kanye nokuzwisisa amezwi welemuko; iye, ukuzuza ukulaywa okunokuhlakanipha, ukulunga, ubulungiswa nokufaneleko. Abanganalwazi zibanikela ilemuko, omncani ilwazi nokuhlukanisa. Ohlakaniphileko akalalele, azuze ingqondo nonekghono afumane indlela yoburholi, ukuze azwisise isaga nesitjho okutjho amezwi neenrarejo zabahlakaniphileko. Ukwesaba uSomnini kukuthoma kokuhlakanipha, kodwana isidlhadlha sinyaza ubuhlakani nokusolwa. Ndodanami, lalela isiyeleliso sakayihlo, ungalahli ifundiso kanyoko; mbala, lokho kuzakuba mbhode kufaneze ihlokwakho, kube sigejo entanyenakho. Ndodanami, nakube izoni ziyakuyenga, ungaphiki nazo. Nakube zithi, “Namba nathi, sikhukhuthele iingazi zothileko, sinanabele umphefumulo omsulwa, iye, sibaginye baphila njengokufa, njengalabo abehlela ethuneni basaphelele; sizazifumanela imihlobohlobo yobuphaziphazi, sizalise iinkumba zethu ngepango, nawuphosa ifumbakho kanye nathi bese sahlukaniselana isikhwama”, ndodanami, ungaphiki nazo. Ungalibhadi emzilenazo, ngombana iinyawo zazo, zigijimela ekoneni, ziyarhaba ukuthulula iingazi. Akusizi ukubeka isifu khisibe zoke iinyoni zikuqalile. Abantwaba bakhukhuthela iingazi zabo, bananabela ipilwabo! Zinjalo iindlela zabo boke abazifunela inzuzo ngokurhabileko: Kuthatha ipilo yabanikazi benzuzo leyo! Unokuhlakanipha urhuwelela endledlaneni, uphakamisa iphimbo ematatawini. Umemeza ekabeni yeendledlana eziyaluzelako, akhulume amezwi wokuhlakanipha ebungenweni bamasango wedorobho athi: “Kuzabe kube nini nina eninganalwazi nithanda ukungabi nelwazi na? Kuzabe kube nini iinyefuli zijajuliswa kukokomeja neendlhadlha zizonda ilwazi na? Nangathana khenalalela ukukhalima kwami, bengizokuthululela ummoya wokuhlakanipha kini, nginazise amezwami. Kodwana ngebanga lokobana nalile nangibizako, nangayelela nangelula isandla sami, nathalalisa zoke iinluleko zami, nangavuma ukukhalima kwami, nami-ke ngizokuhleka ihlekelelenu, ngininyefule nanehlelwa kukwesaba, iye, ukwesaba nakunehlela njengesiwuruwuru, ihlekelelenu nayivuthela njengesivunguvungu, nalokha nanembathwa lisizi neenkathazo. “Yeke bazangibiza, ngingabaphenduli, bangifunisise, bangangifumani. Njengombana bahloye ilwazi, bangakhethi ukwesaba uSomnini, bangamukeli iseluleko sami, badelela koke ukukhalima kwami, bazakugoma isithelo sendlelabo, bazaliswe ngomphumela wamaqhingabo. Ukuphambuka kwabanganalwazi kuyababulala nokuzethemba kweendlhadlha kuyazibhubhisa. Kodwana ongilalelako, uzakuphila aphephile, azigedle, angabi nokwesaba ihlekelele.” Ndodanami, nakube wamukela amezwami, ufihle imiyalwami ehliziywenakho, indlebakho ilalele ukuhlakanipha, welulele ihliziywakho ekuzwisiseni, iye, lokha nawufisa ukwazi, urhuwelele ubize ukuzwisisa, nakube lokho ukufuna njengesiliva, ukufunisise njengegugu elifihliweko, khona-ke uzakuzwisisa ukwesaba uSomnini, bese ufumana ukumazi uZimu. USomnini unikela ukuhlakanipha, emlonyenakhe kuvela ilwazi nokuzwisisa. Ubekela abaqotho ipumelelo usihlangu kilabo abaneendlela ezimsulwa, ubulunga imizila yokulunga, alonde indlela yabathembekileko bakhe. Khona-ke uzakulemuka ukulunga, ubulungiswa nokuhleleka, iye, enye nenye indlela elungileko. Mbala, ubuhlakani buzakungena ehliziywenakho, unandiphelwe lilwazi emphefumulwenakho. Ukuhlolisisa kuzakulonda nokuzwisisa kukubulunge, kukuhlenge endleleni yokonakala, iye, ebantwini abakhuluma okuphambeneko, kilabo abaphambuka emizileni elungileko kobana bakhambe eendleleni zobumnyama, bajabulele ukwenza okumbi, bathabe ngokuphambukela ebumbini; labo iindlela zabo zimasongesonge, nemizilabo iyalahlekisa. Ukuzwisisa kuzakuhlenga kunondindwa, iye, umfazi otjhili onelimu elibutjhelelezi, otjhiye umlingani wobutjha bakhe, wakhohlwa isivumelwano sakhe noZimu. Ikumbakhe yehlela ekufeni, nemizilakhe iya kabafileko. Boke abaya kuye ababuyi, abasayifumani imizila yokuphila. Ngalokho khamba ngendlela yabalungileko, unamathele emizileni yabamsulwa. Mbala, abaqotho bazakunzinza enarheni nabanganamlandu bahlale kiyo; kodwana iinkhohlakali zizakujutjwa enarheni, nabangathembekiko basitjhulwe kiyo. Ndodanami, ungakhohlwa ifundiswami, kodwana ihliziywakho ayibulunge imiyalwami; Mbala izakwelula amalangakho iye, ingezelele iminyaka nokuthula kuwe. Nawungatjhiyi ukwethembeka neqiniso, okutjho ukukubophelela entanyenakho, ukutlole emiqebethwini yehliziywakho, uzakuzuza umusa, ubukwe nguZimu nabantu. Themba uSomnini ngehliziywakho yoke, ungeyami ekwazini kwakho. Nawazisa uSomnini kizo zoke iindlela zakho, yena uzakwenza imizilakho ilelezeke. Ungaziboni inga uhlakaniphile emehlwenakho, yesaba uSomnini, utjhide ebumbini. Lokhu kuzakuletha ipilo emzimbenakho, nokondleka emathanjenakho. Nawuhlonipha uSomnini ngomnonwakho, iye, ngesilumo semikhiqizwakho yoke, yena uzakuzalisa iinlulu zakho ngokwaneleko neembekelelo zakho ziphuphume ngesitjhidela sewayini. Ndodanami, ungadeleli ukusola kwakaSomnini, ungadinwa kukhalima kwakhe, ngombana uSomnini uyamkhalima amthandako, njengobaba endodanenakhe ayithandako. Ubusisiwe umuntu ofunyana ubuhlakani, iye, umuntu ozuza ukuzwisisa, ngombana ingcono inzuzo yakhona kuneyesiliva, iye, imbuyiselo yakhona kuneyegolide. Kuligugu ukudlula amaparele; mbala akunalitho olifisako elingafana nakho. Ipilo ede ingesigomeni sakanokwazi, ngesinceleni sakhe kunomnono nedumo. Iindlela zakhe ngezithokozisako, nemizilakhe ikuthula. Umumuthi wokuphila kilabo abamamukelako, abanamathela kuye bazakubizwa bona ngabathakasileko. USomnini wendlale iinsekelo zephasi ngobuhlakani, wanzinzisa amazulu ngokuzwisisa, ngelwazi lakhe amanzi agobhoza, umkayi wathontisa umbethe. Ndodanami, bulunga ubuhlakani nokuhlolisisa, ungavumi kusuke emehlwenakho, kuzakuba kuphila emphefumulwenakho, kube mkghabiso entanyenakho. Yeke uzakukhamba endlelenakho uphephile, nenyawo lakho angeze lakhutjwa. Lokha nawuyokulala, angeze wesaba, iye, nawuleleko, uzakuba nobuthongo obumnandi. Ungabi nevalo ngehlekelele yamsinya nangamatshwenyeko lokha nehlela abakhohlakeleko, ngombana uSomnini uzakuba seqadi kwakho, alonde inyawo lakho ekubanjweni sisifu. Ungathi nawunamandla wokwenza okuhle, ubagodlele labo okufanele ubenzele. Ungathi komunye umuntu: “Khamba, ubuye kusasa, ngizakupha”, khisibe unakho lokho akukhombelako. Ungeluki amano wokulimaza omunye umuntu ohlezi nawe ngokukwethemba. Ungasoli umuntu ngaphandle kwesizathu khisibe akakakoni ngalitho. Ungafisi ipumelelo yomuntu onenturhu, ungakhethi nayinye yeendlela zakhe, ngombana uSomnini uyamnyenya ophambukela kizo, kodwana unesikhozi nabaqotho. Isithuweleliso sakaSomnini siphezu kwekumba yokhohlakeleko, kodwana ubusisa ihlalo yabalungileko. Yena unyefula iinyefuli, abazithobileko abaphe umusa. Abahlakaniphileko bazuza idumo, kodwana iindlhadlha zizandisela ihlazo. Bantwana, lalelani ukuyala kwakababa, niyelele ilwazi lokuzwisisa, ngombana ngininikela umqondo omuhle; ngalokho ningalahli ifundiswami. Lokha nangisese msana kababa, ngisese manzi ngiyithorwana kamma, ubaba wangifundisa wathi kimi: “Ihliziywakho ayibambisise amezwami. Nawulonda imiyalwami, uzakuphila. Nawuzuza ubuhlakani, uzakufumana ilwazi. Ungakhohlwa begodu ungaphambuki emezwini womlomami. Nawungalahli ukuhlakanipha, kuzakulonda; nawukuthandako, kuzakubulunga ipilwakho. Ukuthoma kokuhlakanipha ngilokhu: Zuza ubuhlakani nangepahlakho yoke zuza ilwazi. Nawuphatha kuhle ubuhlakani, buzakuphakamisa, buzakudumisa nawubugonako. Buzakwethwesa umbhode wokufaneza, bukunikele isihlohlo sedumo.” Lalela ndodanami, nawamukela amezwami, uzakwengezelelelwa iminyaka yokuphila. Ngakufundisa indlela yokuhlakanipha, ngakurholela emizileni elungileko. Nawukhamba kiyo, angeze wathikamezeka, nalokha nawugijimako, angeze wakhutjwa. Bambelela ekuyalweni, ungakulisi, kweluse ngombana kukuphila kwakho. Ungakhambi emzileni wabakhohlakeleko, ungabeki inyawo endleleni yabambi. Icwaye, ungakhambi kiyo; deda kiyo uhlabele phambili. Abambi abalali bangakenzi okumbi; ubuthongo abehli bangakakhubazi umuntu. Iye, bagoma isikwa sobukhohlakali, basele iwayini lenturhu. Umzila wabalungileko ufana nomkhanyo welanga: Ukusukela ekuphumeni kwalo, umkhanyo lo ukhanya ukuya ngokuya bekube semini. Kodwana indlela yabakhohlakeleko, ibumnyama obuphathekako, abazi bona bakhutjwa yini. Ndodanami, lalela amezwami; ubeke indlebakho kilokho engikutjhoko. Ungavumi kusuke emehlwenakho; kulonde ngehliziywenakho, ngombana kuyipilo kabakufunyanako, nokuphiliswa komzimba woke. Kikho koke okulondako, yelusa khulu ihliziywakho, ngombana imuthombo wokuphila. Susa ikulumo yokonakala kuwe nokuphambana kweembhena kube kude nawe. Amehlwakho akaqale phambili, ukugolozela kwakho kube phambi kwakho. Utjheje umzila walapha ugadanga khona, ngalokho iindlela zakho zizakunqopha. Ungaphambukeli ngesigomeni namkha ngesinceleni, susa inyawo lakho ebumbini. Ndodanami, lalelisisa ukuhlakanipha kwami, ubeke indlebakho elemukweni lami, ukuze ulonde ingqondo ehle neembhena zakho zimumathe ilwazi. Yelela, iimbhena zakanondindwa ziwuluka iliju norhwalabhakhe ubutjhelelezi ukudlula amafutha. Kodwana ekugcineni unondindwa loyo ubaba njengomrhalagani, ubukhali ukudlula isabula ebukhali mahlangothi woke. Iinyawo zakhe zehlela ekufeni, amagadangwakhe atjhinga endaweni yabafileko. Ugobanisa imizilakhe ukuze akulahlekise emtlhaleni wokuphila, wena angeze wakwazi lokho. Nje-ke ndodanami, yewungilalele; ungaphambuki emezwini womlomami! Khambela kude naye, ungatjhideli esangweni lekumbakhe, ukuze ungazehlisi isithunzi kabanye nejamo lakho ngomfazi osihlola, iye, nemiqhamuka ingazisuthisi ngelifa lakho, bese imijulukwakho iphelele ekumbeni yomfazi otjhili. Ekupheleni usale ungasenanto, uqume lokha nasele umzimbakho ukhehlile, uzakuthi: “Maye, ngazonda ukusolwa! Ihliziywami yanyaza ukukhalinywa! Akhange ngilalele abafundisi, nanyana ngibeke indlebe ebelulekini bami. Ngipheze ngabhujiswa nya ehlanganweni nemphakathini.” Sela amanzi emphathamanzinakho, uzikholise ngomthombakho ogelezako. Kumele imithombakho iphuphumele ngaphandle nemiselakho eendledlaneni na? Akube ngokwakho wedwa, ungakwabelani nemiqhamuka. Asibusiswe isiyalu sakho, uthokoze emfazini wobutjha bakho, ihlangukazimataka ethandekako, iye, imbuzikazi yeentaba! Inga amabelakhe angakwanelisa soke isikhathi, uhlanyiswe lithando lakhe njalo. Ndodanami, kubayini uhlanyiswe ngunondindwa? Kubayini ugone isifuba sesihlobongi na? Mbala iindlela zomuntu zisemtarini phambi kwakaSomnini. Yena uhlolisisa yoke imizilayo. Isikhohlakali sibanjwa macalaso, iinkawule zesono saso zisibambe tli. Sifa ngokuswela ukuzibamba ngombana sibhaduzeliswa budlhayelakazi baso. Ndodanami, nawenze isibambiso kumakhelwanakho, wambamba isandla, wazibophelela esikhundleni somqhamuka, iye, nakube sewubanjwe yikulumakho, wagolwa mamezwi womlomakho, yeke yenza lokhu ndodanami: Zitjhaphulule ngombana uwele ezandleni zakamakhelwanakho. Rhaba, ulandelele umakhelwanakho loyo, umkhole. Ungavumeli ubuthongo emehlwenakho, nokuyenda eenkopheni zakho. Zithukulule njengetsephe kumzumi, nanjengenyoni esandleni somthiyi. Yewuye ebutjhontjhwaneni vila ndina! Uqale iindlela zabo khona uzakuhlakanipha! Ubutjhontjhwani abunamrholi, umtjhotjhozeli nombusi, kodwana ehlobo buzibekela umphakwabo, bubuthelele ukudla kwabo nakuvunwako. Uzokurabhalala lapho bekube nini vila ndina? Uzokuvuka nini ebuthongweni bakhobo? Uyalalalala, uyendayende, usongasonge izandla uphumule, ngalokho ubuchaka buzakubhudungela njengesela, nokweswela njengendoda ehlomileko. Isibhidlamnyanya esonakaleko sikhamba sikhuluma ikohliso, sincinze amehlo, sikhombise ngenyawo nangemino; sinomkhumbulo ophambeneko, silumba amano wokulimaza, sihlala sicabanisa. Ngalokho uzakwehlelwa yihlekelele msinyana, ubhujiswe ngokuphazima kwelihlo, kungabi nantatha. Kunezinto ezisithandathu ezizondwa nguSomnini, iye, ezilikhomba ezisinyenyiso kuye: amehlo aziphakamisako, ilimu elileya amala, izandla eziphalaza iingazi ezimsulwa, ihliziyo elumba amano wokonakala, iinyawo ezirhaba ukugijimela ebumbini, ufakazi wekohliso ophafuza amanga nomuntu ocabanisako hlangana nabafo. Ndodanami, bulunga umyalo kayihlo, ungalahli ifundiso kanyoko. Kubophelele ehliziywenakho mlibe, ukuthekeleze entanyenakho. Nawukhambako, kuzakuhlahla; nawulalako, kukweluse; nawuvukako, kukukhulumise. Mbala umyalo usibani; ifundiso imukhanyo. Ukusolwa ngemiyalo kuyindlela yokuphila, ukuze ulondeke emfazini owonakeleko, iye, elimini elibutjhelelezi lesihlobongi. Ungakhanuki ubuhle baso ehliziywenakho, ungavumi bona sikuwunge ngeenkophe zaso, ngombana ikokhelo yengwadla sisikwa esindulungu, kodwana umfazi wenye indoda uyingozi epilwenakho eligugu. Indoda ingathwala umlilo ngesifuba, kodwana izambatho zayo zingatjhi na? Indoda ingakhamba phezu kwamalahle avuthako, kodwana ingatjhi iinyawo na? Unjalo-ke umuntu olalana nomfazi wenye indoda, akunamuntu ongathinta umfazi loyo angahlunguphazwa. Abantu abalideleli isela eleba ukuze lizisuthise ngoba lilambile. Nakube liyabanjwa lizakukhokha ngokubuyelelwe kalikhomba belinikele ngayo yoke ipahla yekumbalo. Kodwana umuntu ohlobongako, uswela ingqondo; owenza njalo uyazibhubhisa. Uzakufumana amaduma nehlazo, ukuhlaziseka kwakhe angeze kwasulwa. Mbala isikhwele sivusa itukuthelo yendoda, angeze yaba nomusa mhlana izibuyiselelako. Angeze yamukela ihlawulo, angeze yavuma ukufunjathiswa, ngitjho nanyana kungaba ngokungangani. Ndodanami, londa amezwami, ufihle imiyalwami ehliziywenakho. Nawulonda imiyalwami uzakuphila. Iye, ulonde ifundiswami njengehlavu yelihlo lakho; ibophelele eminwenakho, uyitlole emiqebethwini yehliziywakho. Yithi ekuhlakanipheni: “Wena ungudadwethu”, bese ubiza ukuzwisisa ngesihlobo sakho. Lokho kuzakulonda esihlobongini, iye, emfazini otjhili onamezwi abutjhelelezi. Lokha nangisefesidereni lekumbami ngihlola emlukweni wefesidere, ngabona hlangana nabanganalwazi, ngayelela hlangana namasokana umuntu omutjha onganangqondo adlula ehla ngendledlana eduze nejika lekumba yesihlobongi, anqombe nca ngekumbenaso, nakuhlwako entambama, sele kuthoma ukurhwaqela. Qala, nangu umfazi azomhlangabeza, embethe zobungwadla, anobuqili; akhulumela futhi, anganakuthula begodu alunywa ziinyawo: njenje useendledlaneni, njenje usetatawini ledorobho; emajikeni woke ucuphile. Wamtjhuba wamumanga, akhange abe neenhloni, wathi kuye: “Namhlanje ngifeza iimfungo zami, yeke nginomhlabelo wetjhebiswano ekhaya. Ngalokho ngiphume bona ngikuhlangabeze, bengiseze ngikufuna, nje-ke ngikufumene! Ngendlale umbhedami ngamatjhila iye, amibalabala welineni abuya eGibhide. Ngiwufafaze ngemire, iqolo lesikghopha nesinamoni. Yewize sizanelise ngomseme bekuse, iye, sizitike ngethando! Qala, indodami ayikho ekhayapha, ithethe ikhambo elide. Ibhade imbadayo yemali, izabe ibuye inyanga nayigcweleko.” Wamsomasoma ngelimu elithambileko, wamwunga ngeembhena ezibutjhelelezi. Khonapho isidlhadlhakazeso sasuka samlandela, njengekomo isiya ebuhlabelweni nehlokwayo irhobelwe ngomutja, kufikela lapha umkhonto uhlaba khona isibindi sayo. Sinjengenyoni irhabela esifini ingalemuki bonyana izakulahlekelwa yipilo. Nje-ke ndodanami, yewungilalele yelela amezwami. Ungavumeli ihliziywakho iphendukele eendleleni zesihlobongi, ungakhambakhambi emizilenaso. Banengi abongazimbi esibawisileko, sibulele iwoma elikhulu. Ikumbaso imasango wokuya ekufeni, ehlela phasi emalawini wokufa. Ukuhlakanipha akubizi na? Ukuzwisisa akurhuweleli na? Kujame embundwini hlanu kwendlela, lapha kuhlangana khona imizila, kurhuwelela eqadi kwamatatawu ngedorobheni ebungenweni bamasango kuhlokoma kuthi: “Ngiyanibiza nina madoda, ngirhuwelela boke abantu! Nina eninganalwazi, zuzani ilemuko! Nina enidlhayeleko, zuzani ukuzwisisa! Lalelani ngombana nginezinto ezinetlha, iimbhena zami zikhuluma okufaneleko. Umlomami umemezela okuliqiniso, ubukhohlakali busikghabhudlho eembheneni zami. Woke amezwi womlomami alungile, alikho nalinye lawo eligwegwesileko namkha elonakeleko. Woke anqophile kozwisisako begodu alungile kabafumana ilwazi. Khethani ukusola kwami kunesiliva, nirhuluphele ilwazi kunegolidembala, ngombana ukuhlakanipha kuhle kunamaparele, mbala akunalitho olifisako elingafana nakho. “Mina, unokuhlakanipha ngiphila nelemuko; ngihlanganyela nelwazi lengqondo ehle. Ukwesaba uSomnini kukuzonda ubumbi, Ngizonda ukuzitjhaya nokuziphakamisa kanye nekulumo ephambeneko. Kimi kunokweluleka nepumelelo; mina nginokuzwisisa, nginamandla. Ngami amakhosi ayabusa nababusi benza imithetho elungileko. Iinkhulu nabosaziwako babusa ngami, iye, boke abaphatha ngokulungileko. Ngithanda labo abangithandako, abangifunako bayangifunyana. Kimi kunobunjinga nedumo, umnotho othandwako nepumelelo. Isithelo sami singcono kunegolide, ngitjho negolidembala nomkhiqizwami ungcono kunesiliva ekhethekileko. Ngikhamba emizileni yokulunga, phakathi kweendlela zobulungiswa, ukuze ngiphe abangithandako umnotho kube lilifa labo, ngizalise iinlulu zabo.” “USomnini ungidale ekuthomeni kwendalwakhe, ngaphambi kwemisebenzakhe yendulo. Ngabunjwa mandulondulo, ekuthomeni, ngaphambi komlando womhlaba. Ngabelethwa amanzi amanengi angakabiphi, kungakabiphi nemithombo ephuphuma amanzi; ngaphambi kobana iintaba zinzinziswe, iye, ngaphambi kobana kube nemibundu, ngaphambi kobana adale ihlabathi nemimango, ngitjho namathomo weentuli zephasi. Ngasele ngikhona lokha uZimu najamisa amazulu, lokha nathala umthala phezu kobuso bamalwandle; nasungula isibhakabhaka phezulu, abeka imikhawulo yeeyalu zamanzi amanengi; nanikela amalwandle amaphethelwawo ukuze amanzi angeqi umyalwakhe. Lokha nathala iinsekelo zephasi bengiseqadi kwakhe ngingusosino, ngimthabela imihla ngemihla, ngihlala ngijabulile phambi kwakhe, ngijabulile ngelizwe lephasi lakhe, ngithabele abantu. “Nje-ke, madodana, yeningilalele; ngithi babusisiwe abalonda iindlela zami. Lalelani ukusola kwami. Nakube nihlakaniphile, angeze nakudela. Ubusisiwe umuntu ongilalelako, oqapha eminyangwenami imihla ngemihla alinde emathurini wamasangwami. Ofumana mina ufumene ipilo begodu uzuza umusa kuSomnini. Kodwana ohlulwa kungifumana uzilimaza yena ngokwakhe, boke abangizondako bathanda ukufa!” Unokuhlakanipha uzakhele ikumba, wazibazela iinsika ezilikhomba. Uhlabe isitjhebo, wawumela iwayini, wendlala itafula bewathuma iincekukazi zakhe. Ubiza asesiqongolweni sedorobho uthi: “Wena onganalwazi jikela lapha!” Abuye athi kabanganangqondo: “Yizani nizogoma ukudla kwami, nisele newayini lami engiliwumeleko. Fulathelani ubudlhadlha, khona nizakuphila benikhambe endleleni yokuzwisisa. Loyo osola isinyefuli, uzibizela ihlamba. Naloyo okhalimela isikhohlakali ufumana ukurhubutjhwa. Nawukhalimela isinyefuli sizakuzonda, kodwana nawukhalimela ohlakaniphileko, uzakuthanda. Nawunikela ilwazi kohlakaniphileko, uzakwanda ngobuhlakani; nawufundisa olungileko, uzazengezela ingqondo. “Ukwesaba uSomnini kukuthoma kokuhlakanipha nokwazi oCwengileko kukuzwisisa. Ngami amalangakho azakwanda, kungezelelwe neminyaka yokuphila kwakho. Nakube uhlakaniphile, ukuhlakanipha kwakho kuzakuhlomulisa, nakube usinyefuli, uzazithwalela umthwalo wedwa.” Unobudlhadlha unetjhada akakhalimeki begodu akanalwazi. Uhlala emnyango wekumbakhe, esihlalweni esisesiqongolweni sedorobho, urhuwelela abadlula ngendlela, labo abakhamba ngendlela enqombileko, uthi: “Wena onganalwazi jikela lapha!” Abuye athi kabanganangqondo: “Amanzi wokwetjiwa ehla esiphundu, nokugoma kwangemsitheleni kuyanandipha!” Kodwana abalemuki bonyana abafileko balapho neenthekeli zobudlhayela obusamfazi zisekuzikeni kweliba. Izaga zakaSolomoni Umntwana ohlakaniphileko ujabulisa uyise, kodwana osidlhadlha ulisizi kunina. Umnono wobukhohlakali awunanzuzo, kodwana ukulunga kusindisa ekufeni. USomnini akavumi kobana olungileko alambe, kodwana isifiso somumbi uyasiphaya. Izandla ezidondako zichakisa umuntu, kodwana zabakhutheleko ziyanothisa. Obuthelela isivuno ehlobo uhlakaniphile, kodwana otutumalako nakuvunwako usiphoqo. Iimbusiso zisihlohlo ehloko yolungileko, kodwana umlomo weenkhohlakali ufihle inturhu. Ukukhunjulwa kolungileko kusibusiso, kodwana amabizo weenkhohlakali asisikgha. Ohlakaniphileko engqondweni wamukela imiyalo, kodwana isidlhadlha esipepezako siyabhubha. Ophila ngobuqotho uyalondeka, kodwana oziphatha magwegwe usemtarini. Oncinza ilihlo ngobukhohlakali ubanga isizi nesidlhadlha esipepezako siyabhubha. Umlomo wolungileko umthombo wokuphila, kodwana weenkhohlakali ufihle inturhu. Izondo ivusa ukucabana, kodwana ithando lisibekela zoke iimphambeko. Ukuhlakanipha kufunyanwa eembheneni zohlolisisako, kodwana iswazi libekelwe umhlana wonganangqondo. Abahlakaniphileko babulunga ilwazi, kodwana umlomo wesidlhadlha uzibizela ukonakala. Umnono wabanjingileko ulidorobho labo elinemithangala, kodwana abachakileko baqedwa buchaka babo. Ikokhelo yolungileko ikuphila, kodwana inzuzo yesikhohlakali sisono. Ovuma ukusolwa usendleleni yokuphila, kodwana ongafuni ukuyeleliswa uyadurhisa. Ofihla izondo anayo uneembhena zamanga norhatjha amahlebezi usidlhadlha. Eenkulumeni ezinengi isiphambeko asitlhogeki, kodwana ogoba ilimu lakhe uhlakaniphile. Ilimu lolungileko lilisiliva elikhethekileko, kodwana ingqondo yeenkhohlakali ayisililitho. Iimbhena zolungileko zondla abanengi, kodwana iindlhadlha ziyafa ngokungabanangqondo. Isibusiso sakaSomnini siletha umnono nomtjhikatjhika awengezi litho kiwo. Isidlhadlha sithokoziswa kuziphatha kumbi, kodwana umuntu onehloko uthokoziswa kuhlakanipha. Okhohlakeleko wehlelwa ngakusabako, olungileko unikelwa akufisako. Nasele isivunguvungu sidlulile okhohlakeleko uyatjhabalala, kodwana olungileko uyanzinziswa nini nanini. Njengesibharha emazinyweni nentuthu emehlweni, linjalo-ke nevila kilabo abalithumako. Ukwesaba uSomnini kungezelela amalanga wokuphila, kodwana iminyaka yeenkhohlakali iyaphungulwa. Abalungileko balindela itokozo, kodwana ithemba leenkhohlakali liyanyelela. Indlela kaSomnini isiphephelo koqotho, kodwana ikubhubha kweengilamkhuba. Olungileko angeze asikinywa, kodwana iinkhohlakali angeze zahlala ephasini. Umlomo wolungileko uyaphumelela ekuhlakanipheni, kodwana ilimu labonakeleko liyaquntulwa. Iimbhena zolungileko ziyakwazi okufaneleko, kodwana umlomo weenkhohlakali wazi okuphambeneko. Isilinganiso samanga sisinyenyiso kuSomnini, kodwana ujabulela amatje afaneleko wokulinganisa. Lokha ukuzikhukhumeza nakufikako kulandela ihlazo, kodwana abazithobako banokuhlakanipha. Ukwethembeka kwabaqotho kuyabahlahla, kodwana abangakathembeki babhujiswa buqili babo. Umnono awunabubhadekelo ngelanga lelaka, kodwana ukulunga kuhlenga ekufeni. Ukulunga kwabamsulwa kubenzela indlela enqophileko, kodwana okhohlakeleko uwiswa bukhohlakali bakhe. Ukulunga kwabaqotho kuyabahlenga, kodwana amaqili abhajwa eenkanukweni zawo. Lokha okhohlakeleko nafako, ithemba lakhe liyatjhabalala; akulindele emnothwenakhe kuyanyelela. Olungileko wenyelwa emirarweni, kuthi okhohlakeleko adlhunyekwe kiyo. OnganaZimu ubulala wekhabo ngomlomakhe, kodwana abalungileko benyelwa ngelwazi. Lokha olungileko naphumelelako, idorobho liyajekezela, kuthi okhohlakeleko nabhubhako, kube nehlokomo. Ngesibusiso sabaqotho, idorobho liyaphakanyiswa, kodwana ngomlomo weenkhohlakali, liyabhujiswa. Onyaza wekhabo akanangqondo; ozwisisako ubamba ilimu lakhe. Umdlhevezi udlheveza ifihlo, kodwana othembekileko unefihlo. Ngokuswela iseluleko isizwe siyawa, kodwana ukuphepha kuza ngabeluleki abanengi. Owenzela omunye isibambiso, uba neenhlupheko ezinengi, kodwana ozonda ukufaka isandla esibambisweni uphephile. Umfazi onomusa uyahlonitjhwa, kodwana iinrhonga zizuza umnono kwaphela. Onomusa uzenzela ubuhle, kodwana onesihluku uzilimaza yena. Okhohlakeleko uzuza umvuzo owonakeleko, kodwana otjala ukulunga uvuna umvuzo weqiniso. Onzinze ekulungeni uzifumanela ipilo, kodwana olandela ubumbi uzibizela ukufa. Abaneenhliziyo ezonakeleko basinyenyiso kuSomnini, kodwana uthokoziswa ngabaneendlela ezimsulwa. Nakanjani okhohlakeleko uzakuhlunguphazwa begodu isizukulwana sabalungileko sizakuhlengwa. Njengesali legolide epumulweni yewotji, sinjalo-ke nesimomondiya somfazi onganasimilo. Isifiso sabalungileko siphelela ebuhleni; ithemba leenkhohlakali liphelela etukuthelweni. Omunye unikela ngokutjhaphuluka, nokho azuze khulu, omunye ugodla ngokungakafaneli, kodwana agcine achakile. Umuntu ophanako uyaphumelela nokholisa abanye naye uyakholiswa. Abantu bathuwelelisa umuntu ogodla ikoroyi, kodwana isibusiso siphezu koyithengisako. Ofuna okuhle uyamukeleka, ofuna ubumbi buyamehlela. Othembela emnonwenakhe uyawa, kodwana abalungileko batlhurha njengamakari. Olimaza umndenakhe uzuza ummoya; isidlhadlha esinjalo siba likhoboka lesihlakaniphi. Isithelo solungileko simumuthi wokuphila; ohlakaniphileko ubuthelela abantu kuye. Nakube olungileko ufumana okumfaneleko, kangangani-ke okhohlakeleko nesoni! Othanda ukusolwa uthanda ilwazi, ozonda ukukhalinywa usiyila. Umuntu olungileko ufumana umusa kuSomnini, kodwana uyamlahla umuntu onobuqili. Umuntu akanzinzi ngobukhohlakali; isisekelo sabalungileko sinzinzile. Umfazi oqotho unjengesihlohlo endodenakhe, kodwana ohlazisako unjengesidliso emathanjenayo. Amano wabalungileko alungile, kodwana iseluleko seenkhohlakali siyikohliso. Amezwi weenkhohlakali acuphe iingazi, kodwana umlomo wabaqotho uyabahlenga. Abakhohlakeleko bayaketulwa banyamalale, kodwana ikumba yabalungileko iyadzimelela. Umuntu udunyiswa ukuya ngokuhlakanipha kwakhe, kodwana onomkhumbulo ophambeneko uyanyazeka. Kungcono ukuba phasi khibe nokho unekhoboka, kunobana uzenze umuntu kanti udobha phasi. Olungileko unakekela iindingo zefuywakhe, kodwana imizwa yeenkhohlakali ililunya. Olima isimakhe uzakufumana ukudla okunengi, kodwana ogijimisana nelize akanangqondo. Okhohlakeleko uyakhanuka, iingilamkhuba ziyarhiribidela, kodwana ipande yabalungileko iyathela. Omumbi ubanjwa ziimphambeko zomlomakhe, kodwana olungileko uphunyurha emirarweni. Esithelweni somlomakhe umuntu utlonyeliswa okuhle, njengombana imisebenzi yezandla zakhe imvuza. Indlela yesidlhadlha ibonakala ilungile kiso, kodwana ohlakaniphileko ulalela iseluleko. Isidlhadlha siyarhaba ukukhombisa ukunyenya kwaso, kodwana ovuthiweko uyayithalalisa ihlamba. Ufakazi weqiniso ukhuluma iqiniso, kodwana wekohliso ubika amanga. Kunabantu abanamezwi ahlaba njengesabula, kodwana ilimu labahlakaniphileko liyaphilisa. Iimbhena zeqiniso zijame mlibe, kodwana ilimu lamanga ngelesikhatjhana. Kunekohliso eenhliziyweni zabahlosa okumbi, kodwana kulithabo kilabo abakhuthaza ukuthula. Olungileko angeze ehlelwa ngokumbi, kodwana abakhohlakeleko bazele ngehlupheko. Iimbhena ezikhuluma amanga zisinyenyiso kuSomnini, kodwana uthokoziswa mumuntu oneqiniso. Umuntu ovuthiweko uzigoba ngengqondo nangelwazi; iindlhadlha zipepeza ubudlhayela. Izandla zabakhutheleko zizakubusa, kodwana ubuvila buphelela emsebenzini okatelelako. Obalabala ngehliziyo uyawurubajeka, kodwana ilizwi elakhako liyamthabisa. Olungileko ukhombisa wekhabo indlela, kodwana indlela yabakhohlakeleko iyabadurhisa. Isibozi asiyibasi inyamazana, kodwana ukukhuthala kulilifa eliligugu emuntwini. Endleleni yokulunga kunokuphila nokukhamba emzileni wakhona akunakufa. Umntwana ohlakaniphileko uyamukela uyise namsolako, kodwana isideleli asilaleli nasikhalinywako. Eenthelweni zomlomakhe umuntu uzuza okuhle, kodwana amaqili omela inturhu. Olonda umlomakhe ulonda ipilwakhe; okhulumela butjhilweni uyonakala. Umphimbo wevila uyakhaluza, kodwana awuzuzi; wabakhutheleko uyaneliswa. Olungileko uyalizonda ilizwi lekohliso, kodwana okhohlakeleko uletha iinhloni nehlazo. Ukulunga kuyamlondoloza omsulwa, kodwana isiphambeko sihlakaza isoni. Kunomuntu ozenza injinga anganalitho; omunye azenze isichaka anjingile. Umnono womuntu ungaba yihlawulo yepilwakhe, kodwana isichaka asethuseleki. Umkhanyo wabalungileko udarhile, kodwana isibani seenkhohlakali siyacima. Ngokuzikhukhumeza, onganahloko ubanga ukucabana; kodwana ukuhlakanipha kuhlala nabamukela izeluleko. Umnono ozuzwa ngokuphanga uyaphela, kodwana obuthelelwa kancani kancani uyanda. Ithemba eliriyadiswako ligulisa ihliziyo; isifiso esiphumeleliswako simumuthi wokuphila. Onyefula umyalo kuzakuba kumbi ngaye, kodwana owuhloniphako yena, uyavuzwa. Ifundiso yohlakaniphileko imthombo wokuphila, ibuyisa umuntu ezifwini zokufa. Ukuzwisisa okuhle kuveza umusa, kodwana indlela yamaqili iyihlekelele. Woke ovuthiweko wenza izinto ngelwazi, kodwana isidlhadlha sizembula ubudlhadlha. Isithunywa esikhohlakeleko siwela engozini, kodwana esithembekileko siletha ukuphila. Odela ukusolwa wehlelwa buchaka nehlazo, kodwana oyelela ukukhalinywa uyahlonitjhwa. Isifiso esiphumelelisiweko simnandi emphefumulweni, kodwana ukudeda kokumbi kusikghabhudlho kwabaziindlhadlha. Okhambisana nabahlakaniphileko naye uyahlakanipha, kodwana odlhemadlhema neendlhadlha uyahlupheka. Ilitjhwa lilandelela izoni, kodwana abalungileko bavuzwa ngokuhle. Olungileko utjhiyela iinzukulwana zakhe ilifa, kodwana umnono wesoni ubekelwa olungileko. Isimu etlayiweko yeenhloko zemindeni ingakhiqiza ukugoma okunengi, kodwana ukudlokho kungathathwa ngokungakafaneli. Obabalela iswazi uzonda umntwanakhe, kodwana omthandako ukhuthalela ukumkhalima. Olungileko ugoma abe aneliseke, kodwana izisu zeenkhohlakali ziyaswela. Unokuhlakanipha uzakhela ikumba, kodwana unobudlhadlha uyigiriza ngezandla zakhe. Okhamba ngobuqotho wesaba uSomnini, kodwana osendleleni ephambukileko uyamnyaza. Umlomo wesidlhadlha usibangela iswazi emhlana, kodwana iimbhena zabahlakaniphileko ziyabavikela. Lapha kunganankomo khona, kunekerebhe yamabele kwaphela; kodwana ngamandla weenkomo, kuba nesivuno esinengi. Ufakazi weqiniso akaleyi amanga, kodwana wekohliso uphafuza amanga. Isinyefuli sifuna ukuhlakanipha, singakufumani; kodwana ilwazi liyazehlela konengqondo. Tjhida emuntwini osidlhadlha ngombana akunalwazi eembheneni zakhe. Ukuhlakanipha kovuthiweko kumbonisa indlela, kodwana ubuwiliwili beendlhadlha buyazikhohlisa. Iindlhadlha zinyefula umnikelo werhobhe, kodwana phakathi kwabaqotho kunommoya omuhle. Ihliziyo yazi ubumunyu bayo, nephandle angeze lahlanganyela itokozwayo. Indlu yeenkhohlakali izokutjhabalaliswa, kodwana itende labaqotho lizakuphumelela. Kunendlela ebonakala ilungile emuntwini, kodwana isiphetho sayo sikukufa. Ngaphakathi kwesihleko ihliziyo ingase ibe buhlungu, netokozo ingaphelela esizini. Owonakeleko uzakufunyana umvuzo weendlela zakhe nomuntu olungileko avuzwe ngokwekambakhe. Onganalwazi ukholwa nanyana yini, kodwana ovuthiweko uyaqaphelisisa amagadangwakhe. Ohlakaniphileko uyayelela, atjhide kokumbi, kodwana isidlhadlha siyatepeleka sizilahlele phasi. Onguhliziywana wenza ubudlhayela, nomuntu onobuqili uyazondwa. Abanganalwazi bazuza ubudlhadlha, kodwana abavuthiweko bathweswa isihlohlo selwazi. Abambi bazokuguqa phambi kabalungileko nabakhohlakeleko emasangweni wolungileko. Abachakileko bagegedwa ngitjho nababantu bekhabo, kodwana abanjingileko banabangani abanengi. Onyaza wekhabo uyona, kodwana ubusisiwe onesisa koswelako. Abatlama okumbi bayadurha, kodwana abatlama okuhle bazuza ukwethembeka neqiniso. Woke umsebenzi obudisi uletha inzuzo, kodwana ikulumo engayindawo irholela ebuchakeni. Umnono wabahlakaniphileko sihlohlo sabo, kodwana ubudlhadlha beendlhadlha budlhadlha. Ufakazi weqiniso uhlenga amaphilo, kodwana ophafuza amanga umkhohlisi. Ukuhlonipha uSomnini kunikela umuntu isiqiniseko samambala; lokho kubuphephelo ebantwaneni bakhe. Ukwesaba uSomnini kumthombo wokuphila, kudedisa umuntu ezifwini zokufa. Abantu abanengi balidumo lekosi; ngaphandle kwabantu, isikhulu asinabuyo. Obuthaka ekusilingekeni unokuzwisisa okukhulu, kodwana isififana sikhombisa ubudlhadlha. Ihliziyo enokuthula ikuphila komzimba, kodwana umrhawu usidliso emathanjeni. Ogandelela abachakileko unyaza uMbumbi wabo, kodwana onesisa koswelako uhlonipha uZimu. Ophambeneko uwiswa bukhohlakali bakhe, kodwana olungileko uphephela ebuqothweni bakhe. Ukuhlakanipha kuhlala ehliziyweni yonengqondo, ngitjho neendlhadlha ziyakwazi lokho. Ukulunga kuphakamisa isizwe, kodwana isono silihlazo ebantwini. Ikosi ithokoziswa yinceku ehlakaniphileko, kodwana itukuthelwayo iphezu kwelihlazo. Ipendulo ethobekileko idambisa itukuthelo, kodwana ilizwi elihlabako livusa ilaka. Ilimu labahlakaniphileko liphakamisa ilwazi, kodwana umlomo weendlhadlha uphuphuma ubudlhadlha. Amehlo kaSomnini akoke, aqaphele abakhohlakeleko nabalungileko. Ilimu elithambileko limumuthi wokuphila, kodwana elinobuqili liqoba umphefumulo. Isidlhadlha sidelela ukusolwa nguyise, kodwana olalela ukukhalinywa uvuthiwe. Umuzi wolungileko unomnono omkhulu, kodwana inzuzo yokhohlakeleko ilibibi. Iimbhena zabahlakaniphileko zifafaza ilwazi, kodwana akusinjalo ngengqondo yeendlhadlha. Umhlabelo weenkhohlakali usinyenyiso kuSomnini, kodwana uthokoziswa mthandazo wabaqotho. Indlela yokhohlakeleko isinyenyiso kuSomnini kodwana uthanda orhuluphela ukulunga. Ukuyelelisa okuqinileko kubekelwe otjhiya indlela elungileko; ozonda ukukhalinywa uzokufa. Indawo yabafileko nendawo yokubhujiswa zisemtarini phambi kwakaSomnini; kangangani-ke imizindlo yomuntu! Isinyefuli asithandi ukukhalinywa; yeke asiyi kabahlakaniphileko. Ihliziyo enamileko yenza ubuso busuleke; iinkathazo zehliziyo ziqoba umphefumulo. Ihliziyo ehlolisisako ifuna ilwazi, kodwana umlomo weendlhadlha uphila ngobudlhadlha. Woke amalanga wesichaka mambi, kodwana odlhudlhekako uzizwela umgidi njalo. Kungcono ukuba nokuncani, khibe nokho wesaba uSomnini, kunokobana ube nomnono omnengi, kodwana uneenkathazo. Singcono isabelo semirorho lapha kunethando khona, kunesekunzana enonisiweko, khibe kunezondo. Umuntu onehliziywana uvusa ukucabana, kodwana obuthaka ekusilingekeni urhobhisa ukulwa. Indlela yevila ifana nomqoqo wameva, kodwana umzila wabaqotho ulelezekile. Umntwana ohlakaniphileko ulethela uyise itokozo, kodwana osidlhadlha unyaza unina. Onganangqondo ukarwa budlhadlha, kodwana onengqondo ukhamba ngokunqomba. Lapha kunganakubonisana khona, amaqhinga ayatjhabalala; kodwana ngabeluleki abanengi ayaphumelela. Umuntu ufumana itokozo lokha naphendule kuhle. Maye lihle kangangani ilizwi elifike ngesikhathi! Indlela yokuphila irholela ekuphakameni, ukuze umuntu adede endaweni ephasi yabafileko. USomnini ubhuruza ikumba yabazitjhayako, kodwana uqinisa imikhawulo yomhlolokazi. Amaqhinga wokukhohlakala asinyenyiso kuSomnini, kodwana amezwi amahle ahlambulukile kuye. Omarhamaru uletha imiraro emzinakhe, kodwana ozonda ukufunjathiswa uzakuphila. Ihliziyo yolungileko ihlolisisa iimpendulo zayo, kodwana umlomo wabakhohlakeleko uphafuza ubumbi. USomnini ukude nabakhohlakeleko, kodwana uphendula umthandazo wabalungileko. Ubuso obuthokozileko buthabisa ihliziyo neendaba ezimnandi zinepilo emathanjeni. Umuntu onendlebe elalela ukukhalinywa okunepilo uzakuba sekhaya hlangana nabahlakaniphileko. Odela ukusolwa uzinyaza yena, kodwana olalela ukukhalinywa uzuza ingqondo. Ukwesaba uSomnini kufundisa umuntu ukuhlakanipha, nokuzehlisa kulandelwa lidumo. Umuntu angahlela amasu engqondweni, kodwana ilizwi lokugcina livela kuSomnini. Zoke iindlela zomuntu zimsulwa emehlwenakhe, kodwana uSomnini uhlola iinhloso. Nawunikela okwenzako kuSomnini, amasu wakho azakuphumelela. USomnini wenze koke kwaba nomnqopho, iye, nokhohlakeleko umenzele ilanga lehlekelele. Woke onehliziyo ezikhukhumezako usinyenyiso kuSomnini. Nakanjani onjalo uzakuhlunguphazwa. Ngokwethembeka nangeqiniso icala liyahlawuleka, ngokwesaba uSomnini umuntu ugegeda okumbi. Lokha iindlela zomuntu nazithokozisa uSomnini, wenza nezitha zakhe ziphile ngokuthula naye. Kungcono ukuba nokuncani, khibe nokho kunokulunga, kunokobana ube nesivuno esinengi, kodwana kungekho ukulunga. Ehliziywenakhe umuntu utlama indlelakhe, kodwana uSomnini uhlosa amagadangwakhe. Lokha isigwebo nasiseembheneni zekosi, umlomayo awuphambanisi isiqunto. Isilinganiso namatje wokulinganisa afaneleko abuya kuSomnini; iye, woke amatje wokulinganisa angemgodleni ngewakhe. Amakhosi ayasinyenya isenzo esimbi ngombana ubukhosi bakhelwe phezu kokulunga. Amakhosi athatjiswa ziimbhena ezithembekileko, anegugu ngomuntu okhuluma iqiniso. Itukuthelo yekosi iziinthunywa zokufa, kodwana umuntu ohlakaniphileko uyayidambisa. Ukuhlambuluka kobuso bekosi kutjho ukuphila, ukwamukela kwayo kufana nelifu lezulu ngesilimela. Kungcono khulu ukufumana ukuhlakanipha kunegolide nokufumana ukuzwisisa kungcono kunokukhetha isiliva. Indlela ekulu yabaqotho igegeda ubumbi, owelusa indlelakhe ubulunga ipilwakhe. Ukuzikhukhumeza kulandelwa kubhujiswa nokuwa kulandela umphefumulo oziphakamisako. Kungcono ukuzehlisa hlangana nabazithobileko, kunokuhlanganyela ipango nabazikhukhumezako. Ozwisisa okuthileko uyaphumelela, kodwana othembela kuSomnini ubusisiwe. Onehloko waziwa bona unengqondo namezwi amnandi angezelela ukuzwisisa. Ukuzwisisa kumthombo wokuphila kilabo abanakho, kodwana ifundiso yeendlhadlha ibudlhayela. Ingqondo yohlakaniphileko iphumelelisa ikulumakhe neembhena zakhe zingezelela ukuzwisisa. Amezwi amnandi aliliju, anandipha emphinjeni, asihlahla emathanjeni. Kunendlela ebonakala ilungile emuntwini, kodwana isiphetho sayo sikukufa. Iphango lesisebenzi liyasisebenzela, indlala yaso iyasiqhuba. Isibhidlamnyanya sifunana nobumbi, nekulumaso ifana nomlilo oqothulako. Isigilamkhuba sivusa inturhu, nokuhleba kwahlukanisa abangani. Umuntu onenturhu uyenga wekhabo, amrholele endleleni embi. Oncinza ilihlo ngobukhohlakali ugila umkhuba, noluma umlomakhe ufukamele ubumbi. Iinhluthu ezimhlophe zisihlohlo sedumo, zifumaneka endleleni yokulunga. Kungcono obuthaka ekusilingekeni kunengorho, nokwazi ukuzibamba kunofuna ukuthumba idorobho. Ifumbe iphoselwa ngembadaneni yeporiyana, kodwana soke isiqunto sayo sivela kuSomnini. Kungcono ukudobhelela iintshutshuru, ube nokuthula, kunekumba ezele idili, kodwana khibe kunenturhu. Inceku ehlakaniphileko izakubusa phezu kwendodana enganasimilo, ihlanganyele ilifa njengomunye wabafo. Isincibilikiseli senzelwa isiliva nekehla yomlilo ingeyegolide; umhloli weenhliziyo nguSomnini. Owenza okumbi ulalela iimbhena ezonakeleko, umleyimanga uyelela ilimu elilimazako. Ohlekisa ngesichaka unyaza umenzaso, nohleka ihlekelele uzakuhlunguphazwa. Iinzukulwana zisihlohlo ebantwini abadala, nababelethi baligugu ebantwaneni babo. Ikulumo ehle ayisifaneli isidlhadlha, kangangani-ke emamanga emlonyeni wesikhulu. Isifumbathiso sifana nelitje lomlingo emehlweni wosiphetheko, ucabanga bona uyaphumelela kikho koke akwenzako. Ositha isiphambeko ukhuthaza ithando; ovumbulula isikhubekiso wahlukanisa abangani. Ukukhalima kuyazika konengqondo, ukudlula imivuvu elikhulu phezu kwesidlhadlha. Omumbi nabanga ukuhlubuka, uzakunikelelwa ngesithunywa esinelunya. Kungcono ukuqalana nonomrhaso othathelwe abantwana, kunokuqalana nesidlhadlha esiduda ebudlhayeleni baso. Nakube umuntu ubuyisela okuhle ngokumbi, ubumbi abusoze baphuma emzinakhe. Ukuthoma inturhu, kufana nokubhoboza amanzi, yeke, lisa indaba ngaphambi kobana kuthome ukulwa. Omela isikhohlakali bona simsulwa nolahla olungileko bona usikhohlakali, bobabili njalo basinyenyiso kuSomnini. Buyini ububhadekelo bemali nayisesandleni sesidlhadlha na? Ingaba kuthenga ukuhlakanipha khibe asinangqondo? Umngani uhlala athembekile, iye, ungumfo obelethelwe iinkhathi ezibudisi. Umuntu ogijimela ukuzibopha, abe sibambiso somunye, akanangqondo. Othanda isiphambeko, uthanda ukucabana; onomlomo omkhulu uzibizela ihlekelele. Onehliziyo eyonakeleko akaphumeleli, nonelimu elikhohlisako uwela engozini. Obeletha isidlhadlha usesizini, akunathabo kumbelethi wesidlhadlha. Ihliziyo enamileko iyintatha ehle, kodwana umphefumulo oqobekileko womisa amathambo. Isikhohlakali sizithathela isifumbathiso ngencilini ukuphambanisa iindlela zomthetho. Onengqondo ubeka ukuhlakanipha phambi kwakhe, kodwana amehlo wesidlhadlha asepelazwe. Umntwana osidlhadlha ulisizi kuyise nobumunyu kombelethileko. Akusikuhle ukuhlawulisa umuntu omsulwa namkha ukubetha iinkhulu ngokungakafaneli. Owazi ilwazi ulonda amezwakhe nonommoya ophasi umumuntu ozwisisako. Ngitjho nesidlhadlha sithathwa inga sihlakaniphile nasizithuleleko, kuthiwe sinengqondo nasivale umlomo. Umuntu onganabuntu uzifunela kwakhe, ukhuluma kumbi ngabaphumelelako. Isidlhadlha asithandi ukuzwisisa, sizwana nokuveza imibonwaso. Nakufika ubukhohlakali nokunyaza, kulapho ihlazo liletha khona ukurhubutjhwa. Amezwi womlomo womuntu amamanzi azikileko nomthombo wokuhlakanipha umlanjana ogobhozako. Akusikuhle ukukhetha ubuso kokhohlakeleko nokubekela eqadi omsulwa ekugwebeni. Iimbhena zesidlhadlha zisifaka epikiswaneni nomlomaso usibangela ukubethwa. Umlomo wesidlhadlha usichitho saso neembhena zaso zisisifu kiso. Amezwi wohlebako afana neenkhanakhana, ehla ngesiphundu emuntwini. Umuntu osidondi emsebenzinakhe, ungumfowabo lesibhidlamnyanya. Ibizo lakaSomnini limubhotjhongo oqinileko, olungileko ubalekela kiwo angalalameleki. Umnono wonjingileko ulidorobho lobuphephelo kuye, ngokubona kwakhe uwuthatha inga mthangala ophakemeko. Ngaphambi kobana kwehle ihlekelele ihliziyo yomuntu inamagugwana, kodwana ukuzithoba kulandelwa lidumo. Ophendula angakezwa, kubudlhadlha nehlazo kuye. Umphefumulo womuntu uyamsekela nagulako, kodwana ngubani ongathwala umphefumulo oqobekileko? Ihliziyo yonengqondo izuza ilwazi neendlebe zabahlakaniphileko zifuna ukuzwisisa. Isipho sivulela ophako indlela, simrholela kabakhulu. Obika indabakhe ntange ubonakala aseqinisweni bekufike lapha omunye amfaka khona imibuzo. Ifumbe iqeda ipikiswano; ilamule iinrhonga. Umfo okhubekileko ulikhuni kunedorobho elinemithangala, iye, ukucabana kufana nesiqabo sombhotjhongo. Isisu somuntu sisuthiswa sithelo somlomakhe, waneliswa mkhiqizo weembhena zakhe. Ilimu linamandla wokuphila nokufa nabalithandako bazakugoma isithelo sakhona. Ofumana umfazi ufumene isipho esihle begodu uzuza umusa kaSomnini. Isichaka sikhuluma ngokuncenga, kodwana injinga iphendula ngokukgharameja. Umuntu wabangani abanengi uyaphela, kodwana kunomngani wamambala osekela ngcono kunomfo. Singcono isichaka esikhamba ngobuqotho kunomontu onomlomo owonakeleko, osidlhadlha. Ukuba netjisakalo ngaphandle kwelwazi akusikuhle, nomuntu opharhazelako ulahla indlela. Ubudlhadlha bomuntu buhlakaza indlelakhe, ngalokho ihliziywakhe ilwisana noSomnini. Umnono uletha abangani abanengi, kodwana isichaka sifulathelwa bangani. Ufakazi wamanga uzakuhlunguphazwa, nophafuza ikohliso akazukusinda. Abanengi bafuna ukuthandwa sikhulu, woke umuntu umungani wophana ngezipho. Boke abafo besichaka bayasigega, nakubangani baso babakude khulu naso. Nanyana sesilandelela umbiko, asifunyani litho! Ozuza ubuhlakani, uthanda ipilwakhe nolonda ukuzwisisa ufumana okuhle. Ufakazi wamanga uzakuhlunguphazwa, nophafuza ikohliso uzakubhubha. Akusifaneli isidlhadlha ukunethezeka, kangangani-ke ikhoboka nakumele libuse amakhosana! Ohlakaniphileko ubuthaka ekusilingekeni, ukunganaki isikhubekiso kulidumo lakhe. Itukuthelo yekosi ifana nokubhodla kwebhubezi, kodwana umusayo ufana nombethe phezu kotjani. Umntwana osidlhadlha uchakisa uyise, nomfazi obalabalako ufana nephahla elinethosi. Ikumba nomnono kulilifa elibuya kubabelethi, kodwana umfazi ohlakaniphileko uvela kuSomnini. Ubuvila bubangela ubuthongo obukhulu, nomuntu obharaleleko ubulawa yindlala. Olalela imiyalo ulonda ipilwakhe, kodwana ongakhathali ngendlelakhe uzakufa. Onomusa kochakileko, uboleka uSomnini, yeke uzamvuza ngalokho. Khalima umntwanakho kusese nethemba, ungavumi bonyana akhambe endleleni yokufa. Ovutha ngelaka kumele ahlawuliswe ngombana wamenyela kanye, uzakurhobelela. Lalela iseluleko bese wamukela ukusolwa ukuze ekugcineni uzuze ukuhlakanipha. Manengi amaqhinga asehliziyweni yomuntu, kodwana ukuphumelela kwawo kusentandweni kaSomnini. Ukuba marhamaru komuntu kulihlazo kuye, kungcono ukuba sichaka kunokuba namanga. Ukwesaba uSomnini kurholela ekuphileni; onjalo ulala anelisekile, angeze athintwa miraro. Ivila lifaka isandla ngesitjeni linghwathe, kodwana livilaphe ukusisa emlonyeni! Manya isinyefuli, ukuze onganalwazi abe ngovuthiweko; sola umuntu onengqondo, uzakuzuza ukuzwisisa. Onepehla kuyise, aqotjhe unina usihlola esiletha iinhloni nehlazo. Mntwanami, nawungasalaleli ukusolwa, uzakulahlekelwa mamezwi welwazi. Ufakazi okhohlakeleko unyefula ukulunga nomlomo wesonakali urhiribidela ubumbi. Isibetho senzelwe abanyefuli neswazi lenzelwe imihlana yeendlhadlha. Iwayini lisinyefuli notjwala bunetjhada, nanyana ngubani odurhiswa ngilokhu akakahlakaniphi. Ilaka lekosi lifana nokubhodla kwebhubezi, oyithukuthelisako ubeka ipilwakhe engozini. Kulidumo emuntwini ogegeda irarano, kodwana esinye nesinye isidlhadlha siyarhaba ukulwa. Ivila alilimi ngesilimela, ngesikhathi sokuvuna silindela ilitho kodwana asizuzi. Amasu engqondweni yomuntu anjengamanzi azikileko, onelwazi uyawakhelela. Banengi abantu abathi bathembekile, kodwana angatholakalaphi othembeke ngeqiniso na? Olungileko ukhamba ngobuqotho, babusisiwe abantwabakhe abamlandelako! Ikosi ehlezi esihlalweni sokulunga ihlunga boke ubumbi ngamehlwayo. Ngubani ongathi: “Ngihlambulule ihliziywami, ngihlanzekile, anginasono”? Amatje namathungana wokulinganisa ahlukileko, kokubili njalo kusinyenyiso kuSomnini. Ngitjho nomntwana uziveza ngezenzo zakhe, kuyabonakala nazimsulwa begodu ziqotho. Iindlebe ezizwako namehlo abonako, kokubili kwenziwe nguSomnini. Ungathandi ubuthongo, nakungasi njalo uzakuchaka; nawuvula amehlwakho uzakuba nokugoma okwaneleko. Umthengi uthi, “Into le yimbi, iye yimbi!”, kuthi nakhambako azibethe isifuba ngakuthengilekokho. Kunegolide namaparele amanengi, kodwana iimbhena ezinelwazi ziligugu elingakandi. Thatha ingubo yowenzela umqhamuka isibambiso, iye, ithathe ngombana ujamele abatjhili. Ukugoma okuzuzwe ngokudlelezela kuyanandipha, kodwana umlomo ugcina ukhume iqulwani. Amaqhinga aqiniswa siseluleko, nepi ihlelwa ngamano. Ukuhleba kugubulula ifihlo, yeke mgegede umuntu onomlomo. Othuka uyise nonina, isibani sakhe sizakucinywa nakurhwalalako. Ilifa elizuzwa ngamawala ekuthomeni, angeze labusiswa ekugcineni. Ungeze wathi: “Ngizazibuyiselela ngobumbi!” Qalelela uSomnini, yena uzakubonelela. Iinlinganiso ezihlukako zisinyenyiso kuSomnini, neenlinganisi zekohliso azisizihle nakancani. Amagadango womuntu anqotjhiswa nguSomnini; nje-ke ngubani ongazwisisa indlela yomuntu na? Kusisifu emuntwini ukurhaba ukuthi, “Lokhu ngikwahlukanisela uZimu!” bese ngemva kokwenza isithembisweso azisole. Ikosi ehlakaniphileko ihlunga iinkhohlakali, izibuyekeza ngevili lesibhulo. Umphefumulo usibani sakaSomnini, uhlolisisa ngawo ilingaphakathi lomuntu. Ukwethembeka neqiniso kugcina ikosi ibulungekile, iye, isihlalo sayo sobukhosi sinzinze phezu kokwethembeka. Idumo labantu abatjha mamandlabo, kodwana ubuhle babadala kuthukghela kwabo. Amaduma namanceba athanyela ubumbi, nokubethwa kuphilisa ilingaphakathi lomuntu. Ihliziyo yekosi isesandleni sakaSomnini, uyinqophisa njengomsele wamanzi, ayise nanyana kukuphi lapha athanda khona. Zoke iindlela zomuntu zibonakala zizihle kuye, kodwana uSomnini uhlola ihliziyo. Ukwenza okuhle nokulungileko, kwamukeleke khulu kuSomnini ukudlula imihlabelo. Amehlo aziphakamisako nehliziyo ezigqajako kusisono esisibani seenkhohlakali! Amaqhinga wokhutheleko aletha inzuzo, kodwana woke opharhazelako uletha ukuswela. Umnono ofunyanwa ngelimu elinamanga, umrhwamuko onyelelako; abanjalo bazumana nokufa. Inturhu yabakhohlakeleko iyabarhurhula, ngombana bala ukwenza okulungileko. Indlela yonomlandu imagwegwe, kodwana omsulwa unezenzo ezilungileko. Kungcono ukuhlala ejikeni phezu kwephahla kunokuhlalisana nomfazi onenturhu. Umphimbo wokhohlakeleko ukhanukela ubumbi, umuntu wekhabo akafumani umusa kuye. Lokha isinyefuli nasihlawuliswako onganalwazi uzuza ukuhlakanipha; lokha umuntu ohlakaniphileko nayalwako uzuza ilwazi. USokulunga uyelela ikumba yokhohlakeleko; ahlakazele iinkhohlakali ehlekeleleni. Ovala indlebakhe lokha nezwa ukulila kwesichaka, naye uzakulila kodwana angaphendulwa. Isipho sangemsitheleni sidambisa itukuthelo, nokufunjathiswa okufihlwe ngesambatho kwehlisa ngitjho nelaka elikhulu. Ukwenziwa kobulungiswa kulethela olungileko itokozo; kodwana kabaziingilamkhuba kuletha ukubhujiswa. Umuntu odurha endleleni yokwazi uphumula hlangana nomkhambathi wabafileko. Othanda ukuzithabisa uzakuswela, iye, othanda iwayini namafutha uzakuchaka. Okhohlakeleko utlhaga esikhundleni solungileko, nongakathembeki esikhundleni soqotho. Kungcono ukuhlala erhalawumbeni, kunokuhlala nomfazi onenturhu nobanga isizi. Emzini wohlakaniphileko kunamagugu akhethekileko namafutha, kodwana isidlhadlha sona sirhiribidela koke lokho. Orhuluphela ukulunga kanye nokwethembeka uzuza ipilo, okuhle nedumo. Ohlakaniphileko usahlela idorobho leenrhonga, agirize isiphephelo ezithembele kiso. Owelusa umlomakhe nelimu lakhe ulonda ipilwakhe ehlekeleleni. Osideleli nozitjhayako ubizwa bona “sinyefuli” ngombana uziphatha ngokuziphakamisa okukhulu. Isifiso sevila sizakuba kukufa kwaso ngombana izandla zaso azifuni ukusebenza. Selihlala lineemfiso ezingapheliko ilanga loke, kodwana olungileko unikela ngokungababaleli. Umhlabelo weenkhohlakali usinyenyiso, kangangani-ke nawulethwa ngehloso embi! Ufakazi wamanga uzakubhubha, kodwana ofakaza ngakuzwileko akazukuthuliswa. Okhohlakeleko uqinisa ubuso, kodwana oqotho uqinisa iindlela zakhe. Akunakuhlakanipha, ukuzwisisa neseluleko okuzakuphumelela ukujamelana noSomnini. Injomani ilungiselelwa ilanga lepi, kodwana ukuhlula kungekwakaSomnini. Ibizo elihle lithandeka khulu kunomnono omnengi; ukuhlonipheka kungcono kunesiliva negolide. Abanjingileko nabachakileko bafana ngalokhu: Boke njalo badalwe nguSomnini. Ovuthiweko nabona ingozi uyabhaca, kodwana abanganalwazi bayaragalala, bahlupheke. Umphumela wokuzithoba nokwesaba uSomnini uletha umnono, idumo nepilo. Endleleni yokonakala kunameva nezifu, kodwana owelusa umphefumulwakhe uba kude nalokho. Nawukhulisa umntwana ngendlela azakukhamba ngayo, nasele akhulile, angeze aphambuka kiyo. Injinga ibusa phezu kweenchaka, nobolekako ulikhoboka lobolekisanako. Otjala okuphambeneko, uvuna ihlekelele neswazi letukuthelwakhe lizakutjhabalaliswa. Umuntu onesisa uzakubusiswa, ngombana ukugoma kwakhe ukwabelana nabadududu. Nawuqotjha isinyefuli, kuphuma ukucabana, ukumangalelana nehlamba kuyaphela. Othanda ihliziyo emsulwa nonekulumo enezwelo, uzakuba mngani wekosi. Amehlo kaSomnini aqaphele ilwazi, uphambanisa amezwi wongathembekiko. Ivila lithi: “Kunebhubezi ngaphandlapha! Ngizokubulawa eendledlaneni!” Umlomo kanondindwa umugodi otjhingako wesifu, onikelelwe nguSomnini urhohlomela ngakiwo. Ubudlhadlha bubotjhelelwe ehliziyweni yomntwana, kodwana iswazi lokuyala libutjhidisela kude naye. Ogandelela ochakileko ngehloso yokwandisa umnonwakhe, nopha abanjingileko izipho, bobabili njalo bagcina bachakile. Yelela bese ulalela izitjho zabahlakaniphileko, beka ingqondwakho kengikufundisako, ngombana kuzakarisa nawukubeka ehliziywenakho, kuhlale kulungiselelekile emlonyenakho. Nawe ngikwazisa zona namhlanjesi ukuze ithemba lakho libe kuSomnini. Angithi ngikutlolele izitjho ezimatjhumi amathathu, iye, izitjho zokweluleka nokuhlakaniphisa, bonyana zikufundise iqiniso namezwi wokwethembeka ukuze ube nependulo enqophileko kabakuthumileko. Ungadlelezeli ochakileko ngombana umbona achakile begodu ungagadangeli odududu ebandla. Mbala uSomnini uzamumela onjalo emlandwini, adlelezele labo abamdlelezelako. Ungakhi ubungani nomuntu onehliziywana, ungazimanyanisi nomuntu orhaba ukuthukuthela, nakungasinjalo uzakufunda imikhubakhe, ufake ipilwakho engozini yesifu. Ungabi hlangana nabenze isibopho ngesiga sokuqhawulana, iye, labo abenza isithembiso malungana neenkolodo. Nakube awunalitho lokukhokha, kubayini omkolodako akuthathele umbhedakho uqalile na? Ungatjhidisi isikhonkhwani sekadeni esabekwa boyihlomkhulu. Uyambona umuntu onekghono emsebenzinakhe na? Nguye-ke ozakusebenza phambi kwamakhosi, akazukusebenza phambi kwabantukazana. Lokha nawuhlala phasi bona ugome nombusi, tjheja khulu loyo ophambi kwakho. Bamba umphimbakho, nakube umumuntu okhaluzako. Ungakhanukeli iinkhanakhana zakhe ngombana uzazikhupha isithunzi ngazo. Ungatjhabatjhekeli ubunjinga, yiba nokuhlakanipha ukuze uzithibe. Nawususa amehlwakho kibo, abuzukunyamalala na? Ngambala buzazenzela iimpiko ezinjengezedlanga, buphaphele esibhakabhakeni. Ungagomi ukudla komuntu odimanako, ungakhanukeli iinkhanakhana zakhe; ngombana uhlala acabanga ngeendleko. Unje-ke yena, uthi kuwe, “Goma usele!” kodwana khibe uyakutshima. Uzakuhlanza ngitjho nokuncani okugomileko, ngalokho uzabe udlale ngamezwi amahle. Ungakhulumi nesidlhadlha, ngombana sizakunyefula ubuhlakani bamezwakho. Ungatjhidisi isikhonkhwani sekadeni, ungadlelezeli amasimu weentandani, ngombana uZimu umHlengazo unamandla; uzazimela emlandwini ophakathi kwakho nazo. Beka ihliziywakho ekuyalweni neendlebe zakho emazwini welwazi. Ungalisi ukukhalima umntwanakho; akazukufa nawumnunga ngeswazi. Wena nawumbetha ngeswazi, uzabe usindisa umphefumulwakhe ekufeni. Mntwanami, nakube ihliziywakho ihlakaniphile, yeke nami ngizakujabula ehliziyweni. Ilingaphakathi lami lizakujekezela, iimbhena zakho nazikhuluma okufaneleko. Ihliziywakho ayingakhanuki beyiyengwe zizoni, kodwana hlala njalo wesaba uSomnini; nje-ke uzakuba nengomuso nethemba lakho angeze lafeleliswa. Lalela mntwanami, uhlakaniphe, ubeke ihliziywakho endleleni elungileko. Ungahlanganyeli nabarhuqa iwayini nabarhiribidela inyama. Mbala iindakwa neenrhiribideli ziyachaka, ukuyenda kuzembathisa amanikiniki. Lalela uyihlo owakubelethako, unganyazi unyoko nasele aluphele. Zuza iqiniso uligugudlhele, fumana ukuhlakanipha, ukuyalwa kanye nokuzwisisa. Uyise wolungileko unetokozo ekulu, obeletha ohlakaniphileko uyathokoza ngaye. Inga uyihlo nonyoko bangajekezela ngawe, iye, loyo okubelethileko uyajabula! Mntwanami, nginikela ihliziywakho, amehlwakho uwabeke eendleleni zami, ngombana ingwadla imugodi otjhingako wesifu, nonondindwa uyipetsi emkghotha. Nguye okhokhobela amadoda endleleni njengesigebengu, andise isibalo salawo angasathembekiko. Ngubani othi, “Maye!” nothi, “Wo!”? Ngubani onepikiswano? Ngubani oneenghonghoyilo? Ngubani obengakafanelwa maduma? Ngubani onamehlo abomvu? Ngilabo abalibele ngewayini, abanandipha ngemarhabheni wewayini eliwunyelweko! Ungarhuduleli amehlo iwayini nalibomvu, lokha nalicwazimula ngesiqokweni, lehle butjhelelezi emphinjeni! Ekugcineni liluma njengenyoka, lifakela isihlungu njengerabi. Amehlwakho azakubona imihlolo, nengqondwakho ihumuzele ngokuphambeneko. Uzazizwa inga ulele elwandle, iye, njengolele phezu kweentambo zomkhumbi. Bese uthi: “Ngiduliwe, nokho akhange ngizwe! Ngibethiwe, kodwana angazi bona kwenzeke nini! Kanti ngizakuqaquluka nini na? Ngifuna ukuyoqabula godu!” Ungakhanukeli abantu abakhohlakeleko, ungafisi ukuhlanganyela nabo ngombana iinhliziyo zabo ziphehla inturhu, neembhena zabo zikhuluma umonakalo. Indlu yakhiwa ngokuhlakanipha inzinziswe ngokuzwisisa; ngelwazi amalawu wayo azaliswe ngomnotho oligugu nomuhle. Ingorho ehlakaniphileko inamandla, kodwana umuntu onelwazi udlulele ngeenkhwepha. Yeke, yilwa ipi ngamano iye, ukuphepha kuza ngabeluleki abanengi. Ukuhlakanipha kuphakeme khulu esidlhayeleni; nakuhlangenwe ebandla asibi nalitho esingalitjho. Ophemba ubumbi uzakwaziwa bona mgulukudu. Iqhinga lesidlhadlha sisono nesinyefuli sisinyenyiso ebantwini. Nawunyefako ngesikhathi sokubandezelwa, umkhawulo wamandlakho uyabonakala. Hlenga labo abadoselwa ekufeni, ukhandele abadzimelela banqombe ekubulaweni, ngombana nawuthi, “Qala akhange sazi litho ngalokhu”, nje-ke ohlola iinhliziyo, nguye ozakwazi iqiniso; iye, owelusa ipilwakho, nguye olaziko, uzakubuyiselela umuntu ngalokho akwenzileko. Goma iliju mntwanami ngombana limnandi, iye, iliju lesihlaka liyanandipha kurhwalabhakho. Yazi-ke bona nokuhlakanipha kunjalo emphefumulwenakho, nawukufumanako, uzakuba nengomuso, nethemba lakho angeze lafeleliswa. Wena sikhohlakali ndina, ungalindeli ukudla idlelo lolungileko, ungasusi isikhundla sakhe sokuhlala ngombana nanyana olungileko angawa kalikhomba, uyavuka azithathe, kodwana iinkhohlakali zona zizakuguqiswa yihlekelele. Ungathabi ngokuwa kwesitha sakho, ihliziywakho ingajekezeli nasikhutjwako. Nakungasinjalo, uSomnini uzakubona lokho kube kumbi emehlwenakhe, asuse itukuthelwakhe phezu kwaso. Ungakhathazeki ngabenzi bobumbi, ungakhanukeli iinkhohlakali ngombana alikho ilingomuso kowenza okumbi nesibani seenkhohlakali siyacima. Mntwanami, yesaba uSomnini, uhloniphe ikosakho, ungahlanganyeli nabahlubukako, ngombana behlelwa yihlekelele msinyana. Ngubani owazi isizi elivela kuSomnini nekosi na? Nanzi godu ezinye izitjho zabahlakaniphileko: Akusikuhle ukukhetha ubuso ekugwebeni. Nanyana ngubani othi konomlandu, “Umsulwa wena”, umphakathi uzamthuwelelisa nabantu bamhlanuke; kodwana kilabo abakhalima onomlandu, kuzakuba kuhle kibo nesibusiso esinothileko sizakwehlela phezu kwabo. Ipendulo enqombileko ifana nokuncwangwa eembheneni. Ncama ngomsebenzakho wangaphandle, unake umsebenzi wamasimakho; ngemva kwalokho, wakhe ikumbakho. Ungafakazi ngomuntu wekhenu kunganasizathu. Kubayini iimbhena zakho zifafaze amanga? Ungathi: “Ngizamenza angenze sona; ngizazibuyiselela ngalokho angenze khona.” Ngidlule esimini yevila, ngadlula esidiribeni somuntu onganagqondo, qala-ke, yoke indawo imile ikhula, iqulwani ivalwe mitjhatjhana nesibiyelo samatje sibhurukile. Lokha nangiyelela lokho, ngazibuza, iye, nangibona lokho ngafunda isifundo: Uyalalalala, uyendayende, usongasonge izandla uphumule, ngalokho ubuchaka buzakubhudungela njengesela, nokweswela njengendoda ehlomileko. Nanzi ezinye izaga zakaSolomoni ezakhuphelwa ziinkhulu zakaHezekhiya ikosi yakwaJuda: Kulidumo lakaZimu ukusitheka kwento, kodwana kulidumo lamakhosi ukuhlolisisa ifihlakalo. Njengombana izulu liphakamile nephasi lizikile, zinjalo neenhliziyo zamakhosi: Azihlolisiseki. Nawususa amanyela esiliveni elincithikiswako, khona-ke usosino uzakukhanda isitja; nawususa isikhohlakali phambi kwekosi, isihlalo sayo sobukhosi sizakunzinziswa ngokulunga. Ungaziphakamisi nawuphambi kwekosi, godu ungazibeki phambili nawusebantwini abakhulu; kungcono kube yikosi ethi kuwe: “Yewenyukele lapha”, kunokobana wehliswe phambi kwesikhulu. Okubone ngamehlwakho, ungarhabi ukuse ebandla ngombana uzakuthini ekugcineni nasele umuntu wekhenu akurhubutjha? Nawubanga umlandu nomuntu wekhenu ungembuli ifihlo yomunye umuntu; nakungasinjalo okuzwileko uzakuhlazisa, nezwabatjho ngawe asoze yaphela. Ilizwi elikhulunywe ngesikhathi esifaneleko lifana namahabhula wegolide akghabise esitjeni sesiliva. Njengesali legolide namkha umkghabiso wegolidembala, kunjalo nokusola kohlakaniphileko endlebeni ezwako. Njengokuqanda kweliqhwa ngesikhathi sokuvuna, sinjalo-ke nesithunywa esethembekileko kiloyo osithumileko; siqabula umphefumulo womniniso. Njengamafu wekungu kanye nommoya onganazulu, unjalo nomuntu ozidumisa ngezipho azigodlileko. Ngokubekezela, umrholi uyancengeka nelimu elithambileko lingephula ithambo. Nawufumana iliju, ligome ngokulingeneko; nakungasinjalo uzabhinjidelwa bese uyagonyuluka. Ungaqheli ukuya ekumbeni kamakhelwana, uzakanye akusuthe bese uyakunina. Njengesibhuku, isabula namkha umsubela obukhali, unjalo nomuntu ofakaza amanga ngomuntu wekhabo. Njengezinyo elibuhlungu namkha inyawo elenyeleko, kunjalo nokwethembela kongakathembeki ngeenkhathi zobudisi. Njengomuntu ohlubula ingubo mhlana kumakhaza nanjengesibharha esithelwa esilondeni, unjalo nobhina iingoma ngomuntu osesizini. Nakube isitha sakho silambile, siphe ukudla sigome; nakube somile, siphe amanzi sisele. Ngokwenza njalo, uzabe inga udindela amalahle avuthako ehlokwaso, uSomnini uzakuvuza. Njengommoya wetlhagwini nawuletha umwuluko wezulu, nelimu elihlebako liletha ukuqalana kumbi. Kungcono ukuhlala ejikeni phezu kwephahla kunokuhlalisana nomfazi onenturhu. Njengamanzi aqandako emphinjeni owomileko, zinjalo neendaba ezimnandi ezivela khatjhana. Njengesiyalu esinedaka namkha umthombo ongcolisiweko, unjalo olungileko ohlehlela emuva phambi kweenkhohlakali. Akusikuhle ukugoma iliju ngokweqileko, kunjalo nokufuna idumo phezu kwedumo. Njengedorobho elinemithangala egirikileko, unjalo nomuntu ongakghoni ukuzibamba. Njengeliqhwa ehlobo namkha izulu nakuvunwako, linjalo nedumo alifaneli isidlhadlha. Njengomrwibili nawuphaphako namkha ikonjani ezulazulako, sinjalo nesithuweleliso esinganasizathu, asenzeki. Isibebhu ngesenjomani, itomu ngelakadumbana neswazi ngelomhlana weendlhadlha! Nawungaphenduli isidlhadlha ngobudlhadlha baso, sithatha bona nawe ufana naso. Nawuphendula isidlhadlha ngobudlhadlha baso, sithatha bona sihlakaniphile. Othumela umlayezo ngesidlhadlha uzibandakanya enturhwini; ufana noziqunta iinyawo. Njengemilenze elembeleleko yorholopheleko, sinjalo nesaga emlonyeni weendlhadlha! Njengokubophelela ilitje esarwayini, kunjalo nokuhlonipha isidlhadlha. Njengeliva elihlabe isidakwa esandleni, sinjalo nesaga emlonyeni weendlhadlha! Njengomdumuzi womsebe olimaza angakhethi, unjalo nomuntu oqatjha isidlhadlha namkha abadlulingendlela. Njengenja ebuyela emahlanzwenayo, sinjalo nesidlhadlha esibuyela ebudlhayeleni baso. Ukhe wabona umuntu othatha bona uhlakaniphile na? Kunethemba elikhulu ngesidlhadlha kunaye. Ivila lithi: “Kunebhubezi ngaphandlapha, iye, kunengwenyama eendledlaneni!” Njengomnyango ojika ngeenkhonkwani zawo, linjalo nevila lijikajika embhedenalo. Ivila lifaka isandla ngesitjeni linghwathe, kodwana livilaphe ukusisa emlonyeni! Ivila lizitjela bona lihlakaniphile kunabantu abalikhomba abaphendula ngokuhlolisisa. Njengomuntu obamba inja ekhwabithako ngeendlebe, unjalo nozifaka ekucabaneni okungakamfaneli. Njengehlanya elidumuza imisubela evuthako, iye, imisubela eyingozi, unjalo nomuntu okhohlisa wekhabo bese athi: “Awa bese ngizidlalela!” Ngaphandle kweenkuni, umlilo uyacima; ngaphandle kwehlebo, ukucabana kuyaphela. Njengeensahlela ezivuthisa amalahle, nanjengeenkuni emlilweni; unjalo nomuntu othanda ukucabana, uphemba ipikiswano. Amezwi wokuhleba afana neenkhanakhana, ehla ngesiphundu emuntwini. Njengokutshidzwa komjeka okumanyako, injalo nekulumo yokugugeka esithwe yihliziyo embi. Isitha sizifihla ngekulumo, khibe ngehliziywenaso sifukamele ikohliso. Nanyana ikulumaso iyenga, ungasikholwa ngombana ehliziywenaso kuzele ukuphelela kweenyenyiso. Izondwaso singayembesa ngokuzenzisa, kodwana ubukhohlakali baso buzakwembulwa ebandla. Owemba umgodi, uzakurhohlomela ngakiwo; nogeda ilitje, lizakuhlehlela phezu kwakhe. Ilimu elinamanga lizonda elibalimazako, nomlomo obutjhelelezi ubanga ihlekelele. Ungazikhakhazisi ngengomuso ngombana awukwazi kwamhlokho. Akube ngomunye okudumisako, ungazidumisi wena; iye, kube ngotjhili, kungabi mlomakho. Ilitje libudisi netjhwabatjhwaba imuthwalo, kodwana ukukholwa sidlhadlha kubudisi ukudlula kokubili. Ilaka lililunya nokusilingeka kusikhukhula, kodwana ngubani ongajamelana nesikhwele? Kungcono ukusola okusemtarini kunethando langemsitheleni. Amanceba owavezwa mngani ayamukeleka, kodwana ukumangwa sisitha akuthembisi. Osuthiko unyelisa isihlaka seliju, kodwana kolambileko nokumunyu kuyanandipha. Njengenyoni etjhiya indlwanayo, unjalo umuntu ohlamuka ikhaya lakhe. Amakha netjhwalo kuletha ithabo ehliziyweni, kunjalo nokuthandeka komngani; kungokwezeluleko zehliziyo. Ungamlahli umnganakho nomngani kayihlo, ungabalekeli kwamfowenu nawehlelwa yihlekelele, kungcono umakhelwana oseduze kunomfo okhatjhana. Hlakanipha mntwanami, ulethele ihliziywami ukwenama; ngizakwazi ukuphendula woke umuntu onginyazako. Ovuthiweko nabona ingozi uyabhaca, kodwana abanganalwazi bayaragalala, bahlupheke. Thatha ingubo yowenzela umqhamuka isibambiso, iye, ithathe ngombana ujamele unondindwa. Obingelela umakhelwanakhe ngamasa arhuwelela, kuzakuthathwa bonyana sithuweleliso. Umfazi obalabalako, ufana nephahla elinethosi nakuna izulu; ukumvala sekufana nokuvala ummoya namkha ukubamba amafutha we-oliva ngesidla. Njengesimbi nayilola enye, nomuntu ulola omunye. Onakekela umuthi wamakhiwani, ugoma iinthelo zawo notjheja umphathakhe uzakudunyiswa. Njengamanzi nabonisa ubuso, injalo nehliziyo, ibonisa ubunjalo bomuntu. Indawo yabafileko neyokubhujiswa ayaneliseki, anjalo namehlo womuntu. Isincibilikiseli senzelwa isiliva, ikehla yomlilo ingeyegolide nomuntu uhlolwa ngedumo elimfaneleko. Nanyana isidlhadlha ungasigiga ngesigigweni, iye, ngesigigo hlangana namakariya, angeze wabususa ubudlhadlha baso kiso. Qinisekisa bonyana wazi ubujamo bezimvu zakho, ubeke ihliziywakho emhlambinakho ngombana umnono awubambeleli, nesihlohlo angeze saphepha iinzukulwana ngeenzukulwana. Nakususwa utjani bese kuvela obutjha, kubuthwe nefuru eentabeni, amaqamana azakupha kokwembatha, neembuzi zikuphe inani lenarha. Ube nebisi elaneleko leembuzi, ukuzondla wena nomndenakho kanye neencekukazi zakho. Okhohlakeleko ubaleka nanyana kungekho omgijimisako, kodwana abalungileko banesibindi njengebhubezi. Ilizwe nalinokuvukelana, vane linababusi abanengi, kodwana onengqondo nelwazi wenza kube nokuthula. Ochakileko nagandelela abachakileko, ufana nezulu elirhurhula litjhiye kungasenasivuno. Abalahla umthetho badumisa iinkhohlakali, kodwana abawugcinako balwisana nazo. Abantu abonakeleko abakuzwisisi ukulunga, kodwana abafuna uSomnini bakuzwisisa ngokupheleleko. Singcono isichaka esineendlela ezimsulwa kunenjinga eneendlela ezikhohlakeleko. Ogcina umthetho mntwana ozwisisako, kodwana umkhozi wamahlongandlebe uhlazisa uyise. Owandisa umnonwakhe ngenzalo ehlukahlukeneko, uyibuthela omunye ozakuba nomusa kabachakileko. Ofulatheza indlebakhe kobana angezwa umthetho, ngitjho nemithandazwakhe isinyenyiso. Orholela abaqotho eendleleni zobukhohlakali, uzakurhohlomela ngemgodini azenzele wona, kodwana abamsulwa bazakufumana ilifa elihle. Injinga ingazitjela bona ihlakaniphile, kodwana isichaka esinokuzwisisa sibona amaqhingayo. Abalungileko lokha nabajekezelako, kuba nedumo elikhulu, kodwana abakhohlakeleko nababa barholi, abantu bayabhaca. Ofihla iimphambeko zakhe akaphumeleli, kodwana ozivumako abe azitjhiye ufunyana isirhawu. Ubusisiwe umuntu ohlala esaba uSomnini njalo, kodwana oqinisa ihliziywakhe uwela engozini. Njengebhubezi elibhodlako namkha ibhere elibhozomelako, unjalo nokhohlakeleko nabusa phezu kwabadududu. Umbusi onganangqondo udlondlobala ngokususa abantu elifeni labo, kodwana ozonda inzuzo engakalungi uzakwandisa amalangakhe. Umuntu owurubajwa sisazela sokubulala, uzakuhlala abalekela ethuneni; akungabi nomuntu omvimbako. Onekambo emsulwa uyaphepha, kodwana oneendlela zokonakala uzakuwa msinyana. Otjheja amasimakhe uzakuba nenala, kodwana ogijimisana nelize uzakuba nobuchaka. Othembakeleko uzakuba neembusiso ezinengi, kodwana opharhazela kobana anjinge, uzakuhlunguphazwa. Akusikuhle ukukhetha ubuso ekugwebeni, kodwana umuntu uyaphambuka ukuze afumane igedzwana lesikwa. Umuntu odimanako upharhazela bona anjinge, kodwana akayeleli bonyana ubuchaka bumlindele. Osola umuntu, ekugcineni uzakufumana umusa ukudlula loyo onelimu elibutjhelelezi. Odlelezela uyise nanyana unina bese athi, “Akusiso isiphambeko lokho”, umukhozi waloyo obhubhisako. Umuntu omarhamaru uvusa ukucabana, kodwana othembela kuSomnini uzakunotha. Othembela ekwazini kwakhe usidlhadlha, kodwana okhamba ngokuhlakanipha uyaphepha. Opha abachakileko, angeze aswela litho, kodwana obadima amehlo ufumana amanikelela amanengi. Iinkhohlakali naziba barholi, abantu bayabhaca; kodwana nazibhubhako, abalungileko bayanda. Umuntu okhunyalala ngekani ngemva kokusolwa, uzakutjhabalaliswa msinyana, angabi nentatha. Abalungileko nabandako, abantu bayathaba; kodwana nakubusa isikhohlakali, abantu bayabubula. Othanda ukuhlakanipha, ulethela uyise itokozo, kodwana umngani weengwadla uchitha umnono. Ngokulunga ikosi inikela inarha idzimelelo, kodwana ethanda iimbiko iyayilulaza. Umuntu oyenga umakhelwanakhe, uzibekela isithiyo senede eenyaweni zakhe. Kunesithiyo esiphambekweni sesikhohlakali, kodwana olungileko uyabhina, athokoze. Olungileko ukhambisana nokuphathwa kuhle kwabachakileko, kodwana okhohlakeleko akanakho ukuyelela okunjalo. Iinyefuli ziphehla idorobho, kodwana abahlakaniphileko barhobhisa ilaka. Ohlakaniphileko naya ebandla nesidlhadlha, siyadlharuma, senze amahlaya, kungabi nokuthula. Abanukelwa ziingazi bazonda omsulwa, kodwana abaqotho bahlenga ipilwakhe. Isidlhadlha sigugeka khulu ngemizwaso, kodwana ohlakaniphileko uyasidambisa. Lokha umbusi nalalela amanga, zoke iinkhulu zakhe ziba ziinkhohlakali. Isichaka nombolekisi bafana ngalokhu: USomnini ubaphe amehlo wokubona bobabili. Ikosi egweba abachakileko ngeqiniso, isihlalo sayo sobukhosi sizakunzinziswa isikhathi soke. Iswazi nokukhalima kupha ukuhlakanipha, kodwana umntwana ozilawulako uhlazisa unina. Iinkhohlakali nazandako nesiphambeko siyanda, kodwana zizakuwa, abalungileko babukele. Khalima umntwanakho, uzakunikela ukuthula iye, uzakuletha ithabo ehliziywenakho. Lapha kunganambono khona, abantu abalawuleki, kodwana ubusisiwe ogcina umthetho. Inceku ayikhalinywa ngamezwi nje kwaphela, nanyana izwisisa, angeze yalalela. Ukhe wambona umuntu okhuluma angacabangi na? Kunethemba elikhulu ngesidlhadlha kunaye. Umuntu natotosa inceku ebutjheni bayo, ekugcineni izakuragalala. Umuntu othukutheleko uvusa ukucabana, nosififana ubanga iimphambeko ezinengi. Ukuziphakamisa komuntu kuyamehlisa, kodwana onommoya ophasi uzuza idumo. Ohlanganyela nesela uzonda ipilwakhe: Uzwa abaphathi bakhuluma amanikelela, kodwana akanikeli ngelwazi. Ukwesaba umuntu kusisifu, kodwana othembela kuSomnini uyaphepha. Abanengi bafuna umusa wombusi, kodwana ukulunga kufunyaneka kuSomnini kwaphela. Abangakathembeki basinyenyiso kabalungileko; abaqotho basinyenyiso kabakhohlakeleko. Amezwi ka-Aguri, umsa kaJakhe Umlayezwakhe Isitjho sendoda le sithi: “Ngiphele amandla, Zimu! Iye, ngiphele amandla! Ngiphelelwe! Mbala, ngisiyila ukudlula boke; anginakho ukuzwisisa komuntu. Azange ngifunde ukuhlakanipha, azange ngibe nelwazi loCwengileko. Ngubani owakhe wenyukela ezulwini godu wabuya? Ngubani owabuthelela ummoya etendeni yezandla zakhe? Ngubani ogubuzese amanzi ngengubakhe? Ngubani odzimelelise amagumbi wephasi? Ngubani ibizo lakhe nebizo lendodanakhe? Yewungitjele nakube uyazi!” Elinye nelinye ilizwi lakaZimu licwebile, usihlangu salabo ababalekela kuye. Ungangezeleli emazwinakhe, nakungasinjalo uzakusola akukhombise bonyana umleyimanga. Kunezinto ezimbili engizikhombela kuwe, Somnini; ungangigodleli zona nangisaphilako: Dedisa ikohliso namanga kimi; ungangiphi ubuchaka namkha ubunjinga, kodwana ngipha kwaphela okwaneleko. Nangingasutha khulu ngizakukhohlwa ngithi: “Konje phana ngubani uSomnini loyo?” Nangingaswela ngizakweba, ngokwenza njalo, ngihlambalaze ibizo lakaZimami. Ungakhulumi kumbi ngenceku kumniniyo, nakungasinjalo izakuthuka, ube semlandwini. Kunalabo abathuka aboyise, bangabusisi abonina. Kunalabo abazibona bamsulwa, kodwana babe bangakahlambuluki ekungcoleni kwabo. Kunalabo abazitjhayako, bathwala iimpumulo. Kunalabo abanamazinyo aziinsabula nemihlathabo imimikhwa, kobana barhiribidele abachakileko ephasini nabadududu hlangana nabantu. Ikhalani linamadodakazi amabili, alila athi: “Sipha! Sipha!” Kunezinto ezintathu ezinganelisekiko, iye, ezine ezingakghoni ukuthi: “Sesanele!” Zona ngilezi: indawo yabafileko, isibeletho esiyinyumba, inarha enganelisekiko ngamanzi nomlilo ongatjhoko uthi: “Nganele!” Amehlo anyefula uyise, adelela ukulalela unina, azakugobolwa magubulu emmangweni, adliwe madlanga. Kunezinto ezintathu ezisimanga kimi, iye, ezine engingazizwisisiko: indlela yedlanga esibhakabhakeni, indlela yenyoka emadwaleni, indlela yomkhumbi phakathi kwelwandle nendlela yesokana entombini. Nasi indlela yesihlobongi: Siyagoma bese sizisula umlomo, sithi: “Akunanto embi engiyenzileko.” Ngaphasi kwezinto ezintathu inarha iyahlengezela, iye, ezine eziyenza ingabambeleli: inceku nayiba yikosi, iindlhadlha nazisuthako, umfazi osisaliwakazi emendweni nencekukazi esele ithathele umniniyo indawo. Kunezinto ephasinapha ezincani, kodwana zihlakaniphe ngokweqileko: Abonontsitsinyani balibutho elinganamandla, kodwana ehlobo bazilungiselela ukudla kwabo; iimbila zilibutho elinganamandla, kodwana zakha iinkhundlana zazo emadwaleni; isikhonyani asinakosi, kodwana sizihlela soke ngeenqhema; isibhadwa ungasibamba ngesandla, kodwana sitholakala nesigodlweni. Kunezinto ezintathu ezikhamba ngejamo, iye, ezine ezinamaqa anejamo: ibhubezi eliyikosi yeenyamazana elingahlehliswa lilitho; mkukurumbu okhambela phezulu, ipongo nekosi ongekhe wajamelana nayo. Nakube wenze ubudlhadlha, waziphakamisa, namkha nawutlame ubumbi, beka isandla emlonyenakho! Njengombana ukuphehla amakghamatha kuveza umlaza nokutlhorholoja ipumulo kuveza iingazi, kunjalo nokutlhorholoja ilaka kuveza ukucabana. Lawa mamezwi uLemuweli ikosi yeMasa awafundiswa ngunina. “Lalela msanami! Lalela ndodana engiyibelethileko! Lalela ndodana yeemfungo zami! Ungaziqedi ngabafazi, amandlakho aphelele kababhubhisa amakhosi. “Akusikho kwamakhosi, Lemuweli; akusikho kwamakhosi ukurhuqa iwayini, akusikho kwamakhosana ukomela utjwala. Nakungasinjalo azakusela abe akhohlwe iimiso, aphambanise amalungelo wabo boke abagandelelweko. Thatha utjwalobo ubunikele obhubhako newayini kilabo abamunyu emmoyeni; abasele bakhohlwe ubuchaka babo, bangasakhumbula isizi labo. “Khulumela abangakwaziko ukuzikhulumela, iye, labo abathintwe ziingameko. Khuluma bewugwebe ngeqiniso, jamela amalungelo wochakileko nodududu.” Ngubani ongafumana umfazi onezandla? Inani lakhe lidlula amaparele. Indodakhe imethemba ngokuzeleko; ayisweli inzuzo. Ipilwakhe yoke wenzela indodakhe okuhle, ingasi okumbi. Ukhetha iwulu nelineni, asebenze ngezandla ezivumako. Ufana nemikhumbi yabarhwebi evela khatjhana imlethele okugonywako. Uvuka ngesamarimarima, alungisele umndenakhe ukugoma, abele neencekukazi zakhe imisebenzazo. Uyacabangisisa, athenge isimu, ngesithelo sezandla zakhe utjala isidiribe. Ulungele ukwenza nanyana ngimuphi umsebenzi, iingalo zakhe ziqinile emsebenzinakhe. Uyalemuka bona ukurhweba kwakhe kunenzuzo, nje-ke isibani sakhe asicimi ebusuku. Uthatha iwulu kobana eluke, ngesandla sakhe uphotha iintambo. Abachakileko ubavulela izandla, azilulele abadududu. Nakukhithika iliqhwa, akesabi litho ngomndenakhe; ngombana boke ubembese ezitlerebede. Wenzela umbhedakhe amatjhila, wembatha izambatho ezimhlophe zelineni nezibubende. Indodakhe iyahlonitjhwa ebandla lokha nayihlezi hlangana nabaphathi bendawo. Wenza izambatho zangaphakathi bese uyazithengisa, anikele abathengi imikhungo yokuthekeleza. Wembathiswe amandla nesithunzi, akesabi litho ngelikusasa. Ukhuluma ngokuhlakanipha, nomyalo othembekileko uselimini lakhe. Utjheja iindaba zomzakhe, akagomi isikwa sobuvila. Abantwabakhe nabavukako bayamthokoza; nendodakhe yenza njalo begodu iyambuka ithi: “Banengi abafazi abanezandla, kodwana wena mkami, ubadlula boke.” Ukuthandeka kuyikohliso, nobuhle bulilize, kodwana umfazi owesaba uSomnini ufanele ukudunyiswa. Mnikeleni umvuzo wezandla zakhe, kuthi imisebenzakhe imdumise esangweni ledorobho. Lawa mamezwi woMtjhumayeli, indodana kaDavida, ikosi yeJerusalema: “Kulilize lakolize!” Iye, uMtjhumayeli uthi: “Kulilize lakolize! Yoke into ililize!” Kumbhadekela ngani umuntu ukutjhabatjheka kwakhe; akujulukela ngaphasi komthunzi welanga na? Iinzukulwana ziyafika zibuye zidlule, kodwana iphasi linzinzile nini nanini. Ilanga liyaphuma libuye litjhinge; lirhabe libuyele lapha liphume khona. Ummoya uphembethela ngesewula, ubuye ujikele ngetlhagwini; ujikeleze njalo njalo, godu ubuyele emzombenawo. Yoke imilambo igelezela ngelwandle, nanyana kunjalo alizali. Lapho imilambo igelezela khona ibuya igelezele lapho. Zoke izinto ziyakhathaza, azihlathululeki emuntwini. Amehlo akadeli ukubona neendlebe azidinwa kulalela. Okwakhe kwaba khona, kusazakuba khona godu; nokwakhe kwenziwa kusazakwenziwa godu, akunalitho elitjha ngaphasi komthunzi welanga. Ingabe ikhona into ekungathiwa ngayo, “Qalani lapha, lokhu kutjha!” Kwabe kukhona kwekadeni, iye, ekadeni ngaphambi kwethu. Kwekadeni akusakhunjulwa, ngitjho nokusezako asoze kusakhunjulwa ngilabo abalandelako. Mina Mtjhumayeli nangisese yikosi phezu kwaka-Israyeli eJerusalema, ngazinikela ekurhubhululeni nekuhlolisiseni ngokuhlakanipha koke okwenziwa ngaphasi komthunzi welanga. Maye, ubudisi kangangani umthwalo uZimu awethwese abantu kobana abatshwenye ngawo! Ngibone koke okwenziwa ngaphasi komthunzi welanga: Yoke into ililize! Kukugijimisa ummoya! Okusonganisiweko angeze kwathatjululwa, okutlhayelako angeze kwabalwa. Ngadlumbana ngathi, “Qala, mina ngikhule benganda nokuhlakanipha ngaphezu kwabo boke abakhe babusa eJerusalema ngaphambi kwami. Nginelemuko elinengi ngokuhlakanipha nangelwazi.” Nje-ke ngazinikela kobana ngazi ukuhlakanipha nokwazi kanye nokutlhoga ingqondo nobudlhadlha. Ngalemuka bonyana nakho lokho kukugijimisa ummoya: Ekuhlakanipheni okunengi kunesizi elinengi, nokwanda kwelwazi kukwanda kokuhlupheka. Ngadlumbana ngathi, “Angizizizinye ngokuzithabisa; ngizithokozise.” Kodwana nakho lokho kulilize! Mayelana nesihleko ngathi “Sibudlhadlha!” namayelana nokuzithabisa ngathi “Kunanzuzo bani na?” Ngazimisela ngehliziyo ukunikela umzimbami ewayinini, khibe umkhumbulwami ungihlahla ngokuhlakanipha. Ngaleyondlela ngathanda ukungena ebudlhayeleni ukuze ngifunyane bonyana yini okuhle abantu abakwenza ngaphasi komthunzi welanga emalangeni ambalwa wokuphila kwabo. Ngenza imisebenzi emikhulu: Ngazakhela iinkumba begodu ngatjala neendiribe. Ngalungisa iimvande neendawo zokuphumula, ngatjala kiyo yoke imihlobo yemithi yeenthelo. Godu ngazenzela imiphathamanzi kobana ngisezele imithi ehlumako ngemisele. Ngathenga amakhoboka namakhobokakazi begodu benginalawo abelethelwe kwami. Godu gade nginemihlambi eminengi yeenkomo, yeembuzi neyezimvu ukudlula boke abangandulela eJerusalema. Ngazibuthelelela isiliva negolide kanye nepahla evela emakhosini neemfundeni. Ngazifumanela amadoda nabafazi ababhinako kanye nalokho okuthokozisa indoda, okutjho idwendwe leentombi! Ngadlondlobala ukudlula boke abangandulela eJerusalema. Kikho koke lokhu ukuhlakanipha kwami kwahlala kukimi. Azange ngizidime litho elikhanukwa mamehlwami; ihliziywami azange ngiyigodlele ukuzithabisa ngombana yathokozela koke ukutjhabatjheka kwami. Lokhu kwaba yikokhelwami ngawo woke umjulukwami. Nje-ke ngaqalisisa woke umsebenzi wezandla zami nokutjhabatjheka koke engikujulukeleko. Qala, koke kulilize! Kukugijimisa ummoya! Akukho okungazuzwa ngaphasi komthunzi welanga. Ngatjhugulula umkhumbulwami kobana ngitjheje ukuhlakanipha, ukutlhoga ingqondo nobudlhadlha: Kuzakuthiwani ngomuntu owandulela ikosi na? Kwaphela, lokho esele kwenziwe! Ngalemuka bonyana ukuhlakanipha kunenzuzo kunobudlhadlha, njengombana nomkhanyo unenzuzo kunobumnyama: Ohlakaniphileko ukhupha amehlo enyameni, khibe isidlhadlha sona sikhamba ebumnyameni. Godu ngilemukile bonyana bobabili njalo behlelwa sisehlo esifanako. Ngadlumbana ngathi: “Okwehlele isidlhadlha nami kuzangehlela. Alo, ngizuzani-ke ngokuba nokuhlakanipha okukhulu na?” Godu ngadlumbana ngathi: “Nakho lokhu kulilize!” Ngambala ekugcineni akukho ukukhunjulwa kohlakaniphileko kanye nosidlhadlha. Emalangeni ezako bobabili njalo bazabe sele balitjalwa. Maye ohlakaniphileko ufa njengesidlhadlha! Nje-ke nganyenya ipilo ngombana kimi gade umumbi umsebenzi owenziwa ngaphasi komthunzi welanga. Mbala, yoke into ililize! Ikugijimisa ummoya! Nganyenya koke ukutjhabatjheka kwami engakujulukela ngaphasi komthunzi welanga ekumele ngikutjhiyele engimandulelako. Ngubani owaziko bonyana uzakuba ngohlakaniphileko nanyana ngosidlhadlha na? Khonapho uzakuba namandla phezu kwakho koke ukutjhabatjheka kwami engikujulukele ngokuhlakanipha kwami ngaphasi komthunzi welanga. Nalokho kulilize! Yeke ihliziywami yathoma ukulahla ithemba ngakho koke ukutjhabatjheka kwami engikujulukele ngaphasi komthunzi welanga. Kunomuntu otjhabatjheka ngokuhlakanipha, ngelwazi nangekghono, kodwana ekugcineni anikele koke lokho njengelifa emuntwini ongazange alijulukele. Nalokho kulilize nelitjhwa elikhulu! Uzuzani umuntu ngakho koke ukutjhabatjheka nangokuzikhandla akujulukela ngaphasi komthunzi welanga na? Yoke imihla yakhe inobuhlungu nomsebenzakhe unesizi, ngitjho nebusuku uyahlubayela. Nalokhu kulilize! Ayikho into umuntu angayenza ngcono, ngaphandle kokugoma nokusela, azithabise ngokutjhabatjheka kwakhe. Nakho lokho ngalemuka bonyana kusesandleni sakaZimu ngombana ngaphandle kwakhe, ngubani ongabetha esimonyongwana, ajekezele na? Umuntu othokozisa uZimu, uZimu umupha ukuhlakanipha, ilwazi nethabo; kodwana nakusisoni sona usinikela umsebenzi wokubuthelela nokwenza isithala somnono, kobana awudlulisele kothabisa uZimu. Nalokho kulilize! Kukugijimisa ummoya! Yoke into inesikhathi ebekelwe sona, iye, kunesikhathi sayo yoke into ngaphasi komthunzi welanga: Kunesikhathi sokubeletha nesikhathi sokufa, isikhathi sokutjala nesikhathi sokusiphula okutjaliweko; isikhathi sokubulala nesikhathi sokuphilisa, isikhathi sokugiriza nesikhathi sokwakha; isikhathi sokulila nesikhathi sokuhleka, isikhathi sokuzila nesikhathi sokugida; isikhathi sokulahla amatje nesikhathi sokuwabuthelela, isikhathi sokugona nesikhathi sokufulathela; isikhathi sokufuna nesikhathi sokulahla, isikhathi sokugodla nesikhathi sokusaphaza; isikhathi sokudabula nesikhathi sokuthunga, isikhathi sokuthula nesikhathi sokukhuluma; isikhathi sokuthanda nesikhathi sokuzonda, isikhathi sepi nesikhathi sokuthula. Isisebenzi sizuzani ekutjhabatjhekeni kwaso na? Ngibone umthwalo uZimu awethwese abantu kobana abatshwenye ngawo: Wenze yoke into yafaneleka ngesikhathi sayo. Godu wanikela abantu ilwazi lokulemuka iinkhathi, kodwana abatlhadlhuleki ngomsebenzi uZimu awenza ekuthomeni bekube sekupheleni. Ngilemukile bonyana ayikho into ethokozisa umuntu ngaphandle kokuzijabulisa nokuzenzela okuhle nasaphilako, okutjho bona woke umuntu kufanele agome, asele abe azikholise kikho koke ukutjhabatjheka kwakhe. Lokho kusisipho esibuya kuZimu. Ngilemukile bonyana koke uZimu akwenzako kuzakuhlala isiphelani, akunanto engangezelelwa nanyana iphungulwe kilokho. UZimu wenza lokho ukuze umuntu amesabe. Okukhona, kwakhe kwaba khona nokusazakuba khona, kukhona. UZimu ubuyekeza okwadlulako. Godu kukhona engakubona ngaphasi komthunzi welanga: Esikhundleni sokugweba ngeqiniso, kuhlezi ubukhohlakali nesikhundleni sokulunga, kuhlezi ubukhohlakali. Ngadlumbana ngathi: “UZimu uzakugweba olungileko nokhohlakeleko ngombana kunesikhathi sayo yoke into nesawo woke umsebenzi.” Godu ngadlumbana ngathi: “Kungebanga labantu kobana uZimu abazizinye ukuze babone bonyana sebayafana neenlwana.” Okwehlela iinlwana kwehlela nabantu. Iye, behlelwa sisehlo esifanako: Njengombana iinlwana zifa nabantu bayafa. Koke kunomphefumulo ofanako; umuntu akasingcono kunesilwana ngombana koke kulilize. Koke kuya endaweni yinye; koke kwavela ethulini, ngokunjalo koke kuzakubuyela ethulini. Ngubani owaziko bonyana umphefumulo wabantu utjhinga phezulu, weenlwana utjhinge phasi na? Yeke ngabona bonyana akunanto engcono emuntwini kunobanyana azikholise ngomsebenzakhe ngombana lokho kusisabelo sakhe. Ngubani ongambonisa kobana kwenzakalani ngemva kokufa kwakhe na? Godu ngaqala ngabona loke igandelelo ebegade lenzeka ngaphasi komthunzi welanga: Qala bekuneenyembezi zabagandelelweko, gade banganamduduzi; amandla alele kubagandeleli, ngalokho abagandelelweko batlhoga umduduzi. Ngadlumbana bona abahlongakala kade, banetjhudu ukudlula abaphilako, iye, ukudlula abasaphilako. Begodu ongcono kunabo bobabili ngiloyo ongakabi ukuba khona; iye, ongazange akhe abone ubumbi, obenziwa ngaphasi komthunzi welanga. Godu ngabona bonyana koke ukutjhabatjheka nekghono lomsebenzi: Lokho sesikhwele somunye komunye Nalokho kulilize! Kukugijimisa ummoya! Isidlhadlha sisonga izandla, sizimunye iingazi. Singcono isandla sinye esizele ukuzotha, kunezimbili ezizele ukutjhabatjheka kanye nokugijimisa ummoya. Godu ngabuye ngabona okuthileko okulilize ngaphasi komthunzi welanga: Kwakunendoda enguyedwana, gade inganamnakwabo nanyana indodana. nokho ukutjhabatjheka kwayo gade kunganasiphetho, beyinehliziyo ede inganeliswa mnonwayo. Yabuza yathi: “Ngizakuthi ngijulukela bani bengizidime ubumnandi na?” Nalokho kulilize nomthwalo obudisi! Ububili bubulala inyoka ngombana abantu nabababili, banomvuzo omuhle ngomsebenzabo: Omunye nawako, umnganakhe uyamvusa. Kodwana maye emuntwini othi nawileko, aswele umuntu ongamvusa! Godu ababili nabalele ndawonye, bayafuthumezana, kodwana uyedwana yena angazifuthumeza njani? Umuntu nakayedwa angahlulwa, kodwana nabababili bayazivikela. Intambo enemitiya emithathu ayiqhusuki lula. Ungcono umuntu omutjha ochakileko khisibe uhlakaniphile, kunesidlhadlha sekosi elupheleko engasakwazi nokwamukela isiyeleliso. Omutjha loyo waphuma esikhungweni waba mbusi, ngitjho nanyana abelethwe asichaka embusweni wekosi leyo. Ngabona bonyana boke abaphila ngaphasi komthunzi welanga bebangehlangothini lomutjha owathatha isikhundla sekosi agade angaphasi kwayo. Bekunganasiphelo esiqubuthwini sabantu ebegade asirhola; kodwana labo abeze muva azange bamdumise. Nalokho kulilize! Kukugijimisa ummoya! Tjheja amagadangwakho nawuya ekumbeni kaZimu. Ukuya kiyo kobana uyokulalela kungcono kunokunikela umhlabelo weendlhadlha ngombana azilemuki bonyana ziyona. Ungabi namawala ngomlomakho, ungarhabi ehliziywenakho ukukhupha ilizwi phambi kwakaZimu. UZimu usezulwini, wena usephasini, yeke, bala amezwakho. Njengombana ibhudango liza nemicabango eminengi nekulumo yesidlhadlha iza namezwi amanengi. Nawenza isithembiso phambi kwakaZimu, ungariyadi ukusifeza. UZimu akathatjiswa ziindlhadlha, ngalokho zalisa isithembiso sakho. Kungcono ukungathembisi kunokwenza isithembiso ungasasigcini. Ungavumeli umlomakho ukudosele ekoneni; ungathi kumphristi kaZimu “Sekwaba yipazamo” UZimu uzakuthukuthela ngalokho okutjhoko, atjhabalalise umsebenzi wezandla zakho. Emabhudangweni amanengi kunemicabango, ngokunjalo amezwi amanengi abanga umonakalo. Ngalokho yesaba uZimu. Ungarareki lokha nawubona ukugandelelwa kochakileko nokwephulwa kokulunga nepatho efaneleko embusweni: Isikhulu esiphezulu sivikelwe ngesingaphezu kwaso godu kunezinye ngaphezu kwazo. Ipumelelo yenarha kikho koke lokhu isekosini enakelela amasimu. Othanda imali akaneliseki ngayo nothanda umnono akaneliseki ngomvuzo. Nalokho kulilize! Nakwanda umnono nabawudlako bayanda. Kumbhadekela ngani umniniwo ngaphandle kokuwuqala nje? Ubuthongo besisebenzi bumnandi, nanyana sigoma kancani nanyana khulu, kodwana ukusutha kwenjinga kuyenza ingabi nobuthongo. Kunobumbi obuzwisa ubuhlungu engakhe ngabubona ngaphasi komthunzi welanga: Umnono obulungiweko, oliliva kumniniwo. Umnono lowo ulahleka ngemisebenzi emimbi, kuthi lokha nabeletha indodana angabi nalitho alitjhiyela yona. Njengombana umuntu abuya esibelethweni abulanzi, ngendlela enjalo uzakukhamba njengokuza kwakhe. Iye, akunalitho alibutheleleko ngokutjhabatjheka kwakhe azakukhamba nalo. Mbala lokho bubumbi obuzwisa ubuhlungu! Njengombana ezile uzakukhamba anjalo! Alo, kumsizani umuntu ukujulukela ummoya nje? Yoke imihla yokuphila kwakhe ugoma kanzima, ngesizi elikhulu, ngokuhlupheka nangokukhathazeka. Qala, okuhle engakubonako ngilokhu: Kuhle ukugoma, ukusela nokuzithabisa ngezinto ezihle phakathi kokutjhabatjheka kwalokho umuntu akujulukeleko ngaphasi komthunzi welanga, emalangeni ambalwa wokuphila kwakhe awaphiwe nguZimu ngombana lokho kusisabelo sakhe. Iye, kusisipho esivela kuZimu lokha napha umuntu umnono nelifa, amvumele kobana azanelise ngakho, umuntu loyo akwamukele lokho kube sisabelo sakhe, azithokozise ngokutjhabatjheka kwakhe. Angeze acabanga khulu ngamalangakhe wokuphila ngombana uZimu uhlala amthabisa ngokwenama kwehliziywakhe. Ngibone obunye ubumbi ngaphasi komthunzi welanga, bumuthwalo obudisi ngaphezu kwabantu: UZimu unikela umuntu umnono, ilifa nedumo ukuze angasweli litho alifisako. Kodwana uZimu akamvumeli bonyana azanelise ngalokho ngombana kurhiribidelwa ngotjhili. Lokhu kulilize, yihlupheko enesizi. Lokha umuntu nanabantwana abalikhulu aphile iminyaka eminengi, iye, aphile isikhathi eside, kodwana angazanelisi ngokuhle begodu angabulungwa ngesizotha, ngithi umntwana obelethwe ahlongakele ungcono khulu kunaye. Ufika alilize, anyamalale ebumnyameni nebizo lakhe litjhabalalele futhi. Nanyana angazange abone ilanga nanyana azi okuthileko, nokho unokuthula okwedlula umuntu loyo. Kuzamsiza ngani umuntu ukuphila iminyaka eyikulungwana ephindwe kabili, kodwana angakghoni ukuzanelisa ngokuhle na? Angitjho boke njalo baya endaweni yinye? Koke ukutjhabatjheka komuntu kungekomlomakhe, kodwana iphango lakhe alaneliseki. Ungcono ngani ohlakaniphileko kunesidlhadlha na? Kusisizani isichaka ukuziphatha kuhle phambi kwabantu na? Kungcono okubonwa mamehlo kunalokho okukhanukelwa ngugilo. Nalokho kulilize! Kukugijimisa ummoya! Koke okukhona kwathiywa ibizo nalokho umuntu angikho kuyaziwa: Akakwazi ukujamelana noSomandla. Ukwanda kwamezwi kukukwanda kokungatjho litho. Kumsiza ngani umuntu lokho? Ngubani owazi okulungele umuntu epilweni, nakube emalangeni ambalwa nangatjho litho udlula njengesithunzi na? Ngubani ongamtjela bonyana kuzokwenzakalani ngaphasi komthunzi welanga ngemva kokukhamba kwakhe na? Ibizo elihle lingcono kunamakha akhethekileko nelanga lokufa lingcono kunelokubelethwa. Kungcono ukuya ekumbeni yesililo kunokuya ekumbeni yokugidinga ngombana ikumba yesililo isiphetho sabo boke abantu. Abasaphilako kumele bakucabangisise lokhu. Isizi lingcono kunesihleko ngombana ubuso nabunyukubeleko, ihliziyo yenamile. Ihliziyo yohlakaniphileko ingekumbeni yesililo, kodwana yesidlhadlha ingekumbeni yokwethaba. Kungcono ukulalela ukukhalima komuntu ohlakaniphileko kunokulalela umbhino weendlhadlha. Njengokuhlihlitha kwameva ngaphasi kwembiza sinjalo nesihleko sesidlhadlha. Nalokhu kulilize: Ukusabisa kungenisa ohlakaniphileko ebudlhayeleni nokufunjathiswa konakalisa ingqondo. Isiphetho sendaba singcono kunesithomo sayo, nokubekezela kungcono kunokuziphakamisa. Ungarhabi ukuthukuthela ehliziywenakho ngombana itukuthelo ihlala esifubeni seendlhadlha. Ungabuzi uthi, “Kubayini amalanga waphambilini angcono kunawanjesi?” ngombana akusikho ukuhlakanipha ukubuza lokho. Ukuhlakanipha kanye nepahla kuyinto ehle begodu kububhadekelo kabaphilako ngombana ukuhlakanipha kusiphephelo. Imali nayo isiphephelo, kodwana ubuhle belwazi ngilokhu: Ukuhlakanipha kunikela ipilo kilabo abanakho. Yelela lokho uZimu akwenzileko! Mbala, ngubani ongagobulula lokho akugobanisileko na? Ngesikhathi esihle, jabula, kodwana ngesikhathi esimbi, yelela ngombana uZimu ukwenze kokubili ukuze umuntu angazi litho ngelingomuso lakhe. Epilwenami engatjho litho le, ngibone koke lokhu: Kukhona olungileko obhubha ngokulunga kwakhe nokhohlakeleko ophila isikhathi eside ngobukhohlakali bakhe. Ungazenzi olunge khulu, godu ungabi ngohlakaniphe ngokweqileko. Uzibhubhiselani na? Ungabi ngokhohlakele khulu, godu ungabi sidlhadlha. Ufelani ngaphambi kwesikhathi sakho na? Kuhle ukukakarela isiyeleliswesi, godu ungalisi lesiya. Owesaba uZimu uzazigega zombili iingozi zakhona. Ukuhlakanipha kwenza ohlakaniphileko abe namandla khulu kunababusi abalitjhumi edorobheni. Ngambala, akunamuntu olungileko ephasini owenza okuhle kwaphela, angoni nakanye. Ungathatheli ehloko woke amezwi akhulunywa babantu ukuze ungezwa isisebenzi sakho sikuthuka ngombana uyazi ehliziywenakho kobana kwawena uthuke abanye kanengana. Koke lokhu ngikuzizinye ngokuhlakanipha bengathi, “Ngizimisele ukuhlakanipha”, kodwana lokhu kube ngaphezu kwami. Okwenzekako kukude begodu kuzike kokuzika: Ngubani ongakufumana na? Godu ngabuya ngacabangisisa ekwazini kobana ngihlolisise bengirhubhulule ubuhlakani ngifunyane isiphetho; iye, nokwazi ubukhohlakali bobudlhadlha kanye nobudlhadlha bokutlhoga ingqondo. Ngafumana okumunyu khulu kunokufa: umfazi osithiyo, ohliziywakhe isirhurhulanede nezandla zakhe ziziinkhungo. Umuntu okara uZimu uyaphunyurha kuye, kodwana isoni sona sizakubambeka kuye. Mina Mtjhumayeli ngithi: Qala, ngilokho engikufumeneko lokha nangibeka koke ngenaneko, kobana ngifunyane isiphetho. Lokho ingqondwami ebeyihlala ikufuna ngesikhathi soke, kodwana ingahlathi iqiniso lakhona, ngilokhu: Ngafunyana yinye indoda eqotho hlangana nekulungwana, kodwana azange ngifunyane namunye umfazi onjalo phakathi kwabo boke. Qala, ngafunyana lokhu kwaphela: UZimu wenze abantu baba qotho, kodwana bona bazifunela amaqhinga amanengi. Ngubani onjengohlakaniphileko na? Ngubani owazi ihlathululo yezinto? Ukuhlakanipha komuntu kukhanyisa ubuso, kubuguqule ekubeni likhuni. Ngithi: Bulunga umyalo wekosi ngebanga lesithembiso esenziwe nguZimu. Ungarhabi ukuphendula umbusi. Tjhida phambi kwakhe ngombana angenza nanyana yini ayithandako. Ilizwi lekosi aliphikiswa. Ngubani ongathi kiyo, “Yintobani oyenzako le?” Abahlakaniphileko bathi, “Obulunga umyalo akazukwehlelwa ngokumbi nengqondo yohlakaniphileko iyasazi isikhathi nesiqunto. Kunesikhathi nekambiso efaneleko kiyo yoke into nanyana isizi lomuntu liba budisi kuye.” Kodwana akunamuntu owazi okuzakwenzeka! Ngubani ongamtjela bonyana kuzakwenzeka njani? Akunamuntu onamandla wokukhandela ummoya begodu akakho onamandla phezu kwelanga lokufa. Akunakutjhaphululwa ngesikhathi sepi nomnono awubahlengi abaniniwo. Koke lokhu ngakubona lokha nangizinikela kikho koke okwenziwa ngaphasi komthunzi welanga. Kunesikhathi lapha umuntu aba negunya khona phezu komunye umuntu ngokwenza okumbi. Ngokunjalo ngabona abakhohlakeleko batjhidela ethempelini, bangena, kwathi labo abenze kuhle kwafanela bona baphume endaweni ecwengileko balitjalwe edorobheni. Nalokho kulilize. Ngebanga lokungakhutjhwa msinyana kwesigwebo sobulelesi, iinhliziyo zabantu zizala iimbozi ngombana isikhohlakali singenza ubelelesi kanenginengi, khonapho siphile isikhathi eside. Nami ngiyazi bona kuthiwa kuzabakhambela kuhle abantu abesaba uZimu, ngombana bayamhlonipha, nokobana isikhohlakali angeze kwasikhambela kuhle namalangaso angeze elulwa njengesithunzi ngombana asihloniphi uZimu. Kodwana ephasini kwenzeka nanti ilize: Kunabantu abalungileko abehlelwa ngokufanele iinkhohlakali neenkhohlakali ezehlelwa ngokufanele abalungileko. Ngithi nalokho kulilize. Nje-ke ngababaza ithabo ngombana ayikho into engcono emuntwini ngaphasi komthunzi welanga ngaphandle kokugoma nokusela, ename. Lokho kufanele kukhambisane naye emtjhikatjhikenakhe emihleni yokuphila, uZimu amuphe yona ngaphasi komthunzi welanga. Lokha nangizinikela kobana ngazi ukuhlakanipha nokuyelela umsebenzi owenziwa ephasini, okutjho bona amehlo womuntu akabuboni ubuthongo ebusuku nemini, nje-ke ngabona woke umsebenzi kaZimu: Umuntu angeze azwisisa okwenziwa ngaphasi komthunzi welanga. Nanyana angajuluka kobana akufunyane angeze azwisisa. Ngitjho nanyana ohlakaniphileko asithi yena uyazi, angeze akghona ukuzwisisa. Mbala, ngakucabangisisa lokho, kobana ngihlunge yoke indaba le yokuthi abalungileko nabahlakaniphileko kanye nemisebenzabo, ngitjho nethando nezondo kusezandleni zakaZimu. Koke okusezako, umuntu akakwazi. Koke kuyafana kibo boke; kunesehlo sinye kolungileko nokhohlakeleko, koqotho, kohlambulukileko nongakahlambuluki, kowenza umhlabelo nongawenziko. Njengombana kunjalo kosisoni, kunjalo nakolungileko; njengombana kunjalo kofungako, kunjalo nakowesaba ukufunga. Lokhu bubumbi kikho koke okwenzeka ngaphasi komthunzi welanga, kobana boke behlelwa yinto efanako. Godu kububumbi kobana iinhliziyo zabantu zizale ngobumbi nokobana epilwenabo batlhoge ingqondo, ngemva kwalapho bahlongakale. Nanyana ngubani ophakathi kwabaphilako unethemba, ngitjho nenja ephilako ingcono kunebhubezi elifileko! Abaphilako bayazi bonyana bazokuhlongakala, kodwana abahlongakeleko abazi litho; abasenamvuzo ngombana ukukhunjulwa kwabo akusekho. Ngitjho nethando labo, ukuzonda kwabo nesikhwele sabo, koke sekwanyamalala; angeze bebasaba nesabelo kinanyana yini eyenzeka ngaphasi komthunzi welanga. Khamba ufese ugome ukudla kwakho ngethabo, bewusele newayini lakho ngokwenama kwehliziywakho ngombana uZimu uyakuvuma lokho okwenzako. Uhlale wembethe ezimhlophe begodu uzese ihlokwakho njalo ngamafutha. Zithokozise ngepilo nomkakho omthandako kiwo woke amalanga wepilo engatjho litho le, uZimu akuphe yona ngaphasi komthunzi welanga; iye, ngitjho yoke imihla yakho engatjho litho. Lokho kusisabelo sakho epilweni kanye nekutjhabatjhekeni kwakho ngaphasi komthunzi welanga. Nanyana yini ofuna ukuyenza ngesandla sakho, yenze ngamandlakho woke ngombana endaweni yabafileko lapha uya khona, akusasetjenzwa, akuhlelwa, akunalwazi namkha ukuhlakanipha. Godu ngabuye ngabona bonyana ngaphasi komthunzi welanga umgijimo awuyi ngabanebelo, ipi ayiyi ngokweengorho isikwa asisi ngesabahlakaniphileko, umnono awusi ngewabongqondongqondo nomusa awusi ngewabanelwazi ngombana isikhathi nethuba kubehlela boke. Akunamuntu owaziko bona isikhathi sakhe sizokufika nini: Njengehlambi nayibanjwa ngenede enesihluku namkha iinyoni ezibanjwa ngesithiyo, ngokunjalo abantu babambeka esithiyweni ngesikhathi sehlekelele, lokha nayibehlela msinyana. Godu ngabona ngaphasi komthunzi welanga isehlakalo sokuhlakanipha ebesiqakathekile kimi: Gade kunedorojana elinabahlali abalidlanzana. Kweza ikosi enamandla kilo, yalizombeleza beyakha iinqabo ezikulu ngokujamelana nalo. Ngedorojanenapho gade kunendoda esichaka begodu ihlakaniphile. Beyingalisindisa idorojanelo ngokuhlakanipha kwayo, kodwana abantu azange basikhumbula isichakeso. Ngakhe ngatjho bona ukuhlakanipha kungcono kunamandla, kodwana ukuhlakanipha kwesichaka kuthathelwa phasi namezwaso akayelelwa. Kungcono ukulalela ngesizotha amezwi wabahlakaniphileko, kunokurhuwelela kwenduna phakathi kweendlhadlha. Ukuhlakanipha kungcono kuneenkhali zepi, kodwana isiphosiso sinye sibhidla okunengi okuhle. Njengombana iimpukani ezifileko zonakalisa isizeso somdidiyeli kobana sinuke besibe nesivunda, ngokunjalo nobudlhadlha obuncani bubhedlha ukuhlakanipha nedumo. Ihliziyo yohlakaniphileko inqomba ngesidleni, kodwana yesidlhadlha inqomba ngesinceleni. Nanyana isidlhadlha sikhamba endleleni, asinambono; sikhamba sikhombisa woke umuntu kobana sidlhayele. Lokha umbusi nakubhokela ngobukhali, ungasuki endawenakho ngombana ukuzotha kugegeda iimphoso ezinengi. Kunobumbi engikhe ngabubona ngaphasi komthunzi welanga, okumhlobo wephoso evela kumbusi: Isidlhadlha sibekwa eenkhundleni eziphezulu, khibe iinjinga ziseenkhundleni eziphasi. Ngibone amakhoboka akhwele iinjomani, khibe amakhosana ayabhadula inga makhoboka. Owemba umgodi, angarhohlomela ngakiwo nogiriza umthangala angalunywa yinyoka. Okghadlha amatje angalinyazwa ngiwo nophadlhula iinkuni zingaba yingozi kuye. Nakube izembe libuthuntu, alisalolwa, kudingeka amandla amanengi, kodwana ikghono liletha ipumelelo. Nakube inyoka iluma ngaphambi kokwenziwa komlingo, khona-ke akusizi ukuba nosomlingo. Amezwi wohlakaniphileko anesisa, kodwana isidlhadlha siqedwa mlomaso. Sithoma ngokukhuluma ubudlhadlha; sigcine ngekulumo embi enganangqondo begodu sikhuluma khulu. Akunamuntu owaziko okuzokwenzeka. Ngubani ongamtjela bona kuzokwenzakalani ngemva kwakhe na? Ukutjhabatjheka kweendlhadlha kuzenza zidinwe ngombana azifikeleli emgomenazo. Maye kuwe narha, nakube ikosakho isese siratjhana nalokha amakhosakho agidinga ekuseni! Ubusisiwe wena narha nakube ikosakho ingusaziwako nalokha amakhosakho agidinga ngesikhathi esifaneleko, kobana abe namandla ingasi ubudakwa. Ngebanga lobubozi ibhaluga lekumba liyabhecenyeka, ngokulembelela kwezandla ikumba iyanethela. Umgidi wenzelwa ukwenama, iwayini lenza ipilo ibe mnandi nemali iyipendulo yakho koke. Ungathuki ikosi ngitjho nemkhumbulwenakho, nanyana uthuwelelise injinga nawungelawini lakho ngombana inyoni yomkayi ingathatha amezwakho, iye, isiphaphi singabika okutjhwileko. Nawuthumela inzuzwakho phezu kwamanzi, kungenzeka uyifumane godu ngemva kwamalanga amanengi. Ipahlakho ungayaba kalikhomba nanyana kabunane, kodwana awuyazi ihlekelele engahle yehlele inarha. Amafu nazele amanzi, athululela izulu ephasini. Nakube umuthi uzokuwela ngesewula nanyana ngetlhagwini, lapha uzokuwela ngakhona, uzokulalela ngapho. Ophika nommoya angeze atjala, oqala amafu angeze avuna. Njengombana ungazi ukungena komphefumulo ehlwilini lesibeletho somfazi ozithweleko, ngokunjalo angeze wawuzwisisa umsebenzi kaZimu, owenza izinto zoke. Tjala imbewakho ekuseni, entambama izandla zakho zingaphumuli ngombana awazi bona ngiyiphi ezakuphumulela, kungaba ngile nanyana kube ngileya, nanyana ziphumelele zombili. Ukukhanya kumnandi, kuhle emehlweni ukubona ilanga. Nakube umuntu angaphila iminyaka eminengi, akazithokozise ngayo yoke, nokho akakhumbule imihla yobumnyama kobana izakuba minengi. Koke okusezako kulilize. Jabula muntu omutjha ebutjheni bakho, ihliziywakho ikuphe ukwenama emalangeni wobutjha bakho. Landela iimfiso zehliziywakho, nalokho okubonwa mamehlwakho, kodwana yazi bona kikho koke lokho uZimu uzakugweba. Yeke, tjhidisa isizi ehliziywenakho, udlulise woke amahlungu emzimbenakho, kodwana yazi bona ubutjha, iye, ngitjho nobutjha ebuncanini bulilize. Khumbula umdali wakho emalangeni wobutjha bakho, kungakafiki imihla emimbi nokutjhidela kweminyaka ozakutjho ngayo uthi, “Anginakwenama ngayo.” Iye, ngaphambi kobana ilanga nomkhanyo, inyezi neenkwekwezi kube mnyama, namafu asabuthile ngemva kwezulu, mhla abaqaphi bekumba bathuthumelako, neendlakela zithoma ukukhokhoba, nabagayikazi bangasagayi ngebanga lokuba mbalwa, nabahlola ngamafesidere sele bafiphele. Iye, mhlana iminyango ngaphandle ivaliwe, kunciphe netjhada lokugaya, lokha iphimbo seliphakama njengelenyoni, kodwana ukuzwakala kwalo sekuphasi; lokha umuntu angakesabi iindawo eziphakamileko nalokha kunezinto ezethusako endleleni; iye, lokha nakuthuthumba umuthi we-alimondi nentethe sele irhurhuba nomvusakunzi ungasasebenzi. Ngambala, umuntu uya endawenakhe yanini nanini nabalilako behla benyuka endleleni. Iye, mkhumbule umdali wakho kungakaqhusuki intambo yesiliva, ithunga legolide lingakaphahlaki, umjeka ungakaphadlheki emthonjeni nevili lingakaphukeli ngepetsini, ithuli lingakabuyeli equlwanini njengombana lalinjalo nomphefumulo wokuphila ungakabuyeli kuZimu owawunikelako. Kulilize lakolize! Iye, uMtjhumayeli uthi: “Yoke into ililize!” Isengezo: UMtjhumayeli gade angakahlakaniphi kwaphela, kodwana gade afundisa nabantu ilwazi. Walinganisa izinto wahlolisisa bewahlela kuhle izaga ezinengi. UMtjhumayeli wafunisisa kobana afumane amezwi afaneleko nokutlola amezwi weqiniso ngobuqotho. Amezwi wohlakaniphileko anjengesitlhorholojakomo nezinto eziqakathekileko, zinjengeenkhonkhwani ezimanyene nesitlhorholojakomo. Lokho kuvela kumelusi munye. Isengezo esinye: Ndodanami, yewuyelele! Ukwenza iincwadi ezinengi akunasiphetho begodu ukufunda khulu kukhathaza umzimba. Ekugcineni, koke okuzwakeleko kufanele kunakekelwe: Yesaba uZimu ulonde imiyalwakhe; lokho kungokomuntu woke ngombana uZimu uzokugweba yoke imisebenzi, ngitjho nakho koke okufihlakeleko, nanyana kukuhle, nanyana kukumbi. Ingoma yeengoma zakaSolomoni Akangimange! Iye, akangimange ngomlomakhe! Sithandwa sami, ithando lakho lidlula iwayini. Iinthako zamakha wakho zinuka kamnandi; ibizo lakho linjengamakha atsengiweko; akubabali iintombi zikuthanda kangaka! Yewungithathe, sigijime! Ikosi ingahle ingingenise ngemalawinayo! Sizokwakwazela, sithabe ngawe, sokana! sizodumisa ithando lakho ukudlula iwayini. Kufanele bona iintombi zikuthande! Ntombi zeJerusalema, yeningilalele! Nginzima begodu ngimuhle, nginzima njengamatende weKedari, ngimuhle njengamatjhila esigodlweni sakaSolomoni. Ningaqali ubunzima bami, nginjenjenje, ngifiphazwe lilanga. Abafowethu bangithukuthelele, bangenza bona ngeluse iindiribe; ngalokho ngaliselela isidiribe okungesami. Akhese ungitjele, wena othandwa mphefumulwami: Weluselaphi umhlambakho, uziphumuzelaphi izimvu zakho emini ekulu na? Kubayini ngifane nomfazi wesiyaya eqadi kwemihlambi yabangani bakho na? Nakube awazi, wena siphalaphala sakwabo, landela umtlhala wezimvu, udlise iimbuzana zakho eduze namatende wabelusi. Sinini sami, kimi unjengenjomani esikazi hlangana neenjomani zeenkarana zakaFaro. Imihlathakho mihle hlangana nomkhala wobuphaziphazi, intamakho ikghatjiswe ngemitiya yamagugu. Sizokwenzela imitiya yegolide kanye namancina wesiliva. Kwathi ikosi isesetafuleni layo, amakha wami wenaridi aba nephunga. Isithandwa sami kimi sinjengesikhwanyana semire, esilembelele hlangana namabelami. Isithandwa sami kimi sinjengamathuthumbo wehena, eendiribeni ze-Eni-Gedi. Maye umuhle kangangani, sinini sami! Maye umuhle kangangani! Amandiyakho anjengamazuba. Maye uyaqaleka, sithandwa sami! Maye uyaqaleka! Umbhedethu ubutjani obuhlaza, amabhaluga wekumbethu misedari namabalelo mimithi yomsayipurusi. Ngililikhwa leTjharoni, ithuthumbo lemirhuleni. Njengelikhwa hlangana nameva sinjalo isinini sami hlangana neentombi. Njengomuthi wamahabhula hlangana nehlathi, sinjalo-ke isithandwa sami hlangana namasokana. Maye ngikhanuka kangangani ukuhlala emthunzinaso nesithelo saso sizakuba bulende kurhwalabhami. Sangingenisa ngekumbeni yewayini, iphawu laso ngehla kwami bekulithando. Yeningiqabule ngamakwapa wediribe, ningikhuthaze ngamahabhula ngombana ngiyagula ngethando. Kwanga isandla saso sesincele besingaba ngaphasi kwehlokwami nesidla saso singigone. Ntombi zeJerusalema, ngithembisani ngeentsephekazi nangeenhlangukazimataka zommango bona angeze nazamazisa namkha nivuse ithando lingakakhanuki ukuvuka. Lalela! Naso isithandwa sami! Qala! Nasi siza nganeno, siza sijekezela eentabeni, seqayeqa emibundwini. Isithandwa sami sifana netsephe namkha ihlangumatakana Qala! Nasiya sijame ngemva komthangala wekhethu, sihlola eentunjeni, sitjhaluze emlukweni wamafesidere. Isithandwa sami sathoma sathi kimi, “Sikima sinini sami, simomothwana sami, yewize sikhambe! Qala! Ubusika budlulile nezulu alisekho, likhambile. Amakhwa emmangweni ayabonakala, isikhathi sokubhina sifikile, ukukukuruza kwamazuba sele kuzwakala enarheni yekhethu. Amakhiwani athela aboporwana bawo, iindiribe ezithuthumbako zisabalalisa iphunga lazo. Sikima sinini sami, simomothwana sami, yewize sikhambe! Zuba lami elisemipharwini yedwala, endaweni esithekileko yeliwa akhese ungitjengise ubuso bakho, ngizwise iphimbo lakho! Kazi iphimbo lakho libutjhelelezi nobuswana bakho buyakarisa. Sibambelani iimpungutjha, iye, iimpungutjhana ezonakalisa iindiribe zethu, iindiribe zethu ezithuthumbileko.” Isithandwa sami ngesami, nami ngingesaso, selusa hlangana namakhwa. Sithandwa sami, jika, ube yitsephe namkha ihlangumatakana emibundwini ehlukeneko kufikela lapha kubetha khona ummoya wekuseni bekunyamalale imithunzi yobusuku. Ebusuku, embhedenami, ngafuna othandwa mphefumulwami, ngamfuna, kodwana azange ngimfumane. Ebhudangweni ngavuka ngazulazula ngedorobheni, ngehla ngenyuka eendledlaneni nematatawini. Ngathi ngizakufunana othandwa mphefumulwami. Yeke ngamfuna, kodwana azange ngimfumane. Abaqaphi bangifumana nabalokhu bakhambakhamba ngedorobheni. “Akhange nibone othandwa mphefumulwami na?” Bengiqeda nje ukudlula abaqaphi, lokha nangifumana othandwa mphefumulwami. Ngamtjhuba, azange ngisamlisa, besayokufika ekumbeni kamma, iye, ngelawini lowangibelethako. Ntombi zeJerusalema, ngithembisani ngeentsephekazi nangeenhlangukazimataka zommango bona angeze nazamazisa namkha nivuse ithando lingakakhanuki ukuvuka. Ngubani lo owenyuka avela erhalawumbeni, njengesikhatha sentuthu elifini lemire neletjhwalo, okukhethwe kizo zoke iimputjhana zabathengisi na? Qala! Naso isihlalogugwa sakaSolomoni, siphekelelwa ziingorho ezimatjhumi asithandathu, iye, ziphuma eengorhweni zakwa-Israyeli. Zoke ziphethe iinsabula, zoke zibandulelwe ipi, enye nenye inesabula edinini, ilungele iingozi zobusuku. Ikosi uSolomoni izenzele isihlalogugwa; isenze ngeengodo zeLibhanoni. Yenze iinsika zaso ngesiliva, ingaphezulu laso ngegolide; ubuhlalo baso buthungwe ngokububende, sikghatjiswe ziintombi zeJerusalema ngeempawu zethando. Phumani nina ntombi zeZiyoni, nibone ikosi uSolomoni ithwele isihlohlo, iye, isihlohlo eyasethweswa ngunina, mhlana ithathako, iye, mhlana ihliziywayo yeneme. Maye, umuhle kangangani sinini sami! Maye, umuhle kangangani! Amandiyakho ngemva kwesiyaya amazuba. Iinhluthu zakho ungathi mihlambi yeembuzi ezehla entabeni yakwaGiliyadi. Amazinywakho anjengomhlambi wezimvu ezisandukurhunwa, ezikhuphuka zibuya emanzini. Enye nenye inephahla layo, kungekho nayinye ekhamba yodwa. Iimbhena zakho zinjengomtletle otlerebede, umlomakho uyakarisa. Iinhlafunyo zakho zinjengeengcenye zamarharinada ngemva kwesiyaya sakho. Intamakho ifana nombhotjhongo kaDavida owakhiwe walala kuhle; kiwo kulembelele iinhlangu eziyikulungwana, zoke kuziinhlangu zeengorho. Amabelakho anjengeentsephana ezimbili, iye, anjengamaphahla wetsephe akarula hlangana namakhwa. Ngizakuya entabeni yemire nembundwini wetjhwalo, kufikela lapha kubetha ummoya wekuseni bekunyamalale imithunzi yobusuku. Umuhle ngakho koke, sinini sami! Akunasici nakancani kuwe. Yewize sikhambe makoti, iye, yewize semuke eLibhanoni. Yehla esiqongolweni se-Amana, iye, esiqongolweni seSeniri neseRherimoni, edzabeni lamabhubezi neentabeni zezingwe. Uthumbe ihliziywami dadwabo, wena makoti, iye, uyithumbile ihliziywami, ngokungithi nje rhedlu ngamehlwakho, ngomucu munye womncamo entanyenakho. Maye, limnandi kangangani ithando lakho, wena dadwabo, wena makoti! Ithando lakho lingcono khulu kunewayini; nomnuko wamakha wakho adlula zoke iinthako. Iimbhena zakho zithonta iliju, makoti, ibisi neliju kungaphasi kwelimu lakho. Umnuko wengubakho ufana neweLibhanoni. Usivande esikhiyelweko dadwabo, makoti; iye, usivande esikhiyelweko, umthombo ovaliweko. Wena umthombo wemithi yamarharinada endaweni yokuphumula kanye neenthelo ezimnandi, ihena nenaridi, iye, inaridi nesafarani, umgaba onuka kamnandi nesinamoni nayo yoke imihlobo yemithi yetjhwalo, imire nesikghopha nazo zoke iinungo eziphambili. Umthombo wesivande, isiyalu samanzi atlelezako, iye, amanzi ageleza, asuka eLibhanoni. Vuka, mmoya wetlhagwini, yewize, nawe mmoya wesewula! Phembetha phezu kwesivande sami, amakha waso asabalale. Isithandwa sami asize esivandeni saso, sinandiphe iinthelo zaso ezimnandi. Ngizakufika esivandeni sami, dadwabo, makoti; ngikhe imire yami namakha wami; ngigome isihlaka sami kanye neliju; ngisele iwayini lami nebisi. Gomani bangani, selani, nidakwe lithando. Bengilele, kodwana ihliziywami beyihlubayela. Lalela! Isithandwa sami siyakokoda: “Yewungivulele dadwabo, sinini sami, zuba lami, wena opheleleko wami ngombana ihlokwami yembeswe mbethe iye, umyeko weenhluthu unamathosi webusuku.” Sengiyihlubulile ingubami. Ngingayembatha njani godu na? Sengiqophe iinyawo zami. Ngingabuya ngizingcolise njani na? Isandla sesithandwa sami singena ngentunja namazizo wami ayagugeka ngaso. Ngavuka kobana ngivulele isithandwa sami, izandla zami zancinca imire, iminwami yanephuka imire esibambweni somnyango. Ngavulela isithandwa sami, kodwana besele sikhambile, sinyamalele. Umphefumulwami bewukhanukela ukukhuluma kwaso. Ngasifuna, kodwana azange ngisifumane; ngasibiza, kodwana azange sisabele. Abaqaphi bangifumana nabalokhu bakhambakhamba ngedorobheni. Bangidula, bangikghubula, bangemuka ingubami, iye, abaqaphi abasemthangaleni. Ntombi zeJerusalema, ngithembisani bonyana nange ningafunyana isithandwa sami, ngibawa nisitjele bona ngiyagula ngethando. Wena siphalaphala sakwabo, isithandwa sakhweso sidlula bani na? Singcono ngani kunabanye kobana ungabe uthi sikuthembise na? Isithandwa sami siyaphazima begodu siyakhanya, sibonakala hlangana netjhumi leenkulungwana. Ihlokwaso iligolidembala, iinhluthu zaso zimuyeko, zinzima njengegubulu. Amehlwaso anjengamazuba emilanjaneni egelezako, ahlanzwe ebisini, anamekwe njengobuphaziphazi egolideni. Imihlathaso injengesitjalelo seenungo esikhiqiza amakha. Iimbhena zaso zimamakhwa, anephuka imire. Imikhonwaso isitina segolide, efakwe amatje alibherili, Iphango laso liyiphanela yezinyo lendlovu, elikghatjiswe ngamatje wesafaya. Imilenzaso ziinsika zemabula enzinziswe esinzinzisweni segolidembala. Isibumbeko saso sifana neLibhanoni, sikarisa njengemisedarayo. Umlomaso ubumnandi ngokwawo; sihle koke. Sinjalo-ke isithandwa sami, unjalo umnganami, nina ntombi zeJerusalema. Siyephi isithandwa sakho, wena siphalaphala sakwabo? Sitjhingephi isithandwa sakho na? Sizakukhamba nawe sikufunise sona. Isithandwa sami sehlele esivandeni saso, siye eentjalelweni zeenungo kobana siyokwelusa eemvandeni, sikhe amakhwa. Ngingowesithandwa sami, naso singesami; seluse hlangana namakhwa. Umuhle sinini sami, unjengeTiritsa, ukhanga njengeJerusalema, umanyazela njengamabutho aphethe iimpawu. Susa amehlwakho kimapha ngombana ayangihlangahlanganisa. Iinhluthu zakho kwangathi mihlambi yeembuzi, ezehla entabeni yakwaGiliyadi. Amazinywakho anjengomhlambi wezimvukazi, ezikhuphuka zibuya emanzini. Enye nenye inephahla layo, kungekho nayinye ekhamba yodwa. Iinhlafunyo zakho zinjengeengcenye zamarharinada ngemva kwesiyaya sakho. Kuneendlovukazi ezimatjhumi asithandathu, amakhohlo amatjhumi abunane namatlawu amanenginengi, kodwana izuba lami, opheleleko wami wehlukile, uyindodakazi eyodwa kunina, uyintandokazi yowambelethako. Iintombi nazimbonako zithi ngobusisiweko, iindlovukazi namakhohlo ziyambuka. Ngubani lo olunguza entunjeni omuhle inga yinyezi, okhanya njengelanga nomanyazela njengamabutho aphethe iimpawu na? Ngehlele hlangana nemithi yama-alimoni kobana ngibone imitjhana emrhobeni nokobana iindiribe ziyahloma namarharinada ayathuthumba na. Azange ngiyelele bonyana umphefumulwami uzangibeka eenkaraneni zabosaziwako bekhethu. Buya, yewubuye wena mfazi weTjhunemi; buya, yewubuye ukuze sikubukele! Maye, abafazi bathanda ukubukela umfazi weTjhunemi njengegido leMarhanayimu! Maye, zihle kangangani iinyawo zakho, ngaphakathi kwamapatlagwanakho, wena ndodakazi yekosana! Amathangakho andulungu njengomjeka, afana nomsebenzi wezandla zakasosino. Ikabakho isikurwana esiyindulungu, esihlala sinewayini elineenungo. Isisu sakho silitjathwana lekoroyi elizombelezwe mamakhwa. Amabelakho anjengeentsephana ezimbili, iye, anjengamaphahla wetsephe. Intamakho injengombhotjhongo wamazinyo wendlovu. Amehlwakho asiziba seRhetjhibhoni, esisesangweni leBhathi-Rabhimu. Ipumulwakho injengombhotjhongo weLibhanoni, oqalene neDamaseku. Ihlokwakho ikufaneza njengentaba yeKarameli. Umyekwakho unzima begodu uyaphazima nekosi iyakhungatheka ngawo. Maye, umuhle kangangani, uyakarisa wena othandeka ngokuthokozisa! Ijamo lakho linjengesundu namabelakho anjengamahlukuzo weenthelo zalo. Ngathi, “Ngizakhwela umuthi wesundu; ngikhe amathuthumbalo.” Amabelakho akabe njengamahlukuzo wediribe nephunga lokuphefumula kwakho libe njengelamahabhula, umlomakho ube njengewayini eliphambili. Esithandweni sami iwayini lehla butjhelelezi; iye, litlelezela eembheneni ezitlerebede. Ngingowesithandwa sami, yeke sona siyangilulukela. Yewize sithandwa sami, namba siye emmangweni, sibe nobusuku emizaneni. Asivukele ekuseni eemvandeni zesidiribe, siyokubona bonyana iindiribe ziyahluma, amaqumbazo ayahloma nokobana amarharinada ayathuthumba na. Lapho-ke, ngizakunikela ithando lami. Ikofe iphafuza iphunga layo, emasangwenethu kuneenthelo ezimnandi zodwa, kukhona ezitja nezidala engikubekele zona sithandwa sami. Ngathana batjho bewunjengomfowethu kimi omunye ebeleni lakamma! Yeke, bekuzakuthi nangihlangana nawe ngaphandle, ngikutjhube bengikuncwange, kungabikhona ongithathela phasi. Bengizakurhola ngikhambe nawe, ngikuse ekumbeni kamma, ngikukhelele iwayini elineenungo kanye nomhluzi wamarharinada njengombana umma wangifundisa. Kwanga isandla saso sesincele besingaba ngaphasi kwehlokwami nesidla saso singigone. Ntombi zeJerusalema, ngithembisani bona angeze nazamazisa namkha nivuse ithando lingakakhanuki ukuvuka. Ngubani lo owenyuka avela erhalawumbeni, oziyame ngesithandwa sakhe na? Ngakuvusa ngaphasi komuthi wamahabhula; lapho unyoko akubambela khona, iye, lapho akubambela khona nalapho akubelethela khona. Yewungibeke njengesigibo phezu kwehliziywakho, iye, nanjengesigibo emkhonwenakho. Ngambala, ithando linamandla njengokufa, isikhwele sigwame njengendawo yabafileko. Amalangabi wakhona amlilo orubhako, iye, amlilo kaSomnini. Amanzi amanengi akakghoni ukucima ithando nemilambo ayikghoni ukulirhurhula. Nanyana umuntu bekanganikela woke umnono wekumbakhe ukwenana ithando nalokho bewuzakuba kunyefulwa kwaphela. Udadwethu usesemncani, amabelakhe asaphuhla. Sizamenzelani nje udadwethu lo, mhlana azokucelwa na? Nakube useseliboda elibutjhelelezi, sizamakhelela amarhayisi wesiliva. Nakube umnyango, sizamkghabisa ngeengodo zomsedari. Mina bengiliboda elibutjhelelezi, kodwana kwanjesi amabelami anjengemibhotjhongo. Nje-ke emehlweni wesithandwa sami, ngizuze umusa. USolomoni gade anesidiribe eBhali-Hamona, wasibeka ngaphasi kwabaqaphi. Umuntu bekangakhokha ikulungwana yeempaparwana zesiliva ngeenthelo zaso. Isidiribe sami, okungesami, ngesami! Iimpaparwana eziyikulungwana zingezakho Solomoni neempaparwana ezimatjhumi amabili zingaya kubaqaphi besithelo. Akhese ngizwe ilizwi lakho, wena ohlala eemvandeni; iye, wena olalelwa bangani bakho! Sithandwa sami, ube yitsephe namkha ihlangumatakana elakutja emibundwini yeenthako. Lo, mbono owabonwa ngu-Isaya umsa ka-Amotsi ngoJuda neJerusalema, ngeenkhathi zokubusa kwaka-Uziya, uJotamu, u-Arhazi noHezekhiya amakhosi wakwaJuda. Lalelani nina mazulu! Ubeke indlebe nawe phasi ngombana uSomnini ukhulumile wathi: “Ngikhulise abantwana ngabondla, kodwana bangihlubukile. Ikomo iyamazi umniniyo, nodumbana igebhezi lomnikazalo, kodwana u-Israyeli akazi ilitho, abantu bami abazwisisi. Sizazizwa isizwe esonako, abantu abadisibezwa licala, inzalo yeenkhohlakali, abantwana bokonakala! Bamtjhiyile uSomnini; badelele oCwengileko ka-Israyeli, bamfulathela. Khona nisazakubethwa kuphi nje? Nisaragela phambili ngokuhlubuka, khisibe yoke ihloko ilimele ihliziywenu idanile. Kusukela efokothweni ukuya ezwanini akasenabubono, kunalokho maduma, manceba nemivuvu kwaphela ekungazange kukghanywe, kubotjhwe bekuthanjiswe ngamafutha. Inarhenu idududu, amadorobhenu aqothuliwe, amasimenu adliwa miqhamuka niqalile; iye, inarhenu ayisenalitho ibhujiswe miqhamuka. Indodakazi yeZiyoni seyisele njengomtlhatlhana esidiribeni, njengehlahla lomtlhatlhana esimini yamakomukomu nanjengedorobho elivinjezelweko. Ukube uSomnini uMninimandlawoke akhange asitjhiyele abambalwa abaphunyurhileko besizokuba njengeSodoma, sifane neGomora. Yizwani amezwi kaSomnini, nina babusi beSodoma; nilalele ifundiso kaZimenu, nina bantu beGomora!” USomnini uthi: “Ubunengi bemihlabelwenu buyini kimi na? Ngidinekile ngemihlabelo yokutjhiswa yamaqama namafutha weembandana! Angithokozi ngeengazi zeenkunzi, zeemvana nezeempongo! Lokha naningena ebukhoneni bami iinlwana zenu zigidizela ngesirhodlweni sami. Ngubani obawe lokho ezandleni zenu? Ningasayilethi iminikelo engazisiko! Ukutjhiswa kwetjhwalo kusinyenyiso kimi! Angeze ngisamukela imikhosenu nakube kunokonakala, iye, ukwethwasa kwenyanga, amaSabatha kanye nemihlanganwenu. Ngiyayizonda imigidenu yokuthwasa kwenyanga neminyanyenu yeenkhathi enizijamisileko. Kumthwalo phezu kwami begodu sengidiniwe kuyithwala. Lokha nanelula izandla zenu nithandaza, Ngizokuvala amehlwami kini nanyana ningenza imithandazo eminengi kangangani angekhe ngiyilalele. Izandla zenu zizele iingazi. Hlambani, nizihlambulule! Susani izenzo zenu ezimbi phambi kwamehlwami! Lisani okumbi! Nifunde ukwenza okulungileko; funani ukulunga, nikhuthaze abagandelelweko, jamelani indaba yeentandani, nivikele abahlolokazi. “Seningeza-ke, sikhulumisane”, kutjho uSomnini, “Nanyana izono zenu zitlerebede, zizaba mhlophe njengesithwathwa, nanyana zibomvu be, zizakuba mhlophe twa. Nakube niyavuma begodu niyalalela, nizakudla okuhle kwenarha, kodwana naninghanghabalako nihlubuka, nizakudliwa yisabula.” Iye, umlomo kaSomnini ukhulumile. Maye, idorobho ebelithembekile selibe yingwadla! Beligcwele ubulungiswa nokulunga bekungaphakathi kwalo, kodwana kwanjesi, ligcwele ababulali! Isiliva lakho, Jerusalema, seliphenduke amanyela, utjwala bakho sebuqarhwe ngamanzi. Ababusi bakho bamahlubuka begodu babangani bamasela. Omunye nomunye uthanda ukufunjathiswa, ugijima ngemva kwezipho. Abasajameli iintandani nendaba yabahlolokazi ayisafiki kibo. Yeke, isigwebo sakaSomnini uMninimandlawoke, ongonamandla ka-Israyeli ngilesi: “Maye kibo! Ngizozanelisa ngezitha zami; ngizibuyiselele emanabenami. Ngizokuphendulela isandla sami kuwe, Jerusalema; ngicwengise amanyelakho kube njengesoda bengisuse loke ibibi lakho. Ngizakubuyisela abagwebi bakho kube njengemihleni yaphambilini, abeluleki bakho njengekuthomeni. Emva kwalokho uzakubizwa bona ulidorobho lokulunga, iye, idorobho elithembekileko. IZiyoni lizakuhlengwa ngokufanelekileko nabaphendukako balo ngokulunga, kodwana abahlubukako nezoni bazakwephulwa bokanyana njalo nalabo abafulathela uSomnini bazakubhubha. Bazakuba neenhloni ngebanga lemithi yama-owuku egade senizithabise ngayo. Nizakudana ngebanga leemvande enizikhethileko. Nizakufana ne-owuku elitjhwabelwe makari nanjengesivande esinganamanzi. Onamandla uzakuba njengamaqobetjhwana nomsebenzakhe ube ngowehlasi; iye, uzakutjha ndawonye nomsebenzakhe kungabi nomcimi.” Ilizwi elembulwa ku-Isaya umsa ka-Amotsi ngoJuda neJerusalema: Kuzakuthi emihleni yokuphela intaba yethempeli lakaSomnini inzinziswe esiqongolweni seentaba. Izakuphakanyiswa ngaphezu kwemibundu nezizwe zoke ziwulukele kiyo. Nabantu abanengi bazakuza bathi: “Nambani sikhuphukeleni entabeni kaSomnini, ethempelini lakaZimu kaJakopo ukuze asifundise iindlela zakhe kobana sikhambe ngemizilakhe.” Mbala, umthetho uzakuvela eZiyoni nelizwi lakaSomnini eJerusalema. USomnini uzakugweba hlangana nezizwe abe enze kube nokulunga ebantwini abanengi. Bona bazakwenza iinsabula zabo amalembe wokulima nemikhontwabo imikhwa yokuqopha isidiribe. Isizwe angekhe sisaphakamisela esinye iinkhali, iye, ngitjho nokuzibandulela ipi. Yewize wena kumba kaJakopo, namba sikhambe ekukhanyeni kwakaSomnini. Maye, Somnini! Ulahle abantu bakho, indlu kaJakopo: Bagcwele ukuhlohlozelwa kwepumalanga nokuphengula njengamaFilista ngebanga lokuhlanganisa izandla nabatjhili. Inarhabo igcwele isiliva negolide; amagugwabo akapheli. Godu igcwele iinjomani; iinkarana zabo zepi azipheli. Inarhabo igcwele abosingazimu; bakhothamela umsebenzi wezandla zabo, lokho okwenziwe miminwabo. Ngaleyondlela abantu bayathotjiswa; iye, omunye nomunye wabo arhubutjhwe. Yeke ungabathetheleli Somnini! Ngenani emipharwini, nizifihle ehlabathini, nibalekele ubukhali bakaSomnini nephazimulo yobukhosi bakhe! Inyazo lomuntu ozikhakhazisako lizakuthotjiswa, ukuziphakamisa kwabantu kuguqiswe, nguSomnini kwaphela ozakuphakanyiswa mhlokho. USomnini uMninimandlawoke unelanga alijamisele boke abaziphakamisako nabakhukhumeleko, iye, ukuze athobise boke abazitjhayako: yoke imisedari yeLibhanoni emide nephakamileko, yoke imithi yama-owuku yeBhatjhani, zoke iintaba eziphakamileko, yoke imibundu edlhodlhomeleko, yoke imibhotjhongo emide, yoke imithangala eqinileko, yoke imikhumbi yokurhweba nazo zoke iinthayamanzi ezithwele amagugu. Inyazo lomuntu ozikhakhazisako lizakuguqiswa, nokuziphakamisa kwabantu kuthotjiswe; nguSomnini kwaphela ozakuphakanyiswa mhlokho. Abosingazimu bazakuphela nya. Abantu bazakugijimela emipharwini nemigodini yehlabathi, babalekele ubukhali bakaSomnini nephazimulo yobukhosi bakhe, lokha nasikimela ukwethusa iphasi. Mhlokho abantu bazakulahlela abosingazimu emakhondlweni nakibonomaphelaphelana; iye, abosingazimu babo besiliva negolide ababenze bona babakhothamele. Bazakwenza lokho lokha nabangena emaweni nemipharwini yamadwala, babalekele ubukhali bakaSomnini nephazimulo yobukhosi bakhe, lokha nasikimela ukwethusa iphasi. Lisa ukwethembela emuntwini onomphefumulo kwaphela eempumulweni! Njekhona yini into angiyo? Qalani, uSomandla onguSomnini uMninimandlawoke sewuzokususa eJerusalema nakwaJuda okwabiwako nokudzinyelelwe kikho; iye, koke okwabiwako kokudla nakho koke kwamanzi: itsitsirimba nejoni, umgwebi nomphorofidi, isangoma nomphathi, induna yamatjhumi amahlanu kanye nesikhulu, umeluleki nosoziga ongumakadebona kanye nosomlingo onobuhlakani. USomnini uthi: “Ngizakwenza abesana babe makhosanabo neenhlanganahloko zizakubusa phezu kwabo. Abantu bazakugandelelana: umuntu ajamelane nomuntu, iye, umuntu ajamelane nomnganakhe. Ilutjha lizakuvukela abadala, abangazisiko bavukele abahlonitjhwa. Umuntu uzakugugudlhela umfowabo endlini kayise athi, ‘Wena unephuraphura, yiba mbusethu, lawula nanti iqubi lamawiliwili!’ Kodwana mhlokho yena uzakurhuwelela athi, ‘Anginapengu! Ngiswele ngitjho ukudla nezambatho endlinami; yeke, musani ukungenza umbusi wabantu.’ “Mbala, iJerusalema ikhutjiwe, uJuda uwile. Ngamezwi nangezenzo bahlanuke uSomnini, badelela nobukhona bephazimulwakhe. Ukukhetha kwabo ubuso ebandla kufakaza ngabo; njengeSodoma banegugu ngesono sabo abe abafihli. Bazazizwa ngombana bazehlisele ihlekelele! “Babusisiwe abalungileko ngombana kuzabakhambela kuhle. Mbala, bazakudla iinthelo zezenzo zabo. Bazazizwa abakhohlakeleko ngombana kuzabakhambela kumbi. Mbala, bazakubethwa ngeentonga zabo! Abantu bami bagandelelwa bahlanguli abomatjhonisa babusa phezu kwabo. Bantu bami, abarholi benu babadukisi: Baphambanisa imizilenu.” USomnini selazilungiselele umlandu, selebe asikimile bona agwebe isizwe. USomnini ugweba abaphathi nabarholi babantu bakhe, uthi: “Ngini enidle isidiribe sami; okwetjiwe kwabachakileko kuseendlini zenu. Nenzelelani bona nitshidlhe abantu bami nokobana nifihlize ubuso babachakileko na?” Watjho njalo uSomandla onguSomnini uMninimandlawoke. USomnini uthi: “Ngebanga lokuzitjhaya kwamadodakazi weZiyoni akhamba elule iintamezi, aphayiza amehlo, akhambela phezulu, kuzwakala nobutjharhatjharha eenyaweni, uSomandla uzokuhluthula iiyaya eenhloko zawo; iye, uSomnini uzokwenza iimpandla zawo zibe semtarini. Mhlokho uSomandla uzowemuka imikghabiso: amatshega, amatikana, abonongoro, amancina, abosotjherere, iiyaya, iindugu, abonomathalazana, amacutjana, imithambothi, amagolida, iindzilamnwana ezinetshwayo, amasali wepumulo, iindanda, iimphika, iimvunulo, iinkhwama zokuphathwa, izambatho ezikhanyelako, izambatho zangaphakathi, iindugu nemitshurhwana. Esikhundleni seenthako kuzakuba nesivunda; esikhundleni sekhiba kube mtletlana; esikhundleni somphotho kube liphandla; esikhundleni seengungu zethabo kube ziinzilo nesikhundleni sobuhle kube litshwayo lobukhoboka. “Wena Ziyoni, amadoda akuwe azakubulawa ngesabula, iintsitsirimba zakho zifele epini. Amasango weZiyoni azakulila abibitheke; libe dududu, lihlale phasi ehlabathini.” Mhlokho abafazi abalikhomba bazakunamathela endodeni yinye, bathi kiyo: “Thina sizozondla ngokudla kwethu besizembathise; into nje, sibawa bona sibizwe ngesibongo sakho, ususe ukurhubutjhwa kwethu.” Mhlokho ihlumela lakaSomnini lizakuba lihle liphazime neenthelo zenarha zibe ligugu nedumo labasindileko kwa-Israyeli. Labo abatjhiywe eZiyoni, abaseleko eJerusalema, bazakubizwa bona ngabacwengileko, iye, omunye nomunye eJerusalema obekatlolwe kobana aphile. Lokha uSomandla nasele ahlangule amanyala wamadodakazi weZiyoni, wahlanza amabala weengazi zeJerusalema ngaphakathi kwalo ngommoya wokugweba nokuqothula, uzakudala ilifu emini nesikhatha esinelangabi elibomvu ebusuku phezu kwayo yoke indawo yentaba yeZiyoni, lapha abantu bahlanganyela khona. Iphazimulwakhe izakuba sithala phezu kwakho koke, kube njengesidalasi esenza umthunzi ekutjhiseni kwemini nobuphephelo bokubalekela isiwuruwuru nezulu. Angivume ingoma esikhundleni somnganami, iye, ingoma yomnganami ngesidiribe sakhe. Umnganami gade anesidiribe embundwini onothileko. Wawemba, wasusa woke amatje kiwo, wawutjala isidiribe esikhethekileko. Wakha isithala somlindi phakathi kwawo bewagobhodlha ubutlhodlhelo edwaleni. Walindela bona sihlome amadiribe kodwana sahloma amunyu wommango. Nje-ke uSomnini uthi: “Nina zakhamuzi zeJerusalema nani bantu bakwaJuda, gwebani hlangana nami nesidiribe sami. Yini-ke, okhunye ebengingakwenza ngesidiribe sami ukudlula lokho esele ngikwenzileko na? Kubayini ngithi lokha nangilindele bona sihlome amadiribe, sona sihlome amunyu na? Nje-ke, ngizonitjela bona ngizokwenzani ngesidiribe samesi: Ngizokususa isibiyelo saso bona sidliwe; ngigirize nomthangalaso bona sirathwe. Ngizosenza bona sibe libhudu, singasahlungwa namkha sihlawulelwe, kukhule iminga nameva; ngizokuyala namafu bona angasanisi izulu phezu kwaso.” Isidiribe sakaSomnini uMninimandlawoke siyindlu ka-Israyeli, nabantu bakwaJuda basitjalo sakhe esikhethekileko. Walindela ubulungiswa, kodwana qala, kwaba kukwephulwa komthetho walindela ukulunga, kodwana qala, kwaba sililo sesizi. Nizazizwa nina enithumba izindlu ngezindlu, niphange isimu phezu kwamasimu bekungasabi nendawo eseleko, kusale nina nodwa phakathi nenarha. Ngimzwile uSomnini uMninimandlawoke afunga athi: “Ngiqinisile izindlu ezinengi zizokuphenduka amarubhi, kuthi ezikulu nezihle zisale zinganabantu. Mbala, emasimini alitjhumi wesidiribe kuzakuphuma imigqomu emibili yewayini kwaphela nembewini engangentundu eyodwa kadumbana kuphume upumpana wamabele kwaphela.” Bazazizwa labo abavuka ngamasa, bagelagele ngemva kotjwala; bahlale bekube sebusuku, bafuthunyezwe liwayini. Eminyanyenabo kukhona imihlobohlobo yamaharibha, abosotjherere, iinghwani kanye newayini; kodwana izenzo zakaSomnini abaziyeleli nemisebenzi yezandla zakhe abayitjheji. Ngalokho abantu bami bazakuthunjwa ngebanga lokutlhoga ilwazi lakaSomnini. Abahloniphekako babo bazokufa yindlala neenqubuthu zabo zizakuphaphatheka kukoma. Iye, indawo yabafileko seyikhamise umlomayo beyawukhebelelisa ngokunganeliko. Abahloniphekako neenqubuthu zeJerusalema, labo abenza itjhada lokuzikhakhazisa, bazakwehlela kiyo. Ngaleyondlela abantu bazakuthotjiswa, omunye nomunye wabo arhubutjhwe, iye, amehlo wabazikhakhazisako athotjiswe. Kodwana uSomnini uMninimandlawoke uzakuphakanyiswa ngomthethwakhe, uZimu ocwengileko azibonakalise ngokulunga kwakhe. Iimvana zizakudla emadlelwenazo, izimvu ezinonisiweko zizidlele umathanda hlangana namarubhi. Bazazizwa labo abazidosela isibetho ngemitja yekohliso nesono njengomuntu odosa ikoloyana ngentambo; iye, labo abathi: “UZimu akarhabe, enze umsebenzakhe masinyana bona siwubone; ilisu loCwengileko wakwa-Israyeli alivele, ukuze nathi silazi.” Bazazizwa labo abathi ukonakala kulunga, ukulunga kukonakala, abenza ukukhanya inga bumnyama, ubumnyama inga kukhanya, ukubaba inga bumnandi, ubumnandi inga kubaba. Bazazizwa labo abahlakaniphileko emehlwenabo nabazibona banokwazi ekuboneni kwabo. Bazazizwa labo abaziingwenya zokusela iwayini neenkutani zokudidiyela utjwala, labo abatjhaphulula onomlandu ngokufunjathiswa bagodle ilungelo labalungileko. Ngebangelo-ke, njengamalangabi womlilo naqothula amawunguwungu nanjengotjani obomileko nabubabulwa malangabi, ngokunjalo imirabhabo izakukhuna namakhwa wabo aphephuke njengethuli; ngombana badele umthetho kaSomnini uMinimandlawoke banyaza amezwi woCwengileko wakwa-Israyeli. Nje-ke, ubukhali bakaSomnini buyavutha ebantwini bakhe; uzakuphakamisa isandla sakhe abarhadle phasi, bekuhlengezele iintaba. Iindumbu zabo zizakufana neenzibi eendledlaneni. Nangaphezu kwakho koke lokhu ubukhali bakhe abuzukusuka, isandla sakhe sizakuhlala siphakamile: Uzakuphakamisela izizwe ezikude iphawu, abethe ipembe, abize isizwe esisepelazwe, size masinyana nangokurhaba. Akakho namunye kiso odinwako namkha okhutjwako, akakho oyendako namkha alale; akunabhande elitjhaphulukako edinini nepatlagwana elinomtjana odabukako. Imisubela yaso ibukhali nemisebaso yoke iqutjhiwe, iinqatha zeenjomani zaso zikghwara njengelitje lomlilo, amavili weenkaranyana zaso afana nesivunguvungu. Umdumaso unjengokubhodla kwebhubezi, sirora njengamabhubezana, sirhonga bese sibamba inyamazana, siyithwale kusweleke nomenyeli. Mhlokho sizakurora ngaphezu kwayo njengokubhodla kwelwandle. Lokha umuntu naqala enarheni abone ubumnyama namatlhuwo; ukukhanya kuzakuphiphazwa mamafu. Ngomnyaka okwahlongakala ngawo ikosi u-Uziya, ngabona uSomandla ahlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi esiphezulu nesiphakamileko; nomphetho wephuraphurakhe ugcwele ithempeli. Amaserafu bekaphephezela ngehla kwakhe, kungilelo nalelo lineempiko ezintandathu: Ngeempiko ezimbili gade azivale ubuso, ngezimbili iinyawo, ngezimbili aphapha. Gade arhuwelelana wodwa, elinye nelinye lithi: “Ucwengile! Ucwengile! Ucwengile uSomnini uMninimandlawoke! Iphasi loke ligcwele iphazimulwakhe!” Ngomdumo wamezwawo kwagedlezela imikhonywana yomnyango nethempeli lagcwala intuthu. Ngalila ngathi: “Maye mina, ngiphelile! Ngimumuntu weembhena ezisilapheleko begodu ngihlala phakathi kwabantu abanemilomo esilapheleko. Nanyana kunjalo amehlwami ayibonile iKosi, uSomnini uMninimandlawoke!” Yeke elinye lamaserafu laphaphela kimi liphethe ilahle elivuthako ebelilithethe ngedlawu e-alidarini. Lafese lathinta umlomami ngelahlelo lathi: “Qala, njengombana lokhu sekuthinte iimbhena zakho, umlandwakho sewususiwe nezono zakho sezithethelelwe.” Ngabese ngizwa ilizwi lakaSomandla lisithi: “Ngizakuthuma bani? Ozasiyela ngubani?” Ngaphendula ngathi: “Mina ngikhona, thuma mina!” Wathi: “Khamba ufese uthi ebantwinaba, ‘Lalelani njalo abaphorofidi bamanga kodwana anizukuzwisisa! Yelelani njalo imibonwabo kodwana anizukulemuka!’ Yenza ihliziyo yabantwaba iyathe neendlebe zabo zibe buthuntu uphophaze namehlwabo ukuze bangaboni ngawo, bezwe ngeendlebe zabo, balemuke ngeenhliziyo zabo bebaphenduke bese bayaphiliswa.” Yeke ngabuza ngathi: “Bekube nini, Somandla na?” Yena wathi: “Bekube kulapha amadorobho aba marubhi khona, kungasahlali muntu, izindlu zisale zinganabantu nenarha ibe mrhula. Iye, bekube kulapha uSomnini asuse khona abantu, bube bukhulu ubuze bokutjhiywa kwenarha. Ngitjho nanyana enarheni kusele itjhumi ekhulwini, nalo lizakuqothulwa godu. Kodwana njengomuthi we-owuku namkha omunye nomunye omkhulu otjhiya isiphunzi nawugawuliweko, ngokunjalo kuzakusala isiphunzi okutjho isizukulwana esicwengileko.” Ngesikhathi saka-Arhazi, umsa kaJotamu omsa ka-Uziya ikosi yakwaJuda, uRetsini ikosi ye-Aramu noPhekharhi umsa kaRemaliya, ikosi yakwa-Israyeli, bajokola bakhuphuka bona balwe neJerusalema, kodwana akhange bakghone ukuyisahlela. Lokha indlu kaDavida nayitjelwako, kwathiwa, “i-Aramu iqheme no-Efrayimu”, u-Arhazi nabantu bakhe bahlengezela ngevalo kwanga mimithi yehlathi lokha nakunommoya. Nje-ke, uSomnini wathi ku-Isaya: “Phuma wena nendodanakho uTjheyari-Yatjhubi nihlangabeze u-Arhazi ngemaphelelweni womsele ovela esizibeni esingehla, endleleni eya endaweni lapha kuhlanzwa khona iimpahla. Ufese uthi kuye, ‘Yelela, wehlise ummoya, ungesabi begodu ungadani ngenca yemitshwinya emibili yeenkuni nangebanga lobukhali obuvuthako bakaRetsini we-Aramu nomsakaRemaliya. Iye, ungesabi i-Aramu, u-Efrayimu nomsakaRemaliya abakusongela ngokuthi: Asikhuphukeleni kwaJuda, asethuse iJerusalema, sizihlulele yona besenze nomsa kaThabiyali abe yikosi khonapho. Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomandla, uSomnini: Lokho akuzukwenzeka, abe akuzukuphumelela, ngombana ihloko ye-Aramu seyiDamaseku nehloko yeDamaseku seyiRetsini kwaphela. (Ngeminyaka ematjhumi asithandathu nahlanu, u-Efrayimu uzabe asele asabalele khulu kobana angaba sisizwe.) Ihloko ye-Efrayimu seyiSamariya nehloko yeSamariya seyindodana kaRemaliya kwaphela. Nawungajami uqine ekukholweni kwakho, vele awusoze wajama.’ ” USomnini wakhuluma no-Arhazi godu wathi: “Bawa isibonakaliso kuSomnini uZimakho, kungaba phasi ekuzikeni nanyana phezulu ekuphakameni.” Kodwana u-Arhazi wathi: “Angizukubawa, abe angizukulinga uSomnini.” Yeke u-Isaya wathi: “Lalela la wena ndlu kaDavida! Akukaneli kanti ukukhola umuntu kobana ningabeze nikhole uZimami godu na? Ngalokho-ke, uSomandla ngokwakhe uzonenzela isibonakaliso: Qala, iqhakazana lisidisi, lizakubeletha indodana, liyithiye ibizo bona ngu-Imanuweli. Izakudla amakghamatha namanembe bekufike lapha yazi khona ukuhlukanisa okuhle nokumbi. Kodwana ngaphambi kokobana indodana yazi ukwahlukanisa okuhle nokumbi, inarha yamakhosi amabili owesabako lawo izabe sele itjhiyiwe. USomnini uzakuletha phezu kwakho, Arhazi, naphezu kwabantu bakho nendlini kayihlo, isikhathi esingazange khe sibe khona kusukela lapha u-Efrayimu ahlukana khona noJuda, okutjho ikosi ye-Asiriya!” Mhlokho uSomnini uzakubetha ipembe abize iimpukani emaphethelweni wemilanjana yeGibhide neenyosi ezisenarheni ye-Asiriya. Zizakubuya zoke zibuthane emirhobeni yamawa nemipharwini yamadwala, phezu kweminga yoke nemithonjeni yoke yamanzi. Mhlokho uSomandla uzakusebenzisa utjhefana oqatjhwe ngaphetjheya kweYufrathe, okutjho ikosi ye-Asiriya, agude ngaye imizimba yenu yoke. Iye, utjhefana loyo uzakususa neendevu zenu. Mhlokho umuntu uzakufuya ithokazi, imbuzi nemvu. Ngebanga lobunengi bebisi uzakudla amakghamatha. Iye, boke abasele enarheni bazakudla amakghamatha namanembe. Mhlokho, kiyo yoke indawo lapha bekuneenkulungwana zamadiribe abiza iinkulungwana zeempaparwana zesiliva, kuzakuba khona iminga nameva. Umuntu uzakuya lapha aphethe umsebe nemisubela ngombana yoke indawo izakuba miminga nameva. Emibundwini yoke eyakhe yahlawulwa ngelembe, akusazokuyiwa kiyo ngokwesaba iminga nameva. Izakuba yindawo yokukghaphela iinkomo, lapha izimvu zizazikhambela khona umathanda. USomnini wathi kimi: “Thatha isithetjhelele esikhulu utlole kiso ngokunghwara okujayelekileko bunje: Hlangula masinyana, uphange ngokurhaba. Ngibize u-Uriya umphristi noZakariya umsa kaYebherekiya bonyana bangifakazele ngokuthembekileko.” Yeke ngangena umphorofidikazi, wazithwala wabeletha umsana. USomnini wathi kimi: “Mthiye ibizo bona nguMhlangulimsinyana-Mphangingokurhaba. Phambi kobana umsanyana akwazi ukuthi ‘Babami’ namkha ‘Mmami’, umnotho weDamaseku nepango yeSamariya kuzakusiwa ekosini ye-Asiriya.” USomnini wakhuluma nami godu wathi: “Abantwaba bale amanzi weTjhilowarhi ageleza kabuthaka ngombana baphela amandla ngebanga lakaRetsini nomsa kaRemaliya, ngalokho-ke uSomandla sele azobehlisela iinkhukhula ezinamandla zeYufrathe, okutjho ikosi ye-Asiriya nabahloniphekileko bayo boke. Izakuphakama ngaphezu kwawo woke amasebayo, iphuphume ngehla kwawo woke amadongayo. Izakukhiphizela iphalalele kwaJuda, irhurhule ukufikela entanyeni. Ngambala, amaphethelo wamanzi azakunaba agcwale ububanzi benarhakho, wena Imanuweli!” Abantu bathi: “Lokha nanirhahlawulako nina zizwe, nizokukhena! Lalelani nina bantu abasemaphethelweni wenarha: Nanizilungiselela ipi, nizokukhena! Iye, nanizilungiselela ipi, nizokukhena ngiyanitjela! Ningalumbisana amano, kodwana azakufeleliswa! Nanyana ningathiyisana amaqhinga, anizukuphumelela ngombana uZimu unathi.” Kodwana nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini kimi lokha isandla sakhe esinamandla nasingivimba kobana ngingalandeli imikghwa yabantwaba: “Ningase senivume isivumelwano njalo nje lokha abantwaba nabathi, ‘Asenzeni isivumelwano!’ Abakwesabako ningakwesabi, ningabi nevalo ngakho. USomnini uMninimandlawoke, akabe nguye yedwa ocwengileko kini. Yena akabe kukwesaba kwenu nevalo lenu. Iye, uSomnini uzakuba yindawo ecwengileko yokuphephela, kodwana kizo zombili izindlu zakwa-Israyeli uzakuba lilitje elikhubako nedwala elibawisako. Ebantwini beJerusalema uzakuba sisifu nesithiyo. Abanengi babo bazokukhutjwa, bawe bebaphuke; bazagadanga isithiyo babanjwe. Songa ubufakazi obutlolilekobo, unamathelise isifundweso phambi kwabafundi bami.” Ngizakulindela uSomnini ositheza ubuso bakhe endlini kaJakopo. Ngizakwethembela kuye. Qala, ngilapha mina nabantwana uSomnini angiphe bona kobana babe matshwayo neembonakaliso kwa-Israyeli. Koke lokhu kubuya kuSomnini uMninimandlawoke ohlala entabeni iZiyoni ngombana abantu bazakuthi kini: “Phengulani ezangomeni nakilabo abanemimoya abahlebahlebako nabamumuruzako. Angithi abantu kufuze babuze ebezimini babo; iye, babuze isifundo nesiqiniseko kabafileko malungana nabaphilako.” Nakube abantu abakhulumi okukhambisana nesiphorofidwesi esingeze saqedwa amandla ngomlingo bazakuzulazula ngedorobheni badanile begodu balambile. Lokha nasele banephango, bazakubhoka ngobukhali bathuke ikosabo nabezimu babo. Bazakuthalaza phezulu bafunafune phasi, kodwana kuzakuba kukhungatheka nobumnyama bodwa phezu kwabo. Bazakuqotjhwa basakhungathekile begodu basemnyameni, ngaphandle komkhanyo. Akuzokuba nokuphunyurha kilabo ababambeke ebumnyameni ngesikhatheso. Eenkathini ezadlulako wathobisa inarha yakwaZebuloni neyakwaNafthali, kodwana esikhathini esizako uzakuhlonipha iGalile labezizwe endleleni eya elwandle ngaphetjheya kweJordani. Abantu abakhamba ebumnyameni babone ukukhanya okukhulu, kilabo abahlala enarheni yethunzi elesabekako ukukhanya kwakhanya phezu kwabo. Sewusikhulisile isizwe, wandisa nokuthaba kwaso, sijabulile phambi kwakho njengokujabulela isivuno, iye, nanjengabantu abajabulako nababelana ipango. Mbala, njengamhlana kuhlulwa iMidiyani, uliphohlozile ijogi elidisibeza isizwe, okulibhoko elivundle emahlombaso, iye, intonga yabatjhotjhozeli baso. Elinye nelinye inyathelo lejoni elibhaduza ngetjhada nenaka lalo elichaphazelwe ziingazi lizakutjhiswa lidliwe mlilo. Mbala, sibelethelwe umntwana, siphiwe indodana. Umbuso uzakuba semahlombayo, izakubizwa bona nguMlulekimmangalisi, uZimumandla, uBabasiphelani noKosikuthula, ukuze umbuso wenabe nokuthula kungapheli esihlalweni sakaDavida nembuswenakhe. Izawunzinzisa ngokuwusekela ngobulungiswa nokulunga ukusukela ngesikhathesi bekube nini nanini. Itjisakalo kaSomnini uMninimandlawoke izakuphelelisa koke lokhu. USomandla uthumele umlayezo kuJakopo, wona wehlela kuma-Israyeli. Soke isizwe, okutjho u-Efrayimu nabahlali beSamariya, bazizwela wona, kodwana ngokuziphakamisa nokuzikhakhazisa kwehliziyo bathi: “Iintina ziwele phasi, kodwana sizakwakha ngamatje abaziweko; imithi yamakhiwani igawuliwe, kodwana sizayijamiselela ngemithi yemisedari.” Nje-ke uSomnini wandise izitha zakaRetsini bona zijamelane nama-Israyeli, watlhorholoja namanaba wawo, okutjho ama-Aramu ngepumalanga namaFilista ngetjingalanga. Wona agomojela u-Israyeli! Kikho koke lokho ubukhali bakaSomnini akhange busuke nesandla sakhe sahlala siphakamile. Khonapho abantu akhange babuyele kobabethileko begodu azange bafune uSomnini uMninimandlawoke. Yeke uSomnini waqunta u-Israyeli ihloko nomsila, wamhluba iimpiko. Ihloko yaka-Israyeli baphathi neenkhulu, umsila kube baphorofidi abafundisa amanga. Iye, abarholi babantwaba bayabalahla nebegade badinga ukuhlahlwa bebakakamele. Ngebangelo uSomandla akhange athabe ngamasokanabo, begodu azange arhawukele ntandani namhlolokazi. Mbala, soke isizwe besinganaZimu, siziingilamkhuba nemilomo yoke ikhuluma ubudlhayela. Kikho koke lokho ubukhali bakaSomnini akhange busuke nesandla sakhe sahlala siphakamile. Ubukhohlakali buvutha njengomlilo, buqothula iminga nameva, butjhisa isithurha kube sikhatha sentuthu ekhuphukako. Ngobukhali bakaSomnini uMninimandlawoke inarha izakuba libhudu nabantu bafane neensahlela zomlilo. Akuzukuba namuntu obabalela wakwabo. Barhiribidela ngesidleni, kodwana baba nephango, badla ngesinceleni, kodwana banganeliseka. Iye, omunye nomunye wadla umfowabo: UManase wadla u-Efrayimu no-Efrayimu wadla uManase, bobabili njalo bebajamelene noJuda. Kikho koke lokho, ubukhali bakaSomnini akhange busuke nesandla sakhe sahlala siphakamile. UZimu wathi: “Bazazizwa labo abajamisa imithetho emimbi nalabo abatlola iimiso eziyingozi ukuze baphambanise amalungelo wabachakileko, bagalaja iimfanelo zabadududu ebantwini bami kobana abahlolokazi babe yipangwabo neentandani zibe bongazimbi babo. Nizokwenzani ngelanga lokuhlunguphazwa, lokha kuza isiwuruwuru sivela kude na? Uzokubalekela kubani mayelana nokusizeka, umnothwenu nizowutjhiya nobani? Awa, abantwabo bazakhukhutha hlangana nabathunjwa, bawele hlangana nababuleweko. Kikho koke lokho ubukhali bakaSomnini akhange busuke nesandla sakhe sahlala siphakamile.” Godu uZimu wathi: “Azazizwa ama-Asiriya, okuyintonga yobukhali bami, esandleni sawo kunomtjhiza welaka lami. Ngiwathumela esizweni esinganaZimu, ngiwayalele ebantwini abangisilingako ukuze athathe ipango, ahluthule ipahla; abe abagadange njengedaka eendledlaneni. Kodwana wona bekangakanqophi ukwenza lokho; lokhu bekungekho emkhumbulwenawo! Kunalokho, eenhliziyweni zawo bekunokubhubhisa, iye, ukurhayila izizwe ezinengi. Wona athi, ‘Iinduna zethu azisimakhosi zoke na? IKalino sayiphatha njengeKarikemitjhi, iRhamathi njenge-Ariphadi neSamariya njengeDamaseku. Ngezandla zethu sathumba imibuso enabosingazimu neenthombe ezidlula zeJerusalema neSamariya. Lokho esakwenza eSamariya nabosingazimu bayo, sizakwenza eJerusalema nabozinyana bayo.’ ” Lokha uSomandla sele alungise indabakhe nentabeni yeZiyoni neJerusalema, uzakuthi: “Ngizokuhlunguphaza ikosi ye-Asiriya ngebanga lemisebenzi yokuzikhukhumeza kwehliziywayo nokuzikhakhazisa kwamehlwayo aziphakamisako nangebanga lokobana ithe, ‘Ngamandla wesandla sami ngenze lokhu iye, ngokuhlakanipha kwami: Ngisuse imikhawulo yezizwe ngaphanga namagugwazo bengaguqisa abanamandla khulu bezakhamuzi zakhona. Njengomuntu ofunyana isihlakana senyoni, kunjalo-ke isandla sami sifikelela umnotho wezizwe. Nanjengomuntu obuthelela amaqanda aseleko, nami-ke ngibuthelele iphasi loke. Akhange kube khona ophakuza iphiko namkha ovula umlomo ngokusabisa.’ ” Izembe vane khelizikhukhumeze phezu kogawula ngalo na? Isarha yona iyazikhakhazisa phezu kosarha ngayo na? Umtjhiza wona uyamjuguja owuphakamisako namkha intonga iphakamise ongasiso isigodo na? Yeke, uSomandla, uSomnini uMninimandlawoke uzokukhehlisa iimbitjhimbitjhi zekosi ye-Asiriya; iye, uzokuthumela umgomani ovutha njengomlilo hlangana nabahloniphekako bayo. Umkhanyo ka-Israyeli uzakuba mlilo, iye, oCwengileko wakhe abe malangabi; ngelanga linye nje umlilo lo uzakutjhisa bewuqothule ameva neminga ye-Asiriya. Uzakubhubhisa ubuhle behlathi nemitjhana yakhona, iye, amatjhwaba nesiqu. I-Asiriya izakuba njengokuqobeka kowako. Nemithi eseleko yehlathi layo izakuba libinzana ngitjho nomntwana uzayibala abe ayitlole. Mhlokho imisalela yakwa-Israyeli, okutjho abasindileko bendlu kaJakopo bazazeyama ngeqiniso kuSomnini, ongoCwengileko wakwa-Israyeli. Angekhe basazeyama ngaloyo owabamukulako. Abasindileko bazakubuya iye, imisalela kaJakopo izakubuyela kuZimu onamandla. Wena Israyeli, nanyana abantu bakho bangangetjhwabatjhwaba yelwandle, kuzakubuya imisalela kwaphela. Ukubhujiswa kwakho sekumenyezelwe, kuzakupheleliswa ngokulunga. USomandla, uSomnini uMninimandlawoke umemezele waqeda: lokho ukwenze elizweni loke. Ngalokho-ke, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomandla, uSomnini uMninimandlawoke: “Nina bantu bami enihlala eZiyoni, ningesabi i-Asiriya nayinibetha ngentonga iphakamisela umtjhiza ngakini njengokwenza kweGibhide. Masinyana ukusilingeka kwami kini kuzakuphela nobukhali bami buzakunqotjhiswa ekubhujisweni kwe-Asiriya.” USomnini uMninimandlawoke uzakujuguja isibebhu ngehla kwama-Asiriya kube njengalokha amadlha amaMidiyani edwaleni le-Orebi. Intongakhe izakuba ngehla kwelwandle uzayiphakamisa njengombana ayiphakamisa eGibhide. Mhlokho, umthwalo wekosi ye-Asiriya uzakususwa emahlombenenu nejogi layo entanyenenu lizakwephulwa. Yenyukela phambi kwepango enomnotho, yadlula e-Ayathi, yaya eMigroni yatjhiya ipahlayo eMikimatjhi. Nje-ke ibutho layo lavundla umrhoba laqupha ubusuku eGeba. IRama iyathuthumela, iGibeya yakwaSawula iyabaleka. Rhahlawula wena ndodakazi yeGalimu! Ulalele wena muzi weLayitjha! Phendula wena Anatothi! IMadimena ibalekile; izakhamuzi zeGebimu zibuthelela ipahlazo ebubhacweni. Namhlanjesi ikosi leyo izabe ijame eNobi ikhombe ngesandla sayo entabeni yethempeli leZiyoni, embundwini weJerusalema. Madekhethu! USomandla, uSomnini uMninimandlawoke uzokukghedlha iingala ngamandla amakhulu. Imithi ephakamileko izakugawulwa, iye, emide iwele phasi. Izakurhadla iinthurhana ngezembe; iLibhanoni izokuwa phambi koSomandla. Nanyana kunjalo ihlumela lizakuvela esidindini sakaJese iye, liqumbe lirarhe emirajenakhe. UMoya kaSomnini uzakuba phezu kwalo, uMoya wokuhlakanipha nokuzwisisa, uMoya wokweluleka namandla, uMoya wokwazi nowokwesaba uSomnini. Indlela elithatha ngayo izinto izakunzinza ekwesabeni uSomnini. Alizukugweba ngokubona kwalo namkha liqunte ngezwabethi. Iye, lizakugweba abadududu ngokulunga, kwabasweleko bephasi liqinte ngokulinganako. Lizakurhadla iphasi ngentonga yeembhena zalo; ngomphefumulo womlomalo libhubhise iinkhohlakali. Ukulunga kuzakuba libhande ephangweni lalo, iqiniso libe sithukulo edinini lalo. Ipisi izakuphila nemvana, ingwe ilale ndawonye nembuzi; ikonyana, ibhubezana nesilwana esinonisiweko kuzakuba ndawonye kweluswe msanyana. Ithole lizakudla mrhula munye nebhere, amakonyana wakhona alale ndawonye, ibhubezi lidle utjani njengekomo. Isana lizakuthakasa hlanu komgodi webululu nomntwana omncani afake isandla sakhe ngemgodini wembedla. Akakho ozakuba nokulimaza namkha abange umonakalo entabenami ecwengileko ngombana iphasi lizakuzala ilwazi lakaSomnini njengamanzi asibekele ilwandle. Mhlokho umrabhu kaJese uzakujama njengephawu ebantwini; izizwe ziwuhlulukele nekhaya lawo libe lidumo. Mhlokho uSomandla uzakwelula isandla sakhe kwesibili ukuhlenga imisalela yabantu bakhe abaseleko, abasuse e-Asiriya, eGibhide, ePatrosi, eKutjhe, e-Elamu, eTjhinari, eRhamathi neenhlengeleni zelwandle. Uzakuphakamisela izizwe iphawu, abuthelele abahlakazekileko bakwa-Israyeli; abuthe abaphadlhaleleko bakwaJuda kusukela emagumbini womane wephasi. Umona ka-Efrayimu uzakunyelela nezitha zakaJuda zipheliswe. Iye, u-Efrayimu angekhe asaba nomona ngoJuda noJuda angasabi sisitha saka-Efrayimu. Boke njalo bazakudoyela emehlelweni wemibundu yamaFilista ngetjingalanga, bazakuphanga ipahla yabantu bepumalanga. Bazakulawula i-Edomu neMowabi, ama-Amoni abakhonze. USomnini uzakubhubhisa ilwandlana leGibhide; akhombe iYufrathe ngesandla sakhe, ngommoya onamandla ayirhadle, ibe milanjana elikhomba ukuze umuntu akwazi ukweyama khona ngamapatlagwana. Kuzabakhona indlela evulekileko yemisalela yabantu bakhe. Kilabo abasele e-Asiriya, kuzakuba njengamhlana ama-Israyeli aphuma enarheni yeGibhide. Mhlokho wena Israyeli uzakuthi: “Somnini, ngizakukudumisa. Nanyana bewungisilingakalele, ilaka lakho lisukile wabuye wangiduduza. Ngambala uZimu uyisindiswami, ngizamethemba ngingesabi. USomnini, iye uSomnini umamandla neenkhwepha zami begodu uyisindiswami.” Nizakukha amanzi ngokuthaba emthonjeni wesindiso. Mhlokho nizakuthi: “Bongani uSomnini, nibize ibizo lakhe; nazise izenzo zakhe phakathi kwezizwe; nimemezele bona ibizo lakhe liphakamile. Dumisani uSomnini ngombana wenze izinto ezibabazekako; lokhu akwaziwe ephasini loke. Hlokomani, nililizele nina zakhamuzi zeZiyoni, ngombana mkhulu hlangana nani oCwengileko wakwa-Israyeli.” Isimemezelo sakaZimu ngeBhabheli esambulelwa u-Isaya umsa ka-Amotsi: Phakamiselani iphawu phezu kwentatjana esipuna, nibarhuwelele ngelizwi elikhulu, nibakhwebe bona bangene emasangweni weenkhulu. Mina ngokwami ngiyale ibutho lami elicwengileko, ngabiza iingorho zami kobana zifeze ilaka lami, iye, lezo ezijabula ngobukhosi bami. Kunetjhada eentabeni, kwanga ngelesiqubuthu sabantu! Imibuso yephasi ihlokoma ngomkhosi, iye, izizwe zibuthene ndawonye! USomnini uSomandla uhlele ibutho kobana lilwe! Livela enarheni ekude, emaphethelweni wesibhakabhaka. USomnini uza neenkhali zetukuthelwakhe, kobana abhubhise ilizwe loke. Rhahlawulani ngombana ilanga lakaSomnini litjhidele; likubhubhisa okuvela koSabekako. Yeke zoke izandla zizakunyefa nehliziyo enye nenye yobhubhako iphele amandla. Abantu bazakukhungatheka, bembathwe ziinhlungu neenhlabi njengomfazi onemirhelo; baqalane ngokukakamala, ubuso babo buphaphatheke. Qalani, ilanga lakaSomnini litjhidele ngelunya, ngobukhali nangelaka elivuthako kobana lenze inarha ibe ligagadu; iye, libhubhise izoni zayo kiyo. Iinkwekwezi zesibhakabhaka, ngitjho nezesiRuthwana nemithala yazo azizukukhupha umkhanywazo; ilanga lizakufiphala lisaphuma nenyezi ingavezi umkhanywayo. Ngizakuhlunguphaza iphasi ngobumbi balo nabakhohlakeleko ngamacalabo. Ngizakuphelisa ukuzitjhaya kweendeleli, ngithobise ukuzigqaja kweenrhonga. Ngizakwenza bonyana obhubhako abe yivelakancani kunegolidembala, iye, kunegolide le-Ofiri. Ngizakusikinya amazulu ukuze iphasi lihlengezele litjhide ebunzinzweni balo. Lokhu kuzakwenzeka ngetukuthelo kaSomnini uMninimandlawoke elangeni lelaka lakhe elivuthako. Njengetsephe ethusiweko nanjengezimvu ezinganambuthi, ngiloyo naloyo uzakuphendukela ebantwini bekhabo, omunye nomunye abalekele enarheni yekhabo. Boke abafunyanwako bazakuhlatjwa ngesabula, iye, boke abathunjiweko babulawe ngesikhali. Amasana wabo azakuphihlizelwa ehlabathini phambi kwamehlwabo baqalile; iinkumba zabo ziphangwe, abafazi babo bagagadlhelwe. Qalani, ngibavusele amaMede, anganamsebenzi nesiliva, nangathatjiswa ligolide. Imisebawo izokubulala amasokana, akazukuba nezwelo phezu kwesithelo sesibeletho; amehlwawo akazukurhawukela abantwana. NakuyiBhabheli, igugu lemibuso, ubuphaziphazi bedumo lamaKasidi, izakuba njengamadorobho weSodoma neGomora ngelanga uZimu awaketula ngalo. Ayisoze beyisaba nezakhamuzi, iye, ingasahlalwa, iinzukulwana ngeenzukulwana. Ama-Arabhu asoze ahloma amatendawo nabelusi angeze balalisa imihlambabo lapho. Abothurhu berhalawumba bazakulala lapho neenkumba zayo zizale iindalwa ezitlewulako; lapho, kuzakuhlala iinciliba, kweqayeqe iimbandana ezisambuzi. Iimpisi zizakubetha umule emibhotjhongweni yeBhabheli nabophagana eengodlweni zemikhuba. Isikhathi seBhabheli sitjhidele, amalangayo angekhe elulwe. Ngaleyondlela uSomnini uzakurhawukela uJuda abuye akhethe u-Israyeli, ababuyisele enarhenabo. Abatjhili bazazifaka hlangana nabo bazinamatheze ekumbeni kaJakopo. Izizwe zizabathatha zibalethe endawenabo. Ikumba ka-Israyeli izazithumba njengamakhoboka namakhobokakazi enarheni kaSomnini. Bazakuthumba labo ebegade babathumbile, babuse phezu kwalabo ebegade babagandelele. Wena Israyeli, mhlana uSomnini akunikela ukuphumula eenhlungwini nekuwurubajekeni kwakho kanye nemsebenzini onzima ebewusetjenziswa wona, uzakutjho nasi isiga ngekosi yeBhabheli uthi: “Akhese nithi niyaqala ukuphelelwa komgandeleli! Ubunzima sebuphelile! USomnini wephule idondolo labakhohlakeleko, iye, intonga yababusi. Elakeni labo, baphobola abantu amaduma anganamkhawulo. Ebukhalini babo, babusa izizwe ngelandelela enganasirhawu. Iphasi loke liphumulile begodu linokuthula, abantu bazwakala ngokuhlokoma. Ngitjho nemisayipurusi ithabile ngekosi leyo, imisedari yeLibhanoni ithi, ‘Soloko walaliswa phasi, abagawuli abasenyukeli kithi.’ “Indawo yabafileko ngaphasi iyasikinywa, kobana ikuhlangabeze nawufikako: ngebanga lakho ivusa iinthunzi; iye, boke ebegade babarholi bephasi. Iphaphamise eenhlalweni zobukhosi boke ebegade bamakhosi wezizwe. Boke bazakufakaza bathi kuwe, ‘Nawe sele ubuthakathaka njengathi! Sele ufana nathi patsi!’ Idumo lobukhosi bakho lehliselwe endaweni yabafileko kanye netjhada lamaharibhakho. Iimpethu zimuseme ngaphasi kwakho neembungu zimukghadi ngehla kwakho. “Maye, ukuwa kwakho ezulwini wena Khwezi, iye, wena ndodana yamarimarima! Wehliselwe equlwanini, wena owise izizwe! Nguwe owathi ehliziywenakho, ‘Ngizakwenyukela ezulwini, ngivuse isihlalo sami sobukhosi ngaphezu kweenkwekwezi zakaZimu; ngizakuhlala entabeni yehlangano yeendalwa zezulu, emajukujukwini wentaba yabozinyana. Ngizakwenyukela esitlhorini samafu, ngizithathe njengofana nongoPhezulu.’ Kodwana wehliselwe endaweni yabafileko, iye, emajukujukwini welizwe labaleleko. Abakubonako bazakugolozela, bakuqalisise kuhle, bathi, ‘Umrhali lo, akusuye loya owanyakazisa iphasi, wasikinya nemibuso na? Nguye owenza ilizwe laba njengerhalawumba, wagiriza amadorobhalo, wangavuma bona abathunjwa bakhe babuyele ekhaya.’ Woke amakhosi wezizwe alele ngedumo, enye nenye ethuneni layo, kodwana wena ulahlelwe kude nezindla lakho, njengombungu ongabulungwa emathuneni. Wena wembethwe ngabafileko, abahlatjwe ngesabula, abatjhinga phasi emgodini, badibizeswe ngamatje. Njengesidumbu esigadangwako angeze wangcwatjwa njengamakhosi amanye ngombana urhayile inarhakho, wabulala abantu bekhenu. Inga iinzukulwana zabenza okumbi angeze kusakhulunywa ngazo nini nanini. Lungisani indawo yokubulalela amadodanakhe, ngebanga lezono zaboyise. “Akangasavuki kobana azuze iphasi namkha agcwalise ubuso belizwe ngamadorobho, ngombana ngizakujamelana nawo.” Watjho njalo uSomnini uMninimandlawoke. “Ngizakuqunta eBhabheli ibizo nemisalela, abantwana neenzukulwana.” Watjho njalo uSomnini uMninimandlawoke. “Ngizayenza ibe sitete nendawo yokuhlala abogubudu. Ngizayithanyela ngomthanyelo orhayilako.” Watjho njalo uSomnini uMninimandlawoke. USomnini uMninimandlawoke ufunge wathi: “Njengombana ngicabangile, kuzakuba njalo nanjengombana ngitlamile, kuzakwenzeka. Ngizakwephula ama-Asiriya enarhenami, ngiwatshidlhe ngeenyawo eentabeni zami. Ijogi lawo lizakususwa ebantwini bami nomthwalwawo emahlombabo. Leli liqhinga elihloselwe iphasi loke; iye, sisandla sami esilulekele ngaphezu kwazo zoke izizwe.” Ngambala uSomnini uMninimandlawoke ukuhlosile lokho, nje-ke ngubani ongakutshwilisa na? Isandla sakhe selulekile, ngubani ongasirhunyeza na? Nakhu okwamenyezelwa ngomnyaka okwahlongakala ngawo ikosi u-Arhazi: Noke nina eFilistiya ningajekezeli ngokuphuka kwentonga enimadlhako ngombana emsileni wenyoka kuzakuphuma imbedla nesithelo sayo kuzakuba yinyoka emhlwazi, emsinyana inga iyaphapha. Abachake khulu kwa-Israyeli bazakufumana amadlelo nabadududu balale baphephile. Kodwana ngizakubulalisa umrabhakho ngendlala, iye, indlala ibulale imisalelakho. Lila wena sango; rhahlawula nawe dorobho, phelani amandla noke nina eFilistiya ngombana kuvela intuthu ngetlhagwini begodu akakho otjhiyiweko ekampeni yebutho. Izakuthini ipendulo eenthunyweni zamaFilista na? Izakuthi: USomnini usekele iZiyoni nabadududu ebantwini bakhe bazakufumana ubuphephelo kiyo. Isimemezelo sakaZimu ngeMowabi: Ngambala ngobusuku bokurhayilwa i-Ari-Mowabi beyibhujisiwe! Ngambala ngobusuku bokurhayilwa neKhiri-Mowabi beyibhujisiwe! Ngalokho iDibhoni ikhuphukele ethempelini, iye, eendundumeni yayokurhahlawula; uMowabi ulilela iNebo neMedeba. Zoke iinhloko zigudiwe, kwasuswa zoke iindevu. Eendledlaneni abantu bembatha iinzilo; bakhuphukela emaphahleni weenkumba nematatawini, godu woke umuntu wehla alila. IRhetjhibhoni ne-Eliyale ziyarhuwelela, amezwazo azwakala ukufikela eJahatsi. Ngalokho amadoda ahlomileko wakwaMowabi ahlaba umkhosi imiphimbawo beyarhotjhoza. Ihliziywami irhuwelela ngoMowabi, abaphalali bakhe babalekela eTsowari ne-Egilathi-Tjhelitjhiya. Mbala, emkhuphukeni weLurhithi benyuka barhahlawula; iye, nendleleni eya eRhoronayimu, bazwakalisa isililo sokurhayilwa ngombana amanzi weNimrimu omile, utjani butjhwabile, ihlaza liyatjhabalala, iye, akusenalitho elihlaza elisaseleko. Ngalokho umnono abawuzuzileko, nalokho abakubutheleleko, bakuthethe bakhamba nakho ngaphetjheya komlanjana wemidubi. Mbala, kuhlatjwe umkhosi enarheni yakwaMowabi; ukurhahlawulokho kufikelele e-Egilayimu bekwafikelela neBheri-Elimu. UZimu wathi: “Nanyana amanzi weDibhoni azele ngeengazi nje, ngiyatjho ngizakwehlisela phezu kweDibhoni ngokudluleleko: amabhubezi kilabo abaphunyurhileko beMowabi, iye, kilabo abamisalela yenarha.” Thumelani amaqamana njengesibiko kumbusi wenarha yakwaJuda ukusukela eSela ukuqamula erhalawumbeni, ukuya entabeni yeZiyoni nomlayezo othi: “Njengeenyoni ezizulazulako, lokha naziqotjhwe eenhlakaneni zazo, anjalo namadodakazi wakwaMowabi, emazibukweni we-Arinoni. Nje-ke, yiza neqhinga, wenze isiqunto; sigubuzesa ngomthunzakho njengobusuku lokha ilanga nalisefokothweni; ufihle abahlakazekileko, ungembuli abaphalali. Vumela abahlakazekileko bethu bakhosele kuwe, ube siphephelo sakaMowabi kiloyo ofuna ukubarhayila. Ngambala, isifuthefuthe lesi sizakuphela, ukurhayila kukhawuke nabagandeleli banyamalale enarheni. Angithi isihlalo sakho sobukhosi sinzinze ekwethembekeni begodu phezu kwaso kuhlezi othembekako! Iye, ngetendeni lakaDavida kunombusi othanda ubulungiswa notjhisakalela okulungileko.” Sizwile ngokuziphakamisa kwakaMowabi. Uzikhukhumeza khulu! Ukuzigqaja, ukuziphakamisa, ukuzitjhaya nekulumakhe emumoya kulilize lakolize. Kodwana nje uMowabi sewuyazilila. Boke abantu bakhona bayalila ngebanga lamakwapa wamadiribe weKhiri-Rharesethi. Iye, niyahumuza ngombana nibhujiswe nya. Ngambala amasimu weRhetjhibhoni atjhwabile, iye, neendiribe zeSibhima. Amakhosi wezizwe arhadla amadiribayo akhethekileko ebekafikelela ngitjho neJazeri, anabele erhalawumbeni; amahlumelawo gade asabalala ayamele ngaphetjheya kwelwandle. Ngalokho ngirhahlawula isililo seJazeri ngebanga leendiribe zeSibhima, ngikuthambisa ngeenyembezi, wena Rhetjhibhoni nawe Eliyale ngombana umkhosi wepi uwele esivunweni seenthelo zakho nesamabelakho. Itokozo nethabo kususiwe esivandeni seenthelo; eendiribeni akusabhinwa iingoma, akusahlokonywa nomtlhodlhi wewayini akasekho ebutlhodlhelweni. USomnini wathi: “Ngikuthulisile ukuhlokoma!” Ngalokho ihliziywami ilila njengeharibha ngoMowabi, nomphefumulwami utlhuwela iKhiri-Rheresethi. Godu uSomnini wathi: “Nanyana uMowabi angazibonakalisa namkha azikhathaze endawenakhe ecwengekileko, aye endundumeni kobana ayokuthandaza, akazukuphumelela.” Lelo bekulilizwi uSomnini alikhuluma ngoMowabi esikhathini esadlulako. Gadesi uSomnini uthi: “Eminyakeni emithathu, njengeminyaka yesisebenzi esiqatjhiweko, idumo lakaMowabi lizakuthathelwa phasi phezu kobana anesiqubuthu sabantu. Imisalela izakuba libinzana, ingabi nedumo namandla.” Isimemezelo sakaZimu ngeDamaseku: “Qala, iDamaseku ayisazokuba yidorobho, izokuba liqubi leququ. Imizi yomHlangulwa itjhiyiwe; seyingeyemihlambi elala lapho, kungabi nomuntu oyethusako. Amadorobho wakwa-Efrayimu anemithangala akasekho nobukhosi beDamaseku bunyelele. Okuseleko kwe-Aramu kuzakunyamalala njengedumo lama-Israyeli.” Watjho njalo uSomnini uMninimandlawoke. “Elangeni lakaSomnini idumo lakaJakopo lizakuba lilize ngombana inarha izakuhlangulwa. Kuzakuba njengesikhathi sokuvuna lokha nakugwetjwa ikoroyi, ingalo yomgwebi nayikghedla iinqwambi zekoroyi; iye, kube njengoburuja iinqwambi emrhobeni wamaRafa. Imisalela enarheni izakuba siburujo kube njengalokha nakutlhutlhurwa umuthi we-oliva: Kusale mabili mathathu ama-oliva avuthiweko esitlhorini abe mane mahlanu emagatjeni womuthi lowo.” Watjho njalo uSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli. Mhlokho abantu bazakurhuluphela umDali wabo, amehlwabo aqale oCwengileko wakwa-Israyeli. Abazukurhuluphela ama-aldari okumsebenzi wezandla zabo begodu abazukuqala okwenziwe miminwabo, okutjho imifanekiso yabo-Atjhera nama-aldari wetjhwalo. Mhlokho amadorobhabo azombelezwe mthangala, azakutjhiywa njengeendawo ezisantaba namahlathi, ezatjhiywa babantu lokha ama-Israyeli nafikako. Inarha leyo izakuba dududu ngombana nina bafazi nikhohlwe uZimu wesindiswenu, azange nikhumbule idwala lobuphephelo benu. Ngalokho-ke nanyana nitjala iintjalo ezikhethekileko nihlomelele uzinyana wezizwe ezitjhili iingojwana, ngitjho namhlana nizikhulisa ngelanga enazitjala ngalo, nenza bonyana zithuthumbe ngokusa enazihlomela ngakho; isivuno sizakunyelela, ngomhla wesizi nobuhlungu obungalaphekiko. Maye! Kuzwakala umrhubo wabantu abanengi, barhuba njengomrhubo welwandle! Kunokuhlokoma kwezizwe, zihlokoma njengokuhlokoma kwamanzi anamandla! Iye, izizwe zihlokoma njengokuhlokoma kwamanzi amanengi, kodwana uZimu uzazikhalima zibaleke ziye kude, zibe njengomungu ophetjhulwa mumoya eentabeni nekhula elomileko eligedwa siwuruwuru. Qala, ngokuhlwa zehlelwa kukwesaba! Ngaphambi kokusa ziyatjhabalala! Sinjalo-ke isiphetho sabasiphangako, nesabelo sabasidlelezelako. Izazizwa inarha enemikhumbi eneenseyila ngaphetjheya kwemilambo yeKutjhe, ithumele abazenda ngeNayili ngeenthayamanzi zephaphirasi emanzini! Khambani nina nthunywa ezinebelo, niye esizweni eside nesibutjhelelezi, ebantwini abesatjwa eduze nakude, isizwe esinamandla nesitshidlhako, esinenarha esezelwa milambo. Noke nina zakhamuzi zelizwe, nina enihlala ephasini, yeniqale lokha nakuphakanyiswa iphawu eentabeni! Lalelani lokha nakuvuthelwa ipalapala! Nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini: “Ngizakuqala phasi ngisendawenami, ngizithulele njengesimuku emini nanjengelifu lehlobo nakutjhisako. Ngaphambi kwesivuno samadiribe, isikhathi sokuphalaza sele sidlulile sekulotjha iinthelo ezihlaza, amagatja angakahlomi azakuhlungwa ngemikhwa namahlumela womrabhu aruthulwe, alahlwe. Ngokunjalo abantwabo bazakulahlwa boke emadlangeni weentaba neembandaneni zommango. Amadlanga azazitika ngabo ihlobo loke, ngokunjalo neembandana zommango ebusika. “Ngesikhatheso kuzakulethwa iimbiko kuSomnini uMninimandlawoke, zivela esizweni eside nesibutjhelelezi ebantwini abesatjwa eduze nakude, isizwe esinamandla nesitshidlhako, esinenarha esezelwa milambo. Zizakulethwa entabeni iZiyoni, lapha kuhlala khona ibizo lakaSomnini uMninimandlawoke.” Isimemezelo sakaZimu ngeGibhide: Qala, uSomnini ukhwele ilifu eligijimako, wehlela eGibhide. Abosingazimu beGibhide bazakuthuthumela phambi kwakhe, abantu beGibhide baphele amandla. “Ngizakuvusa umGibhide ajamelane nomGibhide, umuntu alwe nomfowabo umngani alwe nomnganakhe, idorobho lilwe nedorobho, isifunda silwe nesifunda. Ummoya wamaGibhide uzakutjharagana ngombana ngizakuphambanisa amaqhingawo. Azakuphengula kibozinyana nebezimini, ezangomeni nakilabo abanemimoya. Ngizakunikela amaGibhide esandleni somphathi onesihluku, azakubuswa yikosi enelunya.” Watjho njalo uSomandla onguSomnini uMninimandlawoke. Amanzi weNayili azakutjha, iye, umlambo wome kere; imilanjanawo izakuba nesivunda, imisele yeGibhide inciphe beyome, yoke imihlobohlobo yemigaba ayizukubuna. Isiminyaminya somhlanga magegana neNayili nebungenweni bayo elwandle sizakoma; iye, zoke iimila hlanu kweNayili zizakutjhwaba, ziphephuke, zingasaba khona. Ababambi beenhlambi bazakulila; boke abaphosa iinkghopholahlambi ngeNayili bazakuthwala imikhono ehloko nalabo abaphosela amanedabo ngemanzini bakhene. Abasebenza ngeflaksi bazakukakamala; abafazi abayihlengako nabayelukako baphaphatheke; iye, abeluki beGibhide baqobeke, boke abaqatjhiweko babe lisizi. Mbala, iinkhulu zeTsowani ziindlhadlha, abeluleki abahlakaniphileko bakaFaro banikela izeluleko zobudlhadlha. Ningatjho njani kuFaro nithi, “Sisizukulwana sabahlakaniphileko, iye, samakhosi wekadeni” na? Gibhide, ziphi-ke iinhlakaniphi zakho? Azikutjele bezikwazise, lokho uSomnini uMninimandlawoke akuhlele ngawe. Iinkhulu zeTsowani ziphenduke iinrithirithi, nezeMemfisi zithembela elizeni; labo abasisekelo seenkoro baphambukise amaGibhide. USomnini udidiyele phakathi kwabo ummoya wokuhlangahlangana; baphambukisa amaGibhide kikho koke akwenzako ukuze atherezele njengesidakwa esibhadazela emahlanzwenaso. Akunanjinga nesichaka, omncani nomdala, ongasiza iGibhide. Mhlokho amaGibhide azakufana nabafazi: Azakuthuthumeliswa kukwesaba isandla sakaSomnini uMninimandlawoke lokha nasiphakamako kobana sijamelane nawo. Inarha yakwaJuda izakuba sisiga esesabekako kumaGibhide. Woke umuntu ozwa ngayo uzakwesaba ngebanga lalokho uSomnini uMninimandlawoke akuhlele ngokujamelana nabo. Mhlokho kuzakuba namadorobho amahlanu enarheni yeGibhide akhuluma isiKanana abe azimanyanise noSomnini uMninimandlawoke. Elinye lamadorobho lawo lizakubizwa bonyana liDorobho leLanga. Ngelangelo kuzakuba ne-aldari lakaSomnini ekabeni yenarha yeGibhide nelitje lakhe lesikhumbuzo emikhawulwenayo. Lokho kuzakuba njengetshwayo nobufakazi kuSomnini uMninimandlawoke enarheni yeGibhide. Lokha nabalila kiyo ngebanga lomgandeleli, uzabathumelela umsindisi abenyele abe abatjhaphulule. USomnini uzazazisa kumaGibhide, namaGibhide azakwazi uSomnini mhlokho. Azamlotjha ngemihlabelo nangeminikelo, enze iimfungo kuye. USomnini uzakumadlha amaGibhide, kodwana ngokuwamadlha abe awapholise azakuphendukela kuye. Yena uzakulalela ukuncenga kwawo bese awapholise. Mhlokho kuzakuba nendlela ekulu evela eGibhide iya e-Asiriya, lapha kuzakhamba khona ama-Asiriya naya eGibhide namaGibhide naya e-Asiriya. AmaGibhide azakulotjha uSomnini ahlangene nama-Asiriya. Mhlokho, ama-Israyeli azakuba ngewesithathu ekuzimanyaniseni namaGibhide nama-Asiriya, babe sibusiso ekabeni yephasi ngombana uSomnini uMninimandlawoke uzababusisa athi: “Akabusiswe amaGibhide abantu bami, ama-Asiriya amsebenzi wezandla zami nama-Israyeli alilifa lami.” Lokho kwenzeka ngomnyaka lokha uSarigoni ikosi ye-Asiriya nayithuma indunayo yebutho e-Atjhidodi. Induna leyo yalwa ne-Atjhidodi beyayithumba. Ngesikhatheso uSomnini wakhuluma ngo-Isaya umsa ka-Amotsi wathi: “Thukulula isambatho sokuzila edinini lakho bese uhlubula amapatlagwanakho.” Yeke wenza njalo, wakhamba hlubule neenyaweni angakafaki litho. Nje-ke uSomnini wathi: “Incekwami u-Isaya ikhambe hlubule begodu ibhadule iminyaka emithathu njengetshwayo nesibonakaliso sokujamelana neGibhide neKutjhe. Ngokunjalo-ke amaGibhide namaKutjhe, abadala nabancani, bazakurholwa yikosi ye-Asiriya njengeembotjhwa nanjengabathunjwa babulanzi, babhadule neenkhondo zabo zingakembeswa; kube lihlazo leGibhide. Abahlali benarha eseligwini bazakukhena babe neenhloni ngebanga leKutjhe ithemba labo neGibhide igugu labo. Iye, mhlokho bazakuthi, ‘Qalani bonyana kwenzekeni kilabo ebesithembele kibo nefese sabalekela kibo kobana basisize, basisindise ekosini ye-Asiriya! Maye thina! Alo sizophunyurha njani nakunje?’ ” Isimemezelo sakaZimu ngebhudu elihlanu komlambo. Njengeemvunguvungu zangesewula eziza ngokudlhegana, ngokunjalo izitha zizakuza zivela erhalawumbeni, iye, zivela enarheni eyesabekako. Ngambulelwa amezwi anzima: “Umkhapheli uyakhaphela nomrhayili uyarhayila. Khuphukani ma-Elamu! Vimbezelani maMediya! Koke ukububula okubangwe yiBhabheli ngizakuphelisa.” Ngalokho idini lami liyagedla ngisahlelwe ziinhlungu njengomfazi obelethako; ngiyabinyabinyeka ngebanga lalokho engikuzwako, ngikakamale ngalokho engikubonako. Ihliziywami iyathukuza ngethuswa lithunzi elesabekako; ukuhlwa engikuthandako kuphenduke ukuthuthumela kimi. Balungisa isithebe, bendlala iincabhana, bayagoma, bayasela. Sikimani nina nduna, nilungise iinhlangu ngombana nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomandla kimi: “Khamba, ufese ubeke umlindi, amemezele lokho akubonako; emini aqaphe iinjomani ezibotjhelwe eenkaraneni zepi namajoni akhwele abodumbana namakamela, ebusuku alalelisise kuhle.” Yeke umlindi warhuwelela wathi: “Somandla, ngijame esithaleni sokulinda imini yoke, ngibekwe endawenami yokulinda ubusuku obunye nobunye. Qala, nanguya umuntu asiza, ukhwele ikarana yeenjomani! Wabika wathi, ‘Iwile, ngithi iwile iBhabheli! Zoke iinthombembazwa, zabosingazimu bayo ziphahlazeke phasi!’ ” Bantu bami abagadangiweko, iye, nina enibhuliweko, engikuzwe kuSomnini uMninimandlawoke, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, ngikumemezela kini. Isimemezelo sakaZimu ngeDuma: Kunomuntu ongibiza aseSeyiri, uthi: “Mlindi-ke, ubusuku sele bukhambe kangangani? Mlindi-ke, ubusuku sele bukhambe kangangani?” Umlindi wathi: “Ukusa kuyeza bese kuyahlwa godu. Nanisafuna ukubuza, ningabuza; kodwana nibuye lokha godu.” Isimemezelo sakaZimu mayelana nerhalawumba: Nina milandelande yamaDedani nina enihlala eenthukghwini zerhalawumba ebusuku lethelani owomileko amanzi. Nina bahlali benarha yeTema, hlangabezani abaphalali ngesikwa ngombana babalekele iinsabula, iye, iinsabula ezirhwatjhiweko nemisebe equtjhiweko, iye, babalekele ukuwurubajwa yipi. Ngambala nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomandla kimi: “Eminyakeni, njengeminyaka yesisebenzi esiqatjhiweko, loke idumo lakaKedari lizakunyelela nemisebe eseleko yeengorho zamaKedari izakuba libinzana ngombana uSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli ukhulumile.” Isimemezelo sakaZimu ngomrhoba wombono. Ungenwe yini, wena Jerusalema kobana noke nikhuphukele ephahleni? Usiphithiphithi sedorobho esizele itjhada iye, wena umumuzi osiyaluyalu. Kodwana abarhayiliweko bakho abakarhayilwa ngesabula begodu abakabulawelwa epini. Ababusi bakho babalekele ndawonye, bathunjwa ngaphandle komsebe. Boke bakho abasalako bathunjwa ndawonye nanyana bebabalekele kude. Ngalokho-ke ngithi: “Ningazikhathazi ngami lokha nangilila ngibibitheka. Ningalingi ningiduduze ngokurhayilwa kwebekhethu.” Mbala, liyeza ilanga levalo, ukugadangana nokuhlangahlangana; kulilanga lakaSomandla onguSomnini uMninimandlawoke. Emrhobeni wombono kuzakuba nokurhahlawula nokulilela isizo entabeni yeZiyoni. I-Elamu sele ihlome ngesilanda namajoni akhwele iinkarana zepi ezibotjhelweko; iKhiri yembule iinhlangu. Wena Jerusalema, imirhobakho yekhethelo sele izele iinkarana zepi iye, iinkarana zepi ezibotjhelweko sezijanyiswe emasangweni. USomnini ususe isiviko sakwaJuda. Mhlokho nizakufuna iinkhali zeKumba yeHlathi, nizakukhathazeka ngemiphundluko emthangaleni womuzi kaDavida, nikhe amanzi wesiziba esisenzasi. Nizakukhetha iinkumba zeJerusalema, nigirize ezinye ukuze niqinise ngazo umthangala. Nizakwenzela amanzi womthombo wakade umphathamanzi hlangana namaboda amabili. Kodwana azange nifune owenza umthombo lowo namkha nikhathazeke ngowawudala kade. Mhlokho, uSomnini uSomandla onguMninimandlawoke wamemezela bona kulilwe bekuzilwe. Bekumele nigude iinhloko benembathe neenzilo, kodwana esikhundleni salokho, kwaba nethabo netokozo. Nahlaba iinkomo, izimvu neembuzi nagoma inyama, nasela newayini, nathi: “Asigomeni, sisele ngombana ngomuso sizokufa.” USomnini uMninimandlawoke ukhulume eendlebeni zami: “Ngambala angeze nathethelelwa amacala la kufikela beniyokufa.” Watjho njalo uSomandla onguSomnini uMninimandlawoke. Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla, onguMninimandlawoke: “Khamba uye enduneni uTjhebhina, omphathi wesigodlo bese uthi kuye, “ ‘Ufunani lapha? Unesihlobo lapha bonyana ungabe uzicozele ithuna na? (Nguye owazicozela ithuna endaweni ephakamileko, wazenzela indawakhe yokugcina edwaleni.) “ ‘Sekusele kancani bona mina Somnini ngikufuthele ngaphandle wena ozigqajako! Ngambala ngizakutantela; iye, ubuthane njengendulungu yoboya ngikujikijele emajukujukwini. Uzakufela lapho neenkarana zakho zedumo nazo zizakusala khonapho, wena olihlazo ekumbeni yomphathakho! Ngizakusunduza endawenakho, ngikghurhurumeje esikhundleni sakho.’ “Mhlokho ngizakubiza incekwami u-Eliyakhimu umsa kaRhilikhiya, ngiyembathise ingubakho, ngiyibophelele edinini ngomkhungo wakho. Ngizakubeka igunya lakho esandleni sayo, ibe nguyise wezakhamuzi zeJerusalema nowekumba yakwaJuda. Emahlombayo ngizakubeka isilodlhelo sekumba kaDavida. Izakuvula kungabi nomuntu ovalako; ivale kungabi novulako. Ngizayibethela njengesikhonkhwani endaweni efaneleko, ibe sihlalo esihlonitjhwako emndenini wakwabo, iye eenzukulwaneni zoke. Kodwana woke umthwalo womndeni wakwabo uzakuphanyekwa esikhonkhwanenapho, ngitjho nazo zoke izitja zomkhaya, ukusukela kezincani ukuya kezikulu. “ ‘Mhlokho,’ kutjho uSomnini uMninimandlawoke, ‘isikhonkhwani esasibethelwe endaweni efaneleko sizakugobana, sephuke, siwe bese koke ebegade kukiso kutjhabalale.’ ” Mbala, uSomnini uMninimandlawoke ukhulumile. Isimemezelo sakaZimu ngeTirosi: Rhahlawulani nina mikhumbi yokurhweba; aninakhaya ngombana iTirosi irhayiliwe! Kwabonakala lokho nayifika ivela enarheni yamaKithi. Thulani, nina bahlali beligwini, nani barhwebi besifunda seTsidoni eneyama ilwandle. Abazenda benu behla basemanzini amanengi. Iinthoro zeTjhirhori, iye isivuno seNayili bekuyinzuzo yeTirosi okuyindawo yerhwebo yezizwe. Yiba neenhloni, wena Tsidoni ngombana ilwandle likhulumile, iye, isiphephelo salo sathi: “Angisenamirhele, angibelethi, angikakhulisi amasokana, namkha ngondle amatlawu.” Nakufika umbiko eGibhide baba sesizini, iye, nabezwa umbiko weTirosi babalekela eTharatjhitjhi. Rhahlawulani nina bahlali beligwini! Ngikho lokho okuseleko kwedorobho lenu elisiyaluyalu na? Umsuka walo ngewekadeni, abantu balo bakhamba ngerhwebo, bayokhonza emazweni akude. Ngubani ohlele lokhu ngokujamelana neTirosi na? Idorobheli belimthwesi weenhlohlo, abarhwebi balo bekumakhosana nabathengisi balo bebabahlonitjhwa ephasini. USomnini uMninimandlawoke ukuhlelile lokhu, kobana konakaliswe ukuziphakamisa kwabo boke abaziinkhulu, iye, ukuhlazisa boke abahlonitjhwako bephaseli. Bantu beTaratjhitjhi, limani inarhenu njengombana basenza magegana neNayili ngombana abasenzi imikhumbi eTirosi. USomnini welulele isandla sakhe ngehla kwelwandle, wasikinya imibuso, wakhupha umyalo mayelana neKanana, kobana kutjhabalaliswe iimphephelo zakhona. USomnini wathi: “Angeze bewusayaluzela wena Tirosi, ndodakazi yeTsidoni, tlawu eligagadlhelweko! Ngitjho nanyana ungasikima uyamele kumaKithi nalapho awuzukuphumula.” (Qala inarha yamaKasidi yenze lokhu! Isizwe esingasekhweso, okutjho ama-Asiriya, ngiso esinikelela iTirosi ngabothurhu berhalawumba. Senza iinthala zokuvimbezela, sagiriza iingodlo zayo, sayitjhiya ilirubhi.) Rhahlawulani, nina mikhumbi yokurhweba ngombana isiphephelo senu sitjhabalalisiwe. Ngesikhatheso iTirosi lizokulitjalwa iminyaka ematjhumi alikhomba, okusikhathi sokuphila kwekosi. Ekupheleni kweminyaka ematjhumi alikhomba, kuzakwenzeka phezu kweTirosi njengengoma evunywa ngengwadla: Thatha iharibha, uzombeleze idorobho, wena ngwadla elitjelweko! Yenza umkenenezo omnandi, vuma iingoma ezinengi, ukuze ukhunjulwe. Ekupheleni kweminyaka ematjhumi alikhomba, uSomnini uzakukhambela iTirosi. Nje-ke ingwadla leyo izakuzuza godu, irhwebe ngokunyariya nayo yoke imibuso yephasi, iye, nayo yoke imibuso ebusweni bephasi. Kodwana inzuzwayo kanye nomrholwayo kuzakuhlukaniselwa uSomnini. Lokho angeze kwabekwa namkha kugcinwe, kodwana kuzakuba ngokwabaphila ebukhoneni bakaSomnini. Kuzabondla ngokwaneleko kubahlinzeke nangezambatho zakanokutjho. USomnini sele azakugiriza iphasi, alenze libe lirubhi, asonge ilingaphezulu lalo, ahlakaze nabahlali balo. Kuzose kufane: Okwenzeka ebantwini, kuzakwenzeka nebaphristini okwenzeka kumakhoboka, kwenzeke nakubanini bawo; okwenzeka encekukazini, kwenzeke nakumphathikazayo; okwenzeka kumthengi, kwenzeke nakumthengisi; okwenzeka kumbolekisi, kwenzeke nakumboleki; okwenzeka kumatjhonisa, kwenzeke nakobolekako. Iphasi lizakwenziwa irubhi, liphangwe ngokupheleleko. Mbala, uSomnini ukhulume amezwi la. Inarha iyoma beyisasambe, iphasi liyabundana belisasambe, isibhakabhaka sibundana ndawonye nephasi. Iphasi lisilaphazwe bahlali balo ngombana beqe imithetho, bangalalela iimiso, bephula isivumelwano sanini nanini. Ngalokho amanikelela aginya iphasi, abahlali balo bahlunguphazeka ngomlandwabo, yeke abahlali bephasi bayaphunguka ngesibalo sekusele ibinzana lababhubhako. Iwayini liyoma, isidiribe siyatjhwaba, boke abazithokozisako bayabubula. Ukuthakasa kwabosotjherere kuthulisiwe, ukuhlokoma kwabayaluzelako kuphelile, ukuthakasa kweharibhana kuthulisiwe. Abasaseli iwayini ngokubhina ingoma; amarhugu ayababa kilabo abawaselako. Idorobho elitjhiyiweko liyabhuruka, zoke iinkumba zivaliwe, ukuze kungabi nomuntu ongenako. Eendledlaneni kulilwa ngewayini, ithabo loke linyelele, ukuthakasa enarheni kuphelile. Okusele ngedorobheni kuliququ, amasango aphohloziwe. Kodwana ekabeni yephasi, iye, ngaphakathi kwezizwe kuzakuba nje: Njengalokha nakutlhutlhurwa umuthi we-oliva nanjengalokha nakuburujwa ekupheleni kwesivuno samadiribe, abantwaba bazakuphakamisa amezwi, bahlokome ngobukhosi bakaSomnini. Bazakwakwazela ukusuka elwandle bathi: “Yeke, nikelani uSomnini idumo ngepumalanga, dumisani ibizo lakaSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, nina eningeligwini lelwandle. Emkhawulweni wenarha sizwa iingoma ezithi, ‘Idumo koLungileko!’ ” Kodwana ngithi: “Ngiphela amandla! Ngiphela amandla! Maye mina! Abanobukhwebetjhana benza ubukhwebetjhana, iye, abanobukhwebetjhana benza ubukhwebetjhana! Ukwesabeka, umgodi nesifu kuyakwehlela, wena sakhamuzi senarha! Nanyana ngubani obalekela itjhada elesabekako, uzakuwela ngemgodini nophuma ngemgodinapho, uzakubanjwa sisifu! Mbala iintunja zezulu zivuliwe neensekelo zephasi ziyadengezela. Iphasi liyaphadlheka nokuphadlheka, iphasi lisikinyeka kokusikinyeka, iphasi lizanyazanyiswa kokuzanyazanyiswa. Iphasi litherezela njengesidakwa, liyethezela njengehlahla lomtlhatlhana iimphambeko zalo ziyalidisibeza, bese liyawa lingasavuki. “Mhlokho uSomnini uzokuhlunguphaza ibutho lezulu ezulwini namakhosi wephasi ephasini. Azakuhlanganiswa ndawonye njengeembotjhwa emgodini, avalelwe ngesikhungweni; ngemva kwamalanga amanengi ahlunguphazwe. Inyezi egcweleko izakudana, ilanga libe neenhloni ngombana uSomnini uMninimandlawoke uzakubusa, entabeni yeZiyoni neJerusalema, aveze iphazimulwakhe ebaphathini babantu bakhe.” Somnini, wena unguZimami, ngizakuphakamisa, ngidumise ibizo lakho ngombana wenze imikarisomraro, waphumelelisa amahlelo atlanywa ekadeni ngokwethembeka nangeqiniso: Wenze idorobho laba liqubi leququ, idorobho elinemithangala laba marubhi, iye, isiphephelo sabatjhili asisese lidorobho begodu asisoze savuselelwa. Yeke iintsitsirimba zizakudumisa wena Zimu, amadorobho wezizwe ezinelunya akwesabe. Mbala, ube buphephelo babachakileko iye, ubuphephelo babadududu esizini labo, usiphephelo esiwuruwurwini nomthunzi emtjhisweni. Lokha ukubhavumula kwabanelunya nabekufana nesiwuruwu esitjhayisana neboda nalokha umrhubo wabatjhili nabewufana nomtjhiso wendawo eyomileko, wena wehlisa umtjhiso loyo ngomthunzi welifu ukuze ukubhina kwabanelunya kuthuliswe. Entabeni le, uSomnini uMninimandlawoke uzokulungiselela boke abantu umnyanya weenkhanakhana newewayini eliyihleza; iye, iinkhanakhana ezinomhlosi newayini eliyihleza elitsengiweko. Entabeni leyo uzakuqeda isigubuzeso, iye, isigubuzeso esisebusweni babantu boke ekuyingubo embese zoke izizwe. Uzakuqeda ukufa unomphela. USomandla onguSomnini uzokusula zoke iinyembezi kibo boke ubuso; asuse ihlazo ebantwini bakhe, kilo loke iphasi. Mbala, uSomnini ukhulumile. Mhlokho abantu bazakuthi: “Ngambala, uZimethu ula; samqalelela bona asisindise. Iye, nguye-ke uSomnini lo esathembela kuye; yeke asithabeni, sithokoze esindiswenakhe.” Isandla sakaSomnini sizakunzinza entabeni le, kodwana uMowabi uzakugadangelwa phasi njengotjani bugadangelwa emgodini womsuqwa. UMowabi uzakwelula izandla zakhe ngemgodinapho, njengomdudi nakelula izandla bonyana athaye. USomnini uzakuthobisa ukuziphakamisa kwakhe, phezu kobana anezandla ezinekghono. Imithangalakhe yokuzivikela ephakamileko, uSomnini uzoyibhuruza ayiwise, iye, ayigirize ilale ehlabathini, ibe lithuli. Mhlokho, enarheni yakwaJuda kuzakubhinwa ingoma le: “Sinedorobho eliqinileko; UZimu ujamisa isindiso, ibe mithangala neendunduma zakhona. Vulani amasango ukuze kungene isizwe esilungileko, iye, isizwe esilonda ukukholwa nesinehliziyo ebambeleleko. Wena Zimu, uzakulonda ukuthula, iye, kunokuthula nawethenjwako. Thembela kuSomnini ngeenkhathi zoke ngombana uSomnini, iye, uSomnini ulidwala lanini nanini. Mbala, umadlha phasi abahlala ekuphakameni, ugiriza idorobho elingangenekiko, iye, aliwisele ehlabathini, aligirizele ethulini. Iinyawo ziyaligidizela, iinyawo zabachakileko, amagadango wabadududu.” Indlela yabalungileko ilelezekile, Somnini wenza umzilabo unqophe. Ngitjho nekugwebeni kwakho, Somnini, sisaqalelela kuwe; ukululukela komphefumulwethu, kukuzwa ibizo lakho nokulongwa kwakho. Ebusuku umphefumulwami uyakulangazelela, ngitjho nommoyami ngaphakathi uyakufunisisa. Lokha iingwebo zakho nazisephasini, abahlali belizwe bafunda okulungileko; kodwana iinkhohlakali naziphiwa umusa azifundi nakancani okulungileko. Nanyana zisenarheni yobuqotho, ziragela phambili ngobukhohlakali; azinandaba nobukhosi bakaSomnini. Somnini, isandla sakho siphakanyisiwe nanyana kunjalo zona azisiboni. Kodwana zizakubona itjisakalwakho ngabantu bakho, bese ziba neenhloni, iye, umlilo obekelwe izitha zakho uzaziqothula. Somnini, yewusenzele ukuthula ngombana koke esikuzuzileko, sikwenzelwe nguwe. Somnini, Zimethu, sakhe sabuswa ngamanye amakhosi ngaphandle kwakho, kodwana libizo lakho kwaphela esilidumisako. Sele afile kwanjesi akasoze asaphila, imimoyawo angeze yabuya iphile godu. Mbala, uwahlunguphazile, wawatjhabalalisa; wenza bona angasakhunjulwa. Wena Somnini wandise isizwe sakho, iye, wandise abantu bakho. Uzizuzele idumo, wanabisa yoke imikhawulo yenarha. Somnini, eensizini zabo bafune ubuso bakho, bazethula kuwe ngemithandazwabo, lokha ubukhali bakho nabuphezu kwabo. Njengomfazi osidisi osele azokubeletha azibinyabinya, aliliswa ziinhlabi besinjalo-ke nathi ngenca yakho, Somnini. Besisidisi, sizibinyabinya kodwana sibelethe ummoya. Sibhalelwe kuletha isindiso enarheni, abahlali belizwe basithelekela. Abafileko bakho bazakuphila, iye, abafileko bekhethu bazakuvuka. Phaphamani nihlokome nina enihlala ethulini! Mbala, umbethe wakho ungowezulwini; Zimu, uzakubhubhisa indawo yabafileko. Yenize bantu bami, ningene ngemalawinenu, nivale iminyango nasele ningenile, zifihleni kwesikhatjhana, bekudlule ilaka lakaZimu. Qalani, uSomnini sele azokuphuma endawenakhe, kobana ahlunguphaze abahlali bephasi ngebanga lezono zabo. Iphasi lizakwembula iingazi ezithululwe kilo, angeze lisabafihla ababuleweko balo. USomnini unesabula esabekako, ekulu nenamandla. Mhlokho, ngesabulakhe uzohlunguphaza unomrhaso okuyinyoka emsinyana nonomlambo okuyinyoka emasonge. Uzokubulala nenyoka yamanzi. Mhlokho abantu bazakuthi: “Maye, isidiribe sihle! Vumani ngaso! Mina Somnini ngiyasitjheja, ngisisezela njalonjalo. Ngiselusa ubusuku nemini ukuze kungabikhona osilimazako. Angikathukutheli, kodwana loyo ongibangela iminga nameva, ngizamthelekela ngepi, ngimtjhise nakho koke lokho; nakungasinjalo akeze kimi azokhosela, enze ukuthula nami; iye, kumele enze ukuthula nami.” Siyeza isikhathi lapha uJakopo azakumila khona, u-Israyeli ahlume abe athuthumbe, azalise ubuso bephasi ngeenthelo. USomnini akakamadlhi uJakopo ngendlela amadlhe ngayo abamumadlhileko. Azange abulale u-Israyeli ngendlela abulele ngayo abambuleleko. Wena Zimu, walungisa icala nabo ngokudunga idorobho nangokubaqotjhela kude; iye, ngelanga lesiwuruwuru sepumalanga uSomnini wabaphephetha ngommoyakhe onamandla. Mbala, uzakuhlawula icala lakaJakopo. Ngaleyondlela uzakususa umphumela wesono sakhe: Wenza woke amatje wama-aldari aba njengamatje wepembe aphuphurekako. Imifanekiso yabo-Atjhera nama-aldari wetjhwalo azange atjhiywe asajamile. Ngambala, idorobho elalinemithangala alisenabantu, libuhlalo obutjhiyiweko, lilahlwe njengerhalawumba. Lapho kukarula amakonyana, ayalala aphumule khona, aqede amatjhwaba wakhona. Nasele iingala zakhona zomile, ziyephuka; abafazi bazitheze bayokubasa umlilo ngazo. Izakhamuzi zedorobheli azinangqondo, yeke owazidalako angeze azirhawukela, owazibumbako angeze aba nomusa kizo. Mhlokho uSomnini uzakubhula iinqwambi zekoroyi ukusukela eYufrathe ukuya emlanjaneni weGibhide. Nje-ke nina ma-Israyeli nizakubuthwa ngamunye ngamunye. Mhlokho, godu kuzakuvuthelwa ipalapala ekulu, kuthi labo ebegade balahlekile enarheni ye-Asiriya nalabo abaqotjhelwa enarheni yeGibhide beze baguqe phambi kwakaSomnini entabeni ecwengileko eJerusalema. Maye ngesihlohlo sokuziphakamisa kweendakwa zakwa-Efrayimu! Umkghabiso wedumo laka-Efrayimu lowo osesiqongweni sombundu womrhoba onothileko, ufana nethuthumbo elibunako eliseenhloko zababhedlhwa liwayini! Qalani, uSomandla unaloyo onamandla noqinileko. Loyo-ke ufana nokuwuluka kwelifu elinesinanja, ihlekelele yesiwuruwuru. Iye, unjengokuwuluka kwelifu lamanzi akhukhula koke, ulalisa koke phasi. Isihlohlo sokuziphakamisa kweendakwa zakwa-Efrayimu sizakugadangwa ngeenyawo. Umkghabiso wedumo laka-Efrayimu, osesiqongolweni sombundu womrhoba onothileko, ofana nethuthumbo elibunako, uzakuba njengekhiwani lokuthoma elivuthwe ihlobo lingakangeni, nanyana ngubani olibonako, uyalikha alidlele khonapho. Mhlokho uSomnini uMninimandlawoke uzakuba sihlohlo sedumo, umbhode wokuhloba kumisalela yabantu bakhe nommoya wokulunga kiloyo osebandla kanye namandla kabaqotjha ipi esangweni. Laba nabo bayerayeriswa liwayini, batherezeliswa marhugu, iye, umphristi nomphorofidi bayerayeriswa marhugu ngebanga lewayini bayahlangahlangana, ngebanga lamarhugu bayatherezela; nabayerayera njalo baba nemibono, bayathazele nabakhupha iingwebo. Woke amatafula agcwele ngamahlanzo anyenyisako, akunandawo ehlanzekileko. Bathi: “Ulinga ukufundisa ubani ilwazi, njekhona uhlathululela ubani umlayezo? Kghani labo abalunyulwe ekumunyeni, abakhunyulwe ebeleni na? Ngombana umrhali lo uthi, ‘Tsavu latsavu, tsavu latsavu, khavu lakhavu, khavu lakhavu! Libinzana lapha nebinzana laphaya!’ ” Ngambala ngeembhena ezingunguzako, nangelimu elitjhili, uZimu uzakhuluma nabantwabo, yena owathi kibo: “Lokhu kuphumula. Phumuzani abadiniweko ngombana lobu buledlhelo.” Kodwana bala ukulalela! Ngalokho ilizwi lakaSomnini kibo lizakuba ngilokhu: “Tsavu latsavu, tsavu latsavu, khavu lakhavu, khavu lakhavu! Libinzana lapha nebinzana laphaya!” Umphumela walokho kuzakuba kukobana bakhambe, badede sinyava, bephuke; iye, ngokubambeka esifwini bazakutjhotjholozwa. Yeke, lalelani ilizwi lakaSomnini nina nyefuli, iye, nina enibusa abantwaba eJerusalema! Ngambala nithe: “Senze isivumelwano nokufa, iye, isibopho nendawo yabafileko: Lokha isiwuruwuru esinamandla nasidlulako asizukuza kithi, ngombana senze amanga ubuphephelo bethu, sabhaca ngekohliso.” Ngalokho nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: “Qala, nginguloyo obeke ilitje lesisekelo eZiyoni, iye, ilitje elizizinyiweko, ilitje eliqakathekileko lejika elinzinzileko. Onethemba akasoze atatazela.” Ngizakwenza ubulungiswa bube silinganiso, nokulunga kube sinqophisamakho. Isinanja sizakumadlha isiphephelo samala namanzi awulukele phezu kobusithelo. Yeke isivumelwano sakho nokufa zakupheliswa, isibopho sakho nendawo yabafileko asizukujama; lokha isiwuruwuru esinamandla nasidlulako, nizakuba yinto yaso yokugadangwa. Njalo ekuseni nasidlulako, sizaniphephula, sizakuvunguza ubusuku nemini ngamalanga. Kwesabeka khulu nakuzwakala umlayezo othi: Umbhede mfitjhani khulu, kobana ningathabalala kiwo, nengubo yincani khulu, kobana ningazembesa ngayo. USomnini uzakuvela njengentabeni yePeratsimu, avuthe ngetukuthelo njengemrhobeni weGibeyoni, kobana enze izenzo zakhe. Kodwana izenzo zakhe zizakumangalisa! Iye, uzakuvela kobana enze umsebenzakhe, kodwana umsebenzakhe awukajayeleki! Yeke, masani ukunyefula; nakungasinjalo amakhamandelenu azakuqiniswa. Mbala, ngizwe umyalo ovela kuSomandla onguSomnini uMninimandlawoke begodu unzinzile: Inarha izakubhujiswa ngokupheleleko! Lalelani, nizwe ilizwi lami, yelelani, nizwe ikulumami. Ingabe umlimi uhlala alimela ukutjala na? Ingabe uhlala abhedula abe aphadlhe amagade wesimakhe na? Lokha nasele aleleze isimu, urhatjha imihlobohlobo yekumini atjale ikoroyi, inyaluthi nebhali endaweni efaneleko kanye nomunye umhlobo wamabele ngemaqadi. UZimakhe uyamyala amfundise okufaneleko. Ikumini ayibhulwa ngesileyi sokubhula nanyana kugedwe ikarana yamavili phezu kwayo. Awa, imihlobohlobo yekumini ibhulwa ngesibhulo namkha ngesigodo. Iinthoro zokwenza isikwa ziyasilwa, kodwana akahlali azibhula. Ukhambisa iinjomani nekarana phezu kwazo kodwana azisilisiswa. Lokhu nakho kuvela kuSomnini uMninimandlawoke, unezeluleko ezimangalisako begodu unikela ipumelelo ekulu. Uzazizwa wena Ariyeli, kehla yomlilo; iye, wena Ariyeli, dorobho elivinjezelwe nguDavida! Ragelani phambili umnyaka nomnyaka, nenze iminyanya ngesikhathi sayo, kodwana ngizakuhlunguphaza i-Ariyeli, kube nokulila nokuzila; iye, idorobheli kimi lizakuba yikehla yomlilo. Ngizakuvimbezela mahlangothi woke, ngikuragelele mazombe ngeenthala, ngenze imiqaqado magegana nawe. Uzakuguqiswa, utjhebe phasi ngomlomo, ukhume ihlabathi, uzakuginya amagama nawukhulumako, ungundaze inga uyathethelela, iye, ilizwi lakho lihlebe ethulini. Nokho, ngomzuzwana nje, iwoma lezitha zakho lizakuba njengethudlana, nesiqubuthu sabanelunya sibe njengomungu ophetjhulwa mumoya. Uzakukhanjelwa nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke ngomdumo, ukusikinyeka kanye netjhada elikhulu; ngesivunguvungu nangesiwuruwuru kanye namalangabi womlilo oqothulako. Isiqubuthu sazo zoke izizwe ezisahlela i-Ariyeli, boke abalwa nayo kanye nesiphephelo sayo nalabo abayibandezelako, bazakufana nebhudango, iye, umbono webusuku. Njengomuntu olambileko nabhudanga agoma, aphaphame asaphethwe yindlala, nanyana owomileko nabhudanga asela, aphaphame abogaboga aphethwe mrhawu, sizakuba njalo nesiqubuthu sezizwe zoke, esilwa nentaba yeZiyoni. Zimangazeni, nimangale, niziphophaze niphophale! Abaphorofidi bayadakwa, kodwana ingasi ngewayini nabaphristi bayatherezela, kodwana ingasi ngamarhugu! Mbala, uSomnini urhutjhulele phezu kwenu ummoya wobuthongo, uvale amehlwenu, okutjho abaphorofidi, wembese iinhloko zenu, okutjho ababoni. Isambulo sakho koke lokhu kini sifana namezwi womtlolo osongiweko. Nawunikelwa abakwazi ukufunda, bayalwe kuthiwe, “Fundani lokhu!”, bathi, “Asikwazi ngombana usongiwe.” Godu nawunikelwa abangakwazi ukufunda kuthiwe, “Siyanikhombela, akhese nifunde lapha!”, bathi, “Thina asikwazi ukufunda!”. USomandla uthe: “Ngebanga lokobana abantwaba, batjhidela kimi ngemilomabo, bangidumisa ngeembhena zabo, khisibe iinhliziyo zabo zikude nami, nokungilotjha kwabo kungokweemfundiso zabantu, ngalokho ngizakubuyelela godu, ngenze okumangazako ngabantwaba, iye, okurarako nokungakaqheleki: Ukuhlakanipha kweenhlakaniphi zabo kuzakuphupha nengqondo yobuhlakani babo izakunyelela.” Maye kini nina enifihlela uSomnini amano ngokuzikileko, nina eninezenzo zobumnyama, nenithi: “Ngubani osibonako? Ngubani osaziko?” Ukonakala okungaka! Umbumbi angathathwa bona mdaka na? Okudaliweko kungathi kumdali okudalileko, “Akakangidali kuhle!”, namkha okubunjiweko kuthi kokubumbileko, “Umbumbami lo akanangqondo!” na? Ngokukopheza kwelihlo iLibhanoni izakuba yisimu enothileko, iye, isimu enothileko ibonakale seyinjengehlathi. Mhlokho iinthulu zizakuzwa amezwi womsongo; kuthi iimphofu zivuleke amehlo ekufifiyeleni nebumnyameni bazo. Abazithobileko bazakubuye bathabe kuSomnini nabadududu khulu bahlokome koCwengileko wakwa-Israyeli. Onelunya akasazukuba khona, nomnyefuli uzakuphelelwa, boke labo abaquphe ukwenza ubumbi bazakujutjwa, iye, labo abadurhisa abantu ngamezwi, babekele umlamuli isifu ebandla, baphayele olungileko ngeqadi ngelize. Ngalokho nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini owahlenga u-Abrahamu, malungana nekumba kaJakopo: “UJakopo akasazukuba neenhloni, nobuso bakhe abusazukuphaphatheka ngombana lokha abantwabakhe nababona umsebenzi wezandla zami phakathi kwabo, bazakudumisa ibizo lami, badumise oCwengileko kaJakopo, besabe uZimu ka-Israyeli. Labo abadurhileko emmoyeni, bazakuzwisisa, nabanghonghoyilako bazakufunda ukuba nengqondo.” USomnini wathi: “Bazazizwa abantwana abanekani, abenza amano kodwana kungasiwo wami, benze isivumelwano ngaphandle kwentandwami, bangezelele isono phezu kwesono. Ngaphandle kokukhombela indlela kimi bayaphuma, behlele eGibhide, kobana bayokukhosela ebuphephelweni bakaFaro, baphephele emthunzini weGibhide. Ngalokho ukukhosela ebuphephelweni bakaFaro kuzakuba lihlazo kini nokuphephela emthunzini weGibhide kube kurhubutjhwa kwenu. “Lokha iinkhulu zabo naziseTsowani nabazenda babo sele bafike eRhanesi, omunye nomunye wabo uzakuba sehlazweni, ngebanga lesizwe esingeze sababhadekela, iye, isizwe esinganasizo nanzuzo, kwaphela ihlazo nokurhubutjhwa. Umthwalo obotjhelwe eenlwaneni sewungesewula, iye, enarheni yamahlungu nesizi, lapha kunamabhubezi asikazi naduna abhodlako, iye, inarha yeenqandani neenyoka ezimsinya inga ziyaphapha. Bathwele umnothwabo emhlana wabodumbana namagugwabo emalundeni wamakamela, baya esizweni esinganabubhadekelo. Mbala, iGibhide imumoya kwaphela, angeze yaba nobubhadekelo! Ngalokho ngithi ngayo, ‘Ingunomrhaso ongasikinyekiko’. Khamba khona nje, ufese ukutlole lokho phambi kwabo emqebethwini, ukutlole ngokugobhodlha ukuze kube ngokwesikhathi esizako, iye, kube bufakazi banini nanini.” Ngambala lesi sisizwe esihlubukako! Babantwana abakhohlisako, abangalaleli iimfundiso zakaSomnini ngombana bathi kubaboni: “Ningaboni!” Kubaphorofidi bathi: “Ningaphorofidi okuliqiniso kithi, kodwana sitjelani okusikarako kwaphela. Phorofidani isilahlekiso! Tjhiyani indlela yekadeni, nisuke kiyo; nisisusele thina ngoCwengileko wakwa-Israyeli.” Ngalokho nakhu okwatjhiwo ngoCwengileko wakwa-Israyeli: “Ngebanga lokobana nilahle ilizwi leli, nabeka ithemba lenu ekugandeleleni nekohlakalweni, nabambelela kikho, nje-ke, icala lelo kini lizakuba njengelifa emthangaleni ophakamileko, osele utjhigamele ukubhusuka phasi nokuwa kwawo kwenzeka msinyana.” USomnini uzalisasambisa ngokungalitlhuweli. Njengokwephuka kwembiza yombumbi lizakuphahlaka kungabi neqetjhana hlangana neenquqwana lokokha amalahle eziko namkha lokukha amanzi esizibeni. Nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla ongoCwengileko wakwa-Israyeli: “Nanibuyela kimi nibekezele, nizakusinda, amandlenu azakuba sekuzithobeni nethembeni.” Kodwana nalile, nathi: “Awa thina! Sizakubaleka ngeenjomani.” Ngalokho-ke nizakubaleka kwamambala! Godu nathi: “Sizakukhwela iinjomani ezinebelo khulu.” Ngalokho-ke abanigijimisako bazakuba nebelo khulukhulu! Ikulungwana izakubaleka ngokwethuselwa ngoyedwa, iye, nibaleke noke ngokwethuselwa ngabahlanu, kufikela benisukelwe ninodwa tere njengesika phezu kwesiqongolo sentaba, iye, njengephawu phezu kombundu. Nokho uSomnini ulindele ukuba nomusa kini, yeke, uzakuphakama ube nesisa kini, ngombana uSomnini unguZimu wokulunga. Babusisiwe boke abaqalelela kuye. Ngambala, nina bantu beZiyoni, bahlali beJerusalema, anisazukulila. USomnini uzakuba nomusa kini ekuzwakaleni kwesililo senu. Iye, nakasizwako uzasiphendula. Nanyana uSomandla aninikela isikwa sesizi namanzi wamatshwenyeko, yena ongumfundisenu angeze asazifihla godu namehlwenu azambona. Nanijikela ngesidleni namkha ngesinceleni, iindlebe zenu zizakuzwa ilizwi ngemva kwenu lisithi: “Nasi indlela: Khambani kiyo.” Yeke nizakusilaphaza abosingazimu ababazwe ngesiliva neenthombe zenu ezinamekwe ngegolide. Nizabalahla njengomtjhubelo. Nizakuthi kibosingazimabo: “Sukelani le!” UZimu uzakunisa izulu phezu kwembewu oyitjalileko esimini, akunikela ikoroyi okumkhiqizo wequlwani. Umkhiqizo lowo uzakuhloma bewunone. Mhlokho ifuywakho izakukarula emadlelweni abanzi; iinkomo nabodumbana abalima amasimu bazakudla ifuru ethanjisiweko eyaphuma nakweliwa ikoroyi ngetjhefula neforogo. Kenye nenye intaba ephakemeko nombundu omude kuzakuba nemilanjana egeleza amanzi ngelanga lokurhayilwa okukhulu lokha nakugirika imibhotjhongo. Ukukhanya kwenyezi kuzakufana nokwelanga. Ukukhanya kwelanga kubuyelelwe kalikhomba njengokukhanya kwamalanga alikhomba, mhlana uSomnini abopha amanceba wabantu bakhe, alaphe amaduma avezwe kubetha kwakhe. Qala, ibizo lakaSomnini livela kude, ilaka lakhe liyavutha lenza isimukuthu esimabhombo. Iimbhena zakhe zizele itukuthelo, nelimu lakhe lifana nomlilo oqothulako. Ukuphefumula kwakhe kufana nomlambo ophuphuma ukufikelela entanyeni. USomnini uyeza kobana ahlunge izizwe, ngesihlungo sokurhayila; iye, nokufaka emihlathini yabantu amatomu abadurhisako. Nizakubhina iingoma njengalokha nanizihlambulula ebusuku ngaphambi komnyanya. Kuzakuba nethabo ehliziyweni njengalokha nakubethwa inghwani lekhambo lokukhuphukela entabeni kaSomnini olidwala laka-Israyeli. USomnini uzakuzwakalisa ilizwi lakhe elindondako; etukuthelweni evuthako uzakubonisa ukubetha kwengalwakhe ngelangabi lomlilo oqothulako, ngetjhada lezulu, ngesiwuruwuru nangesinanja. I-Asiriya izakubethwa ngevalo lokha nayizwa ilizwi lakaSomnini nalokha arhidla ngeswazi lakhe. Okhunye nokhunye ukurithwa ngeswazi lokuhlunguphaza uSomnini azakulidosa phezu kwe-Asiriya, kuzakuphekelelwa litjhada labosotjherere namaharibhana negido lokuzahlukanisela. Uzakulwa nama-Asiriya ngombana iziko lalungiselelwa kade; iye, lahlelelwa ikosawo. USomnini wenza umgodi weziko watjhinga begodu waba banzi. Kunamalahle avuthako neenkuni ezinengi, nje-ke ukuphefumula kwakaSomnini sele kuvuthela njengomlandelande wesibabuli. Bazazizwa abehlela eGibhide kobana bayokufuna isizo. Bathembele eenjomanini, iye, bathembela eenkaraneni zepi nebakhwelini bazo ngombana zizinengi khulu, kodwana bangaqaleleli koCwengileko ka-Israyeli, namkha bafune uSomnini! Kodwana ungohlakaniphileko yena begodu unekghono lokwehlisa ihlekelele. Yena akatjhuguluki emezwinakhe kodwana uzakujamelana nesigungu seenkhohlakali, nabasizi beengilamkhuba. AmaGibhide ababantu, akasinguZimu, iinjomani zawo ziyinyama, azisimumoya. Lokha uSomnini nelula isandla sakhe, umsizi oliGibhide uzakukhutjwa, nosizwako uzakuwa, boke bazakubhubha ndawonye. Nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini kimi: “Njengebhubezi namkha ibhubezana elirorako nalibambe inyamazanalo, nanyana iwoma labelusi lijamelana nalo, alesatjiswa kurhuwelela kwabo, namkha lihlehle etjhadeni labo; ngokunjalo uSomnini uMninimandlawoke uzokwehla, kobana avikele intaba yeZiyoni, nemibundu yalo. Njengokuphapha kweenyoni ngehla, ngokunjalo uSomnini uMninimandlawoke uzakuvikela iJerusalema; iye, uzayivikela bekayitjhaphulule, ayibabalele bekayisindise.” Bantu bakwa-Israyeli, buyelani kiloyo abantu abangazange bamthembakalele. Mbala, mhlokho noke nizakudela abosingazimu benu besiliva nebegolide enibenzelwe zizandla zenu ngokona. “Ama-Asiriya azakubulawa ngesabula, kodwana kungabi ngesandla somuntu; iye, azakurhiribidelwa yisabula, kodwana ekungasiyo yobhubhako. Ibutho le-Asiriya lizakubalekela isabula leyo bese amasokana wakhona akatelelwe ngomsebenzi. Idwala layo lizakunyamalala ngebanga levalo neenkhulu zayo zitjhiye iphawu ngokwesaba.” Watjho njalo uSomnini uMninimandlawoke. Umlilwakhe useZiyoni nekehlakhe iseJerusalema. Qala, kuzakubusa ikosi ngokulunga namakhosana aphathe ngefanelo. Omunye nomunye wabo uzakuba njengobuphephelo emmoyeni nesiviko esiwuruwurwini; iye, njengomlambo endaweni eyomileko nomthunzi wedwala elikhulu enarheni edambileko. Yeke amehlo wababonako angeze avalwe neendlebe zabezwako zizakulalela. Imikhumbulo yabanganangqondo izakuba nokugweba okulungileko namalimu wabangunguzako azakukhuluma butjhelelezi. Isidlhadlha angeze sabizwa ngokuthi sihloniphekile, nomgulukudu angeze wathathwa njengonesithunzi ngombana isidlhadlha sikhuluma ubudlhadlha nomkhumbulwaso usopha okumbi: Sizijayeze ukungasabi uZimu, sikhuluma ngokuhlambalaza uSomnini, sidime olambileko ukudla, sibulalise owomileko ngomrhawu. Indlela yomgulukudu ikukhohlakala: Uhlela amaqhinga wokonakala ukuze ubhubhise abachakileko ngamanga ngitjho nanyana isibawo sodududu sifanelekile. Kodwana ohloniphekileko uhlela okuhloniphekileko, adzimelele ezenzweni zokuhlonipheka. Nina bafazi abazigedlileko, sikimani nilalele ilizwi lami; madodakazi azethembako, lalelani ikulumami! Ngaphezudlwana komnyaka, nina enizethembako nizakuthuthumela ngombana isivuno samadiribe sizakutshwila, isivuno seenthelo asizukuba khona. Hlengezelani nina bafazi abazigedlileko, yesabani nina enizethembako; hlubulani izambatho zangaphandle nembathe iinzilo emadininenu! Thwalani imikhono ehloko ngebanga lamasimu akarisako neendiribe ezithelako, iye, ngebanga lamasimu wabantu bami, embeswe mameva nomonyani, nangazo zoke iinkumba zokujabula ngedorobheni eliphithizelako. Isigodlo sizakulahlwa, idorobho eliyaluzelako litjhiywe, i-Ofeli nesithala sabalindi, zizakuba mrhula kuya kuyile, ithabo labodumbana bommango namadlelo wemihlambi. Kuzakuba njalo kufikela lapha ummoya ovela phezulu uthelwa khona kithi bese ibhudu liba yisimu enothileko, iye, isimu yeenthelo ibonakale seyinjengehlathi. Ubulungiswa buzakuhlala ebhudwini, ukulunga kunamathele esimini enothileko. Iinthelo zokulunga zizakuletha ukuthula, iye, umphumela wokulunga ube kuzotha nokuvikeleka nini nanini. Abantu bami bazakuhlala endaweni ethulileko, ngeenkumbeni ezivikelekileko neendaweni zokuphumula ezizothileko. Kodwana ihlathi lezitha lizakurhadlwa sinanja, bese idorobho lazo liyadanjiswa. Nibusisiwe nina enitjale magegana nayo yoke imilanjana, iye, nina enitjhaphulula ikomo nodumbana. Uzazizwa wena mrhayili! Uzazizwa wena mkhohlisi! Azange khewurhayilwe, azange khewukhohliswe, kodwana nasele uqedile ukurhayila, nawe uzakurhayilwa, nasele ulisile ukukhohlisa, nawe uzakukhohliswa. Maye Somnini! Yiba nomusa kithi, siqalelele kuwe nasinje. Yiba mamandlethu njalo ekuseni nesindiswethu eenkhathini zesizi. Izizwe zizakubaleka lokha nakuzwakala umdumo wakho nabantu bahlakazeke phambi kobukhosi bakho. Okuhlangulweko kuzakubuthelelwa njengokuqothula kwesikhonyani; njengokubhibha kwewoma lentethe abantu bawalazele ipango. USomnini uphakeme, iye, uhlala ekuphakameni, uzakuzalisa iZiyoni ngobulungiswa nangokulunga. Kuzakuba nokunzinza ngeenkhathi zenu, bantu beJerusalema: Ukuhlakanipha nelwazi kuzakuba yisika yesizo; ukwesaba uSomnini kuligugu leZiyoni. Qala, abantu be-Ariyeli basarhuwelela eendledlaneni, iinthunywa zokuthula zisabibitheka. Iindlela zitjhiyiwe, abakhambi abasekho kizo. Umkhohlisi wephule isivumelwano, wanyaza abofakazi besivumelwano azange abe nendaba nobhubhako. Inarha iyalila begodu iyabundana; iLibhanoni iphela amandla begodu iyabuna, iTjharoni sese ifana nerhalawumba, iBhatjhani neKarameli ziwohloka amakari. USomnini uthi: “Nje-ke khona ngizakusikima, iye, ngizakuphakama, manje ngizokuphakanyiswa. Nina barhayili nimitha utjani obomileko, nizakubeletha amawunguwungu; umphefumulwenu umlilo ozoniqothula. Amathambo wezizwe azakutjha abe kwanga yipembe, iye, njengameva agawuliweko abe atjhiswa. “Yizwani ngengikwenzileko, nina enikhatjhana; nani eniseduze, vumani amandlami. Izoni eziseZiyoni ziphila ngevalo ukuthuthumela kwembethe abanganaZimu bathi, ‘Ngubani phakathi kwethu ongaphila ngomlilo oqothulako? Ngubani phakathi kwethu, ongaphila ngamalangabu weziko lanini nanini?’ ” Loyo okhamba ngokulunga, akhulume okunetlha, oqalela phasi inzuzo yezenzo zokugandelela, othintitha izandla zakhe angamukeli ukufunjathiswa, ovala iindlebe zakhe kobana angezwa ngokuthuluka kweengazi, namehlwakhe kobana angaboni ubumbi, yena uzakuhlala ekuphakameni, ubuphephelo bakhe buzakuba lidwala elingafikelelekiko, ukugoma kwakhe kuhlala kukhona namanzakhe aqinisekisiwe. Amehlwakho azakubona iKosi ebuphaziphazini bayo; aqale inarha enabele kude. Umkhumbulwakho uzakudlumbana ngezehlo ezethusako: isikhulu esigcina imininingwana yomthelo, umuntu olinganise isibiko nobala iinthala esidiribeni. Angeze usababona abantu abanelunya, abantu abanekulumo etjharageneko ongeze wayizwa, bakwitiza ngelimi elingazwakaliko. Qala iZiyoni, idorobho leminyanyethu! Amehlwakho akaqale iJerusalema, indawo ethulileko! Iye, itende elinzinzileko, elineenkhonkhwani ezingasoze zatsonyulwa nelineentambo ezingasoze zadatjulwa. Ngambala, lapho uSomnini uzakuba ngakithi ngobukhosi bakhe. Kuzakuba yindawo enemilambo, lapha imilanjana inabela khona ngemahlangothini woke. Lapho akuzukuthaya iinthayamanzi zamaphini begodu akuzokudlula imikhumbi enobukhosi. Mbala, Somnini umugwebethu; uSomnini umubusethu; uSomnini uyikosethu; yena uzasisindisa. Iintambo zakho zinyefile wena mkhumbi wezitha, azikghoni ukuqinisa isika namkha zithabulule iseyila. Nje-ke ipango enengi izakwahlukaniswa, ngitjho nabahluzako bazakuphanga iinhlangulo. Akunamhlali weJerusalema ozakuthi: “Ngiyagula.” Abantu abahlala lapho, bazakuthethelelwa icala labo. Tjhidelani nina zizwe, nizwe, lalelani nina bantu! Iphasi loke alizwe, nakho koke okukilo, inarha, nakho koke okumila kiyo. USomnini uthukuthelele izizwe zoke, ufuthekele loke ibutho lazo uzithuwelelisile, wazinikela ekuhlatjweni. Ababuleweko bazo bazakulahlwa, nesivunda seendumbu zabo sizakusabalala, iintaba zithonte iingazi zabo. Woke umkhambathi womkayi uzakuncithika nesibhakabhaka sisongwe njengomsongo. Iye, woke umkhambathi wakhona uzakukokorana, njengekari elitjhwaba esidiribeni, namkha isithelo esikhuna emkhiwaneni. USomnini wathi: “Isabulami nayibonakala esibhakabhakeni, qala, izakwehlela phezu kwaka-Edomu, iye, phezu kwabantu engibabekele isigwebo sokubhujiswa.” USomnini unesabula ekghamathele umhlwehlwe; iye, iphopha iingazi zeemvana, zeembuzi nezamaqama ngombana uSomnini wenze umhlabelo eBotsira, kwaba kuhlaba okukhulu enarheni yakwa-Edomu. Iinyathi zizakuwa nazo neenkunzi zizakuwa kanye nezinamandla. Inarha yama-Edomu izakugeleza iingazi nequlwanayo ivundiswe ngomhlwehlwe. USomnini unelanga lokusibona umlandu, iye, umnyaka wokubuyiselela endabeni yeZiyoni. Imilanjana yakwa-Edomu izakuba sikontiri, iqulwani yakhona ibe sibabuli; iye, nenarha ibe sikontiri esivuthako. Asizukucima ubusuku nemini, intuthwaso izakhuphuka mndundu. Iinzukulwana ngeenzukulwana inarha leyo izakuba libhudu; akunamuntu ozakudabula kiyo nini nanini. Izakuba lilifa lemihlobohlobo yeenrhulurhulu namagubulu ahlale kiyo. USomnini uzakwelula phezu kwe-Edomu, intambo yesilinganiso sehlangahlangano, namatje wesibekiso sokubhujiswa. Nakubabusi be-Edomu, akunalitho labo elizakusala lapho abangalibiza bona mbuso; iinkhulu zakhona zizakupheliswa. Ameva azakumila eensikeni zayo, ikhula nemitjhatjhana kuzakumumela iimphephelo. Izakuba lidzaba labophagana nobudlelo beenciliba. Iimpaka zizakuhlangana neempisi neembandana ezisambuzi zizakubetha umkhulungwana. Imimoya emimbi yobusuku izigedle lapho, ifunyane indawo yokuzipholela. Lapho umhlobo wenyoka uzakuba nesikhundla, uzalele; amadzinyanawo aqoqosele emthunzinawo. Ngambala lapho kuzakubuthana abokholo, kube ngiloyo naloyo anomnganyanakhe. (Funani benifunde encwadini kaSomnini: Iimbandanezo zitlolwe lapho begodu zikhamba ngambili. Mbala, kwayala umlomo kaSomnini nommoyakhe wazihlanganisa. USomnini nguye oziphosele ifumbe, isandla sakhe sazabela ngentambo yesilinganiso, nje-ke zizakuhlala ziyizuzile nini nanini, iinzukulwana ngeenzukulwana zizakuhlala kiyo.) Irhalawumba nenarha eyomileko kuzakuthaba, ibhudu lihlokome, liqhakaze. Njengamakhwa weTjharoni lizakuthuthumba khulu, lihlokome ngethabo nangokuvuma. Lizakunikelwa idumo leLibhanoni, ubukhosi beKarameli neTjharoni. Abathunjwa bazakubona idumo lakaSomnini nobukhosi bakaZimethu. Khuthazani izandla ezibuthakathaka, niqinise amadolo abogabogako. Yithini kabaneenhliziyo ezizazako: “Qinani, ningesabi! Nangu uZimenu; uzakuza ngokubuyiselela, iye, ngomvuzo waloyo osabekako. Yena uzakuza anisindise.” Ngesikhatheso amehlo weemphofu azakubona neendlebe zeenthulu zivuleke, abarholopheleko bazatjakadula njengehlangumataka nelimu leemumu lililizele. Mbala, amanzi azakuthumbuka erhalawumbeni nemilanjana ebhudwini. Iqulwani etjhisako izakuba sitete negagadu libe ziiyalo. Edzabeni labophagana okuyindawabo yokuphumula, utjani buzakuba mgaba nekhakha. Kuzakuba nendlela evulekileko, izakubizwa bona yindlela ecwengileko, abasilapheleko angeze bakhambe lapho, kodwana izakuba ngeyabantu bakaZimu, isikhambi angeze sadurha kiyo, ngitjho nabanganalemuko. Akunabhubezi elizaba khona lapho namkha kuvele kiyo isibandana esidabulako, angeze zafunyaneka lapho, kodwana abahlengiweko bazakhamba lapho. Iye, abahlengiweko bakaSomnini bazakubuya, beze eZiyoni ngokujekezela, ithabo elingapheliko lizakuba sihlohlo sabo; bazakuzuza ithabo nokwenama, isizi nokububula kubaleke. Ngomnyaka wetjhumi nane wokubusa kwekosi uHezekhiya, uSanirheribu ikosi ye-Asiriya wasahlela woke amadorobho wakwaJuda anemithangala bewawathumba. Kwathi ikosi ye-Asiriya iseLakitjhi yathumela umkhulumelayo nebutho elikhulu ekosini uHezekhiya eJerusalema. Wajama emseleni ovela esizibeni esingehla, endleleni eya endaweni lapha kuhlanzwa khona iimpahla. U-Eliyakhimu umsa kaRhilikhiya, umphathi wesigodlo noTjhebina ongumabhalana kanye noJowarhi ongusosiba baphuma bawahlangabeza. Umkhulumeli wekosi ye-Asiriya wabatjela bona batjele uHezekhiya bathi: “Nakhu ekutjhoko ikosi ekulu, ingwenyama ye-Asiriya ithi, ‘Ulibeke kuphi ithemba lakho lelo? Ucabanga bona amagamakho amumoya lawo angajamelana namaqhinga webutho kanye namandla na? Uzakuthi uthembele kubani nawuhlubuka mina nje? Kuyabonakala bonyana uthembe iGibhide, efana nomhlanga ophukileko ohlaba uthumbuse isandla somuntu odzimelela kiwo! Kuba njalo-ke nakiloyo oziseka ngoFaro, ikosi yeGibhide. Nanyana ufuna ukungitjela bona uthembele kuSomnini uZimenu? Kanti akusuye uzinyana loyo uHezekhiya abhuruze iindunduma nama-aldarakhe lokha natjela abantu bakwaJuda nebeJerusalema bonyana balotjhe e-aldareli kwaphela? “ ‘Ngikubhejela ngekosami ye-Asiriya: Nanyana ngingakunikela iinkulungwana ezimbili zeenjomani, ungeze bewube nabantu abangazikhwela. Alo-ke, ungamsunduza njani ngitjho namunye wabaphathi abancani beensebenzi zekosami nakusahlelako na? Nanyana uthembe iGibhide bona izakulethela iinkarana nabakhweli bazo na? “ ‘Umkhulumeli wamtshima godu wathi: “Ngaphezu kwalokho, ucabanga bona ikosami ize lapha ukuzokubhubhisa inarha le ngaphandle kwelizwi lakaSomnini uZimenu na? NguZimenu loyo oyithumele lapha bona ibhubhise inarha le.” ’ ” Nje-ke u-Eliyakhimu, uTjhebina noJowarhi bathi kumkhulumeli: “Sibawa bona ukhulume neenceku zakho ngesi-Aramu ngombana sona siyasizwa. Sibawa ungakhulumi nathi ngesiJuda phambi kwabantu abaphezu komthangala wedorobho.” Kodwana umkhulumeli waphendula wathi: “Kanti nidlumbana bona ngithunywe bonyana ngikhulume iintwezi ekosinenu nakini kwaphela, kungabi nebantwini laba abahlezi phezu komthangala na? Nabo njengani kuzakufanela bona badle uthuvi babo bebasele nomhlambulukwabo!” Yeke umkhulumeli wasikima warhuwelela ngesiJuda wathi: “Lalelani ilizwi lekosi ekulu, ingwenyama ye-Asiriya! Nakhu ekutjhoko ithi, ‘Ningavumeli uHezekhiya anikhohlise ngombana angekhe anisindise. Ningamvumeli bona aniyenge nithembele kuSomnini ngokuthi athi kini: “ ‘USomnini uzasisindisa nedorobheli angekhe lanikelwa esandleni sekosi ye-Asiriya.’ “Ningamlaleli uHezekhiya ngombana nakhu ekutjhoko ikosi ye-Asiriya ithi, ‘Zinikeleni! Niphume edorobheni nize kimi! Omunye nomunye kini uzazidlela esidiribeni sakhe nemakhiwanenakhe bese uziselela amanzi womgodi azenzele wona. Nje-ke ningenza lokho bengifike nginithathe nginise enarheni efanele nina, okuyinarha yekoroyi neyewayini elitjha, inarha yamabele nesidiribe. Ningakhohliswa nguHezekhiya lo ngokuthi batjho uSomnini uzanisindisa. Kukhona uzinyana wananyana ngisiphi isizwe owakhe wasindisa inarhakhe esandleni sekosi ye-Asiriya na? Baphi abozinyana beRhamathi ne-Ariphadi? Baphi abozinyana beSefarivayimu? Bayisindisa iSamariya esandleni sami na? Ngimuphi kibo boke abozinyana bamazwe la owakghona ukusindisa inarhakhe esandleni sami? Alo, uZimenu loyo yena angayisindisa njani iJerusalema esandleni sami?’ ” Kodwana abantu bazithulela bathi du, akhange batjho litho ngombana ikosi uHezekhiya gade ibayalile yathi: “Ningathomi nimphendule.” Nje-ke u-Eliyakhimu umsa kaRhilikhiya umphathi wesigodlo, uTjhebina umabhalana kanye noJowarhi usosiba omsa ka-Asafa, baya kuHezekhiya izambatho zabo zitlebhukile, bafese bamtjela koke umkhulumeli akutjhwileko. Kwathi bona ikosi uHezekhiya izwe ngalokho, yadabula izambatho zayo, yembatha iinzilo, yanqomba ethempelini lakaSomnini. Yathumela u-Eliyakhimu umphathi wesigodlo noTjhebina umabhalana kanye nabaphathi babaphristi ku-Isaya umphorofidi, omsa ka-Amotsi. Boke bebambethe iinzilo. Bafese bathi kuye: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguHezekhiya uthi, ‘Ilanga lanamhlanje ngelamatlhuwo nelokuhlunguphazwa kanye nokurhubutjhwa. Linjengalokha nakufanele kubelethwe abantwana bese kutlhogeka amandla wokubabeletha. Mhlamunye uSomnini uZimakho uwezwile woke amezwi akhulunywe mkhulumeli, ogade athunywe mphathakhe ikosi ye-Asiriya bonyana azokuphoqa uZimu ophilako. Kungenzeka bona uSomnini uZimakho azibuyiselele ngamezwi awezwileko lawo. Yeke wena thandazela abantu abaseleko.’ ” Kuthe lokha iinkhulu zekosi uHezekhiya nazifika ku-Isaya, u-Isaya wathi kizo: “Tjelani umphathenu bona nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Ungethukwa ngalokho okuzwileko, okumamezwi iinkhulu zekosi ye-Asiriya ezingithuke ngawo. Qala-ke! Ngizokudlharumisa ikosi ye-Asiriya, izwe amahlebezi bese ibuyela enarhenayo, ibulawe ngesabula khonapho.’ ” Umkhulumeli wezwa bona ikosi ye-Asiriya isukile eLakitjhi, nje-ke wabuyela emuva wayifunyana ilwa neLebhina. USanirheribu wafumana umbiko bonyana uTirihakha ikosi yeKutjhe uyeza ukuzomsahlela. Lokha nezwa lokho, wathumela godu iinthunywa kuHezekhiya nelizwi elithi: “Tjelani uHezekhiya ikosi yakwaJuda bona angavumeli ukukhohliswa nguzinyanakhe athembele kuye ngokuthi athi, ‘IJerusalema angeze yanikelwa esandleni sekosi ye-Asiriya.’ Nginesiqiniseko sokobana uzizwele ngokwakho ukuthi amakhosi we-Asiriya enzeni kizo zoke iinarha, azibhubhisileko. Alo, wena uzakusinda na? Abozinyana bezizwe ezabhujiswa bobamkhulu bakhe bazisindisa na? Ngitjho izizwe zeGozani, zeRharani, zeRetsefu nabantu be-Edeni ebegade baseTelasari? Iphi ikosi yeRhamathi, ye-Ariphadi neyedorobho leSefarivayimu namkha yeHena nanyana ye-Ava?” UHezekhiya wamukela incwadi eenthunyweni wayifunda. Yeke wakhuphukela ethempelini lakaSomnini wafese wayindlala phambi kwakaSomnini. Wathandaza kuSomnini wathi: “Awu, Somnini Mninimandlawoke, wena Zimu wakwa-Israyeli ohlala phezu kwamakerubhi, nguwe wedwa uZimu ngaphezu kwemibuso yoke yephasi. Udale izulu nephasi. Awu, Somnini, akhese ubeke indlebe ulalele, uvule namehlwakho Somnini bese uyabona. Akhese uthi uyalalela woke amezwi uSanirheribu awathumele bona aphoqe uZimu ophilako. “Kuliqiniso Somnini, amakhosi we-Asiriya abhudabhude zoke izizwezi kanye neenarha zazo. Aphosela abozinyana bazo emlilweni, ababhubhisa ngombana bebanganabujamo bakaZimu kodwana bebaziingodo namatje, izinto ezibunjwe ngezandla. Nje-ke Somnini, Zimethu, yewusisindise esandleni sekosi ye-Asiriya ukuze yoke imibuso yephasi yazi bonyana nguwe wedwa uSomnini.” Nje-ke u-Isaya umsa ka-Amotsi wathumela umlayezo kuHezekhiya wathi: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, ‘Ngebanga lokobana uthandaze kimi malungana noSanirheribu ikosi ye-Asiriya, nanti-ke ilizwi uSomnini alikhulume ngaye: “ ‘Itlawu eliyiZiyoni, liyakunyaza beliyakukhwinyisela. Indodakazi ekuyiJerusalema ikuthintithela ihloko nawufulatheleko. Ngubani omphoqileko bewamethuka na? Bewurhuwelela bani bewumphakamisele iinhlonze na? Wenze lokho koCwengileko ka-Israyeli! Ngeenceku zakho uphoqe uSomandla! Uzitjele wathi, “Ngeenkarana zami ezinengi, sengiphakamele eenqongweni zeentaba, ngitjho nemajukujukwini weLibhanoni. Ngigawule imisedari emide nemithi ekhethekileko yomsayipurusi. Ngangena emaweni wayo nesiminyaminyeni samahlathayo. Ngembe imithombo eenarheni ezitjhili, ngasela amanzi lapho. Ngebhadulo lami ngomise yoke imilanjana yeGibhide.” “ ‘Awukezwa na? Ngakuhlela kade lokho. Ngakujamisa emihleni yekadeni, nje-ke ngikuphumelelisile, kobana amadorobho anemithangala, uwenze aba liqubi lewiliwili, iye, iinqorho zenyakanyaka. Abantu bakhona baphelelwa mamandla, bakhena bebarhubutjhwa. Bafana neemila zommango, nanjengamahlumela asathambileko. Baba njengotjani etatawini obubuniswa lilanga busahluma. “ ‘Ngazi ukulala nokuvuka kwakho, ukuphuma nokungena kwakho, ngitjho nendlela ongibhavumulela ngayo. Njengombana ungibhavumulela nje nokuzikhakhazisa kwakho ngikulemukile, ngizokufaka isikghopholo sami epumulwenakho netomu lami ngemlonyenakho. Ngizokwenza ubuyele emuva ngendlela oze ngayo. “ ‘Lokhu-ke kuzakuba litshwayo kuwe Hezekhiya: “ ‘Nonyaka uzakugoma amakhakhazela, emnyakeni wesibili ugome okuzimilelako. Kodwana emnyakeni wesithathu uzakutjala bewuvune, uzakuhloma iindiribe bewugome iinthelo zazo. Godu abasindileko bendlu kaJuda, bazokuba nemirabhu ngaphasi bese bahloma iinthelo ngaphezulu ngombana abaseleko eJerusalema bazakusabalala nabasinde entabeni yeZiyoni banabe. Ukutjhisakalela kwakaSomnini uMninimandlawoke, kuzakuphelelisa lokhu. “ ‘Yeke nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini mayelana nekosi ye-Asiriya: “ ‘Angekhe yangena edorobheneli, namkha idumuze umsubela la. Asoze yalisahlela ngokuzivikela ngesihlangu namkha ilakhele isiqabo magegana nomthangala. Izakubuyela emuva ngendlela eze ngayo, asoze yangena kilelidorobho.’ ” Watjho njalo uSomnini. “Ngizolivikela idorobheli bengilisindise ngenca yami nangenca kaDavida incekwami!” Ingilozi kaSomnini yaphuma yasahlela ekampeni yama-Asiriya abantu abaziinkulungwana ezilikhulu namatjhumi abunane nahlanu. Kwathi abantu nabavukako ekuseni ngakusasa, iindumbu bezilele ubujadajada! Nje-ke uSanirheribu ikosi ye-Asiriya wadiliza ikampa wabuyela eNiniva wayokuhlala khona. Kwathi ngelinye ilanga asalotjha ethempelini lakazinyanakhe uNisiroki, abesabakhe u-Adrameleki noSaretseri bamhlahlela ngesabula bebabalekela enarheni ye-Ararathi. U-Esarirhadoni umsakhe waba yikosi esikhundleni sakhe. Emihleni leyo uHezekhiya wagula wabangwa neenzibi. Umphorofidi u-Isaya umsa ka-Amotsi waya kuye wafese wathi: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Lungisa iindaba zomzakho ngombana uzokufa, awukazukuphola.’ ” UHezekhiya waphendulela ubuso bakhe ebodeni wathandaza kuSomnini wathi: “Awu Somnini, akhese ukhumbule bona ngakhamba phambi kwakho ngokuthembeka nangehliziyo epheleleko, ngenza okulungileko ebusweni bakho.” UHezekhiya walila kabuhlungu! Nje-ke ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika ku-Isaya lathi: “Khamba ufese utjele uHezekhiya bona uSomnini uZimu kayihlo uDavida uthi, ‘Ngiwuzwile umthandazwakho, ngabona neenyembezi zakho. Nje-ke ngizakwengeza ipilwakho ngeminyaka elitjhumi nahlanu. Wena nedorobheli ngizonisindisa esandleni sekosi ye-Asiriya, iye, ngivikele idorobheli. “ ‘Leli-ke litshwayo kuwe lokobana uSomnini uzakwenza akuthembisileko: Qala, ngizakwenza bonyana umthunzi welanga ubuyele emuva ngamagadango alitjhumi ukuya phasi emqaqadweni ka-Arhazi.’ ” Nje-ke umthunzi welanga wabuyela emuva amagadango alitjhumi ebesele uwehlile. Nakhu okwatlolwa nguHezekhiya, ikosi yakwaJuda, ngemva kokupholiswa kwakhe ekuguleni: Mina ngadlumbana ngathi: “Phakathi kwamalangami wokuphila bekumele ngikhambe, iye, ngibizelwe ukuba semasangweni wendawo yabafileko iminyakami yoke.” Ngathi: “Angeze bengisabona uSomnini, iye, uSomnini enarheni yabaphilako; angeze bengisaqala umuntu wenyama, lokha nangiselizweni labangasekho.” Njengetende lomelusi, iinkhonkhwani zekhaya lami zitsonyuliwe, iye, itende lepilwami lilungele ukususwa kimi. Kumele ngisonge ipilwami njengomluki nakasonga umseme ngombana uSomnini bekangisusa ebulukelweni. Ubusuku nemini wena Somnini bewungiqedelela. Kwathi ngisalele lapho bekwasa, waphohloza woke amathambami njengebhubezi; iye, ubusuku nemini bewungiqedelela. Ngalila njengekonjani, ngabubula njengezuba. Ngafiphaza amehlwami ngiqale emazulwini. Ngisesizini Somandla, yewungenyele! Ngingathini nje? USomnini ukhulume nami begodu nguye owenze akuthembisileko. Ngingaphila ipilwami yoke, ngikhohlwe ubumunyu bomphefumulwami. Somandla, abantu baphila ngeenthembiso zakho. Nami ngizakuphila iminyakami yoke ngombana wena ungipholisile, wangiphilisa. Ngambala, kube nembuyiselo ukobana ngizwe ubuhlungu obungakaya. Ungigcine ethandweni lakho, wangiphephisa emgodini wokubola lokha nawufulathela zoke izono zami. Indawo yabafileko angeze yakuthokoza, ukufa angeze kwakudumisa. Labo abehlela emgodini, angeze basathembela ekwethembekeni kwakho. Ophilako, iye, ophilako nguye okudumisako njengombana ngenza namhlanjesi. Ubaba wazisa abantwabakhe ngokwethembeka kwakho: “USomnini ube lisizo lami, nje-ke asivumeni ngeenliliso zami zeenara yoke imihla yokuphila kwethu, ethempelini lakaSomnini.” U-Isaya wayala bona kubekwe amakwapa wamakhiwani phezu kwethumba bese uyaphola. Godu uHezekhiya wabuza wathi: “Sizakubayini isibonakaliso kobana ngizakukhuphukela ethempelini lakaSomnini na?” Ngesikhatheso uMerodaki-Bhaladani umsa kaBhaladani ikosi yeBhabheli wathumela incwadi nesipho kuHezekhiya ngombana gade ezwile ngokugula nangokuphola kwakhe. UHezekhiya wamukela iinthekeli ngetokozo bewazitjengisa koke okugade kungendlinakhe yamagugu: isiliva, igolide, iinungo namafutha we-oliva atsengiweko. Wazitjengisa nalokho ekugade kungendlini yeenkhali nakho koke okwafunyanwa ngeendlini zakhe zokubeka. Akunalitho ngesigodlweni sakhe namkha ebukhosini bakhe uHezekhiya angazange alikhombise iinthekelezo. Nje-ke umphorofidi u-Isaya waya ekosini uHezekhiya wabuza wathi: “Bathini abantwaba, khisibe babuyaphi khona?” UHezekhiya waphendula wathi: “Bavela khatjhana, eBhabheli.” Umphorofidi wabuza wathi: “Baboneni ngesigodlweni sakho na?” UHezekhiya wathi: “Babone koke okungesigodlweni sami. Godu akunalitho ngeendlini zami zokubeka engingazange ngibakhombise lona.” Yeke u-Isaya wathi kuHezekhiya: “Lalela-ke ilizwi lakaSomnini uMninimandlawoke lithi, ‘Kwamambala isikhathi siyeza lapha koke okusesigodlweni sakho, nakho koke aboyihlo abakhe bakubulunga bekube namhlanje, kuzakuthathwa khona kusiwe eBhabheli. Akukho okuzakutjhiywa.’ “Godu uSomnini uthe: ‘Abanye bamadodanakho, abaziingazi nenyamakho, obabelethileko, bazakuba bathunjwa bebalotjhe esigodlweni sekosi yeBhabheli babaphakulwa.’ ” UHezekhiya wathi ku-Isaya: “Liyazwakala ilizwi lakaSomnini alikhulumileko.” Gade azibuza athi: “Lokhu kutjho bona kuzakuba nokuthula nokuvikeleka kiso soke isikhathi sepilwami.” “Duduzani, yeniduduze abantu bami”, kutjho uZimenu. “Khulumani kuhle neJerusalema, nimemezele kilo bona lifezile umsebenzalo okatelelako necala lalo selihlawuliwe. Mbala, lamukele esandleni sakaSomnini isibetho esibuyelelweko ngebanga lazo zoke izono zalo.” Ilizwi larhuwelela lathi: “Lungiselelani uSomnini indlela erhalawumbeni; nivule indlela enqophileko yakaZimethu ebhudwini. Yoke imirhoba kumele ihlelenjwe, zoke iintaba nemibundu zibe libhabhadu; iindawo ezimigodigodi zenziwe itatawu nezizindunduma zilelezwe. Iphazimulo kaSomnini izakwembulwa; boke abantu bazayibona ngombana umlomo kaSomnini ukhulumile.” Ilizwi lathi: “Rhuwelela!” Ngabuza ngathi: “Ngirhuwelele ngithini? Mbala, boke abantu bafana notjani nedumo labo loke lifana nelikhwa lommango: Utjani buyatjhwaba nelikhwa libune lokha ummoya kaSomnini uphembetha phezu kwalo.” Ilizwi lathi: “Iye, abantu babutjani: Utjani buyatjhwaba nelikhwa libune, kodwana ilizwi lakaZimu lijame ngokungapheliko.” Yenyukela phezulu entabeni ephakamileko wena Ziyoni, sithunywa seendaba ezihle! Phakamisa ilizwi lakho ngamandla wena Jerusalema, sithunywa seendaba ezihle! Rhuwelela, ungesabi! Yithi emadorobheni wakwaJuda: “Qalani, nango uZimenu! Mbala, nguSomnini uSomandla oza ngamandla begodu nengalwakhe iyabusa. Qalani, uphethe umvuzwakhe, ipangwakhe iphambi kwakhe. Welusa umhlambakhe njengomelusi: Ubuthelela iimvanana ngemikhonwakhe, azisingathe esifubeni sakhe; kuthi izimvu ezimunyisako azirage ngokuyelela.” Ngubani owalinganisa woke amanzi ngekongozelo yesandla sakhe, watlama isibhakabhaka hlangana kotsetserwana nothubha na? Ngubani owenza ithuli lehlabathi ngesithathu seentlabagelo walinganisa iintaba ngesilinganiso nemibundu ngesilinganiswana na? Ngubani owahlahla ummoya kaSomnini, wamyala njengomluleki na? Wabonisana nobani loyo ukuze amtlhadlhule bekamfundise indlela yokwenza okufaneleko na? Ngubani owamfundisa ukuhlakanipha wamkhombisa indlela yelemuko na? Ngambala izizwe zifana nethosi ngemgqonyini; zifaniswa nethudlana phezu kwesilinganiso. USomnini ulinganisa iinhlengele njengeentshutshurwana zetjhwabatjhwaba. ILibhanoni angeze yaba neenkuni ezaneleko neenyamazana zakhona angeze zanela umhlabelo wokutjhiswa. Izizwe zoke azisililitho phambi kwakaSomnini, kuye zithatheka njengelize lakolize. Alo-ke, ningamfanisa nobani uZimu? Yini engabekwa eqadi kwakhe enjengaye na? Kungaba sithombesibazwa na? Lokha usosino nasele ancibilikise igolide, umkhandigolide uyalikghadlha khibe kuncibilikiswa iinkghedlhwana zesiliva. Umphathi ukhetha isigodo esingadliwa yipehli kobana sibe sikhondo; uzifunela usosino onobuhlakani kobana anzinzise isithombesibazwa ukuze singaketuki! Anazi na? Kghani anikezwa? Azange nitjelwe kwekuthomeni na? Anilemuki isisekelo sephasi na? USomnini nguye ohlala ngehla kwendulunga yephasi ukuze abone abahlali balo bafana neentethe. Nguye othabulula isibhakabhaka njengetjhila asendlale njengetende lokuhlala; owehlisa iinkhulu zingabi lilitho, enze ababusi bephaseli babe lilize lakolize. Kuthi bangakatjalwa, bangakarhatjhwa, imirabhu ingakadzimeleli ehlabathini, abavuthele bese bayatjhwaba, isivunguvungu sibaphephule njengamawunguwungu. “Alo, ningangifanisa nobani engingaba njengaye na?” Kubuza oCwengileko. Qalani phezulu niyelele: Ngubani odale koke lokhu? Ngiloyo okhupha ibutho lesibhakabhaka ngesibalo; ubiza enye nenye ikwekwezi ngebizo layo. Ngebanga lamandlakhe amakhulu nokuqina kweenkhwepha zakhe, akulahleki ngitjho neyodwa. Wena Jakopo, iye, wena Israyeli, kubayini uzwakale usithi: “Ubujamo bami busithekile kuSomnini nelungelo lami uZimami akalitjheji.” Anazi na? Kghani anikezwa bonyana uSomnini unguZimu isiphelani, umdali wepelazwe na? Angeze adinwa nanyana aphele amandla begodu nomkhumbulwakhe awuphenyeki. Odiniweko umupha amandla, aqinise khulu amandla waloyo obuthakathaka. Abantu abatjha baphela amandla, badinwe, kuthi amasokana akhutjwe, awe, kodwana labo abaqalelela kuSomnini bazakufumana amandla amatjha. Bazakukhuphuka ngamaphiko njengamakhozi; bagijime bangapheli amandla, bakhambe bangadinwa. UZimu uthi: “Lalelani buthula, nina nhlengele nezizwe! Abosingazimu abavuselele amandlabo! Abavele etjhatjhalazini bakhulume. Asihlanganeni ekugwebeni: Ngubani ovuse omunye epumalanga ukuze aphumelele noma kuphi lapha ayakhona na? Ngubani owethula izizwe kuye avume bona athobise amakhosi na? Isabulakhe izibhuquze zibe lithuli umsebakhe uzihlakaze njengamawunguwungu. Uzigijimisa begodu aragele phambili kunganasithiyo iinyawo zakhe zijubalale. Ngubani owenze nobangele lokhu nolawule iinzukulwana kusuka ekuthomeni na? Ngimi, mina Somnini osithomo nekupheleni ngikhona. Iinhlengele zikubonile lokho zesaba nepelazwe yathuthumela. Zaphumela etjhatjhalazini, zahlangana; omunye asekela omunye ngokuthi, ‘Qina amandla!’ Usosino ugqugquzela umkhandigolide, loyo oliqandula ngenondo ugqugquzela osebenza ngenonjwana athi, ‘Maye, sihle isipaparu segolide osihlanganisako!’ Nje-ke, bakokodele ngeenkhonkhwani isithombesibazwa ukuze singaketuki! “Kodwana wena Israyeli, ncekwami, wena Jakopo, engikukhethileko, sizukulwana somnganami u-Abrahamu, ngakugugudlhela usemikhawulweni yephasi, ngakubiza usemajukujukwini. Ngathi kuwe, ‘Uyincekwami, ngikukhethile, akhange ngikulahle.’ Nje-ke ungesabi ngombana nginawe, ungethuki ngombana nginguZimakho. Ngiyakuqinisa bengiyakusiza, ngikugugudlhele ngesidla sami sokuphumelela. Qala-ke, boke abakubhavumulelako bazakudana bebarhubutjheke; labo abakusozisako bazakuba lilize, babhubhe. Uzakufunana nabajamelani bakho, kodwana angeze ubafumane; iye, labo abalwisana nawe bazakuba lilize lakolize ngombana nginguSomnini, uZimakho, oqinisa isandla sakho sokudla, othi kuwe, ‘Ungesabi, mina ngokwami ngiyakusiza.’ Ungesabi, wena pethu, Jakopo, wena Israyeli olidlanzana, ngimi ngokwami okusizako. Utjho njalo uSomnini, umhlengakho ongoCwengileko wakwa-Israyeli. Qala, ngizakwenza ube sileyi sokubhula esibukhali, esitjha nesinamazinyo amanengi. Uzakubhula iintaba, uzitshidlhe, wenze imibundu ibe ngathi mawunguwungu. Uzakwela izitha, ummoya uziphephethe, isiwuruwuru sizihlakaze. Kodwana wena uzakuhlokoma kuSomnini bewuzikhakhazise ngoCwengileko wakwa-Israyeli. “Abachakileko nabadududu bazumana namanzi, kodwana kudududu; amalimabo athe kere ngokoma. Mina Somnini ngizabaphendula, iye, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli angeze abalahla. Ngizakwenza imilambo igeleze emibunjwaneni enganalitho neeyalu emirhuleni. Ngizakuguqula irhalawumba libe sitete negagadu lehlabathi libe mithombo. Ngizakumilisa erhalawumbeni imisedari, imithi yomunga, yemiritlili neye-oliva; ngimilise ebhudwini imithi ye-elimu nemihlobohlobo yemisayipurusi ndawonye ukuze abantu boke babone, bazi bebacabangisise begodu balemuke bona sisandla sakaSomnini esenze lokhu; iye, oCwengileko ka-Israyeli ukudalile lokho.” USomnini uthi: “Lethani indabenu!” Iye, iKosi kaJakopo ithi: “Bekani iinqiniseko zenu! Abosingazimu benu abalethwe etjhatjhalazini khebazosibikela bona kuzokwenzakalani. Nina bosingazimu, izinto zekadeni beziyini? Zibikeni ukuze zicatjangisiswe, kwaziwe umphumela wazo. Namkha akhe sizwe ngezinto ezizako! Yenisibikele bonyana ikusasa linjani ukuze sikghone ukutjho bona mbala nibozimu. Akube nesiga enisenzako ukuze sethuke, sesabe soke. Ngambala, anisililitho kokuba lilitho begodu nemisebenzenu ililize lakolize! Umuntu onikhethako usikghabhudlho! “Ngivuse omunye ngetlhagwini, nje-ke uyeza ngepumalanga ubizwa ngebizo lakhe nje-ke usendleleni. Uzakugadanga phezu kweenkhulu inga zilidaka iye, njengombumbi nabhica umdaka. Nina bosingazimu, ngubani wenu owabika ngalokho ekuthomeni ukuze sazi; iye, kusukela phambilini bona singathi, ‘Ngambala, uqinisile’ na? Awa, akunanoyedwa wenu owabikako, azange kubekhona nonomkhosi ngalokho, azange bekube nomuntu ozwa amezwenu. Ngubani owaba ngewokuthoma ukubikela iZiyoni wathi, ‘Qalani, napaya bayeza’ na? Ngubani owabikela iJerusalema wathi, ‘Ngikwenza isithunywa seendaba ezihle’ na? Ngaqala ngapha nangapha kodwana azange kube noyedwa ophendulako! Phakathi kwabosingazimu khona-ke? Awa, azange babe ngitjho nomeluleki ebe ngingambuza kobana ngaye ngifunyane igama kibo. Mbala, boke bayikohliso! Izenzo zabo zililize lakolize, imifanekiswabo imumoya nelize.” USomnini wathi: “Nasi incekwami engisekelako, okhethiweko wami engithokozako ngaye, ngibeke uMoyami phezu kwakhe nje-ke uzakuletha ukunzinza ezizweni. Angeze arhuwelela abize, nanyana ahlabe umkhosi eendledlaneni. Umhlanga otshinyekileko akazukuwukhambiselela nesibani esififiyelako akazukusicima. Uzakuletha ukunzinza ngokweqiniso; akazukuqobeka nanyana ephuke ummoya bekube nokunzinza ephasini. Iinhlengele ziqalelele ifundiswakhe.” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguZimu uSomnini owadala amazulu bewawaqhisa, wendlala iphasi nakho koke okumila kilo, wanikela abantu umphefumulo nommoya wokuphila kilabo abakhamba ephasinapha, uthi: “Mina Somnini, ngikubize ngokwethembeka kwami, nje-ke ngiqinisa isandla sakho bengikuvikele. Ngikubeka njengesivumelwano sami ebantwini bami, kobana ube mkhanyo ezizweni, uvule amehlo aphopheleko, ukuthukulula ababotjhwe ngesikhungweni, iye, labo abasemakhamandeleni ebumnyameni. NginguSomnini, libizo lami-ke lelo! Angeze nginikele noma ngubani idumo lami nanyana iinthombembazwa ukuhlonitjhwa kwami. Uyabona, izinto zaphambilini sezenzekile, nje-ke ngimemezela izinto ezitja; nginazisa zona ngaphambi kobana zivumbuke.” Vumani ingoma etja kuSomnini neembongo zakhe kusuka epelazwe, nina enithaya elwandle nakwezalo, nina nhlengele nani enihlala lapho. Irhalawumba nemizalo aliphakamise amezwalo, izabelo lapha kuhlala khona amaKhedari zithokoze; abahlali beSela abahlokome, barhuwelele eenqongolweni zeentaba. Akunikelwe uSomnini idumo kumenyezelwe ukuhlonitjhwa kwakhe eenhlengeleni. USomnini uzakutjhagala njengengorho, avuselele itjisakalo njengebutho; uzakurhuwelela, ahlabe umkhosi wepi; azibonakalise amuhluli wezitha zakhe. USomnini uthi: “Sekusikhathi eside ngilokhu ngithulile, iye, bengizithulele ngizibambile; kodwana gadesi ngirhuwelela njengomfazi obelethako, ngiyakhefuzela, ngidosa ummoya. Ngizakugiriza iintaba nemibundu ngitjhwabise zoke iimila zakhona, ngenze imilambo ibe ziinhlengele, ngomise iindawo eziziintete. Iimphofu ngizazirhola ngendlela ezingayaziko, ngizihlahle ngomzila ongakajayeleki; ngizakwenza ubumnyama bube kukhanya phambi kwazo; ngenze neendawo ezimaguzuguzu zibe butjhelelezi. Kwamambala ngizazenza izintwezo angeze ngaziliselela iimphofezo. Bazakukhahlamezelwa emuva bebadaniswe khulu labo abathembela eenthombenimbazwa, iye, labo abathi kibosingazimu, ‘Nina nibozimu bethu’.” Lalelani nina nthulu, qalani nina mphofu niyelele! USomnini uthi: “Ngubani osiphofu nakungasuwe wena ncekwami, Israyeli nosithulu nakungasuwe sithunywa sami engisithumileko na? Ngubani osiphofu nakungasuwe ohlawulelwe izono na? Iye, ngubani osiphofu nakungasi yinceku kaSomnini na? Wena ubone izinto ezinengi, kodwana awuyeleli; iindlebe zakho zivulekile, kodwana awuzwa.” USomnini wathanda bona kube njalo ngebanga lokuthembeka kwakhe. Ngokunjalo wabonisa bona ifundiswakhe yikulu begodu inephazimulo. Kodwana wena uthi: “Lesi sisizwe esiphangiweko nesihlanguliweko, boke babambeke emigodini nanyana bafihlwe eenkhungweni. Sebaphenduke ipango, batlhoga nomuntu ongabenyula; benziwe ihlangulo, batlhoga nomuntu ongathi, ‘Babuyiseleni emuva’.” Ngubani phakathi kwenu ozakulalela isiphorofidweso begodu asitjheje ukuze nizwe esikhathini esizako na? Ngubani owanikela ngoJakopo kobana abe yihlangulo, wanikela ngo-Israyeli kubaphangi na? AkusinguSomnini esimoneleko na? Iye, ama-Israyeli alandula ukulandela iindlela zakhe, akhange athambele ifundiswakhe. Nje-ke wathululela itukuthelwakhe evuthako phezu kwawo okuyipi esabekako. Amalangabi wepi awaqothula mahlangothi woke, khonapho akhange alemuke; iye, awababula, nalapho azange acabangisise. Nje-ke nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini owakudalako, wena Jakopo, owakubumbako, wena Israyeli, uthi: “Ungesabi ngombana ngizakuhlenga. Ngakubiza ngebizo; wena ungowami. Lokha naweyama emanzini ngizakuba nawe, lokha naweyama imilambo, ayizukwemuka nawe. Nawukhamba hlangana nomlilo, awukazokurhabula; amalangabu angeze akutjhisa ngombana nginguSomnini uZimakho, oCwengileko ka-Israyeli, umsindisakho. Ngakuhlawulela ngeGibhide, ngakwenana ngeKutjhe neSeba. Njengombana usese ligugu kimi begodu uhloniphekile emehlwenami, iye, njengombana mina ngikuthanda, ngizakwenana ngabantu godu nginikele ngezizwe esikhundleni sepilwakho. Ungesabi ngombana nginawe, ngiletha abantwabakho abangepumalanga, ngikubutha ngetjingalanga. Ngithi etlhagwini, ‘Batjhaphulule!’ ngithi esewula, ‘Ungabagugudlheli! Lethani amadodanami asemajukujukwini namadodakazami asepelazwe, iye, woke obizwa ngebizo lami, engimdalele idumo lami, ngamenza bengambumba.’ ” USomnini uthi: “Letha njengofakazi isizwe esiphopheleko ije sinamehlo, iye, iinthulu ije zineendlebe. Zoke izizwe zibuthene ndawonye nabantu bahlangene. Ngubani hlangana nabosingazimu bazo okhe wabika ngalokhu, wamemezela kithi ngokwaphambilini na? Abosingazimabo abaveze abofakazi babo ukuqinisekisa indababo ukuze abalaleleko bathi, ‘Iye, awa kuliqiniso’.” USomnini uthi: “Nina ma-Israyeli, nibofakazi bami. Iye, wena Israyeli uyincekwami engiyikhethileko ukuze wazi bewukholwe kimi begodu ulemuke bonyana nginguye onguye. Azange khekube noZimu omunye ngaphambi kwami begodu angeze kwaba khona omunye. Mina lo, ngimi ngedwa uSomnini begodu ngaphandle kwami abe akunamsindisi. Ngimi owabika, wasindisa bewamemezela. Angisuye otjhili phakathi kwenu begodu nina nibofakazi bami bonyana nginguZimu.” Watjho njalo uSomnini. “Mbala nangokuzako ngisazakuba njalo. Akunamuntu onganenyela esandleni sami. Nangigadangileko ngigadangile!” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini umsindisenu, oCwengileko ka-Israyeli: “Kungebanga lenu ngithumele umhluli eBhabheli, ngenza bonyana labo ebebabaleka behlele phasi, iye boke; ngitjho namaKasidi ajakada ngemikhumbawo. NginguSomnini, oCwengileko wenu, umdali ka-Israyeli, iKosenu.” USomnini owavula indlela elwandle, iye, umzila emanzini anamandla, owabangela iinjomani neenkarana zepi, okutjho ibutho neengorho ndawonye kobana zilandele u-Israyeli; iye, lezo esele zirabhalele lapho unomphela, zicinyiwe, zavuthelwa njengesibani wakhuluma amezwi la: “Ningasakhumbuli izinto ezidlulileko, yeke libalani ngokwaphambilini. Qalani, sele ngizokwenza into etja! Nakhu sele ivumbuka. Kghani aniyiboni na? Mbala, ngivula indlela erhalawumbeni nemilambo egagadwini. Iimbandana zommango ziyangihlonipha, iimpungutjha neenciliba ngombana ngiletha amanzi erhalawumbeni nemilambo egagadwini, ukuze abantu bami basele, labo abakhethiweko, abantu engazibumbela bona bonyana bamemezele idumo lami.” “Bekungasimi obewuseze umlotjha, wena Jakopo, mbala, ukutjhabatjheka kwakho bekungasi ngenca yami, wena Israyeli. Kwakhona beningaletheli mina izimvu zemihlabelo yokutjhiswa begodu beningahloniphi ngemihlabelo yetjhebiswano. Azange nginidisibeze ngeminikelo yeenthoro nanyana nginikhathaze ngokutjhiswa kwelebhona. Azange ningithengele ibhule nanyana ningitende ngamafutha wemihlabelwenu. Kwaphela ningidisibeze ngezonokazi zenu benangikhathaza nangemilandwenu. Ngimi, iye ngimi osula iimphambeko zenu. Kungebanga lebizo lami ukobana ngingasakhumbuli izono zenu. Wena Israyeli, ngimangalela-ke ngokudlulileko, asigwebe indaba ndawonye, veza ubumsulwa bakho. Ukhokho wenu wona kade; nabakhulumeli bakho baphambeka kimi. Nje-ke ngarhubutjha iinkhulu zethempeli, nganikela uJakopo ekubhujisweni iye, u-Israyeli ekunyazekeni.” USomnini uthi: “Nje-ke, lalela wena Jakopo, ncekwami, Israyeli engamkhethako! Nakhu engikutjhoko mina Somnini owakudalako, wakubumba ngaphakathi kwesibeletho begodu nokusizako: Ungesabi Jakopo, ncekwami, Jetjhuruni engimkhethileko. Ngizakuthululela amanzi phezu kwenarha eyomileko, ngenze imisele ehlabathini eyomileko; ngizakuthululela uMoyami phezu kwabantwabakho neembusiso zami phezu kweenzukulwani zakho. Zizakutlhurha njengomuthi ohlaza womtamariski zibe njengemithi yomdubi emilanjaneni. Omunye uzakuthi, ‘Mina ngingowakaSomnini’; omunye azibize ngebizo lakaJakopo; kanti omunye uzazitlola esandleni athi, ‘NgingowakaSomnini’, uthathe isinanazelo saka-Israyeli.” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini iKosi nomhlengi wakwa-Israyeli, iye, uSomnini uMninimandlawoke uthi: “Ngingowokuthoma newokugcina, ngaphandle kwami akunaZimu omunye. Nakube kukhona onjengami hlangana nabosingazimu, akazitjho! Akakubike lokho, angihlathululele kuhle, kusukela ekwenzeni kwami abantu bokuthoma nokobanyana kwenzekani emva kwalokho nokuthi yini ezokwenzeka ngomuso. Iye, nabakhona, abazitjho sizwe! “Nina ma-Israyeli, ningathuthumeli, ningesabi. Azange ngikumemezele lokho phambilini bengakubika na? Nina nibofakazi bami. Yitjhoni bona kghani ukhona omunye uZimu ngaphandle kwami na? Alikho elinye idwala; ngambala alikho elinye engilaziko.” Boke abenza iinthombembazwa, abasibantu begodu nezinto abakakarela kizwezo, azazisi. Nabofakazi bazo babazi bazo, kodwana abakuboni lokho begodu abakuyeleli; nje-ke bazakuhlaziswa. Ngubani ongabumba usingazimu, akhande isithombesibunjwa esinganabubhadekelo na? Qalani-ke, boke abalandeli baso bazakuhlaziswa, ngitjho nabososino abababantu nje. Lokha nababuthana ndawonye; bavele ebandla, bazaba nokwesaba bebahlaziswe. Umkhandisimbi usebenza ngesitlabagelo emalahleni avuthako; ubumba isiga ngeenondo, asiqoqode ngeemphanga zakhe. Naye uyalamba, aphelelwe mamandla; nangaseli amanzi uyatsirimezeka. Umbazi ulinganisa isigodo ngentambo, athale isimo sakazinyana ngomukhwa, asigobhodlhe ngeentjhizela, atshwaye ngesilinganisi. Ubumba kube mfanekiso womuntu, iye, kube mumuntu azihlalele kobana ayokutshimalalisa ngendlini yabosingazimu. Ubegade agawula emisedarini, nakungasinjalo athathe umsayipurusi nanyana i-owuku. laphokhunye bekazikhulisela ipayini ayitjalileko hlangana nemithi yehlathi, ikhuliswe lizulu. Kanengi bekuba ziinkuni zokubasa, yeke bekathatha ingcenye yazo azifuthumeze ngazo. Godu bekabasa umlilo apheke isikwa. Kodwana khonapho bekajika abaze usingazimu ukuze amguqele! Iye, bekenza isithombesibazwa bese uyasikhothamela. Ingcenye yeenkunezo wabasa ngazo umlilo; iye, ngengcenye leyo wadla inyama: Wabasa ngayo inyama yokubaswa, wadla wasutha nti. Godu wazifuthumeza bewathi: “Hayi, ngifuthumele, ngizizwela ukuvutha kamnandi komlilo!” Ngeengodo eziseleko, wenze uzinyana, okusithombesibazwa sakhe! Wasikhothamela, wahloma ihloko phasi phambi kwaso, wasithandaza wathi: “Akhese ungisindise ngombana wena unguzimami.” Abantwaba abazi litho, abalemuki litho. Mbala, amehlwabo avalwe abe atshidzwa, yeke ababoni begodu neengqondo zabo zivalekile, iye, abatlhadlhuleki. Akakho namunye ocabangisisako, akakho olemukako nonomkhumbulo wokuthi: “Tjhephana ingcenye yazo ngabasa ngayo umlilo, godu bengapheka isikwa ngamalahle wakhona, ngabasa nenyama ngadla. Alo-ke ngingenza njani isinyenyiso ngokuseleko, ngikhothamele isigodo sakogodo na?” Umuntu loyo semlunga athandaza nomlotha! Udurhiswa yihliziyo ekhohlisiweko! Isigodweso asikwazi ukusindisa ipilwakhe! Abe akazibuzi athi: “Into engesidleni sami le, ayisimamala na?” USomnini uthi: “Khumbula izintwezi wena Jakopo ngombana uyincekwami. Ngakubumba kobana ube yincekwami, nje-ke angeze ngakukhohlwa, wena Israyeli. Iimphambeko zakho ngizithanyele njengelifu nezono zakho njengekungu. Buyela kimi ngombana ngikuhlengile.” Hlokomani, nina mazulu ngombana lokho kwenziwe nguSomnini; rhuwelelani nani nsika zephasi. Thakasani ngengoma nina ntaba, nani mahlathi nayo yoke imithenu ngombana uSomnini umhlengile uJakopo, ngalokho waziphazimulisa kwa-Israyeli. Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini umhlengakho, owakubumba ngaphakathi kwesibeletho, uthi: “NginguSomnini owenza zoke izinto, ngimi ngedwa owathabulula amazulu, ngaqhisa iphasi.” Iye, uSomnini utjharaganisa iimbonakaliso zabaphorofidi bamala, wenza izangoma isiphoqo, izazi zifulathele ngombana ilwazi lazo lisihlekiso. Uzalisa ilizwi lencekwakhe aphumelelise ihlelo elamenyezelwa ziinthunywa zakhe, uthi ngeJerusalema, “Izakuhlalwa babantu”; athi ngamadorobho wakwaJuda, “Azakuvuselelwa; iye, ngizakwakha butjha ebekubhuruziwe.” USomnini nguye owakhuluma nokuzika wathi: “Yoma kere!” Godu wathi: “Imilambakho wena Bhabheli, ngizoyomisa!” Nguye owathi kuKoretjhi: “Ungumelusami, uzakuphumelelisa koke engikuthandako.” Wathi ngeJerusalema: “Izakwakhiwa butjha.” Godu wathi ethempelini: “Iinsekelo zakho ziyakujanyiswa.” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini kozesiweko wakhe onguKoretjhi, obambe isidla sakhe ukuze aguqise izizwe phambi kwakhe, ahlangule amakhosi iinhlabano zawo, avule iminyango phambi kwakhe, iye, amasango angeze ahlala avaliwe, uthi: “Ngizakukhamba phambi kwakho, ngenze iintaba zibe libhabhadu; ngephule iminyango yekoporo bengiquntule iinqabo zesimbi. Ngizakunikela umnono othukuswe ebumnyameni, iye, ubunjinga obuseendaweni ezifihlakeleko, ukuze wazi bonyana nginguSomnini, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli okubiza ngebizo lakho. Ngenza lokho ngebanga lakaJakopo incekwami, iye, ngebanga laka-Israyeli okhethiweko wami. Ngikubiza ngebizo lakho bengikunikele nebizo ledumo, nanyana ungangazi nje. Ngimi ngedwa uSomnini begodu akakho omunye. Ngaphandle kwami akunaZimu. Ngizakuhlomisa nanyana ungangazi nje ukuze kuthi kusukela ekuphumeni kwelanga bekube sekutjhingeni kwalo abantu bazi bonyana akakho omunye ngaphandle kwami. NginguSomnini begodu akakho omunye. Ngimi owenza umkhanyo, ngibuye ngidale ubumnyama. Ngiletha ukuzotha ngibuye ngidale ihlekelele. NginguSomnini owenza koke lokho. Nina mazulu, nisani ukulunga okuphezulu; iye, nikuwulule nina mafu. Iphasi alikhamise, lona nomkayi kuveze isindiso. Kanyekanye akube nehlalohle. NginguSomnini okudalileko lokho.” Uzazizwa loyo omangalela umbumbi wakhe! Uyimbiza yomdaka nje hlangana nezinye! Umdaka ukhe uthi kumbumbi wawo: “Yintobani oyenzako le? Umsebenzakho awazisi!” Uzazizwa loyo othi kuyise: “Bewungisaphi?” Iye, naloyo othi kunina: “Bewungibelethelani?” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ongoCwengileko noMbumbi ka-Israyeli: “Ningibuza ngabantwabami beningitjele ngomsebenzi wezandla zami na? Ngimi lo owenze iphasi begodu ngimi owadala nabantu abakilo. Zizandla zamezi ezaqhisa isibhakabhaka, ngalawula namabutho waso weenkwekwezi. Ngimi owavusa uKoretjhi kobana alungise. Zoke iindlela zakhe ngizazinqophisa. Nguye ozakuvuselela idorobho lami, atjhaphulule nabathunjwa bami. Lokho uzakwenza ngesihle.” Kutjho uSomnini uMninimandlawoke. Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Imikhiqizo yeGibhide nokurhwebiweko kweKutjhe nokwamaSeba amidlhomudlhomu kuzakuza kuwe kube ngekwakho, Israyeli. Izizwezi nazo zizakuba ngezakho: Zizakulandela zibotjhwe ngeenketani. Iye, zizakuza zikhothame phambi kwakho bezikuncenge zithi: ‘Ma-Israyeli, ngini nodwa eninoZimu, akakho omunye.’ ” Mbala Zimu, Msindisi wakwa-Israyeli, wena unguZimu ozifihlako! Izizwezi zineenhloni, zoke zihlaziswe ndawonye; iye, abenzi babozinyanaba bangene ekurhubutjhweni! Kodwana u-Israyeli usindiswa nguSomnini ngesindiso yesiphelani. Iye, nina ma-Israyeli angeze naba neenhloni benihlaziswe nini nanini. Mbala, owadala isibhakabhaka, unguZimu yena! Owabumba iphasi bewalenza nguye owalinzizisako! Azange alidalele ihlangahlangano, kodwana walibumba bonyana kuhlalwe kilo. Yena wathi: “NginguSomnini, akakho omunye. Angikakhulumeli ngemsitheleni, ebumnyameni ngaphasi kwephasi. Azange khengithi eenzukulwaneni zakaJakopo, ‘Nizangifumana lapha kuhlangahlangene khona’. Mina Somnini ngikhuluma iqiniso, ngimemezela okulungileko. Buthanani ndawonye nize, khulumisanani nina bantu bezizwe ezisindileko! Labo abathwala iinthombembazwa zabo zeengodo abanangqondo; iye, labo abathandaza abosingazimu abangasindisiko. Yenisibikele, nibeke iinqiniseko; iye, hlanganisani iinhloko nithathe isiqunto: Ngubani kanti owabika lokho phambilini? Ngubani owakumemezela kade na? Akusimi lo, mina Somnini na? Kambe akakho omunye uZimu ngaphandle kwami; iye, uZimu olungileko nosindisako. Mbala, akakho omunye ngaphandle kwami. Yizani kimi nisindiswe noke nina mikhawulo yephasi ngombana nginguZimu begodu akakho omunye. Ngizifunga ngokwami, iye, emlonyenami kunesithembiso sesindiso begodu sizakuphetheka, okutjho bona woke amadolo azakuguqa phambi kwami namalimu woke avume athi, ‘Izenzo zesindiso zikuSomnini kwaphela!’ Iye, ngilokho azokutjho ngami.” Mbala, izizwe zizakuza kuSomnini, kodwana boke abasambhavumulelako bazakudana. Yoke imbewu ka-Israyeli izakulungisiswa nguSomnini begodu izakuvuma iingoma zokudumisa. UBhele ukhothamile, uNebo utjekamile. Imifanekiso yabo, nina maBhabheli ebegade ninande niyithwala, kwanjesi sekuyipahla ethwelwe ziinkomo, iye, sebamuthwalo wefuyo ediniweko. Batjekamile bebakhothamile bobabili, abakwazi nokusindisa ipahla abanayo, ngitjho nabo ngokwabo baya ekuthunjweni. USomnini uthi: “Yewungilalele, wena ndlu kaJakopo, iye, noke nina eniseleko endlini ka-Israyeli: Nanithwelwe kusukela esibelethweni, nimumethwe kusukela esiswini begodu bekube sekuluphaleni nginguye owenza lokho iye, benithukghele ngizakunisekela. Lokho mina engikubumbileko, ngiyakuthwala, iye, ngimi onisekelako nonisindisako! Nizangifanisa nobani nanyana ningilinganise nobani? Ngubani eningangimadanisa naye kobana silingane? Labo abathulula igolide emigodlenabo, balinganisa isiliva esilinganisweni, baqatjha umkhandigolide kobana abumbe usingazimu, bamkhothamele, bamlotjhe. Bayamguga, bamthwale emahlombe; bamnzinzise endawenakhe bese uyajama-ke. Uzalokho atshimalele lapha bambeke khona. Nanyana kunomuntu omlilelako, akaphenduli, akasindisi umuntu loyo esizini lakhe. “Khumbulani lokhu, niqine amandla benicabangisise, nina mahlubuka. Iye, khumbulani izinto zaphambilini, zekadeni: NginguZimu begodu akakho omunye. NginguZimu begodu akakho ofana nami omemezela isiphetho ekuthomeni, iye, ekadeni lokho okungakenzeki. Ngithi, ‘Ihloswami izakujama begodu ngizakwenza koke engikufunako.’ Ngibiza idlanga ngepumalanga, iye, umuntu enarheni ekude ozakufeza ihloswami. Mbala, engikukhulumileko ngizakufeza; iye, engikutlamileko ngizakwenza. Ngilalelani nina maphikakani ndina, nina enikude nokulunga. Ngitjhideza ihlalohle yami eduze, ayisikude begodu isindiswami ayizukuriyada. Ngizakunikela iZiyoni isindiso, iphazimulwami izakwambulwa ku-Israyeli.” “Yehla, ufese uhlale ethulini, wena tlawu eliyindodakazi iBhabheli. Hlala phasi ehlabathini enganasihlalo sobukhosi, wena ndodakazi yamaKasidi. Awusenakubizwa bonyana ungothambileko nodedesako. Thatha imbokotho ugaye iflowuru! Yembula isiyaya sakho, ukhuphe iinkozo zakho, ubhince, weyame imilambo! Ububhunubhunu bakho buzakuba semtarini, kwembuleke ihlazo lakho. Ngizazibuyiselela, kungabikhona ongivimbako.” Ibizo loMhlengi wethu nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke, ungoCwengileko wakwa-Israyeli. “Hlala uthi du, ungene ebumnyameni ntombi yamaKasidi, kuphelile ukubizwa bonyana uyindlovukazi yemibuso. Begade ngibathukuthelele abantu bami, ngasilaphaza ilifa lami, ngabanikela esandleni sakho, kodwana azange ube nesisa kibo. Ngitjho nemuntwini omdala wenze ijogi lakho laba budisi. Wathi: ‘Ngizakuhlabela phambili nini nanini, ngibe yindlovukazi isiphelani.’ Kodwana azange ucabangisise ngezintwezi, utjheje umphumela wazo. Nje-ke, lalela-ke wena nyariya ndina ebherelele endawenayo evikelekileko; iye, wena ozitjela uthi, ‘Ngimingimi, akakho omunye ngaphandle kwami. Angeze ngaba mhlolokazi namkha ngizwe ubuhlungu bokuloba abantwana.’ Kodwana izintwezi zizokwehlela zombili ngesikhatjhana, ngalanga linye. Iye, ukuloba abantwana nokuba mhlolokazi kuzakwehlela phezu kwakho ngamandla, phezu kobana unobuloyikazi obunengi namalumbo anamandla. Uthembele ebukhohlakalini bakho bewuzitjela uthi, ‘Angibonwa mumuntu.’ Ukuhlakanipha nokwazi kwakho kukudurhisile, nje-ke uzitjele uthi, ‘Ngimingimi, akakho omunye ngaphandle kwami.’ Uzakwehlelwa yihlekelele bewubhalelwe kuyiphepha ngomlingo. Amatlhuwiso azakufikela bewuhluleke kuwavika ngehlawulo; Iye, ngesikhatjhana uzakwehlelwa kubhujiswa obe ungakakulindeli. Thuwelela ngamalumbo wakho lawo nangobuloyikazi bakho obunengi lobo, osoloko waphikelela ngabo kusukela ebutjheni bakho. Mhlamunye uzakuphumelela, asazi, mhlamunye uzayethusa ihlekelele leyo! Uziqede amandla namaqhingakho amanengi! Labo abahlela iinkwekwezi ngeenqhema, bazihlole inyanga nenyanga kobana bakwazise ngalokho okuzokwehlela, abavele-ke bakusindise. Qala-ke, njengamawunguwungu umlilo uyabaqothula. Abakghoni ukuzisindisa emandleni welangabi. La akusiwo amalahle wokufuthumeza umuntu; iye, akusiwo umlilo wokothiwa! Mbala, banjengamawunguwungu kuwe abosomlingo bakho ebewusoloko ubaphikelele kusukela ebutjheni bakho. Omunye nomunye wabo uyona kakwenzako; akakho namunye ongakusindisa.” Indlu kaJakopo ayilalele lokhu, iye, labo ababizwa ngebizo laka-Israyeli, labo abadabuka emthonjeni kaJuda, abafunga ngebizo lakaSomnini, abazikhakhazisa ngoZimu ka-Israyeli, kodwana ingasi ngeqiniso nangokulunga; iye, labo abazibiza ngedorobho elicwengileko abazesame kuZimu ka-Israyeli, ibizo lakhe elinguSomnini uMninimandlawoke. USomnini wathi: “Ngamemezela ekadeni izinto zaphambilini, zaphuma emlonyenami, ngazenza zaziwa. Msinyana ngazenza, zenzeka ngombana bengazi bonyana ukhunyalele khulu, wena Jakopo; imisipha yentamakho iyisimbi nepandlakho iyikoporo. Nje-ke izintwezi ngazimemezela ekadeni, ngazenza zaziwa kuwe zingakaveli ukuze ungeze wathi, ‘Awa, izintwezi zenziwe bosingazimu bami, iye, zenzeke ngomyalo wesithombesibazwa sami.’ Wezwa ngazo, nje-ke qala, zoke nanzi! Alo, awuzimemezeli na?” “Kusukela gadesi, ngizakwazisa izinto ezitja, ezifihlakeleko nongazaziko. Zizinto ezidalwe gadesi, ingasi phambilini. Ngaphambi kwanamhlanje azange uzwe ngazo ukuze ungeze watjho uthi, ‘Emanyeni, ngizazi kwakade.’ Azange bewuzwe nanyana wazi; iye, kwekadeni iindlebe zakho bezivaliwe ngombana bengazi bona awethembeki nakancani begodu bewubizwa bona umumoni kusukela ekubelethweni kwakho. Ngebanga lebizo lami ngiriyadisa ilaka lami; ngebanga ledumo lami ngiyazibamba ngenca yakho ukuze ngingakutjhabalalisi. Qala, ngikuhlungile, kodwana ingasi njengesiliva; ngakuzizinya eziko lamatshwenyeko. Ngebanga lami, iye, ngebanga lami ngiyakwenza lokhu ngombana ibizo lami lisilaphaziwe. Angizukunikela nanyana ngubani idumo lami.” “Ngilalela wena Jakopo, wena Israyeli engakubizako: Nginguye enginguye; ngingowokuthoma newokugcina. Sisandla samesi esabeka iinsekelo zephasi, isidla sami saqhisa amazulu; nje-ke lokha nangibizako, koke kuyarurhuluka. Nina ma-Israyeli, buthanani ndawonye noke, nilalele: Ngongumuphi phakathi kwabosingazimu owamemezela amezwi alandelako na? ‘USomnini ukhethe umuntu lo bona azokwenza okufunwa nguZimu phezu kweBhabheli nengalwakhe izakujamelana namaKasidi.’ Ngimi mina lo okhulumileko nombizileko; ngimlethile begodu uzakuphumelela endlelenakhe. Tjhidelani kimi, nilalele lokhu: Kusukela ekuthomeni azange ngikhulumele ngemsitheleni; kikho koke okwenzekako bengikhona.” Nje-ke, uSomnini onguSomandla ungithumile kanye noMoyakhe. Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, umhlengi, oCwengileko ka-Israyeli uthi: “Mina Somnini nginguZimakho okufundisako ukuze kukukhambele kuhle lokha nangikuhlahlako endleleni ekufanele uyikhambe. Maye! Nabe ungayelela imiyalwami, ukuphumelela kwakho bekuzakuba njengomlambo nokulunga kwakho njengamagagasi welwandle. Iinzukulwana zakho bezizakuba njengetjhwabatjhwaba, iye, imbewu yedini lakho ibe njengeenthoro zamabele. Amabizwazo angesulwa begodu angatjhabalaliswa phambi kwami. Phumani eBhabheli, nibaleke amaKasidi! Memezelani indaba nasi ngethabo, niyizwakalise, iye, ayisabalale nepelazwe nithi, ‘USomnini uhlenge incekwakhe uJakopo. Azange bome eendaweni ezomileko lapha uSomnini abahlahla khona; wabapha amanzi agelezako avela edwaleni; iye, waphadlhula idwala amanzi agobhoza.’ ” USomnini uthi: “Akuzukuba nokuthula eenkhohlakalini.” Ngilalelani nina nhlengele; yelelani lokhu, nina zizwe ezikude: USomnini wangibiza ngaphambi kobana ngibelethwe; wangithiya ibizo ngisesemanzini. Wenza umlomami waba njengesabula ebukhali, wangifihla emthunzini wesandla sakhe; wangenza ngaba msubela ophazimako wangithukusa ngesilandeni sakhe. Wathi kimi: “Wena uyincekwami, wena ungu-Israyeli engizakuveza ngaye iphazimulwami.” Mina ngadlumbana ngathi: “Ngisebenzele ilize, nokukhandleka kwami kwaphelela emmoyeni. Nokho ilungelo lami likuSomnini nomvuzwami ukuZimami.” Kodwana gadesi uSomnini ukhulumile, yena owangibumba esibelethweni njengencekwakhe ukuze ngibuyisele uJakopo kuye no-Israyeli abuthelelwe kuye. Iye, uSomnini engihloniphekileko emehlwenakhe, uZimami obe mamandlami uthe: “Ingcenye elula khulu kuwe ekubeni yincekwami kuvusa iinkoro zakaJakopo nokubuyisa abasindileko bakwa-Israyeli. Godu ngikubeka bona ube mkhanyo ezizweni ukuze isindiswami ifikelele emikhawulweni yephasi.” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, umHlengi noCwengileko ka-Israyeli kiloyo owanyazwa bewanyenywa sisizwe, iye, encekwini yababusi uthi: “Amakhosi namakhosana azakubona, aphakame. Azakuhloma iinhloko phasi ngebanga lakaSomnini othembekileko, iye, ngebanga loCwengileko ka-Israyeli okukhethileko.” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Ngesikhathi esifaneleko ngizakuphendula; ngelanga lesindiso ngizakusiza, ngikuvikele. Ngikubeka njengesivumelwano sami ebantwini bami kobana uvuselele inarha bewubuyise ilifa ebesele loniwe, ngokuthi kubathunjwa, ‘Phumani’, bese kilabo abasebumnyameni uthi, ‘Velani!’ “Bazakukarula magegana neendlela nakizo zoke iindunduma eziligagadu babe namadlelo. Angeze basalamba, angeze basoma, ummoya werhalawumba nelanga angeze usabatjhisa. Mbala, onesirhawu nabo uzabahlahla abe abarholele emithonjeni yamanzi. Iye, ngizakwenza zoke iintaba zami zibe ziindlela, imizila yami ilelezwe.” Napaya, bavela kude; iye, bathumbuka ngetlhagwini, bathumbuke nangetjingalanga, nalabo abavela eSinimi. Hlokomani nina mazulu, jekezela wena phasi, thakasani nina ntaba! USomnini ududuza abantu bakhe begodu uzakuba nesirhawu kilabo abahlunguphaziweko bakhe. IZiyoni ithi: “USomnini ungifulathele, uSomandla ungikhohlwe tjhira.” USomnini uphendula uthi: “Umma angakhohlwa isana lakhe elisebeleni na? Atlhoge isirhawu emntwaneni ambelethileko? Nanyana angakhohlwa umma loyo, kodwana mina angeze ngakukhohlwa wena Ziyoni! Qala, ngikutlole entendeni yezandla zami, imithangalakho ihlala iphambi kwami. Abantabakho bayarhabela ukubuyela kuwe nalabo abakwenze amarubhi bebakuhlakaza, bayakubaleka. Phakamisa amehlwakho uthalaze, boke abantabakho bayabuthana, babuyela kuwe.” USomnini uthi: “Ngifunga ngokuphila kwami, uzabembatha boke njengesikghabiso; iye, njengomlobokazi, uzabarikelela. Mbala, iindawo ezimarubhi nezoniweko, iye, inarha ehlakaziweko izakuminyana ngokuhlalwa, khisibe labo abakuginyileko bakude. Nangaphezu kwalokho, abantabakho ebebathethwe kuwe bazakukhuluma phambi kwakho bathi: ‘Indawo le yincani khulu, akhese usivulele indawo esingahlala kiyo.’ Yeke uzazibuza uthi, ‘Ngubani nje owangibelethela laba? Benginganabantwana, ngiyinyumba; bengithunjiwe, ngilahliwe. Bakhuliswe ngubani-ke laba? Qala, ngasala ngingedwa; alo, babuyaphi-ke laba?’ ” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: “Qala, ngizakwelulela isandla sami ezizweni ngiphakamisele iphawu lami ebantwini; nje-ke bazakuletha amadodanakho bawasingathe esifubeni, batwale amadodakazakho emahlombe. Amakhosi azakuba belusi babantwabakho, amakhosikazawo abe ziimbelesi zabo. Bazakukhothama phambi kwakho bawe ngobuso, bakhothe ithuli leenyawo zakho. Yeke, uzakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini, labo abaqalelela kimi angeze badaniswa.” IZiyoni ibuza ithi: “Ipango ingathathwa konamandla na? Abathunjwa bangahlwithwa konegunya na?” Kodwana nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Iye, ngitjho nabathunjwa abazakuthathwa konamandla nepango ihlwithwe konelunya, ngombana mina ngizakuphikisana nabaphikisana nawe, ngimi ozakusindisa abantwabakho. Abakugandelelako ngizabenza bona bazidle ngamazinyo, badakwe ziingazi zabo inga badakwe yihleza yewayini. Yeke woke umuntu uzakwazi bonyana mina Somnini ngimsindisakho, umhlengakho, ongonamandla kaJakopo.” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Iphi incwadi kanyoko yesahlukaniso engamthokoza ngayo na? Kunomuntu engimkolodako engikuthengise kuye na? Awa, qalani, nathengiswa ngebanga lamacalenu begodu nonyoko waqotjhwa ngebanga leemphambeko zenu. Kubayini ngingafumani umuntu nangibuyako? Kubayini kungekho ophendulako nangibizako? Kghani umkhonwami mfitjhani khulu bona ungahlenga na? Kghani anginamandla wokusindisa na? Qalani, ngokukhalima kwami ngomisa ilwandle, ngenza imilambo ibe libhudu. Iinhlambi zakhona zibola ngokutlhoga amanzi, zife ngokoma. Ngembathisa isibhakabhaka ngobumnyama, ngenze iinzilo zibe sigubuzeso saso.” USomnini uSomandla unginikele ilimu labafundi kobana ngikghone ukukhuluma kuhle nodiniweko. Usungula amezwi wesiphorofido; imihla ngemihla ekuseni uvula indlebami kobana ngilalele njengabafundi. Iye, uSomnini uSomandla uvula indlebami, yeke mina-ke angidazi ikani begodu angihlehli. Ngibhesela labo abangidulako, ngibanikela umhlathi abancuthula itjebami, angisithezi ubuso nabangithuka bebangikhafulele. Kwamambala, uSomnini uSomandla uyangisiza, ngalokho angihlaziseki. Nje-ke ngiqinise ubuso bami njengomankwana. Ngiyazi bonyana angeze ngadaniswa ngombana ongihlambululako useduze. Alo-ke, ngubani ongangimangalela na? Asivele sobabili ebandla! Ngubani ophikisana nami na? Akavele etjhatjhalazini! Qalani, uSomnini uSomandla uyangisiza. Ngubani ongangilahla ngomlandu na? Mbala, boke bazakubhabhuka njengesambatho umvunya ubathuthudlhe. Ngubani phakathi kwenu owesaba uSomnini alalele ilizwi lencekwakhe, ozilungiselele ukukhamba ebumnyameni, kunganamkhanyo; nokho athembele ebizweni lakaSomnini abe adzimelele kuZimakhe na? Qalani, nina noke eniphemba imililo, nizihlomise ngemisubela evuthako, uSomnini uthi: “Khambani emkhanyweni womlilwenu, phakathi kwemisubela eniyilumathisileko. Nakhu enizakufumana esandleni sami: Nizakurabhalala phasi nisebuhlungwini.” Ngilalelani nina enilandela ukulunga, iye, nina enifuna uSomnini: Rhuluphelani idwala enakghephulwa kilo nekwari enakhutjhwa kilo; iye, rhuluphelani uyihlo u-Abrahama, nonyoko uSara owanibelethako: Bekamunye lokha nangimbizako kobana ngimbusise bengimandise. Ngambala, uSomnini uzakuba nesirhawu ngeZiyoni nangawo woke amarubhayo: Uzakwenza amarhalawumbayo afane ne-Edeni, amabhudwayo abe njengesivande sakaSomnini. Ithabo nenjabulo kuzakubuzwa kiyo, kube nokuthokoza nokubhina. USomnini uthi: “Ngilalelani bantu bami, yeningizwe nina sizwe sami: Kimi kuzokuphuma ifundiso ngibeke isigwebo sami sibe mkhanyo ezizweni. Kuseduze ukufika kwehlalohle yami, isindiswami isendleleni nengalwami izakugweba izizwe. Iinhlengele ziqalelela kimi, zilindele ingalwami ngethemba. Phakamiselani amehlwenu emazulwini, nirhuluphele iphasi phasi: Amazulu anganyelela njengentuthu, iphasi libhabhuke njengesambatho ngokufanako nabahlali balo bangafa, kodwana isindiswami izakujama isiphelani, ihlalohle yami angeze yabhujiswa. “Ngilalelani nina enaziko bonyana yini okulungileko, nina bantu eninefundiswami eenhliziyweni zenu: Ningesabi isithuko sababhubhako ningapheli amandla ngokuninyaza kwabo, ngombana umvunya uzobathuthudlha njengesambatho, itshwele ibaqothule njengoboya. Kodwana ihlalohle yami izakujama isiphelani nesindiswami ibe khona iinzukulwana ngeenzukulwana.” Vuka, vuka! Zembathise amandla, wena ngalo kaSomnini! Vuka njengemalangeni wakade, iye, njengeenzukulwaneni zekadeni. Kanti akusuwe wena ngalo kaSomnini owarhabelela uRahabu, wahlaba unomrhasokazi loyo na? Kwakungasuwe owomisa ilwandle, iye, amanzi amanengi azikileko, owenza indlela ekuzikeni kwelwandle kobana abahlawulelweko bakwazi ukweyama na? Kwanga abahlengiweko bakaSomnini bangabuya bafike eZiyoni ngokuhlokoma, bathwele ithabo elingapheliko: Bazuze ithabo nenjabulo, isizi nokububula kubaleke. USomnini uphendula uthi: “Mina lo, ngimi oniduduzako. Alo, wena Ziyoni umesabani umuntu obhubhako, iye, umuntu nje ophela njengotjani na? Sewukhohlwe uSomnini owakubumbako, owaqhisa amazulu wabeka neensekelo zephasi na? Kubayini uhlala wesaba imihla ngemihla ngebanga lobukhali bomgandeleli lokha nanqopha ukurhayila na? Buphi ubukhali bomgandeleli na? Iimbotjhwa zizakuthukululwa msinyana, angeze zafela ngesikhungweni, godu angeze zalamba. Mina Somnini nginguZimakho ophehla ilwandle kobana amagagasalo abhodle, obizwa ngoSomnini uMninimandlawoke. Ngikufunza amezwami ngikugubuzese ngesithunzi sesandla sami, iye, mina owanzinzisa amazulu, ngabeka neensekelo zephasi begodu nothi eZiyoni, ‘Nibabantu bami.’ ” Phaphama, phaphama, wena Jerusalema! Sikima, wena osele ikapho yobukhali bakaSomnini esandleni sakhe, wena ominyelela nehlama yesiqoko esitherezelisa abantu. Akakho noyedwa orhola iJerusalema phakathi kwabo boke abantwana ebabelethileko. Akakho noyedwa oyidosa ngesandla phakathi kwabo boke abantwana ebakhulisileko. Wehlelwa matlhuwo abuyelelweko. Ngubani ozakuzwela ubuhlungu na? Wabhujiswa, wagirizwa, abahlali bakho babulawa yindlala, barhayilwa yisabula. Ngubani ozakududuza na? Abantabakho batsirimezeka, barabhalala emajikeni wazo zoke iindledlana, kwanga yinyamazana ebanjwe enedeni, bagubuzeswa bukhali bakaSomnini nokukhalima kwakaZimakho. Ngalokho yizwani lokhu, nina enithotjiswe benadakwa, kodwana kungasi ngewayini. Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla onguZimakho olwela abantu bakhe, uthi: “Qala, ngithethe ikapho enitherezelisako esandleni sakho, Jerusalema. Angeze bewusasela isiqoko sobukhali bami. Nje-ke ngibeke esandleni sabakuhlunguphazako abathi kuwe, ‘Bhambalala ukuze siqaqade phezu kwakho.’ Wenza umhlanakho inga yihlabathi, iye, waba yindledlana yabadlulako.” Vuka, vuka wena Ziyoni, zembathise amandla. Yembatha izambatho zakho zakanokutjho, wena Jerusalema, dorobho elicwengileko ngombana abatjhili nabangahlambulukiko angeze basangena kuwe godu. Zithintithe ithuli, sikima wena sibotjhwa, Jerusalema. Zithukulule iinketani entanyenakho, wena sibotjhwa, ndodakazi yeZiyoni. Mbala, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Wathengiswa simahla, nje-ke awuzukuhlengwa ngesiliva.” Mbala, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: “Ekuthomeni abantu bami behlela eGibhide bayokhonza khona; i-Asiriya ibagandelele ngaphandle kwesizathu. Manje-ke kubayini kumele ngivumele lokhu na? Abantu bami ngambala bathathwa basiwa ekuthunjweni ngaphandle kwesizathu nabarholi beBhabheli bazikhukhumeza.” Watjho njalo-ke uSomnini. “Ibizo lami lahlala linyazwa imihla ngemihla. Kodwana abantu bami bazakwazi amandla webizo lami; iye, mhlokho bazakulemuka bonyana ngimi okhulumako, ngithi sengikhona!” Maye zithandeka kangangani eentabeni iinyawo zaloyo oletha iindaba ezimnandi; omemezela ukuthula, iye, oletha iindaba ezimnandi, ngokumemezela isindiso, athi eZiyoni: “UZimakho uyabusa!” Lalela wena Jerusalema! Abalindi bakho bayarhuwelela, iye, bahlokoma bathi: “Ngamehlwabo abantu bazakubona ukubuya kwakaSomnini eZiyoni!” Zwakalani, iye, hlokomani nina marubhi weJerusalema ngombana uSomnini ududuze abantu bakhe, wahlenga iJerusalema. USomnini wembule ingalwakhe ecwengileko emehlweni wezizwe zoke; imikhawulo yoke yephasi ibona isindiso kaZimethu. Fulathelani, fulathelani, phumani lapho! Ningathinti okungakahlambuluki! Phumani phakathi kwalo! Nizihlambulule nina eniphethe izitja zakaSomnini. Nokho anizukuphuma nirhabile nanyana nibe njengababalekako ngombana okhamba phambi kwenu nguSomnini begodu nonelusileko ngemva kwenu nguZimu ka-Israyeli. USomnini uthi: “Qalani, incekwami izakuphumelela ngokuhlakanipha, izakuphakama, ikhutjhulwe, ibe phezulu khulu. Njengombana abantu abanengi gade bakhuza ngayo, -- iye, beyinganabubono, ingafaniseki, inganajamo lomuntu -- ngokunjalo izakurara izizwe ezinengi begodu amakhosi akakamale ngayo. Mbala, abangazange batjelwe, bayabona nabangazange bezwe, bayalemuka.” Ama-Israyeli athi: “Ngubani owakholwa ngesikuzwileko na? Ingalo kaSomnini yembulelwe bani na? Inceku yazikhulela ngokuhluma, iye, njengehlumela emrajini equlwanini eyomileko. Gade inganasibumbeko begodu ingakhangi kobana singabeze siyinake; beyinganabuhle obungasenza siyithande. Yanyazeka beyalahlwa babantu, yaba mumuntu weensizi, yazi ukugula, njengomuntu osithezelwa ubuso. Iye, yanyazeka begodu azange siyihloniphe, khonapho yathwala ukugula kwethu, yatjatha iinsizi zethu. Thina sathatha bona ihlunguphaziwe, yabethwa nguZimu beyathotjiswa, kodwana yalinyazwa ngebanga leemphambeko zethu, yaphihlizwa ngenca yamacalethu. Isibetho esasilethela ukuthula saba phezu kwayo nangamancebayo saphiliswa. Thina soke sidurhe njengezimvu, ngiloyo naloyo uphendukele eendleleni zakhe, kodwana uSomnini wehlisela icala lethu phezu kwayo. “Yagandelelwa, kodwana yona yathoba. Azange ivule umlomayo njengemvana esiwa ekuhlatjweni nanjengemvukazi ethulileko phambi komrhunayo; iye, azange ivule umlomayo. Emva kokugandelelwa ngomlandu, yasuswa; akakho noyedwa owanghonghoyila ngokwayehlelako. Mbala, yajutjwa enarheni yabaphilako; yalinyazwa ngenca yesiphambeko sabantu bayo. Yanikelwa ithuna hlangana neenkhohlakali, yaba neenjinga ekufeni kwayo, nanyana ingazange ibange inturhu, namkha ibe nekohliso emlonyenayo. “Bekuyintando kaSomnini kobana iqhobozwe: Wayibangela ukugula; mbala, wenza ipilwayo umhlabelo wehlawulo. Izakubona umphumela wembewu; izakuphila isikhathi eside nentando kaSomnini izakuphumelela ngesandla sayo.” USomnini uthi: “Iye, ngemva kokuhlupheka kwepilwayo incekwami izakubona, izanelise ngelwazi layo. Izazibonakalisa ingelungileko kabanengi, yona izakuthwala iimphambeko zabo. Ngalokho ngizayinikela isabelo hlangana nabanengi, izakwabelana ipango nabanamandla, ngokunikela kwayo ipilo ekufeni nangokubalelwa nabaphambekako. Yona yathwala izono zabanengi, yazikhuba ngebanga labaneemphambeko.” “Hlokoma wena mfazi oyinyumba, wena ongazange ubelethe umntwana! Zwakalisa ukuhlokoma, iye, kwakwazela wena ongazange ube nemirhelo, ngombana banengi abantwana botjhiyiweko kunebaloyo onendoda.” Watjho njalo uSomnini. “Yengeza indawo yetende lakho, wendlale amatjhila wekhaya lakho! Ungazibambi! Yelula iintambo zetende lakho, uqinise iinkhonkhwani zalo! Uzakwenabela ngesewula nangetlhagwini: Iinzukulwana zakho zizakuqotjha bezizwe, zinzinze emizini eyatjhiywako. “Ungesabi ngombana angeze warhubutjhwa. Ungapheli amandla ngombana angeze wahlaziseka. Uzakukhohlwa ukurhubutjhwa kobutjha bakho, ungasakhumbuli godu ihlazo lobuhlolokazi bakho. Mbala, okuthetheko ungumbumbi wakho, ibizo lakhe nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke; umhlengakho ungoCwengileko ka-Israyeli, ubizwa bona nguZimu wephasi loke. Ngambala, uSomnini wakubuyisa lokha unjengomfazi otjhiyiweko nodabukileko emoyeni. Umfazi owenda asesemutjha angeze alahlwa.” Watjho njalo uZimu. “Ngakhe ngakulahla kwesikhatjhana esincani, kodwana ngesirhawu esikhulu ngiyakwamukela. Ngokusilingeka okukhukhulako ngifulatheze ubuso bami kuwe kwesikhatjhana, kodwana ngomusa ongapheliko, nginesirhawu kuwe.” Watjho njalo uSomnini umhlengakho. “Kimi lokhu kufana nemihleni kaNowa: Njengombana ngafunga bona amanzi kaNowa akasazugubuzesa iphasi godu, ngokunjalo ngiyafunga bona angeze ngakusilingekekela namkha ngikuthintithe. Nanyana iintaba zinganyamalala nemibundu isikinyeke, nokho ukwethembeka kwami akusoze kwanyamalala kuwe nesivumelwano sami sokuthula angeze sasikinywa.” Watjho njalo uSomnini onesirhawu kuwe. “Wena othotjisiweko, owakhukhulwa ziinrhurhula, wangaduduzwa, qala, sele ngizokubeka amatjakho phezu kwedaka eliphazimako, ngenze iinsekelo zakho ngamatje wesafaya iinhlangu ezisemibhotjhongwenakho ngamarubi, amasangwakho ngamatje webherili nomthangalakho woke ngamatje aligugu.” Woke amadodanakho azakufundiswa nguSomnini, abantwabakho bazakuba nokuthula okukhulu. Uzakunzinziswa ngokulunga: Uzakuba kude negandelelo, iye, awuzukwesaba begodu uzakuba kude nokwethusako, iye, angeze kwakutjhidela. Nakube mbala uyasahlelwa, kuzabe kungasikho ukwenza kwami. Nanyana ngubani okusahlelako, uzakuwa ngebanga lakho. “Qala, ngimi owadala umkhandisimbi, yena ovuthela amalahle bona abhebhedlhe, akhande isikhali kobana senze umsebenzakhe. Godu ngimi odale umrhayili kobana abhubhise. Nje-ke akunasikhali esibekelwe wena esizakuphumelela begodu uzakubonisa loke ilimu elikumangalelako bona alinaqiniso. Lokhu kulilifa leenceku zakaSomnini, nokuhlanjululwa kwazo okuvela kimi.” Watjho njalo uSomnini. USomnini uthi: “Nina noke enomileko, yenize emanzini! Nani eninganasiliva yizani nithenge, nigome! Yenize nithenge iwayini nebisi, ngaphandle kwesiliva nezinye iindleko. Nilinganiselani isiliva ngalokho okungasi sisikwa nomjulukwenu kokunganelisiko na? Naningilalelisisako nizakubetha esimonyongwana, umphimbenu uzakwenama ngamanoni. Bekani indlebe, nize kimi, nanilalelako nizakuphila. Ngenza nani isivumelwano sanini nanini, izenzo zomusa okwakungezikaDavida: Qalani, ngamenza ufakazi ezizweni, yena owabemrholi nomlawuli wezizwe. Nje-ke wena Israyeli, uzakubiza abantu abangakwaziko nabantu abangakwaziko bazakutheleka kuwe ngebanga lakaSomnini uZimakho ongoCwengileko ka-Israyeli, ngombana ukwembathise idumo.” Funani uSomnini asafunyaneka, nimbize asese seduze! Isikhohlakali asilahle indlelaso embi nowenza okumbi alahle amaqhingakhe. Akaphendukele kuSomnini, uzakuba nomusa kuye, iye, kuZimethu ngombana yena uyathethelela nokuthethelela. “Ngambala imicabangwami ayifani namaqhingenu, neendlela zenu akusizo zami.” Watjho njalo uSomnini. “Njengombana amazulu aphakamile kunephasi, zinjalo neendlela zami kunezenu nemicabangwami iphakamile kuneyenu. Njengezulu neliqhwa kwehla kuvela phezulu, akubuyeli emuva kungakasezeli iphasi, kulenze lihlume belithele kobana linikele umtjali imbewu nogomako isikwa, linjalo nelizwi lami eliphuma emlonyenami: Angeze labuyela kimi lidududu, lingakafezi intando yami beliphumelelise lokho engilithume khona. “Ngambala nizakuphuma ngethabo, nihlahlwe ngokuthula. Iintaba nemibundu kuzakuzwakalisa ukuhlokoma phambi kwenu, iye, yoke imithi yommango iwahle izandla zayo. Esikhundleni somunga kuzakumila umsayipurusi; esikhundleni sameva kumile imiritlili. Lokhu kuzakuba sikhumbuzo kuSomnini, kube sibonakaliso sanini nanini, nesingeze satjhabalaliswa.” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Gcinani ukulunga nenze okufaneleko ngombana isindiswami seyitjhidele nehlalohle yami sele izokwembulwa. Ubusisiwe obhubhako owenza lokho, iye, umuntu obambelela kikho, okutjho ukugcina iSabatha, angalisilaphazi, alonde isandla sakhe singenzi okumbi.” Umqhamuka ozibandakanya noSomnini awukameli uthi: “Ngambala uSomnini uzangihlukanisa nabantu bakhe.” Umphakulwa akakameli athi: “Awa, mina sengisigodo esomileko.” Mbala, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Abaphakulwa abagcina amaSabatha wami nabakhetha ukwenza intandwami, babambelele esivumelwaneni sami, ngizabanikela okungcono kunamadodana namadodakazi okutjho isikhumbuzo nebizo ngethempelini lami nangaphakathi kwemithangala yedorobho lami. Iye, ngizabanikela ibizo lanini nanini elingeze lasulwa. Imiqhamuka ezibandakanya noSomnini, kobana imlotjhe, beyithande ibizo lakhe kobana ibe ziinceku; iye, yoke egcina iSabatha, ingalisilaphazi, ibambelele esivumelwaneni sami, ngizayiletha entabenami ecwengileko, ngiyinikele itokozo ngekumbenami yokuthandaza. Imihlabelwayo yokutjhiswa neyetjhebiswano izakwamukelwa e-aldarini lami ngombana ikumbami izakuthiwa ‘Yikumba yokuthandaza yezizwe zoke.’ ” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla obuthelela abahlakazekileko bakwa-Israyeli uthi: “Ngizakubuthelela abanye godu, ngaphandle kwalabo esele babuthelelwe.” “Nina mbandana zommango yizani noke nizokurhiribidela, iye, noke nina mbandana zehlathi! Abelusi babantu bami baphophele, boke abanalwazi, boke bazizinja eziziingolwana, iye, ezibhalelwa kukhonkotha, ziyarutharutha khisibe zilele, iye, zithanda ukuyenda. Bazizinja ezinephango, abaneliswa lilitho. Kazi babelusi nabanjalo! Boke njalo abanangqondo, omunye nomunye uphendukela eendleleni zakhe iye, sebayafana barhubhela kesabo. Omunye nomunye uthi: ‘Yizani, ngisesenewayini! Ngithi asibutupeni utjwalobu! Nakusasa kube ngiswesi, kube ngaphezu kwalokhu.’ ” Abalungileko bayabhubha, akakho ocabangako ngalokho; abantu abathembekileko kuZimu bayahlongakala kungabikhona ozwisisako: Ngebanga lobumbi abalungileko bayahlongakala. Labo abakhamba ngobuqotho bazakulala ngokuthula, baphumule emikghadinabo. Kodwana nina madodana wesanusi, nzalo yesihlobongi esingwadlako, tjhidelani lapha! Ngubani enimenza ihlaya lo? Ngubani enimkhamisela imilomo, nimkokomeje na? Anisibantwana bokonakala, nenzalo yekohliso na? Ngitjho nina enitjhiswa yikanuko hlangana nemithi ye-owuku, ngaphasi kwayo yoke imithi esitjhutha, nibulala abantwana emirhobeni ngemipharwini yamadwala. Isiphetho sakho dorobho, sisematjeni abutjhelelezi emrhobeni, iye, wona ngiwo asisabelo sakho ngombana bewuyawaphahlela, uwanikela neminikelo yeenthoro. Alo, nithi angihlekele koke lokho na? Uqhise amalalwakho embundwini omude nophakemileko, wenyuka kobana unikele imihlabelo. Ngemva komnyango negoseni, ubeke itshwayo lakho labosingazimu bembeleko. Lokha nawugade ukude nami, wembule umkghadakho owukhulisileko, wangena kiwo. Uvumelene namadodakho ngekokhelo; wathanda ukuwembulela amabhayi waqalana nobubhunubhunu bawo. Watjhemelelela uMoleki uphethe amafutha we-oliva, wandisa amakha wakho. Wathumela abazenda bakho kude, ngitjho nendaweni yabafileko. Bewudiniwe ngebanga leendlela zakho, kodwana azange uthi: “Akusizi ngalitho.” Ufumene ukuvuseleleka kwamandlakho, ngalokho azange unyefe. Ngubani onevalo nowesabako ngaye kobana ungabeze ukhulume amanga, bewungasangikhumbula, namkha ucabange ngalokho na? Awusangesabi ngombana ngithule isikhathi eside na? Mina ngizakudalula imisebenzakho nalokho okuthiwa kulunga kwakho! Abosingazimu bakho angeze bakubhadekela. Isiqhenyana sabosingazimu bakho asikusize nawulila ufuna isizo! Ummoya uzabadudula boke njalo, baphetjhulwe mphefumulo nje kwaphela. Kodwana umuntu ongenza isiphephelo sakhe, uzakuzuza inarha, athumbe intabami ecwengileko njengelifa lakhe. USomnini wathi: “Lelezani, lelezani, nilungise indlela! Susani iinliyo endleleni yabantu bami.” Kodwana kwanje, nakhu okutjhiwo nguZimu ophakemeko nophezulu, ophila nini nanini, obizo lakhe licwengile, uthi: “Ngihlala endaweni ephakemeko necwengileko, godu ngihlala naloyo onommoya owephukileko nothobekileko. Ngivuselela ummoya waloyo odanileko, nehliziyo yowurubajekileko. Yeke angeze ngalwa mndundu, namkha ngihlale ngitjhuqile, ngombana ummoya womuntu uvela kimi, uzakunyefa, khisibe ngimi owanikela ipilo emuntwini. Bengithukuthele ngebanga lecala labantu bami abarhubhela kesabo. Ngabadula bengafihla ubuso bami ngokuthukuthela, kodwana baragela phambili ngokuhlubuka, balandela iinkanuko zehliziywabo. Ngizibonile iindlela zabo, nokho ngizabelapha, ngibahlahle, ngibavuze ngenduduzo. Kilabo abalilako ngizakukhuluma amezwi wenduduzo ngithi, ‘Ukuthula, iye, ukuthula kilabo abakude nabaseduze.’ Mbala ngizabelapha.” Watjho njalo uSomnini. Iinkhohlakali zinjengelwandle eliyalukako: Alikghoni ukuphumula, amanzalo ayaluka amabibi nedaka. UZimami uthi: “Akuzukuba nokuthula eenkhohlakalini.” USomnini uthi: “Rhuwelela, ungazibambi! Phakamisa ilizwi lakho njengepalapala. Memezela ebantwini bami iimphambeko zabo nekumbeni kaJakopo izono zayo. Imihla ngemihla bafunana nami, bazimisele ukwazi iindlela zami, kwanga basisizwe esenza okufaneleko, nesingakalahli imiyalo kaZimaso. Babuza kimi imithetho efaneleko, bazimisele bona uZimu atjhidele kibo. Bathi, ‘Sizakuthi sizileleni ukudla nawungayeleliko nje? Sithe siyazithoba, nalapho azange bewusinake.’ “Bantu bami, qalani la, ngelanga lokuzila kwenu ukudla nizenzela umathanda, nigandelela zoke iinsebenzi zenu. Qalani, nizilela ukuphikisana nokulwa kwaphela, iye, ukumadlhana ngamaguduva wobukhohlakali. Ukuzila okufana nokwenu namhlanjesi, angeze kwenza bona isililo senu sizwakale ezulwini. Ingabe kuzila engikukhethileko lokho, kube lilanga lokuzithoba na? Kulilanga lokuhloma ihloko phasi njengomgaba nelokulala phezu kweenzilo nomlotha na? Nikubiza bona kuzila lokho nelanga elamukelekako kuSomnini na? Nakhu ukuzila ukudla engikukhethileko: Kunyefisa amakhamandela wobukhohlakali, ukuqhusula imitja yejogi, ukutjhaphulula abagandelelweko nokuqoba woke amajogi. Kukwabela abalambileko isikwa sakho, ukunikela abanganamakhaya iphahla, ukwembathisa ombona ahlubule nokungafihli ubuso koziingazi zakho. Nje-ke, ukukhanya kwakho kuzakudarha njengokusa, nokuphola kwakho kubonakale masinyana; ukulunga kwakho kukhambe phambi kwakho nephazimulo kaSomnini izakuba ngekwelusileko ngemva kwakho. Nje-ke, uzakubiza uSomnini akuphendule, ulilele isizo, athi kuwe, ‘Ngilapha.’ “Nawususa ijogi phakathi kwenu umuno okhombakhombako nekulumo ekhohlakeleko; iye, nawunakekela abalambileko ngeemfiso zakho, okutjho ukwanelisa iimfiso zabagandelelweko, khona-ke isibani sakho sizakukhanya ebumnyameni nobusuku bakho bufane nemini ekulu. USomnini uzakuhlahla njalonjalo, asuse umrhawu wakho enarheni enesomiso, akuphe ummongo emathanjenakho. Uzakufana nesivande esisezelwako nanjengomthombo onamanzi angatjhiko. Abanye benu bazakuvuselela amarubhi wakade, wena Israyeli uzakwakha kabutjha iinsekelo zakade, ubizwe ngokuthi, ‘Umvali wesikhala somthangala’ nangokuthi, ‘Umvuli weendledlana ukuze abantu bahlale’. “Nawulonda iinyawo zakho ekuratheni iSabatha, ngokungazenzeli umathanda ngelanga lami elicwengileko, kodwana ngokubiza iSabatha bona lilanga lokwenama nelanga elicwengileko lakaSomnini kobana lihloniphekile; iye, nawulihloniphako ngokungenzi kwangemihla, nangokungenzi irhwebo, namkha ukukhuluma ngalo, khona-ke uzakufumana ithabo kuSomnini. Ngizakwenza bona ulawule inarha bewuzitike ngelifa lakayihlo uJakopo.” Mbala, watjho njalo-ke uSomnini ngomlomakhe! Qalani, ingalo kaSomnini ayisiyifitjhani kobana ingahlala ingasindisi nendlebakhe ayikathundubali, kobana ingahlala ingezwa. Kodwana amacalenu anihlukanise noZimenu nezono zenu zisithe ubuso bakhe kini, kobana angezwa. Mbala, izandla zenu zisilaphele ngeengazi, nemino yenu ngecala. Iimbhena zenu zikhuluma amala nelimu lenu lihumuza okukhohlakeleko. Akakho omangalela ngokulunga, akakho ozivikela ebandla ngobuqotho. Bathembela elizeni, bakhulume amanga; bakhulelwe ngobukhohlakali, bazala ihlekelele. Baqoqosela amaqanda werabi, baluke ubulembu besiswebu. Ogoma amaqanda wakhona uyafa, elinye lawo naliphadlhekako, kuvumbuka isiqandani! Ubulembu babo angeze baba ziingubo, angeze bazembathisa ngabakwenzileko. Izenzo zabo ngezehlekelele nemisebenzi yenturhu isezandleni zabo. Iinyawo zabo zigijimela ekoneni, bamsinyana ekuphalazeni iingazi ezinganamlandu. Imizindlo yabo iveza ihlekelele, ukonakala nokubhubhisa kuseendleleni zabo. Indlela yokuthula abayazi, ukulunga akukho emizilenabo. Iindlela zabo zimasongesonge, okhamba kizo akasoze aba nokuthula. Ngaleyondlela ubulungiswa bukude nathi nokulunga akusifikeleli. Siqalelele umkhanyo kodwana kumnyama, iye, ukudarha, kodwana sikhamba ebumnyameni. Siphumbutha ebodeni njengesiphofu, iye, siphumbutha njengomuntu onganamehlo; sikhutjwa emini ekulu inga kusebusuku. Ije sinethezeka sifana nabafileko. Soke sibhavumula njengamabhubezi sihumuza ngokuhumuza njengeengwayi. Siqalelela ukulunga kodwana akukho, iye, ukusindiswa, kodwana kukude nathi. Mbala, iimphambeko zethu zinengi ebusweni bakho, nezono zethu zifakaza ngokujamelana nathi. Ngambala sibhodwe ziimphambeko, iye, namacalethu siyawazi, okutjho ukuphambuka nokudela uSomnini, ukufulathela uZimethu, ukukhuluma igandelelo nokuhlubuka, ukumitha amala esiwahumuza ngeenhliziyo. Nje-ke, ubulungiswa bubuyiselwa emuva nokulunga kudedile kithi ngombana iqiniso liyalahlwa ebandla nobumsulwa abungeni lapho. Iqiniso alisafunyanwa ndawo, nobalekela ubumbi uyaphangwa. USomnini wakuqala lokho, kwaba kumbi kuye ukubona bonyana akunabulungiswa. Kwamdanisa ukubona bonyana akunamuntu ojama esikhundleni sakhe; ngalokho ingalwakhe yaba yisindiswakhe nokulunga kwakhe kwamhlohlozela kobana asikime. Wembatha ukulunga njengesambatho sepi nesikupuru sesindiso ehlokwakhe; wembatha izambatho zokuzibuyiselela, waziphuthela ngetjisakalo inga linaka. Uzakuzibuyiselela ukuya ngabakwenzileko, kube yitukuthelo ezitheni zakhe, ukuzibuyiselela emanabenakhe, abuyisele iinhlengele ngokufanelekileko. Ukusuka etjingalanga, abantu bazakwesaba ibizo lakaSomnini, ukusuka epumalanga besabe iphazimulwakhe ngombana uzakuvela njengomlambo otshopako, osunduzwa mumoya kaSomnini. “Njengomhlengi uzakuza eZiyoni, kilabo bakaJakopo abaphenduke esiphambekweni sabo.” Watjho njalo-ke uSomnini. USomnini uthi: “Ngokuya ngami, lesi sivumelwano nesizwe sami: UMoyami ophezu kwakho namezwami engiwabeke emlonyenakho akazukusuka eembheneni zakho, namkha emilonyeni yabantwabakho, nanyana emilonyeni yeenzukulwana zabo ukusuka gadesi kuya kuyile.” Iye, watjho njalo uSomnini. “Vuka ukhanye wena Jerusalema ngombana ukukhanya kwakho kuyeza; iphazimulo kaSomnini idarhile phezu kwakho. Qala, ubumnyama busibekela iphasi nobumnyama obumabhombo buphezu kwabantu; kodwana uSomnini wenyukela phezu kwakho nephazimulwakhe ibonakala phezu kwakho. Izizwe zizakuza ekukhanyeni kwakho namakhosi ekudarheni kwephazimulwakho. “Phakamisa amehlwakho uqale mazombe: Boke bayabuthana, beze kuwe; amadodanakho avela khatjhana namadodakazakho agonwe ngemikhono. Nje-ke uzakuqala, uphazimule; ihliziywakho izakweqayeqa, iphuphume ngethabo ngombana ukuphuphuma kwelwandle kuzakulethwa kuwe, iye, umnono wezizwe uze kuwe. Umhlambi wamakamela uzakumumela, amakamedlana weMidiyani ne-Efa. Boke abantu beTjheba bazakuza, bathwele igolide netjhwalo, bamemezele iindumiso zakaSomnini. Yoke imihlambi kaKedari izakubuthelwa kuwe, amaqama weNebayothi azakuba sesandleni sakho, amukeleke njengomhlabelo e-aldarini lami, yeke ngizakuhlobisa ithempeli lami elibabazekako. “Bobani laba abaphapha phezulu njengelifu nanjengamazuba eendlwaneni zawo na? Ngambala, iinhlengele ziqalelele kimi. Imikhumbi yokurhweba ingeyokuthoma ukuletha amadodanakho avela khatjhana, aphethe isiliva negolide lawo, ukuhlonipha ibizo lakaSomnini uZimakho ongoCwengileko ka-Israyeli ngombana ukudumisile. “Imiqhamuka izakuvuselela imithangalakho, amakhosayo akusebenzele. Ngikumadlhe ngetukuthelo, kodwana ngomusa ngizakukhombisa izwelo. Amasangwakho azakuhlala avulekile, angeze avalwa imini nobusuku ukuze izizwe zikulethele umnonwazo, amakhosazo aragwe ngomlandelande wokuhlulwa. Mbala, isizwe namkha umbuso ongeze wakulotjha, uzakubhubha; iye, izizwezi zizakupheliswa nya. “Iphazimulo yeLibhanoni izakuza kuwe, imithi ye-elimu nemihlobohlobo yemisayipurusi ndawonye, kobana ngihlobise indawo yekumbami ecwengileko, ngibabaze indawo yeenyawo zami. Isizukulwana sabakugandelelako sizakuza kuwe sikhokhoba, boke abakunyazako bazaguqa eenyaweni zakho, bakubize bona uyiZiyoni idorobho lakaSomnini, ongoCwengileko ka-Israyeli. “Nanyana bewutjhiyiwe begodu uzondiwe, kungekho okhambela ngakuwe, ngizakwenza igugu lesiphelani, iye, itokozo iinzukulwana ngeenzukulwana. Uzakumunya ibisi lezizwe, iye, ebeleni lobukhosi. Yeke uzakwazi bonyana mina, nginguSomnini, ngiMsindisakho, noMhlengakho ongonamandla kaJakopo. Esikhundleni sekoporo ngizakulethela igolide, esikhundleni sesimbi isiliva. Esikhundleni sesigodo ngizakulethela ikoporo, esikhundleni samatje isimbi. Ngizakwenza ukuthula kube mlindakho nokulunga kube baphathi bakho. Godu akusazukuzwakala inturhu enarhenakho, iye, ukonakala nokubhubhisa ngaphakathi kwemikhawulwakho. Uzakubiza imithangalakho ngokuthi yisindiso, namasangwakho ngokuthi yindumiso. Godu ilanga alisazukuba mkhanywakho emini nokudarha kwenyezi akusazukukhanya kuwe. USomnini uzakuba mkhanyo wesiphelani kuwe, iye, uZimakho uzakuba yiphazimulwakho. Godu ilanga lakho alisazukutjhinga nenyezakho ayisazukuncipha. USomnini uzakuba mkhanyo wesiphelani kuwe namalangakho wesililo azakuphela. Boke abantu bakho bazakuba ngabalungileko, bazakuzuza inarha isiphelani. Bona baligatja engilitjalileko, umsebenzi wezandla zami ukubonakalisa idumo lami. Ophasi ngesibalo uzakuba yikoro nomncani abe sisizwe esinamandla. NginguSomnini. Nje-ke, ngesikhathi esifaneleko ngizakwenza msinyana lokhu.” UMoya kaSomnini uSomandla uphezu kwami, ngombana ungizesile ukuze ngitjhumayele iindaba ezihle kabadududu. Ungithume kobana ngibophe abaneenhliziyo ezaphukileko, ukumemezela ikululeko kabathunjiweko nokukhupha iimbotjhwa, ngimemezele umnyaka womusa kaSomnini nelanga lokuzibuyiselela kwakaZimethu, ngiduduze boke abalilako, iye, ngibonelele abalilako eZiyoni ngokubapha isihlohlo esikhundleni somlotha, amafutha wokujabula esikhundleni sokulila nengubo yokudumisa esikhundleni sommoya odanileko. Bazakubizwa bona bama-owuku wokulunga nesitjalo sakaSomnini ukuze babonakalise idumo lakhe. Bazakuvuselela amarubhi wakade, bakhe kabutjha iindawo ezabhuruka ngaphambilini; balungise amadorobho agirizwako, iye, iindawo ezabhuruka eenzukulwaneni ngeenzukulwana. Amaphandle azakuba ziinsebenzi zenu, eluse imihlambenu; imiqhamuka izakuba ziinsebenzi emasimini neendiribeni zenu. Nina-ke nizakubizwa bona nibaphristi bakaSomnini, nibizwe bona niziinceku zakaZimethu. Nizazikholisa ngomnotho wezizwe, nizikhakhazise ngomnonwazo. UZimu uthi: “Esikhundleni sehlazo abantu bami bazakufumana isabelo esibuyelelweko, esikhundleni sokurhubutjhwa bazakujekezela elifeni labo. Mbala, bazakuzuza isabelo esibuyelelweko enarhenabo, babe netokozo engapheliko. Njengombana mina Somnini ngithanda ukulunga, ngizonda ukudlelezela ngobukhohlakali; ekwethembekeni kwami ngizabanikela okungokwabo. Ngizakwenza nabo isivumelwano sanini nanini: Iinzukulwana zabo zizakwaziwa phakathi kwezizwe nabantwababo phakathi kwabantu. Boke abababonako bazakuvuma bonyana basizukulwana esibusiswe nguSomnini.” Ngithokoza khulu kwamambala ngoSomnini, umphefumulwami ujekezela kuZimami ngombana ungembathise iingubo zesindiso, wangigubuzesa ngesambatho sokulunga, njengomyeni lokha nathwala ingwani ehloko nanjengomlobokazi nazihlobise ngobuphaziphazi bakhe. Njengombana iqulwani iveza amahlumela nesivande senza bona imbewu imile, ngokunjalo uSomnini uSomandla uzakwenza bona ukulunga nedumo kuqhakaze phambi kwezizwe zoke. Ngebanga leZiyoni angeze ngathula, ngebanga leJerusalema angeze ngavala phetjheya, kufikela lapha ukulunga kwayo kukhanya khona njengokusa nesindiswayo ibe njengesihlothi esivuthako. Jerusalema, izizwe zizakubona ukulunga kwakho nawo woke amakhosi azakubona idumo lakho, uzakubizwa ngebizo elitjha, ozalithiywa nguSomnini ngokwakhe. Uzakuba sihlohlo sephazimulo esandleni sakaSomnini, iye, umtjhotjho wobukhosi esandleni sakaZimakho. Angeze bewusabizwa “ngolahliwe” namkha inarhakho ithiwe “ingudududu”. Kodwana sele uzakubizwa “othandiweko wami”, inarhakho ithiwe “ngeyendileko” ngombana uSomnini uzakukareka ngawe nenarhakho izakuba nomphathi. Njengesokana nalithatha intombi, ngokunjalo amadodanakho azakuba baphathi bakho, njengomyeni nathabele umlobokazakhe, ngokunjalo uZimakho uzakuthaba ngawe. Ngibeke abalindi emithangalenakho Jerusalema, angeze bathula ubusuku namkha emini. Nina enibiza uSomnini, ningazinikeli ukuphumula, naye ningamnikeli ukuphumula, kufikela lapha ajamisa khona iJerusalema, ayenze ibe lidumo lephasi. USomnini ufunge ngesokudla sakhe nangengalo yakhe enamandla wathi: “Godu angeze bengisanikela izitha zakho ikoroyi njengokugonywako, amaphandle angeze asasela iwayini elitjha enilisebenzele nzima; kodwana labo abavunileko bazagoma ikoroyi, badumise uSomnini nalabo ababuthelele amadiribe, bazakusela iwayini, esirhodlweni sendawami ecwengileko.” Yeniphume, phumani emasangweni! Lungiselelani abantu indlela! Lelezani, lelezani indlela evulekileko! Susani amatje. Phakamisani iphawu ezizweni! Qala wena Jerusalema, uSomnini wenze isimemezelo epelazwe uthi: “Yithini endodakazini yeZiyoni, ‘Qala, nangu umSindisakho asiza! Qala, uphethe umvuzwakhe, ipangwakhe iphambi kwakhe.’ ” Bazakubizwa bona “bababantu abacwengileko” begodu “abahlengiweko bakaSomnini”. Wena Jerusalema uzakubizwa bona “ungufunwako”, begodu “ulidorobho elingasatjhiywako”. Ngubani lo ovela e-Edomu, iye, eBhotsira onezambatho ezitlerebede na? Ngubani lo ohlobe ngeziphazimako, ohlabela phambili ngamandla amakhulu na? “Ngimi engikhuluma ngokulunga, nenginamandla wokusindisa.” Kubayini izambatho zakho zibomvu njengezomuntu ogadange ngebutlhodlhelweni besidiribe na? “Ngigadange ngebutlhodlhelweni ngingedwa, phakathi kwezizwe akakho noyedwa ogade anami. Ngazigadanga ngetukuthelwami, ngazitshidlha ngokufutheka kwami, umhluzi wazo wachaphazela izambatho zami, yeke zoke izambatho zami zinindekile. Ilanga lokubuyiselela belisehliziywenami nomnyaka wokuhlenga kwami sewufikile. Ngaqala, kodwana bekungekho umenyeli, ngamangala, kodwana akakho owangisekelako. Yeke ingalwami yaba yisindiswami netukuthelwami yangisekela. Ngapitliza abantu ngetukuthelwami, ngokufutheka kwami ngabaqoba, ngathululela iingazi zabo phasi.” Ngizakwazisa izenzo zokwethembeka kwakaSomnini, iye, izenzo adunyiswa ngazo, ukuya ngakho koke uSomnini asenzele khona. Kwamambala wenze izinto ezinengi ezihle ekumbeni ka-Israyeli, ukuya ngokuvama kokwethembeka kwakhe. Wathi: “Ngambala bababantu bami, babantwana abangeze baba mahlongandlebe.” Ngalokho waba msindisabo. Kiwo woke amatshwenyekwabo naye watshwenyeka, ngalokho, ingilozi yobukhona bakhe yabasindisa. Yena ngokwakhe wabahlenga ngethando nangezwelo, wabenyula bewabathwala yoke imihla yaphambilini. Kodwana bona bahlubuka bebakhubekisa uMoyakhe oCwengileko. Yena-ke waphenduka isitha sabo, yena ngokwakhe walwa nabo. Nje-ke, abantu bakhe bakhumbula imihla yaphambilini, imihla kaMosi, bathi: “Uphi yena owabahlenga elwandle kanye nabelusi bomhlambakhe na? Uphi yena owabeka uMoyakhe oCwengileko phakathi kwabo, wathumela ingalwakhe edumileko kobana ibe ngesigomeni sakaMosi, owahlukanisa amanzi phambi kwabo kobana azenzele ibizo lanini nanini nowabadabulisa ekuzikeni na? “Njengenjomani enarheni evulekileko azange bakhutjwe nanjengesilwana esehlela emrhobeni, lapha uMoya kaSomnini usiphumuza khona, ngokunjalo warhola abantu bakho Somnini, kobana uzenzele ibizo elidumileko. Yehlisa amehlwakho usezulwini, ubone usendawenakho ecwengileko nenedumo. Iphi itjisakalwakho namandlakho na? Isirhawu sakho nomusakho kugodliwe kithi. Ngambala ungubabethu! U-Abrahama akasazi, no-Israyeli bekangeze asilemuke, Somnini, wena ungubabethu; kwakade ibizo lakho unguMhlengethu. Somnini, usidurhiselani eendleleni zakho, uqinise iinhliziyo zethu kobana zingakwesabi na? Buya ngenca yeenceku zakho, iinkoro zelifa lakho. Abantu bakho abakhethekileko bazuze ilifa lakho kwesikhatjhana, kodwana izitha zethu zigadangele phasi indawakho ecwengileko. Sifana nabantu ongazange khewubabuse, iye, abangazange babizwe ngebizo lakho.” Kwanga bewungavula amazulu, wehlele phasi, iintaba bezizakuthuthumela phambi kwakho kube njengokuthungelwa kwamaqwabatjhi enze bonyana amanzi abile. Yewehle ukuze wenze ibizo lakho laziwe zizitha zakho nezizwe zithuthumele phambi kwakho! Wehla phambilini wenza okwesabekako ebesingakakulindeli, iintaba zathuthumela phambi kwakho. Ukusukela ekadeni, akakho owezwako, iye, akunandlebe eyalalela namkha ilihlo elabona uZimu onjengawe osiza labo abamqalelelako. Uhlangabeza labo abathokozela ukwenza okulungileko, labo abakukhumbulako balandele iindlela zakho. Qala, wena uthukuthela ngombana sonile. Nangathana besisese seendleleni zakho besizakufumana isizo, kodwana soke sesifana nosilapheleko; zoke izenzo zethu zokulunga sezifana nomtjhubelo. Soke sese sitjhwabe njengekari, siphetjhulwa licala lethu njengommoya. Akakho obiza ibizo lakho namkha olubalubela ukukakarela kuwe. Ngambala usifihlele ubuso bakho, wasinikelela emandleni wecala lethu. Nokho Somnini, ungubabethu. Thina simdaka, wena umbumbi wethu simsebenzi wezandla zakho soke nje. Ungathukutheli ngokweqileko Somnini, ungakhumbuli icala lethu mlibe. Yewusitjheje, siyakuncenga! Kazi sibabantu bakho soke nje. Imizakho ecwengileko sele iphenduke irhalawumba, ngitjho neZiyoni sese ilirhalawumba, iJerusalema ilirubhi. Ithempeli lethu elicwengileko nelidumileko, lapha abobaba bebakudumisa khona, litjhiswe thokgho ngomlilo, koke ebesinegugu ngakho sekonakele. Ngemva kwakho koke lokhu Somnini, uzase uhlale uzibuthelele na? Uzakuthula usithobise ngokudluleleko na? UZimu uthi: “Bengitholakala kilabo abangazange bazikhathaze ngami, bengifunyanwa ngabangazange bangifune. Esizweni esingazange sibize ibizo lami, ngathi, ‘Ngilapha, ngilapha.’ Imini yoke ngelulele izandla zami ebantwini abanekani, abakhamba eendleleni ezingakalungi, balandela imicabangwabo, iye, abantu abahlalele ukungitlhorholoja emtarini: Benza imihlabelo eemvandeni zabosingazimu, batjhise netjhwalo e-aldarini leentina. Bahlala ngemathuneni ebusuku baditjha eendaweni ezisithekileko. Bagoma inyama yewotji neembiza zabo zinomhluzi wenyama esinyenyiso, Ngibo abathi, ‘Sukela le, ungatjhideli kimapha ngombana ngicwenge khulu kunawe!’ Eempumulweni zami abanjalo bayintuthu evela emlilweni ovutha imini yoke. Qala, phambi kwami kutlolwe kwathiwa, ‘Angizukuthula kodwana ngizazibuyisela ngokuzeleko.’ Iye, ngizanibuyisela ngokuzeleko izono zenu nezaboyihlo ndawonye.” Watjho njalo-ke uSomnini. “Godu aboyihlo batjhisa imihlabelo eentabeni, bangiphoqa emibundwini. Ngalokho ngalinganisa ikokhelo ezeleko yezenzo zabo ezandleni zabo.” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Njengombana umhluzi usafunyaneka ehlukuzweni lamadiribe bese abantu bathi, ‘Ungawalahli ngombana anobuhle’, nami-ke ngizakwenza njalo ngenca yeenceku zami: Angeze ngazilahla zoke. Ngizakuveza iinzukulwana kuJakopo nakuJuda, ezizokuzuza iintaba zami; iye, abantu bami abakhethiweko bazakuthumba inarha, iinceku zami zihlale lapho. ITjharoni izakuba mrhula weembuzi nezimvu, umrhoba we-Akori ube yindawo yokuphumula kweenkomo; iye, kube lilifa labantu bami abangifunako. “Kodwana nina enifulathela uSomnini nikhohlwe intabami ecwengileko, ngokwendlalela uzinyana uGadi itafula, nizalisela uzinyana uMeni imijeka yewayini elivangiweko, ngizanibekela isabula kobana ibe likusasa lenu. Noke nizakugoba kobana nihlatjwe ngombana ngibizile kodwana nangasabeli, ngakhuluma kodwana nangalaleli. Nenze ubumbi emehlwenami, nakhetha engingakuthandiko.” Nje-ke nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: “Qalani, iinceku zami zizakugoma, kodwana nina nizakulamba. Qalani, iinceku zami zizakusela, kodwana nina nizakoma, Qalani, iinceku zami zizakujekezela, kodwana nina nizakurhubutjhwa. Qalani, iinceku zami zizakuhlokoma ngethabo leenhliziyo zazo, kodwana nina nizakurhahlawula ngeenhliziyo ezibuhlungu, nilile ngebanga lokwephuka ummoya. Nizakutjhiyela abalungileko bami amabizwenu, bawasebenzise njengesithuko ebantwini, bathi, ‘Ngokunjalo uSomnini uSomandla uzanibulala’. Kodwana eencekwini zami ngizakubeka elinye ibizo okuzakuthi nanyana ngubani obusisako enarheni abusise ngalo ngokuthi, ‘NgoZimu othembekileko’. Godu owenza isifungo enarheni afunge athi, ‘NgoZimu othembekileko’. Mbala, imiraro yaphambilini izakulitjalwa begodu ifihlakale ebusweni bami. Qalani, sele ngizokudala izulu elitjha nephasi elitjha: Izinto zaphambilini azisazokukhunjulwa, namkha ziyelelwe emkhumbulweni. Ngambala, thokozani nithabe nini nanini kilokho engikudalako: Qalani, sele ngizokudala iJerusalema ibe lithabo nabantu bayo babe yitokozo. Ngizakwethaba ngeJerusalema, ngithokoze ngabantu bami; Godu akusazukuzwakala kiyo amatjhada wesililo nokurhuwelela ngokufuna isizo. Godu akusazukuba khona kiyo isana eliphila amalangana kwaphela, namkha iqhegu eliluphala belithukghele. Mbala, isana lizakuhlongakala sele lineminyaka elikhulu, umuntu ongafikeleli ekhulwini leminyaka uzakuthathwa njengothuwelelisiweko. Abantu beJerusalema bazakwakha iinkumba bebahlale kizo, batjale iindiribe, bagome isithelo sakhona. Angeze bakha bese kuhlala omunye, batjale bese kugoma omunye ngombana njengamalanga womuthi azakuba njalo-ke namalanga wabantu bami begodu abakhethiweko bami bazazikholisa mndundu ngomsebenzi wezandla zabo. Abazukujulukela ilize namkha babelethele abantwana ihlekelele, ngombana bazakuba ziinzukulwana zababusisiweko bakaSomnini iye, bona nabantwana babo. Ngaphambi kobana babize, ngizaphendula, kuthi basakhuluma, mina ngizwe. Ipisi nemvu zizakudla ndawonye, ibhubezi lidle utjani njengekomo, ithuli libe kukudla kwenyoka. Angeze zalimaza namkha zitjhabalalise kiyo yoke intabami ecwengileko.” Watjho njalo-ke uSomnini. Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Izulu sihlalo sami sobukhosi, iphasi lisinabelo seenyawo zami. Alo, yikumba bani-ke enizangakhela yona, indawami yokuphumula ibe yini? Koke lokhu kwenziwe sisandla sami, nje-ke zoke izintwezi zenzeka.” Watjho njalo-ke uSomnini. “Nokho ngiyelela onje: umuntu ogandelelweko, onommoya ozothileko nowesaba ilizwi lami. Kodwana ongihlabela ikomo ubulala nomuntu, owenza umhlabelo ngemvana wephula nenja intamo, oletha umnikelo weenthoro unikela ngeengazi zewotji, otjhisa isabelo sesikhumbuzo setjhwalo udumisa nosingazimu! Kunjalo-nje bazikhethele iindlela zabo nomphefumulwabo uthokozela iinyenyiso; ngokunjalo nami ngizakukhetha ukubaphatha kumbi, ngehlisele ihlekelele phezu kwabo, ngebanga lokobana nangibizako, azange kube nophendulako, nangikhulumako, azange balalele, kodwana benza ubumbi emehlwenami, bakhetha lokho engingathokoziko ngakho.” Nina enesaba ilizwi lakaSomnini, lalelani ilizwi lakhe elithi: “Abafowenu abanizondako, baninine ngebanga lebizo lami, banitshima bathi, ‘USomnini akavele ngephazimulwakhe ukuze sibone ithabo lenu’, kodwana ngibo abazakurhubutjhwa.” Yizwani umkhosi wokuhlokoma ovela ngedorobheni! Ilizwi elivela ethempelini! Ilizwi lakaSomnini, libuyiselela izitha zakhe! “Ngaphambi kobana ibe nemirhele, iZiyoni yabeletha, ngaphambi kobana yehlelwe ziinhlungu, yazala indodana. Ngubani owakhe wezwa into enjalo? Ngubani owakhe wabona into enjalo? Inarha ingazalwa ngalanga linye na? Isizwe singabelethwa ngasikhathi sinye na? Kuthe bona iZiyoni ibe nemirhele, yazala amadodanayo. Ngizakutjhideza bonyana kuzalwe, kodwana ngingakuzalisi na?” Watjho njalo uSomnini. “Mina engenza bonyana kuzale, ngingavala isibeletho na?” Watjho njalo uZimakho, Ziyoni. Jekezelani neJerusalema, nilithabele noke nina enilithandako, lithokoziseni khulu noke nina enilila nalo, kobana nimunye nizikholise emabelenalo adunduzelako, nokobana nincance nizanelise emabelenalo agcweleko. Ngambala, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Qalani, sele ngizokuvula ukuthula kugelezele eJerusalema njengomlambo nomnono wezizwe njengomlanjana ophuphumako, nimunye benisingathwe edinini lalo, nidunduzelwe emathangenalo. Njengomntwana odunduzelwa ngunina, ngokunjalo ngizanidunduzela, nizakudunduzelwa eJerusalema. Nizakubona nehliziywenu ithokoze amathambenu ahlume njengotjani.” Kuzakwaziwa bonyana isandla sakaSomnini sineenceku zakhe nokobana itukuthelwakhe ijamelene nezitha zakhe. Qalani, uSomnini uzakuza ngomlilo neenkarana zakhe zepi njengesiwuruwuru, ukuze abuyise itukuthelwakhe ngokuvutha nokukhalima kwakhe ngamalangabi womlilo. Ngambala, uSomnini uzokukhupha isigwebo ngomlilo nangesabulakhe phezu kwayo yoke inyama; labo ababulewe nguSomnini bazakuba banengi. USomnini uthi: “Labo abazicwengisa bebazihlambulule kobana baye eemvandeni, balandelana nophakathi kwabo, bagome inyama yewotji, iinyenyiso kanye nabongozo, bazakubhubha ndawonye ngombana mina ngiyayazi imisebenzabo nemizindlwabo.” “Isikhathi sesifikile sokubuthelela zoke izizwe ngokwamalimi wazo kobana zize, zibone iphazimulwami: Ngizakuthoma ngokubeka iphawu phakathi kwazo. Phakathi kwazo ngizakuthumela abasindileko baye ezizweni, okutjho eTharatjhitjhi, ePhuli neLudi, abantu abarhwatjhe imisubela, baye neTubhali kanye neJavana ukufikela eligwini emaphethelweni lapha bangakezwa khona idumo lami begodu bangakaboni iphazimulwami. Abasindilekwabo bazakumemezela iphazimulwami hlangana nezizwe. Kizo zoke izizwe bazakuletha boke abafowenu entabenami ecwengileko eJerusalema njengomnikelo kuSomnini ngeenjomani, iinkarana zepi neenhlalogugwa, iimeyila namakamela. Iye, bazabaletha njengama-Israyeli naletha iminikelo yeenthoro ethempelini lakaSomnini ngezitja ezihlambulukileko.” Watjho njalo-ke uSomnini. “Godu ngizakukhetha abanye babafowenu kobana babe baphristi namkha amaLevi.” Watjho njalo-ke uSomnini. “Njengezulu elitjha nephasi elitjha engizolidala lizakunzinza phambi kwami, ngokunjalo iinzukulwana zenu nebizo lenu lizakunzinza.” Watjho njalo-ke uSomnini. “Ngemva kwalapho, ukusuka emnyanyeni wenyanga etja ukuya kolandelako nokusuka eSabatheni ukuya kelinye, boke abantu bazakuza baguqe phambi kwami.” Watjho njalo-ke uSomnini. “Bazakuphuma, baqale iindumbu zabangihlubukileko: Iimpethu zabo azizukufa nomlilwabo asoze wacima. Bazakuba sinyenyiso kibo boke abantu.” Amezwi kaJoromiya umsa kaRhilikhiya, ongomunye wabaphristi be-Anatothi esifundeni sakwaBhenjamini. Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kuJoromiya emnyakeni wetjhumi nantathu wokubusa kwakaJosiya umsa ka-Amoni ikosi yakwaJuda nangesikhathi sokubusa kwakaJehoyakhimu umsa kaJosiya ikosi yakwaJuda, bekube sekupheleni komnyaka wetjhumi nanye wokubusa kwakaTsedekhiya umsa kaJosiya ikosi yakwaJuda, lokha abantu beJerusalema nabaya ekuthunjweni ngenyanga yesihlanu. Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lisithi: “Ngaphambi kobana ngikubumbe ngesibelethweni, besele ngikukhethile, iye, ngaphambi kobana ubelethwe, ngakuhlukanisela, ngakubeka bona ube mphorofidi ezizweni.” Mina ngathi: “Maye mina! Somnini Somandla, qala, angikabi ukwazi ukukhuluma tjhatjhalazi. Ngisesemsana.” Kodwana uSomnini wathi kimi: “Ungeze wathi, ‘Ngisesemsana’, ngombana komunye nomunye engikuthuma kuye, kufanele uye begodu nanyana yini engikuyala ngayo, kufuze uyitjho. Ungabesabi ngombana nginawe kobana ngikwenyele.” Kutjho uSomnini. Khonapho uSomnini welula isandla sakhe, bona sikghwathe umlomami bewathi kimi: “Yizwa, ngibeke amezwami emlonyenakho. Yelela, namhlanjesi ngikubeka phezu kwezizwe nemibuso kobana usiphule bewubhuruze, utjhabalalise bewugirize, wakhe bewutjale.” Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Joromiya, ubonani na?” Mina ngathi: “Ngibona igatja lomuthi we-alimondi.” USomnini wathi kimi: “Awa, ubone kuhle ngombana ngiyelele mayelana nelizwi lami kobana ngilenze.” Ilizwi lakaSomnini leza kimi kwesibili lathi: “Ubonani-ke kwanjesi?” Ngathi: “Ngibona imbiza ekghaphakako, itjhigeme yafulathela itlhagu.” USomnini wathi kimi: “Ihlekelele izakukghaphaka isuka ngetlhagwini ithulukele phezu kwabo boke abahlali benarha. Mbala, sele ngizokubiza woke amakhosi wangetlhagwini ngokuhlukana kwawo.” Iye, watjho njalo uSomnini. “Azakuza bese abeka iinhlalo zawo zobukhosi ebungenweni bamasango weJerusalema, azakujamelana nayo yoke imithangalayo ezombelezileko kanye nayo yoke imizana yakwaJuda. Ngizakukhupha isigwebo sami phezu kwabantu beJerusalema nebakwaJuda ngenca yokukhohlakala abakwenzileko ngokungilahla kwabo, batjhisela abosingazimu itjhwalo, bakhothamela okwenziwe zizandla zabo. “Thekeleza! Sikima, ubatjele koke engikuyala ngakho. Ungabesabi, nakungasinjalo ngizakwenza ubesabe. Namhlanjesi ngikwenze waba lidorobho elinemithangala, isika yesimbi kanye nemithangala yekoporo kobana ujamelane nenarha yoke. Iye, ujamelane namakhosi wakwaJuda, iinkhulu zakhona, abaphristi bakhona kanye nabantu benarha leyo. Bazakulwa nawe kodwana angeze bakuhlule ngombana nginawe kobana ngikwenyele.” Kutjho uSomnini. Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Khamba ufese umemezele kilo iJerusalema uthi, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, “ ‘Ngikhumbula ukwethembeka kwakho usesemutjha, ithando lakho usesemlobokazi, ungilandela erhalawumbeni, enarheni engatjalwa litho. U-Israyeli gade acwengile kuSomnini, asilumo sakhe seenthelo zesivuno. Boke abahlephula kiso baba nomlandu, behlelwa yihlekelele.’ ” Kutjho uSomnini. Yizwa ilizwi lakaSomnini wena kumba kaJakopo, noke nina nkoro zekumba ka-Israyeli. Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Aboyihlo bangisoleni kobana bangabeze badede kimi na? Badlhemadlhema ngemva kwezinto ezililize nabo bagcina sele balilize. Azange bebabuze bathi, ‘Uphi uSomnini owasikhupha eGibhide wasirhola erhalawumbeni, enarheni yebhudu namadonga okuyinarha yesomiso neyethunzi elesabekako nengahlalwa muntu na?’ Ngimi enganiletha enarheni evundileko, kobana nizikholise ngeenthelo namanandi wakhona. Kodwana nathi naningenako nasilaphaza inarhami, nenza ilifa lami laba sinyenyiso. Abaphristi azange bebabuze bathi, ‘Uphi uSomnini!’ Labo abafundisako azange bangazi, abelusi bangihlubuka. Abaphorofidi baphorofida ngoBhali, badlhemadlhema ngemva kwezinto ezinganabubhadekelo.” USomnini uthi: “Ngalokho godu ngiyanimangalela, iye, ngimangalela iinzukulwana zenu. Yamelani eligwini leKitimi, niqale, thumelani eKhedari, niyelele kuhle: Into enjengale yakhe yenzeka na? Isizwe siyenana ngabozinyana baso, ngitjho nanyana bangasi nguZimu wamambala na? Kodwana abantu bami bona napa, benana uZimu oyiphazimulwabo ngezinto ezinganabubhadekelo! Rareka wena zulu, ukhene bewumangale khulu!” Kutjho uSomnini. “Mbala abantu bami benze izinto ezimbi ezimbili: Bangihlubukile mina, iye, mina mthombo wokuphila, bazembela imiphathamanzi, imiphathamanzi esasambileko engeze yamumatha amanzi! “U-Israyeli lo ulikhoboka, iye, likhoboka lokubelethwa na? Alo, kubayini-ke selaphenduke ipango? Amabhubezi abhodle phezu kwakhe, iye, abhodle ngelizwi elikhulu. Enze inarhakhe yaba libhudu, imizakhe irhayiliwe, ayinabahlali. Amadoda weMemfisi neweTarhipanirhesi adle woke amadlelwakho. Awukazidoseli amanzi ngomsele lokha nawufulathela uSomnini uZimakho nakurhola endleleni na? Alo, uzakuzuzani endleleni eya eGibhide, kobana uyokusela amanzi weTjhirhori na? Uzakuzuzani endleleni eya e-Asiriya kobana uyokusela amanzi eYufrathe na? Ubukhohlakali bakho buzakuhlunguphaza, ukuhlubuka kwakho kukukhalime. Yelela-ke ulemuke kobana kumbi begodu kumunyu nawuhlubuka uSomnini uZimakho, iye, nangingasakwenzi kobana ungesabe.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla onguMninimandlawoke. “Wephula ijogi lakho kade, wadabula nemitja yakho, wathi, ‘Angizukulotjha!’ Ngambala komunye nomunye umbundu ophakamileko nangaphasi komunye nomunye umuthi ohlaza, walala lapho njengengwadla. Mina ngakutjala usidiribe sekhethelo, uphelele usitjalo esithembekako. Alo, uphenduke njani-ke phambi kwami waba sidiribe sommango esinesivunda na? Nanyana ungahlamba ngesoda, usebenzise isibha esinengi, ibala lecala lakho lihlala liphambi kwami.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “Ungatjho njani uthi, ‘Awa, mina angikasilaphali! Akhange ngidlhemadlheme ngemva kwaboBhali’? Qala bona bewuziphethe njani emrhobeni, cabangisisa ngokwenzileko. Ufana nekamela esikazi eyehla yenyuka; iphundlukela erhalawumbeni ifamula iimpumulo inukelele ummoya. Ngubani ongayivimba nasele ibilelwa ziingazi na? Zoke eziduna eziyifunako azidingi ukuzikhathaza: Ngesikhathi sayo sokuzekwa ziyifunyana ngobuduze. Mina ngathi, ‘Ungagijimi bewudatjukelwe manyathelo, nomphimbakho bewome.’ Kodwana wena wathi, ‘Akusizi ngalitho! Awa, mina ngizithandela abatjhili nje-ke kumele sengidlhemadlheme ngemva kwabo.’ “Njengesela elineenhloni nalibanjiweko, injalo nekumba ka-Israyeli yaba neenhloni, yona, amakhosayo neenkhulu zayo, abaphristi kanye nabaphorofidi bayo. Bathi esigodweni, ‘Wena ungubabami’, elitjeni bathi, ‘Wena wangibeletha’. Bangifulathele, bangifihlela ubuso babo. Kodwana ngesikhathi sesizi labo bathi, ‘Yewize usisindise!’ Baphi-ke abozinyana owazenzela bona wena Juda? Abeze phela nakube bangakusindisa ngesikhathi sesizi lakho! Angithi wena unabozinyana abanengi njengamadorobhakho, Juda. “Kubayini ningisola? Noke nina ningihlubukile.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Ngimadlhe phasi abantwabenu ngelize, azange bamukele ukusolwa. Isabulenu irhiribidele abaphorofidi benu njengebhubezi elidabudabulako.” Isizukulwaneso ngini! Nje-ke, yelelani ilizwi lakaSomnini nalithi: “Ngibe lirhalawumba ku-Israyeli, namkha inarha enobumnyama obukhulu na? Ngitjho ngombana abantu bami bathi, ‘Awa, kwanjesi sesifikile asizukubuyela kuwe erhalawumbeni.’ Intombi vane kheyikhohlwe ubuphaziphazi bayo nomlobokazi ivunulwakhe yomtjhado na? Kodwana napa abantu bami bangikhohliwe, bekwaba malanga angabalekiko. “Maye, unekghono lokufuna ithando! Ngitjho neengwadla zingafunda kuwe! Ezambathweni zakho kufunyanwa iingazi zabamsulwa, abadududu. Azange ubabambe bagqekeza, kodwana phezu kwakho koke lokhu ube nesandla. Nokho uthi, ‘Awa, mina anginamlandu, itukuthelo kaZimu ikude nami.’ Qala-ke, ngizakugweba ngombana uthi, ‘Mina anginasono.’ ” Kubayini ugwilike lula na? Uzakudaniswa yiGibhide njengombana udaniswe yi-Asiriya. Godu ukusuka lapho uzakuphuma uthwele imikhono ehloko ngombana uSomnini ubalahlile labo othembele kibo; angeze waphumelela. “Joromiya kufuze uthi kibo, ‘Lokha indoda nayitlhala umkayo, bese uyayitjhiya, ende kenye indoda, kumele indoda leya ibuyele kuye godu na? Inarha ayizukusilaphala khulu ngalokho na? Wena ungwadle neenthandwa ezinengi. Alo, ufuna ukubuyela kimi ije unjalo na?’ ” Kutjho uSomnini. “Akhe uqale emidzwilini yemilandelande: Kunendawo lapha ungazange uqatjhazwe khona na? Wahlala eqadi kwendlela ulindele iinthandwa zakho, iye, wahlala njengomArabhu erhalawumbeni. Usilaphaze inarha ngobungwadla nangobukhohlakali bakho. Ngalokho-ke izulu elikhukhulako lagodlwa nezulu langaphambi kwesivuno alikani. Khonapho usese netshwayo lengwadla, awufuni ukuba neenhloni. Akusuwe osanda ukungibiza wathi, ‘Baba, mlingani wobutjha bami!’ Bewathi, ‘UZimu uzakuhlala athukuthele na? Ilaka lakhe lizakuba ngelesiphelani na?’ Ukhuluma ngaleyondlela, khibe wenza woke amanyala owakghonako.” Ngesikhathi sokubusa kwekosi uJosiya, uSomnini wathi kimi: “Ubonile lokho u-Israyeli oqoqomako akwenzileko na? Ukhuphukele komunye nomunye umbundu nangaphasi komunye nomunye umuthi ohlaza wayokungwadlela lapho. Ngadlumbana ngathi, ‘Uzakuthi angaqeda ukwenza koke lokho, abuyele kimi.’ Kodwana azange enze njalo nodadwabo, uJuda ongathembekiko, ukubonile lokho. Yeke u-Israyeli oqoqomako lo ngiyomthokoza kwabo, ngimhlome ngencwadi yokumtlhala ngebanga lokuhlobonga kwakhe. Kodwana ngabona bonyana udadwabo, uJuda ongathembekiko lo akanavalo, naye ngokwakhe ukhambile wayokungwadla. Ngebanga lendaba yokungwadla kwaka-Israyeli, inarha yasilaphala, nje-ke abantu bahlobonga nelitje kanye nesigodo. Phezu kwakho koke lokhu, udadwabo uJuda ongathembekiko lo, azange aphendukele kimi ngehliziywakhe yoke, kodwana ngekohliso.” Kutjho uSomnini. USomnini wathi kimi: “U-Israyeli oqoqomako lo, icala lakhe lingcono kunelakaJuda ongathembekiko. Nje-ke, khamba ufese umemezele umlayezo lo ngehlangothini langetlhagwini ngokuthi, “ ‘USomnini uthi: Yewubuye wena Israyeli oqoqomako! Iye, uSomnini uthi: Angeze bengisakubuthela iinhlonze ngombana ngithembekile. Mbala, uSomnini uthi: Angeze ngathukuthela mlibe. Kwaphela vuma icala lakho bonyana uhlubuke uSomnini uZimakho, ukhambe wehla wenyuka nabatjhili ngaphasi kwayo yoke imithi ehlaza, azange ulalele ilizwi lami. Nina ma-Israyeli, uSomnini uthi: Yenibuye nina bantwana abaqoqomako ngombana mina ngimphathenu. Ngizanithatha kube ngoyedwa edorobheni nababili ekorweni nginise eZiyoni. “ ‘Ngizanipha abelusi engibanyulako abazanifunza ngelwazi nangokuzwisisa. Emihleni leyo lokha nasele isibalo senu senyukile enarheni, abantu angeze basathi: Umfaji wesivumelwano sakaSomnini! “ ‘Angeze bekusaba semikhumbulwenabo, iye, angeze bacabanga ngawo. Angeze bawuhlulukela begodu angeze benza omunye, kutjho uSomnini. Ngesikhatheso abantu bakaSomnini bazakubiza iJerusalema bona isihlalo sakhe. Bazakusuka kizo zoke izizwe babuthanele kilo, iye eJerusalema ngebanga lebizo lakaSomnini. Angeze basalandela ubulikhuni beenhliziyo zabo ezikhohlakeleko. Emihleni leyo ikumba kaJuda izakuya ekumbeni ka-Israyeli, zizakuvela ndawonye ngenarheni yangetlhagwini zingene enarheni engayabela aboyihlo.’ ” “Mina ngokwami ngadlumbana ngathi, “ ‘Ngingenza njani bonyana ngikuthathe wena Israyeli ube mntwanami ngikuphe inarha ethandekako, iye, ilifa elihle neledlula lazo zoke izizwe na?’ Godu ngadlumbana bonyana uzangibiza uthi, ‘Baba’, ungahlubuki ekungilandeleni. Kodwana njengomfazi ongathembekiko endodenakhe, ngokunjalo nawe azange uthembeke kimi, wena kumba ka-Israyeli.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Kuzwakele ukurhuwelela emizileni yemilandelande, ukulila nokuncenga kwabantu bakwa-Israyeli ngombana balahle iindlela zabo, bakhohlwa uSomnini uZimabo. Buyani, nina bantwana abaqoqomako, ngizanelapha ekuqoqomeni kwenu.” Ama-Israyeli athi: “Iye, sizakubuyela kuwe ngombana unguSomnini uZimethu. Ngambala, ukulotjha eendundumeni netjhada eentabeni kuyikohliso. Mbala, uSomnini uZimethu uyisindiso ka-Israyeli. Kusukela ebutjheni bethu, uzinyana osinyenyiso, urhiribidele isithukuthuku sabobaba, iye, izimvu, iimbuzi neenkomo zabo, ngitjho namadodana namadodakazabo. Asilaleni ekunyenyiseni kwethu, ihlazo lethu lisembese. Sonile kuSomnini uZimethu, iye, thina nabobaba, kusukela ebutjheni bethu bekube namhlanjesi azange silalele ilizwi lakaSomnini uZimethu.” USomnini waphendula wathi: “Nange kunendlela oyithathako, wena Israyeli, akube ngebuyela kimi. Nanisusa iinyenyiso zenu emehlwenami, ningabe nisehla nenyuka, khona-ke nizakufunga ngeqiniso, ngobuqotho nangokulunga nanithi, ‘Sifunga uSomnini ophilako.’ Nje-ke iinkoro zakwa-Israyeli zizakufuna iimbusiso nedumo lazo kimi mina Somnini. “Mbala, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini kibo boke abantu bakwaJuda nebeJerusalema: “Zikghemeleni ihlabathi engakalinywa, ningatjali hlangana nameva. Zisokeni kube kuSomnini, nisuse amajwabu weenhliziyo zenu nina bantu bakwaJuda nebeJerusalema! Nakungasinjalo itukuthelwami izakuqubuka ngebanga lobumbi enibenzileko bese itjhise njengomlilo kungabi nomcimi.” Bikani kwaJuda, nimemezele eJerusalema nithi: “Vuthelani ipalapala enarheni! Rhuwelelani nithi, ‘Yenibuthane ndawonye! Asibalekeleni emadorobheni anemithangala!’ Phakamiselani iphawu eZiyoni! Phephiselani ipahlenu eJerusalema, ningariyadi! Qalani, uSomnini sele azokuletha ihlekelele evela ngetlhagwini, ngitjho nokurhayilwa okukhulu.” Ibhubezi liphumile ngedzabeni lalo, umbhubhisi wezizwe ufudukile. Utjhiye indawakhe kobana enze inarhakho ibe libhudu, wena Juda. Amadorobhakho azakuba marubhi atlhoge abahlali. Yeke, yembathani iinzilo, nilile nirhahlawule nithi: Maye, ilaka elivuthako lakaSomnini alikasuki phezu kwethu. USomnini uZimu wathi: “Mhlokho, ikosi kanye neenkhulu izakuphela amandla, abaphristi bakhene, abaphorofidi bakakamale.” Yeke mina ngathi: “Maye Somnini Somandla, ukhohlise kokukhohlisa isizwesi kanye neJerusalema ngokuthi bazakuba nokuthula khisibe isabula isihlezi emphinjeni.” Ngesikhatheso isizwesi kanye neJerusalema bazakutjelwa kuthiwe: “Ummoya otjhwabisako ovela emibundwini eligagadu erhalawumbeni uphembethela ngebantwini bami, kodwana awuzukuphephetha namkha uthanyele. Kumumoya onamandla khulu kunalokho! Ngesikhathesi ubuya kimi. Mina ngokwami ngizakukhupha iingwebo phezu kwabo.” Qalani, uza njengamafu! Ikaranakhe iza njengesiwuruwuru, iinjomani zakhe zigijima khulu kunamadlanga. Maye thina! Siphelile! Wena Jerusalema, hlamba ubumbi obusehliziywenakho bese uyasinda. Kuzabe kube nini imizindlo emimbi ihlezi kuwe na? Ilizwi libika ukusuka kwaDani, limemezela ihlekelele eentabeni zakwa-Efrayimu lithi: “Yazisani iinkoro zakwa-Israyeli, nimemezele eJerusalema nithi: ‘Qalani, napo abavimbezeli beza, basuka enarheni ekhatjhana, baqubula ingoma yepi phezu kwamadorobho wakwaJuda. Bazombeleza iJerusalema njengomuntu olinde isimu ngombana lingihlubukile mina Somnini.’ ” Kutjho uSomnini. Ukuziphatha kwakho kanye nezenzo zakho, wena Juda, kulethe lokhu phezu kwakho. Lokhu kumphumela wobukhohlakali bakho. Yizwa bona kumunyu kangangani nabuhlaba ehliziyweni! Maye iinsizi zami, iinsizi zami! Ngisebuhlungwini! Maye, ukubethela eduze kwehliziywami! Iye, ihliziywami iyathukuza angikwazi ukuthula. Ngizwile ukulila kwepalapala, ngezwa nengoma yepi. Ukubhujiswa phezu kokubhujiswa kuyamenyezelwa; mbala, inarha yoke itlhifiriziwe. Amatendami atjhabalaliswe msinyana, iye, ubusithelo bami ngokuphazima kwelihlo. Kuzabe kube nini ngibona iphawu ngizwe netjhada lepalapala na? USomnini uthi: “Lokhu kwenzeka ngombana abantu bami ziindlhadlha, abangazi. Babantwana abanganangqondo begodu abanalemuko. Banekghono lokwenza ubumbi, kodwana abakwazi ukwenza okulungileko.” Ngabona inarha, qala, beyinganabubono, inganabuphilo ngabona umkayi, qala, bewunganakukhanya. Ngabona iintaba, qala, bezihlengezela, yoke imibundu gade iyethezela. Ngaqala, yelela bekunganamuntu neenyoni zoke zibalekile. Godu ngaqala, yelela, inarha ebeyinothile sele ilirhalawumba; woke amadorobhayo gade amarubhi ngebanga lakaSomnini, iye, ngebanga letukuthelwakhe evuthako. Ngambala nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Yoke inarha izokuba libhudu, nokho angeze ngalisa ukuyibhubhisa. Ngalokho iphasi liyalila namazulu phezulu ayafiphala. Ngebanga lokobana ngikhulumile, ngincamile, ngizakwenza lokho. Angeze ngazisola, asoze ngabuyela emuva.” Ngetjhada labakhweli beenkarana zepi nabosomsebe boke abantu ngedorobheni bayabaleka. Babalekela eentjhutheni, banyukela ngemipharwini yamadwala. Woke amadorobho atjhiyiwe, akakho ohlala kiwo. Uzokwenzani, wena ophelisiweko na? Nanyana uzembese ngezitlerebede wafaka nobuphaziphazi begolide, iye, nanyana uzitjhatjhe ngeemonyongo zamehlo uzazikghabisela ilize. Labo abakukhanukako bayakudelela, bafunana nepilwakho. Mbala, ngezwa isililo inga ngesomfazi onemirhelo, silisizi njengaloyo obeletha izibulo; iye, isililo sendodakazi yeZiyoni elwela ukuphefumula, yelula izandla isithi: “Maye mina, ngiyatsirimezeka, ipilwami inikelwe esandleni sababulali.” “Yehlani nenyuke neendledlana zeJerusalema, niqale ngapha nangapha niyelele, nifunisise ematatawini wakhona, nibone bonyana ningafumana umuntu owenza okufaneleko, ophikelela ekwethembekeni, khona-ke ngizakucolela idorobheli. Nanyana abantwabo basithi, ‘Sifunga ngepilo kaSomnini’, basafunga ngekohliso.” Somnini, wena uqala ukwethembeka! Wabamadlha, kodwana azange bezwe ubuhlungu, wabaqeda, kodwana bala ukusolwa. Benza ubuso babo baqina ukudlula ilitje, bala ukuphenduka. Ngadlumbana ngathi, “Abantwaba ziinchaka, badlhayele ngombana abayazi indlela kaSomnini, iye, umthetho kaZimabo. Yeke ngizakuya eenkhulwini, ngikhulumisane nazo, zona kufuze ziyazi indlela kaSomnini, iye, umthetho kaZimazo.” Kodwana nazo zoke njalo zephula ijogi, zidabula iimbopho. Ngalokho ibhubezi elivela ngehlathini lizazibhozomela, ipisi yerhalawumbeni iziqede. Ingwe izazilalela eduze namadorobhazo, kobana idabule iinquqwana nanyana ngubani ophumako ngombana ukuhlubuka kwazo kukhulu nokuhlehla kwazo kwandile. USomnini uthi: “Kubayini ngifanele ngikucolele, wena Juda? Abantwabakho bangilahlile, bafunga ngozinyana ongekho. Nasele ngibondlile, bahlobonga; bazidlhunya ngekumbeni yesitjhatjha. Baziinjomani eziduna ezondlekileko nezindindako, enye nenye elilela umfazi wenye indoda. Kumele ngingabahlunguphazi ngalokhu na? Kumele ngingazibuyiseleli esizweni esinjalo na?” Kubuza uSomnini. “Khuphukelani embundwini, eendiribeni zakwaJuda bese niyarhayila; ningakhawuli ukubhubhisa. Phulani iingala zeendiribe ngombana abantwaba abasi ngebakaSomnini. Mbala, ikumba ka-Israyeli neyakaJuda, azange yethembeke nakanye kimi.” Kutjho uSomnini. Baphike uSomnini bathi: “Angekhe enze litho! Akunangozi ezasehlela, angeze sabona isabula namkha indlala. Abaphorofidi bazakuba mumoya; ilizwi lakaZimu alikho kibo.” Yeke akuthi abakutjhoko kwenzeke phezu kwabo. Ngalokho-ke nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uZimu uMninimandlawoke: “Ngebanga lokobana abantu bakhulume amezwi la, qala, ngenza amezwami emlonyenakho abe mlilo, abantwaba babe ziinkuni baqothulwe mlilo lowo.” USomnini uthi: “Wena kumba ka-Israyeli, qala, sele ngizokuletha isizwe esivela kude kobana sijamelane nawe; iye, isizwe sakade nesizakuhlala sikhona, okubabantu abanelimi eningalaziko nabanekulumo eningayizwisisiko. Isilanda saso sifana nethuna elivulekileko, boke bamadoda aziingorho. Bazakugoma isivuno kanye nokudla kwenu, batle amadodana namadodakazenu. Bazakurhiribidela izimvu, iimbuzi neenkomo zenu; bagomojele iindiribe kanye namakhiwanenu. Amadorobhenu anemithangala nenithembele kiwo, bazawalalisa phasi ngesabula.” USomnini uthi: “Ngitjho nemalangeni la, angeze ngakhawula ukunibhubhisa. Abantu nababuza bathi, ‘Kubayini uSomnini uZimethu enze koke lokhu kithi na?’, uzakuthi kibo, ‘Njengombana ningihlubukile nayokulotjha abosingazimu enarhenenu, ngaleyondlela nizakulotjha imiqhamuka enarheni ekungasi ngeyenu.’ ” Bikani lokhu ekumbeni kaJakopo nibuye nikuzwakalise kwaJuda: Lalelani lokhu nina bantu abaziindlhadlha nabanganagqondo, abantu abanamehlo, kodwana bangaboni, abaneendlebe, kodwana bangezwa. USomnini uthi: “Aningesabi na? Anithuthumeli phambi kwami, mina engibeke itjhwabatjhwaba yaba mkhawulo welwandle, isimiso sasafuthi nelingeze laseqa na? Amagagasi angakhephuzela kodwana angeze asitjhidisa, angabhodla kodwana angeze aseqa. Kodwana abantwaba baneenhliziyo eziqinileko nezihlubukako, baphambukile, banyelela. Eenhliziyweni zabo akukho ukuthi, ‘Asesabeni uSomnini uZimethu, onisa izulu ngesikhathi sakhona, iye, lesilimela nelesiruthwana; oqinisekisa ngeemveke ezibekiweko zesivuno.’ Kodwana amacalenu akuphambukisile lokho nezono zenu ziniphundise ubuhle. Phakathi kwabantu bami kuneenkhohlakali: Zibadalele njengabantu abacuphe iinyoni, zibeka isifu, zibambe abantu. Njengesiqwebu esigcwele iinyoni, zinjalo neenkumba zazo zigcwele ipahla yekohliso. Ngebangelo ziphenduke iinkhulu neenjinga. Iye, zinonile, zinemikhaba, ziyaphumelela! Ngezenzo zazo ezimbi sezidlulelele! Azisakhuphi iingwebo: Indaba yeentandani nomlandu wabachakileko azisawuyeleli.” USomnini uthi: “Alo, kumele ngingabahlunguphazi ngalokhu na? Ngingazibuyiseleli phezu kwesizwe esinjengalesi na? Kunento erarako nethusako eyenzekako enarheni: Abaphorofidi baphorofida ngehloso yamanga, abaphristi babusa ngegunya labo; nje-ke abantu bami bathanda khona lokho. Alo-ke, yini okhunye enizokwenza emva kwalokhu na?” Nina bantu bakwaBhenjamini, balekani phakathi kweJerusalema! Vuthelani ipalapala eTekhowa! Yenzani itshwayo lentuthu liphakame ngehla kweBhethe-Hakeremu! Nasi ihlekelele iphayiza ivela ngetlhagwini, ngitjho nokurhayilwa okukhulu! Indodakazi yeZiyoni kimi beyifana namadlelo amahle. Kodwana abelusi nemihlambabo bazakuza kiyo, bahlome amatendabo phezu kwayo mazombe; ngiloyo naloyo adlise isabelo sakhe kiyo. Bathi: “Zilungiseleleni ukulwa neJerusalema! Phakamani, sisahleleni emini ekulu! Heyi! Imini ithoma ukujika nemithunzi yentambama iba mide. Yeke phakamani, asisahleleni ebusuku, sirhayile imibhotjhongwayo!” Mbala, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke: “Gawulani imithi, nakhe iinqabo eziqhube magegana nomthangala weJerusalema. Leli lidorobho eligcwele ngezinto zesibambiso, iye, koke kilo zizinto zokudlelezelwa. Njengomthombo olonde amanzi amatjha ngokunjalo nalo lilonde ubukhohlakali balo. Inturhu nokuphangwa kuzwakele kilo, ukugula kanye namancebalo kuphambi kwami njalo. Yelela wena Jerusalema, nakungasinjalo ngizakufulathela ngokukghabhudlheka, iye, nakungasinjalo ngizakwenza ube libhudu, indawo lapho kungahlalwa khona.” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke: “Njengombana kwenziwa esidiribeni abantu bazakuburuja amasalela wesivuno kwa-Israyeli iye, wena ovela ngetlhagwini, dlulisa isandla sakho njengomuntu obuthelela amadiribe.” Ngingakhuluma nobani ngimyelelise ukuze ezwe na? Qalani, iindlebe zabo azikakotakotwa ngalokho abezwa. Qalani, ilizwi lakaSomnini bayaliphoqa, abathokozi ngalo. Kodwana ngigcwele ilaka lakaSomnini, yeke angikghoni ukulibamba. USomnini uthi: “Lithululele phezu kwabantwana endledlaneni naphezu kwesiqhema samasokana, umfazi nendoda bazakubambeka bobabili, ngitjho neqhegu kanye nabaluphele khulu. “Iinkumba zabo zizakunikelwa abanye, amasimu kanye nabafazi babo, ngombana ngizakulula isandla sami ngokujamelana nabahlali benarha.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Mbala, kusukela kabancani ukuya kabakhulu babo, boke banehliziyo ede ngenzuzo; ukusukela ebaphorofidini ukuya ebaphristini, boke benza ikohliso. Bahlenga inceba labantu bami ngokulithatha lula, bathi ‘Kunokuthula! Kunokuthula!’ khisibe akunakuthula do. Bayaqobeka ngombana benza izinto ezinyenyisako! Nanyana kunjalo abananhloni nakanye, abakwazi ngitjho nokutjhalazela lokhu. Yeke, bazakuwa hlangana nabawileko, bazakuguqiswa lokha nangisebenza ngabo.” Kutjho uSomnini. Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Ngathi, ‘Jamani epambanandlela niqale, buzani ngeendlela zekadeni ukufunyana bonyana ngiyiphi elungileko, nikhambe kiyo, nifumanele imiphefumulwenu ukuphumula.’ Kodwana abantwaba bathi, ‘Abe asizokhamba endleleni yakhona leyo.’ Ngibeke abalindi phezu kwabo ngathi, ‘Lalelani itjhada lepalapala!’ Kodwana bona bathi, ‘Abe asizokulalela.’ Ngalokho, lalelani-ke nina zizwe, yelelani nina mkhambathi ophakathi kwabo, lalela wena narha. Qalani, sele ngizokuletha ihlekelele phezu kwabantwaba; izakuba ziinthelo zamaqhingabo ngombana azange balalele amezwami begodu balahle ifundiswami. Nginandaba bani netjhwalo leTjheba namkha umgaba onuka kamnandi ovela enarheni ekude na? Imihlabelwenu yokutjhiswa ayamukeleki neyetjhebiswano ayingijabulisi.” Ngalokho nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Qalani, sele ngizokubeka iinliyo phambi kwabantwaba, iye, phambi kwaboyise nabantwana ngokufanako, woke umphakathi uzakubhubha.” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Qalani, kuza abantu bavela ngenarheni yetlhagwini, iye, kuqubuka isizwe esikhulu emajukujukwini wephasi. Sihlome ngomsebe nangomkhonto, sinesihluku begodu asinasirhawu. Sizwakala inga lilwandle elibhodlako nasikhwele phezu kweenjomani zaso, siza njengamadoda ahlelekele ipi kobana sikusahlele, wena ndodakazi yeZiyoni.” Lokha nasizwa ngemibikwaso sangenwa mamanzi emadolweni. Isizi lisibambile, iye, iinhlungu njengomfazi obelethako besathi: “Ningaphumi niye emasimini namkha nikhambakhambe eendleleni ngombana isitha sihlome ngesabula, ukwesaba kusizombe mahlangothi woke. Wena Ziyoni, ndodakazi yabantu bami, vunula iinzilo uzibhudabhude emlotheni, uzile ngokurhahlawula okuhlaba ehliziyweni inga ngokomntwana ekukuphela kwakhe, ngombana msinyana sizokuthelekelwa mrhayili.” USomnini uthi: “Ngikubeke njengomhloli phakathi kwabantu bami, iye, njengomncibilikisi ukuze wazi bewuhlole iindlela zabo. Boke bamahlubuka akhunyaleleko, bakhamba bahleba. Baqine njengekoporo nesimbi, boke babanga umonakalo. Isibhebhedlhisi sibhebhedlhisa ngamandla, kodwana okuncibilikiswako mthofi kwaphela. Umncibilikisi uncibilikisela ilize ngombana abakhohlakeleko abahlungeki.” Babizwa bona bamanyela wesiliva, ngombana uSomnini ubalahlile. USomnini wakhuluma noJoromiya wamtjela bona ajame esangweni lethempeli lakaSomnini amemezele umlayezo lo lapho athi: “Yizwani ilizwi lakaSomnini noke nina bantu bakwaJuda abangena emasangweni la kobana nimlotjhe. Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli uthi, ‘Lokha nanilungisa iindlela nezenzo zenu, khona-ke ngizanenza nihlale enarheni le.’ Ningathembeli emazwini adurhisako athi: “Nanti-ke ithempeli lakaSomnini! Nanti-ke ithempeli lakaSomnini! Nanti-ke ithempeli lakaSomnini! “Nakube ngambala nilungisa iindlela nezenzo zenu bese niphathana ngokulunga okutjho ukungagandeleli isikhonzi, intandani nomhlolokazi, ukungaphalazi iingazi ezinganamlandu enarheni le begodu nokungadlhemadlhemi ngemva kwabosingazimu benizilimaze, khona-ke ngizanivumela kobana nihlale enarheni le, iye inarha engayinikela aboyihlo isiphelani. Kodwana qalani, nithembela emazwini adurhisako nangasizi litho. “Nicabanga bona nizakweba benibulale, nihlobonge benifunge ngekohliso, nitjhisele uBhali itjhwalo benidlhemadlheme ngemva kwabosingazimu ebeningabazi erhalawumbeni bese nizokujama phambi kwami ethempelini elibizwa ngami nithi, ‘Siphephile!’ khisibe niragela phambili ngokwenza iinyenyiswezi na? Ithempeli elibizwa ngameli, nicabanga bona sele lilirholo labadlelezeli na? Kodwana yazini bona ngihlala nginiqalile!” Kutjho uSomnini. “Ningaya khona nje endawenami ebegade iseTjhilo lapha nganzinzisa khona ibizo lami kokuthoma, niyokubona lokho engakwenza kiyo ngebanga lobukhohlakali babantu bami u-Israyeli. “Nje-ke, isigwebo sakaSomnini sithi: Ngebanga lokobana nenze zoke izintwezi begodu ngakhuluma nani imini yoke, kodwana azange nilalele; nganibiza kodwana azange nisabele; yeke engakwenza eTjhilo ngizakwenza phezu kwethempeli elibizwa ngami, iye, ithempeli enithembele kilo, naphezu kwenarha engayinikela nina naboyihlo. Ngizaniqotjha ebukhoneni bami njengombana ngaqotjha boke abafowenu, iye, zoke iinzukulwana zakwa-Efrayimu. “Ngalokho wena Joromiya, ungabathandazeli abantwaba, ungabalileli namkha ubakhulumele. Ungabancengeli kimi ngombana angeze bengilalele. Kghani awukuboni abakwenza emadorobheni wakwaJuda neendledlaneni zeJerusalema na? Abantwana batheza iinkuni, aboyise baphemba umlilo, abonina babhica ihlama kobana babhagele indlovukazi yomkayi amabhagwana wokulotjha. Baphahlela abosingazimu kobana bangivusele itukuthelo. Bathukuthelisa mina na?” Kutjho uSomnini. “Abazilimazi ngokwabo ngokuzirhubutjha na? Ngalokho-ke nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla, ‘Itukuthelwami nelaka lami lizokuthulukela phezu kwenarha le, phezu kwabantu neenlwana, phezu kwemithi yesivande naphezu kwesithelo semasimini. Izakuvutha ingacimi.’ ” Godu nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke onguZimu wakwa-Israyeli: “Ragelani phambili ningezelele imihlabelwenu yokutjhiswa neyetjhebiswano bese nitla inyama yakhona leyo! Mbala, lokha nangikhuluma naboyihlo ngesikhathi ngibakhupha eGibhide, azange sengibanikele nje kwaphela imiyalo emalungana nemihlabelo yokutjhiswa neyetjhebiswano, kodwana ngabadosa ngendlebe ngomyalo lo ngathi, ‘Nanithobela ilizwi lami, khona-ke ngizakuba nguZimenu, nina nibe babantu bami. Khambani ngazo zoke iindlela enginiyala ngazo ukuze kunikhambele kuhle.’ Kodwana aboyihlo azange balalele bebayelele, esikhundleni salokho balandela iindlela zokukhunyalala kweenhliziyokazi zabo ezimbi. Badedela emuva kunobana baye phambili. Kusukela ngesikhathi aboyihlo baphuma eGibhide bekube gadesi, abantwaba ngabathumela iinceku zami, abaphorofidi imihla ngemihla, imini yoke. Kodwana azange bangilalele namkha bayelele. Gade baneentanyana begodu bakhambelela ekwenzeni ubumbi kunaboyise. “Lokha nawubatjela koke lokhu, angeze bakulalela. Lokha nawubarhuwelelako, abazukuphendula. Ngalokho yithi kibo, ‘Lesi sisizwe esingazange sithobele uSomnini uZimaso namkha sizwe lokha nasikhalinywako. Iqiniso liphelile, litjhabalele emilonyenaso.’ ” Rhuna iinhluthu zakho, wena Jerusalema uzilahle, lila emizileni yemilandelande ngombana uSomnini ulahle bewatjhiya umphakathi owembethwe lilaka lakhe. USomnini uthi: “Abantu bakwaJuda benze ubumbi emehlwenami: Babeke iinyenyiso zabo ngethempelini elibizwa ngami, ngalokho balisilaphaza. Bakhe indunduma yeTofethi emrhobeni weBheni-Hinomu kobana batjhise khona amadodana namadodakazabo njengomhlabelo, okuyinto engingazange ngiyale ngayo namkha ibe semkhumbulwenami. Nje-ke, qalani, ayeza amalanga lapha abantu bangeze basayibiza khona ngeTofethi namkha umrhoba weBheni-Hinomu, kodwana bazakuthi mrhoba wokuHlatjwa ngombana bazakungcwaba abafileko eTofethi kufikela lapha kutlhogeka khona indawo.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Godu iindumbu zabantwaba zizakuba kukudla kweenyoni zomkayi neembandana zommango, kungabi nomuntu ozethusako. Ngizakuphelisa itjhada lokujabula nokuthaba, nephimbo lomlobokazi nomkhwenyana emadorobheni wakwaJuda neendledlaneni zeJerusalema ngombana inarha izabe inganamuntu.” “Ngesikhatheso, amathambo wamakhosi neenkhulu zakwaJuda, amathambo wabaphristi newabaphorofidi kanye namathambo wabantu beJerusalema azakususwa emazindlenawo.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Amathambo wabantwaba azakunekeka elangeni, enyezini neenkwekwezini zoke zomkayi ebebazithanda bebazilotjha, badlhemadlhema ngemva kwazo bebaphengula kizo, bazikhothamela. Angeze abuthwa namkha angcwatjwe, kodwana azakuba njengomsuqwa emasimini. Kizo zoke iindawo lapha ngizabaqotjhela khona, boke abamisalela bazakwenyula ukufa kunokuphila, iye, labo abaseleko ekorweni ekhohlakeleko le. Abaphunyurhako besizwe esikhohlakelekwesi bazakwenyula ukufa kunokuphila.” Kutjho uSomnini uMninimandlawoke. “Wena Joromiya, yithi kibo uSomnini uthe: “Umuntu nawako azakhe avuke na? Umuntu naphambukako azakhe abuye na? Alo, kubayini-ke abantwaba bahlala baqoqoma? IJerusalema iphila ngokuhlubuka. Banamathela ekohlisweni, abafuni ukubuya. Ngilalelisise kuhle: Abakhulumi okulungileko. Akakho ophendukako ebukhohlakalini bakhe athi, ‘Yintobani engiyenzako le?’ Boke baphambuka masinyana njengenjomani igijimela epini. Ngitjho nodoyi emkayini uyasazi isikhathi sakhe sokubuya, izuba nekonjani ziyazazi iinkhathi zazo zokugoduka. Kodwana abantu bami bona abazazi iimiso zakaSomnini. Ningatjho njani nithi, ‘Sihlakaniphile begodu sinomthetho kaSomnini’ na? Ngambala, isiba labososiba litlole amanga! Abahlakaniphileko bazokuhlaziswa, bazakukhena bebabambeke. Mbala, balahle ilizwi lakaSomnini! Alo, kuhlakanipha bani-ke abanakho? Ngalokho abafazi babo ngizabapha amanye amadoda, amasimabo ngiwanikele abahluli. Mbala, kusukela kabancani ukuya kabakhulu, boke banehliziyo ede ngenzuzo; ukusukela ebaphorofidini ukuya ebaphristini, boke benza ikohliso. Bahlenga inceba lendodakazi yabantu bami kwanga alinabuhlungu. Bathi ‘Ukuthula! Ukuthula!’ khisibe akunakuthula do. Bayaqobeka ngombana benza izinto ezinyenyisako! Nanyana kunjalo abananhloni nakanye, abakwazi ngitjho nokutjhalazela lokhu. Yeke, bazakuwa hlangana nabawileko, bazakuguqiswa lokha nangisebenza ngabo.” Kutjho uSomnini. USomnini uthi: “Lokha nangithi ngivuna kibo, kutlhogeka amadiribe esidiribeni namakhiwani emkhiwaneni, ngitjho namakarawo atjhwabile. Nje-ke ngizabanikelela ngabahluli babatshidlhe. Bazakuthi, ‘Sihlaleleni lapha? Asibuthaneni ndawonye, sibalekeleni emadorobheni anemithangala siyokuhlala khona sithule! Kodwana ngithi uSomnini uZimethu sele asithulisile, uzasenza sisele amanzi anobuthi, ngombana sonile kuye. Sirhuluphela ukuthula, kodwana akunalitho elihle. Siqalelela isikhathi sokuphiliswa, kodwana lisizi lodwa.’ Ukuthimula kweenjomani zesitha kwezwakala kusukela eDani etlhagwini. Ngokulila kweenjomani zaso eziduna, kwathuthumela yoke inarha. Size kobana sirhiribidele inarha nakho koke okukiyo, idorobho nabo boke abahlali balo. Qalani, sele ngizokuthumela iinyoka phakathi kwenu, iye, iimbedla ezingenzelwa mlingo, nje-ke zizaniluma.” Kutjho uSomnini. Ngaphandle kokuphiliswa, isizi liqubuka phakathi kwami, iye, ihliziywami iyagula ngaphakathi kwami. Lalela isililo sabantu bekhethu, sizwakala enarheni ekude sithi: “USomnini gade angasi seZiyoni na? Kghani iKosi yalo ayisese ngaphakathi kwalo na?” USomnini uphendula uthi: “Kubayini bangithukuthelise ngeenthombe zabo, iye, ngabosingazimu abanganabubhadekelo na?” Bona bazakuthi: “Isivuno sidlulile, ihlobo liphelile kodwana thina asikasindi.” Ngebanga lokudabuka kwabantu bekhethu, nami ngidabukile, ngizilile; ukukakamala kungibambile. Akunantatha kwaGiliyadi na? Akunanyanga lapho na? Alo, kubayini kungabi nokwelapheka kwenceba labantu bekhethu na? Maye, thana ihlokwami beyisiyalu samanzi namehlwami amthombo weenyembezi! Bengizakulila ubusuku nemini ngenca yabantu bekhethu abarhayiliweko. USomnini uthi: “Thana benginendawo erhalawumbeni lapha iinkhambi ziphumulela khona ukuze ngitjhiye abantu bami, ngiye endaweni ekude nabo, ngombana boke baziinhlobongi, iye, ihlangano yabangakathembeki. Balungisa amalimabo njengomsubela emsebeni. Baziinkutani enarheni, kodwana ingasi eqinisweni! Baragela phambili nokonakala; nakungimi yena abangazi.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Yelelani abangani benu, ningathembi nanyana ngubani wabafowenu ngombana omunye nomunye wabafowenu umkhapheli nomunye nomunye umngani umhlebi. Bayaphoqana begodu abakhulumi iqiniso; bajayeza amalimabo ukukhuluma amala. Badurhile, abasabuyi. Kukugandelela phezu kokugandelela nekohliso phezu kwekohliso! Bala ukungamukela.” Kutjho uSomnini. Ngalokho-ke nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke: “Qala, sele ngizobancibilikisa bengibahlole. Yini okhunye engingakwenza ngabantu bami na? Amalimabo amisubela ebhubhisako, akhuluma ikohliso. Ngomlomakhe, omunye nomunye wabo ukhuluma kuhle nomakhelwanakhe, kodwana ehliziywenakhe umbekela isifu. Kumele ngingabahlunguphazi ngalokhu na? Ngingazibuyiseleli phezu kwesizwe esinjengalesi na?” Kutjho uSomnini. Ngizakuthoma ingoma yokukhihla isililo ngililele imibundu; ngizile mayelana namadlelo werhalawumba ngombana sele alifusi. Akusenamuntu odlula lapho; ukulila kweenkomo akusezwakali, iinyoni ngitjho neenlwana sele kumukile. USomnini uthi: “IJerusalema ngizayenza isiqorho samatje, idzaba leempungutjha; ngenze amadorobho wakwaJuda abe libhudu, ukuze kungabi nomuntu ohlala kiwo.” Ngubani ohlakaniphe ngokwaneleko ukwazi lokhu na? USomnini ngokwakhe ukhulume nobani ukuze umuntu loyo akumemezele na? Kubayini inarha irhayilwe beyaba libhudu njengerhalawumba, kwangasaba nomuntu odlula kiyo? USomnini uthi: “Kungombana balahle umthethwami engiwubeke phambi kwabo. Azange bangilalele namkha balandele umthethwami. Esikhundleni salokho balandele ukukhunyalala kweenhliziyo zabo, balandela aboBhali njengombana bafundiswa boyise.” Ngalokho-ke nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli uthi: “Qalani, sele ngizokwenza abantwaba bagome iinthelo ezimunyu, basele amanzi anobuthi. Ngizabahlakaza hlangana nezizwe abangazaziko ngitjho naboyisemkhulu abangazange khebazibone. Ngizabagijimisa ngesabula kufikela lapha ngibarhayila khona.” Nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke wathi: “Yelelani-ke! Bizani abafazi besililo ukuze beze, iye, nifune abanekghono lokulila beze.” Nje-ke umphorofidi wathi: “Iye, abarhabe bathome basililele, amehlwethu abe atshege iinyembezi, kuwuluke amanzi eenkopheni zethu. Mbala, sele kuzwakele isililo eZiyoni sithi, ‘Maye, sirhayilwe kangangani! Sihlaziswe khulu ngombana bekumele sisukele inarhethu imizethu yaba marubhi!’ “Yeke nina bafazi, yenizwe ilizwi lakaSomnini, vulani iindlebe zenu nilalele ilizwi lomlomakhe. Fundisani amadodakazenu ukukhihla ingoma yesililo iye, ngitjho nabomakhelwana benu. Mbala, ukufa kungene ngamafesiderethu, kwangena ngemibhotjhongwenethu kwabulala abantwana eendledlaneni namasokana ematatawini.” USomnini uthi: “Wena Joromiya, yithi kibo, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: Iindumbu zabantu zizakurabhalala njengomsuqwa emasimini nanjengekoroyi esikiweko ngemva komvuni. Kodwana akakho ozayibuthelela.’ ” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Isihlakaniphi asingazikhakhazisi ngobuhlakani baso, namkha itsitsirimba iziphakamise ngeenqababa zayo nesikhumkani singazigqaji ngomnonwaso, kodwana ozigqajako akazigqaje ngokobana uyangilemuka begodu uyangazi bona nginguSomnini owenza ukwethembeka, ubulungiswa kanye nokulunga ephasini. Iye, ngikho lokho okungijabulisako.” Kutjho uSomnini. USomnini uthi: “Isikhathi siyeza lapha ngizakuhlunguphaza khona boke abasoke enyameni kwaphela, okutjho iGibhide, iJuda, i-Edomu, ama-Amoni, iMowabi nabo boke abahlala erhalawumbeni abagude iinhloko zabo eenhlafunyweni. Njengayo yoke ikumba ka-Israyeli, zoke izizwezi azikasokwa ehliziyweni.” Yizwa ilizwi lakaSomnini alikhulume ngawe, wena kumba ka-Israyeli. Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Ningafundi iindlela zabezizwe namkha nibe nevalo ngeenkhanyisi ezisemkayini, njengombana bezizwe banevalo ngazo. Ngambala imikhuba yezizwe ililize lakolize: Zigawula isigodo ngehlathini, usosino asibaze ngezenjana. Zisikghabisa ngesiliva negolide, zisikokodele ngenondo nangeenkhonkhwani kobana singapewuki. Abosingazimu bafana nesethuso: Abakhulumi, bayathwalwa ngombana abakwazi ukukhamba! Ningabesabi ngombana abanangozi begodu akunabuhle ababenzako.” Akakho onjengawe, Somnini; umkhulu begodu nebizo lakho limamandla. Ngubani ongakwesabiko, wena Kosi yezizwe na? Lokhu kukufanele. Hlangana nabo boke abazenza iinhlakaniphi ezizweni nakiyo yoke imibuswabo, akakho noyedwa onjengawe. Kunento eyodwa abadlhayele ngayo khulu: Abamukeli iiyeleliso bona abosingazimu seziingodo nje kwaphela! Isiliva ekhandiweko ithethwe eTaratjhitjhi kanye negolide elicolisiweko. Kumsebenzi kasosino nomncibilikisi! Ngitjho nanyana kwembathiswa okuhlaza komkayi nokububende, koke njalo kwenziwe zizandla zeenhlakani. Kodwana uSomnini unguZimu wamambala; unguZimu ophilako, iKosi yanini nanini. Lokha nathukutheleko, iphasi liyadengezela; izizwe azikwazi ukubhesela ilaka lakhe. Ngabosingazimabo umuntu kufuze athi: “Abosingazimu azange badale izulu nephasi, ngalokho bazokubhubha ephasinapha nangaphasi komthunzi welanga.” UZimu wenze iphasi ngamandlakhe, wasekela ilizwe ngokuhlakanipha kwakhe, wendlala amazulu ngelwazi lakhe. Lokha nakhupha ilizwi lakhe, kuhlokoma amanzi emazulwini; wenza amafu amhlophe aphume epelazwe. Uthumela imibani ekhambisana nezulu, aphephethe ummoya eenlulwini zakhe. Woke umuntu usidlhayela begodu akanalwazi; woke umncibilikisi uhlaziswa bosingazimu bakhe. Iinthombembunjwa zakhe zimamala, azinamphefumulo ngaphakathi kwazo. Zililize lakolize, ziziinkohliso; isikhathi sokugwetjwa kwazo nasifikako, zizakubhubha. Kodwana osisabelo sakaJakopo akasinjalo, ngombana ungumbumbi wakho koke, ngitjho no-Israyeli, oyikoro engeyakhe. Ibizo lakhe nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke. Butha umthwadlanakho enarheni, ukhambe uyokuhlala ekuvinjezelweni ngombana nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Qalani, kilelihlandla sele ngizokukhupha abahlala enarheni. Ngabehlisela ukubandezeleka ukuze babambeke eJerusalema.” Inarha yakwaJuda izakuthi: “Maye mina ngebanga lokulimala kwami! Inceba lami alelapheki! Mina ngadlumbana ngathi, ‘Lokhu sekugula nje, yeke ngizakubhesela.’ Kodwana itende lami litjhabalalisiwe, zoke iintambo zalo ziqhusukile. Abantwabami bangitjhiyile, abasekho; akusenamuntu ozakujamisa itende lami, namkha alembelelise amatjhila wami. Mbala abelusi badlhayele ngombana abasabuzi nakuSomnini. Ngalokho abaphumeleli nezimvu zabo ziphadlhalele zoke.” Lalelani! Kunombiko, sele usifikele! Kuza umdumo omkhulu ngetlhagwini! Uzakutjhiya amadorobho wakwaJuda alibhudu abe madzaba weempungutjha. Somnini, ngilemuke bona umuntu akaziphileli; akusisemuntwini ukuzikhambela nokunqophisa amagadangwakhe. Nje-ke, Somnini, ngikhalime, kwaphela kube ngokulunga; ungangibhubhisi ngetukuthelwakho. Thululela itukuthelwakho phezu kwezizwe ezingakwazisiko, iye, phezu kweenkoro ezingabizi ibizo lakho ngombana zirhiribidele uJakopo, iye, zimrhiribidele zamqeda, zatjhabalalisa indawakhe. Nanti ilizwi elafika kuJoromiya libuya kuSomnini: “Lalelani amezwi wesivumelwanesi. Wena Joromiya, khuluma nabantu bakwaJuda nabahlali beJerusalema ubatjele bonyana nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, ‘Akanikelelwe umuntu ongalaleli amezwi wesivumelwanesi, iye, amezwi engayala ngawo aboyihlo lokha nangibakhupha eGibhide, ekehleni yomlilo wesimbi. Ngabayala ngamezwi la: Lalelani amezwami beniwalandele ngokuya ngakho koke enginiyala ngakho ukuze nibe babantu bami, mina ngibe nguZimenu.’ Ngenza lokhu ukuze ngizalise isifungo engasifunga kiboyihlo sokubanikela inarha egeleza ibisi neliju njengombana kunjalo namhlanje.” Ngaphendula ngathi: “Amen, Somnini!” USomnini wangiyala bonyana ngimemezele woke amezwi la emadorobheni wakwaJuda neendledlaneni zeJerusalema ngithi: “Lalelani amezwi wesivumelwanesi beniwalandele. Mbala, ngabayelelisa bengabayelelisa aboyihlomkhulu lokha nangibakhupha eGibhide, iye, ngabayelelisa imini yoke ngathi, ‘Lalelani amezwami!’ Ngabayelelisa bekube namhlanjesi, kodwana azange bangilalele bebangitjheje. Iye, omunye nomunye walandela ubulikhuni behliziyokazakhe ekhohlakeleko. Yeke, ngabehlisela woke amanikelela wesivumelwano ebengibayale ngaso kobana basilandele kodwana bangasigcina.” Godu uSomnini wathi kimi: “Kunobukhwebetjhana hlangana nabantu bakwaJuda nabahlali beJerusalema: Baphendukele ezonweni zaboyise abala ukulalela amezwami. Badlhemadlhema ngemva kwabosingazimu kobana babalotjhe. Iye, ikumba yakwa-Israyeli neyakwaJuda zephule isivumelwano engasenza naboyise. Ngalokho nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Qalani, sele ngizobehlisela ihlekelele abangeze baphunyurha kiyo. Nanyana bangalila kimi, angizobalalela. Amadorobho wakwaJuda nabahlali beJerusalema bazakhamba bayokulilela abosingazimu ababatjhisela itjhwalo, kodwana angeze babasize nakancani lokha ihlekelele nayibafikelako. Nina bantu bakwaJuda ninabosingazimu abanengi njengamadorobhenu begodu nakhele usingazimu onyenyisako ama-aldari amanengi njengeendledlana zeJerusalema kobana nitjhisele uBhali loyo itjhwalo.’ “Ngalokho wena Joromiya, ungabathandazeli abantwaba, ungabalileli namkha ubakhulumele ngombana angeze bengilalele lokha nabangibiza ngebanga lehlekelelabo. “Wenzani wena Juda, othandiweko wami ngekumbenami nawuluka amano akhohlakeleko na? Ubunengi benyama yomhlabelo bungagegedisa ihlekelele ukuze ngemva kwalokho uthabe ekukhohlakaleni kwakho na? Mina Somnini khengakubiza bona umumuthi wama-oliva ohlaza noneenthelo ezihle neziqalekako. Kodwana ngomdumo wokuhlokoma kwesiqubuthu, ngizawuthungela ngomlilo amagatjawo atjhwabe. “Iye, mina Somnini uMninimandlawoke okutjalileko ngikubekele ihlekelele ngebanga lobumbi bekumba yakwa-Israyeli neyakwaJuda ezizibizele yona, ngokungithukuthelisa lokha nazitjhisela uBhali itjhwalo.” USomnini nguye owangitjelako yeke ngazi ngalokho. Iye, Somnini kusukela ngesikhathesi wembula izenzo zabo kimi: Benginjengemvana ekhuliswe ekhaya yathathwa yasiwa ekuhlatjweni. Azange bengitjheje bonyana bebenza ubukhwebetjhana ngami basithi: “Asonakaliseni umuthi nobuhlaza bawo; asiwugawuleni ukuze ungasaphila, ibizo lawo lingasakhunjulwa.” Kodwana wena Somnini, Mninimandlawoke, wena ogweba ngokulunga, ohlola ihliziyo neziso, yewungibonise ukuzibuyiselela kwakho phezu kwabo ngombana indabami ngiyinikele kuwe. Nje-ke uSomnini wathi kimi: “Nakhu engikutjhoko mina Somnini, ngamadoda we-Anatothi azumana nepilwakho athi, ‘Ungaphorofidi ebizweni lakaSomnini, nakungasinjalo sizakubulala ngezandla zethwezi.’ Iye, nakhu engikutjhoko, ‘Ngizowahlunguphaza. Amasokana azakufa ngesabula, amadodana namadodakazawo abulawe yindlala. Akuzukusala ngitjho namunye ngombana ngizakwehlisela ihlekelele phezu kwamadoda we-Anatothi ngomnyaka wokuhlunguphazwa kwawo.’ ” Somnini, ngiyazi bona angeze ngakusola ngombana wena ulungile. Nokho ngizokhuluma nawe ngeengwebo: Kubayini iindlela zeenkhohlakali ziphumelela? Kubayini boke abangathembekiko baphila ngokuzigedla na? Ubatjalile, nje-ke bayadzimelela; bayatlhurha bathele iinthelo. Uhlala usemlonyenabo kodwana ukude neenhliziyo zabo. Wena Somnini uyangazi; uyangibona bese uzizinya imikhumbulwami ngawe. Bakhuphe njengezimvu eziyokuhlatjwa! Bahlukanisele ilanga lokuhlatjwa! Kuzabe kube nini inarha iqeqebuka, kutjhwabe utjani kiyo yoke imirhula ngebanga lobukhohlakali babahlali benarha na? Ngitjho iinlwana neenyoni kuyatjhabalala khisibe abantwaba bathi: “UJoromiya akazukubona isiphetho sethu.” USomnini waphendula wathi: “Nakube uyadinwa nawugijima nabakhamba ngeenyawo, alo, ungaphalisana njani-ke neenjomani na? Nakube ukhutjwa enarheni ephephileko, uzakghona njani-ke ehlathini eliminyeneko elihlanu kweJordani na? Abafowenu, ngitjho umndenakho nabo banamaqhinga ngawe; ngemva kwakho barhuwelela okumbi. Ungabakholwa lokha nabakhuluma kuhle ngawe.” “Ngadela ikumbami, ngalahla ilifa lami; nganikela engimthandako ezandleni zezitha zakhe. Ilifa lami kimi selifana nebhubezi ngehlathini. Liyangirorela, ngalokho ngiyalinyenya. Ilifa lami likukudla kwepisi namadlanga alibungelele. Khambani nibuthelele zoke iinlwana zommango, nizilethe ekurhiribideleni. Abelusi abanengi batjhabalalise isidiribe sami, bagugude isabelo sami sesimu, benze bona isabelo sami esikarisako sibe libhudu lakobhudu. Iye, basenze ibhudu, ibhudwelo lalilela kimi. Yoke inarha ilibhudu kodwana akakho oyelelako. Kiyo yoke imizila yemilandelande erhalawumbeni kuza abatjhabalalisi ngombana isabula kaSomnini irhiribidela ukusukela ehlangothini lenarha ukuya kelinye. Ukuthula akukho ebantwini. Batjala ikoroyi kodwana bavuna ameva, basebenza kabudisi kodwana bangazuza litho. Ngalokho bheselani ihlazo lesivuno senu ngebanga letukuthelo kaSomnini evuthako.” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Kibo boke abomakhelwana abakhohlakeleko abathinta ilifa engilinikele abantu bami u-Israyeli ngithi, ‘Qalani, ngizobaruthula eenarheni zabo, kodwana ngisuse ikumba kaJuda hlangana nabo.’ Ngemva kobana ngibaruthulile, ngizakubuye ngibe nomusa, ngibuyisele omunye nomunye wabo elifeni lakhe nenarheni yekhabo. Nakube bafunda kuhle iindlela zabantu bami ukuze bafunge ngebizo lami bathi, ‘NgoSomnini ngiqinisile’ njengombana bafundise abantu bami kobana bafunge ngoBhali, khona-ke bazakunzinziswa hlangana nabantu bami. Kodwana nakube izizwezi azilaleli, ngizaziruthula ngokupheleleko bengizibhubhise.” Kutjho uSomnini. Nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini kimi: “Khamba ufese uthenge umkhungo wokuthekeleza welineni uwubophe edinini lakho, ungawenyi.” Yeke ngawuthenga umkhungo lowo njengombana bekuyale uSomnini, ngawubopha edinini lami. Ilizwi lakaSomnini leza kimi kwesibili, lathi: “Thatha umkhungo owuthengileko lowo owubophe edinini bese uya emlanjaneni wePerathi ufese uwufihle lapho empharwini wamadwala.” Yeke ngakhamba ngayowufihla ePerathi njengombana uSomnini angiyalile. Ngemva kwamalanga amanengi uSomnini wathi kimi: “Khamba khona nje uye ePerathi uyokuthatha umkhungo, lapha ngakuyala bona uwufihle khona.” Nje-ke ngaya ePerathi ngafese ngarhubha umkhungo, ngawukhupha lapha bengiwufihle khona. Qala besele uvithikile ungasenamsebenzi. Yeke ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi, lathi: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Ngaleyondlela ngizakutjhabalalisa ubuphaziphazi bakwaJuda, ngitjho nobuphaziphazi obukhulu beJerusalema. Abantu abakhohlakelekwaba, ababhala ukulalela amezwami, balandela ukukhunyalala kweenhliziyo zabo bese badlhemadlhema ngemva kwabosingazimu kobana babalotjhe bebabakhothamele, bazakufana nomkhungo lo, iye bangabi namsebenzi! Njengombana umkhungo wokuthekeleza ubotjhwa edinini lomuntu, ngokunjalo ngabopha yoke ikumba yakwa-Israyeli neyakwaJuda kimi, kobana babe babantu bami, idumo lami, ukulongwa kanye nephazimulo yami. Kodwana azange balalele.’ ” Kutjho uSomnini. “Khuluma nabo ubatjele bona nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, ‘Yoke imijeka kumele izaliswe ngewayini.’ Nje-ke bazakuthi, ‘Kghani asazi bonyana yoke imijeka kumele izaliswe ngewayini na?’ Wena batjele bonyana uSomnini uthi, ‘Qalani, sele ngizobazalisa ngobudakwa boke abahlala enarheni le, ngitjho namakhosi ahlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi bakaDavida, abaphristi, abaphorofidi kanye nabo boke abahlali beJerusalema. Ngizabaphahlaza omunye phezu komunye, aboyise nabantwana ngokufanako. Angeze ngabancenekela, ngibaqale ngesisa namkha ngibarhawukele kobana ngingabatjhabalalisi.’ ”Kutjho uSomnini. Yizwani nilalelisise, ningacanasi ngombana uSomnini ukhulumile. Nikelani uSomnini uZimenu idumo ngaphambi kobana alethe ubumnyama, iye, ngaphambi kobana nizithareje emibundwini ebumnyameni. Nizakulinda umkhanyo, kodwana uzawenza ube lithunzi elesabekako iye, ubumnyama obumabhombo. Kodwana naningalaleliko, umphefumulwami uzokulilela ngemsitheleni ngebanga lokuziphakamisa kwenu, amehlwami azakurhahlawula, awuluke iinyembezi, ngombana umhlambi kaSomnini uzabe uthunjiwe. Yithi ekosini nakunina lekosi: “Hlalani phasiphasi ngombana iinhlohlo zenu zephazimulo zethuliwe eenhloko zenu. Amadorobho wangesewula anikelwe esitheni, akakho ongawahlenga. Woke uJuda usiwe ekuthunjweni, iye, uthunjwe ngokupheleleko.” USomnini uthi: “Wena Jerusalema, phakamisa amehlwakho ubone labo abavela ngetlhagwini. Uphi umhlambi owaphiwa wona, iye, umhlambakho omuhle na? Uzakuthini isitha nasibeka phezu kwakho abakhozi bakho kobana babe makhosana iye, abantu wena ngokwakho obafundisileko na? Awuzukuphathwa ziinhlabi njengomfazi obelethako na? Ngambala uzazibuza uthi, ‘Kubayini ngehlelwe ngilokhu na?’ Kungebanga lezonokazi zakho kobana ugutjululwe iinthimba, uhlukunyezwe iinkhondo. UmKutjhe angazitjhugulula umbala nengwe amabala na? Nakunjalo, nani ningakghona ukwenza okuhle, nina enithuweleleko ekwenzeni okumbi. “Ngizanihlakaza njengamawunguwungu aphetjhulwa mumoya werhalawumba. Lokhu yifumbe yakho, Jerusalema, isabelo engikulinganisele sona ngombana ungikhohliwe wathembela kibozinyana bamanga.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Ngimi okugubulule iinthimba zakho ukuze ububhunubhunu bakho bube semtarini: iinkanuko zakho zokuhlobonga nokurhuwelela kwakho njengengwadla, iye, ubungwadla bakho obulihlazo phezu kwemibundu yemmangweni. Ngibone izenzo zakho ezinyenyisako! Uzazizwa wena Jerusalema! Kuzabe kube nini ulokhu usilaphele na?” Nanti ilizwi lakaSomnini elafika kuJoromiya malungana nesomiso esikhulu: UJuda uyabibitheka, amadorobhakhe ayawohloka; abantu bambethe iinzilo, bahlezi phasi, isililo seJerusalema siyakhuphuka. Iinkhulu zithuma iinsebenzi zazo amanzi, ziya emithonjeni kodwana zifunyane yomile. Zibuya nemigqomazo idududu, zikhene bezidane, zigubuzese iinhloko. Umkhiqizo wequlwani utjhabalalisiwe ngombana akunazulu enarheni. Abalimi bakhenile nabo bagubuzese iinhloko zabo. Ngitjho nehlangukazimataka emmangweni, ihlamuka imbuzanayo esanda ukuzalwa ngombana akunatjani. Abodumbana bommango bajame emizileni yemilandelande, barhogela ummoya njengeempungutjha, amehlwabo afiphele ngombana akunamadlelo. Nanyana amacalethu ajamelene nathi, Somnini, phuma neqhinga ngebanga lebizo lakho, iye, nanyana ukuhlubuka kwethu kukunengi. Ngambala, sikonele! Maye, wena themba laka-Israyeli; msindisakhe ngeenkhathi zesizi, kubayini ufana nephandle enarheni, njengesikhambi esiphambukele ubusuku bunye na? Kubayini ufana nomuntu okakameleko, iye, njengengorho enganamandla wokusindisa na? Uphakathi kwethu wena Somnini begodu sibizwa ngawe, ungasilahli! Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini ngabantu bakhe: “Iye, ngiphakathi kwabo, kodwana bakuthanda khulu ukunyariya, ababambi iinyawo zabo.” Ngalokho uSomnini akabamukeli; yeke uzakukhumbula ubukhohlakali babo abahlunguphazele izono zabo. Nje-ke uSomnini wathi kimi: “Ungathandazeli abantwaba ubabawele okuhle. Nanyana bazila ukudla, angizukulalela isililo sabo, nanyana bangenza imihlabelo yokutjhiswa neminikelo yeenthoro, angizubamukela, kodwana ngizobaqeda ngesabula, ngendlala nangezifo.” Nje-ke ngathi: “Awu, Somnini, Somandla, qala abaphorofidi babatjela bathi, ‘Anizukubona isabula nendlala ayizukunithinta, kodwana mina, Somnini ngizanipha ukuthula kwamambala endaweni le.’ ” Nje-ke uSomnini wathi kimi: “Abaphorofidi baphorofida amanga ngebizo lami. Angikabathumi, angikabayali begodu azange bengikhulume nabo. Baphorofida kini amanga ngemibono, ngokubhula okungekho nangekohliso yemikhumbulwabo. Ngalokho nakhu okutjhiwo ngimi uSomnini ngabaphorofidi abaphorofida ebizweni lami ngingakabathumi kodwana baphorofida bonyana akuzukuba nesabula namkha indlala: Abaphorofidabo bazakuqedwa ngesabula nangendlala. Abantu abaphorofida kibabo bona bazakulahlelwa eendledlaneni zeJerusalema ngebanga lendlala nesabula. Akunamuntu ozababulunga, bona nabafazi babo, amadodana namadodakazabo. Ngizokurhutjhulela ubukhohlakali babo phezu kwabo. Batjele amezwi lawo.” Amehlwami akatshege iinyembezi, ubusuku nemini zingomi ngombana itlawu elibabantu bami lineduma elesabekako, iye, inceba elingalaphekiko. Nangiya emmangweni qala, napo abarhayilwe yisabula, nangingena ngedorobheni, qala, napo abaguliswa yindlala! Abaphorofidi ngitjho nabaphristi baye enarheni abangayaziko. Somnini, ulahle uJuda ngokupheleleko na? Unyaza iZiyoni na? Usihlunguphazeleni kobanyana singasaphola na? Besirhuluphele ukuthula nesikhathi sokupholiswa kodwana akunabuhle obusehleleko, kwaba ziinkathazo kwaphela. Somnini, siyabuvuma ubukhohlakali bethu kanye necala labobaba: Ngambala, sonile kuwe. Ngebanga lebizo lakho, ungasilahli, ungadeli isihlalo sakho sobukhosi esidumileko. Khumbula isivumelwano sakho nathi ungasephuli. Hlangana nabosingazimu bezizwe ukhona onganisa izulu na? Umkayi ngokwawo ungehlisa izulu na? Awa, nguwe kwaphela Somnini, Zimethu ongakwenza lokho. Yeke ithemba lethu likuwe kwaphela ngombana nguwe wedwa owenza koke lokhu. Yeke uSomnini wathi kimi: “Ngitjho nanyana uMosi noSamyela bebangajama phambi kwami, ummoyami awukho ebantwinaba. Basuse phambi kwamapha! Abakhambe! Nabakubuza bathi ‘Alo, sizakuyaphi nje?’ yithi kibo, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “ ‘Bokufa, abaye ekufeni; besabula, esabuleni; bendlala, endlaleni; nebokuthunjwa, basiwe ekuthunjweni.’ ” USomnini uthi: “Ngizababekela iimiso ezine zeenrhayili: “isabula kobana ibulale, izinja kobana zirhudule, iinyoni zomkayi kobana zirhiribidele neembandana zommango kobana zibatjhabalalise. “Ngizabenza babe sisethuso kiyo yoke imibuso yephasi ngebanga lalokho okwenziwa nguManase umsa kaHezekhiya ikosi yakwaJuda eJerusalema. “Ngubani ozakurhawukela wena Jerusalema; ngubani ozakutlhuwela na? Ngubani ozakuphambukela akubuze amavuko na? Nakunguwe ungilahlile; usuhlala uhlubuka mihla le. Ngalokho ngelule isandla sami ngokujamelana nawe. Sengidiniwe kwanjesi ukuzwelana nawe.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Ngeforogo yokwengula ngibengulile emasangweni wamadorobho wenarha; ngibenze bangabi nabantwana, ngabhubhisa abantu bami ngombana azange batjhugulule iindlela zabo. Abahlolokazi babo bandile kimi ukudlula itjhwabatjhwaba yelwandle. Phezu kwabahlolokazabo, iye, phezu kwabonina lamasokana ngizakwehlisela umbhubhisi emini ekulu. Ngesikhatjhana ngizabehlisela ukukhungatheka nokwesaba. Umfazi obelethe abantwana abalikhomba uzakuphela amandla, akhefuzele. Ilanga lakhe lizakutjhinga emini, arhubutjhwe abe ehliswe isithunzi. Abasindileko ngizabanikela esabuleni yezitha zabo.” Kutjho uSomnini. Maye kimi, mma, ngokungibeletha! Mbala, ngimumuntu obanga ipikiswano nokucabana inarha yoke! Angizange ngibolekise namkha ngiboleke ebantwini, khonapho boke abantu bayangisongela. USomnini wathi: “Ngambala, ngakukhunyalalisa ngehloso ehle, iye, ngakuncengela ezitheni zakho ngesikhathi sehlupheko nangesikhathi sesizi. Umuntu angayiphahlaza isimbi, iye, isimbi ebuya ngetlhagwini namkha ikoporo na? KuJuda ngathi, ‘Umnothwakho namagugwakho ngizakunikela ngawo njengepango simahla, ngebanga lezono zakho zoke kiyo yoke imikhawulwakho. Ngizakunikela ezitheni zakho enarheni ongayaziko ngombana ngiyavutha ngelaka elitjhisa phezu kwenu.’ Lokho uyakwazi wena Joromiya!” Somnini, yewungikhumbule, ungitjheje! Ngibuyiselela kabangizumako. Ungangisusi ngebanga lokubabekezelela kwakho. Yazi bonyana ngithwele ihlamba ngenca yakho. Ngagoma amezwakho njengeliju; iye, ukutholakala kwamezwakho kwaba kukwethaba kimi nokwenama kwehliziywami, ngombana ngibizwa ngawe iye, ngebizo elithi Somnini, Zimu onguMninimandlawoke. Azange ngihlale hlangana nabarhubutjhekileko, azange ngizijabulise nabo. Bengizihlalela ngedwa ngebanga lesandla sakho ngombana bewungihlohle ngamezwi wokunikelela. Kubayini ubuhlungu bami bungapheli nenceba lami lingapholi na? Liridilile, alisapholi. Ingabe ngambala uzakuba kimi njengomlanjana okhohlisako ube njengamanzi atjhako na? Nje-ke, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Nakube ubuyela kimi bese ngiyakuvumela bonyana ubuye, khona-ke uzakubuya ube yincekwami godu. Nakube emlonyenakho kuphuma okuvuthiweko, okungasibo ubudlhadlha, khona-ke uzakuba ngusomlomami. Abantwaba ababuyele kuwe, kodwana wena ungabuyeli kibo. Nje-ke ebantwinaba ngizakwenza ube mthangala wekoporo ongafikelelekiko: Bazakulwa nawe kodwana angeze bakuhlule ngombana nginawe kobana ngikusindise, ngikwenyele.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Iye, ngizakwenyela ezandleni zeenkhohlakali, ngikuhlenge entendeni yesandla sabanelunya.” Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ungathathi umfazi endaweni le bewube namadodana namadodakazi naye ngombana nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini ngamadodana namadodakazi abelethelwe endaweni le nangabafazi namadoda ababelethi bawo enarheni le, ‘Bazakufa kabuhlungu. Angeze balilelwa begodu abazokungcwatjwa, kodwana bazakufana nomsuqwa emasimini. Bazakurhayilwa ngesabula nangendlala, iindumbu zabo zibe kukudla kweenyoni zomkayi neembandana zommango.’ ” Ngambala, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Ungangeni ngekumbeni yombuthano, ungayi ukuyokulila namkha uyokuzwelana nabo ngombana ngisusile ukuthula nokwethembeka kwami kanye nesirhawu sami ebantwinaba.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Abakhulu nabancani bazakufa enarheni le. Abazukungcwatjwa nabantu abazukubalilela. Akunamuntu ozazirhaya namkha agude ehloko ngebanga labo. Akunamuntu ozakuhlephula isikwa abelane nozilileko kobana amtjhiriye ngohlongakeleko. Akunamuntu ozababela ikapho yokududuza ngitjho nanyana kungaba ngubaba namkha umma ohlongakeleko. “Ungangeni ekumbeni lapha kunomnyanya khona bese uhlala phasi kobana ugome bewusele. Ngambala nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, uMninimandlawoke, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, ‘Emihlenenu, iye phambi kwenu, ngizakuphelisa amatjhada wethabo nokujabula kanye namaphimbo wabakhwenyana newabomalukazana endaweni le.’ “Nawutjela abantwaba koke lokhu bazakubuza bathi, ‘Kubayini uSomnini ahlele ihlekelele engaka phezu kwethu na? Soneni kangaka na? Sisonobani esisenzileko kuSomnini uZimethu na?’ Uzakuthi kibo, ‘USomnini wathi: Kungombana aboyihlo bangidela, badlhemadlhema ngemva kwabosingazimu, babalotjha bebabakhothamela. Iye, bangidela, azange balonde umthethwami. Kodwana nakungini-ke khona nithuwelele kunaboyihlo. Qalani, omunye nomunye wenu ukhamba ngokukhunyalala kwehliziyo embi ngaphandle kokungilalela. Nje-ke ngizaniqotjha enarheni le, niye enarheni eningayaziko ngitjho naboyihlo abangazange khebayibone. Lapho-ke nizakulotjha abosingazimu ubusuku nemini ngombana angeze ngaba nomusa phezu kwenu.’ ” Godu uSomnini wathi: “Nokho isikhathi siyeza lapha abantu bangasoze basathi, ‘Ngifunga uSomnini owakhupha ama-Israyeli eGibhide’, kodwana bazakuthi, ‘Ngifunga uSomnini owakhupha ama-Israyeli enarheni yangetlhagwini nakizo zoke iinarha lapha gade abaqotjhele kizo.’ Ngambala ngizababuyisela endaweni engayipha aboyise. “Kodwana sele ngizokubiza abathiyi beenhlambi abanengi, bona-ke bazababamba. Ngemva kwalapho ngibize abazumi abanengi, bababuthe eentabeni nemibundwini kanye nemipharwini yamadwala.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Amehlwami ahlezi kizo zoke iindlela zabo, azikasitheki kimi namacalabo akakafihleki emehlwenami. Ngizababuyiselela ngokubuyelelweko mayelana namacala nesono sabo ngombana basilaphaze inarhami ngeenyenyiso zabo ezifileko begodu bazalise ilifa lami ngeenkghabhudlho zabo.” Somnini, mandlami nesiphephelo sami, iye, ubuphephelo bami ngeenkhathi zesizi, kuwe izizwe zizakuza zivela epelazwe zithi: “Abobaba azange basitjhiyele litho ngaphandle kwabosingazimu abayikohliso, iye, akakho phakathi kwabo onobubhadekelo.” Abantu bangazenzela njani iinthombe bebazilotjhe khisibe azisuye uZimu na? USomnini wathi: “Kwanjesi khona ngizabafundisa, iye, ngizabafundisa amandlami nesiphanga sami. Yeke bazakwazi bonyana ibizo lami nguSomnini.” “Isono sakwaJuda sitlolwe ngesikhonkhwani sesimbi, iye, sagobhodlhwa ngetlobo yedayimani, emiqebethwini yeenhliziyo zabo neempondweni zama-aldarabo. Bahlubayela ngama-aldarabo nemifanekiso yabo-Atjhera emagegana nemithi ehlaza nemibundwini ephakamileko neentabeni emmangweni njengombana bahlubayela ngabantwababo. Juda, umnothwakho namagugwakho woke ngizakunikela ngawo njengepango, ngebanga leendunduma zakho ezisisono sakho kiyo yoke imikhawulwakho. Kumele uhlukane nelifa lakho engakupha lona begodu uzakusebenzela izitha zakho enarheni ongayaziko ngombana uvuse itukuthelwami ezakuvutha mlibe.” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Akanikelelwe umuntu othembela ebantwini, owenza inyama ibe mamandlakhe nohliziywakhe ifulathela uSomnini. Uzakuba njengomtjhana ebhudwini, angayiboni ipumelelo nayizako. Uzakuhlala hlangana nomankwana erhalawumbeni, iye, enarheni yetswayi lapha kungahlali muntu khona. “Kodwana ubusisiwe umuntu othembela kuSomnini, othemba lakhe likuye. Uzakufana nomuthi otjalwe eduze kwamanzi onabisela imirabhawo magegana nomlambo. Awesabi nakufika umtjhiso, amakarawo ahlala ahlaza. Awukhathazeki ngesikhathi sesomiso begodu awubhalelwa kuthela iinthelo. “Ihliziyo imkhohlisi ngaphezu kwakho koke begodu yonakele khulu. Ngubani ongayilemuka na? “Mina Somnini ngihlolisisa ihliziyo ngizizinye iziso, kobana ngivuze umuntu ngokweendlela zakhe, iye, ukuya ngokwemisebenzakhe.” Njengekwali eqoqosela amaqanda engakawabekeli, unjalo nomuntu ozuza umnotho ngendlela engakafaneli. Nasele amalangakhe ayile, uzamtjhiya umnotho lowo, bese ekugcineni uzakubonakala bonyana usidlhadlha. Isihlalo sobukhosi sephazimulo esaphakanyiswa kusukela ekuthomeni, siyindawo ecwengileko kithi. Wena Somnini, themba laka-Israyeli, boke abakudelako bazakurhubutjhwa. Amabizo wabamnyefulako azakutlolwa endaweni yabafileko ngombana badele uSomnini, omthombo wamanzi wokuphila. Yewungipholise Somnini, ngizakuphola; ngisindise, ngizakusinda ngombana wena uyindumiswami. Bahlalele ukuthi kimi: “Liphi ilizwi lakaSomnini na? Alizaliseke-ke kwanjesi!” Mina azange ngikuhlohloloze bona uthumele ihlekelele begodu azange ngifise ilanga lokubhujiswa. Okwaphuma emlonyenami uyakwazi, ngakutjho phambi kwakho. Ungabi kukwesabeka kimi, wena usiphephelo sami ngelanga lehlekelele. Abazumana nami abahlaziseke kodwana mina ngingabi sehlazweni; bona ababe nevalo, kodwana mina ungenze ngingesabi. Behlisele ilanga lehlekelele, ubarhayile ngokubuyelelweko. Nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini kimi: “Khamba uyokujama esangweni iButho, lapha kungena bekuphume khona amakhosi wakwaJuda. Godu jama kiwo woke amanye amasango weJerusalema, bese uthi, ‘Lalelani ilizwi lakaSomnini nina makhosi wakwaJuda, nani noke bantu bakwaJuda kanye nani noke bahlali beJerusalema, iye, nina eningena ngamasango la. Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: Yelelani bona ningathwali umthwalo ngelanga leSabatha begodu ningangeni nawo emasangweni weJerusalema. Godu ningathwali imithwalo niphume nayo ngeenkumbeni zenu ngelanga leSabatha. Ningasebenzi, kodwana gcinani iSabatha licwengile njengombana ngayala aboyihlo. Aboyihlo azange balalele namkha bavule iindlebe zabo; iye, baqinisa iintamo zabo ukuze bangezwa bebamukele ifundiso. Kodwana uSomnini wathi: Nina naningilalela kuhle bese aningeni nemithwalo emasangweni wedorobheli ngelanga leSabatha, nigcine iSabatha licwengile ngokungenzi imisebenzi mhlokho, khona-ke amakhosi namakhosana ahlala esihlalweni sobukhosi sakaDavida azakungena ngamasango wedorobheli. Azakungena akhwele iinkarana neenjomani, aphekelelwa madoda wakwaJuda nalawo ahlala eJerusalema begodu idorobheli lizakuhlalwa kuya kuyile. Abantu bazakuvela ngemadorobheni wakwaJuda neendaweni ezimagegana neJerusalema, emikhawulweni yakwaBhenjamini, emibundwini yeTjhefela, enarheni yeentaba nangesewula, balethe imihlabelo yokutjhiswa neyetjhebiswano, iminikelo yeenthoro neyetjhwalo ngokudumisa ekumbeni kaSomnini. Kodwana nakube aningilaleli ngokungagcini iSabatha licwengile, nithwale imithwalo naningena ngamasango weJerusalema ngelanga leSabatha, khona-ke ngizavuthisa umlilo ongasoze wacinywa emasangweni weJerusalema, uqothule imibhotjhongo yakhona.’ ” Nanti ilizwi elafika kuJoromiya livela kuSomnini: “Sikima, wehlele ekumbeni yombumbi, ngizafese ngikunikele umlayezwami.” Nje-ke ngehlela ekumbeni yombumbi, ngamfumana asebenza ebubumbelweni. Kodwana lokho agade akubumba ngomdaka konakalela ezandleni zakhe, nje-ke wabuya wabumba okhunye njengombana bekukuhle kuye ukukwenza lokho. Yeke ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Wena kumba ka-Israyeli, angeze ngenza kini njengombana kwenza umbumbi lo na?” Godu uSomnini wathi: “Njengomdaka esandleni sombumbi, ninjalo-ke nani esandleni sami, nina kumba ka-Israyeli. Ngesinye isikhathi ngingamemezela ngesizwe namkha umbuso kobana usitjhulwe, uwiswe bewutjhabalaliswe. Kodwana nakube isizwe engimemezele ngaso siyaphenduka ebukhohlakalini baso, khona-ke ngizazisola ngobumbi ebengibuhlosile. Ngesinye isikhathi ngingamemezela ngesizwe namkha umbuso kobana wakhiwe bewuhlonywe. Kodwana nakube isizweso senza ubumbi phambi kwami bese singalaleli ilizwi lami, khona-ke ngizazisola ngobuhle ebengithe ngizasenzela bona. “Nje-ke, wena Joromiya, tjela abantu bakwaJuda nabahlali beJerusalema bonyana uSomnini uthi, ‘Qalani, sele ngizonidalela ihlekelele, iye, ngineqhinga ngani. Ngalokho phendukani eendleleni zenu ezimbi, omunye nomunye wenu, nilungise iindlela zenu kanye nezenzo zenu.’ Kodwana abantwabo bazakuphudlha bathi, ‘Akusizi litho! Sizakukhamba ngamahlelwethu, omunye nomunye wethu uzakulandela lokho wena okubiza bona bulikhuni behliziywakhe ekhohlakeleko.’ ” Ngalokho-ke nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Buzani hlangana nezizwe: Ngubani owakhe wezwa okufana nalokhu na? Kunento erara khulu eyenziwe litlawu u-Israyeli. Ingabe iliqhwa leLibhanoni liyasuka erharheni loSabekako namkha amanzi amakhaza nagelezako womthala weenkwekwezi zezulu atjhe na? Kodwana nakubabantu bami bona, bangikhohliwe, batjhisela izinto ezinganabubhadekelo itjhwalo, okuzizinto ezibenza bawe eendleleni zabo, iye, eendleleni zekadeni. Zibenza bakhambe ngeendlela eziqamulako, emizileni engakakhiwa. Ngalokho inarhabo iba libhudu, into yokurarekelwa ngesikhathi soke. Boke abadlula lapho bazakukhuza ngayo, bathintithe iinhloko ngokutlhuwa. Njengommoya wepumalanga, ngizabahlakaza phambi kwezitha zabo, ngizabakhombisa umhlanami, bangaboni ubuso bami ngelanga lehlekelele.” Somnini, abantu bathi: “Asenzeni amaqhinga ngoJoromiya lo ngombana ukufundisa kwabaphristi umthetho angeze kwalahleka nezeluleko zabahlakaniphileko angeze zaphela ngitjho neemphorofido zabaphorofidi. Yeke, asimthelekeleni ngamezwi, singalaleli litho alitjhoko.” Yewungilalele Somnini, yizwa bona bathini abaphikisani bami! Okuhle kumele kubuyiselwe ngobumbi na? Kodwana bangembele umgodi wesifu. Khumbula bonyana ngajama phambi kwakho ngabakhulumela kuhle, kobana ususe itukuthelwakho kibo. Yeke, nikelela abantwababo ngendlala, ubafuthele emandleni wesabula. Abafazi babo ababe ziinyumba, babe bahlolokazi ngombana amadodabo abulewe namasokana wakhona arhayilwe ngesabula epini. Akuzwakale umkhosi eenkumbeni zabo lokha nawubanikelela msinyana ngemigulukudu ngombana bangembele umgodi kobana bangibambe, bangibekela nezifu eenyaweni zami. Kodwana wena Somnini, wazi woke amaqhingabo wokungibulala. Ungacoleli icala labo namkha usule izono zabo phambi kwakho. Abaketulwe phambi kwakho, usebenze ngabo ngesikhathi setukuthelwakho. Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Khamba uyokuthenga ikwana yomdaka. Ukhambisane nabanye babarholi babantu kanye nabaphristi abakhulileko, uphume uye emrhobeni weBheni-Hinomu eduze kobungeno besango leDengela. Nawufika lapho umemezele amezwi engikutjela wona. Kufuze uthi kibo, ‘Lalelani ilizwi lakaSomnini, nina makhosi wakwaJuda kanye nani bahlali beJerusalema. Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli: Qalani, sele ngizokwehlisela ihlekelele phezu kwendawo le ezokwenza bona iindlebe zawo woke umuntu ozwako zibe buzikazikani ngombana abantwabo bangihlubukile. Benza indawo le yaba ngetjhili ngokutjhisela kiyo abosingazimu itjhwalo, iye, abosingazimu abangabaziko nabangaziwa ngitjho naboyise namakhosi wakwaJuda. Bazalise indawo le ngeengazi ezinganamlandu. Bakhe iindunduma zaboBhali kobana batjhisele kizo amadodanabo njengemihlabelo yokutjhiswa kiboBhali, okuyinto engingazange ngiyale ngayo namkha ngiyikhulume, ngitjho nemkhumbulweni ayizange ibe khona. Ngalokho, mina Somnini ngithi: Yelelani, amalanga ayeza, lapha abantu bangeze basabiza khona indawo le bonyana yiTofethi namkha mrhoba weBheni-Hinomu, kodwana bazakuthi mrhoba wokuHlatjwa. “ ‘Endaweni le ngizakufelelisa amahlelo wakwaJuda neJerusalema. Ngizabawisa ngesabula yezitha zabo, iye, labo abazumana nepilwabo. Ngizakunikela iindumbu zabo zibe kukudla kweenyoni zomkayi neembandana zommango. Ngizakwenza idorobheli libe libhudu nento yokurarekelwa. Woke odlula kilo uzakumangala abe akhuze ngebanga lazo zoke iingemegeme zalo. Ngizabenza batle inyama yamadodana namadodakazabo, batlane bona esizini nebudisini abazabubangelwa zizitha zabo nalabo abazumana nepilwabo.’ “Nje-ke wena Joromiya, yephula ikwana yomdaka leyo phambi kwabantu abakhamba nawe bese uthi kibo, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke: Ngizakuphihliza isizwesi nedorobheli njengombana kuphahlazeke ikwana le begodu angeze isalungiseka. Bazakungcwaba abafileko eTofethi kufikela lapha kutlhogeka khona indawo. Ngilokho-ke engizakwenza ngedorobheli nangabahlali balo. Ngizakwenza lifane neTofethi. Kutjho uSomnini. Iinkumba zeJerusalema kanye nemakhiwo yamakhosi wakwaJuda izakufana neTofethi: Zizakusilaphazwa, okutjho zoke iinkumba lapha benzela khona imihlabelo phezu kwephahla lazo mayelana nalo loke ibutho lomkayi bebathulule neminikelo yokuselwako kibosingazimu.’ ” UJoromiya wabuya-ke eTofethi lapha uSomnini gade amthume kobana ayophorofida khona, wafese wajama ngesirhodlweni sethempeli lakaSomnini, wathi kibo boke abantu: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, ‘Qalani, sele ngizokwehlisela idorobheli nemizana elibhodileko yoke ihlekelele engakhuluma ngayo phezu kwalo ngombana abantu bakhona baqinisa iintamo begodu azange balalele amezwami.’ ” Umphristi uPhatjhirhuri umsa ka-Imeri, umtjheji omkhulu ngethempelini lakaSomnini, wezwa uJoromiya aphorofida ngeendabezi. Wadula umphorofidi uJoromiya wamfaka emakhamandeleni esangweni elingaphezulu ebekuthiwa yiBhenjamini, ngethempelini lakaSomnini. Ngelanga elilandelako, lokha uPhatjhirhuri namtjhaphulula emakhamandeleni, uJoromiya wathi kuye: “USomnini akakubizi ngoPhatjhirhuri kodwana unguKwesaba okusiZombileko, ngombana nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Qala, sele ngizokwenza wena nabo boke abangani bakho nesabe ubujamo bakho. Uzababona ngamehlwakho babulawa zizitha zabo ngesabula. Boke abantu bakwaJuda ngizabanikela esandleni sekosi yeBhabheli. Yona izabathatha ibase ekuthunjweni eBhabheli, ibabulale ngesabula. Izitha zabo ngizazinikela woke umnotho wedorobho, woke umkhiqizwalo, koke okulifaneleko kanye nawo woke amagugu wamakhosi wakwaJuda. Koke lokho bazakuphanga, bakuthwale, bakuse eBhabheli. Wena-ke Phatjhirhuri nabo boke abahlala kwakho bazakuya ekuthunjweni. Uzakuya eBhabheli, ufele lapho bewubulungwe khona, wena nabo boke abangani bakho obaphorofidele amanga.’ ” Somnini, wena wangiyenga, ngayengeka; wangihlula, waphumelela. Imini yoke ngisihlekiso, woke umuntu uyangikokomeja. Njalo nangithi ngiyakhuluma, ngiyarhuwelela ngithi: “Inturhu nokuphangwa!” Ngambala ilizwi lakaSomnini kimi lenziwe ihlamba neenhloni imini yoke. Kodwana nangizitjela ngithi: “Angisazukucabanga ngayo namkha ngikhulume godu ebizweni lakhe”, ehliziywenami kuba njengomlilo ovuthako ovaleleke ngemathanjenami. Angisakwazi ukuwuvalela, ngiqinisile ngithi angisakghoni. Ngizwa amahlebezi wabanengi, asithi: “Umrhali lo uthi, ‘Ukwesabeka mahlangothi woke!’ Yeke mthomeleleni, nathi sizanisekela.” Boke abangani bami baquphe bona ngitjhelele, bathi: “Mhlambe angayengeka, ukuze sikghone ukumhlula sizibuyiselele kuye.” Kodwana uSomnini unami njengengorho enamandla; nje-ke abangizumako bazakutjhelela, bangaphumeleli. Bazakuhlaziseka khulu ngombana bahlulekile; ukurhubutjhwa kwabo angeze kwalibaleka. Somnini Mninimandlawoke, wena ohlolisisa olungileko uzizinya ihliziyo neziso, yewungibonise ukuzibuyiselela kwakho phezu kwabo ngombana indabami ngiyinikele kuwe. Bhinelani uSomnini, nimdumise! Yena wenyela ipilo yoswelako ezandleni zabenza ubumbi. Alinikelelwe ilanga engabelethwa ngalo! Lingabusiswa lelo umma angibeletha ngalo! Akanikelelwe umuntu owabikela ubaba, owamthabisa khulu wathi kuye: “Ubelethelwe umntwana omsana!” Inga umuntu loyo angaba njengamadorobho uSomnini awaketula ngokunganasirhawu. Akezwe ukurhahlawula ekuseni nomkhosi wepi entambama ngombana azange angibulalele ngesibelethweni, umma abe lizindla lami, isibeletho sakhe sikhukhumalele mlibe. Ngaphumelani ngesibelethweni kobana ngibone umtlhago nesizi nokobana ilanga lami liphelele ehlazweni na? Ilizwi lafika kuJoromiya livela kuSomnini lokha ikosi uTsedekhiya nagade athumele uPhatjhirhuri umsa kaMalikiya kanye nomphristi uZefaniya umsa kaMaseya kuye. Bathi: “Sibuzela khona nje kuSomnini ngombana uNebukadiretsari ikosi yeBhabheli iyasisahlela. Mhlamunye uSomnini angasenzela iimangaliso zakhe ukuze uNebukadiretsari lo asisuduke.” Nje-ke uJoromiya wabaphendula wathi: “Tjelani uTsedekhiya bonyana nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, ‘Sele ngizokuphendulela ngakini iinkhali zepi eniziphethekwezo nenizisebenzisela ukulwa nekosi yeBhabheli kanye namaKasidi agege nomthangala ngaphandle kobana anivimbezele. Ngizawaletha ngaphakathi kwedorobheli. Mina ngokwami ngizakulwa nani ngengalo eyeluliweko nangesiphanga, iye, ngetukuthelo, ngelaka nangobukhali obukhulu. Ngizakumadlha abahlali bedorobheli. Abantu neenlwana bazakubulawa matshwenyeko asabekako. Ngemva kwalapho, ngizakunikela uTsedekhiya ikosi yakwaJuda esandleni sakaNebukadiretsari ikosi yeBhabheli. Godu ngizakunikela iinduna zakhe kanye nabantu abangedorobheneli abasinde ematshwenyekweni, esabuleni nendlaleni, ezandleni zezitha zabo, iye, kilabo abazumana nepilwabo. Yona izababulala ngesabula, angeze ibababalele, irhawuke namkha ibazwele ubuhlungu.’ Kutjho uSomnini. “Godu tjela isizwesi bonyana nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Qalani, ngibeka phambi kwenu indlela yokuphila neyokufa: Nanyana ngubani ohlala ngedorobheneli uzakubulawa ngesabula, ngendlala namkha ngamatshwenyeko. Kodwana nanyana ngubani ophumako bese azinikele kumaKasidi anivimbezeleko la, uzakuphila, asindise ipilwakhe. Mbala, ngihlele ukwenza umonakalo phezu kwedorobheli, ingasi ubuhle. Lizokunikelwa esandleni sekosi yeBhabheli, yona izalirhayila ngomlilo.’ ” Kutjho uSomnini. Nanzi iimphorofido mayelana nekumba yobukhosi bakwaJuda: Lalelani ilizwi lakaSomnini nina kumba kaDavida! Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Gwebani ngokulunga ekuseni, nenyele odlelezelweko esandleni saloyo omgandelelako. Nakungasinjalo, itukuthelwami izakuqubuka ngebanga lobumbi enibenzileko, itjhise njengomlilo kungabi nomcimi. Qalani, ngijamelene nani, nina enihlala emrhobeni phezu kwedwala lommango othabaleleko.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Iye, nina enithi, ‘Ngubani ongewuka ajamelane nathi angene emadzabenethu na?’ Ngizanihlunguphaza ngokufanelene nezenzo zenu, kutjho uSomnini. Ngizakuthungelela umlilo emahlathini wedzaba lenu uqothule koke okulizombileko.” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Joromiya, yehlela esigodlweni sekosi yakwaJuda ufese umemezele umlayezo lo. Yithi ekosini, ‘Lalela ilizwi lakaSomnini wena kosi yakwaJuda ehlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi bakaDavida, wena oneenduna zakho nabantu bakho bangena ngamasango la. Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: Yenzani okulungileko nokufaneleko. Yenyelani odlelezelweko esandleni somgandelelakhe. Ningahlukumezi namkha nikhahlameze isikhonzi, intandani nomhlolokazi begodu ningathululi iingazi ezinganamlandu endaweni le. Ngambala nakube niyelela ukwenza imiyalo le, khona-ke amakhosi ahlala esihlalweni sobukhosi bakaDavida azakungena ngamasango wesigodlwesi, akhwele iinkarana neenjomani, aphekelelwa ziinduna zawo kanye nabantu bawo. Kodwana naningalaleli imiyalo le, ngiyafunga ngithi isigodlwesi sizakuba yiququ.’ ” Kutjho uSomnini. Mbala, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini ngesigodlo sekosi yakwaJuda: “Nanyana wena sigodlo ufana neGiliyadi kimi, unjengesiqongolo seLibhanoni, ngiyafunga ngithi ngizakwenza ube lirhalawumba, iye, iqubi leququ elingahlalwako. Ngizakuhlela abarhayili kobana balwe nawe, omunye nomunye ngeenkhali zakhe, bazakugawula imisedarakho ekhethekileko bayiphosele emlilweni.” “Izizwe ezinengi zizakudlula edorobheneli, zibuzane zithi, ‘Kubayini uSomnini enze into enjengale edorobheni elikhulu kangaka?’ Ipendulo izakuthi, ‘Kungebanga lokobana abantu balo bahlubuke isivumelwano sakaSomnini uZimabo balotjha bebakhothamela abosingazimu.’ ” Ningalileli ikosi ehlongakeleko ningazwelani nayo, kungaba ngcono nililele loyo osekuthunjweni, ngombana akasoze asabuya namkha abone inarha yekhabo godu. Ngambala nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini ngoTjhalumu umsa kaJosiya owaba yikosi ngemva koyise ikosi yakwaJuda kodwana wasuka endaweni le: “Angeze asabuya. Uzakufela endaweni lapha athunjelwe khona; angeze asayibona inarha le godu.” “Uzazizwa owakha isigodlo sakhe ngokungalungi namalawu wakhe aphezulu ngokungakafaneli, asebenzise abantu bekhabo ngelize, angabakhokheli ngomsebenzabo. Uzazizwa othi, ‘Ngizazakhela isigodlo esivulekileko, sibe namalawu amakhulu phezulu’, asenzele amafesidere amakhulu, asinameke ngomsedari, abe asikghabise ngokubomvu. “Kukwenza ube yikosi ukutjhisakalela iingodo zemisedari na? Uyihlo waneliswa kukudla nokuselwako, wenza okufaneleko nokulungileko. Nje-ke, koke kwamkhambela kuhle. Watjheja indaba yabadududu nabaswelako, ngalokho koke kwakhamba kuhle. Leyo akusiyo indlela yokungilandela na?” Kutjho uSomnini. “Kodwana amehlwakho nehliziywakho inamathele kwaphela ekuzuzeni ngokungakafaneli, ekuthululeni iingazi ezinganamlandu nekugandeleleni nekudlelezeleni.” Ngalokho nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini ngoJehoyakhimu umsa kaJosiya ikosi yakwaJuda: “Abazumlilela bathi, ‘Maye mfowethu! Maye dadwethu!’ Abazomlilela bathi, ‘Maye ngekosethu! Maye ngengwenyama!’ Uzakungcwatjwa njengodumbana, arhurhubiswe ayokuphoselwa ngaphandle kwamasango weJerusalema.” “Khuphukela eLibhanoni, urhuwelele, iphimbo lakho alizwakale eBhatjhani, rhuwelela use-Abarimu, ngombana zoke iinthandwa zakho ziyaqhotjozwa. Ngakuyelelisa lokha nawuzizwa uvikelekile, kodwana wena wathi, ‘Angizukulalela!’ Bewuseze uphila ngalendlela kwebutjheni bakho; azange ukhe ungilalele. Ummoya uzokuphephula boke abangani bakho bese iinthandwa zakho ziya ekuthunjweni. Nje-ke uzakurhubutjhwa bewuhlaziswe ngebanga labo boke ubukhohlakali bakho. Wena mfazi ohlala eLibhanoni, wena onesihlakana emisedarini, uzakububula lokha nawehlelwa ziinhlabi, iye, imirhelo efana neyokubeletha!” USomnini wathi: “Ngiyafunga ngithi, ‘Wena Koniya msa kaJehoyakhimu ikosi yakwaJuda, nanyana bewuyidzilamnwana yesigibo esidleni sami, bengizakukhwamula lapho. Ngizakunikela ezandleni zalabo abazumana nepilwakho, labo obesabako; iye, esandleni sakaNebukadiretsari ikosi yeBhabheli nesandleni samaKasidi. Wena nonyoko owakubelethako ngizanifuthela kenye inarha eningayaziko; nizakufela lapho. Iye, inarha abomele ukubuyela kiyo kangaka le, abasoze babuyela kiyo.’ ” Indoda le nguKoniya odelelekileko, imbiza eyephuliweko, okuyinto engafunwako na? Kubayini yena nabantwabakhe bafuthelwe kude, bajikijelwa enarheni abangayaziko na? Wena narha, narha-ke, narha, lalela ilizwi lakaSomnini! Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Tlolani umuntu lo njengonganamntwana, indoda engeze yaphumelela emihlenayo ngombana esizukwalaneni sayo akakho noyedwa ozayelama ahlale esihlalweni sobukhosi bakaDavida namkha abuse kwaJuda godu.” “Bazazizwa abelusi abatjhabalalisa bebahlakaze izimvu zamadlelwami!” Kutjho uSomnini. Ngalokho nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli ngabelusi abelusa abantu bami: “Nina enihlakaze izimvu zami benaziqotjha, nangazitjheja, qalani, sele ngizonihlunguphaza mayelana nobumbi enibenzileko.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Mina ngokwami ngizakubuthelela imisalela yomhlambami kizo zoke iinarha lapha ngayiqotjhela khona bengiyibuyisele emadlelwenazo. Lapho-ke izakubeletha beyande. Ngizakubeka abelusi phezu komhlambami baweluse, angeze bewusesaba namkha wesatjiswe, godu angeze usalahleka.” Kutjho uSomnini. USomnini uthi: “Qalani, isikhathi siyeza lapha ngizakuvusela khona uDavida ingala yangokomthetho, izakubusa njengekosi iphathe ngokuhlakanipha beyenze okulungileko nokufaneleko enarheni. Emihlenakhe uJuda uzakusindiswa bese u-Israyeli aphile ngokuphepha. Nanti ibizo azakubizwa ngalo: USomnini ukulunga kithi.” USomnini uthi: “Nje-ke, qalani isikhathi siyeza lapha abantu bangeze basathi, ‘Ngifunga uSomnini owakhupha ama-Israyeli eGibhide’, kodwana bazakuthi, ‘Ngifunga uSomnini owakhupha bewabuyisa iinzukulwana zama-Israyeli enarheni yangetlhagwini.’ Mina Somnini ngizababuyisa kizo zoke iinarha engabaqotjhela kizo. Nje-ke bazakuhlala endaweni ekungeyabo.” Mayelana nabaphorofidi uJoromiya wathi: Ihliziywami yephukile ngaphakathi kwami, amathambami woke ayaqhaqhazela. Ngifana nomuntu odakiweko, iye, umuntu ohlulwa liwayini, ngebanga lakaSomnini kanye namezwakhe acwengileko. Inarha izele ngeenhlobongi, ngebanga lesithuko iyalila namadlelo erhalawumbeni atjhwabile. Abaphorofidi bajabajabela okumbi, basebenzisa amandlabo ngokungakalungi. “Abaphorofidi nabaphristi basilaphele, ngifumana ubukhohlakali babo ngitjho nangethempelini lami.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Ngalokho indlelabo izakufana neendawo ezitjhelelako ebumnyameni, bazakusunduzwa bawele kizo. Ngizabehlisela ihlekelele ngomnyaka abazakuhlunguphazwa ngawo.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Phakathi kwabaphorofidi beSamariya ngabona nasi into enyenyisako: Baphorofida ngoBhali bese badurhisa abantu bami, u-Israyeli. Phakathi kwabaphorofidi beJerusalema khona ngabona nasi into ekghabhudlhako: Bayahlobonga bebaphile ngamala. Baqinisa izandla zabenzi bobumbi, ukuze kungabikho ophendukako ebukhohlakalini bakhe. Boke sebafana neSodoma kimi, iye, abantu beJerusalema sebafana neGomora.” Ngalokho-ke, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke mayelana nabaphorofidi: “Ngizabadlisa ukugoma okumunyu basele amanzi anobuthi ngombana ukusukela ebaphorofidini beJerusalema ummoya wokusilaphala warhatjheka inarha yoke.” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini ebantwini bakwaJuda: “Ningalaleli lokho abaphorofidi abakuphorofida kini; bona bayanikhohlisa.” Iye, bakhuluma imiyalezo yemikhumbulwabo ingasi evela emlonyeni kaSomnini. Kilabo abanyaza ilizwi lakaSomnini banande bathi: “Nizakuba nokuthula.” Bese kabalandela ukukhunyalala kweenhliziyo zabo bathi: “Akunanto embi ezanehlela.” Kodwana ngubani phakathi kwabo owakhe wajama ebandla lakaSomnini kobana ezwe abe alemuke amezwakhe na? Iye, ngubani owakhe wayelela bewalemuka ilizwi lakhe na? Qalani, naso isiwuruwuru sakaSomnini! Sikurhwanta kwetukuthelo kaSomnini, iye, isivunguvungu esikhwitjhizelako! Sizakuvunguzela phezu kweenhloko zabakhohlakeleko. Itukuthelo kaSomnini angeze yahlehla, iye, angeze yahlehla angakafezi iinhloso zehliziywakhe. Emalangeni ezako nizakuzwisisa kuhle. USomnini uthi: “Azange ngibathume abaphorofidaba, khonapho bona bagijima ngomlayezwabo; azange ngikhulume nabo, khonapho bona sebayaziphorofidela nje. Kodwana nakube bebajame ebandla lami, bebazokumemezela amezwami ebantwini bami bebababuyisele eendleleni zabo ezimbi nezenzweni zabo ezimbi. “NginguZimu eduzapha kwaphela na?” Kutjho uSomnini. “AngisinguZimu nakude na? Ukhona ongabhaca eendaweni ezisithekileko kobana ngingamboni na? Angisikhona koke ezulwini nephasini na?” Kutjho uSomnini. “Ngizwile kobana abaphorofidi abaphorofida amala ebizweni lami bonyana bathini. Bathi, ‘Ngibe nebhudango! Iye, ngibhudangile uyazi!’ Kuzabe bekube kunini kobana phakathi kwabaphorofidi kube nalabo abaphorofida amala, iye, abaphorofidi abanekohliso eenhliziyweni zabo na? Bacabanga bonyana amabhudango abatjelana wona azakwenza abantu bami bakhohlwe ibizo lami njengombana kwenza aboyise ngebanga laboBhali na? Umphorofidi onebhudango akalitjho ibhudangwelo nonelizwi elibuya kimi akalikhulume ngokwethembeka. Amakhoba ahlangana njani namabele na?” Kutjho uSomnini. “Ilizwi lami alifani nomlilo na? Alifani nenondo ephadlhula idwala libe ziinququ na?” Kutjho uSomnini. “Ngalokho ngijamelene nabaphorofidi abebelana amezwami bese bathi avela kimi.” Kutjho uSomnini. Godu uSomnini uthi: “Ngijamelene nabaphorofidi abasebenzisa amalimabo bese bathi, ‘Kutjho uSomnini’. Ngambala ngijamelene nalabo abaphorofida ngamabhudango wamala.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Badurhisa abantu bami ngokubatjela amala nokuzikhukhumeza kwabo, khisibe azange ngibathume namkha ngibayale. Ekugcineni ababasizi ngalitho abantwaba.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Lokha abantwaba, abaphorofidi namkha abaphristi nabakubuza bathi, ‘Uthini umlayezo kaSomnini na?’ Uzakuphendula uthi, ‘USomnini uthi: Nibuzelani umlayezo khisibe nginilahlile na?’ Nakube kunomphorofidi, umphristi namkha omunye othi, ‘Naku umlayezo kaSomnini’, ngizakuhlunguphaza umuntu loyo nomndenakhe. Nakhu okufanele kutjhiwo ngomunye nomunye wenu ebanganini bakhe namkha eenhlotjeni zakhe, ‘Ithini ipendulo kaSomnini?’ namkha, ‘USomnini utheni?’ Nakumamezwi athi, ‘umlayezo kaSomnini’ ningabe nisawakhuluma godu. Umlayezo kaSomnini uzakuba ngewomuntu welizwi lakhe ngombana nina nitjhugulule amezwi kaZimu ophilako, uSomnini uMninimandlawoke, uZimethu. Nakhu enifanele nikutjho kumphorofidi, weqiniso, ‘USomnini uphendule wathini kuwe?’, namkha nithi, ‘USomnini ukhulume wathini?’ ” Mbala, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Nakube nihlalele ukukhuluma ngomlayezo kaSomnini, iye, nanihlalele ukukhuluma amezwi athi ‘umlayezo kaSomnini’ phezu kobana bengithumele umuntu bona anitjele ningabe nisathi ‘umlayezo kaSomnini’, ngalokho-ke, ngizanisusa ebukhoneni bami, nginilahle nina nedorobho enginiphe lona naboyihlo. Ngizanehlisela ukurhubutjhwa okungapheliko, iye, ukuhlaziseka kwamlibe nekungeze kwakhohlweka.” Ngemva kokobana uKoniya umsa kaJehoyakhimu ikosi yakwaJuda kanye neenduna zakhe, abososino nabakhandisimbi bakwaJuda basuswe eJerusalema basiwa ekuthunjweni eBhabheli nguNebukadiretsari ikosi yeBhabheli, uSomnini wangikhombisa iinqwebu ezimbili zamakhiwani ezibekwe ngaphambi kwethempeli lakaSomnini. Isiqwebu esinye gade sinamakhiwani amahle khulu, anjengavuthwa ntange; esinye besinamakhiwani amambi khulu, bekamambi angagomeki. Nje-ke uSomnini wangibuza wathi: “Joromiya, ubonani na?” Ngathi: “Ngibona amakhiwani. Nakungamahle, mahle khulu, kodwana amambi, mambi khulu, iye, mambi angeze agomeka.” Nje-ke ilizwi lakaSomnini leza kimi godu lathi: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, ‘Njengobuhle bamakhiwani la, banjalo kimi nabathunjwa bakwaJuda engibaqotjhileko endaweni le kobana baye enarheni yamaKasidi. Amehlwami azabaqala ngesisa begodu ngizababuyisela enarheni le. Ngizabakha ngingabagirizi, ngizabatjala ngingabasiphuli. Ngizabanikela ihliziyo ukuze bangazi bonyana nginguSomnini. Bazakuba babantu bami, nami ngibe nguZimabo ngombana bazakubuyela kimi ngeenhliziyo zabo zoke. “ ‘Kodwana mayelana namakhiwani amambi angeze agomeka, ngizakwenza njalo ngoTsedekhiya ikosi yakwaJuda, iinduna zakhe kanye nayo yoke iJerusalema, abahlala endaweni le nabahlala enarheni yeGibhide.’ Kutjho uSomnini. Ngizabenza babe sisethuso nento embi kiyo yoke imibuso yephasi, iye, into yokurhubutjhwa nesiga, into yesiphoqo nesithuweleliso kizo zoke iindawo lapha ngibaqotjhela khona. Ngizakuthumela isabula, indlala kanye namatshwenyeko phezu kwabo bebarhayilwe enarheni engabanikela yona kanye naboyise.” Ngomnyaka wesine wokubusa kwekosi uJehoyakhimu umsa kaJosiya ikosi yakwaJuda, okumnyaka wokuthoma wokubusa kwakaNebukadiretsari ikosi yeBhabheli, kwafika ilizwi kumphorofidi uJoromiya malungana nabo boke abantu bakwaJuda. Umphorofidi uJoromiya walikhuluma kibo boke abantu bakwaJuda nakibo boke abahlali beJerusalema. Sele kuminyaka ematjhumi amabili nantathu ilizwi lakaSomnini lisiza kimi; iye, ukusukela emnyakeni wetjhumi nantathu wokubusa kwekosi uJosiya umsa ka-Amoni wakwaJuda bekube kunamhlanje. Bengilikhuluma kini imini yoke, kodwana azange nilalele. Nanyana uSomnini bekaseze anithumelela zoke iinceku zakhe okubaphorofidi, imini yoke, azange nilalele namkha nikotakote iindlebe zenu kobana nizwe lokha nabathi: “Phendukani khona nje, omunye nomunye wenu, nitjhiye indlelenu embi kanye nezenzo zenu zobukhohlakali, khona nizakuhlala enarheni uSomnini aninikele yona kanye nabokhokho benu kusukela ekadeni bekube nini nanini. Ningadlhemadlhemi ngemva kwabosingazimu kobana nibalotjhe benibakhothamele. Ningangithukuthelisi ngemisebenzi yezandla zenu. Yeke angeze nganikhubaza.” USomnini uthi: “Khonapho azange ningilalele. Ngalokho ningithukuthelisile ngemisebenzi yezandla zenu nazibangela ukukhubala.” Ngalokho-ke nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke: “Ngebanga lokungalaleli kwenu amezwami, qalani, sele ngizokuthumela bona kulandwe zoke iinkoro zetlhagwini, ngitjho nencekwami uNebukadiretsari ikosi yeBhabheli. Ngizaziletha enarheni le nakubahlali bayo kanye nebantwini boke abayizombileko. Ngizobarhayila nya bengibenze into yokurarekelwa nenarha le ibe libhudu namarubhi mlibe.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Ngizakususa phakathi kwabo itjhada lokujabula nokujekezela, ilizwi lomkhwenyana nephimbo lomlobokazi, itjhada lamatje wokugaya kanye nomkhanyo wesibani. Yoke inarha le izakuba marubhi nebhudu. Abantwaba bazakusebenzela ikosi yeBhabheli iminyaka ematjhumi alikhomba. Ngemva kokuphelela kweminyaka ematjhumi alikhomba, ngizakuhlunguphaza ikosi yeBhabheli kanye nesizwe sakhona ngebanga lecala labo; iye, inarha yamaKasidi ngizoyenza amarubhi wamlibe.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Ngizakwehlisela phezu kwenarha leyo woke amagama engiwakhulume ngayo; iye, woke amagama wena Joromiya ozakuphorofida ngawo ngokujamelana nazo zoke izizwe nazakutlolwa emsongweni. Izizwe ezinengi namakhosi adumileko azakwenza amaKasidi abe makhoboka. Mina-ke ngizawakhokhela ngokuya ngezenzo kanye nemisebenzi yezandla zawo.” Ngalokho uSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli wathi kimi: “Thatha ikapho yewayini le, okulilaka esandleni sami bese useza zoke izizwe engikuthuma kizo. Zizakusela bezitherezele bese zidlharuma ngebanga lesabula engiyithumela hlangana nazo.” Yeke ngathatha ikapho esandleni sakaSomnini ngaseza zoke izizwe uSomnini angithume kizo: iJerusalema namadorobho wakwaJuda, amakhosi kanye neenkhulu zakhona kobana ngiwenze into yokukakamalelwa neyesithuko, into yokurarekelwa nokunikelela (njengombana kunjalo nanamhlanjesi); uFaro ikosi yeGibhide, iinsebenzi zakhe, iinkhulu zakhe, boke abantu bakhe nabo boke abantu abayicubevange yakhona; woke amakhosi wenarha ye-Utsi; woke amakhosi wenarha yamaFilista, okutjho i-Atjhikheloni, iGaza, i-Ekhironi kanye nemisalela ye-Atjhidodi; abantu be-Edomu, beMowabi kanye nama-Amoni; woke amakhosi weTirosi, woke amakhosi weTsidoni namakhosi weligwini ngaphetjheya kwelwandle; abantu beDedani, beTema, beBhuzi nabantu boke abagude iinhloko zabo eenhlafunyweni, woke amakhosi we-Arabhiya newecubevange yabantu abahlala erhalawumbeni; woke amakhosi weZimri, woke amakhosi we-Elamu nawo woke amakhosi weMediya; woke amakhosi wetlhagwini, kude neduze, ngokulandelana kwawo, nayo yoke imibuso yelizwe esebusweni bephasi. Ngemva kwayo kuzakusela ikosi yeTjhetjhaki. Yeke uSomnini wathi kimi: “Kumele uthi kizo, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli: Selani, nidakwe benihlanze, niwe beningasavuka ngebanga lesabula engiyithumela phakathi kwenu.’ “Nakube abafuni ukwamukela ikapho esandleni sakho kobana basele, yeke uzakuthi kibo, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke: Nakukusela khona, nizakusela! Qalani, ngithoma ukuletha ihlekelele phezu kwedorobho elibizwa ngami; alo, ningakghona njani nina ukubalekela isibetho na? Angeze nahlala ningabethwa ngombana ngiletha isabula ngokujamelana nabo boke abantu ephasinapha.’ Kutjho uSomnini uMninimandlawoke. “Ngalokho wena Joromiya, uzakuphorofida kibo woke amezwi lawo begodu uthi kibo, “ ‘USomnini uzakubhodla asekuphakameni, akhulume ngelizwi lakhe asendawenakhe ecwengileko, uzakubhodla khulu ngokujamelana nomzakhe; arhuwelele njengalabo abagadanga amadiribe, ngokujamelana nabo boke abahlali bephasini, itjhada lizakuzwakala epelazwe ngombana uSomnini unesimangalo ngezizwe, ugweba inyama yoke begodu iinkhohlakali uzazinikelela ngesabula.’ ” Kutjho uSomnini. Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke: “Qalani, ihlekelele iphuma ukusuka esizweni ukuya kesinye, kuvuka isiwuruwuru esikhulu ukusuka emajukujukwini wephasi!” Labo abamadlhwe nguSomnini mhlokho bazakunabela ukusuka emaphethelweni wephasi ukuya kamanye. Abazukulilelwa namkha babuthwe namkha babulungwe, kodwana bazakuba njengomsuqwa emasimini. Lilani nina belusi, nirhahlawule! Zibhudabhudeni emlotheni nina banini bemihlambi ngombana amalangenu wokuhlaba aphelile! Nizakuwa niphahlazeke njengesitja sekhethelo. Abelusi bazakutlhoga ububalekelo nabanini bemihlambi angeze baphunyurha. Yizwani isililo sabelusi nokurhahlawula kwabanini bemihlambi! USomnini wonakalisa amadlelwabo; iye, imirhula ethulileko iyonakaliswa ngebanga letukuthelo evuthako kaSomnini. Utjhiye idzaba lakhe njengebhubezi ngombana inarhabo ibe libhudu ngebanga lokuba nesihluku kwesabula, nangebanga letukuthelo evuthako kaSomnini. Ekuthomeni kokubusa kwekosi uJehoyakhimu umsa kaJosiya ikosi yakwaJuda, kwafika ilizwi libuya kuSomnini lisithi: Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Jama ngesirhodlweni sethempeli lakaSomnini ukhulume nawo woke amadorobho wakwaJuda eza ngethempelini lakaSomnini kobana adumise. Khuluma nawo woke, uwatjele amagama engikuyale ngawo, ungatjhiyi nelilodwa. Kungenzeka alalele bese woke ayaphenduka eendleleni zawo ezimbi ukuze ngizisole ngobumbi ebengibuhlose ukubehlisela phezu kwawo ngebanga lezenzo zawo zobukhohlakali. Yewuthi ebantwinabo, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: Nakube angeze nangilalela, ningakhambi emthethwenami engiwubeke phambi kwenu begodu ningayeleli amezwi weenceku zami, okubaphorofidi engibathumele kini imini yoke naphezu kobana ningazange nilalele, khona-ke ngizakwenza ikumba le ifane neTjhilo. Iye, ngizakwenza idorobheli libe sithuko sazo zoke izizwe zephasi.’ ” Abaphristi nabaphorofidi kanye nabo boke abantu bezwa uJoromiya akhuluma amezwi la ngethempelini lakaSomnini. Nasele uJoromiya aqedile ukukhuluma koke uSomnini amyale kobana akukhulume kibo boke abantu, abaphristi nabaphorofidi kanye nabantwabo bambhudungela bathi: “Uzokufa kokufa! Kubayini uphorofide ebizweni lakaSomnini kobana ithempeleli lizakufana neTjhilo nokobana idorobheli lizakuba marubhi lingasabi nabahlali?” Yeke boke abantu babungelela uJoromiya ngethempelini lakaSomnini. Lokha iinkhulu zakwaJuda nazizwa ngalokho, zakhuphuka zisuka esigodlweni zaya ethempelini lakaSomnini zahlala ebungenweni besango lethempeli lakaSomnini okuthiwa yiMutjha. Yeke abaphristi nabaphorofidi bathi eenkhulwini nakibo boke abantu: “Umrhali lo kumele agwetjelwe ukufa ngombana uphorofide ngokujamelana nedorobheli njengombana nizizwele ngeendlebe zenu!” UJoromiya wathi kizo zoke iinkhulu nebantwini boke: “USomnini ungithume kobana ngiphorofide ngokujamelana nethempeleli kanye nedorobheli ukuya ngakho koke enikuzwileko. Nje-ke, lungisani iindlela zenu kanye nezenzo zenu bese nilalela uSomnini uZimenu. Khona-ke uSomnini uzazisola ngehlekelele athe uzayehlisela phezu kwenu. Nakungimi yena, ngisezandleni zenu, ningazenzela umathanda ngami. Kodwana nazi-ke bonyana naningibulalako, nizazehlisela umlandu weengazi ezimsulwa phezu kwenu naphezu kwedorobheli kanye nakubahlali balo ngombana kuliqiniso bonyana uSomnini nguye ongithume kini kobana ngikhulume woke amezwi la eendlebeni zenu.” Yeke iinkhulu nabo boke abantu bathi kubaphristi nabaphorofidi: “Umuntu lo akukameli bonyana agwetjelwe ukufa. Ukhulume nathi ngebizo lakaSomnini uZimethu.” Abanye babaphathi benarha basikima bathi emkhambathini woke: “UMika weMoretjheti waphorofida emihleni kaHezekhiya ikosi yakwaJuda, watjela boke abantu bakwaJuda bonyana uSomnini uMninimandlawoke uthi, “ ‘IZiyoni izakulinywa njengesimu, iJerusalema lizakuba liqubi leququ, kuthi intatjana yethempeli ibe lihlathi.’ “Alo, uHezekhiya ikosi yakwaJuda kanye nabo boke abantu bakwaJuda bambulala na? UHezekhiya azange esabe uSomnini abe ancancabeze na? Angithi uSomnini wazisola ngehlekelele ebegade athe uzayehlisela phezu kwabo? Thina-ke sibeka ipilwethu engozini eyesabekako ngalokhu!” (Godu kwakukhona omunye umuntu okungu-Uriya umsa kaTjhemaya weKiriyathi-Jeyarimu owaphorofida ebizweni lakaSomnini. Waphorofida ngokufanako ngokujamelana neJerusalema nekwaJuda njengombana kwenze uJoromiya. Lokha ikosi uJehoyakhimu nazo zoke iingorho kanye neenkhulu zakhe nabezwa amezwakhe, yafuna ukumbulala. Kodwana u-Uriya wakuzwa lokho, wesaba bewabalekela eGibhide. Kodwana ikosi uJehoyakhimu yathumela amadoda eGibhide. Bekungu-Elinatani umsa ka-Akibori akhambisana namanye amadoda. Bakhupha u-Uriya eGibhide bamletha ekosini uJehoyakhimu owambulala ngesabula. Isidumbu sakhe saphoselwa lapha kulahlelwa abantukazana.) U-Arhikhamu umsa kaTjhafani wasekela uJoromiya, ngalokho uJoromiya azange anikelwe ezandleni zabantu kobana abulawe. Emnyakeni wesine wokubusa kwakaTsedekhiya umsa kaJosiya ikosi yakwaJuda, kwafika nanti ilizwi kuJoromiya libuya kuSomnini: Nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini kimi: “Zenzele iindrobho neenkeyi bese ubeka iinkeyi ezimbili nesidrobho entanyenakho. Thumela ezinye ekosini ye-Edomu, yeMowabi neyama-Amoni, yeTire neyeTsidoni ngesandla sabazenda ebagade beze kuTsedekhiya, ikosi yakwaJuda eJerusalema. Bayale bonyana bakhulume kubaphathi babo bona uSomnini, uMninimandlawoke, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli uthi, ‘Tjelani abaphathi benu nakhu okulandelako: Mina ngenza iphasi nabantu balo kanye neenlwana ezikilo ngamandlami amakhulu nangengalwami eluliweko. Lokho ngikunikela nanyana ngubani engimbona alungile kimi. Iye, mina nginikele zoke iinarha zenu esandleni sencekwami uNebukadinetsari, ikosi yeBhabheli. Ngitjho neenlwana zommango ngizazenza bona zimsebenzele. Zoke izizwe zizamsebenzela yena nendodanakhe kanye neenzukulwana zakhe bekufike isikhathi senarhakhe ngitjho nesakhe isikhathi. Izizwe ezinengi namakhosi anamandla azamsebenzela enarhenakhe. Nakube kukhona isizwe nanyana umbuso ongafuni ukusebenzela uNebukadinetsari ikosi yeBhabheli, namkha ongafuni ukuthwala ijogi lekosi yeBhabheli, ngizakuhlunguphaza isizweso ngesabula, ngendlala nangamatshwenyeko, kufikela lapha ngisirhayila khona ngesandla sakhe. Kutjho uSomnini. Yeke ningalaleli abaphorofidi benu, izangoma, abahlathululi bamabhudango, izanusi namkha abaloyi benu abanitjela bathi: Anizukulotjha ikosi yeBhabheli! Baphorofida amanga kini ukuze nisuswe endawenenu niye kude. Ngalokho ngizaniqotjha benibhubhe. Kodwana isizwe esizakufaka intamo yaso ngaphasi kwejogi lekosi yeBhabheli siyisebenzele, ngizasinzinzisa enarhenaso kobana silime besihlale lapho. Kutjho uSomnini.’ ” Mina Joromiya ngakhuluma noTsedekhiya ikosi yakwaJuda ngawo woke amezwi la, ngathi: “Nanifaka intamenu ngaphasi kwejogi lekosi yeBhabheli, niyisebenzele kanye nabantu bayo, khona-ke nizakuphila. Uzakuthi ufelani wena nabantu bakho ngesabula, ngendlala nangamatshwenyeko njengombana uSomnini athe uzawehlisela esizweni esingeze sasebenzela ikosi yeBhabheli na? Ningalaleli amezwi wabaphorofidi abathi kini ningasebenzeli ikosi yeBhabheli ngombana baniphorofida ngamala. USomnini uthi, ‘Abakathunywa ngimi. Nakungibo baphorofida amala ebizweni lami. Ngalokho ngizaniqotjha nibhubhe, nina kanye nabaphorofidi abaniphorofidakwabo.’ ” Yeke mina Joromiya ngatjela abaphristi nabo boke abantwaba bonyana uSomnini uthi: “Ningalaleli abaphorofidi abathi kini, ‘Msinyana izitja zethempeli lakaSomnini zizakuthathwa eBhabheli zibuyiswe.’ Mamala kwaphela abakuphorofida kini! Ningabalaleli. Nanisebenzela ikosi yeBhabheli, nizakuphila. Kubayini kumele idorobheli libe marubhi na? Nakube babaphorofidi mbala begodu banelizwi lakaSomnini, khona-ke abancenge uSomnini uMninimandlawoke kobana ipahla esele ngethempelini lakaSomnini, esigodlweni sekosi yakwaJuda kanye neJerusalema, ingeze yathathwa isiwe eBhabheli ngombana nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke mayelana neensika zethempeli, ibhada ekulu ekhethekileko, iinjamiso zezitja zokuhlambela kanye nenye ipahla etjhiywe ngedorobheneli, koke uNebukadinetsari ikosi yeBhabheli angazange akuthathe lokha nathatha uKoniya umsa kaJehoyakhimu ikosi yakwaJuda eJerusalema amusa ekuthunjweni eBhabheli kanye nabo boke abosaziwako bakwaJuda neJerusalema, iye, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli mayelana nepahla etjhiywe ngethempelini lakaSomnini, esigodlweni sekosi yakwaJuda nangeJerusalema, ‘Izakuthwalwa isiwe eBhabheli, ihlale lapho bekufike isikhathi lapha ngizayitjheja khona. Yeke ngizayenyula ngiyibuyisele endaweni le.’ Kutjho uSomnini.” Enyangeni yesihlanu emnyakeni wona lowo, okumnyaka wesine wokubusa kwakaTsedekhiya ikosi yakwaJuda bengingethempelini lakaSomnini, umphorofidi uRhananiya umsa ka-Azuri obegade avela eGibiyoni, wangitemeleja ngiphambi kwabaphristi nabantu boke, wathi: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, ‘Ngizakwephula ijogi lekosi yeBhabheli. Eminyakeni emibili yoke swana, ngizakubuyisela endaweni le yoke ipahla yethempeli lakaSomnini eyasuswa endaweni le nguNebukadinetsari ikosi yeBhabheli wayisa eBhabhelapho. Godu ngizakubuyisela endaweni le uKoniya umsa kaJehoyakhimu ikosi yakwaJuda kanye nabo boke abathunjwa bakwaJuda abaya eBhabheli ngombana ngizakwephula ijogi lekosi yeBhabheli.’ ” Kutjho uSomnini. Nje-ke umphorofidi uJoromiya waphendula umphorofidi uRhananiya phambi kwabaphristi nabo boke abantu ebegade bajame ngethempelini lakaSomnini, wathi: “Amen! Inga uSomnini angenza njalo! Iye, inga uSomnini angazalisa amezwi wesiphorofido sakho ngokubuyisa endaweni le ipahla yethempeli lakaSomnini eBhabheli kanye nabo boke abathunjwa. Nokho-ke lalela nanti ilizwi engizolitjho eendlebeni zakho naphambi kwabantwaba boke nje. Emihleni yaphambilini abaphorofidi abakhambe phambi kwami nawe baphorofida ngepi, ngehlekelele nangamatshwenyeko phezu kwamazwe amanengi ngokujamelana nemibuso emikhulu. Kodwana umphorofidi ophorofida okuhle uzakwaziwa njengomphorofidi othunywe nguSomnini ngeqiniso, nakube iimphorofido zakhe ziyazaliseka.” Yeke umphorofidi uRhananiya wasusa isikeyi entanyeni yomphorofidi uJoromiya wasephula, wathi phambi kwabantu boke: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Ngaleyondlela ngizakwephula ijogi lakaNebukadinetsari, ikosi yeBhabheli eentanyeni zazo zoke izizwe eminyakeni emibili yoke swana.’ ” Ngemva kwalokho umphorofidi uJoromiya wangena indlela. Kwathi bona umphorofidi uRhananiya ephule isikeyi entanyeni yomphorofidi uJoromiya, ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kuJoromiya godu lathi: “Khamba ufese utjele uRhananiya bonyana nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Wephule iinkeyi zesigodo, kodwana esikhundleni sazo ngizokwenza iinkeyi zesimbi.’ Mbala, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, ‘Ngizakubeka ijogi lesimbi eentanyeni zazo zoke izizwezi ukuze zisebenzele uNebukadinetsari ikosi yeBhabheli, iye, zizamsebenzela begodu ngizamnikela ngitjho neenlwana zommango.’ ” Yeke umphorofidi uJoromiya wathi kumphorofidi uRhananiya: “Lalela lapha wena Rhananiya! USomnini akakakuthumi, kodwana wena uyenge isizwesi kobana sethembe amala. Ngalokho-ke nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Sengizakususa endawenakho. Khona nonyaka nje uzokufa ngombana uhlohlozele bona kuhlubukwe uSomnini.’ ” Enyangeni yekhomba emnyakeni wona lowo, umphorofidi uRhananiya wahlongakala. Naka amezwi wencwadi umphorofidi uJoromiya ayithumela aseJerusalema iya kubaphathi abasala ekuthunjweni kanye nakubaphristi, abaphorofidi nabo boke abantu uNebukadinetsari abathatha eJerusalema wabasa ekuthunjweni eBhabheli. Wathumela incwadi le ngemva kobana kususwe eJerusalema ikosi uKoniya, indlovukazi neenkhulu zesigodlo, abarholi bakwaJuda nebeJerusalema, abososino kanye nabakhandisimbi, basiwa ekuthunjweni. Incwadi leyo yathunyelwa ngo-Elasa umsa kaTjhafani noGemariya umsa kaRhilikhiya abathunywa nguTsedekhiya ikosi yakwaJuda ekosini uNebukadinetsari eBhabheli. Beyifundeka bunjesi: Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli kibo boke labo engabathatha eJerusalema ngabasa ekuthunjweni eBhabheli: “Yakhani iinkumba nihlale lapho. Tjalani iimvande nigome iinthelo zakhona. Thathani abafazi nibelethe amadodana namadodakazi. Thathelani amadodanenu abafazi nendise namadodakazenu ukuze nabo babelethe amadodana namadodakazi. Yandani ngesibalo lapho, ninganciphi. Godu funani ihlalohle yedorobho enginise kilo ekuthunjweni. Lithandazeleni kuSomnini ngombana nalinehlalohle, nani nizakuba nehlalohle.” Mbala, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli: “Ningavumi ukukhohliswa baphorofidi nezangoma eziphakathi kwenu. Ningalaleli ababhudangi enibakhuthaze kobana babhudange. Mamala kwaphela abakuphorofida kini ngebizo lami. Azange ngibathume.” Kutjho uSomnini. Nakhu-ke okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Nasele iBhabheli iqede iminyaka ematjhumi alikhomba, ngizanitjheja ngifeze isithembiso sami somusa, nginibuyisele endaweni le. Mbala, mina ngiyawazi amahlelo enginawo ngani.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Amahlelo wehlalohle ingasi wokumbi; iye, amahlelo wokunipha ingomuso nethemba. Yeke nizangibiza, nize nizokuthandaza kimi, nje-ke ngizanilalela. Naningifunako nizangifumana nakube ningitjhisakalela ngeenhliziyo ezipheleleko. Ngizakwenza bona ningifumane.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Ngizakutjhugulula ubujamo benu. Nina nithe, ‘USomnini usivusele abaphorofidi eBhabheli,’ kodwana nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini ngekosi ehlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi bakaDavida kanye nakibo boke abantu abasedorobheneli, abantu bekhenu abangazange bakhambe nani ekuthunjweni, iye, uSomnini uMninimandlawoke uthi: Qalani, sele ngizokuthumela isabula, indlala namatshwenyeko hlangana nabo begodu ngizabenza bafane namakhiwani abolileko, asele amambi, angasagomeki. Ngizabagijimisa ngesabula, ngendlala nangamatshwenyeko bengibenze babe sisethuso kiyo yoke imibuso yephasi bebabe sithuko nesimanga, iye, into yokurarekelwa neyokurhubutjhwa hlangana nazo zoke izizwe lapha ngizabaqotjhela khona ngombana azange balalele amezwami.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Iye, amezwi engibathumele wona ngeenceku zami abaphorofidi imini yoke. Nani bathunjwa azange ningilalele.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Ngalokho-ke, yizwani ilizwi lakaSomnini noke nina bathunjwa engibasuse eJerusalema ngabasa eBhabheli.” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli ngo-Arhabi umsa kaKholaya kanye noTsedekhiya umsa kaMaseya, abaphorofida amala kini ngebizo lami: “Qalani, sele ngizobanikela kuNebukadiretsari ikosi yeBhabheli, yena-ke uzababulalela phambi kwamehlwenu. Okuzakwenzeka kibo kuzakusetjenziswa njengesithuko ngibo boke abathunjwa bakwaJuda abaseBhabheli. Bazakuthi, ‘Inga uSomnini angakwenza ube njengoTsedekhiya no-Arhabi abakhanzingwa yikosi yeBhabheli emlilweni’ ngombana benze ubuhlola kwa-Israyeli bebahlobonga nabafazi babantu bekhabo, bakhuluma amala ebizweni lami ngingakabathumi. Ngimi owaziko nonobufakazi balokho.” Kutjho uSomnini. Tjela uTjhemaya umNerhelamu lokhu: Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli: “Nguwe ogunyaze incwadi ethunyelwe kibo boke abantu abaseJerusalema nakumphristi uZefaniya umsa kaMaseya nakibo boke abaphristi wathi, ‘NguSomnini ngokwakhe okwenze umphristi esikhundleni somphristi uJehoyada ukuze kube nabatjheji ethempelini lakaSomnini abazokulawula woke umuntu ohlanyako ozenza umphorofidi, bamfake amakhamandela nesirholwani sesimbi. Alo, kubayini ungazange ukhalime uJoromiya we-Anatothi ozenza umphorofidi kuwe na? Angithi usithumele incwadi eBhabheli wathi: Kuzakuthatha isikhathi eside; nje-ke yakhani iinkumba nihlale kizo; tjalani iimvande nigome iinthelo zakhona.’ ” Umphristi uZefaniya wafunda incwadi le eendlebeni zomphorofidi uJoromiya. Nje-ke ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kuJoromiya lathi: “Thumela ilizwi kibo boke abathunjwa uthi, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini mayelana noTjhemaya umNerhelamu: Ngebanga lokobana uTjhemaya uphorofide kuwe, nanyana bengingakamthumi, wakuwunga kobana wethembele emaleni, ngalokho, nakhu-ke okutjhiwo nguSomnini: Qalani, sele ngizokuhlunguphaza uTjhemaya umNerhelamu kanye neenzukulwana zakhe. Akazukuba nomuntu omphilelako phakathi kwabantu abaseBhabheli begodu akazukubona ubuhle engizabenzela abantu bami ngombana uhlohlozele bona kuhlubukwe uSomnini.’ ” Kutjho uSomnini. Nanti ilizwi elafika kuJoromiya livela kuSomnini: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, ‘Tlola umsongo ngawo woke amezwi engiwakhulume kuwe ngombana isikhathi siyeza lapha ngizakutjhugulula khona ubujamo babantu bami u-Israyeli noJuda bese ngibabuyisela enarheni engayinikela aboyisemkhulu kobana ibe lilifa labo.’ ” Kutjho uSomnini. Naka amezwi akhulunywa nguSomnini malungana no-Israyeli noJuda, iye, nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini: “Kuzwakele isililo sokwesaba, ivalo, ingasi ukuthula. Buzani bese niyaqala: Indoda ingabeletha abantwana na? Alo, kubayini ngibona enye nenye indoda enamandla ibeke izandla zayo esiswini inga mfazi onemirhele, ithe ngobusokazi obuphaphathekileko na?” Maye liyasabeka ilangelo! Alikho elizakufana nalo. Lizakuba sikhathi sesizi kuJakopo, kodwana uzakusindiswa kilo ngombana uSomnini, uMninimandlawoke uthi: “Mhlokho ngizakwephula ijogi entanyenakhe, ngidabule iimbopho zakhe; amaphandle angeze asamsebenzisa, kodwana uJakopo uzakulotjha uSomnini uZimakhe, asebenzele uDavida ikosakhe engizamvusela yona.” USomnini uthi: “Wena ncekwami Jakopo, ungabi nevalo; ungapheli amandla wena Israyeli. Qala, sele ngizokusindisa ukude neenzukulwana zakho enarheni ezithunjwe kiyo. UJakopo uzakubuya abe nokuthula, azigedle; kungabi nomuntu ozamethusela.” USomnini uthi: “Mbala, nginawe Jakopo kobana ngikusindise. Ngizakuphelisa izizwe zoke engikuhlakazele phakathi kwazo, kodwana wena angisoze ngakuphelisa. Angeze ngahlala ngingakubethi, kodwana ngizakukhalima ngeswazi elincani.” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Ubuhlungu bakho Juda, abupholi, inceba lakho alelapheki. Akakho omela indabakho; akunasihlahla sokwelapha inceba, akukho ukupholiswa kwakho. Zoke iinthandwa zakho zikukhohliwe, azikukhathaleli nakancani. Mbala, ngikubethe iduma lesitha, iye, isibetho sonelunya ngombana icala lakho likhulu, nezono zakho zinengi. Maye umkhosi owuhlaba ngokurhayilwa kwakho! Ubuhlungu bakho abelapheki ngebanga lobukhulu becala lakho. Iye, ngebanga lobunengi bezono zakho ngenze lokhu kuwe. Ngalokho-ke boke abakurhiribidelako, bazakurhiribidelwa; woke amanabakho, okutjho elinye nelinye lawo, azakusiwa ekuthunjweni; labo abakuphangako bazakuphangwa nalabo abakudlelezelako bazakudlelezelwa.” USomnini uthi: “Ngizakubuyisa ikhokho encebeni lakho, ngelaphe amancebakho, ngombana bakubize ngolahlekileko, bathi, ‘SeyiZiyoni nje enganamkhathaleli!’ ” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Qalani, sele ngizokutjhugulula ubujamo bamatende kaJakopo, ngibe nezwelo phezu kwamakhayakhe, idorobho lizakuvuselelwa phezu kwequqwalo isigodlo sinzinze endawenaso efaneleko. Edorobheni nesigodlweni kuzakuzwakala ukuthokoza nomkhosi wehlokomo. Ngizabandisa, abazukuncipha; ngibenze bahlonitjhwe, bangabi ziinceku. Abantwababo bazakuba njengekadeni, umphakathi wabo unzinziswe phambi kwami. Ngizakuhlunguphaza boke ababagandelelako. Umrholabo uzakuba ngomunye wabo, umbusabo uzakuvela hlangana nabo. Ngizamtjhideza, yena asondele kimi ngombana akakho ongagabaza azibandameze kimi. Nina nizakuba babantu bami, mina ngibe nguZimenu.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Qalani, naso isiwuruwuru sakaSomnini! Sikurhwanta kwetukuthelo kaSomnini, iye, isivunguvungu esikhukhulako! Sizakuvunguzela phezu kweenhloko zabakhohlakeleko. Itukuthelo evuthako yakaSomnini angeze yahlehla angakafezi iinhloso zehliziywakhe. Emalangeni ezako nizakuzwisisa.” USomnini uthi: “Ngesikhatheso ngizakuba nguZimu emindeni yoke yakwa-Israyeli begodu izakuba babantu bami.” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Abantu abaphunyurhe esabuleni bazakufumana umusa erhalawumbeni, iye, u-Israyeli usendleleni yokufumana ukuthula kwakhe. USomnini wazibonakalisa ku-Israyeli akude, wathi: Ngikuthande ngethando lanini nanini, ngalokho ngiragele phambili ngokwethembeka kwami kuwe. Godu ngizakwakha, nje-ke uzakwakheka, wena tlawu Israyeli! Godu uzazikghabisa ngabosotjherere bakho, uphume uyokugida nabathabileko. Godu uzakutjala iindiribe eentabeni zeSamariya; abatjali bazakutjala bebabe ngebokuthoma ekugomeni iinthelo. Kuzakuba nelanga lapha abalindi bazakurhuwelela khona eentabeni zakwa-Efrayimu bathi, ‘Yizani sikhuphukeleni eZiyoni, kuSomnini uZimethu.’ ” Mbala, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Hlokomani ngethabo kuJakopo, iye, nibethele umphathi wezizwe umkhulungwana, memezelani, nidumise nithi, ‘Sindisa abantu bakho Somnini, iye, imisalela yakwa-Israyeli.’ Qalani, ngizobakhupha enarheni yetlhagwini, ngibabuthe kusukela emajukujukwini wephasi, phakathi kwabo kube neemphofu nabatlhulezako, abanamasana nabanemirhelo, kube siqubuthu esikhulu, babuyele ekhaya. Bazakuza balila, bathandaze. Ngizabarhola, ngibase emilanjaneni enamanzi, nendleleni elelezekileko ukuze bangakhutjwa; Mbala, nginguyise ka-Israyeli, iye, u-Efrayimu lizibulo lami.” Yizwani ilizwi lakaSomnini nina zizwe, nilimemezele kude emagwini, nithi: “Ohlakaze u-Israyeli uzakubuya ambuthelele, amlinde njengomelusi olinda umhlambakhe.” Mbala, uSomnini uhlawulele uJakopo, wamhlenga ezandleni ezinamandla kunaye. Bazakubuya bahlokome endundumeni yeZiyoni, bawulukele ebuhleni bakaSomnini, bathabele ikoroyi, iwayini namafutha we-oliva, iimbuzana namakonyana. Ipilwabo izakuba njengesivande esisezelweko, angeze basaphodlheka godu. “Ngesikhatheso amatlawu azakujekezela agide, amasokana nabadala bename ndawonye. Ngizakuphendula isililo sabo sibe lithabo, ngibaduduze, ngibaphe itokozo ngaphezu kwesizi labo. Ngizakusuthisa abaphristi ngamanoni, abantu bami baneliswe ngokuhle kwami.” Kutjho uSomnini. Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Ilizwi lizwakele eRama, isililo nokurhahlawula okulisizi. URarheli ulilela abantwabakhe, akafuni ukutjhiriywa ngabo ngombana abasekho.” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Yewuzibambe, ungalili, bamba neenyembezi emehlwenakho ngombana kunomvuzo ngesizi lakho, wena Rarheli: Abantwabakho bazakubuya bavela enarheni yesitha. Iye, kunethemba ngengomuso lakho: Bazakubuyela enarhenabo.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Mbala, ngizwe u-Efrayimu azitlhuwela athi, ‘Ungibethile, ngamukela isibetho njengekunzana engakajayeli ukubotjhelwa. Yewungibuyise, ngizakubuya ngombana wena unguSomnini uZimami. Ngambala ngemva kokuphambuka kwami, ngazisola; ngemva kobana ngilemuke lokho, ngathwala imikhono ehloko; ngaba neenhloni, ngakhena, iye, bengithwele ihlazo lobutjha bami.’ U-Efrayimu yindodanami ethandekako kimi, iye, umntwana othokozelwa nguyise: Njengombana vane ngikhulume ngaye, ngihlala ngimkhumbula. Ngebanga lalokho ihliziywami ibethela eduze ngaye. Mbala, ngizakuba nesisa kuye.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Zibekele amatshwayo wendlela, uzenzele imihlahlandlela; beka umkhumbulwakho endleleni ekulu, okuyindlela okhambe ngayo. Yewubuye wena tlawu Israyeli, buyela emadorobhenakho la. Kuzabe kube nini ugida sikhundla sinye, wena ndodakazi eqoqomako? USomnini wenze into etja enarheni: Umfazi uzakugida ngokuzombeleza indoda.” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli: “Godu bazakusebenzisa amezwi la enarheni yakwaJuda nemadorobheni wakhona lokha nangitjhugulula ubujamo babo: “ ‘USomnini akubusise, wena buhlalo bokulunga; iye, wena mbundu ocwengileko!’ IZiyoni lizakuba likhaya lakaJuda, okutjho woke amadorobhakhe ndawonye, abalimi nabakhamba nemihlambi. Ngizakuphumuza abadiniweko, ngithulise boke abaphodlhekileko. Kungalokho mina Somnini ngasikima, ngayelela ubujamo. Mbala, umnyakami ufikile.” USomnini uthi: “Qalani, isikhathi siyeza, lapha ngizakuzalisa khona inarha ka-Israyeli neyakaJuda ngabantu neenlwana. Njengombana ngiyelele ngabo kobana ngisiphule bengibhuruze, ngigirize, ngitjhabalalise bengehlise ihlekelele, ngokunjalo ngizakuyelela ngabo kobana ngakhe bengitjale.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Emihleni leyo abantu angeze basathi, ‘Abobaba bagome amadiribe angakavuthwa, nje-ke amazinyo wabantwana ayatjhelela.’ “Awa, woke umuntu uzakufela icala lakhe, nanyana ngubani ogoma amadiribe angakavuthwa, amazinywakhe azakutjhelela.” USomnini uthi: “Qalani, isikhathi siyeza lapha ngizakwenza khona isivumelwano esitjha nekumba ka-Israyeli kanye neyakaJuda. Asizukufana nesivumelwano engasenza naboyise nangibabamba ngesandla kobana ngibakhuphe eGibhide ngombana bona bephula isivumelwano sami, lokha mina nangimphathabo.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Mbala, nasi isivumelwano engizosenza nekumba ka-Israyeli ngemva kwesikhatheso: Ngizakubeka umthethwami emikhumbulwenabo bese ngiwutlola eenhliziyweni zabo. Ngizakuba nguZimabo, bona babe babantu bami.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Umuntu angeze asafundisa omunye womphakathi namkha umfowabo athi, ‘Yazi uSomnini’ ngombana boke bazabe bangazi, ukusukela komncani kibo ukuya komkhulu.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Mbala, ngizakucolela icala labo ngingasakhumbula izono zabo.” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, okunguye obeke ilanga kobana likhanyise emini, noyala inyezi neenkwekwezi kobana ziphazime ebusuku, yena oqubula ilwandle ukuze amagagasalo abhodle, obizwa ngoSomnini uMninimandlawoke uthi: “Nakube izinto engizinzinzisilekwezi ziyanyamalala ebusweni bami, khona-ke neenzukulwana zakwa-Israyeli angeze zisaba sisizwe nini nanini phambi kwami.” Iye, uSomnini uthi: “Nange amazulu ngaphezulu angalinganiseka neensekelo zephasi ngaphasi zihlolisiswe, khona-ke nami ngizakulahla iinzukulwana zakwa-Israyeli ngebanga lakho koke ezikwenzileko.” Kutjho uSomnini. USomnini uthi: “Qalani, isikhathi siyeza lapha idorobheli lizakuvuselelelwa uSomnini: ukusuka epundwini iRhananiyeli ukuya esangweni okuthiwa siKghudlhu, isinqophisamakho sizakunqomba thwi entatjaneni iGarebi bese sijikela eGowa, sibambe woke umrhoba, ukunaba kwawo, isikhisi kanye nemiqoqo, ukuya emrhobeni weKhidroni ngepumalanga, ukuyokufika ejikeni lesango iNjomani. Yoke indawo le izakuba ngecwengileko kuSomnini. Idorobho angeze belisasitjhulwa namkha ligirizwe godu nini nanini.” Leli lilizwi elafika kuJoromiya livela kuSomnini ngomnyaka wetjhumi wokubusa kwakaTsedekhiya ikosi yakwaJuda ebegade kumnyaka wetjhumi nabunane wokubusa kwakaNebukadiretsari. Ngesikhatheso ibutho lekosi yeBhabheli gade livimbezele iJerusalema. UJoromiya umphorofidi gade avaleleke ngesirhodlweni sabalindi ngesigodlweni sakwaJuda lapha uTsedekhiya ikosi yakwaJuda gade amvalele khona, wathi: “Kubayini wena uphorofida njengombana wenza nje? Uhlalele ukuthi, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: Qalani, sele ngizokunikela idorobheli esandleni sekosi yeBhabheli, yeke izalithumba noTsedekhiya ikosi yakwaJuda angeze asinda ezandleni zamaKasidi. Ngambala uzakunikelwa esandleni sekosi yeBhabheli begodu uzakukhuluma nayo ubuso nobuso abe ayibone ngamehlwakhe. Izakuthatha uTsedekhiya imuse eBhabheli, ahlale lapho kufikela lapha mina Somnini ngizamtjheja khona. Nakuba nilwa namaKasidi, anizukulunga.’ ” Kutjho uSomnini. Kwathi uJoromiya asesirhodlwenapho ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kuye lathi: “Qala, uRhanameli, umsa kasorhulwakho uTjhalumu, usendleleni yokuza kuwe azokuthi, ‘Yewuthenge indawami ese-Anatothi ngombana wena unelungelo lokuyihlenga ngentengo.’ ” Nje-ke uJoromiya wathi: “Kwase kwaba njengombana uSomnini bekatjhwile, uRhanameli umsa kasorhulwami, weza kimi ngingesirhodlweni sabalindi wafese wathi, ‘Yewuthenge indawami ese-Anatothi esifundeni sakwaBhenjamini. Njengombana unelungelo lesabelo, ngalokho unelungelo lokuhlenga. Yeke zithengele yona.’ “Kwangikhanyela kobana leli lilizwi lakaSomnini; nje-ke ngayithenga indawo ese-Anatothi leyo kuRhanameli, umsa kasorhulwami. Ngamlinganisela amagremu amakhulu amabili wesiliva. Ngatlola isivumelwano sokuthengiselana, ngasivala ngokusigiba. Ngafungisa abofakazi; ngalinganisa godu isiliva esilinganisweni. Ngathatha isivumelwano sokuthengiselana esivaliweko ukuya ngokwekambiso yomthetho, nomkhuphelwaso ogade ungakavalwa, ngakunikela uBharurhu umsa kaNeriya omsa kaMarhiseya phambi kwakaRhanameli, umsa kasorhulwami naphambi kwabofakazi amabizwabo atlolwe esivumelwaneni sokuthengiselana begodu naphambi kwawo woke amaJuda ahlezi ngesirhodlweni sabalindi. “Phambi kwabo boke njalo, nganikela uBharurhu imiyalo le, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli: Thatha imitlolo yesivumelwano sokuthengiselana le, ovaliweko nongakavalwa, uyibeke ngemjekeni ukuze ibulungeke isikhathi eside. Ngambala nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli: Iinkumba, iindawo neendiribe zizakuthengwa godu enarheni le.’ “Ngemva kobana nginikele uBharurhu umsa kaNeriya isivumelwano sentengo, ngathandaza kuSomnini: “Maye mina, Somnini Somandla, qala, nguwe owenze izulu nephasi ngamandlakho amakhulu nangengalo eluliweko. Akunanto ekubhalelako. Ukhombisa ukwethembeka kabaziinkulungwana kodwana ubuyiselela icala labobaba phezu kwabantwana abeza ngemva kwabo. Wena Zimu omkhulu nonamandla, ibizo lakho unguSomnini uMninimandlawoke; iye, umkhulu ekwelulekeni begodu unamandla ngokwezenzo. Amehlwakho abona zoke iindlela zabantu, uvuza omunye nomunye ngokuziphatha kwakhe nanjengokwemisebenzakhe. Wenze iimbonakaliso nemikarisomraro eGibhide begodu uragele phambili ngazo nanamhlanjesi, kwa-Israyeli naphakathi kwezizwe, wazakhela ibizo njengombana kunjalo nanamhlanje. Ukhuphe abantu bakho u-Israyeli eGibhide ngeembonakaliso nangemikarisomraro, ngesandla esinamandla nangengalo eluliweko nangokwesabeka okukhulu. Ubanikele inarha owafunga kobana uzayinikela aboyise. Iye, inarha egeleza ibisi neliju. Bangena bayithumba, kodwana azange bakulalele namkha balandele imithethwakho. Azange benze owabayala bonyana bakwenze. Nje-ke wehlisela yoke ihlekelele le phezu kwabo. Qala, kwakhiwe iinqabo eziqhube kobana kuthunjwe idorobho. Ngebanga lesabula, indlala namatshwenyeko, idorobho sele linikelwe esandleni samaKasidi alisahlelako. Okutjhwileko kwenzekile njengombana ubona nje. Nanyana idorobho sele linikelwe esandleni samaKasidi, wena Somnini Somandla, uthe kimi, ‘Thenga indawo ngesiliva bese kube nabofakazi bokuthengiselana.’ ” Nje-ke ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kuJoromiya lathi: “NginguSomnini, uZimu wabantu boke. Kukhona okungibhalelako na? Ngalokho, nakhu engikutjhoko mina Somnini: Qala, sele ngizokunikela idorobheli kumaKasidi nakuNebukadiretsari ikosi yeBhabheli ozalithumba. AmaKasidi asahlela idorobheli azakungena ngaphakathi afese alithungelele ngomlilo. Azalitjhisa belibhusukele phasi kanye neenkumba lapha abantu batjhisela khona aboBhali itjhwalo phezu kwephahla bebaphahlele abosingazimu kobana bangivusele itukuthelo. “Abantu bakwa-Israyeli nebakwaJuda akunalitho abalenzileko ngaphandle kobumbi emehlwenami kusuka ebutjheni babo; ngambala, abantu bakwa-Israyeli akunalitho abalenzileko ngaphandle kokungithukuthelisa ngalokho okwenziwe zizandla zabo.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Ukusukela mhla lakhiwako bekube gadesi, idorobheli lingivusele itukuthelo nokusilingeka kangangobana kumele ngilisuse phambi kwami ngebanga labo boke ubumbi abantu bakwa-Israyeli nebakwaJuda abangithukuthelise ngabo, iye, bona, amakhosabo neenduna zakhona, abaphristi babo nabaphorofidi bakhona, abantu bakwaJuda nabahlali beJerusalema. Bangifulathele, azange baqale ngakimi nanyana bengiseze ngibafundisa imini yoke, azange balalele namkha bamukele ifundiso leyo. Babeke iinyenyiso zabo ngethempelini elibizwa ngami, ngalokho balisilaphaza. Bakhe iindunduma zaboBhali emrhobeni weBheni-Hinomu bonyana benzele khona umhlabelo ngamadodana namadodakazabo kuMoleki okuyinto engingazange ngiyale ngayo ngitjho nemkhumbulweni azange kube khona kobana bangenza isinyenyisweso. Ngalokho benza bonyana uJuda one. “Nje-ke nakhu engikutjhoko mina Somnini onguZimu wakwa-Israyeli ngedorobheli nina enithi ngalo, ‘ngebanga lesabula, indlala namatshwenyeko idorobheli linikelwe esandleni sekosi yeBhabheli’, iye, ngithi, ‘Ngambala ngizababuthelela kizo zoke iinarha lapha ngabaqotjhela khona ngetukuthelwami, ngobukhali bami nangelaka lami elikhulu. Ngizababuyisela enarheni le ngibaphilise ngokuphepha. Bazakuba babantu bami nami ngibe nguZimabo. Ngizabanikela ubuhliziyonye, basebenzisane ukuze bahlale bangesaba, kube kuhle kibo nebantwaneni babo abeza ngemva kwabo. Ngizakwenza isivumelwano sanini nanini nabo. Angeze ngalisa ukwenza ubuhle kibo begodu ngizabakhuthaza kobana bangesabe ukuze bangasangihlubuki. Kuzangenamisa ukubenzela okuhle begodu ngizabanzinzisa enarheni le ngokwethembeka, ngehliziyo nangomphefumulwami woke.’ “Ngambala, nakhu engikutjhoko mina Somnini, ‘Njengombana ngehlisele phezu kwabantwaba yoke ihlekelele ekulu le, ngokunjalo ngizakwehlisela koke okuhle engakukhuluma ngabo. Iindawo zizakuthengwa godu enarheni le enithi ilibhudu, ayinabantu namkha iinlwana ngombana inikelwe amaKasidi. “ ‘Iye, amasimu azakuthengwa ngesiliva phambi kwabofakazi, kutlolwe encwadini bese ivalwa ngesigibo. Lokhu kuzakwenziwa esifundeni sakwaBhenjamini, eendaweni ezimagegana neJerusalema, emadorobheni wakwaJuda, emizini esenarheni yeentaba, emizini yeTjhefela, nemizini yangesewula ngombana ngizakutjhugulula ubujamo babo.’ ” Kutjho uSomnini. Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kuJoromiya kwesibili lokha nasese ngesirhodlweni sabalindi: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, yena owadala iphasi, uSomnini owalenza bewalinzinzisa, ibizo lakhe okunguSomnini, ‘Nawungibizako, ngizakuphendula bengikutjele izinto ezikulu nezifihlakeleko ongazaziko.’ Iye, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli ngeenkumba ezingedorobheneli nangemakhiwo yamakhosi wakwaJuda ebhuruzwa kobana isetjenziswe njengesiviko sokujamelana neenqhubo abasahlelwa ngazo kanye nesabula, ‘AmaKasidi ayangena kobana alwe nalabo abhuruza iinkumba. Azakuzalisa iinkumbezo ngeendumbu zabantu engibarhayile ekuthukutheleni nekusilingekeni kwami. Ngifulathele idorobheli ngebanga labo boke ubukhohlakali babo. “ ‘Nokho ngizakubuyisa ikhokho nokupholiswa encebeni ledorobheli; iye, ngizakupholisa abantu bami. Ngizabakhela isibaya esiphephileko nesibukhoselo. Ngizakutjhugulula ubujamo bakwaJuda nebakwa-Israyeli bengibakhe njengekuthomeni. Ngizabahlambulula kilo loke icala lesono abasenze kimi; iye, ngicolele woke amacala wezono neemphambeko abazenze kimi. Idorobheli lizakuba ligugu kimi nethabo lami; iye idumo nephazimulo ezizweni zoke zephasi ezizakuzwa ngabo boke ubuhle engizabenzela abantu bami lapho. Zizakwesaba bezithuthumele ngabo boke ubuhle nepumelelo engizayenzela idorobheli.’ “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Enarheni le eniyibiza bona ilibhudu begodu ayinabantu neenlwana, iye, enarheni le, okutjho emadorobheni wakwaJuda atjhiyiweko neendledlaneni zeJerusalema, lapha kunganabahlali, abantu neenlwana kuzakubuye godu kuzwakale itjhada lokujabula nokuthaba, iphimbo lomkhwenyana nelomlobokazi kanye namaphimbo walabo abeza ngeengoma zokudumisa ethempelini lakaSomnini basithi, “ ‘Thokozani uSomnini uMninimandlawoke, ngombana uSomnini ulungile, ukwethembeka kwakhe kujame isiphelani. “ ‘Ngambala ngizakutjhugulula ubujamo benarha njengombana bebunjalo phambilini.’ Kutjho uSomnini. “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Enarheni le elibhudu nenganamuntu namkha iinlwana, kuzakuba namadlelo kiwo woke amadorobhayo lapha abelusi bazakudlisa khona imihlambabo. Emizini esenarheni yeentaba, emizini yeTjhefela, emizini yangesewula, esifundeni sakwaBhenjamini, eendaweni ezimagegana neJerusalema nemadorobheni wakwaJuda, kuzakudlula godu imihlambi, izakudlula phambi kwaloyo oyibalako.’ Kutjho uSomnini. “USomnini uthi, ‘Qala isikhathi siyeza, lapha ngizakuzalisa khona isithembiso somusa ngekumba ka-Israyeli neyakaJuda. “ ‘Emihleni leyo nangesikhatheso, ngizakwenza ingala yangokomthetho ihlume emndenini kaDavida, izakwenza okulungileko nokufaneleko enarheni. Emihleni leyo uJuda uzakusindiswa, iJerusalema lizakuphila ngokuphepha. Nanti ibizo elizakubizwa ngalo: USomnini ukulunga kwethu.’ “Ngambala, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘UDavida angeze atlhoga umuntu ongahlala esihlalweni sobukhosi sekumba ka-Israyeli nabaphristi abamaLevi angeze bahlulwa kukuba nomuntu ozakujama phambi kwami ngeenkhathi zoke kobana enze imihlabelo yokutjhiswa, atjhise iminikelo yeenthoro abe anikele nemihlabelo yetjhebiswano.’ ” Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kuJoromiya lathi: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Nange ningephula isivumelwano sami ngemini nangobusuku ukuze imini nobusuku bungasafiki ngesikhathi esibekiweko, khona-ke isivumelwano sami noDavida incekwami, nesivumelwano sami namaLevi okubaphristi abangisebenzelako, singephuka naso bese uDavida angasabi nesizukulwana esizakubusa esihlalweni sakhe sobukhosi. Ngizakwandisa iinzukulwana zakaDavida incekwami nezamaLevi abangisebenzelako kobana zingabaleki njengeenkwekwezi zomsehla begodu zingalinganiseki njengetjhwabatjhwaba yeligu.’ ” Godu ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kuJoromiya lathi: “Awukatjheji bonyana abantwaba bathini na? Bathi, ‘Le, mindeni emibili ekhethwe nguSomnini godu wabuye wayilahla!’ Nje-ke banyaza labo ekubabantu bami begodu abasabathathi njengesizwe. Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Nakube isivumelwano sami ngemini nangobusuku asikanzinzi, ngitjho nemiiso zezulu nephasi nazo azikanzinzi, khona-ke ngizakulahla iinzukulwana zakaJakopo noDavida incekwami begodu angeze ngakhetha ababusi emadodanenakhe kobana abuse phezu kweenzukulwana zaka-Abrahamu, u-Isaka noJakopo. Ngambala, ngizakutjhugulula ubujamo bazo bese ngiba nomusa kizo.’ ” Lokha uNebukadiretsari ikosi yeBhabheli nalo loke ibutho lakhe kanye nayo yoke imibuso nabantu abasembusweni ongaphasi kwakhe nabasalwa neJerusalema nawo woke amadorobho alibhodileko, kwafika nanti ilizwi kuJoromiya livela kuSomnini: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, uZimu ka-Israyeli, ‘Khamba uye kuTsedekhiya ikosi yakwaJuda ufese uyitjele bona uSomnini uthi: Qala, sele ngizokunikela idorobheli esandleni sekosi yeBhabheli, yona-ke izalibhubhisa ngomlilo. Nakunguwe, awuzukusinda emazitjhenayo, kodwana ngambala uzakubanjwa bese unikelwa esandleni sayo. Uzakubona ikosi yeBhabheli ngamehlwakho lawo begodu izakhuluma nawe ubuso nobuso. Nje-ke uzakusiwa eBhabheli. Kodwana nawulalela ilizwi lakaSomnini, wena Tsedekhiya, kosi yakwaJuda, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini ngawe: Awuzukubulawa ngesabula; uzakuhlongakala ngokuthula. Njengombana abantu batjhisela aboyihlo iinthako nabahlongakeleko, okumakhosi waphambilini akwandulelako, ngokunjalo nawe bazakutjhisela iinthako bebakulilele bathi: Maye ngekosethu! Mina ngokwami ngikutjhwile lokho.’ Kutjho uSomnini.” Yeke umphorofidi uJoromiya watjela uTsedekhiya ikosi yakwaJuda koke lokho eJerusalema, lokha ibutho lekosi yeBhabheli nabegade lisilwa neJerusalema kanye namanye amadorobho wakwaJuda ebegade asajamile, okuyiLakitjhi ne-Azekha. La ngiwo wodwa amadorobho anemithangala ebegade asasele kwaJuda. Ilizwi lafika kuJoromiya livela kuSomnini ngemva kobana ikosi uTsedekhiya yenze isivumelwano nabo boke abantu eJerusalema ukumemezela itjhaphuluko yamakhoboka, okutjho bona woke umuntu begade afanele atjhaphulule amakhoboka namakhobokakazakhe wamaHebheru. Akakho obegade afanele abophelele umfowabo omJuda. Yeke zoke iinduna kanye nabantu abangena esivumelwanenesi bavuma bonyana bazakutjhaphulula amakhoboka namakhobokakazi nokobana angeze basawabophelela. Bavumelana, nje-ke bawatjhaphulula. Kodwana ngemva kwalokho bahlanuka, babuya godu bathatha amakhoboka ebebawatjhaphululile bawakatelela kobana abe makhoboka namakhobokakazi godu. Nje-ke ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kuJoromiya lathi: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, ‘Mina ngenza isivumelwano naboyihlo lokha nangibakhupha eGibhide ekumbeni yobukhoboka, ngathi: Njalo emnyakeni wekhomba omunye nomunye wenu kumele atjhaphulule umfowabo omHebheru ozithengise kini. Ngemva kobana akusebenzele iminyaka esithandathu, kumele umtjhaphulule. Kodwana-ke aboyihlo azange bangilalele namkha banginake. Mhlapha nje nina nitjhugulukile nabe nenza okufaneleko phambi kwami: Omunye nomunye wenu umemezele itjhaphuluko emuntwini wekhabo. Nenze nesivumelwano phambi kwami ngethempelini elibizwa ngami. Kodwana senihlanukile nasilaphaza ibizo lami; iye, omunye nomunye wenu uhlanukile wabuya godu wathatha amakhoboka namakhobokakazi ebeniwatjhaphulule ngokuthanda kwawo. Niwakatelele kobana abe makhobokenu godu.’ “Ngalokho-ke nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Nina azange ningilalele kobana omunye nomunye amemezele itjhaphuluko yabafowabo nabantu bekhabo. Yeke, gadesi nginimemezelela itjhaphuluko, iye, itjhaphuluko yokobana ngininikelele ngesabula, ngamatshwenyeko nangendlala, nibe sisethuso kiyo yoke imibuso yephasi.’ Kutjho uSomnini. ‘Abantu abephule isivumelwano sami ngokungalandeli imibandela yesivumelwano abasenze phambi kwami, ngizabenza njengekunzana abayihlahlele phakathi bese bakhamba hlangana nezitho zayo. Iinduna zakwaJuda nezeJerusalema, iinkhulu zesigodlo, abaphristi kanye nabo boke abantu benarha abakhamba hlangana nezitho zekunzana, ngizabanikela ezandleni zezitha zabo nezandleni zalabo abazumana nepilwabo. Iindumbu zabo zizakuba kukudla kweenyoni zomkayi neembandana zommango. “ ‘Ngizokunikela uTsedekhiya ikosi yakwaJuda kanye neenduna zakhe ezitheni zabo, ezandleni zalabo abazumana nepilwabo nezandleni zebutho lekosi yeBhabheli esele isukile edorobheneli.’ Iye, uSomnini uthi, ‘Ngizokhupha umyalo, ngibuyise ibutho edorobheneli. Lizakulwa nalo, lilithathe bese liyalitjhisa. Ngizakwenza amadorobho wakwaJuda abe libhudu ukuze kungabi namuntu ohlala kiwo.’ ” Nanti ilizwi elafika kuJoromiya livela kuSomnini ngesikhathi sokubusa kwakaJehoyakhimu umsa kaJosiya ikosi yakwaJuda, lathi: “Khamba uye ebantwini besiqhema samaRekabi ubameme kobana beze kelinye lamalawu angeqadi kwethempeli lakaSomnini bese ubanikela iwayini kobana basele.” Yeke ngakhamba ngayokuthatha uJazaniya umsa kaJoromiya omsa kaRhabatsiniya, abafowabo, abalandeli bakhe boke nesiqhema soke samaRekabi. Ngabasa ngethempelini lakaSomnini, ngabangenisa ngelawini lamadodana kaRhanani umuntu kaZimu, umsa kaYigidaliya. Gade kuseqadi kwelawu leenduna ebelingehla kwelakaMaseya umsa kaTjhalumu umlindisango. Yeke ngabeka izitja ezizele iwayini kanye neenqoko phambi kwabantu besiqhema samaRekabi ngathi kibo: “Selani nanto iwayini.” Kodwana baphendula bathi: “Thina asiseli iwayini ngombana umsunguli wesiqhema sethu, uJonadaba umsa kaRekabi wasiyala wathi, ‘Ningaseli iwayini nina ngitjho neenzukulwana zenu. Godu ningakhi iinkumba, nitjale imbewu namkha nibe banini besidiribe. Ningalingi nenze ngitjho nakunye kwalokho, kodwana kumele nihlale ematendeni njalo ukuze niphile isikhathi eside enarheni eniziinkhambi kiyo.’ Nje-ke, silalele koke umsunguli wesiqhema sethu, uJonadaba umsa kaRekabi, asiyale ngakho. Ngalokho akakho phakathi kwethu, ebafazini bethu ngitjho nemadodanenethu okhe wasela iwayini namkha akhe iinkumba kobana ahlale kizo begodu azange sibe nesidiribe, amasimu ngitjho nembewu. Sihlezi ematendeni begodu silalele ngokuzeleko koke esakuyalwa msunguli wesiqhema sethu, uJonadaba. Kodwana lokha uNebukadiretsari ikosi yeBhabheli nayivimbezela inarha le, thina sathi, ‘Nambani siye eJerusalema sibalekele ibutho lamaKasidi nama-Aramu.’ Kungalokho silokhu siseJerusalemapha.” Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kuJoromiya lathi uSomnini uMninimandlawoke, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli uthi: “Khamba uyokubuza abantu bakwaJuda kanye nabantu beJerusalema uthi, ‘Anizukufunda isifundo bese nilalela amezwami na? Kutjho uSomnini. UJonadaba umsa kaRekabi wayala abalandeli bakhe kobana bangaseli iwayini. Nje-ke umyalo lowo bawugcinile. Bekube namhlanje abaliseli iwayini ngombana balalela umyalo womsunguli wesiqhema sabo. Mina ngikhulume nani imini yoke kodwana khonapho azange beningilalele. Ngathumela abaphorofidi okuziinceku zami imini yoke kini kobana bathi: Omunye nomunye wenu akatjhuguluke eendleleni zakhe zobukhohlakali bese nilungise nezenzo zenu, ningadlhemadlhemi ngemva kwabosingazimu kobana nibalotjhe. Khona-ke nizakuhlala endaweni engininikela yona kanye naboyihlo. Kodwana azange niyelele namkha ningilalele. Abalandeli bakaJonadaba umsa kaRekabi babulunge umyalo abawunikelwa msunguli wesiqhema sabo, kodwana nakubabantwaba bona azange bangilalele. “ ‘Ngalokho nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli: Lalelani, sele ngizokwehlisela uJuda nabo boke abahlala eJerusalema yoke ihlekelele engayikhuluma phezu kwabo ngombana ngakhuluma nabo kodwana azange bangilalele, ngababiza kodwana azange basabele.’ ” Yeke uJoromiya wathi esiqhemeni samaRekabi: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, ‘Njengombana nilalele umyalo womsunguli wesiqhema senu, uJonadaba benabulunga yoke imiyalwakhe begodu nenza koke athe nikwenze, ngalokho-ke nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, uMninimandlawoke, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli: UJonadaba umsa kaRekabi akasoze atlhoga umuntu ongangilotjha.’ ” Ngomnyaka wesine kaJehoyakhimu umsa kaJosiya ikosi yakwaJuda, kwafika nanti ilizwi kuJoromiya livela kuSomnini lathi: “Thatha umsongo utlole kiwo woke amezwi engiwakhulume kuwe mayelana no-Israyeli, uJuda kanye nazo zoke ezinye izizwe kusukela ngesikhathi engakhuluma ngaso kuwe nakusabusa uJosiya bekube namhlanje. Mhlamunye ikumba yakwaJuda izakuyelela yoke ihlekelele enginqophe ukuyenza phezu kwayo ukuze omunye nomunye wabo atjhuguluke endlelenakhe yobukhohlakali bese ngicolela icala labo kanye nesono sabo.” Yeke uJoromiya wabiza uBharurhu umsa kaNeriya. UJoromiya gade abizela uBharurhu woke amezwi uSomnini awakhulume kuye, yena-ke awatlole emsongweni njengombana abizelwa. UJoromiya wayala uBharurhu wathi: “Ngiliyiwe, angikavunyelwa ukungena ngethempelini lakaSomnini. Nje-ke, wena khamba uyokufundela abantu woke amezwi kaSomnini owatlole emsongweni njengombana bengikubizela wona. Afunde azwakale ngethempelini lakaSomnini ngelanga lokuzila ukudla; iye, ngitjho nebantwini boke bakwaJuda ababuya emizanenabo. Mhlamunye bangendlala iinghonghoyilo zabo kuSomnini; iye, mhlamunye omunye nomunye wabo angatjhuguluka endlelenakhe yobukhohlakali ngombana itukuthelo nokusilingeka uSomnini akhuluma ngakho phezu kwabantwaba, kukhulukhulu.” Ngambala uBharurhu umsa kaNeriya wenza koke uJoromiya umphorofidi amtjela bonyana akwenze: Wafunda ngethempelini amezwi kaSomnini emsongweni. Ngenyanga yethoba yomnyaka wesihlanu wokubusa kwakaJehoyakhimu umsa kaJosiya ikosi yakwaJuda, kwamenyezelwa isikhathi sokuzila ukudla phambi kwakaSomnini kibo boke abantu eJerusalema, okutjho abahlali kanye nalabo ebebabuya emizaneni yakwaJuda. UBharurhu wafundela abantu amezwi kaJoromiya emsongweni ngethempelini lakaSomnini. Wafunda lokho aselawini lakaGemariya umsa kaTjhafani usosiba. Ilawelo belisesirhodlweni esingaphezulu ebungenweni besango lethempeli lakaSomnini okuthiwa yiMutjha. Lokha uMikaya umsa kaGemariya omsa kaTjhafani nezwa woke amezwi kaSomnini afundwe emsongweni, wehlela esigodlweni lapha bekuhlezi khona zoke iinduna elawini lakasosiba wombuso. U-Elitjhama usosiba loyo, uDelaya umsa kaTjhemaya, u-Elinatani umsa ka-Akibori, uGemariya umsa kaTjhafani, uTsedekhiya umsa kaRhananiya kanye nazo zoke iinduna ezinye bezilapho. Ngemva kobana uMikaya abatjele koke akuzwe lokha uBharurhu nafundela abantu emsongweni, zoke iinduna zathumela uJehudi umsa kaNetaniya omsa kaTjhelemiya umsa kaKutjhi kobana athi kuBharurhu: “Letha umsongo ofundele abantu kiwo lowo bese nawe uyeza.” Yeke uBharurhu umsa kaNeriya wanqomba kibo aphethe umsongo. Bathi kuye: “Hlala phasi, usifundele umsongo lowo.” Yeke uBharurhu wabafundela-ke. Kwathi lokha nabezwa woke amezwi lawo baqalana ngokwesaba, bathi omunye komunye: “Nakanjani kumele sibikele ikosi ngawo woke amezwi la.” Nje-ke babuza uBharurhu bathi: “Akhese usitjele, kuze njani bonyana utlole woke amezwi womlomakhe la?” UBharurhu wathi: “Wangibizela woke amezwi la, mina-ke ngawatlola khonokho ngomsobo emsongweni.” Yeke iinduna zathi kuBharurhu: “Wena noJoromiya khambani niyokubhaca. Ningatjeli muntu kobana nikuphi.” Ngemva kobana balonde umsongo ngelawini laka-Elitjhama usosiba, baya ekosini ngesirhodlweni sesigodlo, bayibikela koke. Ikosi yathumela uJehudi kobana ayokuthatha umsongo, yeke uJehudi wawuthatha ngelawini laka-Elitjhama usosiba, weza nawo ekosini wafese wayifundela, zoke iinduna zesigodlo ziyiphahlile. Begade kuyinyanga yethoba, ikosi ihlezi ngelawini lebusika, umlilo uvutha eziko phambi kwayo. Bekuthi njalo uJehudi angafunda amarhemo amathathu namkha amane womsongo, ikosi iwadabule ngomukhwa womtloli bese iwaphosele eziko, kufikela lapha kutjha khona woke umsongo emlilwenapho. Ikosi nazo zoke iinceku ezezwa koke lokhu azange bezikhombise ukwesaba kangangobana azange bezidabule ngitjho nezambatho zazo. Ngitjho nanyana u-Elinatani, uDelaya noGemariya bakhombela ikosi bonyana ingatjhisi umsongo lowo, azange beyibalalele. Yayala uJerarhimiyeli ikosana, uSeraya umsa ka-Azriyeli kanye noTjhelemiya umsa ka-Abidiyeli kobana bayokulanda uBharurhu umtloli kanye noJoromiya umphorofidi. Kodwana uSomnini begade abafihlile. Ngemva kobana ikosi itjhise umsongo omumethe amezwi uBharurhu ebegade awatlole ngokubizelwa nguJoromiya, ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kuJoromiya lathi: “Thatha omunye umsongo godu utlole kiwo woke amezwi ebegade atlolwe kewokuthoma otjhiswe nguJehoyakhimu ikosi yakwaJuda. Mayelana noJehoyakhimu ikosi yakwaJuda yithi uSomnini uthi, ‘Wena utjhise umsongo loya ngokubuza bona kubayini uBharurhu atlole kobana ngambala ikosi yeBhabheli izakuza ibhubhise inarha le bese isuse abantu neenlwana kiyo. Ngalokho-ke nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini ngoJehoyakhimu ikosi yakwaJuda: Akazukuba namuntu ozakuhlala esihlalweni sobukhosi sakaDavida. Isidumbu sakhe sizakulahlwa, sitjhiswe lilanga emini, silale isithwathwa ebusuku. Ngizamhlunguphaza yena nabantwabakhe kanye neenceku zakhe ngebanga lecala labo. Ngizakwehlisela phezu kwabo kanye nabo boke abahlali beJerusalema nabantu bakwaJuda yoke ihlekelele engayimemezela phezu kwabo ngombana azange balalele.’ ” Yeke uJoromiya wathatha omunye umsongo wawunikela uBharurhu umtloli omsa kaNeriya. UJoromiya wabizela uBharurhu godu woke amezwi womsongo uJehoyakhimu ikosi yakwaJuda awutjhisa emlilweni. UBharurhu wawatlola njengombana anjalo. Kwaba namezwi amanengi afanako afakelelwako. UTsedekhiya umsa kaJosiya wabekwa nguNebukadiretsari ikosi yeBhabheli kobana abe yikosi kwaJuda. Wabusa esikhundleni sakaKoniya umsa kaJehoyakhimu. Yena neenceku zakhe kanye nabantu bendawo azange bayelele amezwi kaSomnini awakhulume ngoJoromiya umphorofidi. Nanyana kunjalo ikosi uTsedekhiya yathumela uJehukali umsa kaTjhelemiya kuJoromiya umphorofidi, akhambisana nomphristi uZefaniya umsa kaMaseya kobana bethule naku umlayezo: “Ngiyakukhombela, akhe usithandazele kuSomnini uZimethu.” UJoromiya gade atjhaphulukile bona akhambakhambe hlangana nabantu ngombana ubegade angakabi ukuvalelwa. Ibutho lakaFaro beliphumile eGibhide, nje-ke kwathi lokha amaKasidi ebegade avimbezele iJerusalema ezwe umbiko ngalo, asuka eJerusalema. Nje-ke ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kuJoromiya umphorofidi lathi: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, ‘Tjelani ikosi yakwaJuda enithume bonyana nizokubuza kimi leyo nithi: Ibutho lakaFaro ebeliphume bona lizonisekela, lizokubuyela emuva enarhenalo eGibhide. Yeke amaKasidi azokubuya asahlele idorobheli. Azolithumba bekalitjhise ngomlilo.’ “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Ningazikhohlisi, nidlumbane bonyana ngambala amaKasidi azakukhamba. Awa, angeze akhamba! Ngitjho nanyana ningalihlula loke ibutho lamaKasidi anisahleleko, kusale amadoda alimele khulu kwaphela, enye nenye izakusikima etendeni layo itjhise idorobheli.’ ” Ngemva kobana ibutho lamaKasidi liphumile eJerusalema ngebanga lebutho lakaFaro, uJoromiya wahlosa ukutsomuka hlangana nabantu eJerusalema kobana aye esifundeni sakwaBhenjamini. Kodwana kwathi nafika esangweni iBhenjamini, umphathi wabalindi ebekuthiwa nguJiriya umsa kaTjhelemiya omsa kaRhananiya, wambamba wathi, “Uhlubukela kumaKasidi!” UJoromiya wathi: “Mamala lokho! Angihlubukeli kumaKasidi.” Kodwana uJiriya azange amlalele. Wambamba wamletha eenduneni. Zamthukuthelela uJoromiya, nje-ke zambetha zabe zamfaka ngekumbeni kaJonathani usosiba, ngelawini lapha abotjhwa khona. Bebenza ilawelo indawo yokuvalela. UJoromiya ngambala wagcina angaphakathi komphathamanzi ofulelweko. Ngemva kwesikhathi eside angapho, ikosi uTsedekhiya yathumela bonyana abizwe. Walethwa esigodlweni ngasese, yambuzisisa yathi: “Unelizwi elibuya kuSomnini na?” UJoromiya wathi: “Iye, uzokunikelwa esandleni sekosi yeBhabheli.” Nje-ke uJoromiya wathi ekosini uTsedekhiya: “Ngikone ngani wena namkha iinduna zakho namkha abantwaba kobana ningabeze ningivalele na? Baphi abaphorofidi benu abaniphorofida bonyana ikosi yeBhabheli angeze yanisahlela namkha isahlele inarha le, na? Nje-ke kosi, mphathami, ngiyakubawa akhese ulalele! Angendlale nasi isinghonghoyilo sami kuwe: Ungangibuyiseli ngekumbeni kaJonathani usosiba. Angifuni ukufela lapho.” Ikosi uTsedekhiya yayala kobana uJoromiya afakwe ngesirhodlweni sabalindi bese unikelwa isikwa esindulungu esibuya endledlaneni yababhagi kube ngemihla kufikela lapha isikwa siphela khona ngedorobheni. Yeke uJoromiya wahlala ngesirhodlweni sabalindi. UTjhefathiya umsa kaMatana, uGedaliya umsa kaPhatjhirhuri, uJehukali umsa kaTjhelemiya noPhatjhirhuri, uJukali umsa kaTjhelemiya noPhatjhirhuri umsa kaMalikiya bezwa lokha uJoromiya nagade atjela boke abantu asithi: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Ohlala ngedorobheneli uzakufa ngesabula, indlala namatshwenyeko kodwana ozinikela kumaKasidi uzakuphila. Uzazisindisa, aphile.’ Godu nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Nakanjani idorobheli lizokunikelwa ebuthweni lekosi yeBhabheli, yona izalithumba.’ ” Yeke iinduna zathi ekosini: “Umrhali lo kumele abulawe ngombana udondisa abantu abalwako abasele ngedorobheni kanye nabo boke abantu ngezinto azitjho kibezi. Ngambala umuntu lo akafuni ihlalohle yabantwaba, kodwana ufuna ihlekelele kwaphela.” Ikosi uTsedekhiya yathi: “Usezandleni zenu, ikosi angeze yaphikisana nani.” Yeke zathatha uJoromiya zamfaka ngaphakathi komphathamanzi kaMalikiya ikosana, obegade ungesirhodlweni sabalindi. Zehlisela uJoromiya ngeentambo ngemgodini lowo. Begade unganamanzi, kulidaka kwaphela. UJoromiya wamodza ngedakenapho. Kodwana u-Ebede-Meleki umKutjhe obegade ayinduna esigodlweni, wezwa bonyana zifake uJoromiya ngemphathamanzini. Kwathi ikosi isahlezi esangweni ledorobho ekuthiwa yiBhenjamini, u-Ebede-Meleki waphuma esigodlweni wathi ekosini: “Kosi, mphathami, amadoda la enze ubukhohlakali ngakho koke akwenzileko kuJoromiya umphorofidi. Bamfake ngemgodini lapha azakubulawa khona yindlala ngombana akusenasikwa ngedorobheni.” Yeke ikosi yayala u-Ebede-Meleki umKutjhe yathi: “Thatha amadoda amatjhumi amathathu niyokhupha uJoromiya umphorofidi ngemgodini ngaphambi kobana ahlongakale.” Yeke u-Ebede-Meleki wathatha amadoda lawo, waya nawo elawini elalingaphasi kwendlu yamagugu esigodlweni. Wathatha imitletle yamaratha evithikileko wayehlisela ngeentambo ngemgodini kuJoromiya. U-Ebede-Meleki umKutjhe wathi kuJoromiya: “Gondela imitletle yamaratha evithikileko ngaphasi kwamakhwaphakho ngaphezu kweentambo.” UJoromiya wenza njalo. Bamdosa ngeentambo bamkhupha ngemgodini. UJoromiya wahlala ngesirhodlweni sabalindi. Ikosi uTsedekhiya yathumela bonyana kubizwe uJoromiya umphorofidi alethwe ebungenweni besithathu bethempeli lakaSomnini. Ikosi yathi kuJoromiya: “Ngizokubuza okuthileko, ungangifihleli litho.” Kodwana uJoromiya wathi kuTsedekhiya: “Nakube ngikunikela ipendulo, uzongibulala; godu nakube ngiyakweluleka awuzukungilalela.” Nje-ke ikosi uTsedekhiya yafunga ngemsitheleni kuJoromiya yathi: “NgoSomnini yena owasipha umphefumulo ngiqinisile, angeze ngakubulala begodu angeze ngakunikela kilabo abazumana nepilwakho.” Yeke uJoromiya wathi kuTsedekhiya: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, uZimu uMninimandlawoke, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, ‘Nakube uzinikela eenduneni zekosi yeBhabheli, ipilwakho izakubulungeka nedorobheli angeze latjhiswa ngomlilo; iye, wena nomndenakho nizakuphila. Kodwana nakube awuzinikeli eenduneni zekosi yeBhabheli, idorobheli lizakunikelwa kumaKasidi; nje-ke azalitjhisa ngomlilo, nawe ngokwakho awuzukuphunyurha ezandleni zawo.’ ” Ikosi uTsedekhiya yathi kuJoromiya: “Ngiyawesaba amaJuda ahlubukele kumaKasidi ngombana amaKasidi lawa angahle anginikele kiwo bese ayangihlukumeza.” UJoromiya wathi: “Angeze akunikela! Akhese ulalele ilizwi lakaSomnini, iye, lokho engikutjho kuwe ukuze kukukhambele kuhle nepilwakho ibulungeke. Kodwana nakube uyala ukuzinikela, nakhu uSomnini akwembule kimi: Qala, boke abafazi abasele ngesigodlweni sekosi yakwaJuda bakhutjhelwa eenduneni zekosi yeBhabheli. Iye, qala bathi, “ ‘Abakhozi bakho bakudurhisile bebakuhlula; kuthi lokha iinyawo zakho nazimodza ngedakeni, bakufulathele.’ “Boke abafazi bakho nabantwabakho bazakukhutjhelwa kumaKasidi. Wena ngokwakho angeze wasinda ezandleni zawo kodwana uzakuthunjwa yikosi yeBhabheli. Idorobheli lizakutjhiswa ngomlilo.” Yeke uTsedekhiya wathi kuJoromiya: “Ungatjeli muntu ngendabethu le, nakungasinjalo uzakufa. Nange iinduna zingezwa bonyana bengikhuluma nawe bese ziza kuwe zithi, ‘Sitjela bonyana wena utheni ekosini nokobana yona itheni kuwe, ungasifihleli litho nakungasinjalo sizokubulala’, zitjele uthi, ‘Bengendlala iinghonghoyilo zami ekosini kobana ingangibuyiseli ngekumbeni kaJonathani bona ngiyokufela khona.’ ” Mbala zoke iinduna zaya kuJoromiya zafese zambuza, wazitjela koke akuyalwe yikosi. Yeke azange bezisatjho litho kuye ngombana akakho owezwa indaba. Yeke uJoromiya wahlala esigodlweni sabalindi bekwafika ilanga lokuthunjwa kweJerusalema. Bekasese lapho lokha iJerusalema nayithunjwako. Ngomnyaka wethoba wokubusa kwakaTsedekhiya ikosi yakwaJuda, ngenyanga yetjhumi, uNebukadiretsari ikosi yeBhabheli warhwanta namabuthwakhe woke ajamelene neJerusalema bewayivimbezela. Ngelanga lethoba lenyanga yesine emnyakeni wetjhumi nanye wokubusa kwakaTsedekhiya, umthangala wedorobho waphundluswa. Yeke zoke iinduna zekosi yeBhabheli zangena zayokuhlala esangweni ekuthiwa yiPhakathi. BekunguNerigali-Saretseri oyinduna yesifunda seSamgari noNebu-Sarisekimi oyinduna ekulu yesigodlo kanye nazo zoke iinduna zekosi yeBhabheli. Naye uNerigali-Saretseri loyo bekayinduna ekulu nephezulu. Kwathi lokha uTsedekhiya ikosi yakwaJuda nabo boke abantu abalwako nababona iindunezo, babaleka ngendlela yesivande sekosi, baphuma ngesango elihlangana kwemithangala emibili, batjhiya idorobho ebusuku, banqomba ngemrhobeni weJordani. Kodwana ibutho lamaKasidi labagijimisa, labandezela uTsedekhiya emrhuleni weJerikho. Lambamba lamusa kuNebukadiretsari ikosi yeBhabheli eRibhila enarheni kaRhamathi lapha amgweba khona. ERibhilapho ikosi yeBhabheli yabulala amadodana kaTsedekhiya phambi kwakhe beyabulala boke abosaziwako bakwaJuda. Yagobhodlha amehlo kaTsedekhiya, yambopha ngamakhamandela wekoporo yamusa eBhabheli. AmaKasidi atjhisa isigodlo kanye neenkumba zabantu abe agiriza nemithangala yeJerusalema. UNebuzaradani umphathi wobuzimba wathumba inengi labantu ebebasele ngeJerusalema kanye nabegade bahlubukela kuye nabo boke abanye. Kodwana uNebuzaradani umphathi wobuzimba loyo watjhiya abanye babantu abachakileko ebebadududu enarheni yakwaJuda. Ngesikhatheso wabanikela iindiribe namasimu. UNebukadiretsari ikosi yeBhabheli gade ayale uNebuzaradani umphathi wobuzimba ngoJoromiya wathi: “Mthathe bese uyamtlhogomela. Ungamkhubazi kodwana umenzele koke akufunako.” Yeke uNebuzaradani umphathi wobuzimba, uNebutjhazibani oyinduna ekulu yesigodlo, uNerigali-Saretseri induna ekulu nephezulu kanye nazo zoke iinkhulu ezinye zekosi yeBhabheli bathumela bonyana kukhutjhwe uJoromiya ngesirhodlweni sabalindi. Bamusa kuGedaliya umsa ka-Arhikhamu omsa kaTjhafani kobana abuyiselwe emzini wekhabo. Yeke wahlala hlangana nabantu balapho. Lokha uJoromiya nasavaleleke ngesirhodlweni sabalindi, ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kuye: “Khamba uyokutjela u-Ebede-Meleki umKutjhe uthi, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli: Qala, sele ngizokuzalisekisa amezwami ngokujamelana nedorobheli ngokumbi, ingasi ngokuhle. Ngesikhatheso kuzakwenzeka phambi kwakho. Kodwana-ke mhlokho ngizakuphephisa, angeze wanikelwa kilabo obesabako.’ ” Kutjho uSomnini. “ ‘Ngambala ngizakwenza uphunyurhe, angeze wabulawa ngesabula, kodwana uzakusinda ngombana wangethemba.’ ” Kutjho uSomnini. Ilizwi lafika kuJoromiya livela kuSomnini ngemva kobana uNebuzaradani umphathi wobuzimba amtjhaphulule eRama. Ubegade afunyene uJoromiya abotjhwe ngamakhamandela hlangana nabo boke abathunjwa beJerusalema nebakwaJuda ebebasiwa ekuthunjweni eBhabheli. Kwathi lokha umphathi wobuzimba nafunyana uJoromiya, wathi kuye: “USomnini uZimakho nguye owabikezela phezu kwendawo le. Nje-ke uSomnini ukwenzile lokho; iye, njengombana atjho phambilini. Koke lokhu kungebanga lokobana nina bantu nonile phambi kwakaSomnini. Azange nimlalele, ngalokho kunehlele lokho. Manje-ke, qala ngikutjhaphulule emakhamandeleni asezandleni zakho namhlanje. Nakukuhle kuwe kobana ukhambe nami eBhabheli, yeke namba sikhambe, ngizakutlhogomela. Kodwana nakube akusikuhle kuwe, kulungile ungahlala. Qala, inarha ibanzi phambi kwakho, ungase uziyele nanyana kukuphi lapha uthanda ukuya khona. Nakube indawo leyo ayinabahlali, buyela kuGedaliya umsa ka-Arhikhamu omsa kaTjhafani, obekwe yikosi yeBhabheli phezu kwemizana yakwaJuda, uyokuhlala naye lapho hlangana nabantu; nakungasinjalo ungase uziyele nanyana kukuphi lapha uthanda khona.” Ngemva kobana umphathi wobuzimba amuphe isipho begodu ayale bona aphiwe isibonelelo, wamtjhaphulula. UJoromiya waya kuGedaliya umsa ka-Arhikhamu eMitsipha wayokuhlala naye hlangana nabantu abasala enarheni. Kwathi lokha zoke iinduna zeenqhema zamajoni nebegade zisemmangweni namajoni lawo, nazizwa bona ikosi yeBhabheli ibeke uGedaliya umsa ka-Arhikhamu njengombusi phezu kwenarha nokobana imbeke phezu kwamadoda nabafazi kanye nabantwana ebebadududu enarheni, abangazange basiwe ekuthunjweni eBhabheli, zeza kuGedaliya eMitsipha. Zona bekungu-Itjhimayeli umsa kaNetaniya, uJorhanani noJonathani amadodana kaKhareyarhi, uSeraya umsa kaTanirhumethi, amadodana ka-Efayi umNethofathi kanye noJezaniya umsa kaMakathi namajonazo. UGedaliya umsa ka-Arhikhamu omsa kaTjhafani, wenza isifungo sokubaqinisekisa kanye namajonazo wathi: “Ningesabi ukusebenzela amaKasidi. Hlalani enarhenapha, nisebenzele ikosi yeBhabheli yeke kuzanikhambela kuhle. Mina ngizakuhlala eMitsipha kobana nginijamele phambi kwamaKasidi eza kithi. Kodwana nina buthani iwayini, iinthelo zehlobo kanye namafutha we-oliva bese nikufaka ngemijekeni yokubulungela. Hlalani emizini enizayiphatha.” Woke amaJuda ebegade ahlangana nama-Amoni kwaMowabi, kwa-Edomu nakizo zoke iinarha ezinye ezwa bonyana ikosi yeBhabheli itjhiyele uJuda imisalela beyabeka uGedaliya umsa ka-Arhikhamu omsa kaTjhafani njengombusi phezu kwayo. Nje-ke woke eza enarheni yakwaJuda kuGedaliya eMitsipha avela kizo zoke iinarha ebekarhatjheke kizo. Abutha ngobunengi iwayini neenthelo zehlobo. UJonathani umsa kaKhareyarhi kanye nazo zoke iinduna zeenqhema zamajoni ebezisese semmangweni zeza kuGedaliya eMitsipha zathi kuye: “Sicabanga bona uyazi bonyana uBhalisi, ikosi yama-Amoni, uthumele u-Itjhimayeli umsa kaNetaniya kobana azokubulala.” Kodwana uGedaliya umsa ka-Arhikhamu azange abakholwe. Yeke uJonathani umsa kaKhareyarhi wakhuluma ngasese noGedaliya eMitsipha wathi: “Ngivumela ngiyokubulala u-Itjhimayeli umsa kaNetaniya, akunamuntu ozakwazi indaba le. Kubayini kufanele akubulale, abangele amaJuda akubhodileko kobana ahlakazeke bese imisalela yakwaJuda ibhubhe na?” Kodwana uGedaliya umsa ka-Arhikhamu wathi kuJonathani umsa kaKhareyarhi: “Ungenzi into enjalo! Urhwayela u-Itjhimayeli.” Ngenyanga yekhomba u-Itjhimayeli umsa kaNetaniya omsa ka-Elitjhama obegade angewebukhosini, akhuliselwe ngesigodlweni weza namadoda alitjhumi kuGedaliya umsa ka-Arhikhamu eMitsipha. Kwathi nabasagoma ndawonye lapho, u-Itjhimayeli umsa kaNetaniya namadoda alitjhumi ebegade akhamba naye basikima bamadlha phasi uGedaliya umsa ka-Arhikhamu omsa kaTjhafani ngesabula, bambulala loyo obegade abekwe yikosi yeBhabheli kobana abe mbusi phezu kwenarha. U-Itjhimayeli godu wabulala woke amaJuda ebegade anoGedaliya eMitsipha kanye namajoni wamaKasidi agade alapho. Elangeni elilandelako ngemva kokubulawa kwakaGedaliya, phambi kobana abantu bazi ngalokho, kwafika amadoda amatjhumi abunane avela eTjhekemu, eTjhilo neSamariya alethe umnikelo weenthoro netjhwalo kobana azokunikela ethempelini lakaSomnini. Wona gade agude iindevu zawo, adabula izambatho zawo abe azisika. U-Itjhimayeli umsa kaNetaniya waphuma eMitsipha kobana awahlangabeze. Bekakhamba akhihla isililo. Kwathi nahlangana nawo wathi: “Yenize kwaGedaliya umsa ka-Arhikhamu.” Lokha amadoda lawo nasele angaphakathi kwedorobho, u-Itjhimayeli umsa kaNetaniya nesiqhema sakhe bawarhayila bebawaphosela ngaphakathi komphathamanzi. Kodwana phakathi kwawo kwaba namadoda alitjhumi athi ku-Itjhimayeli: “Ungasibulali! Sinamagugu esiwafihle emmangweni, okutjho ikoroyi nebhali, amafutha we-oliva neliju.” Yeke wahlukana nawo, azange awabulale kanye nabafowabo. Umphathamanzi aphosele ngakiwo iindumbu zamadoda awabuleleko bekungomkhulu ikosi u-Asa awenzako kobana avikele uJuda kuBhatjha ikosi yakwa-Israyeli. U-Itjhimayeli umsa kaNetaniya wawuzalisa ngababuleweko. U-Itjhimayeli wathumba boke abaseleko ebegade baseMitsipha. Phakathi kwabo gade kunamakhosazana kanye nabo boke abanye ebegade basele lapho. Abantwabo ngilabo ebegade bangaphasi kwakaGedaliya umsa ka-Arhikhamu owabekwa nguNebuzaradani umphathi wobuzimba. U-Itjhimayeli umsa kaNetaniya wabathumba kobana aye nabo kuma-Amoni. Lokha uJorhanani umsa kaKhareyarhi nazo zoke iinduna zeenqhema zamajoni ebegade zinaye nabezwa ngabo boke ubulelesi obenziwe ngu-Itjhimayeli umsa kaNetaniya, bathatha woke amadoda bayokulwa no-Itjhimayeli umsa kaNetaniya. Bamfunyana eduze kwelitsha leGibeyoni. Kwathi boke abantu ebebano-Itjhimayeli nababona uJorhanani umsa kaKhareyarhi kanye neenduna zeenqhema zamajoni ebegade zinaye, bajabula. Boke abantu ebebathunjwe ngu-Itjhimayeli eMitsipha bajika ngelitshelo baya kuJorhanani umsa kaKhareyarhi. Kodwana u-Itjhimayeli namadoda abunane baphunyurha ezandleni zakaJorhanani babalekela kuma-Amoni. Nje-ke uJorhanani umsa kaKhareyarhi nazo zoke iinduna zeenqhema zamajoni ebegade zikhamba naye bathatha boke abantu abasalako abathunjwa ngu-Itjhimayeli umsa kaNetaniya eMitsipha ngemva kobana abulale uGedaliya umsa ka-Arhikhamu. Labo bekumadoda, amajoni, abafazi nabantwana kanye nabaphakulwa ebekabathethe eGibeyoni. Bakhamba njalo bayokujama eGeruthi-Kimuhamu eduze neBhethe-Lehema nabaya eGibhide ukubalekela amaKasidi. Bebawesaba ngombana u-Itjhimayeli umsa kaNetaniya gade abulele uGedaliya umsa ka-Arhikhamu obegade abekwe yikosi yeBhabheli kobana abe mbusi phezu kwenarha. Yeke zoke iinduna zeenqhema zamajoni, uJorhanani umsa kaKhareyarhi no-Azariya umsa kaHotjhaya nabo boke abantu ukusuka komncani ukuya komdala baya kuJoromiya umphorofidi bathi kuye: “Sendlala nasi isinghonghoyilo sethu phambi kwakho: Sibawa uthandazele yoke imisalela le kuSomnini uZimakho. Njengombana sewubona nje, sakhe saba banengi, kodwana kwanjesi sekusele ibinzana. Thandaza bonyana uSomnini uZimakho asazise indlela ekumele siyithathe nalokho ekumele sikwenze.” UJoromiya umphorofidi waphendula wathi: “Nginizwile, iye ngizakuthandaza kuSomnini uZimenu njengombana nikhombela. Ngizanazisa koke uSomnini akutjhoko begodu angeze nganifihlela litho.” Bona bathi kuJoromiya: “USomnini akabe ngufakazi oqinisileko nothembakeleko phezu kwethu, nakube asenzi ukuya ngalo loke ilizwi uSomnini uZimakho akuthume kobana uzositjela lona. Nanyana kukuhle namkha kungasikuhle kithi, sizamlalela uSomnini uZimethu esikuthuma kuye ukuze kusikhambele kuhle ngombana sizabe silalela uSomnini uZimethu.” Emalangeni alitjhumi ngemva kwalokho, ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kuJoromiya. Wabizela ndawonye uJorhanani umsa kaKhareyarhi nazo zoke iinduna zeenqhema zamajoni ebegade zinaye kanye nabo boke abantu ukusuka komncani ukuya komdala. Wathi kibo: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli eningithume kobana ngise isinghonghoyilo senu kuye, uthi ‘Nakube niyabuya nihlale enarheni le, ngizanakha nginganigirizi nginitjale nginganisiphuli ngombana ngibuhlungu ngehlekelele enginehlisele yona. Ningayesabi ikosi yeBhabheli eniyesabako le gadesi. Iye, ningayesabi ngombana nginani begodu ngizanisindisa benginitjhaphulule esandleni sayo. Kutjho uSomnini. Ngizakuba nesirhawu phezu kwenu ukuze nayo inirhawukele, inibuyisele endawenenu.’ “Nokho-ke nakube nihlalele ukuthi, ‘Asizukuhlala enarheni le’ bese anilaleli uSomnini uZimenu begodu nakube nithi, ‘Awa, sizakukhamba siyokuhlala eGibhide lapha singasakubona khona ipi namkha sizwe ipalapala namkha silambele isikwa’, khona-ke lalelani ilizwi lakaSomnini nina misalela yakwaJuda. Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, ‘Nakube nizimisele ukuya eGibhide, nikhonze khona, yeke isabula eniyesabako izanifikela khonapho nendlala eniyibalekako izanilandela khona eGibhidapho bese nifela khonapho. Ngambala boke abazimisele ukuya eGibhide kobana bayokukhonza khona bazakufa ngesabula, ngendlala nangamatshwenyeko. Akuzusinda namunye ehlekeleleni engizayehlisela phezu kwabo.’ Mbala, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, ‘Njengombana itukuthelo nokusilingeka kwami kwehlele phezu kwabahlali beJerusalema, ngokunjalo ukusilingeka kwami kuzakwehlela phezu kwenu nakube niya eGibhide. Nizakuba sithuko nesimanga, iye, into yokunikelelwa neyokurhubutjhwa; angeze benisayibona godu indawo le.’ “USomnini ukhulume nani, nina misalela yakwaJuda, ngokuthi, ‘Ningalibeki inyawo eGibhide!’ Yazini niqiniseke kobana nginiyelelisile namhlanjesi: Nizidurhise nina! Ngini eningithume kuSomnini uZimenu nathi, ‘Yewusithandazele kuSomnini uZimethu, sitjela koke uSomnini uZimethu akutjhoko, yeke thina sizakwenza.’ Nginazisile namhlanjesi, kodwana khonapho azange nilalele uSomnini uZimenu malungana nakho koke angithume kobana nginitjele khona. Yazini niqiniseke ngalokhu: Nizokufa ngesabula, ngendlala nangamatshwenyeko endaweni lapha nenyula ukuya khona, kobana niyokhonza kiyo.” Kwathi bona uJoromiya aqede ukutjela abantu woke amezwi kaSomnini uZimabo, okutjho koke uSomnini uZimabo agade amthume kobana abatjele khona, u-Azariya umsa kaHotjhaya noJorhanani umsa kaKhareyarhi nawo woke amadoda aziindeleli bathi kuJoromiya: “Unamala! USomnini uZimethu azange akuthume kobana uzokuthi, ‘Ningayi eGibhide kobana niyokukhonza khona.’ Kodwana uBharurhu umsa kaNeriya nguye okutjitjizela kobana ujamelane nathi ukuze usinikele kumaKasidi kobana asibulale namkha asise ekuthunjweni eBhabheli.” Yeke uJorhanani umsa kaKhareyarhi nazo zoke iinduna zeenqhema zamajoni kanye nabantu boke azange balalele ilizwi lakaSomnini lokobana bahlale enarheni yakwaJuda. Esikhundleni salokho, uJorhanani umsa kaKhareyarhi nazo zoke iinduna zeenqhema zamajoni bathatha yoke imisalela yakwaJuda ebegade ibuyile kizo zoke izizwe ebeyihlakazelwe kizo ekukhonzeni enarheni yakwaJuda; godu bathatha woke amadoda, abafazi nabantwana, amakhosazana, ngitjho noJoromiya umphorofidi noBharurhu umsa kaNeriya, iye, boke abantu uNebuzaradani umphathi wobuzimba abatjhiya noGedaliya umsa ka-Arhikhamu omsa kaTjhafani. Baya eGibhide ngombana azange balalele uSomnini! Nje-ke bafika eTarhipanirhesi. ETarhipanirhesapho ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kuJoromiya lathi: “Thatha amatje amakhulu uwakhelele ngedaka emqaqadweni osebungenweni bemakhiwo yombuso le eTarhipanirhesi, amaJuda akuqalile bese uthi kiwo, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli: Qalani, sele ngizokuthumela bengibuyise incekwami uNebukadiretsari ikosi yeBhabheli, ngijamise isihlalo sakhe sobukhosi phezu kwamatje umphorofidami awakhelele lapha la, ngemva kobana endlale umada wakhe wobukhosi phezu kwawo. “ ‘Uzakuza, amadlhe inarha yeGibhide: Bokufa, baye ekufeni, bokuthunjwa, basiwe ekuthunjweni nebesabula, baye esabuleni. Uzakuthungela ngomlilo amathempeli wabosingazimu beGibhide, atjhise amathempelabo abe athumbe nabosingazimu bakhona. Njengomelusi aqopha ingubakhe, ngokunjalo uzakuqopha iGibhide, asuke lapho aphephile. Ngethempelini lakazinyana welanga enarheni yeGibhide uzakuphadlha amatje wesikhumbuzo, atjhise namathempeli wabosingazimu beGibhide.’ ” Ilizweli lafika kuJoromiya mayelana nawo woke amaJuda ahlala eGibhide, okubahlali beMigidolo, beTarhipanirhesi, beMemfisi nebesifunda sePatrosi: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, ‘Nizibonele ngokwenu ihlekelele ekulu engiyehlisele phezu kweJerusalema nakiyo yoke imizi yakwaJuda. Qalani, namhlanje sele imarubhi begodu ayinabahlali ngebanga lobukhohlakali ababenzileko. Bangithukuthelise ngokutjhisa itjhwalo nangokulotjha abosingazimu abangabaziko, iye, bona, nani naboyise. Ngathumela kibo imini yoke iinceku zami abaphorofidi abathi, “Ngiyanibawa, ningenzi into enyenyisako nengiyizondako le!” Kodwana azange balalele namkha bayelele. Azange baphenduke ebukhohlakalini babo nekutjhiseleni abosingazimu itjhwalo. Ngalokho itukuthelwami yavutha phezu kwemizi yakwaJuda neendledlaneni zeJerusalema bekwaba marubhi nebhudu njengombana kunjalo namhlanjesi.’ “Nje-ke nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uZimu uMninimandlawoke, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, ‘Kubayini nizibangele ihlekelele engaka ngokususa amadoda nabafazi, abantwana namasana kwaJuda, nisale ningasenamisalela na? Kubayini ningithukuthelise ngalokho okwenziwe zizandla zenu, nitjhisele abosingazimu itjhwalo enarheni yeGibhide, lapha nize kobana nikhonze khona na? Nizozitjhabalalisa beniziphendule into yokunikelelwa neyokurhubutjhwa hlangana nazo zoke izizwe ephasini. Sele nikhohliwe ubukhohlakali obenziwa boyihlo namakhosi kanye neendlovukazi zakwaJuda nobukhohlakali obenziwa ngini nabafazi benu enarheni yakwaJuda neendledlaneni zeJerusalema na? Bekube kunamhlanje, azange bazisole bebabe nevalo begodu azange balandele umthethwami kanye neemiso zami engazijamisa phambi kwenu naboyihlo.’ “Ngalokho nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, ‘Ngizimisele ukuletha ihlekelele phezu kwenu nokutjhabalalisa woke uJuda. Ngizakuthanyela imisalela yakwaJuda ezimisele ukuya eGibhide kobana iyokukhonza khona: Boke bazakubhubhela eGibhide, babulawe ngesabula babhujiswe ngendlala. Iye, ukusukela komncani bekube komdala, bazakufa ngesabula nangendlala. Bazakuba sithuko nesimanga, iye, into yokunikelelwa neyokurhubutjhwa. Ngizakuhlunguphaza labo abahlala eGibhide ngesabula, ngendlala nangamatshwenyeko njengombana ngahlunguphaza iJerusalema. Isiqhema semisalela yakwaJuda esiya eGibhide kobana siyokhonza khona asizukuphunyurha namkha sisinde bese sibuyela enarheni yakwaJuda. Sitjhisekela ukubuyela siyokuhlala khona, kodwana angeze sabuyela ngaphandle kwabaphunyurhi abalibinzana.’ ” Nje-ke woke amadoda agade asazi bonyana abafazi bawo gade batjhisela abosingazimu itjhwalo kanye nabo boke abafazi ebebakhona, kulidwendwe elikhulu, iye, boke abantu abahlala eGibhide ePatrosi, bathi kuJoromiya: “Asizukulalela umlayezo owukhulume kithi ngebizo lakaSomnini! Ngambala sizokwenza koke lokho esithe sizokwenza: Sizokutjhisela indlovukazi yomkayi itjhwalo besiyinikele nomnikelo wokuselwako njengombana senza thina, abobaba, amakhosi wekhethu kanye neenduna zethu emizini yakwaJuda neendledlaneni zeJerusalema. Ngesikhatheso besinokugoma okunengi begodu besihlala kuhle, singazi ihlekelele. Kodwana soloko salisa ukutjhisela indlovukazi yomkayi itjhwalo nokuyinikela iminikelo yokuselwako nje, siswele koke, siqedwa yisabula nendlala.” Abafazi bangezelela ngokuthi: “Iye, besitjhisela indlovukazi yomkayi itjhwalo besiyinikele neminikelo yokuselwako begodu amadodethu bekazi bonyana thina besenza amakhekhe ngomfanekiswayo besiyinikele neminikelo yokuselwako.” Yeke uJoromiya wathi ebantwini boke, amadoda nabafazi ebegade bamphendula: “USomnini azange akhumbule itjhwalo ebenilitjhisa emizini yakwaJuda neendledlaneni zeJerusalema nina naboyihlo, amakhosenu neenduna zenu kanye nabantu benarha na? Azange akufake ehliziyweni lokho na? USomnini azange asakghona ukunibekezelela ngebanga lezenzo zenu zobukhohlakali nangebanga leenyenyiso enizenzileko. Nje-ke inarhenu yaba marubhi nebhudu nento yokunikelelwa, yangaba nabahlali njengombana injalo nanamhlanjesi. Ngebanga lokutjhisa kwenu itjhwalo nokona kwenu kuSomnini benangamlalela nangalandela umthethwakhe, iimiso neemfuneko zakhe, nehlelwe yihlekelele njengombana sele nibona nje.” Nje-ke uJoromiya watjela boke abantu, ngitjho nabafazi, bonyana balalele ilizwi lakaSomnini, iye, boke abantu bakwaJuda abaseGibhide, wathi: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli, ‘Nina nabafazi benu nikhulume ngemilomenu benakuphetha ngezenzo zenu lokho enakuthembisa. Nathi ngambala nizakulandela iimfungo enizenzileko kobana nitjhisele indlovukazi yomkayi itjhwalo beniyinikele neminikelo yokuselwako. Khona-ke, thuwelelani nenze enakuthembisako, nigcine iimfungo zenwezo!’ Ngalokho lalelani ilizwi lakaSomnini noke nina maJuda ahlala eGibhide. USomnini uthi, ‘Ngifunga ngebizo lami elikhulu, ngithi akunamuntu namunye kwaJuda ohlala eGibhide ozakubuye godu asebenzise ibizo lami namkha afunge ngalo athi: NgoSomnini uSomandla ngiqinisile! “ ‘Ngambala ngiyelele ngabo kobana behlelwe ngokumbi, ingasi okuhle. Woke umJuda oseGibhide uzakubhubha ngesabula nangendlala kufikela aphele nya. Lawo aphunyurha esabuleni bese abuyela enarheni yakwaJuda azakuba libinzana. Soke isiqhema semisalela yakwaJuda eze ukuzokuhlala eGibhide izakwazi bonyana ngelakabani ilizwi elijamileko, ngelabo namkha ngelami na.’ “USomnini uthi, ‘Lokhu kuzakuba litshwayo kini kobana ngizanihlunguphazela endaweni le ukuze nazi bonyana amezwami wokunihlunguphaza ngambala azakwenzeka: Ngizokunikela uFaro uRhofira ikosi yeGibhide esandleni sezitha zakhe ezizumana nepilwakhe njengombana nganikela uTsedekhiya ikosi yakwaJuda kuNebukadiretsari ikosi yeBhabheli, okusisitha ebesizumana nepilwakhe.’ Utjho njalo uSomnini.” Nakhu uJoromiya umphorofidi akutjela uBharurhu umsa kaNeriya ngomnyaka wesine wokubusa kwakaJehoyakhimu umsa kaJosiya ikosi yakwaJuda ngemva kobana uBharurhu atlole emsongweni amezwi uJoromiya agade ambizela wona: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli kuwe Bharurhu, ‘Wena uthe: Maye mina! USomnini ukhambiselele isizi ebuhlungwini bami. Sese ngiphele amandla ngokuquma begodu anginakuthula.’ “USomnini uthe kimi angitjele indoda leyo bona nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Engikwakhileko ngizokugiriza, engikutjalileko ngikusiphule; lokho kungekwenarha yoke. Alo, wena uzifunela izinto ezikulu na? Ungakufuni lokho ngombana ngizokwehlisa ihlekelele phezu kwabo boke abantu, kodwana nanyana kukuphi lapha uya khona ngizakusindisa ipilwakho.’ Kutjho uSomnini.” Ilizwi lakaSomnini elafika kuJoromiya umphorofidi mayelana nezizwe. Mayelana neGibhide. Isiphorofidwesi sijamelene nebutho lakaFaro uNeko ikosi yeGibhide ebeliseKarikemitjhi ngemlanjeni iYufrathe. UNebukadiretsari ikosi yeBhabheli walihlula ngomnyaka wesine wokubusa kwakaJehoyakhimu umsa kaJosiya ikosi yakwaJuda. “Hlelani amakhande neenhlangu zenu ukuze niphume ipi! Bophelani iinjomani, nikhwele iinkarana zepi! Zihleleni nithwale iinkupuru! Lolani imikhontwenu nembathe izambatho zepi! Ngibonani na? Bayesaba, bayahlehla, iingorho zabo zihlakaziwe. Nakukubaleka, bayabaleka abasaqali nemva, kunokwesaba mahlangothi woke.” Kutjho uSomnini. Abanebelo abakghoni ukubaleka neengorho azikghoni ukuphunyurha. Ngetlhagwini emlanjeni iYufrathe, bayakhutjwa bebawe. “Ngubani lo okhuphuka njengeNayili, iye, njengomlambokazi okhephuzela amanzawo na? IGibhide ikhuphuka njengeNayili njengomlambokazi okhephuzela amanzawo. Ithi, ‘Ngiyakhuphuka, ngizakuzala iphasi, ngitjhabalalise amadorobho nabantu bakhona.’ Gijimani nina njomani! Futhekani bakhweli beenkarana! Rhwantani nani ngorho, nina maKutjhe namaPuthi aphethe amakhande nani maLudi acuphe imisebe. Kodwana ilangelo lingelakaSomnini uMninimandlawoke ilanga lokuzibuyiselela, iye azibuyiselele phezu kwezitha zakhe. Isabula izakurhayila beyaneliswe, iye, beyikholwe ngeengazi ngombana kunomhlabelo kaSomnini uSomandla uMninimandlawoke enarheni yangetlhagwini ngemlanjeni iYufrathe. “Khuphukela eGiliyadi ufunyane intatha wena tlawu leGibhide. Kodwana wandisa isihlahla ngelize, angeze waphola. Izizwe zizakuzwa ngehlazo lakho; isililo sakho sizakuzala iphasi loke ngombana iingorho zizakutharejana, ziwe zombili njalo.” Ilizwi uSomnini alikhuluma kuJoromiya umphorofidi mayelana nokwiza kwakaNebukadiretsari ikosi yeBhabheli nazokusahlela iGibhide: “Bikani lokhu eGibhide nimemezele eMigidoli! Iye, kumemezeleni eMemfisi neTarhipanirhesi nithi, ‘Zihleleni nilunge ngombana isabula irhayila abanibhodileko.’ Zizakwehliselwani iintsitsirimba zakho na? Azikwazi ukujama ngombana uSomnini uzazisunduza. Wawisa abanengi; omunye bewawela phezu komunye bebathi, ‘Sikima, sibuyele ebantwini bekhethu nenarheni yekhethu, sisuke esabuleni yonelunya.’ Bizani uFaro, ikosi yeGibhide ngokuthi, ‘Unetjhada kwaphela, udlulwe sikhathi esifaneleko.’ ” USomnini oyiKosi, ibizo lakhe elinguMninimandlawoke uthi: “Ngifunga ngokuphila kwami: Kukhona ozako onjengeTabori hlangana neentaba nonjengeKarameli ngehla kwelwandle. Zilungiselele ukuthunjwa, wena ndodakazi ehlala eGibhide ngombana iMemfisi lizakuba libhudu, libe lirubhi belitlhoge nomhlali. “IGibhide ilithole elihle khulu kodwana iimbawu zetlhagwini ziyeza, iye, ziyeza! Namajoni aqatjhwako aphakathi kwayo afana namathole anonisiweko: Nawo afulathela abaleke ndawonye, angeze akghona ukujama ngombana ilanga lehlekelele liyeza phezu kwawo, iye, isikhathi sokobana ahlunguphazwe. IGibhide itjhitjhiza njengenyoka ebalekako ngombana isitha sisondela ngamandla, siza kiyo ngamazembe, njengamadoda agawula imithi. Sizokugawula ihlathi lakhona, nanyana lingaminyana kangangani. Sinengi ukwedlula isikhonyani, asibaleki.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Itlawu leGibhide lizakuhlaziswa, linikelwe ezandleni zabantu bangetlhagwini.” USomnini uMninimandlawoke, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli uthi: “Qalani, sele ngizokuletha isibetho phezu kwaka-Amuni usingazimu wamaThebe, phezu kwakaFaro, phezu kweGibhide, abosingazimu bakhona namakhosi wakhona; iye, phezu kwakaFaro nakilabo abathembele kuye. Ngizobanikela ezandleni zabazumana nepilwabo nezandleni zakaNebukadiretsari ikosi yeBhabheli neenduna zakhe. Ngemva kwalapho, nokho iGibhide izakuba nabahlali njengaphambilini.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Ungesabi wena Jakopo ncekwami, ungethuki wena Israyeli. Qalani, sele ngizokusindisa ukude, iye, iinzukulwana zakho enarheni ezithunjwe kiyo. UJakopo uzakubuya abe nokuthula nokuphepha, akunamuntu ozamethusa. Ungesabi Jakopo ncekwami ngombana nginawe. Nanyana ngibhubhisa zoke izizwe engikuhlakazela kizo, wena angeze ngakubhubhisa. Nokho angeze ngahlala ngingakubethi, kodwana ngizakukhalima ngeswazi elincani.” Kutjho uSomnini. Ilizwi lakaSomnini elafika kuJoromiya umphorofidi mayelana namaFilista ngaphambi kobana uFaro asahlele iGaza. Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Qalani, amanzi akhuphuka avela ngetlhagwini, azakuba ziinkhukhula eziphuphumako. Azakuphuphuma enarheni nakiyo yoke into ekiyo; iye, emizini nebahlalini bayo. Abantu bazakurhuwelela, boke abahlala enarheni barhahlawule nabezwa ukuza kwesitha ngokugabadula kweenqatha zeenjomani, itjhada leenkarana zaso nokurhuba kwamavili wakhona. Aboyise abazukuqala emuva ebantwaneni babo ngombana izandla zabo azisenamandla, ngebanga lokobana ilanga selifikile lokubhubhisa woke amaFilista; iye, ilanga lokuphelisa boke ababambisani ebebangasiza iTirosi neTsidoni.” Mbala, uSomnini sele azakubhubhisa amaFilista, okutjho imisalela yangeligwini lamaKafitori. IGaza iguda ihloko izile ngombana i-Atjhikheloni iyabhujiswa. Nina misalela esemrhuleni, kuzabe kube nini nizirhaya na? Maye wena sabula kaSomnini! Kuzakuthathwa isikhathi esingangani kobana uphumule na? Buyela ngesilandeni sakho, buya uzothe. Kodwana isabula kaSomnini ingaphumula njani, nakube uyiyalile kobana isahlele i-Atjhikheloni neligu na? Iye, uyibekele zona. Mayelana neMowabi. Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli: “Maye kiyo iNebo ngombana iyabhuruzwa. IKhiriyatayimu ihlaziswa beyithunjwe; iye, isiphephelo sihlaziswa besitjhabalaliswe. UMowabi angeze asabukwa godu: ERhetjhibhoni izitha zihlele ihlekelele ngaye, zathi, ‘Yizani simpheliseni angasaba sisizwe.’ Nawe Madimeni uzakuqedwa nya, isabula isemva kwakho! Lalela umkhosi ovela eRhoronayimu uthi, ‘Ukonakala nokubhubhisa kukhulu! IMowabi iyachithwa!’ Abalile bafune isizo ukuyela ngeTsowari. Mbala, emkhuphukeni weLurhithi benyuka barhahlawula kabuhlungu; iye, nendleleni eya eRhoronayimu kuzwakala isizi lesililo sokurhayilwa. Yenibaleke! Balekani nizisindise, yibani njengodumbana wommango erhalawumbeni. Nina maMowabi, njengombana nethembela ezenzweni nemnothwenenu, nani nizokuthunjwa noKemotjhi uzakuya ekuthunjweni, nabaphristi kanye neenduna zakhe.” Umrhayili uza komunye nomunye umuzi akukho namunye ozakusinda. Umrhoba uzakonakaliswa nommango upheliswe ngombana uSomnini ukhulumile. UMowabi akabaleke ngombana uba lirubhi, imizakhe iyatjhiywa, ingabi nomhlali, ngombana kuthiwe: “Akanikelelwe odonda ukwenza umsebenzi kaSomnini! Akanikelelwe nogodla isabulakhe ekuthululeni iingazi!” “UMowabi bekaseze azigedlile kusukela ebutjheni bakhe; iye, azange akhe aye ekuthunjweni. Wathula njengewayini elizike ehlameni, lingakatsengelwa komunye umjeka. Nje-ke lisanandipha njengokuba nephunga lalo lisesenjalo. Kodwana isikhathi siyeza lapha ngizakuthumela khona abavubeli. Bazathulula imijeka bebayiphahlaze.” Kutjho uSomnini. Nje-ke uMowabi uzakuba neenhloni ngeKemotjhi, njengombana ikumba ka-Israyeli yayineenhloni lokha nayethembela eBhethe-Eli. “Ungatjho njani uthi, ‘Thina siziingorho, simadoda anesibindi epini’ na? Umrhayili weMowabi nemizayo ukhuphukile, amasokana wakhona akhethekileko azakubulawa nakehla kobana ahlangabezane nomrhayili.” Kutjho uSomnini oyiKosi, ibizo lakhe elinguMninimandlawoke. “Ukuwa kwakaMowabi sele kufikile, ihlekelelakhe imsinyana. Zwelanani naye noke enimbhodileko, iye, nina noke eninesikhozi naye, nithi, ‘Maye, yephukile intonga enamandla! Maye, yephukile intonga ehle!’ Yehla ephazimulwenakho bese uhlala equlwanini egazukileko, wena tlawu leDibhoni elisesihlalweni sobukhosi ngombana umrhayili weMowabi ukhuphukile kobana ajamelane nawe, wonakalise amadorobhenu anemithangala. Jamani eqadi kwendlela nibukele, nina enihlala e-Aroweri. Buzani indoda ebalekako kanye nomfazi ophunyurhako, babuzeni nithi, ‘Kwenzekeni na?’ IMowabi ihlazisiwe ngombana itjhabalaliswe. Rhahlawulani nirhuwelele! Memezelani emlanjaneni i-Arinoni kobana iMowabi ibhujisiwe. Isigwebo sehlele emrhuleni, eRholoni, eJatsi neMefathi, eDibhoni, eNebo neBhethe-Dibilatayimu, eKhiriyatayimu, eBhethe-Gamulu neBhethe-Mewoni, eKheriyothi neBotsira nakiyo yoke imizi yakwaMowabi eseduze nekude. Iphondo leMowabi liquntiwe, umkhonwayo wephuliwe.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Idakise ngombana idelele uSomnini. IMowabi ayigonyuluke ngamahlanzayo, nayo ayibe sisiga sokuhlekwa. U-Israyeli azange abe sisiga sokuhlekwa kuwe na? Ingabe wabanjwa hlangana namasela kobana ungabeze uthintithe ihloko njalo lokha nawukhuluma ngaye na? Tjhiyani imizi niyokuhlala emadwaleni nina bahlali beMowabi. Yibani njengezuba elakha indlwanalo emlonyeni weliwa.” Sizwile ngokuzikhukhumeza kwakaMowabi: Ukuzazi kwakhe kukhulu. Iye, sizwile ngokuzikhakhazisa, ukuzikhukhumeza nokudelela kwakhe, ngitjho nokuziphakamisa kwehliziywakhe. USomnini wathi: “Mina ngiyakwazi ukuzitjhaya kwakhe; ikulumakhe yokuzigqaja imamala nezenzo zakhe zimumoya.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Ngalokho ngiyamlilela uMowabi, iye, ngililela boke bakwaMowabi, ngirhahlawulela abantu beKhiri-Rharesethi. Ngikulilela ukudlula isililo ngeJazeri, wena sidiribe seSibhima. Imilibe yakho inabela ngaphetjheya kwelwandle, ifika ngitjho emanzini weJazeri. Kodwana umrhayili uthelekele phezu kweenthelo zehlobo neendiribe zakho. Itokozo nethabo kususiwe esivandeni seenthelo, iye, enarheni yakwaMowabi. Ngivimbe ukugeleza kwewayini ebutlhodlhelweni, akasekho owatlhodlha ngetjhada lethabo, iye, akasahlokomi ngetokozo. Umkhosi weRhetjhibhoni uzwakele e-Elale, ngitjho ukuya eJahatsi. Bazwakalisa ilizwi labo ukusuka eTsowari ukuya eRhoronayimu ne-Egilathi-Tjhelitjhiya ngombana ngitjho namanzi weNimrimi atjhile. KwaMowabi ngizakuphelisa labo abenza imihlabelo eendundumeni, abatjhisela abosingazimu babo itjhwalo.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Ihliziywami ililela uMowabi njengamanghwani, iye, ililela abantu beKhiri-Rharesethi njengamanghwani. Inzuzo abayizuzileko inyelele. Mbala, yoke ihloko igudiwe neendevu zirhuniwe, izandla zoke zirhayiwe nemadinini kunesizilo. Emaphahleni woke wakwaMowabi nematatawini sililo sodwa ngombana ngephule iMowabi njengomjeka ongafunwa mumuntu.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Maye, uMowabi uqobekile! Abantu bayarhahlawula! Maye uMowabi ufulathela ngeenhloni! Iye, sese ayinto yokuhlekwa neyesabekako kibo boke abamzombileko.” Mbala, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Qalani, isitha sizakutheleka njengedlanga eliphapha lizulazule ngehla kweMowabi. Imizi izakuthunjwa neemphephelo zithathwe. Mhlokho iinhliziyo zamabutho wakwaMowabi zizakuba njengeyomfazi obelethako. UMowabi uzakupheliswa angasaba sisizwe ngombana udelele uSomnini. Ukwesabeka, umgodi nesifu kunilindele nina bahlali beMowabi.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Nanyana ngubani obalekela ukwesaba uzakuwela ngemgodini, nanyana ngubani ophuma ngemgodinapho, uzakubanjwa sisifu ngombana ngizakwehlisela phezu kweMowabi umnyaka wokuhlunguphazwa kwayo.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Emthunzini ngaphandle kweRhetjhibhoni, ababaleki bajamile, baqobekile ngombana kuqubuke umlilo eRhetjhibhoni, iye, amalangabi edorobheni lakaSirhoni aqothula ihlafunyo kaMowabi kanye nekhakhayi labanetjhada lokuzitjhaya. “Maye kuwe wena Mowabi! Abantu beKemotjhi baphelile ngombana amadodanakho asiwe ekuthunjweni namadodakazakho ekudingisweni. “Kodwana emalangeni ezako ngizokutjhugulula ubujamo bakwaMowabi.” Kutjho uSomnini. Isigwebo sakwaMowabi siphelela lapha. Mayelana nama-Amoni. Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “U-Israyeli akanamadodana na? UGadi bekangasi yindlalifakhe na? Alo, kubayini-ke uMilikomu athumbe iGadi? Kubayini abantu bakhe bahlala emizinayo na?” USomnini uthi: “Qalani isikhathi siyeza lapha ngizokubangela khona kobana kuzwakale umkhosi wepi phezu kweRabha yama-Amoni. Lizakuba yintundu yeququ nemizi elibhodileko itjhiswe ngomlilo. Nje-ke, u-Israyeli uzakuqotjha labo abamqotjhako.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Lila wena Rhetjhibhoni ngombana i-Ayi itjhabalalisiwe! Rhahlawulani nina madodakazi weRabha! Yembathani iinzilo nilile, ziritheni ngesibejana esirhayako ngombana uMilikomu uzakuya ekuthunjweni kanye nabaphristi neenduna zakhe. Wena ndodakazi eqoqomako, kubayini uzikhakhazise ngemirhobakho, iye, ngomrhobakho ogeleza amanzi na? Wena uthembela emagugwinakho bese uthi, ‘Ngubani ongangisahlela na?’ Qala, sele ngizokwehlisela phezu kwakho ukwesaba okuvela kibo boke abakuzombileko.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla onguMninimandlawoke. “Nina bantu beRabha, nizakuqotjhwa omunye nomunye abaleke ngendlelakhe. Akuzukuba khona obutha abaphadlhaleleko. “Kodwana ngemva kwalokho, ngizakutjhugulula ubujamo bama-Amoni.” Kutjho uSomnini. Mayelana ne-Edomu. Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke: “Akusenabuhlakani eTemana na? Abahlakaniphileko abasenazeluleko na? Ukuhlakanipha kwabo kubunile na? Fulathelani nibaleke, nizifihle ekusithekeni nina bahlali beDedani ngombana ngizakwehlisela ihlekelele phezu kwaka-Esewu lokha nangimhlunguphazako. Abavuni bamadiribe nabeza kuwe, abazokutjhiyela amaburujo na? Amasela nafika phakathi kobusuku, akazukweba ngokuzanelisa na? Nakungimi, ngizamhlangula u-Esewu, ngizakwembula iindawo zakhe zokubhaca, ukuze angasakghona ukuzifihla. Iinzukulwana zakhe, abafowabo nabomakhelwana bakhe bazakubhujiswa; yena angeze asabakhona. Nawutjhiya iintandani zakho, kumele mina ngizivikele na? Abahlolokazi bakho kufanele bathembele kimi na?” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Qalani, labo abangakafaneli ukusela ikapho, ngambala bayayisela. Alo, wena ngabe umsulwa na? Awusimsulwa nakancani; nakukuyisela uzayisela!” USomnini uthi: “Ngafunga ngathi iBotsira lizakuba lirubhi, into yokurhubutjhwa, yokukakamalelwa neyokunikelelwa begodu yoke imizanalo izakuba marubhi unomphela.” Ngizwe umlayezo obuya kuSomnini uthi: “Kwathunywa isithunywa ezizweni kobana sithi, ‘Buthanani nilisahlele! Zilungiseleleni ipi!’ Mbala, wena Edomu, ngizokwenza ube mncani ezizweni, unyazeke ebantwini. Ukuzitjhaya kwakho kobudlhadlha nokuzazi kwehliziywakho kukuyengile, wena ohlala emipharwini yamadwala, olawula iintaba eziphakemeko. Nanyana wakha indlwanakho phezulu njengedlanga, ngizakususa lapho ngikwehlisele phasi.” Kutjho uSomnini. “I-Edomu izakuba libhudu. Woke odlula kiyo uzakumangala abe akhuze ngebanga lazo zoke iingemegeme zayo. Njengombana iSodoma neGomora zaketulwa kanye nemizana yakhona, ngokunjalo akakho ozakuhlala lapho, akunamuntu ozakhonza kiyo.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Qalani, njengebhubezi livela ehlathini eliminyeneko elihlanu kweJordani liya edlelweni esebeni lomlanjana, ngizakugijimisa i-Edomu endawenayo msinyana. Nanyana ngubani engimkhethako ngizambeka kiyo. Ngubani onjengami nongangitjhijila na? Ngimuphi umelusi ongajama phambi kwami na? Ngalokho, yizwani lokho uSomnini akuhlele phezu kwe-Edomu, lokho akuhlose ngalabo abahlala eTemana: Kwamambala abesana abelusa imihlambi bazazithathela imihlambi leyo. Iye, uSomnini uzakubangela bonyana amadlelo we-Edomu atjhiywe. Ngetjhada lokuwa kwabantu be-Edomu, iphasi lizokuthuthumela, isililo sabo sizakuzwakala elwandle lomGaba. Qalani, isitha sizakutjhinga phezulu njengedlanga eliphapha lizulazule ngehla kweBotsira. Mhlokho iinhliziyo zeengorho ze-Edomu zizakuba njengeyomfazi obelethako.” Mayelana neDamaseku. “IRhamathi ne-Aripadi zikakamele ngombana zizwe iindaba ezimbi. Zehla zenyuka njengelwandle elikhephuzelako, azinakuthula. IDamaseku liyabogaboga, lifulathele kobana libaleke libanjwe livalo, liphethwe lisizi neenhlabi njengomfazi obelethako. Kubayini idorobho elidumileko, iye, umuzi wethabo ungakasindiswa? Ngambala amasokanawo azakufela ematatawinawo, woke amajoni wakhona azakuthuliswa mhlokho.” Kutjho uSomnini uMninimandlawoke. Ngizakuthungelela umlilo emithangaleni yeDamaseku, uzakuqothula ubuphephelo beBheni-Hadadi. Mayelana neKhedari nemibuso yeRhatsori yasahlelwa nguNebukadiretsari ikosi yeBhabheli. Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Zilungiseleni nisahlele iKhedari, nibhubhise abantu bepumalanga. Amatendabo nemihlambabo izakuthathwa namatjhila wakhona azakuthwalwa kanye nayo yoke ipahlabo namakamela. Abantu bazakurhuwelela bathi, ‘Ukwesabeka mahlangothi woke!’ ” USomnini uthi: “Balekani, nizulazule! Zifihleni ekusithekeni nina bahlali beRhatsori ngombana uNebukadiretsari ikosi yeBhabheli ahlelile, wenze ubukhwebetjhana ngani. Zilungiseleni, nisahlele isizwe esizigedlileko, esihlezi ngokuphepha; iye, isizwe esinganamasango namkha iinqabo, abantu baso bazihlalela bodwa.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Amakamelaso azakuba yipango nemihlambaso emikhulu ihlangulwe. Labo abagude iinhloko zabo eenhlafunyweni; ngizabahlakazela emmoyeni wamagumbi woke begodu ngibehlisele ihlekelele mahlangothi woke.” Kutjho uSomnini. IRhatsori lizokuba lidzaba leempungutjha, indawo elibhudu nini nanini. Akunamuntu ozakuhlala lapho, namkha umuntu ozakukhonza khona. Ilizwi lakaSomnini elafika kuJoromiya umphorofidi mayelana ne-Elamu ekuthomeni kokubusa kwakaTsedekhiya ikosi yakwaJuda. Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Qalani, sele ngizokwephula umsebe we-Elamu, iye, igugu lamandlayo wepi. Ngizokwehlisela imimoya emine phezu kwe-Elamu, kusukela emagumbini womane wephasi. Ngizobasabalalisa mahlangothi woke wemimoya leyo. Abaqotjhiweko be-Elamu bazakufunyanwa ezizweni zoke. Ngizokuhlakaza ama-Elamu phambi kwezitha zawo, iye, phambi kwalabo abazumana nepilwawo; ngizokwehlisela ihlekelele phezu kwawo, okutjho itukuthelwami evuthako.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Ngizowagijimisa ngesabula bengiwaqede nya. Ngizokubeka isihlalo sobukhosi bami e-Elamu, ngibhubhise ikosi yakhona neenduna zakhona.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Kodwana emalangeni ezako ngizokutjhugulula ubujamo be-Elamu.” Kutjho uSomnini. Ilizwi uSomnini alikhuluma ngoJoromiya umphorofidi mayelana neBhabheli kanye nenarha yamaKasidi lithi: “Bikani benimemezele hlangana nezizwe, phakamisani iphawu bese niyalimemezela, ningagodli litho, kodwana khulumani, nithi, ‘IBhabheli lithunjiwe! UBhele uzokuhlaziswa, uMerodaki abe nokwesaba. Iinthombembunjwa zalo zizokwesaba.’ Lizakusahlelwa sisizwe sangetlhagwini senze isifunda salo sibe libhudu. Akunamuntu ozakuhlala kiso, abantu neenlwana zalo bazakuzulazula.” USomnini uthi: “Emihleni leyo ngesikhatheso abantu bakwa-Israyeli; iye, bona nabakwaJuda bazakuza ndawonye. Bazakuza balila, bafune uSomnini uZimabo. Bazakubuza indlela eya eZiyoni baphendukele nganeno bathi, ‘Yizani sizihlanganiseni noSomnini ngesivumelwano sanini nanini esingeze sakhohlweka.’ “Abantu bami babe zizimvu ezilahlekileko. Abelusi bazo bazidurhisile, bazibangela bona zehle zenyuke eentabeni. Zazulazula hlangana neentaba nemibundu, zakhohlwa indawazo yokuphumula. Nanyana ngubani ozifunyanako uzidlela zona. Izitha zazo zathi, ‘Asinamlandu ngombana bonile kuSomnini olidlelo lamambala, iye, uSomnini olithemba laboyise.’ “Balekani niphume eBhabheli, phumani enarheni yamaKasidi, nibe njengeempongo ezirhola umhlambi ngombana sele ngizokuvusa umfelandawonye wezizwe ezinamandla. Ngizaziletha zivela enarheni yangetlhagwini. Zizazihlela zijamelane nalo, zilithumbe kusukela ngetlhagwini. Imisubelazo injengeyengorho enekghono engabuyi imkhonoze. Inarha yamaKasidi izakuba yipango, boke abayiphangako bazakusutha.” Kutjho uSomnini. Ngebanga lokobana nina maKasidi niyajekezela benithabile, nina baphangi belifa lami, nituna njengethole nalibhula ikoroyi, nilile njengeenjomani eziduna, unyoko uzakuhlaziswa khulu, owanibelethako uzakurhubutjhwa. Qalani, uzakuba ngomncani ezizweni, abe libhudu, igagadu nerhalawumba. Ngebanga letukuthelo kaSomnini iBhabheli alizukuba nabahlali, lizakuba libhudu lakobhudu. Woke odlula kilo uzakumangala, abe akhuze ngebanga lazo zoke iingemegeme zalo. Zihleleni nijamelane neBhabheli mahlangothi woke nina noke enicuphe umsebe. Lidumuzeni! Ningababaleli imisubela ngombana lonile kuSomnini. Hlokomani kuzwakale ngehla kwalo ncazoke nithi: “Lizinikele, imibhotjhongwalo iwile, amabodalo agiriziwe.” Lokhu kukuzibuyiselela kwakaSomnini. Ngalokho zibuyiseleleni kilo, nenze kilo lokho elakwenza kabanye. Susani otjalako eBhabheli kanye nophethe isegere ngesikhathi sokuvuna. Ngebanga lesabula yonelunya ngiloyo naloyo uzakuphendukela ebantwini bekhabo, omunye nomunye abalekele enarheni yekhabo. U-Israyeli bekayimvu ebalekako egijinyiswe mabhubezi. Owathoma ukuyirhiribidela kwaba yikosi ye-Asiriya, wokugcina owaphohloza amathambayo nguNebukadiretsari ikosi yeBhabheli. Ngalokho-ke nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli: “Ngizokuhlunguphaza ikosi yeBhabheli nenarhayo njengombana ngihlunguphaze ikosi ye-Asiriya. Kodwana ngizokubuyisela u-Israyeli emadlelwenakhe; yeke uzakukarula eKarameli neBhatjhani, iphango lakhe lizakwaneliseka eentatjaneni zakwa-Efrayimu neGiliyadi. Emihleni leyo ngesikhatheso, kuzakwenziwa iphenyo ngomlandu ka-Israyeli, kodwana akuzukufunyanwa litho, lenziwe ngezono zakwaJuda, kodwana kungafunyanwa litho ngombana ngizabe ngicolele imisalela engayibabalelako.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Nina zitha, sahlelani inarha yeMeratayimu nalabo abahlala ePekodi! Bagijimiseni ngesabula nangokurhayila kokupheleleko! Yenzani koke enginiyale ngakho.” Kutjho uSomnini. Itjhada lepi sele lisenarheni, itjhada lokutjhabalaliswa okukhulu! Maye, yephuke beyafahlaka kangangani inondo edule iphasi loke! Maye, libe yiququ kangangani iBhabheli hlangana nezizwe! Ngakubekela isiqupho wena Bhabheli, wabanjwa ungakatjheji, wafunyanwa esiquphweni bewathunjwa ngombana utjhijile uSomnini. USomnini uvule ikumbakhe yeenkhali wakhupha iinkhali zobukhali bakhe ngombana uSomandla, uSomnini uMninimandlawoke, kunomsebenzi ekumele awenze enarheni yamaKasidi. Ngenani eBhabheli nina noke! Vulani iinlulu zalo! Buthelelani abantu balo njengamaqubi wamabele. Batjhabalaliseni nya ningalitjhiyeli namunye umsalela. Hlabani zoke iinkunzi zalo; zehliseleni ebuhlabelweni! Maye kiwo amaKasidi! Ilanga lawo lifikile, iye, isikhathi sokuhlunguphazwa kwawo. Lalelani! Ababaleke nabaphunyurhe enarheni yeBhabheli bayeza kobana bamemezele eZiyoni ukuzibuyiselela kwakaSomnini uZimethu, iye, ukuzibuyiselela kwakhe ngethempeli lakhe. “Bizelani abosomsebe eBhabheli, iye, boke abacupha umsebe! Livimbezeleni mahlangothi woke, akungabikho namunye ophunyurhako! Libuyiseleleni ngezenzo zalo, nenze kilo lokho elakwenza kabanye ngombana lazikhukhumezela uSomnini, oCwengileko ka-Israyeli. Ngalokho amasokanalo azakufela ematatawinalo, woke amajonalo azakuthuliswa mhlokho.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Qala, ngijamelene nawe, wena ozikhukhumezako!” Kutjho uSomnini oyiKosi uMninimandlawoke. “Ngambala ilanga lakho lifikile, ilanga lokobana ngikuhlunguphaze. Ozikhukhumezako uzakukhutjwa bekawe angabi nomuntu omvusako; ngizakuthungelela umlilo emizinakhe ozakuqothula koke okumzombileko.” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke: “Abantu bakwa-Israyeli bagandelelwe nabantu bakwaJuda ngokunjalo. Boke abathumbi babo babakakarele, bayala ukubatjhaphulula. Kodwana umhlengabo unamandla, ibizo lakhe nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke. Uzakujamela indababo ngamandla ukuze alethe ukuphumula enarheni, kodwana kubahlali beBhabheli alethe umguruguru. “Isabula phezu kwamaKasidi!” Kutjho uSomnini. “Iye, phezu kwabahlali beBhabheli naphezu kweenkhulu zalo kanye nabahlakaniphileko balo! Isabula phezu kwabaphorofidi bamala ukuze babe ziindlhadlha. Isabula phezu kweengorho zalo ukuze zirhayilwe! Isabula phezu kweenjomani neenkarana zalo! Isabula phezu kwabo boke abantu abayicubevange abaphakathi kwalo ukuze babe njengabafazi. Isabula phezu kwamagugwalo ukuze aphangwe! Ibutho phezu kwamanzalo ukuze ome kere. Mbala, kuyindawo yeenthombembazwa; bazigqaja ngeenthombe ezisabekako. Nje-ke abothurhu berhalawumba bazakuhlala lapho kanye neempisi. Iinciliba nazo zizakuhlala lapho. IBhabheli angeze belisahlalwa godu babantu namkha lakhiwe iinzukulwana ngeenzukulwana. Njengombana iSodoma neGomora zaketulwa kanye nemizana yakhona, ngokunjalo akakho ozakuhlala eBhabhelapho, akunamuntu ozakhonza kilo.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Qalani, kuza abantu bavela ngetlhagwini! Iye, kuqubuka isizwe esikhulu namakhosi amanengi emajukujukwini wephasi. Bahlome ngemisebe nangemikhonto, banesihluku begodu abanasirhawu. Bazwakala inga lilwandle elibhodlako nabakhwele iinjomani zabo; beza njengamadoda ahlelekele ipi kobana bakusahlele, wena ndodakazi yeBhabheli. Lokha ikosi yeBhabheli nayizwa ngemibiko yabo, yangenwa mamanzi emadolweni, isizi liyibambile; iye, iinhlungu njengomfazi obelethako. Njengebhubezi livela ehlathini eliminyeneko elihlanu kweJordani liya edlelweni esebeni lomlanjana, qalani ngizakugijimisa iBhabheli endawenalo msinyana. Nanyana ngubani engimkhethako ngizambeka kilo. Ngubani onjengami? Ngubani ongangitjhijila na? Ngimuphi umelusi ongajama phambi kwami na?” Ngalokho, yizwani lokho uSomnini akuhlele phezu kweBhabheli, lokho akuhlose ngenarha yamaKasidi: “Kwamambala abesana abelusa imihlambi bazazithathela imihlambi leyo. Iye, uSomnini uzakubangela bonyana amadlelo atjhiywe. Ngetjhada lokuthunjwa kweBhabheli, inarha izakuthuthumela; isililo salo sizakuzwakala hlangana nezizwe.” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Qalani, ngizakuvusa ummoya womtjhabalalisi ujamelane neBhabheli nabantu beLebu-Khamayi. Ngizokuthumela abeli eBhabheli kobana bele bebabhubhise inarha yakhona; bazalithelekela ncazoke ngelanga lehlekelele. Umdumuzi ngomsebe angatjhaphululi umsebakhe namkha ahlubule isambatho sakhe sepi. Ningababaleli amasokanalo, bhubhisani loke ibutho lalo. Abahlatjwe ngesabula bazakuwa enarheni yamaKasidi nabalinyaziweko eendledlaneni zeBhabheli. Mbala, u-Israyeli noJuda abanabuhlolokazi, abakasuswa kuZimabo, iye, kuSomnini uMninimandlawoke, nanyana inarhabo yembethwe mlandu phambi koCwengileko ka-Israyeli. “Balekani niphume eBhabheli! Omunye nomunye asindise ipilwakhe. Ningabhujiswa ngebanga lezono zalo. Sele kusikhathi sokuzibuyiselela kwakaSomnini; uzalikhokhela lokho okulifaneleko. IBhabheli beliyikapho yegolide esandleni sakaSomnini, ladakisa loke iphasi. Izizwe zasela iwayinalo, nje-ke, ziyadlharuma. IBhabheli lizakuwa msinyana belephuke. Lilileleni, lifunyaneleni intatha yobuhlungu balo, mhlamunye lingaphola.” Abakhozi balo bathi: “Besizalelapha iBhabheli, kodwana angeze lelapheka. Asilisukeleni! Omunye nomunye wethu aziyele enarhenakhe ngombana isigwebo salo sifikelela emkayini, siphakeme njengamafu.” Abathunjwa bathi: “USomnini uvuselele ubuntu bethu! Yeke nambani siyokubika eZiyoni izenzo zakaSomnini uZimethu.” Lolani imisubela, nigcwalise iinlanda ngayo. USomnini uvuse ummoya wamakhosi wamaMede ngombana ihloswakhe kubhubhisa iBhabheli. USomnini uzozibuyiselela, iye, abuyiselele ithempeli lakhe. Phakamisani iphawu emithangaleni yeBhabheli! Qinisani abalindi, bekani ababekilihlo, nizilungiselele ukunanabela! Mbala, uSomnini uhlosile bewafeza lokho akukhulume mayelana nabahlali beBhabheli. Wena ohlala hlanu komlambo omkhulu nonamagugu amanengi, isiphetho sakho sifikile, isikhathi sokobana ujutjwe. USomnini uMninimandlawoke uzifungile: “Ngambala ngikuzalisa ngamadoda kube inga lijuma leentethe; azakuhlaba umkhosi wokuhlula ngawe Bhabheli.” Nguye owenze iphasi ngamandlakhe, wasekela ilizwe ngokuhlakanipha kwakhe, wendlala amazulu ngelwazi lakhe. Lokha nazwakalisa ilizwi lakhe, kuhlokoma amanzi emazulwini; wenza amafu amhlophe aphume epelazwe. Uthumela imibani ekhambisana nezulu, aphephethise ummoya eenlulwini zakhe. Woke umuntu usidlhayela begodu akanalwazi; woke umncibilikisi uhlaziswa bosingazimu bakhe. Iinthombembunjwa zakhe zimamala, azinamphefumulo ngaphakathi kwazo. Zililize lakolize, ziziinkohliso; isikhathi sokugwetjwa kwazo nasifikako, zizakubhubha. Kodwana osisabelo sakaJakopo akasinjalo, ngombana ungumbumbi wakho koke, ngitjho no-Israyeli, oyikoro engeyakhe. Ibizo lakhe nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke. “Wena Joromiya uyipinga yami, isikhali sami sepi, ngawe ngiphohloza izizwe, ngawe ngibhubhisa imibuso, ngawe ngiphohloza injomani nomkhwelayo, ngawe ngiphohloza ikarana yepi nomtjhayelayo, ngawe ngiphohloza indoda nomfazi, ngawe ngiphohloza omdala nomutjha, ngawe ngiphohloza isokana nomntazana, ngawe ngiphohloza umelusi nomhlambi, ngawe ngiphohloza umlimi nekomo, ngawe ngiphohloza ababusi neenkhulu. “Ngizakubuyiselela iBhabheli nabo boke abahlali benarha yamaKasidi ngebanga lakho koke okumbi abakwenze phambi kwenu eZiyoni.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Qala, ngijamelene nawe, wena ntaba yomrhayili, wena orhayila iphasi loke.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Ngizakwelula isandla sami ngijamelane nawe, ngikuphosele phasi ekuzikeni, ngikwenze ube yintaba etjhisiweko. Akunalitje elizakuthathwa kuwe ukwenza ijika, namkha elinye ilitje kobana kwenziwe isisekelo, ngombana uzakuhlala umarubhi wamlibe.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Phakamisani iphawu enarheni! Vuthelani ipalapala hlangana nezizwe! Cwengisani izizwe kobana ziye epini zilwe neBhabheli. Buthelani ndawonye imibuso le, ijamelane nalo: i-Ararathi, iMini ne-Atjhikenazi. Bekani umlawuli wepi ajamelane nalo, nithumele iinjomani ezembatha inarha yoke njengewoma leentethe. Cwengisani izizwe kobana zilwe nalo: amakhosi wamaMede, ababusi neenkhulu zawo kanye nazo zoke iinarha ezibuswa makhosi lawo. Nje-ke inarha izakuthuthumela beyikoropane ngombana ihloso kaSomnini ngeBhabheli isajamile, ukwenza isifunda seBhabheli sibe libhudu ukuze kungabikho ohlala khona. Iingorho zeBhabheli zilisile ukulwa; zihlezi ngeemphephelweni. Amandlazo aphelile, sese zifana nabafazi. Imizi yeBhabheli ithungelelwe ngomlilo, iinqabo zamasangwayo zephuliwe. Isigijimi sigijima sihlangabeze esinye nesithunywa sihlangabeze isithunywa ukubikela ikosi yeBhabheli bonyana idorobho layo lithunjwe mahlangothi woke. Amazibuko avinjezelwe, umgaba emlanjeni uthungelwe ngomlilo, amajoni anevalo.” Mbala, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli: “Indodakazi yeBhabheli ifana neselelo lokha nasigangadelweko, isikhathi sokuvuna sizakufika msinyana.” “UNebukadiretsari ikosi yeBhabheli ungirhiribidele wangiminyelela ngoma kere, wangifuthela phasi njengomjeka onganalitho. Ungiginye njengenyoka, wazalisa isisu sakhe ngomhlosi wami, wagcina ngokungikhafula. Inturhu nokulinyazwa okwenziwe kimi akube phezu kweBhabheli.” Kutjho iZiyoni. “Iingazi zami zibe phezu kwabahlali benarha yamaKasidi.” Kutjho iJerusalema. Ngalokho nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: “Qalani, ngizokujamela indabakho, ngikubuyiselele wena Jerusalema. Ngizakomisa ilwandle leBhabheli ngitjhise nomthombalo. IBhabheli lizakuba isiqorho samatje, idzaba leempungutjha, ibhudu nento yokurarekelwa, indawo engahlalwa mumuntu. Kwanje abantu balo basabhodla ndawonye njengamabhubezi, iye, barora njengamabhubezana. Kodwana kuzakuthi lokha nabasagugekileko ngibalungiselele umnyanya, ngibadakise ukuze bahlekele phezulu bese balalela safuthi bangasavuka godu.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Ngizabehlisela ebuhlabelweni njengezimvu, iye, njengamaqama neempongo. “Maye, iTjhetjhaki lithunjiwe! Idorobho elikhethekileko ephasini loke, libanjwe! Maye, iBhabheli selibe sinyenyiso hlangana nezizwe! Ilwandle likhuphukele ngehla kweBhabheli, ukubhodla kwamadlambalo kuligubuzesile. Imizanalo ilibhudu, iye, iyindawo yesomiso nerhalawumba, yindawo engahlalwa mumuntu nalapha kungadluli khona umuntu. Ngizakuhlunguphaza uBhele eBhabheli, ngimkhafulise akuginyileko. Izizwe angeze zisawulukela kuye. “Umthangala weBhabheli uwe bhusu! Nje-ke, phumani kilo bantu bami! Omunye nomunye asindise ipilwakhe etukuthelweni evuthako kaSomnini. Nakungasinjalo nizakunyefa ummongo benesabe amahlebezi azwakala enarheni; iye, ihlebezana yomnyaka nomnyaka ngenturhu enarheni kanye nangombusi ovukela umbusi. “Ngambala isikhathi siyeza lapha ngizokuhlunguphaza khona iinthombe zeBhabheli. Yoke inarhalo izakuhlaziswa nabahlatjwe ngesabula balo bazakurabhalala ngaphakathi kwalo. Yeke izulu nephasi nakho koke okukikho kuzakuhlokoma ngeBhabheli. Ngambala abarhayili balithelekela bavela ngetlhagwini.” Kutjho uSomnini. “IBhabheli nalo kufanele liwe ngebanga labakwa-Israyeli ababuleweko, njengombana ababuleweko bephasi loke bawe ngebanga leBhabheli. Nina abaphunyurhe esabuleni, khambani, ningajami! Khumbulani uSomnini nisenarheni ekude neJerusalema libe semkhumbulwenenu. Nina nithi, ‘Sihlazisiwe, sizizwile iinhlamba nehlazo lembese ubuso bethu lokha abaqhamuki nabangena ngeendaweni ezicwengileko zethempeli lakaSomnini.’ Yeke, qalani isikhathi siyeza lapha ngizakuhlunguphaza khona iinthombe zalo begodu kiyo yoke inarhalo abahlatjwe ngesabula bazakububula.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Ngitjho nanyana iBhabheli lifika emkayini liqinise isiphephelo salo esiphakemeko, abarhayili abavela kimi bazakungena kilo.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Itjhada lesililo livela ngeBhabheli, iye, itjhada lokubhujiswa okukhulu enarheni yamaKasidi.” USomnini uzokurhayila iBhabheli, athulise itjhada lalo elikhulu. Amavili weenkarana zepi zezitha arhaza njengamanzi amanengi; kuzwakala ukuhlokoma kwamezwazo. Umrhayili uthelekela iBhabheli, iye umrhayili ujamelana nalo. Iingorho zalo ziyathunjwa, imisebe yazo iyaphohlozwa ngombana uSomnini unguZimu wokubuyiselela; mbala, nakukubuyiselela, uyabuyiselela. “Ngizakudakisa iinkhulu nabahlakaniphileko balo ababusi, iinduna kanye neengorho zalo ngokunjalo, bazakulalela safuthi bangasavuki.” Kutjho uSomnini oyiKosi, ibizo lakhe elinguMninimandlawoke. Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke: “Umthangala obanzi weBhabheli uzakufadalaliswa, amasangwalo aphakemeko athungelelwe ngomlilo. Iye, abantu basebenzela ilize nezizwe iimvuthiso zomlilo, lokho kwaba mtjhikatjhika wazo.” USeraya umsa kaNeriya omsa kaMarhaseya waya eBhabheli noTsedekhiya ikosi yakwaJuda ngomnyaka wesine wokubusa kwakhe. Gade amphathi weendlela zekosi lokha nayiya eBhabheli. Nje-ke umphorofidi uJoromiya wamnikela umyalo. UJoromiya gade atlole emsongweni owodwa ngayo yoke ihlekelele ebeyizakwehlela iBhabheli, iye, woke amezwi lawo ebekatlolwe ngaphambilini ngeBhabheli. Wathi kuSeraya: “Lokha nawungena eBhabheli, liqalisise bese ufundela phezulu woke amezwi la. Ngemva kwalapho uthi, ‘Somnini, wena ngokwakho ukhulume ngokujamelana nendawo le kobana uzayibhubhisa ukuze kungabi namuntu ngitjho nefuyo ezakuhlala kiyo, ibe marubhi wamlibe.’ Nawuqeda ukufunda umsongo lo, ubophelele ilitje kiwo bese uwuphosela ngeYufrathe. Yeke uzakuthi, ‘Ngokunjalo iBhabheli lizakutjhingela lingasavumbuka ngebanga lehlekelele engizalehlisela phezu kwalo.’ ” Amezwi athi “lokho kwaba mtjhikatjhika wazo” bekumamezwi wokugcina kaJoromiya. UTsedekhiya gade aneminyaka ematjhumi amabili nanye lokha nakathoma ukubusa. Wabusa eJerusalema iminyaka elitjhumi nanye. Ibizo lakanina bekunguRhamuthali indodakazi kaJoromiya weLibhina. Wenza ubumbi phambi kwakaSomnini njengoJehoyakhimu. Kwaba ngenca yokusilingeka kwakaSomnini uZimu bona koke lokhu kwenzeke eJerusalema nakwaJuda. Ekugcineni wabathanyela phambi kwakhe. UTsedekhiya wayihlubuka ikosi yeBhabheli. Nje-ke ngomnyaka wethoba wokubusa kwakaTsedekhiya, inyanga yetjhumi nayinamalanga alitjhumi, uNebukadiretsari ikosi yeBhabheli nebutho lakhe loke warhwanta, wavimbezela iJerusalema bewakha iinqabo mazombe nalo. Idorobheli lavinjezelwa bekwaba mnyaka wetjhumi nanye wokubusa kwekosi uTsedekhiya. Indlala beyirhagele khulu ngedorobheni kangangobana abantu bendawo gade bangasenalitho elidliwako. Kwathi ngelanga lethoba lenyanga yesine amaKasidi aphundlukela ngedorobheni ngomthangala. Woke amajoni abaleka ebusuku afahla ngesango elihlangana nemithangala emibili eya esivandeni sekosi. Nanyana amaKasidi gade azombeleze idorobho loke, amajoni kanye nekosi abaleka ngendlela yangemrhobeni weJordani. Kodwana ibutho lamaKasidi layilala nje ikosi uTsedekhiya belayifunyana emrhobeni weJordani emrhuleni weJerikho. Woke amajonayo asuswa kiyo aphadlhalajwa. Yona yathunjwa yasiwa ekosini yeBhabheli eRibhila enarheni yeRhamathi, lapha isigwebo sayo sakhutjhwa khona. Lapho eRibhila ikosi yeBhabheli yabulala amadodana kaTsedekhiya phambi kwakhe, godu yabulala nazo zoke iinduna zakwaJuda. Yagobhodlha amehlo kaTsedekhiya, yambopha ngamakhamandela wekoporo, yakhamba naye eBhabheli lapha yafese yamfaka khona ngesikhungweni bekwaba mhlana ahlongakalako. Ngomnyaka wetjhumi nethoba wokubusa kwakaNebukadiretsari ikosi yeBhabheli, lokha inyanga yesihlanu inamalanga alitjhumi, uNebuzaradani umphathi wobuzimba oyinduna yekosi yeBhabheli, weza eJerusalema, wafese wathungelela ithempeli lakaSomnini, isigodlo nezindlu zoke zeJerusalema ngomlilo. Waqothula nezakhiwo zoke eziqakathekileko. Loke ibutho lamaKasidi elalingaphasi komphathi wobuzimba lephula umthangala ozombeleze iJerusalema. Abanye babantu abadududu nalabo abazinikela ekosini yeBhabheli, iinhlabani zamadoda egade zisasele ngedorobheni kanye nabososino, badingiswa nguNebuzaradani umphathi wobuzimba. Watjhiya abanye balabo abadududu benarha bona babe balimi nabatjheji besidiribe. AmaKasidi ephula iinsika zekoporo, iinjamiso zezitja zokuhlambela kanye nebhada ekulu yekoporo okwakugade kusethempelini lakaSomnini, athwala ikoporwelo alisa eBhabheli. Athwala ngitjho neembiza, iintjhefula, iinquntapete, izitja zokunyenyeza, izitjana nakho koke kwekoporo okusetjenziselwa ukulotjha ngethempelini. Umphathi wobuzimba wathatha zoke iinsetjenziswa zegolidembala nezesilivambala, okusankapho, izitja zokutjhisela itjhwalo nezokunyenyeza, iimbiza, ilithi leembani, izitjana kanye neemvubelo. Ikoporo yeensika ezimbili, yebhada ekulu neyeenkunzi ezilitjhumi nambili ebezingaphasi kwebhada leyo, kanye nekoporo yeenjamiso zezitja zokuhlambela uSolomoni azenzela ithempeli lakaSomnini, beyingaphezu kwesilinganiso. Enye nenye isika begade pheze imamitha abunane nesiquntu ukuphakama namamitha pheze abe mahlanu nesiquntu ubundulungu. Beyimrhohlo, inomphetho ongaba mimino emine ububanzi. Phezu kwayo kunepundu yekoporo elimitha nesiquntu ukuphakama, ikghatjiswe yoke mazombe ngemiluko nangamarharinada wekoporo. Isika yesibili beyifana neyokuthoma. Amarharinada ebekabonakala ngemahlangothini wepundu bekamatjhumi alithoba nathandathu. Nasele awoke amarharinada nalawo asemlukweni, gade alikhulu. Umphathi wobuzimba wathumba uSeraya umphristi omkhulu, uZefaniya ongaphasi kwakhe ngesikhundla kanye nabalindi besango abathathu njengeembotjhwa. EJerusalema wathatha isikhulu sesigodlo nabeluleki abalikhomba bekosi ebegade basese ngedorobhenapho, umabhalana womphathibutho ogade abizela abantu bendawo epini kanye namatjhumi asithandathu wabantu bendawo nabo ebegade basese ngedorobheni. UNebuzaradani umphathi wobuzimba wabathatha boke abantwaba wabaletha ekosini yeBhabheli eRibhila. Ikosi yeBhabheli yabamadlha beyababulalela khona eRibhila, enarheni yeRhamathi. Nje-ke uJuda wathunjelwa kude nendawo yekhabo. Lesi sibalo sabantu uNebukadiretsari abasa ekuthunjweni: ngomnyaka wekhomba kwaba maJuda aziinkulungwana ezintathu namatjhumi amabili nantathu, emnyakeni wetjhumi nobunane kaNebukadiretsari, kwaba babantu beJerusalema abamakhulu abunane namatjhumi amathathu nambili; emnyakenakhe wamatjhumi amabili nantathu, amaJuda amakhulu alikhomba namatjhumi amane nahlanu athathwa nguNebuzaradani umphathi wobuzimba wawasa ekuthunjweni. Kwaba babantu abaziinkulungwana ezine namatjhumi asithandathu sele baboke. Mhla amalanga amatjhumi amabili nahlanu enyangeni yetjhumi nambili womnyaka wamatjhumi amathathu nekhomba wokudingiswa kwakaJehoyakini ikosi yakwaJuda, u-Evili-Merodaki nathoma ukubusa eBhabheli, watjhaphulula uJehoyakini ngesikhungweni. Wakhuluma kuhle naye bewamnikela nesikhundla esihloniphekileko esingaphezu kwaleso samakhosi amanye ebegade anaye eBhabheli. Yeke uJehoyakini akhange asembatha izambatho zangesikhungweni. Soke isikhathi sokuphila kwakhe wagoma njalo etafuleni lekosi yeBhabheli. Imihla ngemihla ikosi yapha uJehoyakini isibonelelo qobe asaphila, iye, bekwaba kumhla ahlongakalako. Maye, linesizungu idorobho, elalihlala liphithizela abantu! Awu, sese lifana nomhlolokazi, yena ebegade amkhulu phakathi kwezizwe! Gade liyindlovukazi phakathi kweemfunda, kwanjesi sele lisisembamgodi. Ebusuku likhihla isililo, iinyembezi zehle emihlathinalo. Phakathi kwazo zoke iinthandwa zalo, asikho nesisodwa esiliduduzako. Boke abangani balo balirhwalile, baphenduke izitha zalo. UJuda uye ekuthunjweni ngeenhlungu nangokusebenza nzima. Gadesi uhlala hlangana nezizwe, angafunyani indawo yokuphumula; boke abamgijimisako bamthelekela aseensizini zakhe. Iindlela eziya eZiyoni ziyalila ngombana akakho oza eminyanyeni; woke amasangwalo akanabantu, abaphristi balo bayaquma, amatlawanalo ayabubula, nalo linobumunyu. Izitha zalo ziyihloko amanabalo ayaphumelela ngombana uSomnini ulihlunguphazile ngeemphambeko zalo ezinenginengi. Abantwabalo baye ekuthunjweni baragwa sisitha. Boke ubukhosi balo busukile endodakazini yeZiyoni. Amakhosanalo afana neenhlangumataka ezingafunyani amadlelo zigijima zinganamandla phambi kwabazigijimisako. Emihleni yokuhlunguphazwa nokundinda kwalo, iJerusalema likhumbula zoke izinto ezihle ebekungezalo emihleni yakade. Lokha abantu balo nabawela ezandleni zezitha, azange kwaba khona olisizako, izitha zaliqala zahleka ukuwa kwalo. IJerusalema lone khulu, nje-ke, sese liphenduke isihlekiso. Boke ebebalihlonipha sele balidelela ngombana balibonele. Nalo ngokwalo liyaquma, lifulathele. Ukusilaphala kwalo bekuseemvunulweni zalo, lokha nalonako azange licabange ngekusasa lalo. Ukuwa kwalo bekuphazamisa khulu ngombana belinganamduduzi. Lathi: “Maye Somnini, akhe uqale iinhlungu zami ngombana isitha singihlulile!” Isitha selulele isandla saso phezu kwawo woke amagugwalo begodu libone izizwe zizingenela endawenalo ecwengileko, wena Somnini owayala kobana zingangeni ehlanganwenakho. Boke abantu balo bayabubula nabafunana nesikwa, banana amagugwabo ngokugoma ukuze bavuselele umphefumulo. Qala Somnini, ubone kobana angisenabubhadekelo. Noke nina enidlula ngendlela, akutjho litho kini lokhu na? Qalani nibone nakube kunesizi elifana nelameli, engapharwa ngalo, iye, uSomnini angihlunguphaza ngalo ngelanga letukuthelwakhe evuthako. Wathumela umlilo uvela phezulu, wawehlisela emathanjenami, wendlalela iinyawo zami inede, wangibuyisela emuva. Wangitjhiya nginganabuyo, imini yoke ngibuthakathaka. Wangibophelela ijogi leemphambeko zami, iye, ngesandla sakhe bezibotjhelelwe ndawonye. Zabekwa entanyenami ngaphelelwa mamandla. USomandla wanginikela kilabo engingeze ngajamelana nabo. USomandla ulahle abosaziwako bami ngaphakathi kwami; wamemezela isikhathi sokuvuna phezu kwami kobana abhule amasokanami. USomandla ugadange itlawu lakwaJuda, njengebutlhodlhelweni bewayini. Ngiyalila ngezintwezi, ilihlo, iye, ilihlo lami liwuluka iinyembezi; mbala, umduduzi ukude nami, okunguye ongavuselela umphefumulo. Abantwabami abanabuyo ngombana isitha sihlulile. IZiyoni likhongozele, kodwana alinamduduzi. USomnini uyale ngoJakopo kobana abamzombileko babe zizitha; iJerusalema sele lisinyenyiso phakathi kwabo. USomnini ulungile ngombana ngihlubuke ilizwi. Lalelani noke nina zizwe, niyelele isizi lami: Amatlawu namasokanami asiwe ekuthunjweni. Ngabiza iinthandwa zami kodwana zona zangihlamuka. Abaphristi nabaphathi bami babhubhela ngedorobheni nabasazifunela kokugoma kobana bavuselele umphefumulwabo. Qala Somnini, ngisesizini! Isisu sami siyasika nehliziyo ngaphakathi kwami iwurubajekile ngombana ngihlubuke khulu. Endledlaneni isabula ingilobisele abantwana, ngekumbeni kunokufa kwaphela! Somnini, yizwa ukububula kwami ngombana anginamduduzi. Zoke izitha zami zezwa ngamatshwenyekwami, zajabula kobana nguwe owangehlisela wona. Ilanga owalimemezelako ulilethile. Nazo azibe njengami. Akuthi zoke izenzo zazo ezimbi zibe phambi kwakho nazo uzenze owasenza kimi ngebanga lazo zoke iimphambeko zami. Mbala, ukububula kwami kukhulu nehliziywami idanile. Maye etukuthelwenakhe uSomandla uyibhibeze kangangani indodakazi yeZiyoni! Kuthe ubuphaziphazi bakwa-Israyeli busemkayini, wabuphosela phasi. Azange akhumbule isenabelo seenyawo zakhe ngelanga letukuthelwakhe. USomandla ugomojele woke amadlelo kaJakopo ngaphandle kwesirhawu; ngetukuthelwakhe ugirize zoke iimphephelo zendodakazi yakwaJuda. Umadlhe phasi bewasilaphaza umbuso neenkhulu zawo. Ngetukuthelo evuthako uqunte zoke iimpondo zaka-Israyeli. Ususe isidla sakhe lokha isitha nasizako. Uvuthe njengamalangabi kwaJakopo, waqothula yoke indawo. Ucuphe umsebakhe njengesitha, ngesidla sakhe wawuthiya njengenaba. Ubulele koke okukara amehlo ngetendeni lendodakazi yeZiyoni; Uthulule ilaka lakhe njengomlilo. USomandla ube njengesitha, ugomojele u-Israyeli! Iye, ugomojele yoke imibhotjhongo yeJerusalema, wonakalisa amadorobho anemithangala kwa-Israyeli. Wandisa ukulila nokuzila endodakazini yakwaJuda. Utlhifirije ithempeli lakhe inga sidalasi esivandeni; watjhabalalisa indawakhe yomnyanya. USomnini uphelise eZiyoni umnyanya neSabatha. Ngokufutheka kwetukuthelwakhe wadela ikosi nomphristi. USomandla unyefule i-aldari lakhe, walahla ikumbakhe ecwengileko. Unikele imithangala yeemphephelo zeJerusalema ezandleni zesitha. Kwahlokonywa ngethempelini lakaSomnini njengamhla womnyanya. USomnini wazimisela ukubhuruza umthangala wendodakazi yeZiyoni: Welula umuda, azange agodle isandla sakhe ekutjhabalaliseni, wabanga bonyana umbundu nomthangala kuzile, kwaphela amandla ndawonye. Amasango weJerusalema acwila equlwanini, uSomnini watjhabalalisa bewephula iinqabo zalo. Ikosi namakhosanalo aphakathi kwezizwe, akusenamthetho wabaphristi, ngitjho nabaphorofidi bakhona abasafunyani imibono kuSomnini. Abaphathi bendodakazi yeZiyoni bahlezi equlwanini bathulile, bazithele ngethuli eenhloko bembatha iinzilo. Amatlawu weJerusalema ahlome iinhloko phasi. Amehlwami afiphala ngeenyembezi, isisu sami siyasika, inyongwami ichithekela equlwanini ngebanga lokuphodlheka kwabantu bami: Amasana nabantwana baphela amandla, eendledlaneni zedorobho. Balilela abonina, bathi: “Siphi isikwa newayini na?” Baphela amandla njengabahlatjwe ngesabula eendledlaneni zedorobho; bakhuphela imiphefumulwabo eemfubeni zabonina. Ngizakufanisa nasiphi isibonelo, ngikulinganise nani, wena ndodakazi yeJerusalema na? Ngizakufanisa nani ukuze ngikududuze wena tlawu leZiyoni na? Ngambala ukuphodlheka kwakho kubanzi njengelwandle. Ngubani ongakwelapha na? Abaphorofidi bakho bakuvezele ikohliso nelize, azange bembule icala lakho kobana batjhugulule ubujamo bakho. Kunalokho bakulethele imilayezo eyikohliso nedurhisako. Boke abadlula ngendlela bakuthintithela izandla. Bayakukhuza bebakuthintithele iinhloko wena ndodakazi yeJerusalema, bathi: “Ingabe leli lidorobho ebelibizwa bonyana ngunobuhle, ithabo lephasi loke na?” Zoke izitha zakho zikhuluma khulu ngawe. Ziyababaza, zihline, zirhuwelele zithi: “Siyirhiribidele! Ngambala leli lilanga ebesililindile, sesifikile kilo, sekunjalo-ke!” USomnini wenze akuhlosileko, uphumelelise ilizwi lakhe njengombana alijamisa kade. Ugirizile ngaphandle kwesirhawu; wajabulisa isitha ngawe, waphakamisa iphondo lamanabakho. Iinhliziyo zabantwana zililela uSomandla. Wena mthangala wendodakazi yeZiyoni wulula iinyembezi, zehle njengomlanjana ubusuku nemini! Ungaziphi ukuphumula, nethoro yelihlo lakho ingaledlhi. Vuka urhahlawule ebusuku, ekuthomeni kwesikhathi sabalindi! Thulula ihliziywakho njengamanzi, phambi kobukhona bakaSomandla! Phakamisela izandla zakho kuye ngebanga lepilo yabantwabakho, abatsirimezwa yindlala emajikeni wazo zoke iindledlana. Awu, Somnini, akhe uqale bewuyelele! Ukwenze kubani godu lokhu na? Kumele abafazi badle iinthelo zabo, abantwana ababasingathileko na? Kumele abaphristi nabaphorofidi babulawe endaweni ecwengileko kaSomandla na? Abadala nabatjha balele phasi eendledlaneni, amatlawu namasokanami abulewe ngesabula. Wena wawabulala ngelanga letukuthelwakho, wawarhayila ngaphandle kwesirhawu. Umeme abangisahlelako mahlangothi woke kwanga lilanga lomnyanya. Ngelanga letukuthelo kaSomnini akakho namunye owaphunyurha namkha wasinda. Labo engibasingathileko bengabakhulisa, isitha sami sibaqedile. Ngimumuntu owazi ubuhlungu beswazi letukuthelo kaSomnini. Ungiqotjhile bewangikhambisa ebumnyameni obunganamkhanyo. Ngambala, isandla sakhe singiphendukele kanenginengi, imini yoke. Ukhehlise isikhumba nenyamami, wafahlaza amathambami. Ungivimbezele ngeenqabo, wangizombeleza ngobuthi nangobudisi. Ungihlalise eendaweni ezimnyama njengalabo abafa kade. Ungibiyele ngeboda ukuze ngingabaleki; wenza amakhamandelami aba budisi. Ngitjho nanyana ngirhuwelela ngifuna isizo, uvalela umthandazwami ngaphandle. Uqabe iindlela zami ngamatje abaziweko, wasonganisa imizilami. Ulibhere elinanabelako, iye, ibhubezi elibadaleleko. Uvale iindlela zami, wangidabula; wangenza ihlekelele. Wacupha umsebakhe, wangenza isinenjwa semisubelakhe. Wahlaba indenami ngemisubela engemgodlenakhe. Ngaba sihlekiso sabo boke abantu bekhethu, iye, ingomabo yesiphoqo imini yoke. Wangifunza umhlonyani wangiseza isibharha. Wenza amazinywami aququda igagadu, wangibhudabhuda emlotheni. Umphefumulwami awunakuthula nokuhle angisakwazi. Yeke ngathi: “Idumo lami liphelile; iye, ebengilirhuluphele kuSomnini.” Somnini, khumbula isizi nokuzula kwami, iye, isibharha nobuthi. Umphefumulwami uhlala ukukhumbula lokhu nommoyami uphasi. Kodwana nakhu engizakubeka engqondweni ngalokho nginerhuluphelo: Kungebanga lokwethembeka kwakaSomnini kobana singabhujiswa, iye, kungenca yesirhawu sakhe esingapheliko. Siba sitjha njalo ekuseni; mbala, bukhulu ubuqotho bakhe. Umphefumulwami uthi: “USomnini usisabelo sami, yeke ngizakurhuluphela kuye.” USomnini ulungile kilabo abathembela kuye, iye, kiloyo omfunako. Ulungile uSomnini, nje-ke, rhuluphela ngokuthula isindiswakhe. Iye, ulungile emuntwini lokha nathwala ijogi asesemutjha. Akahlale yedwa athule, ngombana uSomnini umthwese lona. Akawe ngobuso phasi, mhlamunye kunethemba lapho. Akanikele umhlathakhe kiloyo omwakalako, abe anele ngehlazo. Ngambala, uSomandla akalahleli safuthi. Nanyana ahlunguphaza, uzakuba nesirhawu ukuya ngokwethembeka kwakhe okukhulu ngombana akuveli ehliziywenakhe ukugandelela nokuhlunguphaza abantu. Abantu bathi: “Isitha sigadangele ngaphasi kweenyawo zaso zoke iimbotjhwa zenarha. Siphambanisa amalungelo wobuntu ngaphambi kongoPhezulu; simdlelezela ilungelo lomthetho. Kodwana uSomandla akakuboni lokho.” Ngubani oyale ukwenzeka kwehlekelele? Lokho azange kuvele emlonyeni kaSomandla. Emlonyeni wongoPhezulu akuveli okumbi, kodwana okuhle kodwa. Kubayini umuntu ophilako anghonghoyila ngomphumela wezono zakhe na? Asihloleni iindlela zethu sizizizinye, sibuyeleni kuSomnini. Asiphakamiseleni iinhliziyo nezandla zethu kuZimu osezulwini, sithi: “Ngithi esiphambukileko besahlubuka begodu wena azange ukhohlwe. “Uzembese ngetukuthelo bewasigijmisa, warhayila ngaphandle kwesirhawu. Uzembese ngelifu kobana ungafikelelwa mthandazo. Usenze amanyela neenzibi hlangana nezizwe. “Zoke izitha zethu zikhulume khulu ngathi. Isabelo sethu kukwesaba nethunzi elimnyama, ukubhujiswa nokutjhabalaliswa.” Amehlwami awuluka imilanjana yamanzi ngebanga lokuphodlheka kwabantu bami. Amehlwami azakugeleza mlibe, iye, angaqedi kufikela lapha uSomnini aqala khona phasi, abone asezulwini. Engikubonako kungilethela isizi ngebanga lawo woke amadodakazi wedorobho lekhethu. Izitha zami zangizuma njengenyoni, ngaphandle kwesizathu. Zaqeda ipilwami ngemthathamanzini: Zangiphosa ngamatje; amanzi angigubuzesa, ngadlumbana bona kuphelile ngami! Ngabiza ibizo lakho wena Somnini, ngisekuzikeni komphathamanzi; wezwa isililo sami lokha nangithi: “Ungavali indlebakho ngokurhitjhwa kwami nalokha ngifuna isizo.” Nangikubizako begade useduze nami, wathi kimi: “Ungesabi.” Somandla, wajamela indabami lokha umphefumulwami usengozini, wahlenga ipilwami. Somnini, ubonile ukugandelelwa kwami, nje-ke, jamela indabami! Ubonile koke ukuzibuyiselela kwabo, woke amano abanawo ngami. Somnini, uzizwile iinhlamba zabo, woke amano wabo ngami, ukuhlebeza nokuphoqa kwabajamelani bami imini yoke. Yelela koke abakwenzako; sengiyingomabo yesiphoqo. Bavuze njengokubafaneleko, Somnini, ngokuya ngemisebenzi yezandla zabo. Banikele ihliziyo enesizi, amanikelelakho abe phezu kwabo! Bagijimise ngetukuthelo, ubabhubhise ngaphasi kwamazulwakho, Somnini. Maye, igolide elidarhileko lifiphele, iye, igolidembala! Amatje acwengileko arhatjhekile emajikeni wazo zoke iindledlana. Amadodana weZiyoni aligugu ebegade alinganiswa negolidembala, gadesi sele afaniswa nemijeka okumsebenzi wezandla zombumbi! Ngitjho neempungutjha ziyehlisa kobana zimunyise imindlwanazo, kodwana amadodakazi wekhethu akanasirhawu njengeenciliba erhalawumbeni. Ngebanga lokoma amalimu wamasana anamathela kurhwalabha; abantwana bakhombela isikwa kodwana akunamuntu obahlephulelako. Labo abakhe bagoma iinkhanakhana bagelagela eendledlaneni batlhaphile. Iye, labo ebebembatha ezibubende gadesi baphendla ezaleni. Isibetho secala labantu bami, sikhulu kunesesono seSodoma eyaketulwa ngomzuzwana ngaphandle kwesandla somuntu. Amakhosana wakhona gade adarhe ukwedlula iliqhwa, amhlophe ukwedlula ibisi, imizimbawo ikhanya ukwedlula amarubi, ukuvela kwawo kunjengamasafaya. Kodwana kwanjesi sese anzima kunomsizi, akasafaniseki eendledlaneni. Isikhumba sawo sinamathele emathanjenawo, sirhwatjhe inga sigodo. Abahlatjwe ngesabula bangcono khulu kunababulawa yindlala; baqedwe liphango, baphela amandla ngokuswela umkhiqizo wemasimini. Izandla zabafazi abanesirhawu zapheka abantwababo; ababa kukudla kwabo lokha abantu bami nabaphodlhekako. USomnini uphelelise itukuthelwakhe, uthulule ilaka lakhe elivuthako: Uvuthise umlilo eZiyoni oqothule iinsekelo zalo. Amakhosi, ngitjho nabo boke abahlali bephasi, azange bakholwe kobana izitha namanaba angangena emasangweni weJerusalema. Kwenzeka ngebanga lezono zabaphorofidi balo namacala wabaphristi balo, abathulula iingazi zabalungileko ngaphakathi kwalo. Nje-ke bazulazula eendledlaneni, njengabantu abangaboniko. Basilaphazwe ziingazi kangangobana akakho othinta ingubabo. “Sukani! Nisilaphele!” Iye, abantu bathi kibo: “Sukani! Sukani! Ningasithinti!” Nje-ke basuka, bazulazula. Hlangana nezizwe abantu bathi: “Bangasakhonza lapha!” USomnini ngokwakhe ubahlakazile, akasazobatjheja. Abantu abasahloniphi abaphristi begodu abasathandi abaphathi. Amehlwethu afiphele ngokurhuluphela isizo, kodwana kulilize lakolize. Siseenthaleni zethu saqala isizwe esingasiza, kodwana azange sibe khona esingasindisa. Isitha sasihlala eenthendeni besabhalelwa kukhamba eendledlaneni zethu. Isiphetho sethu besele sitjhidele namalangethu sele abaliwe, iye, isiphetho sethu sifikile. Abasigijimisako bebanebelo kunamakhozi emkayini, basilandelela basikhweza iintaba, basilalela erhalawumbeni. Ozesiweko kaSomnini, okuphila kwethu, wabanjwa emgodini wezifu zabo; iye, esadlumbana ngaye bona emthunzinakhe sizakuhlala hlangana nezizwe. Jekezela uthabe ndodakazi ye-Edomu; wena ohlala enarheni ye-Utsi. Kodwana nakuwe ikapho izakufika; uzakudakwa, uzihlubulise. Ndodakazi yeZiyoni, isibetho secala lakho siphelele; uSomnini akasazokwembula. Kodwana wena ndodakazi ye-Edomu, uSomnini uzakuhlunguphaza ngecala lakho, embule isono sakho. Khumbula Somnini, lokho okwenzeke kithi, qala, uyelele ihlazo lethu. Ilifa lethu linikelwe amaphandle, amakhayethu aphiwa imiqhamuka. Sese siziintandani, asinabobaba, abomma babahlolokazi. Sisela amanzethu ngemali, iinkuni zethu sezitholakala ngentengo. Abasigijimisako basihlezi entanyeni sidiniwe begodu asinakuphumula. EGibhide sikhongozele, iye, e-Asiriya kobana sisuthiswe ngesikwa. Abobaba abonako abasekho, nje-ke thina sibhesele icala labo. Amakhoboka abusa phezu kwethu begodu akunamuntu ongasitjhaphulula ezandleni zawo. Sifunyana isikwa sethu ngokubeka ubuphilo bethu engozini ngebanga lesabula eserhalawumbeni. Isikhumba sethu sitjhisa njenge-ondo ngebanga lokurhwaya kwendlala. Abafazi bagagadlhelwe eZiyoni namatlawu emizini yakwaJuda. Amakhosana anekwe ngezandla zawo; ukubakhona kwabaphathi akusatjho litho. Amasokana agaya esigayweni abesana batherezeliswa yinyanda yeenkuni. Abaphathi basukile ebandla, amasokana akasalilisi iinara. Ithabo liphelile eenhliziyweni zethu; igido lethu liphenduke isililo. Isihlohlo siwile eenhloko zethu. Maye thina ngombana sonile! Ngebanga lalokho, iinhliziyo zethu zidanile, ngebanga lezintwezi, amehlwethu afiphele ngentaba yeZiyoni esele ingasenamuntu; iimpungutjha sele zitanasa lapho! Kodwana wena, Somnini, ubusa nini nanini, isihlalo sakho sobukhosi ngeseenzukulwana ngeenzukulwana. Kubayini usikhohlwa mlibe na? Kubayini usilahle isikhathi eside kangaka na? Yewusibuyisele kuwe ukuze sibuye; vuselela imihlethu njengekadeni. Kghani usilahlele safuthi na? Usithukuthelele ngaphezu kokwenza na? Kwathi ngomnyaka wamatjhumi amathathu, inyanga yesine inamalanga amahlanu, ngangiphakathi kwabathunjwa emlanjeni iKebari, izulu lavuleka ngabona imibono kaZimu. Ngelanga lesihlanu lenyanga, emnyakeni wesihlanu wokuthunjwa kwekosi uJehoyakini, ilizwi lakaSomnini mbala leza kimi, mina mphristi uHezekiyeli umsa kaBhuzi, enarheni yamaKasidi emlanjeni iKebari. Isandla sakaSomnini saba phezu kwami lapho. Kwathi ngisaqalile njalo, kwavela isiwuruwuru ngetlhagwini. Bekulilifu elikhulu elinomlilo osoloko ubaneka njalo; mazombe kwalo bekunobuphaziphazi. Emlilweni lowo bekunento ephazima sasimbi. Phakathi komlilo bekunesibumbeko seemphili ezine. Umfanekiso wazo bewungalendlela: Zinesibumbeko somuntu. Esinye nesinye besinobuso obune neempiko ezine. Imilenzazo eengogoriyaneni beyithabulukile, iinyawo zazo zifana nezeqatha lekonyana, ziphazima njengekoporo emanyako. Emahlangothinazo amanye ngaphasi kwamaphikwazo bezinezandla zomuntu. Zozine bezinobuso neempiko ebezingalendlela: Iimpiko zazo bezithintene elinye kwelinye. Elinye nelinye lanqomba ngqo laya phambili; ekukhambeni kwazo belingajiki. Isibumbeko sobuso bazo besibubuso bomuntu ngaphambili, ngesidleni zinobuso bebhubezi, ngesinceleni zinobuso bekunzi begodu zozine njalo bezinobuso bekhozi ngemuva; iye, bebunjalo-ke ubuso bazo. Iimpiko zazo bezithabalalele phezulu. Isiphili esinye nesinye besineempiko ezimbili ezithinta iimpiko zesinye, kuthi ezinye ezimbili zivale umzimbazo. Esinye nesinye besikhamba siyaphambili; beziya ngapha kuya khona ummoya; ekukhambeni kwazo bezingajiki. Isibumbeko seemphili godu besinje: Umfanekiso wazo bewunjengamalahle avuthako, iye, bewunjengeenhlothi ezivuthako. Hlangana neemphilapho bekumekeza umlilo. Umlilo lowo bewunomkhanyo begodu phakathi kwawo kwaphuma imibani. Iimphili lezo zehla zenyuka njengombani omekezako. Kwathi ngisaqale iimphili lezo, ngabona ivili elilodwa phasi ngakelinye nelinye ihlangothi kilawo amane wesiphili. Umfanekiso wamavili nokwakheka kwawo bekunje: Bekaphazima njengebherili. Amavili womane bekanesibumbeko esifanako. Ukwakheka kwawo bekungathi kunevili ngaphakathi kwelinye. Nakakhambako bekakwazi ukuya emahlangothini amane, ngaphandle kokujika. Umphetho wamavili bewumkhulu wesabeka begodu yomine imiphetho leyo beyigcwele amehlo mazombe. Lokha iimphili nazikhambako, amavili bekakhamba emaqadi kwazo. Kuthi lokha iimphili nazisikima phasi namavili aphakame. Lapho ummoya bewuya ngakhona, beziya kanye namavili ngemaqadi kwazo ngombana ummoya weemphili bewulawula amavili. Lokha iimphili nazikhambako namavili bekakhamba; nazijamako namavili bekajama. Lokha iimphili nazisikimako namavili bekaphakama nazo; iye, ummoya weemphili bewulawula amavili. Ngehla kweenhloko zeemphili bekunento efana nesigubuzeso, ikhanya njengesiboniboni esiphandlako. Beyindlaleke ngehla kweenhloko zazo. Ngaphasi kwesigubuzeso iimphili beziphurululele iimpiko zazo phezulu kobana iimpikwezo zithintane. Esinye nesinye isiphili besineempiko ezimbili ezivale umzimbaso. Lokha nazikhambako ngezwa itjhada leempiko elifana namanzi amanengi, iye, njengomdumo woSabekako nanjengomkhosi webutho. Nazijamako zehlisa iimpiko zazo. Nje-ke kwathi iimphili lezo nazijamako, zehlisa iimpiko zazo, kwaba nelizwi elivela ngaphezu kwesigubuzeso ebesingehla kweenhloko zazo. Nje-ke ngaphezu kwesigubuzeso ebesingehla kweenhloko zazo bekunomfanekiso wesafaya onesibumbeko sesihlalo sobukhosi. Ngaphezu kwesibumbeko sesihlalo sobukhoseso bekunesibumbeko esinomfanekiso womuntu. Umfanekiso lowo ngawubona uphazima sasimbi: Ukusuka edinini ukuya ehloko yomfanekiso bekumanyazela njengesimbi enga inomlilo ngaphakathi kwayo; ngenzasi kwedini ngabona kungathi mlilo onemisebe. Njengezungu leKosi ngelanga lezulu, beyinjalo koke iphazimulo mazombe. Lokhu bekukubonakala kwephazimulo kaSomnini. Lokha nangibona lokho, ngawa ngobuso ngezwa ilizwi likhuluma. Ilizwi lathi kimi: “Ndodana yomuntu, sikima ujame ngeenyawo zakho, mina ngizokukhuluma nawe.” Kuthe lokha nalikhuluma nami ummoya wangena kimi wangenza ngajama ngeenyawo. Nje-ke ngalizwa likhuluma nami. Lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, ngikuthuma kuma-Israyeli, isizwe esihlubukako nesele singihlubukile. Wona naboyisemkhulu baphambukile kimi bekube kunamhlanje. Basizukulwana esinentanyana nesinekani, nokho ngikuthumela kiwo. Nje-ke ufese uthi kiwo, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla.’ Ngitjho nanyana ayalalela namkha ayakhunyalala ngombana vele ayindlu ehlubukako, azakwazi nokho bonyana bekukhona umphorofidi phakathi kwawo. Nje-ke wena ndodana yomuntu, ungawesabi ama-Israyeli begodu namezwawo ungawesabi. Ngitjho nanyana uzombelezwe mahlabahlaba nameva, iye, uphila phakathi kwabofezela, amezwawo ungawesabi begodu ungethuswa mamehlwawo wokuhlubuka ngombana vele ayindlu ehlubukako. Wena uzakukhuluma amezwami kibo ngitjho nanyana bayezwa namkha bayakhunyalala ngombana bayindlu ehlubukako. Kodwana wena ndodana yomuntu, yizwa lokho engikutjho kuwe; unganghanghabali njengendlu ehlubukako le. Khamisa, udle lokho engikunikela khona.” Nje-ke ngaqala, ngabona isandla esilulelwe kimi, ngaphakathi kwaso kunomsongo otloliweko. Sawendlala phambi kwami. Wona bewutlowe ngaphambili nangemuva; utlolwe amezwi wesililo, wokuquma nokububula. Godu ilizwi lathi kimi: “Ndodana yomuntu, yidla lokho okuphambi kwakho; yidla umsongo lo bese uyakhamba uyokukhuluma endlini ka-Israyeli.” Nje-ke ngavula umlomami uSomnini wangidlisa umsongo. Wathi kimi: “Ndodana yomuntu, yidla umsongo engikunikela wona lo ugcwalise isisu sakho ngawo.” Yeke ngawudla, ngawizwa ngemlonyenami unandipha njengeliju leenyosi. Wathi kimi: “Ndodana yomuntu, khamba uye endlini yakwa-Israyeli ufese ukhulume kiyo amezwami. Awuthunyelwa ebantwini abanekulumo elikhuni nelimi elingazwakaliko, kodwana endlini ka-Israyeli. Akusibo abantu abanengi nesizwe esinekulumo elikhuni nelimi elingazwakaliko, namezwabo ongeze wawezwisisa. Mbala, nakube ngikuthumele kibo, bona bazakuzwisisa. Kodwana indlu yakwa-Israyeli angekhe yakulalela ngebanga lokobana ayikazimiseli ukungilalela. Ngalokho, yoke indlu yakwa-Israyeli ineempandla eziqinileko neenhliziyo ezilikhuni. Qala-ke, ngenze ubuso bakho baqina njengobuso babo nepandlakho yaqina njengeempandla zabo. Ipandlakho ngiyenze yaba njengedayimani, iye, iqine ukudlula ilitje lomlilo. Ungabesabi namkha umangale ngokuqala kwabo ngombana vele bayindlu ehlubukako.” Godu wathi kimi: “Ndodana yomuntu, woke amezwi engizawakhuluma kuwe, amukele ngehliziyo uwalalele ngendlebe. Nje-ke khamba uye kubathunjwa ufese uthi, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla’; yitjho njalo nanyana bayalalela namkha bayakhunyalala.” Ummoya wangiguga, ngezwa ngemva kwami umdumo wokuraramba okukhulu lokha nakuphakama iphazimulo kaSomnini endawenayo. Bekulitjhada lokuthintana kweempiko zeemphili kanye nomdumo wamavili asemaqadi kwazo; iye, bekumdumo wokuraramba okukhulu. Ummoya wangiguga wangithwala wangisusa lapho. Ngakhamba ngimunyu ekufuthekeni kommoyami. Isandla sakaSomnini saba nzima phezu kwami. Ngeza eTele-Abibi, ebathunjweni ebegade bahlala ngemlanjeni iKebari. Ngahlala lapho phakathi kwabo; ngangimangele amalanga alikhomba. Ekupheleni kwamalanga alikhomba, ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, ngikubeka bona ube mlindi wendlu yakwa-Israyeli. Ngesikhathi soke lokha nawuzwa ilizwi emlonyenami, ngiyelelisela yona. Lokha nangithi esikhohlakalini, ‘Uzakufa nokufa’ bese wena ungasiyelelisi, iye, ungakhulumi naso kobana usiyelelise ngobukhohlakali baso ukuze usindise ipilwaso, isikhohlakaleso sizakufa ngebanga lecala laso; kodwana iingazi zaso ngizazibiza esandleni sakho. Kodwana wena nakube uyelelisa isikhohlakali bese singaphenduki ebukhohlakalini baso, sona sizakufa ngebanga lecala laso, wena-ke uzabe usindise ipilwakho. Godu nakube olungileko ujika ekulungeni kwakhe enze okumbi bese ngibeka isiliyo phambi kwakhe, yena uzakufa. Ngebanga lokobana ungakhange umyelelise, mbala uzakufa ngenca yezono zakhe nezenzo zokulunga azenzileko angeze zisakhunjulwa; kodwana iingazi zakhe ngizazibiza esandleni sakho. Nokho, nakube wena umyelelisile olungileko kobana angoni bese yena akoni, mbala uzakuphila ngombana uthethe isiyeleliso. Wena uzabe usindise ipilwakho.” Lokha nabe ngihlezi ebathunjweni isandla sakaSomnini besiphezu kwami, nje-ke wathi kimi: “Sikima, uphume uye ngemrhobeni, ngizakukhuluma nawe lapho.” Nje-ke ngasikima ngaya ngemrhobeni. Qala, naso iphazimulo kaSomnini ijame njengaleyo engayibona ngemlanjeni iKebari. Yeke ngawa ngobuso phasi. Ummoya wangena kimi wangisikimisa ngajama. Wakhuluma nami wathi: “Khamba uyozivalela ngendlinakho. Nje-ke, wena ndodana yomuntu, uzakubekwa iintambo, iye, uzakubotjhwa ngazo ukuze ungakghoni ukutjhaphuluka kizo. Ngizakwenza ilimu lakho linamathele kurhwalabhakho, ube simumu uhluleke ukukhalima abantu bakwa-Israyeli ngombana bayindlu ehlubukako. Kodwana nangikhuluma nawe ngizakuvula umlomakho bese uthi kibo, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla’. Akuthi loyo ozwako, ezwe; kuthi loyo ongafuni ukwuzwa, ahlale angezwa ngombana bayindlu ehlubukako.” Wena ndodana yomuntu, thatha isitina esikhulu usibeke phambi kwakho, kuthi phezu kwaso uthale ngokugobhodlha idorobho, okutjho iJerusalema. Yenza umfanekiso wokuvimbezela idorobhelo: Yakha umbhotjhongo wepi ojamelene nalo, wakhe iinqabo eziqhube emthangalenalo. Godu beka mazombe iinkampa zepi nemigqala yokwephula umthangala. Nje-ke wena thatha idendeleko yesimbi uyibeke njengomthangala wesimbi phakathi kwakho nedorobho olithalileko. Beka idorobhelo ilihlo ulenze libe sebujameni bokuvinjezelwa, iye, ulenze liminyezeleke. Lokhu kuzakuba liphawu endlini yakwa-Israyeli. Godu lala ngehlangothi langesinceleni ukuze ihlangothi lakhwelo lizizwele ubudisi becala lendlu yakwa-Israyeli. Ngesibalo samalanga wokulala kwakho ngehlangothi lapho, uzakuthwala isibetho secala layo. Mina ngokwami ngikubekele isibalo samalanga wokuthwala isibetho secala lendlu yakwa-Israyeli. Ngenza lokho ukuya ngesibalo seminyaka yesibetho sayo, okutjho amalanga alikhulu namatjhumi alithoba. Ngendlela enjalo, uzakuthwala isibetho sendlu yakwa-Israyeli. Lokha nasele uqedile lokho, uzakulala kwesibili ngehlangothi langesidleni, uthwale isibetho sendlu yakwaJuda. Ngikujamisele amalanga amatjhumi amane, ilanga linye lijamele umnyaka. Ngengalwakho eyembuliweko uzakubeka ilihlo ekuvimbezelweni kweJerusalema. Ngaleyondlela uzabe uphorofida ngokujamelana nalo. Qala-ke, ngizokubopha ngeentambo kobana ungakghoni ukuphendukela ngakelinye ihlangothi, ukufikela lapha kupheleliswa khona amalanga wokuvimbezela kwakho. Nje-ke thatha ikoroyi nebhali, iimbhontjisi neenhlumaya, inyaluthi kanye nesakoroyi ukuthele ngesitjeni sinye bese uzenzela izikwa. Ngesikhathi senani lamalanga wokulala kwakho ngehlangothi okutjho amalanga alikhulu namatjhumi alithoba, uzakudla izikwezo. Ukudla okudlako kuzakuba budisi besiqunjwana sekhilogremu ngelanga. Uzakukudla iinkhathi ezijanyisiweko. Uzakusela amanzi alingana nesiquntu selitha nawo uzawasela ngeenkhathi ezijanyisiweko. Ukudlokho uzakudla kube inga licebelengwana lebhali kodwana ulibasele phambi kwabantu ngothuvi bomuntu. USomnini wathi: “Ngendlela leyo ama-Israyeli azakudla ukudla kwawo okungakahlambuluki hlangana nezizwe engizawahlakazela kizo.” Yeke ngathi: “Awu, Somnini Somandla! Qala, mina azange khengizisilaphaze. Kusukela ebutjheni bami bekube nje, azange khengidle ingcuba namkha okudatjulwe zimbandana, ngitjho nenyama esinyenyiso azange ingene emlonyenami.” Nje-ke wathi kimi: “Qala, esikhundleni sothuvi bomuntu ngizokunikela ubulongwe ozazilungisela ngabo ukupheka ukudla kwakho.” Godu wathi kimi: “Ndodana yomuntu, ngizokwephula umphekgho wesikwa eJerusalema. Bazakudla izikwana ngokunconcosela nangokuminya namanzi bazawasela ngokutopiza nangokuzibamba. Ngokuswela isikwa namanzi bazakuqalana ngokurareka, bebonde ngebanga lesibetho sabo.” “Nje-ke wena ndodana yomuntu thatha isabula ebukhali, uyisebenzise njengotjhefana womgudi, ugude ihlokwakho nesilevu sakho. Yeke thatha isilinganiso sokulinganisa uhlukanise iinhluthu. Lokha amalanga wokuvimbezela sele aphelele, uzakutjhisela ingcenye yesithathu yeenhluthu ngaphakathi kwedorobho. Ingcenye enye yesithathu uzayithatha uyiqobe ngesabula yoke indawo edorobheni mazombe, kuthi enye ingcenye yesithathu uyihlakaze esithubeni ngombana ngirhwatjhe isabula ngemva kwabo. Thatha eenhluthwinezo ikereketjhana uyibophelele emphethweni wephuraphurakho. Uzabese uthatha ezinye zazo godu uzithele emlilweni uzitjhise. Umlilo uzakubhebhedlha kusukela lapho ugcwale yoke indlu yakwa-Israyeli. “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla, ‘Leli liJerusalema engalibeka ekabeni yezizwe, neenarha zilibhode mazombe. Kodwana lihlubuke imithethwami neemiso zami, laba nobukhohlakali ukudlula izizwe neenarha zoke ezilizombelezileko. Iye, ladela imithethwami nokulandela iimiso zami.’ Ngalokho nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomadla, ‘Nibe nentanyana ukudlula izizwe ezinizombelezileko, akhange nikhambe ngeemiso zami namkha nilonde imithethwami. Nikhambelele benaphalwa zizizwe zoke ezinizombelezileko.’ Yeke nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla, ‘Qala, mina ngokwami ngijamelene nawe, Jerusalema! Ngizokwehlisela iingwebo phakathi kwakho pambi kwezizwe. Nangebanga lazo zoke iinyenyiso zakho, ngizokwenza into engingazange khengiyenze nengingasobe ngisayenza godu: Ngaphakathi kwakho ababelethi bazakudla abantwababo nabantwana badle ababelethi. Ngizokwehlisela iingwebo phakathi kwakho bekuthi boke abaseleko kuwe ngibahlakazele emikhakheni yoke. Ngalokho, ngiyafunga ngokuphila kwami mina Somnini Somandla, ngizokuqoba bengikuphungule wena Jerusalema ngebanga lokobana usilaphaze ithempeli lami ngazo zoke iinyenyiso nangazo zoke iinkghabhudlho zakho. Mina ngokwami ngizokurhurhula koke. Amehlwami angeze ababalela begodu angeze ngaba nezwelo. Ingcenye yesithathu yabantu bakho izakufa ngezifo namkha iqedwe yindlala phakathi kwakho. Enye ingcenye yesithathu yabantu bakho izakurhayilwa ngesabula mahlangothi woke wakho, kuthi ingcenye enye yesithathu ngiyihlakazele emikhakheni yoke begodu ngizokurhwatjha isabula ngemva kwayo. “ ‘Ukuthukuthela kwami kuzakwehla nelaka lami libohle ebantwini bakho nasele ngizibuyiselele. Nje-ke bazakwazi bonyana mina Somnini, ngikhulume ngisesikhweleni sami lokha nangivuthela ilaka lami phezu kwabo. Ngaphezu kwalokho ngizokwenza ube lirubhi nesiphoqo hlangana nezizwe ezikuzombelezileko, iye, emehlweni wabo boke abadlula ngendlela. Uzakuba siphoqo nenyazo, isiyeleliso nento ethusako ezizweni ezikuzombelezileko lokha nangehlisela iingwebo zami phezu kwakho ngetukuthelo nangelaka, ngesibetho sokufutheka. Ngikhulumile mina Somnini. Lokha nangithumela imisubela yami emimbi yendlala phakathi kwabo izakuba ngeyokubhubhisa. Iye, ngizayithumela bona iniqede nina bantu beJerusalema lokha nangingezelela indlala, ngephule nomphekgho wesikwa senu. Ngizakuthumela indlala neembandana zommango ngokujamelana nani. “ ‘Zizakudlela abantwabakho wena Jerusalema. Iye, izifo nokuthuluka kweengazi kuzakudabula phakathi kwakho ngombana ngizakuletha isabula phezu kwakho. Ngikhulumile mina Somnini.’ ” Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, beka amehlwakho eentabeni zakwa-Israyeli uphorofide ngokujamelana nazo uthi, ‘Nina ntaba zakwa-Israyeli, lalelani ilizwi lakaSomnini uSomandla! Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla eentabeni nemibundwini, emilanjaneni nemirhobeni: Mina ngokwami ngizokwehlisela isabula phezu kwenu, ngibhubhise iindunduma zenu zokulotjha. Ama-aldarenu azakubhuruzwa, nama-aldarenu wetjhwalo ephulwe. Ngilahle ababuleweko benu phambi kwamanyalenu okubosingazimu. Iye, ngizakufuthela iindumbu zama-Israyeli phambi kwamanyalawo lawo; amathambenu ngiwahlakaze ema-aldarinenu mazombe. Kizo zoke iindawo zenu enihlala kizo, imizenu izakuba marubhi neendunduma zenu zokulotjha zizakutjhiywa bezibe marubhi. Ama-aldarenu azokurhubutjheka: Azokwephulwa, amanyalenu okubosingazimu azokutjhabalala nama-aldarenu wetjhwalo ephulwe iinquqwana. Umsebenzi wezandla zenu lowo uzakufelela. Ababulawako bazakuwela phakathi kwenu. Nje-ke nizakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini. “ ‘Kodwana labo abasinde esabuleni, ngizanitjhiyela bona hlangana nezizwe, lokha nanihlakazelwa emazweni. Labo abasindileko benu bazangikhumbula bahlangana nezizwe lapha bathunjelwe khona, kobana ngadabula kangangani iinhliziyo zabo ezihlobongako nezingifulatheleko, iye, namehlwabo wekanuko agade adlhemadlhema ngemva kwamanyalabo. Nje-ke bazazinyenya bona ngobumbi ababenzileko, mayelana neenkghabhudlho zabo zoke. Bazakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini; gade ngingethuseli lokha nangithi ngizakwehlisa ihlekelele leyo phezu kwabo.’ “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla, ‘Wahla izandla ugide ngeenyawo phasi uthi: Maye, ngebanga lazo zoke iinkghabhudlho zendlu yakwa-Israyeli ngombana bazokuwa ngesabula, ngendlala nangezifo. Labo abakude bazakufa ngesifo, abaseduze bawe ngesabula. Boke abaseleko nabasindileko bazakufa ngendlala. Leyo-ke, yindlela engizakuvuthela ngayo ilaka lami phezu kwabo. Nje-ke nizakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini lokha ababulawako babo nabarabhalaliswa hlangana namanyalabo ema-aldarinabo mazombe, iye, kuphi nakuphi lapha banikela khona umnikelo okhethekileko kiwo woke amanyalabo phezu kwayo yoke imibundu ephakemeko, phezu kweenqongo zoke zeentaba, ngaphasi komunye nomunye umuthi ohlaza nomunye nomunye umuthi omkhulu wamakari. Ngizakwelula isandla sami ngakibo, ngenze inarha ibe libhudu nethusako kizo zoke iindawo abahlala kizo, kusukela erhalawumbeni ukuya eRibhila. Ngalokho bazakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini.’ ” Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Wena ndodana yomuntu, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla enarheni yakwa-Israyeli, “ ‘Kusiphetho! Mbala isiphetho sifikile emajikeni amane wenarha. Manje isiphetho siphezu kwakho, wena narha! Ngizakuthulula ilaka lami phezu kwakho, ngikugwebe ukuya ngeendlela zakho, ngibeke zoke iinkghabhudlho zakho phezu kwakho. Amehlwami angeze akubabalela namkha ngibe nezwelo. Ngizokubetha ngeentonga zakho iye, iinkghabhudlho zakho zizakuba phakathi kwakho. Nje-ke nizakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini.’ “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla, “ ‘Qala-ke, ihlekelele phezu kwehlekelele, naso isiza! Isiphetho sifikile! Iye, isiphetho sifikile! Sivukile ngokujamelana nawe narha! Qala sifikile! Ukuwa kufikile kuwe wena sakhamuzi senarha! Isikhathi sifikile, ilanga litjhidele, kulitjhada lepi eentabeni, ingasi lokuhlokoma! Nje-ke masinyana, ngizokuthululela itukuthelwami phezu kwakho narha, ngivuthele ilaka lami phezu kwakho. Ngizakugweba ngokufanele iindlela zakho, ngibeke zoke iinkghabhudlho zakho phezu kwakho. Amehlwami angeze ababalela begodu angeze ngaba nezwelo. Ngizokubetha ngeentonga zakho, iye, iinkghabhudlho zakho zizakuba phakathi kwakho. Nje-ke nizakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini obethako.’ Qala, nanto ilanga! Qala lifikile! Ukuwa kwakho kuyeza. Intonga seyihlumile, ukuzikhakhazisa sekukhahlele. Inturhu ngeyentonga yobumbi. Akakho noyedwa ozakusala, iye, ngitjho umnotho nobunjinga babo; akunabugugu phakathi kwabo! Isikhathi sifikile, ilanga liyatjhidela; umthengi akangathabi nomthengisi angalili, ngombana ilaka liphezu komnotho woke wenarha. “Mbala, abathengisi angeze babuyele kokuthengisiweko ngitjho nanyana basaphila ngombana umbono ophathelene nomnotho woke wenarha angekhe wabuyiswa. Ngebanga lecala labo, akakho noyedwa ozakulonda ipilwakhe. “ ‘Bavuthele ipalapala, balungisa koke ukuya epini kodwana akakho oya epinapho ngombana ilaka lami liphezu komnotho woke wenarha. Isabula ingaphandle ngaphakathi kunezifo nendlala. Loyo osemasimini ufa ngesabula; osedorobheni ubhujiswa zizifo nendlala. Nakube abanye babo bayaphunyurha basinde, bazakuba seentabeni njengamazuba wemirhoba: Boke njalo bazakulila, omunye nomunye ngecala lakhe. Zoke izandla zizakuba buthakathaka, amadolo woke angenwe mamanzi. Bazakwembatha iinzilo, ukwesaba kubagubuzese. Amahloni azakuba phezu kwabo boke ubuso, nobuphandla phezu kwazo zoke iinhloko zabo. Bazakuphosa isiliva labo endledlaneni, igolide labo lithathwe njengomtjhubelo. “ ‘Isiliva negolide labo angeze labasindisa ngelanga lelaka lakaSomnini. Angekhe banelisa imiphimbabo namkha bagcwalise izisu zabo ngalo ngombana icala labo lisikhubekiso. Bazikhakhazise ngobuphaziphazi begolide nesiliva, benze ngalo iinthombe ezisikghabhudlho, iye izinto ezisinyenyiso; ngalokho ngilenza libe mtjhubelo kibo. “ ‘Ngizalinikela ezandleni zabezizwe njengepango, kwabakhohlakeleko bephasi libe sihlangulo; bona-ke bazalisilaphaza. Ngizokufulathelisa ubuso bami, ukuze abagongodi basilaphaze indawami eligugu; iye, abadlelezeli bazayingena bebayisilaphaze. Lungisa amakhamandela, ngombana inarha igcwele icala leengazi, idorobho lizele inturhu. Ngizokungenisa abakhohlakele khulu bezizwe, badle izindlu zabo. Ngizokuphelisa ukuzazi kwabanamandla, neendawo zabo zisilaphazwe. Lokha nakufika isikhathi sokubotjhwa bazakufuna ukuthula kodwana angekhe kwabakhona. Kuzakuba yihlekelele phezu kwehlekelele, amarhemurhemu alandelwe marhemurhemu; bazasoloko bafuna umbono emphorofidini; ifundiso iphele emphristini neenluleko zabadala. Ikosi izakulila, ikosana yembathwe kukhungatheka, izandla zabantu elizweni zibe nedumbe ngevalo. Ngizabaphatha ngokuya ngeendlela zabo; ngibagwebe ukuya ngokwemikhubabo. Bazakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini.’ ” Kwathi ngomnyaka wesithandathu lokha inyanga yesithandathu inamalanga amahlanu, ngisazihlalele emzinami nabaphathi bakwaJuda baphambi kwami, isandla sakaSomnini uSomandla sehlela phezu kwami khonapho. Nje-ke ngaqala, ngabona isibumbeko esinomfanekiso womuntu. Ukusuka emfanekisweni wamadinaso ukwehla besimlilo, kuthi ngehla kwamadinaso kube njengomfanekiso odarhileko, iye, njengophazima sasimbi. Selula okungathi sisandla, sangibamba ngesihluthu sami ehloko; ummoya wangiphakamisela hlangana nezulu nephasi, wangiletha emibonweni kaZimu eJerusalema, ebungenweni besango lesirhodlo sangaphakathi esiqale ngetlhagwini lapha bekujame khona isithombe esibanga isikhwele sijame khona. Iphazimulo kaZimu ka-Israyeli beyilapho, njengombono engawubona ngemrhobeni. UZimu wathi kimi: “Ndodana yomuntu, phakamisela amehlwakho nca ngetlhangwini.” Nje-ke ngaqala nca ngetlhagwinapho: Qala, ngetlhagwini lesango le-aldari ngabona isithombe esibanga isikhwele ebungenweni. Wathi kimi: “Ndodana yomuntu, uyayibona into abayenzako na? Indlu yakwa-Israyeli yenza iinkghabhudlho ezikulu lapha. Ngalokho ingidedisela kude nendawami ecwengileko. Nokho usazokubona iinkghabhudlho ezikulu.” Wangiletha ebungenweni besirhodlo; lapho ngaqala ngabona bona kunentunja ebodeni. Nje-ke wathi kimi: “Ndodana yomuntu, yemba ibodeli uliphundluse.” Kuthe lokha nangiphundlusa iboda, kwaba khona ubungeno. Wathi kimi: “Ngena, ubone iinkghabhudlho ezimbi abazenza lapha.” Nje-ke ngangena ngaqala, ngabona ebodeni mazombe bekufanekiswe woke umhlobo weemphili ezikhakhabako, iinlwana ezikghabhudlhako nawo woke amanyala okubosingazimu bama-Israyeli. Phambi kwezintwezo bekujame abaphathi abamatjhumi alikhomba bendlu yakwa-Israyeli, noJazaniyahu umsa kaTjhafani ajame hlangana nabo. Omunye nomunye aphethe idengela, kukupeza isikhatha sephunga letjhwalo. Nje-ke wathi kimi: “Ndodana yomuntu, ubonile bona abaphathi bendlu yakwa-Israyeli benzani ebumnyameni na? Iye, omunye nomunye endumbenakhe yemifanekiso ngombana bathi, ‘USomnini akasiboni, iye, uSomnini uyitjhiyile inarha.’ ” Wathi kimi: “Godu usazokubona ngaphezu kwalezi ezinye iinkghabhudlho ezikulu abazenzako.” Nje-ke wangiletha ebungenweni besango langetlhagwini lethempeli lakaSomnini. Abafazi bebahlezi lapho balilela uTamuzi. Wangibuza wathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, ukubonile lokho na? Usazokubona iinkghabhudlho ezikulu ukudlula lezi.” Wase ungiletha ngesirhodlweni esingaphakathi sethempeli lakaSomnini. Lapho-ke ebungenweni bethempeli lakaSomnini, phakathi kwamathuri ne-aldari, bekunamadoda amatjhumi amabili namahlanu, imihlanabo ifulathele ithempeli lakaSomnini, ubuso babo buqale ngepumalanga; bakhothamela ilanga ngepumalangapho. Nje-ke wathi kimi: “Ndodana yomuntu, ukubonile lokhu na? Ingabe kuyinto elula endlini yakwaJuda ukwenza izinto ezikghabhudlhakwezi lapha na? Kufuze bazalise inarha ngenturhu bangitlhorholoje ukuya phambili na? Qala-ke, babeka amahlumela wesidiribe eempumulweni zabo! Ngalokho, nami ngizokuphendula ngelaka. Amehlwami angeze ababalela begodu angeze ngaba nezwelo. Nanyana bangapongoloza ngesililo esikhulu phambi kwami, angekhe ngibalalele.” Nje-ke ngezwa uZimu amemeza ngelizwi elikhulu athi: “Tjhidelani lapha nina bahlunguphazi bedorobho, omunye nomunye anesikhali sakhe esandleni sakhe.” Kwatjhidela amadoda asithandathu aphuma nca ngesangweni elingehla eliqale ngetlhagwini. Enye nenye beyinesibulawo esandleni sayo. Phakathi kwawo bekunomuntu owembethe ilineni, anepotomende yokutlolela ehlangothini lakhe. Amadoda lawo angena ajama hlangana ne-aldari lekoporo. Iphazimulo kaZimu ka-Israyeli yenyuka ngehla kwamakerubhi ebeyiphezu kwawo, yaya embunjwaneni womnyango wethempeli. Nje-ke uSomnini wabiza umuntu ogade embethe zelineni aphethe nepotomende yokutlola ehlangothini lakhe; wathi kuye: “Khamba loke idorobho iJerusalema, ubeke iphawu esiphongweni sabantu ababubulako nabalilako ngebanga leenkghabhudlho zoke ezenziwa kilo.” Kwabanye wakhuluma ngimlalele wathi: “Rabhulani idorobho emva kwakhe nibhubhise. Amehlwenu angababaleli begodu ningabi nezwelo. Bulalani nirhayile abadala, amasokana neentombi, abomma nabentwana, kodwana ningathinti noyedwa onephawu. Nithome endawenami ecwengileko.” Nje-ke bathoma ngabaphathi ebegade balapho phambi kwethempeli. Godu wathi kibo: “Silaphazani ithempeli, nizalise iinrhodlo ngababuleweko. Yeke khambani.” Ngalokho bahlabela phambili ngedorobheni babhubhisa. Kuthe basabhubhisa njalo, ngazifunyana ngisele ngedwa, nje-ke ngawa ngobuso ngarhuwelela ngathi: “Awu, Somnini Somandla, ingabe uzakurhayila yoke imisalela yakwa-Israyeli ngokuthulula ilaka lakho phezu kweJerusalema na?” Wabuye wathi kimi: “Icala lendlu yakwa-Israyeli neyakwaJuda selidlulele khulu. Inarha igcwele iingazi nedorobho lizele ukungalungi ngombana bathi, ‘USomnini utjhiye inarha begodu uSomnini akaboni.’ Nje-ke nakungimi, amehlwami angeze ababalela begodu angeze ngibe nezwelo, kodwana ngizobabetha ngeentonga zabo.” Qala, umuntu owembethe ilineni onepotomende yokutlolela ehlangothini lakhe, wabuyisa umbiko wathi: “Zimu, ngenze njengombana ungiyalile.” Nje-ke ngaqala, ngabona phezu kwesigubuzeso ebesingehla kweenhloko zamakerubhi into efana nelitje lesafaya; nento enjengomfanekiso wesibumbeko sesihlalo sobukhosi yaba semtarini ngehla kwakho koke lokho. USomnini wathi emuntwini owembethe zelineni: “Ngena hlangana namavili ngaphasi kwamakerubhi. Zalisa izandla zakho ngamalahle avuthako owathethe phakathi kwamakerubhi, uwarhatjhe ngaphezu kwedorobho.” Nje-ke wangena ngimqalile. Amakerubhi gade ajame ngesewula yethempeli lokha umuntu loyo nakangenako. Ilifu lazalisa isirhodlo esingaphakathi. Iphazimulo kaSomnini yenyuka ngehla kwamakerubhi yaya embunjwaneni wethempeli. Ithempeli beligcwele ilifu, isirhodlo sizele ubuphaziphazi bephazimulo kaSomnini. Kwezwakala itjhada leempiko zamakerubhi ukufikela esirhodlweni esingaphandle, kwaba njengephimbo loSabekako lokha nakhulumako. Wayala umuntu owembhethe ilineni wathi: “Yokha umlilo hlangana namavili phakathi kwamakerubhi.” Nje-ke wangena, wafese wajama eqadi kwevili. Elinye ikerubhi lelulela isandla salo phakathi kwamanye amakerubhi kobana lokhe umlilo liwubeke ezandleni ezikhongozeleko zowembethe zelineni, yena wawuthatha waphuma nawo. Amakerubhi abonakala anesimo sesandla somuntu ngaphasi kweempiko zawo. Nje-ke ngaqala, ngabona amavili amane ngeqadi kwamakerubhi, elinye nelinye ivili belingeqadi kwekerubhi. Amavili lawo bekaphazima njengelitje lebherili. Umfanekiswawo bewunesibumbeko esifanako womane njalo, kubonakala ngathi kulivili ngaphakathi kwelinye. Lokha nakhambako gade anqomba nanyana ngakiliphi ihlangothi kilawo amane, ngaphandle kokujika. Iye, lapha ikerubhi elingaphambili linqomba khona, amavili bekalandela ngaphandle kokujika. Woke umzimba wamakerubhi, imihlanawo, izandla zawo neempiko zawo kanye namavili bekugcwele amehlo mazombe. Elinye nelinye belinevili lalo. Mina ngazizwela ngeendlebe zami kuthiwa amavili abizwa bona “asiyingilizisi”. Womane amakerubhi bekanobuso obune: bokuthoma bekububuso bekerubhi, besibili kungebomuntu, besithathu kungebebhubezi, kuthi besine kube ngebekhozi. Nje-ke amakerubhi aphakama. Lezi bekuziimphili engazibona ngemlanjeni weKebari. Kwathi lokha amakerubhi nakhambako, amavili nawo akhamba emaqadi kwawo. Lokha amakerubhi aphakamisa amaphikwawo kobana aphaphele phezulu ukusuka ephasini, amavili akhange ajike emaqadi kwawo. Kuthi lokha amakerubhi najamako, namavili ajame. Kuthi lokha naphakamako, nawo aphakame ngombana ummoya bewulawula amavili. Iphazimulo kaSomnini yaphuma embunjwaneni wethempeli yafese yajama phezu kwamakerubhi. Nje-ke amakerubhi aphakamisa iimpiko zawo aphaphela phezulu asuka ephasini ngiwaqalile, amavili bekasemaqadi kwawo. Amakerubhi lawo afese ajama ebungenweni besango langepumalanga lethempeli lakaSomnini. Iphazimulo kaZimu wakwa-Israyeli beyiphezu kwawo. Lezo bekuziimphili engazibona ngaphasi kwakaZimu wakwa-Israyeli ngemlanjeni iKebari. Nje-ke bengazi bona zimakerubhi. Esinye nesinye besinobuso obune neempiko ezine bese kuthi ngaphasi kweempiko kube nomfanekiso osasandla somuntu. Mayelana nesibumbeko sobuso bazo: Lobo bekububuso engabubona emlanjeni weKebari, iye, umfanekiswazo lo bekungizo mbala. Esinye nesinye sanqomba ngqo phambili. UMoya wangiphakamisa wangiletha ngesangweni elingepumalanga lethempeli lakaSomnini eliqale ngepumalanga. Qala, ebungenweni besango bekujame amadoda amatjhumi amabili namahlanu. Phakathi kwawo ngabona noJazaniya umsa ka-Azuri noPelathiyahu umsa kaBhenaya ebekuziinkhulu zabantu. UMoya wathi kimi: “Ndodana yomuntu, la ngiwo amadoda aphehla ubumbi nakeluleka ngekohlakalo ngedorobheneli begodu athi, ‘Isikhathi sokwakha izindlu sisesekude. Idorobheli liyimbiza, thina siyinyama!’ “Ngalokho phorofida ngokujamelana namadoda lawo, iye, phorofida wena ndodana yomuntu.” UMoya kaSomnini wehlela phezu kwami, wathi kimi: “Yithi, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, ‘Nitjho njalo nina ndlu yakwa-Israyeli, ngitjho nalokho enikucabangako, mina ngiyakwazi. Ababuleweko benu nibandisile edorobheneli, iye, ababuleweko bagcwele iindledlana zalo.’ Ngalokho nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: Ababuleweko benu enababeka phakathi kwalo, ngibo abayinyama! Idorobheli liyimbiza kodwana nina ngizonikhupha ngaphakathi kwalo. Isabula eniyesabako, kuyisabula engizoyiletha phezu kwenu. Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. Ngizonikhupha ngaphakathi kwalo, ngininikele ezandleni zamaphandle bengehlisele iingwebo phakathi kwenu. Nizokuwa ngesabula, ngizanigweba ngemikhawulweni yakwa-Israyeli. Nje-ke nizakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini. Idorobho angeze libe yimbiza kini namkha nibe yinyama ngaphakathi kwayo. Ngizonigweba ngemikhawulweni yakwa-Israyeli. Ngalokho nizakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini. Iye azange nikhambe ngeemiso zami namkha nilandele imithethwami, kodwana nikhambe ngemithetho yabezizwe abanizombelezileko.” Kwathi ngisaphorofida njalo, uPelathiyahu umsa kaBhenaya wahlongakala. Nje-ke ngawa ngobuso ngarhuwelela ngelizwi elikhulu ngathi: “Awu Somnini, Somandla, ingabe uzokuphelisa imisalela yakwa-Israyeli na?” Nje-ke lizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, abafowenu, iye, abafowenu bangendlini, ngitjho nendlu yoke yakwa-Israyeli, boke njalo kungilabo abahlali beJerusalema abathe ngabo, ‘Basukile, bakude noSomnini, nakungithi inarha le inikelwe thina njengelifa.’ Ngalokho yewuthi, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: Nanyana ngibasuse ngabasa kude hlangana nezizwe godu nanyana ngibahlakazele eenarheni, nokho ngibe yindawo ecwengileko kibo kwesikhatjhana eenarheni abaye kizwezo.’ Yeke yewuthi, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: Ngizonibutha hlangana nezizwe, nginikghuthe eenarheni lapha benihlakazelwe khona, ngininikele inarha yakwa-Israyeli.’ Kuzakuthi nabafika lapho basuse zoke iinyenyiso nazo zoke iinkghabhudlho kiyo. Ngizabapha ihliziyo eyodwa, iye, ngifake kibo ummoya omutjha. Ngizakukhupha ihliziyo yelitje phakathi kwabo bese ngibapha ihliziyo ethambileko ukuze bakhambe ngeemiso zami bebalonde imithethwami bayenze. Bazakuba babantu bami mina ngibe nguZimabo. Kodwana nakungilabo abaneenhliziyo ezilandelelana neenyenyiso neenkghabhudlho zabo, ngizobabetha ngeentonga zabo.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. Nje-ke amakerubhi aphakamisa iimpiko zawo kanye namavili angemaqadi kwawo khibe iphazimulo kaZimu ka-Israyeli beyiphezu kwawo. Iphazimulo kaSomnini yaphakama phakathi kwedorobho, yafese yajama phezu kwentaba engepumalanga yedorobho. UMoya wangiphakamisa wangiletha ebathunjweni ngenarheni yamaKasidi, ngisembonweni ngoMoya kaZimu. Nje-ke umbono ebe ngiwubonileko wenyuka wasuka kimi. Manje ngatjela abathunjwa zoke izinto uSomnini agade angibonise zona. Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, uhlala phakathi kwendlu ehlubukako okubabantu abanamehlo wokubona kodwana akaboni, baneendlebe zokuzwa kodwana azizwa, mbala bayindlu ehlubukako. “Ngalokho wena ndodana yomuntu, zilungiselele umthwalo womthunjwa, uphume bakuqalile emini libalele. Ukhambe njengomthunjwa usuke lapha ukhona uye kwenye indawo bakuqalile. Mhlumbe lokho bazakuzwisisa nanyana bayindlu ehlubukako nje. Uzakukhupha umthwalwakho njengowomthunjwa emini bakuqalile. Kuthi ntambama bakuqalile wena uphume njengabathunjwa nabaya ekuthunjweni. Kuzakuthi basakuqalile, uphundluse umthangala bese uphuma nomthwalwakho ngentunja leyo. Khona emehlwenabapho utjathe umthwalwakho, uphume nawo ngamarhwaqela. Sitha ubuso bakho ukuze ungaboni inarha ngombana ngikwenza isibonakaliso endlini yakwa-Israyeli.” Nje-ke ngenza njengombana ngiyaliwe. Ngakhupha umthwalami emini libalele, kwaba inga mthwalo wokuthunjwa. Kwathi ntambama ngaphundlusa umthangala ngezandla zami. Ngaphuma ngamarhwaqela ngitjathe umthwalwami bangiqalile. Kwathi ekuseni kwafika kimi ilizwi lakaSomnini lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, angithi indlu ehlubukako yakwa-Israyeli yathi kuwe, ‘Wenzani na?’ Ngalokho yithi kiyo, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: Isimemezelwesi simalungana nekosana engeJerusalema nayo yoke indlu yakwa-Israyeli ekanye nayo.’ Yewuthi kubathunjwa, ‘Ngisibonakaliso kini: Njengombana ngenzile, kuzakuba njalo ekosaneni leyo nakilabo abakiyo. Bazokuya ekuthunjweni, iye, ekudingisweni.’ Nekosana ephakathi kwabo izakutjatha umthwalo ngamarhwaqela irhotjhe. Iye, bazakuphundlusa umthangala kobana bakhokhobise imithwalo ngentunja. Ikosana izakusitha ubuso bayo ngombana yona ngokwayo angeze yabona inarha ngelihlo layo godu. Ngizokweneka inedami phezu kwayo, iye, izakubanjwa ngesifwini sami. Ngizayiletha eBhabheli enarheni yamaKasidi, kodwana yona angeze yakubona lokho begodu izakuhlongakalela lapho. Boke abayizombelezileko ekubasizi bayo okutjho loke ibutho layo ngizobahlakazela emikhakheni yoke. Ngizobalandela ngirhwatjhe isabula ngemva kwabo. Bazakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini lokha nangibasabalalisa hlangana nezizwe, ngibahlakazele emazweni. Kodwana idlanzana labo ngizolisindisa esabuleni, endlaleni nezifweni ukuze bavume zoke iinkghabhudlo zabo hlangana nezizwe abaye kizo. Nje-ke bazakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini.” Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, yidla ukudla kwakho ngokuthuthumela, usele amanzi ngokuqhaqhazela nangokuminya bese uthi ebantwini benarheni le, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla mayelana nabahlali beJerusalema enarheni yakwa-Israyeli: Bazokudla ukudla kwabo ngokuminya basele amanzabo ngokuzibamba ngombana isifunda seJerusalema sizokwemukwa koke esinakho ngenca yenturhu yalabo abahlala kiso. Imizi neendawo zokuhlala kuzakuba marubhi, nenarha izokuba libhudu. Nje-ke nizakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini.’ ” Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, sitjho ukuthini isaga eninasweso enarheni yakwa-Israyel, esithi, ‘amalanga ayadlula nemibono yoke iba lilize’ na? Ngalokho batjele bonyana nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla, ‘Isagesi ngizosiphelisa, yeke, angeze basasisebenzisa njengesaga kwa-Israyeli.’ Kodwana yewuthi kibo, ‘Amalanga afikile nokuphetheka komunye nomunye umbono kuseduze.’ Mbala, angeze kusabakhona umbono wamanga namkha ukuphengula okukhohlisako endlini yakwa-Israyeli ngombana mina Somnini, ngizokukhuluma. Lokho engizakumemezela kuzakwenzeka. Angeze kusariyadiswa godu; iye emalangenenu, nina ndlu ehlubukako, ngizokumemezela ilizwi bengilenze.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. Godu ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, qala, indlu yakwa-Israyeli ithi, ‘Imibono umphorofidi lo ayibonako ingeyeminyaka eminengi ezako; iye, iimphorofidwezo zingezesikhathi esikude.’ Ngalokho yithi kiyo, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: Alikho nalinye lamezwami elizakuriyadiswa godu; ilizwi engilimemezeleko lizokwenzeka.’ ” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, phorofida ngokujamelana nabaphorofidi bakwa-Israyeli abaphorofidako; iye, labo abaphorofida ngokwemicabangwabo bathi ‘lalelani ilizwi lakaSomnini!’. Yewuthi kibo, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: Maye kizo iindlhayela zabaphorofidi ezilandela ummoya weenhliziyo zazo zingakaboni ilitho!’ Abaphorofidi benu, nina Israyeli, babe njengeempungutjha ezikhwabitha phakathi kwefuhlufuhlu. Akhange benyukele esikhaleni ukuyokuvuselela umthangala wendlu yakwa-Israyeli kobana bajamele ipi ngelanga lakaSomnini. Babone imibono yamanga, baphengula ikohliso bathi ‘uSomnini uthi’, khisibe uSomnini akhange abathume, kuthi kunjalo nje balindele ukuzaliseka kwelizwi labo. Angitjho nibone imibono yamanga nabese niphorofida benaphengula ngekohliso nathi ‘kutjho uSomnini’, khisibe mina akhange ngitjho ilitho. “Ngalokho nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla kubaphorofidi, ‘Qalani, ngijamelene nani ngombana nikhulume ikohliso benabona imibono yamanga.’ Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. Iye, isandla sami sizokujamelana nabaphorofidi ababona imibono yamanga nabaphengula ikohliso. Angeze babe sebandleni labantu bami namabizwabo angeze atloliswe encwadini yamabizo yendlu yakwa-Israyeli begodu angeze bangene enarheni yakwa-Israyeli. Nje-ke nizakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini uSomandla. “Ngebanga lokobana badurhise abantu bami baseze bathi ‘ukuthula’, khisibe ukuthula akukho begodu ngebanga lokobana lokha abantu bami nabakha umthangala ngaphandle kwedaka abaphorofidaba bawusinda ngekaligi, ngalokho, tjela labo abawusinda ngekaligi bonyana uzokuwa umthangala lowo! Kuzokuwuluka izulu, iye ngizokwehlisa isinanja esikhulu, kuvuke isiwuruwuru sommoya. Lokha umthangala nawuwako abantu bazanibuza bathi, ‘Kuphi ukusinda enisinde ngakho na?’ “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla, ‘Ngobukhali bami ngizokuvusa isiwuruwuru sommoya, ngelaka lami kuwuluke izulu elikhulu, iye, ngobukhali bami kuzakuba nesinanja esikhulu esibhubhisako. Ngizokubhuruza umthangala eniwusinde ngekaligi. Ngizowuwisela phasi kobana iinsekelo zawo zibe semtarini. Iye, idorobho lizakuwa, nina baphorofidi nibhubhele ngaphakathi kwalo! Nje-ke nizakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini. Ngendlela leyo ngizokuvuthela ilaka lami phezu komthangala naphezu kwalabo abawusindileko. Nje-ke ngizakuthi kini, “Umthangala awusekho nabawusindileko banyamalele, okutjho abaphorofidi bakwa-Israyeli abaphorofide mayelana neJerusalema bebabona nemibono yokuthula ngalo, khisibe bekunganakuthula.” ’ ” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “Nje-ke wena ndodana yomuntu, beka ubuso bakho emadodakazini wabantu bekhenu, aphorofida ngokwemicabangwawo; iye, phorofida ngokujamelana nawo. Atjele bonyana nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla, ‘Maye ebafazini abathunga iinthukulo zemilingo kiwo woke amaqakala, benze neendugu ezilingana iinhloko zabantu ngokuhlukahlukana kwabo ukuze bakhunge imiphefumulo. Nizakukhunga imiphefumulo yabantu bami kobana nondle ipilwenu na? Nisilaphaze ibizo lami ebantwini bami ngekereketjhana yebhali nangeenquqwana zesikwa. Nibulala imiphefumulo engakafaneli ukufa, nibabalela ekufuze ingaphili ngokukhuluma amanga ebantwini bami abalalela amangenu.’ Ngalokho nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: Qalani ngiphambene neenthukulo zemilingo enikhunga ngazo abantu eJerusalemapho ukuze baphumelele. Ngizozidabula iinthukulo zemilingo lezo emaqakalenenu, ngithukulule abantu enibakhungileko ukuze baphumelele. Neendugu zenu ngizozidabula, ngitjhaphulule abantu bami ezandleni zenu, bangasabi bongazimbi ezandleni zenu. Nje-ke nizakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini. Ngamanga nibangele abalungileko iinhlungu ehliziyweni, iye, abantu ebengingafuni bona bezwe ubuhlungu. Nikhuthaze abakhohlakeleko kobana bangaphenduki eendleleni zabo zobukhohlakali ngokusindisa ipilwabo. Ngalokho angeze nisabona imibono yekohliso namkha niphengule. Abantu bami ngizobatjhaphulula esandleni senu. Nje-ke nizakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini.” Kweza kimi abaphathi abathileko bakwa-Israyeli, bafese bahlala phambi kwami. Kwafika ilizwi lakaSomnini kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, amadoda la asafake amanyalawo okubosingazimu eengqondweni zawo, iye asabeke iinkhubekiso ezibange icala labo eenhliziyweni. Alo, ngivume bonyana babuze kimi ije banje na? Nje-ke yewukhulume nawo uthi kiwo, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: Omunye nomunye wendlu yakwa-Israyeli osafake amanyalakhe okubosingazimu engqondwenakhe nosabeke iinkhubekiso ezibange icala lakhe ehliziywenakhe bese uza kumphorofidi, mina Somnini ngizomphendula ngokwami ngobunengi bamanyalakhe. Lokho ngizakwenza ukuze ngibambe indlu yakwa-Israyeli ngehliziywayo, iye, boke labo esele bangifulathele ngebanga lamanyalabo.’ “Ngalokho yewuthi endlini yakwa-Israyeli, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: Phendukani nisuke emanyalenenu okubosingazimu. Fulathezani ubuso benu kizo zoke iinkghabhudlho zenu ngombana omunye nomunye wendlu yakwa-Israyeli namkha wakosozizwe okhonze kwa-Israyeli ongifulathelako, osafake amanyalakhe okubosingazimu engqondwenakhe nosabeke iinkhubekiso ezibange icala lakhe ehliziywenakhe, kuthi kunjalo eze kumphorofidi abuze kimi ngaye, mina Somnini ngizomphendula ngokwami. Ngizokubeka ubuso bami bujamelane nomuntu loyo, ngimenze iphawu nesiga begodu ngimjube ebantwini bami. Nje-ke nizakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini. Nakube umphorofidi uyayengeka anikele ipendulo, kungebanga lokobana mina Somnini ngimyengile umphorofidi loyo. Ngizokwelula isandla sami ngijamelane naye, ngibuye ngimbhubhise hlangana nabantu bami, u-Israyeli. Bazakuthwala icala labo: isibetho somphorofidi sizakulingana nesibetho saloyo oze ukuzokubuza. Ngalokho indlu yakwa-Israyeli angeze isalahleka kimi; angeze basazisilaphaza ngazo zoke iimphambeko zabo godu. Bazakuba babantu bami nami ngibe nguZimabo.’ ” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, lokha inarha nayona kimi ngokungathembeki kwayo bese mina ngelule isandla sami ngokujamelana nayo, ngephule umphekgho wesikwa sayo, ngithumele indlala kiyo, ngiphelise kiyo umuntu nefuyo, ngitjho nanyana amadoda amathathu la, uNowa, uDanyela noJobho, bebaphakathi kwayo, bebazakusindisa ipilwabo kwaphela ngokulunga kwabo.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “Nakube ngenza iimbandana zommango kobana zidabule phakathi kwenarha, ziqede abantu ukuze inarha leyo isale ilibhudu, kungasadluleka kiyo ngebanga leembandanezo, nanyana amadoda amathathu lawo bekaphakathi kwayo, ngiyafunga ngokuphila kwami bekangekhe asindise amadodana namkha amadodakazi kodwana bekuzokusinda wona kwaphela; inarha yona isale ilibhudu.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “Nakube ngiletha isabula phezu kwenarha leyo ngithi ‘isabula ayidabule inarha’ bese ngiphelise kiyo umuntu nefuyo, nanyana amadoda amathathu lawo bekaphakathi kwayo, ngiyafunga ngokuphila kwami bekangekhe asindise amadodana namkha amadodakazi, kodwana bekuzokusinda wona kwaphela. “Nakube ngithumela izifo enarheni leyo, ngithululele ilaka lami phezu kwayo ngokuthulula iingazi, iye ngokuphelisa umuntu nefuyo, nanyana uNowa, uDanyela noJobho bebaphakathi kwayo, ngiyafunga ngokuphila kwami, bebangekhe basindise indodana namkha indodakazi, bebazokusindisa kwaphela ipilwabo ngokulunga kwabo.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “Ngambala nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla, ‘Kuzokuba kangangani-ke nangehlisela phezu kweJerusalema iingwebo zami ezine ezibhubhisako ngasikhathi sinye, okutjho isabula, indlala, iimbandana zommango nezifo, kobana ziphelise umuntu nefuyo na? Nokho kuzakusala abasindileko edorobhenelo, amadodana namadodakazi akhutjhwe kilo. Qalani, azokuphuma eze kini eBhabheli; kuthi lokha nanilemuka iindlela nezenzo zawo, niduduzeke ngehlekelele engiyehlisele phezu kweJerusalema, iye, ngakho koke engikwehlisele phezu kwalo. Iye, azaniduduza, lokha nanilemuka iindlela nezenzo zawo. Nje-ke nizakwazi bonyana lokho engikwenzileko, angikakwenzi ngaphandle kwebanga.’ ” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, isigodo sesidiribe siphala njani zoke ezinye iingodo zemithi enamahlumela hlangana neminye imithi ehlathini na? Isigodo esithethwe esidiribeni kukhona okungabazwa ngaso na? Umuntu uyenza isikhonkhwani ngaso ukuze alembelelise izinto kiso na? Qala, sifakwa emlilweni kobana sivuthe. Lokha nasele sitjhe iintlobo zaso zombili saba msizi phakathi, sisesenawo umsebenzi wokuthileko na? Yelela-ke, nakube isigodweso besingekhe sasetjenziswa ukwenza okubaziweko nasisapheleleko, kangangani-ke kobana singenza okubaziweko, nasele sidliwe mlilo saba msizi na? Ngalokho, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: Njengesigodo sesidiribe hlangana nemithi yehlathi, engisinikele bona sitjhiswe mlilo, ngokunjalo nginikele abahlali beJerusamela. Ngizobafulathela, iye, bavela emlilweni begodu umlilo uzabaqothula. Nje-ke nina bathunjwa nizakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini lokha nangijika ngijamelane nabo. Inarha ngizayenza ibe libhudu ngombana azange bathembeke ngezenzo zabo.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. Godu ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, yazisa iJerusalema ngeenkghabhudlho zalo uthi, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla eJerusalema: Indabuko nekaba yakho gade isenarheni yeKanana; uyihlo bekangumAmori nonyoko angumRhithi. Nakukubelethwa kwakho, mhlana uvelako, inongwakho beyingakasikwa namkha uhlanjwe ngamanzi kobana uhlanzeke namkha uhlikihlwe ngetswayi nanyana usongwe ngetjhila. Akunalihlo elakubabalelako namkha elaba nezwelo ukwenza izintwezo kuwe. Kunalokho walahlelwa ngaphandle emmangweni ngombana ngelanga owavela ngalo bewusinyenyiso. “ ‘Kwathi lokha nangidlula ngakuwe, ngakubona urarhararha eengazini zakho ngathi kuwe useengazinapho: Phila! Iye, ngathi kuwe useengazinapho: Phila! Wakhula njengesitjalo sommango. Iye, wakhula wadlondlobala ukufikela lapha uba khona mumuntu okarisako. Wathoma ukuphuhla, wamila amatjhitjhi kodwana bewusese bulanzi, iye, ubhunubhunu. “ ‘Kwathi lokha nangidlula ngakuwe godu, ngakubona, qala, bewusesigabeni sokuqoma. Nje-ke ngathabululela ingutjanami phezu kwakho kobana ngigubuzese ubuze bakho. Iye, ngakunikela isifungo, ngenza isivumelwano nawe. Ngalokho waba ngowami.’ Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. ‘Ngakuhlambisa ngamanzi ngasusa iingazi ebezikghamathele kuwe, ngakuzesa ngamafutha. Godu ngakwembathisa amatjhila alukiweko wemibalabala bengakufaka amapatlagwana wesikhumba esitjhukiweko. Ngakusonga ngelineni elimhlophe bengakwembesa ngetjhila elikhethekileko. Ngakufaka imikghabiso bengakufaka neenkhono emikhonweni nonongoro entanyeni. Ngakufaka incina epumulweni, amancina eendlebeni nesihlohlo esihle ehloko. Iye, bewuhlotjiswe ngegolide nesiliva. Isambatho sakho besinelineni elimhlophe netjhila elikhethekileko kanye namatjhila alukiweko wemibalabala. Wadla umdoko wekoroyi esiliweko, iliju namafutha we-oliva. Yeke waba simomondiya, bewaba njengendlovukazi. Idumo lakho lafikelela ezizweni ngebanga lobuhle bakho ngombana ijamo ebengikuthwese lona beliphelele ngenca yobuphaziphazi obukuwe.’ Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “ ‘Kodwana wathembela ebuhleni bakho, waba yingwadla ngebanga ledumo lakho. Wakhamba utjhemulela woke odlula ngendlela, wazineka kuye. Wathatha ezinye zezambatho zakho, wangwadlela phezu kwazo eendundumeni ezimibalabala ozenzela zona, okumhlolo ongazange khewenzeke nongasoze wenzeka. Wabuya godu wathatha nobuphaziphazi begolide nesiliva lami engakunikela khona, wazenzela iinthombe zemifanekiso yabantu, wazilotjha. Wathatha nezambatho zamatjhilakho alukiweko wemibalabala wembesa iinthombezo bewabeka namafuthami we-oliva netjhwalo lami phambi kwazo. Nokudla kwami engakupha khona bengakondla ngakho, iye, umdoko wekoroyi esiliweko, amafutha we-oliva neliju, wakubeka phambi kwazo, kobana kube mnikelo okhethekileko kizo.’ Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “ ‘Wabuya wathatha amadodana namadodakazakho owangibelethela wona, wenzela ngawo iinthombezo umhlabelo ngokuwatjhisa emlilweni. Kanti ubungwadla bakho bebungakeneli kobana ungabeze ubulale abantwabami, ubanikele eenthombenezo ngokubadabulisa emlilweni na? Phezu kwazo zoke iinkghabhudlo zakho nobungwadla bakho akhange bewukhumbule amalanga wobutjha bakho, iye, lokha usese bulanzi, ubhunubhunu, urarhararha eengazini zakho.’ “USomnini uSomandla uthi, ‘Maye! Iye maye kuwe ngombana emva kwabo boke ubukhohlakali bakho uzakhele imibundu, iye, wazenzela iindunduma kiwo woke amacabazi. Mbala, kenye nenye ipambanandlela wakhe indundumakho warhubutjha khona ubuhle bakho, ukhamba utjhemulela omunye nomunye odlula ngendlela ngokwandisa ubungwadla bakho. Ungwadle namaGibhide, okubomakhelwana bakho bekanuko. Iye, wandise ubungwadla bakho kobana ungivusele ilaka. Qala-ke, ngelule isandla sami ngokujamelana nawe begodu ngiphungule isabelo sakho. Ngikunikelele eenkanukweni zabakuzondako okumadodakazi wamaFilista aneenhloni ngokuziphatha kwakho ngameswe. Godu ungwadle nama-Asiriya ngombana bewusoloko ungakadeli. Iye, ungwadlile nawo kodwana nalapho akhange waneliswe. Nje-ke wandisa ubungwadla bakho nenarha yabarhwebi, okutjho inarha yamaKasidi, nalapho akhange bewaneliswe.’ “USomnini uSomandla uthi, ‘Usihlolabani sengwadla kobana ungenza zoke izintwezi! Bekuzizenzo zengwadla edazukileko lokha nawakha imibundu kenye nenye ipambanandlela, wenza khona iindunduma kiwo woke amacabazi. Nokho bewungafani nengwadla mbala ngombana unyefule ukukhokhelwa kwengwadla. Ngitjho wena sihlobongi somfazi ndina, esiphakululela imiqhamuka ije sinendoda! Amadoda avamisa ukukhokhela iingwadla, kodwana wena uvuza zoke iinthandwa zakho ngokuzifumbathisa kobana zize kuwe mahlangothi woke ngebanga lobungwadla bakho. Wena wehlukile kabanye abafazi: Ekungwadleni kwakho amadoda akasakulandeleli, sese kunguwe okhokhelwa ukungwadlwa khisibe wona akasakhokhi ilitho. Iye, wehlukile kabanye abafazi. “ ‘Ngalokho wena ngwadla ndina, yizwa ilizwi lakaSomnini, iye, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: Njengombana weneke igwayana lakho nobubhunubhunu bakho bebembukile ebungwadleni bakho neenthandani zakho nawo woke amanyalakho aziinkghabhudlho nangebanga leengazi zabantwana bakho ozinikele eenthombenezo; ngalokho qala-ke, ngizokubutha zoke iinthandani zakho ozithabisakwezo, iye, zoke ebegade uzithanda nazo zoke ebegade uzizonda. Mbala, ngizozibutha mahlangothi woke bona zijamelane nawe. Ngizokwembula ubuze bakho kizo ukuze zibone boke ububhunubhunu bakho. Ngizokugweba ngeengwebo zeenhlobongikazi nezabathulula iingazi: Ngizokwehlisela phezu kwakho iingazi ezibangwa lilaka nesikhwele. Ngizokunikela ezandleni zabomakhwapheni bakho; bazokudiliza imibundu, batjhabalalise neendawo zakho eziphakamileko. Bazokuhlubulisa izambatho zakho, bathathe nobuphaziphazi bakho, bakutjhiye ubulanzi, iye, ubhunubhunu. Bazokuthelekela ngebutho, bakukhande ngamatje bebakubulale ngeensabula zabo. Bazokutjhisela izindlu zakho, baphelelise isigwebo phambi kwabafazi abanengi. Ngizokuphelisa ubungwadla bakho begodu angeze usakhokhela ukungwadlwa. Nje-ke ilaka lami lizakubohlela phezu kwakho ukuze isikhwele sami sisuke kuwe. Ngizakubohla, angeze ngisasilingeka. Njengombana ungakhange ukhumbule imihla yobutjha bakho, kodwana wangivusela ilaka ngazo zoke izintwezi, ngalokho qala-ke, mina ngizokubetha ngeentonga zakho.’ Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “ ‘Phezu kwazo zoke iinkghabhudlho zakho, ubuye waziphatha ngameswe. Qala-ke, boke abadzubhula izaga bazokudzubhula nasi isaga ngawe bathi: Indodakazi ifuze unina. Wena uyindodakazi kanyoko, owanyaza umyenakhe nabantwabakhe. Iye, ungudade wabodadwenu abanyaza abayeni babo nabantwababo. Unyoko bekamRhithi, uyihlo amAmori. Udadwenu omkhulu liSamariya ebelihlala namadodakazalo ngetlhagwini kuwe; kuthi udadwenu omncani ongesewula kuwe kube liSodoma namadodakazalo. Khonapho akhange ulandele kwaphela iindlela zabo bewenze iinkghabhudlho zabo, kodwana esikhathini esincani nje besele wonakele khulu kunabo kizo zoke iindlela zakho. Ngiyafunga ngokuphila kwami udadwenu iSodoma namadodakazalo akhange benze okwenziwe nguwe namadodakazakho.’ Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. ‘Nje-ke yelela, nanti icala lakadadwenu iSodoma: Yena namadodakazakhe bebaphakeme, bangasweli ukudla begodu bazigedlile kodwana akhange babonelele abachakileko nabadududu, bebazigqaja benza neenkghabhudlho phambi kwami. Ngalokho ngabathanyela nangibona lokho. ISamariya azange lenze ngitjho ingcenye yezono zakho. Wena wenze iinkghabhudlho ukwedlula lona namadodakazalo. Mbala, ngazo zoke iinkghabhudlho zakho ozenzileko, wenze abodadwenu babonakale bamsulwa. Nawe-ke kumele uthwale ihlazo lakho ngombana wenze kobana isigwebo sibe lula kibodadwenu: Ngezono zakho owenze ngazo iinkghabhudlho ukwedlula abodadwenu, bona-ke babonakala bamsulwa kunawe. Iye, nawe godu kumele ube neenhloni, uthwale ihlazo lakho ngokwenza abodadwenu babonakale bamsulwa ukukudlula. “ ‘Nokho ngizokutjhugulula ubujamo babo, iye ubujamo beSodoma namadodakazalo nebeSamariya namadodakazalo. Godu ngizakutjhugulula ubujamo bakho kanye nabo ukuze ukwazi ukuthwala ihlazo lakho bewuphoqeke ngakho koke okwenzileko, okutjho ukubakhuthaza kwakho. Abodadwenu, iSodoma namadodakazalo bazakubuyela ebujameni babo bokuthoma neSamariya namadodakazalo bazakubuyela ebujameni babo bokuthoma. Nawe-ke namadodakazakho nizakubuyela ebujameni benu bokuthoma. Elangeni lokuziphakamisa kwakho bewungaliphathi ibizo lakadadwenu uSodoma! Lokho bekungaphambi kokwembulwa kobukhohlakali bakho. Ngendlela enjalo kusikhathi seenhlamba zamadodakazi we-Aramu nabo boke abayizombelezileko nezamadodakazi wamaFilista akuhlabekisa mahlangothi woke. Wena uzokuthwala umphumela wokuziphatha kwakho ngameswe neenkghabhudlho zakho.’ Kutjho uSomnini. “Iye, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla, ‘Ngizokwenza kuwe njengombana wenzile, ngitjho wena odele isifungo ngokwephula isivumelwano. Nokho mina ngizasikhumbula isivumelwano sami engasenza nawe emihleni yobutjha bakho begodu ngizakujamisa isivumelwano esingapheliko nawe. Nje-ke uzakukhumbula iindlela zakho bewuphoqeke lokha nawamukela abodadwenu abakhulu nabancani kuwe. Ngizokunikela bona njengamadodakazi nanyana lokho kungasi ngebanga lesivumelwano sami nawe. Iye, mina ngizokujamisa isivumelwano sami nawe. Ngalokho uzakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini. Ngizokwenza lokho ukuze ukhumbule bewube neenhloni begodu ungasakhulumi ngehlazo lakho lokha nangikuthethelela ngakho koke okwenzileko.’ Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla.” Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, rareja indlu yakwa-Israyeli ngesirarejo bese uyifanekisele ngomfanekiso uthi, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: Ikhozi elikhulu elineempiko ezikulu neentlobo ezide kanye namasiba anemibalabala, leza eLibhanoni. Laruthula isitlhori somsedari, lancothula ihloko yehlumela lesitlhori, lalithwala lakhamba nalo enarheni yerhwebo, lafese lalibeka edorobheni labarhwebi. Nje-ke lathatha elinye lamaqumbe wenarha lalihloma esimini evundisiweko; iye, lalitjala eduze namanzi amanengi njengemithi yomdubi. Lamila laba mumuthi wesidiribe, owakhula wanaba, kodwana wakhakhaba phasi ukuze amagatjawo aphakamele ekhozini nemirabhawo ihlale ngaphasi kwalo. Ngendlela leyo iqumbelo laba mumuthi wesidiribe latlhurha laveza amahlumela neengonwana. “ ‘Kodwana kwaba khona elinye ikhozi elikhulu elineempiko ezikulu neensiba ezinengi. Qala-ke, isidiribeso kusukela lapha besihlonywe khona, sanabisela imirabhaso namagatjaso ngakilo kobana lisithelelele. Isidiribeso senza lokhu nanyana besitjalwe esimini ehle emanzini amanengi ukuze sibe namagatja, besihlome iinthelo, sibe sidiribe esikarisako.’ “Yewuthi, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: Isidiribeso sizakuphumelela na? Ikhozi alizukusiphula imirabhaso belincothule neenthelo zaso ukuze ukuhluma kwamakaraso amatjha kubune na? Iye, sizakubuna kodwana akuzukudingeka ingalo enamandla namkha ibutho elikhulu ukusiruthula emirajinaso. Qala, nakube isitjalo siyatjalelelwa asizikubuna ngokupheleleko lokha nasiphephethwa mumoya otjhwabisako na? Iye, sizokutjhwabela lapha simile khona!’ ” Nje-ke ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Yewuthi endlini ehlubukako, ‘Kghani awazi bonyana kutjho ukuthini lokhu na?’ Yewuthi kiyo, ‘Qalani, ikosi yeBhabheli yeza eJerusalema, yafese yathatha ikosi yakhona neenkhulu zakhona yabaletha endawenayo eBhabheli. Yathatha elinye lamaqumbe wesigodlo yenza nalo isivumelwano, ngokulifaka ngaphasi kwesifungo. Kodwana yathatha amakhosana wenarha yakhamba nawo ukuze umbuso uthotjiswe ungabe usavuka, kwaphela ulonde isivumelwano sayo kobana udzimelele. Kodwana ikosi leyo yahlubuka ikosi yeBhabheli ngokuthumela abazenda eGibhide kobana liyinikele iinjomani nebutho elikhulu. Izakuphumelela na? Nitjho bona umuntu owenza izinto ezinje angasinda na? Angephula isivumelwano abuye asinde na? Ngiyafunga ngokuphila kwami, ngambala ikosi leyo izakuhlongakalela endaweni lapha kuhlala khona loyo owayibeka bona ibe yikosi ngombana inyaze isifungo sakhe beyephula isivumelwano sakhe; iye izakuhlongakalela eBhabheli.’ Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. ‘UFaro angekhe ayisekela epini ngebutho elinamandla nangehlangano ekulu, lokha abantu nabakha iinqabo eziqhube emthangaleni nombhotjhongo wepi edorobheni kobana kupheliswe amaphilo amanengi. Mbala, yanyaza isifungo yephula isivumelwano! Qalani-ke, nanyana yaqinisekisa isivumelwaneso kodwana yenza zoke izintwezo. Ngalokho angeze yasinda. Yeke nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: Ngiyafunga ngokuphila kwami ngithi isifungo sami ikosi leyo eyasinyazako nesivumelwano sami eyasephulako ngizosibiza phezu kwehlokwayo. Ngizokweneka inedami phezu kwayo, iye, izakubanjwa ngesifwini sami. Ngizoyiletha eBhabheli ngiyigwebe khonapho ngebanga lokungathembeki kwayo kimi. Woke amabuthwayo abalekako azakuwa ngesabula bese kuthi labo abaseleko bahlakazelwe emikhakheni yoke. Ngalokho nizakwazi bonyana mina Somnini ngikhulumile.’ ” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: “Mina ngokwami ngizokuthatha ihlumela esitlhorini esiphakamileko somsedari ngilihlome ehlabathini; iye, ngizokuncothula ihloko yehlumela lesitlhori elisathambileko, ngilitjale ngokwami entabeni ephakamileko nedlondlobeleko. Iye, ngizolitjala phezu kwentaba ephakamileko yakwa-Israyeli. Lizakuveza amagatja bese lihloma iinthelo kobana libe msedari okarisako. Ngaphasi komsedari loyo kuzakuhlala yoke imihlobohlobo yeenyoni, iye, emthunzini wamagatjawo kuhlale koke okuneempiko. Nje-ke yoke imithi yommango izakwazi bonyana mina Somnini ngenza imithi emide ikhulele phasi kuthi emifitjhani ngiyenze ikhulele phezulu. Iye, ngomisa ehlaza kuthi eyomileko ngiyenze ibe lihlaza. “Mina Somnini ngikhulumile begodu ngizokwenza lokho.” Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Vane nitjho ukuthini lokha nanidzubhula isagesi ngenarha yakwa-Israyeli, nisithi, “ ‘Abobaba bagome amadiribe angakavuthwa, nje-ke amazinyo wabantwana ayatjhelela’? “Ngiyafunga ngokuphila kwami, isagesi angeze sisasetjenziswa ngini kwa-Israyeli.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “Qalani, yoke ipilo ingeyami. Ipilo kababa nepilo yomntwana ingeyami. Nje-ke umuntu owonako uzokufa. “Nakube umuntu ulungile wenza okulungileko nokufaneleko: Angeze adlela eentabeni namkha aphakamisele amehlwakhe emanyaleni okubosingazimu bendlu yakwa-Israyeli. Akasilaphazi umfazi womakhelwana namkha angene emfazini osesikhathini. Akagandeleli noyedwa kodwana ubuyisela lokho akuthethe njengesibambiso; akadlelezeli kodwana upha olambileko ukudla kwakhe abuye embathise ohlubule isambatho. Nabolekisako akakhuphi inzalo namkha engeze inzalo phezu kwesibolekiso. Ubamba isandla sakhe ebukhohlakalini, wenza iingwebo ezilungileko phakathi komuntu nomuntu. Iye, ukhamba ngeemiso zami begodu ulonda imithethwami ukuze enze ukwethembeka. Onjalo ulungile, mbala uzakuphila.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “Akhesithi umuntu loyo ubeletha indodana emudlelezeli, ethulula iingazi namkha eyenza enye yezintwezo khisibe uyise azange akhe enze nakhunye kwezintwezo okutjho bona idla eentabeni, isilaphaza umfazi womakhelwana, igandelela ochakileko nodududu, iyadlelezela, ayibuyiseli isibambiso, iphakamisela amehlwayo emanyaleni okubosingazimu, yenza iinkghabhudlho; ibolekisa ngokukhupha inzalo, yengeze inzalo phezu kwesibolekiso. Nitjho bona izakuphila indodana enjalo na? Ngiyala, ayizukuphila! Yenze zoke iinkghabhudlhwezo, nje-ke ayibulawe! Iingazi zayo zizakuba phezu kwayo. “Kodwana nakube indodana leyo ibeletha indodana ebona zoke izono uyise azenzileko, izakwesaba ingenzi njengoyise: Ingadleli eentabeni namkha iphakamisele amehlwayo emanyaleni okubosingazimu bendlu yakwa-Israyeli, ingasilaphazi umfazi womakhelwana ingagandeleli muntu, ingathathi isibambiso emuntwini, ingadlelezeli, kodwana iphe olambileko ukudla kwayo, yembese ohlubule ngesambatho sayo, isuse isandla sayo ebumbini; ingathathi namkha yengeze inzalo phezu kwesibolekiso, kodwana yona iphethe imithethwami begodu ikhambe ngeemiso zami. Indodana leyo angeze yafa ngebanga lezono zakayise; kwamambala izakuphila. Kodwana nakunguyise yena, ngebanga lokobana amgandeleli, adlelezele umfowabo bewenza okungakafaneli hlangana nabantu bekhabo, yelelani-ke, uzokufa ngebanga lecala lakhe. “Nokho nithi, ‘Kubayini indodana ingathwali icala lakayise?’ Lokha indodana yenze okulungileko nokufaneleko, yalonda beyenza zoke iimiso zami, mbala izakuphila. Umuntu owonako uzakufa. Indodana angeze yathwala icala lakayise namkha uyise athwale icala lendodana. Ukulunga kolungileko kuzakuba phezu kwakhe, nobukhohlakali besikhohlakali buzakuba phezu kwaso. “Kodwana nangabe isikhohlakali siphenduka kizo zoke izono esizenzileko, silonde zoke iimiso zami, senze okulungileko nokufaneleko, mbala sizakuphila; angeze safa. Akukho nasinye seemphambeko zaso esizenzileko ezizakukhunjulelwa sona. Sele sizakuphila ngebanga lokulunga esikwenzileko. Ngiyathokoza nokuthokoza ngokufa kwesikhohlakali na? Kanti angithokoziswa kuphenduka endlelenaso ukuze siphile na?” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. Kodwana lokha olungileko ajika ekulungeni kwakhe enze ubukhohlakali, iye, enze ngokweenkghabhudlho zoke ezenziwa mumuntu okhohlakeleko, uzakuphila na? Awa, akukho nesisodwa sezenzo zakhe ezilungileko esizakukhunjulwa. Ngebanga lokungathembeki kwakhe nangesono asenzileko, uzakufa. “Kodwana nithi, ‘Indlela kaSomandla ayikalungi.’ Nje-ke, lalelani lapha nina ndlu yakwa-Israyeli: Indlelami ayikalungi na? Ngezenu iindlela ezingakalungi! Nakube olungileko ujika ekulungeni kwakhe enze ubukhohlakali, uzakufa ngalokho. Iye, ngebanga lobukhohlakali bakhe abenzileko, uzakufa. Godu, nakube okhohlakeleko uyaphenduka ebukhohlakalini abenzileko, enze okulungileko nokufaneleko, uzakusindisa ipilwakhe. Ngebanga lokobana abonile waphenduka kizo zoke iimphambeko azenzileko, mbala uzakuphila, angeze afa. Nokho indlu yakwa-Israyeli ithi, ‘Indlela kaSomandla ayikalungi.’ Nina ndlu yakwa-Israyeli, indlelami ayikalungi na? Ngezenu iindlela ezingakalungi! “Ngalokho ngizonigweba nina ndlu yakwa-Israyeli, omunye nomunye ngokweendlela zakhe.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “Phendukani nifulathele zoke iimphambeko zenu; nakungasinjalo icala lenu lizakuba sikhubekiso senu. Dediselani kude nani zoke iimphambeko zenu eniphambuke ngazo, nizifunyanele ihliziyo etja nommoya omutjha! Nizakufelani nina ndlu yakwa-Israyeli na? Mbala, angithokozi ngokufa komuntu. Nje-ke phendukani niphile.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. Nje-ke wena ndodana yomuntu, khihla isililo ngeenkhulu zakwa-Israyeli, uthi: “Maye bekalibhubezikazi elingangani hlangana namabhubezi! Bekalala hlangana namabhubezana, ondle amawundlu. Wakhulisa elinye lamawundlwakhe, nje-ke laba libhubezana. Lafunda ukubamba inyamazana, larhiribidela umuntu. Izizwe zezwa ngalo, nje-ke labanjwa emgodinazo. Zalirholela ngeenkghopholo enarheni yeGibhide. “Lokha unyoko nabona bonyana uphambaniselwe, nokobana ithemba lakhe liphelile, wathatha elinye lamawundlwakhe walenza laba libhubezana. Laba libhubezana lokha nalikhambakhamba hlangana namabhubezi amanye. Lafunda ukubamba inyamazana, larhiribidela umuntu. Lakhwabitha hlangana neengodlo latlhifirija nemizana yakhona. Inarha yatjhiywa bahlali bayo ngebanga lokubhodla kwalo. Nje-ke, izizwe zalivukela, ziphuma mahlangothi woke weemfunda; zaneka inede lazo phezu kwalo, labanjwa ngaphakathi komgodazo. Zalinghamela intamo ngesimbi, zalifaka iinkghopholo epumulweni; zaliletha ekosini yeBhabheli. Zalifaka ngesikhungweni, ukuze ukubhodla kwalo kungasazwakala phezu kweentaba zakwa-Israyeli. “Unyoko bekanjengomuthi wesidiribe esidiribeni, ohlonywe lapha kunamanzi khona bewuhlome khulu, uthwele amagatja ngebanga lamanzi aneleko. Bewuneziqu eziqinileko ezaba ziintonga zababusi, isitlhori sawo besivelele hlangana namanye amagatja bewubonakala ngokuphakama kwawo nangamakarawo amanengi. Kodwana umuthi lowo wasitjhulwa ngelaka, wafuthelwa phasi ehlabathini. Ummoya wepumalanga wawutjhwabisa besele utlhutlhurwe iinthelo zawo; amagatjawo aqinileko abuna, aqothulwa mlilo. Okwanjesi uhlonywe erhalawumbeni, enarheni eligagadu neyomileko. Kwaphuma umlilo esiqwini samahlumelawo, waqothula iinthelo zakhona, ukuze kungasasali nasinye isiqu esiqinileko, esilungele ukuba yintonga yombusi. “Lesi sililo begodu sasetjenzwa njengesililo.” Kwathi ngomnyaka wekhomba, enyangeni yesihlanu ngelanga letjhumi, kweza abaphathi abathileko bakwa-Israyeli kobana bazokubuza kuSomnini, nje-ke bafese bahlala phambi kwami. Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, khuluma ebaphathini bakwa-Israyeli uthi kibo, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: Nize kobana nizokubuza kimi na? Ngiyafunga ngokuphila kwami, angeze ngabuzwa ngini!’ Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. Ndodana yomuntu, bagwebe, iye, bagwebe: Bazise ngeenkghabhudlho zaboyise. Uthi kibo, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: Mhlana ngikhetha u-Israyeli, ngafunga esizukulwaneni sendlu kaJakopo, iye, ngazazisa kibo enarheni yeGibhide ngathi nginguSomnini uZimenu. Iye, mhlokho ngafunga kibo bonyana ngizabakhupha enarheni yeGibhide ngibase enarheni engabafunela yona, inarha egeleza ibisi neliju, ekuyinarha ehle kunazo zoke. Ngabuye ngathi kibo: Omunye nomunye wenu akalahle izinto ezinyenyisako eninamatheze amehlwenu kizo begodu ningazisilaphazi ngamanyala okubosingazimu beGibhide ngombana mina Somnini nginguZimenu. Kodwana bangihlubuka, akhange bafune ukungilalela. Omunye nomunye wabo akhange alahle iinyenyiso anamatheze amehlwakhe kizo, namkha afulathele amanyala weGibhide. “ ‘Nje-ke ngazitjela bona ngizokuthululela itukuthelwami phezu kwabo; iye, ngivuthele ilaka lami kibo enarheni yeGibhide. Kodwana ngaqunta ukwenza okuthileko ngenca yebizo lami ukuze lingasilaphazwa emehlweni wezizwe ebebahlala phakathi kwazo: Ngizabakhupha eGibhide kobana ngizazise kibo phambi kwezizwe. Nje-ke, ngabakhupha enarheni yeGibhide ngabaletha erhalawumbeni. Ngabanikela iimiso zami bengabazisa imithethwami ukuze abantu bayigcine bese baphila ngayo. Ngaphezu kwalokho ngabanikela namaSabatha wami kobana abe liphawu phakathi kwabo nami ukuze bazi bonyana mina Somnini ngiyabacwengisa. Kodwana indlu yakwa-Israyeli yangihlubuka erhalawumbeni. Akhange bakhambe ngeemiso zami, badela imithethwami, ekufuze abantu bayigcine, baphile ngayo. AmaSabatha wami wona bawasilaphaza kokuwasilaphaza. “ ‘Nje-ke ngazitjela bona ngizokuthululela itukuthelwami phezu kwabo ukuze ngibaphelise erhalawumbeni. Kodwana ngaqunta ukwenza okuthileko ngenca yebizo lami ukuze lingasilaphazwa emehlweni wezizwe engabakhupha zibaqalile. Iye, ngafunga kibo erhalawumbeni bonyana angeze ngisabangenisa enarheni engabapha yona, inarha egeleza ibisi neliju, ekuyinarha ehle kunazo zoke. Ngakwenza lokho ngebanga lokobana badele imithethwami begodu akhange bakhambe eemisweni zami, babuya basilaphaza namaSabatha wami nokobana ihliziywabo beyidlhemadlhema ngemva kwamanyala okubosingazimu babo. Khonapho amehlwami abababalela, akhange ngibarhayile namkha ngibaphelise erhalawumbeni.’ “Kodwana ngathi ebantwaneni babo erhalawumbeni, ‘Ningakhambi ngeemiso zaboyihlo, ningalondi imithethwabo begodu ningazisilaphazi ngamanyala okubosingazimu babo. Mina Somnini nginguZimenu; khambani ngeemiso zami bese nilonde benenze imithethwami. Cwengisani amaSabatha wami ukuze abe liphawu phakathi kwami nani, kobana nazi bonyana mina Somnini nginguZimenu. Kodwana abantwababo bangihlubuka! Akhange bakhambe ngeemiso zami begodu azange balonde bebenze imithethwami, imithetho okumele abantu bayigcine baphile ngayo. Babuya basilaphaza namaSabatha wami. “ ‘Nje-ke ngazitjela bona ngizokuthululela itukuthelwami phezu kwabo; iye, ngivuthele ilaka lami kibo erhalawumbeni. Kodwana ngazibamba, ngenza lokho ngebanga lebizo lami ukuze lingasilaphazwa emehlweni wezizwe, engabakhupha zibaqalile. Iye, ngafunga kibo erhalawumbeni bonyana ngizabahlakaza hlangana nezizwe, ngibasabalalise eenarheni nakube abagcini imithethwami, badele iimiso zami bebasilaphaze namaSabatha wami begodu baqalise amehlwabo emanyaleni okubosingazimu baboyisemkhulu. Ngizabanikelela emikhubeni engakalungi nezenzweni abangekhe baphile ngazo. Ngizabasilaphaza ngezipho zabo, iye, ngokutjhisa amazibulwabo woke emlilweni. Ngizakwenza lokho kobana bakhene bebazi bonyana mina nginguSomnini.’ “Ngalokho, ndodana yomuntu, khuluma endlini yakwa-Israyeli uthi kiyo, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: Khonapho aboyihlo bangihlambalaza ngokungathembeki ngezenzo zabo. Lokha nangibangenisa enarheni engafunga kobana ngibanikele yona, bakhamba bafuna zoke iindunduma nemithi enamakari benza lapho imihlatjelwabo. Iye, baletha lapho iminikelwabo eyangithukuthelisako; khonapho babeka amatjhwalo wabo bebathulula neminikelwabo yokuselwako. Ngababuza bona iyini indunduma leyo kobana bangabeze baye kiyo.’ (Ngalokho indawo leyo ibizwa bonyana yindunduma bekube namhlanjesi). “Ngalokho yithi endlini ka-Israyeli, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: Kutjho bona nani nizazisilaphaza njengaboyihlomkhulu ngokudlhemadlhema ngemva kweenyenyiso zabo na? Iye, lokha naninikela izipho zenu ngokutjhisa abantwabenu emlilweni, nizisilaphaza ngamanyalenu okubosingazimu bekube namhlanje. Nitjho bona ngizakubuzwa ngini, nina ndlu yakwa-Israyeli na? Ngiyafunga ngokuphila kwami, angeze ngabuzwa ngini!’ Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “ ‘Lokho okusemikhumbulweni yenu akusoze kwenzeka, okutjho umcabango wokuthi, nifuna ukufana nezizwe, nibe njengabantu bamaphasi, nilotjhe isigodo nelitje. Ngiyafunga ngokuphila kwami, ngesandla esinamandla, ngesiphanga nangelaka lami elithululiweko, ngizokubusa phezu kwenu.’ Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. ‘Iye, ngesandla esinamandla, ngesiphanga nangelaka lami elithululiweko ngizonikhupha hlangana nabantu, nginibuthe eenarheni enihlakazekele kizo. Ngizonisa erhalawumbeni labezizwe, khonapho ngigwebane nani ubuso nobuso. Njengombana ngagwebana naboyihlomkhulu erhalawumbeni lenarha yeGibhide, ngokunjalo ngizogwebana nani.’ Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. ‘Ngizonenza nidlule ngaphasi kwedondolo, iye, ngizoningenisa ngaphasi kwesibopho sesivumelwano. Ngizokuhlunga phakathi kwenu amahlubuka nalabo abaphambeka kimi. Ngizobakhupha enarheni abathunjwe kiyo, kodwana angekhe bangena enarheni yakwa-Israyeli. Nje-ke nizakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini. “ ‘Nakungini nina ndlu yakwa-Israyeli, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: Omunye nomunye wenu akakhambe ayokulotjha amanyala okubosingazimu bakhe nakube ngitjho nemva kwalokhu anifuni ukungilalela. Kodwana ibizo lami elicwengileko angekhe nisalisilaphaza ngezipho nangamanyalenu ngombana phezu kwentaba yami ecwengileko, iye, phezu kwentaba ephakamileko yakwa-Israyeli lapho yoke indlu yakwa-Israyeli, izangilotjha ndawonye.’ Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. ‘Lapho-ke ngizabamukela begodu khonapho ngizakufuna iminikelo yenu, izipho zenu ezisibiko nayo yoke iminikelwenu ecwengileko. Njengomnikelo owamukelekako kuSomnini, ngizanamukela lokha nanginikhupha hlangana nabantu nalokha nanginibuthelela eenarheni lapha nihlakazekele khona begodu ngizazibonakalisa ngicwengile phambi kwezizwe ngani. Ngalokho nizakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini, lokha nanginingenisa enarheni yakwa-Israyeli, inarha engafunga bonyana ngizayinikela aboyihlomkhulu. Lapho-ke nizakukhumbula iindlela nazo zoke izenzo zenu enazisilaphaza ngazo; nizinyenye ngobumbi boke enibenzileko begodu nizakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini lokha nangisebenza ngani ngebanga lebizo lami, ingasi ngokweendlela zenu ezimbi namkha ngokwezenzo zenu ezonakeleko, nina ndlu yakwa-Israyeli.’ Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla.” Godu ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, qalisa ubuso bakho ngesewula, utjhumayele ngokujamelana nenarha engesewula bewuphorofide ngokuqalana nenarha enehlathi ngesewula. Yewuthi ehlathini langesewula, ‘Lalela ilizwi lakaSomnini, iye, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: Qala, sele ngizokuthungelela umlilo kuwe. Wona uzokuqothula yoke imithi ehlaza kuwe kanye neyomileko. Amalangabi abhebhedlhako angeze acimeka; boke ubuso kusukela esewula ukuya etlhagwini buzakurhabulwa ngiwo. Boke abantu bazakubona bonyana mina Somnini ngiwuphembile, angeze wacinywa.’ ” Nje-ke ngathi: “Awu, Somnini Somandla, abantu bathi kimi, ‘Umuntu lo uhlala asakhuluma imifanekiso kwaphela!’ ” Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, qalisa ubuso bakho ngeJeruselema utjhumayele ngeendawo ezicwengileko. Phorofida ngenarha yakwa-Israyeli, uthi kiyo, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: Qala, ngijamelene nawe, ngizokurhwatjha isabulami esilandeni sayo, ngirhayile kuwe abalungileko nabakhohlakeleko. Njengombana ngizokususa kini abalungileko nabakhohlakeleko, ngalokho isabulami izakurhwatjhwa esilandeni sayo ngokujamelana nabantu boke ukusuka esewula ukuya etlhagwini. Abantu boke bazakwazi bonyana mina Somnini ngirhwatjhe isabulami esilandeni sayo begodu angeze isabuyela emuva.’ Ngalokho bubula wena ndodana yomuntu, bubula phambi kwabo ngesililo esimunyu njengomuntu otshinyeke idini. Kuzakuthi lokha bathi kuwe, ‘Kubayini ububula?’ uzakuthi, ‘Kungebanga lombiko. Iye, lokha nawuzako, zoke iinhliziyo zizakudana, izandla zoke zizakuba buthakathaka, woke ummoya utsirimezeke namadolo woke angenwe mamanzi. Yelelani, kuyeza lokho begodu kuzakuzaliseka.’ Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla.” Godu ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, phorofida bona nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomandla, “iye, yewuthi, ‘Isabula, isabula, iloliwe begodu ilolongiwe. Ilolelwe ukubulala, ilolongiwe kobana ibenye njengombani! Nina nithatjiswa yikulumo ethi: Intonga yendodanami! Kodwana isabula inyaza yoke imihlobo yesigodo. Nje-ke, isabula yakhutjhwa kobana ilolongwe ukuze iphatheke; iye, iloliwe beyalolongwa kobana inikelwe esandleni sombulali.’ “Rhahlawula, ulile ndodana yomuntu, ngombana isabula ijamelene nabantu bami; iye, ijamelene nawo woke amakhosana wakwa-Israyeli. Anikelelwa esabuleni kanye nabantu bami; ngalokho thwala imikhono ehloko. “Abantu bathi, “ ‘Kodwana kukhona ilitje elizizinyiweko! Alo, kwenzekani nakube isabula inyaza intonga na?’ USomnini uSomandla uthi, ‘Ilitje elizizinyiweko angeze laba khona!’ Ngalokho ndodana yomuntu, phorofida! Wahla izandla ukuze isabula yehle kathathu. Kuyisabula yalabo ekufuze babulawe, isabula yokubulala ikulwazo. Iye, okwabo yisabula engenelelako ukuze iinhliziyo ziphele amandla nabanengi bakhutjhwe. Kiwo woke amasangwabo ngibeke isabula ebulalako. Maye, kuyisabula ebenyezela njengombani, ilolongelwe ukubulala. Hlaba ngesidleni uhlahlele ngesinceleni, koke lapha itlobakho ithunyelwa khona! Nami ngizakuwahla izandla, ngizanelise ngelaka lami; mina Somnini ngikhulumile.” Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Wena ndodana yomuntu, thala iindlela ezimbili zokuza kwesabula yekosi yeBhabheli. Zombili iindlelezo kufuze zisuke enarheni yinye. Godu jamisa isibekiso, iye, sijamise ekuthomeni kwenye nenye indlela eya ngedorobheni: Thala indlela yesabula eya eRabha lama-Amoni, enye iye kwaJuda ngeJerusalema elizombelezwe ngomthangala. Mbala, ikosi yeBhabheli yajama ekwahlukaneni kweendlela, iye, ekuthomeni kweendlela ezimbili kobana iphengule: Iphosa imisubela, ibuze indlela emihlalandlinini, ilawule nangokuhlola isibindi somhlabelo. Ngesidleni sayo bekunefumbe yeJerusalema yokubeka imigqala yokwephula umthangala, ukuvula imilomo ngomkhosi nokuphakamisa ilizwi ngokurhuwelela; iye, kunefumbe yokubeka imigqala yokwephula umthangala ukujamelana namasango, ukwakha iinqabo eziqhube emthangaleni nokwakha umbhotjhongo wepi. Ebantwini beJerusalema kuzakubonakala njengokuthukula okumamanga; kodwana ngoba bafunge ngesifungo, uNebukadinetsari uzakukhumbula icala labo ukuze bathunjwe. “Ngalokho nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla, ‘Njengombana nenze bonyana icala lenu lazeke ngokuhlubuka kwenu okusemtarini, nembula izono zenu ngazo zoke izenzo zenu; iye ngombana nenze kwazeka lokho, nizakuthunjwa. Nje-ke wena kosana esilapheleko nekhohlakeleko yakwa-Israyeli, ilanga lakho sele lifikile, iye, isikhathi sesibetho samaphelelo. Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: Yethula ingwani, ususe nesihlohlo; izinto engeze zisaba sebujameni egade zikibo. Phakamisa okuphasi bese wehlisa okuphakamileko. Iqubi leququ! Iqubi leququ! Iye, ngizokwenza idorobheli iqubi leququ! Lokho angeze kwenzeka kungakafiki onelungelo; yena-ke ngizamnikela lona.’ ” “Nje-ke wena ndodana yomuntu, phorofida uthi, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla mayelana nama-Amoni nesiphoqo sawo: “ ‘Isabula, isabula irhwatjhiwe kobana ibhubhise, ilolongelwe kobana ibambelele beyibenyezele njengombani. Nanyana kunombono wamanga ngawe sabula, iye, nokuthukula kwekohliso ngawe, uzakubekwa eentanyeni zeenkhohlakali ezisilapheleko; ilanga lazo sele lifikile, iye, isikhathi sesibetho samaphelelo. Buyisela isabula ngesilandeni sayo. Wena siphanda sesabula, ngizokugwebela lapha wadalwa khona enarheni owadabuka kiyo. Ngizokuthululela ilaka lami phezu kwakho, iye, ngivuthele phezu kwakho umlilo wobukhali bami. Ngizokunikela ezandleni zeendlova okubabantu abanelwazi ekubhubhiseni. Uzakuba kukudla komlilo, iingazi zakho zizakuphalakela enarheni, angekhe ubuye ukhunjulwe; ngombana mina Somnini ngikhulumile.’ ” Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Wena ndodana yomuntu uzakugweba na? Ingabe uzakugweba idorobho leengazi? Nje-ke memezela kilo zoke iinkghabhudlho zalo, uthi, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla edorobheni elithulula iingazi ngaphakathi kwalo ukuze isikhathi salo sifike, lenze amanyala okubosingazimu kobana lizisilaphaze: Ngeengazi ozithululileko, sewunecala begodu ngamanyala owenzileko wasilaphazeka. Nje-ke utjhideze amangakho wokubhujiswa, iye, sewufike esikhathini sokuphela kwamalangakho. Ngalokho ngikwenze ihlamba ezizweni nesiphoqo kiwo woke amazwe. Abaseduze nalabo abakude nawe, bazakuphoqa wena owaziwa ngokusilaphala nozele ukuphithizela. “ ‘Qala-ke, enye nenye ikosana yakwa-Israyeli ekuwe, iphumele ukuthulula iingazi ngendlela engakghona ngayo. Abobaba nabomma bayanyazwa ngaphakathi kwakho. Isikhonzi naso siyagandelelwa ngaphakathi kwakho. Iintandani nabahlolokazi baphathwa ngobudlova ngaphakathi kwakho. Udelele okucwengileko kwami, wasilaphaza namaSabatha wami. Ngaphakathi kwakho kuneenrhwirirhwiri ezithulula iingazi; kunabadlela phezu kweentaba, kanye nabaziphatha ngameswe. Ngaphakathi kwakho abantu bembula ubuze baboyise; iye, ngaphakathi kwakho bahlukumeza besifazana abangakabi ukuhlwenga eenkhathini zabo. Umuntu wenza ubuhlola nomfazi wenye indoda; kuthi omunye aziphathe ngameswe nomalukazanakhe bese omunye ahlukumeze udadwabo oyindodakazi kayise ngaphakathi kwakho. Ngaphakathi kwakho abantu bamukela ukufunjathiswa ukuze bathulule iingazi. Wena uzithathele inzuzo nenzalo bese uzenzela umvuzo ngokugandelela abantu bekhenu. Kodwana mina ungikhohliwe.’ ” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “ ‘Nje-ke qala, ngizokuthintitha izandla ngomvuzo wokungathembeki owenzileko neengazi oziphalaze ngaphakathi kwakho. Uzakuba nesibindi, izandla zakho beziqine emalangeni lokha nangibambana nawe ngawo na? Mina Somnini ngikhulumile begodu ngizokwenza lokho. Ngizokuhlakazela hlangana nezizwe bengikusabalalisele emazweni, ngiqothule nokusilaphala kwakho ngaphakathi kwakho. Uzozirhubutjha ngokwakho emehlweni wezizwe. Nje-ke wena Jerusalema uzakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini.’ ” Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, indlu yakwa-Israyeli sele imanyela kimi. Koke, ngitjho ikoporo, isinjana, isimbi nomthofi sekuphenduke amanyela anombala wesiliva ekehleni yomlilo. Ngalokho nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla, ‘Njengombana noke seniphenduke amanyela nje, qalani-ke, ngizonibuthelela ngaphakathi kweJerusalema. Njengomuntu nabuthelelela ekehleni yomlilo isiliva namkha ikoporo, isimbi, umthofi nesinjana ukuze akuvuthelele emlilweni kobana kuncithike; ngendlela enjalo ngizonibuthelela nani ngelaka lami nangetukuthelwami nginiliselele ngaphakathi kwedorobho kobana nginincithikise. Ngizonikghubelela, nginivuthele ngomlilo wobukhali bami benincithike ngaphakathi kwalo. Iye, njengombana isiliva lincithika ekehleni, ngendlela enjalo nani nizakuncithika phakathi kwalo. Nje-ke nizakwazi bonyana mina Somnini ngithululele ilaka lami phezu kwenu.’ ” Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, yewuthi kiyo inarha, ‘Uyinarha engakahlambuluki nenelwe lizulu ngelanga lokunikelelwa!’ Kunobukhwebetjhana hlangana namakhosana enarheni leyo: Afana namabhubezi abhodlako nadabula inyamazana. Wona-ke sele arhiribidele iimpilo zabantu; athethe umnotho nezinto ezimagugu. Iye, amakhosana lawo abange abahlolokazi abanengi ngaphakathi kwayo. Abaphristi bayo bayawona umthethwami begodu basilaphaza ipahlami ecwengileko. Akhange benze umahluko phakathi kokucwengileko nokujayelekileko begodu akhange bafundise umehluko phakathi kokuhlanzekileko nokusilapheleko, badelele namaSabatha wami ukuze ngirhubutjhwe phakathi kwabo. Iinkhulu enarheni zinjengeempisi ezidabula inyamazana; zithulula iingazi bezibhubhise ukuze zizifunyanele inzuzo embi. Abaphorofidi enarheni leyo basitha iinkhulu ngokubona imibono engekho bebathukule ngamanga bathi, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla’, khisibe uSomnini akhange akhulume. Abantu benarha bazileme ngokugandelela nangokudlelezela. Bagandelele abachakileko nabadududu begodu baphatha kumbi iinkhonzi ngokungemthetho. Nje-ke ngafuna phakathi kwabo boke umuntu obekangakha umthangala abe ajame esikhaleni phakathi kwami nenarha ukuze ngingayibhubhisi. Kodwana akhange ngifunyane muntu. Ngalokho ngehlisela amanikelela phezu kwabo; ngibaqothule ngomlilo welaka lami; ngibabethe ngeentonga zabo.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, bekukhona besifazana ababili, kumadodakazi womfazi munye. Wona gade angwadla eGibhide; iye, angwadla ebutjheni bawo. Lapho amabelawo apotozwa nobutlawu beengono zawo zancinzwancinzwa. U-Ohola bekulibizo lendodakazi ekulu, udadwabo omlamako kungu-Oholiba. Bona-ke baba ngebami begodu babeletha amadodana namadodakazi. Amabizwabo atjho lokhu: u-Ohola yiSamariya, u-Oholiba yiJerusalema. “U-Ohola wangwadla asese ngowami; wakhanuka iinthandwa zakhe ama-Asiriya, okumadoda akwazi ukulwa embethe okulihlaza komkayi. Gade ababusi neenkhulu, iye, woke kumasokana aqalekako nabakhweli beenjomani. Watjhemeleza ubungwadla bakhe kibo, iye, kiwo woke amadoda akhethekileko we-Asiriya. Wazisilaphaza ngazo zoke iinkanuko anazo, iye, ngawo woke amanyala okubosingazimu. Akhange alise ubungwadla bakhe agade asoloko abenza eGibhide lapha amasokana bekalala naye khona ebutjheni bakhe, ancinzancinza ubutlawu beengono zakhe, athululela ubungwadla bawo phezu kwakhe. Ngalokho ngamnikela ezandleni zeenthandani zakhe, iye, ezandleni zama-Asiriya ebegade awakhanuka. Wona-ke abhenulula ubuze bakhe, athatha amadodana namadodakazakhe, yena ambulala ngesabula. Waba sisiga hlangana nabafazi lokha ama-Asiriya ehlisela iingwebo phezu kwakhe. “Udadwabo u-Oholiba wakubona lokho, kodwana wadazuka khulu kunaye ekukhanukeni kwakhe nebungwadleni bakhe obugade budlulele bunebukadadwabo u-Ohola. Naye wakhanuka ama-Asiriya, ababusi neenkhulu okumadoda akwazi ukulwa begodu embatha kuhle, abakhweli beenjomani. Boke labo kumasokana aqalekako. Ngambona bonyana naye usilaphele, bobalili bamdibi munye. Kodwana u-Oholiba wathuwelela nobungwadla bakhe. Gade abona imifanekiso yamadoda athalwe ebodeni, iye, iinthombe zamaKasidi ezithalwe ngokubomvu, zithekeleze amabhande emadininazo, zikhephuzela ngeengwani eenhloko zazo; zoke zibonakala njengeenduna zepi okusithombe sabantu beBhabheli indabukwawo kungeyenarha yamaKasidi. Lokha nabona imifanekiso yamadoda lawo, wawakhanuka bewathumela iinthunywa kiwo enarheni yamaKasidi. Abantu beBhabheli beza kuye bangena naye emabhayini, bamsilaphaza ngobungwadla babo. Emva kobana bamsilaphazile, wabafulathela ngokukghabhudlheka. Kwathi lokha ubungwadla bakhe bambuka emtarini, iye, lokha ububhunubhunu bakhe nabambukako, ngamfulathela ngokukghabhudlheka kanjengombana ngafulathela udadwabo ngokukghabhudlheka. Nanyana kunjalo wathuwelela nobungwadla bakhe, akhumbula imihla yobutjha bakhe yalokha nangwadla enarheni yeGibhide, lapha akhanuka khona abomakhwapheni bakhe, abanemithondo efana neyabodumbana ekhihliza njengeyeenjomani. Ngalokho wahlulukela ukuziphatha ngameswe kobutjha bakho, lokha amaGibhide ancinzancinza ubutlawu beengono zakho ngenca yokuphuhla kwamabelakho.” Yeke wena Oholiba, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: “Qala, sele ngizokuvuza iinthandani zakho kobana zijamelane nawe, iye, lezo owazifulathela ngokukghabhudlheka; ngizozibuyisa mahlangothi woke kobana zijamelane nawe: AmaBhabheli namaKasidi woke, iPekhodi, iTjhowa neKhowa akanye nama-Asiriya woke. Ngizokubuyisa amasokana aqalekako, ababusi neenkhulu zoke, iinduna nabosaziwako, iye, boke abakhwele iinjomani. Boke labo bazakufikela, bavela etlhagwini ngeenkarana zepi nangeenkoloyana zokuthutha kanye newoma labantu. Bazakuvimbezela mahlangothi woke bahlome ngeenhlangu, ngamakhande nangeenkupuru. Ngizakubeka amandla wokugweba kibo bese bona bakugweba ngeengwebo zabo. Ngizakunqombisa isikhwele sami kuwe ukuze bakuphathe ngobudlova. Bazakuqunta ipumulo neendlebe zakho kuthi abaseleko bakho babulawe ngesabula. Bazakuthumba amadodana namadodakazakho, nalokho okuseleko kwakho kudliwe mlilo. Bazakuhlubulisa izambatho zakho bakuthathele ubuphaziphazi bakho. Ngendlela leyo ngizakuphelisa ukuziphatha ngameswe kwakho nobungwadla bakho owabuya nabo eGibhide ukuze ungasaphakamiseli amehlwakho kibo namkha ukhumbule iGibhide godu.” Mbala, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: “Qala, sele ngizokunikela ezandleni zalabo obazondako, iye, ezandleni zalabo owabafulathela ngokukghabhudlheka. Bona bazakuphatha ngezondo, bathathe zoke iinthukuthuku zomsebenzakho, bakutjhiye ubulanzi, iye, ubhunubhunu ukuze ubungwadla bakho nawuzinekileko bube semtarini. Ukuziphatha kwakho ngameswe nobungwadla bakho ngikho okukwenze waba nje; iye, ubungwadla bakho ngokudlhemadlhema ngemva kwezizwe nokuzisilaphaza ngamanyalazo okubosingazimu. Ulandele indlela kadadwenu, ngalokho ngizakunikela ikaphakhe esandleni sakho.” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: “Uzakusela ikapho kadadwenu etjhingileko nebanzi; uzakuhlekwa bewuphoqwe ngombana imumethe okunengi. Uzakugcwala ukudakwa nesizi ngombana ikapho kadadwenu iSamariya yikapho yomonakalo nethusako. Uzayisela, uyiminyelele bewuyikhothelele, ngeenquqwana zekapho utlerule amabelakho. “Ngambala, mina ngikhulumile.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. Nje-ke, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: “Njengombana ungikhohliwe bewangifulathela, wena uzakuthwala umphumela wokuzipatha kwakho ngameswe newobungwadla bakho.” USomnini wathi kimi: “Ndodana yomuntu, u-Ohola no-Oholiba uzabagweba na? Yeke, memezela kibo iinkghabhudlho zabo okutjho bonyana bahlobongile neengazi zisezandleni zabo. Ngamanyala okubosingazimu babo bahlobongile begodu badabulisa emlilweni abantwana abangibelethela bona, babenza ukudla kwabosingazimu babo. Godu benze lokhu kimi: Basilaphaze ithempeli lami kwathi khonokho baqabhela namaSabatha wami. Lokha nabenza umhlabelo ngabantwababo emanyaleni okubosingazimu babo, khona mhlokho bangena endawenami ecwengileko bayisilaphaza. Iye, ngilokho abakwenze ngethempelini lami. Baze bathumela ngitjho nesithunywa kobana kubizwe amadoda asuka kude. Lokha isithunywa nasithunywako, qalani, eza amadoda lawo, iye, lawo owahlamba ngenca yawo wabe wazitjhatjha amehlo bewazihlobisa ngobuphaziphazi. Wahlala phezu kwesihlalo esimtofotofo, kubekwe itafula phambi kwaso egade ubeke itjhwalo namafuthami we-oliva, godu bekunetjhada lesiqubuthu sabantu ebebazigedlile ngedorobheni. “Ukwengeza emadodeni ebegade ahlangana nesiqubuthu sabantu lawo, kwalethwa amaSeba athethwe erhalawumbeni. Wona afaka iinkhono emikhonweni neenhlohlo ezihle eenhloko zabafazi ababilaba. Nje-ke ngathi, ‘Ikanuko yokuhlobonga isesekhona erathenelo! Manje azokungwadla nalo, nalo lingwadle nawo. Mbala, angena kilo njengalokho amadoda angena engwadleni. Ngendlela enjalo, angena ku-Ohola no-Oholiba okubafazi abaziphatha ngameswe. Kodwana amadoda aqotho wona azabagweba ngesimiso somthetho wokuhlobonga nangesomthetho wokuphalaza iingazi ngombana baziinhlobongi begodu izandla zabo zineengazi.’ “Yeke, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: ‘Butha ihlangano ejamelene nabo, benze babe sisiga sokwesatjwa nepango. Nje-ke ihlangano izabakhanda ngamatje beyibaqobe ngeensabula zayo. Izakubulala amadodana namadodakazabo beyitjhise izindlu zabo. “ ‘Ngizakuthanyela ukuziphatha ngameswe enarheni ukuze boke besifazi bakwazi ukuyaleka bangasangwadli njengombana nenzile. Ihlangano izanibetha ngeswazi elifanele ukuziphatha kwenu ngameswe begodu nizakuthwala isibetho sesono samanyalenu okubosingazimu. Ngalokho nizakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini uSomandla.’ ” Emnyakeni wethoba, lokha inyanga yetjhumi inamalanga alitjhumi, ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, tlola phasi ibizo lelangeli, iye, lona leli. Ikosi yeBhabheli ivimbezele iJerusalema ngalo lona ilangeli. Khuluma umfanekiso endlini ehlubukako uthi, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: “ ‘Beka imbiza eziko, iye, ibeke bewuyithele amanzi. Faka ngaphakathi kwayo izitho zenyama, iye, zoke izitho ezihle okutjho umlenze nomkhono bewuyizalise ngamathambo amahle, kube yinyama ekhethekileko yomhlambi. Baselela imbiza leyo ngeenkuni; ayikghabakghabe kuhle, kuphekwe namathambo kiyo.’ “Ngalokho nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla, “ ‘Maye kilo idorobho leengazi! Liyimbiza enecwecwe necwecwe layo lisakghamathele kiyo! Khupha kiyo isiqa sinye ngasinye: Ifumbe angeze yaphoswa mayelana nedorobho ngombana iingazi zalo zingaphakathi kwalo. Lizithulule phezu kwedwala lakodwala; akhange lizithululele ehlabathini kobana zisibekelwe lithuli lehlabathi. Ukuze ngivuke ngelaka bengizibuyiselele, ngaliselela iingazi elizithululileko phezu kwedwala lakodwala lapha zingeze zasibekelwa khona.’ ” “Yeke, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla, “ ‘Maye kilo idorobho leengazi! Ngithi nami ngizokukghubelela iinkuni. Nasele iinkuni zimkghubo, tika umlilo. Nasele inyama ivuthiwe, thulula umhluzi bewulise amathambo akghakghathe. Lisa imbiza enganamanzi emalahleni avuthako beyitjhise, nekoporwayo itjhe, ukuze amanyela wayo ancithike necwecwe layo liqothuke. Idorobheli liyakhathaza: Icwecwe lalo elikghamatheleko alisuki, nje-ke icwecwelo alitjhiswe ngomlilo. “ ‘Njengombana ukusilaphala kwakho Jerusalema bekungekwameswe, ngalokho kufuze ngikuhlwengise. Kodwana ukusilaphala kwakho azange kuhlwengiswe. Angeze usahlwenga godu kufikela lapha ngizanelisa khona ngelaka lami phezu kwakho. Mina Somnini ngikhulumile. Kuyeza lokho, iye, ngizokwenza. Angeze ngakulisa, angeze ngakubabalela bengirhawuke. Bakugwebe ngokweendlela nezenzo zakho.’ ” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. Godu ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, qala, sele ngizokususa kuwe igugu lamehlwakho ngesidumo. Nanyana kunjalo, angeze uzile, ukhihle isililo namkha ugeleze iinyembezi. Quma sidu. Ungamzileli ohlongakeleko: Bopha umbhode wakho ehloko, ufake amapatlagwanakho eenyaweni. Ungasithi isibhena sakho sangehla begodu ungadli ukudla okulethelwa babantu.” Nje-ke ngakhuluma nabantu ekuseni, kwathi ntambama umkami wahlongakala. Ngelanga elilandelako ngenza njengombana ngiyaliwe. Abantu bangibuza bathi: “Angeze usitjele bonyana okwenzakokhu kutjho ukuthini kithi na?” Nje-ke ngathi kibo: “Ilizwi lakaSomnini lifike kimi lathi, ‘Tjela indlu yakwa-Israyeli bonyana nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: Qalani, sele ngizokusilaphaza indawami ecwengileko, iye, ubuphephelo enizikhakhazisa ngabo, igugu lamehlwenu nokulangazelela komphefumulwenu. Amadodana namadodakazenu enawatjhiya eJerusalema azokubulawa ngesabula. Nje-ke nani kufuze nenze njengombana ngenzile. Ningasithi isibhena senu esingehla namkha nidle ukudla enikulethelwa babantu. Imibhode yenu izakuba phezu kweenhloko zenu namapatlagwanenu abe seenyaweni. Ningazili begodu ningakhihli isililo, kodwana dabukani ngamacalenu bese nizibubule omunye komunye. Leyo kuyindlela uHezekiyeli azakuba liphawu ngayo kini. Ngokuya ngakho koke akwenzileko nani nizakwenza njalo. Nasele lokho kufikile, nizakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini uSomandla.’ “Nje-ke wena ndodana yomuntu, mhlana ngisusa kibo ubuphephelo babo, ithabo ledumo labo, igugu lamehlwabo nokulangazelela komphefumulwabo, ngitjho namadodana namadodakazabo; iye, khona mhlokho, ophunyurhileko uzakwiza kuwe azokubikela indaba leyo. Mhlokho umlomakho uzakuvuleka nakufika ophunyurhileko, uzabese uyakhuluma ungasabi simumu. Uzakuba liphawu kibo; ngalokho bazakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini.” Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, qalisa ubuso bakho ngebantwini bakwa-Amoni bese uphorofida ngokujamelana nabo. Iye, khuluma kuma-Amoni uthi akalalele ilizwi lakaSomnini uSomandla, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: Njengombana wena Amoni uthe “Arha!” ngendawami ecwengileko lokha nayisilaphazwako, nenarheni yakwa-Israyeli lokha nayitjhabalaliswako, nendlini yakwaJuda lokha nayithunjwako, qala, sele ngizokunikela ebantwini bangepumalanga njengelifa. Bona bazakuhloma amatendabo angeenrhodlweni hlangana nawe, iye, bazenzele amahlalo phakathi kwakho. Bazakudla iinthelo zakho basele nebisi lakho.’ “Ngizakwenza iRabha idlelo lamakamela namadorobho wama-Amoni iindawo zokuphumula kwemihlambi. Nje-ke nizakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini.” Mbala, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: “Njengombana uwahle izandla wagida ngeenyawo zakho bewazinikela ebumenemeneni bewathakasa ngokwenzeke enarheni yakwa-Israyeli, ngalokho qala, ngelule isandla sami ngokujamelana nawe, Amoni: Ngizokunikela njengepango ezizweni. Ngizokuthanyela hlangana nezizwe bengikubhubhise emazweni; iye, ngizokurhayila. Nje-ke, uzakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini.” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: “Njengombana uMowabi noSeyiri bathi, ‘Yelelani, indlu yakwaJuda ifana nazo zoke ezinye izizwe’, ngalokho qalani, sele ngizokudalula ihlangothi leentaba zakwaMowabi ukuze lingasabi namadorobho, iye, ukusukela emadorobheni asemkhawulweni ukuya eBhethe-Jetjhimothi, eBhali-Mewoni neKhiriyatayimu okuyingcenye ehle yenarha. Ngizokunikela nama-Amoni ebantwini bangepumalanga njengelifa ukuze angasakhumbuleki hlangana nezizwe begodu ngizokwehlisela iingwebo phezu koMowabi. Nje-ke bazakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini.” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: “Njengombana u-Edomu azibuyiselele ngesibuyiselelo phezu kwendlu yakwaJuda bewaba nesazela esikhulu, iye, njengombana azibuyiselele emaJudeni, ngalokho nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla, ‘Ngizokwelula isandla sami ngokujamelana ne-Edomu, ngiphelise kiyo umuntu nefuyo. Ngizoyenza amarubhi kusukela eTemani ukuya ngitjho neDedani. Bazokuwa ngesabula. Ukuzibuyiselela kwami phezu kwaka-Edomu ngizokubeka ezandleni zabantu bami, ama-Israyeli. Wona azokwenza e-Edomu ngokuya ngetukuthelwami nangelaka lami. Yeke ama-Edomu azazizwela ukuzibuyiselela kwami.’ ” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: “Njengombana amaFilista azibuyiselele, iye, njengombana azibuyiselele ngokuzinikela ebumenemeneni ukuze arhayile ngebanga lobutha obungapheliko, ngalokho nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla, ‘Qalani, sele ngizokwelula isandla sami ngokujamelana namaFilista: Ngizokuphelisa amaKerethi bengibhubhise imisalela eseligwini lelwandle. Ngizokwehlisela izenzo ezikulu zokuzibuyiselela phezu kwabo ngeembetho zelaka lami. Yeke bazakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini lokha nangehlisela ukuzibuyiselela kwami phezu kwabo.’ ” Emnyakeni wetjhumi nanye elangeni lokuthoma lenyanga, ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, njengombana iTirosi likhulume mayelana neJerusalema lathi, “ ‘Arha! Lidilikile iJerusalema okulisango labantu. Ipahlalo izakulethwa kimi, ngizakuzuza ngombana limarubhi!’ “ngalokho nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla, “Qala, ngijamelene nawe, wena Tirosi, ngizokuvusa izizwe ezinengi ezijamelene nawe, njengelwandle nalivusa amagagasalo. Zona zizokubhuruza imithangala yeTirosi, zephule nemibhotjhongwalo. Ihlabathalo ngizoyithanyela, ngilenze libe lidwala lakodwala. Lizakuba yindawo yokomisa iinrhurhulanede ngaphakathi kwelwandle. “Iye, ngikhulumile mina.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “ITirosi lizakuba yipango ezizweni. Imizana esenarhenalo, izakurhayilwa ngesabula. Nje-ke bazakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini.” Mbala, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: “Qala ngizokuletha eTirosi uNebukadiretsari ikosi yeBhabheli osuka ngetlhagwini, oyikosi yamanye amakhosi, afike neenjomani, iinkarana zepi nabakhweli bazo kanye nesiqubuthu esikhulu samajoni. “Yena uzakurhayila ngesabula imizana esenarhenakho, wena Tirosi. Uzakwakha umbhotjhongo wepi ojamelene nawe, akhe iinqabo eziqhube emthangalenakho, ajamelane nawe angaphasi kwephahla leenhlangu. Uzakusahlela imithangalakho ngekoloyana enomgqala aphohloze iinthala zabalindi ngemigqalakhe. Ngebanga lomhlambi weenjomani zakhe uzakuvalwa lithuli. Ngebanga letjhada lamavili weenkarana zepi nabakhweli bazo imithangalakho izakudengezela lokha nangena emasangwenakho njengabantu abangena edorobheni elifohloziweko. Ngeenqatha zeenjomani zakhe, uzakonakalisa zoke iindledlana zakho Tirosi. Uzakubulala ibutho lakho ngesabula, iinsika zakho eziqinileko ziwele phasi. Bazakuphanga umnothwakho bebahlangule irhwebo lakho. Bazakudiliza imithangalakho bebaphohloze izindlu zakho ezihle. Amatjakho, iingodo nequqwako bazakuphosela emanzini. Ngizakuthulisa umvumo weengoma zakho nomkenenezo wamaharibhanakho angekhe usezwakala. Ngizakwenza ube lidwala lakodwala: Uzakuba yindawo yokomisela iinrhurhulanede. Angekhe usavuseleleka godu ngombana mina Somnini ngikhulumile.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla kilo iTirosi: “Kghani iinarha ezimagegana nelwandle azizukuthuthumela ngomdumo wokuwa kwakho na? Iye, lokha abalinyaziweko nababongolelako nalokha nakubulawa ngesihluku ngaphakathi kwakho na? Nje-ke woke amakhosana welwandle azakwehlika eenhlalweni zawo zobukhosi, abeke phasi amanakawo abe ahlubule nezambatho zawo ezimibalabala. Azakwembatha ngokuthuthumela; ahlale phasi ehlabathini aqhaqhazele ngesikhathi soke abe ababaze ngawe. Azakurhahlawula isililo ngawe abe athi kuwe: “Maye ukurhayilwa kwakho, wena onabahlali abasuka emalwandle, wena olidorobho elidumileko, onamandla phezu kwelwandle, wena nabahlali bakho, iye, abahlali bakho abalethe ivalo ebantwini boke! Kodwana kwanje iinarha ezimagegana nelwandle ziyathuthumela ngesikhathi sokuwa kwakho; iye, iinhlengele zikakamele ngokunyamalala kwakho.” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: “Lokha nangikwenza idorobho lomonakalo, elinjengamadorobho anganazakhamuzi nalokha nangikugubuzesa ngamanzi ekuzikeni, iye amanzi amanengi akusibekele, nje-ke ngizakwehlisela kilabo abehlele emgodini wokufa, iye, ebantwini bakade. Ngizokwenza uhlale elizweni labangaphasi njengamarubhi wekadeni, iye, uzakuhlala nalabo abehlele emgodini wokufa ukuze ungasaba khona namkha ujame enarheni yabaphilako. Ngizokwenza into ethusako begodu angekhe ubuye ube khona. Nanyana sewufunwa, angekhe nini nanini usafunyanwa godu.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Nje-ke wena ndodana yomuntu, khalela ingoma yesililo ngeTirosi. Yithi kilo iTirosi elisemangenweni welwandle elibarhwebi hlangana nezizwe neenhlengele ezinengi, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: “ ‘Wena Tirosi uzitjele bona nakunguwe uphelele ngobuhle. Imikhawulwakho isehliziyweni yamalwandle. Abakhi bakho benze ubuhle bakho baphelela: Bakwenzele zoke iingodo zemithi yemisayipurusi yeSeniri; bathathe umuthi womsedari eLibhanoni kobana bazokwenzela isika. Ngemithi yama-owuku yeBhatjhani bakwenzele amaphini wokuthayisa. Indawo lapha kukhanjwa khona phezu komthayamanzi, bayenze ngemithi yomsayipurusi ephuma eenhlengeleni zamaKithi ehlotjiswe ngamazinyo wendlovu. Ilineni lemibalabala lasuka eGibhide laba yiseyilakho, esiboniso sephawu; isisitho sakho esimthunzi ohlaza komkayi nobubende bewuphuma eenhlengeleni ze-Elitjha. Abahlali beTsidoni ne-Arivadi bekubagwedli bakho; iinhlakaniphi zakho, Tirosi, bezingaphakathi kwakho, zona bezibatjhayisi bakho. Abaphathi neenhlakani zeGebali bezingaphakathi kwakho, zivala iintunja. “ ‘Zoke iinthayamanzi zelwandle nabathayi bazo bebaphakathi kwakho bonyana barhwebe ngepahlakho. Abantu bePheresiya, iLudi nePhuthi bebaphakathi kwebutho lakho njengamajonakho. Baphanyeka iinhlangu neenkupuru ngaphakathi kwakho, dorobho; bona bakulethela ubuphaziphazi. Amadoda we-Arivadi neRheleki bekaphezu komthangalakho mazombe; amaGamadi asemibhotjhongwenakho. Aphanyeka iinlanda zawo emithangaleni mazombe; aphelelisa ubuhle bakho. “ ‘Abantu beTharatjhitjhi barhwebelana nawe ngebanga lomnothwakho omkhulu: Ngepahlakho benana isiliva, isimbi, isinjana nomthofi. Abantu beJavani, iTubali neMetjheki bebarhweba nawe. Bananiselana nawe ngabantu nangezitja zekoporo ngepahlakho. Abavela eBhethe-Togarima bananiselana iinjomani, iinjomani zepi neemeyila ngepahlakho. Amadoda weDedani arhwebisana nawe. Iinarha ezinengi eziseligwini lelwandle zaba ziindawo zakho zokuthengisela. Akulethela amazinyo wendlovu neengodo zakasinjana njengomthelwakho. Abantu be-Aramu barhwebelana nawe ngebanga lobunengi bomkhiqizwakho. Bakunanisela ipahlakho ngesimaragidu, ngelineni elicolekileko lemibalabala nelibubende, ngekorali nangamarubi. Inarha yakwaJuda neyakwa-Israyeli zirwebisana nawe. Zinanisela irhwebo lakho ikoroyi yeMinithi, iflowuru esefiweko, iliju, amafutha we-oliva nebhalisamu. Abantu beDamaseku barhwebisana nawe ngebanga lobunengi bomkhiqizwakho, iye ngebanga lomnothwakho omkhulu: iwayini leRhelibhoni newulu emhlophe. IVedana neJavana zikunanisela ipahlakho ngezinto ezibuya e-Uzali. Isimbi ethambileko, igcolo lomuthi wekhasiya nebhule bekuhlangana nerhwebo lakho. IDedani yona yarhwebisana nawe ngamatjhila weenhlalo zeenjomani. I-Arabu namakhosana woke weKedari aba barhwebisani bakho. Arhwebelana nawe ngeemvana, ngamaqama nangeembuzi. Abarhwebi beTjheba nebeRayema barhwebisana nawe. Bona-ke bananiselana nawe ipahlakho ngemihlobohlobo yoke yeenungo ezikhethekileko, nangawo woke amatje aligugu negolide. IRharana, iKane, i-Edeni, abarhwebi beTjheba nabantu be-Atjhuri neKilimadi barhwebisana nawe. Ekurhwebisaneni kwakho nabo barhwebisana nawe ngezambatho zakanokutjho, ngamanaka ahlaza komkayi nanemibalabala, ngeengubo ezinemibala emibili nangeentambo ezilukwe zaqina. Imikhumbi yokurhweba ikuthwalela ipahla yerhwebo lakho. “ ‘Nje-ke, wena mkhumbi Tirosi wagcwaliswa bewadiselwa ngaphakathi kwamalwandle. Abagwedli bakho bakuthatha bakusa emanzini amanengi. Ummoya wepumalanga wakuqobela ehliziyweni yamalwandle. Umnothwakho, ipahlakho, irhwebo lakho, abagwedli, abathayi nabathayisi bakho, abavala iintunja zakho nabarhweba ngepahlakho, woke amajonakho angaphakathi kwakho nomkhambathi woke ongaphakathi kwakho kunyelela ehliziyweni yamalwandle ngelanga lokuphahlaka kwakho. Ngokurhuwelela kwabathayi bakho amadlambi aphakamileko ayathuthumela. Boke ababambe amaphini wokugwedla batjhiya iinthayamanzi zabo, iye, boke abathayisi elwandle bajama eligwini. Barhuwelela ngawe, barhahlawule isililo esimunyu. Bazithela ngethuli lehlabathi ehloko bebazibhudabhude emlotheni. Baguda ihloko ngebanga lakho, bembathe izambatho zesililo. Balila ngawe ngomphefumulo olisizi nangesililo esimunyu. Nabasemahlungwini ngawe, balila bathi: Ngubani owakhe wathuliswa njengeTirosi ngaphakathi kwelwandle na? Lokha ipahlakho isakhiqizwa elwandle, wanelisa abantu abanengi; ngomnothwakho omkhulu nepahlakho, wanothisa amakhosi wephasi. Njenganje, uphahlazwe ngebanga lamalwandle ekuzikeni kwamanzi. Ipahlakho nomkhambathakho woke kucwile kanye nawe. Boke abahlala magegana nelwandle bayakhuza ngawe; iinhluthu zamakhosabo ziyabophana ngevalo nobuso bawo bunyamile; abarhwebi phakathi kwezizwe bayababaza ngawe. Sewuphenduke isethuso begodu angekhe usabakhona.’ ” Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, yewukhulume embusini weTirosi bonyana nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla, “ ‘Nanyana umumuntu nje ungasiso isidalwa sezulu, ulinganise umkhumbulwakho nowesidalwa sezulu. Umkhumbulwakho uyazikhakhazisa, uzitjela uthi: Ngisidalwa sezulu, ngihlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi babozinyana, ehliziyweni yamalwandle. Wena udlumbana bona uhlakaniphe ukudlula uDanyela! Koke okufihlakeleko akusinzima kuwe! Ngokuhlakanipha nelemuko lakho uzizuzele ubunjinga bakho, wazibuthelelela igolide nesiliva endlinakho yamagugu! Ngokuhlakanipha kwakho okudluleleko, iye, ngekghono lakho lokurhweba wengezelele umnothwakho! Mbala, umkhumbulwakho uyazikhakhazisa ngebanga lomnothwakho.’ “Ngalokho nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: “ ‘Njengombana ulinganise umkhumbulwakho nowesidalwa sezulu ngalokho ngizokulethela imiqhamuka, kobana ijamelane nawe; iye, izizwe ezinelunya ngokudluleleko. Zona zizokurhwatjha isabula iphambane nobuhle obukuzuzele ukuhlakanipha, zisilaphaze iphazimulwakho. Zizokwehlisela endaweni yabafileko, ufe ukufa kolinyaziweko ehliziyweni yamalwandle. Uzalokhu uphikelela bona usidalwa sezulu, lokha nawuqalene nababulali na? Kuzakukhanya bona umumuntu awusiso isidalwa sezulu, lokha nawusezandleni zabakulimazako! Ezandleni zemiqhamuka uzakufa ukufa kwabarhedeni. Mbala, ngikhulumile mina.’ Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla.” Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, khalela ingoma yesililo ngekosi yeTirosi, ngamezwi atjhwiwe nguSomnini uSomandla nasithi, “ ‘Wena bewusibonelo sokupheleliswa, uzele ukuhlakanipha uphelele ngobuhle. Bewuse-Edeni, isivande sakaZimu, uhlobe ngelinye nelinye ilitje eliligugu: irubi, ithopazi nedayimani, ibherili, i-oniksi nejasipere, isafaya, isimaragidu ne-emeraldi. Ukuhloba kwakho bekungekwegolide, okuzizinto ezalungiswa mhlana udalwako. Bewulikerubhi elivikelako elineempiko ezivulekileko. Ngakubeka entabeni ekhethekileko yabozinyana. Bewuhlangana namatje womlilo, ukhambakhamba lapho. Eendleleni zakho bewungasolisi, kusukela ilanga owadalwa ngalo, bekwaba kulapha ubumbi bufunyaneka khona kuwe. Ngebanga lerhwebo lakho elandileko, wagcwaliswa ngenturhu bewona. Nje-ke, ngakusilaphaza, ngakususa entabeni yabozinyana, iye, hlangana namatje womlilo; ngakubhubhisa wena kerubhi elivikelako. Umkhumbulwakho wazikhakhazisa ngobuhle bakho. Wonakalisa ubuhlakani bakho ngenca yephazimulwakho. Ngalokho ngakuphosela phasi, ngakuneka phambi kwamakhosi kobana akhe akubone. Ngobunengi bamacalakho, ngokungathembeki ekurhwebeni kwakho usilaphaze iindawo zakho ezikhethekileko. Nje-ke ngaqubula umlilo ngaphakathi kwakho, wakuqothule. Ngakuphendula umlotha ehlabathini phambi kwabo boke ebegade bakuqalile. Boke abakwaziko ezizweni bakakamala ngawe; sewuphenduke isethuso begodu angekhe usabakhona.’ ” Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, qalisa ubuso bakho ngeTsidoni bese uphorofida ngokujamelana nalo, uthi, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: “ ‘Qala, ngijamelene nawe Tsidoni; ngizozidumisa phakathi kwakho.’ Iye, bazakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini, lokha nangehlisela iingwebo phakathi kwalo nalokha nangibonakalisa ukucwenga kwami kilo. Ngizokuthumela isifo kilo, iingazi zigeleze eendledlaneni zalo. Abalinyaziweko bazakuwa ngaphakathi kwalo ngebanga lesabula ejamelene nalo nca zoke. Nje-ke bazakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini. “Indlu ka-Israyeli angeze isafunyana umunga ozayihlaba neliva lokuyilimaza kwabayizombelezileko, iye, labo abayidelelako. Bazakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini uSomandla.” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: “Lokha nangibuthelela bendlu ka-Israyeli hlangana nabantu abasabalele kibo nalokha nangibonakalisa ukucwenga kwami kibo phambi kwezizwe, bazakuhlala enarhenabo engayinikela incekwami uJakopo. Bazakuhlala kiyo bavikelekile, bakhe izindlu bebatjale neemvande zesidiribe. Iye, bazakuhlala bavikelekile lokha nangehlisela iingwebo phakathi kwabo boke ababadelelako nca zoke. Nje-ke bazakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini uZimu ka-Israyeli.” Emnyakeni wetjhumi lokha inyanga yetjhumi inamalanga alitjhumi nambili, kwafika ilizwi lakaSomnini kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, qalisa ubuso bakho ngakuFaro ikosi yeGibhide bese uphorofida ngokujamelana naye neGibhide yoke; iye, khuluma bonyana nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla uthi, “ ‘Qala, ngijamelene nawe, wena Faro, kosi yeGibhide, ngwenya ekulu ebadalele ngemiselenayo ozitjela uthi: INayili ngelami, ngazenzela lona.’ Ngizokufaka iinkghopholo emihlathinakho ngenze iinhlambi zemiselakho zinamathele eempepheni zakho. Ngizokutsomula ngaphakathi kweNayili lakho kanye nazo zoke iinhlambi zemiselakho ezinamathele eempepheni zakho. Ngizakuphosela erhalawumbeni, wena neenhlambi zoke zemiselakho. Uzakuwela emmangweni ungabuthwa namkha udojwe. Ngizakwenza ube kukudla kweembandana zephasi neenyoni zomkayi. Zoke izakhamuzi zeGibhide zizakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini. “Njengombana wena Gibhide waba lidondolo lomgaba endlini yakwa-Israyeli, iye, lokha nayikubambako ngesandla waphadlhuka, wabenga loke ihlombe layo, nalokha nayizeyama ngawe wephuka wenza bona itekezele, ngalokho nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla, ‘Qala, sele ngizokwehlisela isabula phezu kwakho, ngiphelise kuwe umuntu nefuyo.’ “Mbala, inarha yeGibhide izokuba libhudu namarubhi. Nje-ke bazakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini ngombana yathi, ‘INayili ngelami, ngilenzile!’ Yeke, qala ngijamelene nawe kanye nemiselakho: Ngizokwenza inarha yeGibhide ibe lirubhi lamarubhi; iye, ibhudu ukusuka eMigidoli ukufika eSiyene bekube semkhawulweni kaKutjhe. Alikho inyawo lomuntu elizakudabula kiyo begodu alikho iqatha lefuyo elizakudlula kiyo. Kube minyaka ematjhumi amane ingahlaleki. Iye, ngizokwenza inarha yeGibhide ibe libhudu phakathi kweenarha ezimarubhi. Amadorobhayo azakuba ngatjhiyiweko iminyaka ematjhumi amane hlangana namadorobho adiliziweko. Ngizokuhlakaza amaGibhide hlangana nezizwe, ngiwasabalalisele eenarheni.” Nokho nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: “Ekupheleni kweminyaka ematjhumi amane, ngizakubutha amaGibhide ezizweni engiwahlakazele kizo. Ngizakutjhugulula ubujamo bamaGibhide ngiwabuyisele enarheni yePatrosi ekuyinarha yendabuko yawo. Lapho-ke azakuba mbuso ophasi. Iye, lowo kuzakuba mbuso ophasi khulu kuneminye begodu angeze usaziphakamisa ezizweni. Ngizawenza abe phasi kangangobana angeze asabusa phezu kwezizwe. Mbala, iGibhide angeze isaba sidzimelelo sendlu ka-Israyeli godu, kodwana izakuba sikhumbuzo samacalayo lokha naphendukela eGibhidapho ukufuna isizo. Ngalokho indlu ka-Israyeli izakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini uSomandla.” Kwathi ngomnyaka wamatjhumi amabili nalikhomba, lokha inyanga yokuthoma inelanga linye, ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, uNebukadinetsari ikosi yeBhabheli wenza amajonakhe bona asebenze nzima ukuthumba iTirosi: Enye nenye ihloko yancothuka iinhluthu kwathi elinye nelinye ihlombe lavuthwa. Nanyana kunjalo yena namajonakhe akhange bazuze ilitho eTirosi elibakhokhelako ngomsebenzi onzima abawenzileko ngokujamelana nalo. Ngalokho nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla, ‘Qala, sele ngizokunikela inarha yeGibhide kuNebukadiretsari ikosi yeBhabheli; yena uzakuthumba umnothwayo ngokuthatha ipango nangokuhluthula ipahla, kube mvuzo wamajonakhe. Ngimnikele inarha yeGibhide njengomvuzo wokuzikhandla kwakhe ngombana amajonakhe bekangisebenzela.’ ” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “Mhlokho ngizokukhulisa amandla wendlu ka-Israyeli, ngikwenze wena Hezekiyeli ube nesibindi sokukhuluma phakathi kwayo. Ngalokho izakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini.” Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, phorofida, ukhulume bonyana nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla, “ ‘Lilani nithi: Maye mhlokho! Mbala, ilanga litjhidele, iye, ilanga lakaSomnini litjhidele, kuzokuba lilanga lamafu anzima, kube sikhathi sesizi ezizweni: Isabula izokungena eGibhide! Kuzokuba nokuthuthumela eKutjhe, lokha nakuwa abalinyaziweko eGibhide, iye, lokha nakuthathwa umnothwayo nalokha iinsekelo zayo nazidilizwako. IKutjhe, iPuthi, iLudi, boke abantu abayicubevange iLibhiya nabantu benarha enesivumelwano nayo bazakuwa ngesabula kanye neGibhide.’ “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini, “ ‘Abasekela iGibhide bazokuwa, namandlayo wokuzikhakhazisa azokuphela. Ukusuka eMigidoli ukufika eSiyene bazakuwa ngesabula ngaphakathi kwayo.’ Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. ‘IGibhide izakuba libhudu phakathi kweenarha ezimarubhi namadorobhayo azakuba hlangana namadorobho adilizweko. Bazakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini lokha nangithungelela umlilo eGibhide, nalokha nakwephulwa boke abasizi bayo.’ “Mhlokho kuzakuphuma iinthunywa kimi ngemikhumbi kobana ziyokwethusela amaKutjhe asazigedlile. Isizi lizawehlela ngelanga leGibhide. Mbala, ilangelo liyeza. “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla, “ ‘Ngizokuphelisa ukuphuphuma kweGibhide ngesandla sakaNebukadinetsari ikosi yeBhabheli. Yena nebutho lakhe, ekuzizizwe ezinelunya ngokudluleleko, bazakulethwa bonyana babhubhise inarha. Bazakurhwatjha iinsabula zabo ngokujamelana neGibhide, bazalise inarha ngabalinyaziweko. Ngizokomisa imisele yeNayili, ngithengise inarha ezandleni zeenkhohlakali; iye, ngezandla zemiqhamuka ngizokubhubhisa inarha nakho koke okukiyo. Mina Somnini ngikhulumile.’ “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla, “ ‘Ngizokubhubhisa amanyala okubosingazimu bengiphelise abozinyana eMemfisi. Nje-ke, angeze kusabakhona ikosana enarheni yeGibhide; iye, ngizokusabalalisa ukwesaba enarheni yeGibhide. Ngizokwenza iPatrosi ibe libhudu, ngithungelele umlilo eTsowani bengehlisele iingwebo eThebe. Ngizokuthululela ilaka lami phezu kweSini, okusiphephelo seGibhide, ngiphelisa ukuphuphuma kweThebe. Ngizokuthungelela umlilo eGibhide; iSini libe sebuhlungwini obukhulu. IThebe lizakufohlwa, iMemfisi lizakuhlalela evalweni. Amasokana we-Aweni newePhi-Besethi azakuwa ngesabula nemizalo ithunjwe. ETarhipanirhesi imini izakuba bumnyama lokha nangephula iinkeyi zeGibhide; amandla weGibhide wokuzikhakhazisa azakuphelela lapho. Idorbhelo lizakwembeswa mamafu nemizanalo isiwe ekuthunjweni. Iye, ngizokwehlisela iingwebo eGibhide; ngalokho bazakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini.’ ” Ngomnyaka wetjhumi nanye lokha inyanga yokuthoma inamalanga alikhomba, ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, ingalo kaFaro ikosi yeGibhide ngiyephulile. Nje-ke qala-ke, ayikabi ukubotjhwa kobana iphole namkha isekelwe ngokuyibopha ngeqolo ukuze iqine bonyana ikwazi ukubamba isabula. Ngalokho nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla, ‘Qala, ngijamelene noFaro ikosi yeGibhide. Nje-ke ngizozephula zomibili iingalo zakhe, yona leyo eqinileko naleyo eyephukileko; ngenze isabula iziwele esandleni sakhe. Ngizokuhlakazela amaGibhide hlangana nezizwe ngiwasabalalisele eenarheni. Ngizokuqinisa iingalo zekosi yeBhabheli, ngibeke isabulami esandleni sayo. Kodwana iingalo zakaFaro zona ngizozephula, abe aqume ukuquma komuntu olinyaziweko phambi kwekosi yeBhabheli. Ngizokuqinisa iingalo zekosi yeBhabheli, kodwana zakaFaro zona zizokuhlepha. Bazakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini lokha nangibeka isabulami esandleni sekosi yeBhabheli; izayelula enarheni yeGibhide. Ngizokuhlakazela amaGibhide hlangana nezizwe ngiwasabalalisele eenarheni. Ngalokho azakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini.’ ” Ngomnyaka wetjhumi nanye, lokha inyanga yesithathu inelanga linye, ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, yewuthi kuFaro ikosi yeGibhide nesiqubuthu sakhe, ‘Ufana nobani wena ebukhulwini bakho? “ ‘Qala-ke, i-Asiriya bekumsedari eLibhanoni onamagatja nesitjhutha somthunzi nophakeme khulu; isitlhori sawo besihlangana namafu. Amanzi awukhulisa, iye, amanzi wangaphasi awenza ukhule ube mude; enza bona imilambawo igeleze magegana nendawo lapha utjalwe khona. Kodwana kiyo yoke imithi emmangweni athontelisa imilanjanawo kwaphela. Ngalokho ubude bomsedari lowo baba ngehla kwayo yoke imithi yommango. Iingala zawo zakhula zanaba, amaphakgha wakhona aba made; iye, umsedari lowo wanaba ngebanga lobunengi bamanzi. Zoke iinyoni zomkayi zenza iindlwana zazo emaphakghenawo; iimbandana zommango zoke zazalela ngaphasi kwamatjhwabawo; iye, nangaphasi komthunzawo kwahlala zoke izizwe ezikulu. Bekukuhle ebukhulwini bawo nebudeni bamatjhwabawo ngombana imirabhawo beyisemanzini amanengi. Ngitjho nemisedari ngesivandeni sakaZimu beyingekhe yawusitha; imithi yemisayipurusi beyingalingana ngitjho namatjhwabawo nemithi yamapalatani beyingafani namaphakghawo. Bekunganamuthi esivandeni sakaZimu ebewungalinganiswa nobuhle bawo. Mina Somnini ngawenza waba muhle ngobunengi bamatjhwabawo. Yoke imithi ye-Edeni ngesivandeni sakaZimu beyiwukhanukela.’ “Ngalokho nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla, ‘Njengombana umsedari lowo bewuphakeme umude nokobana ubeke isitlhori sawo hlangana namafu nehliziywawo beyigugekile ngokuphakama kwawo, nje-ke ngiwunikele esandleni sonamandla ezizweni. Yena mbala usebenze ngawo njengombana kufanelekile ngobukhohlakali bawo. Nakungimi ngiwulahlile. Iye, imiqhamuka, okutjho izizwe ezinelunya ngokudluleleko, iwuqunte beyawutjhiya uwile. Amatjhwabawo awele eentabeni nakiyo yoke imirhoba. Amaphakghawo aphukele emiseleni yephasi loke. Boke abantu bephasi basuke emthunzinawo bawutjhiya. Emahlikihlikinawo kuhlala zoke iinyoni zomkayi, emaphakghenawo kube neembandana zommango. Lokhu kwenzeka ukuze yoke imithi esemanzini ingabi mide kangako kobana ibeke iintlhori zayo hlangana namafu; iye ukuze yoke imithi esela amanzi aneleko ingabi mide njengawo. Mbala, yoke imithi leyo inikelwe ekufeni, ibekelwe bona yehliselwe elizweni labangaphasi hlangana nabantu nje, iye, kilabo abehlele emgodini wokufa.’ “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla, ‘Mhlana umsedari lowo wehlela endaweni yabafileko ngabanga isililo: Ngavala amanzi wangaphasi ngebanga lawo, ngaphunzisa imilanjanawo; iye, ngavimba amanzi amanengi. Ngembathisa iLibhanoni iinzilo ngebanga lawo, yoke imithi yommango yatsirimezeka ngenca yawo. Ngenza izizwe zathuthumela ngomdumo wokuwa kwawo. Lokha nangiwehlisela endaweni yabafileko kilabo abehlele emgodini wokufa, yoke imithi ye-Edeni nemithi yeLibhanoni ekhethekileko nemihle, iye, yoke imithi esele amanzi yatjhiriyeka elizweni elingaphasi. Ingalo yawo nalabo hlangana nezizwe ebebahlala emthunzinawo, nabo behlele endaweni yabafileko kanye nomsedari lowo; baya kilabo ababulewe ngesabula. “ ‘Alo, ufana nobani wena Faro ephazimulweni nebukhulwini hlangana nemithi ye-Edeni na? Uzakwehliselwa elizweni labangaphasi hlanu kwemithi ye-Edeni. Uzakulala hlangana nabarhedeni iye, kanye nalabo ababulewe ngesabula.’ “Lokho kuzakwenzeka ngoFaro kanye naso soke isiqubuthu sakhe.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. Ngomnyaka wetjhumi nambili lokha inyanga yetjhumi nambili inelanga linye, ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, khalela ingoma yesililo ngoFaro ikosi yeGibhide, uthi kuye, “ ‘Ube njengebhubezana hlangana nezizwe, iye, unjengengwenya emanzini amanengi. Uthumbuke ngaphakathi kwemilambakho, udunge amanzi ngeenyawo zakho, wasilaphaza imilanjana yamanzi amanengi. “ ‘Nje-ke, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: “ ‘Ngizokweneka inedami ngaphezu kwakho, ngokusekelwa mkhambathi wezizwe ezinengi; wona uzakurhurhulela ngaphandle ngesirhurhulanede sami. Ngizokuphosela phasi, ngikujikijele emmangweni, bengenze neenyoni zomkayi zihlale phezu kwakho, ngisuthise zoke iimbandana zephasi ngawe. Ngizokweneka inyamakho eentabeni, ngizalise imirhoba ngeemphethu zakho. Ngizokwenya inarha ngamanzi wesidumbu avinyilika eengazini zakho bekube seentabeni; imilanjana izakuzala okuncinca kuwe. “ ‘Lokha nangikucimako ngizokugubuzesa amazulu, ngenze iinkwekwezi zawo zibe mnyama; ngisibekele ilanga ngamafu nenyanga ingasadarhi. Yoke imikhanyo yezulwini ngizoyenza mnyama ngehla kwakho, ngibeke ubumnyama phezu kwenarhakho.’ “Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “ ‘Ngizokukhubekisa iinhliziyo zabanengi lokha nangiletha ukubhujiswa kwakho hlangana nezizwe, eenarheni ongazaziko. “ ‘Iye, ngizokwenza bonyana abantu abanengi bamangale ngawe. Iinhluthu zamakhosabo zizokubophana ngevalo ngenca yakho lokha nangisikaza isabulami phambi kwawo. Ngelanga lokuwa kwakho omunye nomunye uzakuthuthumelela ipilwakhe ngeenkhathi zoke.’ Mbala, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: “ ‘Isabula yekosi yeBhabheli iyeza phezu kwakho. Ngizokuwisa isiqubuthu sakho ngeensabula zeengorho, zoke okuzizizwe ezinelunya ngokudluleleko. Zizakuphelisa ukuziphakamisa kweGibhide nesiqubuthu sakhona soke sirhayilwe. Ngizokubhubhisa yoke ifuywayo emagegana namanzi amanengi. Angeze asadungwa linyawo lomuntu namkha ziinqatha zefuyo. Nje-ke ngizakwenza amanzi weGibhide atsenge begodu ngenze nemilanjana yakhona igeleze njengamafutha.’ “Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “ ‘Lokha nangenza iGibhide ibe libhudu, inarha nayemukwe koke okukiyo nalokha ngiphobola boke abahlali bayo, bazakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini.’ ” “Leso-ke sililo; amadodakazi wezizwe kufuze asikhalele; akasikhalele ngeGibhide nangesiqubuthu sayo soke. Iye, akasikhalele.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. Ngomnyaka wetjhumi nambili lokha inyanga yokuthoma inamalanga alitjhumi nahlanu, ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, rhahlawula ngesiqubuthu seGibhide. Wena namadodakazi wezizwe ezinamandla sehliseleni elizweni labangaphasi, kilabo abehlele emgodini wokufa. “Yewuthi kiyo iGibhide, ‘Wena udlula bani ngobuhle na? Yehlela phasi, ulaliswa nabarhedeni.’ “Abantu beGibhide bazakuwela phakathi kwababulewe ngesabula; iye, iGibhide yanikelwa esabuleni. Dosani iGibhide nesiqubuthu sayo soke! Ngaphakathi kwendawo yabafileko amakhosana anesibindi azakukhuluma ngoFaro nabasizi bakhe athi: Nabo behlile, ngalokho abarhedeni ababulewe ngesabula balele. “I-Asiriya ilapho nomkhambathayo woke, imikghadi yeendumbu zawo izombeleze ikosi yakhona, iye, boke ababuleweko bebawa ngesabula. Imikghadi yeendumbu zama-Asiriya emgodini wokufa ibekelwe emuva; umkhambathi we-Asiriya uzombeleze umkghadi wesidumbu sekosi. Boke labo bebabulewe bebawa ngesabula, okutjho labo okwathi nabasaphilako baletha ivalo elizweni labaphilako. “I-Elamu nayo ilapho nesiqubuthu sayo soke esizombeleze umkghadi wesidumbu sekosi, okutjho boke ababuleweko bebawa behlela phasi babarhedeni elizweni labangaphasi. Iye, labo okwathi nabasaphilako, baletha ivalo elizweni labaphilako; nje-ke bathwele ihlazo kanye nalabo ebehlele emgodini wokufa. I-Elamu bayilungisele umkghadi weendumbu kanye nesiqubuthu sayo soke hlangana nababuleweko. Mazombe nekosi kunemikghadi yeendumbu zama-Elamu. Boke njalo babulawa ngesabula babarhedeni. Njengombana nabasaphilako baletha ivalo elizweni labaphilako, bathwele ihlazo labo kanye nalabo ebehlele emgodini wokufa. Iye, ikosi nayo ibekwe hlangana nababuleweko. “IMetjheki-Tubhali ikhona lapho nesiqubuthu sayo soke. Mazombe nekosi kunemikghadi yeendumbu zamaMetjheki-Tubhali. Boke njalo babulawa ngesabula babarhedeni ngombana nabasaphilako baletha ivalo elizweni labaphilako. Labo phakathi kwabarhedeni abawileko, abakalali neengorho ezehlela endaweni yabafileko neenkhali zazo zepi: Abantu basamelisa iingorho iinsabula zazo, kuthi iinhlangu zibe phezu kweendumbu zazo. Kuba njalo nanyana zabanga ivalo elizweni labaphilako. “Nje-ke, wena Faro uzokwephulwa bese ulaliswa hlangana nabarhedeni, iye, labo ababulewe ngesabula. “I-Edomu nayo izakuba lapho, okutjho amakhosayo namakhosanayo woke okuzakuthi nangaphezu kobungorho bawo alaliswe nababulewe ngesabula. Iye, wona azakulala nabarhedeni nalabo abehlele emgodini wokufa. “Iinduna zetlhagwini nazo zizakuba lapho. Iye, zoke kanye nawo woke amaTsidoni okungilabo abazakwehlela phasi nababuleweko ngehlazo nangaphezu kwevalo abaliletha ngebanga lamandlabo. Nje-ke bazakulala babarhedeni kanye nalabo ababulewe ngesabula, bathwale ihlazo labo kanye nalabo abehlele emgodini wokufa. “Labo-ke uFaro uzababona abe atjhiriyeke mayelana nesiqubuthu sakhe soke. Iye, yena namajonakhe woke bazakubulawa ngesabula.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “Nanyana uFaro ngimvumele kobana alethe ivalo elizweni labaphilako, yena nesiqubuthu sakhe bazakulaliswa hlangana nabarhedeni kanye nalabo ababulewe ngesabula.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, khuluma ebantwini bekhenu uthi kibo, ‘Lokha nangiletha isabula ukujamelana nenarha bese abantu benarha leyo bakhupha umuntu hlangana nabo, bamenze umlindi wabo, nalokha umlindi loyo nabona isabula yehlela enarheni, avuthele ipalapala, ayelelise abantu, kuthi nanyana ngubani ozwa itjhada lepalapala angathathi isiyeleliso bese isabula yehlela phezu kwakhe, imsuse, iingazi zakhe zizakuba phezu kwehlokwakhe. Iye, uzwile itjhada lepalapala, nje-ke akhange athathe isiyeleliso, iingazi zakhe zizakuba phezu kwakhe. Nakube thana uthethe isiyelelisweso, bekuzakuba usindise ipilwakhe. Kodwana nakube umlindi ubona isabula yehla, angavutheli ipalapala, ngaleyondlela abantu bangayeleliseki bese isabula leyo iyehla, isuse omunye wabo; umuntu loyo uzabe asuswe ngebanga lecala lakhe. Kodwana iingazi zakhe ngizazibiza esandleni somlindi.’ “Nje-ke wena ndodana yomuntu, ngikwenze umlindi wendlu yakwa-Israyeli. Lokha nawuzwa ilizwi livela emlonyenami, ngiyelelisela bona. Lokha nangithi esikhohlakalini, ‘Wena sikhohlakali ndina, uzokufa kokufa’ bese wena mphorofidi ungakhulumi ukuze uyelelise isikhohlakali kobana siphenduke endlelenaso; iye, isikhohlakaleso sizakufa ngebanga lecala laso kodwana iingazi zaso ngizazibiza esandleni sakho. Kodwana nakube uyelelisa isikhohlakali kobana siphenduke endlelenaso bese sona singaphenduki, sizakufa ngebanga lecala laso, kodwana wena uzabe usindise ipilwakho. “Yeke wena ndodana yomuntu, khuluma endlini ka-Israyeli, uthi kiyo, ‘Nina nithi: Mbala, iimphambeko zethu nezono zethu ziphezu kwethu, ngebangelo siyaphela. Alo, singasinda njani na?’ ” Batjele bona uSomnini uSomandla uthe: “Ngiyafunga ngokuphila kwami bonyana angithabiswa kukufa kwesikhohlakali, kodwana ngithabiswa kulokha nasitjhiya indlelaso, siphile. Yeke phendukani! Phendukani eendleleni zenu ezimbi nina ndlu ka-Israyeli, nizakufelani na?” “Wena ndodana yomuntu, yithi ebantwini bekhenu, ‘Ukulunga kolungileko angeze kwamsindisa naphambukako. Nobukhohlakali besikhohlakali angeze basibangela bonyana sikhutjwe lokha nasisuka kibo. Iye, olungileko angekhe ahlengeke ngokulunga kwakhe nangabe uyona.’ Lokha nangitjela olungileko bona mbala uzakuphila, kodwana yena athembele ekulungeni kwakhe bese wenza okumbi; zoke izenzo zakhe zokulunga angeze zakhunjulwa: Uzakufa ngebanga lokumbi akwenzileko. Godu lokha nangitjela isikhohlakali bona sizakufa kokufa, siphenduke esonweni saso, senze okulungileko nokufaneleko ngokubuyisela isibambiso, ngokukhokha esikudlelezeleko nangokulandela iimiso zepilo ukuze singenzi okumbi, ngambala sizakuphila; angekhe sife. Zoke izono esizenzileko azizukukhunjulwa kiso ngombana senze okulungileko nokufaneleko, ngalokho sizakuphila. “Khonapho abantu bekhenu bathi, ‘Indlela kaSomandla ayikalungi’ kodwana khisibe yindlelabo engakalungi. Nakube olungileko uyajika ekulungeni kwakhe enze okumbi, uzakufa ngalokho. Kodwana nakube isikhohlakali siphenduka ebukhohlakalini baso, senze okulungileko nokufaneleko, sizakuphila ngalokho. Nokho nina ndlu ka-Israyeli nithi, ‘Indlela kaSomandla ayikalungi.’ Yazini-ke yi, ngizokugweba omunye nomunye wenu ngokuya ngeendlela zakhe.” Ngomnyaka wetjhumi nambili wokuthunjwa kwethu, lokha inyanga yetjhumi inamalanga amahlanu, umuntu obekaphunyurhe eJerusalema weza kimi wathi: “Idorobho liwile!” Ubusuku bangaphambi kokufika komuntu ophunyurhileko loyo, isandla sakaSomnini besiphezu kwami. Yeke wavula umlomami ngaphambi kobana umuntu loyo afike kimi ekuseni. Umlomami besele uvulekile, ngingasese simumu. Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, abahlali bemarubhini enarheni yakwa-Israyeli bathi, ‘U-Abrahamu bekunguye yedwa, nokho wamukeliswa inarha njengelifa. Ngalokho nathi esibanengi sinikelwe inarha le njengelifa.’ Nje-ke, yewukhulume kibo uthi, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: Nina nidla inyama eneengazi, niphakamisele amehlwenu emanyaleni okubosingazimu benithulule neengazi; nitjho bona ningazuza inarha njengelifa ninjalo na? Nina nethembele esabulenenu, nenza iinkghabhudlho begodu omunye nomunye wenu usilaphaza umfazi womakhelwanakhe. Alo, nitjho bona kufuze nizuze inarha njengelifa lenu naninjalo na?’ “Yewuthi kibo, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: Ngiyafunga ngokuphila kwami bona labo abasemarubhini bazokuwa ngesabula, osemmangweni ngimnikelele ngeembandana zenarha kobana zimrhiribidele bese labo abaseemphephelweni nemarholweni bafe ngezifo. Ngizokwenza inarha ibe libhudu nethusako; amandla wokuzikhakhazisa kwayo azakuphela. Iintaba zakwa-Israyeli zizakuba lilize, kungabikhona namunye odlula lapho. Nje-ke, bazakwazi bonyana mina nginguSomnini lokha nasele ngenze inarha ibe libhudu nethusako ngebanga leenkghabhudlho zabo abazenzileko.’ “Wena-ke ndodana yomuntu, abantu bekhenu bakhuluma ngawe magegana nemithangala nebungenweni bezindlu. Omunye komunye, omunye kumfowabo bathi, ‘Yewize khese uzokwizwa bona lithini ilizwi elivela kuSomnini!’ Beza kuwe njengombana abantu bahlala basenza, bahlale phambi kwakho njengabantu bami, balalele amezwakho kodwana abakwenzi okutjhokokho. Ngemilomabo babonisa inga bayabuka, kodwana iinhliziyo zabo ziphezu kwenzuzwabo. Qale-ke, kibo unjengengoma enomuzwa nenomkenenezo okhambisana neenara; iye, bayawezwa amezwakho, kodwana abafuni ukwenza okutjhoko. Lokha lokhu nakufikako, iye, mbala kuzokufika, nje-ke bazakwazi bonyana bekunomphorofidi phakathi kwabo.” Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, phorofida ngokujamelana nabelusi bakwa-Israyeli, iye, phorofida ebalusinabo uthi, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: Maye kini belusi bakwa-Israyeli enizondla nina kwaphela! Kanti akukameli bona umelusi ondle izimvu na? Nina nidla amanoni, nizembathisa ngezinoboya begodu nizihlabela ezinonileko emhlambini, kodwana anondli izimvu. Ezibuthakathaka akhange niziqinise namkha nelaphe ezigulako. Ezephukileko azange nizibophe namkha nibuyise ezidurhileko begodu azange nifune ezilahlekileko. Kunalokho nibuse phezu kwazo ngelunya nangesihluku. Nje-ke, zahlakazeka ngombana bezinganamelusi begodu zaphenduka ukudla kwazo zoke iimbandana zommango lokha nazihlakazekako. Izimvu zami zazulazula kizo zoke iintaba naphezu kwemibundu ephakamileko. Iye, izimvu zami zahlakazeka ebusweni bephasi kungekho ozizumako namkha afunane nazo. “ ‘Yeke nina belusi, lalelani ilizwi lakaSomnini elithi: Ngiyafunga ngokuphila kwami bonyana ngebanga lokobana izimvu zami ziphenduke abongazimbi bezaba kukudla kwazo zoke iimbandana zommango ngokuswela abelusi; nokobana abelusi bazisuthise bona akhange bondle izimvu zami. “ ‘Ngalokho nina belusi lalelani bona ilizwi lakaSomnini lithini, iye, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: Qalani, ngijamelene nabelusi begodu izimvu zami ngizozifuna ezandleni zabo bengibasuse ekuzeluseni ukuze bangasasuthisa izisu zabo. Izimvu zami ngizozisindisa emilonyenabo ukuze zingabi kukudla kwabo. “ ‘Mbala, uSomnini uSomandla wathi: Qalani, mina ngokwami ngizokufuna izimvu zami, ngizelusele zona. Njengomelusi owelusa umhlambakhe lokha nawufunyana uhlakazekile, ngokunjalo ngizakwelusa umhlambami bengiwusindise eendaweni zoke lapha bewuhlakazelwe khona elangeni lamafu nesigayegaye. Iye, izimvu zami ngizazikhupha ezizweni, ngizibuthe eenarheni, ngizilethe enarhenazo. Ngizazelusela phezu kweentaba zakwa-Israyeli, iye, emilanjaneni neendaweni zoke zokuhlala elizweni. Ngizazidlisela emadlelweni amahle, iye emadlelwenazo lapho zizakutlaba khona phezu kwemibundu yeentaba zakwa-Israyeli. Mina ngokwami ngizakuba ngumelusi wezimvu zami, ngizenze zilale ziphumule.’ Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. ‘Ngizakufuna ezilahlekileko, ngibuyise ezidurhileko ngibophe ezilimeleko, ngiqinise ezigulako, kodwana ezinonileko neziqinileko ngizazirhayila. Ngizakwelusa umhlambi ngokulunga.’ “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla, ‘Nakungini mhlambami, qalani, sele ngizogweba phakathi kwezimvu nezimvu naphakathi kwamaqama neempongo. Akukaneli kini nina eninamandla bona nitlabe emadlelweni amahle na? Kubayini nitlhifirije ubunengi bamadlelo ngeenyawo na? Nanisela amanzi atsengileko, kufuze nidunge amanye amanzi ngeenyawo zenu na? Nitjho bona izimvu zami kufuze zidle enikugadange ngeenyawo zenu bezisele nenikudunge ngeenyawo zenu na?’ “Nje-ke nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla kabanamandla, ‘Qalani, ngimi ngokwami ozokugweba phakathi kwemvu enonileko neyondileko. Ngebanga lokobana nisunduza ngehlangothi nangehlombe, nikofuze ezibuthakathaka ngeempondo kufikela lapha nizisabalalisa khona kude ngaphetjheya, ngizowusindisa umhlambami, angeze usaba ngungazimbi weembandana. Iye, ngizokugweba phakathi kwezimvu nezimvu. Ngizokubeka phezu kwazo umelusi munye oyincekwami uDavida, yena-ke uzozondla; iye, yena uzozondla abuye abe ngumelusazo. Nje-ke, mina Somnini, ngizokuba nguZimazo, uDavida incekwami abe yikosana hlangana nazo. Ngikhulumile mina Somnini.’ “Ngizokwenza isivumelwano sokuthula nazo begodu ngiphelise iimbandana zommango enarheni ukuze zihlale ziphephile edleweni bezilale ehlathini. Ngizazenza zinothe zona kanye neendawo ezizombeleze umbundwami. Ngizakwehlisa izulu ngesikhathi sakhona, kube lizulu lomnotho. Imithi emmangweni izakuhloma iinthelo zayo, ihlabathi ikhiqize umkhiqizo wayo. Zona-ke zibe ngeziphephileko endawenazo enonileko. Zizakwazi bona nginguSomnini lokha nangephula iinkeyi zamajogi wazo, ngizitjhaphulule ezandleni zalabo abazenza makhoboka. Angeze zisaba yipango yezizwe namkha zidliwe ziimbandana zenarha. Zizakuhlala ziphephile begodu akakho ozazethusa. Ngizazihlumisela iimila zekhethelo ukuze zingasabulawa yindlala enarheni. Azisazukurhubutjhwa zizizwe godu. Zizakwazi bonyana mina Somnini, uZimazo, nginazo nokobana indlu ka-Israyeli ibabantu bami.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “Nina-ke nizizimvu zami, iye, izimvu zedlelo lami. Nibabantu nje, mina nginguZimenu.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, qalisa ubuso bakho ngentabeni iSeyiri bese uphorofida ngokujamelana nayo, uthi, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: “ ‘Qala ngijamelene nawe wena ntaba Seyiri, isandla sami ngizoselula ngokujamelana nawe, ngizokwenza ube yindawo elibhudu nethusako. Ngizokwenza amadorobhakho abe marubhi, wena ube libhudu. “ ‘Nje-ke uzakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini. “ ‘Njengombana ufukamele ubutha obungapheliko begodu wanikelela abantu bakwa-Israyeli emandleni wesabula ngesikhathi sesizi labo, iye, ngesikhathi sokuhlunguphazwa kwabo; ngalokho ngiyafunga ngokuphila kwami, ngizokunikela ekuthululweni kweengazi, ukuthululwa kweengazi kukulandelele. Njengombana ungazange uzonde ukuthulula iingazi, ukuthulula iingazi kuzokulandelela.’ Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. ‘Intaba iSeyiri ngizoyenza indawo elibhudu netjhiyiweko; ngizakuphelisa kiyo owehla enyuke. Iintaba zakho ngizozizalisa ngababuleweko wena Edomu. Labo ababulewe ngesabula, bazakuwela emibundwinakho, emirhobenakho nemilanjanenakho. Ngizokwenza amarubhi wamlibe namadorobhakho angekhe asahlalwa mumuntu. Nje-ke nizakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini. “ ‘Njengombana ukhulumile bona izizwe ezimbili namazwe amabili la ngewakho, nizozithathela wona niwathumbe nanyana mina Somnini bengilapho, ngalokho, ngifunga ngokuphila kwami, bonyana mina ngizokusebenza ngawe ngokuya ngokuthukuthela kwakho nangesikhwele sakho osibonise lokha nawujamelene nabo ngezondo.’ Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. ‘Ngizakuzazisa phakathi kwabo lokha nangikugwebako. Uzakwazi bona mina Somnini ngizwile zoke iinkulumo zakho ohlambalaze ngazo iintaba zakwa-Israyeli, lokha nawukhuluma bona zitjhiyiwe, zanikelwa nina ukuze nizirhiribidele.’ Ngemilonyanenu nizidumise ngokujamelana nami begodu nandise namezwenu ngakimi. Yeke ngikuzwile lokho. Nje-ke, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: Kuzakuba lithabo lephasi loke, nangikwenza ibhudu, wena Edomu. Njengombana uzithabise ngelifa lendlu yakwa-Israyeli ngombana libe libhudu, ngendlela enjalo ngizokusebenza ngawe: Uzakuba libhudu wena ntaba Seyiri no-Edomu woke, iye, woke ngonina. Nje-ke bazakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini.” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: “Wena ndodana yomuntu, phorofida mayelana neentaba zakwa-Israyeli. Iye, yitjho eentabeni zakwa-Israyeli bonyana zilalele ilizwi lakaSomnini elithi, ‘Mayelana nani ntaba zakwa-Israyeli, isitha sathi: Arha! Begodu sathi: Imibundu yekadeni seyibe lilifa lethu!’ “Nje-ke, wena ndodana yomuntu phorofida bonyana uSomnini uSomandla uthi, ‘Isitha sinenze umonakalo nina ntaba zakwa-Israyeli begodu sinilumalume mahlangothi woke ukuze nibe lilifa lemisalela yezizwe; iye, nibe yihlebo namahlebezi wabantu. Ngebangelo, nina ntaba zakwa-Israyeli, yizwani ilizwi lakaSomnini uSomandla owakhuluma neentaba nemibundu, imilanjana nemirhoba, amarubhi, iindawo ezethusako namadorobho atjhiyiweko, asele aphenduke ipango nesiphoqo kumisalela yezizwe mazombe. Iye, yizwani ilizwi lakaSomnini uSomandla elithi: Mbala ngikhulume ngesikhwele sami esivuthako ngokujamelana nemisalela yezizwe nangokujamelana ne-Edomu yoke eyahlosa ngehliziyo enamileko nangokunyaza bonyana inarhami ibe lilifa layo begodu izithathele idlelo layo njengepango.’ “Nje-ke, ndodana yomuntu, phorofida mayelana nenarha yakwa-Israyeli, ukhulume eentabeni nemibundwini, emilanjaneni nemirhobeni uthi, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: Qalani, esikhweleni nelakeni lami ngikhulumile. Ngebanga lokobana nina nithwele ihlazo lezizwe; ngalokho mina Somnini Somandla ngisuse isandla sami ukuqinisekisa bonyana kwamambala izizwe ezinizombelezileko ngizo ezizokuthwala ihlazo.’ “Kodwana nina ntaba zakwa-Israyeli, nizakutlhurha iingala zenu benihlome iinthelo zenu ebantwini bami u-Israyeli ngombana masinyana bazakuba sekhaya. Nje-ke qalani, ngiyaninaka, ngizakuphendukela kini, nizakulinywa benitjalwe. Phezu kwenu, ntaba zakwa-Israyeli, ngizakwandisa abantu, okutjho indlu yoke yakwa-Israyeli, iye, ngonina. Amadorobho azakuhlalwa namarubhi avuselelwe. Ngizakwandisa phezu kwenu abantu nefuyo. Iye, abantu nefuyo kuzakunotha kwande begodu ngizanenza nihlaleke njengekuthomeni, nginenzele okuhle okudluleleko kunaphambilini. Nje-ke nizakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini. Iye, ngizakwenza abantu bakhambakhambe phezu kwenu, okutjho abantu bami u-Israyeli. Bazanithumba nina ntaba zakwa-Israyeli, nibe lilifa labo. Anizukwenza abantwana babo bafe.” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: “Mbala, abantu bathi, ‘Wena ntaba yakwa-Israyeli uyindawo erhiribidela abantu begodu ube yindawo eyenza isizwe sakho singabi nabantwana.’ Nje-ke, angeze usarhiribidela abantu namkha wenze isizwe sakho bona singabi nabantwana.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “Angeze ngisakuvumela wena narha bona uzwe isiphoqo sezizwe, angekhe usathwala ihlazo labantu bewubangele abantu bakho ukuwa.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, lokha indlu ka-Israyeli nayisahlala enarhenayo, bayisilaphaza inarha ngemikhubayo nangezenzo zayo. Ukuziphatha kwayo phambi kwami bekunjengomfazi osilapheleko esikhathini sakhe. Yeke ngathululela ilaka lami phezu kwabo ngebanga leengazi abazithulula enarheni nangebanga lamanyala okubosingazimu abasilaphaza ngawo inarha. Ngalokho ngabasabalalisa hlangana nezizwe, nje-ke bahlakazwa eenarheni. Ngabagweba ngokuya ngemikhubabo nangezenzo zabo. Lokha nabafika ezizweni ebebahlakazelwe kizo, basilaphaza ibizo lami elicwengileko ngombana abantu bathi kibo, ‘Laba babantu bakaSomnini, kodwana nanyana kunjalo, bekufanele baphume enarhenakhe.’ Kodwana ngikhathazekile ngebizo lami elicwengileko elasilaphazwa yindlu yakwa-Israyeli hlangana nezizwe eyafika kizo. Ngalokho khuluma endlini yakwa-Israyeli uthi, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: Akusingebanga lakho, wena ndlu yakwa-Israyeli, kobana ngithathe igadango, kodwana kungenca yebizo lami elicwengileko enalisilaphaza hlangana nezizwe enafika kizo. Nje-ke ngizokuveza ukucwengeka kwebizo lami elikhulu nelisilaphazweko hlangana nezizwe, iye, lelo enilihlambalaze phakathi kwazo. Kulapho-ke, lapha izizwe zizakwazi khona bonyana nginguSomnini, lokha nangizibonakalisa ngani phambi kwazo bona mina ngecwengile.’ ” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “Ngizonisusa ezizweni, nginibuthe kiwo woke amazwe, nginibuyise enarhani yekhenu. Ngizonifafaza ngamanzi acwebileko bese nihlambuluka kikho koke ukusilaphala; iye, nakiwo woke amanyala okubosingazimu, nginihlambulule. Ngizanidalela ihliziyo etja, ngifake ummoya omutjha ngaphakathi kwenu. Ngizakukhupha ngaphakathi kwenu ihliziyo yelitje, nginiphe ihliziyo ethambileko. Ngizakufaka ngaphakathi kwenu uMoyami, nginenze nikhambe eemisweni zami nokobana nilonde imithethwami beniyenze. Nizakuhlala enarheni engayinikela abayihlomkhulu, nibe babantu bami, nami ngibe nguZimenu. Ngizanihlenga kikho koke ukusilaphala kwenu, ngiyale amabele abe khona ngiwenze abe linala nendlala ngingasayehliseli kini. Ngizakwenza iinthelo zemithi nesivuno sesimu bona sihlome khulu ukuze ningasezwa godu ihlazo lokuphodlheka ngendlala hlangana nezizwe. Nje-ke nizakukhumbula iindlela zenu zokonakala nezenzo zenu ezimbi. Nizazinyenya ngebanga lezono zenu nezenzo zenu ezikghabhudlhako. Akwazeke kuhle kini bonyana akusingebanga lenu kobana ngithathe igadango! Kodwana zigobeni, nizisole ngenca yeendlela zenu, nina ndlu ka-Israyeli.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla, ‘Ngelanga enginihlambulula ngalo ecaleni lenu ngizakwenza amadorobho kobana ahlaleke; iye, amarubhi azakuvuselelwa nenarha ebesele itjhiyiwe izakulinywa esikhundleni sokobana ibe libhudu emehlweni wabo boke abadlula ngendlela. Abantu bazakuthi inarha ebesele itjhiyiwe, seyiphenduke yafana nesivande se-Edeni. Amadorobho ebegade asele amarubhi nalawo ebegade adiliziwe njenganje sele anemithangala begodu ayahlaleka.’ Nje-ke, izizwe mazombe eziseleko zizakwazi bonyana mina Somnini ngiyakhile imizi egade ibhuruziwe, ngatjala lapha bekungasenalitho khona. Iye, mina Somnini ngikhulumile begodu ngizokwenza lokho.” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: “Godu ngizakuvumela indlu yakwa-Israyeli ingibawe bonyana ngiyenzele lokhu: Ukwandisa abantu bayo njengomhlambi. Iye, babe njengomhlambi wemihlabelo yeJerusalema ngesikhathi seminyanya. Ngokunjalo amadorobho egade asele atjhiyiwe, azakugcwala imihlambi yabantu. Nje-ke bazakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini.” Isandla sakaSomnini besiphezu kwami, nje-ke ngoMoyakhe wangikhuphela ngaphandle, wangehlisela phasi wangibeka hlangana nomrhoba ogcwele amathambo. Wangirhola ngadabula indawo yoke hlangana nawo; nje-ke qala, bekamanengi khulu hlangana nomrhobapho begodu ome kere. Wangibuza wathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, amathambo la angaphila na?” Ngaphendula ngathi: “Awu, Somnini Somandla, nguwe owaziko.” Wathi kimi: “Phorofida emathanjeni la uthi kiwo, ‘Nina mathambo omileko, lalelani ilizwi lakaSomnini! Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla emathanjeni la: Ngizakufaka ummoya kini mathambo, nginenze niphile. Ngizakubeka imisipha phezu kwenu, ngenze kuvele nenyama kini nginembese ngesikhumba bengifake nomphefumulo niphile. Nje-ke nizakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini.’ ” Ngalokho ngaphorofida njengombana bengiyaliwe. Kwathi ngisaphorofida, kwabakhona itjhada; qala-ke, bekubukhehlekhehle. Amathambo ahlangana, ithambo lalumbana nelinye lekhabo. Ngathi ngisaqalile njalo, ngabona imisipha phezu kwawo, inyama beyiphezu kwawo nesikhumba siwembesile; kodwana bekungekho umphefumulo kiwo. Nje-ke uSomnini wathi kimi: “Phorofida emphefumulweni, iye, phorofida ndodana yomuntu, uthi emphefumulweni, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: Wena mphefumulo, yewize ubuya emagumbini amane wephasi bese uphefumulela emizimbeni engaphiliko ukuze iphile.’ ” Yeke ngaphorofida njengombana bengiyaliwe, umphefumulo wangena emizimbenapho, yaphila yasikima yajama ngeenyawo, kwaba libutho elikhulukhulu. Nje-ke uSomnini wathi kimi: “Ndodana yomuntu, amathambo la angiyo yoke indlu yakwa-Israyeli. Ihlalele ukuthi, ‘Amathambethu omile nethemba lethu liphelile begodu siquntiwe.’ Yeke phorofida uthi kiyo, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: Qalani, sele ngizokuvula amathunenu, iye, nginivuse emalibenenu, nina bantu bami. Ngizoniletha enarheni yakwa-Israyeli. Nje-ke nizakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini lokha nangivula amathunenu nginivuse emalibenenu, nina bantu bami. Ngizokufaka uMoyami phakathi kwenu ukuze niphile begodu ngizanibeka enarheni ekungeyenu. Ngalokho nizakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini. Ngikhulumile begodu ngizokwenza lokho.’ ” Kutjho uSomnini. Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, thatha ilithi bese utlola kilo bunje, ‘NgelakaJuda kanye nama-Israyeli ayingcenye yakhe.’ Godu thatha elinye ilithi malungana no-Efrayimu, utlole kilo bunje, ‘NgelakaJosefa nayo yoke indlu ka-Israyeli eyingcenye yakhe.’ “Nje-ke, ahlanganise ndawonye ukuze abe lilithi linye, iye, abe lilithi linye esandleni sakho. Lokha abantu bekhenu nabathi kuwe, ‘Awuzositjela bona utjho ukuthini ngalokhu na?’ Yewuthi kibo, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: Qalani, sele ngizokuthatha ilithi lakaJosefa, elisesandleni saka-Efrayimu, neenkoro zakwa-Israyeli ekungezika-Efrayimu begodu ngizobahlanganisa nelithi lakaJuda, ngibenze babe lilithi linye ukuze babe munye esandleni sami.’ Akuthi lokha amalithi otlole kiwo nasele asesandleni sakho phambi kwabo, uthi kibo, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: Qalani, sele ngizokuthatha ama-Israyeli hlangana nezizwe aye kizo, ngiwabuthe kiwo woke amahlangothi, ngiwalethe enarheni ekungeyawo. Ngizokwenza u-Israyeli noJuda babe sisizwe sinye enarheni, eentabeni zakwa-Israyeli. Ikosi yinye izakubusa phezu kwabo boke. Yeke angeze kusaba zizizwe ezimbili ezahlukene zaba mibuso emibili godu. Angeze basazisilaphaza ngamanyalabo okubosingazimu neenyenyiso zabo nangeemphambeko zabo zoke. Ngizabahlenga kikho koke ukuhlubuka kokona kwabo, ngibahlambulule. Bazakuba babantu bami nami ngibe nguZimabo.’ “Incekwami uDavida uzakuba yikosabo begodu boke bazakuba nomelusi munye. Bazakulandela imithethwami bebalonde iimiso zami, bazenze. Bazakuhlala enarheni lapha kwahlala khona aboyihlomkhulu, iye, inarha engayinikela incekwami uJakopo. Bona nabantwababo kanye neenzukulwana zabo bazakuhlala lapho nini nanini; incekwami uDavida izakuba yikosabo ngokungapheliko. Ngizakwenza nabo isivumelwano sokuthula, kube sivumelwano esingapheliko. Ngizabanzizisa bengibandise, ngibeke indawami ecwengileko phakathi kwabo nini nanini. Indawami yokuhlala izakuba kibo, ngibe nguZimabo bona babe babantu bami. Nje-ke izizwe zizakwazi bonyana mina Somnini ngicwengisa u-Israyeli lokha indawami ecwengileko iphakathi kwabo nini nanini.” Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kimi lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, qalisa ubuso bakho ngeGogi, okuyikosana ekulu yeMetjheki neTubhali enarheni yeMagogi, uphorofide ngokujamelana nayo, bonyana nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla, ‘Qala ngijamelene nawe wena Gogi ndina, sikhulu seMetjheki neTubhali. Ngizokuphendula ngikufake iinkghopholo emihlathinakho, ngikukhuphe kanye nalo loke ibutho lakho. Iye, ngizokhupha iinjomani nabakhweli bazo, boke abembethe baphelela, balungele ipi; iye, ibutho elikhulu elineenhlangu namakhande, boke okubabantu abakwazi ukubamba iinsabula: amaPheriya, amaKutjhe namaPuthi akanye nabo, boke njalo banamakhande neenkupuru, iGomere nebutho layo, iBhethe-Togarima ukusuka emajukujukwini wetlhagwini kanye nalo loke ibutho layo, okubabantu abanengi abakanye nawe Gogi. “ ‘Zilungiselele uhlale ulungile wena nawo woke umkhambathakho obuthene kuwe bese uyawulawula. Emva kwamalanga amanengi uzakufumana umyalo, kuthi eminyakeni ezako ufike enarheni esahlumako ngemva kobana beyisepini, iye, inarha enabantu ababuthelelwe ezizweni ezinengi phezu kweentaba zakwa-Israyeli, ebesele zilibhudu lasafuthi. Inarha abantu bayo abaphuma ezizweni, kwanjesi boke sele bahlezi ngokuvikeleka. Wena uzakurhwanta, uze njengesiwuruwuru, ube njengelifu elembese inarha; iye, wena nebutho lakho loke nezizwe ezinengi kanye nawe.’ “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla, ‘Mhlokho imizindlo izakufika emicabangwenakho bese uhlosa amaqhinga amambi: Uzazitjela bonyana uzakwenyuka ujamelane nenarha enemizana enganamithangala, iye, uzakwehlela phezu kwabantu abanokuthula nabahlezi ngokuphepha, boke abahlala lapha kunganamithangala khona nangaphandle kweenqabo namkha amasango. Uzakwenza lokho ukuze uthathe ipango, uhluthule ipahla, welule isandla sakho ngokujamelana namarubhi okwakhiwe kiwo godu nesizweni esabuthelelwa kwezinye izizwe, sabuthelela ifuyo nepahla, besahlala ekabeni yephasi. AmaTjheba, amaDedani nabathengisi beTaratjhitjhi kanye nemizanayo bazakuthi kuwe: Uze bonyana usiphange na? Uhlanganise umkhambathakho kobana uzokuthatha ipahla, uthumbe isiliva negolide, uthathe ifuyo nepahla, iye, kobana uthathe ipango enengi na?’ “Ngalokho ndodana yomuntu phorofida kuGogi bonyana nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla, ‘Mhlokho uzakwazi bonyana abantu bami bahlezi ngokuphepha begodu wena uzakwiza usuka endawenakho esemajukujukwini wetlhagwini, wena nabantu abanengi, boke njalo bakhwele iinjomani, bamkhambathi omkhulu nebutho elinamandla. Kwamambala uzakurhwanta ujamelene nabantu bami u-Israyeli, iye, njengelifu elembese inarha. Esikhathini esizako ngizakwenza uqalane nenarhami ukuze izizwe zingazi lokha nangizibonakalisa ngani phambi kwazo bona mina ngicwengile’. “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla, ‘Ungiloyo engikhulume ngaye emihleni yaphambilini ngeenceku zami abaphorofidi bakwa-Israyeli na? Iye, ngesikhatheso baphorofida iminyaka eminengi bonyana ngizokwenza uqalane nabantu bami.’ “Kodwana mhlokho, lokha iGogi nayiqalana nenarha yakwa-Israyeli, ilaka lami lizokuvutha.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “Ekutjhisakaleni kwami, iye, ekuvutheni kwelaka lami, ngakhuluma ngathi, ‘Mbala, mhlokho kuzakuba nokusikinyeka okukhulu kwephasi enarheni yakwa-Israyeli. Ngebanga lobukhona bami iinhlambi zelwandle, iinyoni zomkayi, koke okukhakhaba phezu kwehlabathi kanye nabo boke abantu enarheni bazakuthuthumela phambi kwami. Iintaba zizakuphoselwa phasi, amawa awe, omunye nomunye umthangala udilikele phasi. Ngizokuletha isabula eentabeni zami kobana ijamelene neGogi. Isabula yomunye nomunye izakudla umfowabo.’ ” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “IGogi ngizayigweba ngezifo nangokuthuluka kweengazi. Ngizakunisela izulu eliwulukako, isinanja esikhulu, umlilo nesibabuli phezu kwayo, phezu kwebutho layo naphezu kwezizwe ezinengi ezikanye nayo. Nje-ke, ngizakubonakalisa ubukhulu bami nokucwengeka kwami begodu ngizazise phambi kwezizwe ezinengi. Ngalokho zizakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini.” “Wena ndodana yomuntu, phorofida ngokujamelana noGogi, umtjele bonyana nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini nguSomandla, ‘Qala, ngijamelene nawe, wena Gogi, kosana ekulu yeMetjheki neTubhali. Ngizokuphendula ngikurhole, ngikwenyuse emajukujukwini wetlhagwini, ngikuse eentabeni zakwa-Israyeli. Nje-ke ngizokumadlha umsebakho ngesinceleni sakho, ngenze nemisubela yakho ikhithike esidleni sakho. Uzokuwela phezu kweentaba zakwa-Israyeli, wena nawo woke amabuthwakho kanye nezizwe ezikanye nawe. Ngizokunikelela bona ube kukudla kwemihlobohlobo yeenyoni ezidla inyama begodu ube kukudla kweembandana zommango. Uzakuwela emmangweni ngombana ngikhulumile.’ Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. Ngizokuthumela umlilo phezu kweMagogi naphezu kwalabo abahlezi baphepha eenarheni eziseligwini. Yeke bazakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini. “Ngizokwenza bona ibizo lami elicwengileko lazeke hlangana nabantu bami u-Israyeli begodu angekhe ngisavumela bona ibizo lami elicwengileko lirhubutjhwe Nezizwe zizakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini oCwengileko phakathi kwama-Israyeli. Qala, lokho kuyeza begodu kuzokwenzeka! Leli, ngilo ilanga engikhulume ngalo.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “Abahlali bamadorobho wakwa-Israyeli bazokuphuma bayokwenza umlilo ngeenkhali ukuze bazitjhise, okutjho amakhande neenhlangu, imisebe nemisubela, iimbhuku nemikonto, iye, bazokwenza umlilo wezintwezo iminyaka elikhomba. Angekhe kusadingeka bonyana bayokuthwala iinkuni emmangweni namkha batheze ehlathini ngombana bazozenzela umlilo ngeenkhali. Bazokuphanga labo ababaphangileko bebahlangule labo ababahlangulileko.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “Mhlokho ngizokunikela iGogi indawo yokuthuna kwa-Israyeli, emrhobeni weenkhambi ngepumalanga yelwandle. Indawo leyo izokuvimba iinkhambi ngombana iGogi nomkhambathakhe bazokuthunwa lapho. Izokubizwa bonyana mrhoba wesiqubuthu seGogi. Indlu yakwa-Israyeli izobathuna iinyanga ezilikhomba zoke ukuze ihlambulule inarha. Boke abantu enarheni bazobathuna, lokho kubalethele idumo ngelanga engizokubonisa ngalo iphazimulwami.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “Bazozikhethela abantu abazokuhlala njalo bakhambakhamba enarheni kobana bathune labo abaseleko ehlabathini ukuze bayihlambulule. Ekupheleni kweenyanga ezilikhomba bazokuphenyisisa: Lokha abakhambakhamba enarheni nababona amathambo womunthu, bazokubeka isibekiso kiwo ukuze abathunako bawathune ngemrhobeni wesiqubuthu seGogi. Ngendlela enjalo bazakuhlambulula inarha.” (Godu kuzakuba ngitjho nedorobho okuthiwa siQubuthu.) “Nje-ke wena ndodana yomuntu, uSomnini uSomandla ukuyala bona ukhulume eenyonini ezimihlobohlobo neembandaneni zoke zommango uthi, ‘Buthelelanani nize, hlanganani mahlangothi woke emgidini womhlatjelo enginilungiselela wona. Kuzakuba mhlatjelo omkhulu phezu kweentaba zakwa-Israyeli. Iye, nizokudla inyama nisele neengazi. Nizokudla inyama yeengorho nisele iingazi zeenkhulu zephasi, kube ngathi nidla amaqama, iimvana, iimpongo, iinkunzi nakho koke okunonisiweko kweBhatjhani. Nizokudla amanoni benisuthe, nisele iingazi benibe burhenge emhlatjelwenami enginilungiselela wona lowo. Esithebeni sami nizokudla benisuthe inyama yeenjomani nabakhweli bazo, iingorho nemihlobohlobo yamajoni.’ Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “Ngizokubonakalisa iphazimulwami hlangana nezizwe; zoke izizwe zizakubona isigwebo sami engisikhuphileko nesandla sami engisibeke phezu kwazo. Kusukela mhlokho ukuya phambili, indlu yakwa-Israyeli izakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini uZimayo. Nezizwe zizakwazi bonyana indlu yakwa-Israyeli yaya ekuthunjweni ngebanga lecala layo ngombana akhange yethembeke kimi. Nje-ke ngabufihla ubuso bami ebantwini bakwa-Israyeli ukuze ngibanikelele esandleni samanababo ngalokho boke bawe ngesabula. Ngabaphatha njengokusilaphala kwabo nangeemphambeko zabo, ngabufihla ubuso bami kibo. “Ngalokho nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla, ‘Kwanje khona, ngizokutjhugulula ubujamo bakaJakopo, ngibe nesirhawu kiyo yoke indlu ka-Israyeli; ngibe nesikhwele ngebizo lami elicwengileko. Bazalikhohlwa ihlazo labo nakho koke ukungathembeki kwabo kimi, lokha nabebazihlalele enarhenabo baphephile begodu kungekho ozabethusa. Ngizazibonakalisa ngabo ngingocwengileko phambi kwezizwe ezinengi lokha nangibabuyisa ezizweni, ngibabuthelele kobana basuke eenarheni zezitha zabo. Nje-ke bazakwazi bonyana nginguSomnini uZimabo ngombana ngabathumela ekuthunjweni hlangana nezizwe begodu ngabuye ngababuthelela kobana babuyele enarheni ekungeyabo. Angeze ngisatjhiya noyedwa wabo hlangana nezizwe. Angeze ngisabufihla ubuso bami kibo ngombana ngizokuthululela uMoyami phezu kwendlu yakwa-Israyeli.’ ” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. Emnyakeni wamatjhumi amabili nahlanu wokuthunjwa kwethu, ekuthomeni komnyaka, mhlana zilitjhumi enyangeni, isandla sakaSomnini besiphezu kwami mhlokho. Bekumnyaka wetjhumi nane ngemva kokuwa kweJerusalema lokha uSomnini nangisa lapho. Ngathi ngisemibonweni, uZimu wangisa enarheni yakwa-Israyeli, wangihlalisa entabeni ephakeme khulu. Ngehlangothini layo langesewula gade kunemakhiwo ebeyifana nedorobho. Lokha nakangibeka lapho, qala nango umuntu obegade aphazima njengekoporo. Umuntu loyo gade ajame esangweni, aphethe intambo yelineni kanye nehlanga lokulinganisa; wathi kimi: “Ndodana yomuntu, zibonele ngamehlwakho, uzizwele ngeendlebe zakho, uyelele koke engizokukhombisa khona ngombana ulethelwe lokho lapha. Bikela indlu ka-Israyeli koke okubonako.” Bekunomthangala ozombeleze yoke indawo yethempeli. Esandleni somuntu loyo bekunehlanga lokulinganisa ebelimamitha amathathu ubude. Ihlangelo belilide kunamahlanga wokulinganisa ajayelekileko. Walinganisa umthangala: ububanzi bawo bebulingana nehlanga linye lesilinganiso nokuphakama kwawo kulihlanga linye. Umuntu loyo wangena esangweni eliqale ngepumalanga, ngokukhwela emqaqadwenalo. Walinganisa umbunjwana wesango, gade ulihlanga linye ubude. Iye, umbunjwana wokuthoma begade ulihlanga linye ubude. Ilawana labalindi ngalinye esangweni gade lihlanga linye ubude nehlanga linye ububanzi bese kuthi ibanga elihlangana kwamalawana lawo libe mamitha amabili nesiquntu ububanzi. Umbunjwana wesango oya esirhodlwaneni sobungeno nawo gade ulihlanga linye ubude. Nje-ke walinganisa umthangala osembujwaneni wesirhodlwana sobungeno, waba lihlanga linye. Godu walinganisa isirhodlwana sobungeno, sona gade simamitha amane ububanzi. Imithangala ebuphumweni besirhodlwaneso beyilimitha ububanzi. Ngaphakathi kwesango langepumalanga gade kunamalawana amathathu ngapha nangapha anesilinganiso esifanako neembanga ezihlangana nawo ngapha nangapha nazo bezineenlinganiso ezifanako. Godu walinganisa obubanzi obuphakathi kweminyango evulekileko yesango, bebumamitha amahlanu. Boke ububanzi besango bebumamitha asithandathu nesiquntu. Ngaphambi kwelawana labalindi ngalinye gade kunomthangadlana ngapha nangapha kwalo, wona bewusiquntu semitha ubude. Ilawana ngalinye belimamitha amathathu mahlangothi woke. Nje-ke walinganisa isango ukusukela emsamo wephahla lelawana ukuya emsamo wephahla lelinye ilawana elilungene nal, kwaba mamitha alitjhumi nambili nesiquntu. Wenza ngokufanako ngemithangala yangemaqadi yamalawana wabalindi: Isilinganiso semithangala le mahlangothi woke wesango ukufikela esirhodlweni sobungeno saba mamitha amatjhumi amathathu. Ibanga ukusukela ebungenweni besango ukuya ngehlangothini elingekugcineni kwesirhodlwana sobungeno gade limamitha amatjhumi amabili nahlanu. Gade kunamafesidere anomluko emalawaneni wabalindi ngaphakathi kwesango mahlangothi woke nangaphakathi kwesirhodlwana sobungeno mahlangothi woke. Phezu kwemithangaleni hlangana namalawana bekukghatjiswe ngemithi yesundu. Nje-ke umuntu loyo wangingenisa ngesirhodlweni sangaphandle kwethempeli. Qala, bekunamalawu nomgangadelo wamatje mazombe nesirhodlweso. Amalawu amatjhumi amathathu lawo gade aqale emgangadelweni. Umgangadelo gade usemaqadi kwamasango begodu ulingana nobubanzi bawo. Lowo-ke gade kumgangadelo ophasi. Walinganisa ibanga ukusukela esangweni eliphasi ukuya esangweni lesirhodlo sethempeli, gade kumamitha amatjhumi amahlanu ngepumalanga kanye nangetlhagwini. Walinganisa ubude nobubanzi besango eliqale ngetlhagwini, ngesirhodlweni sangaphandle. Amalawana labalindi amathathu ngapha nangapha, nemithangala hlangana namalawana lawo kanye nesirhodlwana sobungeno gade anesilinganiso esifana naleso sesango lokuthoma. Gade simamitha amatjhumi amabili nahlanu ubude namamitha alitjhumi nambili nesiquntu ububanzi. Amafesideralo, isirhodlwana sobungeno kanye nemikghabiswalo yesundu gade inesilinganiso sesango eliqale ngepumalanga. Begade linemiqaqado elikhomba eyenyukela kilo; isirhodlwana salo sobungeno besingaphakathi. Njengangepumalanga gade kunesango elingenela ngesirhodlweni esingaphakathi esiqalene nesango langetlhagwini. Walinganisa ibanga eliphakathi kwamasango amabili lawo ngetlhagwini; kwaba mamitha amatjhumi amahlanu. Wangisa ngesewula, qala, bekunesango eliqale ngesewula. Walinganisa imithangadlana ehlanganisa amalawana angaphakathi kwesango kanye nesirhodlwana sobungeno bakhona; begade zinesilinganiso esifana namanye amasango. Isangwelo nesirhodlwana sobungeno salo besinamafesidere mahlangothi woke njengamafesidere wamanye amasango. Gade limamitha amatjhumi amabili nahlanu ubude namamitha alitjhumi nambili nesiquntu ububanzi. Bekunemiqaqado elikhomba eya kilo; isirhodlwana sobungeno singaphakathi kwalo. Gade linemikghabiso yemithi yesundu ebusweni bemithangadlana ehlanganisa amalawana esirhodlweni sobungeno ngapha nangapha. Isirhodlo sangaphakathi naso gade sinesango eliqale ngesewula; walinganisa ukusukela esangweneli ukuya kelingaphandle ngesewula; gade kumamitha amatjhumi amahlanu. Nje-ke, wangingenisa ngesirhodlweni esingaphakathi ngesango langesewula, walinganisa isangwelo; gade lilingana namanye. Amalawanalo, imithangadlanalo ehlanganisa amalawana lawo kanye nesirhodlwana sobungeno gade kulingana namanye. Isangwelo nesirhodlwana salo sobungeno belinamafesidere mahlangothi woke. Gade limamitha amatjhumi amabili nahlanu ubude namamitha alitjhumi nambili nesiquntu ububanzi. (Iinrhodlwana zobungeno magegana nesirhodlo sangaphakathi gade zimamitha alitjhumi nambili nesiquntu ubude namamitha amabili nesiquntu ububanzi.) Isirhodlwana sobungeno sesango eliqale ngesewula besingehlangothini lesirhodlwana sangaphandle. Imithangadlana ehlanganisa amalawana nayo beyinemikghabiso yemithi yesundu. Bekunemiqaqado ebunane ekhuphukela esangwenelo. Wangingenisa ngesirhodlweni sangaphakathi ngehlangothini elingepumalanga; walinganisa isango, gade lilingana namanye. Amalawanalo, imithangadlana yalo ehlanganisa amalawana kanye nesirhodlwana sobungeno gade kulingana namanye. Gade kunamafesidere ngapha nangapha kwesango nesirhodlwana sobungeno; kumamitha amatjhumi amabili nahlanu ubude namamitha alitjhumi nambili nesiquntu ububanzi. Isirhodlwana sobungeno besiqale esirhodlweni sangaphandle; imithangadlana yakhona ehlanganisa amalawana beyinemikghabiso yemithi yesundu ngapha nangapha kwesango; kunemiqaqado ebunane ekhuphukela kilo. Wangingenisa ngesangweni langetlhagwini, nalo walilinganisa. Gade lilingana namanye, okutjho amalawanalo, imithangadlana ehlanganisa amalawana kanye nesirhodlwana sobungeno sakhona. Nalo gade linamafesidere ngapha nangapha. Isangweli belimamitha amatjhumi amabili nahlanu ubude namamitha alitjhumi nambili nesiquntu ububanzi. Isirhodlwana sobungeno besingehlangothini lesirhodlwana sangaphandle; imithangadlana ehlanganisa amalawana beyinemikghabiso yemithi yesundu ngapha nangapha. Gade kunemiqaqado ebunane ekhuphukela kilo. Bekunelawu elinomnyango ophumela ngesirhodlwaneni sobungeno sesango; lapho bekuhlanzelwa khona imihlabelo yokutjhiswa. Ngesirhodlwaneni sobungeno gade kunamatafula amabili ngapha nangapha lapha bekuhlatjelwa khona umhlabelo wokutjhiswa, wehlambululo newehlawulo. Emithangaleni engaphandle yesirhodlwana sobungenweso hlanu kobungeno besango eligale ngetlhagwini gade kunamatafula amabili, godu ngaphaya kobungeno kunamanye amatafula amabili. Nje-ke gade kunamatafula amane ngehlangothini linye lobungeno namane ngakelinye. Gade kumatafula abunane sele awoke lapha bekuhlatjelwa khona imihlabelo. Amatafula amane wemihlabelo yokutjhiswa gade enziwe ngamatje abaziweko, asiquntu nesiqunjwana semitha ubude nobubanzi nesiqunjwana semitha ukuphakama. Phezu kwawo gade kubekwe izitja zokuhlaba imihlabelo yokutjhiswa kanye neminye imihlabelo. Gade kunopherho magegana neboda; ubude bawo bebulingana nobubanzi besandla. Amatafula gade angewenyama yomhlabelo. Esirhodlweni esingaphakathi, ngaphandle kobungeno besango, gade kunamalawu amabili wabavumi. Elinye lingehlangothini lesango langetlhagwini liqale ngesewula bese elinye lingesangweni elingesewula, liqale ngetlhagwini. Yeke wathi kimi: “Ilaweli eliqale ngesewula ngelabaphristi abayelela ukulotjhwa emakhiweni ocwengileko, bese ilawu eliqale ngetlhagwini ngelabaphristi abayelele imisebenzi e-aldarini. Labo-ke bekumadodana kaTsadoki, okungiwo wodwa wamaLevi angatjhidela eduze kwakaSomnini kobana asebenze phambi kwakhe.” Walinganisa isirhodlo sangaphakathi: gade silingana mahlangothi woke, simamitha amatjhumi amahlanu ubude nobubanzi. I-aldari gade liphambi kwethempeli. Wangingenisa esirhodlwaneni sobungeno sethempeli, walinganisa amaboda emahlangothini wobungeno; gade amamitha amabili nesiquntu ububanzi ngapha nangapha. Ububanzi bobungeno besango gade bumamitha alikhomba bese amaboda aya emahlangothini wesirhodlwana sobungeno alimitha nesiquntu ngapha nangapha. Ububanzi besirhodlwana sobungeno bebumamitha alitjhumi namamitha asithandathu ubude. Gade kunemiqaqado ekhuphukela kiso begodu kunesika ngapha nangapha ngaphambi kwaso. Nje-ke umuntu loyo wangingenisa ngesirhodlweni esikhulu. Walinganisa ububanzi bamaboda ahlukanisa isirhodlwana sobungeno nesirhodlo esikhulu; bebumamitha amathathu ngapha nangapha. Lobo-ke bekububanzi bamaboda lawo. Ubungeno besirhodlo esikhulu bebumamitha amahlanu ububanzi namaboda aya emahlangothinaso amamitha amabili nesiquntu ngapha nangapha. Godu walinganisa ubude besirhodlo esikhulu, gade bumamitha amatjhumi amabili namamitha alitjhumi ububanzi. Yeke wangena ngendaweni ecwenge khulu. Walinganisa ububanzi bamaboda ahlukanisa isirhodlo esikhulu nendawo ecwenge khulu; bebulimitha ngapha nangapha. Ubungeno bebumamitha amathathu ububanzi namaboda aya emahlangothini wendawo ecwenge khulu bekamamitha amathathu nesiquntu ngapha nangapha. Walinganisa indawo ecwenge khulu; beyimamitha alitjhumi mahlangothi woke. Wathi kimi: “Le yindawo ecwenge khulu.” Walinganisa iboda lethempeli, gade limamitha amathathu ububanzi; godu walinganisa ububanzi bamalawana anamathelene nethempeli emahlangothini amathathu, bebumamitha amabili. Amalawana lawo akhiwe aba nemigangadelo emithathu, elinye ngehla kwelinye; wona gade amatjhumi amathathu emgangadelweni ngamunye. Gade kunemiqoqo ebodeni lethempeli emahlangothini amathathu kobana isekele imigangadelo yamalawana ukuze kungalimazeki iboda lethempeli ngaphandle. Ngalokho amalawana lawo gade aba banzi ngokuya ngokukhuphuka komunye nomunye umgangadelo ngombana iboda lawo belikhuphukela phezulu. Gade kunomqaqado osuka emgangadelweni ophasi phasi ukudlula kophakathi ukuya kongaphezulu. Ngabona bonyana ithempeli gade lizombelezwe sisendlalelo esidundubeziweko, mahlangothi woke, besisekelo samalawana anamathelene nethempeli. Ukuphakama kwaso bekungangehlanga elipheleko, okutjho amamitha amathathu. Iboda elingaphandle lamalawana anamathelene nethempeli gade limamitha amabili nesiquntu ububanzi. Indawo evulekileko hlanu kwamalawana lawo ngaphandle nayo beyimamitha amabili nesiquntu ububanzi. Hlangana namalawana anamathelene nethempeli namalawu wabaphristi gade kunendawo evulekileko emamitha alitjhumi ububanzi mazombe nethempeli. Bekuneminyango yamalawana anamathelene nethempeli eqale ngendaweni evulekileko, omunye ngetlhagwini, omunye ngesewula. Imithangala yendawo evulekileko beyimamitha amabili nesiquntu ngehlangothini elinye nelinye. Umakhiwo ogade uqalene nendawo evulekileko ngemva kwethempeli ngetjingalanga gade umamitha amatjhumi amathathu nahlanu ububanzi namamitha amatjhumi amane nahlanu ubude. Umthangala womakhiwo lowo gade umamitha amabili nesiquntu ububanzi mazombe. Nje-ke walinganisa ithempeli; gade limamitha amatjhumi amahlanu ubude, kanti indawo evulekileko, umakhiwo wethempeli kanye nemithangala yakhona bekumamitha amatjhumi amahlanu ububanzi. Godu ilingaphambili lethempeli ngepumalanga neendawo ezivulekileko ngapha nangapha bezimamitha amatjhumi amahlanu. Walinganisa ububanzi bomakhiwo oqale endaweni evulekileko ngemuva kwethempeli namalawana wakhona ngapha nangapha; gade kumamitha amatjhumi amahlanu. Amaboda besirhodlo esikhulu sangaphakathi sethempeli nesirhodlwana sobungeno salo bekanamekwe ngesigodo. Amafesidere anomluko okutjho imiqoqwana eyelekeneko ngapha nangapha naphezulu, nawo bekanamekwe ngesigodo mahlangothi woke. Ukunamekwa bekusuka phasi bekube semafesidereni ukufikela ngehla kweminyango. Ingaphakathi lethempeli kanye nengaphandle kwalo, iye, mazombe namaboda woke ngaphakathi nangaphandle bekunemifanekiso ebaziweko ebekwe ngokulandelana. Imifanekiso leyo bekungeyamakerubhi nemithi yesundu. Phakathi kwekerubhi nekerubhi bekunomuthi wesundu. Ikerubhi ngalinye linobuso obubili: Ubuso bomuntu bebuqaliswe ngemthini wesundu ngakelinye ihlangothi nobuso bebhubezi buqaliswe ngakelinye. Emabodeni wethempeli loke mazombe ukusukela phasi ukuya endaweni ngehla kweminyango bekumakerubhi nemithi yesundu. Ebodeni Iesirhodlo esikhulu bekunegoseni enamahlangothi alinganako. Ubungeno bangaphambili bendawo ecwenge khulu nabo bebunjalo. Gade kune-aldari leengodo lilimitha nesiquntu ukuphakama nemitha mahlangothi woke; belinamajika. Isikhondo kanye namahlangothi walo gade kwenziwe ngesigodo. Umuntu loyo wathi kimi: “Leli litafula eliphambi kwakaSomnini.” Isirhodlo esikhulu nendawo ecwenge khulu gade kuneminyango engamibili. Umnyango ngamunye gade unamabadi amabili ajikako; kumabadi amabili komunye namabili komunye. Eminyango yesirhodlo esikhulu gade kubazwe amakerubhi kanye nemithi yesundu njengombana bekunjalo nemabodeni. Gade kunomgoqo wesigodo ngaphambi kwesirhodlwana sobungeno ngaphandle. Amafesidere anomluko nemithi yesundu beyingapha nangapha emabodeni wesirhodlwana sobungeno. Amalawana anamathelene nethempeli nawo gade anemigoqo. Umuntu loyo wangikhuphela ngesirhodlweni sangaphandle ukuya ngetlhagwini; wangingenisa ngemalawini aqalene nendawo evulekileko malungana nomakhiwo ongemva kwethempeli ngetlhagwini. Amalawu lawo bekahlanu kwesango langetlhagwini yendawo yethempeli; wona bekamamitha amatjhumi amahlanu ubude namamitha amatjhumi amabili nahlanu ububanzi. Hlanu kwendawo evulekileko ebeyimamitha alitjhumi godu nahlanu komgangadelo esirhodlweni sangaphandle bekunomakhiwo onamalawu anemigangadelo emithathu anephahla eyehla ngamahla atjhiyanako. Ngaphambi kwamalawu lawo gade kunomkghotha wangaphakathi omamitha amahlanu ububanzi namamitha amatjhumi amahlanu ubude. Iminyango yakhona gade ingetlhagwini. Amalawu waphezulu gade amancani ngombana iphahla beliwenza adluladlulane kunalawo asemgangadelweni ongenzasi nophakathi. Amalawu asemgangadelweni wesithathu gade anganansika njengombana bekunjalo ngeenrhodlo, ngalokho gade amancazana kunalawo asemgangadelweni ophasi nophakathi. Gade kunomthangala ngaphandle olinganisene namalawu ukuya ngesirhodlweni sangaphandle; gade umamitha amatjhumi amabili nahlanu ubude. Ubude bamalawu ngehlangothini elihlanu kwesirhodlo sangaphandle gade bumamitha amatjhumi amabili nahlanu bese balawo amalungana nesirhodlo esikhulu sethempeli bumamitha amatjhumi amahlanu. Amalawu aphasi gade aneminyango ngehlangothini langepumalanga nawungena ngehlangothini lesirhodlo sangaphandle. Hlanu komakhiwo ongemuva kwethempeli magegana nomthangala wesirhodlo sangaphandle ngesewula nahlanu kwendawo evulekileko, gade kunamalawu. Bekunomkghotha ngaphambi kwawo. Wona gade afana namalawu angetlhagwini kwethempeli, anobude obulinganako nobubanzi obulinganako. Ubuphumo neminyango kanye namahlangothi bekufana nekwamalawu wangetlhagwini. Gade kunomkghotha hlangana namalawu angesewula nomthangala wokuvikela. Ekuthomeni komkghotha ngepumalanga bekunobungeno obuphumelo eminyangweni yamalawu. Yeke wathi kimi: “Amalawu wangetlhagwini newangesewula aqalene nendawo evulekileko bekangacwengileko. Abaphristi ebebanelungelo lokutjhidela kuSomnini bebagomela iminikelo ecwenge khulu lapho. Abaphristi bebabeka lapho iminikelo ecwenge khulu okutjho iminikelo yeenthoro, imihlabelo yehlambululo neyehlawulo ngombana indawo leyo beyicwengile. Nasele abaphristi bangene ngendaweni ecwengileko, bebangakavumeleki ukuphumela ngesirhodlweni sangaphandle kufikela lapha bahlubula khona izambatho zabo ebebasebenza ngazo, bazitjhiye ngombana bezicwengile. Bekumele bembathe ezinye izambatho ngaphambi kobana batjhidele eendaweni okungezomuntu woke.” Nasele umuntu loyo aqedile ukulinganisa ebekungaphakathi kwethempeli, wangikhupha ngesango langepumalanga wabese ulinganisa indawo leyo wazomba nayo: Walinganisa ihlangothi langepumalanga ngehlanga, gade limamitha amakhulu amabili namatjhumi amahlanu. Walinganisa ihlangothi langetlhagwini ngehlanga, gade limamitha amakhulu amabili namatjhumi amahlanu. Walinganisa ihlangothi langesewula ngehlanga, gade limamitha amakhulu amabili namatjhumi amahlanu. Yeke waphendukela ngehlangothini langetjingalanga nakhona walinganisa ngehlanga, gade limamitha amakhulu amabili namatjhumi amahlanu. Ngendlela leyo walinganisa amahlangothi womane. Indawo leyo gade izombelezwe ngomthangala omamitha amakhulu amabili namatjhumi amahlanu ubude namamitha amakhulu amabili namatjhumi amahlanu ububanzi. Umthangala lowo bewuhlukanisa indawo ecwengileko kejayelekileko. Umuntu loyo wangisa esangweni eliqale ngepumalanga. Qala, bekunephazimulo kaZimu wakwa-Israyeli ivela ngepumalanga. Ilizwi lakhe belinjengokuzwakala kwamanzi amanengi, inarha gade idarhile ngokukhanya kwephazimulwakhe. Umbono engawubonako begade ufana nengawubona lokha uSomnini eza kobana arhayile idorobho, godu bewufana nemibono engayibona emlanjeni iKebari. Nje-ke ngawa phasi ngobuso. Iphazimulo kaSomnini yangena ngethempelini ngesango eliqale ngepumalanga. Khonapho uMoya wangiguga wangisa ngesirhodlweni sangaphakathi. Qala, iphazimulo kaSomnini yagcwala ithempeli. Kwathi umuntu loyo asajame eqadi kwami, ngezwa ilizwi likhuluma nami livela ngethempelini, lathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, le-ke yindawo yesihlalo sami sobukhosi nesinabelo seenyawo zami. Ngikho lapha, lapho ngizakuhlala khona hlangana nama-Israyeli mlibe. Indlu ka-Israyeli, iye, yona nekosayo angeze beyisasilaphaza ibizo lami elicwengileko ngobungwadla bayo nangamatje wesikhumbuzo wamakhosayo lokha nahlongakalako. Lokha nayibeka imibunjwanayo hlanu kweyami neengoseni zayo hlanu kwezami, sihlukaniswe mthangala kwaphela phakathi kwami nayo, yasilaphaza ibizo lami elicwengileko ngezenzo zayo ezikghabhudlhako. Ngalokho ngayirhayila ekuthukutheleni kwami. Manje-ke ayidedisele kude nami ubungwadla bayo namatje wesikhumbuzo wamakhosayo. Yeke ngizakuphila hlangana nayo mlibe. “Wena ndodana yomuntu, yazisa indlu ka-Israyeli ngethempeli ukuze ibe neenhloni ngamacalayo. Ayiyelele isilinganiso salo. Nakube ineenhloni ngakho koke ekwenzileko, yazise umtlamo wethempeli, okutjho ukuhleleka kwalo, ubuphumo nobungeno balo, woke umtlamalo nazo zoke iimiso zalo, iye, woke umtlamo kanye nayo yoke imithethwalo. Yenza lokho ngokutlola phambi kwayo ukuze ilonde umtlamo lowo kanye neemiso zalo zoke, yenze koke lokho. “Naku umthetho wethempeli: Isiqongolo sentaba nendawo yoke emagegana naso izakuba ngecwenge khulu. Iye, lokho-ke kumthetho wamambala wethempeli.” “Nanzi iinlinganiso ze-aldari ngamamitha: Umsele wakhona olizombelezileko bewusiquntu semitha ukutjhinga nesiquntu semitha ububanzi. Umphetho wawo mazombe bewusiqunjwana semitha. “Nasi-ke isikhondo se-aldari: Ukusuka emseleni phasi ukuya emphethweni osenzasi kulimitha ukuphakama nesiquntu semitha ububanzi bese ukusuka emphethweni osenzasi ukuya kongehla kube mamitha amabili ukuphakama; umphetho lowo begade usiquntu semitha ububanzi. Iziko le-aldari beliphakeme ngamamitha amabili ukusuka emphethweni lowo. Emajikeni amane weziko bekuneempondo ezine ezivelele phezulu. Iziko le-aldari nalo belinamahlangothi amane alinganako, amamitha asithandathu ubude nasithandathu ububanzi. “Umphetho ongehla nawo bewunamahlangothi amane alinganako, amamitha alikhomba ubude nalikhomba ububanzi. Umsele we-aldari bewusiquntu semitha mazombe, umphethwawo usiqunjwana semitha mazombe. Imiqaqado ye-aldari beyiqale ngepumalanga.” Yeke wathi kimi: “Ndodana yomuntu, nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla, ‘Lezi-ke kuzakuba ziimiso ze-aldari ngelanga elizakulungela ngalo ukwenzela kilo imihlabelo yokutjhiswa kanye nokufafaza kweengazi ngemaqadi kwalo: Kumele unikele ngekunzana njengomhlabelo wehlambululo kubaphristi abamaLevi womndeni kaTsadokhi alotjha phambi kwami.’ Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. ‘Uzakuthatha ezinye zeengazi zayo uzininde phezu kweempondo ezine ze-aldari naphezu kwamajika womane womphetho ongehla nemphethweni womsele mazombe. Ngaleyondlela uzakuhlambulula i-aldari bewulenzele itethelelo. Uzakuthatha ikunzi yomhlabelo wehlambululo uyitjhisele endaweni ekhonjiweko yethempeli engaphandle kwalo. “ ‘Elangeni lesibili uzakunikela ngepongo emsulwa njengomhlabelo wehlambululo bese i-aldari lihlanjululwe njengombana kwenziwe ngekunzana. Nasele uqedile ukulihlambulula, uzakunikela ngekunzana emsulwa kanye neqama elimsulwa olithethe emhlambini. Uzakuletha lokho phambi kwakaSomnini bese abaphristi bakununga ngetswayi, banikele ngakho njengomhlabelo wokutjhiswa kuSomnini. “ ‘Uzakulungisa ipongo ngamalanga bekube malanga alikhomba njengomhlabelo wehlambululo begodu abaphristi kumele balungise ikunzana neqama olithethe emhlambini, koke kube msulwa. Amalanga alikhomba bazakwenzela i-aldari itethelelo, balihlambulule bebalihlukanisele. Ekupheleni kwamalanga lawo, ukusuka elangeni lobumnane, abaphristi bazakulungisa imihlabelwenu yokutjhiswa neyetjhebiswano e-aldarini. Yeke ngizanamukela.’ Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla.” USomnini wangibuyisela esangweni langaphandle lomakho ocwengileko, eliqale ngepumalanga, kodwana lalivaliwe. Wathi kimi: “Isangweli kumele lihlale livaliwe. Akukameli livulwe; akunamuntu omele angene ngalo. Lizakuhlala livaliwe ngombana uSomnini, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli ungene ngalo. Yikosana yodwa engahlala ngaphakathi kobungeno kobana igome phambi kwakaSomnini. Izakungena ngendlela yesirhodlwana sesango beyiphume ngayo indlela leyo.” Wangisa esangweni langetlhagwini ngaphambi kwethempeli. Ngathi ngisaqalile, iphazimulo kaSomnini yagcwala ithempeli lakhe. Nje-ke ngawa phasi ngobuso. USomnini wathi kimi: “Ndodana yomuntu, yelela kuhle, uzibonele ngamehlwakho, uzizwele ngeendlebe zakho ngakho koke engikutjela khona mayelana nazo zoke iimiso eziphathelene nethempeli lakaSomnini nayo yoke imithethwalo. Yelela ubungeno bethempeli ngokuqala ofanele angene nofanele akhutjhwe emasangweni womakho ocwengileko. Yithi endlini ehlubukileko yakwa-Israyeli, ‘Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini: Sekwanele ngeenkghabhudlho zakho zoke wena ndlu ka-Israyeli! Ngokuvumela imiqhamuka engakasoki enyameni ngitjho neenhliziyweni kobana ingene emakhiwenami ocwengileko nokobana isilaphaze ithempeli lami lokha naniletha iminekelo yomhlwehlwe neengazi, nephula isivumelwano sami ngaphezu kwazo zoke iinkghabhudlho zenu. Godu azange niyelele izinto zami ezicwengileko, kodwana nabeka imiqhamuka esikhundleni senu kobana kube ngiyo eyelela ukulotjhwa kwami emakhiwenami ocwengileko.’ Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla, ‘Akunamqhamuka ongakasoki ehliziyweni ngitjho nenyameni ozakungena emakhiwenami ocwengileko, iye, ngitjho nomqhamuka ohlala phakathi kwama-Israyeli. Kodwana nakumaLevi akhambela kude nami lokha ama-Israyeli naphambukako abe angihlubuka adlhemadlhema ngemva kwamanyalabo okubosingazimu, kumele athwale icala lawo: Kumele abe ziinceku emakhiwenami ocwengileko. Azakuba bogosa emasangweni wethempeli, abe asebenze ethempelini. Wona kumele ahlabele abantu imihlabelo yokutjhiswa neyetjhebiswano, abe alungele ukwenzela abantu imisebenzi. Ngebanga lokobana asebenzela abantu phambi kwamanyalabo okubosingazimu bese abanga isikhubekiso secala endlini ka-Israyeli, ngalokho-ke ngaphakamisa isandla sami ngokujamelana nawo ukuze athwale icala lawo.’ Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. Angatjhideli kimi kobana abe baphristi bami namkha atjhidele ezintweni zami zoke ezicwengileko namkha eminikelweni ecwenge khulu. Azakuthwala ihlazo lezenzo zawo nomphumela weenkghabhudlho zawo azenzileko. Ngizawabeka kobana eluse ukulotjha ethempelini mayelana nayo yoke imisebenzi okumele wenziwe kilo. “ ‘Kodwana abaphristi abamaLevi nabaziinzukulwana zakaTsadokhi abalonda umsebenzi womakhiwami ocwengileko lokha ama-Israyeli nagade angihlubukile, bona bazakutjhidela kimi kobana bangilotjhe bebajame ebukhoneni bami nokobana banikele ngemihlabelo yomhlwehlwe neengazi.’ Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. ‘Ngibo bodwa abazakungena ngemakhiwenami ocwengileko, iye, ngibo bodwa abazakutjhidela eduze netafulami kobana bangilotjhe bebayelele nemisebenzami. “ ‘Lokha nabangena emasangweni wesirhodlo sangaphakathi, kumele beze bembethe izambatho zelineni, bangembathi nakancani isambatho soboya lokha nabalotjha emasangweni wesirhodlo sangaphakathi ngethempelini. Kumele bathwale imibhode yelineni eenhloko bese bembathe iindzeredzere zelineni emadinini. Bangazibophi ngalitho elizabajulukisa. Lokha nabaphuma ngesirhodlweni sangaphandle baya ebantwini, kumele bahlubule izambatho ebebalotjha ngazo, bazitjhiye ngemalawini acwengileko. Kumele bembathe izambatho ezinye ukuze bangacwengisi abantu ngokubathinta ngezambatho zawo. “ ‘Bangagudi iinhloko, namkha baliselele iinhluthu zibe zide, kodwana kumele bahlale baziphungulile. Akunamphristi ozakusela iwayini lokha nangena ngesirhodlweni sangaphakathi. Akukameli bathathe abahlolokazi namkha amabuya; kumele bathathe kwaphela amatlawu wakwa-Israyeli namkha bathathe abahlolokazi babaphristi. Kumele bafundise abantu bami umahluko phakathi kokucwengileko nokujayelekileko kanye nokuhlukanisa phakathi kokuhlanzekileko nokusilapheleko. “ ‘Nakunemibango, abaphristi bona kumele babe bagwebi bese bagweba ngokuya ngeengwebo zami. Kumele balonde imithetho neemiso zami mayelana nayo yoke iminyanya ejanyisiweko bese bacwengisa amaSabatha wami. Umphristi angazisilaphazi ngokutjhidela esidunjini, ngaphandle kwanange ohlongakeleko kunguyise, unina, indodana, indodakazi, umfo namkha udadwabo ongakendi. Lapho-ke angazisilaphaza ngaso. Ngemva kobana sele ahlanjululiwe, uzakulinda amalanga alikhomba. Ngelanga aya ngalo ngesirhodlweni sangaphakathi somakhiwo ocwengileko kobana ayokulotjha, kuzakumele azinikelele umhlabelo wehlambululo.’ Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “Abakameli ukuba nelifa ngombana mina ngililifa labo. Ningabanikeli isabelo kwa-Israyeli ngombana mina ngisisabelo sabo. Bona bazakudla iminikelo yeenthoro, imihlabelo yehlambululo neyehlawulo. Koke okuzilelwa ngakho uSomnini kuzakuba ngekwabo. “Okukhethekileko kwayo yoke imikhiqizo yokuthoma yazo zoke izinto nazo zoke iimbiko zenu kuzakuba ngokwabaphristi. Kumele nibanikele ihlamenu yokuthoma ukuze isibusiso sibe phezu kwemindenenu. Abaphristi abakameli ukugudla nanyana yini ezifeleko namkha edatjulwe ziimbandana, kungaba yinyoni namkha isilwana.” “Nanihlukanisa inarha njengelifa ngokuphosa ifumbe, nizakunikela uSomnini ingcenye yenarha ekhethekileko, ibe sifunda esicwengileko. Izakuba makhilomitha alitjhumi nambili nesiquntu ubude namakhilomitha alitjhumi ububanzi. Yoke indawo leyo izakuba ngecwengileko. Ingcenye yayo izakuba yindawo ecwengileko, ibe mamitha amakhulu amabili namatjhumi amahlanu mahlangothi woke. Akube nendawo emadlelo magegana nayo, ibe mamitha amatjhumi amabili nahlanu mazombe. Esifundeni esicwengileko linganisa ingcenye ibe makhilomitha alitjhumi nambili nesiquntu ubude namakhilomitha amahlanu ububanzi. Ngaphakathi kwaso kumele kube nomakhiwo ocwengileko okuyindawo ecwenge khulu. Leyo-ke yingcenye ecwengileko enarheni; izakuba sisabelo sabaphristi abasebenza ngemakhiweni ocwengileko nabatjhidela kobana balotjhe phambi kwakaSomnini. Izakuba yindawo yezindlu zabo neyamadlelo wemihlambi. Indawo emakhilomitha alitjhumi nambili nesiquntu ubude namakhilomitha amahlanu ububanzi izakuba ngeyamaLevi aziinceku emakhiwenami ocwengileko. Izakuba sisabelo sawo lapha kuzakwakhiwa khona imizawo yokuhlala. “Njengesabelo sedorobho esifundeni esikhethekileko nizakuhlukanisa indawo emakhilomitha amabili nesiquntu ububanzi namakhilomitha alitjhumi nambili nesiquntu ubude ukulinganisana nengcenye yendawo ecwengileko. Yona izakuba yindawo yendlu yoke yakwa-Israyeli. “Isabelo sekosana sizakuba seengcenyeni zombili zesifunda esicwengileko nezesabelo sedorobho ngepumalanga nangetjingalanga. Sizakunabela ngemkhawulweni wenarha ngetjingalanga nemkhawulweni wenarha ngepumalanga, silinganisane nezabelo zeenkoro enarheni. Leso-ke sizakuba lilifa layo kwa-Israyeli. Amakhosanami akasoze asagandelela abantu bami godu. Kufuze aliselele inarha endlini yakwa-Israyeli ukuya ngokweenkoro zayo.” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: “Sekwanele kwanjesi khona nina makhosana wakwa-Israyeli! Lahlani inturhwenu nokuphanga, nenze ubulungiswa nokulunga. Lisani ukuqotjha abantu bami.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. Sebenzisani iinlinganiso zeqiniso, umthamo kapumpana weqiniso nomgqomu weqiniso. Upumpana nomgqomu kumele zilingane, umgqomu ube ngokwetjhumi kwentundu kadumbana nopumpana abe ngokwetjhumi kwentundu kadumbana. Intundu kadumbana isilinganiso esilingeneko. Isilinganiso esifaneleko kufuze sibe magremu alitjhumi nambili namkha amagremu amakhulu alikhomba namatjhumi amabili. “Nasi isipho esikhethekileko okumele ninikele ngaso: amakhilogremu amabili kenye nenye intundu kadumbana yekoroyi kanye namakhilogremu amabili kenye nenye intundu kadumbana yebhali. Isipho esikhethekileko samafutha we-oliva kufuze sibe malitha amane emakhulwini amane. (Intundu kadumbana beyimalitha amakhulu amane.) Godu kuzakuthathwa imvu eyodwa komunye nomunye umhlambi omakhulu amabili emadlelweni wakwa-Israyeli. “Lokhu kuzakusetjenziswa njengeminikelo yeenthoro, imihlabelo yokutjhiswa neyetjhebiswano ukwenzela abantu itethelelo.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “Boke abantu enarheni bazazibandakanya kilesi sipho esikhethekileko, basinikele ikosana kwa-Israyeli. Kumsebenzi wekosana ukuhlinzeka ngemihlabelo yokutjhiswa, iminikelo yeenthoro neyokuselwako eminyanyeni nekuthwaseni kwenyanga kanye nemaSabatheni, iye, kiyo yoke iminyanya yendlu ka-Israyeli. Izakuhlinzeka ngemihlabelo yehlambululo, iminikelo yeenthoro, imihlabelo yokutjhiswa neyetjhebiswano ukwenzela indlu ka-Israyeli itethelelo.” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: “Enyangeni yokuthoma ngelanga lokuthoma uzakuthatha ikunzana emsulwa ukuze uhlambulule omakhiwo ocwengileko. Umphristi uzakuthatha ezinye iingazi zomhlabelo wehlambululo azininde eengosenini zeminyango yethempeli, phezu kwamajika womane womphetho ongehla we-aldari neengosenini zesirhodlo sangaphakathi. Nizakwenza soneso ngelanga lekhomba lenyanga mayelana nananyana ngubani owona ngokungakahlosi namkha ngokungayeleli; ngendlela leyo nizakwenzela ithempeli itethelelo. “Ngenyanga yokuthoma ngelanga letjhumi nane nizakugidinga iPhasika. Ngemva kwalo esikhathini somnyanya wamalanga alikhomba nizakudla isikwa esinganangumelo. Mhlokho ikosana izakuhlinzeka ngekunzi njengomhlabelo wehlambululo kube ngeyayo nabo boke abantu benarha leyo. Ngamalanga emalangeni alikhomba womnyanya, kumele ihlinzeke ngeenkunzi ezilikhomba namaqama alikhomba, koke kube msulwa, kube njengomhlabelo wokutjhiswa kuSomnini nepongo ibe ngeyomhlabelo wehlambululo. Izakuhlinzeka ngomnikelo weenthoro kube ngupumpana malungana nenye nenye ikunzi nopumpana malungana nelinye nelinye iqama, kukhambisane namalitha amane wamafutha we-oliva upumpana ngamunye. Emalangeni alikhomba womnyanya othoma enyangeni yekhomba ngelanga letjhumi nahlanu, kumele ihlinzeke ngokufanako imihlabelo yehlambululo neyokutjhiswa, iminikelo yeenthoro neyamafutha we-oliva.” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: “Isango lesirhodlo sangaphakathi esiqale ngepumalanga kumele livalwe emalangeni asithandathu wokusebenza, kodwana livulwe ngelanga leSabatha nangelanga lokwethwasa kwenyanga. Ikosana izakungena ngesirhodlweni sesango langaphandle, ijame eengosenini zalo. Abaphristi bazakwenza umhlabelwayo wokutjhiswa newetjhebiswano. Izakuguqa ihlome ihloko phasi embunjwaneni wesango. Kuthi nasele iphumile isango lingavalwa kufikela bekuhlwe. NgamaSabatha nangeminyanya yokwethwasa kwenyanga, abantu benarha bazakuguqa bahlome iinhloko phasi phambi kwakaSomnini ebungenweni besangwelo. Umhlabelo wokutjhiswa olethwa ikosana kuSomnini ngelanga leSabatha uzakuba ziimvana ezithandathu ezimsulwa kanye neqama elimsulwa. Umnikelo weenthoro okhambisana neqama uzakuba ngupumpana bese okhambisana neemvana ube mnengi ngendlela engakghona ngayo. Upumpana ngamunye akhambe namalitha amane wamafutha we-oliva. Ngelanga lokwethwasa kwenyanga kufuze kube yikunzana, iimvana ezisithandathu kanye neqama, koke kube msulwa. Ikosana izakuhlinzeka njengomnikelo weenthoro upumpana munye okhambisana nekunzi, upumpana munye okhambisana neqama bese nakuziimvana zibe zinengi ngendlela engakghona ngayo. Upumpana ngamunye akhambisane namalitha amane wamafutha we-oliva. Lokha ikosana nayingenako, izakungena ngesirhodlwana sesango iphume ngendlela leyo. “Kuzakuthi abantu benarha leyo nabeza phambi kwakaSomnini kobana baguqe bahlome iinhloko phasi ngeminyanya ejanyisiweko, ongena ngesango langetlhagwini uzakuphuma ngesango langesewula bese kuthi ongene ngesango langesewula aphume ngesango langetlhagwini. Akunamuntu ozakuphuma ngesango angene ngalo, kodwana omunye nomunye uzakunqopha esangweni elifulathele angene ngalo. Ikosana izakuba phakathi kwabo, ingene nabo nabangenako bese iphuma nabo nabaphumako. “Eminyanyeni okutjho emigidini ejanyisiweko, umnikelo weenthoro uzakuba ngupumpana okhambisana nekunzi, upumpana okhambisana neqama kanye neemvana ezinengi ngendlela angakghona ngayo. Upumpana ngamunye akhambisane namalitha amane wamafutha we-oliva. Lokha ikosana nayiletha umnikelo wesihle kuSomnini, kungaba mhlabelo wokutjhiswa namkha wetjhebiswano, izakuvulelwa isango eliqale ngepumalanga. Izakuletha umhlabelwayo wokutjhiswa namkha wetjhebiswano njengombana yenza ngelanga leSabatha. Kuthi nasele iphumile isangwelo livalwe. “Imihla ngemihla uzakuhlinzeka ngemvana enomnyaka nemsulwa kuSomnini kobana ibe mhlabelo wokutjhiswa, iye, uzakuhlinzeka ngayo njalo ekuseni. Godu kuzakuthi njalo ekuseni imvana leyo ikhambisane nomnikelo weenthoro onamakhilogremu amathathu weflowuru esefiweko nelitha nesiquntu samafutha we-oliva ukuyithambisa. Ukunikelwa komnikelo weenthoro lo kuSomnini kusimiso sanini nanini. Yeke kuzakuhlinzekwa njalo ekuseni imvana, umnikelo weenthoro kanye namafutha we-oliva njengomnikelo wokutjhiswa wangemihla.” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: “Nakube ikosana ikhupha isipho esabelweni sayo, inikele enye yamadodanayo, lokho kuzakuba sisabelo sendodana leyo, kube lilifa leenzukulwana zayo esabelweni sekosana leyo. Kodwana nakube ikhupha isipho esabelweni sayo iphe esinye seensebenzi zayo, isisebenzeso singagcina isipho bekube mnyaka wokubuyisela. Ngemva kwalapho sizakubuyela ekhosaneni. Ilifa layo lingelamadodanayo; iye, lingelawo kwaphela. Ikosana ayingathatheli abantu ilifa labo, ingabaqotjhi epahlenabo. Izakwabela amadodanayo ilifa lawo esabulweni sayo ukuze kungabikhona namunye wabantu bami ozakuhlakazwa elifeni labo.” Wangingenisa ngobungeno obungehlangothini lesango eliya emalawini acwengileko aqale ngetlhagwini, okungewabaphristi. Qala, bekunendawo emaphelelweni wangetjingalanga wawo. Wathi kimi: “Le-ke yindawo lapha abaphristi bazakuphekela khona umhlabelo wehlawulo newehlambululo kanye nomnikelo weenthoro ukuze bangawukhupheli ngesirhodlweni esingaphandle bese ngokwenza njalo bacwengise abantu.” Wangikhupha ngesirhodlweni sangaphandle, wangibhodisa namajikaso amane. Qala, kelinye nelinye ijika bekunesirhodlwana. Iindawo zeenrhodlwane ezinezo emajikeni bezilingana: imamitha amatjhumi amabili ubude namamitha alitjhumi nahlanu ububanzi. Imithangadlana yamatje beyihlukanisa iinrhodlwana ezinezo, inamaziko wokuphekela magegana nayo ngaphakathi. Wathi kimi: “Lawa maphunyana lapha abasebenza ethempelini bazakuphekela khona imihlabelo yetjhebiswano yabantu.” Umuntu loyo wangibuyisela ebungenweni bethempeli. Qala, amanzi avinyilika ngaphasi kombunjwana wethempeli, agelezela ngepumalanga njengombana ithempeli beliqale ngepumalanga. Amanzi gade ehlela phasi avela ngesewula yethempeli, ngesewula ye-aldari. Wangikhuphela ngaphandle komthangala ozombeleze ithempeli loke ngesango langetlhagwini. Wangikhambisa magegana nomthangala, wangisa esangweni eliqale ngepumalanga. Qala, amanzi gade agobhoza ngehlangothini elingesewula lesango. Umuntu loyo nalokhu asiya ngepumalanga aphethe isilinganiso, walinganisa amamitha amakhulu amahlanu, wangeyamisa emanzini afika engogoriyaneni. Walinganisa kwaba ngamanye amamitha amakhulu amahlanu, wangeyamisa emanzini ebegade afika edolweni. Walinganisa amanye amamitha amakhulu amahlanu, wangeyamisa emanzini ebegade angifika edinini. Walinganisa amanye amamitha amakhulu amahlanu, kodwana kilelihlandla bekumlambo ebengingeze ngaweyama ngombana amanzi besele akhuphukile begodu atjhinga alingene ukududa kiwo, kumlambo ongeze weyanywa mumuntu. Wangibuza wathi: “Ndodana yomuntu, ubonile na?” Nje-ke wangibuyisela emuva ngesebe lomlambo. Kwathi ngisakhamba njalo, Qala, bekunemithi eminengi ngapha nangapha komlambo. Wathi kimi: “Amanzi la agelezela ngesifundeni sangepumalanga bese ehlela ngemrhobeni weJordani lapha afese angene khona elwandle. Lokha nawuthululela ngelwandle, amanzi walapho aba matjha. Nanyana kukuphi lapha amanzi agelezela khona, kuzakuba neemphili eziphithizelako. Kuzakuba nejuma leenhlambi ngombana amanzi la agelezela lapho bese enza amanzi wetswayi abe matjha. Iye, nanyana kukuphi lapha umlambo ugelezela khona, koke okulapho kuzakuphila. Abathiyiinhlambi bazakujama magegana neligu lelwandle eliFilileko ukusuka e-Eni-Gedi ukuya e-Eni-Egilayimu kuzakuba neendawo zokomisa iinrhurhulanede. Iinhlambi zizakuba ngemihlobohlobo njengeenhlambi zelwandle eliKhulu. Kodwana amachibi neenzibi angeze zibe zitjha, zizakuhlala zinetswayi. Imithi yemihlobohlobo yeenthelo izakumila ngapha nangapha kwesebe lomlambo. Amakarayo angeze atjhwaba neenthelo zakhona angeze zaphela. Inyanga nenyanga izakuhloma ngombana amanzi wendawo ecwengileko agelezela kiyo. Iinthelo zayo zizakuba ngezokudla bese amakarayo abe yintatha.” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: “Nasi imikhawulo enizakuhlukanisa ngayo inarha yelifa hlangana neenkoro ezilitjhumi nambili zakwa-Israyeli, uJosefa abe nezabelo ezimbili. Nizazihlukanisela ngokulinganako. Ngafunga ngokuphakamisa isandla bonyana ngizakunikela aboyihlo inarha le; izakuba lilifa lenu. “Imikhawulo yenarha izakuba bunjesi: “Ngehlangothini langetlhagwini uzakusuka elwandle eliKhulu ukhambe ngendlela yeRhetiloni ukuya eTsadadi, eRhamathi, eBherotha neSibrayimu ephakathi kweendawo zeDamaseku neRhamathi, ukuyokufika eRhateri-Hatikoni emkhawulweni weRhawurana. Ngendlela leyo umkhawulo uzakusuka elwandle uye eRhatseri-Enani magegana nomkhawulo weDamaseku, ngetlhagwini yomkhawula kube yindawo yeRhamathi. Lowo-ke kuzakuba mkhawulo wangetlhagwini. “Ngehlangothini langepumalanga umkhawulo uzakukhamba hlangana neRhawurana neDamaseku magegana neJordani hlangana neGiliyadi nenarha yakwa-Israyeli ukuya elwandle langepumalanga ukuyokufika eTamari. Lowo-ke kuzakuba mkhawulo wangepumalanga. “Ngehlangothini langesewula uzakukhamba ukusuka eTamari ukuya emanzini weMeriba-Khadetjhi, ugege nomlanjana weGibhide ukuya elwandle eliKhulu. Lowo-ke kuzakuba mkhawulo wangesewula. “Ngehlangothini langetjingalanga, ilwandle eliKhulu lizakuba mkhawulo bekube malungana neLebo-Rhamathi. Lowo kuzakuba mkhawulo wangetjingalanga. “Nizakuhlukaniselana inarha le ngokuya ngeenkoro zakwa-Israyeli. Nizayaba ngokuphosa ifumbe njengelifa lenu kanye nemiqhamuka esele inzinze phakathi kwenu beyaba nabantwana. Nizayithatha njengabantu bendabuko hlangana nama-Israyeli. Izakwabelwa ilifa kanye nani hlangana neenkoro zakwa-Israyeli. Nanyana umqhamuka unganzinza hlangana nayiphi ikoro, nizawunikela ilifa lawo khonapho.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “Naka amabizo weenkoro: “Emkhawulweni wangetlhagwini ikoro yakwaDani izakuba nesabelo sinye. Umkhawulwaso uzakukhamba ngendlela yeRhetiloni unqombe eLebo-Rhamathi neRhatseri-Enani emkhawulweni weDamaseku ngetlhagwini, hlanu kweRhamathi. Kuzakuba mkhawulo wakhona ukusuka ngepumalanga yenarha ukuya ngetjingalanga yayo. U-Atjhera uzakuba nesabelo sinye; sizakuba hlanu komkhawulo wakwaDani ukusukela ngepumalanga ukuya ngetjingalanga yenarha. UNafitali uzakuba nesabelo sinye; sizakuba hlanu komkhawulo wakwa-Atjhera ukusukela ngepumalanga ukuya ngetjingalanga yenarha. UManase uzakuba nesabelo sinye; sizakuba hlanu komkhawulo wakwaNafitali ukusukela ngepumalanga ukuya ngetjingalanga yenarha. U-Efrayimu uzakuba nesabelo sinye; sizakuba hlanu komkhawulo wakwaManase ukusukela ngepumalanga ukuya ngetjingalanga yenarha. URubeni uzakuba nesabelo sinye; sizakuba hlanu komkhawulo wakwa-Efrayimu ukusukela ngepumalanga ukuya ngetjingalanga yenarha. UJuda uzakuba nesabelo sinye; sizakuba hlanu komkhawulo wakwaRubeni ukusukela ngepumalanga ukuya ngetjingalanga yenarha. “Hlanu komkhawulo wakwaJuda ukusukela ngepumalanga ukuya ngetjingalanga yenarha kuzakuba sisabelo enizasinikela njengesipho esikhethekileko. Sizakuba makhilomitha alitjhumi nambili nesiquntu ububanzi bese ubude baso ukusukela ngepumalanga ukuya ngetjingalanga silingane nesinye sezabelo zekoro. Ngaphakathi kwaso kuzakuba nomakhiwo ocwengileko. Isabelo esikhethekileko enizasinikela uSomnini sizakuba makhilomitha alitjhumi nambili nesiquntu ubude namakhilomitha alitjhumi ububanzi. “Soke isipho esikhethekileko sizakuba ngeseenqhema ezilandelako: “Ingcenye yabaphristi “Ngetlhagwini nangesewula izakuba makhilomitha alitjhumi nambili nesiquntu ubude namakhilomitha amahlanu ububanzi. Ngaphakathi kwayo kuzakuba nomakhiwo ocwengileko kaSomnini. Lokhu kuzakuba ngokwabaphristi abahlukaniselweko nabaziinzukulwana zakaTsadokhi, labo abalonda umsebenzi womakhiwami ocwengileko begodu angazange baphambuke njengamanye amaLevi lokha ama-Israyeli nagade angihlubukile. Kuzakuba sisipho esicwengileko kibo esithethwe esiphiweni esikhethekileko senarha. Sizakuba ngesicwenge khulu hlanu komkhawulo wamaLevi. “Ingcenye yamaLevi “Ukulinganisana nomkhawulo wabaphristi izakuba makhilomitha alitjhumi nambili nesiquntu ubude namakhilomitha amahlanu ububanzi. Boke ubude beengcenye zabaphristi nezamaLevi buzakuba makhilomitha alitjhumi nambili nesiquntu namakhilomitha alitjhumi ububanzi. Akukameli bathengise namkha benane ngazo. Ziyingcenye ekhetheke khulu enarheni ngombana zicwengile kuSomnini. Indawo eseleko emakhilomitha amabili nesiquntu ububanzi namakhilomitha alitjhumi nambili nesiquntu ubude, izakuba ngesetjenziselwa okujayelekileko, ibe ngeyedorobho okutjho amadlelo nokwakha iinkumba. Idorobho lizakuba sekabenayo. Isilinganiso sendawo yedorobho sizakuba makhilomitha amabili nesiqunjwana mahlangothi woke. Amadlelo wedorobho azakuba mamitha alikhulu namatjhumi amabili nahlanu mahlangothi woke wedorobho. Indawo yedorobho eseleko elinganisene nendawo ecwengileko izakuba makhilomitha amahlanu ukuya ngepumalanga namakhilomitha amahlanu ukuya ngetjingalanga. Umkhiqizwayo uzakondla abasebenza ngedorobheni. Abasebenza ngedorobheni abavela kizo zoke iinkoro zakwa-Israyeli bazakulima indawo leyo. Soke isipho esikhethekileko sizakufaka hlangana iingcenye ezicwengileko nesabelo sedorobho. Sizakulingana mahlangothi woke, sibe makhilomitha alitjhumi nambili nesiquntu. “Okusele ngapha nangapha eengcenyeni ezicwengileko nesabelweni sedorobho kuzakuba ngokwekosana. Ukusuka emkhawulweni omakhilomitha alitjhumi nambili nesiquntu wangepumalanga wesipho esikhethekileko ukuya emkhawulweni wenarha ngepumalanga nokusuka emkhawulweni wangetjingalanga wesipho esikhethekileko ukuya emkhawulweni wenarha ngetjingalanga kuzakuba sisabelo sekosana. Zombili iindawezo zilinganisene nezabelo zeenkoro. Isipho esicwengileko esinomakhiwo ocwengileko ngaphakathi kwaso nesabelo samaLevi kanye nendawo yedorobho, koke kusekabeni yeendawo zekosana. Iindawo zekosana zizakuba hlangana nomkhawulo wakwaJuda nowakwaBhenjamini. “Mayelana neenkoro ezinye: “UBhenjamini uzakuba nesabelo sinye; sizakusuka ngepumalanga yenarha ukuya ngetjingalanga yayo. USimeyoni uzakuba nesabelo sinye; sizakuba hlanu komkhawulo wakwaBhenjamini ukusukela ngepumalanga ukuya ngetjingalanga yenarha. U-Isakhari uzakuba nesabelo sinye; sizakuba hlanu komkhawulo wakwaSimeyoni ukusukela ngepumalanga ukuya ngetjingalanga yenarha. UZebuloni uzakuba nesabelo sinye; sizakuba hlanu komkhawulo wakwa-Isakari ukusukela ngepumalanga ukuya ngetjingalanga yenarha. UGadi uzakuba nesabelo sinye; sizakuba hlanu komkhawulo wakwaZebuloni ukusukela ngepumalanga ukuya ngetjingalanga yenarha. “Umkhawulo wangesewula yakwaGadi uzakuthoma eTamari ukuya emanzini weMeriba-Khadetjhi, udlule umlanjana weGibhide ukuya elwandle eliKhulu. Leyo yinarha enizayaba njengelifa leenkoro zakwa-Israyeli ngokuphosa ifumbe. Lokho-ke kuzakuba zizabelo zabo.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “Lokhu kuzakuba buphumo bedorobho: “Emthangaleni wedorobho ongetlhagwini nomakhilomitha amabili nesiquntu ubude, kuzakuba namasango amathathu athiyelelwe ngeenkoro zakwa-Israyeli; isango linye lakaRubeni, linye lakaJuda nalinye lakaLevi. Emthangaleni wedorobho ongepumalanga nomakhilomitha amabili nesiquntu ubude, kuzakuba namasango amathathu okutjho isango linye lakaJosefa, linye lakaBhenjamini nalinye lakaDani. Emthangaleni wedorobho ongesewula nomakhilomitha amabili nesiquntu ubude, kuzakuba namasango amathathu okutjho isango linye lakaSimeyoni, linye laka-Isakari nalinye lakaZebuloni. Emthangaleni wedorobho ongetjingalanga nomakhilomitha amabili nesiquntu ubude, kuzakuba namasango amathathu okutjho isango linye lakaGadi, linye laka-Atjheri nalinye lakaNafitali. “Ibanga mahlangothi woke wedorobho lizakuba makhilomitha alithoba. “Ibizo ledorobho ukusukela ngesikhatheso lizakubizwa ngokuthi: USomnini ulapho.” Ngomnyaka wesithathu wokubusa kwakaJehoyakhimu ikosi yakwaJuda, uNebukadinetsari ikosi yeBhabheli weza eJerusalema walivimbezela. USomandla wanikela uJehoyakhimu ikosi yakwaJuda kanye nezinye iimpahla zethempeli lakaZimu esandleni sakhe. Wazithatha wazisa enarheni yeTjhinari, ethempelini lakazinyanakhe, wafese wazifaka ngendlini yamagugu. Wayala u-Atjhipenazi oyindunakhe ekulu kobana athathe hlangana nama-Israyeli, okutjho endlini yobukhosi nakibosaziwako, amasokana anganamphambo, anejamo nahlakaniphileko, anekghono loke, anelwazi elibanzi kanye anekghono lokuhlathulula begodu kube ngalungele ukusebenza esigodlweni. Wona-ke bekufuze awafundise umtlolo nelimi lamaKasidi. Ikosi yahlosa kobana amasokana lawo anikelwe isabelo sangemihla sokudla okudliwa yikosi newayini eliselwa ngiyo. Bekufuze abandulwe iminyaka emithathu, kuthi emva kwalokho angene emsebenzini wekosi ngesigodlweni. Hlangana nawo bekunamasokana abuya kwaJuda: kunguDanyela, uRhananiya, uMitjhayeli no-Azariya. Induna ekulu yabathiya amabizo amatjha: uDanyela waba nguBhelithetjhatsari, uRhananiya waba nguTjhedreke, uMitjhayeli waba nguMitjhaka, u-Azariya waba ngu-Abhedinigo. Kodwana nakunguDanyela waqeda nehliziywakhe bonyana akazokuzisilaphaza ngokudla okudliwa yikosi newayini eliselwa ngiyo. Ngalokho wabawa induna ekulu bonyana imvumele kobana angazisilaphazi ngendlela enjalo. UZimu wenza kobana induna ekulu ibe nomusa nezwelo kuDanyela. Kodwana induna leyo yakhuluma noDanyela yathi: “Ngesaba umphathami ikosi ekungiyo enihlukanisele ukudla nesiselo senu. Nange ingabona nikhehlile hlangana namasokana ekubontangenu, nizokubeka ipilwami engozini phambi kwekosi.” UDanyela wakhuluma nomelusi ebegade abekwe yinduna leyo kobana engamele uDanyela, uRhananiya, uMitjhayeli no-Azariya, wathi: “Ngiyakubawa, zizinya iinceku zakho amalanga alitjhumi: Esabelwenapho, sinikela kwaphela umbhido sidle namanzi sisele. Emva kwalokho uhlole ubujamo bethu nabulinganiswa nebamasokana adla ukudla okudliwa yikosi bese uphathe iinceku zakho ngendlela obona ngayo.” Nje-ke wavumelana nabo ngendaba le, wabazizinya amalanga alitjhumi. Emva kwamalanga alitjhumi, babonakala babahle begodu bondleke khulu kunamasokana ebekadla ukudla okudliwa yikosi. Ngalokho umelusi wasusa kibo isabelo sokudla newayini lekosi wabanikela imibhido kwaphela. UZimu wangezelela emasokaneni amane lawo ukuzwisisa nokuba nelihlo elibukhali kiyo yoke imitlolo kanye nobuhlakani. UDanyela bekazwisisa ihlathululo yayo yoke imibono namabhudango. Kwathi ekupheleni kwesikhathi ikosi eyayala ngaso kobana woke amasokana alethwe kiyo, induna ekulu yawethula phambi kwakaNebukadinetsari. Yeke ikosi yakhuluma nawo. Phakathi kwawo woke bekangekho afana noDanyela, uRhananiya, uMitjhayeli no-Azariya. Yeke bathoma ukulotjha ngesigodlweni. Kiyo yoke indaba ephathelene nobuhlakani nokuzwisisa ikosi eyababuza yona, yafumana bona embuswenayo woke, badlula boke abosomlingo nabaloyi ngokubuyelelwe kalitjhumi. UDanyela yena waragela phambili nokulotjha lapho bekwaba mnyaka wokuthoma wokubusa kwekosi uKoretjhi. Emnyakeni wesibili wokubusa kwakaNebukadinetsari, waba nebhudango bewadungeka emmoyeni kangangobana akhange asaba nobuthongo. Nje-ke ikosi yayala bona kubizwe abosomlingo, abaloyi nezanusi kanye nezazi zamaKasidi kobana beze bazokuhlathululela ikosi ibhudango layo lelo. Kuthe bona bafike phambi kwayo, yathi kibo: “Ngibenebhudango elingihlubayezako, nje-ke ngifuna ukulazi kobana litjho ukuthini.” Nje-ke izazi zamaKasidi zakhuluma nekosi ngesi-Aramu zathi: “Ikosi ayiphile siphile! Ngalokho ikosi ingatjela iinceku zayo ibhudango, zona zizalihlathulula.” Ikosi yaphendula izazi zamaKasidi yathi: “Kwamambala ngiqinisile: Nakube nihluleka ukungazisa ibhudango nehlathululwalo, nizokuhlahlelwa iinquqwana nemizenu izokwenziwa amarubhi. Kodwana naningitjela ibhudango nehlathululwalo, ngizonamukelisa izipho nemivuzo kanye nokuhlonitjhwa okukhulu. Yeke, ngitjelani-ke ibhudango nehlathululwalo.” Zona zayiphendula kwesibili zathi: “Ikosi ayitjele iinceku zayo ibhudango mantange, nje-ke thina sizakutjho ihlathululwalo.” Ikosi yaziphendula yathi: “Ngambala ngiyazi bonyana nizama ukuzenzela isikhathi ngombana niyabona bona bengiqinisile ngequnto lami: Nangabe aningitjeli ibhudango, sinye isigwebo senu. Ngalokho nilumbe amaqhinga ngomnqopho wokukhuluma amala nekohliso phambi kwami ngokucabanga bona ubujamo buzakuphenduka. Yeke, nina ngitjelani ibhudango, mina-ke ngizakwazi bonyana ningalihlathulula.” Izazi zamaKasidi zaphendula phambi kwekosi zathi: “Ephasinapha, akakho noyedwa ongakghona ukwenza lokho okufunwa yikosi. Kwakhona azange khekube nekosi, nanyana kuthiwa yikulu begodu inamandla kangangani eyakhe yabuza into enjalo kibosomlingo, kubabhuli namkha ezazini zamaKasidi. Into ebuzwa yikosi le, inzima; akakho ongayembula ekosini ngaphandle kwabozinyana begodu bona abahlali hlangana nabantu.” Ngebanga lendaba leyo, ikosi yasilingeka beyafutheka kangangobana yayala kobana zoke iinhlakaniphi zeBhabheli zibhujiswe. Nje-ke kwakhutjhwa isimemezelo kobana iinhlakaniphezo zibhujiswe. Godu kwafunwa noDanyela nabangani bakhe kobana nabo babulawe. Kwathi lokha u-Ariyoki, umphathi wobuzimba naphumako bona ayokubhubhisa iinhlakaniphezo, uDanyela wakhuluma naye ngobuhlakani nangamaqhinga. Wathi ku-Ariyoki, godu ogade ayinduna yesigodlo: “Kanti kubayini isimemezelo sekosi sinesihluku kangaka?” Nje-ke u-Ariyoki wahlathululela uDanyela koke. Ngalokho uDanyela wangena ekosini wazibawela isikhatjhana kobana azokwazi ukuyihlathululela ibhudango. Nje-ke uDanyela waya lapha ahlala khona wafese wabika indaba leyo kuRhananiya, uMitjhayeli no-Azariya abangani bakhe, wabatjela kobana babawe umusa kaZimu wezulwini mayelana nefihlakalo le ukuze bangabhujiswa yena nabangani bakhe kanye nezinye iinhlakaniphi zeBhabheli. Nje-ke kwathi ebusuku, ifihlakalo yembuleka kuDanyela ngombono. Ngalokho uDanyela wadumisa uZimu wezulwini. Wathi: “Nini nanini akudunyiswe ibizo lakaZimu ngombana ukuhlakanipha namandla kungokwakhe. Yena utjhugulula iinkhathi nobujamo, wehlisa amakhosi abuye abeke amanye; upha iinhlakaniphi ubuhlakani nelwazi kilabo abanokuzwisisa. Wembula izinto ezimanzima nezifihlakeleko, uyakwazi okusebumnyameni, khisibe nokukhanya kukuye. Ngiyakuthokoza bengiyakudumisa wena Zimu wabokhokho ngombana ungiphe ukuhlakanipha namandla, wangivezela lokho esikuthandazeleko, iye, wembule indaba yekosi le.” UDanyela waya ku-Ariyoki obegade abekwe yikosi kobana abhubhise iinhlakaniphi zeBhabheli, wafese wathi kuye: “Ungazibhubhisi iinhlakaniphi zeBhabheli. Wena ngithatha nje ungise ekosini, mina ngizakulethela ikosi ihlathululo.” Nje-ke masinyana u-Ariyoki wasa uDanyela phambi kwekosi, wafese wathi kiyo: “Hlangana nabathunjwa bakwaJuda, ngifunyene umuntu ongatjela ikosi ihlathululo.” Ikosi yabuza uDanyela obesele aziwa bona nguBhelithetjhatsari, yathi: “Ungakghona ukungitjela ibhudango engilibhudangileko nehlathululwalo na?” UDanyela waphendula wathi: “Lokho ikosi ebuze ngakho, akukho iinhlakaniphi, ababhuli, abosomlingo namkha izanusi ezingakwembula ekosini. Kodwana kukhona uZimu ezulwini owembula iimfihlakalo begodu yena wembulile ekosinami uNebukadinetsari kobana kuzokwenzekani emalangeni ezako. Nje-ke ibhudango nombono owedlule engqondweni yekosi isalele, ngilokhu: Kuthe ikosi isalele emkghadinayo, yafikelwa mbono walokho okuzokwenzeka ukusukela njesi, nomembuli weemfihlakalo wavezela ikosi bonyana kuzokwenzekani. Nje-ke nakungimi, ifihlakalo le yembulwe kimi ingasi ngombana ngihlakaniphe ukwedlula abanye abantu, kodwana kube ngehloso yokobana ikosi yaziswe ihlathululo nokobana izwisise imizindlo yemicabangwayo. “Kosi, angitjho wathi usaqalile, wabona isithombesibunjwa esikhulu! Isithombeso besisikhulu kwamanikelela nokuphazimula kwaso bekurara. Sona besijame phambi kwakho sinesibumbeko esesabekako. Isithombesibunjweso besinehloko yegolidembala; isifuba nemikhonwaso kulisiliva, amadinaso neenyonga kulikoporo, imilenze neenyawo zaso kuyisimbi nomdaka otjhisiweko. Uthe usaqalile njalo, kwaqephuka ilitje entabeni kungasi ngesandla somuntu, lafese latshidlha isithombesibunjweso eenyaweni eziyisimbi kanye nomdaka lazephula iinquqwana. Nje-ke isimbi, umdaka, ikoporo, isiliva kanye negolide kwaba ziinquqwana njengomungu eselelweni nawuphephethwa mumoya ehlobo: Akukho nokukodwa kweenquqwanezo okwafunyanwako. Kodwana ilitje elatshidlha isithombesibunjweso laphenduka idwala elikhulu lazala iphasi loke. “Bekungilelo-ke ibhudango. Kwanjesi sizokuhlathululela ikosi bona litjho ukuthini. Wena kosi, kosi yamakhosi, wena onikelwe nguZimu wezulwini umbuso, amandla, iinkhwepha nobukhosi, wabeka esandleni sakho abantu abaphila nanyana kuphi, iimbandana zommango, iinyoni zesibhakabhaka; iye wena owajanyiswa bona ulawule ngaphezu kwakho koke lokho, wena uyihloko yegolidelo. Emva kwakho kuzakuvuka omunye umbuso omncani kunewakho, godu bekube nowesithathu wekoporo, ozakubusa iphasi loke. Kuzakuba khona umbuso wesine ozakuba ngoqine njengesimbi. Iye, njengesimbi etshidlhako, ngaleyondlela uzakurhayila ugaye yoke eminye imibuso. Njengombana ubone iinyawo namazwani ebekanengcenye emdaka wombumbi nesimbi, lokho kuzakuba mbuso ohlukeneko: Ukuqina kwesimbi kuzakuba kiwo. Njengombana ubone isimbi ihlanganiswe nomdaka, iye, ingcenye yamazwani bekuyisimbi nengcenye imdaka, ngendlela enjalo ingcenye yombuso lowo izakuba ngeqinileko, enye ibe ngebuthakathaka. Njengalokhu ubonile isimbi ivangene nomdaka, ngendlela enjalo abantu bazakuhlangana ngokwendiselana, kodwana angekhe babemunye njengombana nesimbi ayibumbani nomdaka. Khona emalangeni wamakhosi lawo, uZimu wezulwini uzakujamisa umbuso ongasoze wapheliswa namkha udluliselwe kabanye abantu. Uzakutshidlha bewuphelise yoke imibuso eminye, kodwana wona uzakujama nini nanini. Kuzakuba njengombana ubone ilitje liqephuka entabeni kungasi ngesandla somuntu, latshidlha isimbi, ikoporo, umdaka, isiliva kanye negolide iinquqwana. Ngambala, uZimu omkhulu wazise ikosami lokho okuzakwenzeka emva kwalokhu. Ibhudango liqinise kwamambala nehlathululwalo ithembekile.” Nje-ke, ikosi uNebukadinetsari yawa ngobuso phambi kwakaDanyela yamlotjha, beyayala kobana kunikelwe kuye umnikelo weenthoro newetjhwalo begodu yathi kuDanyela: “Mbala, uZimenu unguZimu ongaphezu kwabozinyana, iye, uyiKosi yamakhosi nomembuli weemfihlakalo, ngalokho ukghonile ukungivezela ifihlakalo.” Nje-ke ikosi yaphakamisa uDanyela yamupha nezipho ezihle khulu. Yambeka umbusi ngaphezu kwesifunda soke seBhabheli beyamenza umphathi weenhlakaniphi zakhona. Ngesibawo sakaDanyela ikosi yabeka uTjhedreke, uMitjhaka no-Abhedinigo njengabalawuli besifunda seBhabheli. UDanyela yena wahlala ngesigodlweni sekosi. Ikosi uNebukadinetsari yenza isithombesibunjwa segolide. Ukuphakama kwaso bekungaba mamitha amatjhumi amabili nalikhomba, ububanzi baso bumamitha amabili nesiquntu. Yasibeka ecabazini leDura esifundeni seBhabheli. Nje-ke yathumela umlayezo bonyana kubizelwe ndawonye amakhosana angaphasi kwayo, abaphathi beemfunda, ababusi, abeluleki, abososikhwama, abagwebi, iye, iinkhulu zoke zeemfunda, kobana zize emnyanyeni wokuvulwa kwesithombesibunjwa ikosi uNebukadinetsari esijamisilekweso. Mbala, amakhosana angaphasi kwayo, abaphathi beemfunda, ababusi, abeluleki, abososikhwama, abagwebi, iye, iinkhulu zoke zeemfunda zahlangana kobana ziye emnyanyeni wokuvulwa kwesithombesibunjwa ikosi uNebukadinetsari egade isijamisile. Zafese zajama phambi kwesithombe sakaNebukadinetsareso. Yeke ummemezeli wamemezela ngamandla wathi: “Nina bantu, sizwe namalimi, lalelani la, niyayalwa kobana akuthi lokha nanizwa ukulila kwepalapala, inghwani, imihlobohlobo yamaharibha kanye nemihlobohlobo yeenliliso, niguqe nilotjhe isithombesibunjwa segolide esijanyiswe yikosi uNebukadinetsari. Loyo ongafuni ukuguqa alotjhe, uzakuphoselwa khonokho ngekehleni yomlilo.” Nje-ke, kwathi lokha nakuzwakala ukulila kwepalapala, inghwani, imihlobohlobo yamaharibha kanye nemihlobohlobo yeenliliso, boke abantu, amalimi nezizwe zaguqa, zalotjha isithombesibunjwa segolide ikosi uNebukadinetsari egade isijamisile. Ngesikhatheso kweza ezinye zezazi zamaKasidi zazokumangalela amaJuda. Zona zathi ekosini uNebukadinetsari: “Kosi, phila siphile! Wena kosi ukhuphe isimemezelo sokuthi woke umuntu nakezwa ukulila kwepalapala, inghwani, imihlobohlobo yamaharibha kanye nemihlobohlobo yeenliliso kufuze aguqe alotjhe isithombesibunjwa segolide bekuthi loyo ongaguqi alotjhe, uzakuphoselwa ngekehleni yomlilo. Manje, kunamaJuda athileko owawabeka kobana engamele iindaba zesifunda seBhabheli, okutjho uTjhedreke, uMitjhaka no-Abhedinigo. Nje-ke kosi, amadoda la akakuthatheli ehloko ngombana akesabi abozimu bakho namkha alotjhe isithombesibunjwa segolide osijamisileko.” Nje-ke uNebukadinetsari wafuthelana bewayala kobana kulethwe uTjhedreke, uMitjhaka no-Abhedinigo. Kwathi amadoda lawo nakalethwa phambi kwekosi, uNebukadinetsari wathi kiwo: “Wena Tjhedreke, Mitjhaka, nawe Abhedinigo, ingabe kuliqiniso bona mbala nina anilotjhi abozimu bami namkha isithombesibunjwa segolide engisijamisileko na? Manje, nakube nilungele ukuguqa nilotjhe isithombe engisenzilekwesi, lokha nanizwa ukulila kwepalapala, inghwani, imihlobohlobo yamaharibha kanye nemihlobohlobo yeenliliso, kuzakuba kuhle lokho. Kodwana nakube anilotjhi, masinyana nizokuphoselwa ngekehleni yomlilo. Alo, ngimuphi uzimu ozonisindisa esandleni sami?” UTjhedreke, uMitjhaka no-Abhedinigo baphendula ikosi bathi: “Nebukadinetsari, akudingeki bona thina sikuphendule ngendaba le. Nakube silahlelwa emlilwenapho, uZimethu esimesabako uyakwazi ukusisindisa ekehleni yomlilo begodu uzosisindisa esandleni sakho, kosi. Nanyana lokho kungasenzeki, akwazeke kuwe kosi, bonyana thina angeze salotjha abozinyana bakho besiguqele isithombesibunjwa segolide osijamisileko.” UNebukadinetsari wabila khulu ngalokho nobuso bakhe batjhuguluka, wanyukubala ngoTjhedreke, uMitjhaka no-Abhedinigo. Nje-ke wayala bonyana ikehla yomlilo ibaselelwe ngokubuyelelwe kalikhomba kunalokho okujayelekileko. Wabiza iindlakela ezithileko zamadoda webutho lakhe kobana azokubopha uTjhedreke, uMitjhaka no-Abhedinigo abaphosele ngekehleni yomlilo. Nje-ke abotjhwa amadoda la, embethe iimphuraphura, amabhrugu, imibhode nezinye izambatho, aphoselwa ngekehleni yomlilo. Njengombana umyalo wekosi gade uqinile nekehla ibabula khulu, amalangabi womlilo abulala amadoda agade aphosela uTjhedreke, uMitjhaka no-Abhedinigo ngekehleni. Kodwana amadoda lawo uTjhedreke, uMitjhaka no-Abhedinigo, awela ngekehleni yomlilo asabotjhiwe njalo. Nje-ke ikosi uNebukadinetsari yethuka khulu. Yasikima masinyana yathi ebelulekini bayo: “Kanti asikaphoseli amadoda amathathu abotjhiweko ngemlilweni na?” Bona baphendula ikosi bathi: “Kosi, kunjalo!” Yona yathi: “Baba-ke! Qalani ngibona amadoda amane atjhaphulukileko, akhambakhamba ngemlilweni begodu akakathinteki ndawo. Indoda yesine engiyibonako ifana nendodana yeendalwa zezulu.” Nje-ke uNebukadinetsari watjhidela etjhubeni lekehla yomlilo wathi: “Tjhedreke, Mitjhaka, Abhedinigo, nina nceku zakaZimu oPhezulu, phumani nize lapha!” Ngalokho uTjhedreke, uMitjhaka no-Abhedinigo baphuma ngekehleni yomlilo. Lokha amakhosana angaphasi kwakhe, abaphathi beemfunda, ababusi nabeluleki nabahlanganako, bafese babona bonyana umlilo akhange uthinte imizimba yamadoda lawo, ngitjho iinhluthu nezambatho zawo azange zirhabuke namkha kuzwakale umnuko wekghode phezu kwawo. Yeke uNebukadinetsari wathi: “Akudunyiswe uZimu kaTjhedreke, uMitjhaka no-Abhedinigo othumele ingilozakhe, watjhaphulula iinceku zakhe ezethembe yena. Zaphayela umyalo wekosi eqadi bezadela imizimbazo kobana zingesabi namkha zilotjhe nanyana ngiwuphi uzinyana ngaphandle kwakaZimazo. Ngalokho ngikhupha isimemezelo: Nanyana ngibaphi abantu, isizwe namkha ilimi elikhuluma kumbi ngoZimu kaTjhedreke, uMitjhaka no-Abhedinigo, abantwabo bazakuhlahlelwa iinquqwana nemizabo yenziwe amarubhi ngombana mbala akakho omunye uzimu onamandla wokusindisa ngendlela enje.” Ngokunjalo-ke esifundeni seBhabheli, ikosi yaphakamisa uTjhedreke, uMitjhaka no-Abhedinigo. Incwadi le ibuya ekosini uNebukadinetsari iya ebantwini boke, ezizweni nemalimini woke wephasi. Ukuthula akwande kini. Kubonakele kukuhle kimi ukunivezela iimbonakaliso neemangaliso uZimu ongoPhezulu azenze kimi. Maye zikulu kangangani iimbonakaliso zakhe! Iye, zinamandla iimangaliso zakhe! Umbuswakhe, mbuso wanini nanini nokubusa kwakhe kungokweenzukulwana ngeenzukulwana. Mina Nebukadinetsari, bengizigedlile ngakwami begodu nginepumelelo esigodlweni sami. Kodwana ngobusuku obunye ngaba nebhudango elangenza ngoma. Iye, ngisemkghadinami ngabona imibono ebhudangweni neenthunzi engqondweni, zangethusa. Yeke, ngenza isimemezelo kobana kubizelwe phambi kwami iinhlakaniphi zeBhabheli ukuze zizongazisa ihlathululo yebhudango. Kwathi lokha abosomlingo, ababhuli, izazi zamaKasidi nezanusi nazifika kimi, ngazibikela ibhudango, kodwana zahluleka ukungihlathululela lona. Ekugcineni kweza uDanyela, ngitjho loyo othiyelelwe ngoBhelithetjhatsari uzimami nokuhlezi kuye ummoya wabozimu abacwengileko, ngamtjela ibhudango, ngathi: “Wena Bhelithetjhatsari, mphathi wabosomlingo, ngiyazi bonyana ummoya wabozimu abacwengileko ungaphakathi kwakho nokobana akunafihlakalo elikhuni kuwe. Yeke, yewungembulele ibhudango engalibonako, okutjho ihlathululwalo. Imibono engayibonako ngisalele emkghadinami ngile: Qala, ngabona umuthi ujame ekabeni yephasi, ukuphakama kwawo bekukukhulu. Umuthi lowo wakhula waba mkhulu wadzimelela, nesitlhori sawo safika emkayini begodu bewubonakala emaphethelweni wephasi loke. Amakarawo bekamahle, iinthelo zawo zandile begodu unokudla okwaneleko. Iimbandana zoke zommango zafunyana umthunzi kiwo, iinyoni zezulu zakhela eengaleni zawo, iye, iindalwa zoke zondleka kiwo. “Eenthunzini engazibona ngilele emkghadinami, qala, bekunesithunywa esicwengileko sehla sivela ezulwini. Sarhuwelela sathi, ‘Quntula umuthi lowo bese uqoba iingala zawo, uhlube amakarawo, uhlakaze neenthelo zawo. Iimbandana azisuke emthunzinawo neenyoni zitlhwareke eengaleni zawo. Kodwana isiphunzi esinemirabho esisehlabathini kanye nesimbi nekoporo kulise hlangana notjani bommango. Akwehlelwe mbethe womkayi, kuphile neenlwana etjanini bephasi.’ Isithunywa godu sathi, ‘Umkhumbulwakhe awutjhuguluke kewomuntu bese uphiwa wesilwana; bekudlule phezu kwakhe iinkhathi ezibuyelelwe kalikhomba. Isigwebo lesi siliqunto leenthunywa; iye, umlayezo lo ubuya eendalweni zezulu ukuze woke ophilako azi bonyana ongoPhezulu unamandla phezu kwemibuso yababhubhako: Unikela ukubusa kinanyana ngubani amthandako; angabeka ngitjho nophasi phezu kwemibuso.’ “Nanto-ke ibhudango mina Nebukadinetsari engaba nalo; nje-ke wena Bhelithetjhatsari, yewungiphe ihlathululo ngombana zoke iinhlakaniphi zombuswami ziyahluleka ukungipha ihlathululo. Kodwana wena uyakghona ngombana ummoya wabozimu abacwengileko ukuwe.” Nje-ke uDanyela, ibizo lakhe ebekunguBhelithetjhatsari, wakhungatheka kwesikhatjhana, imicabangwakhe yamenza waba nevalo. Mina ngathi: “Bhelithetjhatsari, ungavumeli ibhudango nehlathululo zikwethuse!” UBhelithetjhatsari waphendula wathi: “Kosami, inga ibhudango lingaba ngelalabo abazonde ikosi, ihlathululo ibe ngeyezitha zayo! Manje, mayelana nomuthi owawubona ukhula uba mkhulu udzimelela bekuthi isitlhori sawo sifike emkayini, nowabonakala emaphethelweni wephasi loke, amakarawo amahle, iinthelo zawo zandile, unokudla okwaneleko begodu neembandana zoke zommango zafunyana umthunzi kiwo, iinyoni zezulu zakhela eengaleni zawo: Nguwe lowo kosi okhule bewaba namandla. Ubukhulu bakho bukhule bebafika emkayini nombuswakho emaphethelweni wephasi. Nje-ke kosi, mayelana nesithunywa osibonileko, esingocwengileko sehla sivela ezulwini sathi uquntule umuthi lowo bese uyawuqoba, kodwana isiphunzi esinemirabho esisehlabathini kanye nesimbi nekoporo kulise hlangana notjani bommango; kwehlelwe mbethe womkayi bese ifumbe yakhe ibe hlangana neembandana zommango kuze kudlule iinkhathi ezilikhomba: Nasi ihlathululo kosi begodu kuliqunto longoPhezulu elehlela phezu kwengwenyama ikosami: Ikosi izakuqotjhwa emphakathini, izakuhlala neembandana zommango. Ikosi izakwenziwa bonyana idle utjani njengekomo yehlelwe mbethe womkayi bekudlule iinkhathi ezilikhomba, bekube kulokha nawazi kobana ongoPhezulu unamandla phezu kwemibuso yababhubhako begodu uyinikele kinanyana ngubani amthandako. Njengombana kwaba nomyalo wokobana akutjhiywe isiphunzi nemirabhaso, lokho kutjho bona umbuswakho uzakubuyiselwa kuwe kusukela lokha nawuvumako bona uZimu nguye obusako. Ngalokho kosi, kwanga iseluleko sami singamukeleka kuwe. Nje-ke tjhiya izono zakho ngokwenza ukulunga nobukhohlakali bakho ngokuba nesirhawu kwabagandelelekileko. Mhlamunye kungenzeka bonyana ukuphumelela kwakho kungaragela phambili.” Koke lokho kwehlela mina Nebukadinetsari. Ekupheleni kwenyanga yetjhumi nambili lokha nagade ngikhambakhamba ephahleni lesigodlo seBhabheli, ngathi: “Angitjho ngiyo iBhabheli ekulu le engiyakhe ngamandlami amakhulu njengehloko yesigodlo bona ibe ngeyedumo nobukhosi bami na?” Kwathi ilizwelo lingakaphumi emlonyenami, kwehla ilizwi ezulwini lathi: “Kosi Nebukadinetsari, uyaziswa bonyana umbuso ususiwe kuwe. Uzokuqotjhwa emphakathini, indawakho yokuhlala izakuba hlangana neembandana zommango; uzakukateleleka ukudla utjani njengekomo bekudlule kuwe iinkhathi ezilikhomba ukufikela lapha uvuma khona bonyana ongoPhezulu unamandla phezu kwemibuso yababhubhako begodu uyinikela kinanyana ngubani amthandako.” Masinyana ilizwelo lagcwaliseka kimi, mina Nebukadinetsari. Ngaqotjhwa emphakathini, ngadla utjani njengekomo nomzimbami waba manzi ngombethe womkayi ukufikela lapha uboya bami bukhula khona njengeensiba zekhozi neenzipho zami njengezenyoni. Ekupheleni kwesikhathi, mina Nebukadinetsari ngaphakamisela amehlwami ezulwini, ngacaculuka. Ngamdumisa ongoPhezulu, ngamphakamisa ngambabaza ophila isiphelani ngombana ubukhosi bakhe kubukhosi banini nanini nombuswakhe ujame iinzukulwana ngeenzukulwana. Zoke izizwe zephasi zithathwa njengelize, wenza akuthandako eendalweni zezulu, iye, ngokunjalo nebantwini bephasi. Akakho noyedwa ongaphaya isandla sakhe, namkha athi kuye: “Wenzani na?” Nangicaculukako idumo lobukhosi bami, iye, isithunzi nobuphaziphazi bami kwabuyela kimi: Lokha abeluleki neenkhulu zami nabangifunako, ngabuyiselwa ebukhosini bami, phezu kwalokho kwangezelelwa ubukhulu obukhulu kimi. Nje-ke mina Nebukadinetsari, ngiyadumisa ngiphakamisa begodu ngithobela iKosi yezulwini. Imisebenzayo iliqiniso neendlela zayo zilungile. Mbala, iyakwazi ukubathobisa labo abakhamba ngokuzigqaja. Ikosi uBhelitjhatsari yenza umgidi omkhulu weenkhulu eziyikulungwana beyasela iwayini phambi kweenkulungwanezo. Kuthe lokha uBhelitjhatsari nasele anandiphe iwayini, wayala bonyana kulethwe izitja zegolide nezesiliva ebezithunjwe nguyise uNebukadinetsari ethempelini leJerusalema. Zalethwa kobana ikosi, iinkhulu zayo, abomkayo nemingenayo bazokusela ngazo. Mbala, kwalethwa izitja zegolide nezesiliva ebezithunjwe ethempelini, iye, endlini kaZimu eJerusalema. Ikosi neenkhulu zayo, abomkayo nemingenayo basela ngazo. Basela iwayini badumisa abozinyana begolide nebesiliva, bekoporo, besimbi, besigodo nebelitje. Masinyana khonapho kwabonakala imino yesandla somuntu, yatlola phezu kwepembe ebodeni lesigodlo sebukhosini hlanu kwelithi lesibani. Ikosi yabona ingcenye yesandleso ilokhu itlola njalo. Nje-ke ubuso bekosi batjhuguluka bebaphaphatheka ngevalo, umzimbayo wanyefa namadolo ageba. Yarhuwelela kobana kubizwe ababhuli, izazi zamaKasidi nezanusi. Yakhuluma neenhlakaniphi zeBhabheli yathi: “Nanyana ngubani ongafunda umtlolo lo, angiphe nehlathululwawo uzakwembathiswa ezibubende, afakwe neketani yegolide entanyenakhe abe enziwe umbusi wesithathu embusweni.” Zatheleka zoke iinhlakaniphi zekosi, kodwana akhange zikwazi ukufunda umtlolo namkha zinikele ikosi ihlathululo. Nje-ke ikosi uBhelitjhatsari beyithuke khulu nobuso bayo buphaphathekile neenkhulu zayo zirarekile. Kuthe bonyana indlovukazi izwe amezwi wekosi neenkhulu zayo, yeza ngemgidini yafese yathi: “Phila kosi siphile! Ungavumeli umkhumbulwakho ukuhlubayeze ngebanga lendaba le begodu ungabonakali uphaphathekile! Qala, embuswenakhwapha kunomuntu onommoya wabozimu abacwengileko. Emihleni kayihlo, umkhanyo, ukuzwisisa nobuhlakani, iye, ngitjho ukuhlakanipha okunjengokwabozimu bekufunyanwa kuye. Nje-ke, ingwenyama uNebukadinetsari uyihlo, wamenza bonyana engamele abosomlingo, ababhuli, izazi zamaKasidi nezanusi, iye, ngitjho uyihlo wena kosi! Ummoya odluleleko, ilwazi nokuzwisisa ekuhlathululeni amabhudango, ukwembula iimfihlakalo nokurarulula imiraro kwafunyanwa kuDanyela, umuntu ikosi eyamthiya bona nguBhelithetjhatsari. Yeke akubizwe uDanyela loyo; yena azokuhlathulula ibhudangwelo.” Nje-ke uDanyela walethwa phambi kwekosi. Ikosi yathi kuye: “Ingabe wena unguDanyela loyo ongomunye wabathunjwa bakwaJuda, ubaba ikosi eyabathatha kwaJuda na? Ngizwile ngawe bonyana ummoya wabozimu abacwengileko ukuwe nokobana umkhanyo, ukuzwisisa nobuhlakani obudluleleko bufunyenwe kuwe. Manje ndoda, iinhlakaniphi nababhuli balethiwe kimapha bonyana bazokufunda umtlolo bebangiphe nehlathululwawo; kodwana bahlulekile ukungipha ihlathululo yendaba le. Nje-ke ngizwile bonyana wena uhlathulula begodu urarulula imiraro. Nawungangifundela umtlolo lo bese ungihlathululela wona, uzakwembathiswa ezibubende, ufakwe neketani yegolide entanyeni bewubekwe ube mbusi wesithathu embusweni.” UDanyela waphendula aphambi kwekosi wathi: “Ikosi ayizilondele izipho zayo bese imivuzo iyinikele omunye. Nanyana kunjalo, ikosi ngizayifundela umtlolo bengiyiphe nehlathululo. Manje-ke kosi, uZimu ongoPhezulu wanikela uNebukadinetsari uyihlo ubukhosi, ubukhulu, idumo nephazimulo. Nje-ke ngebanga lobukhulu amnikela bona; boke abantu, amalimi nezizwe bezithuthumela zesaba phambi kwakhe. Nanyana ngubani athanda ukumbulala bekambulala, kuthi loyo athanda bona aphile, amlise aphile; aphakamise athanda ukumphakamisa, ehlise athanda ukumehlisa. Kodwana kwathi lokha ihliziywakhe nayithoma ukuphakama nommoyakhe sele uqinile ngokuzikhukhumeza, wehliswa esihlalweni sakhe sobukhosi nedumo lakhe lasuswa kuye. Waqotjhwa emphakathini, umkhumbulwakhe waba njengowesilwana nendawakhe yokuhlala yaba hlangana nabodumbana bommango. Wadla utjani njengekomo, umzimbakhe waba manzi ngombethe womkayi, ukufikela lapha alemuka khona bonyana uZimu ongoPhezulu unamandla phezu kwemibuso yababhubhako begodu ubeka phezu kwayo nanyana ngubani amthandako. Kodwana wena kosi, Bhelitjhatsari ndodanakhe, akhange uzithobe nanyana ukwazile lokho. Kunalokho uziphakamisile kuMbusi wezulwini: Izitja zethempeli lakhe zilethwe phambi kwakho, kwathi wena neenkhulu zakho, abomkakho nemingenakho nasela iwayini ngazo. Godu wena kosi ubuye wadumisa abozinyana besiliva nebegolide, bekoporo, besimbi, besigodo nebelitje; iye, labo abangaboniko, abangezwako nabanganalwazi. Kodwana uZimu ophethe ukuphila kwakho kanye neendlela zakho zoke, akhange umhloniphe. Nje-ke kungalokho kwathunyelwa isandla esivela kuye kobana sitlole umtlolo lo. “Naku umtlolo owatlolwako: “Mene, mene, tekele ufarsini. “Ihlathululo yamagama lawo ngile: “Mene -- UZimu sewuwabalile amalanga wokubusa kwakho. Tekele -- Ulinganisiwe esilinganisweni wafunyanwa ulula. Ufarsini -- Umbuswakho uhlukanisiwe bewanikelwa amaMede namaPheresiya.” Nje-ke uBhelitjhatsari wakhupha umyalo, uDanyela wembathiswa ezibubende, kwafakwa iketani yegolide entanyenakhe bekwakhutjhwa nesimemezelo ngaye kobana kufuze abekwe abe mbusi wesithathu embusweni. Khona ngobusukobo uBhelitjhatsari ikosi yamaKasidi wahlongakala. UDariyasi umMede ogade asele aneminyaka engaba matjhumi asithandathu nambili ubudala, wathatha umbuso. Kwaba kuhle kuDariyasi ukubeka embusweni ikhulu namatjhumi amabili lababusi abangaphasi kwakhe kobana babuse umbuso woke. Ngaphezu kwabo wabeka abomengameli abathathu, omunye wabo kunguDanyela. Ababusi abangaphasi kwekosi bekufuze babike kibomengameli ukuze ikosi ingalobi litho. UDanyela wavelela ngaphezu kwabo boke abomengameli nababusi abangaphasi kwekosi ngombana bekanommoya odluleleko. Nje-ke ikosi yahlosa ukumbeka phezu kombuso woke. Lokho kwabangela abomengameli nababusi bona bafune isibambelelo sokumangalela uDanyela mayelana neendaba zombuso. Kodwana akhange bafunyane isibambelelo sokumumangalela namkha sesenzo sobukhohlakali ngombana bekathembekile begodu akhange kufunyanwe ubutjhapha namkha isici kuye. Ngalokho amadoda la, athi: “Asikazokufunyana nalinye ibanga lokumangalela uDanyela lo, ngaphandle kokobana silifunyane ngento ephathelene nomthetho kaZimakhe.” Nje-ke abomengamelabo nababusi abangaphasi kwekosabo bavumelana ngokuza ekosini, bafese bathi kiyo: “Siphilele kosi uDariyasi, phila! Boke abomengameli bombuso, iinkhulu, ababusi abangaphasi kwekosi, abeluleki nabaphathi bavumelana bonyana ikosi kufuze yakhe isimiso bese iqinisa isimemezelo sokobana nanyana ngubani owenza isibawo kinanyana ngiwuphi uzimu ngaphandle kwakho, kufanele aphoselwe ngemgodini wamabhubezi. Manje-ke kosi, khupha isimemezelo bese utlikitla encwadini ukuze lokho kungatjhugululwa, kube njengomthetho wamaMede namaPherisi ongeze usatjhugululwa.” Ngalokho ikosi uDariyasi yatlikitla incwadi yesimemezelo. Kuthe lokha uDanyela nalemuka bonyana incwadi itlikitliwe, wenza njengesiqhelo: Wangena ngendlinakhe waya elawini elingehla, elinefesidere elivulekela nca ngeJerusalema. Waguqa kathathu ngelanga wathandaza athokoza uZimakhe. Amadoda lawo atheleka kuDanyela amfunyana athandaza ancenga kuZimakhe. Nje-ke aya ekosini afese akhuluma nayo mayelana nesimemezelo athi: “Hawu kosi! Kanti akhange ukhuphe isimemezelo esitlikitliweko sokobana kungabikhona umuntu owenza isibawo kinanyana ngimuphi uzimu namkha umuntu emalangeni amatjhumi amathathu la ngaphandle kwakho wena kosi kwaphela na? Angithi uthe onjalo uzakuphoselwa ngemgodini wamabhubezi?” Ikosi yaphendula yathi: “Iye awa, kunjalo, isimemezelo sisajamile siqinile njengomthetho wamaMede namaPherisi ongeze usatjhugululwa.” Bona baphendula ikosi bathi: “Arha-ke, nakunguDanyela ongomunye wabathunjwa bakwaJuda, akakuthatheli ehloko wena kosi begodu akanandaba nesimemezelo ositlikitlileko. Kunalokho uthandaza kathathu ngelanga.” Kuthe lokha ikosi nayizwa amezwi lawo, yawurubajeka khulu. Yahlosa bonyana isindise uDanyela; iye, kwabe kwahlwa ilokhu ikinakinana nomkhumbulo wokumhlenga. Kusesenjalo amadoda lawo atheleka ekosini afese athi kiyo: “Yazi-ke kosi bona kumthetho wamaMede namaPherisi wobanyana akunasimemezelo namkha umyalo ikosi ewukhuphileko ongahle utjhugululwe mumuntu.” Nje-ke ikosi yakhupha umyalo, uDanyela walethwa, waphoselwa ngemgodini wamabhubezi. Ikosi yathi kuye: “Kwanga uZimakho omlotjha mlibe, angakusindisa.” Kwalethwa ilitje labekwa emlonyeni womgodi. Ikosi yaligiba ngesigibo sayo nangesigibo sabaphathi bayo ukuze kungatjhugululwa litho mayelana noDanyela. Nje-ke ikosi yazikhambela yabuyela esigodlweni, yahlala ubusuku boke ingadli litho. Akhange kulethwe ngitjho nento engayithabisa phambi kwayo nobuthongo akhange ibuthi hluthu. Kwathi nakusako, ikosi yavuka yarhabela emgodini wamabhubezi. Kuthe nasele itjhidele emgodini lapha uDanyela agade akhona, yarhuwelela ngelizwi lokutlhuwa yathi kuDanyela: “Danyela, nceku kaZimu ophilako! Ingabe uZimakho omlotjha mlibe ukusindisile emabhubezini na?” UDanyela waphendula ikosi wathi: “Kosi, phila siphile! UZimami uthumele ingilozakhe yavala imilomo yamabhubezi. Nje-ke akhange angilimaze ngombana ngifunyenwe ngimsulwa phambi kwakhe begodu naphambi kwakho kosi, akunalitho elimbi engilenzileko.” Ngalokho ikosi yathaba kwamambala beyayala bonyana uDanyela akhutjhwe ngemgodini. Nje-ke uDanyela wakhutjhwa ngemgodini. Kwafunyanwa bonyana akakathinteki ndawo ngombana bekamethembile uZimakhe. Ikosi yakhupha umyalo wokobana amadoda ebekamangalele uDanyela lawo alethwe, aphoselwe ngemgodini wamabhubezi, wona, abantwabawo nabafazi bawo. Kwathi bangakafiki ngitjho nemanzinzweni womgodi, amabhubezi abaphamula, abapupura namathambo. Nje-ke ikosi uDariyasi yatlolela boke abantu, izizwe namalimi akhona ephasini loke yathi: “Akwande ukuthula! Ngikhupha isimemezelo sokobana boke abantu bembuswenami kufuze bathuthumele bebasabe phambi kwakaZimu kaDanyela. “Ngambala unguZimu ophilako, iye, uphila isiphelani. Umbuswakhe angekhe wabhujiswa nobukhosi bakhe angeze baphela. Uyaphephisa bekasindise, wenza iimbonakaliso nemikarisomraro ezulwini nephasini. Nguye osindise uDanyela emandleni wamabhubezi.” Ngalokho uDanyela loyo waphumelela esikhathini sokubusa kwakaDariyasi noKoretjhi umPherisi. Ngomnyaka wokuthoma wokubusa kwakaBhelitjhatsari ikosi yeBhabheli, kwafika engqondweni kaDanyela ibhudango nombono alele emkghadinakhe. Nje-ke watlola ibhudangwelo phasi, wakhuluma iinhloko zalo kwaphela. Nje-ke uDanyela wathi: “Qala ngabona embonwenami ebusuku imimoya emine yezulwini iphehla ilwandle elikhulu. Kwabonakala iimbandana ezine ezikulu ziphuma ngelwandle, esinye sehlukile kesinye. Sokuthoma besifana nebhubezi kodwana sineempiko zekhozi. Kwathi ngisaqalile njalo, iimpiko zaso zahluthwa, sasikinyiswa ehlabathini sajanyiswa ngeenyawo ezimbili njengomuntu besaphiwa ingqondo yomuntu. Qala-ke, esinye isibandana sesibili, besinjengebhere. Sona saphakamisa iinyawo siphethe iimbambo ezintathu hlangana namazinywaso. Kwathiwa kiso, ‘Sikima, udle inyama enengi!’ “Emva kwalokho ngathi ngiyaqala, ngabona esinye isibandana esinjengengwe, sineempiko ezine zenyoni emhlanaso. Isibandanesi besineenhloko ezine begodu saphiwa ukubusa. “Emva kwalapho, qala ngabona ngombono ebusuku isibandana sesine esethusako, sitjhibile begodu sinamandla khulu. Besineengevula zamazinyo wesimbi, sirhiribidele ngokuphohloza bese kuthi okuseleko sikufihlize ngeenyawo. Sona-ke besehlukile kunaleza zokuthoma begodu besineempondo ezilitjhumi. Ngithe ngisadlumbana ngeempondwezo, qala kwamila phakathi kwazo elinye godu iphondo elincani, lajamiselela zokuthoma ezintathu. Ephondwenapho bekunamehlo anjengowomuntu kanye nomlonyana okhuluma ukuzazi. “Ngathi ngisaqalile njalo, “kwabekwa iinhlalo zobukhosi; kwathi oMdala weminyaka wahlala esihlalweni sakhe. Izambatho zakhe bezimhlophe njengeliqhwa neenhluthu zakhe zinjengoboya obucwebileko. Isihlalo sakhe sirubha amalangabi, amavili waso amlilo ovuthako. Kwehla amalangabi avela phambi kwakhe; bekaphahlwe ziinkulungwana ngeenkulungwana, iye, amatjhumitjhumi weenkulungwana bekajame phambi kwakhe. Abagwebi bahlala ebandla, kwavulwa iincwadi. “Ngaragela phambili ngaqala ngebanga letjhada lamezwi wokuzikhakhazisa kwephonjwanelo. Ngisaqalile njalo, isibandaneso sabulawa: Umzimbaso wabhujiswa bewaphoselwa emlilweni. Ezinye iimbandana zemukwa umbuswazo, kodwana ipilwazo yelulwa isikhathi phezu kwesikhathi. “Emibonweni yebusuku leyo ngabona: “Qala, emafini wezulu kwehla ofana nendodana yomuntu; waya koMdala weminyaka wafese wethulwa phambi kwakhe. Waphiwa ukubusa, iphazimulo nombuso, ukuze boke abantu, amalimi nezizwe zimlotjhe. Umbuswakhe ngewanini nanini begodu angeze wadlula nobukhosi bakhe bubukhosi obungeze babhujiswa. “Nje-ke mina Danyela, ummoyami bewuwurubajekile nemibono emicabangwenami yangethusa. Ngaya komunye wabagade bajame lapho, ngambuza bona eqinisweni izintwezi zitjho ukuthini. Nje-ke wangitjela, wangazisa ihlathululo yalokho ezikutjhoko, wathi, ‘Iimbandana ezine ezikulu zimakhosi amane azakuvela ephasini. Kodwana abacwengileko bongoPhezulu, bazakwamukeliswa umbuso bebawuthathe isiphelani kube nini nanini.’ “Nje-ke ngathanda ukwazisisa kuhle mayelana nesibandana sesine ebegade sehlukile kunezinye; sethusa kokwethusa, sinamazinyo wesimbi neenzipho zekoporo; iye, leso ebesirhiribidele ngokuphohloza bese kuthi okuseleko sikufihlize ngeenyawo. Godu ngabuza nangeempondo ezilitjhumi ehloko yaso nangalelo elamilako kwase kuthi ezinye iimpondo ezintathu zasuswa phambi kwalo, okutjho iphondo ebelinamehlo nomlomo okhuluma ukuzazi begodu livelele kunezinye. Iye, lelo ekwathi ngisaliqalile, laphehla ipi kabacwengileko ladlondlobala ngehla kwabo, bekwaba kulapha kufika khona oMdala weminyaka, wamela abacwengileko bongoPhezulu, bekwafika isikhathi lapha abacwengileko bamukela khona umbuso. “Nje-ke yena wangiphendula wathi, “ ‘Isibandana sesine sitjho bona kuzakuba nombuso wesine; wona uzakwehluka kuneminye imibuso begodu uzakurhiribidela loke iphasi, ugadange phezu kwalo bewuliqobaqobe iinquqwana. Nakuziimpondo ezilitjhumi zona, zitjho bona embusweni lowo, kuzakuvela amakhosi alitjhumi. Nje-ke enye izakuvela emva kwawo, yona izakwehluka kunamanye wokuthoma begodu izakumadlha phasi amakhosi amathathu. Izakukhuluma amezwi ajamelene nongoPhezulu, ikhathaze abacwengileko bongoPhezulu begodu izakucabanga ukutjhugulula iinkhathi nomthetho, babe sesandleni sayo isikhathi, iinkhathi ezimbili nesiquntu. Kodwana abagwebi bazakuhlala ebandla bagwebe: Umbuswayo uzakususwa uthathwe, uqothulwe bewubhujiswe bekube sekupheleni. Nje-ke umbuso nobukhosi, ubukhulu bemibuso engaphasi kwezulu buzakunikelwa abantu abacwengileko bongoPhezulu. Umbuswabo uzakuba ngowesiphelani, yoke imibuso izabalotjha beyibathobele.’ “Nakhu-ke ukuphela kwendaba. Nakungimi mina Danyela, imicabangwami beyingethuse khulu nobuso bami buphaphathekile. Kodwana ngalonda indaba leyo ehliziywenami.” Ngomnyaka wesithathu wokubusa kwekosi uBhelitjhatsari, mina Danyela ngabona umbono emva kwalowo ebengiwubone ekuthomeni. Embonweni lowo ngazibona ngiseTjhutjhani, ihlokodorobho esesifundeni se-Elamu. Nje-ke embonwenapho bengizibona ngiseqadi komsele i-Ulayi. Ngaphakamisa amehlo, qala nanto iqama lijame magegana nomsele. Belineempondo ezimbili ebeziphakamile kodwana elinye lilide kunelinye. Elide lelo bekungilo elimile muva. Ngabona iqama lelo lijokolela ngetjingalanga, ngetlhagwini nangesewula. Bekunganasibandana ebesingajama phambi kwalo begodu kungekho ekugade kungasinda emandlenalo. Belizenzela umathanda begodu linamandla. Kuthe ngisacabanga njalo, qala kwavela ipongo ngetjingalanga ivundla iphasi loke, ngaphandle kokuthinta phasi. Beyinephondo eliveleleko hlangana namehlwayo. Yona yeza eqameni ebelineempondo ezimbili engalibona lijame magegana nomsele, yalithelekela ngokubila kweengazi. Ngayibona ukuza kwayo eqamenelo kobana ifutheke khulu, yaliqhula beyephula iimpondo ezimbilezo. Iqamelo belinganamandla wokujama phambi kwayo. Yeke ipongo leyo yalithela phasi yaligadanga. Gade angekho ongasindisa iqamelo emandleni wepongo leyo. Nje-ke ipongo leyo yaba namandla khulu. Kuthe lokha nayizizwa amandla, iphondo layo elikhulwelo lephuka. Esikhundleni salo kwamila iimpondo ezine eziveleleko ziqale emimoyeni emine yezulwini. Eempondweni ezinezo kwamila iphonjwana elincani, lona-ke lakhula khulu latomulukela nca yangesewula, ngepumalanga nangendaweni ehle khulu. Lasoloko likhula belafika emkhambathini womkayi, laphosa phasi ezinye zeendalwa ezilapho, okutjho iinkwekwezi, lagadanga phezu kwazo. Ngitjho naphambi kwesiKhulu seendalwa zomkhambathi womkayi laziphakamisa ukuze kususwe umhlabelo wokutjhiswa wangemihla esiKhulwineso nendawaso ecwengileko yabhuruzwa. Ngebanga leemphambeko, umhlabelo wokutjhiswa wangemihla wajanyiselelwa ngemisebenzi eyonakeleko yokulotjha, nomthetho weqiniso walahlelwa phasi. Laphumelela kikho koke elikwenzako. Nje-ke ngezwa ocwengileko akhuluma, godu ngezwa nomunye ocwengileko asithi kimi: “Sizakuba ngangani isikhathi sombono omayelana nomhlabelo wangemihla neemphambeko ezibhubhisako na? Kuzabe kube nini indawo ecwengileko kanye nomsebenzi wokulotjha usilaphazwa na?” Wangiphendula wathi: “Kuzakuthatha ukuhlwa nokusa okuziinkulungwana ezimbili namakhulu amathathu bese indawo ecwengileko iyahlanjululwa.” Kuthe sengiwubonile umbono, mina Danyela ngafunisisa bona ngiwuzwisise. Nje-ke qala, phambi kwami kwajama omunye onesibumbeko somuntu. Ngezwa ilizwi lomuntu ngehla komsele i-Ulayi lirhuwelela lisithi: “Gabhariyela! Yenza bona umuntu loyo azwisise umbono!” Nje-ke watjhidela eduze nalapha ngijame khona. Sele afikile, ngethuka khulu bengawa ngobuso. Kodwana yena wathi kimi: “Ndodana yomuntu, zwisisa ngombana umbono ungowesikhathi semihla yokuphela.” Kwathi asakhuluma nami njalo, ngehlelwa mumoya ngilele ngobuso phasi. Kodwana wangithinta, wangisikimisa khonapho. Wathi: “Qala la, ngizokwazisa lokho okuzokubakhona emihleni yokuphela yesibetho ngombana lokho kusikhathi sokuphela esijanyisiweko. Mayelana neqama owalibonako elineempondo ezimbili, lokho kutjho amakhosi weMediya nePheresiya. Ipongo emaruthuruthu iyikosi yeGirisi bese kuthi iphondo elihlangana namehlwayo liyikosi yokuthoma. Mayelana nephondo elephukako kwathi endawenalo kwavela amanye amane, lokho kumibuso emine ezakubakhona ngokuvela esizweni sekosi leyo kodwana angekhe kwaba ngamandlayo. “Emihleni yokuphela yokubusa kwawo, lokha iimphambeko sele zifike ezingeni elipheleleko, kuzakusikima ikosi enobuso obutjhibileko nenamano wobuqili. Izakuba namandla amakhulu, kodwana ekungasiwo wayo. Izakubanga ihlekelele engazange kheyibonwe begodu izakuphumelela kikho koke ekwenzako. Izakubhubhisa abanamandla nesizwe nabacwengileko. Ngobuqili bayo izakwenza bonyana ukukhwabanisa kuvame. Engqondwenayo izazibona iyikulu begodu izakwenza abanengi bonakale bangakatjheji. Izakujamelana ngitjho nesiKhulu seenkhulu kodwana izakuphohlozwa ngaphandle kwesandla somuntu. “Umbono wobusuku nokusa otjelwe wona uliqiniso. Kodwana wena vala umbono ngokuwugiba ngombana ungowamalanga amanengi kusukela nje.” Mina Danyela, bengiqobekile begodu bengigula amalangana. Emva kwalapho ngavuka ngaragela phambili nomsebenzi wekosi. Bengisamangele ngombono kodwana akakho owakuyelelako lokho. Kwathi ngomnyaka wokuthoma wokubusa kwekosi uDariyasi umsa ka-Arhatjhiverotjhi osizukulwana samaMede, waba yikosi embusweni wamaKasidi; iye, ngomnyaka wokuthoma wokubusa kwakhe, mina Danyela, ngayelela eencwadini isibalo seminyaka yokubhujiswa kweJerusalema. Ukuya ngelizwi lakaSomnini kumphorofidi uJoromiya, kuzakuba minyaka ematjhumi alikhomba. Nje-ke ngaphendukela kuZimu uSomandla: Ngathandaza bengabawa ngokuzila ukudla, ukwembatha iinzilo nangokuzithela ngomlotha. Ngathandaza kuSomnini uZimami, ngavuma ngathi: “Awu Somandla, wena unguZimu omkhulu nowesabekako, ogcina isivumelwano nokwethembeka kilabo abakuthandako nabalonda imiyalwakho. Sonile, senza ubumbi besakhamba ngekohlakalo begodu sahlubuka; iye, sitjhidile emiyalwenakho nemithethwenakho. Akhange silalele iinceku zakho, abaphorofidi abakhulume ebizweni lakho emakhosinethu, eenkhulwini, kibobaba nebantwini boke enarheni. Kuwe Somandla kunokulunga, kodwana kithi kuneenhloni ebusweni njenganamhlanje; iye, thina bantu bakwaJuda nabahlali beJerusalema naku-Israyeli woke, okutjho labo abaseduze nabakude, kizo zoke iinarha obahlakazele kizo ngebanga lokungathembeki kwabo kuwe. Mbala Somnini, thina sineenhloni ebusweni, iye, amakhosethu, iinkhulu zethu nabobaba. Kwamambala, sonile kuwe. USomandla uZimethu unesirhawu nokucolela, ngitjho nanyana thina sihlubukile nje kuye, sangalalela ilizwi lakaSomnini uZimethu kobana sikhambe ngemithethwakhe ayibeka phambi kwethu ngesandla seenceku zakhe abaphorofidi. U-Israyeli woke uphambukile emthethwenakho waphendukela eqadi, wala ukulalela ilizwi lakho. Nje-ke, amanikelela nesifungo esitlolwe emthethweni kaMosi inceku kaZimu, kwehliselwe phezu kwethu ngebanga lokobana sonile kuwe. Wazalisa amezwi awakhulumako ngokujamelana nathi nababusi bethu abasibusako ngokusehlisela iinhlekelele ezesabekako. Mbala, ngaphasi komthunzi welanga azange khekwenzeke okunjengalokho okwenzakalele iJerusalema. Njengombana kutloliwe emthethweni kaMosi, zoke iinhlekelelezi zisehlele, nanyana kunjalo akhange sifune isisa sakaSomnini uZimethu ngokuphenduka ecaleni lethu kobana siyelele iqiniso lakho. Ngalokho uSomnini wabona mayelana nehlekelele wabe wayehlisela phezu kwethu. Mbala, uSomnini uZimethu ulungile kikho koke akwenzileko, khonapho thina akhange silalele ilizwi lakhe. “Manje-ke Somandla Zimethu, wena owakhupha abantu bakho enarheni yeGibhide ngesandla esinamandla, wazenzela ibizo njenganamhlanje, sonile kuwe senza okumbi. Nje-ke Somandla, ngokuya ngazo zoke izenzo zakho zokulunga, susa ilaka nobukhali bakho edorobheni lakho iJerusalema, intabakho ecwengileko. Ngebanga lezono zethu namacala wabobaba, iJerusalema nabantu bakho sebaphenduke isiphoqo hlangana nabo boke abasizombelezileko. Ngalokho-ke Zimethu, lalela umthandazo nesibawo sencekwakho. Ngebanga lebizo lakho, Somandla, khanyisa ubuso bakho phezu kwendawakho ecwengileko esele ilirubhi. Awu Zimami, beka indlebakho ulalele. Vula amehlwakho ubone iindawo zethu ezisele zoniwe kanye nedorobho elibizwa ngawe. Asenzi isibawesi kuwe ngebanga lokulunga kwethu, kodwana kungenca yesirhawu sakho esikhulu. Somandla, akhese ulalele hle! Somandla, colela hle! Awu Somandla, yelela wenze! Zimami ngebanga lebizo lakho ungariyadi ngombana idorobho nabantu bakho babizwa ngawe.” Ngathi ngisakhuluma ngithandaza, ngivuma izono zami nezabantu bekhethu u-Israyeli begodu ngethula iimbawo zami phambi kwakaSomnini uZimami ngebanga lentaba ecwengileko kaZimami; iye, ngisakhuluma njalo emthandazweni, indoda leyo uGabhariyeli ebegade ngiyibone embonweni ngaphambilini, yeza kimi ngeenkhathi zomnikelo ngamarhwaqela ngokuphapha okurhabekileko. Yahlathulula, yakhuluma nami yathi: “Danyela, ngizile bonyana ngizokupha ukuzwisisa okungeneleleko. Kwathi usathoma ukubawa, kwaphuma ilizwi. Nje-ke ngize kobana ngikulethele ilizwelo ngombana uthandwa khulu. Ngalokho yelela ilizwelo bewuzwisise umbono. “Iingcenye ezilikhomba zamatjhumi alikhomba weenkhathi zabekelwa abantu bekhenu nedorobho lakho elicwengileko, ukuqeda iimphambeko, okutjho ukuphelisa izono nokuthethelela icala, kobana ukulunga okungapheliko kuthome begodu kuzaliseke umbono namezwi womphorofidi kanye nokuzesa okucwenge khulu. Yazi bewuzwisise bonyana ekuphumeni kwelizwi lokuvuselela nokwakha iJerusalema kufikela lapha ozesiweko, okutjho umbusi azakufika khona, kuzakuba ziingcenye ezilikhomba zeenkhathi ezilikhomba. Iingcenye ezilikhomba zamatjhumi asithandathu nambili, idorobho elivuselelweko lizakujama libe neenrhodlo nemisele, kodwana kuzakuba ziinkhathi ezinzima. Emva kweengcenye ezilikhomba zamatjhumi asithandathu nambili zeenkhathi, ozesiweko uzakususwa, angabi nomelamako. Abantu bombusi omunye ozakufika bazakubhubhisa idorobho nendawo ecwengileko. Ukuphela kwakhe kuzakuza ngesikhukhula sehlekelele, iye, kuzakuba yipi bekube sekupheleni, okutjho ukubhujiswa okwahloswako. Engcenyeni yinye yeenkhathi ezilikhomba, umbusi loyo uzakwenza isivumelwano esiqinileko nabanengi. Kuthi ngesiquntu sesikhatheso enze bonyana kungasabakhona umhlabelo wetjhebiswano nomnikelo weenthoro. Uzakubeka isinyenyiso esibhubhisako ehlangothini le-aldari, kufikela lapha kupheleliswa khona iqunto, lithululelwe phezu kombhubhisi.” Kwathi ngomnyaka wesithathu wokubusa kwakaKoretjhi ikosi yePheresiya, uDanyela obekathiywe bonyana nguBhelithetjhatsari wembulelwa ilizwi. Ilizwelo beliliqiniso begodu likhuluma ngehlupheko ekulu. UDanyela walizwisisa begodu waba nelemuko lombono. UDanyela wathi: “Emihleni leyo mina Danyela bengisesililweni iimveke ezintathu zoke swana. Bengingazange khengidle litho elimnandi, inyama newayini azange kuthinte iimbhena zami. Azange ngizitjhatjhe bekwaba ziimveke ezintathu zoke swana. Ngelanga lamatjhumi amabili nane lenyanga yokuthoma ngajama esebeni lomlambo omkhulu iRhidekheli. Ngaphakamisa amehlwami ngaqala, naso indoda yembethe ilineni, iinyonga zayo zithekeleze igolide le-Ufazi. Umzimbayo bewufana nebherili, ubuso bayo bebunjengokuphazima kombani. Amehlwayo bekanjengesihlothi esivuthako, imikhono neenyawo zayo ziphazima njengekoporo emanyako. Ukuzwakala kwamezwayo bekunjengokuhlokoma kwewoma. Kwaba ngimi kwaphela, mina Danyela owabona umbono ngombana amadoda agade anami akhange awubone. Nanyana kunjalo ehlelwa kukwesaba okukhulu athuthumela. Ngalokho abaleka kobana ayozifihla, mina ngasala ngingedwa, ngibona umbono omkhulu lowo. Amandlami besele aphelile nobuso bami buphaphatheke njengombala wesidumbu; iye, amandla angasekho kimi. “Nje-ke ngezwa ukuzwakala kwamezwayo. Kwathi lokha nangizwa ukuzwakala kwamezwi lawo, ngehlelwa mumoya ngilele ngobuso phasi. Qala, khonapho ngathintwa sisandla, sangiphaphamisa, ngaguqa ngibambelele ngezandla phasi, ngiqhaqhazela. Indoda leyo yathi kimi, ‘Danyela, muntu othandwa khulu, lalela amezwi engizowakhuluma kuwe begodu jama rwe ngombana ngithunywe kuwe.’ Kwathi isakhuluma lokho kimi, ngasikima ngiqhaqhazela. “Nje-ke yathi kimi, ‘Danyela, ungesabi ngombana kusukela elangeni lokuthoma owazimisela ngalo kobana uzwisise nokuzithoba kwakho phambi kwakaZimu, amezwakho alalelwe begodu ngize ngebanga lawo. Ingilozi yombuso wePheresiya yajamelana nami amalanga amatjhumi amabili nalinye. Kodwana uMikayeli ongomunye weengilozi ezikulu weza wazongisiza ngombana bengisele ngingedwa ekuqalaneni nombuso wemimoya yePheresiya. Nje-ke, ngize kobana uzwisise lokho okuzokwehlela abantu bekhenu emihleni yokuphela ngombana kusese nombono omunye omayelana nesikhathi esizako.’ “Kuthe lokha nasele akhulume nami amezwi lawo, ngaqalisa ubuso phasi, ngasala ngikakamele. Qala-ke, omunye onejamo elifana nendodana yomuntu wathinta iimbhena zami, nje-ke ngathoma ukukhuluma, ngathi kojame phambi kwami, ‘Awu kosami, ngebanga lombono ngehlelwe lisizi namandla akasekho kimi. Alo, inceku yekosami ingakhuluma njani nekosayo na? Kimapha amandla aphelile ngihluleka ngitjho nokuphefumula.’ “Godu omunye ofana nomuntu wangithinta wangiqinisa, wathi, ‘Danyela, muntu othandwa khulu, ungesabi. Yiba nokuthula, uqine ube nesibindi.’ Kuthe lokha nasakhuluma nami, ngaqina idolo bengathi, ‘Ikosami ayikhulume ngombana seyingiqinisile.’ Wathi kimi, ‘Sewuyazi kwanjesi bonyana ngizeleni kuwe, kodwana kumele ngirhabe ngibuyele emuva ngiyokulwa nengilozi yePheresiya. Kuzakuthi lokha nangiphuma kobana ngiyokulwa, kuze ingilozi yeGirisi. Nokho-ke ngizokutjela lokho okutlolwe ngencwadini yeqiniso. “ ‘Akakho ongisekela ukujamelana nazo ngaphandle kwakaMikayeli, ingilozenu.’ ” “Godu omunye ofana nomuntu loyo wathi, Mina-ke ngamsekela bengamqinisa idolo uMikayeli ngomnyaka wokuthoma wokubusa kwakaDariyasi umMede. “Manje-ke ngizokutjela iqiniso. Qala, kusazakuvela amanye amakhosi amathathu wamaPherisi. Yesine izakuba ngenothe khulu ukuwadlula woke. Lokha nasele inamandla ngebanga lomnothwayo, izakuhlohlozela woke umuntu kobana ajamelane nombuso weGirisi. Nje-ke kuzakuvuka ikosi enesibindi ezakubusa ngamandla amakhulu, izenzele umathanda. Kuzakuthi isavelele njalo, umbuswayo uhlakazwe bewuhlukaniswe ngokwamagumbi amane wephasi. Angekhe wadlulela eenzukulwaneni zayo namkha ukhambe ngokwendlela yombuso ewubusako. Iye, umbuswayo uzakuhluthwa kiyo unikelwe abanye, ingasi iinzukulwana zayo. “Nje-ke ikosi yangesewula izakuba namandla, kodwana omunye weenkhulu zayo uzayedlula ngamandla begodu uzakubusa umbuso omkhulu kunekosakhe leyo. Kuthi ngemva kweminyaka ethileko kube nesikhozi esenziwako. Indodakazi yekosi yangesewula izakulethwa ekosini yangetlhagwini kobana kuqiniswe isikhozeso. Kodwana indodakazi le angekhe ibe namandla wokulonda isikhundla sayo; godu ikosi leyo namandlayo angekhe yajama. Indodakazi leyo izakunikelwa ezandleni zombulali neempelesi zayo. Uyise nendodayo nabo bazakuhlongakala. “Emihleni leyo kuzakuvela ihlumela emirajini yekosazana leyo lijame esikhundleni sakayise. Ihlumelelo lizakurhwanta ngokujamelana nebutho lekosi yangetlhagwini; lizakungena ngitjho nangesiphephelweni sayo lilwe nabo belibahlule. Lizakuthwala ngitjho nabosingazimu babo neenthombembunjwa kanye nezitja zabo eziligugu zesiliva negolide, lizise eGibhide njengepango yepi. Lizakugadunga ikosi yangetlhagwini iminyaka ethileko. Nje-ke ikosi yangetlhagwini izakungena embusweni wekosi yangesewula, kodwana kuzakufanela bonyana ibuyele enarhenayo. Amadodanayo azazilungiselela ipi bekahlanganise amabutho amakhulu kwamambala. Enye yamadodana lawo ngambala izakudlondlobala irathe enarheni njengesikhukhula, iphehle ipi ukufikela ngitjho nesiphephelweni sekosi yangesewula. “Ikosi yangesewula izakufutheka, irhwante, ilwe nekosi yangetlhagwini nayo ezakubuthelela ibutho elikhulu, kodwana ibuthwelo lizakunikelwa esandleni sekosi yangesewula. Ikosi yangesewula le izaziphakamisa lokha amabutho wangetlhagwini nasele athunjiwe begodu izakuwisa amatjhumi weenkulungwana, kodwana angekhe ihlale inamandla ngombana ikosi yangetlhagwini izakuvusa godu ibutho elikhulu kunelokuthoma. Kuthi emva kweminyakana iphume nebuthokazi elikhulu elibonelelwe ngokwaneleko. “Eenkhathinezo-ke, abanengi bazakuvukela ikosi yangesewula. Hlangana nabantu bekhenu kuzakuvuka amahlongandlebe ukuze kuzaliseke umbono, kodwana angekhe aphumelela. Nje-ke ikosi yangetlhagwini izakuza izokwakha umbundu magegana nomthangala wedorobho beyilithumbe. Amabutho wesewula angekhe akwazi ukujama, ngitjho namajoni wekhethelo angekhe aba namandla wokulwa. Ikosi yangetlhagwini esahlelako leyo izazenzela umathanda ngombana akakho ozakujamelana nayo. Izazinzinzisa enarheni ehle khulu beyibe namandla wokubhubhisa. Izakulinga bona woke umbuso wangesewula ube ngakiyo ngokwenza isikhozi nekosi yakhona. Izakwendisela indodakazayo ekosini leyo ukuze indodakazi leyo ibhubhise umbuso lowo. Kodwana lokho angekhe kuphumelele ngombana indodakazi ingakhambisani namano kayise. Emva kwalokho ikosi yangetlhagwini izakujikela ngeenarheni ezingemikhawulweni yelwandle ithumbe ezinengi zazo. Kodwana induna yepi izayilisisa isenzo sayo sokweyisa. Ikosi yangetlhagwini leyo izokuhluleka ukuzibuyiselela emonakalweni owenziwe yinduna. Nje-ke emva kwalokhu ikosi yangetlhagwini izakuthi iyajika ibalekela eemphephelweni zenarhayo, iwe kube kuphela kwayo. “Esikhundleni sayo kuzakuvuka omunye ozokuthumela umthelisi esifundeni esihle sombuso. Kodwana emva kwamalanga ambalwa, uzakupheliswa nokho kungabi ngebanga lelaka namkha lepi. Esikhundleni sekosi yangetlhagwini kuzakuvela umuntu okghabhudlhako ongazange akhe aphiwe ubukhosi. Umuntu loyo uzakuza athathe umbuso ngobuqili, abantu bangakatjheji. Amabutho azakukhukhuleka bekaphohloke phambi kwakhe kanye nabarholi ebegade banesikhozi naye. Emva kokobana kwenziwe isikhozi naye, uzakuba nezenzo zekohliso abe namandla nanyana anesiqhema esincani nje. Kungakalindeleki uzakungena eengcenyeni ezinothileko zesifunda enze okungazange khekwenziwe ngomunye wabamanduleleko ngokwabela ipango nepahla ehlangulwe ebalandelini bakhe. Uzakwakha izungu ngokujamelana neemphephelo, kodwana kuzakuba ngokwesikhatjhana nje. Uzakuvusa amandlakhe nokuzimisela kwakhe ngokujamelana nekosi yangesewula ngebutho elikhulu. Ikosi yangesewula nayo izakurhwanta nebutho elikhulu nangamandla amakhulu kobana iyokulwa. Kodwana angekhe yaphumelela ngombana kuzabe kunezungu lokujamelana nayo elenziwe ngitjho nangilabo abadla nayo ukudla kwesigodlweni. Abantwaba bazayiqeda amandla nebutho layo lizakukhukhulwa. Abanengi abalimeleko bawe epini. Amakhosi amabili lawa azakuhlala ndawonye etafuleni kodwana khisibe afihlelene iinhloso ezimbi. Azakutjelana amala kodwana lokho kungaphumeleli ngombana isiphetho sizakufika ngesikhathi esijanyisiweko. Ikosi yangetlhagwini izakubuyela enarhenayo nomnotho omkhulu, kodwana ihliziywayo izasoloko ijamelene nabantu besivumelwano esicwengileko. Izakwenza koke okusehliziywenayo lokha nayibuyela enarhenayo. “Kuzakuthi ngesikhathi esijanyisiweko ibuyele ngesewula. Kodwana ngesikhathesi angeze kwafana nesikhathini sangaphambilini. Imithayamanzi yamaKiti izakujamelana nayo ukuze yethuseleke. Lokha nayibuyako izakunaka labo abahlubuke isivumelwano esicwengileko. Amabutho ewathumileko azakungena asilaphaze ithempeli elibuphephelo. Azakuphelisa umhlabelo wokutjhiswa wangemihla bese ajamise isinyenyiso esibhubhisako. Ngobuqili izakuyenga labo abajamelana nesivumelwano esicwengileko. Kodwana labo abamaziko uZimabo bazakuba namandla bathathe igadango. Abahlakaniphileko hlangana nabantu bazakuyelelisa abanengi, kodwana bazakukhutjhwa kwesikhatjhana ngebanga lesabula nomlilo, iye, ngebanga lokuthunjwa nokuphangwa. Kuzakuthi lokha nabakhutjhwako bafunyane isizo elincancani bese kuthi labo ababazenzisi babasekele. Abanye abahlakaniphileko bazakukhutjhwa ukuze bacwengiswe, bahlungwe bebahlanjululwe bekube kusesikhathini sokuphela ngombana kusesekhona isikhathi esijanyisiweko. “Ikosi leyo izazenzela umathanda, iziphakamise ngokuzidumisa ngaphezu kwabozinyana begodu nangoZimu ongaphezu kwabozinyana izakukhuluma izinto ekungazange khezizwakale. Izakuphumelela bekube kulapha kuphela khona isikhathi selaka ngombana lokho okuhlosiweko kuzakwenziwa. Angekhe ihloniphe abozinyana baboyisemkhulu bayo namkha loyo othandwa bomma. Kanti godu angeze ihloniphe nanyana ngimuphi uzinyana; kunalokho izaziphakamisa ngaphezu kwabo boke. Izakuhlonipha kwaphela uzinyana wobuphephelo okunguzinyana aboyisemkhulu abangazange bamazi. Loyo-ke izamhlonipha ngegolide nangesiliva, ngamatje aligugu nangezipho ezibizako. Izakusahlela iimphephelo ezinemithangala ngokusizwa nguzinyana otjhili. Labo abamazisako uzinyanayo izabaphathela phezulu: Izababeka babe babusi phezu kwabanengi beyibanikele amasimu njengomvuzwabo. “Esikhathini sokuphela ikosi yangesewula izayisahlela. Kodwana ikosi yangetlhagwini izayithelekela ngomfutho omkhulu, ngeenkarana zepi, ngeenjomani nangemithayamanzi eminengi. Izakungena eenarheni idlule njengesikhukhula. Izakungena nenarheni ehle khulu, kuthi abanengi bakhutjwe. Kodwana labo bazakusindiswa esandleni sayo: u-Edomu noMowabi kanye nengcenye ekulu yama-Amoni. Godu izakwelulela isandla sayo kezinye iinarha neGibhide angeze yasinda. Iye, ikosi leyo izakuba mbusi phezu komnotho wegolide nesiliva naphezu kwawo woke amagugu weGibhide. AmaLibhiya namaKutjhe azayilandela. Kodwana imibiko ebuya epumalanga netlhagwini izayethusa. Nje-ke izakurhwanta ngelaka elikhulu kobana iyokuqeda beyibhubhise abanengi. Izakuhloma amatendayo wobukhosi hlangana nelwandle nentaba ehle khulu necwengileko. Kodwana nanyana kunjalo izakufika esiphethweni sayo kungabi noyisizako. “Ngesikhatheso uMikayeli ingilozi ekulu, omvikeli wabantu bekhenu uzakusikima. Kuzakubakhona isikhathi sesizi elikhulu esingazange khesibe khona emlandweni wokuphila kwezizwe bekube sikhathi esibekiweko. Kodwana esikhathineso boke abantu bekhenu abafunyanwa batlolwe encwadini, bazakutjhaphululwa. Inengi lalabo abalele ethulini lehlabathi, lizakuvuka, abanye bavukele ekuphileni okungapheliko, abanye bavukele ehlazweni elisinyenyiso esingapheliko. Abahlakaniphileko bazakukhanya njengokudarha komkayi, kuthi labo abadosela abanye emthethweni wokulunga, bakhanye nini nanini njengeenkwekwezi. Kodwana wena Danyela londa amezwi la abe yifihlo, uvale incwadi ngokuyigiba bekube sikhathi sokuphela. Abanengi bazakwenza irhubhululo nelwazi lizakwanda.” Nje-ke mina Danyela, ngaqala, napo abanye ababili, omunye ajame ngaphetjheya esebeni lomlambo omunye ajame nganeno. Omunye wabo wabuza endodeni eyembethe zelineni, kwanjesi ebegade iphezu kwamanzi womlambo wathi: “Kuzokuthatha isikhathi esingangani ukufika kwesiphetho seemangaliswezi na?” Indoda eyembethe zelineni egade iphezu kwamanzi womlambo leyo yaphakamisela isidla nesincele sayo ezulwini; ngayizwa ifunga ngaloyo ophila isiphelani yathi: “Kuzakuba sikhathi, iinkhathi nesiqunto sesikhathi. Kuzakuthi lokha ukuqotjwa kwamandla wabantu abacwengileko nasele kuphelile, zoke izintwezi zizaliseke.” Ngezwa kodwana akhange ngizwisise; nje-ke ngathi: “Kosami, uzakuba yini umphumela wezintwezi?” Yathi kimi: “Danyela, zikhambele mntabantu ngombana amezwi la kufuze ahlale ayifihlo abe avalwe ngokugitjwa bekube sikhathi sokuphela. Abanengi bazakuhlungwa, bahlanjululwe bebacwengiswe, kodwana abakhohlakeleko bazakuragela phambili nobukhohlakali. Akakho wabakhohlakeleko ozakuzwisisa, kodwana abahlakaniphileko bona bazakuzwisisa. Kusukela esikhathini sokususwa komhlabelo wokutjhiswa wangemihla nokujanyiswa kwesinyenyiso esibhubhisako kuzakuba yikulungwana namakhulu amabili namatjhumi alithoba wamalanga. Babusisiwe labo ababekezela bebafikelele ekupheleni kwamalanga ayikulungwana namakhulu amathathu namatjhumi amathathu nahlanu. Kodwana wena phila bekube sekugcineni; uzakuphumula bese uvukela isiphetho sakho ekupheleni kwamalanga.” Ilizwi lakaSomnini elafika kuHosiya umsa kaBheri, ngeenkhathi zokubusa kwaka-Uziya, uJotamu, u-Arhazi noHezekhiya amakhosi wakwaJuda nangeenkhathi zokubusa kwakaJerobhowamu umsa kaJowatjhi ikosi yakwa-Israyeli. Isingeniso samezwi akhulunywa nguSomnini ngoHosiya. USomnini wathi kuHosiya: “Khamba uyokuthatha umfazi oyingwadla nabantwana bokonakala ngombana inarha itjhiye mina Somnini yayokungwadla.” Waya-ke umphorofidi wafese wathatha uGomere, indodakazi kaDibilayimu; wazithwala wambelethela umntwana womsana. Yeke uSomnini wathi kuHosiya: “Mthiye bona nguJizriyela ngombana msinyana ngizakuhlunguphaza indlu kaJehu ngebanga lokuphalaka kweengazi eJizriyela, bengiphelise ubukhosi bendlu yakwa-Israyeli. Kuzakuthi mhlokho ngephule umkhonto ka-Israyeli ngemrhobeni weJizriyela.” UGomere wazithwala godu, wabeletha indodakazi. USomnini wathi kuHosiya: “Mthiye bona nguLo-Rurhama ngombana angeze ngisarhawukela indlu ka-Israyeli ngokuyithethelela. Nakuyindlu kaJuda ngizayirhawukela; ngiyisindise. Ngingayisindisi ngeenhlabano, ngepi nanyana ngeenjomani nabakhweli bazo, kodwana ngiyisindise ngokwami mina Somnini uZimayo.” UGomere selakhumule uLo-Rurhama ebeleni, wazithwala godu wabeletha umsana. USomnini wathi kuHosiya: “Mthiye bona nguLo-Ami ngombana anisese babantu bami, nami angisenasivumelwano nani.” Nokho isibalo sama-Israyeli sizakufana nehlabathi yelwandle engalinganisekiko nengabalekiko. Esikhundleni sokobana kuthiwe “Anisese babantu bami”, sele kuzakuthiwa “nibantwana bakaZimu ophilako”. Abantu bakwaJuda nebakwa-Israyeli bazakuhlanganiswa, bakhethe umrholi munye bebathumbe inarha. Ngambala lizaba likhulu ilanga leJizriyela. Yithini kubafowenu “Bantu bami”, kibodadwenu nithi “Thandiwe”. “Mangalelani unyoko, nimmangalele ngombana akasese mkami, nami angisese myenakhe! Ubangakameli ukuba namehlo amanengi nokuqoqoma. Nakungasinjalo bekumele ngimhlubulise abe bhunubhunu njengamhlana abelethwako. Bengizamenza abe njengerhalawumba, athunye njengebhudu, ngimbulalise ngokoma. Bengingazukuba nesirhawu ebantwaneni bakhe ngombana babantwana bokonakala. Unina wathuwelela ngobungwadla, wabamitha ngehlazo. Nje-ke umfazi lo wathi: ‘Ngizakulandela iinthandwa zami ezingipha ukudla kwami namanzami, zingembathise ngezoboya nelineni, zingiphe namagugwami’. Yeke ngaqeda ngokuthi: Ngizakubiyela isivande samesi ngomunga nangomthangala wamatje. Nangenza njalo amaqhingakhe azakufelela: Iinthandwa zakhe azilandelelako zingameyami, azifune angazifunyani. Khona-ke uzakuqaquluka athi: ‘Awa-yeke, angibuyele kusobentwana ngombana bekangiphethe kuhle.’ Khonapho umfazi lo akhange avume bonyana ngimi omondla ngamabele, ngewayini nangamafutha we-oliva. Bengamtotosa ngemali enengi nangegolide (abalisebenzisa ukubumba isithombe sakaBhali). Nje-ke, ngiseqhingeni lokobana ikoroyi newayini abaseze ayifunyana kimi nakuvunwako le, ngimdime kwanjesi. Nezambatho zoboya nezelineni ebengimupha zonezi, ngizamemuka akhambe bhunubhunu.” “Nje-ke ngizomhlubulisa phambi kweenthandwa zakhezo, abe atlhoge nomenyeli. Ngizakuphelisa koke ukuzithabisa kwakhe: kweminyaka, kweenyanga nekwamalanga. Iye, ngiphelise yoke iminyanyakhe. Ngizakutjhabalalisa isidiribe namakhiwanakhe athe ngawo: ‘Yikokhelo iinthandwa zami ezingikhokhela ngayo.’ Ngenze isimakhe ifukufuku bese idliwa ziimbandana zommango. Ngizamhlawulisela amalanga agade atjhisela ngawo aboBhali itjhwalo: Amalanga azimomonda ngawo ngobuphaziphazi, walandelana neenthandwa zakhe. Kodwana mina wangikhohlwa.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Nakanjani ngizamsomasoma, ngimdosele erhalawumbeni, ngikhulume naye kuhle. Ukusuka lapho ngizambuyisela isidiribe sakhe, ngenze nomrhoba we-Akori isango lethemba. Lapho-ke uzangilalela njengalokha nasesemutjha, njengamhlana aphuma eGibhide.” USomnini uthi: “Mhlokho uzangibiza uthi ‘babakwami’; ungasathi ‘Bhalami’. Ngizamkhafulisa amabizo waboBhali emlonyenakhe, angabe asawabiza. “Mhlokho ngizakwenzela u-Israyeli isivumelwano neembandana zommango, neenyoni zezulu, neenrhurhubi zephasi. Ngizakwephula imisubela neensabula, neenhlabano zoke zepi enarheni, ukuze nibe nokuphumula nokuthula. “Ngizakuthatha ube mkami isikhathi soke. Ngikuthathe ube mkami ngikusize, ngikuvikele; ngithembeke bengikurhawukele kube sisipho sami kuwe. Ngikuthathe ube mkami weenkomo, ube netjhebiswano noSomnini.” USomnini uthi: “Mhlokho ngizakuphendula; Ngiphendule izulu, izulu liphendule iphasi. Iphasi liphendule ikoroyi, isidiribe namafutha we-oliva; zona-ke zizakuphendula uJizriyela. Ngizazitjalela yena enarheni. Ngirhawukele uLo-Rurhama, ngithi kuLo-Ami ‘Bantu bami’, bese bona bathi ‘Zimethu’.” USomnini wathi kimi: “Khamba godu, uthande umfazi ozwana nokonakala nonyariyako njengombana uSomnini athanda ama-Israyeli azwana namakhekhe anediribe nanyariya nabosingazimu.” Ngaziqatjhela yena ngamatjhekeli alitjhumi nahlanu wesiliva, nangomgodla webhali. Yeke ngamtjela ngathi: “Kufanele bona uhlale ngendlinami amalanga amanengi. Ungasangwadla bewulise nokuya emabhayini; nami angizukukweyama.” Lokhu kuzabalitshwayo bonyana ama-Israyeli kuzawathatha amalanga amanengi anganakosi, anganababusi, anganamihlabelo nanyana amatje akhethekileko, atlhoge nomlayezo wakaZimu. Ngemuva kwalokho, ama-Israyeli azokubuya afune uSomnini uZimawo noDavida ikosawo. Azakubuyela kuSomnini ngokuzithoba okukhulu; abuyele ebuhleni azabuphiwa nguSomnini emihleni yokuphela. Lalelani ilizwi lakaSomnini nina ma-Israyeli ngombana uSomnini unesililo ngezakhamuzi zenarha le: “Ngebanga lokobana akusenakwethembeka, neqiniso, nelwazi ngoZimu enarheni, sekwande ukunikelelana, amanga nokubulala, ukweba nobungwadla. Baphalaza iingazi phezu kweengazi. Ngebanga lalokhu inarha iyomelela. Zoke izakhamuzi ziyadana, neembandana zommango neenyoni zezulu; ngitjho neenhlambi zitjhelwa mamanzi.” “Iye, umuntu akukafaneli bonyana asasuke amangalele omunye ngokumsola, kodwana isigungu sakho wena mphristi, sijamelene nami. Wena mphristi, uzokuwa namhlanjesi nabaphorofidi bakho bazokuwa nawe ebusuku banamhlanje, nonyoko ngizombhubhisa. Abantu bami bayabhubha ngokutlhoga ilwazi. Ngebanga lokobana wale ilwazi, nami ngiyakulandula awusimphristami; ngebanga lokobana unina umthetho kaZimu, nami ngizokunina abantwabakho.” “Ngokwanda kwabaphristi, kunjalo nokwanda kokona kwabo kimi. Ngizakuphendula ukuhlonitjhwa kwabo kube kurhubutjhwa. Bazondla ngezono zabantu bami, bathokoziswa kukonakala kwabo. Kuzose kufane, okwenzeka ebantwini kuzakwenzeka nebaphristini. Ngizokuhlunguphaza abaphristi ngebanga leendlela zabo. Ngibabethe ngentongabo: Badlile, kodwana asoze basutha; bangwadlile, kodwana asoze bande. ngebanga lokobana abaphristi batjhiye uSomnini, bazinikele ebungwadleni, isitjhidela nehlama yewayini, kufiphaze imikhumbulwabo. Ngebangelo-ke abantu bami sese babuza indlela esithombeni esibaziweko, amadondolwabo abakhombe indlela. Ngebanga lokobana ummoya wobungwadla uphambukise abaphristi, nangebanga lokutjhiya uZimabo ngobungwadla, ngikho benza umhlabelo esiqongolweni seentaba, batjhise itjhwalo emibundwini ngaphasi kwemithi emikhulu, lapha kunomthunzi omnandi khona. Ngebanga lezenzo zabezo, amadodakazenu azinikelele ngobungwadla nabomalukazana benu bayahlobonga. Angizokuhlunguphaza amadodakazenu lokha nazinikelela ngobungwadla nabomalukazana benu nabahlobongako ngombana abapristaba bandinda neengwadla bebenze nemihlabelo neentjhatjha zethempeli. Abantu abangayeleliko bazakubhubha kanye neengwadla. Nina, ma-Israyeli, nawe Juda ningaziboni umlandu. Ningayi eGiligali, ningenyukeli eBhethe-Aveni. Ningafungi nihle nithi: ‘Sifunga uSomnini ophilako’.” Ngambala, ama-Israyeli anekani kadumbana. Alo-ke, uSomnini angawelusa njani njengezimvu nazidla emrhuleni? U-Efrayimu uzihlanganise neenthombe ezibunjiweko. Akathuwelele! Nasele basele, balala nengwadla. Bathokozela ikohlakalo yayo. Isiwuruwuru sizobawundula, bebakakamale nemihlabelwabo leyo. “Lalelani lapha nina baphristi! Yelelani nina baphathi bakwa-Israyeli! Ulalele wena Sigodlo! Isigwebo ngesenu: Nibe sisifu eMitsipha, Naba sigolanede eThabhori: nibe mlindi ozikileko eSitimu. Kodwana ngizonikhalimela noke. Ngazi koke ngo-Efrayimu; u-Israyeli akakafihleki phambi kwami. Ngebanga lokobana wena Efrayimu, sewuphendukele ebungwadleni, u-Israyeli wonakele.” Kutjho uSomnini. Izenzo zabo azibavumeli ukubuyela kuZimabo. Abamazi uSomnini ngebanga lommoya wobungwadla ophakathi kwabo. Ukuzikhukhumeza kuka-Israyeli kujamelene naye. Ama-Israyeli ngitjho no-Efrayimu bararejwa zizono zabo; uJuda unyandanye nabo: Lokha nabatlhetlha nezimvu nomhlambi wabo bathi bafuna uSomnini, abazomfunyana ngombana uSomnini uzihlukanisile nabo. Abathembeki phambi kwakaSomnini, babeletha amavezandlebe. Nje-ke, uSomnini uzobatjhabalalisa ngenyanga eyodwa nje; kuzabe kungasenalitho emasiminabo. Vuthelani ipalapala eGibiya! Nivuthele iporompita eRama! Hlabani umkhosi eBhethe-Aveni! UBhenjamini useenthendeni zakho Efrayimu. Nje-ke uzokutjhabalaliswa ngelanga lokubuyiswa. Ngikhuluma into ekhona hlangana neenkoro zakwa-Israyeli. USomnini uthi: “Ababusi bakwaJuda batjhidisa iinkhonkhwani. Ngizabadlhuwelela ngobukhali bami njengeenrhurhula zamanzi. U-Efrayimu utjhaphile ngokweqa umyalo ngombana uhlalele ukulandela amanyela. Mina nginjengepehli ku-Efrayimu, njengesidliso endlini kaJuda. Lokha u-Efrayimu nakezwa ukugula kwakhe, noJuda nakabona inceba lakhe, yeke u-Efrayimu waphendukela e-Asiriya, wabawa isizo ekosini ekulu. Kodwana abe ayinamandla wokunelapha, nokunipholisa emancebenenu. Ngambala mina nginjengengwenyama ku-Efrayimu, nginjengengwenyama enamandla endlini kaJuda. Mina ngiyarathurathula bengikhambe; ngidudula kutlhogeke nomenyeli. Yeke ngizakubuyela endawenami ngilinde bebavume umlandwabo. Bazakufuna ubuso bami; esizini labo bazangifuna bebangifunisise.” Abantu bathi: “Nambani sibuyele kuSomnini, Nanyana asirathulile nje, kodwana uzosipholisa; nanyana asikhubazile nje, kodwana uzakubopha amancebethu. Ngemva kwamalanga amabili uzasivuselela, elangeni lesithathu asibuyisele esigeni, bonyana siphile ebusweni bakhe. Asimaziseni uSomnini, asihlabeleni phambili ngokumazisa. Ngiqinisile ngithi uzaziveza kithi njengelanga naliphumako; eze kithi njengezulu lebusika, nanjengezulu lesilimela elithambisa iphasi.” Kodwana uSomnini uthi: “Ngizokwenzani ngawe Efrayimu? Ngenzeni ngawe Juda? Ngombana ukwethembeka kwenu kunjengekungu yamasa, kuthintitheka njengombethe wamasa. Ngikho nginirhayile ngamezwi wabaphorofidi, nganibulala ngamezwi womlomami. Isigwebo sami seza phezu kwenu njengokuhlaba kwelanga ngombana ngilulukela ukwethembeka, ingasi umhlabelo; nokwazi ngoZimu kuneminikelo yokutjhiswa.” USomnini uthi: “Abantwaba bephule isivumelwano njengebe-Adamu, azange bathembeke kimi lapho. IGiliyadi mumuzi weenkhohlakali; ezinamabhadulo aneengazi. Njengewoma lemigulukudu lilalele umuntu, sinjalo nesigungu sabaphristi: Sibulala abantu endleleni eya eTjhekemu. Iye, senza nobugebengu obunyenyisako. Ngibone into embi endlini ka-Israyeli: U-Efrayimu uzinikelele ngobungwadla begodu u-Israyeli wonakele. Nawe-ke Juda, uzakugwetjwa njengamabele.” USomnini uthi: “Njalo lokha nangithi ngitjhugulula ubujamo babantu bami; iye, nangithi ngipholisa u-Israyeli, izono zaka-Efrayimu zivela emtarini, kwembuleke ikohlakalo yeSamariya: Bayakhohlisana, amasela ayagqekeza angene ebe; imigulukudu idlelezela eendledlaneni! Abe abacabangi bonyana yoke ikohlakalwabo ngiyayikhumbula; izenzo zabo ziyabalandela, azikafihleki kimi. Ikosabo iyabathabela ngokuyibeka kwabo ngekohlakalo; nababusi bayo bayathokoza ngamangabo. Boke abathembeki. Banjenge-ondo yomlilo etjhisako, ongafuni umbhagi awukhwezelele, kusukela ekubhicweni kwehlama bekube sekukhukhumaleni kwayo. Ngelanga lomnyanya wekosi yaphambilini benza ababusi bayo badakwe liwayini, abeluleki badakwa bafa. Ngapha bakhothamela ikosi, ngapha iinhliziyo zitjhisa njenge-ondo ngamaqhinga wokujamelana nekosi. Ilunya labo linjengethuthu lomlilo ebusuku ekuseni libhebhedlhe njengelangabi lomlilo! Boke batjhisa njenge-ondo, baqothula ababusi babo. Woke amakhosabo ayawa. Akakho noyedwa ongibizako.” USomnini uthi: “U-Efrayimu uhlangana nezizwe ukiniywa ngapha nangapha. U-Efrayimu sese afana nehlama engakaphendulwa phezu komlilo. U-Efrayimu ukghakghathwe miqhamuka, kodwana yena akakuboni lokho. Sese akhunile, kodwana yena akakuboni lokho. “Ukuzikhukhumeza kwaka-Israyeli kujamelene naye. Akhange babuyele kuSomnini uZimabo nanyana bamfune phezu kwakho koke lokho. “U-Efrayimu sese anjengezuba, uyengeka lula, uthithibele: Balilela iGibhide, kodwana babalekela e-Asiriya! Kuzakuthi basabaleka njalo, ngiphose igolanedami phezu kwabo; ngizabadosela phasi njengeenyoni zomkayi; ngibabambe njengothiya iwoma lamazuba. “Bazazizwa ngombana bangihlanukile! Bazakurhayilwa ngombana balwa nami! Ngesingami bengikhanukela ukubahlenga, kodwana bayangirhwayela. Akhange balile kimi ngeenhliziyo zabo, kodwana barhahlawula isililo basemibhedenabo. Bazirhaya ngebanga lekoroyi newayini. Bayangihlubuka nanyana ngabakhalima. Ngabaqinisa kodwana bahlala isicathana ngami. Baphendukela elizeni, baba njengomsebe omtepetepe. Ababusi babo bazokubulawa ngesabula ngebanga lokwephula kwabo iimfungo zabo. Bazakuba yihlekisa nesiphoqo enarheni yeGibhide.” USomnini uthi: “Vuthelani ipalapala! Nanti idlanga lizulazula ngehla kwendlu kaSomnini ngombana abantu bephule isivumelwano sami, bavukela umyalwami. Bayangililela bathi: ‘Maye, Sivumelwano sethu, thina, Israyeli, sinetjhebiswano nawe!’ Kodwana u-Israyeli ulahle okuhle; nje-ke isitha siseenthendeni zakhe. Bazibekela amakhosi ngingakatjho, bazikhethela ababusi ngaphandle kwemvumo yami. Bazenzela iinthombe ngesiliva nangegolide labo, kube kubhujiswa kwalo! Ithole lakho, Samariya, liyangikghabhudlha! Ubukhali bami buyavutha phezu kwabantwaba. Kuzabe kube nini soloko babhalelwa kuphila msulwa nayibe bangu-Israyeli? Itholeli libunjwe sithakgha, senguzimu nje. Yeke lizokwephulwa libe ziinquqwana ithole leSamariyelo. “Otjala ummoya, uvuna isiwuruwuru. Ihlanga nalinganasiqwambe angeze laba nokudla. Nabe belingaba nokudla, imiqhamuka beyizakurhiribidela. U-Israyeli urhiribidelwe; sese afana namawunguwungu hlangana nezizwe ezinye ngombana ababusi bakhona bafuna isizo e-Asiriya. Kodwana u-Efrayimu ufana nodumbana ozulazula emmangweni afuna abangani. Nanyana angafunyana abangani hlangana nezizwe, akazokuba nobuyo ngombana ngizobabuthelela ndawonye. Masinyana bazakubhesiswa mthwalo wekosi ekulu. “Lokha u-Efrayimu nakakha ama-aldari amanengi weminikelo yesono, aphenduka ama-aldari wokona. Nanyana bengingabatlolela kanenginengi ngomthethwami, bebazawuthatha inga yinto etjhili.” Benza imihlabelo eyanelisa izisu zabo, bazidlela inyama nje. USomnini akayamukeli imihlabelo enjalo. Nje-ke uSomnini uzobalalamela ngokukhohlakala kwabo, bese ubahlunguphaza ngebanga lezono zabo: Bazakubuyela eGibhide. U-Israyeli ukhohlwe uMdalakhe, wazakhela iingodlo. UJuda ubiyele amadorobho amanengi. Kodwana uSomnini uzokuthumela umlilo emadorobhenabo bese urhayila iingodlo zabo. Ungathabi wena Israyeli! Ungajekezeli njengezizwe ezinye ngombana azange uthembeke kuZimakho: Wakhamba unghatulela aboBhali, uthabela abakupha khona eselelweni esinye nesinye. Izelelo neentlhodlhelo zizakuba dududu, kungabi newayini elitjha. Abantwaba abazukuhlala enarheni kaSomnini; U-Efrayimu uzakubuyela eGibhide nanyana adle ukudla okuzilwako e-Asiriya. Abantwaba abazokuletha amaqatheko kuSomnini nemihlabelo yabo abazoyiletha kuye. Koke ukudla kwabo kuzakuba ngokuzilwako njengokudla okudliwa esililweni. Lokho kuzakuba kukudla okusuthisa bona; akuzukulethwa endlini kaSomnini. Nizobe nikuphi ngelanga leminyanya ezako, ngelanga lemigidi kaSomnini na? Abazakuphunyurha ekurhayilweni, iGibhide izababutha, bangcwatjwe eMemfisi. Umnothwabo wesiliva uzakuvalwa likhula, ngeendlini kumile umtjhatjhana. Amalanga wokuhlunguphazwa afikile; amalanga wokulungisa afikile! U-Israyeli uzazizwela. Nithi: “Umphorofidi udlhayele, umuntu kaZimu uyarhapha!” Vele unjalo, wenziwa zizonokazi zenu ezinengezi, nobutha benu obesabekako! Ukuya ngentando kaZimu wesivumelwano umphorofidi ulilihlo phezu kwaka-Efrayimu, kodwana ubekelwe izifu ngandlela zoke nendlini kaSomnini kunobutha; benzele umphorofidi umlindi ozikileko. Njengemalangeni weGibeya uSomnini uzobalalamela ngokukhohlakala kwabo bese ubahlunguphaza ngebanga lezono zabo. USomnini uthi: “Ngathabela ukufunyana u-Israyeli njengomuntu ofunyana amadiribe erhalawumbeni. Mhla ngithoma ukubona aboyihlomkhulu ngaba njengomuntu othabela ukufunyana uporwana wokuthoma wefeyi emthini. Kodwana bona baya kuBhali wePeyori bafese bazinameka entweni edanisako leyo; banyenyeka njengentwabo abayithandako leyo. Idumo laka-Efrayimu linyelele, lemuke njengenyoni; kungabikhona ukubeletha, ukuzithwala nokubamba. Iye, nabantwana ababakhulisako ngizobamuka bona kungasali ngitjho noyedwa. Bazazizwa mhlana ngibafulathelako. “U-Efrayimu ngimbone anjengomuthi wesundu otjalwe endaweni ehle. Kodwana u-Efrayimu uzokukhuphela abantwabakhe umbulali.” Somnini, baphe lokho ofuna ukubapha khona: Ubaphe isibeletho esirhululako, ubaphe amabele anganamkghado. USomnini uthi: “Boke ubukhohlakali babo bathoma eGiligali. Lapho-ke ngabalandula ngebanga lezenzo zabo. Ngizobaqotjha endlinami, angisazobathanda. Boke ababusi babo bamaphikakani. “U-Efrayimu umanyiwe, ipandakhe ibunile; akazukuhloma isithelo. Nanyana abeletha, ngizosibulala isizukulwana sakhe esithandekako.” UZimu wesivumelwano uzobafulathela ngombana akhange bamlalele. Bazoba bozulani hlangana nezizwe. U-Israyeli ube sidiribe esimrarela; isithelo sakhe sanda. Isithelo sakhe nasilokhu sanda, wakha ama-aldari amanengi. Inarhakhe nayilokhu iphumelela, wakghabisa amatjakhe akhethekileko. Bavuma imilandwabo ngeenhliziyo ezinobuqili, kodwana uSomnini uzakubhidla ama-aldarabo, abe ahlakaze namatjabo akhethekileko. Yeke bathi: “Thina abesinakosi nasinje ngombana sibhalelwe kuhlonipha uZimethu. Njekhona ikosi leyo, beyizasenzelani nje?” Bakhuluma umonyani, bafunga amanga lokha nabenza iimvumelwano. Kodwana ukulunga kuzakuqubuka njengekhula elimila esimini elinyiweko. Abantu beSamariya bagugunwa yindaba yethole leBhethe-Aveni. Abalotjhi balo bayalililela, nabaphristi ababalotjhi balo bayabubula -- babubula ngomnothwalo ngombana lisiwe ekuthunjweni. Lizokuthathwa lisiwe e-Asiriya libe sibiko sekosi ekulu yakhona. U-Efrayimu uzakurhubutjhwa; u-Israyeli abe neenhloni nabosingazimu bakhe beengodo. Lokha iSamariya nayibhujiswako, ikosayo izakufana nesigodo esipapamele emanzini. Iindunduma zobukhohlakali, okusisono saka-Israyeli, zizakubhidlizwa. Kuzakumila ameva nabosotokolo bathi talala phezu kwama-aldarabo. Yeke bazokuthi eentabeni: “Sigubuzesani!” bese bathi emibundwini: “Sigirikelani!” Kusukela emihleni yeGibeya, u-Israyeli soloko uyona; sese athuwelele. Kazi ipi ayizukuwafunyana amaphikakani weGibeya na? USomnini uthi: “Ngiqede ngokuthi, ngizabahlunguphaza, ngenze izizwe zibahlanganyele, zibabophe ngebanga lezonokazi zabo ezinengi. “U-Efrayimu lithodlana elibanduliweko nelithanda ukubhula amabele. Yeke ngaqeda ngokuthi angibeke ijogi phezu kwentanyanakhe ehle le. Ngizakubophela u-Efrayimu, uJuda alime, bese uJakopo uphadlha amagade. Bengithi, ‘Zitjaleleni ukulunga, khona nizakuvuna isithelo sokwethembeka; bese nizikghemela ihlabathi engakalinywa ngombana kusikhathi sokufuna uSomnini, abe afike anise ukulunga phezu kwenu.’ Kodwana nirhatjhe ubukhohlakali, navuna ubumbi; nje-ke nigome isithelo sekohliso. Ngombana fenathembela emaqhingenenu nemabuthwenenu amanengi, umdumo wepi uzokusahlela isizwe senu kubhidlike woke amarholwenu. Kuzakuba njengamhlana uSalamani abhidliza iBhethe-Aribele: ngelanga lepi mhlana abomma nabantwababo baphihlizelwa ehlabathini. USalimani uzanenza soneso eBhethele, ngebanga lobukhohlakali benu obukhulu. Ngokusa kwamhlokho, ikosi yakwa-Israyeli izabe seyabhujiswa nya.” USomnini uthi: “Lokha u-Israyeli asesemntwana ngamthanda, godu indodanami ngayibiza ngayenyula eGibhide. Kodwana lokha aboBhali nabababizako bangifulathela, benzela aboBhali imihlabelo, batjhisela neenthombe ezibaziweko itjhwalo. Ngimi owafundisa u-Efrayimu ukutataya, ngambamba ngomkhono. Kodwana akhange bathande ukwazi bona ngimi owabahlengako. Ngababophela ngomutja womusa nethando. Ngasusa ijogi eentanyeni zabo begodu ngehlela kibo bona ngibondle. Bengingafuni bonyana babuyele enarheni yeGibhide, nokuthi i-Asiriya ibuse phezu kwabo. Kodwana bala ukuphenduka. Ngebangelo-ke zizokubenya emadorobhenabo, iinqabo zamasangwabo zipheliswe namaqhingabo atjhabalaliswe. Abantu bami bazakuhlonywa esigodweni ngombana bangifulathele. Abanye bazakuthwala ijogi lobukhoboka -- ijogi elingasoze lasuswa. “Ngizokuliselela njani, wena Efrayimu? Ngikulahleleni, wena Israyeli? Ngizokuphatha njani njenge-Adima? Ngikwenze njani ufane neTseboyimu? Ihliziywami ingiphendukele, isirhawu sami siyavutha. Angisazokuragela phambili nobukhali bami obesabekako no-Efrayimu angisoze ngisambhubhisa ngombana nginguZimu mina, angifani nomuntu. NgingoCwengileko phakathi kwenu. Angizokuza ngobukhali.” Bazakulandela uSomnini; abhodle njengengwenyama. Iye, lokha nabhodlako abantwabakhe bazakuza, bathuthumela bavela etjingalanga. Bazakuza bathuthumela njengeenyoni zivela eGibhide, nanjengamazuba avela enarheni ye-Asiriya. “Ngizabahlalisa eendlini zabo.” Kutjho uSomnini. USomnini uthi: “U-Efrayimu ungiphara ngamanga koke nje; indlu ka-Israyeli ingininda ngekohliso. UJuda akanaqiniso phambi koZimu, iye, ngitjho nakoCwengileko ongothembekileko. “U-Efrayimu uzondla ngommoya, udlhemadlhema ngemva kommoya wepumalanga imini yoke. Ngamangakazakhe amanengi uzibangela ukubhujiswa: Wenza isikhozi ne-Asiriya, khibe ngapha ukhungana neGibhide ngamafutha we-oliva.” USomnini umangalela uJuda; uzokuhlunguphaza uJakopo ukuya ngeendlela zakhe, ambethe ngeentonga zakhe. Nasesemanzi uJakopo wabamba isithende sakamfowabo; nasele aqinile wabindana noZimu. Wabinda ingilozi bewayihlula. Walila, warabhela uSomnini. Nje-ke iinzukulwana zakhe zithi: “EBhethele uSomnini uzosihlangabeza, abuyelele iinthembiso zakhe nakithi ngombana uSomnini unguZimu uMninimandlawoke, okulibizo lakhe uSomnini adume ngalo.” Awa Israyeli, kuzakufanela bonyana ubuyele kuZimakho: Thembeka ubulunge imiyalwakhe; uthembele kuZimakho ngeenkhathi zoke. U-Efrayimu unjengomthengisi osebenzisa isilinganiso samanga, uthanda tle ukudlelezela. Kodwana u-Efrayimu uzibetha isifuba uthi: “Nginjinge tle; umnotho lo, ngizifunyanele wona mina. Ngomnothwami ongaka lo, abe akunamuntu ongafunyana isiphosiso esingako inga sisono.” Nje-ke uSomnini uthi: “NginguSomnini uZimakho kusukela emihleni yeGibhide; kodwana ngizakukwenza ubuyele ematendeni godu njengerhalawumbeni. “Ngakhuluma nabaphorofidi, ngabanikela imibono eminengi bengakhuluma imifanekiso ngabo.” BakwaGiliyadi nabo gade banjingile, kodwana babhujiswa! Abantu benza imihlabelo yeenkunzi eGiligali, nokho akhange kusize litho: ama-aldarabo aba njengesiqotjana samatje magegana nesimu. UJakopo wabalekela enarheni ye-Aramu, u-Israyeli wasebenza nzima nazakuthatha umfazi; wamlobola ngokwelusa izimvu. USomnini wasebenzisa umphorofidi ukukhupha u-Israyeli eGibhide, iye, wabahlenga ngomphorofidi. U-Efrayimu uqhukuluze uSomnini okusilingako; iKosakhe-ke izamthwesa umlandu beyimhlawulise ngokuyirhubutjha kwakhe. Bekuthi lokha u-Efrayimu nakhulumako amadoda atatazele; gade ahlonitjhwa tle kwa-Israyeli. Wazenzela umlandu ngokulotjha uBhali, wafa. Khonapho abantu bathuwelela ngokona: Bazenzela iinthombe, abosingazimu ababazwe ngesiliva labo okumsebenzi nje owenziwe sithakgha! Ngeenthombezi bathi: “Abantu abenza umhlabelo bamele bancwange amathole la.” Yeke bazakufana nekungu yamasa, bafane nombethe wekuseni othintithekako; babe njengomkhwani ophephuka eselelweni, nanjengentuthu ephutjheza entunjeni. USomnini uthi: “NginguSomnini uZimakho kusukela emihleni yeGibhide. Akhange wazane nomunye uzimu ngaphandle kwami begodu azange kube nomunye umsindisi ngaphandle kwami. Ngakwelusa nawuserhalawumbeni, enarheni yesomiso. Kwathi lokha nabafika emadlelweni, badla bebatatamala iziswanezi. Kuthe nasele zitatamele njalo, bazikhukhumeza; kungebangelo bangikhohlwa. Nje-ke ngaba njengengwenyama kibo, ngabalalela endleleni njengengwe. Ngizabathelekela njengonomrhaso owemukwe abantwabakhe: Ngibatlhatlhamulule iimfutjanezi. Ngizabarhiribidela njengengwenyama; iimpisi zizabarathurathula. Ukubhubha kwakho, wena Israyeli, kungebanga lami; mina msizakho. Iphi ikosakho-ke nje, izakukusindisa kiwo woke amadorobhakho na? Ngininikela ikosi ngisilingekile, ngibuye ngiyisuse ngobukhali bami.” USomnini uthi: “Umlandu waka-Efrayimu ubulungiwe, izono zakhe zitloliwe. Nakufika iinhlabi zokubeletha, u-Efrayimu uba mntwana odlhayeleko: Nakufika isikhathi uyarhodobala, angaphumi esibelethweni! Ngimsindise emandleni wethuna na? Ngimhlenge ekufeni? Kufa ndina, aphi amanikelelakho? Thuna ndina, kuphi ukubhubhisa kwakho? Angeze ngamrhawukela. Nje-ke akazukuwadla amabele nabafowabo.” Ummoya wepumalanga ovela kuSomnini, uzakufika, uvuke erhalawumbeni; isiyalu saka-Efrayimu sizakuvaleka nomthombakhe wome kere. Ummoya lowo uzakuhlakaza woke amagugwakhe. ISamariya izazithwalela umlandwayo ngombana ihlubuke uZimayo. Abantu bazakubulawa ngesabula; abantwababo bazakuphihlizelwa ehlabathini, besifazana babo abasebantwini batlhatlhamululwe! Buyela kuSomnini uZimakho, wena Israyeli ngombana izono zakho zikurarejile. Buyelani kuSomnini, nivume izono zenu nithi: “Somnini, silibalela zoke izono zethu, wamukele ukuvuma kwethu. Sithanda ukunikela ngeenthelo zomlomethu. I-Asiriya angeze yasisiza; asisazokuthembela eenjomaneni zepi; angeze besisatjho sithi ‘zimethu’ entweni esiyenze ngezandla zethu ngombana kuwe wedwa nentandani ifunyana isirhawu.” “Ngizakupholisa ukuhlubuka kwabo, ngibathande ngomusa. Njengombana ukusilingeka kwami kungasekho kibo, ngizakufana nombethe ku-Israyeli; yena athuthumbe njengamakhwa. anabise imirabhakhe ekuzikeni, adzimelele njengeLibhanoni; amahlumelakhe azakukhula. Uzakuphazima njengomuthi we-oliva, onuka kamnandi njengehlathi leLibhanoni. Abantu ebebahlala emthunzinakhe bazakubuya godu batjale ikoroyi. Bazakutlhurha banabe njengesidiribe. Idumo laka-Israyeli libe njengewayini leLibhanoni. Efrayimu, uthi nginandabani nje neenthombe ezibaziweko? Ngimi owakuthobisako, kodwana ngizakutjheja. Ngifana nomuthi ohlala uhlaza, ukuphumelela kwakho kubuya kimi.” Ohlakaniphileko uzayihlatha ikulumo le, onengqondo uzakulemuka; ngombana iindlela zakaSomnini zinqophile. Abalungileko bakhamba kizo, kodwana abaphika ikani ziyabarareja. Ilizwi lakaSomnini elafika kuJuweli umsa kaPetuweli: Yizwani lokhu nina baphathi, nilalele nina noke enakhe enarheni. Into enje, yakhe yenzeka eenkhathini zenu namkha eenkhathini zaboyihlo na? Nizoyibikela abantwabenu, nabantwabenu babikele abantwababo, nabantwababo babikele isizukulwani esilandelako. Lokho okwatjhiywa sikhonyani kwadliwa yikumbi; okwatjhiywa liwoma lentethe kwadliwa ngelinye iwoma lentethe. Phaphamani, nilile nina ndakwa ndina! Lilani nina nseli zewayini; lilani ngebanga lesitjhidela sewayini esihluthwe emilonyenenu. Isizwe esinamandla nesinganakubalwa sisahlele inarha yakwethu; sinamazinyo nemihlathi enjengeyeengwenyama. Sirhayile isidiribe sakwethu; sahlikiliza nemithi yakwethu yamakhiwani. Sebule amaqolo, sawaphuphura sawatjhwamadela; satjhiya iimpande zimhlophe twa. Lilani njengeqhakazana elembethe iinzilo; lililela ukufa kwendoda ebeyisanda ukulithatha. Umnikelo wamabele noweenselo awusalethwa endlini kaSomnini. Abaphristi, iinceku zakaSomnini, badanile. Ummango urhayiliwe; amasimu omile; amabele ahlikiliziwe; iwayini elitja litjhile namafutha we-oliva akasekho. Kakamalani nina balimi, nilile nina batjali besidiribe. Tlhuwelani ikoroyi nebhali ngombana isivuno samasimu sirhayiliwe. Isidiribe sibunile, nemithi yamakhiwani ithintithekile. Amarharinadi, amasundu nemithi yama-apula kanye nayo yoke imithi yemmangweni itjhwabile. Kwamambala, ithabo labantu linyelele. Baphristi, yembathani iinzilo, nirhahlawule; lilani nina enilotjha phambi kwe-aldari. Yizani nizokulila noke, nina enilotjha phambi koZimu wesivumelwano ngombana iminikelo yamabele neyeenselo ayisalethwa ethempelini lakaZimenu. Bekani ilanga lokuzila; memezelani umhlangano okhethekileko. Bizelani endlini kaSomnini uZimenu, abaphathi boke nezakhamuzi; nilile kuSomnini. Maye mhlokho! Ngambala ilanga lakaSomnini libandamele; liza ngokubhubhisa okukhulu kukaSomandla. Angithi ukudla kurhayiliwe phambi kwamehlwethu? Angithi ukuthokoza nethabo kuphelile ekumbeni kaZimethu? Iimbewu ziyakghora ngaphasi kwamagade. Amadladla amafuhlufuhlu, iinlulu zirhirikile ngombana amabele omile. Maye ukubongolela kweenkomo! Imihlambi ihlakazekile ngombana ayinamadlelo; ngitjho nemihlambi yezimvu isesonweni. Ngilila kuwe Somnini ngombana umlilo utjhise amadlelo emrhuleni, amalangabi arhabule yoke imithi yommango. Ngitjho neembandana zommango zilila kuwe Somnini ngombana imilambo yamanzi yomile. Umlilo utjhise amadlelo emrhuleni. USomnini uthi: “Vuthelani ipalapala eZiyoni; nihlabe umkhosi entatjaneni yami ecwengileko.” Akuthi zoke izakhamuzi zihlengezele ngombana ilanga lakaSomnini liyeza; iye, selitjhidele khulu. Lilanga elimnyama nelifipheleko, ilanga lamafu nesigayegaye. Njengokusa kugubuzesa iintaba, kuza ibutho elikhulu; elingazange khelibekhona elinjalo nekadeni, nelingasoze labakhona eenkhathini ezizako. Phambi kwalo kurhayila umlilo, ngemuva kwalo kurubha ilangabu. Phambi kwalo inarha injengesivande se-Edeni, ngemuva kwalo kube libhudu lerhalawumba. Akunalitho elisindako kilo. Ibuthweli liqaleka njengeenjomani; ligijima njengeenjomani zabakhweli. Lilakutja eenqongweni zeentaba, ngetjhada elinjengeleenkarana zepi. Linjengokuthuthumba komlilo obabula amawunguwungu; linjengepi nayijokola evadleni. Ngokuvela kwalo izizwe ziyavevezela; boke bethuka bomelele. Ibuthweli lisahlela njengeenkutani; bakhuphuka ngomthangala njengamajoni. Boke banqomba rwe, abaphambuki emnqophenabo. Abaliyani endleleni, omunye nomunye unqophe phambili. Nanyana baphoswa ngemikhonto ngapha nangapha, abaphambuki emnqophenabo. Batheleka emzini, bagijime emthangaleni, bakhwela ezindlini, bangene emafesiderini njengamasela. Phambi kwabo kudengezela iphasi, isibhakabhaka sihlengezele. Ilanga nenyanga kufiphale, iinkwekwezi zingasakhanyi. USomnini uzwakalisa ilizwi phezu kwebutho lakhe. Ngambala amabuthwakhe manengi khulu begodu baqinile abalalela imiyalwakhe. Iye, ilanga lakaSomnini likhulu, lesabeka kwamambala. Ngubani ongalijamela na? USomnini uthi: “Nanjesi buyelani kimi ngehliziywenu yoke, ngokuzila nokulila nokubibitheka.” Dabulani iinhliziyo zenu, ingasi izambatho zenu kwaphela. Buyelani kuZimu uSomnini, ngombana unomusa nesirhawu, uthathela kude ukusilingeka, uthembeka khulu, uyariyada ekurhayileni. Ngubani owaziko? Mhlamunye angajika atjhugulule umkhumbulo; anitjhiyele isibusiso: umnikelo wamabele nokuselwako kwakaSomnini uZimenu. Vuthelani ipalapala eZiyoni; bekani ilanga lokuzila, nimemezele umhlangano okhethekileko. Bizelani abantu ndawonye, nihlambulule ibandla, hlanganisani abaphathi ndawonye, nibuthelele abantwana, iye, ngitjho nabamunyako. Umkhwenyana akaphume ngelawini lakhe, nomlobokazi ngetendeni lakhe. Abaphristi abalotjha phambi kwakaSomnini, abalile hlangana namathuri wethempeli ne-aldari, bathi: “Hawu Somnini! Rhawukela abantu bakho. Ungavumi bona ilifa lakho lirhubutjhwe libe sisiga hlangana nezizwe. Kubayini abantu bebathi ezizweni: ‘Njekhona uphi uZimabo loyo?’ ” Yeke, uSomnini wamela inarhakhe, warhawukela abantu bakhe. USomnini waphendula wathi ebantwini bakhe: “Nginithumelela amabele, isitjhidela sewayini namafutha we-oliva bona kunisuthise. Angeze ngisavuma bona babe siphoqo ezizweni. Ngizakudedisela ibutho letlhagwini kude nani; ngilihlakazele enarheni eyomileko neligagadu. Ihlokwalo iqale ngepumalanga yelwandle, umsilalo uqale ngetjingalanga yelwandle. Kukhuphuke umnukwalo, kuvuke isivunda salo ngombana benze izinto ezesabekako.” Ungesabi wena hlabathi, kodwana thaba uthokoze ngombana uSomnini uzokwenza izinto ezikulu. Ningesabi nina mbandana zommango, ngombana amadlelo emrhuleni azokuba lihlaza; nemithi ithele iinthelo zayo; imithi yamakhiwani nesidiribe kuhlome kuphuke. Thabani nani bantu beZiyoni, nithokoze kuSomnini uZimenu ngombana uzanipha labo abazanifundisa indlela efaneleko; uzaninisela izulu, okutjho ikhukhulamungu nesewula njengaphambilini. Izelelo zizakuzala amabele neembekelelo ziphuphume ngesitjhidela sewayini namafutha we-oliva. USomnini uthi: “Ngizanibuyisela amabele adliwa sikhonyani, yikumbi, newoma leentethe, okulibutho lami elikhulu engalithumela phakathi kwenu. Nje-ke, nizakuba nenala nidle nanele; nizakudumisa ibizo lakaSomnini uZimenu, owanenzela imikarisomraro. Isizwe sami angeze sisaphoqeka. Nizakutjho bona ngiphakathi ko-Israyeli, nokuthi nginguSomnini uZimenu akakho omunye. Isizwe sami angeze sisaphoqeka.” “Kuzakuthi emuva kwalokho ngithululele uMoyami kibo boke abantu. Amadodanenu namadodakazenu azakuphorofida; abadala benu babhudange amabhudango; abatjha benu babone imibono. Iye, emalangeni lawo ngizakuthululela uMoyami naphezu kweenceku neencekukazi. Ngizakuveza amabono ezulwini nephasini: iingazi nomlilo nesimukumuku sentuthu. Lokhu kuzakwenzeka ngebanga lokuza kwelanga lakaSomnini elikhulu nelesabekako; ilanga lizakuphenduka libe nzima nenyezi ibe ziingazi.” Kuzakuthi boke ababiza ibizo lakaSomnini basindiswe, njengombana uSomnini atjho, asithi: “Phezu kwentaba yeZiyoni neJerusalema kuzakubakhona isindiso.” Nalabo uSomnini azababiza phakathi kwezizwe bazakusindiswa. USomnini uthi: “Iye, emalangeni lawo nesikhathineso, lokha nangitjhugulula ubujamo bakwaJuda neJerusalema, ngizakubutha izizwe zoke, ngizilethe emrhobeni kaJehotjhafathi. Lapho-ke ngizazimangalela ngebanga labantu bami, abalilifa lami, u-Israyeli ngombana zibasabalalise hlangana nezizwe, zabahlukanisa nenarhami. Zaphosa ifumbe ngabantu bami, zathenga ukulala neengwadla ngabesana; zathenga umrhamulo wewayini ngabentazana. “Alo-ke, wena Tirosi neTsidoni, nani noke mfunda zeFilista: Ningifunani na? Nifuna ukuzibuyiselela na? Nangabe nifuna ukuzibuyiselela ngizakurhaba, nginibethe ngeentonga zenu. Nithethe igolide nesiliva lami, benathatha namagugwami wakanokutjho nawasa emathempelinenu. Nithengise abantu bakwaJuda nebeJerusalema emaGirigini ukuze nibathumele kude nenarhekhabo. Ngalokho yelelani la: Ngizobaphaphamisa eendaweni enibathengise kizwezo, nginibethe ngeentonga zenu. Ngizokuthengisa amadodana namadodakazenu ebantwini bakwaJuda; bona bawathengisele amaTjheba isizwe esikude.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Tjelani izizwe into le, nithi, ‘Zilungiseleleni ipi! Vusani iintsitsirimba! Amabutho woke akahlome asahlele! Kghadlhani amalembenu wokulima nenze iinsabula, nenze imikhwa yokuqopha isidiribe ibe mikhonto. Obogabogako akazitjho athi: Ngiyitsitsirimba! Nina zizwe, yizani msinyana noke, nibuthane mazombe emrhobeni kaJehotjhafathi.’ ” Somnini, kwanga ungehlisa amabuthwakho! USomnini uthi: “Izizwe azivuke, zehlele ngemrhobeni kaJehotjhafathi ngombana lapho ngizokuhlala, ngigwebe izizwe zoke mazombe. Fakani isegere ngombana isivuno sivuthiwe! Yizani nizokugaya abantwaba njengamabele. Ngibasuthi ngobukhohlakali babo, obuphuphuma njengotjwala emarhabheni!” Iinqubuthu ngeenqubuthu zisemrhobeni wokugwebela ngombana ilanga lakaSomnini litjhidele ngemrhobeni lowo. Ilanga nenyezi zizakufiphala, iinkwekwezi zingasakhanyi. USomnini uzakubhodla aseZiyoni, athuthumbise ngombani aseJerusalema; izulu nephasi zizakuthuthumela. Nokho uSomnini uzakuba lirholo labantu bakhe, abe siphephelo sabantu bakwa-Israyeli. USomnini uthi: “Nizabe seniyazi-ke bona nginguSomnini, uZimenu, ohlala eZiyoni, entabenami ecwengileko. IJerusalema izakuba ngecwengileko; abatjhili angeze basalibeka kiyo. Mhlokho iintaba zizakuthonta isitjhidela sewayini, imibundu itleleze ibisi; yoke imilanjana yakwaJuda igeleze amanzi. Umthombo uzakuvinyilika endlini kaSomnini, usezele umrhoba weTjhithimu. IGibhide izakuba ligagadu, i-Edomu ibe libhudu lerhalawumba ngebanga lomguruguru owenziwe ebantwini bakwaJuda, enarheni abaphalaza kiyo iingazi ezinganamlandu. Kodwana inarha yakwaJuda izakuhlalwa nini nanini, iJerusalema ihlalwe ziinzukulwana ngeenzukulwana. Ngingahlala ngingabagwebi abaphalaze iingazi zakaJuda na? Awa, angeze bengithome.” USomnini uzakuhlala eZiyoni! La mamezwi waka-Amosi ogade angumelusi wezimvu eTekhowa. Wembulelwa iimphorofidezwi ngo-Israyeli eminyakeni emibili ngaphambi kokuhlengezela kwephasi, lokha u-Uziya asese yikosi yakwaJuda begodu noJerobhowamu umsa kaJowatjhi asese yikosi kwa-Israyeli. U-Amosi wathi: “USomnini ubhodla aseZiyoni; uzwakalisa ilizwi lakhe aseJerusalema. Amasiso wabelusi ayatjhwaba; kuthi isiqongolo seKarameli somelele.” Nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini: “Angizolicolela iDamaseku ngombana yone kokona: Batshidlha iGiliyadi ngesileyi esinamazinyo wesimbi. Yeke ngizakuthumela umlilo ngaphakathi kwekumba kaRhazayeli, uqothule isigodlo sakaBheni-Hadadi. Ngizakwephula isiqabo seDamaseku; ngibhubhise ikosi yeBikhadi-Aveni ephethe intonga yobukhosi eBhethe-Edeni. Abantu beSiriya bazakusiwa ekuthunjweni eKiri.” Nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini: “Angizolicolela iGaza ngombana yone kokona. Bathethe woke umuzi bawusa ekuthunjweni bebawuthengisela u-Edomu. Yeke ngizakuthumela umlilo ngaphakathi kwemithangala yeGaza, uqothule isigodlo sakhona. Ngizakubhubhisa ikosi ye-Atjhidodi begodu nophethe intonga yobukhosi be-Atjhikheloni. Ngizakuphendukela abantu be-Ekroni, imisalela yamaFilisti izakubhubha.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. Nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini: “Angizolicolela iTirosi ngombana yone kokona: Bathumba bebathengisa woke umuzi ku-Edomu. Azange bayelele isivumelwano nabafowabo. Yeke ngizakuthumela umlilo ngaphakathi kwemithangala yeTirosi, uqothule isigodlo sayo.” Nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini: “Angizoyicolela i-Edomu ngombana yone kokona: Bagijimisa umfowabo ngesabula, balahla isisa sabo; babilelwa ziingazi, baba nezondo engapheliko. Yeke ngizakuthumela umlilo ngaphakathi kweTemani, uqothule isigodlo seBhozira.” Nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini: “Angizoyicolela i-Amoni, ngombana yone kokona: Bakghakghamulula izisu zabesifazana beGiliyadi abasidisi ukuze bangezelele imikhawulwabo. Yeke ngizakuvuthisa umlilo ngaphakathi kwemithangala yeRabha, uqothule isigodlo sakhona. Umkhosi wepi uzakuzwakala njengesiwuruwuru; ikosabo izakuthunjwa, yona nababusi bayo.” Kutjho uSomnini. Nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini: “Angizoyicolela iMowabi ngombana yone kokona: Batjhise amathambo wekosi yakwa-Edomu aba mlotha. Yeke ngizakuthumela umlilo eMowabi, uqothule isigodlo seKeriyothi. UMowabi uzakufela phakathi kwerawurawu enetjhada lepi nokulila kwepalapala. Ngizakutjhabalalisa umbusi wakhona bengibulale neenkhulu zakhona zoke zife naye.” Kutjho uSomnini. Nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini: “Angizoyicolela iJuda ngombana yone kokona: Balahle umthetho kaSomnini begodu bangalalela imiyalwakhe. Badurhiswa bosingazimu, abosingazimu abalandelwa bokhokho babo. Ngizakuthumela umlilo kwaJuda, uqothule isigodlo seJerusalema.” Nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini: “Angizomcolela u-Israyeli ngombana wone kokona: Bathengisa omsulwa ngesiliva nodududu ngamapatlagwana amabili. Babhudabhuda iinhloko zabatlhagileko ebhudwini; bagandelela ababuthakathaka. Umuntu noyise balalana nomntazana munye basilaphaza ibizo lami elicwengileko. Bakhamba barabhalala eqadi kwe-aldari elinye nelinye ngezambatho zesibambiso sesikolodo. Bathatha iwayini abalemuke abantu, balirhamulele ngethempeleni lakaZimabo. “Mina ngawatjhabalalisa ama-Amori phambi kwabo, nanyana ayemade njengomsedari begodu aqine njenge-owuku. Ngawasiphula nesidindi sawo. “Mina nganikhupha eGibhide, benganihlahla iminyaka ematjhumi amane erhalawumbeni bona nginiphe inarha yama-Amori. Godu nganivusela nabaphorofidi phakathi kwamadodanenu benganivusela nabanaziri phakathi kwamasokanenu. Akusinjalo na, bantu bakwa-Israyeli?” Kutjho uSomnini. “Kodwana nirhamulise abanaziri iwayini benatjela nabaphorofidi bonyana bangaphorofidi. “Ngizanenza nibhajwe njengekarana nayilayitjhe intundu yeentjherefu zekoroyi. Nonebelo angeze aphunyurha netsitsirimba izakutekezela nesihlabani sibhalelwe kuzisindisa. Umdumuzi ngomsebe uzakubhalelwa kujama, amajoni weenyawo angeze aphunyurha nokhwele injomani uzakubhalelwa kuzisindisa. Ngitjho netsitsirimba ekuthiwa sihlabani, mhlokho izakugijima ibhunubhunu.” Kutjho uSomnini. Yenilalele ilizwi nanti elikhulunywe nguSomnini ngokujamelana nani, nina bantu bakwa-Israyeli, ngokujamelana nomndeni woke awukhipha eGibhide: “Ngini kwaphela enganikhetha phakathi kwemindeni yoke yephaseli; yeke ngizanihlunguphaza ngebanga lazo zoke izono zenu.” Abantu ababili bangakhamba ndawonye bangakavumelani na? Ingwenyama kheyibhodle emahlathini kungananyamazana na? Ingwenyamana iyalizwakalisa ilizwi layo emphandwinayo kunganalitho na? Nabonaphi inyoni ibanjwa sisifu singakathiywa na? Kghani isifu vane sithankghuluke kungananto esithankghululako na? Nakulila ipalapala edorobheni, abantu abathuthumeli na? Lokha idorobho nalivelelwa yihlekelele, vane kungasi nguSomnini olinikeleleko na? Ngambala uSomnini uSomandla akenzi izinto angakembuli ifihlo eencekwini zakhe, okubaphorofidi. Ingwenyama ibhodlile-ke! Ngubani ozakuhlala akwakwalale? USomnini uSomandla ukhulumile! Ngubani-ke ozakuhlala angaphorofidi na? Memezelani esigodlweni se-Atjhidodi nesigodlweni seGibhide nithi: “Buthanani nihlangane eentabeni zeSamariya; nibone ukutjharagana okulapho nangendlela kunegandelelo ngakhona ebantwini.” USomnini wathi: “Abantwaba abakwazi ukwenza okulungileko, bazalisa iingodlo zabo ngepahla abayigongodileko nebayizuze ngenturhu.” Nje-ke, nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: “Inaba lizakuzombeleza inarhenu, litsomule iinsika beligongode neengodlo zenu.” Nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini: “Njengomelusi nakabutha imisalela yemvu, ekumilenze emibili namkha isiqunjwana sendlebe ekutjhiywe yingwenyama, kuzakuba njalo ngama-Israyeli ahlala eSamariya: Amasalela azakufunyanwa lapho kuzase sekube lihlangotjhana lombhede nenyawana lesitulo.” “Lalelani lapha, nifakaze ngokujamelana nekumba kaJakopo.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla, uZimu uMninimandlawoke. “Mhlana ngihlunguphaza u-Israyeli ngebanga lokona kwakhe, ngizokona ama-aldari weBhethe-Eli; iimpondo ze-aldari zizakwephulwa bezikhithikele ehlabathini. Ngizakubhuruza iinkumba zebusika nezehlobo; iinkumba ezikghatjiswe ngamazinyo wendlovu zizakugirizwa nabobhazabhaza beenkumba barhirizwe.” Kutjho uSomnini. Lalelani lapha nina bafazi beSamariya, ngokunonakazi inga niziinkomo zeBhatjhani, nina enigandelela abantu abakhwahlileko benitshidlhe nabadududu, nithi emadodenenu “Thelani sisele!” USomnini uSomandla uzifunge ngokwakhe wathi: “Ngiqinisile ngithi siyeza isikhathi senu lapha nizakutjathwa khona ngeenkghopholo nebamaswaphelo benu barhurhubiswe ngesikghopholahlambi. Omunye nomunye wenu uzakukhutjhwa ngentunja ebodeni, alahlelwe eHarimoni.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Bantu bakwa-Israyeli, khambani niye eBhethe-Eli nifike none, iyani eGiligali nithuwelele ngokona. Lethani iminikelwenu qobe kusekuseni, nokwetjhumi kwenu njalo eminyakeni emithathu. Nikelani ngesikwa esiwunyelweko kube mnikelo wokuthokoza. Memezelani iminikelweni yesihle, nizikhakhazise ngombana vele yinto eniyithabelako leyo ma-Israyeli.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Mina nganilethela indlala kiwo woke amadorobho; ngatswinya umuzi omunye nomunye ngesikwa. Kodwana azange niphendukele kimi.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Ngabuya godu ngabamba izulu iinyanga ezintathu ngaphambi kokuvuna. Ngathumela izulu emzini owodwa, kodwana ngalikhandela keminye. Isimu enye yaba nezulu, kodwana enye yalitlhoga beyoma kere. Kusukela emizini emibili kuya kemithathu abantu bayerayera batjhinga emzini owodwa, bafuna amanzi nabawatholako akhange abanele. Kodwana azange niphendukele kimi.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Ngarhadla iimvande neendiribe zenu ngobubori nangokukghora. Kwafika isikhonyani sarhayila imithenu yamakhiwani neye-oliva. Kodwana azange niphendukele kimi.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Ngathumela amatshwenyeko phakathi kwenu njengombana ngenza ebantwini beGibhide. Ngabulala amasokanenu ngesabula, iinjomani zenu zathunjwa. Ngazalisa iinkampa zenu ngesivunda seendumbu. Kodwana azange niphendukele kimi.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Ngabhubhisa inengi lenu njengombana ngabhubhisa iSodoma neGomora. Benifana nesikhuni esivuthako esirhwatjhwe emlilweni. Kodwana azange niphendukele kimi.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Nakhu engizakwenza khona, wena Israyeli. Ngiqinisile ngithi ngizakwenza into: Yeke zihlanganise noZimakho, wena Israyeli.” Ngambala ngowabumba iintaba, wadala imimoya, wembula imikhumbulwakhe ebantwini; uphendula itathakusa ayenze ubumnyama, agadange iinqongo zephasi -- ibizo lakhe nguSomnini uZimu uMninimandlawoke. Lalela ilizweli wena kumba yakwa-Israyeli, ingoma yesililo ngiyikhalelela wena: “Liwile itlawu elingu-Israyeli, angekhe belisavuka godu, lilahliwe enarheni yekhabo, abe akunamuntu noyedwa olibuthako.” Iye, nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini uSomandla: “Idorobho lakwa-Israyeli elithumela amajoni ayikulungwana epini, kubuya ikhulu kwaphela; elithumela amajoni alikhulu, kubuya itjhumi kwaphela.” Ngambala nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini ekumbeni ka-Israyeli: “Ngifunani; yeke nizakuphila. Musani ukuya eBhethe-Eli, ningayi eGiligali, ningayameli eBheritjheba. Ngiqinisile ngithi iGiligali izakuthunjwa, kuthi iBhethe-Eli yenziwe ilize lakolize.” Funani uSomnini ukuze niphile, nakungasi njalo uzakubhebhedlha phakathi kwekumba kaJosefa njengomlilo; uzakurubha eBhethe-Eli, uqothule kutlhogeke umuntu ongawucima. Yelelani nina eniphendula ukulunga nakwenza umhlonyani, nina enikghurumejela umthetho eqadi: Ongumenzi wekwekwezi yesiLimela nekwekwezi yesiRuthwana; ophendula ubumnyama bube yitathakusa, kuthi imini ibe busuku; ubiza amanzi welwandle awaphalazele ebusweni benarha. Ibizo lakhe nguSomnini. Nguye orhadla isika ngombani, agirize isisekelo sedorobho. USomnini wathi: “Nizonda umuntu okhalimako ekhotho, okhuluma iqiniso niyamnyaza. Kungebangelo nigandelela okhwahlileko benimkatelele bona aniphe amabele. Nakhe abobhazabhazakazi beenkumba zamatje nje, kodwana anizozihlala; nitjele iindiribe, kodwana anizolisela iwayini lakhonelo. Ngombana ngikwazi koke ukona kwenu okunengi nokuthi izono zenu zikulu kangangani. Nigandelele omsulwa ngokufunjathiswa, nemuke odududu ilungelo lakhe ekhotho. Eenkhathini ezinje umuntu ohlakaniphileko uvala phetjheya, ngombana lezi ziinkhathi ezimbi.” Funani ukulunga, nilise ubukhohlakali, nizakuphila! Yeke uSomnini uZimu uMninimandlawoke uzakuba nani, njengombana nani nisitjho. Zondani ubukhohlakali, nithande ukulunga, nithembeke emakhotho. Mhlamunye uSomnini uZimu uMninimandlawoke angaba nomusa kumisalela kaJosefa. Nakhu-ke okwatjhiwo uSomnini uSomandla, uZimu uMninimandlawoke uthi: “Kuzakurhahlawulwa ematatawini woke, kulilwe isimayemaye kizo zoke iindledlana. Abalimi bazakubizwa bona bazokulila nabafazi besililo kuthiwe barhahlawule. Kuzakurhahlawulwa eendiribeni zoke ngombanyana ngiyeza, ngizokudlula phakathi kwenu.” Kutjho uSomnini. Nizazizwa nina enihlulukela ilanga lakaSomnini! Nilihlulukelelani ilanga lakaSomnini na? Ngambala, kuzokuba lilanga elimnyama, kungabi nokukhanya. Kuzakuba ngathi mumuntu othe ubaleka ingwenyama wazithela phezu kwebhere; naphunyurha ebhereni wangena kwakhe, wabeka isandla ebodeni walunywa yinyoka. Ilanga lakaSomnini lizokuba mnyama; kutlhogeke umkhanyo kube lilanga lamatlhuwo. USomnini wathi: “Ngiyayizonda begodu ngiyayinyenya iminyanya yekolo yenu; imihlangano yenu ayinyamezeleleki. Nanyana ningangilethela imihlabelo yokutjhiswa neminikelo yamabele, angeze ngiyamukele; iminikelo yetjhebiswano yamanoni angizoyitjheja. Sukelani le, ngetjhadakazi leengoma zenwezo! Angifuni nokuzizwa iinodo zamaharibhenu. Kodwana ukulunga akugeleze njengamanzi, ukwethembeka kugeleze njengomlambo ongatjhiko! “Ngakhe nganiyala bonyana ningilethele imihlabelo neminikelo eminyakeni ematjhumi amane eniyihlezi erhalawumbeni nina bantu bakwa-Israyeli na? Ngebangelo uSikuti ikosenu noKiyuni uzimenu wekwekwezi, okumifanekiso yabosingazimu benu enazenzela yona, nizoyithwala lokha nanginiqotjhela ekuthunjweni ngaphetjheya kweDamaseku.” Kutjho uSomnini; ibizo lakhe nguZimu uMninimandlawoke. Nizazizwa nina enihlezi nathabalala eZiyoni, nani enizizwela nivikelekile entabeni yeSamariya; ngitjho nina madoda, aqakathekileko esizweni esikhulu, lapha abantu bakwa-Israyeli bagijimela khona nabanemiraro. Ngithi khambani niye eKaline nifike niyibukele; nanisuka lapho ninqombe eHamati ekulu, nigege njalo beniyokufika enzasi eGati yeFilistiya. Fenizibuze bona iindawezi zingcono kunemibuso yenu emibili na? Kghani zinenarha edlula yenu? Niphayela ilanga lekohlakalo eqadi, ngezenzo zenu nitjhideza umbuso werawurawu. Nilala emibhedeni ekghatjiswe ngamazinyo wendlovu, nizigedle emasofeni wenu kanokutjho. Nigoma iinkhanakhana zenyama yemvu neyamathole anonisiweko. Nitlama iingoma, nincinze amarhabhu wenu, nibhine njengoDavida. Nisela iwayini ngomjeka, nizimonyonge ngamafutha kanokutjho; kodwana anikuzileli ukurhayilwa kwakaJosefa. Yeke nizakuba hlangana nebokuthoma abazakuya ekuthunjweni; ukukhomba kwenu ngophakathi kuzakuphela. USomnini uSomandla wazifunga ngokwakhe, iye, uSomnini uZimu uMninimandlawoke wathi: “Ngiyakuhloya ukuzigqaja kwabantu bakaJakopo neengodlo zakhe ziyangikghabhudlha. Idorobheli ngizolinikelela ngezitha nakho koke kwalo.” Nangabe kusele amadoda alitjhumi endlini eyodwa, nawo azokufa. Kuzakuthi isihlobo sabafilekwabo nasifanele bona sikhuphe iindumbu zabo ngendlini bona sizitjhise bese sibuza nanyana ngubani esimfumana lapho sithi: “Kusese nesinye isidumbu lapho na?” Waphendula wathi: “Awa,” bese isihlobeso siyaraga sithi: “Sh! Singalingi siphathe ibizo lakaSomnini.” Ngambala, lokha uSomnini nakakhupha umyalo, kugirika ikumba ekulu ibe ziinquqwana, kuthi encani ibe ziintshutshurwana. Nakhe nabona iinjomani zirholobha phezu kwamadwala na? Umuntu yena wakhe walima khonapho ngeenkabi na? Kodwana nina niphendule umthetho waba sihlungu; najika isithelo sokulunga nasenza saba mhlonyani. Nina enizigqaja ngokuthumba kwenu umuzi we Lo-Debhara, bese nithi: “IKharanayimi asikazithumbeli yona ngeenkhwepha zethu na?” “Ngizoninikelela ngesizwe bona sinivukele nina bantu bakwa-Israyeli, sinigandelele ukusuka eLebo-Hamathi kuya emrhobeni we-Arabha.” Kutjho uSomnini uZimu uMninimandlawoke. Nakhu engakuboniswa nguSomnini uSomandla: Ngambona alungisa iwoma lesikhonyani emva kobana ikosi seyilumile; nakuthoma ukumila amakhikhizela. Kuthe lokha isikhonyaneso nasiqeda ukudla sithanyele esimini, ngarabhela ngathi: “Awu, Somnini Somandla, libalela! UJakopo lo uzakusinda njani nanje? Qala bona ubogaboga kangangani!” USomnini watjhugulula umkhumbulo wakhe wathi: “Lokhu okubonileko angekhe kwenzeka.” Nakhu engakuboniswa nguSomnini uSomandla: USomnini uSomandla wabiza ukwahlulela komlilo; kwafika kwatjhisa amalwandle oma kere, bekwalumatha inarha yoke. Ngathoma godu ngarabhela ngathi: “Awu, Somnini Somandla, ngiyakubawa, akhewujame ngamatje! UJakopo lo uzakusinda njani nanje? Qala bona ubogaboga kangangani!” USomnini watjhugulula umkhumbulo wakhe wathi: “Lokhu nakho angeze kwenzeka.” USomnini wangibonisa omunye umbono godu: USomini bekajame hlanu kweboda elakhiwe kuhle lanqopha, aphethe isinqophisamakho ngesandla. Yeke uSomnini wangibuza wathi: “Amosi, ubonani na?” Ngaphendula ngathi: “Ngibona isinqophisamakho.” Yeke uSomnini wathi: “Ngibeka isinqophisamakho hlangana nabantu bami bakwa-Israyeli; angekhe ngisabababalela. Iinduli zaka-Isaka zizakubhuruzwa neendawo ezicwengileko zaka-Israyeli zizakurhirizwa. Ngizakuvukela ikumba kaJerobhowamu ngesabulami.” Nje-ke, u-Amaziya umphristi weBhethe-Eli, wathumela umyalezo kuJerobhowamu ikosi yakwa-Israyeli wathi: “U-Amosi uhlala isicathana ngawe esidindini sabantu bakwa-Israyeli. Yeke isizwe angeze sawanyamezelela amagamakhe. Ngombana ukhuluma uthi, ‘UJerobhowamu uzakufa ngesabula kanti u-Israyeli yena ngiqinisile ngithi, uzakusiwa ekuthunjweni enarheni ekude.’ ” U-Amaziya wathi ku-Amosi: “Sukela le, wena mboni ndina! Khamba ubuyele enarheni yakwaJuda, fewuphorofide bewusebenzele nesikwa sakho lapho. Ungabusathoma uzokuphorofidela eBhethelapha godu ngombana kusesigodlweni sekosi lapha begodu kulithempeli lobukhosi.” U-Amosi waphendula u-Amaziya wathi: “Zange khengibe mphorofidi namkha indodana yomphorofidi, kodwana bengingumelusi begodu bengitlhogomela imithi yamakhiwani. Yeke uSomnini wangithatha ekweluseni wathi kimi, ‘Khamba uyokuphorofida ebantwini bami bakwa-Israyeli.’ Alo-ke, gadesi lalela ilizwi lakaSomnini. Wena uthi kimi, ‘Musa ukuphorofida kumbi ngo-Israyeli bewulise nokutjhumayela kumbi ngekumba ka-Isaka’. “Nje-ke Amaziya, uSomnini uthi kuwe, ‘Umkakho uzakuba yingwadla yedorobheli; amadodana namadodakazakho azakubulawa ngesabula. Inarha yakho izakulinganiswa, yabelwe abanye. Wena uzakufela enarheni engakahlambuluki. U-Israyeli nakanjani uzakusiwa ekuthunjweni enarheni ekude neyekhabo.’ ” Nakhu engakuboniswa nguSomnini uSomandla: Ngabona isiqwebu sizele iinthelo ezivuthiweko. USomnini wangibuza wathi: “Amosi, ubonani na?” Ngaphendula ngathi: “Ngibona isiqwebu seenthelo ezivuthiweko.” USomnini wathi kimi: “Isikhathi sokubabalela isizwe sami u-Israyeli siphelile, angekhe ngisabababalela. Mhlokho iingoma ezibhinwa ngethempeleni zizakuphenduka isililo. Kuzakusabalala iindumbu yoke indawo. Kuzakuthi nghwayi!” Lalelani lapha, nina eniqaqada phezu kwabatlhogako, nirhayile abantu abakhwahlileko benarha le, nibe nisithi: “Kazi umnyanya ocwengileko wokuthwasa kwenyanga lowo uyokudlula nini, ukuze sikghone ukuthengisa amabele! ISabatha lona liyokuphela nini? Sele sifuna ukuthengisa ikoroyi thina!” Nitjho njalo kwabe ninciphisa iinlinganiso, nikhuphula amanani benidlelezele ngokusebenzisa iinlinganiso ngokukhohlakeleko. Nithenga abadududu ngesiliva nabatlhogako ngepara yamapatlagwana. Nithengisa ngitjho namasalela wekoroyi eniyithanyeleko. USomnini ufunge ngeDumo lakaJakopo wathi: “Nanyana yini abayenzileko angeze ngayikhohlwa. Inarha ayizukusikinyeka ngebangeli na, abantu abahlala khona bazile ngomzana? Inarha yoke izakuphuphuma njengomlambo iNayili; izakuzamaziswa, ibohle njengomlambo weGibhide.” USomnini uSomandla wathi: “Mhlokho ngizakwenza ilanga bona litjhinge emini, bese ephasini kuba mnyama, emini kwa bha. Ngizaphendula imigidi yenu yekolo ibe sizilo nokubhina kwenu koke kube sililo. Ngizanembathisa iinzilo noke nje nirhune iinhloko zenu. Isikhatheso ngizasenza kube ngathi ngesokulilela indodana ebelethwe iyodwa ngakwabo, bese ukuphela kwalo kube munyu.” USomnini uSomandla wathi: “Isikhathi siyeza lapha ngizakuthumela khona indlala enarheni: kungabi yindlala yokugoma namkha yokomela amanzi, kodwana kube yindlala yokuzwa amezwi kaSomnini. Abantu bazokuyerayera kusukela elwandle bekube selwandle, bayemayeme kusukela etlhagwini bekube sepumalanga, babhenyegula ilizwi lakaSomnini, kodwana abazolifumana. “Mhlokho kuzakuphuma imidzidlha emihle neentsitsirimba zakhona, zigelagele bezitsirimezeke ngebanga lomrhawu. Labo abafunga ngabosingazimu beSamariya nanyana bathi, ‘Ngozimakho uDani, ngiqinisile ngithi,’ nanyana bathi, ‘Ngozimu weBheritjheba, ngiqinisile ngithi,’ abantwabo bazokuduleka phasi, ngiqinisile ngithi angekhe basavuka.” Ngabona uSomnini ujame e-aldarini, wathi: “Betha iinqongolo zeensika ukuze kusikinyeke imibunjwana yomnyango. Arhirize ukuze awele phezu kweenhloko zabo boke abantu -- abaseleko ngizababulalela epini ngesabula. Akakho namunye ozakubaleka, akakho ozakuphunyurha. Nanyana bangemba batjhinge phasi ekuzikeni kwethuna, isandla sami sizabadzwebula khonapho. Nanyana banganyukela phezulu emazulwini, ngizabathatha khonapho ngibehlisele phasi. Nanyana bangabhaca esiqongolweni sentaba iKarameli, ngizabazuma khonapho ngibabambe. Nanyana bangabhaca ekuzikeni kwelwandle, nalapho ngizabanikelela ngenyoka bona ibalume. Nanyana izitha zabo zingabakghurumejela ekuthunjweni, ngizakulayela bona babulawe ngesabula khonapho. Ngizabaphosa ilihlo, ngibaqale kumbi ngingabaqali kuhle.” USomninni uSomandla uMninimandlawoke, othi nathinta iphasi lincibilike, kuthi boke abahlala kilo batlhuwe; inarha yoke iphuphume njengeNayili, ibohle njengomlambo weGibhide; nguye owakha isigodlo sakhe esiphakamileko emazulwini bewahloma isisekelo sakhona ephasini, wabiza amanzi welwandle, wawarhatjha ebusweni benarha, ibizo lakhe nguSomnini. USomnini wathi: “Nina ma-Israyeli, kimapha anifani namaKutjhe na? Azange ngikhuphe u-Israyeli eGibhide, namaFilista eKafitori, nama-Arami eKiri? Ngambala, amehlo kaSomnini uSomandla aphezu kombuso okhohlakeleko. Yeke ngizawubhubhisa nya ebusweni bephasi. Kodwana ikumba kaJakopo nokho angeze ngayibhubhisa.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Ngizakukhupha umyalo, ngihlunge ikumba ka-Israyeli hlangana nezizwe zoke, njengamabele nahlungwa esefeni; kodwana akunathorwana nayinye ezakuwela phasi. Zoke izoni ezihlangana nabantu bami zizakubulawa ngesabula, boke labo abathi, ‘Abekunahlekelele ezasehlela nanyana itjhidele kithi.’ ” “Mhlokho ngizakuvuselela itende lakaDavida eliwileko. Ngilungise iindawo zalo ezonakeleko, ngibuyisele isithunzi salo, ngilakhe libe njengombana gade linjalo phambilini; ukuze likwazi ukwamukela imisalela yakwa-Edomu nezizwe zoke ezibizwa ngebizo lami.” Kutjho uSomnini ozakwenza koke akutjhwileko. USomnini wathi: “Isikhathi siyeza, lapha ovunako azakubhedlhwa khona ngolimako notjalako abhedlhwe ngotlhodlha amadiribe. Iwayini elitjha lizakuthonta livela eentabeni, ligeleze kiyo yoke imibundu. Ngizakutjhugulula ubujamo babantu bami u-Israyeli: Bazakuvuselela amadorobho agiriziweko, bahlale kiwo. Bazakutjala amadiribe bebasele newayini lakhona; balima iimvande, bagome iinthelo zakhona. U-Israyeli ngizamtjala endawenakhe, ngingabe ngisamtsomula godu endaweni engimnikele yona.” Kutjho uSomnini uZimakho. Isambulo saka-Obadiya Watjho nje uSomnini uZimami kumphorofidi ngo-Edomu: “Sizwe ilizwi elibuya kuSomnini ngombana isigijimi sathunywa ezizweni sathi, ‘Nambani sikhambeni siyokusahlela umuzi.’ ” Godu uSomnini wathi ngomphorofidi ku-Edomu: “Yelela, ngizakukwehlisa isithunzi unyazeke ezizweni. Ukuzazi kwakho kukurhwalile, wena ohlala emipharwini yedwala, wakhe umuzi wakho esiqongolweni, wena ozitjela uthi, ‘Ngubani ongangihlakazela phasi?’ Nanyana indlwanakho ingaba phezulu njengeyedlanga, namkha ibe phezulu hlangana neenkwekwezi, ngizakuhlakaza khonapho. “Lokha nakufika amasela ngendlini nabagongodi ebusuku, bathatha abakufunako kwaphela; kodwana wena uzakuhlangulwa. Lokha abavuni nabavuna esidiribeni batjhiya ambalwa; kodwana abantu bakwa-Esewu bazakukhuthuzwa koke; amafa wabo afihliweko azakubhenyegululwa. Boke abakhozi bakho bazakukghurumejela emkhawulweni; onokuthula nabo bakurhwale bebakubinde; onghwatha nabo bazakubekela isifu esihlakeni sakho.” Godu uSomnini wathi ngomphorofidi ku-Edomu: “Akukasi kuye! Mhlokho mina Somnini ngizokutjhabalalisa iinhlakaniphi kwa-Edomu nokwazi entabeni yakwa-Esewu.” Kutjho uSomnini. Temana, iintsitsirimba zakho zizakusatjiswa kuthi woke umuntu arhayilwe entabeni yakwa-Esewu. USomnini wathi: “Ngebanga lokubulala nelokobana ube nerawurawu phezu komfowenu uJakopo, uzokuba namatlhuwiso bewutjhabalaliswe isiphelani. Wajamela ncanye wabukela mhlana abaqhamuki bathumba ibutho lakaJakopo, namhlana abatjhili bafahla emasangwenakhe; namhlana baphosa ifumbe babelana ngeJerusalema. Wena-ke bewufana poro nabo. Bewungakameli ukarwe kubukela umfowenu mhlana asematjhweni, namkha uthabe mhlana kurhayilwa amaJuda, nanyana ube nomlomo omude mhlana kunamahlungu. Bewungakameli ufahle emasangweni wabantu bami mhlana bavelelwe lilitjhwa, nanyana ukarwe kubukela ingozi kaJakopo mhlana avelelwe lilitjhwa, nanyana uhlangule ilifa lakhe mhlana avelelwe lilitjhwa. Bewungakameli ukuqamulela abaphunyurhileko nababaleka ngeendlela zamakhondlo ubatjhabalalise, nanyana ubakhaphele ezitheni mhlana basemahlungwini. “Ngambala, ilanga lakaSomnini selitjhidele ezizweni zoke. Lokho okwenzileko kuzakwenziwa nakuwe, uzakubethwa ngezakho.” “Njengombana nina bantu bakaJakopo nirhamule ikapho yomhlonyani entabenami ecwengileko nje; yeke nezizwezi zoke nje zizayirhamula mndundu. Zizakurhamula zirhubule kube ngathi azange khezibe khona phambilini. “Kodwana entabeni yeZiyoni kuzakuba nerholo lokuphephela; intaba le izakuba ngecwengileko, kuthi indlu kaJakopo izuze inarha eyayilobako. “Indlu kaJakopo izakuba mlilo, kuthi yakaJosefa ibe lilangabu, kodwana yaka-Esewu yona izakuba mawunguwungu; yeke bazayithungela ngomlilo itjhe thokgho. Akuzokuba khona ophunyurhako endlini ka-Esewu.” Ngambala watjho njalo uSomnini. “Abantu besewula yakwaJuda bazazithumbela iintaba zakwa-Esewu, kuthi abasemibundwini engeTjingalanga bazithumbele inarha yamaFilista. Abantu bakwaJuda bona bazazithumbela amasimu wakwa-Efrayimu neweSamariya ngeTlhagwini. UBhenjamini yena azithumbele iGiliyadi ngePumalanga. Isiqhema sabathunjwa bakwa-Israyeli sizokuthumba inarha yamaKanana bekube seSerafadi ngeTlhagwini. Abathunjwa beJerusalema baseSefaradi bazakuthumba amadorobho angesewula. Abahlengi bazakukhuphukela entabeni yeZiyoni ukuze babuse iintaba zakwa-Esewu. Umbuso uzokuba ngowakaSomnini.” Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kuJona indodana ka-Amitayi, lathi: “Khuphuka uye edorobheni elikhulu iNiniva, ufike ubakhalime ngombana ubukhohlakali babo sele benyuke bebafika phambi kwami.” Kodwana uJona wabalekela uSomnini wanqomba eTharatjhitjhi. Wehlela eJopha lapha afunyana khona isithayamanzi siya eTharatjhitjhi. Selakhokhe imali yekhambo, wehlela ngaphakathi kwesithayamanzi wakhamba nabathayi eTharatjhitjhi abalekela uSomnini. USomnini wavusa ummoya omkhulu elwandle, kwaba nesiwuruwuru esinamandla; isithayamanzi safuna ukuhliphilika. Abathayi bethukwa bekwathi omunye nomunye wabiza uzimakhe. Bajikijela umthwalo ngelwandle ukwenzela bona isithayamanzi sibe lula. Kodwana uJona wehlela endaweni engaphasi yesithayamanzi walala ubuthongo. Ukapteni wehlela kuye wathi: “Wena ulala ngendlela enjani na? Vuka ubize uzimakho! Mhlamunye uZimu angasicabangela singabhubhi.” Abathayi bakhuluma bodwa bathi: “Asenzeni ifumbe ukuze sithole bona ngubani umuntu osibangele umhlolokazi ongaka lo.” Benza ifumbe; yadla uJona. Bambuza-ke bathi: “Akhe usitjele, ngubani osibangele umhlolo ongaka na? Usebenza msebenzi bani wena na? Udabukaphi? Uvela kiyiphi inarha? Njekhona umhlobo bani?” Wabaphendula wathi: “NgimHebheru begodu ngithobela uSomnini uZimu osezulwini, okunguye umenzi welwandle nenarha.” Amadoda ethukwa khulu abuza athi: “Alo-ke, woneni na?” Abuza nje, begade selasazi bonyana umrhali lo ubalekela uSomnini ngombana ukhe wawadembela. Ilwandle larhagala ngokukhiphizela. Ambuza athi: “Alo-ke kufanele sikwenzeni ukuze ilwandle lirhobhe na?” Lokhu bakutjho ngombana ilwandle lalirhagele. Wabaphendula wathi: “Yeningithathe ningijikijele ngelwandle, yeke amagagasi eniphakathi kwawo azakurhobha. Ngiyazi bona ngimi engibangele ukurhagala okungaka kwelwandle.” Amadoda la enza koke okusemandlenawo ukubuyela enarheni. Kodwana ahluleka ngombana ilwandle lawarhagalela khulu kunekuthomeni. Athoma alilela uSomnini athi: “Siyakubawa Somnini, asingafi ngebanga lendoda le. Ungasivumeli ukubulala indoda le ngaphandle komlandu ngombana wena Somnini wenza njengombana uthanda.” Ambamba-ke uJona amjikijela ngelwandle; kwathi ilwandle ebegade lirhagele larhobha. Amadoda ethukwa khulu esaba uSomnini, enzela uSomnini umhlabelo neemfungo. USomnini waletha ihlambi ekulu eyafika yaginya uJona. UJona wahlala ngemathunjini wehlambi leyo amalanga amathathu nobusuku bakhona. UJona wathandaza uSomnini uZimakhe angemathunjini wehlambi, wathi: “Emahlungwinami ngalilela uSomnini, yeke wangiphendula. Phakathi kokufa ngarhuwelela ngifuna isizo, yeke watjheja isililo sami. Wangijikijela emajukujukwini, phakathi ekuzikeni kwamalwandle; umsele wangizombeleza, amagagasi angigubuzesa. Ngathi, ‘Ngiqotjhiwe ebusweni bakho, kodwana ngaqalelela godu ithempela lakho elicwengileko.’ Amanzi apheze angikghama, ukuzika kwangizombeleza, ikhula lelwandle lararela ihlokwami. Ngatjhinga phasi esidindini seentaba, iphasi langivalela ngaphakathi kwalo ingunaphakade. Kodwana wena Somnini Zimami, wakhuphula ipilwami emgodini. Lokha ummoyami nawuphelelwa mamandla, ngakhumbula uSomnini. Umthandazwami wakhuphukela kuwe, wafikelela ethempelini lakho elicwengileko. Labo abathembela kibosingazimu abanganabubhadekelo, baphunyurhwa ngoThembekileko kibo. Kodwana mina ngizokuletha umhlatjelo kuwe, ngikubabaze ngesihlabelelo sokudumisa. Engikufungeleko ngizakuphumelelisa, isindiso ivela kuSomnini.” USomnini walayela ihlambi bonyana ihlanzele uJona ehlabathini eyomileko. Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kuJona kwesibili lathi: “Khuphuka uye edorobheni elikhulu iNiniva ufese ubakhalime ngamezwi engikuthume wona.” UJona wakhuphuka waya eNiniva njengokutjho kwelizwi lakaSomnini. INiniva begade kulidorobho elikhulu kwamambala, bekuthatha amalanga amathathu ukulizombeleza. UJona kwamthatha ikhambo lelanga ukuqangula ngaphakathi kwedorobho. Wabika wathi: “Kusele amatjhumi amane wamalanga bonyana iNiniva irhayilwe.” Amadoda weNiniva akholwa kuZimu. Abeka ilanga lokuzila ukudla kusukela komkhulu kuya komncani, embatha iinzilo. Ikosi yeNiniva yathi ingezwa iindabezi, yasikima esihlalweni sayo, yahlubula iingubo zayo zobukhosi, yazibhibha ngomgodla yahlala phasi ebhudwini. Yakhupha umbiko eNiniva yathi: “Umyalo ovela ekosini neenduneni zayo uthi: Kungabi nomuntu ogomako noselako, ifuyo ekulu nencani nayo ingadliswa begodu ingasezwa amanzi. Abantu bazibhibhe ngemigodla kanye nefuywabo. Ababize uZimu ngamandla. Omunye nomunye atjhiye iindlela zakhe zobukhohlakali nenturhu esezandleni zakhe. Ngombana ngubani owaziko, mhlamunye uZimu angazisola ebukhalini bakhe asirhawukele ukuze singabhubhi.” UZimu wabona izenzo zabo, nangendlela baphenduke ngayo ebukhohlakalini babo, wabarhawukela azange asababhubhisa njengombana agade atjhwile. UJona samsilinga khulu isenzwesi bewabibhelana. Wathandaza uSomnini wathi: “Maye Somnini, akhange ngisole ngisesesenarheni yekhethu na? Kungebangeli-ke mina fengathoma ngokubalekela eTharatjhitjhi. Ngazile bona unguZimu onomusa nesirhawu, ubuthaka ekusilingekeni. Ukwethembeka kwakho kukhulu. UnguZimu oriyadako ukurhayila. Nje-ke Kosami, dumbana uthathe ipilwami; kungcono ngife kunobana ngiphile.” Kodwana uSomnini wamphendula wathi: “Unelungelo lokubibhelana na?” UJona waphuma ngedorobheni wayokuhlala ngepumalanga yalo, wazenzela umthunzi ngamatjhwaba lapho. Wahlala lapho wakha umkhanyo afuna ukubona bonyana kuzokwenzakalani ngedorobheli. USomnini uZimu waveza umrarela; bewakhula wanaba wenzela uJona umthunzi ukuze asithe ihlokwakhe. UJona wawuthabela khulu umrarela lowo. Kodwana kwathi ngomuso ngesamarimarima uSomnini waveza ipehli yadla umrarela lowo bewatjhwaba. Kwathi nakuphuma ilanga uZimu waletha ummoya otjhisako ovela ngepumalanga, ilanga lanemba uJona ehloko bewatsirimizeka. Wakhanukela ukufa wathi: “Kungcono ngife kunobana ngiphile.” Kodwana uZimu wathi kuJona: “Unelungelo lokubibhelana ngebanga lomrarela lo na?” UJona wathi: “Iye, nginelungelo lokubibhelana kangangoba kuthi angife.” USomnini wathi kuye: “Wena utshwenyeke ngomrarela lo; nanyana ungazange uwujulukele. Umile ngobusuku bunye begodu watjhabalala ngobusuku bunye. Alo-ke mina bengingakameli bonyana ngitshwenyekele iNiniva idorobho elikhulu kangaka elinabantu abangaphezu kweenkulungwana ezilikhulu namatjhumi amabili abangazi bonyana emuva kukuphi naphambili kukuphi, nefuyo enengi kangaka na?” Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kuMikha weMoretjheti lokha nakusabusa uJotamu, u-Arhazi, noHezekhiya, amakhosi wakwaJuda. Wembulelwa ngeSamariya neJerusalema. Yizwani noke nina bantu! Lalela nawe phasi nabo boke abakuwe ngombana uSomnini uMninimandlawoke uzanithwesa umlandu; iye, uMninimandlawoke asethempelini lakhe elicwengileko. Yelelani! USomnini uyeza, uvela esigodlweni sakhe, uyehla uzokuthumba iphasi. Iintaba zincibilika ngaphasi kwakhe njengamafutha nezwa umlilo; kuphadlhuka ilwandle ekuzikeni, kuvele isiwamanzi. Koke lokhu kubangelwa mitjhapho kaJakopo, kubangwa zizono zekumba ka-Israyeli. Kungaba ngubani-ke otjhaphisa uJakopo nakungasiyo iSamariya? Iinduli zakaJuda zingaba ngubani nakungasiyo iJerusalema? USomnini wathi: “Yeke ngizakwenza iSamariya ibe liqubi, ngisunduzele amatje emirhobeni, ngivumbulule iinsekelo zayo, ngiyenze umrhula nendawo yokutjala isidiribe. Zoke iinthombe ezibaziweko zakhona zizakuphahlazwa; zoke izipho zethempeli lakhona zitjhiswe ngomlilo. Ngizokutjhabalalisa boke abosingazimu bayo. Njengombana izuze izipho zethempeli layo ngobungwadla, bazazithatha bangwadle ngazo phambili.” UMikha wathi: Ngebangeli ngizakuzila ngilile, ngiphatjhume ngeenzilo. Iye, ngizakulila njengeempungutjha, ngibubule njengeenciliba. Ngambala, iSamariya ayizokusinda encebeni elimbeli; nakuJuda kuzakuba njalo. Ubuhlungu balo buzakufika eJerusalema, iye, esangweni labantu bekhethu. Ningayidembi indaba le eGadi, nayikulila ningeze benilile. EBhethe-Le-Afra bazibhudabhuda ebhudwini. Abantu beTjhafira banibethela ipalapala nina bantu beJerusalema. Abantu beTsanana abaphumeli etjhatjhalazini. IBhethe-Ha-Etseli angeze yakusiza Jerusalema ngombana nayo iyalila. Iye, abantu beMarothi batlhuwile, basesizini elikhulu. Ngambala, uSomnini ubehlisele amatlhuwiso la abe ayokufika ngitjho nemasangweni weJerusalema. Nina bantu beLarhitjhi bophelani iinjomani eenkaraneni. Ngini enisisusa sokona kwendodakazi yeZiyoni ngombana nemitjhapho ka-Israyeli ifunyenwe phakathi kwenu. Nina bantu beLarhitjhi hlobokani iMoretjheti-Gathi. Umuzi we-Akziba awuzukuba nobubhadekelo emakhosini wakwa-Israyeli. Godu ngizaninikelela ngezitha nina bantu beMaretjha. Olithemba laka-Israyeli uzazifihla e-Adulama. Gudani iinhloko zenu nina bantu beLarhitjhi; niziphale zibe butjhelelezi njengedlanga, nizilele imizana eniyithandako enibhodileko ngombana izakuthunjwa. Bazazizwa labo abatlama ikohlakalo ebusuku, iye, abogalajanaba! Kuthi ekuseni bayenze ngombana kusemandlenabo. Nabakhanuka amasimu bayawahluthula, nabarhalela izindlu, bayazithatha. Bagalaja isakhamuzi umzaso, basidlelezele ilifa laso. Yeke uSomnini wathi: “Qala, nginitlamela ikohlakalo nina sigungu ndina. Kuzakuphela ukukhambela phezulu ngombana nizabe nibotjhelelwe ejogini isiphelani. Ngambala kuzabe kusikhathi esimasikizi kini.” Mhlokho, abantu bazaniphoqa, babhine ingoma yesililo ngani bathi: “Siyavuma, sirhurhutjhiwe! USomnini uhlukanisa ilifa labantu bekhethu. Maye, ulihluthule kangangani kithi! Wabela abadududu inarhethu.” Yeke anizukuba nomjameli phambi kwakaSomnini nakwabiwa inarhenu ngefumbe. “Ningaphikeleli ukuphorofida. Aninalungelo lokuphorofida njalo, isiphoqweso asizukusehlela; ngombana uSomnini uthembise indlu kaJakopo; uMoya wakaSomnini uyabekezela; uSomnini akenzi izinto ezinjalo.” Awa, amezwami amenzela okuhle olungileko. Kodwana nina nibe sisitha sabantu bekhethu najamelana nabathanda ukuthula. Niwunawune abantu abazidlulela ngendlela abangananturhu namuntu benabahlubulisa, nathatha izambatho zabo. Niqotjha abafazi babantu bekhethu ezindlini abazithandako; nithathela abantwababo isabelo benibatlhagise isiphelani. Zilungiseleleni ukukhamba ngombana akusiyo indawenu yokuphumula le. Ukusilaphala kwenu kuyonile. Maye kubuhlungu kangangani ukonakala kwayo! Nami bengingaphorofida kini ngewayini nangotjwala obunengi; kodwana umuntu kaMoya akaleyi amala. Nokho isigungu sabaphorofidi benwesi sithi: “USomnini wathi: ‘Ngambala ngizababuthelela ndawonye boke abantu bakaJakopo, iinzukulwana zaka-Israyeli. Ngibaragele esibayeni njengezimvu, iye, njengeenkomo emrageni; babe liwoma bahumuzele.’ ” Begodu bathi: “Loyo oliVulandlela uzabarhola. Bazakufahla baphume esangweni; batjhaphuluke. Ikosabo izabakhomba indlela, ibe yihlokwabo.” Esiphorofidweni sabo ngaphendula ngathi: Lalelani, nina baphathi bakwaJakopo, nina babusi bekumba ka-Israyeli. Bekungakameli bonyana nazi imiyalo na? Kodwana nihloya ukulunga, nithanda ikohlakalo. Nirathula abantu bekhethu isikhumba nidabula inyamabo emathanjenabo. Nihlinza abantu bekhethu, nigome inyamabo beniqobelele namathambabo abe ziinquqwana; kwanga niyowafaka kunomaturwana, iye, kwanga niyowafaka kugalaza. Kuzakufika isikhathi lapha nizakubiza khona uSomnini, nokho akazoniphendula; uzanifulathela ngebanga lekohlakalo yenu. Utjho nje uSomnini ngabaphorofidi abakhohlisa abantu bekhethu: “Nabaphiwa esinefutha baphorofida bathi ‘Nizakuba nokuthula’, kodwana umuntu nakangabaphi abakufunako, bayamlwisa. Ngebangelo kuzakuhlwa kini barholi, beningasambulelwa; kube mnyama kini, beningasaphengula nabaphorofidi benwabo lizabatjhingela, bazakuphumbutha emini kwa bha. Abaphorofidabo bazakuba neenhloni; izangoma zenu zitlhuwise. Boke bazakufihla ubuso babo ngombana uZimu angeze abaphendula.” Kodwana mina ngizaliswe ngamandla, nangoMoya kaSomnini, ngokulunga nangegunya; kobana ngitjele uJakopo ngemitjhapho yakhe no-Israyeli ngezono zakhe. Lalelani kuhle-ke nina baphathi bekumba kaJakopo, nani babusi bekumba ka-Israyeli, nina eninyenya ukulunga niphambanise koke okuhle: IZiyoni seyisisazi sokuphalaza iingazi, iJerusalema seyisisazi sobukhohlakali. Abaphathi bakhona bagweba ngokudizelwa, abaphristi bakhona bafundisa ngokubhadelwa, nabaphorofidi bakhona baphorofidela imali. Bazisama ngoSomnini bathi: “Ngambala uSomnini uphakathi kwethu. Akunamatlhuwo angasehlela.” Nje-ke, ngebanga lenu, iZiyoni izakulinywa njengesimu, iJerusalema izakuba liqubi leququ, kuthi intatjana yethempela ibe lihlathi. Kuzakufika isikhathi lapha intaba yethempeli lakaSomnini izakunzinza khona esiqongolweni seentaba; izakuphakanyiswa yengamele imibundu yoke; yeke izizwe zizayirhuluphela. Izizwe zoke zizakuhlangana zithi: “Nambani sikhambeni, senyukeleni entabeni kaSomnini, ekumbeni kaZimu wakaJakopo. USomnini uzasifundisa imithetho yakhe; ukuze sikhambe ngeendlela zakhe.” Ngambala kuzakubethwa umthetho eZiyoni, kuphume ilizwi lakaSomnini eJerusalema. USomnini uzakugweba izizwe zoke begodu ararulule imiraro yezizwe ezinengi eziseduze nezikude. Zizakuthatha iinsabula zazo zenze ngazo amalembe wokulima; zithathe nemikhonto yazo zenze imikhwa yokuqopha imithi. Izizwe angeze zisaphakamiselana iinkhali, namkha zizibandulele ipi. Woke umuntu uzazigedla ngaphasi kwesidiribe sakhe, nanyana ngaphasi komuthakhe wamakhiwani. Yeke akunamuntu ozabethusa. Ngambala uSomnini uSomandla ukhulumile. Ngitjho nanyana izizwe zoke zingathembela kibosingazimu bazo, kodwana thina sizakuthembela kuSomnini uZimethu nini nanini. USomnini wathi: “Mhlokho, “ngizakubuthelela abatshinyekileko; ngihlanganise ndawonye abaphadlhalajiweko nalabo engabazwisa ubuhlungu. Abatshinyekileko ngizabenza isizwe esikhulu, abaqotjhiweko ngibenze isizwe esinamandla. USomnini uzakubusa phezu kwabo entabeni yeZiyoni kusuka mhlokho bekube nini nanini. Wena-ke Sithala sokwelusa umhlambi, wena Ntatjana yendodakazi yeZiyoni, umbuso waphambilini uzakubuyiselwa kuwe, ngitjho ubukhosi bendodakazi yeJerusalema.” Alo, urhahlawulelani-ke gadesi Jerusalema, nangabe unekosi na? Kghani umlulekakho uhlongakele, nawulokhu uzibinyabinya inga umfazi oseenhlungwini zokubeletha nje na? Yewuzibinyabinye urhuwelele njengomfazi obelethako wena ndodakazi yeZiyoni ngombana ngambala uzakuphuma ngedorobhenapha ukhambe uhloma umtlhatlhana emmangweni bewuyokufika eBhabheli. Lapho uzakwenyulwa; khonapho uSomnini uzakuhlenga esandleni sezitha zakho. Ngambala izizwe ezinengi zihlangene ngawe Ziyoni, zithi: “Ayirhubutjhwe iZiyoni le, ukuze siyibone kuhle!” Kodwana izizwezi aziwazi umkhumbulo kaSomnini namaqhingakhe aziwalimuki. Ngambala uzazibuthelela njengeenqwambe zekoroyi eselelweni, bese uthi: “Sikima ugadange, ndodakazi yeZiyoni ngombana ngizakuhlomela iimpondo zesimbi, ngikufake iinqatha zekoporo bese upitliza izizwe ezinengi. Ulethe kimi iinzuzo zazo ezizifumene ngobugirikijani, kimi mina Kosi yephasi loke.” Lokha nawubuthelela amabuthwakho, Dorobho lemigulukudu, izitha zizabe zisizombelezile. Zizakusawula umbusi wakwa-Israyeli emhlathini ngentonga. USomnini wathi: “Kodwana wena, Bhethe-Lehema yakwa-Efratha, nanyana umncani eenkorweni zakwaJuda nje, phakathi kwakho kuzakuphuma othileko ozakuba mbusi kwa-Israyeli ebizweni lami; ondabuko yakhe yavela phambilini ekadeni, ngowakhula inarha isalele.” Nje-ke uSomnini uzakunikela abantu beJerusalema ezandleni zezitha; kufikela lapha kubelethwa khona othileko, bese abafowabo abasekuthunjweni babuye bazihlanganise namanye ama-Israyeli. Uzakujama begodu eluse abantu bakhe emandleni kaSomnini, ebizweni eliphakamileko lakaSomnini uZimakhe. Abantu bakhe bazakuhlala bavikelekile; ngambala uzakuduma iphasi loke. Awa, umbusethu akazukuthinteka. Nakuma-Asiriya wona, nange angalinga ukungena enarhenethu bese atjhagala emarholwenethu, sizawahlanganisa nabelusi abalikhomba nabarholi ababunane bezizwe ezinye. Bazakudla inarha ye-Asiriya ngesabula, iye, inarha kaNimrodi ngesabula erhwatjhiweko. Yeke umbusethu uzasisindisa ema-Asiriyeni lokha nakalinga ukungena enarhenethu, nanyana atjhagala emkhawulwenethu. Iinzukulwana zakaJakopo phakathi kwezizwe zoke zizakuba njengombethe ovela kuSomnini, njengamathosi wezulu phezu kotjani obuhlaza. Azizukuthembela ebantwini begodu azizukurhuluphela ezizweni ezinye. Awa, iinzukulwana zakaJakopo phakathi kwezizwe zizakufana nengwenyama phakathi kweenyamazana, njengebhubezana hlangana nomhlambi wezimvu. Zizakukhamba zigadanga, zirathula kungabi nosindisako. Yewuphakamise isandla sakho wena muntu kaJakopo ujamelane nezitha zakho ukuze zirhayileke zoke. USomnini wathi malungana nezitha zethu: “Mhlokho ngizakurhayila iinjomani zenu bengibhidlize neenkarana zenu zepi. Ngizakurhayila amadorobho wenarhekhenu bengibhuruze woke amadorobhenu anemithangala. Ngizakurhayila ubuloyi benu beningasaba nababoni. Ngirhayile nabosingazimu benu ababaziweko namatjenu eniwalotjhako; angekhe benisakhothamela izinto enizibumbe ngezandla zenu. Ngizakuruthula nesithombe senu u-Atjhera bengibhidlize neendawo zenu ezicwengileko. Ngizazibuyiselela ngobukhali nangetukuthelo phezu kwezizwe ngendlela ezingazange ziyibone.” Akhese nilalele okutjhiwo nguSomnini. Uthe kimi: “Sikima, umangalele iintaba; imibundu ayizwe ubufakazi bakho. Yizwani nina ntaba ukumangala kwakaSomnini, lalelani nina nsekelo zephasi ezinini nanini. Ngambala uSomnini umangalela abantu bakhe, ubiza u-Israyeli bona azoziphendulela: ‘Bantu bami, nginone ngani? Kghani nginidisibeze ngani na? Fakazani ngami-ke! Iye, nganikhupha eGibhide; nganihlenga enarheni yobukhoboka. Nganithumela uMosi, u-Aroni noMeriyamu kobana banirhole. Bantu bami, akhese nikhumbule bona uBhalakhi, ikosi yakwaMowabi, gade arerani ngani; nokobana uBhiliyamu, indodana kaBhewori, wamphendula wathini. Khumbulani bona kwenzekani ngani phakhathi kweTjhitimu neGiligali ukuze namukele imisebenzi elungileko eyenziwa nguSomnini.’ ” Ngizakulethani kuSomnini nangikhothamela uZimu ophakamileko? Kghani ngizakuletha phambi kwakhe umnikelo wokutjhiswa, ngizibike ngeenkunzana? USomnini angathabela ikulungwana yamaqama neenkulungwana ezilitjhumi zemilambo yamafutha na? Kghani ngizakunikela ngezibulo lami bona ngihlawule imitjhapho yami, ngithathe indodanami ngihlawule ngayo izono zehliziywami? USomnini ukwazisile wena muntu lokho okulungileko. Yini-ke okhunye uSomnini akulindele kuwe ngaphandle kokwenza akutjhwileko nokwethembeka esivumelwaneni sakhe bewukhambe noZimakho ngokutjhejisisa na? Ilizwi lakaSomnini likhuluma nedorobho; kukuhlakanipha ukwesaba ibizo lakhe. USomnini wathi: “Lalela wena sephulamthetho ndina, mdlelezeli! Wenandlu yokonakala benginganyamezelela isilinganiso sakho sobukhohlakali; nginyamezelele isilinganiso segagogo odlelezela ngaso na? Ngingathethelela umuntu okala imilandu yabantu ngesikala samanga nangomgodla onobudisi obuzele ikohliso na? Ngambala, iingwili zedorobho zinenturhu, izakhamuzi zakhona zibomalakazi namalimazo azele ikohliso. Ngebangelo-ke sebengithomile ukukumukula wena dorobho, nokukurhayila ngebanga lezono zakho. Uzakudla, kodwana ungasuthi; (Lokha naniya emabhayini imbewakho ayizukuba nepilo, nakungenzeka ibe nepilo ngizayinikelela ngekemba.) Uzakutjala ungavuni litho, uminye ama-oliva, kodwana ungazizesi ngamafuthawo, nizakutlhodlha amadiribe kodwana ningarhamuli iwayini lakhona. Neenthombe zabosingazimu baka-Omri zizakususwa, kuthi yoke imisebenzi yezandla yendlu ka-Ahabi isiphulwe ngombana ulandele iinluleko zabo. Ngebangelo-ke mina Somnini ngizakwenza amarubhi, izakhamuzi zakho ngizenze isiga; uzakuthwala isiphoqo esinqophiswe ebantwini bami.” Maye mina! Nginjengomuntu ofunana namadiribe angawagoma sele kuvuniwe. Ngifunana namakhiwani sele athintithekile. Kunjalo-ke ukufunana nomuntu olungileko enarheni nomuntu kaZimu phakathi kwabantu. Boke baqothele ukuphalaza iingazi, omunye nomunye uzumana nendlela yokugolana nomfowabo ngenede. Iinkhulu zakhona zamukela umlandu ngokukhongozela; abagwebi bakhupha iingwebo ngokufunjathiswa; ngitjho nomgwebi omkhulu akanabulilelo ugweba umathanda. Loyo okuthiwa ngongcono kunabo uhlaba njengomunga, nokuthiwa ulunge khulu unjengesibuya sameva. Imini yokuhlunguphazwa kwabo seyifikile, ababalaleleko bazababamba. Nje-ke bazazizwa inga bayatjha. Ungamethembi umakhelwana, ungabeki ithemba lakho emnganinakho; ngitjho nanyana kungaba ngotjhidelene kangangani nawe, ulonde ikulumakho. Ngombana indodana inyaza uyise, indodakazi iphikisana nonina, umalukazana ukhombana nonosokana ngomuno. Izitha zomuntu kuba babantu bekhabo. Kodwana mina ngiqalelela uSomnini ngethemba, ngilinda uZimu uMsindisami, uZimami uzangitjheja. Ungabukisi ngami wena sitha sami! Nanyana ngiwile nje, kodwana ngizakuvuka. Nanyana ngihlezi ebumnyameni nje, kodwana uSomnini uzakuba kukhanya kwami. Ngebanga lokobana ngitjhaphele uSomnini, ngizakugugubala ngaphasi kobukhali bakhe, bekube kumhla angikhupha emlandwini; mhlana abuyisa ilungelo lami. Uzangikhuphela ekukhanyeni; ngizakubona ukulunga kwakhe. Yeke isitha sami sizakubona lokhu bese siphathwa ziinhloni, njengombana sathi kimi: “Uphi-ke uSomnini uZimakho?” Ngizasiqalela phasi; yeke sizakugadangwa njengedaka eendledlaneni. Imini yokuqinisa imithangalakho izakufika -- imini yokurhayilwa ngesihlungu. Mhlokho umdlelezelakho uzakufika azabele wena Asiriya namadorobhakho. Uzakufika azabele iingcenye zoke zenarhakho; iye, ukusuka emlanjeni ukuya emlanjaneni nokusuka entabeni ukuya entatjaneni. Inarha izakuba libhudu ngebanga lezenzo zabahlali bayo. Somnini, yelusa abantu bakho ngentongakho, umhlambi welifa lakho. Uwuvikele emahlathini weentaba zeKarameli; uvumele udle eBhatjhani neGiliyadi njengekadeni. Benze babone imikarisomraro, njengamhlana wena Somnini ubakhupha eGibhide. Izizwe zizakubona lokhu bese ziyakhena, kuphele ukuthi zona zinamandla. Zizakuvala imilomo yazo ngezandla, zivaleke iindlebe. Abantwaba bazakurhurhuba njengenyoka; bakhase njengeembandana ehlabathini. Bazakuphuma batatazela erholweni labo; bahlengezele phambi kwakho Somnini Zimethu, bazakwesaba ngebanga lakho. Ngubani uZimu onjengawe, othethelela isono, ongayeleli imitjhapho yeendlalifa zakhe, nonganamavunda kodwana othabela ukwethembeka, ozasirhawukela godu, agadangele izono zethu ngaphasi kwenyawo na? Iye, uzakujikijela yoke imitjhapho yabantu bakho ekuzikeni kwelwandle. Uzakuba ngoqinisileko kuJakopo nothembekileko ku-Abrahamu, njengombana wafunga kibobaba ekadeni. Isimemezelo sakaZimu ngeNiniva. Incwadi yesambulo sakaNarhume umElkhotjhi. USomnini unguZimu onesikhwele nozibuyiselelako; uSomnini uyazibuyiselela begodu uzele ngobukhali. USomnini uzibuyiselela kabajameleni naye begodu uhlala abukhali ezitheni zakhe. USomnini ubuthaka ekusilingekeni; kodwana unamandla amakhulu begodu akalisi ukuhlunguphaza. Ugadanga kuvuke isivunguvungu nesiwuruwuru, namafu aba libhudu eenyaweni zakhe. Ukhalimela ilwandle lome kere; enze nemilambo itjhe thokgho. Amasiso weBhatjhani ayoma, amahlathi weKarameli arhabuke, kutjhwabe namakhwa weLibhanoni. Iintaba ziyahlengezela, imibundu incibilike phambi kwakhe. Iphasi liyahlengezela phambi kwakhe nelizwe nabo boke abahlala kilo. Ngubani ongajamelana nokukhalima kwakhe? Ngubani onganyamezelela ubukhali bakhe na? Ebukhalini bakhe ujikijela umlilo; amadwala akghephuke phambi kwakhe. USomnini ulungile kilabo abaphephela kuye ngeenkhathi zamatshwenyeko; Utjheja labo ababalekela kuye ngeenkhathi zeenrhurhula. Kodwana uzaziphelisa nya izitha zakhe abe aziqotjhele kwalatjha. Nanyana ngiwaphi amaqhinga izitha eziwenza ngoSomnini, uSomnini uzawaphelisa nya. Iye, amatshwenyeko angeze abuya kwesibili. Bazakurarejeka njengesidakwa esibhajwe emeveni, batjhiswe njengamawunguwungu. Umgandeleli othiyela uSomnini amano wobukhohlakali nohlongoza ukonakala, uzakunyelela. Watjho nje uSomnini: “Nanyana baphelele babanengi ngaleyondlela, bazokukghedlhwa bokanyana njalo baphele nya. Nanyana ngikuthobisile nje wena Juda, nokho angeze bengisakuthobisa godu. Ngizakwephula ijogi eliphezu kwakho, ngiqhusule imitja abanibophe ngayo.” USomnini ukhuphe umlayezo ngawe kosi, wathi: “Ibizo lakho alisazukukhunjulwa. Ngizakutjhabalalisa yoke imifanekiso ebaziweko nebunjiweko esethempelini labosingazimu benu. Ngizakwenza ithuna lakho libe lizala.” Qalani laphaya phezu kweentaba, nasiya isithunywa esiletha iindaba ezimnandi, sirhuwelela sithi: “Ukuthula! Gidinga iminyanyakho wena Juda, uzalise iimfungo zakho. Akusenasikhohlakali esizanisahlela; sizakurhayilwa siphele nya. “Abasabaleleko uzababona lokha nababuyako wena Juda. Yenyukelani esithaleni, nigade indlela! Zilungiseleleni, niziqinise!” Ngambala uSomnini uzakubuya ngedumo lakaJakopo, iye, ngedumo laka-Israyeli. Ngambala abarhayili bazabarhayila begodu bazakutjhabalalisa abavikeli babo. Ngelanga elibekwe nguSomnini, iinhlangu zeentsitsirimba zayo zibomvu; iingorho zakhona zivunule okutlerebede. Iinsimbi zeenkarana zepi ziyamenyezela, abakhweli beenjomani baya ngapha nangapha. Batjhayela iinkarana inga mahlanya eendleleni, zehla zenyuka nommango woke. Zifana neenhlothi ezivuthako; zigijima zitsekeze njengombani. Amabutho kaSomnini akhethekileko ziingorho, akhamba ahlula endlelenawo. Agijimela emthangaleni wedorobho; alungisa umgqala wawo ukugiriza umthangala. Amasango wangemlanjeni avulwe petle, isigodlo siyathuthumela ngevalo. Indlovukazi isiwa ekuthunjweni ngekoloyana. Amakhobokakazi wayo ayathunjwa; athwala imikhono ehloko, alile irhabiya njengamazuba. INiniva injengedamu elivulelweko: Amanzi wakhona ayagobhoza. “Valani! Valani!”, kodwana amanzi akavaleki. Thumbani isiliva! Thumbani igolide! Umgodla uvulekile, umnotho uze ngonina lapha! INiniva idlelezelwe, yahlangulwa; yasala ilirubhi! Iinhliziyo zadana, amadolo ayathuthumela, imizimba yoke iyahlengezela; boke ubuso buyaphaphatheka. Gadesi liphi-ke idzaba leengwenyama, lapha kondlelwa khona imindlwana yeengwenyama, lapha ingwenyama eduna nesikazi zikhambakhamba khona, lapha iingwenyama zizibusa khona na? Iphi ingwenyama ebulele ngokwaneleko, ukondla imindlwanayo; ekghamela ukondla ingwenyama esikazi, ezalisa isikhundla sayo ngeenyamazana nedzaba layo ngeendumbu na? USomnini uMninimandlawoke uthi: “Ngijamelene nawe kosi. Ngizakutjhisa iinkarana zakho, isabula izakurhayila iingwenyamana zakho. Ngizakutjhabalalisa koke okuhlangule kabanye. Amezwi weenthunywa zakho angeze asazwakala.” Lizazizwa idorobho leengazi, lizele ngamala; lizele ngobumarhamaru, alitlhogi elikuthumbileko! Lenza lokhu ngokuthuthumbisa iimbebhu, kutswiririze amavili; ligijimise iinjomani, kukhehlezele iinkoloyana! Abakhweli beenjomani bahlabela phambili, kumanyazela iinsabula, kumekeza imikhonto! Latjhiya iinkubela ezinengi, kwaba sidumbu phezu kwesidumbu -- zaba zinengi zarareja umuntu. Koke lokhu kungebanga lobungwadla bengwadla, enejamo elilulubezako, umtjhotjhozeli wobuloyi, okhaphela izizwe ukuze azuze, akhaphele abantu ngobuloyi bakhe. USomnini uMninimandlawoke uthi: “Ngijamelene nawe poro. Ngizakubhenula iinthimba zakho, izizwe zoke zikubonele; nemibuso ibone ukurhubutjheka kwakho. Ngizakujikijela ngamanyala, ngikunyazise, ngenze ngawe isibonelo. Boke abakubonako bazakubaleka bathi: ‘INiniva igirikile! Akunamuntu ozayililela, kungabikho noyedwa oyiduduzako.’ ” Kghani ungcono kuneThebhesi, esemlanjeni iNayili, ezombelezwe mamanzi? Umlambo begade kusiviko sayo, amanzi aliboda lakhona. IKutjhe bekusidindi sayo, neGibhide ngobunengi bayo. iPhuthi neLibhiya kusidzimelelo sayo. Ngitjho neThebhesi beyibekelwe bonyana idingiswe, isiwe ekuthunjweni. Ngitjho namasanayo aphihlizelwa emasangweni wazo zoke iindlela. Iinkhulu zakhona zenzelwa ifumbe, kwathi boke abarholi bakhona babotjhwa ngeenketani. Nawe-ke Niniva uzakurhamula ikapho yomhlonyani; uzakubaleka uyokubhaca bese ubawa ukukhoseliswa zizitha zakho. Woke amarholwakho afana nemithi yamakhiwani; amajonakho anjengamakhiwani avuthweko: lokha imithi nayisikinywako, amakhiwani awela emlonyeni wogomako. Khusuthi uyaqala amajonakho: Woke bafazi! Amasango wesifunda sakho avuleke petle, avulekele izitha zakho; umlilo utjhise thokgho iinqabo zamasangwakho. Yikha amanzi ngombana uragelelwe, uqinise amarholwakho! Khamba uye edongeni ubhice idaka wenze iintina! Umlilo uzakutjhisela khonapho nesabula izakukghedlha; ikuqothule njengokuqothula kwesikhonyani esimini. Ungezelele isibalo sabarhwebi bakho bebadlula iinkwekwezi zesibhakabhaka. Kodwana bazakwenza seentethe: badle bazikhambele. Nabalindi bakho bafana nesikhonyani, iinkhulu zakho zifana newoma leentethe, ezikakarela emabodeni nakumakhaza. Kuthi nakuhlaba ilanga zitlharuluke ziphaphe, ziye lapha kungazi muntu khona. Maye, kosi ye-Asiriya! Abarholi bakho bafile buthongo; amabuthwakho akhethekileko arabhalele. Amajonakho arhatjheke neentaba, atlhoge nomuntu ongawabuthelela. Akunamuntu ongelapha amancebakho; awuzukusinda ngeduma lakho. Woke umuntu ozwa iindaba zakho, uwahla izandla ngokuwa kwakho. Ngombana akunamuntu ongazange khewumhlunguphaze; ngobukhohlakali bakho obungapheliko. Isimemezelo sakaZimu esambulelwa uRhabakhukhu umphorofidi. Kunini ngibiza, Somnini, ngifunana nesizo, kodwana soloko awuphenduli? Ngakurhuwelela ngathi, “Umguruguru!” kodwana kubayini ungasindisi? Kubayini ungibonisa ukungalungi, ubekezelela ubumbi? Ukurhayila nomguruguru kuphambi kwami, kwande ukunghunanghunana nerawurawu. Yeke umthetho uyabogaboga, ukugweba ngeqiniso akusekho. Iinkhohlakali ziqaqada phezu kwabalungileko, nje-ke kuhlanakelwa iingwebo. “Qalani izizwe, nizitjhejisise nikakamale benikhungatheke ngombana kunento engizayenza emihleni yenu; eningazukuyikholwa nanyana sele niyitjelwa. Iye, ngizakuvusa amaBhabheli, abantu abamarhamaru nabanganasisa, abatjharhatha iphasi loke, bakhambe bahluthula izindlu okungasi ngezabo. Bababantu abasatjwako nabatatazelelwako nomthetho usezandleni zabo, bazidumisa bona ngokwabo. Iinjomani zabo zigijima ukudlula izingwe, zidlhaduma ukudlula iimpisi ebusuku. Abakhweli bakhona beza bafuthekile; abakhweli bakhona bavela kude. Batheleka njengedlanga nalibhudungela ukudla kwalo; boke beze ngokurhayila. Amabutho wakhona atheleka njengommoya werhalawumbeni; abuthelela iimbotjhwa njengetjhwabatjhwaba. Banyaza amakhosi, bahlekisa ngababusi. Bahleka woke amadorobho anemithangala; badindela ihlabathi emithangaleni yakhona; bawasahlele bawathumbe. Bese barhurhula badlulele phambili njengommoya; abantwaba benza amandlabo uzimabo.” AwusinguSomnini kusukela nini nanini na? AwusinguZimu wesivumelwano, oCwengileko nophila nini nanini na? Somnini, ukhethe amaBhabheli bona agwebe, Dwala, ubazese bona bahlunguphaze. Amehlwakho acwenge khulu kobana angaqalana nobukhohlakali; angeze wabekezelela ubumbi. Alo-ke kubayini ubekezelela izephulamthethwezi na? Uthuleleni ubona iinkhohlakali zirhiribidela abalunge khulu kinazo? Wenze umuntu waba njengehlambi, waba njengeenrhurhubi zelwandle zona ezinganambusi. AmaBhabheli la, abamba abantu boke; abadose ngeenkghopholahlambi, abagolela ngenedenawo, abarhurhulela ngesirhurhulanedeni sawo. Ngebangelo ayathokoza ajabule. Enzela isirhurhulanede sawo umhlatjelo, atjhisela nesirhobelanede sawo itjhwalo. Yeke, ngeenede zawezo abetha esimonyongwana, agoma iinkhanakhana zokudla. Azakusolo athulula iinede zawo, arhayile izizwe ngesihlungu na? Ngizakujama esithaleni sami ngibe sesiqongolweni somthangala. Ngizakuqalisisa ngibone bonyana uSomnini uzokuthini kimi; nokuthi uzakuphendula athini ekunghonghoyileni kwamokhu. USomnini wangiphendula wathi: “Tlola isambulwesi phasi sibonakale kuhle emqebethwini ukuze sifundeke lula. Ngambala isambulwesi sizakuzaliseka ngesikhathi esifaneleko; sikhuluma ngesiphetho, angeze savuka simamala. Nanyana siriyada nje, silindele, sizakuzaliseka nakanjani, angeze besiriyade. “Tlola uthi, ‘Ongakalungi uzakubhubha, kodwana olungileko uzakuphila ngokukholwa kwakhe. Ngambala, umnono uyamkhohlisa ozikhukhumezako begodu angeze aphumelela; umarhamaru njengethuna, urhiribidela njengokufa; ubuthelela izizwe zoke kuye, athumbe boke abantu.’ “Ngambala, izizwe zizamphendula ihlaya, zimtlhorholoje ngokumvuma ingoma zithi, ‘Uzazizwa loyo ozidindelela iimpahla zokwetjiwa, azinjingisa ngobugirikijani! Kuzabe kube nini kulokho kwenzeka na?’ Ngambala, abakuhlawulako bazakururhuluka, abakuthuthumelisako bakuvukele, bakuthumbe. Wena waphanga izizwe ezinengi; yeke abantu boke bazakuphanga. Bazakuphanga ngombana nawe waphalaza iingazi zabantu, wabhubhisa iinarha namadorobho naye woke umuntu ohlala lapho. “Uzazizwa loyo ohlawulisa ngobugirikijani, bona azakhele umuzi ophephileko. Umzakhe uzakwehlelwa manikelela. Isigungu osakhileko sirhubutjhe umzakho. Ngokurhayila abantu abanengi, waloba ipilwakho. Ngambala, amatje azakurhuwelela ebodeni, ubuphaziphazi bufakaze. “Uzazizwa loyo owakha idorobho ngokuphalaza iingazi, ajamise umuzi ngobukhohlakali. Ngambala, uSomnini uMninimandlawoke uqunte bonyana ukutjhabatjheka kwabantu kube ziimvuthiso zomlilo, nokuthi izizwe zibhidlangele ilize. Iye, njengelwandle lizele amanzi, iphasi lizakuzala ilwazi, lazise iphazimulo kaSomnini. “Uzazizwa loyo oseza abomakhelwana bakhe utjwala obubukhali, basele badakwe babehlubule ukuze abone ububhunubhunu babo. Ukarekela ukurhubutjha abantu kunobana uhlonitjhwe. Sela nawe bewube bhunubhunu. Ikapho esesandleni sokugoma sakaSomnini inqophe ngakuwe, ukuhlonipheka kwakho kuzakuba lihlazo. Iye, umonakalo owawenza eLibhanoni uzakufikela nokurhayila kwakho iimbandana kuzokwethusa ngombana uphalaze iingazi zabantu, wabhubhisa iinarha namadorobho naye woke umuntu ohlala lapho. “Sizakubhadekela ngani isithombesibazwa njengombana sabazwa mumuntu nje na? Sisiza ngani isithombesibunjwa nomfundisi wamala na? Iye, loyo owasibumbako wethembele emsebenzini wezandla zakhe, ilize lakolize elingakhulumiko! Uzazizwa loyo othi esigodweni, ‘Phaphama!’ Nanyana athi elitjeni elingakhulumiko, ‘Vuka!’ Intwenje ingakuyala na? Qala nje, yembeswe ngegolide nesiliva, abeyiphili do. Kodwana uSomnini usethempeleni lakhe elicwengileko. Akuthi iphasi lithi du phambi kwakhe.” Umthandazo kaRhabakhukhu umphorofidi. Tjhigiyonotho Somnini, ngizwile ngedumo lakho. Somnini, izenzo zakho zibonakele. Yewuzivuselele neminyakeni le, zenze zaziwe eenkhathini zethwezi. Kodwana ube nomusa nakuvuka irawurawu. UZimu uvele ngeTemana; Ocwengileko uvele ngentabeni iParana. Sela Iphazimulwakhe igubuzesa amazulu; ubuphaziphazi bakhe buzele iphasi. Ukumanyazela kwakhe kunjengokuphuma kwelanga; imisubela iphazima esandleni sakhe. Lapha kufihlakele khona amandlakhe. Izifo zikhamba phambi kwakhe, ukufa kumlandele. Wajama phezu kwephasi ladengezela, warhedlula, izizwe zarurhuluka. Ngendlelakhe wakhamba phezu kwephasi, iintaba zanini nanini zagirika neentatjana zeminyaka zarhunyela. Eenyaweni zakhe ngabona amandla: EKhutjhana kwavunguza amatende, kwaMidiyani kwaphembetha imitjhabo. Awu Somnini, begade usilingekele imilambo na? Ilaka lakho belijamelene nemilambo? Gade usilingwe lilwandle na? Ngambala, ukhwele iinjomani zakho neenkarana zakho zokuhlula. Ulungisa umsebe wakho, ubiza imisubela eminengi. Uphadlhula umhlaba, kuvele imilambo. Iintaba nazikubonako ziyathuthumela; kuvela iinrhurhula zamanzi; kubhodla amanzi ekuzikeni, athwele amagobhoza. Ilanga nenyanga zabuyela endawenazo, ngokuphazima kwemisubela yakho egijimako nangokumanyazela komkhontwakho ophazimako. Wasilingeka wapitliza iphasi, wabibhelana wabhula izizwe. Weza wazokusindisa abantu bakho, wazokusindisa umzeswakho. Warhayila iphahla lesigodlo sobukhohlakali, waphihliza isigodlo bekwaba sesisekelweni. Wahlaba umrholi ngomkhontwakhe, lokha iinkhulu zakhe nazisithelekelako bona zisiphadlhalaje. Inyazo lazo laba lilize: Zoke zaphepha zazifihla. Wagadangela iinjomani zakhe ngelwandle, emanzini amanengi abhodlako. Nangizwa lokho, amathumbami adlhabhaza, iimbhena zomlomami zahlengezela ngetjhadelo, umzimbami wakoropana, amadolwami ageba. Ngarhawuka ngebanga lelanga lamatlhuwo, ngebanga lezehlo ezizokwehlela abasahleli. Nanyana umuthi wamakhiwani ungatlhurhi, kutlhogeka namadiribe esidiribeni; nanyana isivuno se-oliva singahlomi kutlhogeka nokudla emasimini; nanyana kunganazimvu ngesibayeni kutlhogeka neenkomo ngesibayeni; nokho mina ngizakuthaba kuSomnini, ngizakuthokoza kuZimu uMsindisami. USomnini uSomandla umamandlami; wenza iinyawo zami zibe njengezehlangu, ungenza ngikghone ukweqela imibundu. Libhinwa ngeenliliswa zeenara. Ilizwi lakaSomnini elafika kuZefaniya umsa kaKutjhi, omsa kaGedaliya, umsa ka-Amariya, omsa kaHezekhiya, nakusabusa uJosiya, umsa ka-Amoni ikosi yakwaJuda. “Ngizakurhurhula yoke into esebusweni bephasi.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Ngizakurhayila kwasamuntu neembandana; ngisizile iinyoni zezulu neenhlambi zelwandle. Ngiketule iinkhohlakali nangiphelisa abantu ebusweni bephasi.” Kutjho uSomnini. “UJuda ngizombeka isandla nazo zoke izakhamuzi zeJerusalema. Ngizakuphelisa yoke imisalela yakaBhali endaweni le namabizo wabaphristi ababalotjhi bakaBhali, angasakhunjulwa. Ngizakuphelisa labo abalotjha iinkwekwezi phezu kwephahla lezindlu nabaguqa phasi bafunge uSomnini bajike godu bafunge uMilkomu. Ngizakuphelisa nabahlanuka uSomnini bangasayifuna ngokungasabuzi kiyo. “Thula phambi kwakaSomnini uSomandla, ngombana ilanga lakaSomnini litjhidele. USomnini ulungise umhlabelo; walungiselela labo abamemileko.” Ngelanga lomhlabelo lowo, uSomnini wathi: “Ngizakubeka iinkhulu namakhosana umlandu, nabo boke ababahlumisa ngenturhu nangekohliso. Ngibeke umlandu nalabo abavunule iimvunulo ezitjhili nabo boke abagegeda ukugadanga embunjwaneni womnyango.” USomnini uthi: “Mhlokho kuzakuzwakala umkhosi esangweni leHlambi, kurhahlawulwe ngengcenyeni etja yeJerusalema, kuzwakale ubugidigidi obukhulu ngemibundwini. Rhahlawulani nina enihlala emakethe, ngombana boke abarhwebi bazokutjhabalaliswa nabathengisi barhayilwe. “Ngesikhatheso ngizakubhenyegula iJerusalema ngeenhlothi ezivuthako, bengibeke umlandu labo abazigedlileko, abazitjela bathi, ‘USomnini akenzi litho elimbi nanyana elihle.’ Umnonwabo uzakuphangwa, neenkumba zabo zigirizwe. Bazakwakha iinkumba bangazihlali; batjale iindiribe kodwana bangalirhamuli iwayini lakhona.” Ilanga elikhulu lakaSomnini litjhidele; ngambala litjhidele begodu liza ngokurhabileko. Ukuzwakala komkhosi wephasi welanga lakaSomnini uzakuba munyu nonesibindi uzakulila okutlhuwisako. Ilangelo lizakuba lilanga lelaka, ilanga lamahlungu namatlhuwiso, ilanga lokubhuruzwa nokurhayilwa, ilanga lokufiphala nobumnyama, ilanga lamafu anzima tshu. Kuzakuba lilanga lepalapala nelokuhlaba umkhosi, wokugasela amadorobho anemithangala nemibhotjhongo yamajika. USomnini uthi: “Ngizakuletha amatlhuwiso ebantwini, yeke bazakubhaduzela njengabangaboniko.” Ngebanga lokobana bonile kuSomnini, ipilwabo izakuba njengeenzibi, nemizimbabo ibe njengobulongwe. Isiliva negolidabo angeze yabasindisa ngelanga lelaka lakaSomnini. Inarha yoke izakuqothulwa ngomlilo wesikhwele sayo. Ngambala uzakurhayila ngokwesabekako boke abaphila enarheni. Zibuthelele wena sizwe esingananhloni ndina, ngaphambi kobana isikhathi sequnto lakaSomnini sizaliseke, iye, isikhatheso siza ngokurhabileko! Zikhalimele ngaphambi kobana ilaka lakaSomnini elivuthako lehlele phezu kwakho! Funani uSomnini, nina noke bantu benarha enizithobileko, nina enilalela imiyalwayo. Yenzani okulungileko, nifune ukuthobeka; mhlamunye nizakuvikeleka ngelanga lelaka lakaSomnini. Ngambala iGaza izakutjhiywa bese i-Atjhikheloni isukelwa imarubhi. Ama-Atjhidodi azakuqotjhwa emini kwa bha bese i-Akroni iyasitjhulwa. Nizazizwa nina enihlala magegana nelwandle, nina bantu beKerethi. Ilizwi lakaSomnini lijamelene nawe, wena Kanana, narha yamaFilista, lithi: “Ngizakubhubhisa nya, akunamuntu namunye ozakusinda.” Isifunda seligu sizakuba miraga, indawo yabelusi; siphenduke iimbaya zezimvu. Izakuba yinarha yemisalela yekumba yakwaJuda; izimvu zabo zidle lapho. Ebusuku bazakulala ngemarubhini we-Atjhikheloni. USomnini uZimabo uzabatjheja; atjhugulule ubujamo babo. USomnini uthi: “Ngizizwile iinhlamba zabakwaMowabi namezwi wokuqhukuluza wabakwa-Amoni; abathuke abantu bami bebanyefula nenarhabo.” USomnini uMninimandlawoke, uZimu wakwa-Israyeli uthi: “Ngebangelo-ke ngiyafunga ngithi, kuphila kwami: Ngambala iMowabi izakufana neSodoma, ama-Amoni afane neGomora: indawo yemitjhatjhana nemigodi yetswayi, inarha eligagadu nini nanini. Imisalela yabantu bami izabaphanga, abasindileko esizweni sami bazuze inarhabo.” Ngikhokhu abazakufumana ngokuzikhukhumeza kwabo nokuthuka bebaqhukuluze abantu bakaSomnini uMninimandlawoke. USomnini uzabethusa lokha nabhubhisa boke abosingazimu benarha. Esinye nesinye isizwe sizamdumisa, nezikude zimdumise enarhenazo. USomnini uthi: “Nani, bantu beKutjhe, nizakubulawa ngesabulami.” USomnini uzawelula isandla sakhe ajamelane netlhagu bese abhubhisa i-Asiriya; atjhiye iNiniva imabhudubhudu begodu yome kere kwanga lirhalawumba. Imihlambi yeembandana izakulala phasi khonapho, iye, imifunda ngemifunda. Ebusuku iinrhulurhulu zizakulinda eentlhorini zeensika. Ukulila kwazo kuzakuzwakala eentunjeni zemithangala. Amagubulu azakurhwarhwaza emibunjwaneni yeminyango ngombana uSomnini ubhuruze imisedari yedorobho. Lizakuba nje-ke idorobho elizikhukhumezako neliphephileko, elizitjela lithi: “Ngimi ngimi, alikho elinye gaphandle kwami.” Maye, lizakuphenduka igagadu, indawo yokulala iimbandana zommango! Boke abadlula nca ngakilo bazalenza ihlaya bebalikokomeje. Lizazizwa idorobho eliphika ikani, elisilapheleko neligandelelako! Alilaleli muntu, alivumi ukusolwa; alithembeli kuSomnini, alitjhideli hlanu koZimalo. Iinkhulu zalo zimabhubezi abhodlako, abagwebi balo baziimpisi ezikhwabitha ebusuku zirhiribidela zingalisi nanyana sele kusile. Abaphorofidi balo abazisi, bababantu abangathembekiko. Abaphristi balo basilaphaza okucwengileko begodu bephula umyalo. Nanyana uSomnini olungileko angaphakathi kwedorobheli; kunganabumbi abenzako, ngamasa angahluleki, abonakalisa ukulunga kwakhe imihla ngemihla; kodwana khonapho iinkhohlakali abe azinanhloni. USomnini uthi: “Ngirhayile izizwe; imibhotjhongwazo ibhidliziwe. Ngitjhiye iindledlana zazo zithe nghwayi, kwangaba namuntu okhambakhamba kizo. Amadorobhazo arhayiliwe, akukho noyedwa ozakusala, ngitjho noyedwa tere. Bengidlumbana bona: Idorobheli lizangesaba, livume ukusolwa beliyelele koke engikulindele kilo. Kodwana khonapho belisaphikelele ngobukhohlakali kikho koke elikwenzako. “USomnini uthi: “Yeke yewungilindele, ulindele ilanga engizakujama ngalo ngifakaze, lokha mina mgwebi ngihlanganisa izizwe nemibuso bona ngiyimadlhe ngamanikelelami, iye ngetukuthelwami evuthako. Lindelani ilanga mhlana iphasi loke lizakuqothulwa ngomlilo welaka lami.” “Yeke ngizakuhlambulula iimbhena zabantu ukuze boke babize ibizo lakaSomnini, bamlotjhe, babambisene. Kusukela ngaphetjheya kwemilambo yeKutjhe abalotjhi bami, abantu bami abasabaleleko bazangilethela iminikelo. Mhlokho, wena Jerusalema, angekhe usasoleka ngemitjhapho ongone ngayo ngombana ngizabe ngisuse kuwe boke abantu abathokoza ngokuzitjhaya kwabo. Nje-ke angeze usazigqaja entabenami ecwengileko. Kodwana ngizakutjhiya phakathi kwenu ababubodlhana nabathobekileko, bazakufunyana isiphephelo kuSomnini. “Imisalela yakwa-Israyeli angeze isenza ubumbi nanyana ileye amala nekulumo ekhohlisako angeze yafunyanwa emilonyenayo. Ngambala izakukarula yetjise begodu kungabi nomuntu ozayethusa.” Kwakwazela, wena ndodakazi yeZiyoni! Betha umkhulungwana, wena Israyeli! Jabula uthokoze ngehliziywakho yoke, ndodakazi yeJerusalema! USomnini usisusile isigwebo sakho, waqotjha nesitha sakho. INgwenyama yakwa-Israyeli, uSomnini ungesirhodlweni sakho, akusenabumbi obuzakwehlela godu. Mhlokho bazakuthi eJerusalema: “Ungesabi, wena Ziyoni, unganyefisi izandla zakho. USomnini uZimakho ungesirhodlweni sakho, unamandla wokusindisa. USomnini uzakukarekela ngethabo elikhulu; akuthande ngesirhawu, akuthakasele ngokuthamba.” USomnini uthi: “Ngizakubuthelela abantu bakwa-Israyeli ebe bathotjisiwe begodu baphadlhalajiwe, labo abasuka enarhenabo ngamatlhuwo. Sekuseduze bona bangibone kuhle abagandeleli bakho, wena Jerusalema. Ngizakwenyela abarholopheleko bakwa-Israyeli, bengibuthelele nalabo egade baphadlhalele. Esikhundleni sokunyazwa kwabo ngizabaphakamisa babe nedumo nesithunzi kilo loke iphasi. Ngesikhatheso ngizanibutha; ngesikhatheso ngizaniletha ekhaya. Ngizanipha idumo nesithunzi hlangana nabantu boke bephasi lokha nangitjhugulula ubujamo benu niqalile.” Kutjho uSomnini. Ngomnyaka wesibili wekosi uDariyasi, elangeni lokuthoma lenyanga yesithandathu, ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kuZerubhabheli umsa kaTjheyaltiyeli, umbusi wakwaJuda, nakuJotjhuwa umsa kaJehozadaki, umphristi omkhulu, ngomphorofidi uHagayi lathi: Nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke: “Abantwaba bathi, ‘Isikhathi sokobana kwakhiwe indlu kaSomnini asakafiki.’ ” Yeke ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika ngomphorofidi uHagayi lathi: “Kusikhathi sokobana nina nihlale eendlini zakanokutjho, khibe indlu le yona ilokhu ilirubhi njalo na?” Nakhu okutjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke: “Yelelani iindlela zenu. Nitjele khulu, kodwana nivuna kancani. Niyagoma, kodwana anisuthi. Niyasela kodwana anikholwa. Niyembatha, kodwana anifuthumali. Niyarhola bese nifaka umrholo ngembadeni evuzako.” Nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke: “Yelelani iindlela zenu. Nyukelani eentabeni bese newuka neengodo nakhe indlu ukuze ngizithabise ngayo bengidunyiswe.” kutjho uSomnini. “Benirhuluphele okunengi, kodwana qalani kujike kwaba yitupurujwana. Lokho ebenithi nikuletha ekhaya, ngakukhafulela. Ngebanga lani-ke?” Kutjho uSomnini uMninimandlawoke. “Ngebanga lendlwami, esolo yajama ilirubhi, ngapha khibe nina omunye nomunye wenu uzithabisa ngendlwakhe. Nje-ke, ngebanga lenu, amazulu agugudlhele izulu lawo, nephasi lagugudlhela isivuno salo. Ngehlisele isomiso emasimini neentabeni, phezu kwesivuno samabele, sewayini elitjha, emafutheni we-oliva naphezu kwananyana yini esimila, phezu kwabantu naphezu kwefuyo, naphezu kwemisebenzi yezandla zenu.” Yeke uZerubhabheli umsa kaTjheyaltiyeli, uJotjhuwa umsa kaJehozadaki, umphristi omkhulu, nayo yoke imisalela yabantu balalela ilizwi lakaSomnini uZimabo kanye nomlayezo womphorofidi uHagayi ngombana ubagade athunywe nguSomnini uZimabo. Nje-ke abantu besaba uSomnini. Yeke uHagayi, isithunywa sakaSomnini, wathula umlayezo kaSomnini ebantwini wathi: “Nginani, kutjho uSomnini.” Nje-ke uSomnini watlhotlholoja ummoya kaZerubhabheli umsa kaTjheyaltiyeli, umbusi wakwaJuda, nommoya kaJotjhuwa umsa kaJehozadaki, umphristi omkhulu, kanye nommoya wabo boke abantu abimisalela. Bafika bebathoma ukusebenza endlini kaSomnini uMninimandlawoke, uZimabo, elangeni lamatjhumi amabili nane ngenyanga yesithandathu. Ngomnyaka wesibili wekosi uDariyasi, elangeni lamatjhumi amabili nanye, ngenyanga yekhomba, ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika ngomphorofidi uHagayi lathi: “Khuluma noZerubhabheli umsa kaTjheyaltiyeli, umbusi wakwaJuda, noJotjhuwa umsa kaJehozadaki, umphristi omkhulu kanye nebantwini boke abimisalela, uthi: ‘Ngubani kinapha oseleko owabona indlu le isesekazimulwenayo yaphambilini? Naniyiqalako niyibona injani-ke kwanjesi? Ayinifaneli nelize lakolize na? Nje-ke qina amandla, Zerubhabheli,’ kutjho uSomnini. ‘Qina amandla nawe, Jotjhuwa, umsa kaJehozadaki umphristi omkhulu. Qinani amandla nani noke bantu benarha le,’ kutjho uSomnini. ‘Sebenzani ngombana nginani,’ kutjho uSomnini uMninimandlawoke. ‘Ngikhokhu engakubopha nani lokha naniphuma eGibhide. UMoyami unani njalo, yeke ningesabi.’ “Ngambala, lokhu ngokwatjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke, ‘Kuzakuthi msinyazana ngisikinye amazulu nephasi, nelwandle kanye nenarha eyomileko. Ngizakusikinya zoke izizwe bese kuvela amagugu wezizwe zoke, yeke ngizalise indlu le ngephazimulo,’ kutjho uSomnini uMninimandlawoke. ‘Isiliva ngelami, negolide ngelami,’ kutjho uSomnini uMninimandlawoke. ‘Iphazimulo yendlu yagadesi le izakuba yikulu kuneyendlu yaphambilini,’ kutjho uSomnini uMninimandlawoke. ‘Begodu ngizanipha ukuthula endaweni le,’ kutjho uSomnini uMninimandlawoke.” Ngelanga lamatjhumi amabili nane lenyanga yethoba, emnyakeni wesibili wakaDariyasi, ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kumphorofidi uHagayi lathi: “Nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke, ‘Akhe ubuze abaphristi bonyana umyalwabo uthini: Nangabe umuntu utjhubelela inyama ecwengisiweko ngengubakhe bese ingubo leyo ikghwatha isikwa namkha isitjulu, iwayini, amafutha we-oliva nanyana okhunye nje ukudla, inyama leyo isacwengile nayinjalo na?’ ” Abaphristi bamphendula bathi: “Awa”. Yeke uHagayi wathi: “Lokha umuntu osilaphazwe kuthintana nesidumbu, nathinta enye yezintwezi, nayo iyasilaphala na?” Abaphristi bamphendula bathi: “Iye, iyasilaphala.” Yeke uHagayi waphetha ngokuthi: “ ‘Banjalo-ke nabantwaba, nesizwe esiphambi kwamesi,’ kutjho uSomnini. ‘Unjalo-ke nomsebenzi wezandla zabo, nalokho abanikela ngakho lapho kusilaphazekile. “ ‘Nje-ke, yelelani iindlela zenu kusukela namhlanje, ngomuso nanini, nizibuze bonyana izinto bezikhamba njani nakungakabi ukwakhiwa iboda lethempeleni lakaSomnini. Bekuthi nanyana ngubani ofika equbini lekoroyi, nakalindele ukufunyana imigodla ematjhumi amabili, afunyane elitjhumi kwaphela. Nanyana ngubani oya ebutlhodlhelweni athi uyokukha iinlinganiso ezimatjhumi amahlanu zewayini, afunyane ezimatjhumi amabili. Ngarhadla soke isivuno senu ngobori, ngokukghora nangesinanja, kodwana azange niphendukele kimi,’ kutjho uSomnini. ‘Yelelani iindlela zenu kusuka namhlanjesi, ngomuso nanini, nizibuze bona izinto bezikhamba njani, kusukela elangeni lamatjhumi amabili nane enyangeni yethoba mhlana kukghenywa isisekelo sethempeli lakaSomnini. Yelelani: Kusese nembewu eseleko ngesilulwini na? Isidiribe, amakhiwani, amarharinada nanyana imithi ye-oliva ehlomileko. Kodwana kusukela namhlanje, ngizanibusisa.’ ” Ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kuHagayi kwesibili elangeni lamatjhumi amabili nane lenyanga lathi: “Tjela uZerubhabheli, umbusi wakwaJuda: ngizokusikinya amazulu nephasi. Ngizokuketula iinhlalo zobukhosi bengibhidlize namandla weengodlo zezizwe. Ngizakuketula iinkarana nabatjhayeli bazo; iinjomani nabakhweli bazo bazakurhadleka phasi, omunye nomunye arhadlwe yisabula yomfowabo. “ ‘Mhlokho,’ kutjho uSomnini uMninimandlawoke, ‘ngizakuthatha wena Zerubhabheli, msa kaTjhelitiyeli, njengencekwami,’ kutjho uSomnini, ‘ngizakwenza ube njengedzilamnwanami, ngombana ngikukhethile,’ kutjho uSomnini uMninimandlawoke.” Ngenyanga yobumnane emnyakeni wesibili wokubusa kwakaDariyasi, ilizwi lakaSomnini lafika kumphorofidi uZakariya umsa kaBherekiya omsa ka-Ido: “USomnini wasilingeka khulu kwamambala ngaboyihlomkhulu. Yeke, yewutjele abantu uthi: Nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke, “ ‘Buyelani kimi ngombana nami ngifuna ukubuyela kini.’ Lawa, mamezwi kaSomnini uMninimandlawoke. “Ningalingisi aboyihlomkhulu okwathi lokha abaphorofidi baphambilini nabathi kibo: Nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke, ‘Phendukani emikhubeni nezenzweni zenu zobukhohlakali.’ Kodwana azange balalele begodu azange bebangithathele ehloko.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Kwenzekani-ke ngaboyihlomkhulu nabaphorofidi babo bamanga? Ngambala amezwami nemiyalwami engayithumezela ngeenceku zami, abaphorofidi, yafika kiboyihlomkhulu. Kwafanela bona baphenduke bebavume bathi, ‘USomnini uMninimandlawoke usenzele okufanelana nemikhuba nezenzo zethu njengombana bekathe uzakwenza.’ ” Elangeni lamatjhumi amabili nane; ngenyanga yetjhumi nanye, okuyinyanga kaTjhebati, ngomnyaka wesibili wokubusa kwakaDariyasi, umphorofidi uZakariya umsa kaBherekiya, omsa ka-Ido wabona umbono ovela kuSomnini. Kwathi ebusuku ngehlelwa mbono: Ngabona umuntu akhwele injomani ekofe. Gade ajame hlangana nemithi yemiritlili ngemrhobeni. Ngemva kwakhe kwakujame iinjomani ezinzotho, ezibomvu nezimhlophe. Ngabuza ngathi: “Kosami, kutjho ukuthini lokhu?” Isithunywa sakaSomnini ebegade sijame hlangana nemithi yemiritlili sathi kimi: “Ngizakuhlathululela bonyana kutjho ukuthini. Laba ngabathunywe nguSomnini kobana bakhambe iphasi loke.” Base bayabika-ke esithunyweni sakaSomnini esasijame hlangana nemithi yemiritlili bathi: “Sikhambe iphasi loke, safunyana lipholile.” Nje-ke isithunywa sakaSomnini sathi: “Somnini Mninimandlawoke, kuzabe kube nini usitheze isirhawu phezu kweJerusalema nemadorobheni wakwaJuda obegade ulokhu uwathukuthelele iminyaka ematjhumi alikhomba woke poro?” Yeke uSomnini wakhuluma amezwi amahle naduduzako ngesithunywa sakhe. Nje-ke isithunywa sakaSomnini sathi: “Memezela amezwi la: “USomnini uMninimandlawoke uthi, ‘Nginesikhwele esikhulu ngeJerusalema neZiyoni begodu ngisilingeke khulu ngezizwe ezizikhakhazisa ngokuzethemba kwazo. Bengisilingeke isikhatjhana esifitjhani kodwana izizwezi zithuwelele ngokonakala.’ “Nje-ke nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini, “ ‘Ngizakubuyela eJerusalema ngesirhawu, lapha ithempeli lami lizakwakhiwa khona ngobutjha begodu neJerusalema izakwakhiwa butjha.’ “Ragela phambili umemezele uthi: “Nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke, ‘Amadorobhami azakuthoma godu aphuphume ngomnotho, yeke uSomnini uzakuthoma godu aduduze iZiyoni abe akhethe iJerusalema.’ ” Ngaqala godu, ngabona kuneempondo ezine. Ngabuza isithunywa sakaSomnini ngathi: “Khuyini-ke lokhu?” Sangiphendula sathi: “Lezi ziimpondo ezahlakaza uJuda, u-Israyeli neJerusalema.” Yeke uSomnini wangikhombisa abososino abane. Ngabuza ngathi: “Alo, bazokwenzani-ke laba?” Wangiphendula wathi: “Laba baziimpondo ezahlakaza uJuda kangangobana kwatlhogeka noyedwa ovusa ihloko, kodwana abososino beze ukuzobethusa, bebaqede amandla wezizwe ezaphakamisela iimpondo zazo enarheni yakwaJuda kobana zihlakaze abantu bakhona.” Ngaqala, ngabona indoda iphethe isimedo ngesandla. Ngayibuza ngathi: “Uyaphi?” Yangiphendula yathi: “Ngiyokumeda iJerusalema ukuze ngibone ubude nobubanzi bayo.” Yeke kwavela isithunywa sakaSomnini, godu kwavela nenye ingilozi yasihlangabeza. Isithunywa sakaSomnini sathi kiyo: “Gijima, ufese utjele isokana lesimedo leliya bonyana uSomnini uthi, “ ‘IJerusalema izokuba lidorobho elinganamithangala ngombana inesiminyaminya sabantu nefuyo. Mina ngokwami ngizokuba liboda lomlilo magegana nayo. Bese ngiyizalisa ngephazimulwami.’ ” Isithunywa sakaSomnini sathi: “ ‘Arha-ke! Arha-ke! Phumani ngenarheni yangetlhagwini leyo,’ kutjho uSomnini. Begodu uSomnini wathi, ‘Ngambala ngathembisa bonyana ngizanenza nisabalale emagumbini womane.’ “Nje-ke, yenize eZiyoni! Phunyurhani nibaleke nina bantu enihlala eBhabheli! USomnini wangithuma ezizweni ezaniphangako nina bantu beJerusalema. Wangithuma kobana ngibuyisele idumo lakhe ngombana nanyana ngubani othinta nina uhloma uSomnini ngomuno ngelihlweni. “Ngiyatjho ngithi ngizakuphakamisa isandla sami, ngijamelane nezizwezi; zizakuphangwa makhobokazo. Nje-ke nizakulemuka bonyana uSomnini uMninimandlawoke ungithumile. “Bhina begodu uthabe, wena ndodakazi yeZiyoni ngombana uSomnini wathi, ‘Ngiyeza begodu ngizokuhlala ngesirhodlweni sakho.’ “Izizwe ezinengi zizazihlanganisa noSomnini mhlokho bese ziba sisizwe sakhe. Uzakuhlala ngesirhodlweni sakho Jerusalema, wena-ke uzakwazi bonyana uSomnini uMninimandlawoke ungithume kuwe. USomnini uzakuzuza iJuda, ilifa lakhe enarheni ecwengileko abe azikhethele neJerusalema godu. Zithobeni phambi kwakaSomnini, noke nina bantu ngombana uSomnini selafikile uvela endawenakhe ecwengileko.” Yeke uSomnini wangikhombisa uJotjhuwa umphristi omkhulu ajame phambi kwesithunywa sakaSomnini, nomphikisi ajame ngesidleni sakhe ezele ukuzomphikisa. Isithunywa sakaSomnini sathi kumphikisi: “USomnini uyakukhalima wena mphikisi ndina! USomnini okhethe iJerusalema uyakukhalima! UJotjhuwa lo, sikhuni esivuthako esikhutjhwe emlilweni!” Yeke uJotjhuwa gade embethe izambatho ezikghamathele iinsila nakalokho ajame phambi kwesithunywa njalo. Isithunywa sathi eengilozini ezijame phambi kwaso: “Mhlubuliseni iindwedwekazi azembethekwezi.” Sase sithi kuJotjhuwa: “Qala, ngisuse isono sakho, nje-ke ngizakwembathisa izambatho zakanokutjho.” Yeke mina Zakariya ngathi: “Mthweseni iqubi lobuphristi elihlanzekileko ehlokwakhe.” Bamthwesa-ke iqubi elihlanzekileko ehlokwakhe bebamembathisa, isithunywa sakaSomnini silokhu sijame eqadi kwakhe. Isithunywa sakaSomnini sathembisa uJotjhuwa sathi: “USomnini uMninimandlawoke uthi, ‘Nawukhamba eendleleni zami; bese ulonda imiyalwami, utjheje ithempeli lami bewutlhogomele nesirhodlo sethempeli, yeke ngizakwenza ube nehlanganyelo neengilozi zami.’ “Lalela, wena mphristi omkhulu Jotjhuwa, kanye nedwendwe lakhwelo, niyelele itshwayeli: Ngizakuletha incekwami ekuthiwa nguHlumela. Ngambala idwala engiliphathise uJotjhuwa, okulidwala elikhethekileko lifanekisa ukuba khona kwami, iye, ngizokuvula umthombalo bengirhurhule isono senarha le ngelanga linye tere.” Kutjho uSomnini uMninimandlawoke. “Mhlokho kuzakwanda ukuthula kangangobana nizakuhlala ndawonye ngaphasi kwesidiribe namakhiwani.” Kutjho uSomnini uMninimandlawoke. Yeke isithunywa sakaSomnini sangivusa godu, njengomuntu ovuswa ebuthongweni. Sangibuza sathi: “Ubonani?” Ngaphendula ngathi: “Ngibona ilithi leembani eliyigolide koke, phezukwalo kunomakupuru onamazikwana alikhomba, izikwana ngalinye linamathudze alikhomba. Begodu kunama-oliva amabili, elinye ngesidleni, elinye ngesinceleni sakamakupuru.” Ngabuza isithunywa sakaSomnini ngathi: “Kuyini-ke lokhu kosami?” Isithunywa sakaSomnini sangiphendula sathi: “Awazi bonyana kuyini lokhu?” Ngaphendula ngathi: “Awa, kosami.” Nje-ke sathi kimi: “Leli lilizwi lakaSomnini elinqotjhiswe kuZerubhabheli, lithi, “ ‘Akuyi ngeenkhwepha nanyana ngamandla womuntu, kodwana kuya ngoMoyami, kuzakufezeka’, kutjho uSomnini uMninimandlawoke. ‘Nanyana kungaba neenqabo ezikulu kangangani, uZerubhabheli uzakuphumelela ngombana uSomnini uzakwenza idwala leZiyoni libe siqongolo seentaba. Ubuhle balo angeze balinganiswa nalitho.’ ” Ilizwi lakaSomnini leza kimi ngesithunywa lathi: “Izandla zakaZerubhabheli zithome ukuvuselela ithempeleleli begodu izandla zakhe zizaliqedelela.” Wena-ke Zakariya, uzakwazi bonyana uSomnini uMninimandlawoke ungithume kini. “Ngubani odelela ilanga lezinto ezincani? Abantu bazakujabula lokha nababona uZerubhabheli aphethe isinqophisamakho. “Iimbani ezikhombezi, mamehlo kaSomnini athalaza ephasini loke.” Ngasibuza isithunywa sakaSomnini ngathi: “Atjho ukuthini ama-oliva angesidleni nangesinceleni sesibani la?” Ngasibuza godu ngathi: “Alo-ke iimpande ze-oliva ezimbilezi ezinemihlanga emibili yegolide ephazima hlanu kwazo zitjho ukuthini?” Sangiphendula sathi: “Awazi bonyana kutjho ukuthini lokhu?” Ngaphendula ngathi: “Awa, kosami.” Nje-ke sathi kimi: “Lokhu kutjho ababili abajame phambi kwakaSomnini, umniniphasi loke begodu baphathiswe amafutha amatjha.” Ngaqala godu ngabona umsongo ophaphako. Isithunywa sakaSomnini sangibuza sathi: “Ubonani?” Ngaphendula ngathi: “Ngibona umsongo ophaphako, opheze ube mamitha alitjhumi ubude namamitha amahlanu ububanzi.” Sathi kimi: “Lawa manikelela ehlele inarha yoke. Ukuya ngomsongo lo, woke owebako nofunga ibizo lami ngamanga uzakuhlunguphazwa. USomnini uMninimandlawoke uthi, “ ‘Ngizakuthumela amanikelela angene ngendlini yesela nakofunga ibizo lami ngamanga. Azakuhlala ngendlinapho beyigirike.’ ” Nje-ke isithunywa sakaSomnini savela sathi kimi: “Qala bona kuzokuvelani.” Ngabuza ngathi: “Yintobani-ke le?” Saphendula sathi: “Lokhu silulu.” Besangezelela sathi: “Mlandu wenarha yoke-ke lo.” Nje-ke kwasibukululwa isisibekelo somthofi; agu, qalani: Kazi kuhlezi umfazi ngaphakathi! Sathi kimi: “Umfazi lo, ukukhohlakala.” Samgondela ngesilulwini besasibekela ngesisibekelo somthofi. Ngaphakamisa amehlwami, ngabona kuvela abafazi ababili bathiyelele emmoyeni ngeempiko. Iimpiko zabo bezinjengezakanogolantethe. Baphakamisa isilulu saba sesibangeni. Ngabuza isithunywa sakaSomnini ngathi: “Abafazaba basisaphi isilulwesi?” Sangiphendula sathi: “Kuyokwakhiwa ithempeli eBhabheli, nasele liphelile ukwakhiwa, isilulweso sizakubekwa endundumaneni esemsamo wethempeli.” Ngabuye ngaqala godu ngabona iinkarana ezine zepi zivela hlangana neentaba ezimbili -- iintaba zedzila! Ikarana yokuthoma beyineenjomani ezinzotho, yesibili inezinzima, yesithathu inezimhlophe, kanti yesine beyinezimabalabala -- zoke njalo bezinamandla. Ngabuza isithunywa sakaSomnini ngathi: “Kuyini lokhu, kosami?” Isithunywa sangiphendula sathi: “Le, mimoya emine yezulwini, ephumako negade ijame phambi kwakaSomnini, umniniphasi loke. Ikarana yeenjomani ezinzima iqale ngenarheni yangetlhagwini, eneenjomani ezimhlophe iqale ngetjingalanga bese kuthi emabalabala iqale ngenarheni yangesewula.” Lokha iinjomani ezinamandla naziphumako, gade zitjhabatjheka zifuna ukutjharhalala nephaseli loke nje. Sabese sithi: “Tjharhalalani nephaseli loke nje!” Yeke zatjharhalala nephasi loke. Nje-ke isithunywa sangirhuwelela sathi: “Qala, leziya eziya enarheni yangetlhagwini zizakwanelisa uMoyami lapho.” Ilizwi lakaSomnini leza kimi ngesithunywa lathi: “URheldayi, uThobiya noJedaya, ababathunjwa babuya eBhabheli baletha izipho kuJosaya umsa kaZefaniya. Lokha nabafikako, wena iya kwaJosaya, uthathe isiliva negolide wenze isihlohlo bese usiphathisa umphristi omkhulu uJotjhuwa umsa kaJehozadaki. Umtjele uthi, nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke, “ ‘Kunomuntu onebizo ekuthiwa nguHlumela, uzakuhluma endawenakhe bese wakha isigodlo sakaSomnini. Nguye ozokwakha isigodlo sakaSomnini begodu uzokwembathiswa ubukhosi bese uhlala esihlalweni sakhe sobukhosi abuse. Yeke kuzakuba nomphristi esihlalweni sakhe sobukhosi, kube nokuthula phakathi kwababilaba.’ “Isihlohlo sizakuba sesigodlweni sakaSomnini, kube sikhumbuzo saboRheldayi, uThobiya noJedaya godu kube yinzuzo kumsa kaZefaniya. Labo abakude bazakubuya bazokufaka isandla ekwakhiweni kwesigodlo sakaSomnini. Nje-ke nizakwazi bonyana uSomnini uMninimadlawoke ungithume kini. Lokhu kuzakwenzeka nange nilalela uSomnini uZimenu ngokuncamileko.” Ngomnyaka wesine wokubusa kwekosi uDariyasi kwafika ilizwi lakaSomnini kuZakariya elangeni lesine lenyanga yethoba, okuyinyanga kaKhisilevu. UBhethel-Sareseri wathuma uRerhemeleki nabantu bakhe bonyana bayokutenda uSomnini, bebabuze abaphristi abasethempeleni lakaSomnini uMninimandlawoke nabaphorofidi bathi: “Kufuze ngilile enyangeni yesihlanu ngokuzila ukudla njengombana ngenzile eminyakeni eminengi na?” Yeke ilizwi lakaSomnini uMninimandlawoke lafika kimi, mina Zakariya, lathi: “Khuluma nabo boke abantu benarha le nabaphristi ubabuze uthi, ‘Lokha nagade nizilile nilila enyangeni yesihlanu neyekhomba iminyaka ematjhumi alikhomba edlulileko, ngambala benizilele mina na? Lokha nanidla benisele emihlatjelwenenu bekungasi ngekokuzithabisa na?’ Lawa akusiwo amezwi uSomnini awamemezela ngabaphorofidi baphambilini lokha iJerusalema isahlezwi ngokuthula, nalokha amaJuda nasahlala kiyo yoke imizi yakwaJuda na? Okumamezwi uSomnini awakhuluma ngabaphorofidi wathi, ‘Gcinani ukulunga okufaneleko emabandla nitjengise ukwethembeka nesirhawu omunye komunye. Ningagandeleli umhlolokazi namkha intandani, isikhonzi namkha odududu. Ningazindlelani okumbi.’ Kodwana baqinisa iinhloko bebathundubaza neendlebe zabo. Lokhu bakwenzela eswilini ukuze bangalaleli ifundiso netjumayelo uSomnini ayimemezela ngoMoyakhe ngabaphorofidi baphambilini. Ngebangelo uSomnini uMninimandlawoke wasilingeka khulu. USomnini uMninimandlawoke uthi, ‘Lokha nangibabizako akhange balalele, yeke nami, angizukubezwa nabarhuwelelako. Ngabaphephula ngesivunguvungu ngabasa hlangana nezizwe zoke abangazaziko. Inarha yasala inesizungu ngemuva kwabo kangangobana kwakungekho okhambakhamba lapho. Bayenza njalo inarha ethabisako le yaba lirhalawumba.’ ” Yeke uSomnini uMninimandlawoke wangembulela lokhu: Nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke: “Nginesikhwele esikhulu ngeZiyoni, ngibuhlungu khulu ngayo.” Nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini: “Ngizakubuyela eZiyoni, ngibe ngaphakathi kweJerusalema, ngalokho iJerusalema izakuthiwa nguThembekile nentaba kaSomnini uMninimandlawoke izakuthiwa nguNtaba-Cwengekile.” Nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke: “Godu eentaradeni zeJerusalema kuzakuhlala amaqhegu nezalukazi, bazakuluphala kangangobana omunye nomunye uzakudondolozela. Idorobho lizakuphithizela abesana nabentazana badlale eentaradeni zakhona.” Nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke: “Nakube kubonakala kungakghoneki kini nina enisinde ekuthunjweni, alo, nidlumbana bonyana nakimi akuzukukghoneka ngomuso na?” Nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke: “Ngizakusindisa abantu bami ephasini loke, ngibabuyise bona bazokuhlala eJerusalema. Bazakuba babantu bami, mina ngibe nguZimabo ngeqiniso nangokulunga.” Nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke: “Lokha abantu nabathoma ukuvuselela ukwakhiwa kwethempeli lakaSomnini uMninimandlawoke, abaphorofidi bathi, ‘Ithempeleli kufanele liqedelelwe.’ Yeke nina enezwa amezwi akhulunywa baphorofidi la, qinisani izandla. “Ngambala ngaphambi kokuthonywa kokwakhiwa kwethempeli begade kunganakokhelo yabantu nanyana yeembandana. Ngebanga lobujamo obumbi umuntu ozisebenzelako gade anganakuziphilisa. Ngaphendula woke umuntu bona ajamelane nomakhelwanakhe. Kodwana kwanjesi angeze ngisaphatha imisalela yabantwaba, njengombana ngenza phambilini,” kutjho uSomnini uMninimandlawoke. “Iye, imbewu abayitjalileko izakuhluma kuhle, iindiribe zihlome iinthelo zazo namasimu aveze isivuno sawo kuthi izulu line ngesikhathi esifaneleko. Koke lokhu ngizakwenza bonyana kuhlale kukhona njalo kumisalela yabantwaba. “Ngizanisindisa, wena ndlu kaJuda nawe ndlu ka-Israyeli. Njengombana gade nisisiga samanikelela, nje-ke nizakuba mkariso wesibusiso. Ningesabi, qinisani izandla.” Ngambala, nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke: “Njengombana ngaqunta ukunehlisela ihlekelele, ngangaba nesirhawu lokha aboyihlo nabangisilingako, yeke sengiqunte bona ngenze okuhle eJerusalema nendlini kaJuda. Nje-ke ningesabi. Nanzi izinto enifanele nizenze: Khulumani iqiniso omunye komunye. Gcinani iqiniso nokulunga okufaneleko emabandla. Ningazindlelani, nigegede ukufunga ngekohliso ngombana ngiyazizonda zoke izinto ezinjalo. “Yeke uSomnini uMninimandlawoke wangembulela lokhu: “Nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke: “Ukuzila ukudla kwenyanga yesine, yesihlanu, yekhomba neyetjhumi kuzakuba kukwenama neenkhathi ezihle nemigidi yokwethaba kwaJuda. Yeke thandani iqiniso nokuthula.” Nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke: “Ukusuka gadesi, izizwe ezinengi nabahlali bamadorobho amanengi bazakuza. Iye, abahlali bedorobho elinye bazakusuka baye kelinye bathi, ‘Nambani siyokutenda uSomnini besifune nomusa kaSomnini uMninimandlawoke. Vele siyaya.’ Ngalokho-ke izizwe ezinengi nabantu abanengi bazakuza bazokufuna umusa kaSomnini uMninimandlawoke eJerusalema bebatende uSomnini.” Nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini uMninimandlawoke: “Emihleni leyo amadoda alitjhumi kizo zoke izizwe ezihlukeneko azakukakarela umJuda ngomphetho wesambatho sakhe athi, ‘Sifuna ukukhamba nawe ngombana sizwile bonyana uZimu unani.’ ” Isiphorofido. Ilizwi lakaSomnini lijamelene nenarha yeHadraki nedorobho leDamaseku. Idorobho eliligugweli neenkoro zoke zakwa-Israyeli ngezakaSomnini. IRhamathi esemkhawulweni weDamaseku, iTirosi neTsidoni nazo zingezakaSomnini. ITirosi ngambala inekghono: Izakhele irholo, yazibuthelelela isiliva njengethuli negolide njengebhudu leendledlana. Kodwana uSomandla uzayiqubula, abhubhise iinthayamanzi zayo elwandle; iqothulwe mlilo. I-Atjhikeloni izakubona lokho yesabe; iGaza ihlengezele ne-Ekroni iphelelwe lithemba. Ikosi izakunyelela eGaza, i-Atjhikeloni izakutjhiywa. USomnini wathi: “Abaphalali bazakuphalala e-Atjhidodi ngombana ngizaliphelisa igugu lamaFilista leli. Ngizabakhafulisa inyama eneengazi nokudla okusilapheleko emilonyenabo.” Iye, abantu be-Atjhidodi abazakusinda nabo bazakuba ngebakaZimethu, bazakufana nekoro kaJuda. Abantu be-Ekroni bona bazakufana namaJebusi. Godu uSomnini wathi: “Ngizakuvikela inarhami epini erhiribidelako. Akusenamgandeleli ozazenzela ebantwini bami ngombana ngizabe ngibelusile ngesikhatheso.” Jekezela khulu wena ndodakazi yeZiyoni! Rhuwelela wena ndodakazi yeJerusalema! Qala, ikosakho iza kuwe, ilungile begodu iyahlula. Ithobekile begodu ikhwele udumbana, udumbana wamambala. USomnini wathi: “Ngizakurhayila iinkarana zepi neenjomani kwa-Efrayimu neJerusalema. Imisebe yepi izakwephulwa; ikosi leyo izakumemezela ukuthula ezizweni. Umbuswayo uzakuthoma elwandle ukuya elwandle, ukusuka emlanjeni iYufrathe ukuya emaphelelweni wephasi. Wena-ke Jerusalema, ngebanga lamatshwenyeko wabantu enginesivumelwano nabo, ngizakutjhaphulula iimbotjhwa zakho ezisemgodini otjhingako.” Buyelani erholweni, nina mbotjhwa ngombana kunethemba! Ngambala namhlanje uSomnini umemezela uthi: “Wena Jerusalema, ngizakunikela umvuzo obuyelelweko. Ngizakusebenzisa uJuda njengomsebe wami, u-Efrayimu abe msubela. Ngizakujokola ngamadodanakho, wena Ziyoni, abe mkhontwami wokuhlaba abantu beGirisi.” USomnini uzakuvela ngehla kwabo, umsubela wakhe uzakusubela njengombani; uSomnini uSomandla uzakuvuthela ipalapala eze ngesivunguvungu sangesewula. USomnini uMninimandlawoke uzabavikela, bazakumadlha bebarhiribidele izitha zabo ngamatje wesarwayi; bazipitlize. Bazakuzala iingazi inga majika we-aldari lokha nakatlipilijiweko. Mhlokho uSomnini uZimabo uzabasindisa ngombana bamhlambi wakhe. Ngambala bazakuphazima enarhenakhe njengamatje aligugu asesihlohlweni. Maye bazakuba bahle bebakarise kangangani! Amabele nesitjhidela sewayini kuzakwenza amasokana neentombi zibethe esimonyongwana. Nababawa izulu ngesikhathi sesilimela, uSomnini uzakwenza amafu anzima, awulule izulu, lanele zoke iintjalo neemila enarheni. Iinsithabuso zikhuluma ikohliso, abaphenguli babona iinsese, amabhudango akhohlisa abantu begodu akaduduzi, ngokunjalo abantu bakwa-Israyeli baba njengezimvu ezinganamelusi, badurha bebawurubajwe. USomnini uthi: “Ubukhali bami buyavutha ngabelusi, ngizakuhlunguphaza abarholi.” Iye, uSomnini uMninimandlawoke uzakwelusa umhlambakhe, indlu kaJuda; uzabenza babe njengenjomani yepi ezitjhayako. USomnini uzabanikela abarholi abanetlha, iinkhonkhwani eziqinileko, amajoni naye woke umuntu oya epini. Boke njalo, bazakuba njengosibindigidi. Epini bazakugadangela izitha ebhudwini leendledlana. Bazakuhlula ngombana uSomnini unabo. Izitha ezikhwele iinjomani zizakubhalelwa nya. USomnini wathi: “Njengombana ngiqinise indlu kaJuda, njalo-ke ngizakusindisa indlu kaJosefa. Ngizakubuyisa indlu kaJosefa, ngibe nezwelo kiyo. Izakuba ngathi azange khengiyilahlele izandla. Ngebanga lokobana nginguSomnini uZimabo, ngizabaphendula. U-Efrayimu naye uzakufana nosibindigidi, neenhliziyo zabo zizakwenama inga zifunyene ihleza. Abantwababo bazakubona lokhu bajekezele; iinhliziyo zabo zithabele uSomnini. Ngizakuraga u-Israyeli angene esibayeni. Ngambala ngizabahlenga babe banengi njengaphambilini. Nanyana ngibasabalalise hlangana nezizwe eenarheni ezikude, bazangikhumbula. Bazakuphila nabantwababo bebabuye. Ngizababuyisa eGibhide, ngibarage kusuka e-Asiriya. Ngizabaletha eGiliyadi neLibhanoni, bazakuba banengi bebatlhoge nendawo yokuhlala. Umlambo we-Asiriya uzakuthuthumela. Ngizakumanya amagagasi welwandle ukuze zoke iindawo zeNayili ezitjhingako zome. Yoke into i-Asiriya ethembele kiyo izakwehliswa, intonga yobukhosi yeGibhide inyelele. Ngizakuqinisa u-Efrayimu ukuze abe nobudlelwano obuhle nami.” Kutjho uSomnini. Vula iminyangwakho wena Libhanoni ukuze umlilo urhayile imisedarakho! Rhahlawula wena msayipurusi ngombana umsedari uwile, imithi ephakamileko irhayiliwe! Rhahlawulani nina ma-owuku weBhatjhani ngombana isiminyaminya sehlathi sikghedlhiwe! Lalelani ukurhahlawula kwabelusi; umrhulabo ononileko urhurhuliwe! Yizwani ukubhodla kweengwenyamana, isiminyaminya seJordani sikghedlhiwe! Nakhu okwatjhiwo nguSomnini uZimami: “Yelusa izimvu zokuhlatjwa. Abathengi bazo bazihlaba bebangazizwela umlandu. Labo abazithengisako bathi, ‘Akathokozwe uSomnini, uthi nginjingile na!’ Nabelusi bazo abe abanasirhawu nazo. Nange ngingasenasirhawu ngabantu benarha le begodu ngibaliselele bona badlane uboya bengibaliselele nangekosabo, bazakubhubhisa inarha. Kuzakuba njalo nange ngingabasindisi emandlenabo.” Kutjho uSomnini. Nje-ke ngathoma ukwelusa izimvu zokuhlatjwa zabathengisi. Ngathatha iintonga ezimbili, enye ngayithiya bona nguMusa enye ngathi nguHlanganani. Ngelusa umhlambi ngemva kobana ngiqotjhe abelusi abathathu. Kuthe ngenyanga yinye ngabe sengidiniwe ngomhlambi lo, kanti nawo wase ukholekile ngami. Ngathi kiwo: “Abe angisazonelusa. Akufe efako, kubhubhe ebhubhako. Eziseleko zigadangane zodwa.” Yeke ngathatha intongami ekuthiwa nguMusa ngayephula, ngabhidla isivumelwano uSomnini asenza nabo boke abantwabo. Nje-ke sabhidleka khona mhlokho, kwathi abathengisi ngezimvu agade bangiqalile balemuka bonyana gade kulitshwayo lakaSomnini. Ngabatjela ngathi: “Nanidlumbana bona kulungile, ngikhokhelani, kodwana nakungasi njalo, yenilise.” Nje-ke bangikhokhela amatjhumi amathathu weempaparwana zesiliva. USomnini wathi kimi: “Ifuthele kumncibilikisisimbi, iye, imali ehle ebangikhokhele ngayo leyo!” Yeke ngathatha imali leyo ngayifuthela kumncibilikisisimbi ngendlini kaSomnini. Ngephula intongami yesibili ekuthiwa nguHlanganani, ukubhidla ubufo phakathi kwakaJuda no-Israyeli. Yeke uSomnini wathi kimi: “Ukusuka gadesi, sebenzisa iinsetjenziswa zomelusi odlhayeleko, ngombana ngizokuvusa umelusi enarheni ongeze adlhadlharhele umhlambi olahlekileko, nanyana afunane neziphungukako, nanyana ahlenge ezilimeleko, nanyana ondle eziphilileko. Uzakugoma inyama yezimvu zekhethelo, abe agugude neenqatha zazo.” Uzazizwa umelusi odlhayeleko osukela umhlambi! Inga isabula ingamrharhabula umkhono, imgobhodlhe nelihlo langesidleni! Umkhonwakhe ukokorane kokukokorana nelihlo lakhe langesidleni liphophale phophali! Isiphorofido. Ilizwi lakaSomnini lijamelene no-Israyeli. USomnini oqhisa amazulu, akhe iinsekelo zephasi, udale ummoya womuntu ngaphakathi kwakhe uthi: “IJerusalema ngizoyenza ikapho yesiyeziyezi yabo boke abantu abayizombelezileko. UJuda naye bazamfikela nabathumba iJerusalema. Mhlokho, lokha izizwe zoke zephasi nazihlanganyele iJerusalema, ngizakwenza idorobheli libe lidwala elibudisi kizo zoke izizwezi. Boke abalinga ukulisusa bazazikhubaza kwamambala. Mhlokho ngizakurhadla enye nenye injomani ngevalo bese ngirhadla nomkhwelayo ngobuhlanya.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Ngizakuthi nangisaphosa ilihlo phezu kwendlu kaJuda njalo, ngiphophaze zoke iinjomani zesizwe. Yeke abarholi bakwaJuda bazakuthi eenhliziyweni zabo, ‘Abantu beJerusalema bakakarele kuSomnini uMninimandlawoke uZimabo.’ Mhlokho iinkoro zakwaJuda ngizazenza zifane nedengela lamalahle elidlhwinywe hlangana namaqobetjhana, zibe njengesihlothi esivuthako hlangana neentjherefu. Zizakuqothula ngapha nangapha zoke izizwe ezizizombelezileko, kodwana iJerusalema izakuhlala injalo endawenayo.” USomnini uzakusindisa abantu bakwaJuda qangi ukuze idumo lendlu kaDavida nabahlali beJerusalema lingadluli lakwaJuda. Mhlokho uSomnini uzakuvikela abantu beJerusalema, norholopheleko hlangana nabo uzakuba nesibindi njengoDavida, kuthi indlu kaDavida ibe njengeendalwa zezulu, iye ibe njengengilozi kaSomnini, irhole abantu beJerusalema. Lokha nangibuthela zoke izizwe ezizokusahlela eJerusalema bona ngizibhubhise, ngizakuthulula ummoya womusa newokurabhelela phezu kwendlu kaDavida nebantwini abahlala eJerusalema. Bazakufuna isizo kimi, balilele loyo ebamhlabako njengomuntu nalilela ukuhlongakala komntwana okukuphela kwakhe, njengomuntu odabuka abe munyu ngokuhlongakala kwezibulo. Mhlokho isililo eJerusalema sizakuba sikhulu, sizakuba ngathi kulilelwa uHadadi-Rimoni emrhuleni weMegido. Inarha yoke izakulila, ikoro ngekoro: ikoro yendlu kaDavida, ikoro yendlu kaNathani, ikoro yendlu kaLevi, ikoro kaTjhimeyi, nazo zoke iinkoro ezinye. Amadoda azakulila wodwa nabafazi balile bodwa. Mhlokho umthombo uzakuvulekela indlu kaDavida nabahlali beJerusalema bona ubahlambulule ezonweni nekusilaphaleni. “Mhlokho, ngizakuphelisa amabizo wabosingazimu enarheni ukuze bangasakhunjulwa godu. Ngizakususa nabaphorofidi abanommoya osilapheleko enarheni.” Kutjho uSomnini uMninimandlawoke. Nakube nanyana ngiwuphi wabaphorofidaba soloko uyaphorofida, uyise nonina abambelethileko bazakuthi kuye: “Ufanele ufe ngombana ukhuluma amala ebizweni lakaSomnini.” Ababelethi bakhe bazamhlaba lokha nakaphorofidako. Mhlokho woke umphorofidi wamala uzakuba neenhloni ngombono wesiphorofido sakhe, angeze embatha inaka lakhe bona ayokuleya amala. Uzakuthi: “Angisuye umphorofidi mina; ngimlimi; ihlabathi yintwami engayithoma ngisemntwana.” Nange umuntu ambuza athi: “Alo, ziimbazi zani lezi, hlangana namahlombakhwapha?” Yeke uzakuthi: “Awa, iimbazezi, ngezokubethwa, ngazithola endlini yeenini zami.” USomnini uMninimandlawoke uthi: “Phaphama wena sabula, ujamelane nomelusami; iye, ujamelane nomrholi webandla lami. Kghedlha umelusi ukuze izimvu ziphadlhalale. Ngizakujika isandla sami sibe naphezu kokuncancazana. “USomnini uthi: “Enarheni yoke, iingcenye ezimbili kezintathu zizakurhayilwa bezitjhabalale; nokho isithathu sizakusinda. Isithathwesi ngizasidlulisa emlilweni; ngisicwengisise njengocwengisisa isiliva negolide. Sizakubiza ibizo lami, nje-ke ngizasiphendula, ngithi, ‘Bababantu bami,’ bese sona sithi, ‘USomnini nguZimethu.’ ” Qala, kuza ilanga elilethwa nguSomnini, lapha izitha zakho zizakwabelana khona ipahlakho ngaphakathi kwakho, Jerusalema. USomnini uthi: “Ngizakubuthelela zoke izizwe bona zilwe neJerusalema; idorobho lizakuthunjwa, izindlu zisahlelwe bese abafazi bayagagadlhelwa. Ingcenye yedorobho izakuya ekuthunjweni, kodwana abaseleko bazakuhlala edorobhenapha.” Yeke uSomnini uzakuvela ahlule izizwezo, njengombana vane ahlule ngamalanga wepi. Mhlokho uSomnini uzakubeka iinyawo zakhe phezu kweNtaba ye-Oliva, ngepumalanga yeJerusalema, iNtaba ye-Oliva izakuphadlhuka kabili ukusuka epumalanga ukuya etjingalanga. Ingcenye yentaba izakuya ngetlhagwini bese enye iya ngesewula, yenze umrhoba omkhulu. (Umrhoba weKhidroni onabela e-Atshali uzakuqintwa. Uzakuqintwa njengamhla uqintwa kuhlengezela kwephasi emihleni yabo-Uziya ikosi yakwaJuda.) Yeke uSomnini uZimakho uzakufika, kabacwengileko bakho wena Jerusalema. Mhlokho akuzukusa, akuzukuba makhaza nanyana kube nelothe. Ngesikhatheso, esaziwa nguSomnini, kuzakuba semini kwaphela, kungabi nemini nobusuku. Lokha nakuhlwako, kuzasoloko kunomkhanyo. Mhlokho amanzi agelezako azakugobhoza aphuma eJerusalema; ingcenye yawo izakugelezela ngelwandle elingepumalanga bese amanye agelezela ngelwandle elingetjingalanga, ubusika nehlobo. USomnini uzakubusa ephasini loke. Mhlokho kuzakuba noSomnini munye, libizo lakhe lodwa elizakubizwa. Inarha yoke ukusuka eGeba ukuya eRimoni ngesewula izakufana nomrhoba weJordani. Kodwana iJerusalema izakuphakanyiswa inzinze endawenayo. Ukusuka eSangweni lakwaBhenjamini ukuya ngehlangothini langeSangweni lokuThoma, ukuya eSangweni leJikeni nokusuka eMbhotjhongweni weHananeli ukuya ebutlhodlhelweni besigodlweni, yoke indawo leyo izakuba nabahlali. IJerusalema ayisazukurhayilwa godu; izakuvikeleka. Naka amanikelela uSomnini azakurhadla ngawo zoke izizwe ezizakulwa neJerusalema: Inyama yazo izakuwohloka ziphila, amehlwazo awohlokele emgodinawo namalimazo abolele ngemilonyenazo. Mhlokho uSomnini uzokurhadla abantu ngevalo. Babambane bebasahlelane omunye nomunye. UJuda naye uzakuhlula njengeJerusalema. Kuzakuhlanganiswa umnono wezizwe zoke ezisahlela iJerusalema: kube liqubi legolide nesiliva kanye nezambatho. Amanikelela afana nalawo azakurhadla iinjomani, iimeyila, amakamela nabodumbana -- zoke iimbandana eziseenkampeni zezitha. Kwabasele emakhaya bezizwe zoke ebezisahlele iJerusalema bazakukhuphuka umnyaka nomnyaka bayokulotjha uSomandla onguSomnini uMninimandlawoke, bebahlanganyele ekugidingeni umnyanya weMitlhatlhana. Abantu bephasi, abangakhuphukeli eJerusalema ukuyokulotjha uSomandla onguSomnini uMninimandlawoke, abazukulibona izulu. Abantu beGibhide abangazokukhuphuka ukuyogidinga emnyanyeni weMitlhatlhana, abazukuzwiswa amanikelela njengezinye izizwe, kodwana amadlelwabo wangemlanjeni iNayili azakuhlala omile. Lokhu kuzakuba sibetho seGibhide bekube sibetho sazo zoke izizwe ezingayi ukuyokugidinga umnyanya weMitlhatlhana. Mhlokho kuzakutlolwa amagama athi “zahlukaniselwe uSomnini” ebuketleketleni beenjomani. Iimbiza zokupheka ezisendlini kaSomnini, zizakufana neenqwebu ezicwengileko eziphambi kwe-aldari. Yoke imbiza eseJerusalema nekwaJuda izakucwenga phambi kwakaSomnini uMninimandlawoke, boke abazokwenza umhlabelo bazakuthatha ezinye zeembizezo bapheke ngazo. Mhlokho angeze kusaba nomthengisi endlini kaSomnini uMninimandlawoke. Isiphorofido. Ilizwi lakaSomnini ku-Israyeli ngoMalaki. “Nginithandile”, kutjho uSomnini, “nokho niyabuza nithi, ‘Usithande ngani?’ “Lalelani-ke: U-Esewu akusimnakwabo kaJakopo na? Nokho ngamthanda uJakopo, kodwana u-Esewu yena ngamlahla. Ngizakuphendula iintaba zakhe zibe libhudu; ilifa lakhe ngilinikelele ngabophagana berhalawumba.” Lokha u-Edomu nakathi, “Nomana sirhayiliwe, sizoyivuselela iququ,” kodwana uSomnini uSomandla uthi: “Iye, bangakha bona, kodwana mina ngizakubhuruza ukuze babizwe bona bayinarha elahliweko, isizwe esithuweleliswe nguSomnini isiphelani. Nizazibonela ngamehlwenu benithi, ‘Ngambala mkhulu uSomnini nangaphetjheya kwemikhawulo yakwa-Israyeli.’ ” USomnini wathi: “Indodana yazisa uyise nenceku ikosayo. Nakube nginguyihlo, kuphi ukuhlonitjhwa kwami? Nakube nginguSomnini, kuphi ukwesatjwa kwami?” Uthi uSomnini uSomandla kini baphristi: “Nidelela ibizo lami. Nibeka ukudla okusilapheleko phezu kwe-aldari lami. “Kodwana niyabuza nithi, ‘Silidelele njani ibizo lakho? Sikusilaphaze ngani?’ “Ngokuzitjela nithi ‘I-aldari lakaSomnini lidelelekile.’ “Lokha naninikela ngefuyo ephopheleko, akusikumbi lokho na? Lokha naninikela ngefuyo erholopheleko negulako, akusikumbi lokho na? Akhe ulinge unikele ngefuyo leyo kumbusakho ubone bonyana uzakukuthabela akwamukele na?” Nje-ke nina baphristi, akhe nilinge-ke nibawe uZimu bona abe nomusa kithi! Uzanamukela nenza okunje na? USomnini uSomandla uthi: “Sengathi omunye wenu angavala amasango wethempeli ukuze ningawuphembeli ilize umlilo e-aldarini lami! Angithokozi ngani. Nomnikelo ophuma ezandleni zenu angisazuwamukela.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “Ngambala ibizo lami likhulu ephasini loke hlangana nezizwe. Eendaweni ngokuhlukahluka kwazo, kulethwa imihlatjelo; iye, imihlatjelo enganaburhole ngombana ibizo lami likhulu ezizweni.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “Kodwana nina ninyaza ibizo lami ngokuthi, ‘Itafula loMninimandlawoke lisilaphele nokudla kwalo kuyanyenyisa.’ Begodu nithi, ‘Njekhona umhlatjelo lowo usisiza ngani?’ Nikhwinyisela itafula lami.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “Lokha naniletha ifuyo elimeleko, erholopheleko namkha egulako, ninikele ngayo njengomhlabelo; nitjho bona ngiyamukele ezandleni zenu na?” Kutjho uSomnini. “Akanikelelwe loyo ozenza umahlakaniphana, othi kukhona emhlambinakhe iduna, athembise ukunikela ngalo kodwana anikele kuSomnini ngefuyo enoburhole. Ngombana mina ngiyikosi ekulu nebizo lami kufanele lesatjwe ezizweni.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “Nje-ke baphristi, isiyeleliswesi ngesenu! Lokha naningalaleliko, nihloniphe ibizo lami ngokuncamileko, ngizokuthumela amanikelela phezu kwenu begodu ngifelelise iimbusiso zenu. Vele, ngizazifelelisa naningancamiko.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “Ngizanikhalima nina siqhema sabaphristi, ngizakurhatjha ubuso benu ngomswani, iye, umswani womhlabelo wemigidenu; nginisuse ebusweni bami. Nizakwazi-ke bonyana nginithumelele isiyeleliswesi ngebanga lesivumelwano sami noLevi.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “Isithembiso engasenza kuLevi, kwakukumnikela ukuphila nokuthula. Ngamnikela lokho bona angihloniphe, wavele wangihlonipha wesaba ibizo lami. Emlonyenakhe bekunemiyalo yeqiniso, akukho okumamanga okwafunyanwako eembheneni zakhe. Wakhamba nami ngokuthula amsulwa begodu abanengi ubatjhugululile esonweni. “Ngambala iimbhena zomphristi kufanele zilonde ukwazi, emlonyenakhe kube nomyalo ngombana yena usithunywa sakaSomnini uSomandla. Kodwana nina baphristi, niphambukile endleleni begodu ngeemfundiso zenu nenze abanengi bakhutjwa; niphambene nesivumelwano sami noLevi.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “Nje-ke, mina ngizanenza nibe ngabadelelekileko nabanyazekako phambi kwabantu boke ngombana akhange nilonde iindlela zami, kunalokho nikhethe ukufundisa umyalo ngokukara abantu.” Asinababa munye soke na? AkusinguZimu munye osibumbileko? Alo, kubayini sidelele isivumelwano sabobaba ngokungathembeki omunye komunye? UJuda akhange athembeke. Kwenziwe ameswe kwa-Israyeli neJerusalema: UJuda usilaphaze okucwengileko nokuthandwa nguSomnini ngokuthatha umlobokazi olotjha abosingazimu. Sengathi uSomnini angamsusa umuntu owenza intwele ematendeni wakwaJakopo, ngitjho naloyo omjamelelako nanyana angaletha iminikelo kuSomnini uSomandla. Niwululela i-aldari lakaSomnini ngeenyembezi. Nilila benibibitheke ngombana uSomnini akasatjheji iminikelwenu begodu akasayamukeli ngethabo ezandleni zenu. Beniyabuza nithi: “Kubayini kunje?” Uyazi bonyana yini? USomnini umgwebi phakathi kwakho nomfazakho weenkomo ngombana wenze ameswe ngokungathembeki kuye amlinganakho, amfazi wesivumelwano somuzi. Azange enze indoda nomfazi baba munye na? Ubagade angenza abantu ababili abahlukileko. Kubayini-ke abenze baba munye? Kungombana ubagade afuna ukubumba isizukulwana esethembekileko kuZimu. Nje-ke zilondeni nimunye njalo njengokubunjwa kwenu, ungamlahli umfazakho weenkomo. USomnini uZimu wakwa-Israyeli uthi: “Ngambala, loyo otlhala umkakhe abe amqotjhe uphehla inturhu. Nje-ke zilondeni nimunye njengokubunjwa kwenu, ungamlahli umfazakho weenkomo.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. Nidine uSomnini ngeenkulumo zenu, kodwana niyabuza nithi: “Simdine ngaliphi uSomnini?” Ngelithi: “Boke abenza ameswe balungile kuSomnini begodu uyabathabela. Nange kungasi njalo, uphi-ke uZimu wokulunga?” “Qala, ngizokuthuma isithunywa sami esizakulungisa indlela phambi kwami. Kuthi msinyazana, isikhulu osifunako sifike ethempeleni lami; iye, isithunywa sesivumelwano somuzi osihlulukeleko siyeza.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. Alo, ngubani ongabhesela ilanga lokuza kwaso? Ngubani ozakujama ekubonakaleni kwaso na? Ngambala ilangelo lizakufana nomlilo womncibilikisi nanjengesibha somhlanzi. Isithunywa sizakuhlala njengomncibilikisi nomcwengisisi wesiliva; uzakucwengisisa amaLevi awahlunge njengegolide nesiliva ukuze abe ngewakaSomnini, abaphristi abaletha iminikelo ngendlela efaneleko. Yeke iminikelo yakwaJuda neJerusalema izakwamukeleka kuSomnini njengemihleni yaphambilini neminyakeni eyadlulako. “Ngizakubandamela kini-ke bona ngigwebe. Ngizakuba msinyana ekufakazeni ngokujamelana nezanusi, iinhlobongi, nabafunga amanga, godu ngokujamelana nabadlelezela iinsebenzi imirholwazo, abagandelela abahlolokazi neentandani, bamuka neenkhonzi amalungelwazo, kodwana bangangesabi mina.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “Mina Somnini angiphenduki, nani nzukulwana zakaJakopo anikatjhuguluki. Kusukela emihleni yaboyihlo nitjhidile emiyalwenami begodu akhange niyilonde. Nanibuyela kimi, nami ngizakubuyela kini,” kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “Kodwana nibuza nithi, ‘Sibuye bunjani?’ “Kunomuntu ongagalaja uZimu na? Kodwana nina niyangigalaja. Niyabuza nithi, ‘Sikugalaje njani?’ Ngokwetjhumi nezipho. Ninikelelwe ngamanikelela, sizwe soke, ngombana niyangigalaja. Lethani koke kwetjhumi ngesilulwini, ukuze kube nokudla endlinami. Ngilingani ngalokhu.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “Nibone nangingazukunivulela izulu liwuluke, nginithululele iimbusiso ezizakuba mhlumba. Ngizakukhalimela intethe bona ingadli iintjalo zenu ukuze iindiribe emasiminenu zingabhalelwa kuhloma.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “Nje-ke izizwe zoke zizakuthi nibusisiwe ngombana inarhenu izakuba ngeganukejako.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. USomnini uthi: “Ningihlabe ngamagama, kodwana niyabuza nithi, ‘Sikhulume ngawe sathini?’ Nithe, ‘Akusizi ukulotjha uZimu. Yini njekhona esiyizuzileko ngokwenza akufunako nokukhamba sizilile phambi kwakaSomnini uSomandla? Khonanje sibiza abazaziko njengababusisiweko. Iye, iinkhohlakali ziyaphumelela nabajamelene noZimu bayaliswa.’ ” Lokha abesaba uSomnini nabakhulumisana bodwa, uSomnini uyabezwa. Umtlolo osongiweko wesikhumbuzo watlolwa phambi kwakhe mayelana nalabo abesaba uSomnini bahlonipha nebizo lakhe. USomnini uSomandla uthi: “Ngambala bazakuba ngebami mhlana ngenyula igugu lami. Ngizabarhawukela njengomuntu orhawukela indodanakhe emsebenzelako. Nizakubona godu umehluko phakathi kwabalungileko nabakhohlakeleko naphakathi kwabalotjha uZimu nabangamlotjhiko.” “Ngambala liyeza ilanga elizakutjhisa njengekehla. Boke abazaziko ngitjho esinye nesinye isoni sizakuba mawunguwungu begodu ilanga elizakwelo lizabatjhisa, batjhe thokgho.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. “Kodwana kini enesaba ibizo lami, kuzakuphuma ilanga lokulunga linokuphilisa emisebenalo. Nizakuphuma nitune njengamathole nakaphuma egoqweni. Yeke nizakugadangela phasi iinkhohlakali: Zizakuba mlotha ngaphasi kweenyawo zenu mhlana ngenza izintwezi.” Kutjho uSomnini uSomandla. USomnini uthi: “Khumbula umthetho wencekwami uMosi, imiyalo nemithetho engamnikela yona entabeni iHorebe mayelana no-Israyeli woke. Qala ngizakuthumela umphorofidi u-Elija ngaphambi kokuza kwelanga elikhulu nelesabekako lakaSomnini. Uzokuphendulela iinhliziyo zaboyise ebantwaneni, neenhliziyo zabentwana kiboyise; nakungasinjalo, ngizakuza ngiyirhayile nya inarha.” Incwadi yomlibo wokubelethwa kwakaJesu Krestu iNdodana kaDavida osizukulwana saka-Abrahamu. U-Abrahamu wabeletha u-Isaka, u-Isaka wabeletha uJakopo, uJakopo wabeletha uJuda nabafowabo. UJuda wabeletha uPerezi noZara kuTamara, uPerezi wabeletha uHesromu, uHesromu wabeletha u-Aramu, u-Aramu wabeletha u-Aminadaba, u-Aminadaba wabeletha uNarhitjhoni, uNarhitjhoni wabeletha uSalmoni, uSalmoni wabeletha uBhowazi kuRarhabi, uBhowazi wabeletha u-Obede kuRute, u-Obede wabeletha uJese, uJese wabeletha ikosi uDavida. UDavida wabeletha uSolomoni kumka-Uriya, uSolomoni wabeletha uRerhobhowamu, uRerhobhowamu wabeletha u-Abiya, u-Abiya wabeletha u-Asafa, u-Asafa wabeletha uJerhotjhafati, uJerhotjhafati wabeletha uJoramu, uJoramu wabeletha u-Uziya, u-Uziya wabeletha uJotamu, uJotamu wabeletha u-Arhazi, u-Arhazi wabeletha uHezekiya, uHezekiya wabeletha uManase; uManase wabeletha u-Amosi, u-Amosi wabeletha uJosiya; uJosiya wabeletha uKoniya nabafowabo lokha u-Israyeli nagade athunjelwe eBhabheli. Ngemva kokuthunjelwa eBhabheli, uKoniya wabeletha uTjhaltiyeli; uTjhaltiyeli wabeletha uZerubhabheli. UZerubhabheli wabeletha u-Abiyudi; u-Abiyudi wabeletha u-Eliyakhimu; u-Eliyakhimu wabeletha u-Azori; u-Azori wabeletha uTsadoki; uTsadoki wabeletha u-Arhimu; u-Arhimu wabeletha u-Eliyudi; u-Eliyudi wabeletha u-Elazara; u-Elazara wabeletha uMathani; uMathani wabeletha uJakopo, uJakopo wabeletha uJosefa, indoda kaMariya unina kaJesu okuthiwa nguKrestu. Yeke bekuneenzukulwana ezilitjhumi nane kusukela ku-Abrahamu ukuya kuDavida, nezilitjhumi nane kusukela kuDavida kufikela ekuthunjweni eBhabheli, nezilitjhumi nane kusukela ekuthunjweni eBhabheli ukuya ekubelethweni kwakaKrestu. Ukubelethwa kwakaJesu Krestu kwaba nje: Unina uMariya bekabonwe nguJosefa, kodwana ngaphambi kobana bahlangane, wazifumana asidisi ngoMoya oCwengileko. Ngebanga lokobana uJosefa isokana lakhe bekumumuntu olungileko, nokobana bekangafuni ukumdalula ebantwini, wahlosa ukumtlhala ngesidu. Kwathi asakhumbula lokho, ingilozi kaSomnini yazibonakalisa kuye ebhudangweni yathi: “Josefa, sizukulwana sakaDavida, ungesabi ukuthatha uMariya abe mkakho ngombana lokho akubambileko kubuya kuMoya oCwengileko. UMariya uzakubeletha indodana, uyithiye ibizo bona nguJesu ngombana izakusindisa abantu bayo ezonweni zabo.” Koke lokhu kwenzeka kobana kuzaliseke lokho uSomnini akukhuluma ngomphorofidi wathi: “Qala, itlawu lizakuba sidisi, libelethe indodana; izakubizwa bona ngu-Imanuweli.” Nakutjhugululwako lokhu kutjho bona “uZimu unathi”. Kwathi uJosefa navukako, wenza njengombana ingilozi kaSomnini imyalile, wathatha uMariya bona abe mkakhe. Kodwana azange akhe alale naye ngaphambi kobana abelethe indodana. Wathiya indodana leyo bona nguJesu. Ngemva kobana uJesu abelethwe eBhethelehema eseJudiya emihleni yokubusa kwekosi uHerode, kweza izazi eJerusalema zivela epumalanga. Zabuza zathi: “Uphi obelethwe bona abe yikosi yamaJuda na? Sibone ikwekwezakhe lokha nayiphuma ngepumalanga, nje-ke size bona sizomkhothamela.” Kwathi bona ikosi uHerode izwe lokho, yawurubajeka, neJerusalema loke lawurubajeka nayo. Sele ibizele ndawonye boke abaphathi babaphristi kanye nabafundisi bomthetho, yababuza bonyana uKrestu ubelethelwephi. Bayiphendula bathi: “NgeBhethelehema eseJudiya ngombana lokhu ngilokho umphorofidi atlole ngakho nasithi, “ ‘Wena Bhethelehema esenarheni yakwaJuda, awusingomncancani hlangana nababusi bakwaJuda ngombana kuwe kuzokuvela umbusi ozokuba ngumelusi wabantu bami u-Israyeli.’ ” Yeke uHerode wabizela izazi zepumalanga ngasese wazibuza isikhathi ikwekwezi evele ngaso. Wazithumela eBhethelehema wathi: “Khambani niyokufunisisa kuhle ngomntwana; nithi ningamfumana, ningazise, khona nami ngizakuya ngiyomkhothamela.” Ngemva kobana sele zizwe ikosi, zangena indlela. Qala, ikwekwezi ebeziyibone ngepumalanga yakhamba phambi kwazo beyayokujama ngehla kwendawo lapha bekunomntwana khona. Kwathi lokha nazibona ikwekwezi, zajabula khulu. Zathi nazingena ngekumbeni, zabona umntwana anonina uMariya, yeke zakhothama zamlotjha. Zavula amagugwazo zamkhunga ngezipho: igolide, itjhwalo nemire. Sele ziyelelisiwe ebhudangweni kobana zingabuyeli emuva kuHerode, zaya enarheni yekhabo zikhamba ngenye indlela. Kwathi bona izazi zikhambe, ingilozi kaSomnini yazibonakalisa kuJosefa ngebhudango yathi: “Vuka uthathe umntwana nonina nibalekele eGibhide. Hlalani lapho benginitjele ngombana uHerode uzokufunana nomntwana kobana ambulale.” Yeke wavuka, wathatha umntwana nonina, wakhamba ebusuku waya eGibhide, lapha ahlala khona uHerode wabe wafa. Kwazaliseka bunjalo-ke okwatjhiwo nguSomnini ngomphorofidi wathi: “Ngabiza indodanami kobana iphume eGibhide.” Kwathi bona uHerode alemuke bonyana izazi zepumalanga zimkhohlisile, wasilingeka. Wakhupha umyalo bona kubulawe boke abantwana ababesana eBhethelehema neendaweni ezihlanu kwayo, kusukela eminyakeni emibili nengaphasi. Lokhu kwenzeka malungana nalokho akuzwa ngezazi. Ngaleyondlela kwazaliseka lokho okwatjhiwo ngomphorofidi uJoromiya nasithi: “Ilizwi lizwakele eRama, ukulila okukhulu nokutlhuwa; uRarheli ulilela abantwabakhe, akafuni nokutjhiriywa ngombana bangasekho.” Ngemva kokuhlongakala kwakaHerode, ingilozi kaSomnini yazibonakalisa kuJosefa ngebhudango eGibhide, yathi: “Vuka, uthathe umntwana nonina, ubuyele enarheni yakwa-Israyeli ngombana labo egade balinga ukubulala umntwana baphangalele.” Yeke wavuka, wathatha umntwana nonina, babuyela enarheni yakwa-Israyeli. Kodwana kwathi bona uJosefa ezwe bonyana u-Aritjhilawosi uthethe isihlalo sakayise uHerode eJudiya, wesaba ukuya lapho. Sele ayeleliswe ebhudangweni, waya esifundeni seGalile, wayokuhlala edorobheni okuthiwa yiNazaretha. Yeke-ke okwatjhiwo baphorofidi kwazaliseka nabasithi: “Uzakubizwa bona umNazaretha.” Emihleni leyo kwavela uJwanisi uMbhabhadisi atjhumayela erhalawumbeni leJudiya asithi: “Phendukani ngombana umbuso wezulu ubandamele!” UJwanisi lo, nguye umphorofidi u-Isaya akhuluma ngaye nasithi: “Ilizwi lorhuwelela erhalawumbeni lithi: Lungisani indlela yeKosi, yenzeleni imizila enqophileko!” Izambatho zakaJwanisi bezenziwe ngoboya bekamela; bekazibophe ngebhande lesikhumba edinini, ukugoma kwakhe kuziintethe neliju lemmangweni. Abantu beza kuye bavela eJerusalema, kilo loke iJudiya nakiso soke isifunda seJordani; babika izono zabo, wababhabhadisa ngeJordani. Kwathi nabona abaFarisi nabaSadusi abanengi basiza kuye bona bazokubhajadiswa, wathi kibo: “Nina nzalo yeenyoka, ngubani onilemukise bona nibalekele ilaka elizako na? Vezani iinthelo ezikhomba ukuphenduka. Ningadlumbani bona ningazitjela nithi, ‘Sino-Abrahamu njengobabethu’. Ngambala ngiyanitjela bona uZimu angavusela u-Abrahamu abantwana ngamatje la! Izembe sele lisemrajini wemithi, omunye nomunye umuthi ongatheli iinthelo ezihle uzakuquntulwa, uphoswe ngemlilweni. Nginibhabhadisa ngamanzi malungana nokuphenduka, kodwana emva kwami kuzokuza onamandla khulu kunami, engingasililitho bonyana ngingathinta amapatlagwanakhe. Yena-ke uzonibhabhadisa ngoMoya oCwengileko nangomlilo. Unesibhulo sakhe abhulisisa ngaso eselelweni. Uzakubuthelela ikoroyi yakhe ngesilulwini sakhe, kodwana uzakutjhisa iinhluba ngemlilweni ongacimiko!” UJesu wavela eGalile weza eJordani kobana azokubhajadiswa nguJwanisi. Kodwana uJwanisi walinga ukumkhandela, wathi: “Kufanele bonyana ngibhajadiswe nguwe, kodwana wena uza kimi na?” Nje-ke uJesu wamphendula wathi: “Vuma okwagadesi, kusilungele bonyana sikwenze lokhu ukuze kuzaliseke koke ukulunga.” Yeke uJwanisi wavuma. Kwathi msinyana bona uJesu abhajadiswe, waphuma ngemanzini. Khonokho izulu lavuleka, wabona uMoya kaZimu wehla njengezuba, wahlala phezu kwakhe. Yeke ilizwi lavela ezulwini lisithi: “Le yiNdodanami engiyithandako nengithokozileko ngayo.” Yeke uMoya wadosela uJesu erhalawumbeni bona ayokulingwa nguSathana. Ngemva kobana azile ukudla amalanga amatjhumi amane nobusuku bakhona, walamba. Yeke umlingi weza kuye wathi: “Nangabe uyiNdodana kaZimu, tjela amatje la bona aphenduke isikwa.” Kodwana uJesu waphendula wathi: “Kutloliwe kwathiwa, “ ‘Umuntu akaphili ngesikwa kwaphela kodwana ngelinye nelinye ilizwi eliphuma emlonyeni kaZimu.’ ” Yeke uSathana wathatha uJesu wamusa edorobheni elicwengileko, wamjamisa esiqongolweni sethempeli; wathi kuye: “Nangabe uyiNdodana kaZimu, ziphosele phasi ngombana kutloliwe kwathiwa, “ ‘UZimu uzakuyala iingilozi zakhe ngawe; zizakukhakhuna ngezandla zazo, ukuze iinyawo zakho zingabetheki ematjeni.’ ” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Godu kutloliwe kwathiwa, ‘Ungamlingi uSomnini uZimakho.’ ” Godu uSathana wathatha uJesu wamusa esiqongolweni sentaba, wamkhombisa yoke imibuso yephasi nobuphaziphazi bayo, wathi kuye: “Koke lokhu ngizakunikela khona, nange ungaguqa ungilotjhe.” Yeke uJesu waphendula wathi: “Suka, Sathana ngombana kutloliwe kwathiwa, “ ‘Lotjha uSomnini uZimakho ukhothamele yena kwaphela.’ ” Nje-ke uSathana wamsukela; iingilozi zeza zamsiza. Kwathi bonyana uJesu ezwe bona uJwanisi ufakwe ngesikhungweni, wabuyela eGalile. Wasuka eNazaretha, wayokuhlala eKapernawumi, emzini ohlanu kwelwandle leGalile, enarheni yakwaZabuloni neyakwaNafitali. Lokhu kwenzeka khona kuzakuzaliseka okwakhulunywa mphorofidi u-Isaya nasithi: “Narha yakwaZabuloni, nawe narha yakwaNaftali, endleleni eya elwandle, ngaphetjheya kweJordani, Galile labatjhili! Abantu abahlezi ebumnyameni babone umkhanyo omkhulu, nakilabo abahlezi enarheni yethunzi lokufa ukukhanya kufikile.” Ukusuka ngesikhatheso, uJesu wathoma ukutjhumayela wathi: “Phendukani ngombana umbuso wezulu ubandamele!” Kwathi uJesu asakhamba eqadi kwelwandle leGalile, wabona izelamani ezimbili, uSimoni ebekuthiwa nguPitrosi nomfowabo u-Andrisi. Begade baphosela inede ngelwandle ngombana gade bababambi beenhlambi. Yeke uJesu wathi kibo: “Yizani, ngilandelani! Ngizanenza ababambi babantu.” Khonokho basukela amanedabo bamlandela. Wakhamba godu wabona izelamani ezinye ezimbili, uJakopo umsa kaZebediya nomfowabo uJwanisi. Bebangemkhunjini noyise uZebediya, balungisa amanedabo. UJesu wababiza, khonokho basukela umkhumbi noyise, bamlandela. UJesu wadabula iGalile, afundisa ngemasinagogini, atjhumayela ivangeli lombuso, apholisa ebebaphethwe malwelwe ahlukeneko kanye nezifo. Iindaba ngaye zanda kiyo yoke iSiriya, abantu baletha kuye boke ebebagula; baphethwe malwelwe amanengi ahlukeneko nobuhlungu: abantu abanamadimoni, isithunthwana nabakhubazekileko. Boke uJesu wabapholisa. Iinqubuthu ezikulu zamlandela zisuka eGalile eDekapolisi, eJerusalema, eJudiya nenarheni engaphetjheya kweJordani. Kwathi lokha uJesu nabona iinqubuthu, wenyukela entabeni. Sele ahlezi phasi, abafundi bakhe beza kuye. Yeke wathoma ukubafundisa wathi: “Babusisiwe abaswelako emmoyeni ngombana umbuso wezulu ungewabo. Babusisiwe abalilako ngombana bazakududuzwa. Babusisiwe abamnene ngombana bazakugoma ilifa lephasi. Babusisiwe abalambele bomele ukulunga ngombana bazakusuthiswa. Babusisiwe abanesirhawu ngombana bazakurhawukelwa. Babusisiwe abahlanzekileko eenhliziyweni ngombana bazombona uZimu. Babusisiwe abalamulako ngombana kuzakuthiwa bantwana bakaZimu. Babusisiwe abazunywa ngebanga lokulunga ngombana umbuso wezulu ungewabo. “Nibusisiwe lokha nabanithukako, banizuma bebakhulume koke okumbi ngani ngebanga lami. Thabani nithokoze ngombana umvuzo wenu mkhulu ezulwini. Nabaphorofidi ababakhona ngaphambi kwenu babazuma ngayo indlela le.” “Nina nilitswayi lephasi, kodwana itswayi nasele liqwatjhile, ubutswayi balo bungabuyiselwa njani na? Alisenamsebenzi, kwaphela selilungele ukulahlelwa ngaphandle, abantu baligadange. “Nina nimkhanyo wephasi. Umuzi owakhiwe entabeni angekhe wafihleka. Akakho othi angakhanyisa isibani asibeke ngaphasi kwesitja, kodwana usibeka phezu kwesitja lapha sizakukhanyisela khona woke ongekumbeni. Ngokunjalo akukhanye ukukhanya kwenu phambi kwabantu ukuze babone imisebenzenu emihle, badumise uYihlo osezulwini.” “Ningadlumbani bonyana ngizele ukuzokuchitha umthetho namkha abaphorofidi. Angikazeli ukuzokuchitha, kodwana ngizele ukuzokugcwalisa. Ngambala ngiyanitjela bona kungakadluli izulu nephasi, akunaledere nalinye, ngitjho nesiqetjhana segama esizokudlula emthethweni bekupheliswe koke. Yeke, nanyana ngubani owephula ngitjho nomncani wemiyalo le bese afundise nabanye ukwenza njalo, uzakubizwa bona mncani embusweni wezulu. Kodwana nanyana ngubani oyenzako abe ayifundise, uzakubizwa bona mkhulu embusweni wezulu ngombana ngiyanitjela bonyana nakube ukulunga kwenu akudluli kwabafundisi bomthetho nabaFarisi, anisoze nangena embusweni wezulu.” “Nizwile bona abantu ekadeni batjelwa kwathiwa, ‘Ungabulali; ngiloyo naloyo obulalako uzokugwetjwa.’ Kodwana kwanjesi ngithi kini ngiloyo naloyo othukuthelela umfowabo uzokugwetjwa. Godu nanyana ngubani othi kumfowabo, ‘Nto ndina!’, uzokudoselwa ebandla. Godu nothi kumfowabo, ‘Sidlhadlha ndina!’, uzokuba sengozini yokuphoselwa emlilweni wesirhogo. Yeke lokha nawuletha umnikelwakho e-aldarini, khonapho bese uyakhumbula bona umfowenu unamavundo nawe, tjhiya umnikelwakho lapho phambi kwe-aldari, ukhambe khonokho uyokubuyisana naye bese uyabuya-ke uzokunikela umnikelwakho. “Rhaba ulungise indaba naloyo okulwisako nisesendleleni yokuya ebandla, nakungasinjalo uzakunikela ezandleni zomgwebi, yena akunikele ezandleni zabalindi, uphoselwe ngesikhungweni. Ngiqinisile ngithi kuwe uzakubhadla ngapho kufikela bewukhokhe ngitjho nopenyanakho wokugcina.” “Nizwile bona abantu ekadeni batjelwa kwathiwa, ‘Ungahlobongi.’ Kodwana ngiyanitjela bona nanyana ngubani oqala umfazi amkhanuke sele ahlobonge naye ngehliziywenakhe. Nakube ilihlo lakho langesigomeni likwenza wone, ligobhodlhe ulilahle! Kungcono khulu ukulahlekelwa ngesinye sezitho zakho zomzimba kunobanyana umzimbakho woke uphoselwe ngesirhogweni. Nangabe isandla sakho sangesigomeni sikwenza bona wone, siqunte usilahle! Kungcono khulu ukulahlekelwa sisandla sakho kunobanyana umzimbakho woke uphoselwe ngesirhogweni.” “Godu kwathiwa, ‘Nanyana ngubani otlhalana nomkakhe kufanele amnikele incwadi yesahlukaniso.’ Kodwana ngithi kini nanyana ngubani otlhala umkakhe ngaphandle kweenzathu zokuhlobonga, umbangela bona ahlobonge begodu nanyana ngubani othatha umfazi otlhaliweko uyahlobonga.” “Nizwile bona abantu ekadeni batjelwa kwathiwa, ‘Ungafungi ngamanga, kodwana yenza iimfungo owazenza kuSomnini.’ Kodwana ngiyanitjela bona ningafungi nakanye, kungabi ngezulu ngombana lisihlalo sobukhosi sakaZimu, namkha ngephasi ngombana lisinabelo seenyawo zakhe, namkha ngeJerusalema ngombana lilidorobho leKosi ekulu. Ungafungi ngehlokwakho ngombana angekhe watjhugulula ngitjho nasinye isihlutjhwana sibe mhlophe namkha sibe nzima. Kwaphela yithi, ‘Iye, iye’ namkha, ‘Awa, awa’. Okudlula lokhu kuvela komumbi.” “Nizwile bona kwathiwa, ‘Ilihlo ngelihlo, izinyo ngezinyo.’ Kodwana kwanjesi ngithi kini: Ningajamelani nesikhohlakali. Umuntu nakuwahla emhlathini wangesigomeni, mnikele nomunye umhlathi. Nakube kukhona ofuna ukukudosela ebandla kobana akwemuke isambatho sakho, mnikele nesinye. Okukatelela bona ukhambe naye ikhilomitha elilodwa, khamba naye amakhilomitha amabili. Yipha woke umuntu okubawa okuthileko, ungabagodleli ababoleka kuwe.” “Nizwile bona kwathiwa, ‘Thanda umuntu womphakathi uzonde isitha sakho.’ Kodwana manjesi ngithi kini: Thandani izitha zenu, nithandazele labo abanizumako, ukuze nibe bantwana bakaYihlo osezulwini ngombana wenza ilanga lakhe liphumele abambi nabalungileko, anise nezulu kabalungileko nabakhohlakeleko. Yeke nanithanda labo abanithandako, ninomvuzo bani na? Angithi nabathelisi benza njalo? Godu nanibingelela abafowenu kwaphela, nizakuthi nibaphala ngani abanye abantu na? Angithi nabatjhili bayakwenza lokho na? Yeke yibani ngabapheleleko njengombana noYihlo osezulwini aphelele!” “Yelelani bona ningenzi izenzo zenu zokulunga phambi kwabantu kobana banibuke ngombana nanenza njalo, angekhe nawufumana umvuzo wenu ovela kuYihlo osezulwini. “Nje-ke lokha nanipha abadududu, ningamemezeli ngeemporompita njengombana kwenza abazenzisi ngemasinagogini neendledlaneni ukuze bahlonitjhwe babantu. Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona sele bamukele umvuzwabo ngokupheleleko. Kodwana lokha nawupha abadududu, ungavumeli kobana isincele sakho sazi lokho okwenziwa sisidla sakho ukuze umnikelwakho ube sekusithekeni. Ngaleyondlela uYihlo obona ekusithekeni uzakuvuza.” “Lokha nawuthandazako, ungabi njengabazenzisi ngombana bathanda ukuthandaza bajamile ngemasinagogini nemajikeni weendledlana ukuze babonwe babantu. Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona sele bawufumene umvuzwabo ngokupheleleko. Kodwana wena nawuthandazako, ngena ngelawini lakho, uvale umnyango bese uthandaza kuYihlo ongabonwako. Nje-ke uYihlo obona lokho okwenziwa ngemsitheleni, uzakuvuza. “Nanithandazako, ningaratharathi njengabangakholwako, abadlumbana bonyana bazakuzwiwa ngebanga lamezwabo amanengi. Ningabi njengabo ngombana uYihlo wazi enikudingako ningakambawi. Nasi-ke indlela ekumele nithandaze ngayo, “ ‘Baba wethu osezulwini, alicwengiswe ibizo lakho, umbuso wakho awufike, intando yakho yenziwe ephasini njengombana kunjalo ezulwini. Usiphe namhlanjesi isikwa sethu sangemihla. Usilibalele amacalethu njengombana sibalibalela abanamacala kithi. Ungasingenisi ekulingweni, kodwana yewusitjhaphulule kokumbi ngombana umbuso ungowakho, amandla nephazimulo ngokungapheliko. Amen.’ “Nanilibalela abantu abanitjhapheleko noYihlo osezulwini uzanilibalela. Kodwana naningalibaleli abantu abanitjhapheleko noYihlo angekhe anilibalela imitjhapho yenu.” “Nanizila ukudla, ningatjhitjhibalisi ubuso njengabazenzisi ngombana banyukubalisa ubuso babo ukubonisa abantu bonyana bazile ukudla. Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona sele bamukele umvuzwabo ngokupheleleko. Kodwana wena nawuzilako, hlamba ubuso bakho, ukame iinhluthu zakho ukuze ungabonakali ebantwini kobana wena uzile ukudla, ngaphandle kwakaYihlo, ongabonwako. UYihlo obona okwenziwa ekusithekeni, uzakuvuza.” “Ningazibekeli umnotho ephasinapha, lapha kunomvunya nokukhuna okurhayilako nalapha amasela afohla khona ebe. Kodwana zibekeleni umnotho ezulwini lapha umvunya nokukhuna kungeze kwarhayila khona nalapha amasela angeze afohla ebe ngombana lapha kunomnothwakho khona nehliziywakho ilapho.” “Ilihlo lisibani somzimba. Nakube amehlwakho alungile, umzimbakho woke uzakuba nokukhanya. Kodwana nakube amehlwakho mambi, umzimbakho woke uzakwembathwa bumnyama. Yeke nangabe umkhanyo ngaphakathi kwakho ubumnyama, maye bungangani ubumnyamobo!” “Akakho ongasebenzela abaphathi ababili. Uzakuzonda omunye athande omunye namkha azinikele ngokupheleleko komunye bese unyaza omunye. Anikwazi-ke ukulotjha uZimu khibe ngapha nilotjhana noMamoni.” “Ngalokho-ke ngiyanitjela, ningakhathazeki ngepilwenu bona nizogomani namkha nizokuselani. Ningakhathazeki nangemizimbenu bona nizokwembathani. Kghani ipilo ayikaqakatheki khulu ukwedlula ukudla na? Nomzimba awukaqakatheki khulu kunezambatho na? Qalani, iinyoni zomkayi azitjali, azivuni namkha zibeke ngeenlulwini. Kodwana uYihlo osezulwini uyazondla. Alo, nina anikaqakatheki khulu kuneenyoni na? Ngubani-ke phakathi kwenu ongangezelela i-awara linye epilwenakhe ngokukhathazeka na? “Kubayini nikhathazeke ngezambatho na? Qalani bona amakhwa wommango amila njani; akasebenzi namkha aphothe intambo. Kodwana ngiyanitjela bonyana ngitjho noSolomoni kibo boke ubuphaziphazi bakhe azange akhe embathe njengamanye wawo. Nakube uZimu wembesa utjani bommango obukhona namhlanjesi kusasa butjhiswe ngomlilo, akazunembesa ukwedlula, nina bokukholwa okuncani na? “Yeke ningathomi nikhathazeke bese nithi, ‘Alo sizogomani nje?’ namkha, ‘Sizokuselani?’ namkha, ‘Sizokwembathani?’ Lezi zizinto abangakholwako abazigijimelako. Nje-ke uYihlo osezulwini uyazi bona niyazidinga izintwezi. Kodwana funani qangi umbuswakhe nakho koke ukulunga kwakhe, nje-ke koke lokhu nakho nizakuphiwa khona. Yeke ningakhathazeki ngelingomuso ngombana ilingomuso lizakukhathalela kwalo. Elinye nelinye ilanga lineenkathazo zalo ezaneleko.” “Ningagwebi abanye, nakungasinjalo nani nizokugwetjwa ngombana indlela enigweba ngayo abanye nani nizokugwetjwa ngayo. “Kubayini ukghona ukubona itserana engelihlweni lakamfowenu, kodwana uhlulwe kubona isigodo esingelihlweni lakho na? Ungatjho njani kumfowenu uthi, ‘Angikhuphe itserana engelihlweni lakho,’ khisibe wena unesigodokazi ngelihlweni lakho na? Wena mzenzisi ndina! Thoma ukhuphe isigodokazi esingelihlweni lakho qangi, nje-ke uzakghona ukubona kuhle ukuze ukhuphe itserana engelihlweni lomfowenu. “Ninganikeli izinja okucwengileko, ningaphoseli amatjenu aligugu ezavukazaneni. Nanenza njalo, zizawagadangela ngeenyawo bese ziyajika zinidabudabula iinquqwana.” “Bawani nizakuphiwa; funani nizakufumana; kokodani nizakuvulelwa ngombana loyo naloyo obawako uzakuphiwa, ofunako uzakufumana, nokokodako uzakuvulelwa. Ngubani phakathi kwenu ongathi umntwanakhe nabawa isikwa, amuphe ilitje na? Namkha kuthi nabawa ihlambi amuphe inyoka na? Nakube-ke nina, ngitjho nanyana nikhohlakele kangaka nje, nikwazi ukupha abantwabenu izipho ezihle, kangangani-ke uYihlo osezulwini! Uzabapha izipho ezihle khulu labo abambawako. “Yeke kikho koke, yenza kabanye lokho ongathanda bonyana bakwenze kuwe ngombana lokhu ngokutjhiwo mthetho nabaphorofidi.” “Ngenani ngesango elincani ngombana isango eliya ekubhujisweni likhulu nendlela yakhona ibanzi begodu banengi abakhamba ngayo. Kodwana isango eliya ekuphileni lincani nendlela yakhona imkghotho begodu balibinzana abayifumanako.” “Yelelani abaphorofidi bamanga. Beza kini bembethe njengezimvu kodwana ngaphakathi khisibe baziimpisi ezirhiribidelako. Nizababona ngeenthelo zabo. Abantu bayawakha amadiribe emeveni namkha amakhiwani emthini womunga na? Ngokunjalo omunye nomunye umuthi omuhle uthela iinthelo ezihle, kodwana umuthi omumbi uthela iinthelo ezimbi. Umuthi omuhle angekhe wathela iinthelo ezimbi, nomuthi omumbi angekhe wathela iinthelo ezihle. Omunye nomunye umuthi ongatheli iinthelo ezihle uyaquntulwa uphoswe emlilweni. Yeke-ke, nizababona ngeenthelo zabo.” “Akusuye woke othi kimi, ‘Kosi, Kosi’ ozakungena embusweni wezulwini, kodwana kwaphela loyo owenza intando kaBaba osezulwini. Mhlokho abanengi bazakuthi kimi, ‘Kosi, Kosi, azange siphorofide ebizweni lakho besaqotjha amadimoni ngalo ibizo lakho senza neemangaliso ezinengi na?’ Yeke ngizabatjela emehlweni ngithi kibo, ‘Azange khenginazi. Sukani kimapha, nina nkhohlakali ndina!’ ” “Yeke nanyana ngubani ozwa amezwami la, awenze, unjengomuntu ohlakaniphileko owakha indlwakhe phezu kwedwala. Izulu lawuluka, imilambo yaphuphuma, ummoya waphephetha ngamandla phezu kwendlu leyo. Kodwana azange iwe ngombana yakhiwe phezu kwedwala. “Kodwana nanyana ngubani ozwa amezwami la, angawenzi, unjengomuntu osidlhadlha owakha indlwakhe phezu kwetjhwabatjhwaba. Izulu lawuluka, imilambo yaphuphuma, ummoya waphephetha ngamandla phezu kwendlu leyo, nje-ke yawa. Kwaba kukhulu ukuwa kwayo!” Kwathi bona uJesu aqede ukukhuluma izintwezi, isiqubuthu sarareka ngendlela afundisa ngayo ngombana gade afundisa njengonegunya, ingasi ngendlela abafundisi bomthetho bebafundisa ngayo. Kwathi uJesu selehlile entabeni, isiqubuthu esikhulu samlandela. Indoda enekhwekhwe yeza kuye, yafese yaguqa phambi kwakhe, yathi kuye: “Kosi, nawuthandako ungangihlambulula.” UJesu wathabulula isandla sakhe wakghwatha indoda leyo, wathi: “Ngiyathanda, hlambuluka!” Khonokho indoda leyo yaphola. Yeke uJesu wathi kiyo: “Qinisekisa bona awutjeli muntu namunye, kodwana khamba unqophe kumphristi, ukhuphe isipho njengokomyalo kaMosi, kube bufakazi kibo.” Kwathi uJesu sele angene eKapernawumi, umphathimabutho wamhlangabeza abawa isizo, wathi: “Kosi, ikhoboka lami liyagula ekhaya le, likhubazekile begodu liseenhlungwini.” UJesu wathi: “Ngizakukhamba ngiyolipholisa.” Umphathimabutho waphendula wathi: “Kosi angikafanelwa kukobana ungeza kwami. Khupha nje ilizwi, ikhoboka lami lizakuphola. Nami ngokwami ngiphethwe, nginamajoni angaphasi kwami. Nangithi kelinye, ‘Khamba!’ liyakhamba, nangithi, ‘Yizapha!’ liyeza. Ngithi ekhobokeni lami, ‘Yenza lokhu!’ bese liyenza.” Lokha uJesu nezwa lokhu, warareka bewathi ebantwini ebebamlandela: “Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona azange khengifumane noyedwa kwa-Israyeli onokukholwa okungaka. Nje-ke ngiyanitjela bona abanengi bazakuvela ngepumalanga nangetjingalanga, bahlale phasi esidlweni no-Abrahamu, u-Isaka noJakopo embusweni wezulu. Kodwana labo abangebombuso bazakulahlelwa ngaphandle ebumnyameni, lapha kuzakuba khona ukulila nokugedla kwamazinyo.” Yeke uJesu wathi kumphathimabutho: “Khamba! Kuzakwenzeka njengokukholwa kwakho.” Ikhoboka lakhe laphola khonokho. UJesu waya ngekumbeni kaPitrosi, wafunyana umkhwekazi kaPitrosi alele, aphethwe mgomani. Wakghwatha isandla sakhe; umgomani wamlisa, wavuka khonokho, wenzela uJesu okugonywako. Kwathi nakuhlwako kwalethwa kuye abanengi ebebanamadimoni, waqotjha imimoya ngelizwi kwaphela bewapholisa abagulako. Lokhu kwenzeka khona kuzakuzaliseka okwakhulunywa ngomphorofidi u-Isaya, nasithi: “Khonapho yathwala ukugula kwethu, yatjatha iinsizi zethu.” Kwathi uJesu nabona isiqubuthu simzombelezile, wakhupha umyalo wokobana kweyanyelwe ngaphetjheya kwelwandle. Umfundisi womthetho weza kuye wathi: “Mfundisi, ngizakulandela nanyana kukuphi lapha uya khona.” UJesu wamphendula wathi: “Iimpungutjha zinemigodi, iinyoni zineenhlakana, kodwana iNdodana yoMuntu ayinandawo yokubeka ihloko.” Omunye wabafundi wathi: “Kosi, akhe ngiyokubulunga ubaba ntange.” Kodwana wamphendula wathi: “Yewungilandele, lisa abafileko babulungane.” UJesu wangena ngemkhunjini; abafundi bakhe bamlandela. Khonokho, qala kwavuka isiwuruwuru esikhulu ngelwandle, umkhumbi wafuna ukucwila. Kodwana uJesu bekalele. Abafundi baya kuye bamvusa bathi: “Kosi! Yewusisindise, safa!” UJesu wabaphendula wathi: “Kubayini nesabe nina bokukholwa okuncani na?” Yeke wavuka wakhalimela isiwuruwuru namaza, kwaba khona ukuthula okukhulu. Abantu barareka, bathi: “Mumuntu onjani-ke lo? Ngitjho isiwuruwuru namaza kuyamlalela!” Kwathi bona uJesu afike esifundeni seGadara ngaphetjheya kwelwandle, wahlangatjezwa babantu ababili abanamadimoni abaphuma emalibeni. Abantwaba gade banenturhu kangangobana abantu bebangasakghoni ukukhamba ngendlela leyo. Qala, barhuwelela bathi: “Usifunani wena Ndodana kaZimu na? Uzele ukuzosihlunguphaza, isikhathi singakafiki na?” Mlenzana nalapho bekukhona umhlambi wezavukazana, udla. Yeke amadimoni arabhela uJesu athi: “Nangabe uzosiqotjha lapha, khona-ke sithumela emhlambini wezavukazana lo.” UJesu wathi kiwo: “Khambani!” Yeke akhamba angena ezavukazaneni. Woke umhlambi wagijimela ngerharheni, wadlhumukela ngelwandle, wafela ngemanzinapho. Abelusi bezavukazana babaleka, bangena ngedorobheni, bafese babika koke lokho ngitjho nokwenzeke ebantwini abanamadimoni. Yeke boke abantu bedorobho baphuma bayokuhlangabeza uJesu. Kwathi bonyana bambone, bamrabhela bona akhambe esifundeni sekhabo. UJesu wangena ngemkhunjini, wayamela ngaphetjheya kwelwandle waya edorobheni lekhabo. Qala abantu baletha kuye umuntu okhubazekileko, alele emkghadini. Kwathi bona uJesu abone ukukholwa kwabo, wathi emuntwini okhubazekileko loyo: “Qina isibindi, ndodana, izono zakho zicolelwe.” Qala, abanye babafundisi bomthetho bathi omunye komunye: “Umuntu lo ukhuluma ihlamba!” Ngokwazi imizindlo yabo, uJesu wathi: “Kubayini nizindla ngokumbi eenhliziyweni zenu na? Ngikuphi okulula kini ukuthi, ‘Izono zakho zicolelwe’, nokuthi, ‘Sikima, ukhambe’ na? Ngizanibonisa-ke bona iNdodana yoMuntu inamandla ephasinapha wokucolela izono.” Yeke wathi emuntwini okhubazekileko: “Sikima, uthathe umkghadakho ukhambe uye ekhaya!” Umuntu loyo wasikima waya ekhaya. Kwathi bonyana abantu bakubone lokho, besaba, badumisa uZimu ophe abantu amandla angaka. UJesu wathi nasuka lapho; wabona umuntu ekuthiwa nguMatewu, ahlezi ngekumbeni yomthelo. Wathi kuye: “Ngilandela.” UMatewu wasikima wamlandela. Kwathi uJesu asagoma ngekumbeni kaMatewu, kwafika abathelisi abanengi nezoni, bahlanganela noJesu nabafundi bakhe ekudleni. Lokha abaFarisi nababona lokhu babuza abafundi bakhe bathi: “Kubayini umfundisenu agoma nabathelisi nezoni na?” UJesu nezwa lokhu wabaphendula wathi: “Abantu abaphilileko abayidingi inyanga, kodwana ifunwa ngabagulako kwaphela. Kodwana khambani niyokufunisisa bona umtlolo lo uthini lokha usithi, ‘Ngilulukela ukwethembeka, ingasi umhlabelo.’ Angikazeli ukuzokubiza abantu abalungileko, kodwana ngizele ukuzokubiza izoni.” Yeke abalandeli bakaJwanisi beza kuJesu bambuza bathi: “Kubangelwa yini thina nabaFarisi sizila ukudla, kodwana abafundi bakho bona abazili ukudla na?” UJesu wabaphendula wathi: “Abayeni bomkhwenyana bangazila njani khisibe usesenabo na? Isikhathi sizakufika sokobana umkhwenyana asuswe kibo, ngesikhatheso-ke, bazakuzila ukudla. “Akakho otjheza isambatho esidala ngesitjheza esitjha ngombana isitjheza esitjha sizakurharhabuluka esambathwenapho, sidale itjhuba eledlula lokuthoma. Godu akuthelwa iwayini elitjha ngeenkhwameni ezidala zewayini, nakungasinjalo iinkhwama zizakurathuka, iwayini liphalake, konakale iinkhwamezo. Kunalokho iwayini elitjha lithelwa ngeenkhwameni ezitjha, kulondeke kokubili.” Kwathi uJesu asakhuluma lokhu, kweza umphathi wesinagogi wafese waguqa phambi kwakhe, wathi: “Indodakazami iqeda ukuhlongakala, yewuze uzoyibeka izandla khona izakuphila.” Yeke uJesu wasikima wamlandela nabafundi bakhe bakhamba naye. Khonapho umfazi obekaphopha iingazi iminyaka elitjhumi nambili weza ngemva koJesu, wafika wakghwatha umphetho wesambatho sakhe. Wazitjela wathi: “Nange ngingakghwatha nje isambatho sakhe kwaphela, ngizakuphola.” UJesu waphenduka, wambona, wathi: “Yiba nesibindi, ndodakazi! Ukukholwa kwakho kukupholisile.” Nje-ke umfazi loyo waphola khonokho. Kwathi uJesu nangena ngekumbeni yomphathi wafumana ababethi beempalapala nesiqubuthu ebesenza itjhada, wathi: “Phumani noke! Umntazana akakafi, ulele.” Kodwana bamhleka. Kwathi bona kukhutjhelwe isiqubuthu ngaphandle, uJesu wangena ngelawini lomntazana wambamba ngesandla, wavuka. Iindaba ngalokhu zarhatjheka nesifundeso soke. UJesu nasuka lapho walandelwa madoda amabili aphopheleko amrhuwelela athi: “Ndodana kaDavida, sirhawukele!” Kwathi bona angene ngekumbeni, iimphofu ezimbili zeza kuye, wazibuza wathi: “Niyakholwa bona ngingakghona ukwenza lokho na?” Zamphendula zathi: “Iye, Kosi!” Yeke uJesu wakghwatha amehlwazo wathi: “Akwenzeke njengokukholwa kwenu!” Zaphophuluka. UJesu waziyelelisa khulu, wathi: “Qinisekisani bona kungabi namuntu owazi ilitho ngalokhu!” Kodwana zakhamba zarhatjha iindaba ngaye kiso soke isifunda. Kwathi lokha nabaphumako, kwalethwa kuJesu umuntu ogade anedimoni begodu asimumu. Ngemva kobana idimoni liqotjhiwe, umuntu obegade asimumu wakhuluma. Isiqubuthu sarareka sabe sathi: “Into enje azange kheyibonwe kwa-Israyeli!” Kodwana abaFarisi bathi: “Uqotjha amadimoni ngombusi wamadimoni.” UJesu wadabula imizi nemizana, wafundisa ngemasinagogini wabo, watjhumayela ivangeli lombuso kaZimu, wapholisa abantu abaphethwe mihlobo ngemihlobo yobulwelwe nezifo. Kwathi bona abone iinqubuthu, wazirhawukela ngombana gade zihlukumeziwe begodu zinganamandla, zifana nezimvu ezingenamelusi. Yeke wathi ebafundini bakhe: “Isivuno sinengi, kodwana iinsebenzi zilibinzana. Bawani iKosi yesivuno bona ithumele iinsebenzi esiminayo yesivuno.” UJesu wabizela abafundi bakhe abalitjhumi nambili kuye, wabanikela amandla wokuqotjha imimoya emimbi nokwelapha woke amalwelwe nezifo. Naka amabizo wabapostoli abalitjhumi nambili: Wokuthoma nguSimoni okuthiwa nguPitrosi nomfowabo u-Andrisi; uJakopo nomfowabo uJwanisi, amadodana kaZebediya; uFlebhe noBharitholomeyusi, uTomasi noMatewu umthelisi; uJakopo umsa ka-Alfiyosi, uThadiyosi; uSimoni umZelothe kanye noJudasi Iskariyodi owakhaphela uJesu. Laba abalitjhumi nambili bathunywa nguJesu nemilayezo elandelako: “Ningayi hlangana nabatjhili begodu ningangeni ngitjho nakowodwa umuzi wamaSamariya. Ngangcono niye ezimvini ezilahlekileko zakwa-Israyeli. Ekukhambeni kwenu, tjhumayelani umlayezo lo, ‘Umbuso wezulu ubandamele!’ Pholisani abagulako, nivuse abafileko, nihlambulule labo abaphethwe likhwekhwe, niqotjhe amadimoni. Namukeliswe ngesihle, yeke nani yiphani ngesihle. Ningaphathi igolide, isiliva namkha ikoporo emabhandenenu. Ningaphathi imbada yokukhombela ekhambeni lenu, esinye isambatho, amapatlagwana namkha intonga ngombana isisebenzi kufanele sinikelwe esikuhlongako. “Nanyana kungaba ngiliphi idorobho namkha umuzi eningena kiwo, funani umuntu owazisako, nihlale kwakhe bekube kumhlana nikhambako. Akuthi naningena emzini, nilotjhise. Nangabe abantu ekhayenelo bayanamukela, ukuthula kwenu akuhlale lapho; kodwana nabanganamukeliko, ukuthula kwenu akubuyele kini. Nakube anamukeleki namezwenu akalalelwa, yenithintithe ithuli eenyaweni zenu, niphume ekhayenelo namkha emzini lowo. Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona kuzokuba ngcono enarheni yeSodoma neGomora ngomhla wokuphela kunomuzi lowo.” “Qalani, nginithuma njengezimvu hlangana neempisi. Ngalokho hlakaniphani njengeenyoka, nibe msulwa njengamazuba. Hlalani nibaqaphele abantu abazanibamba banise ebandla, banirithe ngemasinagoginabo. Nizakulethwa phambi kwababusi namakhosi ngebanga lami, kube bufakazi kibo nakabatjhili. Lokha nabanibambako, ningakhathazeki kobana nizokuthini namkha niyibeke njani indaba, nakufika isikhathi nizanikukelwa bona nithini ngombana akusini enizabe nikhuluma, kodwana kuzabe kunguMoya kaYihlo okhuluma ngani. “Umfo uzakukhaphela umfo ekufeni nobaba akhaphele umntwanakhe, abantwana bazakuvukela ababelethi, bababulale. Boke bazanizonda ngebanga lebizo lami, kodwana loyo obambelela bekube sekupheleni, uzakusindiswa. Lokha nabanizumako kelinye idorobho, balekelani kelinye. Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona angekhe naqeda ukudabula emadorobheni wakwa-Israyeli, iNdodana yoMuntu ingakafiki. “Umfundi akasingaphezu komfundisakhe; nekhoboka alisingaphezu kwekosalo. Kumanele umfundi bona abe njengomfundisakhe, nekhoboka laneliswe kukuba njengekosalo. Nangabe ihloko yomuzi ibizwa bona nguBhelzabhulu, nje-ke amanye amalunga womndeni azakubizwa ngamabizo asabekako!” “Ngalokho-ke ningabesabi. Koke okugutjuzesiweko kuzokugutjululwa, yoke ifihlo izokuvezwa emtarini. Enginitjela khona ebumnyameni kukhulumeni ekukhanyeni, enihletjelwa khona, kurhuweleleni niphezu kwephahla. Ningabesabi labo ababulala umzimba babhalelwe mphefumulo. Kungcono nesabe loyo okghona ukubhubhisa umphefumulo nomzimba esirhogweni. Iinyoni ezimbili azithengwa ngesipaparwana sinye semali na? Khonapho ayikho nayinye yazo ezakuwela phasi ngaphandle kwemvumo kaYihlo. Ngitjho neenhluthu ehlokwakho zibalwe zoke. Yeke ningesabi; niqakatheke khulu kuneenyoni ezinengi!” “Ngiloyo naloyo ongivumako phambi kwabantu, nami ngizomvuma phambi koBaba osezulwini. Kodwana ongiphikako phambi kwabantu, nami ngizomphika phambi koBaba osezulwini. “Ningadlumbani bona ngilethe ukuthula ephasinapha. Awa, angikalethi ukuthula, kodwana ngilethe isabula. “Ngize bona ngizokuraranisa indodana noyise, indodakazi nonina, umalukazana nonosokana. Izitha ezikulu zomuntu izaba ngebekhabo. “Othanda uyise nonina ukudlula mina, akakangifaneli. Othanda indodanakhe namkha indodakazakhe ukudlula mina, akakangifaneli. Nanyana ngubani ongatjathi isiphambano sakhe, angilandele, akakangifaneli. Loyo ogodla ipilwakhe izomlahlekela; kodwana ozokulahlekelwa yipilwakhe ngebanga lami, uzayizuza.” “Loyo onamukelako, wamukela mina; loyo owamukela mina, wamukela loyo ongithumileko. Loyo owamukela umphorofidi ebizweni lomphorofidi, uzakufumana umvuzo womphorofidi, nowamukela olungileko ebizweni lolungileko, uzakufumana umvuzo wolungileko. Nanyana ngubani oseza omunye wabancancanaba ngitjho ithosana lamanzi aqandako ngombana amfundi wami, ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona angeze alahlekelwa mvuzwakhe.” Ngemva kobana uJesu aqede ukuyala abafundi bakhe abalitjhumi nambili, wasuka lapho wayokufundisa bewatjhumayela emadorobheni weGalile. Kwathi bona uJwanisi ezwe asese ngesikhungweni ngalokho obekwenziwa nguKrestu, wathumela abanye babafundi bakhe kuye kobana bayombuza bathi: “Unguye olindelwe bona afike, namkha silinde omunye na?” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Khambani nibuyele emuva nifese nibikele uJwanisi ngenikuzwileko nenikubonileko: Iimphofu ziyabona, iinrhurhubi ziyakhamba, abanekhwekhwe bayahlanjululwa, iinthulu ziyezwa, abafileko bayavuswa begodu ivangeli litjhunyayelwa nakilabo abadududu. Ubusisiwe ongakhubekiko ngami.” Kwathi abafundi bakaJwanisi nabakhambako, uJesu wakhuluma ngoJwanisi eenqubuthwini, wathi: “Beniphumele ukuyokubonani erhalawumbeni na? Umhlanga udengezeliswa mumoya na? Kanti beniphumele ukuyokubonani na? Umuntu owembethe izambatho zakanokutjho na? Abantu abambatha njalo bahlala ngeenkumbeni zamakhosi! Kanti beniphumele ukuyokubonani na? Kghani ukubona umphorofidi? Iye, ngiyanitjela nabona okudlula umphorofidi. Nguye lo okutlolwe ngaye kwathiwa, “ ‘Qala, ngithuma isithunywa sami phambi kwakho, esizakulungisa indlela phambi kwakho.’ “Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona akukho noyedwa phakathi kwalabo ababelethwe ngowesifazi owavela waba mkhulu kunoJwanisi uMbhabhadisi. Nanyana kunjalo, omncani embusweni wezulu, mkhulu kunoJwanisi. Kusukela emihleni kaJwanisi uMbhabhadisi bekube gadesi, umbuso wezulu bewuseze uphangwa, abantu abawuphangako bayawuhluthula. Boke abaphorofidi nomthetho baphorofida bekwafika uJwanisi. Nakube nizimisele ukwamukela lokho, yena ungu-Eliya ozako. Oneendlebe akezwe! “Kodwana ngizasifanisa nani nje isizukulwana sanamhlanjesesi? Sinjengabantwana abahlezi eendaweni zokuthengisa baseze babizana bathi, “ ‘Sanidlalela inghwani, kodwana azange nigide! Sarhahlawula, kodwana azange nilile!’ “UJwanisi wafika angagomi begodu angaseli, nje-ke bathi, ‘Unedimoni’. INdodana yoMuntu yafika igoma begodu isela, bathi, ‘Naso-ke isirhiribideli nesidakwa, umngani wabathelisi nezoni!’ Ubuhlakani bubonakala buliqiniso ngezenzo zabo.” Yeke uJesu wathoma ukusola amadorobho lapha bekwenziwe khona ubunengi bemikarisomraro ngombana abantu bakhona azange baphenduke, wathi: “Uzazizwa wena Rhorazini! Uzazizwa nawe Bhethe-Sayida! Nakube imikarisomraro eyenziwe kuwe le beyenziwe eTirosi neTsidoni, ngabe kade baphenduka ngokwembatha iinzilo bebazirhatjhe ngomlotha. Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona ngomhla wokuphela uZimu uzokuba nesirhawu esikhulu ebantwini beTirosi neTsidoni kunani! “Khulu kuwe Kapernawumi. Uzakuphakanyiselwa ezulwini na? Awa, uzokuphoselwa phasi esirhogweni ngombana nabethana imikarisomraro eyenzeke kuwe beyenzeke eSodoma, ngabe isekhona nanamhlanjesi! “Kodwana ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bonyana ngomhla wokuphela, inarha yeSodoma izakurhawukelwa khulu kunani.” Ngesikhatheso uJesu wathi: “Ngiyakudumisa Baba, mnikazi wezulu nephasi ngombana abahlakaniphileko nabafundileko ubafihlele lokhu, kodwana wakwembulela abancancani. Iye Baba, ngaleyondlela kube kuhle kuwe. “Koke ngikunikelwe nguBaba. Akakho owazi iNdodana ngaphandle koBaba begodu akakho owazi uBaba ngaphandle kweNdodana kanye nalabo iNdodana ethanda ukubambulela yena. “Yizani kimi noke nina enidiniweko nenidisibezekako, mina ngizaniphumuza. Thwalani ijogi lami, nifunde kimi ngombana ngimnene begodu ngithobile ngehliziyo, imimoya yenu izakufumana ukuphumula ngombana ijogi lami lilula nomthwalo wami awudisibezi.” Ngesikhatheso uJesu warabhula hlangana namasimu wekoroyi ngeSabatha. Abafundi bakhe bebalambile, yeke bathoma ukukha iinqwambi zekoroyi, bagoma. Kwathi abaFarisi nababona lokho, bathi kuJesu: “Qala, abafundi bakho benza okuphambene nomthetho weSabatha.” Wabaphendula wathi: “Azange khenifunde bona uDavida wenzani lokha yena nabakhambisani bakhe nagade balambile na? Wangena ngekumbeni kaZimu, yena nabakhambisani bakhe, bagoma izikwa ezahlukaniselweko ebekungasimthetho kobana bangazigoma, kwaphela abaphristi bodwa. Kghani azange khenifunde emthethweni kaMosi bona ngeSabatha abaphristi bayalona ilangelo kodwana bangabi nomlandu na? Ngiyanitjela bonyana kukhona lapha okukhulu kunethempeli. Nabegade nisazi bonyana atjho ukuthini amezwi la, ‘Ngilulukela ukwethembeka, ingasi umhlabelo.’ beningekhe nabalahla abamsulwa ngombana iNdodana yoMuntu yiKosi yeSabatha.” UJesu wasuka lapho waya ngesinagogini, lapho bekunomuntu wesandla esirholopheleko. Bambuza bathi: “Kumthetho ukupholisa ngeSabatha na?” Bambuza lokho ukuze bakghone ukumsola. Wathi kibo: “Nakube omunye wenu unemvu, bese irhohlomela ngemgodini ngeSabatha, angeze ayilalamela ayikhuphe na? Umuntu uqakatheke khulu kunemvu! Ngalokho-ke kumthetho ukwenza okuhle ngeSabatha.” Nje-ke wathi emuntwini loyo: “Thabulula isandla sakho.” Yeke wasithabulula, sathabuluka, safana nesinye. AbaFarisi bakhamba, bayokwenza amano wokubulala uJesu. Sele akulemukile lokho, uJesu wakhamba lapho; isiqubuthu esikhulu samlandela. Wapholisa boke abagulako. Wabayelelisa bonyana bangavezi nakoyedwa bonyana ungubani. Wenza lokhu khona kuzakuzaliseka okwakhulunywa ngomphorofidi u-Isaya nasithi: “Qala, incekwami engiyikhethileko, engiyithandako nengithokozako ngayo. Ngizakubeka uMoyami phezu kwayo nje-ke izakumemezela iingwebo ezizweni. Angeze yaba nombango namkha irhuwelele, akunamuntu ozakuzwa iphimbo layo eendledlaneni. Umhlanga otshinyekileko ayizukuwukhambiselela nesibani esififiyelako ayizukusicima, kufikela lapha iphumelelisa khona ukulunga, kuhlule. Izizwe zoke zizakubeka ithemba lazo ebizweni layo.” Yeke kwalethwa kuJesu umuntu onedimoni, asiphofu begodu asimumu. UJesu wampholisa, wakghona ukubona nokukhuluma. Soke isiqubuthu sarareka, sabuza sathi: “Kungaba yiNdodana kaDavida le na?” Kodwana kuthe lokha abaFarisi nabezwa lokhu, bathi: “KungoBhelzabhulu ikosi yamadimoni kwaphela kobana umrhali lo akwazi ukuqotjha amadimoni.” UJesu wayazi imizindlo yabo, wathi kibo: “Omunye nomunye umbuso olwa wodwa uzakupheliswa; elinye nelinye idorobho namkha ikhaya elilwa lodwa angeze lajama. Nakube uSathana uqotjha uSathana, kutjho bona wehlukene yedwa. Alo, umbuswakhe ungajama njani na? Nakube mina ngiqotjha amadimoni ngoBhelzabhulu, abantu benu bona bawaqotjha ngani? Ngalokho-ke bazakuba bagwebi benu. Kodwana nakube ngiqotjha amadimoni ngoMoya kaZimu, khona-ke umbuso kaZimu sewufikile phezu kwenu. “Godu umuntu angangena njani ngekumbeni yetsitsirimba abe athathe ipahlayo ngaphandle kobana athome ngokubopha itsitsirimba leyo ntange na? Ngemva kwalapho-ke adlelezele ikumba leyo. “Loyo ongasingakimi ujamelene nami, naloyo ongabutheleli nami uyahlakaza. Yeke ngithi kini: Abantu bazokulitjalelwa soke isono nokuhlambalaza, kodwana loyo ohlambalaza uMoya oCwengileko angeze alitjalelwa. Nanyana ngubani okhuluma igama elijamelene neNdodana yoMuntu uzakulitjalelwa, kodwana nanyana ngubani okhuluma ngokujamelana noMoya oCwengileko angeze alitjalelwa, kungaba semihleni le namkha emihleni ezako.” “Nanithi umuthi muhle, vumani bona neenthelo zawo zihle, kodwana nanithi umuthi mumbi, vumani bona neenthelo zawo zimbi ngombana umuthi wazeka ngeenthelo zawo. Nina nzalo yeenyoka ndina, yini ehle eningayikhuluma nanikhohlakele kangaka? Ngambala okuvinyilika ekuphuphumeni kwehliziyo, umlomo ukukhuphela ngaphandle. Umuntu olungileko ukhupha okulungileko emnonwenakhe olungileko; nomuntu omumbi ukhupha okumbi emnonwenakhe omumbi. “Kodwana ngiyanitjela bonyana umuntu uzaziphendulela ngelanga lokwahlulelwa mayelana nelinye nelinye ilizwi alikhulume butjhophori. Ngamezwakho uzakuhlanjululwa, ngamezwakho uzakulahlwa.” Yeke abanye babafundisi bomthetho nabaFarisi bathi kuJesu: “Mfundisi, sifuna khewusenzele isibonakaliso somkarisomraro.” Waphendula wathi: “Isizukulwana esikhohlakeleko nesihlobongako sibawa isibonakaliso somkarisomraro! Kodwana akukho nasinye isibonakaliso esizakunikelwa sona ngaphandle kwesomphorofidi uJona. Njengombana uJona wahlala amalanga amathathu nobusuku obuthathu ngendeni yehlambi ekulu, nje-ke neNdodana yoMuntu izakuhlala amalanga amathathu nobusuku obuthathu ngemathunjini wephasi. Amadoda weNiniva azakujama ebandla amangalele isizukulwanesi ngombana atjhuguluka lokha uJona natjhumayelako. Nje-ke omkhulu kunoJona sele akhona. Indlovukazi yesewula izakujama ebandla imangalele isizukulwanesi ngombana yona yasuka epelazwe yazokulalela ukuhlakanipha kwakaSolomoni. Nje-ke, omkhulu kunoSolomoni sele akhona.” “Lokha ummoya omumbi nawuphuma emuntwini, ugelagela eendaweni ezomileko ufunane nendawo yokuphumula kodwana ungayifumani. Khonapho-ke uzazitjela uthi, ‘Ngizakubuyela ekumbeni engayitjhiyako’, kuthi nawufikako ufunyane ikumba leyo inganamuntu, ithanyelwe beyabutheka kuhle. Nawusuka lapho-ke uyakhamba uyokulanda eminye imimoya elikhomba ekhohlakele khulu kunawo bese iyeza izokuhlala ngapho. Isiphetho somuntu loyo siba simbi khulu kunekuthomeni. Kuzakuba njalo-ke nesizukulwaneni esikhohlakelekwesi.” Kwathi uJesu asakhuluma nesiqubuthu, kwafika unina nabafowabo bajama ngaphandle, bafuna ukukhuluma naye. Omunye umuntu wathi kuye: “Unyoko nabafowenu bayakufuna ngaphandle, babawa ukukhuluma nawe.” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Ngubani umma, bobani abafowethu na?” Waqalisa ngebafundini bakhe wathi: “Qalani! Nangu umma nabafowethu. Loyo owenza okufunwa nguBaba osezulwini ungumfowethu, ungudadwethu begodu ungumma.” Khona mhlokho uJesu waphuma ngekumbeni wayokuhlala eqadi kwelwandle. Kwabuthana kuye isiqubuthu esikhulu kangangobana wangena ngemkhunjini, wahlala phasi khibe abantu bajame eligwini. Wabatjela okunengi asebenzisa imifanekiso, wathi: “Kwaphuma umtjali wayokutjala imbewu. Kwathi nasarhatjha imbewu njalo, enye yawela eqadi kwendlela, kwafika iinyoni zayidla. Enye yawela ekhetheni, lapha bekunganaqulwani enengi khona. Yamila msinyana ngombana iqulwani gade iyincani. Kodwana kwathi lokha ilanga naliphumako, iintjalo zarhabuka bezatjhwaba ngombana bezinganamirabhu. Enye imbewu yawela emeveni, akhula, abe ayiminyezela. Kodwana enye imbewu yawela equlwanini ehle, yakhiqiza isivuno esathela ngekhulu, ngamatjhumi asithandathu, nangamatjhumi amathathu kwalokho okutjaliweko.” “Oneendlebe akezwe!” Abafundi beza kuJesu, bambuza bathi: “Kubayini ukhuluma nabantu ngemifanekiso na?” Waphendula wathi: “Ilwazi leemfihlakalo zombuso wezulu linikelwe nina, kodwana bona abakanikelwa. Ngambala loyo onelitho uzokungezelelelwa ukuze abe nokunengi. Kodwana onganalitho uzokwemukwa ngitjho nokuncancani anakho. Kungalokho ngikhuluma nabo ngemifanekiso ngombana, “nanyana barhudule amehlo nje, ababoni ilitho, nanyana badose iindlebe nje, abezwa namkha abalemuki do. Ngabo, isiphorofido saka-Isaya siyaphetheka sokuthi, ‘Nizakusoloko nisizwa kodwana ningazwisisi. Nizakusoloko nibona kodwana ningalemuki. Ngambala iinhliziyo zabantwaba zilikhuni, iindlebe zabo zizwela kude namehlwabo bawavalile. Nakungasinjalo bebazakubona ngamehlwabo, bezwe ngeendlebe zabo, balemuke ngeenhliziyo zabo, baphenduke, nje-ke bengizabapholisa.’ ” “Kodwana abusisiwe amehlwenu ngombana ayabona, neendlebe zenu ngombana ziyezwa. Ngambala ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Abaphorofidi abanengi nabantu abalungileko bakhanukela ukubona lokho enikubonileko, kodwana azange bakubone, nokuzwa enikuzwileko, kodwana azange bakuzwe.” “Lalelani-ke bonyana umfanekiso ngomtjali utjho ukuthini. Nanyana ngubani ozwa umlayezo ngombuso kodwana angawulemuki, unjengembewu ewele eqadi kwendlela, omumbi wafika wahluthula lokho okutjalwe kuye. Loyo owamukela imbewu eyawela ekhetheni ngiloyo ozwa ilizwi, alamukele msinyana ngethabo. Kodwana ngebanga lokobana anganamrabhu, ubambelela isikhatjhana kwaphela. Lokha nakufika imiraro namkha ukurhayilwa ngebanga lelizwi, uwohloka msinyana. Owamukela imbewu eyawela hlangana nameva ngiloyo ozwa ilizwi, kodwana amatshwenyeko wepilo le, kanye nokuyengwa bugwili, kwayiminyanisa bekwayenza yangaba neenthelo. Kodwana owamukela imbewu eyawela equlwanini ehle ngiloyo ozwa ilizwi, alilemuke. Ukhiqiza isivuno esithela ngokubuyelelwe ngekhulu, ngamatjhumi asithandathu namkha ngamatjhumi amathathu kwalokho okutjaliweko.” UJesu wabatjela umfanekiso omunye wathi: “Umbuso wezulu unjengomuntu owatjala imbewu ehle esiminakhe. Kodwana kwathi woke umuntu asalele, isitha sakhe safika satjala ikhula hlangana nekoroyi sabe sakhamba. Kwathi lokha ikoroyi nayikhulako ithoma nokuphalaza nekhula nalo lazipha amandla. Iinceku zomuntu loyo zeza kuye, zafika zathi, ‘Kosi, azange utjale imbewu ehle esiminakho na? Alo, ikhuleli libuyaphi?’ Waphendula wathi, ‘Sisitha esenze lokhu.’ Zambuza zathi, ‘Ufuna bona siyoliruthula na?’ Waphendula wathi, ‘Awa ngombana naniruthula ikhula, ningahle niruthule nekoroyi ehlanu kwalo. Lisani kukhule kokubili njalo ndawonye bekube sikhathi sokuvuna. Ngesikhatheso ngizakutjela abavuni ngithi: Thomani ngokubuthelela ikhula bese nilibopha libe ziinyanda kobana liyokutjhiswa; ngemva kwalokho-ke nibuthelele ikoroyi niyithele ngesilulwini sami.’ ” UJesu wabatjela umfanekiso omunye godu wathi: “Umbuso wezulu ufana nembewu yemastadi eyathathwa mumuntu wayitjala esiminakhe. Nanyana iyimbewu encani kinazo zoke, kodwana nayikhulako iba sitjalo esikhulu ukuzedlula zoke esimini, ibe mumuthi lapha iinyoni zomkayi zifika zakhele khona eengaleni zawo.” Godu uJesu wabatjela omunye umfanekiso wathi: “Umbuso wezulu ufana nesibiliso esathathwa mfazi wasihlanganisa neflowuru enengi kufikela lapha ihlama ikhukhumala khona.” UJesu wakhuluma koke lokhu esiqubuthwini ngemifanekiso, akunalitho alikhuluma kiso ngaphandle kokusebenzisa umfanekiso. Ngalokho kwazaliseka okwakhulunywa mphorofidi nasithi: “Ngizakuvula umlomami ngomfanekiso, ngiphuphume iimfihlakalo zekadeni.” Yeke watjhiya isiqubuthu, waya ngekumbeni. Abafundi bakhe beza kuye bathi: “Akhe usihlathululele umfanekiso wekhula esimini.” Wabaphendula wathi: “Owatjala imbewu ehle yiNdodana yoMuntu. Isimu liphasi, imbewu ehle madodana wombuso. Ikhula madodana wokhohlakeleko bese isitha esitjala ikhula nguSathana. Isivuno kuphela kwesikhathi; abavuni ziingilozi. Njengombana ikhula liyabuthelelwa belitjhiswe ngemlilweni, kuzokuba njalo-ke ekupheleni kwesikhathi. INdodana yoMuntu izakuthumela iingilozi zayo ukuyokubuthelela embusweni wayo yoke into ebanga isono nabo boke abenza ubukhohlakali. Zizabaphosa ngekehleni yomlilo obukhali, lapha kuzakuba khona ukulila nokugedla kwamazinyo. Nje-ke abalungileko bazakuphazima njengelanga embusweni kaYise wabo. Oneendlebe akezwe!” “Umbuso wezulu ufana nomnotho ofihlwe esimini. Lokha umuntu nawufunyanako, uyawufihla godu, bese kuthi ekuthabeni kwakhe akhambe ayokuthengisa koke anakho, athenge isimu leyo. “Godu umbuso wezulu ufana nomthengi ofunana namatje aligugu. Lokha nafumana elinenani eliphezulu, uyakhamba ayokuthengisa koke anakho, athenge ilitjelo. “Godu umbuso wezulu ufana nenede eyehliselwa ngelwandle, yabamba yoke imihlobo yeenhlambi. Kuthe bona izale, ababambi beenhlambi bayidosela ngaphandle eligwini. Yeke bahlala phasi bahlukanisa iinhlambi; ezihle zafakwa ngeenqwebini, kwathi ezingakalungi bazilahla. Kuzokuba njalo-ke ekupheleni kwesikhathi. Iingilozi zizakufika zehlukanise abakhohlakeleko kabalungileko, bese zibaphosela ngekehleni yomlilo obukhali, lapha kunokulila nokugedla kwamazinyo.” UJesu wababuza wathi: “Nikuzwisisile lokhu na?” Bamphendula bathi: “Iye.” Yena wathi kibo: “Yeke woke umfundisi womthetho ofundiswe ngombuso wezulu ufana nomnikazi wekumba okhupha ngebulungelweni lakhe amagugu amatjha namadala.” Kuthe bona uJesu aqede ukukhuluma imifanekiso le, wasuka endaweni leyo. Wabuyela edorobheni lekhabo. Wafundisa ngesinagogini, kwathi labo abamuzwako barareka. Babuza bathi: “Umuntu lo ukuthethephi ukuhlakanipha kanye namandla wemikarisomraro engaka na? Akusiyindodana yombazi le na? Angithi unina nguMariya? Abafowabo akusinguJakopo, uJosefa, uSimoni noJudasi? Angithi abodadwabo boke siyabazi, bahlala lapha? Alo, umrhali lo ukuthethephi koke lokhu na?” Yeke bakhubeka ngaye. Kodwana uJesu wathi kibo: “Kusemzini wekhabo nangekumbenakhe kwaphela lapha umphorofidi angahlonitjhwa khona.” Azange enze imikarisomraro eminengi lapho ngombana bebangakholwa kuhle. Ngesikhatheso uHerode, umtetrarerhesi gade ezwe imibiko ngoJesu, yeke wathi eencekwini zakhe: “Lo nguJwanisi uMbhabhadisi. Uvukile kabafileko! Ngikho amandla wemikarisomraro asebenza kuye nje.” UHerode gade abambe uJwanisi, wambopha bewamdlhunya ngesikhungweni ngebanga lakaHerodiya, umkamfowabo uFlebhe. Wenza njalo ngombana uJwanisi bekaseze asithi kuye: “Akukavumeleki bonyana ungamthatha.” UHerode wafuna ukubulala uJwanisi, kodwana gade esaba abantu ngombana bebathatha uJwanisi bonyana umphorofidi. Kuthe ngelanga lokubelethwa kwakaHerode, indodakazi kaHerodiya yagida phambi kwabantu, yajabulisa uHerode kangangobana wayithembisa ngesifungo bonyana uzoyinikela nanyana yini eyibawako. Ngokutjitjizelwa ngunina, yathi: “Yewungiphe ngesiqwebu ihloko kaJwanisi uMbhabhadisi khona nje!” Ikosi yadana, kodwana ngebanga lesifungo esenzileko kanye neenthekeli zayo ezisesidlweni, yayala bonyana isibawo somntazana siphethwe. Ngalokho yayala bonyana uJwanisi aquntwe ihloko angesikhungweni. Ngambala ihlokwakhe yalethwa ngesiqwebu yanikelwa umntazana, yena wayithatha wayisa kunina. Abafundi bakaJwanisi beza, bathatha isidumbu sakhe basibulunga. Basuka lapho bayokutjela uJesu. Kuthe bona uJesu ezwe okwenzekileko, wasuka lapho wathaya ngomkhumbi, waya emmangweni ayedwa. Emva kobana isiqubuthu sizwe lokho, samlandela ngeenyawo sisuka ngedorobheni. UJesu waphuma ngemkhunjini, kuthe lokha nabona isiqubuthu esikhulu, ihliziywakhe yarhawuka, wapholisa abagulako. Kwathi nakuhlwako, abafundi bakhe beza kuye bathi: “Indawo le ikude nemizi kanti nokuhlwa sekuhlwile. Tjela abantu bakhambe ukuze baye emizini bayozithengela ukugoma.” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Akunasidingo sokobana bakhambe. Bapheni nina ngokwenu kokugoma!” Bamphendula bathi: “Thina siphethe izikwa ezihlanu neenhlambi ezimbili kwaphela.” UJesu wathi kibo: “Kulethenapha.” Watjela abantu bona bahlale phasi emgwengweni. Wathatha izikwa ezihlanu neenhlambi ezimbili, waqala phezulu ezulwini, wathokoza. Wahlephula izikwa, wanikela abafundi bakhe, bona banikela abantu. Woke umuntu wagoma ngokwaneleko. Abafundi babutha iintshutshuru eziseleko, zazala iinqwebu ezilitjhumi nambili. Inani lamadoda elagomako gade liziinkulungwana ezihlanu, kungakabalwa abafazi nabantwana. Khonokho uJesu watjela abafundi bona bangene ngemkhunjini bakhambe phambi kwakhe baye ngaphetjheya kwelwandle, yena wasala atjela abantu bona bakhambe. Kuthe bona atjele abantu bonyana bakhambe, wenyukela entabeni ayedwa wayokuthandaza. Kwabe kwahlwa ayedwa lapho. Ngesikhatheso umkhumbi besele ukude tle nelwandle, uwubawubiwa mamaza ngombana bewuqalene nommoya. Phakathi komlindo wesine ebusuku, uJesu waya ebafundini bakhe akhamba phezu kwamanzi. Kuthe lokha abafundi nabambona akhamba phezu kwamanzi, baba nokwesaba bebathi: “Sipuku!” Batjho njalo barhuwelela ngokwesaba. Kodwana khonokho uJesu wathi kibo: “Yibani nesibindi! Ngimi, ningesabi!” UPitrosi waphendula wathi: “Kosi, nakube nguwe, yewungilayele bona ngikhambe phezu kwamanzi ngize kuwe.” UJesu wathi: “Yewuze!” Yeke uPitrosi waphuma ngemkhunjini, wakhamba phezu kwamanzi asiya kuJesu. Kodwana kuthe lokha nabona ummoya, wesaba bewathoma ukutjhingela. Warhuwelela wathi: “Kosi, yewungisindise!” Khonokho uJesu wathabulula isandla sakhe wambamba wathi kuye: “Wena onokukholwa okuncani, uzazeleni na?” Bangena bobabili ngemkhunjini; ummoya wathula. Labo ebegade bangemkhunjini bathandaza uJesu bathi: “Kwamambala uyiNdodana kaZimu!” Kwathi bona beyame umlambo, baya eGenesaretha. Lokha amadoda walapho nalemuka uJesu, athumela ilizwi kizo zoke iinarha ezibhodileko. Abantu baletha boke abagulako babo kuJesu. Bamncenga bona avumele boke abagulako bathinte nje kwaphela umphetho wengubakhe, nje-ke boke abamthintako baphola. Yeke abanye babaFarisi nabafundisi bomthetho basuka eJerusalema beza kuJesu bambuza bathi: “Kubayini abafundi bakho beqa isiko labadala na? Abahlambi izandla zabo nabagomako!” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Kubayini neqa umyalo kaZimu ngebanga lesiko lekhenu na? Ngambala uZimu wathi, ‘Hlonipha uyihlo nonyoko,’ begodu, ‘Nanyana ngubani othuka uyise namkha unina kufanele abulawe’. Kodwana nithi umuntu nathi kuyise namkha kunina, ‘Nanyana yini ebegade nginganisiza ngayo sele ngiyinikele kuZimu njengesipho’, akukameli bona, ‘ahloniphe uyise’ ngento leyo. Ngalokho nilahla ilizwi lakaZimu ngebanga lamasikwenu. Nina bazenzisi ndina! U-Isaya bekaqinisile lokha naphorofida ngani asithi: “ ‘Abantwaba bangidumisa ngeembhena zabo, khisibe iinhliziyo zabo zikude nami. Bangidumisa ngelize, iimfundiso zabo zimithetho nje kwaphela efundiswa babantu!’ ” Yeke uJesu wabizela isiqubuthu kuye, wathi kiso: “Lalelani benilemuke. Akusikho okungena ngemlonyeni okusilaphaza umuntu; kodwana ngilokho okuphuma ngaphakathi kwakhe.” Yeke abafundi bakhe beza kuye bathi: “Uthi uyazi nje bona abaFarisi bakhubekile lokha nabezwa lokhu na?” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Soke isitjalo uBaba osezulwini angakasitjali sizokuruthulwa ngemirabhaso. Baliseni, babahlahli abaphopheleko. Nakube isiphofu sirhola esinye isiphofu, zizokuwela ngemgodini zombili njalo.” UPitrosi wathi: “Sihlathululela umfanekiso lo!” UJesu wathi kibo: “Kanti nani anikabi ukulemuka na? Anazi bonyana nanyana yini okungena ngemlonyeni womuntu kuya ngesiswini, kubuye kuphume emzimbeni na? Kodwana koke okuphuma ngemlonyeni kuvela ehliziyweni, ngilokho-ke okusilaphaza umuntu. Iye, ehliziyweni kuvela imizindlo emimbi, ukubulala, ukuhlobonga, ubufebe, ubusela, ukufakaza amala nokuhlambalaza. Lokho-ke ngikho okusilaphaza umuntu. Kodwana ukugoma ningakahlambi izandla, akumenzi umuntu bonyana asilaphale.” UJesu wasuka lapho waya esifundeni seTirosi neTsidoni. Umfazi womKanana obekahlala endaweni leyo, weza kuye, warhuwelela wathi: “Kosi, Ndodana kaDavida, ngirhawukele! Indodakazami ihlukumezeke khulu ngebanga lokungenwa lidimoni.” Kodwana uJesu azange atjho nelilodwa ilizwi kuye. Abafundi bakhe beza kuye bamrabhela, bathi: “Mtjele akhambe ngombana uhlalele ukusirhuwelela!” Waphendula wathi: “Ngithunywe kwaphela ezimvini ezilahlekileko zakwa-Israyeli.” Khonapho umfazi weza waguqa phambi kwakhe wathi: “Kosi, yewungisize!” UJesu wamphendula wathi: “Akusikuhle ukuthatha ukudla kwabantwana ukuphosele izinja.” Waphendula wathi: “Kuliqiniso Kosi, kodwana izinja nazo zidla iintshutshuru eziwa etafuleni lomninizo.” Yeke uJesu wamphendula wathi: “Awu, mma, ukukholwa kwakho kukhulu! Akube njengokwesibawo sakho.” Khonokho indodakazakhe yaphola. UJesu wasuka lapho wakhamba magegana nelwandle leGalile. Ngemva kwalapho wakhwela intaba, wafese wahlala phasi. Iinqubuthu ezinengi zeza kuye, zaletha kuye iinrhurhubi, iimphofu, iinrhole, iimumu nabanye abanengi abagulako, zababeka eenyaweni zakhe; wabapholisa boke. Abantu barareka nababona iimumu zikhuluma, iinrhole ziphiliswa, iinrhurhubi zikhamba, iimphofu zibona; badumisa uZimu ka-Israyeli. UJesu wabizela abafundi bakhe kuye wathi: “Ngiyabarhawukela abantwaba, sekumalanga amathathu basoloko sebanami begodu abasenalitho lokugoma. Angifuni kobana bakhambe balambile ngombana bangatsirimezeka endleleni.” Abafundi bakhe bambuza bathi: “Sizasifumanaphi isikwa esaneleko endaweni ekude kangaka nemizi kobana siphe isiqubuthwesi na?” UJesu wababuza wathi: “Ninezikwa ezingaki na?” Bamphendula bathi: “Sinezikwa ezilikhomba neenhlambi ezincani ezimbalwa.” Yeke uJesu wabawa isiqubuthu bona sihlale phasi emgwengweni. Wathatha izikwa ezilikhomba neenhlambi, kwathi nasele athokozile, wasihlephula, wanikela abafundi bakhe; bona-ke banikela abantu. Boke bagoma, basutha. Ngemva kwalapho abafundi babuthelela iintshutshuru, zazala iinqwebu ezilikhomba. Inani lamadoda agomako laba ziinkulungwana ezine ngaphandle kwabafazi nabantwana. Ngemva kobana uJesu atjele isiqubuthu bona sikhambe, wangena ngemkhunjini, waya endaweni yeMagadani. AbaFarisi nabaSadusi beza kuJesu bamlinga ngokumbawa bonyana abakhombise isibonakaliso esibuya ezulwini. Wabaphendula wathi: “Nakurhwalalako, phele nithi, ‘Lizokubalela ngombana amafu abomvu.’ Kuthi ekuseni nithi, ‘Namhlanje kuzokuba nesiwuruwuru ngombana amafu aguqubele!’ Niyakwazi ukuhlathulula ubujamo bezulu kodwana anikwazi ukuhlathulula amatshwayo weenkhathi. Isizukulwana esikhohlakeleko nesihlobongako sifunana namatshwayo wemikarisomraro, kodwana asizukunikelwa ngitjho nasinye ngaphandle kweembonakaliso zakaJona.” UJesu wabatjhiya khonapho. Abafundi nabayamela ngaphetjheya kwelwandle, balibala ukuthatha isikwa. UJesu wathi kibo: “Yelelani nitjheje isibiliso sabaFarisi nabaSadusi.” Bathoma bakhuluma bodwa bathi: “Utjho ngombana asikezi nesikwa.” UJesu wakwazi egade bakutjho, yeke wabuza wathi: “Nina abanokukholwa okuncani! Kubayini nikhuluma nodwana ngokuthi aninasikwa na? Anilemuki nanje na? Anikhumbuli izikwa ezihlanu ezondla iinkulungwana ezihlanu nokobana kwaphuma iinqwebu ezingaki zeentshutshuru enazibutha lapho? Nithini-ke ngezikwa ezilikhomba ezondla iinkulungwana ezine nokobana kwaphuma iinqwebu ezingaki zeentshutshuru enazibutha lapho? Alo-ke kwenziwa yini ningalemuki bona bengingakhulumi nani ngesikwa na? Zitjhejeni nina mayelana nesibiliso sabaFarisi nabaSadusi!” Yeke balemuka bona isibiliso ebegade abasola ngaso bekungasiso esifakwa esikweni, kodwana bekutjho bona bayelele ifundiso yabaFarisi nabaSadusi. Kwathi lokha uJesu nafika esifundeni seKhesariya-Filipi, wabuza abafundi bakhe wathi: “Abantu bathi iNdodana yoMuntu ingubani na?” Bamphendula bathi: “Abanye bathi inguJwanisi uMbhabhadisi namkha ingu-Eliya, abanye godu bathi inguJoromiya namkha ingomunye wabaphorofidi.” Wababuza godu wathi: “Alo-ke nina nithi ngingubani na?” USimoni Pitrosi waphendula wathi: “UnguKrestu, iNdodana kaZimu ophilako.” UJesu wamphendula wathi: “Ubusisiwe wena Simoni msa kaJona ngombana lokhu akukembulwa mumuntu kuwe kodwana kwembulwe nguBaba osezulwini. Yeke ngithi kuwe unguPitrosi. Phezu kwedwaleli ngizakwakha ibandla lami, ngitjho namasango weHayidesi angeze ajamelana nalo. Ngizokunikela iinhluthulelo zombuso wezulu; nanyana yini oyibopha ephasinapha izabe ibotjhiwe nezulwini, nalokho okuthukululako ephasinapha kuzabe kuthukululwe nezulwini.” Yeke uJesu wakghala abafundi bakhe bona bangatjeli namunye bonyana unguKrestu. Kusukela ngesikhatheso uJesu wathoma ukuhlathululela abafundi bakhe bonyana kumele aye eJerusalema lapha azokutlhaga khona ngokunengi ezandleni zabaphathi, abaphristi abakhulu kanye nabafundisi bomthetho. Nokobana kumele abulawe bese kuthi elangeni lesithathu avuke, aphile godu. UPitrosi wambizela ngeqadi, wamkhalimela, wathi: “Sengathi uZimu angaba nomusa Kosi, koke lokho kungenzeki kuwe!” Yeke uJesu waphenduka wathi kuPitrosi: “Suka kimapha, Sathana ndina! Usiqabo endlelenami ngombana imikhumbulwakho akusiyo yokukaZimu, kodwana ingeyabantu.” Yeke uJesu wathi ebafundini bakhe: “Nanyana ngubani ofuna ukungilandela, akazidele, atjathe isiphambano sakhe angilandele. Loyo ofuna ukusindisa ipilo yakhe izomlahlekela; kodwana loyo olahlekelwe yipilo yakhe ngebanga lami uzayifumana. Kuzamsiza ngani umuntu ukuzuza iphasi loke kodwana alahlekelwe yipilwakhe na? Namkha yini umuntu angenana ngayo ngepilwakhe na? Ngambala iNdodana yoMuntu izokuza ngephazimulo kaYise neengilozi zayo, yeke izakuvuza omunye nomunye umuntu ngokwemisebenzakhe. Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona abanye abajame lapha njenganje angeze bakubona ukufa bangakaboni iNdodana yoMuntu isiza ngombuswayo.” Ngemva kwamalanga asithandathu uJesu wathatha uPitrosi, uJakopo noJwanisi umnakwabo kaJakopo, wenyukela nabo entabeni ephakamileko, baba bodwa lapho. Lapho-ke waphazimuliswa phambi kwabo. Ubuso bakhe baphazima njengelanga nezambatho zakhe zaba mhlophe zakhanya. Khonapho kwabonakala phambi kwabo uMosi no-Eliya bakhuluma noJesu. Yeke uPitrosi wathi kuJesu: “Kosi, kuhle kithi ukuba lapha! Nawuthandako, ngizakuhloma imitlhatlhana emithathu lapha, omunye ube ngewakho, omunye ube ngewakaMosi bese omunye ube ngewaka-Eliya.” Kwathi asakhuluma njalo, basibekelwa lilifu elidarhileko, bekwazwakala nelizwi libuya elifinapho lathi: “Le yiNdodanami engiyithandako, engithaba khulu ngayo, ilaleleni!” Kwathi bona abafundi bezwe lokho, bawa ngobuso phasi baphelile ngevalo. Kodwana uJesu weza kibo wabakghwatha wathi: “Vukani, ningesabi!” Bathi nabaphakamisa amehlo, azange babone umuntu ngaphandle koJesu. Kwathi nabehla entabeni, uJesu wabayala wathi kibo: “Ningatjeli namunye ngenikubonileko bekube kumhlana iNdodana yoMuntu ivukileko ekufeni!” Yeke abafundi bambuza bathi: “Alo-ke kubayini abafundisi bomthetho basithi u-Eliya kufanele eze ntange na?” UJesu wabaphendula wathi: “Ngambala u-Eliya uyeza kobana azokubuyisela yoke into. Kodwana ngiyanitjela bonyana u-Eliya wafika kodwana abantu azange bamazi. Bamphatha ngokuthanda kwabo. NeNdodana yoMuntu izose ihlupheke njalo-ke ezandleni zabo.” Yeke abafundi balemuka bona bekakhuluma nabo ngoJwanisi uMbhabhadisi. Kwathi bona bafike esiqubuthwini, kwavela umuntu weza kuJesu, waguqa phambi kwakhe, wathi kuye: “Kosi, rhawukela indodanami! Inesithunthwana, nje-ke ihlukumezeke khulu. Kanengi iduleka emlilweni nanyana ngemanzini. Ngayiletha ebafundini bakho, kodwana azange bakghone ukuyipholisa.” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Maye, nina sizukulwana esingakholwako nesonakeleko! Ngizokuhlala nani bekube kunini na? Kuzabe kube nini ngininyamezelela na? Letha indodana leyo kimapha!” UJesu wakhalimela idimoni, laphuma emsaneni, yeke waphola khonokho. Abafundi bakaJesu baya kuye ngasese, bambuza bathi: “Sibangelwe yini kobana singakghoni ukuqotjha idimoneli na?” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Kungombana ninokukholwa okubogabogako. Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona ingathana beninokukholwa okulingana nembewu yemastadi, beningathi entabeni le, ‘Suka lapha uye laphaya,’ beyizakuvele isuke. Akunalitho ebelizanibhalela! Kodwana umhlobo lo awuphumi nje kwaphela ngaphandle komthandazo nokuzila ukudla.” Kwathi lokha nabahlangana boke eGalile, uJesu wathi kibo: “INdodana yoMuntu izokukhatjhelwa ezandleni zabantu. Bazoyibulala, kodwana elangeni lesithathu izakuvuswa.” Abafundi badabuka khulu ngalokho. Ngemva kobana uJesu nabafundi bakhe bafike eKapernawumi, abathelisi bomthelo wethempeli beza kuPitrosi bambuza bathi: “Angithi umfundisenu uyawukhupha umthelo wethempeli?” UPitrosi waphendula wathi: “Iye, uyawukhupha.” Kwathi lokha uPitrosi nangena ngekumbeni, uJesu waba ngewokuthoma owakhuluma naye, wambuza wathi: “Simoni, uthini umbono wakho na? Amakhosi wephaseli awuthatha kibobani umthelo na? Kghani awuthatha emadodanenawo namkha emadodaneni wabanye abantu na?” UPitrosi wamphendula wathi: “Emadodaneni wabanye abantu.” UJesu wamphendula wathi: “Khona-ke amadodana akabalelwa ekukhupheni umthelo. Kodwana ukuze singabakhubekisi, khamba uye elwandle ufese uphosele isithiyahlambi. Ihlambi yokuthoma ozoyibamba, ithathe uyivule umlomo, uzakufumana iimpaparwana ezine ezilingene umthelo. Zithathe ubanikele zona kube mthelo wami newakho.” Ngesikhatheso abafundi beza kuJesu babuza bathi: “Ngubani omkhulu embusweni wezulu na?” UJesu wabiza umntwana, wamjamisa phakathi kwabo, wathi: “Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona ngaphandle kobanyana niphenduke nibe njengabantwana, angekhe nangena embusweni wezulu. Ngalokho-ke nanyana ngubani ozithoba njengomntwana lo uzakuba ngongomkhulu embusweni wezulu. Naloyo owamukela umntwana onjengalo ebizweni lami, wamukela mina. Kodwana nanyana ngubani obangela omunye wabancanaba abakholwa kimi bona one, kuzakuba ngcono kuye kobana abotjhelelwe ilitje lokugaya entanyeni bese acwiliswe ekuzikeni kwelwandle. “Maye kilo iphasi ngebanga leenkhubekiso! Iinkhubekiso zizakulokhu zivela, kodwana maye emuntwini eziza ngaye! “Nangabe isandla sakho namkha inyawo lakho liyakukhuba, liqunte ulilahle. Kungcono ukungena ekuphileni uyingunwana namkha usirhurhubi kunobana ube nezandla zombili namkha iinyawo zombili kodwana uphoselwe emlilweni wesiphelani. Nangabe ilihlo lakho liyakukhuba, ligobhodlhe ulilahle! Kulula kuwe ukungena ekuphileni nelihlo elilodwa, kunobanyana ube namehlo amabili, kodwana uphoselwe ngemlilweni wesirhogo. “Qinisekani bonyana aninyazi ngitjho namunye wabancancanaba. Ngambala ngiyanitjela bona iingilozi zabo ezulwini zihlala njalo ziphambi kwakaBaba ezulwini, ngombana iNdodana yoMuntu ize ukusindisa abalahlekileko. “Uthini umbono wenu na? Nakube umuntu unezimvu ezilikhulu, kuthi eyodwa idurhe, akazukutjhiya ezimatjhumi alithoba nethoba emibundwini ayokufuna edurhileko na? Kuthi angayifumana, ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela wehlelwa lithabo elikhulu ngemvu eyodwa leyo kunalezo ezimatjhumi alithoba nethoba ezingazange zidurhe. Ngokunjalo-ke noYihlo ezulwini akathandi bona kudurhe ngitjho noyedwa wabancancanaba. “Nakube umfowenu uyakona, khamba uyombonisa iphoswakhe, kube phakathi kwenu kwaphela. Nakube uyakulalela, uzabe umzuzile umfowenu. Kodwana nakube uyakhunyalala, thatha munye namkha babili abantu bakhambe nawe ukuze yoke indaba iqiniswe ngabofakazi ababili namkha abathathu. Nakube nabo akabalaleli, bikela ibandla. Nakube nebandlelo akafuni ukulilalela, khona-ke mphathe njengomrhedeni namkha umthelisi.” “Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona nanyana yini eniyibopha ephasini izakubotjhwa nezulwini nenikuthukululako ephasini kuzakuthukululwa nezulwini. “Godu ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona nangabe ababili benu ephasini bavumelana ngananyana yini eniyikhombelako, uBaba osezulwini uzanenzela yona. Ngambala lapho ababili namkha abathathu bahlangene khona ngebizo lami, nami ngilapho nabo.” Nje-ke uPitrosi weza kuJesu wambuza wathi: “Kosi, ngimlibalele kangaki umfowethu naphikelele ukungona na? Kghani bekube kalikhomba?” UJesu wamphendula wathi: “Awa, ingasi bekube kalikhomba, kodwana kube ngokubuyelelwe amatjhumi alikhomba nakhomba. Ngalokho-ke umbuso wezulu ufana nekosi eyafuna ukulungisa iimali neenceku zayo. Kwathi lokha nayithoma ukubala, kwalethwa kiyo indoda ebegade ikoloda ikosi leyo iinkulungwana ezilitjhumi zamatalende. Njengombana beyingakghoni ukukhokha isikolodo sayo, ikosi yathi ayithengiswe, yona, umkayo, abantwabayo nakho koke enakho ukuze kukhokhelwe isikolodweso. Inceku yawa ngamadolo phambi kwekosi leyo, yarabhela yathi, ‘Akhese ungibekezelele, ngizakukhokhela koke.’ Ikosi yayizwela ubuhlungu, yasula isikolodo sayo, yayitjhaphulula bona ikhambe. “Kodwana kwathi lokha inceku leyo nayiphumako, yahlangana nesinye seensebenzi esisebenza nayo ebegade siyikoloda ikhulu labodenariyu. Yasibamba ngomphimbo, yasikhahlameza yathi, ‘Khokha isikolodo sakho ongibamba sona!’ “Isisebenzeso saguqa phasi sayirabhela sathi, ‘Yewungibekezelele, ngizakukhokhela!’ Kodwana yabhala; ebangeni lalokho yenza bona isisebenzeso sidlhunywe ngesikhungweni bekube kumhlana sikhokha isikolodweso. Kwathi bona ezinye iinsebenzi zibone okwenzakeleko, zadana khulu zaya ekosini zayitjela koke okwenzakeleko. Yeke ikosi yayo yayibiza yathi: ‘Wena sikhohlakali senceku! Ngesule soke isikolodo sakho ngombana ungirabhele bonyana ngikulibalele sona. Alo, bewungakameli ukuba nesirhawu esisebenzini esisebenza nawe njengombana nami ngibe nesirhawu kuwe na?’ Ikosi yayo yathukuthela beyayinikelela ezandleni zabaphathisikhungo kobana bayihlunguphaze beyikhokhe koke ekukolodako. “Ngiyo-ke indlela le uBaba osezulwini azokuphatha ngayo omunye nomunye wenu naningalibaleli abafowenu ngeenhliziyo zenu zoke.” Kwathi bona uJesu aqede ukukhuluma izintwezi, wasuka eGalile waya esifundeni seJudiya engaphetjheya komlambo iJordani. Iinqubuthu ezinengi zamlandela, yeke wazipholisa khonapho. Abanye abaFarisi beza kuye kobana bamlinge. Bambuza bathi: “Kumthetho bonyana indoda itlhale umkayo nanyana kungasiphi isizathu na?” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Azange khenifunde bonyana ekuthomeni uMdali wenza omduna nomsikazi na? Yeke wathi, ‘Ngesizathweso indoda izakutjhiya uyise nonina inamathele kumkayo, nje-ke ababilaba baba yinyama yinye.’ Ngaleyondlela abasesebabili, kodwana banye. Yeke okuhlanganiswe nguZimu, akungabikhona umuntu okwahlukanisako.” AbaFarisi bambuza bathi: “Alo-ke kubayini uMosi akhuphe umthetho wokobana indoda inikele umfazi incwadi yesahlukaniso imqotjhe na?” UJesu waphendula wathi: “UMosi wanivumela bonyana nitlhale abafazi benu ngombana benineenhliziyo ezikhunyaleleko. Kodwana ekuthomeni bekungasinjalo. Ngiyanitjela bona nanyana ngubani otlhala umkakhe ngaphandle kwesizathu sokuhlobonga bese uthatha omunye umfazi, uzabe uyahlobonga.” Abafundi bakhe bathi kuye: “Nakube kunjalo hlangana nendoda nomkayo, kungadumbana kungathathwa-ke.” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Akusingubani nobani ongamukela amezwi la, kodwana kwaphela labo anikelwe bona. Abanye babaphakulwa ngokubelethwa, abanye benziwa babantu bona babe njalo kanti abanye badela ukuthatha ngebanga lombuso wezulu. Loyo okghona ukwamukela lokho akenze njalo.” Yeke kwalethwa abantwana kuJesu kobana abeke izandla phezu kwabo, abathandazele. Kodwana abafundi bathethisa labo ababalethako. UJesu wathi: “Vumelani abantwana beze kimi, ningabakhandeli ngombana umbuso wezulu ungewabafana nalaba.” Nje-ke wathi bona abeke izandla phezu kwabo, wakhamba. Kweza umuntu kuJesu wathi: “Mfundisi, ngisiphi isenzo sokulunga engingasenza ukuze ngizuze ukuphila okungapheliko na?” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Kubayini ungibuze ngokulungileko na? Munye kwaphela olungileko. Nakube ufuna ukungena ekuphileni, londa imiyalo.” Umuntu loyo wathi: “Ngimiphi imiyalo leyo na?” UJesu wamphendula wathi: “Ungabulali, ungahlobongi, ungebi; ungafakazi amala; hlonipha uyihlo nonyoko; uthande umakhelwanakho njengombana uzithanda wena.” Isokana laphendula lathi: “Koke lokho ngikulondile. Ngikuphi okhunye ekufanele ngikwenze na?” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Nawufuna bona ulunge uphelele, khamba uyokuthengisa koke onakho, unikele abadududu, uzakuba nobugwili ezulwini. Yeke uze ungilandele!” Kuthe bona isokanelo lizwe lokho, lakhamba lidanile ngombana gade lisigwili samambala. Yeke uJesu wathi ebafundini bakhe: “Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona kulikhuni kobana umuntu osigwili angene embusweni wezulu. Ngiyabuyelela godu ngithi kulula ukuziluma indololwani kunobanyana umuntu osigwili angene embusweni kaZimu.” Kwathi lokha abafundi nabezwa lokhu, barareka khulu bebabuza bathi: “Alo, nakunjalo ngubani ongasindiswa na?” UJesu wabaqala, wabaphendula wathi: “Ebantiwini lokhu kuyinto engeze yenzeka, kodwana ngoZimu koke kuyenzeka.” Yeke uPitrosi wathi: “Sitjhiye koke kobana sikulandele. Alo, sizakuzuzani ngalokho na?” UJesu wathi kibo: “Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona ephasini elitjha lokha iNdodana yoMuntu nayihlezi esihlalweni sayo sobukhosi esiphazimulako, nina ebeningilandela, nani nizokuhlala eenhlalweni zobukhosi ezilitjhumi nambili, nigwebe iinkoro ezilitjhumi nambili zakwa-Israyeli. Loyo naloyo otjhiye iinkumba namkha abafowabo namkha abodadwabo namkha uyise namkha unina namkha abantwana namkha amasimu ngebanga lami, uzakwamukela ngokubuyelelwe kalikhulu abe azuze nokuphila okungapheliko. Kodwana abanengi abangebokuthoma bazakuba ngebokugcina, kuthi abanengi ekungebokugcina babe ngebokuthoma.” “Umbuso wezulu ufana nomnininarha owaphuma ekuseni wayokuqatjha abantu bona basebenze esidiribeni sakhe. Wavuma ukubakhokhela udenariyu ngelanga, wabese ubathumela esidiribeni sakhe. Ngesimbi yethoba waphuma godu wabona abanye abantu bajame endaweni ekuthengiselwa kiyo, bangenzi ilitho. Yeke wathi kibo, ‘Nani khambani niyokusebenza esidiribeni sami, ngizanikhokhela nanyana yini efaneleko.’ Yeke bakhamba. Kwathi ngesimbi yetjhumi nambili godu nangesimbi yesithathu wenza godu okufanako. Godu ngesimbi yesihlanu, waphuma wafunyana abanye nabo bajame khonapho. Wathi kibo, ‘Kubayini nilokhu nijame lapha imini yoke ningenzi ilitho na?’ Bamphendula bathi, ‘Kungombana akunamuntu osiqatjhako.’ Wathi kibo, ‘Yeke nani khambani niyokusebenza ngesidiribeni sami.’ “Kwathi bona ukuhlwa kufike, umninisidiribe watjela indunakhe wathi, ‘Biza iinsebenzi uzinikele umrholwazo, uthome ngeziqatjhwe muva, ugcine ngezithome ntange.’ Abantu abathome ukusebenza ngesimbi yesihlanu bafika, barholelwa udenariyu ngamunye. Kwathi abantu abaqatjhwe ntange nabafikako, badlumbana bona bazakufumana ngaphezudlwana. Kodwana nabo banikelwa udenariyu ngamunye. Sele bamukele ikokhelwabo bathoma ukunghonghoyila kumnininarha, bathi, ‘Abantwaba abaqatjhwe muva basebenze nje i-awara linye kwaphela, khonapho ubalinganisa nathi thina ababhesele iduladula yomsebenzi nomtjhiso welanga!’ “Kodwana waphendula omunye wabo wathi, ‘Mnganami, angikakugalaji. Angithi uvumile bona uzakusebenzela udenariyu na? Yeke thatha ikokhelwakho uye ekhaya. Ngifuna ukukhokhela umuntu oqatjhwe muva lo ngokulingana nalokho engikukhokhele khona. Anginalungelo lokwenza engikuthandako ngemalami na? Unomona ngombana nginomusa na?’ ” “Ngaleyondlela bokugcina bazakuba ngebokuthoma nebokuthoma babe ngebokugcina.” Kwathi uJesu nakhuphukela eJerusalema, wabizela abafundi abalitjhumi nambili ngeqadi, wathi kibo: “Sikhuphukela eJerusalema lapha iNdodana yoMuntu izokukhatjhelwa khona kubaphristi abakhulu nakubafundisi bomthetho. Bazoyigwebela ukufa, bayinikele ezandleni zabatjhili kobana bahlekise ngayo, bayirithe bebayibethele esiphambanweni. Kodwana elangeni lesithathu izakuvuka kabafileko.” Yeke umkaZebediya namadodanakhe amabili baya kuJesu, bafese baguqa phambi kwakhe bakhombela isisa kuye. UJesu wambuza wathi: “Ufunani na?” Wamphendula wathi: “Vuma bona amadodanami amabili la akuphahle embuswenakho, enye ibe ngesigomeni sakho, enye ibe ngesinceleni sakho.” UJesu waphendula, wathi: “Anikwazi enikubawako. Ningakghona ukusela ikapho engizoyisela le na?” Baphendula bathi: “Singakghona.” UJesu wathi kibo: “Kwamambala nizakusela ikapho engiyiselako, kodwana nayikuhlala ngesigomeni namkha ngesinceleni sami, awa akusingokwami ukutjho lokho. Iindawezi ngezalabo uBaba azilungisele bona.” Kwathi bona abalitjhumi bezwe ngalokho, banyenya ngamadodana amabili layo. Yeke uJesu wababizela ndawonye boke wathi: “Niyazi bona ababusi babatjhili banamandla phezu kwabo neenkhulu zabo eziphezulu zinegunya phezu kwabo. Yeke, akusinjalo kini! Nanyana ngubani phakathi kwenu ofuna ukuba mkhulu, kufanele abe yincekwenu. Nofuna ukuba ngewokuthoma akabe likhoboka lenu; kube njengombana kunjalo ngeNdodana yoMuntu engakezeli ukuzokwenzelwa, kodwana izele ukwenzela nokunikela ipilwayo njengesihlengo sabanengi.” Kwathi uJesu nabafundi bakhe nabasuka eJerikho, isiqubuthu esikhulu sabalandela. Bekuneemphofu ezimbili ebezihlezi eqadi kwendlela, zathi zingezwa bona uJesu uzokudlula lapho, zarhuwelela zathi: “Kosi, Ndodana kaDavida, sirhawukela!” Isiqubuthu sazithethisa sathi azithule. Kodwana zarhuwelela khulu kwanjesi zathi: “Kosi, Ndodana kaDavida, sirhawukela!” UJesu wajama, wazibiza, wathi kizo: “Nifuna bona nginenzeleni na?” Zathi: “Kosi, sifuna ukubona!” UJesu wazirhawukela, wakghwatha amehlwazo. Khonokho zabona, zamlandela. Kwathi bona batjhidele eJerusalema, sele baseBhethifage entabeni ye-Oliva, uJesu wathumela abafundi bakhe wathi kibo: “Yeniye emzini ongaphambi kwenu, khonapho nizakufumana udumbana abotjhiwe, udumbanyanakhe aseqadi kwakhe. Mtjhaphululeni nibalethapha. Nakukhona otjho okuthileko kini nimtjele bona iKosi iyabadinga, yeke izababuyisa msinyana.” Lokhu kwenzeka ukuze kuzaliseke okwakhulunywa mphorofidi, nasithi: “Yenithi endodakazini yeZiyoni: “Naso ikosakho iza kuwe, ngokuzithoba beyikhwele udumbana, iye, udumbanyana olithole lakadumbana.” Yeke abafundi bakhamba bayokwenza njengombana uJesu abayalile. Baletha udumbana nodumbanyanakhe, babeka izambatho zabo phezu kwabo, yeke uJesu wahlala phezu kwazo. Isiqubuthu esikhulu saqhisa izambatho zaso endleleni, abanye basika namatjhwaba wemithi bawaqhisa endleleni. Isiqubuthu esakhamba phambi kwakhe nebesikhamba ngemva kwakhe sarhuwelela sathi: “Hosana kiyo iNdodana kaDavida! Ubusisiwe ozako ebizweni leKosi! Hosana kweliphezulu!” Kuthe bona uJesu angene ngeJerusalema, idorobho loke lavungazela. Abantu babuza bathi: “Ungubani lo na?” Isiqubuthu saphendula sathi: “Lo nguJesu omphorofidi obuya eNazaretha eseGalile.” UJesu wangena ngethempelini, waqotjha boke ebebathenga bathengisa lapho. Waphekghula iintafula zabatjintji bemali neenhlalo zabathengisa amazuba, wathi kibo: “Kutloliwe kwathiwa, ‘Ikumbami izakubizwa bona yikumba yokuthandaza’ kodwana nina niyenze irharha labahlanguli!” Iimphofu neenrhole zeza kuye ngethempelini, wazipholisa. Kodwana kwathi lokha abaphristi abakhulu nabafundisi bomthetho nababona izinto ezikarisako ebegade azenza, nabantwana barhuwelela ngethempelinapho basithi “Hosana kiyo iNdodana kaDavida”, banyenya khulu. Yeke babuza uJesu bathi: “Uthi uyayizwa nje itlabelwana le bona ithini na?” UJesu wabaphendula wathi: “Iye ngiyabezwa! Kghani azange khenifunde imitlolo ethi, ‘Emilonyeni yabantwana neyamasana wabeka indumiso’ na?” UJesu wabatjhiya, waphuma ngedorobheni waya eBhethaniya, walala khona. Kuthe nasele asendleleni abuyela eJerusalema ekuseni, walamba. Wabona umuthi wamakhiwani eqadi kwendlela, waya kiwo, kodwana azange afumane ilitho ngaphandle kwamakari. Yeke wathi emthini lowo: “Inga ungahlala ungasatheli!” Khonokho umuthi wamakhiwani woma. Abafundi nababona lokho barareka. Babuza bathi: “Umuthi wamakhiwani wome njani msinyana kangaka na?” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona naninokukholwa ningazazi, anizukwenza kwaphela okwenziwe emthini wamakhiwani lo, kodwana ningatjho nentabenapha nithi, ‘Suka, uziphosele ngelwandle,’ yeke kuzakwenzeka lokho. Nanikholwako, nizakwamukela nanyana yini eniyikhombelako ngomthandazo.” UJesu wangena ngesirhodlweni sethempeli; kwathi asafundisa, abaphristi abakhulu nabaphathi babantu beza kuye bambuza bathi: “Izintwezi uzenza ngegunya lakabani na? Ngubani okuphe amandla la na?” UJesu wabaphendula wathi: “Nami yithi nginibuze umbuzo owodwa kwaphela. Nange ningangiphendula, ngizanitjela bona ngizenza ngegunya lakabani izintwezi. Umbhabhadiso kaJwanisi ubuyaphi na? Ubuya ezulwini namkha ebantwini na?” Bacocisana babodwa ngendaba le, bathi: “Nasithi ubuya kuZimu, uzasibuza bonyana alo kubayini singakholwa. Godu nasithi ubuya ebantwini, sesaba abantu ngombana bayakholwa bonyana uJwanisi gade amphorofidi.” Yeke bamphendula bathi: “Awa, asazi.” Yeke wathi kibo: “Nami-ke angekhe nganitjela bona ligunyabani engenza ngalo izintwezi.” “Nithini ngalokhu na? Bekukhona umuntu onamadodana amabili. Waya kekulu wathi kiyo, ‘Ndodana, khamba uyokusebenza esidiribeni namhlanje.’ Yaphendula yathi, ‘Angifuni,’ kodwana emva kwesikhathi yazisola, yaya. Yeke umuntu loyo waya endodanenakhe enye, wafike watjho amezwi afanako, yaphendula yathi, ‘Iye, baba,’ kodwana azange iye. Ngiyiphi-ke phakathi kwamabili la eyenze ekufunwa nguyise na?” Bamphendula bathi: “Yokuthoma.” Yeke uJesu wathi kibo: “Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona abathelisi neengwadla zingena embusweni kaZimu phambi kwenu. UJwanisi weza kini wanitjengisa indlela yokulunga, azange benimkholwe, kodwana abathelisi neengwadla zamkholwa. Kubhale ngitjho nanyana sele nikubonile lokhu, azange beniphenduke nimkholwe.” UJesu wathi kibo: “Lalelani omunye umfanekiso naku: Kwakhe kwaba khona umnininarha owatjala isidiribe, wakha umthangala magegana naso. Wemba ubutlhodlhelo kiso bewakha nesithala sokulinda. Yeke waqatjhisela abalimi abathileko isidiribeso, yena wathatha ikhambo. Kwathi nakutjhidela isikhathi sokuvuna, wathumela iinsebenzi zakhe ebaqatjhini kobana bayokukha iinthelo zakhe. Abaqatjhi babamba iinsebenzi zakhe, esinye basibetha, esinye basibulala, sesithathu basikhanda ngamatje. Godu wathumela ezinye iinsebenzi kibo, zaba zinengi ukudlula zokuthoma, abaqatjhi baziphatha njengezekuthomeni. Ekugcineni wathumela indodanakhe kibo adlumbana asithi, ‘Nakuyindodanami bazayihlonipha.’ Kodwana kwathi abaqatjhabo nababona indodana, bakhuluma bodwa bathi, ‘Angithi le yindlalifa! Asiyibulaleni siyithathele ilifa layo.’ Yeke bayibamba bayiphosa ngaphandle kwesidiribe, bayibulala. Alo-ke umninisidiribe nafikako uzabenzani abaqatjhaba na?” Bamphendula bathi: “Iinkhohlakalezo uzozibhubhisa nya, athathe isidiribe sakhe asiqatjhisele abanye abazamnikela isabelo sakhe sesivuno ngesikhathi esifaneleko.” UJesu wathi kibo: “Kghani anizange khenifunde emitlolweni na? “ ‘Ilitje abakhi abalilahlako libe lilitje lesisekelo. Lokhu kwenziwe yiKosi; nje-ke kuyamangalisa emehlwenethu.’ ” UJesu wathi kibo godu: “Ngalokho ngiyanitjela bonyana umbuso wezulu uzokususwa kini unikelwe abantu abazokuthela iinthelo. Owela phezu kwelitjeli uzakuphuka abe ziinquqwana; kodwana loyo elizakuwela phezu kwakhe yena uzakutshidlheka.” Kwathi lokha abaphristi abakhulu nabaFarisi nabezwa umfanekiso kaJesu lo, kwabakhanyela bona ukhuluma ngabo. Yeke balinga ukufumana indlela yokumbamba. Kodwana bebesaba isiqubuthu ngombana abantu bebathatha uJesu njengomphorofidi. UJesu wakhuluma godu ebantwini ngemifanekiso, wathi: “Umbuso wezulu ufana nekosi eyalungiselela indodanayo umnyanya womtjhado. Yathumela iinceku zayo kilabo ebebamenyelwe emnyanyeni bona ziyobatjela beze, kodwana abantwabo babhala ukuza. Yeke yathuma ezinye iinceku yathi, ‘Tjelani abamenyiwekwabo bonyana sele ngilungise isidlo. Iinkabi zami kanye namathole anonisiweko sele ahlatjiwe nje-ke yoke into sele ilungile. Yenize emnyanyeni womtjhado.’ Kodwana azange bayelele, yeke omunye waziyela esiminakhe, omunye waziyela ezintweni zakhe. Abanye babamba iinceku baziphatha kumbi bebazibulala. Ikosi yathukuthela. Yathumela ibutho layo, lafese larhayila ababulalabo belatjhisa nedorobho labo. Yathi eencekwini zayo, ‘Umnyanya womtjhado sewulungile, kodwana abamenyiweko azange bafaneleke ukuza. Nje-ke khambani niye emajikeni weendledlana nimemele emnyanyeni nanyana ngubani enimfunyanako.’ Yeke iinceku zaphuma zaya eendledlaneni zabutha boke abantu ezibafumanako, abalungileko nabakhohlakeleko; irhubhe lomtjhado lazala iinthekeli. “Kwathi ikosi nayingenako bona izokubona iinthekeli, yayelela bonyana bekunomuntu ngapho obegade angakembathi izambatho zomtjhado. Yabuza yathi, ‘Mngani, ungene njani ngapha ungakembathi izambatho zomtjhado na?’ Kodwana umuntu loyo watlhoga ipendulo. Ikosi leyo yathi eencekwini zayo, ‘Mbopheni izandla neenyawo nimphosele ngaphandle ebumnyameni lapha kuzakuba khona ukurhahlawula nokugedla kwamazinyo!’ ” UJesu waphetha ngokuthi: “Banengi abamenyiweko, kodwana balibinzana abakhethiweko.” AbaFarisi bakhamba bayokulumba amano wokubamba uJesu ngamezwakhe. Bathumela abafundi babo kuye bakhambisana nebakaHerode bathi: “Mfundisi, siyazi bona umumuntu oqotho nokobana ufundisa indlela kaZimu ngokuya ngeqiniso. Awuyi ngabantu ngombana awukhethi ubuso. Akhe utjho-ke bona umbonwakho uthini na? Kghani kulungile ukukhokha umthelo wombusi omkhulu na?” Kodwana uJesu ngokwazi kwakhe iqhinga labo elimbi wathi: “Nina bazenzisi ndina! Nilingelani ukungithiya na? Ngitjengisani imali enithela ngayo!” Bamlethela udenariyu, wababuza wathi: “Mfanekiso kabani lo na? Mtlolo kabani lo na?” Bamphendula bathi: “Mfanekiso wombusi omkhulu.” Yeke uJesu wathi kibo: “Nikelani umbusi omkhulu okungekwakhe, ninikele uZimu okungekwakaZimu.” Kuthe bona bezwe lokhu, barareka kwamambala. Yeke bamtjhiya lapho bakhamba. Khona mhlokho abaSadusi abakholwa bonyana akukho ukuvuka kwabafileko beza kuJesu bambuza bathi: “Mfundisi, uMosi wasitjela bona indoda nayihlongakala inganabantwana, umfowabo kufanele angene umhlolokazayo bese ambelethele abantwana. Yeke bekukhona izelamani ezilikhomba ebezihlala khonapha. Izibulo lathatha kodwana lahlongakala linganabantwana, yeke latjhiya umhlolokazalo, wangenwa mfowabo. Kwenzeka soneso ngeselamani sesibili nesesithathu, bekwaba ngesekhomba. Ekugcineni umhlolokazi loyo naye wahlongakala. Manje-ke mhlana abafileko bavukako ekufeni, uzokuba mkabani kabalikhomba njengombana boke gade bamthethe na?” UJesu wabaphendula wathi: “Niyaphosisa niyazi! Kanti aniyazi imitlolo namkha amandla kaZimu na? Ekuvukeni, abantu angeze bathatha namkha bende ngombana bazokufana neengilozi ezisezulwini. Kodwana mayelana nokuvuka kwabafileko: Kghani anikafundi bona uZimu wathini kini? Angithi wathi, ‘NginguZimu ka-Abrahamu, uZimu ka-Isaka noZimu kaJakopo.’ AkasinguZimu wabafileko, kodwana ungowabaphilako.” Kwathi lokha iinqubuthu nazizwa lokhu, zarareka ngefundiswakhe leyo. Kwathi bona abaFarisi bezwe bonyana uJesu uvale abaSadusi umlomo, bahlangana ndawonye. Omunye wabo, osisazi somthetho, wamlinga ngombuzo lo, wathi: “Mfundisi, ngimuphi umyalo ongomkhulu emthethweni na?” UJesu wamphendula wathi: “ ‘Thanda uSomnini uZimakho ngehliziywakho yoke, ngomphefumulwakho woke nangomkhumbulwakho woke.’ Lo myalo wokuthoma nongomkhulu. Wesibili ofana nawo ngothi, ‘Thanda umakhelwanakho njengombana uzithanda wena.’ Woke umthetho kanye nabaphorofidi kudzimelele emiyalweni emibili le.” Kwathi abaFarisi basahlangane ndawonye, uJesu wababuza wathi: “Nicabangani ngoKrestu na? Uyindodana kabani na?” Bamphendula bathi: “UyiNdodana kaDavida.” Yeke uJesu wabuza wathi: “Alo, kubayini-ke uDavida nakhuluma ngoMoya ambize bona yiKosi na? Angithi wathi, “ ‘USomnini wathi eKosinami: Hlala ngesidleni sami bekube kulokha nangenza izitha zakho zibe sinabelo seenyawo zakho.’ Yeke, nangabe uDavida umbiza ngokuthi ‘Kosi’, angaba yindodanakhe njani na?” Akakho noyedwa owakghona ukuphendula uJesu. Nje-ke kusukela mhlokho akakho noyedwa owakhe wagabaza wambuza eminye imibuzo. Yeke, uJesu wakhuluma eenqubuthwini nebafundini bakhe, wathi: “Abafundisi bomthetho nabaFarisi bahlala esihlalweni sakaMosi. Yeke kufanele nibahloniphe benenze koke abanitjela khona. Kodwana ningalingisi izenzo zabo ngombana abenzi lokho abakutjhumayelako. Bathwesa abantu imithwalo ebudisi emahlombe, ibe bona abakazimiseli ukuyifukula ngitjho nangomunwabo. Koke abakwenzako bakwenzela ukubonwa babantu: Benza amafilakteriya wabo abe makhulu namatjharha weemphuraphura zabo made. Bathanda indawo ephezulu eminyanyeni neenhlalo eziphambili ngemasinagogini. Bathanda ukulotjhiswa eendaweni okuthengiselwa kizo nokubizwa ngokuthi, ‘Rabi’. Nina anizukubizwa ngokuthi ‘Rabi’ ngombana ninomfundisi oyedwa, nina noke nje nibabafo. Godu ningabizi noyedwa ephasinapha ngokuthi ‘Baba’ ngombana ninoBaba oyedwa osezulwini. Begodu ningabizwa ngokuthi ‘Mfundisi’ ngombana ninomfundisi oyedwa onguKrestu. Ongomkhulu hlangana nani uzakuba yincekwenu ngombana loyo oziphakamisako uzakuthotjiswa, naloyo ozithobako uzakuphakanyiswa.” “Maye, kini bafundisi bomthetho nani baFarisi, nina bazenzisi ndina! Nivalele abantu kobana bangangeni embusweni wezulu. Nina ngokwenu aningeni, begodu anivumeli labo abalinga ukungena! Maye, kini bafundisi bomthetho nani baFarisi, bazenzisi ndina! Nirhiribidela iinkumba zabahlolokazi, bese nibukisa ngokwenza imithandazokazi emide! Ngalokho nizakuhlunguphazwa khulu. “Maye, kini bafundisi bomthetho nani baFarisi, bazenzisi ndina! Nidabula amazwe namalwandle kobana nizuze oyedwa otjhugulukela ebuJudeni, kuthi naphendukileko nimenze abe yindodana yesirhogo ngokubuyelelweko njengani. “Maye, kini bahlahli abaziimphofu! Nithi, ‘Nanyana ngubani ofunga ngethempeli, akutjho ilitho lokho, kodwana nakube ufunga ngegolide lethempeli ubotjhelelwe esifungweni sakhe.’ Nina ndlhadlha eziphopheleko! Ngikuphi okukhulu, ligolide namkha lithempeli elenza bona igolide libe ngelikhethekileko na? Godu nithi, ‘Nanyana ngubani ofunga nge-aldari, akutjho ilitho lokho; kodwana nanyana ngubani ofunga ngesipho esiphezu kwalo ubotjhelelwe esifungweni sakhe.’ Nina bantu abaphopheleko! Ngikuphi okukhulu: sisipho namkha li-aldari elenza bona isipho sibe ngesikhethekileko na? Ngalokho-ke ofunga nge-aldari ufunga ngalo nakho koke okukilo. Nofunga ngethempeli, ufunga ngalo nangaloyo ohlala kilo. Naloyo ofunga ngezulu, ufunga ngesihlalo sobukhosi sakaZimu naloyo ohlala kiso. “Maye, kini bafundisi bomthetho nani baFarisi, nina bazenzisi ndina! Ninikela kwetjhumi kweenungo zenu okuyiminti, idili nekumini, kodwana nilahle okuqakatheke khulu komthetho, ubulungiswa, isirhawu nokwethembeka. Benimele ngabe nenze lokhu ngaphandle kokuqalela phasi okhunye. Bahlahli abaziimphofu! Nikhupha ipukani kwenikuselako, kodwana niginya ikamela! “Maye, kini bafundisi bomthetho nani baFarisi, bazenzisi ndina! Nihlanza ubungaphandle bekapho nesitja kodwana khibe ngaphakathi zizele ubumarhamaru nokuzazi. BaFarisi abaziimphofu! Thomani ngokuhlanza ubungaphakathi bekapho nesitja ntange ngaleyondlela nobungaphandle buzakuhlanzeka. “Maye, kini bafundisi bomthetho nani baFarisi, nina bazenzisi ndina! Ninjengamathuna apendwe aba mhlophe, aqaleka amahle ngaphandle khibe ngaphakathi azele amathambo wabafileko nakho koke okusilapheleko. Ngokunjalo nani ngaphandle niqaleka nilungile ebantwini, kodwana ngaphakathi nizele ukuzenzisa nokukhohlakala. “Maye, kini bafundisi bomthetho nabaFarisi, nina bazenzisi ndina! Nakhela abaphorofidi amathuna amahle, nikghabise namaliba wabalungileko. Begodu nithi, ‘Nabegade siphile emihleni yabokhokho, besingekhe sazibandakanya nabo ekuthululeni iingazi zabaphorofidi.’ Ngalokho niyafakaza ngokujamelana nani bonyana niziinzukulwana zalabo ababulala abaphorofidi. Yeke ragelani phambili, niqedelele isilinganiso sezono zabokhokho benu! Nina nyoka ndina! Sizukulwana seenyoka! Nizakubalekela njani ukulahlelwa ngesirhogweni na? Ngalokho nginithumela abaphorofidi, izazi nabafundisi. Abanye babo nizobabulala benibabethele esiphambanweni, abanye nizobaritha ngemasinagogini wenu nibagijimise ukusuka edorobheni ukuya edorobheni. Yeke phezu kwenu kuzakwehlela zoke iingazi ezilungileko ezathululwako ephasinapha, ukuthoma ngeengazi zolungileko u-Abela ukuya kezakaZakariya umsa kaBherekiya enambulalela hlangana nethempeli ne-aldari. Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona koke lokhu kuzakwehlela phezu kwesizukulwanesi. “Jerusalema, Jerusalema, wena obulele abaphorofidi, godu wakhanda ngamatje labo abathunywe kuwe, kukangaki ngifuna ukubuthelela abantwabakho njengesikhukhukazi sibuthelela amadzinyanaso ngaphasi kweempiko zaso, kodwana azange ungivumele. Qala, ikumbakho itjhiywe ingasenamuntu. Ngambala ngiyanitjela bona angekhe benisangibona godu kufikela mhlana nithi, ‘Ubusisiwe loyo oza ebizweni lakaSomnini!’ ” UJesu besele aphumile ngethempelini, akhamba lokha abafundi bakhe nabazakuza kuye bamkhombisa umakhiwo wethempeli. Wathi kibo: “Niyazibona zoke izintwezi na? Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona akunalitje nalinye lapha elizakusala liphezu kwelinye, elinye nelinye lawo lizokugirika.” Kwathi uJesu asahlezi entabeni ye-Oliva, abafundi beza kuye ngasese, bafese bathi: “Akhe usitjele bona izintwezi zizokwenzeka nini? Sizakuba yini isibonakaliso sokuza kwakho nesokuphela kwesikhathi na?” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Yelelani bona kungabi nomuntu onikhohlisako ngombana banengi abazakuza ebizweni lami bathi, ‘NginguMesiya!’ Nje-ke bazakukhohlisa abanengi. Nizakuzwa ngezipi nangamahlebezi wezipi; kodwana qinisekani bonyana anethuki. Izinto ezinjalo kumele zenzeke, kodwana azitjho bona isiphetho sesifikile. Isizwe sizakuvukela isizwe nombuso uvukele umbuso. Kuzakuba khona indlala nokusikinyeka kwephasi eendaweni ezahlukahlukeneko. Koke lokhu kukuthoma kwemirhelo. “Ngemva kwalapho nizakukhaphelwa ekuhlungaphazweni nekubulaweni. Begodu nizokuzondwa ngizo zoke izizwe ngebanga lami. Ngesikhatheso abanengi bazakuhlubuka ekukholweni bese bayakhaphelana bebazondane. Kuzakuba khona abaphorofidi abanengi bamanga bakhohlise abantu abanengi. Ngenca yokwanda kobukhohlakali, ithando labanengi lizokuya liphola. Kodwana loyo ozokubambelela bekube sekupheleni uzokusindiswa. Nje-ke ivangeli lombusweli lizakutjhunyayelwa ephasini loke, kube bufakazi kizo zoke izizwe ngaphambi kobana kufike isiphetho.” “Lokha nanibona endaweni ecwengileko kujame isinyenyiso esibhubhisako, okuyinto eyakhulunywa mphorofidi uDanyela, ofundako azwisise. AbaseJudiya ababalekele eentabeni. Ophezu kwekumbakhe angahliki athi uyokuthatha okuthileko ngekhaya. Osesimini angabuyeli ekhaya ayokuthatha isambatho sakhe. Maye kuzokuthusa kangangani emihleni leyo ebafazini abasemzimbeni nakibomma abamunyisako! Thandazani bona ukubaleka kwenu kungabi sebusika namkha ngeSabatha ngombana iinhlupheko ngesikhatheso zizabe zizimbi khulu, zingalingani nalezo ezakhe zaba khona kusukela ekuthomeni kwephasi bekwaba kunjesi nezingasoze zaba khona godu. Nakube amalanga lawo bekangakancitjhiswa, akakho obezakusinda, kodwana ngenca yalabo abakhethiweko, amalanga lawo azokuncitjhiswa. “Ngesikhatheso nanyana ngubani othi kini, ‘Qalani nangu uMesiya!’ namkha, ‘Nanguya!’ ningamkholwa umuntu loyo. Ngambala abosingamesiya nabaphorofidi bamanga bazakuvela, benze iimbonakaliso nemikarisomraro emikhulu ukuze nakwenzekileko bakhohlise ngitjho nabakhethiweko. Qalani, nginitjele lokhu ngaphambi kobana kufike isikhathi. “Yeke nakube nanyana ngubani uthi kini, ‘Qalani nanguya erhalawumbeni,’ ningayi lapho; nanyana asithi, ‘Nanguya ngemalawini angaphakathi,’ ningakukholwa lokho. Yeke njengombana umbani ovela ngepumalanga ubonakala ngitjho netjingalanga, kuzokuba njalo ukuza kweNdodana yoMuntu. “Nanyana kukuphi lapha kunesidumbu khona, amadlanga ahlangana lapho.” “Khonokho ngemva kweenhlupheko zemihleni leyo, “ilanga lizakufiphala, inyezi ingakhanyisi, iinkwekwezi zizakuwa emkayini, amandla wezulwini asikinywe. “Ngesikhatheso isibonakaliso seNdodana yoMuntu sizakuvela emkayini, kuthi zoke izizwe zephasi zilile. Zizakubona iNdodana yoMuntu isiza ngamafu womkayi, ngamandla nangephazimulo ekulu. Yeke izakuthuma iingilozi zayo ngokulila okukhulu kwepalapala. Zona zizakubuthelela abakhethekileko bayo emagumbini womane wephasi, ukusuka ehlangothini elinye lomkayi bekube kukelinye. “Nje-ke fundani isifundo nasi ngomuthi wamakhiwani: Msinyana ngemva kobana iimpanjana zawo zihlangene, kumila amakari, seniyazi-ke bonyana ihlobo seliseduze. Ngokunjalo-ke nanibona zoke izintwezi, nizakwazi bonyana sekuseduze, iye sekusemnyango. Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona isizukulwanesi ngambala asisoze sadlula zingakenzeki zoke izintwezi. Izulu nephasi kuzakudlula, kodwana amezwami angekhe adlula.” “Akakho noyedwa owaziko ngelangelo nangesikhatheso, neengilozi ezisezulwini azazi ilitho, ngitjho neNdodana ngokwayo ayazi; kodwana nguBaba kwaphela owaziko. Njengombana kwakunjalo emihleni kaNowa, kuzakuba njalo-ke ukuza kweNdodana yoMuntu. Emihleni leyo ngaphambi komthwalela, abantu bebagoma, basela, batjhada bebatjhadise, kufikela elangeni uNowa angena ngalo ngemkhunjini. Bebangakhathali ngalokho okuzokwenzeka bekwaba kumhlana kufika umthwalela warhurhula boke. Kuzokuba njalo-ke ukuza kweNdodana yoMuntu. Ngesikhatheso amadoda amabili azabe asebenza esimini; kuzakuthathwa eyodwa kutjhiywe eyodwa. Abafazi ababili bazabe basila elitjeni, kuthathwe oyedwa kutjhiywe oyedwa. “Yeke, hlalani nilindile ngombana anazi bona iKosenu izakuza nini. Kodwana yazini lokhu: Nakube umninikhaya bekasazi bona isela lizakufika ngasiphi isikhathi sobusuku, ubazakuhlala alindile, ubangekhe avumela bonyana indlwakhe ifahlwe. Nani-ke kumele nihlale nilindile ngombana iNdodana yoMuntu izakufika ngesikhathi eningakayilindeli ngaso. “Ngiyiphi-ke inceku ethembekileko nehlakaniphileko umniniyo ayibeke bona yeluse iinsebenzi ekhaya, iziphe ukugoma kwazo ngesikhathi esifaneleko na? Kuzakuba kuhle encekwini leyo lokha umniniyo nafikako ayifumana isenza lokho. Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona uzayibeka bona yeluse yoke ipahlakhe. Kodwana akhesithi inceku leyo ikhohlakele bese izitjela ithi, ‘Ikosami isekukhambeni, kuzayithatha isikhathi ukubuya’, bese idula ezinye iinceku esebenza nazo, irhiribidele beyidakwe neendakwa. Umnininceku leyo uzakufika ngelinye ilanga ingakamlindeli ngesikhathi engasaziko. Uzayidabula iinquqwana ayilahlele endaweni yabazenzisi lapha kuzakuba khona ukurhahlawula nokugedla kwamaziyo.” “Ngesikhatheso umbuso wezulu uzakufana namatlawu alitjhumi athatha iimbani zawo ayokuhlangabeza umyeni. Amahlanu wawo gade aziindlhayela, amahlanu ahlakaniphile. Aziindlhayela athatha iimbani zawo, kodwana azange athathe amafutha. Kwathi amahlanu ahlakaniphileko akhamba aphethe amafutha ngemijekana. Umyeni wariyada ukufika, yeke woke ayenda, agcina alele. “Phakathi kobusuku kwamenyezwa kwathiwa, ‘Nangu umyeni! Phumani nimhlangabeze!’ Yeke woke amatlawu alitjhumi avuka, akhanyisa iimbani zawo. Aziindlhayela athi kahlakaniphileko, ‘Akhe nisitopizele amafutha, iimbani zethu ziyacima.’ Ahlakaniphileko aphendula athi, ‘Nilale nilahlile, nathi angahle asitlhayelele nasizawabelana nani. Khambani niye kabathengisako niyozithengela khona.’ Kwathi nasesendleleni yokuyokuthenga amafutha lawo, umyeni wafika. Amatlawu ebegade azilungiselele angena naye ngemnyanyeni womtjhado. Umnyango wavalwa. “Ngemva kwesikhathi amatlawu laya afika athi, ‘Kosi! Kosi! Sivulela singene!’ Kodwana umyeni wawaphendula wathi, ‘Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela ngithi anginazi.’ “Ngalokho hlalani nilindile ngombana ilanga nesikhathi anisazi.” “Godu umbuso wezulu uzakufana nomuntu owathi nazokuthatha ikhambo, wabiza iinsebenzi zakhe wazitjhiya nepahlakhe kobana ziyeluse. Esinye wasinikela amatalende amahlanu wemali, esinye amatalende amabili kwathi esinye wasinikela italende elilodwa. Esinye nesinye kwaba ngokwekghono laso. Yeke wakhamba. Isisebenzi esifumene amatalende amahlanu sakhamba khonokho sayokusisa imalaso, sazuza amanye amatalende amahlanu. Nesifumene amatalende amabili naso sazuza amanye amabili. Kodwana esafumana italende elilodwa sakhamba sayolembela, salifihla lapho. “Ngemva kwesikhathi eside ikosi yeensebenzi leyo yabuya, yalungisa iindaba nazo. Isisebenzi ebesifumene amatalende amahlanu saletha amanye amahlanu sathi, ‘Kosami, unginikele amatalende amahlanu, qala ngizuze amanye amahlanu.’ Ikosi leyo yaphendula yathi, ‘Wenze kuhle, sisebenzi sami esilungileko nesithembekileko! Wathembeka ezintweni ezincani, yeke ngizakubeka bona uphathe izinto ezinengi. Yewuze uzokuhlanganyela ithabo lekosakho!’ “Nesisebenzi esanikelwa amatalende amabili naso seza sathi, ‘Kosami, wanginikela amatalende amabili, qala ngizuze amanye amabili.’ Ikosaso yathi, ‘Wenze kuhle, sisebenzi sami esilungileko nesithembekileko! Wathembeka ezintweni ezincani, yeke ngizakubeka bona uphathe izinto ezinengi. Yewuze uzokuhlanganyela ithabo lekosakho!’ “Yeke kweza isisebenzi esanikelwa italende elilodwa sathi ekosinaso, ‘Kosami, bengazi bonyana uyindoda elikhuni. Uvuna lapha ungakalimi khona, ubuthe lapha ungakarhatjhi khona. Nje-ke fese ngesaba, ngakhamba ngayokufihla italende lakhweli equlwanini. Qala, nakhu okungokwakho.’ “Ikosaso yaphendula yathi, ‘Wena sisebenzi esikhohlakeleko nesivilaphako! Bewazi bonyana ngivuna lapha ngingakalimi khona, ngibuthe lapha ngingakarhatjhi khona? Bewufanele ubulunge imali leyo ebulungelwenimali. Nje-ke bekuzakuthi nangibuyako ngiyifumane inamakonyana. Memukeni italende lelo nilinikele onamatalende alitjhumi. Ngambala loyo onelitho, uzakungezelelelwa ukuze abe nokunengi ngokweqileko. Kodwana loyo onganalitho, uzakwemukwa ngitjho nokuncancani anakho. Phoselani isisebenzi esingatjho lithweso ngaphandle ebumnyameni lapha kuzokuba khona ukurhahlawula nokugedla kwamazinyo.’ “Mhlana iNdodana yoMuntu iza ngephazimulwayo iphekelelwa ziingilozi zayo zoke, izakuhlala esihlalweni sayo sobukhosi ephazimulweni yezulwini. Zoke izizwe zizakubuthanela phambi kwayo. Izakuhlukanisa boke abantu ngeenqhema njengomelusi nahlukanisa izimvu neembuzi. Izakubeka izimvu ngesidleni sayo neembuzi ngesinceleni sayo. Yeke iKosi izakuthi kilabo abangesidleni sayo, ‘Yizani nina enibusiswe nguBaba! Thathani ilifa lenu okumbuso olungiselelwe nina kusukela ekudalweni kwephasi. Ngambala bengilambile nangondla, ngomile nangiseza, bengimqhamuka nangamukela ngeenkumbeni zenu, ngihlubule nangembesa. Bengigula nangitjheja, bengingesikhungweni neza nazongibona.’ “Yeke abalungileko bazayiphendula bathi, ‘Agu Kosi! Sakhe sakubona nini ulambile sakondla, namkha womile sakuseza na? Sakhe sakubona nini umqhamuka, sakwamukela emizinethu namkha uhlubule sakwembesa na? Sakhe sakubona nini ugula nanyana ungesikhungweni, sazokubona na?’ IKosi izakuphendula ithi, ‘Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona lokha nanenzela oyedwa wabafowethu abancancanaba, nenzele mina.’ “Yeke izakuthi kilabo abangesinceleni, ‘Sukani kimapha nina enithuwelelisiweko, niye ngemlilweni wesiphelani olungiselwe uSathana neengilozi zakhe. Bengilambile, azange ningiphe ilitho eligonywako; bengomile, azange beningiseze ilitho. Bengimqhamuka, azange ningamukele emizinenu, bengidinga izambatho, azange beningembese. Bengigula, ngingesikhungweni azange beningitjheje.’ “Yeke nabo bazakuphendula bathi, ‘Agu Kosi! Sakhe sakubona nini ulambile namkha womile, umqhamuka namkha uhlubule, ugula namkha ungesikhungweni, sangakutjheja na?’ IKosi izakuphendula ithi, ‘Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona nanyana yini eningazange niyenzele ngitjho noyedwa walaba, nami semlunga ningakangenzeli ilitho.’ Yeke bazakukhamba baye ekuhlunguphazweni okungapheliko, kodwana abalungileko bazakuya ekuphileni okungapheliko.” Kwathi bona uJesu aqede ukutjho zoke izintwezi, wathi ebafundini bakhe: “Niyazi bona sekusele amalanga amabili kwaphela bona kube liPhasika, yeke iNdodana yoMuntu izakukhatjhelwa kobana ibethelwe esiphambanweni.” Khonapho abaphristi abakhulu nabaphathi babantu bahlangana etatawini lomphristi omkhulu ebekuthiwa nguKhayafasi. Balumba amano wokugola uJesu ngobuqili bese bayambulala. Bathi: “Singakwenzi ngesikhathi somnyanya lokhu, nakungasinjalo kuzakuvuka umguruguru phakathi kwabantu.” Kwathi uJesu aseseBhethaniya emzini wendoda ebekuthiwa nguSimoni onekhwekhwe, kweza umfazi kuye aphethe umjeka uzele amakha wemali enengi, wawathela ehlokwakhe asahlezi etafuleni. Lokha abafundi nababona isenzweso basilingeka khulu, bathi: “Kusoziswelani na? Amakha la bekangathengiswa ngemali enengi, yabelwe abadududu!” UJesu wakulemuka lokho ebebakutjho, yeke wathi kibo: “Nimtshwenyelani umfazi lo na? Ungenzele into ehle. Abadududu nizokuhlala ninabo njalo, kodwana mina angekhe nahlala ninami. Lokha nathela amakha la phezu kwami, ulungiselela umzimbami ukuyokubulungwa. “Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona kuphi nakuphi lapha ivangeleli litjhunyayelwa khona ephasini loke, lokho akwenzileko kuzakufakazwa ngakho, kube sikhumbuzo ngaye.” Yeke omunye wabalitjhumi nambili, ibizo lakhe elinguJudasi Iskariyodi, waya kubaphristi abakhulu, wababuza wathi: “Nizangipha ini nangimnikela ezandleni zenu na?” Babala amatjhumi amathathu weempaparwana zesiliva bamnikela zona. Kusukela lokho uJudasi wafuna ithuba elihle lokukhaphela uJesu kibo. Ngelanga lokuthoma lomnyanya wesiKwa esinganaNgumelo, abafundi beza kuJesu bathi: “Ufuna bona sikulungiselephi isidlo sePhasika na?” Wathi kibo: “Ngenani ngedorobheni niye emuntwini othileko nimtjele nithi, ‘Umfundisi uthi, isikhathi sakhe sesifikile. Yena nabafundi bakhe bazokugidingela iPhasika lapha kwakho.’ ” Yeke abafundi benza njengombana uJesu abayalile, balungisa iPhasika. Kwathi nakuhlwako, uJesu wahlala nabalitjhumi nambili etafuleni. Kuthe basagoma njalo, uJesu wathi kibo: “Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona omunye wenu uzongikhaphela.” Abafundi badana khulu bathoma ukumbuza ngamunye ngamunye, bathi: “Kghani iKosi itjho mina na?” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Loyo ofake isandla sakhe ngesitjeni kanye nami, nguye ozongikhaphela. INdodana yoMuntu izokukhamba njengombana kutloliwe ngayo. Kodwana maye kiloyo okhaphela iNdodana yoMuntu! Bekuzokuba ngcono emuntwini loyo ngathana azange abelethwe!” Yeke uJudasi, ekunguye obekazomkhaphela wathi: “Kghani kungaba ngimi Rabi, na?” UJesu wamphendula wathi: “Iye, nguwe.” Kwathi basagoma njalo, uJesu wathatha isikwa, wathokoza, wasihlephula, wanikela abafundi bakhe, wathi: “Thathani nigome; lokhu mzimbami.” Wathatha ikapho, wathokoza kuZimu, wabanikela wathi: “Selani noke nje ngombana lokhu kuziingazi zami zesivumelwano ezaphalakela abanengi, malungana nokulitjalelwa kwezono. Ngiyanitjela bona angekhe bengisasela isithelo sesidiribesi ukusuka gadesi bekube mhlana ngisisela ngobutjha nginani embusweni kaBaba.” Kwathi sele bavume ingoma yokudumisa, baphuma baya entabeni ye-Oliva. Yeke uJesu wathi kibo: “Khona namhlanjesi ebusuku noke nizokukhubeka ngami ngombana imitlolo ithi, “ ‘Ngizakumadlha umelusi, umhlambi wezimvu urhatjheke.’ “Kodwana ngemva kokuvuka kwami ekufeni, ngizanandulela ngiye eGalile.” UPitrosi wathi: “Ngitjho nanyana bangakhubeka boke laba ngebanga lakho, mina angisoze!” UJesu wathi kuPitrosi: “Ngiqinisile ngithi kuwe khona ebusuku banamhlanjesobu ngaphambi kobanyana umkukurumbu ulile, uzabe sele ungilandule kathathu.” Kodwana uPitrosi waqinisa wathi: “Ngitjho nanyana ngingafa kanye nawe, angeze bengithome ngikulandule.” Boke abafundi batjho okufanako. Yeke uJesu wakhamba nabafundi bakhe baya endaweni ebizwa bona yiGetsemani, wathi kibo: “Yijani nihlezi lapha, ngisaya laphaya ngiyokuthandaza.” Wakhamba noPitrosi namadodana amabili kaZebediya. Wathoma ukutlhuwa nokukhathazeka, wathi kibo: “Umphefumulwami ubhodwe lisizi bekube sekufeni. Hlalani lapha nilinde kanye nami.” Waya phambidlana, waguqa, wahloma ihloko phasi wathandaza wathi: “Baba, nakube kuyakghoneka, bengithi ikapho le ayisuswe kimapha! Nokho kungabi ngokuthanda kwami, kodwana kube yintando yakho.” Yeke wabuyela ebafundini bakhe, wabafumana balele; wathi kuPitrosi: “Hawu madoda, nibhalelwe kulinda nami i-awara elilodwa na? Yelelani nithandaze ukuze ningaweli ekulingweni. Ummoya uyavuma, kodwana inyama ibuthakathaka.” UJesu wakhamba kwesibili wayokuthandaza, wathi: “Baba, nangabe ikapho le angekhe yasuswa kimi ngaphandle kobana ngiyisele, akwenzeke intando yakho.” Kwathi nabuyako, godu wafumana abafundi balele ngombana amehlwabo gade azele ubuthongo. Yeke wabatjhiya wakhamba, wathandaza ihlandla lesithathu, atjho wona amezwi lawo. Wabuyela ebafundini wathi: “Nisalele, nisaphumulile na? Qalani, isikhathi sesifikile bona iNdodana yoMuntu ikhatjhelwe ezandleni zezoni. Sikimani sikhambeni. Nango umkhaphelami asiza!” Kwathi asakhuluma, uJudasi ongomunye wabalitjhumi nambili, wafika akhamba nesiqubuthu esikhulu sihlome ngeensabula nangeembhuku, sithunywe baphristi abakhulu nabaphathi babantu. Nje-ke umkhapheli bekenze nabo isiga wathi: “Loyo engizamncwanga, nguye enimfunako. Mbambeni!” UJudasi walunga thwi kuJesu, wathi: “Lotjha Rabi!” Wamncwanga. UJesu waphendula wathi: “Mngani, uzokwenzani lapha na?” Yeke amadoda atjhidela, abamba uJesu ambopha. Khonokho omunye wabagade banoJesu warhwatjha isabulakhe, warharhabula isisebenzi somphristi omkhulu, wasisusa indlebe. Kodwana uJesu wathi kuye: “Buyisela isabulakho endawenayo ngombana boke abarhwatjha isabula bazakufa ngesabula. Udlumbana bona angeze ngakghona ukubiza uBaba, khonokho athumele ibutho leengilozi elingaphezu kweenkulungwana ezimatjhumi alikhomba nambili na? Kodwana ngalokho, imitlolo ingazaliseka njani ethi kumele kwenzeke ngayo yona indlela le na?” Khonokho uJesu wakhuluma nesiqubuthu wathi: “Ngirhola izilwi bona ningabeze nize ngeensabula nangeembhuku ukuzongibamba na? Bengihlala ethempelini nematatawini imihla yoke, ngifundisa, azange kheningibambe. Kodwana koke lokhu kwenzekile ukuze kuzaliseke imitlolo yabaphorofidi.” Yeke boke abafundi bamsukela babaleka. Labo ababamba uJesu, bamusa kuKhayafasi, umphristi omkhulu, lapha bekuhlangene khona abafundisi bomthetho nabaphathi. Kodwana uPitrosi wamlandela akudanyana, bewangena ngesirhodlweni somphristi omkhulu. Wangena wahlala phasi nabaqaphi afuna ukubona bonyana kuzokwenzekani. Abaphristi abakhulu nebandla loke lafuna ubufakazi bamala ukujamelana noJesu ukuze bakwazi ukumbulala. Kodwana abazange bafumane litho, ngitjho nanyana kweza abofakazi abanengi bamala nje. Ekugcineni kwasikima abantu ababili bathi: “Umrhali lo uthe, ‘Ngingabhuruza ithempeli lakaZimu ngilakhe ngobutjha ngamalanga amathathu.’ ” Khona umphristi omkhulu wasikima wathi kuJesu: “Uzose uthule nje ungaphenduli na? Uthini ngobufakazi obujamelene nawe obulethwa madoda la, na?” Kodwana uJesu wazithulela. Umphristi omkhulu wakhuluma naye godu, wathi: “Ngikufungisa isifungo ngoZimu ophilako ngithi: Sitjela bona unguMesiya, iNdodana kaZimu na?” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Iye, kunjengombana utjhwile. Kodwana ngiyanitjela noke nje bona ngokuzako nizokubona iNdodana yoMuntu ihlezi ngesigomeni sakaSomandla begodu isiza ngamafu ivela ezulwini!” Khonapho umphristi omkhulu watlebhula izambatho zakhe wathi: “Selebe ahlambalazile! Sisafunelani abanye abofakazi na? Nani nizizwele ukuhlambalaza okungakaya! Nicabangani na?” Baphendula bathi: “Ufanelwe kubulawa.” Yeke bamkhafulela ngamathe ebusweni, bambetha ngamaguduva. Abanye bamwakala bathi kuye: “Siphorofidela wena Krestu! Ngubani okubethileko na?” Yeke uPitrosi bekahlezi ngaphandle ngesirhodlweni, kweza isisebenzi somntazana sathi: “Nawe gade unoJesu weGalile.” Kodwana wakulandula lokho phambi kwabo boke, wathi: “Angazi bona ukhuluma ngani.” Khonapho waphuma waya esangweni, lapha abonwa khona ngomunye godu umntazana owathi ebantwini ebebalapho: “Umrhali lo gade anoJesu weNazaretha.” Godu uPitrosi wakulandula lokho wathi: “Angimazi umuntu loyo mina!” Ngemva kwesikhatjhana abantu ebebajame lapho beza kuPitrosi, bathi kuye: “Ngambala ungomunye wabo ngombana ukukhuluma kwakho kuyakulahla.” Yeke uPitrosi wathoma ukuthukana, afunga asithi: “Yeningisusele mina, angimazi umuntu lo!” Khonokho umkukurumbu walila. Yeke uPitrosi wakhumbula igama uJesu alikhulumileko lokuthi: “Ngaphambi kobana umkukurumbu ulile, uzabe sele ungilandule kathathu bona awungazi!” Nje-ke waphumela ngaphandle wakhihla isililo esibuhlungu. Kwathi ekuseni ngamasa boke abaphristi abakhulu nabaphathi babantu bathatha iqunto lokubulala uJesu. Bambopha, bamraga bamusa kuPilatu, umbusi. Lokha uJudasi omkhapheleko nabona bonyana uJesu ugwetjelwe ukufa, wazisola kabuhlungu, wabuyisela iimpaparwana ezimatjhumi amathathu zesiliva kubaphristi abakhulu kanye nabaphathi. Wathi: “Ngonile ngokukhaphela iingazi ezinganamlandu.” Bamphendula bathi: “Kusitjhisa ngani-ke thina lokho? Ziimbonwa nguwe lezo.” Yeke uJudasi wafuthela imali leyo ngethempelini, waphuma. Wasuka lapho wayoziphanyeka. Abaphristi abakhulu badobha iimpaparwanezo bathi: “Kukuphikisana nomthetho ukufaka imali le emnikelweni wethempeli ngombana kuyimali yeengazi.” Yeke baqunta ukusebenzisa imali leyo ukuthenga isimu yombumbi kobana ibe yindawo yokubulungela imiqhamuka. Ngikho indawo leyo nanamhlanjesi ibizwa bonyana: “YiNdawo yeeNgazi.” Yeke kwazaliseka okwakhulunywa mphorofidi uJoromiya nasithi: “Bathatha iimpaparwana ezimatjhumi amathathu zesiliva, okulinani abantu bakwa-Israyeli abavumelana ukumhlawulela ngalo, bazisebenzisa ukuthenga isimu yombumbi, njengombana uSomnini bekangiyalile.” UJesu wajama phambi kombusi, umbusi loyo wambuza wathi: “Uyikosi yamaJuda na?” UJesu wamphendula wathi: “Iye, kunjengombana usitjho.” Kodwana lokha nasolwa baphristi abakhulu nabaphathi, azange aphendule. Yeke uPilatu wambuza wathi: “Awubuzwa ubufakazi abajamelana nawe ngabo na?” Kodwana uJesu azange aphendule. Okwarara umbusi kukobana azange aziphendulele ngitjho nakowodwa umlandu athweswa wona. Yeke gade kusiqhelo kobana umbusi athi njalo ngomnyanya athukulule isibotjhwa esikhethwa siqubuthu. Ngesikhatheso bekunesibotjhwa esidumileko ibizo laso linguBharabhasi. Kwathi bona isiqubuthu sibuthane, uPilatu wasibuza wathi: “Ngisiphi enifuna bona nginithukululele sona na? UBharabhasi namkha uJesu, okuthiwa nguKrestu na?” Begade asazi bona kungebanga lomona ukobana banikele uJesu kuye. Kwathi uPilatu asahlezi esihlalweni sokugweba, umkakhe wamthumela umlayezo othi: “Ungabi nesandla endabeni yomuntu omsulwa loyo ngombana ngihlukumezeke khulu ebhudangweni ngaye.” Abaphristi abakhulu nabaphathi batjitjizela isiqubuthu kobana sikhethe uBharabhasi bese kubulawe uJesu. Umbusi wabuza wathi: “Nifuna ngithukulule muphi phakathi kwababilaba na?” Baphendula bathi: “UBharabhasi!” Yeke uPilatu wabuza wathi: “Alo-ke nithi ngenzeni ngoJesu okuthiwa nguKrestu lo na?” Boke baphendula bathi: “Mbethele esiphambanweni!” UPilatu wabuza wathi: “Kubayini na? Mlandu bani awenzileko na?” Kodwana barhuwelela khulu bathi: “Mbethele esiphambanweni!” Kwathi uPilatu nabona bonyana akayindawo nabo, kodwana esikhundleni salokho bathoma ukuguruzela, wathatha amanzi wahlamba izandla zakhe phambi kwesiqubuthu, wathi: “Ngimsulwa ekuthululweni kweengazi zomuntu lo. Sekuziimbonwa ngini!” Boke abantu baphendula bathi: “Iingazi zakhe azibe phezu kwethu nesizukulwana sethu!” Yeke wabathukululela uBharabhasi. Kodwana wathi uJesu arithwe, bewanikela ngaye bona abethelwe esiphambanweni. Yeke amajoni wombusi athatha uJesu amusa ngesirhodlweni sombusi; soke isiqhema samajoni sambungelela. Amhlubulisa, amembesa ingubo ebomvu. Eluka isihlohlo sameva amthwesa sona. Amphathisa umgaba ngesandleni sakhe sesidla; aguqa ngaphambi kwakhe abukisa ngaye athi: “Bayede, kosi yamaJuda!” Amkhafulela, athatha umgaba ambetha ngawo kanenginengi ehloko. Emva kobana abukise ngaye, amhlubulisa ingubo, amembathisa izambatho zakhe. Asuka lapho amraga ayombethela esiphambanweni. Kwathi nabaphumako, bahlangana nendoda yeSirene ebekuthiwa nguSimoni, amajoni amkatelela bona athwale isiphambano sakaJesu. Bafika endaweni ekuthiwa yiGolgotha, okutjho iKhakhayi. Lapho amajoni anikela uJesu iwayini ebeyivangwe nenyongo kobana asele; kodwana kuthe bona ayizwe, wala ukuyisela. Kwathi bona ambethele esiphambanweni, ahlukaniselana izambatho zakhe ngefumbe ukuze kuzaliseke ilizwi elakhulunywa baphorofidi nabathi, “Bahlukaniselana izambatho zami bebenza ifumbe ngazo.” Ngemva kwalokho ahlala phasi ambukela. Ngehla kwehlokwakhe abeka umtlolo womlandu abamethwesa wona othi: “Lo nguJesu ikosi yamaJuda.” Wabethelwa kanye namasela amabili, elinye lingesidleni, elinye lingesinceleni. Abantu ebebadlula lapho bebamhlambalaza, bathintithe iinhloko, bathi: “Wena ozokugiriza ithempeli bese ulakha ngobutjha ngamalanga amathathu, zisindise-ke! Yehla esiphambanwenapho nakube uyiNdodana kaZimu!” Ngokunjalo, abaphristi abakhulu, abafundisi bomthetho nabaphathi babukisa ngaye, bathi: “Wasindisa abanye, kodwana yena akakwazi ukuzisindisa! Uyikosi yakwa-Israyeli! Akehle khona nje esiphambanweni, yeke sizamkholwa! Angithi wethembe uZimu. UZimu akamsize khona nje nakube uyamfuna ngombana bekaseze asithi, ‘NgiyiNdodana kaZimu!’ ” Ngitjho namasela ebekabethelwe nawo adindela iinhlamba phezu kwakhe. Kusukela ngesimbi yetjhumi nambili bekube ngesimbi yesithathu ubumnyama bembatha inarha yoke. Kwathi ngesimbi yesithathu uJesu warhuwelela ngelizwi elikhulu wathi: “Eli, Eli, lama sabarhthani?” Okutjho bona: “Zimami, Zimami, ungitjhiyeleni na?” Kwathi lokha abanye balabo ebebajame lapho nabezwa lokho bathi: “Ubiza u-Eliya!” Khonokho omunye wabo wagijima wathatha umfotjhofotjho, wawenya ngaphakathi kweviniga, wawuhloma emhlangeni, wawuphakamisela kuJesu kobana asele. Abanye bathi, “Jama wena! Akhesibone bona u-Eliya wakhe loyo uzakuza azomsindisa na?” Godu uJesu warhuwelela ngelizwi elikhulu, wanikela umphefumulwakhe. Khonokho irharideni lethempeli latlebhuka phakathi, ukuthoma phezulu ukuya phasi. Iphasi lasikinyeka, kwaphadlhuka amadwala. Amathuna avuleka, iindumbu zabantu abanengi abacwengileko ebebahlongakele bavuswa baphila godu. Baphuma ngemathuneni, kwathi ngemva kobana uJesu avukile ekufeni, baya ngedorobheni elicwengileko, bazibonakalisa ebantwini abanengi. Kwathi lokha umphathimabutho nalabo ebebanaye ebebaqaphe uJesu nababona ukusikinyeka kwephasi nakho koke okwenzakeleko, besaba bebathi: “Kwamambala bekayiNdodana kaZimu!” Bekukhona abafazi abanengi lapho, bajame kudanyana baqalile. Bebalokhu balandele uJesu ukusukela eGalile kobana bamsize. Hlangana nabo bekukhona uMariya Magdalina, uMariya unina kaJakopo noJosefa kanye nonina lamadodana kaZebediya. Kwathi nakuhlwako, kwafika isigwili somuntu sivela e-Arimathiya, ibizo laso linguJosefa, naye egade amfundi kaJesu. Waya kuPilatu wayokubawa isidumbu sakaJesu, nje-ke uPilatu wayala bonyana anikelwe sona. UJosefa wasithatha, wasiphuthela ngetjhila elihlanzekileko, wasifaka ngethuneni lakhe elitjha aligobhodlha edwaleni. Wageda ilitje elikhulu wavala ngalo umnyango wethuna wakhamba. UMariya Magdalina nomunye uMariya gade bahlezi lapho malungana nethuna. Ngelanga elilandelako, ebekuliSabatha, abaphristi abakhulu nabaFarisi bahlangana kuPilatu, bathi kuye: “Kosi, siyakhumbula bona umkhohlisi loya nasaphilako wathi, ‘Ngemva kwamalanga amathathu ngizakuvuka.’ Yeke, khupha umyalo bonyana ithuneli liyokulindwa kufikela elangeni lesithathu. Nakungasinjalo, abafundi bakhe bangahle beze bazokweba isidumbu sakhe, bese batjela abantu bona uvukile ekufeni. Amala wokugcina la azakudlula waphambilini.” UPilatu wathi kibo: “Thathani umlindi nikhambe niyokuqinisekisa bona ithunelo liyavikeleka ngendlela eningakghona ngayo.” Yeke bakhamba bayokuqinisekisa bona ithunelo livikelekile ngokubeka iphawu lokulivala elitjeni, bebatjhiya abalindi lapho. Ngemva kweSabatha, ngamasa welanga lokuthoma leveke, uMariya Magdalina nomunye uMariya bakhamba bayokuhlola ethuneni. Khonokho kwaba khona ukusikinyeka kwephasi okukhulu ngombana kwehla ingilozi kaSomnini ivela ezulwini, yaya ethuneni yafese yageda ilitje yalisusa, yahlala phezu kwalo. Ubujamo bayo bebunjengombani, izambatho zayo zimhlophe njengeliqhwa. Abalindi besaba khulu bebaqhaqhazela, baba njengabantu abafileko. Ingilozi yakhuluma nabafazi yathi: “Ningesabi ngombana ngiyazi bona nifuna uJesu obekabethelwe esiphambanweni. Akakho lapha; uvukile njengombana agade atjhwile. Yizani nganeno nizokubona lapha bekalele khona. Nanisuka lapha nirhabe niyokutjela abafundi bakhe, nithi, ‘Uvukile ekufeni, nje-ke usendleleni yokuya eGalile ngaphambi kwenu. Nizakumbona lapho.’ Qalani nginitjelile.” Yeke abafazi basuka msinyana ethuneni banokwesaba, kodwana khonapho baphuphuma ithabo, bagijima bayokutjela abafundi bakhe. Msinyana uJesu wahlangana nabo wathi: “Lotjhani!” Batjhidela, bambamba eenyaweni, bamkhothamela. Yeke uJesu wathi kibo: “Ningesabi. Khambani niyokutjela abafowethu bonyana baye eGalile, bazangibona lapho.” Kwathi abafazi basesendleleni, abanye babalindi bangena ngedorobheni bayokubikela abaphristi abakhulu ngakho koke okwenzakeleko. Nasele abaphristi abakhulu bahlangene nabaphathi benza neqhinga, banikela amajoni imali enengi, bathi kiwo: “Nifike nithi, ‘Sithe sisabanjwe sithongwana phakathi kobusuku, abafundi bakhe bafika beba isidumbu sakhe.’ Nakube umbiko lo ufika kumbusi, sizamanelisa ukuze nina ningangeni ekingeni.” Yeke amajoni athatha imali, enza njengombana bekayaliwe. Nje-ke umbiko lo warhatjheka emaJudeni woke ngitjho nanamhlanjesi. Abafundi abalitjhumi nanye baya eGalile entabeni lapha uJesu abatjele bona baye khona. Kwathi nabambonako, bamkhothamela kodwana abanye bazaza. Yeke uJesu watjhidela kibo wathi: “Nginikelwe woke amandla ezulwini nephasini. Ngalokho khambani niye ebantwini boke nanyana kukuphi, nibenze abafundi; babhabhadiseni ebizweni lakaBaba neNdodana noMoya oCwengileko, nibafundise ukwenza koke enginiyale ngakho. Ngambala nginani njalo bekube sekupheleni kwesikhathi.” Ukuthoma kwevangeli ngoJesu Krestu, iNdodana kaZimu. Nakhu okutlolwe encwadini yomphorofidi u-Isaya: “Ngizokuthumela isithunywa sami ngaphambi kwakho, esizokulungisa indlelakho; iye, ilizwi lorhuwelela erhalawumbeni lisithi, ‘Lungiselani iKosi indlela, yenzeleni indlela enqophileko!’ ” Nje-ke uJwanisi wafika, wabhabhadisa erhalawumbeni bewatjhumayela umbhabhadiso wokutjhuguluka malungana nokucolelwa kwezono. Yoke imizana yeJudiya nabo boke abantu beJerusalema baphuma baya kuye. Bavuma izono zabo, wababhabhadisa ngemlanjeni iJordani. UJwanisi gade ambatha izambatho ezenziwe ngoboya bekamela, azibophe ngebhande lesikhumba edinini. Gade agoma iintethe neliju lemmangweni. Watjhumayela wathi: “Emva kwami kuza onamandla khulu kunami, engingasililitho kobana ngingabe ngiguqe ngitjhaphulule imitjana yamapatlagwanakhe. Mina nginibhabhadisa ngamanzi, kodwana yena uzanibhabhadisa ngoMoya oCwengileko.” Emihleni leyo kwafika uJesu avela eNazaretha ngeGalile, wabhajadiswa nguJwanisi ngeJordani. Kuthe asaphuma ngemanzini, wabona izulu livuleka, uMoya wehlela phezu kwakhe njengezuba. Ilizwi lavela ezulwini lithi: “Wena uyiNdodanami ethandekako, ngithabe khulu ngawe.” Khonokho uMoya wamusa erhalawumbeni. Wahlala lapho amalanga amatjhumi amane, alingwa nguSathana. Bekukhona neembandana, iingilozi zeza zamsiza. Emva kokubotjhwa kwakaJwanisi, uJesu waya eGalile, watjhumayela ivangeli lakaZimu, wathi: “Isikhathi sesifikile! Umbuso kaZimu sewutjhidele! Tjhugulukani, nikholwe ivangeli!” Kuthe uJesu asakhamba eqadi kwelwandle leGalile, wabona uSimoni nomfowabo u-Andrisi baphosela inedabo ngelwandle ngombana gade bababambi beenhlambi. UJesu wathi kibo: “Ngilandelani, ngizanenza ababambi babantu.” Khonokho balisa amanedabo, bamlandela. Kwathi sele akhambakhambe ibangana, wabona uJakopo umsa kaZebediya nomfowabo uJwanisi, bebangemkhunjini balungisa amanedabo. Msinyazana wababiza, yeke batjhiya uyise uZebediya angemkhunjini kanye neensebenzi bamlandela. Baya eKapernawumi, kwathi nakufika iSabatha, uJesu wangena ngesinagogini wathoma ukufundisa. Abantu bamangaliswa yindlela uJesu afundisa ngayo ngombana wabafundisa njengomuntu onegunya ingasi ngendlela abavane bafundiswe ngayo bafundisi bomthetho. Khonapho gade kunendoda ngesinagogini ebegade inommoya omumbi, yarhuwelela, yathi: “Usifunani wena Jesu weNazaretha na? Uze ukuzosibhubhisa na? Ngiyakwazi bona ungubani, ungoCwengileko kaZimu!” UJesu wawukhalimela wathi: “Thula, uphume kiyo!” Ummoya omumbi warutharutha indoda leyo, waphuma kiyo ngokutlewula okukhulu. Abantu barareka khulu kangangobana babuzana babodwa bathi: “Yintobani esiyibonako le? Yifundiso etja nenamandla! Ukhalimela ngitjho nemimoya emimbi, imlalele!” Khonokho iindaba ngaye zasabalala nesifunda soke seGalile. Kuthe bona basuke esinagogini, bakhamba noJakopo noJwanisi baya ekumbeni kaSimoni no-Andrisi. Ngesikhatheso umkhwekazi kaSimoni begade alele, aphethwe mgomani. Nje-ke bambika kuJesu khonokho. UJesu weza, wambamba ngesandla, wamphakamisa. Umgomani wamlisa, wabenzela ukudla. Ngokuhlwa kwamhlokho abantu baletha kuJesu boke ebebagula nabanamadimoni. Boke abantu bedorobho babuthelelana emnyango. Wapholisa abanengi ebegade bagula baphethwe malwelwe ahlukahlukeneko, bewaqotjha namadimoni amanengi. Azange avumele amadimoni kobana akhulume ngombana bekamazi. Ngelanga elilandelako ngesamarimarima, kusese mnyama, uJesu wasikima, waphuma ngekumbeni waya endaweni enganamuntu lapha afika khona wathandaza. USimoni nabakhambisani bakhe bakhamba bayomfuna, kwathi nabamfunyanako, bakhuza bathi: “Abantu bafunana nawe!” Wathi kibo: “Nambani siyeni kwandawo emizini eseduze ukuze ngitjhumayele nakhona. Ngikho lokho engikuphumeleko.” Wayikhamba yoke iGalile atjhumayela ngemasinagogini wabo, waqotjha namadimoni. Indoda enekhwekhwe yeza kuJesu, yamncenga iguqe ngamadolo yathi: “Nakube uyathanda, ungangihlambulula.” UJesu wayizwela ubuhlungu, wathabulula isandla sakhe, wayikghwatha wathi: “Ngiyathanda, hlambuluka!” Khonokho ikhwekhwe lasuka, yeke yahlambuluka. UJesu wayitjhaphulula kobana ikhambe, wayiyalisisa wathi kiyo: “Qinisekisa bonyana awutjeli noyedwa ngalokhu. Kodwana khamba uyozibonakalisa kumphristi bese wenza imihlabelo uMosi ayale ngayo mayelana nokuhlanjululwa kwakho, kube bufakazi kibo.” Kodwana esikhundleni salokho, indoda leyo yakhamba izikhulumela, irhatjha iindaba zokupholiswa kwayo. Ngebanga lalokho, uJesu azange asakghona ukungena edorobheni bamqalile. Kodwana wahlala ngaphandle kwedorobho eendaweni ezinganabantu. Nanyana kunjalo abantu beza kuye bavela kizo zoke iindawo. Amalangana ngemva kwalokho lokha uJesu nangena eKapernawumi, abantu bezwa bonyana uze ngekhaya. Abantu bahlangana ngobunengi kangangobana kwatlhogeka indawo yokuhlala ngitjho nangaphandle komnyango. Yeke wabatjhumayeza ilizwi. Beza kuye bathwele umuntu okhubazekileko. Bekathwelwe madoda amane. Ngebanga lokobana angazange akghone ukumfikisa kuJesu ngenca yesiqubuthu ebesilapho, amadoda lawo afuza iphahla ngehla kwalapho bekujame khona uJesu. Kwathi bona avule indlela, ehlisela umuntu okhubazekileko loyo phasi ngomkghadi ebegade alele kiwo. UJesu wathi nabona ukukholwa kwawo, wathi emuntwini okhubazekileko: “Ndodanami, izono zakho zilitjalelwe.” Nje-ke abafundisi abanye bomthetho bebahlezi lapho badlumbana basithi: “Kubayini umrhali lo akhuluma ngalendlela? Uyahlambalaza! Ngubani ongalibalela izono ngaphandle kwakaZimu kwaphela na?” Khonokho uJesu wazi emmoyenakhe bonyana lokhu ngilokho ebebakucabanga eenhliziyweni zabo, nje-ke wathi kibo: “Kubayini nicabanga izintwezi na? Ngikuphi okulula ukuthi kokhubazekileko, ‘Izono zakho zilitjalelwe,’ namkha ukuthi, ‘Sikima uthathe umkghadi wakho ukhambe,’ na? Ngizanibonisa-ke bona iNdodana yoMuntu inamandla ephasinapha wokucolela izono.” Yeke wathi kokhubazekileko: “Ngithi kuwe, ‘Sikima uthathe umkghadi wakho, ukhambe uye ekhaya!’ ” Wasikima wadobha umkghadi wakhe, waphuma wakhamba abantu boke bamqalile. Lokhu kwamangaza woke umuntu, nje-ke badumisa uZimu bathi: “Into enje azange khesiyibone!” Godu uJesu waya magegana nelwandle, soke isiqubuthu seza kuye wasifundisa. Kwathi nasakhamba lapho wabona uLevi umsa ka-Alfiyosi ahlezi ngendlini yomthelo, wathi kuye: “Ngilandela.” ULevi wasikima wamlandela. Kuthe uJesu asahlezi etafuleni ngendlini kaLevi, abathelisi abanengi kanye nezoni bagoma naye kanye nabafundi bakhe ngombana bebabanengi abamlandelako. Lokha abafundisi bomthetho ababaFarisi nababona uJesu agoma nezoni kanye nabathelisi, babuza abafundi bakhe bathi: “Kanti kubayini agoma nabathelisi nezoni na?” UJesu nezwa lokho wathi kibo: “Akusibo abaphilileko abafuna inyanga, kodwana ifunwa ngabagulako. Angikezi ukuzokubiza abalungileko kodwana izoni.” Abafundi bakaJwanisi uMbhabhadisi nabaFarisi bebazilile. Abanye abantu beza kuJesu bambuza bathi: “Kuzanjani bona abafundi bakaJwanisi nebabaFarisi bazile ukudla khibe bakho bona abakazili na?” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Abayeni bomkhwenyana bangazila njani asesenabo na? Angeze bakghona ikani nje asesenabo. Kodwana isikhathi sizakufika lapho umkhwenyani azakususwa khona phakathi kwabo, yeke ngesikhatheso-ke bazakuzila. “Akakho umuntu othungelela isitjheza esitjha esingarhunyeliko esambathweni esidala. Nakube wenza njalo, isitjheza esitjha sizakudoseka sisuke esambathweni esidaleso bese sikhambiselela ukudabuka. Godu akakho othela iwayini elitjha ngeenkhwameni zesikhumba ezidala. Nakube wenza njalo, iwayini lingadabula iinkhwamezo bese kokubili iwayini neenkhwama zesikhumba konakale. Awa, uthela iwayini elitjha ngeenkhwameni zesikhumba ezitjha.” Kwathi ngelinye ilanga kuliSabatha, uJesu waratha esimini yekoroyi, abafundi bakhe bamlandela, khonapho bathoma bakha iinqwambi zekoroyi. AbaFarisi bathi kuye: “Qala, benzelani okungakavunyelwa ngeSabatha na?” Wathi kibo: “Akhange khenifunde bona uDavida wenzani lokha yena nabakhambisani bakhe baphethwe yindlala begodu baswela na? Angithi emihleni ka-Abiyathari umphristi omkhulu, wangena ngethempelini lakaZimu wagoma isikwa esahlukaniselweko, esigonywa baphristi kwaphela. Khonapho wapha nabakhambisani bakhe bona nabo bagome.” UJesu waqeda ngokuthi: “ISabatha lenzelwe abantu, ingasi bona abantu benzelwa iSabatha. Ngokunjalo-ke, iNdodana yoMuntu yiKosi ngitjho naphezu kweSabatha.” UJesu godu wangena ngesinagogini. Ngaphakathapho gade kukhona indoda enesandla esirholopheleko. Khonapho bekunabanye abantu ebebafunana nesizathu sokusola uJesu, yeke bamqala ngelihlo elibukhali ukubona bonyana uzakuphilisa umuntu loyo ije kuliSabatha njalo na. UJesu wathi emuntwini orholophele isandla loyo: “Sikima ujame phakathi.” UJesu wathi kibo: “Ngikuphi okuvumelekileko ngeSabatha: ukwenza okuhle namkha ukwenza okumbi, ukusindisa ipilo namkha ukubulala na?” Kodwana bathula bathi du. Waqala kibo ngapha nangapha ngokuthukuthela nangokukhathazeka okukhulu ngebanga leenhliziyo zabo ezilikhuni, yeke wathi endodeni: “Thabulula isandla sakho.” Yasithabulula, saphola pholi. Khonokho abaFarisi baphumela ngaphandle, benza isicathana nabantu bakaHerode sokobana bangambulala njani uJesu. UJesu wathatha abafundi bakhe baya elwandle. Isiqubuthu esikhulu esivela eGalile samlandela. Kwathi bona bezwe ngakho koke ebegade akwenza, abantu abanengi beza kuye bavela eJudiya, eJerusalema, e-Idumiya neemfundeni ezingaphetjheya kweJordani namagegana neTirosi neTsidoni. Ngebanga lesiqubuthu esikhulu, uJesu watjela abafundi bakhe bona bamlungisele umkhumbi khona abantu bangazukghona ukumbungelela. Njengombana apholisa abantu abanengi nje, boke abagulako bebasunduzana, balinga ukumkghwatha. Bekuthi njalo lokha imimoya emimbi nayimbonako, idusuke phasi phambi kwakhe irhuwelele ithi: “Wena uyiNdodana kaZimu!” Kodwana wayidosa ngendlebe bona ingatjeli namunye bona ungubani. UJesu wenyukela entabeni, wabizela kuye labo abafunako nje-ke beza kuye. Wakhetha abalitjhumi nambili, wababiza bona babapostoli ukuze babe naye, abathume bona bayokutjhumayela, begodu babe negunya lokuqotjha amadimoni. Laba ngabalitjhumi nambili abakhethako: NguSimoni, amthiya bona nguPitrosi; uJakopo nomnakwabo uJwanisi, abamadodana kaZebediya, bona wabathiya bona nguBhowanerigesi, okutjho bona madodana womdumo; u-Andrisi; uFlebhe; uBharitholomeyusi; uMatewu; uTomasi; uJakopo umsa ka-Alfiyosi; uTadiyosi; uSimoni umZelothe noJudasi Iskariyodi owakhaphela uJesu. UJesu wangena ngekumbeni, godu isiqubuthu sabuthana kangangoba yena nabafundi bakhe babhalelwa kugoma isikwa. Kuthe bona bomndenakhe bezwe ngalokho, beza kobana bamthathe bathi: “Uhlangene ihloko.” Abafundisi bomthetho ebebavela eJerusalema nabo bathi: “Ungenwe nguBhelzabhulu. Uqotjha amadimoni ngekosana yamadimoni.” Yeke uJesu wababiza wakhuluma nabo ngemifanekiso wathi: “USathana angamqotjha njani uSathana na? Nakube umbuso wehlukene ngokwawo, kutjho bona umbuso lowo angeze wajama. Nakube umndeni wehlukene ngokwawo, umndeni lowo angeze wajama. NoSathana nakube uziphikisa yena ngokwakhe begodu wehlukene phakathi, angeze ajama nesiphetho sakhe sifikile. “Emanyeni akakho umuntu ongangena emzini wetsitsirimba afese athathe ipahlayo ngaphandle kobana athome ngokuyibopha qangi, kukhona angadleleza ikumbayo. “Kwamambala ngiyanitjela bona zoke izono kanye neenhlamba zabantu bazakulitjalelwa zona. Kodwana nanyana ngubani ohlambalaza uMoya oCwengileko angekhe alitjalelwa, unomlandu wokona kwamlibe.” UJesu watjho njalo ngombana bebasithi: “Unommoya omumbi.” Yeke unina nabafowabo kaJesu bafika bajama ngaphandle, bathumela othileko ngaphakathi bona ayombiza. Bekabungelelwe siqubuthu, abantu bathi kuye: “Unyoko nabafowenu babawa ukukubona ngaphandle.” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Ngubani umma nabafowethu na?” Waqala labo ebebahlezi bambungelele wathi: “Nangu umma nabafowethu! Nanyana ngubani owenza intando kaZimu ungumfowethu, nodadwethu nomma.” Godu uJesu wathoma ukufundisa elwandle, isiqubuthu ebesimbungelele besisikhulu kangangombana wangena ngemkhunjini wahlala ngakiwo ngaphandle kwelwandle. Boke abantu bebagege neligu eduze kwamanzi. Wafundisa izinto ezinengi ngemifanekiso; ekufundiseni kwakhe wathi: “Lalelani! Kwaphuma umtjali wayokutjala. Kwathi nakarhatjha imbewu, enye yawela endleleni, iinyoni zafika zayigobola. Enye yawela eendaweni ezinamatje lapha bekunganaqulwani enengi khona. Yamila masinyana ngombana iqulwani beyiyincani. Kodwana kwathi nakuphuma ilanga, iintjalo zatjha bezatjhwaba ngombana bezinganamirabhu. Enye imbewu yawela hlangana nameva, akhula aminyanisa iintjalo, ngalokho azange zithele. Khonapho enye yawela equlwanini ehle. Yamila, yakhula yabe yathela, yabuyelela ngamatjhumi amathathu, amatjhumi asithandathu ngitjho nangekhulu.” Yeke uJesu wathi: “Oneendlebe akezwe!” Kwathi nasele ayedwa, abalitjhumi nambili kanye nabanye ebebanaye bambuza ngemifanekiso le. Wathi kibo: “Nina ninikelwe ifihlo yombuso kaZimu, kodwana kilabo abangaphandle, yoke into kibo itjhiwo ngemifanekiso ukuze “bahlale babona kodwana bangabonisisi, bahlale basizwa kodwana bangezwisisi, nakungasinjalo, bangatjhuguluka, balitjalelwe.” UJesu wababuza wathi: “Aniwuzwisisi umfanekiso lo na? Alo-ke nizayizwisisa njani eminye imifanekiso na? Umtjali utjala ilizwi. Abanye abantu banjengembewu esendleleni, lokha nakutjalwa ilizwi. Bathi bangalizwa, uSathana afike alithathe ilizwi elitjelwe kibo. Abanye banjengembewu etjalwe eendaweni ezinamatje, bezwa ilizwi, balamukele ngethabo. Kodwana njengombana banganamirabhu, babambelela isikhatjhana nje kwaphela. Nakufika iintjhijilo nokuzunywa, barhirika msinyana. Khonapho abanye banjengembewu etjalwe hlangana nameva. Bezwa ilizwi, kodwana iinhlupheko zobuphilobu nokukhohliswa lithando lobugwili kanye neenkanuko zezinto ezinye, kuyafika kubhibhe ilizwi, kulenze lingatheli. Abanye banjengembewu etjalwe ehlabathini ehle. Bayalizwa ilizwi, balamukele, bathele iinthelo ezibuyelelwe ngamatjhumi amathathu, ngamatjhumi asithandathu ngitjho nangekhulu.” UJesu wababuza wathi: “Nibeka isibani ngaphasi kwesitja namkha ngaphasi kombhede na? Azakhe nisibeke phezu kwesitja saso na? Ngambala nanyana yini efihlekileko izakuvela emkhanyweni, nalokho okusithekileko kuzakwambulwa. Nakukhona oneendlebe, akezwe!” Waraga wathi kibo: “Yelelani kuhle lokho enikuzwako! Isilinganiso enahlulela ngaso abanye, nani nizakwahlulelwa ngaso, ngitjho nangaphezulu. Onelitho uzakwengezelwa, loyo onganalitho, uzakwemukwa nalokho anakho.” UJesu godu wathi: “Umbuso kaZimu unje: Umuntu urhatjha imbewu esimini. Ubusuku nemini, nanyana uyalala namkha uyavuka, imbewu yona iyahluma beyikhule, ije angazi bonyana kwenzeka bunjani lokho. Iqulwani ngokwayo iveza ikoroyi, kuthoma kube lihlanga, kube litjhakazo bese kuba siqwambi esipheleleko. Nasele ikoroyi ivuthiwe, uyigweba ngesegere ngombana sekusikhathi sokuvuna.” UJesu wabuza wathi: “Umbuso kaZimu ungafaniswa nani na? Singawuhlathulula ngamuphi umfanekiso na? Ufana nembewu yesinapu encancani kiyo yoke imihlobo yembewu etjalwa equlwanini. Kodwana nasele itjelwe, ikhula ibe sitjalo esikhulu kinazo zoke esimini, sibe neempande ezikulu, iinyoni zomkayi zikhosele emthunzinaso.” UJesu wakhuluma ilizwi kibo ngemifanekiso eminengi efana nale ngendlela ebebangazwisisa ngayo. Akhange atjho ilitho kibo ngaphandle kokusebenzisa imifanekiso. Kodwana kwathi nasele ayedwa nabafundi bakhe, wabahlathululela koke. Mhlokho nakuhlwako wathi ebafundini bakhe: “Nambani siyameleni ngaphetjheya.” Batjhiya isiqubuthu bakhamba naye solo angemkhunjini. Neminye imikhumbi yakhamba nabo. Kwavuka isiwuruwuru esikhulu namaza angena ngemkhunjini, wapheze wazala amanzi. UJesu gade angemkhunjinapho alele emfotjhofotjhweni emsamo. Abafundi bamvusa bathi kuye: “Mfundisi, awutjhiswa bona siyaminza na?” Wavuka, wakhalimela isiwuruwuru namaza wathi: “Thula uthi du!” Yeke isiwuruwuru sarhobha, sakanye sathula du. Alo-ke wathi ebafundini bakhe: “Nethuswe yini kangaka na? Nisenakho ukukholwa nje na?” Bathuka khulu bebabuzana bathi: “Kanti ngubani umuntu lo na? Ulalelwa ngitjho nangani mumoya nelwandle!” UJesu nabafundi bakhe bayamela ngaphetjheya kwelwandle, enarheni yamaGerasene. Kwathi lokha uJesu nehla ngemkhunjini, wahlangatjezwa mumuntu onommoya omumbi avela emathuneni. Umuntu loyo ubegade ahlala emathunenapho begodu bekungasenamuntu okghona ukumbopha ngitjho nangeenketani. Ngeenkhathi zoke ubegade ahlala abotjhwe izandla neenyawo, kodwana begade adabula iinketani abe ephule neensimbi abekabotjhwe ngazo iinyawo. Gade kungekho omhlulako ngamandla. Ubusuku nemini gade azulazula hlangana namathuna neentatjana, aphele arhuwelele azisike nangamatje. Kwathi nakabona uJesu kudanyana naye, wagijima wafese wawa ngamadolo ngaphambi kwakhe. Warhuwelela ngelizwi elikhulu wathi: “Ngikutjhisa ngani wena Jesu Ndodana kaZimu ongoPhezulu na? Funga ngoZimu bonyana awuzukungihlunguphaza!” Watjho lokhu ngombana uJesu bekathe kuye: “Phuma emuntwini lo wena mmoya omumbi!” Yeke uJesu wambuza wathi: “Ungubani ibizo lakho na?” Wamphendula wathi: “Ibizo lami nguLegiyoni ngombana sibanengi.” Waphikelela ngokurabhela uJesu bona angabaqotjhi enarheni le. Umhlambi omkhulu wezavukazana gade udla hlanu kwentatjana. Amadimoni arabhela uJesu athi: “Sithumela ezavukazaneni, usivumele singene kizo.” Wawavumela, aphuma-ke endodeni leyo angena ezavukazaneni. Umhlambi woke, ongaba zizavukazana eziziinkulungwana ezimbili, wagijimela emehlelweni wesebe, wadlhumukela ngelwandle, wacwila! Abelusi bezavukazana babaleka, babika isigesi ngedorobheni nemaphandleni. Abantu baphuma bazokubona okwenzekileko. Kwathi nabafika kuJesu, babona indoda ebegade ingenwe liwoma lamadimoni, ihlezi lapho, yembethe begodu seyibuyelwe mkhumbulo, yeke besaba. Labo ababonileko batjela abantu bona kwenzekeni endodeni engenwe mimoya emimbi, babatjela nangezavukazana. Yeke abantu babawa uJesu bona akhambe enarhenabo. Kwathi uJesu nangena ngemkhunjini, umuntu obegade angenwe madimoni wakhombela ukukhamba naye. UJesu azange amvumele kodwana wathi kuye: “Khamba uye ekhaya emndeninakho ufese ubatjele bona kungangani okwenzelwe nguSomnini nokobana ukurhawukele kangangani.” Yakhamba-ke indoda leyo beyathoma ukubika iindabezo eDekapolisi, kobana kungangani ekwenzelwe nguJesu. Boke barareka khulu. Kwathi bona uJesu godu ayamele ngaphetjheya kwelwandle ngomkhumbi, wabungelelwa siqubuthu esikhulu eqadi kwelwandle. Yeke omunye wabaphathi besinagogi ebekuthiwa nguJayirosi weza lapho. Wathi nakabona uJesu, wawela eenyaweni zakhe, wamrabhela khulu wathi: “Indodakazami encani iyahlongakala. Akhese uze uzoyibeka izandla ukuze iphole beyiphile!” Yeke uJesu wakhamba naye. Isiqubuthu esikhulu samlandela sisunduzelana kuye. Bekunomfazi ogade aphopha iingazi, sele kuminyaka elitjhumi nambili anjalo. Wagula khulu akhamba iinyanga ezinengi, waphelelwa ngikho koke agade anakho. Kodwana kunobana aphole, ukugula kwarhagala. Kwathi bona ezwe ngoJesu, weza ngemva kwakhe hlangana nesiqubuthu wafese wakghwatha isambatho sakhe, ngombana ubegade azitjele wathi: “Nange ngingasengikghwathe nje isambatho sakhe kwaphela, ngizokuphola.” Khonokho ukuphopha kwakhawuka, wazizwa emzimbenakhe bona utjhaphulukile emtlhagwenakhe. Msinyazana uJesu walemuka bona kunamandla aphumileko kuye, waphendukela ngesiqubuthwini wathi: “Ngubani othinte isambatho sami?” Abafundi bakhe bathi kuye: “Uyabona bona isiqubuthu sabantu sisunduzelana phezu kwakho kodwana khonapho ubuza bona ngubani okuthintileko?” Kodwana uJesu waragela phambili waqala ngapha nangapha ukubona bonyana ngubani omthintileko. Yeke umfazi loyo, ngokwazi bonyana kwenzekeni kuye, weza wafese wawela eenyaweni zakaJesu, athuthumela ngokwesaba; wamtjela loke iqiniso. UJesu wathi kuye: “Ndodakazi, ukukholwa kwakho kukusindisile. Khamba ngokuthula, utjhaphuluke eenhlungwini zakho.” Kwathi uJesu asakhuluma njalo, kwafika amadoda athileko abuya kwaJayirosi umphathi wesinagogi athi kuye: “Indodakazakho ihlongakele, usamtshwenyelani umfundisi na?” UJesu akhange ayelele abakutjhoko, wathi kumphathi wesinagogi: “Ungesabi, kholwa nje kwaphela.” Akhange avumele namunye bona akhambe naye, ngaphandle koPitrosi, uJakopo nomfowabo uJwanisi. Kuthe nabafika emzini womphathi wesinagogi, uJesu wabona isiphithiphithi sabantu balila barhahlawula. Wangena wathi kibo: “Siphithiphithi sani lesi kanye nokurhahlawula okungaka na? Umntwana akakahlongakali kodwana ulele.” Kodwana bamhleka. Wabakhuphela ngaphandle, wathatha uyise lomntwana nonina kanye nabafundi eze nabo, bangena ngapha kunomntwana khona. Wambamba ngesandla wathi kuye: “Thalitha kumi!” Nakutjhugululwako kutjho bona “Mntazanyana, ngithi kuwe, sikima!” Khonokho umntazana wasikima wakhambakhamba. Gade aneminyaka elitjhumi nambili. Abantu barareka khulu ngalokho. UJesu wabadosa ngendlebe bona bangatjeli noyedwa ngalokho okwenzekileko. Godu wabayala bona baphe umntazanyana loyo okugonywako. UJesu wasuka lapho wabuyela edorobheni lekhabo alandelwa bafundi bakhe. Ngelanga leSabatha wathoma ukufundisa ngesinagogini. Abanengi abamuzwako barareka bathi: “Indoda le, ikuthathaphi koke lokhu na? Buhlakani obungangani lobu aphiwe bona, qala bewenza nemikarisomraro! Kanti akusimbazi lo na? Angithi yindodana kaMariya nomfowabo kaJakopo, uJosisi, uJudasi noSimoni? Abodadwabo bahlala nathi lapha!” Yeke bakhubeka ngaye. UJesu wathi kibo: “Kusedorobheni lekhabo, hlangana neenhlobo zakhe nangakwabo kwaphela lapha umphorofidi angahlonitjhwa khona.” Azange enze namunye umkarisomraro lapho ngaphandle kokubeka izandla eengulanini ezimbalwa azipholise. Wararwa kungakholwa kwabo. Yeke uJesu wakhambakhamba lapho, wangena umuzi nomzana, afundisa. Wabizela kuye abafundi abalitjhumi nambili, wabathuma ngababili. Wabanikela amandla phezu kwemimoya emimbi. Wabayala wathi: “Ningaphathi ilitho ekhambeni lenu, ngaphandle kwedondolo. Ningaphathi isikwa, imbada ngitjho nemali ngeenkhwanyeni zenu. Fakani amapatlagwana, kodwana ningaphathi izambatho ezinye ngaphandle kwenizembetheko. Njalo lokha naningena emzini, hlalani kiwapho bekube kumhlana nisukako edorobhenelo. Nakube kunalapha ningamukelekiko khona, namkha lapha ningalalelwako khona, thintithani ithuli eenyaweni zenu nikhambe. Lokho kuzakuba bufakazi obujamelene nabo.” Bakhamba-ke bayokutjhumayela bona abantu batjhuguluke. Baqotjha amadimoni amanengi, bazesa abanengi abagulako ngamafutha we-oliva, babapholisa. Ibizo lakaJesu laduma kangangombana ikosi uHerode yezwa ngalokho. Abanye bebathi: “UJwanisi uMbhabhadisi uvusiwe kabafileko, ngikho akghona ukwenza imikarisomraro nje.” Abanye bathi: “Ngu-Eliya.” Godu abanye bathi: “Umphorofidi njengomunye wabaphorofidi bekadeni.” Kodwana kwathi lokha uHerode nezwa lokho, wathi: “Baba-ke! UJwanisi yena lo engamqunta ihloko, uvukileko kabafileko!” UHerode ngokwakhe wakhupha umyalo bona kubanjwe uJwanisi, wabotjhwa bewafakwa ngesikhungweni. Lokho ubegade akwenze ngebanga lakaHerodiya umkaFlebhe, umfowabo amngenako. UJwanisi bekathe kuHerode: “Akusimthetho bona ungathatha umkamfowenu!” Ngalokho uHerodiya wabambela uJwanisi amavundo, wafuna ukumbulala. Kodwana wabhalelwa ngombana uHerode ubegade esaba uJwanisi begodu amvikela ngokwazi bona uyindoda elungileko necwengileko. Yeke bekuthi uHerode nezwa uJwanisi akhuluma, arareke khulu kodwana ubegade athanda ukumlalela. Ekugcineni uHerodiya wafumana ithuba lakhe. Bekumhlana welanga lokubelethwa kwakaHerode. Wenzela iinkhulu zombuso, iinduna zepi nabosaziwako beGalile umgidi. Kwathi lokha indodakazi kaHerodiya nayingena, igida, yathokozisa uHerode nabasesidlweni naye. Nje-ke ikosi yathi emntazaneni: “Nawungangibawa nanyana yini oyifunako, ngingakunikela yona.” Wayithembisa ngesifungo wathi: “Nanyana yini oyibawako ngizakupha yona, ngitjho nesiquntu sombuswami.” Waphuma waya kunina wafese wathi: “Ngibaweni na?” Waphendula wathi: “Bawa ihloko kaJwanisi uMbhabhadisi.” Khonokho wabuyela ekosini ngebelo, wafika wathi: “Ngifuna bona unginikele ihloko kaJwanisi uMbhabhadisi ngesitja, khona nje.” Ikosi yezwa ubuhlungu khulu, kodwana ngebanga lesifungo sayo kanye nabayeni abasesidlweni nayo, akhange ithande ukulandulela umntazana lo. Yeke yayala khonokho umbulali kobana eze nehloko kaJwanisi. Umuntu loyo wakhamba-ke, wafese waqunta uJwanisi ihloko angesikhungweni, wayiletha ngesitja. Wayinikela umntazana, yena wayidlulisela kunina. Kwathi bona abafundi bakaJwanisi bezwe lokho, beza, bathatha umzimbakhe bawubulunga ngethuneni. Abapostoli babuthana kuJesu, bambikela koke abakwenzileko nabakufundisileko. Yeke, ngebanga lokobana bekunabantu abanengi ebebasehla benyuka, abafundaba bebatlhoga nethuba lokugoma, uJesu wathi kibo: “Nambani sikhambeni sodwa siyeni endaweni ethulileko lapha singaphumula khona.” Bakhamba-ke ngomkhumbi, baya endaweni ethulileko. Kodwana inengi labantu elababonako nabakhambako labazi bona bobani, alo-ke laphuma kiyo yoke imizana lagijima ngeenyawo belayokufika lapho phambi kwabo. UJesu wathi nahlika emkhunjini, wabona isiqubuthu esikhulu, wasirhawukela ngombana gade sifana nezimvu ezingenamelusi. Nje-ke wathoma wasifundisa okunengi. Ngesikhatheso besele kuhlwile, abafundi bakhe batjhidela kuye, bathi: “Indawo le ikude nemizi, kanti nokuhlwa sekuhlwile. Tjela abantwaba bakhambe ukuze baye emzini nemizaneni eseduze bazithengele okugonywako.” Kodwana waphendula wathi: “Banikeleni nina okugonywako.” Bamphendula bathi: “Lokho kungathatha umrholo womuntu weenyanga ezibunane! Alo, sizakusebenzisa imali enengi kangaka esikweni siphe abantwaba bona bagome na?” UJesu wababuza wathi: “Ninezikwa ezingaki na? Khambani niyokuqala.” Kwathi bona babone, bathi kuye: “Zihlanu neenhlambi ezimbili.” UJesu wabayala bona bahlalise boke abantu emgwengweni ngeenqhema. Nje-ke bahlala phasi ngeenqhema zabalikhulu nezabamatjhumi amahlanu. UJesu wathatha izikwa ezihlanu neenhlambi ezimbili, waqala ezulwini, wathokoza bewahlephula izikwa. Wanikela abafundi bakhe bona bahlukanisele abantu. Godu wabahlukanisela iinhlambi ezimbili boke njalo. Boke bagoma basutha, abafundi babuthelela bazalisa iinqwebu ezilitjhumi nambili ngeentshutshuru ezasalako zezikwa neenhlambi. Isibalo samadoda agomako saba ziinkulungwana ezihlanu. Khonokho uJesu wayala abafundi bakhe bona bangene ngemkhunjini bamtjhiye baye eBhethe-Sayida, yena wasala atjela abantu bona bakhambe. Kuthe bona ahlukane nabo, watjhinga entabeni wayokuthandaza. Kwathi nakurhwalalako, umkhumbi wabe uphakathi kwelwandle, yena gade asese senarheni. Wabona abafundi badosa emhlweni ngokuthayisa umkhumbi ngebanga lokobana ummoya bewubakhandela. Ekuseni ngomlindo wesine, weza kibo akhamba phezu kwelwandle. Gade asele azokudlula ngakibo, kodwana kwathi nabambonako njalo akhamba phezu kwelwandle, badlumbana bona sipuku. Barhuwelela, ngombana boke bambona, yeke bethuka. Khonokho uJesu wakhuluma nabo wathi: “Qinani isibindi. Ngimi, ningesabi.” Yeke wangena ngemkhunjinabo, ummoya wathula. Bathi dlemelele ngebanga lokobana bebasamangazwe yindaba yezikwa ngombana iinhliziyo zabo bezingakghoni ukwamukela. Kwathi sele bayamele ngaphetjheya, bafika eGenezaretha, babopha umkhumbi wabo lapho. Nasele baphumile ngemkhunjini, abantu balemuka bona nguJesu. Bagijima bagidizela soke isifundeso, baletha boke abagulako babathwele ngemikghadi, babasa nanyana kukuphi lapha bezwa bona uya ngakhona. Kuphi nakuphi lapha afika khona, emizaneni, emizini nemaphandleni, bakhuphela abagulako ematatawini. Bamrabhela bona abavumele bakghwathe nje kwaphela umphetho wengubakhe. Nje-ke boke abayikghwathako baphola. AbaFarisi kanye nabanye abafundisi bomthetho ebebavela eJerusalema, babungelela uJesu. Khonapho babona abanye babafundi bakhe bagoma ngezandla ezingakahlambuluki okutjho ezingakahlanjwa. AbaFarisi nawo woke amaJuda abagomi bangakahlambululi izandla zabo, ngokwenza njalo balonda isiko labokhokho. Nababuya etatawini lokuthengisela, abagomi bangakahlambi. Godu kukhona amasiko amanengi abawatjhejako njengokuhlanza iinkapho, iimbiza nezitja zekoporo. Yeke abaFarisi nabafundisi bomthetho babuza uJesu bathi: “Kubayini abafundi bakho bangaphili ngokwesiko labokhokho kodwana bagoma ngezandla ezingakahlanjwa na?” UJesu waphendula wathi: “U-Isaya bekaqinisile lokha naphorofida ngani bazenzisi ndina njengombana kutloliwe kwathiwa, “ ‘Abantwaba bangidumisa ngeembhena zabo, kodwana iinhliziyo zabo zikude nami. Bangidumisa ngelize, iimfundiso zabo zimithetho yabantu.’ “Nilahle imiyalo kaZimu nadzimelela emasikweni wabantu.” Godu wathi kibo: “Ninendledlana ethileko yokuphayilela eqadi imiyalo kaZimu ukuze nilonde amasikwenu! Angithi uMosi wathi, ‘Hlonipha uyihlo nonyoko.’ Godu wathi, ‘Owethuka uyise namkha unina akabulawe.’ Kodwana nifundisa bona umuntu nakathi kuyise namkha kunina, ‘Nanyana ngiliphi isizo enginisize ngalo liyiKorbana’ (okutjho isipho esehlukaniselwe uZimu), nje-ke anisamlisi bona enzele uyise namkha unina nanyana yini akufunako. Ngaleyondlela nilenza libe lilize ilizwi lakaZimu ngamasikwenu eniwafundisako. Kunengi okufana nalokhu enikwenzako.” Godu uJesu wabizela isiqubuthu kuye, wathi: “Yeningilalele noke nizwisise lokhu. Akunalitho elingaphandle komuntu elingamenza abe ngosilapheleko nalingena ngaphakathi kwakhe. Kodwana ngokuphuma ngaphakathi kwakhe okumenza abe ngosilapheleko. Oneendlebe akezwe!” Ngemva kobana uJesu asukile esiqubuthwini bewangena ngekumbeni, abafundi bakhe bambuza ngomfanekiso lo. Wababuza wathi: “Kanti nani anizwisisi na? Aniboni bona akunalitho elibuya ngaphandle elingena emuntwini bese limenza abe ngosilapheleko na? Iye ngombana akuyi ngehliziyweni kodwana kuya ngesiswini sakhe, kusuke lapho-ke kuphumele ngaphandle komzimbakhe.” Ngokutjho njalo, uJesu bekatjho bona koke okugonywako kuhlambulukile. Waraga wathi: “Okuphuma ngemuntwini ngikho okumenza abe ‘ngosilapheleko’. Ngaphakathi kwehliziyo yomuntu kuvela imikhumbulo emimbi okutjho ukulalana okuthuweleleko, ubusela, ukubulala, ukuhlobonga, ukuba marhamaru, umkhumbulo wokwenza ubumbi, ikohliso, ukungabi nesimilo, umona, ukululaza, ukuzigabisa nobudlhayela. Boke ubusathanobu buvela ngaphakathi begodu ngibo-ke obenza umuntu abe ‘ngosilapheleko’.” UJesu wasuka lapho waya endaweni yeTirosi. Wangena ngekumbeni angafuni bona kube khona owaziko ukuthi ulapho, kodwana azange akghone ukubhaca. Emanyeni kwathi bona unina lomntazana obegade angenwe mimoya emimbi ezwe ngoJesu, waphoseka eenyaweni zakhe. Umfazi lo begade amuGirigi owabelethelwa eSiriya-Funisiya. Warabhela uJesu bona aqotjhe idimoni endodakazinakhe. Kodwana uJesu wathi kuye: “Akugome abantwana qangi banele ngombana akusikuhle ukuthatha isikwa sabantwana usiphosele izinja.” Yena wamphendula wathi: “Iye Kosi, nokho izinja nazo ngaphasi kwetafulapho zidla iintshutshuru eziwe nakugoma abantwana.” UJesu wathi kuye: “Ngebanga lependulwakho leyo, khamba uye ekhaya; idimoni liphumile endodakazinakho.” Waya ekhaya, wafumana umntwanakhe alele embhedeni, idimoni sele liphumile kuye. Yeke uJesu wasuka endaweni yeTirosi, wadlula eTsidoni, wehlela elwandle leGalile waya esifundeni seDekapolisi. Lapho abantu baletha kuye isithulu esingakghoni ukukhuluma kuhle, bamrabhela bona asibeke izandla. Emva kobana asidosele eqadi, kude nesiqubuthu, uJesu wahloma iminwakhe ngeendlebeni zaso. Wakhafula wakghwatha ilimu laso. Waqala ezulwini, wadosa ummoya khulu wathi kiso: “Efatha,” okutjho bona “Vuleka.” Khonapho iindlebe zaso zavuleka, ilimu laso lararuluka besathoma ukukhuluma kuhle. UJesu wabayala bona bangatjeli noyedwa. Kodwana kwathi nakalokho abatjela njalo, bona baphikelela ukukhuluma ngakho. Abantu barareka khulu, bathi: “Koke ukwenze kuhle. Wenza ngitjho nabangezwako bona bezwe, nabangakhulumiko bakhulume.” Emihleni leyo, kwabuthana esinye isiqubuthu godu. Njengombana besinganalitho lokugoma, uJesu wabizela abafundi bakhe kuye wathi: “Abantwaba ngiyabarhawukela, sele kumalanga amathathu basoloko banami begodu bangagomi litho. Nangingabathumela emakhaya ngendlala, bangatsirimezeka endleleni. Abanye babo babuya kude.” Abafundi bakhe bathi kuye: “Kodwana kukuphi lapha umuntu angafumana khona isikwa esaneleko sokubondla njengombana sikude nemizi nje na?” UJesu wababuza wathi: “Ninezikwa ezingaki na?” Bathi: “Ezilikhomba.” Wayala isiqubuthu bona sihlale phasi. Kwathi bona athathe izikwa ezilikhomba bewathokoza, wazihlephula, wanikela abafundi bakhe kobana baphe abantu; yeke benza njalo. Abafundi gade baneenhlambi ezincani ezimbalwa. Kuthe bona uJesu athokoze, wabayala bona babele abantu. Abantu bagoma bebasutha. Ngemva kwalapho abafundi babuthelela bazalisa iinqwebu ezilikhomba ngeentshutshuru ezasalako. Bekubabantu abangaba ziinkulungwana ezine. Ngemva kobana uJesu abatjhaphululile bona bakhambe, yena wangena ngemkhunjini nabafundi bakhe, baya esifundeni seDalmanutha. Kwafika abaFarisi bathoma ukuphikisana noJesu. Bamlinga ngokufuna kuye isibonakaliso esivela ezulwini. Wadosa ummoya kabuhlungu wathi: “Kubayini isizukulwanesi sibawa isibonakaliso na? Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona akunasibonakaliso esizakunikelwa sona.” Nje-ke wabatjhiya, wangena ngemkhunjini wayamela ngaphetjheya. Abafundi bebakhohliwe ukuza nesikwa, bebaphethe sinye tere ngemkhunjini. UJesu wabayala wathi: “Tjhejani, niyelele isibiliso sabaFarisi nesakaHerode.” Bakhulumisana babodwa bathi: “Kungebanga lokobana singanasikwa.” UJesu walemuka ikulumiswano yabo wathi kibo: “Kubayini nikhuluma ngokungabi nesikwa na? Nisengakaboni begodu anikabukulemuka nanje na? Kghani nineenhliziyo eziqinileko na? Ninamehlo angaboniko neendlebe ezingezwako na? Anikhumbuli na? Lokha ngihlephulela iinkulungwana ezihlanu izikwa ezihlanu nazalisa iinqwebu ezingaki ngeentshutshuru ezasalako na?” Bathi kuye: “Ezilitjhumi nambili.” Wathi: “Lokha nangihlephula izikwa ezilikhomba ngipha iinkulungwana ezine zabantu, nazalisa iinqwebu ezingaki ngeentshutshuru ezasalako na?” Bathi kuye: “Ezilikhomba.” Wababuza wathi: “Alo, soloko anilemuki na?” Bafika eBhethe-Sayida, abantu abathileko baletha kuye indoda esiphofu, bamrabhela bona ayikghwathe. Wabamba indoda esiphofu ngesandla waphumela nayo ngaphandle komuzi. Kuthe bona ayikhafulele ngemehlweni, wayibeka izandla. Wayibuza wathi: “Kukhona okubonako na?” Yaphakamisa amehlo yathi: “Ngibona abantu, bafana nemithi, bayakhambakhamba.” Godu uJesu wabeka izandla zakhe phezu kwamehlwayo. Yeke amehlwayo avuleka, yakghona ukubona, yabona koke kuhle. Wayithumela ekhaya, wathi kiyo: “Ungabuyeli ngemzini.” UJesu nabafundi bakhe baya emizini eseKhesariya-Filipi. Endleleni wabuza abafundi bakhe wathi: “Abantu bathi ngingubani na?” Baphendula bathi: “Abanye bathi unguJwanisi uMbhabhadisi; abanye bathi ungu-Eliya, kanti abanye bathi ungomunye wabaphorofidi.” Wababuza wathi: “Nina-ke, nithi ngingubani na?” UPitrosi wamphendula wathi: “Wena unguKrestu.” UJesu wabayala bona bangatjeli namunye ngaye. UJesu wathoma ukubafundisa bona iNdodana yoMuntu kumele itlhage khulu, ilahlwe baphathi, abaphristi abakhulu nabafundisi bomthetho, nokobana kumele ibulawe bekuthi ngemva kwamalanga amathathu ivuke. Wakhuluma tjhatjhalazi ngalokhu uPitrosi bewambizela ngeqadi wamkhalimela. Kodwana kwathi lokha uJesu naphendukela ebafundini bakhe, wakhalimela uPitrosi wathi: “Suka phambi kwami Sathana ndina! Awulemuki izinto zakaZimu, ulemuka zabantu kwaphela!” Wabizela kuye isiqubuthu kanye nabafundi bakhe, wathi kibo: “Nanyana ngubani ofuna ukungilandela, akazidele, atjathe isiphambano sakhe angilandele. Ngambala, ofuna ukusindisa ipilwakhe, izamlahlekela; naloyo olahlekelwa yipilwakhe ngebanga lami nangebanga levangeli, uzayisindisa. “Kuzamsiza ngani umuntu bona azuze iphaseli loke nje, kodwana alahlekelwe mphefumulwakhe na? Umuntu angawenana ngani umphefumulwakhe na? Nakube umuntu uneenhloni ngami nangamezwami kilesi sizukulwana esihlobongako nesinezonokazesi, iNdodana yoMuntu nayo izakuba neenhloni ngaye nayifikako ephazimulweni kaYise kanye neengilozini ezicwengileko.” Wathi kibo: “Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bonyana abanye benu abajame lapha abazukufa bangakaboni umbuso kaZimu usiza ngamandla.” Emva kwamalanga asithandathu, uJesu wathatha uPitrosi, uJakopo noJwanisi wabarholela entabeni ephakemeko lapha baba bodwa khona. Lapho-ke ubujamo bakhe batjhuguluka phambi kwabo. Izambatho zakhe zaba mhlophe, iye, ubumhlophe obunjengeliqwa. Zaba mhlophe ukwedlula indlela nanyana ngubani ephasinapha angenza ngayo. Khonapho kwabonakala u-Eliya noMosi bakhuluma noJesu. UPitrosi wathi kuJesu: “Rabi, kuhle ukuba khona kwethu lapha. Bengithi thana sakha imitlhatlhana emithathu, omunye ube ngewakho, omunye ube ngewakaMosi, omunye ube ngewaka-Eliya.” Watjho njalo ngombana ubengazi bona angathini, begade banevalo. Kwavela ilifu labagubuzesa, kwezwakala ilizwi emafini lisithi: “Le yiNdodanami engiyithandako. Ilaleleni!” Bathalaza, akhange babone namunye ngaphandle koJesu yedwa. Kwathi nabehla entabeni, uJesu wabayala bona bangatjeli namunye ngalokho abakubonileko, kufikela mhlana iNdodana yoMuntu ivukako kabafileko. Nje-ke akhange batjele muntu, babuzana bona bodwa bathi: “Kutjho ukuthini ukuvuka kwabafileko?” Bakanye bambuza bathi: “Kubayini abafundisi bomthetho bathi kufuze kuze u-Eliya qangi na?” UJesu wathi kibo: “Iye kunjalo, u-Eliya uza qangi azokubuyisela koke esigeni. Alo-ke, kubayini kutlolwe bona iNdodana yoMuntu izakutlhaga khulu beyilahlwe na? Kodwana ngiyanitjela bona u-Eliya ufikile, benza kuye koke abafuna ukukwenza, njengombana kutloliwe ngaye.” Kwathi nabafika kabanye abafundi, babona isiqubuthu esikhulu sibabungelele nalabo ababafundisi bomthetho baphikisana nabo. Emva kobana abantu babone uJesu, bathaba khulu bagijimela kuye bambingelela. UJesu wabuza abafundi bakhe wathi: “Niphikisana ngani kangaka na?” Kwaphendula indoda hlangana nesiqubuthu yathi: “Mfundisi, ngilethe indodanami engenwe mumoya oyivale bona ingakghoni ukukhuluma. Njalo lokha nawuyibambako, uyidula phasi, ibhubhudlhe amagwebu ngomlomo, iququde amazinyo bese iyomelela. Ngikhombele abafundi bakho bona bawukhuphe ummoya lo, kodwana babhalelwa.” UJesu wathi kibo: “Maye nina sizukulwana esingakholwako! Ngizokuhlala nani bekube kunini na? Ngizoninyamazelela bekube kunini na? Lethani umsana loyo kimapha.” Yeke bamletha. Kwathi lokha ummoya nawubona uJesu, khonapho wahlukumeza umsana loyo. Wawela phasi wazibhudabhuda, abhubhudlha amagwebu ngomlomo. UJesu wabuza uyise lomsana wathi: “Sekusikhathi esingangani alokhu anje?” Waphendula wathi: “Kusukela ebuncanini bakhe. Bewuphele umphosele emlilweni namkha ngemanzini kobana umbulale. Kodwana nakube kukhona ongakwenza, yewusirhawukele, usisize.” UJesu wathi kuye: “ ‘Nakube kukhona ongakwenza’? Koke kuyenzeka kiloyo okholwako.” Khonokho uyise lomsana warhuwelela wathi: “Ngiyakholwa; yewungisize ekungakholweni kwami!” Kuthe bona uJesu abone isiqubuthu sigijimela lapho, wakhalimela ummoya omumbi wathi kiwo: “Wena mmoya wobuthulu nobumumu, ngiyakuyala bona uphume kuye bewungasathoma ungene kuye godu!” Ummoya watlewula, wakhahlumeza umsana loyo khulu, waphuma. Ngemva kwalapho umsana waba ngathi sidumbu, abanengi bebathi: “Uhlongakele.” Kodwana uJesu wambamba ngesandla wamphakamisa, wavuka wajama ngeenyawo. Kuthe bona uJesu angene ngekumbeni, abafundi bakhe bambizela ngasese bathi: “Kubayini singazange sikghone ukuqotjha ummoya omumbi na?” Wathi kibo: “Umhlobo lo uphuma kwaphela ngomthandazo.” Basuka lapho badlula eGalile. UJesu azange athande kobana kube nomuntu owaziko bonyana baya kuphi ngombana bekafundisa abafundi bakhe. Wathi kibo: “INdodana yoMuntu izokukhatjhelwa ezandleni zabantu. Bazoyibulala bese ngemva kwamalanga amathathu ivuke.” Kodwana azange bazwisise bonyana bekatjho ukuthini begodu bebesaba ukumbuza ngalokho. Bafika eKapernawumi, kwathi angekumbeni, wababuza wathi: “Beniphikisana ngani endleleni na?” Bathula bathi du ngombana endleleni bebaphikisana bona ngubani omkhulu. Wahlala phasi wabiza abalitjhumi nambili, wathi kibo: “Nanyana ngubani ofuna ukuba ngewokuthoma, uzakuba ngewokugcina, abe sisebenzi sabo boke.” Wathatha umntwana wamjamisa hlangana nabo, wamgona wathi kibo: “Nanyana ngubani owamukela omunye wabantwana abancanaba ebizweni lami, wamukela mina, begodu nanyana ngubani owamukela mina akamukeli mina kodwana wamukela ongithumileko.” UJwanisi wathi kuye: “Mfundisi, sibone umuntu aqotjha amadimoni ebizweni lakho, yeke samkhandela ngombana ubengasi ngomunye wethu.” UJesu wamphendula wathi: “Ningamkhandeli ngombana akakho noyedwa owenza isimangaliso ebizweni lami ozakghona ukukhuluma kumbi ngami msinyana ngemva kwalokho. Ngambala, loyo ongakajamelani nathi ungowethu. Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona nanyana ngubani oninikela ikapho yamanzi ebizweni lami ngombana ningebakaKrestu, ngambala angeze alahlekelwa mvuzwakhe.” “Godu nanyana ngubani obangela bona omunye wabantwanaba enze isono, kuzakuba ngcono kuye bona abotjhelelwe imbokotho ekulu entanyeni bese uphoselwa ngelwandle. Nakube isandla sakho sikwenza wenze isono, siquntule. Kungcono ukungena epilweni engapheliko unganasandla, kunobanyana uye esirhogweni nezandla zombili, emlilweni ongacimiko. Lapho isibungu sakhona asifi nomlilo awucimi. Nakube inyawo lakho likwenza wenze isono, liquntule. Kungcono ukungena epilweni urholophele, kunobanyana uphoswe ngesirhogweni neenyawo zombili. Lapho isibungu asifi, umlilo awucimi. Nakube ilihlo lakho likwenza wenze isono, likhuphe. Kungcono ukungena embusweni kaZimu unelihlo elilodwa, kunobanyana uphoswe ngesirhogweni unamehlo amabili. Lapho isibungu sakhona asifi nomlilo awucimi. “Omunye nomunye uzakubabulwa ngomlilo. Itswayi lilungile, kodwana nasele liduma ungalivuselela njani na? Yibani netswayi ngaphakathi kwenu, nibe nokuthula komunye nomunye.” UJesu wasuka lapho waya esifundeni seJudiya nangaphetjheya kweJordani. Godu iinqubuthu zambungelela, wazifundisa njengemhleni. AbaFarisi abathileko beza kuye, bamlinga bathi: “Kumthetho bona indoda itlhale umkayo na?” Yena wabaphendula wathi: “UMosi waniyala wathini na?” Bamphendula bathi: “UMosi wayivumela indoda bona itlole incwadi yesahlukaniso, imthokoze-ke.” Godu uJesu wathi kibo: “UMosi wanitlolela umthetho lowo ngebanga leenhliziyokazi zenu ezilikhuni. Kodwana ekuthomeni kwendalo uZimu wababumba, kwaba ngomduna nomsikazi. Umtlolo uthi, ‘Indoda izakutjhiya uyise nonina inamathele emfazinayo bese baba nyamanye.’ Nje-ke abasesebabili, sele bamunye. Yeke lokho okuhlanganiswe nguZimu akungabi nomuntu ozakwahlukanisa.” Kwathi nasele bangekumbeni abafundi bambuza godu ngendaba le. Wathi kibo: “Loyo otlhala umkakhe athathe omunye, uhlobongile kumkakhe. Godu nakube umfazi utlhala indodakhe, athathwe ngenye, uhlobongile.” Abantu bebaletha abantwana kuJesu bona abasingathe, kodwana abafundi bakhe babakhalimela. UJesu nakabona lokho, wasilingeka wathi kibo: “Vumelani abantwana beze kimi, ningabakhandeli ngombana umbuso kaZimu ungowabanjengalaba. Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona nanyana ngubani ongamukeli umbuso kaZimu njengomntwana, ngeze angena kiwo.” Nje-ke wathatha abantwana wabasingatha, wabeka izandla phezu kwabo wababusisa. Kuthe uJesu asathoma ikhambo lakhe, indoda yamgijimela yafese yawa eenyaweni zakhe yambuza yathi: “Mfundisi olungileko, ngingenza njani bona ngizuze ipilo engapheliko na?” UJesu wathi: “Ungibizelani bona ngilungile na? Akakho noyedwa olungileko, ngaphandle koZimu yedwa tere. Uyayazi imiyalo ethi, ‘Ungabulali, ungahlobongi, ungebi, ungafakazi amanga, ungagalaji, hlonipha uyihlo nonyoko.’ ” Yathi kuye: “Mfundisi, ngikulonde koke lokho kwebutjheni bami.” UJesu wayiqala, wayithanda wathi kiyo: “Yinye kwaphela into otlhayela ngayo: Khamba, uthengise koke onakho unikele abadududu, uzakuba nomnotho ezulwini. Ngemva kwalapho-ke ungilandele.” Kwathi lokha nayizwa lokho, ubuso bayo bakhena. Yakhamba idanile ngombana beyinomnotho omnengi. UJesu wathalaza wathi ebafundini bakhe: “Maye kubudisi kanganani kilabo abanomnotho kobana bangene embusweni kaZimu!” Abafundi bakhe barareka ngamezwakhe la. UJesu wathi kibo godu: “Bantwana, kubudisi ukungena embusweni kaZimu! Kulula ukuziluma indololwani kunobana isigwili singene embusweni kaZimu.” Abafundi barareka khulu, bathi omunye komunye: “Alo, nakunjalo ngubani ongasindiswa na?” UJesu wabaqala wathi: “Emuntwini lokhu kuyinto engekhe yenzeka, kodwana ingasi kuZimu. Koke kuyenzeka kuZimu.” UPitrosi wathi kuye: “Qala, sitjhiye koke kobana sikulandele.” UJesu wathi: “Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona akakho noyedwa otjhiye umuzi, abafo, abodade, umma, ubaba, abantwana namasimu ngebanga lami nevangeli, ongekhe amukela ikhulu elibuyelelwe ngekhulu esikhathinesi, imizi, abafo, abodade, abomma, abantwana namasimu kanye nokuzunywa nesikhathini esizako kanye nepilo engapheliko. Kodwana abanengi abangebokuthoma bazokuba ngebokugcina, kuthi bokugcina babe ngebokuthoma.” Bebasendleleni basiya eJerusalema, uJesu akhamba phambili. Abafundi bakhe bebamangale, nalabo ebebabalandela bebesaba. Godu wadosela abalitjhumi nambili ngeqadi, wabatjela bona kuzokwenzekani kuye. Wathi: “Qalani! Siyakhamba siya eJerusalema. INdodana yoMuntu izakukhatjhelwa ebaphristini abakhulu nebafundisini bomthetho. Bona bazoyigweba kobana ibulawe, bayinikele kabatjhili. Bazoyiphoqa, bayikhafulele, bayibethe bebayibulale. Ngemva kwamalanga amathathu izakuvuka.” UJakopo noJwanisi, amadodana kaZebediya, beza kuJesu bathi kuye: “Mfundisi, sifuna bona usenzele nanyana yini esiyikhombelako.” Wathi kibo: “Nifuna bona nginenzeleni na?” Bathi kuye: “Vuma bona embuswenakho omunye wethu ahlale ngesigomeni sakho omunye ngesinceleni sakho.” UJesu wathi kibo: “Aniyazi into eniyikhombelako le. Ningayisela ikapho engiyiselako namkha nibhajadiswe ngombhabhadiso engibhajadiswe ngawo na?” Bamphendula bathi: “Iye, singakghona.” UJesu wathi kibo: “Nizakusela ikapho le engiyiselako, nibhajadiswe ngombhabhadiso engibhajadiswe ngawo, kodwana nakukuhlala ngesigomeni nangesinceleni sami akusingekwami. Iinkhundlezo zingezalabo ezilungiselwe bona.” Kuthe bona abalitjhumi bezwe lokho, bararana noJakopo noJwanisi. UJesu wababizela kuye wathi kibo: “Niyazi bona labo okuthiwa babusi babatjhili banamandla phezu kwabo, neenkhulu zabo eziphezulu zinegunya phezu kwabo. Kodwana akusinjalo ngani. Esikhundleni salokho, nanyana ngubani ofuna ukuba mkhulu phakathi kwenu kumele abe sisebenzi, naloyo ofuna ukuba ngewaqangi hlangana nani, kufanele abe likhoboka labo boke. Ngitjho neNdodana yoMuntu ayikezeli ukuzokwenzelwa, kodwana ukuzokwenzela nokunikela ipilwayo kobana ibe sihlengo sabanengi.” Bafika eJerikho. UJesu nabafundi bakhe kanye nesiqubuthu esikhulu nabaphuma ngedorobheni, bekuhlezi isikhombeli esisiphofu eqadi kwendlela esinguBhartimewu, indodana kaThimewu. Nasele sizwile bona nguJesu weNazaretha, sarhuwelela sathi: “Jesu, Ndodana kaDavida, yewungirhawukele!” Abanengi basikhalimela bathi asithule; kodwana sasolo sirhuwelela sithi: “Ndodana kaDavida, yewungirhawukele!” UJesu wajama wathi: “Yenisibize.” Basibiza-ke, bathi kiso: “Qina amandla, sikima, uyakubiza.” Salahla ingubaso, seqa seza kuJesu. UJesu wasibuza wathi: “Ufuna bona ngikwenzeleni na?” Isiphofu sathi kuye: “Rabi, ngifuna ukubona.” UJesu wasiphendula wathi: “Khamba, ukukholwa kwakho kukusindisile.” Khonokho sabona, salandela uJesu endleleni. Kwathi nabatjhidela eJerusalema, bafika eBhethifage neBhethaniya, entabeni ye-Oliva, uJesu wathumela babili babafundi bakhe phambi kwakhe, wathi kibo: “Khambani niye emzini ophambi kwenu, nizakuthi naningenako, nifumane udumbanyana ongazange akhwelwe, abotjhwe lapho. Mtjhaphululeni nimlethe lapha. Nakukhona onibuzako athi, ‘Nikwenzelani lokhu?’ nimtjele nithi, ‘IKosi iyamdinga, izambuyisa msinyana.’ ” Bakhamba-ke, bamfumana udumbanyana ngaphandle endledlaneni abotjhiwe hlanu komnyango. Kwathi nabasamtjhaphululako, abantu ebebajame lapho babuza bathi: “Nenzani, nitjhaphulula udumbana lo na?” Babaphendula ngendlela uJesu abayala ngakhona, abantwabo babalisa bakhamba. Baletha udumbanyana kuJesu, babeka izambatho zabo phezu kwakhe, wakhwela. Abantu abanengi baqhisa izambatho zabo endleleni, abanye baqhisa phambi kwakhe amahlahla abawephule emasimini. Labo ebebakhamba phambili nalabo ebebamlandela barhuwelela bathi: “Hosana! Ubusisiwe loyo oza ngebizo lakaSomnini! Ubusisiwe umbuso ozako kababethu uDavida! Hosana kweliphezulu!” UJesu wangena eJerusalema, waya ngethempelini. Waqala koke ebekungapho kodwana njengombana besele kuhlwile, waphuma waya eBhethaniya nabalitjhumi nambili. Ngelanga elilandelako, nabasuka eBhethaniya, uJesu bekaphethwe yindlala. Kudanyana naye wabona umuthi wamakhiwani onamakari. Wayokuqala bona uthelile na. Nafika kiwo akhange afumane ilitho, ngaphandle kwamakari wodwa ngombana bekungasiso isikhathi samakhiwani. Yeke wathi kiwo: “Akungasabi nomuntu ozakugoma iinthelo kuwe godu!” Abafundi bakhe bamizwa asitjho lokho. Ekufikeni kwabo eJerusalema, uJesu wangena ngethempelini, wathoma waqotjha labo ebebathengisa nebebathenga lapho. Wagubuda iintafula zalabo ebebananiselana ngemali, neenhlalo zalabo ebebathengisa amazuba. Azange avumele nanyana ngubani bona avundle nepahla ethengiswako ngesirhodlweni sethempeli. Wabafundisa wathi kibo: “Angithi kutloliwe kwathiwa, ‘Indlwami izakubizwa bona yindlu yokuthandaza yezizwe zoke.’? Kodwana nina niyenze irharha labahlanguli.” Abaphristi abakhulu nabafundisi bomthetho bakuzwa lokho bafuna amaqhinga wokumbulala; bamesaba ngombana boke abantu barareka ngeemfundiso zakhe. Kuthe nakurhwaqelako, baphuma ngedorobheni. Ekuseni nabadlulako godu, babona umuthi wamakhiwani utjhwabe ukusukela emirajinawo. UPitrosi wakhumbula wathi kuJesu: “Rabi, qala! Umuthi owunikeleleko loya utjhwabile.” UJesu wamphendula wathi: “Kholwani kuZimu. Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona loyo othi entabeni le, ‘Khamba uyoziphosela ngelwandle’, angazazi ehliziywenakhe, kodwana akholwe bona lokho akutjhoko kuzakwenzeka, ngambala uzakwenzelwa khona. Ngalokho ngiyanitjela bona nanyana yini eniyikhombela ngomthandazo, kholwani bona seniyifumene, ngambala izakuba ngeyenu. Njalo lokha nanijamako nithandaza, libalelani nanyana ngubani eninamavundo naye ukuze noYihlo osezulwini anilibalele izono zenu. Kodwana naningalibaleliko, noYihlo osezulwini angekhe anilibalele izono zenu.” Godu bafika eJerusalema, bekwathi uJesu asakhamba ngesirhodlweni sethempeli, abaphristi abakhulu nabafundisi bomthetho kanye nabaphathi beza kuye, bambuza bathi: “Uzenza ngamandla kabani izintwezi na? Njekhona ngubani okunikele igunya lokwenza lokhu na?” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Ngizanibuza umbuzo owodwa. Ngiphendulani, nami ngizanitjela bona ngizenza ngawaphi amandla izintwezi. Umbhabhadiso kaJwanisi bewuvela ezulwini namkha ebantwini na? Ngiphendulani!” Bakhulumisana bodwa bese bathi: “Nasingathi, ‘Ezulwini,’ uzakuthi, ‘Alo-ke yini beningamkholwa na?’ Alo, kghani sithi, ‘Ebantwini’ ”? Gade besaba abantu ngombana boke bebasithi uJwanisi mphorofidi wamambala. Yeke baphendula uJesu bathi: “Awa, asazi.” UJesu wathi kibo: “Arha-ke, nami angizonitjela-ke bona ngiwathathaphi amandla engenza ngawo izintwezi.” UJesu wathoma ukukhuluma nabo ngemifanekiso wathi: “Indoda yatjala isidiribe, yasibiyela ngomthangala. Yemba umgodi wobutlhodlhelo bewayini, yakha isithala sabalindi. Yaqatjhisela abalimi isidiribeso, yathatha ikhambo. Ngesikhathi sokuvuna, yathumela ikhoboka ebaqatjhini bona liyokuthatha isabelo sayo. Kodwana balibamba ikhobokelo, balidula, balibuyisela emuva limkhonoze. Yeke yathumela elinye ikhoboka, balikhubaza ehloko, baliphatha ngehlazo. Godu yathumela elinye, nalo balibulala. Yakanye yathumela amanye amanengi, amanye wawo bawadula, amanye bawabulala. Besele isele ngoyedwa ebeyingamthumela. Loyo-ke bekuyindodanayo ethandekako. Ekugcineni yayithumela yathi: ‘Nakuyindodanami, bazayihlonipha.’ Kodwana abaqatjhabo bakhulumisana bodwa bathi: ‘Le yindlalifa. Asiyibulaleni, khona ilifa lizakuba ngelethu.’ Yeke bayibamba bayibulala bebayiphosela ngaphandle kwesidiribe.” UJesu wababuza wathi: “Uzakwenza njani umninisidiribe na? Ngithi uzakuza afese abulale boke abaqatjhi labo, aqatjhisele abanye isidiribeso. Akhange khenifunde umtlolo lo na? “ ‘Ilitje eladelwa babakhi libe ngeliqakathekileko ejikeni. Lokho kuzizenzo zakaSomnini; kusimangaliso emehlwenethu.’ ” Nje-ke bafuna indlela yokumbamba ngombana bebazi bonyana ukhulume umfanekiso lo ngabo. Kodwana bebesaba isiqubuthu, yeke bamsukela bakhamba. Ngemva kwesikhatjhana bathumela abanye babaFarisi nabantu bakaHerode kuJesu kobana bambambe ngamezwakhe. Bafika kuye bathi: “Mfundisi, siyazi bona uyindoda eqotho. Awuthatheki ngomuntu ngombana awukhethi ubuso, kodwana ufundisa indlela kaZimu ngeqiniso. Kulungile ukukhokha umthelo kumbusi omkhulu namkha njani na?” Kodwana uJesu wakulemuka ukuzenzisa kwabo, wabaphendula wathi: “Ningilingelani na? Lethanapha udenariyu loyo ngimbone.” Bamnikela isipaparwana, wathi kibo: “Mfanekiso kabani lo? Kutlolwe bani lapha?” Bamphendula bathi: “Ngewombusi omkhulu.” UJesu wathi kibo: “Arha-ke, nikelani umbusi omkhulu okungekwakhe, ninikele noZimu okungekwakaZimu.” Bamrarekela. Yeke abaSadusi ebebathi akukho ukuvuka kwabafileko, beza kuJesu ngemibuzo bathi: “Mfundisi, uMosi wasitlolela bona lokha indoda nayihlongakalako itjhiye umkayo khisibe abanabantwana, umfowabo lendoda leyo kufanele athathe umhlolokazi loyo abelethele umnakwabo abantwana. Bekukhona abafo abalikhomba. Izibulo lathatha umfazi, lahlongakala linganamntwana. Umhlolokazi wathathwa ngewesibili. Naye godu wahlongakala anganamntwana. Newesithathu naye kwaba ngisweso. Boke abalikhomba bahlongakala banganabantwana. Ekugcineni kwahlongakala umhlolokazi loyo. Alo, ngelanga lokuvuka kwabafileko uzakuba mkabani njengombana bekamfazi wabo bolikhomba njalo na?” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Anitjhaphi na? Kuyabonakala bona aniyazi imitlolo namandla kaZimu! Mhlana abafileko bavuka ekufeni, abazokuthatha namkha bende. Bazokufana neengilozi ezulwini. Mayelana nokuvuka kwabafileko, akhange khenifunde encwadini kaMosi ngomlando womuthi ositjhutha kobana uZimu wathi kuye: ‘NginguZimu ka-Abrahamu, uZimu ka-Isaka noZimu kaJakopo.’ Akasuye uZimu wabafileko, kodwana wabaphilako. Nitjhaphe kwamambala!” Omunye wabafundisi bomthetho wezwa ipikiswano le. Walemuka bona uJesu ubaphendule kuhle, wambuza wathi: “Ngimuphi umyalo ongomkhulu ukwedlula yoke na?” UJesu wamphendula wathi: “Omkhulu uthi, ‘Yizwa wena Israyeli! USomnini nguZimethu, nguye yedwa uSomnini. Kufanele uthande uSomnini uZimakho ngehliziywakho yoke, ngomphefumulwakho woke, ngomkhumbulwakho woke nangamandlakho woke.’ Wesibili ngilo, ‘Thanda umakhelwanakho njengombana uzithanda wena.’ Awukho omunye umyalo omkhulu ukwedlula le.” Umfundisi womthetho wathi kuye: “Iye, mfundisi, uqinisile nawuthi uZimu munye, akakho omunye ngaphandle kwakhe. Ukumthanda ngehliziyo yoke, ngomkhumbulo woke nangamandla woke nokuthanda umakhelwana njengombana sizithanda thina, kuqakatheke khulu ukwedlula yoke imihlabelo yokutjhiswa neminikelo.” Kwathi bona uJesu abone bonyana uphendule ngokuhlakanipha, wathi kuye: “Awusikude nombuso kaZimu.” Emva kwalokho akakho noyedwa owakhe wagabaza wambuza imibuzo. Kwathi uJesu asafundisa ngesirhodlweni sethempeli, wabuza wathi: “Batjho njani abafundisi bomthetho bona uKrestu yiNdodana kaDavida na? UDavida ngokwakhe nakhuluma ngokurholwa nguMoya oCwengileko wathi, “ ‘USomnini wathi eKosinami: Hlala ngesidleni sami bekube kulokha nangenza izitha zakho zibe sinabelo seenyawo zakho.’ ” “UDavida ngokwakhe umbiza ngokuthi, ‘Kosi.’ Alo-ke uKrestu angaba njani yindodanakhe na?” Isiqubuthu samuzwisisa kuhle uJesu. Ekufundiseni kwakhe wathi: “Lemukani abafundisi bomthetho, abathanda ukuzakalala ngeemphuraphura ezide, bathanda ukulotjhiswa eendaweni zokuthengisela. Bathanda iinhlalo eziphambili ngemasinagogini, neendawo ezihlonitjhwako eminyanyeni. Barhiribidela iinkumba zabahlolokazi, babukisa ngokwenza imithandazo emide. Abantu abanjalo bazokuhlunguphazwa kabuhlungu.” UJesu wahlala phasi malungana nesilulu somnikelo, wabukela isiqubuthu siphosela imalaso ngesilulwini sethempeli. Iinjinga ezinengi zaphosela imali enengi. Khonapho kweza umhlolokazi ochakileko, waphosela iimpaparwana ezimbili ezincani zekoporo ebezilingana nendibilitjhi. UJesu wabizela abafundi bakhe ndawonye, wathi kibo: “Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona umhlolokazi okhwahlileko lo uphosele enengi ngesilulwini kunabo boke. Boke banikele ngokudzubhula emnothwenabo, kodwana yena ukghuthulele koke anakho okumele aphile ngakho.” Kuthe uJesu nasele aphuma ngethempelini, omunye wabafundi bakhe wathi kuye: “Mfundisi, akhese uthi uyaqala amatje la! Nakumumakhiwo wona, maye ubuhle obulapha!” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Uyayibona yoke imakhiwo emikhulu le na? Angekhe kwasala nelilodwa ilitje phezu kwelinye. Elinye nelinye lizakugirizelwa phasi.” Kwathi uJesu asahlezi entabeni ye-Oliva aqalane nethempeli, uPitrosi, uJakopo, uJwanisi no-Andrisi bambuza babodwa bathi: “Sitjela bona lokhu kuzakwenzeka nini na? Sizakuba yini isibonakaliso sokobana isikhathi sesifikile sokwenzeka kwezintwezi na?” UJesu wabaphendula wathi: “Yelelani bona kungabikhona namunye onikhohlisako. Abanengi bazakuza ebizweni lami bathi, ‘Nginguye’ bese bakhohlisa abanengi. Nanizwa ngezipi neendumela zezipi, ningesabi. Izinto ezinjalo kufanele bona zenzeke, kodwana isiphetho siseza. Isizwe sizakuvukela isizwe nombuso uvukele umbuso. Kuzakuba nokusikinyeka kwephasi eendaweni ezahlukeneko kanye nendlala. Lokho kukuthoma kwemirhelo. “Yeke ziyeleleni nina ngombana nizokudoselwa emabandla benimadlhwe ngemasinagogini. Nizakujama phambi kwababusi namakhosi ngesimanga sami ninikele ubufakazi ngami kibo. Ivangeli lifanele litjhunyayelwe kizo zoke izizwe qangi. Lokha nabanibambako banisa ebandla, ningathomi nikhathazeke bona nizakuthini. Khulumani lokho eninikelwe khona ngesikhatheso ngombana akusini enikhulumako, kukhuluma uMoya oCwengileko. Umfo uzakukhaphela umfo ekufeni nobaba akhaphele umntwanakhe. Abantwana bazakuvukela ababelethi babo bebabakhaphele ekufeni. Boke abantu bazanihloya ngebanga lami kodwana loyo obambelela bekube sekupheleni uzakusindiswa.” “Lokha nanibona isinyenyiso esibhubhisako esijanyiswe endaweni engasi ngeyaso, umfundi akazwisise; kuthi labo abaseJudiya babalekele eentabeni. Loyo ophezu kwephahla lekumbakhe akangehli namkha angene ngekumbeni ayokuthatha okuthileko. Osemasimini akangabuyeli emuva ayokuthatha isambatho sakhe. Maye kuzokuba buhlungu kangangani mhlokho ebafazini abazithweleko kanye nabamunyisako! Thandazani bona lokhu kungenzeki ebusika ngombana leyo kuzokuba mimihla yesizi engafani neyaphambilini lokha uZimu nakadala iphasi, bekube kunamhlanje, begodu nengasoze yabuye yafana nayo. Ngathana uSomnini akhange anciphise amalanga lawo, bekungekhe kwaphunyurha muntu. Kodwana ngebanga labakhethiweko, iye labo uSomnini abakhethileko, uwanciphisile amalanga lawo. “Ngesikhatheso nanyana ngubani othi kini, ‘Qalani nanguKrestu!’ namkha, ‘Qalani nanguya lapha akhona!’, ningakukholwa lokho. Kuzokuvela abosingaKrestu nabaphorofidi bamanga, benze iimbonakaliso neemangaliso kobana bakhohlise abakhethiweko nakube bayakghona. Yeke tjhejani, sele nginitjele koke ngaphambi kwesikhathi.” “Kodwana emihleni leyo ngemva kwesizi lelo, “ilanga lizakufiphala nenyezi ingakhanyisi. Iinkwekwezi zizokukhithika emkayini, amandla asezulwini asikinywe. “Ngesikhatheso abantu bazakubona iNdodana yoMuntu isiza emafini ngamandla amakhulu nangephazimulo. Izokuthumela iingilozi zayo beyibuthele ndawonye abakhethiweko bayo emajikeni womane wephasi, epelazwe nemaphelelweni womkayi.” “Yeke fundani isifundwesi ngomuthi wamakhiwani: Msinyana ngemva kobana amahlumelawo aba buthakathakana bese kutlhurhe amakari, seniyazi bonyana ihlobo litjhidele. Kunjalo-ke, nanibona izintwezi zisenzeka, nizokwazi bona isikhathi sesitjhidele, sele sisemnyango. Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona isizukulwanesi ngambala asisoze sadlula kungakenzeki zoke izintwezi. Izulu nephasi kuzokudlula, kodwana amezwami angekhe adlula. “Akakho owaziko ngelangelo namkha nge-awarelo, ngitjho neengilozi ezulwini neNdodana ngokwayo, kodwana nguBaba kwaphela owaziko. Qaphelani! Yelelani! Anazi bona isikhatheso sizokufika nini. Kuzokuba njengendoda enekhambo: Itjhiya umzayo ezandleni zeensebenzi zayo, esinye nesinye isisebenzi sinomsebenzaso bese itjela leso esisesangweni bona sibeke ilihlo. Ngalokho-ke hlalani niqaphile ngombana anazi bona umninimuzi uzokufika nini, kungaba sentambama, phakathi kobusuku, ngamasa namkha ekuseni. Nakeza ningakatjheji, anganifumani nilele. Lokho engikutjho kini, ngikutjho kibo boke: Qaphelani!” Nje-ke besele kumalanga amabili kwaphela bona kube liPhasika kanye nomnyanya wesiKwa esinganaNgumelo. Abaphristi abakhulu nabafundisi bomthetho bebathiya amaqhinga wokubamba uJesu ngesidu, bambulale. Bakhuluma bodwa bathi: “Akungabi ngesikhathi somnyanya ngombana abantu bangaguruzela.” Kwathi uJesu aseBhethaniya azigedle ngekumbeni yendoda ebekuthiwa nguSimoni onekhwekhwe, kweza umfazi aphethe isikurwana se-alabhastara sinamakha wentengo ephezulu, enziwe ngenarada yamambala. Wephula isikurwaneso, wathela amakha phezu kwehlokwakhe. Abanye egade bakhona basilingeka bathi: “Kudlalelwani ngamakha kangaka na? Amakha la, bekangathengiswa ngemali engaphezu komrholo womnyaka bese imali leyo inikelwa abadududu.” Yeke bamkhalimela ngokumkhahlameza. UJesu wathi: “Mliseni, nimtshwenyelani na? Ungenzele into ehle. Abadududu nizokuhlala ninabo njalo phakathi kwenu, yeke ningabasiza ngesinye nesinye isikhathi enifuna ngaso. Kodwana mina angeze naba nami njalo. Wenze akghona ukukwenza: Uzese umzimbami ngamakha ngaphambi kwesikhathi, walungiselela ukubulungwa kwami. Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona kuphi nakuphi lapha kutjhunyayelwa khona ivangeli ephasini loke, lokho akwenzileko kuzakhulunywa ngakho kube sikhumbuzo ngaye.” UJudasi Iskariyodi ongomunye wabalitjhumi nambili, watjhinga kubaphristi abakhulu kobana akhaphele uJesu kibo. Bakuthabela khulu ukuzwa lokho, bebamethembisa ukumnikela imali. Yeke walindela ithuba lokumkhaphela. Ngelanga lokuthoma lomnyanya wesiKwa esinganaNgumelo, nabegade kumkhuba wokuhlaba imvana yePhasika, abafundi bakaJesu bambuza bathi: “Ufuna siyokulungiselela kuphi lapha uzakugomela khona iPhasika na?” Yeke wathumela ababili ebafundini bakhe, wathi kibo: “Khambani niye ngedorobheni, nizakuhlangatjezwa mumuntu otjethe umjeka wamanzi ehlombe. Mlandeleni. Lapha angena khona, nithi kumninimuzi, ‘Umfundisi uyabuza bona liphi ilawu labayeni, lapha yena nabafundi bakhe bazakugomela khona iPhasika na?’ Uzanitjengisa ilawu elikhulu elingaphezulu, elilungeselelwe ngakho koke. Yenisilungiselele lapho-ke.” Abafundi bakhamba-ke, baya ngedorobheni, bafumana kunjengombana uJesu bekabatjelile. Yeke balungiselela iPhasika. Kuthe bona kuhlwe, uJesu wafika nabafundi bakhe. Kwathi basazigedle etafuleni bagoma, uJesu wathi: “Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona omunye kinapha uzongikhaphela; iye, loyo onghwatha nami.” Bathoma ukutlhuwa, bambuza ngokulandelana bathi: “Kungaba ngimi loyo na?” Wathi kibo: “Ngomunye wabalitjhumi nambili, ngiloyo otjheba isikwa ngesitjeni sinye nami. INdodana yoMuntu izakukhamba njengombana kutloliwe ngayo. Kodwana maye emuntwini okhaphela iNdodana yoMuntu! Bekuzakuba ngcono kuye thana ubengakabelethwa!” Kuthe basagoma, uJesu wathatha isikwa, wathokoza, wasihlephula wapha abafundi bakhe, wathi: “Thathani, lokhu mzimbami.” Yeke wathatha ikapho, wathokoza kuZimu, wabanikela, boke basela. Wathi kibo: “Lokhu ziingazi zami zesivumelwano eziphalakele abanengi. Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona angekhe bengisasela godu isithelo sesidiribe bekube kumhlana ngisisela sisitjha embusweni kaZimu.” Kwathi sele bavume ingoma yokuthokoza, baphuma baya entabeni ye-Oliva. UJesu wathi kibo: “Nizokukhubeka noke ngombana kutloliwe bona: “ ‘Ngizakumadlha umelusi, izimvu ziphadlhalale.’ Kodwana emva kobana ngivukile, ngizanandulela ngiye eGalile.” UPitrosi wathi kuye: “Nanyana boke bangakhubeka, kodwana mina angekhe.” UJesu wathi: “Ngiqinisile ngiyakutjela bona ngobusukobu, ngaphambi kobana umkukurumbu ulile kabili, uzabe ungiphike kathathu.” Kodwana uPitrosi waphikelela wathi: “Ngitjho nanyana sele kungibiza bona ngife nawe, angekhe ngakuphika.” Boke batjho njalo. Baya endaweni ebizwa bona yiGetsemani, uJesu wathi ebafundini bakhe: “Hlalani lapha ngisayokuthandaza.” Wathatha uPitrosi, uJakopo kanye noJwanisi wakhamba nabo. Wathoma ukukhathazeka khulu, waba lisizi. Wathi kibo: “Ummoyami ulisizi khulu bekube sekufeni. Salani lapha nihlale niqaphile.” Wadlulela phambidlana wawela phasi, wathandaza bonyana nakukghonekako i-awara leli limdlule. Wathi: “Aba! Baba! Zoke izinto ziyenzeka kuwe. Susa ikapho le kimapha, nokho akungabi ngokwentandwami kodwana kube ngeyakho.” Yeke wabuyela ebafundini bakhe, wabafumana balele. Wathi kuPitrosi: “Simoni, ulele na? Ubhalelwe kulinda i-awara linye nje na? Lindani, nithandaze ukuze ningangeni ekulingweni. Ummoya uyavuma, kodwana inyama ibuthakathaka.” Wakhamba godu wayokuthandaza, watjho godu amezwi lawo. Wathi nabuyako godu wabafumana balele ngombana amehlwabo gade azele ubuthongo. Azange bazi bona bangathini kuye. Wabuya kwesithathu wathi kibo: “Nisalele, nisaphumule na? Kuhlezi kwanjesi! Isikhathi sesifikile. Qalani, iNdodana yoMuntu ikhatjhelwe ezandleni zezoni. Vukani! Nambani sikhambeni! Nangu umkhaphelami asiza!” Kwathi asakhuluma njalo, veliyani uJudasi ongomunye wabafundi bakhe abalitjhumi nambili. Begade akhamba nesiqubuthu esihlome ngeensabula nangeembhuku sithunywe baphristi abakhulu, abafundisi bomthetho kanye nabaphathi. Yeke umkhapheli bekabanikela isiboniso wathi: “Loyo engizamcwanga nguye, mbambeni, nikhambe naye nimqaphile.” Khonapho uJudasi waya kuJesu wathi: “Rabi!” wamcwanga. Amadoda lawo ambamba uJesu, ambopha. Omunye walabo ebebajame lapho warhwatjha isabulakhe, wamadlha inceku yomphristi omkhulu, wasusa indlebayo. UJesu wathi kibo: “Alo-ke bekufanele bona nize neensabula neembhuku ukuzongibamba sengathi ngimhlanguli na? Imihla yoke benginani, ngifundisa ngeenrhodlweni zethempeli, akhange ningibambe. Kodwana kufanele bona imitlolo izaliseke.” Khonapho boke bamtjhiya babaleka. Kwaba nesokana elalingakembathi ilitho kwaphela lizisonge ngelineni, elalandela uJesu. Kwathi lokha nabambambako, isokanelo labaleka labe latjhiya nelinenanyana leyo lapho. Basa uJesu kumphristi omkhulu. Boke abaphristi abakhulu, abaphathi, nabafundisi bomthetho bahlangana. UPitrosi wamlandela kudanyana, wabe wayokungena ngesirhodlweni somphristi omkhulu. Wahlala lapho nabaqaphi, azothisa emlilweni. Abaphristi abakhulu kanye nebandla loke bafuna ubufakazi ngoJesu ukuze bambulale, kodwana babutlhoga. Abofakazi abanengi bafakaza amanga ngoJesu, kodwana ubufakazi babo akhange buthomane. Yeke amadoda athileko asikima, ethula ubufakazi bamala ngoJesu athi: “Simzwile nakasithi: ‘Ngizakugiriza ithempeli elakhiwe ngezandla kuthi ngamalanga amathathu ngakhe elinye elingakakhiwa ngezandla!’ ” Khonapho ubufakazi babo akhange buthomane. Umphristi omkhulu wasikima hlangana nabo, wabuza uJesu wathi: “Awuzukuphendula na? Yini into abantwaba abayifakaza ngawe le na?” Kodwana uJesu wazithulela, akhange aphendule. Umphristi omkhulu wambuza godu wathi: “UnguKrestu, iNdodana yoBusisiweko na?” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Iye nginguye; “begodu nizakubona iNdodana yoMuntu ihlezi ngesigomeni sakaSomandla, isiza ngamafu wezulwini.” Umphristi omkhulu watlebhula izambatho zakhe, wathi: “Sisabafunelani abofakazi abanye na? Nizizwele ukunyefula kwakhe. Alo, nithini na?” Boke bamlahla ngomlandu wokubulawa. Yeke abanye bathoma ukumkhafulela, bamvala amehlo, bamphosa amaguduva, bathi kuye: “Phorofida!” Boke abaqaphi bamthatha, bamdula. Kwathi uPitrosi asese senzasi ngesirhodlweni, kweza omunye wabantazana abaziinsebenzi zomphristi omkhulu. Kuthe lokha nabona uPitrosi azothisa, wamqalela eduze wathi: “Nawe gade unoJesu umNazaretha loya.” Kodwana wakuphika lokho, wathi: “Angazi begodu angilemuki bona ukhuluma ngani.” Watjho njalo wabe waphuma ngesango. Kwathi lokha umntazana osisebenzi nambonako, wathi ebantwini ebebajame lapho: “Ngambala umrhali lo ungomunye wabo.” Godu uPitrosi waphika. Ngemva kwesikhatjhana abantu ebebajame lapho, bathi kuPitrosi: “Kwamambala ungomunye wabo ngombana ungumGalile.” Wathoma ukuthukana, wafunga wathi: “Ngithi angiyazi indoda enikhuluma ngayo le!” Khonokho umkukurumbu walila kwesibili. UPitrosi wakhumbula ilizwi uJesu ebegade alikhulume kuye lokuthi: “Ngaphambi kobana umkukurumbu ulile kabili, uzabe sewungiphike kathathu bona awungazi.” Waphahluka, walila. Kwathi ngamasa ekuseni, abaphristi abakhulu, abaphathi, abafundisi bomthetho kanye nebandla loke, bathatha isiqunto. Babopha uJesu, bakhamba naye bebamusa kuPilatu. UPilatu wambuza wathi: “Uyikosi yamaJuda na?” UJesu wamphendula wathi: “Sewutjhwile.” Abaphristi abakhulu bamthwesa umlandu ngezinto ezinengi. UPilatu wambuza godu wathi: “Awuphenduli na? Qala bona bakuthwese umlandu ngezinto ezinengi kangangani!” Kodwana uJesu nanyana kunjalo akhange amphendule. UPilatu warareka. Besele kumkhuba bonyana emnyanyeni, uPilatu utjhaphulula isibotjhwa esikhonjelwa babantu. Ngesikhatheso umuntu obekuthiwa nguBharabhasi gade angesikhungweni. Bekangesinye seenlelesi ezavukela umbuso, yena wabe wabulala umuntu emgurugurwini lowo. Isiqubuthu senyuka sazokukhombela uPilatu bona enze njengombana aqhele ukwenza. Wasibuza wathi: “Nifuna bona nginitjhaphululele ikosi yamaJuda na?” Wabona bona abaphristi abakhulu banikele ngoJesu ngebanga lomona. Kodwana abaphristi abakhulu batjitjizela isiqubuthu bona sikhombele uPilatu abatjhaphululele uBharabhasi. UPilatu wabuza isiqubuthu godu wathi: “Alo-ke, nithi ngenzeni ngalo enimbiza ngekosi yamaJuda na?” Sarhuwelela sathi: “Mbethele esiphambanweni!” UPilatu wasibuza wathi: “Kubayini? Kunobulelesi abenzileko na?” Sarhuwelela khulu sathi: “Mbethele esiphambanweni!” Njengombana uPilatu bekathanda ukukara abantu, wamtjhaphulula-ke uBharabhasi. UPilatu wayala bona uJesu abethwe bewamnikela bona abethelwe esiphambanweni. Amajoni angenisa uJesu ngesigodlweni sombusi, abiza amanye amajoni amanengi. Amembesa ingubo ebubende, eluka isihlohlo sameva amthwesa sona. Athoma amkhulekela athi: “Bayede ngwenyama, kosi yamaJuda!” Abuyelela kanenginengi ambetha ehloko ngomhlanga, amkhafulela. Aguqa ngamadolo enza sengathi ayamhlonipha. Nasele aqedile ukubukisa ngaye, amhlubulisa ingubo ebubende, amembathisa izambatho zakhe. Akhamba naye ayombethela esiphambanweni. Endleleni akatelela umdluli ngendlela obegade avela emaphandleni bona atjathe isiphambano sakaJesu. Yena bekunguSimoni weSirene onguyise ka-Alekzandra noRufosi. Aletha uJesu endaweni ebekuthiwa yiGolgotha, okutjho iKhakhayi. Endaweni leyo alinga ukumseza iwayini elivanganiswe nemire, kodwana wabhala ukulisela. Ambethela esiphambanweni. Ahlukaniselana izambatho zakhe, aphosa nefumbe ukuze azi bona elinye nelinye lithatheni. Bekuyisimbi yethoba ekuseni nakambethelako esiphambanweni. Isaziso esitloliweko somlandu abekwa wona besifundeka bunje: IKOSI YAMAJUDA. Abethela kanye naye iinlelesi ezimbili, esinye ngesigomeni, esinye ngesinceleni. Ngaleyondlela kwazaliseka umtlolo othi: “Wabalwa kanye neenlelesi.” Labo abadlulako bathintitha iinhloko bamhlambalaza bathi: “Arha! Wena owathi uzakugiriza ithempeli ulakhe ngobutjha ngamalanga amathathu, zisindise-ke, wehle esiphambanwenapho!” Ngokunjalo nabaphristi abakhulu nabafundisi bomthetho bamphoqa babodwa bathi: “Wasindisa abanye kodwana yena akakwazi ukuzisindisa! UKrestu lo, oyiKosi yama-Israyeli akehle esiphambanweni ukuze sibone bese siyakholwa.” Nalabo ababethelwe naye nabo bamhlambalaza. Kwathi ngesimbi yetjhumi nambili emini, ubumnyama bembatha iphasi loke bekwaba yisimbi yesithathu ngemva kwedina. Ngesimbi yesithathu ntambama, uJesu warhuwelela ngelizwi elikhulu wathi: “Eloyi, Eloyi, lama sabarhithani?” Nakutjhugululwako kutjho bona “Zimami, Zimami, ungitjhiyeleni na?” Kwathi abanye ebebajame lapho nabezwa lokho bathi: “Lalelani, ubiza u-Eliya!” Omunye wabo wagijima wazalisa isimunyo ngewayini elimunyu wasihloma elithini, wasinikela uJesu bona asele, bewathi: “Kwanjesi akhese nimliseni. Akhesibone bona u-Eliya loyo uzakuza azomehlisa esiphambanwenapha na?” UJesu warhuwelela ngelizwi elikhulu, waphefumula kokugcina. Irharideni lethempeli latlebhuka phakathi ukusuka phezulu ukuya phasi. Kwathi lokha umphathimabutho obekajame lapho phambi kwakaJesu nezwa ukurhuwelela kwakhe nangendlela ahlongakele ngayo, wathi: “Ngambala indoda le beyiyiNdodana kaZimu!” Bekunabesifazana abathileko ebebabukela bajame kudanyana. Hlangana nabo bekunoMariya Magdalina, uMariya unina kaJakopo omncani noJosisi kanye noSalome. EGalile, besifazanaba bamlandela bebatjheja iindingo zakhe. Abanye besifazana abanengi ebebakhuphuke naye eJerusalema nabo bebakhona. Bekulilanga lamalungiselelo, okutjho ilanga ngaphambi kweSabatha. Kuthe bona kuhlwe, uJosefa we-Arimathiya, olilunga elidumileko lomKhandlu nobegade alinde umbuso kaZimu, wanqopha kuPilatu ngesibindi wayokukhombela umzimba kaJesu. UPilatu wamangala ukuzwa bona uJesu sele ahlongakele. Wabiza umphathimabutho wambuza bona uJesu sele ahlongakele na? Kwathi bona afumane kumphathimabutho bonyana kunjalo, wavumela uJosefa bona athathe umzimba lowo. Yeke uJosefa wathenga itjhila lelineni, wethula umzimba kaJesu, wawuphuthela ngelineni lelo, wawubulunga ngethuneni ebelikghedlhwe edwaleni. Wageda ilitje elikhulu wavala ithuna. UMariya Magdalina noMariya unina kaJosisi, babona lapha abekwe khona. Kuthe bona iSabatha lidlule, uMariya Magdalina, uMariya unina kaJakopo kanye noSalome, bathenga iinthako ukuze bayokuzesa umzimba kaJesu. Ekuseni ngelanga lokuthoma leveke, ngemva kobana kuphume ilanga bangena indlela eya ethuneni. Babuzana bathi: “Ngubani ozasigedela ilitje ebungenweni bethuna na?” Kodwana bathi nabaqalako babona ilitje ebegade lilikhulu ligediwe. Kuthe nabangena ngethuneni babona isokana lihlezi ngesigomeni lembethe izambatho ezimhlophe, bethuka. Lathi kibo: “Ningethuki. Nifuna uJesu weNazaretha obekabethelwe esiphambanweni na? Awa, uvukile, akakho lapha! Qalani indawo lapha bekabekwe khona. Nje-ke khambani niyokutjela abafundi bakhe noPitrosi nithi, ‘Ungaphambi kwenu endleleni eya eGalile. Nizambona lapho njengombana bekanitjelile.’ ” Baphuma ngethuneni bathathela ngebelo ngombana bebaqhaqhazela begodu bararekile. Azange batjho ilitho ebantwini ngombana bebathukile. UJesu navuka ekuseni elangeni lokuthoma leveke, waziveza qangi kuMariya Magdalina aqotjha kuye amadimoni alikhomba. Wakhamba wayokubikela labo ebegade banaye nebegade bahloboka, balila. Kuthe bona bezwe ukuthi uJesu uyaphila, nokobana umbonile, akhange bamkholwe. Emva kwalokho, uJesu waziveza ngobunye ubujamo ebafundini bakhe ababili lokha nagade basendleleni eya emaphandleni. Bona-ke babuyela emuva bayokubikela abanye, kodwana nabo akhange babakholwe. Ngemva kwesikhathi uJesu waziveza kabalitjhumi nanye basagoma. Wabasola ngokutlhoga kwabo ukukholwa kanye nangekanabo yokwala ukukholwa labo abambonileko ngemva kokuvuka kwakhe. Wathi kibo: “Khambani iphasi loke, nitjhumayele ivangeli kikho koke okudaliweko. Loyo okholwako abhajadiswe, uzakusindiswa kodwana loyo ongakholwako, uzakulahlwa. Iimbonakaliswezi zizakulandela labo abakholwako: Ebizweni lami bazakuqotjha amadimoni, bazakukhuluma ngeenlimi ezitjha; bazakudobha iinyoka ngezandla zabo, nabasela okubulalako, abazokwenzeka ilitho; bazakubeka izandla phezu kwabagulako, baphole.” Emva kobana iKosi uJesu sele ikhulumile nabo, yanyuselwa ezulwini, yayokuhlala ngesigomeni sakaZimu. Abafundi baphuma bayokutjhumayela yoke indawo. IKosi yasebenza nabo, yafakazela ilizwi layo ngeembonakaliso ezalilandelako. Abanengi baba nokuzimisela kobana batlole umlando wezehlakalo ezizalisekileko phakathi kwethu, njengombana sazinikelwa ngilabo okwathi kusukela ekuthomeni baba bofakazi kanye neenceku zelizwi. Ngalokho-ke nami, ngemva kokuhlolisisa koke kusukela ekuthomeni, ngiqunte ukukutlolela umlando ohlelekileko wena Theyofilusi odumileko ukuze wazi iqiniso loke ngezinto oyalwe ngazo. Emihleni kaHerode ikosi yeJudiya, bekukhona umphristi, ibizo lakhe linguZakariya, ogade alilunga lobuphristi baka-Abiya. Umkakhe bekungu-Elisabethi, naye asizukulwana saka-Aroni. Bobabili bebalungile phambi koZimu, balandela yoke imiyalo neemiso zakaSomnini. Kodwana bebanganabantwana ngombana u-Elisabethi gade ayinyumba begodu bobabili besele baluphele. Kwathi ngelinye ilanga uZakariya asenza umsebenzakhe wobuphristi ngethempelini phambi kwakaZimu, wakhethwa ngefumbe ukuya ngokomkhuba wobuphristi kobana angene ngethempelini ayokutjhisela uSomnini itjhwalo. Nakufika isikhathi sokutjhisa itjhwalo, woke umkhambathi wahlangana, wathandaza ngaphandle. Ingilozi kaSomnini yazibonakalisa kuye, ijame ngesigomeni se-aldari letjhwalo. Kwathi bona uZakariya ayibone, wethuka wafikelwa kukwesaba. Kodwana ingilozi yathi kuye: “Ungesabi Zakariya! Umthandazwakho uzwakele. Umkakho u-Elisabethi uzakubelethela indodana; uyithiye ibizo bona nguJwanisi. Izakuba lithabo nokuthokoza kuwe begodu abanengi bazakujekezela ngebanga lokubelethwa kwayo ngombana izakuba yikulu emehlweni kaSomnini. Ingaseli iwayini namkha esinye nesinye isiselo esiwunyelweko. Izakuzaliswa ngoMoya oCwengileko kwekubelethweni kwayo. Izakubuyisela inengi labantu bakwa-Israyeli kuSomnini uZimabo. Yeke izakukhamba phambi kweKosi ngommoya nangamandla ka-Eliya kobana itjhugululele iinhliziyo zaboyise ebantwaneni, kuthi abangalaleliko batjhugulukele ekuhlakanipheni kwabalungileko. Godu izakwenza bona isizwe silungele iKosi.” UZakariya wabuza ingilozi wathi: “Nginesiqiniseko siphi ngalokhu na? Sengiyindoda elupheleko, nomkami selaluphele.” Ingilozi yamphendula yathi: “NginguGabhariyeli; ngijame ebukhoneni bakaZimu. Ngithunywe bona ngizokhuluma nawe, ngikutjele iindaba ezimnandezi. Qala-ke, njengombana ungazange ukholwe amezwami azakuzaliseka ngesikhathi sawo, uzakuba simumu ungakghoni ukukhuluma bekube kumhlana kuphethakalako lokhu.” Kwenzeka koke lokhu nje, abantu bebasoloko balindele uZakariya, bararekile bona uhlaleleni kangaka ngethempelini. Wathi naphumako, wabhalelwa kubakhulumisa. Yeke balemuka bona ubone umbono ngethempelini ngombana bekalokhu abenzela amatshwayo kodwana abhalelwa kuphimisela. Kwathi bona kuphele isikhathi somsebenzakhe ngethempelini, wabuyela ekhaya. Ngemva kwamalanga lawo umkakhe u-Elisabethi waba sidisi. Wahlala iinyanga ezihlanu zoke azifihlile. Wathi: “Ekhu! USomnini ungenzele lokhu. Ube nomusa kimi, wasusa ihlazo lami ebengiseze ngilithwele hlangana nabantu.” Enyangeni yesithandathu, uZimu wathumela ingilozi uGabhariyeli edorobheni leGalile ekuthiwa yiNazaretha, entombini ebegade yethenjiswe ukuthathwa lisokana ebekuthiwa nguJosefa, osizukulwana sakaDavida. Ibizo lentombi leyo belinguMariya. Ingilozi yeza kuye yathi: “Lotjha wena othandekileko! USomnini unawe!” Kodwana uMariya watshwenyeka khulu ngomlayezo lo, wazibuza bona kulotjhisa okunjani-ke lokhu. Ingilozi yathi kuye: “Ungesabi Mariya ngombana ufumene umusa emehlweni kaZimu. Uzakuba sidisi, ubelethe indodana, uzayithiya ibizo bona nguJesu. Izakuba yikulu, ibizwe bona yiNdodana kaZimu ongoPhezulu. USomnini uZimu uzayinikela isihlalo sobukhosi sakayise uDavida. Izakubusa phezu kwekumba kaJakopo ngokungapheliko. Umbuswayo angekhe waphela!” UMariya wabuza ingilozi wathi: “Lokhu kungenzeka njani ngombana azange khengihlangane nendoda?” Ingilozi yamphendula yathi: “UMoya oCwengileko uzakuba phezu kwakho, namandla wongoPhezulu azakusibekela. Yeke ocwengileko ozakubelethwa uzakubizwa bona yiNdodana kaZimu. Ngitjho nesihlobo sakho u-Elisabethi usidisi nanyana sele amdala nje. Sele aphethe inyanga yesithandathu, yena lo ebekuthiwa uyinyumba ngombana ayikho into engenzekiko kuZimu.” UMariya waphendula wathi: “Ngiyincekukazi kaSomnini, akwenzeke kimi njengombana utjhwile!” Yeke ingilozi yasuka kuye. Ngesikhatheso uMariya wazilungiselela waya edorobheni leJudiya elingenarheni yeentatjana. Wafika lapho wangena kwaZakariya, walotjhisa u-Elisabethi. Kwathi bona u-Elisabethi ezwe ukulotjhisa kwakaMariya, umntwana weqayeqa ngesibelethweni sakhe. U-Elisabethi wazaliswa ngoMoya oCwengileko. Warhuwelela ngelizwi elikhulu wathi: “Ubusisiwe hlangana nabafazi, sibusisiwe nesithelo sesibeletho sakho! Kubayini ngithandwe kangaka bona ngithekelwe ngunina leKosami na? Kuthe nje nangizwa ukulotjhisa kwakho, umntwana wathaba beweqayeqa ngaphakathi kwami. Ubusisiwe umfazi ofese wakholwa bonyana okutjhiwo nguSomnini kuye kuzakuzaliseka!” UMariya wathi: “Umphefumulwami udumisa uSomnini. Ummoyami uyenama kuZimu uMsindisami ngombana ungikhumbulile, mina ncekukazi yakhe enyazekako. Kusukela kwanjesi, zoke iinzukulwana zizongibiza ngobusisiweko, ngombana ongoPhezulu, ungenzele okukhulu. Ibizo lakhe licwengile. Umusakhe ungowabamesabako, iinzukulwana ngeenzukulwana. Ukhombise amandlakhe ngengalwakhe, wahlakaza abakhukhumeleko emizindlwenabo. Wehlise amakhosi eenhlalweni zawo, waphakamisa abathobekileko. Usuthise abalambileko ngokuhle, iinkhumkani waziqotjha zimkhonoze. Uyisizile incekwakhe u-Israyeli, wakhumbula isirhawu sakhe, njengombana athembisa ku-Abrahamu nakizo zoke iinzukulwana zakhe ngokungapheliko.” UMariya wahlala pheze iinyanga ezintathu no-Elisabethi, wabuyela ekhaya. Kwathi nakufika isikhathi sokobana u-Elisabethi abelethe, wabeletha indodana. Abomakhelwana kanye neenhlobo zakhe zezwa bona uSomnini umenzele isirhawu esikhulu, zathaba kanye naye. Ngelanga lobunane zeza bona zizokusoka umntwana, yeke bezizomthiyelela ngoyise uZakariya, Kodwana unina wathi: “Awa! Ibizo lakhe lizakuba nguJwanisi.” Zathi kuye: “Kodwana akukho noyedwa hlangana neenhlobo zakho onebizo elinjalo.” Zakhuluma noyise ngezandla, zambuza bona yena angathanda ibizo lomsana libe ngubani na. UZakariya wakhombela umqebethu wokutlolela, watlola wathi: “Ibizo lakhe nguJwanisi.” Barareka boke. Khonokho umlomakhe wavuleka nelimu lakhe lararuluka, wathoma ukukhuluma, wadumisa uZimu. Boke abomakhelwana behlelwa kukwesaba bekwathi kiyo yoke inarha yeentatjaneni zeJudiya, abantu bakhuluma ngeendabezi. Woke owakuzwako lokho wazindla ngakho wabuza wathi: “Alo, umntwana lo uzokuba yini na?” Isandla sakaSomnini besiphezu kwakhe. Khonapho uZakariya uyise wagcwala ngoMoya oCwengileko, waphorofida wathi: “Akadunyiswe uSomnini, uZimu ka-Israyeli! Ngambala ube nesirhawu, wahlenga abantu bakhe. Usivusele uMsindisi onamandla ngekumbeni yencekwakhe uDavida, njengombana akhuluma ekadeni ngomlomo wabaphorofidi bakhe abacwengileko bonyana sizakusindiswa ezitheni zethu nemandleni wabo boke abasizondako. Ngalokho ukhombise isirhawu asithembisa abokhokho bethu, wakhumbula isivumelwano sakhe esicwengileko okusifungo asifunga kukhokho wethu u-Abrahamu sokobana uzosenyela ezandleni zezitha zethu, asivumele simlotjhe ngaphandle kokwesaba, ngokucwenga nangokulunga, ebusweni bakhe imihla yoke yokuphila kwethu. “Wena mntanami, uzakubizwa bona umphorofidi wongoPhezulu ngombana uzakukhamba phambi kweKosi, uyilungisele indlela, kobana utlhadlhule abantu bayo mayelana nelwazi lesindiso ngokuthethelelwa kwezono zabo. Ngesirhawu esikhulu sakaZimethu, ukusa kuzakudabuka kuvela phezulu, kukhanyisele abaphila ebumnyameni nethunzini lokufa, kunqophise iinyawo zethu endleleni enokuthula.” Umntwana wakhula, waqina emmoyeni. Wahlala erhalawumbeni bekwaba kumhlana abonakala tjhatjhalazi kwa-Israyeli. Emihleni leyo umbusi omkhulu u-Arhostosi wakhupha isimemezelo bona kubalwe boke abantu ephasini loke leRoma. Lokhu bekukubalwa kokuthoma ngesikhathi uKureniyosi ambusi weSiriya. Ngiloyo naloyo waya edorobheni lekhabo kobana ayokubalwa khona. UJosefa naye wasuka edorobheni leNazaretha eGalile, waya eJudiya emzini kaDavida ebekuthiwa yiBhethelehema ngombana ubegade asizukulwana sekumba nomndeni kaDavida. Waya wayokutlolisa yena noMariya, ebegade azomthatha bona abe mkakhe. UMariya gade asidisi. Kwathi nabasese lapho, kwafika isikhathi sokobana abelethe. Wabeletha, wazibula ngendodana, wayiphuthela ngamatjhila. Wayilalisa ngekerebheni ngombana bekunganandawo ngekumbeni yeenkhambi. Esifundeneso bekunabelusi ebebahlala emrhuleni baqaphe imihlambabo ebusuku. Khonapho ingilozi kaSomnini yeza kibo, iphazimulo kaSomnini yabakhanyisa mahlangothi woke. Besaba kwamambala. Kodwana ingilozi yathi kibo: “Ningesabi! Qalani, nginilethele iindaba ezimnandi neziletha ithabo ebantwini boke. Khona namhlanjesi ngemzini kaDavida nibelethelwe uMsindisi onguMesiya, iKosi! Nakhu okuzakuba siboniso kini: Nizakufumana umntwana aphuthelwe ngamatjhila alaliswe ngekerebheni.” Khonokho kwabonakala umkhambathi wezulwini ukanye nengilozi leyo, udumisa uZimu usithi: “Idumo kuZimu keliphezulu nokuthula ephasini, ebantwini abathokozelwa nguye.” Kwathi bona iingilozi zemuke kibo zibuyele ezulwini, abelusi bathi komunye nomunye: “Nambani siye eBhethelehema siyokubona lokho okwenzekileko, uSomnini asitjele ngakho.” Yeke barhaba, bafumana uMariya noJosefa kanye nomntwana alele ngekerebheni. Kwathi nasele bambonile, bakhuluma ilizwi mayelana nalokho abakutjelwe ngomntwana lo. Nje-ke boke abakuzwako lokho barareka khulu ngeendaba zabelusaba. Kodwana uMariya wawalonda woke amezwi la, wazindla ngawo ngehliziywenakhe. Abelusi babuyela emva, badumisa, baphakamisa uZimu ngakho koke abakuzwileko nabakubonileko; okwaba njengombana bebatjeliwe. Elangeni lobunane, sele kusikhathi bona umntwana asokwe, wathiywa ibizo bona nguJesu, ibizo aliphiwa yingilozi angakabiphi ngesiswini sakanina. Kwathi bona kuphele amalanga wokuhlanjululwa kwabo ngokomthetho kaMosi, uJosefa noMariya bathatha umntwana bamusa eJerusalema kobana bayomveza phambi kwakaSomnini, njengombana kutloliwe emthethweni kaSomnini bona: “Lelo nalelo izibulo eliduna lizakwehlukaniselwa uSomnini.” Godu bebayokwenza nomhlabelo njengombana kusitjho umthetho kaSomnini nawuthi: “Amazuba amabili wekhaya namkha amabili wommango.” Bekunendoda eJerusalema, ibizo layo linguSimeyoni. Beyilungile begodu yesaba uZimu. Begade ilindele induduzo ka-Israyeli, yeke uMoya oCwengileko gade uphezu kwayo. USimeyoni loyo gade embulelwe ngoMoya oCwengileko bonyana angekhe afe angakaboni uKrestu kaSomnini. Ngokurholwa nguMoya oCwengileko, waya ngesirhodlweni sethempeli. Kwathi lokha ababelethi nabaletha umntwana uJesu kobana bazokwenza kuye umkhuba wabo ukuya ngokomthetho, uSimeyoni wathatha umntwana wamgona, wadumisa uZimu, wathi: “Kwanjesi sewungalitjhaphulula likhambe ngokuthula ikhoboka lakho Kosi. Kube njengokwelizwi lakho ngombana amehlwami ayibonile isindiswakho oyilungiselele phambi kwabantu boke. Umkhanyo wesambulo sabatjhili nephazimulo ebantwini bakho u-Israyeli.” Uyise lomntwana kanye nonina barareka ngalokho okukhulunywe ngaye. Yeke uSimeyoni wababusisa, wathi kuMariya unina: “Umntwana lo ukhethelwe ukuwa nokuvuka kwabanengi kwa-Israyeli nokuba litshwayo elizakuphikiswa, ukuze kwambulwe imizindlo yabanengi. Isabula izakukhekhebula ngitjho neyakho ihliziyo.” Godu bekunomphorofidikazi ebekuthiwa ngu-Ana, indodakazi kaFanuweli wekoro ka-Atjheri. Bekasele aluphele khulu. Wahlala iminyaka elikhomba kwaphela nomyenakhe ngemva kobana amthethe. Ngemva kwalapho waba mhlolokazi bewaba neminyaka ematjhumi abunane nane. Azange akhe asuke ethempelini kodwana bekadumisa ubusuku nemini, azila ukudla athandaza. Khonapho naye weza, waphakamisa uZimu bewakhuluma ngomntwana kibo boke ebebalindele ukuhlengwa kweJerusalema. Kwathi bona uJosefa noMariya baqede ukwenza koke ebekufunwa mthetho kaSomnini, babuyela eGalile edorobheni lekhabo eNazaretha. Umntwana wakhula waba namandla, gade ahlakaniphile, nomusa kaZimu uphezu kwakhe. Umnyaka nomnyaka ababelethi bakhe bebasiya eJerusalema emnyanyeni wePhasika. Kwathi naneminyaka elitjhumi nambili ubudala, bakhuphukela emnyanyeni njengokujayelekileko. Ngemva kobana umnyanya uphele, ababelethi bakaJesu babuyela ekhaya, kwabe yena usele eJerusalama. Kodwana bebangakatjheji bona usele ngemuva. Badlumbana bona uphakathi kwesiqubuthu seenkhambi. Sele bakhambe ibanga lelanga loke, bathoma ukumfuna eenhlotjeni zabo nebanganini babo. Bathi nabangamfumaniko, babuyela eJerusalema ukuyomfuna khona. Ngemva kwamalanga amathathu, bamfumana ngesirhodlweni sethempeli ahlezi hlangana nabafundisi, abalalele begodu ababuza imibuzo. Boke abamzwako barareka ngendlela azwisisa ngayo nangeempendulo zakhe. Kwathi ababelethi bakhe nabambonako, barareka. Unina wathi kuye: “Mntwanami, ukwenzeleni lokhu kithi na? Sinoyihlo besitshwenyekile ngawe, sikhamba sikufuna.” Wabaphendula wathi: “Beningifunelani na? Beningazi bona kufanele ngibe ngekumbeni kaBaba?” Kodwana azange bayilemuke ipendulwakhe. Yeke wehlela nabo eNazaretha, wabalalela. Kodwana unina wabulunga zoke izintwezi ngehliziywenakhe. UJesu wakhula ngokuhlakanipha nangesithunzi, wathandwa nguZimu nabantu. Ngomnyaka wetjhumi nahlanu wokubusa kombusi omkhulu uTibheriyasi, uPontiyasi Pilatu gade ambusi weJudiya, uHerode yena angumtetrarerhesi wesifunda seGalile, umfowabo uFlebhe angumtetrarerhesi wesifunda se-Ithuriya kanye neTrakoniti, uLisaniya angumtetrarerhesi wesifunda se-Abileni. U-Anasi noKhayafasi bona bebabaphristi abakhulu. Ngesikhatheso ilizwi lakaZimu lafika kuJwanisi, umsa kaZakariya, aserhalawumbeni. Wakhamba yoke inarha magegana neJordani, atjhumayela umbhabhadiso wokuphenduka mayelana nokucolelwa kwezono. Njengombana kutloliwe encwadini yamezwi womphorofidi u-Isaya nakasithi: “Ilizwi lorhuwelela erhalawumbeni, lithi: ‘Lungisani indlela yeKosi; yenzeleni indlelakhe enqophileko. Yoke imirhoba kumele ihlelenjwe, zoke iintaba nemibundu zibe libhabhadu; iindawo ezimigodigodi zenziwe itatawu neziziindunduma zilelezwe. Boke abantu bazakubona isindiso kaZimu.’ ” UJwanisi wakhuluma neenqubuthu zabantu ezeza kuye bona azozibhabhadisa, wathi: “Nina nzalo yeenyoka ndina! Ngubani onitjele bona nibalekele ubukhali obuzako na? Vezani isithelo esikhambisana nokuphenduka kwenu. Ningathomi nizitjele nithi, ‘Sino-Abrahamu ongubabethu’ ngombana ngiyanitjela bona uZimu angavusela u-Abrahamu abantwana ematjeni la. Izembe selibekiwe emirajini yemithi, nje-ke woke umuthi ongatheli iinthelo uzokugawulwa, uphoselwe emlilweni.” Isiqubuthu sambuza sathi: “Alo-ke kufanele senze njani na?” Waphendula wathi: “Loyo onezambatho ezimbili akabelane naloyo onganalitho, naloyo onokudla enze njalo.” Nabathelisi beza kobana bazokubhajadiswa, bambuza bathi: “Mfundisi, alo, kufuze senzeni na?” Wabaphendula wathi: “Ningathelisi ngaphezu kokufaneleko.” Nje-ke namanye amajoni ambuza athi: “Kumele senzeni na?” Waphendula wathi: “Ningemuki umuntu imali godu ningasoleli abantu ngokungekho. Yaneliswani ngomrholo wenu.” Abantu bebalinde ngethemba, bararekile eenhliziyweni zabo bona kghani uJwanisi lo angaba nguKrestu na. Yeke, uJwanisi wathi kibo boke: “Nginibhabhadisa ngamanzi kodwana ukhona ozako onamandla khulu kunami, engingakafaneli ukutjhaphulula amapatlagwanakhe. Yena uzanibhabhadisa ngoMoya oCwengileko nangomlilo. Uphethe iforogwakhe yokwela kobana ahlwengise iselelo sakhe nokubuthelela ikoroyi ayifake ngesilulwini sakhe, kodwana uzokutjhisa iinhluba ngemlilweni ongekhe wacima.” Ngamezwi ahlukahlukeneko wokuyelelisa, uJwanisi watjhumayela iindaba ezimnandi ebantwini. Kodwana kwathi lokha uJwanisi nasola uHerode umtetrarerhesi, ngokungena kwakhe uHerodiya umkamfowabo, nangakho koke okumbi akwenzileko, wenza okungaphezu kwalokho, wavalela uJwanisi ngesikhungweni. Ngemva kobana boke abantu sebabhajadisiwe, uJesu naye wabhajadiswa. Kwathi asathandaza, izulu lavuleka. UMoya oCwengileko wehlela kuye ngesibumbeko sezuba. Khonapho kwavela ilizwi ezulwini lisithi: “Wena uyiNdodanami ethandekako. Ngeneme ngawe.” UJesu begade aneminyaka ematjhumi amathathu lokha nathoma umsebenzakhe. Ngokwemicabango yabantu, begade amsa kaJosefa omsa ka-Eli, umsa kaMathati omsa kaLevi, umsa kaMelirhi omsa kaJanayi, umsa kaJosefa omsa kaMatathiyasi, umsa ka-Amosi omsa kaNawumi, umsa ka-Esili omsa kaNagayi, umsa kaMathi omsa kaMatathiyasi, umsa kaSimeyini omsa kaJoserha, umsa kaJoda omsa kaJowanani, umsa kaResa omsa kaZerubhabheli, umsa kaTjhaltiyeli omsa kaNeri, umsa kaMelirhi omsa ka-Adi, umsa kaKosamu omsa ka-Elimadamu, umsa ka-Eri omsa kaJotjhuwa, umsa ka-Eliyezeri omsa kaJorima, umsa kaMathati omsa kaLevi umsa kaSimiyoni omsa kaJuda, umsa kaJosefa omsa kaJonamu, umsa ka-Eliyakimu omsa kaMeleya, umsa kaMena omsa kaMatatha, umsa kaNathani omsa kaDavida, umsa kaJese omsa ka-Obede, umsa kaBhowazi omsa kaSala, umsa kaNarhitjhoni omsa ka-Aminadaba, umsa ka-Adimini omsa ka-Areni, umsa kaHesromu omsa kaPerezi, umsa kaJuda omsa kaJakopo, umsa ka-Isaka omsa ka-Abrahamu, umsa kaTerarhi, omsa kaNarhori, umsa kaSerugu omsa kaRewu, umsa kaPelegi omsa ka-Ebhere, umsa kaTjhelarhi omsa kaKenamu, umsa ka-Aripakitjhadi omsa kaTjhemu, umsa kaNowa omsa kaLemeki, umsa kaMetutjhelarhi omsa ka-Inogo, umsa kaJeredi omsa kaMahalaleli, umsa kaKhenani omsa ka-Enotjhi, umsa kaSethi omsa ka-Adamu, umsa kaZimu. UJesu wabuya eJordani azele uMoya oCwengileko, wamdosela erhalawumbeni lapho alingwa khona nguSathana amalanga amatjhumi amane. Azange agome ilitho emalangeni lawo, kwathi ekupheleni kwawo, walamba. USathana wathi kuye: “Nakube uyiNdodana kaZimu, tjela amatje la aphenduke isikwa.” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Kutloliwe kwathiwa, ‘Umuntu akaphili ngesikwa kwaphela.’ ” Yeke uSathana wamkhuphulela ekuphakameni, wamtjengisa yoke imibuso yephasi ngokuphazima kwelihlo. Wathi kuye: “Ngizakunikela boke ubuphaziphazi bayo kanye nawo woke amandla ngombana kusezandleni zami. Koke lokhu ngingakunikela nanyana ngubani ngendlela engifuna ngayo. Yeke nawungangilotjha, koke lokhu kuzakuba ngekwakho.” UJesu wamphendula wathi: “Kutloliwe kwathiwa, “ ‘Thandaza uSomnini uZimakho, ulotjhe yena yedwa!’ ” Yeke uSathana wamthatha wamusa eJerusalema, wamjamisa esiqongolweni sethempeli, wathi kuye: “Nakube uyiNdodana kaZimu, ziphosele phasi lapha, ngombana kutloliwe kwathiwa, “ ‘Uzakuyala iingilozi zakhe ngawe kobana zikulonde.’ “Godu kwathiwa, “ ‘Zizakuthwala ngezandla zazo ukuze inyawo lakho lingakhutjwa lilitje.’ ” Kodwana uJesu wamphendula wathi: “Kutloliwe kwathiwa, “ ‘Ungamlingi uSomnini uZimakho.’ ” Kuthe bona uSathana aqede ngazo zoke iinlingo zakhe, wamgadunga isikhatjhana. UJesu wabuyela eGalile ngamandla kaMoya oCwengileko. Iindaba ngaye zarhatjheka kiyo yoke inarha yakhona. Wafundisa ngemasinagoginabo, wadunyiswa ngiwo woke umuntu. UJesu waya eNazaretha, lapha akhulela khona. Kwathi ngeSabatha waya ngesinagogini njengombana bekajayele ukwenza. Wasikima kobana afunde imitlolo ecwengileko. Wanikelwa umtlolo womphorofidi u-Isaya. Wawuthabulula, wafumana lapha kuthi: “UMoya kaSomnini uphezu kwami ngombana ungizesile kobana ngilethe iindaba ezimnandi kabadududu. Ungithume bona ngizokumemezela ukuthukululwa kwabathunjiweko, ukubona kwabaphopheleko, ukuthukululwa kwabagandelelweko nokumemezela umnyaka wesisa sakaSomnini.” Yeke wasonga umtlolo, wawubuyisela kugosa, wahlala phasi. Woke amehlo walabo ebebangesinagogini anamathela kuye. Wathoma ngokuthi kibo: “Namhlanjesi umtlolo lo uzalisekile eendlebeni zenu.” Boke bakhuluma kuhle ngaye begodu bebararekile ngamezwi anesisa esingako aphuma emlonyenakhe. Bathi: “Akusuye umsa kaJosefa na?” Wathi kibo: “Kwamambala nizakutjho isitjhwesi kimi nithi, ‘Nyanga, yewuzelaphe!’ godu nithi, ‘Yenza khona ekhenwapha owasenza eKapernawumi.’ ” UJesu waraga wathi: “Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona akunamphorofidi owakhe wamukeleka enarheni yekhabo. Kodwana iqiniso kukobana bekunabahlolokazi abanengi kwa-Israyeli ngesikhathi saka-Eliya, lokha izulu nalizakuvaleka iminyaka emithathu nesiquntu; kwaba nendlala ekulu phezu kwayo yoke inarha. Khonapho u-Eliya azange athunywe ngitjho nakoyedwa wabo kwaphela emhlolokazini weSarephitha eseTsidoni. Bekunabantu abanengi kwa-Israyeli ebebaphethwe likhwekhwe ngesikhathi somphorofidi u-Eliya, kodwana akakho noyedwa wabo owapholiswako ngaphandle koNamani umSiriya.” Kwathi lokha nabezwa lokho, boke abantu abangesinagogini, babibhelana. Basikima, bamkhuphela ngaphandle kwedorobho, bamusa ekuthulameni kwentatjana lapha bekwakhiwe khona idorobho, kobana bamsunduzele ngerharheni. Kodwana wangena hlangana nesiqubuthu wazikhambela. Yeke uJesu wehlela eKapernawumi ebekulidorobho leGalile, wafundisa khona abantu ngeSabatha. Boke bamangala ngefundiswakhe ngombana umyalezwakhe bewunamandla. Ngesinagogini bekunomuntu onedimoni, okutjho ummoya osilapheleko. Warhuwelela khulu wathi: “Hlukana nathi! Unandabani nathi wena Jesu weNazaretha na? Uze ukuzosirhayila na? Ngiyakwazi bona ungubani, ungoCwengileko kaZimu.” UJesu wawukhalimela wathi: “Thula! Phuma kuye!” Yeke idimoni ladula umuntu loyo phasi phambi kwabo boke, laphuma ngaphandle kokumkhubaza. Boke abantu barareka babuzana bathi: “Lilizwi bani-ke leli? Ngegunya nangamandla, uyala imimoya emimbi bese iyaphuma!” Kwanda idumo ngaye kiyo yoke indawo esifundeneso. UJesu waphuma ngesinagogini waya emzini kaSimoni. Yeke umkhwekazi kaSimoni gade aphethwe mgomani onamandla. Bakhombela uJesu kobana amsize. Wamengama wabese ukhalimela umgomani, ngambala waphuma kuye. Wavuka khonokho, wabatenda. Kwathi bona kutjhinge ilanga boke abantu baletha kuJesu abagulako abanezifo ezihlukeneko. Wabeka izandla phezu komunye nomunye wabo, wabapholisa. Amadimoni aphuma ebantwini abanengi, arhuwelela asithi: “Wena uyiNdodana kaZimu!” Kodwana wawakhalimela, wangawavumela bona akhulume ngombana gade amazi bona unguKrestu. Kwathi nakusako uJesu waphuma, waya emmangweni. Isiqubuthu samfuna besayokufika lapha akhona, salinga ukumvimba bona angakhambi. Kodwana wathi kiso: “Kufanele ngitjhumayele iindaba ezimnandi ngombuso kaZimu nakezinye iindawo ngombana ngithunyelwe khona lokho.” Yeke waragela phambili watjhumayela ngemasinagogini eJudiya. Ngelinye ilanga uJesu asajame eqadi kwelwandle leGenesaretha, isiqubuthu safuhlezelana kuye kobana silalele ilizwi lakaZimu. Wabona imikhumbi emibili ijame eligwini lelwandle, ababambi beenhlambi bebahlikile kiyo, bahlanza amanedabo. UJesu wakhwela ngakomunye wemikhumbi ekungewakaSimoni, wamkhombela bona atjhide kancani eligwini lelwandle. Yeke wahlala ngemkhunjini wafundisa isiqubuthu. Kwathi bona aqede ukukhuluma, wathi kuSimoni: “Sunduzelani umkhumbakho phakatjhana, niphosele amanede wenu kobana nibambe.” USimoni wamphendula wathi: “Kosi, sisebenze kabudisi ubusuku boke akhange khesibambe ilitho, kodwana ngombana utjho njalo, ngizawehlisa amanede.” Kwathi bona benze njalo, babamba iinhlambi ezinengi kangangobana amanedabo athoma ukudabuka. Yeke bakhwaya abangani babo abangemkhunjini omunye bona bazobasiza. Beza bebazalisa yomibili imikhumbi, yazala kangangobana yabe yafuna ukucwila. Kwathi lokha uSimoni Pitrosi nabona lokho, wawa emadolweni kaJesu wathi: “Suka kimapha Kosi ngombana ngimumuntu osisoni!” Yena nabanye agade anabo barareka kwamambala ngeenhlambi ezinengi abazibambileko. Kwaba njalo nakuJakopo noJwanisi amadodana kaZebediya ababasebenzisani bakaSimoni. Yeke uJesu wathi: “Ungesabi, ukusukela namhlanjesi uzokubamba abantu.” Bakhuphela imikhumbabo eligwini batjhiya koke khonapho bamlandela. Kwathi ngelinye ilanga uJesu akomunye umuzi, kweza indoda ebegade ikghamathelwe likhwekhwe. Yathi ingabona uJesu, yaguqa yahloma ihloko phasi beyamrabhela yathi: “Kosi, nawuthandako ungangihlambulula!” UJesu wathabulula isandla sakhe wakghwatha indoda leyo wathi: “Ngiyathanda, hlambuluka!” Khonokho ikhwekhwe lasuka kiyo. UJesu wayiyala wathi: “Ungatjeli namunye, kodwana khamba ulunge kumphristi akuhlolisise bewenze umhlabelo njengokutjho kwakaMosi mayelana nokuhlanjululwa kwakho, kube bufakazi kibo.” Kodwana kwanjesi iindaba ngoJesu zanda khulu, iinqubuthu ezinengi bezibuthelelana kobana zimlalele bezipholiswe emagulwenazo. Kodwana begade aphele atsomuka aye emmangweni ayokuthandaza. Kwathi ngelinye ilanga uJesu asafundisa, abaFarisi nabafundisi bomthetho bebahlezi eduze nalapho, bavela kiyo yoke imizi yeGalile, eJudiya neJerusalema, amandla kaSomnini gade anaye kobana apholise. Khonapho kweza amadoda athwele umuntu orhwahlapheleko ngomkghadi, alinga ukumngenisa ngekumbeni kobana ambeke phambi kwakaJesu. Kodwana kwathi nabhalelwa kungena ngebanga lesiqubuthu, akhwela phezu kwephahla, avula itjhuba, amehlisela ngaphakathi ngomkghadi hlangana nesiqubuthu, afese ambeka phambi kwakaJesu. UJesu wathi nabona ukukholwa kwawo wathi: “Mngani, izono zakho zicolelwe.” Abafundisi bomthetho nabaFarisi bathoma ukuzindlekela bathi: “Ngubani umrhali ohlambalazako lo? Ngubani ongacolela izono ngaphandle kwakaZimu na?” UJesu bekayazi imikhumbulwabo, wathi kibo: “Nizindlelani ngezinto ezinje na? Ngikuphi okulula ukuthi, ‘Izono zakho zicolelwe,’ namkha ukuthi, ‘Vuka ukhambe’ na? Nokho-ke ngizanikhombisa bonyana iNdodana yoMuntu inamandla ephasinapha wokucolela izono.” Yeke wathi emuntwini orhwahlapheleko: “Ngithi kuwe, vuka uthathe umkghadi wakho ukhambe, uye ekhaya!” Khonokho umuntu loyo wavuka phambi kwabo boke, wathatha umkghadi agade alele kiwo waya ekhaya, adumisa uZimu. Boke barareka kwamambala, badumisa uZimu banokwesaba bathi: “Namhlanje khona sibone amabono!” Ngemva kwalokho uJesu waphumela ngaphandle, wabona umthelisi, ibizo lakhe linguLevi ahlezi ngendlwanenakhe yokuthelisela. UJesu wathi kuye: “Ngilandela.” ULevi wasikima, watjhiya koke, wamlandela. Yeke uLevi wenzela uJesu imbedla yesidlo kwakhe, khonapho begade kunesiqubuthu sabathelisi kanye nabanye abantu ebebagoma nabo. Kodwana abaFarisi nabafundisi bomthetho ebebangebesiqubuthu sabo, banghonghoyila ebafundini bakhe bathi: “Nigomelani benisele nabathelisi nezoni na?” UJesu wabaphendula wathi: “Akusibo abaphilileko abadinga inyanga, kodwana ngabagulako. Angikezi ukuzokubiza abalungileko, kodwana ngizokubiza izoni bona zitjhuguluke.” Abanye abantu bathi kuJesu: “Abafundi bakaJwanisi bazila njalonjalo ukudla bathandaze, nabafundi babaFarisi nabo benza njalo, kodwana bakho abafundi bayagoma, bayasela.” UJesu wabaphendula wathi: “Nitjho bona kungenzeka abantu emtjhadweni bazile umyeni asesenabo na? Awa, angekhe! Kodwana lizakufika ilanga mhlana umyeni azakususwa hlangana nabo, mhlokho bazakuzila ukudla.” UJesu wabatjela umfanekiso lo: “Akakho ongadabula isitjheza sesambatho esitjha, ayokutjheza isambatho esidala. Nangakwenza lokho, uzabe udabule isambatho esitjha, nje-ke isitjheza esitjha angekhe safanela isambatho esidala. Nanjalo-ke akakho ongathela iwayini elitjha ngeenkhwameni zesikhumba ezidala. ngombana iwayini elitjha lizazirathula iinkhwama, iwayini liphalake, iinkhwama zonakale. Endaweni yalokho iwayini elitjha kufanele lithelwe eenkhwameni ezitjha. Begodu akakho ofuna iwayini elitjha, nakhe wasela elidala phele athi: ‘Elidala limnandi.’ ” Kwathi ngeSabatha uJesu warabhula hlangana namasimu wekoroyi. Abafundi bakhe bakha iinqwambi zekoroyi bazihlikihla ezandleni, bagoma. Abanye babaFarisi bambuza bathi: “Kubayini nenza okungasisemthethweni ngeSabatha na?” UJesu wabaphendula wathi: “Azange khenifunde bona uDavida wenzani lokha yena nabakhambisani bakhe nabalambileko na? Wangena ngekumbeni kaZimu, wathatha isikwa esahlukaniselweko, wagoma ebekuvunyelwe bona kugonywe baphristi kwaphela. Wanikela nabakhambisani bakhe bona bagome.” Godu wathi kibo: “INdodana yoMuntu iyiKosi yeSabatha.” Kwathi ngelinye iSabatha waya ngesinagogini wafundisa. Khonapho bekunomuntu obekakokorene isandla sangesigomeni. AbaFarisi nabafundisi bomthetho bebafuna isizathu sokusola uJesu, yeke bamtjhejisisa bona akazukupholisa ngeSabatha nje na. Kodwana uJesu wakwazi ebebakucabanga, wathi emuntwini okokorene isandla: “Sikima ujame ngaphambi kwawo woke umuntu.” Wasikima wayokujama lapho. Yeke uJesu wathi kibo: “Akhe ngibuze, ngikuphi okusemthethweni ngeSabatha, ukwenza okuhle namkha okumbi, ukusindisa ipilo namkha ukuyitjhabalalisa na?” Wabaqala boke, wathi emuntwini loyo: “Thabulula isandla sakho.” Wasithabulula, isandla sakhe sabuyela esigeni ngokupheleleko. Bathukuthela bebathoma ukubonisana bona bangenzani ngoJesu. Ngelinye lamalanga lawo uJesu wenyukela entabeni wayokuthandaza, wahlala lapho ubusuku boke athandaza kuZimu. Kwathi bona kuse, wabizela abafundi bakhe kuye, wakhetha abalitjhumi nambili, wababiza bona babapostoli: Bona bekunguSimoni, amthiya bona nguPitrosi, nomfowabo u-Andrisi, uJakopo, uJwanisi, uFlebhe, uBharitholomeyusi, uMatewu, uTomasi, uJakopo umsa ka-Alfiyosi, uSimoni ebekuthiwa mZelothe, uJudasi umsa kaJakopo noJudasi Iskariyodi owathengisa uJesu. Wehla nabo, wajama endaweni ehlelembekileko. Bekunesiqubuthu esikhulu sabafundi bakhe lapho kanye nabantu abanengi abavela kilo loke leJudiya, eJerusalema kanye neligwini leTirosi neTsidoni ebebezele ukumlalela nokobana abaphilise ezifeni zabo. Labo ebebatshwenywa mimoya emimbi bapholiswa. Boke abantu balinga ukumkghwatha ngombana kuye bekuphuma amandla, abapholisa boke. UJesu waqala abafundi bakhe wathi kibo: “Nibusisiwe nina enidududu ngombana umbuso kaZimu ungewenu. Nibusisiwe nina enilambileko gadesi ngombana nizakusuthiswa! Nibusisiwe nina enililako gadesi ngombana nizakuhleka! “Nibusisiwe lokha abantu nabanihloyako, baninina bebanithuke, balahla amabizwenu bathi mambi ngebanga leNdodana yoMuntu! “Thabani mhlokho neqayeqe ngetokozo ngombana mkhulu umvuzo wenu ezulwini. Naboyisemkhulu babaphatha ngayo indlela le abaphorofidi. “Kodwana maye kini eninjingileko ngombana senikufumene ukunethezeka kwenu. Maye kini enisuthako gadesi ngombana nizokulamba. Maye kini enihlekako gadesi ngombana nizokulila nirhahlawule. “Maye kini lokha boke abantu bakhuluma kuhle ngani ngombana nabaphorofidi bamala babaphatha ngaleyondlela.” “Kodwana nina eningizwako ngithi kini: Thandani izitha zenu, nenze okulungileko kilabo abanizondako. Busisani abanithukako, nithandazele nalabo abaniphatha kumbi. Lokha umuntu nakuwahla emhlathini, mnikele nomunye umhlathi godu. Lokha omunye nakuthathela imbajakho, mlise athathe nejasakho. Yipha woke umuntu okukhombela okuthileko, begodu nanyana ngubani okuthathela ekungekwakho, ungamtjeli bona akubuyise. Yenza kabanye njengombana nawe ungathanda bona benze kuwe. “Nanithanda kwaphela labo abanithandako, kunisiza ngani lokho na? Ngitjho nezoni zithanda labo abazithandako! Nanenza okulungileko kilabo abalungileko kini, kunisiza ngani lokho na? Ngitjho nezoni zenza njalo! Naniboleka kwaphela labo enaziko bona bazakubuyisa, kunisiza ngani lokho na? Ngitjho nezoni ziyabolekana, bese zilindele ukubuyiselwa ngokuzeleko. Nje-ke nina thandani izitha zenu nizenzele okulungileko, zibolekeni ningafuni imbuyiselo. Yeke umvuzo wenu uzakuba mkhulu bese niba madodana wongoPhezulu ngombana yena ulungile kilabo abangathokoziko nabakhohlakeleko. Yibani nesirhawu njengombana noYihlo anesirhawu.” “Ningagwebi ukuze nani ningagwetjwa. Ningalahli ukuze nani ningalahlwa. Colelani ukuze nani nicolelwe. Yiphani, nani nizakuphiwa. Isilinganiso esihle, esigandelweko, sakutluzwa besaphuphuma, sizakuthelwa ezandleni zakho. Ngambala isilinganiso osisebenzisa ukupha abanye, sizakusetjenziselwa ukupha wena.” Godu wabatjela umfanekiso lo: “Isiphofu singakhe sidose esinye na? Azizukuwela zombili njalo ngemgodini? Umfundi akasingaphezu komfundisakhe, kodwana woke obandulwe ngokuzeleko uzakuba njengomfundisakhe. “Uqalelani itserana engelihlweni lakamfowenu, kodwana ungaboni isigodokazi esingelihlweni lakho na? Ungatjho njani kumfowenu uthi, ‘Mfowethu, yithi ngikhuphe itserana ngelihlweni lakho,’ khisibe wena ubhalelwa kubona isigodokazi ngelihlweni lakho na? Wena mzenzisi ndina! Thoma ngokukhupha isigodokazi esingelihlweni lakhwelo qangi, yeke uzakukghona ukubona kuhle, ukghone ukukhupha itserana engelihlweni lomfowenu.” “Akunamuthi omuhle othela iinthelo ezimbi, namkha omumbi othela iinthelo ezihle. Ngilowo nalowo muthi waziwa ngeenthelo zawo. Abantu abakhi amakhiwani esitjhutheni sameva namkha amadiribe emeveni. Umuntu olungileko uveza okulungileko okuvela ngehliziywenakhe, ngokunjalo nomuntu omumbi uveza okumbi okuvela ngehliziywenakhe. Ngambala umlomo ukhuluma ukuphuphuma kwehliziyo.” “Ningibizelani nithi, ‘Kosi, Kosi,’ khisibe kanti anikwenzi enginitjela khona na? Ngizanikhombisa bonyana unjani loyo oza kimi bese ulalela amezwami awenze. Unjengendoda eyathi nayakha ikumbayo, yemba kwatjhinga yabese ibeka isisekelo phezu kwedwala. Kwathi nakufika iinkhukhula, zabetha phezu kwayo kodwana azange ziyinyakazise ngombana beyakhiwe kuhle. Kodwana ozwa amezwami angawenzi, unjengendoda eyakha ikumbayo equlwanini ngaphandle kwesisekelo. Kwathi nakufika iinkhukhula zayimadlha, yabhusuka, begodu kwaba kukhulu ukonakala kwayo.” Kwathi bona uJesu aqede ukukhuluma koke lokhu eendlebeni zabantu, wangena eKapernawumi. Ikhoboka lomphathimabutho weRoma ebelithandeka khulu kuye beligulela ukufa. Umphathimabutho wezwa ngoJesu, nje-ke wathumela abaphathi abathileko bamaJuda kuye bayomkhombela kobana eze azokupholisa ikhoboka lakhe. Bathi nabafika kuJesu bamrabhela khulu kwamambala bathi kuye: “Iyafaneleka indoda le kobana isizwe nguwe ngombana iyasithanda isizwe sekhethu begodu ngiyo esakhele isinagogi.” Yeke uJesu wakhamba nabo. Bekangasikude nekumba lokha umphathimabutho nathumela abangani bakhe kobana bathi kuye: “Kosi, ungazitshwenyi ngombana akukangifaneli bona umuntu onjengawe angangena ngaphasi kwephahla lami. Kungebangelo azange bengizibone ngifanelekile bona ngingeza kuwe ngokwami. Bengithi yewukhulume ilizwi nje kwaphela, isisebenzi sami sizakuphola. Nami ngokwami ngimumuntu ongaphasi kweemphathimandla, nginamajoni angaphasi kwami. Nangithi komunye, ‘Khamba,’ uyakhamba; ngithi komunye, ‘Yizapha,’ eze; ngithi ekhobokeni lami, ‘Yenza lokhu,’ likwenze.” Kwathi uJesu nezwa lokho, wamrarekela khulu, waphendukela ngesiqubuthwini ebesimlandela wathi: “Ngiyanitjela ngithi azange khengifunyane ukukholwa okungaka ngitjho nakwa-Israyeli!” Iinthunywa zabuyela emzini womphathi zafumana isisebenzi sipholile. Msinyazana ngemva kwalokho, uJesu waya edorobheni elibizwa bona yiNayini, akhamba nabafundi bakhe nesiqubuthu esikhulu. Kwathi bona afike esangweni ledorobho, wabona umngcwabo uphuma. Umufi loyo bekuyindodana eyodwa tere yomhlolokazi. Nje-ke isiqubuthu esikhulu sedorobhenelo besinaye. Kwathi bona iKosi imbone, yamdabukela kwamambala yathi kuye: “Ungalili!” Yatjhidela yafese yakghwatha ihlaka, kwathi ebebalithwele bajama. Yathi: “Sokana! Ngithi kuwe, vuka!” Umufi wavuka wathoma wakhuluma, uJesu wayithatha wayibuyisela kunina. Boke bafikelwa kukwesaba bebadumisa uZimu, bathi: “Umphorofidi omkhulu ufikile hlangana nathi!” Godu bathi: “UZimu uze ukuzokusiza abantu bakhe!” Iindabezi ngoJesu zarhatjheka eJudiya loke kanye neenarheni ezilibhodileko. Abafundi bakaJwanisi bambikela ngakho koke lokhu. Wabiza babili babo, wabathumela eKosini bona bayokubuza bathi: “Unguye olindelwe bona afike namkha silindele omunye na?” Kwathi bona bafike kuJesu, bathi: “UJwanisi uMbhabhadisi usithume kuwe bona sizokubuza sithi, ‘Unguye olindelwe bona afike namkha silindele omunye na?’ ” Khonokho uJesu wapholisa abanengi ebebanezifo, bagula begodu banemimoya emimbi, wenza nabanengi abaphopheleko babona. Waphendula iinthunywa wathi: “Buyelani emuva niyokubikela uJwanisi ngalokho enikubonileko nenikuzwileko: Iimphofu seziyabona, abarholopheleko sebayakhamba, abanekhwekhwe bapholile, iinthulu ziyezwa, abafileko bayavuswa neendaba ezimnandi zitjhunyayelwa kabadududu. Ubusisiwe umuntu ongakhubekiko ngami!” Ngemva kobana iinthunywa zakaJwanisi sezikhambile, uJesu wathoma ukukhuluma ngoJwanisi esiqubuthwini wathi: “Beniyokubonani lokha naniye erhalawumbeni na? Umhlanga ophephethwa mumoya na? Kanti beniyokubonani na? Umuntu owembethe izambatho zakanokutjho? Awa, abantu abembatha izambatho ezibizako bebahlale emnonweni bafunyanwa ngeengodlweni! Emanyeni naniyokubonani na? Kghani umphorofidi? Iye, ngiyanitjela ngithi ongaphezu komphorofidi. UJwanisi nguye okwatlolwa ngaye kwathiwa, “ ‘Ngizakuthumela isithunywa sami ngaphambi kwakho, esizakulungisa indlelakho.’ “Ngiqinisile ngithi phakathi kwalabo ababelethwe ngowesifazana akakho omkhulu kunoJwanisi, kodwana omncancani embusweni kaZimu mkhulu kunaye.” Boke abantu ngitjho nabathelisi bawezwa amezwi kaJesu, bavuma bonyana indlela kaZimu iliqiniso ngombana bebabhajadiswe nguJwanisi. Kodwana abaFarisi nezazimthetho bawulahla umnqopho kaZimu ngabo ngombana bebangakabhajadiswa nguJwanisi. UJesu wathi: “Alo-ke ngingabafanisa nani abantu banamhlanjesaba na? Kghani bafana nani na? Banjengabantwana abahlezi endaweni yokuthengisela barhuwelelana basithi, “ ‘Sanibethela inghwani, akhange nigide; sanivumela iingoma zesililo, kodwana akhange nilile.’ “UJwanisi uMbhabhadisi wafika angagomi sikwa begodu angaseli wayini, nina nathi, ‘Unedimoni!’ INdodana yoMuntu yafika igoma begodu isela, nina nathi, ‘Nasi-ke isirhiribideli nesidakwa, umngani wabathelisi nezoni!’ Kodwana ukuhlakanipha kuqinisekiswa ngibo boke abantwana bakho.” Nje-ke omunye wabaFarisi wamema uJesu bona azokugoma naye isidlo sakusihlwa. UJesu waya emzini womFarisi, wazigedla etafuleni. Kwathi lokha umfazi obegade aphila ipilo yesono edorobhenelo nalemuka bonyana uJesu gade agoma ngekumbeni yomFarisi, waletha umjekana uzele amakha. Wajama ngemva kwakhe eenyaweni zakhe walila, wathambisa iinyawo zakhe ngeenyembezi. Wazesula ngeenhluthu zakhe, wazincwanga bewazithela ngamakha. Kuthe umFarisi omumemileko nabona lokhu, wazibuza wathi: “Nakube kwamambala umuntu lo mphorofidi, bekazakwazi bona ngubani omkghwathako lo nokobana umhlobo bani womfazi, okutjho bona usisoni!” UJesu wamphendula wathi: “Simoni, ikhona into engifuna ukukutjela yona.” USimoni wathi: “Yewungitjele mfundisi.” UJesu wathi: “Bekukhona abantu ababili ebebakoloda umbolekisimali. Omunye bekamkoloda abodenariyu abahlanu, omunye amkoloda abodenariyu abamatjhumi amahlanu. Bobabili azange babe nemali yokumbuyisela, nje-ke wasula isikolodo sabo bobabili. Alo-ke ngongiwuphi phakathi kwabo ozomthanda khulu na?” USimoni wathi: “Ngicabanga bona ngiloyo owesulelwe isikolodo esikhulu.” UJesu wathi: “Ubone kuhle.” Yeke waphendukela ngemfazini wathi kuSimoni: “Uyambona umfazi lo na? Ngize ngakwakho, akhange unginikele ngitjho namanzana wokwesula iinyawo zami, kodwana yena uthambise iinyawo zami ngeenyembezi zakhe bewazesula ngeenhluthu zakhe. Akhange ungamukele ngokungincwanga emhlathini, kodwana umfazi lo, akhange alise ukuncwanga iinyawo zami solo ngingene lapha. Akhange ungizese ngamafutha ehloko, kodwana yena uthele iinyawo zami ngamakha. Yeke ngiyakutjela bona izono zakhe ezinengi zicolelwe ngombana utjengise ithando elikhulu. Kodwana ocolelwe kancani naye uthanda kancani.” UJesu wathi emfazini loyo: “Izono zakho zicolelwe.” Ezinye iinthekeli zathoma ukubuzana zathi: “Ngubani lo, ocolela ngitjho nezono?” UJesu wathi emfazini loyo: “Ukukholwa kwakho kukusindisile, khamba ngokuthula.” Ngemva kwalokho uJesu wakhamba wadabula hlangana nedorobho nomuzi atjhumayela iindaba ezimnandi ngombuso kaZimu. Abalitjhumi nambili gade bakhamba naye, kanye nabafazi abathileko ebebapholisiwe emimoyeni emimbi nezifeni: uMariya Magdalina, okwakhutjhwa kuye amadimoni alikhomba; uJwana umkaKhuza, umphathi womkhaya kaHerode, uSusana kanye nabanye abanengi. Abafazaba ngibo ebegade basiza ngokusekela uJesu nabafundi bakhe ngeendleko zabo. Kwathi nakusabuthene isiqubuthu esikhulu nabantu basiza kuJesu bavela emizini ehlukeneko, wacoca naku umfanekiso: “Umlimi waphuma wayokutjala imbewakhe. Kwathi nasarhatjha imbewu esimini, enye yawela endleleni, yagadangwa ngeenyawo neenyoni zomkayi zayidobha zayidla. Enye yawela ekhetheni, kwathi nayimilako yabuna ngombana bekomile. Enye yawela hlangana nameva, akhula nayo ayiminyezela yafa. Enye yawela ehlabathini evundileko. Yamila beyathela isivuno, kwaba ngokubuyelelwe kalikhulu kunangaphezu kwalokho ebekutjaliwe.” Wathi naqeda ukutjho lokho warhuwelela wathi: “Loyo oneendlebe akezwe!” Abafundi bakhe bambuza bona umfanekiso lo utjho ukuthini na. Wabaphendula wathi: “Nina niphiwe ilwazi lokulemuka ifihlo yombuso kaZimu, kodwana kabanengi ngikhuluma ngemifanekiso ukuze kuthi, “ ‘nanyana babona, kodwana bangabonisisi, nanyana basizwa kodwana bangalemuki.’ ” “Nakhu okutjhiwo mfanekiso: Imbewu lilizwi lakaZimu. Abasendleleni ngilabo abezwako, bese uSathana uyeza afese ahlwithe ilizwi eenhliziyweni zabo ukuze bangakholwa bese basindiswe. Abasekhetheni ngilabo abathi nabezwa ilizwi balamukele ngethabo, kodwana banganayo imirabhu. Bayakholwa kwesikhatjhana, kodwana nakufika isikhathi sokulingwa bawe. Abasemeveni ngilabo abezwako kodwana nabalokhu bakhamba endleleni baminyaniswe matshwenyekwabo, umnotho kanye nobumnandi bepilo, bese bangatheli iinthelo ezivuthiweko. Yeke labo abasequlwanini evundileko ngilabo abathi nabezwa ilizwi balibulunge ngeenhliziyo ezithembekileko nezihle, bese bathela isithelo ngokubekezela.” “Akakho okhanyisa isibani asifihle ngesitjeni namkha asibeke ngaphasi kombhede. Esikhundleni salokho usibeka elithini laso ukuze labo abangenako bakwazi ukubona umkhanyo. “Ngambala akunanto efihliweko engeze yavezwa emtarini, godu akunanto esitheziweko engeze yaziwa namkha yembulwa. “Yeke yelelani bona nizwa njani ngombana loyo onelitho uzakungezelelelwa, kodwana loyo onganalitho uzakwemukwa ngitjho nokuncancani anakho.” Unina nabafowabo kaJesu beza bazombona, kodwana babhalelwa kufika kuye ngebanga lesiqubuthu. Omunye wamtjela wathi: “Unyoko nabafowenu bajame ngaphandle bafuna ukukubona.” UJesu wabaphendula wathi: “Umma nabafowethu ngilabo abezwa ilizwi lakaZimu bebalenze.” Ngelinye ilanga uJesu wakhwela ngemkhunjini nabafundi bakhe, wathi kibo: “Nambani seyamele ngaphetjheya kwelwandle.” Yeke bakhamba-ke. Kuthe basathaya njalo, uJesu walala. Khonokho kwavuka isiwuruwuru esikhulu ngelwandle kangangobana umkhumbi wazala amanzi, boke baba sengozini ekulu. Abafundi baya kuye bamvusa bathi kuye: “Kosi, Kosi! Safa!” UJesu wavuka, wakhalimela isiwuruwuru kanye namaza agubhuzelako, khonapho isiwuruwurweso sathula, kwathi du. Yeke wathi ebafundini bakhe: “Kuphi ukukholwa kwenu na?” Besaba, barareka bebabuzana bodwa bathi: “Kanti ngubani umuntu lo okghona ukukhalimela imimoya namaza kumlalele na?” Bayamela esifundeni samaGerasene esingaphetjheya kwelwandle ukusuka eGalile. Kuthe bona uJesu ehlele eligwini, wahlangatjezwa yindoda enamadimoni ivela ngedorobheni. Besele kusikhathi eside indoda le isoloko ikhamba bulanzi begodu ingahlali ekhaya, kodwana ihlala emathuneni. Kwathi nayibona uJesu yarhuwelela beyaziphosela eenyaweni zakhe, yamemeza yathi: “Utjhiswa yini ngami wena Jesu, Ndodana kaZimu ongoPhezulu na? Ngiyakurabhela ungangihlukumezi!” UJesu begade ayale ummoya omumbi kobana uphume endodeni leyo. Esikhathini esinengi idimoneli beliyibamba, kuthi nanyana ibotjhwe ngeenketani izandla neenyawo begodu iqaphelwe, iqhusule iinketanezo, idimoni liyithumele erhalawumbeni. UJesu wayibuza wathi: “Ungubani ibizo lakho na?” Yathi: “NginguLegiyoni.” Yatjho njalo ngombana bekungene amadimoni amanengi kiyo. Amadimoni arabhela uJesu kanenginengi bona angawayali kobana aye ngemgodini otjhingako. Bekukhona umhlambi omkhulu wezavukazana utlabe entatjaneni. Yeke imimoya emimbi yarabhela uJesu bona ayithumele ngezavukazaneni, wayinikela-ke imvumo. Amadimoni lawo aphuma endodeni, angena ngezavukazaneni, umhlambi wagijimela emthewukeleni weligu wadlhumukela ngelwandle, wacwila. Kwathi lokha abelusi bezavukazana nababona okwenzekileko, bagijimela ngedorobheni nemaphandleni bayokubika. Abantu baphuma bayokuqala bona kwenzekeni. Kwathi bona bafike kuJesu, bafumana indoda ekukhutjhwe kiyo amadimoni ihlezi eenyaweni zakaJesu, yembethe begodu ihlokwayo ithatha kuhle; boke bangenwa kukwesaba. Labo ababonako batjela abantu bona ipholiswe njani indoda ebeyinemimoya emimbi leyo. Yeke boke abantu besifunda samaGerasene bakhombela uJesu bona abagadunge ngombana bebangenwe kukwesaba. Yeke uJesu wangena ngemkhunjini wakhamba. Indoda ekwakhutjhwa kiyo amadimoni yarabhela yathi ifuna ukukhamba noJesu. Kodwana uJesu wathi kiyo: “Buyela ekhaya uyobatjela bona kungangani uZimu akwenzele khona.” Yeke indoda leyo yakhamba-ke yangena loke idorobho ikhuluma bona kungangani ekwenzelwe nguJesu. Kwathi bona uJesu abuye, isiqubuthu sabantu samhlangabeza ngombana besimlindele. Khonapho kwafika kuye indoda ebekuthiwa nguJayirosi, imphathi wesinagogi, yafese yazilahlela eenyaweni zakhe. Yamrabhela bona eze emzinayo ngombana indodakazayo ekukuphela kwayo, umntazanyana weminyaka elitjhumi nambili, beyigulela ukufa. Kwathi asakhamba, isiqubuthu samuminyanisa. Hlangana nesiqubuthweso bekunomfazi ogade aphopha iingazi iminyaka elitjhumi nambili. Begade arhutjhulele koke anakho eenyangeni, kodwana ayikho neyodwa eyakghona ukumelapha. Weza ngemva kwakaJesu wafese wakghwatha umphetho wesambatho sakhe, ukuphopha kwakhe kwaphela khonokho. UJesu wabuza wathi: “Ngubani ongikghwathileko na?” Boke balandula, uPitrosi wamphendula wathi: “Agu, Kosi! Qala bonyana abantu bakuminyezele kangangani.” Kodwana uJesu wathi: “Kukhona ongikghwathileko ngombana ngizwile lokha amandla naphumako kimi.” Kwathi lokha umfazi lo nabona bonyana angeze akwazi ukuzifihla, weza athuthumela wafese waguqa phambi kwakaJesu. Phambi kwabo boke abantu, wazihlambulula bonyana kubayini amkghwathile nokobana uphole njani khonokho. UJesu wathi kuye: “Ndodakazi, ukukholwa kwakho kukusindisile. Khamba ngokuthula.” Kwathi uJesu asakhuluma njalo, kwafika othileko avela emzini kaJayirosi, umphathi wesinagogi wathi: “Indodakazakho ihlongakele. Ungasatshwenya umfundisi.” Kodwana uJesu wakuzwa lokho wathi kuJayirosi: “Ungesabi, kholwa nje kwaphela, izakuphila.” Kwathi bona afike emzini kaJayirosi, akhange avumele namunye bona angene naye ngaphandle kwakaPitrosi, uJwanisi noJakopo kanye noyise lomntwana nonina. Ngesikhatheso boke ebebalapho begade barhahlawula bamlilela. UJesu wathi kibo: “Lisani ukurhahlawula! Akakahlongakali kodwana ulele.” Bamhleka ngombana gade basazi bona uhlongakele. Kodwana uJesu wambamba ngesandla wathi kuye: “Mntwanami, vuka!” Ummoyakhe wabuyela kuye, khonapho wasikima. Yeke uJesu wabatjela bona bamuphe okugonywako. Ababelethi bakhe barareka khulu, kodwana uJesu wabayala bona bangatjeli namunye ngokwenzekileko. UJesu wabizela kuye abafundi bakhe abalitjhumi nambili, wabapha amandla negunya lokuqotjha woke amadimoni nokupholisa izifo. Yeke wabathuma bona bayokutjhumayela ngombuso kaZimu bebapholise nabagulako. Wathi kibo: “Ningaphathi ilitho ekukhambeni kwenu, ingaba yintonga, imbada, isikwa, imali nanyana isambatho ngaphezu kwaleso enisembetheko. Nanyana ngiyiphi ikumba eningena kiyo, hlalani lapho bekube kumhlana nikhambako emzini lowo. Nakube abantu balapho abanamukeli, thintithani ithuli eenyaweni zenu naniphuma ngemzinabo, lokho kube bufakazi obujamelene nabo.” Yeke bakhamba-ke bangena umuzi nomzana, batjhumayela iindaba ezimnandi, bapholisa nabantu kizo zoke iindawo. UHerode umtetrarerhesi wezwa ngakho koke okwenzekako. Warareka khulu ngombana abanye bebasithi uJwanisi uvusiwe kabahlongakeleko. Abanye bebasithi u-Eliya ubonakele, abanye godu bathi omunye wabaphorofidi bekadeni uvukile. Kodwana uHerode wathi: “UJwanisi ngamqunta ihloko. Alo, ngubani-ke engizwa izinto ezinjalo ngaye lo?” Nje-ke walinga ukubonana naye. Abapostoli nababuyako, babikela uJesu ngalokho abakwenzileko. Wabathatha wakhamba nabo bodwa baya edorobheni ebekuthiwa yiBhethe-Sayida. Kodwana isiqubuthu sabantu sezwa ngalokho, samlandela. Wabamukela, wakhuluma nabo ngombuso kaZimu, wapholisa labo ebebafuna ukwelatjhwa. Sekuhlwile ngemva kwedina, abafundi bakhe beza kuye bathi: “Besithi tjhaphulula abantwaba baye ngemizini neendaweni eziseduze bayokufuna okugonywako nendawo yokulala ngombana sisemmangweni lapha.” Kodwana uJesu wathi kibo: “Bapheni okugonywako.” Bamphendula bathi: “Esinakho sezizikwa ezihlanu neenhlambi ezimbili. Kuzakufuneka bona siyokuthengela soke isiqubuthwesi okugonywako.” Bekunamadoda angaba ziinkulungwana ezihlanu. UJesu wathi ebafundini bakhe: “Bahlaliseni phasi ngeenqhema zamatjhumi amahlanu ngasinye.” Abafundi bakwenza lokho, yeke woke umuntu wahlala phasi. UJesu wathatha izikwa ezihlanu neenhlambi ezimbili waqala ezulwini, wathokoza wazihlephula. Wanikela abafundi bakhe bona baphe isiqubuthu. Boke bagoma basutha, abafundi bakhe babuthelela iintshutshuru bazalisa iinqwebu ezilitjhumi nambili. Kwathi uJesu asathandaza ngasese, abafundi bakhe banaye lapho, wababuza wathi: “Abantu bathi ngingubani na?” Bamphendula bathi: “Abanye bathi unguJwanisi uMbhabhadisi. Abanye bathi ungu-Eliya, godu abanye bathi ungomunye wabaphorofidi bekadeni ovukileko.” Wababuza wathi: “Alo-ke, nina nithi ngingubani na?” UPitrosi wamphendula wathi: “UnguKrestu kaZimu.” UJesu wabadosa ngendlebe bona bangatjeli namunye ngalokho. Godu wathi: “INdodana yoMuntu kumele itlhage ngezinto ezinengi beyilahlwe baphathi, baphristi abakhulu nabafundisi bomthetho. Godu kumele ibulawe bese elangeni lesithathu ivuswe ekufeni.” Yeke wathi kibo boke: “Nakube kukhona ofuna ukungilandela, akazidele, atjathe isiphambano sakhe malanga woke angilandele. Ngambala nanyana ngubani ofuna ukusindisa ipilwakhe, izomlahlekela, kodwana nanyana ngubani olahlekelwa yipilwakhe ngebanga lami, uzabe uyisindisile. Kuzamsiza ngani umuntu ukuzuza iphaseli loke nje, kodwana yena alahleke namkha azilobe yena ngokwakhe na? Nanyana ngubani oba neenhloni ngami nangamezwami, neNdodana yoMuntu izakuba neenhloni ngaye lokha nayifika ephazimulwenayo, nephazimulweni kaBaba kanye neengilozini ezicwengileko. Kodwana nginitjela iqiniso, abanye benu abajame lapha angekhe bakuzwa ukufa bangakawuboni umbuso kaZimu.” Emalangeni abunane ngemva kobana uJesu akhulume lokho, wathatha uPitrosi, uJwanisi noJakopo wakhuphukela nabo entabeni wayokuthandaza. Kuthe asathandaza, ubuso bakhe baphenduka nezambatho zakhe zadarha njengokunyazima kombani. Khonapho amadoda amabili, uMosi no-Eliya, babonakala ngephazimulo ekulu, bakhuluma noJesu. Bakhuluma ngokwemuka kwakhe ebekuzakwenzeka eJerusalema. UPitrosi nabangani bakhe gade baphethwe buthongo, kodwana kwathi nabaphaphamako babona iphazimulo kaJesu namadoda amabili agade ajame naye. Kwathi lokha amadoda lawo nasuka kuJesu, uPitrosi wathi kuye: “Kosi, maye kuhle kangangani bona sibe lapha! Yeke asakheni imitlhatlhana emithathu, owodwa ube ngewakho, owodwa ube ngewakaMosi, owodwa ube ngewaka-Eliya.” Bekangazizwa bona uthini. Kuthe asakhuluma njalo kwavela ilifu labagubuzesa, abafundi bethuka nabangena ngelifwini. Kwezwakala ilizwi livela elifwini lithi: “Le yiNdodanami, engiyikhethileko, ilaleleni!” Ngemva kobana ilizwelo likhulumile, bafunyana uJesu ayedwa. Abafundi bayigcina kibo indaba le, akhange batjele muntu ngalokho abakubonileko. Ngelanga elilandelako nabehla entabeni, bahlangatjezwa siqubuthu esikhulu. Kwarhuwelela indoda hlangana nesiqubuthu yathi: “Mfundisi, ngiyakurabhela! Akhe uqale indodanami ekungiyo kwaphela, umntwana enginaye! Ummoya uyayibamba, khonapho bese iyarhuwelela, uyidule phasi ibe nesithunthwana, ibhubhudlhe amagwebu ngomlomo. Awuyiphi ithuba kanti nokuyilimaza uyayilimaza. Fese ngarabhela abafundi bakhwaba bona bawuqotjhe, kodwana babhalelwa.” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Nina sizukulwana esingakholwako nesikhohlakeleko! Ngizakuhlala nginani bekube kunini na? Letha indodanakho leyo lapha.” Kuthe umsana aseza kuJesu, idimoni lamdula phasi, waba nesithunthwana. Kodwana uJesu wakhalimela ummoya omumbi lowo, wapholisa umsana bewambuyisela kuyise. Boke abantu barareka ngobukhulu obungaka bakaZimu. Kwathi woke umuntu asararekile ngakho koke okwenziwe nguJesu, wathi ebafundini bakhe: “Lalelisisani kuhle lokho engizonitjela khona: INdodana yoMuntu izokukhatjhelwa ezandleni zabantu.” Kodwana abafundi akhange bazwisise bona kutjho ukuthini lokhu. Bekufihlekile kibo ukuze bangalemuki, ngalokho bebesaba ukumbuza ngendaba le. Kwaba khona ukuphikisana hlangana nabafundi bakaJesu, bafuna ukwazi bona ngubani ozokuba mkhulu hlangana nabo. UJesu ngokwazi imikhumbulwabo, wathatha umntwana omncani wamjamisa eqadi kwakhe. Wathi kibo: “Nanyana ngubani owamukela umntwana omncani lo ebizweni lami, wamukela mina; naloyo owamukela mina, wamukela loyo ongithumileko. Ngambala loyo ongomncani phakathi kwenu noke nguye ongomkhulu.” UJwanisi wathi kuye: “Mfundisi, sibone umuntu aqotjha amadimoni ngebizo lakho, salinga ukumkhandela ngombana angasuye omunye wethu.” Kodwana uJesu wathi: “Ningamkhandeli ngombana loyo ongararani nani ungowenu.” Kwathi lokha isikhathi nasitjhidelako sokobana enyuselwe ezulwini, uJesu wakhumbula ukuya eJerusalema. Wathumela iinthunywa ngaphambi kwakhe bona ziye ngemzini weSamariya ziyomlungisela. Kodwana abantu balapho azange bamamukele ngombana bekasiya eJerusalema. Kwathi lokha abafundi bakhe, uJakopo noJwanisi, nababona lokhu bathi kuye: “Kosi, ufuna bona sibize umlilo ezulwini wehle ubaqothule na?” Kodwana uJesu waphenduka, wabakhalimela. Yeke uJesu nabafundi bakhe baya emzini omunye. Kwathi basakhamba endleleni, umuntu omunye wathi kuJesu: “Ngizakulandela koke lapha uya khona.” UJesu wathi kuye: “Iimpungutjha zinemigodi, iinyoni zomkayi zineenhlakana, kodwana iNdodana yoMuntu ayinalapha ingabeka khona ihloko.” Wathi emuntwini omunye: “Ngilandela!” Kodwana umuntu loyo wathi: “Kosi, angibuyele ekhaya ngiyokubulunga ubaba qangi.” UJesu wamphendula wathi: “Lisani abafileko babulunge abafileko babo. Kodwana wena khamba uyokumemezela umbuso kaZimu.” Omunye godu wathi: “Kosi ngizakulandela, kodwana akhe ngibuyele ekhaya qangi, ngiyokulayelisa.” UJesu wathi kuye: “Umuntu obeka isandla sakhe eplurhwini, aphele arhedlule emuva, akakafaneli ukusebenzela umbuso kaZimu.” Ngemva kwalokho iKosi yakhetha abanye abamatjhumi alikhomba nambili, yabathuma ngababili bona bakhambe phambi kwayo baye kiyo yoke imizi nakizo zoke iindawo lapha beyizakuya khona. Yathi kibo: “Isivuno sinengi, kodwana iinsebenzi zimbalwa. Yeke khombelani eKosini yesivuno kobana ithumele iinsebenzi esiminayo. Khambani! Qalani, nginithuma njengeemvana hlangana neempisi. Ningaphathi isikhwama, imbada namkha amapatlagwana begodu ningabingeleli muntu endleleni. Naningena kinanyana ngimuphi umuzi nithome ngokuthi, ‘Ukuthula akube nekhayeli.’ Nakube lapho kunendoda yokuthula, kuzakuhlala phezu kwayo. Nakungasinjalo ukuthula kuzakubuyela kini. Hlalani emzini lowo, nigome benisele nanyana yini abanipha yona ngombana isisebenzi sifanelwa mrholo waso. Ningasoloko nitjhida niphuma kilomuzi ningene kilowaya. Lokha naningena ngemzini bese niyamukeleka, gomani okubekwe phambi kwenu. Pholisani abagulako abalapho, nithi kibo, ‘Umbuso kaZimu ubandamele kini.’ Kodwana naningena ngemzini banganamukeli, yiyani eendledlaneni nithi, ‘Sitjho nethuli lomuzi wenu elikghamathele eenyaweni zethu, silesulela phezu kwenu. Kodwana qinisekani ngalokhu: Umbuso kaZimu sewubandamele!’ Ngiyanitjela ngithi iSodoma izokuba ngcono khulu mhlokho kunomuzi lowo.” “Maye kuwe Rhorazini! Maye kuwe Bhethe-Sayida! Nakube imikarisomraro eyenziwe kini beyenziwe eTirosi neTsidoni, ngabe yaphenduka yembatha iinzilo beyahlala emlotheni. Kodwana kuzokuba ngcono khulu kilo iTirosi neTsidoni kunakini. Wena-ke Kapernawumi, udlumbana bona uzokuphakanyiselwa emkayini na? Uzokwehliselwa phasi endaweni yabafileko.” “Loyo onilalelako, nami uyangilela; loyo onalako nami uyangala kodwana owala mina, wala loyo ongithumileko.” Abamatjhumi alikhomba nambili babuya bathabe kwamambala, bathi: “Kosi, awukhuzi namadimoni asilalele lokha siwakhalimelako ngebizo lakho!” Wabaphendula wathi: “Ngibone uSathana awa njengombani ovela ezulwini. Lalelani-ke, ngininikele amandla wokukhamba phezu kweenyoka nabofezela benehlule woke amandla wesitha. Akunalitho elizanikhubaza. Nokho ningathatjiswa kukobana imimoya emimbi inilalele, kodwana thokoziswani kukobana amabizwenu atloliwe ezulwini.” Khonapho uJesu waba nethabo lakaMoya oCwengileko wathi: “Ngiyakuthokoza, Baba, mnikazi wezulu nephasi ngombana izintwezi uzifihlile emehlweni wabahlakaniphileko nabanelemuko, kodwana wazembulela abantwana abancani. Iye, Baba ngombana lokhu kwaba yitokozo yakho ehle. “Zoke izinto uBaba uzibeke ezandleni zami. Akakho noyedwa owaziko bona ngubani iNdodana ngaphandle koBaba, begodu akakho noyedwa owaziko bona uBaba ngubani ngaphandle kweNdodana kanye nalabo iNdodana ekhetha ukumbonakalisa kibo.” Yeke waphendukela ebafundini bakhe wathi kibo ngasese: “Abusisiwe amehlo abona enikubonako, ngombana ngiyanitjela bona banengi abaphorofidi namakhosi ebekafuna ukubona izinto enizibonakwezi, kodwana azange azibone bekafisa nokuzwa enikuzwako, kodwana azange akuzwe.” Qalani, kwasikima isazimthetho kobana simzizinye, sathi: “Mfundisi, ngingenza njani ukufumana ipilo engapheliko na?” UJesu wasiphendula wathi: “Kutlolweni emthethweni na? Uwufunda njani?” Saphendula sathi: “Thanda uSomnini uZimakho ngayo yoke ihliziywakho nangomphefumulwakho woke, ngawo woke amandlakho nangomkhumbulwakho woke begodu uthande umakhelwanakho njengombana uzithanda wena.” UJesu wathi kiso: “Uphendule kuhle, yenza lokho, uzakuphila.” Kodwana safuna ukuzibeka ngebuhleni sathi kuJesu: “Alo, ngubani umakhelwanami na?” UJesu wasiphendula wathi: “Kwaba nomuntu ogade asuka eJerusalema asiya eJerikho, wawela ezandleni zabadlelezeli. Bamhlubulisa izambatho zakhe, bambetha, bamtjhiya lapho afe isigiyani. Kwenzeka bona umphristi akhambe ngendlela leyo, kwathi lokha nabona umuntu loyo, wamdlula, agegeda eqadi kwakhe. Ngokunjalo nomLevi wathi nafika lapho, wambona, wamgegeda. Kodwana kwathi umSamariya asakhamba, wafika lapha bekunomuntu loyo, yeke kwathi nambonako, wamrhawukela. Waya kuye, wafese wambopha amanceba, wathela amafutha we-oliva newayini emancebeni. Wamkhweza kudumbanakhe, wamusa ngekumbeni yeenkhambi wamnakekela. Elangeni elilandelako wakhupha iimpaparwana zesiliva ezimbili wanikela umninikumba, wathi kuye: ‘Yewumhlenge, kuzakuthi nangibuyako, ngikukhokhele zoke iindleko ezinye obe nazo ngaye.’ ” “Alo-ke, ngimuphi kilaba abathathu ocabanga bona ube ngumakhelwana emuntwini owele ezandleni zabadlelezeli na?” Isazimthetho sathi: “Ngiloyo omrhawukeleko.” UJesu wathi kiso: “Arha-ke! Khamba nawe uyokwenza njalo.” UJesu nabafundi bakhe bakhamba, bafika emzini lapha bekunowesifazana ebekuthiwa nguMarta, wamamukela. Bekanodadwabo ebekuthiwa nguMariya, owahlala eenyaweni zeKosi, walalela lokha nayifundisako. Kodwana uMarta wakhathazeka ngawo woke umsebenzi ebekumele awenze, yeke wathi kuJesu: “Kosi, awukhathazeki bona udadwethu ungiliselele ngomsebenzi omkhulu kangaka na? Mtjele bona azongisiza!” IKosi yamphendula yathi: “Marta, Marta-ke! Ukhathazeka bewuwurubajeke ngezinto ezinengi, kodwana kunye kwaphela okufunekako: UMariya ukhethe okungcono, yeke angekhe emukwa khona.” Ngelinye ilanga uJesu bekathandaza endaweni ethileko. Kwathi bona aqede, omunye wabafundi bakhe wathi kuye: “Kosi, yewusifundise ukuthandaza njengombana noJwanisi afundise abafundi bakhe.” Wathi kibo: “Nanithandazako, yithini: “ ‘Baba, ibizo lakho alicwengiswe, umbuswakho awufike. Yewusiphe ngamalanga isikwa sethu sangemihla. Usicolele izono zethu ngombana nathi siyabacolela boke abasonako. Ungasirholeli ekulingweni.’ ” Yeke wathi kibo: “Akhe sithi omunye wenu unomngani, bese uya kuye phakathi kobusuku afese athi, ‘Mngani, yewungiboleke izikwa ezintathu ngombana ngifikelwe mnganami osekukhambeni, yeke anginanto engingamphakela yona!’ Yena-ke aphendule angaphakathi athi kuwe, ‘Yewungisusele mina! Ibadi lihluthulelwe, begodu mina nabantwabami sesilele. Angeze ngavuka ngazokuphana nawe ilitho.’ Ngiyanitjela bona nanyana angeze avuka amuphe isikwa ngombana amnganakhe, kodwana ngebanga lokuphikelela kwakhe, uzakuvuka amuphe isikwa esinengi ngendlela afuna ngayo. “Yeke ngithi kini: Khombelani nizakuphiwa, funani nizakufumana, kokodani nizakuvulelwa ngombana loyo okhombelako uzakuphiwa, nofunako uzakufumana, nokokodako uzakuvulelwa. Ngubani kini bobaba ongathi lokha indodanakhe nayikhombela ihlambi ayiphe inyoka; namkha ayiphe ufezela, lokha ikhombela iqanda na? Nakube nina-ke, ngitjho nanyana nibambi kangaka nje, niyakwazi ukupha abantwana benu izipho ezihle, kangangani-ke uYihlo osezulwini, uzakuphana ngoMoya oCwengileko kilabo abamkhombelako.” UJesu bekaqotjha idimoni elibanga ubumumu. Kwathi bona idimonelo liphume, umuntu obekasimumu wakhuluma. Isiqubuthu sarareka. Kodwana abanye babo bathi: “Uqotjha amadimoni ngoBhelzabhulu ikosana yamadimoni.” Abanye bamlinga ngokumkhombela isibonakaliso esivela ezulwini. Kodwana uJesu wakwazi ebebakucabanga, yeke wathi kibo: “Nanyana ngiwuphi umbuso owahlukene phakathi uzakutjhabalala, nomndeni owahlukene phakathi uzakuwa. Nakube uSathana uhlukene ayedwa, umbuswakhe ungadzimelela njani na? Ngitjho lokhu ngombana nithi ngiqotjha amadimoni ngoBhelzabhulu. Yeke nakube ngiqotjha amadimoni ngoBhelzabhulu, abalandeli benu bawaqotjha ngebizo lakabani na? Ngaleyondlela-ke bazakuba bagwebi benu. Kodwana nakube ngiqotjha amadimoni ngomuno kaZimu, khona-ke kutjho bona umbuso kaZimu sewufikile kini. “Lokha indoda enamandla nehlomileko nayiqaphe umuzayo, yoke ipahlayo iphephile. Kodwana lokha onamandla kunayo nayisahlelako, ayihlule, uthumba zoke iinhlabano zayo ebigade ithembele kizo bese waba ipango yayo. “Loyo ongasingakimi ujamelene nami; naloyo ongabutheleli kanye nami, uyahlikiliza.” “Lokha ummoya omumbi nawuphuma ngemuntwini, ukhamba eendaweni ezomileko ufunana nendawo yokuphumula, kuthi nawungayifumaniko uzitjele uthi, ‘Yeke ngizakubuyela ngekumbenami.’ Nawufikako, ufumana ikumba leyo ihlanzekile iyihle, ukhambe-ke uyokubutha eminye imimoya elikhomba nekhohlakele khulu kunawo, bese ingene ihlale ngapho. Ubujamo bomuntu loyo bukhambelela khulu kunekuthomeni.” Kwathi uJesu asakhuluma lokhu, kwarhuwelela umfazi hlangana nesiqubuthu wathi: “Sibusisiwe isibeletho esakuthwalako kanye namabele akumunyisako!” Waphendula wathi: “Kuhlekuhle ababusisekileko ngilabo abezwa ilizwi lakaZimu bebalilalele!” Kwathi isiqubuthu nasilokhu sanda, uJesu wathi: “Lesi sizukulwana esikhohlakeleko. Sikhombela isibonakaliso kodwana asizukuphiwa ilitho ngaphandle kwesibonakaliso sakaJona. Njengombana umphorofidi uJona waba sibonakaliso ebantwini beNiniva, ngokunjalo iNdodana yoMuntu izakuba sibonakaliso esizukulwanenesi. Indlovukazi yesewula izakuphakama ekugwetjweni ijamelane nesizukulwanesi isilahle ngecala ngombana yavela epelazwe kobana izokulalela ukuhlakanipha kwakaSolomoni, yeke gadesi okukhulu kunoSolomoni kulapha. Amadoda weNiniva azakusikima ngelanga lokugwetjwa ajamelane nesizukulwanesi asilahle ngecala ngombana saphenduka nakutjhumayela uJona kodwana kwanjesi omkhulu kunoJona ulapha.” “Akakho okhanyisa isibani asibeke ekusithekeni namkha ngaphasi kwesitja. Kunalokho usibeka ngesitjeni saso ukuze labo abangenako bakwazi ukubona umkhanyo. Ilihlo lakho lisibani somzimbakho. Amehlwakho nalungileko, umzimbakho woke uyakhanya, kodwana nakube akakalungi, umzimbakho woke usebumnyameni. Qiniseka-ke bonyana umkhanyo ongaphakathi kwakho awubi bumnyama. Yeke umzimbakho woke nawunokukhanya, kungekho indawana yawo emnyama, uzakukhanya woke, lokha umkhanyo wesibani nawukukhanyiselako.” Kuthe bona uJesu aqede ukukhuluma, umFarisi wamumema bona ayokugoma naye kwakhe. Yeke waya-ke wafese wazigedla etafuleni. Kodwana umFarisi nabona bonyana uJesu akhange ahlambe qangi ngaphambi kobana agome, warareka. Yeke iKosi yathi kuye: “Iye, nina baFarisi nihlanza iinkapho nezitja zenu ngaphandle, kodwana ngaphakathi nizele ubumarhamaru nokukhohlakala. Ndlhayela ndina! Owadala ilingaphandle akusuye owadala nelingaphakathi na? Yeke nikelani abatlhagileko okungaphakathi kweenkapho nezitja begodu koke kuzakuba ngokuhlambulukileko kini. “Maye kini baFarisi! Ninikela uZimu kwetjhumi komnono wenu, umkhiqizo kanye nayo yoke imihlobo yemirorho yeemvande zenu, kodwana aniyeleli ukulunga nokuthanda uZimu. Benifanele nenze koke lokho, kodwana ningakulisi nokhunye. “Maye kini baFarisi! Nithanda iinhlalo eziphambili ngemasinagogini nokubingelelwa eendaweni okuthengiswa kizo. Maye kini! Nifana namathuna angakabekiswa, abantu abakhamba phezu kwawo bangawaboni.” Omunye wezazimthetho wathi kuye: “Mfundisi, nawutjho njalo uyasethuka!” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Maye kini nina zazimthetho! Nithwesa abantu imithwalo abangekhe bayikghone, kuthi nina ngokwenu nihlulwe kuphakamisa ngitjho nomnwana wenu kobana nibasize. Maye kini! Nakhela abaphorofidi amathuna khisibe boyihlomkhulu abababulalako. Nani ngokwenu niyakuvuma lokho okwenziwa boyihlomkhulu; babulala abaphorofidi, nina nakha amathunabo. Ngebanga lalokho-ke, uZimu ngokuhlakanipha kwakhe wathi, ‘Ngizabathumela abaphorofidi nabapostoli, abanye bazababulala, abanye babaphathe kumbi.’ Ngalokho-ke isizukulwanesi sizaziphendulela ngeengazi zabo boke abaphorofidi ezathululwa ukusuka ekubunjweni kwephaseli. Iye, ukuthoma ngeengazi zaka-Abela ukufikela kezakaZakariya, owabulawa hlangana ne-aldari nethempeli. Ngambala ngiyanitjela bona isizukulwanesi sizoziphendulela ngakho koke lokho. “Maye kini zazimthetho! Nisuse isihluthulelo somnyango welwazi. Nani ngokwenu azange ningene, navimbela nabagade basithi bayangena.” Kuthe uJesu nasuka lapho, abaFarisi nabafundisi bomthetho bajamelana naye kabuhlungu bamvimbezela ngemibuzo, bamquphile kobana bambambe ngokuthileko angahle akutjho. Ngesikhatheso iinkulungwana ngeenkulungwana zabantu bezidindelana, kangangombana bebagadangelana, uJesu wathoma ukukhuluma qangi ebafundini bakhe wathi: “Yelelani ingumelo yabaFarisi ekukuzenzisa. Akukho okugutjuziweko okungeze kwagutjululwa namkha okufihliweko okungeze kwaziwa. Nje-ke koke enikukhulumela ebumnyameni kuzakuzwakala ekukhanyeni, nenikuhlebako ningemalawini angaphakathi kuzakumenyezelwa ephahleni.” “Kodwana ngiyanitjela nhlobo zami ngithi: Ningabesabi labo ababulala umzimba ngemva kwalokho bangasakghona ukwenza ilitho. Yeke ngizanitjengisa bona nesabe bani: Yesabani loyo othi ngemva kokubulala umzimba abe namandla wokuniphosela ngesirhogweni. Iye, ngiyanitjela ngithi mesabeni loyo! “Iinyoni ezihlanu azithengiswa ngeempaparwana ezimbili na? Kodwana akukho neyodwa yazo uZimu ayikhohlwako. Ngambala, ngitjho nazo iinhluthu zeenhloko zenwezo zibalwe zoke. Ningesabi ngombana nina niqakatheke khulu kuneenyoni ezinengi.” “Ngiyanitjela bona nanyana ngubani ongivuma phambi kwabantu, iNdodana yoMuntu nayo izamvuma phambi kweengilozi zakaZimu. Kodwana loyo ongiphika phambi kwabantu, naye uzakuphikwa phambi kweengilozi zakaZimu. “Woke umuntu okhuluma ngokujamelana neNdodana yoMuntu uzakucolelwa, kodwana nanyana ngubani ohlambalaza uMoya oCwengileko, angekhe acolelwa. “Lokha nanilethwa ngemasinagogini, phambi kwabaphathi nababusi, ningatshwenyeki bona nizazivikela njani namkha nizakuthini, ngombana uMoya oCwengileko uzanifundisa ngesikhatheso bona nithini.” Omunye esiqubuthwini wathi kuJesu: “Mfundisi, tjela umfowethu bona ahlukaniselane nami ilifa.” UJesu wamphendula wathi: “Ndoda, ngubani ongibeke ukuba mgwebi namkha umabi phakathi kwenu na?” Godu uJesu wakhuluma kibo boke wathi: “Yelelani! Hlalani niqaphele boke ubumarhamaru ngombana ipilo yomuntu ayikabunjwa ngobunengi bepahlakhe.” Yeke wabatjela umfanekiso lo: “Iqulwani yomuntu othileko nosikhumkani, yaba nesithelo esihle. Wadlumbana wathi, ‘Ngizokwenza njani ngombana nakhu anginandawo yokubuthelelela isivuno sami nje?’ Yeke wathi, ‘Nakhu engizokwenza: Ngizakugiriza iinlulu zami, ngakhe ezikulu lapha ngizakubeka khona woke amabele nepahlami. Alo-ke ngizakuthi emphefumulwenami: Mphefumulo, unepahla enengi engathatha iminyaka. Zigedle, ugome bewusele uthokoze!’ Kodwana uZimu wathi kuye, ‘Wena sidlhayela ndina! Ebusukwinobu umphefumulwakho uzokubizwa, alo-ke ngubani ozakufumana zoke izintwezi ozibekele zona na?’ ” “Kuzakuba njalo-ke nakinanyana ngubani ozibekela izinto kodwana abe angakanothi ngehlangothini laka Zimu.” UJesu wathi ebafundini bakhe: “Yeke-ke ngiyanitjela bona ningatshwenyeki ngepilwenu ukobana nizokugomani namkha nitshwenyeke ngemizimbeni ukobana nizokwembathani. Ipilo iqakatheke ukwedlula ukugoma nomzimba uqakatheke ukwedlula izambatho. Qalani amagubulu: Akalimi namkha avune, akanazo nezindlu zamagugu namkha iinlulu, khonapho uZimu uyawondla. Nina-ke niqakatheke khulu kuneenyon! Ngubani phakathi kwenu ngokutshwenyeka ongandisa ipilwakhe nge-awara linye na? Njengombana ningakghoni ukwenza okuncanokhu nje, alo nitshwenyekelani ngokunengi na? Qalani bona amakhwa wenarha akhula njani. Akasebenzi namkha aluke intambo, kodwana ngiyanitjela bona ngitjho nekosi uSolomoni kibo boke ubuphaziphazi bakhe azange embathe njengokhunye kwalokhu. Nakube uZimu wembesa utjani benarha, obukhona namhlanjesi kuthi kusasa bufakwe emlilweni, angabhalelwa yini-ke ukwembesa nina na? Maye nina eninokukholwa okuncani! “Yeke ningabeki iinhliziyo zenu ekuthini nizagomani namkha niseleni, ningatshwenyeki ngalokho ngombana abantu bephaseli ngibo abagijimela ezintweni ezinjalo. UYihlo uyazi bona niyazidinga izintwezo. Kodwana funani umbuswakhe, yeke koke lokhu nakho nizakuphiwa khona.” “Ningesabi nina mhlanjana omncani ngombana uYihlo kwamthokozisa khulu ukunipha umbuso. Thengisani ipahlenu bese nabela abadududu, ngokwenza njalo nizabe nizibonelela ngeenkhwanyana zemali ezingekhe zoma, okumnono wezulwini ongekhe waphela. Iye, lapha kungekhe kwangena khona isela nomvunya. Ngambala lapha umnonwakho ukhona, ilapho nehliziywakho. “Yembathani nilungele umsebenzi, neembani zenu zihlale zivutha, njengamadoda alindele ikosawo kobana ibuye emnyanyeni womtjhado ukuze kuthi nayifikako, ikokoda, ayivulele umnyango msinyazana. Kuzakuba kuhle eencekwinezo ekuzakuthi ikosazo nayifikako izifunyane ziqaphile. Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona izakwembatha izambatho zokusebenza, izihlalise etafuleni bese iyazitenda. Kuzakuba kuhle eencekwinezo, ikosazo ezifumana zizilungiselele, ngitjho nanyana ifika ngomlindo wesibili namkha wesithathu wobusuku. Kodwana lemukani lokhu: Nakube umninikhaya bekasazi bonyana isela lizakuza ngasiphi isikhathi, ubangekhe avuma bonyana ikhaya lakhe lifahlwe. Nani ngokunjalo kumele nihlale nilungile ngombana iNdodana yoMuntu izakufika ngesikhathi eningakayilindeli ngaso.” UPitrosi wathi: “Kosi, utjela thina sodwa umfanekiso lo, namkha utjela woke umuntu na?” IKosi yaphendula yathi: “Alo-ke ngubani umphathi othembekileko nohlakaniphileko na? Ngiloyo ikosi ezambeka bona aqale iinceku zayo kobana aziphe ukugoma kwazo ngesikhathi esifaneleko na? Kuzakuba kuhle encwekini leyo ikosi ezayifunyana isenza njalo nayibuyako. Kwamambala ngiyanitjela bona ikosi izakwenza inceku leyo ilawule yoke ipahla yayo. Kodwana akhe sithi inceku leyo izitjela ithi, ‘Ikosami ithatha isikhathi eside ukubuya’, bese ithome ukubetha iinceku neencekukazi ezinye, igome, isele beyidakwe. Ikosi yenceku leyo izakubuya ngelanga inceku leyo ingakayilindeli nangesikhathi engakatjheji ngaso. Izayiqunta iinquqwana iyilahlele endaweni yabangakholwako. “Inceku ethi iyazi kuhle intando yekosayo, kodwana ingazimiseli bona iyenze namkha ingeze yenza ekufunwa yikosayo, izakubethwa imivuvu eminengi. Kodwana inceku engaziko bese yenza izinto ezibanga ukuhlunguphazwa, izakubethwa imivimbo embalwa. Woke ophiwe okunengi, kuzakuthathwa okunengi kuye; kuthi ophathiswe okunengi, kubizwe kuye okunengi ngaphezu kwalokho.” “Ngizele ukuzokuphosela umlilo ephasini begodu ngifisa kangangani ukube thana sele uvutha! Kodwana nginombhabhadiso ekumele ngibhajadiswe ngawo; begodu ngizasoloko ngikhathazekile bewufike! Nidlumbana bona ngilethe ukuthula ephasinapha na? Awa, ngiyanitjela bona ngilethe ukwahlukana. Ukusukela gadesi bazakuba bahlanu emndenini munye abalwa babodwa, abathathu bazakulwa nababili, nababili balwe nabathathu. Iye bazakuhlukana, ubaba ajamelane nendodana nendodana ijamelane nobaba, umma ajamelane nendodakazi nendodakazi ijamelane nomma, unosokana ajamelane nomalukazana nomalukazana ajamelane nonosokana.” UJesu wathi esiqubuthwini: “Nanibona ilifu livela ngetjingalanga, khonapho nithi, ‘Lizokuna’, kwamambala line. Lokha ummoya wesewula nawuvunguzako nithi, ‘Kuzokutjhisa’, kwamambala kube njalo. Bazenzisi ndina! Nanikghona ukuhlathulula ubujamo bephasi nomkayi, kwenziwa yini-ke ningakghoni ukuhlathulula isikhathi sagadesi na?” “Kubayini ningaqunti nina ngokwenu bona ngikuphi okulungileko na? Nawuya nomjamelanakho ebandla, linga ngamandla ukubuyisana naye nisesendleleni, nakungasinjalo uzakudosela kumgwebi bese umgwebi akunikelele ngesikhulu, isikhulu sikuphosele ngesikhungweni. Ngiyakutjela bona awuzukuphuma ngapho kufikela ukhokhe upenyanakho wokugcina.” Ngesikhatheso bekukhona abantu abatjela uJesu ngamaGalile, uPilatu avanganisa iingazi zabo nemihlabelwabo. UJesu wabaphendula wathi: “Nidlumbana bona amaGalile la bekazizoni ezikulu ukudlula boke abantu beGalile ngombana bahlunguphazwa ngalendlela na? Ngithi kini, awa! Kodwana naningaphendukiko, nani nizokubhubha noke nje. Nithini ngabalitjhumi nabunane abahlongakala lokha umtlomogo weSilowamu nawuwela phezu kwabo na? Nidlumbana bona bebanomlandu khulu ukwedlula boke abanye abahlala eJerusalema na? Ngithi kini, awa! Kodwana naningaphendukiko, nani nizokubhubha noke nje.” Yeke wabatjela umfanekiso lo: “Umuntu othileko gade anomuthi wamakhiwani obewutjalwe esidiribeni sakhe. Waya kiwo wayokuqala iinthelo zawo, kodwana azange afumane ilitho. Yeke wathi endodeni ebeyinakekela isidiribe, ‘Sele kuminyaka emithathu kwanjesi ngiseze ngiza lapha ngizokufuna iinthelo emthini womkhiwani lo, kodwana azange ngifunyane ilitho. Ugawule! Sizawuliselani usebenzise iqulwani ngelize na?’ Indoda leyo yathi, ‘Kosami, ulise umnyaka munye kwaphela. Ngizakwemba ngemaqadi kwawo ngithele umsuqwa. Nakube uyathela umnyaka ozako lo, kulungile, kodwana nakube awutheli, khona-ke ngizawugawula.’ ” UJesu gade afundisa ngakelinye lamasinagogi ngeSabatha. Khonapho bekunomfazi ogade anommoya ombangela ukugula, sele agule iminyaka elitjhumi nobunane. Begade akhamba agugubele angakghoni ukuthabuluka nakancani. Kwathi bona uJesu ambone, wambizela kuye wathi: “Mma, utjhatjhululiwe ekuguleni kwakho!” Wambeka izandla, khonokho wathabuluka wadumisa uZimu. Umphathi wesinagogi wasilingeka ngombana uJesu bekapholise ngeSabatha, yeke wathi ebantwini: “Kukhona amalanga amathandathu ekufanele sisebenze ngawo. Yeke yizani nizokupholiswa emalangeni lawo, ingasi ngeSabatha!” IKosi yamphendula yathi: “Nina bazenzisi ndina! Akwenzeki bona omunye nomunye wenu atjhaphulule ikomakhe namkha udumbanakhe ngesibayeni amdose ayomseza amanzi na? Alo bekungakameli bona umma lo, oyindodakazi ka-Abrahamu, uSathana asoloko ambopha iminyaka elitjhumi nabunane yoke swana, atjhatjhululwe kilokho okumbophileko ngeSabatha na?” Kwathi natjho njalo boke abajamelani bakhe bahlaziseka, kodwana abantu bebathabile ngakho koke okuhle ebegade akwenza. Nje-ke uJesu wababuza wathi: “Umbuso kaZimu ufana nani na? Ngingawufanisa nani na? Unjengembewu yemastadi umuntu ayithatha ayitjale esivandeni. Yakhula beyaba mumuthi, iinyoni zomkayi zakhela eempandeni zawo.” UJesu godu wabuza wathi: “Umbuso kaZimu ngingawufanisa nani na? Unjengesibiliso umfazi asithatha asihlanganise neflowuru enengi kufikela lapha kuba yihlama khona.” Yeke uJesu wadlula hlangana nemizi nemizana, wafundisa asendleleni yokuya eJerusalema. Umuntu othileko wambuza wathi: “Kosi, kuzokusindiswa abantu abalidlanzana na?” UJesu wamphendula wathi: “Lingani ngamandlenu woke bona ningene ngesango elincani ngombana ngiyanitjela bona abanengi bazokulinga ukungena kodwana abazokukghona. Nasele umninimuzi asikimile wavala ibadi, nizakujama ngaphandle nikokode benirabhele nithi, ‘Kosi, yewusivulele.’ Kodwana uzakuphendula athi, ‘Anginazi, angazi nokobana nibuyaphi!’ Yeke nizakuphendula nithi, ‘Sagoma besasela nawe; wafundisa neendledlaneni zekhethu!’ “Kodwana uzakuphendula athi, ‘Anginazi, abengazi nokobana nibuyaphi. Sukani kimapha noke nina benzi bokumbi!’ Kuzakuba khona ukulila nokugedla kwamazinyo lokha nanibona u-Abrahamu, u-Isaka noJakopo kanye nabo boke abaphorofidi embusweni kaZimu, kodwana nina nizakulahlelwa ngaphandle. Abantu bazakuvela epumalanga netjingalanga, etlhagwini nesewula, bahlale eendaweni ababekelwe zona emnyanyeni embusweni kaZimu. Ngambala kunalabo abangebokugcina abazakuba ngebokuthoma, nebokuthoma abazakuba ngebokugcina.” Ngesikhatheso abaFarisi abathileko beza kuJesu bathi kuye: “Suka endaweni le uye kenye ngombana uHerode ufuna ukukubulala.” Waphendula wathi: “Khambani niyokutjela ipungutjha leyo bona ngizokuqotjha amadimoni ngipholise nabagulako namhlanje nakusasa bese kuthi ngelanga lesithathu ngifikelele emnqophweni wami. Kokwakho ngifanele ukukhamba namhlanjesi, kusasa, nangomuso ngombana ngambala akunamphorofidi ongahlongakalela ngaphandle kweJerusalema! “Maye Jerusalema, Jerusalema! Wena obulala abaphorofidi bewukhande ngamatje labo abathunyelwe kuwe. Kukangaki ngiseze ngikhanukela ukubuthelela abantwabakho ndawonye njengesikhukhukazi sibuthelela amadzinyanaso ngaphasi kwamaphikwaso! Kodwana azange uthande. Qalani, ikumbenu itjhiywe kini ingasenamuntu. Ngiyanitjela bona asoze benisangibona kufikela lapha nithi khona, ‘Ubusisiwe loyo oza ebizweni lakaSomnini.’ ” Ngelinye lamaSabatha lokha uJesu nayokugoma ngekumbeni yomFarisi odumileko, begade atjhejwe ngelihlo elibukhali. Lapho ngaphambi kwakhe bekunendoda ebegade iphethwe sisifo samanzi. UJesu wabuza abaFarisi nezazimthetho wathi: “Kumthetho ukupholisa ngeSabatha namkha njani na?” Kodwana bazithulela. Yeke uJesu wathatha indoda leyo, wayipholisa, wathi ikhambe. Yeke wababuza wathi: “Nakube omunye wenu unomntwana namkha ikomo ewele ngemgodini ngeSabatha, angekhe ayoyikhupha khonokho na?” Kodwana boke batlhoga umlomo. Kwathi uJesu nabona bonyana abamenywa bazikhethela iindawo ezihloniphekileko etafuleni, wabatjela umfanekiso lo: “Lokha omunye nakumemela emtjhadweni, ungahlali endaweni ehloniphekileko ngombana kungenzeka bona kukhona omenyiweko oqakatheke khulu kunawe. Kuthi kusesenjalo onimemileko, eze afese athi kuwe, ‘Akhe utjhidele umuntu lo esihlalweneso,’ yeke uzakuhlaziseka ukhambe uyokuhlala endaweni enyazekako. Kodwana nawumenyiweko, hlala endaweni enyazekako khona kuzakuthi okumemileko nezako, athi kuwe, ‘Mngani, yewenyukele endaweni engcono.’ Ngaleyondlela uzakuhlonitjhwa phakathi kwabo boke abamenyiweko. Ngambala woke oziphakamisako uzakuthotjiswa naloyo ozithobako uzakuphakanyiswa.” Yeke uJesu wathi komumemileko: “Lokha nawenza isidlo semini namkha sakusihlwa, ungamemi abangani bakho, abafowenu, iinhlobo zakho namkha abomakhelwana bakho abanjingileko ngombana nawenza njalo, nabo bazakumema ngaleyondlela uzakuvuzwa. Kodwana nawenza umnyanya, mema abadududu, abarholopheleko, abangakwazi ukukhamba neemphofu, khona-ke uzakubusiswa. Nanyana bangekhe bakuvuze, uzakuvuzwa ekuvusweni kwabalungileko.” Kwathi lokha omunye wabagade bahlezi naye etafuleni ezwe lokho, wathi kuJesu: “Ubusisiwe umuntu ozakugoma emnyanyeni embusweni kaZimu!” UJesu wathi kuye: “Umuntu othileko bekalungiselela umnyanya omkhulu, wamema nabantu abanengi. Ngesikhathi somnyanya, wathuma ikhoboka lakhe kobana liyokuthi kabamenyiweko, ‘Yizani, koke sekulungile!’ Kodwana ngokufanako, boke bathoma ukuzilandula. Wokuthoma wathi, ‘Ngiqeda ukuthenga isimu, yeke kumele ngiyoyibona. Uzangilibalela, angiphumeleli.’ Wesibili wathi, ‘Ngiqeda ukuthenga itjhumi leenkomo ezibotjhelwako, yeke ngisendleleni yokuzibona bona zidosa njani. Uzangilibalela, angiphumeleli.’ Khonapho omunye naye wathi, ‘Ngiqeda ukuthatha, ngaleyondlela angiphumeleli ukuza.’ “Ikhoboka labuyela ekosinalo layokubika. Umninikhaya wathukuthela khulu, wayala ikhoboka lakhe wathi, ‘Phuma msinyana ungene eendledlaneni nemikghotheni yedorobho ubize abadududu, abarholopheleko, iimphofu neengoga.’ Ikhoboka lathi, ‘Kosami, ngiwuphethile umyalwakho, kodwana kusese nendawo.’ Yeke ikosi yathi ekhobokeni layo, ‘Phuma uye eendleleni nemikghotheni yemaphandleni, ubabize ukuze ikumbami igcwale. Ngiyanitjela bona akakho noyedwa kilabo abamenyiweko ozakufumana ukunandipha komnyanyami!’ ” Isiqubuthu esikhulu besikhamba noJesu, khonapho waphendukela kiso wathi: “Nanyana ngubani oza kimi kodwana angazondi uyise nonina, umkakhe nabantwana, abafowabo nabodadwabo, ngitjho nepilwakhe, angeze aba mfundi wami. Nanyana ngubani ongatjathi isiphambano sakhe angilandele, angekhe aba mfundi wami. “Akhe sithi omunye wenu ufuna ukwakha umtlomogo. Akazokuhlala phasi ntange alinganise iindleko ukuze abone bonyana unemali eyaneleko yokuwakha bewuphele na? Ngambala nakube ubeka isisekelo kodwana angasakghona ukuqedelela, boke abakubonako lokho bazamphoqa bathi, ‘Umrhali lo uthome ukwakha, kodwana wangakghona ukuqeda!’ “Namkha akhe sithi ikosi izilungiselela ukuya epini ukuyokulwa nenye ikosi. Ayizokuhlala phasi ntange bese icabangisise bona izakukghona ngamadoda aziinkulungwana ezilitjhumi ukujamelana nenamadoda aziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili na? Nayingakghoniko, izakuthumela abazenda ekosini leyo isesekude, ikhombele bonyana kukhulunyiswane ngokuthula. Ngokunjalo-ke, nanyana ngubani wenu ongatjhiyi koke anakho angeze aba mfundi wami.” “Itswayi lilungile, kodwana nasele liqwatjhile, lingavuselelwa njani na? Alikalungeli iqulwani ngitjho nanyana kungaba msuqwa, liyalahlwa. Oneendlebe zokuzwa akezwe.” Nje-ke abathelisi nezoni boke bebabuthene kuJesu ukuzomuzwa. Kodwana abaFarisi nabafundisi bomthetho baguguneka bathi: “Umrhali lo wamukela izoni, agome nazo!” Yeke uJesu wabatjela umfanekiso lo: “Akhe sithi omunye wenu unezimvu ezilikhulu bese ulahlekelwa ngeyodwa kizo. Akatjhiyi ezimatjhumi alithoba nethoba erhalawumbeni, akhambe ayokufuna elahlekileko abe ayifumane na? Athi angayifumana, athabe khulu, ayitjathe emahlombakhe aye nayo ekhaya. Abizele abangani nabomakhelwana bakhe ndawonye athi kibo, ‘Thabani kanye nami; ngiyifumene imvu yami ebeyilahlekile!’ Nje-ke ngiyanitjela bona ngokunjalo kuzakuba khona ithabo elikhulu ezulwini ngesoni esisodwa esiphendukako kunalabo abamatjhumi alithoba nethoba abalungileko nabangadingi ukuphenduka.” “Namkha akhe sithi-ke umfazi oneempaparwana ezilitjhumi zesiliva, ulahlekelwa ngesisodwa. Akakhanyisi isibani, athanyele ikumba, afunisise kuhle abe asifunyane na? Kuthi angasifumana, abizele abangani nabomakhelwana bakhe ndawonye athi kibo, ‘Thabani kanye nami; isipaparwana sami ebesilahlekile ngisifumene!’ Ngokunjalo ngiyanitjela bona kunethabo elikhulu phambi kweengilozi zakaZimu ngesoni esisodwa esiphendukako.” UJesu waraga wathi: “Kwakhe kwaba khona umuntu onamadodana amabili. Encani yathi kuyise, ‘Baba, nginikela isabelo sami selifa.’ Yeke wawahlukanisela ilifa. Kwathi kungakabi malanga mangaki ngemva kwalapho, indodana encani yabutha koke enakho, yemuka yaya enarheni ekude. Nayifika lapho yathuthudlha loke ilifa layo ngokuphila umathanda. Ngemva kobana isaphaze koke, kwaba khona indlala ekulu kiyo yoke inarha leyo. Nje-ke yathoma ukuswela. Yeke yakhamba yayozithengisa kesinye sezakhamuzi zalapho. Sona sayithumela esiminaso kobana yeluse izavukazana zaso. Yakhanukela ukuzisuthisa ngokudla kwezavukazana, kodwana akakho noyedwa owayipha okuthileko. Kwathi nayiqaqulukako, yathi, ‘Bangaki abaqatjhwa bakababa abadla kusale na? Qala, mina indlala ingiphodlha kokufa lapha! Yeke ngizakusuka ngiye kubaba, ngifike ngithi kuye: Baba, ngonile phambi kwezulu naphambi kwakho. Angisafaneli ukubizwa ngendodanakho; yewungithathe njengomunye wabaqatjhwa bakho.’ Yasuka-ke yaya kuyise. “Kodwana kuthe isesekude, uyise wayibona, wayirhawukela, wayigijimela wafese wayigona, wayincwanga emhlathini. Indodana yathi kuye, ‘Baba, ngonile phambi kwezulu naphambi kwakho. Angisafanelanga ukubizwa ngendodanakho.’ Kodwana uyise wabiza amakhobokakhe wathi kiwo, ‘Rhabani! Lethani isambatho sakanokutjho niyembathise. Ifakeni idzilamnwana emunwenayo namapatlagwana eenyaweni. Lethani ithole elinonisiweko nilihlabe. Asibeni nomnyanya sigidinge ngombana indodanami le beyifile nje-ke iyaphila, beyilahlekile nje-ke itholakele.’ Yeke bathoma ukugidinga. “Ngesikhatheso indodana ekulu beyisemasimini. Kwathi nayitjhidela ekhaya, yezwa kuvunywa ingoma kugidwa. Yeke yabiza elinye lamakhoboka yabuza bona kwenzekani. Lona lathi, ‘Umfowenu ubuyile, nje-ke uyihlo umhlabele ithole elinonisiweko ngombana ubuye aphilile begodu aphephile.’ “Indodana ekulu yathukuthela khulu yabe yabhala ukungena ngendlini. Yeke uyise waphumela ngaphandle wayirabhela. Kodwana yaphendula uyise yathi, ‘Qala! Yoke iminyaka le bengiseze ngikusebenzela njengekhoboka begodu azange khengiphule imiyalwakho. Khonapho azange khewungiphe ngitjho imbuzana yakombuzana bona nami ngizithabise nabangani bami. Kodwana indodanakho le ethuthudlhe ipahlakho neengwadla, nayibuyela ekhaya uyihlabela ithole elinonisiweko!’ Uyise waphendula wathi, ‘Ndodanami, uhlala unami soke isikhathi begodu koke enginakho ngekwakho. Kodwana kufanele sigide sithabe ngombana umfowenu lo bekafile, kodwana gadesi uyaphila, bekalahlekile, kodwana ufunyenwe.’ ” UJesu watjela abafundi bakhe wathi: “Kwakhe kwaba khona umuntu osikhumkani ogade anomphathi owasolwa ngokusaphaza ipahlakhe. Yeke wambiza wathi kuye, ‘Kuyini lokhu engikuzwako ngawe na? Akhe uziphendulele ngokuphatha kwakho ngombana angeze bewusaba mphathi.’ Umphathi wazitjela wathi, ‘Alo ngizakwenzani-ke gadesi? Ikosami ingemuka umsebenzami. Anginamandla angako wokulima begodu ngineenhloni zokukhombela. Ngiyazi bonyana ngizakwenzani ukuze abantu bakwazi ukungamukela emizinabo nangilahlekelwa msebenzi lapha.’ “Yeke wabiza boke abantu abakoloda ikosakhe. Wabuza wokuthoma wathi, ‘Uyikoloda kangangani ikosami na?’ Waphendula wathi, ‘Iinkulungwana ezintathu zamalitha wamafutha we-oliva.’ “Umphathi wathi, ‘Thatha nasi incwadakho yesikolodo, hlala phasi msinyana utlole bona yikulungwana namakhulu amahlanu.’ Yeke wabuza wesibili wathi, ‘Wena ukoloda kangangani?’ “Yena wathi, ‘Ikhulu lemigodla yekoroyi.’ “Umphathi wathi, ‘Thatha nasi incwadakho yesikolodo, itlole ibe matjhumi abunane.’ “Ikosi yakhuza umphathayo onganaqiniso ngombana wenze ubugirikijani. Nje-ke abantu bephaseli banobugirikijani obukhulu ekusebenzeni kwabo nabantu abafana nabo kunabantu bokukhanya. Yeke ngiyanitjela bona nisebenzise umnono wephaseli ukuzizuzela abangani ukuze kuthi nabuphelako, namukeleke ekuphileni okungapheliko. “Othembeke kokuncani, angathembeka nakokukhulu nongathembekiko kokuncani angeze athembeka kokukhulu. Alo-ke, nangabe azange khenethembeke ekuphatheni umnono wephaseli, ningathenjwa njani ngomnono wamambala na? Nangabe anizange nethembeke entweni yomunye umuntu, ngubani ozaninikela ipahla bona ibe ngeyenu na? “Akunakhoboka elingakhonza emakhosini amabili. Nakungasinjalo, lizokuzonda enye, lithande enye namkha lizinikele kenye, linyaze enye. Angekhe nalotjha uZimu nemali ngasikhathi sinye.” AbaFarisi abathanda imali bezwa koke lokho, bakokomeja uJesu. UJesu wathi kibo: “Nina nizenza abalungileko phambi kwamehlo wabantu, kodwana uZimu wazi iinhliziyo zenu. Lokho abantu abakuthathela phezulu, kusinyenyiso phambi kwakaZimu. “Umthetho nemitlolo yabaphorofidi kwamenyezelwa kufikela ngesikhathi sakaJwanisi. Soloko kwangesikhatheso, kutjhunyayelwa iindaba ezimnandi zombuso kaZimu, yeke, woke umuntu ufuhlezela ukungena endimeni leyo. Kulula bonyana izulu nephasi kuphele kunobana kungawa ithorwana yomthetho. “Nanyana ngubani otlhala umkakhe bese uthatha omunye, uyahlobonga, nendoda ethatha umfazi otlhaliweko, iyahlobonga. “Bekunomuntu ebegade asikhumkani, ambatha izambatho ezibubende nezelineni ecolisiweko ngamalanga. Esangweni lakwakhe bekubekwe isikhombeli ebekuthiwa nguLazaru, sikghamathele ikhwekhwe. Besirhuluphela ukudobhelela iintshutshuru eziwa etafuleni lesikhumkanesi. Ngitjho nezinja bezifika zizokukhotha iinlonda zaso. “Kwafika isikhathi sokobana isikhombeli sihlongakale, iingilozi zafika zasithatha zasibeka hlanu kwaka-Abrahamu. Isikhumkani naso sahlongakala, sabulungwa. Sathi nasisendaweni yabafileko lapha besihlunguphazeka khona, saqala phezulu, sabona u-Abrahamu kude le, anoLazaru hlanu kwakhe. Sarhuwelela sathi, ‘Baba Abrahamu! Yewungirhawukele, uthumele uLazaru azokutlubhuza umunwakhe ngemanzini apholise ilimu lameli ngombana ngisebuhlungwini obukhulu ngemlilwenapha.’ “Kodwana u-Abrahamu wathi, ‘Ndodana, khumbula bonyana esikhathini sakho sokuphila wanikelwa zoke izinto ezihle, uLazaru yena wafumana okumbi. Nje-ke uyaduduzwa lapha, kodwana wena usebuhlungwini. Ngaphandle kwakho koke lokho, phakathi kwethu nawe kunerharha elikhulu, abafuna ukusuka nganeno beze ngapho abakghoni godu akakho nongeyamela nganeno.’ Yeke isikhumkani sathi, ‘Ngiyakurabhela baba, khona-ke thumela uLazaru ekhaya emzini kababa ngombana nginabafowethu abahlanu. Akakhambe ayobayelelisa ukuze bangezi lapha endaweni yobuhlungu le.’ “U-Abrahamu wathi, ‘Abafowenu banoMosi nabaphorofidi, ababalalele.’ Isikhumkani saphendula sathi, ‘Awa baba u-Abrahamu, kodwana nange kusuka othileko kabafileko aye kibo, bazakuphenduka.’ Kodwana u-Abrahamu wathi, ‘Nakube abakghoni ukulalela uMosi nabaphorofidi, angekhe baphenduka ngitjho nanyana kungavuka umuntu kabafileko.’ ” UJesu wathi ebafundini bakhe: “Izinto ezenza abantu bone zimele ukubakhona, kodwana maye kiloyo eziza ngaye! Bekungaba ngcono kuye bona kubotjhelelwe ilitje lokusila entanyenakhe aphoselwe ngelwandle, kunobanyana enze abancancanaba bone. Yeke yelelani enikwenzako! “Nakube umfowenu uyona, mkhalimele; naphendukako, mlibalele. Nakube ukone kalikhomba ngelanga, eze kuwe kalikhomba athi, ‘Ngiyaphenduka,’ mlibalele.” Abapostoli bathi eKosini: “Yandisa ukukholwa kwethu.” IKosi yaphendula yathi: “Nakube beninokukholwa okungangembewu yemastadi, benizakuthi emthini womurbheyi lo, ‘Ruthuka uyokutjaleka ngelwandle,’ bewuzanilalela.” “Akhe sithi omunye wenu unekhoboka elilima namkha elelusa izimvu. Bekazakuthi ekhobokenelo nalibuya esimini, ‘Ngena uhlale phasi sigome’ na? Esikhundleni salokho ubangekhe athi, ‘Lungisa isidlo sami sakusihlwa, uzilungiselele bese ujama etafuleni mina lokha nangigoma bengisele, ngemva kwalapho-ke nawe ugome bewusele’ na? Ubezalithokoza ikhoboka ngokwenza kwalo elikutjelwako na? Ngokunjalo-ke nani, nasele nenze koke enitjelwe bona nikwenze, kumele nithi, ‘Simakhoboka anganabubhadekelo, senze umsebenzethu nje kwaphela.’ ” Lokha uJesu nasendleleni eya eJerusalema, wadlula hlangana neSamariya neGalile. Kwathi nasangena ngemzini othileko, wahlangatjezwa madoda alitjhumi anobulwelwe bekhwekhwe. Ajamela kudanyana arhuwelela athi: “Jesu, Kosi, sirhawukele!” UJesu wawabona wathi kiwo: “Khambani niyoziveza kubaphristi.” Kuthe asakhamba, ahlanjululwa. Enye yawo yathi ingabona bonyana ipholile, yabuya idumisa uZimu ngelizwi elikhulu. Yaziphosa eenyaweni zakaJesu, yamthokoza. Begade imSamariya. UJesu wathi: “Azange kuhlanjululwe woke wolitjhumi na? Alo, aphi-ke amanye alithoba? Azange kufunyanwe namunye obuyako kobana azokudumisa uZimu ngaphandle komqhamuka lo na?” Yeke wathi kuye: “Sikima ukhambe, ukukholwa kwakho kukusindisile.” Kwathi bona abuzwe baFarisi bona umbuso kaZimu uzakuza nini, uJesu waphendula wathi: “Umbuso kaZimu awuzi ngokuyelela kwenu okubukhali, namkha lokha abantu nabasithi, ‘Naku lapha ukhona’, namkha ‘Nakuya laphaya’ ngombana umbuso kaZimu ungaphakathi kwenu.” Yeke wathi ebafundini bakhe: “Isikhathi siyeza lapha nizakukhanukela khona ukubona elinye lamalanga weNdodana yoMuntu, kodwana anizulibona. Abantu bazanitjela bathi, ‘Qalani nanguya!’ namkha bathi, ‘Qalani nangu!’ Ningagijimi ngemva kwabo. INdodana yoMuntu ngelanga layo, izakufana nombani ophazima bewukhanyise umkayi ukusuka ngapha ukuya ngale. Kodwana kufanele itlhage qangi, ilahlwe sizukulwanesi. Njengombana gade kunjalo emihleni kaNowa, kuzakuba njalo nemihleni yeNdodana yoMuntu. Abantu bebagoma, basela, bathatha begodu benda kufikela mhla uNowa angena khona ngemkhunjini. Yeke kwafika umthwalela, wabatjhabalalisa boke. Kwaba njalo nangesikhathi sakaLothi. Abantu bebagoma begodu basela, bathenga begodu bathengisa, batjala begodu basakha. Kodwana ngelanga uLothi asuka ngalo eSodoma, kwehla umlilo nesibabuli ezulwini, kwabaqothula boke. Kuzakuba njalo-ke namhlana iNdodana yoMuntu ibonakaliswako. “Mhlokho ophezu kwephahla lekumbakhe angehliki aye ngekhaya athi uyokuthatha ipahlakhe. Ngokunjalo nosesimini angabuyeli kwakhe athi uyokuthatha okuthileko. Khumbulani umkaLothi! Loyo olinga ukuzuza ipilwakhe izamlahlekela. Loyo olahlekelwa yipilwakhe uzayibulunga. Ngiyanitjela bona ngobusukobo, abantu ababili abazabe balele emsemeni owodwa, oyedwa uzakuthathwa, oyedwa atjhiywe. Abafazi ababili bazabe basila ndawonye, oyedwa uzakuthathwa, oyedwa atjhiywe. Amadoda amabili azabe asesimini, eyodwa izakuthathwa, eyodwa itjhiywe.” Abafundi bambuza bathi: “Kuphi, Kosi na?” Wathi kibo: “Lapha kunesidumbu khona, ubona ngamadlanga.” Yeke uJesu watjela abafundi bakhe umfanekiso abakhombisa bonyana bafanele bahlale bathandaza njalo bangapheli amandla. Wathi: “Emzini othileko bekunomgwebi obegade angesabi uZimu, anganandaba nabanye abantu. Godu khona emzini loyo bekunomhlolokazi obekaphele aye kuye ayokubawa isizo athi, ‘Yewungihlambulule kumjamelanami!’ Kwaba sikhathi eside alokhu angafuni. Kodwana ekugcineni wazitjela wathi, ‘Ngitjho nanyana ngingamesabi uZimu namkha nginganandaba nabanye abantu, kodwana ngombana nakhu umhlolokazi lo uhlalele ukungifundekela, ngizakwenza bonyana afumane ubulungiswa ukuze angasangikhathaza ngokuza kwakhe lapha.’ ” IKosi yaraga yathi: “Yizwani bona umgwebi ongakalungi uthini. Alo, nithi uZimu angeze abazwela abakhethiweko bakhe, abalilela kuye imini nobusuku na? Uzalokhu abaphayela ngeqadi na? Ngiyanitjela bona uzobazwela msinyana. Nokho-ke nitjho bona iNdodana yoMuntu mhla ibuyako izakufumana ukukholwa ephasinapha na?” Godu wakhuluma umfanekiso lo kilabo ebebazethemba ngokulunga kwabo, banyaza boke abanye, wathi: “Abantu ababili benyukela ethempelini ukuyokuthandaza. Omunye bekumFarisi, omunye kumthelisi. “UmFarisi wajama, wazithandazela wathi, ‘Zimu, ngiyakuthokoza ngombana mina angifani nabanye abantu: ababadlelezeli, abenzi bokumbi, iinhlobongi ngitjho naye umthelisi olapha lo. Ngizila ukudla kabili ngeveke, ngikhupha umnikelo wokwetjhumi kwakho koke engikuzuzako.’ “Kodwana umthelisi wajamela kudanyana. Wahlulwa ngitjho nakuqala ezulwini, kodwana wabetha isandla phezu kwesinye wathi, ‘Zimu, ngirhawukele, mina soni!’ ” UJesu wathi: “Ngiyanitjela bona umthelisi wabuyela ekhaya alungisisiwe phambi kwakaZimu kunomFarisi ngombana nanyana ngubani oziphakamisako uzakwehliswa, nozithobako uzakuphakanyiswa.” Abantu baletha abantwana kuJesu kobana abathinte. Kwathi lokha abafundi bakhe nababona lokho, babakhalimela. Kodwana uJesu wabizela abantwana kuye wathi: “Lisani abantwana beze kimi ningabakhandeli ngombana umbuso kaZimu ungewabanjalo. Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona nanyana ngubani ongekhe amukela umbuso kaZimu njengomntwana, angekhe angena kiwo.” Umbusi othileko wambuza wathi: “Mfundisi olungileko, ngingenza njani ukuze ngizuze ukuphila okungapheliko na?” UJesu wathi: “Kubayini ungibize ngolungileko na? Akakho noyedwa olungileko ngaphandle kwakaZimu kwaphela. Uyayazi imiyalo, ‘Ungahlobongi, ungabulali, ungebi, ungafakazi amanga, hlonipha uyihlo nonyoko.’ ” Umbusi loyo wathi: “Koke lokho bengiseze ngikwenza kusukela ngisesemsana.” Kwathi bona uJesu ezwe lokho, wathi: “Kusasele into eyodwa ekufanele uyenze. Thengisa koke onakho, wabele abatlhagileko, nje-ke uzakuba namagugu ezulwini. Ngemva kwalapho-ke ungilandele.” Kwathi bona ezwe lokho, watlhuwa khulu ngombana bekasikhumkani samambala. UJesu wamqala wathi kuye: “Kubudisi kangangani bona abantu abaziinkhumkani bangene embusweni kaZimu! Ngambala kulula bona uzilume indololwani kunobana isikhumkani singene embusweni kaZimu.” Abantu abamzwako bambuza-ke bathi: “Alo, ngubani-ke ongasindiswa na?” UJesu wabaphendula wathi: “Lokho okungenzekiko ebantwini kuyenzeka kuZimu.” UPitrosi wathi kuye: “Qala, sitjhiye koke esinakho bona sikulandele!” UJesu wathi kibo: “Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona akakho noyedwa otjhiye ikhaya lakhe namkha umkakhe, abafowabo, ababelethi bakhe nabantwabakhe ngebanga lombuso kaZimu, ozakubhalelwa kuzuza ipilo engapheliko ngokubuyelelwe kanengi esikhathinesi, nesikhathini esizako.” UJesu wabizela abafundi bakhe ngeqadi wathi kibo: “Sizokwenyukela eJerusalema, lapho koke okutlolwe baphorofidi ngeNdodana yoMuntu kuzakuzaliseka khona. Izakunikelwa kwabatjhili. Bazayiphoqa, bayithuke, bayikhafulele ngamathe, bayimadlhe bebayibulale. Ngelanga lesithathu izakuvuka godu.” Kodwana abafundi bakhe akhange bazwisise nakunye kwalokho. Begade kufihlakele kibo bebangazi bonyana ukhuluma ngani. Bekunesiphofu ebesihlezi ngeqadi kwendlela sikhombela lokha uJesu natjhidela eJerikho. Kwathi nasizwa isiqubuthu sidlula, sabuza bona kwenzekani. Basitjela bathi: “UJesu weNazaretha uyadlula.” Sarhuwelela sathi: “Jesu, Ndodana kaDavida, ngirhawukela!” Abantu ebebaphambi kwaso basikhalimela bathi asithule. Kodwana sarhuwelela khulu, sathi: “Ndodana kaDavida, ngirhawukela!” UJesu wajama, wathi abasilethe kuye. Kwathi nasitjhidelako, uJesu wasibuza wathi: “Ufuna ngikwenzeleni na?” Samphendula sathi: “Kosi, ngifuna ukubona.” UJesu wathi kiso: “Bona! Ukukholwa kwakho kukusindisile.” Khonokho sabona, besalandela uJesu sithokoza uZimu. Kwathi lokha boke abantu nababona lokho, nabo badumisa uZimu. UJesu wangena eJerikho, wadabula khona. Lapho bekunendoda ebekuthiwa nguZakewu imthelisi omkhulu begodu isikhumkani. Yena wafuna ukubona bonyana uJesu lo ungubani, kodwana ngombana bekamfitjhani azange akghone ukumbona ngebanga lesiqubuthu. Yeke wagijimela ngaphambili wayokukhwela emthini wamakhiwani wommango ngombana uJesu begade azokudlula lapho. UJesu wathi nafika lapho, waqala phezulu wathi: “Zakewu, rhaba wehle emthinapho ngombana ngifanele ngiyokuhlala ngakwakho namhlanjesi.” Yeke wehla msinyana, wamamukela ngethabo. Boke abantu bakubona lokho, nje-ke bathoma ukunghonghoyila bathi: “Ungene kobana abe myeni emzini wesoni!” Kodwana uZakewu wasikima wathi eKosini: “Qala, Kosi! Nginikela abadududu isiquntu selifa lami khona nje, begodu nakube kukhona engimgalaje ngananyana yini, ngizakukhokhela ngokubuyelelwe kane kwalokho.” UJesu wathi: “Namhlanjesi isindiso ingene kilelikhaya ngombana naye lo uyindodana ka-Abrahamu. INdodana yoMuntu izele ukuzokufuna nokusindisa okulahlekileko.” Kuthe abantu basalalele lokho, uJesu waraga ngokubatjela umfanekiso ngombana begade aseduze kweJerusalema begodu abantu bebadlumbana bona umbuso kaZimu bewuzokuvela khonokho. Wathi kibo: “Umuntu obegade abelethwa emzini ohloniphekileko waya enarheni ekude ayokwenza bona abekwe ikosi bese uyabuya. Yeke wabiza itjhumi lamanye wamakhobokakhe, wawanikela abomina. abalitjhumi wathi kiwo, ‘Sebenzisani lokhu kufikela bengibuye.’ Kodwana abantu bakhe bebamhloyile, yeke bathumela abazenda ngemva kwakhe bona bayokuthi, ‘Asimfuni umuntu lo bona abe yikosethu.’ “Nanyana kunjalo, wabekwa waba yikosi, yeke wabuyela ekhaya. Khonokho wabiza amakhoboka ebegade awanikele imali ukuze afunyane bona azuzeni ngayo. Lokuthoma leza lafika lathi, ‘Kosi, umina wakho uzuze itjhumi ngaphezulu.’ Wathi kilo, ‘Wenze kuhle, khoboka lami elilungileko! Njengombana wethembekile kokuncani, ngizakubeka bona uphathe amadorobho alitjhumi.’ Lesibili nalo leza lathi, ‘Kosi, abomina bakho bazuze abahlanu ngaphezulu.’ Kilelo wathi, ‘Uzakuphatha amadorobho amahlanu.’ “Yeke kweza elinye ikhoboka lathi, ‘Kosi, nangu umina wakho, bengimfihlile ngimphuthele ngetjhila. Bengikwesaba ngombana umumuntu olikhuni. Uthatha ongakakubeki, uvune ongakakutjali.’ Wathi kilo, ‘Ngizokugweba ngamagamakho wena khoboka elikhohlakeleko ndina. Angithi bewazi bonyana ngimumuntu olikhuni, ngithatha engingakakubeki, ngivune engingakakutjali? Alo, kubayini-ke ungazange usisise imalami ebulungelweni ukuze kuthi nangibuyako ngiyifunyane inenzalo na?’ “Yeke wathi kilabo ebegade bajame lapho, ‘Lemukeni umina lo, ninikele onabomina abalitjhumi.’ Kodwana bamphendula bathi, ‘Kosi, angithi loyo sele anabomina abalitjhumi!’ Wabaphendula wathi, ‘Ngiyanitjela bona woke onokunengi, uzakuphiwa ngaphezu kwalokho, kodwana onganalitho yena, uzakwemukwa ngitjho nalokho anakho. Nje-ke ngithi nakuzizitha zami ebezingafuni bona ngibe yikosi phezu kwazo, yeniziletheni lapha, nizibulale phambi kwamapha.’ ” UJesu watjho lokho wakhamba wayokungena eJerusalema. Kuthe natjhidela eBhethifage neBhethaniya embundwini obewubizwa bona yintaba ye-Oliva, wathumela babili babafundi bakhe, wathi kibo: “Khambani niye emzini ongaphambi kwenu, nizakuthi naningenako nifumane udumbana okungazange kukhwele muntu phezu kwakhe abotjhiwe. Mtjhaphululeni, nimlethapha. Nakukhona onibuza athi, ‘Nimtjhaphululelani?’, nimtjele nithi, ‘IKosi iyamdinga.’ ” Labo ebebathunyiwe bakhamba, bafunyana koke kunjengombana uJesu atjhwile. Kwathi nabasatjhaphulula udumbana, umnikazi wababuza wathi: “Nimtjhaphululelani udumbana na?” Bamphendula bathi: “IKosi iyamdinga.” Baletha udumbana loyo kuJesu, babeka izambatho zabo phezu kwakhe, bakhweza uJesu. Kwathi nakhambako, abantu baqhisa izambatho zabo endleleni. Nafika emehlelweni wentaba ye-Oliva, soke isiqubuthu sabafundi sathoma sadumisa uZimu ngetokozo, sihlokoma ngayo yoke imikarisomraro esiyibonileko, sathi: “Ubusisiwe loyo ozako, iye, iKosi eza ebizweni lakaSomnini! Ukuthula ezulwini nephazimulo keliphezulu!” Yeke abanye babaFarisi hlangana nesiqubuthu bathi kuJesu: “Mfundisi, khalimela abafundi bakhwaba!” UJesu wabaphendula wathi: “Ngiyanitjela bona nabathulako laba, amatje azakurhuwelela.” Kwathi natjhidelako, abona idorobho, walililela wathi: “Ngathana namhlanjesi bewusazi bona yini engakulethela ukuthula! Kodwana kufihlekile emehlwenakho! Uzakufikelwa malanga lapho izitha zakho zizakwakhela khona isiqabo, zikuzombeleze bezikuvimbezele mahlangothi woke. Zizakumadlha phasi, wena nabantwana abangaphakathi kwemithangalakho. Azizokutjhiya ngitjho nalinye ilitje phezu kwelinye ngombana awuzange ulemuke isikhathi sokuza kwakaZimu kuwe!” Yeke wangena ngethempelini wathoma ukuqotjha ebebathengisa. Wathi kibo: “Kutloliwe kwathiwa, ‘Ikumbami izakuba yikumba yokuthandaza’ kodwana nina niyenze irharha labahlanguli!” Ngamalanga uJesu bekafundisa ngethempelini. Abaphristi abakhulu nabafundisi bomthetho kanye nabarholi babantu balinga ukumbulala. Kodwana azange bafunyane indlela yokwenza lokho ngombana boke abantu babambelela emezwinakhe. Kwathi ngelinye ilanga uJesu asafundisa abantu ngesirhodlweni sethempeli begodu atjhumayela iindaba ezimnandi, abaphristi abakhulu, abafundisi bomthetho kanye nabaphathi beza kuye bathi: “Sitjela bona uzenza ngaliphi igunya izintwezi? Ngubani okuphe igunyelo na?” UJesu wabaphendula wathi: “Jamani-ke, nami khenginibuze umbuzo. Akhe ningitjele, umbhabhadiso kaJwanisi bewubuya ezulwini namkha ebantwini na?” Bakhulumisana babodwa ngalokho bathi: “Nange singathi, ‘Ezulwini’, uzosibuza athi, ‘Alo, kubayini ningazange nimkholwe na?’ Godu sathi, ‘Ebantwini’, abantwaba bazosikhanda ngamatje boke nje ngombana sele bakholwa bonyana uJwanisi bekamphorofidi.” Yeke baphendula bathi: “Awa, asazi bona wabuyaphi.” UJesu wathi: “Nami-ke angekhe nganitjela bona ngizenza ngegunyana lakabani izintwezi.” Waragela phambili watjela abantu umfanekiso lo: “Umuntu watjala isidiribe, wasiqatjhisela abalimi abathileko, wakhamba ekhaya isikhathi eside. Ngesikhathi sokuvuna, wathumela ikhoboka kubaqatjhi kobana bamuphe iinthelo zesidiribe. Kodwana abaqatjhabo balidula balibuyisela emuva limkhonoze. Wathumela elinye ikhoboka; nalwelo balidula bebaliphatha ngehlazo, balibuyisela emuva limkhonoze. Wathumela ikhoboka lesithathu, balikhubaza bebaliphosela ngaphandle. Yeke umninisidiribe wathi, ‘Ngizokwenza njani na? Ngizakuthumela indodanami engiyithandako, mhlambe yona bangayihlonipha.’ Kodwana kwathi lokha abaqatjhi nabayibonako, bakhulumisana ngendaba le, bathi, ‘Nasi indlalifa. Asiyibulaleni ukuze ilifa layo libe ngelethu!’ Yeke bayiphosela ngaphandle kwesidiribe, bayibulala.” UJesu wabuza-ke wathi: “Alo-ke umninisidiribe uzabenzani abaqatjhabo na? Uzakuza afese abulale abaqatjhabo, athathe isidiribe asinikele abanye.” Kwathi abantu nabezwa lokho, bathi: “Awa, akungabi njalo!” Yeke uJesu wabaqala, wababuza wathi: “Alo-ke, yini-ke ihlathululo yalokhu okutloliweko na? “ ‘Ilitje eladelwa babakhi libe ngeliqakathekileko ejikeni.’ “Woke owela phezu kwelitjelo uzakufahlaka abe ziincucwana, kodwana loyo eliwela phezu kwakhe uzokutshidlheka.” Abafundisi bomthetho nabaphristi abakhulu bafuna indlela yokumbamba khonokho ngombana bebasazi bona ukhulume umfanekiso lo alunganise kibo. Kodwana bebesaba abantu. Bamtjheja ngelihlo elibukhali, bamthumelela ngeenhloli ezazenza inga zibabantu abathembekileko. Bebanethemba lokobana bazakubamba uJesu ngento ethileko angayitjho ukuze bakwazi ukumnikela emandleni negunyeni lababusi. Yeke iinhlolezo zambuza zathi: “Mfundisi, siyazi bona ukhuluma bewufundise okuliqiniso, begodu awukhethi ubuso kodwana ufundisa indlela kaZimu ngeqiniso. Akhe usitjele kuhle bona sikhokhe umthelo wombusi omkhulu namkha njani na?” Kodwana uJesu wawabona amaqhinga wabo wathi kibo: “Ngitjengisani abodenariyu. Mfanekiso nebizo lakabani leli na?” Baphendula bathi: “Ngelombusi omkhulu.” Yeke uJesu wathi kibo: “Arha-ke, nikelani umbusi omkhulu okungekwakhe noZimu okungekwakaZimu.” Bahluleka ukumcupha ngalokho akukhulume tjhatjhalazi. Bararwa yipendulwakhe, nje-ke bathula bathi du. Yeke abanye babaSadusi, abathi akukho ukuvuka kwabafileko, beza kuJesu ngemibuzo bathi: “Mfundisi, uMosi wasitlolela bona indoda nayihlongakalako, itjhiye umfazi anganabantwana, umfowabo lendoda leyo kufanele angene umhlolokazi loyo, abelethele umfowabo abantwana. Nje-ke bekunezelamani ezilikhomba. Wokuthoma wathatha umfazi, wahlongakala anganabantwana. Wesibili wangena umhlolokazi loyo, kwaba njalo nangewesithathu, bekwaba ngewekhomba, bahlongakala boke njalo banganabantwana. Ekugcineni kwazokuhlongakala umhlolokazi. Alo, ekuvukeni kwabafileko, uzokuba mfazi kabani njengombana bekathethwe madoda alikhomba nje na?” UJesu wabaphendula wathi: “Abantu besikhathinesi bayathatha begodu bayenda. Kodwana labo abazakufunyanwa balungele ukubandakanyeka esikhathineso nekuvukeni kwabafileko, angeze bathatha namkha bende begodu abasoze bafa ngombana bazabe bafana neengilozi. Babantwana bakaZimu ngombana babantwana bokuvuka ekufeni. Kodwana endabeni yemthini, ngitjho noMosi wabonisa bona abafileko bayavuka ngombana wabiza uSomnini bona nguZimu ka-Abrahamu, uZimu ka-Isaka noZimu kaJakopo. Akasuye uZimu wabahlongakeleko, kodwana unguZimu wabaphilako.” Abanye babafundisi bomthetho baphendula bathi: “Mfundisi, uphendule kuhle!” Azange bekusaba khona ombuza eminye imibuzo. UJesu wababuza wathi: “Batjho njani bathi uKrestu uyiNdodana kaDavida na? Angithi uDavida ngokwakhe uthi encwadini yamaRhubo, “ ‘USomnini wathi eKosinami: Hlala ngesidleni sami bekube kulokha nangenza izitha zakho zibe sinabelo seenyawo zakho.’ “UDavida ngokwakhe umbiza ngeKosi. Alo, angaba yindodanakhe njani-ke na?” Kuthe abantu boke basamlalele, uJesu wathi ebafundini bakhe: “Yelelani abafundisi bomthetho. Bathanda ukukhambakhamba bazakalele ngeemphuraphura, bathanda nokulotjhiswa eendaweni zokuthengisela begodu baneendawo ezingeziqakatheke khulu ngemasinagogini neendaweni ezihlonitjhwako emicimbini. Barhiribidela iinkumba zabahlolokazi bese babukisa ngokwenza imithandazokazi emide. Abantu abanjalo bazokuhlunguphazwa khulu.” Kwathi uJesu naqalako, wabona iinkhumkani ziletha iminikelwazo ngethempelini. Godu wabona nomhlolokazi odududu anikela ngeempaparwana zekoporo ezimbili ezincani khulu. Wathi: “Nginitjela iqiniso bona umhlolokazi odududu lo unikele ukwedlula boke abanye. Boke abantwaba banikele ngokuthatha emnothwenabo; kodwana yena ebuchakeni bakhe unikele ngakho koke aphila ngakho.” Abanye babafundi bakhe bebakhuluma ngendlela ithempeli libatjazwa ubuhle ngakhona, basitjho bona liqaleka kuhle kangangani ngamatje walo amahle nezipho ezinikelwe uZimu. Kodwana uJesu wathi: “Nakungilokho enikubona laphokhu, kuzokufika isikhathi lapha kungekhe kwasala khona ngitjho nelitje linye phezu kwelinye; elinye nelinye lawo lizokugirizwa.” Bambuza uJesu bathi: “Mfundisi, zizokwenzeka nini izintwezo na? Zizokuba yini iimbonakaliso zokobana sele zizokwenzeka na?” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Tjhejani bona ningakhohliswa ngombana abanengi bazakuza ebizweni lami bathi, ‘Nginguye!’ begodu, ‘Yeke isikhathi sitjhidele!’ Kodwana ningabalandeli. Nanizwa ngezipi nokuvukelana, ningethuki. Izintwezi kumele zenzeke qangi, kodwana isiphetho asizukufika msinyna.” Waraga wathi kibo: “Isizwe sizakuvukela isizwe nombuso uvukele umbuso. Kuzakuba khona ukusikinyeka kwephasi okukhulu, indlala namatshwenyeko iindawo ngeendawo, kube nezehlakalo ezethusako kanye neembonakaliso ezikulu ezivela ezulwini. Kodwana ngaphambi kwakho koke lokho, bazonibamba bese bayanitlhorisa. Bazonisa emasinagogini neenkhungweni begodu nidoselwe phambi kwamakhosi nababusi, koke njalo kube ngebanga lami. Ngalokho nizakuba bofakazi kibo. Kodwana qedani nemikhumbulwenu bona ningakhathazeki isikhathi singakafiki ngokuthi nizozivikela njani. Ngizonipha amezwi nokuhlakanipha okuzakwenza bona kungabikho noyedwa wabajamelani benu ozakukghona ukuphikisana namkha ukuphambana nakho. Nizokukhatjhelwa ngitjho nangani babelethi benu, abafowenu, iinhlobo zenu nabangani benu; begodu abanye benu bazakubulawa ngibo. Boke bazonihloya ngebanga lami. Kodwana akunasihluthu nasinye seenhloko zenu esizakulahleka. Ngokubambelela kwenu nizakuzuza ipilo.” “Lokha nanibona iJerusalema iragelelwe mabutho, nizakwazi bona ukubhujiswa kwayo sekutjhidele. Yeke akuthi labo abaseJudiya babalekele eentabeni, abangaphakathi kwalo baphume, nalabo abasemaphandleni bangangeni kilo. Ngambala lesi kusikhathi sesibetho nokuzaliseka kwakho koke okutloliweko. Maye kuzokwesabeka kangangani emihleni leyo ebafazini abazithweleko nabamunyisako! Kuzokubakhona ukutshwenyeka okukhulu enarheni nobukhali phezu kwabantwaba. Abanye bazokubulawa ngesabula, abanye benziwe iimbotjhwa kizo zoke izizwe. IJerusalema izakugadangelwa phasi ngabatjhili kufikela lapha isikhathi sabo siphela khona.” “Kuzokuba khona iimbonakaliso elangeni, enyezini neenkwekwezini. Ephasini, izizwe zizakuba sesizini begodu zikhene lokha ilwandle nalihlokomako begodu likhiphizela. Abantu bazakuyatha ngevalo ngalokho okuzokwehlela iphasi loke ngombana umkhambathi wezulu uzakunyakaziswa. Ngesikhatheso bazakubona iNdodana yoMuntu isiza elifwini ngamandla nangephazimulo ekulu. Lokha izintwezi nazithoma ukwenzeka, sikimani niphakamise iinhloko zenu ngombana ukuhlengwa kwenu kutjhidele.” Yeke uJesu wabatjela umfanekiso lo: “Qalani umuthi wamakhiwani nayo yoke eminye imithi. Lokha nayitlhurha amakari, nani niyazibonela begodu niyazi bonyana ihlobo selitjhidele. Ngokunjalo-ke nani nanibona izintwezi zisenzeka, niyazi bona umbuso kaZimu sewutjhidele. “Ngiqinisile ngiyanitjela bona isizukulwanesi angeze sadlula kungakenzeki zoke izintwezi. Izulu nephasi kuzadlula, kodwana amezwami angekhe adlula.” “Yelelani, nakungasinjalo, iinhliziyo zenu zizakudisibezwa kurhiribidela, kudakwa kanye neemfiso zepilo. Ilangelo lizanembatha njengesifu ningakatjheji. Lizakwembatha boke abahlala ebusweni bephasi loke. Yeke hlalani nilindile, nithandaze njalo ukuze nikghone ukuphunyurha koke okuzokwenzeka nokobana nikghone ukujama phambi kweNdodana yoMuntu.” Ilanga nelanga uJesu bekafundisa ethempelini, kuthi njalo nakuhlwako aphume ayokulala entabeni ye-Oliva. Njalo ekuseni, boke abantu bephele baye ngethempelini bayomlalela. Nje-ke umnyanya wesiKwa esinganaNgumelo ebekuthiwa yiPhasika besele utjhidele. Abaphristi abakhulu nabafundisi bomthetho bebafuna indlela yokususa uJesu ngombana begade besaba abantu. Kodwana uSathana wangena kuJudasi okuthiwa ngu-Iskariyodi, ongomunye wabafundi abalitjhumi nambili. Yena wakhamba wayokukhuluma nabaphristi abakhulu neenkhulu zethempeli bona angamkhaphela njani uJesu. Bathaba kwamambala, bavuma bona bazamkhokhela. UJudasi wakuvuma lokho, wathoma ukufuna ithuba lokunikela ngoJesu kibo, isiqubuthu singekho. Lafika-ke ilanga lomnyanya wesiKwa esinganaNgumelo lapha bekuzokuhlatjwa khona imvana yePhasika. UJesu wathumela uPitrosi noJwanisi wathi: “Khambani niyokwenza amalungiselelo ukuze sigome iPhasika.” Bambuza bathi: “Bewufuna siyokulungiselela kuphi na?” Wabaphendula wathi: “Kuzakuthi naningena ngedorobheni, nihlangatjezwe mumuntu athwele umjeka wamanzi. Mlandeleni beniyokungena emzini angena kiwo, nithi kumninimuzi loyo, ‘Umfundisi uyabuza bona liphi ilawu labayeni lapha azakugomela khona iPhasika nabafundi bakhe na?’ Uzanikhombisa ilawu elikhulu elingaphezulu, elinepahla. Yenzani lapho-ke amalungiselelo.” Bakhamba, bafumana kunjengombana uJesu bekabatjelile. Yeke balungiselela iPhasika. Kwathi nakufika isikhathi, uJesu nabafundi bakhe bazigedla etafuleni. Wathi kibo: “Bengithande khulu bona ngigome iPhasikeli nani ngaphambi kobanyana ngitlhagiswe! Ngambala ngiyanitjela bona angekhe ngaligoma godu bekube kulapha lizaliseka khona embusweni kaZimu.” Nje-ke wathatha ikapho, wathokoza uZimu, ngemva kwalapho wathi: “Thathani lokhu nirhamulisane, ngombana ngiyanitjela bona angeze bengisasela godu esithelweni sesidiribe bekube kumhlana kufika umbuso kaZimu.” Yeke wathatha isikwa, wathokoza uZimu, wasihlephula wabanikela, asithi: “Lokhu kumzimbami, onikelwe nina. Yenzani lokhu ukuze ningikhumbule.” Ngokunjalo, kwathi ngemva kwesidlo santambama, wathatha ikapho wabanikela, asithi: “Ikapho le isivumelwano esitjha eengazini zami ezithululelwa nina. “Kodwana qalani, isandla saloyo ozongikhaphela sinami etafulenapha. INdodana yoMuntu izokukhamba njengombana sele kuquntiwe, kodwana maye kiloyo muntu oyikhaphelako!” Yeke bathoma ukubuzana babodwa bonyana ingaba ngubani hlangana nabo ozokwenza lokho. Kwaqubuka ipikiswano phakathi kwabo kobana ngubani wabo othathwa bona ngomkhulu. UJesu wathi kibo: “Amakhosi wabatjhili abusa phezu kwabo, bese kuthi labo abanegunya phezu kwabo bazibize bona babasekeli babo. Kodwana anikameli ukuba njalo. Esikhundleni salokho, omkhulu phakathi kwenu kumele abe njengomncani bese kuthi obusako abe njengosebenza etafuleni. Ngubani omkhulu na? Ngiloyo ohlezi etafuleni namkha ngiloyo osebenzako na? Akusingiloyo osetafuleni? Kodwana mina ngiphakathi kwenu njengaloyo osebenzako. “Nina ningilabo abangisekeleko ekulingweni kwami. Nje-ke nginethwesa umbuso njengombana noBaba angethwese wona ukuze nigome benisele etafuleni lami embuswenami, nihlale eenhlalweni zobukhosi, nigwebe iinkoro ezilitjhumi nambili zakwa-Israyeli.” UJesu wathi: “Simoni, Simoni! Qala, uSathana ukhombele ukukuhlunga njengekoroyi, kodwana ngikuthandazele Simoni kobana ukukholwa kwakho kungabhalelwa. Wena-ke nasele uphendukile, uqinise abafowenu.” UPitrosi waphendula wathi: “Kosi, ngilungele ukuya nawe ngesikhungweni nekufeni!” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Ngiyakutjela Pitrosi, ngaphambi kobana umkukurumbu ulile namhlanjesi uzabe sele ungiphike kathathu bona awungazi.” Yeke uJesu wabuza abafundi bakhe wathi: “Mhlana nginithume ninganasikhwama, imbada namapatlagwana nakhe naswela okuthileko na?” Bamphendula bathi: “Azange.” UJesu wathi: “Kodwana kwanjesi onesikhwama akasithathe, nonembada ayithathe, onganasabula akathengise isambatho sakhe ayoyithenga. Ngambala ngithi kini umtlolo lo kumele uzaliseke kimi, ‘Wabalwa kanye nezoni.’ Iye okutlolwe ngami kuyazaliseka.” Abafundi bamphendula bathi: “Qala, Kosi, nanzi iinsabula ezimbili.” UJesu wathi: “Kwanele.” UJesu waphuma emzini njengokujayelekileko waya entabeni ye-Oliva, abafundi bakhe bamlandela. Kwathi nabafika endaweni leyo, wathi kibo: “Thandazani bona ningangeni ekulingweni.” Yeke wasuka kibo waba sebangeni elingaba kuphoswa kwelitje, waguqa, wathandaza wathi: “Baba, nawuthandako susa ikapho le kimapha, nokho kungabi ngentandwami kodwana kwenziwe yakho.” Kweza kuye ingilozi ivela ezulwini yamqinisa. Kwathi asebuhlungwini njalo, waqinisela khulu emthandazweni, umjulukwakhe waba njengamathosi weengazi athontela equlwanini. Kwathi bona asikime lapha begade athandaza khona, walunga ebafundini bakhe, wabafumana balele, badiniwe ngokudabuka. Wathi kibo: “Nilaleleni na? Sikimani nithandaze, khona ningazukungena ekulingweni.” Kwathi asakhuluma, kwafika isiqubuthu sirholwa mumuntu ebekuthiwa nguJudasi nebegade angomunye wabafundi abalitjhumi nambili. Weza kuJesu kobana amncwange emhlathini. Kodwana uJesu wathi kuye: “Judasi, ukhaphela iNdodana yoMuntu ngokuyincwanga na?” Kwathi bona abafundi ebebanoJesu babone bonyana kuzokwenzekani, babuza bathi: “Kosi, sibamadlhe ngeensabula zethu na?” Khonapho omunye wabo wakhekhebula ngesabula indlebe yangesidleni yekhoboka lomphristi omkhulu. Kodwana uJesu wathi: “Kwanele lokho!” Wathinta indlebe yekhobokelo, walipholisa. Yeke uJesu wathi kubaphristi abakhulu, iinkhulu zethempeli nakubaphathi ebebazombamba: “Ngimrholi wabokanabo kobana ningabeze ningiphumele ngeensabula nangeembhuku na? Benginani ngesirhodlweni sethempeli woke amalanga, azange niphakamisele isandla phezu kwami. Kodwana lesi sikhathi senu namandla wobumnyama.” Yeke bambamba uJesu bakhamba naye bamusa ngekumbeni yomphristi omkhulu. UPitrosi walandela kudanyana. Babasa umlilo ekabeni yesirhodlo, bahlala phasi botha ndawonye. UPitrosi naye weza wazokotha kanye nabo. Ikhobokakazi lambona ahlezi emlilweni. Lamqalisisa lathi: “Umrhali lo gade anaye!” Kodwana uPitrosi waphika wathi: “Heyi wena mfazi, angimazi umuntu loyo!” Ngemva kwesikhatjhana omunye wambona wathi: “Wena ungomunye wabo!” Kodwana uPitrosi waphendula wathi: “Madekhethu, ngithi angisuye!” Ngemva kwe-awara, omunye naye wayiqinisa indaba le wathi: “Ngambala umrhali lo bekakhamba naye ngombana naye umGalile!” Kodwana uPitrosi waphendula wathi: “Heyi wena ndoda ndina, angazi bona ukhuluma ngani!” Khonapho asakhuluma njalo, umkukurumbu walila. IKosi yaphenduka yaqala poro kuPitrosi. UPitrosi wakhumbula ilizwi iKosi elikhulume kuye lokuthi: “Ngaphambi kobana umkukurumbu ulile namhlanjesi, uzabe sele ungiphike kathathu.” Waphumela ngaphandle, walila kabuhlungu. Amadoda ebegade aqaphe uJesu amphoqa abe ambetha. Ambopha ngetjhila emehlweni athi: “Phorofida! Ngubani okubethileko?” Ambiza ngeenhlamba ezinengi. Kwathi bona kuse, isigungu sabaphathi babantu, abaphristi abakhulu kanye nabafundisi bomthetho bahlangana ndawonye, uJesu walethwa phambi kwabo. Bathi kuye: “Nakube unguKrestu, yewusitjele.” Wabaphendula wathi: “Nanginganitjela, angekhe nangikholwa. Begodu nanginganibuza, angekhe nangiphendula. Kodwana kusukela gadesi, iNdodana yoMuntu izakuhlaliswa ngesidleni sakaZimu uMninimandlawoke.” Boke bathi: “Alo-ke, uyiNdodana kaZimu na?” Wabaphendula wathi: “Kunjengombana nisitjho.” Yeke godu bathi: “Alo, sisafunelani obunye ubufakazi na? Angithi sele sizizwele asitjho ngomlomakhe!” Yeke, woke umkhambathi wasikima, wamdosela kuPilatu. Bathoma ukumsola ngomlandu bathi: “Sifumene umuntu lo akhohlisa isizwe sekhethu. Ujamelene nokukhokhwa komthelo wombusi omkhulu, begodu ukhamba azitjho bona yena unguKrestu.” UPilatu wambuza wathi: “Uyikosi yamaJuda na?” UJesu wamphendula wathi: “Iye, kunjengombana usitjho.” Yeke uPilatu wathi kumphristi omkhulu nesiqubuthwini: “Angisifumani isizathu sokuthwesa indoda le umlandu.” Kodwana baphikelela bathi: “Idlhadlhabalisa abantu kilo loke leJudiya ngefundiswayo le. Ithome le eGalile kwanjesi sele ilapha.” Ekuzweni kwakhe lokho, uPilatu wabuza bona umuntu lo mGalile na? Kwathi bona alemuke bonyana uJesu bekangaphasi kwelawulo lakaHerode, wamthumela kuHerode ogade aseJerusalema isikhatheso. UHerode wathaba kwamambala lokha nabona uJesu ngombana besele kusikhathi eside amfuna. Ukuya ngalokho ebekakuzwe ngaye, begade anethemba lokobana uzambona asenza imikarisomraro. Yeke uHerode wabuzabuza uJesu imibuzo eminengi, kodwana akhange amphendule. Abaphristi abakhulu nabafundisi bomthetho bebajame ubuhlomohlomo lapho basola uJesu kumbi ngomlandu. UHerode namajoni wakhe bahlekisa ngaye bebamphoqa. Bamembathisa ingubo ehle, bambuyisela kuPilatu. Mhlokho uHerode noPilatu baba bangani, ngaphambi kwalokho gade bazizitha. UPilatu wabizela ndawonye abaphristi abakhulu, ababusi kanye nabantu, wathi kibo: “Ningilethele umuntu lo, nathi utjitjizela abantu bona bahlubuke. Yeke ngimhlolisisile phambi kwenu noke, angisifumani isizathu sokumsola kwenu ngomlandu. NoHerode azange amfumane amlandu ngombana nakhu umbuyisele kithi. Njengombana nani nibona nje, umuntu lo akakenzi ilitho bonyana angabulawa. Ngalokho ngizakuthi akarithwe bese ngiyamtjhaphulula.” Ubegade akatelelekile bona abatjhaphululele isibotjhwa sinye njalo ngomnyanya wePhasika. Isiqubuthu soke sarhuwelela ngalizwi linye sathi: “Yewusisusele thina ngomuntu lo! Sitjhaphululela uBharabhasi!” UBharabhasi bekadlhunywe ngesikhungweni ngebanga lomguruguru obegade ungedorobheni kanye nokubulala. UPilatu bekafuna ukuthukulula uJesu, yeke wakhuluma nesiqubuthu godu. Kodwana salokhu sirhuwelela sisithi: “Mbethele! Mbethele esiphambanweni!” Wakhuluma nabo ihlandla lesithathu wathi: “Kubayini? Ngibuphi ubelelesi abenzileko na? Azange ngifunyane kuye iinzathu zokumgweba isigwebo sokufa! Yeke ngizakuthi akabethwe bese ngimtjhaphulule.” Kodwana ngokurhuwelela okukhulu bathi akabethelwe esiphambanweni, yeke ukurhuwelela kwabo kwaphumelela. UPilatu waqunta ukubanikela abakufunako. Watjhaphulula umuntu obegade afakwe ngesikhungweni ngebanga lokubanga umguruguru nokubulala, yena loyo abambawileko, wanikela uJesu entandwenabo. Kwathi nabakhamba naye njalo, bahlangana noSimoni weSirene, ebegade asiya ngemzini avela ngaphandle. Bathatha isiphambano bamthwesa sona kobana alandele uJesu. Isiqubuthu esikhulu sabantu samlandela, kukhona nabafazi ebebalila bamrhahlawulela. UJesu waphendukela ngakibo wathi: “Madodakazi weJerusalema! Ningangilileli, kodwana zilileleni nina nabantwabenu. Mbala isikhathi siyeza lapha nizakuthi khona, ‘Babusisiwe abafazi abaziinyumba, iimbeletho ezingazange zibelethe, namabele angazange amunyise!’ Yeke “bazokuthi eentabeni, ‘Sigubuzesani!’ bese bathi emibundwini, ‘Sigirikelani!’ “Nakube abantu benza lokhu emthini omanzi, kuzakwenzakani-ke kowomileko na?” Amadoda amanye amabili ebegade aziinlelesi, nawo athathwa kanye naye kobana ayokubulawa. Kwathi nabafika endaweni ekuthiwa liKhakhayi, bambethela lapho kanye neenlelesi. Esinye ngesidleni, esinye ngesinceleni. UJesu wathi: “Baba, balibalele ngombana abakwazi abakwenzako.” Bahlukaniselana izambatho zakhe ngokwenza ifumbe. Abantu bajama, babukela. Nakubabusi bona bebamphoqa nokumphoqa bathi: “Wasindisa abanye, akazisindise-ke nakube mbala unguKrestu kaZimu, ongoKhethiweko.” Amajoni nawo akhuphuka, afese amphoqa. Amnikela iwayini elinesibharha athi kuye: “Nakube uyikosi yamaJuda, zisindise!” Ngehla kwakhe bekutlolwe amezwi la: LE YIKOSI YAMAJUDA. Esinye seenlelesi ebesibethelwe lapho samthela ngeenhlamba sathi: “AwusinguKrestu na? Zisindise bese usindisa nathi!” Esinye iselelesi sasikhalimela sathi: “Awumesabi uZimu na? Angithi nawe ulapho nje ngesigwebo esifanako? Thina sibethwa ngokusifaneleko ngokwezenzo zethu. Kodwana indoda le ayikenzi ilitho elimbi.” Yeke sathi kuJesu: “Jesu, ungikhumbule nawufika embuswenakho!” UJesu wathi kiso: “Ngiqinisile ngiyakutjela bona namhlanjesi uzakuba nami ePharadesi.” Besele kuyisimbi yetjhumi nambili emini, ubumnyama bembatha yoke inarha bekwaba yisimbi yesithathu ngemva kwedina ngombana ilanga lafiphala. Kwathi irharideni lethempeli latlebhuka phakathi. UJesu warhuwelela khulu wathi: “Baba, nginikela umphefumulwami ezandleni zakho!” Wathi bona atjho njalo, wahlongakala! Umphathimabutho wathi nabona okwenzekileko, wadumisa uZimu, wathi: “Kwamambala umuntu lo bekalungile!” Kwathi bona boke abantu ebegade babuthene lapho ukuzokubukela, babone okwenzekileko, bathwala imikhono ehloko, baphadlhalala. Kodwana boke ebegade bamazi, nabafazi abamlandelako bavela eGalile, bajamela kude, babukela koke lokhu kusenzeka. Bekunendoda ebekuthiwa nguJosefa, alilunga lesigungu begodu ayindoda elungileko neqotho. Yena akazange azihlanganise nesiqunto kanye nesenzo sabo. Bekavela eJudiya edorobheni le-Arimathiya, alindele umbuso kaZimu. Waya kuPilatu wayokubawa isidumbu sakaJesu. Yeke wasethula isidumbu sakaJesu, wasiphuthela ngetjhila, wasibulunga ngethuneni ebelikghedlhwe edwaleni ebelingazange lisetjenziswe. Bekulilanga lokulungiselela iSabatha ebesele lizokuthoma. Abafazi ebegade beze noJesu basuka eGalile balandela uJosefa, babona ithuna nangendlela umzimba kaJesu bewulaliswe ngakhona kilo. Yeke babuyela ekhaya bayokulungisa amakha wokuzesa isidumbu sakhe. Kodwana baphumula ngeSabatha njengokutjho komyalo. Elangeni lokuthoma leveke, ngovivi, abafazi bathatha amakha ebebawalungisile, baya ethuneni. Bafumana ilitje ebelivale ithuna ligediwe, kodwana nabangenako, azange basifumane isidumbu seKosi uJesu. Kwathi basararekile ngalokho, khonapho kwaba khona amadoda amabili embethe izambatho eziphazima njengombani ajame hlanu kwabo. Ngokwesaba okukhulu, abafazi bahloma iinhloko phasi, kodwana amadoda lawo athi kibo: “Nifunelani ophilako hlangana nabafileko na? Akakho lapha, uvukile! Khumbulani bona wathini kini lokha nasese nani eGalile. Angithi wathi, ‘INdodana yoMuntu kufanele inikelwe ezandleni zezoni, ibethelwe esiphambanweni, kuthi ngelanga lesithathu ivuke.’ ” Yeke bakhumbula amezwakhe. Bathi nababuya ethuneni, batjela abafundi abalitjhumi nanye kanye nabanye zoke iindabezi. Begade kunguMariya Magdalina, uJwana, noMariya unina kaJakopo kanye nabanye abatjela abapostoli iindabezi. Kodwana abapostoli azange bakholwe abafazaba ngombana kibo amezwabo azwakala kuyintolwani nje kwaphela. Nanyana kunjalo, uPitrosi weqa wagijimela ethuneni. Wafika wagugubala, wabona itjhila lilodwa linganamuntu. Wabuyela emuva ararekile ngokwenzekileko. Yeke khona mhlokho abalandeli ababili bakaJesu gade basiya emzini ebekuthiwa yi-Emawusi, kulibanga elingaba makhilomitha alitjhumi nanye ukusuka eJerusalema. Bebakhamba bakhuluma ngakho koke okwenzekileko. Kwathi basakhuluma njalo babonisana ngezintwezi, uJesu ngokwakhe watjhidela wakhambisana nabo; kodwana kwafihleka kibo kobana bamazi. UJesu wathi kibo: “Nikhulumisana ngani ekhambeni lenweli na?” Bajama, ubuso babo bukhathazekile. Omunye wabo ebekuthiwa nguKleyopasi, wambuza wathi: “Senguwe kwaphela isikhambi lapha eJerusalema esingaziko ngezinto ezenzeke lapha amalangana la na?” Wabuza wathi: “Zizinto bani lezo?” Bamphendula bathi: “Zizinto ezenzeka kuJesu weNazaretha. Begade amphorofidi, anamandla ngelizwi nangezenzo phambi kwakaZimu nebantwini boke. Abaphristi abakhulu nababusi bamnikela kobana agwetjelwe ukufa, yeke bambethela esiphambanweni. Kodwana besinethemba lokobona ungiloyo ozokuhlenga u-Israyeli. Okukhulu-ke kukuthi sele kulilanga lesithathu kwenzekile lokhu. Phezu kwalokho abafazi besiqhema sethu basimangazile. Baye ethuneni ngamasa ekuseni nje kodwana akhange bafunyane umzimbakhe. Babuyile-ke bazositjela bona babone umbono weengilozi ezibatjele bona uvukile, uyaphila. Yeke abanye besiqhema sethu bayile ethunenapho, bafumana kunjengombana abafazi bebatjhwile, kodwana yena azange bambone.” Yeke uJesu wathi kibo: “Maye niziindlhayela kangangani! Nibuthaka eenhliziyweni ukukholwa koke okwakhulunywa baphorofidi! Kanti uKrestu ubekangakafaneli adlule emtlhagweni lo ngemva kwalapho-ke angene ephazimulwenakhe na?” Yeke uJesu wabahlathululela bona kwathiwani ngaye kiyo yoke imitlolo ecwengileko, kusukela emthethweni kaMosi nakiyo yoke imitlolo yabaphorofidi. Kuthe nasele batjhidele emzini ogade beze kiwo, uJesu wenza sengathi udlulela phambili. Kodwana bamrabhela bathi: “Hlala nathi, qala sekuhlwile. Ilanga selitjhingile.” Yeke wangena, wahlala nabo. Kwathi nasetafuleni kanye nabo wathatha isikwa, wathokoza uZimu, wasihlephula wabapha. Yeke amehlwabo avuleka, khonapho bamazi, kodwana wanyamalala emehlwenabo. Babuzana bathi: “Iinhliziyo zethu bezingavuthi ngaphakathi kwethu lokha nakhuluma nathi endleleni nazasihlathululela imitlolo na?” Basikima khonokho babuyela emuva eJerusalema. Lapho bafumana abafundi abalitjhumi nanye nalabo ebebanabo bahlangene ndawonye basithi: “Kuliqiniso! IKosi ivukile beyazibonakalisa kuSimoni.” Yeke ababili bademba ngalokho okwenzeke endlelenabo nangendlela amehlwabo avuleke ngakhona lokha uJesu nahlephula isikwa. Kwathi nabasakhuluma ngezintwezi, uJesu ngokwakhe wajama hlangana nabo wathi kibo: “Ukuthula akube nani!” Barareka bethukile, badlumbana bona babona isipuku. Kodwana wathi kibo: “Nikhathazekeleni na? Kubayini kuvuka ukuzaza emikhumbulweni yenu na? Qalani izandla zami neenyawo zami. Ngimi ngenyama! Ngikghwathani nizizwele ngokwenu, isipuku asinanyama namathambo njengombana nibona nje.” Wathi bona atjho njalo, wabatjengisa izandla neenyawo zakhe. Kwathi khonapho bangakakholwisisi ngebanga lethabo nokurareka, wababuza wathi: “Ninakho okugonywako lapha na?” Yeke bamupha isiqana sehlambi ebasiweko, wasithatha wasigoma phambi kwabo. Wathi kibo: “Lezi zizinto enganitjela zona ngisesenani. Zoke izinto ezitlolwe ngami emthethweni kaMosi nemitlolweni yabaphorofidi kanye nakumaRhubo, zimele zizaliseke.” Yeke waqaqulula imikhumbulwabo ukuze bazwisise imitlolo. Wathi kibo: “Nakhu okutloliweko: UKrestu uzokutlhaga bese avuke kabafileko elangeni lesithathu. Nje-ke kuzokutjhunyayelwa ukuphenduka nokuthethelelwa kwezono ebizweni lakhe kizo zoke izizwe, ukuthoma eJerusalema. Nina nibofakazi bezintwezi. Ngizonithumela lokho uBaba akwethembisileko. Kodwana hlalani ngedorobheni kufikela lapha nembeswa khona ngamandla avela phezulu.” Waphuma nabo baya endaweni yeBhethaniya, waphakamisa izandla, wababusisa. Kwathi asababusisa njalo, waphuma hlangana nabo wanyuselwa ezulwini. Bamlotjha, babuyela emuva eJerusalema ngethabo elikhulu. Bahlala soke isikhathi ngethempelini, badumisa uZimu. Ekuthomeni uLizwi bekakhona, uLizwi bekakuZimu, uLizwi bekanguZimu. BekakuZimu kusukela ekuthomeni. Koke kwavela ngaye. Akukho nokukodwa okwabunjwa ngaphandle kwakhe. Ukuphila bekukuye; ukuphila lokho kwaba kukhanya kwabantu. Ukukhanya kwakhanya ebumnyameni nobumnyama azange buhlule ukukhanya. Kwabakhona umuntu othunywe nguZimu, ibizo lakhe linguJwanisi. Weza kobana azokufakaza ngokukhanya, khona boke bazakukholwa ngaye. Yena bekangasikho ukukhanya, kodwana weza kobana azokufakaza ngokukhanya. Lowo bekumkhanyo wamambala, obuzakuza ephasinapha uzokukhanyisela woke umuntu. ULizwi bekakhona ephasini begodu iphasi ladalwa ngaye, kodwana iphasi azange khelimazi. Weza ephasini lekhabo, abantu bekhabo azange bamamukele. Kodwana boke abamamukelako bebakholwa ebizweni lakhe, wabapha ilungelo lokuba bantwana bakaZimu, iye, labo abangakabelethwa ngeengazi nangentando yenyama namkha yomuntu kodwana ngentando kaZimu. ULizwi waba yinyama, wakha phakathi kwethu azele umusa neqiniso. Sabona iphazimulwakhe, iphazimulo ayamukela kuYise njengeNdodanakhe eyodwa tere. UJwanisi wafakaza ngaye, arhuwelela athi: “Nguye lo ebengikhuluma ngaye ngisithi, ‘Loyo oza emva kwami mkhulu kunami ngombana yena gade akhona ngingakabikho.’ ” Ngokuzala kwakhe umusa saphiwa soke umusa phezu komusa. Umthetho weza ngoMosi, kodwana umusa neqiniso kweza ngoJesu Krestu. Akakho noyedwa owakhe wabona uZimu, ngaphandle kweNdodanakhe ebelethwe yodwa esesifubeni sakaYise, ngiyo kwaphela embonakalisileko. Lobu bufakazi bakaJwanisi ngesikhathi amaJuda nakathumela abaphristi namaLevi basuka eJerusalema bambuza bathi: “Kanti wena ungubani?” Yena wavuma azange aphike, wakhuluma waphandlesela wathi: “Angisuye uKrestu mina.” Bambuza bathi: “Alo-ke ungubani na? Ungu-Eliya?” Waphendula wathi: “Awa, angisuye.” Bambuza godu bathi: “Umphorofidi na?” Waphendula wathi: “Awa angisuye.” Bathi kuye: “Yeke sitjela bona ungubani. Kufanele sibuyisele ipendulo kilabo abasithumileko. Zitjho bona ungubani?” Yena wabaphendula njengombana kwatjho umphorofidi u-Isaya, wathi: “Mina ngililizwi laloyo orhuwelelako erhalawumbeni asithi, ‘Yenzani indlela yeKosi inqophe!’ ” Nje-ke abazenda ebegade bathunywe baFarisabo, bambuza bathi: “NawungasinguKrestu namkha u-Eliya nanyana umphorofidi, alo-ke ubhabhadiselani?” UJwanisi wabaphendula wathi: “Mina ngibhabhadisa ngamanzi, kodwana hlangana nani kujame eningamaziko, iye, oza emva kwami nengingakafaneli ukutjhaphulula umutjana wamapatlagwanakhe.” Koke lokhu kwenzeka eBhethaniya ngaphetjheya kweJordani, lapha uJwanisi gade abhabhadisa khona. Ngomuso uJwanisi wabona uJesu asiza kuye, wathi: “Qalani nasiya iMvana kaZimu, esusa isono sephasi! Nguye ebengikhuluma ngaye nangisithi, ‘Oza emva kwami, mkhulu kunami ngombana gade akhona ngingakabikho.’ Nami ngokwami azange khengimazi, kungalokho ngize kobana ngibhabhadise ngamanzi khona azakubonakaliswa kwa-Israyeli.” UJwanisi waveza ubufakazi wathi: “Ngibone uMoya ehla njengezuba avela ezulwini, wahlala phezu kwakhe. Nalapho azange ngazi bona nguye. Kodwana owangithuma bona ngibhabhadise ngamanzi, wathi kimi, ‘Loyo okuzakuthi nawubona uMoya ehla abe ahlale phezu kwakhe, nguye obhabhadisa ngoMoya oCwengileko.’ “Ngalokho ngikubonile lokho begodu ngiyafakaza bona lo yiNdodana kaZimu.” Ngelanga elilandelako godu uJwanisi bekajame lapho nabafundi bakhe ababili; waqala wabona uJesu asekhambeni wathi: “Qalani, naso iMvana kaZimu!” Kwathi bona abafundi ababili bamuzwe atjho njalo, balandela uJesu. UJesu waphenduka, wababona bamlandela, wababuza wathi: “Nilila ngani?” Bona bathi kuye: “Rabi,” (nakutjhugululwako kutjho bona Mfundisi) “uhlalaphi na?” Wabaphendula wathi: “Yizani nizokubona.” Besele lithambeme, yeke bakhamba naye bayokubona lapha ahlala khona, bahlala lapho naye imini yoke. Omunye wababilabo gade kungu-Andrisi, umfowabo lakaSimoni Pitrosi. Kokuthoma u-Andrisi wafumana umfowabo uSimoni, wamtjela wathi: “Simfumene uMesiya.” (Nakutjhugululwako kutjho uKrestu.) Yeke wathatha uSimoni wamusa kuJesu. UJesu wamqala wathi kuye: “Ibizo lakho nguSimoni, umsa kaJwanisi, uzakubizwa bona unguKhefasi.” (Kuyafana nokuthi Pitrosi nakutjhugululwako.) Ngelanga elilandelako uJesu wazilungiselela ukuya eGalile. Wafumana uFlebhe wathi kuye: “Namba sikhambe!” UFlebhe bekungeweBhethe-Sayida edorobheni lekhabo laka-Andrisi noPitrosi. UFlebhe wafumana uNathaniyeli, wathi kuye: “Simfumene loyo uMosi atlole ngaye encwadini yomthetho, ngitjho nabaphorofidi abatlola ngaye. UnguJesu, indodana kaJosefa, weNazaretha.” UNathaniyeli wabuza wathi: “Kukhona okulungileko okungavela eNazaretha na?” UFlebhe waphendula wathi: “Yiza uzokubona!” UJesu wabona uNathaniyeli asiza kuye, wakhuluma ngaye wathi: “Nangu umIsrayeli wamambala, onganamanga.” UNathaniyeli wambuza wathi: “Ungazelaphi na?” UJesu wamphendula wathi: “Ngikubone ngaphambi kobana uFlebhe akubize usesengaphasi komuthi wamakhiwani.” UNathaniyeli wamphendula wathi: “Mfundisi, uyiNdodana kaZimu! UyiKosi yakwa-Israyeli!” UJesu wathi kuye: “Ukholwa ngombana ngithe kuwe ngikubone ngaphasi komuthi wamakhiwani na? Uzokubona okukhulu kunalokhu!” Wathi godu kibo: “Kwamambala ngiqinisile ngithi: Nizokubona izulu livuleka, iingilozi zakaZimu zehla zenyuka phezu kweNdodana yoMuntu.” Ngelanga lesithathu kwaba nobukhazi eKana leGalile, unina lakaJesu akhona naye lapho. UJesu nabafundi bakhe gade bamenyiwe ebukhazinobo. Kwathi bona iwayini liphele, unina lakaJesu wathi kuye: “Abasenalo iwayini.” UJesu wamphendula wathi: “Umma angakhathazeki ngokuqalene nami, isikhathi sami asikafiki.” Yeke unina wathi eencekwini: “Yenzani nanyana yini akutjhoko.” Bekurheme lapho imijeka yamanzi emithandathu, ibekwe ngekwesiko lesiJuda lokuzihlambulula. Ngamunye gade ungamumatha amalitha angapheze abe likhulu. UJesu wathi eencekwini: “Zalisani imijeka le ngamanzi.” Bayizalisa, yaphuphuma. Wathi kizo: “Khelelani-ke niyokunikela usomnyanya.” Mbala bamkhelela. Kwathi lokha usomnyanya nakandipha amanzi ebesele aphenduke iwayini, azange azi bona iwayini leli livelaphi. Kodwana iinceku ezakhelela amanzi zazi bonyana libuyaphi; yeke wabiza umkhwenyani. Wathi kuye: “Woke umuntu ukhupha iwayini elimnandi qangi, kuthi nakube abathekeli abaneli ngokusela, kukhutjhwe itlwembu. Kodwana wena usalokho ukhupha iwayini elimnandi bekube kunje!” UJesu wenza isibonakaliso sakhe sokuthoma eKana engeGalile lapha abonakalisa khona iphazimulwakhe, abafundi bakhe bamkholwa. Ngemva kwalokho, uJesu nonina, abafowabo nabafundi bakhe baya eKapernawumi, bahlala lapho amalangana. Isikhathi somnyanya wePhasika besesitjhidele, yeke uJesu waya eJerusalema. Lapho wafumana abantu ngethempelini bathengisa iinkomo, izimvu namazuba; nabatlharulula imali bahlezi eentafuleni zabo. Yeke wenza isibebhu ngeentambo wabaqotjha boke ngethempelini, kanye nezimvu neenkomo; wapewula iintafula zabatlharululi bemali warhatjha imali yabo. Watjela labo abathengisa amazuba wathi: “Asuseni lapha! Lisani ukwenza ikumba kaBaba indawo yokuthengisela!” Abafundi bakhe bakhumbula bona umtlolo uthi: “Ukutjhisakalela indlwakho kungidlile.” AmaJuda ambuza athi: “Ungenza mmangaliso bani khona uzasibonisa bonyana unalo ilungelo lokwenza lokhu na?” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Girizani ithempeli, ngizalakha ngamalanga amathathu.” Ambuza athi: “Uzalakha godu ngamalanga amathathu na? Kuthethe iminyaka ematjhumi amane nesithandathu ukulakha ithempeli.” Kodwana ithempeli uJesu agade akhuluma ngalo, mzimba wakhe. Kwathi bona avuke kabafileko, abafundi bakhe bakhumbula bona ubasitjho lokhu, bayikholwa imitlolo ecwengileko nalokho uJesu akutjhwileko. UJesu asesengeJerusalema ngesikhathi somnyanya wePhasika, abanengi bamkholwa nababona iimangaliso azenzako. Kodwana uJesu azange abathembe ngombana gade abazi boke. Bekungakatlhogeki bona omunye angakhe amtjele ngabo ngombana yena bekagade asazi okungeenhliziyweni zabo. Bekukhona ebaFarisini umuntu ekuthiwa nguNikhodemusi, yena ubesikhulu samaJuda. Langelinye ebusuku weza kuJesu wafese wathi: “Rabi, siyazi bona umfundisi othunywe nguZimu ngombana akakho noyedwa ongenza iimangaliso ozenzakwezi ngaphandle kobana uZimu abe naye.” UJesu wamphendula wathi: “Kwamambala ngiqinisile ngithi: Akakho noyedwa ozakubona umbuso kaZimu ngaphandle kobanyana abelethwe butjha.” UNikhodemusi wambuza wathi: “Umuntu omdala angabelethwa njani butjha na? Kghani angabuyela ngesiswini sakanina abelethwe kwesibili?” UJesu wamphendula wathi: “Kwamambala ngiqinisile ngithi kuwe: Akakho noyedwa ozakungena embusweni kaZimu ngaphandle kobana abelethwe ngamanzi nangoMoya. Okubelethwe yinyama kuyinyama, nalokho okubelethwe nguMoya kumumoya. Ungarareki ngombana ngithe kuwe kufanele ubelethwe butjha. Ummoya uvunguza ngapha ufuna ngakhona; uzwa ukuphephetha kwawo, kodwana awazi lapha uvela khona nalapha uya khona. Kunjalo kiloyo naloyo obelethwa nguMoya.” UNikhodemusi wabuza wathi: “Lokhu kungenzeka njani na?” UJesu wamphendula wathi: “Wena umfundisi wakwa-Israyeli, kodwana awukwazi lokhu na? Kwamambala ngiqinisile ngithi kuwe: Sifakaza ngalokho esikwaziko, sibike lokho esikubonileko, khonapho nina bantu anamukeli ubufakazi bethu. Ngikhulume nani mayelana nezinto zephaseli kodwana anikholwa; alo-ke ningakholwa njani nanginitjela ngezinto zezulwini na? Akakho okhe waya ezulwini ngaphandle kwaloyo owehla avela ezulwini, iNdodana yoMuntu. “Njengombana uMosi waphakamisa inyoka erhalawumbeni, njalo-ke neNdodana yoMuntu kufanele iphakanyiswe, ukuze kuthi loyo okholwa kiyo abe nepilo engapheliko. Mbala uZimu walithanda kangaka iphasi, wabe wanikela ngeNdodanakhe ebelethwe yodwa, khona kuzakuthi loyo okholwa kiyo angabhubhi, kodwana abe nepilo engapheliko. Iye, akakathumeli iNdodanakhe bona izokugweba iphasi, kodwana kobana iphasi lisindiswe ngayo. “Loyo oyikholwako, akagwetjwa; kodwana loyo ongakholwako, ugwetjiwe ngombana azange akholwe eNdodaneni kaZimu ekukuphela kwayo. Isigwebo singilokhu: Ukukhanya kufikile ephasini, kodwana abantu bakhetha ubumnyama kunomkhanyo ngombana izenzo zabo zimbi. Woke umuntu owenza okumbi, uwuhloyile umkhanyo, akezi emkhanyweni ngombana wesaba bona izenzo zakhe ezimbi zizakudaluleka. Kodwana loyo owenza iqiniso, uyavela emkhanyweni khona kuzakubonakala bonyana izenzo zakhe zenziwe kuZimu.” Ngemva kwalokho uJesu nabafundi bakhe baya enarheni yeJudiya. Lapho wahlala isikhatjhana nabo, abhabhadisa. UJwanisi naye bekabhabhadisa nge-Ayinoni, eduze neSalima ngombana lapho bekunamanzi amanengi. Abantu beza kuye bona babhajadiswe. Lokhu bekungaphambi kobanyana uJwanisi avalelwe ngesikhungweni. Nje-ke kwaqubuka ukuphikisana ngokuhlambulula phakathi kwabafundi bakaJwanisi namaJuda. Baya kuJwanisi, bafika bathi: “Mfundisi, umuntu obekanawe ngaphetjheya kweJordani, ngitjho loyo ogade ufakaza ngaye, qala uyabhabhadisa, begodu boke baya kuye!” UJwanisi waphendula wathi: “Akakho ongaba nento ngaphandle kobanyana uZimu amuphe ivela ezulwini. Nani ngokwenu nibofakazi bami bona ngithe angisuye uKrestu, kodwana ngithunywe ngaphambi kwakhe. Onomlobokazi umyeni; kodwana umngani womkhwenyani ojama amlalele, uyathaba nakezwa ilizwi lomkhwenyani. Yeke ithabo lami seliphelele. Kufanele yena akhule, mina nginciphe.” “Ovela ngehla, ungehla kwabo boke. Loyo ongowephasi ngewephasinapha, begodu ukhuluma ngezephasi. Kodwana loyo ovela ezulwini ungaphezu kwakho koke. Ufakaza lokho akubonileko nakuzwileko, kodwana akakho noyedwa owamukela ubufakazi bakhe. Kodwana loyo owamukela ubufakazi bakhe uqinisa bona uZimu uliqiniso. Loyo uZimu amthumileko ukhuluma amezwi kaZimu ngombana uZimu unikela uMoya ngokungalinganisi. UBaba uyayithanda iNdodanakhe begodu unikele koke esandleni sayo. Loyo okholwako eNdodaneni unokuphila okungapheliko; kodwana ongakholwa eNdodaneni ngekhe akubona ukuphila, kodwana uzakuhlala ngaphasi kobukhali bakaZimu.” AbaFarisi bezwa bona uJesu uzuze bewabhabhadisa abafundi abanengi kunoJwanisi. Eqinisweni, uJesu azange akhe abhabhadise kodwana bekubhabhadisa abafundi bakhe. Yeke wasuka eJudiya wabuyela eGalile. Bekufanele bona adlule eSamariya. Khona wafika eSamariya emzini okuthiwa yiSikhari eduze kwesimu uJakopo ayinikela indodanakhe uJosefa. Umthombo kaJakopo gade ulapho, nje-ke uJesu sele adiniwe ekhambeni lakhe, wahlala phasi eqadi komthombo; bekusemini ekulu. Kweza umfazi weSamariya azokukhelela amanzi, uJesu wathi kuye: “Akhe ungiphe amanzi, ngisele.” Abafundi bakhe bebasaye ngemzini ukuyokuthenga ukudla. Umfazi womSamariya wathi: “Wena umJuda, mina ngimSamariya, alo-ke ungangibawa njani amanzi wokusela na?” AmaJuda akadlelani namaSamariya. UJesu waphendula wathi: “Ingathana bewazi isipho sakaZimu, nokobana ngubani othi kuwe, ‘Ngiseza’ bewuzambawa, yena ubazakupha amanzi wokuphila.” Umfazi wathi kuye: “Mnimzana! Awunanto yokukha, begodu umthombo lo uyatjhinga. Uzawafumanaphi amanzi wokuphila lawo na? Utjho bona wena umkhulu kukhokho wethu uJakopo owasipha umthombo lo bewasela kiwo yena namadodanakhe nefuywakhe na?” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Nanyana ngubani osela amanzi la uzakoma godu, kodwana ngiloyo naloyo osela amanzi engizamupha wona angekhe abe asoma godu. Amanzi engizamupha wona azakuphenduka isiyalu ngaphakathi kwakhe simondle ngamanzi wokuphila okungapheliko.” Umfazi wathi: “Mnimzana, ngipha amanzi lawo ukuze ngingasoma namkha ngibuye lapha ngizokukhelela.” UJesu wathi kuye: “Khamba uyokubiza indodakho uze nayo.” Umfazi waphendula wathi: “Anginandoda.” UJesu wathi kuye: “Uqinisile lokha nawuthi awunandoda ngombana bewunamadoda amahlanu, naleyo ohlala nayo nje, akusingeyakho. Yeke ungitjele iqiniso.” Umfazi wathi: “Ngiyabona bonyana umphorofidi, Mnimzana. Abokhokho bethu bathandaza entabeni le, kodwana nina maJuda nithi iJerusalema yindawo lapha kufanele sithandazele khona.” UJesu wathi kuye: “Yewungikholwe mfazi, isikhathi siyeza lapha uBaba angekhe athandazwa entabeni le namkha eJerusalema. Nina nithandaza eningakwaziko, kodwana thina sithandaza esikwaziko ngombana isindiso ivela emaJudeni. Kodwana isikhathi siyeza, begodu sebesifikile, lapha abathandazako bazakuthandaza uBaba ngommoya nangeqiniso ngombana uBaba uthanda abamlotjha njalo. UZimu unguMoya, labo abamthandazako kufuze bamthandaze ngommoya nangeqiniso njengombana anjalo.” Umfazi wathi kuye: “Ngiyazi bona uMesiya okuthiwa nguKrestu, uzakuza; nakafikako uzasihlathululela koke.” UJesu wathi kuye: “Nginguye, okhuluma nawe.” Khonokho abafundi bakhe bafika. Barareka ngokukhuluma kwakhe nomfazi. Kodwana akakho owathi kuye, “Ufunani na?” namkha, “Ukhulumelani naye na?” Yeke umfazi wasukela umjekakhe lapho wabuyela ngemzini, wathi ebantwini: “Yizani nizokubona umuntu ongitjele koke engakhe ngakwenza. Angaba nguKrestu na?” Baphuma ngemzini baya kuJesu. Kusenjalo abafundi bamncenga bathi: “Mfundisi, akhe ugome!” Kodwana waphendula wathi: “Nginokudla engikugomako eningazi ilitho ngakho.” Yeke abafundi babuzana bathi: “Kghani omunye umlethele ukudla na?” UJesu wathi kibo: “Ukudla kwami kukwenza intando yongithumileko nokuqeda umsebenzakhe. Azakhe niphele nitjho nithi, ‘Kusele iinyanga ezine bona kuvunwe!’ Kodwana ngithi kini qalani mazombe, amasimu sele alungele ukuvunwa. Ovunako sele amukeliswa umvuzo begodu ubuthelela iinthelo zokuphila okungapheliko ukuze otjalileko novunako bathabe boke. Ngokunjalo siliqiniso isitjho esithi, ‘Omunye uyatjala, omunye uyavuna.’ Nginithume bona niyokuvuna lapha ningasebenzi khona, abanye balimile, nina nizakuzuza emsebenzinabo.” AmaSamariya amanengi ngemzini akholwa kuye ngebanga lobufakazi bomfazi obuthi: “Ungitjele koke engakhe ngakwenza.” Yeke kwathi abantu beSamariya nabeza kuye, bambawa bona ahlale nabo; nje-ke wahlala lapho amalanga amabili. Abanengi godu bakholwa ngomlayezwakhe. Bathi emfazini: “Siyakholwa gadesi, ingasingalokho okutjhwileko ngombana nathi ngokwethu simzwile, besiyazi bona nguye uMsindisi wephasi.” Ngemva kokuphela kwamalanga amabili, wasuka lapho waya eGalile ngombana yena ngokwakhe wathi: “Umphorofidi akahlonitjhwa endaweni yekhabo.” Kwathi bona afike eGalile, abantu bamamukela ngombana bebakubonile koke akwenze emcimbini eJerusalema. Yeke uJesu wabuyela eKana ngeGalile, lapha bekaphendule khona amanzi aba liwayini. Nje-ke bekukhona induna egade inendodana egulako eKapernawumi. Kwathi bona izwe bonyana uJesu ubuyile eJudiya useGalile, yaya kuye yayombawa bona ehle ayokupholisa indodanayo, ebesele iseduze nokufa. UJesu wathi kiyo: “Ngaphandle kobana nibone iimbonakaliso neemangaliso angeze nakholwa.” Induna yaphendula yathi: “Kosi, yehla ngaphambi kobana indodanami ife.” UJesu wathi kiyo: “Khamba, indodanakho izakuphila!” Yawakholwa amezwi kaJesu yakhamba. Kuthi isendleleni isiya ekhaya, iinceku zayo zayihlangabeza ngombiko oyazisa bonyana indodanayo ipholile. Nje-ke yazibuza bona bekusikhathi bani lokha indodanyo iba ngcono. Zayiphendula zathi: “Bekuyisimbi yokuthoma izolo ntambama lokha umgomani nawuyilisako.” Yeke uyise wakhumbula bona sikhatheso lokha uJesu namtjelako asithi: “Indodana yakho izakuphila.” Yeke yena nekumba yakhe yoke bakholwa. Leso-ke simangaliso sesibili uJesu asenzako ukusuka eJudiya ukuya eGalile. Ngemva kwalokho, uJesu wakhuphukela eJerusalema emnyanyeni wamaJuda. Nje-ke hlanu kwesango iMvu eJerusalema bekukhona isiziba ekuthiwa ngesiHebheru yiBhethesda egade sinamathuri amahlanu. Lapho-ke bekulele abantu abagulako: iimphofu, iinrhurhubi nabafe ihlangothi. Bebalindele amanzi bona asikinyeke ngombana ingilozi kaSomnini bephele ingene ngesizibeni izamazise amanzi, kuthi wokuthomo ongena ngemanzini asinde kunanyana ngisiphi isifo anaso. Bekukhona lapho umuntu ogade agule iminyaka ematjhumi amathathu nabunane. UJesu wambona alele lapho begodu asazi bona besele anesikhathi eside agula, wambuza wathi: “Ufuna ukuphola na?” Isigulani samphendula sathi: “Kosi, anginaye noyedwa ongangifaka ngesizibeni lokha amanzi nazamazisiweko. Nangithi ngilinga ukungena, omunye nje ungena phambi kwami.” UJesu wathi kiso: “Sikima, uthathe umsemakho ukhambe.” Khonokho umuntu loyo waphola, wathatha umsemakhe wakhamba. Mhlana kwenzeka lokhu, bekungeSabatha. Yeke amaJuda athi emuntwini opholisiweko: “Namhlanjesi liSabatha, kuphambene nomthetho wethu bona ungaphatha umsemakho.” Waphendula wathi: “Umuntu ongipholisileko uthe, ‘Thatha umsemakho ukhambe.’ ” Bambuza bathi: “Ungubani umrhali loyo okutjele bona uguge umseme ukhambe na?” Nje-ke umuntu opholisiweko azange azi bona bekungubani ngombana uJesu besele akhambile begodu bekunesiqubuthu lapho. Ngemva kwalokho uJesu wamfumana ngethempelini wathi kuye: “Lalela, uphilisiwe, yeke lisa ukona nakungasinjalo okumbi khulu kungakuvelela.” Nje-ke umuntu loyo wakhamba wayokutjela amaJuda bona uphiliswe nguJesu. AmaJuda athoma ukuzumana noJesu ngombana bekenze lokho ngeSabatha. UJesu wawaphendula wathi: “UBaba uhlala asebenza, nje-ke nami ngiyasebenza.” Ngokutjho lokho kwarhagalisa amaJuda bona afune ukumbulala ingasingombana wephule iSabatha kwaphela, kodwana ngombana ubize uZimu ngoyise, ngebangelo uzenze bona alingane noZimu. Yeke uJesu waphendula wathi: “Kwamambala ngiqinisile ngithi kini: INdodana angekhe yenza ilitho ngokwayo, yenza lokho ebone uYise akwenza. Okwenziwa nguYise, neNdodana iyakwenza ngombana uYise uyayithanda iNdodana, uyitjengisa koke akwenzako yena. Uzayitjengisa ngitjho nemisebenzi emikhulu kunale ukuze nimangale. Iye, njengombana uYise avusa abafileko bona baphile godu, nayo iNdodana iphilisa labo ethanda bona baphile. UYise ngokwakhe akagwebi muntu kodwana unikele koke ukugweba eNdodaneni, ukuze boke bahloniphe iNdodana njengombana bahlonipha uYise. Ngiloyo naloyo ongahloniphi iNdodana akamhloniphi noYise oyithumileko. “Kwamambala ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Ozwa amezwami akholwe kongithumileko, unokuphila okungapheliko. Angekhe agwetjwa, kodwana udlulile ekufeni, usekuphileni. Kwamambala ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Isikhathi siyeza, nanje sesifikile, lapho abafileko bazakuzwa ilizwi leNdodana kaZimu, labo abazalizwa bazakuphila. Njengombana uYise anokuphila ngokwakhe, ngokunjalo unikele neNdodana bona ibe nokuphila ngokwayo. Begodu uyinikele igunya lokugweba ngombana iyiNdodana yoMuntu. Ningarareki ngalokhu; siyeza isikhathi lapha boke abasemalibeni bazalizwa ilizwi layo, bavuke; labo abenze okulungileko bazakuvukela ekuphileni; abenze okumbi bavukele ekulahlweni.” “Angekhe ngenza ilitho ngokwami; ngigweba ngapha uZimu atjho ngakhona nokugweba kwami kungikho ngombana angiphikeleli ukwenza intando yami kodwana intando yongithumileko. “Nangizifakazela ngokwami, khona ubufakazi bami abusilo iqiniso. Ukhona omunye ofakaza ngami, godu ngiyazi bona akutjhoko ngami kuliqiniso. Nathumela kuJwanisi iinthunywa, yena walifakazela iqiniso. Ayisikukobanyana ngifuna ubufakazi bomuntu; ngitjho lokhu khona nizakuphuluka. UJwanisi bekanjengesibani, sivutha sikhanyisa, navuma isikhatjhana ukuzitika ngomkhanyo wakhe. Nginobufakazi obukhulu kunebukaJwanisi. Imisebenzi uBaba anginikele bona ngiyiphelelise, ekungileyo engiyenzako, iyafakazela bona mbala uBaba ungithumile. UBaba ongithumileko ufakazile ngami, yena azange khenizwe ilizwi lakhe namkha nibone ubuso bakhe begodu ilizwi lakhe alihlali phakathi kwenu ngombana anikholwa amthumileko. Niphenya imitlolo ngombana nidlumbana bona kiyo ninepilo engapheliko. Kodwana ngiyo efakaza ngami! Khonapho nala ukuza kimi khona nizakufumana ubuphilo. “Mina angilamukeli idumo ebantwini. Kodwana ngiyazi bona aninathando noZimu ngeenhliziyweni zenu. Ngize ebizweni lakaBaba, kodwana azange ningamukele; njeke-ke omunye nezako ebizweni lakhe, nizamamukela. Ningakholwa njani nanidumisana nodwa nje, ningafuni idumo elivela kiloyo onguZimu yedwa na? Ningadlumbani bona ngizonimangalela phambi kwakaBaba; ummangaleli wenu nguMosi enithembela kuye. Nangabe nakholwa uMosi, nami nganangikholwa ngombana watlola ngami. Kodwana nanikholwa akutlolileko, ningakholwa njani engikutjhoko na?” Isikhatjhana ngemva kwalokho, uJesu wayamela ngaphetjheya kwelwandle leGalile, laphakhunye kuthiwa lilwandle leThibheriyasi. Isiqubuthu esikhulu samlandela ngombana sabona iimangaliso azenza phezu kwabagulako. UJesu wenyukela entabeni, wafika wahlala phasi nabafundi bakhe. Isikhathi somnyanya wePhasika lamaJuda besesitjhidele. Kwathi lokha uJesu abona isiqubuthu esikhulu sisiza kuye, wabuza uFlebhe wathi: “Singakuthengaphi ukudla ukupha abantwaba na?” Wabuza lokhu amzizinya ngombana gade sele asazi bona uzokwenza njani. UFlebhe wamphendula wathi: “Isikwa seempaparwana ezimakhulu amabili wesiliva angekhe sabanela kobana omunye nomunye afumane okuncani.” Omunye wabafundi bakhe, u-Andrisi, umfowabo lakaSimoni Pitrosi, wathi: “Kunomsana lapha ophethe imilombo emihlanu yesikwa sebhali neenhlambi ezimbili; kodwana kuyini lokho kwabanengi kangaka na?” UJesu wabatjela bona bahlalise abantu phasi. Bekukhona lapho utjani obunengi, yeke abantu bahlala phasi, pheze bekuziinkulungwana ezihlanu zamadoda. UJesu wathatha isikwa wathokoza kuZimu wabela boke abantu egade bahlezi lapho. Wenza njalo nangeenhlambi. Kwathi boke sebasuthi, wathi ebafundini bakhe: “Buthelelani iintshutshuru eziseleko; kungalahleki ilitho.” Yeke bazibuthelela zoke, bazalisa iinqwebu ezilitjhumi nambili ngeentshutshuru ezisele emilombeni emihlanu yesikwa sebhali ebegade igonywa babantu. Kwathi lokha abantu nababona iimangaliso ezenziwa nguJesu, bathoma ukuthi: “Kwamambala, lo mphorofidi obekufanele eze ephasinapha!” UJesu asazi bonyana bazimisele ukuza kobana bamkatelele abe yikosi, wazirhotjha wabuyela entabeni yedwa. Kwathi sekurhwaqele, abafundi bakhe behlela ngelwandle, lapha bafese bangena ngemkhunjini bayamela eKapernawumi. Besele kusebusukwaneni, uJesu angakezi kibo. Ngesikhatheso ummoya onamandla bewuvunguza namanzi akhephuzela. Sele bathaye amakhilomitha amahlanu ukuya kwamathandathu, babona uJesu akhamba ngaphezu kwamanzi, atjhidela ngemkhunjinabo, bethuka kwamambala. Kodwana wathi kibo: “Ningesabi! Ngimi!” Yeke bamamukela ngemkhunjini, khonokho umkhumbi wafika endaweni lapha gade basiya khona. Ngelanga elilandelako isiqubuthu egade sihlezi ngaphetjheya kwelwandle, sakhumbula bona bekunomkhumbi owodwa kwaphela lapho. Begodu bebazi bonyana uJesu azange angene nabafundi bakhe nokobana bakhambe ngaphandle kwakhe. Eminye imikhumbi evela eThibheriyasi, yafika hlanu kwalapha isiqubuthu besigomela khona isikwa ngemva kobana iKosi uJesu ithokozile. Kwathi bona isiqubuthu sibone bonyana uJesu bekangekho lapho nabafundi bakhe, sangena ngaphakathi kwemikhumbi saya eKapernawumi, simfuna. Kwathi bona abantu bafumane uJesu ngaphetjheya kwelwandle, bathi kuye: “Mfundisi, ufike nini lapha na?” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Kwamambala ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Aningifuni ngombana nabona iimbonakaliso, kodwana ningifuna ngombana nadla izikwa, nasutha. Ningasebenzeli ukudla okuphelako, kodwana ukudla kokuphila okungapheliko, lokho iNdodana yoMuntu ezanipha khona. Phezu kwayo uZimu uYise, ubeke igunya lakhe.” Yeke bambuza bathi: “Alo-ke kufuze senzeni ukwenza okufunwa nguZimu na?” UJesu wabaphendula wathi: “Umsebenzi kaZimu kukobana nikholwe kiloyo amthumileko.” Baphendula bathi: “Ungenza isibonakaliso bani esingenza bona sikukholwe na? Ungenzani na? Abokhokho bethu bagoma imana ngerhalawumbeni, njengombana kutloliwe ukuthi, ‘Wabapha amabele wezulwini bona bagome.’ ” Yeke uJesu wathi kibo: “Kwamambala ngiqinisile ngithi: Akusuye uMosi owanipha isikwa esivela ezulwini; nguBaba opha isikwa samambala esivela ezulwini ngombana isikwa sakaZimu ngiloyo owehla ezulwini, anikele ukuphila ephasini.” Bathi kuye: “Kosi, sipha isikweso njalonjalo.” UJesu wathi kibo: “Mina ngisisikwa sokuphila, loyo ozako kimi angekhe alamba; naloyo okholwako kimi angekhe oma. Nje-ke, nginitjelile bonyana ningibonile, kodwana anikholwa. Koke uBaba anginikela khona kuzakuza kimi; ozako kimi angekhe ngamnina ngombana ngivela ezulwini, ingasibona ngenze intando yami kodwana kobana ngenze intando yaloyo ongithumileko. Godu kuyintando yongithumileko bona ngingalahlekelwa lilitho lalokho anginikele khona, kodwana ngikuvuse ngomhla wokuphela. Lokhu kuyintando kaBaba kobana omunye nomunye obona iNdodana akholwe kiyo uzokuba nokuphila okungapheliko, yeke ngizamvusa ngomhla wokuphela.” Abantu bathoma ukurhonona ngaye ngombana uthe: “Ngisisikwa esivela ezulwini.” Yeke bathi: “Kanti lo akasuye uJesu indodana kaJosefa esazi uyise nonina na? Alo-ke, utjho njani gadesi bona uvela ezulwini?” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Lisani ukurhonona phakathi kwenu! Akakho ongeza kimi nakube uBaba ongithumileko akamdoseli kimi; mina-ke ngizamvusa ngomhla wokuphela. Kutloliwe kubaphorofidi kwathiwa, ‘Boke bazakufundiswa nguZimu.’ Ngiloyo naloyo ozwa uBaba afunde kuye, uza kimi. Akakho owakhe wabona uBaba ngaphandle kwaloyo obuya kuZimu; ngiloyo-ke kwaphela obone uBaba. Kwamambala ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Okholwako unokuphila okungapheliko. Mina ngisisikwa sokuphila. Abokhokho benu bagoma imana erhalawumbeni, kodwana bafa. Kodwana nasi isikwa esivela ezulwini okuthi umuntu angasigoma angafi. Mina ngisisikwa sokuphila esehla ezulwini, osigomako uzakuphila ngokungapheliko. Isikwesi siyinyamami engiyinikela kobana ibe kuphila kwephasi.” Yeke kwathoma ukuphikisana hlangana namaJuda, athi: “Umuntu lo angasipha njani inyamakhe bona sigome na?” UJesu wathi kibo: “Kwamambala ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Naningagomi inyama yeNdodana yoMuntu nisele neengazi zayo, angekhe naba nokuphila. Loyo ogoma inyamami asele neengazi zami, unokuphila okungapheliko; ngizamvusa ngomhla wokuphela ngombana inyamami ikukudla kwamambala neengazi zami zisiselo samambala. Loyo ogoma inyamami, asele iingazi zami, uhlala ngaphakathi kwami nami ngaphakathi kwakhe. Njengombana uBaba ophilako angithumile, nami ngiphila ngoBaba; njalo-ke loyo ogoma mina uzakuphila ngebanga lami. Lesi sisikwa esehla sivela ezulwini. Abokhokho benu badla imana bafa, kodwana ogoma mina uzakuphila ngokungapheliko.” Lokhu wakutjho lokha nafundisa ngesinagogini eKapernawumi. Lokha abanengi babafundi bakhe nabezwa lokhu, bathi: “Ifundiso le ibudisi, ngubani ongayamukela na?” UJesu wayelela bona abafundi bakhe bayarhonona ngalokhu, wathi kibo: “Lokhu kuyanikhubekisa na? Alo, kuzokubanjani lokha nanibona iNdodana yoMuntu inyukela lapha ivela khona na? NguMoya onikela ukuphila; inyama ayisizi ngalitho. Amezwi engiwakhulume kini anguMoya nokuphila. Kodwana nanyana kunjalo, kukhona abanye benu abangafuni ukukholwa!” UJesu bekasazi kwekuthomeni bona bobani ebebangakholwa nokobana ngubani ozamkhaphela. Godu wathi: “Kungebangelo nginitjele bonyana akakho ongeza kimi ngaphandle kobana enziwe nguBaba.” Ngesikhathesi inengi labafundi bakhe lajika, azange belisamlandela godu. Yeke uJesu wabuza abalitjhumi nambili wathi: “Angithi nani nifuna ukutlhera, akusinjalo?” USimoni Pitrosi wamphendula wathi: “Kosi, sizakuya kubani na? Nguwe onamezwi wokuphila okungapheliko. Nje-ke siyakholwa besiyazi bona ungoCwengileko ovela kuZimu.” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Angithi ngakhetha nina abalitjhumi nambili, kodwana omunye wenu nguSathana!” Bekakhuluma ngoJudasi, indodana kaSimoni Iskariyodi, obangomunye wabalitjhumi nambili ozomkhaphela. Ngemva kwalokhu uJesu wazomba eGalile; angafuni ukukhamba ngeJudiya ngombana amaJuda bekafuna ukumbulala. Kwathi lokha isikhathi somnyanya wemitlhatlhana nasele sitjhidele, abafowabo lakaJesu bathi kuye: “Kufuze usuke lapha uye eJudiya, khona abafundi bakho bazakubona okwenzako. Akakho ofihla akwenzako nafuna ukwaziwa. Njengombana wenza izintwezi nje, zibonakalise ephasini loke!” Ngitjho nabafowabo akhange khebamkholwe. UJesu wathi kibo: “Isikhathi sami asikafiki, kodwana senu sona sihlala sikhona. Iphasi angekhe linihloye nina, kodwana lihloye mina ngombana ngifakaza bona izenzo zalo zimbi. Khambani niye emnyanyeni. Mina angikazukuya nje emnyanyeni lowo ngombana isikhathi sami esifaneleko asikafiki.” Sele atjhwile lokhu, wahlala eGalile. Ngemva kobana abafowabo sebakhambile baye ngemnyanyeni, naye waya; kodwana akhange aye bamqalile, waya bukhukhutha. Nje-ke emnyanyeni, amaJuda bekamfuna, abuza athi: “Kanti uphi?” Bekukhona ukuwomuzela okukhulu ngaye esiqubuthwini. Abanye bathi: “Umumuntu olungileko.” Abanye bathi: “Awa, udosela abantu ngerharheni.” Kodwana ngokwesaba amaJuda akakho owakhuluma ngaye tjhatjhalazi. Kuthe sekuphakathi komnyanya, uJesu wenyukela ethempelini wathoma ukufundisa. AmaJuda bekararekile, yeke athi: “Kwenziwa yini umuntu lo azi kangaka angakafundi na?” UJesu wawaphendula wathi: “Ifundiswami akusiyo yami kodwana ivela kongithumileko. Nanyana ngubani ozimisela ukwenza intando kaZimu, uzakwazi bona lokho engikufundisako kuvela kuZimu namkha ngizikhulumela kwami. Umuntu ozikhulumela ngeyakhe intando, ulinga ukuzizuzela idumo. Kodwana osebenzela idumo laloyo omthumileko umumuntu weqiniso, akukho okumamanga ngaye. Angitjho uMosi wanipha umthetho? Kodwana akakho noyedwa kini olonda umthetho. Alo, nilingelani ukungibulala na?” Isiqubuthu saphendula sathi: “Unedimoni wena! Ngubani ofuna ukukubulala na?” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Ngenze isimangaliso esisodwa, noke nirarekile. Ngebanga lokobana uMosi wanipha ukusoka, nanyana bekungasuye uMosi kodwana bekubokhokho benu abakuthomako, ngalokho nisoka umntwana ngeSabatha. Nakube namukela ukusoka ngeSabatha ukuze umthetho kaMosi ungaphuki, alo-ke nithukuthelelani ngami nangipholisa umuntu ngeSabatha na? Ningagwebi ngokwamehlo, kodwana gwebani ngokulungileko.” Abanye babantu beJerusalema bebabuza bathi: “Kanti akusuye umuntu abafuna ukumbulala lo na? Qalani ukhuluma tjhatjhalazi, abebatjho ilitho kuye! Ingabe abaphathi bamukele bona unguKrestu na? Umuntu lo siyamazi lapha avela khona, kodwana uKrestu nakezako akakho ozakwazi bona ubuyaphi.” UJesu asafundisa ngethempelini, wathi ngelizwi elikhulu: “Iye, niyangazi mina, nalapha ngibuya khona, kodwana angikazizeli ngokwami. Loyo ongithumilekho uneqiniso; nina animazi, kodwana mina ngiyamazi ngombana ngibuya kuye, ungithumile.” Yeke balinga ukumbamba, kodwana akakho noyedwa okhe wamphakamisela isandla ngombana isikhathi sakhe besingakafiki. Nokho abanengi esiqubuthwini bamkholwa bebathi: “Lokha uKrestu nezako, uzakwenza iimbonakaliso ezinengi kunomuntu lo na?” AbaFarisi bezwa isiqubuthu sihlebeza izintwezi ngaye; yeke abaphristi abakhulu nabaFarisi bathumela abalindi bethempeli bona bayombamba. UJesu wathi kibo: “Nginani isikhatjhana esifitjhani bese ngibuyela kiloyo ongithumileko. Nizangifuna ningangifumani, nalapha ngikhona angekhe nifike.” AmaJuda athi omunye komunye: “Umuntu lo uyaphi lapha esingekhe samfumana khona na? Kghani uzakuya lapha abantu bekhethu bahlakazekele khona hlangana namaGirigi na? Bekatjho ukuthini lokha nakathi, ‘Nizangifuna kodwana angekhe ningifumane’, nokuthi, ‘Lapha ngiya khona angekhe nafika’?” Ngelanga lamaphelelo neliqakathekileko lomnyanya, uJesu wasikima wathi ngelizwi elikhulu: “Loyo owomileko akeze kimi azokusela. Okholwa kimi njengokutjho komtlolo, imilambo yamanzi aphilako izakugeleza ngaphakathi kwakhe.” Watjho lokho ngoMoya oCwengileko ebebazamamukela abakholwa kuye ngombana uMoya bekangakanikelwa, ngebanga lokobana uJesu bekangakaphazimuliswa. Abanye esiqubuthwini nabezwa amezwi lawo, bathi: “Kwamambala umuntu lo mphorofidi!” Abanye bathi: “UnguKrestu!” Kodwana abanye bathi: “UKrestu angavela njani eGalile! Kanti umtlolo akhange utjho bonyana uKrestu uzakuvela emndenini kaDavida, eBhethelehema emzini lapha bekuhlala uDavida.” Yeke kwaba khona ukwahlukana ebantwini ngebanga lakaJesu. Abanye bafuna ukumbamba, kodwana akakho owambeka isandla. Nje-ke abalindi bethempeli babuyela emuva ebaphristini abakhulu nebaFarisini abababuza bathi: “Kubangelwe yini ningamlethi na?” Abalindi baphendula bathi: “Akakho owakhe wakhuluma njengomuntu loyo!” AbaFarisi babuza bathi: “Nitjho bona nani unikhohlisile na? Ukhona umrholi namkha umFarisi okholwa kuye na? Kodwana isiqubuthu esingazi ilitho ngomthethwesi, sinikelelwe!” UNikhodemusi owakhe waya kuJesu ngaphambilini nobekungomunye wabo wabuza wathi: “Ingabe umthetho uyamlahla umuntu ngaphandle kokobana ezwiwe kufunyaneke bona wenzeni na?” Baphendula bathi: “Kghani nawe ubuya eGalile na? Hlolisisa kuhle, uzakufunyana bonyana azange khekuvele umphorofidi eGalile.” Yeke woke umuntu wabuyela ekhaya. Khona uJesu waya entabeni ye-Oliva. Kwathi ekuseni ngesamarimarima wabuyela ngethempelini lapha abungelelwa khona babantu; nje-ke wahlala phasi bona abafundise. Abafundisi bomthetho nabaFarisi baletha kuye umfazi obanjwe ahlobonga, bamjamisa phambi kwabo boke. Bathi kuJesu: “Mfundisi, umfazi lo simbambe sele asendimeni yokuhlobonga. Emthethweni uMosi wasiyala bona umfazi onjalo simkhande ngamatje. Alo, wena uthini na?” Batjho lokhu bathiya uJesu, khona bazakuba nesibambelelo sokummangalela. Kodwana uJesu wakhothama watlola phasi ngomunwakhe. Basajame lapho bambuza imibuzo, wathabuluka wathi kibo: “Onganaso isono phakathi kwenu, akabe ngewokuthoma ukumkhanda ngelitje.” Wakhothama godu watlola phasi. Bathi ukuzwa lokho, bakhamba boke ngamunye ngamunye, abaphathi ntange. UJesu wasala yedwa, nomfazi loyo asolo ajame lapho. UJesu wathabuluka godu wathi kuye: “Sifazana, baphi na? Akakho noyedwa okulahlileko na?” Waphendula wathi: “Sengitjho namunye, Kosi.” UJesu wathi: “Njeke-ke nami angikulahli ngomlandu, ngalokho khamba kodwana ungabe usona.” UJesu wakhuluma ebaFarisini godu wathi: “Mina ngikukhanya kwephasi. Loyo ongilandelako angekhe akhamba ebumnyameni kodwana uzakuba nokukhanya kokuphila.” AbaFarisi bathi kuye: “Manjesi khona, uzifakazela wena ngekwakho; nje-ke okutjhoko akutjho ilitho.” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Nanyana ngizifakazela ngokwami, ubufakazi bami buqinisile ngombana ngiyazi lapha ngivela khona nalapha ngiyako. Kodwana nina anazi lapha ngibuya khona nalapha ngiyako. Nina nigweba ngokwabantu, mina angigwebi muntu. Kodwana nangabe bekufanele ngenze njalo, ukugweba kwami bekuzokuba ngokweqiniso ngombana angisingedwa; uBaba ongithumileko unami. Angithi kutloliwe emthethweni wekhenu bona ubufakazi bababili buliqiniso. Mina ngingozifakazelako noBaba ongithumileko uyangifakazela.” Nje-ke bambuza bathi: “Ukuphi uyihlo na?” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Mina aningazi, noBaba animazi. Nakube beningazi mina noBaba benizomazi naye.” Wakhuluma amezwi lawo afundisa ngethempelini lapha bekubekwe iinlulu zomnikelo. Akakho noyedwa owambambako ngombana isikhathi sakhe besingakafiki. Godu uJesu wathi kibo: “Ngizakukhamba, nina nizangifuna kodwana nizakufela ezonweni zenu. Angekhe naya lapha ngiyako.” Lokhu kwenza amaJuda azibuze athi: “Kghani uzazibulala na? Kungabe libangelo asithi, ‘Lapha ngiya khona angeze nafika’?” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Nina ningebephasinapha, mina ngingowaphezulu. Mina angisuye wephaseli. Ngithe nizakufela ezonweni zenu ngombana mbala naningakholwako bona nginguye enginguye, nizakufela ezonweni zenu.” Bambuza bathi: “Ungubani wena na?” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Nginguloyo ebe soloko ngizitjho bona nginguye. Nginakunengi engingakutjho nenginganigweba ngakho. Kodwana loyo ongithumileko wethembekile begodu lokho engikuzwe kuye ngikutjela iphasi.” Azange balemuke bona gade akhuluma kibo ngoYise. Nje-ke uJesu wathi: “Nasele niphakamise iNdodana yoMuntu, nizakwazi bona nginguye engizitjho bona nginguye, nokobana angenzi ilitho ngokwami kodwana ngikhuluma lokho uBaba angifundise khona. Loyo ongithumileko unami, akakangitjhiyi ngedwa ngombana ngenza njalo okumthokozisako.” Asakhuluma lokhu, abanengi bamkholwa. Yeke emaJudeni amkholwako uJesu wathi: “Nanijame efundiswenami, nibafundi bami bamambala. Nje-ke nizakwazi iqiniso neqiniso lizanitjhaphulula.” Bamphendula bathi: “Siziinzukulwana zaka-Abrahamu, azange khesibe makhoboka wamuntu. Alo-ke utjho ukuthini nawuthi sizakutjhaphululwa na?” UJesu wathi kibo: “Kwamambala ngiqinisile ngithi: Woke owonako ulikhoboka lesono. Ikhoboka alinayo indawo yesiphelani emndenini, kodwana indodana ingeyomndeni nini nanini. Lokha iNdodana nayinitjhaphululako nizabe nitjhaphulukile kwamambala. Ngiyazi bona niziinzukulwana zaka-Abrahamu. Kodwana nilinga ukungibulala ngombana ilizwi lami alinandawo kini. Nginitjela lokho engikubone kuBaba, kodwana nina nenza lokho uyihlo anitjele khona.” Bamphendula bathi: “Ubaba wethu ngu-Abrahamu.” UJesu wabaphendula wathi: “Nangabe benibantwana baka-Abrahamu, ngabe nenza lokho u-Abrahamu gade akwenza. Njengombana nifuna ukungibulala mina muntu onitjele iqiniso engilizwe kuZimu, kodwana u-Abrahamu azange akhe akwenze okufana nalokhu. Nenza lokho ubaba wenu akwenzako.” Bamphendula bathi: “Asisibo abantwana bokonakala, sinoBaba oyedwa, nguZimu ngokwakhe.” UJesu wathi kibo: “Nangabe kwamambala uZimu bekanguBaba wenu, benizangithanda ngombana ngibuya kuZimu, nje-ke ngilapha. Angikazizeli ngeyami intando, kodwana yena ungithumile. Kubayini ningazwisisi engikutjhoko na? Kungombana aniwuzwa umlayezwami. Nibantwana bakayihlo uSathana, nithanda ukwenza iinkanuko zakayihlo. Kusukela ekuthomeni bekambulali, azange akhabe neqiniso ngombana akukho iqiniso kuye. Nakaleya amanga, ukhuluma lokho okuyimvelo yakhe ngombana ungusomalakazi noyise wamanga. Kodwana ngombana mina nginitjela iqiniso, aningikholwa. Kukhona phakathi kwenu ongafakaza bona nginomlandu wesono na? Alo-ke nangabe nginitjela iqiniso, kubayini ningakholwa na? OngewakaZimu ulalela amezwi kaZimu. Isizathu sokobana ningalaleli kungoba anisibo bakaZimu.” AmaJuda amphendula athi: “Utjho bona besingakaqinisi lokha sithi wena umSamariya begodu unedimoni na?” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Anginadimoni, ngihlonipha uBaba; kodwana nina niyangilulaza. Angizifuneli mina idumo lami, kodwana kukhona olifunako nogwebako. Kwamambala ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Olonda ifundiswami angeze afa.” Bathi kuye: “Kwanjesi khona sesineqiniso bona unedimoni. U-Abrahamu wafa nabaphorofidi bafa, nanyana kunjalo uthi loyo olonda ifundiswakho angeze ezwa ngitjho ukufa. Wena umkhulu kunobaba wethu u-Abrahamu na? Yena walala, ngokunjalo nabaphorofidi. Alo, wena udlumbana bona ungubani na?” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Nangabe bengingazidumisa mina, idumo lami lingaba lilize. UBaba, ngitjho loyo enimthatha njengoZimenu, nguye ongidumisako. Azange khenimazi, kodwana mina ngiyamazi. Ngathana bengingathi angimazi, bengingaba ngusomanga njengani. Kodwana ngiyamazi, begodu ngiyalihlonipha ilizwi lakhe. Uyihlomkhulu u-Abrahamu wakuthabela ukubona ilanga lami, iye, walibona bewathaba.” Bathi kuye: “Abe awunayo neminyaka ematjhumi amahlanu. Alo, sewumbone nini u-Abrahamu?” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Kwamambala ngithi kini: Angakabikho u-Abrahamu, mina besele ngikhona.” Yeke badobha amatje bona bamkhande, kodwana uJesu wazifihla waphuma ngethempelini wakhamba. Kwathi uJesu asakhamba, wabona umuntu owabelethwa asiphofu. Abafundi bakhe bambuza bathi: “Mfundisi, ngubani owonileko, mumuntu lo namkha babelethi bakhe ukuze abelethwe asiphofu na?” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Akhange kone yena namkha ababelethi. Lokhu kwenzeka khona amandla kaZimu azakubonakala ngaye. Ikani kusemini, kufanele sisebenze umsebenzi waloyo ongithumileko. Ubusuku buyeza lapha kungekhe kwasebenza muntu khona. Ikani ngisesephasini, ngimkhanyo wephasi.” Ngemva kobana atjho lokhu, wakhafulela equlwanini wabhica idaka ngamathe, walininda emehlweni womuntu loyo. Wathi kuye: “Khamba uyokuhlamba ngesizibeni seSilowama.” (Ibizweli litjho ukuthi Thunyiwe). Yeke wakhamba wayokuhlamba, wabuya sele abona. Abomakhelwana bakhe nabantu abambona nakhombelako ngaphambi kwalokhu, bathi: “Akusuye umuntu lo ogade aphele ahlale phasi akhombele na?” Abanye bathi: “Nguye,” kodwana abanye bathi: “Awa, akasuye; uzifanela naye kwaphela.” Yeke umuntu ngokwakhe wathi: “Nginguye.” Bathanda ukwazi bathi: “Kwenzeke njani bona amehlwakho avuleke?” Waphendula wathi: “Umuntu okuthiwa nguJesu wabhica idaka, walininda emehlwenami wathi, ‘Khamba uye eSilowama uyokuhlamba khona.’ Yeke ngaya ngahlamba, ngase ngiyabona.” Bambuza bathi: “Alo, uphi umuntu loyo na?” Waphendula wathi: “Angazi.” Yeke umuntu ogade angaboni loyo, bamusa ebaFarisini. Mhlana uJesu enza idaka amphophulula, bekungeSabatha. AbaFarisi bambuza godu umuntu loyo bona waphophuluka njani. Wabatjela wathi: “Waninda idaka emehlwenami; ngahlamba ngase ngiyabona.” Abanye babaFarisi bathi: “Umuntu loyo akaveli kuZimu ngombana akalilondi iSabatha.” Kodwana abanye bathi: “Kungenzeka njani isoni senze iimangaliso ezinje na?” Ngalokho kwaba nokuhlukana phakathi kwabo. Ekugcineni bambuza obekaphophele, bathi: “Alo-ke wena uthini ngaye njengombana avule amehlwakho nje?” Waphendula wathi: “Umphorofidi.” AmaJuda akhange akholwe bona bekasiphofu manjesi selabona, kufikela babiza khona ababelethi bomuntu loyo. Bababuza bathi: “Yindodana yenu le na? Nithi yabelethwa isiphofu; nje-ke kwenzeke njani bonyana kwanjesi ibone na?” Ababelethi bakhe baphendula bathi: “Siyazi bona yindodana yethu, besiyazi bona yabelethwa isiphofu. Kodwana bonyana kuze bunjani ikghone ukubona nokobana iphophululwe ngubani, thina asazi. Ibuzeni, ikhulile ingakghona ukuziphendulela!” Ababelethi bayo batjho lokhu ngombana gade besaba amaJuda, ngebanga lokobana amaJuda besele enze isiqunto bona nanyana ngubani ovuma bona uJesu unguKrestu uzakurijwa ngesinagogini. Kungebangelo ababelethi bayo bathi: “Ikhulile, buzani yona.” Kwesibili godu bambiza umuntu owabelethwa asiphofu, bathi kuye: “Funga phambi koZimu bona uzakhuluma iqiniso! Siyazi thina bona umuntu lo sisoni.” Waphendula wathi: “Ukuthi sisoni namkha akasiso, lokho angikwazi. Kunye engikwaziko kukobana bengisiphofu, manjesi sengiyabona.” Bambuza bathi: “Ukwenzeni na? Ukuphophulule njani na?” Waphendula wathi: “Senginitjelile, kodwana anifuni ukuzwa. Yini enifuna ukukuzwa godu na? Nani nifuna ukuba bafundi bakhe na?” Bamtemeleja ngamagama bathi: “Nguwe omfundi womrhali loyo! Thina sibafundi bakaMosi! Siyazi bona uZimu wakhuluma noMosi, kodwana nakumrhali loyo, asazi bona uvelaphi!” Umuntu loyo waphendula wathi: “Lokho kuyinto erarako! Abe anazi bona uvelaphi, nanyana kunjalo mina ungiphophulule! Siyazi bona uZimu akazilaleli izoni kodwana ulalela loyo omlotjhako enze intando yakhe. Kwakade azange khekuzwakale bona kukhona owakhe waphophulula obelethwe asiphofu. Nakube umuntu lo bekangaveli kuZimu, bengekhe enza ilitho.” Bamphendula bathi: “Wena watlujuzwa ngesonweni usabelethwa; alo, ungalinga ukufundisa thina na?” Bamribha ngesinagogini. UJesu wezwa bonyana umuntu loyo urijiwe, nje-ke kwathi nakamfumanako wathi: “Uyakholwa eNdodaneni yoMuntu na?” Umuntu loyo wathi: “Nomzana, ingubani yona na? Ngitjele khona ngizakukholwa kiyo!” UJesu wathi kuye: “Sele uyibonile, begodu ngiyo okhuluma nayo njenganje.” Wathi: “Ngiyakholwa, Kosi!” Waguqa phambi koJesu. UJesu wathi: “Ngize ephasinapha ukuzokugweba kobana iimphofu zibone, kuthi labo ababonakho baphophale.” Abanye abaFarisi egade banaye lapho nabamuzwa atjho lokhu, bambuza bathi: “Uthini? Utjho bona nathi siphophele na?” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Nakube beniziimphofu, beningekhe nibe nomlandu wesono; kodwana njengombana nithi niyabona, umlandu wenu uhlezi.” “Kwamambala ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Umuntu ongangeni esibayeni sezimvu ngesango, kodwana ongena ngokweqa ngenye indlela, ulisela nomdlelezeli. Umuntu ongena ngesango ngumelusi wezimvu. Umlindisango uyamvulela isango nezimvu zakhe ziyalilalela ilizwi lakhe. Ubiza izimvu zakhe ngamabizo azirholele ngaphandle. Nasele akhuphele zoke zakhe ngaphandle, ukhamba phambi kwazo, izimvu zakhe zimlandele ngombana ziyalazi ilizwi lakhe. Kodwana angekhe zamlandela ezingamaziko; kunalokho zizambalekela loyo ngombana azilazi ilizwi lotjhili.” UJesu wabatjela umfanekiso lo, kodwana azange bamlemuke bona bekathini kibo. Yeke uJesu wathi godu: “Kwamambala ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Ngilisango lezimvu. Boke abafika ngaphambi kwami masela nabadlelezeli, ngalokho izimvu azange zabalalela. Mina ngilisango. Ongena ngami uzakusinda; uzakungena aphume afumane idlelo. Isela liza kwaphela kobana lizokweba, libulale belirhayile. Mina ngize bona zibe nokuphila zibe nakho kuphuphume. “Mina ngingumelusi olungileko. Umelusi olungileko udela ukuphila kwakhe ngebanga lezimvu zakhe. Oqatjhiweko akasuye umelusi omninizimvu. Uthi nakabona ipisi isiza, asukele izimvu abaleke. Yeke ipisi isahlela umhlambi iwuhlakaze. Umuntu oqatjhiweko uyabaleka ngombana uqatjhiwe, begodu akanandaba nezimvu. “Mina ngingumelusi olungileko, ngiyazazi izimvu zami nazo ziyangazi; njengombana uBaba uyangazi, nami ngiyamazi uBaba; ngidela ukuphila kwami ngebanga lezimvu. Nginazo nezinye izimvu ezingasizo zesibayesi. Nazo kufanele ngizilethe. Nazo zizalizwa ilizwi lami, kube mhlambi owodwa nomelusi oyedwa. “UBaba uyangithanda ngombana nginikela ipilwami ukuze ngiyifumane godu. Akakho namunye ongangimuka ipilwami. Ngiyinikela mina ngokuthanda kwami. Nginawo amandla wokuyinikela, nginawo amandla wokuyizuza godu. Umyalo lowo ngiwamukele kuBaba.” Ngamezwi lawo amaJuda ahlukana phakathi godu. Abanengi bawo gade basithi: “Unedimoni! Uyahlanya! Nimlalelelani na?” Kodwana abanye bebasithi: “Lawa akusiwo amezwi womuntu onedimoni. Idimoni lingaphophulula abaphopheleko na?” Ngesikhatheso kwabakhona umnyanya wokuhlanjululwa kwethempeli eJerusalema. Bekusebusika, uJesu wakhambakhamba ngemathurini kaSolomoni ngethempelini. Nje-ke amaJuda ambungelela, athi: “Kuzabe bekube kunini usoloko usilibazisa na? Nakube unguKrestu, phuma eqinisweni, usitjele.” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Senginitjelile, kodwana anikholwa. Iimangaliso engizenza ebizweni lakaBaba ziyangifakazela. Kodwana angekhe nakholwa ngombana anisizo izimvu zami. Izimvu zami zizwa ilizwi lami. Ngiyazazi, nazo ziyangilandela. Ngizipha ipilo engapheliko, angekhe zabhubha. Akakho ongazihlwitha esandleni sami. UBaba ongiphe zona mkhulu kunakho koke, akakho ongazihlwitha esandleni sakaBaba. Mina noBaba simunye.” Godu amaJuda adobha amatje kobana amkhande. UJesu wathi kiwo: “Nginitjengise iimangaliso ezinengi nezikulu ezivela kuBaba. Alo, ezintwenezo ngiyiphi-ke into enifuna ukungikhandela yona na?” Bamphendula bathi: “Akusingebanga lento nayinye yalezi esenza sikukhande, kodwana kungebanga lokuhlambalaza ngombana umumuntu nje, nalapho uzenza uZimu!” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Kanti akukatlolwa emthethweni wekhenu ukuthi, ‘Ngathi, nina nibozinyana.’ na? Nakube labo ilizwi lakaZimu elafika kibo babizwa bona ‘bozimu’, nje-ke imitlolo angekhe yaba lilize. Alo, ningatjho bona loyo uBaba amhlukaniseleko wabe wamthuma ephasini uyahlambalaza ngombana ngithe, ‘ngiyiNdodana kaZimu’ na? Nangabe angenzi imisebenzi kaBaba, khona musani ukungikholwa. Kodwana nangabe ngiyayenza, nanyana ningakholwa mina, okungasenani-ke kholwani izenzo, khona nizakwazi benizwisise bonyana uBaba ukimi nami ngikuye.” Godu balinga ukumbamba, kodwana waphunyuka ezandleni zabo. Yeke uJesu wabuyela emuva ngaphetjheya kweJordani, endaweni lapha uJwanisi gade abhabhadisela khona, wahlala lapho. Abanengi beza kuye bathi: “UJwanisi azange akhe enze iimangaliso, kodwana koke akutjhwileko ngomuntu lo, liqiniso.” Abanengi lapho bakholwa kuJesu. Umuntu okuthiwa nguLazaru begade agula. Yena bekungeweBhethaniya, umuzi wekhabo lakaMariya nodadwabo uMarta. UMariya ogade agulelwa ngumnakwabo lo, ngiloyo owathela iKosi ngamakha eenyaweni bewazisula ngeenhluthu zakhe. Nje-ke abodadwabo bathumela ilizwi kuJesu bathi: “Kosi, loyo omthandako uyagula.” UJesu sele akuzwile lokho, wathi: “Isiphetho sokugulokhu ayizukuba kukufa; kunalokho kuzokuletha iphazimulo kuZimu, khona iNdodana kaZimu izakudunyiswa ngakho.” UJesu bekathanda uMarta nodadwabo kanye noLazaru. Kwathi bona ezwe bonyana uLazaru uyagula, wahlala lapha gade akhona amalanga amanye amabili godu. Yeke wathi ebafundini bakhe: “Asikhambeni sibuyele eJudiya.” Abafundi bamphendula bathi: “Mfundisi, isikhatjhana esifitjhani esidlulileko amaJuda gade afuna ukukukhanda ngamatje, alo-ke ubhincela ukubuyela emuva godu na?” UJesu wathi: “Angithi ilanga linama-awara alitjhumi nambili na? Nje-ke loyo okhamba emini, akazukukhutjwa ngombana uyawubona umkhanyo wephaseli. Kodwana okhamba ebusuku uyakhutjwa ngombana akanawo umkhanyo.” UJesu watjho lokhu, godu wangezelela wathi: “Umnganethu uLazaru ulele, kodwana ngizakukhamba ngiyomvusa.” Abafundi bamphendula bathi: “Kosi, nangabe ulele, uzakuphola.” UJesu bekasitjho bona uLazaru uhlongekile. Kodwana bebadlumbana bona utjho ukulala ubuthongo. Yeke uJesu wabatjela pha wathi: “ULazaru ufile. Kodwana ngebanga lenu ngithabile ngombana bengingekho lapho khona nizakukholwa. Yeke asikhambeni siye kuye.” UTomasi obizwa bona nguDidumosi, wathi ebafundini: “Asikhambeni nathi khona sizakufa naye!” UJesu wafika, wafumana uLazaru sele anamalanga amane abulungiwe. IBhethaniya beyingaphasi kwamamayela amabili ukusuka eJerusalema. AmaJuda amanengi bekeze ukuzokutjhiriya uMarta noMariya ngokufa komfowabo. Kwathi bona uMarta ezwe bona uJesu uyeza, waphuma wayomhlangabeza, kodwana uMariya wahlala ngendlini. UMarta wathi kuJesu: “Kosi, ngathana gade ulapha, umfowethu ngangakafi! Kodwana ngiyazi bona uZimu uzakupha nanyana yini oyibawako.” UJesu wathi kuye: “Umfowenu uzakuvuka aphile godu.” Waphendula wathi: “Ngiyazi uzakuvuka aphile godu ngokuvuka komhla wokuphela.” UJesu wathi kuye: “Ngingukuvuka nokuphila, loyo okholwa kimi uzakuphila, ngitjho nanyana angafa. Naloyo ophilako akholwe kimi angekhe afa nanini. Uyakukholwa lokhu na?” Waphendula wathi: “Iye, Kosi! Ngiyakholwa bona unguKrestu, iNdodana kaZimu, ebekufanele ize ephasini.” Ngemva kobana uMarta atjho lokhu, wabuyela emuva wayokubiza udadwabo uMariya ngasese wathi: “Umfundisi ufikile, uyakufuna.” Kuthe bona uMariya ezwe lokhu, wasuka msinyana waya kuye. UJesu bekangakafiki ngemzini, kodwana bekasesendaweni lapha uMarta amhlangabeze khona. AmaJuda agade angendlini noMariya amtjhiriya, amlandela lokha nakayelela ukuphuma kwakhe masinyana. Wona bekadlumbana bona uya elibeni uyokulila khona. Kwathi bona uMariya afike lapha kunoJesu khona ambone, waguqa eenyaweni zakhe wathi: “Kosi, ngathana gade ulapha umfowethu ngangakafi!” UJesu nakambona alila, namaJuda eze naye nawo alila; ihliziywakhe yakghwatheka wakhathazeka kwamambala. Wabuza wathi: “Nimbulungephi na?” Amphendula athi: “Kosi, yiza uzokubona.” UJesu walila. AmaJuda athi: “Qalani bona ubamthanda kangangani!” Kodwana amanye wawo athi: “Alo, nitjho bona owaphophulula isiphofu ubangekhe avikele umuntu lo bona angafi na?” UJesu asakhathazeke khulu njalo, wafika elibeni. Gade lilirharha livalwe ngelitje emnyango. UJesu wathi: “Susani ilitje!” UMarta, udadwabo lomufi, waphendula wathi: “Kosi, kuzakuba nephunga elimbi, selanamalanga amane abulungiwe!” UJesu wathi kuye: “Azange ngikutjele bona uzakubona iphazimulo kaZimu nawukholwako na?” Balisusa ilitje. UJesu waqala phezulu wathi: “Ngiyakuthokoza, Baba ngombana ungilalele. Ngiyazi bona ungilalela njalo. Kodwana lokhu ngikutjho ngebanga labantu abajame lapha, khona bazakholwa bona ungithumile.” Kwathi bona uJesu atjho lokho, wabiza ngelizwi elikhulu wathi: “Lazaru, phuma!” Ofileko waphuma izandla neenyawo zakhe ziphuthelwe ngamatjhila weliba netjhila elimhlophe ebusweni. UJesu wabatjela bona bamtjhaphulule bamlise akhambe. AmaJuda amanengi ebekeze kuMariya nakabona lokho uJesu akwenzileko, amkholwa. Kodwana amanye abuyela ebaFarisini ayobatjela bona uJesu wenzeni. Yeke abaFarisi nabaphristi abakhulu bahlangana nebandla bathi: “Sizakwenza njani na? Qalani zoke iimangaliso umuntu lo azenzako! Nasingamlisa aragele phambili enze nje, woke umuntu uzokukholwa kuye. AmaRoma azokuza athathe indawethu le nesizwe sethu!” Nje-ke omunye wabo obizwa bona nguKhayafasi, obegade amuphristi omkhulu umnyaka lowo, wathi kibo: “Niziindlhayela kangangani! Anilemuki bonyana kungcono kufe umuntu oyedwa afele abantu kunobanyana kurhayilwe soke isizwe na?” Gade angatjho lokhu ngokwakhe, kodwana njengomphristi omkhulu umnyaka lowo, bekaphorofida bona uJesu uzokufela isizwe samaJuda, ingasi isizwe kwaphela kodwana abuthelele ndawonye abantwana abarhatjhekileko bakaZimu. Nje-ke kusukela khona mhlokho benza amaqhinga wokubulala uJesu. Ngalokho uJesu azange abe asakhamba umathanda hlangana namaJuda. Kunalokho wazitsomula waya esifundeni esiseduze nerhalawumbeni, emzaneni okuthiwa yi-Efrayimi, lapha ahlala khona nabafundi bakhe. Kwathi lokha isikhathi somnyanya wePhasika lamaJuda nasele sitjhidele, abanengi ababuya emaphandleni bakhuphukela eJerusalema kobana bayokuhlanjululwa ngaphambi komnyanya. Bebafuna uJesu njengombana bebahlangana ngethempelini, babuzana bathi: “Nibona njani? Nitjho bona angekhe alibhada emnyanyenapha na?” Abaphristi abakhulu nabaFarisi benza isimemezelo bona loyo owaziko bona uJesu ukuphi, kufanele abike, khona bazambamba. Sekusele amalanga amathandathu ngaphambi kwePhasika, uJesu weza eBhethaniya ekhabo lakaLazaru, umuntu amvusa ekufeni. Lapho-ke bebamlungisele ukudla. UMarta gade atinazela aphakulula, uLazaru yena angomunye wabahlezi noJesu etafuleni. Yeke uMariya wathatha isithaba samafutha abizako wenaridi, wazesa iinyawo zakaJesu, wesula ngeenhluthu zakhe. Iphunga elinuka kamnandi lamafutha lazala ikumba yoke. Omunye wabafundi bakaJesu uJudasi Iskariyodi, loyo ogade azomkhaphela, wathi: “Kungebanga lani amafutha la angakathengiswa, kuthi imali leyo yabelwe abadududu na?” Wakutjho lokho ingasibona uzwela abadududu, kodwana gade alisela, njengombana gade amlondisikhwama nje bephele ebe okungaphakathi. Kodwana uJesu wathi: “Mlise, alondele amafutha la ilanga lokuthunwa kwami. Abadududu nizakuhlala njalo ninabo, kodwana mina angekhe nihlale ninami.” Isiqubuthu samaJuda sezwa bona uJesu useBhethaniya, yeke seza lapho. Bekungasingebanga lakhe kwaphela kodwana nokuzokubona uLazaru obegade amvuse ekufeni. Nje-ke abaphristi abakhulu baluka amano wokubulala noLazaru ngombana ngebanga lakhe amaJuda amanengi asuka kibo akholwa kuJesu. Ngelanga elilandelako isiqubuthu ebesize emnyanyeni wePhasika sezwa bona uJesu usendleleni uza eJerusalema. Sathatha amahlahla womuthi wesundu saphuma sayomhlangabeza sarhuwelela, sathi: “Dumisani uZimu! Ubusisiwe ozako ebizweni lakaSomnini! Iye, ibusisiwe iKosi yakwa-Israyeli!” UJesu wafumana udumbana, wamkhwela njengombana imitlolo isithi: “Ungesabi, ndodakazi yeZiyoni! Nasi iKosakho isiza, ikhwele udumbana osemutjha.” Abafundi bakhe azange bakuzwisise lokhu ekuthomeni; kwaba ngemva kokuphazimuliswa kwakaJesu lapha balemuka khona bona izintwezi bezitlolwe ngaye nokobana benze izintwezi kuye. Nje-ke isiqubuthu ebesinaye lokha nabiza uLazaru bona aphume ngelibeni amvusa ekufeni, saragela phambili nokusabalalisa ilizwi. Godu kwaba ngebanga lokobana besele bezwile bonyana wenze isimangaliswesi ukuze bamhlangabeze. Yeke abaFarisi bathi omunye komunye: “Niyabona bonyana asiyindawo na? Qalani, loke iphaseli liyamlandela!” Bekukhona amaGirigi athileko hlangana nalabo egade baye eJerusalema ukuyokulotjha emnyanyeni. Baya kuFlebhe, obekavela eBhethe-Sayida ngeGalile, bathi: “Mnimzana, sibawa ukubona uJesu.” UFlebhe wayokutjela u-Andrisi, bobabili baya kuJesu. UJesu wabaphendula wathi: “Isikhathi sesifikile bona iNdodana yoMuntu iphazimuliswe. Kwamambala ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Lokha ithoro yekoroyi iwela equlwanini ingafi, ihlala injalo. Kodwana nangabe iyafa, ihloma iinthelo ezinengi. Loyo othanda ipilwakhe, izomlahlekela; loyo ohloya ipilwakhe ephasineli, uzayilondela ukuphila okungapheliko. Nanyana ngubani oyincekwami kufuze angilandele; nalapho ngikhona nencekwami izakubakhona. UBaba uzamdumisa umuntu oyincekwami.” “Nje-ke ihliziywami itshwenyekile, alo ngingathini na? Kghani ngithi, ‘Baba, ngisindise esikhathinesi’? Awa, kungesizathwesi kobana ngize esikhathinesi. Baba, phazimulisa ibizo lakho!” Yeke kwafika ilizwi livela ezulwini lisithi: “Sengiliphazimulisile; ngisazaliphazimulisa godu.” Isiqubuthu ebesijame lapho sakuzwa lokho sathi beliduma, abanye bathi ingilozi beyikhuluma naye. UJesu wathi kibo: “Ilizweli lize ngebanga lenu kungasi ngenca yami. Kwanjesi sekusikhathi bona iphaseli ligwetjwe; nje-ke umphathi wephaseli uzokuqotjhelwa ngaphandle. Lokha nangiphakanyiswako mina ephasini, ngizakudosela woke umuntu kimi.” Wakutjho lokho abonisa indlela azokufa ngayo. Isiqubuthu saphendula sathi: “Sizwile emthethweni bona uKrestu uzakuphila ngokungapheliko. Alo-ke ungatjho njani bona iNdodana yoMuntu kufanele iphakanyiswe na? Kwakhona ingubani iNdondana yomuntu le na?” UJesu wathi kibo: “Umkhanyo usazakuba nani isikhatjhana nje. Yeke khambani nisesenomkhanyo, ubumnyama bungakabi ukunehlela. Umuntu okhamba ebumnyameni, akaboni lapha ayakhona. Kholwani emkhanyweni, ikani nisesenawo, khona nizakuba bantwana bomkhanyo.” UJesu selaqedile ukukhuluma, wakhamba wayozifihla. Kwathi nanyana uJesu enze zoke iimbonakaliso zeemangaliswezi phambi kwabo, azange bamkholwe. Lokho bekukuzalisa ilizwi lomphorofidi u-Isaya nakasithi: “Somnini, ngubani owakholwa ngesikuzwileko na? Ingalo kaSomnini yembulelwe bani na?” Nje-ke azange bakholwe ngombana u-Isaya wathi godu: “Yenza iinhliziyo zabantwaba ziyathe, neendlebe zabo zibe buthuntu, uphophaze namehlwabo, ukuze bangaboni ngawo, bezwe ngeendlebe zabo, balemuke ngeenhliziyo zabo, bebaphenduke bese bayaphiliswa.” U-Isaya watjho lokhu ngombana bekabone iphazimulo kaJesu bewakhuluma ngaye. Nanyana kunjalo abanengi ngitjho neemphathimandla zakholwa kuJesu. Kodwana ngebanga labaFarisi azange bakhulume ngaye pha ngombana bebesaba bonyana bebangaqotjhwa ngesinagogini; iye, bebesaba ngombana bebathanda ukudunyiswa babantu kunokudunyiswa nguZimu. Nje-ke uJesu wamemeza wathi: “Loyo okholwa kimi, akakholwa kimi kwaphela, kodwana ukholwa nakiloyo ongithumileko. Obona mina, ubona ongithumileko. Ngize ephasinapha njengomkhanyo, khona kuzakuthi woke okholwa kimi angahlali ebumnyameni. Umuntu ozwa amezwami angawalondi, angimgwebi mina ngombana angikazeli ukugweba iphaseli, kodwana ukulisindisa. Kukhona umgwebi waloyo ongininako ongamukeli amezwami. Lona ilizweli engilikhulumileko lizamgweba ngomhla wokuphela! Angikakhulumi okungekwami, kodwana uBaba ongithumileko nguye ongiyale bona ngikhulume ini nokuthi ngikhulume njani. Ngiyazi bona umyalwakhe urholela epilweni engapheliko. Yeke nanyana yini engikutjhoko, ngilokho uBaba angitjele bona ngikutjho.” Bekungaphambi komnyanya wePhasika, uJesu asazi bona isikhathi sakhe sesifikile sokutjhiya iphaseli aye kuYise. Bekabathandile ekungebakhe abasephasinapha, wabathanda bekwaba sekupheleni. UJesu nabafundi bakhe gade basesilalelweni, uSathana besele afake ehliziyweni kaJudasi indodana kaSimoni Iskariyodi bona akhaphele uJesu. UJesu bekazi bonyana uYise ubeke zoke izinto emandlenakhe; bekasazi nokobana ubuya kuZimu begodu ubuyela kuZimu. Yeke wasikima ekudleni, wahlubula isambatho sakhe, wazisonga ngethawula edinini. Wathela amanzi ngesitjeni wathoma ukuhlamba iinyawo zabafundi bakhe, wazomisa ngethawula egade isedinini lakhe. Weza kuSimoni Pitrosi, owathi kuye: “Uzokuhlamba iinyawo zami, Kosi, na?” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Okwagadesi awukabi ukwazi engikwenzako, kodwana uzakulemuka muva.” UPitrosi wathi: “Angekhe walinga nanini uhlambe iinyawo zami!” UJesu wamphendula wathi: “Nangingekhe ngahlamba iinyawo zakho, khona awunabudlelwano nami.” USimoni Pitrosi waphendula wathi: “Kosi, yeke ungahlambi iinyawo zami kwaphela, kodwana izandla nehlokwami!” UJesu wathi: “Okhe wahlamba umzimba, uhlanzekile umzimba woke, yeke akusafuneki bona ahlambe ngaphandle kweenyawo zakhe kwaphela. Nje-ke nina nihlanzekile kodwana ingasi noke.” UJesu gade asele asazi bona ngubani ozomthengisa, kungalokho bekathe: “Anikahlambuluki noke.” Ngemva kobana ahlambe iinyawo zabo, wembatha isambatho sakhe wabuyela endawenakhe etafuleni, wababuza wathi: “Niyalemuka engikwenzileko kini na? Ningibiza ngokuthi, ‘Mfundisi namkha Kosi!’, kulungile lokho ngombana ngilokho engingikho. Njengombana mina Kosi noMfundisenu, ngihlambe iinyawo zenu, nani kufuze nihlambe iinyawo zomunye nomunye. Nginenzele isibonelo sokobana nani kufuze nenze njengombana ngenze kini. Kwamambala ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Ayikho inceku ekulu kunekosayo, akakho nomzenda omkhulu kunaloyo omthumileko. Njengombana senazi izintwezi, nizakubusiswa nanizenzako. “Angikhulumi ngani noke; ngiyabazi labo engibakhethileko. Kodwana kufanele kuzaliseke imitlolo ethi, “ ‘Iye, loyo onghwatha nami ungiphendukele waba mkhapheli.’ “Nginitjela kwanje ngaphambi kobana kwenzeke, khona kuzakuthi nakwenzekako nikholwe bona nginguye. Kwamambala ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Owamukela engimthumileko wamukela mina; owamukela mina wamukela loyo ongithumileko.” Emva kobana atjho lokhu, uJesu watshwenyeka khulu emmoyeni wathi: “Kwamambala ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Omunye wenu uzongikhaphela emanabeni.” Abafundi baqalana, barareka bona utjho bani. Omunye wabo omfundi uJesu agade amthanda, bekazeyame ngaye. USimoni Pitrosi wamkhweba wathi: “Mbuze bona ukhuluma ngobani.” Yeke umfundi loyo wasusa ihlokwake kuJesu, wabuza wathi: “Ngubani loyo, Kosi na?” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Ngiloyo engizamnikela igedzwana lesikwa ngemva kobana ngilitjhebe ngesitjeni.” Yeke watjheba igedzwana lesikwa, walinikela uJudasi umsa kaSimoni Iskariyodi. Msinyana emva kobana uJudasi athathe isikwa, uSathana wangena kuye. UJesu wathi kuye: “Kwenze msinyana ofuna ukukwenza.” Akakho noyedwa wabo obekasetafuleni ogade asazi bona bekakutjhwelani lokhu kuye. Njengombana uJudasi gade amlondisikhwama semali, abanye abafundi badlumbana bona uJesu bekamtjela bona akayokuthenga abakufunela umnyanya, namkha abele abadududu. Sele amukele isikwa uJudasi, khonokho waphumela ngaphandle; bekusebusuku. Kwathi bona akhambe, uJesu wathi: “Kwanjesi-ke iNdodana yoMuntu iphazimulisiwe noZimu uphazimulisiwe ngayo. Nangabe uZimu uphazimulisiwe kiyo, khona uZimu uzakuphazimulisa iNdodana kuye, begodu lokho uzakwenza msinyana. Bantwabami, ngizokuba nani isikhatjhana esincani kwaphela. Nizangifuna, njengombana ngatjho kumaJuda bona lapho ngiya khona angeze eza wona, ngitjho njalo nakini. “Nginipha umyalo omutjha ngithi: Thandanani. Njengombana nginithandile, nje-ke nani nifanele ukuthandana. Ngalokhu boke abantu bazakwazi bona nibafundi bami, nanithandanako.” USimoni Pitrosi wambuza wathi: “Kosi, kanti uya kuphi?” UJesu wamphendula wathi: “Angekhe wangilandela lapha ngiyako khona nje, kodwana uzangilandela kamva.” UPitrosi wambuza godu wathi: “Kosi, kungani ngingeze ngakulandela khona nje na? Sengikubhincele ukudela ukuphila kwami ngebanga lakho.” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Kungabe uqinisile bona sewubhincele ukudela ukuphila kwakho ngebanga lami na? Kwamambala ngiqinisile ngithi kuwe: Umkukurumbu ungakalili, uzabe sele ungiphike kathathu.” “Iinhliziyo zenu azingakhathazeki. Kholwani kuZimu, nikholwe nakimi. Kukhona iinkumba ezinengi ekhaya lakaBaba, nakube bekungasi njalo, ngabe nginitjelile. Nje-ke ngiyakhamba ngiyonilungisela indawo. Nasele ngikhambile nginilungisele indawo, ngizakubuya ngizonithatha, khona nizakuba lapho ngikhona. Niyayazi indlela enqophe endaweni lapha ngiya khona.” UTomasi wathi kuye: “Kosi, asazi lapha uya khona, alo-ke singayazi njani indlela eya lapho na?” UJesu wamphendula wathi: “Mina ngiyindlela, iqiniso nokuphila; akakho noyedwa ozakuya kuBaba ngaphandle kwami. Nakube beningazi mina benizamazi noBaba; kusukela khona gadesi niyamazi, begodu nimbonile.” UFlebhe wathi kuye: “Kosi, sibonisa uBaba lokho kuzabe kusanele.” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Isikhathi eside benginani Flebhe, utjho bona awungazi na? Loyo ongibonileko, ubone uBaba. Utjho njani bona, ‘Sikhombisa uBaba’ na? Awukholwa bona ngikuBaba noBaba ukimi na? Amezwi engiwakhuluma kini akusiwo engizikhulumela wona ngokwami. Kodwana nguBaba ohlezi kimi owenza umsebenzakhe. Ngikholwani nangithi ngikuBaba noBaba ukimi. Nakungasinjalo, kholwani imisebenzi engiyenzako ngokwayo. Kwamambala ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Loyo okholwa kimi, uzakwenza lokho engikwenzako. Iye, uzakwenza ngitjho izinto ezikulu kunalezi ngombana ngiya kuBaba. Ngizakwenza koke enikubawako ngebizo lami ukuze uBaba aphazimuliswe ngeNdodana. Nanibawa nanyana yini ngebizo lami, ngizayenza.” “Naningithandako, nizakulonda imiyalwami. Ngizakubawa uBaba, uzanipha omunye uMsizi, ozokuhlala nani nini nanini; ngitjho uMoya weqiniso, iphasi engekhe lamamukela ngombana lingamboni befuthi lingamazi. Kodwana nina niyamazi ngombana uhlala nani begodu ukini. “Angekhe nginitjhiye niziintandani, ngizakuza kini. Kungakabi sikhathi eside, iphasi angekhe lisangibona, kodwana nina nizangibona ngombana mina ngiyaphila nani niyokuphila. Mhlokho, nizakulemuka bona ngikuBaba nani nikimi, nami ngikini. “Loyo owamukela imiyalwami ayenze, ngongithandako-ke loyo. Ongithandako uzakuthandwa nguBaba, nami ngizamthanda bengizibonakalise kuye.” UJudasi, (ingasi uJudasi Iskariyodi), wathi: “Kosi, kubayini unqophe ukuzibonakalisa kithi ingasi ephasini na?” UJesu wamphendula wathi: “Loyo ongithandako uzakuhlonipha ifundiswami. UBaba uzamthanda, begodu sizakuza kuye sihlale naye. Ongangithandiko akahloniphi ifundiswami. Ilizwi enilizwilekweli akusilo lami, kodwana ngelakaBaba ongithumileko. “Ngikhulume koke lokho ngisesenani. UMsizi, uMoya oCwengileko, uBaba azamthumela ngebizo lami, uzanifundisa yoke into anikhumbuze koke enginitjele khona. “Ukuthula ngikutjhiya nani. Ukuthula kwami ngininikela khona. Angininikeli khona njengombana iphasi lisenza. Ningavumeli iinhliziyo zenu zitshwenyeke begodu ningesabi. Ningizwile ngisithi kini, ‘Ngiyakhamba kodwana ngizakubuya kini.’ Ngathana beningithanda, benizokuthaba bona ngiya kuBaba ngombana uBaba mkhulu kunami. Nginitjelile lokhu ngaphambi kobana kwenzeke, khona kuzakuthi nakwenzekako, nikholwe. Angisakwazi ukukhuluma nani isikhathi eside ngombana umbusi wephaseli selasiza. Akanawo amandla kimi. Kodwana iphasi lifanele ukwazi bona ngiyamthanda uBaba nokobana ngenza poro njengombana uBaba angiyalile. “Sikimani, sikhambeni lapha.” “Mina ngisidiribe samambala, uBaba mlimi. Ususa kimi yoke ipande engatheliko, kuthi leyo naleyo ipande ethelako ayihlunge khona izakuthela khulu. Senihlambulukile ngelizwi engilikhulume kini. Hlalani kimi, nami ngizakuhlala kini. Njengombana ipande angekhe yathela ngokwayo kwaphela nayihlezi esidiribeni sayo. Kunjalo-ke nani angekhe nathela naningakahlali kimi. “Mina ngisidiribe, nina niziimpande. Ohlala kimi, nami ngihlala kuye, loyo-ke uzakuthela khulu ngombana ngaphandle kwami angekhe nenze ilitho. Loyo ongahlali kimi uzakulahlwa njengepande, ome; iimpande ezinjalo ziyabuthelelwa ziphoswe ngemlilweni, zitjhiswe. Nanihlala kimi namezwami ahlala kini, nizakubawa nanyana yini enikufunako, nizakwenzelwa. UBaba uphazimuliswa kuthela kwenu iinthelo ezinengi, khona nizakuba bafundi bami. Nginithande njengombana uBaba angithandile; nje-ke hlalani ethandweni lami. Nanilonda imiyalwami, nizakuhlala ethandweni lami njengombana nami ngilonde imiyalo kaBaba ngahlala ethandweni lakhe. “Nginitjele lokhu ukuze ukuthaba kwami kube kini nokobana ukuthaba kwenu kuphelele. Umyalwami ngilo: Thandanani njengombana nami nginithandile. Ithando elikhulu umuntu angaba nalo kudela ipilwakhe ngebanga labangani bakhe. Niziinini zami nanenza lokho enginiyala ngakho. Anginibizi godu bona niziinceku ngombana inceku ayazi bona ikosayo yenzani. Nina nginibiza bona nibangani ngombana nginazise koke engikuzwe kuBaba. Azange ningikhethe nina, kodwana mina ngikhethe nina. Nganikhetha bona niyokuthela iinthelo nokobana iinthelwezo zihlale ukuze nanyana yini eniyibawa ngebizo lami uBaba aninikele yona. Nginiyala ngezintwezi kobana nithandane.” “Nangabe iphasi liyanihloya, yazini bona lihloye mina qangi. Nangabe beningebephasi, iphasi belizanithanda njengabalo. Kodwana nginikhethe kilo iphasi, anisingebalo; ngikho iphaseli linihloyile nje. Khumbulani ilizwi engilikhulume kini nangithi, ‘Ayikho inceku ekulu kunekosayo.’ Nakube mina bangizumile, nani bazonizuma. Nangabe balonde ilizwi lami nelenu bazalilonda. Kodwana bazakwenza zoke izintwezi kini ngombana ningebami nangebanga lokobana bangakhange bamazi ongithumileko. Ngathana azange ngize ngikhulume nabo, ngabe banganaso isono; kodwana manje abasenayo incancabe ngesono sabo. Ohloye mina uhloye noBaba godu. Ingathana azange ngenze hlangana nabo iimangaliso ezingazange zenziwe mumuntu omunye, bebangekhe babe nomlandu wesono. Kodwana gadesi sebabonile engikwenzileko, bangihloyile mina noBaba. Lokhu kuzaliseka ilizwi elitlolwe emthethwenabo othi, ‘Bangihloye kunganasizathu.’ “Lokha nasele afikile uMsizi, engizamthumela abuya kuBaba, uMoya weqiniso ovela kuBaba, uzokufakaza ngami. Nani godu nizakufakaza ngombana gade ninami kusukela ekuthomeni.” “Lokho ngikukhulume kini ukuze ningakhubeki. Nizakuqotjhwa ngemasinagogini, kodwana kuzakufika isikhathi lapha nanyana ngubani onibulalako azakudlumbana bona usebenzela uZimu. Lokhu bazakwenza kini ngombana bangamazi uBaba nami. Kodwana ngikhulume lokhu kini ukuze kuthi isikhathi sabo nasifikako, nikhumbule bona nganitjela izintwezi. “Azange nginitjele lokhu ekuthomeni ngombana gade nginani. Nje-ke kwanjesi ngiya kuye ongithumileko kodwana akakho noyedwa ongibuzako bona ngiyaphi. Yeke njengombana sengikhulume izintwezi, iinhliziyo zenu zembethwe lisizi. Kodwana nginitjela iqiniso nangithi kunilungele bonyana ngikhambe; nangingakhambiko, uMsizi angekhe eza kini. Kodwana nangikhambako, ngizamthumela kini. Begodu nakafikako yena, uzakwembulela iphasi mayelana nesono nokulunga nokugweba: Mayelana nesono ngombana bangakholwa kimi; mayelana nokulunga ngombana ngiya kuBaba angekhe nisangibona; mayelana nokugweba ngombana umbusi wephaseli selagwetjiwe. “Ngisenokunengi engifuna ukunitjela khona, kodwana angekhe nikwazi ukukuthwala kwanjesi. Kodwana kuzakuthi lokha uMoya weqiniso nasele afikile, uzanidosela kilo loke iqiniso ngombana akakazokukhuluma okungekwakhe, kodwana uzakukhuluma lokho akuzwako, anibikele nangalokho okuzako. Uyongiphazimulisa ngombana uzokuthatha okwami anazise khona. Koke uBaba anakho kungekwami, ngikho lokhu ngithe uzakuthatha kokwami anibekele khona.” “Kuzakuba sikhatjhana ningangiboni; kuthi isikhatjhana ningibone godu.” Abanye babafundi bakhe babuzana bathi: “Utjho ukuthini nakathi, ‘Kuzakuba sikhatjhana ningangiboni; kuthi isikhatjhana ningibone godu’ nokuthi, ‘Ngombana ngiya kuBaba’ na?” Ngalokho bebabuza basithi: “Kutjho ukuthini ukuthi isikhatjhana na? Asazi thina bona ukhuluma ngani!” UJesu bekasazi bona bafuna ukumbuza, yeke wathi kibo: “Nibuzana bona ngitjho ukuthini nangithi, ‘Kuzakuba sikhatjhana ningangiboni; kuthi isikhatjhana ningibone godu?’ Kwamambala ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Nizakulila nibibitheke, kodwana iphasi lizakuthaba. Nina nizakuba lisizi kodwana isizi lenu lizakuphenduka ukuthaba. Umfazi nasele atjhidele ukubeletha, uzwa iinhlungu ngombana isikhathi sakhe vane sesifikile; kodwana umntwana nasele abelethiwe akasakhumbuli ubuhlungu ngombana sekubelethwe umntwana ephasini. Kunjalo-ke nangani: Kwanjesi nilisizi, kodwana ngizakubuye nginibone godu, ihliziywenu ithabe; nethabelo angekhe lathathwa mumuntu kini. “Mhlokho angekhe nabawa ilitho kimi. Kwamambala ngiqinisile ngithi kini: UBaba uzanipha nanyana yini enizayibawa ngebizo lami. Kufikela njesi anikabawi ilitho ebizweni lami. Bawani nizakuphiwa khona kuzakuzala ithabo lenu.” “Ngikhulume kini ngemifanekiso. Siyeza isikhathi lapha ngingasazukukhuluma ngemifanekiso, kodwana ngizakukhuluma ngoBaba kukhanye. Mhlokho nizakubawa ebizweni lami, angitjho bona ngiyonibawela mina kuBaba. Ngombana uBaba ngekwakhe uyanithanda ngombana nani ningithandile benakholwa bona ngivela kuZimu. Ngavela kuBaba, ngeza ephasinapha; kwanjesi ngitjhiya iphasi ngiya kuBaba.” Yeke abafundi bakhe bathi kuye: “Kwanjesi sewukhuluma kuzwakale ingasi ngokufanekisa. Siyazi kwanjesi bonyana wazi koke, awufuni omunye ongakubuza imibuzo. Lokhu kusenza sikholwe bona uvela kuZimu.” UJesu wabaphendula wathi: “Niyakholwa kwanjesi na? Isikhathi siyeza, sebesilapha, lapha noke nje nizakurhatjheka khona, omunye nomunye aye kwakhe mina ngisale ngingedwa. Nokho angisingedwa ngombana uBaba unami. Nginitjele izintwezi, khona nizakuba nokuthula kimi. Ephasinapha nizakuhlupheka, kodwana yibani nesibindi iphasi ngilahlulile!” Kuthe bona uJesu aqede ukukhuluma lokhu, waqala phezulu ezulwini wathi: “Baba, isikhathi sesifikile; phazimulisa iNdodanakho khona iNdodana izakukuphazimulisa. Uyinikele amandla phezu kwawo woke umuntu, khona izakunikela ukuphila okungapheliko kibo boke obaphe yona. Ukuphila okungapheliko ngilokho bona bazi wena wedwa Zimu weqiniso nokwazi uJesu Krestu, omthumileko. Ngikuphazimulisile ephasini ngokuqeda umsebenzi onginikele wona bona ngiwenze. Kwanjesi Baba, ngiphazimulise phambi kwakho ngephazimulo egade nginayo kuwe iphasi lingakabi ukubakhona. “Ngilazisile ibizo lakho kilabo ongiphe bona ephasini. Bebavele bangebakho wangipha bona; begodu balilondile ilizwi lakho. Nje-ke bayazi bona koke ongiphe khona kuvela kuwe. Ngibaphe umlayezo onginikele wona, bawamukela. Bayazi ngeqiniso bonyana ngivela kuwe, begodu bayakholwa bona ungithumile. “Ngiyabathandazela. Angithandazeli iphasi, kodwana labo ongiphe bona ngombana ngebakho. Koke enginakho ngekwakho nokwakho koke ngekwami. Nje-ke iphazimulwami ibonakaliswe ngabo. Kwanjesi angisesekho ephasini, kodwana bona basesephasini mina sengiza kuwe. Ngalokho Baba oCwengileko, balonde ebizweni lakho, iye, ibizo owangipha lona, khona bazakuba munye njengami nawe. Lokha nangisesenabo ngibavikele bengabalonda ngebizo lakho owangipha lona. Akakho noyedwa wabo owalahlekako ngaphandle kwaloyo ebekufanele bona alahleke, khona kuzakuzaliseka imitlolo. “Kwanjesi sengisiza kuwe, kodwana ngikhuluma lokhu ngisesephasinapha khona bazakuba nethabo lami elipheleleko ngaphakathi kwabo. Ngibanikele ilizwi lakho, iphasi labahloya ngombana abasese ngebephasi njengombana nami ngingasi ngewephasi. Angikubawi bona ubasuse ephasinapha, kodwana bona ubavikele komumbi. Abasingebephasi njengombana nami ngingasingewephasi. Bacwengise ngeqiniso; ilizwi lakho liliqiniso. Njengombana ungithumele ephasini, nami ngibathumela ephasini. Ngebanga labo ngiyazicwengisa, khona nabo bazakucwengiswa ngeqiniso. “Angithandazeli bona kwaphela, kodwana ngithandazela nalabo abazakukholwa kimi ngebanga lomlayezwabo, kobana boke njalo babe munye njengombana nawe Baba ukimi nami ngikuwe. Kwanga nabo bangaba kithi khona iphasi lizakukholwa bona ungithumile. Ngibaphe iphazimulo owanginikela yona khona bazakuba munye njengombana simunye: Mina ngikibo, wena ukimi. Nje-ke bazakuba munye ngokupheleleko ukuze iphasi lazi bona ungithumile begodu ubathandile njengombana ungithandile mina. “Baba, bengithanda bonyana labo ongiphe bona babe nami lapha ngikhona, khona bazakubona iphazimulwami. Iye, iphazimulo ongiphe yona ngombana wangithanda iphasi lingakabi ukubakhona. Baba olungileko, iphasi akhange likwazi kodwana mina ngikwazile begodu laba bayazi bona ungithumile. Ibizo lakho ngilazisile kibo, ngizasolo ngiraga ngokwenza njalo ukuze ithando onalo kimi libe nakibo nokobana nami ngibe kibo.” Ngemva kobana uJesu selathandazile, wakhamba nabafundi bakhe wayamela ngaphetjheya komlanjana iKedroni endaweni lapha bekunesimu khona. Yena nabafundi bakhe bangena kiyo. UJudasi owamkhaphelako gade ayazi indawo leyo ngombana kanengi uJesu gade ahlanganela lapho nabafundi bakhe. Yeke uJudasi weza esimini, akhamba namabutho wamajoni nezinye zeenkhulu zabaphristi abakhulu nabaFarisi. Bebahlomile baphethe iinhlothi ezivutako, iimbani neenkhali. UJesu selasazi koke okuzokwenzeka kuye waphuma waya kibo wababuza wathi: “Nifuna bani na?” Bamphendula bathi: “UJesu weNazaretha.” UJesu wathi kibo: “Nginguye.” UJudasi owamkhaphelako gade ajame nabo lapho. Lokha uJesu nasithi kibo, “Nginguye” babuyela sinyovana baduleka phasi. UJesu wababuza godu wathi: “Nifuna bani na?” Baphendula bathi: “UJesu weNazaretha.” UJesu wabaphendula wathi: “Senginitjelile bona nginguye, yeke nangabe nifuna mina, abanye laba abakhambe-ke.” Lokhu bekukuzaliseka kwelizwi alitjhwileko lokuthi: “Angikalahlekelwa nangoyedwa kilabo ongiphe bona.” USimoni Pitrosi ogade anesabula, wayirhwatjhula wasusa indlebe yangesigomeni yekhoboka lomphristi omkhulu. Ibizo lekhobokelo bekunguMalirhusi. Yeke uJesu wathi kuPitrosi: “Buyisela isabulakho endawenayo! Kanti angizuyisela ikapho engiyinikelwe nguBaba na?” Yeke ibutho lamajoni neenduna zalo kanye neenkhulu zamaJuda babamba uJesu bambopha; bamusa qangi ku-Anasi ogade ongumkhwe kaKhayafasi obegade amphristi omkhulu umnyaka lowo. Nguye uKhayafasi owaluleka amaJuda bonyana bekungaba ngcono kufe umuntu oyedwa afele boke abantu. USimoni Pitrosi nomunye umfundi bebalandela uJesu. Ngebanga lokobana umfundi loyo gade aziwa mphristi omkhulu, wangena noJesu ngesirhodlweni somphristi omkhulu, uPitrosi yena wasala ngaphandle esangweni. Umfundi obegade asaziwa mphristi omkhulu loyo wabuyela ngaphandle, wakhuluma nomntazana omlindi esangweni, wangenisa uPitrosi. Umntazana omlindisango loyo wathi kuPitrosi: “Angithi nawe ungomunye wabafundi bomuntu loya na?” UPitrosi wamphendula wathi: “Angisinguye.” Gade kumakhaza, yeke iinceku neenkhulu gade ziphembe umlilo ziwuragelele, zisotha. UPitrosi naye bekajame nabo, azothisa. Umphristi omkhulu wabuza uJesu ngabafundi bakhe nangefundiso yakhe. UJesu waphendula wathi: “Ephasini bephele ngikhulume emtarini. Ngafundisa ngemasinagogini nangethempelini, lapha woke amaJuda ahlanganela khona. Azange khengitjho ilitho ngasese. Alo-ke ubuzelani kimi na? Buza labo abangizwileko, ngineqiniso bayazi engikutjhwileko.” Kuthe bona uJesu atjho lokhu, omunye weenkhulu wamwahla ngepama bewathi kuye: “Leyo yindlela yokuphendula umphristi omkhulu na?” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Nangabe kukhona okumbi engikukhulumileko, veza ubufakazi balokho. Kodwana nangabe ngikhulume iqiniso, alo, ungibethelani na?” Yeke u-Anasi wamthumela kumphristi omkhulu uKhayafasi, asoloko abotjhiwe njalo. Kuthe uPitrosi asajame azothisa njalo, bambuza bathi: “Awusingomunye wabafundi bomuntu loya na?” Yena walandula wathi: “Awa, angisinguye.” Omunye weenceku zomphristi omkhulu, obekasihlobo somuntu uPitrosi amsusa indlebe, wambuza wathi: “Azange khengikubone unaye esimini na?” Godu uPitrosi wabuye walandula; nje-ke khonokho umkukurumbu walila. Nje-ke bakhupha uJesu kuKhayafasi bamusa esigodlweni sombusi wamaRoma. Bekusekuseni ngondi, kodwana bona akhange bangene esigodlwenapho ngombana bebafuna ukuhlala bahlanzekile, khona bazakukghona ukugoma iPhasika. Yeke uPilatu waya kibo ngaphandle wababuza wathi: “Umuntu lo nimthwesa umlandu bani na?” Ipendulwabo yathi: “Besingekhe samletha kuwe nakube azange enze umlandu.” UPilatu wathi kibo: “Yeke nina ngokwenu mthatheni niyomgweba ngokomthetho wenu.” AmaJuda aphendula athi: “Asikavunyelwa ukubulala umuntu.” Lokhu kwenzeka ukuze kuzaliseke amezwi akhulunywa nguJesu lokha nabonisa indlela azokufa ngayo. Nje-ke uPilatu wabuyela ngesigodlweni, wabiza uJesu wambuza wathi: “Uyikosi yamaJuda na?” UJesu wambuza wathi: “Umbuzo lo uvela kuwe, namkha uzwe ngabanye abakutjele ngami na?” UPilatu waphendula wathi: “Udlumbana bona ngiliJuda na? Angitjho babantu bekhenu nabaphristi abakhulu abakuthumele kimi. Wenzeni na?” UJesu wathi: “Umbuswami awusiwo wephaseli; nangabe bewunjalo, iinceku zami gade zizokulwa zivimbele bona ngingabanjwa maJuda. Kodwana umbuswami akusiwo walapha.” UPilatu wambuza wathi: “Alo-ke uyikosi na?” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Utjho khona, ngiyikosi, kuhlekuhle ngabelethelwa lokho begodu kungalokho ngeza ephasinapha ukuze ngifakaze iqiniso. Ngabelethwa, ngeza ephasinapha ukuzokukhuluma ngeqiniso. Boke abaseqinisweni bayalilalela ilizwi lami.” UPilatu wambuza wathi: “Alo-ke liyini iqiniso na?” Ngalokho uPilatu waphuma wabuyela kumaJuda wafese wathi: “Angisifumani isizathu sokumthwesa umlandu. Kodwana ngesiko eninalo, phele njalo nginithukululele isibotjhwa ngesikhathi sePhasika. Nifuna bona nginithukululele ikosi yamaJuda na?” Bamphendula ngetjhada elikhulu bathi: “Awa, ingasiyena! Sifuna uBharabhasi!” UBharabhasi bekasigebengu. Yeke uPilatu wathatha uJesu wayala bona abethwe. Amajoni aluka isihlohlo sameva amthwesa sona; amembesa iphuraphura ebubende. Anande eza kuye athi: “Ngwenyama, kosi yamaJuda!” Amwahla. UPilatu waphuma godu waya emaJudeni wathi: “Qalani, ngimkhuphela kini kobana nazi bonyana angisifumani isizathu sokumbeka umlandu.” Yeke uJesu waphuma, athwele isihlohlo sameva embethe nephuraphura ebubende. UPilatu wathi kibo: “Nangu-ke umuntu loyo!” Kwathi bona abaphristi abakhulu neenkhulu bambone, barhuwelela bathi: “Mbethele! Mbethele!” UPilatu wathi kibo: “Mthatheni nina nimbethele ngombana mina angifumani umlandu kuye.” AmaJuda amphendula athi: “Sinomthetho thina, nje-ke ngokuya ngomthetho lowo, kufanele afe ngombana uthe uyiNdodana kaZimu.” Kuthe lokha uPilatu nakezwa lokhu, kwaba kukhona esaba khulu. Wabuyela godu ngesigodlweni, wabuza uJesu wathi: “Ubuyaphi na?” Kodwana uJesu akhange amphendule. UPilatu wathi kuye: “Awufuni ukukhuluma nami na? Awazi bona nginamandla wokukuthukulula newokukubethela na?” UJesu waphendula wathi: “Bewungekhe waba namandla kimi nangabe bewungakawaphiwa avela phezulu. Yeke loyo onginikele kuwe unomlandu wesono esikhulu.” Ukusukela lapha, uPilatu walinga ukufumana indlela yokuthukulula uJesu, kodwana amaJuda arhuwelela athi: “Nawungamthukulula, kungatjho bona awusimngani wombusi omkhulu! Loyo ozitjhaya sakosi, urarana nombusi omkhulu!” Kuthe lokha uPilatu nakezwa amezwi la, wakhuphela uJesu ngaphandle, wahlala esihlalweni somgwebi endaweni okuthiwa yiGabatha ngesiHebheru. Bekulilanga lokulungiselela iPhasika, kusemini ekulu, uPilatu wathi emaJudeni: “Nasi ikosenu!” Barhuwelela bathi: “Msuse! Msuse! Mbethele esiphambanweni!” UPilatu wababuza wathi: “Nifuna bona ngibethele ikosenu na?” Abaphristi baphendula bathi: “Asinayo ikosi ngaphandle kombusi omkhulu!” Yeke wamnikela kibo bona abethelwe. Bamthatha-ke uJesu bakhamba naye. Waphuma azitjathele isiphambano sakhe, waya endaweni ekuthiwa yiKhakhayi, (ebizwa ngesiHebheru bona yiGolgotha.) Lapho-ke bambethela khona anamadoda amanye amabili, enye ngesigomeni enye ngesinceleni, aphahla uJesu. UPilatu bekatlole isaziso, wasiphanyeka esiphambanweni. Sifundeka bunje: “UJesu weNazaretha, ikosi yamaJuda.” AmaJuda amanengi asifunda isazisweso ngombana indawo lapha uJesu abethelwa khona beyingasikude nedorobho. Isaziso besitlolwe ngesiHebheru, ngesiLathini nangesiGirigi. Abaphristi abakhulu bathi kuPilatu: “Ungatloli uthi, ‘Ikosi yamaJuda,’ kodwana uthi, ‘Uthe uyikosi yamaJuda.’ ” UPilatu waphendula wathi: “Lokho engikutlolileko ngikutlolile.” Sele amajoni abethele uJesu, athatha izambatho zakhe azahlukanisa izabelo ezine, omunye nomunye waba nesabelo kwasala iphuraphura. Iphuraphura leyo beyinganamthungo kodwana beyelukiwe kusuka ehla ukuya enzasi. Amajoni athi kelinye nelinye: “Asingayidabuli, kodwana asiyenzeleni ifumbe sibone bona ngubani ezakuba ngeyakhe.” Lokhu kwenzeka khona kuzazaliseka imitlolo ethi: “Babelana iimpahla zami zokwembatha, benzelana ifumbe ngesambatho sami.” Lokhu ngilokho amabutho akwenzileko. Hlanu kwesiphambano sakaJesu bekujame unina nodadwabo lakanina, uMariya umkaKlopasi noMariya Magdalina. Kwathi lokha uJesu nakabona unina nomfundi egade amthanda ajame hlanu komma loyo, wathi kunina: “Mma, naso indodanakho!” Godu wathi emfundini: “Nango ummakho.” Kusuka lapho umfundi loyo wamthatha wamusa emzinakhe. Emva kwalokhu uJesu sele asazi bona koke sekuphethekile, nokobana kuzakuzaliseka umtlolo, wathi: “Ngomile.” Bekukhona isitja lapho sizele isibharha, nje-ke batjheba umtjhofotjhofana ngakiso, bawuhlomela elithini lehisophi, balisa emlonyenakhe. Kwathi bona uJesu amukele isibharha, wathi: “Sekuphethekile!” Wakhothamisa ihloko, wafa. Bekulilanga lokulungiselela begodu nelanga elilandelako bekuzokuba liSabatha elikhethekileko. Nje-ke ngebanga lokobana amaJuda bekangafuni bona iindumbu ziliselelwe esiphambanweni ngeSabatha, abawa uPilatu bona abavumele bephule imilenze yamadoda abethelweko, behlise neendumbu zabo. Yeke amajoni eza, ephula imilenze yendoda yokuthoma neyesibili egade ibethelwe noJesu. Kodwana kwathi lokha nafika kuJesu, amfumana sele afile. Yeke azange asaphula imilenzakhe. Kunalokho omunye wamajoni wagwaza ihlangothi lakhe ngomkhonto, khonokho kwaphuma iingazi namanzi. Loyo owabona lokhu kusenzeka ufakazile, nobufakazi bakhe buliqiniso, begodu uyazi bona ufakaza iqiniso. Lokhu kwenzeka khona kuzakuzaliseka imitlolo ethi: “Alikho nalinye ithambo lakhe elizakwephulwa.” Kukhona omunye umtlolo othi: “Abantu bazamqala loyo abamgwazileko.” Ngemva kwalokho, uJosefa we-Arimathiya, ogade amlandeli kaJesu ngasese ngombana esaba amaJuda, wabawa isidumbu sakaJesu kuPilatu. UPilatu wamvumela, yeke uJosefa wakhamba wayokususa isidumbu. Bekaphekelelwa nguNikhodemusi, umuntu owakhe weza azokubona uJesu ebusuku. UNikhodemusi lo, gade eze aphethe amakhilogramu amatjhumi amathathu weenthako zamakha wemire nomarobazibukhali. Amadoda amabili la awuthatha umzimba kaJesu awuphuthela ngetjhila lelineni awuzesa ngamakha njengendlela yesiko lamaJuda lokungcwaba. Endaweni lapho uJesu bekabethelwe khona esiphambanweni bekukhona isimu; ngesiminapho bekukhona ithuna elitjha elingazange khelibulungele. Njengombana bekulilanga lokuzilungiselela kwamaJuda mayelana neSabatha, nethuna liseduze, bathuna umzimba kaJesu lapho. Ekuseni ngelanga lokuthoma leveke, kusesenzima ngondi, uMariya Magdalina waya ethuneni, wafumana ilitje ebelivale umnyango wethuna ligediwe. Nje-ke wagijimela kuSimoni Pitrosi nemfundini ogade athandwa nguJesu, wafese wathi: “IKosi bayithethe ngethuneni, asazi bona bayibekephi!” Yeke uPitrosi nomfundi omunye baya ethuneni. Bobabili njalo gade bagijima, kodwana umfundi lo watjhiya uPitrosi ngebelo wafika ethuneni maqangi. Wahlola, wabona itjhila lelineni ebebamphuthele ngalo, akhange angene. Nje-ke uSimoni Pitrosi obegade amlandela ngemuva wafika walunga poro ngethuneni. Wabona itjhila lelineni ebebamphuthele ngalo lilele lapho, netjhila ebebambophe ngalo ehloko, lilodwa eqadi lisongiwe. Yeke umfundi lo, owafika ethuneni qangi, naye wangena; wabona, wakholwa. Bebasengakazwisisi imitlolo ethi kumele avuke kabafileko. Yeke abafundabo babuyela emakhaya. Kodwana uMariya bekajame ethuneni alila. Asalila njalo, wakhothama wahlola ngethuneni; qala wabona iingilozi ezimbili lapho zembethe okumhlophe, zihlezi lapho bekunomzimba kaJesu, enye ngehlokweni enye ngeenyaweni. Zambuza zathi: “Mma, ulilelani na?” Waphendula wathi: “Bathethe iKosami, nje-ke angazi bona bayibekephi!” Sekatjhwile lokho watjhuguluka waqala, wabona uJesu ajame lapho; kodwana akhange azi bona nguJesu. UJesu wambuza wathi: “Mma, ulilelani na? Ngubani omfunako na?” Wadlumbana bona mlimisimu, wathi kuye: “Nangabe umthethe, Mnimzana, ngitjela lapha umuse khona ngizakuya ngiyomthatha.” UJesu wathi kuye: “Mariya!” UMariya watjhidela kuye warhuwelela ngesiHebheru wathi: “Rabuni!” (okutjho bona “mfundisi”). UJesu wathi: “Ungangibambi ngombana angikayi kuBaba. Kodwana khamba uye kubazalwana bami ubatjele uthi, ‘Ngibuyela kuBaba onguYihlo wenu noZimami onguZimenu.’ ” Yeke uMariya Magdalina wakhamba wayokutjela abafundi wathi: “Ngiyibonile iKosi!” Watjho nokobana itheni kuye. Kusihlwa ngelanga lokuthoma leveke, abafundi bandawonye neminyango ivaliwe ngokwesaba amaJuda, uJesu wafika wazokujama hlangana nabo, wathi: “Ukuthula akube nani!” Ngemva kobana atjho lokho, wabatjengisa izandla nehlangothi lakhe. Abafundi bathaba kwamambala lokha nababona iKosi. Godu uJesu wathi kibo: “Ukuthula akube nani! Njengombana uBaba angithumile mina, nami ngiyanithuma nina.” Kwathi bona atjho lokho, wabaphefumulela wathi: “Yamukelani uMoya oCwengileko. Nanilibalela abantu izono zabo, zizakulitjalelwa; naningabalibaleliko, azizukulitjalelwa.” Nje-ke uTomasi, obizwa bona nguDidimosi nongomunye wabafundi abalitjhumi nambili, bekangekho ebafundini lokha uJesu nafikako. Yeke abafundi abanye bamtjela bathi: “Siyibonile iKosi!” Kodwana uTomasi wathi kibo: “Ngaphandle kobana ngibone amanceba weempikiri ezandleni zayo, ngifake umunwami lapha bekuneempikiri khona, nesandla sami ehlangothini layo, angeze ngakholwa.” Ngemva kweveke abafundi bebahlangane ngendlini godu, noTomasi anabo. Nanyana iminyango beyihluthulelwe, uJesu weza wajama hlangana nabo wathi: “Ukuthula akube nani!” Yeke wathi kuTomasi: “Faka umunwakho lapha, qala izandla zami. Yelula isandla sakho usifake ehlangothini lami. Lisa ukuzaza, ukholwe.” UTomasi wamphendula wathi: “Kosami, Zimami!” UJesu wathi kuye: “Ukholwa ngombana ungibona na? Babusisiwe labo abathi bangakaboni nokho bakholwe.” UJesu wenza nezinye iimangaliso ezinengi phambi kwabafundi bakhe ezingakatlolwa encwadini le. Kodwana lokhu kutloliwe khona nizakukholwa bona uJesu unguKrestu, iNdodana kaZimu, nokuthi ngokukholwa kuye nibe nokuphila. Ngemva kwalokho, uJesu wazibonakalisa godu ebafundini bakhe elwandle leThibheriyasi. Wazibonakalisa ngendlela le: USimoni Pitrosi, uTomasi obizwa bona nguDidumosi noNathaniyeli ovela eKana eseGalile, amadodana kaZebediya nabanye abafundi bebandawonye. USimoni Pitrosi wathi kibo: “Ngisayokuthiya iinhlambi.” Baphendula bathi: “Sizokukhamba nawe.” Nje-ke bakhamba ngomkhumbi, kodwana ubusukobo akhange babambe ilitho. Kuthe sekusile, uJesu wajama eligwini, kodwana abafundi azange balemuke bona nguJesu. Yeke wababuza wathi: “Bantwana bakwethu, anikabambi ilitho na?” Bamphendula bathi: “Awa.” Wathi kibo: “Phoselani inede yenu ngesigomeni somkhumbi nizakubamba.” Yeke bayiphosela, babhalelwa kuyidosa ngebanga lobunengi beenhlambi. Nje-ke umfundi ogade athandwa nguJesu wathi kuPitrosi: “YiKosi!” Kwathi uPitrosi bona ezwe bonyana yiKosi, wambatha isambatho sakhe ngombana gade selahlubule, weqela ngemanzini. Abanye abafundi beza ngomkhumbi, badosa inede ezele iinhlambi ngombana bebangasikude neligu, bekungaba mamitha amatjhumi alithoba. Kwathi bona bafike eligwini, babona lapho umlilo wamalahle kukhona phezu kwawo ihlambi nesikwa. UJesu wathi kibo: “Lethani ezinye zeenhlambi enisanda ukuzibamba.” USimoni Pitrosi wakhwela wadosela inede eligwini izele iinhlambi ezikulu ebegade zilikhulu namatjhumi amahlanu nantathu sezizoke; ngitjho nanyana gade zizinengi kangako, inede azange irathuke. UJesu wathi kibo: “Yizani nizokugoma.” Akakho noyedwa wabafundi owakhe walokotha ukumbuza bona: “Ungubani na?” Gade basazi bona yiKosi. Yeke uJesu wabandamela kibo wafese wathatha isikwa wabanikela, wenza njalo godu nangeenhlambi. Lokhu-ke gade sele ingekwesithathu uJesu azibonakalisa ebafundini bakhe ngemva kobana selavukile kabafileko. Ngemva kobana sebadlile, uJesu wathi kuSimoni Pitrosi: “Simoni msa kaJwanisi, mbala ungithanda ukudlula laba na?” Yena wathi: “Iye, Kosi, uyazi bona ngiyakuthanda.” UJesu wathi kuye: “Yondla iimvana zami.” Godu uJesu wathi kuye: “Simoni msa kaJwanisi, mbala uyangithanda na?” Waphendula wathi: “Iye, Kosi, uyazi bona ngiyakuthanda.” UJesu wathi kuye: “Lusa izimvu zami.” Kwesithathu wathi kuye: “Simoni msa kaJwanisi, uyangithanda na?” UPitrosi wadabuka ngombana uJesu wambuza kwesithathu asithi: “Uyangithanda na?” Yeke wathi kuJesu: “Kosi, wazi koke; uyazi bona ngiyakuthanda!” UJesu wathi kuye: “Yondla izimvu zami. Kwamambala ngiqinisile ngithi kuwe: Nawusemutjha bephele ubhince uye nanyana kukuphi lapha uthanda khona. Kodwana nasele uluphele, uzakuthabulula izandla zakho omunye akwembese akuse lapha ungafuni ukuya khona.” Ngokutjho lokhu, uJesu bekatjengisa indlela uPitrosi azakufa ngayo alethe iphazimulo kuZimu. Yeke uJesu wathi kuye: “Ngilandela!” UPitrosi watjhuguluka wabona umfundi ogade athandwa nguJesu abalandela. Lo ngiloyo ebekazigudle ngoJesu ngephasika nowabuza wathi: “Kosi, ngubani ozokuthengisa na?” Kwathi bona uPitrosi ambone, wabuza wathi: “Kosi, uthini ngaye na?” UJesu wamphendula wathi: “Nangifuna bona aphile kufikela mhlana ngibuyako, kukutshwenya ngani lokho na? Wena ngilandela!” Yeke iindaba zarhatjheka hlangana nabalandeli bakaJesu bona umfundi lo angekhe afa. Kodwana uJesu akhange atjho bona akazukufa, kwaphela wathi: “Nangifuna bona aphile kufikela mhlana ngibuyako, kukutshwenya ngani lokho?” Nguye umfundi lo owafakaza ngezintwezi, bewazitlola phasi; begodu siyazi bona ubufakazi bakhe buliqiniso. Zinengi ezinye izinto uJesu azenzako. Ngathana bezitlolwe ngazinye, ngitjho nephasi loke belingekhe lakghona ukulonda iincwadi ebezingatlolwa. Indaba yokuthoma Theyofilusi, ngatlola ngazo zoke izinto uJesu athoma ukuzenza nokuzifundisa, kufikela mhlana enyuselwa ezulwini, emva kobana ayale ngoMoya oCwengileko abapostoli abakhethileko. Wazibonakalisa kibo aphilile ngemva kokuhlupheka kwakhe, wabakhombisa ngeendlela ezinengi eziliqiniso bona uyaphila. Wabonakala kibo esikhathini esimalanga amatjhumi amane, akhuluma ngombuso kaZimu. Ngesikhathi asahlanganyele nabo asidla, wabayala wathi: “Ningasuki eJerusalema, kodwana lindelani isipho uBaba anithembisa sona, okutjho leso enezwa ngikhuluma ngaso ngombana uJwanisi wabhabhadisa ngamanzi, kodwana nina nizokubhajadiswa ngoMoya oCwengileko emalangeni ambalwa ezako.” Labo ebebahlangene ndawonye, bambuza bathi: “Kosi, ingabe esikhathinesi sewuzowubuyisela umbuso ku-Israyeli na?” Yena wabaphendula wathi: “Akusikho kwenu ukwazi iinkhathi namkha amalanga uBaba awabeke ngentando yakhe. Kodwana nizakwamukela amandla lokha uMoya oCwengileko nasele ehlele phezu kwenu. Nizakuba bofakazi bami eJerusalema, kiyo yoke iJudiya neSamariya kufikela emaphethelweni wephasi.” Emva kokutjho lokho, wenyuselwa ezulwini bamqalile; ilifu lamsusa emehlwenabo. Basasoloko baqhusululele amehlwabo phezulu, yena enyuka, khonokho kwabonakala kujame hlanu kwabo amadoda amabili embethe ezimhlophe, athi: “Madoda weGalile, nijameleni lapho niqale ezulwini na? Yena uJesu lo osuswe kini owenyuselwe ezulwini, uzakubuya ngawo wona umukghwa lo enimbone enyuka ngawo.” Nje-ke babuyela eJerusalema basuka entabeni ekuthiwa yi-Oliva egade ilibanga lekhambo leSabatha ukusuka edorobheni. Kuthe bona bafike, balunga elawini eliphezulu egade bahlala kilo; bekunguPitrosi, uJwanisi, uJakopo no-Andrisi, uFlebhe noTomasi, uBharitholomeyusi noMatewu, uJakopo umsa ka-Alifiyosi, uSimoni umZelothe noJudasi indodana kaJakopo. Boke laba bebaphele bahlangane njalo bazokuthandaza ndawonye kanye nabesifazana noMariya unina lakaJesu nabafowabo. Emihleni leyo uPitrosi wasikima wakhuluma hlangana nabazalwana ebebangaba likhulu namatjhumi amabili, wathi: “Bazalwana, kufuze kuzaliseke imitlolo eyakhulunywa nguMoya oCwengileko ngomlomo kaDavida, waphorofida ngoJudasi ogade amhlahli walabo ababamba uJesu. Yena bekangomunye wethu begodu ayingcenye yomsebenzi lo. “Nje-ke, ngomvuzo azizuzela wona ngobukhohlakali bakhe, uJudasi wathenga isimu lapha awa khona ngobuso, kwadabuka isisu amathumbakhe aphareka phasi. Boke beJerusalema bezwa ngalokho; nje-ke babiza isimu leyo ngesikhabo bonyana yi-Akelidama, okutjho bona ‘Yisimu yeengazi’. “Kutloliwe encwadini yamaRhubo bona, ‘Ikumbakhe ayigedeze, kungahlali namunye ngaphakathi kwayo.’ “Begodu kutloliwe bona, ‘Kwanga omunye angathatha isikhundla sakhe.’ “Nje-ke kufanelekile ukukhetha yinye yamadoda walawo ebegade asoloko anathi isikhathi soke lokha uJesu nabekanande aphuma angena phakathi kwethu, kusukela ekubhabhadiseni kwakaJwanisi kufikela lapha uJesu enyuselwa khona ezulwini asuswa kithi. Kumele bona enye kiwo ibe ngufakazi kanye nathi wokuvuka kwakaJesu.” Yeke baphakamisa amadoda amabili: uJosefa, ogade abizwa bona nguBharisabhasi, obekabuye abizwe nguJustusi, kanye noMatiyasi. Alo-ke bathandaza bathi: “Kosi, wena wazi ihliziyo yomunye nomunye umuntu. Nje-ke, sitjengisa bona ngubani wababilaba omkhethileko bona azokuthatha isikhundla sobupostoli, esitjhiywe nguJudasi waziyela endawenakhe.” Benza ifumbe, yona yadla uMatiyasi, nje-ke wabalwa kanye nabapostoli abalitjhumi nanye. Lokha ilanga lePentekoste nalifikako, bebaboke bahlangene ndawonye. Kungakatjhejeki kwaba khona itjhada elavela ezulwini lazwakala njengommoya omkhulu uvunguza, lazala ikumba yoke egade bahlezi kiyo. Babona amalangabu anjengamalimu ahlukeneko ehlela phezu kwaloyo naloyo wabo. Boke bazala ngoMoya oCwengileko bebathoma ukukhuluma ngeenlimi ezitjhili njengombana uMoya wabapha ukukhuluma. Nje-ke bekukhona amaJuda ebegade esaba uZimu ahlala eJerusalema, avela ezizweni zoke ezingaphasi kwezulu. Kuthe lokha nakuzwakala itjhadeli, isiqubuthu sahlangana ngokuphithizela ngombana ngiloyo naloyo wezwa bakhuluma ngelimi lekhabo. Ngokurareka nangokukakamala isiqubuthweso sabuza sathi: “Angitjho woke amadoda akhulumako la, amaGalile? Alo, kuza njani bona omunye nomunye wethu abezwe ngelimi adabuka kilo na? AmaPhathiya, amaMede ama-Elamu, abahlali beMesopotamiya, beJudiya beKaphadosiya, bePontusi nebe-Asiya; beFrigiya, bePhamfiliya, beGibhide nebeengceyeni zeLibhiya hlanu kweSirene iinthekeli zeRoma; amaJuda nabatjhugulukele ebuJudeni; amaKrete nama-Arabhu, soke sibezwa bakhuluma iimangaliso zakaZimu bengamalimi wemakhethu!” Boke bamangala bebasambatheka, babuzana bodwa bathi: “Kutjho ukuthini lokhu na?” Kodwana abanye bebenza amahlaya ngabo, bathi: “Baburhenge!” Alo-ke uPitrosi wasikima nabalitjhumi nanye, waphakamisela ilizwi lakhe esiqubuthwini wathi: “Madoda wamaJuda nani noke enihlala eJerusalema, kufuze nazi begodu nilalele engikutjhoko: Amadoda la akasiburhenge njengombana nidlumbana ngombana kusese yisimbi yethoba ekuseni. Kodwana lokhu ngokwakhulunywa mphorofidi uJuweli nakasithi, “ ‘USomnini uthi: Ngemihla yokuphela ngizakuthululela uMoyami kibo boke abantu; amadodanenu namadodakazenu azakuphorofida, abatjha benu bazakubona imibono, abadala benu babhudange amabhudango. Iye, emalangeni lawo ngizakuthululela uMoyami naphezu kweenceku neencekukazi, ziphorofide. Ngizakuveza amabono ezulwini nephasini okutjho iingazi nomlilo nesimukumuku sentuthu. Ilanga lizakuphenduka libe nzima nenyezi ibe ziingazi ngaphambi kokuza kwelanga lakaSomnini elikhulu nelesabekako. Kuzakuthi boke ababiza ibizo lakaSomnini basindiswe.’ “Nje-ke lalelani la, nina ma-Israyeli: UJesu weNazaretha bekumumuntu ofakazelwe kini nguZimu ngemikarisomraro, ngeemangaliso nangeembonakaliso uZimu azenza phakathi kwenu ngaye, njengombana nani ngokwenu nazi. Umuntu lo, owanikelwa kini ngokuya ngokwehlelo lakaZimu nangokwazi kwakhe ngaphambili, nina nambethela esiphambanweni benambulala ngezandla zabanganamthetho. Kodwana uZimu wamvusa kabafileko; wamthukulula ebuhlungwini bokufa ngombana bekungekhe kwenzeke bona abanjwe ngikho. UDavida wathi ngaye, “ ‘Ngesikhathi soke ngibeka uSomnini phambi kwami, njengombana angesidleni sami angeze nganyakaziswa. Ngalokho ihliziywami yenamile; ngihlokoma ngamandla ngombana umzimbami ulondekile. Angeze watjhiya umphefumulwami endaweni yabafileko, namkha uvumele othembekileko wakho abone ukubola. Wena ungikhombisa indlela yokuphila. Ukujabula okwanelisako kuphambi kwakho.’ “Nje-ke bafowethu, kufuze nginitjele ngesibindi bona ukhokho uDavida wahlongakala bewangcwatjwa nethuna lakhe lisesekhona lapha nanamhlanjesi. Yena gade amphorofidi owazi bona uZimu ufunge ngesifungo bona uzakubeka omunye wesizukulwana sakhe esihlalweni sakhe. Abona okungaphambili, wakhuluma ngokuvuka kwakaKrestu bonyana akhange atjhiywe endaweni yabafileko namkha umzimbakhe ubone ukubola. “UZimu uvuse uJesu lo kabafileko begodu soke sibofakazi balokho. Sele akhutjhulelwe ngesigomeni sakaZimu, wamukela kuYise isithembiso sakaMoya oCwengileko, nje-ke uthulule lokho nani enikubonako nenikuzwako. UDavida akakakhutjhulelwa ezulwini, kodwana wathi, “ ‘Naku umlayezo kaSomnini oya ekosinami: Hlala ngesidleni sami bekube kulokha nangenza izitha zakho zibe sinabelo seenyawo zakho.’ “Ngalokho indlu yoke yakwa-Israyeli kufuze yazi bona kwamambala uZimu wenze uJesu enambethela esiphambanweni lo, abe yiKosi noKrestu.” Lokha abantu nabezwa lokho, bahlabeka eenhliziyweni bebathi kuPitrosi nabanye abapostoli: “Alo-ke bafowethu, sizakwenza njani na?” UPitrosi wathi kibo: “Phendukani, omunye nomunye wenu abhajadiswe ebizweni lakaJesu Krestu ukuze nithethelelwe izono, khona nizakwamukela isipho sakaMoya oCwengileko ngombana isithembiso singesenu nabantwana benu nakibo boke abakude; iye, boke uSomnini uZimethu azababizela kuye.” Wafakaza nangamanye amezwi amanengi wabakhalima wathi: “Zisindiseni nina ngokwenu esizukulwaneni esonakelekwesi!” Labo abamukela umlayezwakhe, babhajadiswa. Mhlokho kwangezeleleka pheze iinkulungwana ezintathu zabantu. Abazalwana bebazinikele efundisweni yabapostoli nebudlelwaneni, ekwabelaneni isikwa nemthandazweni. Woke umuntu wafikelwa kukwesaba ngombana abapostoli benza iimangaliso neembonakaliso ezinengi. Woke amakholwa araga ndawonye ahlanganyela ezintweni zoke. Athengisa ipahlawo neengugudlhelo zawo, abelana omunye nomunye njengokwesidingo sakhe. Woke amalanga araga ngokuhlangana ngethempelini. Ukusuka lapho angena ikhaya ngekhaya ahlephulelana isikwa, agoma ndawonye anamile neenhliziyo zimhlophe, adumisa uZimu begodu athatjelwa babantu boke. Nje-ke imihla ngemihla uSomnini wangezelela ebandleni labo abasindiswako. Ngelinye ilanga uPitrosi noJwanisi baya ngethempelini kusikhathi sokuthandaza ngesimbi yesithathu malangantambama. Khonapho kwalethwa indoda ebegade isirhole kwekubelethweni kwayo. Indoda leyo beyigugwa imihla ngemihla ibekwa esangweni lethempeli ebekuthiwa lisango uMuhle kobana izozibawela izipho ebantwini ebebangena ngethempelinapho. Kuthe lokha umuntu loyo nakabona uPitrosi noJwanisi sele bazokungena, wababawa isipho. UPitrosi wamqala poro banoJwanisi, wathi kuye: “Siqala!” Yeke naye wabaqala poro, asithi mhlamunye uzakufumana ilitho kibo. UPitrosi wathi kuye: “Isiliva negolide anginalo, kodwana enginakho ngikupha khona: Ebizweni lakaJesu Krestu weNazaretha, sikima ukhambe!” Wambamba ngesandla sesigoma wamsikimisa. Khonokho iinyawo neengogoriyana zakhe zaqina. Weqela phezulu wajama ngeenyawo, wathoma wakhambakhamba. Nje-ke wangena ngesirhodlweni sethempeli kanye nabo, akhamba aseqa, adumisa uZimu. Kuthe lokha boke abantu nabambona akhamba adumisa uZimu, babona bonyana nguye yena loya obegade anande ahlala abawa esangweni ebekuthiwa lisango uMuhle. Nje-ke barareka bebakakamala ngokwenzekileko kuye. Kuthe umuntu loyo asanamathele kuPitrosi noJwanisi njalo, boke abantu ngokurareka bagijimela kibo endaweni ebizwa bona lithuri lakaSolomoni. Kwathi lokha uPitrosi nakabona lokho, wathi kibo: “Ma-Israyeli, kunirarelani lokhu na? Kwakhona kubayini nisirhudulele amehlo ngokungathi kube mamandlethu namkha ikolwethu eyenze umuntu lo bona akhambe na? UZimu ka-Abrahamu, ka-Isaka noJakopo, uZimu wabokhokho bethu, uphazimulise uJesu incekwakhe. Iye, loyo nina enamkhaphela bona abulawe, namlandula phambi koPilatu, ngitjho nanyana besele aqede ngokuthi uyamthukulula. Nina nalandula oCwengileko noLungileko ngaphezu kwalokho nabawa bona nithukululelwe umbulali. Nabulala umsunguli wepilo. Kodwana uZimu wamvusa kabafileko, ekuyinto esibofakazi bayo thina. Ngokukholwa ebizweni lakhe, iye, ibizo lakhe ngokwalo, ngilo elenze umuntu lo waqina. Yena enimbonako nenimaziko lo; ukukholwa okuza ngoJesu, kumnikele ukuphiliswa okupheleleko lokhu njengombana nani noke nibona. “Nje-ke bafowethu, ngiyazi bona nenza lokhu ngokungazi njengombana kwenza abaniphetheko. Lokhu kuyindlela uZimu azalise ngayo lokho akumemezela ngaphambilini ngabo boke abaphorofidi bakhe bona uKrestu wakhe uzakuhlupheka. Ngalokho tjhugulukani nibuyele kuZimu, khona kuzakusulwa izono zenu, ukuze isikhathi sokuvuselelwa sivele kuSomnini onithumelele uKrestu onguJesu amkhethela nina, okufanele izulu limamukele bekufike isikhathi lapha uZimu enza khona zoke izinto butjha, njengombana athembisa ekadeni ngabaphorofidi bakhe abacwengileko. NoMosi wathi, ‘USomnini uZimenu uzanivusela umphorofidi onjengami phakathi kwenu, kubafowenu. Nguye okufanele nimlalele. Nanyana ngubani ongeze alalele umphorofidi loyo, uzakujutjwa ebantwini bekhabo.’ “Mbala boke abaphorofidi kusukela kuSamyela nabalandelako, nabo boke abakhulumako, bamemezela ngamalanga wanamhlanjesi. Nina niziinzukulwana zabaphorofidi nabesivumelwano uZimu asenza naboyihlo, njengombana wathi ku-Abrahamu, ‘Zoke iinkoro zephasi zizakukhanukela ukubusiswa njengeenzukulwana zakho.’ Yeke lokha uZimu avusa incekwakhe, wayithumela kokuthoma kini kobana inibusise ngokunitjhugulula eendleleni zenu zobukhohlakali.” Kuthe uPitrosi noJwanisi basakhuluma nabantu njalo, abaphristi nomphathi wabalindithempeli nabaSadusi beza kibo, banyenyile ngombana abapostoli bebafundisa abantu begodu batjhumayela ukuvuka kwabafileko ngoJesu. Nje-ke bababamba babadlhunya ngesikhungweni kufikela ngakusasa ngombana gade sekuhlwile. Kodwana abanengi abawuzwako umlayezo bakholwa; inani lamadoda landa lafika pheze eenkulungwaneni ezihlanu. Ngakusasa kwakhona ababusi, abaphathi nabafundisi bomthetho bahlangana eJerusalema. Bebahlangene no-Anasi umphristi omkhulu noKhayafasi, uJwanisi no-Alekzandra nabanye bomndeni womphristi omkhulu. Bathi akulethwe abapostoli bajanyiswe phambi kwabo, bababuza bathi: “Lokho nikwenze ngawaphi amandla namkha ngaliphi ibizo na?” Nje-ke uPitrosi azele uMoya oCwengileko wathi kibo: “Babusi nabaphathi babantu, nangabe sibuzwa namhlanjesi ngesenzo esihle esenziweko emuntwini obekabuthakathaka bona wathabuluka njani, akwazeke kini namhlanje nebantwini boke bakwa-Israyeli bona umuntu lo ujame phambi kwenwapha athabulukile aphilile ngamandla webizo lakaJesu Krestu weNazaretha, loyo enambethelako esiphambanweni, uZimu wamvusa kabafileko. “Yena lilitje eladelwa babakhi esele libe ngeliqakathekileko ejikeni. “Ayikho isindiso ngomunye ngombana alikho elinye ibizo ezulwini nephasini esinikelwe lona bona sisindiswe ngalo.” Kwathi lokha nababona isibindi uPitrosi noJwanisi abanaso nokulemuka bona bekubabantu abangakafundi, barareka khulu bebalemuka bona bebakhamba noJesu. Kodwana ngokubona umuntu opholisiweko ajame nabo lapho, akhange babe nelizwi. Babatjela bona baphumele ngaphandle, nje-ke bakhulumisana bodwa, babuzana bathi: “Sizokwenza njani ngabantwaba? Phela kusepanyameni bona umuntu ohlala eJerusalema uyazi bonyana isimangaliswesi senziwe ngibo begodu angekhe sakulandula lokho. Kodwana ukuze senze indaba le ingarhatjheki ukuya phambili ebantwini, asibakhalimeleni abantwaba bona bangasathomi godu bakhulume nanyana kubani ngebizweli.” Nje-ke bababizela ngesigungwini godu, babayala bona bangasakhulumi namkha bafundise ngebizo lakaJesu. Kodwana uPitrosi noJwanisi babaphendula bathi: “Gwebani ngokwenu bona ngikuphi okulungileko emehlweni wakaZimu, ukulalela nina namkha uZimu na? Mbala thina angekhe salisa ukukhuluma ngesikubonileko nesikuzwileko ngokwethu.” Ngemva kobana sele babakhalimele, babatjhaphulula bona bakhambe ngombana akhange bakwazi ukubabhambalalisa ngesizathu sokobana woke umuntu bekadumisa uZimu ngokwenzekileko: Umuntu okwenzeka kuye isimangaliso sokuphulukiswa lo, bekeqile ematjhumini amane weminyaka ngobudala. Emva kokuthukululwa, uPitrosi noJwanisi babuyela kubafowabo bababikela bona abaphristi abakhulu neenkhulu zitheni. Sele bakuzwile lokho, baphakamisela ilizwi lomthandazo ngahliziyonye kuZimu bathi: “Somandla, Mdali wezulu nephasi nelwandle nakho koke okukilo, wakhuluma ngoMoya oCwengileko ngomlomo wakakhokho wethu uDavida, inceku yakho, nawusithi, “ ‘Kubayini bezizwe bayaluza, nabantu bahumuzela na? Kungelize! Amakhosi wephasi ayazihlela, nababusi baluka amaqhinga ngoSomnini nangozesiweko wakhe.’ “Ngambala uHerode noPontiyasi Pilatu bahlangene nabezizwe nabantu bakwa-Israyeli emzini lo kobana bajamelane nencekwakho ecwengileko uJesu nowayizesa bona izokwenza nanyana yini isandla sakho esakuhlosa bona kwenzeke. Nje-ke Somnini, yelela ukusongela kwabo bese unikela iinceku zakho bona zikhulume ilizwi ngesibindi esikhulu. Yelula isandla sakho upholise, wenze imikarisomraro neemangaliso ngebizo lencekwakho ecwengileko uJesu.” Kuthe sebathandazile, indawo ebebahlanganele kiyo yadedemela. Boke bazaliswa ngoMoya oCwengileko bakhuluma ilizwi lakaZimu ngesibindi. Boke abakholwako bebamunye ngehliziyo nangomkhumbulo. Akakho noyedwa owathi ipahlakhe ngeyakhe yedwa, kodwana bahlanganyela koke abanakho. Ngamandla amakhulu abapostoli bafakaza ngokuvuka kweKosi uJesu, godu nesisa esikhulu besikibo boke. Akakho noyedwa ogade adududu phakathi kwabo. Ngalokho labo egade baneendawo namkha izindlu bebazithengisa balethe imali abathengelwe ngayo, bayibeke eenyaweni zabapostoli. Nje-ke omunye nomunye wabelwa njengokuswela kwakhe. UJosefa umLevi weSayipurasi, abapostoli egade bambiza bona nguBharinabhasi, nakutjhugululwako kutjho bona “indodana yenduduzo”, wathengisa indawakhe, waletha imali wafese wayibeka eenyaweni zabapostoli. Indoda ibizo layo elingu-Ananiyasi nomkayo uSafira, yathengisa ingcenye yendawo, yagodla enye imali nomkayo anokwazi okupheleleko ngalokho. Yaletha yoke eseleko yafese yayibeka eenyaweni zabapostoli. Nje-ke uPitrosi wathi kiyo: “Ananiyasi, kuze njani bona uvumele uSathana azalise ihliziywakho kobana ukhulume amanga kuMoya oCwengileko, uzitjhiyele enye imali kileyo oyizuzileko ngendawo na? Kanti ungakayithengisi bekungasingeyakho na? Nangemva kobana seyithengisiwe imali beyingekho kanti elawulwenakho na? Alo-ke, kuyini ekwenze bona ucabange ukwenza into enje na? Awukakhulumi amanga ebantwini kodwana kuZimu!” Kuthe bona u-Ananiyasi ezwe lokho, waduleka phasi, wafa. Ukwesaba okukhulu kwehlela boke abezwe okwenzekileko. Nje-ke amasokana angena, aphuthela umzimbakhe, amkhupha ayombulunga. Pheze ngemva kwama-awara amathathu kwafika umkakhe, kodwana bekangazi okwenzekileko. UPitrosi wambuza wathi: “Akhese ungitjele, kungabe leli linani enithengise ngalo indawo na?” Yena wathi: “Iye, linani lakhona lelo.” Nje-ke uPitrosi wathi kuye: “Kubayini nivumelene ngokulinga uMoya kaSomnini na? Qala-ke, iinyawo zamadoda abulunge indodakho zisemnyango, nawe azokuthwala, akukhuphe!” Khonokho waduleka phasi ngeenyaweni zakhe, wafa. Kuthe lokha amasokana nangenako amfumana afile, amthwala ayombulunga eqadi kwendodakhe. Ukwesaba okukhulu kwabamba ibandla loke nabo boke abezwe ngezehlakalwezi. Abapostoli benza iimbonakaliso neemangaliso ezinengi hlangana nabantu begodu bebamunye bahlanganyela ndawonye ngethurini lakaSolomoni. Akakho noyedwa owaba nesibindi sokuhlanganyela nabo; nanyana kunjalo bebanedumo elihle ebantwini. Abantu abakholwako bebasiya bangezeleleka ngobunengi eKosini, iye isibalo esikhulu samadoda namakhosikazi. Ngemiphumela yalokho, abantu bebakhuphela abagulako eendledlaneni ngaphandle, babalalise emikghadini nemisemeni khona kuzakuthi lokha uPitrosi nadlulako, isithunzi sakhe sisithibeze abanye babo. Iinqubuthu zabantu zavela kiyo yoke imizi ezombeleze iJerusalema, zaletha abagulako nalabo egade banemimoya emimbi; boke bapholiswa. Yeke umphristi omkhulu nabo boke ababambisene naye, ebekumalunga womkhandlu wabaSadusi, baba nomona. Babopha abapostoli, babadlhunya ngesikhungweni somphakathi. Kodwana phakathi kobusuku ingilozi kaSomnini yavula iminyango yesikhungo, yabakhuphela ngaphandle yathi kibo: “Khambani niyokujama eenrhodlweni zethempeli, nitjele abantu umlayezo wobuphilo obutjhobu.” Sebezwile lokho bangena ngethempelini sekusile, bathoma ukufundisa abantu. Kwathi lokha umphristi omkhulu nababambisene naye nabafikako, babizela ndawonye soke isigungu sabarholi bamaJuda nabaphathi boke bakwa-Israyeli; bathumela esikhungweni bona kulethwe abapostoli. Kodwana iinthunywa nazifika esikhungweni, akhange zibafunyane lapho. Nje-ke zabuyela emuva zayokubika zathi: “Nasifikako esikhungweni, sifumene kukhiyiwe nabalindi boke baqalile emasangweni, kodwana nasivula amasango, akhange sifumane muntu ngaphakathi!” Ngokuzwa lokho induna yabalindithempeli nabaphristi abakhulu bakhungatheka, barareka bona kungaba mhlolo bani-ke lo. Khonapho kwafika indoda eyathi kibo: “Qalani! Amadoda eniwadlhunye ngesikhungweni ajame ngeenrhodlweni zethempeli afundisa abantu!” Yeke induna yakhamba nabalindithempeli bayobathatha babaletha. Akhange basebenzise amandla ngombana gade besaba bona abantu bangabakhanda ngamatje. Sele babalethile babajamisa phambi kwesigungu sabarholi bamaJuda, umphristi omkhulu wababuza wathi: “Sanikhalimela bona ningafundisi ngebizwelo! Kodwana nanyana kunjalo nirhatjhe ifundiswenu kilo loke iJerusalema benafuna bona sibe nomlandu weengazi zendoda le!” UPitrosi nabanye abapostoli baphendula bathi: “Kufuze bona silalele uZimu kunabantu. UZimu wabobaba bethu wamvusa uJesu kabafileko, enimbuleleko nina ngokumphanyeka esiphambanweni. UZimu wamphakamisela ngesigomeni sakhe njengomrholi nomsindisi, khona azakunikela abantu bakwa-Israyeli ithuba lokutjhuguluka nokulitjalelwa kwezono. Thina sibofakazi bezintwezi kanye noMoya oCwengileko uZimu amuphe labo abamlalelako.” Kuthe bona bakuzwe lokho, batjhitjhibala bacabanga ukubabulala. Kodwana umFarisi obizwa bona nguGamaliyeli, umfundisi womthetho ogade ahlonitjhwa khulu babantu, wasikima hlangana nesigungu wabawa bona amadoda lawo akhutjhelwe ngaphandle kwesikhatjhana. Wathi esigungwini: “Ma-Israyeli, yelelani enihlose ukukwenza emadodeni la. Esikhathini esinye esadlulako uTheyudasi wakhe wavela wazikhuluma bona yena mkhulu, walandelwa madoda amakhulu amane. Yena wabulawa, abalandeli bakhe boke barhatjheka, koke kwaphenduka ilize. Emva kwalokho uJudasi, umGalile, wavela naye ngesikhathi sokubalwa kwabantu wadosa abantu abanengi ekuvukeleni uburholi. Kodwana naye wabulawa, abalandeli bakhe boke bahlakazeka. Yeke, mayelana nendaba le nginiyelelisa ngokuthi, ‘Hlukanani namadoda! Aliseni akhambe ngombana nangabe amano nomsebenzawo kuvela ebantwini, kuzakuhluleka. Kodwana nangabe kuvela kuZimu, angekhe naphumelela ukuwavimba; nakungasinjalo, nizazifumanisa ngokwenu nisilwa noZimu!’ ” Isigungu salandela ikhalimo kaGamaliyeli. Yeke babizela abapostoli ngaphakathi, babaritha bebabakhalima bona bangasakhulumi ngebizo lakaJesu, babathukulula. Abapostoli basitjhiya isigungu sabarholi bamaJuda, bakhamba ngombana bazibona bafanele ukuhlunguphazwa ngebanga lebizwelo. Ilanga nelanga ngethempelini nendlini ngendlu akhange balise ukufundisa nokumemezela ivangeli bona uJesu unguKrestu. Kwathi lokha inani labafundi nalisiya lisanda, kwaba khona ukukhalala hlangana namaJuda akhuluma isiGirigi ngamaJuda akhuluma isiHebheru ngombana athi abahlolokazi bawo abatjhejwa ekwabelweni kwangamalanga. Abapostoli abalitjhumi nambili babiza soke isiqubuthu sabafundi bathi: “Akukalungi bona singatjhiya ilizwi lakaZimu ngebanga lokwabela ukudla. Alo-ke bafowethu, khethani hlangana nani amadoda alikhomba okwaziwa bona azele uMoya oCwengileko nobuhlakani, siwabeke bona ibe ngiwo aqala umsebenzi lo. Thina ngokwethu sizakunikela soke isikhathi sethu ekuthandazeni nemsebenzini wokutjhumayela.” Ilizwi leli lanelisa woke umphakathi. Yeke, bakhetha uStefani, indoda egade izele uMoya oCwengileko nokukholwa, uFlebhe, uProrhoro, uNikanori, uTimoni, uPharimenasi noNikolawu ovela e-Anthiyorhiya owatjhugululelwa ebuJudeni. Babajamisa phambi kwabapostoli; abapostoli bathandaza bababeka izandla. Njalo-ke ilizwi lakaZimu laya lirhatjheka lisanda. Inani labafundi eJerusalema landa nenani elinengi labaphristi lamukela ukukholwa. UStefani, azele umusa namandla, wenza iimbonakaliso neemangaliso ezikulu hlangana nabantu. Kodwana amanye wamalunga wesinagogi elaziwa bona ngelabaTjhaphulukileko, asikima athoma ukuphikisana noStefani. BekumaJuda avela eSirene ne-Alekzandriya. Wona asekelwa ngamanye avela eSilisiya ne-Asiya. Kodwana azange akghone ukujamelana nokuhlakanipha kwakhe namkha uMoya oCwengileko agade akhuluma ngaye. Nje-ke bahlohlozela amadoda athileko ngasese bona athi: “Simzwile ahlambalaza uMosi noZimu!” Ngalokho baphehla abantu, abaphathi nabafundisi bomthetho, balunga kuye, bambamba, bamusa esigungwini sabarholi bamaJuda. Bahlela abofakazi bamanga abamrhwayela bathi: “Indoda le, ayilisi ukuhlambalaza indawo ecwengileko le nomthetho kaMosi. Mbala siyizwe isithi uJesu weNazaretha loyo, uzakurhayila indawo le abe aphendule namasiko uMosi asinikela wona!” Boke egade bahlezi esigungwini, bamqalisisa uStefani, babona ubuso bakhe bufana nebengilozi. Umphristi omkhulu wambuza wathi: “Ngambala lokhu kunjalo na?” Yena waphendula wathi: “Bafowethu nani bobaba, ngilalelani! UZimu wephazimulo wabonakala kubaba u-Abrahamu asahlala eMesopotamiya, angakahlali eRharana, wathi kuye, “ ‘Tjhiya inarhekhenu, abantu bekhenu nendlu kayihlo, uye enarheni engizakutjengisa yona.’ “Mbala wayitjhiya inarha yamaKasidi wayokuhlala eRharana. Emva kokufa kwakayise, uZimu wamfudusela enarheni enihlala kiyo nina nje. Kodwana akhange amnikele ilifa lapho, ngitjho nomtletlana wendawo. Kunalokho ngesikhathesi wamthembisa nanyana gade anganamntwana bona ngemuva kwakhe izakuba ngeyakhe neenzukulwana zakhe. UZimu wakhuluma kuye bunje wathi, ‘Yazi mbala bona iinzukulwana zakho zizakuba ziinkhonzi enarheni engasiyo yazo. Zizakulotjha abantu benarha leyo abazazigandelela iminyaka emakhulu amane. Kodwana ngizakugweba isizwe esibagandelelekweso. Kuzakuthi emva kwalokho baphume lapho bazongilotjha endaweni le.’ Yeke wenza naye isivumelwano sokusoka. Nje-ke u-Abrahamu waba nguyise ka-Isaka bewamsoka anamalanga abunane abelethiwe. U-Isaka yena wabeletha uJakopo, uJakopo waba ngubaba wabokhokho abalitjhumi nambili. “Abokhokho baba nomona ngoJosefa, bamthengisa bona ayokuba likhoboka eGibhide. Kodwana uZimu gade anaye, wamvikela kizo zoke iimbandezelo zakhe. Wamupha ukuhlakanipha wenza nokobana azuze umusa phambi kwakaFaro, ikosi yeGibhide. Ngalokho uFaro wamenza umbusi phezu kweGibhide nesigodlweni sakhe soke. “Nje-ke kwaba khona indlala ekulu eGibhide neKanana, yaletha ukuhlupheka okukhulu, abokhokho bebatlhoga ukudla. Kuthe bona uJakopo ezwe bona kukhona ukudla eGibhide, wathumela abokhokho bethu kokuthoma lapho. Kwathi kwesibili nabafikako, uJosefa wazazisa kibomnakwabo, uFaro naye wathoma ukwazi ngebekhabo lakaJosefa. Yeke uJosefa wathumela ilizwi kuyise uJakopo amazisa bona yena nendlu yakhe bafudukele eGibhide, kubabantu abamatjhumi alikhomba nesihlanu ngesibalo. Ngokunjalo-ke uJakopo wehlela eGibhide, lapha yena nabokhokho bethu bafela khona. Iindumbu zabo zalethwa eTjhekemu, babulungwa ngethuneni u-Abrahamu alithenga emadodaneni kaRhamori eTjhekemu ngenani elithileko lemali. “Kwathi isikhathi sisabandamela bona uZimu agcine isithembiso asenzako ku-Abrahamu, inani labantu bekhethu eGibhide landa labuyeleleka. Nje-ke kwavela enye ikosi ebeyingamazi uJosefa yabusa eGibhide. Yona yaphatha abantu bekhethu ngelunya, yakatelela abokhokho bona balahle amasana wabo ukuze angaphili. UMosi wabelethwa ngesikhatheso, amntwana omuhle phambi kwakaZimu. Waba ngaphasi kwetjhejo lendlu kayise iinyanga ezintathu. Kuthe bona akhutjhwe ngekhaya, indodakazi kaFaro yazithathela yena yazikhulisela njengomntwanayo. Yeke uMosi wafundiswa boke ubuhlakani bamaGibhide, waba namandla ngekulumo nangezenzo. “Kuthe uMosi selaneminyaka ematjhumi amane, wakhumbula ukuthekela ama-Israyeli wekhabo. Wabona omunye aphethwe kumbi mGibhide, wavikela umuntu ophethwe kumbi loyo, wambuyiselela ngokubulala umGibhide. Ngokwenza njalo wadlumbana bona abantu bekhabo bazakulemuka bonyana uZimu bekasebenzisa yena ekubathukululeni, kodwana akhange bakulemuke lokho. Ngakusasa godu wabona ama-Israyeli amabili asilwa wodwa, walinga ukuwalamula ngokuthi athi, ‘Madoda, nibomfo nina; alo kubayini niphathane kumbi nje?’ Kodwana loyo ogade aphethe omunye kumbi wasunduza uMosi wathi, ‘Ubekwe ngubani bonyana ube mbusi nomgwebi phezu kwethu? Kghani ucabanga ukungibulala nami njengomGibhide ombuleleko izolo?’ Kuthe bona uMosi ezwe lokho, wabalekela eMidiyana, lapho ahlala khona njengesikhonzi bewaba namadodana amabili. “Emva kweminyaka ematjhumi amane, kwabonakala ingilozi kuMosi iselangabini lomlilo esithukghwaneni esivuthako erhalawumbeni eduze nentaba yeSinayi. Kwathi lokha nakabona lokhu, warareka ngakubonako. Asatjhidela bona aqale aseduze, wezwa ilizwi lakaSomnini lithi, ‘NginguZimu wabokhokho bakho, uZimu ka-Abrahamu, ka-Isaka noJakopo.’ UMosi wadedemela ngevalo wabhalelwa nakuqala. Nje-ke uSomnini wathi kuye, ‘Hlubula amapatlagwanakho ngombana lapha ujame khonapho yindawo ecwengileko. Ngambala ngibonile amatlhuwiso wabantu bami eGibhide. Ngisizwile isililo sabo; ngalokho ngehlile kobana ngibasindise. Nje-ke yewuze, ngizokuthuma eGibhide.’ “Nguye kanye yena Mosi loyo ebamdela ngamezwi wokuthi, ‘Ubekwe ngubani bonyana ube mbusi nomgwebi?’ Yena loyo bekathunyelwe nguZimu ngesandla sengilozi eyabonakala kuye esithukghwaneni bona abembusi nomsindisi. Wabakhupha eGibhide, iye, wenza iimangaliso neembonakaliso eGibhide, elwandle lomGaba kanye nerhalawumbeni iminyaka ematjhumi amane. Nguye uMosi loyo owatjela ama-Israyeli wathi, ‘UZimu uzanivusela phakathi kwabafowenu umphorofidi onjengami.’ Nguye loyo ogade asehlanganweni erhalawumbeni kanye nengilozi eyakhuluma kuye nakibokhokho bethu entabeni yeSinayi. Wamukela amezwi aphilako wakaZimu bona awadlulisele kithi. “Kodwana abokhokho bethu akhange bavume ukumlalela. Kunalokho bamkhaphela ngeqadi nangeenhliziyo zabo babuyela eGibhide bebathi ku-Aroni, ‘Sikima usenzele abozinyana abazasikhokhela ngombana nakhu uMosi okunguye owasikhupha enarheni yeGibhide asazi bonyana kwenzekeni ngaye.’ Kwaba kulokha nabenza isithombe sekonyana, baletha imihlabelo kiso benama ngemisenzi yezandla zabo. Kodwana uZimu wabafulathela, wabaliselela bona balotjhe umkhambathi womkayi njengombana kutloliwe encwadini yabaphorofidi ukuthi, ‘Ngakhe nganiyala bonyana ningilethele imihlabelo neminikelo eminyakeni ematjhumi amane eniyihlezi erhalawumbeni, nina ndlu yakwa-Israyeli na? Niphakamise ithempedlana lakaMoleki nekwekwezi yakazinyanenu uRefani okumifanekiso yeenthombe enayenzako kobana niyilotjhe. Yeke ngizonithumela ekuthunjweni ngaphetjheya kweBhabheli.’ “Abokhokho bethu babanethaberinakeli lobufakazi hlangana nabo erhalawumbeni. Belenziwe njengombana uZimu gade akhombise uMosi, ngokuya ngomfanekiso awubonako. Bangena nalo bakhamba noJotjhuwa lokha nabathumba inarha yezizwe uZimu aziqotjhako ngaphambi kwabo. Ithaberinakelelo laba senarheni leyo bekwaba sesikhathini sakaDavida, owamukela umusa ebusweni bakaZimu bewabawa bonyana akhele uZimu kaJakopo indlu. Kodwana nguSolomoni owamakhela indlu. “Nokho uZimu ongoPhezulu akahlali ngendlini eyakhiwe babantu, njengombana umphorofidi asitjho, “ ‘Izulu sihlalo sami sobukhosi, iphasi lisinabelo seenyawo zami. Alo, yikumba bani-ke enizangakhela yona, indawami yokuphumula ibe yini? Kanti akusisisandla sami esenze koke lokho na?’ “Nina bontanyana, abaneenhliziyo neendlebe ezingakasokwa, ninjengaboyihlo! Ngesikhathi soke nijamelana noMoya oCwengileko! Nitjho bona ukhona umphorofidi abokhokho benu abangakhange khebamphathe kumbi na? Angithi babulala ngitjho nalabo abamemezela ngokuza koLungileko. Nje-ke nina nimkhaphele benambulala. Angitjho ngini enamukela umthetho owalethwa ngomyalo weengilozi, kodwana akhange kheniwulalele?” Kuthe bona bezwe lokho bavutha ngelaka, bamgugudela amazinyo ngokubila. Kodwana uStefani azele uMoya oCwengileko, waqala phezulu ezulwini wabona iphazimulo kaZimu noJesu ajame ngesigomeni sakaZimu. Wathi: “Qalani! Ngibona izulu livuleka neNdodana yoMuntu ijame ngesigomeni sakaZimu!” Ngalokho bavala iindlebe zabo bamemeza, batheleka boke. Bamrhudulela ngaphandle kwedorobho, bathoma ukumkhanda ngamatje. Abofakazi babeka izambatho zabo eenyaweni zesokana elinguSawula. Basamkhanda ngamatje njalo, uStefani wathandaza asithi: “Kosi Jesu, yamukela ummoyami.” Waguqa phasi warhuwelela wathi: “Kosi! Ungabali isonwesi phezu kwabo.” Sele atjhwile lokhu, walala ubuthongo besiphelani. USawula wavumelana nabo ngokubulawa kwakaStefani. Khona mhlokho ibandla eJerusalema lathoma ukuzunywa. Boke bahlakazeka emazweni weJudiya neSamariya, kwasala abapostoli kwaphela. Amadoda ebegade esaba uZimu ambulunga uStefani, abe amzilela ngokulila okukhulu. Kodwana uSawula warhayila ibandla, akhamba angena indlu ngendlu arhurhubisa amadoda nabafazi, abadlhunya ngesikhungweni. Labo ebegade bahlakazekile batjhumayela ilizwi lapha bakhamba khona. UFlebhe wehlela edorobheni leSamariya watjhumayela khona uKrestu. Iinqubuthu zabantu zalalelisisa uFlebhe ngahliziyonye; iye, bezizwa begodu zibona iimbonakaliso azenzako. Kabanengi imimoya emimbi beyiphuma ngokulila okukhulu, abafe ihlangothi nabaziinrhole bapholiswa. Ngalokho kwaba khona ukuthaba okukhulu eSamariya. Edorobheni lelo bekunendoda, ibizo layo elinguSimoni, okwathi eenkhathini warara amaSamariya ngemilingo; wazikhuluma bona yena mkhulu. Boke abantu, okutjho abaphezulu nabaphasi, bebamlalelisisa, barhuwelela basithi: “Umuntu lo umamandla kaZimu, aziwa bona mamandla amakhulu.” Bamnamathela ngombana gade sele abarare isikhathi eside ngemilingo yakhe. Kodwana kuthe nabakholwa umlayezo kaFlebhe ngeendaba ezimnandi zombuso kaZimu nebizo lakaJesu Krestu, kwabhajadiswa amadoda kanye nabafazi. USimoni naye wakholwa bewabhajadiswa. Walandela uFlebhe kiyo yoke indawo, ararwa ziimbonakaliso neemangaliso ezikulu ebegade azibona. Lokha abapostoli eJerusalema nabezwa bona abantu beSamariya sebalamukele ilizwi lakaZimu, bathumela uPitrosi noJwanisi kibo. Kuthe bona bafike, bathandazela bona bamukele uMoya oCwengileko ngombana uMoya oCwengileko bekangakehleli nakoyedwa wabo; kodwana bebabhajadiswe kwaphela ebizweni leKosi uJesu. Yeke uPitrosi noJwanisi bababeka izandla, bamukela uMoya oCwengileko. Kuthe bona uSimoni abone bonyana uMoya bekamukelwa ngokubekwa bapostoli izandla, waletha imali, wathi: “Nginikelani nami amandla la, khona kuzakuthi woke engimbeka izandla, amukele uMoya oCwengileko.” Kodwana uPitrosi wamphendula wathi: “Kwanga ungabhubha nemadlanakho leyo ngombana ucabanga bona ungathenga isipho sakaZimu ngemali! Awunangcenye namkha isabelo emsebenzini lo ngombana ihliziywakho ayikalungi phambi kwakaZimu. Nje-ke phenduka ebukhohlakalini bakho uthandaze uZimu bona akulibalele. Mhlamunye uzakukulibalela emicabangweni enje yehliziyo ngombana ngiyabona bonyana usenyongweni ebabako nemakhamandeleni wesono.” Nje-ke uSimoni waphendula wathi: “Yeningithandazele kuZimu kobana koke enikutjhwileko kungangehleli.” Emva kobana banikele ubufakazi bebatjhumayela ilizwi leKosi, uPitrosi noJwanisi babuyela eJerusalema, bakhamba batjhumayela ivangeli emizaneni eminengi yeSamariya. Nje-ke ingilozi kaZimu yathi kuFlebhe: “Iya ngesewula endleleni enganabantu, eyehla ukusuka eJerusalema itjhinga eGaza.” Yeke uFlebhe wathoma ikhambo lakhe. Endleleni wahlangana nomphakulwa weTopiya obekasikhulu esiqakathekileko esiphethe amagugu wendlu yendlovukazi yeTopiya. Indoda le beyiye ukuyokulotjha eJerusalema. Nje-ke sele ibuyela ekhaya, beyihlezi ekaranenayo ifunda incwadi yomphorofidi u-Isaya. UMoya wathi kuFlebhe: “Tjhidela ekaraneni leyo ukhambe nayo.” Mbala uFlebhe wagijimela ekaraneni, wezwa indoda leyo ifunda incwadi yomphorofidi u-Isaya, wabuza wathi: “Uyakuzwa lokho okufundako na?” Yona yathi: “Ngingakuzwa njani, ngaphandle kobana kube khona ongihlathululelako na?” Nje-ke yabawa uFlebhe bona akhwele ahlale hlanu kwayo. Indima yomtlolo egade ifundwa mphakulwa ngile: “Njengemvu esiwa ekuhlatjweni nanjengemvana ethulileko phambi komrhunayo, ngaleyondlela azange ivule umlomayo. Ekuthotjisweni kwayo yadinywa ubulungiswa. Ngubani ongahlathulula isizukulwana sayo? Mbala, ipilwayo yasuswa ephasini.” Umphakulwa wabuza uFlebhe wathi: “Akhese ungitjele, umphorofidi ukhuluma ngobani, uzitjho yena namkha omunye?” UFlebhe wathoma ukukhuluma ngendimana le yemitlolo wamtjela ivangeli ngoJesu. Basakhamba endleleni, bafika endaweni lapha bekunamanzi khona, umphakulwa wathi: “Qala naka amanzi, ngingakhandelwa yini bona ngingabhajadiswa na?” UFlebhe wathi kuye: “Ungabhajadiswa nawukholwa ngehliziywakho yoke.” Yena waphendula wathi: “Ngiyakholwa bona uJesu Krestu yiNdodana kaZimu.” Umphakulwa wayala bonyana ikarana ijame. Nje-ke uFlebhe nomphakulwa behlela ngemanzini, uFlebhe wambhabhadisa. Kuthe bona baphume ngemanzini, uMoya kaSomnini wahlutha uFlebhe. Umphakulwa akhange abe asambona godu; yeke-ke waraga ngendlelakhe, athabile. UFlebhe wazifunyana asele ase-Atjhidodi, waraga njalo atjhumayela ivangeli emizaneni yoke bewafika eKhesariya. USawula waphikelela ngokusongela ukubulala abafundi bakaJesu, waya kumphristi omkhulu wayokubawa iincwadi zokuya esinagogini eDamaseku, khona kuzakuthi nafumana nanyana ngubani weNdlela leyo kungaba madoda namkha abafazi, ababuyisele eJerusalema babotjhiwe. Asakhamba njalo atjhidele eDamaseku, khonokho umkhanyo ovela ezulwini wabaneka kuye mahlangothi woke. Waduleka phasi, wezwa ilizwi lisithi kuye: “Sawula, Sawula, ungizumelani na?” Wabuza wathi: “Ungubani wena, Kosi, na?” Ilizwi lathi: “NginguJesu ozumana naye. Nje-ke vuka, uye ngedorobheni; uzakutjelwa bona wenzeni.” Amadoda agade akhamba noSawula ajama lapho akakamele; ezwa ilizwi kodwana akhange abone muntu. USawula wasikima, kodwana kwathi nanyana amehlwakhe bekavulekile, akhange abone ilitho. Yeke bambamba ngesandla bamngenisa ngeDamaseku. Amalanga amathathu bekangaboni, angagomi begodu angaseli ilitho. EDamaseku bekunomfundi obizwa bona ngu-Ananiyasi; iKosi yathi kuye ngombono: “Ananiyasi!” Yena wathi: “Ngilapha, Kosi!” IKosi yathi kuye: “Khamba uye endlini kaJudasi endledlaneni ekuthiwa nguNqophile, ufune indoda evela eTarsusi enguSawula; qala iyathandaza. Yena ubone ngombono indoda engu-Ananiyasi ingena, ibeka izandla phezu kwakhe khona azakubona godu.” Kodwana u-Ananiyasi waphendula wathi: “Kosi, ngizwe imibiko eminengi ngendoda leyo, nangazo zoke izinto ezimbi ezenzileko ngabacwengileko bakho eJerusalema. Yona yeza ngegunya labaphristi abakhulu bona ibophe boke abantu abathandaza ebizweni lakho.” Kodwana iKosi yathi kuye: “Khamba ngombana nguye osisitja sami esikhethiweko sokuphatha ibizo lami ebantwini abatjhili, emakhosini nebantwini bakwa-Israyeli. Begodu ngizamtjengisa bona kufuze ahlupheke kangangani ngebanga lebizo lami.” Yeke u-Ananiyasi waya endlini leyo wafese wangena kiyo. Wabeka uSawula izandla, wathi: “Mfowethu Sawula, iKosi uJesu eyazibonakalisa kuwe usendleleni usiza lapha, ingithume kobana ubuye ubone bewuzaliswe ngoMoya oCwengileko.” Khonokho into enjengepepha yasuka emehlweni kaSawula, wabuye wabona godu. Wasikima, wabhajadiswa. Kwathi selagomile, amandlakhe abuya. Wahlala amalangana ambalwa nabafundi eDamaseku. Masinyana wathoma ukutjhumayela emasinagogini bona uJesu uyiNdodana kaZimu. Boke abamzwako barareka bathi: “Kanti lo akasiyo indoda eyabanga isiphithiphithi eJerusalema ngalabo abathandaza ebizweneli na? Angithi ize lapha kobana izobabamba ibase ebaphristini abakhulu baziimbotjhwa?” Ukuya ngokuya uSawula wakhula emandleni, wamangaza amaJuda ahlala eDamaseku ngokubonisa bona uJesu unguKrestu. Ekukhambeni kwesikhathi, amaJuda abopha izungu lokumbulala. USawula wabazi ubukhwebetjhana babo. Ubusuku nemini bamlalela emasangweni wedorobho kobana bambulale. Kodwana abafundi bakhe bamthatha ngobusuku bamehlisa ngesiqwebu ngetjhuba elisemthangaleni. Kwathi lokha nakabuyela eJerusalema walinga ukuzihlanganisa nabafundi, kodwana boke bamesaba bangakholwa bona mbala umfundi. UBharinabhasi weza wamthatha wamusa ebapostolini. Wabahlathululela bona uSawula wayibona njani iKosi endleleni, nokobana iKosi yakhuluma njani naye. Wabatjela nokobana uSawula waba nesibindi esingangani ngokutjhumayela ngebizo lakaJesu eDamaseku. Alo-ke, uSawula wahlala nabo wakhamba yoke indawo eJerusalema, akhuluma ngesibindi ebizweni leKosi. Wakhuluma waphikisana namaJuda akhuluma isiGirigi, kodwana balinga ukumbulala. Kuthe bona abazalwana bezwe ngalokhu, bamthatha bamehlisela eKhesariya bamthumela eTarsusi. Yeke-ke ibandla laba nokuthula kilo loke iJudiya, iGalile neSamariya. Lakheka, landa ngokuqiniswa nguMoya oCwengileko, lakhamba ngokwesaba iKosi. UPitrosi asakhamba kizo zoke iindawo, wathekela nabacwengileko ngeLida. Lapho wahlangana nendoda engu-Ayeniya, egade ife ihlangothi iminyaka ebunane ilele ingakwazi ukuvuka phasi. UPitrosi wathi kiyo: “Ayeniya, uJesu Krestu uyakupholisa. Vuka uqhusulule.” Khonokho u-Ayeniya wasikima. Boke abahlala ngeLida nangeTjharoni bambona, batjhugulukela eKosini. NgeJopa bekukhona umfundikazi, ibizo lakhe elinguThabitha, nakutjhugululwako ngesiGirigi kutjho uDorkasi. Gade azinikele ukwenza okulungileko asiza nabadududu. Ngesikhatheso wahlatjwa kugula wafa. Isidumbu sakhe sahlanjiswa salaliswa ngelawini elingehla. IJopa gade ingasikude neLida; nje-ke kuthe bona abafundi bezwe bonyana uPitrosi ungeLida, bathumela kuye amadoda amabili nomlayezo othi: “Siyakuncenga yewuze msinyana kithi.” UPitrosi wasikima wakhamba nabo. Nafikako, bamusa ngelawini elingehla. Boke abahlolokazi bamzomba, balila bamkhombisa izambatho neempahla ezinye uDorkasi azithunga asaphila nabo. UPitrosi wabakhuphela boke ngaphandle kwelawu; nje-ke waguqa phasi wathandaza, waphendukela ngesidunjini wathi: “Thabitha, vuka!” Wavula amehlo wakhe wabona uPitrosi, wathabuluka wahlala. UPitrosi wamsiza ngokumsikimisa, wabiza abacwengileko nabahlolokazi wabanikela yena sele aphila. Lokhu kwazeka kiyo yoke iJopa, abanengi bakholwa eKosini. UPitrosi wahlala ngeJopa amalanga amanengi nomtjhukiinkhumba uSimoni. EKhesariya bekukhona indoda, ibizo layo linguKorneliyasi umphathimabutho ebekuthiwa mabutho weTariyana. Yena nomndenakhe bekubabantu abesaba uZimu nabazinikeleko kuye. Gade abela abadududu, ahlala njalo athandaza uZimu. Kwathi langelinye ngesimbi yesithathu malangantambama waba nombono. Ngokucacileko wabona ingilozi kaZimu ifika kuye isithi: “Korneliyasi!” Yena wayiqala ngokuyesaba, wabuza wathi: “Kosi, kwenze njani?” Ingilozi yaphendula yathi: “Imithandazwakho nokwabela kwakho abadududu kwenyukele kuZimu njengesikhumbuzo. Nje-ke, thumela amadoda eJopa ayokubiza uSimoni ekuthiwa nguPitrosi. Yena uhlala kwaSimoni umtjhukiinkhumba onendlu hlanu kwelwandle.” Kwathi lokha ingilozi egade ikhuluma naye nasele ikhambile, uKorneliyasi wabiza iinsebenzi zakhe ezimbili nejoni elesaba uZimu egade limelusa. Wabatjela koke ekwenzekileko bewabathuma eJopa. Ngakusasa basesesendleleni, sele batjhidele edorobheni, uPitrosi wenyukela phezu kwephahla lekumba wayokuthandaza kusemini ekulu. Walamba bewakhanuka kobana angadla. Nje-ke kwathi ukudla kusalungiswa waba semmoyeni. Wabona izulu livuleka, kwaba nento eyehlako injengetjhila elikhulu lehliselwa phasi ngeentsutsungu zalo zozine. Ngaphakathi kwalo bekukhona imihlobohlobo yazo zoke iimbandana ezineenyawo ezine, iimphili ezikhakhabako neenyoni zomkayi. Nje-ke ilizwi lathi kuye: “Pitrosi, vuka, uhlabe, ugome!” Kodwana uPitrosi wathi: “Awa, Kosi ngombana azange khengigome okusilapheleko namkha okungakahlambuluki.” Ilizwi lakhuluma naye godu, lathi: “Lokho uZimu akuhlambululileko ungakubizi bona kusilaphele.” Lokho kwenzeka amahlandla amathathu, yeke itjhilelo lathathwa khonokho labuyiselwa ezulwini. UPitrosi asararekile bona umbono utjho ukuthini, amadoda athunywe nguKorneliyasi sele afunyene indlu kaSimoni bona ikuphi, ajama esangweni layo. Arhuwelela, abuza bona kungabe ukhona umyeni lapha, ibizo lakhe elinguSimoni Pitrosi na? Kuthe uPitrosi asazindla ngombono lowo, uMoya oCwengileko wathi kuye: “Qala, kunamadoda amathathu afuna ukukubona! Sikima, wehle uye kiwo! Ungazazi ukukhamba nawo ngombana athunyelwe ngimi.” Yeke uPitrosi wehla waya kiwo, wafika wathi: “Nginguye enimfunako. Alo, nize ngani?” Aphendula athi: “Umphathimabutho, uKorneliyasi usithumile. Uyindoda eqotho eyesaba uZimu begodu ukhulunywa kuhle esizweni soke samaJuda. Uyalwe yingilozi ecwengileko bona akumemele emzinakhe ukuze ezwe bonyana umphathele ndaba bani.” UPitrosi wawabawa bona angene ngendlini; wahlala nawo ubusukobo. Ngakusasa wakhamba nawo; nabanye abazalwana beJopa bakhamba naye. Ngelanga elilandelako wafika eKhesariya, lapha uKorneliyasi gade abalindele khona begodu gade ameme iinhlobo nabangani bakhe abakhulu. UPitrosi asangena endlini, uKorneliyasi wamhlangabeza wahloma ihloko phasi eenyaweni zakhe ngokumhlonipha. Kodwana uPitrosi wamphakamisa wathi kuye: “Sikima, nami ngimumuntu nje.” Asakhuluma naye njalo, wangena ngendlini, wafumana kuhlangene abantu abanengi. Wathi kibo: “Nani ngokwenu niyazi bona kuphambene nomthetho wethu kobana umJuda ahlanganyele namkha athekele wesinye isizwe. Kodwana uZimu ungibonisile bona ngingathi umuntu othileko usilaphele namkha akakahlambuluki. Nje-ke kungalokho kuthe nangibizwako ngeza ngaphandle kokuzaza. Alo-ke, ngingabuza bona kubayini ningibizile na?” UKorneliyasi waphendula wathi: “Amalanga amane adlulileko, bengithandaza ngingendlinami ngesikhathesi, ngesimbi yesithathu malangantambama: Khonokho kwajama phambi kwami indoda yembethe izambatho eziphazimako. Yathi kimi, ‘Korneliyasi! UZimu uwuzwile umthandazwakho bewakhumbula nokwabela kwakho izipho kwabadududu. Nje-ke, thumela eJopa, uyokubiza uSimoni ekuthiwa nguPitrosi. Yena umyeni emzini kaSimoni umtjhukiinkhumba, ohlala hlanu kwelwandle.’ Yeke ngathumela bona bayokubiza msinyana; wenze kuhle wafika. Soke sesilapha phambi koZimu, sesilindele ukuzwa koke uZimu akuyale bona usitjele khona.” UPitrosi wathoma ukukhuluma, wathi: “Sekuyangikhanyela bona uZimu akakhethi ubuso. Kodwana omesabako enze okulungileko nanyana angewasiphi isizwe uyamukeleka kuye. Niyawazi umlayezo uZimu awuthumela ebantwini bakwa-Israyeli, akhuluma ivangeli lokuthula eliza ngoJesu Krestu oyiKosi yabo boke. Niyakwazi bona kwenzekeni kilo loke iJudiya, kusukela eGalile ngemva kombhabhadiso owatjhunyayelwa nguJwanisi; kobana uZimu wajamisa uJesu weNazaretha ngoMoya oCwengileko namandla, wakhamba yoke indawo enza okuhle, apholisa boke egade bangaphasi kwamandla kaSathana ngombana uZimu gade anaye. Sibofakazi bakho koke akwenzileko elizweni lamaJuda neJerusalema. Bambulala ngokumphanyeka esiphambanweni, kodwana uZimu wamvusa kabafileko ngelanga lesithathu, wenza bona abonwe, ingasingibo boke abantu, kodwana abonwe ngithi uZimu asikhetha njengabofakazi. Iye, thina esadla besasela naye emva kokuvuka kwakhe kabafileko. Wasiyala bona sitjhumayele ebantwini besifakaze bona nguye uZimu amkhethileko bona abe mgwebi wabaphilako nabafileko. Boke abaphorofidi bafakaza ngaye bona woke okholwa kuye wamukeliswa ukulitjalelwa kwezono ngebizo lakhe.” Kwathi uPitrosi asakhuluma amezwi la, uMoya oCwengileko wehlela phezu kwabo boke egade balalele umlayezo. Amakholwa asokiweko nebegade eze noPitrosi, arareka khulu ngombana isipho sakaMoya oCwengileko besithelwe naphezu kwabatjhili. Babezwa bakhuluma ngeenlimi ezitjhili badumisa uZimu. Nje-ke uPitrosi wathi: “Ukhona ongakhandela bona abantwaba babhajadiswe ngamanzi na? Nabo bamukele uMoya oCwengileko njengathi.” Yeke wathi ababhajadiswe ebizweni lakaJesu Krestu. Bambawa bona ahlale nabo amalangana. Abapostoli nabazalwana kilo loke iJudiya bezwa bona nabatjhili sebamukele ilizwi lakaZimu. Nje-ke kwathi bona uPitrosi aye eJerusalema, labo ebegade bafuna ukusoka abatjhili bamsola, bathi: “Wena uye emzini wabatjhili abangakasoki, wagoma nabo!” UPitrosi wathoma ukubahlathululela koke njengombana kwenzekile, wathi: “Bengithandaza, ngisedorobheni leJopa, khonapho ngehlelwa siyezi ngabona umbono. Ngabona into efana netjhila isehliselwa phasi ngeentsutsungu zayo ezine ivela ezulwini; yehlela lapha ngikhona. Ngaqalisisa ngaphakathi kwayo, ngabona iinlwana zephasi ezineenyawo ezine, iimbandana, iimphili ezikhakhabako neenyoni zomkayi. Ngezwa ilizwi lithi kimi, ‘Pitrosi, vuka, uhlabe, ugome!’ Kodwana ngaphendula ngathi, ‘Awa Kosi, akunalitho elisilapheleko namkha elingakahlambuluki elakhe langena ngemlonyenami.’ Ilizwi elivela ezulwini lakhuluma kwesibili lathi, ‘Lokho uZimu akuhlambululileko, ungakubizi bona kungokusilapheleko.’ Lokho kwenzeka amahlandla amathathu, nje-ke koke kwabuyiselwa ezulwini godu. Khonokho amadoda amathathu agade avela eKhesariya athunywe kimi, afikela ngendlini ebengihlala kiyo. UMoya oCwengileko wangitjela bona ngikhambe nawo ngaphandle kokuzaza. Abazalwana abasithandathu laba bakhamba nami nje-ke soke sangena ngendlini yendoda leyo. Yona yasitjela bona yabona njani ingilozi egade ijame endlinayo isithi, ‘Thumela umuntu eJopa ayokubiza uSimoni okuthiwa nguPitrosi. Uzokulethela umlayezo ozakusindisa wena nomndenakho woke.’ Kwathi ngisathoma ukukhuluma, uMoya oCwengileko wehlela phezu kwabo, njengombana wehlela phezu kwethu ekuthomeni. Alo-ke ngakhumbula lokho iKosi eyakutjhoko nayithi, ‘UJwanisi wabhabhadisa ngamanzi, kodwana nina nizakubhajadiswa ngoMoya oCwengileko.’ Nje-ke, nakube uZimu wabapha isipho njengombana apha thina esakholwa kuJesu Krestu; alo-ke, bengingubani mina bona bengingaliya uZimu?” Kwathi bona bezwe lokho, balisa ukusola, badumisa uZimu basithi: “Yeke uZimu selabaphile abatjhili ithuba lokutjhugulukela ekuphileni!” Labo abahlakazeka ngebanga lokuhlutjhwa okwathoma ngemva kokufa kwakaStefani, bafika ngitjho eFunisiya, eSayipurasi ne-Anthiyorhiya, barhatjha umlayezo emaJudeni kwaphela. Kodwana phakathi kwawo bekumadoda avela eSayipurasi neSirene, wona aya e-Anthiyorhiya ayokhuluma ilizwi nemaGirigini awatjela ivangeli ngeKosi uJesu. Amandla weKosi gade anamadoda lawo nenani elikhulu labantu lakholwa latjhugulukela eKosini. Iindaba ngalokho zafika eendlebeni zebandla eJerusalema, yeke bathumela uBharinabhasi e-Anthiyorhiya. Kwathi lokha nakafikako abona umusa kaZimu, wathaba kwamambala bewabakhuthaza boke bonyana bathembeke eKosini ngokudzimelela ngeenhliziyo zabo zoke. Bekuyindoda elungileko, izele uMoya oCwengileko nokukholwa; abantu abanengi bazinikela eKosini. Yeke uBharinabhasi waya eTarsusi ukuyokufuna uSawula. Kwathi bona amfunyane, wamusa e-Anthiyorhiya. Nje-ke umnyaka woke bahlanganyela nebandla bafundisa abantu abanengi. Kwaba se-Anthiyorhiya lapha abafundi babizwa khona kokuthoma bona maKrestu. Ngesikhatheso kwehla abanye babaphorofidi basuka eJerusalema baya e-Anthiyorhiya. Omunye wabo okuthiwa ngu-Agabhusi, wasikima wathukula ngoMoya oCwengileko bona kuzakuba khona indlala ekulu kilo loke iphasi. Kwamambala yaba khona ngesikhathi sokubusa kombusi omkhulu uKlawudiyusi. Abafundi omunye nomunye ngokukghona kwakhe waqunta ukusiza abazalwana abahlala eJudiya. Lokho bakwenza ngokuthumela izipho zabo ebaphathini ngoBharinabhasi noSawula. Ngesikhatheso uHerode ikosi wabamba amanye amalunga webandla kobana awahlukumeze. Wabulala uJakopo, umnakwabo kaJwanisi, ngesabula. Nakabona bonyana lokhu kuwakarile amaJuda, waraga wabopha noPitrosi. Lokho kwenzeka ngesikhathi somnyanya wesiKwa esinganaNgumelo. Ngemva kokumbopha wamdlhunya ngesikhungweni, wamnikela ngaphasi kweenqhema ezine, sisinye sinamajoni amane; bekaneqhinga lokumkhuphela phambi kwabantu emva kwePhasika. Yeke uPitrosi wagcinwa ngesikhungweni, kodwana ibandla lamthandazela ngesineke kuZimu. Kuthe khona ngabo ubusukobo phambi kobana uHerode akhuphele uPitrosi phambi kwabantu, uPitrosi bekalele hlangana namajoni amabili, abotjhwe ngeenketani ezimbili, begodu kukhona nabalindisango ababili emsebenzini. Khonokho kwabonakala ingilozi yeKosi bekwaba khona ukukhanya ngaphakathi kwesikhungo. Yapasula uPitrosi ehlangothini, yamvusa yathi: “Vuka! Yenza msinyana!” Khonokho iinketani zakhithika ezandleni zakaPitrosi. Nje-ke ingilozi yathi kuye: “Thekeleza ufake amapatlagwanakho.” UPitrosi wenza njalo. Ingilozi yathi kuye godu: “Yembatha isambatho sakho ungilandele.” UPitrosi wayilandela, baphuma ngesikhungweni. Kodwana akhange azi bona ingilozi leyo ekwenzako gade ingikho na; wadlumbana bona gade abona umbono. Badlula esiqhemini sabalindi bokuthoma nabesesibili bebafika esangweni lesimbi elivulekela ngedorobheni. Isango lazivulekela ngokwalo, baphuma. Sebadlule indledlana yaba yinye, khonapho ingilozi yamtjhiya uPitrosi. Yeke uPitrosi sele asangulukile wathi: “Kwanje ngiyazi bona ngambala uZimu uthumele ingilozakhe kobana ingisindise emandleni kaHerode nakizo zoke izinto amaJuda agade alindele bona zizokwenzeka.” Sekumkhanyele lokho, waya emzini wakaMariya, unina lakaJwanisi godu okuthiwa nguMarkosi, lapha bekuhlangene khona abantu abanengi bathandaza. UPitrosi wakokoda emnyango wangaphandle, incekukazi uRoda weza azokuhlola bona ngubani. Kuthe lokha nakalemukako bona lilizwi lakaPitrosi, wathaba kwamambala bewagijima wabuyela emuva angakavuli, warhuwelela wathi, “UPitrosi ujame ngaphandle emnyango!” Bona bathi: “Uyarhapha!” Kodwana nalokhu aphikelele bona liqiniso, bathi: “Yingilozakhe.” UPitrosi waphikelela akokoda. Kuthe bona bavule umnyango bambone, barareka kwamambala. Watjengisa ngesandla bona bathule, nje-ke wabahlathululela bona iKosi imkhuphe njani ngesikhungweni, bewathi: “Tjelani uJakopo nabazalwana ngalokhu.” Wakhamba waya kenye indawo. Ngakusasa, kwaba khona ukuphithizela hlangana namajoni afuna ukwazi bonyana kwenzekeni ngoPitrosi. Emva kobana uHerode akhuphe umlayezo bona afunwe kodwana angafunyaneki, waphenyisisa abalindi bewayala bona babulawe. Emva kwalokho uHerode wasuka eJudiya waya eKhesariya, wahlala lapho isikhatjhana. UHerode wasilingeka khulu ngabantu beTirosi neTsidoni; bona baya kuye basiqubutjhwana ukuyombona. Sele bazuze uBhulastusi obegade ayinceku ethembekileko yekosi bona abe ngakibo, babawa ukuthula ngombana inarha yekhabo beyifumana ukudla okuvela enarheni yekosi uHerode. Ngelanga elibekiweko uHerode wembatha isambatho sakhe sobukhosi wahlala esihlalweni sakhe sobukhosi, wethula ikulumo ebantwini. Barhuwelela bathi: “Akusimumuntu okhulumako, kodwana nguzimu!” Msinyazana ngebanga lokobana uHerode angakhange adumise uZimu, ingilozi kaSomnini yamdula phasi, bewadliwa ziimpethu, wafa. Kodwana ilizwi lakaZimu laragela phambi ngokwanda nokwenaba. UBharinabhasi noSawula baqeda ikhambo labo, babuyela eJerusalema, bathatha noJwanisi okuthiwa nguMarkosi. Ebandleni elise-Anthiyorhiya bekukhona abaphorofidi nabafundisi okutjho uBharinabhasi, uSimiyoni okuthiwa nguNigeri, uLukiyusi weSirene, uManayeni, owakhula noHerode umtetrarerhesi noSawula. Kuthe basadumisa iKosi bazilile, uMoya oCwengileko wathi: “Ngahlukaniselani uBharinabhasi banoSawula kobana baye emsebenzini engibabizele wona.” Emva kobana bazile ukudla bathandaza, bababeka izandla. UBharinabhasi noSawula, bathunywa nguMoya oCwengileko baya eSelukiya, bathaya kusuka lapho basiya eSayipurasi. Kuthe bona bafike eSalamisi, batjhumayela ilizwi lakaZimu ngesinagogini lamaJuda. UJwanisi bekanabo azobasiza. Bakhamba badabula soke isihlengele bebafika ePhafosi. Lapha-ke bahlangana nomJuda ongusomlingo nomphorofidi wamanga okuthiwa nguBhari-Jesu. Yena bekazihlanganise nombusi wesihlengeleni, uSerigiyusi Powula, obekayindoda ehlakaniphileko. Umbusi loyo wabiza uBharinabhasi noSawula ngombana bekafuna ukuzwa ilizwi lakaZimu. Kodwana u-Elimasi, ibizo lakhe ngesiGirigi elitjho bona ngusomlingo, walinga ukuphambukisa umbusi ekukholweni. Yeke uSawula ogade aziwa bona nguPowula, azele uMoya oCwengileko; waqala usomlingo eenhlonzeni wathi: “Wena ndodana kaSathana! Usisitha sayo yoke into elungileko. Uzele yoke imihlobo yamano amambi, ulinga njalo ukuphendula iqiniso leKosi ulenze amanga! Isandla sakaZimu sizokwehlela phezu kwakho khona nje; uzakuba siphofu, awuzukubona umkhanyo welanga isikhathi esithileko.” Khonokho wembeswa yikungu nobumnyama, wakhamba aphumbutha afuna umuntu ongamdosa ngesandla. Kuthe lokha umbusi nakabona okwenzekileko wakholwa begodu bekararwe ngilokho akufunde ngeKosi. UPowula nabalandeli bakhe bathaya kusukela ePhafosi ukuya ePherge ngePhamfiliya, lapha uJwanisi Markosi abatjhiya khona wabuyela emva eJerusalema. Kusukela ePherge bakhamba bafika e-Anthiyorhiya esePhisidiya. NgeSabatha baya ngesinagogini bahlala phasi. Emva kokufunda umthetho kaMosi nemitlolo yabaphorofidi, abaphathi besinagogi baphosa ilizwi ngakibo bathi: “Bafowethu, nakube kukhona umlayezo wokukhuthaza ebantwini, sibawa nikhulume.” UPowula wasikima waphakamisa isandla wathi: “Ma-Israyeli nani bakosozizwe enesabe uZimu, ngilalelani! UZimu wabantu bakwa-Israyeli laba wakhetha abokhokho bethu, bewabenza isizwe esikhulu ngesikhathi basahlezi njengeenkhonzi eGibhide. Nje-ke wabakhupha enarheni leyo ngamandla amakhulu. Wababekezelela baserhalawumbeni iminyaka ematjhumi amane. Warhayila izizwe ezilikhomba enarheni yeKanana, wanikela inarha leyo abantu bakhe bona ibe lilifa labo. Koke lokho kwathatha pheze iminyaka emakhulu amane namatjhumi amahlanu. “Emva kwalokho wabanikela abagwebi kufikela ngesikhathi somphorofidi uSamyela. Nje-ke abantu babawa ikosi, uZimu wabanikela uSawula umsa kaKhitjhi, wekoro yakwaBhenjamini, owabusa iminyaka ematjhumi amane. “Emva kokususa uSawula, uZimu wabeka uDavida bona abe yikosabo bewafakaza ngaye wathi, ‘Ngifunyene uDavida indodana kaJese, umuntu wehliziywami, uzakwenza koke engifuna bona akwenze.’ Esizukulwaneni sakhe uZimu wavusela u-Israyeli uMsindisi uJesu njengombana athembisa. “Kodwana ngaphambi kokuza kwakaJesu, uJwanisi watjhumayela ukuphenduka nombhabhadiso kibo boke bakwa-Israyeli. Ekuphetheni kwakhe umsebenzi, uJwanisi wathi ebantwini: ‘Nicabanga bona ngingubani na? Angisinguye enimlindileko. Kodwana qalani, uyeza ngemva kwami, loyo engingakafaneli ukutjhaphulula amapatlagwanakhe.’ “Nje-ke bafowethu, nzukulwana zaka-Abrahamu nani enesaba uZimu, umlayezo wesindiso lo uthunyelwe kithi. Abantu beJerusalema nabarholi babo akhange bamazi uJesu; nje-ke ngokumlahla bazalisa amezwi wabaphorofidi afundwa njalo ngeSabatha. Nanyana bangazange bafunyane isizathu sokumgwebela ukufa, babawa uPilatu bona abulawe. “Sele benze koke ebekutlolwe ngaye, bamphanyula esiphambanweni bambulunga ngelibeni. Kodwana uZimu wamvusa kabafileko. Amalanga amanengi wabonwa ngilabo agade akhamba nabo kusukela eGalile ukuya eJerusalema. Labo-ke ngibo esele babe bofakazi ebantwini bekhethu. “Thina sinitjela ivangeli: Lokho uZimu akuthembisa abokhokho bethu, ukuzalisile kithi, thina nzukulwana zabo ngokuvusa uJesu, njengombana kutloliwe eRhubeni lesibili bona, “ ‘Wena uyiNdodanami; namhlanje ngiyakuvuselela.’ “Indaba yokuthi wamvusa kabafileko kobana angabuyi abole, kukhulunywe emezwini la, ‘Ngizaninikela iimbusiso ezicwengileko zamambala engazithembisa uDavida.’ “Njengombana asitjho kenye indimana asithi, ‘Angekhe uvumele othembekileko wakho abone ithuna.’ “Emva kokobana uDavida aqede ukukhonza esizukulwaneni sakhe ngokwehloso kaZimu, walala; wabulungwa kiboyisemkhulu, wabola. Kodwana loyo uZimu amvusa kabafileko akhange abone ukubola. “Ngalokho bafowethu, ngithanda nazi bona kungebanga lakaJesu ukuthethelelwa kwezono kumenyezelwa kini. Ngaye woke okholwako ulungisiswa kikho koke egade ningekhe nalungisiswa ngakho ngomthetho kaMosi. Nje-ke yelelani, bona lokho abaphorofidi abakutjhwileko kungenzeki kini. Bathi, “ ‘Qalani nina nyefuli ndina, nizitjhejisise nikakamale benikhungatheke ngombana kunento engizayenza emihleni yenu; eningazukuyikholwa nanyana sele niyitjelwa.’” Kuthe uPowula noBharinabhasi basaphuma ngesinagogini, abantu babawa bona baragele phambili ngeendabezi ngeSabatha elilandelako. Nje-ke kwathi bona ikonzo iphume, amaJuda amanengi nalabo abesaba uZimu abatjhugulukele ebuJudeni balandela uPowula noBharinabhasi. Labo-ke bakhuthazwa ngokuragela phambili emseni kaZimu. NgeSabatha elilandelako, pheze woke umuntu edorobheni weza ukuzokulalela ilizwi leKosi. Kwathi bona amaJuda abone isiqubuthu esikhulu azala umona abe anyefula lokho uPowula agade akutjhoko. Nje-ke uPowula noBharinabhasi bawaphendula ngesibindi bathi: “Bekufanele bona ilizwi lakaZimu litjhunyayelwe kini qangi. Kodwana njengombana nililahlile benazibona ningakafaneli ipilo engapheliko, yelelani, sesiphendukela kabatjhili ngombana nakhu uSomnini asiyale ngakho, “ ‘Ngikubeka bona ube mkhanyo ezizweni ukuze ulethe isindiso emikhawulweni yephasi.’ ” Kuthe abatjhili bona bezwe lokhu, bathaba tle, badumisa ilizwi leKosi. Boke labo abakhethe ukuphila okungapheliko baba makholwa. Ilizwi leKosi lenaba kizo zoke iimfunda. Kodwana amaJuda atjitjizela abafazi abesaba uZimu nabanesithunzi kanye namadoda aziinkhulu edorobheni kobana badunge uPowula noBharinabhasi, babaqotjhe esifundeni sabo. Nje-ke bona babahloboka abantu balapho bathintitha iinyawo zabo, bakhamba baya e-Ikhoniyo. Abafundi nge-Anthiyorhiya bebazele uMoya oCwengileko, bathabile. E-Ikhoniyo, uPowula noBharinabhasi baya ngesinagogini lamaJuda njengokuvamileko. Lapho bakhuluma kangangobana inani elikhulu lamaJuda nabatjhili lakholwa. Kodwana amaJuda lawo agade ala ukukholwa ahlohlozela abatjhili abenza babe nehliziyo embi ebazalwaneni. Nokho uPowula noBharinabhasi bahlala lapho isikhathi eside, bakhuluma ngesibindi ngeKosi, eyafakazela ilizwi lomusa wayo ngokubanikela amandla wokwenza iimbonakaliso neemangaliso. Abantu bedorobho lelo bebahlukene kabili; abanye banyula amaJuda, abanye banyula abapostoli. Kwathi lokha abatjhili, amaJuda kanye nabarholi bakhona nabasongela ukubalimaza nokubakhanda ngamatje, bakulemuka lokho, yeke babalekela emadorobheni weLikhawoniya okuyiListra neDerbe neendaweni eziseduze. Lapho baragela phambili nokutjhumayela ivangeli. Bekukhona indoda ehlala eListra iinyawo zayo bezirholophele, isirhole kwekubelethweni kwayo ingazange ikhe ikhambe. Yona beyisoloko ilalele uPowula nakakhulumako. Nje-ke uPowula wayiqala poro, wayibona bona iyakholwa bonyana ingaphuluka. Wathi ngelizwi elikhulu: “Sikima, ujame thwi ngeenyawo zakho!” Indoda yeqa, yathoma ukukhambakhamba. Kwathi bona isiqubuthu sibone bonyana uPowula wenzeni, sathoma ukurhuwelela ngelimi lesiLikhawoniya sathi: “Abozimu bafane nabantu behlela kithi!” Bathiya uBharinabhasi ibizo bona nguZewusi uPowula bathi nguHerimesi ngombana nguye ogade asikhulumi. Umphristi kasingazimu uZewusi, ogade anethempeli ngaphandle kwedorobho, waletha iinkunzi namakhwa esangweni ledorobho. Yena nesiqubuthu bebafuna ukwenzela abapostoli imihlabelo. Kodwana kuthe bona abapostoli, uBharinabhasi noPowula, bezwe ngalokho, badabula izambatho zabo bagijimela hlangana nesiqubuthu barhuwelela, bathi: “Madoda! Nikwenzelani lokhu na? Nathi sibabantu njengani nje! Silapha ukuzokutjhumayela ivangeli, ukunitjhugulula ezintwenezi ezililize, nitjhugulukele kuZimu ophilako, owadala izulu nephasi nelwandle nakho koke okukilo. Esikhathini esadlulako wavumela zoke izizwe bona zikhambe ngeendlela zazo. Kodwana akhange aliselele bona kungabi nobufakazi ngezinto ezihle azenzako: Waninisela izulu elivela ezulwini wanipha nesikhathi esinomnotho somnyaka nenala yokudla bewazalisa iinhliziyo zenu ngokwenama.” Ngitjho nangawo amezwi la abapostoli babhalelwa ukusola isiqubuthu bona singabenzeli umhlabelo. Nje-ke kuthe amanye amaJuda avela e-Anthiyorhiya ne-Ikhoniyo nasele athumbele isiqubuthu esikhulu ngakiwo, akhanda uPowula ngamatje, amrhurhubisela ngaphandle kwedorobho, adlumbana bona ufile. Kodwana kuthe bona abafundi bamzombe, wavuka wabuyela emva edorobheni. Ngelanga elilandelako yena noBharinabhasi baya eDerbe. UPowula noBharinabhasi batjhumayela ivangeli ngeDerbe, bazuza abafundi abanengi. Nje-ke babuyela eListra, e-Ikhoniyo ne-Anthiyorhiya, baqinisa bebakhuthaza abafundi bona baragele phambili ngokukholwa, bathi: “Kufuze sidlule ebunzimeni obunengi ngaphambi kobana singene embusweni kaZimu.” Kelinye nelinye ibandla bazikhethela abaphathi; ngomthandazo nokuzila babanikela kuZimu, ogade babeke ithemba labo kuye. Sele badabule iPhisidiya, bafika ePhamfiliya; kwathi sele batjhumayele ilizwi ePherge, behlela e-Athaliya. Ukusuka lapho bathayela emuva e-Anthiyorhiya, lapha bebanikelwe khona emseni kaZimu ngomsebenzi esebawuqedileko. Nabafika e-Anthiyorhiya, babuthelela ibandla ndawonye balibikela koke uZimu akwenzileko ngabo, nokuthi wavula njani indlela bona abatjhili bakholwe. Bahlala lapho isikhathi eside nabafundi. Kwehla abathileko bavela eJudiya, bafundisa abazalwana, bathi: “Ngaphandle kobana nisokwe njengombana umthetho kaMosi usitjho, angekhe nasindiswa.” Kwaba khona ukuphambana nokuphikisana phakathi kwabo noPowula banoBharinabhasi. Nje-ke kwaquntwa bona uPowula noBharinabhasi nabanye abafundi baye eJerusalema bayokubonana nabapostoli nabaphathi ngendaba le. Ibandla labathumela bona bakhambe, nje-ke basadabula iFunisiya neSamariya, babika bona abatjhili batjhugulukele njani kuZimu. Iindabezi zaletha ithabo elikhulu ebazalwaneni boke. Kuthe bona bafike eJerusalema, bamukelwa libandla, abapostoli nabaphathi. Bababikela koke uZimu akwenzileko ngabo. Kodwana amanye amakholwa ebegade asesiqhemeni sabaFarisi, asikima athi: “Abatjhili kufanele basokwe bebatjelwe bona bahloniphe umthetho kaMosi.” Abapostoli nabaphathi bahlangana ukuhlolisisa indaba le. Emva kokuphikisana isikhathi eside, uPitrosi wasikima wathi: “Bafowethu, niyazi kusukela kade bona uZimu wangikhetha hlangana nani ukutjhumayela umlayezo wevangeli kabatjhili ngomlomami, khona bazakuzwa bebakholwe. UZimu owazi ihliziyo, wabonisa bona nabo uyabamukela ngokubanikela uMoya oCwengileko njengombana enza kithi. Akhange akhe enze umehluko hlangana nathi nabo, wahlambulula iinhliziyo zabo ngokukholwa. Alo-ke kungani nifuna ukulinga uZimu ngokuthwesa abafundi umthwalo esingakghoni ukuwuthwala thina namkha abokhokho bethu na? Nje-ke thina siyakholwa bona kungomusa weKosethu uJesu kobana sisindiswe; nabo ngokunjalo.” Isiqubuthu soke sathula du salalela uBharinabhasi noPowula ebebasibikela ngeembonakaliso nangeemangaliso uZimu azenzileko ngabo hlangana nabatjhili. Kuthe bona baqede ukukhuluma, uJakopo wathi; “Bafowethu, ngilalelani! USimoni usihlathululele bona ekuthomeni uZimu bekanetjisakalo kangangani ngokuthatha kabatjhili isizwe esibizwa ngebizo lakhe. Amezwi wabaphorofidi avumelana poro nalokhu, njengombana kutloliwe kwathiwa, “ ‘Mhlokho ngizakuvuselela itende lakaDavida eliwileko. Ngilungise iindawo zalo ezonakeleko, ngibuyisele isithunzi salo, ngilakhe libe njengombana gade linjalo phambilini ukuze imisalela yabantu ifune uSomnini ngitjho nabo boke abatjhili ababizwa ngebizo lami. Kutjho uSomnini, owenza izintwezi ebezazeka ekadeni.’ “Ngalokho kumkhumbulwami bona singabakhathazi abatjhili abatjhugulukela kuZimu. Endaweni yalokhu, asibatloleleni incwadi sibatjele bona batjhide emanyaleni weenthombe, batjhide ebungwadleni, bangadli isilwana esikghanyiweko kanye nobubende ngombana eenkhathini zaphambilini umthetho kaMosi utjhunyayelwe kiwo woke amadorobho begodu bewafundwa ngemasinagogini woke amaSabatha.” Yeke abapostoli nabaphathi kanye nebandla loke, baqunta ukukhetha amadoda athileko, bawathume e-Anthiyorhiya noPowula noBharinabhasi. Bakhetha uJudasi, okuthiwa nguBharisabhasi noSilasi okumadoda amabili agade abarholi hlangana nabazalwana. Bathumela ngabo incwadi elandelako ethi: Abapostoli, abaphathi nabafowenu, kabakholwako abatjhili abahlala e-Anthiyorhiya, eSiriya neSilisiya. Siyabingelela. Sizwile bona amanye amadoda wangekhethu asuka lapha ngaphandle kokulayelwa ngithi afese aniwurubaja abe ahlukumeza umkhumbulwenu ngamezwi. Yeke sizwene soke bonyana sikhethe iinthunywa sizithumele kini kanye nabangani bethu esibathandako, uBharinabhasi noPowula, amadoda adele ubuphilo bawo ngebanga lebizo leKosethu uJesu Krestu. Yeke, sithumela uJudasi noSilasi, abazakufakaza esikutlolileko ngomlomo. Nje-ke kubonakele kukuhle kuMoya oCwengileko nakithi kobana singanidisibezi ngalitho ngaphandle kwalokhu okufaneleko, kokuthi: Tjhidani ekudleni okuhlatjelwe iinthombe, ekudleni ububende nokukghanyiweko, nitjhide nebungwadleni. Naningenzi izintwenzi, nizabe nenza kuhle. Salani kuhle. Sebalayelisiwe, bakhamba, behlela e-Anthiyorhiya lapha babuthelela ndawonye ibandla balinikela incwadi. Mbala abantu bayifunda incwadi, bathokoza ngomlayezo okhuthazako. UJudasi noSilasi nabo egade babaphorofidi, bakhuluma okunengi okukhuthazako nokuqinisa abazalwana. Emva kokuhlala isikhatjhana lapho, abazalwana babaphekelela ngesibusiso sokuthula. Nje-ke babuyela kilabo egade babathumile. Kodwana uSilasi wacabanga ukuhlala lapho. UPowula noBharinabhasi basala e-Anthiyorhiya, bafundisa batjhumayela ilizwi leKosi bakanye nabanye abanengi. Ngemva kwamalanga athileko uPowula wathi kuBharinabhasi: “Asibuyele emuva sithekele abazalwana kiyo yoke imizi lapha sakhe satjhumayela khona ilizwi leKosi, besibone nokuthi baraga njani.” UBharinabhasi bekafuna kukhanjwe noJwanisi okuthiwa nguMarkosi, kodwana uPowula wabona kungasikuhle bona bakhambe naye ngombana wabahlubuka basePhamfiliya, wangasaragela phambili nokusebenza nabo. Kwavuka ukuphikisana phakathi kwabo, bebahlukana. UBharinabhasi wathatha uMarkosi bathaya baya eSayipurasi, kodwana uPowula sele anikelwe bazalwana emseni weKosi, wakhetha uSilasi wakhamba. Wadlula eSiriya neSilisiya, aqinisa amabandla. UPowula wafika eDerbe neListra, lapha bekuhlala khona umfundi ekuthiwa nguThimothi; unina amJuda okholiweko, kodwana uyise amGirigi. Abazalwana beListra ne-Ikhoniyo bebambuka. UPowula bekafuna ukuthatha uThimothi akhambe naye, yeke wamsokisa ngebanga lamaJuda ahlala endaweni leyo ngombana boke bebasazi bona uyise liGirigi. Lokha nabalokhu bakhamba umuzi nomuzi bebanande bakhuluma bona kufuze kulondwe iimphetho ezathathwa bapostoli nabaphathi eJerusalema. Yeke amabandla aqiniswa ekukholweni akhula malanga woke. UPowula noThimothi badabula isifunda seFrigiya neGalatiya, ngombana uMoya oCwengileko wabakhandela ukutjhumayela e-Asiya. Kuthe bona bafike emkhawulweni weMusiya, balinga ukuya endaweni yeBhithiniya, kodwana nalapho uMoya wakaJesu akhange abavumele. Alo-ke bakhamba badabula eMusiya behlela eTrowasi. Phakathi kobusuku uPowula waba nombono wendoda yeMasedoniya egade ijamile imncenga ithi: “Akhese uze eMasedoniya hle, uzosisiza!” Kuthe bona uPowula abone umbono lo, sazilungiselela msinyana ukuya eMasedoniya, sikholwa bona uZimu usibizele ukuyokutjhumayela ivangeli kibo. Sasuka eTrowasi ngomkhumbi sathayela poro eSamothirake, ngelanga elilandelako saya eNeyapoli. Kusuka lapho saya eFilipi okulidorobho eliqakathekileko esifundeneso seMasedoniya eliphasi kombuso weRoma. Sahlala amalangana edorobheneli. Ngelanga leSabatha saphumela ngaphandle kwesango ledorobho saya ngemlanjeni, lapha besilindele ukufunyana khona indawo yokuthandaza. Sahlala phasi sakhuluma nabafazi egade bahlangene lapho. Omunye wabagade balalele bekungumma obizwa bona nguLidiya, amthengisi wezambatho ezibubende edorobheni leThiyathira. Gade alotjha uZimu; nje uZimu wavula ihliziywakhe bona ilalelisise lokho uPowula akutjhoko. Kuthe bona yena nomndenakhe babhajadiswe, wasimemela endlinakhe wathi: “Naningithatha njengomuntu okholwa yiKosi, yizani nizokuhlala kwami.” Yeke wasitomatomela bona sihlale. Langelinye nasiya endaweni yokuthandaza, sahlangatjezwa likhobokakazi ebelinommoya wobungoma. Belenzela abaninilo imali enengi ngokubhula kwalo. Lalandela uPowula nathi, lirhuwelela lithi: “Amadoda la aziinsebenzi zakaZimu ongoPhezulu; banibikela indlela yokusindiswa!” Lakwenza lokhu amalanga amanengi, kufikela lapho uPowula wabe wanyenya khona waphendukela kilo, wathi emmoyeni: “Ebizweni lakaJesu Krestu ngiyakuyala bona uphume kuye!” Khonokho ummoya wobungoma waphuma kuye. Kuthe bona abaninilo babone bona ithuba lokwenza imali ngalo alisekho, babamba uPowula noSilasi babadosela etatawini kobana baqalane nabomthetho. Babaletha phambi kwabagwebi bathi: “Amadoda la amaJuda, begodu abanga ihlangahlangano edorobheni lekhethu ngokufundisa amasiko aphikisana nomthetho wethu thina esimaRoma bona siyamukele besiyenze.” Isiqubuthu saba semdibini wokusahlela uPowula noSilasi; abagwebi bayala bona bahlutjuliswe bebarithwe. Ngemva kokudulwa kabuhlungu badlhunywa ngesikhungweni, kwathiwa umphathisikhungo ababeke ilihlo elibukhali. Ngemva kokwamukela umyalo lo, umphathisikhungo wabadlhunya ngesikhungweni esingaphakathi, wabopha iinyawo zabo hlangana neengaqa ezibudisi zeengodo. Phakathi kobusuku uPowula noSilasi bebathandaza bavuma iingoma badumisa uZimu, ezinye iimbotjhwa zibalalele. Khonokho kwaba khona ukusikinyeka okukhulu kwephasi kangangobana kwadengezela iinsekelo zesikhungo. Khonapho zoke iimvalo zesikhungo zavuleka, iimbopho zatjhaphuluka kizo zoke iimbotjhwa. Umphathisikhungo wavuka, kwathi bona abone iimvalo zesikhungo zivulekile, warhwatjha isabulakhe wafuna ukuzibulala ngombana wadlumbana bona zoke iimbotjhwa zibalekile. Kodwana uPowula warhuwelela wathi: “Ungazikhubazi ngombana soke sisesekhona.” Umphathisikhungo wathi akukhanyiswe, wangena agijima waguqa phambi kweenyawo zakaPowula noSilasi aqhaqhazela. Nje-ke waya nabo ngaphandle wababuza wathi: “Banimzana, kufuze ngenzeni ukuze ngisindiswe na?” Baphendula bathi: “Kholwa eKosini uJesu, nje-ke uzakusindiswa wena nomndenakho.” Yeke batjhumayela ilizwi leKosi kuye nakibo boke ebebasendlinakhe. Ngalo i-awara lobusukwelo umphathisikhungo wabathatha wabahlambisa amanceba; nje-ke kwathi khonokho yena nawo woke umndenakhe babhajadiswa. Sekabangenise ngendlinakhe, wabapha ukudla. Yena nomndenakhe bebanethabo ngombana gade sebakholwe kuZimu. Ngelanga elilandelako ngamasa abagwebi bathumela amapholisa kumphathisikhungo nomyalo othi: “Thukululani amadoda lawo.” Yeke umphathisikhungo watjela uPowula wathi: “Iinkhulu zinithumele umlayezo bona sinithukulule. Yeke phumani nikhambe ngokuthula.” Kodwana uPowula wathi emapholiseni: “Basibetha phambi kwabantu ngaphandle kokusigweba, basidlhunya ngesikhungweni, thina esizizakhamuzi zombuso weRoma. Manjesi bafuna ukusibuyisela emva ngasese na? Awa! Iinkhulu azize ngokwazo kobana zizosikhupha.” Amapholisa athula amezwi la eenkhulwini. Kwathi bona zizwe bonyana uPowula noSilasi bebazizakhamuzi zombuso weRoma, zesaba. Zeza kibo zazokuncancabeza. Zabakhupha ngesikhungweni, zababawa bona bakhambe edorobheni. Emva kobana uPowula noSilasi baphume ngesikhungweni, baya endlini kaLidiya, lapha bahlangana khona nabazalwana. Kuthe sebabakhuthazile, bakhamba. Kuthe uPowula noSilasi sebadabule e-Amfipolisi ne-Apoloniya, bafika eThesalonika, lapha bekukhona isinagogi lamaJuda. Njengesiqhelo sakhe, uPowula wangena ngesinagogini waphikisana nawo ngemitlolo ecwengileko amaSabatha amathathu ngokulandelana; ahlathulula awabonisa kiyo bona uKrestu bekufanele afe abuye avuke godu kabafileko, asithi: “UJesu lo engikhuluma ngaye kini, kazi nguKrestu.” Amanye amaJuda akholwa abe alandela uPowula noSilasi. Senza njalo nesiqubuthu esikhulu samaGirigi ebegade esaba uZimu kanye nabafazi abanesithunzi abangasibancani ngesibalo. Kodwana amaJuda aba nomona, abuthelela etatawini isiqhema sabolova abumba isitlamu kobana avuse umguruguru edorobheni. Isitlameso sasahlela indlu kaJasoni, sazumana noPowula noSilasi kobana sibakhuphele phambi kwewoma labantu. Kuthe amaJuda nakangabafumaniko, adosela uJasoni nabanye abazalwana phambi kweenkhulu zedorobho, arhuwelela athi: “Amadoda la enze umonakalo iphaseli loke nje, njesi sele afike nalapha. UJasoni ubamukele endlinakhe. Boke baphula imithetho yombusi omkhulu, ngokuthi batjho kukhona enye ikosi, ibizo layo nguJesu.” Ngokuzwa lokho isitlamu neenkhulu zedorobho zavungama. Ngemva kobana iinkhulu zithethe imali yehlawulo kuJasoni nakabanye zabalisa bakhamba. Kuthe bona kurhwaqele, abazalwana bathumela uPowula noSilasi eBheriya. Ekufikeni kwabo lapho baya ngesinagogini lamaJuda. Abantu balapho bebakhanyelwe khulu kunabantu beThesalonika; nje-ke bamukela ilizwi ngokuzimisela okukhulu begodu bahlolisisa imitlolo malanga woke kobana zinjalo izintwezo na. Inengi lamaJuda lakholwa; ukufaka phakathi abafazi bamaGirigi abanesithunzi namadoda amanengi wamaGirigi. Kuthe lokha amaJuda weThesalonika nakezwa bona uPowula utjhumayela ilizwi lakaZimu eBheriya, nawo eza lapho kobana azokunyakazisa abe aphehle isiqubuthu. Khonokho abazalwana bathumela uPowula eligwini lelwandle kodwana uSilasi noThimothi basala. Amadoda abekakhamba noPowula amphekelela amfikisa e-Athene; abuyela emuva nomlayezo othi uSilasi noThimothi kufuze bamlandele msinyazana. Kwathi uPowula, asabalindele e-Athene, wadana kwamambala ukubona idorobho lizele iinthombe zabosingazimu. Yeke waphikisana namaJuda namaGirigi esaba uZimu ngesinagogini. Wenza njalo woke amalanga nebantwini ebebafunyaneka ematatawini. Godu nezinye izazi zama-Ephikuru namaSitoyika zaphikisana naye. Abanye bathi: “Ongazizwako lo uzama ukuthini na?” Abanye baphawula bathi: “Kwangathi utjhumayela abosingazimu abatjhili.” Lokhu bakutjho ngombana bekatjhumayela ivangeli ngoJesu nokuvuka kwabafileko. Nje-ke bamthatha bamusa phambi kwehlangano ye-Areyophagusi bathi: “Ungakhese usihlathululele bona iyini ifundiso etja oyikhulumako le? Izinto ozikhulumakwezi, ziyasirara thina; yeke besithanda ukuzazi bona zitjho ukuthini.” (Woke ama-Athene nabaqhamuki abahlala lapho bebangazilibazisi ngalitho ngaphandle kokukhuluma nokuzwa izinto ezitja.) Nje-ke uPowula wasikima phambi kwehlangano ye-Areyophagusi wathi: “Madoda we-Athene, ngiyabona bonyana nikholwe khulu ngazo zoke iindlela. Kuthe nangikhambakhambako ngiqala eendaweni lapha nithandazela khona, ngifumene kujame i-aldari litlolwe lathi, ‘NgelakaZimu ongaziwako.’ Nje-ke lokho enikukhonza ningakwazi, ngikho engikutjhumayelako kini. UZimu obumbe iphasi nakho koke okukilo, oyiKosi yezulu nephasi, akahlali ngemathempelini akhiwe babantu. Begodu akakhonzwa ngezandla zabantu inga udinga ilitho ngombana nguye opha koke okuphilako ipilo, umphefumulo nezinto zoke. Ngomuntu oyedwa wadala zoke izizwe kobana zihlale ebusweni balo loke iphasi. Wazibeka iinkhathi zokuphila kwazo waziquntela nemikhawulo lapha zizakuhlala khona. Wakwenza lokho ukuze zimfune, mhlamunye zingamfunyana lokha nazimfunako, nanyana angasikude ngitjho nakubani wethu. Ngaye siyaphila, siyakhambakhamba begodu sikhona, njengombana abanye beembongi zenu batjhwile bona, “ ‘Nathi siziinzukulwana zakhe.’ “Yeke, njengombana siziinzukulwana zakaZimu, asikafaneli sidlumbane bonyana ubuZimu bufana negolide namkha isiliva nanyana ilitje eliqandulwe ngobuhlakani nelwazi lomuntu obhubhako. Ngalokho uZimu wathalalisa iinkhathi zokungazi, kodwana kwanjesi uyayala bonyana kuphi nakuphi abantu boke baphenduke ngombana sele abeke ilanga azokugweba ngalo iphasi ngokulunga ngaloyo amkhethileko. Ngalokho ukukhombisile ngokwenza isiqiniseko sokumvusa kabafileko.” Kuthe nabezwa ngokuvuka kwabafileko, abanye bamtshima, kodwana abanye bathi: “Sizakubuya sikulalele godu ngalokho.” Yeke uPowula wabasukela, wakhamba. Kodwana abanye babo bamnamathela babamakholwa, sekubalwa nomAreyophagusi uDiyonisiyosi nomfazi okuthiwa nguDamarisi nabanye kanye nabo. Ngemva kwalokho uPowula wasuka e-Athene waya eKorinte. Lapho wafunyana umJuda ekuthiwa ngu-Akhwila obelethwa ePontusi, ogade aqeda ukubuya eTariyana nomkakhe uPrisila ngombana umbusi uKlawudiyusi bekayale woke amaJuda bona asuke eRoma. UPowula waya kibo. Ngebanga lomsebenzakhe ofana nowabo, wahlala wasebenza nabo ngombana gade basenza ukuthunga amatende. Njalo ngeSabatha bekaphikisana namaJuda namaGirigi ngesinagogini, alinga ukuwazuza. Kuthe bona kufike uSilasi noThimothi bavela eMasedoniya, uPowula wazinikela ngokupheleleko ekutjhumayeleni, afakaza emaJudeni bona uJesu unguKrestu. Kuthe lokha nabamphikisako bakhuluma kumbi ngaye, wazibilayeza ngokuthintitha ithuli ezambathweni zakhe, wathi kibo: “Iingazi zenu azibe phezu kweenhloko zenu! Mina anginamlandu. Kusukela kwanjesi, ngizakuya kabatjhili.” Yeke watjhiya isinagogi waya endlini yomuntu okuthiwa nguTitiyusi Justusi, obekesaba uZimu, indlwakhe ihlanu kwesinagogi. UKrisposi umphathi wesinagogi, wakholwa eKosini yena nawo woke umndenakhe; nabanengi ebezwa uPowula eKorinte, bakholwa babhajadiswa. Ngobusuku obunye iKosi yakhuluma noPowula ngombono yathi kuye: “Ungesabi, kodwana raga ukhulume, ungathuli ngombana nginawe. Akakho noyedwa ozakukubeka isandla akulimaze ngombana banengi ngedorobheni le okubabantu bami.” Yeke uPowula wahlala lapho umnyaka nesiquntu, afundisa ilizwi lakaZimu phakathi kwabo. Kuthe bona uGaliyo abe mbusi we-Arhaya, amaJuda ahlangana asahlela uPowula amdosela phambi kwekundla, athi: “Indoda le idosa abantu bona besabe uZimu, ngendlela ephambene nomthetho!” Kwathi uPowula asathi uyakhuluma, uGaliyo wathi emaJudeni: “Nangabe lokho bekulicala namkha ubukhohlakali obukhulu, bengizakwamukela ukusola kwenu maJuda. Kodwana njengombana kukuphikisana ngamezwi namabizo nangomthetho wenu, kulungiseni ngokwenu lokho. Angithandi ukuba mgwebi weendabezi!” Nje-ke wabaqotjha ekundleni. Boke babhudungela uSosithenesi umphathi wesinagogi, bambetha phambi kwekundla. Kodwana uGaliyo akhange akunake lokho. UPowula sele ahlezi isikhatjhana lapho, walayelisa abazalwana wathayela eSiriya aphekelelwa nguPrisila no-Akhwila. EKhengirheriya waguda ihlokwakhe ngombana gade angaphasi kwesifungo. Kwathi nabafika e-Efesu wabatjhiya khona, kodwana yena waya ngesinagogini wakhulumisana namaJuda. Kuthe lokha nabambawa bona ahlale nabo isikhatjhana, wala. Kodwana ekubalayeliseni wathi: “UZimu navumako, ngizakubuya godu.” Yeke wathaya wasuka e-Efesu. Kuthe bona afike eKhesariya, wakhuphuka wayokubingelela ibandla, emva kwalokho wehlela e-Anthiyorhiya. Kwathi bona ahlale isikhatjhana lapho, wasuka, wakhamba wadabula esifundeni seGalatiya neseFrigiya aqinisa boke abafundi. UmJuda othileko, okuthiwa ngu-Apolo, obelethwa e-Alekzandriya, weza e-Efesu. Gade asikhulumi esikwaziko ukukhuluma nesinelwazi ngemitlolo. Yena-ke bekafundiswe ngendlela kaSomnini, ngokuzimisela okukhulu wakhuluma bewafundisa kuhle ngeendaba ezimayelana noJesu, nanyana bekasazi umbhabhadiso kaJwanisi kwaphela. Nje-ke wathoma ukukhuluma ngesibindi ngesinagogini. Kodwana kuthe bona uPrisila no-Akhwila bamuzwe, bamthatha baya naye ekhaya bamhlathululela kuhle indlela kaZimu. U-Apolo asafisa bona ayamele ngaphetjheya e-Arhaya, abazalwana bamkhuthaza babe batlolela abafundi kobana bamamukele. Ekufikeni kwakhe waba lisizo elikhulu kilabo abathe ngomusa kaZimu baba makholwa ngombana ngamandla amakhulu waphikisa amaJuda epepeneneni, atjengisa ngokwemitlolo bona uJesu unguKrestu. Kuthe u-Apolo asesengeKorinte, uPowula wadabula esifundeni seGalatiya neseFrigiya weza e-Efesu, lapha afumana khona abafundi. Wababuza wathi: “Namamukela uMoya oCwengileko lokha naniba makholwa na?” Baphendula bathi: “Awa, akhange besizwe nokuzwa bona kukhona uMoya oCwengileko.” Nje-ke wababuza wathi: “Alo-ke umbhabhadiso enawufumanako ngonjani na?” Baphendula bathi: “Mbhabhadiso kaJwanisi.” UPowula wathi: “Umbhabhadiso kaJwanisi gade ungewokuphenduka, atjela abantu bona kufuze bakholwe kiloyo ozako ngemva kwakhe, okutjho uJesu.” Kwathi bona bezwe lokho, babhajadiswa ebizweni leKosi uJesu. Kuthe uPowula sele abeke izandla phezu kwabo behlelwa nguMoya oCwengileko bakhuluma ngeenlimi bebaphorofida. Sele baboke bebalitjhumi nambili. UPowula wangena ngesinagogini wakhuluma lapho ngesibindi iinyanga ezintathu aphikisana nabo ngokulinga ukubabonisa umbuso kaZimu. Kodwana lokha abanye babo nabathoma ukukhunyalala, bangafuni ukukholwa begodu bakhuluma kumbi ngeNdlela epepeneneni watjhida kibo wathatha nabafundi kanye naye. Imihla ngemihla bekabamba iinkulumo esikolweni sakaTiranusi. Lokho kwathatha iminyaka emibili, kangangobana zoke izakhamuzi ze-Asiya, amaJuda nabatjhili, zezwa ilizwi leKosi. UZimu wenza imikarisomraro engakajayeleki ngoPowula, kangangobana iinsagadugu nezambatho ekhe zamthinta zalethwa kwabagulako, ukugula kwabo bekusuka nemimoya emimbi iphuma kibo. Namanye amaJuda agade akhamba aqotjha amadimoni, nawo alinga ukusebenzisa ibizo leKosi uJesu phezu kwalabo ebebanemimoya emimbi. Bathi: “Ebizweni lakaJesu, uPowula atjhumayela ngaye, nginiyala bona niphume.” Abagade benza lokho bekumadodana alikhomba womphristi omkhulu omuJuda okuthiwa nguSikeva. Kodwana ummoya omumbi wawaphendula wathi kiwo: “Ngiyamazi uJesu begodu ngiyazi ngoPowula, kodwana nina nibobani na?” Nje-ke indoda enommoya omumbi yabeqela yabahlula ngamandla boke njalo. Baphuma sele babaleka ngendlinapho babhunubhunu begodu banamanceba. Kuthe lokho nakuzwakala kizo zoke izakhamuzi ze-Efesu okumaJuda nabatjhili, omunye nomunye wehlelwa kukwesaba, ibizo leKosi uJesu ladunyiswa. Abanengi balabo abakholwako beza bavuma izono ngokudalula imikhuba yabo. Inengi lalabo egade benza imilingo babutha iincwadi zabo, bazitjhisa phambi kwabantu baqalile. Kuthe nesele kuhlanganiswa inani leencwadi ezatjhako, kwafumaneka bona ziziimpaparwana zesiliva eziziinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amahlanu. Ngendlela leyo ilizwi leKosi lakhula ngamandla, lahlula. Emva kobana sekwenzekile koke lokho, uPowula wazimisela emmoyeni bonyana adabule eMasedoniya ne-Arhaya kobana adundubale adlulele eJerusalema. Wathi: “Emva kobana ngidlulile lapho kufuze ngithekele neRoma.” Yeke wathumela abasizi bakhe ababili uThimothi no-Erasitusi eMasedoniya, yena wahlala isikhathi eside e-Asiya. Ngesikhatheso kwavuka isiphithiphithi esikhulu mayelana neNdlela. Indoda ethileko ekuthiwa nguDemetriyusi, ebumba imifanekiso ngesiliva neyakha amathempedlana wesiliva ka-Aritemisi, yangenisa inzuzo ekulu kibososino. Yababizela ndawonye kanye nabanye abanomsebenzi ofana newabo, yathi kibo: “Madoda, niyazi bona umnotho wethu uphuma emsebenzini lo. Manje nani niyabona beniyazizwela ngokwenu bona akusinge-Efesu kwaphela kodwana pheze i-Asiya loke, uPowula lo udukise abanengi ngokubatjela bona abozimu abenziwe ngezandla, akusibo abozimu bamambala. Nje-ke sekukhona ingozi ekulu, ingasi kwaphela bona lirhwebo lethu elizakulahlekelwa libizo lalo elihle, kodwana nokobana nethempeli lakazimukazi omkhulu u-Aritemisi lizokunyazwa begodu uzimukazi ngokwakhe, olotjhwa esifundeni se-Asiya nephasini loke, uzokululazeka isithunzi sakhe sobundlovukazi!” Kuthe bona bezwe lokho, bathukuthela bebarhuwelela, bathi: “Mkhulu u-Aritemisi we-Efesu!” Idorobho loke lazala ihlangahlangano, abantu badosa uGayusi no-Aristarirhusi okumaMasedoniya amabili agade akhamba noPowula, babasa ngendaweni yomboniso. UPowula wafuna ukungena hlangana nesiqubuthu, kodwana abafundi bamalela. Ngitjho neenkhulu zesifunda se-Asiya egade zibangani bakhe zathumela umlayezo zimncenga bona angalibhadi ngendaweni yomboniso. Isiqubuthu besihlangahlangene: Abanye barhuwelela lokhu, abanye barhuwelela okhunye ngombana inengi labo belingazi bona kuhlangenwe ngani. Abanye besiqubuthu barhuwelela imiyalo ku-Alekzandra ngombana nguye amaJuda ebegade amsunduzele phambili. Nje-ke yena waphakamisa isandla alinga ukuzivikela ebantwini. Kodwana kuthe bonyana balemuke bona umuJuda, barhuwelela boke okufanako ama-awara amabili bathi: “Omkhulu ngu-Aritemisi wama-Efesu!” Kodwana kuthe lokha usosiba wedorobho nasele athulise isiqubuthu, wathi: “Zakhamuzi ze-Efesu! Angithi woke uyazi bona idorobho le-Efesu lilibulungelo lethempeli laka-Aritemisi omkhulu nesithombe esakhithika sivela ezulwini. Yeke njengombana lokhu kuliqiniso elingaphikekiko nje, kumele nithule, ningenzi itshurhutshurhu. Nilethe amadoda la lapha, okungasiwo abadlelezeli bethempeli namkha abaphoqi bakazimukazi wethu. “Ngalokho nangabe uDemetriyusi nabososino abanaye banesililo nanoma ngobani, iinkundla zokugwebela zivulekile nabagwebi bakhona; abalethe iimangalo lapho. Kodwana nangabe kukhona enikufunako ngaphezu kwalokho enithanda ukukwazi, kufuze ilungiswe embizweni yezakhamuzi yangokomthetho. Nakungasinjalo sisengozini yokumangalelwa ngokuguruzela namhlanje ngombana asikho isizathu esingazilandulela ngaso ngesiphithiphithesi.” Emva kokutjho lokhu, waqeda umhlangano. Emva kobana ukuguruzela kuphele, uPowula wabizela abafundi ndawonye. Kuthe sele abakhuthaze ngamezwi, wabalayelisa wakhamba waya eMasedoniya. Sele adabule eemfundenezo bewakhuthaza amakholwa ngamezwi amanengi, wafika eGirisi, lapha ahlala khona iinyanga ezintathu. Begade asele azilungisela ukuthayela eSiriya, kodwana njengombana amaJuda gade sele enze ubukhwebetjhana ngaye, waqeda ngokuthi abuye ngeMasedoniya. Bekaphekelelwa nguSopatrosi umsa kaPhuru weBheriya, ngu-Aristarirhusi noSekhundusi beThesalonika, nguGayusi weDerbe, nguThimothi, nguTikhikhusi noTrofimusi besifundeni se-Asiya. Kodwana laba-ke basandulela, bayosilindela eTrowasi. Thina-ke sathaya sisuka eFilipi emva komnyanya wesiKwa esinganaNgumelo safika kibo eTrowasi ngemva kwamalanga amahlanu; sahlala lapho amalanga alikhomba. Ngelanga lokuthoma leveke, lokha nabesihlangene bona sihlephule isikwa, uPowula wakhuluma ebantwini. Njengombana gade azakukhamba ngakusasa, wasolo akhuluma bekwaba kuphakathi kobusuku. Bekukhona iimbani ezinengi ngelawini elingaphezulu lapha besihlanganele khona. Isokana, ekuthiwa ngu-Ewuterhusi ebelihlezi ngefesidereni lathoma layenda belabanjwa buthongo obunzima, khisibe uPowula bekasakhuluma. Ngokubindwa buthongo lawela phasi ukusuka emgangadelweni wesithathu; ladojwa lapho sele libhubhile. Kodwana uPowula wehlela phasi waziphosa phezu kwalo walisingatha, wathi: “Ningatshwenyeki ngombana liyaphila.” Wabuyela godu emuva elawini elingehla, kwathi emva kobana sele ahlephule isikwa wagoma, waragela phambili wakhuluma bekwasa; wabese uyakhamba. Abantu balithatha isokaneli balisa ekhaya liphila, iinhliziyo zabo zaba mhlophe. Saraga saya emkhunjini sakhwela sathayela e-Asusi, lapha besizakufese sithathe khona uPowula. Bekahlele njalo ngombana yena gade azokukhamba ngeenyawo. Kuthe bona ahlangane nathi e-Asusi, samkhweza saya naye eMithileni. Sathaya ukusuka lapho, kwathi ngakusasa safika malungana neRhiyosi. Ngelanga elilandelako sabandamela eSamosi, kwathi ilanga emva kwalapho safika eMiletusi. UPowula yena wacabanga ukuthaya adlule e-Efesu, khona angazukulahlekelwa sikhathi ngesifundeni se-Asiya ngombana bebarhabele ukuyokufika eJerusalema nakungakghoneka ngelanga lePentekoste. UPowula wathumela umlayezo usuka eMiletusi usiya e-Efesu, abawa abaphathi bebandla bona bamhlangabeze. Kuthe bona bafike, wathi kibo: “Nani niyazi bona bengiphila njani isikhathi soke nginani, kusukela elangeni lokuthomo engafika ngalo esifundeni se-Asiya. Ngilotjhe iKosi ngokuzithoba okukhulu nangeenyembezi, nganyamezelela iinlingo engahlangana nazo ngobukhwebetjhana bamaJuda. “Azange ngigodle ilitho ebelingaba lisizo kini, ngatjhumayela nginifundisa emtarini nendlu ngendlu. Ngamemezela emaJudeni nakwabezizwe ukuphendukela kuZimu nekukholweni eKosini uJesu. Alo-ke, njengesibotjhwa kuMoya, ngisendleleni eya eJerusalema, kungekho engikwaziko bona kuzakwenzekani lapho kimi, ngaphandle kokuthi uMoya oCwengileko ufakaza kimi emadorobheni woke ukuthi isikhungo nokuhlunguphazwa kungilindile. Ubuphilo bami angisabuthathi njengento eligugu kimi, kwaphela nange ngaqeda ibanga lami nekonzwami engayamukela eKosini uJesu kobana ngifakaze ivangeli lomusa kaZimu. “Nje-ke sengiyazi bona akakho noyedwa wenu kilabo engikhambe ngimemezela ivangeli kibo ozabe asangibona godu. Ngalokho ngiyafakaza kini kilelilanga ngithi anginamlandu eengazini zabo boke abantu ngombana akhange ngigodle ilitho kini ngokufakaza loke ihlelo lakaZimu. Zilondeni ngokuzitjheja nina ngokwenu, nawo woke umhlambi uMoya oCwengileko anibeke bona nibe babonisi bawo kobana neluse ibandla lakaZimu azizuzele lona ngeengazi zeNdodanakhe. Ngiyazi bona kuzakuthi nasele ngikhambile kuze hlangana nenu iimpisi ezikhwabithako, zangawuncenekeli umhlambi. Ngitjho naphakathi kwenu kuzakuvela abanye abahlanakezela iqiniso ukuze bawunge abafundi babalandele. Ngalokho qaphelani, nikhumbule bona iminyaka emithathu yoke ubusuku nemini akhange ngilise ukukhalimela omunye nomunye wenu ngeenyembezi. “Nje-ke nginibeka kuZimu nelizwini lakhe lomusa, lona elikwazi ukunakha nokuninikela ilifa hlangana nabo boke abacwengisiweko. Akhange ngikhanukele isiliva, igolide namkha izambatho zomuntu. Nani ngokwenu niyazi bona ngezandla zamezi ngasebenzela iindingo zami nezalabo abanami. Kikho koke lokhu, nginitjengise bona ngokusebenza kabudisi ngendlela le kufanele sibasize abadududu; sikhumbule amezwi weKosi uJesu eyawatjho yona ngokwayo yathi: ‘Kubusiseke khulu ukupha kunokwamukela!’ ” Kuthe bona atjho lokho, waguqa phasi nabo boke wathandaza. Kwabakhona ukulila okukhulu kibo boke ngesikhathi bagona uPowula, bamcwanga emhlathini. Bajabha khulu ngamezwi awatjhoko bona angekhe basambona godu. Nje-ke bamphekelela emkhunjini. Kwathi sesihlukene nabo sathaya sanqomba eKhose, ngakusasa safika eRodosi. Ukusuka lapho saya ePatara. Lapho safumana umkhumbi oya eFunisiya; sakhwela sathaya. Sathi nasele sibona iSayipurasi, sadlula ngesewula yakhona sathayela eSiriya, sehlika eTirosi ngombana lapho umkhumbi gade uyokwehlisa ipahla. Sesifunyene abafundi lapho, sahlala nabo amalanga alikhomba. NgoMoya oCwengileko batjela uPowula bona angalibhadi eJerusalema. Kodwana kuthe bona amalanga wethu lapho aphele, sasuka bona siragele phambili nekhambo lethu. Boke abafundi, abomkabo nabantwababo basiphekelela besaphumela ngaphandle kwedorobho. Lapho-ke saguqa eligwini lelwandle sathandaza. Emva kokulayelisana nabo sangena ngemkhunjini, bona babuyela emakhaya. Saraga ngethayo lethu ukusuka eTirosi besafika ePitolemayisi; lapha safika sabingelela abazalwana sahlala nabo ilanga elilodwa. Ngelanga elilandelako sakhamba safika eKhesariya, sangena kwaFlebhe umvangeli ongomunye wabalikhomba, sahlala kwakhe. Yena ubanamadodakazi amane angakendi agade aphorofida. Kuthe sisahlezi lapho amalangana, kwafika umphorofidi u-Agabhusi avela eJudiya. Weza kithi wathatha ibhande lakaPowula, wazibopha ngalo iinyawo nezandla, wathi: “Nakhu okutjhiwo nguMoya oCwengileko, ‘Ngayo indlela le, umninibhandeli uzokubotjhwa maJuda ngeJerusalema, amkhaphele kabatjhili.’ ” Kuthe bona sizwe lokho, thina nabanye abantu lapho, sancenga uPowula bona angakhuphukeli eJerusalema. Kodwana uPowula waphendula wathi: “Nenzani, nilila kangaka nidanisa ihliziywami na? Angikalungeli kwaphela ukubotjhwa ngeJerusalema, kodwana nokufela khona ngebanga lebizo leKosi uJesu.” Sesihlulekile ukumvimba, sazithulela samukela sathi: “Intando yeKosi ayenziwe.” Emva kwamalangana lawo, sazilungiselela sakhuphukela eJerusalema. Abanye babafundi beKhesariya bakhamba nathi, basisa ekhayeni kwaMnasoni weSayipurasi, ebegade amfundi omdala kobana sihlale khona. Kuthe bona sifike ngeJerusalema amakholwa asamukela ngethabo. Kwathi ngakusasa uPowula wakhamba nathi sayokubona uJakopo nabaphathi boke abebalapho. Sele ababingelele, wabika koke ngakunye uZimu agade akwenze hlangana nabatjhili ngomsebenzakhe. Kuthe bona bezwe lokho, badumisa uZimu. Nje-ke bathi kuPowula: “Uyabona mfowethu bonyana kuneenkulungwana ezinengi kangangani hlangana namaJuda ezimakholwa, begodu zoke zitjhisakalela umthetho. Manje zitjeliwe ngawe bona wena ufundisa woke amaJuda ahlala eenarheni zabatjhili bona alise umthetho kaMosi; uwatjelile bonyana angasoki abantwana bawo begodu bangalandeli amasiko. Alo, sizokwenza njani na? Nanyana kunjani azokuzwa bonyana ufikile, yeke yenza lokho esikutjela khona: Kunamadoda amane lapha azibophe ngesifungo, nje-ke khambisana nawo uhlanganele nawo esikweni lokuhlanjululwa ukhuphe iindleko zokugudwa kweenhloko zawo. Ngendlela le boke bazakwazi bona akukho iqiniso kilokho abatjelwe ngawe ngakho, kodwana bazakwazi bona nawe uphila njengaloyo ogcina umthetho kaMosi. “Nakungabatjhili esele bamakholwa, sibathumele incwadi nesimiso sethu sokobana abatjhide kokuhlatjelwe abosingazimu, ebubendeni, kokukghanyiweko nebufebeni.” Ngomuso uPowula wathatha amadoda lawo, kwathi sele azihlambululile, wangena nawo ngethempelini, wabika emtarini ukupheleliswa kwamalanga wehlambuluko lokha kuzakwenziwa umhlabelo womunye nomunye wabo. Kuthe amalanga alikhomba nakaya ngekupheleni, amaJuda we-Asiya agade abone uPowula ngethempelini atjitjizela isiqubuthu. Abamba uPowula, arhuwelela athi: “Ma-Israyeli, sizani! Lo, mumuntu okhamba yoke indawo afundisa omunye nomunye, okuphambene nabantu bekhethu, umthetho nendawo le. Ngaphandle kwalokho sele angenise namaGirigi ngethempelini, yeke usilaphaze indawo ecwengileko le!” Ngebanga lokobana bebabone uTrofimusi we-Efesu anoPowula ngedorobheni, badlumbana bona uPowula bekamngenise ngethempelini. Nje-ke idorobho loke laphithizela nabantu beza bagijimela ndawonye; babamba uPowula bamrhudulela ngaphandle kwethempeli kwavalwa neminyango khonokho. Kuthe basathi balinga ukumbulala, kwafika ilizwi enduneni yebutho bona loke iJerusalema liyavungazela. Khonokho yathatha amajoni nabaphathimabutho; yarhaba yehlela kibo. Kuthe bona abantu babone induna yebutho namajoni, balisa ukubetha uPowula. Induna yafese yambamba yathi akabotjhwe ngeenketani ezimbili; yabuza bona ungubani nokobana wenzeni. Abanye hlangana nesiqubuthu barhuwelela into yinye, abanye okhunye. Kwathi ngebanga lokobana ingakhange ikghone ukuzwisisa kuhle ngebanga lokuvungazela, yakanye yayala bona asiwe ekampeni yamajoni. Kwathi uPowula sele afike emiqaqadweni, umguruguru wesiqubuthu wadlanga ngamandla kangangoba kwafuneka bona athwalwe majoni. Isiqubuthu ebesilandela ngemva kwawo besisoloko sirhuwelela sithi: “Akasisusele thina!” Kuthe sele bazomngenisa ngekampeni yamajoni, wathi enduneni: “Ngingaba nengingakutjhoko kuwe na?” Induna yamphendula yathi: “Kanti uyasazi isiGirigi na? Nakunjalo, alo, awusimrhali loya womGibhide okhe wathi mhlapha nje walinga ukuvukela umbuso ngokubutha ababulali abaziinkulungwana ezine waya nabo erhalawumbeni?” UPowula waphendula wathi: “Mina ngimJuda odabuka eTarsusi yeSilisiya, ngisisakhamuzi sedorobho eliqakathekileko. Yeke ngiyakubawa, akhe ungivumele ngikhulume ebantwinaba.” Sele afunyene imvumo, uPowula wajama phezu komqaqado waphakamisela abantu isandla. Kuthe bona bathule, wakhuluma nabo ngesiHebheru, wathi: “Bafowethu nabobaba, kwanjesi akhese nilalele ukuzivikela kwami kini!” Kwathi bona bamuzwe bonyana ukhuluma nabo ngesiHebheru, bathulisisa. Nje-ke wathi: “Kokwakho mina ngimJuda, ngabelethelwa eTarsusi yeSilisiya, kodwana ngakhulela khona edorobhenelo eenyaweni zakaGamaliyeli, ngafundiswa ngokutjhubileko ngokuya ngomthetho wabokhokho, ngitjhisakalela uZimu njengombana nani noke ninjalo namhlanje. Abanengi egade bakhamba ngeNdlela le ngabazuma bekwaba sekufeni. Bengibopha amadoda nabafazi ngibaphosa ngesikhungweni, njengombana nomphristi omkhulu nomkhandlu woke wabaphathi bangaba nobufakazi ngami. Ngamukela incwadi evela kibo itlolelwe abafowethu okumaJuda weDamaseku; ngaya lapho kobana ngiyokubopha, ngibalethe eJerusalema bona bazokuhlunguphazwa. “Ngisatjhitjhinga njalo ngitjhidele eDamaseku, pheze emini ekulu, kwehla ezulwini umkhanyo omkhulu wamanyaza kimi mazombe. Ngawela phasi ngezwa ilizwi lisithi kimi, ‘Sawula, Sawula! Ungizumelani na?’ Ngabuza ngathi, ‘Ungubani wena, Kosi, na?’ Yathi kimi, ‘NginguJesu weNazaretha lo ozumana naye.’ “Abantu ebenginabo bakubona ukukhanya, kodwana akhange balizwe ilizwi laloyo ogade akhuluma nami. Ngabuza ngathi, ‘Alo-ke ngingenzani, Kosi, na?’ IKosi yathi kimi, ‘Vuka ukhambe uye ngeDamaseku, lapho-ke uzafese uzwe koke obekelwe bona ukwenze.’ Njengombana bengingasaboni ngebanga lomkhanyo, labo ebebanami bangibamba ngesandla bangisa ngeDamaseku. “Umuntu ekuthiwa ngu-Ananiyasi, indoda egade ilandela umthetho ngokupheleleko nekhulunywa kuhle maJuda ahlala lapho, yeza kimi yajama hlanu kwami yathi, ‘Mfowethu Sawula, buya ubone godu!’ Khonokho ngabona godu bengayiqala. Yathi kimi, ‘UZimu wabokhokho ukhethe wena bona wazi intando yakhe, ubone oLungileko wakhe bewuzwe iphimbo lomlomakhe; ngalokho uzakuba ngufakazakhe kibo boke abantu ngokubonileko nokuzwileko. Alo, usalindeleni? Sikima ubhajadiswe, kuhlanjwe izono zakho ngokubiza ibizo lakhe!’ “Kwathi sele ngibuyele eJerusalema, ngisathandaza ngethempelini, ngaba nesiyezi, ngabona iKosi ikhuluma nami isithi, ‘Rhaba uphume msinyana eJerusalema ngombana abazubamukela ubufakazi bakho ngami.’ Nje-ke ngathi, ‘Kosi, bayazi ngokwabo bona kelinye nelinye isinagogi bengibopha, ngibethe boke ebebagade bakholwa kuwe. Godu lokha iingazi zakaStefani ufakazakho nazithulukako, gade ngijame mina ngokwami lapho, ngivumelana begodu ngiqale nezambatho zalabo abambulalako.’ Yathi kimi, ‘Khamba ngombana ngizokuthumela kude kabatjhili.’ ” Abantu bebalokhu balalele uPowula bekwaba semagameni lawo; emva kwalokho, bathoma ukurhuwelela bathi: “Msuseni onje ephasini ngombana akakafaneli ukuphila!” Kwathi basarhuwelela njalo, badabula izambatho zabo, bavusa nethuli, induna yebutho yayala bona alethwe ngekampeni yamajoni; yahlongoza bona akahlolisiswe ngokurithwa khona kuzakwazeka bona itjhada elingakeli libangwe yini ngaye. Kuthe basambhambalalisa bona bamrithe, uPowula wathi kumphathimabutho ebekajame lapho: “Kumthetho yini bona nirithe isakhamuzi sombuso weRoma singakabi ukulahlwa licala na?” Kuthe bona umphathimabutho ezwe lokho, walunga enduneni yebutho wathi kiyo: “Uzokwenzani ngomuntu lo? Usisakhamuzi sombuso weRoma!” Yeke induna yeza kuPowula yambuza yathi: “Akhese ungitjele, kanti wena usisakhamuzi sombuso weRoma na?” Yena wathi: “Iye.” Induna yathi: “Kwangibiza imali enengi mina ukufunyana ilungelwelo.” UPowula waphendula wathi: “Mina-ke ngisisakhamuzi ngokubelethwa.” Khonokho labo egade kumele bamhlole bamkghaduka, induna nayo yangenwa livalo ngombana yalemuka bona uPowula sisakhamuzi sombuso weRoma nokobana beyimbophile. Ngebanga lokobana induna beyifuna ukwazi bona yini into amaJuda amsola ngayo uPowula, ngelanga elilandelako yamthukulula beyayala abaphristi abakhulu nesigungu sabarholi bamaJuda soke bona khebahlangane. Yeke yathatha uPowula yamjamisa phambi kwabo. UPowula waqala thwi phezu kwamadoda wesigungu sabarholi bamaJuda, wathi kiwo: “Bafowethu, ngiphile phambi kwakaZimu ngonembeza omsulwa bekube nanamhlanjesi.” Nje-ke umphristi omkhulu u-Ananiyasi wayala agade bajame hlanu kwakhe bona bamwahle umlomo lo. Ngalokhu uPowula wathi kuye: “UZimu uzokuwahla wena ozenza msulwa! Uhlalele ukugweba mina ngomthetho, khisibe wena uyawephula ngokuthi bangibethe!” Abagade bajame hlanu kwakhe bathi: “Wena, uthuka umphristi omkhulu kaZimu na?” UPowula waphendula wathi: “Bafowethu, bengingazi bona mphristi omkhulu. Mbala kutloliwe kwathiwa, ‘Ungathuwelelisi umphathi wabantu bakho.’ ” Kuthe bona uPowula abone bonyana abanye babaSadusi nokuthi abanye babaFarisi, warhuwelela esigungwini wathi: “Bafowethu, ngimFarisi oyindodana yabaFarisi. Nje-ke lapha ngimangalelwe ngendaba yokuthi nginethemba lokobanyana abafileko bazokuvuka.” Kuthe bona atjho lokho, kwathoma ukuphikisana phakathi kwabaFarisi nabaSadusi, ihlangano yahlukana phakathi ngombana abaSadusi bebathi akukho ukuvuka kwabafileko, begodu azikho iingilozi nemimoya; kodwana abaFarisi bebakholelwa kikho kokuthathu. Itjhada laba likhulu bekwasikima abanye abafundisi bomthetho babaFarisi baphikisa ngamandla, bathi: “Asiboni ilitho elimbi endodeni le! Kuzokuthiwani nakube ummoya namkha ingilozi, ikhulume kuye na?” Lokha ukuphikisana kwabo nakuba namandla, induna yebutho beyesaba bona bazamtlebhula imitletlana uPowula. Yeke yayala amajoni bona ehle, afese amdzwebule ngekani amuse ekampeni yamajoni. Kwathi ebusuku iKosi yajama hlanu kwakaPowula, yathi: “Yiba nesibindi! Njengombana ufakaze ngami eJerusalema, kufuze wenze njalo neRoma.” Kuthe sekusile amaJuda azibumba isicathana abe azibopha ngesifungo kobana angagomi namkha asele nanyana yini angakabulali uPowula. Labo ebebazibumbe isicathana bebeqile ematjhumini amane. Bona baya ebaphristini abakhulu nebaphathini, bathi: “Sesizibophe ngesifungo bona angekhe sagoma ilitho singakabulali uPowula. Manje, nina nesigungu sabarholi bamaJuda thumelani ilizwi enduneni yebutho bona ithumele uPowula ehle eze kini, nizitjhaye sengathi nifuna ukwazisisa kuhle ngaye. Nje-ke thina sesilungele ukumsusa angakafiki.” Kodwana indodana kadadwabo lakaPowula yezwa ngendumba le, nje-ke yakhamba yangena ngekampeni yamajoni yabikela uPowula ngalokhu. Yeke uPowula wabiza omunye wabaphathimabutho wathi kuye: “Thatha isokaneli ulise enduneni, kukhona elizakutjho kiyo.” Umphathimabutho walithatha, walisa enduneni, wafese wathi: “Isibotjhwa uPowula ungibizile wathi ngilethe isokaneli kuwe ngombana kukhona elifuna ukukutjho kuwe.” Induna yalibamba ngesandla yatjhidela nalo eqadi, yalibuza yathi: “Yini le ofuna ukungibikela yona?” Lona lathi: “AmaJuda avumelene bona azokubawa bonyana uthumele uPowula ehle eze esigungwini sababarholi bamaJuda kusasa, kubengathi bafuna ukwazi kabanzi ngaye. Kodwana ungabalaleli ngombana phakathi kwawo kukhona amadoda angaphezu kwamatjhumi amane azabe abhaqile amlindele. Azibophe ngesifungo sokobana angekhe agoma namkha asela angakambulali. Kwanjesi nje, sele ajame ngehlelo, alindele kwaphela imvumo yakho.” Nje-ke induna yathi: “Ungatjeli noyedwa bona lokhu sewungazisile.” Yalilisa lakhamba. Yabiza abaphathimabutho ababili, yathi kibo: “Zilungiseleleni ukukhamba namhlanje ngesimbi yethoba kusihlwa, niye eKhesariya namajoni amakhulu amabili, abakhweli beenjomani abamatjhumi alikhomba nabaphathi bemikhonto abamakhulu amabili. Begodu nikelani noPowula ezinye iinjomani kobana akhwele, nimfikise aphephile kumbusi uFeliksi.” Nje-ke induna yatlola incwadi efundeka ngendlela le: “Mina Klawudiyusi Lisiya, ngilotjhisa kuwe Feliksi Mbusi ohloniphekileko. AmaJuda abamba indoda le, kwathi sele athi ayayiqedelela ngafika nebutho ngayisindisa ngombana ngilemukile nokobana isisakhamuzi sombuso weRoma. Njengombana bengifuna ukwazi icala abamthwese lona, ngamletha esigungwini sabarholi bamaJuda. Ngafumana bona bayimangalele ngomlandu malungana nomthetho wabo; kunganalitho elenza ifanele ukubulawa namkha ukuphoswa ngesikhungweni. Kuthe sekudaluliwe kimi bona kukhona ubukhwebetjhana ngendoda leyo, ngathi angiyithumele kuwe msinyana. Ngibatjelile nabamangaleli bayo bona nabo abendlale indaba yabo phambi kwakho ngayo.” Nje-ke amajoni njengokuyalwa kwawo, athatha uPowula ebusuku amusa e-Antipatrisi. Ngelanga elilandelako abakhweli beenjomani baragela phambili naye, amanye amajoni abuyela emuva ekampeni yamajoni. Kuthe nabafika eKhesariya, banikela umbusi incwadi, bethula noPowula phambi kwakhe. Umbusi wafunda incwadi, wabuza uPowula bona ubuya kisiphi isifunda. Kuthe bonyana afumane bona uvela eSilisiya, wathi kuye: “Ngizokulalela indabakho nasele kufike abamangaleli bakho.” Yeke wayala bona aqalwe esigodlweni sakaHerode. Ngemva kwamalanga amahlanu umphristi omkhulu u-Ananiyasi wehla weza nabaphathi negqwetha uTertulusi, bafese bendlala indababo ngoPowula phambi kombusi uFeliksi. Kuthe bona uPowula abizwe, uTertulusi wathoma ukumbeka icala wathi: “Sibe nokuthula isikhathi eside ngawe begodu ukuthuthuka kube kunengi esizwenesi ngebanga lokuhlakanipha kwakho. Lokho-ke, Feliksi odumileko, sikwamukela ngeendlela zoke endaweni zoke begodu siyathokoza. Angifuni ukuba siqedamlozi, yeke, ngibawa ngobuntu bakho ukhe usilalele kafitjhani. Indoda le siyifumane imumuntu oyipehli nebanga ukuhlubuka phakathi kwamaJuda ephasini loke, begodu imrholi wesiqhema ekuthiwa maNazaretha. Yalinga ngitjho nokusilaphaza ithempeli, nje-ke sayibopha. Kodwana kwafika induna uLisiya yayidzwebula ngamandla ezandleni zethu, yabe yayala bona beze nayo kuwe kobana nawe ngokwakho uzoyihlola ngalokho esiyimangalele ngakho.” AmaJuda nawo akufakazela lokho ngokugandelela bona koke kunjalo. Kwathi uPowula sele akhonjwe mbusi bona akhulume, waphendula wathi: “Ngebanga lokobana ngiyazi bona sekuminyaka eminengi umgwebi esizwenesi ngalokho ngiziphendulela ngithabile. Njengombana nawe ungazibonela nje, akukapheli ngitjho amalanga alitjhumi nambili ngikhuphukele eJerusalema kobana ngiyokuthandaza. Akhange bangifumane ngiphikisana namunye ngethempelini namkha ngidunga abantu ngesinagogini namkha kukuphi edorobheni. Begodu angekhe bakulethela ubufakazi bezinto abangithwesa umlandu ngazo njenganje. Kodwana nakhu engikuvumako kuwe kobana ngesaba uZimu wabokhokho bami ngokulandela iNdlela leyo abathi kuqhema, godu ngiyakholwa kizo zoke izinto ezitlolwe emthethweni neencwadini zabaphorofidi. Nginalo ithemba kuZimu, iye, ithemba nabo abalamukelako lokobana kuzakuba khona ukuvuka kwabafileko kwabo boke abalungileko nabangakalungi. Yeke ngalinga ngamandlami woke bona ngibe nomkhumbulo otsengileko phambi koZimu nabantu. “Nje-ke emva kweminyaka embalwa ngeza bona ngilethe izipho ebantwini bekhethu nokobana ngizokwenza imihlabelo. Bengihlambulukile ngihlobile ngesikhathi bangifumana ngingetempeleni ngenza lokhu. Bekungekho isiqubuthu sabantu kimi kungekho nokuvungama. Kodwana bekukhona amaJuda wesifundeni se-Asiya, wona-ke gade afanele abe khona azongithwesa umlandu phambi kwakho, nakube kukhona abanakho ngami. Namkha bona laba, abakhulume bonyana ngiwuphi umlandu abawufumana kimi lokha nabe ngijame phambi kwesigungu sababarholi bamaJuda; ngaphandle kwento eyodwa engiyitjhwileko nangijame phambi kwabo ngathi, ‘Namhlanje ngimangalelwe ngendaba yokuvuka kwabafileko.’ ” Nje-ke uFeliksi owakhe watjelwa kuhle ngeNdlela le, waqeda ikulumo le ngokuphawula wathi: “Ngizakuba nequnto lendaba le lokha induna uLisiya nasele yehlile yafika.” Wayala umphathimabutho bona amlonde ngesikhungweni, kodwana amvumele athukuluke angakhandeli nabangani bakhe bona bamnikele itjhejo alifunako. Ngemva kwamalanga uFeliksi weza nomkakhe uDrusila obegade amJuda. Wabiza uPowula wamlalela lokha nakhuluma ngokukholwa kuKrestu Jesu. UPowula asakhuluma ngokulunga, ukuzibamba nokuza kwelanga lokugwetjwa, uFeliksi wafikelwa kukwesaba wathi: “Okwanje ungakhamba, ngizakubiza godu nanginesikhathi.” Khonapho bekanethemba bona uPowula uzamfumbathisa. Ngesizathwesi bekanande ambiza bona akhulume naye. Sekudlule iminyaka emibili, uPorkiyusi Festusi wangena esikhundleni sakaFeliksi njengombusi. Ngebanga lokobana uFeliksi afuna ukuthabisa amaJuda, walisa uPowula ngesikhungweni. Amalanga amathathu emva kobana uFestusi afike esifundeni, wakhuphuka asuka eKhesariya waya eJerusalema, lapha abaphristi abakhulu nabarholi bamaJuda bathwesa khona uPowula umlandu. Bancenga uFestusi ngokuzibawela umusa bona uPowula alethwe eJerusalema. Bakwenza lokho ngokujamelene noPowula ngombana bebanobukhwebetjhana bokumlalela endleleni bambulale. UFestusi wabaphendula ngokuthi uPowula sibotjhwa esilondwe eKhesariya, nokuthi msinyana nje yena ngokwakhe usophe ukuya lapho. Wathi: “Nje-ke, akuthi labo abanegunya phakathi kwenu behle nami, begodu nakube kukhona okuyisolo ngendoda leyo, abayithwese umlandu.” Sele ahlezi nabo amalanga abunane ukuya kalitjhumi, wabuyela eKhesariya. Ngelanga elilandelako wahlala esihlalweni sokugweba, wayala bona uPowula alethwe. Kwathi bona uPowula afike, amaJuda avela eJerusalema amzomba athoma ukumrhwayela ngemilandu ebudisi angeze aba nobufakazi ngayo. Kodwana uPowula wazivikela, wathi: “Angikenzi ilitho elimbi malungana nomthetho wamaJuda nethempeli namkha kumbusi omkhulu.” Kodwana uFestusi afuna ukuthabisa amaJuda, wabuza uPowula wathi: “Uzakuthanda ukukhuphukela eJerusalema bona uyokugwetjwa khona phambi kwami ngemilandu othweswe yona le na?” UPowula wathi: “Ngijame phambi kwebandla lombusi omkhulu, lapha kufuze ngigwetjwe khona. Angikenzi ilitho elimbi emaJudeni, njengombana nawe usazi kuhle. Nangabe ngonile ngenza okumbi okungabangela bona ngigwetjelwe ukufa, angizami ukuphepha ukufa; kodwana nangabe akunalitho emilandwini abangibeka yona, akakho ongangibuyisela kibo. Ngidlulisela umlandu kumbusi omkhulu.” Kuthe bona uFestusi avunge nabaluleki bakhe, waphendula wathi: “Udlulisele umlandu kumbusi omkhulu, yeke uzokuya kumbusi omkhulu.” Ngemva kwesikhathi ikosi u-Agripa noBherinike beza eKhesariya bazokwamukela uFestusi. Njengombana bebanamalangana bahlezi lapho, uFestusi wabendlalela indaba kaPowula, wathi: “Kukhona lapha umuntu owatjhiywa nguFeliksi asibotjhwa. Kwathi lokha ngiye eJerusalema, abaphristi abakhulu nabaphathi bamaJuda bamthwesa umlandu, bangibawa bona ngimbone umlandu. Kodwana ngabatjela bona akusiwo umkhuba wamaRoma ukubona umuntu umlandu angazange akhe abonane ubuso nobuso nabamangaleli bakhe, aphiwe nethuba lokuziphendulela ngomlandu abamthwese wona. Kuthe bona bahlangane lapha, akhange bengisariyada. Ngelanga elilandelako ngahlala endawenami yokugweba ngathi bamngenise. Abamthwesa umlandu nabasikimako, akhange bamthwese umlandu loyo ebengilindele bona bazamthwesa wona. Koke abakubekako kuphikisana naye ngokukholwa kwabo nangomuntu okuthiwa nguJesu, owafako, uPowula akhuluma ngaye bona uyaphila. Kuthe ngisararekile bona indaba le ngingayiphenyisisa njani, ngambuza bona angathanda ukuya eJerusalema kobana ayokugwetjwa lapho ngalokho athweswe khona na. Kodwana kuthe lokha uPowula abawa bona alondwe ngesikhungweni bekube kulokha umbusi omkhulu aqunta khona, ngayala bona ahlale aqaliwe bengimthumele kumbusi omkhulu loyo.” U-Agripa wathi kuFestusi: “Indoda leyo ngifuna ukuyizwa ngokwami.” UFestusi wathi: “Uzayizwa kusasa.” Nje-ke ngelanga elilandelako u-Agripa noBherinike bafika ngevunulo yakanokutjho. Bangena ngerhubheni neenduna zamajoni kanye namadoda adumileko wedorobho. Nje-ke uFestusi wayala bona uPowula angeniswe. UFestusi wathi: “Ngwenyama Agripa nani noke enilapha nathi, niyayibona indoda le, woke umphakathi wamaJuda uyimangalele kimi eJerusalema nalapha, urhuwelela bona ayikafaneli ukube isaphila. Kodwana ngifunyene bona ayikenzi ilitho elifanele bona ife; kuthe lokha nayidlulisela umlandu kumbusi omkhulu, ngahlosa bona ngiyithumele. Kodwana anginalitho elidarhileko ngayo engingatlolela umbusi omkhulu ngalo. Yeke ngiyilethe phambi kwenu noke, khulukhulu phambi kwakho Ngwenyama Agripa! Khona kuzakuthi ngemva kokuyihlola, kube nento engingayitlola ngayo ngombana ngibona kwanga kukutlhoga umkhumbulo kimi ukuthumela isibotjhwa ngingakuphawuli lokho esimangalelwe ngakho.” U-Agripa wathi kuPowula: “Unalo ilungelo lokuzikhulumela.” UPowula waphakamisa isandla sakhe wathoma ukuzivikela wathi: “Kosi Agripa! Namhlanjesi ngizithatha njengomuntu onetjhudu bona ngibe nokuzivikela phambi kwakho ngazo zoke izinto amaJuda angithwesa umlandu ngazo, khulukhulu ngombana wazi woke amasiko wamaJuda neempikiswano zawo. Yeke ngiyakubawa, bona ungilalele ngesineke. “Woke amaJuda ayayazi ipilwami kusukela ngisemncani; iye, ipilo engayiphila kusukela ekuthomeni hlangana nabantu bekhethu nangeJerusalema. Sekusikhathi eside bangazi begodu nabafuna ukufakaza bangatjho bona bengiphila njengelunga lesiqhema esiqinileko ekolweni yekhethu, ngiphila njengomFarisi. Alo-ke manjesi ngijame lapha bona ngigwetjwe ngebanga lethemba lesithembiso uZimu asenza kibokhokho; iye, isithembiso izizwe zekhethu ezilitjhumi nambili ebezithemba ukusifikelela, njengombana zilotjha imini nobusuku. Kungalo ithembeli, wena ohloniphekileko, ngimangalelwe maJuda! Alo, kubangelwa yini bona nanyana ngubani wenu afunyane kulikhuni ukukholwa ukuthi uZimu uyabavusa abafileko na? “Nami ngokwami ngikholisekile bona bekufanele ngenze okunengi okuphambene nebizo lakaJesu weNazaretha. Kwakhona ngikho lokho engakwenza eJerusalema. Ngemvumo engayamukela ivela ebaphristini abakhulu ngaphosela abacwengileko abanengi ngesikhungweni. Kwathi nalokha agwetjwa intambo, nami ngakusekele lokho. Ngeenkhathi ezinengi ngibahlunguphazele ngemasinagogini, ngilinga ukubakatelela bona bahlambalaze. Bengifutheke khulu ngabo kangangobana bengibalandelela nakwamanye amadorobho wabatjhili. “Ngiso isizathweso esangenza bona ngiye eDamaseku ngegunya elivela ebaphristini abakhulu. Kwathi emini ekulu ngisesendleleni, wena ohloniphekileko, ngabona umkhanyo omkhulu kunelanga uphazima, wangizombeleza nalabo ebengikhamba nabo. Soke sawela phasi, ngezwa ilizwi lisithi kimi ngesiHebheru, ‘Sawula, Sawula, ungizumelani na? Kunzima kuwe ukurarha itlobo yesitlhorholojakomo.’ Ngabuza ngathi: ‘Ungubani, wena Kosi na?’ IKosi yathi: ‘NginguJesu, ozumana naye. Nje-ke, sikima ujame ngeenyawo zakho. Ngibonakele kuwe ngebanga lokobana ngizokukhetha ube sisebenzi nofakazi ngezinto ozibonileko ngami nangalokho engizakutjengisa khona. Ngizokuphephisa ebantwini bekhenu nakwabatjhili engikuthumela kibo bona uvule amehlwabo khona bazakusuka ebumnyameni beze ekukhanyeni; basuke emandleni kaSathana beze kuZimu ukuze bamukele ukulitjalelwa kwezono, babe nesabelo phakathi kwabacwengisiweko ngokukholwa.’ “Ngalokho, kosi Agripa, akhange ngibe lihlongandlebe ngombono ovela ezulwini. Kodwana ngathoma ukumemezela kabaseDamaseku, kwaba seJerusalema nakiyo inarha yeJudiya ngitjho nakwabatjhili bonyana baphenduke ezonweni babuyele kuZimu, benze imisebenzi ekhambisana nokuphenduka. Kungebangelo amaJuda angidzwebule ngethempelini alinge ukungibulala. Kodwana uZimu ungisize bekwaba kunamhlanjesi, kungakho ngijame lapha ngifakaza kabancani nakabakhulu. Angikhulumi okhunye ngaphandle kwalokho abaphorofidi noMosi abakutjhwileko bona kuzokwenzeka: UKrestu kufuze ahlupheke, nokuthi njengombana angewokuthoma ukuvuka kabafileko, uzakumemezela ukukhanya ebantwini bekhethu nakabatjhili.” Kuthe uPowula asazivikela njalo, uFestusi wamrhuwelela wathi: “Powula, uyahlanya na! Ukufunda khulu kuyakuhlanyisa!” UPowula waphendula wathi: “Angihlanyi, mhlonipheki Festusi, kodwana ngikhuluma iqiniso ngokuzizwisisa! Eqinisweni ikosi u-Agripa iyazi ngeendabezi, kiyo ngikhuluma ngesibindi, ngokwazi bonyana ayikho neyodwa yezintwezi engizizwako kiyo ngombana izintwezi akhange zenzeke emsithelweni. Kosi Agripa, uyabakholwa abaphorofidi na? Ngiyazi bona uyabakholwa!” U-Agripa wathi kuPowula: “Ucabanga bona msinyana kangaka ungangiphendula umKrestu na?” UPowula wamphendula wathi: “Namkha kumsinyana nanyana kungasinjalo, ngithandaza kuZimu bonyana kungabi nguwe wedwa, kodwana nabo boke abalaleleko namhlanje, sengathi bangaba ngilokhu engingikho, ngaphandle kweenketanezi!” Yeke ikosi yasikima nombusi noBherinike kanye nabo boke ebebahlezi nayo. Kuthe bona basuke lapho bathi komunye nomunye: “Umuntu lo akakenzi ilitho bona angabe abulawe namkha afakwe ngesikhungweni.” Nje-ke u-Agripa wathi kuFestusi: “Umuntu lo ngawuthukululwe ingathana umlandwakhe akhange awudlulisele kumbusi omkhulu.” Kwathi bonyana kuquntwe bona kufuze sithayele eTariyana, basa uPowula nezinye iimbotjhwa kuJuliyasi umphathimabutho wombusi. Sakhwela umkhumbi we-Adramitheno, ogade sewulungele ukusuka uye eligwini lelwandle e-Asiya, sathaya sakhamba siphekelelwa ngu-Aristarirhusi weMasedoniya ovela eThesalonika. Ngelanga elilandelako safika eTsidoni; uJuliyasi waphatha uPowula kuhle, wamvumela bona ayokubona abangani bakhe, bamnikela lokho akufunako. Sasuka lapho, sathayela ngehlangothini elivikeliweko leSayipurasi ngombana ummoya gade uphambene nathi. Sadlulela elwandle eligudle indawo yeSilisiya nePhamfiliya, safika eMira ngeLisiya. Lapho-ke umphathimabutho wafumana umkhumbi ovela e-Alekzandriya usiya eTariyana, wasikhweza kiwo. Sathaya kancani amalanga amanengi ngobudisi obukhulu ukufika malungana neKinidu. Ummoya gade uphambene nathi; yeke, sathayela ngehlangothini elivikeliweko lesihlengeleni seKrete malungana neSalimone. Sadlula lapho ngobudisi obukhulu besafika endaweni ekuthiwa siTjhaphululo esiHle eduze nedorobho leLaseya. Njengombana besele kulahleke isikhathi esinengi nokuthaya bese kuyingozi ngombana nesikhathi sokuzila ukudla besele siphelile, uPowula wabayelelisa wathi: “Madoda, ngiyabona ikhambo lethu lizokuba nengozi nomonakalo omkhulu, kungabi ngowepahla nomkhumbi kwaphela kodwana nepilwethu isengozini.” Kodwana umphathimabutho walalela umpathimkhumbi nomninimkhumbi kunokulalela lokho okutjhiwo nguPowula. Njengombana iligu bekungasiyo indawo elungele ukuhlala ebusika, inengi labona kungcono ukusuka lapho liye elwandle, lilinge ukufika eFinikisi, kuhlalwe khona ubusika boke. Leli bekuliligu leKrete eliqale esewula-tjingalanga netlhagu-tjingalanga. Kwathi isewula isathoma ukuphephetha kuhle, badlumbana bona bangafikelela ibanga labo; yeke bakhuphula i-ankera bathoma ukuthayela eduze neligu leKrete. Kodwana khonokho kwavunguza ummoya ovela ngetlhagwini-pumalanga ebekuthiwa yi-Ewurakiloni, waphephetha wehla ukusukela enarheni. Ummoya wadudula umkhumbi wangasakghona ukujika uqalane nawo, yeke sawulisa bona usunduzwe mumoya. Sesibalekele endaweni evikelekileko yesihlengele esincani ekuthiwa yiKhawuda, saphumelela kanzima ukulawula umkhunjana wokusindisa. Sele bawukhwezile bathatha iintambo bawubophelela emkhunjini, besaba bona bangahle baphephukele emgwedlweni wetjhwabatjhwaba yeSiritisi; ngalokho behlisa iinlawulamkhumbi; umkhumbi wasunduzwa mumoya. Isivunguvungu sawunawunana nathi, kwathi ngakusasa balahlela intundu yomkhumbi ngemanzini. Ngelanga lesithathu balahla ngezandla zabo izinto ezisetjenziswa ngemkhunjini. Kuthe lokha nasele kuphele amalanga amanengi, ilanga neenkwekwezi kungasabonakali, nommoya udlangile ngokuvunguza, salahlekelwa ngilo loke ithemba lokusinda. Ngemva kobana amadoda ahlezi isikhathi eside anganakudla, uPowula wajama phakathi kwawo wathi: “Madoda, ngathana ningilalele sangasuka eKrete, ngabe niwuphephile woke umonakalo lo nokulahlekelwa okungaka. Nje-ke ngibawa bona niqine idolo ngombana akakho noyedwa wenu ozakulahlekelwa yipilo; mkhumbi kwaphela ozakonakala. Ebusuku bayizolo kuze ingilozi kaZimu engingowakhe nengimlotjhako yajama ngakimi, yathi, ‘Ungesabi, Powula ngombana kufanele ujame phambi kombusi omkhulu; begodu qala, uZimu ukuphephisele boke othaya nabo.’ Yeke madoda, qinani idolo ngombana ngikholwa kuZimu bona kuzakuba njengombana ngitjeliwe. Kodwana sizakuphetjhulelwa kesinye isihlengele.” Ngobusuku belanga letjhumi nane, sisaphetjhulwa mumoya ekweyameni ilwandle le-Adriya, pheze phakathi kobusuku, abathayi badlumbana bona sesitjhidele esebeni. Nje-ke baphosa intambo yokulinganisa ukutjhinga, bafumana bona kumamitha amatjhumi amathathu nekhomba ngemva kokuthuthuka kancani babuyelela godu baphosa, bafumana kumamitha amatjhumi amabili nekhomba. Ngokubethwa livalo bona umkhumbi ungahle utjhinge ngemadwaleni, behlisa ama-ankera amane ngemva komkhumbi bathandaza bona kuse. Kwathi lokha abathayi nabalinga ukweqa ngemkhunjini, sele behlise umkhunjana ngelwandle batjhaya sengathi bayokubeka ama-ankerabo ngaphambi komkhumbi. Nje-ke uPowula wathi emphathimabuthweni nemajonini: “Nangabe abathayi laba abahlali ngemkhunjini, angekhe nakwazi ukusinda.” Ngalokho amajoni aquntula iintambo ezibophe umkhunjana, bawulisa wawela ngemanzini. Ngaphambi kobana kuse, uPowula wabakhuthaza boke bona bagome, asithi: “Namhlanje sekulilanga letjhumi nane nilindile, nizilile ningagomi ilitho. Ngalokho ngiyanibawa bona nikhe nigome ilitjhwana; lokho kuzanisiza nifunyane amandla ngombana akukho namunye wenu ozakuncuthuka isihluthu sinye ehloko.” Bona aqede ukutjho lokho, wathatha isikwa wathokoza kuZimu phambi kwabo boke, wasihlephula wathoma ukugoma. Nje-ke boke bakhuthazeka bagoma nabo. Sesisoke ngemkhunjini besimakhulu amabili namatjhumi alikhomba nesithandathu. Sele bagomile basutha, benza umkhumbi bona ube lula ngokulahlela ikoroyi ngelwandle. Kuthe bona kuse, akhange babone isebe, kodwana babona iligu elinetjhwabatjhwaba, bahlela bona bakhuphele umkhumbi khona nabe bekungakghonakala. Yeke baquntula iintambo ezibambe ama-ankera, bawatjhiya ngemanzini. Kwathi khonokho batjhaphulula neentambo ebegade zibambe amaphini amabili amakhulu ebebanqophisa ngawo umkhumbi. Baphakamisa iseyila elikhulu eliphambili emkhunjini, baya eligwini. Kodwana umkhumbi wabetha phezu komqoqo wetjhwabatjhwaba wabhajwa ngemanzini; ipumulo yomkhumbi yabambeka yabhalelwa kutjhida, isidunu sona saphulwa mamaza saba ziinquqwana. Amajoni aluka iqhinga lokubulala zoke iimbotjhwa, khona zingazukghona ukududa zibaleke. Kodwana ngokufisa ukusindisa uPowula, umphathimabutho wawakhalimela bona angakwenzi lokho. Wayala woke amadoda akghona ukududa bona eqe qangi adudele eligwini. Aseleko bekazokulandela, abambelele phezu kwamapulanka nanyana phezu kwezinye iinqezwana eziphukileko emkhunjini. Ngendlela le, woke afika eligwini aphephile. Emva kobana sisindile, sezwa bona isihlengelo besibizwa bona yiMalta. Abantu balapho basibonisa isisa esingakavami. Njengombana besele lizokuna begodu kumakhaza, baphemba umlilo basihlalisa khona. UPowula wabuthelela iinkuni, kwathi lokha nakazibeka phezu komlilo, kwaphuma inyoka ngebanga lokutjhisa, yanamathela esandleni sakhe. Kwathi lokha abantu balapho nababona inyoka ilembelele esandleni sakaPowula bathi omunye komunye: “Umuntu lo ufuze ukuba mbulali, kuthi nanyana asinde elwandle, uDike akakamvumeli bona aphile.” Kodwana yena wathintithela inyoka leyo ngemlilweni angakalimali ndawo. Bebalindele bona uzavuvuka namkha aduleke phasi afe; kodwana ngemva kokulindela isikhathi eside angenzeki ilitho, batjhugulula imikhumbulwabo, bathi unguzimu. Mlenzana nalapho bekukhona indawo yendoda emrholi wesihlengeleneso ekuthiwa nguPhubhliyusi. Yena wasamukela ngommoya omuhle, sahlala amalanga amathathu sibathekeli bakhe. Uyise lakaPhubhliyusi gade alele agula aphethwe mgomani nendeni. UPowula waya kuye wathandaza, wambeka izandla wampholisa. Kuthe bona kwenzeke lokho, boke abantu abagulako besihlengeleni beza bapholiswa. Basihlonipha ngeendlela ezinengi bekwathi nasele sikhamba balayitjha koke ebegade sikuhlonga ekhambeni lethu. Emva kweenyanga ezintathu sathaya ngomkhumbi owaqeda ubusika boke ngesihlengeleni; bewungowe-Alekzandriya, uneenthombe zabosingazimu uKastori noPoluksi epumulwenawo. Safika eSirakusa, sahlala lapho amalanga amathathu. Sesizombelezile isihlengele safika eRegiyoni, kwathi emva kwelanga linye silapho, kwaphephetha isewula, ngelanga lesibili safika ePhothiyoli. Safumana abanye abazalwana lapho, basibawa bona sihlale nabo amalanga alikhomba. Yeke saya eRoma. Abazalwana beRoma sele bezwile ngathi, beza bazosihlangabeza. Abanye beza ngendlela ekuthiwa yi-Apiyusi ukufikela eForumi Apiyi kwathi abanye bafika ekumbeni yeenkhambi ebekuthiwa yiTiresi Taverinoni Kuthe bona uPowula ababone, wathokoza uZimu bewaqina idolo. Kuthe bona sifike eRoma, uPowula wavunyelwa bona ahlale yedwa nejoni elimqalileko. Ngemva kwamalanga amathathu uPowula wabiza abarholi bamaJuda wendawo bona bahlangane. Kwathi bona bahlangane, wathi kibo: “Bafowethu! Nanyana ngingakenzi ilitho elimbi ebantwini bekhethu nemasikweni esawafumana kibobamkhulu, ngabotjhwa ngeJerusalema, nganikelwa emaRomeni. Wona sele angihlolile, afuna ukungithukulula ngombana belingekho ibanga lokobana ngingabeze ngibulawe. Kodwana kuthe bona amaJuda akuphikise lokhu, ngakateleleka bona ngidlulisele indaba kumbusi omkhulu, nanyana bekungekho umlandu engingawuthwesa abantu bekhethu. Kungebangeli ngibawe ukubonana nani, ngikhulumisane nani. Mbala, ngebanga lethemba laka-Israyeli ngibotjhwe ngeenketanezi.” Bona bathi kuye: “Azange sifumane incwadi evela eJudiya ekhuluma ngawe namkha kufike omunye wabafowethu nombiko nanyana kukhulunywe okuthileko okumbi ngawe. Kodwana sifuna ukuzwa amazizo wakho ngombana siyazi bona koke nje, isiqhemesi sikhulunywa kumbi.” Kwathi sebabekelene naye ilanga, bafika lapha ahlala khona babanengi kwamambala. Kusukela ekuseni bekwaba sebusuku, wabahlathululela bewabafakazela ngombuso kaZimu, alinga ukubabonisa ngoJesu ngokudzubhula emthethweni wakaMosi nemitlolweni yabaphorofidi. Abanye babo bathatheka ngamezwakhe, abanye akhange bafune ukukholwa. Nje-ke baphikisana babodwa, kodwana bathoma ukukhamba ngemva kobana uPowula athe: “UMoya oCwengileko bekaqinisile nakakhuluma kibokhokho benu ngomphorofidi u-Isaya asithi, ‘Khamba uye esizwenesi ufese uthi: “ ‘Nizokuzwa kodwana ningazwisisi; nizokubona kodwana ningatjheji. Iye, iinhliziyo zabantwaba zibuthuntu neendlebe zabo azizwa, bavale namehlwabo. Nakungasinjalo bazakubona ngamehlwabo, bezwe ngeendlebe zabo, balemuke ngeenhliziyo zabo bebaphenduke bese ngiyabaphilisa.’ “Nje-ke akwazeke kini bonyana isindiso kaZimu le ithunyelwe kabatjhili; bona bazakuzwa.” Ngemva kobana uPowula atjho lokhu, amaJuda akhamba aphikisana wodwa kabuhlungu. Iminyaka emibili yoke swana, wahlala endlini ayiqatjhileko, amukela boke abazombona; amemezela umbuso kaZimu, afundisa ngeKosi uJesu Krestu begodu akhuluma ngesibindi kungekho okumthiyako. Incwadi le ivela kimi mina Powula, inceku kaKrestu Jesu, owabizelwa ekubeni mpostoli, wahlukaniselwa ivangeli lakaZimu. Ivangeli lelo walethembisa ngaphambilini ngabaphorofidi bakhe emitlolweni ecwengileko. Iye, ivangeli elimayelana neNdodanakhe eyaba sizukulwana sakaDavida ngokwenyama, begodu yatjhunyayelwa ngamandla bona iyiNdodana kaZimu ukuya ngokoMoya wobucwenga ngokuvuswa kwayo ekufeni: uJesu Krestu iKosethu, esamukela ngaye isisa nobupostoli ukuletha ukulalela ukukholwa hlangana nabatjhili ngebanga lebizo lakhe, ngitjho nani ngokwenu enibizelwe kobana nibe ngebakaJesu Krestu. Kibo boke abathandekako kuZimu abaseRoma, ababizelwe ekubeni ngabacwengileko: Akube kini umusa nokuthula okuvela kuZimu uBaba wethu neKosini uJesu Krestu. Kokuthoma, ngithokoza uZimami ngoJesu Krestu ngani noke ngombana ukukholwa kwenu kutjhunyayelwa ephasini loke. UZimu engimlotjha ngommoyami nengitjhumayela ivangeli leNdodanakhe, ungufakazami bonyana ngihlala nginikhumbula njalo emthandazwenami, ngibawa bonyana entandwenakhe uZimu, ngigcine ngiphumelele ukuza kini. Ngihlulukela ukunibona ukuze ngabelane nani ezinye zezipho zakaMoya, nginiqinise, namkha sikhuthazaneni ekukholweni kwethu, iye ekukholweni kwenu nekukholweni kwami. Angithandi bazalwana bona ningabi nelwazi lokobana bengifuna kangangani ukuza kini (kodwana bengiseze ngiqabelwa ukwenza njalo bekube nje) ukuze ngizuze isivuno phakathi kwenu njengombana ngenzile phakathi kwabo boke abatjhili. Nginesibopho kumaGirigi nakabatjhili, kabahlakaniphileko nabanganalwazi, ngikho ngitjhisekela ukutjhumayela ivangeli nakini eniseRoma. Nje-ke anginanhloni ngevangeli ngombana limamandla kaZimu wokusindisa boke abakholwako, ukuthoma ngamaJuda namaGirigi. Kilo kwembulwa ukulunga kwakaZimu ngokukholwa namayelana nokukholwa, njengombana kutloliwe kwathiwa: “Olungileko uzakuphila ngokukholwa.” Ubukhali bakaZimu bubonakala buvela ezulwini, behlela phezu kwakho koke okungakhambisani noZimu kanye nobukhohlakali balabo abavimba iqiniso ngokonakala kwabo. Okwazekako ngoZimu kuyakhanya kibo ngombana uZimu ubavezele khona. Soloko kwangesikhathi sokudalwa kwephasi, amandlakhe angapheliko kanye nemvelo yakhe yobuZimu, nanyana ingabonakali ngokwayo, phezu kobana ikhona, beyiseze izwisiswa begodu ibonwa ezintweni azidalileko. Ngalokho-ke abantu abanabo ubusithelo, ngombana nanyana bebaseze bamazi uZimu, azange bebamhloniphe namkha bamthokoze, kodwana babe nemikhumbulo engatjho ilitho, neengqondo zabo ezingazisiko zafiphala. Bazitjela bona bahlakaniphile, ngalokho baba ziindlhayela. Banana iphazimulo kaZimu ongabhubhiko ngemifanekiso emfuziselo wabatu ababhubhako namkha yeenyoni namkha yeenlwana ezinemilenze emine namkha yeenrhurhubi. Nje-ke uZimu wabanikela eenkanukweni zeenhliziyo zabo, emanyaleni nekuhlazisaneni ngemizimbabo ngombana banana iqiniso ngoZimu kobana bazuze amala, balotjha bebasebenzela okudaliweko kunoMdali, okunguye okufanele adunyiswe ngokungapheliko. Amen. Ngebangelo-ke, uZimu wabanikela ekutjhisakaleni okuhlazisako. Abafazi bakhona balisa indlela yemvelo yamabhayi bangena kokungasiyimvelo, ngokunjalo namadoda wakhona alisa indlela yemvelo yokuya emabhayini nomfazi, afuthelana ngokukhanukana wona. Amadoda enza ubuhlola namanye amadoda, ngalokho azamukelisa ngokwawo isibetho esifanele ubuhlola bawo. Njengombana abantwabo bangazange bakhathalele ukumazi uZimu, yeke uZimu wabanikela emikhumbulweni eyonakeleko nezintweni ekungakameli zenziwe. Bebazele ngayo yoke imihlobo yobukhohlakali, ubumbi, ubumarhamaru nezondo. Bazele ngomona, ukubulala, ukuphikisana, ikohliso, ubuqili, ihlebo, ubugongodi, ukuhloya uZimu, ukuthukana, ukuzikhakhazisa, ukuzazi, ukusungula ubumbi, ukungalaleli ababelethi, iye, baziindlhadlha, abakholwa, abananhliziyo begodu bafe ivalo. Bayasazi isimiso sakaZimu sokobana labo abenza izinto ezinjalo bafanelwa kukufa, khonapho abazenzi kwaphela, kodwana bakwakwazela nalabo abazenzako. Yeke awunalo izaba, nanyana ungaba ngubani, wena ogweba abanye; nawugweba omunye umuntu uzilahla wena ngombana uthi ugweba abanye nje khibe nawe wenza yona into abayenzako leyo. Siyazi bona isigwebo sakaZimu kilabo abenza izinto ezinjalo singokweqiniso. Alo-ke wena, nanyana ungaba ngubani, udlumbana bona nawugweba labo abenza okunjalo khonapho khibe nawe uyakwenza lokho, uzakuphunyurha esigwebeni sakaZimu na? Kghani unyaza umusa omkhulu kaZimu nokunyamezela kwakhe okubanzi na? Awuboni bonyana uZimu unomusa ngombana uhlose bona utjhuguluke na? Kodwana ngobulikhuni bakho nangehliziyo engatjhugulukiko, uzikghubelelela itukuthelo ngelanga lelaka elizako lokha ukugweba okulungileko kwakaZimu nakwembulwako. Uzakuvuza omunye nomunye ngokwemisebenzakhe: Labo abaphikelele njalo ukwenza okulungileko, barhuluphele iphazimulo nedumo nokungabhubhi; uzobapha ukuphila okungapheliko. Kodwana labo abazifunela kwabo nabangalaleli iqiniso, balalela ukukhohlakala, bazokwehlelwa lilaka netukuthelo. Kuzokuba khona isizi neenhlungu kibo boke abenza ubumbi; kuzokuthoma ngomJuda kulandele umGirigi, kodwana kibo boke abenza okulungileko, kuzokuba khona iphazimulo, idumo nokuthula; kuthome ngomJuda kulandele umGirigi ngombana uZimu akakhethi ubuso. Boke abone bangaphandle komthetho, bazokubhujiswa bangaphandle komthetho; nabo boke abone bangaphasi komthetho, bazokugwetjwa ngomthetho. Yeke akusibo abezwa umthetho abangabalungileko phambi kwakaZimu, kodwana ngabenza okutjhiwo mthetho, labo-ke ngibo abazokulungisiswa. Lokha abatjhili, abanganawo umthetho, nabaphetha okutjhiwo mthetho ngaphandle kokuyalwa, labo-ke, nanyana banganawo umthetho, bamthetho ngokwabo. Bayakhombisa bonyana lokho okufunwa mthetho kutlolwe ngeenhliziyweni zabo, okufakazelwa ngunembeza wabo, nemikhumbulo yabo evuthako iyabalahla namkha ibahlambulule ngelanga, ukuya ngokwevangeli lami, mhlana uZimu azokugweba ngalo imicabango efihlakeleko yabo boke, ngoJesu Krestu. Wena-ke ozibiza ngomJuda bese uthembela emthethweni bewuzigqaje ngokuba nobudlelwano noZimu, wazi intandwakhe bewuqunte nokobana ngikuphi okulungileko ngombana wena ukhamba ngomthetho; begodu unesiqiniseko sokobana umhlahli wesiphofu, umkhanyo walabo abasebumnyameni; umyali weendlhayela, umfundisi wabantwana, unalo loke ilwazi lomthetho neqiniso, alo-ke, wena ofundisa abanye, kubayini ungazifundisi wena na? Utjhumayela ngokujamelana nokweba khibe ngapha wena uyeba na? Wena ojamelene nokuhlobonga, uyahlobonga na? Wena onyenya abosingazimu, udlelezelelani amathempeli? Wena ozigqaja ngomthetho, uhlubukelani uZimu ngokwephula umthetho na? Iye, kutloliwe kwathiwa: “Ibizo lakaZimu liyahlanjalazwa phakathi kwabatjhili ngebanga lakho.” Ukusoka kunobubhadekelo nakube uphetha umthetho, kodwana nawephula umthetho, ukusoka kwakho semlunga ungakasoki. Yeke nakube labo abangakasoki baphetha okufunwa mthetho, ukungasoki kwabo akuzukuthathwa njengokusoka na? Ngalokho-ke abangakasoki enyameni kodwana abaphetha umthetho bazonilahla nina eninomthetho otloliweko begodu ninokusokwa kodwana nibe nephula umthetho. Umuntu akabi mJuda ngokubonakala ngaphandle, ngokunjalo nokusoka kwamambala akusikho okubonakalako nokwangaphandle. Kodwana umuntu uba mJuda ngaphakathi, ngokunjalo nokusoka kwamambala ngokwehliziyo, kuyinto kaMoya, akusingokwenyama. Umuntu onjalo ufunyana idumo kuZimu, ingasi ebantwini. Kusiza ngani ukuba mJuda namkha kuqakatheke ngani ukusoka na? Kusiza khulu ngazo zoke iindlela. Kokuthoma amaJuda aphathiswe umlayezo kaZimu. Alo, kwenzakalani nakube abanye azange bathembeke na? Ukungakholwa kwabo kuzakwenza bona ukwethembeka kwakaZimu kube lilize na? Nakanye! Nanyana woke umuntu amleyimala, uZimu yena uneqiniso njengombana kutloliwe kwathiwa: “Ukuze uhlanjululwe emezwinakho, uhlule ekugwebeni kwakho.” Kodwana nangabe ukungalungi kwethu kubonakalisa ukulunga kwakaZimu, sizokuthini na? Sithi uZimu akakalungi nasihlunguphaza ngetukuthelo na? (Ngikhuluma ngendlela yabantu). Nakanye! Nabegade kunjalo, uZimu ubezaligweba njani iphasi na? Kodwana nakube ngamangami iqiniso lakaZimu landisa iphazimulwakhe, ngisabekelwani-ke umlandu wokuba sisoni na? Kungebanga lani-ke singathi: “Asenzeni okumbi ukuze kuvele okuhle” na? Iye, sitjho njalo njengombana abantu abathileko nabasithukako bathi sitjho njalo. Abantwabo, ukulahlwa kwabo kubafanele. Alo-ke sizakuthini na? Sizakuthi singcono kunabanye na? Awa, nakanye, ngombana sele sibamangalele boke labo ngokuthi bangaphasi kwamandla wesono, okutjho umJuda nomGirigi, njengombana kutloliwe kwathiwa: “Akakho olungileko, ngitjho noyedwa tere. Akakho noyedwa olemukako, akakho noyedwa ofuna uZimu. Boke baphambukile, baphenduke baba msuqwa ndawonye. Akakho okhombisa isisa, akakho ngitjho noyedwa tere. Imiphimbo yabo imaliba avulekileko; basebenzisa amalimabo ukukhohlisa. Isihlungu seenyoka singaphasi kweembhena zabo. Imilomo yabo izele ukwethukana nobumunyu. Iinyawo zabo zimsinyana ekuthululeni iingazi. Icucu nesizi kusendlelenabo, indlela yokuthula abayazi. Ukwesaba uZimu akukho emehlwenabo.” Gadesi sele sisazi bona nanyana yini etjhiwo mthetho, imalungana nalabo abangaphasi komthetho ukuze yoke imilomo ithuliswe, nephasi loke libe nokuziphendulela kuZimu. Akunamuntu ozakulungisiswa phambi kwakhe ngemisebenzi etjhiwo mthetho ngombana emthethweni kuvela ilwazi lesono. Kodwana kwanjesi, ngaphandle komthetho, ukulunga kwakaZimu sele kwembuliwe, begodu kufakazelwa mthetho nabaphorofidi, ukulunga kwakaZimu ngokukholwa kuJesu Krestu kibo boke abakholwako. Nje-ke akunamehluko, ngombana boke bonile, batlhayelelwa yiphazimulo kaZimu. Kodwana kwanjesi sele balungisiswa ngomusakhe njengesipho ngokuhlengwa okukuKrestu Jesu, uZimu anikela ngaye njengomhlabelo wesono ngeengazi zakhe, ngokukholwa. Wakwenza lokho ukubonisa ukulunga kwakhe ngombana ngokubekezela kwakhe kobuZimu, azange abale izono ezenziwe phambilini. Lokho bekukubonisa kilesikhathi bonyana yena ngokwakhe ulungile begodu ulungisisa loyo okholwa kuJesu. Alo-ke kuphi ukuzigqaja na? Akubalwa nokubalwa. Ngamuphi umthetho na? Ngomthetho wemisebenzi? Awa, kodwana ngomthetho wokukholwa. Thina esiyiphetheko ngethi umuntu ulungisiswa ngokukholwa ngaphandle kwemisebenzi etjhiwo mthetho. Kghani uZimu lo nguZimu wamaJuda kwaphela na? Akasuye nowabatjhili na? Iye, nabatjhili unguZimabo, ngombana uZimu munye; begodu uzokulungisisa abasokileko ngeenzathu zokukholwa nabangakasoki ngakho ukukholwa lokho. Alo-ke, ingabe siyawulahla umthetho ngebanga lokukholwa lokhu na? Nakanye! Kodwana esikhundleni salokho siyawuhlonipha umthetho. Alo, sizakuthi yini ezuzwe ngu-Abrahamu ukhokho wethu ngokwenyama na? Yeke nangabe u-Abrahamu walungisiswa ngemisebenzi, khona-ke unakho angazigqaja ngakho kodwana ingasi phambi kwakaZimu. Umtlolo uthini na? Kanti awuthi: “U-Abrahamu wakholwa uZimu, nje-ke kwabalelwa kuye njengokulunga.” Nje-ke kiloyo osebenzako, umrholo awuthathwa njengesipho kodwana kuyinto eyifanelo yakhe. Kodwana kiloyo othi ngaphandle kwemisebenzi athembele kiloyo olungisisa abangakalungi, ukukholwa okunjalo kubalelwa bona kukulunga. Ngokunjalo uDavida ukhuluma ngokubusiseka kwalabo uZimu ababalele ukulunga ngaphandle kwemisebenzi wathi: “Babusisiwe labo abalitjalelwe iimphambeko zabo, abazono zabo ziditjizesiwe. Ubusisiwe loyo uSomnini angeze asambalela isono.” Alo kghani isibusiswesi siphezu kwabasokileko kwaphela namkha naphezu kwabangakasoki na? Thina sithi: Ukukholwa kwabalelwa u-Abrahamu njengokulunga. Alo-ke lokhu kwabalelwa njani kuye na? Bekungaphambi kobana asoke namkha ngemva kokusoka na? Bekungasi ngemva kokusoka kwakhe kodwana bekungaphambili. Wamukela itshwayo lokusoka njengesigibo sokulunga abe nakho ngokukholwa lokha nangakabi ukusoka. Ihloso bekukumenza ukhokho wabo boke abakholwa ngaphandle kobana basokwe, ngalokho-ke kwabalelwa kibo ukulunga. Yeke unguyise wabasokileko, iye, abangakasoki kwaphela kodwana ababuye balandele isibonelo sokukholwa ukhokho wethu u-Abrahamu aba nakho ngaphambi kobana asokwe. Isithembiso sokobana uzokuzuza iphasi azange size ku-Abrahamu namkha eenzukulwaneni zakhe ngomthetho kodwana seza ngokulunga okuza ngokukholwa. Nakube ngabanamathela emthethweni abazokuba ziindlalifa, khona-ke ukukholwa kulilize nesithembiso sidududu. Umthetho ubanga itukuthelo, kodwana lapha kunganamthetho khona, nokweqa akukho. Ngalokho-ke sekuya ngokukholwa ukuze isithembiso sinzinze emseni besiqinisekiswe kizo zoke iinzukulwana zakhe, ingasi kwaphela labo abanamathele emthethweni kodwana nakilabo abahlanganyela ukukholwa kwaka-Abrahamu (ngombana ungubaba wethu soke, njengombana kutloliwe kwathiwa: “Ngikwenze uyise wezizwe ezinengi.”) phambi koZimu amkholwako, onikela abafileko ipilo abe abize izinto ezingekho kobana zibe khona. Kwathi kunganathemba, yena waba nethemba, wakholwa bona uzokuba, “nguyise wezizwe ezinengi,” njengombana kwatjhiwo kuye kwathiwa: “Sizakuba njalo-ke isizukulwana sakho.” Azange abe buthakathaka ekukholweni lokha naqala umzimbakhe ebesele sewufana newofileko (ngombana besele pheze aneminyaka elikhulu ubudala) iye, nalokha nacabanga bona uSara uyinyumba. Akunasiqabo esamenza bona azaze isithembiso sakaZimu, kodwana waqina amandla ekukholweni kwakhe, wadumisa uZimu, anesiqiniseko ngokuzeleko bonyana uZimu unamandla wokwenza lokho akuthembisileko. Ngalokho-ke ukukholwa kwakhe “kwabalelwa kuye njengokulunga.” Nje-ke amezwi athi: “Kwabalelwa kuye”, ayengakatlolelwa yena yedwa, kodwana thina soke. Kuzakubalelwa kithi thina esikholwa kuye owavusa uJesu iKosethu ekufeni, owanikelwa ekufeni ngebanga leemphambeko zethu bewavuswa mayelana nokulungisiswa kwethu. Yeke njengombana sesilungisiswe ngokukholwa, sinokuthula noZimu ngeKosethu uJesu Krestu, esifunyene ngayo ubungeno emseni lo esidzimelele kiwo begodu siyazigqaja ethembeni lethu lokuhlanganyela ephazimulweni kaZimu. Akusikho lokho kwaphela, kodwana godu siyazigqaja ekuhluphekeni kwethu, sisazi bonyana ukuhlupheka kuveza ukubekezela, ukubekezela kuveza ukuziphatha, ukuziphatha kuveza ithemba, yeke ithemba alisidanisi ngombana ithando lakaZimu lithelwe ngeenhliziyweni zethu ngoMoya oCwengileko esinikelwe yena. Sathi sisesebuthakathaka, ngesikhathi esifaneleko uKrestu wafela abangakalungi. Ngambala, akukavami bona umuntu afele olungisisiweko, nanyana mhlambe kwenzeka bona umuntu angahle afele olungileko. Kodwana uZimu ubonise ithando lakhe kithi ngendlela yokobana sithe sisesezizoni, uKrestu wasifela. Khulukhulu-ke kwanjesi, njengombana sele silungisisiwe ngeengazi zakhe, sizakusindiswa ngaye elakeni lakaZimu. Nakube kwathi sisesezizitha, senziwa bona sibuyisane noZimu ngokufa kweNdodanakhe, kangangani-ke kwanjesi nasele sibuyisene naye, sizakusindiswa ngepilwakhe. Kodwana ngaphezu kwalokho, sibuye sizigqaje kuZimu ngeKosethu uJesu Krestu, ngayo esamukele ukubuyisana. Yeke njengombana isono seza ephasini ngomuntu munye, ukufa kwangena ngesono, ngaleyondlela ukufa kwadlulela kibo boke abantu ngombana boke bonile. Isono besivele sikhona ephasinapha umthetho ungakabikhona, kodwana isono asibalelwa nakube umthetho awukho. Khonapho ukufa kwaba namandla ukusukela ku-Adamu ukuya kuMosi, ngitjho naphezu kwalabo izono zabo ebezingafani nesiphambeko saka-Adamu omfuziselo waloyo obekazokuza. Kodwana isipho somusa asifani nesiphambeko. Nakube abanengi bafa ngebanga lesiphambeko somuntu oyedwa, wavama kangangani-ke umusa kaZimu kanye nesipho somusa esavela ngomuntu oyedwa, okunguJesu Krestu, phezu kwabanengi. Godu isipho somusa asifani nomphumela wesono somuntu munye; ngombana isigwebo eseza ngebanga lesiphambeko somuntu munye saletha ukulahlwa, kodwana isipho somusa eseza ngebanga leemphambeko zabanengi, saletha ukulungisiswa. Nakube, ngebanga lesiphambeko somuntu oyedwa, ukufa kwabusa ngaye oyedwa loyo, bazokuba namandla kangangani-ke labo abazakwamukela umusa omkhulu kanye nesipho somusa sokulunga phezu kwepilo ngomuntu oyedwa, onguJesu Krestu. Yeke njengombana isiphambeko somuntu oyedwa sarholela ekulahlweni kwabo boke, ngokunjalo-ke isenzo sokulunga somuntu oyedwa sirholela ekulungisisweni kanye nekuphileni kwabo boke. Njengombana ngokungalaleli komuntu oyedwa abantu abanengi baba zizoni, ngokunjalo-ke ngokulalela komuntu oyedwa, abanengi bazakwenziwa abalungileko. Kodwana umthetho wabekwa, ngaleyondlela ukuphambeka kwanda, nokho lapha kwande khona isono, nomusa uba kangako ukuze kuthi njengombana isono sabusa ngokufa, ngokunjalo-ke nomusa ubusa ngokulungisiswa okurholela ekuphileni okungapheliko ngoJesu Krestu iKosethu. Alo-ke sizakuthini na? Kufanele sirage siphile esonweni ukuze kuvame umusa na? Nakanye! Thina esesafa esonweni, singaraga njani siphile kiso na? Kghani anazi bonyana soke thina esabhabhadiselwa kuKrestu Jesu, sabhabhadiselwa ekufeni kwakhe na? Nje-ke sabulungwa kanye naye ngokubhabhadiselwa ekufeni ukuze kuthi njengombana uKrestu avuswa ekufeni ngephazimulo kaBaba, ngokunjalo nathi sikhambe epilweni etja. Nangabe besihlanganiswe naye ekufeni kwakhe, ngambala sizokuhlanganiswa naye nekuvukeni kwakhe. Siyazi bona umuntu wethu omdala wabethelwa naye esiphambanweni ukuze kuthi umzimba wesono ulahlwe, singabe sisaba makhoboka wesono ngombana nanyana ngubani ofileko, ukhululiwe emandleni wesono. Kodwana nakube sife noKrestu, siyakholwa bonyana sizokuphila naye. Siyazi bonyana njengombana uKrestu avuswa kabafileko, angekhe abuye afe godu, nokufa akusenawo amandla phezu kwakhe. Ukufa akufako, wakufela esonweni kwaba kanye; kodwana ukuphila akuphilako, ukuphila kuZimu. Ngokunjalo-ke nani kufanele nizithathe njengabafileko mayelana nesono, kodwana niphile kuZimu ngoKrestu Jesu. Nje-ke ningasavumeli isono bona sibuye sibuse imizimba yenu ebhubhako besinenze bona nithobele iinkanuko zayo. Ningabe nisanikela izitho zenu zomzimba esonweni kobana sizisebenzise njengeensetjenziswa zobukhohlakali, kodwana zinikeleni kuZimu njengalabo ababuyiswe ekufeni basiwa ekuphileni, ninikele izitho zemizimba yenu kuZimu njengeensetjenziswa zokulunga. Ngaleyondlela isono angeze sabusa phezu kwenu njengombana ningasingaphasi komthetho kodwana ningaphasi komusa. Alo sizakuthini na? Sizakona ngombana batjho asisingaphasi komthetho kodwana singaphasi komusa na? Nakanye! Kghani anazi bona lokha nanizinikela kinanyana ngubani njengamakhoboka alalelako, niba makhoboka waloyo enimthobelako na? Ningaba makhoboka wesono esirholela ekufeni namkha nibe makhoboka wokulalela okurholela ekulungisisweni. Kodwana akadunyiswe uZimu kobana nina enakhe naba makhoboka wesono, sele ningabalalelako ukuthoma ehliziyweni ukuya endleleni yesifundo enamukeliswa sona, nokobana nikhululiwe esonweni, naba makhoboka wokulunga. Ngikhuluma ngendlela ejayelekileko ngebanga lobuthakathaka benyama yenu. Njengombana nakhe nanikela izitho zenu njengamakhoboka wokusilapheleko esiphambekweni esikhulu khulu, nje-ke nikelani izitho zenu njengamakhoboka wokulunga kikho ukucwengiswa. Lokha nanisesemakhoboka wesono, benitjhaphulukile mayelana nokulunga. Alo, nazuzani nje ngezinto esele nineenhloni ngazo namhlanjesi na? Isiphetho sezintwezo kukufa. Kodwana gadesi njengombana sele nikhululiwe esonweni benaba makhoboka kaZimu nje, umvuzo eniwufunyanako kucwengiswa. Isiphetho salokho kuphila okungapheliko. Umvuzo wesono kukufa; kodwana isipho somusa kaZimu sikuphila okungapheliko ngoKrestu Jesu iKosethu. Bazalwana, ngikhuluma nalabo abazi umthetho; kghani anazi bonyana umthetho uba sibopho phezu komuntu, kwaphela umuntu loyo nasaphilako na? Ngaleyondlela umfazi ngokomthetho ubopheleleke endodenakhe qobana isaphila; kodwana yahlongakala, uyatjhatjhululwa emthethweni omayelana nendodakhe. Ekhabo lakhona, uzakubizwa bona sihlobongi nakube wenda kenye indoda khisibe yakhe isaphila. Kodwana nasele indodakhe ihlongakele, utjhaphulukile emthethweni lowo, nje-ke nakube wenda kenye indoda, akabi sihlobongi. Nakini-ke kunjalo, bazalwana; nafa emthethweni ngomzimba kaKrestu ukuze nibe ngewomunye, loyo owavuswa ekufeni ukuze sithelele uZimu iinthelo. Lokha nabesisaphila enyameni, iinkanuko zethu zokona, ebezivuswa mthetho, bezisebenza ezithweni zethu kobana sithele iinthelo zokufa. Kodwana kwanjesi sitjhatjhululiwe emthethweni, safa kilokho ebekusibophile ukuze sibe makhoboka angasi ngaphasi komthetho wakade otloliweko kodwana angaphasi kwepilo etja yakaMoya. Alo-ke sizakuthini na? Kghani sizakuthi umthetho usisono? Awa, nakanye! Nokho nagade kungasi ngebanga lomthetho, bengingekhe ngasazi isono. Bengingekhe ngazi bona kuyini ukukhanuka nabethana umthetho akhange uthi: “Ungakhanuki.” Kodwana isono safunyana ithuba ngomyalo, saveza kimi yoke imihlobo yekanuko. Ngaphandle komthetho, isono sife ukufa. Ngakhe ngaphila ngaphandle komthetho. Kodwana kwathi nakufika umyalo, isono savuka, yeke ngafa. Kwathi wona umyalo lowo obewufanele ungilethele ukuphila, wabonakala ukukufa kimi ngombana isono safunyana ithuba ngomyalo, sangilutha, bekwathi ngawo sangibulala. Nje-ke umthetho ucwengile nomyalo ucwengile, ulungile begodu muhle. Alo, kutjho bona lokho okuhle kwaletha ukufa kimi na? Awa, nakanye! Kwaba sisono esangena nokufa kimi ngokusebenzisa okuhle ukuze isono sibonakaliswe sisisono, begodu kuthi ngomyalo sibe sisono sakosono. Siyazi bona umthetho ungewokommoya, kodwana mina ngingowenyama, ngathengiselwa ebukhobokeni ngaphasi kwesono. Angizipheleli ngombana angenzi lokho engikuthandako, kodwana ngenza kanye lokho engingakufuniko. Nje-ke, nakube ngenza lokho engingakufuniko, kutjho bona ngiyavuma bonyana umthetho muhle. Emanyeni akusesengimi owenza lokho, kodwana ngikwenziswa sisono esikimi ngombana ngiyazi bona akunalitho elilungileko elihlala ngaphakathi kwami, lokho kusemvelwenami yenyama. Ngingathanda ukwenza okuhle kodwana ngiyabhalelwa bona ngikwenze ngombana angenzi okuhle engithanda ukukwenza, kodwana okumbi engingafuni ukukwenza, ngiyakwenza. Nangabe ngenza lokho engingathandi ukukwenza, khona-ke angizipheleli, ngenziswa sisono esihlala ngaphakathi kwami. Ngalokho-ke ngikufunyana kumthetho ongibusako wokobana nangifuna ukwenza okuhle, ubumbi bungilalele eduze. Emanyeni ngithatjiswa mthetho kaZimu ngaphakathi kwami, kodwana ngibona ezithweni zami kunomthetho omunye olwisana nomthetho womkhumbulwami, ungenza ngibe likhoboka lomthetho wesono ohlala ngaphakathi kwezitho zami. Maye mina ngilisizi! Ngubani ozongikhulula kilomzimba wokufa na? Akathokozwe uZimu ngoJesu Krestu iKosethu! Nje-ke ngomkhumbulwami ngilikhoboka emthethweni kaZimu, kodwana ngenyama yami ngilikhoboka emthethweni wesono. Yeke akusekho ukulahlwa kilabo abakuKrestu Jesu ngombana umthetho kaMoya wokuphila okuKrestu Jesu, ukukhululile emthethweni wesono newokufa. Lokho umthetho ogade unganamandla wokukwenza ngebanga lokwenziwa buthakathaka yimvelo yesono, uZimu wakwenza ngokuthumela iNdodanakhe ngobujamo bomuntu wokona kobana ibe mhlabelo wehlambululo ukuze okulungileko okufunwa mthetho kuzaliseke kithi, thina esingakhambi ngokwenyama kodwana ngokoMoya. Labo abaphila ngokwenyama babeka imikhumbulwabo ezintweni zenyama, kodwana abaphila ngokukaMoya babeka imikhumbulwabo kokukaMoya. Ukubeka umkhumbulo kokwenyama kukukufa, kodwana ukubeka umkhumbulo kokukaMoya kukuphila kanye nokuthula. Ngesizathweso-ke umkhumbulo osenyameni ulinaba kuZimu; awuthobeli umthetho kaZimu, ngambala angekhe wakghona ukuwuthobela. Labo ababuswa yinyama angekhe bamthokozisa uZimu. Kodwana nina anisisenyameni, nikuMoya ngombana uMoya kaZimu uhlala ngaphakathi kwenu. Umuntu onganaye uMoya kaKrestu akasuye wakaKrestu. Kodwana nangabe uKrestu ungaphakathi kwenu, nanyana umzimba wenu ufile ngebanga lesono, ummoya wenu unokuphila ngebanga lokulunga. Nangabe uMoya waloyo owavusa uJesu ekufeni, uphila ngaphakathi kwenu, loyo owavusa uKrestu ekufeni uzokunikela imizimba yenu ebhubhako ukuphila, ngaye uMoya ohlala ngaphakathi kwenu. Nje-ke bazalwana, sinesibopho kodwana ingasi enyameni kobana singabe siphile ngokufuna kwayo. Ngitjho ngombana naniphila ngokwenyama, nizokufa; kodwana naniphila ngokoMoya, nibulala izenzo ezimbi zomzimba, nizokuphila ngombana labo abarholwa nguMoya kaZimu, babantwana bakaZimu. Azange namukeliswe ummoya onenza bona nibe makhoboka godu benesabe, kodwana namukele uMoya onenza nibe bantwana bakaZimu. Yeke ngaye siyabiza sithi: “Aba, Baba!” UMoya ngokwakhe ufakazela ummoya wethu bonyana sibantwana bakaZimu. Nje-ke nakube sibantwana, kutjho bona siziindlalifa, iye, iindlalifa zakaZimu begodu siziindlalifa kanye noKrestu nakube ngambala sihlanganyela eenhluphekweni zakhe ukuze sihlanganyele naye ephazimulwenakhe. Ngiyaqinisa bonyana iinhlupheko zesikhathesi azisililitho nazilinganiswa nephazimulo esizokwambulelwa yona. Indalo ilindele ngetjisakalo yokulabalabela bona abantwana bakaZimu babonakaliswe. Yeke indalo yenziwa into enganamsebenzi, ingasi ngokwentando yayo, kodwana ngokwentando yaloyo oyenze yaba njalo, ngethemba lokobana indalo leyo ngokwayo izokutjhatjhululwa ekubotjhweni kwayo, ibole bese ilethwa ekululekweni ephazimulako yabantwana bakaZimu. Siyazi bona yoke indalo beyiquma inemirhelo bekube kunjesi; begodu ingasi indalo kwaphela, kodwana nathi ngokwethu, thina esineenthelo zokuthoma zakaMoya, sibubulela ngaphakathi khibe silindele ngetjisakalo ukwenziwa abantwana bakaZimu, okukuhlengwa kwemizimba yethu. Ngitjho ngombana sasindiswa ethembeni. Kodwana ithemba elibonwako akusilo ithemba ngombana ngubani onethemba ngento asele anayo na? Kodwana nasinethemba ngalokho esingakakuboni, sikulindela ngokunyamezela. Ngokunjalo uMoya uyasisiza ebuthakathakeni bethu ngombana asikwazi ekumele sikuthandazele. Kodwana uMoya ngokwakhe usithandazela ngokububula okungekhe kwahlathululwa ngamezwi. UZimu ohlola iinhliziyo, uyakwazi okusemkhumbulweni kaMoya ngombana uMoya uthandazela abacwengileko ngokwentando kaZimu. Siyazi bonyana kilabo abathanda uZimu, wenza bona koke kuhlangane bekubakhambele kuhle, iye, labo ababizwe ngokweminqopho yakhe. Labo uZimu abazi ngaphambilini, wabakhethela bona bafane nesibumbeko seNdodanakhe ukuze ibe lizibulo emndenini omkhulu. Labo abakhetha ngaphambilini, godu wababiza, nalabo ababizileko godu wabalungisisa, nalabo abalungisisako godu wabaphazimulisa. Alo sizakuthini ngezintwezi na? Nakube uZimu ujame ngakithi, ngubani-ke ongajamelana nathi na? Yena ongazange agodle iNdodanakhe, kodwana wayinikela ngebanga lethu soke, akazukusinikela koke ngayo na? Ngubani ongamangalela abakhethiweko bakaZimu na? NguZimu olungisisako. Ngubani olahla ngomlandu na? NguKrestu Jesu owafako, iye, owavuswa ekufeni, ohlezi ngesigomeni sakaZimu nosincengelako. Ngubani ongasihlukanisa nethando lakaKrestu na? Kghani ingaba kutlhaga, ziinkathazo, kuzunywa, yindlala, kutlhoga izambatho, yingozi namkha yisabula na? Njengombana kutloliwe kwathiwa: “Ngebanga lakho sibulawa imihla yoke, sesesifana nezimvu zokuhlatjwa.” Kodwana kikho koke lokho singaphezu kwabahluli ngaye owasithandako. Nje-ke ngineqiniso lokobana akunalitho, nanyana kungaba kukufa, kuphila, ziingilozi, babusi, zizinto ezikhona, zizinto ezizakubakhona, mibuso, kuphakama, kuzika, nanyana kungaba yini edaliweko ezasihlukanisa nethando lakaZimu kuKrestu Jesu iKosethu. Ngikhuluma iqiniso kuKrestu, angirhwayi amanga; nonembezami uyakuqinisa lokho ngoMoya oCwengileko, nangisithi nginokudabuka okukhulu nobuhlungu obungapheliko ehliziyweni yami. Ngitjho ngombana bengingafisa bona mina ngokwami ngithukwe bengijutjwe kuKrestu ngebanga labazalwana bami, iye iinhlobo zami ngenyama. Bona bama-Israyeli, baphiwe ukwenziwa abantwana bakaZimu, iphazimulo, iimvumelwano, ukunikelwa umthetho, ukulotjha kanye neenthembiso. Bayinzalo yabokhokho lapha kuvela khona uMesiya ngokwenyama, ongikho koke, obusiswe nguZimu isiphelani. Amen. Akusingathi ilizwi lakaZimu lihlulekile ngombana akusiwo woke ama-Israyeli angewakwa-Israyeli mbala. Begodu akusibo boke abantwana baka-Abrahamu abaziinzukulwana zakhe zamambala, kodwana “iinzukulwana zakho zizokuthiyelelwa ngo-Isaka.” Lokhu kutjho bonyana abantwana bakaZimu akusibo benyama kodwana bantwana besithembiso ababalelwa eenzukulwaneni ngombana nakhu okwatjhiwo sithembiso: “Ngesikhathi esifaneleko, ngaso lesisikhathi ngizakubuya, begodu noSara uzabe sele anendodana.” Akugcini lapho kwaphela, nakuRabega kwenzeka soneso lokha nagade azithwele abantwana bendoda yinye, engukhokho wethu u-Isaka. Khonapho kwathi bangakabelethwa namkha benze nanyana yini ehle namkha embi (ukuze umnqopho kaZimu wokukhetha uragele phambili ingasi ngokwemisebenzi kodwana ngokubizwa kwakhe) uRabega watjelwa kwathiwa: “Omkhulu uzakukhothamela omncani”, njengombana umtlolo uthi: “UJakopo ngamthanda, kodwana u-Esewu ngamlahla.” Alo, sizakuthini na? Sizakuthi uZimu akakalungi? Awa, nakanye! Angithi wathi kuMosi: “Ngizokurhawukela engimrhawukelako, ngizwele engimzwelako.” Yeke akuyi ngentando yomuntu namkha ngamandlakhe, kodwana kuya ngomusa kaZimu ngombana umtlolo uthi kuFaro: “Ngakwenyusela khona lokhu kobana ngiveze amandlami ngawe nokobana ibizo lami libatjazwe kilo loke iphasi.” Yeke urhawukela afuna ukumrhawukela, enze bukhuni afuna ukumenza bukhuni. Wena-ke uzakuthi kimi: “Alo-ke, usasolelani na? Ngubani ongajamelana nentando yakhe na?” Kodwana ungubani-ke wena kobana ungaphendulana noZimu na? Okubunjiweko kungatjho njani kumbumbi ukuthi: “Ungibumbeleni ngaba nje na?” Umbumbi akanalo ilungelo phezu komdaka na? Angithi ngawo umdaka lowo angabumba isitja esikhethekileko godu enze esinye esingakakhetheki? Sizakwazi ngani nakube uZimu, ngokuthanda ukubonisa ubukhali bakhe kanye nokwazisa amandlakhe, ubekezelele khulu ngesineke izitja afanele azithukuthelele, ezibekelwe ukubhujiswa na? Sizakwazi ngani bona mhlambe wenze lokho ukuze kuthi lezo azibekele umusa, iye lezo azilungiselele umusa phambilini, azazise umnono wephazimulwakhe ayilungiselela zona na? Iye, kufaka ngitjho nathi asibizileko, ingasi hlangana namaJuda kwaphela kodwana naphakathi kwabatjhili. Kunjengobana asitjho kuHosiya: “Abantu ebekungasibo bami, ngizababiza bona ngebami, naloyo obekangathandeki ngithi ‘unguthandiwe’.” “Nendaweni lapho kwathiwa kibo, “ ‘Anisibo abantu bami,’ lapho bazakubizwa bona babantwana bakaZimu ophilako.” U-Isaya umemezela ngo-Israyeli uthi: “Nanyana isibalo sama-Israyeli besingangetjhwabatjhwaba yelwandle, misalela kwaphela ezakusindiswa. Ngombana uSomnini uzosiphetha isigwebo sakhe ephasinapha ngokurhaba nangokuphelelisa.” Kunjengombana u-Isaya atjhwile ngaphambilini ukuthi: “Nakube uSomnini uMninimandla woke ubengakasitjhiyeli isizukulwana, besizokuba njengeSodoma, sifane neGomora.” Alo, sizakuthini na? Abatjhili abangazange batjhabatjhekele ukulungisiswa, bakufumene, okutjho ukulungisiswa ngokukholwa, kodwana ama-Israyeli ebegade atjhabatjhekela ukulungisiswa ngomthetho, azange aphumelele ukuthobela umthetho lowo. Ngebanga lani na? Ngebanga lokobana angazange akutjhabatjhekele ngokukholwa kodwana kwaba inga kungokwezenzo zawo. Akhutjwa elitjeni elisikhubekiso, njengombana kutlolwe kwathiwa: “Qalani, ngibeka eZiyoni, ilitje elizokwenza abantu bakhubeke, idwala elizobenza bawe, nje-ke loyo okholwa kuye, angeze ajabhiswa.” Bazalwana bami, isifiso sehliziywami kanye nomthandazwami kuZimu kukobana ama-Israyeli asindiswe. Ngingafakaza bonyana anetjisakalo ngoZimu, kodwana akanawo umkhanyo. Ngokungayeleli kwawo ukulunga okuvela kuZimu, afuna ukuzenzela kwawo, azange azinikele ekulungeni kwakaZimu. Isiphetho somthetho nguKrestu ukuze kube nokulungisiswa kwabo boke abakholwako. UMosi uhlathulula ukulunga okuza ngomthetho bunje: “Umuntu owenza izintwezi uzokuphila ngazo.” Kodwana ukulunga okuvela ngokukholwa kuthi: “Ungadlumbani uthi, ‘Ngubani ozakwenyukela ezulwini na?’ ” (okutjho bona ayokwewula uKrestu), “namkha udlumbane uthi, ‘Ngubani ozakwehlela kabafileko na?’ ” (okutjho bona ayokwenyusa uKrestu ekufeni). Kodwana kuthini na? Kuthi: “Ilizwi lihlanu kwakho, lingemlonyenakho nangehliziywenakho.” Iye, ilizwi lokukholwa esilitjhumayelako. Lokha nawuvuma ngomlomakho bona uJesu uyiKosi, bewukholwe ngehliziywakho bona uZimu wamvusa kabafileko, uzokusindiswa ngombana ukholwa ngehliziyo, ulungisiswe; uvume ngomlomo, usindiswe. Umtlolo uthi: “Loyo okholwa kuye akasoze arhubutjhwa.” Akunamehluko phakathi komJuda nomGirigi ngombana uSomnini unguSomnini wabo boke begodu unesisa kibo boke ababiza ibizo lakhe. Nje-ke: “Boke ababiza ibizo lakaSomnini bazokusindiswa.” Kodwana bangambiza njani nabangazange bakholwe kuye na? Begodu bangakholwa njani kuye nabangazange khebezwe ngaye na? Godu bazakuzwa njani ngaphandle kobana kube khona otjhumayela ngaye na? Bazokutjhumayela njani ngaye nakube abakathunywa na? Njengombana kutloliwe kwathiwa: “Maye zithandeka kangangani iinyawo zalabo abaletha iindaba ezimnandi!” Kodwana akusibo boke abalalele umlayezwethu ngombana u-Isaya wathi: “Somnini, ngubani okholwe umlayezwethu na?” Nje-ke, ukukholwa kuvela ngokuzwa nokuzwa kuvela elizwini lakaKrestu. Kodwana ngiyabuza-ke: Abakezwa na? Mbala bezwile ngombana, “Amaphimbo wabo azwakele ephasini loke; namezwabo emaphethelweni womhlaba.” Godu ngiyabuza ngithi: “U-Israyeli akakazwisisi na?” Kokuthoma uMosi uthi: “Ngizonivusela isikhwele ngalabo abangasiso isizwe, nginithukuthelise ngesizwe esisidlhadlha.” U-Isaya ukhuluma ngesibindi uthi: “Ngifunyenwe ngabangazange bangifune, ngaziveza kabangazange bangibawe.” Kodwana ngo-Israyeli uthi: “Imini yoke ngilulele izandla zami ebantwini abangalaleliko nabanekani.” Nje-ke ngiyabuza ngithi: UZimu ulahle abantu bakhe na? Awa, nakanye. Mina ngokwami ngimIsrayeli, isizukulwana saka-Abrahamu, ilunga lekoro kaBhenjamini. UZimu akakalahli abantu bakhe ebekaseze abazi kwaphambilini. Anazi bona umtlolo uthini ngo-Elija na? Angithi wamangalela ama-Israyeli kuZimu ngokuthi: “Somnini, babulele abaphorofidi bakho, bagiriza nama-aldarakho; sekusele mina ngedwa, nje-ke bazumana nepilwami.” Kodwana yathini ipendulo kaZimu kuye na? Angithi yathi: “Ngizibulungele abaziinkulungwana ezilikhomba abangazange bakhothamele uBhali.” Kusesenjalo nanamhlanjesi, kunemisalela ekhethwe ngomusa. Kodwana nakube kungomusa, khona-ke akusese ngenca yemisebenzi, nakungasinjalo umusa awusazokuba mumusa. Alo, sizakuthini na? U-Israyeli wahluleka ukufumana lokho ebegade akufuna. Abakhethiweko bona bakufumana, kodwana inengi lenziwa laba likhuni, njengombana kutloliwe kwathiwa: “UZimu wabanikela ummoya wobuthongo, amehlo angaboniko neendlebe ezingezwako bekube kunamhlanjesi.” NoDavida uthi: “Itafula labo alibe sisifu nesirarejo, iye, isiqabo nesikhubekiso kibo! Amehlwabo akafiphazwe ukuze angaboni, imihlana yabo ayihlale ibhesile.” Godu ngabuza ngathi: Bakhutjiwe bebabhusukela phasi na? Awa, nakanye! Kodwana ngokukhutjwa kwabo, ukusindiswa kuze kabatjhili ukuze kuvuselwe u-Israyeli isikhwele. Kodwana nakube ukuphambeka kwabo kumnono wephasini, nokuhlulwa kwabo kumnono kabatjhili, uzakuba ngangani-ke umnono ozakulethwa kupheleliswa kwabo! Ngikhuluma nani nina abatjhili. Njengombana ngimpostoli wabatjhili nje, ngiyawazisa umsebenzi lo, ukuze ngivusele abantu bekhethu isikhwele, ngalokho ngisindise abanye babo. Nakube ukulahlwa kwabo kukubuyisana kwabantu bephasi noZimu, kuzokuba yini-ke ukwamukelwa kwabo na? Kghani kuzakuba kuphila kwabafileko na? Nakube ingcenye yehlama enikelwe njengesilumo icwengile, khona-ke ihlama yoke icwengile; nakube umrabhu ucwengile, khona-ke neengala zicwengile. Kodwana nakube iingala ezithileko bezephuliwe, kwathi wena olihlumela le-oliva yemmangweni, wahlonyelelwa esikhundleni sazo, wahlanganyela emrajini onothileko womuthi we-oliva, ungazikhukhumezi eengalenezo. Nakube uyazikhukhumeza, khumbula bonyana akusuwe othwele umrabhu kodwana mrabhu othwele wena. Uzakuthi: “Kwaquntwa iingala ukuze kuhlonyelelwe mina.” Iye, lokho kuliqiniso. Zaquntwa ngebanga lokungakholwa kwazo, kodwana wena ujame ngebanga lokukholwa kwaphela. Nje-ke ungazikhukhumezi, kodwana jama ngokwesaba. Nakube uZimu azange ababalele iingala zemvelo, nawe angeze akubabalela. Qalani-ke ukulunga nobukhali bakaZimu: ubukhali bukilabo abawileko, kodwana umusa ukuwe kwaphela nawuragela phambili ngokuphila ekulungeni kwakhe; nakungasinjalo nawe uzakuquntwa. Ngitjho nalabo abamaJuda nakube abaphikeleli ekungakholwini kwabo, bazakuhlonyelelwa ngombana uZimu unamandla wokubahlomelela godu. Nakube uquntwe kilokho okumumuthi wama-oliva wommango ngemvelo bewahlonyelelwa emthini wama-oliva otjaliweko, ngokuphambene nemvelo, kuzokuba kangangani-ke eengaleni zemvelo lezi nazibuye zihlonyelelwe emthinazo wama-oliva na? Angithandi bazalwana bona ningabi nelwazi ngefihlakalo le ukuze ningakhohliseki: ukukhunyalala kwehlele ingcenye ka-Israyeli kufikela lapha isibalo esipheleleko sabatjhili singena khona soke. Nje-ke woke u-Israyeli uzokusindiswa njengombana kutloliwe kwathiwa: “EZiyoni kuzakuvela uMsindisi; afike aqede ukungalungi kuJakopo. Lesi-ke sivumelwano sami nabo, lokha nangisusa izono zabo.” Mayelana nevangeli-ke amaJuda azizitha ngebanga lenu, kodwana ngokokukhethwa, athandiwe ngebanga labobamkhulwawo ngombana uZimu nakupha izipho, nalokha nakubizileko, akabuyi akwemuke. Njengombana nakhe naba ngabangalaleli uZimu, namukeliswe umusa ngebanga lokungalaleli kwabo, nabo-ke babe ngabangalaleliko ukuze nabo bamukeliswe umusa ngebanga lomusa kaZimu kini. UZimu uvalele boke abantu ekungalalelini ukuze abe nomusa kibo boke. Maye, uzike kangangani umnono wokuhlakanipha kanye nelwazi lakaZimu! Iingwebo zakhe aziphenyeki, neendlela zakhe azilemukeki. Njengombana umtlolo ocwengileko uthi: “Ngubani owakhe wazi umkhumbulo kaSomnini? Ngubani owakhe waba mluleki wakhe na? Ngubani owakhe wamupha isipho ukuze naye aphiwe na?” Ngambala zoke izinto zavela kuye, zavela ngaye begodu zingezakhe. Akube kuye idumo ngokungapheliko! Amen. Nje-ke bazalwana, ngebanga lesirhawu sakaZimu ngiyanirabhela bonyana ninikele imizimba yenu ibe mihlabelo ephilako, ecwengileko nethandekako kuZimu. Lokhu kukulotjha kwenu okwamukelekako. Ningaziphathi njengokwemikhuba yephaseli, kodwana tjhugululwani ngokwenziwa kabutjha emikhumbulweni yenu ukuze nikghone ukuhlukanisa okuyintando kaZimu; okuhle, okwamukelekako nokupheleleko. Ngomusa engiwuphiweko ngithi kini noke: Ningaziphatheli phezulu ngaphezu kwalokho eningikho, kodwana ziphatheni ngokuzigoba ukuya ngokwesilinganiso sokukholwa enikuphiwe nguZimu. Njengombana emzimbeni munye sinamalungu amanengi, ngokunjalo amalungu lawo akenzi umsebenzi ofanako woke njalo. Nje-ke thina esibanengi emzimbeni munye kuKrestu, ngamunye ngamunye simalunga womunye nomunye. Sinezipho ezahlukeneko ukuya ngokomusa esiwuphiweko. Ophiwe ukuphorofida, akaphorofide ngokwesilinganiso sokukholwa kwakhe; ophiwe ukusebenza, akasebenze; ophiwe ukufundisa, akafundise; ophiwe ukuyala, akayale; ophiwe ukupha, akaphe ngokungagodli; ophiwe ukurhola, akarhole ngokukhuthala nophiwe ukurhawukela abanye, akakwenze ngethabo. Ithando alibe ngelamambala; nyenyani ubumbi, nikakarele kokuhle. Thandanani khulu ngethando lobuzalwana, niphalisane ngokuhloniphana. Ningatlhayelelwa yitjisakalo kodwana hlalani nivutha emmoyeni, nilotjhe iKosi. Thabani ethembeni, nibekezele eenhluphekweni, nikhuthale emthandazweni. Hlanganyelani eendingweni zabacwengileko, niphathe kuhle abayeni. Busisani labo abanizumako, iye, babusiseni ningabanikeleli. Thabani kanye nalabo abathabileko, nilile kanye nalabo abalilako. Philisanani ngokuzwana, ningazikhukhumezi, kodwana zimanyaniseni nabathobekileko. Ningazenzi inga nihlakaniphe ukudlula lokho eningikho. Ningabuyiseli ubumbi ngobumbi, kodwana nakani okuhle phambi kwabo boke abantu. Nakukghonekako ngokusemandlenenu, philisanani ngokuthula nabo boke abantu. Bazalwana ningazibuyiseleli, kodwana nikelani itukuthelo kaZimu ithuba ngombana kutloliwe kwathiwa: “Ukubuyiselela kungokwami, ngizokubuyiselela.” Kutjho uSomnini. Esikhundleni salokho, umtlolo uthi: “Nakube isitha sakho silambile, siphe ukudla sigome; nakube somile, siphe amanzi sisele. Ngokwenza njalo, uzabe inga udindela amalahle avuthako ehlokwaso.” Ungabindwa bubumbi kodwana wena kumele ubinde ubumbi ngobuhle. Akube ngiloyo naloyo athobele ababusi ngombana awukho umbuso ongaveli kuZimu. Imibuso ekhona le ibekwe nguZimu. Nje-ke nanyana ngubani ophikisana namandla wombuso, uphikisana nalokho okujanyiswe nguZimu. Labo abaphikisako bazakufumana isigwebo. Ababusi abesabeki kilabo abaziphethe kuhle kodwana besabeka kilabo abaziphethe kumbi. Ungathanda bona ungabi nevalo nawubona isiphathimandla na? Khona-ke yenza okulungileko, sizakudumisa ngombana umbusi uyinceku kaZimu ukuze kube kuhle kuwe. Kodwana nawenza okumbi, uzokuphila ngevalo ngombana umbusi akayiphatheli ilize isabula. Uyinceku kaZimu kobana ahlunguphaze labo abenza ubumbi. Ngesizathweso-ke kufanele umuntu azithobe, ingasi ngokwesabela ukuhlunguphazwa kwaphela kodwana nangebanga lakanembeza. Kungakho nikhupha nemithelo nje, ngombana ababusi baziinsebenzi zakaZimu eziqalene nomsebenzi wona lo. Banikeleni koke okubafaneleko, khuphani umthelo kofanelwe mthelo, ingeniso kofanelwe lingeniso, ihlonipho kofanelwe yihlonipho nedumo kofanelwe lidumo. Ningabi nomlandu wokubamba umuntu ilitho, ngaphandle komlandu wokuthandana ngombana loyo othanda omunye sele awuzalisile umthetho ngokwenza njalo. Imiyalo ethi: “Ungahlobongi, ungabulali, ungebi, ungafisi komunye” kanye neminye imiyalo ekhona, ihlanganiswe yoke emyalweni owodwa othi: “Thanda umakhelwanakho njengombana uzithanda wena.” Ithando alimtjhapheli umakhelwana, ngalokho ithando likuzaliseka komthetho. Yenzani lokhu ngokuzwisisa isikhathi sanje. Isikhathi sesifikile sokobana nivuke ebuthongweni benu ngombana isindiswethu sele iseduze khulu kunangesikhathi esathoma ukukholwa ngaso. Ubusuku sebuyadlula, ukukhanya sekutjhidele. Yeke asibekeleni ngeqadi izenzo zobumnyama, sihlome iinkhali zokukhanya. Asiziphatheni ngokuhloniphekileko njengemini, kungabi ngokurhiribidela nokudakwa, kungabi ngobufebe nangamanyala begodu kungabi ngokucabana nangomona. Esikhundleni salokho, yembathani iKosi uJesu Krestu, ninganikeli inyama ithuba lokwanelisa iinkanuko zayo. Yamukelani loyo onokukholwa okutekatekako ngaphandle kokumgweba ngokunande niphikisana naye. Ukukholwa komuntu omunye kumvumela bona agome nanyana yini, kodwana omunye onokukholwa okutekatekako uzigomela imirorho kwaphela. Umuntu ogoma koke akangamqaleli phasi loyo okhethako. Naloyo ongagomi koke angamgwebi loyo osogoma yoke into ngombana naye uZimu umamukele. Ungubani-ke wena bona ungazokugweba inceku yomunye umuntu na? Ukujama nokuwa kwayo kukumniniyo. Izakujama ngombana iKosi inamandla wokuyenza bona ijame. Omunye umuntu uthi ilanga elinye liqakathekile kunelinye, omunye uthi woke amalanga ayafana. Ngiloyo naloyo akazanelise ehliziywenakhe. Loyo onelanga alihloniphako, ulihloniphela ukudumisa iKosi. Naloyo ogoma inyama, uyigomela iKosi ngombana uthokoza uZimu. Naloyo ongagomiko, lokho ukwenzela iKosi begodu uthokoza uZimu. Akakho noyedwa wethu oziphilelako, kanti-ke godu akakho noyedwa ozifelako ngombana nasiphilako, siphilela iKosi nalokha nasifako sifela iKosi. Nje-ke nanyana siyaphila namkha siyafa, singebeKosi. Ngesizathweso uKrestu wafa, wabuye waphila godu ukuze abe yiKosi yabafileko nabaphilako. Alo, umgwebelani-ke umfowenu na? Namkha kubayini uqalela umfowenu phasi na? Soke nje sizokujama phambi kwesihlalo sokugweba sakaZimu ngombana kutloliwe kwathiwa: “Ngizifunga ngokwami.” Kutjho uSomnini. “Woke amadolo azokuguqa phambi kwami namalimu woke adumise uZimu.” Nje-ke omunye nomunye wethu uzoziphendulela kuZimu. Nje-ke asiliseni ukugwebana, kodwana endaweni yalokho tjhugululani imikhumbulwenu, ningabeki isiqabo namkha isisitho endleleni yomfowenu. Ngiyazi begodu ngikholisekile eKosini uJesu bonyana akunanto esilaphele ngokwayo, kodwana iba ngesilapheleko kiloyo ocabanga bonyana isilaphele. Nakube umzalwana wakho ukhubekiswa ngilokho okugomako, khona-ke awusakhambi ethandweni. Ungavumeli bona lokho okugomako kubhubhise loyo amfelako uKrestu. Yeke ukulunga kwakho akungathathwa njengobumbi ngombana umbuso kaZimu awusi kugoma nokusela, kodwana kulunga, kuthula nokuthokoza kuMoya oCwengileko. Nje-ke loyo olotjha uKrestu, wamukelekile kuZimu begodu nabantu bayamvuma. Ngalokho-ke asirhulupheleni lokho okuletha ukuthula nokwakhana. Ungatjhabalalisi umsebenzi kaZimu ngebanga lokudla. Iye, ije koke ukudla kuhlwengile, kodwana akukalungi kobana wena uwise abanye ngalokho okugomako. Kuhle ukuzigoba ungagomi inyama, ungaseli iwayini namkha ungenzi nanyana yini ezokubangela bona umzalwana wakho akhubeke. Ukukholwa onakho akube yindabakho noZimu. Babusisiwe labo abanganasizathu sokuzilahla ngebanga lalokho abakubona kukuhle. Kodwana labo abazazako bayalahlwa nakube bayagoma ngombana nabenza njalo bakhombisa ukungakhambi ngokukholwa. Nanyana yini engaveli ekukholweni isisono. Thina esidzimeleleko kufanele sinyamezelele ukuhluleka kwabatekatekako, singazithabisi thina sodwa. Ngiloyo naloyo wethu akathabise umakhelwanakhe, kube kuhle kuye, naye akheke. UKrestu azange azithabise yena kwaphela, kodwana njengombana kutloliwe kwathiwa: “Iinhlamba zabakuthukako, ziwele phezu kwami.” Koke okwatlolwa ngaphambilini kwatlolelwa ukusifundisa ukuze kuthi ngokunyamezela nangokukhuthazeka kwemitlolo, sibe nethemba. Sengathi uZimu wokubekezela newokukhuthazeka anganipha ukuphilisana ngokuzwana ngokukaKrestu Jesu ukuze kuthi ngahliziyonye nangelizwi linye nidumise uZimu, uYise weKosethu uJesu Krestu. Yamukelanani njengombana uKrestu anamukela ukuze kudunyiswe uZimu. Ngiyanitjela ngithi uKrestu waba yinceku yabasokileko ngebanga leqiniso lakaZimu ukuze aqinise iinthembiso ezanikelwa abokhokho, nokobana abatjhili badumise uZimu ngebanga lesirhawu sakhe njengombana kutloliwe kwathiwa: “Nje-ke ngizakudumisa Somnini, hlangana nezizwe; ngibhine iingoma zokudumisa ebizweni lakho.” Godu uthi: “Thabani nina abatjhili nikanye nabantu bakhe.” Godu kwathiwa: “Dumisani uSomnini, noke nina abatjhili; abantu boke abamdumise.” Godu umphorofidi u-Isaya wabuye wathi: “Ipande yakaJese izakuza, iye, loyo ophakamela ukubusa abatjhili. Abatjhili bazakuba nethemba kuye.” Sengathi uZimu wethemba anganizalisa ngethabo loke kanye nokuthula ekukholweni ukuze nande ethembeni, ngamandla kaMoya oCwengileko. Ngizizwa nginethemba ngani bazalwana bami kobana nina ngokwenu nizele beniphelele ngelwazi nelemuko begodu niyakwazi ukuyalana. Nokho-ke nginitlolele ngesibindi kamanye amaphuzu ngokunikhumbuza ngebanga lomusa engiwuphiwe nguZimu kobanyana ngibe yinceku kaKrestu Jesu kabatjhili. Ngiphiwe umsebenzi wobuphristi bona ngimemezele ivangeli lakaZimu ukuze abatjhili babe mnikelo owamukelekako kuye, bacwengiswe ngoMoya oCwengileko. Yeke ngiyazigqaja kuKrestu Jesu emsebenzinami engiwenzela uZimu. Ngalokho angizukuvelela, ngikhulume ngananyana yini ngaphandle kwalokho uKrestu akwenze ngami kobana ngizuze ukuzithoba kwabatjhili ngamezwi nangezenzo, ngamandla weembonakaliso nemikarisomraro, ngamandla kaMoya kaZimu ukuze ngitjhumayele ivangeli lakaKrestu ukusuka eJerusalema ukuya mazombe ne-Iluriko. Bekuseze kuyitjisakalo yami ukutjhumayela ivangeli lapha uKrestu angakaziwa khona ukuze ngingakheli esisekelweni somunye njengombana umtlolo usithi: “Labo abangazange khebatjelwe ngaye bazakubona nalabo abangazange khebezwe ngaye bazakulemuka.” Ngilokho-ke ebekuseze kungibamba kanenginengi ukuza kini. Kodwana kwanjesi, njengombana kungasekho indawo ekumele ngisebenze kiyo eemfundenezi nje, begodu njengombana sele kuminyaka eminengi ngiseze ngihlulukela ukuza kini, ngihlela ukuzonibona lokha nangiya eSipeyini. Nginethemba lokobana ngizazonibona nangidlulako nginikhombele bona ningisize ekhambeni lami lapho nasele ngihlezahlezi nani isikhatjhana. Nokho-ke khona nje ngisaya eJerusalema ukuyokusiza abacwengileko lapho ngombana bathaba kwamambala beMasedoniya nebe-Arhaya ukubuthelela umnikelo wokusiza abadududu eJerusalema. Bakuthabela khulu ukwenza lokho begodu ngambala bebafanele babenzele ngombana nakube abatjhili bahlanganyela eembusisweni zamaJuda zakaMoya, kumele bahlanganyele namaJuda eembusisweni zabo zenyama. Nje-ke nasele ngiwuqedile umsebenzi lo, begodu sele ngiqinisekisile bonyana bafunyana iinthelo lezi, ngizokuya eSipeyini ngidlule nginibona. Ngiyazi bona lokha nangiza kini, ngizokuza ngokuphelela kwesibusiso sakaKrestu. Ngiyanincenga bazalwana, ngeKosi yethu uJesu Krestu nangethando lakaMoya kobana nihlanganyele nami ekutjhabatjhekeni kwami ngokungithandazela kuZimu. Iye, thandazani bonyana ngiphephe kabangakholwako eJudiya nokobana umsebenzami eJerusalema wamukeleke kabacwengileko lapho ukuze kuthi ngentando kaZimu, ngize kini ngethabo ngiphumule kanye nani. Sengathi uZimu wokuthula angaba nani noke. Amen. Ngiyambuka kini udadwethu uFuwebe, oyinceku yebandla leKhengirheriya. Ngibawa bona nimamukele eKosini njengokufanele abacwengileko, nimsize ngakho koke angahle akudinge kini ngombana ube lisizo elikhulu kabanengi, nakimi. Ngilotjhiselani kuPriska no-Akuyila, ababasebenzi kanye nami kuKrestu Jesu, ababeka ipilwabo engozini ngebanga lami. Akusimi ngedwa obathokozako kodwana namabandla woke wabatjhili ayabathokoza. Ngilotjhiselani nebandleni elihlanganyela emzini wabo. Yeningilotjhisele nemnganini wami othandekako u-Epayinetosi okwaba nguye umuntu wokuthoma esifundeni se-Asiya owatjhugulukela kuKrestu. Lotjhisani nakuMariya, owanisebenzela kabudisi. Lotjhisani u-Andronikha noJuniyasi abaziinhlobo zami ebengibotjhwe nabo. Baziwa khulu hlangana nabapostoli ngombana bona batjhugulukela kuKrestu qangi kunami. Ningilotjhisele ku-Ampliyatusi, engimthanda khulu eKosini. U-Uribanosi osisebenzi kanye nathi kuKrestu naye nimlotjhise kanye nomngani othandekako uStarhisi. Lotjhisani u-Aphelesi ozizinywe bewamukeleka kuKrestu. Lotjhisani nakebomndeni ka-Aristobulusi nakuHerodiyona isihlobo sami. Nilotjhise nakebomndeni kaNarikisu abaseKosini. Ningilotjhisele nakuTrayifina noTrayifosa abaziinsebenzi eKosini. Ningakhohlwa uPherisisi othandekako naye osebenza nzima eKosini. Ngilotjhiselani kuRufusi okhethiweko eKosini nakunina obekaseze angumma nakimi. Ningilotjhisele ku-Asugikritusi, uFlegoni, uHerimesi, uPatrobhasi, uHerimasi kanye nabazwalana abanabo. Lotjhisani uFilologosi, uJuliya, uNeriyusi nodadwabo, u-Olimpasi nabo boke abacwengileko abakanye nabo. Lotjhisanani ngokukhethekileko. Amabandla woke kaKrestu ayanilotjhisa. Ngiyanincenga bazalwana bona nibayelele labo ababanga ukwahlukana bese banibekela iinqabo endleleni yenu eziphikisana nesifundo enisifundileko. Khambelani kude nabo ngombana abantu abanjalo abalotjhi iKosethu uKrestu, kodwana balotjha izisu zabo. Boke sebezwile ngokuzithoba kwenu, nje-ke ngithabe khulu kwamambala ngani. Kodwana ngithanda bona nihlakaniphe kokuhle, nibe msulwa kokumbi. Akusesekude bona uZimu wokuthula aqhoboze uSathana ngaphasi kweenyawo zenu. Sengathi umusa weKosi yethu uJesu ungaba nani. Uyalotjhisa kini uThimothi esibambisene naye kanye noLukiyasi, uJasoni noSosipatrosi abaziinhlobo zami. Mina Teritiyusi omtloli wencwadi le, ngiyanilotjhisa eKosini. UGayusi osiphethe kuhle khulu nebandla loke lapha, naye uyalotjhisa. U-Erastusi omphathisikhwama wedorobhenapha kanye nomzalwana wethu uKwaritosi nabo bayalotjhisa. Sengathi umusa weKosi yethu uJesu Krestu ungaba nani noke. Amen. Kuye onamandla wokuniqinisa ngevangeli lami kanye nokutjhunyayelwa kwakaJesu Krestu, ngokwesambulo sefihlakalo ebeyiseze ifihlakele kusukela ekadeni, kodwana kwanjesi esele yembuliwe bekwathi ngemitlolo yabaphorofidi, yaziswa kizo zoke izizwe ukuya ngomyalo kaZimu wanini nanini, ukuletha ukuzithoba kokukholwa, iye, kuye okunguye yedwa uZimu ohlakaniphileko, akube lidumo isiphelani ngoJesu Krestu! Amen. UPowula obizelwe ekubeni mpostoli kaKrestu Jesu ngokwentando kaZimu kanye nomfowethu uSosithenesi, kilo ibandla lakaZimu eKorinte, kilabo abacwengisiweko kuKrestu Jesu bebabizelwa ekucwengeni, bakanye nabo boke abakizo zoke iindawo, ababiza ibizo leKosi uJesu Krestu oyiKosabo neyethu: Akube kini umusa nokuthula okuvela kuZimu uBaba neKosini uJesu Krestu. Ngihlala ngimthokoza uZimu ngani ngebanga lomusa wakhe eninikelwe wona kuKrestu Jesu, ukuze kuthi ezintweni zoke ninjinge ngokwekulumo nangelwazi lenu loke ngombana ubufakazi bethu ngoKrestu baqiniswa kini. Ngalokho azange nitlhayelelwe ngitjho nangesisodwa isipho sakaMoya ekulindeni kwenu ngokuncama ukubonakaliswa kweKosi uJesu Krestu. IKosi izoniqinisa bekube sekupheleni ukuze ningabi nomlandu ngelanga leKosi yethu uJesu Krestu. Uthembekile uZimu owanibizela ebudlelwaneni neNdodana yakhe, uJesu Krestu iKosi yethu. Ngiyanirabhela bazalwana ngebizo leKosi yethu uJesu Krestu bona noke nivumelane ukuze kungabikhona ukwahlukana phakathi kwenu. Bumbanani ngokupheleleko ngomkhumbulo munye nangombono munye. Ngitjho ngombana bazalwana bami, ngibikelwe yindlu kaRhilowesi bona kukhona ukunghwarana phakathi kwenu. Kuthiwa omunye nomunye wenu ukhuluma kwakhe uthi: “Mina ngingewakaPowula”, omunye athi: “Mina ngingewaka-Apholo”, omunye athi: “Mina ngingewakaKhefasi”, omunye athi: “Mina ngingewakaKrestu”. Kghani uKrestu lo sele ahlukaniswe phakathi na? UPowula wakhe wanifela esiphambanweni? Nabhajadiswa ebizweni lakaPowula na? Nanje ngiyamthokoza uZimu ngombana azange ngibhabhadise namunye wenu ngaphandle kwakaKrisposi noGayusi. Ngalokho akungabikhona noyedwa ozahle asithi batjho wabhajadiswa ebizweni lami. Iye, ngabhabhadisa nomndeni kaStefana, ngaphezu kwalokho-ke angikhumbuli ngibhabhadisana nabanye abantu. UKrestu azange angithume bona ngizokubhabhadisa kodwana bona ngitjhumayele ivangeli, ingasi ngamezwi wokuhlakanipha kwabantu ukuze isiphambano sakaKrestu singakghuthulwa amandla waso. Umlayezo wesiphambano ubudlhadlha kilabo ababhubhako, kodwana kithi esisindiswako umamandla kaZimu. Ngitjho ngombana umtlolo uthi: “Ukuhlakanipha kwezazi ngizokutjhabalalisa, ngidide ukulemuka kwabahlakaniphileko.” Alo, siphike-ke isihlakaniphi na? Siphi isazimthetho? Uphi umazizoke walesisikhathi na? UZimu akakenzi ukuhlakanipha kwephaseli kwaba budlhadlha na? Njengombana ekuhlakanipheni kwakaZimu, iphasi ngokuhlakanipha kwalo alizange limazi, yeke kwamthabisa uZimu bona kuthi ngobudlhadlha obutjhunyayelwako asindise labo abakholwako. AmaJuda afuna iimbonakaliso zemikarisomraro, amaGirigi wona afuna ukuhlakanipha, nanyana kunjalo thina sitjhumayela uKrestu abethelwe esiphambanweni; okusiqabo emaJudeni nobudlhadlha kabatjhili, kodwana kilabo uZimu ababizileko, abamaJuda namaGirigi, sitjhumayela uKrestu omamandla kaZimu nokuhlakanipha kwakaZimu. Ubudlhadlha bakaZimu buhlakaniphile kunokwazi kwabantu nobuthakathaka bakaZimu bunamandla kunamandla wabantu. Khumbulani bona beninjani nanibizwako bazalwana. Inengi lenu beningakahlakaniphi ukuya ngokwesilinganiso sabantu; beningasibanengi ebenikwazi ukukhuluma, beningasibanengi ebenibelethelwe ekuhloniphekeni. UZimu wakhetha izinto ezibonakala zibudlhadlha emehlweni wephasi ukuhlazisa abahlakaniphileko; uZimu wakhetha izinto zephaseli ezibuthakathaka ukuhlazisa abanamandla. Iye, wakhetha lokho okuqalelwa phasi kwephaseli nokunyazekako, wakhetha nalokho okungekho ukuze achithe okukhona. Ngalokho-ke akungabikhona noyedwa ozazigqaja phambi kwakhe. Kungebanga lakhe kobana nibe kuKrestu Jesu kithi obe kuhlakanipha okuvela kuZimu, okutjho ukulunga kwethu, ukucwenga kanye nokuhlengwa kwethu njengombana kutloliwe kwathiwa: “Akuthi loyo ozikhakhazisako, azikhakhazise eKosini.” Lokha nangifika kini bazalwana, azange ngize ngobugagu bokukhuluma namkha ngokuhlakanipha nangimemezela ubufakazi bakaZimu kini ngombana ngaqunta ukungazi ilitho ngaphandle kwakaJesu Krestu, iye, yena abethelwe esiphambanweni. Ngize kini ngobuthakathaka nangokwesaba kanye nangokuqhaqhazela okukhulu. Umlayezwami kanye nokutjhumayela kwami bekungasi ngamezwi wokuhlakanipha nayengako, kodwana bekuveza amandla kaMoya ukuze ukukholwa kwenu kungadzimeleli ekuhlakanipheni kwabantu kodwana emandleni kaZimu. Nokho-ke siyawukhuluma umlayezo wokuhlakanipha nasiphakathi kwabakhulileko, kodwana ingasi ukuhlakanipha kwephaseli namkha kwababusi besikhathesi, abazakubhubha baphele. Awa, sikhuluma ukuhlakanipha okufihlakeleko kwakaZimu. Iye, ukuhlakanipha ebekufihliwe nalokho uZimu akubekele iphazimulwethu ngaphambi kokuthoma kwesikhathi. Akakho ebabusini besikhathini lesi okulemukileko lokho ngombana nakube bebakulemukile, bebangekhe babethele iKosi yephazimulo. Kodwana kutloliwe kwathiwa: “Akunalihlo elakubonako, akunandlebe eyakuzwako, akunamkhumbulo owakubambako lokho uZimu akulungiselele labo abamthandako.” Ngalokho uZimu ukwambulile lokho kithi ngoMoyakhe. Ngubani hlangana nabantu owazi imikhumbulo yomuntu ngaphandle kommoya womuntu ongaphakathi kwakhe na? Ngokunjalo-ke, akunamuntu owazi imizindlo kaZimu ngaphandle kwakaMoya kaZimu. Asikamukeli ummoya wephasi kodwana samukele uMoya obuya kuZimu ukuze sizwisise lokho uZimu asiphe khona ngesihle. Ngilokho-ke esikukhulumako, kungasi ngamezwi esiwafundiswe ngokuhlakanipha komuntu kodwana ngamezwi esiwafundiswe nguMoya, sizwakalisa iqiniso ngamezwi kaMoya. Umuntu onganaMoya akamukeli izinto ezivela kuMoya kaZimu ngombana zibudlhadlha kuye. Angeze azizwisise ngombana zizwisiswa ngokukaMoya. Umuntu kaMoya uhlolisisa koke kodwana yena ngokwakhe akakhambi ngokuhlolwa babantu. Ngitjho ngombana umtlolo uthi: “Ngubani owakhe wazi umkhumbulo kaSomnini kobana angabe amfundise na?” Nokho-ke thina sinomkhumbulo kaKrestu. Eqinisweni bazalwana, bengingekhe ngakhuluma nani njengabantu bakaMoya, kodwana bengizakukhuluma nani njengabantu benyama, iye, abasesemasana kuKrestu. Nganondla ngebisi, ingasi ngokudla okuqinileko ngombana beningakakulungeli. Iye, nanje anikakulungeli ngombana nisesebabantu benyama. Ngitjho ngombana nakhu kusesekhona umona nokucabana phakathi kwenu. Anisibo benyama naninjalo na? Anikaziphathi njengabantu abangakakhetheki na? Angithi omunye uthi: “Mina ngingewakaPowula.” Omunye athi: “Mina ngingewaka-Apholo.” Alo, anisibabantu abangakakhetheki naninjalo? Ubegade ayini-ke u-Apholo loyo? UPowula yena uyini nje? Angithi sebaziinceku nje enakholwa ngazo kwaphela njengombana iKosi yabapha ngamunye umsebenzabo! Mina ngatjala imbewu, u-Apholo wayisezela, kodwana nguZimu owayikhulisako. Nje-ke bobabili, otjalako nosezelako abasililitho kodwana nguZimu yedwa okhulisako. Umuntu otjalako nosezelako banomnqopho munye, omunye nomunye uzokuvuzwa ukuya ngokomsebenzakhe. Thina sisebenza ndawonye singebakaZimu, nina niyisimu kaZimu begodu nimumakho kaZimu. Ngomusa uZimu angiphe wona, ngabeka isisekelo njengomakhi onekghono, nje-ke kukhona othileko owakhela phezu kwaso. Kodwana omunye nomunye kumele ayelele bona wakha njani. Ngitjho ngombana akekho omunye ongabeka isisekelo ngaphandle kwaloyo osele asibekile, okunguJesu Krestu. Nakube kukhona umuntu owakha phezu kwesisekelwesi, asebenzise igolide, isiliva, amatje abizako, iingodo, utjani namkha iinhlanga, umsebenzakhe uzokubonakaliswa ngalokho ongikho ngombana ilanga elikhethekileko lizowudalula. Uzokwambulwa ngomlilo begodu umlilo uzokuzizinya ubunjalo bomsebenzi womuntu. Nangabe umsebenzi womuntu owakhelwe esisekelweni uyadzimelela, uzakwamukeliswa umvuzo. Nakube uyatjha, uzakuloba; nokho yena ngokwakhe uzakusinda kodwana abe njengomuntu ophunyurhe emalangabini. Kghani anazi bona nina nilithempeli lakaZimu nokobana uMoya kaZimu uhlala ngaphakathi kwenu na? Loyo ochitha ithempeli lakaZimu, uZimu uzomchitha ngombana ithempeli lakaZimu licwengile. Ningazikhohlisi. Nakube nanyana ngubani wenu udlumbana bona uhlakaniphile ngokwesilinganiso sesikhathesi, kumele abe sidlhadlha ukuze abe ngohlakaniphileko. Ngitjho ngombana ukuhlakanipha kwephaseli kubudlhadlha phambi kwakaZimu ngombana kutloliwe kwathiwa: “Ubamba abahlakaniphileko ebuqilini babo.” Umtlolo godu ubuye uthi: “USomnini uyazi bona imikhumbulo yabahlakaniphileko ililize.” Yeke, akungasabakhona ukuzigqaja ngomuntu ngombana koke kungekwenu nanyana kungaba nguPowula, u-Apholo, uKhefasi namkha iphasi, ukuphila, ukufa, isikhathi sanje namkha esizako; koke kungekwenu. Kodwana nina ningebakaKrestu noKrestu ungewakaZimu. Kufanele kwazeke bona thina siziinceku zakaKrestu eziphathiswe iimfihlakalo zakaZimu. Yeke kuyadingeka bona labo abaphathisiweko babonakalise ukuthembeka kwabo. Kodwana kimi kuyinto encani bona ngingagwetjwa ngini namkha libandla labantu; iye, nami ngokwami angizigwebi. Unembeza wami akanaso isazela, nokho lokho akungenzi bona ngibe msulwa. YiKosi engigwebako. Ngalokho-ke ningagwebi ilitho kungakafiki isikhathi, lindani bekufike iKosi. Yona izokuveza emkhanyweni koke okufihlwe ebumnyameni beyembule neenhloso zeenhliziyo zabantu. Ngesikhatheso uZimu uzokwamukelisa omunye nomunye ukuthokozwa okumfaneleko. Nje-ke bazalwana, ngiqalise izintwezi kimi no-Apholo ngebanga lenu ukuze nifunde kithi lokho okutjhiwo sisitjho esithi: “Ningaphambuki kilokho okutloliweko.” Ngalokho-ke anisoze nakhetha umuntu oyedwa hlangana nabanye bese nizikhakhazisa ngaye. Kanti ngubani onenza nehluke phakathi kwabanye na? Yini eninakho eningazange nikwamukeliswe na? Khona-ke nakube nikwamukele, kubayini nizigqaje kube ngathi anikamukeliswa na? Konjephana seniyasutha! Senaba ziinjinga! Senaba makhosi, iye ngaphandle kwethu! Maye ngifisa kangangani bona thana sele nimakhosi ukuze sibe makhosi kanye nani! Ngitjho ngombana kubonakala inga uZimu thina bapostoli usibeke embukisweni ekugcineni komlandelande njengabantu abagwetjelwe ukufa ekundleni. Senziwe amabono wephasi loke, weengilozi ngitjho newabantu. Thina sesesiziindlhayela zakaKrestu, kodwana nina niziinhlakaniphi kuKrestu! Thina sibuthakathaka, kodwana nina ninamandla! Niyahlonitjhwa, thina siyanyazwa! Bekube ngalesisikhathi siyalamba besibulawe mrhawu, simaratha, siphethwe kumbi, sibozulani, sisebenza nzima ngezandla zethu. Nasithukiwako siyabusisa; nasizunywako siyakubekezelela lokho; nasiphudlhelwako siphendula ngokuthobeka. Bekube nje, siphenduke ifucufucu yephasi, iinzibi zelizwe. Anginitloleli lokhu ngombana ngifuna ukuniphathisa iinhloni, kodwana ngifuna ukuniyelelisa njengabantwana bami engibathandako. Sengitjho nanyana nineenkulungwana ezilitjhumi zabaluleki kuKrestu, aninabobaba abanengi ngombana kuKrestu Jesu mina ngibe nguyihlo ngevangeli. Nje-ke ngiyanirabhela bona ningilingise. Kungalokho nginithumela indodanami uThimothi engimthandako nothembekileko eKosini. Uzonikhumbuza ikambo yokuphila kwami kuKrestu Jesu evumelana nalokho engikufundisako kizo zoke iindawo emabandleni woke. Abanye benu sele bazikhukhumeza inga angeze bengiseza kini. Kanti-ke nangabe iKosi ivuma, ngizokuza msinyana. Nje-ke ekufikeni kwami, angizukufunyana kwaphela bona abantu abazikhukhumezako laba bakhuluma kangangani, kodwana ngizokufunyana nokobana banaliphi igunya. Ngitjho ngombana umbuso kaZimu awusikukhuluma kodwana umamandla. Alo, ninyula kuphi na? Ngifike kini ngiphethe iswazi, namkha ngize ngethando nangommoya ophasi na? Eqinisweni kubikiwe bonyana kukhona ukuziphatha kumbi ngokwamabhayi phakathi kwenu, begodu okumhlobo ongenzekiko ngitjho naphakathi kwabarhedeni. Indoda ingena emabhayini nomkayise! Kodwana ngapha nina niyazigqaja! Bekungakameli bona niphathwe ziinhloni, beningasaba nobudlelwano nomuntu owenze lokhu na? Nanyana ngingekho kini siqu sami kodwana nginani ngommoya begodu sele ngimgwebile loyo owenze lokho njengombana bengizakwenza njalo nabegade ngiphakathi kwenu. Lokha nanihlangene ebizweni leKosi uJesu, nami ngibekhona ngommoya, namandla weKosi uJesu abe khona, nikelani indoda leyo kuSathana ukuze kubhujiswe imvelo yesono bese ummoyayo ubulungeke ngelanga leKosi. Ukuzikhukhumeza kwenu akukalungi. Anazi bonyana isibiliso esincani sibilisa yoke ihlama na? Lahlani isibiliso esidala ukuze nibe yihlama etja enganasibiliso, njengombana ninjalo, ngombana uKrestu oyimvana yethu yePhasika wenziwe umhlabelo. Ngalokho-ke asibulungeni umnyanya lo, kungabi ngesibiliso esidala, ekusibiliso seswili nokukhohlakala, kodwana kube sisikwa esinganasibiliso, isikwa sobuqotho neqiniso. Encwadini enganitlolela yona nganikhalima bonyana ningajayelani nabantu abaziphatha kumbi ngokwamabhayi. Angikhulumi ngabangakholwako abaziphethe kumbi, abamarhamaru, ababogalajana nabalotjha abosingazimu ngombana nange kunjalo bekuzakufuneka bonyana nisuke ephasinapha. Kodwana gadesi nginitlolela bonyana ningahlanganyeli nananyana ngubani ozibiza ngomzalwana kodwana khibe uziphethe kumbi ngokwamabhayi, omarhamaru, olotjha abosingazimu, othukanako, osidakwa noneswili. Nakungonjalo ningalingi nigome naye. Nginandabani nokugweba labo abangaphandle kwebandla na? Akukameli nigwebe abangebandleni na? UZimu uzabagweba labo abangaphandle. Angithi umtlolo uthi: “Qotjhani umuntu okhohlakeleko phakathi kwenu.” Nangabe omunye wenu unombango nomunye, vane athathe umbango lowo awuse kabangakholwako esikhundleni sokobana awulethe kabacwengileko na? Anazi bonyana abacwengileko bazokugweba iphasi na? Yeke nakube nina nizokugweba iphasi, anikalungeli ukugweba amacala amancani na? Anazi bona sizokugweba iingilozi na? Kangangani-ke izinto zepilo le na? Ngalokho-ke naninombango ngeendaba ezinjalo, vane nikhethe ngitjho namadoda aqalelwa phasi ebandleni kobana abe bagwebi na? Ngitjho lokhu ukuze nibe neenhloni. Kuyakghoneka bona kungabikhona umuntu phakathi kwenu ohlakaniphe ngokwaneleko, ongabhalelwa kugweba umbango phakathi kwamakholwa na? Kodwana esikhundleni salokho, umzalwana ugijimela ebandla ayokumangalela omunye umzalwana, koke lokho nikwenza phambi kwabantu abangakholwako! Khona lokho ukufunyaneka nimangalelana kutjho khona bona senahlulwa kade. Kubayini ningafuni ukoniwa? Kubayini ningavumi ukudlelezelwa? Esikhundleni salokho, nina ngokwenu niyadlelezela beniphosise, koke lokho nikwenza kabanye abazalwana benu. Kghani anazi bona abakhohlakeleko abazukulidla ilifa lombuso kaZimu na? Ningakhohliswa: abaziphethe kumbi ngokomseme, abalotjha abosingazimu, abahlobongako, iintjhatjha zamadoda, abaduna abalalanako, amasela, abamarhamaru, iindakwa, abathukanako nabasozisako abazukulidla ilifa lombuso kaZimu. Abanye benu beninjalo, kodwana nahlanzwa, nacwengiswa, nalungisiswa ebizweni leKosi uJesu Krestu nangoMoya kaZimethu. Koke kuvumelekile kimi, kodwana akusikho koke okulisizo. Koke kuvumelekile kimi, kodwana akukho nakhunye okuzangibusa. Ukudla kungekwesisu, nesisu singesokudla, kodwana uZimu uzokubhubhisa kokubili. Umzimba awusingewokuziphatha kumbi ngokomseme, kodwana ungoweKosi neKosi ingeyomzimba. Ngamandlakhe uZimu wavusa iKosi ekufeni, nje-ke nathi uzosivusa. Anazi bona imizimba yenu izizitho zomzimba kaKrestu ngenyama na? Alo-ke, ngithathe izitho zakaKrestu ngiyozihlanganisa nezengwadla na? Awa, nakanye! Kghani anazi bona loyo ozihlanganisa nengwadla uba nyamanye nayo na? Angithi kuthiwa: “Ababili bazakuba nyamanye.” Kodwana loyo ozihlanganisa neKosi, uba mmoya munye nayo. Balekelani imikhuba yokuziphatha kumbi ngokomseme. Zoke ezinye izono umuntu azenzako zingaphandle komzimbakhe, kodwana loyo owona ngokwamabhayi wonakalisa umzimbakhe. Anazi bona imizimba yenu ilithempeli lakaMoya oCwengileko ongaphakathi kwenu, enimamukele kuZimu nokobana anisingebenu na? Nathengwa ngenani eliphezulu, ngalokho-ke hloniphani uZimu ngemizimba yenu. Malungana nalokho eningitlolele khona: Kuhle bona umuntu angathinti umfazi; kodwana ngebanga lobufebe esele bandile, kuhle bona leyo naleyo ndoda ibe nomfazi wayo, nomfazi abe nendoda yakhe. Indoda ayanelise umkayo nomfazi enze njalo. Umfazi akanalo igunya phezu komzimba wakhe, kodwana yindoda enalo; ngokunjalo nendoda ayinalo igunya phezu komzimba wayo, kodwana mfazi onalo. Ningagodlelani, ngaphandle kwalokha nanivumeleneko begodu kungekwesikhatjhana ukuze nizinikele emthandazweni. Ngemva kwalapho-ke nibuye godu nihlangane ukuze uSathana anganilingi ngebanga lokungakwazi kwenu ukuzibamba. Lokhu ngikutjho njengokuvumelana, ingasi njengomthetho. Bengifisa inga boke abantu bebangaba njengami; kodwana omunye nomunye umuntu unesiphiwo sakhe esibuya kuZimu, omunye unalesi kanti omunye unalesiya. Kabangakatjhadi kanye nabahlolokazi ngithi: Kuhle bona bahlale bangatjhadi njengami; kodwana nangabe abakghoni ukuzibamba, kumele batjhade ngombana kungcono ukutjhada kunokutjhiswa yikanuko. Kilabo abatjhadileko nginomyalo (ongabuyi kimi, kodwana obuya eKosini) othi: Umfazi akangahlukani nendoda yakhe; kodwana nakube uyahlukana nayo, akahlale angakatjhadi njalo nakungasi njalo akabuyelane nendoda yakhe. Nendoda ayingatlhali umkayo. Kabanye ngithi (kutjho mina, akutjho iKosi): Nangabe umzalwana unomfazi ongakholwako, ovumako ukuhlala naye ije angakholwa njalo, akangamtlhali. Nangabe umfazi unendoda engakholwako begodu ivuma ukuhlala naye ije ingakholwa njalo, akangayitlhali. Ngitjho ngombana indoda engakholwako icwengisiwe ngomfazi wayo kanti nomfazi ongakholwako ucwengisiwe ngendodakhe ekholwako. Nakungasinjalo abantwana babo bebazakuba bantwana abangakahlambuluki, kodwana nje-ke bahlambulukile. Kodwana nakube ongakholwako uyatlhala, akatlhale. Indoda namkha umfazi okholwako akakabotjhelelwa nakunjalo. UZimu usibizele ekuphileni ngokuthula. Wazi ngani mfazi bona indoda yakho ingasindiswa ngawe na? Wazi ngani, wena ndoda bonyana umkakho angasindiswa ngawe na? Omunye nomunye kumele ahlale endaweni iKosi embeke kiyo epilweni begodu nalapho uZimu ambizele khona. Lo-ke mthetho engiwubekako kiwo woke amabandla. Kukhona umuntu obesele asokiwe lokha nabizwako na? Akangabi njengongakasoki. Ukhona obegade angakabi ukusoka lokha nabizwako na? Akahlale anjalo angasoki. Ukusoka akusililitho nokungasoki akusililitho. Ukugcina imiyalo kaZimu ngikho okuqakathekileko. Omunye nomunye kumele ahlale angilokho ebegade angikho lokha uZimu nambizako. Bewulikhoboka lokha nawubizwako na? Akungakutshwenyi lokho, nanyana-ke nange unethuba lokukhululeka kuhle bona wenze njalo. Loyo obegade alikhoboka lokha nabizwa yiKosi, umumuntu weKosi okhululekileko; ngokunjalo nogade akhululekile lokha nabizwako, ulikhoboka lakaKrestu. Nathengwa ngenani eliphezulu, yeke ningabi makhoboka womuntu. Bazalwana, woke umuntu, njengombana anokuziphendulela kuZimu, akahlale ebujameni uZimu ambiza akibo. Nje-ke mayelana namatlawu: Anginawo umyalo obuya eKosini, kodwana ngigweba njengaloyo othembekako ngokomusa weKosi. Ngebanga lobudisi esele bukhona lobu, ngicabanga bona kuhle ukuzihlalela njengombana ninjalo. Utjhadile na? Ungatlhali. Awukatjhadi na? Ungasafuna umfazi. Kodwana nangabe uyathatha, awukenzi isono ngalokho, netlawu nalendako, alikoni ngalokho. Into nje kukobana loyo otjhadako uzokuqalana nemiraro eminengi epilweni, nje-ke ngilinga ukunibabalela kilokho. Engikutjhoko bazalwana kukobana isikhathi sifitjhani. Ukusuka gadesi, labo abanabafazi kumele baphile inga abanabafazi; abazilileko babe njengabangakazili, abathabileko babe njengabangakathabi; abathenga okuthileko kube inga akusikho kwabo; abasebenzisa izinto zephasi babe njengabangakanamatheli kizo. Ngitjho ngombana iphaseli ngokwesibumbeko salo sanje, liyadlula. Ngifuna bona ningatshwenyeki ngalitho. Indoda engakathathi ikhathalela iindaba zeKosi, ifuna ukwazi bona ingayithabisa njani iKosi. Kodwana ethetheko ikhathalela iindaba zephaseli, ifuna ukwazi bona ingamthabisa njani umkayo. Ipilo yayo ihlukene phakathi. Nomfazi ongakendi namkha itlawu likhathalela iindaba zeKosi: Ihloso yalo kuzinikela eKosini ngomzimba nangomphefumulo. Kodwana nakumfazi owendileko ukhathalela iindaba zephaseli, ufuna ukwazi bona angayithabisa njani indoda yakhe. Ngitjho lokhu ukuze nisizeke, ingasi ukuniqabela kodwana ukuze niphile ngendlela efaneleko ninokuzinikela okupheleleko eKosini. Nakube umuntu udlumbana bona wenza okungakafaneli malungana netlawu alibonileko, nalo nakube iminyaka yalo iyakhamba begodu lizizwela bona sele lifuna ukwenda, umuntu loyo akenze okufaneleko. Akoni ngalokho, abatjhade. Kodwana umuntu oqede nomkhumbulwakhe, ongakagandeleleki kodwana okghona ukujamela ilizwi lakhe, noqede nomkhumbulwakhe bona angendisi itlawu lakhe, naye loyo wenza kuhle. Naloyo owendisa itlawu lakhe wenza kuhle, kodwana ongalendisiko wenza kuhle khulu. Umfazi ubopheleleke endodeni yakhe qobana isaphila. Kodwana indoda yakhe yahlongakala, utjhaphulukile bona angenda nanyana kiyiphi ayithandako, kwaphela nakube iyakholwa eKosini. Ngesingami, kuhle bona ahlale anjalo angabe asenda, nokho ngiyacabanga bonyana nami nginoMoya kaZimu. Malungana nokudla okuhlatjelwe abosingazimu: Siyazi bona soke sinelwazi. Ilwazi liyakhukhumeza, kodwana ithando liyakha. Umuntu odlumbana bona kukhona akwaziko, akakabukwazi ngombana usafanele azi. Kodwana umuntu othanda uZimu waziwa nguZimu. Nje-ke, malungana nokugoma ukudla okuhlatjelwe abosingazimu: Siyazi bona usingazimu akasililitho ephasini nokobana akekho omunye uZimu ngaphandle kwaloyo oyedwa. Ngitjho nanyana kuthiwa kukhona okubizwa bona bozimu, nanyana kusezulwini namkha ephasini, (ngambala kunezinto ekuthiwa bozimu abanengi nekuthiwa ziinkosi ezinengi) nokho kithi munye uZimu, uBaba, okuvela kuye zoke izinto begodu nesiphilela yena; yinye kwaphela iKosi, nguJesu Krestu, ngaye okwavela koke okukhona begodu nesiphila ngaye. Kodwana akusibo boke abanelwazi leli. Abanye abantu basangenelele emikhubeni yabosingazimu kangangobana nabagoma ukudla okunjalo badlumbana bona kuhlatjelwe abosingazimu, nje-ke njengobana unembeza wabo abuthakathaka, uyasilaphazeka. Nokho ukudla akusitjhidezi eduze kwakaZimu; asibi bambi nasingagomiko, godu asibi ngabangcono nasigomako. Tjhejani nokho bonyana ikululeko yenu ingabi sikhubekiso kababuthakathaka. Ngitjho ngombana nakukhona ononembeza obuthakathaka, okubonako wena onelwazi leli ugoma ethempelini labosingazimu, akazukukhuthazeka bonyana agome lokho okuhlatjelwe abosingazimu na? Ngaleyondlela umzalwana obuthakathaka lo, uJesu amfelako, uzakulimala ngebanga lelwazi lakho. Lokha nanona kubazalwana benu ngalendlela, nilimaze unembeza wabo, nona kuKrestu. Yeke nakube lokho engikugomako kubanga bona umzalwana wami awele esonweni, angeze bengisakugoma ukuze ngingamkhubekisi. Angikakhululeki na? Angisuye umpostoli na? Angikaboni uJesu iKosi yethu na? Nina anisiwo umphumela womsebenzami eKosini na? Nanyana ngingeze ngaba mpostoli kabanye kodwana kini khona nginguye! Ngitjho ngombana nina nisigibo sobupostoli bami eKosini. Lokhu kukuziphendulela kwami kilabo abangisolako. Asinalungelo lokugonywako nokuselwako na? Asinalungelo lokukhamba nomfazi okholwako njengombana kwenza abanye abapostoli kanye nabafowabo leKosi kanye noKhefasi na? Namkha ngimi noBharinabhasi kwaphela ekumele sisebenzele ukudla na? Ngubani osebenza njengejoni ngeendleko zakhe na? Ngubani otjala isidiribe kodwana angagomi amadiribaso na? Ngubani owelusa umhlambi kodwana angaseli ibisi lawo na? Kghani ngitjho lokhu ngokususela ebantwini na? Umthetho awutjho njalo nawo na? Kutloliwe emthethweni kaMosi kwathiwa: “Ungafaki ikomo isifonyo nayibhula amabele.” Kghani uZimu ukhathalela iinkomo na? Kanti bekangakaqalisi kithi lokha nakhuluma lokhu na? Iye, lokhu kwatlolelwa thina ngombana lokha umlimi nalimako nombhuli nabhulako, lokho bakwenza ngethemba lokobana bazokwabelwa isivuno. Nakube sitjele imbewu kaMoya hlangana nani, kubudisi bonyana sivune kwenyama kini na? Nakube abanye banelungelo lokondliwa phakathi kwenu, thina asikafaneli samukele ngaphezu kwalokho na? Kodwana azange khesilisebenzise ilungelweli. Esikhundleni salokho sinyamezelele yoke into kunobana siliye ivangeli lakaKrestu. Anazi bona labo abasebenza ngethempelini bafumana ukudla kwabo ethempelini nalabo abalotjha e-aldarini babelana lokho okulethwe e-aldarini na? Ngokunjalo-ke iKosi ikubekile bona labo abatjhumayela ivangeli bafanele bafumane isondlo sabo evangelini. Kodwana mina angizange ngisebenzise nalinye lamalungelo la. Nokho angitloli lokhu ngethemba lokobana nizangenzela izintwezo. Kungaba ngcono ngife kunobana umuntu angemuke ukuzikhakhazisa lokhu. Nokho nangitjhumayela ivangeli, angikwazi ukuzikhakhazisa ngombana ngikatelelekile bona ngitjhumayele. Maye mina nakube angitjhumayeli ivangeli! Nakube ngitjhumayela ngokuzithandela kwami, nginomvuzo; nakube angikwenzi ngokuzithandela, kutjho bona ngiphetha lokho engikuphathisiweko. Alo-ke umvuzo wami uyini na? Sengilokhu kokuthi ekutjhumayeleni ivangeli, ngilitjhumayela simahla, ngalokho angisebenzisi ilungelo lami ekulitjhumayeleni. Ngitjho ngombana nanyana ngikhululekile begodu ngingasilikhoboka lomuntu, ngazenza ikhoboka labo boke ukuze ngizuze abanengi. KumaJuda ngaba njengomJuda ukuze ngizuze amaJuda. Kilabo abangaphasi komthetho, ngaba njengongaphasi komthetho (nanyana mina ngokwami ngingasingaphasi komthetho) ukuze ngizuze labo abangaphasi komthetho. Kilabo abanganamthetho, ngaba njengonganamthetho (nanyana ngingakatjhaphuluki emthethweni kaZimu, ngisemthethweni kaKrestu) ukuze ngizuze labo abanganamthetho. Kilabo ababuthakathaka, ngaba buthakathaka ukuze ngizuze ababuthakathaka. Ngibe ngikho koke kibo boke abantu ukuze kuthi ngeendlela zoke ngisindise abathileko. Koke lokhu ngikwenzela ivangeli ukuze nami ngibe nesabelo eembusisweni zalo. Anazi bona emgijimweni boke abagijimi bayagijima, kodwana umvuzo munye na? Gijima ngendlela yokobana ufunyane umvuzo. Boke abaphalisana emdlalweni bathoma ngokuzithabulula ngokuncamileko. Benza lokho ukuze bamukele isihlohlo esingekhe sabambelela; kodwana thina sikwenza kobana sizuze isihlohlo sesiphelani. Yeke angigijimi njengomuntu ovathazelako; angilwi njengomuntu ofutha ummoya. Awa, ngiyawukhandla umzimbami ngiwenze ikhoboka ukuze kuthi ngemva kobana ngitjhumayeze abanye, mina ngokwami ngingakhuthi ekwamukeleni umvuzo. Yeke angithandi bazalwana bona ningabi nelwazi lokobana abakhokho bethu boke bebangaphasi kwelifu begodu boke bayama elwandle. Boke babhabhadiselwa kuMosi ngelifini bangelwandle. Boke bagoma ukudla kunye kwakaMoya, basela isiselo sinye sakaMoya ngombana basela edwaleni lakaMoya ebelibaphekelela. Idwalelo belinguKrestu. Nanyana kunjalo uZimu azange athokoze ngenengi labo; iindumbu zabo zarhatjheka kilo loke irhalawumba. Izintwezi zenzeka kobana zibe sibonelo ukusikhandela bona singabeki iinhliziyo zethu ezintweni ezimbi njengombana benza bona. Ningabi balotjhi babosingazimu njengombana abanye babo benza ngombana kutloliwe kwathiwa: “Abantu bahlala phasi bagoma bebasela, basikima bagida.” Asingenzi izenzo zokukhohlakala ngokwamabhayi njengombana abanye babo benza, bekwathi ngelanga linye kwabhujiswa iinkulungwana ezimatjhumi amabili nantathu zabo. Asingayilingi iKosi, njengombana abanye babo benza, babulawa ziinyoka. Godu ningarhononi njengombana abanye babo benza, babulawa yingilozi ebhubhisako. Izintwezi zabehlela zaba sibonelo bezatlolwa njengesiyeleliso kithi thina esele sifikelwe kuphela kweenkhathi. Nje-ke nawudlumbana bona ujame udzimelele, yelela bona ungawi. Akunasilingo esiniwisileko ngaphandle kwalokho okujayelekileko ebantwini. Nje-ke uZimu uthembekile; angeze avume bona nilingwe ngaphezu kwamandlenu. Kodwana nanilingwako, uzaninikela nendlela yokuphepha ukuze nijamelane naso. Nje-ke, bangani bami abathandekako, balekelani ukulotjha abosingazimu. Ngikhuluma nabantu abavuthiweko, ziboneleni nina lokho engikutjhoko. Ikapho yokuthokoza esithokoza ngayo, ayisiyo yokuzibandakanya eengazini zakaKrestu na? Isikwa esisihlephulako akusiso sokuzibandakanya emzimbeni kaKrestu na? Njengombana kunesikwa sinye nje, simzimba munye nanyana sibanengi ngombana soke sihlanganyela isikwa esisodwa. Khumbulani abantu bakwa-Israyeli: Kanti labo abagoma umhlabelo abahlanganyeli e-aldarini na? Alo, ngitjho bona umhlabelo owenzelwe usingazimu ulilitho namkha usingazimu ulilitho na? Awa, nginqophe ekutheni imihlabelo yabarhedeni yenzelwe amadimoni; ingasi uZimu. Nje-ke angithandi bona nihlanganyele namadimoni. Angekhe nasela ikapho yeKosi godu nibuye nisele neyamadimoni. Angeze naba nehlanganyelo etafuleni leKosi nelamadimoni. Kghani sifuna ukuvusa isikhwele seKosi na? Sinamandla kunayo na? “Koke kuvumelekile” kodwana akusikho koke okusizako. Iye, “koke kuvumelekile” kodwana akusikho koke okwakhako. Akungabikhona ozifunela ubuhle bakhe, kodwana akafune nekwabanye. Gomani koke okuthengiswa esilarheni ngaphandle kokubuza imibuzo ngonembeza ngombana: “Iphasi nakho koke okukilo ngekwakaSomnini.” Nangabe ongakholwako animemela ekudleni, nithanda ukuya, gomani nanyana yini ebekwa phambi kwenu ngaphandle kokubuza imibuzo kanembeza. Kodwana nangabe omunye uthi kini: “Lokhu kuhlatjelwe abosingazimu,” ningabe nisakugoma ngebanga laloyo otjho njalo nangebanga lakanembeza, unembeza womunye umuntu, angitjho unembeza wenu. Ngitjho ngombana ilungelo lami lizakugwetjelwani ngonembeza womunye umuntu na? Nangabe ngihlanganyela ekudleni ngokuthokoza, kubayini ngifanele ngilahlwe ngebanga lalokho engithokoza uZimu ngakho na? Nje-ke nanyana niyagoma namkha niyasela namkha nenza nanyana yini, kwenzeni koke mayelana nedumo lakaZimu. Ningabangeli namunye bona akhubeke, kungaba mJuda, umGirigi namkha ibandla lakaZimu njengombana nami ngilinga ukuthokozisa woke umuntu ngazo zoke iindlela. Angizifuneli mina ubuhle kodwana ubuhle babanengi ukuze basindiswe. Ngilingisani njengombana nami ngilingisa uKrestu. Ngiyanibuka ngombana ningikhumbula ezintweni zoke begodu nibambelela eemfundisweni njengombana ngazidlulisela kini. Kodwana ngifuna nazi bonyana ihloko yenye nenye indoda nguKrestu, ihloko yomfazi yindoda, kanti ihloko kaKrestu nguZimu. Enye nenye indoda ethandaza namkha ephorofida igubuzese ihloko irhubutjha ihlokwayo. Kodwana omunye nomunye umfazi othandaza namkha ophorofida angakagubuzesi ihloko urhubutjha ihlokwakhe, sekufana nalokha ihlokwakhe nayigudiweko. Nangabe umfazi akagubuzesi ihlokwakhe, kumele agude begodu nakube kulihlazo kobana umfazi arhune namkha agude, kumele agubuzese ihlokwakhe. Indoda ayikafaneli ukugubuzesa ihlokwayo ngombana imfanekiso nedumo lakaZimu; kodwana umfazi ulidumo lendoda. Ngitjho ngombana indoda ayizange ivele emfazini kodwana mfazi owavela endodeni. Indoda azange yadalelwa umfazi kodwana mfazi owadalelwa indoda. Ngebangelo namkha ngebanga leengilozi umfazi kumele abe netshwayo lokuphathwa ehlokwakhe. EKosini nokho umfazi akakazijameli ayedwa ngaphandle kwendoda, nendoda ayikazijameli iyodwa ngaphandle komfazi. Njengombana umfazi wavela endodeni, ngokunjalo nendoda ibelethwa mfazi. Kodwana koke kubuya kuZimu. Ziboneleni nina ngokwenu bona kufanele umfazi athandaze uZimu angakagubuzesi ihlokwakhe na? Imvelo ngokwayo ayinifundisi bonyana nakube indoda ineenhluthu ezide kulihlazo kiyo, kodwana umfazi naneenhluthu ezide kulidumo kuye na? Uphiwe iinhluthu ezide bona zibe sisembeso sakhe. Nakube ukhona ofuna ukuphika ikani ngalokhu, asinawo omunye umkhuba onjalo thina kanye namabandla akuZimu. Emiyalweni elandelako, anginakho ukunibonga ngombana imihlangano yenu ibanga umonakalo kunobana ibange ubuhle. Kokuthoma nje ngizwa batjho nanihlanganako njengebandla, kuba khona ukuhlukana phakathi kwenu, begodu ngithanda ukukukholwa lokho. Kufanele kube khona ukuhlukana phakathi kwenu ukuze kubonakale bona ngibaphi abaneqiniso. Lokha nanihlanganako, kusuke kungasiso isidlo seKosi enisigomako ngombana nanigomako, omunye nomunye wenu uragela phambili agome ngaphandle kokulindela abanye. Omunye uhlala alambile kanti omunye uyadakwa. Kanti aninamakhaya lapha ningagomela beniselele khona na? Namkha ninyaza ibandla lakaZimu benirhubutjhe labo abanganalitho na? Ngizakuthini kini na? Nginibuke ngalokho na? Nakanye! Ngakwamukela eKosini lokho engikudlulisela kini kokuthi: IKosi uJesu ngobusuku eyakhatjhelwa ngabo, yathatha isikwa, kwathi sele ithokozile kuZimu, yasihlephula yathi: “Lokhu mzimba wami onikelwe nina, kwenzeni lokhu ukuze ningikhumbule.” Ngokunjalo, ngemva kobana sele bagomile, yabuye yathatha ikapho yathi: “Ikapho le isivumelwano esitjha eengazini zami. Kwenzeni lokhu njalo lokha naniyiselako ukuze ningikhumbule.” Yeke njalo lokha nanigoma isikwa lesi benisele nekapho le, nimemezela ukufa kweKosi kufikela beyibuye. Ngalokho-ke loyo ogoma isikwa lesi namkha asele ikapho yeKosi ngokungakafaneli, uzakuba nomlandu wokona emzimbeni kanye neengazini zeKosi. Umuntu kumele azihlolisise ngaphambi kobana agome isikwa abe asele nekapho. Loyo ogomako abe asele ngaphandle kokuhlukanisa umzimba weKosi, uzigomela abe aziselele umlandu. Kungebangelo abanengi phakathi kwenu babuthakathaka begodu bayagula kanti inengi lenu sele lilele. Kodwana nakube besizigweba thina, besingeze sagwetjwa. Nasigwetjwa yiKosi, siyakhalinywa ukuze singalahlwa kanye nephasi. Ngalokho-ke bazalwana, lokha nanihlanganako kobana nigome, lindanani. Nakube kukhona olambileko, akagome ekhaya ukuze kuthi nanihlanganako kungabi ngokokugwetjwa. Mhla ngibuyako ngizaninikela eminye imiyalo. Yeke mayelana neemphiwo zakaMoya, bazalwana angithandi bona ningabi nelwazi. Niyazi bona lokha nanisesebarhedeni, nathelelwa ngommoya wokudurha kobana nidlhemadlheme ngemva kweenthombembazwa ezingakhulumiko. Ngalokho-ke ngiyanitjela bonyana akakho ongakhuluma ngoMoya kaZimu athi: “UJesu akanikelelwe!” Godu akakho umuntu ongathi: “UJesu uyiKosi”, ngaphandle kobana atjho lokho ngoMoya oCwengileko. Kunemihlobo eyahlukeneko yezipho kodwana ngoMoya munye. Kunemisebenzi eyahlukeneko, kodwana ngeKosi yinye. Kunokusebenza okuhlukeneko, kodwana yena uZimu loyo nguye okwenza koke kibo boke abantu. Nje-ke omunye nomunye unikelwe ukuzibonakalisa kwakaMoya ukuze kusizeke woke umuntu. Omunye uphiwe ngoMoya umlayezo wokuhlakanipha, omunye uphiwe umlayezo welwazi ngaye uMoya loyo. Omunye uphiwe ukukholwa ngaye uMoya loyo, omunye uphiwe ezinye izipho zokuphilisa ngaye uMoya loyo. Omunye uphiwe amandla wemikarisomraro, omunye uphiwe ukuphorofida, omunye uphiwe ukuhlukanisa imimoya, omunye uphiwe ukukhuluma ngamalimi ahlukeneko, kanti omunye uphiwe ukurhumutjha amalimi lawo. Koke lokhu kumsebenzi kaMoya munye, begodu unikela omunye nomunye njengokubona kwakhe. Umzimba munye, nanyana unezitho ezinengi. Godu nanyana unezitho ezinengi, zibumba umzimba owodwa. Kunjalo-ke nangoKrestu ngombana soke sabhajadiswa ngoMoya munye emzimbeni munye nanyana ungabamJuda namkha umGirigi, ikhoboka namkha otjhaphulukileko begodu soke saphiwa uMoya munye kobana sisele kuye. Nje-ke umzimba awukakhiwa ngesitho esisodwa kodwana ngezitho ezinengi. Nange inyawo lingathi: “Njengombana ngingasiso isandla nje, mina angisingewomzimba”, ngalokho angeze kwalenza bona lingabi yingcenye yomzimba. Godu nange indlebe ingathi: “Njengombana ngingasililihlo nje, angisingewomzimba”, ngalokho angeze kwayenza bona ingabi yingcenye yomzimba. Nakube umzimba woke bewungaba lilihlo, bewuzokuba kuphi umuzwa wokuzwa na? Nakube umzimba woke bewungaba yindlebe, bewuzokuba kuphi umuzwa wokunukelela na? Kodwana uZimu uhlele izitho zomzimba, esinye nesinye sazo saba ngendlela afuna bona sibe ngayo. Nabegade zoke njalo zisisitho sinye, umzimba bewuzokuba kuphi na? Njengombana kunje, izitho zinengi, kodwana umzimba munye. Ilihlo angekhe latjho esandleni lathi: “Wena angikudingi” nehloko angeze yathi eenyaweni: “Nina anginidingi.” Esikhundleni salokho, izitho zomzimba ezibonakala inga zibuthakathaka, ziqakatheke khulu. Kanti-ke nezitho esicabanga bonyana azikahlonipheki kangako, sizihlonipha khulu. Izitho ezinganasithunzi ziphathwa ngeenhloni khulu, khisibe lezo ezinesithunzi azidingi ukuphathwa ngokukhethekileko. UZimu uhlanganise amalungu womzimba bewahloniphisa khulu izitho ezithathelwa phasi ukuze kungabikhona ukwahlukana emzimbeni, kodwana izitho zawo zikhathalelane ngokulinganako. Nangabe isitho esisodwa siyatlhaga, zoke ezinye zitlhaga kanye naso; nangabe isitho esisodwa siyahlonitjhwa, zoke ezinye zithaba naso. Nje-ke nina nimzimba kaKrestu, omunye nomunye wenu uyingcenye yawo. Ebandleni, uZimu ujamise koke ngerherho, ukuthoma ngabapostoli, kulandele abaphorofidi, kuze abafundisi bese kuba ngabenza imikarisomraro nalabo abaneemphiwo zokuphilisa, labo abakghona ukusiza abanye, labo abaneemphiwo zokuphatha kanye nalabo abaneemphiwo zokukhuluma ngamalimi ahlukeneko. Boke babapostoli na? Babaphorofidi boke na? Babafundisi boke na? Benza imikarisomraro boke na? Baneemphiwo zokuphilisa boke na? Boke bakhuluma ngamalimi na? Boke bayarhumutjha na? Kodwana tjhisekelani iimphiwo ezikulu. Nje-ke ngizonikhombisa indlela ezidlula zoke. Nanyana ngingakhuluma ngamalimi wabantu namkha weengilozi, kodwana nginganathando, sengifana nekoporo ebanga itjhada namkha isimbi elilako. Nanginesiphiwo sokuphorofida, ngikghona ukuzwisisa zoke iimfihlakalo begodu nginelwazi; nginokukholwa okutjhidisa iintaba, kodwana nginganathando, angisililitho. Nangipha abadududu koke enginakho benginikele umzimbami ekutjhisweni, kodwana nginganalo ithando, angisililitho. Ithando liyabekezela, ithando linesisa, alinamona, alizikhukhumezi, alizitjhayi; aliziphathi ngendlela engakafaneli, alizifuneli kwalo, alinasicasucasu, alibibhi imilandu. Ithando alithokoziswa bubumbi kodwana lithabela iqiniso, lembesa yoke into, likholwa yoke into, lirhuluphela yoke into begodu linyamezelela koke. Ithando alihluleki. Kodwana lapha kuneemphorofido khona, zizakuphela; lapha kunamalimi khona, azakuthuliswa; lapha kunelwazi khona, lizakudlula. Ngitjho ngombana sazi ingcenye begodu siphorofida ingcenye, kodwana nasele kufika ukupheleliswa, ukungakapheleliswa kuyanyamalala. Nangisesemntwana bengikhuluma njengomntwana, ngicabanga njengomntwana, ngizwisisa njengomntwana. Kwathi lokha nangiba yindoda, ngahlukana neendlela zobuntwana. Kwagadesi sisabona lififi esibonibonini, kodwana ngesikhatheso sizokubonana ubuso nobuso. Okwanje ngazi ingcenye, ngesikhatheso ngizokwazi koke ngokuzeleko njengombana nami ngaziwa ngokuzeleko. Nje-ke okuthathu lokhu kujamile: ukukholwa, ithemba nethando. Kodwana okungaphezu kwakho koke lithando. Tjhisekelani ukuba nethando bese nirhuluphela iimphiwo zakaMoya, khulukhulu isiphiwo sokuphorofida. Loyo okhuluma ngamalimi akakhulumi nabantu kodwana ukhuluma noZimu. Akunamuntu omzwako; ukhuluma iimfihlakalo emmoyenakhe. Kodwana loyo ophorofidako ukhuluma nabantu ukuze baqine amandla, bakhuthazeke bebaduduzeke. Loyo okhuluma ngamalimi, uzakha yena emmoyeni, kodwana ophorofidako wakha ibandla. Ngithanda bona omunye nomunye wenu akhulume ngamalimi, kodwana kungcono bona niphorofide. Loyo ophorofidako mkhulu kunaloyo okhuluma ngamalimi, ngaphandle kwanange awarhumutjha ukuze ibandla lakheke. Nje-ke bazalwana, nange ngisiza kini ngifike ngikhulume ngamalimi, kuzonisiza ngani lokho na? Akunisizi ngalitho, ngaphandle kwanange nginilethela isambulo, ilwazi, isiphorofido namkha ilizwi lokuyala. Ngitjho nezintweni ezingaphiliko ezenza itjhada njengenghwani namkha iharibha, umuntu uzakwazi njani bona zilila ngayiphi indlela nakube akukho ukuhlukanisa ngomdumo na? Godu nakube iporompita ayizwakali kuhle bona ibiza abantu bonyana baye epini, ngubani ozazilungiselela ipi na? Ngokunjalo-ke nani, nakube anikhulumi okuzwakalako ngamalimi wenu, bazakuzwa njani abanye abantu bona nithini na? Nizabe nikhulumela emmoyeni. Kunamalimi okungazazeki bonyana manengi ephasinapha, kodwana akukho nalinye lawo elinganahlathululo. Nje-ke nakube angizwisisi okutjhiwo ngiloyo okhulumako, kutjho bona ngiliphandle kiloyo okhulumako, naye uliphandle kimi. Kunjalo nakini. Njengombana nitjhisekela ukwamukela iimphiwo zakaMoya nje, rhuluphelani khulu lezo ezakha ibandla. Ngalokho-ke nanyana ngubani okhuluma ngamalimi, kufanele athandaze bonyana akghone ukuhlathulula lokho akukhulumako. Ngitjho ngombana nangithandaza ngamalimi, kuthandaza ummoyami, kodwana umkhumbulwami awuhlanganyeli kilokho. Alo ngizakwenzanjani na? Ngizokuthandaza ngommoyami, ngithandaze nangomkhumbulwami, ngizokuvuma ngommoyami godu ngivume nangomkhumbulwami. Nakube udumisa uZimu ngommoyakho, angatjho njani loyo ozifunyana ahlangana nalabo abangazwisisiko ukuthi: “Amen” ekuthokozeni kwakho njengombana angazi bona uthini na? Kungenzeka bona uthokoze ngokwaneleko, kodwana omunye umuntu akakheki ngalokho. Ngiyamthokoza uZimu bona ngikhuluma ngamalimi ukunedlula noke nje. Kodwana nangisebandleni, ngikhetha ukukhuluma amezwi abe mahlanu azwisisekako ukuyala abanye, kunobana ngikhulume amezwi alitjhumi leenkulungwana ngelimi elingaziwako. Bazalwana, lisani ukucabanga njengabantwana. Iye, malungana nobumbi, yibani masana, kodwana nibe ngabakhulileko ngengqondo. Emthethweni kutloliwe kwathiwa: “Ngabantu bamalimi atjhili nangeembhena zamaphandle, ngizokukhuluma nabantwaba kodwana khonapho abazukungizwa. Kutjho uSomnini.” Nje-ke amalimi alitshwayo kabangakholwako, ingasi kabakholwako; kodwana ukuphorofida kungokwabakholwako, ingasi abangakholwako. Yeke nakube ibandla loke liyahlangana bese woke umuntu ukhuluma ngamalimi, khonapho kungene abangazwisisiko namkha abangakholwako, abazukucabanga bona niyarhapha na? Kodwana nange ongakholwako namkha omunye ongazwisisiko, angena khibe woke umuntu uyaphorofida, boke bazamenza azibone asisoni begodu alahlwe ngunembeza bekuthi iimfihlo zehliziywakhe zivele etjhatjhalazini. Ngaleyondlela uzakuguqa phasi adumise uZimu arhuwelele athi: “Ngambala uZimu uphakathi kwenu.” Alo, sizakuthini bazalwana na? Lokha nanihlanganako, omunye nomunye akabe nerhubo, ilizwi lokufundisa, umbono, ilimi namkha irhumutjho lalo. Koke lokhu akwenzelwe ukuqiniswa kwebandla. Nakube kukhona ukukhuluma ngamalimi, akukhulume babili namkha babe bathathu batjhidelane, kuthi oyedwa arhumutjhe. Nakube akekho orhumutjhako, okhulumako loyo akathule ebandleni, akhulumele ngehliziyweni noZimu. Akukhulume abaphorofidi ababili namkha abathathu, abanye bahlolisise lokho okutjhiwoko. Nakube kufika isambulo kiloyo ohlezi phasi wokuthoma akathule ngombana ningaphorofida noke ngokudlhegana ukuze woke umuntu afunyane umlayezo kanye nokukhuthazwa. Imimoya yabaphorofidi ithobela abaphorofidi ngombana uZimu akasinguZimu wesiphithiphithi, kodwana ungowokuthula. Njengakiwo woke amabandla wabacwengileko, abafazi abathule emabandleni. Abakavunyelwa ukukhuluma kodwana kufanele bazithobe njengombana kusitjho umthetho. Nakube kukhona abafuna ukukwazi, ababuze emadodeni wabo emakhaya ngombana kulihlazo bona umfazi akhulume ebandleni. Konjephana ilizwi lakaZimu livele ngani na? Namkha lifikelele nina kwaphela na? Nakube umuntu udlumbana bona umphorofidi namkha unesiphiwo sakaMoya, akamukele bona lokhu enginitlolela khona kumyalo weKosi. Nakuphayela eqadi lokhu, naye uzokuphayelwa eqadi. Ngalokho-ke bazalwana, tjhisekelani ukuphorofida, ningakuvimbeli ukukhuluma ngamalimi! Kodwana koke akwenziwe ngendlela efaneleko nehlelekileko. Bazalwana, ngithanda ukunikhumbuza ngevangeli engalitjhumayela kini, enalamukelako nenidzimelele kilo. Ngilo ivangeleli enisindiswa ngalo nanikakarela elizwini enganitjhumayeza lona. Nakungasinjalo, nizabe nikholelwe ilizwe. Engakwamukelako ngakudlulisela kini ngombana kuyinto yokuthoma eqakathekileko kobana uKrestu wafela izono zethu ukuya ngokwemitlolo, wabulungwa, wavuka kabafileko ngelanga lesithathu, njengombana imitlolo isitjho. Wabonakala kuPitrosi, godu wabonakala kubapostoli abalitjhumi nambili. Ngemva kwalapho, wabonakala kubazalwana abangaphezu kwamakhulu amahlanu ngesikhathi esisodwa, inengi labo elisaphilako, nanyana-ke abanye sebalala nje. Godu wabonakala kuJakopo, ngemva kwalapho wabonakala kibo boke abapostoli. Ekugcineni wabonakala nakimi mina onjengaloyo obelethwe ngendlela engakajayeleki. Ngitjho ngombana ngingomncancani kubapostoli, nje-ke abengikafaneli nokubizwa bona ngimpostoli ngombana ngahlukumeza ibandla lakaZimu. Kodwana ngebanga lesirhawu sakaZimu ngingilokhu engingikho begodu isirhawu sakhe kimi azange sibe lilize. Awa, ngasebenza khulu kunabo boke, kodwana bekungasimi, bekusirhawu sakaZimu ebesinami. Nje-ke nanyana bekungimi namkha bekungibo, leli ngilo ivangeli esilitjhumayelako begodu ngilo enalikholwako. Nakube uKrestu utjhunyayelwa bona uvusiwe kabafileko, bangatjho njani-ke abanye benu bonyana akukho ukuvuka kwabafileko na? Kodwana nakube akukho ukuvuka kwabafileko, khona-ke kutjho bona noKrestu azange avuswe. Nje-ke nakube uKrestu azange avuswe, khona-ke ukutjhumayela kwethu kulilize lakolize, nokukholwa kwenu kunjalo. Ngaphezu kwalapho, kutjho bona sifunyaniswa sibofakazi bamanga ngoZimu ngombana sifakaze ngaye bonyana wavusa uKrestu kabafileko. Ngitjho ngombana nakube abafileko abavuswa, khona-ke kutjho bona noKrestu azange avuswe. Nje-ke nakube uKrestu azange avuswe, kukhomba bona ukukholwa kwenu kulilize lakolize, nisahlezi ezonweni zenu. Yeke nalabo esele balala bakuKrestu kutjho bona balahlekile-ke. Nakube ithemba lethu kuKrestu lingelokuphila lokhu kwaphela, khona-ke singebokulilelwa ukudlula boke abantu. Kodwana ngambala uKrestu uvusiwe kabafileko, yena osithelo sokuthoma sabaleleko. Njengombana ukufa kweza ngomuntu, kunjalo nokuvuka kwabafileko kuza ngomuntu. Njengombana ku-Adamu boke bayafa, ngokunjalo kuKrestu boke bazakuvuswa. Kodwana omunye nomunye ngedlhego lakhe: Kuzokuthoma uKrestu ntangi bese kuthi nabuyako, kuvuke labo abangebakhe. Nje-ke isiphetho sizakufika lokha nanikela umbuso kuZimu uBaba ngemva kobana atjhabalalise yoke imibuso, ubukhosi namandla ngombana kumele abuse bekufike lapha arabhalalisa khona zoke izitha zakhe ngaphasi kweenyawo zakhe. Isitha sokugcina esizokubhujiswa, kukufa ngombana umtlolo uthi: “Ubeke koke ngaphasi kweenyawo zakhe.” Nje-ke nawuthi “yoke into” ibekwe ngaphasi kwakhe, kuyakhanya bonyana lokhu akufaki uZimu phakathi, okunguye obeka zoke izinto ngaphasi kwakaKrestu. Nasele enze lokhu, yeke iNdodana ngokwayo izakwenziwa bona ibe ngaphasi koZimu okunguye obeka zoke izinto ngaphasi kwayo ukuze kuthi yena Zimu abe ngongaphezu kwakho koke. Alo-ke nakube akukho ukuvuka kwabafileko, bazokwenzanjani labo ababhabhadiselwa abafileko na? Nakube abafileko abakazokuvuswa nakanye, kubayini abantu babhajadiswe ngenca yabo na? Nakungithi-ke khona kubayini sizifake engozini umzuzu nomzuzu na? Mina ngifa ngamalanga, iye, ngitjho njalo bazalwana kanjengombana ngambala ngizigqaja ngani kuKrestu Jesu iKosi yethu. Nakube bengilwa neembandana ezinelunya e-Efesu ngebanga lomuntu tle, bengizakuthi ngizuzeni nje? Nakube abafileko angeze bavuswa, khona-ke asizaliseni ikulumo ethi: “Asigomeni, sisele ngombana ngomuso siyokufa.” Ningakhohliswa! “Ukujayelana nabantu abakhohlakeleko konakalisa isimilo esihle.” Qaqulukani njengombana nifanele, nilise ukona ngombana kukhona abathileko abangayeleli uZimu. Ngitjho lokhu khona nizakhe khenizikhuze. Kodwana omunye angase abuze athi: “Abafileko bavuswa njani na? Bazokuvuka ngomzimba onjani na?” Ubudlhadlha obungaka! Okutjalileko angeze kwamila ngaphandle kobana kufe qangi. Lokha nawutjalako, awutjali umzimba ngesingawo kodwana utjala imbewu kwaphela kungaba mhlambe ngeyekoroyi namkha okhunye nje. UZimu nguye onikela imbewu leyo umzimba njengokuhlosa kwakhe. Unikela omunye nomunye umhlobo wembewu umzimba wayo. Inyama yoke ayifani: Abantu bamhlobo othileko wenyama, iinlwana ziimhlobo omunye, iinyoni nazo ziimhlobo omunye neenhlambi ngokunjalo. Ikhona-ke nemizimba yezulwini nemizimba yephasini, kodwana ukuphazimula kwemizimba yezulwini kukodwa, nokuphazimula kwemizimba yephasini nakho kukodwa. Ikhona iphazimulo yelanga, nenye iphazimulo yenyezi godu nenye iphazimulo yeenkwekwezi ngombana iinkwekwezi ziyahlukahlukana ngephazimulo. Kuzokuba njalo-ke ngokuvuka kwabafileko. Okutjalwako kuyabola, okuvuswako akuboli. Kutjalwa ngokudelwa, kuvuswa ngephazimulo. Kutjalwa ngobuthakathaka, kuvuswa ngamandla. Kutjalwa kumzimba wenyama, kuvuswa kumzimba wommoya. Nakube kukhona umzimba wenyama, kukhona nomzimba wommoya. Ngokunjalo kutloliwe kwathiwa: “Umuntu wokuthoma u-Adamu, waba sibunjwa esiphilako,” u-Adamu wokugcina waba nguMoya ophilisako. KoMoya akusikho okweza qangi, kodwana ngokwemvelo, ngemva kwalapho-ke kwaba ngokoMoya. Umuntu wokuthoma wavela ethulini lephasi, wesibili wavela ezulwini. Indlela angayo umuntu wephasi, banjalo nalabo abangebephasi. Indlela angayo umuntu wezulwini, banjalo nalabo abangebezulwini. Njengombana sinomfuziselo womuntu wephasi, ngokunjalo sizokuba nomfuziselo womuntu wezulwini. Ngiyatjho kini bazalwana ngithi inyama neengazi angekhe kwalidla ilifa lombuso kaZimu, nokubolako angekhe kwalidla ilifa lokungaboliko. Lalelani nginitjele nasi ifihlakalo: Asizukulala soke, kodwana soke sizokutjhugululwa ngomzuzwana, iye, ngokuphazima kwelihlo, nakulila iporompita yokugcina. Kuzokulila iporompita, abafileko bavuswe bangasenakho ukubola bese siyatjhugululwa-ke. Lokhu okubolako kumele kuzembathise okungaboliko bese kuthi okubhubhako kuzembathise okungabhubhiko. Nasele okubolako kwembathiswe okungaboliko, nokubhubhako sekwembathiswe okungabhubhiko, sizakuzaliseka-ke isitjho esitloliweko esithi: “Ukufa kurhiribidelwe kuhlula” “Kufa kuphi ukuhlula kwakho na? Kufa, liphi iliva lakho na?” Iliva lokufa sisono, namandla wesono mthetho. Kodwana akathokozwe uZimu osipha ukuhlula ngeKosi yethu uJesu Krestu. Ngalokho-ke bazalwana bami abathandekako, dzimelelani. Akungabi nento eninyakazisako. Hlalani njalo nizinikele ngokupheleleko emsebenzini weKosi ngombana niyazi bonyana ukuzikhandla kwenu eKosini akusingelize. Malungana nomnikelo obuthelelelwa abantu bakaZimu, yenzani njengalokho engakutjela amabandla weGalatiya. Elangeni leSabatha, omunye nomunye wenu akabekele ngeqadi inani elithileko ukuya ngokwenzuzo yakhe ukuze kuthi nangizako ngifunyane woke umnikelo sele ubuthelelwe. Nangifikako ngizakukhupha iincwadi zokwethula labo enibakhethileko bona base isipho senu eJerusalema. Nangabe nami kufanele bona ngikhambe, bazangiphekelela. Ngizakuza kini lapho eKorinte emva kokudabula eMasedoniya ngombana ngihlose ukudabula khona eMasedoniya. Kungenzeka ngihlalahlale nani isikhatjhana, mhlamunye bengiqede ubusika boke ngilapho ukuze ningisize ekhambeni lami nanyana kuphi lapha ngiya khona. Angifuni ukunibona ngidlula nje, kodwana ngirhuluphela bona ngizakuba nesikhathi sokuhlala nani, iKosi nayivumako. Kodwana ngizokuhlala e-Efesu bekufike iPentekoste ngombana ngivulelwe umnyango omkhulu wokusebenza ngepumelelo, kanti-ke banengi nabaphikisana nami. UThimothi nafika lapho kini, qinisekisani bonyana akunalitho alesabako ngombana wenza umsebenzi weKosi njengami. Yeke akungabikhona namunye omnyazako! Nasele akhamba, mlayeliseni ngokuthula abuyele kimi ngombana ngimlindele kanye nabazalwana. Malungana nomzalwana wethu u-Apholo: Ngimkhuthaze ngamandla bona eze kini kanye nabazalwana. Ubengakazimiseli ukuza njenganje, kodwana uzakuza nafunyene ithuba. Hlalani niqaphile, nijame nidzimelele ekukholweni, nibe nesibindi, niqine. Koke enikwenzako, kwenzeni ngethando. Bazalwana, ngiyanincenga njengombana nisazi bonyana umndeni kaStefana ube ngewokuthoma ukwamukela ukukholwa e-Arhaya, begodu uzinikele khulu emsebenzini wabacwengileko, zithobeni ebantwini abanjalo nakibo boke abanye abahlanganyela emsebenzini lo. Ngithabe tle ngokufika kwakaStefana, uFortunatu no-Arhayiko ngombana banikele ngalokho ebeninganakho. Bawuvuselele ummoyami kanye newenu, nje-ke bahlonipheni abanjalo. Ayanilotjhisa amabandla wesifundeni se-Asiya. U-Akhwila noPriska banilotjhise khulu eKosini nebandla elihlanganyela emzinabo nalo linilotjhisile. Boke abazalwana abalapha bayanilotjhisa. Lotjhisanani ngokukhethekileko. Mina Powula ngitlola ukulotjhisa lokhu ngesami isandla. Nangabe umuntu akathandi iKosi, akanamathelwe manikelela. Yewuze Kosi! Umusa weKosi uJesu Krestu awube nani. Ithando lami kini noke kuKrestu Jesu. Mina Powula umpostoli kaKrestu Jesu ngokwentando kaZimu, noThimothi umzalwana, silotjhisa ibandla lakaZimu eKorinte nabo boke abacwengileko abakilo loke le-Arhaya. Akube kini umusa nokuthula okuvela kuZimu uBaba neKosini uJesu Krestu. Akathokozwe uZimu onguyise weKosi yethu uJesu Krestu nonguyise wesirhawu noZimu wenduduzo yoke, osiduduza kizo zoke iinhlupheko zethu ukuze sikwazi ukududuza labo abasesizini nanyana kungelinjani ngenduduzo esiyifunyene kuZimu. Njengombana iinhlupheko zakaKrestu zivamile kithi, nokududuzwa kwethu kwandile ngoKrestu. Nasikhathazekako, kungebanga lokududuzwa kanye nokusindiswa kwenu; nasiduduzwako, kungebanga lokududuzwa kwenu okuveza kini ukubekezelela ngesineke iinhlupheko nathi esizithweleko. Ithemba lethu ngani lidzimelele ngombana siyazi bonyana njengombana nihlanganyela eenhluphekweni zethu, ngokufanako nihlanganyela ekududuzweni kwethu. Asithandi bona ningabi nelwazi bazalwana mayelana nobuhlungu esabuthwala esifundeni se-Asiya. Sagandeleleka khulu, kwaba ngaphezu kwamandla wethu besalahlekelwa nalithemba lokuphila. Ngambala sazizwela inga sigwetjelwe ukufa. Nokho lokhu kwenzeka ukuze singazithembi thina kodwana sithembe uZimu okunguye ovusa abafileko. Yena owasiphephisa ekufeni okungakaya, uzakubuye asisindise; ithemba lethu silibeke kuye bona uzakubuye asisindise godu njengombana nani nihlanganyele ekusisizeni ngemithandazo yenu. Nje-ke abanengi bazasithokozela malungana nomusa ongaka esiwuphiwe ngemithandazo yabanengi. Iye, nakhu ukuzigqaja kwethu: Unembeza wethu uyafakaza bonyana ephasinapha, khulukhulu mayelana nobudlelwano bethu nani, saziphatha ngokucwenga nangokuthembeka okuvela kuZimu. Senza njalo ingasi ngokokuhlakanipha kwephaseli kodwana ngokomusa kaZimu. Asinitloleli ilitho eningekhe nakwazi ukulifunda namkha ukulizwisisa. Nje-ke ngiyathemba bonyana njengombana ningakasizwisisi ngokupheleleko, nizakuzwisisa ngokuzeleko bonyana ningazigqaja ngathi njengombana nathi sizozigqaja ngani ngelanga leKosi uJesu. Njengombana benginesiqiniseko ngalokhu, bengifuna ukuza kini qangi ukuze nikwazi ukuba nomusa obuyelelweko. Bengifuna ukudlula kinapho ngizonibona lokha nangiya eMasedoniya godu ngidlule lapho nasele ngibuya khona ukuze ningisize endlelenami yokuya eJudiya. Kghani nidlumbana bona bengizaza nangihlela lokhu na? Ngenza amahlelo wami ngokwamazinga wabantu, ngilungele ukuthi, “Iye, iye”, khonapho ngithi, “Awa, awa” na? Ngokuthembeka kwakaZimu, umyalezwethu kini awusi ngu: “Iye; awa”. INdodana kaZimu uJesu Krestu eyatjhunyayelwa phakathi kwenu ngimi noSilasi kanye noThimothi beyingasi ngu “Iye; awa”, kodwana kiyo kuhlala kungu “Iye” kwaphela. Kiyo, esinye nesinye isithembiso sakaZimu singu “Iye”. Yeke ngalokho ngayo sithi “Amen” kilo idumo lakaZimu. Kodwana nguZimu osiqinisako sikanye nani kuKrestu bewasizesa, ngokusibeka itshwayo lakhe, wasipha noMoya wakhe ngeenhliziyweni zethu njengesibekiso. Nje-ke, ngibiza uZimu bona abe ngufakazi wokobana kube ngebanga lokuniphephisa ukungabuyi kwami ngize eKorinte. Angitjho bona sibusa phezu kokukholwa kwenu, kodwana siziinsebenzi kanye nani ukuze nithabe ngombana nidzimelele ekukholweni. Ngaqeda nomkhumbulwami bona ngingasanithekela ngobuhlungu ngombana nakube nginizwisa ubuhlungu, akekho ongangithokozisa ngaphandle kwaloyo engimzwise ubuhlungu. Yeke ngatlola njengombana ngenzile ukuze kuthi nasele ngifikile, ngingazwiswa ubuhlungu ngilabo ebekumele ngathana bayangithokozisa ngombana nginethemba ngani noke kobana ukuthaba kwami kuzakuba kuthaba kwenu noke. Nganitlolela ngokukhathazeka okukhulu nangobuhlungu behliziyo kanye nangeenyembezi, ingasi ukunidabukisa kodwana ukunazisa ukuzika kwethando enginalo ngani. Nakube kukhona obange ubuhlungu, akakabubangi kimi kodwana ngandlelathize ububange kini noke, nokho angingezeleli nangitjho njalo. Isibetho abethwe ngaso linengi labantu simanele umuntu onjalo. Nje-ke esikhundleni salokho kumele nimlibalele benimduduze ukuze angabhudungelwa lisizi elidluleleko. Ngalokho ngiyanincenga bonyana nibonakalise ithando lenu kuye. Kungebangelo ngitlolile kobana nginizizinye bengazi bona nizithobile kikho koke. Enimlibalelako nami ngiyamlibalela. Engikulibaleleko, nakube kukhona, kube ngebanga lenu phambi kwakaKrestu ukuze uSathana angasibindi ngombana asikalalisi amehlo ngamaqhingakhe. Kuthe lokha nangifika eTrowasi kobana ngitjhumayele ivangeli lakaKrestu, ngavulelwa umnyango eKosini. Kodwana azange ngibe nokuthula ngombana azange ngifunyane umzalwana uTitosi lapho. Yeke ngabalayelisa, ngabuyela eMasedoniya. Akathokozwe uZimu ohlala asirhola njalo ngedwendwe lokuhlula kuKrestu nophutjheza ngathi iphunga elimnandi lelwazi lakhe yoke indawo. KuZimu siliphunga elimnandi lakaKrestu hlangana nalabo abasindiswako nalabo ababhubhako. Komunye sisivunda sokufa, komunye siliphunga lokuphila. Ngubani ongangomthwalo lo na? Thina asisinjengabo abanengi, asikhambi sikhangisa ngelizwi lakaZimu ukuzenzela inzuzo. Kodwana kuKrestu sikhuluma phambi koZimu ngobuqotho njengabantu abathunywe nguye. Kghani sele sithome ukuzibuka godu na? Nakanye, abe asidingi iincwadi zokusethula kini namkha ezivela kini njengombana abanye basenza. Nina ngokwenu niyincwadi yethu etlolwe eenhliziyweni zethu bona yaziwe beyifundwe babantu boke. Niyabonakala bona niyincwadi kaKrestu, umphumela womsebenzethu. Iye, incwadi engakatlolwa ngomsobo kodwana ngoMoya kaZimu ophilako, engakatlolelwa emqebethwini kodwana eenhliziyweni zabantu. Ithemba elinjalo ngelethu ngoKrestu phambi koZimu. Akutjho bona siyakghona thina ngokwethu ukuzizuzela ilitho, kodwana nguZimu osikghonisako. Iye, nguye osenze sakghona njengeenceku zesivumelwano esitjha, ingasi zomthetho kodwana zakaMoya ngombana umthetho uyabulala kodwana uMoya uyaphilisa. Yeke, nakube ikonzo yokufa egobhodlhwe ngamagama emqebethwini yeza ngephazimulo kangangobana ama-Israyeli ahlulwa kuqala uMosi ebusweni ngebanga layo iphazimulo esebusweni bakhe, iphazimulo leyo esele iphelelwe mamandla, kuzokuba kangangani-ke ukuza kwekonzo kaMoya ngephazimulo na? Nakube bekunephazimulo ekonzweni yokulahlwa, iphazimula kangangani-ke ikonzo eletha ukulungisiswa na? Ngambala lokho ebekuseze kunephazimulo, sele kulahlekelwe yiphazimulo leyo ngebanga lokufika kwephazimulo ekulu ngombana nakube lokho okuphelako kweza ngephazimulo, yikulu kangangani-ke iphazimulo yalokho okungapheliko na? Yeke, njengombana sinethemba elinjalo nje, sinesibindi tle. Thina asisinjengoMosi obekazigubuzesa ngesiyaya ukuze ama-Israyeli angamgqolozeli lokha iphazimulo leyo nayinyamalalako. Kodwana imikhumbulwabo yathundubazwa ngombana bekube kunamhlanjesi isiyayeso sisese njengombana besinjalo lokha nakufundwa isivumelwano esidala. Azange sisuswe ngombana sisuka kwaphela lokha umuntu nakuKrestu. Iye, bekube kunamhlanjesi njalo lokha nakufundwa uMosi, isiyaya sembesa imikhumbulwabo, kodwana lokha umuntu natjhugulukela eKosini, isiyaya siyasuswa. Nje-ke iKosi inguMoya, lapha kunoMoya kaSomnini khona kunekululeko. Yeke soke thina esinobuso obungakathweswa isiyaya, thina esibona iphazimulo kaSomnini inga ibonakaliswe esibonibonini, siyatjhugululwa bona sibe nobujamo obufanako ukusuka kelinye izinga lephazimulo ukuya kelinye ngombana lokhu kuvela eKosini, enguMoya. Yeke, njengombana kungomusa kaZimu bona sibe nekonzo le, asililahli ithemba. Kunalokho silahle iindlela zokufihla izinto eziphathisa iinhloni, salile ukwenza ubuqili namkha ukuphambanisa ilizwi lakaZimu, kodwana ngokubeka iqiniso epepeneneni, siyazibuka kunembeza womuntu woke phambi koZimu. Ngitjho nanyana ivangeli lethu lifihlakele, lifihlakele kilabo ababhubhako. Uzimu wesikhathesi ufiphaze imikhumbulo yabangakholwako ukuze bangaboni umkhanyo wevangeli lephazimulo kaKrestu omfuziselo kaZimu. Asizitjhumayeli thina, kodwana sitjhumayela uJesu Krestu njengeKosi, thina sibe makhoboka wenu ngebanga lakhe. Yeke uZimu owathi: “Umkhanyo awukhanye ebumnyameni,” nguye owakhanyisa eenhliziyweni zethu ukusinikela umkhanyo welwazi lephazimulo kaZimu ebusweni bakaJesu Krestu. Kodwana sinamagugu la ngezitjeni zomdaka ukuze kutjengiswe bonyana amandla amakhulu la ngewakaZimu begodu akaveli kithi. Siyahlunguphazwa ngeendlela zoke kodwana asitshidlhwa, siyakakamala kodwana asipheli amandla. Siyazunywa kodwana asilahlwa, simadlhwa phasi kodwana asibhujiswa. Sihlala sithwele emizimbeni yethu ukufa kwakaJesu ukuze kuthi ukuphila kwakhe nakho kwembulwe emizimbeni yethu. Thina esiphilako sihlala sinikelwa ekufeni ngebanga lakaJesu ukuze ukuphila kwakhe kwembulwe emizimbeni yethu efako. Ngaleyondlela, kithi kusebenza ukufa kodwana kini kusebenza ukuphila. Kutloliwe kwathiwa: “Ngakholwa, ngalokho ngakhuluma.” Nathi sakholwa, yeke sakhuluma ngombana siyazi bona loyo owavusa iKosi uJesu nathi uzosivusa kanye noJesu begodu uzosiletha sikanye nani ebukhoneni bakhe. Iye, koke kungebanga lenu ukuze kuthi umusa wandise ukuthokoza, kilo idumo lakaZimu, njengombana ufikelela abantu ngobunengi. Ngalokho asipheli amandla. Nanyana umzimba wethu ngaphandle uluphala, ingaphakathi lethu livuselelwa imihla ngemihla. Iinhlupheko zethu ezilula nezesikhatjhana zisilungiselela isilinganiso esikhulu sephazimulo engaphezu kokulinganiswa ngombana asiqali lokho okubonwako kodwana siqale okungabonwako. Okubonwako kungekwesikhatjhana kodwana okungabonwako kungekwanini nanini. Siyazi bona nakudilika idladla lephasinapha esihlala ngakilweli, sinesakhiwo esivela kuZimu, ikumba engakenziwa ngezandla, engeyanini nanini ezulwini. Nasingaphakathi kwedladleli siyabubula, silangazelela ukwembathiswa ubuhlalo bethu bezulwini ngombana nasembathisiweko, angeze safunyanwa sibulanzi. Nasisahlezi ngedladlenapha, siyabubula begodu siyadisibezeka ngombana asifisi ukwambulwa kodwana sifuna ukumbathiswa ngobuhlalo bethu bezulwini ukuze kuthi okubhubhako kuginywe kuphila. Yeke nguZimu owasidalela sona isizathwesi bewasipha noMoya njengesibambiso. Nje-ke sihlala sinesibindi ngaso soke isikhathi, nanyana sisazi bonyana nasisesekhaya ngemzimbeni lo, sikude neKosi ngombana sikhamba ngokukholwa, asikhambi ngokubona. Iye, sinesibindi begodu sinyula bona siwutjhiye umzimba lo, siyokuhlala neKosi. Nje-ke nanyana sisekhayapha namkha sele sikhambile, sikwenza kube mnqopho wethu ukuyithokozisa iKosi. Ngitjho ngombana soke sifanelwe kuvela phambi kwesihlalo sokugweba sakaKrestu ukuze ngiloyo naloyo amukeliswe umvuzo walokho akwenzileko nasesengemzimbenapha, kungaba ngokuhle namkha okumbi. Ngalokho-ke njengombana thina sikwazi bona kuyini ukwesaba iKosi, silinga ukuzuza nabanye, nokho thina siyazeka kuZimu. Ngiyathemba bona nakunembeza wenu siyazeka. Ngalokho asizidumisi kini, kodwana sininikela ithuba lokobana nizigqaje ngathi ukuze nikwazi ukuphendula labo abazigqaja ngokubonakala emehlweni ebangeni lokobana bazigqaje ngokusehliziyweni. Nangabe siqaleka sirhapha, akutshwenyi, sirhaphela uZimu. Nangabe asirhaphi, kungebanga lenu. Ithando lakaKrestu liyasiraga ngombana siyakholelwa bona munye owafela boke, nje-ke boke bafile. Wafela boke ukuze kuthi labo abaphilako bangasaziphileli bona, kodwana baphilele yena owabafelako bewavuswa. Ukusukela gadesi, yeke asisazukwazi umuntu ngokwenyama ngitjho nanyana sakhe sazi uKrestu ngokwenyama nje, nokho asisamazi njalo. Nje-ke umuntu nasele akuKrestu, sewunesibumbeko esitjha: koke okudala kudlulile, qala, koke sele kwenziwe kwaba kutjha. Koke lokhu kuvela kuZimu owasibuyisela kuye ngoKrestu bewasinikela ikonzo yokubuyisana, okutjho bona uZimu wabuyisela iphasi kuye ngoKrestu. Azange abale iimphambeko zalo, kodwana wasinikela umyalezo wokubuyisana. Nje-ke thina sibazenda bakaKrestu ngombana uZimu uzwakalisa isimemezelo sakhe ngathi. Yeke siyanincenga ebizweni lakaKrestu bona nibuyisane noZimu. Wamenza bona abe sisono ngebanga lethu loyo ongazange asazi isono ukuze kuthi kuye sibe ngabalungisisiweko bakaZimu. Njengeensebenzi zakaZimu ezisebenza ndawonye, siyanincenga bona ningawamukeleli ilize umusa kaZimu ngombana uthi: “Ngesikhathi esifaneleko ngakulalela, ngelanga lesindiso ngakusiza.” Qalani, kwanje kusikhathi esifaneleko, qalani, kwanje kulilanga lesindiso! Asibeki isiqabo endleleni yomuntu ukuze kungafunyanwa iphoso emsebenzini wethu. Kodwana njengeenceku zakaZimu sizibuka ngazo zoke iindlela: ngokunyamezela okukhulu, ngokuhlunguphazwa, ngobudisi, ngamatlhuwiso, ngokubethwa, ngokubotjhwa, ngemiguruguru, ngokutjhikatjhika, ngokungalali ebusuku kanye nangendlala. Iye, sizibuka ngokuhlanzeka, ngelwazi, ngokubekezela, ngobumnene, ngokucwengeka kuMoya oCwengileko, ngethando lamambala nangokukhuluma iqiniso emandleni kaZimu. Lokho sikwenza ngeenkhali zokulunga ngesidleni nangesinceleni. Ekuhlonitjhweni nekurhubutjhweni, ebumbini nebumnandini. Siphathwa njengabakhohlisi nanyana sineqiniso nje; siphathwa njengabantu abangaziwako nanyana saziwa nje; siphathwa njengabantu abafako, kodwana qalani siyaphila; siphathwa njengabantu abahlunguphaziweko, kodwana abangakabulawa. Siphathwa njengabantu abanesizi, kodwana sihlala sinamile; sinjengabadududu, kodwana senza abanengi babe ziingwili; sinjengabanganalitho khisibe sinakho koke. Sikhulume sitjhaphulukile kini maKorinte, sanivulela iinhliziyo zethu. Asikanigodleli amazizo wethu kodwana nina nisigodlele wenu. Nje-ke ngokwenana, ngikhuluma nani njengabantwana, nani-ke vulani iinhliziyo zenu ngokupheleleko. Ningazihlanganisi nabangakholwako. Kunabudlelwano bani phakathi kwabalungileko nabangakalungi na? Namkha kunahlanganyelo bani phakathi komkhanyo nobumnyama na? Unasivumelwano bani uKrestu noBheliyara na? Namkha yini ikholwa elingayabelana nomuntu ongakholwako na? Linasivumelwano bani ithempeli lakaZimu nabosingazimu na? Thina silithempeli lakaZimu ophilako, njengombana uZimu wathi: “Ngizokuhlala ngaphakathi kwabo bengikhambe hlangana nabo, ngibe nguZimabo, bona babe babantu bami.” Ngalokho-ke: “Phumani phakathi kwabo, nizahlukanise nabo; ningathinti ilitho elisilapheleko, yeke ngizakuza kini. Kutjho uSomnini. Mina ngizakuba nguYihlo, nina-ke nibe madodana namadodakazami. Kutjho uSomnini uMninimandla woke.” Njengombana sineenthembiswezi nje bathandekako, asizihlambululeni kikho koke ukusilaphala komzimba nekomphefumulo, siphelelise ukucwengeka ngokwesaba uZimu. Akhe nisivulele indawo eenhliziyweni zenu. Akunamuntu esimonileko, akunamuntu esimtjhaphisileko, akakho nesimcaphazileko. Angitjho lokhu ukuze nginilahle ngombana ngikhe ngatjho bona niseenhliziyweni zethu, sizokufa ndawonye besiphile ndawonye. Nginesibindi khulu ngani begodu nginegugu khulu ngani. Ngigcwele ukududuzeka begodu ngithabe khulu ngazo zoke iinhlupheko zethu. Kwamambala nanyana sesifikile eMasedoniya, imizimba yethu azange ifumane ukuphumula, kodwana sakhathazeka ngeendlela zoke; kwaba yipikiswano ngaphandle, ngaphakathi saba nokwesaba. Kodwana uZimu oduduza abadanileko, wasiduduza ngokufika kwakaTitosi, ingasi ngokuza kwakhe kwaphela, kodwana nangokududuzeka akufumana lapho kini. Wasitjela ngokungihlulukela kwenu, isililo senu nangetjisakalo eninayo ngami. Yeke ngathokoza ngaphezu kokwenza. Ngitjho nanyana nganizwisa ubuhlungu ngencwadi yami leya, angizisoli ngayo. Iye, nanyana khengazisola phambilini nangibona bona nginizwise ubuhlungu ngencwadi leyo nje, nokho kwase kwaba sikhatjhana. Kwanjesi ngiyathaba, ingasi ngombana nganizwisa ubuhlungu, kodwana ngebanga lokobana ubuhlungu benu bunenze bona nitjhuguluke ngombana nezwa ubuhlungu obuvela kuZimu. Ubuhlungobo basetjenziswa nguZimu. Nje-ke thina azange sinikhubaze nakancani. Ubuhlungu obuvela kuZimu buveza ukutjhuguluka okudosela esindisweni begodu abulethi ukuzisola kodwana ubuhlungu obuvela ephasini buveza ukufa. Qalani bona ubuhlungu enabuzwiswa nguZimu buveze ukukhuthala okungangani kini, iye, ukuzimisela okungakaya kobana nizikhuphe emlandwini, ekwesabeni, ekulangazeleleni, ekutjhisekeleni nekuhlunguphazweni. Nizibonakalise ninganamlandu kikho koke malungana nalokho. Nje-ke nanyana nginitlolele, azange ngenze lokho ngebanga laloyo owonileko, namkha ngebanga laloyo owoniweko, kodwana ngenzela bona ukusitjhisekela kwenu kwazeke kini phambi koZimu. Ngalokho siyaduduzeka. Phezu kokududuzeka kwethu, sathokoza khulu ngokuthaba kwakaTitosi ngombana noke nje namenza bona umkhumbulwakhe uphole. Nakube bengiseze ngizikhakhazisa ngani kuye, azange ngibe neenhloni, kodwana kube njengokweqiniso lakho koke ebesikutjho kini. Yeke ukuzikhakhazisa kwethu kuTitosi nakho kubonakele kuliqiniso. Nje-ke ithando lakhe ngani landa khulu nakakhumbula ukuzithoba kwenu noke nokumamukela kwenu ngokwesaba nokuthuthumela. Ngithabile ngombana nginethemba elipheleleko ngani. Sifuna bona nazi bazalwana ngomusa kaZimu ophiwe amabandla weMasedoniya ukuthi ngesikhathi esinzima sokuhlukunyezwa, ithabo lawo elingapheliko kanye nobuchaka bawo obukhulu buphuphume baba mnotho wokuphana kiwo. Ngingafakaza bona anikela ngokuzithandela kwawo ukuya ngamandlawo, ngitjho nangaphezu kwalokho anakho. Asincenga khulu bona nawo aphiwe ithuba lokuhlanganyela kilomsebenzi emakholweni. Nje-ke lokhu thina besingakakulindeli. Athoma ngokuzinikela wona qangi eKosini, kwathi ngokwentando kaZimu, azinikela nakithi. Yeke sabawa uTitosi bona njengombana sele athomile nje, akaqedelele umsebenzi womusa lo hlangana nani. Njengombana sele nikghona ezintweni zoke nje, ekukholweni, ekukhulumeni, elwazini, ekutjhisekeni okukhulu nethandweni lethu kini, sifuna bona nikghone nekunikeleni ngomusa. Akutjho bona nginibethela umthetho kodwana nginitjengisa bona abanye bakhuthele kangangani. Ngithanda bona nani nibonakale bonyana ithando lenu likhulu kangangani. Niyawazi umusa weKosi yethu uJesu Krestu kobana nanyana bekanjingile, kodwana ngebanga lenu waba sichaka ukuze kuthi ngobuchaka bakhe nina ninjinge. Nje-ke endabeni le, ngibeka nasi iseluleko sami: Kunilungele nina enithome qangi, ingasi ukwenza kwaphela, kodwana ukuba netjisakalo kusukela kwemnyakeni ophelileko. Yeke, kuqedeleleni lokho ukuze ukutjhisekela kwenu kulinganiswe ngokukuphetha ukuya ngalokho eninakho. Nangabe ukutjhisekela kukhona, isipho siyamukeleka ukuya ngalokho umuntu anakho, ingasi ukuya ngalokho umuntu anganakho. Angitjho bona kumele abanye bathwale ludlana khisibe nina niyagandeleleka, kodwana ngifuna ukulingalinganisa izinto phakathi kwalokho okunengi eninakho nokutlhoga kwabo ukuze kuthi okunengi abanakho kwanelise iindingo zenu bese kuba nokulingalingana. Njengombana kutloliwe kwathiwa: “Loyo onokunengi, azange abe nokunengi khulu, naloyo onokuncani azange abe nokuncani khulu.” Akathokozwe uZimu obeke ehliziyweni kaTitosi ukutjhisekela okufana nalokho enginakho ngani. Azange amukele isibawo sethu nje kwaphela, kodwana njengombana anokutjhisekela okudlula kwaphambilini, uzonikhambela ngokuzithandela kwakhe. Simthumela kinapho kanye nomzalwana odumileko hlangana nawo woke amabandla ngokutjhumayela kwakhe ivangeli. Akusikho lokho kwaphela, kodwana ukhethwe mabandla bona akhambe nathi lokha nasikhambisa indaba yomnikelo esiwunakekelako kobana sidumise iKosi ngokwayo kanye nokubonakalisa ukukhuthala kwethu ekusizeni. Silinga bona kungabikhona umuntu osisolako ngesipho somusa esisisebenzakwesi. Sibinge bona senze okufaneleko, ingasi phambi kwakaZimu kwaphela kodwana naphambi kwabantu. Sithumele kanye nabo umzalwana wethu esamzizinya kanengana, safumana akhuthele ezintweni ezinengi, kodwana kwanjesi sele anokutjhisekela okukhulu kunaphambilini ngebanga lokunethemba kwakhe okukhulu. Yena-ke uTitosi lo, umhlanganyeli kanye nomsebenzisani wami emsebenzini wenu lo. Nakubazalwana bethu bona, baziinthunywa zamabandla, idumo lakaKrestu. Nje-ke akuthi epepeneneni, nitjengise ubufakazi bethando lenu kibo nesizathu sethu sokuzikhakhazisa ngani. Akutlhogeki bona ngingabe nginitlolele mayelana nomnikelo omalungana nabacwengileko ngombana ngiyakwazi ukutjhisekela kwenu engizikhakhazisa ngakho ngani ebantwini beMasedoniya ngisithi, i-Arhaya lazilungiselela kwanyakenye. Ngalokho ukutjhisekela kwenu kudlhudlhe abanengi. Nje-ke ngithumela abazalwana kini ukuze ukuzikhakhazisa kwethu ngani kungabonakali kulilize. Kufanele nilunge njengombana bengithe sele nazilungiselela kade. Nakungasinjalo nange kungenzeka bona amaMasedoniya akhambe nami, afunyane bona anikalungisi, sizakuhlatjwa ziinhloni besivaleke imilomo ngani emsebenzini lo. Kungakho ngibone kuqakathekile ukuncenga abazalwana kobana bakhambe ngaphambi kwenu, bayokuje balungiselela ngaphambili, isipho esikhulu enathembisa ngaso ukuze sihlale silungile njengesipho enisikhuphe ngokuthanda kwenu ingasi ngokugandelelwa. Khumbulani lokhu: “Loyo otjala ngokunconcosela, uzokuvuna okunconcoselweko, naloyo otjala okunengi uzakuvuna okunengi.” Ngiloyo naloyo akanikele njengokuzibekela kwakhe ehliziyweni yakhe, kungabi ngokutsitsila namkha ngokugandelelwa ngombana uZimu uyamthanda loyo onikela ngethabo. UZimu unamandla wokwenza bona woke umusa wande kini ukuze kikho koke ngeenkhathi zoke, nasele ninakho koke enikudingako, nande ngayo yoke imisebenzi emihle njengombana kutloliwe kwathiwa: “Wahlakaza ngokunabileko, wabela abachakileko. Ukulunga kwakhe kujame isiphelani.” Loyo opha umtjali imbewu kanye nesikwa njengokudla, uzonibonelela abe andise nesilulu sembewenu, akhulise isivuno sokulunga kwenu. Nizakwenziwa abanjingileko ngazo zoke iindlela ukuze niphane ngeenkhathi zoke bese kuthi ngathi, ukuphana kwenu kube kuthokoza uZimu. Umsebenzi eniwenzako lo, awuphakeli iindingo zabantu bakaZimu nje kwaphela, kodwana uphuphuma iindlela ezinengi ezahlukeneko zokuletha ukuthokoza kuZimu. Ngebanga lomsebenzi enizibonakalise ngawo lo, abantu bazakudumisa uZimu ngokuzithoba okukhambisana nokutjhumayela kwenu ivangeli lakaKrestu kanye nomusa wenu omkhulu ekwabelaneni nabo kanye nabantu boke. Nabanithandazelako, iinhliziyo zabo zizakunamathela kini ngebanga lomusa omkhulu uZimu aniphe wona. Akathokozwe uZimu ngesipho sakhe esingahlathululekiko! Mina Powula ngenyama, ngiyanincenga ngobumnene nangokuthobeka kwakaKrestu, iye, mina engizithobako lokha nangiphambi kwenu, kodwana nginesibindi lokha nangingekho kini! Ngithi kini nangilapho, akungatlhogeki bona bengikhombise isibindi hlengiphikisana nalabo abadlumbana bona senza izinto ngokwenyama. Ngambala siphila njengabantu, kodwana asilwi ipi ngokwenyama. Thina iinkhali zepi yethu akusizo zenyama, kodwana zinamandla kaZimu kobana zitjhabalalise iinsekelo. Sitjhabalalisa ukuphikisana kanye nazo zoke iinqabo ezizikhukhumezako ezijanyiswa kobana zijamelane nelwazi lakaZimu begodu yoke imikhumbulo siyithumbela ekuthobeleni uKrestu. Silungele ukuhlunguphaza koke ukungalaleli lokha ukulalela kwenu nasele kuphelelisiwe. Qalani lokho okuphambi kwenu. Nakube niyazithemba bona ningebakaKrestu, zikhumbuzeni bona, njengombana ningebakaKrestu, nathi singibo. Nje-ke ngitjho nanyana ngizikhakhakhakhazisa khudlwana ngegunya lethu iKosi esiphe lona kobana sinakhe singanigirizi, angeze ngaba neenhloni ngalokho. Angifuni ukubonakala inga ngilinga ukunithusela ngeencwadi zamezi ngombana kuthiwa: “Nakuziincwadi zakhe zona, zinesisindo begodu zitjhubile, kodwana yena siqu sakhe akanasithunzi, nekulumakhe ayazisi.” Abanjalo abalemuke bonyana lokho esikutjho ngencwadi nasingekho kibo, sizakutjho nalokha nasinabo. Asizifanisi namkha sizilinganise nabanye balabo abazibukako. Kodwana nabazilinganisako bebazifanise omunye nomunye, ababonisi ukuhlakanipha. Kodwana thina asizuzikhukhumeza ukudlula isilinganiso kodwana sizakuba ngaphakathi kwesilinganiso uZimu asibekele sona, besifikelele ngitjho nakini. Asikadluleleli ekuzigqajeni kwethu njengombana bekuzokuba njalo nakube besingakafiki kini ngombana thina singabokuthoma abafika kini ngevangeli lakaKrestu. Nje-ke asizikhakhazisi ngokudluleleko ngemisebenzi yabanye. Kodwana ithemba lethu kukobana ukukholwa kwenu nakulokhu kwanda, nomkhakha wokusebenza kwethu phakathi kwenu nawo uzakwandiswa khulu; iye, ukuze sikwazi ukutjhumayela ivangeli nemazweni angaphetjheya kwenu, ngaphandle kokuzikhakhazisa ngomsebenzi osele wenziwe endaweni yomunye umuntu. Umtlolo uthi: “Loyo ozikhakhazisako, akazikhakhazise kuSomnini” ngombana abathokozwako akusingilabo abazibukako kodwana kuthokozwa ababukwa yiKosi. Sengathi beninganginyamezelela ebudlhadlheni bami obuncanobu, iye, akhese ningibekezelele hle! Nginetjhisakalo ngani, iye, nginetjhisakalo kaZimu ngombana nganendisa endodeni eyodwa, enguKrestu ukuze nginethule kuye nilitlawu lakotlawu. Kodwana nginevalo ngani kobana njengombana u-Efa akhohliswa yinyoka enobuqili, imikhumbulo yenu nayo ingahle iyengwe ekuzinikeleni kwenu kuKrestu okuqotho nokumsulwa. Ngitjho ngombana nakufika umuntu afese atjhumayele omunye uJesu ohlukileko kilo esimtjhumayelako, namkha nanamukela omunye ummoya ohlukileko kilowo eniwamukeleko, namkha ivangeli elihlukileko kilelo esele nilamukele, niba msinyana ekuzinikeleni kokunjalo. Angikhumbuli nokho bona ngingonyazeka kunabo boke abapostoli abadumilekwabo. Mhlambe iye, ngilitjhapha ekukhulumeni, kodwana angisilo itjhapha elwazini; lokhu sakubonakalisa kini ngazo zoke iindlela, nakizo zoke izinto. Kghani ngonile ngokuzithoba kwami ukuze nina niphakanyiswe ngebanga lokobana ngatjhumayela ivangeli lakaZimu kini ngesihle na? Ngaphamba amanye amabandla ngokwamukela isekelo kiwo ukuze ngisize nina. Ngesikhathi ngisesenani begodu ngiswele, azange ngitlhagele namunye wenu ngombana iindingo zami bezithwelwe bangani bami beMasedoniya. Ngaleyondlela ngazibamba begodu ngizokuragela phambili nokuzibamba ekubeni mthwalo kini. Njengombana iqiniso lakaKrestu lingaphakathi kwami nje, ukuzikhakhazisa kwami angeze kwathuliswa eemfundeni ze-Arhaya. Kubayini na? Kghani kungombana nginganithandi na? Awa, uZimu uyazi bona nginithanda tle. Engikwenzako ngizokuraga ngikwenze ukuze ngingabaphi ithuba labo abalifunela ukuthathwa inga balingana nathi kilokho abazikhukhumeza ngakho. Abazikhukhumezakwabo babapostoli bamala, iinsebenzi ezinekohliso, bazenza inga babapostoli bakaKrestu! Akumangazi lokho! Ngitjho noSathana uyazitjhatjhanisa azenze ingilozi yokukhanya. Nje-ke akurari lokha iinceku zakhe nazo nazizitjhatjhanisako zizenze inga ziziinceku zokulunga. Isiphetho sazo sizakufanelana nezenzo zazo. Ngiyabuyelela ngithi akungabi noyedwa odlumbana bona ngisidlhayela. Kodwana nakube kunjalo, khona-ke ngamukelani njengesidlhayela ukuze nami ngikwazi ukuzikhakhakhakhazisa. Lokho engikutjhoko mayelana nesibindi sokuzikhakhazisesi, angikutjho ngegunya leKosi, kodwana ngikutjho njengesidlhayela. Njengombana abanengi bazikhukhumeza ngokwephaseli nje, nami-ke ngizozikhukhumeza ngombana ninyamezelela iindlhayela ngethabo, khisibe nina nihlakaniphile. Lokha umuntu nanenza amakhoboka, adla ngani, adlala ngani, adlhodlhomela ngani namkha aniwakala ebusweni, seniyambekezelela. Ngivuma ngeenhloni kobana saba buthakathaka khulu kilokho. Kodwana nanyana yini umuntu angazikhukhumeza ngakho, ngikhuluma njengesidlhayela, nami ngizikhukhumeza ngakho lokho. BamaHebheru na? Nami nginguye. Bama-Israyeli na? Nami nginguye. Baziinzukulwana zaka-Abrahamu na? Nami ngingiso. Baziinceku zakaKrestu na? Ngikhuluma njengehlanya, ngiyinceku engcono kunabo. Ngisebenze ukudlula bona, ngabanjwa kanengi kunabo, ngabethwa kanenginengi begodu kube kanengi ngijika emlonyeni wokufa. Kwaba mahlandla amahlanu ngirithwa maJuda imivuvu ematjhumi amathathu nethoba. Ngadulwa bekwaba kathathu ngeentonga. Ngakghadlhwa ngamatje ihlandla elilodwa. Amahlandla amathathu ngaphahlazelwa umkhumbi, kwathi ubusuku nemini ngasunduzelwa ngelwandle. Ngibe sekukhambeni kanenginengi, ngaba sengozini yemilambo. Ngibe sengozini yabagongodi, ngaba sengozini yabantu bekhethu. Ngibe sengozini yabatjhili, ngaba sengozini nangingedorobheni. Ngibe sengozini nangiselwandle, ngaba sengozini kubazalwana bamala. Ngisebenze nzima ngazikhandla, ngasikhathi ngingalali. Ngiphethwe yindlala nomrhawu, ngahlala nginganakudla. Ngiququdwe makhaza nginganazambatho. Ngaphandle kwakho koke lokhu, ngihlala ngiqalene nokukhathazeka kwami okukhulu ngamabandla woke. Ngubani obuthakathaka mina ngingabi buthakathaka na? Ngubani okhubekiswako mina ngingatjhi na? Nakube kufanele ngizikhakhazise, ngizozikhakhazisa ngezinto ezikhombisa ubuthakathaka bami. UZimu onguYise weKosi uJesu, ekumele adunyiswe isiphelani, uyazi bonyana angileyi amala. Ngemzini weDamaseku, umbusi ongaphasi kwekosi u-Areta wathumela abalindi bona balinde umuzi wamaDamaseku ukuze ngibotjhwe. Kodwana ngehliswa ngesiqwebu ngefesidere elisemthangaleni, kwaba kuphunyurha kwami njalo ezandleni zakhe. Kufanele ngizikhakhazise nanyana kungasizi ilitho nje. Kodwana ngizakuragela phambili emibonweni nezambulweni zeKosi. Ngazi umuntu othileko kuKrestu, ekwathi eminyakeni elitjhumi nane edlulileko wanyuselwa ezulwini lesithathu. Ukuthi bekangemzimbeni namkha bekangasi ngemzimbeni, angazi, kwazi uZimu. Iye, ngiyazi bona umuntu loyo, nanyana bekangemzimbeni namkha bekangasi ngemzimbeni angazi, kwazi uZimu. Nokho yena wanyuselwa epharadesi. Wezwa izinto ezingakhulumekiko, iye, izinto umuntu angakavunyelwa bona azikhulume. Yeke ngizazikhakhazisa-ke ngomuntu onjalo, kodwana angeze ngazikhakhazisa ngokwami ngaphandle kobuthakathaka bami. Ngitjho nanyana bengingathanda ukuzikhakhazisa, bengingeze ngaba sidlhayela ngombana bengizabe ngikhuluma iqiniso. Kodwana ngiyalisa ukuzikhakhazisa ukuze kungabikhona ocabanga khulu ngami ukudlula lokho engikwenzako namkha engikukhulumako. Ngafakwa iliva enyameni ukuze ngingazikhukhumezi ngebanga lezambulo ezikulu engizibonako. Nje-ke ilivelo lisithunywa sakaSathana angititinya ngalo. Kwabe kwaba mahlandla amathathu ngincenga uSomnini bonyana alikhuphe kimapha. Kodwana wathi kimi: “Umusa wami ukwanele ngombana amandla wami apheleliswa ebuthakathakeni.” Nje-ke ngizazikhakhazisa khulu ngobuthakathaka bami ukuze amandla kaKrestu ahlale phezu kwami. Kungebangelo, ngenca kaKrestu, ngiyakuthabela ukuba buthakathaka, ukuthukwa, ukuba sebudisini, ukuzunywa nokuhlupheka. Ngitjho ngombana lokha nangibuthakathaka, ngiba namandla. Sese ngiphenduke isidlhayela, kodwana ngini eningenzisileko. Emanyeni bekumele kube ngini eningibukako ngombana anginyazeki nakancani ebapostolini abadumilekwaba, ngitjho nanyana ngingasililitho nje. Amatshwayo wobupostoli, okutjho iimbonakaliso, iimangaliso nemikarisomraro, kwenziwa phakathi kwenu ngesineke esikhulu. Yini eyanenza bona nilulazeke kunamanye amabandla ngaphandle kobana angizange ngibe mthwalo kini na? Yeningilibalele ebutjhaphenobo! Qalani, sele ngilungele ukuza kini kilelihlandla lesithathu. Angizukuba mthwalo kini ngombana angifuni ipahla yenu kodwana ngifuna nina. Angithi abantwana abakameli ukondla ababelethi kodwana babelethi ekumele bondle abantwana. Ngingathaba ukuninikela koke enginakho nami bengizinikele ngokwami. Nakube nginithanda khulu, nina nizangithanda kancani na? Akhe kuthatheke-ke bona azange ngibe mthwalo kini. Nokho nithi batjho njengombana ngibe nobuqili, nganidlelezela. Ngakhe nganidlelezela ngamanye wamadoda engawathumela kini na? Ngakhombela uTitosi bona eze kini, ngamthuma nomunye umzalwana wethu. UTitosi azange anidlelezele. Kghani wakhe wanidlelezela? Azange siziphathe njalo nathi na? Azange sikhambe emagadangweni afanako na? Kghani soke isikhathesi beniseze nidlumbana bona sizivikela kini na? Awa, thina besikhuluma phambi koZimu sikuKrestu begodu koke esikwenzako, bangani abathandekako, sikwenzela ukuqinisa nina. Nginevalo lokobana ekufikeni kwami ngingahle nginifunyane ningasi ngilokho engikufisako, nani ningahle ningifunyane ngingasi ngilokho enikufisako. Godu nginevalo lokobana mhlambe kungaba khona ukucabana, umona, ukuthukuthelelana, umrhobholo, ukuthukana, ukuhlebana, ukuzazi nesiphithiphithi. Iye, nginevalo lokobana nangifikako godu, uZimami angangithoba phambi kwenu, mhlambe bengililele abanengi abona ngaphambilini kodwana bangeze baphenduka ekusilaphaleni kwabo, ekuziphatheni kumbi ngokwamabhayi kanye nemanyaleni abawenzileko. Sekungekwesithathu ngisiza kini: “Yoke indaba kumele iqiniswe ngabofakazi ababili namkha abathathu.” Ngabayelelisa labo abonako ngaphambilini kanye nabo boke abanye, godu ngisabayelelisa nanje nanyana ngingekho phakathi kwabo, njengombana ngenza lokha nangiphakathi kwenu nanginikhambele kwesibili. Ngithi angisoze ngaba nesirhawu njengombana nithi nifuna ubufakazi bona uKrestu ukhulume ngami. Yena akasibuthakathaka ekusebenzeni ngani kodwana unamandla hlangana nani. Yena wabethelwa ebuthakathakeni kodwana waphila ngamandla kaZimu. Sibuthakathaka kuye, kodwana ekusebenzeni kwethu ngani, sizokuphila naye ngamandla kaZimu. Zihlolisiseni bona nisaphila ekukholweni na. Zizizinyeni. Kanti anilemuki bonyana uJesu Krestu ungaphakathi kwenu na? Nakungasinjalo khona-ke kutjho bona anikayiphumeleli ihlolo. Ngiyathemba bona nizakufunyana bonyana thina azange sibhalelwe. Sithandaza kuZimu bona ningenzi ilitho elingakalungi. Ingasi bona sibonakalise ebantwini bonyana siphumelele ihlolo, kodwana kobana nenze okulungileko ngitjho nanyana kubonakala inga sibhalelwe. Ngitjho ngombana akunalitho esingalenza ukujamelana neqiniso ngaphandle kobana silijamele, ngombana sihlala sithabile njalo lokha nasibuthakathaka kodwana nina ninamandla. Nje-ke imithandazwethu kukobana nipheleliswe. Kungalokho ngitlola izintwezi nangingekho phakathi kwenu ukuze kuthi nangizako ngingafiki ngibe bukhali ekusebenziseni kwami igunya, iye, igunya engaliphiwa yiKosi kobana nginakhe ingasi bona nginigirize. Kokugcina bazalwana, yenisale kuhle. Phikelelani ukupheleliswa, nilalele isibawo sami. Yibani hliziyonye, nihlale ngokuthula. UZimu wethando nokuthula uzakuba nani. Lotjhisanani ngokwangana okukhethekileko. Boke abazalwana bayanilotjhisa. Umusa weKosi uJesu Krestu, ithando lakaZimu nobudlelwana bakaMoya oCwengileko, akube nani noke. UPowula, ompostoli ongaveli ebantwini namkha ongakezi ngabantu kodwana ngoJesu Krestu noZimu uBaba, owavusa uJesu ekufeni, kanye nabo boke abazalwana abanami, silotjhisa amabandla aseGalatiya: Sithi sinifisela umusa nokuthula okuvela kuZimu uBaba neKosini uJesu Krestu, owazinikela ngebanga lezono zethu kobana asihlangule esikhathini lesi sobukhohlakali ukuya ngokwentando kaZimethu nonguBaba. Akadunyiswe ngokungapheliko! Amen. Ngiyarareka ngombana nimsinyana kangaka ukuhlubuka loyo owanibiza ngomusa kaKrestu, naphendukela evangelini elehlukileko, ekhabo lakhona ekungasilivangeli nokuba livangeli. Kuyabonakala bona kunabantu abanihlangahlanganisako, abalinga ukona ivangeli lakaKrestu. Kodwana nanyana kungaba ngithi namkha ingilozi evela ezulwini ingatjhumayela elinye ivangeli ngaphandle kwalelo esanitjhumayeza lona, ayithuweleliswe! Njengombana besele sitjhwile, ngisabuyelela godu ngithi: Nakube kunomuntu onitjhumayeza ivangeli ngaphandle kwalelo esanitjhumayeza lona, akathuweleliswe loyo. Kghani nje-ke ngizifunela ukuthandwa babantu namkha nguZimu na? Kghani ngifuna ukuthabisa abantu? Nakube bengisafuna ukuthabisa abantu, bengingeze ngaba likhoboka lakaKrestu. Akhese nginitjele bazalwana bona ivangeli engilitjhumayelakweli akusiyinto ethonywe babantu. Akhange ngilamukele emuntwini, godu azange ngafundiswa lona. Kodwana ngalifumana ngokwambulelwa nguJesu Krestu. Nizwile ngepilo ebengiyiphila phambilini ebuJudeni bona bengilitlhagisa kangangani ibandla lakaZimu, ngilinga ukulitjhabalalisa. Besele nginendima ekulu ebuJudeni, sele ngiphala namaJuda amanengi abontanga begodu bengitjhabatjheka khulu ngamasiko wabobaba. Kodwana uZimu owangihlukanisela ngingakabelethwa, wangibiza ngomusa wakhe, wakuthabela ukubonakalisa iNdodanakhe kimi ukuze ngimtjhumayele kabatjhili. Azange ngikhulumisane nenyama neengazi namkha ngiye eJerusalema ukuyokubonana nalabo ebegade babapostoli ngaphambi kwami. Kodwana ngasuka khonokho ngaya e-Arabhiya, kwathi ngemva kwesikhathi ngabuyela eDamaseku. Ngemva kweminyaka emithathu, ngakhuphukela eJerusalema kobana ngiyokwazana noPitrosi. Yeke ngahlala naye amalanga alitjhumi nahlanu. Akhange ngibabone abanye abapostoli ngaphandle kwakaJakopo, umfowabo leKosi. Lokhu enginitlolela khona kuliqiniso phambi kwakaZimu. Ngemva kwalokho ngaya eSiriya neSilisiya. Bengingaziwa ubuso nobuso emabandleni weJudiya akuKrestu. Bebezwe kwaphela umbiko ngami othi: “Umuntu obegade azumana nathi phambilini, kwanjesi sele atjhumayela ukukholwa ebegade alinga ukukutjhabalalisa.” Yeke badumisa uZimu ngebanga lami. Ngemva kweminyaka elitjhumi nane godu ngabuyela eJerusalema, kilelihlandla bengikhamba noBharinabhasi, ngathatha noTitosi. Ngaya ngebanga lesambulo engasifumanako, ngafese ngendlala phambi kwabo ivangeli engilitjhumayela phakathi kwabatjhili. Kodwana lokhu ngakwenza ngasese kilabo ebebabonakala inga babarholi, ngokwesaba bona umgijimo engiwugijimako nengiwugijimileko ungabi lilize lakolize. Kodwana ngitjho noTitosi obegade akhamba nami, azange akatelelwe bona asoke nanyana bekamGirigi njalo. Indaba le ivuswe kukuthi kube nabafowethu bamala abazifake hlangana nathi kobana bazozihlolisa ikululeko esinayo kuKrestu Jesu bese basenze amakhoboka. Kodwana azange sibanikele ithuba nakancani ngombana besifuna bona iqiniso levangeli likghone ukuhlala phakathi kwenu. Kodwana nakungilabo ababonakala inga babarholi, nanyana bebangibo kwamambala, akwenzi mehluko lokho, uZimu akagwebi ngokuqala ijamo lomuntu, abantwabo azange bafake ilitho emlayezwenami. Kunalokho, babona bonyana ngiphathiswe umsebenzi wokutjhumayela ivangeli kabatjhili, njengombana uPitrosi bekatjhumayela kumaJuda. UZimu obegade asemsebenzini kaPitrosi njengompostoli kumaJuda, bekasemsebenzinami njengompostoli wabatjhili. UJakopo, uKhefasi noJwanisi baba ziinsika, bangisekela mina noBharinabhasi ngokuhlanganyela, bavuma umusa engiphathiswe wona. Bavuma nokobona thina siye kabatjhili, bona baye kumaJuda. Into nje abayibawako kukobanyana sikhumbule abadududu, ebekuyinto ebengivele ngitjhisakalela ukuyenza. Kwathi bona uPitrosi afike e-Anthiyorhiya ngajamelana naye ubuso nobuso ngombana bekusemtarini bona utjhaphile. Ngaphambi kobana kufike abantu abathileko abavela kuJakopo, bekagoma nabatjhili. Kodwana kuthe bona kufike abantwabo, watsomuka, wazihlukanisa nabatjhili ngombana bekesaba labo abangebesiqhema esisokako. Amanye amaJuda amlandela ekubeni bazenzisi, nje-ke ngokuzenzisa kwabo noBharinabhasi wayengeka. Ngathi nangibona bonyana abakhambi ngendlela yeqiniso levangeli, ngathi kuPitrosi phambi kwabo boke: “Wena umJuda, kodwana khonapho uphila njengotjhili ingasi njengomJuda. Alo, kuzanjani-ke bona ukatelele abatjhili ukulandela imikhuba yamaJuda na?” “Thina esimaJuda ngokubelethwa, singasizo ‘izoni ezitjhili’, siyazi bona umuntu akalungisiswa ngokuthobela umthetho, kodwana ngokukholwa kuJesu Krestu. Nathi-ke sibeke ukukholwa kwethu kuKrestu Jesu ukuze silungisiswe ngokukholwa kuKrestu ingasi ngokuthobela umthetho ngombana akunamuntu ozakulungisiswa ngokuthobela umthetho. Nakube thina silinga ukulungisiswa kuKrestu, khibe ngapha sisesezizoni, lokho kuzabe kutjho bona uKrestu ukhuthaza ukona na? Awa, nakanye! Nakube ngakha kabutjha lokho engakutjhabalalisako, ngiyazibonakalisa bona ngisisephulamthetho. Ngomthetho ngafa emthethweni ukuze ngiphilele uZimu. Ngabethelwa kanye noKrestu Jesu, nje-ke akusese ngimi ophilako, kodwana nguKrestu ophila ngaphakathi kwami. Ipilo engiyiphila emzimbeni lo, ngiyiphila ngokukholwa eNdodaneni kaZimu, eyangithandako beyanikela ipilwayo ngebanga lami. Angiwubekeli eqadi umusa kaZimu ngombana nakube ukulunga kungafumaneka ngomthetho, kutjho bona uKrestu wafela ilize.” Nina ndlhadlha zamaGalatiya! Niloywe ngubani na? Emehlwenenu besele kwazeka bona uJesu Krestu wabethelwa. Akhe nginibuze okukodwa nakhu: Namukele uMoya ngemisebenzi yomthetho namkha ngokuzwa ngokukholwa na? Kanti niziindlhayela kangaka na? Ngemva kobana nithome ngoMoya, senigcina ngenyama na? Nahlupheka kangaka ngelize na? Nakube mbala bekungelize! Kghani loyo oninikela uMoya abe enze imikarisomraro phakathi kwenu ukwenza lokho ngemisebenzi yomthetho namkha ngokuzwa ukukholwa na? Yeke u-Abrahamu “wakholwa uZimu, kwabalelwa kuye bona kukulunga”. Yazini-ke bona labo abakholwako babantwana baka-Abrahamu. Yeke umtlolo, ngokubona bona uZimu uzakulungisisa abatjhili ngokukholwa, watjhumayela ivangeli ku-Abrahamu ngaphambilini, wathi: “Zoke izizwe zizakubusiswa kuwe.” Ngalokho-ke labo abanokukholwa babusiswa kanye no-Abrahamu, indoda yokukholwa. Boke abathembela ekuthobeleni umthetho banikelelwe ngombana umtlolo uthi: “Bathuwelelisiwe boke abangakhambi ngokuya ngalokho okutlolwe encwadini yomthetho.” Kuyakhanya bona akakho olungisiswa ngomthetho phambi koZimu ngombana, “Olungileko uzakuphila ngokukholwa”. Umthetho awukanzinzi ekukholweni, kunalokho, “Loyo owenza koke lokho uzakuphila ngakho.” UKrestu wasihlenga esithuwelelisweni somthetho ngokobana yena abe sithuweleliso esikhundleni sethu ngombana umtlolo uthi: “Umuntu ohlonywe esigodweni uthuweleliswe nguZimu”, ukuze kuthi ngoKrestu Jesu isibusiso saka-Abrahamu sehlele phezu kwabatjhili, khona sizakwamukela isithembiso sakaMoya ngokukholwa. Bazalwana, akhe ngikhulume okujayelekileko ebantwini: Njengombana kungekho umuntu ongachitha namkha angezelele amezwi welifa nasele litloliwe, kunjalo-ke nangalokhu. Nje-ke iinthembiso zenziwa ku-Abrahamu nesizukulwaneni sakhe. Umtlolo awuthi, “neenzukulwaneni” okutjho abantu abanengi, kodwana uthi, “nesizukulwaneni”, okutjho umuntu munye onguKrestu. Engikutjhoko ngilokhu: Umthetho owafakwa eminyakeni emakhulu amane namatjhumi amathathu ngemva kwalokho, awusisusi isivumelwano esenziwa nguZimu phambilini bese ngalokho ususe isithembiso. Yeke nakube ilifa liya ngomthetho, khona-ke alisayi ngesithembiso; kodwana uZimu ngomusa wakhe walinikela u-Abrahamu ngesithembiso. Alo, bewuyini-ke umnqopho womthetho na? Wengezwa ngebanga lamacala kufikela lapha kuza khona isizukulwana esenzelwa isithembiso. Umthetho wafakwa ziingilozi ngesandla somlamuli. Yeke umlamuli akasingewomuntu oyedwa, kodwana uZimu munye. Alo-ke, umthetho ujamelene neenthembiso zakaZimu na? Awa, nakanye! Nakube umthetho bewunikelwe bona uphe ipilo, khona-ke ukulunga bekuzakuza ngomthetho. Kodwana umtlolo uthi iphaseli loke nje lisibotjhwa sesono ukuze kuthi okwathenjiswa ngokukholwa kuJesu Krestu, kunikelwe labo abakholwako. Ngaphambi kobana ukukholwa kufike, umthetho bewusibambile usenze iimbotjhwa, wasivalela bekwaba kulapha kutjhatjhululwa khona ukukholwa. Yeke umthetho ngiwo owabekwa bona usidosele kuKrestu ukuze silungisiswe ngokukholwa. Njengombana kwanjesi ukukholwa sekufikile, umthetho akusesengiwo osinqophisako. Noke nibantwana bakaZimu ngokukholwa kuKrestu Jesu ngombana noke nina enabhabhadiselwa kuKrestu nembethe uKrestu. AkunamJuda, akunamGrigi, ikhoboka namkha otjhaphulukileko, omduna namkha omsikazi ngombana nimunye noke kuKrestu Jesu. Nakube ningebakaKrestu, khona-ke niziinzukulwana zaka-Abrahamu, neendlalifa ngokwesithembiso. Kodwana ngithi lokha indlalifa nayisesemntwana, ayehluki kunekhoboka, nanyana imnini walo loke ilifa. Iba ngaphasi kwabeluleki nabaphatheli bayo bekufike isikhathi esibekwe nguyise. Ngokunjalo-ke nathi nasisesebantwana besisebukhobokeni ngaphasi kwemigomo yephasi. Kodwana isikhathi nasele siphelelisiwe, uZimu wathumela iNdodanakhe, ebelethwe ngowesifazana, yabelethelwa ngaphasi komthetho, ukuzokuhlenga labo abangaphasi komthetho ukuze nathi sifunyane ilungelo elizeleko lamadodana. Ngebanga lokobana nimadodanakhe, uZimu wathumela uMoya weNdodanakhe ngeenhliziyweni zethu, uMoya orhuwelela uthi: “Aba! Baba!” Yeke awusese likhoboka kodwana sele uyindodana. Njengombana uyindodana, uZimu godu ukwenze waba yindlalifa. Phambilini lokha ningakamazi uZimu, benimakhoboka walabo ngokwemvelo abangasibo abozimu. Kodwana njengombana sele nimazi uZimu namkha ngingathi senisaziwa nguZimu, kubayini-ke senibuyela eemfundisweni ezibuthakathaka nezililize na? Nithanda ukuba makhoboka wazo godu na? Nihlonipha amalanga akhethekileko, iinyanga, iinkhathi neminyaka! Nginevalo ngani, kobana mhlamunye ngidlale ngamandlami ngani. Ngiyanirabhela, bazalwana, yibani njengami ngombana nami nginjengani. Anikangoni ngalitho. Njengombana nisazi, bekungebanga lokugula bona ngithome ngani ukutjhumayela ivangeli. Nanyana ukugula kwami kube sizizinyo kini, azange ninginyaze namkha ningiphoqe. Esikhundleni salokho ningamukele sengathi ngiyingilozi kaZimu, iye, kwanga nginguKrestu Jesu ngenyama. Kwenzekeni ngalo loke ithabo lenu na? Ngingafakaza bona nabe gade nenze njalo, benizokukhupha amehlwenu ninginikele wona. Alo, sengisisitha senu ngokunitjela iqiniso na? Abantwabo batjhisekela ukunizuza, kodwana ingasi ebuhleni. Abakufunako kukunahlukanisa nathi ukuze nani nibatjhisekele. Kuhle bona nitjhiseke, kwaphela nakube kungomnqopho omuhle begodu kuhlale kunjalo, ingasi kwaphela lokha nanginani. Bantwana bami enginomrhelo ngabo kufikela uKrestu abunjwe ngaphakathi kwenu, maye bengilangazela kangangani ukuba nani ngitjhugulule ilizwi lami ngombana ngirareke khulu ngani! Akhe ningitjele nina enithanda ukuba ngaphasi komthetho, anilemuki bona umthetho uthini na? Angithi kutloliwe bona u-Abrahamu bekanamadodana amabili, enye ingeyekhobokakazi, enye ingeyomkakhe okhululekileko. Indodanakhe yekhobokakazi yabelethwa ngendlela ejayelekileko, kodwana indodanakhe yomfazi okhululekileko yabelethwa ngebanga lesithembiso. Izintwezi ziimfanekiso kwaphela ngombana abafazi bajamele iimvumelwano ezimbili. Isivumelwano esisodwa ngesibuya entabeni iSinayi begodu sibeletha abantwana abazokuba makhoboka: Lokho kutjho uHagari. UHagari ujamele intaba yeSinayi ese-Arabhiya begodu ukhambisana nomuzi lo weJerusalema ngombana usebukhobokeni kanye nabantwana bawo. Kodwana iJerusalema eliphezulu likhululekile begodu lingumma wethu ngombana kutloliwe kwathiwa: “Yewuthabe wena mfazi oyinyumba iye, wena ongabelethi abantwana, phuma urhahlawule wena onganamirhelo ngombana banengi abantwana bomfazi onganabani kunebaloyo onendoda.” Nje-ke nina bazalwana, njengo-Isaka nibantwana besithembiso. Ngesikhatheso indodana ebelethwe ngokujayelekileko yatlhorisa indodana ebelethwe ngamandla kaMoya. Kunjalo nagadesi. Kodwana umtlolo uthini na? Uthi: “Qotjha umfazi olikhoboka nendodanakhe ngombana yona ayisoze yaba nesabelo elifeni nendodana yomfazi okhululekileko.” Ngalokho-ke bazalwana, thina asisibo abantwana bomfazi olikhoboka, kodwana singebomfazi okhululekileko. UKrestu wasikhulula kobana sibe ngabakhululekileko. Ngalokho jamani niqine, ningazidisibezi godu ngejogi lobukhoboka. Lalelani, mina Powula ngithi kini, nakube niyasoka, uKrestu angekhe aba nesizo nakancani kini. Godu ngiyaqinisa kuye woke umuntu osokako bona ubophelekile ukuthobela woke umthetho. Nina enilinga ukulungisiswa ngomthetho nahlukanisiwe noKrestu, ningaphandle komusa kaZimu. Kodwana ngoMoya silinde ngokukholwa ithemba lokulungisiswa, ngombana kuKrestu Jesu, ukusoka nokungasoki akwenzi mahluko. Into eqakathekileko kukholwa okuzibonakalisa ngethando. Beseze nigijima kuhle. Ngubani oniliyileko kobana ningasalalela iqiniso na? Ukuyengwa okunjalo akuveli konibizako. Ingumelo encani ibilisa ihlama yoke. Nginethemba eKosini bona anizukuba nomkhumbulo owahlukileko. Loyo onihlangahlanganisako, uzakuthwala isibetho nanyana kungaba ngubani. Bazalwana, nakube ngisatjhumayela ukusoka, alo ngisazunyelwani na? Ngaleyondlela isikhubekiso sesiphambano siphelisiwe. Nakubatjitjizelabo bona, sengathi bangathuwelela baziqandule bona ngokwabo. Nina bazalwana, nibizelwe ekululekweni, kodwana ningasebenzisi ikululeko yenu njengethuba enyameni. Kunalokho sebenzelanani ngethando ngombana woke umthetho uzaliseka egameni linye lokuthi: “Thanda umakhelwanakho njengombana uzithanda wena.” Kodwana nanihlalele ukulumana benirhiribidelane, yeke yelelani bona ningaqedani. Yeke ngithi kini: Khambani ngoMoya ukuze ninganelisi iinkanuko zenyama, ngombana iinkanuko zenyama ziphambene nokufunwa nguMoya, kanti nokufunwa nguMoya kuphambene neenkanuko zenyama. Iye, izintwezi ziphambene, khona ningazukwenza enikuthandako. Kodwana nanibuswa nguMoya, anisingaphasi komthetho. Kodwana imisebenzi yenyama isemtarini: bufebe, kusilaphala, manyala, kulotjha abosingazimu, buloyi, yizondo, kucabana, mumona, kubanga umguruguru, kuzicabangela wedwa, kuphikisana, kukwahlukana, yikanuko, budakwa, kurhiribidela nokhunye okunjalo. Ngiyaniyelelisa njengombana ngenza phambilini, bona labo abaphila ngalendlela asoze balidla ilifa lombuso kaZimu. Kodwana iinthelo zakaMoya zilithando, kujabula, kuthula, kubekezela, kulunga, kukwethembeka, bumnene nokuzithiba. Akunamthetho olwisana nokunjalo. Labo abangebakaKrestu Jesu babethele esiphambanweni inyama kanye nemizwa neenkanuko zayo. Nakube siphila ngoMoya, khona-ke asikhambe ngoMoya. Asingazikhukhumezi, sirhugane begodu simonakalelane. Bazalwana, nakube kukhona obhajwe esonweni, nina enilawulwa nguMoya, mfakeni endleleni ngommoya omuhle. Kodwana zitjhejeni kobana nani ningalingeki. Thwalisanani imithwalo yenu, ngaleyondlela nizabe nizalisa umthetho kaKrestu. Nakube umuntu udlumbana bona ulilitho ije angasililitho, uyazikhohlisa. Omunye nomunye kufanele ahlolisise imisebenzakhe. Ngemva kwalokho-ke angazikhakhazisa ngokungokwakhe, ingasi ngokwabanye ngombana omunye nomunye kufanele athwale umthwalo wakhe. Akuthi nanyana ngubani ofundiswa ilizwi, abelane naloyo omfundisako kizo zoke izinto ezihle. Ningakhohliswa, uZimu akaphoqwa. Umuntu uvuna akutjalileko. Otjalela iinkanuko zakhe uzakuvuna ukubhubha okuvela kizo, kodwana otjalela uMoya, uzakuvuna ukuphila okungapheliko kuye uMoya. Asingadinwa ukwenza okulungileko ngombana ngesikhathi esifaneleko sizakuvuna nakube asipheli amandla. Nje-ke, njengombana sinethuba, asenzeni okuhle kibo boke abantu, khulukhulu kilabo abangebokukholwa. Qalani, nginitlolele ngokudarhileko ngesami isandla! Abantu abathanda ukubukwa enyameni, ngibo abazonikatelela bona nisoke. Benza lokho ukuze bangazunywa ngebanga lesiphambano sakaKrestu. Sengitjho nalabo abasokako abawuthobeli umthetho; kodwana khonapho bathanda bona nisoke ukuze bazikhakhazise ngenyama yenu. Kodwana mina angingazikhakhazisi ngalitho ngaphandle kwesiphambano seKosethu uJesu Krestu, ngayo ekubethelwe iphasi kimi, nami ngabethelwa kilo. Ukusoka nokungasoki akutjho ilitho, okukhulu kukobana umuntu abe sidalwa esitjha. Akube kuthula nomusa kibo boke abakhamba ngomthetho lo, ngitjho naku-Israyeli kaZimu! Ukusuka gadesi, akungabe kusaba nomuntu ongitshwenyako ngombana emzimbenami nginamatshwayo kaJesu. Sengathi umusa weKosethu uJesu Krestu ungaba nani, bazalwana. Amen. UPowula umpostoli kaKrestu Jesu ngokwentando kaZimu, kibo abacwengileko abase-Efesu nabathembekileko kuKrestu Jesu: Akube kini ukuthula nomusa ovela kuZimu uBaba neKosi uJesu Krestu. Akadunyiswe uZimu nonguYise weKosethu uJesu Krestu, osibusisileko embusweni wezulu ngazo zoke iimbusiso zakaMoya kuKrestu. Wasikhethela kuye ngaphambi kokudalwa kwephasi kobana sibe ngabacwengileko nabamsulwa ebusweni bakhe. Ngethando waqunta ngaphambilini bona sithathwe njengabantwana bakhe ngoJesu Krestu, ukuya ngokuthanda kwakhe nangentando yakhe, kiyo indumiso yomusa wakhe ophazimulako asinikele wona ngesihle ngaloyo amthandako! Kuye sinesihlengo ngeengazi zakhe, ukucolelwa kwezono, ukuya ngomusa omkhulu kaZimu awuthela phezu kwethu ngokuhlakanipha koke nangokuzwisisa. Wasazisa ngokuhlakanipha koke nangokulemuka iimangaliso zentando yakhe, ukuya ngokomnqopho wakhe awuveza ngoKrestu njengehlelo lokupheleliswa kweenkhathi, ukuhlanganisa zoke izinto kuye, iye, izinto ezisezulwini nezisephasini. Kuye godu sakhethwa, saquntelwa ngaphambilini ukuya ngehlelo laloyo owenza koke ngokukhambisana nehloso yentando yakhe, ukuze kuthi thina ebesingebokuthoma ukwethemba kuKrestu, sidumise iphazimulwakhe. Nani-ke nafakwa kuKrestu lokha nanizwa ilizwi leqiniso, ivangeli lesindiso yenu. Senikholiwe, nabekwa kuye itshwayo ngesigibo, ekunguMoya oCwengileko owathenjiswako. Yena osibambiso esiqinisa ilifa lethu bekufike ukuhlengwa kwalabo abaselifeni lakaZimu, kilo idumo lephazimulwakhe. Ngalokho-ke, soloko ngezwa ngokukholwa kwenu eKosini uJesu kanye nethando lenu kibo boke abacwengileko, azange ngilise ukunithokoza, ngihlala nginikhumbula emithandazwenami. Ngihlala ngikhombela bona uZimu weKosethu uJesu Krestu, uBaba wephazimulo, aniphe uMoya wokuhlakanipha nesambulo ukuze nimazi ngcono. Godu ngithandazela bona inga amehlo weenhliziyo zenu angavuleka ukuze nazi ithemba anibizela kilo, umnono welifa lakhe eliphazimulako kabacwengileko namandla wakhe angalinganisekiko ngobukhulu, kithi abakholwako. Amandla lawo afana nokusebenza kwesiphanga sakhe, avusa ngawo uKrestu kabafileko, wambeka ngesigomeni sakhe embusweni wezulu, ngaphezu kwakho koke ukubusa kanye negunya, amandla nobukhosi kanye namabizo woke angabizwa ngawo, ingasi esikhathinesi kwaphela kodwana nakileso esizako. UZimu wabeka koke ngaphasi kweenyawo zakaKrestu, wambeka bona abe yihloko phezu kwakho koke kwebandla, elimzimba wakhe nelikuzaliseka kwakhe ozalisa koke ngazo zoke iindlela. Nakungini, benifile eemphambekweni nezonweni zenu, ebenijayele ukuphila kizo lokha nabegade nilandela iindlela zephaseli nezombusi wombuso womkayi, okumumoya osebenza phakathi kwalabo abangalaleliko. Soke nje sakhe saphila phakathi kwazo ngesinye isikhathi, sanelisa iinkanuko zemvelo yethu yokonakala, salandela iinkanuko nemikhumbulwayo. Njengabo boke, ngokwemvelo besizizinto zokulahlwa. Kodwana ngebanga lethando lakhe elikhulu, uZimu onothileko ngomusa, wasenza saphila ngoKrestu nanyana besifile ngeemphambeko. Yeke kungomusa bona nibe ngabasindisiweko. UZimu wasivusa naye bewasihlalisa kanye naye embusweni wezulu kuKrestu Jesu ukuze kuthi eenkhathini ezizako akhombise umnono ongalinganisekiko womusa wakhe, obonakaliswe esiseni sakhe kithi ngoKrestu Jesu. Nje-ke kungomusa kobana nibe ngabasindisiweko ngokukholwa begodu lokhu akuveli kini, kodwana kusisipho sakaZimu, akuveli ngemisebenzi ukuze kungabikho ozozikhakhazisa. Thina simsebenzi wezandla zakhe, kuKrestu Jesu kobana senze imisebenzi emihle uZimu asilungiselele yona ngaphambilini ukuze siphile kiyo. Ngalokho khumbulani bona phambilini labo abazibiza bona “ngabasokako” (basitjho ukusoka okwenziwa emzimbeni ngezandla zomuntu) bebanibiza bona ningabatjhili ngokubelethwa. Khumbulani bona ngesikhatheso beninganabudlelwano noKrestu, benininwa ekubeni zizakhamuzi zakwa-Israyeli, beningabalwa nesivumelwaneni sesithembiso. Beninganathemba begodu ninganaZimu ephasini. Kodwana nina ebenikude noKrestu Jesu, senitjhideziwe ngeengazi zakhe. Yena ngokwakhe ukuthula kwethu, iye, loyo owenza ababili baba munye, watjhabalalisa isiqabo okumthangala wobutha owahlukanisako, ngokuphelisa enyamenakhe umthetho nemiyalo yawo kanye neemiso zawo. Umnqopho wakhe bekukubumba kuye umuntu oyedwa ngokuhlanganisa ababili, ngalokho enze ukuthula, kuthi emzimbeni owodwa lowo enze ababili babuyisane noZimu esiphambanweni aphelisa ngaso ubutha. Alo-ke, uKrestu weza watjhumayela ukuthula kini nina ebenikude nakilabo ebebaseduze, ngombana ngaye, soke sikghona ukufikelela kuBaba ngoMoya munye. Ngalokho-ke, anisesemiqhamuka namaphandle, kodwana nizizakhamuzi kanye nabantu bakaZimu begodu nimalunga womndeni kaZimu. Nakhelwe phezu kwesisekelo sabapostoli nabaphorofidi ngoKrestu Jesu ngokwakhe, olilitje elisisekelo. Kuye kuhlanganiswe umakhiwo woke, uphakame ube lithempeli elicwengileko kuSomnini. Nani-ke, niyakhiwa ndawonye kuye kobana nibe yindlu lapha kuhlala khona uZimu ngoMoya wakhe. Ngebangelo-ke, mina Powula engisibotjhwa sakaKrestu Jesu, esikhundleni senu nina abatjhili, ngineqiniso bona nizwile ngokuphathwa komusa wakaZimu enganikelwa wona mayelana nani, okutjho ifihlakalo engaziswa yona ngesambulo njengombana sengatlola kafitjhazana. Nanifunda lokhu, ningalemuka umqondo wami mayelana nefihlakalo kaKrestu, engazange yaziswe abantu eenzukulwaneni ezinye njengombana sele yambulwe nguMoya kubapostoli nabaphorofidi bakhe abacwengileko. Ifihlakalo leyo kukobana abatjhili baziindlalifa kanye nathi, bamalunga womzimba munye begodu babahlanganyeli besithembiso kuKrestu Jesu ngebanga levangeli. Mina ngenziwa inceku yevangeli leli ngokwesipho somusa kaZimu engawuphiwa ngokusebenza kwamandla wakhe. Nanyana mina ngingomncancani kunabo boke abacwengileko, ngaphiwa umusa lo, kobana ngitjhumayele kabatjhili umnono kaKrestu ongaphenyekiko, nokulemukisa boke abantu ukubona bonyana liyini ihlelo lefihlakalo ebeyifihlwe kwekadeni kuZimu owadala koke. Ihloso yakhe bekukukobana gadesi, ngokusebenzisa ibandla, ukuhlakanipha kwakaZimu okubonakalisiweko kuvezwe ebabusini neemphathimandleni zombuso wezulwini, ngokwehloso yakhe yanini nanini ayiphelelisa ngoKrestu Jesu iKosethu. Kuye nangokukholwa kuye, singaya kuZimu ngokukhululeka nangesibindi. Yeke ngiyanirabhela, ningapheli amandla ngalokho enginihluphekela ngakho, okulidumo lenu. Ngesizathwesi ngiguqa phambi kwakaBaba, imindeni yoke yezulwini nephasinapha ebizwa ngaye. Inga ngomnono wephazimulwakhe anganiqinisa ngamandla ngoMoyakhe ongaphakathi kwenu, ukuze uKrestu ahlale eenhliziyweni zenu ngokukholwa. Njengombana nidzimelele benasekeleka ethandweni lakaKrestu, ngithandazela bona nibe namandla kanye nabo boke abacwengileko, nilemuke ububanzi, ubude, ukuphakama nokutjhinga kwethando lakhe. Godu nilazi ithando lakaKrestu elidlula ilwazi loke ukuze nizaliswe ngalo kufikela esilinganisweni sakho koke ukuphelela kwakaZimu. Yeke loyo onamandla wokwenza okukhulu ngokungalinganisekiko ukudlula lokho esikukhombelako namkha esikucabangako, ukuya ngamandla wakhe asebenza ngaphakathi kwethu, akube kuye idumo ebandleni nakuKrestu Jesu iinzukulwana ngeenzukulwana! Amen. Yeke, mina sibotjhwa ngebanga leKosi ngiyanincenga bonyana niphile ipilo efanelana nokubizwa kwenu, ngokobana nizithobe ngokupheleleko, nibe mnene, ninyamezele benibekezelelane ngethando. Yenzani ngakho koke okusemandlenenu ukulonda ubunye bakaMoya ngesibopho sokuthula. Munye umzimba noMoya munye; njengombana nanibizwako nabizelwa ethembeni linye, eKosini yinye, ekukholweni kunye nembhajadisweni munye, kuZimu munye nonguYise wabo boke, ongaphezu kwakho koke begodu ngakho koke nakikho koke. Kodwana soke siphiwe umusa ukuya ngokwesilinganiso sesipho sakaKrestu. Yeke kungakho kuthiwa: “Lokha nenyukela ekuphakameni, wathumba abathunjiweko, wabela abantu izipho.” Alo-ke ukuthi: “Wenyuka” kutjho ukuthini ngaphandle kokobana wakhe wehlela phasi eengcenyeni eziphasi zephasi na? Loyo owehlako, nguye kanye owenyukela ngaphezu kwawo woke amazulu ukuze azalise iphasi loke. Nguye owabela abanye bona babe bapostoli, abanye babe baphorofidi, abanye babe bavangeli, abanye babe belusi kanye nabafundisi, ukulungiselela abacwengileko imisebenzi yokulotjha ukuze kwakheke umzimba kaKrestu, kufikela lapha soke siba munye khona ekukholweni nelwazini leNdodana kaZimu. Iye sikhule besifikelele ekuzuzeni isilinganiso soke sokuphelela kwakaKrestu. Nje-ke asisesebantwana abawunawunwa mamaza, baphetjhulelwe le na le ngiyo yoke imimoya kanye nabantu abanobuqili ngamaqhingabo wekohliso. Esikhundleni salokho, asikhulumeni iqiniso ngethando, ngakho koke sikhulele kiloyo oyihloko okunguKrestu nokuhlangana kuye umzimba woke, ubumbane ndawonye ngamalungu woke onikelwa wona lokha isitho ngasinye nasisebenza ngendlela efaneleko, kwakheke umzimba, udzimelele ethandweni. Yeke nginitjela lokhu begodu ngifakaza eKosini bonyana ningasaphili njengabatjhili emikhumbulwenabo elilize lakolize. Imikhumbulwabo isebumnyameni, bahlukaniswe nendlela yokuphila evela kuZimu ngokungayeleli kwabo ngebanga lobukhuni beenhliziyo zabo. Nasele bangasenanhloni, bazineka emanyaleni ukuze benze koke ukusilaphala, baragela phambili ngokukhanuka okungaphezu kwalokho. Kodwana nina azange nifunde uKrestu ngendlela enjalo, ngombana sele nezwa ngaye benafundiswa ngaye ngokweqiniso elikuJesu. Nafundiswa mayelana neendlela zenu zokuphila zaphambilini, kobana nilise imikhuba yenu yaphambilini eyonakaliswe ziinkanuko zayo zekohliso; kobana nenziwe butjha emikhubeni yemikhumbulwenu, nembathe ubuntu obutjha obubunjwe bafuza uZimu, ekulungeni kweqiniso nangokucwengeka. Yeke lisani amanga, ngiloyo naloyo akhulume iqiniso nomakhelwanakhe ngombana soke simalungu womzimba munye. Thukuthelani, kodwana ningoni. Akungatjhingi ilanga nisathukuthele, ningamnikeli ithuba uSathana. Owebako akalise ukweba, kodwana akasebenze, enze okuhle ngezandla zakhe ukuze akwazi ukuba nelitho azalabela abaswelako. Ningavumi bona ngemilonyeni yenu kuphume iinkulumo ezimbi ezilihlazo, kodwana nikhulume lokho okulisizo ekwakheni abanye ngokweendingo zabo ukuze kusizakale labo abalaleleko. Ningamdabukisi uMoya oCwengileko kaZimu enabekwa ngaye itshwayo mayelana nelanga lokuhlengwa. Akuphele koke: ubumunyu, itukuthelo, ilaka, ukubangelana itjhada, ukukhulumana kumbi, kanye nabo boke ubumbi. Yibani mnene, nirhawukelane, nilibalelane njengombana noZimu anilibalela ngoKrestu. Yeke yibani balingisi bakaZimu njengabantwana abathandekako, niphile ipilo yethando njengombana uKrestu asithanda wabe wazinikela ngenca yethu, waba mnikelo onuka kamnandi kanye nomhlabelo kuZimu. Kodwana phakathi kwenu akungabikho ukuziphatha kumbi ngokwamabhayi, nanyana kungaba ngiliphi ihlobo lokusilaphala namkha lomrhawu ngombana lokho akukalungeli abantu abacwengileko bakaZimu. Akungabikho amanyala, iinkulumo zobudlhadlha namkha isikhathi samahlaya angayi ngandlela, kodwana kunalokho yibani nokuthokoza. Ngambala qinisekani ngalokhu: Akunasifebe, umuntu osilapheleko namkha omarhamaru njengaloyo olotjha abosingazimu, ozakuba nesabelo elifeni lombuso kaKrestu noZimu. Ningakhohliswa mumuntu ngamezwi angatjho ilitho ngombana ngebanga lezinto ezinjalo itukuthelo kaZimu yehlela labo abangalaleliko. Nje-ke ningabi nobudlelwano nabo. Nani nakhe naba bumnyama, kodwana gadesi sele nikukhanya eKosini. Philani njengabantwana bokukhanya ngombana isithelo sokukhanya sinabo boke ubuhle, ukulunga neqiniso bese nifunyane bona yini okuthokozisa iKosi. Ningabi nandaba nezinto ezililize ezenziwa babantu, izinto ezisebumnyameni, kunalokho zivezeni ekukhanyeni izintwezo. Kulihlazo ngitjho nokutjho bona abangalaleliko benzani ngemsitheleni. Kodwana koke okuvezwa kukhanya kuba semtarini ngombana kukhanya okwenza koke kubonakale. Kungalokho kuthiwa: “Phaphama wena oleleko, uvuke kabafileko, nje-ke uKrestu uzakukhanya kuwe!” Ngalokho-ke tjhejisisani bona niziphethe njani, ningabi ziindlhayela, kodwana nihlakaniphe ngokusebenzisa elinye nelinye ithuba ngombana imihla le esiphila kiyo mimbi. Ningabi ziindlhayela, kodwana lemukani bona iyini intando kaZimu. Ningadakwa liwayini ngombana lidosela ekukhohlakaleni. Esikhundleni salokho zaliswani ngoMoya oCwengileko. Khulumisanani ngamarhubo, ngeenhlabelelo nangeengoma zakaMoya. Vumani benirhubele iKosi niyidumise ngeenhliziyo zenu, nihlale njalo nithokoza uZimu uBaba ngakho koke, ebizweni leKosethu uKrestu Jesu. Thobelanani ngokuhlonipha uKrestu. Bafazi, thobelani amadoda wenu sengathi nithobela iKosi ngombana indoda iyihloko yomfazi, njengombana uKrestu ayihloko yebandla elimzimba wakhe begodu yena aMsindisi walo. Njengombana ibandla limthobela uKrestu, ngokunjalo nabafazi kumele bathobele amadoda wabo kikho koke. Madoda, thandani abafazi benu njengombana uKrestu athanda ibandla, wadela ukuphila kwakhe ngebanga lalo. Walicwengisa, walihlanza ngamanzi nangelizwi lakhe begodu waliletha kuye lilibandla elinephazimulo, elinganachaphazi, ukutjhwabana namkha umphambo wananyana yini kodwana licwengile begodu limsulwa. Ngokunjalo namadoda kufanele athande abafazi bawo njengombana athanda imizimba yawo. Othanda umkakhe uzithanda yena ngokwakhe. Akakho owakhe wazonda umzimbakhe kodwana ngiloyo naloyo uyawondla awutlhogomele, njengombana noKrestu asenza ebandleni ngombana sizizitho zomzimbakhe. “Ngalokho-ke indoda izokutjhiya uyise nonina inamathele kumkayo, nje-ke ababili labo babe nyamanye.” Yifihlakalo ekulu le, kodwana ngikhuluma ngoKrestu nebandla. Nokho-ke omunye nomunye wenu kumele athande umkakhe njengombana azithanda yena, nomfazi kumele ahloniphe indodakhe. Bantwana, thobelani ababelethi benu eKosini ngombana lokhu kulungile. “Hlonipha uyihlo nonyoko.” Lo myalo wokuthoma onesithembiso, esithi “ukuze kunikhambele kuhle nokobana nibe nepilo ede ephasinapha”. Nani bobaba, ningabathukuthelisi abantwabenu, esikhundleni salokho bakhuliseni esifundisweni nemyalweni weKosi. Makhoboka, thobelani abaphathi benu bephasini ngehlonipho, ngokwesaba nangobuqotho behliziyo, njengombana beningenza kuKrestu. Ningakwenzi ngombana nifuna ukuthenga amehlwabo nabanibeke ilihlo, kodwana thembekani nanyana bangekho, njengamakhoboka kaKrestu, yenzani intando kaZimu ngeenhliziyo zenu ezipheleleko. Yenzani umsebenzi wenu ngommoya omuhle kube ngathi anenzeli abantu kodwana nenzela iKosi, njengombana nisazi bonyana iKosi izokuvuza omunye nomunye ngakho koke okuhle akwenzako, nanyana alikhoboka namkha atjhaphulukile. Nani baphathi, phathani amakhoboka wenu ngayo yona leyondlela. Ningabasongeli njengombana nisazi bonyana yena loyo oMphathi wabo newenu usezulwini begodu akathengi amehlo wabantu. Kokugcina, qinani eKosini nemandleni wayo amakhulu! Hlomani zoke iinhlabano zakaZimu ukuze nikghone ukulema nijamelane namaqhinga kaSathana, ngombana asibindani nenyama neengazi, kodwana sibindana nababusi, iimphathimandla, imibuso yephasi elisemnyameneli kanye nemibutho yemimoya emimbi esemkayini. Nje-ke hlomani zoke iinhlabano zakaZimu ukuze kuthi nakufika ilanga lobumbi, nikghone ukudzimelela ningatjhidi bekuthi nasele nenze koke, nibonakale nisajamile. Dzimelelani-ke, nizibophe ngebhande leqiniso edinini, ukulunga kube sivikelo senu sesifuba, iinyawo zenu zembathe ukulungela ukukhambisa ivangeli lokuthula. Phezu kwakho koke lokhu, phakamisani ukukholwa kube sihlangu senu enikghona ukucima ngaso yoke imisubela evuthako yokhohlakeleko. Yamukelani isindiso ibe sikupuru, ilizwi lakaZimu libe yisabula kaMoya. Thandazani nikuMoya ngeenkhathi zoke ngayo yoke imihlobohlobo yemithandazo kanye neembawo. Nisakhumbule lokho, yelelani begodu ngeenkhathi zoke hlalani nithandazela boke abacwengileko. Nami ningithandazele ukuze kuthi njalo nangivula umlomo, ngiphiwe amezwi wokobana ngitjhumayele ifihlakalo yevangeli ngesibindi, engimzenda walo ngibotjhiwe. Thandazani bona ngilitjhumayele ngesibindi njengombana ngifanele. UTirhikosi umfowethu othandekako nosisebenzi esithembekako seKosi, uzanitjela koke ukuze nani nazi bonyana ngivuke njani nokobana ngenzani. Kungebangelo ngimthumela kinapho ukuze nazi bona sivuke njani begodu anikhuthaze. Ukuthula akube kubazalwana nethando elinokukholwa okuvela kuZimu uBaba neKosini uJesu Krestu. Akube mumusa kibo boke abathanda iKosethu uJesu Krestu ngalo loke ithando elingapheliko. UPowula noThimothi, iinceku zakaKrestu Jesu, kibo boke abacwengileko kuKrestu Jesu abaseFilipi, bakanye nabaphathi namagosa: Akube kini umusa nokuthula okuvela kuZimu uBaba wethu neKosini uJesu Krestu. Ngihlala ngithokoza uZimu njalo nanginikhumbulako. Kiyo yoke imithandazwami, nginithandazela ngethabo, ngebanga lokuhlanganyela kwenu evangelini ukusuka ngelanga lokuthoma bekube gadesi. Ngineqiniso bona loyo owathoma umsebenzi omuhle phakathi kwenu, uzawuraga abe awuqedelele bekube lilanga lakaKrestu Jesu. Kuhle kimi ukuzizwela ngalendlela ngani noke ngombana nginithwele ehliziyweni yami! Iye ngombana nihlanganyele nami emseni kaZimu, ekubotjhweni kwami nekuvikeleni kanye nekuqiniseni ivangeli. UZimu ungufakazi wami bona nginihlulukela kangangani noke ngesirhawu sakaKrestu Jesu. Nginithandazela bona ithando lenu lihlale liphuphuma njalo, elwazini nelemukweni loke ukuze nikwazi ukuhlolisisa okulungileko, nibe msulwa beningasoleki bekube lilanga lakaKrestu. Niveze iinthelo zokulunga eziza ngoJesu Krestu, kube yiphazimulo nedumo kuZimu. Ngithanda bona nazi bazalwana bonyana izinto ezenzekileko kimi eqinisweni zaba lisizo ekuthuthukiseleni phambili ivangeli. Ngalokho-ke, sele kwazeka kibo boke abalindi besigodlo nakiwo woke umuntu bonyana ngibotjhwe ngebanga lakaKrestu. Nje-ke inengi labazalwana sele linesibindi eKosini ngebanga lokubotjhwa kwami, sele batjhumayela ngesibindi nangaphandle kokwesaba. Iye, abanye batjhumayela uKrestu ngomona nangombango, kodwana abanye batjhumayela ngommoya omuhle. Laba besibili bakwenza ngethando, basazi bonyana ngibekwe lapha kobana ngivikele ivangeli. Kodwana laba bokuthoma batjhumayela uKrestu ngomrhobholo, ingasi ngokwethembeka, bahlose ukwengeza amatshwenyeko wami ekubotjhweni kwami. Alo, kutshwenya ngani nje lokho? Okuqakathekileko kukobana uKrestu utjhunyayelwa ngazo zoke iindlela nanyana ngeenhloso zamanga namkha ngeqiniso; mina ngiyathokoza ngalokho. Iye ngizokuragela phambili ngithokoze ngombana ngiyazi bona ngemithandazo yenu nesizo elivela kuMoya kaJesu Krestu, lokhu kuzakuba kukhululeka kwami. Kuyitjisakalo yerhuluphelwami kanye nethemba lokobana angizukurhubutjhwa ngitjho nanyana kungaba ngayiphi indlela, kodwana ukukhuluma kwami ngesibindi, uKrestu uzakuphakanyiswa gadesi njengombana kunjalo ngemihla emzimbenami, nanyana kungaba ngokuphila namkha ngokufa. Ngambala, kimi ukuphila nguKrestu, ukufa yinzuzo. Nakube ngimele ngiphile emzimbeni, lokho kutjho bona kuzakuba msebenzi oneenthelo kimi, nje-ke angazi bona ngikuphi engikwenyulako. Ngiphakathi kokubili: Isifiso sami kukobana ngemuke ngiyokuba noKrestu ngombana lokho kungcono khulu. Kodwana ukuphila emzimbeni kuqakatheke khulu ngebanga lenu. Njengombana ngineqiniso ngalokhu nje, ngiyazi bonyana ngizakuhlala ngingakhambi ngiragele phambili nani noke ngebanga lokuragela phambili kanye nethabo lenu ekukholweni. Ngalokho ngizazibandakanya ngokungapheliko ekuzikhakhaziseni kwenu kuKrestu Jesu lokha nangiza kini godu. Kwaphela philani ngendlela efanele ivangeli lakaKrestu ukuze kuthi nanyana ngiyabuya ngizonibona namkha ngingekho phakathi kwenu, nangizwa ngani, ngizakwazi bonyana nijamile begodu nidzimelele nimunye, nilwela ukukholwa kwevangeli nibambisene ngomkhumbulo owodwa. Yeke ningethuswa ngabajamelene nani ngombana kibo, lokho kusibonakaliso sokubhubha kwabo. Kodwana kini kukusindiswa kwenu. Lokhu kusisenzo sakaZimu. Yena uniphe ithuba ingasi lokulotjha uKrestu kwaphela kodwana nelokuhlupheka ngebanga lakhe, njengombana ninomtjhikatjhika ofana nalowo enangibona ngiphakathi kwawo, nagadesi nizwa bonyana ngisesenawo. Yeke nakube kukhona ukukhuthazeka kuKrestu, nakukhona ukududuzwa okuvela ethandweni, kukhona nehlanganyelo kaMoya godu kukhona umusa nezwelo, khona-ke phelelisani ithabo lami ngokuba nomkhumbulo owodwa, nibe nethando elilodwa, ngokuba mmoya munye begodu nibe hliziyonye. Ningenzi ilitho ngehliziyo ede namkha ngokuzitjhaya kodwana ngokuzithoba, nithathe abanye bona bangcono kunani. Ngiloyo naloyo angazitjheji yena kwaphela kodwana akatjheje neemfuno zabanye. Yibani nomkhumbulo onjengalowo ebegade ukuKrestu Jesu, owathi nanyana gade anejamo lakaZimu, azange azilinganise noZimu njengento yokuphangwa. Kodwana wazehlisa, wathatha ijamo lekhoboka, wabelethwa njengomuntu. Wafunyaneka anejamo lomuntu. Wazithoba, walalela bekwaba sekufeni, ngitjho ukufa esiphambanweni. Ngalokho uZimu wamphakamisa, wamnikela ibizo elingaphezu kwamabizo woke, ukuze kuthi ebizweni lakaJesu, woke amadolo aguqe, walabo abasezulwini, abasephasini nabangaphasi kwephasi, namalimi woke avume bona uJesu Krestu uyiKosi, kube lidumo lakaZimu uBaba. Ngalokho-ke bathandekako, njengombana beniseze ningilalela njalo, ingasi kwaphela nangikhona, kodwana khulukhulu nangingekho, yenzani isindiswenu ibe yipumelelo ngokwesaba nangokuthuthumela ngombana nguZimu osebenza ngaphakathi kwenu, owenza bona nikghone begodu nisebenze ngokwentando yakhe. Yenzani koke ngaphandle kokurhonona nokuphikisana, ukuze ningasoleki begodu nibe msulwa, nibe bantwana bakaZimu abanganabala hlangana nesizukulwana esiphambeneko nesikhohlakeleko, eniphazima hlangana naso njengeenkwekwezi ephasini. Kungebanga lokukakarela kwenu elizwini lokuphila ukobana ngizikhakhazise ngelanga lakaKrestu ngokuthi ukugijima namkha ukujuluka kwami azange kube lilize. Kodwana nanyana ngingathululwa njengomnikelo wokuselwako phezu komhlabelo kanye nomnikelo wokukholwa kwenu, ngithokoza bengithabe nani noke, ngokunjalo nani kumele nithokoze benithabe kanye nami. Nginethemba eKosini uJesu bonyana ngizakuthumela uThimothi msinyana kini ukuze nami ngithokoziswe ziindaba ezivela kini. Anginaye omunye onjengaye onetjisakalo engazenzisiko ngepilo yenu. Boke abanye bazifunela kwabo, abanandaba nokufunwa nguJesu Krestu. Kodwana niyazi bona uThimothi uzibonakalise kangangani ngombana usebenze nami emsebenzini wevangeli njengendodana nayisebenza noyise. Ngalokho-ke ngitjhisekela ukumthumela msinyazana nasele ngibonile bonyana iindaba zami zijame njani. Nginethemba eKosini bona nami ngokwami ngizakuza msinyana kini. Kodwana ngibone kuqakathekile bona ngithumele kini u-Ephafrodithu umfowethu osisebenzi nolibutho kanye nami, godu nosithunywa senu enamthumela bona azokutjheja iindingo zami. Bekatjhisekela ukuzonibona noke, kodwana wakhathazeka ngombana besele nizwile bona bekagula. Ngambala bekagula kangangobana wapheze wahlongakala. Kodwana uZimu wamrhawukela begodu ingasi yena yedwa kodwana nami ukuze ngingabi nesizi phezu kwesizi. Ngalokho ngizimisele khulu ukumthumela kini ukuze kuthi nanimbonako godu, nithabe, kunciphe isizi lami. Yeke mamukeleni kuKrestu ngethabo loke, abanjalo nibaphathe ngehlonipho ngombana upheze wahlongakala ngebanga lokusebenzela uKrestu, wabeka ipilwakhe engozini ukuze ajamele imisebenzi eningazange nifikelele ukungenzela yona. Kokugcina bazalwana, thabani eKosini. Ukubuyelela ukunitlolela ebenginitlolele khona phambilini akungikhathazi, kodwana kukulondeka kini. Yelelani izinja, niyelele iinsebenzi ezimbi, yelelani labo ababacwiyi. Ngithi esisokileko, iye, thina esilotjha ngoMoya kaZimu. Sizikhakhazisa ngoKrestu Jesu, asinathemba enyameni, nanyana nami nginazo iinzathu zokuba nethemba enyameni. Nakube kukhona odlumbana bona uneenzathu zokwethembela enyameni, zami-ke zingaphezulu. Ngasokwa elangeni lobunane, ngililunga lesizwe sakwa-Israyeli, ekorweni yakwaBhenjamini, ngimHebheru obelethwe maHebheru; ngehlangothini lomthetho khona ngimFarisi. Ngokokutjhisekela, ngingowazumana nebandla, nakukulungisiswa ngokomthetho, ngimsulwa. Kodwana koke ebengikubala njengenzuzo, namhlanjesi sengikuthatha njengokulahlekelwa ngebanga lakaKrestu. Ngaphezu kwalapho, ngithatha koke njengokulahlekelwa ngebanga lokuqakatheka okukhulu kokwazana noKrestu Jesu iKosami. Ngebanga lakhe ngilahlekelwe ngikho koke, yeke koke lokho ngikuthatha njengeenzibi ukuze ngizuze uKrestu, ngifunyanwe ngimunye naye. Angisenakho ukulunga okungekwami okuvela emthethweni kodwana okuvela ngokukholwa kuKrestu, okukulunga okuvela kuZimu nokudzimelele ekukholweni. Ngifuna ukwazi uKrestu namandla wokuvuka kwakhe ekufeni kanye nokuhlanganyela ekuhluphekeni kwakhe ngokuba njengaye ekufeni kwakhe, nakube ngingahle ngifikelele ekuvusweni kwabafileko. Ingasi bona sele ngikufumene lokho namkha sele ngifikile emnqopheni, kodwana ngihlabela phambili kobana ngikwenze kube ngekwami ngombana uKrestu Jesu ungenze ngaba ngewakhe. Bazalwana angitjho bona sengikuzuzile lokho, kodwana yinye into engiyenzako: Ngikhohlwa okungemva kwami, ngihlabele phambili ngamandla kokuphambili kwami. Yeke ngihlabela phambili nginqophe esiphethweni kobana ngizuze umvuzo wokubizwa kwezulwini okungekwakaZimu ngoKrestu Jesu. Akuthi soke-ke thina esesikhulile eKosini sibe nomkhumbulo onjalo. Yeke nakube nicabanga ngokwahlukileko ngananyana yini, nalokho uZimu uzanambululela khona. Kwaphela asibambeleleni kilokho esele sinakho. Bazalwana, hlanganyelani nabanye ekulandeleni isibonelo sami, niqale labo abaphila ngokwesibonelo esanibonisa sona. Abanengi njengombana ngakhe nganitjela ngabo phambilini, nanje engisanitjela ngabo ngeenyembezi, baphila njengezitha zesiphambano sakaKrestu. Isiphetho sabo kubhujiswa; uzimabo sisisu nedumo labo lisemanyalenabo, imikhumbulwabo inamathele ezintweni zephasi. Kodwana thina ikhaya lethu lisezulwini, lapha silindele khona uMsindisi, iKosi uJesu Krestu. Uzakutjhugulula imizimba yethu ethobekileko ukuze ifane nomzimba wephazimulwakhe ngamandla amenza akghone ukwenza koke bona kube ngaphasi kwelawulo lakhe. Nje-ke, bazalwana abathandekako nengibahlulukeleko, nina enikuthaba kwami kanye nesihlohlo sami, kakarelani eKosini ngayo indlela leyo, bathandekako. Ngiyala u-Eyodiya noSuntirhe bona babe nomkhumbulo munye eKosini. Iye, nawe ngiyakukhombela mnganami bona usize abomma laba ngombana batjhikatjhika nami emsebenzini wevangeli, bakanye noKlemente nabo boke abasebenzisana nami, labo amabizwabo angencwadini yokuphila. Thabani njalo eKosini, ngiyabuyelela godu ngithi: Thabani! Ukuthobeka kwenu akwaziwe babantu boke. IKosi sele iseduze. Ningakhathazeki ngalitho kodwana kikho koke, iimbawo zenu azaziwe nguZimu ngomthandazo nangokuncenga okunokuthokoza. Ukuthula kwakaZimu okudlula koke ukuzwisisa, kuzakubulunga iinhliziyo zenu nemikhumbulwenu kuKrestu Jesu. Kokugcina bazalwana nanyana yini eliqiniso, ehloniphekako, elungileko, emsulwa, ethokozisako, eyazisako, iye, nakukhona ubuhle begodu nakukhona nanyana yini efanele idunyiswe, zindlani ngayo. Ragelani phambili nokwenza enakufunda, nakwamukela, nakuzwa benakubona ngikwenza, yeke uZimu wokuthula uzakuba nani. Kulithabo elikhulu kimi eKosini bona ekugcineni nibe nethuba lokuvuselela ukungitjheja kwenu. Beniseze ningitjheja, kodwana beninganathuba lokukubonisa lokho. Angikhulumi ngebanga lokuswela, kodwana ngikhuluma ngombana ngifundile ukwaneliswa ngalokho enginakho. Ngiyazi bona kunjani ukungabi nokwaneleko, godu ngiyazi bona kunjani ukuba nakho koke. Kikho koke nakibo boke ubujamo ngafunda ifihlakalo yokwaneliswa nanyana ngisutha namkha ngilamba. Ngikghona ukwenza yoke into ngaloyo ongiqinisako. Nokho kwaba kuhle kini kobana nihlanganyele eenhluphekweni zami. Khulukhulu nina eniseFilipi, niyazi bona emihleni yokuthoma kwevangeli, nangisuka eMasedoniya, akunabandla elahlanganyela nami endabeni yokupha nokwamukela ngaphandle kwenu kwaphela. Ngitjho nalokha nabengiseThesalonika, nangithumelela isizo elimalungana neendingo zami bekwaba kanengana. Akusi kukobanyana ngifuna isipho, kodwana ngifuna inzuzo ebalelwa ngakini. Ngifumene yoke ikokhelo bekwaba ngaphezulu; nganeliseke ngokupheleleko njengombana ngamukele izipho eningithumele zona ngo-Epafrodithu, umnikelo wephunga elimnandi, okumhlabelo owamukelekako nothokozisa uZimu. Yeke uZimami uzakwanelisa esinye nesinye isidingo senu ngokomnono wakhe ephazimulweni ekuKrestu Jesu. KuZimethu nonguBaba, akube nedumo loke ngokungapheliko! Amen. Lotjhisani boke abacwengileko abakuKrestu Jesu. Abazalwana abanami lapha bayanilotjhisa. Boke abacwengileko bayanilotjhisa, khulukhulu labo bekumba kaKhesari. Sengathi umusa weKosethu uJesu Krestu ungaba nani. UPowula ompostoli kaJesu Krestu ngokwentando kaZimu, noThimothi umfowethu, kibo abazalwana abacwengileko nabathembekileko kuKrestu abaseKolose: Sengathi ningaba nomusa nokuthula okuvela kuZimu uBaba wethu. Sihlala simthokoza njalo uZimu, uYise weKosethu uJesu Krestu, nasinithandazelako, ngombana sizwile ngokukholwa kwenu kuKrestu Jesu, nangethando eninalo kibo boke abacwengileko, ngebanga lethemba enibekelwe lona ezulwini. Senikhe nezwa ngalelithemba ngaphambilini elizwini leqiniso, okutjho ivangeli, iye, lona lelo esele lifikile kini. Njengombana lithela iinthelo begodu landa nephasi loke, ngokunjalo lithela iinthelo naphakathi kwenu soloko kwamhla nalizwako nabe nazi nomusa kaZimu ngeqiniso. Lokhu nakufunda ku-Ephafrasi othandekako noyinceku kanye nathi. Usisebenzi sakaKrestu esithembekileko ngebanga lenu begodu nguye osazise ngethando eninalo ngoMoya. Ngalokho-ke nathi solo kwamhlana sizwa ngalo, azange silise ukunithandazela, sinibawela bona nizaliswe ngelwazi lentando kaZimu kikho koke ukuhlakanipha kanye nelemuko elivela kuMoya. Siyanithandazela bona niphile ipilo efanele iKosi, beniyithabise ngakho koke, nithele iinthelo kiwo woke umsebenzi omuhle, nikhule nekumazini uZimu, niqiniswe ngawo woke amandla emandlenakhe amakhulu ukuze nibe nokudzimelela okukhulu kanye nokubekezela. Ngethabo nithokoze uBaba owanenza bona nifanelwe sisabelo elifeni labacwengileko embusweni wokukhanya. Wasikhupha emandleni wobumnyama, wasibeka embusweni weNdodanakhe ethandekako, esinokuhlengwa nokulitjalelwa kwezono zethu kiyo. UKrestu umfanekiso wakaZimu ongabonakaliko, ulizibulo lakho koke okubunjiweko ngombana koke kwabunjwa ngaye: okusezulwini nephasinapha, okubonakalako nokungabonakaliko, kungaba mibuso namkha ubukhosi namkha ababusi neemphathimandla. Koke kwabunjwa ngaye, kwabunjelwa yena. Yena ngokwakhe waba khona koke kungakabikhona begodu koke kudzimelele ngaye. Uyihloko yomzimba, okulibandla; usithomo, izibulo labavuswa ekufeni, ukuze abe ngewokuthoma kikho koke. Yeke kwamthabisa uZimu bona ubuyena obupheleleko bakhe buhlale ngaphakathi kwakhe ukuze kuthi ngaye abuyisele koke kuye nanyana kungaba ngokusephasini namkha okusezulwini, ngokwenza ukuthula ngeengazi zakhe ezathululwa esiphambanweni. Nani ebegade nikude noZimu, nimanaba emikhumbulweni yenu ngebanga lezinto ezimbi ebenizenza, nokho sele abuyisene nani ngomzimba kaKrestu wenyama, ngokufa kwakhe ukuze aniveze nicwengile, nimsulwa begodu ningasoleki phambi kwakhe. Lokho kwenzeka kwaphela nakube nani nihlala nidzimelele benikakarele esisekelweni sokukholwa, ngaphandle kokutjhida ethembeni elathenjiswa livangeli enalizwako nelatjhunyayelwa kikho koke okudaliweko ngaphasi komthunzi welanga, mina Powula engaba sisebenzi salo. Nje-ke ngiyathaba ekuhluphekeni kwami ngenca yenu, begodu emzimbenami ngiphelelisa lokho okutlhayeleko ekuhluphekeni kwakaKrestu ngebanga lomzimbakhe, okutjho ibandla. Ngenziwe isikhonzi salo ngokomsebenzi kaZimu enganikelwa wona ngani, ukuzwakalisa ilizwi lakaZimu ngokupheleleko, ekuyifihlakalo ebeyifihliwe kiso soke isikhathi sekadeni kanye neenzukulwaneni, kodwana gadesi sele yambulelwe abacwengileko bakhe. UZimu waqunta bona kwazeke kibo bonyana umnono wephazimulo yefihlakalwakhe le mkhulu kangangani hlangana nabatjhili; ifihlakalo leyo inguKrestu okini nolithemba lephazimulo. Nje-ke nguye esimtjhumayelako, siyelelise woke umuntu besibafundise koke ukuhlakanipha kwakhe ukuze silethe woke umuntu aphelele kuKrestu. Iye, ngikho lokhu engikusebenzelako, ngitjhabatjheka ngawo woke umfutho awuvusa ngamandla ngaphakathi kwami. Ngithanda nazi bonyana ngirubaruba kangangani ngani nangalabo abaseLawodikeya, boke abanengi esingazange khesibonane nabo ubuso nobuso. Lokhu ngikwenzela bona iinhliziyo zabo zikhuthazeke, bahlanganiswe ethandweni ukuze babe nawo woke umnono wokuzwisisa okuqinisiweko godu babe nelwazi lefihlakalo kaZimu, okutjho uKrestu okufunyaneka kuye woke amagugu afihliweko wokuhlakanipha nelwazi. Nginitjela lokhu ukuze kungabikhona ozanikhohlisa ngeempikiswano eziyengako, ngombana nanyana ngingekho kini siqu sami, kodwana nginani ngommoya. Begodu ngithabela ukubona ukuhleleka kwenu nokudzimelela kokukholwa kwenu kuKrestu. Njengombana senamukela uKrestu Jesu iKosi, ragelani phambili ngokuphila nikuye, nidzimelele benakhiwe kuye, niqinile ekukholweni njengombana nafundiswa, nivame ukuthokoza. Yelelani-ke bona kungabikhona namunye onithumba ngobuhlakani nangekohliso elilize, ngokwefundiso yabantu esekeleke phezu kwemimoya yephasi, ingasi kuKrestu, ekuhlala kuye emzimbenakhe koke ukuphelela kwakaZimu. Ngalokho-ke nani seniphelelisiwe kuye oyihloko yemibuso neyamandla woke. Kuye godu nasokwa ngokusokwa kwakaMoya, ngokuhlubula imvelo yokona, ingasi ngokusoka okwenziwa ngezandla zomuntu kodwana ngokusoka okwenziwa nguKrestu. Njengombana nabulungwa naye ngombhabhadiso, khona-ke navuswa kanye naye ngokukholwa emandleni kaZimu, owamvusa ekufeni. Nani-ke ebegade nifile ngokona kwenu nangokungasoki enyameni yenu, uZimu wanenza abaphilako kanye naye lokha nakasithethelela kizo zoke iimphambeko zethu. Wasula okutloliweko kanye nemiyalo yakhona ebegade ilwisana nathi begodu ijamelene nathi, wakususa lokho, wakubethela esiphambanweni. Wamuka ababusi neemphathimandla iinhlabano zabo wabenza ihlaya etjhatjhalazini, wabahlula esiphambanweni. Nje-ke akungabi namunye onilahla ngokudla nanyana ngokusela, namkha ngeminyanya, ukuthwasa kwenyanga namkha ngamaSabatha. Lokho kusithunzi nje salokho okuzako, kodwana okungikho kungekwakaKrestu. Akungabikhona umuntu onitjhaphisako, othanda ukuzenza othobileko khisibe ulotjha iingilozi abe akakarele emibonweni, azikhukhumeze ngelize emikhumbulwenakhe yenyama. Onjalo sele alahlekelwe ngiloyo oyihloko, lapha umzimba woke usekeleke khona begodu uhlanganiswe malungu nemisipha, ukhule ngokukhula okuvela kuZimu. Njengombana nafa kanye noKrestu benakhululwa eemfundisweni zemimoya yephaseli, kubangelwa yini-ke bona niziphathe njengabantu bephaseli na? Kubayini nithobele imiyalo ethi, “Ungakuphathi lokhu! Unganandiphi lokhu! Ungakunamathi lokhuya!” na? Yoke imiyalo le itjho izinto ezibhubhako, kumithetho neemfundiso zabantu nje kwaphela. Iye, ibonakala inesifaniso sokuhlakanipha ekukhuthazeni ukulunga nokuzithoba kokuzenzisa, okulungele umzimba nje kwaphela kodwana kube kungasizi ngalitho ekuzithibeni eenkanukweni zenyama yabo. Nakube navuswa noKrestu, khona-ke funani izinto zaphezulu, lapho uKrestu ahlezi khona ngesigomeni sakaZimu. Bekani imikhumbulwenu ezintweni zezulwini, ningatjheji zephasi ngombana nafa, nje-ke ipilwenu ifihliwe kuKrestu okuZimu. Lokha uKrestu okuphila kwenu nakabonakaliswako, nani nizokubonakaliswa kanye naye ephazimulweni. Nje-ke bulalani koke okukini okungekwemvelo yephasini: ubudzewuri, ukusilaphala, ikanuko, iimfiso ezimbi nobumarhamaru, okukulotjha abosingazimu. Ngebanga lakho koke lokhu itukuthelo kaZimu izokwehlela kilabo abangalaleliko. Lezo ziindlela nani ebegade nizilandela lokha nanisaphila ipilo enjalo. Kodwana kwanjesi kufanele nilahle zoke izinto ezinjalo: itukuthelo, ilaka, izondo, ukuhlambalaza nokukhuluma amahlazo. Ningaleyelani amanga, njengombana sele nihlubule ubunina obudala nemikhuba yabo nje, begodu senembethe ubunina obutjha, obuvuselelwe elwazini ngokomfuziselo wombumbi wabo. Ekuvuselelweni lokho, akusekho umGirigi nomJuda, osokiweko nongakasokwa, otjhili, umSkithi, amakhoboka nabatjhaphulukileko. Yeke njengabakhethiweko bakaZimu, abacwengileko nabathandekako, yembathani isirhawu, ukulunga, ukuthobeka, ubumnene nokubekezela. Bekezelelanani nakube omunye uneensolo ngomunye; libalelanani njengombana neKosi yanilibalela, iye nani kumele nilibalele. Ngaphezu kwakho koke lokhu, zembathiseni ngethando lona elibopha koke ndawonye kuzwane. Ukuthula kwakaKrestu akubuse eenhliziyweni zenu, iye lokho enabizelwa kikho emzimbeni munye. Begodu yibani nokuthokoza. Ilizwi lakaKrestu alihlale ngaphakathi kwenu ngokupheleleko; fundisanani beniyalane ngakho koke ukuhlakanipha; vumelani uZimu amarhubo, iingoma kanye nomvumo wokukholwa ngokuthokoza eenhliziyweni zenu. Koke enikwenzako, kungaba ngelizwi namkha ngezenzo, kwenzeni koke ebizweni leKosi uJesu, ngayo nithokoze uZimu uBaba. Bafazi, thobelani amadoda wenu ngombana kuyifanelo yenu eKosini. Madoda, thandani abafazi benu, ningabakhahlamezi. Bantwana, lalelani ababelethi benu kikho koke ngombana lokho kuyayithokozisa iKosi. Bobaba, ningabathukuthelisi abantwana benu, khona bangazukudana. Makhoboka, thobelani abaphathi benu bephasinapha kikho koke, kungabi kwaphela nabanibeke ilihlo ngombana nifuna ukubathabisa, kodwana akube ngokuthembeka ngehliziyo yoke, nesabe iKosi. Koke enikwenzako, kwenzeni ngehliziyo epheleleko kube ngathi nikwenzela iKosi ingasi abantu, njengombana nisazi bonyana eKosini nizakwamukeliswa ilifa njengomvuzo wenu. Khumbulani bona nilotjha iKosi. Ngambala loyo owenza okungakalungi, uzakwamukeliswa nanyana yini engakalungi ayenzileko begodu akukho ukukhetha ubuso. Baphathi, phathani amakhoboka wenu ngokulunga nangefanelo ngombana niyazi bonyana nani ninomphathi ezulwini. Zinikeleni ngokupheleleko emthandazweni, nilinde kiwo ngokuthokoza. Sithandazelani nathi kobana uZimu asivulele ithuba lokutjhumayela ukuze sizwakalise ifihlakalo kaKrestu, engingesikhungweni ngebanga layo. Thandazani bona ngiyibonakalise kuhle njengombana ngifanele. Ziphatheni ngokuhlakanipha ebantwini abatjhili, nisebenzise kuhle loke ithuba eninalo. Ikulumo yenu ayibe nomusa njalo, inungwe ngetswayi ukuze nazi bona niphendule njani woke umuntu. UTirhikosi uzanitjela zoke iindaba ngami, ungumfowethu othandekako, isikhonzi esithembekileko nenceku kanye nami eKosini. Kungebangelo ngimthumela kini ukuze nazi bona siphile njani nokobana akhuthaze iinhliziyo zenu. Uzabe akhambisana no-Onesimusi, umfowethu othembekileko nothandekako, ongomunye wenu. Bazanitjela ngakho koke okwenzekako lapha. U-Aristarirhusi osibotjhwa kanye nami uthe nginivuse, iye yena noMarkosi umzawakhe kaBharinabhasi enayalwa ngaye bona nafikako nimamukele. UJesu okuthiwa nguJustosi naye uthe nginivuse. Laba-ke ngibo bodwa abangebokusoka hlangana nabasebenza kanye nami embusweni kaZimu, begodu bayinduduzo kimi njalo. No-Ephafrasi ongomunye wenu noyinceku kaJesu Krestu uthe nginivuse. Njalo emthandazwenakhe uhlala anilwela ukuze niqine nidzimelele begodu niqinisekisiwe kikho koke okusentandweni kaZimu. Nami ngiyamfakazela bona unisebenzele nzima kanye nalabo abaseLawodikeya kanye nabaseHerapholisi. ULukasi, udorhodera othandekako, noDemasi bayanilotjhisa. Yeningilotjhisele kubazalwana abaseLawodikeya nakuNimfasi kanye nebandla elihlanganela kwakhe. Nasele incwadi le ifundiwe phakathi kwenu, idluliseleni nebandleni lamaLawodikeya kobana ifundwe nakhona, nani qinisekisani bona niyayifunda evela eLawodikiya. Yithini ku-Arirhipusi: “Qinisekisa bona uqeda umsebenzi owawamukela eKosini.” Mina Powula ngitlola isilayeliso lesi ngesandla sami. Khumbulani iinketani zami. Sengathi umusa wakaZimu ungaba nani. Mina Powula, uSilasi noThimothi; kiwo amaThesalonika alibandla lakaZimu, uBaba wethu, neKosethu uJesu Krestu: Akube kini umusa nokuthula. Sihlala simthokoza njalo uZimu ngani noke; siyanikhumbula nemithandazweni yethu. Sikhumbula njalo phambi koZimethu nonguBaba, umsebenzenu weenthelo zokukholwa, ukutjhabatjheka kwenu okuvezwa lithando kanye nokubekezela kwenu ngebanga lethemba eninalo eKosinethu uJesu Krestu. Siyazi bazalwana abathandwa nguZimu bona unikhethile ngombana ivangeli lethu leza kini ingasi ngamezwi nje kwaphela kodwana ngamandla kaMoya oCwengileko nangokukholwa okukhulu. Niyazi bona besiphila njani phakathi kwenu ngebanga lenu. Nani naba balingisi bethu nebeKosi; phezu kobana beniqalene neenhlupheko ezikulu, namukela ilizwi ngethabo enalinikelwa nguMoya oCwengileko. Ngaleyondlela nibe sibonelo kiwo woke amakholwa eMasedoniya ne-Arhaya ngombana ukuzwakala kwelizwi kwavela kini, ingasi eMasedoniya ne-Arhaya kwaphela. Ukukholwa kwenu kuZimu sekwazeka yoke indawo, yeke akusatlhogeki bona sitjho ilitho ngakho ngombana bona ngokwabo ngibo abasibikelako bona nasamukela njani. Bayafakaza ngendlela enatjhugulukela ngayo kuZimu, nafulathela ukulotjha abozinyana kobana nilotjhe uZimu weqiniso nophilako. Noke nihlala nilindele ukubuya kweNdodana yakhe ezulwini, ayivusa kabafileko, iNdodana leyo nguJesu osisindisa elakeni elizako. Bazalwana, niyazi nani ngokwenu bona ukunithekela kwethu akhange kube lilize. Phambilini sahlutjhwa begodu sathukwa khulu eFilipi njengombana nisazi, kodwana ngesizo lakaZimethu sazidela kobana sizonitjela ngevangeli lakhe phezu kobana besiqalene nokuphikiswa okukhulu. Ukutjhumayela kwethu akuveli kokulahlekisako namkha kokusilapheleko begodu asilingi ukunidlelezela, kodwana sikhuluma njengamadoda akhethwe nguZimu kobana siphathiswe ivangeli. Asikhulumeli ukuthabisa abantu, kodwana sikhulumela ukuthabisa uZimu ozizinya iinhliziyo zethu. Niyazi bona asizange sisebenzise ubuqili namkha sizitjhatjhanise sifihle ubumarhamaru; uZimu ungufakazi wethu. Besingafuni idumo ebantwini, sengitjho nakini imbala namkha kinanyana ngubani. Njengabapostoli bakaKrestu, nanyana besinegunya lokuba mthwalo kini, besizithobile phakathi kwenu sifana nomma onakekela abantwabakhe. Besinithanda kangangombana sathokozela ukwabelana nani ingasi ivangeli lakaZimu kwaphela kodwana ngitjho namaphilwethu ngombana nibe ngabathandeka khulu kithi. Ngiyathemba bona niyakhumbula bazalwana, ukutjhikatjhika kwethu kanye neenhlupheko zethu; sasebenza ubusuku nemini ukuze singabi mthwalo womuntu nasitjhumayela ivangeli lakaZimu kini. Nina nibofakazi, ngitjho noZimu imbala, bokobana besicwengile, silungile begodu simsulwa phakathi kwenu nina enakholwako. Niyazi bona sinani besiphethene kuhle njengobaba nabantwabakhe, sanikhuthaza, saniduduza besanitjitjizela bona niphile ipilo efanele uZimu onibizela embuswenakhe nephazimulwenakhe. Nje-ke sithokoza uZimu ngokungapheliko ngombana lokha nanimukela ilizwi lakaZimu enalizwa kithapha, nalamukela, ingasi njengelizwi lomuntu kodwana njengombana linjalo, ilizwi lakaZimu, elisebenza phakathi kwenu nina enikholwako. Nina bazalwana, nibe balingisi bamabandla kaZimu aseJudiya akuKrestu Jesu: Abantu benarha yekhenu banihlunguphaze ngokufanako namabandla ahlunguphazwa maJuda, abulala iKosi uJesu kanye nabaphorofidi, nathi asiqotjha lapha. Azange athabise uZimu begodu anelunya kibo boke abantu, enza imizamo yokobana singakhulumi nabatjhili ukuze bangasindiswa. Ngokwenza njalo alokhu akghubelela izono zawo bezafika esiqongolweni. Ilaka lakaZimu selifikelele phezu kwawo. Kodwana bazalwana, lokha nasahlukaniswe nani kwesikhatjhana (ngenyama ingasi ngokwemikhumbulo), ngokunihlulukela kwethu okukhulu, senza imizamo yokobana sibonane nani. Ngambala besifuna ukuza kini, mina Powula bengifuna khulu bekwaba mahlandla amanengi, kodwana uSathana wasivimba. Nje-ke liyini ithemba lethu, ithabo namkha isihlohlo sethu esizakuphazimula ngaso ebukhoneni beKosethu uJesu lokha nayibuyako na? Akusingini na? Ngambala nina niyiphazimulo nethabo lethu. Nje-ke kwathi nasele singasakghoni ukunyamezela, saqunta ukuzihlalela sisodwa e-Athene. Sathumela uThimothi umfowethu nesibambisene naye emsebenzini kaZimu wokutjhumayela ivangeli lakaKrestu, kobana azoniqinisa abe anikhuthaze ngebanga lokukholwa kwenu, ukuze kungabikho namunye wenu ozakusikinywa mitlhago le. Ngambala nina ngokwenu nazi kuhle bona lokhu ngilokho esibekelwe khona. Emanyeni, lokha nabesiphakathi kwenu, sanitjela ngaphambilini bona sizokutlhagiswa, yeke kube njalo njengombana nisazi. Ngalokho-ke, kuthe nasele ngingasakghoni, ngathumela bona ngizwe ngokukholwa kwenu; bengesaba bona mhlambe umlingi unilingile nokobana umsebenzethu sele uphenduke ilize. Kodwana uThimothi uqeda ukufika ubuya kini, usilethele iindaba ezimnandi mayelana nokukholwa kwenu kanye nethando lenu. Godu usitjele bona nihlala nisikhumbula ngokuhle begodu nihlulukela ukusibona njengombana nathi sihlulukela ukunibona. Ngalokho-ke bazalwana, kilo loke isizi lethu nokuzunywa kwethu, sikhuthazekile ngani ngokukholwa kwenu ngombana sesizizwela ukuphila njengombana nidzimelele eKosini nje. Singamthokoza njani uZimu ngokwaneleko ngani ngalo loke ithabo esizizwela lona phambi kwakaZimethu ngebanga lenu na? Sithandaza ngamandla imini nobusuku ukuze sibonane nani ubuso nobuso, sivuselele koke okutlhayelako ekukholweni kwenu. Sengathi uZimethu nonguBaba kanye neKosethu uJesu ngokwakhe, anganqophisa indlelethu yokuza kini. Godu kwanga iKosi inganandisa beniphuphume ngethando omunye komunye nakibo boke, njengombana nathi sinithanda ngokuphuphumako. IKosi ayiniphe amandla ngokweenhliziyo kikho ukucwenga ukuze nibe msulwa phambi koZimethu nonguBaba, ekufikeni kweKosethu uJesu nabo boke abacwengileko. Kokugcina bazalwana, siyanibawa besiyanikhuthaza eKosini uJesu kobana njengombana nafunda kithi bona nifanele niziphathe njani ukuze nithokozise uZimu, njengombana vele nisenza; vamani ukwenza njalo imihla ngemihla. Niyayazi imiyalo esaninikela yona ngeKosi uJesu. Lokho kuyintando kaZimu, ukucwengiswa kwenu: khambelani kude nobufebe; omunye nomunye wenu akwazi ukulawula umzimbakhe, kube ngokucwenga nangokuhlonipha, kungabi ngokokutjha ngeenkanuko njengabatjhili abangamaziko uZimu. Akungabikho owona namkha ocaphaza umfowabo ngokuthileko ngombana iKosi imbuyiseleli wakho koke lokhu njengombana sikhe sanitjela phambilini besaniyelelisa. UZimu akakasibizeli ekusilaphaleni, kwaphela ufuna bona sibe msulwa. Nje-ke nanyana ngubani owala lokhu akali umthetho womuntu kodwana wala uZimu, onguye oninikela uMoyakhe oCwengileko. Nje-ke malungana nethando labazalwana anidingi bona kube khona onitlolelako ngombana nina ngokwenu senifundiswe nguZimu ukuthandana. Eqinisweni, niyabathanda boke abazalwana kilo loke leMasedoniya. Kodwana siyanikhuthaza bathandekako bonyana nivame ukwenza njalo. Zikhuthazeni ukuphila ngokuthula, nitjheje iindaba eziqalene nani, nisebenze ngezandla zenu njengombana saniyala ukuze niziphathe kuhle kabatjhili, ningazesami ngabanye abantu. Yeke bazalwana asithandi bonyana ningabi nelwazi mayelana nalabo abahlongakeleko ukuze ningalili njengombana kwenza abanganathemba. Njengombana sikholwa bona uJesu wahlongakala wabuye wavuka, ngokunjalo-ke, ngoJesu, uZimu uzokuletha kanye naye labo abahlongakeleko. Sinitjela lokhu ngelizwi leKosi kobana thina esiphilako, esiseleko bekubuye iKosi, angeze sabandulela nakanye abahlongakeleko. IKosi ngokwayo izokwehla ivela ezulwini ngelizwi elikhulu, ngephimbo lengilozi ekulu nangokuzwakala kweporompita kaZimu, abahlongakalele kuKrestu bazokuvuka qangi. Yeke thina-ke esisaphilako, esiseleko, sizokuhlwithelwa emafini kanye nabo sihlangabeze iKosi emkayini, nje-ke sizabe sineKosi isiphelani. Ngalokho-ke khuthazanani ngamezwi la. Bazalwana, mayelana neenkhathi namalanga anidingi ukutlolelwa ilitho ngombana nina nazi kuhle bona ilanga leKosi lizakufika njengesela ebusuku. Lokha nabathi: “Kunokuthula nokuphepha,” khonapho-ke bazakwehlelwa kurhayila msinyana, kube njengemirhelo eyehlela umfazi osidisi, yeke angeze kwabakhona ukuphunyurha. Kodwana nina bazalwana, anikho ebumnyameni kobana ilangelo linganithelekela njengesela. Nina noke nje nibantwana bokukhanya nabantwana bemini; asisibo bebusuku namkha bobumnyama. Ngalokho-ke asingalali njengombana kwenza abanye, kodwana asihlaleni siphapheme begodu siqaqulukile ngombana labo abalalako balala ebusuku nabadakwako badakwa ebusuku. Kodwana njengombana thina singebemini nje, asiqaqulukeni, sembathe isivikelasifuba sokukholwa nethando, isikoporo sethu kube lithemba nesindiso. UZimu akakasibekeli itukuthelo kodwana usibekele ukufunyana isindiso ngeKosethu uJesu Krestu, owasifelako ukuze kuthi nanyana siphapheme namkha silele, siphile kuye. Nje-ke khuthazanani omunye nomunye bese niyakhana njengombana nivele nisenza. Siyanincenga bazalwana bona nibahloniphe labo abasebenza hlangana nani, abaniphetheko eKosini nabanelulekako. Baphatheni ngethando elikhulu ngebanga lomsebenzabo. Hlalisanani ngokuthula. Godu siyaniyala bazalwana bona nikhalime ababhereleleko, nikhuthaze abaneenhliziyo ezibuthakathaka, nisize ababogabogako, yibani nesineke ngabo boke. Qinisekisani bonyana kungabikho phakathi kwenu obuyisela ubumbi ngobumbi, kodwana hlalani njalo nirhuluphela ukwenza okuhle omunye komunye nakibo boke abantu. Thokozani ngeenkhathi zoke. Thandazani njalo ningalisi. Thokozani kibo boke ubujamo ngombana lokho kuyintando kaZimu kuKrestu Jesu ngani. Ningamcimi uMoya. Ningawanyazi amezwi womphorofidi kodwana hlolisisani koke, nibambelele kokulungileko. Tjhidani kinanyana ngiliphi ihlobo lobumbi. Sengathi uZimu wokuthula ngokwakhe anganicwengisa ngokupheleleko, ummoya wenu, umkhumbulo kanye nomzimba wenu ulondeke begodu ube msulwa ekubuyeni kweKosethu uJesu Krestu. Yena onibizako uthembekile begodu uzakwenza lokho. Bazalwana abathandekako, sithandazelani. Lotjhisani boke abazalwana ngokuncwangana okucwengileko. Nginiyala ngesifungo phambi kweKosi bona incwadi le ifundwe kibo boke abazalwana. Sengathi umusa weKosethu uJesu Krestu ungaba nani noke. Mina Powula, uSilasi noThimothi; kilo ibandla lamaThesalonika elikuZimu onguBaba wethu, neKosini yethu uJesu Krestu: Akube kini umusa nokuthula okuvela kuZimu onguBaba, neKosini yethu uJesu Krestu. Bazalwana, sifanele sihlale simthokoza uZimu ngaso soke isikhathi ngani. Iye, kufanele senze njalo ngombana ukukholwa kwenu kuya kusanda nokuthandana kwenu noke kuyakhula. Ngalokho thina ngokwethu sizigabazisa ngani hlangana namabandla wakaZimu ngokubekezela kanye nokukholwa kwenu esikhathini soke sokuzunywa kanye nokuhlutjhwa kwenu. Koke lokhu kubufakazi bokobana isigwebo sakaZimu silungile. Nje-ke ngalokho nizakubalwa njengabalungele umbuso kaZimu eniwutlhagela kangaka lo. Ngambala kuyinto elungileko kuZimu bona abuyiselele ngokubahlunguphaza labo abanihlunguphazako, aphumuze abahlunguphaziweko kanye nathi. Lokho uyokwenza mhlana iKosi uJesu Krestu yembulwa, ivela ezulwini, ikanye neengilozi zayo ezinamandla, isiza ngomlilo wamalangabi. Izokuhlunguphaza labo abangamaziko uZimu nalabo abangalaleli ivangeli leKosethu uJesu. Bazakuhlunguphazwa ngesibetho sokubhujiswa okungapheliko, basuswe phambi kweKosi nephazimulweni yobukhosi bayo, lokha nayiza kobana izokuphazimuliswa ngibo boke abacwengileko bayo begodu ibatjazwe ngibo boke abayikholwako ngombana nakholelwa ebufakazini bethu. Nje-ke sihlala sinithandazela, sisolo sikhombela bona uZimethu anenze nibe ngabafanele ibizo lakhe, begodu azalise ngamandlakhe koke ukutjhisekela kanye nomsebenzi wokukholwa kwenu ukuze ibizo leKosethu uJesu liphazimuliswe kini, nani kube njalo kiyo ngokomusa kaZimethu kanye neKosi uJesu Krestu. Mayelana nokubuya kweKosethu uJesu Krestu nokubuthanela kwethu kiyo, siyanirabhela, bazalwana ningabi msinyana ekudidekeni engqondweni namkha nethuswe nanyana kungaba ngesiphorofido, ngelizwi namkha ngencwadi, kube ngathi ivela kithi, kuthiwe ilanga lokubuya kweKosi selisemnyango. Akungabikho onikhohlisa ngananyana ngayiphi indlela ngombana ilangelo alizukuza ngaphambi kobana kufike ukuhlubuka qangi bekwembulwe emtarini loyo onganamthetho, obekelwe ukubhujiswa. Yena uzokuphikisa abe aziphakamise phezu kwananyana yini ebizwa ngoZimu namkha ekukulotjhwa kwakaZimu ukuze azibeke ethempelini lakaZimu, azibize bona unguZimu. Anisakhumbuli nanginitjela ngezintwezi lokha nangisesenani na? Nje-ke seniyazi bona yini emliyileko ukuze avezwe nasele kufike isikhathi sakhe. Ifihlakalo yonganamthetho sele isebenza, kodwana kwaphela kufikela lapha loyo obambezelako asuswa khona. Ngemva kwalapho-ke, loyo onganamthetho uzakwambulwa, iye, loyo iKosi uJesu ngomphefumulo womlomayo ezamrhayila ekubonakaleni kokuza kwayo. Ukufika konganamthetho kubonakala ekusebenzeni kwakaSathana, osebenzisa woke amandla, amatshwayo, iimangaliso zamala kanye nayo yoke imihlobo yekohliso ekhohlakeleko kilabo ababhubhako ngombana bale ukuthanda iqiniso bebasindiswe. Ngalokho-ke uZimu ubathumelela ukudurha okunamandla, okubarholela ekukholweni amala ukuze balahlwe boke abangazange bakholwe iqiniso, kodwana bathokoziswa ngokungakalungi. Kodwana sifanele sithokoze uZimu njalo ngani bazalwana abathandwa yiKosi ngombana uZimu wakhetha nina njengeenthelo zokuthoma mayelana nokusindiswa ngokucwengiswa nguMoya nangokukholwa eqinisweni. Ngesizathweso, wanibiza ngokutjhumayela kwethu ivangeli ukuze nifunyane iphazimulo yeKosethu uJesu Krestu. Yeke-ke, bazalwana qinani isibindi, nikakarele eemfundisweni esanifundisa zona, kungaba ngelizwi lomlomethu namkha ngencwadethu. Sengathi iKosethu uJesu Krestu ngokwayo noZimu uBaba wethu owasithandako bewathi ngesisa sakhe wasipha ukududuzeka okungapheliko kanye nethemba elihle, ingaduduza iinhliziyo zenu beyiziqinise ngawo woke umsebenzi omuhle kanye nangelizwi. Kokugcina bazalwana, sithandazelani ukuze ilizwi leKosi lirhatjheke ngamandla, iKosi idunyiswe kizo zoke iindawo njengombana kunjalo phakathi kwenu. Iye, nisithandazele bona siphephe ebantwini abakhohlakeleko nabambi ngombana akusibo boke abanokukholwa. Kodwana iKosi ithembekile, izanipha amandla beyiniphephise komumbi. Nje-ke sinethemba eKosini ngani, kobana izinto esanifundisa zona niyazenza begodu nizokuragela phambili ngokuzenza. Sengathi iKosi inganqophisa iinhliziyo zenu ethandweni lakaZimu, nekunyamezeleni kwakaKrestu. Nje-ke siyaniyala bazalwana ebizweni leKosethu uJesu Krestu bona niwagegede amakholwa aphila ngokubherelela, ingasi ngokweemfundiso abazifunyene kithi ngombana nani niyazi bonyana nifanele ukulingisa thina; azange sibherelele lokha nabe siphakathi kwenu. Akakho noyedwa esakhe sagoma isikwa sakhe simahla, kodwana besisebenza sijuluka ubusuku nemini ukuze singabi mthwalo kini. Akutjho bona besinganamalungelo wokunidisibeza, kodwana besifuna ukuninikela isibonelo ekumele nisilandele. Ngitjho nalokha nasisesenani, saninikela umyalo lo othi: “Nakube umuntu akafuni ukusebenza, khona-ke akangagomi.” Sizwile bonyana abanye benu baphila ngobuvila, bayehla bayenyuka, bazidlhunya eendabeni zabanye. Yeke abantu abanjalo siyabayala besiyabancenga eKosini uJesu Krestu bonyana abenze umsebenzabo kuhle, basebenzele isikwa sabo. Bazalwana, ningadinwa kukwenza okulungileko. Qaphelani labo abangalaleli esikutjho ngencwadini le, ningahlanganyeli nabo khona bazakuba neenhloni. Nokho ningabaphathi njengezitha kodwana bayeleliseni njengamakholwa. Nje-ke sengathi iKosi yokuthula ngokwayo inganipha ukuthula ngeenkhathi zoke nangazo zoke iindlela. IKosi ayibe nani noke. Ngimi uPowula, ngesandla sami otlole isilayeliso lesi. Leli litshwayo lazo zoke iincwadi zami, yindlela engitlola ngayo. Sengathi umusa weKosethu uJesu Krestu ungaba nani noke. UPowula, umpostoli kaKrestu Jesu ngomyalo kaZimu uMsindisi wethu noKrestu Jesu ithemba lethu, kuThimothi indodanami ngenyama ekukholweni. Akube mumusa, isirhawu nokuthula okubuya kuZimu uBaba, nakuKrestu Jesu iKosethu. Njengombana ngakubawa mhlana ngilunge eMasedoniya, hlala e-Efesu ukuze uyale abathileko bona bangafundisi ifundiso ehlukileko begodu bangazinikeli eendatjaneni zeentolwana nezomlibo ongapheliko wokubelethana. Izinto ezinjalo zikhuthaza ukuphikisana kunobana zikhuthaze umsebenzi kaZimu ekukholweni. Ihloso yomyalo lo lithando elivela ehliziyweni emhlophe nesazelweni esimsulwa kanye nekukholweni okungazenzisiko. Abanye baphambukile kilokho, baphendukela eenkulumeni ezingatjho ilitho. Bafuna ukuba bafundisi bomthetho khisibe abakuzwisisi lokho abakutjhoko namkha lokho abakuqinisako ekulumenabo. Siyazi bona umthetho ulungile lokha umuntu nawusebenzisa ngendlela efaneleko. Begodu siyazi bona umthetho awukabekelwa olungileko, kodwana ubekelwe izeqamthetho namahlongandlebe, abangatjhiswako ngoZimu nabazizoni, abanameswe nabarhubutjhekileko, ababulala aboyise nabonina, abababulali, iimfebe, abaduna abalalanako, nabarhweba ngamathunjwa, abakhuluma amala nabaphula iinthembiso abazifungeleko kanye nalabo abenza ezinye izinto eziphambene nefundiso eliqiniso, nekhambisana nevangeli elihle lakaZimu obusisekileko, angiphathisa lona. Ngiyamthokoza uKrestu Jesu iKosethu owangipha amandla ngombana wangithemba wangibeka emsebenzinakhe, ngitjho nanyana begade ngimhlambalazi, ngimzumi wabantu begodu nginenturhu. Kodwana ngarhawukelwa ngombana ngenza lokho ngokungazi ngesikhathi ngingakholwa. Yeke umusa weKosi wawululelwa ngobunengi kimi kanye nokukholwa nethando elikuKrestu Jesu. Liqinisile ilizweli begodu lifanele ukwamukelwa: Iye, uKrestu Jesu weza ephasinapha ukuzokusindisa izoni, engingesikhulu sazo. Kodwana ebangenelo ngarhwukelwa ukuze kuthi ngami mina soni esikhulu, uKrestu Jesu akhombise ukunyamezela kwakhe okukhulu, ngokwenza isibonelo kilabo abasazokukholwa kuye babe nokuphila okusiphelani. Kiyo iKosi yesiphelani, engasoze yafa, engabonwako, enguZimu yedwa, akube lidumo nephazimulo nini nanini. Amen. Thimothi ndodanami, ngikunikela umyalo lo ukuya ngokweemphorofido ezenziwe ngawe phambilini khona kuzakuthi nawuzilandelako, ulwe ukulwa okuhle, udzimelele ekukholweni nesazelweni esihle; okuthe abanye ngokukudela lokho, umkhumbi wabo wokukholwa waphahlazeka. Hlangana nabo ngingabala uHimenewu no-Alekzandra, engibanikele kuSathana ukuze bafunde ukungahlambalazi. Kokuthoma ngiyabawa bona ukuncenga, ukuthandaza, ukubawela abanye nokuthokoza kwenzelwe abantu boke, amakhosi nazo zoke iimphathimandla ukuze siphile kuhle nangokuthula, sikhambe ngakho koke ukwesaba uZimu nangokuhlonipheka. Lokhu kuhle begodu kuyathandeka phambi kwakaZimu uMsindisi wethu, othanda bona boke abantu basindiswe bebafikelele elwazini leqiniso ngombana munye uZimu begodu munye umlamuli hlangana noZimu nabantu, mumuntu uKrestu Jesu; owazinikela ukuze abe sihlengo sabo boke. Lokhu kwaba bufakazi esikhathini esifaneleko. Ngebanga lalokho ngakhethwa bona ngibe mtjhumayeli nompostoli. Ngikhuluma iqiniso, angileyi amala, iye, ngibe mfundisi wabatjhili ngokukholwa nangeqiniso. Nje-ke ngithanda bona eendaweni zoke amadoda athandaze aphakamise izandla ezicwengileko, anganalo ilaka nokuphikisana. Godu ngithanda bona nabafazi bembathe kuhle nangokuhloniphekileko, kube zizambatho ezifaneleko, bazikghabise ngendlela ehloniphekako, kungabi ngeenhluthu zabo ezilukiweko namkha ngegolide namkha ngamatje aligugu nanyana ngezambatho ezibizako; kodwana akube ngemisebenzi emihle, njengombana kufanele abafazi abathi besaba uZimu. Umfazi akafunde ngokuthula ngakho koke ukuzithoba. Angivumeli umfazi afundise namkha abe negunya phezu kwendoda kodwana akathule ngombana u-Adamu wabunjwa qangi, kwalandela u-Efa; kanti-ke godu akusuye u-Adamu owakhohliswako kodwana mfazi, waba sisephulamthetho. Kodwana uzakusindiswa ngokubeletha, kwaphela nakube abantwanabo bahlala ekukholweni, ethandweni, ekucwengeni nangokuziphatha kuhle. Liqinisile ilizwi elithi: Nangabe umuntu ulangazelela ukuba mbonisi, usuke athanda umsebenzi omuhle. Nje-ke umbonisi akabe ngongasolekiko, onomfazi munye, onommoya ophasi, ovuthiweko, ohloniphekako, ophatha kuhle iinkhambi nonekghono lokufundisa. Angabi sidakwa nesilwi, kodwana abe ngozothileko nongananturhu, angabi ngothanda imali. Abe ngowazi ukuphatha umzakhe kuhle nabantwana bakhe balawuleke babe nehlonipho. Nangabe umuntu akakwazi ukuphatha umzakhe kuhle, alo, angaliphatha njani ibandla lakaZimu na? Akungabi mumuntu osanda ukuphenduka, nakanjalo angahle azikhukhumeze bese uwele esigwebeni sinye noSathana. Kufanele abe mumuntu onebizo elihle kabangaphandle, khona angazukuhlazeka abanjwe sisifu sakaSathana. Ngokunjalo namadikoni. Nawo kufanele ahlonipheke, angabi mamenemene, azinikelele ewayinini elinengi namkha abe marhamaru ngemalini; kufuze akakarele efihlakalweni yokukholwa ngesazelo esimsulwa. Akahlolisiswe ntangi, kuthi nangasolekiko avunyelwe ukuba magosa. Ngokunjalo-ke nabafazi kufanele bahlonipheke, bangabi ngabahlebako kodwana babe nommoya ophasi, bathembeke kikho koke. Amadikoni akabe nomfazi oyedwa, akwazi ukuphatha kuhle abantwana nemizi yawo. Labo abasebenze kuhle njengamadikoni, bazizuzela ubujamo obuhle nesibindi esikhulu ekukholweni kuKrestu Jesu. Ngethemba ukuza kuwe msinyana kodwana ngikutlolela imiyalo le ukuze kuthi nakungenzeka ngiriyade, wazi bona umuntu kufuze aziphathe njani endlini kaZimu, okulibandla lakaZimu ophilako noyisika nesisekelo seqiniso. Ngaphandle kokuzaza, yikulu ifihlo yokukholwa kwethu ethi: Owazibonakalisa enyameni, walungisiswa ngoMoya, wabonwa ziingilozi, wamenyezelwa hlangana nabatjhili, ephasini abantu bakholwa kuye, wenyuselwa ephazimulweni. UMoya oCwengileko ukutjho ngokukhanyako bona ngamalanga wokuphela abanye bayokuhlubuka ekukholweni banake imimoya ekhohlisako neemfundiso zamadimoni. Iimfundiso ezinjalo zifafazwa bazenzisi bamala abanesazelo esomeleliswe ngesimbi etjhisako. Bakhandela ukuthathana begodu bathi akuzilwe ukudla okwadalwa nguZimu bona kwamukelwe ngokuthokoza ngilabo abakholwako nabalaziko iqiniso. Koke okudalwe nguZimu kulungile, akukho okufanele bona kulahlwe nangabe kwamukelwa ngokuthokoza ngombana vane sekucwengiswe ngelizwi lakaZimu nangomthandazo. Nangabe ubeka izintwezi phambi kwabazalwana, uyokuba sisebenzi esihle sakaKrestu Jesu, esizondla ngelizwi lokukholwa nefundiso elungileko osele ukakarele kiyo. Wale iinolwani ezisilapheleko zeenlukazi, kunalokho zijayeze ipilo yokwesaba uZimu ngombana ukujayeza ukuthabulula umzimba kusiza kancani, kodwana ukwesaba uZimu kusiza kikho koke ngombana kunesithembiso sokuphila lokhu nalokho okuzako. Ilizweli liqinisile begodu kufanele lamukelwe ngokupheleleko. Nje-ke ngalokho sisebenza kabudisi begodu siyatjhikatjhika ngombana sibeke ithemba lethu kuZimu ophilako oMsindisi wabo boke abantu, khulukhulu labo abakholwako. Yewuyale ngezintwezo uphele ufundise ngazo. Akungabikhona umuntu onyaza ubutjha bakho, kodwana yiba sibonelo kabakholwako ngokukhuluma nangokuziphatha, ngethando, ngokukholwa nangepilo emsulwa. Khuthalela ukufunda imitlolo, ukukhuthaza nokufundisa bengifike. Ungasiliseleli isiphiwo esikuwe owasamukeliswa ngesiphorofido nangokubekwa izandla baphathi bebandla. Khuthalela ukwenza zoke izintwezo, uzinikele kizo ukuze ukuthuthuka kwakho kubonakale kibo boke. Uzeluse wena kanye nefundiso yakho, uphikelele ezintwenezo ngombana ngokwenza lokho uzazisindisa wena nabakuzwako. Ungamkhahlamezi umuntu omdala, kodwana khuluma naye njengoyihlo, nabaduna abatjha njengabafowenu, abadala abasikazi ubaphathe njengabonyoko kuthi abasesebatjha ubaphathe njengabodadwenu ngobumsulwa obupheleleko. Hlonipha abahlolokazi abanganabani. Nangabe umhlolokazi unabantwana namkha abazukulu, kufanele bafunde maqangi ukubonakalisa izenzo zokukholwa kwabo emndeninabo bese baba nembuyiselo kubabelethi babo ngombana lokho kuyathokozeka kuZimu. Umhlolokazi onganabani, osele asele yedwa, ubeke ithemba lakhe kuZimu, uhlala ekuncengeni nekuthandazeni ubusuku nemini. Kodwana umhlolokazi ozinikelele ebumnandini, ufe asaphila. Yewuyale ngezintwezi ukuze bangasoleki. Kodwana nangabe umuntu akabatjheji bekhabo, khulukhulu bomndenakhe, ulahle ukukholwa begodu mumbi kunongakholwako. Umhlolokazi ongaphasi kweminyaka ematjhumi asithandathu nogade ende endodeni yinye, akangafakwa erhelweni, nakube akanayo imisebenzi emihle njengokukhulisa kuhle abantwana, ukuphatha kuhle abayeni, ukuqopha iinyawo zabacwengileko, ukusiza abahlunguphaziweko nokuzinikela ekwenzeni okuhle nanyana ngayiphi indlela. Kodwana abahlolokazi abasesebatjha ungabatlolisi erhelweni ngombana nasele iinkanuko zemizimba yabo ziba ngaphezu kokuzinikela kwabo kuKrestu, bazokufuna ukwenda. Ngokwenza njalo bazibangela ukulahlwa ngombana basephulile isithembiso sabo sokuthoma. Ngaphezu kwalokho bafunda ukuvilapha nokutjharhathela emizini. Abavilaphi nje kwaphela kodwana bayahleba, bathanda iindaba zabanye, bakhulume nalokho okungakafaneli bona bakutjho. Nje-ke bengingathanda bona abahlolokazi abasesebatjha babuye bende babelethe, baphathe kuhle imizabo, khona inaba lethu lingazukufumana ithuba lokukhuluma kumbi ngathi. Ngikhuluma nje abanye sebagwilikile balandela uSathana. Nangabe umfazi okholwako unabahlolokazi emndenini, akabasize; umthwalo ungabi semahlombe webandla, khona lizakwazi ukusiza abahlolokazi abanganabani. Abaphathi abaphethe kuhle kufanele bahlonitjhwe ngokubuyelelweko, khulukhulu labo abakhuthalele ukutjhumayela nokufundisa ngombana umtlolo uthi: “Ungafaki ikomo isifonyo lokha nayibhula ibhali nekoroyi.” Begodu uthi: “Isisebenzi sifanelwa mrholo waso.” Umlandu othweswe umphathi ungawamukeli ngaphandle kwabofakazi ababili nanyana abathathu. Abonako ubakhalimele phambi kwabo boke, khona nabanye bazakusaba. Ngikuyala phambi kwakaZimu noKrestu Jesu kanye neengilozi ezikhethiweko kobana ulonde imiyalo le ngokungathandi ukubukwa, begodu ungenzi ilitho ngokukhetha. Ungarhabi ubeke izandla phezu kwananyana ngubani, begodu ungahlanganyeli ezonweni zabanye; hlala umsulwa. Ungabe usasela amanzi wodwa, kodwana thatha newayini kancancani ngebanga lesisu sakho nokubogaboga kwakho okuvamileko. Izono zabanye zisebaleni begodu zibandulela ekugwetjweni, kanti-ke zabanye ziyabalandela. Godu ngokunjalo nemisebenzi elungileko isebaleni, sengitjho naleyo engabonakali kuhle ayisitheki. Akuthi boke abangaphasi kwejogi lobukhoboka, bahloniphe abanikazi babo kikho koke ukuze kungahlanjalazwa ibizo lakaZimu nefundiso. Amakhoboka asebenzela abanikazi abakholwako kufanele angabanyazi ngombana babazalwana. Kunalokho akabasebenzele khulu ngombana labo abazuzako ngemisebenzawo makholwa kanye nabathandekako. Kufanele bona ufundise bewukhuthaze ngezintwezi. Umuntu onefundiso ehlukileko nengakhambisani namezwi aphilileko weKosethu uJesu Krestu kanye nefundiso ekhambisana nokwesaba uZimu, ukhukhumele onjalo begodu akazi ilitho. Unekanuko embi yokuphikisana, godu unombango wamezwi abanga ukufelana umona, umbango, ukuhlambalaza nokuzindlekelelana ngokumbi; iye, ubanga ukulwa phakathi kwalabo abanemikhumbulo eyonakeleko nabalahlekelwe liqiniso, abadlumbana bona ukulotjha uZimu kuyindlela yokuzuza umnotho. Ije vele, ukumesaba uZimu nokwaneliswa kuyinzuzo ekulu ngombana seza ephasinapha singanalitho, kusebaleni bona sizakugoduka singanalitho godu. Kodwana nasinokudla nezambatho, asaneliswe ngilokho. Abathanda ukunjinga bawela ekulingweni begodu balutheka ngeenkanuko ezinobudlhadlha nezilimazako, ezidosela abantu ekonakalisweni nekubhujisweni. Ngombana ukuthanda imali kumrabhu wakho koke okumbi. Abanye ngokulangazela ukunjinga bahlubuke ekukholweni bebazihlaba ngeenhlungu ezinengi. Kodwana wena-ke muntu kaZimu, kubalekele koke lokho uphikelele ukulunga, ukumesaba uZimu, ukukholwa, ithando, ukunyamezela nobumnene. Yilwa ukulwa okuhle kokukholwa, ubambelele ekuphileni okungapheliko owabizelwa kikho nowenza ngakho isivumo esihle phambi kwabofakazi abanengi. Ngiyakuyala phambi kwakaZimu ophilisa koke naphambi kwakaKrestu Jesu owafakaza phambi kwakaPontiyasi Pilatu, wavuma isivumo esihle kobana ulonde umyalo ngaphandle komphambo namkha ukusoleka bekube sekubonakaleni kweKosethu uJesu Krestu, uZimu azakubonakalisa ngesikhathi esifaneleko, yena ongothokozwako nokunguye yedwa uMninimandla, iKosi yamakhosi noMbusi wababusi. Nguye yedwa ophila isiphelani nohlala ekukhanyeni okungekhe kwatjhidelwa kikho, ongazange abonwe mumuntu nongabonwako, alibe kuye idumo namandla ngokungapheliko. Amen. Bayale abanothileko esikhathini sanamhlanje bonyana bangazikhukhumezi namkha bathembele emnothweni ophelako, kodwana kuZimu osinjingisa ngakho koke bona sithokoze ngakho. Bayale benze okuhle, banothe ngemisebenzi emihle; baphane babele abanye. Ngalokho bazabe bazibulungela umnotho osisekelo sangomuso ukuze babambelele ekuphileni ekungikho. Thimothi, londa kuhle ophathiswe khona. Bethela mthalazeni ukukhuluma okulilize nokuphikisana okuthiwa kulilwazi kungasilo, okuthe abanye balivuma balahlekelwa mnqopho wokukholwa. Umusa weKosi awube nani noke! UPowula umpostoli wakaKrestu Jesu ngokwentando kaZimu ngokuya ngeenthembiso zepilo kuKrestu Jesu, kuThimothi, indodanami ethandekako. Akube mumusa, isirhawu nokuthula kwakaZimu uBaba noKrestu Jesu iKosethu. Ngiyamthokoza uZimu engimlotjha ngesazelo esimsulwa njengombana abokhokho bami gade basenza. Ngikukhumbula njalo emithandazwenami emini nebusuku. Ngokukhumbula iinyembezi zakho, ngilangazelela ukukubona khona ihliziywami izakuzala ithabo. Godu ngikhunjuzwa ukukholwa kwakho kweqiniso, iye, ukukholwa okwathoma kwaba kugogwakho uLowisi nonyoko uYunike, engineqiniso bona kuhlezi kuwe. Ngalokho ngiyakukhumbuza bona uvuselele isiphiwo sakaZimu esikuwe ngokubekwa izandla zami ngombana uZimu akhange asiphe ummoya wobutjhatjha, kodwana wamandla, wethando nowokuzikhalima. Nje-ke ungabi neenhloni ngokufakaza ngeKosi nangami mina sibotjhwa sayo, kodwana hlanganyela nami ebuhlungwini ngebanga levangeli, uzeyame ngamandla kaZimu, owasisindisa bewasibiza ngebizo elicwengileko, kungasi ngemisebenzi yethu kodwana ukuya ngokwehloso nomusa wakhe. Umusa lo sanikelwa wona ngoKrestu zingakabi ukuba khona iinkhathi, kodwana kwanjesi sewambulelwe ngokufika koMsindisi wethu uKrestu Jesu, owaqeda ukufa waletha ukuphila nokungabhubhi ekukhanyeni ngevangeli. Ngebanga levangeli ngakhethwa bona ngibe mtjhumayeli, mpostoli nomfundisi; kungalokho ngisebunzimeni obungaka. Nokho-ke anginanhloni ngombana ngiyamazi loyo engikholwa kuye, begodu ngiyethemba bona unamandla wokulonda lokho okubekwe kimi bekube mhlokho. Bambelela esifundweni esiphilileko owasizwa kimi ngokukholwa nangethando elikuKrestu Jesu. Okuhle okubekwe kuwe, kulonde ngoMoya oCwengileko ohlala kithi. Uyazi bona boke abase-Asiya sebangihlanukele, ngitjho aboFigelo no-Erimogenesi. Kwanga iKosi ingaba nomusa endlini ka-Onesiforu ngombana bephele angivusela begodu angananhloni ngami njengombana bengibotjhiwe. Iye, lokha nakaseRoma wangibhudula bewangifunyana. Kwanga iKosi ingenza kobana azuze umusa weKosi mhlokho! Begodu nawe wazi kuhle bona kungangani alotjha ngakho e-Efesu. Nje-ke wena ndodanami, qina emseni okuKrestu Jesu. Lokho owangizwa ngikufundisa phambi kwabofakazi abanengi, kudlulisele ebantwini abathembekileko abazakwazi nabo ukukufundisa abanye. Hlanganyela ekuhluphekeni njengebutho elihle lakaKrestu Jesu. Akakho ophuma ipi khisibe usazilibazisa ngokwekhaya; ibutho liphikelela ukuthokozisa indunalo. Ngokunjalo ophalisanako akathunjiswa unongorwana angakaphalisani ngokomthetho. Umlimi ozibulalisa ngokulima, nguye ekufanele amukele maqangi iinthelo. Yelela engikutjhoko ngombana iKosi izakunikela ilemuko ezintweni zoke. Khumbula uJesu Krestu owavuswa kabafileko ongowomlibo kaDavida, ngokwevangeli lami engihlupheka ngalo kufikela lapha ngabotjhwa khona njengeselelesi. Kodwana ilizwi lakaZimu alikabotjhwa lona. Ngalokho nginyamezelela koke ngebanga labakhethiweko ukuze nabo bamukeliswe isindiso ekuKrestu Jesu kanye nephazimulo yanini nanini. Siliqiniso isitjho esithi: “Nangabe safa naye sizokuphila naye godu. Nasinyamezelako sizakubusa naye, nangabe siyamphika naye uyosiphika. Nangabe asikathembeki, yena uyokuhlala njalo athembekile ngombana angekhe aziphika.” Bakhumbuze ngalokho, ubakhalimele phambi koZimu bona bangaphosani ngamezwi ngombana akusizi ngalitho, kodwana kukhubekisa abalaleli. Khuthalela bona uziveze kuZimu uthembekile, usisebenzi esingananhloni, esifundisa ilizwi leqiniso ngokutjhejisisa. Ikulumo elilize nesilapheleko iphayele ngeqadi ngombana ithuwelelisa abantu ekoneni. Ukukhuluma kwabo kuzakuba njengesilonda esibhibhidlhako. Phakathi kwabo nguHimenewu noFileto, abaphaphalaze eqinisweni ngokuthi bathi ukuvuka kwabafileko sekwadlula, batjhabalalise nokukholwa kwabanye. Nokho isisekelo sakaZimu sinzinzile, sinephawu elithi: “USomnini uyabazi labo ekungebakhe,” nokuthi: “Ngiloyo naloyo obiza ibizo leKosi akadede ebukhohlakalini.” Ngendlini ekulu kunezitja ekungasizo zegolide nesiliva kwaphela, kodwana zekhuni nezomdaka. Ezinye zisetjenziselwa okukhethekileko ezinye okujayelekileko. Ngalokho nangabe umuntu uyazihlanza ezintwenezo, uzakuba sisitja esihloniphekileko esinobuphulukelo kumniniso nesilungele yoke imisebenzi emihle. Balekela iinkanuko zobutjha, utjhisekele ukulunga, ukukholwa, ithando nokuthula, kanye nalabo ababiza iKosi ngehliziyo emsulwa. Iinkulumo zobudlhayela nokuphikisana okunganalwazi ukuphephe ngombana uyazi bona lokho kubanga ukurarana. Isisebenzi seKosi asikafaneli sibe nenturhu, kodwana asibe nomusa kibo boke nelisu lokufundisa, sinyamezele, sisole abaphikisana naso ngesizotha, mhlamunye uZimu angahle abaphe ithuba lokuphenduka balazi iqiniso. Iye, bangahle baphephe esifini sakaSathana ababanjwe kiso ngokuthunjwa kokwenza intando yakhe. Yazi lokhu bona ngemihla yokuphela kuzokufika iinkhathi ezibudisi kwamambala. Abantu bazakuba ngabazithandako, abathanda imali, abazikhukhumezako, abazigqajako, abahlambalazako, abangalaleli ababelethi, abangathokoziko, abangakahlanzeki, abanganathando, abangavumi ukubuyisana, abahlebako, abangazigobiko, abakhohlakeleko, abahloye okuhle, abakhaphelako, abawalazelako, abazitjhayako, abathanda injabulo kunobanyana bathande uZimu; banesimilo sokwesaba uZimu khisibe baphika amandla wakhona. Abanjalo ubaphephe. Kilabo kunabakhukhutha bangene izindlu bafike bathumbe besifazana abanyariyako, abadiselwa zizono zabo nabaphethwe ziinkanuko ezahlukeneko; bahlala bafundiswa, kodwana abafiki ekulazini iqiniso. NjengoJanesi noJambresi bajamelana noMosi, ngokunjalo nalabo bajamelene neqiniso; kubabantu abanemikhumbulo eyonakeleko, bahlulekile ekukholweni. Kodwana angeze bathuthuka ngombana njengendabeni yamadoda amabili la, ubudlhayela babo buzakuba setjhatjhalazini kibo boke. Nje-ke wena wayilandela ifundiswami, ukuziphatha kwami, ihloswami yepilo, ukukholwa kwami, ukunyamezela kwami, ithando lami, ukuqinisela kwami, ukuzunywa nokutshwenywa okwangehlela e-Anthiyorhiya, e-Ikhoniyo neListra. Ukuzunywa okunje ngakunyamezelela begodu iKosi yangihlenga kikho koke lokhu. Mbala, boke abathanda ukuphila ipilo emsulwa kuKrestu Jesu bazakuzunywa. Kodwana iinkhohlakali nabakhohlisi bazakuragela phambili ebumbini, badukisa nabo badukiswa. Kodwana wena kakarela kilokho okufundileko nakilokho onesiqiniseko ngakho, ukwazi bona ukufunde kubani. Kwebuntwaneni wayazi imitlolo ecwengileko enamandla yokukupha ukuhlakanipha kube kusindiswa ngokukholwa kuKrestu Jesu. Yoke imitlolo iphefumulelwe nguZimu, begodu ilungele ukufundisa, ukukhalima, ukunqophisa imitjhapho nokuyala ekulungeni, khona umuntu kaZimu azakufanela bona abe ngolungele ukwenza yoke imisebenzi emihle. Ngiyakuyala ngiqinisile phambi kwakaZimu noKrestu Jesu ozakugweba abaphilako nabafileko nangokuvela kokubonakala kwakhe nombuso wakhe, ngithi: Tjhumayela ilizwi, ulungele ukulizwakalisa kusikhathi esifaneleko nanyana kungasiso: Sola, ukhalimele, ukhuthaze ngokubafundisa ngesineke esikhulu ngombana siyeza isikhathi lapho abantu bangeze bakhambisana khona nefundiso ephilileko. Kunalokho bazozibuthelelela abafundisi kobana banelise ubuzikazikani beendlebe zabo. Bazokufulathela iqiniso badlhemadlheme ngemva kweenolwana. Kodwana wena zigobe ezintweni zoke, unyamazele ebunzimeni, wenze umsebenzi womvangeli, uphelelisele ukusebenza kwakho. Mina-ke sengilungele ukuphalaka njengomhlabelo; isikhathi sami sokugoduka sesifikile. Ngilwile ukulwa okuhle, ngiliqedile ibanga lami, ngilondile ukukholwa. Kwanje sengibekelwe isihlohlo sokulunga iKosi emgwebi olungileko ezanginikela sona mhlokho; kungasingimi kwaphela kodwana nabo boke abalangazelela ukubonakala kwayo. Yenza msinyana uze lapha uzongibona ngombana uDemasi ngokuthanda zephasi lanamhlanje, ungitjhiyile waya eThesalonika; uKresikesi uye eGalatiya, uTitosi eDalimathiya. NguLukasi kwaphela engihlezi naye. Uthathe uMarkosi uze naye lapha ngombana ulisizo emsebenzinami. UThirhikhu ngimthume e-Efesu. Nawuzako, ungiphathele isambatho sami engasitjhiya kuKaripo eTrowasi. Yewungiphathele neencwadi zami, khulukhulu imisongo. Kambe u-Alekzandra, umkhandi wedzila wangenzela phasi; iKosi iyombuyisela ngemisebenzakhe. Umlemuke nawe ngombana wajamelana khulu namezwi wethu. Akakho noyedwa owangisekelako mhlana ngiziphendulela kokuthoma ekundleni, kodwana boke bangisukela; kwanga lokho angeze kwabalelwa kibo. Kodwana iKosi yaba nami yangipha amandla ukuze kumenyezelwe ngami umlayezo ngokupheleleko nabatjhili boke bawuzwe. Ngalokho ngephulwa emlonyeni webhubezi. IKosi iyongihlenga ingikhuphe kikho koke okumbi, ingise embuswenayo wezulwini ngiphephile. Akube kiyo iphazimulo ngokungapheliko. Amen. Ungilotjhisele kuPriska no-Akhwila kanye nendlu ka-Onesiforu. U-Erastu wasala eKorinte, uTrofimu yena ngamtjhiya agula eMiletu. Yeke phuthuma uze lapha ubusika bungakangeni! Bayakulotjhisa abo-Ebhulu noPudesi, uLinusi, uKlawudiya nabo boke abazalwana. IKosi ayibe nommoyakho. Umusa weKosi ube nani noke! UPowula ikhoboka lakaZimu nompostoli wakaJesu Krestu, ngebanga lokukholwa kwabakhethiweko bakaZimu nangokwazi iqiniso elimayelana nokwesaba uZimu, ethembeni lepilo engapheliko uZimu ongaleyi amala akuthembisa koke kungakathomi; kwathi ngesikhathi esifaneleko wembula ilizwi lakhe ngokumemezela engaphathiswa khona ngomyalo kaZimu uMsindisi wethu. KuTitosi umntwanami wamambala ngokukholwa esikuhlanganyeleko soke. Akube kuwe umusa nokuthula okuvela kuZimu uBaba nakuKrestu Jesu uMsindisethu. Ngakutjhiya eKrete ngehloso yokobana uhlele okuseleko ngokufaneleko, ukhethe abaphathi bebandla kiyo yoke imizi, njengombana ngakuyala: kube mumuntu ongasolekiko, onomfazi munye, onabantwana abakholwako nabangasoleki ngobukhohlakali nokungezwa; ngombana umbonisi njengomphathi weendaba zakaZimu kufanele angasoleki, angazigqaji, angapheli ihliziyo, angabi sidakwa, angabi ngosisilwi nomarhamaru; kunalokho kufanele abe ngophatha kuhle abayeni, othanda okulungileko, oziphethe kuhle, oqotho, ohlanzekileko nozikhalimako. Kufanele akakarele aqinise elizwini elithembekileko ngokwefundiso ukuze akwazi ukutjhumayela ngefundiso ehle, ahlule abaphikisana nayo, njengombana babanengi abangalaleliko nabakhuluma ilize begodu ababaluthi, khulukhulu labo ekungebokusoka. Kufuze bathuliswe ngombana badanisa imindeni ngokufundisa okungakafaneli ngebanga lenzuzo embi. Omunye wabo ogade amphorofidi wekhabo wathi: “AmaKrete anamanga ngaso soke isikhathi, aziinlwana eziziinkhohlakali, aziinrhiribedeli ezimavila.” Ubufakazobo buliqiniso. Ngebangeli kumele ubakhalime msinyana, khona bazakuba nokukholwa okuthe tjha, bangalaleli iinolwana zamaJuda namkha imiyalo yalabo abadela iqiniso. Kwabahlanzekileko koke kuhlanzekile, kodwana akukho okuhlanzekileko kwabakhohlakeleko nabangakholwako ngombana iingqondo zabo nemikhumbulwabo vele yonakele. Bazitjhaya sengathi bayamazi uZimu kodwana ngezenzo zabo bayamlandula. Bayanyenyisa, abezwa, abakalungeli ukwenza nanyana yini elungileko. Kodwana nakunguwe, fundisa okukhambisana nesifundo esifaneleko. Tjela amadoda amadala bona abe nesizotha, ahlonipheke, abe ngabhadlileko, azwisiseke ekukholweni okuphilileko, ethandweni nekunyamezeleni. Ngokunjalo fundisa abafazi abadala bona baziphathe ngokuhlonipheka okuletha ukucwenga, bangabi ngabahlebako namkha amakhobokakazi wewayini, kodwana ababe ngabafundisa okuhle ukuze bakwazi ukukhuthaza abomalukazana ukuthanda amadodabo nabantwababo, bazibambe, babe msulwa, baphathe kuhle imizabo, babe nesisa, bathobele abayeni babo ukuze ilizwi lakaZimu lingarhubutjhwa. Ngokunjalo khuthaza amasokana bona azibambe. Wena-ke zibonakalise kikho koke usibonelo semisebenzi emihle; ekufundiseni kwakho ubonise ubuqotho nokuncama, ube nekulumo ephilileko engeze yasoleka ukuze kuthi nanyana ngubani omjamelani adane kungabi nalitho elimbi angalitjho ngathi. Fundisa iinceku kobona zithobele abanikazi, zibenzele okubathokozisako kikho koke, zingaphikisani nabo, zingabebeli kodwana zikhombise ukuthembeka okupheleleko ukuze kuthi ezintweni zoke zihlobise ifundiso kaZimu uMsindisi wethu. Umusa kaZimu ubonakalisiwe ukuletha isindiso kibo boke. Usifundisa bona sihloboke ubumbi neenkanuko zephasi, siphile ngokuziphatha kuhle, ngokulunga nangokwesaba uZimu esikhathini sanamhlanje. Iye, lokho sikwenze nasilokhu sisalindele ithemba elibusisiweko nokwambulwa kwephazimulo kaZimethu omkhulu noMsindisi wethu uJesu Krestu, owazinikela ngebanga lethu ukuze asihlenge ekukhohlakaleni koke, azihlambululele abantu bakhe abatjhisekela imisebenzi emihle. Fundisa izintwezo; ukhuthaze bewukhalime ngegunya loke. Akungabikhona namunye okunyazako. Bakhumbuze bona bathobele ababusi neemphathimandla, babe ngabalalelako bebazimisele emisebenzini yoke emihle, bangakhulumi kumbi nanyana kubani; bangabi zizilwi kodwana babe ngabathobekileko, bakhombise ukuba nommoya ophasi komunye nomunye. Nathi ngokwethu khesaba ziindlhayela, saba mahlongandlebe, sadukiswa, saba makhoboka wemihlobohlobo yeenkanuko nokuzithokozisa. Saphila ebumbini nemoneni, sahloywa nathi sahloya abanye. Kodwana lokha ukulunga nethando lakaZimu uMsindisethu nalibonakaliswako, wasisindisa, ingasi ngebanga lemisebenzi yokulunga esiyenzileko, kodwana ngebanga lomusa wakhe, ngokuhlanjwa kokuzalwa butjha nokuvuselelwa ngoMoya oCwengileko, othelwe phezu kwethu ngobunengi ngoJesu Krestu uMsindisi wethu ukuze kuthi sesilungisisiwe ngomusa wakhe, sibe ziindlalifa ngokwethemba lokuphila okungapheliko. Liqinisile ilizwi leli. Ngithanda bona ugandelele ezintweni lezi khona kuzakuthi labo abakholwa kuZimu bayelele ukuzinikela ekwenzeni imisebenzi emihle. Izinto lezo zihle begodu zilisizo kibo boke. Kodwana gegeda iimpikiswano zobudlhayela, imilando yokubelethana kanye nokusolana ngomthetho ngombana lokho akusizi begodu kulilize. Umuntu obanga ukuhlukana emva kobana sele elulekwe kanye namkha kabili umale ngombana uyazi bona onjalo uphambukile, wonakele sele azigwebe yena. Lokha nangithumela kuwe u-Arithema namkha uThikiku, yiza msinyana kimi eNikhopholi ngombana ngizimisele ukudlela ubusika lapho. Linga ngamandlakho woke uthumele umjameli uZena no-Apholo utjheje bona bangatlhogi ilitho endleleni. Abantu bethu kufanele bafunde ukuzinikela ekwenzeni imisebenzi emihle, khona bazakwazi ukusiza lapho kuhlongeka khona, bangabi ngabanganazo iinthelo. Boke abanami lapha bayakulotjhisa. Lotjhisa abasithandako ekukholweni. Umusa awube nani noke. UPowula osibotjhwa sakaKrestu Jesu noThimothi umzalwana wethu, kuFilimoni isinini sethu esithandekako nosisebenzi kanye nathi; kudade u-Aphiya, ku-Arirhiphusi olibutho kanye nathi kanye nebandleni elingendlinakho: Akube kini umusa nokuthula okuvela kuZimu uBaba neKosini uJesu Krestu. Ngithokoza uZimu ngeenkhathi zoke lokha nangikukhumbula emithandazwenami ngombana ngiyezwa ngethando lakho nokukholwa onakho eKosini uJesu nakibo boke abacwengileko. Ngithandaza bona ubudlelwano bakho ekukholweni bube nepumelelo, ube nokuzwisisa okupheleleko ezintweni zoke esinazo kuKrestu. Ithando lakho lingilethele ithabo elimangazako nokukhuthazeka ngombana iinhliziyo zabacwengileko zivuselelekile ngawe, mzalwana. Ngalokho, nanyana nginesibindi kuKrestu sokukuyala bona wenze okufaneleko, nokho ngebanga lethando ngiyakuncenga. Nje-ke mina Powula njengomuntu osele amdala nosibotjhwa sakaKrestu Jesu njenganje, ngikubawa ngo-Onesimu indodanami engibe nguyise ngesikhathi sokubotjhwa kwami: Ngaphambilini gade angasilo isizo kuwe, kodwana manjesi sele alisizo kimi nakuwe. Nje-ke ngimthumela bona abuyele kuwe njengomuntu oyihliziywami. Bengithanda bona ahlale nami kobana angisize esikhundleni sakho ngesikhathi ngisesesibotjhwa ngebanga levangeli. Kodwana angithandi ukwenza ilitho ngaphandle kwemvumo yakho ukuze izenzo zakho ezihle zibe ngezokuzithandela kungabi yinto yokwenziswa. Mhlamunye kungebangelo ahlukana nawe isikhatjhana khona azakubuyiselwa kuwe unomphela, angaseselikhoboka kodwana sele angaphezu kwekhoboka, amfowethu othandeka khulukhulu kimi, alo, kangangani-ke kuwe enyameni neKosini. Nje-ke nangabe ungithatha njengomhlanganyeli nawe, mamukele njengombana bewuzakwamukela mina. Nangabe kukhona akone ngakho, namkha akubamba khona, kubalele kimi lokho. Iye, mina Powula, ngitlola ngesandla sami, ngithi: Ngizakuhlawula lokho! Bengingakathandi ukukukhumbuza bona wena ngokwakho ungibamba ubuwena. Iye mfowethu, ngenzela isisa ngebanga leKosi, uvuselele ihliziywami kuKrestu. Nginethemba ngokulalela kwakho, ngikutlolela lokhu ngisazi bona uzakwenza ngokungaphezu kwalokho engikubawako. Okhunye godu nakhu: Ngilungiselani ilawu labayeni ngombana nginethemba bona ngemithandazo yenu ngizakubuyiselwa kini. U-Ephafrasi obotjhwe nami ngebanga lakaKrestu Jesu, uyanilotjhisa, ngokunjalo noMarkosi, u-Aristarirhusi, uDemasi noLukasi ababalingani bami. Sengathi umusa weKosi uJesu Krestu ungaba nani noke. UZimu wakhuluma ekadeni kibokhokho bethu ngabaphorofidi ngeenkhathi ezinengi nangeendlela ezahlukahlukeneko, kodwana ngemihla yokuphela le ukhulume nathi ngeNdodana ayibeke bona ibe yindlalifa yezinto zoke, yona abumba ngayo izulu nephasi. Yona isibonakaliso sephazimulo kaZimu nomfuziselo wamambala wobuyena bakhe; iphethe izinto zoke ngelizwi layo elinamandla. Lapho sele ikwenzile ukuhlanjululwa kwezono, yahlala ngesigomeni sakaSomandla ezulwini. Nje-ke yaba yikulu khulu kuneengilozi njengombana nebizo elizuzileko lilikhulu kunelazo ngombana ngiyiphi yeengilozi uZimu akhe atjho kiyo athi: “Wena uyiNdodanami, namhlanje ngikubelethile,” namkha athi: “Ngizakuba nguYise yona izakuba yiNdodanami.” Godu kwathi lokha uZimu nakaletha izibulo lakhe ephasinapha, wathi: “Zoke iingilozi zakaZimu azililotjhe.” Nakakhuluma ngeengilozi, uthi: “Wenza iingilozi zakhe imimoya, iinsebenzi zakhe zibe malangabi womlilo.” Kodwana ngeNdodana uthi: “Isihlalo sakho, Zimu, ngesanini nanini nokulunga kuzakuba yintonga yobukhosi bakho. Uthande ukulunga, wazonda ikohlakalo. Ngalokho-ke Zimu, uZimakho ukuzese ngamafutha wethabo ngaphezu kwabalingani bakho.” Godu uthi: “Somnini, ekuthomeni wabeka iinsekelo zephasi namazulu amsebenzi wezandla zakho. Zona izintwezo zizakubhubha, kodwana wena ujamile. Iye, zoke zizakuphela njengengubo; uzazibhinca njengesambatho, zitjhuguluke njengengubo. Kodwana wena uzakuhlala unjalo neminyakakho angeze yaphela.” Kodwana ngiyiphi yeengilozi akhe atjho kiyo athi: “Hlala ngesigomeni sami, kufikela lapha ngenza khona amanabakho abe sinabelo seenyawo zakho” na? “Kanti iingilozi azisiyo yoke imimoya elotjhako nethunyelwe bona isize labo abazokuzuza isindiso na?” Nje-ke kufuze siyelele khulu ngalokho esikuzwileko ukuze singatjhidi kikho. Nakube ilizwi elakhulunywa ngeengilozi laqiniseka nokobana esinye nesinye isiphambeko nokungalaleli kwamukela isibetho esifaneleko, alo, thina sizakuphunyurha njani nasithembela isindiso ekulu kangaka na? Iye, isindiso eyathoma yamenyezelwa yiKosi, yaqiniswa kithi ngilabo abayizwako. NoSomnini wafakazela isindiso leyo ngamatshwayo, ngeemangaliso nangemikarisomraro ehlukahlukeneko kanye nangezipho zakaMoya oCwengileko ezabiwe ngokwentando yakhe. UZimu azange abeke iphasi elizako nesikhuluma ngalo leli eengilozini. Kodwana omunye ufakazile endaweni ethileko wathi: “Uyini-ke obhubhako bona ungabe umkhumbule, bekayini wephasi bona ungabe umbeke abe mphathi na? Mbala umenze waba ngaphasana kweendalwa zezulu, wamthwesa ukuhlonitjhwa nobukhosi! Wamenza waba mphathi womsebenzi wezandla zakho; wabeka koke ngaphasi kweenyawo zakhe.” Nje-ke ngokubeka koke ngaphasi komuntu, kutjho bona uZimu wanikela koke ngaphasi kwelawulo lomuntu. Nokho okwanje, asikaboni koke kungaphasi kwelawulo lomuntu. Kodwana siyambona uJesu owenziwa waba mncani kuneengilozi kwesikhatjhana; njenganje sele athweswe isihlohlo esinephazimulo nedumo ngebanga lokubandezeleka kwakhe ngokufa. Koke kukhona ngoZimu begodu kungokwakhe. Nje-ke lokha nakaqunta ukurholela inengi labantwana bakhe ephazimulwenakhe kwafaneleka bona enze umsindisi wabo abe ngopheleleko ngokuhlupheka. Iye, ngombana loyo ocwengisako nalabo abacwengiswako bamndeni munye. Kungesizathweso uJesu angananhloni zokubabiza bonyana bafowabo, asithi: “Nje-ke ngizakumemezela ibizo lakho kubafowethu, ngikudumise phakathi kwebandla lamakholwa.” Godu uthi: “Ngizokuthembela njalo kuZimu.” Abuye athi: “Nakhu lapha ngikhona nabantwana engabaphiwa nguZimu.” Njengombana abantwana bahlanganyela inyama neengazi, naye ngokwakhe wahlanganyela khona lokho ukuze kuthi ngokufa kwakhe amchithe loyo ogade anamandla wokufa, okutjho uSathana. Wenza lokho bona athukulule boke labo abathi ngesikhathi soke sokuphila kwabo babotjhelelwa ebukhobokeni ngebanga lokwesaba ukufa. Kwamambala kuyakhanya bonyana akakezi ukuzokusiza iingilozi, kodwana iinzukulwana zaka-Abrahamu. Nje-ke kwamfanela ukuba njengabafowabo kikho koke, khona azakuba mphristi omkhulu onesirhawu nothembekileko emsebenzini kaZimu, abe yihlawulo yokubuyisana kwezono zabantu. Njengombana naye ngokwakhe wazizinywa ngalokho ahlupheka ngakho, yeke unamandla wokusiza labo abazizinywako. Ngalokho-ke bazalwana abacwengileko, enibahlanganyeli ekubizweni kwezulwini, bekani umkhumbulwenu kuJesu ongumPostoli nomPhristi omkhulu wesivumo sethu. Wathembeka kiloyo owamkhethako wambeka njengoMosi owabegade anjalo kiyo yoke indlu kaZimu. Nje-ke uJesu kufunyaneke bona ufanele idumo elikhulu kunoMosi; lokho kunjengombana umakhi wendlu anedumo elikhulu kunendlu ngokwayo. Ngileyo naleyo indlu yakhiwe mumakhi wayo, kodwana uZimu umumakhi wakho koke okukhona. UMosi bekathembeke njengenceku kiyo yoke indlu yakaZimu bekube bufakazi balokho ebekuzakukhulunywa ngakho esikhathini esizako. UKrestu njengeNdodana bekathembekile endlini kaZimu. Thina-ke siyindlu yakhe nangabe sihlala njalo sibambelele ethembeni esizibuka ngalo. Yeke, njengombana uMoya oCwengileko uthi: “Namhlanjesi nanizwa ilizwi lakhe, ningaqinisi iinhliziyo zenu njengeMeriba nanjengelangeni lelo eMasa, erhalawumbeni, lapha aboyihlomkhulu bangizizinya khona nanyana besele babone imisebenzami. Iminyaka ematjhumi amane, isizukulwaneso sangikghabhudlha. Nje-ke ngathi, ‘Sibabantu abaphambene ngehliziyo neendlela zami asiziyeleli.’ Ngalokho ngafunga elakeni lami ngathi, ‘Angeze bangene ekuphumuleni kwami.’ ” Nje-ke bazalwana, tjhejani bona kungabikhona noyedwa wenu onehliziyo embi engakholwako ebangela bonyana ahlubuke kuZimu ophilako. Kodwana khuthazanani imihla ngemihla, ije kusathiwa “namhlanje” ukuze kungabikhona namunye wenu oqinileko ngebanga lesono esikhohlisako ngombana sesibahlanganyeli noKrestu, nangabe kwaphela sibambelela ethembeni lethu bekube sekupheleni. Njengombana kuthiwa: “Namhlanjesi nanizwa ilizwi lakhe, ningaqinisi iinhliziyo zenu njengeMeriba nanjengelangeni lelo eMasa.” Bobani labo abezwa bebamhlubuka na? Angithi ngilabo boke abakhutjhwa nguMosi eGibhide na? Bobani labo abathukuthelela iminyaka ematjhumi amane na? Angithi ngilabo abonako, iindumbu zabo zaradlhwa erhalawumbeni? Wafunga kibobani bona angeze bangena ekuphumuleni kwakhe, nakungasi ngilabo ebebanganandlebe na? Nje-ke sesiyabona bonyana bahluleka ukungena ngebanga lokungakholwa kwabo. Yeke, njengombana isithembiso sokungena ekuphumuleni kwakhe sisesenjalo, asiyeleleni bonyana kungabikhona noyedwa wenu ozakufunyanwa abhalelwa kufikelela ekuphumuleni ngombana nathi satjhunyayezwa ivangeli njengabo. Kodwana ilizwi abalizwako akhange libasize ngombana akhange bakholwe labo ebegade balitjhumayela. Nje-ke thina esikholwako siyangena ekuphumuleni njengombana yena uthe: “Ngafunga elakeni lami ngathi, ‘Angekhe bangena ekuphumuleni kwami.’ ” Wakutjho lokhu nanyana umsebenzakhe besele uphelelisiwe kwasekusekelweni kwephasi. Kwenye indawo emitlolweni mayelana nelanga lekhomba kwathiwa: “Ngelanga lekhomba, waphumula kiwo woke umsebenzakhe.” Kubuye kuthiwe: “Angekhe bangena enarheni leyo, inarha ebebayophumula kiyo.” Kusabasalele abanye kobana bangene ekuphumuleni nalabo abatjhunyayelwa qangi ivangeli abangazange bangene ngebanga lokungalaleli. Yeke usabeke elinye ilanga, ekuthiwa ngalo “namhlanje” okwathi ngemva kwesikhathi eside wakhuluma ngoDavida, njengombana besele kukhulunyiwe kwathiwa: “Namhlanje, nanizwa ilizwi lakhe, ningazenzi zibe likhuni iinhliziyo zenu.” Iye, ngathana uJotjhuwa wabanikela ukuphumula, uZimu ubengekhe akhuluma muva ngelinye ilanga. Nje-ke kusabasalele abantu bakaZimu ukuphumula kweSabatha ngombana loyo osuke angene ekuphumuleni kwakaZimu, uyaphumula godu nemisebenzinakhe njengoZimu aphumula kweyakhe. Nje-ke asikhuthaleleni ukungena ekuphumulenokho ukuze kungabikhona namunye kithi owako ngokulandela isibonelo sokungalaleli kwabo. Mbala ilizwi lakaZimu liphilile, linamandla, libukhali kunesabula esika mahlangothi womabili. Lihlaba lingene beliyofika ehlanganweni yomphefumulo nommoya, amalungu nommongo; likwazi ukuhlukanisa imicabango nemizindlo yehliziyo. Akukho nokukodwa okubunjiweko okusithekileko phambi kwakaZimu. Koke kwambuliwe phambi kobuso bakhe, kusemtarini emehlweni waloyo esizaziphendulela kuye. Njengombana sinomphristi omkhulu owadabula amazulu, uJesu iNdodana kaZimu, asibambeleleni siqine ekukholweni kwethu esikuvumako ngombana asinaye umphristi omkhulu ongakwazi ukuzwelana nobuthakathaka bethu, kodwana ozizinywe ngeendlela zoke njengathi. Ngalokho-ke asitjhidele ngesibindi esihlalweni somusa, khona sizakwamukeliswa isirhawu, sizuze umusa, sisizeke ngesikhathi esifaneleko. Ngiloyo naloyo umphristi omkhulu okhethwe hlangana nabantu ubekelwe bona abajamele kuZimu, ukunikela iminikelo nemihlabelo yezono. Uyakwazi ukunyamezelela ngesisa labo abanganalwazi nabaphambukako njengombana naye ngokwakhe uyabazi ubuthakathaka; kungalokho kufanele bona anikele umhlabelo ngenca yezono zakhe nangenca yezono zabantu. Akakho ozikhethela ukuba sesikhundlenesi, kodwana uba kiso ngokubizwa nguZimu njengo-Aroni. Ngokunjalo noKrestu azange azinikele idumo ngokuba muphristi omkhulu kodwana waphakanyiswa ngiloyo owathi kuye: “Wena uyiNdodanami, namhlanje ngikubelethile,” njengombana atjho kwenye indawo wathi: “Wena umphristi ngokungapheliko ngokwendlela yakaMalkitsedekhi.” Ngesikhathi uJesu asesephasinapha bephele enze imithandazo nokubawela abanye ngesililo esikhulu nangeenyembezi kiloyo ogade anamandla wokumsindisa ekufeni. Begodu bekalalelwa ngombana bekazinikela ngokuzithoba. Sengitjho nanyana bekayiNdodana, wafunda ukulalela ngalokho ahlupheka ngakho begodu nalapho sele aphelelisiwe, waba mthombo wesindiso wabo boke abamlalelako, bewabekwa nguZimu bona abe mphristi omkhulu ngokwendlela yakaMalkitsedekhi. Kusesenokunengi esingakutjho mayelana nalokhu, kodwana kulikhuni ukunihlathululela ngombana nithathela kude ukuzwa. Nanyana ngesikhathesi bekufanele ngathana senibafundisi, kodwana nisadinga omunye ozokubuya anifundise godu, anitatayise anithomise phasi kancani eemfundisweni zelizwi lakaZimu. Nisadinga ibisi kunokudla okuqinileko. Loyo omunyako usuka asesemntwana, nje-ke akakalemuki ilizwi lokulunga. Kodwana ukudla okuqinileko kungokwabakhulileko, asebajayele ukusebenzisa umkhumbulwabo, iye, labo asebanakho ukuhlukanisa okuhle nokumbi. Nje-ke asilise iimfundiso zokuthoma ngoKrestu siragele phambili kokuvuthiweko; singabuyi sithome phasi sibeke isisekelo: ngokuphenduka emisebenzini efileko nokukholwa kuZimu, isifundiso ngokubhajadiswa, ngokubekwa izandla, ngokuvuka kwabafileko nangokugwetjwa isiphelani. Sizakwenza lokho uZimu nakavumako. Kulikhuni ukubuya baphenduke labo abakhe bakhanyiselwa, banandipha isiphiwo sezulwini, badlelana noMoya oCwengileko, banandipha ubumnandi belizwi lakaZimu namandla wephasi elitjha elizako, nasele khebahlubuka kulikhuni ukubaphendula ngombana ngokuhlubuka kwabo babuye godu bayibethele esiphambanweni iNdodana kaZimu bayithela ngehlazo epepeneneni. Ihlabathi emunya amanzi aphele ayinele nemilisa iintjalo ezilisizo kilabo abayilimileko, ibusiswa nguZimu. Kodwana nangabe kumila kiyo ameva nekhula, ayinamsebenzi walitho begodu isengozini yokobana inikelelwe nguZimu nesiphelo sayo kutjhiswa ngomlilo. Nanyana sikhuluma nje bathandekako, sineqiniso lezinto ezingcono mayelana nani, iye, izinto eziphathelene nokusindiswa. UZimu akasuye ongakalungi, angekhe alibale umsebenzi eniwubonakalisileko ngebanga lakhe nisiza abacwengileko njengombana nenza nanjesi. Sikhanuka bona omunye nomunye wenu abonakalise ukukhuthala okunjalo ukuze niqinisekise ithemba lenu bekube sekupheleni; ningadondi, kodwana nilingise labo abathi ngokukholwa nangokunyamezela bazuza ilifa lesithembiso. Lokha uZimu athembisa u-Abrahamu, wazifunga ngaye ngombana kungekho omkhulu kunaye angamfunga, wathi: “Kwamambala ngizokubusisa nokukubusisa, ngikwandise khulu.” Ngokunjalo u-Abrahamu ngokunyamezela wazuza isithembiso. Kanengi abantu bafunga ngaloyo omkhulu kunabo nesifungo esiqinisa okukhulunyiweko siqeda koke ukuphikisana. Ngebanga lokobana uZimu wathanda khulu bona kubakhanyele kamhlophe labo abaziindlalifa zesithembiso, ukungaphenduki kobujamo behloswakhe wabuqinisa ngesifungo. Wakwenza lokhu ukuze ngezinto ezimbili lezo ezingaphendukiko angekhe kwenzeke bona aleye amala; kuthi thina esiphephele kuye sikhuthale ngamandla sibambelele ethembeni elibekwe phambi kwethu. Iye, ithembeli sinalo, liliqiniso nobudzimelelo bomphefumulo, kulithemba elingena endaweni ecwenge khulu ngemva kwetjhila lesisitho, lapha uJesu owasandulelako, waba sigijimi sokuthomo esangena lapho ngebanga lethu, sele aba mphristi ngokungapheliko ngokwendlela yakaMalkitsedekhi. UMalkitsedekhi lo bekuyikosi yeSalema, amphristi wakaZimu ongoPhezulu. Nguye owahlangabeza u-Abrahamu lokha nakabuya ukuyokubulala amakhosi, bewambusisa; nje-ke u-Abrahamu wamabela kwetjhumi kwakho koke. Kokuthoma, ibizo lakhe litjho, “ikosi yokulunga”; nokuthi ikosi yeSalema okutjho, “ikosi yokuthula”. Ubenganayise, angananina, anganamndeni, ngitjho namalanga wokuthoma namkha wokuphela kwepilo. UnjengeNdodana kaZimu, uhlala amphristi ngokungapheliko. Akhese nibone-ke bonyana bekamkhulu kangangani: U-Abrahamu ukhokho wethu, wamabela okwetjhumi kwalokho akuthumbe epini. Ngitjho nalabo abaziinzukulwana zakaLevi abamukela ubuphristi, banomyalo emthethweni wokuthatha kwetjhumi ebantwini, okutjho ebantwini bekhabo, iye, sengitjho nanyana abantu bekhababo baziinzukulwana zaka-Abrahamu. Kodwana lo obengabalwa esizukulwaneni sabo, wathatha kwetjhumi ku-Abrahamu bewambusisa loyo owamukela iinthembiso. Angekhe kwaphikwa bona omncani ubusiswa ngomkhulu. Lapha-ke abamukela kwetjhumi kubabantu abafako, kodwana lapho wamukelwa ngiloyo ofakazelwa bonyana uyaphila. Kuhlekuhle kungathiwa noLevi owamukela kwetjhumi, wakhokha kwetjhumi ngenca ka-Abrahamu ngombana gade asese sedinini lakakhokho wakhe lokha nakahlangatjezwa nguMalkitsedekhi. Nangabe ukupheleliswa kwafunyaneka ngobuphristi bakaLevi njengombana isizwe samukela umthetho ngaphasi kobuphristobu; bekusadingeke ngani-ke ukukhuluma ngobuphristi obunye obuvuka ngokwendlela kaMalkitsedekhi, kunalobo bendlela ka-Aroni na? Ngombana nangabe kukhona ukuphendulwa kobuphristi, khona-ke kuyafuneka bona kuphendulwe nomthetho. Kodwana loyo okukhulunywa izintwezi ngaye, ungowesinye isizwe ekungazange khekube khona noyedwa kiso owakhe walotjha e-aldarini ngombana kuyaziwa bona iKosethu isizukulwana sakaJuda, begodu mayelana nesizweso uMosi akazange atjho ilitho ngobuphristi. Nje-ke kusemtarini lokha nakuvuka omunye umphristi onjengoMalkitsedekhi, iye, loyo obe mphristi ingasi ngokomyalo weenzukulwana zenyama kodwana ngamandla wepilo engabhubhiko. Ngombana kufakazwa ngaye kuthiwa: “Wena umphristi ngokungapheliko ngokwendlela kaMalkitsedekhi.” Umthetho omdala wenziwa ilize ngombana gade ubuthakathaka begodu ungasizi. Njengombana umthetho ungazange uphelelise ilitho, ngakwelinye ihlangothi kunesingeniso sethemba elingcono ekungalo singatjhidela kuZimu. Nokho ithembelo azange libe ngaphandle kwesifungo ngombana abanye ababekwa emsebenzini wobuphristi bangena kiwo ngaphandle kwesifungo, kodwana lo waba mphristi ngaphandle kwesifungo ngebanga laloyo owathi kuye: “USomnini ufungile begodu angeze azisole, wathi, ‘Wena umphristi ngokungapheliko.’ ” Ngebanga lalokho uJesu waba siqiniseko sesivumelwano esingcono. Nje-ke abaphristabo baba banengi ngesibalo ngebanga lokobana bebaliywa kukufa bona baragele phambili ngomsebenzabo; kodwana uJesu unobuphristi obungapheliko ngombana uphila isiphelani. Ngalokho unamandla wokusindisa ngesikhathi soke labo abeza kuZimu ngaye ngombana uhlala njalo abancengela. Nje-ke mbala kwasifanela thina bona sibe nomphristi omkhulu onje, ocwengileko, ongasolekiko, onganamphambo, owahlukaniswe kwabazizoni bewaphakanyiswa ngaphezu kwamazulu. Ngokuhlukileko kunabanye abaphristi abakhulu, akadingi ukwenza imihlabelo ilanga nelanga, kokuthoma ngebanga lezono zakhe bese kube ngezono zabantu; yena wakwenza lokho kwaba kanye kibo boke mhlana anikela ukuphila kwakhe. Umthetho ubeka abantu ababuthakathaka bona ibe baphristi abakhulu, kodwana ilizwi lesifungo eleza ngemva komthetho, lijamisa iNdodana eyenziwa opheleleko ngokungapheliko. Ummongo walokho esikutjhoko ngilokhu: Sinomphristi omkhulu ohlezi ngesigomeni sesihlalo sobukhosi emazulwini, usikhonzi endaweni ecwengileko netendeni lamambala elajanyiswa nguSomnini ingasi mumuntu. Ngiloyo naloyo umphristi omkhulu ubekelwe bona anikele ngeminikelo nangemihlabelo. Nje-ke bekufanele bona naye umphristi wethu omkhulu abe nelitho azokunikela ngalo. Ngathana bekusephasinapha bekangekhe abe mphristi ngombana bakhona abaphristi abanikela ngeminikelo ngokomthetho. Bona balotjha endaweni emfanekiso nesithunzi salokho okusezulwini. Kungakho uMosi ngesikhathi azakwakha itende lesivumelwano, wayalwa kwathiwa: “Qinisekisa bonyana wenza koke lokhu ngomfanekiso owakhonjiswa wona entabeni.” Kodwana manjesi uJesu wamukela ukulotjha okusezingeni eliphezulu, begodu ngokudluleleko ungumlamuleli wesivumelwano esingcono nesisekelwe phezu kweenthembiso ezingcono. Nangathana bekungekho okusolekako esivumelwaneni sokuthoma, kwamambala bekungekhe sisafuneka sesibili. Kodwana uZimu uyasisola isizwe sakhe, nakasithi: “Qalani isikhathi siyeza, lapha ngizakwenza khona isivumelwano esitjha nendlu ka-Israyeli kanye neyakaJuda. Kutjho uSomnini. Asizukufana nesivumelwano engasenza naboyise nangibabamba ngesandla kobana ngibakhuphe eGibhide ngombana bona bephula isivumelwano sami, lokha mina nangimphathi wabo. Kutjho uSomnini. Nasi isivumelwano engizosenza nendlu ka-Israyeli ngemva kwesikhatheso. Kutjho uSomnini. Ngizakubeka umthethwami emikhumbulwenabo ngiwutlole eenhliziyweni zabo. Ngizakuba nguZimabo, bona babe babantu bami. Umuntu angeze asafundisa omunye womphakathi namkha umfowabo athi, ‘Yazi uSomnini’ ngombana boke bazabe bangazi, ukusukela komncani ukuya komkhulu. Kutjho uSomnini. Mbala ngizakucolela ubukhohlakali babo, ngingasakhumbula icala labo.” Ngokukhuluma athi, “isivumelwano esitjha”, wenze bonyana sokuthoma sibe ngesidala; nje-ke okudala nokulupheleko kuseduze nokunyamalala. Nje-ke nesivumelwano sokuthoma besinemithetjhwana obekulotjhwa ngayo ngendaweni ecwengileko. Kwakhiwa itende lokuhlanganela; ngaphakathi kwendawo yalo yokuthoma bekunelithi leembani, itafula nezikwa ezibekwa phambi kwakaZimu, leyo bekuyindawo ecwenge khulu. Ngemva kwerharideni lesibili bekukhona indawo okuthiwa yindawo ecwenge khulu. Ngaphakathi kwayo bekukhona i-aldari legolide lokutjhisela itjhwalo nomfaji wesivumelwano otshidzwe woke ngegolide. Ngaphakathi kwawo bekubulungwe umjeka ophethe imana, intonga ka-Aroni eyakhe yahluma amakari nomqebethu wesivumelwano. Ngaphezu komfaji bekunamakerubhi wephazimulo engamele isihlalo somusa. Okwanje asikwazi ukukhuluma ngokugcweleko ngezintwezi. Ngokunjalo, lokha koke sele kuhlelekile ngendlela le, abaphristi bangena njalonjalo ngengcenyeni yokuthoma yetende lokuhlanganela bona benze umsebenzabo wokulotjha. Kodwana engcenyeni yesibili kungena kwaphela umphristi omkhulu kanye ngomnyaka; akangeni ngaphandle kokuthatha iingazi anikela ngazo mayelana naye nangenca yezono ezenziwe babantu ngephoso. Ngalokhu uMoya oCwengileko utjengisa bona indlela yokungena endaweni ecwenge khulu ayikavuleki, mlunga ingcenye yokuthoma yetende isajamile. Lokho kumfanekiso wesikhathesi, ekutjengiswa ngakho bona iminikelo nemihlabelo enikelweko azange iphelelise isazelo somlotjhi. Kodwana beyiphathelene nokudla nokusela kanye nemihlobohlobo yokuhlambuluka ekuziimiso ezimalungana nomzimba bekube sikhathi sehlelo elitjha. UKrestu selafikile njengomphristi omkhulu wezinto ezihle esele zikhona, wangena ngetendeni elikhulu neliphelele ukudlula, elingakenziwa ngezandla okutjho elingasilo lalokhu okudaliweko. Wangena kwaba kanye kwaphela endaweni ecwenge khulu, kungasi ngeengazi zeembuzi namathole, kodwana ngeengazi zakhe ngokwazo wasizuzela ukuhlengwa okungapheliko. Iingazi zeembuzi nezeenkomo kanye nokufafazwa ngomlotha wethokazi elitjhisiweko kuhlambulula labo abasilaphazweko ukuze babe ngabahlwengileko ngokomzimba. Khulu kangangani-ke iingazi zakaKrestu owazinikela ngokwakhe kuZimu ngoMoya oCwengileko wesiphelani anganamphambo, zizakuhlanza isazelo sethu emisebenzini efileko ukuze silotjhe uZimu ophilako. Ngalokho uKrestu umlamuleli wesivumelwano esitjha ukuze kuthi labo ababiziweko bamukele isithembiso selifa elingapheliko. Nje-ke ukufa kwakhe kwenzeke ukuze abahlenge eemphambekweni zesivumelwano sokuthoma. Lapha kunencwadi yelifa, kufanele kube khona ubufakazi bokufa kwaloyo owayitlolako ngombana incwadi yelifa isebenza kwaphela nasele kubhujiwe ngebanga lokobana ayisebenzi nakube loyo owayitlolako usaphila. Kungalokho nesivumelwano sokuthoma singazange sajanyiswa kungakaphalazwa iingazi. UMosi sele amemezele woke umyalo womthetho ebantwini boke, wathatha iingazi zamathole neembuzi, amanzi, uboya obububende nehisopi wafafaza umsongo wencwadi ngokwawo nabantu boke, asithi: “Qalani, lezi ziingazi zesivumelwano uZimu anijamisele sona.” Ngokunjalo uMosi wafafaza iingazi etendeni lokuhlanganela nakizo zoke izinto ezisetjenziswa kilo. Ukuya ngokomthetho pheze zoke izinto zihlanjululwa ngeengazi, ngaphandle kokuphalaka kweengazi akukho ukulitjalelwa kwezono. Ngokunjalo bekufanele bona imifanekiso yezinto zezulwini ihlanjululwe ngalokho. Kodwana izinto zezulwini zifuna imihlabelo engcono kunaleya ngombana uKrestu azange angene endaweni ecwengileko eyakhiwe ngezandla zabantu emfanekiso nje waleyo ekungiyo, kodwana wangena ezulwini ngokwalo, khona azasijamela phambi kwakaZimu. Yena azange azinikele kanenginengi njengomphristi omkhulu lokha nakangena endaweni ecwengileko iminyaka ngeminyaka neengazi ezingasizo zakhe. Ngathana bekunjalo bekufanele ahlupheke kanenginengi kusukela ekusekelweni kwephasi. Kodwana ubonakaliswe kanye kwaphela ekupheleni kwesikhathi bona asuse izono ngokuzinikela kwakhe. Njengombana kujanyisiwe bona abantu bafe kanye, emva kwalokho kube kugwetjwa, nje-ke noKrestu sele anikelwe kanye kobana athwale izono zabanengi, uzakubuye abonakale kwesibili, angakezi bonyana uzokuthwala isono kodwana ukusindisa labo abamlindeleko. Njengombana umthetho unesithunzi sezinto ezihle ezizako, ungasibo ubujamo bamambala bazo izintwezo, angeze ngayo leyo mihlabelo enikelwa mlibe qobe mnyaka ilungisise labo abatjhidelako. Nangathana bekungasinjalo, beyingeze yaliswa bona ingasanikelwa na? Lokho kutjho bona abalotjhi bebazobe bahlanjululwe kwaba kanye bangasenaso isazelo sesono. Kodwana kunalokho imihlabelo leyo isikhumbuzo sesono umnyaka nomnyaka ngombana akwenzeki bona iingazi zeenkunzi nezeembuzi zisuse izono. Ngesizathweso uKrestu nakafika ephasinapha wathi: “Imihlabelo neminikelo yeenthoro awuyithokozeli; kodwana ungilungisele umzimba; iye, imihlabelo yokutjhiswa neyehlambululo awuyibizi. Nje-ke ngithe, ‘Qala, ngizile njengombana ngitlolelwe njalo emsongweni. Ngiyathanda ukwenza intandwakho Zimami.’ ” Kokuthoma uthe: “Imihlabelo neminikelo, iye, iminikelo yokutjhiswa neyesono azange uyibize namkha uthokoze ngayo.” Yona inikelwa ngokuya ngokomthetho. Godu uthe: “Qala ngize bona ngizokwenza intando yakho.” Ususe kokuthoma kobana ajamise kwesibili. Kungentando yakhe leyo sicwengisiwe kwaba kanye ngomnikelo womzimba kaJesu Krestu. Ngiloyo naloyo umphristi ujama emsebenzinakhe ilanga nelanga, anikela kanenginengi yona iminikelo leyo engasoze yasusa izono. Kodwana uKrestu sele anikele kwaba kanye ngomhlabelo owodwa ngebanga lezono, wahlala ngesidleni sakaZimu. Kusukela kwangesikhatheso ulindele izitha zakhe bonyana zenziwe sinabelo seenyawo zakhe ngombana ngomhlabelo owodwa uphelelise boke abahlanjululweko. Godu uMoya oCwengileko ufakaza kithi ngalokho; kokuthoma uthi: “Nasi isivumelwano engizasenza nabo ngemva kwesikhatheso; ngizakubeka umthethwami emikhumbulwenabo, ngiwutlole eenhliziyweni zabo. Kutjho uSomnini.” Godu ungezelela ngokuthi: “Mbala ngizakucolela ubukhohlakali babo, ngingasakhumbula icala labo.” Lapha kunokulitjalelwa kwalokho, akusekho umhlabelo wesono. Ngalokho bazalwana, njengombana sinesiqiniseko sokungangena endaweni ecwengileko ngeengazi zakaJesu, ngendlela etja nephilako asivulela yona ngetjhila elisithileko okutjho ngenyama yakhe, begodu njengombana sinomphristi omkhulu wendlu kaZimu, asibandameleni ngehliziyo eqinisileko, ngethemba elipheleleko lokukholwa; iinhliziyo zethu zifafaziwe esazelweni esimbi nemizimba yethu ihlanzwe ngamanzi ahlanzekileko. Nje-ke asibambisiseni ethembeni lokukholwa kwethu esikuvumako ngaphandle kokuzaza ngombana uthembekile loyo othembisileko. Asitjhejeni bona singakhuthazana njani ethandweni nemisebenzini emihle; singakudeli ukuhlangana njengombana kunjalo kwabanye; kodwana asikhuthazaneni omunye nomunye, khulukhulu njengombana nibona bonyana ilanga selitjhidele. Nakube siyakhunyalala siraga ngokona emva kokobana sesamukele ukwazi kweqiniso, awusekho umhlabelo wokuhlawulela izono, kwaphela ukulindela ukugwetjwa okusabekako nobukhali bomlilo obuzakuqothula amaphikakani. Odelela umthetho kaMosi uzakufa ngaphandle kokurhawukelwa ngabofakazi ababili namkha abathathu. Alo, ucabanga bona uzakuhlunguphazwa kangangani loyo oqalela phasi iNdodana kaZimu, athi iingazi zesivumelwano ezimcwengisako zisilaphele abuye ahlambalaze noMoya womusa na? Ngombana siyamazi loyo owathi: “Ukubuyiselela kungokwami; ngimi ozakubuyisela.” Wabuye wathi: “USomnini uzakugweba isizwe sakhe.” Kuyinto esabekako ukuwela esandleni sakaZimu ophilako. Khumbulani amalanga waphambilini, ekwathi senikhanyiselwe, naqinisela ebunzimeni obukhulu beenhlupheko. Ngesinye isikhathi vane phele kubukiswe ngani emtarini nibandezelekile; kesinye isikhathi nibahlanganyeli nalabo abaphathwa njalo. Nazwelana nalabo ababotjhiweko; nakhonapho navuma ukumukwa ipahla yenu ngokwazi bona nina ninepahla engcono ehlala unomphelo. Nje-ke ningaphelelwa lithemba lenu, linomvuzo omkhulu. Nidinga ukunyamezela khona kuzakuthi senenze intando kaZimu, namukele isithembiso: Ngombana sekusikhatjhana esifitjhani, “ozako uyeza, angekhe ariyade. Olungileko wami uzakuphila ngokukholwa; kodwana nangabe uhlehlela emuva; umphefumulwami awuzukuthokoza ngaye.” Kodwana thina asisibo abahlehlela emuva babhujiswe, kodwana sihlangana nalabo abakholwako basindiswe. Nje-ke ukukholwa kukuqiniseka ngezinto esinethemba ngazo, kuliqiniso ngalokho esingakuboniko. Ngakho abokhokho bamukela ubufakazi obuhle. Iye, ngokukholwa sizwisisa bona iphasi labunjwa ngelizwi lakaZimu, nokobana lokho okubonwako kwabunjwa ngezinto ezingabonwako. Ngokukholwa u-Abela wanikela kuZimu ngomhlabelo owamukelekako ukudlula wakaKayini. Ngalokho wafakazelwa bona ulungile noZimu ngokwakhe wafakaza ngokwamukela iminikelo yakhe; yeke ngokukholwa usakhuluma nanyana aselafa. Ngokukholwa u-Inogo wenyuswa ukuze angaboni ukufa. Akazange asabonwa ngombana uZimu gade asele amthethe. Nje-ke ufakazelwa bonyana angakathathwa bekathokozise uZimu. Kodwana ngaphandle kokukholwa akwenzeki ukumthokozisa uZimu ngombana loyo otjhidela kuZimu kufanele akholwe bona ukhona nokobanyana uyabavuza labo abamfunako. Ngokukholwa uNowa asele ayeleliswe nguZimu mayelana nesehlakalo ebe singakabonakali, wamukela isiyeleliso wakha umkhumbi ukuze asindise indlu yakhe. Ngalokho wenza iphasi libe nomlandu, wabe waba yindlalifa yokulunga ngokukholwa. Ngokukholwa u-Abrahamu walalela lokha nakabizwako bona aphume aye endaweni ebe azoyamukeliswa njengelifa; nje-ke waphuma angazi lapha aya khona. Ngokukholwa wahlala isikhatjhana enarheni yesithembiso njengomqhamuka: Aphila ematendeni njengombana kwenza u-Isaka noJakopo ebebaziindlalifa zesithembisweso kanye naye ngombana bekalindele umuzi oneensekelo, umakhi nomenzi wawo kunguZimu. Ngokukholwa u-Abrahamu wafumana amandla wokubeletha selaluphele nanyana uSara umkakhe bekayinyumba ngombana bekasazi bonyana wethembekile othembisako. Ngalokho, ngomuntu munye nanyana besele kumlunga afile, kwabelethwa iinzukulwana ezinengi njengeenkwekwezi zezulu nanjengetjhwabatjhwaba yelwandle engabalekiko. Boke laba bafa basekukholweni bangazange bamukeliswe ebebakuthenjisiweko, kodwana bakubona bathokoza ngakho kusesekude nabo. Iye, bebavumile bona bamiqhamuka neenkhonzi ephasini. Abantu abakhuluma ngendlela le, bayatjengisa bona bafuna iphasi elingelabo. Nangathana bebahlala bakhumbula inarha abaphuma kiyo, bebazakuba nethuba lokubuyela emva. Kunalokho bebakhanukela iphasi elingcono, okutjho lezulwini. Yeke uZimu akananhloni ukubizwa bona unguyisabo ngombana ubalungisele umuzi. Ngokukholwa u-Abrahamu nakazizinywako, wanikela ngendodanakhe u-Isaka. Iye, loyo owamukela isithembiso walungela ukunikela indodanakhe ekukuphela kwayo, loyo okwathiwa ngaye: “Iinzukulwana zakho zizokuthiyelelwa ngo-Isaka.” U-Abrahamu bekasazi bona uZimu uyabavusa nabafileko, kungalokho ngokulinganisa ngekulumo, wamukela u-Isaka njengobuya ekufeni. Ngokukholwa u-Isaka wabusisa uJakopo no-Esewu mayelana nelikusasa labo. Ngokukholwa uJakopo sele azokufa wabusisa leyo naleyo yamadodana kaJosefa; wakhothama ngokulotjha adzimelele ngedondolo lakhe ebekaliphethe. Ngokukholwa uJosefa asele azakwenyuka, wakhuluma ngokufuduka kwaka-Israyeli eGibhide bewalayeza ngokungcwatjwa kwakhe. Ngokukholwa uMosi asele abelethiwe, wafihlwa babelethi bakhe iinyanga ezintathu ngombana babona bonyana umntwana obekamuhle; begodu azange bawesabe umyalo obekwe yikosi. Ngokukholwa uMosi aselakhulile wala bona kuthiwe uyindodana yendodakazi kaFaro, kunalokho wenyula ukuphathwa makghwakghwa nabantu bakaZimu kunobanyana athabe isikhatjhana esonweni. Bekasithi ukuthukwa ngebanga lakaKrestu kumnono omkhulu kunamafa weGibhide ngombana gade aqale umvuzo ozako ngaphambili. Ngokukholwa wayitjhiya iGibhide angesabi ilaka lekosi ngombana waphikelela sengathi uyambona ongabonwako. Ngokukholwa wajamisa iPhasika nokufafaza ngeengazi ukuze umbhubhisi angathinti amazibulo. Ngokukholwa bakwa-Israyeli beyama ilwandle loMgaba sengathi bakhamba ehlabathini eyomileko, okwathi lokha amaGibhide athi alinga ukweyama, atjhingela. Ngokukholwa imithangala yeJerikho yawa ngemva kobana isele izonjelezwe amalanga alikhomba. Ngokukholwa ingwadla enguRarhabi ayizange ibhubhe nalabo abangakhange bakholwa ngombana yamukela kuhle iinhloli. Ngingaraga ngithini? Asisekho isikhathi sokukhuluma ngoGidiyoni, uBharaki, uSamsoni, uJafta, uDavida, uSamyela nabaphorofidi, okwathi ngokukholwa bahlula imibuso, benza ukulunga, bamukela iinthembiso bavala imilomo yamabhubezi, bacima imililo evutha ngamandla, baphunyurha etlobeni yesabula, bazuza amandla ebuthakathakeni, baba ziingorho epini namabutho wabarhali abhebhula iinthende. Ngokukholwa besifazana babuye babuyiselwa iinhlobo ngokuvuswa ekufeni. Abanye bahlunguphazwa, akhange bavume ukuthukululwa ukuze bazuze ukuvuka okuhle. Abanye bahlunguphazwa ngokuphoqwa nokurithwa, iye, ngitjho nangokubotjhwa nokudlhunywa ngeenkhungweni. Bakghadlhwa ngamatje, baphadlhulwa kabili, babulawa ngesabula. Bazulazula bembethe iinkhumba zezimvu nezeembuzi. Bebahlubule, bazwiswa ubuhlungu, bahlukunyezwa. Iphasi belingakabafaneli; bandinda emarhalawumbeni neentabeni, emikghotheni nemadongeni wephasi. Boke labo nanyana kufakazwa kuhle ngabo ngokukholwa, azange bamukele ngesikhatheso lokho ebebathenjiswe khona ngombana uZimu gade sele asibonelele ngokuhle ukuze ngaphandle kwethu bangapheleliswa. Ngalokho, njengombana sizonjelezwe lilifu elingaka labofakazi, asilahleni koke okudisibezako, ngitjho nesono esisinamathele kangaka, sigijime ibanga esibekelwe lona ngokubekezela; siqale kuJesu umthomisi nomphelelisi wokukholwa kwethu, okwathi esikhundleni setokozo ebe ibekwe phambi kwakhe, wanyamezelela isiphambano angakhathaleli ukurhubutjhwa; uhlezi ngesidleni sesihlalo sobukhosi sakaZimu. Myeleleni loyo owanyamezelela ukuphikiswa kangaka zizoni, khona iinhliziyo zenu zingazukudana namkha niphelelwe lithemba. Ekujamelaneni kwenu nesono, anikalwi bekube sekuthulukeni kweengazi. Kumbe senikhohlwe umyalo onikhuthaza njengabantwana, othi: “Ndodanami, unganyazi ukuyala kwakaSomnini, ungapheli amandla nakukhalimelako ngombana uSomnini ubetha loyo amthandako, ahlunguphaze leyo naleyo indodana ayithandako.” Nyamezelelani ukukhalinywa; uZimu uniphatha njengabantwana: Konje ukhona umntwana ongakhalinywa nguyise na? Nakube anikhalinyelwa njengabo boke abakhalinywako, khona nimavezandlebe, anisibo abantwana bangekhaya. Ngaphezu kwalokho, sibe nabobaba bephaseli abasikhalimeleko sabahlonipha; alo, kufuze sizithobe kangangani-ke kuBaba wemiphefumulwethu bona siphile na? Abobaba bethu basikhalimela kwesikhatjhana njengombana babona kufanele, kodwana uZimu usikhalimela kobana kusizeke thina, iye, sihlanganyele naye ekucwengeni kwakhe. Okwanje ukukhalinywa kubonakala kubuhlungu kunokuthokoza, kodwana emva kwalokho kuhloma iinthelo zokulunga kilabo ababandulwe ngikho. Ngalokho qinisani izandla zenu ezibuthakathaka namadolwenu agedlako, nenzele iinyawo zenu imizila enqophileko ukuze nosigoga angatshinyeki kodwana aqinelele. Phikelelani bona nihlalisane ngokuthula nabantu boke kanti godu nibe nokucwengeka ngombana onganakho lokho angeze ambona uSomnini. Tjhejani bona kungabikhona osalelako ekufunyaneni umusa kaZimu ukuze kungamili umrabhu obabako obanga ukonakala begodu kusilaphale abanengi ngawo. Godu tjhejani bona kungabikhona oziphatha kumbi namkha onganandaba njengo-Esewu, owathengisa ubuzibulo bakhe ngokudla kwesikhatjhana sinye. Niyazi bona kwathi muva lokha nakafuna ukuba yindlalifa yokubusiswa, waphayelwa ngeqadi ngombana gade angekhe asaphendula umkhumbulo kayise, sengitjho nanyana gade afisa lokho ngokuchiphiza iinyembezi. Anikezi kilokho eningakuthinta, okumlilo ovuthako, ubumnyama, isikhwitjhikhwitjhi nesiwuruwuru, nalapho kulila khona ipalapala nelizwini ekuthi lokha nalikhulumako lenze abalizwako bancenge bona kungasabi nelinye elikhulunywa kibo ngombana gade bangekhe bakujamele ebekutjhiwo ngilo bona: “Ngitjho nanyana kungaba silwana esithinta intaba le, asikhandwe ngamatje sibulawe.” Mbala, umbono loyo bewesabeka kangokuthi uMosi wabe wathi: “Ngiyahlengezela ngevalo.” Kodwana nina nize entabeni yeZiyoni nemzini wakaZimu ophilako, iJerusalema lezulwini nemgidini wewoma leengilozi, iye, nize ebandleni lamazibulo atloliswe ezulwini, kumgwebi onguZimu wabo boke, emiphefumulweni yabantu abalungisisiweko, ngitjho nakuJesu omlamuleli wesivumelwano esitjha nekufafazweni kweengazi ezikhuluma amezwi womusa kunezikaKayini. Tjhejani-ke bona ningamfulatheli okhulumako ngombana nakube azange baphunyurhe labo abafulathela loyo owabayelelisako asephasinapha, khulu kangangani nakube sidela loyo osiyelelisa asezulwini? Ngesikhatheso ilizwi lakhe lasikinya iphasi, kodwana kwanjesi uthembisile wathi: “Ngizokubuya godu ngisikinye kungabi liphasi nje kwaphela kodwana nezulu imbala.” Lokho kokuthi: “Ngizokubuya godu” kuphawula ukususa lokho okusikinywako, okutjho okudaliweko ukuze kuthi lokho okungekhe kwasikinywa kusale kujame njalo. Yeke asithokozeni ngokwamukeliswa umbuso ongekhe wasikinywa, ngalokho asinikeleni kuZimu ukulotjha okwamukelekako ngehlonipho nangokwesaba ngombana uZimethu umlilo oqothulako. Aliragele phambili ithando lokuzwana. Ningalibali ukwamukela abayeni ngombana ngokwenza njalo abanye bangenisa iingilozi bangalemuki. Khumbulani labo ababotjhiweko, kube sengathi nani nibotjhwe kanye nabo, iye, nalabo abaphethwe kumbi ngombana nani nisesemzimbeni lo. Ukuthathana akuhlonitjhwe ngibo boke, umseme ungasilaphazwa ngombana iinhlobongi neengwadla uZimu uzozigweba. Zilondeni ningabi marhamaru kodwana yaneliswani ngeninakho ngombana wathi: “Angekhe nganitjhiya namkha nganilahla.” Ngalokho singatjho ngesibindi sithi: “USomnini umsizi wami, angeze ngesaba; umuntu angangenzani na?” Khumbulani abarholi benu, okutjho labo abakhuluma ilizwi lakaZimu kini; nikhumbule isiphetho sepilo abayiphilileko, nilingise ukukholwa kwabo. UJesu Krestu unguye izolo, namhlanje nanini nanini. Ningaluthwa ziimfundiso ezingaziwako nezimihlobohlobo ngombana kuhle bona ihliziyo iqiniswe ngomusa ingasi ngokulandela imithetho yokudla, ekuyinto engazange ibasize ngalitho abayilandelako. Thina sine-aldari, labo abalotjha etendeni lokuhlanganela abanalungelo lokudla kilo ngombana iindumbu zeenlwana lezo iingazi zazo ezingeniswa endaweni ecwengileko mphristi omkhulu njengomhlabelo wesono zitjhiselwa ngaphandle kwekampa. Ngokunjalo-ke noJesu naye wahlunguphazwa ngaphandle kwesango ukuze acwengise abantu ngeengazi zakhe. Ngalokho asiye kuye ngaphandle komuzi, sifese sithwale ihlazo alinyamezelelako! Lokho kungombana lapha asinawo umuzi ojame ngokungapheliko, kodwana siqale umuzi ozako. Nje-ke ngaye, asinikeleni umhlabelo wokudumisa kuZimu, okutjho iinthelo zeembhena ezivuma ibizo lakaJesu. Ningalibali kukwenza okuhle kwabanye nokwabelana ngombana iminikelo enjalo uZimu uyayithabela. Lalelani abarholi benu nibathobele ngombana bahlala njalo beluse imiphefumulwenu njengabantu abazazilanda ngayo. Nje-ke abenze umsebenzabo ngokuthaba kungabi ngokunyama ngombana lokho angeze kwanisiza ngalitho. Sithandazelani ngombana siyazi bona sinesazela esimsulwa begodu sithanda bona siphile ipilo ehloniphekileko kikho koke. Nginibawa khulu bona nikwenze lokhu ukuze ngibuyiselwe kini msinyana. UZimu wokuthula, owavusa kwabafileko iKosethu uJesu Krestu, umalusi omkhulu wezimvu ngeengazi zesivumelwano esijame ngokungapheliko, sengathi anganiphelelisa ngakho koke okuhle ukuze nenze intando yakhe; begodu kwanga angasebenza phakathi kwenu ngoJesu Krestu okuthandekako kuye. Akube kuye iphazimulo nini nanini. Amen. Ngiyabawa bazalwana, lamukeleni ngesineke ilizwi lami lokukhuthaza ngombana nginitlolele ngokufitjhani. Ngithanda nazi bonyana umzalwana wethu uThimothi sele akhutjhiwe ngesikhungweni. Nange angafika msinyana, ngizokuza naye sizonibona. Silotjhiselani kibo boke abaniphetheko nakibo boke abacwengileko. Bayalotjhisa kini abazalwana beTariyana. Sengathi umusa wakaZimu ungaba nani noke! Amen. UJakopo, inceku kaZimu neyeKosi uJesu Krestu, ulotjhisa kizo zoke iinkoro ezilitjhumi nambili ezihlakazeke hlangana neziziwe. Bazalwana, lokha nanehlelwa mihlobohlobo yeenlingo, nikuthathe ngokuthi lithabo lodwa, ngombana niyazi bona ukulingwa kokukholwa kwenu kuveza ukunyamezela. Ukunyamezela kwenu akuveze imisebenzi epheleleko khona nizakuba ngabavuthiweko nabapheleleko, ningatlhayeli ilitho. Nangabe kukhona hlangana nani onganabo ubuhlakani, akabawe uZimu opha boke ngaphandle kokusola, uzakuphiwa. Kodwana akabawe ngokukholwa, angazazi; ngombana ozazako ufana namaza welwandle aphetjhulwa mumoya. Nje-ke onjalo angadlumbani bona iKosi izamamukelisa ilitho ngombana uneenhliziyo ezimbili, uyaphenduphenduka eendleleni zakhe zoke. Umzalwana ophasi azibuke ngokuphakanyiswa kwakhe, onjingileko azibuke ngokwehliswa kwakhe ngombana uzakunyamalala njengelikhwa emmangweni. Ilanga liyaphuma libalele litjhwabise ummango; amakhwa wakhona ayathintitheka nobuhle bawo bunyamalale. Kunjalo-ke nangenjinga, phakathi kwepilwayo izakwehlelwa kukhwahla. Ubusisiwe onyamezelako ekulingweni ngombana nasele aphumelele ekulingweni kwakhe, uzakwamukeliswa isihlohlo sokuphila iKosi eyasithembisa labo abayithandako. Umuntu nakalingwako akukafaneli athi: “Ngilingwa nguZimu,” ngombana uZimu angekhe alingwa ngokumbi, begodu naye akalingi muntu. Kodwana loyo naloyo ulingwa, adoswe ziinkanuko zakhe abe ayengeke. Yeke ikanuko nasele ibambile, izala isono, kuthi isono nasele sikhulile sizale ukufa. Bazalwana abathandekako, ningakhohliswa. Zoke izipho ezilungileko nazo zoke iimphiwo ezipheleleko zivela phezulu; zehla zivela kuBaba wokukhanya okungekho kuye ukuhlanuka ngitjho nesithunzi esitjhugulukako. Ngentando yakhe wasibeletha kabutjha ngelizwi leqiniso khona sizakuba mazibulo wazo zoke iimbunjwa zakhe. Bazalwana abathandekako, yelelani lokhu: Ngiloyo naloyo akarhabe ukuzwa kodwana angaphenduli msinyana, ariyade ukuthukuthela ngombana ilaka lomuntu alivezi ipilo yokulunga uZimu ayifunako. Yeke lahlani izenzo zeensila nokuziphatha ngokukhohlakala; ngokuzithoba namukele ilizwi elitjalwe ngaphakathi kwenu elinganisindisa. Yibani ngabenza ilizwi, ningabi ngabalizwako kwaphela bese niyazikhohlisa. Loyo olalela ilizwi kodwana angenzi elikutjhoko ufana nomuntu oqala ubuso bakhe esibonibonini, kuthi ngemva kokuziqala, asuke akhambe akhohlwe bona gade anjani. Kodwana oqalisisa emthethweni opheleleko nowetjhaphuluko, akhambe ngawo, angabi mlaleli okhohlwako kodwana abe ngowenzako, loyo-ke uzakuba ngobusisiweko ekwenzeni kwakhe. Umuntu odlumbana bona ulikholwa kodwana angalibambi ilimu lakhe, uyazikhohlisa ehliziywenakhe nokukholwa kwakhe kulilize. Ukukholwa okumsulwa nokungikho phambi kwakaZimu onguBaba ngilokhu: kukhambela iintandani nabahlolokazi ekubandezelekeni kwabo nokuzilonda ungasilaphazwa liphasi. Bazalwana bami enikholwa yiKosethu yephazimulo uJesu Krestu, ningabandlululi muntu. Nangabe kungena umuntu emhlanganweni wenu ofake idzilamunwana yegolide embethe zakanokutjho, kubuye kungene osichaka embethe maratha, bese nitjheja loyo owembethe zakanokutjho ngokuthi “nasi isihlalo esihle esilungele wena”, komaratha nithi “jama lapha wena” namkha nithi “hlala phasi eenyaweni zami”, ngokwenza njalo nizabe ningakabandlululi phakathi kwenu ngokuzenza abagwebi ngemikhumbulo emimbi na? Lalelani bazalwana abathandekako: UZimu akakakhethi abachakileko bephaseli kobana banothe ngokukholwa, babe ziindlalifa zombuso awuthembisa labo abamthandako na? Kodwana nina niyamrhubutjha ochakileko. Akusibo abanjingileko abanigandelelako bebanidosele phambi kwesigungu sababusi na? Akusibo abahlambalaza ibizo elihle enibizwa ngalo na? Kwamambala nizabe nenza okufaneleko nanilonda umthetho wobukhosi njengombana kutloliwe kwathiwa: “Thanda umuntu omunye njengombana uzithanda wena!” Kodwana nanibandlululako, nenza isono begodu nilahlwa ngomthetho njengabaweqako. Nangabe umuntu ulonda woke umthetho kodwana aphule munye wawo unomlandu wawo woke ngombana loyo owathi “ungahlobongi” wabuye wathi “ungabulali”. Nangabe awuhlobongi kodwana uyabulala, usiseqamthetho. Khulumani bese nenza njengalabo abazokugwetjwa mthetho oletha ikululeko ngombana ukugweba akunasirhawu kiloyo ongazange abonise isirhawu, nokho isirhawu siyahlula phezu kwesigwebo. Bazalwana bami, kusizani umuntu athi unokukholwa kodwana anganayo imisebenzi na? Ukukholwa kwakhe kungamsindisa na? Nakube umfo namkha udade ukhamba hlubule begodu akanakudla bese omunye wenu athi kibo “khambani ngokuthula, nifuthumale, nisuthe”, lokho kusizani naninganikeli lokho okudingekako ngokomzimba na? Ngokunjalo-ke, nokukholwa nakunganamisebenzi, kufile. Kodwana omunye uzakuthi: “Wena unokukholwa, mina nginemisebenzi.” Ngitjengisa ukukholwa kwakho ngaphandle kwemisebenzi, nami ngemisebenzami ngizakutjengisa ukukholwa kwami. Uyakholwa bona uZimu munye na? Wenza kuhle; namadimoni ayakholwa abe ahlengezele. Wena siyila ndina, ufuna ukutjengiswa bona ukukholwa ngaphandle kwemisebenzi kulilize na? Kanti ukhokho wethu u-Abrahamu akhange alungisiswe ngemisebenzi lokha nakanikela ngo-Isaka indodanakhe e-aldarini na? Uyabona-ke bonyana ukukholwa kwasebenza kanye nezenzo zakhe, nokobana ukukholwa kwapheleliswa ngemisebenzi. Nje-ke kwazaliseka umtlolo othi: “U-Abrahamu wakholwa kuZimu, kwabalelwa kuye njengokulunga,” begodu wabizwa bona umngani kaZimu. Niyabona bonyana umuntu ulungisiswa ngemisebenzi, ingasi ngokukholwa kwaphela. Kwaba njalo nangoRarhabu ingwadla, walungisiswa ngemisebenzi lokha nakamukela iinthunywa wabuye wazikhupha ngenye indlela. Njengombana nomzimba nawunganammoya ufile, ngokunjalo nokukholwa nakunganamisebenzi kufile. Bazalwana, ningabi bafundisi abanengi ngombana niyazi bonyana thina esifundisako sizokugwetjwa khulu. Soke sineemphoso ezinengi; nangabe umuntu akaphosisi kilokho akutjhoko kutjho bona uphelele, uyakwazi ukubamba umzimba woke ngetomu. Nasifaka amatomu emilonyeni yeenjomani bona zisilalele, sikghona ukunqophisa yoke imizimba yazo. Akhese niqale nemikhumbi, nanyana imikhulu kangangani beyiragwe mimoya enamandla, nokho inqotjhiswa ngephinyana, inqombe lapha umtjhayeli afuna iye khona. Linjalo-ke nelimu, lisisitho esincani kodwana lizigabazisa ngezinto ezikulu. Akhese niqale, umlilo omncani uthungela ihlathi elikhulu. Ilimu nalo limlilo, liliphasi lokonakala ezithweni zomzimba wethu, lisilaphaza umzimba woke, lithungela yoke ipilo khisibe lona lithungelwa sirhogo. Yoke imihlobo yeenlwana, yeenyoni, yeenrhurhubi neendalwa zelwandle iyathanjiswa, iye, ithanjiswa babantu, kodwana akakho umuntu okwazi ukuthambisa ilimu; libubumbi obuyaluzako, lizele isihlungu esibulalako. Ngalo sidumisa uSomnini uBaba, kuthi ngalo godu sinikelele abantu abenziwe ngomfanekiso kaZimu. Emlonyeni owodwa kuphuma ukudumisa nokunikelela. Bazalwana, akukafaneli bona kube njalo. Kungenzeka bona emthonjeni owodwa kuphume amanzi amnandi nababako na? Bazalwana bami, kghani umuthi wamakhiwani uyathela iinthelo zama-oliva namkha isidiribe sithele amakhiwani na? Angeze kwenzeka bona umthombo onetswayi uveze amanzi amnandi. Ngubani ohlakaniphileko nolemukako hlangana nani na? Ngepilo ehle akatjengise imisebenzakhe ngokuzithoba okunokuhlakanipha. Kodwana naninomona obabako, nobumarhamaru eenhliziyweni zenu, musani ukuzikhakhazisa ngalokho, ningabi nobuqili eqinisweni. Ukuhlakanipha okunjalo akuveli ezulwini kodwana kungokwephasi, kunobusathana ngombana lapha kunomona nomrhobholo khona, kuzokuba khona ihlangahlangano nazo zoke izenzo zobukhohlakali. Kodwana ubuhlakani obuvela ezulwini, kokuthoma nje bumsulwa, bunokuthula, bunobumnene, buthobekile, bunobubele neenthelo ezihle, abunakuzaza nokuzenzisa. Isivuno sokulunga sitjalwa ngokuthula ngilabo abenza ukuthula. Izipi nokuphambana kuvelaphi hlangana nani na? Akuveli eenkanukweni zenu ezilwa njalo nani na? Niyafisa kodwana anifumani ilitho; ngalokho niyabulala. Nifuna izinto kodwana anizifikeleli, ngalokho niyararana nilwe. Aninalitho ngombana anibawi. Niyabawa ningaphiwa ngombana nibawa kumbi kobana nithokozise iinkanuko zenu. Nina nhlobongi, anazi bona ukuthanda iphasi kububutha kuZimu na? Ngalokho okhanuka bona abe mngani wephasi, uzenza isitha sakaZimu. Kghani nidlumbana bona kulilize lokho okutjhiwo mtlolo nawuthi “uMoya uZimu ambeke bona ahlale kithi, unesikhwele” na? Kodwana upha umusa ngokweqileko, ngalokho umtlolo uthi: “UZimu ujamelana nabazikhukhumezako, kodwana abazithobako ubapha umusa.” Nje-ke zithobeni kuZimu, nijamelane noSathana, uzanibaleka. Tjhidelani kuZimu naye uzakutjhidela kini. Hlambani izandla zenu nina zoni, nihlambulule iinhliziyo zenu nina beenhliziyo ezimbili. Tshwenyekani, nidabuke, nilile; ukuhleka kwenu akuphenduke isililo nokuthaba kwenu kube kudana. Zithobeni phambi kweKosi, yona-ke izaniphakamisa. Ningahlebani bazalwana. Loyo ohleba umzalwana namkha amgwebe umzalwana, uhleba umthetho, agwebe umthetho. Nangabe ugweba umthetho, awusuye umenzi womthetho, kodwana umugwebi wawo. Munye obetha umthetho, benguye omugwebi onamandla wokusindisa nokurhayila. Kodwana wena ungubani bona ungagweba umfowenu na? Lalelani-ke nina enithi: “Namhlanjesi namkha kusasa sizakuya edorobheni leli namkha kileliya, sihlale umnyaka sirhwebe, sifumane inzuzo.” Anilazi ikusasa. Alo, kuyini ukuphila kwenu na? Niyikungu evela ibonakale isikhatjhana bese iyanyamalala. Yeke, kufuze nithi: “USomnini nakathandako, sizakuphila bese senza lokhu nalokhuya.” Kunalokho niyazikhukhumeza ekuzigabaziseni kwenu; koke ukuzigabazisa okunjalo kumbi. Okwaziko ukwenza okuhle ahluleke ukukwenza, uyona. Nje-ke lalelani nina njinga; lilani nirhahlawule ngebanga leenhlupheko ezizanehlela. Umnotho wenu wonakele neengubo zenu zidliwa yitshwele. Igolide nesiliva lenu kukghorile, ukukghora lokho kuzokuba bufakazi obujamelene nani, kudle imizimba yenu njengomlilo. Nibuthelele umnotho emihleni le yokugcina. Qalani, umvuzo weensebenzi ezisebenza emasiminenu eniwugodle ngobukhwebetjhana uyalila; begodu ukulila kwabavuni kufikile eendlebeni zakaSomnini uMinimandlawoke. Ephasinapha niphile ngokuzigedla nokuzithokozisa, ninonisele iinhliziyo zenu mayelana nelanga lokuhlatjwa. Nilahle benabulala onganacala, iye, onganiphikisiko. Ngalokho nyamezelani, bazalwana, bekufike ilanga lokubuya kweKosi uJesu. Qalani, umlimi ulindela isithelo sephasi esiligugu, asinyamezelele bekube lizulu lokuthoma nelokugcina. Nani-ke nyamezelani niqunge isibindi ngombana ilanga lokubuya kweKosi uJesu libandamele. Bazalwana, ningavungamelani ukuze ningagwetjwa; qalani, uMgwebi ujame emnyango. Thathani ukunyamezela nokuhlupheka kwabaphorofidi abakhuluma ebizweni lakaSomnini njengesibonelo. Qalani, sibathatha bona babusisiwe labo abanyamezelako. Nezwa ngokunyamezela kwakaJobho, benabona umnqopho kaSomnini kobana mbala uSomnini unezwelo nesirhawu. Ngaphezu kwakho koke bazalwana, ningafungi; kungaba ngezulu namkha ngephasi nanyana nangasiphi isifungo. U-iye wenu akabe ngu-iye; u-awa wenu abe ngu-awa ukuze ningalahlwa. Kukhona ohluphekako hlangana nani na? Akathandaze. Kukhona owenamileko na? Akadumise. Kukhona ogulako hlangana nani na? Akabize abaphathi bebandla bamthandazele bebamzese ngamafutha ebizweni lakaSomnini. Umthandazo wokukholwa uzamsindisa ogulako, uSomnini amvuse, nanyana enze izono uzakulitjalelwa zona. Ngalokho-ke vumani izono omunye komunye, nithandazelane ukuze niphiliswe. Umthandazo wolungileko unamandla begodu uyasebenza. U-Elija bekamumuntu ofana nathi, wathandaza ngokuncama bona izulu lingani, mbala azange lana ephasini iminyaka emithathu neenyanga ezintandathu. Wabuye wathandaza godu, umkayi wawulula izulu, iphasi labuye lathela iinthelo zalo. Bazalwana bami, nangabe omunye hlangana nani uduka eqinisweni, omunye ambuyise, yazini bona loyo obuyise isoni ekulahlekeni kwaso, usindise umphefumulwaso ekufeni begodu ugubuzesa nezono ezinengi. UPitrosi umpostoli kaJesu Krestu, kibo abakhethiweko, abaziinkhambi ephasinapha nabahlakazeke kilo loke lePontusi, leGalatiya, leKaphadosiya, le-Asiya neleBhithiniya; iye, abakhethwe ngokwazi ngaphambili kwakaZimu uBaba, ngokomsebenzi ocwengisako wakaMoya mayelana nokulalela uJesu Krestu kanye nokufafazwa ngeengazi zakhe: Akwandiswe umusa nokuthula kini. Akadunyiswe uZimu uYise weKosethu uJesu Krestu, owathi ngomusa wakhe omkhulu wasipha ukubelethwa kabutjha ethembeni eliphilako ngokuvuswa kwakaJesu Krestu kabafileko, kobana sibe nelifa elingabhubhiko, elingasilaphazekiko nelingapheliko enibulungelwe lona ezulwini; iye, nina enilondwa mamandla kaZimu ngokukholwa kube kusindiswa esele kulungele ukwembulwa ngesikhathi sokuphela. Kilokho niyathaba nanyana gadesi nimele nihlupheke isikhatjhana esincani kiyo yoke imihlobohlobo yeenlingo ukuze kuthi iqiniso lokukholwa kwenu okuligugu kunegolide elibhubhako, nakuzizinywa ngomlilo, kuveze idumo, iphazimulo nokuhlonitjhwa lokha uJesu nakembulwako. Niyamthanda nanyana ningakhange nimbone; niyakholwa kuye nanyana ningamboni njenganje begodu niyathokoza ngethabo elingekhe lahlathululwa nelibabazekako ngombana namukela umphumela wokukholwa kwenu, iye, ukusindiswa kwemiphefumulwenu. Mayelana nesindiso leyo, abaphorofidi abaphorofida ngomusa obewuzonehlela, bahlolisisa bebaphenyisisa ngayo, bafunisisa bona ngisiphi isikhathi nobujamo uMoya kaKrestu obegade akibo aphawula ngaso lokha nakafakaza ngaphambili ngokuhlupheka ebekubekelwe uKrestu nephazimulo ebeyizakulandela. Kwembulwa kibo bonyana bebangazilotjhi bona kodwana nina, lokha nebebakhuluma ngalokho nani esele nikuzwa ngalabo abatjhumayela iindaba ezimnandi ngoMoya oCwengileko ovela ezulwini. Iye, sengitjho nezinto iingilozi ebezifuna ukuzibona. Ngalokho lungiselelani iingqondo zenu, nizithibe; nibeke loke ithemba lenu emseni kaKrestu enizakuphiwa wona lokha nakabonakaliswako. Njengabantwana abalalelako, ningaphendukeli eenkanukweni enanikizo phambilini ekungazini kwenu. Kunalokho, njengombana owanibizako acwengile, yibani ngabacwengileko kikho koke ukukhamba kwenu ngombana umtlolo ocwengileko uthi: “Yibani ngabacwengileko ngombana mina ngicwengile.” Nangabe nimbiza bona nguBaba, loyo ogweba boke abantu ukuya ngokwemisebenzi yabo ngaphandle kokubandlulula, khona-ke philani ngokwesaba esikhathini sokuba ziinkhonzi kwenu. Kufuze nazi bona ekukhambeni kwenu okulilize enakuzuza kiboyihlomkhulu, azange nahlengwa ngezinto ezibhubha njengesiliva negolide, kodwana ngeengazi eziligugu zakaKrestu, iye, njengezemvana enganamphambo namkha isibazi. Yena wajanyiswa ngaphambilini iphasi lingakasekelwa, kodwana wabonakaliswa eenkhathini zokuphela ngebanga lenu. Ngaye nakholwa kuZimu owamvusa kabafileko wamnikela iphazimulo ukuze ukukholwa nethemba lenu kudzimelele kuZimu. Nje-ke, njengombana senihlambulule imiphefumulwenu ngokuthobela iqiniso ukuze nibe nobudlelwano bethando lamambala kubazalwana benu, yeke thandanani omunye nomunye ngehliziyo epheleleko. Senibelethwe kabutjha, ingasi ngembewu ebhubhako kodwana ngengabhubhiko, iye, ngelizwi lakaZimu eliphila ngokungapheliko ngombana umtlolo uthi: “Mbala, boke abantu bafana notjani, nedumo labo loke lifana nelikhwa lommango: Utjani buyatjhwaba nelikhwa libune, kodwana ilizwi lakaSomnini lijame ngokungapheliko.” Ilizwelo ziindaba ezimnandi ezatjhunyayelwa kini. Ngalokho-ke lahlani boke ubumbi nobuqili, ukuzenzisa, umona nayo yoke ihlebo. Njengamasana langazelelani ibisi elicwebileko lokommoya ukuze ngalo nikhule esindisweni, nakube seninandiphile bona iKosi ilungile. Bandamelani kiyo, ililitje eliphilako, elininwe babantu kodwana kuZimu likhethekile begodu liligugu; nani-ke njengamatje aphilako, nakhelwe endlini yokommoya kobana nibe buphristi obucwengileko, ninikele imihlabelo yokommoya eyamukelekako kuZimu ngoJesu Krestu. Ngitjho ngombana umtlolo uthi: “Qala, ngibekile eZiyoni ilitje, iye, ilitje lejika elikhethekileko neliligugu; loyo okholwa kilo angekhe adaniswe.” Nje-ke kini nina enikholwako liligugu, kodwana kilabo abangakholwako, “Ilitje abakhi abalininako, seliphenduke laba yihloko yejika”, begodu “Lililitje elibakhubako, iye, ilitje elibawisako.” Bayakhubeka ngombana akhange balalele ilizwi njengombana bebajanyiselwe ukwenza. Kodwana nina nisisizwe esikhethiweko, ubuphristi bobukhosi, isizwe esicwengileko, abantu ekungebakaZimu kobana nitjhumayele imisebenzi yamandla yaloyo owanibiza bona niphume ebumnyameni nize ekukhanyeni kwakhe okukarisako. Phambilini beningasibo abantu, kodwana kwanjesi nisisizwe sakaZimu. Nakhe naswela umusa, kodwana kwanjesi niwamukelisiwe. Bathandekako, ngiyanincenga njengemiqhamuka namathunjwa kobana nitjhide eenkanukweni zenyama ezilwa nomphefumulo. Philani ipilo elungileko hlangana nabangakholwako ukuze kuthi nanyana banisola ngokwenza okumbi, babone imisebenzenu emihle badumise uZimu ngelanga lamatlhuwo. Ngebanga leKosi, thobelani zoke iinjamiso ezijanyiswe ziimphathimandla, nanyana kungezekosi njengombana ingekulu, namkha zababusi abathunywe ngiyo kobana bahlunguphaze labo abenza okumbi nokudumisa labo abenza okuhle ngombana injalo intando kaZimu, yeke ngokwenza okuhle kufuze nithulise ukungazi kweendlhayela. Njengabatjhaphulukileko, philani njengabatjhaphulukileko, nokho ningasebenzisi ukutjhaphuluka kwenu bona kube sibhibho sokumbi, kodwana philani njengeenceku zakaZimu. Hloniphani boke abantu, nithande abazalwana, nesabe uZimu benihloniphe umbusi. Nina nsebenzi, thobelani abaphathi benu ngayo yoke ihlonipho, ingasi labo abanomusa nesineke kwaphela, kodwana nalabo ababukhali ngombana kuhle ukubekezelela ubuhlungu bokuphathwa ngokungakafaneli ngebanga lakaZimu. Nakube niyanyamezela nanidulwako ngokwenza okumbi, lokho kunivuza ngani? Kodwana naninyamezelela ukuhlutjhwa ngebanga lokwenza okuhle, lokho kuyathokozeka kuZimu. Kokwakho, nabizelwa khona lokho ngombana noKrestu wahlupheka ngebanga lenu, wanitjhiyela isibonelo bona nilandele emtlhaleni wakhe. “Ongazange enze isono, akhange kufunyanwe ikohliso emlonyenakhe.” Kwathi athukwa, akhange azibuyiselele; kwathi ahlutjhwa, akhange asongele; kodwana wazibeka kiloyo ogweba ngokulungileko. Yena ngokwakhe wathwala izono zethu emzimbenakhe emthini ukuze sife esonweni siphile ekulungeni. Ngemivuvu yakhe naphiliswa ngombana beninjengezimvu ezidurhileko, kodwana kwanjesi seniphendukele kuMelusi nomnakekeli wemiphefumulwenu. Ngokunjalo nani bafazi, thobelani amadodenu ukuze kuthi nanyana kukhona amanye angalaleli ilizwi, azuzeke ngaphandle kwekulumo, kodwana ngokuziphatha kwabafazi bawo, lokha nakabona ikambo yenu ehlanzekileko nehloniphekileko. Ukuhloba kwenu akungabi ngekwangaphandle kokweluka iinhluthu nokokwembatha izambatho zegolide namkha zakanokutjho. Kodwana ukuhloba kwenu akube ngokomuntu wangaphakathi, iye, ngobuhle obungapheliko bommoya wesizotha nothobekileko, okuyinto eligugu phambi kwakaZimu. Mbala, leyo yindlela abafazi bekadeni abacwengileko nebebabeka ithemba labo kuZimu, ebebahloba ngayo. Bebathobela amadodabo, njengoSara obegade athobela u-Abrahamu abe ambize ngekosi. Nani-ke senibe madodakazakhe mlunga nje nenza okulungileko, ningesabi ilitho. Ngokunjalo nani madoda, philisanani nabo ngokubazwisisa, nibacabangele ngokwazi bona babuthakathaka begodu nabo baziindlalifa zomusa wokuphila kanye nani; kwenzeni lokho ukuze imithandazo yenu ingaliyeki. Kokugcina yibani mmoya munye noke, nizwelane, nithandane, nibe nehliziyo enesisa nokuthobeka. Ningabuyiseli ubumbi ngobumbi namkha ihlamba ngehlamba; kunalokho buyiselelani ngokubusisa ngombana nabizelwa ukwenza njalo ukuze nizuze isibusiso. “Loyo othanda ukuphila nokubona amalanga amahle, akalonde ilimu lakhe ebumbini, neembhena zakhe ekukhulumeni ikohliso. Akatjhide ebumbini enze okulungileko; akafune ukuthula akulandelele. Mbala amehlo kaSomnini aphezu kwabalungileko, iindlebe zakhe zivulekele imithandazwabo, kodwana ubuso bakaSomnini bujamelene nalabo abenza ukukhohlakala.” Alo, ngubani onganilimaza nanitjhisekela ukwenza okulungileko na? Kodwana nanyana nihlupheka ngebanga lokulunga, nizakubusiswa! Ningesabi okwesatjwa babantu begodu ningethuswa. Kodwana eenhliziyweni zenu yesabani uKrestu njengeKosi. Nihlale nilungele ukuphendula loyo onibuza ngesizathu sethemba elikini. Kodwana lokho nikwenze ngobumnene nangehlonipho. Nibe nesazelo esimsulwa ukuze kuthi nabaninyefulako labo abanithukako ngokuziphatha kuhle kwenu kuKrestu, babe neenhloni. Kungcono ukuhlupheka ngokwenza okulungileko nangabe lokho kuyintando kaZimu, kunokuhlupheka ngokwenza okumbi, ngombana noKrestu wahlupheka kwaba kanye ngenca yezono zethu. Iye, olungileko wafela abangakalungi ukuze anilethe kuZimu. Wabulawa ngokwenyama, kodwana wavuswa ngoMoya, okwathi ngaye wayokutjhumayeza imimoya ebotjhiweko, iye, leyo engazange ilalele ngesikhathi uZimu ayilindele ngokunyamezela emihleni kaNowa, ngeenkhathi zokwakhiwa komkhumbi, okwathi abambalwa ebebabunane basinda ngamanzi. Amanzi lawo ajamele umbhabhadiso, enisindiswa ngawo nani, kungabi ngokususa isila yomzimba, kodwana ukubawa isazelo esimsulwa kuZimu ngokuvuka kwakaJesu Krestu ekufeni, osele anyukela ezulwini, uhlezi ngesidleni sakaZimu, kubekwe ngaphasi kwakhe iingilozi, iimphathimandla nemibuso. Njengombana uKrestu wahlupheka enyameni, nani hlomani ilemuko elinjalo ngombana ohluphekileko enyameni ukulisile ukona. Ngalokho esikhathini sokuphila kwakhe asesenyameni, akasaphili eenkanukweni zabantu, kodwana sele aphila ngentando kaZimu. Iye, isikhathi esidlulileko besanele ukwenza okuthandwa ngabatjhili, niphila emanyaleni, eenkanukweni, ebudakweni, ekurhiribideleni, ematjhadeni nekulotjheni abosingazimu ekuyinto esinyenyiso. Bayarareka ngokungasahlanganyeli nabo ematjhadeni wokuziphatha ngameswe kwabo nokuthukana. Kodwana kuzakufanela bona baziphendulele kiloyo osele alungele ukugweba abaphilako nabafileko. Ngilokho okwabangela bona ivangeli litjhunyayelwe nakabafileko ukuze bagwetjwe enyameni njengabantu boke kodwana baphile kuZimu ngokommoya. Ukuphela kwezinto zoke kubandamele, yeke ncamani nizikhuze ukuze nikwazi ukuthandaza. Kikho koke lokhu, thandanani ngombana ithando lisibekela izono ezinengi. Yamukelanani ngaphandle kokurhonona. Loyo naloyo owamukele isipho somusa, akasisebenzise ukusiza abanye njengenceku elungileko yomusa owandileko wakaZimu. Okhulumako akakhulume kube njengokwamezwi kaZimu, osebenzako kube njengokwamandla uZimu amuphe wona ukuze kikho koke kudunyiswe uZimu ngoJesu Krestu. Kuye akube lidumo namandla nini nanini. Amen. Bazalwana, ningarareki ngokulingwa okubuhlungu kangaka enikuzwako, kube sengathi nehlelwa ziziga. Kodwana thokozani njengabahlanganyele noKrestu eenhlungwini ukuze nani nisase mhlana iphazimulwakhe yembulwako. Nibusisiwe nabanithukako ngebanga lebizo lakaKrestu ngombana uMoya wephazimulo newakaZimu uphezu kwenu. Akungabikhona kini ohlupheka ngombana ambulali, alisela, iselelesi namkha osibhidlamnyanya; kodwana nangabe nihlupheka ngombana nibalandeli bakaKrestu, ningabi neenhloni ngalokho, kodwana dumisani uZimu ngombana nibizwa ngebizwelo. Sekusikhathi sokobana ukugwetjwa kuthome endlini kaZimu. Alo, nakube kuthoma ngathi sizokuba yini isiphetho salabo abangalaleli ivangeli lakaZimu? Umtlolo uthi: “Nakube kulikhuni bona umuntu olungileko asindiswe, alo, kangangani-ke kokhohlakeleko nosisoni na?” Yeke akuthi labo abahlupheka ngentando kaZimu, bathembele kuMdali othembekileko, baragele phambili ngokwenza okuhle. Nje-ke, njengomphathi nofakazi weenhlupheko zakaKrestu, begodu nanjengaloyo omhlanganyeli wephazimulo ezakwambulwa, ngincenga abaphathi phakathi kwenu, ngithi: Yelusani umhlambi kaZimu eniwuphetheko, ingasi ngokugandelelwa, kodwana ngokuthanda kwehliziyo njengombana uZimu athanda bona nenze, ingasi ngenzuzo elihlazo, kodwana ngetjisakalo yokuzinikela. Ningazenzi amakhosi kilabo enibaphetheko, kodwana nibe ziimbonelo emhlambini. Kuzakuthi mhlana uMelusi omkhulu abonakalako, nizuze isihlohlo sephazimulo esingabhabhukiko. Ngendlela enjalo nani lutjha, thobelani abadala. Noke yembathani ukuthobelana ekusebenzisaneni kwenu omunye komunye ngombana: “UZimu ujamelene nabazikhukhumezako. Kodwana ubehlisela umusa abazithobileko.” Nje-ke zithobeni ngaphasi kwesandla esinamandla sakaZimu, khona azaniphakamisa ngesikhathi esifaneleko. Fumbelani woke amatshwenyeko wenu kuye ngombana yena uyanikhathalela. Zikhalimeni nihlale niqaphile; isitha senu uSathana utjhagala hlangana nani njengengwenyama ebhodlako, efuna ezomrhiribidela. Jamelanani naye ninzinzile ekukholweni ngombana niyazi bona abazalwana benu ephasini loke bangaphasi kokubandezeleka okunjalo. Kodwana ngemva kokuhlupheka kwesikhatjhana, uZimu womusa woke owanibizela ephazimulweni engapheliko kuKrestu, yena ngokwakhe uzanivuselela, anisekele, aniqinise abe anakhe. Akube kuye amandla nini nanini. Amen. Nginitlolele incwajana efitjhani le ngisizwa nguSilvanu engimthatha njengomfowethu othembekileko; nginikhuthaza, ngifakaza kobana koke lokhu kumumusa weqiniso kaZimu, yeke kakarelani kiwo. Ibandla leBhabheli elikhethwe kanye nani, liyalotjhisa. UMarkosi indodanami naye uyalotjhisa. Bingelelanani ngokubingelela okukhethekileko nokunethando. Ukuthula akube nani noke nina enikuKrestu. USimoni Pitrosi oyinceku nompostoli kaJesu Krestu, kilabo abamukele ukukholwa okuligugu njengokwethu ngokulunga kwakaZimethu noMsindisi uJesu Krestu. Sengathi kungavama kini umusa nokuthula ekwazini uZimu noJesu iKosethu. Amandlakhe akhethekileko asiphe koke esikudingako ekuphileni nekukholweni ngokwazi kwakhe loyo owasibiza ngephazimulo nokulunga kwakhe. Ngalokho wasipha iinthembiso eziligugu nezikulu ukuze kuthi ngazo nibalekele iinkanuko zokonakala okusephasineli, nibe bahlanganyeli besimilo esihle sokukholwa. Ngesizathwesi-ke khuthalani bona ningezelele ukukholwa kwenu ngokuhle, nokuhle ngelwazi; ilwazi ngokuzibamba, ukuzibamba ngokunyamezela, ukunyamezela ngokwesaba uZimu; ekumesabeni uZimu ningezelele ukuzwana, ekuzwaneni ithando. Nangabe izintwezi ninazo begodu zivamile phakathi kwenu, zinenza bona ningabi ngabavilaphako nabanganazo iinthelo ekwazini iKosethu uJesu Krestu. Loyo okungekho kuye izintwezi ubona lififi, usiphofu begodu ukhohliwe bonyana ukhe wahlanjululwa ezonweni zakhe ngaphambilini. Ngalokho-ke bazalwana, khuthalani khulu nibonise ukubizwa nokukhethwa kwenu ngombana nanenza lokho angekhe nakhubeka. Ngendlela leyo nizakwamukeliswa ngokuphuphumako ukungena embusweni ongapheliko weKosethu noMsindisi, uJesu Krestu. Ngalokho ngizimisele ukuhlala nginikhumbuza ngezintwezi, nanyana senizazi begodu nibambelele eqinisweni esele ninalo. Ngikubona kufanele bona ngivuselele imikhumbulwenu ije nje ngisaphila ngemtlhatlhaneni omzimba lo ngombana ngiyazi bona ukususwa komtlhatlhanami lo sekuseduze, njengombana neKosethu uJesu Krestu seyikukhanyisile nje lokho kimi. Yeke ngizokwenza imizamo yoke bona kuthi emva kokugoduka nikwazi ukuhlala nikhumbula izintwezi. Eqinisweni besingalandeli iintolwana zobuhlakani ngesikhathi sinazisa amandla nokufika kweKosethu uJesu Krestu, kodwana besingilabo ababona ngamehlo amandla wobukhosi bakhe. Wamukela idumo nephazimulo kuZimu uBaba, nakafikelwa lilizwi ngobukhosi bephazimulo lisithi: “Le yiNdodanami engiyithandako, engithaba khulu ngayo.” Thina ngokwethu sazizwela ilizwelo livela ezulwini, lokha nabesinaye entabeni ecwengileko. Sinelizwi lesiphorofido eliqinisekisiweko. Nizabe nenza kuhle nanililalelako kube ngathi kusibani esikhanyisako ebumnyameni, bekube yitathakusa nekhwezi lokusa liphumele eenhliziyweni zenu. Ngaphezu kwakho koke kufanele nilemuke kuhle bona asikho isiphorofido somtlolo esingahlathululwa mumuntu ngokwazi kwakhe ngombana asikho isiphorofido esakhe seza ngentando yomuntu; kodwana abantu bakhuluma okungekwakaZimu, basunduzwa nguMoya oCwengileko. Abaphorofidi bamanga bebavele bakhona hlangana nabantu, njengombana kuzakubakhona abafundisi bamanga phakathi kwenu abazakungenisa ngasese iimfundiso ezibhubhisako. Bazakuphika ngitjho noMbusi owabahlawulelako, ngalokho-ke bazilethela ngokwabo ukurhayilwa okumsinyana. Nanyana kunjalo, abanengi bazakulandela ukukhohlakala kwabo, begodu ngebanga labo, indlela yeqiniso izokurhubutjhwa. Ngokuba marhamaru kwabo bazonidlelezela ngamezwi wobugalajani. Kwakade balengelwa kulahlwa nokubhujiswa kwabo akukayathi. Ngitjho nakade uZimu azange ababalele iingilozi ezonako, kodwana wazilahlela ngesirhogweni, wazifaka ngemigodini enzima tshu bonyana zilindele ngapho ukugwetjwa kwazo. Godu azange arhawukele iphasi lekadeni, kodwana wamlonda uNowa umtjhumayeli wokulunga kanye nabanye abalikhomba, ngesikhathi aletha umthwalela ephasini labangamesabiko uZimu; iye, imizi yeSodoma neGomora wayirhayila ngokuyiphendula yaba mlotha, wayenza isibonelo salokho okuzakwenzeka kilabo abangamesabiko. Godu wahlangula noLoti olungileko obegade asele akhamba ngamanyala wegandelelo leenkhohlakali ezinganamthetho, ngombana ngokuhlala hlangana nazo, indoda elungileko leyo yawurubajeka emphefumulwenayo ngokubona nokuzwa ilanga nelanga imikhubabo yobuhlongandlebe. Ngalokho uSomnini uyakwazi ukusindisa labo abamesabako ekulingweni; kuthi abangakalungi ababekele ukuhlunguphazwa ngelanga lokugwetjwa, khulukhulu labo abazifaka eenkanukweni zenyama zokonakala nabangahloniphi abaphathi. Bamaphikakani, bayazitjhaya begodu abesabi nokuhlambalaza abacwengileko, khisibe nanyana iingilozi zizikulu ngeenkhwepha nangamandla, azibamangaleli ngehlamba phambi kwakaSomnini. Kodwana laba abahlambalazako banjengeembandana ezinganamkhumbulo, ezizalelwe ukubanjwa nokubulawa. Bahlambalaza ngezinto abangazaziko; nje-ke nabo bazokubhujiswa njengazo iimbandanezo, bamukeliswe ukuhlupheka ngokwenza kwabo okumbi. Ukuthaba kwabo kukwenza ihlazo emini libalele. Baziingilamkhuba neembhidlamnyanya bazithabisa ngeenkanuko zabo ezimbi. Banamehlo azele ukuhlobonga nanamathele ekoneni; bayenga abangakanzinzi epilweni. Ihliziywabo ijayele ukuba marhamaru; babantwana bamanikelela. Batjhiye indlela enqophileko badurha, balandela indlela kaBhiliyamu umsa kaBhewori owathanda umvuzo wekohlakalo. Kodwana wakhalinywa ngeemphambeko zakhe: Udumbana osimumu wakhuluma ngelizwi lomuntu wavimbela ukuhlanya komphorofidi loyo. Labo bamithombo enganamanzi nekungu ephetjhulwa siwuruwuru; yeke bagcinelwe ubumnyama obuphathekako. Bakhuluma amezwi wokuzitjhaya alilize, bakhohlisa ngeenkanuko zabantu benyama abasanda ukuphunyuka kilabo abaphambukileko. Babathembisa ikululeko, khisibe bona ngokwabo bamakhoboka wokonakala ngombana umuntu ulikhoboka lalokho okumbusako. Ngambala, emva kobanyana baphunyurhe ekusilaphaleni kwephaseli ngokwazi iKosethu noMsindisi uJesu Krestu, sele godu bararelwe kikho begodu bahlulekile; nje isiphetho sabo sele sisimbi khulu kunekuthomeni. Bekuyoba ngcono kibo thana akhange bayazi indlela yokulunga kunokuba kuthi sebayazile babuye bawufulathela umyalo ocwengileko owethulwa kibo. Kubehlele njengesaga nasithi: “Inja ibuyela emahlanzenayo,” nokuthi, “Isavukazana esihlanjisiweko sibuyela edakeni.” Bathandekako, le sele kuyincwadi yesibili enginitlolele yona. Kizo zombili ngilingile ukuvusa imicabango yenu ehluzekileko ngokunikhumbuza; iye, kobana nikhumbule amezwi akhulunywe baphorofidi abacwengileko nemiyalo yeKosi noMsindisi ngabapostoli benu. Kokuthoma kufuze nizwisise lokhu bonyana emalangeni wokuphela kuzakufika abanyefuli banyefule balandele iinkanuko zabo zokonakala basithi: “Siphi isithembiso sokuza kwakhe ngombana soloko kwalala abobaba, zoke izinto ziraga njengombana bezinjalo kusukela ekuthomeni kwendalo.” Yeke bathanda ukukhohlwa lokhu bona kwekadeni amazulu bekavele akhona ngelizwi lakaZimu, nokobana iphasi ladaleka emanzini begodu ngamanzi lanzinza; okwathi ngawo amanzi, ilizwe ebelikhona labhubha ngokurhurhulwa. Kodwana ngelizwelo izulu nephasi okukhona gadesi kubekelwe umlilo, kulondiwe bekube lilanga lokugwetjwa nelokubhujiswa kwabangamesabiko uZimu. Yeke-ke bathandekako, ningalibali bona kuSomnini ilanga elilodwa lifana nekulungwana yinye yeminyaka, neminyaka eyikulungwana ifana nelanga elilodwa. USomnini akasibuthaka ngesithembiso sakhe njengombana abanye bacabanga. Kunalokho uyaninyamezelela, akathandi bonyana kubhubhe namunye, kodwana kobana boke baphenduke. Kodwana ilanga lakaSomnini lizakufika njengesela, nje-ke amazulu azakudlula ngokukhulu ukuhlokoma, koke kuzakupheliswa ngomlilo, iphasi nemisebenzi ekilo kuzakutjhiswa. Njengombana zoke izintwezi zizakupheliswa, alo-ke kufanele nibe babantu abanjani epilweni yokucwenga nekumesabeni uZimu na? Iye, ekulindeleni nekurhabeleni ukufika kwelanga lakaZimu ngombana amazulu azakuthungelwa ngomlilo apheliswe nakho koke kuzakuncibilikiswa ngomlilo! Kodwana ukuya ngokwesithembiso sakhe, silindele amazulu amatjha nephasi elitjha, lapho kuyokuba khona ukulunga. Ngalokho-ke bathandekako, njengombana nilindele lokhu, tjhisekelelani bona nifunyanwe nguye ninokuthula begodu ninganabala namkha umphambo, nizibalele ukunyamezela kwakaSomnini njengesindiso. Kube njengombana nomzalwana wethu othandekako uPowula anitlolelako ukuya ngokuhlakanipha akuphiweko, nakakhuluma ngalokhu eencwadini zakhe zoke. Kukhona ezinye zezinto ezibukhuni ukuzizwisisa, okuzizinto abanganalemuko nabangakaqini bazihlanakezelela ukubhujiswa kwabo, njengombana benza nakezinye iincwadi zemitlolo. Ngalokho nina bathandekako, njengombana senikwazi lokhu, yelelani, nakungasinjalo ningahle nithatheke ngemitjhapho yabantu abangenamthetho beze niwe ekuqineni kwenu. Kodwana khulani emseni nelwazini leKosethu noMsindisi uJesu Krestu. Idumo alibe kuye gadesi bekube ngokungapheliko. Amen. Lokho ebekukhona ekuthomeni, esakuzwako, sakubona ngamehlwethu, sakuqala besakuthinta ngezandla zethu, sinitjhumayeza khona mayelana nelilizwi lokuphila. Ukuphilokho kwabonakaliswa, sakubona nje-ke sifakaza ngakho; sitjhumayela kini ukuphila okungapheliko ebegade kukuBaba, nje-ke kwambulwa kithi. Simemezela kini lokho esakubona besakuzwa ukuze nani nibe nobudlelwana nathi. Ubudlelwano bethu bukuBaba neNdodanenakhe uJesu Krestu. Sinitlolela izintwezi ukuze ukuthaba kwethu kuphelele. Naku umlayezo esawuzwa kuye nesiwumemezela kini: UZimu ukukhanya begodu kuye abukho nakancani ubumnyama. Nakube sithi sinobudlelwano naye khibe ngahlanye sikhamba ebumnyameni, sinamanga begodu asenzi okuliqiniso. Kodwana nangabe sikhamba ekukhanyeni njengombana naye asekukhanyeni, sinobudlelwano omunye nomunye neengazi zakaJesu iNdodanakhe zisihlanza ezonweni zoke. Nasithi asinasono, siyazikhohlisa neqiniso alikho kithi. Kodwana nangabe siyazivuma izono zethu, yena uthembekile begodu ulungile kobana asithethelele izono zethu, asihlambulule kikho koke ukungalungi. Nangabe sithi azange khesone, simenza onamanga nelizwi lakhe alikho kithi. Bantwana bami, nginitlolela lokhu ukuze ningoni. Kodwana nakube kukhona owonako, sinomkhulumeli kuBaba, nguJesu Krestu olungileko; yena uyihlawulo yezono zethu, ingasi zethu kwaphela kodwana nezono zephasi loke. Nje-ke ngalokhu siqinisekile bona siyamazi yena nakube silonda imiyalwakhe. Loyo othi: “Ngiyamazi,” kodwana angalondi imiyalwakhe, unamanga begodu neqiniso alikho kuye. Kodwana loyo olonda ilizwi lakhe, mbala ithando lakaZimu liphelelisiwe kuye. Lokhu ngikho okusenza siqiniseke bona sikuye. Loyo othi uhlala kuZimu kufanele akhambe njengoJesu. Bathandekako, anginitloleli umyalo omutjha, kodwana nginitlolela omdala ebeninawo kusukela ekuthomeni; umyalo omdala ngiwo umlayezo eseniwuzwile. Nje-ke kwanjesi nginitlolela umyalo omutjha oliqiniso kuye nakini ngombana ubumnyama buyadlula nomkhanyo wamambala sewuyabonakala. Loyo othi usemkhanyweni khisibe uzonda umzalwana, usesebumnyameni. Kodwana othanda umzalwana uphila ekukhanyeni begodu akunalitho elingamenza akhutjwe. Kodwana ozonda umzalwana usebumnyameni; ukhamba ebumnyameni begodu akazi lapho aya khona ngombana ubumnyama bumphophazile. Ngitlolela nina bantwana ngombana izono zenu zilitjalelwe ngebanga lebizo lakhe. Ngitlolela nina bobaba ngombana niyamazi wekuthomeni. Ngitlolela nina lutjha ngombana nimehlulile okhohlakeleko. Ngitlolele nina bantwana ngombana niyamazi uBaba. Ngitlolele nina bobaba ngombana niyamazi wekuthomeni. Ngitlolele nina lutjha ngombana ninamandla nelizwi lakaZimu lihlezi kini nokhohlakeleko nimehlulile. Ningathandi iphasi namkha izinto zephasi. Nakube umuntu uthanda iphasi, ithando lakaBaba alikho kuye ngombana koke kwephaseli kuziinkanuko zenyama, iinkanuko zamehlo nokuzigqaja ngepilo. Koke lokhu akuveli kuBaba kodwana ephasini. Iphasi neenkanuko zalo kuyadlula; kodwana loyo owenza intando kaZimu unokuphila okungapheliko. Bantwana, sekusikhathi sokuphela, njengombana nizwile bona owaphika uKrestu uyeza; nje-ke abaphika uKrestu abanengi sebafikile. Ngalokho siyazi bona sekusikhathi sokuphela. Baphuma kithi, kodwana bekungasibo bethu; ngombana nakube bekungabethu bebazokuhlala nathi. Kodwana ngokuphuma kwabo kithi kutjengisa tjhatjhalazi bonyana akakho namunye wabo ogade kungowethu. Kodwana nina nazeswa ngiloyo oCwengileko, yeke ninelwazi loke. Nje-ke ngiyanitlolela, ingasi ngombana ningalazi iqiniso, kodwana ngombana nilazi, begodu niyazi bona akunamanga avela eqinisweni. Alo-ke, ngubani onamanga, nakungasi ngiloyo ophikako bona uJesu unguKrestu na? Loyo-ke ungophika uKrestu, uphika uYise neNdodana. Akakho ophika iNdodana onoYise; woke ovuma iNdodana unaye noYise. Lokho enakuzwa ekuthomeni akuhlale kini. Nakube lokho enakuzwako kusukela ekuthomeni kuhlala kini, khona nizakuhlala kuYise neNdodaneni. Lokhu ngilokho asethembise khona, okutjho ipilo engapheliko. Nginitlolela izintwezi mayelana nalabo abathanda ukunilahlekisa. Nakungini, izeso enalamukela kuye lihlala kini, ngalokho anidingi kobana nanyana ngubani anifundise. Kodwana njengombana izeso lakhe linifundisa ngezinto zoke, kuliqiniso akusiwo amanga, yeke njengombana linifundisile, hlalani kuye. Nje-ke bantwana, hlalani kuye ukuze kuthi nakabonakaliswako sibe nesibindi, iye, singadaniswa phambi kwakhe ekufikeni kwakhe. Nakube niyazi bona ulungile, nizakwazi bonyana ngiloyo naloyo owenza kuhle, ubelethwe nguye. Qalani bona lingangani ithando uBaba asiphe lona kobana sibizwe bona sibantwana bakaZimu; iye, singibo! Ngikho lokhu iphasi lingasazi ngombana azange limazi yena. Bathandekako, kwanjesi sibantwana bakaZimu, nokho akukakhanyi kuhle esizakuba ngikho. Kodwana esikwaziko ngilokhu: lokha nakabonakaliswako sizakufana naye ngombana sizombona njengombana anjalo. Ngiloyo naloyo onethemba leli kuye uyazihlambulula njengombana yena ahlambulukile. Loyo owenza isono weqa umthetho ngombana isono sikukweqa umthetho. Niyazi bona wabonakaliswa kobana azokuhlangula izono begodu kuye akukho sono. Loyo ohlala kuye akoni; yeke owonako akakamboni begodu akamazi. Bantwana, ningalahlekiswa mumuntu. Loyo owenza okulungileko ulungile njengombana naye alungile. Loyo owenza isono ngewakaSathana ngombana uSathana uyona kusukela ekuthomeni. Isizathu sokobana iNdodana kaZimu ibonakaliswe kugiriza imisebenzi kaSathana. Loyo obelethwe nguZimu akoni ngombana imbewu kaZimu ihlala kuye, akasakghoni ukona ngombana ubelethwe nguZimu. Ngalokho abantwana bakaZimu nebakaSathana babonakala ngalokhu: Loyo ongenzi okulungileko naloyo ongathandi umzalwana akasuye umntwana kaZimu. Lo, myalo enawuzwa kusukela ekuthomeni wokobana kufuze sithandane. Singafani noKayini ogade angewakaSathana ngokubulala umfowabo. Enjephana wambulalelani na? Kungombana izenzo zakhe bezizimbi kodwana zomfowabo zilungile. Ningarareki bazalwana lokha ilizwe nalinizondako. Siyazi bona sesiphumile ekufeni singene ekuphileni ngombana sithanda abazalwana. Loyo onganathando usahlezi ekufeni. Nanyana ngubani ozonda umzalwana wakhe, umbulali; niyazi bona akunambulali onokuphila okungapheliko. Ithando silazi ngokuthi yena wadela ukuphila kwakhe ngebanga lethu. Nje-ke nathi kufanele sidele ukuphila kwethu ngebanga labanye. Alo, ithando lakaZimu lingahlala njani emuntwini othi anomnotho wephaseli, abone umzalwana wakhe aswela kodwana angabi nesisa kuye na? Bantwana, asingabi nethando ngamezwi namkha ngekulumo kodwana ngeqiniso nangezenzo. Ngalokho sizakwazi bona singebeqiniso begodu iinhliziyo zethu sizazithulisa phambi kwakhe lokha nazisilahlako ngombana uZimu mkhulu kuneenhliziyo zethu begodu wazi koke. Bathandekako, nakube iinhliziyo zethu azisilahli, sinesibindi phambi kwakaZimu, samukeliswa koke esikubawa kuye ngombana silonda imiyalwakhe besenze lokho okumthokozisako. Nje-ke naku umyalo: Kufuze sikholwe ebizweni leNdodanakhe uJesu Krestu begodu sithandane njengombana asiyala. Labo abalonda imiyalwakhe bahlala kuye naye uhlala kibo. Ngalokho siyazi bona uhlala kithi ngoMoya asiphe yena. Bathandekako ningakholwa yoke imimoya, kodwana hlolisisani nakube ivela kuZimu ngombana banengi abaphorofidi bamanga abaphumele ephasini. UMoya kaZimu nizamazi ngalokhu: Woke ummoya ovumako bona uJesu Krestu uzile ngejamo lenyama uvela kuZimu. Woke ummoya ongamvumi uJesu awuveli kuZimu. Lowo mumoya waloyo ophika uKrestu enezwa ngawo bona uyeza, njenganje selakhona ephasinapha. Bantwana ningebakaZimu begodu nibahlulile ngombana loyo ongakini mkhulu kunaloyo osephasineli. Bona bangebephaseli; yeke lokho abakukhulumako kungekwephasi. Thina singebakaZimu, loyo owazi uZimu uyasilalela; loyo ongasuye wakaZimu akasilaleli. Ngalokhu sazi ummoya weqiniso nommoya wamanga. Bathandekako, asithandaneni ngombana ithando livela kuZimu. Onethando ubelethwe nguZimu begodu uyamazi uZimu. Loyo onganathando akamazi uZimu ngombana uZimu ulithando. Ithando lakaZimu labonakaliswa phakathi kwethu ngokuthumela iNdodanakhe eyodwa tere ephasinapha ukuze siphile ngayo. Ithando ngilokhu: Akusingithi esamthandako uZimu, kodwana nguye owasithandako bewasithumela neNdodanakhe bona ibe mhlabelo oyihlawulo yezono zethu. Bathandekako, njengombana uZimu wasithanda kangaka, ngokunjalo nathi sifanele sithandane. Akakho noyedwa owakhe wabona uZimu, kodwana nasithandanako uZimu uhlala kithi nethando lakhe liphelele kithi. Ngalokho siyazi bona sihlala kuye naye uhlala kithi ngombana usinikele kwakaMoya wakhe. Sibonile begodu siyafakaza bona uYise wathumela iNdodanakhe bona ibe Msindisi wephasi. Loyo ovumako bona uJesu uyiNdodana kaZimu, uZimu uphila kuye naye uphila kuZimu. Nje-ke siyalazi besiyalikholwa ithando uZimu analo kithi. Iye, uZimu ulithando, loyo ophila ethandweni uphila kuZimu noZimu uphila kuye. Ngendlela leyo ithando liphelelisiwe kithi ukuze sibe nesibindi ngelanga lokugwetjwa ngombana njengombana anjalo yena, sinjalo nathi ephasinapha. Akukho ukwesaba ethandweni. Kodwana ithando elipheleleko liqotha ukwesaba ngombana ukwesaba kunesibetho, nje-ke owesabako akakapheleli ethandweni. Thina siyathanda ngombana yena wasithanda qangi. Loyo othi: “Ngiyamthanda uZimu,” kodwana khisibe uzonde umzalwana wakhe, umleyimala ngombana loyo ozonda umzalwana wakhe ambonako angekhe athanda uZimu angazange akhe ambone. Umyalo asinikele wona ngilo: Loyo othanda uZimu kufanele athande nomzalwana wakhe. Loyo naloyo okholwako bona uJesu unguKrestu, ubelethwe nguZimu; omunye nomunye othanda umbelethi, uthanda naloyo obelethwe nguye. Ngalokho siyazi bona sithanda abantwana bakaZimu, lokha nasilonda imiyalwakhe. Ukuthanda uZimu kukobana silonde imiyalwakhe, begodu imiyalwakhe ayisinzima ngombana koke okubelethwe nguZimu kuyalihlula iphasi; lokhu kukuhlula okwehlule iphasi: ukukholwa kwethu. Ngubani ongahlula iphasi nakungasi ngiloyo okholwa bona uJesu uyiNdodana kaZimu na? Nguye loyo oweza ngamanzi nangeengazi, uJesu Krestu; ingasi ngamanzi kwaphela, kodwana weza ngamanzi nangeengazi. UMoya nguye ofakazako ngombana uMoya uliqiniso. Bathathu abofakazi, nguMoya, mamanzi neengazi begodu abathathwaba bayavumelana. Nakube siyabamukela ubufakazi babantu, khona-ke ubufakazi bakaZimu bukhulu kunabo ngombana lobu bufakazi bakaZimu abunikeleko ngeNdodanakhe. Okholwa eNdodaneni kaZimu unabo ubufakazi ngehliziywenakhe. Ongakholwa kuZimu, umenze umleyimanga ngokungakholwa ebufakazini uZimu abukhulumileko ngeNdodanakhe. Ubufakazi ngilobu bokuthi uZimu usiphe ubuphilo obungapheliko; ubuphilobu buseNdodanenakhe. Loyo oneNdodana kaZimu unokuphila; kodwana loyo onganaNdodana kaZimu akanakho ukuphila. Nginitlolela lokhu nina enikholwa ebizweni leNdodana kaZimu ukuze nazi bona ninokuphila okungapheliko. Nasi isibindi esinaso kuye: Lokha nasibawa nanyana yini ngokwentando yakhe, uyasizwa. Nje-ke nakube siyazi bona uyasizwa nasibawa nanyana yini, khona-ke siyazi bona sesikufumene esimbawe khona. Nangabe omunye ubona umzalwana wakhe enza isono esingadoseli ekufeni, akamthandazele; uZimu uzamupha ukuphila loyo ongenzi isono esidosela ekufeni. Sikhona isono esidosela ekufeni, angitjho bona kuthandazelwe leso. Koke okungakalungi sisono kodwana kukhona isono esingadoseli ekufeni. Siyazi bona loyo obelethwe nguZimu akathuweleli ngokona, iye ngombana obelethwe nguZimu uyazilonda nomumbi akamthinti. Siyazi bona singebakaZimu nokobana iphasi loke lisemandleni womumbi. Godu siyazi bona iNdodana kaZimu yeza yasipha ilemuko ukuze simazi oliqiniso begodu sikuye oliqiniso neNdodanakhe uJesu Krestu. Yena unguZimu mbala, ukuphila okungapheliko. Bantwana, tjhidani kibosingazimu. Umphathi, kudade okhethiweko nabantwabakhe engibathanda ngeqiniso; kungasimi ngedwa kodwana nakibo boke abazi iqiniso. Iye, ngebanga leqiniso elihlala kithi nelizakuba nathi ngokungapheliko. Umusa, isirhawu nokuthula okuvela kuZimu uBaba nakuJesu Krestu iNdodanakhe, akube nathi ngeqiniso nangethando. Ngathokoza kangangani ukufumana bona abanye babantwana bakho bakhamba eqinisweni njengombana sayalwa nguBaba. Nje-ke ngiyakubawa, dadwethu othandekako ingasi njengaloyo okutlolela umyalo omutjha kodwana lowo ebesinawo kusukela ekuthomeni kobana sithandane. Ithando ngileli: kukobana sikhambe ngokwemiyalwakhe. Iye, njengombana wezwa kusukela ekuthomeni, umyalwakhe kukobana sikhambe ethandweni ngombana banengi abakhohlisi abazele loke iphaseli, iye, labo abangavumi bona uJesu Krestu uze ngenyama. Nje-ke nanyana ngubani onjalo umkhohlisi nophika uKrestu. Tjhejani-ke bona ningalahlekelwa ngesele nikusebenzele; kodwana inga ningamukela umvuzo opheleleko. Nanyana ngubani ongabambeleli efundisweni kaKrestu akanaye uZimu. Loyo ohlala efundisweni kaKrestu unaye uBaba neNdodana. Lokha nakufika umuntu kini nefundiso engafaniko nale, ningamamukeli emakhaya wenu; ningambingeleli ngombana ombingelelako uhlanganyela naye emikhubeni yakhe. Kunengi enginganitlolela khona, kodwana azange ngithande ukunitlolela ngekhasi nangomsobo; kunalokho ngithemba ukuza kini nokukhuluma nani umlomo nomlomo ukuze ukuthokoza kwethu kuphelele. Bayakulotjhisa abantwana bakadadwenu okhethiweko. Umphathi, kuGayusi othandekako, engimthanda ngeqiniso. Mthandekako, kunakho koke ngikufisela bona koke kukukhambele kuhle nokobana ube nepilo ehle njengombana kunjalo ngommoyakho. Ngathokoza kangangani lokha abanye babazalwana nabafika bafakaza ngokuthembeka kwakho eqinisweni, okutjho ikhambo yakho eqinisweni. Akukho okungithokozisa kangaka ngaphandle kokuzwa bona abantwana bami bakhamba eqinisweni. Mthandekako ukwenza ngokwethembeka koke okwenzela abazalwana nanyana bamiqhamuka nje kuwe. Bafakazile ebandleni ngethando lakho. Nje-ke uzabe wenza kuhle nange ubakhambisa ngendlela ezakuthokozisa uZimu. Kube ngebanga lebizo lakaJesu bona baphume, bangamukeli ilitho kabatjhili. Nje-ke thina kufanele sibasekele abantu abanjalo ukuze sibambisane nabo emsebenzini weqiniso. Ngatlolela ibandla okuthileko; kodwana uDiyotrefe othanda ukuzenza mkhulu, akafuni ukusamukela. Nje-ke lokha nangizako lapho, ngizokhe ngiyelelisise kuhle akwenzako nangehlebezana yamanga akhamba ayinyenyeza ngathi. Akaneliseki ngalokho, ubuye angabamukeli abazalwana begodu ukhandela labo abafuna ukwenza lokho abe abaqotjhe ngebandleni. Mthandekako, ungalandeli okumbi kodwana landela okuhle. Loyo owenza okulungileko ungewakaZimu, kodwana owenza ubumbi akakamboni uZimu. Boke bamkhuluma kuhle uDemetriyusi; ngitjho neqiniso liyamfakazela. Nathi godu siyambuka, nawe uyazi bona ubufakazi bethu buliqiniso. Kunengi ebengingakutlolela khona, kodwana azange ngithande ukukutlolela ngekhasi nangomsobo; nje-ke ngithemba bona ngizokubona masinyana, sizakukhuluma umlomo nomlomo. Ukuthula akube nawe. Abangani bayakulotjhisa. Ungilotjhisele iinini zami, omunye nomunye ngebizo lakhe. UJuda, inceku kaJesu Krestu, umfowabo kaJakopo, kilabo ababiziweko, abathandwe nguZimu uBaba, balondwa nguJesu Krestu. Sengathi umusa, ukuthula nethando kunganda kini noke. Bathandekako, nanyana bengitjhisekela ukunitlolela ngesindiso esiyihlanganyeleko soke, ngibone kunesidingo bonyana nginitlolele nginibawe bona nilwele ukukholwa okwabekwa kwabacwengileko kwaba kanye. Nje-ke sebangene ngokukhukhutha labo okwatlolwa ngabo ekadeni bona bangabokulahlwa. Bababantu abangesabi uZimu nabaphendulela umusa kaZimethu emesweni begodu baphika okunguye kwaphela uMnikazi wethu, iKosi uJesu Krestu. Nanyana senikwazi koke lokhu, ngithanda ukunikhumbuza bona uSomnini wasindisa kwaba kanye isizwe sakhe enarheni yeGibhide, kodwana emva kwalokho warhayila labo abangazange bakholwe. Ngitjho neengilozi ezingazange zibulonde ubukhosi bazo, kodwana zatjhiya ikhaya lazo, uzilonde eenketanini zesiphelani ebumnyameni obuzikileko zilindele ilanga elikhulu lokugwetjwa. Ngokufanako, iSodoma neGomora kanye nemizi ebhodileko yazibandakanya emabayini ngendlela emameswe nedazukileko, yaba sibonelo sokuhlunguphazwa ngokutjhiswa ngomlilo wesiphelani. Ngokunjalo, laba babhudangi basilaphaza imizimba yabo, badela ukulawulwa begodu bahlambalaza ubukhosi. Ngitjho nengilozi ekulu uMikhayeli lokha nakaphikisana noSathana ngesidumbu sakaMosi, azange amtemeleje ngehlamba kodwana wathi: “USomnini uzakukhalimela.” Kodwana abantwaba bahlambalaza nanyana kuyini abangakwaziko; nalokho abakwaziko ngemvelo, njengeenyamazana, ngikho okubabhubhisako. Maye kibo, ngombana bakhamba endleleni kaKayini; bagijimela ekudukeni kwakaBhalami ngenca yomvuzo begodu babhubha ekuhlubukeni kwakaKora. Laba balihlazo eminyanyeni yenu yethando lapha badla khona nani banganavalo, bazondla bona. Banjengamafu aphetjhulwa mumoya, banjengemithi yesilimela enganazo iinthelo, efe kabili etsonyulwe nemirabhu. Bamamaza welwandle abhubhudlha amahlazo wawo; baziinkwekwezi ezilahlekileko ezibekelwe ubumnyama obukhulu obungapheliko. U-Inogo, osizukulwana sekhomba kusukela ku-Adamu, waphorofida ngabo wathi: “Qalani, uSomnini uza nebakhe abacwengileko abamatjhumitjhumi weenkulungwana, uzokugweba boke, abe ahlunguphaze boke abangakholwako ngazo zoke izenzo zabo zokungakholwa abazenzileko ngendlela yokungakholwa kwabo, iye, nangamezwi anamadinyana abawakhuluma ngokunyefula.” Laba kubabantu abakhalalako nabasolako; balandela iinkanuko zabo; bayazigqaja begodu balutha abanye ukuze bafumane inzuzo. Kodwana nina bathandekako, khumbulani amezwi akhulunywa ngaphambilini bapostoli beKosethu uJesu Krestu. Bathi kini: “Ngemihla yokuphela kukhona abazanihleka ihlaya, bakhambe ngeenkanuko zabo ezimbi.” Ngibo labo abanganaMoya abaletha ukwahlukana. Kodwana nina bathandekako, zakheni ekukholweni kwenu okucwengileko, nithandaze ngoMoya oCwengileko. Hlalani ethandweni lakaZimu, nilindele isirhawu seKosethu uJesu Krestu, esisiletha ekuphileni okungapheliko. Nizwelane nalabo abazazako; abanye basindiseni ngokubahlwitha emlilweni; abanye nizwelane nabo ngokwesaba, nizonde ngitjho nesambatho esinindwe ziinkanuko zabo ezimbi. Kiloyo onamandla wokunilonda bona ningawi, nokunijamisa phambi kwephazimulo yakhe ninganabala, ninokuthokoza okukhulu, kuye uZimu oyedwa, uMsindisethu ngoJesu Krestu iKosethu, akube kuye iphazimulo, amandla nobukhosi, kusukela ekuthomeni nagadesi ngokungapheliko! Amen. Isambulo sakaKrestu asinikelwa nguZimu bonyana abonise iinceku zakhe okufanele kwenzeke msinyana. Lokho wakwenza ngokuthumela ingilozi ukuyobonisa inceku yakhe uJwanisi, owafakaza ngelizwi lakaZimu nangoJesu Krestu nangakho koke akubonileko. Ubusisiwe loyo ofundako nolalela amezwi wesiphorofidwesi encwadini, iye, nolonda lokho ekutlolwe kiyo ngombana isikhathi sibandamele. UJwanisi, kiwo amabandla alikhomba we-Asiya: Kini akube mumusa nokuthula okuvela kuye okhona nogade avele akhona nozako, nakiyo imimoya elikhomba ephambi kwesihlalo sakhe sobukhosi nakuJesu Krestu ufakazi othembekileko, olizibulo labafileko noMbusi wamakhosi wephasi. Kuye osithandako nowasihlenga ezonweni zethu ngeengazi zakhe, wasenza saba mbuso, saba baphristi bokulotjha uZimu uYise; akube kuye iphazimulo nobukhosi nini nanini. Amen. Qalani nango asiza ngamafu, amehlo woke azambona, ngitjho nalabo abamgwazako; izizwe zoke zephasi zizokulila ngaye. Iye, kuzokuba njalo! Amen. “Mina ngingu-Alfa no-Omega,” kutjho uSomnini uZimu, okhona nogade avele akhona nozako. Mina Jwanisi, umzalwana wenu nomhlanganyeli kanye nani ekuhluphekeni, embusweni nekubekezeleni; bengisesihlengeleni sePatmosi ngebanga lelizwi lakaZimu nobufakazi ngoKrestu. BengikuMoya ngelanga leKosi; ngezwa ilizwi elikhulu lihlokoma njengeporompita ngemva kwami, lisithi: “Tlola lokho okubonako encwadini, ukuthumele emabandleni alikhomba, okutjho e-Efesu, eSimirna, ePherigamo, eThiyathira, eSaridisi, eFiladelfiya neLawodikeya.” Nje-ke ngaphenduka ngaqala bonyana ngibone bona bekungelikabani ilizwi ebelikhuluma kimi. Ekuphendukeni kwami ngakhangwa zizinti zeembani ezilikhomba zegolide; hlangana nezinti lezo ngabona ofana neNdodana yoMuntu embethe izambatho ezide, aqakanise nentambo yegolide esifubeni sakhe. Ihloko neenhluthu zakhe bezimhlophe twa njengoboya obumhlophe; amehlwakhe anjengamalangabi womlilo, iinyawo zakhe ziphazima njengedzila etsengiswe ngemlilweni; ilizwi lakhe libhodla njengamanzi amanengi. Esandleni sakhe bekaphethe iinkwekwezi ezilikhomba, emlonyenakhe kwavela isabula ebukhali ncazombili, ubuso bakhe baphazima njengelanga elibaleleko. Ngathi nangimbonako ngaduleka phasi eenyaweni zakhe njengofileko. Wabeka isandla sakhe sesidla phezu kwami wathi: “Ungesabi, ngingewokuthoma newokuphela; ngingophilako! Bengifile, kodwana qala-ke sengiphila ngokungapheliko, begodu ngiphethe iinhluthulelo zokufa nezephasi labafileko. Tlola-ke okubonileko, okukhona nalokho okuzakwenzeka emva kwalokhu. Ifihlakalo yeenkwekwezi ezilikhomba ozibonileko ngesidleni sami kanye nezinti zegolide zeembani ezilikhomba zingilokhu: Iinkwekwezi ezilikhomba ziziingilozi zamabandla alikhomba nezinti zeembani ezilikhomba zegolide zimabandla alikhomba.” “Kiyo ingilozi yebandla le-Efesu tlola uthi: Naku umlayezo waloyo ophethe iinkwekwezi ezilikhomba esandleni sakhe sesidla, okhamba hlangana nezinti zeembani zegolide ezilikhomba: Ngiyayazi yoke imisebenzi yakho, ukukhuthala nokunyamezela kwakho. Ngiyazi bona uyabhalelwa ukubanyamezelela abambi; kodwana wabalinga labo abathi bona babapostoli khisibe abasibo, wabafumana barhwaya amanga. Wathi unokunyamezela, watshwenywa khulu ngebanga lebizo lami, awuzange udinwe. Kodwana nginalokhu ngawe: Ulilahlile ithando lakho lokuthoma. Khumbula lapho uwe khona, uphenduke wenze imisebenzi ebewuyenza ekuthomeni. Nakungasinjalo ngizokuza kuwe, ngisuse ilithi lesibani endawenalo nawungaphendukiko. Kodwana kuwe kukhona lokhu kokuthi uzonde imisebenzi yamaNikholawo, engiyizondako nami. “Onendlebe akezwe lokho uMoya akutjhoko emabandleni. “Loyo owahlulako ngiyomnikela ilungelo lokobanyana adle emthini wokuphila osepharadesi lakaZimu.” “Godu kiyo ingilozi yebandla leSmirna tlola uthi: Naka amezwi avela kiloyo ongowokuthoma newokuphela, owafako wabuye waphila godu: Ngiyabazi ubudisi nobuchaka bakho kodwana khisibe unjingile; ngazi nehlamba yalabo abathi bamaJuda bangasiwo kodwana balisinagogi lakaSathana. Ungesabi lokho ozakuhlupheka ngakho. Yelela, uSathana usazokudlhunya abanye benu ngesikhungweni ukuze nizizinywe, nibe nobudisi amalanga alitjhumi. Thembeka bekube sekufeni, ngizakupha isihlohlo sokuphila. “Onendlebe akezwe lokho uMoya akutjhoko emabandleni. “Ohlulako akasoze oniwa kukufa kwesibili.” “Kiyo ingilozi yebandla lePhergamu tlola uthi: Naka amezwi waloyo ophethe isabula ebukhali ngapha nangapha: Ngiyakwazi lapho uhlala khona, iye, lapha uSathana ajamise khona isihlalo sakhe sobukhosi. Nokho ubambelele ebizweni lami begodu azange uphike ukukholwa kimi ngitjho nemihleni ka-Antiphasi, ufakazi wami othembekileko, owabulawelwa hlangana nani lapha uSathana aphila khona. Kodwana kukhona okungangiphathi kuhle ngawe: Kukhona abathileko hlangana nani ababambelele eemfundisweni zakaBhalamu, owafundisa uBhalaki bona abeke isikhubekiso phambi kwabakwa-Israyeli, kobana badle okuhlatjelwe iinthombe nokuziphatha ngobufebe. Ngokunjalo nahlangana nani godu kukhona nabanye abalandela iimfundiso zamaNikholawo. Nje-ke phenduka! Nakungasinjalo ngiyeza kuwe masinyana kobana ngilwe nabo ngesabula yomlomami. “Onendlebe akezwe lokho uMoya akutjhoko emabandleni. “Ohlulako ngizomupha imana ethukusiweko; ngimnikele ilitje elimhlophe ekutlolwe kilo ibizo elitjha elingaziwa mumuntu ngaphandle kwaloyo olamukelako.” “Kiyo ingilozi yebandla leThiyathira tlola uthi: Naka amezwi weNdodana kaZimu, enamehlo inga malangabi womlilo, iinyawo zayo ziphazima njengedzila etsengiswe ngemlilweni ithi: Ngiyayazi imisebenzakho, ithando nokukholwa kwakho, ukulotjha nokunyamezela kwakho nokuthi imisebenzakho idlula yokuthoma. Kodwana indabami ngawe kukobana unyamezelela umfazi okuthiwa nguJezebheli, ozibiza athi umphorofidi bona afundise iinsebenzi zami bona zenze ubufebe nokudla okuhlatjelwe iinthombe. Ngamnikela ithuba lokuphenduka, kodwana akhange afune ukuphenduka ebufebeni bakhe. Yelela-ke, ngizomphosela embhedeni weenhlungu, kuthi labo ahlobonga nabo ngibaphosele ekubandezelekeni okukhulu nakube abaphenduki emisebenzinakhe. Ngizobabhubhisa abantwana bakhe; amabandla woke azakwazi bona nginguloyo ohlola iziso neenhliziyo begodu ngizokuvuza omunye nomunye wenu ngokwemisebenzakhe. “Nje-ke ngithi kini nakwabanye abaseThiyathira, labo abanganamatheli efundisweni le nabangakafundi lokho ekuthiwa ngokuzikileko kwakaSathana, ‘Angisanithwesi omunye umthwalo, kwaphela bambelelani kilokho eninakho bengifike.’ “Loyo owahlulako, enze imisebenzami bekube sekupheleni, ngiyomupha ilungelo lokubusa izizwe. Uzozibusa ngentonga yesimbi, aziphahlaze zibe ziincucwana njengembiza yomdaka, iye, njengalokha nami ngamukela kuBaba. Godu ngizomnikela ikhwezi lokusa. “Onendlebe akezwe lokho uMoya akutjhoko emabandleni.” “Kiyo ingilozi yebandla leSardisi tlola uthi: Naka amezwi waloyo ophethe imimoya elikhomba yakaZimu kanye neenkwekwezi ezilikhomba, uthi ngiyayazi imisebenzakho begodu udume ngelokuthi uyaphila kanti ufile. Yeke, vuka uqinise lokho okuseleko nobekusele kuzokufa ngombana ngifunyene imisebenzakho ingakapheleli phambi kwakaZimami. Nje-ke khumbula lokho okwamukeleko wakuzwa; kulalele uphenduke. Kodwana nawungaphaphamiko, ngizokukhokhobela njengesela, angekhe wazi bona ngizokufika kuwe ngasiphi isikhathi. Nokho kusesekhona abantu abambalwa eSardisi abangakasilaphazi izambatho zabo; bazokukhamba nami bembethe ezimhlophe ngombana bafanele. Ngokunjalo nohlulako uzokwembathiswa ezimhlophe, ibizo lakhe angekhe ngalesula encwadini yabaphilako; ngizolivuma phambi kwakaBaba naphambi kweengilozi zakhe. “Onendlebe akezwe lokho uMoya akutjhoko emabandleni.” “Kiyo ingilozi yebandla leFiladelfiya tlola uthi, Naka amezwi waloyo ocwengileko noqinisileko, loyo ophethe isihluthulelo sakaDavida, ovula kungavali muntu, avale kungavuli muntu, uthi: Ngiyayazi imisebenzakho. Qala, ngibeke phambi kwakho umnyango ovulekileko nongekhe wavalwa mumuntu. Ngiyazi bonyana unamandla amancani, nokho amezwami uwalondile nebizo lami akhange uliphike. Labo abalisinagogi lakaSathana, abathi bamaJuda khisibe abasiwo kodwana baleya amanga, ngizobenza beze bazokuguqa eenyaweni zakho bebalemuke bonyana ngikuthandile wena. Njengombana uwulondile umyalo wami wokunyamezela ngesineke, nami-ke ngizokuhlenga nakufika isikhathi sokulingwa esizokwehlela loke ilizwe kobana kuzizinywe abakhileko ephasini. Ngiyeza masinyana; londa lokho onakho ukuze kungabikhona okwemuka isihlohlo sakho. Ohlulako ngizomenza isika ethempelini lakaZimami; angeze asasuka kilo. Ngizokutlola kuye ibizo lakaZimami nebizo lomuzi kaZimami, iJerusalema elitjha eliyokwehla livela kuZimami ezulwini. Iye, ngitlole phezu kwakhe nebizo lami elitjha. “Onendlebe akezwe lokho uMoya akutjhoko emabandleni.” “Kiyo ingilozi yebandla leLawodikhiya tlola uthi: Naka amezwi ka-Amen, ufakazi othembekileko noqinisileko, osisusa salokho okubunjwe nguZimu, uthi: Ngiyayazi imisebenzakho nokobana awuqandi, awutjhisi. Bengifisa bona ngathana bewungoqandako namkha otjhisako. Alo, njengombana ubuthuku nje, ungatjhisi ungaqandi, ngizokukhafula. Wena uthi, ‘Nginjingile, ngizibulungele umnotho, nje-ke angisweli litho.’ Awuziboni bonyana nguwe osidwedwe, wokurhawukelwa, ochakileko, ongaboniko nohlubule. Ngalokho ngiyakweluleka bona uthenge kimi igolide elicoliswe ngomlilo khona uzakuba ngonjingileko; thenga nezambatho ezimhlophe khona uzakwembatha ufihle ihlazo lobubhunubhunu bakho; iye, uthenge nesizelo ongasitjhatjha emehlwenakho ukuze ubone. Labo engibathandako ngiyabasola bengibakhalimele; nje-ke tjhiseka, uphenduke! Qala, ngijame emnyango ngiyakokoda! Nakube umuntu uzwa ilizwi lami avule, ngizakungena kuye ngidle naye, naye adle nami. Ohlulako ngizomnikela ilungelo lokuhlala nami esihlalweni sami sobukhosi, kuzakuba njengombana nami ngahlula bengahlala noBaba esihlalweni sakhe sobukhosi. “Onendlebe akezwe lokho uMoya akutjhoko emabandleni!” Ngemva kwalokhu, ngaqala ngabona ezulwini umnyango uvulekile. Ilizwi lokuthoma engalizwako likhuluma nami belinjengeporompita, lisithi: “Akhese unyukele lapha ngizokutjengisa bona kuzokwenzekani emva kwalokhu!” Khona lapho ngaba kuMoya, ngabona isihlalo sobukhosi ezulwini kukhona obekahlezi kiso. Loyo obekahlezi lapho bekabonakala anjengelitje lejasiperi nesardiyo; begodu esihlalweni sobukhosi mazombe kunezungu leKosi elibonakala inga yimabula. Esihlalweni sobukhosi mazombe bekunezinye iinhlalo ezimatjhumi amabili nane, phezu kwazo kuhlezi abaphathi abamatjhumi amabili nane, bembethe izambatho ezimhlophe bathwele neehlohlo zegolide. Khona esihlalweni sobukhosi lapho kwabaneka imibani, kwezwakala umdumo neensaba zokuraramba. Phambi kwesihlalo sobukhosi leso kwavutha iimbani ezilikhomba ezimimoya elikhomba yakaZimu. Godu phambi kwesihlalo sobukhosi bekunokuthileko okuqaleka inga lilwandle lerhalasi, kudarhe njengekristali. Esihlalweni sobukhosi mazombe nangemahlangothini woke waso kukhona iimbunjwa ezine eziphilako, zigcwele amehlo ngaphambili nangemuva. Isibunjwa sokuthoma besifana nengwenyama, sesibili sifana nekunzi, sesithathu sinobuso bomuntu, sesine sifana nekhozi eliphaphako. Iimbunjwa ezine lezi bezineempiko ezisithandathu ngasinye, zembethwe mamehlo ngaphakathi nangaphandle. Bezingaqedi ukurhuba imini nobusuku zithi: “Ucwengile, ucwengile, ucwengile, uSomnini uZimu uMninimandlawoke, obekavele akhona, okhona nozako!” Kwathi lokha iimbunjwa eziphilakwezi nazimdumisa, zimhlonipha begodu zimthokoza loyo ohlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi, iye, yena ophila nini nanini, abaphathi abamatjhumi amabili nane bawa phasi phambi kwaloyo ohlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi balotjha loyo ophila isiphelani; baphosa iinhlohlo zabo phambi kwesihlalo sobukhosi bathi: “Ufanele wena Somnini Zimethu, ukwamukela idumo, ubukhosi namandla ngombana nguwe owabumba koke begodu koke okukhona kwadalwa ngentando yakho.” Nje-ke ngabona umsongo ngesidleni saloyo ohlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi utlolwe ngaphakathi nangaphandle, unanyathiselwe amaphawu alikhomba. Ngabese ngibona ingilozi enamandla imemezela ngelizwi elikhulu ithi: “Ngubani ofanele ukunamulula amaphawu alikhomba abe avule umsongo na?” Bekungekho namunye ezulwini, ephasini nangaphasi kwephasi owaba namandla wokusongulula umsongo alunguze ngaphakathi kwawo. Ngadinda isililo ngombana bekunganamuntu ongasongulula umsongo alunguze ngaphakathi kwawo. Yeke omunye wabaphathi wathi kimi: “Ungalili! Qala, iNgwenyama yekoro yakwaJuda emurabhu kaDavida ihlulile kobana ikwazi ukunamulula umsongo namaphawu wawo alikhomba.” Nje-ke ngabona iMvana ijame kwanga ihlatjiwe, iphakathi kwesihlalo sobukhosi naphakathi kwezinye iimbunjwa eziphilako kanye nahlangana nabaphathi. Beyineempondo ezilikhomba namehlo alikhomba okumimoya elikhomba yakaZimu ethunyelwe kilo loke iphasi. Yaya yawuthatha umsongo esidleni saloyo ogade ahlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi. Kuthe bona iwuthathe, iimbunjwa ezine eziphilako nabaphathi abamatjhumi amabili nane baguqa phambi kweMvana, omunye nomunye aphethe iharibha nezitja zegolide zizele itjhwalo, okumithandazo yabacwengileko. Zavuma irhubo elitjha zathi: “Ufanele wena ukuthatha umsongo, unamulule amaphawu ngombana gade uhlatjiwe, ngeengazi zakho wahlengela uZimu abacwengileko abavela kenye nenye ikoro, ilimi, abantu nesizwe, wabenza umbuso, baba baphristi bokulotjha uZimethu, begodu bazakubusa ephasini.” Nje-ke ngaqala, ngezwa ilizwi leengilozi ezinengi zizombe isihlalo sobukhosi, iindalwa ezine eziphilako nabaphathi. Bekuziingidigidi neenkulungwana ngeenkulungwana, zirhuba ngelizwi elikhulu zithi: “Ikufanele iMvana eyahlatjwako ukwamukela amandla nomnono, ukuhlakanipha nobukhosi, idumo, iphazimulo nokubatjazwa!” Yeke ngezwa zoke iimbunjwa ezulwini nephasini, iye, nezingaphasi kwephasi nangelwandle, ngitjho nakho koke okukikho kukhalela kusithi: “Kiloyo ohlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi nakiyo iMvana akube lidumo, iphazimulo namandla ngokungapheliko nini nanini.” Iimbunjwa ezine eziphilako zathi: “Amen,” nabaphathi bawa phasi, balotjha. Nje-ke ngabona iMvana inamulula elinye lamaphawu alikhomba; ngezwa esinye seembunjwa ezine eziphilako sirhuwelela inga mdumo sithi: “Yewuze!” Ngithe nangiqalako ngabona injomani emhlophe, umkhweli wayo gade aphethe umsebe; nje-ke wanikelwa isihlohlo, waphuma angohlulako, wahlula. Kuthe lokha iMvana nayinamulula iphawu lesibili, ngezwa isibunjwa sesibili esiphilako simemeza sithi: “Yewuze!” Nje-ke kwaphuma enye injomani ebovu be; umkhweli wayo wavunyelwa bona asuse ukuthula ephasini ukuze abantu babulalane, begodu wanikelwa isabula ekulu. Kuthe lokha iMvana nayinamulula iphawu lesithathu, ngezwa isibunjwa sesithathu esiphilako simemeza sithi: “Yewuze!” Nje-ke ngaqala, qala bekunenjomani enzima, umkhweli wayo aphethe iinlinganiso ezimbili esandleni sakhe. Ngezwa okungathi lilizwi hlangana neembunjwa ezine eziphilako lisithi: “Isiqwebu sinye sekoroyi ngesipaparwana neenqwebu ezintathu zebhali ngesipaparwana, kodwana ungoni amafutha we-oliva newayini!” Lokha iMvana nayinamulula iphawu lesine ngezwa isibunjwa sesine simemeza sithi: “Yewuze!” Ngithe nangiqalako, naso injomani etshetlha ibizo lomkhweli wayo nguKufa, alandelwa nguHadesi. Banikelwa amandla phezu kwengcenye yesine yephasi bona babulale ngesabula, ngendlala, ngezifo nangeembandana zommango. Lokha iMvana nayinamulula iphawu lesihlanu, ngabona ngaphasi kwe-aldari imiphefumulo yalabo egade babulewe ngebanga lelizwi lakaZimu nangebanga lobufakazi ababe nabo. Barhuwelela bathi: “Somnini Somandla, wena ocwengileko noqinisileko, kuzabe kube nini ngaphambi kobana ugwebe begodu usibuyiselele ngeengazi zethu na?” Nje-ke omunye nomunye wanikelwa isambatho esimhlophe bekwathiwa akhe baphumule kwesikhatjhana bekuphelele isibalo seenceku abakanye nazo nesabazalwana ebebasazokubulawa njengabo. Lokha iMvana nayinamulula iphawu lesithandathu, ngaqala, qala bekunokusikinyeka kwephasi okukhulu: Ilanga lafiphala laba nzima njengomsizi, inyanga yaba njengeengazi; iinkwekwezi zesibhakabhaka zawela ephasini njengomuthi wamakhiwani nawuthintitha iinthelo zawo zebusika lokha nawusikinywa mumoya. Isibhakabhaka sanyamalala njengomsongo nawusongeka wenyuka, iintaba neenhlengele zatjhidiswa eendaweni zazo. Amakhosi wephasi, ababusi, iinkhulu, iinjinga neemphathimandla, omunye nomunye, olikhoboka nokhululekileko, bazifihla emarharheni naphakathi kwamadwala weentaba; barhuwelela iintaba namadwala bathi: “Welani phezu kwethu nisisithe ebusweni balowo ohlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi nebukhalini beMvana! Mbala ilanga elesabekako lelaka labo lifikile! Alo, ngubani ongalijamela na?” Ngemva kwalokho ngabona iingilozi ezine zijame emagumbini womane wephasi. Bezibambe imimoya emine yephasi khona kungazukuba khona ummoya ovunguzako ephasinapha namkha elwandle nanyana uphephule umuthi. Ngabona enye ingilozi ikhuphuka ngepumalanga iphethe iphawu lakaZimu ophilako. Yarhuwelela ngelizwi elikhulu iingilozi ezine ebezinikelwe amandla wokona iphasi nelwandle, yathi kizo: “Ningaloni iphasi, ilwandle namkha imithi singakagibi iphawu eempandla zeenceku zakaZimethu.” Godu ngezwa isibalo salabo abagitjwa ngephawu, bebaziinkulungwana ezilikhulu namatjhumi amane nane bagitjwe ekorweni enye nenye yabantu bakwa-Israyeli: Iinkulungwana ezilitjhumi nambili ekorweni yakaJuda; iinkulungwana ezilitjhumi nambili ekorweni yakaRubeni; iinkulungwana ezilitjhumi nambili ekorweni yakaGadi; iinkulungwana ezilitjhumi nambili ekorweni yaka-Atjheri; iinkulungwana ezilitjhumi nambili ekorweni yakaNafitali; iinkulungwana ezilitjhumi nambili ekorweni yakaManase; Iinkulungwana ezilitjhumi nambili ekorweni yakaSimiyoni; iinkulungwana ezilitjhumi nambili ekorweni yakaLevi; iinkulungwana ezilitjhumi nambili ekorweni yaka-Isakari; iinkulungwana ezilitjhumi nambili ekorweni yakaZebuloni; iinkulungwana ezilitjhumi nambili ekorweni yakaJosefa; iinkulungwana ezilitjhumi nambili ekorweni yakaBhenjamini. Ngemva kwalokho ngaqala ngabona isiqubuthu esikhulu ebesingekhe sabalwa ngobunengi. Besivela kizo zoke izizwe, iinkoro, abantu neenlimi, sijame phambi kwesihlalo sobukhosi naphambi kweMvana sembethe okumhlophe siphethe amatjhwaba womuthi wesundu ngezandla. Sarhuwelela ngelizwi elikhulu sathi: “Isindiso ingeyakaZimethu ohlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi neyeMvana!” Iingilozi zoke bezijame esihlalweni sobukhosi mazombe, godu kuzombe abaphathi neembunjwa ezine eziphilako. Boke labo bawa ngobuso bathi mbo phambi kwesihlalo sobukhosi balotjha uZimu, bathi: “Amen. “Idumo nephazimulo, ukuhlakanipha, ukuthokozwa nokuhlonitjhwa, iye, amandla neenkhwepha akube kuZimethu nini nanini! Amen.” Omunye wabaphathi wangibuza wathi: “Bobani laba abembethe ezimhlophe begodu bavelaphi na?” Ngathi kuye: “Kosami, nguwe owaziko.” Nje-ke wathi kimi: “Laba ngibo abavela ekuhluphekeni okukhulu. Bazihlanzile iingubo zabo bazenza zaba mhlophe eengazini zeMvana. Kungakho bajame phambi kwesihlalo sobukhosi sakaZimu, “bamlotjha imini nobusuku ngethempelini lakhe, iye, loyo ohlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi uyobafukamela. Abayokulamba, abasayokoma, abasayokutjhiswa lilanga nanyana sivuthevuthe ngombana iMvana ephakathi kwesihlalo sobukhosi izakuba ngumelusi wabo. Izabadosela emithonjeni yamanzi wokuphila, uZimu abasule zoke iinyembezi emehlweni wabo.” Kuthe lokha iMvana nayinamulula iphawu lekhomba, kwathula pheze isiquntu se-awara ezulwini, kwathi du. Nje-ke ngabona iingilozi ezilikhomba zijame phambi kwakaZimu; zanikelwa iimpalapala ezilikhomba. Kwasuka enye ingilozi iphethe idengela legolide letjhwalo yajama e-aldarini. Yanikelwa itjhwalo elinengi bona ilinikele nemithandazo yabo boke abacwengileko phezu kwe-aldari legolide, okutjho eliphambi kwesihlalo sobukhosi. Intuthu yetjhwalo kanye nemithandazo yabacwengileko yenyukela phambi kwakaZimu isuka esandleni sengilozi. Nje-ke ingilozi yathatha idengela yalizalisa ngomlilo we-aldarini, yawurhatjha ephasini; kwaba khona ukuduma nokuraramba, ukuphazima kombani nokusikinyeka kwephasi. Iingilozi ezilikhomba ebeziphethe iimporompita ezilikhomba zalungela ukuzivuthela. Ingilozi yokuthoma yavuthela iporompita yayo, kwaba khona isinanja nomlilo kuvangene neengazi, kwathululelwa phezu kwephasi. Ingcenye yesithathu yephasi yatjhiswa; godu nengcenye yesithathu yemithi nakho koke okubutjani kwatjha kwalotha. Ingilozi yesibili yavuthela iporompita yayo, kwabonakala isigidija esifana nentaba sinephuka umlilo, saphoswa ngelwandle. Ingcenye yesithathu yelwandle yaphenduka iingazi. Ingcenye yesithathu yalokho okuphilako ngelwandle kwafa nengcenye yesithathu yemikhumbi yoniwa. Ingilozi yesithathu yavuthela iporompita, ikwekwezi ekulu yawa ezulwini ibaneka njengesihlothi esivuthako; yawela engcenyeni yesithathu yemilambo nemithonjeni yamanzi. Ibizo lekwekwezi leyo kwathiwa liNghana. Ingcenye yesithathu yamanzi yaphenduka yababa, kwafa abanengi ngamanzi lawo ngombana besele ababa. Ingilozi yesine yavuthela iporompita yayo, kwathi ingcenye yesithathu yelanga, ingcenye yesithathu yenyezi nengcenye yesithathu yeenkwekwezi, iye, koke kwengcenye yesithathu yomkhanyo wakhona kwafiphala; azange kusaba khona ukukhanya engcenyeni yesithathu yemini, ngokunjalo nobusuku. Ngisaqalile njalo, ngezwa ikhozi liphapha hlangana nesibanga lilila ngelizwi elikhulu lithi: “Maye! Maye! Maye kibo abakhileko ephasini! Bazozizwa ngokuzwakala kwezinye zeempporompita ezisazokuvuthelwa ziingilozi ezintathu.” Ingilozi yesihlanu yavuthela iporompita, ngabona ikwekwezi ebeyikhithike ezulwini yawela ephasini; yona-ke yanikelwa isihluthulelo somgodi onganamkhawulo. Yavula umgodi onganamkhawulo kwaphuma intuthu ngesiwulwini kwanga intuthu yekehla yomlilo; ilanga nesibanga kwafiphala ngebanga lentuthu ephuma ngesiwulwini. Hlangana nentuthu kwavela isikhonyani sehlela ephasini, sona saphiwa igunya bona sibe namandla njengeempephenu zephasi. Sakhalinywa bona singarhayili utjani bephasi nanyana yini ehlaza, iye, nanyana ngiwuphi umuthi, kwaphela abantu labo abanganaphawu lakaZimu eempandla zabo. Savunyelwa bona sibazwise ubuhlungu iinyanga ezihlanu kodwana singababulali. Ubuhlungu esabazwisa bona, bebufana nobuhlungu bepephenu lokha nayitinyela umuntu. Ngemihla leyo abantu bayokwenyula ukufa kodwana ukufa angekhe kubafikele; iye, bazokuthanda bonyana bafe kodwana ukufa kuzobabalekela. Godu isikhwenyani saqaleka njengeenjomani ezilungiselwe ipi. Eenhloko zaso besinalokho okufana neenhlohlo zegolide; ubuso baso bebufana nobabantu, iinhluthu zaso zifana nezabafazi, kuthi amazinyo waso afane newamabhubezi. Besineemvikelo zesifuba ezinjengeemviko zesimbi; itjhada leempiko zaso belifana netjhada leenkarana ezinengi ezibotjhelwe iinjomani ezigijimela epini. Besinemisila etinyela njengeempephenu; begodu imisila leyo inamandla wokulimaza abantu iinyanga ezihlanu. Sinekosi yaso ekuyingilozi yomgodi onganamkhawulo; ibizo layo ngesiHebheru ngu-Abadoni, ngesiGirigi kuthiwa ngu-Apholiyoni. Umaye wokuthoma udlulile. Nje-ke abomaye ababili basazokuza. Ingilozi yesithandathu yavuthela ipalapala, ngezwa ilizwi livela eempondweni ezine ze-aldari legolide phambi kwakaZimu, lathi engilozini yesithandathu ebeyiphethe iporompita: “Akhe utjhaphulule iingilozi ezine ezikhungeke emlanjeni omkhulu iYufrathe!” Ngokunjalo-ke, zatjhatjhululwa iingilozi ezine ebegade sele zilungiselelwe i-awara, ilanga, inyanga nomnyaka kobana zibhubhise okwesithathu kwabantu. Isibalo samabutho akhwele iinjomani besiziingidi ezimakhulu amabili; ngokunjalo ngezwa isibalo sawo. Nje-ke nasi indlela engabona ngayo iinjomani embonweni wami: Abakhweli bazo bebafake iimvikelo zeemfuba zombala onjengomlilo, umbala ohlaza njengesibhakabhaka nezimthubi. Iinhloko zeenjomani bezifana neenhloko zamabhubezi; emilonyeni yazo kwaphuma umlilo, intuthu nesibabuli. Ngeenhluphekwezo kwabhujiswa isithathu sabantu, okutjho ngomlilo, ngentuthu nangesibabuli okwaphuma emlonyeni weenjomani. Amandla weenjomanezo gade asemilonyeni nemisileni yazo ngombana imisila yazo leyo beyinjengeenyoka, ineenhloko ekungizo eziyingozi yokulimaza. Inengi labantu elingazange libulawe ngeenhluphekwezi, akhange liphenduke emisebenzini yalo eliyenzako namkha lilise ukulotjha amadimoni neenthombembunjwa zegolide, zesiliva, zekoporo, zelitje nekhuni ezingakwazi ukubona, ukuzwa namkha ukukhamba. Begodu azange baphenduke ekubulaleni, ebuloyini, ekungwadleni nekwebeni kwabo. Ngabona enye ingilozi enamandla amakhulu yehla ezulwini, iphuthelwe lilifu inezungu leKosi ehloko. Ubuso bayo bebunjengelanga nemilenzayo injengeensika zomlilo. Ngesandleni sayo beyiphethe umsongo omncani ovuliweko. Beyitlakalajile ibeke inyawo layo langesidleni elwandle, langesinceleni yalibeka ehlabathini. Yarhuwelela ngelizwi elikhulu elizwakala njengokubhodla kwebhubezi. Kuthe nayirhuwelelako, kwezwakala imidumo elikhomba. Lokha nakuzwakala imidumo elikhomba nami besele ngizilungiselele ukutlola, kodwana ngezwa ilizwi livela ezulwini lisithi: “Kugibe ngephawu lokho okukhulunywe midumo elikhomba, ungakutloli.” Ingilozi engayibonako itlakalajele ngelwandle nehlabathini yaphakamisela isidla ezulwini, yafunga ngaloyo ophila nini nanini, owabumba izulu nokukilo, iphasi nokukilo, ilwandle nokukilo, yathi: “Angekhe kusaba khona ukuriyada! Kodwana emalangeni lokha ingilozi yekhomba nasele izokuvuthela ipalapala yayo, ifihlakalo kaZimu izakupheleliswa njengombana amemezela eencekwini zakhe, abaphorofidi.” Nje-ke ilizwi engalizwako likhuluma lisezulwini labuye lakhuluma nami godu lathi: “Khamba uyokuthatha umsongo ovulekileko esandleni sengilozi etlakalajele phezu kwelwandle nehlabathini.” Yeke ngaya engilozini ngafese ngayibawa bona inginikele umsongo omncani loyo. Yona yathi kimi: “Yewuwuthathe uwugome! Uzokubaba ngendeni yakho kodwana ube mnandi njengeliju ngemlonyeni wakho.” Ngawuthatha-ke umsongo omncani loyo esandleni sengilozi ngawugoma. Waba mnandi njengeliju ngemlonyeni wami, kodwana kuthe lokha nangiqedako ukuwugoma, wangijikela wababa ngendeni. Nje-ke kwathiwa kimi: “Kufanele ubuye uphorofide godu ngabantu abanengi, ngezizwe, ngeenlimi nangamakhosi.” Nganikelwa ilithi lokulinganisa elinjengedondolo bekwathiwa kimi: “Sikima ulinganise ithempeli ne-aldari lakaZimu, ubale nalabo abalotjha lapho, kodwana ungayilinganisi ikundla engaphandle kwethempeli, ilise ngombana inikelwe izizwe begodu zizokugadanga emzini ocwengileko iinyanga ezimatjhumi amane nambili. Ngizokunikela abofakazi bami ababili amandla wokuphorofida amalanga ayikulungwana enamakhulu amabili namatjhumi asithandathu.” Labo bangiyo imithi emibili ye-oliva nezinti ezimbili zesibani ezijame phambi kwakaSomnini iKosi yephasi. Nakukhona ofuna ukubakhubaza, kuphuma umlilo emilonyeni yabo iqothule amanaba wabo; ngileyo-ke indlela ekuthi loyo olinga ukubalimaza ekufuze abulawe ngayo. Banegunya lokuvala isibhakabhaka ukuze izulu lingani ngesikhathi abatjhumayela ngaso. Begodu banegunya lokuphendula amanzi abe ziingazi nokumadlha iphasi nanyana ngasiphi isifo ngokuthanda kwabo. Kuzakuthi lokha nasele baqede ubufakazi babo, isibandana siphume ngemgodini onganamkhawulo silwe nabo, sibahlule besibabulale. Iindumbu zabo ziyokurabhalala eendleleni zomuzi omkhulu obizwa ngokwesiphorofido bona yiSodoma neGibhide, lapha godu neKosi yabo yabethelwa khona. Abantu abavela emindenini, eenkorweni, eenlimini nezizweni bayokurhudulela iindumbu zabo amehlo amalanga amathathu nesiquntu bebangavumi bona zibulungwe. Abantu bephasi bazakucanasa ngabo bebagidinge ngokuphana izipho. Lokho bazakwenza ngombana abaphorofidi ababilabo babe lihlupho ebantwini abahlala ephasini. Kodwana ngemva kwamalanga amathathu nesiquntu kwangena kibo ummoya ophilisako uvela kuZimu, nje-ke basikima bajama ngeenyawo, kwathi labo abababonako bafikelwa kukwesaba. Bezwa ilizwi livela ezulwini lisithi kibo: “Yenyukani nize lapha!” Benyukela-ke ezulwini ngelifu amanaba wabo abaqalile. Khonokho kwaba khona ukusikinyeka kwephasi bekwadilika kwetjhumi komuzi. Kwafa abantu abaziinkulungwana ezilikhomba ekusikinyekeni lokho; inengi lesaba beladumisa uZimu wezulwini. Umaye wesibili sekadlulile; masinyana kuza umaye wesithathu. Nje-ke ingolozi yekhomba yavuthela ipalapala yayo, kwezwakala amezwi ahlokomako ezulwini asithi: “Umbuso wephasi sewuphenduke umbuso wakaSomnini nowakaKrestu begodu uzakubusa nini nanini.” Abaphathi abamatjhumi amabili nane abahlezi phambi koZimu bawa mbo ngobuso balotjha uZimu, bathi: “Siyakuthokoza Somnini, Zimu Mninimandlawoke, wena okhona nogade uvele ukhona, iye, siyakuthokoza ngombana uthethe amandlakho amakhulu, uthomile uyabusa. Izizwe zithukuthele kodwana ilaka lakho lifikile, okusikhathi sokugweba labo abangasekho ukuze uvuze iinceku zakho okubaphorofidi; iye, kuvuzwe nabacwengileko bakho okungilabo abesaba ibizo lakho, abakhulu nabancani begodu kubhujiswe labo ababhubhisa iphasi.” Ithempeli lakaZimu ezulwini lavuleka petle, kwabonakala i-aldari lesivumelwano lingethempelinapho; begodu bekukhona ukubaneka kwemibani, ukuraramba, ukutletlebula kokuduma kwezulu, ukusikinyeka kwephasi kanye namagidija wesinanja. Kwavela isibonakaliso esimangazako ezulwini: Umfazi embethe ilanga, inyezi ingaphasi kweenyawo zakhe, ehloko athwele isihlohlo seenkwekwezi ezilitjhumi nambili. Bekasidisi begodu alila ngemirhelo. Kwabonakala esinye isibonakaliso ezulwini. Qala nango unomrhaso omkhulu obomvu, oneenhloko ezilikhomba, iimpondo ezilitjhumi neenhlohlo ezilikhomba eenhlokweni zakhe. Umsila wakhe wawola ingcenye yesithathu yeenkwekwezi zezulu, waziwululela ephasini. Nje-ke unomrhaso wajama phambi komfazi obekasele azokubeletha ukuze azokudla umntwanakhe loyo emva kobana abelethiwe. Wabeletha umsana oyokubusa izizwe zoke ngentonga yesimbi. Nje-ke umntwana womfazi loyo wahlwithwa wasiwa esihlalweni sakaZimu sobukhosi; umfazi yena wabalekela erhalawumbeni lapha bekanendawo ayilungiselwa nguZimu ukuze ondliwe lapho amalanga ayikulungwana namakhulu amabili anamatjhumi asithandathu. Kwaba khona ipi ezulwini; uMikhayeli neengilozi zakhe bekalwa nonomrhaso; unomrhaso neengilozi zakhe bazibuyiselela, kodwana bebanganamandla aneleko yeke bahlulwa nendawabo yangasabikhona ezulwini. Ngalokho waphoswa phasi unomrhaso omkhulu, inyoka endala ekuthiwa nguMtjoli noSathana, umkhohlisi wephasi loke; iye, waphoselwa ephasini neengilozi zakhe zalahlwa naye. Yeke ngezwa ilizwi elikhulu ezulwini lisithi: “Nje-ke kufike isindiso, amandla nombuso kaZimethu; igunya lingelakaKrestu ngombana ummangaleli wabazalwana bethu wehliselwe phasi; iye, loyo obamangalela phambi kwakaZimu ubusuku nemini. Bona bamhlula ngeengazi zeMvana nangelizwi lobufakazi babo begodu akhange banconcosele ipilo yabo bekwaba sekufeni. Ngalokho thokozani-ke nina mazulu, nani noke enihlala kiwo! Kodwana maye kuwe phasi, nawe lwandle! Mbala uSathana wehlela kini ugcwele ilaka uyadlhabhaza ngombana uyazi bona isikhathi sakhe sifitjhani.” Kuthe bona unomrhaso abone bonyana upharwe phasi ephasini, wazuma umfazi osanda ukubeletha umntwana womsana. Kodwana umfazi waphiwa iimpiko ezimbili zekhozi elikhulu bona aphaphele endaweni alungiselelwe yona ngerhalawumbeni, lapha azakondliwa khona kwesikhatjhana, iinkhatjhana nengcenye yesikhathi, lapha inyoka ingeze yamfikela khona. Nje-ke kwabhubhudlha amanzi aphuma ngemlonyeni wenyoka kwaba inga mlambo ngemva komfazi kobana akhukhulwe. Kodwana iphasi laba lisizo emfazini loyo; lavula umlomo walo laginya amanzi agade abhubhudlha emlonyeni wakanomrhaso. Ngalokho unomrhaso wabila khulu ngomfazi loyo, nje-ke wasuka wayokusahlela boke abantwana bakhe, okutjho labo abalalela imiyalo yakaZimu nababambelele ebufakazini bakaJesu. Nje-ke unomrhaso wajama eligwini lelwandle. Ngabona isibandana senyuka siphuma elwandle, sineempondo ezilitjhumi neenhloko ezilikhomba. Phezu kweempondo zaso lezo bekuneenhlohlo ezilitjhumi kuthi phezu kweenhloko kube namagama weenhlamba. Isibandana engasibonako besifana nengwe, iinyawo zaso zifana nezebhere, umlomo ufana newebhubezi. Nje-ke unomrhaso wasinikela amandla nesihlalo sakhe sobukhosi kanye negunya. Enye yeenhloko zesibandana beyinenceba lokufa, kodwana incebelo besele lipholile. Yeke ngokurareka okukhulu, iphasi loke lalandela isibandana. Abantu balotjha unomrhaso ngombana bekathwese isibandana igunya, begodu balotjha isibandana bathi: “Ngubani ofana nesibandana, ngubani ongalwa naso na?” Isibandana sanikelwa umlomo okhuluma okuphakamileko namezwi wehlamba; begodu savunyelwa bona sisebenzise igunya laso iinyanga ezimatjhumi amane nambili. Savula umlomo waso sakhuluma iinhlamba kuZimu, sithuka ibizo nethaberinakeli lakhe kanye nalabo abahlala ezulwini. Godu savunyelwa bona silwe nabacwengileko sibahlule. Saphiwa igunya phezu kweenkoro, kwemindeni, kweenlimi nezizwe. Boke abantu abakhe ephasini bazasilotjha, iye, woke loyo ibizo lakhe elingakatlolwa encwadini yokuphila yeMvana eyahlatjwako kusukela ekusekelweni kwephasi. Onendlebe akezwe! Nangabe kukhona ogade azakuthunjwa, akaye ekuthunjweni! Nangabe kukhona ogade azakubulawa ngesabula, uzakubulawa ngesabula! Lokhu kubiza ukubekezela nokukholwa kwabacwengileko. Nje-ke ngabona godu esinye isibandana senyuka sivela ephasini. Besineempondo ezimbili njengemvana kodwana besikhuluma njengonomrhaso. Besisebenzisa loke igunya lesibandana sokuthoma, siqalile. Sakatelela iphasi nabo boke abahlala kilo bona balotjhe isibandana sokuthoma, leso inceba laso lokufa ebesele lipholile. Sagila iimbonakaliso ezikulu sabe senza nomlilo ophuma ezulwini, wehlele ephasini phambi kwabantu baqalile. Begodu ngeembonakaliso esaphiwa bona sizenze phambi kwesibanda sokuthoma, sakhohlisa abakhileko ephasini. Sabatjela bona babumbe isithombesibunjwa sesibanda ebegade sinengozi yesabula, kodwana nokho sabuye saphila. Saphiwa amandla bona senze isithombesibunjwa sesibanda siphefumule ukuze isithombesibunjwa esimfanekiso leso sikhulume. Begodu senza nokobana labo abangalotjhi umfanekiso wesibanda leso babulawe. Godu sakatelela boke, okutjho omncani nomkhulu, onjingileko nochakileko, okhululekileko nolikhoboka bonyana babekwe iphawu esandleni sabo sangesidleni namkha epandla ukuze kungabikhona ongathenga namkha athengise nakanganalo iphawu, okutjho ibizo lesibanda namkha isibalo sebizo laso. Lokhu kubiza ukuhlakanipha: Nje-ke akuthi nanyana ngubani ozwisisako abale isibalo sesibanda namkha isibalo sebizo laso ngombana isibalo saso ngesomuntu. Isibalo saso simakhulu amathandathu namatjhumi asithandathu nesithandathu. Nje-ke ngaphakamisa amehlo, qala naso iMvana ijame entabeni iZiyoni; beyikanye neenkulungwana ezilikhulu namatjhumi amane nane zalabo ebebatlolwe ibizo layo nelakaYise eempandla zabo. Ngezwa ilizwi livela ezulwini lihlokoma njengamanzi amanengi, lizwakala njengokuraramba kokuduma kwezulu okwesabekako. Ilizwi engalizwako lalinjengelababethi ababetha amaharibha. Bebavuma ingoma etja phambi kwesihlalo sobukhosi naphambi kweembunjwa ezine eziphilako nabaphathi. Gade angekho obekangafunda ingoma leyo ngaphandle kwalabo abaziinkulungwana ezilikhulu namatjhumi amane nane ebebahlengwe ephasini. Laba, ngilabo abangazange bazisilaphaze ngabesifazi ngombana bebasesemsulwa njengamancele. Ngibo-ke abalandela iMvana nanyana kukuphi lapha iya khona. Bebahlengwe ebantwini bafana neenthelo zokuthoma ezisilumo kuZimu nakiyo iMvana begodu emilonyeni yabo azange kufunyanwe amanga; bamsulwa. Nje-ke ngabona enye ingilozi iphapha phezulu esibangeni, iphethe ivangeli lesiphelani kobana ilitjhumayele kilabo abaphila ephasini. Iye, ezizweni zoke, eenkorweni, eenlimini nemindenini. Yarhuwelela yathi: “Mesabeni uZimu nimphazimulise ngombana isikhathi sakhe sokugweba sesifikile! Mlotjheni loyo owenza izulu nephasi, ilwandle nemithombo yamanzi.” Nje-ke enye ingilozi yesibili yalandela yathi: “Liwile, liwile iBhabheli elikhulu! Ngilo elenza bona zoke izizwe zisele iwayini lelaka lobungwadla balo!” Kwalandela enye ingilozi yesithathu isitjho ngelizwi elikhulu ithi: “Nanyana ngubani olotjha isibandananomfanekiso waso, amukele iphawu epandla namkha esandleni sakhe, naye uzakusela iwayini lelaka lakaZimu; aliselele ngekatjheni yobukhali bakhe lingakavanganiswa nalitho. Uzakuhlunguphazwa ngomlilo nangesibabuli phambi kweengilozi ezicwengileko naphambi kweMvana. Intuthu yomlilo walabo abahlunguphaziweko yenyuka nini nanini. Ubusuku nemini akukho ukuphumula kilabo abalotjha isibandananomfanekiso waso, iye, komunye nomunye owamukela iphawu lebizo laso.” Lokhu kubiza ukunyamezela kwabacwengileko, iye, labo abalalela imiyalo kaZimu, banamathele ekukholweni kuJesu. Ngezwa ilizwi libuya ezulwini lisithi: “Tlola uthi: Babusisiwe labo abafako bafela kuSomnini kusukela gadesi.” UMoya ocwengileko uthi: “Iye, bazakuphumula ekukhandlekeni kwabo ngombana imisebenzi yabo izabalandela.” Ngithe nangiqalako ngabona ilifu elimhlophe kuhlezi kilo ofana neNdodana yoMuntu, anesihlohlo segolide ehloko aphethe nesegere ngesandla. Kwavela enye ingilozi ngethempelini irhuwelela loyo ohlezi phezu kwelifu isithi: “Khupha isegere yakho uvune ngombana isikhathi sokuvuna sifikile nesivuno sephasi sesivuthiwe.” Nje-ke loyo ohlezi phezu kwelifu wakghedlha ngesegere ephasini, iphasi lavunwa. Kwathumbuka enye ingilozi ivela ethempelini lezulwini, nayo beyiphethe isegere ebukhali ngesandla. Kwavela enye ingilozi ithumbuka e-aldarini, bekuyingilozi enamandla phezu komlilo, yarhuwelela loyo obekaphethe isegere ebukhali yathi: “Khupha isegere yakho ebukhali ubuthelele iintjhutha zesidiribe sephasi ngombana amadiribe waso avuthiwe.” Nje-ke ingilozi yahlahla ngesegere yayo ephasini yabuthelela isivuno sesidiribe sephasi; yasiphosa ngebutlhodlhelweni obukhulu bewayini lelaka lakaZimu. Ubutlhodlhelo bewayini bagadangwa ngaphandle komuzi, kwavinyilika iingazi ebutlhodlhelweni zaba zinengi zaphakama bekwaba sematomini weenjomani, kwaba libanga ebelingaba mamayela angaba makhulu amabili. Ngabona esinye isibonakaliso esikhulu nesirarako ezulwini: Bekuziingilozi ezilikhomba egade zineenhlupheko ezilikhomba, ekungezokugcina ngombana ngazo ilaka lakaZimu liphelisiwe. Ngabona lokho okwabonakala sengathi lilwandle lerhalasi livangene nomlilo nalabo ebebahlule isibandananomfanekiso waso kanye nesibalo sebizo laso. Bebajame eduze nelwandle lerhalasi baphethe amaharibha abawanikelwe nguZimu ezandleni zabo. Bavuma irhubo lakaMosi inceku kaZimu kanye nerhubo leMvana, basithi: “Mikhulu iyababazeka imisebenzakho, wena Somnini Zimu Mninimandla! Zilungile begodu ziliqiniso iindlela zakho, wena Kosi yezizwe zoke. Somnini, ngubani ongekhe akwesaba begodu adumise ibizo lakho na? Lokhu kungebanga lokobana nguwe wedwa ocwengileko. Izizwe zoke ziyokufika zilotjhe phambi kwakho ngombana iingwebo zakho zisepepeneneni.” Ngemva kwalokho ngaqala, ngabona ithempeli elilitende lobufakazi ezulwini livulekile. Ethempelinapho kwaphuma iingilozi ezilikhomba neenhlupheko ezilikhomba, zembethe ilineni elidarhileko, ziqakanise imitletlana yegolide eemfubeni zazo. Nje-ke esinye seembunjwa ezine eziphilako sanikela iingilozi ezilikhomba izitja ezilikhomba zegolide zizele ubukhali bakaZimu ophila nini nanini. Ithempeli lazala intuthu yephazimulo ebuya ebukhosini nemandleni kaZimu. Begodu bekangekho ongangena ngethempelini zingakapheli iinhlupheko ezilikhomba zeengilozi ezilikhomba. Nje-ke ngezwa ilizwi elikhulu livela ethempelini likhuluma eengilozini ezilikhomba lithi: “Khambani niyokuthululela phezu kwephasi izitja ezilikhomba zelaka lakaZimu!” Yasuka ingilozi yokuthoma yafese yathulula isitja sayo ephasini. Kwathumbuka iinlonda ezimbi phezu kwalabo ebebanephawu lesibanda begodu balotjha nesithombe somfanekiso waso. Ingilozi yesibili yathululela isitja sayo phezu kwelwandle, laphenduka labangathi ziingazi zesidumbu, kwafa koke okuphilako ngelwandle. Ingilozi yesithathu yathululela isitja sayo ngemilanjeni nangemithonjeni, khona kwaphenduka iingazi. Ngezwa ingilozi yamanzi ithi: “Ulungile wena okhona nogade uvele ukhona; iye, wena ocwengileko ngombana ugwebile ngalokho. “Ngebanga lokobana baphalaze iingazi zabacwengileko nabaphorofidi, ngikho nje ubanikele iingazi bona bazisele ngombana kubafanele!” Ngezwa i-aldari liphendula lithi: “Iye, Somnini Zimu Mninimandla, iingwebo zakho zilungile begodu ziliqiniso!” Ingilozi yesine yathululela isitja sayo elangeni; lavunyelwa bona litjhise abantu ngesivuthevuthe salo, batjha ngomtjhiso obukhali kodwana bathuka ibizo lakaZimu okunguye ogade alawula phezu kweenhlupheko lezo; begodu azange baphenduke bona bamdumise. Ingilozi yesihlanu yathululela isitja sayo phezu kwesihlalo sobukhosi sesibandana, umbuso waso wabhijwa lilifu elinzima; abantu baziluma amalimu ngebanga lobuhlungu. Bahlambalaza uZimu wezulwini ngebanga leenhlungu neenlonda zabo, begodu azange baphenduke ezenzweni zabo. Yesithandathu ingilozi yathululela isitja sayo ngemlanjeni omkhulu iYufrathe, amanzi wakhona atjha ukuze kulungiselwe amakhosi avela epumalanga indlela. Ngabona imimoya emithathu esilapheleko efana neenrhwarhwa iphuma ngemlonyeni wakanomrhaso nangemlonyeni wesibanda godu nangemlonyeni womphorofidi wamanga. Lokhu kumimoya yamadimoni agila iziga; begodu iya emakhosini wephasi loke ukuwabutha bona alwe ipi ngelanga elikhulu lakaZimu uMninimandlawoke. Yelela, ngiza njengesela! Ubusisiwe loyo ohlala aphaphele begodu embethe ukuze angazukukhamba bhunubhunu bekubonwe ihlazo lakhe. Yeke imimoya yahlanganisa amakhosi endaweni ebizwa ngesiHebheru bona yi-Arimagedoni. Ingilozi yekhomba yathululela isitja sayo esibangeni; kwaphuma ilizwi elikhulu ethempelini livela esihlalweni sobukhosi lathi: “Sekwenzekile!” Kwabonakala imibani, ukuraramba, ukutletlebula kokuduma kwezulu nokusikinyeka okukhulu kwephasi okungazange khekube khona soloko kwaba khona abantu ephasini; mbala kwaba kusikinyeka okukhulu! Umuzi omkhulu waphadlhuka iingcenye ezintathu nemizi yezizwe yawa. UZimu wakhumbula iBhabheli elikhulu, walinikela iwayini lelaka lobukhali bakhe. Zoke iinhlengele zabaleka neentaba azange zisatholakala. Isinanja esineengidija ezinobudisi obungaba makhilogremu amatjhumi amane nahlanu, sawulukela phezu kwabantu sehla ezulwini. Abantu bahlambalaza uZimu ngebanga lobuhlungu besinanja ngombana besesabeka kokufa. Nje-ke kweza kimi enye yeengilozi ezilikhomba iphethe izitja ezilikhomba yathi kimi: “Yewuze, ngithanda ukukutjengisa isigwebo sengwadlakazi ehlezi phezu kwamanzi amanengi, iye, leyo amakhosi wephasi agile nayo imikhuba yobungwadla, bekwathi ngewayini lobungwadla bayo kwadakwa abahlezi ephasini.” Nje-ke ingilozi leyo yangithwala ngoMoya yangisa erhalawumbeni. Lapho ngabona umfazi ahlezi phezu kwesibanda esibubende ebesigcwele amabizo wehlamba, sineenhloko ezilikhomba neempondo ezilitjhumi. Umfazi loyo bekembethe okububende nokutlerebede begodu azihlobise ngegolide, ngobuphaziphazi nangamatje amahle aligugu. Ngesandla sakhe bekaphethe ikapho yegolide ebeyizele amanyala nokusilaphala kokuhlobonga kwakhe. Epandla yakhe bekunebizo elitlolwe ifihlo ethi: “Bhabheli elikulu, nina weengwadla namanyala wephasi.” Ngabona bona umfazi loyo bekadakwe ziingazi zabacwengileko neengazi zabofakazi bakaJesu. Kuthe lokha nangimbonako, ngabamba ongenzasi. Kodwana ingilozi yathi kimi: “Urarwa yini kangaka na? Ngizokutjela ifihlakalo yomfazi lo kanye neyesibanda esimthweleko esineenhloko ezilikhomba neempondo ezilitjhumi. Isibandana osibonileko sakhe saba khona kodwana kwanjesi asisekho; nje-ke sele sizokukhuphuka ngemgodini onganamkhawulo bese siyabhujiswa. Abantu bephasi amabizo wabo angakatlolwa encwadini yokuphila kwasesisekelweni sephasi, bazokumangala lokha nababona isibandanangombana sakhe saba khona kodwana kwanjesi asisekho khisibe nokho sizakuba khona. “Lokhu kubiza ingqondo enokuhlakanipha: Iinhloko ezilikhomba ziziintaba ezilikhomba okuhlezi kizo umfazi loyo; begodu zimakhosi alikhomba, phakathi kwawo amahlanu awile, kuphila yinye, enye ayikafiki; kodwana lokha nasele ifikile kufuze ihlale ikhona kwesikhatjhana. Nakusibanda esakhe saba khona kwanjesi asisekho, kuhlekuhle siyikosi yobunane kodwana singenye yalawa alikhomba kwaphela siyokubhujiswa. “Iimpondo ezilitjhumi ozibonileko zimakhosi alitjhumi agade angakanikelwa ubukhosi bonyana abuse, kodwana asazokunikelwa ilungelo lokobana abe makhosi abuse isikhathi esifitjhani kanye nesibanda. Woke anehloso eyodwa, banikela isibandanaamandla nelungelo labo lokubusa. Azokulwa neMvana kodwana iMvana yona izawahlula ngombana iyiKosi yamakhosi noMbusi wababusi; nalabo abangakiyo ngababiziweko, abakhethiweko nabathembekileko.” Nje-ke ingilozi yathi kimi: “Amanzi owabonileko lapho kuhlezi khona ingwadla, ababantu, aziinqubuthu, azizizwe neenlimi. Iimpondo ezilitjhumi ozibonileko, zona kanye nesibandana zizakuzonda ingwadla; zizayenza umonakalo ibe hlubule; zizakudla inyama yayo beziyiqothule ngomlilo. UZimu ukubekile eenhliziyweni zazo bona zenze ihloso yakhe ngokuvuma bona zinikele umbuso wazo esibandeni kufikela lapha amezwi kaZimu apheleliswa khona. “Umfazi ombonileko umumuzi omkhulu obusa ngaphezu kwamakhosi wephasi.” Emva kwalokho ngabona enye ingilozi yehla ibuya ezulwini. Beyinegunya elikhulu; iphasi lenziwa bona likhanye ngebanga lephazimulo yayo. Yarhuwelela ngelizwi elikhulu yathi: “Liwile! Liwile iBhabheli elikhulu! Seliyindawo yokuhlala amadimoni, isikhungo sayo yoke imimoya esilapheleko, isikhungo seenyoni zoke ezisilapheleko, isikhungo sazo zoke iinbadana ezisilapheleko nezizondekileko. Ngebanga lokobana zoke izizwe zisele iwayini elihlanyisako lobungwadla balo, amakhosi wephasi ahlobonge nalo, nabarhwebi bephasi banjingile ngomnotho wokutamasa kwalo.” Nje-ke ngezwa elinye ilizwi ezulwini lisithi: “Phumani niphele kilo, bantu bami ukuze ningahlanganyeli nezono zalo, nokobana ningamukeli iinhlungu zalo. Izono zalo zidindelelene, zifika ezulwini begodu uZimu ukhumbule ukonakala kwalo. Liphatheni njengombana nalo lenzile; libuyiseleleni ngokubuyelelweko kilokho elikwenzileko; niqarhe ngokubuyelelweko ekatjheni elayiqarhako. Njengokuzidumisa nokutamasa kwalo, linikeleni isilinganiso sehlupheko nesizi elingako ngombana lizitjela ehliziywenalo lithi, ‘Ngihlezi njengendlovukazi, angisuye umhlolokazi, begodu nesizi angekhe ngalibona!’ Ngalokho iinhlungu zalo zizakufika ngelanga linye, iye, izifo, ukulila nendlala. Lizakutjhiswa ngomlilo ngombana unamandla uSomnini uZimu, oligwebako.” Amakhosi wephasi agade ahlobonga nalo begodu aphila nalo ngokutamasa, ayokulilela apongoloze ngalo lokha nakabona ukwenyuka kwentuthu yokutjha kwalo. Azakujama buqamamana ngokwesaba ukuhlunguphazwa kwalo athi: “Maye, maye kuwe, muzi omkhulu, Bhabheli muzi onamandla! Ukugwetjhwa kwakho kukufikele nge-awara linye.” Abarhwebi bephasi bayapongoloza bebalililele ngombana akusekho muntu othenga ipahla emikhunjini yabo: ipahla yegolide, isiliva, ubuphaziphazi namatje aligugu, amatjhila amahle, abubende, asilika natlerebede, iinhlobohlobo zekhuni elinamakha, zoke iimpahla zezinyo lendlovu, iimpahla zesigodo esibizako, ikoporo, isimbi namamabula, isinamoni, ezinye iinungo, itjhwalo, iimonyo, iwayini, namafutha we-oliva, ipuphu yekoroyi nokuziintoro, iinkomo nezimvu, iinjomani neenkarana, amakhoboka namaphilo wabantu. “Isithelo ogade usikhanukela sisukile kuwe. Woke umnotho wakho nobuphaziphazi bakho, kuphelile kuwe. Angekhe kusafunyanwa.” Abarhwebi abathengisa ipahla leyo bebazuza umnotho kilo, bazakujamela buqamamana ngokwesaba ukuhlunguphazwa kwalo, bazakulila barhahlawule, bathi: “Uzazizwa, uzazizwa umuzi omkhulu! Wena owembethe amatjhila amahle, okububende nokutlerebede, okghatjiswe ngegolide, ngobuphaziphazi nangamatje aligugu! Mbala woke umnotho lo urhayilwe nge-awara linye.” Boke abaphathi bemikhumbi, abathaya elwandle, abathayi ngemikhumbi nabo boke abarhweba elwandle, bajamela kude, barhahlawula isililo lokha nababona intuthu yokutjha kwalo, bathi: “Ngiwuphi umuzi owakhe wafana nomuzi omkhulu lo?” Bazirhatjha ngethuli eenhloko zabo badazuluka balila bathi: “Maye! Maye kiwo umuzi omkhulu, okwathi boke ebebanemikhombi elwandle, banotha ngebanga lobunjinga bawo! Nge-awara linye sephenduke waba lirubhi. Thabani ngokubhubha kwawo, nina mazulu, nani abacwengileko, abapostoli nabaphorofidi ngombana uZimu uwugwebile wanibuyiselela ngawo.” Yeke ingilozi enamandla yadobha ilitje elinjengelokusila yaliphosa ngelwandle, yathi: “Ngiyo-ke le indlela iBhabheli, umuzi omkhulu eliyokuphoswa ngayo phasi, lingabe lisabonwa godu. Umkenenezo wombethi weharibha nabakhaleli, wabavuthela iimfudu neempalapala, awusoze usazwakala kuwe nososino wananyana ngiliphi irhwebo, akasoze asafunyanwa kuwe; ngitjho itjhada elibangwa lilitje lokusila angekhe libuye godu lizwakale ngaphakathi kwakho. Angekhe kusakhanya isibani kuwe; itjhada lokusina kwedwendwe angekhe lisezwakala kuwe; abarhwebi bakho bebaziinkhulu zephasi, begodu ngobuloyi bakho walutha zoke izizwe. “Ngaphakathi kwakho kwafunyanwa iingazi zabaphorofidi, zabacwengileko nezalabo ababulawako ephasini.” Emva kwalokhu ngezwa ekungathi lilizwi lesiqubuthu esikhulu elihlokomako ezulwini lisithi: “Haleluya! Isindiso, iphazimulo namandla ngekwakaZimethu ngombana ukugweba kwakhe kulungile bekumsulwa. Ugwebe ingwadla eyaziwako neyonakalise iphasi ngobungwadla bayo begodu iingazi zeenceku zakhe uzibuyiselele kiyo.” Barhuwelela godu bathi: “Haleluya! Intuthu yenyuka kiyo ngokungapheliko.” Abaphathi abamatjhumi amabili nane neembunjwa ezine eziphilako zaguqa zalotjha uZimu onzinze esihlalweni sobukhosi zithi: “Amen! Haleluya!” Kwezwakala ilizwi livela esihlalweni sobukhosi lisithi: “Dumisani uZimethu noke nina nceku zakhe, iye, noke nina enimesabako, abancani nabakhulu!” Ngezwa godu ekungathi lilizwi lesiqubuthu esikhulu elihlokoma njengokurhuba kwamanzi amanengi nomdumo omkhulu wokuraramba lirhuwelela lisithi: “Haleluya! USomnini uZimethu, uMninimandlawoke uyabusa. Asithokoze sithabe, siphakamise idumo lakhe ngombana ubukhazi beMvana sebufikile, umlobokazi wayo selazilungisile. Unikelwe bona embathe itjhila elidarhileko nelihlanzekileko.” Mbala, itjhila elidarhileko lizizenzo ezilungileko zabacwengileko. Nje-ke ingilozi yathi kimi: “Tlola uthi babusisiwe labo abamenyelwe ebukhazini beMvana.” Begodu yangezelela ngokuthi: “La mamezwi wakaZimu aqinisileko.” Ngalokho ngaguqa eenyaweni ngayilotjha kodwana yona yathi kimi: “Ungakwenzi lokho! Ngiyinceku kanye nawe nabazalwane bakho ababambelele ebufakazini bakaJesu. Lotjha uZimu ngombana ubufakazi bakaJesu bumumoya wokuphorofida.” Ngabona izulu livulekile, kwaba khona injomani emhlophe. Umkhweli wayo ubizwa bona nguThembekile noQiniso begodu ngokulunga ugweba asuse ipi. Amehlo wakhe anjengamalangabu womlilo, ehloko yakhe kuneenhlohlo ezinengi; begodu unebizo elitloliweko kodwana lingekhe laziwa mumuntu ngaphandle kwakhe kwaphela. Wembethe iphuraphura edlhunywe ngeengazini nebizo lakhe kuthiwa nguLizwi lakaZimu. Amabutho wezulwini amlandela akhwele iinjomani ezimhlophe; embethe itjhila elidarhe okumhlophe nokunganamphambo. Emlonyenakhe kuphuma isabula ebukhali, ngayo urhayila izizwe begodu uzazibusa ngentonga yesimbi. Uzakugadangela ubutlhodlhelo bobukhali nebelaka lakaZimu uMninimandlawoke. Esambathweni sakhe nenyonga yakhe kutlolwe ngokugobhodlhwa ibizo elithi: “IKosi yamakhosi noMbusi wababusi.” Ngabona ingilozi ijame elangeni, irhuwelela zoke iinyoni eziphapha esibangeni ngelizwi elikhulu ithi: “Yizani nibuthane esidlweni esikhulu sakaZimu, iye, nizozitika ngenyama yamakhosi, yeenduna, yeengorho, yeenjomani neyabakhweli bazo; ngitjho nenyama yabo boke abatjhaphulukileko nabamakhoboka, abancani nabakhulu.” Nje-ke ngabona isibandana namakhosi wephasi kanye namabutho wawo kubuthenwe bona kususwe ipi nalowo okhwele injomani namabutho wakhe. Sabanjwa isibandanasabotjhwa kanye nomphorofidi wamanga ogade agila iimangaliso phambi kwaso alutha ngazo labo ebebamukele iphawu lesibandana nalabo ebebalotjha umfanekiso waso. Labo bobabili baphoswa basaphila ngelitsheni lomlilo ovutha isibabuli. Inengi labulawa ngesabula eyaphuma emlonyeni waloyo okhwele injomani; nje-ke zoke iinyoni zayidla bezayiqala nje inyama yeendumbu zabo. Nje-ke ngabona ingilozi yehla ivela ezulwini, ngesandleni sayo iphethe isihluthulelo somgodi onganamkhawulo neketani ekulu. Yabamba unomrhaso okutjho inyoka endala (godu ebizwe bona nguDeveli noSathana) yambopha ikulungwana yeminyaka, yamphosela ngemgodini onganamkhawulo, yamvalela ngci beyabeka iphawu phezu kwakhe khona angazubuya aluthe izizwe bekuphele ikulungwana yeminyaka. Emva kwalokho kufanele athukululwe kwesikhatjhana. Ngabona iinhlalo zobukhosi, labo ebebahlezi kizo banikelwa amandla wokugweba. Ngabona nemiphefumulo yalabo abaquntwe iinhloko ngebanga lobufakazi babo ngoJesu nangelizwi lakaZimu. Abazange balotjhe isibandananamkha umfanekiso waso; begodu abazange babekwe iphawu laso eempandla zabo namkha ezandleni zabo. Babuya baphila bebabusa noKrestu ikulungwana yeminyaka. Inengi labahlongakeleko azange livuke bekwaphela ikulungwana yeminyaka. Lokhu kukuvuka ekufeni kokuthoma. Babusisiwe begodu bacwengile labo abanesabelo ekuvukeni kokuthoma. Ukufa kwesibili akunamandla phezu kwalaba, kodwana bayokuba baphristi bakaZimu nebakaKrestu begodu bayokubusa naye iminyaka eyikulungwana. Kuyokuthi lokha iminyaka eyikulungwana nasele iphelile, uSathana akhutjhwe ngesikhungweni sakhe, aphumele ukukhohlisa izizwe emagumbini amane wephasi, ezinguGogi noMagogi, azihlanganise kobana zizokulwa ipi; ubunengi bazo bunjengetjhwabatjhwaba yelwandle. Zaphuma zarhwanta zidabula iphasi zazonbeleza indawo yabacwengileko kanye nomuzi othandekako. Kodwana kwehla umlilo ezulwini wabaqothula. USathana ogade abakhohlisile waphoswa ngelitsheni lomlilo nesibabuli, lapho isibandanakanye nomphorofidi wamanga bakhona, bayokutshwenywa isiphelani ubusuku nemini. Ngabona isihlalo sobukhosi esikhulu nesimhlophe naloyo ohlezi kiso. Iphasi nesibhakabhaka kwabaleka phambi kwakhe, kwanyamalala. Ngabona abafileko, abakhulu nabancani, bajame phambi kwesihlalo sobukhosi neencwadi zavulwa. Godu kwavulwa nenye incwadi ekuyincwadi yokuphila. Abafileko bagwetjwa ukuya ngemisebenzi abayenzileko, kwaya njengombana kutloliwe eencwadini. Ilwandle lakhupha boke abafileko ebebakilo. Ukufa nendawo yabafileko kwakhupha abafileko ebebahlezi kikho; boke bagwetjwa ukuya ngokwemisebenzi abayenzileko. Ukufa nendawo yabafileko kwaphoswa ngelitsheni lomlilo. Lokhu kukukufa kwesibili, ilitsha lomlilo. Loyo ibizo lakhe elingazange lifunyanwe encwadini yokuphila waphoswa ngelitsheni lomlilo. Nje-ke ngabona izulu elitjha nephasi elitjha ngombana izulu lokuthoma nephasi lokuthoma besele kudlulile, nelwandle belingasekho. Ngabona umuzi ocwengileko, iJerusalema elitjha, lehla livela kuZimu ezulwini, lilungiswe njengomlobokazi aqobotjhelele umyeni wakhe. Ngezwa ilizwi elikhulu livela esihlalweni sobukhosi lithi: “Qala indlu kaZimu seyihlangana nabantu. Uyokuhlala nabo njengoZimu wabo bona babe sisizwe sakhe, iye, uZimu ngokwakhe uzakuba nabo abe nguZimu wabo. Uzokwesula zoke iinyembezi emehlwenabo. Ukufa angekhe kusaba khona, ngitjho nokulila nobuhlungu angekhe kusaba khona ngombana izinto zokuthoma zidlulile.” Loyo osesihlalweni sobukhosi wathi: “Qala, ngenza koke kube kutjha!” Wathi godu: “Kutlole lokhu ngombana amezwi la athembekile begodu aliqiniso.” Nje-ke wathi kimi: “Sekwenziwe! Mina ngingu-Alfa no-Omega, ukuthoma nokuphela. Owomileko ngizamseza amanzi ngesihle emthonjeni wamanzi wokuphila. Loyo oyokuhlula uzakudla ilifa lezintwezo begodu mina ngizakuba nguZimakhe yena abe mntwanami. Kodwana amatjhatjha, abangakholwako, abasilapheleko, ababulali, iinhlobongi, abenza imilingo, abalotjha abosingazimu nabo boke abaleya amanga isabelo sabo sizakuba selitsheni elivuthako lomlilo nesibabuli, okukukufa kwesibili.” Enye yeengilozi ezilikhomba eziphethe izitja ezilikhomba ezizele iinhlupheko ezilikhomba zokuphela, yeza kimi yafese yathi: “Yiza ngikutjengise umlobokazi, umkaMvana.” KuMoya yangithwala yangisa entabeni ekulu nephakamileko, yangitjengisa umuzi ocwengileko okutjho iJerusalema, wehlela phasi uvela ezulwini kuZimu. Bewunephazimulo kaZimu nokukhanya okunjengobuphaziphazi obuligugu njengelitje elihle khulu ijasiperi elidarhe njengomabula. Bewunomthangala omkhulu ophakemeko onamasango alitjhumi nambili alindwe ziingilozi ezilitjhumi nambili. Emasangweni bekutlolwe ngokugobhodlha amabizo alitjhumi nambili weenkoro zakwa-Israyeli. Bekunamasango amathathu ngeswazini langepumalanga, amathathu ngetlhagwini, amathathu ngesewula namathathu ngetjingalanga. Begodu umthangala womuzi bewuneensekelo ezilitjhumi nambili obekutlolwe kizo amabizo wabapostoli abalitjhumi nambili beMvana. Ingilozi eyangikhulumisako beyiphethe ilithi lokulinganisa legolide kobana ilinganise ngalo umuzi namasango wawo kanye nemithangala yawo. Umuzi bewendlaleke unguncazine, ubude nobubanzi bawo kulingana. Nje-ke yalinganisa umuzi ngelithi layo kwaba makhilomitha aziinkulungwana ezimbili namakhulu amabili; iye, ubude bawo bungangobubanzi nokuphakama kwawo. Godu yalinganisa umthangala, kwaba mamitha amatjhumi alikhomba namabili ngokwesilinganiso sabantu ingilozi eyasisebenzisako. Umthangala wakhiwe ngejasiperi, khisibe umuzi wakhiwe ngegolidembala, udarhe njengerhalasi. Iinsekelo zomthangala womuzi zihlotjiswe ngemihlobo yoke yamatje amahle: lokuthoma lijasipi, lesibili kuyisafaya, lesithathu kuyikhalikedoni, lesine kuyisimaragidu, lesihlanu kuyisaridoniksi, lesithandathu kuyisaridiyu, lekhomba kuyikrisolithe, lobunane kuyibherili, lethoba kuyithophazi, letjhumi kuyikrisopirasi, letjhumi nanye kuyiyakintu, letjhumi nambili kuyi-amethisi. Amasango alitjhumi nambili kumamatje aligugu, alitjhumi nambili; ngilelo nalelo sango lililitje eliligugu ngokwalo. Indlela yomuzi iligolide, ikhanya ubone ngale njengerhalasi. Azange ngalibona ithempeli hlangana nomuzi ngombana ithempeli lawo linguSomnini uZimu uMninimandlawoke neMvana. Umuzi lo awudingi ilanga namkha inyezi bona kuyikhanyisele ngombana iphazimulo kaZimu imkhanyo wawo neMvana isibani sawo. Izizwe zephasi ziyokukhamba emkhanyweni wawo, amakhosi wephasi ayokuletha idumo lawo kiwo. Amasango wawo angekhe avalwa ilanga loke nobusuku angekhe baba khona lapho. Abantu bayokwethula kiwo ubuphaziphazi nedumo lezizwe. Kodwana akukho okusilapheleko okuyongena kiwo okutjho owenza amanyala namkha othoma amanga, kwaphela abatlolwe encwadini yokuphila yeMvana. Ingilozi yangitjengisa umlambo wamanzi wokuphila, udarhe njengerhalasi, ugeleza uvela esihlalweni sobukhosi bakaZimu neMvana, ubhubhudlha udabula hlangana nendlela yomuzi. Nca zombili zomlambo kwamila umuthi wokuphila oneenthelo ezimihlobo elitjhumi nambili, uhloma iinthelo zawo inyanga nenyanga; amakari wawo angawokwelapha izizwe. Angeze kusabakhona ilitho lamanikelela elizakufunyaneka lapho. Isihlalo sobukhosi sakaZimu neMvana sizokuba kiwo neenceku zakhe zizamlotjha. Zizakubona ubuso bakhe nebizo lakhe litlolwe eempandleni zazo. Angeze kusabakhona ubusuku, abasadingi ukukhanya kwesibani nanyana kwelanga ngombana uZimu uSomnini uzokuba kukhanya kwabo, bazakubusa naye nini nanini. Ingilozi yathi kimi: “Amezwi la athembekile aliqiniso ngombana uSomnini uZimu wemimoya yabaphorofidi, wathumela ingilozi yakhe bona izokutjengisa iinceku zakhe lokho okuzokwenzeka msinyana.” “Yelelani, ngiyeza msinyana! Ubusisiwe loyo obulunga amezwi wesiphorofido sencwadi le.” Mina Jwanisi nginguye owezwako bewabona izintwezi. Kuthe lokha nangizizwako ngizibona, ngawela phasi eenyaweni zengilozi ebigade ingitjengisa zona, kodwana yona yathi kimi: “Ungakwenzi lokho! Ngiyinceku kanye nawe nabazalwana bakho, abaphorofidi kanye nalabo ababulunga amezwi wencwadi le. Yeke, lotjha kwaphela uZimu!” Yathi kimi: “Ungavali amezwi wencwadi yesiphorofido le ngombana isikhathi siseduze. Loyo owenza okukhohlakeleko akahlale enza okukhohlakeleko; kuthi osilapheleko ahlale angosilapheleko; kodwana olungileko akahlale enza ukulunga nocwengileko ahlale acwengile.” “Yelela, ngiyeza msinyana; ngiphethe umvuzo kobana ngikhokhele loyo naloyo ngokwemisebenzi yakhe. Mina ngingu-Alfa no-Omega, wokuthoma nowamaphelelo, iye, ukuthoma nokuphela. “Babusisiwe labo abahlanza izembatho zabo ukuze babe nelungelo emthini wokuphila, bangene emzini ngamasango. Ngaphandle kunezinja, abaloyi, iinhlobongi, ababulali, abalotjha iinthombe nabo boke abathanda nabenza ikohliso. “Ngimi mina Jesu engithumele ingilozi yami kini kobana izokufakaza ngezintwezi emabandleni. Ngimurabhu nomlibo kaDavida, ikhwezi lokusa elinyamazelako.” UMoya nomlobokazi bathi: “Yiza!” Nozwako akatjho athi: “Yiza!” Omunye nomunye owomileko akeze; nanyana ngubani othandako akathathe amanzi wokuphila ngesihle. Ngilemukisa woke ozwa amezwi wesiphorofido sencwadi le: Ngithi nangabe kukhona owengezelela ilitho kiwo, uZimu uyokungezelela iinhlupheko ezihlathululwe encwadini le; nangabe kukhona ophungula emazwini wesiphorofido sencwadi le, uZimu uzakususa isabelo sakhe emthini wokuphila nemzini ocwengileko, ekuzizinto ezihlathululwe encwadini le. Ofakazako ngezintwezi uthi: “Kwamambala, ngiyeza msinyana.” Amen. Yewuze Kosi Jesu! Umusa weKosi yethu uJesu, awube nabantu boke. Amen.