Ekuqaleni uNkulunkulu wadala amazulu lomhlaba. Njalo umhlaba wawungelasimo ungelalutho, lobumnyama babuphezu kokujula; loMoya kaNkulunkulu wayendiza phezu kwamanzi. UNkulunkulu wasesithi: Kakube khona ukukhanya; kwasekusiba khona ukukhanya. UNkulunkulu wasebona ukukhanya ukuthi kuhle; uNkulunkulu wasesehlukanisa phakathi kokukhanya lobumnyama. UNkulunkulu wasebiza ukukhanya ngokuthi yimini, lobumnyama wabubiza ngokuthi yibusuku. Kwasekusiba yikuhlwa, njalo kwaba yikusa, usuku lokuqala. UNkulunkulu wasesithi: Kakube khona umkhathi phakathi kwamanzi; kawehlukanise phakathi kwamanzi lamanzi. UNkulunkulu wasesenza umkhathi, wasesehlukanisa phakathi kwamanzi angaphansi komkhathi lamanzi aphezu komkhathi; kwasekusiba njalo. UNkulunkulu wasebiza umkhathi ngokuthi ngamazulu. Kwasekusiba yikuhlwa, njalo kwaba yikusa, usuku lwesibili. UNkulunkulu wasesithi: Kakuqoqelwe amanzi avela ngaphansi kwamazulu ndawonye, njalo kakubonakale umhlabathi owomileyo; kwasekusiba njalo. UNkulunkulu wasebiza umhlabathi owomileyo ngokuthi ngumhlaba, lenhlangano yamanzi wayibiza ngokuthi zinlwandle. UNkulunkulu wasebona ukuthi kuhle. UNkulunkulu wasesithi: Umhlaba kawumilise utshani, imibhida ethela inhlanyelo, isihlahla sesithelo sisenza isithelo ngohlobo lwaso, onhlanyelo yaso ikuso phezu komhlaba. Kwasekusiba njalo. Umhlaba wasuveza utshani, imibhida ethela inhlanyelo ngohlobo lwayo, lesihlahla sisenza isithelo, esinhlanyelo yaso ikuso ngohlobo lwaso. UNkulunkulu wasebona ukuthi kuhle. Kwasekusiba yikuhlwa, njalo kwaba yikusa, usuku lwesithathu. UNkulunkulu wasesithi: Kakube khona izikhanyiso emkhathini wamazulu, ukuze zehlukanise phakathi kwemini lobusuku; njalo zibe yizibonakaliso lezikhathi ezimisiweyo, lensuku leminyaka. Njalo zibe yizikhanyiso emkhathini wamazulu, ukuze zikhanyise emhlabeni. Kwasekusiba njalo. UNkulunkulu wasesenza izikhanyiso ezimbili ezinkulu: Isikhanyiso esikhulu ukuze sibuse imini, lesikhanyiso esincinyane ukuze sibuse ubusuku, kanye lezinkanyezi. UNkulunkulu wasezimisa emkhathini wamazulu, ukuthi zikhanyise emhlabeni, lokuthi zibuse emini lebusuku, lokwehlukanisa phakathi kokukhanya lobumnyama. UNkulunkulu wasebona ukuthi kuhle. Kwasekusiba yikuhlwa, njalo kwaba yikusa, usuku lwesine. UNkulunkulu wasesithi: Amanzi kawagcwale ukunyakazela kwemiphefumulo ephilayo, njalo kakuphaphe inyoni phezu komhlaba emkhathini wamazulu. UNkulunkulu wasedala oququmadevu bolwandle abakhulu, laso sonke isidalwa esiphilayo esibhinqikayo, amanzi agcwele sona, ngohlobo lwaso, layo yonke inyoni elempiko, ngohlobo lwayo. UNkulunkulu wasebona ukuthi kuhle. UNkulunkulu wasekubusisa, esithi: Zalani, lande, njalo ligcwalise amanzi enlwandle, lenyoni kazande emhlabeni. Kwasekusiba yikuhlwa, njalo kwaba yikusa, usuku lwesihlanu. UNkulunkulu wasesithi: Umhlaba kawuveze izidalwa eziphilayo ngohlobo lwazo, izifuyo lokuhuquzelayo lenyamazana zomhlaba ngenhlobo zazo. Kwasekusiba njalo. UNkulunkulu wasesenza inyamazana zomhlaba ngenhlobo zazo, lezifuyo ngenhlobo zazo, lakho konke okuhuquzelayo komhlaba ngenhlobo zakho. UNkulunkulu wasebona ukuthi kuhle. UNkulunkulu wasesithi: Asenze abantu ngomfanekiso wethu. UNkulunkulu wasemdala umuntu ngomfanekiso wakhe; wamdala ngomfanekiso kaNkulunkulu; owesilisa lowesifazana wabadala. UNkulunkulu wasebabusisa, uNkulunkulu wasesithi kibo: Zalani lande, ligcwalise umhlaba njalo liwehlisele phansi; libuse phezu kwenhlanzi zolwandle, laphezu kwenyoni zamazulu, laphezu kwakho konke okuphilayo okuhuquzela emhlabeni. UNkulunkulu wasesithi: Khangelani, ngilinike yonke imibhida ethela inhlanyelo, esebusweni bomhlaba wonke, laso sonke isihlahla, okukuso isithelo sesihlahla esithela inhlanyelo; kini singesokudla. Njalo kuyo yonke inyamazana yomhlaba, lakuyo yonke inyoni yamazulu, lakukho konke okuhuquzela emhlabeni, okukukho umoya ophilayo, lonke uhlaza ngolokudla. Kwasekusiba njalo. UNkulunkulu wasebona konke akwenzileyo; khangela-ke kwakukuhle kakhulu. Kwasekusiba yikuhlwa, njalo kwaba yikusa, usuku lwesithupha. Kwasekuqediswa amazulu lomhlaba lalo lonke ibutho lakho. UNkulunkulu wasewuqeda ngosuku lwesikhombisa umsebenzi wakhe abewenza. Waphumula ngosuku lwesikhombisa emsebenzini wakhe wonke abewenza. UNkulunkulu wasebusisa usuku lwesikhombisa, walungcwelisa; ngoba ngalo waphumula emsebenzini wakhe wonke, uNkulunkulu awudalayo wawenza. Lezi zinzalo zamazulu lezomhlaba ekudalweni kwakho, mhla uNkulunkulu isenza umhlaba lamazulu, laso sonke isihlahlakazana sensimu, singakabi khona emhlabeni, layo yonke imibhida yeganga, ingakamili; ngoba uNkulunkulu yayinganisanga izulu emhlabeni, njalo kwakungelamuntu wokulima umhlabathi. Kodwa kwenyuka inkungu ivela emhlabathini, yasithelela ubuso bonke bomhlabathi. uNkulunkulu yasibumba umuntu ngothuli oluvela emhlabathini. uNkulunkulu yasihlanyela isivande eEdeni ngasempumalanga, yasimbeka khona umuntu eyambumbayo. uNkulunkulu yasimilisa emhlabeni sonke isihlahla esibukekayo lesilungele ukudla; lesihlahla sempilo phakathi kwesivande, lesihlahla solwazi lokuhle lokubi. Kwasekuphuma eEdeni umfula wokuthelela isivande; njalo kusukela lapho wehlukaniswa waba zinhloko ezine. Ibizo lowokuqala yiPishoni; yiwo ozingelezele ilizwe lonke leHavila, lapho okulegolide khona. Legolide lalelolizwe lihle; lapho kulebedola lelitshe i-onikse. Lebizo lomfula wesibili yiGihoni; yiwo ozingelezele ilizwe lonke eleEthiyophiya. Lebizo lomfula wesithathu yiHidekeli; yiwo ogelezela empumalanga kweAsiriya. Lomfula wesine yiYufrathi. uNkulunkulu yasimthatha umuntu, yambeka esivandeni seEdeni, ukuze asilime asilondoloze. uNkulunkulu yasimlaya umuntu isithi: Kuso sonke isihlahla sesivande ungadla lokudla; kodwa okwesihlahla solwazi lokuhle lokubi, ungadli kuso, ngoba mhla usidla kuso uzakufa lokufa. uNkulunkulu yasisithi: Kakukuhle ukuthi umuntu abe yedwa. Ngizamenzela umsizi onjengaye. uNkulunkulu yasibumba ngomhlabathi yonke inyamazana yeganga layo yonke inyoni yamazulu, ukuthi ibone ukuthi angazibiza ngokuthini, njalo loba yikuphi uAdamu azabiza ngakho isidalwa esiphilayo, yilo ibizo laso. UAdamu wasesitha amabizo kuzo zonke izifuyo, lenyonini yamazulu, lakuyo yonke inyamazana yeganga; kodwa uAdamu katholelwanga umsizi onjengaye. uNkulunkulu yasisehlisela phezu kukaAdamu ubuthongo obukhulu, waselala. Yasithatha olunye lwezimbambo zakhe, yavala ngenyama endaweni yalo. uNkulunkulu yasisenza ubambo eyayiluthethe emuntwini lwaba ngowesifazana, yasimusa emuntwini. UAdamu wasesithi: Lo khathesi ulithambo lamathambo ami, lenyama yenyama yami; bazambiza ngokuthi ngowesifazana. Ngenxa yalokhu indoda izatshiya uyise lonina, inamathele kumkayo; njalo bazakuba nyamanye. Bobabili babenqunu-ke, umuntu lomkakhe, futhi bengelanhloni. Inyoka yayilobuqili-ke kulayo yonke inyamazana yeganga, eyayiyenzile uNkulunkulu. Yasisithi kowesifazana: Yebo uNkulunkulu watsho yini ukuthi: Kumele lingadli kuso sonke isihlahla sesivande? Owesifazana wasesithi enyokeni: Singadla okwesithelo sezihlahla zesivande; kodwa okwesithelo sesihlahla esiphakathi kwesivande, uNkulunkulu wathi: Lingadli kuso, njalo lingasithinti, hlezi life. Inyoka yasisithi kowesifazana: Kaliyikufa sibili. Ngoba uNkulunkulu uyazi ukuthi mhla lisidla kuso, amehlo enu azavuleka, njalo libe njengoNkulunkulu, lisazi okuhle lokubi. Owesifazana ebona-ke ukuthi isihlahla silungile ukuba yikudla, lokuthi sona siyabukeka emehlweni, lesihlahla sikhwabitheka ukwenza uhlakaniphe, wakha okwesithelo saso, wadla; wasenika lendoda yakhe kanye laye, yasisidla. Asevuleka amehlo abo bobabili; basebethungela ndawonye amahlamvu omkhiwa, bazenzela amafasikoti. Basebesizwa ilizwi leN uNkulunkulu ihamba esivandeni ekupholeni kosuku; uAdamu lomkakhe basebecatsha ebusweni beN uNkulunkulu phakathi kwezihlahla zesivande. uNkulunkulu yasibiza uAdamu, yathi kuye: Ungaphi? Wasesithi: Ilizwi lakho ngilizwe esivandeni, ngesaba, ngoba nginqunu; ngasengicatsha. Yasisithi: Ngubani okutshele ukuthi unqunu? Udlile yini okwesihlahla, engakulaya ngaso ukuthi ungadli okwaso? UAdamu wasesithi: Owesifazana owangipha yena ukuthi abelami, yena unginike okwesihlahla, ngasengisidla. uNkulunkulu yasisithi kowesifazana: Kuyini lokhu okwenzileyo? Owesifazana wasesithi: Inyoka ingikhohlisile, ngasengisidla. uNkulunkulu yasisithi enyokeni: Njengoba usukwenzile lokhu, uqalekisiwe wena okwedlula sonke isifuyo lokwedlula yonke inyamazana yeganga. Uzahamba ngesisu sakho, njalo udle uthuli insuku zonke zempilo yakho. Njalo ubutha ngizabufaka phakathi kwakho lowesifazana laphakathi kwenzalo yakho lenzalo yakhe. Kowesifazana yathi: Ngokwandisa ngizakwandisa ubuhlungu bakho lokuzithwala kwakho; ngobuhlungu uzabeletha abantwana, lokukhanuka kwakho kuzakuba sendodeni yakho. Njalo kuAdamu yathi: Njengoba ulalele ilizwi lomkakho, wasusidla okwesihlahla engakulaya ngaso ukuthi: Ungadli okwaso. Njalo uzakumilisela ameva lokhula oluhlabayo, ubususidla imibhida yeganga. Ngesithukuthuku sobuso bakho uzakudla ukudla, uze ubuyele emhlabathini, ngoba wathathwa kuwo; ngoba wena uluthuli. UAdamu wasebiza ibizo lomkakhe ngokuthinguEva, ngoba yena ungunina wabo bonke abaphilayo. uNkulunkulu yasisenzela uAdamu lomkakhe izigqoko zezigogo, yasibagqokisa. uNkulunkulu yasisithi: Khangela, umuntu usenjengomunye wethu, esazi okuhle lokubi, adle aphile kuze kube sephakadeni. Ngakho uNkulunkulu yamkhupha esivandeni seEdeni ukuthi alime umhlabathi, lapho athathwa khona. Yasimxotsha umuntu; yabeka empumalanga kwesivande seEdeni, ukulinda indlela yesihlahla sempilo. UAdamu wasemazi uEva umkakhe; wasethatha isisu, wabeletha uKhayini, wasesithi: Ngizuze indoda eNni. Wasebuya ebeletha umfowabo uAbela. UAbela wasesiba ngumelusi wezimvu, loKhayini waba ngumlimi womhlabathi. Kwasekusithi ekupheleni kwezinsuku uKhayini waletha eNni umnikelo owesithelo somhlabathi. Laye uAbela waseletha okwamazibulo ezimvu zakhe lokwamahwahwa azo. Kodwa uKhayini lomnikelo wakhe kayiwunakanga. UKhayini wasethukuthela kakhulu, lobuso bakhe banyukubala. yasisithi kuKhayini: Uthukutheleleni, njalo kungani ubuso bakho bunyukubele? Angithi uba usenza kuhle, kuyemukeleka yini? Kodwa uba ungenzi kuhle, isono siyakucathamela emnyango, lokunxwanela kwakhe kukuwe, kodwa wena uzambusa. UKhayini wasekhuluma loAbela umfowabo; kwasekusithi besegangeni, uKhayini wasukela umfowabo uAbela wambulala. yasisithi kuKhayini: Ungaphi uAbela umfowenu? Wasesithi: Angazi; ngingumlondolozi womfowethu yini? Yasisithi: Wenzeni? Ilizwi legazi lomfowenu liyakhala kimi livela emhlabathini. Khathesi-ke uqalekisiwe emhlabeni okhamise umlomo wawo ukwemukela igazi lomfowenu esandleni sakho. Nxa ulima umhlabathi, kawusayikukunika amandla awo; uzakuba luzulane lomhambuma emhlabeni. UKhayini wasesithi eNni: Isijeziso sami sikhulu kule ngi ngakuthwala. Khangela, ungixotshile lamuhla ebusweni bomhlaba. yasisithi kuye: Ngakho, loba ngubani obulala uKhayini uzaphindiselwa kasikhombisa. yasibeka uphawu kuKhayini, hlezi loba ngubani omficayo ambulale. UKhayini wasesuka ebusweni beN, wasehlala elizweni leNodi, empumalanga kweEdeni. UKhayini wasemazi umkakhe; wasethatha isisu, wabeletha uEnoki; njalo wayesakha umuzi, wabiza ibizo lomuzi ngebizo lendodana yakhe uEnoki. Kwasekuzalelwa uEnoki uIradi; uIradi wasezala uMehujayeli; uMehujayeli wasezala uMethushayeli; uMethushayeli wasezala uLameki. ULameki wasezithathela abafazi ababili, ibizo lowokuqala lalinguAda, lebizo lowesibili lalinguZila. UAda wasezala uJabali; yena wayenguyise walabo abahlala emathenteni, be lezifuyo. Lebizo lomfowabo lalinguJubali, yena wayenguyise wakhe wonke olokwenza lechacho lomhlanga. UZila laye wasezala uThubhali-Khayini, umkhandi wakho konke okusikayo kwethusi lensimbi. Lodadewabo kaThubhali-Khayini wayenguNahama. ULameki wasesithi kubafazi bakhe: Ada loZila, zwanini ilizwi lami, bafazi bakaLameki, bekani indlebe ekukhulumeni kwami; ngoba ngabulala indoda ngenxa yokungilimaza, lomfana ngenxa yokungihluzula. Nxa uKhayini ephindiselwa kasikhombisa, isibili uLameki kamatshumi ayisikhombisa ephindwe kasikhombisa. UAdamu wasephinda wamazi umkakhe; wasezala indodana, wasebiza ibizo layo wathinguSeti; ngoba wathi: UNkulunkulu ungibekele enye inzalo esikhundleni sikaAbela, ngoba uKhayini wambulala. Laye uSeti wasezalelwa indodana, wabiza ibizo layo wathinguEnosi. Ngalesosikhathi baqala ukubiza ibizo leN. Lolu lugwalo lwezizukulwana zikaAdamu. Mhla uNkulunkulu edala umuntu, wamenza ngokomfanekiso kaNkulunkulu. Wabadala owesilisa lowesifazana, wasebabusisa, wasebiza ibizo labo wathingabantu, mhla bedalwa. UAdamu wasephila iminyaka elikhulu lamatshumi amathathu; wasezala indodanaefuzweni lwakhe njengokomfanekiso wakhe, wabiza ibizo layo wathinguSeti. Lensuku zikaAdamu esezele uSeti zaba yiminyaka engamakhulu ayisificaminwembili; wasezala amadodana lamadodakazi. Zonke-ke insuku zikaAdamu, aziphilayo, zaba yiminyaka engamakhulu ayisificamunwemunye lamatshumi amathathu, wasesifa. USeti wasephila iminyaka elikhulu lanhlanu; wazala uEnosi. USeti wasephila esezele uEnosi iminyaka engamakhulu ayisificaminwembili lesikhombisa; wazala amadodana lamadodakazi. Zonke-ke insuku zikaSeti zaziyiminyaka engamakhulu ayisificamunwemunye letshumi lambili; wasesifa. UEnosi wasephila iminyaka engamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye, wazala uKenani. UEnosi wasephila, esezele uKenani, iminyaka engamakhulu ayisificaminwembili letshumi lanhlanu; wazala amadodana lamadodakazi. Zonke-ke insuku zikaEnosi zaziyiminyaka engamakhulu ayisificamunwemunye lanhlanu; wasesifa. UKenani wasephila iminyaka engamatshumi ayisikhombisa, wazala uMahalaleli. UKenani wasephila, esezele uMahalaleli, iminyaka engamakhulu ayisificaminwembili lamatshumi amane; wazala amadodana lamadodakazi. Zonke-ke insuku zikaKenani zaziyiminyaka engamakhulu ayisificamunwemunye letshumi, wasesifa. UMahalaleli wasephila iminyaka engamatshumi ayisithupha lanhlanu, wazala uJaredi. UMahalaleli wasephila, esezele uJaredi, iminyaka engamakhulu ayisificaminwembili lamatshumi amathathu; wazala amadodana lamadodakazi. Zonke-ke insuku zikaMahalaleli zaziyiminyaka engamakhulu ayisificaminwembili lamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye lanhlanu; wasesifa. UJaredi wasephila iminyaka elikhulu lamatshumi ayisithupha lambili, wazala uEnoki. UJaredi wasephila, esezele uEnoki, iminyaka engamakhulu ayisificaminwembili; wazala amadodana lamadodakazi. Zonke-ke insuku zikaJaredi zaziyiminyaka engamakhulu ayisificamunwemunye lamatshumi ayisithupha lambili; wasesifa. UEnoki wasephila iminyaka engamatshumi ayisithupha lanhlanu, wazala uMethusela. UEnoki wasehamba loNkulunkulu, esezele uMethusela, iminyaka engamakhulu amathathu; wazala amadodana lamadodakazi. Zonke-ke insuku zikaEnoki zaziyiminyaka engamakhulu amathathu lamatshumi ayisithupha lanhlanu. UEnoki wasehamba loNkulunkulu; kasekho, ngoba uNkulunkulu wamthatha. UMethusela wasephila iminyaka elikhulu lamatshumi ayisificaminwembili lesikhombisa, wazala uLameki. UMethusela wasephila, esezele uLameki, iminyaka engamakhulu ayisikhombisa lamatshumi ayisificaminwembili lambili; wazala amadodana lamadodakazi. Zonke-ke insuku zikaMethusela zaziyiminyaka engamakhulu ayisificamunwemunye lamatshumi ayisithupha lesificamunwemunye; wasesifa. ULameki wasephila iminyaka elikhulu lamatshumi ayisificaminwembili lambili, wazala indodana. Wasebiza ibizo layo wathinguNowa esithi: Lo uzasiduduza ekusebenzeni kwethu lekutshikatshikeni kwezandla zethu. ULameki wasephila, esezele uNowa, iminyaka engamakhulu amahlanu lamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye lanhlanu; wazala amadodana lamadodakazi. Zonke-ke insuku zikaLameki zaziyiminyaka engamakhulu ayisikhombisa lamatshumi ayisikhombisa lesikhombisa; wasesifa. UNowa waba leminyaka engamakhulu amahlanu, uNowa wasezala uShemu loHamu loJafethi. Kwasekusithi abantu sebeqala ukwanda ebusweni bomhlaba, basebezalelwa amadodakazi, amadodana kaNkulunkulu ebona amadodakazi abantu ukuthi wona ayemahle; asezithathela abafazi kuwo wonke awakhethayo. yasisithi: UMoya wami kawuyikulwisana lomuntu njalonjalo; kodwa insuku zakhe zizakuba yiminyaka elikhulu lamatshumi amabili. Iziqhwaga zazisemhlabeni ngalezonsuku; lemva kwalokho-ke, lapho amadodana kaNkulunkulu esengenile emadodakazini abantu, asewazalela abantwana. Wona ayengamaqhawe asendulo, engamadoda alebizo. yasibona ukuthi ububi bomuntu bukhulu emhlabeni, lokuthi konke ukuceba kwemicabango yenhliziyo yakhe kwakukubi kuphela usuku lonke. yasizisola. yasisithi: Ngizamchitha umuntu engamdalayo ngimsuse ebusweni bomhlaba, kusukela emuntwini kusiya enyamazaneni, kuze kube kokuhuquzelayo, lenyonini zamazulu; ngoba ngiyazisola ukuthi ngikwenzile. Kodwa uNowa wazuza umusa emehlweni eN. Lezi yizizukulwana zikaNowa. UNowa wayeyindoda elungileyo. UNowa wasezala amadodana amathathu, uShemu, uHamu loJafethi. Umhlaba wonakaliswa-ke phambi kukaNkulunkulu. UNkulunkulu wasebona umhlaba, khangela-ke wonakalisiwe, ngoba yonke inyama yonakalise indlela yayo emhlabeni. UNkulunkulu wasesithi kuNowa: Ukuphela kwayo yonke inyama sekuze phambi kwami, ngoba umhlaba ugcwele ubudlwangudlwangu ngenxa yabo; khangela-ke, ngizabachitha kanye lomhlaba. Zakhele umkhumbi ngezigodo zegofere, wenze izigaba phakathi komkhumbi, uwuhuqe ngengcino ngaphakathi langaphandle. Nansi indlela ozawenza ngayo; ingalo ezingamakhulu amathathu yibude bomkhumbi, ingalo ezingamatshumi amahlanu yibubanzi bawo, ingalo ezingamatshumi amathathu yikuphakama kwawo. Iwindi uzalenza emkhunjini, uliqede libe yingalo kusukela phezulu, ufake umnyango womkhumbi ehlangothini lwawo, uwenze ube lesiteziesaphansi, esesibili, lesesithathu. Mina-ke, khangela, ngizakwehlisela uzamcolo wamanzi phezu komhlaba, ukuchitha yonke inyama, okukuyo umoya wempilo, isuke ngaphansi kwamazulu. Konke okusemhlabeni kuzaphela. Kodwa ngizamisa isivumelwano sami lawe; njalo uzangena emkhunjini, wena lamadodana akho lomkakho labafazi bamadodana akho kanye lawe. Lakukho konke okuphilayo, kuyo yonke inyama, okubili kwakho konke, uzakuletha emkhunjini, u ku londoloze kuphila lawe, kuzakuba ngokuduna lokusikazi; enyonini ngohlobo lwayo, lesifuyweni ngohlobo lwaso, lakukho konke okuhuquzelayo komhlaba ngohlobo lwakho, okubili kwakho kuzakuza kuwe, u ku londoloze kuphila. Lawe-ke, zithathele kukho konke ukudla okudliwayo, njalo ukubuthelele kuwe, futhi kuzakuba ngokwakho lokwazo okokudla. Wasekwenza uNowa; njengakho konke uNkulunkulu ayemlaye khona wenza njalo. yasisithi kuNowa: Ngena wena lendlu yakho yonke emkhunjini. Kuyo yonke inyamazana ehlambulukileyo uzazithathela ngasikhombisa ngasikhombisa, enduna lensikazi yayo; njalo kuyo inyamazana engahlambulukanga ezimbili, enduna lensikazi yayo. Lakuzo inyoni zamazulu ngasikhombisa ngasikhombisa, enduna lensikazi, ukulondoloza inhlanyelo iphila ebusweni bomhlaba wonke. Ngoba kusele insuku eziyisikhombisa, besenginisa izulu emhlabeni, insuku ezingamatshumi amane lobusuku obungamatshumi amane, ngibhubhise konke okuphilayo, engakwenzayo, ebusweni bomhlaba. UNowa wasesenza njengakho konke eyamlaya khona. UNowa wayeleminyaka engamakhulu ayisithupha, lapho uzamcolo wamanzi ephezu komhlaba. UNowa wasengena emkhunjini lamadodana akhe lomkakhe labafazi bamadodana akhe kanye laye, ngenxa yamanzi kazamcolo. Kuzo inyamazana ezihlambulukileyo, lakuzo inyamazana ezingahlambulukanga, lakuzo inyoni, lakukho konke okuhuquzelayo phezu komhlaba, ngambili ngambili kweza kuNowa emkhunjini, okuduna lokusikazi, njengoba uNkulunkulu emlayile uNowa. Kwasekusithi emva kwensuku eziyisikhombisa amanzi kazamcolo ayephezu komhlaba. Ngomnyaka wamakhulu ayisithupha wempilo kaNowa, ngenyanga yesibili, ngosuku lwetshumi lesikhombisa lwenyanga, ngalolosuku yonke imithombo yokujula okukhulu yaqhekezwa. Izulu laliphezu komhlaba insuku ezingamatshumi amane lobusuku obungamatshumi amane. Ngalolosuku olufananayo uNowa wangena loShemu loHamu loJafethi, amadodana kaNowa, lomkaNowa, labafazi abathathu bamadodana akhe kanye labo, emkhunjini, bona, layo yonke inyamazana ngohlobo lwayo, laso sonke isifuyo ngohlobo lwaso, lakho konke okuhuquzelayo kuhuquzela phezu komhlaba ngohlobo lwakho, lakho konke okuphaphayo ngohlobo lwakho, yonke inyoni yalo lonke uphiko. Zasezingena kuNowa emkhunjini, ngambili ngambili, kuyo yonke inyama, okukuyo umoya wempilo. Lezangenayo, kwangena enduna lensikazi kuyo yonke inyama, njengalokho uNkulunkulu ayemlaye khona; yasimvalela phakathi. Uzamcolo wasesiba semhlabeni insuku ezingamatshumi amane; amanzi asesanda asephakamisa umkhumbi, waze waphakama phezu komhlaba. Amanzi asephakama ngamandla, anda kakhulu phezu komhlaba; lomkhumbi wahamba phezu kobuso bamanzi. Amanzi asephakama ngamandla kakhulukazi emhlabeni, zaze zasitshekelwa zonke intaba eziphakemeyo ezingaphansi kwamazulu wonke. Izingalo ezilitshumi lanhlanu amanzi aqonga aphakama ngamandla, lezintaba zasitshekelwa. Yonke-ke inyama yaphela, eyayihamba phezu komhlaba, eyenyoni, leyesifuyo, leyenyamazana, leyakho konke okuhuquzelayo kuhuquzela phezu komhlaba, laye wonke umuntu; konke okulokuphefumula komoya wempilo emakhaleni akho, kwakho konke okusemhlabeni owomileyo, kwafa. Kwachithwa konke okwakukhona, okwakusebusweni bomhlaba, kusukela emuntwini kusiya esifuyweni kusiya kokuhuquzelayo njalo kusiya enyonini yamazulu; kwasekuchithwa emhlabeni; kwasekutshiywa uNowa kuphela, lalokho ayelakho emkhunjini. Lamanzi ayephakama ngamandla phezu komhlaba, okwensuku ezilikhulu lamatshumi amahlanu. UNkulunkulu wasemkhumbula uNowa phezu komhlaba, lamanzi etsha. Kwasekumiswa imithombo yokujula lamasango empophoma zamazulu, lezulu elivela emazulwini lanqandwa. Lamanzi etsha esuka emhlabeni, ehamba ebuyela; amanzi asencipha ekupheleni kwensuku ezilikhulu lamatshumi amahlanu. Umkhumbi wasuhlala ngenyanga yesikhombisa, ngosuku lwetshumi lesikhombisa lwenyanga, phezu kwezintaba zeArarathi. Lamanzi aya esetsha kwaze kwaba senyangeni yetshumi; ngeyetshumi ngosuku lokuqala lwenyanga kwabonakala ingqonga zezintaba. Kwasekusithi ekupheleni kwensuku ezingamatshumi amane, uNowa wasevula iwindi lomkhumbi ayelenzile, wasethuma iwabayi, lazulazula njalo, aze atsha amanzi emhlabeni. Wasethuma ijuba lisuka kuye, ukubona ukuthi amanzi asemalutshwana yini ebusweni bomhlaba; kodwa ijuba kalitholanga indawo yokuphumula kwengaphansi yonyawo lwalo, ngakho labuyela kuye emkhunjini, ngoba amanzi ayekhona ebusweni bomhlaba wonke. Waseselula isandla sakhe, walithatha, walingenisa kuye emkhunjini. Waselinda futhi ezinye insuku eziyisikhombisa; wasephinda elithuma ijuba lisuka emkhunjini. Ijuba laselibuya kuye ngesikhathi santambama, khangela-ke, ihlamvu lomhlwathi elisanda ukuquntwa lalisemlonyeni walo; ngakho uNowa wasesazi ukuthi amanzi asemalutshwana phezu komhlaba. Waselinda futhi ezinye insuku eziyisikhombisa; waselithuma ijuba; kalabe lisabuyela kuye futhi. Kwasekusithi ngomnyaka wamakhulu ayisithupha lanye, ngenyanga yokuqala, ngolokuqala lwenyanga, amanzi atsha emhlabeni. UNowa wasesusa isifulelo somkhumbi, wabona, khangela-ke, ubuso bomhlaba babomile. Njalo ngenyanga yesibili, ngosuku lwamatshumi amabili lesikhombisa lwenyanga, umhlaba wawusuwomile. UNkulunkulu wasekhuluma kuNowa, esithi: Phuma emkhunjini, wena lomkakho lamadodana akho labafazi bamadodana akho kanye lawe. Konke okuphilayo okulawe, kuyo yonke inyama, eyenyoni leyesifuyo leyakho konke okuhuquzelayo kuhuquzela emhlabeni, phuma lakho; ukuze kuzale kwande emhlabeni, kuzale, kwande phezu komhlaba. UNowa wasephuma, lamadodana akhe, lomkakhe, labafazi bamadodana akhe kanye laye. Yonke inyamazana, konke okuhuquzelayo, layo yonke inyoni, konke okuhamba emhlabeni, ngenhlobo zakho, kwaphuma emkhunjini. UNowa waseyakhela ilathi; wathatha kuso sonke isifuyo esihlambulukileyo, lakuyo yonke inyoni ehlambulukileyo, wanikela umnikelo wokutshiswa phezu kwelathi. yasisizwa uqhatshi olumnandi. Ngazo zonke izinsuku zomhlaba, ukuhlanyela lokuvuna, lamakhaza lokukhudumala, lehlobo lobusika, kakuyikuphela. UNkulunkulu wasebusisa uNowa lamadodana akhe, wathi kibo: Zalani lande ligcwalise umhlaba. Lokwesatshwa kwenu lokuqhuqhwa kwenu kuzakuba phezu kwayo yonke inyamazana yomhlaba laphezu kwayo yonke inyoni yamazulu; kukho konke okuhamba emhlabeni lakuzo zonke inhlanzi zolwandle; zinikelwe ezandleni zenu. Konke okuhambayo okuphilayo kuzakuba yikudla kini ngilinikile konke. Kodwa inyama lempilo yayo, igazi layo, kalisoze likudle. Njalo sibili, igazi lenu, elempilo yenu, ngizalibiza; esandleni sayo yonke inyamazana ngizabiza umphefumulo womuntu. Ochitha igazi lomuntu, ngomuntu lizachithwa igazi lakhe. Ngakho lina, zalani, lande, lizale ngokwengezelelweyo emhlabeni, lande kuwo. UNkulunkulu wasekhuluma kuNowa lakumadodana akhe kanye laye, esithi: Mina-ke, khangelani, ngiyamisa isivumelwano sami lani lenzalo yenu emva kwenu, laso sonke isidalwa esiphilayo esilani, esenyoni lesesifuyo, lesayo yonke inyamazana yomhlaba lani; kusukela kubo bonke abaphume emkhunjini, kusiya kuyo yonke inyamazana yomhlaba. Njalo ngizamisa isivumelwano sami lani; njalo kakusayikubhujiswa yonke inyama ngamanzi kazamcolo; ukuze kungasabi khona uzamcolo ukubhubhisa umhlaba. UNkulunkulu wasesithi: Lokhu kuyisibonakaliso sesivumelwano engisinika phakathi kwami lani laso sonke isidalwa esiphilayo esilani, kuze kube yizizukulwana laphakade. Ngizamisa umchilowamakhosikazi wami emayezini; uzakuba yisibonakaliso sesivumelwano phakathi kwami lomhlaba. Kuzakuthi nxa ngibuyisa amayezi phezu komhlaba, umchilowamakhosikazi uzabonwa eyezini; khona ngizakhumbula isivumelwano sami, esiphakathi kwami lani laso sonke isidalwa esiphilayo sayo yonke inyama; lamanzi kawasayikuba nguzamcolo ukubhubhisa yonke inyama. Lomchilowamakhosikazi uzakuba semayezini, njalo ngizawubona ukukhumbula isivumelwano esilaphakade phakathi kukaNkulunkulu laso sonke isidalwa esiphilayo, sayo yonke inyama esemhlabeni. UNkulunkulu wasesithi kuNowa: Lokhu kuyisibonakaliso sesivumelwano engisimise phakathi kwami layo yonke inyama esemhlabeni. Amadodana kaNowa aphumayo-ke emkhunjini ayengoShemu loHamu loJafethi; njalo uHamu nguyise kaKhanani. Laba bobathathu ngamadodana kaNowa; lomhlaba wonke wasatshalaliswa ngokuvela kubo. UNowa waseqala ukuba ngumlimi, wahlanyela isivini. Wasenatha okwewayini, wadakwa; njalo waba nqunu phakathi kwethente lakhe. UHamu, uyise kaKhanani, wasebona ubunqunu bukayise, wasetshela abafowabo ababili phandle. OShemu loJafethi basebethatha isembatho, basibeka emahlombe abo bobabili, bahamba nyovane, bagubuzela ubunqunu bukayise; lobuso babo babusemuva ukuze bangaboni ubunqunu bukayise. UNowa wasevuka ewayinini lakhe, wakwazi lokho indodana yakhe encinyane ekwenze kuye. Wasesithi: Kaqalekiswe uKhanani. Wasesithi: Ibusisiwe uNkulunkulu kaShemu, loKhanani abe yisigqili sakhe. UNkulunkulu amqhelise uJafethi, njalo ahlale emathenteni kaShemu, loKhanani abe yisigqili sakhe. Emva kukazamcolo uNowa wasephila iminyaka engamakhulu amathathu lamatshumi amahlanu. Zonke-ke insuku zikaNowa zaba yiminyaka engamakhulu ayisificamunwemunye lamatshumi amahlanu; wasesifa. Njalo lezi yizizukulwana zamadodana kaNowa: UShemu, uHamu loJafethi. Kwasekuzalwa amadodana kubo emva kukazamcolo. Amadodana kaJafethi loTirasi. Lamadodana kaGomeri: UAshikenazi. Lamadodana kaJavani: UElisha loTarshishi lamaDodani. Kwehlukaniswa kusukela kubo izihlenge zezizwe emazweni abo, ngulowo lalowo ngokolimi lwakhe, langokosendo lwabo, ezizweni zabo. Lamadodana kaHamu loKhanani. Lamadodana kaKushi: USeba loHavila loSabitha loRama loSabitheka. Lamadodana kaRahama: UShebha. UKushi wasezala uNimrodi; yena waqala ukuba liqhawe emhlabeni. Yena waba ngumzingeli olamandla phambi kweN; ngakho kuthiwa: NjengoNimrodi, umzingeli olamandla phambi kweN. Lokuqala kombuso wakhe yiBabeli leEreki leAkadi leKaline elizweni leShinari. Kwaphuma kulelolizwe uAshuri, wasesakha iNineve leRehobothi-Ire leKala, leReseni phakathi kweNineve leKala; lo ngumuzi omkhulu. UMizirayimi wasezala amaLudi lamaAnami lamaLehabi lamaNafethuhi lamaPatrusi lamaKaseluhi - lapho okwavela khona amaFilisti. UKhanani wasezala uSidoni izibulo lakhe, loHethi, lomJebusi lomAmori lomGirigashi lomHivi lomArki lomSini lomArvadi lomZemari lomHamathi; lemva kwalokho usendo lwamaKhanani lwahlakazeka. Umngcele wamaKhanani wasusukela eSidoni usiya eGerari uze ufike eGaza, usiya eSodoma leGomora leAdima leZeboyimi kuze kufike eLasha. La ngamadodana kaHamu, ngokosendo lwawo, langendimi zawo, emazweni awo, ezizweni zawo. UShemu laye wasezalelwa amadodana; unguyise wamadodana wonke akaEberi, umfowabo kaJafethi, omkhulu. Amadodana kaShemu: UElamu loAshuri loArpakishadi loLudi loAramu. Lamadodana kaAramu: U-Uzi loHuli loGetheri loMashi. UArpakishadi wasezala uShela; uShela wasezala uEberi. Kwasekuzalelwa uEberi amadodana amabili, ibizo lomunye nguPelegi, ngoba ensukwini zayo umhlaba wehlukaniswa; lebizo lomfowabo nguJokithani. UJokithani wasezala uAlimodadi loShelefi loHazamavethi loJera loHadoramu loUzali loDikila loObali loAbhimayeli loShebha loOfiri loHavila loJobabi; bonke labo ngamadodana kaJokithani. Indawo yokuhlala kwabo isukela eMesha lapho usiya eSefari, intaba yempumalanga. La ngamadodana kaShemu, ngokosendo lwabo langendimi zabo, emazweni abo ngokwezizwe zabo. Lolu lusendo lwamadodana kaNowa ngezizukulwana zawo ezizweni zawo; kwasekusehlukaniswa kulaba izizwe emhlabeni emva kukazamcolo. Umhlaba wonke-ke wawulolimi lunye, lamazwi manye. Kwasekusithi ekuhambeni kwabo bevela empumalanga bafica igceke elizweni leShinari, basebehlala khona. Basebesithi ngulowo lalowo kumakhelwane wakhe: Wozani, asenzeni izitina sizitshise lokuzitshisa; lesitina saba lilitshe kubo, lengcino yaba ludaka kubo. Basebesithi: Wozani, asizakheleni umuzi lomphotshongo osihloko sawo sisemazulwini, besesizenzela ibizo, hlezi sihlakazeke ebusweni bomhlaba wonke. yasisehla ukubona umuzi lomphotshongo abantwana babantu abawakhayo. yasisithi: Khangela, yisizwe sinye, njalo balolimi lunye bonke, njalo yikho abaqala ukukwenza; khathesi-ke akulalutho olungabehlula abamisa ukulwenza. Wozani, asehle, siphambanise lapho ulimi lwabo, ukuze bangezwa, ngulowo lalowo ulimi lomakhelwane wakhe. Ngakho yabahlakazela ebusweni bomhlaba wonke besuka lapho; basebesima ukwakha umuzi. Ngalokho kwabizwa ibizo lawo ngokuthi iBabeli, ngoba lapho yaphambanisa ulimi lomhlaba wonke; kusukela lapho yabahlakaza kubo bonke ubuso bomhlaba. Lezi yizizukulwana zikaShemu. UShemu wayeleminyaka elikhulu, wasezala uArpakishadi, iminyaka emibili emva kukazamcolo. UShemu wasephila, esezele uArpakishadi, iminyaka engamakhulu amahlanu; wazala amadodana lamadodakazi. UArpakishadi wasephila iminyaka engamatshumi amathathu lanhlanu, wazala uShela. UArpakishadi wasephila, esezele uShela, iminyaka engamakhulu amane lantathu; wazala amadodana lamadodakazi. UShela wasephila iminyaka engamatshumi amathathu, wazala uEberi. UShela wasephila, esezele uEberi, iminyaka engamakhulu amane lantathu; wazala amadodana lamadodakazi. UEberi wasephila iminyaka engamatshumi amathathu lane, wazala uPelegi. UEberi wasephila, esezele uPelegi, iminyaka engamakhulu amane lamatshumi amathathu; wazala amadodana lamadodakazi. UPelegi wasephila iminyaka engamatshumi amathathu, wazala uRewu. UPelegi wasephila, esezele uRewu, iminyaka engamakhulu amabili layisificamunwemunye; wazala amadodana lamadodakazi. URewu wasephila iminyaka engamatshumi amathathu lambili, wazala uSerugi. URewu wasephila, esezele uSerugi, iminyaka engamakhulu amabili lesikhombisa; wazala amadodana lamadodakazi. USerugi wasephila iminyaka engamatshumi amathathu, wazala uNahori. USerugi wasephila, esezele uNahori, iminyaka engamakhulu amabili; wazala amadodana lamadodakazi. UNahori wasephila iminyaka engamatshumi amabili lesificamunwemunye, wazala uTera. UNahori wasephila, esezele uTera, iminyaka elikhulu lamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye; wazala amadodana lamadodakazi. UTera wasephila iminyaka engamatshumi ayisikhombisa, wazala uAbrama, uNahori loHarani. Lalezi yizizukulwana zikaTera. UTera wazala uAbrama, uNahori loHarani; uHarani wasezala uLothi. UHarani wasesifa phambi kukayise uTera, elizweni lokuzalwa kwakhe, eUri yamaKhaladiya. OAbrama loNahori basebezithathela abafazi; ibizo lomkaAbrama nguSarayi, indodakazi kaHarani, uyise kaMilka loyise kaIska. Kodwa uSarayi wayeyinyumba; wayengelamntwana. UTera wasethatha; basebefika eHarani, bahlala khona. Lensuku zikaTera zaziyiminyaka engamakhulu amabili lanhlanu; uTera wasefela eHarani. yasisithi kuAbrama: Suka wena elizweni lakini lezihlotsheni zakho lemzini kayihlo, uye elizweni engizakutshengisa lona. Ngizakwenza-ke ube yisizwe esikhulu, ngikubusise, ngenze ibizo lakho libe likhulu, njalo ube yisibusiso. Njalo ngizababusisa abakubusisayo, labakuqalekisayo ngibaqalekise. UAbrama wasehamba njengoba ikhulumile kuye, loLothi wahamba laye. Njalo uAbrama wayeleminyaka engamatshumi ayisikhombisa lanhlanu ekusukeni kwakhe eHarani. UAbrama wasethatha uSarayi umkakhe, loLothi indodana yomfowabo, lempahla yabo yonke ababeyiqoqile, lemiphefumulo ababeyizuzile; basebesuka ukuya elizweni leKhanani; bafika elizweni leKhanani. UAbrama wasedabula ilizwe ngalesosikhathi. yasibonakala kuAbrama, yathi: Kunzalo yakho ngizanika lelilizwe. Waseyakhela lapho ilathi eyayibonakale kuye. Waseqhubeka esuka lapho waya entabeni empumalanga yeBhetheli, wamisa ithente lakhe, iBhetheli isentshonalanga leAyi empumalanga. Waseyakhela lapho ilathi, wabiza ibizo leN. UAbrama wasesuka wahamba eqhubeka esiya eningizimu. Kwasekusiba khona indlala elizweni. Kwasekusithi esesondela ukungena eGibhithe wathi kuSarayi umkakhe: Khangela-ke, ngiyazi ukuthi ungowesifazana omuhle obukekayo. Njalo kuzakuthi lapho amaGibhithe ekubona, azakuthi: Lo ngumkakhe; abesengibulala, kodwa wena akugcine uphila. Ake uthi ungudadewethu, ukuze kube kuhle kimi ngenxa yakho, lomphefumulo wami uphile ngenxa yakho. Kwasekusithi lapho uAbrama esefikile eGibhithe, amaGibhithe ambona owesifazana, ukuthi muhle kakhulu. Iziphathamandla zikaFaro lazo zambona, zambabaza phambi kukaFaro. Owesifazana waselethwa endlini kaFaro. Wasemphatha kuhle uAbrama ngenxa yakhe; njalo waba lezimvu lezinkabi labobabhemi lezinceku lezincekukazi labobabhemikazi lamakamela. Kodwa yamhlupha uFaro ngezinhlupheko ezinkulu, lendlu yakhe, ngendaba kaSarayi umkaAbrama. UFaro wasembiza uAbrama, wathi: Kuyini lokhu okwenze kimi? Kungani ungangitshelanga ukuthi ungumkakho? Utsholoni ukuthi ungudadewenu, ngize ngimthathe ukuba ngumkami? Ngakho khangela-ke umkakho; m thathe uhambe. UFaro waselaya amadoda ngaye; asemxotsha lomkakhe lakho konke ayelakho. UAbrama wasesenyuka eGibhithe, yena lomkakhe lakho konke ayelakho loLothi kanye laye, waya eningizimu. Njalo uAbrama wayenothile kakhulu, ngezifuyo, ngesiliva, langegolide. Wasehamba kuzinhambo zakhe esuka eningizimu, waze wafika eBhetheli, endaweni lapho ithente lakhe elalikhona kuqala, phakathi kweBhetheli leAyi; endaweni yelathi ayelenzile khona kuqala; uAbrama wasebiza ibizo leN lapho. LoLothi laye, owayehamba loAbrama, wayelezimvu lezinkomo lamathente. Njalo ilizwe lalingebathwale ukuthi bahlale ndawonye, ngoba impahla yabo yayinengi, ukuthi babengeke bahlala ndawonye. Kwasekusiba khona ukuxabana phakathi kwabelusi bezifuyo zikaAbrama labelusi bezifuyo zikaLothi lamaPerizi ayehlala elizweni. UAbrama wasesithi kuLothi: Kakungabi khona-ke ukuxabana phakathi kwami lawe, laphakathi kwabelusi bami labelusi bakho, ngoba singamadoda osendo. Ilizwe lonke kaliphambi kwakho yini; kodwa uba kwesokunene, ngizakuya kwesokhohlo. ULothi wasephakamisa amehlo akhe, wabona lonke igceke leJodani. ULothi wasezikhethela lonke igceke leJodani; uLothi wasesiya empumalanga; basebezehlukanisa omunye komunye. UAbrama wahlala elizweni leKhanani, uLothi wasehlala emizini yemagcekeni, wamisa ithente lakheeduze leSodoma. Kodwa abantu beSodoma babebabi kakhulu. yasisithi kuAbrama emva kokuthi uLothi esehlukaniswe laye: Phakamisa-ke amehlo akho, ukhangele endaweni lapho okhona, ngasenyakatho langaseningizimu langasempumalanga langasentshonalanga, ngoba ilizwe lonke olibonayo ngizalinika wena kuze kube nininini. Njalo ngizakwenza inzalo yakho ibe njengothuli lomhlaba, kuze kuthi uba umuntu engabala uthuli lomhlaba, izabalwa lenzalo yakho. Sukuma uhambe udabule ilizwe, ebudeni balo lebubanzini balo, ngoba ngizalinika wena. UAbrama wasesusa amathente wafika wahlala ezihlahleni zama-okhi zeMamre, eziseHebroni, wakhela lapho ilathi. Kwasekusithi ensukwini zikaAmrafeli inkosi yeShinari, loTidali inkosi yezizwe, balwa impi loBera inkosi yeSodoma. Bonke labo bahlangana esigodini iSidima esiluLwandle lweTshwayi. Babemkhonzile uKedolawoma okweminyaka elitshumi lambili, kodwa ngomnyaka wetshumi lantathu bavukela. Langomnyaka wetshumi lane kweza uKedolawoma, lamakhosi ayelaye, batshaya amaRefa egcekeni leKiriyathayimi, lamaHori entabeni yeSeyiri. Basebebuyela bafika eEnimishipati eliyiKadeshi, batshaya ilizwe lonke lamaAmaleki, njalo lamaAmori ayehlala eHazazoni-Tamari. Kwasekuphuma inkosi yeSodoma lenkosi yeGomora, lenkosi yeAdima lenkosi yeZeboyimi, lenkosi yeBhela eliyiZowari, bahlomisa impi bemelene labo esigodini iSidima, emelane loKedolawoma inkosi yeElamu, loTidali inkosi yezizwe, loAmrafeli inkosi yeShinari, loAriyoki inkosi yeElasari; amakhosi amane emelane lamakhosi amahlanu. Lesigodi seSidima sasilemigodigodi yengcino, asethatha yonke impahla yeSodoma leyeGomora, lokudla kwabo bonke, ahamba. Amthatha loLothi lempahla yakhe, indodana yomfowabo kaAbrama. Kwasekusiza owayephunyukile, wamlandisela uAbrama umHebheru, owayehlala ezihlahleni zama-okhi zeMamre. Kwathi uAbrama esezwile ukuthi umfowabo uthunjiwe. Wasezehlukanisa emelane lawo ebusuku, yena lenceku zakhe, wawatshaya, waxotshana lawo waze wafika eHoba, ekwesokhohlo seDamaseko. Wasebuyisa yonke impahla, njalo loLothi umfowabo lempahla yakhe, labesifazana labo labantu. Inkosi yeSodoma yasiphuma ukumhlangabeza, esebuyile ekutshayeni uKedolawoma lamakhosi ayelaye, esigodini iShave, esiyisigodi senkosi. UMelkizedeki inkosi yeSalema. Wasembusisa wathi: Kabusiswe uAbrama nguNkulunkulu. Kabusiswe-ke uNkulunkulu. Inkosi yeSodoma yasisithi kuAbrama: Nginika abantu, kodwa uzithathele impahla. UAbrama wasesithi eNni yeSodoma: Ngiphakamise isandla sami eNni uNkulunkulu oPhezukonke, uMnini wamazulu lomhlaba, ngithi kangiyikuthatha kusukela kumucu kusiya emchilweni wenyathela, kukho konke olakho! Hlezi uthi: Mina ngimnothisile uAbrama. Ngaphandle kwalokho kuphela akudlileyo amajaha, lesabelo samadoda ahambe lami, uAneri, uEshikoli loMamre, bona kabathathe isabelo sabo. Emva kwalezizinto ilizwi leN leza kuAbrama ngombono, lisithi: Ungesabi Abrama. UAbrama wasesithi: Nkosi Jehova, uzangiphani? Njengoba lokhe ngingelamntwana; lomphathi wendlu yami ungoweDamaseko uEliyezeri. UAbrama wasesithi: Khangela, kimi kawuphanga nzalo; njalo khangela, ozelwe endlini yami uzakuba yindlalifa yami. Khangela-ke ilizwi leN laba kuye lisithi: Lo kayikudla ilifa lakho, kodwa ozaphuma emibilini yakho, yena uzakudla ilifa lakho. Wasemkhuphela phandle wathi: Khangela-ke emazulwini, ubale. Wasekholwa eNni. Yasisithi kuye: NgiyiN, eyakukhupha eUri yamaKhaladiya. Wasesithi: Nkosi Jehova, ngizakwazi ngani ukuthi lizakuba yilifa lami? Yasisithi kuye: Ngithathela ithokazi elileminyaka emithathu, lesibhuzikazi esileminyaka emithathu, lenqama eleminyaka emithathu, lejuba, lephuphu lenkwilimba. Wasesisa kuyo zonke lezizinto, wazidabula phakathi. Inyoni ezidla inyama zasezisehlela phezu kwezidumbu, uAbrama wasezixotshela khatshana. Kwasekusithi ilanga selitshona, ubuthongo obukhulu bajuma uAbrama; khangela-ke, uvalo lomnyama omkhulu lwehlela phezu kwakhe. Yasisithi kuAbrama: Yazi lokwazi ukuthi inzalo yakho izakuba yisihambi elizweni elingeyisilo layo. Kodwa lesizwe abazasisebenzela ngizasigweba. Kodwa wena uzakuya. Isizukulwana sesine. Kwasekusithi ilanga selitshonile sekumnyama, khangela-ke, imbawula ethunqayo lesihlanti somlilo esadabula phakathi kwalezozingxenye. Ngalolosuku yenza isivumelwano loAbrama isithi: Enzalweni yakho nginikele lelilizwe kuze kube semfuleni omkhulu, umfula iYufrathi, amaKeni lamaKenizi lamaKadimoni lamaHethi lamaAmori lamaKhanani lamaJebusi. USarayi umkaAbrama wayengamzaleli-ke abantwana. USarayi; ake ungene encekwini yami, mhlawumbe ngingakhiwa ngayo. UAbrama waselalela ilizwi likaSarayi. Ngakho uSarayi umkaAbrama wamthatha uHagari umGibhithekazi incekukazi yakhe, ekupheleni kweminyaka elitshumi uAbrama esehlale elizweni leKhanani, wasemnika uAbrama indoda yakhe ukuthi abe ngumkakhe. Wasengena kuHagari, wasethatha isisu. Esebonile ukuthi uzithwele, inkosikazi yakhe yasideleleka emehlweni akhe. USarayi wasesithi kuAbrama: Ububi bami buphezu kwakho. Mina nginike incekukazi yami esifubeni sakho, ithe isibonile ukuthi izithwele, ngiyadeleleka emehlweni ayo. kayahlulele phakathi kwami lawe. UAbrama wasesithi kuSarayi: Khangela, incekukazi yakho isesandleni sakho. Ingilosi yeN yasiyifica emthonjeni wamanzi enkangala. Yasisithi: Hagari, ncekukazi kaSarayi, uvela ngaphi, uya ngaphi? Yasisithi: Ngibalekela ubuso bukaSarayi inkosikazi yami. Ingilosi yeN yasisithi kuyo: Buyela enkosikazini yakho, ubusuzehlisela ngaphansi kwezandla zayo. Ingilosi yeN yathi kuyo futhi: Ngizakwandisa kakhulu inzalo yakho ukuze ingabalwa ngenxa yobunengi. Ingilosi yeN yasisithi kuyo: Khangela, uzithwele, futhi uzazala indodana, njalo uzayitha ibizo layo uthinguIshmayeli, ngoba izwile ukuhlupheka kwakho. Yona-ke izakuba ngumuntu ongubabhemi ongathambanga. Waseyitha eyakhuluma laye ibizo lokuthi: Wena Nkulunkulu wokubona. Ngoba wathi: Lapha lami ngimkhangele yini ongibonayo? Ngakho umthombo wabizwa ngokuthiiBeri-Lahayi-Royi leBeredi. UHagari wasemzalela uAbrama indodana; uAbrama wasesitha ibizo lendodana yakhe, uHagari ayizalayo, wathinguIshmayeli. Njalo uAbrama wayeleminyaka engamatshumi ayisificaminwembili lesithupha mhla uHagari emzalela uAbrama uIshmayeli. Kwathi uAbrama eseleminyaka engamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye lesificamunwemunye yasibonakala kuAbrama, yathi kuye: NginguNkulunkulu uSomandla. Njalo ngizakwenza isivumelwano sami phakathi kwami lawe, ngizakwandisa kakhulukazi. UAbrama wasesiwa ngobuso bakhe, uNkulunkulu wasekhuluma laye, esithi: Mina ngokwami, khangela, isivumelwano sami silawe; futhi uzakuba nguyise wezizwe ezinengi. Lebizo lakho kalisayikubizwa ngokuthiAbrama, kodwa ibizo lakho lizakuba nguAbrahama. Ngizakwenza uzale kakhulukazi. Njalo ngizamisa isivumelwano lakuyo inzalo yakho emva kwakho. Ngizanika-ke wena lenzalo yakho emva kwakho ilizwe. UNkulunkulu wasesithi kuAbrahama: Wena-ke uzagcina isivumelwano sami, wena lenzalo yakho emva kwakho ezizukulwaneni zayo. Lesi yisivumelwano sami elizasigcina phakathi kwami lani lenzalo yakho emva kwakho; sonke isilisa sisokwe kini. Lizasoka inyama yejwabu lenu; kuzakuba yisibonakaliso sesivumelwano phakathi kwami lani. Lendodana yensuku eziyisificaminwembili izasokwa phakathi kwenu, sonke isilisa ezizukulwaneni zenu, ozelwe endlini, lothengwe ngemali lakuye wonke oyisizwe, ongayisuye wenzalo yakho. Ozelwe endlini yakho lothengwe ngemali yakho kumele asokwe. Lesivumelwano sami sizakuba senyameni yenu, sibe yisivumelwano esilaphakade. Lesilisa esingasokwanga, esinyama yejwabu lingasokwanga, lowomphefumulo uzaqunywa usuke esizweni sawo, weqile isivumelwano sami. UNkulunkulu wasesithi kuAbrahama: Ngo Sarayi umkakho, ungabizi ibizo lakhe uthinguSarayi, ngoba uSara libizo lakhe. Njalo ngizambusisa, ngikunike indodana evela lakuye, amakhosi ezizwe azavela kuye. UAbrahama wasesiwa ngobuso bakhe, wahleka, wathi enhliziyweni yakhe: Oleminyaka elikhulu uzazalelwa yini? Kambe loSara oleminyaka engamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye uzazala? UAbrahama wasesithi kuNkulunkulu: Kungathi uIshmayeli angaphila phambi kwakho! UNkulunkulu wasesithi: Hatshi, uSara umkakho uzakuzalela indodana; uzayitha ibizo uthinguIsaka; njalo ngizamisa isivumelwano sami laye, sibe yisivumelwano esilaphakade kunzalo yakhe emva kwakhe. Mayelana loIshmayeli ngikuzwile-ke; khangela, ngimbusisile, njalo ngizamenza abe lenzalo. Kodwa isivumelwano sami ngizasimisa loIsaka, uSara azakuzalela yena ngalesisikhathi esimisiweyo ngomnyaka ozayo. Wasecina ukukhuluma laye, uNkulunkulu wenyuka esuka kuAbrahama. UAbrahama wasethatha uIshmayeli indodana yakhe labo bonke ababezelwe endlini yakhe labo bonke ababethengwe ngemali yakhe, sonke isilisa phakathi kwabendlu kaAbrahama, wasoka inyama yejwabu labo, ngalona lolosuku, njengalokho uNkulunkulu akutshoyo kuye. LoAbrahama wayeleminyaka engamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye lesificamunwemunye ekusokweni kwakhe inyama yejwabu lakhe. UIshmayeli-ke indodana yakhe wayeleminyaka elitshumi lantathu ekusokweni kwakhe inyama yejwabu lakhe. Ngalona lolosuku uAbrahama wasokwa loIshmayeli indodana yakhe. Lamadoda wonke omuzi wakhe, ayezelwe endlini layethengwe ngemali kowezizwe, asokwa kanye laye. yasibonakala kuye ema-okhini eMamre, wathi ehlezi emnyango wethente ekutshiseni kosuku, wasephakamisa amehlo akhe wabona, khangela-ke amadoda amathathu esuka emnyango wethente, wakhothamela emhlabathini, wasesithi: Nkosi, uba-ke ngithole umusa emehlweni akho, ngicela ungadluli usuke encekwini yakho. Ake kulethwe amanzi amalutshwana, beseligeza inyawo zenu, liphumule ngaphansi kwesihlahla. Ngizaletha-ke ucezu lwesinkwa. Asesithi: Ngokunjalo yenza njengokutsho kwakho. UAbrahama wasephangisa esiya ethenteni kuSara, wasesithi: Phangisa! Amaseya amathathu empuphu ecolekileyo! Xova, wenze amaqebelengwana. UAbrahama wasegijimela enkomeni, wathatha ithole elibuthakathaka njalo elihle, wali nika ijaha; laphangisa ukulilungisa. Wasethatha amasi lochago, lethole abelilungisile, wakubeka phambi kwawo; wema eduze lawo ngaphansi kwesihlahla, asesidla. Asesithi kuye: Ungaphi uSara umkakho? Wasesithi: Khangela, ethenteni. Yasisithi: Isibili ngizabuya kuwe ngalesi sikhathi sempilo. USara waku zwa esemnyango wethente elalingemva kwayo. UAbrahama loSara basebebadala sebelensuku ezinengi. USara wasehlekela ngaphakathi isindala yini? yasisithi kuAbrahama: Kungani uSara ehleka, esithi: Isibili lami ngizazala mina sengimdala yini? Kukhona into enzima kakhulu eNni, nga lesi sikhathi sempilo, njalo uSara u zakubalendodana. USara wasephika esithi: Kangihlekanga, ngoba wayesesaba. Kodwa wathi: Hatshi, ngoba uhlekile. Amadoda asesukuma esuka lapho akhangela phansi eSodoma; uAbrahama wasehamba lawo ewaphelekezela. yasisithi: Mina ngingamfihlela uAbrahama yini engikwenzayo? Ngoba isibili uAbrahama uzakuba yisizwe esikhulu esilamandla; lazo zonke izizwe zomhlaba zizabusiswa kuye. Ngoba ngimazile, ukuze alaye abantwana bakhe emva kwakhe, besebegcina indlela yeN ukuze benze ukulunga lokwahlulela, ukuze imehlisele uAbrahama lokho ekutshoyo ngaye. yasisithi: Ngoba isikhalo seSodoma leGomora sikhulu, langoba isono sabo sinzima kakhulu, ngizakwehla-ke. Amadoda esefulathele lapho, asesiya eSodoma. UAbrahama wasesondela? Mhlawumbe kukhona abalungileyo abangamatshumi amahlanu phakathi komuzi; kambe uzabhubhisa ungaxoleli indawo ngenxa yabalungileyo abangamatshumi amahlanu abakuwo? Kakube khatshana lawe ukwenza into enjalo, ukubulala olungileyo kanye lomubi lokuthi olungileyo abe njengomubi? yasisithi: Uba ngithola eSodoma abalungileyo abangamatshumi amahlanu phakathi komuzi, ngizaxolela yonke indawo ngenxa yabo. UAbrahama wasephendula. Mhlawumbe kuzasweleka abahlanu kubo abalungileyo abangamatshumi amahlanu; uzabhubhisa umuzi wonke ngenxa yabahlanu yini? Yasisithi: Kangiyiku wu bhubhisa uba ngithola khona abangamatshumi amane lanhlanu. Waseqhubeka elokhu ekhuluma kuyo wathi: Mhlawumbe kuzatholwa khona abangamatshumi amane. Yasisithi: Kangiyiku kw enza ngenxa yabangamatshumi amane. Wasesithi: Ngicela iNkosi ingathukutheli lapho ngikhuluma. Mhlawumbe kuzatholwa khona abangamatshumi amathathu. Yasisithi: Kangiyiku kw enza uba ngithola khona abangamatshumi amathathu. Wasesithi: Khangela-ke, ngizimisele ukukhuluma eNkosini; mhlawumbe kuzatholwa khona abangamatshumi amabili. Yasisithi: Kangiyiku wu bhubhisa ngenxa yabangamatshumi amabili. Wasesithi: Ngicela iNkosi ingathukutheli, ngizakhuluma khathesi kuphela; mhlawumbe kuzatholwa khona abalitshumi. Yasisithi: Kangiyiku wu bhubhisa ngenxa yabalitshumi. yasihamba isiqedile ukukhuluma kuAbrahama; uAbrahama wasebuyela endaweni yakhe. Ingilosi ezimbili zasezifika eSodoma, wathi mbo ngobuso emhlabathini; wasesithi: Khangelani-ke makhosi ami, ngicela liphendukele endlini yenceku yenu. Wasezincenga kakhulu zaze zaphendukela kuye zangena endlini yakhe; wazenzela ukudla, wapheka isinkwa esingelamvubelo, zasezisidla. Zingakalali, amadoda omuzi, amadoda eSodoma, azingelezela indlu, kusukela komutsha kusiya komdala, bonke abantu bevela ephethelweni lomuzi. Asembiza. ULothi wasephumela kuwo emnyango, wavala umnyango ngemva kwakhe. Wathi: Ngiyacela bazalwane, lingenzi okubi. Khangelani-ke, ngilamadodakazi amabili, angakazi indoda. Kodwa athi: Xekela le. Athi njalo: Yena lo yedwa wafika engowezizwe? Khathesi sizakwenza okubi kuwe okwedlula wona. Acindezela kakhulu indoda uLothi, asondela ukuze afohloze isivalo. Kodwa lawomadoda elula isandla sawo, amngenisa uLothi kuwo endlini, avala umnyango. Asetshaya amadoda ayesemnyango wendlu ngobuphofu, kusukela komncinyane kusiya komkhulu, aze adinwa yikudinga umnyango. Amadoda asesithi kuLothi: Useselobani lapha? Umkhwenyana lamadodana akho lamadodakazi akho, laye wonke olaye emzini, mkhuphe kulindawo, ngoba sizabhubhisa lindawo, ngoba isikhalo sabo sikhulu phambi kweN; njalo isithumile ukuthi siyibhubhise. ULothi wasephuma, wakhuluma labakhwenyana bakhe; ngoba izabhubhisa umuzi. Kodwa waba njengosomayo emehlweni abakhwenyana bakhe. Kwathi emadabukakusa, ingilosi zamcindezela uLothi, zisithi: Suka, uthathe umkakho lamadodakazi akho womabili atholakalayo, hlezi ubhujiswe ebubini bomuzi. Kodwa esazilazila, amadoda abamba isandla sakhe, lesandla somkakhe, lesandla samadodakazi akhe womabili, ngoba ilomusa kuye, asemkhupha, ambeka ngaphandle komuzi. Kwasekusithi esebakhuphele ngaphandle, yathi: Baleka ngenxa yempilo yakho, ungakhangeli ngemva kwakho, ungemi egcekeni lonke; balekela entabeni hlezi ubhujiswe. ULothi wasesithi kuwo: Kakungabi njalo, Nkosi yami. Khangela-ke, inceku yakho ithole umusa emehlweni akho, ukhulisile isihawu sakho, osenze kimi, ukugcina uphila umphefumulo wami; kodwa mina ngingeke ngiphephele entabeni, hlezi ububi bunamathele kimi, besengisifa. Khangela-ke, lumuzi useduze ukubalekela kuwo; futhi umncinyane. Ngicela ngibalekele kuwo (kambe kawumncinyane?) lomphefumulo wami uphile. Yasisithi kuye: Khangela, ngibemukele ubuso bakho lakulolu udaba, ukuze ngingawuchithi umuzi okhulume ngawo. Phangisa, balekela kuwo; ngoba ngingeze ngenza ulutho uze ufike kuwo. Ilanga laseliphumile phezu komhlaba lapho uLothi engena eZowari. yasinisa phezu kweSodoma laphezu kweGomora isibabule lomlilo, kuvela eNni kuvela emazulwini. Yasibhubhisa leyomizi legceke lonke, labo bonke ababehlala emizini, lokuhlumayo komhlaba. Kodwa umkakhe wakhangela emuva engemuva kwakhe, wasesiba yinsika yetshwayi. UAbrahama wasevuka ekuseni kakhulu, waya endaweni lapho ayemi khona phambi kweN. Wasekhangela phansi ngaseSodoma leGomora langasemhlabathini wonke wegceke, wabona, njalo khangela, intuthu yathunqa emhlabeni njengentuthu yesithando. Kwasekusithi uNkulunkulu esebhubhisile imizi yegceke uNkulunkulu wamkhumbula uAbrahama, wamkhokhela uLothi emkhupha phakathi kwencithakalo, mhla ebhubhisa imizi ayehlala kuyo uLothi. ULothi wasesenyuka esuka eZowari, wahlala entabeni, lamadodakazi akhe womabili laye, ngoba wayesesaba ukuhlala eZowari; wahlala obhalwini, yena lamadodakazi akhe womabili. Endala yasisithi kwencinyane: Ubaba u se mdala, njalo kakulandoda emhlabeni ukungena kithi, ngokwendlela yomhlaba wonke. Woza simnathise ubaba iwayini, silale laye sigcine iphila inzalo evela kubaba. Asemnathisa uyise iwayini ngalobobusuku; endala yasingena yalala loyise, futhi kakwazanga ekulaleni kwayo lekusukeni kwayo. Kwasekusithi ngosuku olulandelayo endala yathi kwencinyane: Khangela, bengilele lobaba ngobusuku obedlulileyo; asimnathise iwayini langalobubusuku, ubusungena ulale laye, ukuze sigcine iphila inzalo evela kubaba. Asemnathisa uyise iwayini langalobobusuku; lencinyane yasukuma yalala laye, futhi kakwazanga ekulaleni kwayo lekusukeni kwayo. Ngokunjalo amadodakazi womabili kaLothi athatha izisu kuyise. Endala yasizala indodana, yayitha ibizo yathinguMowabi; lowo nguyise wamaMowabi kuze kube lamuhla. Lencinyane layo yazala indodana, yayitha ibizo yathinguBenami; lowo nguyise wabantwana bakoAmoni kuze kube lamuhla. UAbrahama wasesuka lapho waya elizweni leningizimu. UAbrahama wasesithi ngoSara umkakhe: Ungudadewethu. UAbhimeleki inkosi yeGerari wathuma-ke, wathatha uSara. Kodwa uNkulunkulu weza ngenxa yowesifazana omthetheyo, ngoba uganile endodeni. Kodwa uAbhimeleki wayengasondelanga kuye. Ngakho wathi: Nkosi, uzabhubhisa lesizwe esilungileyo yini? Kayisuye yini othe kimi: Ungudadewethu? Laye uqobo wasesithi: Ungumnewethu. Ngobuqotho benhliziyo yami langobuhlophe bezandla zami ngikwenzile lokhu. UNkulunkulu wasesithi kuye ephutsheni: Lami sengazile ukuthi ngobuqotho benhliziyo yakho ukwenzile lokhu; lami futhi ngikuvimbele ukuze ungoni kimi; ngenxa yalokhu kangikuvumelanga ukuthi umthinte. Ngakho-ke buyisela umfazi wendoda, ngoba ingumprofethi; njalo izakukhulekela. UAbhimeleki wasevuka ekuseni kakhulu, wabiza zonke inceku zakhe, wakhuluma wonke la amazwi endlebeni zazo; njalo amadoda esaba kakhulu. UAbhimeleki wasembiza uAbrahama, wathi kuye: Wenzeni kithi? Ngoneni kuwe ukuthi ungilethele mina lombuso wami isono esikhulu? Wenze kimi izenzo ezingafanelanga ukwenziwa. UAbhimeleki wasesithi kuAbrahama: Uboneni, uze wenze into le? UAbrahama wasesithi: Ngoba ngacabanga ukuthi: Isibili ukwesaba uNkulunkulu kakukho kulindawo; njalo bazangibulala ngenxa yomkami. Kanti-ke isibili ung udadewethu, uyindodakazi kababa, kodwa kasiyo indodakazi kamama; wasesiba ngumkami. Kwasekusithi mhla uNkulunkulu engizulisa ngisuka endlini kababa. UAbhimeleki wasethatha izimvu lezinkomo lezinceku lezincekukazi, wapha uAbrahama, wambuyisela uSara umkakhe. UAbhimeleki wasesithi: Khangela, ilizwe lami liphambi kwakho; hlala lapho okuhle khona emehlweni akho. LakuSara wathi: Khangela, ngimnikile umnewenu. UAbrahama wasekhuleka kuNkulunkulu; uNkulunkulu wasemsilisa uAbhimeleki lomkakhe lencekukazi zakhe, ukuze bazale. Ngoba yayizivalile ngokupheleleyo izizalo zonke zabendlu kaAbhimeleki ngenxa kaSara umkaAbrahama. yasimhambela. USara wasethatha isisu uNkulunkulu abesitshilo kuye. UAbrahama wasesitha ibizo lendodana yakhe, eyazalelwa yena, uSara amzalela yona, wathinguIsaka. UAbrahama wasesoka. Njalo uAbrahama wayeleminyaka elikhulu lapho ezalelwa uIsaka indodana yakhe. USara wasesithi: UNkulunkulu ungenzele uhleko, wonke ozwayo uzahleka lami. Wathi futhi: Ngubani obengatsho kuAbrahama ukuthi: USara uzamunyisa abantwana? Ngoba ngi m zalele indodana ebudaleni bakhe. Umntwana wakhula, walunyulwa. UAbrahama wasesenza idili elikhulu mhla uIsaka elunyulwa. USara wasebona indodana kaHagari umGibhithekazi. Ngakho wathi kuAbrahama: Xotsha lesisigqilikazi lendodana yaso; ngoba indodana yalesisigqilikazi kayiyikudla ilifa kanye lendodana yami, kanye loIsaka. Lalelilizwi laba libi kakhulu emehlweni kaAbrahama, ngenxa yendodana yakhe. Kodwa uNkulunkulu wathi kuAbrahama: Kakungabi kubi emehlweni akho, ngenxa yomfana langenxa yesigqilikazi sakho; konke uSara azakutsho kuwe, lalela ilizwi lakhe, ngoba kuIsaka inzalo yakho izabizwa. Kodwa lendodana yesigqilikazi ngizayenza ibe yisizwe, ngoba iyinzalo yakho. Ngakho uAbrahama wavuka ekuseni kakhulu, wathatha isinkwa lesigxingi samanzi, wa ku nika uHagari, e ku beka emahlombe akhe, lomntwana, wamyekela wahamba. Wasehamba wazula enkangala iBherishebha. Amanzi esephelile esigxingini waphosela umntwana phansi kwesinye sezihlahlakazana. Wasehamba wahlala phansi maqondana laye, esuka kuyekhatshanyana, okungaba yikutshoka ngedandili; ngoba wathi: Kangingaboni ukufa komntwana. Wahlala maqondana laye, waphakamisa ilizwi lakhe wakhala inyembezi. UNkulunkulu wasesizwa ilizwi lomfana. Yasimemeza ingilosi kaNkulunkulu kuHagari isemazulwini, yathi kuye: Ulani, Hagari? Ungesabi, ngoba uNkulunkulu ulizwile ilizwi lomfana lapho akhona. Sukuma, uphakamise umfana, umbambe ngesandla sakho; ngoba ngizamenza abe yisizwe esikhulu. UNkulunkulu wasevula amehlo akhe, njalo wabona umthombo wamanzi; wahamba, wagcwalisa isigxingi ngamanzi, wamnathisa umfana. Njalo uNkulunkulu waba lomfana. Wahlala enkangala iParani; unina wasemthathela umfazi elizweni leGibhithe. Kwasekusithi ngalesosikhathi uAbhimeleki loFikoli. Ngakho-ke funga kimi lapha ngoNkulunkulu; njengomusa engikwenzele wona, yenza kimi, lelizweni ohlala kilo njengowemzini. UAbrahama wasesithi: Mina ngizafunga. Kodwa uAbrahama wamsola uAbhimeleki ngenxa yomthombo wamanzi ebeziwuphangile izinceku zikaAbhimeleki. UAbhimeleki wasesithi: Angazi owenze le into; njalo lawe kawungitshelanga, futhi lami kangizwanga ngakho, ngaphandle kwalamuhla. UAbrahama wasethatha izimvu lenkomo, wa zi nika uAbhimeleki; njalo bobabili benza isivumelwano. UAbrahama wabeka amawundlukazi omhlambi ayisikhombisa wodwa. UAbhimeleki wasesithi kuAbrahama: Ayini lapha lamawundlukazi ayisikhombisa owabeke wodwa? Wasesithi: Ngoba uzakwemukela esandleni sami amawundlukazi ayisikhombisa, ukuze abe yibufakazi kimi bokuthi lumthombo ngiwugebhile. Ngakho wabiza leyondawo ngokuthiyiBherishebha, ngoba lapho bafunga bobabili. Ngakho benza isivumelwano eBherishebha. UAbhimeleki wasesukuma, loFikoli induna yakhe yebutho, babuyela elizweni lamaFilisti. Wasehlanyela isihlahlasetamarisiki eBherishebha wabiza khona ibizo leN KOSI. UAbrahama wasehlala njengowezizwe elizweni lamaFilisti insuku ezinengi. Kwasekusithi emva kwalezizinto uNkulunkulu wamlinga uAbrahama, wathi kuye: Abrahama! Wathi: Khangela ngi lapha. Wasesithi: Thatha-ke indodana yakho, eyodwa eyakho, oyithandayo, uIsaka, uye elizweni leMoriya; uyinikele khona ibe ngumnikelo wokutshiswa phezu kwenye yezintaba engizakutshela yona. UAbrahama wasevuka ekuseni kakhulu, wabophela isihlalo kubabhemi wakhe, wathatha kanye laye ababili kumajaha akhe, loIsaka indodana yakhe. Wabanda inkuni zomnikelo wokutshiswa, wasukuma waya endaweni ayemtshele yona uNkulunkulu. Kwathi ngosuku lwesithathu uAbrahama waphakamisa amehlo akhe wayibona indawo isekhatshana. UAbrahama wasesithi emajaheni akhe: Salani lina lapha lobabhemi, mina lomfana sisaya laphayana njalo sizakhonza, sibuye kini futhi. UAbrahama wasethatha inkuni zomnikelo wokutshiswa, wazethesa uIsaka indodana yakhe; wathatha esandleni sakhe umlilo lengqamu; basebehamba bobabili ndawonye. UIsaka wasekhuluma kuAbrahama uyise wathi: Baba! Wasesithi: Khangela ngi lapha, mntanami. Wasesithi: Khangela, umlilo lenkuni; kodwa lingaphi iwundlu lomnikelo wokutshiswa? UAbrahama wasesithi: UNkulunkulu uzazibonela yena iwundlu lomnikelo wokutshiswa, mntanami. Bahamba-ke bobabili ndawonye. Basebefika endaweni uNkulunkulu ayemtshele yona; uAbrahama wasesakha khona ilathi; wabeka kuhle inkuni; esembophile uIsaka indodana yakhe, wambeka elathini phezu kwenkuni. UAbrahama waseselula isandla sakhe, wathatha ingqamu ukuze ayihlabe indodana yakhe. Kwasekumemeza kuye ingilosi yeN isemazulwini yathi: Abrahama, Abrahama! Wathi: Khangela ngi lapha. Yasisithi: Ungeluleli isandla sakho emfaneni, lokhu ungayigodlanga indodana yakho eyodwa kimi. UAbrahama wasephakamisa amehlo akhe, wabona, khangela-ke, inqama emuva ibanjiwe esixukwini ngezimpondo zayo. UAbrahama wasehamba wayithatha inqama, wayinikela ibe ngumnikelo wokutshiswa esikhundleni sendodana yakhe. UAbrahama wasesitha ibizo laleyondawo wathiuJehova-jire, njengoba kutshiwo la lamuhla ukuthi: Entabeni yeN kuzanakekelwa. Ingilosi yeN yasimemeza uAbrahama ngokwesibili isemazulwini, yathi: Ngizifungile, itsho iN, ukuthi njengoba wenzile le into ungayigodlanga indodana yakho, eyakho eyodwa, qotho ngizakubusisa lokukubusisa, ngiyandise lokuyandisa inzalo yakho njengenkanyezi zamazulu, lenzalweni yakho zonke izizwe zomhlaba zizabusiswa. UAbrahama wasebuyela emajaheni akhe; basebesukuma, bahamba ndawonye eBherishebha; uAbrahama wasehlala eBherishebha. Kwasekusithi emva kwalezizinto kwabikwa kuAbrahama ukuthi: Khangela, uMilka laye umzalele uNahori umfowenu abantwana, uUzi umfowabo, loKemuweli uyise kaAramu, loKesedi, loHazo, loPilidashi, loJidilafi, loBethuweli, uBethuweli; laba abayisificaminwembili uMilka wabazalela uNahori, umfowabo kaAbrahama. Lomfazi wakhe omncane obizo lakhe linguRewuma, laye wazala uTeba loGahama loTahashi loMahaka. Njalo impilo kaSara yayiyiminyaka elikhulu lamatshumi amabili lesikhombisa; yiyoiminyaka yempilo kaSara. USara wasefela eKiriyathi-Arba elizweni leKhanani. UAbrahama wasesiza ukumkhalela uSara lokumlilela. UAbrahama wasesukuma ebusweni bofileyo wakhe, wakhuluma kumadodana kaHethi, esithi: Ngingowezizwe lowemzini phakathi kwenu ukuze ngimngcwabe ofileyo wami ngimsuse phambi kwami. Amadodana kaHethi asemphendula uAbrahama, athi kuye: Sizwe, nkosi yami! Uyisikhulu esilamandla phakathi kwethu; ngcwaba ofileyo wakho kwelihle lamangcwaba ethu; kakho phakathi kwethu ozakugodlela ingcwaba lakhe ukuthi ungamngcwabi ofileyo wakho. UAbrahama wasesukuma, wakhothamela abantu balelolizwe, phambi kwamadodana kaHethi. Wasekhuluma labo esithi: Uba kungentando yenu ukuthi ngimngcwabe ofileyo wami ngimsuse phambi kwami, ngizweni, lingincengele kuEfroni indodana kaZohari ukuze anginike ubhalu lweMakaphela alalo, olusemngceleni wesiqinti sakhe, angiphe lona ngemali egcweleyo, lube yindawo yami yokungcwabela phakathi kwenu. UEfroni wayehlezi-ke phakathi kwamadodana kaHethi, njalo uEfroni umHethi wamphendula uAbrahama endlebeni zamadodana kaHethi, lezabo bonke abangena esangweni lomuzi wakhe, esithi: Hatshi, nkosi yami, ngizwe; isiqinti ngiyakunika, lobhalu olukuso ngiyakunika; phambi kwamehlo amadodana abantu bami ngiyakunika lona; ngcwaba ofileyo wakho. UAbrahama wasekhothamela phansi phambi kwabantu balelolizwe. Wasekhuluma kuEfroni endlebeni zabantu belizwe esithi: Kodwa nxa ku nguwe, ake ungilalele; ngizanika imali yesiqinti; yemukele kimi, besengingcwaba ofileyo wami khona. UEfroni wasemphendula uAbrahama esithi kuye: Nkosi yami, ngizwe; isiqinti samashekeli esiliva angamakhulu amane, siyini phakathi kwami lawe? Ngakho ngcwaba ofileyo wakho. UAbrahama wasemlalela uEfroni; uAbrahama wasemlinganisela uEfroni isiliva ayekhulume ngaso endlebeni zamadodana kaHethi, amashekeli esiliva angamakhulu amane avunywa kumthengisi. Ngakho isiqinti sikaEfroni kuAbrahama kube yimpahla phambi kwamehlo amadodana kaHethi phakathi kwabo bonke abangena esangweni lomuzi wakhe. Lemva kwalokho uAbrahama wamngcwaba uSara umkakhe obhalwini lwesiqinti seMakaphela maqondana leMamre, okuyiHebroni elizweni leKhanani. Isiqinti lobhalu olukuso kwaqiniseka kuAbrahama kube yindawo yakhe yokungcwabela kuvela kumadodana kaHethi. UAbrahama wayesemdala eselensuku ezinengi; leN yayimbusisile kukho konke. UAbrahama wasesithi encekwini yakhe, endala yendlu yakhe, ukuze ngikufungise, engihlala phakathi kwawo; kodwa uzakuya, uyithathele umfazi indodana yami uIsaka. Inceku yasisithi kuye: Mhlawumbe owesifazana angafuni ukungilandela kulelilizwe, ngingayibuyisela lokuyibuyisela yini indodana yakho elizweni owaphuma kulo? UAbrahama wasesithi kuye: Qaphela ukuthi ungayibuyiseli khona indodana yami. IN, uNkulunkulu wamazulu, eyangithatha endlini kababa, ukuze uyithathele khona umfazi indodana yami. Kodwa uba owesifazana engafuni ukukulandela, uzakuba ukhululekile kulesisifungo sami; kuphela ungayibuyiseli indodana yami khona. Inceku yasibeka isandla sayo ngaphansi kwethangazi likaAbrahama inkosi yayo, yafunga kuye ngaloludaba. Njalo inceku yasithatha amakamela. Yasiguqisa amakamela ngaphandle komuzi emthonjeni wamanzi ngesikhathi santambama, ngesikhathi sokuphuma kwabakhi bamanzi besifazana. Yasisithi: N, Nkulunkulu wenkosi yami uAbrahama. Khangela, ngimi emthonjeni wamanzi. Njalo kuzakuthi intombazana engizakuthi kuyo: Ake ukhothamise imbiza yakho ukuze nginathe, ibisisithi: Natha, lamakamela akho ngizawanathisa; yiyo oyimisele inceku yakho uIsaka; ngalokho-ke ngizakwazi ukuthi uyenzele umusa inkosi yami. Kwasekusithi ingakaqedi ukukhuluma, khangela-ke, uRebeka waphuma, owazalelwa uBethuweli indodana kaMilka, umkaNahori umfowabo kaAbrahama, njalo elembiza ehlombe lakhe. Njalo inkazana yayikhangeleka kuhle kakhulu, intombi emsulwa, okungelandoda eyaziyo; yasisehlela emthonjeni, yagcwalisa imbiza yayo, yenyuka. Inceku yasigijima ukuyihlangabeza yathi: Ake unginathise amanzi amalutshwana embizeni yakho. Yasisithi: Natha, nkosi yami. Yaphangisa yehlisela imbiza yayo esandleni sayo, yayinathisa. Isiqedile ukuyinathisa yathi: Ngizakhelela lamakamela akho aze aqede ukunatha. Yasiphangisa yathululela isigxingi sayo emkolweni wokunathela, yabuya yagijimela emthonjeni ukuyakukha, yakhelelela amakamela ayo wonke. Indoda yasiyikhangelisisa ithule ukuze yazi ukuthi iyiphumelelisile indlela yayo kumbe hatshi. Kwasekusithi amakamela eseqedile ukunatha, indoda yasithatha icici legolide, osisindo salo sasiyingxenye yeshekeli, lamasongo amabili ezandleni zayo, isisindo sawo saba ngama shekelialitshumi egolide. Yasisithi: Uyindodakazi kabani? Ake utsho. Kukhona indawo yethu yini endlini kayihlo ukuthi silale? Yasisithi kuyo: Ngiyindodakazi kaBethuweli indodana kaMilka owayizalela uNahori. Yathi kuyo futhi: Silakho konke amahlanga lokudla kwezinyamazana okunengi, lendawo yokulala. Indoda yasikhothama, yakhonza iN, yasisithi: Ibusisiwe iN, uNkulunkulu wenkosi yami uAbrahama, engayekelanga umusa wayo lobuqotho bayo. Intombi yasigijima, yazisa indlu kanina indaba ezinje. Njalo uRebeka wayelomnewabo obizo lakhe lalinguLabani; uLabani wasegijimela phandle endodeni emthonjeni. Kwasekusithi esebonile icici lamasongo ezandleni zikadadewabo, esezwile amazwi kaRebeka udadewabo okuthi: Itsho njalo indoda kimi; wasesiya endodeni, khangela-ke, yayimi ngasemakameleni emthonjeni. Wasesithi: Ngena wena obusisiweyo weN; umeleni ngaphandle? Ngoba mina sengilungisile indlu lendawo yamakamela. Indoda yasisiza endlini, yakhulula amakamela, wasenika amakamela amahlanga lokudla kwenyamazana. Kwasekubekwa ukudla phambi kwayo; kodwa yathi: Kangiyikudla ngize ngikhulume indaba zami. Wasesithi: Khuluma. Yasisithi: Ngiyinceku kaAbrahama. Futhi iyibusisile kakhulu inkosi yami, yaze yaba nkulu. Yayinika izimvu lezinkomo, lesiliva legolide, lezinceku lezincekukazi, lamakamela labobabhemi. Njalo uSara inkosikazi yenkosi yami uyizalele inkosi yami indodana emva kokuba esemdala. Inkosi yami yasingifungisa isithi: Ungayithatheli indodana yami umfazi kumadodakazi amaKhanani, engihlala elizweni lawo; kodwa uzakuya endlini kababa lezihlotsheni zami, ubusuyithathela indodana yami umfazi. Ngasengisithi enkosini yami: Mhlawumbe owesifazana kayikungilandela. Yasisithi kimi: IN KOSI, njalo uzayithathela indodana yami umfazi ezihlotsheni zami lendlini kababa. Emva kwalokho uzakhululeka esifungweni sami uba uye ezihlotsheni zami njalo uba bengakuniki yena, uzakhululeka-ke esifungweni sami. Kuthe ngifika emthonjeni lamuhla, ngathi: N, Nkulunkulu wenkosi yami uAbrahama; khangela, ngimi emthonjeni wamanzi; njalo kakuthi intombi ezaphuma ukukha lengizakuthi kuyo: Ake unginathise amanzi amalutshwana esigxingini sakho; ibisisithi kimi: Natha lawe, futhi ngizakhelelela lamakamela akho. Ngingakaqedi ukukhuluma enhliziyweni yami, khangela-ke, uRebeka waphuma lesigxingi sisehlombe lakhe; wehlela emthonjeni, wakha. Ngasengisithi kuye: Akunginathise. Wasephangisa, wethula isigxingi kuye wathi: Natha, futhi ngizanathisa lamakamela akho. Ngasenginatha, wasenathisa lamakamela. Ngasengimbuza ngathi: Uyindodakazi kabani? Wasesithi: Indodakazi kaBethuweli, indodana kaNahori uMilka amzalela yona; ngasengifaka icici emakhaleni akhe lamasongo ezandleni zakhe. Ngasengikhothama. Khathesi-ke uba lizayenzela inkosi yami umusa lobuqotho, ngitshelani; uba-ke kungenjalo, ngitshelani, ukuze ngiphendukele ngakwesokunene loba ngakwesokhohlo. Khona oLabani loBethuweli baphendula, bathi: Le into ivela eNni; kasilakutsho lutho kuwe, olubi kumbe oluhle. Khangela, uRebeka uphambi kwakho; m thathe uhambe, ukuze abe ngumkandodana yenkosi yakho, njengoba ikhulumile. Kwasekusithi inceku kaAbrahama isizwile amazwi abo yakhothamela emhlabathini phambi kweN. Inceku yasikhupha imiceciso yesiliva, lemiceciso yegolide, lezembatho, yakunika uRebeka, yabanika lomnewabo lonina impahla eziligugu. Basebesidla banatha, yona lamadoda ayelayo, balala; bavuka ekuseni, yasisithi: Ngiyekelani ngiye enkosini yami. Kodwa umnewabo lonina bathi: Kayihlale lathi intombazana izinsuku loba ezilitshumi, emva kwalokho uhambe. Yasisithi kubo: Lingangibambeleli, lokhu iphumelelisile indlela yami; ngiyekelani ngihambe ukuze ngiye enkosini yami. Basebesithi: Asiyibize intombi, sizwe emlonyeni wayo. Basebembiza uRebeka, bathi kuye: Uzahamba lalindoda yini? Wasesithi: Ngizahamba. Basebemyekela ehamba uRebeka udadewabo lomlizane wakhe, lenceku kaAbrahama lamadoda ayo. Basebembusisa uRebeka, bathi kuye: Wena dadewethu, woba zinkulungwane zezigidi! URebeka wasesukuma lamantombazana akhe, bagada amakamela, balandela indoda; inceku yasimthatha uRebeka, yahamba. UIsaka wasefika lapho abavelela khona emthonjeni iLahayi-Royi, njalo wayehlala elizweni leningizimu. UIsaka wasephuma ukuyazindla ensimini sekuntambama; waphakamisa amehlo akhe wabona, khangela-ke, amakamela ayesiza. LoRebeka waphakamisa amehlo akhe; esembonile uIsaka waziwisa ekamelweni. Wasesithi encekwini: Ngubani lindoda ehamba emasimini ukusihlangabeza? Inceku yasisithi: Yinkosi yami. Wasethatha isimbombozo, wazigubuzela. Inceku yasilandisa kuIsaka zonke indaba ezenzileyo. UIsaka wasemngenisa ethenteni likaSara unina, wamthatha uRebeka, waba ngumkakhe, wamthanda. UIsaka waseduduzwa. UAbrahama wasebuya wathatha umfazi, lebizo lakhe linguKetura. Wasemzalela uZimrani loJokishani loMedani loMidiyani loIshibaki loShuwa. UJokishani wasezala uShebha loDedani. Lamadodana kaDedani ayengamaAshuri lamaLetushi lamaLewumi. Njalo amadodana kaMidiyani ayengoEfa loEferi loHanoki loAbida loElidaha. Wonke la ngamadodana kaKetura. UAbrahama wasemupha uIsaka konke ayelakho. Kodwa kumadodana abafazi abancane uAbrahama ayelabo uAbrahama wawanika izipho; wawasusa kuIsaka indodana yakhe. Lalezi zinsuku zeminyaka yempilo kaAbrahama ayiphilayo, iminyaka elikhulu lamatshumi ayisikhombisa lanhlanu. UAbrahama wasephela, wafa eseluphele kuhle emdala enele. UIsaka loIshmayeli amadodana akhe basebemngcwaba obhalwini lweMakaphela, esiqintini sikaEfroni indodana kaZohari umHethi, esiqondene leMamre, isiqinti uAbrahama asithenga ebantwaneni bakaHethi. Kwasekusithi emva kokufa kukaAbrahama, uNkulunkulu wambusisa uIsaka indodana yakhe; uIsaka wasehlala emthonjeni iLahayi-Royi. Lalezi yizizukulwana zikaIshmayeli indodana kaAbrahama, uHagari umGibhithekazi, incekukazi kaSara, amzalela uAbrahama. Lala ngamabizo amadodana kaIshmayeli ngamabizo awo njengokuzalwa kwawo; izibulo likaIshmayeli nguNebayothi, loKedari loAdibeli loMibisama loMishima loDuma loMasa, uHadadi loTema, uJeturi, uNafishi loKedema; la ngamadodana kaIshmayeli, njalo la ngamabizo awo ngemizana yawo langezinqaba zawo, iziphathamandla ezilitshumi lambili ngezizwe zawo. Njalo le yiminyaka yempilo kaIshmayeli, iminyaka elikhulu lamatshumi amathathu lesikhombisa; wasephela, wafa, wabuthelwa ebantwini bakibo. Basebehlala kusukela eHavila ephambi kweGibhithe, ekuhambeni usiya eAsiriya; wahlala phambi kobuso babafowabo bonke. Lalezi yizizukulwana zikaIsaka indodana kaAbrahama; uAbrahama wazala uIsaka. UIsaka wayeseleminyaka engamatshumi amane mhla ethatha uRebeka, indodakazi kaBethuweli umSiriya, ukuba ngumkakhe. UIsaka wasemncengela umkakhe eNni, ngoba wayeyinyumba; yasincengeka ngaye, kwaze kwathi uRebeka umkakhe wathatha isisu. Abantwana babedubana-ke ngaphakathi kwakhe; wasesithi: Uba kunjalo, kungani nginje? Wasesiyabuza iN. yasisithi kuye: Izizwe ezimbili zisesizalweni sakho. Kwathi sezigcwalisekile insuku zakhe zokubeletha, khangela-ke, amaphahla esiswini sakhe. Kwasekuphuma owokuqala ebomvana, yena wonke enjengesembatho soboya; ngakho bamutha ibizo lakhe bathi ng uEsawu. Njalo emva kwalokho kwaphuma umfowabo, lesandla sakhe sibambelele esithendeni sikaEsawu. LoIsaka wayeleminyaka engamatshumi ayisithupha ekuzalweni kwabo. Abafana basebekhula; uEsawu wasesiba ngumzingeli ohlakaniphileyo. Njalo uIsaka wayemthanda uEsawu ngoba wadla inyama yenyamazana. Kwathi uJakobe esephekile ukudla okuphekiweyo, kwasekufika uEsawu evela egangeni, ekhathele. UEsawu wasesithi kuJakobe: Ake ungivumele ngiginye kokubomvu lokho okubomvu, ngoba ngikhathele. Ngalokhu babiza ibizo lakhe ngokuthiuEdoma. UJakobe wasesithi: Ngithengisela lamuhla ilungelo lobuzibulo bakho. UEsawu wasesithi: Khangela, sengizakufa; njalo liyini kimi ilungelo lobuzibulo? UJakobe wasesithi: Funga kimi lamuhla. Wasefunga kuye, wathengisa ilungelo lobuzibulo bakhe kuJakobe. UJakobe wasenika uEsawu isinkwa lokudla okuphekiweyo kwamalentili; wasesidla wanatha, wasukuma wahamba; ngalokho uEsawu wadelela ilungelo lobuzibulo bakhe. Kwasekusiba khona indlala elizweni, ngaphandle kwendlala yakuqala eyayikhona ensukwini zikaAbrahama, eGerari. yasibonakala kuye, yathi: Ungehleli eGibhithe, hlala elizweni engizakutshela lona; hlala njengowezizwe kulelilizwe. Ngizakwandisa inzalo yakho njengenkanyezi zamazulu; ngalokhu ukuthi uAbrahama walalela ilizwi lami, wagcina ukulaya kwami, imilayo yami, izimiso zami lemithetho yami. UIsaka wahlala-ke eGerari. Amadoda aleyondawo asebuza ngomkakhe. Wasesithi: Ungudadewethu; ngoba wesaba ukuthi: Umkami. Kwasekusithi esehlale khona isikhathi eside, uAbhimeleki inkosi yamaFilisti walunguza phansi ngewindi, wabona, khangela-ke, uIsaka wayedlala loRebeka umkakhe. UAbhimeleki wasembiza uIsaka, wathi: Isibili, khangela, ungumkakho; utsho ngani ukuthi: Ungudadewethu? UIsaka wasesithi kuye: Ngoba ngathi, hlezi ngife ngenxa yakhe. UAbhimeleki wasesithi: Kuyini lokhu okwenze kithi? Bekulula ukuthi omunye wabantu alale lomkakho; ubususibeka icala. UAbhimeleki waselaya wonke umuntu, esithi: Othinta lindoda lomkayo uzabulawa isibili. UIsaka wasehlanyela kulelolizwe, wathola ngalowomnyaka okuphindwe kalikhulu; yasimbusisa. Lowomuntu waba mkhulu, waqhubeqhubeka waba mkhulu waze waba mkhulu kakhulu. Njalo wayelemfuyo yezimvu lemfuyo yezinkomo lenceku ezinengi; ngakho amaFilisti aba lomhawu ngaye. Lemithombo yonke izinceku zikayise ezaziyigebhile ensukwini zikaAbrahama uyise, amaFilisti ayeyivalile, ayigcwalisa ngenhlabathi. UAbhimeleki wasesithi kuIsaka: Suka kithi, ngoba ulamandla kakhulu kulathi. UIsaka wasesuka lapho, wamisa inkamba esigodini seGerari, wahlala khona. UIsaka wabuya waphanda imithombo yamanzi ababeyigebhile ensukwini zikaAbrahama uyise, ngoba amaFilisti ayeyivalile emva kokufa kukaAbrahama. Wayibiza amabizo ngamabizo uyise ayewabizile. Izinceku zikaIsaka zasezigebha esihotsheni, zathola khona umthombo wamanzi agobhozayo. Njalo abelusi beGerari babangisana labelusi bakaIsaka, besithi: Amanzi ngawethu. Ngakho wabiza ibizo lomthombo iEseki, ngoba baphikisana laye. Zasezigebha omunye umthombo, lalowo-ke bawubanga. Wasebiza ibizo lawo iSitina. Waseqhubeka wasuka lapho, wagebha omunye umthombo, kodwa lowo kabawubanganga. Wasewubiza ibizo lawo iRehobothi, wathi: Ngoba isisenzele indawo, futhi sizakuba lesithelo elizweni. Wasesenyuka lapho waya eBherishebha. yasibonakala kuye ngalobobusuku yathi: NginguNkulunkulu kaAbrahama uyihlo, ngizakubusisa ngiyandise inzalo yakho ngenxa kaAbrahama inceku yami. Wasesakha khona ilathi, wabiza ebizweni leN, wamisa khona ithente lakhe, lenceku zikaIsaka zagebha khona umthombo. UAbhimeleki wasesiya kuye evela eGerari loAhuzathi umngane wakhe loFikoli induna yebutho lakhe. UIsaka wasesithi kubo: Lizeleni kimi, lokhu liyangizonda, lingixotshile kini? Basebesithi: Sesibonile lokubona ukuthi ilawe. Ngakho sathi: Ake kube khona isifungo phakathi kwethu, phakathi kwethu lawe, asenze isivumelwano lawe, sokuthi ungasenzeli okubi, njengoba singakuthintanga, njengoba sikwenzele okuhle kuphela, sakuyekela wahamba ngokuthula; wena khathesi ungobusisiweyo weN. Wasebenzela idili, basebesidla banatha. Basebevuka ekuseni kakhulu, bafungisana omunye komunye; uIsaka wasebayekela bahamba, basuka kuye ngokuthula. Kwasekusithi ngalolosuku izinceku zikaIsaka zafika, zambikela mayelana lomthombo ezaziwugebhile, zathi kuye: Sithole amanzi. Wawubiza ngokuthi yiShebha kuze kube lamuhla. Kwasekusithi uEsawu eseleminyaka engamatshumi amane wathatha umfazi uJudithi indodakazi kaBeri umHethi, loBasemathi indodakazi kaEloni umHethi. Lalaba baba lusizi lwawo umoya kuIsaka loRebeka. Kwasekusithi uIsaka esemdala lamehlo akhe esefiphele enga sa boni, wabiza uEsawu indodana yakhe enkulu, wathi kuye: Ndodana yami! Wasesithi kuye: Khangela ngi lapha. Wasesithi: Khangela-ke, sengimdala, angilwazi usuku lokufa kwami. Ngakho khathesi, ake uthathe izikhali zakho, isikhwama sakho semitshoko ledandili lakho, uphume uye egangeni ungizingelele inyama yenyamazana, ungilungisele ukudla okumnandi njengengikuthandayo, u ku lethe kimi ukuthi ngidle, ukuze umphefumulo wami ukubusise ngingakafi. URebeka wasesizwa lapho uIsaka ekhuluma loEsawu indodana yakhe. UEsawu wasesiya egangeni ukuyazingela inyama yenyamazana ukuze ayilethe. URebeka wasekhuluma kuJakobe indodana yakhe, esithi: Khangela, ngizwile uyihlo ekhuluma kuEsawu umnewenu, esithi: Ngilethela inyama yenyamazana, ungilungisele ukudla okumnandi ukuthi ngidle, ngikubusise phambi kweN ngingakafi. Ngakho khathesi, ndodana yami, lalela ilizwi lami kulokhu engikulaya khona. Ake uye emhlanjini, ungithathele lapho amazinyane amabili amahle ezimbuzi, ngizawenzela uyihlo ukudla okumnandi njengalokho akuthandayo; uza ku sa-ke kuyihlo ukuthi adle, ukuze akubusise engakafi. UJakobe wasesithi kuRebeka unina: Khangela, uEsawu umnewethu uyindoda elihwanqa, kodwa ngiyindoda ebutshelezi. Mhlawumbe ubaba uzangiphulula, besengisiba emehlweni akhe njengomhleka usulu, njalo ngizilethele isiqalekiso kungabi-ke yisibusiso. Unina wasesithi kuye: Isiqalekiso sakho kasibe phezu kwami, ndodana yami; kuphela lalela ilizwi lami, uhambe ungithathele wona. Wasehamba, wa wa thatha, wa wa letha kunina; unina waselungisa ukudla okumnandi njengalokho uyise akuthandayo. URebeka wasethatha izigqoko ezinhle zikaEsawu indodana yakhe enkulu, ayelazo endlini, wagqokisa uJakobe indodana yakhe encinyane; lezikhumba zamazinyane ezimbuzi wazifaka ezandleni zakhe lebutshelezini bentamo yakhe. Wasenika ukudla okumnandi lesinkwa ayekulungisile esandleni sikaJakobe indodana yakhe. Wasesiza kuyise wathi: Baba! Wasesithi: Khangela ngi lapha; ungubani ndodana yami? UJakobe wasesithi kuyise: NginguEsawu izibulo lakho; ngenze njengoba ungitshelile; ake uvuke uhlale, udle okwenyama yenyamazana yami, ukuze umphefumulo wakho ungibusise. UIsaka wasesithi endodaneni yakhe: Kungani uyithole masinyane kangaka, ndodana yami? Wasesithi: Ngoba uNkulunkulu wakho yenze ukuthi ize phambi kwami. UIsaka wasesithi kuJakobe: Ake usondele ukuze ngikuphulule, ndodana yami, ukuthi uyindodana yami uEsawu uqobo, kumbe hatshi. UJakobe wasesondela kuIsaka uyise; wasemphulula wathi: Ilizwi liyilizwi likaJakobe, kodwa izandla ziyizandla zikaEsawu. Kodwa kamazanga ngoba izandla zakhe zaziloboya njengezandla zomnewabo uEsawu; ngakho wambusisa. Wasesithi: Uyindodana yami uEsawu uqobo? Wasesithi: Ngi nguye. Wasesithi: Sondeza kimi ukuze ngidle okwenyama yenyamazana yendodana yami, ukuze umphefumulo wami ukubusise. Wase yi sondeza kuye, wasesidla; waseletha kuye iwayini, wasenatha. Uyise uIsaka wasesithi kuye: Ake usondele, ungange, ndodana yami. Wasesondela, wamanga; wasenuka iphunga lezembatho zakhe, wambusisa eyibusisileyo. Ngakho uNkulunkulu akunike okwamazolo amazulu lokokuvunda komhlaba. Abantu kabakukhonze, lezizwe zikukhothamele. Bana yinkosi yabafowenu! Kwasekusithi uIsaka eseqedile ukubusisa uJakobe, kwathi uJakobe esanda ukuphuma phambi kukaIsaka uyise, uEsawu umnewabo wafika evela ekuzingeleni kwakhe. Laye futhi walungisa ukudla okumnandi, wa ku sa kuyise; wathi kuyise: Ubaba kavuke, adle okwenyama yenyamazana yendodana yakhe, ukuze umphefumulo wakho ungibusise. UIsaka uyise wasesithi kuye: Ungubani? Wasesithi: Ngiyindodana yakho, izibulo lakho uEsawu. UIsaka wasethuthumela ngokuthuthumela okukhulukazi, wathi: Pho, ngubani ozingele inyama yenyamazana wa yi letha kimi, ngasengisidla okwayo yonke ungakafiki? Ngimbusisile, yebo uzabusiswa. Kwathi uEsawu esezwe amazwi kayise, wakhala ngokukhala okukhulu lokubabayo isibili, wathi kuyise: Ngibusisa lami njalo, baba! Wasesithi: Umfowenu ufike ngenkohliso, wathatha isibusiso sakho. Wasesithi: Kasikuthi babiza ibizo lakhe ngokuthinguJakobe, khangela-ke, khathesi uthethe isibusiso sami. Wathi futhi: Kawungigcinelanga mina isibusiso? UIsaka wasephendula wathi kuEsawu: Khangela, ngimbekile abe yinkosi phezu kwakho; pho, ngingabe ngisakwenzelani, ndodana yami? UEsawu wasesithi kuyise: Ulesibusiso esisodwa yini, baba? Ngibusisa lami njalo, baba. UEsawu waphakamisa ilizwi lakhe wakhala inyembezi. UIsaka uyise wasephendula wathi kuye: Khangela, umuzi wakho uzakuba khatshana lokuvunda komhlaba lakhatshana lamazolo amazulu avela phezulu. Njalo uzaphila ngenkemba yakho, uzakhonza umfowenu. UEsawu wasemzonda uJakobe ngenxa yesibusiso uyise ayembusise ngaso. Kwathi uRebeka etshelwa amazwi kaEsawu indodana yakhe enkulu, wathuma wabiza uJakobe indodana yakhe encinyane, wathi kuye: Khangela, uEsawu umnewenu uyaziduduza ngawe ukuthi akubulale. Ngakho khathesi, ndodana yami, lalela ilizwi lami; sukuma uzibalekele uye kuLabani umfowethu eHarani, njalo uhlale laye insuku ezinlutshwana, ize idede intukuthelo yomnewenu, kuze kuthi ulaka lomnewenu ludede kuwe, futhi akhohlwe lokho okwenze kuye; besengithuma ngikulande khona; kungani ngizalahlekelwa layini lobabili ngosuku lunye? URebeka wasesithi kuIsaka: Nginengekile yimpilo ngenxa yamadodakazi kaHethi, ngiphilelani? UIsaka wasebiza uJakobe, wambusisa, wamlaya wathi kuye: Ungathathi umfazi kumadodakazi eKhanani. Sukuma. Njalo uNkulunkulu uSomandla akubusise, akwenze ube lenzalo akwandise, ukuze ube ngumbuthano wezizwe; abesekupha isibusiso sikaAbrahama, ukuze udle ilifa lelizwe lapho ohlala khona njengowezizwe, uNkulunkulu alinika uAbrahama. UIsaka wasethuma uJakobe waya ePadani-Arama kuLabani indodana kaBethuweli umSiriya, umfowabo kaRebeka unina kaJakobe loEsawu. UEsawu wasebona ukuthi uIsaka umbusisile uJakobe, wamthuma ePadani-Arama ukuze azithathele khona umfazi, lapho embusisa wamlaya esithi: Ungathathi umfazi kumadodakazi eKhanani; lokuthi uJakobe walalela oyise lonina, waya ePadani-Arama. UEsawu wasebona ukuthi amadodakazi eKhanani ayemabi emehlweni kaIsaka uyise. Ngakho uEsawu waya kuIshmayeli, wazithathela uMahalathi, abe ngumka khephezu kwabafazi ayelabo. UJakobe wasephuma eBherishebha. Wafika endaweni, achitha khona ubusuku ngoba ilanga lalitshonile. Wasethatha ilitsheematsheni aleyondawo, wenza umqamelo wakhe, walala kuleyondawo. Waphupha. Khangela-ke, yema phezu kwalo; njalo inzalo yakho izakuba ngangothuli lomhlaba. Khangela-ke, ngilawe ngize ngikwenze lokho engikhulume ngakho kuwe. Kwathi uJakobe ephaphama ebuthongweni bakhe, wathi: Isibili ikulindawo, mina-ke benginga kw azi. Wasesesaba wathi: Yesabeka kangakanani lindawo! Kayisilutho ngaphandle kokuthi yindlu kaNkulunkulu, laleli lisango lamazulu. UJakobe wasevuka ekuseni kakhulu, wathatha ilitshe alenza laba ngumqamelo wakhe, walimisa laba yinsika. Wasebiza ibizo laleyondawo iBhetheli; kodwa-ke kuqala ibizo lomuzi laliyiLuzi. UJakobe wasethembisa isithembiso, njalo ngibuyele ngokuthula endlini kababa, lelitshe leli engilimise ukuthi libe yinsika lizakuba yindlu kaNkulunkulu. UJakobe wasephakamisa inyawo zakhe, waya elizweni labantwana bempumalanga. Wasebona, khangela-ke, umthombo emmangweni, khangela-ke lapho, imihlambi emithathu yezimvu yayilele kuwo, ngoba kulowomthombo banathisa imihlambi; kwakukhona ilitshe elikhulu emlonyeni womthombo. Njalo yonke imihlambi yabuthelwa khona, sebeligiqile ilitshe lisuka emlonyeni womthombo banathisa izimvu, basebebuyisela ilitshe emlonyeni womthombo endaweni yalo. UJakobe wasesithi kibo: Bazalwane bami, livela ngaphi? Basebesithi: Sivela eHarani. Wasesithi kibo: Liyamazi yini uLabani indodana kaNahori? Basebesithi: Siya m azi. Wasesithi kibo: Uyaphila yini? Basebesithi: U philile; khangela-ke, uRasheli indodakazi yakhe, uyeza lezimvu. Wasesithi: Khangelani, kusesemini enkulu, kayisiso isikhathi sokuthi izifuyo zibuthaniswe; nathisani izimvu, lihambe li zi dlise. Basebesithi: Singeke, kuze kubuthaniswe imihlambi yonke, bagiqe-ke ilitshe lisuke emlonyeni womthombo; khona sizanathisa izimvu. Esakhuluma labo, uRasheli wafika lezimvu, ezingezikayise, ngoba wayengumelusikazi. Kwasekusithi uJakobe ebona uRasheli indodakazi kaLabani umalumakhe lezimvu zikaLabani umalumakhe, uJakobe wasondela, waligiqa ilitshe lisuke emlonyeni womthombo, wazinathisa izimvu zikaLabani umalumakhe. UJakobe wasemanga uRasheli, waphakamisa ilizwi lakhe wakhala izinyembezi. UJakobe wasemazisa uRasheli ukuthi ungumfowabo kayise lokuthi uyindodana kaRebeka. Kwasekusithi uLabani esezwile umbiko kaJakobe indodana kadadewabo, wagijima ukuyamhlangabeza, wamgona, wamanga, wamngenisa endlini yakhe. UJakobe waselandisela uLabani zonke lezizinto. ULabani wasesithi kuye: Isibili ulithambo lami lenyama yami. Wahlala laye inyanga yonke. ULabani wasesithi kuJakobe: Njengoba ungumfowethu, usuzangisebenzela mahala yini? Ngitshela ukuthi umholo wakho uzakuba yini? Njalo uLabani wayelamadodakazi amabili, ibizo lenkulu linguLeya lebizo lencinyane linguRasheli. Kodwa uLeya wayelamehlo abuthakathaka, kodwa uRasheli wayemuhle ngesimo, njalo wayemuhle ngokukhangeleka. UJakobe wasemthanda uRasheli. Wathi: Ngizakusebenzela iminyaka eyisikhombisa ngoRasheli indodakazi yakho encane. ULabani wasesithi: Kungcono ukuthi ngimnike wena kulokuthi ngimnike enye indoda; hlala lami. UJakobe wasemsebenzela uRasheli iminyaka eyisikhombisa; yaba emehlweni akhe njengensuku ezinlutshwana, ngenxa yokumthanda kwakhe. UJakobe wasesithi kuLabani: Ngi pha umkami, ngoba insuku zami sezigcwalisekile, ukuthi ngingene kuye. ULabani wasebuthanisa wonke amadoda aleyondawo, wenza idili. Kwasekusithi kusihlwa wathatha uLeya indodakazi yakhe wamusa kuye, wasengena kuye. ULabani wasemnika uZilipa incekukazi yakhe, kuLeya indodakazi yakhe, abeyincekukazi. Kwasekusithi ekuseni, khangela-ke, nguLeya; ngakho wathi kuLabani: Kuyini lokhu okwenze kimi? Kangimsebenzelanga uRasheli kuwe yini? Pho, ungikhohliseleni? ULabani wasesithi: Kakwenziwa njalo endaweni yakithi ukupha omncinyane ngaphambi kwengqabutho. Gcwalisa iviki yalo, besesikunika lalowayana, ngomsebenzi ozawusebenza lami futhi eminye iminyaka eyisikhombisa. UJakobe wasesenza njalo; wagcwalisa iviki yalo; wasemnika uRasheli indodakazi yakhe ukuba ngumkakhe. ULabani wasenika uRasheli indodakazi yakhe uBiliha incekukazi yakhe, abe yincekukazi kuye. UJakobe wasengena lakuRasheli; wamthanda njalo uRasheli kuloLeya. Lapho isibona ukuthi uLeya wayezondwa, yavula isizalo sakhe, kodwa uRasheli wayeyinyumba. ULeya wasethatha isisu, wazala indodana, wayitha ibizo layo uRubeni, ngoba wathi: Ngoba ibonile inhlupheko yami; ngakho khathesi indoda yami izangithanda. Wasebuya wathatha isisu, wazala indodana, wathi: Njengoba izwile ukuthi ngiyazondwa, inginike lale; wayitha ibizo layo uSimeyoni. Wasebuya wathatha isisu, wazala indodana; wathi: Khathesi ngalesisikhathi indoda yami izazihlanganisa lami, ngoba ngiyizalele amadodana amathathu; ngalokhu wabiza ibizo layo uLevi. Wasebuya wathatha isisu, wazala indodana; wathi: Ngalesisikhathi ngizadumisa iN; ngakho wayitha ibizo layo uJuda; wasesima ukuzala. Kwathi uRasheli esebonile ukuthi wayengamzaleli uJakobe ngodadewabo, wathi kuJakobe: Nginika abantwana, kodwa nxa kunge njalongife. Ngakho lwavutha ulaka lukaJakobe kuRasheli, wathi: Ngisesikhundleni sikaNkulunkulu okwenqabele isithelo sesizalo yini? Wasesithi: Khangela, incekukazi yami uBiliha, ukuze lami ngakhiwe kuye. Wasemnika uBiliha incekukazi yakhe abe ngumka khe; uJakobe wasengena kuye. UBiliha wasethatha isisu, wamzalela uJakobe indodana. URasheli wasesithi: UNkulunkulu ungahlulele, njalo uzwile ilizwi lami, wanginika indodana. Ngakho wayitha ibizo layo uDani. UBiliha incekukazi kaRasheli wasebuya ethatha isisu, wamzalela uJakobe indodana yesibili. URasheli wasesithi: Ngibindene lokubindana okulamandla. Kwathi uLeya esebonile ukuthi usemi ukuzala. UZilipa incekukazi kaLeya wasemzalela uJakobe indodana. ULeya wasesithi: Kuyeza ibutho. Wayitha ibizo layo uGadi. UZilipa incekukazi kaLeya wasemzalela uJakobe indodana yesibili. ULeya wasesithi: Kungokwentokozo yami, ngoba amadodakazi azakuthi ngilentokozo. Wayitha ibizo layo uAsheri. URubeni wasehamba ngensuku zokuvuna ingqoloyi, wafica amamandrake ensimini, wawaletha kuLeya unina. URasheli wasesithi kuLeya: Ake ungiphe emamandrakeni endodana yakho. Wasesithi kuye. Kuyinto encinyane yini ukuthi uthethe indoda yami? Usuzathatha lamamandrake endodana yami yini? URasheli wasesithi: Ngakho uzalala lawe ngalobubusuku ngenxa yamamandrake endodana yakho. Kwathi uJakobe esebuya evela emasimini kusihlwa, uLeya waphuma ukumhlangabeza, wathi: Kimi uzangena, ngoba ukukuqatsha ngikuqatshile ngamamandrake endodana yami. Waselala laye ngalobobusuku. UNkulunkulu wasemuzwa uLeya; wasethatha isisu, wamzalela uJakobe indodana yesihlanu. ULeya wasesithi: UNkulunkulu unginikile umvuzo wami, ngoba ngayinika indoda yami incekukazi yami; waseyitha ibizo layo uIsakari. ULeya wasephinda ethatha isisu, wamzalela uJakobe indodana yesithupha. ULeya wasesithi: UNkulunkulu unginikile mina isipho esihle; khathesi indoda yami izahlala lami, ngoba ngiyizalele amadodana ayisithupha, waseyitha ibizo layo uZebuluni. Emva kwalokhu wasezala indodakazi, wayitha ibizo layo uDina. UNkulunkulu wasemkhumbula uRasheli. Wasethatha isisu, wazala indodana, wathi: UNkulunkulu ususile ihlazo lami. Waseyitha ibizo layo uJosefa, esithi: kayengeze kimi enye indodana. Kwasekusithi uRasheli esemzele uJosefa, uJakobe wathi kuLabani: Ngiyekela ngihambe ukuze ngiye endaweni yakithi, lelizweni lakithi. Ngi pha omkami labantwana bami engibasebenzele kuwe ukuze ngihambe, ngoba wena uyazi umsebenzi wami engikusebenzele wona. ULabani wasesithi kuye: Uba-ke ngithole umusa emehlweni akho. Wathi futhi: Ngimisela iholo lakho, njalo ngizakupha. Wasesithi kuye: Wena yazi ukuthi ngikusebenzele njani lokuthi izifuyo zakho bezinjani lami. Ngoba okulutshwana owawulakho mandulo kwami, kwanda kakhulu kwaba yinkithinkithi; ikubusisile ekufikeni kwami; pho-ke, ngizayisebenzela nini lami indlu yami? Wasesithi: Ngizakuphani? UJakobe wasesithi: Kawuyikunginika lutho, uba uzangenzela le into; ngizabuya ngeluse izimvu zakho ngi zi linde. Ngizadabula phakathi komhlambi wonke wakho lamuhla, ngehlukanise lapho yonke imvu elamabala lelamachatha, layo yonke imvu ensundu phakathi kwezimvu, lezilamabala lezilamachatha ezimbuzini, zibe liholo lami. Njalo ukulunga kwami kuzangifakazela ngosuku oluzayo, uba usiza mayelana leholo lami, phambi kwakho; konke okungelamabala lamachatha ezimbuzini, lokunsundu emawundlwini, kuyabe kuntshontshiwe uba kukimi. ULabani wasesithi: Khangela, ye, kakube njengelizwi lakho. Wasezehlukanisa mhlalokho impongo ezingamaqamule lezilamabala lazo zonke izibhuzikazi ezilamabala lezilamachatha, lakho konke okulokumhlophe, lakho konke okunsundu emawundlwini, wakunikela esandleni samadodana akhe. Wabeka ummango wensuku ezintathu phakathi kwakhe loJakobe. UJakobe waseselusa imihlambi eseleyo kaLabani. UJakobe wasezithathela ingatsha ezimanzi zephophula leze-alimondi lezingelamaxolo, webula kuzo imizila emhlophe, wembula okumhlophe okwakusezingatsheni. Wasefaka ingatsha ayezebulile emigelweni lemikolweni yokunathela yamanzi maqondana lemihlambi, lapho imihlambi efika khona ukunatha; yamitha ekufikeni kwayo ukuzanatha. Kwathi imihlambi isimithi ezingatsheni, imihlambi yazala amaqamule, alamabala lalamachatha. UJakobe wasesehlukanisa amawundlu; wakhangelisa ubuso bomhlambi kwezingamaqamule lazo zonke ezinsundu zomhlambi kaLabani; wabeka imihlambi yakhe yodwa, engayibeki emhlanjini kaLabani. Kwasekusithi loba nini eziqinileyo zomhlambi sezimitha, uJakobe wafaka izingatsha phambi kwamehlo omhlambi emigelweni, ukuze zidabule phakathi kwezingatsha. Kodwa nxa umhlambi ububuthakathaka ka zi fakanga; ngalokhu ebuthakathaka yaba ngekaLabani, leqinileyo ngekaJakobe. Lendoda yaqhamuka yaba nkulu kakhulu. Wasesizwa amazwi amadodana kaLabani esithi: UJakobe uthethe konke okukababa; langalokho okwakungokukababa wenza lonke loludumo. UJakobe wasebona ubuso bukaLabani, futhi khangela, babunganjengamandulo kuye. yasisithi kuJakobe: Buyela elizweni laboyihlo lezihlotsheni zakho; njalo ngizakuba lawe. UJakobe wasethuma wababiza oRasheli loLeya emadlelweni emhlanjini wakhe, wathi kibo: Ngiyabona ubuso bukayihlo. Futhi lina liyazi ukuthi ngamandla ami wonke ngimsebenzele uyihlo. Kodwa uyihlo ungikhohlisile, waphendula iholo lami okwezikhathi ezilitshumi, kanti uNkulunkulu kamvumelanga ukwenza okubi kimi. Kwathi esitsho njalo: Ezilamabala zizakuba liholo lakho, khona umhlambi wonke wazala ezilamabala. Kwathi esitsho njalo: Ezingamaqamule zizakuba liholo lakho, khona umhlambi wonke wazala ezingamaqamule. Ngokunjalo uNkulunkulu uthethe izifuyo zikayihlo, wanginika. Kwasekusithi, ngesikhathi umhlambi umitha, ngaphakamisa amehlo ami ngabona ephutsheni, khangela-ke, izimpongo ezikhwela umhlambi zazingamaqamule, zilamabala, lezizinala. Ingilosi kaNkulunkulu yasisithi kimi ephutsheni: Jakobe! Ngathi: Khangela ngi lapha. Yasisithi: Ake uphakamise amehlo akho ubone, zonke impongo ezikhwela umhlambi zingamaqamule, zilamabala lezizinala. NginguNkulunkulu weBhetheli lapho owagcoba khona insika, owathembisa khona isithembiso kimi. ORasheli loLeya baphendula bathi kuye: Siselesabelo lelifa endlini kababa yini? Kasibalwa nje ngabezizwe kuye yini? Ngoba wasithengisa, futhi wadla lokudla imali yethu. Ngoba inotho yonke uNkulunkulu ayemuke ubaba ingeyethu leyabantwana bethu; khathesi-ke, konke uNkulunkulu akutsho kuwe, kwenze. UJakobe wasesukuma, wakhweza amadodana akhe labomkakhe emakameleni; waqhuba izifuyo zakhe zonke, layo impahla yakhe yonke abeyizuzile, izifuyo ayelazo, ayezizuze ePadani-Arama, ukuze aye kuIsaka uyise elizweni leKhanani. Njalo uLabani esehambile ukuyagunda izimvu zakhe, uRasheli weba izithombe uyise ayelazo. UJakobe wasuka enyenya engananzelelwe kuLabani umSiriya, ngoba kamazisanga ukuthi uyabaleka. Wasebaleka, yena lakho konke ayelakho, wasukuma, wachapha umfula, wakhangelisa ubuso bakhe entabeni yeGileyadi. Kwasekusaziswa uLabani ngosuku lwesithathu ukuthi uJakobe ubalekile. Wasethatha abafowabo kanye laye, waxotshana laye ibanga lensuku eziyisikhombisa, wamfica entabeni yeGileyadi. UNkulunkulu wasesiza kuLabani umSiriya ephutsheni lebusuku, wathi kuye: Ziqaphele, hlezi ukhulume loJakobe okuhle kumbe okubi. ULabani wasemfica uJakobe. Njalo uJakobe wayemise ithente lakhe entabeni; uLabani laye kanye labafowabo bamisa entabeni yeGileyadi. ULabani wasesithi kuJakobe: Wenzeni, ukuthi usuke unyenye ngingananzelele? Ubalekeleni ngasese, unginyenyela, ungangazisanga, ukuthi ngabe ngikuvalelise ngokuthokoza langengoma, ngesigubhu langechacho? Njalo kawungivumelanga ukuthi ngange ngokwenza lokho. Kusemandleni esandla sami ukwenza okubi kini; kodwa uNkulunkulu kayihlo wathi: Ziqaphele ukuthi ungakhulumi loJakobe okuhle kumbe okubi. Khathesi-ke, ukuhamba uhambile, ngoba ngokukhanuka ukhanukile indlu kayihlo; webeleni onkulunkulu bami? UJakobe wasephendula wathi kuLabani: Ngoba ngesaba, ngoba wathi: Hlezi ungihluthunele amadodakazi akho. Lowo ozathola kuye onkulunkulu bakho kangaphili; phambi kwabafowethu zinanzelelele okungokwakho okukimi, uzithathele. Ngoba uJakobe wayengazi ukuthi uRasheli wayebebile. ULabani wasengena ethenteni likaJakobe lethenteni likaLeya, lethenteni lezincekukazi ezimbili, kodwa katholanga. Waphuma ethenteni likaLeya, wangena ethenteni likaRasheli. Kodwa uRasheli wayethethe izithombe, wazifaka esikhwameni sesihlalo sekamela, wahlala phezu kwazo. ULabani waphumputha ithente lonke kodwa katholanga. Wasesithi kuyise: Kalungavuthi ulakaemehlweni enkosi yami ukuthi ngingesukume phambi kwakho, ngoba indlela yabesifazana ikimi. Wabhudula, kodwa kazitholanga izithombe. UJakobe wasethukuthela, waphikisana loLabani; uJakobe waphendula wathi kuLabani: Isiphambeko sami siyini, isono sami siyini, ukuthi ungixotshe ngokutshiseka? Njengoba usubambabambe kuyo impahla yami yonke, utholeni okwayo impahla yonke yendlu yakho? Ibeke lapha phambi kwabafowethu ukuze baqume phakathi kwethu sobabili. Iminyaka le engamatshumi amabili ngangilawe; izimvukazi zakho lezibhuzikazi zakho kaziphunzanga, lezinqama zemihlambi yakho kangizidlanga. Ezadatshulwayo kangizilethanga kuwe, mina ngazihlawula; esandleni sami wazibiza, zebiwe emini loba zebiwe ebusuku. Ngangi njaloemini imbalela yangidla, lamakhaza ebusuku, ubuthongo babaleka emehlweni ami. Iminyaka le engamatshumi amabili bengisemzini wakho, ngakusebenzela okweminyaka elitshumi lane ngenxa yamadodakazi akho amabili. Ngaphandle kokuthi uNkulunkulu. ULabani wasephendula wathi kuJakobe: Amadodakazi angamadodakazi ami, lamadodana angamadodana ami, lomhlambi ngumhlambi wami, lakho konke okubonayo kungokwami; lemadodakazini ami ngizakwenzani kuwo lamuhla, loba kubantwana bawo abawazeleyo? Khathesi-ke, woza, asenze isivumelwano. UJakobe wasethatha ilitshe, walimisa laba yinsika. UJakobe wasesithi kubafowabo: Buthani amatshe. Basebethatha amatshe, benza inqumbi; badla khona phezu kwenqumbi. ULabani waseyibiza ngokuthiyiJegari-Sahadutha. ULabani wasesithi: Linqwaba iyibufakazi phakathi kwami lawe lamuhla. Ngakho bayitha ibizo layo iGaledi, leMizipa, ngoba wathi: kayilinde phakathi kwami lawe, lapho singabonani omunye lomunye. Uba uhlupha amadodakazi ami, njalo uba uthatha abafazi phezu kwamadodakazi ami, kakulamuntu olathi, bona, uNkulunkulu ungumfakazi phakathi kwami lawe. ULabani wasesithi kuJakobe: Khangela linqwaba, khangela-ke lensika engiyiphosileyo phakathi kwami lawe. Linqwaba kayibe yibufakazi, lensika kayibe yibufakazi, bokuthi mina kangiyikuyidlula linqwaba ngiye kuwe, lawe kawuyikuyidlula linqwaba lalinsika uze kimi ngokubi. UNkulunkulu kaAbrahama loNkulunkulu kaNahori, kahlulele phakathi kwethu, uNkulunkulu kayise wabo. UJakobe wasefunga ngoKwesaba kayise uIsaka. UJakobe wasehlaba umhlatshelo entabeni, wabiza abafowabo ukuthi badle isinkwa; basebesidla isinkwa, balala entabeni. ULabani wasevuka ekuseni kakhulu, wanga amadodana akhe lamadodakazi akhe; uLabani wasehamba wabuyela endaweni yakhe. UJakobe wasehamba indlela yakhe, lengilosi zikaNkulunkulu zamhlangabeza. UJakobe ezibona wasesithi: Leli libutho likaNkulunkulu. Wayitha ibizo laleyondawo iMahanayimi. UJakobe wasethuma izithunywa phambi kwakhe kuEsawu umnewabo, elizweni iSeyiri, ilizwe lakoEdoma. Wasezilaya esithi: Likhulume kanje enkosini yami uEsawu lithi: Itsho njalo inceku yakho uJakobe ithi: KoLabani bengihlala njengowezizwe ngalibala kuze kube khathesi; njalo ngilezinkabi labobabhemi, izimvu lezinceku lezincekukazi; sengithumele ukubika enkosini yami ukuthi ngithole umusa emehlweni akho. Izithunywa zasezibuyela kuJakobe zathi: Sifikile kumnewenu, kuEsawu, laye uyeza ukukuhlangabeza lamadoda angamakhulu amane laye. UJakobe wasesesaba kakhulu, wakhathazeka. Wehlukanisa abantu ababelaye lezimvu lezinkomo lamakamela, kwaba ngamaqembu amabili; ngoba wathi: Uba uEsawu efika kwelinye iqembu alitshaye, iqembu eliseleyo lizaphepha. UJakobe wathi futhi: Nkulunkulu kababa uAbrahama, loNkulunkulu kababa uIsaka; kangiwufanele wonke umusa lakho konke ukuthembeka okwenzele inceku yakho; ngoba ngilodondolo lwami ngachapha le iJodani, khathesi-ke sengingamaqembu amabili. Ake ungophule esandleni somnewethu, esandleni sikaEsawu; ngoba ngiyamesaba, hlezi afike angitshaye, unina phezu kwabantwana. Wena-ke wathi: Ukwenza okuhle ngizakwenzela okuhle, njalo ngizayenza inzalo yakho ibe njengetshebetshebe lolwandle elingelakubalwa ngenxa yobunengi. Waselala lapho ngalobobusuku; wathatha kulokho okwafika esandleni sakhe, isipho sikaEsawu umfowabo, izibhuzikazi ezingamakhulu amabili lempongo ezingamatshumi amabili, izimvukazi ezingamakhulu amabili lenqama ezingamatshumi amabili, amakamela enyisayo angamatshumi amathathu lamathole awo, amankomokazi angamatshumi amane, lamajongosi alitshumi, obabhemikazi abangamatshumi amabili lamathole abobabhemi alitshumi. Wasezinikela esandleni senceku zakhe umhlambi ngomhlambi wodwa, wathi ezincekwini zakhe: Dlulani phambi kwami, libeke ibanga phakathi komhlambi lomhlambi. Waselaya eyokuqala esithi: Nxa uEsawu umnewethu ehlangana lawe, ekubuza esithi: Ungokabani? Njalo uya ngaphi? Ngezikabani-ke lezi eziphambi kwakho? Ubususithi: Ngezenceku yakho ngezikaJakobe, yisipho esithunyelwa enkosini yami uEsawu; khangela-ke, laye uqobo ungemva kwethu. Waselaya leyesibili leyesithathu labo bonke ababelandela imihlambi esithi: Njengalelilizwi lizakhuluma kuEsawu, lapho limthola; lithi futhi: Khangela, inceku yakho uJakobe ingemva kwethu. Ngoba uthe: Ngizathoba ubuso bakhe ngesipho esihamba phambi kwami, langemva kwalokho ngizabona ubuso bakhe; mhlawumbe uzakwemukela ubuso bami. Lesipho sahamba phambi kwakhe; kodwa yena walala lobobusuku enkambeni. Wasesukuma ngalobobusuku, wathatha omkakhe bobabili lencekukazi ezimbili labantwana bakhe abalitshumi lanye, wachapha izibuko leJaboki. Wabathatha, wabachaphisa isifudlana, wachaphisa lokho ayelakho. UJakobe watshiywa yedwa; njalo indoda yabindana laye kwaze kwaba semadabukakusa. Kodwa isibonile ukuthi kayimehluli, yathinta isikhoxo senyonga yakhe, isikhoxo senyonga kaJakobe saqhuzuka ebindana layo. Yasisithi: Ngiyekela ngihambe ngoba sekusemadabukakusa. Kodwa wathi: Kangiyikukuyekela uhambe ngaphandle kokuthi ungibusise. Yasisithi kuye: Ungubani ibizo lakho? Wasesithi: UJakobe. Yasisithi: Ibizo lakho kalisayikuthiwa nguJakobe, kodwa uIsrayeli. UJakobe wasebuza wathi: Ake utsho ibizo lakho. Yasisithi: Kungani ubuza ibizo lami? Yambusisa lapho. UJakobe waseyitha ibizo lendawo iPeniyeli, ngoba ngibonile uNkulunkulu ubuso ngobuso, njalo impilo yami isindisiwe. Njalo ilanga lamphumela esedlula iPenuyeli. Ngakho abantwana bakoIsrayeli kabawudli umsipha womthambo osesikhoxweni senyonga kuze kube lamuhla, ngoba wathinta isikhoxo senyonga kaJakobe esisemsipheni womthambo wenyonga. UJakobe wasephakamisa amehlo akhe, wabona, khangela-ke, uEsawu esiza lamadoda angamakhulu amane kanye laye. Wasesehlukanisa abantwana phakathi kukaLeya loRasheli lencekukazi zombili. Wasebeka izincekukazi labantwana bazo ngaphambili, loLeya labantwana bakhe ngemuva, loRasheli loJosefa ekucineni. Yena uqobo wasesedlula phambi kwabo, wakhothamela emhlabathini kasikhombisa waze wafika eduze lomnewabo. UEsawu wasegijima ukumhlangabeza, wamgona; basebekhala inyembezi. Wasephakamisa amehlo akhe wabona abesifazana labantwana, wathi: Ngobani laba olabo? Wasesithi: Abantwana uNkulunkulu ngomusa ayinike bona inceku yakho. Zasezisondela incekukazi, zona labantwana bazo, bakhothama. Laye uLeya wasesondela labantwana bakhe, bakhothama; emva kwalokho uJosefa wasondela loRasheli, bakhothama. Wasesithi: Uqondeni ngaleliiqembu lonke. UEsawu wasesithi: Ngilokunengi, mfowethu; okwakho kakube ngokwakho. UJakobe wasesithi: Hayi bo! Uba khathesi ngithole umusa emehlweni akho, yemukela isipho sami esivela esandleni sami; ngoba yikho, njalo wathokoza ngami. Ake wemukele isipho sami esilethwa kuwe. Wasesithi: Asisuke sihambe, njalo ngizahamba phambi kwakho. Kodwa wathi kuye: Inkosi yami iyazi ukuthi abantwana babuthakathaka, lokuthi izimvu lezinkomo engilazo ziyenyisa; uba-ke beziqhuba ngamandla usuku olulodwa, umhlambi wonke uzakufa. Inkosi yami ake yedlule phambi kwenceku yayo; mina-ke ngizaqhubeka kuhle kuhle. UEsawu wasesithi: Ake ngibeke kuwe abanyebabantu abalami. Wasesithi: Kungani lokhu? Kangithole umusa emehlweni enkosi yami. UEsawu wasebuyela ngendlela yakhe ngalolosuku, waya eSeyiri. Njalo uJakobe waqhubeka waya eSukothi, wazakhela indlu, wenzela izifuyo zakhe izibaya ezilophahla; ngakho wayitha ibizo lendawo iSukothi. UJakobe wasefika evikelekile emzini weShekema, oselizweni leKhanani, ekuveleni kwakhe ePadani-Arama; wamisa inkamba phambi komuzi. Njalo ingxenye yesiqinti amisela kuyo amathente akhe wayithenga esandleni samadodana kaHamori uyise kaShekema, ngezinhlamvu zemali ezilikhulu. Wasemisa khona ilathi, walibiza ngokuthi yiEli-Elohe-Israyeli. UDina indodakazi kaLeya, ayizalela uJakobe, wasephuma ukuyabona amadodakazi elizwe. Njalo uShekema indodana kaHamori umHivi, isiphathamandla selizwe, sambona, samthatha, salala laye, samona. Inhliziyo yaso yasinamathela kuDina indodakazi kaJakobe, sayithanda intombi, sakhuluma kunhliziyo yentombi. UShekema wasekhuluma kuHamori uyise esithi: Ngithathela lintombi ibe ngumka mi. UJakobe wasesizwa ukuthi usemngcolisile uDina indodakazi yakhe; lamadodana akhe ayesezifuyweni egangeni; njalo uJakobe wathula aze afika. UHamori uyise kaShekema wasephuma waya kuJakobe ukuze akhulume laye. Kwathi amadodana kaJakobe efika evela egangeni esezwile, amadoda adabuka, athukuthela kakhulu. UHamori wasekhuluma labo esithi: UShekema indodana yami, inhliziyo yakhe iyayilangatha indodakazi yenu; ake limnike yona ibe ngumka khe. Njalo yendiselanani lathi, lisiphe amadodakazi enu, lani lizithathele amadodakazi ethu. Hlalani-ke lathi, lelizwe lizakuba phambi kwenu. UShekema wasesithi kuyise we ntombilakubanewabo: Angithole umusa emehlweni enu; lalokho elizakutsho kimi ngizanika. Yandisani kakhulu kimi ilobolo lesipho, njalo ngizakupha njengoba litshilo kimi; kodwa ngiphani intombi ibe ngumka mi. Amadodana kaJakobe asephendula uShekema loHamori uyise ngobuqili, athi kubo: Asilakuyenza lindaba, ukunika udadewethu indoda elejwabu, ngoba kulihlazo kithi. Kodwa ngalokhu singalivumela, uba libe njengathi, ukuthi wonke owesilisa wakini asokwe, sizalinika-ke amadodakazi ethu, lathi amadodakazi enu sizithathele, njalo sihlale lani sibe yisizwe sinye. Kodwa uba lingasilaleli lisokwe, sizathatha indodakazi yethu, sihambe. Lamazwi abo aba mahle emehlweni kaHamori, lemehlweni kaShekema indodana kaHamori. Njalo ijaha kaliphuzanga ukwenza lindaba, ngoba yayilentokozo endodakazini kaJakobe; yayilodumo kulendlu yonke kayise. UHamori wasefika, loShekema indodana yakhe, esangweni lomuzi wabo, basebekhuluma kumadoda omuzi wabo, besithi: Lamadoda alokuthula lathi; ngakho kabahlale elizweni bathengiselane kulo; ngoba ilizwe, khangelani, libanzi inhlangothi zombili phambi kwawo; amadodakazi abo sizawathatha abe ngomke thu, lamadodakazi ethu sizawanika wona. Kulokhu kuphela amadoda azavumelana lathi, ukuhlala lathi, ukuba yisizwe sinye, nxa wonke owesilisa wethu esokiwe, njengalokhu esokiwe wona. Inkomo zawo lempahla yawo lazo zonke izifuyo zawo kaziyikuba ngezethu yini? Kuphela asiwavumele, ahlale-ke lathi. Basebelalela uHamori loShekema indodana yakhe, bonke abaphuma ngesango lomuzi wakhe; basebesokwa, wonke owesilisa, bonke abaphuma ngesango lomuzi wakhe. Kwasekusithi ngosuku lwesithathu beselobuhlungu, amadodana amabili kaJakobe, oSimeyoni loLevi, ngulowo lalowo wathatha inkemba yakhe, awujuma umuzi, abulala wonke owesilisa. Asebabulala oHamori loShekema indodana yakhe ngobukhali benkemba, amkhupha uDina endlini kaShekema, aphuma. Amadodana kaJakobe ehlela phezu kwasebebulewe, awuphanga umuzi, ngoba babemngcolisile udadewabo. Athatha izimvu zabo lenkomo zabo labobabhemi babo lalokho okwakusemzini lalokho okwakusegangeni, lenotho yabo yonke, labantwana babo bonke abancinyane, labomkabo, athumba abaphanga, lakho konke okwakusendlini. UJakobe wasesithi kuSimeyoni loLevi: Lingihluphile, futhi bazangihlanganyela bangitshaye, ngibe sengichitheka mina lendlu yami. Basebesithi: Amenze yini udadewethu njengesifebe? UNkulunkulu wasesithi kuJakobe: Sukuma, yenyukela eBhetheli. UJakobe wasesithi kundlu yakhe. Asisukume senyukele eBhetheli, ngimenzele khona uNkulunkulu ilathi owangiphendula ngosuku lokuhlupheka kwami. Basebenika uJakobe bonke onkulunkulu bezizwe ababesesandleni sabo, lamacici eliseShekema. Basebehamba; lokwesabeka kukaNkulunkulu kwakuphezu kwemizi eyayibazingelezele, njalo kabawaxotshanga amadodana kaJakobe. UJakobe wasefika eLuzi, eselizweni leKhanani, eyiBhetheli, yena labantu bonke ababelaye. Wasesakha khona ilathi, wayibiza indawo ngokuthiiEli-Bhetheli, ngoba lapho uNkulunkulu wabonakala kuye ekubalekeleni ubuso bomnewabo. Njalo uDebora umlizane kaRebeka wafa, ngakho wayitha ibizo layo iAloni-Bakuthi. UNkulunkulu wasebuya wabonakala kuJakobe evela ePadani-Arama, wambusisa. UNkulunkulu wasesithi kuye: Ibizo lakho nguJakobe; ibizo lakho kalisayikuthiwa nguJakobe. UNkulunkulu wasesithi kuye: NginguNkulunkulu uSomandla; lamakhosi azaphuma ekhalweni lwakho. Lelizwe engalinika uAbrahama loIsaka ngizalinika wena, lenzalweni yakho emva kwakho ngizayinika ilizwe. UNkulunkulu wasesenyuka esuka kuye endaweni lapho ayekhuluma laye khona. UJakobe wasemisa insika endaweni lapho ayekhuluma laye khona, insika yelitshe, wathela phezu kwayo amagcobo. UJakobe waseyitha ibizo lendawo, lapho uNkulunkulu ayekhulume laye khona, iBhetheli. Basebehamba besuka eBhetheli; kwathi kusesengummango ukuya eEfrathi, uRasheli wabeletha, wayelobunzima ekubeletheni. Kwasekusithi ekubeletheni kwakhe nzima, umbelethisi wathi kuye: Ungesabi, ngoba lalo uzakuba yindodana yakho. Kwasekusithi umphefumulo wakhe usuphuma, ngoba esesifa, wayitha ibizo layo uBenoni. URasheli wasesifa. UJakobe wasemisa insika phezu kwengcwaba lakhe; le yinsika yengcwaba likaRasheli kuze kube lamuhla. UIsrayeli wasehamba, wamisa ithente lakhe ngaphambili komphotshongo weEderi. Kwasekusithi uIsrayeli ehlala kulelolizwe, uRubeni waya walala loBiliha; amadodana kaLeya: Izibulo likaJakobe, uRubeni, loSimeyoni loLevi loJuda loIsakari loZebuluni; amadodana kaRasheli: OJosefa loBhenjamini; lamadodana kaBiliha, incekukazi kaRasheli: ODani loNafithali; lamadodana kaZilipa, incekukazi kaLeya: OGadi loAsheri; la ngamadodana kaJakobe azalelwa yena ePadani-Arama. UJakobe wasefika kuIsaka uyise eMamre. Lensuku zikaIsaka zaziyiminyaka elikhulu lamatshumi ayisificaminwembili. UIsaka wasehodoza, wafa, wabuthelwa ezizweni zakibo. Lezi-ke yizizukulwana zikaEsawu, onguEdoma. UEsawu wathatha abafazi bakhe kumadodakazi eKhanani, indodakazi kaZibeyoni umHivi, loBasemathi indodakazi kaIshmayeli udadewabo kaNebayothi. UAda wasemzalela uEsawu uElifazi; uBasemathi wasezala uRehuweli; uAholibama wasezala uJewushi loJalama loKora; la ngamadodana kaEsawu awazalelwa elizweni leKhanani. UEsawu wasethatha omkakhe lamadodana akhe lamadodakazi akhe, layo yonke imiphefumulo yendlu yakhe, lenkomo zakhe lezifuyo zakhe zonke lempahla yakhe yonke ayeyizuzile elizweni leKhanani, wasesiya kwe linyeilizwe esuka ebusweni bukaJakobe umfowabo. Ngoba imfuyo yabo yayinkulu okungangokuthi bangehlale ndawonye. UEsawu wasehlala entabeni iSeyiri. Lezi-ke yizizukulwana zikaEsawu, uyise wabakoEdoma, entabeni iSeyiri; la ngamabizo amadodana kaEsawu, uElifazi umkaEsawu, uRehuweli indodana kaBasemathi umkaEsawu. Lamadodana kaElifazi ayengoThemani, uOmari, uZefo, loGatama, loKenazi. Njalo uTimina wayengumfazi omncane kaElifazi indodana kaEsawu, wamzalela uElifazi uAmaleki; la ngamadodana kaAda umkaEsawu. Lala ngamadodana kaRehuweli, oNahathi loZera, uShama loMiza; la ngamadodana kaBasemathi umkaEsawu. Njalo la ngamadodana kaAholibama indodakazi kaAna, indodakazi kaZibeyoni umkaEsawu; wasemzalela uEsawu uJewushi loJalama loKora. Lezi yizinduna zamadodana kaEsawu; amadodana kaElifazi izibulo likaEsawu: Induna uThemani, induna uOmari, induna uZefo, induna uKenazi, induna uKora, induna uGatama, induna uAmaleki; lezi zinduna zikaElifazi elizweni leEdoma; la ngamadodana kaAda. Futhi la ngamadodana kaRehuweli indodana kaEsawu: Induna uNahathi, induna uZera, induna uShama, induna uMiza; lezi zinduna zikaRehuweli elizweni leEdoma; la ngamadodana kaBasemathi umkaEsawu. Njalo la ngamadodana kaAholibama, umkaEsawu: Induna uJewushi, induna uJalama, induna uKora; lezi zinduna zikaAholibama, indodakazi kaAna, umkaEsawu. La ngamadodana kaEsawu, futhi lezi zinduna zawo; unguEdoma. La ngamadodana kaSeyiri, abahlali belizwe: ULotani loShobhali loZibeyoni loAna loDishoni loEzeri loDishani; laba bayizinduna zamaHori, amadodana kaSeyiri elizweni leEdoma. Lamadodana kaLotani ayengoHori loHemama; lodadewabo kaLotani wayenguTimina. Lala ngamadodana kaShobhali: UAlivani loManahathi loEbhali, uShefo loOnama. Lala ngamadodana kaZibeyoni: Bobabili uAya loAna; nguAna owafica imithombo etshisayo enkangala eselusa obabhemi bakaZibeyoni uyise. Lala ngamadodana kaAna: UDishoni; loAholibama wayeyindodakazi kaAna. Lala ngamadodana kaDishoni: UHemidani loEshibhani loJitirani loKerani. La ngamadodana kaEzeri: UBilihani loZahavana loAkani. Lala ngamadodana kaDishani: U-Uzi loArani. Lezi zinduna zamaHori: Induna uLotani, induna uShobhali, induna uZibeyoni, induna uAna, induna uDishoni, induna uEzeri, induna uDishani; lezi zinduna zamaHori, ngezinduna zabo elizweni leSeyiri. Lala ngamakhosi abusa elizweni leEdoma, inkosi ingakabusi abantwana bakoIsrayeli. UBhela indodana kaBeyori wasebusa eEdoma, lebizo lomuzi wakhe laliyiDinihaba. UBhela wasesifa, uJobabi indodana kaZera weBhozira wasebusa esikhundleni sakhe. UJobabi wasesifa, uHushama owelizweni lamaThemani wasebusa esikhundleni sakhe. UHushama wasesifa; uHadadi indodana kaBedadi, owatshaya uMidiyani egcekeni lakoMowabi, wasebusa esikhundleni sakhe; lebizo lomuzi wakhe laliyiAvithi. UHadadi wasesifa; uSamila weMasireka wasebusa esikhundleni sakhe. USamila wasesifa; uShawuli weRehobothi emfuleni wasebusa esikhundleni sakhe. UShawuli wasesifa; uBhali-Hanani indodana kaAkhibhori wasebusa esikhundleni sakhe. UBhali-Hanani indodana kaAkhibhori wasesifa; uHadari wasebusa esikhundleni sakhe; lebizo lomuzi wakhe laliyiPawu; lebizo lomkakhe lalinguMehethabheli, indodakazi kaMatiredi, indodakazi kaMezahabhi. Njalo la ngamabizo ezinduna zakoEsawu ngezizukulwana zazo, ngendawo zazo, ngamabizo azo: Induna uTimina, induna uAliva, induna uJethethi, induna uAholibama, induna uEla, induna uPinoni, induna uKenazi, induna uThemani, induna uMibhizari, induna uMagidiyeli, induna uIrama; lezi zinduna zeEdoma, njengokwezindawo zazo zokuhlala, elizweni lelifa lazo; lo nguEsawu, uyise kaEdoma. UJakobe wasehlala elizweni uyise ayehlala kilo njengowezizwe, ilizwe leKhanani. Lezi zindaba zezizukulwana zikaJakobe. Njalo uIsrayeli wayemthanda uJosefa kulawo wonke amadodana akhe, ngoba wayeyindodana yobudala bakhe; wamenzela isigqoko esilemibalabala. Kwathi abafowabo sebebonile ukuthi uyise uyamthanda kulabo bonke abafowabo, bamzonda, babengelakukhuluma kuye ngokuthula. UJosefa wasephupha iphupho, wa l azisa abafowabo; ngakho baqhubeka bemzonda kakhulu. Wasesithi kibo: Ake lizwe leliphupho engiliphuphileyo. Khangelani-ke, besibopha izithungo phakathi kwensimu, njalo khangelani, isithungo sami sema saqonda futhi, khangelani-ke, izithungo zenu zazingelezela, zasikhothamela isithungo sami. Abafowabo basebesithi kuye: Kanti ukubusa uzasibusa, ukulawula uzasilawula yini? Ngakho baqhubeka bemzonda kakhulu, ngenxa yamaphupho akhe langenxa yamazwi akhe. Wasebuya futhi waphupha elinye iphupho, walilandisela abafowabo, wathi: Khangelani, ngiphuphe futhi iphupho; khangelani-ke, ilanga lenyanga lenkanyezi ezilitshumi lanye zingikhothamela. Waselandisela uyise labafowabo. Uyise wasemsola wathi kuye: Liyini leliphupho oliphuphileyo? Ukuza sizakuza, mina lonyoko labafowenu, sikhothamele emhlabathini phambi kwakho yini? Abafowabo-ke baba lomona ngaye. Abafowabo basebesiyalagisa umhlambi kayise eShekema. UIsrayeli wasesithi kuJosefa: Abafowenu kabalagisi eShekema yini? Woza, ngikuthume kibo. Wasesithi kuye: Khangela ngi lapha. Wasesithi kuye: Hamba-ke, ubone ukuthi baphila kuhle yini abafowenu, lokuthi uyaphila umhlambi, ungibuyisele ilizwi. Wasemthuma esuka esigodini iHebroni wasefika eShekema. Indoda yamfica, ngoba khangela wayezula egangeni; indoda yasimbuza yathi: Udingani? Wasesithi: Ngidinga abafowethu; ake ungazise ukuthi balagise ngaphi. Indoda yasisithi: Basukile lapha, ngoba ngibezwile besithi: Asiye eDothani. UJosefa wasebalandela abafowabo, wabathola eDothani. Basebembona esekhatshana. Njalo engakasondeli kubo, bamenzela ugobe lokuthi bambulale. Bakhulumisana besithi: Khangela, lo umphuphi uyeza; khathesi-ke, wozani simbulale, simphosele komunye wemigodi, besesisithi: Isilo esibi simdlile. Khona sizabona ukuthi amaphupho akhe azakuba yini. URubeni wasekuzwa, wamophula esandleni sabo, wathi: Asingatshayi impilo. URubeni wasesithi kubo: Lingachithi igazi, mphoseleni kulumgodi osenkangala, lingeluleli isandla kuye; ukuze amkhulule esandleni sabo, ukuze ambuyisele kuyise. Kwasekusithi uJosefa esefikile kubafowabo, bamhlubula uJosefa isigqoko sakhe, isigqoko esilemibalabala, ayesigqokile; basebemthatha, bamphosela emgodini; kodwa umgodi wawungelalutho, kungelamanzi kuwo. Basebehlala phansi ukudla isinkwa. Baphakamisa amehlo abo babona, khangela-ke, udwendwe lwamaIshmayeli luvela eGileyadi, ehamba ukukwehlisela eGibhithe. UJuda wasesithi kubafowabo: Yinzuzo bani uba simbulala umfowethu, sifihle igazi lakhe? Wozani, simthengise kumaIshmayeli. Abafowabo basebelalela. Kwasekudlula amaMidiyani angabathengiselani. Amusa-ke eGibhithe. Kwathi uRubeni ebuyela emgodini, khangela-ke, uJosefa wayengekho emgodini, wadabula izembatho zakhe. Wasebuyela kubafowabo wathi: Umfana kakho; mina-ke, ngizakuya ngaphi? Basebethatha isigqoko sikaJosefa, bahlaba izinyane lembuzi, bagxamuza isigqoko egazini. Basebethumela isigqoko esilemibalabala, basisa kuyise, bathi: Lokhu sikuficile; akunanzelele ukuthi lesi yisigqoko sendodana yakho yini, loba hatshi. Wasinanzelela wathi: Yisigqoko sendodana yami! Isilo esibi simdlile, isibili udatshulwe uJosefa. UJakobe wasedabula izembatho zakhe, wafaka isaka ekhalweni lwakhe, wayililela indodana yakhe insuku ezinengi. Njalo wonke amadodana akhe lamadodakazi akhe asukuma ukumduduza. Uyise wamlilela njalo. AmaMidiyani asemthengisa eGibhithe kuPotifa, umphathi kaFaro, induna yabalindi. Kwasekusithi ngalesosikhathi uJuda wehla esuka kubafowabo, waphambukela, obizo layo linguHira. UJuda wasebona lapho indodakazi yendoda umKhanani, obizo lakhe linguShuwa; wayithatha wangena kuyo. Yasithatha isisu, yazala indodana; waseyitha ibizo layo uEri. Yasiphinda ithatha isisu, yazala indodana; yayitha ibizo layo uOnani. Yasisengezelela futhi yazala indodana, yayitha ibizo layo uShela; kodwa wayeseKezibi ekuyizaleni kwayo. UJuda wasemthathela uEri izibulo lakhe umfazi, njalo ibizo lakhe linguTamari. Kodwa uEri, izibulo likaJuda, wayemubi emehlweni eN; yasimbulala. UJuda wasesithi kuOnani: Ngena kumkamfowenu, wenze kuye imfanelo yomfowabo wendoda, umvusele umfowenu inzalo. UOnani wayesazi-ke ukuthi inzalo kayiyikuba ngeyakhe. Kwasekusithi lapho engena kumkamfowabo, wa yi chithela emhlabathini, ukuze angamniki umfowabo inzalo. Kwasekusiba kubi emehlweni eN lokho akwenzayo; ngakho yambulala laye. UJuda wasesithi kuTamari umalokazana wakhe: Hlala ungumfelokazi endlini kayihlo. Emva kwensuku ezinengi yafa indodakazi kaShuwa, umkaJuda. UJuda eseziduduzile, yena lomngane wakhe uHira umAdulamu. Kwasekusaziswa kuTamari ukuthi: Khangela, uyihlozala wenyukela eThiminathi ukugunda izimvu zakhe. Wasekhulula izembatho zobufelokazi bakhe, wazimbomboza ngesimbombozo, wazigoqela, wahlala esangweni iEnayima, elisendleleni eya eThiminathi; ngoba wabona ukuthi uShela wayesekhulile, njalo wayengamnikwanga ukuba ngumka khe. Lapho uJuda esembonile, wacabanga ukuthi uliwule, ngoba embomboze ubuso bakhe. Wasephambukela kuye endleleni wathi: Woza-ke, ngingene kuwe; ngoba wayengazi ukuthi ngumalokazana wakhe. Wasesithi: Uzanginikani ukuze ungene kimi? Wasesithi: Mina ngizathumela izinyane lembuzi elivela emhlanjini. Wasesithi: Uzanginika isibambiso uze ulithumele yini? Wasesithi: Sibambiso bani engizakunika sona? Wasesithi: Indandatho elophawu lwakho, lentambo yakho, lodondolo lwakho olusesandleni sakho. Wasemupha, wangena kuye; wasethatha isisu sakhe. Wasesukuma wahamba, wakhulula isimbombozo sakhe, wafaka izembatho zobufelokazi bakhe. UJuda wasethumela izinyane lembuzi ngesandla somngane wakhe umAdulamu ukuze athathe isibambiso esandleni sowesifazana; kodwa kamtholanga. Wasebuza amadoda endawo yakowesifazana esithi: Lingaphi iwule elaliseEnayima endleleni? Asesithi: Kakuzanga kube khona iwule lapha. Wasebuyela kuJuda wathi: Kangilitholanga, futhi lamadoda endawo athi: Kakuzanga kube khona iwule lapha. UJuda wasesithi: Kalizithathele, hlezi sideleleke; khangela, ngithumele lelizinyane, kodwa wena kawumtholanga. Kwasekusithi phose emva kwenyanga ezintathu kwaziswa kuJuda ukuthi: UTamari umalokazana wakhe ufebile, futhi khangela-ke, ulesisu sokufetshwa. UJuda wasesithi: Mkhupheni atshiswe. Esekhutshiwe, yena wathumela kuyisezala, esithi: Ngoniwe yindoda engumnini walezizinto. Wathi futhi: Ake uhlolisise. UJuda wase zi vuma, ngakho njengoba ngingamnikanga uShela indodana yami. Njalo kabanga esamazi futhi. Kwasekusithi esikhathini sokubeletha kwakhe, khangela-ke, amaphahla ayesesiswini sakhe. Kwasekusithi ekubeletheni kwakhe, elinyelakhupha isandla; umbelethisi wa si thatha, wabopha intambo ebomvu esandleni salo, esithi: Lo uzaphuma kuqala. Kodwa kwathi lifinyeza isandla salo, khangela-ke umfowabo waphuma; wasesithi: Ufohle njani? Ukufohla kakube phezu kwakho. Emva kwalokhu kwasekuphuma umfowabo owayelentambo ebomvu esandleni sakhe; wasemutha ibizo lakhe uZera. UJosefa wasesehliselwa eGibhithe; njalo uPotifa, ababemehlisele khona. Njalo yayiloJosefa, waze waba ngumuntu ophumelelayo; wayesendlini yenkosi yakhe, umGibhithe. Inkosi yakhe yasibona ukuthi ilaye, lokuthi konke akwenzayo yakuphumelelisa esandleni sakhe. UJosefa wasethola umusa emehlweni ayo, wayisebenzela; njalo yamenza waba ngumphathi wendlu yayo, lakho konke eyayilakho yakunikela esandleni sakhe. Kwasekusithi kusukela esikhathini eyamenza ngaso umphathi wendlu yayo, lakho konke eyayilakho, yabusisa indlu yomGibhithe ngenxa kaJosefa; lesibusiso seN saba phezu kwakho konke eyayilakho, endlini lensimini. Yasitshiya konke eyayilakho esandleni sikaJosefa; yayingazi lutho lwayo, ngaphandle kokudla eyayikudla. Futhi uJosefa wayemuhle ngesimo, ekhangeleka kuhle. Kwasekusithi emva kwalezizinto, inkosikazi yenkosi yakhe yaphakamisela amehlo ayo kuJosefa; yathi: Lala lami. Kodwa wala, wathi enkosikazini yenkosi yakhe: Khangela, inkosi yami kayikwazi okulami endlini, njalo konke elakho ikunikela esandleni sami; kakho omkhulu kulami endlini le; njalo kayingigodlelanga? Kwasekusithi ekukhulumeni kwakhe kuJosefa insuku ngensuku, kazange amlalele, ukulala laye, lo kuba laye. Kwasekusithi ngosuku oluthile wangena endlini ukuyakwenza umsebenzi wakhe, njalo kwakungekho owamadoda endlu lapho endlini, yasimbamba ngesembatho sakhe isithi: Lala lami. Kodwa watshiya isembatho sakhe esandleni sayo, wabaleka, waphumela phandle. Kwasekusithi isibonile ukuthi utshiyile isembatho sakhe esandleni sayo, wabalekela phandle, yabiza amadoda endlu yayo, yakhuluma kuwo isithi: Bonani, usilethele indoda engumHebheru ukudlala ngathi; uze kimi ukuze alale lami, ngamemeza ngelizwi elikhulu; kwasekusithi esezwile ukuthi ngiphakamise ilizwi lami ngakhala, watshiya isembatho sakhe eceleni kwami, wabaleka, waphumela phandle. Yasisibeka isembatho sakhe eceleni kwayo, yaze yafika inkosi yakhe ekhaya. Njalo yakhuluma kuyo njengalamazwi isithi: Inceku engumHebheru, osilethele yona, izile kimi ukuze idlale ngami; kwasekusithi sengiphakamise ilizwi lami ngakhala, yatshiya isembatho sayo eceleni kwami, yabalekela phandle. Kwasekusithi inkosi yakhe isizwe amazwi omkayo, ewakhulume kuyo, esithi: Njengalamazwi inceku yakho yenze kimi, ulaka lwayo lwavutha. Inkosi kaJosefa yasimthatha yamfaka entolongweni. Kodwa yaba loJosefa. Induna yentolongo yanikela-ke esandleni sikaJosefa zonke izibotshwa ezazisentolongweni; lakho konke ezazikwenza lapho, wayengumenzi. Induna yentolongo kayisakhangelanga lutho olwalusesandleni sakhe, ngoba yayilaye; lalokho akwenzayo ya ku phumelelisa. Kwasekusithi emva kwalezizinto umphathinkezo wenkosi yeGibhithe lomphekizinkwa bona enkosini yabo, enkosini yeGibhithe. Ngakho uFaro wabathukuthelela abathenwa bakhe ababili, induna yabaphathinkezo lenduna yabaphekizinkwa. Wazinikela esitokisini, entolongweni, indawo lapho uJosefa ayebotshelwe khona. Induna yabalindi yasimlaya uJosefa ukuba lazo, wazisebenzela; njalo zaba lensuku esitokisini. Zombili zaseziphupha amaphupho, ngamunye iphupho lakhe, ngabusuku bunye, ngamunye njengengcazelo yephupho lakhe, umphathinkezo lomphekizinkwa ababengabenkosi yeGibhithe ababebotshiwe entolongweni. UJosefa wasengena kibo ekuseni, wababona, khangela-ke, benyukumele. Wasebabuza abathenwa bakaFaro ababelaye esitokisini endlini yenkosi yakhe, esithi: Kungani ubuso benu budanile lamuhla? Basebesithi kuye: Siphuphile iphupho, njalo kakho umchasisi walo? Ake lingilandisele wona. Induna yabaphathinkezo yalandisa iphupho layo kuJosefa, yathi kuye: Ephutsheni lami, khangela-ke, kwakukhona ivini phambi kwami; evinini-ke kwakukhona ingatsha ezintathu; njalo kwakungathi liyahluma, impoko zalo zaphuma, amahlukuzo alo athela izithelo zevini ezivuthiweyo. Njalo inkezo kaFaro yayisesandleni sami; ngasengithatha izithelo zevini, ngazikhamela enkezweni kaFaro, nganika inkezo esandleni sikaFaro. UJosefa wasesithi kuyo: Le yingcazelo yalo; kusesephakathi kwensuku ezintathu uFaro uzaphakamisa ikhanda lakho, akubuyisele esikhundleni sakho; njalo uzanika inkezo kaFaro esandleni sakhe, njengendlela yakuqala lapho wawungumphathinkezo wakhe. Kodwa ungikhumbule lawe, lapho uhlezi kuhle, ake ungenzele umusa, ungibike kuFaro, ungikhuphe kulindlu. Ngoba ngebiwa lokwebiwa elizweni lamaHebheru, lalapha futhi kangenzanga lutho ukuze bangifake emgodini. Lapho induna yabaphekizinkwa ibona ukuthi uchasise kuhle, yathi kuJosefa: Lami bengisephutsheni; khangela-ke, bekukhona izitsha ezintathu zilezinkwa ezimhlophe ekhanda lami; njalo esitsheni esingaphezulu kwakukhona okokudla konke kukaFaro, umsebenzi obhakiweyo; njalo inyoni zakudla lokho esitsheni esisekhanda lami. UJosefa wasephendula wathi: Le yingcazelo yalo. Izitsha ezintathu ziyizinsuku ezintathu; kusesephakathi kwensuku ezintathu uFaro uzaphakamisa ikhanda lakho lisuke kuwe, akulengise esihlahleni; inyoni zizakudla inyama yakho ziyisuse kuwe. Kwasekusithi ngosuku lwesithathu, usuku lokuzalwa kukaFaro lenduna yabaphathinkezo lekhanda lenduna yabaphekizinkwa phakathi kwenceku zakhe. Wayibuyisela induna yabaphathinkezo. Kodwa wayilengisa induna yabaphekizinkwa, njengoba uJosefa ezichasisele. Kodwa induna yabaphathinkezo kayimkhumbulanga uJosefa, kodwa yamkhohlwa. Kwasekusithi ekupheleni kweminyaka emibili egcweleyo uFaro waphupha; khangela-ke, emi emfuleni. Khangela-ke, emfuleni kwakhuphuka amankomokazi ayisikhombisa, ekhangeleka emahle, enonile enyameni; adla emihlangeni. Khangela-ke, amanye amankomokazi ayisikhombisa akhuphuka emfuleni emva kwawo, ekhangeleka kubi, ecakile enyameni; ema eduze lamankomokazi ekhunjini lomfula. Amankomokazi akhangeleka kubi acakileyo enyameni adla amankomokazi akhangeleka kuhle anonileyo. UFaro wasephaphama. Walala futhi, waphupha ngokwesibili; khangela-ke, kwakhahlela izikhwebu eziyisikhombisa ehlangeni linye, ezigcweleyo zilungile. Khangela-ke, izikhwebu eziyisikhombisa ezicakileyo, zihangulwe ngumoya wempumalanga, zakhahlela emva kwazo. Izikhwebu ezicakileyo zaginya izikhwebu ezipheleleyo ezigcweleyo. UFaro wasephaphama, khangela-ke, kwakuliphupho. Kwasekusithi ekuseni umoya wakhe wakhathazeka. UFaro wazilandisela iphupho lakhe; kodwa kwakungekho ongamchasisela wona uFaro. Induna yabaphathinkezo yasikhuluma kuFaro isithi: Lamuhla ngiyakhumbula amacala ami. UFaro wazithukuthelela inceku zakhe, mina lenduna yabaphekizinkwa; njalo saphupha iphupho ngabusuku bunye, mina layo. Saphupha, ngamunye njengengcazelo yephupho lakhe. Kwakukhona lapho kanye lathi ijaha umHebheru, inceku yenduna yabalindi; sayilandisela yasichasisela amaphupho ethu, yachasisa ngamunye njengephupho lakhe. Kwasekusithi njengokusichasisela kwayo kwaba njalo; mina wangibuyisela esikhundleni sami, yena wamlengisa. UFaro wasethumela wabiza uJosefa; esephucile wafaka ezinye izigqoko, wangena kuFaro. UFaro wasesithi kuJosefa: Ngiphuphile iphupho. UJosefa wasemphendula uFaro esithi: Kakukho kimi uzaphendula impilakahle kaFaro. UFaro wasekhuluma kuJosefa wathi: Ephutsheni lami, khangela, ngangimi ekhunjini lomfula; njalo khangela, kwakhuphuka emfuleni amankomokazi ayisikhombisa, anonileyo enyameni, akhangeleka emahle, adla emihlangeni. Khangela-ke, amanye amankomokazi ayisikhombisa akhuphuka emva kwawo, ayangekileyo, akhangeleka emabi kakhulu, acakileyo enyameni; angizanga ngiwabone anjengawo ngobubi elizweni lonke leGibhithe. Kwathi amankomokazi acakileyo lamabi adla amankomokazi ayisikhombisa okuqala anonileyo. Lapho esengene esiswini sawo, kakubonakalanga ukuthi angenile esiswini sawo, ngoba ekhangeleka kubi njengakuqala. Ngasengiphaphama. Ngasengibona ephutsheni lami, khangela-ke, izikhwebu eziyisikhombisa zikhahlela ehlangeni linye, zigcwele zilungile; njalo khangela, izikhwebu eziyisikhombisa ezitshwabheneyo, ezicakileyo, ezihangulwe ngumoya wempumalanga zakhahlela emva kwazo. Njalo izikhwebu ezicakileyo zaginya izikhwebu eziyisikhombisa ezilungileyo. Njalo ngakulandisela izangoma; kodwa kwakungekho esangichasiselayo. UJosefa wasesithi kuFaro: Iphupho likaFaro linye. Lokho uNkulunkulu akwenzayo, umazisile uFaro. Amankomokazi ayisikhombisa alungileyo ayiminyaka eyisikhombisa; lezikhwebu eziyisikhombisa ezilungileyo ziyiminyaka eyisikhombisa. Iphupho linye. Njalo amankomokazi acakileyo lamabi akhuphuka emva kwawo ayiminyaka eyisikhombisa; lezikhwebu eziyisikhombisa ezicakileyo ezihangulwe ngumoya wempumalanga zizakuba yiminyaka eyisikhombisa yendlala. Le yinto engiyikhulume kuFaro ukuthi: Lokho uNkulunkulu akwenzayo, ukutshengisile kuFaro. Khangela, kuyeza iminyaka eyisikhombisa yenala enkulu elizweni lonke leGibhithe. Kuzavela iminyaka eyisikhombisa yendlala emva kwayo. Njalo inala kayiyikwaziwa elizweni ngenxa yaleyondlala emva kwalokho, ngoba izakuba nzima kakhulu. Njalo ukuthi iphupho liphindwe kabili kuFaro, kungoba into leimisiwe nguNkulunkulu, futhi uNkulunkulu uyaphangisa ukukwenza. Khathesi-ke uFaro kakhangele indoda eqedisisayo lehlakaniphileyo, ayibeke phezu kwelizwe leGibhithe. UFaro kenze lokhu, abeke ababonisi phezu kwelizwe, athathe ingxenye yesihlanu yelizwe leGibhithe eminyakeni eyisikhombisa yenala. Kababuthe konke ukudla kwaliminyaka elungileyo ezayo, njalo kababuthelele amabele ngaphansi kwesandla sikaFaro, kube yikudla emizini, bawagcine. Njalo ukudla kuzakuba yisiphala selizwe okweminyaka eyisikhombisa yendlala ezakuba khona elizweni leGibhithe, ukuze ilizwe lingabhujiswa yindlala. Njalo into le yabanhle emehlweni kaFaro lemehlweni ezinceku zakhe zonke. UFaro wasesithi ezincekwini zakhe: Singamthola yini onjengaye, indoda okuyo uMoya kaNkulunkulu? UFaro wasesithi kuJosefa: Njengalokhu uNkulunkulu ekwazisile konke lokhu, kakho oqedisisayo lohlakaniphileyo njengawe. Wena uzakuba phezu kwendlu yami, njalo emlonyeni wakho bonke abantu bami bazabuswa; kuphela esihlalweni sobukhosi ngizakuba mkhulu kulawe. UFaro wasesithi kuJosefa: Khangela, ngikubekile phezu kwelizwe lonke leGibhithe. UFaro wasekhupha indandatho yakhe elophawu lwakhe esandleni sakhe, wayifaka esandleni sikaJosefa. Wamhambisa enqoleni yesibili ayelayo; njalo bamemeza. UFaro wasesithi kuJosefa: NginguFaro; kodwa ngaphandle kwakho kakho ozaphakamisa isandla sakhe loba unyawo lwakhe elizweni lonke leGibhithe. UFaro wasebiza ibizo likaJosefa ngokuthiuZafenathi-Paneya. Wamnika uAsenathi, indodakazi kaPotifera umpristi weOni, ukuthi abe ngumka khe. UJosefa wasephuma wadabula elizweni leGibhithe. Njalo uJosefa wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amathathu mhla esima phambi kukaFaro inkosi yeGibhithe. UJosefa wasephuma esuka ebusweni bukaFaro, wadabula ilizwe lonke leGibhithe. Umhlaba wathela ngezandla ezigcweleyo eminyakeni eyisikhombisa yenala. Waseqoqa konke ukudla kweminyaka eyisikhombisa eyayiselizweni leGibhithe, wabeka ukudla emizini; ukudla kwensimu ezingelezele lowo lalowomuzi wakubeka kuwo. UJosefa wasebuthelela amabele njengetshebetshebe lolwandle, aba manengi kakhulu, waze wayekela ukubala, ngoba ayengelanani. Wasezalelwa uJosefa amadodana amabili, ungakafiki umnyaka wendlala, amzalela wona uAsenathi indodakazi kaPotifera umpristi weOni. UJosefa wasebiza ibizo lezibulo wathinguManase, wathi: Ngoba uNkulunkulu ungenze ukuthi ngikhohlwe konke ukuhlupheka kwami lendlu yonke kababa. Lebizo leyesibili walibiza wathinguEfrayimi, wathi: Ngoba uNkulunkulu ungenze ukuthi ngibe lezithelo elizweni lokuhlupheka kwami. Kwasekuphela iminyaka eyisikhombisa yenala eyayiselizweni leGibhithe. Kwasekuqala ukufika iminyaka eyisikhombisa yendlala. Kwasekusiba khona indlala emazweni wonke, kodwa elizweni lonke leGibhithe kwakukhona isinkwa. Kwathi ilizwe leGibhithe lonke selilamba, abantu bakhala ngesinkwa kuFaro. UFaro wasesithi kuwo wonke amaGibhithe: Yanini kuJosefa, lenze lokho alitshela khona. Kwathi sekulendlala ebusweni belizwe lonke, uJosefa wavula zonke iziphala, wathengisela amaGibhithe; indlala-ke yaba lamandla elizweni leGibhithe. Lonke ilizwe lafika eGibhithe kuJosefa ukuthenga, ngoba indlala yayilamandla emhlabeni wonke. UJakobe esebonile ukuthi kukhona amabele eGibhithe, uJakobe wathi emadodaneni akhe: Kungani likhangelana? Wathi futhi: Khangelani, sengizwile ukuthi kukhona amabele eGibhithe; yehlani liye khona, lisithengele khona, ukuze siphile, singafi. Abafowabo bakaJosefa abalitshumi basebesehla ukuthenga amabele eGibhithe. Kodwa uBhenjamini. Amadodana kaIsrayeli asefika ukuthenga phakathi kwababesiza, ngoba indlala yayikhona elizweni leKhanani. Njalo uJosefa wayengumbusi phezu kwelizwe. UJosefa esebabonile abafowabo, wabazi, kodwa wazitshaya owemzini kubo, wakhuluma labo izinto ezilukhuni wathi kubo: Livela ngaphi? Bathi: Elizweni leKhanani, ukuthenga ukudla. UJosefa wasebazi abafowabo, kodwa bona kabamazanga. UJosefa wasekhumbula amaphupho awaphupha ngabo, ukuzabona ubunqunu belizwe lizile. Basebesithi kuye: Hatshi, nkosi yami; kodwa inceku zakho zize ukuthenga ukudla. Thina sonke singamadodana andodanye; singabaqotho, inceku zakho kazisizo inhloli. Wasesithi kubo: Hatshi, kodwa ukuzabona ubunqunu belizwe lizile. Basebesithi: Thina, izinceku zakho, siyizelamani ezilitshumi lambili, amadodana andodanye elizweni leKhanani; khangela-ke, icinathunjana likubaba lamuhla, enye kayi se kho. UJosefa wasesithi kubo: Yikho lokho engikutsho kini, ukuthi: Lizinhloli. Kulokhu lizahlolwa; nge mpilo kaFaro! kalisoze liphume lapha, ngaphandle kokuthi kufike umfowenu olicinathunjana lapha. Thumani omunye wenu, amlande umfowenu; kodwa lina lizabotshwa, ukuze kuhlolwe amazwi enu, ukuthi iqiniso likini yini; kodwa uba hatshi, impilo kaFaro! lizinhloli. Wasebafaka esitokisini insuku ezintathu. UJosefa wasesithi kubo ngosuku lwesithathu: Yenzani lokhu ukuze liphile. Ngiyamesaba uNkulunkulu. Uba lingabaqotho, kabotshwe omunye wabafowenu endlini yokulondolozwa kwenu, kodwa lina hambani, libuyele lamabele endlala ezindlu zenu, lilethe umnawenu olicinathunjana kimi; khona amazwi enu ezaqiniswa, ukuze lingafi. Basebesenza njalo. Basebekhulumisana besithi: Isibili silecala ngomfowethu, ngoba sabona usizi lomphefumulo wakhe, nxa wasincenga, kodwa kasilalelanga; ngenxa yalokho sehlelwe yikuhlupheka lokhu. URubeni wasebaphendula wathi: Kangitshongo yini ukuthi: Lingoni kumfana. Njalo bona babengazi ukuthi uJosefa uyezwa, ngoba kwakulomtoliki phakathi kwabo. Njalo wabafulathela, wakhala inyembezi; wasetshibilikela kubo, wakhuluma kubo; wasethatha uSimeyoni kubo, wambopha phambi kwamehlo abo. UJosefa waselaya ukuthi bagcwalise amasaka abo ngamabele, lokuthi babuyisele imali yabo, ngulowo lalowo esakeni lakhe, lokuthi babanike umphako wendlela; basebesenza njalo kubo. Basebesethwesa obabhemi babo amabele abo, basuka lapho. Kwathi omunye evula isaka lakhe, wabona imali yakhe, ngoba khangela, yayisemlonyeni wesaka lakhe. Wasesithi kubafowabo: Imali yami ibuyiselwe; futhi khangelani, isesakeni lami. Inhliziyo yabo yasisehluleka, bathuthumela, omunye komunye besithi: Kuyini lokhu uNkulunkulu akwenze kithi? Basebebuyela kuJakobe uyise elizweni leKhanani, bamazisa konke abahlangene lakho, besithi: Indoda, umbusi walelolizwe, wasihalada, wasithatha njengenhloli zelizwe. Kodwa sathi kuye: Singabaqotho; kasisizo izinhloli; sasiyizelamani ezilitshumi lambili, amadodana kababa; enye kayi se kho, lecinathunjana lamuhla likubaba elizweni leKhanani. Lendoda, umbusi welizwe, wathi kithi: Ngalokhu ngizakwazi ukuthi lingabaqotho; tshiyani omunye wabafowenu kimi, lihambe, lilethe umnawenu olicinathunjana kimi; khona ngizabona ukuthi kalisizo izinhloli kodwa lingabaqotho, ngilinike umfowenu, lithengiselane elizweni. Kwasekusithi sebethulula amasaka abo, khangela-ke, isikhwama semali salowo lalowo sisesakeni lakhe. Lapho bebona izikhwama zemali yabo, bona loyise, besaba. UJakobe uyise wasesithi kubo: Liyangemuka abantwana; uJosefa ka se kho loSimeyoni kakho, loBhenjamini lizamthatha; zonke lezizinto zimelane lami. URubeni wasekhuluma kuyise esithi: Bulala ababili kumadodana ami, uba ngingambuyisi kuwe; mnikele esandleni sami, futhi mina ngizambuyisela kuwe. Kodwa wathi: Indodana yami kayiyikwehla lani, ngoba umfowabo ufile. Indlala yasisiba nzima elizweni. Kwasekusithi sebeqedile ukudla ababebuye lakho eGibhithe, uyise wathi kubo: Buyelani, lisithengele ukudla okulutshwana. UJuda wasekhuluma kuye wathi: Leyondoda yasiqonqosela yathi: Kalisoze libubone ubuso bami ngaphandle kokuthi umnawenu libe laye. Uba uthuma umnawethu lathi, sizakwehla siyekuthengela ukudla, kodwa uba unga m thumi, kasiyikwehla, ngoba leyondoda yathi kithi: Kalisoze libubone ubuso bami ngaphandle kokuthi umnawenu lilaye. UIsrayeli wasesithi: Lenzelani okubi kimi ngokuyazisa leyondoda ukuthi liselomnawenu? Basebesithi: Leyondoda yabuzisisa; ukwazi sasikwazi yini ukuthi izakuthi: Yehlani lomnawenu? UJuda wasesithi kuIsrayeli uyise: Thuma umfana lami; besesisukuma sihambe, ukuze siphile singafi, lathi, lawe, labantwanyana bethu. Mina ngizakuba yisibambiso sakhe; uzambiza esandleni sami; uba ngingambuyisi kuwe ngimbeke phambi kwakho, ngizakuba lecala kuwe zonke izinsuku. Isibili uba besingalibalanga, qotho ngabe khathesi sesibuyile kabili. UIsrayeli uyise wasesithi kubo: Uba kunjalo khathesi, yenzani lokhu; thathani okwezithelo ezikhethiweyo zelizwe ezitsheni zenu, liyehlisele leyondoda isipho, inhlaka eyingcosana, loluju oluyingcosana, isinongo, lemure, imkelu yepistakiyo, lama-alimondi; lithathe imali iphindwe kabili esandleni senu; futhi imali eyabuyiselwayo emlonyeni wamasaka enu liyibuyisele esandleni senu, mhlawumbe kwaba yisiphosiso. Lithathe futhi umfowenu, lisukume, libuyele kuleyondoda. UNkulunkulu uSomandla kaliphe isihawu phambi kwaleyondoda, ukuze alikhululele omunye umfowenu loBhenjamini. Mina-ke, uba ngemukwa abantwana, ngiyemukwa. Amadoda asethatha lesosipho, athatha imali ephindwe kabili esandleni sawo loBhenjamini; asukuma ehlela eGibhithe, ema phambi kukaJosefa. Kwathi uJosefa embona uBhenjamini elabo, wathi kumphathi wendlu yakhe: Ngenisa lamadoda endlini, uhlabe isifuyo, ulungise, ngoba lamadoda azakudla lami emini. Indoda yenza njengoba uJosefa etshilo, lendoda yawangenisa amadoda endlini kaJosefa. Amadoda asesesaba, ngoba engeniswe endlini kaJosefa; athi: Singenisiwe ngenxa yemali eyabuyiselwa emasakeni ethu kuqala, ukuze asijume ehlele phezu kwethu, asithathe sibe yizigqili, labobabhemi bethu. Asesondela endodeni eyayingumphathi wendlu kaJosefa, akhuluma kuyo emnyango wendlu, athi: Mayuyu nkosi yami! Sehla lokwehla kuqala ukuthenga ukudla. Kwasekusithi sesifike endlini yezihambi, savula amasaka ethu, khangela-ke, imali yalowo lalowo yayisemlonyeni wesaka lakhe, imali yethu ngesisindo sayo; siyibuyisile esandleni sethu. Sehle lenye imali layo esandleni sethu, ukuthenga ukudla. Kasazi ukuthi ngubani ofake imali yethu emasakeni ethu. Wasesithi: Ukuthula kakube kini, lingesabi. UNkulunkulu wenu loNkulunkulu kayihlo ulinikile inotho emasakeni enu. Imali yenu yeza kimi. Wasemkhuphela kubo uSimeyoni. Indoda yasiwangenisa amadoda endlini kaJosefa, ya wa nika amanzi; asegeza inyawo zawo; yasinika obabhemi bawo ukudla. Aselungisa isipho waze wafika uJosefa emini, ngoba ayezwile ukuthi bazakudla isinkwa lapho. Kwathi uJosefa esefikile endlini, amlethela endlini isipho esasisesandleni sawo, amkhothamela emhlabathini. Wasewabuza impilo wathi: Uyaphila uyihlo yini, ixhegu elalikhuluma ngalo? Lisaphila yini? Asesithi: Inceku yakho ubaba isekhona, isaphila. Asekhothamela phansi amkhonza. Wasephakamisa amehlo akhe, wabona uBhenjamini umfowabo, indodana kanina? Wathi futhi: UNkulunkulu kabe lomusa kuwe, ndodana yami. UJosefa wasephangisa, ngoba imibilini yakhe yatshisekela umfowabo. Esegezile ubuso bakhe, waphuma; esezibambile wathi: Fakani isinkwa. Bamfakela yedwa, lawo wodwa, lamaGibhithe, ayesidla laye, wodwa, ngoba amaGibhithe ayengedle isinkwa lamaHebheru, ngoba lokho kwakuyisinengiso kumaGibhithe. Asehlala phambi kwakhe, izibulo njengobuzibulo balo, lecinathunjana njengobucinathunjana balo; amadoda asemangala enye kwenye. Wasewabela kulokhu okwakuphambi kwakhe okwedlula isabelo sawo wonke. Anatha asenatha kakhulu laye. Waselaya umphathi wendlu yakhe esithi: Gcwalisa amasaka amadoda ngokudla, okulingene abangakuthwala, ufake imali yalowo lalowo emlonyeni wesaka lakhe. Lenkezo yami, inkezo yesiliva, ifake emlonyeni wesaka lecinathunjana kanye lemali yamabele alo. Wenza-ke njengelizwi likaJosefa, ayelikhulumile. Ekuseni sekusile, amadoda avunyelwa ukuhamba, wona labobabhemi bawo. Wona aphuma emzini, ayengakhatshana, uJosefa wasesithi kumphathi wendlu yakhe: Sukuma xotshana lamadoda; lapho usuwaficile uzakuthi kuwo: Liphindiseleleni okuhle ngokubi? Le kayisiyo enatha kuyo inkosi yami, lehlahlula ngayo sibili yini? Lenze okubi ngelikwenzileyo. Wasewafica, wakhuluma kuwo la amazwi. Asesithi kuye: Inkosi yethu ikhulumelani amazwi anje? Kakube khatshana lezinceku zakho ukwenza into enje. Khangela, imali esayifica emlonyeni wamasaka ethu sayibuyisela kuwe ivela elizweni leKhanani. Pho, besingeba njani isiliva loba igolide endlini yenkosi yakho? Lowo owezinceku zakho etholwa kuye, kafe, lathi futhi sizakuba yizigqili zenkosi yethu. Wasesithi: Khathesi-ke, kakube njalo njengamazwi enu; lowo ezatholwa kuye uzakuba yisigqili sami, kodwa lina libe msulwa. Basebephangisa, njalo ngulowo lalowo wethulela isaka lakhe emhlabathini, ngulowo lalowo wasevula isaka lakhe. Waphenya eqala kwenkulu wacina ngecinathunjana; njalo inkezo yatholwa esakeni likaBhenjamini. Asedabula izembatho zawo; ileyo laleyo yethwesa ubabhemi wayo, asebuyela emzini. Njalo uJuda wafika labafowabo endlini kaJosefa; ngoba wayesesekhona, bawela emhlabathini phambi kwakhe. UJosefa wasesithi kubo: Yisenzo bani elisenzileyo? Belingazi yini ukuthi indoda enjengami ingahlahlula sibili? UJuda wasesithi: Sizakuthini enkosini yethu? Sizakhulumani? Loba sizazilungisisa njani? UNkulunkulu uthole ububi benceku zakho; khangela, siyizigqili zenkosi yethu, thina sonke kanye laye inkezo etholwe esandleni sakhe. Kodwa wathi: Kakube khatshana lami ukwenza lokho. Indoda esandleni sayo okutholwe inkezo, nguye ozakuba yisigqili sami; kodwa lina yenyukani ngokuthula liye kuyihlo. UJuda wasesondela kuye wathi: Uxolo nkosi yami! Ake uvumele inceku yakho ikhulume ilizwi endlebeni zenkosi yami, ngoba unjengoFaro kanye. Inkosi yami yabuza inceku zayo isithi: Liloyihlo kumbe umfowenu yini? Sasesisithi enkosini yami: Silobaba olixhegu, lomfana wobuxhegu, omncinyane, lomnewabo ufile, njalo yena usele yedwa kunina, loyise uyamthanda. Wasusithi ezincekwini zakho: Mehliseleni kimi ukuze ngibeke ilihlo lami phezu kwakhe. Sasesisithi enkosini yami: Umfana angetshiye uyise; uba emtshiya uyise, uzakufa uyise. Wasusithi ezincekwini zakho: Uba umnawenu olicinathunjana engehli lani, kaliyikubona ubuso bami futhi. Kwasekusithi sesenyukele kunceku yakho ubaba, samazisa amazwi enkosi yami. Ubaba wasesithi: Buyelani, lisithengele ukudla okulutshwana. Sasesisithi: Singeke sehle; uba umnawethu olicinathunjana elathi singehla, ngoba singebone ubuso baleyondoda uba umnawethu olicinathunjana singelaye. Inceku yakho ubaba yasisithi kithi: Lina liyazi ukuthi umkami wangizalela amadodanaamabili; njalo omunye waphuma kimi, ngasengisithi: Isibili udatshuliwe lokudatshulwa; njalo kangimbonanga kuze kube khathesi. Uba lithatha lalo limsusa ebusweni bami, esehlelwe yingozi, lizakwehlisela-ke izimvu zami engcwabeni ngosizi. Khathesi-ke, lapho ngibuyela kunceku yakho ubaba, lomfana singelaye, njengoba umphefumulo wakhe ubotshelwe emphefumulweni wakhe, kuzakuthi-ke, nxa ebona ukuthi umfana kakho, uzakufa; njalo inceku zakho zizakwehlisela izimvu zenceku yakho ubaba engcwabeni ngosizi. Ngoba inceku yakho yaba yisibambiso somfana kubaba esithi: Uba ngingambuyiseli kuwe, ngizakuba lecala kubaba zonke izinsuku. Khathesi-ke, ake inceku yakho isale esikhundleni somfana, ibe yisigqili senkosi yami, lomfana enyuke kanye labafowabo. Ngoba ngingenyukela njani kubaba, umfana ngingelaye, hlezi ngibone okubi okuzafica ubaba? UJosefa-ke wayengelakuzibamba phambi kwabo ababemi laye, wamemeza wathi: Khuphani wonke umuntu asuke kimi. Futhi kwakungelamuntu owayemi laye lapho uJosefa eziveza kubafowabo. Wasephakamisa ilizwi lakhe ngokukhala, aze ezwa amaGibhithe, yezwa lendlu kaFaro. UJosefa wasesithi kubafowabo: NginguJosefa. Ubaba usaphila yini? Kodwa abafowabo kabaze bamphendula, ngoba besanganisekile phambi kwakhe. UJosefa wasesithi kubafowabo: Ake lisondele kimi. Basondela-ke. Wasesithi: NginguJosefa umfowenu elamthengisa waya eGibhithe. Khathesi-ke, lingadabuki, lingazithukutheleli, ukuthi langithengisa lapha, ngoba uNkulunkulu wangithuma phambi kwenu ukulondoloza impilo. Ngoba liminyaka emibili indlala iphakathi kwelizwe; njalo kuseleminyaka emihlanu okungayikulinywa kuvunwe ngayo. Njalo uNkulunkulu wangithuma phambi kwenu ukulimisela insali emhlabeni, lokuligcina liphila ngokukhulula okukhulu. Khathesi-ke, lina alingithumelanga lapha, kodwa uNkulunkulu; wasengimisa ngaba nguyise kaFaro, lenkosi yendlu yakhe yonke, lombusi elizweni lonke leGibhithe. Phangisani lenyukele kubaba, lithi kuye: Itsho njalo indodana yakho uJosefa: UNkulunkulu ungimise inkosi yeGibhithe lonke; yehlela kimi, ungaphuzi; uzahlala elizweni leGosheni, ube seduze lami, wena labantwana bakho labantwana babantwabakho, lezimvu zakho lenkomo zakho, lakho konke olakho. Njalo ngizakondla lapho, ngoba isekhona iminyaka emihlanu yendlala, hlezi ube ngumyanga, wena lendlu yakho lakho konke olakho. Khangelani-ke, amehlo enu ayabona, lamehlo omfowethu uBhenjamini, ukuthi umlomo wami ukhuluma kini. Bikelani ubaba lonke udumo lwami eGibhithe, lakho konke elikubonileyo, liphangise lehlisele ubaba lapha. Wasewela entanyeni kaBhenjamini umfowabo, wakhala inyembezi; loBhenjamini wakhala inyembezi entanyeni yakhe. Wasebanga bonke abafowabo, wakhala inyembezi phezu kwabo. Njalo emva kwalokhu abafowabo baxoxa laye. Kwathi lelilizwi lizwakala endlini kaFaro lisithi, abafowabo bakaJosefa bafikile, kwaba kuhle emehlweni kaFaro lemehlweni enceku zakhe. UFaro wasesithi kuJosefa: Tshela abafowenu uthi: Yenzani lokhu, yethwesani inyamazana zenu, lihambe liye elizweni leKhanani, lithathe uyihlo lemizi yenu, libuye kimi; besengilinika okuhle kwelizwe leGibhithe, beselisidla amanono elizwe. Wena-ke usulayiwe; yenzani lokhu, zithatheleni elizweni leGibhithe izinqola zabantwanyana benu labomkenu, lithwale uyihlo libuye. Futhi ilihlo lenu lingakhathaleli impahla zenu, ngoba okuhle kwelizwe lonke leGibhithe kungokwenu. Asesenza njalo amadodana kaIsrayeli; uJosefa wasewanika izinqola njengokulaya kukaFaro, wabanika umphako wendlela. Wabanika bonke, kwaba ngulowo lalowo izembatho zokuntshintsha. Wasethumela kuyise kanje, obabhemi abalitshumi, bethwele okwezinto ezinhle zeGibhithe, labobabhemikazi abalitshumi bethwele amabele lezinkwa lokudla kwendlela kukayise. Wasebathuma abafowabo bahamba. Wathi kibo: Lingaxabani endleleni. Basebesenyuka besuka eGibhithe, bafika elizweni leKhanani, kuJakobe uyise. Bambikela besithi: UJosefa usaphila, njalo ungumbusi elizweni leGibhithe lonke. Inhliziyo yakhe yasiphela amandla, ngoba wayengabakholwa. Basebemtshela wonke amazwi kaJosefa ayewatshilo kibo. Kwathi esezibonile izinqola uJosefa ayezithume ukumthwala, umoya kaJakobe uyise wavuseleleka. UIsrayeli wasesithi: Kwanele, uJosefa indodana yami usaphila; ngizahamba ngimbone ngingakafi. UIsrayeli wasesuka lakho konke ayelakho, wafika eBherishebha. UNkulunkulu wasekhuluma kuIsrayeli emibonweni yebusuku esithi: Jakobe, Jakobe! Wasesithi: Khangela ngi lapha. Wasesithi: NginguNkulunkulu, uNkulunkulu kayihlo; mina ngizakwehlela eGibhithe lawe, njalo lami isibili ngizakwenyusa. UJakobe wasesukuma evela eBherishebha. Lamadodana kaIsrayeli amthwala uJakobe uyise labantwanyana bawo labomkawo ezinqoleni uFaro ayezithumile ukumthwala. Basebethatha izifuyo zabo lempahla zabo ababezizuzile elizweni leKhanani, bafika eGibhithe, uJakobe lenzalo yakhe yonke laye, amadodana akhe, lamadodana amadodana akhe kanye laye, lamadodakazi akhe, lamadodakazi amadodana akhe; layo yonke inzalo yakhe wayiletha laye eGibhithe. Njalo la ngamabizo amadodana kaIsrayeli. Lamadodana kaRubeni: OHanoki, loPalu, loHezironi, loKarimi. Lamadodana kaSimeyoni: OJemuweli loJamini loOhadi loJakini loZohari, loShawuli indodana yomKhananikazi. Lamadodana kaLevi: OGerishoni, uKohathi loMerari. Lamadodana kaJuda. Lamadodana kaIsakari: OThola loPuva loYobi loShimroni. Lamadodana kaZebuluni: OSeredi loEloni loJaleli. La ngamadodana kaLeya awazalela uJakobe ePadani-Arama loDina indodakazi yakhe; yonke imiphefumulo yamadodana akhe lamadodakazi akhe yayingamatshumi amathathu lantathu. Njalo amadodana kaGadi: UZifiyoni loHagi, uShuni loEziboni, uEri loArodi loAreli. Lamadodana kaAsheri: OJimna loIshiva loIshivi loBeriya loSera udadewabo. Lamadodana kaBeriya: OHeberi loMalikiyeli. La ngamadodana kaZilipa, njalo la wawazalela uJakobe, imiphefumulo elitshumi lesithupha. Amadodana kaRasheli umkaJakobe: OJosefa loBhenjamini. Kwasekuzalelwa uJosefa elizweni leGibhithe oManase loEfrayimi, amzalela bona uAsenathi indodakazi kaPotifera umpristi weOni. Lamadodana kaBhenjamini: OBhela loBekeri loAshibeli, uGera loNamani, uEhi loRoshi, uMupimi loHupimi loAridi. La ngamadodana kaRasheli azalelwa uJakobe; yonke imiphefumulo ilitshumi lane. Lamadodana kaDani: UHushimi. Lamadodana kaNafithali: OJazeli loGuni loJezeri loShilema. La ngamadodana kaBiliha, wasemzalela la uJakobe; yonke imiphefumulo iyisikhombisa. Yonke imiphefumulo eyafika loJakobe eGibhithe, evela ekhalweni lwakhe, ngaphandle kwabafazi bamadodana kaJakobe, yonke imiphefumulo ingamatshumi ayisithupha lesithupha. Lamadodana kaJosefa awazalelwa eGibhithe ayimiphefumulo emibili. Yonke imiphefumulo yendlu kaJakobe eyafika eGibhithe yayingamatshumi ayisikhombisa. Wasethuma uJuda phambi kwakhe kuJosefa, ukuthi akhokhele phambi kwakhe esiya eGosheni; basebefika elizweni leGosheni. UJosefa wasebopha inqola yakhe, wenyukela eGosheni ukuhlangabeza uIsrayeli uyise; wazibonakalisa kuye, wawela entanyeni yakhe, wakhala inyembezi isikhathi eside entanyeni yakhe. UIsrayeli wasesithi kuJosefa: Khathesi kangife, lokhu sengibonile ubuso bakho, ngoba usaphila. UJosefa wasesithi kubafowabo lakundlu kayise: Ngizakwenyuka ngibike kuFaro ngithi kuye: Abafowethu lendlu kababa ababeselizweni leKhanani sebefikile kimi; lamadoda angabelusi bezimvu, ngoba abengamadoda afuyileyo; njalo alethe izimvu zawo lenkomo zawo lakho konke alakho. Njalo kuzakuthi lapho uFaro elibiza esithi: Iyini imisebenzi yenu? Lizakuthi-ke: Izinceku zakho zingamadoda okufuya. UJosefa wasesiza wambikela uFaro. Wasethatha ingxenye yabafowabo, amadoda amahlanu, wawamisa phambi kukaFaro. UFaro wasesithi kubafowabo: Iyini imisebenzi yenu. Bathi futhi kuFaro: Sizehlala njengabezizwe elizweni. UFaro wasekhuluma kuJosefa esithi: Uyihlo labafowenu sebeze kuwe. Ilizwe leGibhithe liphambi kwakho; futhi uba usazi ukuthi kukhona phakathi kwabo amadoda azingcitshi, uwabeke abe zinduna zezifuyo phezu kwengilakho. UJosefa waseletha uJakobe uyise, wammisa phambi kukaFaro; uJakobe wasembusisa uFaro. UFaro wasesithi kuJakobe: Mangaki amalanga eminyaka yempilo yakho? UJakobe wasesithi kuFaro: Amalanga eminyaka yobuhambuma bami. UJakobe wasebusisa uFaro, waphuma esuka ebusweni bukaFaro. UJosefa wabahlalisa oyise labafowabo, wabapha isabelo elizweni leGibhithe, ebuhleni belizwe kulalo lonke, emkhonweni iRamesesi. UJosefa wasebondla oyise labafowabo lendlu yonke kayise ngesinkwa, ngokomlomo wabantwanyana. Njalo kwakungelakudla elizweni lonke, ngoba indlala yayinzima kakhulu; lelizwe leGibhithe lelizwe leKhanani aphela amandla ngendlala. UJosefa wasebutha yonke imali eyatholakala elizweni leGibhithe lelizweni leKhanani, yamabele ababewathenga; uJosefa waseletha imali endlini kaFaro. Kwathi imali isiphelile elizweni leGibhithe lelizweni leKhanani, wonke amaGibhithe eza kuJosefa esithi: Siphe ukudla; ngoba sizafelani phambi kwakho? Ngoba isiphelile imali. UJosefa wasesithi: Lethani izifuyo zenu; njalo ngizalinika ngezifuyo zenu, uba imali isiphelile. Basebeletha izifuyo zabo kuJosefa; uJosefa wasebanika ukudla ngamabhiza langemfuyo yezimvu langemfuyo yenkomo langabobabhemi. Wasebondla ngokudla ngezifuyo zabo zonke ngalowomnyaka. Kwathi usuphelile lowomnyaka, beza kuye ngomnyaka wesibili, bathi kuye: Kasiyikuyifihlela inkosi yethu ukuthi, njengoba imali isiphelile, lemfuyo yezifuyo isingeyenkosi yethu, kakukho okuseleyo phambi kwenkosi yethu, ngaphandle kwemizimba yethu lamasimu ethu. Sizafelani phambi kwamehlo akho, thina sonke lamasimu ethu? Sithenge lamasimu ethu ngokudla, thina-ke lamasimu ethu sibe zinceku zikaFaro; njalo siphe inhlanyelo ukuze siphile singafi, lokuthi umhlabathi ungalobi. UJosefa wasemthengela uFaro ilizwe lonke leGibhithe, ngoba amaGibhithe athengisa ngulowo lalowo insimu yakhe, ngoba indlala yayilamandla phezu kwabo; lelizwe laba ngelikaFaro. Njalo mayelana labantu, wabasusa baya emizini, kusukela ekupheleni komunye umngcele weGibhithe kusiya ekupheleni komunye wayo. Kuphela ilizwe labapristi kalithenganga, ngoba abapristi balesabelo kuFaro, badla isabelo sabo uFaro ayebanika sona; ngakho kabathengisanga ilizwe labo. UJosefa wasesithi ebantwini: Khangelani, lamuhla ngilithengele uFaro lelizwe lenu; khangelani kulenhlanyelo yenu njalo lizahlanyela ensimini. Kuzakuthi-ke esivunweni limnike uFaro ingxenye yesihlanu, lengxenye ezine zibe ngezenu, kube yinhlanyelo yensimu lokudla kwenu lokwabasemizini yenu, lokudla kwabantwanyana benu. Basebesithi: Usindise impilo yethu; asithole umusa emehlweni enkosi yami, njalo sizakuba yizigqili zikaFaro. UJosefa wasekumisa kwaba ngumthetho kuze kube lamuhla, phezu kwelizwe leGibhithe, ukuthiingxenye yesihlanu izakuba ngekaFaro; ngaphandle kwelizwe labapristi lodwa elingeyisilo likaFaro. UIsrayeli wasehlala elizweni leGibhithe, elizweni leGosheni. UJakobe wasephila elizweni leGibhithe iminyaka elitshumi lesikhombisa; ngakho insuku zikaJakobe, iminyaka yempilo yakhe, yayiyiminyaka elikhulu lamatshumi amane lesikhombisa. Kwathi sekusondele insuku zikaIsrayeli ukuthi afe; kodwa akuthi ngilale labobaba. Wasesithi: Mina ngizakwenza njengokwelizwi lakho. Wasesithi: Funga kimi. Kwasekusithi emva kwalezizinto kwathiwa kuJosefa: Khangela, uyihlo uyagula. Wasethatha amadodana akhe amabili laye, uManase loEfrayimi. Kwasekubikwa kuJakobe ukuthi: Khangela, indodana yakho uJosefa iyeza kuwe. UIsrayeli waseziqinisa wahlala embhedeni. UJakobe wasesithi kuJosefa: UNkulunkulu uSomandla elizweni leKhanani, wangibusisa, wathi kimi: Khangela, ngizakwenza uzale ngikwandise ngikwenze ube yizizwe ezinengi, nginike inzalo yakho emva kwakho lelilizwe, libe yimfuyo elaphakade. Khathesi-ke, amadodana akho amabili. Kodwa izizukulwana zakho ozazizala emva kwabo zizakuba ngezakho; ngebizo labafowabo zizabizwa elifeni lazo. Mina-ke, ekusukeni kwami ePadani, uRasheli wafa, ngasengimngcwaba khona endleleni yeEfrathi, eyiBhethelehema. UIsrayeli wasebona amadodana kaJosefa wathi: Ngobani laba? UJosefa wasesithi kuyise: Bangamadodana ami, uNkulunkulu anginika wona. Njalo amehlo kaIsrayeli ayefiphele ngenxa yobudala, engelakubona. UIsrayeli wasesithi kuJosefa: Ngangingacabanganga ukuthi ngingabona ubuso bakho, kodwa khangela, uNkulunkulu ungibonise lenzalo yakho. UJosefa wasewakhupha emadolweni akhe, wakhothama ngobuso bakhe emhlabathini. UJosefa wasebathatha bobabili, uEfrayimi ngesandla sakhe sokunene ngakwesokhohlo sikaIsrayeli, loManase ngesandla sakhe sokhohlo ngakwesokunene sikaIsrayeli, wabasondeza kuye. Kodwa uIsrayeli welula isandla sakhe sokunene, wa si beka ekhanda likaEfrayimi, lanxa engomncinyane, lesandla sakhe sokhohlo ekhanda likaManase, eqondisa izandla zakhe esazi, ngoba uManase wayelizibulo. Wasembusisa uJosefa wathi: UNkulunkulu abahamba phambi kwakhe obaba oAbrahama loIsaka, uNkulunkulu owangondla kusukela ebukhoneni bami kuze kube lamuhla, ingilosi; bande babebanengi phakathi komhlaba. Kwathi uJosefa esebonile ukuthi uyise ubeke isandla sakhe sokunene ekhanda likaEfrayimi, kwaba kubi emehlweni akhe; wasibamba isandla sikayise ukuze asisuse ekhanda likaEfrayimi asise ekhanda likaManase. UJosefa wasesithi kuyise: Hayi njalo, baba, ngoba lo ulizibulo; beka isandla sakho sokunene ekhanda lakhe. Kodwa uyise wala wathi: Ngiyazi, ndodana yami, ngiyazi, lenzalo yakhe izakuba yikugcwala kwezizwe. Wasebabusisa ngalolosuku esithi: Ngawe uIsrayeli uzabusisa, esithi: UNkulunkulu kakumise njengoEfrayimi lanjengoManase. Wasebeka uEfrayimi phambi kukaManase. UIsrayeli wasesithi kuJosefa: Khangela, ngiyafa; kodwa uNkulunkulu uzakuba lawe, njalo uzalibuyisela elizweni laboyihlo. Futhi mina ngikunikile isabelo esisodwa okwedlula abafowenu, engasithatha esandleni samaAmori ngenkemba yami langedandili lami. UJakobe wasebiza amadodana akhe wathi. Buthanani, lizwe madodana kaJakobe, limlalele uIsrayeli uyihlo. Rubeni, ulizibulo lami, lokuphelela kwamandla. Uphuphuma njengamanzi, kawuyikuba ngopheleleyo, ngoba ukhwele embhedeni kayihlo, wasu w ona; wakhwela embhedeni wami. USimeyoni loLevi bayizelamani; inkemba zabo ziyizikhali zokuphanga. Umphefumulo wami ungangeni emphakathini wabo wangasese; ngoba ngolaka lwabo babulala umuntu, langokuzithokozisa baquma izinkabi umsipha. Kaluqalekiswe ulaka lwabo ngoba lulamandla, lentukuthelo yabo ngoba ilesihluku. Ngizabehlukanisa koJakobe, ngibahlakaze koIsrayeli. Juda, wena, abafowenu bazakudumisa. UJuda ungumdlwane wesilwane? Intonga yobukhosi kayiyikusuka kuJuda. Ubophela ithole lakhe likababhemi evinini, lethole likababhemikazi wakhe evinini elihle. Uwatsha isigqoko sakhe ewayinini, lesembatho sakhe egazini lezithelo zevini. Amehlo akheazakuba nsundu ngewayini, lamazinyo akhemhlophe ngochago. UZebuluni uzahlala, abe litheku lemikhumbi, lomngcele wakhe uzakuba ngaseSidoni. UIsakari ungubabhemi olamathambo alamandla, oqutha phakathi kwemithwalo emibili. Wathi ebona indawo yokuphumula ukuthi inhle, lelizwe ukuthi liyabukeka, wagobisa amahlombe. UDani uzakwahlulela abantu bakhe, njengesinye sezizwe zakoIsrayeli. UDani uzakuba yinyoka endleleni, inhlangwana emkhondweni, eluma izithende zebhiza, ukuze umgadi walo awe nyovane. Ngilindele usindiso lwakho, N. UGadi, iviyo lizamhlasela, kodwa yena uzahlasela ezithendeni. Kuvela kuAsheri, ukudla kwakhe kuzanona, uzaveza izibiliboco zenkosi. UNafithali uyimpala ethukululiweyo, eveza amazwi amahle. UJosefa ulugatsha oluthelayo, ugatsha oluthelayo emthonjeni, ingatsha zikhwela phezu komduli. Abatshoki. Kodwa idandili lakhe, ngoNkulunkulu kayihlo ozakusiza, langoSomandla ozakubusisa ngezibusiso zamazulu ezivela phezulu, izibusiso zokujula okulele phansi, izibusiso zamabele lesizalo, izibusiso zikayihlo ziyedlula izibusiso zabokhokho bami, kuze kube sengqongeni zamaqaqa aphakade, laphezu kwenkanda yalowo owehlukaniswe kubafowabo. UBhenjamini uyimpisi edabulayo. Bonke labo bayizizwe ezilitshumi lambili zakoIsrayeli; futhi lokho yikho uyise akukhuluma kubo ebabusisa; ngulowo lalowo ngesibusiso sakhe wababusisa. Wasebalaya wathi kubo: Sengibuthelwa ebantwini bakithi, obhalwini olusensimini yeMakaphela eqondane leMamre, elizweni leKhanani, uAbrahama owaluthenga lensimu kuEfroni umHethi ibe yindawo yethu yokungcwabela. Lapho bangcwaba oAbrahama loSara umkakhe loRebeka umkakhe; lalapho ngangcwaba uLeya, insimu, lobhalu olukiyo, kwathengwa emadodaneni kaHethi. Kwathi uJakobe eseqedile ukulaya amadodana akhe, waqoqela inyawo zakhe embhedeni, waphela, wabuthelwa ebantwini bakibo. UJosefa wasewela phezu kobuso bukayise, wakhala inyembezi phezu kwakhe, wamanga. UJosefa waselaya inceku zakhe abelaphi ukuthi baqhole uyise ngomuthi; labelaphi bamqhola uIsrayeli ngomuthi. Zagcwaliseka kuye insuku ezingamatshumi amane, ngoba ngokunjalo zazigcwaliseka insuku zabaqholwe ngomuthi. LamaGibhithe amlilela insuku ezingamatshumi ayisikhombisa. Kwathi sezidlulile insuku zokumkhalela, uJosefa wakhuluma lendlu kaFaro esithi: Uba-ke ngithole umusa emehlweni enu, ake likhulume endlebeni zikaFaro, lisithi: Ubaba wangifungisa esithi: Khangela, ngiyafa; engcwabeni engazigebhela lona elizweni leKhanani, lapho ungingcwabe. Khathesi-ke, ake ngenyuke ngiyengcwaba ubaba, besengibuya. UFaro wasesithi: Yenyuka uyengcwaba uyihlo njengokukufungisa kwakhe. UJosefa wasesenyuka ukuyangcwaba uyise, kwenyuka kanye laye zonke izinceku zikaFaro, abadala bendlu yakhe, labo bonke abadala belizwe leGibhithe, lendlu yonke kaJosefa, labafowabo, lendlu kayise; kuphela abantwana babo abancinyane lezimvu zabo lenkomo zabo bakutshiya elizweni leGosheni. Kwasekusenyuka kanye laye konke izinqola labagadi bamabhiza, kwaba liviyo elinzima kakhulu. Kwathi sebefike esizeni seAtadi, eliphetsheya kweJodani, balila khona, isililo esikhulu lesinzima kakhulu, bamenzela uyise isililo insuku eziyisikhombisa. Kwathi abakhileyo belizwe, amaKhanani, bebona ukulila esizeni seAtadi, bathi: Lesi yisililo esinzima samaGibhithe. Ngakho basebesitha ibizo laso iAbeli-Mizirayimi, eliphetsheya kweJodani. Amadodana akhe asemenzela njalo njengalokhu ewalayile; ngoba amadodana akhe amthwalela elizweni leKhanani, lube yindawo yakhe yokungcwabela, kuEfroni umHethi, eqondane leMamre. UJosefa wasebuyela eGibhithe, yena labafowabo labo bonke abenyuka laye ukuyangcwaba uyise, esemngcwabile uyise. Kwathi abafowabo bakaJosefa sebebonile ukuthi uyise usefile bathi: Mhlawumbe uJosefa uzasizonda, ngoqotho asiphindisele ububi bonke esabenza kuye. Basebenika isilayezelo kuJosefa besithi: Uyihlo walaya engakafi, esithi: Lizakutsho kanje kuJosefa lithi: Ngiyakucela, akuxolele isiphambeko sabafowenu lesono sabo, ngoba bakwenzela okubi; khathesi-ke ake uxolele isiphambeko sezinceku zikaNkulunkulu kayihlo. UJosefa wasekhala inyembezi nxa bekhuluma kuye. Labafowabo labo beza, bawa phansi phambi kwakhe, bathi: Khangela, siyizinceku zakho. Kodwa uJosefa wathi kibo: Lingesabi, ngoba kanti ngisendaweni kaNkulunkulu yini? Kodwa lina laceba okubi kimi, uNkulunkulu waceba ngokuhle, ukuze enze njengalamuhla, ukuze alondoloze abantu abanengi bephila. Khathesi-ke lingesabi; mina ngizalondla lina labantwanyana benu. Wasebaduduza, wakhuluma labo ngomusa. UJosefa wasehlala eGibhithe, yena lendlu kayise. Njalo uJosefa waphila iminyaka elikhulu letshumi. UJosefa wasebona abantwana bakaEfrayimi abesizukulwana sesithathu; labantwana bakaMakiri indodana kaManase bazalelwa emadolweni kaJosefa. UJosefa wasesithi kubafowabo: Ngiyafa, kodwa uNkulunkulu uzalihambela isibili. UJosefa wafungisa amadodana kaIsrayeli esithi: UNkulunkulu uzalihambela isibili, njalo lizakwenyusa amathambo ami asuke lapha. UJosefa wasesifa, eleminyaka elikhulu letshumi; basebemqhola ngomuthi, wafakwa ebhokisini eGibhithe. La-ke ngamabizo amadodana kaIsrayeli afika eGibhithe loJakobe; afika, ileyo laleyo lomuzi wayo, uRubeni, uSimeyoni, uLevi, loJuda, uIsakari, uZebuluni, loBhenjamini, uDani, loNafithali, uGadi, loAsheri. Njalo yonke imiphefumulo eyaphuma ekhalweni lukaJakobe yayiyimiphefumulo engamatshumi ayisikhombisa. Kodwa uJosefa wayeseGibhithe. UJosefa wasesifa labo bonke abafowabo, lalesosizukulwana sonke. Njalo abantwana bakoIsrayeli bazalana, baba banengi, banda, baba lamandla kakhulukazi, ilizwe laze lagcwaliswa yibo. Kwasekuvela inkosi entsha phezu kweGibhithe eyayingamazi uJosefa. Yasisithi esizweni sayo: Khangela, isizwe sabantwana bakoIsrayeli sinengi, futhi silamandla kulathi. Wozani, hlezi sande, njalo kuzakuthi lapho kusehla impi, laso sihlangane lezitha zethu, silwe simelene lathi, senyuke sisuke elizweni. Ngakho bamisa phezu kwaso izinduna zesibhalo. Kodwa kwathi ekusihlupheni kwaso kwang'khona sisanda, kwang'khona sisabalala. Njalo amaGibhithe abasebenzisa abantwana bakoIsrayeli ngochuku, aze enza impilo zabo zababa ngomsebenzi onzima, ngodaka langezitina, langawo wonke umsebenzi emasimini; ngomsebenzi wabo wonke, ababenza bawenza ngodlakela. Inkosi yeGibhithe yasikhuluma lababelethisi amaHebherukazi, obizo lowokuqala lalinguShifira, lebizo lowesibili lalinguPhuwa, yasisithi: Nxa libelethisa amaHebherukazi, lapho libabona ezihlalweni zokubeletha, uba kuyindodana, liyibulale; kodwa uba kuyindodakazi, iyekeleni iphila. Kodwa ababelethisi babemesaba uNkulunkulu, kodwa babayekela abafana baphila. Inkosi yeGibhithe yasibiza ababelethisi, yathi kubo: Liyenzeleni linto ukuthi liyekele abafana baphile? Ababelethisi basebesithi kuFaro: Ngoba amaHebherukazi kawanjengabafazi bamaGibhithe; ngoba alamandla, umbelethisi engakafiki kuwo, asebelethile. Ngalokhu uNkulunkulu wabenzela ababelethisi okuhle, labantu banda, baba lamandla kakhulu. Kwasekusithi, ngoba ababelethisi bamesaba uNkulunkulu, wabakhela imizi. UFaro waselaya isizwe sakhe sonke esithi: Yonke indodana ezalwayo liyiphosele emfuleni, kodwa yonke indodakazi liyiyekele iphile. Kwasekusuka indoda yendlu yakoLevi, yathatha indodakazi yakoLevi. Owesifazana wasethatha isisu, wazala indodana; eseyibonile ukuthi inhle, wayifihla inyanga ezintathu. Kwathi engaselakuyifihla wayithathela isitsha semizi. Udadewabo wasezimisa khatshana ukuze azi okuzakwenziwa kuye. Kwasekusehla indodakazi kaFaro uku ya geza emfuleni; lamantombazana ayo ahamba eceleni komfula. Isibonile isitsha phakathi kwemihlanga, yathuma incekukazi yayo yasithatha. Kwathi isivula, yabona umntwana, khangela-ke, umfanyana wakhala inyembezi. Yasimhawukela yathi: Lo ngomunye wabafana bamaHebheru. Udadewabo wasesithi endodakazini kaFaro: Ngihambe yini ngiyekubizela umfazi omunyisayo kumaHebherukazi ukuze akumunyisele umfana? Indodakazi kaFaro yasisithi kuye: Hamba. Intombi yasihamba, yabiza unina womfana. Indodakazi kaFaro yasisithi kuye: Thatha uhambe lalo umntwana, ungimunyisele yena; njalo mina ngizakupha iholo lakho. Owesifazana wasemthatha umntwana, wammunyisa. Umfana esekhulile, wamletha endodakazini kaFaro, wasesiba yindodana yayo. Yasisitha ibizo layo yathinguMozisi, yathi: Ngoba ngamkhupha emanzini. Kwasekusithi ngalezonsuku, uMozisi esekhulile, waphuma waya kubafowabo; futhi wabona umGibhithe etshaya umHebheru kubafowabo. Wathalaza ngapha langapha; esebonile ukuthi kakulamuntu, wamtshaya umGibhithe, wamfihla etshebetshebeni. Waphuma langosuku lwesibili, khangela-ke, amaHebheru amabili esilwa; wasesithi kowonileyo: Umtshayelani umakhelwane wakho? Wasesithi: Ngubani okubeke ube yisiphathamandla lomahluleli phezu kwethu? Wena uzimisele ukungibulala yini njengalokho ubulele umGibhithe? UMozisi wasesesaba wathi: Isibili udaba luyaziwa. Kwathi uFaro eseluzwile udaba, wadinga ukumbulala uMozisi. Kodwa uMozisi wabalekela ubuso bukaFaro. Njalo umpristi weMidiyani wayelamadodakazi ayisikhombisa; eza ukunathisa umhlambi kayise. Kwasekufika abelusi, bawaxotsha; kodwa uMozisi wasukuma, wawasiza wanathisa umhlambi wawo. Lapho efika kuRehuweli uyise, wathi: Kungani libuye masinyane kangaka lamuhla? Asesithi: Indoda engumGibhithe isophulile esandleni sabelusi; futhi yasikhela lokusikhela, yanathisa umhlambi. Wasesithi emadodakazini akhe: Kambe ingaphi? Kanti liyitshiyeleni indoda? Ibizeni, ukuze idle isinkwa. UMozisi wasevuma ukuhlala lendoda; wasemnika uMozisi uZipora indodakazi yakhe. Wasezala indodana; wayitha ibizo layo uGereshoma, ngoba wathi: Ngangingowemzini elizweni lemzini. Kwasekusithi emva kwalezinsuku ezinengi. UNkulunkulu wasesizwa ukububula kwabo. UNkulunkulu wasebona abantwana bakoIsrayeli. UMozisi wayeselusa-ke umhlambi kaJetro uyisezala, umpristi weMidiyani; waqhuba umhlambi waya ngaphambili kwenkangala, eHorebe. Njalo ingilosi yeN yabonakala kuye; wasebona, khangela-ke, isihlahla sivutha umlilo, kodwa isihlahla sasingapheli. UMozisi wasesithi: Ngizaphambuka-ke ngibone lo umbono omkhulu, ukuthi kungani isihlahla singatshi. Kwathi isibonile ukuthi uphambukile ukuyabona, uNkulunkulu wambiza ephakathi kwesihlahla, wathi: Mozisi, Mozisi! Wasesithi: Khangela ngi lapha. Wasesithi: Ungasondeli lapha; khupha amanyathela akho enyaweni zakho, ngoba indawo omi kuyo ingumhlabathi ongcwele. Wathi futhi: NginguNkulunkulu kayihlo, uNkulunkulu kaAbrahama, uNkulunkulu kaIsaka, loNkulunkulu kaJakobe. yasisithi: Isibili ngibonile ukuhlupheka kwesizwe sami esiseGibhithe; ngoba ngiyazazi insizi zabo; njalo ngehlile. Khathesi-ke, khangela, ukukhala kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli sekufikile kimi; njalo lami ngibonile ucindezelo amaGibhithe abacindezela ngalo. Khathesi-ke, woza, ngizakuthuma kuFaro ukuze ukhuphe isizwe sami, abantwana bakoIsrayeli, eGibhithe. Kodwa uMozisi wathi kuNkulunkulu: Ngingubani mina ukuthi ngiye kuFaro, lokuthi ngikhuphe abantwana bakoIsrayeli eGibhithe? Wasesithi: Isibili ngizakuba lawe. UMozisi wasesithi kuNkulunkulu: Khangela, nxa ngifika kubantwana bakoIsrayeli ngisithi kubo: UNkulunkulu waboyihlo ungithumile kini; bazakuthi kimi: Ungubani ibizo lakhe? Ngizathini kubo? UNkulunkulu wasesithi kuMozisi: NGINGUYE ENGINGUYE. Wathi futhi: Uzakutsho njalo kubantwana bakoIsrayeli ukuthi: UNGINGUYE ungithumile kini. UNkulunkulu wasesithi njalo kuMozisi: Uzakutsho njalo kubantwana bakoIsrayeli ukuthi: uNkulunkulu waboyihlo, uNkulunkulu kaAbrahama, uNkulunkulu kaIsaka, loNkulunkulu kaJakobe, njalo lesi yisikhumbuzo sami kusizukulwana kusiya kusizukulwana. Hamba, ubuthanise abadala bakoIsrayeli, lalokho elikwenziwe eGibhithe; futhi ngathi ngizalenyusa enhluphekweni yeGibhithe, ngilise elizweni lamaKhanani lelamaHethi lelamaAmori lelamaPerizi lelamaHivi lelamaJebusi, liye elizweni eligeleza uchago loluju. Njalo bazalalela ilizwi lakho; khathesi-ke, ake usiyekele sihambe ummango wensuku ezintathu siye enkangala ukuze sihlabele uNkulunkulu wethu. Kodwa mina ngiyazi ukuthi inkosi yeGibhithe kayiyikuliyekela lihambe, ngitsho langesandla esilamandla. Ngakho ngizakwelula isandla sami. Njalo ngizanika lesisizwe umusa emehlweni amaGibhithe. Kuzakuthi-ke mhla lisukayo, kaliyikusuka lingelalutho, kodwa wonkeowesifazana uzacela kumakhelwane wakhe, lakuye ohlezihleziyo endlini yakhe, izinto zesiliva, lezinto zegolide, lemvunulo; lizazifaka emadodaneni enu lemadodakazini enu; lizawaphanga amaGibhithe. UMozisi wasephendula wathi: Kodwa khangela, kabayikungikholwa, kabayikulilalela ilizwi lami; ngoba bazakuthi: kayibonakalanga kuwe. yasisithi kuye: Kuyini lokho okusesandleni sakho? Wasesithi: Yintonga. Yasisithi: Iphosele emhlabathini. Waseyiphosela emhlabathini, yasisiba yinyoka. UMozisi waseyibalekela. yasisithi kuMozisi: Yelula isandla sakho, uyibambe ngomsila. Waselula isandla sakhe, wayithi xhaka; yasisiba yintonga esandleni sakhe, ukuze bakholwe. yasisithi njalo kuye: Ake ufake isandla sakho esifubeni sakho. Wasesifaka isandla sakhe esifubeni sakhe; esesikhuphile, khangela-ke, isandla sakhe sasesilobulephero njengeliqhwa elikhithikileyo. Yasisithi: Buyisela isandla sakho esifubeni sakho. Wasesibuyisela isandla sakhe esifubeni sakhe; esesikhuphile esifubeni sakhe, khangela-ke, sasesiphenduke saba njengenyama yakhe. Njalo kuzakuthi uba bengakukholwa, bengalaleli ilizwi lesibonakaliso sokuqala, bazakholwa ilizwi lesibonakaliso sokucina. Kuzakuthi-ke, uba bengakholwa lalezizibonakaliso ezimbili, bengalaleli ilizwi lakho, uzakukha okwamanzi omfula, uwathele emhlabathini owomileyo; njalo kuzakuthi amanzi ozawakha emfuleni azakuba ligazi emhlabathini owomileyo. UMozisi wasesithi eNni: Uxolo, Nkosi yami, kangisiso sikhulumi, ngitsho kusukela usukhulume lenceku yakho; ngoba kunzima emlonyeni wami njalo kunzima olimini. yasisithi kuye: Ngubani owenzela umuntu umlomo? Kumbe ngubani owenza isimungulu, kumbe isacuthe, kumbe obonayo, kumbe isiphofu? Kakusimi yini iN? Khathesi-ke hamba, njalo mina ngizakuba lomlomo wakho, ngikufundise lokho ozakukhuluma. Kodwa wathi: Uxolo, Nkosi yami, akuthume ngesandla salowo ozamthuma. Lwaseluvutha ulaka lweN kuMozisi, yasisithi: Angithi uAroni umLevi ngumnewenu? Ngiyazi ukuthi angakhuluma kuhle. Njalo khangela-ke, uzaphuma ukukuhlangabeza; nxa ekubona, uzathaba enhliziyweni yakhe. Njalo uzakhuluma kuye; mina-ke ngizakuba lomlomo wakho lomlomo wakhe, ngizalifundisa lokho elizakwenza. Yena-ke uzakhuluma esizweni esikhundleni sakho, kuzakuthi abe ngumlomo kuwe, wena ube njengoNkulunkulu kuye. Njalo uzathatha lintonga esandleni sakho, ozakwenza izibonakaliso ngayo. UMozisi wasehamba wabuyela kuJetro uyisezala, wathi kuye: Ake ungiyekele ngihambe, ngibuyele kubafowethu abaseGibhithe, ngibone ukuthi basaphila yini. UJetro wasesithi kuMozisi: Hamba ngokuthula. yasisithi kuMozisi eMidiyani: Hamba, ubuyele eGibhithe; ngoba wonke amadoda asafa, ayedinga umphefumulo wakho. UMozisi wasethatha umkakhe lamadodana akhe, wabakhwelisa phezu kukababhemi, wabuyela elizweni leGibhithe. UMozisi wasethatha intonga kaNkulunkulu esandleni sakhe. yasisithi kuMozisi: Ekuhambeni kwakho ubuyela eGibhithe, bona ukuthi, zonke izimangaliso ukuze angasiyekeli isizwe sihambe. Njalo uzakuthi kuFaro: Itsho njalo iN: Indodana yami, nguIsrayeli; njalo sengithe kuwe: Yekela indodana yami ihambe ukuthi ingikhonze; kodwa walile ukuyiyekela ihambe, khangela, ngizabulala indodana yakho, izibulo lakho. Kwasekusithi esendleleni, endlini yezihambi, yadinga ukumbulala. UZipora wasethatha insengetshe, waquma ijwabu lendodana yakhe, walithintisa inyawo zakhe wathi: Isibili ungumyeni wegazi kimi. Yasimyekela. Ngalesosikhathi wathi: Umyeni wegazi, ngenxa yokusoka. yasisithi kuAroni: Hamba, uyehlangabeza uMozisi enkangala, wamanga. UMozisi wasemtshela uAroni wonke amazwi eN eyayimthumile, lazo zonke izibonakaliso eyayimlaye zona. OMozisi loAroni basebehamba, babuthanisa bonke abadala babantwana bakoIsrayeli. UAroni wasekhuluma amazwi wonke eyayiwakhulume kuMozisi, wenza izibonakaliso phambi kwamehlo abantu. Abantu basebekholwa. Emva kwalokho-ke uMozisi loAroni bahamba bathi kuFaro: Itsho njalo uNkulunkulu wakoIsrayeli: Bayekele abantu bami bahambe, bangigcinele umkhosi enkangala. Kodwa uFaro wathi: Ingubani ukuthi ngilalele ilizwi layo, ngiyekele uIsrayeli ahambe? Kangiyazi iN, futhi kangiyikumyekela uIsrayeli ahambe. Basebesithi: UNkulunkulu wamaHebheru ngomatshayabhuqe wesifo kumbe ngenkemba. Kodwa inkosi yeGibhithe yathi kubo: Kungani, Mozisi loAroni, lisusa abantu emisebenzini yabo? Yanini emithwalweni yenu! UFaro wasesithi: Khangelani, abantu belizwe sebebanengi, kanti liyabaphumuza emithwalweni yabo. Ngalolosuku uFaro waselaya abaqhubi besibhalo zaso, esithi: Lingabe lisabanika abantu amahlanga okwenza izitina njengamandulo; kabahambe bona bayezibuthela amahlanga; lenani lezitina abalenze mandulo lizabamisela lona, lingaphunguli kulo; ngoba bayavilapha; yikho bekhala besithi: Siyekeleni siyehlabela uNkulunkulu wethu. Yenzani umsebenzi ube nzima kakhulu phezu kwamadoda, ukuze basebenze kuwo, bangalaleli amazwi enkohliso. Abaqhubi besibhalo babantu baphuma, lezinduna zabo, bakhuluma ebantwini besithi: Utsho njalo uFaro: Kangiyikulinika amahlanga; hambani lina, lizithathele amahlanga lapho elingawathola khona; kodwa umsebenzi wenu kakuyikuphungulwa lutho kuwo. Abantu basebehlakazeka elizweni lonke leGibhithe ukuze babuthe izidindi zibe ngamahlanga. Abaqhubi besibhalo ba ba haluzelisa besithi: Qedani imisebenzi yenu, umlandu wosuku ngosuku lwawo, njengamhla kulamahlanga. Njalo izinduna zabantwana bakoIsrayeli, abaqhubi besibhalo bakaFaro abababekela zona, zatshaywa, kuthiwa: Kaliqedanga ngani umsebenzi wenu omisiweyo wokwenza izitina njengamandulo, layizolo lalamuhla? Izinduna zabantwana bakoIsrayeli zasezisiza, zakhala kuFaro zathi: Wenzelani kanje ezincekwini zakho? Amahlanga kawanikwa inceku zakho, kanti bathi kithi: Yenzani izitina. Khangela-ke, inceku zakho ziyatshaywa; kodwa icala ngelabantu bakho. Kodwa wathi: Lina lingamavila, lingamavila; ngalokhu lithi: Siyekeleni siyehlabela iN. Khathesi-ke hambani, lisebenze; kodwa amahlanga kaliyikuwanikwa, kanti lizaletha inani lezitina. Izinduna zabantwana bakoIsrayeli zasezibona ukuthi zazisebubini, nxa kuthiwa: Kaliyikuphungula ezitineni zenu, umlandu wosuku ngosuku lwawo. Zasezihlangana loMozisi loAroni ababemi ukubahlangabeza ekuphumeni kwabo kuFaro; zasezisithi kubo: ilibone yahlulele; ngoba lenze iphunga lethu libe livumba emehlweni kaFaro lemehlweni enceku zakhe; linike inkemba esandleni sabo ukuze basibulale. UMozisi wasebuyela eNni wathi: Nkosi, wenzeleni okubi kulesisizwe? Kungani ungithumile? Ngoba selokhu ngaya kuFaro ukukhuluma ebizweni lakho, wenzile okubi kulesisizwe; futhi kawusikhululanga lokusikhulula isizwe sakho. yasisithi kuMozisi: Khathesi uzabona engizakwenza kuFaro; ngoba ngesandla esilamandla uzabayekela bahambe. UNkulunkulu wasekhuluma kuMozisi wathi kuye: NgiyiN; njalo ngabonakala kuAbrahama, kuIsaka, lakuJakobe njengoNkulunkulu uSomandla. Njalo lami ngamisa isivumelwano sami labo, ilizwe lobuhambuma babo, ababehlala kulo njengabezizwe. Futhi lami ngizwile ukububula kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli, amaGibhithe abagcine ebugqilini; njalo ngikhumbule isivumelwano sami. Ngakho-ke tshono kubantwana bakoIsrayeli ukuthi: NgiyiN KOSI. Njalo ngizazithathela lina libe yisizwe; njalo ngizalingenisa elizweni engaphakamisa isandla sami ngalo ukulinika uAbrahama, uIsaka loJakobe, ngilinike lona libe yilifa; mina, iN. UMozisi wasekhuluma ngokunjalo kubantwana bakoIsrayeli; kodwa kabamlalelanga uMozisi ngenxa yokukhathazeka komoya langenxa yobugqili obunzima. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi, Ngena ukhulume kuFaro, inkosi yeGibhithe, ukuthi ayekele abantwana bakoIsrayeli basuke elizweni lakhe. Kodwa uMozisi wakhuluma phambi kweN esithi: Khangela, abantwana bakoIsrayeli kabangilalelanga? yasikhuluma kuMozisi lakuAroni yabapha umlayo ngabantwana bakoIsrayeli langoFaro inkosi yeGibhithe ukukhupha abantwana bakoIsrayeli elizweni leGibhithe. Laba bazinhloko zezindlu zaboyise; amadodana kaRubeni, izibulo likaIsrayeli: OHanoki loPalu, oHezironi loKarimi; laba bazinsapho zikaRubeni. Lamadodana kaSimeyoni: OJemuweli loJamini loOhadi loJakini loZohari loShawuli indodana yomKhananikazi; laba bazinsapho zikaSimeyoni. Njalo la ngamabizo amadodana kaLevi ngezizukulwana zawo. Amadodana kaGerishoni: OLibini loShimeyi ngezinsapho zawo. Njalo amadodana kaKohathi: OAmramu loIzihari loHebroni loUziyeli; leminyaka yempilo kaKohathi yayiyiminyaka elikhulu lamatshumi amathathu lantathu. Njalo amadodana kaMerari: OMahli loMushi. Laba bazinsapho zamaLevi ngezizukulwana zabo. UAmramu wasethatha uJokebedi udadewaboyise, waba ngumka khe. Wasemzalela uAroni loMozisi. Leminyaka yempilo kaAmramu yayiyiminyaka elikhulu lamatshumi amathathu lesikhombisa. Njalo amadodana kaIzihari: OKora loNefegi loZikiri. Lamadodana kaUziyeli: OMishayeli loElizafani loSithiri. UAroni wasezithathela uElisheba indodakazi kaAminadaba. Njalo amadodana kaKora: OAsiri loElkana loAbhiyasafa; laba bazinsapho zabakoKora. UEleyazare indodana kaAroni wasezithathela enye yamadodakazi kaPutiyeli, yaba ngumka khe. Yasimzalela uPhinehasi. Yizo lezi inhloko zaboyise bamaLevi ngezinsapho zazo. Lo nguAroni loMozisi eyathi kubo. Yibo labo ababekhuluma kuFaro inkosi yeGibhithe ukukhupha abantwana bakoIsrayeli eGibhithe; lo nguMozisi loAroni. Kwasekusithi mhla ikhuluma kuMozisi elizweni leGibhithe, yakhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Mina ngiyiN KOSI. UMozisi wasesithi phambi kweN: Khangela, ngingowendebe ezingasokanga; ngakho uFaro angangizwa njani? yasisithi kuMozisi: Bona, ngikwenze waba njengoNkulunkulu kuFaro. Wena uzakhuluma konke engikulaya khona; loAroni umnewenu uzakhuluma kuFaro ukuthi ayekele abantwana bakoIsrayeli baphume elizweni lakhe. Kodwa mina ngizakwenza inhliziyo kaFaro ibe lukhuni zami elizweni leGibhithe. Kodwa uFaro kayikulilalela; njalo ngizabeka isandla sami phezu kweGibhithe, ngikhuphe amabutho ami, isizwe sami, abantwana bakoIsrayeli, elizweni leGibhithe, ngezigwebo ezinkulu. Njalo amaGibhithe azakwazi ukuthi ngiyiN, lapho ngiselula isandla sami phezu kweGibhithe, ngikhuphe abantwana bakoIsrayeli phakathi kwawo. OMozisi loAroni basebesenza njengoba yabalaya; benza njalo. UMozisi wayeseleminyaka engamatshumi ayisificaminwembili, loAroni wayeleminyaka engamatshumi ayisificaminwembili lantathu lapho bekhuluma kuFaro. yasikhuluma kuMozisi lakuAroni, isithi: Nxa uFaro ekhuluma lani esithi: Zenzeleni isimangaliso. UMozisi loAroni basebengena kuFaro, benza njalo njengoba ilayile; uAroni wasephosela phansi intonga yakhe phambi kukaFaro laphambi kwenceku zakhe, yasisiba yinyoka. UFaro wasebiza laye izazi labo benza njalo ngamalumbo abo. Ngoba ngulowo lalowo waphosela phansi intonga yakhe, zaba zinyoka; kodwa intonga kaAroni yaginya intonga zabo. Kodwa inhliziyo kaFaro yaba lukhuni, okokuthi kabalalelanga, njengokutsho kweN. yasisithi kuMozisi: Inhliziyo kaFaro inzima, uyala ukuyekela isizwe sihambe. Yana kuFaro ekuseni; khangela, uzaphuma esiya emanzini, ume uqondane laye ekhunjini lomfula, lentonga eyaphenduka yaba yinyoka ithathe esandleni sakho. Uzakuthi kuye: uNkulunkulu wamaHebheru ingithume kuwe isithi; kodwa khangela, kawulalelanga kuze kube khathesi. Itsho njalo iN: Ngalokhu uzakwazi ukuthi ngiyiN KOSI. Lenhlanzi ezisemfuleni zizakufa, lomfula ube levumba; lamaGibhithe azadinwa yikunatha amanzi emfuleni. yasisithi kuMozisi: Tshono kuAroni uthi: Thatha intonga yakho, welule isandla sakho phezu kwamanzi eGibhithe, phezu kwemifula yabo, phezu kwezifula zabo, laphezu kweziziba zabo, laphezu kwamachibi wonke amanzi abo, ukuze abe ligazi. Kuzakuba legazi elizweni lonke leGibhithe, le zitsh eni ze zihlahla le za matshe. UMozisi loAroni basebesenza njalo, njengokulaya kweN; wasephakamisa intonga, watshaya amanzi ayesemfuleni. Lenhlanzi ezisemfuleni zafa; lomfula waba levumba, kwaze kwathi amaGibhithe ehluleka ukuwanatha amanzi emfuleni; njalo kwakulegazi elizweni lonke leGibhithe. Labalumbi beGibhithe benza njalo ngamalumbo abo. UFaro wasetshibilika waya endlini yakhe njalo kayibekanga inhliziyo yakhe lakulokhu. LamaGibhithe wonke agebha amanzi okunatha inhlangothi zonke zomfula, ngoba babengelakunatha emanzini omfula. Lensuku eziyisikhombisa zagcwaliseka emva kokuthi isitshaye umfula. yasisithi kuMozisi: Yana kuFaro uthi kuye: Itsho njalo iN: Yekela abantu bami bahambe ukuze bangikhonze. Uba-ke usala ukubayekela bahambe. Njalo umfula uzanyakazela ngamaxoxo, azakhuphuka, angene endlini yakho, lekamelweni lakho lokulala, laphezu kombheda wakho, lendlini yenceku zakho, laphezu kwesizwe sakho, lemaziko akho, lemiganwini yakho yokuxovela ukudla; lamaxoxo azakhuphukela kuwe, lesizweni sakho lezincekwini zakho zonke. yasisithi kuMozisi: Tshono kuAroni uthi: Yelula isandla sakho ngentonga yakho phezu kwemifula, phezu kwezifula, laphezu kweziziba, wenze amaxoxo akhuphukele elizweni leGibhithe. UAroni waseselula isandla sakhe phezu kwamanzi eGibhithe; lamaxoxo akhuphuka, asibekela ilizwe leGibhithe. Labalumbi benza njalo ngamalumbo abo, benza amaxoxo akhuphukela elizweni leGibhithe. UFaro wasebabiza oMozisi loAroni wathi: Ncengani ukuthi isuse amaxoxo kimi lesizweni sami; njalo ngizayekela isizwe sihambe ukuthi bahlabele iN. UMozisi wasesithi kuFaro: Woba lodumo ngaphezu kwami. Ngizakuncengela nini lenceku zakho, lesizwe sakho, ukuchitha amaxoxo asuke kuwe lendlini zakho, asale emfuleni kuphela? Wasesithi: Kusasa. Wathi-ke: Njengelizwi lakho, ukuze wazi ukuthi kakho onjengeN uNkulunkulu wethu. Njalo amaxoxo azasuka kuwe lezindlini zakho lezincekwini zakho lesizweni sakho, asale emfuleni kuphela. UMozisi loAroni basebephuma kuFaro. UMozisi wakhala eNni ngenxa yamaxoxo eyayiwabekile phezu kukaFaro. yenza-ke njengelizwi likaMozisi; amaxoxo asesifa ephuma ezindlini, emagumeni lemasimini. Basebewabuthelela inqwaba ngenqwaba; lelizwe laba levumba. Kodwa uFaro ebona ukuthi sekungcono, ukuthi kabalalelanga, njengokutsho kweN. yasisithi kuMozisi: Tshono kuAroni uthi: Yelula intonga yakho, utshaye uthuli lomhlaba, ukuze lube yimiyane elizweni lonke leGibhithe. Basebesenza njalo; ngoba uAroni welula isandla sakhe; lonke uthuli lwaba yimiyane elizweni lonke leGibhithe. Labalumbi benza njalo ngamalumbo abo ukuveza imiyane, kodwa babengeke. Ngakho imiyane yaba sebantwini lezifuyweni. Labalumbi bathi kuFaro: Lokhu kungumunwe kaNkulunkulu, kazabezwa, njengokutsho kweN. yasisithi kuMozisi: Vuka ekuseni kakhulu, uzimise phambi kukaFaro. Ngoba uba ungasiyekeli isizwe sami sihambe, khangela ngizathumela umtshitshi wezibawu kuwe lezincekwini zakho lesizweni sakho lendlini zakho; lezindlu zamaGibhithe zizagcwala umtshitshi wezibawu futhi lomhlabathi ezikuwo. Kodwa ngalolosuku ngizakwehlukanisa ilizwe leGosheni. Njalo ngizamisa umehluko phakathi kwesizwe sami lesizwe sakho; kusasa kuzakuba lesibonakaliso lesi. yasisenza njalo; kwasekufika umtshitshi onzima wezibawu endlini kaFaro lezindlini zezinceku zakhe lelizweni lonke leGibhithe; ilizwe lonakala ngenxa yomtshitshi wezibawu. UFaro wasebabiza oMozisi loAroni, wathi: Hambani, lihlabele uNkulunkulu wenu kulelilizwe. Kodwa uMozisi wathi: Kakulunganga ukwenza njalo, ngoba sizahlabela eNni uNkulunkulu wethu okunengekayo kwamaGibhithe? Sizahamba ummango wensuku ezintathu enkangala, sihlabele-ke uNkulunkulu wethu njengoba izakutsho kithi. UFaro wasesithi: Mina ngizaliyekela lihambe ukuthi lihlabele uNkulunkulu wenu enkangala; kodwa lingayi khatshana kakhulu; lingincengele. UMozisi wasesithi: Khangela, ngiyasuka kuwe, ngizayincenga ukuze umtshitshi wezibawu usuke kuFaro, ezincekwini zakhe, lesizweni sakhe kusasa; kuphela uFaro angaphindi akhohlise ngokungayekeli isizwe sihambe, sihlabele iN. UMozisi wasephuma kuFaro, wayincenga iN. yasisenza njengelizwi likaMozisi; yasusa umtshitshi wezibawu kuFaro, ezincekwini zakhe lesizweni sakhe; kakusalanga lesisodwa. Kodwa uFaro wenza inhliziyo yakhe yaba nzima langalesisikhathi, kayekelanga isizwe sihambe. yasisithi kuMozisi: Yana kuFaro, ithi: Yekela abantu bami bahambe ukuthi bangikhonze. Ngoba uba usala ukubayekela bahambe, ulokhu ubabambile, khangela, isandla seN sizakuba phezu kwezifuyo zakho ezisegangeni, phezu kwamabhiza, phezu kwabobabhemi, phezu kwamakamela, phezu kwenkomo laphezu kwezimvu, umatshayabhuqe wesifo onzima kakhulu. Kodwa izakwenza umehluko phakathi kwezifuyo zakoIsrayeli lezifuyo zeGibhithe, kuze kuthi kakuyikufa lutho kukho konke okwabantwana bakoIsrayeli. yasimisa isikhathi esimisiweyo, isithi: Kusasa izakwenza linto elizweni. yayenza-ke linto kusisa; lazo zonke izifuyo zeGibhithe zafa; kodwa kakufanga lesisodwa ezifuyweni zabantwana bakoIsrayeli. UFaro wasethuma, khangela-ke, kakufanga ngitsho lesisodwa ezifuyweni zakoIsrayeli. Kodwa inhliziyo kaFaro yaba nzima, kasiyekelanga isizwe sihambe. yasisithi kuMozisi lakuAroni: Zithatheleni izandla zenu ezigcweleyo zomlotha weziko, njalo uMozisi awutsahazele emazulwini phambi kwamehlo kaFaro. Njalo uzakuba luthuli olucolekileyo phezu kwelizwe lonke leGibhithe, njalo luzakuba phezu kwabantu laphezu kwezifuyo lube lithumba eliphihlika amathuthuva elizweni lonke leGibhithe. Basebethatha umlotha weziko, bema phambi kukaFaro; uMozisi wasewutsahazela emazulwini, waba lithumba eliphihlika amathuthuva ebantwini lezifuyweni. Njalo abalumbi babengeme phambi kukaMozisi ngenxa yamathumba; ngoba amathumba ayephezu kwabalumbi laphezu kwawo wonke amaGibhithe. Kodwa yayenza yaba lukhuni inhliziyo kaFaro, njalo kazabezwa, njengokutsho kweN kuMozisi. yasisithi kuMozisi: Vuka ekuseni kakhulu, uzimise phambi kukaFaro uthi kuye. Ngoba ngalesisikhathi ngizathumela zonke inhlupheko zami enhliziyweni yakho laphezu kwenceku zakho laphezu kwesizwe sakho, ukuze wazi ukuthi kakho onjengami emhlabeni wonke. Ngoba khathesi ngizaselula isandla sami ukuze ngikutshaye lesizwe sakho ngomatshayabhuqe wesifo, ubusuchitheka usuke emhlabeni. Kodwa isibili ngalokhu ngikumisile ukuze ngikutshengise amandla ami lokuze ibizo lami lilandiswe emhlabeni wonke. Usaziphakamisa umelana labantu bami, ukuthi ungabayekeli bahambe yini? Khangela, kusasa ngalesisikhathi ngizanisa isiqhotho esinzima kakhulu, esingazanga sibe khona esinjalo eGibhithe kusukela ngosuku lisekelwa kuze kube khathesi. Khathesi-ke thuma, ubuthe izifuyo zakho lakho konke olakho ensimini; wonke umuntu layo yonke inyamazana okuficwa ensimini okungabuthelwanga ekhaya, nxa isiqhotho siwela phezu kwakho, kuzakufa. Lowo olesabayo ilizwi leN phakathi kwenceku zikaFaro wenza izisebenzi zakhe lezifuyo zakhe zibalekele ezindlini; kodwa lowo ongabekanga inhliziyo yakhe elizwini leN watshiya izisebenzi zakhe lezifuyo zakhe ensimini. yasisithi kuMozisi: Yelulela isandla sakho emazulwini, ukuze kube khona isiqhotho elizweni lonke leGibhithe, phezu kwabantu laphezu kwezinyamazana laphezu kwemibhida yonke yensimu elizweni leGibhithe. UMozisi waseselulela intonga yakhe emazulwini; yasiletha imidumo lesiqhotho; lomlilo wehlela emhlabeni; leN yanisa isiqhotho elizweni leGibhithe. Kwasekusiba khona isiqhotho, lomlilo uzixubanise esiqhothweni; okunzima kakhulu; okungazanga kube khona okunjengakho elizweni lonke leGibhithe selokhu laba yisizwe. Isiqhotho sasesitshaya elizweni lonke leGibhithe konke okusegangeni, kusukela ebantwini kusiya ezinyamazaneni; lesiqhotho satshaya wonke umbhida weganga, sephula sonke isihlahla seganga. Kuphela elizweni leGosheni lapho ababekhona abantwana bakoIsrayeli kwakungekho isiqhotho. UFaro wasethuma wabiza uMozisi loAroni, wathi kubo: Ngonile ngalesisikhathi. Ncengani iN, ngoba sekwanele, ukuze kungabi lemidumo elamandla lesiqhotho; besengiliyekela lihambe, lingabe lisahlala. UMozisi wasesithi kuye: Nxa sengiphumile emzini, ngizachaya izandla zami eNni. Kodwa wena lenceku zakho, ngiyazi ukuthi kalikayesabi uNkulunkulu. Kwasekutshaywa ifilakisi lebhali; ngoba ibhali yayisesikwetshini, lefilakisi yayisithela amaluba. Kodwa ingqoloyi lespelite kakutshaywanga, ngoba kwakungakavuthwa. UMozisi wasephuma emzini evela kuFaro, wachaya izandla zakhe eNni; kwasekusima imidumo lesiqhotho, lezulu kalabe li sa thululeka emhlabeni. Kwathi uFaro esebonile ukuthi izulu lesiqhotho lemidumo sekumile, wengezelela ukona, wayenza yaba nzima inhliziyo yakhe, yena lenceku zakhe. Njalo inhliziyo kaFaro yaba lukhuni, kazabayekela abantwana bakoIsrayeli bahambe, njengalokhu yayitshilo ngesandla sikaMozisi. yasisithi kuMozisi: Yana kuFaro, ngoba mina ngenze inhliziyo yakhe yaba nzima lenhliziyo yenceku zakhe, ukuze ngenze lezizibonakaliso zami phambi kwakhe, lokuthi ulandise endlebeni zendodana yakho lendodana yendodana yakho lezibonakaliso zami engizenze phakathi kwawo, ukuze lazi ukuthi ngiyiN. UMozisi loAroni basebesiya kuFaro, bathi kuye: Itsho njalo iN, uNkulunkulu wamaHebheru, ithi: Koze kube nini usala ukuzithoba phambi kwami? Yekela isizwe sami sihambe, bangikhonze. Ngoba uba usala ukuyekela isizwe sami sihambe, khangela, kusasa ngizaletha isikhonyane emngceleni wakho, njalo sizasibekela ubuso bomhlaba ukuze ungawuboni umhlaba, sizakudla insalela yokwaphephayo, okwalisalelayo esiqhothweni, sidle sonke isihlahla esikhulela wena ensimini. Sizagcwalisa izindlu zakho lezindlu zezinceku zakho zonke lezindlu zawo wonke amaGibhithe, oyihlo abangazanga basibone laboyise baboyihlo, kusukela ngosuku ababakhona emhlabeni kuze kube lamuhla. Wasetshibilika, waphuma kuFaro. Lenceku zikaFaro zathi kuye: Koze kube nini lo esiba ngumjibila kithi? Yekela amadoda ahambe, akhonze uNkulunkulu wawo; kawukazi yini ukuthi iGibhithe isichithekile? UMozisi loAroni babuyiselwa kuFaro; wasesithi kubo: Hambani likhonze uNkulunkulu wenu. Ngobani kanye labo abazahamba? UMozisi wasesithi: Sizahamba labatsha bethu labadala bethu, lamadodana ethu lamadodakazi ethu, lezimvu zethu lenkomo zethu sizahamba, ngoba silomkhosi weN. Wasesithi kubo: ibe lani ngokunjalo, njengoba ngizaliyekela lihambe labantwanyana benu! Bonani ngoba kulokubi phambi kwenu. Kungabi njalo! Hambani khathesi, madoda, liyikhonze iN, ngoba yikho elikudingayo. Basebebaxotsha ebusweni bukaFaro. yasisithi kuMozisi: Yelula isandla sakho phezu kwelizwe leGibhithe. UMozisi waseyelula intonga yakhe phezu kwelizwe leGibhithe; yasiqhuba umoya wempumalanga elizweni, lonke lolosuku lobusuku bonke; kwasekusithi ekuseni, umoya wempumalanga wenyusa isikhonyane. Isikhonyane sasesisenyukela phezu kwelizwe lonke leGibhithe. Ngoba sasibekela ubuso belizwe lonke, kwaze kwafiphazwa ilizwe; sadla wonke umbhida welizwe laso sonke isithelo sezihlahla isiqhotho esasitshiyayo; kakusalanga lutho oluluhlaza esihlahleni, lombhida weganga, elizweni lonke leGibhithe. UFaro wasephangisa ukubabiza oMozisi loAroni, wathi: Ngonile eNni uNkulunkulu wenu lakini. Khathesi-ke ake lithethelele isono sami okwalesisikhathi kuphela, liyincenge uNkulunkulu wenu ukuthi isuse kimi lokhu ukufa kuphela. Wasephuma kuFaro, wayincenga iN. yasiphendula umoya wentshonalanga olamandla kakhulu owenyusa isikhonyane, wasiphosela oLwandle oluBomvu; kakusalanga sikhonyane lesisodwa kuwo wonke umngcele weGibhithe. Kodwa yayenza lukhuni inhliziyo kaFaro, kazabayekela abantwana bakoIsrayeli bahambe. yasisithi kuMozisi: Yelulela isandla sakho emazulwini, ukuze kube khona umnyama phezu kwelizwe leGibhithe, ngitsho umnyama ophumputhekayo. UMozisi waseselulela isandla sakhe emazulwini; kwasekusiba khona umnyama wobumnyama elizweni lonke leGibhithe insuku ezintathu. Kababonananga, futhi kakusukumanga muntu endaweni yakhe okwensuku ezintathu; kodwa kubo bonke abantwana bakoIsrayeli kwakukhona ukukhanya emizini yabo. UFaro wasembiza uMozisi wathi: Hambani likhonze iN KOSI. Kodwa uMozisi wathi: Lawe ubonika imihlatshelo leminikelo yokutshiswa ezandleni zethu, esizayenzela uNkulunkulu wethu. Njalo lezifuyo zethu zizahamba kanye lathi, kakuyikusala emuva isondo; ngoba sizathatha kuzo ukukhonza uNkulunkulu wethu, ngoba kasikwazi esizakhonza ngakho size sifike khona. Kodwa yenza lukhuni inhliziyo kaFaro, njalo kafunanga ukubayekela bahambe. UFaro wasesithi kuye: Suka kimi, uziqaphele, ungaboni ubuso bami futhi; ngoba mhla ubona ubuso bami uzakufa. UMozisi wasesithi: Ukhulume ngokuqonda, kangisayikubona futhi ubuso bakho. yasisithi kuMozisi: Ngisezakwehlisela kuFaro lakulo iGibhithe inhlupheko eyodwa. Ake ukhulume endlebeni zabantu, ukuthi bacele, ngulowo kumakhelwane wakhe, lalowo owesifazana kumakhelwane wakhe, izinto zesiliva lezinto zegolide. yasinika abantu umusa emehlweni amaGibhithe. Futhi indoda uMozisi waba mkhulu kakhulu elizweni leGibhithe emehlweni enceku zikaFaro lemehlweni esizwe. UMozisi wasesithi: Itsho njalo ithi: Phose phakathi kobusuku ngizaphuma ngiye phakathi kweGibhithe; Lawo wonke amazibulo elizweni leGibhithe azakufa, kusukela kuzibulo likaFaro elizahlala esihlalweni sakhe sobukhosi, kuze kube kuzibulo lencekukazi engemva kwelitshe lokuchola, lamazibulo wonke ezifuyo. Njalo kuzakuba khona isililo esikhulu elizweni lonke leGibhithe, esingazanga sibe khona esinjengaso, lesingayikuba khona futhi esinjengaso. Kodwa ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli inja kayiyikunyikinya ulimi lwayo. Lazo zonke izinceku zakho lezi zizakwehlela kimi, zingikhothamele zisithi: Phuma wena lesizwe sonke esikulandelayo. Langemva kwalokho ngizaphuma. Wasephuma kuFaro ekuvutheni kolaka. yasisithi kuMozisi: UFaro kayikulizwa. OMozisi loAroni basebesenza zonke lezizimangaliso phambi kukaFaro, kodwa yenza inhliziyo kaFaro yaba lukhuni, kazabayekela abantwana bakoIsrayeli baphume elizweni lakhe. yasikhuluma kuMozisi lakuAroni elizweni leGibhithe, isithi: Le inyanga kayibe kini yinhloko yezinyanga, ibe kini ngeyokuqala yenyanga zomnyaka. Khulumani kunhlangano yonke yakoIsrayeli lithi: Ngolwetshumi lwalinyanga bazazithathela ngulowo iwundlu, ngokwezindlu zaboyise, iwundlu ngendlu. Uba-ke indlu incinyane kakhulu ewundlwini, kakuthi yena athathe lomakhelwane wakhe, oseduze lendlu yakhe, njengobunengi bemiphefumulo; ngulowo njengokudla kwakhe, lizabalela iwundlu. Lizakuba lezinyane elingelasici, eliduna, elilomnyaka owodwa; lithatheni ezimvini loba ezimbuzini. Njalo lizaligcina kuze kufike usuku lwetshumi lane lwaleyonyanga, njalo ibandla lonke lenhlangano yakoIsrayeli izalihlaba kusihlwa. Bazathatha-ke okwegazi, bakufake emigubazini yomibili lekhothameni, ezindlini abazalidlela kuzo. Njalo bazakudla inyama ngalobobusuku, yosiwe ngomlilo, lesinkwa esingelamvubelo, lemibhida ebabayo baza yi dla. Lingadli okwalo kuluhlaza kumbe kuphekiwe lokuphekwa ngamanzi. Njalo lingatshiyi lutho kulo kuze kube sekuseni, kodwa okusalayo kulo kuze kube sekuseni lizakutshisa ngomlilo. Ngokunjalo-ke lizalidla, inkalo zenu zibotshiwe, izicathulo zenu zisenyaweni zenu, lendondolo zenu zisezandleni zenu; lizalidla ngokuphangisa; kuliphasika leN. Ngoba ngizadabula phakathi kwelizwe leGibhithe ngalobubusuku. Legazi lizakuba kini yisibonakaliso ezindlini lapho elikhona; nxa ngibona igazi ngizadlula phezu kwenu, njalo kungehleli kini inhlupheko yokuchitha, mhla ngitshaya ilizwe leGibhithe. Njalo lolusuku luzakuba kini yisikhumbuzo. Insuku eziyisikhombisa lizakudla isinkwa esingelamvubelo. Njalo ngosuku lokuqala kuzakuba khona inhlangano ebiziweyo engcwele, langosuku lwesikhombisa lizakuba lenhlangano ebiziweyo engcwele; kungenziwa msebenzi ngazo, kuphela lokho wonke umphefumulo okudlayo, lokho kodwa kungenziwa yini. Ngakho gcinani izinkwa ezingelamvubelo; ngoba ngalona lolosuku ngikhuphile amabutho enu elizweni leGibhithe. Kweyokuqala, osukwini lwetshumi lane lwenyanga kusihlwa lizakudla isinkwa esingelamvubelo, kuze kufike usuku lwamatshumi amabili lanye lwenyanga kusihlwa. Insuku eziyisikhombisa kakungaficwa imvubelo ezindlini zenu; ngoba wonke odla okuvutshelweyo lowomphefumulo uzaqunywa usuke kunhlangano yakoIsrayeli, loba engowemzini loba engowokuzalwa elizweni. Lingadli lutho oluvutshelweyo; emizini yenu yonke lizakudla isinkwa esingelamvubelo. UMozisi wasebiza bonke abadala bakoIsrayeli, wathi kubo: Hudulani lizithathele amawundlu ngokwensapho zenu, lihlabe iphasika, lithathe ilixha lehisope ngegazi elisemganwini; lina-ke, kakungaphumi muntu endlini yakhe kuze kube sekuseni. Ngoba izadabula ukutshaya amaGibhithe; nxa ibona igazi ekhothameni lemigubazini yomibili, izadlula phezu komnyango, ingavumeli umchithi ukuthi angene ezindlini zenu ukutshaya. Njalo lizagcina le into, kube yisimiso kini lakubantwana benu kuze kube phakade. Njalo kuzakuthi lapho lifika elizweni ezalinika lona njengokukhuluma kwayo, lizagcina linkonzo. Kuzakuthi-ke lapho abantwana benu besithi kini: Iyini linkonzo elilayo? Lizakuthi-ke: Lo ngumhlatshelo wephasika leN KOSI. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebehamba, bayakwenza njengalokhu yayibalayile oMozisi loAroni, benza njalo. Kwasekusithi phakathi kobusuku. UFaro wasesukuma ebusuku, yena lenceku zakhe zonke lamaGibhithe wonke. Kwasekusiba khona isililo esikhulu eGibhithe, ngoba kwakungekho ndlu lapho okwakungelamufi khona. Wasebiza oMozisi loAroni ebusuku, wathi: Sukumani, liphume phakathi kwabantu bami, lonke lina labantwana bakoIsrayeli, lihambe liyekhonza njengokutsho kwenu. Thathani lani izimvu zenu lenkomo zenu njengokutsho kwenu, lihambe; futhi lingibusise lami. Njalo amaGibhithe ayebakhuthaza abantu ebahaluzelisa ukuthi baphume elizweni, ngoba athi: Sonke sifile. Abantu-ke bathatha inhlama yabo ingakavutshelwa, betshata imiganu yabo yokuxovela ibotshelwe ezembathweni zabo. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebesenza njengelizwi likaMozisi; bacela kumaGibhithe izinto zesiliva lezinto zegolide lezigqoko. yasibapha abantu umusa emehlweni amaGibhithe. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebesuka eRamesesi, ngaphandle kwabantwana. Kwasekusenyuka labo lexuku lenhlobonhlobo, lezimvu lezinkomo, lezifuyo ezinengi kakhulu. Basebebhaka izinkwa ezingelamvubelo ngenhlama abayikhupha eGibhithe, ngoba ingavutshelwanga, ngoba baxotshwa eGibhithe, ngoba babengelakulibala, futhi bengazilungiselelanga umphako. Isikhathi sokuhlala-ke kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli abasihlala eGibhithe sasiyiminyaka engamakhulu amane lamatshumi amathathu. Kwasekusithi ekupheleni kweminyaka engamakhulu amane lamatshumi amathathu, kwathi ngalona lolosuku wonke amabutho eN aphuma elizweni leGibhithe. Kuyibusuku bemilindo eNni ngokubakhupha elizweni leGibhithe; lobu yibusuku beN bemilindo yabo bonke abantwana bakoIsrayeli ezizukulwaneni zabo. yasisithi kuMozisi loAroni: Lesi yisimiso sephasika. Kakho owezizwe ongalidla; kodwa sonke isigqili sawo wonke umuntu, esathengwa ngemali, nxa usisokile, ngalesosikhathi sizakudla kulo. Owezizwe loqatshiweyo bangadli kulo. Lizadlelwa endlini yinye; ungakhupheli phandle kwendlu okwenyama, ungephuli thambo lalo. Inhlangano yonke yakoIsrayeli izakwenza lokhu. Uba owemzini ohlala lani njengowezizwe; kodwa kakho ongasokwanga ozalidla. Umlayo munye uzakuba kowokuzalwa elizweni lakowemzini ohlala phakathi kwenu njengowezizwe. Bonke abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebesenza njengalokhu yayibalayile oMozisi loAroni; benza njalo. Kwasekusithi ngalona lolosuku yabakhupha abantwana bakoIsrayeli elizweni leGibhithe ngamabutho abo. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Ngingcwelisela lonke izibulo, elivula loba yisiphi isizalo phakathi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli, elomuntu lelenyamazana, lingelami. UMozisi wasesithi ebantwini: Khumbulani lolusuku eliphume ngalo eGibhithe, endlini yobugqili. Ngalolusuku liyaphuma ngenyanga kaAbhibhi. Njalo kuzakuthi lapho isikungenisile elizweni lamaKhanani lamaHethi lamaAmori lamaHivi lamaJebusi. Insuku eziyisikhombisa uzakudla izinkwa ezingelamvubelo, langosuku lwesikhombisa kuzakuba khona umkhosi eNni. Izinkwa ezingelamvubelo zizadliwa ngensuku eziyisikhombisa; njalo kakuyikubonwa kuwe okuvutshelweyo lemvubelo kayiyikubonwa kuwe kuwo wonke umngcele wakho. Njalo uzatshela indodana yakho ngalolosuku usithi: Ngenxa yalokho eyakwenza kimi ekuphumeni kwami eGibhithe. Futhi kuzakuba kuwe luphawu phezu kwesandla sakho phakathi laphakathi kwamehlo akho, ukuze umlayo weN ube semlonyeni wakho; ngoba ngesandla esilamandla ikukhuphile eGibhithe. Ngakho uzagcina lesisimiso ngesikhathi saso esimisiweyo iminyaka ngeminyaka. Njalo kuzakuthi lapho isikungenisile elizweni lamaKhanani, njengokufunga kwayo kuwe lakuboyihlo, isikunike lona, uzakwehlukanisela konke okuvula isizalo; lalo lonke izibulo lomqegu wezifuyo olazo, amaduna azakuba ngaweN. Lalo lonke izibulo likababhemi uzalihlenga ngewundlu. Njalo kuzakuthi lapho indodana yakho ikubuza ngesikhathi esizayo isithi: Kuyini lokhu. Ngoba kwathi uFaro ezenza lukhuni ukuthi asiyekele sihambe, yabulala lonke izibulo elizweni leGibhithe. Njalo kuzakuba luphawu phezu kwesandla sakho lamafilakteriyu phakathi laphakathi kwamehlo akho, ngoba ngamandla esandla yasikhupha eGibhithe. Kwasekusithi uFaro eseyekele abantu bahambe, uNkulunkulu kabakhokhelanga nge ndlela yelizwe lamaFilisti, lanxa yayiseduze; ngoba uNkulunkulu wathi: Hlezi abantu bazisole nxa bebona impi, babuyele eGibhithe. Kodwa uNkulunkulu wababhodisa abantu ngendlela yenkangala yoLwandle oluBomvu. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebesenyuka besuka elizweni leGibhithe behlomile. UMozisi wasethatha amathambo kaJosefa wahamba lawo, ngoba wayebafungisile lokubafungisa abantwana bakoIsrayeli esithi: Isibili uNkulunkulu uzalihambela; futhi kalibokwenyusa lapha amathambo ami lihambe lawo. Basebesuka eSukothi, bamisa inkamba eEthama, ekucineni kwenkangala. yasihamba phambi kwabo emini ngensika yeyezi ukubakhokhela endleleni, lebusuku ngensika yomlilo ukubakhanyisela, ukuze bahambe emini lebusuku. Kayiyisusanga insika yeyezi emini, lensika yomlilo ebusuku, phambi kwabantu. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Tshela abantwana bakoIsrayeli ukuthi baphenduke, bamise inkamba phambi kwePi-Hahirothi, phambi kweBhali-Zefoni, maqondana layo limise inkamba elwandle. Njalo uFaro uzakuthi ngabantwana bakoIsrayeli: Badidekile elizweni, inkangala ibavalele. Njalo ngizayenza lukhuni inhliziyo kaFaro. Basebesenza njalo. Kwathi sekubikiwe enkosini yeGibhithe ukuthi abantu babalekile, inhliziyo kaFaro lenhliziyo yenceku zakhe yaguquka mayelana labantu, basebesithi: Kuyini lokho esikwenzileyo, ukuthi siyekele uIsrayeli ahambe angasisebenzeli? Wasebophela inqola yakhe, wathatha abantu bakhe laye. Wasethatha inqola ezingamakhulu ayisithupha ezikhethiweyo lazo zonke inqola zeGibhithe lenduna eziphezu kwazo zonke. yasiyenza lukhuni inhliziyo kaFaro inkosi yeGibhithe. Kodwa amaGibhithe asexotshana labo, amabhiza wonke, izinqola zikaFaro, labagadi bakhe bamabhiza, lebutho lakhe, abafica bemise inkamba elwandle, eceleni kwePi-Hahirothi phambi kweBhali-Zefoni. Kwathi uFaro esesondele, abantwana bakoIsrayeli baphakamisa amehlo abo, khangela-ke, amaGibhithe ehamba ebalandela, basebesesaba kakhulu. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebekhala eNni; bathi kuMozisi ukuthi usithethe ukuze sifele enkangala? Kuyini lokhu okwenze kithi, ukusikhupha eGibhithe? Kayisilo leli ilizwi esalikhuluma kuwe eGibhithe sisithi: Siyekele ukuthi sisebenzele amaGibhithe? Ngoba bekuzakuba ngcono kithi ukuthi sisebenzele amaGibhithe kulokuthi sifele enkangala. UMozisi wasesithi ebantwini: Lingesabi; manini liqine, libone usindiso lweN ezalenzela lona lamuhla; ngoba amaGibhithe eliwabonayo lamuhla, kalisayikuwabona futhi kuze kube laphakade. izalilwela. yasisithi kuMozisi: Ukhalelani kimi? Tshela abantwana bakoIsrayeli ukuthi baqhubekele phambili. Wena-ke, phakamisa intonga yakho, welulele isandla sakho phezu kolwandle uludabule, ukuze abantwana bakoIsrayeli bahambe phakathi kolwandle emhlabathini owomileyo. Mina-ke, khangela, ngizayenza lukhuni inhliziyo yamaGibhithe. Njalo amaGibhithe azakwazi ukuthi ngiysengidunyiswe ngoFaro, ngezinqola zakhe langabagadi bamabhiza bakhe. Njalo ingilosi kaNkulunkulu eyayihamba phambi kwebutho lakoIsrayeli yasuka yayahamba ngemva kwabo; lensika yeyezi yasuka phambi kwabo, yema ngemva kwabo, yasisiza phakathi kwebutho lamaGibhithe lebutho lakoIsrayeli. Njalo yayiliyezi lobumnyama, kodwa yakhanyisa ubusuku, okokuthi elinye kalisondelanga kwelinye ubusuku bonke. UMozisi waseselulela isandla sakhe phezu kolwandle. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebengena olwandle emhlabathini owomileyo; njalo amanzi aba ngumduli kubo ngakwesokunene sabo langakwesokhohlo sabo. AmaGibhithe asexotshana labo, angena ngemva kwabo, wonke amabhiza kaFaro, inqola zakhe labagadi bamabhiza bakhe, phakathi kolwandle. Kwasekusithi ngomlindo wokusa, yakhangela phansi ebuthweni lamaGibhithe isensikeni yomlilo leyeyezi, yalidunga ibutho lamaGibhithe; yakhupha amavili ezinqola zawo ukuze zihambe nzima, aze athi amaGibhithe: Asibalekele ubuso bukaIsrayeli, ngoba iyabalwela imelene lamaGibhithe. yasisithi kuMozisi: Yelulela isandla sakho phezu kolwandle ukuze amanzi abuyele phezu kwamaGibhithe, phezu kwenqola zawo laphezu kwabagadi bawo bamabhiza. UMozisi waseselulela isandla sakhe phezu kolwandle. Amanzi asebuyela. Kodwa abantwana bakoIsrayeli bahamba phezu komhlabathi owomileyo phakathi kolwandle; njalo amanzi aba ngumduli kubo ngakwesokunene sabo langakwesokhohlo sabo. Ngokunjalo yamsindisa uIsrayeli ngalolosuku esandleni samaGibhithe; njalo uIsrayeli wabona amaGibhithe efile ekhunjini lolwandle. UIsrayeli wasebona amandla amakhulu eyawenzayo kumaGibhithe. Abantu basebeyesaba iN, bakholwa eNni, lakuMozisi inceku yayo. Khona oMozisi labantwana bakoIsrayeli bahlabelela lelihubo eNni, ngoba iphakeme isibili. Ibhiza lomgadi walo ikuphosele olwandle. ingamandla lehubo lami. yindoda yempi. Inqola zikaFaro lebutho lakhe ikuphosele olwandle. Inziki zabasibekela. Isandla sakho sokunene, N, sidunyisiwe ngamandla; isandla sakho sokunene, N, sisiphahlazile isitha. Njalo ngobukhulu bokuphakama kwakho. Langokuvuthela kwamakhala akho; izinziki zajiya enhliziyweni yolwandle. Isitha sathi: Ngizaxotsha; isiloyiso sami sizasutha bona, ngizahwatsha inkemba yami, isandla sami sizababhubhisa. Waphephetha ngomoya wakho, ulwandle lwabasibekela; batshona njengomnuso emanzini alamandla. Ngubani onjengawe? Welulile isandla sakho sokunene, umhlaba wabaginya. Ukhokhele. Izizwe zizwile, ziyathuthumela abahlali beFilisti. Ngalesosikhathi izinduna. Ukwethuka. Uzabangenisa, ubahlanyele eziyimisileyo izandla zakho, Nkosi. izabusa kuze kube phakade lanininini. Ngoba ibhiza likaFaro, kodwa abantwana bakoIsrayeli bahamba emhlabathini owomileyo phakathi kolwandle. UMiriyamu umprofethikazi. UMiriyamu wasebaphendula, ngoba inqobe ngodumo. Ibhiza lomgadi walo ikuphosele olwandle. UMozisi wasemkhokhela uIsrayeli eqhubeka esuka eLwandle oluBomvu, baphuma baya enkangala yeShuri; bahamba insuku ezintathu enkangala, kabatholanga manzi. Kwathi lapho befika eMara babengelakuwanatha amanzi eMara, ngoba ayebaba; ngakho ibizo layo lathiwa yiMara. Abantu basebekhonona bemelene loMozisi besithi: Sizanathani? Wasekhala eNni, yasisithi: Uba lilalela lokulalela ilizwi leN uNkulunkulu wenu. Basebefika eElimi lapho okwakukhona imithombo elitshumi lambili yamanzi, lezihlahla zelala ezingamatshumi ayisikhombisa; basebemisa inkamba khona emanzini. Basebesuka eElimi, lenhlangano yonke yabantwana bakoIsrayeli yafika enkangala yeSini, ephakathi kweElimi leSinayi, ngosuku lwetshumi lanhlanu lwenyanga yesibili emva kokuphuma kwabo elizweni leGibhithe. Lenhlangano yonke yabantwana bakoIsrayeli yakhonona imelana loMozisi loAroni enkangala. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebesithi kubo: Kungathi ngabe safa ngesandla seN elizweni leGibhithe lapho sasihlezi embizeni zenyama, lapho sadla isinkwa sasutha; ngoba lisikhuphele kulinkangala ukuze libulale lelibandla lonke ngendlala. yasisithi kuMozisi: Khangela, ngizalinisela isinkwa sivela emazulwini ukuthi bazahamba ngomlayo wami yini kumbe hayi. Kuzakuthi-ke ngosuku lwesithupha bazalungisa lokho abakulethileyo, njalo kuzabe kuphindwe kabili kulokho abakubuthayo insuku ngensuku. UMozisi loAroni basebesithi kubo bonke abantwana bakoIsrayeli: Kusihlwa; njalo kusisa, khona lizabona inkazimulo yeN KOSI? UMozisi wasesithi: Lapho ilinika inyama yokudla kusihlwa, lesinkwa ekuseni, ukuze lisuthe, ku ngoba izwile ukukhonona kwenu elikukhonona limelene layo. Ngoba thina siyini? Ukukhonona kwenu kakumelananga lathi, kodwa kumelene leN. UMozisi wasesithi kuAroni, ngoba izwile ukukhonona kwenu. Kwasekusithi uAroni esakhuluma kunhlangano yonke yabantwana bakoIsrayeli, bakhangela ngasenkangala, khangela-ke, inkazimulo yeN yabonakala eyezini. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Sengizwile ukukhonona kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli, njalo lizakwazi ukuthi ngiyuNkulunkulu wenu. Kwasekusithi ntambama kwenyuka izagwaca, zasibekela inkamba; lakusisa kwakulomlalela wamazolo uzingelezele inkamba. Kwathi umlalela wamazolo usuwenyukile, khangela-ke, phezu kobuso benkangala into eyisigaqa encinyane, incinyane njengongqwaqwane emhlabathini. Kwathi abantwana bakoIsrayeli be zi bona bathi omunye komunye: Kuyini lokhu? Ngoba babengazi ukuthi kuyini. UMozisi wasesithi kubo: Kuyisinkwa elinike sona ukuze lidle. Le yinto elilaye ngayo yathi: Ngulowo lalowo kabuthe kuyo okulingene ukudla kwakhe, i-omeri ngekhanda, njengenani lemiphefumulo yenu, ngulowo uzathathela abasethenteni lakhe. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebesenza njalo, babutha, omunye okunengi lomunye okulutshwana. Sebelinganise nge-omeri. UMozisi wasesithi kubo: Kakungabi lamuntu otshiya kukho kuze kube sekuseni. Kodwa kabamlalelanga uMozisi; kodwa abanye batshiya kukho kwaze kwaba sekuseni, kwasekuphethuza impethu, kwaba levumba. Ngakho uMozisi wabathukuthelela. Bakubutha ukusa ngokusa, ngulowo lalowo okulingene ukudla kwakhe; lapho ilanga selitshisa, kwancibilika. Kwasekusithi ngosuku lwesithupha babutha isinkwa esiphindwe kabili, ama-omeri amabili ngamunye. Njalo zonke izinduna zenhlangano zeza zamtshela uMozisi. Wasesithi kuzo: Lokhu yikho ekutshiloyo: Kusasa yikuphumula, isabatha elingcwele leN. Bhakani elizakubhaka, lipheke elizakupheka, konke lokho okuseleyo lizibekele kugcinwe kuze kube sekuseni. Basebekubeka kwaze kwaba sekuseni njengokulaya kukaMozisi. Njalo kakubanga levumba, kwakungelampethu kukho. UMozisi wasesithi: Dlanini lokhu lamuhla, ngoba lamuhla kulisabatha leN; lamuhla kaliyikukuthola egangeni. Lizakubutha insuku eziyisithupha; kodwa ngosuku lwesikhombisa, isabatha, kakuyikuba khona kulo. Kwasekusithi ngosuku lwesikhombisa abanye babantu baphuma ukubutha, kodwa kaba ku tholanga. yasisithi kuMozisi: Koze kube nini lisala ukugcina imilayo yami lemithetho yami? Bonani, ngoba ilinikile isabatha, ngakho ilinika ngosuku lwesithupha isinkwa sensuku ezimbili; hlalani kube ngulowo lalowo endaweni yakhe, kakungaphumi muntu endaweni yakhe ngosuku lwesikhombisa. Ngakho abantu baphumula ngosuku lwesikhombisa. Indlu yakoIsrayeli yasibiza ibizo lakho ngokuthiyimana. UMozisi wasesithi: Le yinto elaye ngayo ukuthi: Gcwalisani i-omeri ngayo igcinelwe izizukulwana zenu, ukuze zibone isinkwa engalinika sona ukuthi lidle enkangala ekulikhupheni kwami elizweni leGibhithe. UMozisi wasesithi kuAroni: Thatha inqayi eyodwa, ufake kuyo i-omeri eligcwele imana, uyibeke phambi kweN, igcinelwe izizukulwana zenu. Njengokulaya kweN kuMozisi, uAroni wayibeka phambi kobufakazi ukuze igcinwe. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli-ke badla imana iminyaka engamatshumi amane. Badla imana baze bafika emngceleni welizwe leKhanani. I-omeri-ke ingokwetshumi kwe-efa. Inhlangano yonke yabantwana bakoIsrayeli yasuka enkangala yeSini, ngamalombolombo abo, ngokomlayo weN, bamisa inkamba eRefidimi; kodwa kwakungelamanzi okunatha abantu. Ngakho abantu bamsola uMozisi bathi: Sinike amanzi, sinathe? Abantu basebesomela amanzi lapho, abantu bangunguna kuMozisi bathi: Wasenyuselani eGibhithe ukuze usibulale thina labantwana bethu lezifuyo zethu ngokoma? UMozisi wasekhala eNni. yasisithi kuMozisi: Dlula phambi kwabantu, uthathe kanye lawe kubadala bakoIsrayeli, lentonga yakho owatshaya, ithathe ngesandla sakho, uhambe. Khangela, ngizakuma lapho phambi kwakho phezu kwedwala eHorebe; njalo uzatshaya idwala, kuphume-ke kulo amanzi ukuze abantu banathe. UMozisi wasesenza njalo phambi kwamehlo abadala bakoIsrayeli. Wasebiza ibizo lendawo ngokuthiyiMasa lo kuthiyiMeriba ngenxa yokusola kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli langenxa yokuyilinga kwabo besithi: iphakathi kwethu yini loba hatshi? Kwasekufika uAmaleki, walwa loIsrayeli eRefidimi. UMozisi wasesithi kuJoshuwa. UJoshuwa wasesenza njengokutsho kukaMozisi kuye, walwa loAmaleki. OMozisi, uAroni loHuri basebesenyukela engqongeni yoqaqa. Kwasekusithi lapho uMozisi ephakamisa isandla sakhe, uIsrayeli waba lamandla; kodwa lapho wehlisa isandla sakhe, uAmaleki waba lamandla. Kodwa izandla zikaMozisi zaba nzima, ngakho bathatha ilitshe, balibeka ngaphansi kwakhe, ukuthi ahlale kulo. OAroni loHuri basebesekela izandla zakhe, omunye engapha lomunye engale, ukuze izandla zakhe ziqine lize litshone ilanga. UJoshuwa wasemchitha uAmaleki labantu bakhe ngobukhali benkemba. yasisithi kuMozisi: Bhala. UMozisi wasesakha ilathi, wabiza ibizo lalo ngokuthi: UJehova-nisi; wathi: Ngoba isandla sisesehlalweni sobukhosi seN, izakuba lempi imelene loAmaleki kusukela kusizukulwana kusiya kusizukulwana. Kwathi uJetro, uyisezala kaMozisi, esezwile konke uNkulunkulu ayemenzele khona uMozisi loIsrayeli isizwe sakhe, ukuthi yayimkhuphile uIsrayeli eGibhithe, uJetro uyisezala kaMozisi wathatha uZipora umkaMozisi emva kokumbuyisela kwakhe, kanye lamadodana akhe amabili; obizo lenye lalinguGereshoma, ngoba wathi: Ngangingowemzini elizweni lemzini; lebizo lenye linguEliyezeri, ngoba uNkulunkulu kababa wayelusizo lwami, wangikhulula enkembeni kaFaro. UJetro uyisezala kaMozisi wasesiza lamadodana akhe lomkakhe kuMozisi enkangala, entabeni kaNkulunkulu lapho ayemise khona inkamba. Wasesithi kuMozisi: Mina, uyihlozala, uJetro, ngiza kuwe lomkakho lamadodana akhe amabili elaye. UMozisi wasephuma ukumhlangabeza uyisezala. Basebebuzana impilakahle; bangena ethenteni. UMozisi wasemlandisela uyisezala ngakho konke eyayikwenzile kuFaro lakumaGibhithe ngenxa kaIsrayeli, yonke inhlupheko eyabehlela endleleni, lokuthi yayibakhulule. UJetro wasethokoza ngakho konke okuhle eyayikwenzele uIsrayeli, ukuthi yayimkhulule esandleni samaGibhithe. UJetro wasesithi: Ibusisiwe elikhulule esandleni samaGibhithe lesandleni sikaFaro; eyakhulula lesisizwe ngaphansi kwesandla samaGibhithe. Khathesi sengisazi ukuthi inkulu kulabo bonke onkulunkulu, ngoba endabeni. UJetro uyisezala kaMozisi wasethathela uNkulunkulu umnikelo wokutshiswa lemihlatshelo; kwasekusiza uAroni labo bonke abadala bakoIsrayeli ukudla isinkwa loyisezala kaMozisi phambi kukaNkulunkulu. Kwasekusithi kusisa uMozisi wahlala ukwahlulela abantu; njalo abantu bema phambi kukaMozisi kusukela ekuseni kwaze kwahlwa. Kwathi lapho uyisezala kaMozisi esekubonile konke akwenzela abantu wathi: Iyini linto oyenza ebantwini? Uhlalelani wedwa, labantu bonke bemi kuwe kusukela ekuseni kuze kuhlwe? UMozisi wasesithi kuyisezala: Ngoba abantu beza kimi ukubuza kuNkulunkulu. Nxa belendaba. Uyisezala kaMozisi wasesithi kuye: Into oyenzayo kayinhle. Isibili uzazidlakaza, wena-ke lalababantu abalawe; ngoba linto inzima kakhulu kuwe, kawulakukwenza wedwa. Khathesi lalela ilizwi lami; ngizakweluleka, njalo uNkulunkulu abe lawe, ubafundise izimiso lemithetho. Futhi wena ubone phakathi kwabo bonke abantu amadoda alamandla, uwabeke phezu kwabo, induna zezinkulungwane, induna zamakhulu, induna zamatshumi amahlanu, lenduna zamatshumi; ukuthi zahlulele abantu ngaso sonke isikhathi. Uba usenza linto, loNkulunkulu ekulawula, uzakuba lamandla okuma. UMozisi waselilalela ilizwi likayisezala, wenza konke ayekutshilo. UMozisi wasekhetha amadoda alamandla kuye wonke uIsrayeli, wawabeka inhloko phezu kwabantu, induna zezinkulungwane, induna zamakhulu, induna zamatshumi amahlanu lenduna zamatshumi. Zasezibahlulela abantu ngaso sonke isikhathi; zaletha kuMozisi indaba ezinzima, kodwa lonke udaba oluncinyane zalwahlulela zona. UMozisi wasemyekela wahamba uyisezala; waya elizweni lakibo. Ngenyanga yesithathu emva kokuphuma kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli elizweni leGibhithe, ngalelolanga bafika enkangala yeSinayi. Sebesukile eRefidimi. UMozisi wasesenyukela kuNkulunkulu: Uzakutsho njalo kuyo indlu kaJakobe, ubatshele abantwana bakoIsrayeli uthi: Lina libonile lokho engikwenze kumaGibhithe. Ngakho-ke uba lilalela lokulalela ilizwi lami, ligcine isivumelwano sami; njalo lizakuba ngumbuso wabapristi. Yiwo lamazwi ozawatsho kubantwana bakoIsrayeli. UMozisi wasesiza wabiza abadala babantu, wabeka phambi kwabo wonke la amazwi emlaye wona. Bonke abantu basebephendula kanyekanye bathi: Konke ekukhulumileyo sizakwenza. UMozisi wasebuyisela amazwi abantu eNni. yasisithi kuMozisi: Khangela, ngizakuza kuwe eyezini elinzima. UMozisi wasebikela amazwi abantu. yasisithi kuMozisi: Hamba uye ebantwini, ubangcwelise lamuhla lakusasa, babe sebelungele usuku lwesithathu; ngoba ngosuku lwesithathu izakwehla phambi kwamehlo abantu bonke phezu kwentaba yeSinayi. Uzabamisela abantu umngcele inhlangothi zonke uthi: Ziqapheleni ukukhwela entabeni, lokuthinta ewatheni layo. Wonke othinta intaba uzabulawa lokubulawa; Kakulasandla esizayithinta, kodwa sibili uzakhandwa ngamatshe loba sibili uzatshokwa; loba inyamazana loba umuntu, kakuyikuphila. Lapho uphondo lwenqama lukhala isikhathi eside bazakwenyukela entabeni. UMozisi wasesehla entabeni waya ebantwini, wangcwelisa abantu, njalo bawatsha izembatho zabo. Wathi ebantwini: Lungelani usuku lwesithathu. Kwasekusithi ngosuku lwesithathu sekusile, kwakulemidumo lemibane. UMozisi wasebakhupha abantu enkambeni ukuyamhlangabeza uNkulunkulu; basebesima ngaphansi kwentaba. Intaba yonke-ke yeSinayi yathunqa intuthu. Kwathi ilizwi lophondo liqhubeka lisiba lamandla amakhulu. yasisehlela entabeni yeSinayi, engqongeni yentaba; yambizela uMozisi engqongeni yentaba; uMozisi wenyuka-ke. yasisithi kuMozisi: Yehla, ubaxwayise abantu hlezi bafohlele eNni ukubona, njalo abanengi babo bawe. Labapristi labo abasondela eNni kabazingcwelise. UMozisi wasesithi eNni: Abantu bangenyukele entabeni yeSinayi, ngoba wena usixwayisile usithi: Misa umngcele wentaba, uyingcwelise. yasisithi kuye: Hamba wehle, ubuye wenyuke, wena loAroni elawe; kodwa abapristi labantu kabangafohli benyukele eNni, hlezi ibadumele. UMozisi wasesehlela ebantwini, wabatshela. UNkulunkulu wonke la amazwi esithi: NgiyuNkulunkulu wakho eyakukhupha elizweni leGibhithe, endlini yobugqili. Ungabi labanye onkulunkulu phambi kwami. Ungazenzeli isithombe esibaziweyo loba yiwuphi umfanekiso wokusemazulwini phezulu, loba wokusemhlabeni phansi, loba wokusemanzini ngaphansi komhlaba; ungakukhothameli, ungakukhonzi, kuze kube se sizukulwane ni sesithathu lesesine sabangizondayo, kodwa ngibenzela umusa abayizinkulungwane zabangithandayo lezabagcina imilayo yami. Ungaliphathi ngeze ibizo leN uNkulunkulu wakho; ngoba kayiyikumyekela engelacala ophatha ibizo layo ngeze. Khumbula usuku lwesabatha, ukulugcina lube ngcwele. Insuku eziyisithupha uzasebenza, uwenze wonke umsebenzi wakho; kodwa usuku lwesikhombisa lulisabatha leN uNkulunkulu wakho; ungenzi loba yiwuphi umsebenzi ngalo, wena lendodana yakho lendodakazi yakho, inceku yakho lencekukazi yakho lezifuyo zakho lowemzini wakho ophakathi kwamasango akho. Ngoba ngensuku eziyisithupha yenza amazulu lomhlaba lolwandle lakho konke okukukho, yasiphumula ngosuku lwesikhombisa; ngalokhu yalubusisa usuku lwesabatha, yalungcwelisa. Hlonipha uyihlo lonyoko. Ungabulali. Ungafebi. Ungebi. Unganiki ubufakazi bamanga ngomakhelwane wakho. Ungafisi indlu kamakhelwane wakho, ungafisi umkamakhelwane wakho, lenceku yakhe, lencekukazi yakhe, lenkabi yakhe, lobabhemi wakhe, njalo loba yini ekamakhelwane wakho. Bonke abantu basebebona imidumo. Kwathi abantu bekubona bathuthumela, bema khatshana; bathi kuMozisi: Khuluma wena lathi, njalo sizakuzwa. UMozisi wasesithi ebantwini: Lingesabi, ukuze lingoni. Abantu bema-ke khatshana; kodwa uMozisi wasondela emnyameni onzima lapho uNkulunkulu ayekhona. yasisithi kuMozisi: Uzakutsho njalo kubantwana bakoIsrayeli uthi: Lina selibonile ukuthi ngikhulume lani ngisemazulwini. Kaliyikwenza kanye lami onkulunkulu besiliva, njalo onkulunkulu begolide kaliyikuzenzela. Ngenzela ilathi lenhlabathi, unikele phezu kwalo iminikelo yakho yokutshiswa leminikelo yakho yokuthula, izimvu zakho lenkabi zakho. Kuyo yonke indawo lapho engilenza ibizo lami ukuthi likhunjulwe khona. Kodwa uba ungenzela ilathi lamatshe, uyalingcolisa. Awuyikukhwela phezu kwelathi lami ngezikhwelo, ukuze ubunqunu bakho bungembulwa phezu kwalo. Lezi yizahlulelo ozazibeka-ke phambi kwabo. Uba uthenga isigqili esingumHebheru, sizasebenza iminyaka eyisithupha, kodwa ngowesikhombisa sizaphuma sikhululekile ngesihle. Uba safika sisodwa, sizaphuma sisodwa; uba sithethe, umkaso uzaphuma laso. Uba inkosi yaso yasinika umfazi, asizalele amadodana kumbe amadodakazi, umfazi labantwana bakhe bazakuba ngabenkosi yakhe, njalo sizaphuma sisodwa. Kodwa uba isigqili sisitsho lokutsho ukuthi: Ngiyayithanda inkosi yami, umkami labantwana bami, kangiyikuphuma ngikhululekile; inkosi yaso izasiletha kubahlulel, siyisebenzele-ke kuze kube nininini. Njalo uba umuntu ethengisa indodakazi yakhe ukuze ibe yisigqilikazi. Uba singayithokozisi inkosi yaso ezimisele sona, izasenza sihlengwe; kayiyikuba lamandla okusithengisa esizweni semzini, njengoba esiphethe ngenkohliso. Kodwa uba esimisela indodana yayo, izakwenza kuso njengelungelo lamadodakazi. Uba ezithathela omunye, ukudla kwaso, isigubuzelo saso lokuhlala kwaso ndawonye kayiyikukunciphisa. Kodwa uba ingasenzeli lezizinto ezintathu, sizaphuma ngesihle ngaphandle kwemali. Otshaya umuntu aze afe, uzabulawa lokubulawa. Kodwa uba ebenga m cathamelanga. Kodwa uba umuntu esukela umakhelwane wakhe ambulale ngobuqili. Otshaya uyise kumbe unina, uzabulawa lokubulawa. Loweba umuntu, uzabulawa lokubulawa. Othuka uyise kumbe unina, uzabulawa lokubulawa. Njalo nxa amadoda esilwa, enye itshaye enye ngelitshe kumbe ngenqindi, kodwa ingafi kodwa ilale embhedeni, uba ilulama itotobe phandle ngodondolo lwayo, leyo e yi tshayileyo izakhululwa. Kodwa izahlawulela isikhathi sokungasebenzi kwayo, izayelaphisa lokuyelaphisa. Uba-ke umuntu etshaya isigqili sakhe kumbe isigqilikazi sakhe ngenduku size sife ngaphansi kwesandla sakhe, sizaphindiselwa lokuphindiselwa. Kanti nxa silulama usuku kumbe insuku ezimbili, kayikuphindiselwa, ngoba siyimali yakhe. Njalo nxa amadoda esilwa, atshaye owesifazana okhulelweyo aze aphume umntwana wakhe, kodwa kungelangozi yokufa, izahlawuliswa lokuhlawuliswa, njengokubeka kwendoda yomfazi phezu kwayo, izahlawula. Kodwa uba kulengozi yokufa, uzanika umphefumulo ngomphefumulo, ilihlo ngelihlo, izinyo ngezinyo, isandla ngesandla, unyawo ngonyawo, ukutshiswa ngokutshiswa, inxeba ngenxeba, umvimvinya ngomvimvinya. Uba-ke umuntu etshaya ilihlo lesigqili sakhe kumbe ilihlo lesigqilikazi sakhe alibulale, uzasiyekela sihambe sikhululekile ngenxa yelihlo laso. Uba-ke etshaya izinyo lesigqili kumbe izinyo lesigqilikazi likhumuke, uzasiyekela sihambe sikhululekile ngenxa yezinyo laso. Njalo uba inkabi ihlaba owesilisa kumbe owesifazana abesesifa, inkabi izakhandwa lokukhandwa ngamatshe, lenyama yayo ingadliwa; kodwa umnininkabi uzayekelwa. Kodwa uba inkabi ibijwayele ukuhlaba mandulo, njalo kufakaziwe kumniniyo, kodwa engayilondolozanga, ibisibulala owesilisa kumbe owesifazana, leyonkabi izakhandwa ngamatshe, lomniniyo laye abulawe. Uba inhlawulo ibekwa phezu kwakhe, uzanika imbadalo yokuhlengwa komphefumulo wakhe, njengakho konke okubekwe phezu kwakhe. Loba ihlaba indodana kumbe ihlaba indodakazi, kuzakwenziwa kuye njengomthetho lo. Nxa inkabi ihlaba inceku kumbe incekukazi, uzanika amashekeli esiliva angamatshumi amathathu. Njalo uba umuntu evula umgodi, loba uba umuntu egebha umgodi angawusibekeli, kuwele kuwo inkabi kumbe ubabhemi, umninimgodi uzahlawula, abuyisele imali kumniniyo, kodwa efileyo izakuba ngeyakhe. Njalo uba inkabi yomuntu ilimaza inkabi yomakhelwane wakhe ize ife, bazathengisa inkabi ephilayo, behlukaniselane imali yayo, behlukaniselane efileyo futhi. Kumbe uba kusaziwa ukuthi inkabi ibijwayele ukuhlaba mandulo, kodwa umniniyo engayilondolozanga, uzabhadala lokubhadala inkabi ngenkabi, kodwa efileyo izakuba ngeyakhe. Uba umuntu eseba inkabi loba imvu, ayihlabe kumbe ayithengise, uzahlawula inkabi ezinhlanu ngenkabi, lezimvu ezine ngemvu. Uba isela lificwa lifohlela, litshaywe lize life. Uba ilanga seliphumile phezu kwalo, ulecala legazi. Lifanele ukubhadala lokubhadala; uba lingelalutho, limele lithengiswe ngenxa yokweba kwalo. Uba okwebiweyo kuficwa lokuficwa esandleni salo kuphila. Nxa umuntu edlisa insimu kumbe isivini, angenise izifuyo zakhe zidle ensimini yomunye, uzabuyisela ngokuhle kwensimu yakhe langokuhle kwesivini sakhe. Uba kuqhamuka umlilo, ulumathe emeveni kuze kutshe inqumbi yamabele loba amabele amileyo loba insimu, othungele umlilo uzahlawula lokuhlawula. Uba umuntu enika umakhelwane wakhe imali loba impahla ukuze akulondoloze, njalo kwebiwe endlini yalowomuntu, uba isela litholwa lizabuyisela kuphindwe kabili. Uba isela lingatholwa, umninindlu uzasondezwa kubahluleli ukuthi kafakanga yini isandla sakhe empahleni yomakhelwane wakhe. Ngalo lonke udaba lwecala, ngenkabi, ngobabhemi, ngemvu, ngesembatho, ngakho konke okulahlekileyo, umuntu atsho ngakho ukuthi ngokwakhe, udaba lwabo bobabili luzakuza kubahluleli; lowo abahluleli abamlahlayo uzabuyisela kuphindwe kabili kumakhelwane wakhe. Uba umuntu enikela kumakhelwane wakhe ubabhemi loba inkabi loba imvu kumbe isifuyo nje ukuthi akulondoloze, besekusifa loba kulimala kumbe kuthunjwe, kungelamuntu obonayo, isifungo seN sizakuba phakathi kwabo bobabili, ukuthi kelulanga isandla empahleni kamakhelwane wakhe; njalo umniniyo uza s emukela, kayikubuyisela. Kodwa uba yebiwe lokwebiwa kuye, uzamhlawula umniniyo. Uba idatshuliwe lokudatshulwa, kayilethe ibe yibufakazi, kayikubuyisela edatshuliweyo. Uba-ke umuntu eseboleka uluthokumakhelwane wakhe, beselulimala loba lusifa umninilo engelalo, uzahlawula lokuhlawula. Uba umninilo elalo, kayikuhlawula; uba beluqatshiwe, lulande ukuqatshwa kwalo. Uba-ke indoda iyenga intombi emsulwa engakhombanga, ilale layo, izayilobola lokuyilobola ibe ngumkayo. Uba uyise esala lokwala ukumnika yona, uzabhadala imali njengelobolo lezintombi ezimsulwa. Lingayekeli umthakathikazi ukuthi aphile. Wonke olala lenyamazana uzabulawa lokubulawa. Ohlabela onkulunkulu ngaphandle kweN kuphela uzatshabalaliswa. Njalo ungamcindezeli owezizwe, ungamhluphi, ngoba lalingabezizwe elizweni leGibhithe. Lingacindezeli lawuphi umfelokazi kumbe intandane. Uba ubacindezela lokubacindezela, yebo, uba bekhala lokukhala kimi, ulaka lwami luzavutha. Uba useboleka abantu bami imali abangabayanga abalawe, ungaziphathi njengombolekisi kubo, ungabeki inzalo phezu kwabo. Uba uthatha lokuthatha isembatho sikamakhelwane wakho sibe yisibambiso, sibuyisele kuye lingakatshoni ilanga; ngoba siyisigubuzelo sakhe sodwa, siyisembatho sakhe esikhumbeni sakhe; uzalala phakathi kwani? Kuzakuthi-ke lapho ekhala kimi, ngizamuzwa. Lingathuki onkulunkulu, lingaqalekisi induna yabantu bakini. Lingaphuzisi isivuno senu esigcweleyo lomhluzi wenu wezithelo. Uzangipha izibulo emadodaneni akho. Wenze njalo ngenkabi yakho la ngemvu yakho; ngosuku lwesificaminwembili unginike khona. Lizakuba ngabantu abangcwele kimi. Ungawuphathi umbiko wamanga. Ungalandeli abanengi ngezinto ezimbi. Lomyanga ungamzweli ecaleni lakhe. Uba uhlangana lenkabi yesitha sakho loba ubabhemi waso kuduha, uzakubuyisela lokukubuyisela kuso. Uba ubona ubabhemi walowo okuzondayo elele ngaphansi komthwalo wakhe, uyekele ukumkhulula, uzamkhulula lokumkhulula laye. Kawuyikuphambula ukwahlulelwa komyanga wakho ecaleni lakhe. Bana khatshana lendaba yamanga. Njalo kawuyikwemukela isivalamlomo, ngoba isivalamlomo siphumputhekisa ababonayo, sonakalise amazwi abalungileyo. Futhi kawuyikumcindezela owezizwe; ngoba lina liyayazi imizwa yowezizwe, ngoba lalingabezizwe elizweni leGibhithe. Njalo iminyaka eyisithupha uzahlanyela isiqinti sakho, ubuthe isivuno saso. Kodwa ngowesikhombisa uzasilalukisa sibe lifusi, ukuze abayanga besizwe sakho badle, lalokho okuseleyo inyamazana zeganga zikudle. Wenze njalo ngesivini sakho lemihlwathi yakho. Insuku eziyisithupha uzakwenza umsebenzi wakho, njalo ngosuku lwesikhombisa uphumule, ukuze kuphumule inkabi yakho labobabhemi bakho, kuvuselele-ke indodana yencekukazi yakho lowezizweni. Lezintweni zonke esengizitshilo kini qaphelani. Kathathu. Umkhosi wesinkwa esingelamvubelo uzawugcina. Lomkhosi wesivuno, lapho usubuthile umsebenzi wakho ensimini. Kathathu ngomnyaka bonke abesilisa bakho bazabonakala phambi kweNkosi uJehova. Kawuyikunikela igazi lomhlatshelo wami kanye lesinkwa esilemvubelo. Lamafutha omkhosi wami angalali kuze kuse. Ikhethelo lezithelo zokuqala zensimu yakho uzaliletha endlini yeN uNkulunkulu wakho. Khangela, ngithuma ingilosi phambi kwakho ukuze ikulondoloze endleleni, ikuse endaweni engiyilungisileyo. Uqaphele phambi kwayo, ulalele ilizwi layo; ungayicunuli; ngoba ibizo lami liphakathi kwayo. Kodwa uba ulalela lokulalela ilizwi layo, wenze konke engikutshoyo, sengizakuba yisitha sezitha zakho, ngiphambane labaphambana lawe. Ngoba ingilosi yami izahamba phambi kwakho. Njalo ngizababhubhisa. Ungakhothameli onkulunkulu babo, ungabakhonzi, ungenzi njengemisebenzi yabo. Lizakhonza-ke uNkulunkulu wenu. Kakuyikuba khona okuphunzayo lokuyinyumba elizweni lakho. Ngizathumela ukwesabeka kwami phambi kwakho, ngenze izitha zakho zonke zikunike isiphundu. Ngizathumela olonyovu phambi kwakho abazaxotsha amaHivi, amaKhanani lamaHethi phambi kwakho. Kangiyikubaxotsha phambi kwakho ngomnyaka owodwa, hlezi ilizwe libe ngamanxiwa, lenyamazana zeganga zikwandele. Ngizabaxotsha phambi kwakho kancinyane kancinyane, uze wande, udle ilifa lelizwe. Njalo ngizamisa imingcele yakho; uzabaxotsha phambi kwakho. Ungenzi isivumelwano labo labonkulunkulu babo. Kabayikuhlala elizweni lakho, hlezi bakwenze ukuthi wone kimi; uba ukhonza onkulunkulu babo, ngeqiniso kuzakuba yisifu kuwe. Yasisithi kuMozisi: Yenyukela eNni, wena loAroni, uNadabi loAbihu, likhonze likhatshana. Njalo uMozisi yedwa uzasondela eNkosini, kodwa bona kabayikusondela; labantu kabayikwenyuka laye. UMozisi wasesiza wabatshela abantu wonke amazwi eN lokwahlulela konke; bonke abantu baphendula ngalizwi linye bathi: Wonke amazwi eN ewakhulumileyo sizawenza. UMozisi wasebhala wonke amazwi eN KOSI. Wathuma amajaha abantwana bakoIsrayeli, anikela iminikelo yokutshiswa, ahlabela iminikelo yokuthula yamajongosi. UMozisi wasethatha ingxenye yegazi. Wasethatha incwadi yesivumelwano, wayibala ezindlebeni zabantu. Basebesithi: Konke ekutshiloyo sizakwenza silalele. UMozisi wasethatha igazi, walifafaza phezu kwabantu, wathi: Khangelani igazi lesivumelwano esenze lani mayelana lawo wonke la amazwi. Basebesenyuka oMozisi loAroni, uNadabi loAbihu, labangamatshumi ayisikhombisa kubadala bakoIsrayeli, basebebona uNkulunkulu wakoIsrayeli. Kodwa kaselulanga isandla sakhe. yasisithi kuMozisi: Yenyukela kimi entabeni, engikubhalileyo ukubafundisa. Wasukuma-ke uMozisi, lenceku yakhe uJoshuwa. Wasesithi ebadaleni: Silindeleni lapha size sibuye kini; khangelani-ke uAroni loHuri balani. UMozisi wasesenyukela entabeni, leyezi lasibekela intaba. Njalo inkazimulo yeN yahlala entabeni yeSinayi; leyezi layisibekela insuku eziyisithupha; yasimbiza uMozisi ngosuku lwesikhombisa iphakathi kweyezi. Njalo ukubonakala kwenkazimulo yeN kwakunjengomlilo oqothulayo, engqongeni yentaba, emehlweni abantwana bakoIsrayeli. UMozisi wasengena phakathi kweyezi, wenyukela entabeni; njalo uMozisi waba sentabeni insuku ezingamatshumi amane lobusuku obungamatshumi amane. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Khuluma kubantwana bakoIsrayeli. Njalo yilo umnikelo ozawuthatha kubo: Igolide, lesiliva, lethusi, lokuluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka, lokuyibubende, lokubomvu, lelembu elicolekileyo kakhulu, lo boyabembuzi, lezikhumba eziphendulwe zababomvu zezinqama, lezikhumba zikamantswane, lesihlahla sesinga, amafutha esibane, amatshe athiwa ngama-onikse. Njalo kabangenzele indawo engcwele. Njengakho konke engizakutshengisa khona, isibonelo sethabhanekele, lesibonelo sempahla yalo yonke, lenze njalo-ke. Njalo bazakwenza umtshokotsho ngesihlahla sesinga; ubude bawo bubezingalo ezimbili lengxenye, lobubanzi bawo yingalo lengxenye, lokuphakama kwawo yingalo lengxenye. Uwuhuqe-ke ngegolide elicwengekileyo, uwuhuqe ngaphakathi langaphandle. Uwubumbele ngokuncibilikisa futhi amasongo amane egolide, uwafake emagumbini omane awo, ukuze amasongo amabili abe kolunye uhlangothi lwawo, lamasongo amabili abe kolunye uhlangothi lwawo. Njalo uzakwenza imijabo ngesihlahla sesinga, uyihuqe ngegolide, uyifake imijabo emasongweni enhlangothini zomtshokotsho, ukuthwala umtshokotsho ngayo. Imijabo izakuba semasongweni omtshokotsho, ayiyikukhutshwa kuwo. Ubusufaka emtshokotshweni ubufakazi engizakunika bona. Njalo uzakwenza isihlalo somusa ngegolide elicwengekileyo, ubude baso bubezingalo ezimbili lengxenye, ububanzi baso yingalo lengxenye. Ubususenza amakherubhi amabili ngegolide, uzawenza ngomsebenzi okhandiweyo, avele emaphethelweni womabili esihlalo somusa. Wenze elinye ikherubhi livele ephethelweni lwaloluhlangothi, lelinye ikherubhi livele ephethelweni lolunye uhlangothi, uzakwenza amakherubhi evela esihlalweni somusa emaphethelweni womabili aso. Lamakherubhi azakwelula impiko zawongaphezulu, ambomboze isihlalo somusa ngempiko zawo, lobuso bawo bukhangelane; ubuso bamakherubhi buzakhangela isihlalo somusa. Njalo uzasibeka isihlalo somusa ngaphezulu. Ngizahlangana-ke lawe lapho aphezu komtshokotsho wobufakazi, konke engizakulaya khona kubantwana bakoIsrayeli. Uzakwenza futhi itafula ngesihlahla sesinga; ubude balo bubezingalo ezimbili, lobubanzi balo yingalo, lokuphakama kwalo yingalo lengxenye. Uzalihuqa-ke ngegolide elicwengekileyo, wenze kulo umqolo wegolide inhlangothi zonke. Uzakwenza kulo inhlangothi zonke ibhanti elingangobubanzi besandla, ulenzele ibhanti lalo umqolo wegolide inhlangothi zonke. Ulenzele futhi amasongo amane egolide, uwafake amasongo emagunjini amane asenyaweni zalo zozine. Amasongo azakuba ngasebhantini ukuze abe zindawo zemijabo, ukuthwala itafula. Njalo uzakwenza imijabo ngesihlahla sesinga, uyihuqe ngegolide, ukuze itafula lithwalwe ngayo; wenze futhi imiganu yalo lenkezo zalo lezitsha zalo lenditshi zalo abathela ngazo, uzenze ngegolide elicwengekileyo. Uzabeka-ke etafuleni izinkwa zokubukiswa phambi kwami njalonjalo. Uzakwenza njalo uluthi lwesibane ngegolide elicwengekileyo; uluthi lwesibane luzakwenziwa ngomsebenzi okhandiweyo, isidindi salo, lezinti zalo, imbizana zalo, induku zalo, lamaluba alo, kuvele kulo. Njalo izinti eziyisithupha zizaphuma enhlangothini zalo; izinti ezintathu zoluthi lwesibane kolunye uhlangothi, lezinti ezintathu zoluthi lwesibane kolunye uhlangothi. Imbizana ezintathu ezenziwe zafanana lamaluba esihlahla se-alimondi kolunye uluthi, isiduku leluba; lembizana ezintathu ezenziwe zafanana lamaluba esihlahla se-alimondi kolunye uluthi, isiduku leluba; kube njalo ezintini eziyisithupha eziphuma oluthini lwesibane. Oluthini lwesibane kube khona imbizana ezine ezenziwe zafanana lamaluba esihlahla se-alimondi, iziduku zalo lamaluba alo; kube lesiduku ngaphansi kwezinti ezimbili ezivela kulo, lesiduku ngaphansi kwezinti ezimbili ezivela kulo, futhi isiduku ngaphansi kwezinti ezimbili ezivela kulo, njengezinti eziyisithupha eziphuma oluthini lwesibane. Iziduku zazo lezinti zazo zizavela kulo, lonke lube ngumsebenzi munye okhandiweyo wegolide elicwengekileyo. Uzakwenza futhi izibane zalo eziyisikhombisa, njalo bazalumathisa izibane zalo. Njalo indlawu zalo lemiganu yalo yomlotha kuzakuba ligolide elicwengekileyo. Kalwenziwe ngethalenta legolide elicwengekileyo, kanye lazo zonke lezizinto. Nanzelela-ke ukuthi uzenze njengomfanekiso wazo, owatshengiswa wona entabeni. Uzakwenza-ke ithabhanekele elenziwe ngentambo ephothiweyo lokuluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka lokuyibubende lokubomvu, ngamakherubhi; uzawenza enziwe ngumuntu oyingcitshi. Ubude bekhetheni elilodwa bube zingalo ezingamatshumi amabili lesificaminwembili, lobubanzi bekhetheni elilodwa zingalo ezine; wonke amakhetheni alingane. Amakhetheni amahlanu azahlanganiswa, elinye lelinye; lamakhetheni amahlanu azahlanganiswa, elinye lelinye. Uzakwenza-ke izihitshela ngokuluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka emphethweni welinye ikhetheni, ekucineni kwenhlangano, njalo ngokufananayo wenze emphethweni wekhetheni ekucineni, kunhlangano yesibili. Wenze izihitshela ezingamatshumi amahlanu kwelinye ikhetheni, lezihitshela ezingamatshumi amahlanu uzazenza emphethweni wekhetheni elikunhlangano yeyesibili; izihitshela zikhangelane. Njalo wenze ingwegwe zegolide ezingamatshumi amahlanu, uhlanganise amakhetheni elinye lelinye ngengwegwe, ukuze kube lethabhanekele elilodwa. Wenze futhi amakhetheni ngoboya bembuzi abe lithente phezu kwethabhanekele; uzalenza ngamakhetheni alitshumi lanye. Ubude bekhetheni elilodwa zingalo ezingamatshumi amathathu, lobubanzi bekhetheni elilodwa zingalo ezine; amakhetheni alitshumi lanye alingane. Njalo uzahlanganisa amakhetheni amahlanu abe wodwa, lamakhetheni ayisithupha abe wodwa; lekhetheni lesithupha uzalipheqa phambi kwethente ngaphambili. Wenze-ke izihitshela ezingamatshumi amahlanu emphethweni wekhetheni, ekucineni kwenhlangano, lezihitshela ezingamatshumi amahlanu emphethweni wekhetheni elihlanganisa elesibili. Wenze futhi ingwegwe zethusi ezingamatshumi amahlanu, uzifake ingwegwe ezihitsheleni, uhlanganise ithente libe linye. Njalo okuseleyo okwedluleleyo kwamakhetheni ethente, ingxenye yekhetheni eseleyo, izalengela ehlangothini olungemuva kwethabhanekele. Njalo ingalo ngapha lengalo langapha kulokho okuseleyo ebudeni bamakhetheni ethente, izalengela emaceleni ethabhanekele ngapha langapha ukulisibekela. Uzalenzela ithente isembeso sezikhumba eziphendulwe zababomvu zezinqama, lesembeso sezikhumba zikamantswane phezulu. Njalo uzakwenza amapulanka ethabhanekele ngesihlahla sesinga, ame, ubude bamapulanka buzakuba zingalo ezilitshumi, lobubanzi bepulanka linye bube yingalo lengxenye yengalo. Ipulanka elilodwa lizakuba lemisuka emibili, ihlanganisiwe omunye komunye; wenze njalo kuwo wonke amapulanka ethabhanekeleni. Uzalenzela-ke ithabhanekele amapulanka, amapulanka angamatshumi amabili ehlangothini lweningizimu olukhangele eningizimu; wenze njalo izisekelo ezingamatshumi amane zesiliva ngaphansi kwamapulanka angamatshumi amabili, izisekelo ezimbili ngaphansi kwepulanka linye zibe ngezemisuka yalo yomibili, lezisekelo ezimbili ngaphansi kwelinye ipulanka zibe ngezemisuka yalo yomibili, njalo amapulanka angamatshumi amabili ehlangothini lwesibili lwethabhanekele, uhlangothi lwenyakatho, lezisekelo zawo ezingamatshumi amane zesiliva, izisekelo ezimbili ngaphansi kwepulanka linye lezisekelo ezimbili ngaphansi kwelinye ipulanka. Njalo wenze amapulanka ayisithupha ehlangothini olungemuva kwethabhanekele ngentshonalanga, njalo uzakwenza lamapulanka amabili awengonsi zethabhanekele ehlangothini olungemuva, njalo abe mabili ngaphansi, azaphelela langaphezulu ndawonye, esongweni elilodwa; kuzakuba njalo ngawo womabili, abe ngawengonsi zombili. Njalo azakuba ngamapulanka ayisificaminwembili, lezisekelo zawo zesiliva, izisekelo ezilitshumi lesithupha, izisekelo ezimbili ngaphansi kwepulanka elinye, lezisekelo ezimbili ngaphansi kwelinye ipulanka. Uzakwenza njalo imithando ngesihlahla sesinga, emihlanu ibe ngeyamapulanka akolunye uhlangothi lwethabhanekele, lemithando emihlanu ibe ngeyamapulanka akolunye uhlangothi lwethabhanekele, lemithando emihlanu ibe ngeyamapulanka ehlangothini lwethabhanekele, ehlangothini olusemuva ngentshonalanga; lomthando waphakathi, phakathi kwamapulanka, uzadabula kusukela ekucineni kusiya ekucineni. Njalo uzawahuqa amapulanka ngegolide, uwenze amasongo awo ngegolide, abe zindawo zemithando; uyihuqe imithando ngegolide. Uzalimisa-ke ithabhanekele njengomfanekiso walo owawutshengiswa entabeni. Uzakwenza leveyili ngokuluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka lokuyibubende lokubomvu, lelembu elicolekileyo elentambo ephothiweyo, kube ngumsebenzi wengcitshi, lamakherubhi; uzalilengisa-ke ensikeni ezine zesinga, ezihuqwe ngegolide, lengwegwe zalo zegolide, phezu kwezisekelo ezine zesiliva. Njalo uzalilengisa iveyili phansi kwezingwegwe, ukuze ungenise lapho, ngaphakathi kweveyili, umtshokotsho wobufakazi; leliveyili lizalehlukanisela phakathi kwengcwele lengcwele yezingcwele. Uzabeka-ke isihlalo somusa phezu komtshokotsho wobufakazi engcweleni yezingcwele, njalo ubeke itafula ngaphandle kweveyili maqondana letafula ehlangothini lwethabhanekele ngaseningizimu, ubeke itafula ehlangothini lwenyakatho. Uzakwenza isilenge somnyango. Usenzele-ke isilenge insika ezinhlanu zesinga, uzihuqe ngegolide; ingwegwe zazo zibe ngezegolide, uzibumbele ngokuncibilikisa izisekelo ezinhlanu zibe ngezethusi. Uzakwenza-ke ilathi ngesihlahla sesinga, ubude bube zingalo ezinhlanu, ububanzi bube zingalo ezinhlanu, ilathi lilingane inhlangothi zozine, ukuphakama kwalo kube zingalo ezintathu. Njalo uzakwenza impondo zalo phezu kwengonsi zalo zozine, impondo zalo zizavela kulo; ubusulihuqa ngethusi. Njalo wenze izimbiza zokususa umlotha walo, lamafotsholo alo, lemiganu yalo yokufafaza, lamafologwe alo enyama, lezitsha zalo zokuthwala umlilo, uzenze zonke izinto zalo ngethusi. Ulenzele-ke iziko lethusi elenziwe njengembule, wenze phezu kwembule amasongo amane ethusi engonsini zalo zozine; usibeke ngaphansi komphetho welathi phansi, ukuze imbule lifinyelele phakathi kwelathi. Ulenzele ilathi imijabo, imijabo yesihlahla sesinga, uyihuqe ngethusi; lemijabo ifakwe emasongweni, imijabo izakuba-ke enhlangothini zombili zelathi, ekulithwaleni. Ulenze ngamapulanka ligubheke, njengalokho wakutshengisa entabeni, baza l enza njalo. Njalo uzakwenza iguma lethabhanekele, libe sehlangothini olungeningizimu lamakhetheni elembu elicolekileyo lentambo ephothiweyo, ubude bohlangothi lunye bube zingalo ezilikhulu; lensika zawo ezingamatshumi amabili lezisekelo zazo ezingamatshumi amabili zibe ngezethusi, ingwegwe zezinsika lezibopho zazo zibe ngezesiliva. Ngokunjalo-ke ehlangothini olungenyakatho ebudeni, amakhetheni azakuba zingaloezilikhulu ebudeni, lensika zawo ezingamatshumi amabili lezisekelo zazo ezingamatshumi amabili zibe ngezethusi, ingwegwe zezinsika lezibopho zazo zibe ngezesiliva. Lebubanzini beguma, ehlangothini olusentshonalanga, kuzakuba khona amakhetheni azingalo ezingamatshumi amahlanu, insika zawo zibe litshumi lezisekelo zazo zibe litshumi. Lobubanzi beguma ehlangothini olungempumalanga ngasempumalanga bube zingalo ezingamatshumi amahlanu. Lamakhetheni olunyeuhlangothi azakuba zingalo ezilitshumi lanhlanu, insika zawo zibentathu, lezisekelo zazo zibentathu; lakolunye uhlangothi amakhetheni abe zingaloezilitshumi lanhlanu, insika zawo zibentathu lezisekelo zazo zibentathu. Emnyango weguma kuzakuba-ke lesilenge esizingalo ezingamatshumi amabili, esil okuluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka lokuyibubende lokubomvu lelembu elicolekileyo lentambo ephothiweyo, kube ngumsebenzi womfekethisi ngenalithi; insika zaso zibe zine lezisekelo zazo zibe zine. Zonke insika ezizingelezele iguma zizabotshwa ngesiliva, ingwegwe zazo zibe ngezesiliva lezisekelo zazo zibe ngezethusi. Ubude beguma bube zingalo ezilikhulu, lobubanzi bube zingaloezingamatshumi amahlanu inhlangothi zombili, lokuphakama kube zingalo ezinhlanu zelembu elicolekileyo lentambo ephothiweyo, lezisekelo zazo ngezethusi. Zonke izinto zethabhanekele emsebenzini walo wonke, lezikhonkwane zalo zonke, lazo zonke izikhonkwane zeguma zizakuba ngezethusi. Wena uzabalaya-ke abantwana bakoIsrayeli ukuze bakulethele amafutha acengekileyo emihlwathi agigelwe isibane, ukuze enze isibane sivuthe njalonjalo. Ethenteni lenhlangano ngaphandle kweveyili eliphambi kobufakazi, ngenxa yabantwana bakoIsrayeli. Wena-ke sondeza kuwe uAroni umnewenu lamadodana akhe kanye laye. Umenzele-ke uAroni umnewenu izembatho ezingcwele, ezobukhosi lezokucecisa. Wena-ke khuluma labo bonke abahlakaniphileyo ngenhliziyo, ukuze benze izembatho zikaAroni zokumehlukanisela ukungisebenzela njengompristi. Lalezi yizembatho abazazenza; isembatho sesifuba; bamenzele uAroni umnewenu izembatho ezingcwele, lezamadodana akhe, ukuze angisebenzele njengompristi. Bona-ke kabathathe igolide lokuluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka lokuyibubende lokubomvu lelembu elicolekileyo kakhulu. Basebesenza i-efodi ngegolide. Sizakuba lezichibi ezimbili zamahlombe, zihlangane emaceleni aso womabili, ukuze sihlanganiswe. Ibhanti elelukwe ngobungcitshi le-efodi lakhe, elikuye, lizakuba njengomsebenzi walo, liyinto yinye, ngegolide, okuluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka, lokuyibubende, lokubomvu, lelembu elicolekileyo lentambo ephothiweyo. Njalo uzathatha amatshe amabili ama-onikse, ubaze kuwo amabizo amadodana kaIsrayeli, ayisithupha kumabizo awo phezu kwelinye ilitshe, lamabizo ayisithupha aseleyo phezu kwelinye ilitshe, njengokuzalwa kwawo. Njengomsebenzi wombazi wamatshe, njengokubazwa kwendandatho elophawu, uzawabaza amatshe womabili, ngamabizo amadodana kaIsrayeli, uwenze amiswe ezisekelweni zegolide ezitshiliweyo. Njalo uzabeka amatshe womabili ezichibini zamahlombe ze-efodi, amatshe esikhumbuzo ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli; loAroni uzathwala amabizo abo emahlombe akhe womabili phambi kweN KOSI. Wenze lezisekelo ezitshiliweyo zegolide, lamaketane amabili egolide elicwengekileyo, uwenze ukuthi abe njengamagoda, umsebenzi ophothiweyo, amaketane aphothiweyo uwabophele ezisekelweni ezitshiliweyo zegolide. Ubususenza isembatho sesifuba sokwahlulela, lokuyibubende, lokubomvu, langelembu elicolekileyo lentambo ephothiweyo uzasenza. Kasilingane inhlangothi zozine, siphindwe kabili, ubude baso bube yikwelulwa kweminwe, lobubanzi baso bube yikwelulwa kweminwe. Njalo uhlele kuso inhlelo zamatshe, imizila emine yamatshe; umzila wesardiyusi, itopazi le-emeraldi, umzila wokuqala. lomzila wesibili ube lerubi, isafire, lendayimana, lomzila wesithathu ube lejasinte, i-agate, le-ametiste, lomzila wesine ube lebherule, le-onikse, lejaspi; amatshe la azasekelwa ngegolide ezisekelweni zawo ezitshiliweyo. Lamatshe azakuba lamabizo amadodana kaIsrayeli, alitshumi lambili, lamabizo awo; njengokubazwa kwendandatho elophawu, yilelo lalelo lebizo lalo; azakuba ngawezizwe ezilitshumi lambili. Wenze-ke esembathweni sesifuba amaketane aphothiweyo omsebenzi wegoda egolide elicwengekileyo, wenze futhi phezu kwesembatho sesifuba amasongo amabili egolide, uwafake amasongo amabili emaceleni womabili esembatho sesifuba. Ufake amaketaneamabili egolide aphothiweyo emasongweni amabili emaceleni esembatho sesifuba; kodwa izihloko zombili zamaketanewomabili aphothiweyo uzifake ezisekelweni ezimbili ezitshiliweyo, uzibeke ezichibini ze-efodi, phambili kwayo kanye. Uzakwenza njalo amasongo amabili egolide, uwafake emaceleni womabili esembatho sesifuba, emphethweni waso ongaphakathi kwe-efodi. Wenze futhi amasongo amabili egolide, uwafake ezichibini ezimbili ze-efodi, ngaphansi ngaphambili kwaso, eduze kokuhlangana kwazo, phezu kwebhanti elelukwe ngobungcitshi le-efodi. Bazabophela-ke isembatho sesifuba ngamasongo aso emasongweni e-efodi ngentambo eluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka, ukuze sibe phezu kwebhanti elelukwe ngobungcitshi, njalo isembatho sesifuba singakhumuki e-efodini. Njalo uAroni uzathwala amabizo abantwana bakoIsrayeli esembathweni sesifuba sokwahlulela phezu kwenhliziyo yakhe, nxa engena e ndaw eni engcwele, kube yisikhumbuzo phambi kweN njalonjalo. Uzafaka-ke esembathweni sesifuba sokwahlulela iUrimi leThumimi. Uzakwenza ibhatshi lonke le-efodi ngokuluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka; njalo sibe lesikhala sekhanda ngaphakathi kwaso, isikhala sibe lomphetho osizingelezeleyo, umsebenzi owelukiweyo, sibe njengesikhala sebhatshi lensimbi, ukuze singadabuki. Lemiphethweni yaso wenze amapomegranati ngokuluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka lokuyibubende lokubomvu, emiphethweni yaso osizingelezeleyo, lamabhera egolide phakathi kwawo asizingelezeleyo, ibhera legolide lepomegranati, ibhera legolide lepomegranati, emiphethweni yebhatshi kuzingelezele. UAroni kasembathele-ke ukukhonza, lokukhenceza kwaso kuzwakale lapho engena e ndaw eni engcwele phambi kweN, lalapho ephuma, ukuze angafi. Uzakwenza njalo incence ngegolide elicwengekileyo. Uyifake phezu kwentambo eluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka, ukuze ibe phezu kweqhiye, ibe ngaphambili kweqhiye. Izakuba sebunzini likaAroni, ukuze uAroni athwale ububi bezinto ezingcwele. Uzakweluka njalo isigqoko ngelembu elicolekileyo kakhulu elilamabala. Wenzele-ke amadodana kaAroni. Umgqokise zona uAroni umnewenu lamadodana akhe kanye laye, ubagcobe, ubehlukanise, ubangcwelise ukuze bangisebenzele njengabapristi. Ubenzele labokabhudula bangaphansi belembu elicolekileyo okusibekela inyama yobunqunu, aqale ekhalweni afike emathangazini; njalo uAroni lamadodana akhe bawagqoke lapho bengena ethenteni lenhlangano kumbe lapho besondela elathini ukukhonza e ndaw eni engcwele kuye lakuyo inzalo yakhe emva kwakhe. Yile-ke into ozayenza kubo ukubehlukanisa ukuthi bangisebenzele njengabapristi. Thatha ijongosi elilodwa ithole lenkomo, lenqama ezimbili ezingelasici, lesinkwa esingelamvubelo, lamaqebelengwana angelamvubelo ahlanganiswe lamafutha, lezinkwana eziyizipatalala ezingelamvubelo ezinindwe ngamafutha, uzenze ngempuphu ecolekileyo yengqoloyi; ukufake esitsheni esisodwa, ukusondeze ngesitsha, kanye lejongosi lenqama ezimbili. Usondeze uAroni lamadodana akhe emnyango wethente lenhlangano, ubagezise ngamanzi; uthathe izembatho, u m thwalise iqhiye ekhanda lakhe, u m thwalise umqhele ongcwele phezu kweqhiye. Uthathe amafutha okugcoba, uwathele ekhanda lakhe, umgcobe. Usondeze lamadodana akhe, uwagqokise izigqoko. Ubabophe ngamabhanti. Ubehlukanise-ke uAroni lamadodana akhe. Uzasondeza ijongosi phambi kwethente lenhlangano; njalo uAroni lamadodana akhe babeke izandla zabo enhlokweni yejongosi; ubusulihlaba ijongosi phambi kweN emnyango wethente lenhlangano, uthathe okwegazi lejongosi ngomunwe wakho, uthululele lonke igazi esisekelweni selathi. Uzathatha idanga lonke, lamahwahwa aphezu kwesibindi, lezinso zombili, lamahwahwa aphezu kwazo, ukutshise elathini. Kodwa inyama yejongosi lesikhumba salo lomswane walo ukutshise ngomlilo ngaphandle kwenkamba; kungumnikelo wesono. Ubusuthatha inqama ibenye. Ubusuyihlaba inqama, uthathe igazi layo, ulifafaze elathini uligombolozele. Uyiqume inqama ngeziqa zayo, ugezise imibilini yayo lemilenze yayo, ukubeke phezu kweziqa zayo laphezu kwenhloko yayo, utshise inqama yonke elathini. Kungumnikelo wokutshiswa eNni, kuluqhatshi olumnandi, umnikelo owenzelwe ngomlilo. Uzathatha inqama yesibili. Uyihlabe-ke inqama, uthathe okwegazi layo, ulifake eqwangeni lwendlebe kaAroni, leqwangeni lwendlebe yokunene yamadodana akhe, lesithupheni sesandla sabo sokunene, lezwaneni olukhulu lonyawo lwabo lokunene, ufafaze igazi elathini uligombolozele. Uthathe okwegazi eliselathini lokwamafutha okugcoba, ukufafaze phezu kukaAroni, laphezu kwezembatho zakhe, laphezu kwamadodana akhe, laphezu kwezembatho zamadodana akhe kanye laye, ukuze abe ngcwele lezembatho zakhe, lamadodana akhe lezembatho zamadodana akhe kanye laye. Uthathe enqameni amahwahwa, lomsila ononileyo, ledanga; lesinkwa esiyindilinga esisodwa, leqebelengwana elilodwa elesinkwa esilamafutha, lesinkwana esiyisipatalala esisodwa, esitsheni sezinkwa ezingelamvubelo esiphambi kweN, ukubeke konke ezandleni zikaAroni lezandleni zamadodana akhe, ukuzunguze ukuze kube ngumnikelo wokuzunguzwa phambi kweN. Ukuthathe ezandleni zabo, ukutshise phezu kwelathi phezu komnikelo wokutshiswa, ukuze kube luqhatshi olumnandi phambi kweN; kungumnikelo owenzelwe ngomlilo. Uzathatha isifuba senqama yokwehlukaniswa engekaAroni, usizunguze sibe ngumnikelo wokuzunguzwa phambi kweN, njalo sibe yisabelo sakho. Uzasingcwelisa isifuba somnikelo wokuzunguzwa, okwenqama yokwehlukaniswa, okwalokho okungokukaAroni lokwalokho okungokwamadodana akhe; njalo kuzakuba ngokukaAroni lokwamadodana akhe, kube yisimiso saphakade kuvela kubantwana bakoIsrayeli; ngoba kungumnikelo wokuphakanyiswa; kuzakuba ngumnikelo wokuphakanyiswa ovela kubantwana bakoIsrayeli, eminikelweni yabo yokuthula; umnikelo wabo wokuphakanyiswa eNni. Lezembatho ezingcwele zikaAroni zizakuba ngezamadodana akhe emva kwakhe, ukuze agcotshwe embethe zona. Insuku eziyisikhombisa, uzazembatha, nxa engena ethenteni lenhlangano ukukhonza e ndaw eni engcwele. Uzathatha-ke inqama yokwehlukaniswa, upheke inyama yayo endaweni engcwele. Njalo uAroni lamadodana akhe bazakudla inyama yenqama lesinkwa esisesitsheni emnyango wethente lenhlangano, badle lezozinto okwenziwa ngazo inhlawulo yokuthula. Njalo uba kusala okwenyama yokwehlukaniswa kumbe okwesinkwa kuze kuse, tshisa okuseleyo ngomlilo; kungadliwa, ngoba kungcwele. Uzakwenza njalo-ke kuAroni lakumadodana akhe njengakho konke engikulaya khona; insuku eziyisikhombisa uzabehlukanisa. Insuku ngensuku unikele ijongosi lomnikelo wesono. Ulenzele ilathi inhlawulo yokuthula insuku eziyisikhombisa, ulingcwelise, lelathi lizakuba yingcwelengcwele. Yilokhu-ke ozakunikela phezu kwelathi: Amawundlu amabili alomnyaka owodwa. Elinye iwundlu uzalinikela ekuseni, lelinye iwundlu ulinikele kusihlwa, lokwetshumi kwempuphu ecolekileyo kuxubene lengxenye yesine yehini yamafutha agigiweyo, lengxenye yesine yehini yewayini kube ngumnikelo wokunathwayo, welinye iwundlu. Lelinye iwundlu ulinikele kusihlwa, umnikelo owenzelwe ngomlilo. Uzakubangumnikelo wokutshiswa njalonjalo ezizukulwaneni zenu, ukukhuluma lawe lapho. Lalapho ngizahlangana labantwana bakoIsrayeli, njalo kungcweliswe yinkazimulo yami. Njalo ngizangcwelisa ithente lenhlangano lelathi, ngizangcwelisa loAroni lamadodana akhe, ukuze bangisebenzele njengabapristi. Ngizahlala phakathi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli, ngibe nguNkulunkulu kubo. Bazakwazi-ke ukuthi ngiyuNkulunkulu wabo, eyabakhupha elizweni leGibhithe ukuze ngihlale phakathi kwabo; ngiyuNkulunkulu wabo. Uzakwenza lelathi lokutshisela impepha. Ubude balo bube yingalo, lobubanzi balo ingalo, lilingane inhlangothi zozine; lokuphakama kwalo kube zingalo ezimbili; impondo zalo zizavela kulo. Njalo ulihuqe ngegolide elicwengekileyo, ingaphezulu yalo, lenhlangothi zalo ezilizingelezeleyo, lempondo zalo; wenze kulo umqolo wegolide olizingelezeleyo. Wenze njalo amasongo amabili egolide, ngaphansi komqolo walo, enhlangothini ezimbili zalo; wenze enhlangothini zalo zombili; azakuba zindawo zemijabo ezokulithwala ngayo. Njalo wenze imijabo ngesihlahla sesinga, uyihuqe ngegolide. Uzalibeka phambi kweveyili elingasemtshokotshweni wobufakazi, phambi kwesihlalo somusa esiphezu kobufakazi, lapho engizahlangana khona lawe. Njalo uAroni atshisele kulo impepha elephunga elimnandi ukusa ngokusa, eselungise izibane uzayitshisa; lapho uAroni elumathisa izibane kusihlwa, ayitshise; yimpepha eqhubekayo phambi kweN ezizukulwaneni zenu. Linganikeleli kulo impepha engejwayelekanga kumbe umnikelo wokutshiswa kumbe umnikelo wokudla; njalo lingatheli kulo umnikelo wokunathwayo. UAroni uzakwenza inhlawulo yokuthula empondweni zalo; kanye ngomnyaka uzakwenza inhlawulo yokuthula kulo ezizukulwaneni zenu; liyingcwelengcwele eNni. yasikhuluma kuMozisi yathi: Lapho uthatha inani lonke labantwana bakoIsrayeli, nxa ubabala. Bazanika lokhu, wonke odlulela kwababaliweyo, ingxenye yeshekeli, njengokweshekeli lendluengcwele - ishekeli lingamagera angamatshumi amabili ngumnikelo eNni. Wonke odlulela kwababaliweyo, kusukela koleminyaka engamatshumi amabili langaphezulu, anikele umnikelo weN. Abanothileyo bangadlulisi, labayanga banganciphisi ingxenye yeshekeli, lapho linikela umnikelo weN, ukwenzela imiphefumulo yenu inhlawulo yokuthula. Uzathatha imali yenhlawulo zokuthula ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli, uyinikele inkonzo yethente lenhlangano sabantwana bakoIsrayeli phambi kweN, ukwenzela imiphefumulo yenu inhlawulo yokuthula. yasikhuluma kuMozisi yathi: Uzakwenza lenditshi yethusi, uthele kuyo amanzi, njalo uAroni lamadodana akhe bagezele kuyo izandla zabo lenyawo zabo. Nxa bengena ethenteni lenhlangano bazageza ngamanzi, ukuze bangafi, loba besondela elathini ukukhonza, ukutshisa umnikelo owenzelwe ngomlilo. Ngakho bazageza izandla zabo lenyawo zabo ukuze bangafi; njalo kuzakuba kubo yisimiso esilaphakade, kuye lakunzalo yakhe ezizukulwaneni zabo. yakhuluma futhi kuMozisi yathi: Wena-ke, zithathele amakha aqakathekileyo elingamashekeliangamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amahlanu, lekhasiya elingamashekeliangamakhulu amahlanu ngokweshekeli lendlu engcwele; wenze lokhu kube ngamafutha angcwele okugcoba, amakha axutshanisiweyo njengokwenza komenzi wamakha; azakuba ngamafutha angcwele okugcoba. Uzagcoba ngawo ithente lenhlangano lomtshokotsho wobufakazi, letafula lezitsha zalo zonke, loluthi lwesibane lezitsha zalo, lelathi lempepha, lelathi lomnikelo wokutshiswa lezitsha zalo zonke, lenditshi yokugezela lonyawo lwayo; ukungcwelise ukuze kube yingcwelengcwele; loba yini okukuthintayo kuzakuba ngcwele. Ugcobe laye uAroni lamadodana akhe, ubangcwelise ukuze bangisebenzele njengabapristi. Ukhulume kubantwana bakoIsrayeli uthi: Lokhu kuzakuba kimi ngamafutha angcwele okugcoba ezizukulwaneni zenu; angabothelwa emzimbeni womuntu; njalo lingawenzi anjengawo ngokwenziwa kwawo; angcwele, azakuba ngcwele kini. Loba ngubani owenza anjengawo. yasisithi kuMozisi: Zithathele amakha amnandi, isitakete leonika legalibanu, amakha amnandi lenhlaka ecengekileyo, kube yizabelo ezilinganayo; wenze kube yimpepha, amakha axutshanisiweyo njengokwenza komenzi wamakha, itshwayiwe, icengekile, ingcwele; uchole okwayo kucolisiseke, ubeke okwayo phambi kobufakazi ethenteni lenhlangano, lapho engizahlangana khona lawe. Kodwa impepha ozayenza, lingazenzeli yona njengokwenziwa kwayo; izakuba ngcwele kuwe, yenzelwe iN. Loba ngubani ozakwenza enjengayo ukuyinuka, uzaqunywa asuke ebantwini bakibo. yasikhuluma kuMozisi yathi: Bona, ngibizile ngebizo uBhezaleli indodana kaUri indodana kaHuri; ngimgcwalisile ngoMoya kaNkulunkulu, ekuhlakanipheni lekuqedisiseni lelwazini lakuyo yonke imisebenzi yobungcitshi, ukuthi aqambe imisebenzi yobungcitshi, asebenze ngegolide langesiliva langethusi, ekubazeni amatshe ukuwafaka, lekubazeni izigodo, ukwenza yonke imisebenzi yobungcitshi. Mina-ke, khangela, nginike uOholiyaba indodana kaAhisamaki, ukuthi benze konke engikulaye khona, ithente lenhlangano, lempahla yonke yethente, letafula lezitsha zalo, lelathi lomnikelo wokutshiswa, lezembatho ezifekethisiweyo, lezembatho ezingcwele zikaAroni umpristi, lezembatho zamadodana akhe, ukusebenza njengabapristi, lamafutha okugcoba; benze njengakho konke engikulaye khona. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Wena-ke, tshela abantwana bakoIsrayeli uthi: Isibili lizagcina amasabatha ami; ngoba lokhu kuyisibonakaliso phakathi kwami lani ezizukulwaneni zenu, ukwazi ukuthi ngiyelingcwelisayo. Ngakho gcinani isabatha, ngoba lingcwele kini; olonayo uzabulawa lokubulawa; ngoba wonke owenza umsebenzi ngalo, lowomphefumulo uzaqunywa usuke ebantwini bawo. Insuku eziyisithupha kwenziwe umsebenzi, lingcwele eNni; wonke owenza umsebenzi ngesabatha uzabulawa lokubulawa. Ngakho abantwana bakoIsrayeli bazagcina isabatha, balilondoloze isabatha ezizukulwaneni zabo, libe yisivumelwano esilaphakade. Liyisibonakaliso phakathi kwami labantwana bakoIsrayeli kuze kube nini lanini, kodwa ngosuku lwesikhombisa yaphumula, yavuselelwa. Wasemnika uMozisi, eseqedile ukukhuluma laye entabeni yeSinayi, izibhebhe ezimbili zobufakazi, izibhebhe zamatshe, zibhalwe ngomunwe kaNkulunkulu. Abantu sebebonile ukuthi uMozisi uphuzile ukwehla entabeni; ngoba uMozisi lo, indoda eyasikhuphula elizweni leGibhithe, kasazi ukuthi yehlelwe yini. UAroni wasesithi kubo: Qamulani amacici egolide asendlebeni zabomkenu, zamadodana enu, lezamadodakazi enu, liwalethe kimi. Bonke abantu basebeqamula amacici egolide ayesendlebeni zabo, bawaletha kuAroni. Wawemukela ezandleni zabo. UAroni eselibonile wakha ilathi phambi kwalo; uAroni wamemezela wathi: Kusasa kuzakuba khona umkhosi weN. Basebevuka ekuseni kakhulu, banikela iminikelo yokutshiswa, basondeza iminikelo yokuthula; abantu bahlala phansi ukudla lokunatha. yasisithi kuMozisi: Hamba wehle, ngoba abantu bakho owabakhuphula elizweni leGibhithe; baphambukile masinyane endleleni engabalaya ngayo. yasisithi kuMozisi: Ngibabonile lababantu, khangela-ke, bangabantu abantamo zilukhuni. Khathesi-ke ngiyekela. Kodwa uMozisi wancenga ubuso beN uNkulunkulu wakhe wathi: Kungani, N, ulaka lwakho lubavuthela abantu bakho owabakhupha elizweni leGibhithe ngamandla amakhulu langesandla esiqinileyo? Kungani amaGibhithe ezakhuluma athi: Wabakhuphela ububi ukubabulala ezintabeni, lokubaqeda ebusweni bomhlaba?. Khumbula uAbrahama, uIsaka loIsrayeli, inceku zakho, owazifunga wena kizo wathi kuzo, lalelilizwe lonke engikhulume ngalo, ngizalipha inzalo yenu, njalo bazalidla ilifa lalo kuze kube nininini. yasizisola ebubini eyayisithi izabenza ebantwini bayo. UMozisi wasetshibilika wehla entabeni, lezibhebhe ezimbili zobufakazi esandleni sakhe; izibhebhe zazibhalwe inhlangothi zazo zombili; zibhalwe ngapha langapha. Lezibhebhe zazingumsebenzi kaNkulunkulu, lombhalo wawungumbhalo kaNkulunkulu, ubazwe ezibhebheni. Kwathi uJoshuwa esezwile umsindo wabantu beklabalala, wathi kuMozisi: Kulomsindo wempi enkambeni. Kodwa wathi: Kakusumsindo wokuklabalala kokunqoba, njalo kakusumsindo wokuklabalala kokunqotshwa; ngizwa umsindo wokuhlabelela. Kwasekusithi esesondele enkambeni walibona ithole lokugida; ulaka lukaMozisi lwaseluvutha, wasezilahla izibhebhe ezandleni zakhe, waziphahlazela phansi kwentaba. Wathatha ithole ababelenzile, walitshisa emlilweni, walichola laze lacoleka, walivuvuzela emanzini, wabanathisa wona abantwana bakoIsrayeli. UMozisi wasesithi kuAroni: Abantu laba benzeni kuwe ukuze ubehlisele isono esikhulu kangaka? UAroni wasesithi: Kalungavuthi ulaka lwenkosi yami; wena uyabazi abantu ukuthi ba tshekeleebubini. Ngoba bathi kimi: Senzele onkulunkulu abazahamba phambi kwethu; ngoba uMozisi lo, indoda eyasikhuphula elizweni leGibhithe, kasazi ukuthi yehlelwe yini. Ngasengisithi kubo: Loba ngubani olegolide, kabaliqamule. Basebenginika lona. Ngasengiliphosela emlilweni, kwasekuphuma lelithole. Kwathi uMozisi esebonile abantu ukuthi babengabambeki (ngoba uAroni wabayekela bangabambeki ukuze bayangeke kwababengabavukela), uMozisi wasesima esangweni lenkamba, wathi: Loba ngubani ongoweN, kezekimi! Kwasekubuthana kuye wonke amadodana kaLevi. Wasesithi kuwo: Itsho njalo uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli ithi: Ngulowo lalowo kahlome inkemba yakhe ethangazini lakhe, adabule aphenduke esuka esangweni esiya esangweni enkambeni, langulowo lalowo abulale umfowabo, langulowo lalowo umngane wakhe, langulowo lalowo umakhelwane wakhe. Amadodana kaLevi asesenza njengelizwi likaMozisi; njalo kwawa ebantwini ngalolosuku abantu abangabazinkulungwane ezintathu. UMozisi wasesithi: Lizehlukanisele lamuhla, ngoba ngulowo lalowo ubemelene lendodana yakhe amelane lomfowabo, ukuze aphe isibusiso phezu kwenu lamuhla. Kwasekusithi kusisa uMozisi wathi ebantwini: Lina lenze isono esikhulu. UMozisi wasebuyela eNni. Khathesi-ke, uba uthethelela isono sabo - kodwa uba kungenjalo. yasisithi kuMozisi: Owonileyo kimi ngizamesula egwalweni lwami. Kodwa hamba-ke, ukhokhele abantu baye lapho engikhulume lawe ngakho; khangela, ingilosi yami izahamba phambi kwakho. Kanti mhla ngiphindisela ngizaphindisela isono sabo phezu kwabo. yasibatshaya abantu ngoba babenze ithole, uAroni ayelenzile. yasisithi kuMozisi: Hamba wenyuke lapha wena labantu owabenyusa elizweni leGibhithe. Njalo ngizathuma ingilosi phambi kwakho. Uye elizweni eligeleza uchago loluju. Kwathi abantu sebezwile lelilizwi elibi, balila; ngoba yayithe kuMozisi: Tshono ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli uthi: Lingabantu abantamo zilukhuni. Ngakho-ke khupha izigqizo zakho kuwe ukuze ngazi engizakwenza kuwe. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebezihlubula izigqizo zabo kusukela entabeni yeHorebe. UMozisi wasethatha ithente walimisa ngaphandle kwenkamba, khatshana lenkamba; walibiza ngokuthi lithente lenhlangano. waphuma waya ethenteni lenhlangano elalingaphandle kwenkamba. Kwasekusithi lapho uMozisi ephuma ukuya ethenteni, bonke abantu basukume, beme kube ngulowo lalowo emnyango wethente lakhe; bakhangele emva kukaMozisi aze angene ethenteni; njalo kwakusithi lapho uMozisi esengene ethenteni, insika yeyezi yehle. Lapho bonke abantu beyibona insika yeyezi imi emnyango wethente, bonke abantu basukume bakhonze, kube ngulowo lalowo emnyango wethente lakhe. yakhuluma-ke kuMozisi ubuso ngobuso, indodana kaNuni, ijaha, kasukanga phakathi kwethente. UMozisi wasesithi eNni: Khangela, uthi kimi: Yenyusa lababantu. Ngakho-ke ngicela, uba ngithole umusa emehlweni akho, ake ungazise indlela yakho. Wasesithi: Ubukhona bami buzahamba lawe. Wasesithi kuye: Uba ubukhona bakho bungahambi lami, ungasenyusi lapha. Ngoba kuzakwaziwa-ke ngani ukuthi ngithole umusa emehlweni akho, mina labantu bakho? Kakusikho yini ekuhambeni kwakho lathi, mina labantu bakho, kubo bonke abantu abasebusweni bomhlaba. yasisithi kuMozisi: Lale into oyitshoyo ngizayenza, ngoba uthole umusa emehlweni ami. Wasesithi: Ake ungitshengise inkazimulo yakho. Yasisithi: Mina ngizadlulisa bonke ubuhle bami phambi kwakho. Yathi futhi: Ungebone ubuso bami; ngoba kakho umuntu ongangibona, aphile. yasisithi: Khangela, kulendawo ngakimi lapho ozakuma khona edwaleni; kuzakuthi-ke lapho inkazimulo yami isedlula, ngizakufaka esikhexeni sedwala,; besengisusa isandla sami ubusubona ingemuva yami; kodwa ubuso bami kabuyikubonwa. yasisithi kuMozisi: Zibazele izibhebhe ezimbili zamatshe njengezakuqala. Ubusulungile ekuseni, wenyukele entabeni yeSinayi ekuseni, ume phambi kwami lapho engqongeni yentaba. Njalo kungenyukeli muntu kanye lawe, futhi kungabonakali lamuntu entabeni yonke; njalo izimvu lezinkomo zingadli phambi kwaleyontaba. Wasebaza izibhebhe ezimbili zamatshe njengezakuqala; uMozisi wasevuka ekuseni kakhulu, wenyukela entabeni yeSinayi, njengoba imlayile, wathatha esandleni sakhe izibhebhe ezimbili zamatshe. yasisehla eyezini, yema laye lapho, yamemeza ibizo leN. yasisedlula phambi kwakhe, yamemeza yathi: IN, IN, uNkulunkulu, elesihawu, egcinela abayizinkulungwane umusa, ephindisela ububi baboyise phezu kwabantwana laphezu kwabantwana babantwana kuze kube sesizukulwanenisesithathu lesesine. UMozisi wasephangisa, wakhothamela emhlabathini, wakhonza. Wathi: Uba-ke ngithole umusa emehlweni akho, Nkosi, akuthi iNkosi ihambe phakathi kwethu,. Yasisithi: Khangela, ngenza isivumelwano; phambi kwabantu bonke. Zigcinele lokho engikulaya khona lamuhla. Ziqaphelisele ukuthi ungenzi isivumelwano labakhileyo elizweni oya kulo Kodwa amalathi abo lizawadiliza, lensika zabo eziyizithombe lizaziphahlaza; ngoba kawuyikukhonza omunye unkulunkulu Hlezi wenze isivumelwano labakhileyo elizweni; uwathathele amadodana akho kumadodakazi abo, enze lamadodana akho ukuthi aphinge ngokulandela onkulunkulu bawo. Ungazenzeli onkulunkulu ababunjwe ngokuncibilikisa. Umkhosi wesinkwa esingelamvubelo, ngoba ngenyanga kaAbhibhi waphuma eGibhithe. Konke okuvula isizalo kungokwami, lalo lonke izibulo eliduna elezifuyo, inkomo kumbe imvu. Kodwa izibulo likababhemi. Uzasebenza insuku eziyisithupha, kodwa ngosuku lwesikhombisa uphumule, ngesikhathi sokulima lekuvuneni uzaphumula. Uzagcina umkhosi wamaviki, izithelo zokuqala zesivuno sengqoloyi, lomkhosi wokubuthelela ekuthwaseni komnyaka. Kathathu ngomnyaka wonke owesilisa uzabonakala phambi kweNkosi uJehova, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli. Ngoba ngizaxotsha izizwe phambi kwakho nxa usenyuka ukuyabonakala phambi kweN uNkulunkulu wakho, kathathu ngomnyaka. Unganikeli igazi lomhlatshelo wami kanye lokulemvubelo. Ikhethelo lezithelo zokuqala zensimu yakho. yasisithi kuMozisi: Zibhalele la amazwi, ngoba ngokutsho kwalamazwi ngenzile isivumelwano lawe loIsrayeli. Njalo wayelapho leN insuku ezingamatshumi amane lobusuku obungamatshumi amane. Kwasekusithi uMozisi esehla entabeni yeSinayi, lezibhebhe zombili zobufakazi ekhuluma laye. Kwathi uAroni labo bonke abantwana bakoIsrayeli bebona uMozisi, khangela-ke, isikhumba sobuso bakhe sakhazimula, basebesesaba ukusondela kuye. UMozisi wasebabiza; loAroni lazo zonke induna zenhlangano babuyela kuye; uMozisi wasekhuluma labo. Njalo emva kwalokho basondela bonke abantwana bakoIsrayeli; wasebalaya konke eyayikukhulume laye entabeni yeSinayi. Kwathi uMozisi eseqedile ukukhuluma labo, wafaka isimbombozo ebusweni bakhe. Kodwa lapho uMozisi engena phambi kweN ukukhuluma layo, wasisusa isimbombozo aze aphume; esephumile wakhuluma kubantwana bakoIsrayeli lokho akulayiweyo, labantwana bakoIsrayeli babona ubuso bukaMozisi, ukuthi isikhumba sobuso bukaMozisi sakhazimula. UMozisi wabuyisela isimbombozo ebusweni bakhe, aze angene ukuyakhuluma laye. UMozisi wasebuthanisa inhlangano yonke yabantwana bakoIsrayeli, wathi kubo: La ngamazwi ewalayileyo ukuthi li wenze. Insuku eziyisithupha kuzakwenziwa umsebenzi, kodwa ngosuku lwesikhombisa kuzakuba yibungcwele kini, isabatha lokuphumula eNni; loba ngubani owenza umsebenzi ngalo uzabulawa. Lingabasi umlilo ngosuku lwesabatha kuyo yonke imizi yenu. UMozisi wasekhuluma kunhlangano yonke yabantwana bakoIsrayeli esithi: Yile into eyilayileyo isithi: Thathani phakathi kwenu umnikelo ube ngoweN; loba ngubani olenhliziyo evumayo kawulethe, umnikelo weN, igolide lesiliva lethusi, lokuluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka lokuyibubende lokubomvu, lelembu elicolekileyo kakhulu, loboya bembuzi, lezikhumba eziphendulwe zababomvu zezinqama, lezikhumba zikamantswane, lezihlahla zesinga, lamafutha ezibane, lamakha amafutha okugcoba lempepha elephunga elimnandi, lamatshe ama-onikse, lamatshe okubekwa awe-efodi lawesembatho sesifuba. Labo bonke abalenhliziyo ehlakaniphileyo phakathi kwenu kabeze benze konke ekulayileyo; ithabhanekele, ithente lalo, lesifulelo salo, ingwegwe zalo, lamapulanka alo, imithando yalo, insika zalo, lezisekelo zalo; umtshokotsho, lemijabo yawo, isihlalo somusa; itafula, lemijabo yalo, lezitsha zalo zonke; loluthi lwesibane sesikhanyiso, lezitsha zalo, lezibane zalo; lelathi lempepha, lemijabo yalo; ilathi lomnikelo wokutshiswa; amakhetheni eguma, insika zalo, lezisekelo zazo, lesilenge sesango leguma; izikhonkwane zethabhanekele, lezikhonkwane zeguma; izembatho ezifekethisiweyo zokukhonza endaweni engcwele, izembatho ezingcwele zikaAroni umpristi, lezembatho zamadodana akhe, ukusebenza njengabapristi. Lenhlangano yonke yabantwana bakoIsrayeli yaphuma phambi kukaMozisi. Beza-ke, wonke onhliziyo yakhe eyamvusayo, laye wonke omoya wakhe owamenza wavuma, baletha umnikelo eNni emsebenzini wethente lenhlangano lowenkonzo yonke yalo lowezembatho ezingcwele. Beza-ke abesilisa kanye labesifazana, bonke abavumayo ngenhliziyo, baletha iziceco, zonke izinto zegolide; laye wonke owazunguza umnikelo wokuzunguzwa wegolide eNni. Laye wonke okwatholakala kuye lelembu elicolekileyo kakhulu loboya bembuzi lezikhumba eziphendulwe zababomvu zenqama lezikhumba zikamantswane bakuletha. Wonke owanikela umnikelo wokuzunguzwa wesiliva lowethusi bakuletha kungumnikelo wokuzunguzwa weN; laye wonke okwatholakala kuye izihlahla zesinga ezawo wonke umsebenzi wenkonzo baziletha. Labo bonke abesifazana ababehlakaniphile, okuluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka, lokuyibubende, okubomvu, lelembu elicolekileyo kakhulu. Labo bonke abesifazana abanhliziyo zabo zabavusa. Lezinduna zaletha lamatshe okubekwa, awe-efodi lawesembatho sesifuba, la lamafutha awesibane, lawamafutha okugcoba, lawempepha elephunga elimnandi. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli bawuletha umnikelo wesihle eNni. Bonke abesilisa labesifazana abanhliziyo zabo zabenza bavuma ukulethela wonke umsebenzi eyayiwulayile ukuthi wenziwe ngesandla sikaMozisi. UMozisi wasesithi ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli: Bonani, imbizile ngebizo uBhezaleli indodana kaUri, indodana kaHuri owesizwe sakoJuda; imgcwalisile ngoMoya kaNkulunkulu enhlakanipheni, ekuqedisiseni, lelwazini, lemisebenzini yobungcitshi yonke, lokuthi acebe ubungcitshi ukusebenza ngegolide langesiliva langethusi, lekubazeni amatshe okufakwa, lekubazeni izigodo, ukusebenza emisebenzini yonke yeminwe ngobungcitshi. Ifakile laye enhliziyweni yakhe ukufundisa, yena loOholiyaba indodana kaAhisamaki owesizwe sakoDani. Ibagcwalisile ngokuhlakanipha kwenhliziyo; besenza wonke umsebenzi beceba ubungcitshi. UBhezaleli loOholiyaba basebesenza, lawo wonke amadoda ahlakaniphileyo ngenhliziyo okukuwo ifake ukuhlakanipha lokuqedisisa ukwazi ukwenza wonke umsebenzi wenkonzo yendawo engcwele, njengakho konke eyayikulayile. UMozisi wasebiza uBhezaleli loOholiyaba layo yonke indoda ehlakaniphileyo ngenhliziyo efake inhlakanipho enhliziyweni yayo, wonke onhliziyo yakhe eyamvusela ukusondela emsebenzini ukuwenza; basebesemukela kuMozisi wonke umnikelo. Bonke abahlakaniphileyo ababesenza wonke umsebenzi wendlu engcwele basebesiza, ngulowo lalowo evela emsebenzini wakhe, abawenzayo. Basebekhuluma kuMozisi besithi: Abantu baletha okunengi kakhulu okwedlula okwanele ukusetshenzwa komsebenzi elaye ukuthi wenziwe. UMozisi waselaya ukuthi bedlulise ilizwi enkambeni lisithi: Kakungabi lendoda kumbe umfazi owenza futhi umsebenzi ngomnikelo wendlu engcwele. Ngalokhu abantu banqatshelwa ukuthi balethe; ngoba okokusetshenziswa kwakwanele kubo, ukuwenza umsebenzi wonke, kwaze kwasala. Labo bonke abahlakaniphileyo ngenhliziyo phakathi kwalabo ababesenza umsebenzi wethabhanekele benza amakhetheni alitshumi; ngelembu elicolekileyo kakhulu lentambo ephothiweyo lokuluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka lokuyibubende lokubomvu, ngamakherubhi wawenza, umsebenzi wengcitshi. Ubude bekhetheni elilodwa babuzingalo ezingamatshumi amabili lesificaminwembili, lobubanzi bekhetheni elilodwa babuzingalo ezine; wonke amakhetheni ayelesilinganiso sinye. Wasehlanganisa amakhetheni amahlanu elinye lelinye, wahlanganisa amanyeamakhetheni amahlanu elinye lelinye. Wenza izihitshela ngokuluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka emphethweni wekhetheni elinye, ekucineni ekuhlanganeni; wenze njalo emphethweni wekhetheni elisekucineni, ekuhlanganeni kwelesibili. Wenza izihitshela ezingamatshumi amahlanu kwelinye ikhetheni, wenza lezihitshela ezingamatshumi amahlanu emphethweni wekhetheni, elisekuhlanganeni kwelesibili; izihitshela zazikhangelene, esinye lesinye. Wenza ingwegwe zegolide ezingamatshumi amahlanu, wahlanganisa amakhetheni, elinye lelinye ngengwegwe; ngalokhu kwaba lithabhanekele linye. Wenza amakhetheni ngoboya bembuzi abe lithente phezu kwethabhanekele; wawenza amakhetheni alitshumi lanye. Ubude bekhetheni elilodwa babuzingalo ezingamatshumi amathathu, lobubanzi bekhetheni elilodwa babuzingalo ezine; amakhetheni alitshumi lanye ayeyisilinganiso sinye. Wahlanganisa amakhetheni amahlanu wodwa, lamakhetheni ayisithupha wodwa. Wenza izihitshela ezingamatshumi amahlanu emphethweni wekhetheni elisekucineni ekuhlanganeni, lezihitshela ezingamatshumi amahlanu wazenza emphethweni wekhetheni elihlanganisa elesibili. Wenza ingwegwe zethusi ezingamatshumi amahlanu, ukuhlanganisa ithente, ukuze libe linye. Wenza isifulelo sethente ngezikhumba eziphendulwe zababomvu zenqama, lesifulelo ngezikhumba zikamantswane phezulu. Wenza amapulanka ethabhanekele ngesihlahla sesinga, amiyo; ubude bepulanka babuzingalo ezilitshumi, lobubanzi bepulanka ngalinye babuyingalo lengxenye. Ipulanka elilodwa lalilemisuka emibili, ihlangana omunye komunye; wenze njalo kuwo wonke amapulanka ethabhanekele. Wenza amapulanka ethabhanekele, amapulanka angamatshumi amabili ehlangothini lweningizimu ngaseningizimu; wenza izisekelo ezingamatshumi amane zesiliva ngaphansi kwamapulanka angamatshumi amabili, izisekelo ezimbili ngaphansi kwepulanka linye zibe ngezemisuka yalo yomibili, lezisekelo ezimbili ngaphansi kwelinye ipulanka zibe ngezemisuka yalo yomibili; wenza amapulanka angamatshumi amabili ehlangothini lwesibili lwethabhanekele, ehlangothini lwenyakatho, lezisekelo zawo ezingamatshumi amane zesiliva, izisekelo ezimbili ngaphansi kwepulanka linye, lezisekelo ezimbili ngaphansi kwelinye ipulanka. Wenza amapulanka ayisithupha ehlangothini lwethabhanekele ngentshonalanga, lamapulanka amabili wawenzela izingonsi zethabhanekele ngasemuva; ayengamaphahla ngaphansi ehlangene, ephelele phezulu, ngesongo linye; wenze njalo kuwo womabili, ezingonsini zombili. Njalo kwakulamapulanka ayisificaminwembili lezisekelo zawo zesiliva, izisekelo ezilitshumi lesithupha, izisekelo ezimbili, izisekelo ezimbili ngaphansi kwepulanka linye. Wenza imithando ngesihlahla sesinga, emihlanu eyamapulanka ehlangothini olunye lwethabhanekele lemithando emihlanu eyamapulanka kolunye uhlangothi lwethabhanekele, lemithando emihlanu eyamapulanka ethabhanekele, ehlangothini olungemuva ngasentshonalanga. Wenza umthando waphakathi udabule phakathi kwamapulanka, kusukela ekucineni kusiya ekucineni. Wahuqa amapulanka ngegolide, wenza amasongo awo ngegolide, azindawo zemithando, wayihuqa imithando ngegolide. Wenza iveyili ngokuluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka langokuyibubende langokubomvu langelembu elicolekileyo kakhulu lentambo ephothiweyo, walenza laba ngumsebenzi wengcitshi lamakherubhi. Walenzela insika ezine ngesinga, wazihuqa ngegolide; ingwegwe zazo zazingezegolide; wazibumbela ngokuncibilikisa izisekelo ezine zesiliva. Wenza isilenge somnyango wethente ngokuluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka lokuyibubende lokubomvu, lelembu elicolekileyo kakhulu lentambo ephothiweyo, umsebenzi womfekethisi ngenalithi; lensika zalo ezinhlanu lengwegwe zazo; wazihuqa izihloko zazo lezibopho zazo ngegolide; lezisekelo zazo ezinhlanu zazingezethusi. UBhezaleli wasewenza umtshokotsho ngesihlahla sesinga, ubude bawo babuzingalo ezimbili lengxenye, lobubanzi bawo babuyingalo lengxenye, lokuphakama kwawo kwakuyingalo lengxenye. Wawuhuqa ngegolide elicwengekileyo ngaphakathi langaphandle, wawenzela umqolo wegolide inhlangothi zonke. Wawubumbela ngokuncibilikisa futhi amasongo amane egolide enyaweni zawo zozine, kuze kuthi amasongo amabili ayekolunye uhlangothi lamasongo amabili kolunye uhlangothi. Wenza imijabo ngesihlahla sesinga, wayihuqa ngegolide. Wayifaka imijabo emasongweni enhlangothini zomtshokotsho ukuthwala umtshokotsho. Wenza isihlalo somusa ngegolide elicwengekileyo, ubude baso babuzingalo ezimbili lengxenye, lobubanzi baso babuyingalo lengxenye. Wenza amakherubhi amabili ngegolide, wawenza ngomsebenzi okhandiweyo, avela emaphethelweni womabili esihlalo somusa, elinye ikherubhi livela ephethelweni lwaloluhlangothi, lelinye ikherubhi livela ephethelweni lolunye uhlangothi; wawenza amakherubhi amabili evela esihlalweni somusa evela emaphethelweni womabili aso. Amakherubhi elula impiko ezimbili ngaphezulu, embomboza isihlalo somusa ngempiko zawo, lobuso bawo babukhangelene; ubuso bamakherubhi babukhangele isihlalo somusa. Njalo wenza itafula ngesihlahla sesinga, ubude balo babuzingalo ezimbili, lobubanzi balo babuyingalo, lokuphakama kwalo kwakuyingalo lengxenye. Walihuqa ngegolide elicwengekileyo, walenzela umqolo wegolide inhlangothi zonke. Walenzela ibhanti elilingana lobubanzi besandla inhlangothi zonke, wenzela ibhanti lalo umqolo wegolide inhlangothi zonke. Walibumbela ngokuncibilikisa amasongo amane egolide, wawafaka amasongo ezingonsini ezine ezazisenyaweni zozine zalo. Eduze lebhanti kwakulamasongo, indawo zemijabo yokuthwala itafula. Wenza lemijabo ngesihlahla sesinga, wayihuqa ngegolide, ukuthwala itafula Wazenza izitsha ezaziphezu kwetafula, imiganu yalo lenkezo zalo lenditshi zalo lezitsha zokuthulula, ngegolide elicwengekileyo. Wenza uluthi lwesibane ngegolide elicwengekileyo; ngomsebenzi okhandiweyo walwenza uluthi lwesibane, isisekelo salo, lesiqu salo, imbizana zalo, iziduku zalo, lamaluba alo, kwakuvela kulo. Lengatsha eziyisithupha ziphuma enhlangothini zalo, ingatsha ezintathu zoluthi lwesibane kolunye uhlangothi lwalo lengatsha ezintathu zoluthi lwesibane kolunye uhlangothi lwalo. Egatsheni olunye kwakulembizana ezintathu ezenziwe zafanana lamaluba e-alimondi, isiduku leluba; lembizana ezintathu ezenziwe zafanana lamaluba e-alimondi kolunye ugatsha, isiduku leluba; kwakunjalo ngengatsha eziyisithupha eziphuma eluthini lwesibane. Njalo kwakukhona eluthini lwesibane imbizana ezine ezenziwe zafanana lamaluba e-alimondi, iziduku zalo lamaluba alo; kwakukhona-ke isiduku ngaphansi kwengatsha ezimbili ezivela kulo, lesiduku ngaphansi kwengatsha ezimbili ezivela kulo, lesiduku ngaphansi kwengatsha ezimbili ezivela kulo, kuzo ingatsha eziyisithupha eziphuma kulo. Iziduku zazo lezingatsha zazo zazivela kulo; konke okwalo kwakungumsebenzi munye okhandiweyo wegolide elicwengekileyo. Wasesenza izibane zalo eziyisikhombisa, lezindlawu zalo, lemiganu yalo yomlotha, ngegolide elicwengekileyo. Walenza ngethalenta legolide elicwengekileyo, lazo zonke izitsha zalo. Njalo wenza ilathi lempepha ngesihlahla sesinga; ubude balo babuyingalo lobubanzi balo babuyingalo, lilingana inhlangothi zozine; lokuphakama kwalo kwakuzingalo ezimbili; impondo zalo zazivela kulo. Walihuqa ngegolide elicwengekileyo, ingaphezulu lemiduli yalo inhlangothi zonke lempondo zalo; walenzela-ke umqolo wegolide inhlangothi zonke. Waselenzela amasongo amabili egolide, ngaphansi komqolo walo, ezingonsini ezimbili zalo, enhlangothini ezimbili zalo, ukuba yindawo yemijabo yokulithwala. Wayenza imijabo ngesihlahla sesinga, wayihuqa ngegolide. Wenza amafutha angcwele okugcoba, njengokwenza komenzi wamakha. Wenza-ke ilathi lomnikelo wokutshiswa ngesihlahla sesinga; ubude balo babuzingalo ezinhlanu, lobubanzi balo babuzingalo ezinhlanu, lilingana inhlangothi zozine, lokuphakama kwalo kwakuzingalo ezintathu. Wenza impondo zalo engonsini zalo zozine; impondo zalo zazivela kulo; walihuqa ngethusi. Wenza zonke izinto zelathi, izimbiza lamafotsholo lemiganu yokufafaza lamafologwe lezitsha zokuthwala umlilo; zonke izinto zalo wazenza ngethusi. Walenzela ilathi isihlengo sethusi esenziwe njengembule, ngaphansi komphetho walo, sehla saze safinyelela phakathi kwalo. Wabumba ngokuncibilikisa amasongo amane engonsini zozine zesihlengo sethusi, abe zindawo zemijabo. Wayenza imijabo ngesihlahla sesinga, wayihuqa ngethusi. Wayifaka imijabo emasongweni enhlangothini zelathi ukuze lithwalwe ngayo; walenza lagubheka ngamapulanka. Wenza inditshi yokugezela ngethusi, lonyawo lwayo ngethusi, ngezibuko zabesifazana ababuthanayo, ababuthana emnyango wethente lenhlangano. Wenza leguma; ehlangothini oluseningizimu ngaseningizimu kwakukhona amakhetheni eguma ayengawelembu elicolekileyo kakhulu lentambo ephothiweyo, izingalo ezilikhulu; insika zawo ezingamatshumi amabili lezisekelo zawo ezingamatshumi amabili zazingezethusi, ingwegwe zensika lezibopho zazo zazingezesiliva. Lehlangothini olungenyakatho ingalo ezilikhulu; insika zawo ezingamatshumi amabili lezisekelo zawo ezingamatshumi amabili zazingezethusi; ingwegwe zezinsika lezibopho zazo zazingezesiliva. Lehlangothini olusentshonalanga kwakukhona amakhetheni azingalo ezingamatshumi amahlanu, lensika zawo ezilitshumi lezisekelo zawo ezilitshumi; ingwegwe zezinsika lezibopho zazo zazingezesiliva. Lehlangothini olusempumalanga ngasempumalanga ingalo ezingamatshumi amahlanu. Amakhetheni kwelinye icele ayezingalo ezilitshumi lanhlanu, insika zawo ezintathu lezisekelo zawo ezintathu. Lakwelinye icele, kwakukhona ngapha langapha komnyango weguma amakhetheni azingalo ezilitshumi lanhlanu, insika zawo ezintathu lezisekelo zawo ezintathu. Wonke amakhetheni eguma inhlangothi zonke ayengawelembu elicolekileyo kakhulu lentambo ephothiweyo. Lezisekelo zensika zazingezethusi, ingwegwe zezinsika lezibopho zazo zingezesiliva; ukuhuqwa kwezihloko zazo kwakungesiliva, lazo zonke insika zeguma zazilesibopho sesiliva. Lesilenge somnyango weguma sasingumsebenzi womfekethisi ngenalithi, ngokuluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka lokuyibubende lokubomvu lelembu elicolekileyo kakhulu lentambo ephothiweyo; ubude babuzingalo ezingamatshumi amabili, lokuphakama ebubanzini kwakuzingalo ezinhlanu, kuvumelane lamakhetheni eguma. Insika zawo ezine lezisekelo zawo ezine zingezethusi, ingwegwe zawo zingezesiliva, lokuhuqwa kwezihloko zawo lezibopho zawo kungesiliva. Lazo zonke izikhonkwane zethabhanekele lezeguma inhlangothi zonke zazingezethusi. Leli linani lezinto zethabhanekele, ithabhanekele lobufakazi. UBhezaleli indodana kaUri indodana kaHuri owesizwe sakoJuda wasekwenza konke njengalokho ibimlayile uMozisi; njalo kanye laye kwakuloOholiyaba indodana kaAhisamaki owesizwe sakoDani, umbazi wamatshe, lengcitshi, lomfeketishi ngenalithi ngokuluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka lokuyibubende lokubomvu lelembu elicolekileyo kakhulu. Lonke igolide elasetshenziswa emsebenzini, kuwo wonke umsebenzi wendlu engcwele, ngitsho igolide lomnikelo wokuzunguzwa. Lesiliva sababalwayo benhlangano sasingamathalenta alikhulu lamashekeli ayinkulungwane lamakhulu ayisikhombisa lamatshumi ayisikhombisa lanhlanu ngokweshekeli lendlu engcwele; kwaba libheka ngekhanda linye. Njalo kwakulamathalenta alikhulu esiliva ukubumba ngokuncibilikisa izisekelo zendlu engcwele lezisekelo zeveyili, izisekelo ezilikhulu ngamathalenta alikhulu, ithalenta ngesisekelo. Lokwama shekeliayinkulungwane lamakhulu ayisikhombisa lamatshumi ayisikhombisa lanhlanu wenza ingwegwe zensika, wahuqa inhloko zazo wazenzela izibopho. Lethusi lomnikelo wokuzunguzwa lalingamathalenta angamatshumi ayisikhombisa lamashekeli azinkulungwane ezimbili lamakhulu amane. Wenza ngalo izisekelo, lezinto zonke zelathi, lezisekelo zeguma inhlangothi zonke, lezikhonkwane zonke zeguma inhlangothi zonke. Langokuluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka lokuyibubende lokubomvu. Wasesenza i-efodi ngegolide, ngokuluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka, lokuyibubende, lokubomvu, langelembu elicolekileyo lentambo ephothiweyo. Basebekhanda izicantalala zegolide ukuzisebenzisa phakathi kokuluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka laphakathi kokuyibubende laphakathi kokubomvu laphakathi kwelembu elicolekileyo kakhulu; umsebenzi wengcitshi. Basenzela izichibi zamahlombe ukusihlanganisa; sahlanganiswa emaceleni aso womabili. Lebhanti le-efodi lakhe elelukwe ngobungcitshi elikulo, liyinto yinye, njengomsebenzi walo, ngegolide, ngokuluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka langokuyibubende lokubomvu langelembu elicolekileyo kakhulu lentambo ephothiweyo, njengalokhu ibimlayile uMozisi. Balungisa njalo amatshe e-onikse, bawabeka ukuze azingelezelwe ngezinto ezitshiliweyo zegolide, abazwa njengokubazwa kwendandatho elophawu, ngamabizo abantwana bakoIsrayeli. Wasewabeka phezu kwezichibi ze-efodi, abe ngamatshe esikhumbuzo ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli, njengokulaya kweN kuMozisi. Wenza isembatho sesifuba ngomsebenzi wengcitshi, njengomsebenzi we-efodi, ngegolide, ngokuluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka lokuyibubende lokubomvu lelembu elicolekileyo kakhulu lentambo ephothiweyo. Sasilingana inhlangothi zozine, benza isembatho sesifuba saphindwa, ubude baso babungangokwelulwa kweminwe, lobubanzi baso babungangokwelulwa kweminwe, siphindiwe. Basebefaka kuso imizila emine yamatshe; umzila wesardiyusi, itopazi le-emeraldi; umzila wokuqala; lomzila wesibili, i-emeraldi, isafire lendayimana; lomzila wesithathu, ijasinte, i-agate le-ametiste; lomzila wesine, ibherule, i-onikse lejaspi; ayezingelezelwe ngezinto ezitshiliweyo zegolide lapho afakwe khona. Lalawomatshe ayengokwamabizo amadodana kaIsrayeli, alitshumi lambili, njengamabizo awo, njengokubazwa kwendandatho elophawu, ilelo lalelo ngokwebizo lawo, ngokwezizwe ezilitshumi lambili. Benza njalo esembathweni sesifuba amaketane, umsebenzi ophothiweyo, ngegolide elicwengekileyo. Benza izinto ezimbili ezitshiliweyo ngegolide lamasongo amabili egolide, bafaka amasongo amabili emaceleni womabili esembatho sesifuba, bafaka amaketane amabili egolide emasongweni amabili emaceleni esembatho sesifuba. Izihloko ezimbili zamaketane womabili bazifaka ezintweni ezimbili ezitshiliweyo zegolide, bazifaka ezichibini ze-efodi ngaphambili kwaso kanye. Benza lamasongo amabili egolide, bawafaka emaceleni womabili esembatho sesifuba, emphethweni waso, oseceleni kwe-efodi ngaphakathi. Benza njalo amasongo amabili egolide, bawafaka ezichibini ezimbili ze-efodi, ngaphansi, ngaphambili kwaso, maqondana lekuhlanganeni kwaso, phezu kwebhanti elelukwe ngobungcitshi le-efodi. Basebebophela isembatho sesifuba ngamasongo aso emasongweni e-efodi ngentambo eluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka, ukuze sibe phezu kwebhanti elelukwe ngobungcitshi le-efodi, ukuze isembatho sesifuba singakhumuki e-efodini; njengokulaya kweN kuMozisi. Wasesenza ibhatshi le-efodi ngomsebenzi owelukiweyo, lonke ngokuluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka; lesikhala sebhatshi sasiphakathi laphakathi kwaso, njengesikhala sebhatshi lensimbi; isikhala sasilomphetho osizingelezeleyo ukuze singadabuki. Lemiphethweni yebhatshi benza amapomegranati ngokuluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka lokuyibubende lokubomvu, kuphothiwe. Benza lamabhera egolide elicwengekileyo, bafaka amabhera phakathi laphakathi kwamapomegranati emiphethweni yebhatshi inhlangothi zonke, phakathi laphakathi kwamapomegranati, ibhera lepomegranati, ibhera lepomegranati, emiphethweni yebhatshi kuzingeleze, ukusebenza, njengokulaya kweN kuMozisi. Basebebenzela oAroni lamadodana akhe izigqoko ngelembu elicolekileyo kakhulu lomsebenzi owelukiweyo, leqhiye yelembu elicolekileyo kakhulu, lezingowane ezinhle zelembu elicolekileyo kakhulu, labokabhudula bangaphansi belembu elicolekileyo kakhulu lentambo ephothiweyo, lebhanti lelembu elicolekileyo kakhulu lentambo ephothiweyo lokuluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka lokuyibubende lokubomvu, umsebenzi womfekethisi ngenalithi, njengokulaya kweN kuMozisi. Benza lencence yomqhele ongcwele ngegolide elicwengekileyo, babhala phezu kwayo umbhalo, ngokubazwa kwendandatho elophawu ukuthi: UBUNGCWELE ENKOSINI. Babophela kuyo intambo eluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka ukuze ibotshelwe eqhiyeni ngaphezulu; njengokulaya kweN kuMozisi. Waphela-ke umsebenzi wonke wethabhanekele lethente lenhlangano; njalo abantwana bakoIsrayeli bakwenza njengakho konke eyakulaya kuMozisi; benza njalo. Basebeletha ithabhanekele kuMozisi, ithente, lazo zonke impahla zalo, ingwegwe zalo, amapulanka alo, imithando yalo, lensika zalo, lezisekelo zalo, lesifulelo sezikhumba eziphendulwe zababomvu zezinqama, lesifulelo sezikhumba zikamantswane, leveyili lesembeso, umtshokotsho wobufakazi lemijabo yawo lesihlalo somusa, itafula, zonke izitsha zalo, lezinkwa zokubukiswa, uluthi lwesibane olucwengekileyo, izibane zalo, izibane ezihleliweyo, lezitsha zalo zonke, lamafutha esibane, lelathi legolide, ilathi lethusi, lesihlengo sethusi elalilaso, imijabo yalo, lazo zonke izitsha zalo, inditshi yokugezela lonyawo lwayo, amakhetheni eguma, lezikhonkwane zalo, lempahla yonke yomsebenzi wethabhanekele, wethente lenhlangano, izembatho zomsebenzi zokusebenza endaweni engcwele, izembatho ezingcwele zikaAroni umpristi, lezembatho zamadodana akhe ukuze basebenze njengabapristi. Njengakho konke eyakulaya uMozisi, ngokunjalo abantwana bakoIsrayeli benza umsebenzi wonke. UMozisi wasebona umsebenzi wonke, khangela-ke babewenze njengokulaya kweN, babenze njalo; uMozisi wasebabusisa. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Ngosuku lwenyanga yokuqala, ubusufaka lapho umtshokotsho wobufakazi, umbomboze umtshokotsho ngeveyili. Ungenise itafula. Ubeke ilathi legolide lempepha phambi komtshokotsho wobufakazi, ulengise isilenge somnyango wethabhanekele. Ubeke ilathi lomnikelo wokutshiswa phambi komnyango wethabhanekele wethente lenhlangano, ubeke inditshi yokugezela phakathi kwethente lenhlangano lelathi, uthele amanzi lapho. Umise iguma inhlangothi zonke, ulengise isilenge sesango leguma. Uthathe amafutha okugcoba, ugcobe ithabhanekele lakho konke okukulo, ulingcwelise lempahla yalo yonke, njalo lizakuba ngcwele. Njalo ugcobe ilathi lomnikelo wokutshiswa lezitsha zalo zonke, ulingcwelise ilathi, njalo ilathi lizakuba yingcwelengcwele. Njalo ugcobe inditshi yokugezela lonyawo lwayo, uyingcwelise. Usondeze uAroni lamadodana akhe emnyango wethente lenhlangano, ubagezise ngamanzi. Ugqokise uAroni izembatho ezingcwele, umgcobe, umngcwelise, ukuze angisebenzele njengompristi. Usondeze amadodana akhe, uwagqokise izigqoko, uwagcobe njengalokhu ugcobe uyise, ukuze angisebenzele njengabapristi; kuzakuthi-ke ukugcotshwa kwabo kuzakuba kubo yibupristi obuphakade kuzizukulwana zabo. UMozisi wenza njengakho konke eyayimlaye khona; wenza njalo. Kwasekusithi ngenyanga yokuqala ngomnyaka wesibili ngolokuqala lwenyanga ithabhanekele lamiswa. UMozisi wasemisa ithabhanekele; wabeka phansi izisekelo zalo, wamisa amapulanka alo, wafaka imithando yalo, wamisa insika zalo. Wendlala ithente phezu kwethabhanekele, wabeka isifulelo sethente phezu kwalo phezulu, njengokulaya kweN kuMozisi. Wathatha wafaka ubufakazi emtshokotshweni, wafaka imijabo emtshokotshweni, wafaka isihlalo somusa ngaphezu komtshokotsho phezulu. Wangenisa umtshokotsho ethabhanekeleni, wamisa iveyili lesembeso wambomboza umtshokotsho wobufakazi, njengokulaya kweN kuMozisi. Wasefaka itafula ethenteni lenhlangano, eceleni kwethabhanekele ngenyakatho ngaphandle kweveyili, wahlela isinkwa ngohlelo phezu kwalo phambi kweN, njengokulaya kweN kuMozisi. Wafaka uluthi lwesibane ethenteni lenhlangano, maqondana letafula, eceleni kwethabhanekele ngeningizimu. Walumathisa izibane phambi kweN, njengokulaya kweN kuMozisi. Wafaka ilathi legolide ethenteni lenhlangano phambi kweveyili, watshisa kulo impepha elephunga elimnandi, njengokulaya kweN kuMozisi. Walengisa isilenge somnyango wethabhanekele. Wabeka ilathi lomnikelo wokutshiswa emnyango wethabhanekele lethente lenhlangano, njengokulaya kweN kuMozisi. Wabeka inditshi yokugezela phakathi kwethente lenhlangano lelathi, wathela lapho amanzi okugeza. UMozisi loAroni lamadodana akhe bagezela kuyo izandla zabo lenyawo zabo; ekungeneni kwabo ethenteni lenhlangano lekusondeleni kwabo elathini bageza, njengokulaya kweN kuMozisi. Wasemisa iguma lazingelezela ithabhanekele lelathi, walengisa isilenge sesango leguma. UMozisi wasewuqeda umsebenzi. Iyezi laselisibekela ithente lenhlangano. Ngakho uMozisi wayengelakungena ethenteni lenhlangano, ngoba iyezi lahlala phezu kwalo lenkazimulo yeN yagcwalisa ithabhanekele. Lalapho iyezi lisenyuswa lisuka ethabhanekeleni, abantwana bakoIsrayeli baqhubekela phambili enhambeni zabo zonke, kodwa lapho iyezi lingenyuswanga kabahambanga kuze kufike usuku lokwenyuswa kwalo. Ngoba iyezi leN laliphezu kwethabhanekele emini, lomlilo wawuphezu kwalo ebusuku, phambi kwamehlo endlu yonke yakoIsrayeli, enhambeni zabo zonke. yasimbiza uMozisi yakhuluma kuye: Khuluma kubantwana bakoIsrayeli uthi kubo: Nxa umuntu wakini esondeza umnikelo eNni, lizasondeza umnikelo wenu ovela ezifuyweni, ovela enkomeni, loba ovela ezimvini. Uba umnikelo wakhe ungumnikelo wokutshiswa ovela enkomeni, uzanikela iduna elingelasici, alinikele emnyango wethente lenhlangano, ngokuthanda kwakhe, phambi kweN. Uzabeka isandla sakhe enhlokweni yomnikelo wokutshiswa. Uzalihlaba ijongosi phambi kweN; lamadodana kaAroni, abapristi, azanikela igazi, afafaze igazi elathini inhlangothi zonke, elisemnyango wethente lenhlangano. Uzahlinza umnikelo wokutshiswa. Njalo amadodana kaAroni umpristi azafaka umlilo elathini, ahlele inkuni phezu komlilo. Amadodana kaAroni, abapristi, azahlela-ke izitho, phezu kwenkuni ezisemlilweni ophezu kwelathi. Kodwa imibilini yalo lemilenze yalo uzakugezisa ngamanzi. Njalo uba umnikelo wakhe uvela emhlanjini, owezimvu loba owembuzi, kube ngumnikelo wokutshiswa, uzasondeza iduna elingelasici; uzalihlabela eceleni kwelathi ngenyakatho, phambi kweN; njalo amadodana kaAroni, abapristi, azafafaza igazi lalo elathini inhlangothi zonke. Uzalisika ngeziqa zalo, lenhloko yalo lamahwahwa alo; lompristi uzakuhlela phezu kwenkuni ezisemlilweni ophezu kwelathi. Kodwa uzagezisa imibilini lemilenze ngamanzi; lompristi uzakunikela konke, akutshise elathini; kungumnikelo wokutshiswa, umnikelo owenziwe ngomlilo oloqhatshi olumnandi eNni. Uba-ke umnikelo wakhe eNni ungumnikelo wokutshiswa owezinyoni, uzanikela umnikelo wakhe uvela emajubeni loba amaphuphu enkwilimba. Umpristi alisondeze elathini, atshuphune inhloko yalo, alitshise elathini, legazi lalo likhanyelwe eceleni kwelathi, asuse isidlelo salo lensiba zalo, akulahle eceleni kwelathi ngempumalanga, endaweni yomlotha, aliqhaqhe ngempiko zalo, angalehlukanisi, umnikelo owenziwe ngomlilo oloqhatshi olumnandi eNni. Lalapho umuntu enikela eNni umnikelo wokudla, umnikelo wakhe uzakuba ngowempuphu ecolekileyo; abesethela amafutha phezu kwawo, abeke inhlaka kuwo, awulethe kumadodana kaAroni, abapristi, acuphe kuwo isandla sakhe esigcweleyo impuphu yawo ecolekileyo lokwamafutha awo, kanye lenhlaka yawo yonke; lompristi atshise isikhumbuzo sawo elathini, umnikelo. Lokuseleyo komnikelo wokudla kuzakuba ngokukaAroni lokwamadodana akhe eminikelweni yeN eyenziwe ngomlilo. Nxa uletha-ke umnikelo womnikelo wokudla ophekwe eziko, kawube ngowamaqebelengwana angelamvubelo empuphu ecolekileyo ahlanganiswe lamafutha, loba izinkwana eziyizipatalala ezingelamvubelo ezinindwe ngamafutha. Uba-ke umnikelo wakho ungumnikelo wokudla ophekwengomganu oyincence, uzakuba ngowempuphu ecolekileyo engelamvubelo, ixubene lamafutha. Uwuhlephune ube yizihlephu, uthele amafutha kuzo; kungumnikelo wokudla. Uba-ke umnikelo wakho ungumnikelo wokudla ophekwengembiza, kuzakwenziwa ngempuphu ecolekileyo kanye lamafutha. Njalo uzaletha umnikelo wokudla owenziwe ngalezizinto eNni; nxa ulethwa kumpristi, uzawuletha elathini. Umpristi uzathatha emnikelweni wokudla isikhumbuzo sawo, asitshise elathini; singumnikelo owenziwe ngomlilo, oloqhatshi olumnandi eNni. Lokuseleyo komnikelo wokudla kuzakuba ngokukaAroni lokwamadodana akhe; kuyingcwelengcwele eminikelweni yeN eyenziwe ngomlilo. Kakulamnikelo wokudla elizawuletha eNni ozakwenziwa ngemvubelo, ngoba kawuyikutshisa langayiphi imvubelo loba ngaluphi uluju umnikelo owenzelwe ngomlilo. Umnikelo wezithelo zokuqala lizawunikela eNni, kodwa kawuyikutshiswa elathini kube luqhatshi olumnandi. Lawo wonke umnikelo womnikelo wakho wokudla uzawutshwaya ngetshwayi uzanikela itshwayi. Uba-ke unikela umnikelo wokudla wezithelo zokuqala eNni, uzanikela kube ngumnikelo wokudla ezithelweni zakho zokuqala amabele amatsha ayizikhwebu ezosiweyo; uthele amafutha kuwo, ubeke inhlaka phezu kwawo; kungumnikelo wokudla. Umpristi uzatshisa-ke isikhumbuzo sawo, okwamabele achotshoziweyo awo lokwamafutha awo, layo yonke inhlaka yawo; kungumnikelo owenzelwe ngomlilo. Uba-ke umnikelo wakhe ungumhlatshelo weminikelo yokuthula. Uzabeka isandla sakhe enhlokweni yomnikelo wakhe, awuhlabe emnyango wethente lenhlangano; amadodana kaAroni angabapristi azafafaza-ke igazi phezu kwelathi inhlangothi zonke. Uzanikela okuvela kuwo umhlatshelo weminikelo yokuthula umnikelo owenzelwe ngomlilo, idanga, lamahwahwa wonke asemibilini, lezinso zombili lamahwahwa akuzo asezinkalweni, lamahwahwa angaphezu kwesibindi uzawasusa lezinso. Njalo amadodana kaAroni azawatshisa elathini phezu komnikelo wokutshiswa ophezu kwenkuni eziphezu komlilo; kungumnikelo owenziwe ngomlilo oloqhatshi olumnandi eNni. Uba-ke umnikelo wakhe ongumhlatshelo weminikelo yokuthula eNni ungowomhlambi, iduna kumbe insikazi, uzawunikela ungelasici. Uba enikela iwundlu, libe ngumnikelo wakhe, uzalinikela phambi kweN, abeke isandla sakhe enhlokweni yomnikelo wakhe, awuhlabe phambi kwethente lenhlangano; amadodana kaAroni azafafaza-ke igazi lawo phezu kwelathi inhlangothi zonke. Uzanikela okuvela kuwo umhlatshelo weminikelo yokuthula, umnikelo owenzelwe ngomlilo, amahwahwa awo, umsila wonke ononileyo ewuquma eduze lomgogodla, ledanga, lamahwahwa wonke asemibilini, lezinso zombili lamahwahwa akuzo asezinkalweni, lamahwahwa angaphezu kwesibindi uzawasusa lezinso. Umpristi uzakutshisa-ke elathini, kuyikudla komnikelo owenzelwe ngomlilo. Uba-ke umnikelo wakhe uyimbuzi, uzawunikela phambi kweN, abeke isandla sakhe enhlokweni yayo, ayihlabe phambi kwethente lenhlangano; amadodana kaAroni azafafaza-ke igazi layo phezu kwelathi inhlangothi zonke. Uzanikela okuvela kiyo umnikelo wakhe, umnikelo owenzelwe ngomlilo, idanga, lamahwahwa wonke asemibilini, lezinso zombili lamahwahwa akuzo asezinkalweni, lamahwahwa angaphezu kwesibindi uzawasusa lezinso. Njalo umpristi uzakutshisa elathini, kuyikudla komnikelo owenziwe ngomlilo, kube luqhatshi olumnandi. Wonke amahwahwa ngaweN. Yisimiso saphakade ezizukulwaneni zenu. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Khuluma ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli uthi: Uba umphefumulo usona ngokungazi umelana loba yiyiphi imilayo yeN, wenze okumelene lomunye wayo, uba umpristi ogcotshiweyo esona, kube licala ebantwini, uzanikela ngesono sakhe asonileyo ijongosi ithole lenkomo elingelasici, eNni, libe ngumnikelo wesono. Uzaletha ijongosi emnyango wethente lenhlangano phambi kweN, abeke isandla sakhe enhlokweni yejongosi, alihlabe ijongosi phambi kweN. Njalo umpristi ogcotshiweyo uzathatha okwegazi lejongosi, alilethe ethenteni lenhlangano. Umpristi uzagxamuza-ke umunwe wakhe egazini, afafaze okwegazi kasikhombisa phambi kweN, phambi kweveyili lendlu engcwele. Njalo umpristi uzafaka okwegazi, elisemnyango wethente lenhlangano. Lawo wonke amahwahwa ejongosi lomnikelo wesono uzawasusa kulo, idanga, lawo wonke amahwahwa asemibilini, lezinso zombili lamahwahwa akuzo asezinkalweni, lamahwahwa angaphezu kwesibindi uzawasusa lezinso, njengalokhu kususwa kiyo inkabi yomhlatshelo weminikelo yokuthula. Umpristi uzakutshisa elathini lomnikelo wokutshiswa. Kodwa isikhumba sejongosi, lenyama yalo yonke, lenhloko yalo, lemilenze yalo, lemibilini yalo, lomswane walo, yebo, ijongosi lonke uzalikhuphela ngaphandle kwenkamba, alise endaweni ehlambulukileyo, lapho okuthululelwa khona umlotha, alitshise phezu kwenkuni ngomlilo. Lizatshiselwa lapho okuthululelwa khona umlotha. Uba-ke inhlangano yonke yakoIsrayeli isona ngokungazi, benze ulutho olumelene loba yiwuphi wemilayo yeN, okungafanele ukwenziwa, njalo babe lecala, lapho isono abasone bemelene lawo sesisaziwa, ibandla lizanikela ijongosi ithole lenkomo, libe ngumnikelo wesono, lililethe phambi kwethente lenhlangano. Njalo abadala benhlangano bazabeka izandla zabo enhlokweni yejongosi phambi kweN, lejongosi lizahlatshwa phambi kweN. Umpristi ogcotshiweyo uzaletha-ke okwegazi lejongosi ethenteni lenhlangano, lompristi uzagxamuza umunwe wakhe egazini, afafaze kasikhombisa phambi kweN, phambi kweveyili, afake okwegazi empondweni zelathi eliphambi kweN, elisethenteni lenhlangano, athululele lonke igazi kungaphansi yelathi lomnikelo wokutshiswa, elisemnyango wethente lenhlangano. Uzathatha-ke kilo wonke amahwahwa alo, awatshise elathini. Enze kulo ijongosi, njengakwenze kulo ijongosi lomnikelo wesono, enze njalo kulo, njalo bazathethelelwa. Njalo uzalikhuphela ijongosi ngaphandle kwenkamba, alitshise njengalokho walitshisa ijongosi lokuqala; kungumnikelo wesono webandla. Nxa induna isona, yenza ngokungazi okumelene loba yiwuphi wemilayo yeN uNkulunkulu wayo, okungafanele ukwenziwa, njalo ibe lecala, kumbe isono sayo esone imelene lawo sisaziswa kuyo, izaletha umnikelo wayo, izinyane lembuzi, iduna elingelasici, ibeke isandla sayo enhlokweni yembuzi, iyihlabe endaweni lapho okuhlatshelwa khona umnikelo wokutshiswa phambi kweN; kungumnikelo wesono. Umpristi abesethatha okwegazi lomnikelo wesono ngomunwe wakhe, alifake empondweni zelathi lomnikelo wokutshiswa, athululele igazi lawo kungaphansi yelathi lomnikelo wokutshiswa. Lawo wonke amahwahwa awo uzawatshisa elathini njengamahwahwa omhlatshelo weminikelo yokuthula, njalo ithethelelwe. Uba-ke loba ngubani wabantu belizwe esona ngokungazi, ngoba esenza okumelene loba yiwuphi wemilayo yeN, okungafanele ukwenziwa, aze abe lecala, kumbe isono sakhe asonileyo sisaziswa kuye, uzaletha umnikelo wakhe, izinyane lembuzi, isibhuzikazi esingelasici, ngesono sakhe asonileyo. Uzabeka-ke isandla sakhe enhlokweni yomnikelo wesono, awuhlabe umnikelo wesono endaweni yomnikelo wokutshiswa. Njalo umpristi uzathatha okwegazi lawo ngomunwe wakhe, alifake empondweni zelathi lomnikelo wokutshiswa, athululele lonke igazi lawo kungaphansi yelathi. Lawo wonke amahwahwa awo uzawasusa. Kodwa uba eletha iwundlu lomnikelo wakhe libe ngumnikelo wesono, uzaletha elisikazi elingelasici, abeke isandla sakhe enhlokweni yomnikelo wesono, awuhlabe ube ngumnikelo wesono, endaweni lapho okuhlatshelwa khona umnikelo wokutshiswa. Njalo umpristi uzathatha okwegazi lomnikelo wesono ngomunwe wakhe, alifake empondweni zelathi lomnikelo wokutshiswa, athululele lonke igazi lawo kungaphansi yelathi. Lawo wonke amahwahwa awo uzawasusa njengalokhu amahwahwa ewundlu esuswa kuwo umhlatshelo weminikelo yokuthula, njalo uzathethelelwa. Umphefumulo, uba usona-ke usuzwe ilizwi lesifungo. Loba uba umphefumulo uthinta loba yiyiphi into engcolileyo. Loba uba uthinta ukungcola komuntu, loba kuyini ukungcola kwakhe angcola ngakho, njalo kufihliwe kuwo, lapho usukwazi uzakuba lecala. Loba uba umphefumulo ufunga, ukhuluma ngamawala ngendebe zawo, loba kuyini umuntu angakhuluma ngakho ngamawala ngesifungo, njalo kufihliwe kuwo, lapho usukwazi uzakuba lecala kokunye kwalokho. Kuzakuthi-ke nxa ulecala kwenye yalezizinto, uvume ngalokho okonileyo, ulethe umnikelo wawo wecala eNni ngesono sawo osonileyo, ensikazi emhlanjini, iwundlu loba izinyane lembuzi, kube ngumnikelo wesono, umpristi abesewenzela inhlawulo yokuthula ngesono sawo. Kodwa uba isandla sawo singafinyeleli okwanela imvu, ungaletha eNni ngecala lawo olonileyo amajuba amabili loba amaphuphu enkwilimba amabili, elinye libe ngumnikelo wesono lelinye libe ngumnikelo wokutshiswa; ubusuwaletha kumpristi ozanikela elingelomnikelo wesono kuqala, atshuphule inhloko yalo entanyeni yalo, kodwa angakwehlukanisi, afafaze okwegazi lomnikelo wesono ehlangothini lwelathi, legazi eliseleyo likhanyelwe; kungumnikelo wesono. Elesibili uzalenza libe ngumnikelo wokutshiswa njengokwesimiso, lompristi amenzele inhlawulo yokuthula ngesono sakhe asonileyo, njalo uzathethelelwa. Kodwa uba isandla sawo singafinyeleli emajubeni amabili loba emaphuphini enkwilimba amabili, lowo owonileyo angaletha umnikelo wakhe okwetshumi kwe-efa yempuphu ecolekileyo ube ngumnikelo wesono; angabeki mafutha phezu kwayo, angabeki nhlaka phezu kwayo, ngoba ingumnikelo wesono. Njalo uzayiletha kumpristi, umpristi acuphe-ke kuyo isandla sakhe esigcweleyo. Ngalokho umpristi uzamenzela inhlawulo yokuthula, njengomnikelo wokudla. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Uba umphefumulo uphambeka ngesiphambeko wone ungazi umelana lezinto ezingcwele zeN KOSI. Lalokho okonileyo okumelene lento engcwele uzakubuyisela, wengezelele kukho ingxenye yesihlanu yakho, oyinike umpristi. Uba-ke umphefumulo usona, wenze okumelenelomunye wayo yonke imilayo yeN KOSI, njalo uzathwala ububi bawo. Uzaletha-ke kumpristi inqama engelasici evela emhlanjini. Kungumnikelo wecala; ngeqiniso ulecala eNni. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Uba umphefumulo usona, kumbe uthola lokho okwakulahlekile, loba kukuphi kwazo zonke lezo izinto umuntu azenzayo, one ngakho, kuzakuthi-ke ngoba onile elecala, uzabuyisela impango ayiphangileyo, loba lokho owakuzuza ngokucindezela, loba lokho okwanikelwa kuye ukuthi akulondoloze, loba lokho okwakulahlekile akutholileyo, kumbe kukho konke afunge amanga ngakho; uzakubuyisa ngesiqokoqela sakho, engezelele kukho ingxenye yesihlanu yakho, amnike lowo engeyakhe ngosuku lomnikelo wakhe wecala. Njalo uzaletha umnikelo wakhe wecala eNni, inqama engelasici emhlanjini, elesilinganiso sakho sentengo, kube ngumnikelo wecala, ayise kumpristi, njalo umpristi uzamenzela inhlawulo yokuthula phambi kweN, njalo uzathethelelwa, loba kukuphi kwakho konke akwenzileyo alecala ngakho. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Laya uAroni lamadodana akhe uthi: Lo ngumlayo womnikelo wokutshiswa. Kungumnikelo wokutshiswa ngenxa yokutshisa phezu kwelathi ubusuku bonke kuze kuse, lomlilo welathi uzabhebha kulo. Umpristi-ke uzagqoka isembatho sakhe selembu elicolekileyo, lokabhudula wakhe wangaphansi welembu elicolekileyo. Abesekhulula izembatho zakhe, embathe ezinye izembatho. Lomlilo ophezu kwelathi uzabhebha kulo, ungacitshwa; njalo umpristi uzabasa inkuni phezu kwalo ukusa ngokusa, abeke kuhle umnikelo wokutshiswa phezu kwalo, atshise kulo amahwahwa eminikelo yokuthula. Umlilo uzabhebha njalonjalo elathini, ungacitshi. Lalo ngumlayo womnikelo wokudla. Amadodana kaAroni azawunikela phambi kweN, phambi kwelathi. Njalo uzacupha okwayo isandla sakhe esigcweleyo, emputshini ecolekileyo yomnikelo wokudla, lemafutheni awo, lenhlaka yonke ephezu komnikelo wokudla, akutshise elathini, uqhatshi olumnandi, isikhumbuzo sawo, eNni. Lokuseleyo kuwo uAroni lamadodana akhe bazakudla, lokhu bazakudla egumeni lethente lenhlangano. Kakuyikubhakwa ngemvubelo, njengomnikelo wesono lanjengomnikelo wecala. Bonke abesilisa ebantwaneni bakaAroni bazakudla. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Lo ngumnikelo kaAroni lamadodana akhe kube ngumnikelo wokudla njalonjalo, ingxenye yayo ekuseni lengxenye yayo kusihlwa. Uzakwenzelwa emganwini oyincence ngamafutha. Uzawuletha uxutshanisiwe, unikele ngencezu ezibhakiweyo zomnikelo wokudla, zibe luqhatshi olumnandi eNni. Lompristi wamadodana akhe, ogcotshiweyo esikhundleni sakhe, uzakwenza. Kuyisimiso saphakade eNni. Uzatshiswa ngokupheleleyo. Wonke-ke umnikelo wokudla wompristi uzatshiswa ngokupheleleyo, ungadliwa. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Tshono kuAroni lakumadodana akhe uthi: Lo ngumlayo womnikelo wesono. Umpristi owunikelela isono uzawudla, egumeni lethente lenhlangano. Konke okuthinta inyama yawo kuzakuba ngcwele; lofafaza okwegazi lawo esigqokweni, lokhu afafaze kikho wena uzakugezisa endaweni engcwele. Njalo imbiza yebumba okuphekelwe kuyo izaphahlazwa; kodwa uba kuphekelwe embizeni yethusi, kayiphalwe ihlanjululwe ngamanzi. Wonke owesilisa kubapristi uzawudla. Kodwa loba yiwuphi umnikelo wesono okwegazi lawo lingeniswe ethenteni lenhlangano ukwenza inhlawulo yokuthula endaweni engcwele kawuyikudliwa; uzatshiswa ngomlilo. Lalo ngumlayo womnikelo wecala. Endaweni lapho okuhlatshelwa khona umnikelo wokutshiswa bazahlabela khona umnikelo wecala, legazi lawo uzalifafaza elathini inhlangothi zonke. Lawo wonke amahwahwa awo uzawanikela, umsila ononileyo, ledanga, lezinso zombili lamahwahwa akuzo asezinkalweni, lamahwahwa angaphezu kwesibindi uzawasusa lezinso; lompristi uzakutshisa elathini kube ngumnikelo owenzelwe ngomlilo; kungumnikelo wecala. Wonke owesilisa kubapristi uzawudla. Njengomnikelo wesono unjalo umnikelo wecala; umlayo wayo munye. Umpristi owenza inhlawulo yokuthula ngawo, uzakuba ngowakhe. Umpristi onikela-ke umnikelo wokutshiswa womuntu, isikhumba somnikelo wokutshiswa anikele ngawo sizakuba ngesalowompristi. Lawo wonke umnikelo wokudla obhakwe eziko loba emganwini oyincence, kuzakuba ngokwalowompristi onikele ngakho. Lawo wonke umnikelo wokudla ovutshwe ngamafutha kumbe owomileyo uzakuba ngowamadodana wonke kaAroni, enye njengenye. Njalo lo ngumlayo womhlatshelo weminikelo yokuthula awunikela eNni. Uba ewunikela ube ngumnikelo wokubonga, uzanikela kanye lomhlatshelo womnikelo wokubonga amaqebelengwana angelamvubelo ahlanganiswe lamafutha. Ngaphandle kwamaqebelengwana uzanikela isinkwa esilemvubelo kube ngumnikelo wakhe, lomhlatshelo womnikelo wokubonga weminikelo yakhe yokuthula. Njalo uzanikela okwawo okukodwa okuvela kuwo wonke umnikelo kube ngumnikelo wokuphakanyiswa eNni; lizakuba ngelalowompristi ofafaza igazi leminikelo yokuthula. Kodwa inyama yomhlatshelo womnikelo wokubonga weminikelo yakhe yokuthula izadliwa ngosuku lokunikela kwakhe, angatshiyi okwayo kuze kube sekuseni. Kodwa uba umhlatshelo womnikelo wakhe uyisithembiso loba umnikelo wesihle, uzadliwa ngosuku anikela ngalo umhlatshelo wakhe, lokuseleyo kuwo kudliwe lakusisa; kodwa okuseleyo enyameni yomhlatshelo ngosuku lwesithathu kuzatshiswa ngomlilo. Njalo uba okwenyama yomhlatshelo weminikelo yakhe yokuthula kudliwa lokudliwa ngosuku lwesithathu, okunikelayo kayikwemukeleka, kakuyikubalelwa kuye, lomphefumulo odla okwayo uzathwala ububi bawo. Lenyama ethinta into engcolileyo kayiyikudliwa, izatshiswa ngomlilo. Kodwa mayelana lenyama, wonke ohlambulukileyo angadla inyama, kodwa umphefumulo odla inyama yomhlatshelo weminikelo yokuthula, engeyeN, lokungcola kwawo kuphezu kwawo. Njalo uba umphefumulo uthinta loba yini engcolileyo, ukungcola komuntu. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Tshono ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli uthi: Lingadli lakanye amahwahwa enkomo kumbe awemvu kumbe awembuzi. Kodwa amahwahwa esidumbu senyamazana, lamahwahwa enyamazana edatshuliweyo angasetshenziswa loba kuwuphi umsebenzi, kodwa lingawadli lakanye. Ngoba loba ngubani odla amahwahwa enyamazana abanikela ngayo umnikelo owenzelwe ngomlilo, lowomphefumulo odlayo uzaqunywa usuke ebantwini bawo. Futhi lingadli lagazi lakuyiphi imizi yenu, elenyoni loba elenyamazana. Wonke umphefumulo odlayo loba yiliphi igazi, lowomphefumulo uzaqunywa usuke ebantwini bawo. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Tshono ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli uthi: Lowo onikela umhlatshelo weminikelo yakhe yokuthula eNni uzaletha umnikelo wakhe eNni uvela kumhlatshelo weminikelo yakhe yokuthula. Izandla zakhe zizaletha iminikelo yeN. Umpristi uzatshisa-ke amahwahwa elathini. Lizanika-ke umpristi umlenze wokunene, ube ngumnikelo wokuphakanyiswa ovela emihlatshelweni yeminikelo yenu yokuthula. Lowo phakathi kwamadodana kaAroni onikela igazi leminikelo yokuthula lamahwahwa uzazuza umlenze wokunene ube yisabelo sakhe. Ngoba isifuba sokuzunguzwa lomlenze wokuphakanyiswa ngikuthethe ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli, emihlatshelweni yeminikelo yabo yokuthula, ngakunika uAroni umpristi lamadodana akhe, kube yisimiso esilaphakade, okuvela ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli. Lokho kuyisabelo sikaAroni lesabelo samadodana akhe esivela eminikelweni yeN eyenziwe ngomlilo, mhla ebasondeza ukusebenzela njengabapristi, eyalaya ngakho ukubanika, ngosuku eyabagcoba ngalo, okuvela ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli. Kuyisimiso esilaphakade ezizukulwaneni zabo. Lo ngumlayo womnikelo wokutshiswa, eyamlaya ngawo uMozisi entabeni yeSinayi, ngosuku alaya ngalo abantwana bakoIsrayeli ukuthi balethe iminikelo yabo eNni enkangala yeSinayi. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Thatha uAroni lamadodana akhe kanye laye, lenqama ezimbili, lesitsha sezinkwa ezingelamvubelo, ubuthanise inhlangano yonke emnyango wethente lenhlangano. UMozisi wasesenza njengokulaya kweN kuye, lenhlangano yabuthana emnyango wethente lenhlangano. UMozisi wasesithi enhlanganweni: Yiyo le into elaye ukuthi yenziwe. UMozisi wasesondeza uAroni lamadodana akhe, wabagezisa ngamanzi. Wasemgqokisa isigqoko. Wamgqokisa isembatho sesifuba. Wamthwalisa iqhiye ekhanda lakhe, ngaphambi kobuso bayo, incence yegolide, umqhele wobungcwele, njengalokhu yayimlayile uMozisi. UMozisi wasethatha amafutha okugcoba, waligcoba ithabhanekele lakho konke okuphakathi kwalo, wakungcwelisa. Wafafaza ngawo phezu kwelathi kasikhombisa, wagcoba ilathi lezitsha zalo zonke, lenditshi yokugezela lonyawo lwayo, ukukungcwelisa. Wathela okwamafutha okugcoba ekhanda likaAroni, wamgcoba, ukumngcwelisa. UMozisi wasesondeza amadodana kaAroni, wawagqokisa izigqoko, wawabopha ngamabhanti, wawathwalisa izingowane, njengalokhu yayimlayile uMozisi. Wasesondeza ijongosi lomnikelo wesono. Waselihlaba, uMozisi wasethatha igazi, walifaka ngomunwe wakhe empondweni zelathi inhlangothi zonke, wahlambulula ilathi, wathululela igazi kungaphansi yelathi, walingcwelisa ukulenzela inhlawulo yokuthula. Wathatha idanga lonke, lamahwahwa esibindi, lezinso zombili lamahwahwa azo, uMozisi wakutshisa elathini. Kodwa ijongosi, lesikhumba salo, lenyama yalo, lomswane walo wakutshisa ngomlilo ngaphandle kwenkamba, njengalokhu yayimlayile uMozisi. Wasesondeza inqama yomnikelo wokutshiswa; uAroni lamadodana akhe basebebeka izandla zabo phezu kwenhloko yenqama. Waseyihlaba, uMozisi wafafaza igazi phezu kwelathi inhlangothi zonke. Waseyisika inqama ngeziqa zayo, uMozisi watshisa inhloko lezitho lamahwahwa. Wagezisa imibilini lemilenze ngamanzi, uMozisi watshisa inqama yonke elathini, kungumnikelo wokutshiswa oloqhatshi olumnandi, kungumnikelo owenzelwe ngomlilo, njengalokho yayimlayile uMozisi. Wasesondeza enye inqama, inqama yokwehlukaniswa; uAroni lamadodana akhe basebebeka izandla zabo phezu kwenhloko yenqama. Waseyihlaba, uMozisi wathatha okwegazi layo, walifaka eqwangeni lwendlebe yokunene kaAroni, lesithupheni sesandla sakhe sokunene, lezwaneni olukhulu lonyawo lwakhe lokunene. Wasesondeza amadodana kaAroni, uMozisi wafaka okwegazi eqwangeni lwendlebe yawo yokunene, lesithupheni sesandla sawo sokunene, lezwaneni olukhulu lonyawo lwawo lokunene; uMozisi wasefafaza igazi phezu kwelathi inhlangothi zonke. Wasethatha amahwahwa, lomsila ononileyo, ledanga lonke, lamahwahwa esibindi, lezinso zombili lamahwahwa azo, lomlenze wokunene, wakhupha esitsheni sezinkwa ezingelamvubelo esasiphambi kweN iqebelengwana laba linye elingelamvubelo, leqebelengwana elilodwa lesinkwa esilamafutha, lesinkwana esisodwa esiyisipatalala, wakubeka phezu kwamahwahwa laphezu komlenze wokunene; wakubeka konke ezandleni zikaAroni lezandleni zamadodana akhe, wakuzunguza kwaba ngumnikelo wokuzunguzwa phambi kweN. UMozisi wasekuthatha ezandleni zabo, wakutshisa elathini phezu komnikelo wokutshiswa, kwaba yikwehlukaniswa okoqhatshi olumnandi, kungumnikelo owenzelwe ngomlilo. UMozisi wasethatha isifuba, wasizunguza saba ngumnikelo wokuzunguzwa phambi kweN; saba yisabelo sikaMozisi senqama yokwehlukaniswa, njengalokho yayimlayile uMozisi. UMozisi wasethatha okwamafutha okugcoba lokwegazi okwakuphezu kwelathi, wakufafaza phezu kukaAroni, phezu kwezembatho zakhe, laphezu kwamadodana akhe, laphezu kwezembatho zamadodana akhe kanye laye. Wamngcwelisa uAroni, izembatho zakhe, lamadodana akhe, lezembatho zamadodana akhe kanye laye. UMozisi wasesithi kuAroni lemadodaneni akhe: Phekani inyama emnyango wethente lenhlangano, liyidle lapho lezinkwa ezisesitsheni sokwehlukaniswa, njengokulaya kwami ngisithi: UAroni lamadodana akhe bazakudla. Lokuseleyo kwenyama lokwezinkwa lizakutshisa ngomlilo. Njalo kaliyikuphuma ngomnyango wethente lenhlangano, insuku eziyisikhombisa, kuze kufike usuku okuzagcwaliswa ngalo insuku zokwehlukaniswa kwenu, ngoba uzalehlukanisa okwensuku eziyisikhombisa. Njengoba enzile lamuhla ilayile ukukwenza, ukulenzela inhlawulo yokuthula. Ngakho lizahlala emnyango wethente lenhlangano insuku eziyisikhombisa, imini lebusuku, ligcine imfanelo yeN ukuze lingafi; ngoba ngilaywe njalo. UAroni lamadodana akhe basebesenza izinto zonke eyazilayayo ngesandla sikaMozisi. Kwasekusithi ngosuku lwesificaminwembili uMozisi wabiza oAroni lamadodana akhe labadala bakoIsrayeli. Wathi kuAroni: Zithathele ithole, inkonyana yenkomo, libe ngumnikelo wesono, okungelasici, ukusondeze eNni. Lebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli uzakhuluma uthi: Thathani izinyane lembuzi libe ngumnikelo wesono, lethole, lewundlu, abe lomnyaka owodwa, angelasici, abe ngumnikelo wokutshiswa, lenkabi lenqama zibe yiminikelo yokuthula. Basebethatha lokho uMozisi akulayayo bakuletha phambi kwethente lenhlangano; lenhlangano yonke yasondela, yema phambi kweN. UMozisi wasesithi: Le into elilaye ngayo lizayenza; lenkazimulo yeN izabonakala kini. UMozisi wasesithi kuAroni: Sondela elathini, wenze umnikelo wakho wesono, ubenzele inhlawulo yokuthula, njengokulaya kweN. UAroni wasesondela elathini, walihlaba ithole lomnikelo wesono owawungowakhe. Amadodana kaAroni aseletha igazi kuye, legazi walithululela kungaphansi yelathi; kodwa amahwahwa. Kodwa inyama lesikhumba wakutshisa ngomlilo ngaphandle kwenkamba. Wasehlaba umnikelo wokutshiswa; lamadodana kaAroni amnika igazi, waselifafaza phezu kwelathi inhlangothi zonke. Amnika lomnikelo wokutshiswa ngezitho zawo lenhloko; wasekutshisa phezu kwelathi. Wagezisa imibilini lemilenze, wayitshisa phezu komnikelo wokutshiswa elathini. Wasesondeza umnikelo wabantu, njengowokuqala. Wasondeza umnikelo wokutshiswa, wawulungisa njengokwesimiso. Wasondeza umnikelo wokudla. Wahlaba inkabi lenqama zibe ngumhlatshelo weminikelo yokuthula owawungowabantu; lamadodana kaAroni amnika igazi, owalifafaza phezu kwelathi inhlangothi zonke. Lamahwahwa enkabi lawenqama, umsila ononileyo, le dangaelisibekelayo, lezinso, lamahwahwa esibindi, asebeka amahwahwa phezu kwezifuba; wasetshisa amahwahwa elathini; kodwa izifuba lomlenze wokunene uAroni wakuzunguza kwaba ngumnikelo wokuzunguzwa phambi kweN, njengokulaya kukaMozisi. UAroni wasephakamisela isandla sakhe ebantwini, wababusisa. Wehla ekunikeleni umnikelo wesono lomnikelo wokutshiswa leminikelo yokuthula. UMozisi loAroni basebengena ethenteni lenhlangano; baphuma bababusisa abantu, lenkazimulo yeN yabonakala kubo bonke abantu. Kwasekuphuma umlilo uvela phambi kweN. Amadodana kaAroni, oNadabi loAbihu, eyayingawalayanga wona. Kwasekuphuma umlilo ovela phambi kweN, wawaqothula, asefela phambi kweN. UMozisi wasesithi kuAroni: Yilokhu eyakukhulumayo isithi: Kulabo abasondela kimi. UMozisi wasebiza uMishayeli loElizafani, amadodana kaUziyeli uyise omncane kaAroni, kuze kube ngaphandle kwenkamba. Basondela-ke, babathwala bembethe izigqoko zabo kwaze kwaba ngaphandle kwenkamba, njengokutsho kukaMozisi. UMozisi wasesithi kuAroni lakuEleyazare lakuIthamari, amadodana akhe: Lingembuli amakhanda enu. Kodwa akuthi abafowenu, indlu yonke kaIsrayeli, balilele ukutshisa ekuphembileyo. Lingaphumi ngomnyango wethente lenhlangano. Benza-ke njengelizwi likaMozisi. yasikhuluma kuAroni isithi: Unganathi iwayini lokunathwayo okulamandla, wena lamadodana akho kanye lawe, nxa lingena ethenteni lenhlangano, ukuze lingafi; kuyisimiso esilaphakade ezizukulwaneni zenu; lokwehlukanisa phakathi kokungcwele lokungangcwele, laphakathi kokungahlambulukanga lokuhlambulukileyo; lokufundisa abantwana bakoIsrayeli zonke izimiso ezikhulume kubo ngesandla sikaMozisi. UMozisi wasesithi kuAroni lakuEleyazare lakuIthamari, amadodana akhe ayesele: Thathani umnikelo wokudla; njalo liwudlele endaweni engcwele, ngoba uyimfanelo yakho lemfanelo yamadodana akho, esivela eminikelweni yeN eyenziwe ngomlilo; ngoba ngilaywe njalo. Kodwa isifuba sokuzunguzwa lomlenze wokuphakanyiswa lizakudlela endaweni ehlambulukileyo, wena lamadodana akho, lamadodakazi akho kanye lawe; ngoba kuyisabelo sakho lesabelo samadodana akho; kunikwa kuvela emihlatshelweni yeminikelo yokuthula yabantwana bakoIsrayeli. Umlenze wokuphakanyiswa lesifuba sokuzunguzwa bazakuletha leminikelo yamahwahwa eyenziwe ngomlilo, ukukuzunguza kube ngumnikelo wokuzunguzwa phambi kweN; kuzakuba ngokwakho lokwamadodana akho kanye lawe, kube yisimiso saphakade, njengokulaya kweN. UMozisi wadingisisa impongo yomnikelo wesono, khangela-ke yayitshisiwe. Ngakho wathukuthelela uEleyazare loIthamari, amadodana kaAroni aseleyo, esithi: Kalidlanga ngani umnikelo wesono endaweni engcwele, ngoba uyingcwelengcwele, futhi ilinikile wona lina ukuze lithwale ububi benhlangano, libenzele inhlawulo yokuthula phambi kweN? Khangelani, igazi lawo kalingeniswanga. UAroni wasesithi kuMozisi: Khangela, lamuhla sebenikele umnikelo wabo wesono lomnikelo wabo wokutshiswa phambi kweN, kanti izinto ezinje zingehlele! Uba bengidlile umnikelo wesono lamuhla, bekuzakuba kuhle emehlweni eN yini? Esezwile lokho uMozisi kwaba kuhle emehlweni akhe. yasikhuluma kuMozisi lakuAroni isithi kibo: Tshonini ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli lithi: Lezi zinyamazana elingazidla kuzo zonke inyamazana ezisemhlabeni. Konke okwehlukanisa isondo lokwehlukanisa isondo kabili lo kwetshisayo phakathi kwenyamazana, lokhu lizakudla. Kodwa lezi kaliyikuzidla kulezo ezetshisayo kumbe kulezo ezehlukanisa isondo: Ikamela, ngoba liyetshisa, kodwa kalehlukanisi amasondo; lingcolile kini. Lembila, ngoba iyetshisa, kodwa kayehlukanisi isondo; ingcolile kini. Lomvundla, ngoba uyetshisa, kodwa kawehlukanisi isondo; ungcolile kini. Lengulube, ngoba iyehlukanisa isondo lokwehlukanisa isondo kube kubili kodwa kayetshisi; ingcolile kini. Lingadli okwenyama yazo, lingathinti isidumbu sazo; zingcolile kini. Lezi lingazidla kuzo zonke ezisemanzini: Zonke ezilempiko lamaxolo, emanzini, enlwandle lemifuleni, lezo lingazidla. Kodwa zonke ezingelampiko lamaxolo enlwandle lemifuleni, phakathi kwazo zonke ezibhinqika emanzini laphakathi kwaso sonke isidalwa esiphilayo esisemanzini, ziyisinengiso kini. Yebo, zizakuba yisinengiso kini; lingadli okwenyama yazo; kodwa lizanengwa yisidumbu sazo. Konke okungelampiko lamaxolo emanzini, kuyisinengiso kini. Lezi-ke lizanengwa yizo phakathi kwezinyoni; kaziyikudliwa, ziyisinengiso; ukhozi lelinqe lengqungqulu edla inhlanzi, lomzwazwa, lohelwane ngohlobo lwalo, lonke iwabayi ngohlobo lwalo, lesikhova, lomandukulo, lenkanku, lokhozi ngohlobo lwalo, lesikhova esincinyane, letshayamanzi, lesikhova esikhulu, lesikhova esimhlophe, lewunkwe, lelinqe elikhulu, lengabuzane, ihemu ngohlobo lwalo, lemvenduna, lolulwane. Zonke izibungu ezilempiko ezihamba ngezine ziyisinengiso kini. Kodwa lezi lizazidla ezibungwini ezilempiko ezihamba ngezine ezilemilenze ephezu kwenyawo zazo ezeqa ngayo emhlabeni; lezi lingadla kuzo: Isikhonyane ngohlobo lwaso, lonyelele ngohlobo lwakhe, lediye ngohlobo lwalo, lentethe ngohlobo lwayo. Kodwa zonke izibungu ezilempiko, ezilenyawo ezine, ziyisinengiso kini. Langalezi lizangcoliswa; wonke othinta isidumbu sazo uzakuba ngongcolileyo kuze kuhlwe. Njalo wonke ophakamisa okwesidumbu sazo uzawatsha izembatho zakhe, abe ngongcolileyo kuze kuhlwe. Yonke inyamazana eyehlukanisa isondo, kodwa ingehlukanisi isondo kabili, njalo ingetshisi, ingcolile kini; wonke oyithintayo uzangcola. Konke-ke okuhamba ngezidladla zakho, phakathi kwazo zonke inyamazana ezihamba ngezine, zingcolile kini; wonke othinta isidumbu sazo uzangcola kuze kuhlwe. Lothwala isidumbu sazo uzawatsha izembatho zakhe, abe ngongcolileyo kuze kuhlwe; zingcolile kini. Futhi lezi zizakuba ngezingcolileyo kini, phakathi kwezihuquzelayo ezihuquzelayo emhlabeni; ubuchakide, legundwane, legwababa ngohlobo lwalo, lontulo, lembulumakhasana, lombankwa, lesiqhuza, lonwabu. Lezi zingcolile kini phakathi kwazo zonke ezihuquzelayo; wonke ozithintayo sezifile uzakuba ngongcolileyo kuze kuhlwe. Konke-ke ewela phezu kwakho enyeyazo isifile kuzakuba ngokungcolileyo, lokwasiphi isitsha sesihlahla, loba isembatho, loba isikhumba, loba isaka, lasiphi isitsha okusetshenzwa ngaso; kuzafakwa emanzini, njalo kuzakuba ngokungcolileyo kuze kuhlwe; khona kuzahlambuluka. Layo yonke imbiza yebumba ewela phakathi kwayo enyeyazo, konke okukiyo kuzakuba ngokungcolileyo, njalo lizayibulala. Ekudleni konke okudliwayo afike kukho amanzi kuzakuba ngokungcolileyo; lakuphi okunathwayo okunganathwa phakathi kwaloba yiyiphi imbiza enjalokuzakuba ngokungcolileyo. Konke-ke okuwela kukho okwesidumbu sazo kuzakuba ngokungcolileyo; iziko loba isitofu, kuzaphohlozwa, kungcolile, futhi kuzakuba ngokungcolileyo kini. Kodwa umthombo loba umgodi aqoqene khonaamanzi uzakuba ngohlambulukileyo; kodwa okuthinta izidumbu zazo kuzakuba ngokungcolileyo. Njalo uba okwesidumbu sazo kuwela phezu kwenhlanyelo ehlanyelwayo ezahlanyelwa, ihlambulukile; kodwa uba okwamanzi kufakwa enhlanyelweni, lokwesidumbu sazo kuwela phezu kwayo, ingcolile kini. Uba kusifa-ke enyamazaneni eyikudla kini, othinta isidumbu sayo uzakuba ngongcolileyo kuze kuhlwe. Lodla okwesidumbu sayo uzawatsha izembatho zakhe, abe ngongcolileyo kuze kuhlwe; lothwala isidumbu sayo uzawatsha izembatho zakhe, abe ngongcolileyo kuze kuhlwe. Lazo zonke ezihuquzelayo ezihuquzela emhlabeni ziyisinengiso; kaziyikudliwa. Konke okuhamba ngesisu, lakho konke okuhamba ngezine, kuze kube yikho konke okulenyawo ezinengi, phakathi kwazo zonke ezihuquzelayo ezihuquzela emhlabeni kaliyikukudla, ngoba kuyisinengiso. Lingazenzi linengeke langakuphi okuhuquzelayo kuhuquzela, lingazingcolisi ngakho ukuthi lingcoliswe yikho. Ngoba ngiyuNkulunkulu wenu. Ngakho zingcweliseni, libe ngcwele, ngoba ngingcwele. Ngoba ngiyeyalenyusa lisuka elizweni leGibhithe ukuthi ngibe nguNkulunkulu wenu. Lo ngumlayo wezinyamazana lezinyoni, laso sonke isidalwa esiphilayo, ukwehlukanisa phakathi kokungcolileyo lokuhlambulukileyo, laphakathi kokuphilayo okungadliwa lokuphilayo okungadliwayo. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Tshono ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli uthi: Uba owesifazana ekhululeka, abelethe owesilisa, uzakuba ngongcolileyo insuku eziyisikhombisa, njengensuku zokwehlukaniswa kwakhe esemfuleni uzakuba ngongcolileyo. Langosuku lwesificaminwembili inyama yejwabu lakhe izasokwa. Khona ezahlala okwensuku ezingamatshumi amathathu lantathu egazini lokuhlanjululwa kwakhe, angathinti lutho olungcwele, angangeni endlini engcwele, zize ziphelele insuku zokuhlanjululwa kwakhe. Kodwa angabeletha owesifazana, uzakuba ngongcolileyo amaviki amabili, njengokwehlukaniswa kwakhe; uzahlala insuku ezingamatshumi ayisithupha lesithupha egazini lokuhlanjululwa kwakhe. Lapho sezigcwalisekile insuku zokuhlanjululwa kwakhe, ngendodana loba ngendodakazi, uzaletha iwundlu elilomnyaka owodwa, libe ngumnikelo wokutshiswa, lephuphu lenkwilimba kumbe ijuba kube ngumnikelo wesono, emnyango wethente lenhlangano, kumpristi, ozakunikela eNni, amenzele inhlawulo yokuthula; khona ezahlambuluka ekopheni kwegazi lakhe. Lo ngumlayo walowo obeletha owesilisa loba owesifazana. Kodwa uba isandla sakhe singatholi okwanela imvu, uzathatha amajuba amabili loba amaphuphu amabili enkwilimba. yasikhuluma kuMozisi lakuAroni isithi: Umuntu, nxa kukhona esikhumbeni senyama yakhe ithumba loba uqweqwe loba ibala elikhanyayo. Umpristi uzakhangela-ke isifo esikhumbeni senyama; uba uboya esifweni sebuphenduke baba mhlophe, lokubonakala kwesifo sekutshone kulesikhumba senyama yakhe, kuyisifo sobulephero. Umpristi esemkhangele uzakutsho ukuthi ungcolile. Kodwa uba ibala elikhanyayo esikhumbeni senyama yakhe limhlophe, lokubonakala kwalo kungatshoni kulesikhumba, loboya balo bungaphendukanga baba mhlophe, umpristi uza m valela ol esifo insuku eziyisikhombisa. Umpristi uzamkhangela-ke ngosuku lwesikhombisa; uba, khangela, isifo sisemi emehlweni akhe, isifo singaqhelanga esikhumbeni, umpristi uzamvalela ezinye insuku eziyisikhombisa. Umpristi uzabuya-ke amkhangele ngosuku lwesikhombisa; uba, khangela, isifo sifiphele, lesifo singaqhelanga esikhumbeni, umpristi uzakutsho ukuthi uhlambulukile; luqweqwe. Njalo uzawatsha izembatho zakhe, ahlambuluke. Kodwa uba uqweqwe luqhela kakhulu esikhumbeni emva kokubonakaliswa kwakhe kumpristi ngokuhlanjululwa kwakhe, uzabonakaliswa kumpristi futhi. Uba umpristi ebona ukuthi, khangela, uqweqwe luyaqhela esikhumbeni, umpristi uzakutsho ukuthi ungcolile; kuyibulephero. Isifo sobulephero, uba sisemuntwini, uzalethwa kumpristi. Njalo umpristi uzabona, khangela-ke, kukhona ithumba elimhlophe esikhumbeni, seliphendule uboya baba mhlophe, futhi kulenyama entsha ephilayo ethunjeni, kuyibulephero obudala esikhumbeni senyama yakhe; umpristi uzakutsho-ke ukuthi ungcolile, angamvaleli ngoba engcolile. Uba-ke ubulephero buqhela kakhulu esikhumbeni, lobulephero bugubuzela isikhumba sonke sa lowo ol esifo, kusukela ekhanda lakhe kuze kufike lenyaweni zakhe, njengokubona konke kwamehlo ompristi, umpristi uzabona, khangela-ke, ubulephero bugubuzele inyama yonke yakhe, uzakutsho ukuthi ol esifo uhlambulukile; konke kuphendukile kwaba mhlophe; uhlambulukile. Kodwa mhla kubonakala kuye inyama ebomvu, uzakuba ngongcolileyo. Lapho umpristi esebone inyama ebomvu, uzakutsho ukuthi ungcolile; inyama ebomvu ingcolile, iyibulephero. Kumbe uba inyama ebomvu ibuye iphenduke ibe mhlophe, uzakuya kumpristi. Lapho umpristi esembonile ukuthi, khangela, isifo sesiphenduke saba mhlophe, umpristi uzakutsho ukuthi uhlambulukile ol esifo; uhlambulukile. Inyama layo, nxa kukhona kuyo, esikhumbeni sayo, ithumba, selipholile, lendaweni yethumba kube lokuvuvuka okumhlophe kumbe ibala elikhanyayo elimhlophe libomvana, kuzatshengiswa umpristi. Uba umpristi ezabona ukuthi, khangela, ukubonakala kwakho kutshone kulesikhumba, loboya bakho sebuphenduke baba mhlophe, umpristi uzakutsho ukuthi ungcolile; kuyisifo sobulephero, siphume ethunjeni. Kodwa uba umpristi ezakubona ukuthi, khangela, kakulaboya obumhlophe kukho, lokuthi kakutshonanga kulesikhumba, kodwa kufiphele, umpristi uzamvalela insuku eziyisikhombisa. Uba-ke kuqhela kakhulu esikhumbeni, umpristi atsho ukuthi ungcolile, kuyisifo. Kodwa uba ibala elikhanyayo limi endaweni yalo, lingaqheli, kuyisibavu sethumba; umpristi uzakutsho-ke ukuthi uhlambulukile. Kumbe inyama, uba kukhona esikhumbeni sayo umtshiso womlilo, lokuphola komtshiso kulibala elikhanyayo elimhlophe libomvana kumbe limhlophe. Lapho umpristi eselibonile ukuthi, khangela, uboya bebala elikhanyayo buphenduke baba mhlophe, lokubonakala kwalo litshone kulesikhumba, kuyibulephero, buqhamuke emtshisweni; ngakho umpristi uzakutsho ukuthi ungcolile; kuyisifo sobulephero. Kodwa uba umpristi eselibona ukuthi, khangela, kakulaboya obumhlophe ebaleni elikhanyayo, lokuthi kalitshonanga kulesikhumba, kodwa lifiphele, umpristi uzamvalela insuku eziyisikhombisa. Langosuku lwesikhombisa umpristi uzambona; uba liqhele kakhulu esikhumbeni, umpristi uzakutsho ukuthi ungcolile; kuyisifo sobulephero. Kodwa uba ibala elikhanyayo limi endaweni yalo, lingaqhelanga esikhumbeni, kodwa lifiphele, kuyikuvuvuka komtshiso; umpristi atsho-ke ukuthi uhlambulukile, ngoba kuyisibavu somtshiso. Njalo nxa owesilisa loba owesifazana elesifo ekhanda loba endevini, lapho umpristi esebonile isifo ukuthi, khangela, ukubonakala kwaso kutshonile kulesikhumba, njalo kulezinwele ezilithanga ezinciphileyo, umpristi uzakutsho ukuthi ungcolile; kuluqweqwe; kuyibulephero bekhanda loba obendevu. Uba-ke umpristi esebone isifo soqweqwe ukuthi, khangela, ukubonakala kwaso kasitshonanga kulesikhumba, lokuthi kakulanwele ezimnyama kuso, umpristi uzamvalela ole sifo soqweqwe insuku eziyisikhombisa. Langosuku lwesikhombisa umpristi uzabona isifo; uba, khangela, uqweqwe lungaqhelanga, futhi kungekho kuso inwele ezilithanga, lokubonakala koqweqwe kungatshonanga kulesikhumba, uzaziphuca, kodwa uqweqwe angaluphuci, lompristi uzamvalela ol oqweqwe ezinye insuku eziyisikhombisa. Langosuku lwesikhombisa umpristi uzabona uqweqwe; uba, khangela, uqweqwe lungaqhelanga esikhumbeni, futhi ukubonakala kwalo kungatshonanga kulesikhumba, umpristi uzakutsho ukuthi uhlambulukile, njalo uzawatsha izembatho zakhe, ahlambuluke. Kodwa uba uqweqwe luqhela kakhulu esikhumbeni emva kokuhlanjululwa kwakhe, umpristi uzabe esembonile ukuthi, khangela, uqweqwe seluqhelile esikhumbeni, umpristi kangadingi inwele ezilithanga; ungcolile. Kodwa uba emehlweni akhe uqweqwe lusemi, lenwele ezimnyama sezimilile kulo, uqweqwe selupholile, uhlambulukile; lompristi uzakutsho ukuthi uhlambulukile. Njalo owesilisa loba owesifazana, nxa kukhona esikhumbeni senyama yabo amabala akhanyayo, amabala akhanyayo amhlophe, nxa umpristi ebona ukuthi, khangela, esikhumbeni senyama yabo kulamabala akhanyayo afipheleyo amhlophe, kuyimpunza equbukayo esikhumbeni; uhlambulukile. Lendoda, uba ikhanda layo lingaselanwele, ulempabanga, uhlambulukile. Uba-ke ikhanda layo lingaselanwele eceleni lebunzi layo, ulempabanga ebunzini, uhlambulukile. Kodwa uba kukhona isifo esimhlophe sibomvana empabangeni kumbe empabangeni esebunzini, kuyibulephero obuqubuka ebumpabangeni bayo kumbe empabangeni esebunzini layo. Lapho umpristi esembonile ukuthi, khangela, ukuvuvuka kwesifo kumhlophe kubomvana empabangeni yayo kumbe empabangeni esebunzini layo, njengokubonakala kobulephero esikhumbeni senyama, uyindoda elobulephero, ungcolile; umpristi uzakutsho ukuthi ungcolile kakhulu; isifo sayo sisekhanda layo. Umlephero, esikuye isifo, izembatho zakhe zizadatshulwa-ke, lekhanda lakhe lembulwe, akhale athi: Ngcolile, ngcolile! Zonke insuku isifo sikuye ungcolile; ungcolile, uzahlala yedwa, indawo yakhe yokuhlala izakuba ngaphandle kwenkamba. Njalo isembatho, nxa isifo sobulephero sikuso, esembathweni soboya bezimvu, loba esembathweni selembu elicolekileyo, loba ezintanjeni eziqondileyo kumbe ezintanjeni eziqumayo zelembu elicolekileyo kumbe ezoboya bezimvu, loba esikhumbeni, kumbe kukuphi okwenziwe ngesikhumba, futhi isifo siluhlazana loba sibomvana esembathweni loba esikhumbeni loba ezintanjeni eziqondileyo loba ezintanjeni eziqumayo kumbe kuyiphi into yesikhumba; kuyisifo sobulephero, njalo kuzatshengiswa umpristi. Umpristi uzakhangela-ke isifo, avalele okule sifo insuku eziyisikhombisa. Akhangele isifo ngosuku lwesikhombisa; uba isifo siqhelile esembathweni loba ezintanjeni eziqondileyo loba ezintanjeni eziqumayo loba esikhumbeni, loba kuwuphi umsebenzi owenziwe ngesikhumba; isifo siyibulephero obuvukuzayo; kungcolile. Ngakho uzatshisa isembatho loba izintambo eziqondileyo loba izintambo eziqumayo zoboya bezimvu loba ezelembu elicolekileyo kumbe loba yiyiphi into yesikhumba okukuyo isifo; ngoba kuyibulephero obuvukuzayo; kuzatshiswa ngomlilo. Kodwa uba umpristi ebona ukuthi, khangela, isifo kasiqhelanga esembathweni kumbe ezintanjeni eziqondileyo kumbe ezintanjeni eziqumayo, kumbe loba kuyiphi into yesikhumba, umpristi uzalaya-ke ukuthi bawatshe lokho esikukho isifo, akuvalele ezinye insuku eziyisikhombisa. Kuzakuthi umpristi, sekuwatshiwe, abone isifo ukuthi, khangela, isifo kasiphendukanga ukubonakala kwaso, lesifo kasiqhelanga; kungcolile. Uzakutshisa ngomlilo; kuyikucutheka kohlangothi lwakho lwangemuva loba uhlangothi lwakho lwaphambili. Kodwa uba umpristi ebona ukuthi, khangela, isifo sifiphele emva kokuwatshwa kwaso, uzasidabula esembathweni, loba esikhumbeni, loba ezintanjeni eziqondileyo, kumbe ezintanjeni eziqumayo. Kodwa uba silokhu sibonakala esembathweni loba ezintanjeni eziqondileyo kumbe ezintanjeni eziqumayo kumbe loba kuyiphi into yesikhumba, siyaqhela; uzakutshisa ngomlilo lokho esikukho isifo. Kodwa isembatho kumbe izintambo eziqondileyo loba izintambo eziqumayo kumbe loba yiyiphi into yesikhumba okuwatshileyo, uba isifo sisukile kukho, kuzawatshwa okwesibili, kuzahlambuluka-ke. Lo ngumlayo wesifo sobulephero wesembatho soboya bezimvu kumbe selembu elicolekileyo, loba izintambo eziqondileyo loba izintambo eziqumayo, kumbe loba yiyiphi into yesikhumba, ukutsho ukuthi kuhlambulukile kumbe ukutsho ukuthi kungcolile. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Lo uzakuba ngumlayo womlephero ngosuku lokuhlanjululwa kwakhe: Uzalethwa kumpristi. Umpristi uzaphuma-ke ngaphandle kwenkamba. Uba umpristi ezabona ukuthi, khangela, isifo sobulephero seselaphekile kumlephero, umpristi uzalaya-ke ukuthi kuthathelwe lowo ozahlanjululwa inyoni ezimbili eziphilayo ezihlambulukileyo, lesigodo somsedari; umpristi alaye ukuthi enye inyoni ibulawelwe embizeni yebumba phezu kwamanzi agobhozayo. Inyoni ephilayo, uzayithatha lesigodo somsedari, lokubomvu, lehisope, akugxamuze lenyoni ephilayo egazini lenyoni ehlatshelwe phezu kwamanzi agobhozayo, amfafaze lowo ozahlanjululwa kubulephero, atsho ukuthi uhlambulukile, ayekele inyoni ephilayo ikhululekile endle. Lalowo ozahlanjululwa uzawatsha izembatho zakhe, aphuce zonke inwele zakhe, ageze ngamanzi, ahlambuluke. Kuzakuthi-ke ngosuku lwesikhombisa uzaphuca zonke inwele zakhe, ikhanda lakhe lezindevu zakhe lezintshiya zakhe, yebo, aphuce zonke inwele zakhe, awatshe izembatho zakhe, ageze umzimba wakhe ngamanzi, ahlambuluke. Langosuku lwesificaminwembili uzathatha amawundlu amabili amaduna angelasici, lewundlu elisikazi elilomnyaka owodwa elingelasici, lengxenye ezintathu etshumini zempuphu ecolekileyo kube ngumnikelo wokudla, kuxubene lamafutha, lelogi eyodwa yamafutha. Umpristi ohlambululayo uzamisa-ke indoda ezahlanjululwa lezinto phambi kweN, emnyango wethente lenhlangano. Njalo umpristi uzathatha elinye iwundlu eliduna, alinikele libe ngumnikelo wecala, lelogi yamafutha, akuzunguze kube ngumnikelo wokuzunguzwa phambi kweN; ahlabe iwundlu endaweni lapho okuhlatshelwa khona umnikelo wesono lomnikelo wokutshiswa, endaweni engcwele. Umpristi uzathatha-ke okwegazi lomnikelo wecala, umpristi uzakufaka eqwangeni lwendlebe yokunene yalowo ozahlanjululwa, lesithupheni sesandla sakhe sokunene, lezwaneni olukhulu lonyawo lwakhe lokunene. Futhi umpristi uzathatha okwelogi yamafutha, akuthele esandleni sompristi sokhohlo. Njalo umpristi uzagxamuza umunwe wakhe wokunene emafutheni asesandleni sakhe sokhohlo, afafaze okwamafutha kasikhombisa ngomunwe wakhe phambi kweN. Lokuseleyo kwamafutha asesandleni sakhe umpristi uzafaka eqwangeni lwendlebe yokunene yalowo ozahlanjululwa, lesithupheni sesandla sakhe sokunene, lezwaneni olukhulu lonyawo lwakhe lokunene, phezu kwegazi lomnikelo wecala; Lokuseleyo kwamafutha asesandleni sompristi uzakufaka ekhanda lalowo ozahlanjululwa. Ngalokho umpristi uzamenzela inhlawulo yokuthula phambi kweN. Umpristi uzanikela-ke umnikelo wesono amenzele inhlawulo yokuthula lowo ozahlanjululwa ekungcoleni kwakhe, lemva kwalokho ahlabe umnikelo wokutshiswa, Njalo umpristi uzanikela umnikelo wokutshiswa lomnikelo wokudla elathini. Ngalokho umpristi uzamenzela inhlawulo yokuthula, njalo uzahlambuluka. Kodwa-ke uba engumyanga, lesandla sakhe singa ku finyeleli, uzathatha iwundlu elilodwa libe ngumnikelo wecala lokuzunguzwa ukumenzela inhlawulo yokuthula, lengxenye eyodwa etshumini lempuphu ecolekileyo ixubene lamafutha kube ngumnikelo wokudla, lelogi yamafutha, lamajuba amabili loba amaphuphu amabili enkwilimba, isandla sakhe esingakufinyelela, njalo okunye kube ngumnikelo wesono lokunye kube ngumnikelo wokutshiswa. Langosuku lwesificaminwembili uzakulethela ukuhlanjululwa kwakhe kumpristi, emnyango wethente lenhlangano, phambi kweN. Umpristi uzathatha-ke iwundlu elomnikelo wecala, lelogi yamafutha; njalo umpristi uzakuzunguza kube ngumnikelo wokuzunguzwa phambi kweN. Ahlabe iwundlu elomnikelo wecala; njalo umpristi athathe okwegazi lomnikelo wecala, akufake eqwangeni lwendlebe yokunene yalowo ozahlanjululwa, lesithupheni sesandla sakhe sokunene, lezwaneni olukhulu lonyawo lwakhe lokunene; njalo umpristi uzathela okwamafutha esandleni sompristi sokhohlo; umpristi uzafafaza-ke okwamafutha asesandleni sakhe sokhohlo kasikhombisa phambi kweN ngomunwe wakhe wokunene; njalo umpristi uzafaka okwamafutha asesandleni sakhe eqwangeni lwendlebe yokunene yalowo ozahlanjululwa, lesithupheni sesandla sakhe sokunene, lezwaneni olukhulu lonyawo lwakhe lokunene, endaweni yegazi lomnikelo wecala. Lokuseleyo kwamafutha asesandleni sompristi uzakufaka ekhanda lalowo ozahlanjululwa, ukumenzela inhlawulo yokuthula phambi kweN. Njalo uzanikela elinye lamajuba loba elamaphuphu enkwilimba, kulokho isandla sakhe esifinyelele kukho, lokho isandla sakhe esifinyelele kukho, okunye kube ngumnikelo wesono lokunye kube ngumnikelo wokutshiswa, kanye lomnikelo wokudla. Lompristi uzamenzela ohlanjululwayo inhlawulo yokuthula phambi kweN. Lo ngumlayo ngalowoesikuye isifo sobulephero, osandla sakhe kasifinyeleli ekuhlanjululweni kwakhe. yasikhuluma kuMozisi lakuAroni isithi: Lapho selifikile elizweni leKhanani engilinika lona libe yimfuyo, uba ngifake isifo sobulephero endlini yelizwe lelifa lenu, umninindlu uzakuza ambikele umpristi, esithi: Kubonakala kimi kungathi kulesifo endlini. Umpristi uzalaya ukuthi bakhuphe okusendlini, engakafiki umpristi ukubona isifo, ukuze konke okusendlini kungangcoli. Emva kwalokho umpristi uzangena ukukhangela indlu. Lapho ebona isifo, khangela-ke, ubaisifo sisemidulini yendlu, sil amagodigodi aluhlazana loba abomvana, lokubonakala kwawo kutshonile kulomduli, umpristi uzaphuma endlini aye emnyango wendlu, ayivale indlu insuku eziyisikhombisa. Njalo umpristi uzabuya ngosuku lwesikhombisa; uba ebona ukuthi, khangela, isifo sesiqhelile emidulini yendlu, umpristi uzalaya ukuthi bakhuphe izitina isifo esikuzo, bazilahlele ngaphandle komuzi endaweni engcolileyo, njalo uzakwenza ukuthi indlu iphalwe phakathi inhlangothi zonke, babesebethululela uthuli abaluphalileyo ngaphandle komuzi endaweni engcolileyo. Babesebethatha ezinye izitina, bazifake endaweni yalezozitina, njalo uzathatha olunye udaka ayibhade indlu. Kodwa uba isifo sibuya futhi siqhamuke endlini emva kokukhupha kwakhe izitina, lemva kokuphalwa kwendlu, lemva kokubhadwa, umpristi uzabuya; uba ebona ukuthi, khangela, isifo sesiqhelile endlini, kuyibulephero obuvukuzayo endlini; ingcolile. Njalo uzayidiliza indlu, izitina zayo, lezigodo zayo, lalo lonke udaka lwendlu, akukhuphele ngaphandle komuzi endaweni engcolileyo. Lalowo ongena kuleyondlu zonke izinsuku eseyivalile uzakuba ngongcolileyo kuze kuhlwe. Lalowo olala kuleyondlu uzawatsha izembatho zakhe; lalowo odlela kuleyondlu uzawatsha izembatho zakhe. Kodwa nxa umpristi esengenile lokungena abone ukuthi, khangela, isifo kasiqhelanga endlini emva kokubhadwa kwendlu, umpristi uzakutsho ukuthi indlu ihlambulukile, ngoba isifo seselatshiwe. Lokuze indlu ihlambuluke, lesigodo somsedari, lokubomvu, lehisope, abulalele enye inyoni embizeni yebumba phezu kwamanzi agobhozayo, athathe isigodo somsedari lehisope lokubomvu lenyoni ephilayo, akugxamuze egazini lenyoni ebuleweyo lemanzini agobhozayo, afafaze indlu kasikhombisa, ahlambulule indlu ngegazi lenyoni langamanzi agobhozayo langenyoni ephilayo langesigodo somsedari langehisope langokubomvu, ayiyekele inyoni ephilayo iye ngaphandle komuzi endle. Ngakho uzayenzela indlu inhlawulo yokuthula, njalo ihlambuluke. Lo ngumlayo waso sonke isifo sobulephero, lowoqweqwe, lowobulephero besembatho, lowethumba, lowokhwekhwe, lowebala elikhanyayo, ukufundisa mhla kungcolile lamuhla kuhlambulukile. Lo ngumlayo wobulephero. yasikhuluma kuMozisi lakuAroni isithi: Tshonini ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli lithi kubo: Ileyo laleyondoda, nxa kulokugobhoza okuphuma enyameni yayo, ngo kugobhoza kwayo ingcolile. Lalokhu kuzakuba yikungcola kwayo ngenxa yokugobhoza kwayo. Loba inyama yayo iyagobhoza ngokugobhoza kwayo loba inyama yayo isimile ekugobhozeni kwayo, kuyikungcola kwayo. Wonke umbheda alala kuwo olokugobhoza uzangcola; layo yonke into ahlala kuyo izangcola. Njalo loba ngubani othinta umbheda wakhe uzawatsha izembatho zakhe. Lohlala entweni ahlale kuyo olokugobhoza uzawatsha izembatho zakhe, ageze ngamanzi, abe ngongcolileyo kuze kuhlwe. Lothinta inyama yalowo olokugobhoza uzawatsha izembatho zakhe, ageze ngamanzi, abe ngongcolileyo kuze kuhlwe. Uba-ke olokugobhoza ekhafulela ngamathe ohlambulukileyo, uzawatsha izembatho zakhe, ageze ngamanzi, abe ngongcolileyo kuze kuhlwe. Laso sonke isihlalo senyamazana agada kuso olokugobhoza sizangcola. Laloba ngubani othinta loba yini ebingaphansi kwakhe uzakuba ngongcolileyo kuze kuhlwe; loyithwalayo uzawatsha izembatho zakhe, ageze ngamanzi, abe ngongcolileyo kuze kuhlwe. Laloba ngubani olokugobhoza amthintayo engahlambululanga izandla zakhe ngamanzi, uzawatsha izembatho zakhe, ageze ngamanzi, abe ngongcolileyo kuze kuhlwe. Lembiza yebumba olokugobhoza ayithintayo izabulawa, laso sonke isitsha sesigodo sizahlanjululwa ngamanzi. Lapho-ke olokugobhoza esehlanjululwe ekugobhozeni kwakhe, uzazibalela insuku eziyisikhombisa zokuhlanjululwa kwakhe, awatshe izembatho zakhe, ageze umzimba wakhe ngamanzi agobhozayo, ahlambuluke. Njalo ngosuku lwesificaminwembili uzazithathela amajuba amabili loba amaphuphu amabili enkwilimba, eze phambi kweN emnyango wethente lenhlangano, akunike umpristi. Umpristi uzanikela-ke elinye libe ngumnikelo wesono lelinye libe ngumnikelo wokutshiswa. Indoda, nxa kuphuma-ke kuyo ubudoda bokuhlangana, izageza umzimba wayo wonke ngamanzi, ibe ngengcolileyo kuze kuhlwe. Njalo sonke isembatho laso sonke isikhumba obukuso ubudoda bokuhlangana sizawatshwa ngamanzi, sibe ngesingcolileyo kuze kuhlwe. Futhi owesifazana indoda elele laye ngobudoda bokuhlangana, bobabilibazageza ngamanzi, babe ngabangcolileyo kuze kuhlwe. Njalo owesifazana, nxa kulokugobhoza, ukugobhoza kwakhe enyameni yakhe kuligazi, uzakuba sekwehlukanisweni kwakhe insuku eziyisikhombisa; njalo loba ngubani omthintayo uzakuba ngongcolileyo kuze kuhlwe. Lakho konke alala kukho ekwehlukanisweni kwakhe kuzangcola; lakho konke ahlala kukho kuzangcola. Njalo loba ngubani othinta umbheda wakhe uzawatsha izembatho zakhe, ageze ngamanzi, abe ngongcolileyo kuze kuhlwe. Njalo loba ngubani othinta loba yiyiphi into ahlale kuyo uzawatsha izembatho zakhe, ageze ngamanzi, abe ngongcolileyo kuze kuhlwe. Loba-ke ibisembhedeni loba entweni ahlala kuyo, uba eyithinta, uzakuba ngongcolileyo kuze kuhlwe. Njalo nxa indoda ilala lokulala laye, ukwehlukaniswa kwakhe kuzakuba kiyo; isizakuba ngengcolileyo insuku eziyisikhombisa, lawo wonke umbheda elala kuwo uzangcola. Njalo owesifazana, uba ukugobhoza kwegazi kugobhoza insuku ezinengi, kungeyisiso isikhathi sokwehlukaniswa kwakhe, kumbe uba kugobhoza okwedlula isikhathisokwehlukaniswa kwakhe, zonke izinsuku zokugobhoza kokungcola kwakhe, uzakuba njengensuku zokwehlukaniswa kwakhe, abe ngongcolileyo. Wonke umbheda alala kuwo zonke izinsuku zokugobhoza kwakhe uzakuba kuye njengombheda wokwehlukaniswa kwakhe; njalo loba yiyiphi into ahlala kuyo izangcola, njengokungcola kokwehlukaniswa kwakhe. Njalo loba ngubani othinta lezozinto uzakuba ngongcolileyo, awatshe izembatho zakhe, ageze ngamanzi, abe ngongcolileyo kuze kuhlwe. Kodwa uba esehlanjululwe ekugobhozeni kwakhe, uzazibalela insuku eziyisikhombisa, lemva kwalokho uzahlambuluka. Langosuku lwesificaminwembili uzazithathela amajuba amabili loba amaphuphu amabili enkwilimba, akulethe kumpristi emnyango wethente lenhlangano. Umpristi uzanikela-ke elinye libe ngumnikelo wesono lelinye libe ngumnikelo wokutshiswa. Ngalokho umpristi uzamenzela inhlawulo yokuthula phambi kweN ngenxa yokugobhoza kokungcola kwakhe. Ngalindlela lizakwehlukanisa abantwana bakoIsrayeli lokungcola kwabo, ukuze bangafeli ekungcoleni kwabo, lapho bengcolisa ithabhanekele lami eliphakathi kwabo. Lo ngumlayo walowo olokugobhoza, futhi lowesifazana ogulayo ekwehlukanisweni kwakhe. yasikhuluma kuMozisi emva kokufa kwamadodana amabili kaAroni ekusondeleni kwawo phambi kweN, asesifa. yasisithi kuMozisi: Khuluma kuAroni umnewenu ukuthi angangeni langasiphi isikhathi e ndaw eni engcwele ngaphakathi kweveyili. Elalokhu uAroni uzangena e ndaw eni engcwele: elejongosi ithole lenkomo, libe ngumnikelo wesono. Uzakwembatha isigqoko esingcwele lelembu elicolekileyo, azembathe. Lakunhlangano yabantwana bakoIsrayeli uzathatha izimpongo ezimbili zembuzi zibe ngumnikelo wesono, lenqama eyodwa ibe ngumnikelo wokutshiswa. Njalo uAroni uzanikela ijongosi lomnikelo wesono elingelakhe, azenzele inhlawulo yokuthula lokwendlu yakhe. Athathe impongo ezimbili, azibeke phambi kweN emnyango wethente lenhlangano. UAroni uzakwenza-ke inkatho phezu kwezimpongo ezimbili, enye inkatho ibe ngeyeN lenye inkatho ibe ngeyempongo yokususa. UAroni uzasondeza-ke impongo okuphezu kwayo inkatho yeN, ayenze ibe ngumnikelo wesono; kodwa impongo okuphezu kwayo inkatho yempongo yokususa uzayibeka iphilile phambi kweN ukwenza inhlawulo yokuthula ngayo, ukuyiyekela ihambe njengempongo yokususa enkangala. Njalo uAroni uzasondeza ijongosi lomnikelo wesono elingelakhe, azenzele inhlawulo yokuthula leyendlu yakhe; ahlabe ijongosi lomnikelo wesono elingelakhe. Athathe umganu wokutshisela impepha ugcwele amalahle omlilo avele elathini phambi kweN KOSI, akulethe ngaphakathi kweveyili, abeke impepha phezu komlilo phambi kweN KOSI, ukuze angafi. Athathe okwegazi lejongosi; langaphambi kwesihlalo somusa uzafafaza okwegazi kasikhombisa ngomunwe wakhe. Abesehlaba impongo yomnikelo wesono engeyabantu, enze ngegazi layo njengokwenza kwakhe ngegazi lejongosi, alifafaze phezu kwesihlalo somusa laphambi kwesihlalo somusa. Ngalokho uzakwenzela indawoengcwele inhlawulo yokuthula, ngenxa yokungcola kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli, langenxa yeziphambeko zabo, ezonweni zabo zonke. Futhi uzalenzela njalo ithente lenhlangano, elihlala labo phakathi kokungcola kwabo. Kakungabi khona lamuntu ethenteni lenhlangano, ekungeneni kwakhe ukwenza inhlawulo yokuthula e ndaw eni engcwele aze aphume, esezenzele inhlawulo yokuthula, leyendlu yakhe, leyebandla lonke lakoIsrayeli. Uzaphumela-ke elathini eliphambi kweN, alenzele inhlawulo yokuthula, athathe okwegazi lejongosi lokwegazi lempongo, akufake empondweni zelathi inhlangothi zonke; afafaze okwegazi phezu kwalo kasikhombisa ngomunwe wakhe, alihlambulule, alingcwelise ekungcoleni kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli. Lapho eseqedile ukwenzela indawoengcwele ukubuyisana, lethente lenhlangano, uzasondeza impongo ephilayo; uAroni abeke-ke izandla zakhe zombili enhlokweni yempongo ephilayo, avume phezu kwayo bonke ububi babantwana bakoIsrayeli, leziphambeko zonke zabo, lezono zabo zonke, akubeke enhlokweni yempongo, a yi yekele ihambe ngesandla sendoda efaneleyo, iye enkangala. Impongo izathwala-ke phezu kwayo bonke ububi babo, iye emmangweni owehlukanisiweyo; njalo izayiyekela impongo iye enkangala. LoAroni uzangena ethenteni lenhlangano, akhulule izembatho zelembu elicolekileyo abezembethe ekungeneni kwakhe e ndaw eni engcwele, azitshiye khona, ageze umzimba wakhe ngamanzi endaweni engcwele, agqoke izembatho zakhe, aphume, enze umnikelo wakhe wokutshiswa lomnikelo wokutshiswa wabantu, azenzele yena inhlawulo yokuthula leyabantu. Lamahwahwa omnikelo wesono uzawatshisa elathini. Lalowo oyekele impongo njengempongo yokususa uzawatsha izembatho zakhe, ageze umzimba wakhe ngamanzi, emva kwalokho angene enkambeni. Kodwa ijongosi lomnikelo wesono lempongo yomnikelo wesono, ogazi lazo langeniswa ukwenza inhlawulo yokuthula e ndaw eni engcwele, zizakhitshelwa ngaphandle kwenkamba; babesebetshisa izikhumba zazo lenyama yazo lomswane wazo ngomlilo. Lalowo okutshisayo uzawatsha izembatho zakhe, ageze umzimba wakhe ngamanzi, emva kwalokho angene enkambeni. Kuzakuba yisimiso esaphakade kini: Ngenyanga yesikhombisa ngolwetshumi lwenyanga, lingasebenzi lamsebenzi, owokuzalwa elizweni lowemzini ohlala njengowezizwe phakathi kwenu. Ngoba ngalolusuku uzalenzela inhlawulo yokuthula ukulihlambulula; kuzo zonke izono zenu phambi kweN lizahlanjululwa. Kulisabatha lokuphumula kini; njalo lizathobisa imiphefumulo yenu; kuyisimiso saphakade. Njalo umpristi ogcotshiweyo, izembatho ezingcwele, enzele inhlawulo yokuthula indawo engcwele ngcwele uzabenzela inhlawulo yokuthula. Lokhu kuzakuba yisimiso esilaphakade kini, ukwenzela inhlawulo yokuthula abantwana bakoIsrayeli kanye ngomnyaka ngazo zonke izono zabo. Wenza-ke njengokuba yalaya uMozisi. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Tshono kuAroni lakumadodana akhe, lebantwaneni bonke bakoIsrayeli, uthi kubo: Leli yilizwi elaye ngalo isithi: Loba ngubani wendlu kaIsrayeli ohlaba inkabi loba imvu loba imbuzi enkambeni, kumbe ekuhlabela ngaphandle kwenkamba, engakulethanga emnyango wethente lenhlangano ukunikela umnikelo eNni phambi kwethabhanekele leN, igazi lizabalelwa lowomuntu, uchithile igazi; ngakho lowomuntu uzaqunywa asuke ebantwini bakibo. Ukuze, lapho abantwana bakoIsrayeli beletha imihlatshelo yabo, abayihlabela endle. Njalo umpristi uzafafaza igazi phezu kwelathi leN KOSI. Njalo kabasayikuhlabela amadimoni. Lokhu kuzakuba yisimiso esilaphakade kubo ezizukulwaneni zabo. Tshono-ke kubo uthi: Ngulowo lalowo wendlu kaIsrayeli, lakowemzini ohlala njengowezizwe phakathi kwabo, onikela umnikelo wokutshiswa loba umhlatshelo, angawulethi emnyango wethente lenhlangano ukuze awenzele iN, lowomuntu uzaqunywa asuke ebantwini bakibo. Njalo ngulowo lalowo wendlu kaIsrayeli, lakowemzini ohlala njengowezizwe phakathi kwabo, odla loba yiliphi igazi, ngiwuqume usuke phakathi kwabantu bawo. Ngoba impilo yenyama isegazini. Ngakho ngathi ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli: Kakungabi lamphefumulo kini odla igazi; lowemzini ohlala njengowezizwe phakathi kwenu kangadli igazi. Njalo ngulowo lalowo ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli, lakowemzini ohlala njengowezizwe phakathi kwabo, ozingela inyama yenyamazana kumbe inyoni edliwayo, uzathulula igazi layo. Ngoba kuyimpilo yenyama yonke; igazi layo lisempilweni yayo; yikho ngathi ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli: Lingadli igazi loba ngelayiphi inyama, ngoba impilo yayo yonke inyama kuligazi layo; loba ngubani olidlayo uzaqunywa. Futhi wonke umphefumulo odla ingcuba, abe ngongcolileyo kuze kuhlwe; emva kwalokho uzahlambuluka. Kodwa uba enga zi watshi, engagezi umzimba wakhe, uzathwala ububi bakhe. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Tshono ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli uthi kubo: NgiyuNkulunkulu wenu. Lingenzi njengokwemisebenzi yelizwe leGibhithe lapho elalihlala khona. Lizakwenza izehlulelo zami ligcine izimiso zami, ukuhamba kuzo. NgiyuNkulunkulu wenu. Ngakho lizagcina izimiso zami lezehlulelo zami; okuthi uba umuntu ezenza uzaphila ngazo. NgiyiN. Kakungasondeli lamuntu lakusiphi isihlobo senyama yakhe ukwembula ubunqunu baso. NgiyiN. Ungembuli ubunqunu bukayihlo lobunqunu bukanyoko; ungunyoko, ungembuli ubunqunu bakhe. Ungembuli ubunqunu bomkayihlo, buyibunqunu bukayihlo. Ubunqunu bukadadewenu, indodakazi kayihlo loba indodakazi kanyoko, ezelwe ekhaya loba ezelwe ngaphandle, ungembuli ubunqunu babo. Ungembuli ubunqunu bendodakazi yendodana yakho, loba bendodakazi yendodakazi yakho, ngoba bayibunqunu bakho. Ubunqunu bendodakazi yomkayihlo ezelwe nguyihlo, ingudadewenu, ungembuli ubunqunu bayo. Ungembuli ubunqunu bukadadewabo kayihlo, ngoba eyisihlobo sikayihlo. Ungembuli ubunqunu bukadadewabo kanyoko, ngoba eyisihlobo sikanyoko. Ungembuli ubunqunu bomfowabo kayihlo; ungasondeli kumkakhe, ngoba enguyihlokazi. Ungembuli ubunqunu bukamalokozana; ungumkandodana yakho, ungembuli ubunqunu bakhe. Ungembuli ubunqunu bomkamfowenu, buyibunqunu bomfowenu. Ungembuli ubunqunu bowesifazana lobendodakazi yakhe; ungathathi indodakazi yendodana yakhe loba indodakazi yendodakazi yakhe, ukwembula ubunqunu bayo; bayizihlobo; kuyinkohlakalo. Ungathathi owesifazana kanye lodadewabo uku m hlupha, ukwembula ubunqunu bakhe. Ungasondeli kowesifazana ekwehlukanisweni kokungcola kwakhe ukwembula ubunqunu bakhe. Ungalali lomkamakhelwane wakho ukungcola ngaye. Unganiki okwenzalo yakho ukuthi ukudabulisele. Ungalali lowesilisa njengokulala lowesifazana; kuyisinengiso. Ungalali laloba yiyiphi inyamazana ukungcola ngayo; futhi owesifazana angemi phambi kwenyamazana ukulala layo. Lingazingcolisi langenye yalezizinto. Ngalokho ilizwe lingcolile. Ngakho lina lizagcina izimiso zami lezehlulelo zami, lingenzi okwazo zonke lezizinengiso; owokuzalwa elizweni loba owemzini ohlala njengowezizwe phakathi kwenu. Ngoba zonke lezizinengiso bazenza abantu balelolizwe ababekhona ngaphambi kwenu, ngakho ilizwe langcola. Ukuze ilizwe lingalihlanzi lapho lilingcolisa, njengalokhu lahlanza isizwe esasikhona ngaphambi kwenu. Ngoba wonke owenza okwalezizinengiso, imiphefumulo ekwenzayo izaqunywa isuke ebantwini bayo. Ngakho lizagcina umlayo wami. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Tshono kunhlangano yonke yabantwana bakoIsrayeli uthi kubo: Banini ngcwele, ngoba mina uNkulunkulu wenu ngingcwele. Yesabani, ngulowo lalowo, unina loyise. Lingaphendukeli ezithombeni. NgiyuNkulunkulu wenu. Njalo nxa linikela umhlatshelo weminikelo yokuthula eNni. Uzadliwa ngosuku lokunikela kwenu langakusasa; kodwa okuseleyo ngosuku lwesithathu kuzatshiswa ngomlilo. Uba kudliwa lokudliwa ngosuku lwesithathu, kuzakuba yisinengiso; kakuyikwemukeleka. Ngakho okudlayo uzathwala ububi bakhe, ngoba ungcolise okungcwele kweN. Lalapho livuna isivuno selizwe lakini, ungavuni ngokupheleleyo umngcele wensimu yakho; futhi ungabuthi okuseleyo kwesivuno sakho. Ungakhothozi isivini sakho; futhi ungabuthi okuwileyo kwesivini sakho; uzakutshiyela abayanga labemzini. NgiyuNkulunkulu wenu. Lingebi. Lingafungi ngamanga ngebizo lami. Ungacindezeli umakhelwane wakho. Ungaqalekisi isacuthe. Ungenzi ukungalungi ekwahluleleni; ungemukeli ubuso bomyanga, ungahloniphi ubuso bomkhulu, yahlulela umakhelwane wakho ngokulunga. Ungahambahambi njeng omnyundi phakathi kwabantu bakini. Ungazondi umfowenu enhliziyweni yakho. Ungaphindiseli, ungabi lasikhwililabantwana babantu bakini. Gcinani izimiso zami. Ungavumeli izifuyo zakho zikhwelwe yimihlobo emibili. Ungahlanyeli insimu yakho ngenhlobo ezimbili. Lendoda, nxa ilala ngokwenyama lomfazi, eyisigqilikazi esikhombileyo, esingahlengwanga lokuhlengwa, kumbe singanikwanga inkululeko, kuzakuba lesijeziso. Kabayikubulawa, ngoba sasingakhululwanga. Njalo izaletha umnikelo wayo wecala eNni, emnyango wethente lenhlangano, inqama ibe ngumnikelo wecala. Njalo umpristi uzayenzela inhlawulo yokuthula ngenqama yomnikelo wecala phambi kweN ngesono sayo esonileyo, izathethelelwa-ke esonweni sayo esonileyo. Lalapho selifikile elizweni, lihlanyele yonke imihloboyezihlahla zokudla, lizathatha isithelo sazo njengento engasokwanga; iminyaka emithathu sizakuba singasokwanga kini, singadliwa. Kodwa ngomnyaka wesine sonke isithelo sazo sizakuba ngcwele, sibe yindumiso eNni. Langomnyaka wesihlanu lingadla isithelo sazo, ukuze zilengezelelele isivuno sazo. NgiyuNkulunkulu wenu. Lingadli luthoolulegazi. Lingageli amagumbi ekhanda lenu, ungoni amagumbi endevu zakho. Lingazicabi enyameni yenu ngenxa yofileyo, lingafaki phezu kwenu uphawu lokuzisika. NgiyiN. Ungangcolisi indodakazi yakho ngokuyenza ibe liwule, hlezi ilizwe liphinge, lelizwe ligcwale inkohlakalo. Gcinani amasabatha ami. Lingaphendukeli kulabo abalamadlozi lakwabalumbayo; lingabadingi ukuze lingcoliswe yibo. NgiyuNkulunkulu wenu. Sukumela impunga. Futhi nxa owezizweni ehlala njengowezizwe lawe elizweni lakini, lingamcindezeli. Owezizweni ohlala njengowezizwe lani uzakuba kini njengozalwa elizweni phakathi kwenu. Lingenzi ukungalungi ekwahluleleni. Banini lezikali zokulinganisa ezilungileyo. NgiyuNkulunkulu wenu owalikhupha elizweni leGibhithe. Ngakho gcinani zonke izimiso zami lezehlulelo zami zonke, lizenze. NgiyiN. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Tshono futhi ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli uthi. Mina-ke ngizamisa ubuso bami bumelane lalowomuntu. Uba-ke abantu belizwe befihla lokufihla amehlo abo kulowomuntu nxa enikela okwenzalo yakhe kuMoleki, ukuze bangambulali, mina ngizamisa ubuso bami bumelane lalowomuntu njalo bumelane losapho lwakhe, ngimqume. Umphefumulo, ophendukela-ke kulabo abalamadlozi lakwabalumbayo ukuphinga ubalandela. Ngakho zingcweliseni libe ngcwele, ngoba ngiyuNkulunkulu wenu. Njalo gcinani izimiso zami, lizenze. Ngoba ngulowo lalowo othuka uyise kumbe unina uzabulawa lokubulawa; uthukile uyise kumbe unina. Lendoda efeba lomfazi womuntu, efeba lomkamakhelwane wayo, izabulawa lokubulawa, isifebe lesifebekazi. Lendoda elala lomkayise yembule ubunqunu bukayise; bobabili bazabulawa lokubulawa; igazi labo liphezu kwabo. Lendoda elala lomalokazana wayo, bobabili bazabulawa lokubulawa; igazi labo liphezu kwabo. Lendoda elala lowesilisa njengokulala lowesifazana, bobabili benze isinengiso; bazabulawa lokubulawa; igazi labo liphezu kwabo. Lendoda ethatha umfazi kanye lonina, kuyinkohlakalo. Bazatshiswa ngomlilo, yena labo, ukuze kungabi khona inkohlakalo phakathi kwenu. Lendoda elala lenyamazana, izabulawa lokubulawa, futhi lizayibulala inyamazana. Lowesifazana osondela lakuyiphi inyamazana ukulala layo, uzabulala owesifazana lenyamazana; bazabulawa lokubulawa; igazi labo liphezu kwabo. Lendoda ethatha udadewabo, indodakazi kayise loba indodakazi kanina, ibone ubunqunu bakhe. Lendoda elala lowesifazana ogulayo, yembule ubunqunu bakhe. Njalo ungembuli ubunqunu bukadadewabo kanyoko, loba obukadadewabo kayihlo. Lendoda elala lomkamfowabo kayise, yembule ubunqunu bomfowabo kayise; bazathwala isono sabo; bafe bengelabantwana. Lendoda ethatha umkamfowabo, kuyikungcola; yembule ubunqunu bukamfowabo; bazakuba ngabangelabantwana. Ngakho gcinani zonke izimiso zami lezehlulelo zonke zami, lizenze. Njalo lingahambi ngezimiso zesizwe engisixotshayo phambi kwenu. Kodwa ngathi kini: Lizakudla ilifa lelizwe labo; mina ngizalinika ukuthi lidle ilifa lalo. Ngakho yehlukanisani phakathi kwenyamazana ezihlambulukileyo lezingahlambulukanga, laphakathi kwezinyoni ezingahlambulukanga lezihlambulukileyo. Njalo lizakuba ngcwele kimi, ngoba mina N ngingcwele. Njalo owesilisa loba owesifazana, abalamadlozi loba abalumbayo, bazabulawa lokubulawa. yasisithi kuMozisi: Tshono kubapristi, amadodana kaAroni, uthi kubo: Kakungabi khona ozingcolisayo ngofileyo phakathi kwabantu bakibo, ngaphandle kwesihlobo sakhe, esiseduze laye, ngonina, langoyise, langendodana yakhe, langendodakazi yakhe, langomfowabo, langodadewabo intombi emsulwa, eseduze laye, engazange ibe ngeyendoda; angazingcolisa ngayo. Kayikuzingcolisa, eyisikhulu phakathi kwabantu bakibo, ukuzingcolisa. Kabayikwenza impabanga ekhanda labo, bangageli igumbi lodevu lwabo, bangacabi inhlanga enyameni yabo. Bazakuba ngcwele kuNkulunkulu wabo, bangeyisi ibizo likaNkulunkulu wabo. Kabayikuthatha owesifazana oyisifebe kumbe ongcolileyo. Ngakho uzamngcwelisa, ngoba unikela ukudla kukaNkulunkulu wakho. Uzakuba ngcwele kuwe, ngoba mina N elingcwelisayo ngingcwele. Lendodakazi yaloba nguwuphi umpristi, uba izingcolisa ngokuphinga, iyamngcolisa uyise; izatshiswa ngomlilo. Lompristi omkhulu phakathi kwabafowabo, okuthelwe ekhanda lakhe amafutha okugcoba; angayi lakusiphi isidumbu, angazingcolisi ngoyise loba ngonina; angaphumi endlini engcwele, angangcolisi indlu engcwele kaNkulunkulu wakhe. Njalo yena uzathatha umfazi ebuntombini bakhe. Umfelokazi, kumbe olahliweyo, loba isifebe esingcolisiweyo, laba kangabathathi. Kodwa uzathatha intombi emsulwa ebantwini bakibo ibe ngumka khe, njalo angangcolisi inzalo yakhe phakathi kwabantu bakibo. Ngoba ngiyemngcwelisayo. INkosi yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Khuluma kuAroni usithi: Loba ngubani owenzalo yakho ezizukulwaneni zabo okulesici kuye kangasondeli ukunikela ukudla kukaNkulunkulu wakhe. Ngoba loba nguwuphi umuntu okulesici kuye angasondeli, umuntu oyisiphofu, kumbe oyisiqhuli, kumbe olimele ebusweni, kumbe umuntu okulokwephuka konyawo kuye, kumbe ukwephuka kwesandla, kumbe olesifumbu, kumbe ongumuthwa, kumbe olomntwana elihlweni lakhe, kumbe olentembuzane, kumbe oloqweqwe olulumayo. Kakulamuntu owenzalo kaAroni umpristi okukuye isici ozasondela ukunikela iminikelo yeN eyenziwe ngomlilo; kulesici kuye, angasondeli ukunikela ukudla kukaNkulunkulu wakhe. Angadla ukudla kukaNkulunkulu wakhe, ezintweni ezingcwelengcwele, kodwa angezi kulo iveyili, angasondeli elathini, ngoba kulesici kuye, ukuze angangcolisi izindlu zami ezingcwele. UMozisi wasekhuluma lokhokuAroni, lakumadodana akhe, lakubo bonke abantwana bakoIsrayeli. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Tshono kuAroni lakumadodana akhe ukuthi bazehlukanise; ngoba zingcwele kimi: NgiyiN. Tshono kibo uthi: Loba nguwuphi umuntu ezizukulwaneni zenu owenzalo yenu yonke osondela ezintweni ezingcwele, abantwana bakoIsrayeli abazingcwelisela iN, nxa ukungcola kwakhe kuphezu kwakhe. Ngulowo lalowo owenzalo kaAroni, ongumlephero, loba olokugobhoza, kangadli ezintweni ezingcwele aze ahlambuluke, kumbe loba ngubani othinta loba yiyiphi into ehuquzelayo, angcoliswa yiyo, umuntu othinta lokhu uzakuba ngongcolileyo kuze kuhlwe, angadli okwezinto ezingcwele ngaphandle kokuthi ageze umzimba wakhe ngamanzi. Nxa selitshonile ilanga uzahlambuluka; lemva kwalokho angadla okwezinto ezingcwele, ngoba kuyikudla kwakhe. Ingcuba lokudatshuliweyo kangakudli ukuzingcolisa ngakho. NgiyiN. Ngakho bazagcina umlayo wami, ukuze bangathwali isono ngawo, bafele kuso, sebewungcolisile. Ngiyebangcwelisayo. Njalo kakho owemzini ozakudla into engcwele. Ohlala lompristi loyisisebenzi esiqatshiweyo kangadli into engcwele. Kodwa uba umpristi ethenga umuntu eyintengo yemali yakhe, yena angadla okwayo, lozelwe emzini wakhe, bona bangadla okokudla kwakhe. Lendodakazi yompristi, uba isiba ngeyendoda yemzini, yona kayingadli okomnikelo wezinto ezingcwele. Kodwa indodakazi yompristi, nxa ingumfelokazi loba ingelahliweyo ingelanzalo, isibuyele emzini kayise. Njalo nxa umuntu esidla into engcwele ngokungazi, uzakwengezelela kuyo ingxenye yesihlanu yayo, anike umpristi into engcwele. Njalo kabayikungcolisa izinto ezingcwele zabantwana bakoIsrayeli abaziphakamisela iN, babenze bathwale ububi becala, lapho besidla izinto zabo ezingcwele; ngoba ngiyebangcwelisayo. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Tshono kuAroni, lakumadodana akhe, lakubo bonke abantwana bakoIsrayeli, uthi kubo: Ngulowo lalowo owendlu kaIsrayeli, lowabezizweni koIsrayeli, ozanikela umnikelo wakhe ngezithembiso zabo zonke, langokweminikelo yabo yonke yesihle, abazayinikela eNni kube ngumnikelo wokutshiswa, ukuze lemukeleke, iduna elingelasici, elezinkomo, elezimvu, loba elembuzi. Linganikeli loba ngakuphi okulesici kukho, ngoba kakuyikwemukeleka kini. Umuntu, nxa enikela-ke umhlatshelo weminikelo yokuthula eNni. Eziyiziphofu, kumbe ezephukileyo, kumbe eziyizilima, kumbe ezilensumpa. Kodwa inkunzi loba imvu elesitho eselulekileyo kumbe esidundubeleyo lingayinikela ibe ngumnikelo wesihle; kodwa kayiyikwemukeleka ukuba ngeyesithembiso. Njalo linganikeli eNni okuhluzukileyo kumbe okugxotshiweyo loba okudatshuliweyo loba okuqunyiweyo; lingakwenzi elizweni lakini. Ngokuvela esandleni sowemzini linganikeli isinkwa sikaNkulunkulu wenu okuvela kuzo zonke lezi. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Nxa kuzalwa inkunzi loba imvu loba imbuzi, izakuba ngaphansi kukanina insuku eziyisikhombisa. Njalo kusukela kusuku lwesificaminwembili njalo kusiya phambili izakwemukeleka ibe ngumnikelo, umnikelo owenzelwe ngomlilo. Kodwa inkomokazi loba imvukazi lingayihlabi lomntwana wayo ngasuku lunye. Njalo nxa lihlabela umhlatshelo wokubonga, lizawuhlaba ukuze lemukeleke. Uzadliwa ngalolosuku, lingatshiyi okwawo kuze kube sekuseni. NgiyiN. Ngakho gcinani imilayo yami, liyenze. NgiyiN. Njalo lingeyisi ibizo lami elingcwele, eyalikhupha elizweni leGibhithe ukuze ngibe nguNkulunkulu wenu. NgiyiN. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Tshono ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli uthi kubo: Imikhosi emisiweyo yeN KOSI. Umsebenzi uzakwenziwa insuku eziyisithupha; kodwa usuku lwesikhombisa lulisabatha lokuphumula, inhlangano ebiziweyo engcwele; lingenzi lamsebenzi; lulisabatha eNni kuyo yonke imizi yenu. Le yimikhosi emisiweyo yeN, inhlangano ezibiziweyo ezingcwele. Ngenyanga yokuqala ngolwetshumi lane lwenyanga kusihlwa kuliphasika leN. Langosuku lwetshumi lanhlanu lwaleyonyanga kulomkhosi wesinkwa esingelamvubelo eNni; dlanini isinkwa esingelamvubelo insuku eziyisikhombisa. Ngosuku lokuqala lizakuba lenhlangano ebiziweyo engcwele; lingenzi lamsebenzi wezisebenzi. Kodwa lizanikela umnikelo owenzelwe ngomlilo insuku eziyisikhombisa. Ngosuku lwesikhombisa kuzakuba khona inhlangano ebiziweyo engcwele; lingenzi lamsebenzi wezisebenzi. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Tshono ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli uthi kubo: Lapho selifikile elizweni engilinika lona, livune isivuno salo, lethani isithungo sezithelo zokuqala zesivuno senu kumpristi, njalo azunguze isithungo phambi kweN KOSI. Ngosuku elizunguza ngalo isithungo, nikelani iwundlu elingelasici elilomnyaka owodwa, libe ngumnikelo wokutshiswa eNni. Lomnikelo wawo wokudla uzakuba zingxenye ezimbili etshumini zempuphu ecolekileyo ixubene lamafutha, ube ngumnikelo owenzelwe ngomlilo, kube luqhatshi olumnandi; lomnikelo wawo wokunathwayo uzakuba ngowewayini, ingxenye yesine yehini. Njalo kaliyikudla isinkwa, lamabele akhanzingiweyo, lezikhwebu ezintsha, kuze kufike lona lolosuku, lize lilethe umnikelo kaNkulunkulu wenu. Kuyisimiso esilaphakade ezizukulwaneni zenu, kuyo yonke imizi yenu. Njalo lizazibalela kusukela ngosuku olulandela isabatha, kusukela ngosuku elaletha ngalo isithungo somnikelo wokuzunguzwa; kuzakuba ngamasabatha ayisikhombisa apheleleyo, kuze kufike usuku olulandela isabatha lesikhombisa libale insuku ezingamatshumi amahlanu. Lethani okuvela emizini yenu izinkwa ezimbili zokuzunguzwa; zizakuba zingxenye ezimbili etshumini zempuphu ecolekileyo; zizabhakwa lemvubelo; ziyizithelo zokuqala eNni. Njalo lizanikela kanye lesinkwa amawundlu ayisikhombisa angelasici alomnyaka owodwa, lejongosi elilodwa ithole lenkomo, lenqama ezimbili; zizakuba ngumnikelo wokutshiswa eNni, kanye lomnikelo wazo wokudla leminikelo yazo yokunathwayo, umnikelo owenziwe ngomlilo, kube luqhatshi olumnandi eNni. Lizalungisa njalo izinyane lembuzi elilodwa libe ngumnikelo wesono, lamawundlu amabili alomnyaka owodwa abe ngumhlatshelo. Umpristi uzazizunguza-ke kanye lesinkwa sezithelo zokuqala zibe ngumnikelo wokuzunguzwa phambi kweN, kanye lamawundlu amabili. Lizamemezela ngalona lolosuku; kuzakuba yinhlangano ebiziweyo engcwele kini, lingenzi lamsebenzi wezisebenzi. Kuyisimiso esaphakade kuyo yonke imizi yenu ezizukulwaneni zenu. Lalapho livuna isivuno selizwe lakini, ekuvuneni kwakho ungaqedi emngceleni wensimu yakho; futhi ungabuthi okuseleyo kwesivuno sakho; ukutshiyele umyanga lowemzini. NgiyuNkulunkulu wenu. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Tshono ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli uthi: Ngenyanga yesikhombisa ngolokuqala lwenyanga kuzakuba kini yikuphumula. Lingenzi lamsebenzi wezisebenzi; kodwa nikelani umnikelo owenzelwe ngomlilo. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Yebo, ngolwetshumi lwalinyanga yesikhombisa kuzakuba lusuku lwenhlawulo yokuthula; lizakuba lenhlangano ebiziweyo engcwele; lizathobisa imiphefumulo yenu, linikele umnikelo owenzelwe ngomlilo. Langalona lolosuku lingenzi lamsebenzi, ngoba kulusuku lwenhlawulo yokuthula, ukulenzela lina inhlawulo yokuthula phambi kweN uNkulunkulu wenu. Ngoba loba yiwuphi umphefumulo ongazithobiyo ngalona lolosuku uzaqunywa usuke ebantwini bakibo. Laloba yiwuphi umphefumulo owenza loba yiwuphi umsebenzi ngalona lolosuku ngizawubhubhisa lowomphefumulo usuke phakathi kwabantu bakibo. Lingenzi lamsebenzi. Kuyisimiso esilaphakade ezizukulwaneni zenu kuyo yonke imizi yenu. Lisabatha lokuphumula kini; lizathobisa imiphefumulo yenu; ngolwesificamunwemunye lwenyanga, ntambama, kusukela kusihlwa kuze kube kusihlwa, lizagcina isabatha lenu. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Tshono ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli uthi: Ngosuku lwetshumi lanhlanu lwale inyanga yesikhombisa kuzakuba lomkhosi wamadumba insuku eziyisikhombisa eNni. Ngosuku lokuqala kuzakuba lenhlangano ebiziweyo engcwele; lingenzi lamsebenzi wezisebenzi. Insuku eziyisikhombisa lizanikela umnikelo owenzelwe ngomlilo. Ngosuku lwesificaminwembili kuzakuba lenhlangano ebiziweyo engcwele kini, linikele umnikelo owenzelwe ngomlilo. Kungumhlangano onzulu, lingenzi lamsebenzi wezisebenzi. Le yimikhosi emisiweyo yeN elizayimemezela ibe zinhlangano ezibiziweyo ezingcwele, ngaphandle kwamasabatha eN, langaphandle kwezipho zenu, langaphandle kwezithembiso zenu zonke, langaphandle kweminikelo yenu yonke yesihle, elayinikela eNni. Kodwa ngosuku lwetshumi lanhlanu lwenyanga yesikhombisa, lapho selibuthile isivuno selizwe, gcinani umkhosi weN insuku eziyisikhombisa. Ngosuku lokuqala kuzakuba lokuphumula langosuku lwesificaminwembili kuzakuba lokuphumula. Langosuku lokuqala zithatheleni izithelo zezihlahla ezinhle. Lizawugcina ube ngumkhosi eNni insuku eziyisikhombisa ngomnyaka. Kuyisimiso esilaphakade ezizukulwaneni zenu; liwugubhe ngenyanga yesikhombisa. Lizahlala emadumbeni insuku eziyisikhombisa; bonke abazalwa koIsrayeli bazahlala emadumbeni, ukuze izizukulwana zenu zazi ukuthi ngabahlalisa abantwana bakoIsrayeli emadumbeni ekubakhupheni kwami elizweni leGibhithe. NgiyuNkulunkulu wenu. Ngokunjalo uMozisi wabatshela abantwana bakoIsrayeli imikhosi emisiweyo yeN. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Laya abantwana bakoIsrayeli ukuthi balethe kuwe amafutha emihlwathi acengekileyo agigelwe ukukhanyisa ukuze izibane zivuthe njalonjalo. Ngaphandle kweveyili lobufakazi, ethenteni lenhlangano, uAroni uzazilungisa phambi kweN njalonjalo, kusukela kusihlwa kuze kube sekuseni; kuzakuba yisimiso esilaphakade ezizukulwaneni zenu. Uzalungisa izibane eluthini lwesibane olucwengekileyo phambi kweN njalonjalo. Uzathatha-ke impuphu ecolekileyo, ubhake ngayo amaqebelengwana alitshumi lambili; ingxenye ezimbili etshumini kuzakuba liqebelengwana elilodwa. Uwabeke emizileni emibili, ayisithupha emzileni; futhi ubeke ku lowo lalowoumzila inhlaka ecengekileyo, ibe yisinkwa sesikhumbuzo, umnikelo owenzelwe ngomlilo. Ngalo lonke usuku lwesabatha uzakulungisa phambi kweN njalonjalo, kuvela ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli, y isivumelwano esilaphakade. Njalo kuzakuba ngokukaAroni lokwamadodana akhe; ngoba kuyingcwelengcwele kuye, okuvela eminikelweni yeN eyenziwe ngomlilo, isimiso esilaphakade. Kwasekuphuma indodana yowesifazana umIsrayelikazi, owayeyindodana yendoda engumGibhithe, phakathi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli. Lalindodana yomIsrayelikazi lendoda engumIsrayeli balwa enkambeni. Indodana yowesifazana umIsrayelikazi yasihlambaza iBizo. Lebizo likanina lalinguShelomithi, indodakazi kaDibiri, owesizwe sakoDani. Basebemfaka esitokosini. yasikhuluma kuMozisi yathi: Khiphela ngaphandle kwenkamba umthuki; labo bonke abamuzwayo kababeke izandla zabo ekhanda lakhe, lenhlangano yonke imkhande ngamatshe. Khuluma-ke ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli uthi: Ngulowo lalowo othuka uNkulunkulu wakhe uzathwala isono sakhe. Lohlambaza ibizo leN uzabulawa lokubulawa; inhlangano yonke izamkhanda lokumkhanda ngamatshe. Njengowokuzalwa elizweni uzakuba njalo owemzini, nxa ehlambaza iBizo uzabulawa. Lomuntu nxa etshaya loba yiwuphi umphefumulo womuntu uzabulawa lokubulawa. Lotshaya abulale inyamazana uzayihlawula, impilo ngempilo. Umuntu nxa esipha-ke umakhelwane wakhe isici, njengokwenza kwakhe kuzakwenziwa njalo kuye, ukwephuka ngokwephuka, ilihlo ngelihlo, izinyo ngezinyo; njengalokho ephe umuntu isici, kuzakwenziwa njalo kuye. Lotshaya inyamazana ife uzayihlawula. Lizakuba lokwahlulela okukodwa, njengowezizwe uzakuba njalo owokuzalwa elizweni. Ngoba ngiyuNkulunkulu wenu. UMozisi wakhuluma-ke ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli, ukuthi bamkhuphele ngaphandle kwenkamba umthuki, bamkhande ngamatshe. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebesenza njengokulaya kweN kuMozisi. yasikhuluma kuMozisi entabeni yeSinayi isithi: Tshono ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli uthi kubo: Nxa lifika elizweni engilinika lona, ilizwe lizaphumula, isabatha eNni. Iminyaka eyisithupha uzahlanyela insimu yakho, leminyaka eyisithupha uthene isivini sakho, ubuthe isithelo saso. Kodwa ngomnyaka wesikhombisa kuzakuba lesabatha lokuphumula kwelizwe, isabatha eNni. Kawuyikuhlanyela insimu yakho, ungatheni isivini sakho. Kawuyikuvuna umkhukhuzela wesivuno sakho, kaliyikukha izithelo zamavini akho angathenwanga. Uzakuba ngumnyaka wokuphumula welizwe. Njalo isabatha lelizwe lizakuba yikudla kwenu, ngokwakho, lokwenceku yakho, lokwencekukazi yakho, lokoqatshiweyo wakho, lokowemzini wakho ohlala lawe njengowezizwe, lokwezifuyo zakho, lokwenyamazana eziselizweni lakho; konke elikuthelayo kuzakuba yikudla. Uzazibalela-ke amaviki ayisikhombisa eminyaka, iminyaka eyisikhombisa ephindwe kasikhombisa, ukuze insuku zamaviki ayisikhombisa eminyaka zibe yiminyaka engamatshumi amane lesificamunwemunye kuwe. Khona uzadlulisa uphondo lomsindo omkhulu enyangeni yesikhombisa ngolwetshumi lwenyanga; ngosuku lwenhlawulo yokuthula lizadlulisa umsindowophondo elizweni lonke lakini. Njalo lizangcwelisa lumnyaka wamatshumi amahlanu, limemezele inkululeko elizweni kubo bonke abakhileyo balo. Kuzakuba lijubili kini. Umnyaka wamatshumi amahlanu uzakuba ngumnyaka wejubili kini; lingahlanyeli, lingavuni umkhukhuzela wawo. Ngoba ulijubili, uzakuba ngcwele kini; lizakudla ensimini okuthelwayo kwayo. Ngomnyaka walelijubili lizabuyela, ngulowo lalowo elifeni lakhe. Uba-ke uthengisa ulutho kumakhelwane wakho loba uthenga esandleni sikamakhelwane wakho, lingacindezelani. Ngokwenani leminyaka emva kwejubili uzathenga kumakhelwane wakho; ngokwenani leminyaka yokuthelwayo uzakuthengisela. Ngobunengi beminyaka uzakwandisa intengo yakho; njalo ngobulutshwana beminyaka uzanciphisa intengo yakho; ngoba ekuthengisela inani lezivuno. Ngakho lingacindezelani. Ngakho yenzani izimiso zami, ligcine izehlulelo zami, lizenze. Lelizwe lizathela izithelo zalo, lidle lize lisuthe, lihlale kulo livikelekile. Uba-ke lisithi: Sizakudlani ngomnyaka wesikhombisa?. Khona ngizalaya isibusiso sami kini ngomnyaka wesithupha, ukuze uthele isivuno seminyaka emithathu. Njalo lizahlanyela ngomnyaka wesificaminwembili lidle. Lelizwe kaliyikuthengiswa lanininini, ngoba ilizwe ngelami. Lelizweni lonke lelifa lenu lizavumela uhlengo lwelizwe. Uba umfowenu esiba ngumyanga, athengise okwelifa lakhe, uzafika. Njalo umuntu, uba engelaye umhlengi, kodwa isandla sakhe sifinyelele, athole okwenele uhlengo lwakhe, kabale iminyaka yokuthengiswa kwalo, abuyisele okuseleyo kulowomuntu owamthengisela lona, abuyele elifeni lakhe. Kodwa uba isandla sakhe singatholanga okwenele ukubuyisela kuye, okuthengisiweyo kuzakuba sesandleni sokuthengileyo kuze kufike umnyaka wejubili; kodwa ngejubili kuzaphuma, njalo uzabuyela elifeni lakhe. Umuntu, uba ethengisa-ke indlu yokuhlala emzini olomthangala, ilungelo lohlengo lwayo lizakuba kuze kuphele umnyaka wokuthengiswa kwayo; ilungelo lohlengo lwayo lizakuba ngumnyaka wonke. Kodwa uba ingahlengwanga uze umnyaka wayo wonke ugcwale, leyondlu esemzini olomthangala izamiselwa lowo owayithengayo njalonjalo, ezizukulwaneni zakhe; kayiyikuphuma ngejubili. Kodwa izindlu zemizi engabiyelwanga ngomthangala zizabalwa njengensimu yelizwe; kulohlengo lwayo, njalo izaphuma ngejubili. Mayelana lemizi yamaLevi, izindlu zemizi yelifa lawo, amaLevi azakuba lohlengo lwaphakade. Uba kungohlenga kumaLevi, kuzaphuma ukuthengiswa kwendlu lokomuzi welifa lakhe ngejubili; ngoba izindlu zemizi yamaLevi ziyilifa lawo phakathi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli. Kodwa insimu yamaphethelo emizi yawo kayiyikuthengiswa, ngoba iyilifa lawo kuze kube nininini. Uba-ke umfowenu esiba ngumyanga, lesandla sakhe sixega kuwe, uzamsekela: Owemzini lohlezi njengowezizwe, ukuze aphile lawe. Ungathathi kuye umvuzo lenzuzo. Ungamuphi imali yakho ngenzalo, futhi ungaphi ukudla kwakho ngenzuzo. NgiyuNkulunkulu wenu owalikhupha elizweni leGibhithe ukulinika ilizwe leKhanani, ukuze ngibe nguNkulunkulu wenu. Uba-ke umfowenu olawe esiba ngumyanga, azithengise kuwe, ungamenzi asebenze njengesigqili; uzakuba lawe njengoqatshiweyo, njengohlala njengowezizwe, asebenze kuwe kuze kufike umnyaka wejubili. Khona ezaphuma kuwe, yena labantwana bakhe laye. Ngoba ziyizinceku zami engazikhupha elizweni leGibhithe; kaziyikuthengiswa ngokuthengiswa kwesigqili. Ungambusi nzima. Lesigqili sakho lesigqilikazi sakho ozakuba lazo, zizavela ezizweni ezilizingelezeleyo; kuzo lizathenga isigqili kumbe isigqilikazi. Futhi-ke ebantwaneni balabo abahlala njengabemzini abahlala njengabezizwe lani, kubo lingazithenga lakuzizukulwana zabo ezilani, abazizalela elizweni lakini, njalo bazakuba yimfuyo yenu. Njalo lizazenza abafuyi bazo lisenz ela abantwana benu emva kwenu ukuze badle ilifa lemfuyo. Uba-ke isandla sowezizweni loba sowemzini ohlala lawe sesifinyelele enothweni, lomfowenu olaye abe ngumyanga, azithengise kowemzini, owezizweni ohlala lawe, kumbe kusendo lwesizukulwana sowemzini, esezithengisile kungaba lokuhlengwa kwakhe; omunye wabafowabo angamhlenga, loba umfowabo kayise, loba umtanomfowabo kayise angamhlenga, kumbe isihlobo sakhe segazi emdeni wakhe singamhlenga. Uzabalisana lowamthengayo, kusukela emnyakeni owazithengisa kuye ngawo kuze kufike umnyaka wejubili; ukuze imali yentengiso yakhe izakuba njengenani leminyaka, njengensuku zoqatshiweyo kuzakuba njalo ngaye. Uba kuseleminyaka eminengi, ngokungayo uzabuyisela uhlengo lwakhe, emalini yokuthengwa kwakhe. Uba-ke kusele iminyaka emilutshwana kuze kufike umnyaka wejubili, uzabalisana laye; njengokweminyaka yakhe uzabuyisela uhlengo lwakhe. Uzakuba laye njengoqatshiweyo iminyaka ngeminyaka; kayikumbusa nzima phambi kwamehlo akho. Kodwa uba engahlengwanga ngalokhu, uzaphuma ngomnyaka wejubili, yena labantwana bakhe kanye laye. Ngoba kimi abantwana bakoIsrayeli bazinceku, bazinceku zami engazikhupha elizweni leGibhithe. NgiyuNkulunkulu wenu. Lingazenzeli izithombe; ngoba ngiyuNkulunkulu wenu. Gcinani amasabatha ami, lihloniphe indlu yami engcwele. NgiyiN. Uba lihamba ngezimiso zami, ligcine imilayo yami, liyenze, khona ngizanika izulu lenu ngesikhathi salo. Lesikhathi sokubhula kwenu sizafinyelela esikhathini sokuvuna amavini, lesikhathi sokuvuna amavini sizafinyelela esikhathini sokuhlanyela. Njalo ngizanika ukuthula elizweni, lilale. Njalo lizaxotsha izitha zenu, zizakuwa-ke phambi kwenu ngenkemba. Labahlanu benu bazaxotsha ikhulu, labalikhulu benu bazaxotsha inkulungwane ezilitshumi; lezitha zenu zizakuwa phambi kwenu ngenkemba. Njalo ngizaphendukela kini. Lizakudla-ke okudala okugciniweyo, likhuphe okudala ngenxa yokutsha. Njalo. Ngizahambahamba-ke phakathi kwenu. NgiyuNkulunkulu wenu owalikhupha elizweni leGibhithe ukuze lingabi yizigqili zabo. Kodwa uba lingangilaleli, lingayenzi yonke le imilayo, njalo uba lidelela izimiso zami, njalo uba umphefumulo wenu unengwa yizehlulelo zami, ukuze lingenzi yonke imilayo yami, ukwephula isivumelwano sami, lami ngizakwenza lokhu kini: Ngizamisa phezu kwenu ukwesaba okukhulu. Njalo ngizamisa ubuso bami bumelane lani. Kodwa uba ngalezizinto lingangilaleli, ngizakwengeza ngilijezise kasikhombisa ngenxa yezono zenu, ngephule ukuziphakamisa kwamandla enu; lamandla enu azachithelwa ize. Uba-ke lihamba ngokuphambene lami, lingafuni ukungilalela, ngizakwengezelela kini inhlupheko kasikhombisa ngokwezono zenu. Ngizathumela phakathi kwenu izilo zeganga ezizalemuka abantwana benu, zichithe izifuyo zenu, zilenze libe balutshwana. Njalo uba lingavumi ukuxwayiswa yimi ngalezizinto, kodwa lihamba ngokuphambene lami, lami ngizahamba ngokuphambene lani, lami ngilitshaye kasikhombisa ngenxa yezono zenu. Ngizakwehlisela inkemba phezu kwenu ezaphindisela impindiselo yesivumelwano. Uba libuthana emizini yenu. Lapho ngilephulela udondolo lwesinkwa, abesifazana abalitshumi bazabhaka isinkwa senu eziko elilodwa, babuyise isinkwa senu ngesisindo. Kodwa uba lingangilaleli kulokhu, lihambe ngokuphambene lami, lami ngizahamba ngokuphambene lani ngilentukuthelo, lami ngilijezise kasikhombisa ngenxa yezono zenu. Njalo lizakudla inyama yamadodana enu lenyama yamadodakazi enu lizayidla. Njalo ngizachitha indawo zenu eziphakemeyo. Ngizakwenza-ke imizi yenu ibe lunxiwa. Mina-ke ngizachitha ilizwe. Njalo ngizalihlakazela ezizweni, ngihwatshe inkemba emva kwenu; lelizwe lakini lizakuba yincithakalo, lemizi yenu ibe lunxiwa. Khona ilizwe lizathokoza ngamasabatha alo zonke izinsuku zencithakalo, liselizweni lezitha zenu; khona ilizwe lizaphumula, lithokoze ngamasabatha alo. Zonke insuku zencithakalo lizaphumula, ngoba kaliphumulanga ngamasabatha enu lisahlala kilo. Mayelana lalabo abaseleyo phakathi kwenu, ngizathuma ubuthakathaka enhliziyweni zabo emazweni ezitha zabo. Bazakhubeka omunye phezu komunye kungathi kuphambi kwenkemba, kungelamuntu o ba xotshayo. Njalo lizabhubha phakathi kwezizwe, lelizwe lezitha zenu lizakulidla. Labaseleyo phakathi kwenu bazacikizeka ebubini babo emazweni ezitha zabo, yebo lebubini baboyise bazacikizeka kanye labo. Uba bezavuma ububi babo lobubi baboyise, lami ngihambe ngokuphambene labo, ngibase elizweni lezitha zabo. Uba ngalesosikhathi inhliziyo yabo engasokanga, khona ngizakhumbula isivumelwano sami loJakobe, yebo lesivumelwano sami loIsaka, yebo lesivumelwano sami loAbrahama ngisikhumbule, lelizwe ngilikhumbule. Lelizwe lizatshiywa yibo, lithokoze ngamasabatha alo lisachithekile lingelabo. Kanti-ke lalokhu, lapho beselizweni lezitha zabo, kangiyikubadelela, futhi kangiyikunengwa yibo ukuze ngibaqothule. Kodwa ngizabakhumbulela isivumelwano sabokhokho babo engabakhupha elizweni leGibhithe. Lezi yizimiso lezehlulelo lemilayo ekunikileyo phakathi kwayo labantwana bakoIsrayeli. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Tshono ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli uthi kubo: Umuntu, nxa esenza isithembiso esikhethekileyo, njengesilinganiso sakho. Khona isilinganiso sakho sizakuba ngesowesilisa, kusukela koleminyaka engamatshumi amabili kusiya koleminyaka engamatshumi ayisithupha, isilinganiso sakho sizakuba ngamashekeli esiliva angamatshumi amahlanu, ngokweshekeli lendlu engcwele. Kodwa uba kungowesifazana, isilinganiso sakho sizakuba ngamashekeli angamatshumi amathathu. Njalo nxa kusukela koleminyaka emihlanu kusiya koleminyaka engamatshumi amabili, isilinganiso sakho sowesilisa sizakuba ngamashekeli angamatshumi amabili, lakowesifazana amashekeli alitshumi. Njalo nxa kusukela kolenyanga kusiya koleminyaka emihlanu, isilinganiso sakho sowesilisa sizakuba ngamashekeli amahlanu esiliva, njalo kowesifazana isilinganiso sakho sizakuba ngamashekeli amathathu esiliva. Uba-ke kusukela koleminyaka engamatshumi ayisithupha langaphezulu, uba kungowesilisa, isilinganiso sakho sizakuba ngamashekeli alitshumi lanhlanu, lakowesifazana amashekeli alitshumi. Kodwa uba engumyanga kulesilinganiso sakho, uzazimisa phambi kompristi ukuze umpristi amlinganise; njengalokho. Njalo uba kuyinyamazana abanikela okwayo umnikelo eNni, konke okwayo anikela ngakho eNni kuzakuba ngcwele. Kayikuyintshintsha, futhi angenaniseli ngayo, enhle ngembi loba embi ngenhle. Uba-ke usenanisa lokwenanisa inyamazana ngenyamazana, lokhu lalokhukwenaniselana kuzakuba ngcwele. Njalo uba kuyinyamazana loba yiyiphi engcolileyo abanganikeli okwayo ngayo umnikelo eNni, uzayimisa inyamazana phambi kompristi, umpristi ayilinganise-ke, ukuthi inhle loba imbi; njengesilinganiso sakho, mpristi, izakuba njalo. Kodwa uba eyihlenga lokuyihlenga, uzakwengezelela ingxenye yesihlanu yayo phezu kwesilinganiso sakho. Umuntu, nxa engcwelisa-ke indlu yakhe, ukuthi ibe ngcwele eNni, umpristi uzayilinganisa, ukuthi inhle loba imbi; njengalokho umpristi ezayilinganisa izakuma njalo. Uba-ke oyingcwelisileyo ezayihlenga indlu yakhe, uzakwengezelela ingxenye yesihlanu yemali yesilinganiso sakho phezu kwayo, njalo izakuba ngeyakhe. Uba-ke umuntu ezangcwelisela okwensimu yelifa lakhe, isilinganiso sakho sizakuba njengokwenhlanyelo yayo. Ihomeri lenhlanyelo yebhali libe ngamashekeli esiliva engamatshumi amahlanu. Uba engcwelisa insimu yakhe kusukela emnyakeni wejubili, njengesilinganiso sakho izakuma. Kodwa uba wangcwelisa insimu yakhe emva kwejubili, umpristi uzambalela imali ngokweminyaka eseleyo kuze kufike umnyaka wejubili, njalo kuzaphungulwa esilinganisweni sakho. Uba-ke owayingcwelisayo eyihlenga lokuyihlenga insimu, uzakwengezelela ingxenye yesihlanu yemali yesilinganiso sakho phezu kwayo, njalo iqiniswe kuye. Kodwa uba engayihlengi insimu, loba uba eseyithengisile insimu komunye umuntu, kayisayikuhlengwa; Kodwa insimu ekuphumeni kwayo ngejubili izakuba ngcwele eNni. Uba-ke eyingcwelisela insimu ayithengileyo, engayisiyo insimu yelifa lakhe, umpristi uzambalela-ke. Ngomnyaka wejubili insimu izabuyela kulowo eyathengwa kuye, kulowo ilifa lensimu ebelingelakhe. Njalo sonke isilinganiso sakho sizakuba ngokweshekeli lendlu engcwele. Kodwa izibulo, elizelwe njengengqabutho eNni elenyamazana, kakho ozalingcwelisa; loba inkabi loba imvu, ngeleN. Kodwa uba lingelenyamazana engcolileyo, uzalihlenga ngokwesilinganiso sakho, engezelele phezu kwalo ingxenye yesihlanu yalo; kodwa uba lingahlengwanga, lizathengiswa ngokwesilinganiso sakho. Kodwa kakukho into eyehlukanisiweyo, umuntu ayehlukanisele iN, kukho konke alakho, okuvela emuntwini, loba enyamazaneni, loba okuvela ensimini yelifa lakhe, kakuyikuthengiswa, futhi kakuyikuhlengwa; konke okwehlukanisiweyo kuyingcwelengcwele eNni. Yonke into eqalekisiweyo, eqalekiswe ebantwini, kayiyikuhlengwa; izabulawa lokubulawa. Lakho konke okwetshumi kwelizwe, okwenhlanyelo yelizwe, okwesithelo sezihlahla, kungokweN; kungcwele eNni. Uba umuntu ehlenga lokuhlenga kokwetshumi kwakhe, uzakwengezelela kukho ingxenye yesihlanu yakho. Mayelana lakho konke okwetshumi kwezinkomo leyezimvu, konke okwedlula ngaphansi kwentonga, okwetshumi kuzakuba ngcwele eNni. Kayikuhlola phakathi kokuhle lokubi, futhi kayikuntshintsha. Njalo uba ekuntshintsha lokukuntshintsha, ngakho khona lokuntshintshana lakho kuzakuba ngcwele, kakuyikuhlengwa. Leyo yimilayo eyayilaya uMozisi kubantwana bakoIsrayeli. yasikhuluma kuMozisi enkangala yeSinayi: Thathani inani lonke lenhlangano yonke yabantwana bakoIsrayeli ngensendo zabo, ngezindlu zaboyise, lenani lamabizo, wonke owesilisa. Kusukela koleminyaka engamatshumi amabili langaphezulu, bonke aba nga phuma ukuya empini koIsrayeli, lizababala ngamabutho abo, wena loAroni. Kuzakuba lani indoda kuleso lalesosizwe, ileyo laleyo eyinhloko yendlu yaboyise. Lala ngamabizo amadoda azakuma lani. KoRubeni: UElizuri indodana kaShedewuri. KoSimeyoni: UShelumiyeli indodana kaZurishadayi. KoJuda: UNashoni indodana kaAminadaba. KoIsakari: UNethaneli indodana kaZuwari. KoZebuluni: UEliyabi indodana kaHeloni. Kubantwana bakoJosefa, koEfrayimi: UElishama indodana kaAmihudi; koManase: UGamaliyeli indodana kaPedazuri. KoBhenjamini: UAbidani indodana kaGideyoni. KoDani: UAhiyezeri indodana kaAmishadayi. KoAsheri: UPagiyeli indodana kaOkirani. KoGadi: UEliyasafi indodana kaDehuweli. KoNafithali: UAhira indodana kaEnani. Yibo ababizwayo benhlangano. OMozisi loAroni basebethatha lawomadoda aqanjwe ngamabizo. Bahlanganisa inhlangano yonke ngolokuqala lwenyanga yesibili; babala ngenhlanga zabo ngensendo zabo ngezindlu zaboyise, ngokwenani lamabizo, kusukela koleminyaka engamatshumi amabili langaphezulu, ngamakhanda abo. Njengokulaya kweN kuMozisi wababala ngokunjalo enkangala yeSinayi. Njalo abantwana bakoRubeni, izibulo likaIsrayeli, izizukulwana zabo, ngensendo zabo, ngezindlu zaboyise, ngokwenani lamabizo, ngamakhanda abo, wonke owesilisa kusukela koleminyaka engamatshumi amabili langaphezulu, bonke aba nga phuma ukuya empini; labo ababaliweyo kubo, esizweni sakoRubeni, babeyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane lesithupha lamakhulu amahlanu. Kubantwana bakoSimeyoni, izizukulwana zabo, ngensendo zabo, ngezindlu zaboyise, labo ababalwayo, ngokwenani lamabizo, ngamakhanda abo, wonke owesilisa kusukela koleminyaka engamatshumi amabili langaphezulu, bonke aba nga phuma ukuya empini; labo ababaliweyo kubo, esizweni sakoSimeyoni, babeyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amahlanu lesificamunwemunye lamakhulu amathathu. Kubantwana bakoGadi, izizukulwana zabo, ngensendo zabo, ngezindlu zaboyise, ngokwenani lamabizo, kusukela koleminyaka engamatshumi amabili langaphezulu, bonke aba nga phuma ukuya empini; labo ababaliweyo kubo, esizweni sakoGadi, babeyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane lanhlanu lamakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi amahlanu. Kubantwana bakoJuda, izizukulwana zabo, ngensendo zabo, ngezindlu zaboyise, ngokwenani lamabizo, kusukela koleminyaka engamatshumi amabili langaphezulu, bonke aba nga phuma ukuya empini; labo ababaliweyo kubo, esizweni sakoJuda, babeyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisikhombisa lane lamakhulu ayisithupha. Kubantwana bakoIsakari, izizukulwana zabo, ngensendo zabo, ngezindlu zaboyise, ngokwenani lamabizo, kusukela koleminyaka engamatshumi amabili langaphezulu, bonke aba nga phuma ukuya empini; labo ababaliweyo kubo, esizweni sakoIsakari, babeyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amahlanu lane lamakhulu amane. Kubantwana bakoZebuluni, izizukulwana zabo, ngensendo zabo, ngezindlu zaboyise, ngokwenani lamabizo, kusukela koleminyaka engamatshumi amabili langaphezulu, bonke aba nga phuma ukuya empini; labo ababaliweyo kubo, esizweni sakoZebuluni, babeyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amahlanu lesikhombisa lamakhulu amane. Kubantwana bakoJosefa, kubantwana bakoEfrayimi, izizukulwana zabo, ngensendo zabo, ngezindlu zaboyise, ngokwenani lamabizo, kusukela koleminyaka engamatshumi amabili langaphezulu, bonke aba nga phuma ukuya empini; labo ababaliweyo kubo, esizweni sakoEfrayimi, babeyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane lamakhulu amahlanu. Kubantwana bakoManase, izizukulwana zabo, ngensendo zabo, ngezindlu zaboyise, ngokwenani lamabizo, kusukela koleminyaka engamatshumi amabili langaphezulu, bonke aba nga phuma ukuya empini; labo ababaliweyo kubo, esizweni sakoManase, babeyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu lambili lamakhulu amabili. Kubantwana bakoBhenjamini, izizukulwana zabo, ngensendo zabo, ngezindlu zaboyise, ngokwenani lamabizo, kusukela koleminyaka engamatshumi amabili langaphezulu, bonke aba nga phuma ukuya empini; labo ababaliweyo kubo, esizweni sakoBhenjamini, babeyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu lanhlanu lamakhulu amane. Kubantwana bakoDani, izizukulwana zabo, ngensendo zabo, ngezindlu zaboyise, ngokwenani lamabizo, kusukela koleminyaka engamatshumi amabili langaphezulu, bonke aba nga phuma ukuya empini; labo ababaliweyo kubo, esizweni sakoDani, babeyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisithupha lambili lamakhulu ayisikhombisa. Kubantwana bakoAsheri, izizukulwana zabo, ngensendo zabo, ngezindlu zaboyise, ngokwenani lamabizo, kusukela koleminyaka engamatshumi amabili langaphezulu, bonke aba nga phuma ukuya empini; labo ababaliweyo kubo, esizweni sakoAsheri, babeyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane lanye lamakhulu amahlanu. Abantwana bakoNafithali, izizukulwana zabo, ngensendo zabo, ngezindlu zaboyise, ngokwenani lamabizo, kusukela koleminyaka engamatshumi amabili langaphezulu, bonke aba nga phuma ukuya empini; labo ababaliweyo kubo, esizweni sakoNafithali, babeyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amahlanu lantathu lamakhulu amane. Yibo laba ababalwayo, oMozisi loAroni abababalayo, leziphathamandla zakoIsrayeli, amadoda alitshumi lambili, yileso laleso singesendlu yaboyise. Babenjalo bonke ababalwayo babantwana bakoIsrayeli, ngezindlu zaboyise, kusukela koleminyaka engamatshumi amabili langaphezulu, bonke aba nga phuma ukuya empini koIsrayeli. Ngakho bonke ababalwayo babeyizinkulungwane ezingamakhulu ayisithupha lantathu lamakhulu amahlanu lamatshumi amahlanu. Kodwa amaLevi, ngezindlu zaboyise, kawabalwanga phakathi kwabo. Ngoba yayikhulume kuMozisi yathi: Kuphela isizwe sakoLevi ungasibali, ungathathi inani lonke laso phakathi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli; kodwa wena, misa amaLevi phezu kwethabhanekele lobufakazi, laphezu kwazo zonke izitsha zalo. Lekusukeni kwethabhanekele amaLevi azalidiliza, lekumisweni kwethabhanekele amaLevi azalimisa. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli bazamisa-ke amathente abo, kube ngulowo lalowo enkambeni yakhe, langulowo lalowo ngophawu lwakhe, ngokwamabutho abo. Kodwa amaLevi azamisa amathente awo azingeleze ithabhanekele lobufakazi. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebesenza njengakho konke eyayimlaye khona uMozisi, benza njalo. yasikhuluma kuMozisi lakuAroni isithi: Abantwana bakoIsrayeli bazamisa amathente abo, kube ngulowo lalowo ngophawu lwakhe, ngokwezibonakaliso zezindlu zaboyise. Labo abamisa amathente abo ngempumalanga lapho okuphuma khona ilanga, bangabophawu lwenkamba yakoJuda ngokwamabutho abo, lesiphathamandla sabantwana bakoJuda sizakuba nguNashoni indodana kaAminadaba; lebutho lakhe lababalwayo babo babeyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisikhombisa lane lamakhulu ayisithupha. Lalabo abamisa amathente abo eceleni kwakhe ngabesizwe sakoIsakari, lesiphathamandla sabantwana bakoIsakari sizakuba nguNethaneli indodana kaZuwari; lebutho lakhe lababalwayo balo babeyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amahlanu lane lamakhulu amane. Isizwe sakoZebuluni: Isiphathamandla sabantwana bakoZebuluni sizakuba-ke nguEliyabi indodana kaHeloni; lebutho lakhe lababalwayo balo babeyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amahlanu lesikhombisa lamakhulu amane. Bonke ababalwayo benkamba yakoJuda babeyizinkulungwane ezilikhulu lamatshumi ayisificaminwembili lamakhulu amane, ngamabutho abo; bazasuka kuqala. Uphawu lwenkamba yakoRubeni luzakuba ngeningizimu, ngamabutho abo, lesiphathamandla sabantwana bakoRubeni sizakuba nguElizuri indodana kaShedewuri; lebutho lakhe lababalwayo balo babeyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane lesithupha lamakhulu amahlanu. Lalabo abamisa amathente abo eceleni kwakhe ngabesizwe sakoSimeyoni, lesiphathamandla sabantwana bakoSimeyoni sizakuba nguShelumiyeli indodana kaZurishadayi; lebutho lakhe lababalwayo babo babeyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amahlanu lesificamunwemunye lamakhulu amathathu. Lesizwe sakoGadi: Isiphathamandla sabantwana bakoGadi sizakuba-ke nguEliyasafi indodana kaRehuweli; lebutho lakhe lababalwayo babo babeyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane lanhlanu lamakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi amahlanu. Bonke ababalwayo benkamba yakoRubeni babeyizinkulungwane ezilikhulu lamatshumi amahlanu lanye lamakhulu amane lamatshumi amahlanu, ngamabutho abo. Njalo bazakuba ngabesibili ekusukeni. Emva kwalokhu kuzasuka ithente lenhlangano, lenkamba yamaLevi phakathi kwenkamba; njengokumisa kwabo inkamba ngokunjalo bazasuka. Uphawu lwenkamba yakoEfrayimi ngamabutho abo luzakuba sentshonalanga, lesiphathamandla sabantwana bakoEfrayimi sizakuba nguElishama indodana kaAmihudi; lebutho lakhe lababalwayo babo babeyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane lamakhulu amahlanu. Leceleni kwakhe isizwe sakoManase, lesiphathamandla sabantwana bakoManase sizakuba nguGamaliyeli indodana kaPedazuri; lebutho lakhe lababalwayo babo babeyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu lambili lamakhulu amabili. Lesizwe sakoBhenjamini; isiphathamandla sabantwana bakoBhenjamini sizakuba-ke nguAbidani indodana kaGideyoni; lebutho lakhe lababalwayo babo babeyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu lanhlanu lamakhulu amane. Bonke ababalwayo benkamba yakoEfrayimi babeyizinkulungwane ezilikhulu lesificaminwembili lekhulu, ngamabutho abo. Njalo bazakuba ngabesithathu ekusukeni. Uphawu lwenkamba yakoDani luzakuba ngenyakatho, ngamabutho abo, lesiphathamandla sabantwana bakoDani sizakuba nguAhiyezeri indodana kaAmishadayi; lebutho lakhe lababalwayo babo babeyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisithupha lambili lamakhulu ayisikhombisa. Labamisa amathente abo eceleni kwakhe kuzakuba yisizwe sakoAsheri, lesiphathamandla sabantwana bakoAsheri sizakuba nguPagiyeli indodana kaOkirani; lebutho lakhe lababalwayo babo babeyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane lanye lamakhulu amahlanu. Lesizwe sakoNafithali; isiphathamandla sabantwana bakoNafithali sizakuba-ke nguAhira indodana kaEnani; lebutho lakhe lababalwayo babo babeyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amahlanu lantathu lamakhulu amane. Bonke ababalwayo benkamba yakoDani babeyizinkulungwane ezilikhulu lamatshumi amahlanu lesikhombisa lamakhulu ayisithupha. Bazakuba ngabokucina ekusukeni ngokwempawu zabo. Yibo labo ababalwayo babantwana bakoIsrayeli ngezindlu zaboyise. Bonke ababalwayo bezinkamba ngokwamabutho abo babeyizinkulungwane ezingamakhulu ayisithupha lantathu lamakhulu amahlanu lamatshumi amahlanu. Kodwa amaLevi kawabalwanga phakathi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli, njengalokho yayimlayile uMozisi. Njalo abantwana bakoIsrayeli benza njengalokho konke eyayimlaye khona uMozisi; ngokunjalo bamisa amathente abo ngokwempawu zabo futhi basuka ngokunjalo, ngulowo lalowo ngosendo lwakhe ngokwendlu kayise. Lezi-ke yizizukulwana zikaAroni lezikaMozisi, ngosuku eyakhuluma ngalo loMozisi entabeni yeSinayi. Lala ngamabizo amadodana kaAroni; izibulo uNadabi, loAbihu, uEleyazare, loIthamari. La ngamabizo amadodana kaAroni, abapristi abagcotshiweyo, owabehlukanisela ukusebenza njengabapristi. Kodwa uNadabi loAbihu bafa phambi kweN, lapho benikela umlilo ongejwayelekanga phambi kweN enkangala yeSinayi. Babengelabantwana. Ngakho uEleyazare loIthamari basebenza njengabapristi phambi kukaAroni uyise. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Sondeza isizwe sakoLevi, usimise phambi kukaAroni umpristi, ukuthi bamsebenzele. Bazagcina imfanelo yakhe lemfanelo yenhlangano yonke phambi kwethente lenhlangano ukwenza inkonzo yethabhanekele. Bazalondoloza yonke impahla yethente lenhlangano, lemfanelo yabantwana bakoIsrayeli, ukuthi benze inkonzo yethabhanekele. Njalo uzanikela amaLevi kuAroni lemadodaneni akhe; aphiwe lokuphiwa kuye bephuma kubantwana bakoIsrayeli. Njalo uAroni lamadodana akhe uzabamisa, bagcine-ke ubupristi babo. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Mina-ke, khangela, ngithethe amaLevi ephuma phakathi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli endaweni yalo lonke izibulo elivula isizalo kubantwana bakoIsrayeli. Ngakho amaLevi azakuba ngawami, ngoba lonke izibulo lingelami; ngiyiN. yasikhuluma kuMozisi enkangala yeSinayi isithi: Bala abantwana bakoLevi ngezindlu zaboyise langensendo zabo; wonke owesilisa kusukela kolenyanga kusiya phezulu, uzababala. Ngakho uMozisi wababala ngokomlomo weN njengokulaywa kwakhe. Lala ayengamadodana kaLevi ngamabizo awo: UGerishoni loKohathi loMerari. Lala ngamabizo amadodana kaGerishoni ngensendo zawo: ULibini loShimeyi. Lamadodana kaKohathi ngensendo zawo: UAmramu loIzihari, uHebroni loUziyeli. Lamadodana kaMerari ngensendo zawo: UMahli loMushi. Lezi zinsendo zamaLevi ngezindlu zaboyise. KuGerishoni kwakulosendo lwamaLibini losendo lwamaShimeyi; lezi zinsendo zamaGerishoni. Ababalwayo babo, ngenani labo bonke abesilisa, kusukela kolenyanga kusiya phezulu, ababalwayo babo babeyizinkulungwane eziyisikhombisa lamakhulu amahlanu. Insendo zamaGerishoni zizamisa amathente azo ngemva kwethabhanekele ngentshonalanga. Lesiphathamandla sendlu kayise wamaGerishoni sizakuba nguEliyasafi indodana kaLayeli. Lemfanelo yamadodana kaGerishoni ethenteni lenhlangano izakuba, lesilenge somnyango wethente lenhlangano, lamakhetheni eguma. LakuKohathi kwakulosendo lwamaAmramu, losendo lwamaIzihari, losendo lwamaHebroni, losendo lwamaUziyeli. Lezi zinsendo zamaKohathi. Kunani labo bonke abesilisa, kusukela kolenyanga kusiya phezulu, babeyizinkulungwane eziyisificaminwembili lamakhulu ayisithupha, begcina imfanelo yendlu engcwele. Insendo zamadodana kaKohathi zizamisa amathente azo eceleni kwethabhanekele ngeningizimu. Lesiphathamandla sendlu kayise wensendo zamaKohathi sizakuba nguElizafani indodana kaUziyeli. Lemfanelo yawo izakuba ngumtshokotsho, layo yonke inkonzo yalo. Njalo umphathi weziphathamandla zamaLevi uzakuba nguEleyazare, indodana kaAroni umpristi; ubuphathi bakhebabukwabagcina ukulindwa kwendlu engcwele. KoMerari kwakulusendo lwamaMahli losendo lwamaMushi; lezi zinsendo zamaMerari. Lababalwayo babo, ngenani labo bonke abesilisa, kusukela kolenyanga kusiya phezulu, babeyizinkulungwane eziyisithupha lamakhulu amabili. Lesiphathamandla sendlu kayise wensendo zakoMerari sizakuba nguZuriyeli indodana kaAbihayili. Bazamisa amathente abo eceleni kwethabhanekele ngenyakatho. Lobuphathi bokulinda bamadodana kaMerari buzakuba ngamapulanka ethabhanekele, lezitsha zalo zonke, lawo wonke umsebenzi walo, lensika zeguma inhlangothi zonke, lezisekelo zazo. Lalabo ababemise amathente abo phambi kwethabhanekele ngempumalanga, phambi kwethente lenhlangano, kwakungoMozisi loAroni lamadodana akhe, belondoloza ukulindwa kwendlu engcwele, kusenzelwa umlindo wabantwana bakoIsrayeli. Bonke ababalwayo bamaLevi, oMozisi loAroni abababalayo, ngokomlayo weN, ngezinsapho zabo, bonke abesilisa kusukela kolenyanga kusiya phezulu, babeyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lambili. yasisithi kuMozisi: Bala wonke amazibulo esilisa abantwana bakoIsrayeli, kusukela kolenyanga kusiya phezulu, uthathe inani lamabizo abo. Uzangithathela amaLevi (ngiyiN) endaweni yawo wonke amazibulo phakathi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli; lezifuyo zamaLevi endaweni yamazibulo wonke phakathi kwezifuyo zabantwana bakoIsrayeli. Ngakho uMozisi wabala wonke amazibulo phakathi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli, njengokulaya kweN kuye. Lawo wonke amazibulo esilisa, ngenani lamabizo, kusukela kolenyanga kusiya phezulu, kwababaliweyo babo, ayezinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lambili lamakhulu amabili lamatshumi ayisikhombisa lantathu. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Thatha amaLevi endaweni yamazibulo wonke phakathi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli, lezifuyo zamaLevi endaweni yezifuyo zabo; lamaLevi azakuba ngawami; ngiyiN. Mayelana labazahlengwa, abangamakhulu amabili lamatshumi ayisikhombisa lantathu bamazibulo abantwana bakoIsrayeli; uzathatha lamashekeli nganhlanu nganhlanu ngekhanda. Unike kuAroni lakumadodana akhe imali yabahlengiweyo abasele phakathi kwabo. UMozisi wasethatha imali yohlengo kulabo ababesele phezu kwabahlengwa ngamaLevi. Wayithatha imali kumazibulo abantwana bakoIsrayeli, amashekeliayinkulungwane lamakhulu amathathu lamatshumi ayisithupha lanhlanu, ngokweshekeli lendlu engcwele. UMozisi wasenika uAroni lamadodana akhe imali yabahlengiweyo, ngokomlomo weN, njengalokhu imlayile uMozisi. yasikhuluma kuMozisi lakuAroni isithi: Thathani inani lonke lamadodana kaKohathi avela phakathi kwamadodana kaLevi, ngensendo zawo, ngezindlu zaboyise, kusukela koleminyaka engamatshumi amathathu kusiya koleminyaka engamatshumi amahlanu, wonke ongena enkonzweni ukwenza umsebenzi wethente lenhlangano. Lo ngumsebenzi wamadodana kaKohathi ethenteni lenhlangano: Izinto ezingcwelengcwele. Ekusukeni-ke kwenkamba uAroni lamadodana akhe bazakuza behlise iveyili lesembeso, bazabeka phezu kwawo izikhumba zikamantswane. Laphezu kwetafula lokubukisa bazakwendlala ilembu eliluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka, babeke phezu kwalo imiganu, lenkezo zempepha, lezitsha, lenkezo zomnikelo wokunathwayo; lesinkwa esihlezi sikhona sizakuba phezu kwalo. Laphezu kwalezizinto bazakwendlala ilembu elibomvu, balembese ngesembeso sezikhumba zikamantswane, bafake imijabo yalo. Bazathatha-ke ilembu eliluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka, bembese uluthi lwesibane sesikhanyiso, lezibane zalo, lendlawu zalo, lemiganu yalo yomlotha, lezitsha zonke zalo zamafutha abasebenza ngazo kulo. Njalo bazalufaka kanye lezinto zalo zonke esembesweni sezikhumba zikamantswane, bakugaxe egodweni. Laphezu kwelathi legolide bazakwendlala ilembu eliluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka. Njalo bazathatha yonke impahla yenkonzo, abakhonza ngayo endlini engcwele, bayifake elenjini eliluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka, bayembese ngesembeso sezikhumba zikamantswane, bayigaxe egodweni. Njalo bazasusa umlotha elathini, bendlale phezu kwalo ilembu eliyibubende, babeke phezu kwalo zonke izinto zalo abakhonza ngazo kulo, izitsha zokuthwala umlilo, amafologwe enyama, lamafotsholo, lemiganu yokufafaza, zonke izinto zelathi; bendlale phezu kwalo isembeso sezikhumba zikamantswane, bafake imijabo yalo. Lapho uAroni lamadodana akhe sebeqedile ukwembesa indlu engcwele lempahla zonke zendlu engcwele, ekususweni kwenkamba, emva kwalokho amadodana kaKohathi azakuza ukuthwala. Lezizinto zingumthwalo wamadodana kaKohathi, ethenteni lenhlangano. Ubongameli bukaEleyazare indodana kaAroni umpristi buzakuba ngamafutha esibane; ububonisi ngethabhanekele lonke lakho konke okukilo, endlini engcwele lezitsheni zayo. yasikhuluma kuMozisi lakuAroni isithi: Lingaqumi insendo zesizwe samaKohathi zisuke phakathi kwamaLevi. Kodwa lokho kwenzeni kuwo, ukuze aphile angafi, ekusondeleni kwawo ezintweni ezingcwelengcwele; uAroni lamadodana akhe bazangena, bawamise lowo lalowo emsebenzini wakhe lemthwalweni wakhe; kodwa kawayikungena ukubona. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Thatha inani lonke lamadodana kaGerishoni lawo, ngezindlu zaboyise, ngensendo zawo, kusukela koleminyaka engamatshumi amathathu langaphezulu kusiya koleminyaka engamatshumi amahlanu uzababala; wonke ongena ukukhonza inkonzo, ukuthi enze umsebenzi ethenteni lenhlangano. Lo ngumsebenzi wensendo zamaGerishoni ukukhonza lemthwalweni; bazathwala-ke, lesilenge somnyango wethente lenhlangano, lamakhetheni eguma, lesilenge somnyango wesango leguma eliseduze lethabhanekele njalo eduze lelathi inhlangothi zonke, lentambo zazo, lempahla yonke yenkonzo yabo, lakho konke okwenzelwe bona; basebenze-ke. Njengokulaya kukaAroni lamadodana akhe uzakuba njalo umsebenzi wonke wamadodana amaGerishoni emthwalweni wabo wonke lenkonzweni yabo yonke. Uzawamisa ukugcina wonke umthwalo wabo. Lo ngumsebenzi wensendo zamadodana amaGerishoni ethenteni lenhlangano; ukugcinwa kwawo kuzakuba ngaphansi kwesandla sikaIthamari indodana kaAroni umpristi. Amadodana kaMerari uzawabala ngensendo zawo ngezindlu zaboyise, kusukela koleminyaka engamatshumi amathathu langaphezulu kusiya koleminyaka engamatshumi amahlanu uzababala, wonke ongena enkonzweni, ukusebenza umsebenzi wethente lenhlangano. Lalokhu yikugcinwa komthwalo wabo, njengokomsebenzi wabo wonke ethenteni lenhlangano: Amapulanka ethabhanekele, lemithando yalo, lensika zalo, lezisekelo zalo, lensika zeguma inhlangothi zonke, lezisekelo zazo, lezikhonkwane zazo, lezintambo zazo, lempahla yazo yonke, lomsebenzi wazo wonke. Njalo lizaziqamba ngamabizo impahla abafanele ukuzithwala. Lo ngumsebenzi wensendo zamadodana kaMerari, ngokomsebenzi wonke wawo ethenteni lenhlangano, ngaphansi kwesandla sikaIthamari indodana kaAroni umpristi. UMozisi loAroni leziphathamandla zenhlangano basebebala amadodana amaKohathi ngensendo zawo langezindlu zaboyise, kusukela koleminyaka engamatshumi amathathu langaphezulu kusiya koleminyaka engamatshumi amahlanu, wonke ongena enkonzweni, emsebenzini wethente lenhlangano; Lalabo ababalwayo kuwo ngensendo zabo babeyizinkulungwane ezimbili lamakhulu ayisikhombisa lamatshumi amahlanu. Laba ngababalwayo bensendo zamaKohathi, wonke owasebenza ethenteni lenhlangano, oMozisi loAroni abababalayo, ngokomlayo weN ngesandla sikaMozisi. Lalabo ababalwayo bamadodana kaGerishoni, ngensendo zawo, langezindlu zaboyise, kusukela koleminyaka engamatshumi amathathu langaphezulu kusiya koleminyaka engamatshumi amahlanu, wonke ongena enkonzweni, emsebenzini ethenteni lenhlangano. Lalabo ababalwayo kuwo ngensendo zabo ngezindlu zaboyise babeyizinkulungwane ezimbili lamakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi amathathu. Laba ngababalwayo bensendo zamadodana kaGerishoni, wonke owasebenza ethenteni lenhlangano, oMozisi loAroni abababalayo ngokomlayo weN. Lalabo ababalwayo bensendo zamadodana kaMerari, ngensendo zawo, ngezindlu zaboyise, kusukela koleminyaka engamatshumi amathathu langaphezulu kusiya koleminyaka engamatshumi amahlanu, wonke ongena enkonzweni, emsebenzini wethente lenhlangano. Lalabo ababalwayo kuwo ngensendo zabo babeyizinkulungwane ezintathu lamakhulu amabili. Laba ngababalwayo bensendo zamadodana kaMerari, oMozisi loAroni abababalayo, ngokomlayo weN ngesandla sikaMozisi. Bonke ababalwayo, oMozisi loAroni leziphathamandla zakoIsrayeli abababalayo, bamaLevi, ngensendo zabo langezindlu zaboyise, kusukela koleminyaka engamatshumi amathathu langaphezulu kusiya koleminyaka engamatshumi amahlanu, wonke owangena ukusebenza umsebenzi wenkonzo lomsebenzi womthwalo ethenteni lenhlangano, lalabo ababalwayo kubo babeyizinkulungwane eziyisificaminwembili lamakhulu amahlanu lamatshumi ayisificaminwembili. Ngokomlayo weN bababala, ngesandla sikaMozisi, ngulowo lalowo ngokomsebenzi wakhe langokomthwalo wakhe. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Laya abantwana bakoIsrayeli ukuthi bakhuphe enkambeni wonke umlephero. Kusukela kowesilisa kusiya kowesifazana lizabakhupha, kuze kube ngaphandle kwenkamba lizabakhupha. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebesenza njalo, babakhupha baze baba ngaphandle kwenkamba; njengokutsho kweN kuMozisi, benza njalo abantwana bakoIsrayeli. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Tshono ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli uthi: Indoda kumbe umfazi, uba besenza loba yisiphi isono somuntu, ngokuphambeka isiphambeko eNni, lowomuntu ulecala. Njalo bazavuma isono sabo abasenzileyo. Kodwa uba lowomuntu engelamhlengi oyisihlobo okungahlawulwa kuso icala, icala lizahlawulwa eNni kube ngokompristi, ngaphandle kwenqama yenhlawulo yokuthula, azamenzela inhlawulo yokuthula ngayo. Lawo wonke umnikelo wazo zonke izinto ezingcwele zabantwana bakoIsrayeli, abaziletha kumpristi, uzakuba ngowakhe. Lezinto ezingcwele zawo wonke umuntu zizakuba ngezakhe; lokhu loba ngubani akunika umpristi kuzakuba ngokwakhe. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Tshono ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli uthi kubo: Loba yiyiphi indoda, uba umkayo eduha, ngokungathembeki kuyo enze isenzo sokungathembeki, lendoda ilala laye ngobudoda bokuhlangana, njalo kufihlakale emehlweni endoda yakhe, angabonwa, yena ungcolisiwe, njalo kungelamfakazi omelana laye, futhi yena engabanjwanga, lomoya wobukhwele ufike phezu kwayo, futhi ibe lobukhwele ngomkayo, njalo yena engcolisiwe, loba umoya wobukhwele ufike phezu kwayo, futhi ibe lobukhwele ngomkayo, lanxa yena engangcolanga, indoda izaletha umkayo kumpristi, imlethele umnikelo wakhe, okwetshumi kwe-efa lempuphu yebhali; kayiyikuthela amafutha kuyo, ingabeki inhlaka phezu kwayo, ngoba kungumnikelo wokudla wobukhwele, umnikelo wokudla wesikhumbuzo. Umpristi uzasondeza-ke owesifazana, ammise phambi kweN. Umpristi athathe amanzi angcwele embizeni yebumba, lompristi athathe okothuli oluphansi ethabhanekeleni, akufake emanzini. Umpristi uzamisa owesifazana phambi kweN, embule ikhanda lowesifazana, abeke ezandleni zakhe umnikelo wokudla wokukhumbuza, ongumnikelo wokudla wobukhwele. Lesandleni sompristi kuzakuba lamanzi ababayo aletha isiqalekiso. Umpristi uzamfungisa-ke, athi kowesifazana: Uba kungelandoda elele lawe, njalo uba ungaduhelanga ekungcoleni, uphansi kwendoda yakho, khululeka emanzini la ababayo aletha isiqalekiso. Kodwa wena, uba uduhile, uphansi kwendoda yakho, futhi uba ungcolisiwe, lendoda yahlangana lawe, ngaphandle kwendoda yakho, umpristi amfungise owesifazana ngesifungo sesiqalekiso. Lamanzi la aletha isiqalekiso kawangene emibilini yakho, akwenze isisu sikhukhumale lokwenza ithangazi liwe. Umpristi uzabhala-ke iziqalekiso lezi egwalweni, azesule ngamanzi ababayo, anathise owesifazana amanzi ababayo aletha isiqalekiso, lamanzi aletha isiqalekiso azangena kuye, abe ngokubabayo. Umpristi uzathatha-ke esandleni sowesifazana umnikelo wokudla wobukhwele, awuzunguze umnikelo wokudla phambi kweN, awusondeze elathini, umpristi acuphe isandla esigcweleyo somnikelo wokudla, sibeyisikhumbuzo sawo, asitshise elathini, lemva kwalokho amnathise owesifazana amanzi. Esemnathisile amanzi, kuzakuthi uba engcolile, enze ngokungathembeki isenzo sokungathembeki endodeni yakhe, amanzi aletha isiqalekiso esengenile kuye abe ngokubabayo, isisu sakhe sizakhukhumala lethangazi lakhe liwe, lowesifazana uzakuba yisiqalekiso phakathi kwabantu bakibo. Kodwa uba owesifazana engangcolanga, kodwa ehlambulukile, uzakhululeka, uzakwemukela inhlanyelo. Lo ngumlayo wobukhwele, lapho umfazi eduha, ephansi kwendoda yakhe, abesengcoliswa, kumbe indoda, uba umoya wobukhwele ufika phezu kwayo ibe lobukhwele ngomkayo; immise owesifazana phambi kweN, lompristi enze kuye umlayo lo wonke. Indoda izakhululeka-ke ecaleni, kodwa lowo owesifazana uzathwala icala lakhe. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Tshono ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli uthi kubo: Owesilisa loba owesifazana, uba ezehlukanisela ukuthembisa isithembiso, ukuze azehlukanisele iN, uzazehlukanisa lewayini lokunathwayo okulamandla, anganathi iviniga lewayini, leviniga lokunathwayo okulamandla, anganathi lamhluzi wezithelo zevini, angadli izithelo zevini ezimanzi lezomileyo. Zonke insuku zokuzehlukanisela kwakhe kayikudla okolutho olwenziwe ngevini lewayini, kusukela enhlamvini kusiya emakhasini. Zonke insuku zesithembiso sokuzehlukanisela kwakhe impuco kayiyikudlula phezu kwekhanda lakhe. Zonke insuku azehlukanisele ngazo kayikuya esidunjini. Kayikuzingcolisa ngoyise, langonina, ngomfowabo, langodadewabo, uba befile, ngoba ukwehlukaniselwa uNkulunkulu wakhe kuphezu kwekhanda lakhe. Zonke insuku zokuzehlukanisela kwakhe ungcwele eNni. Uba-ke ofayo ejunywa masinyane yikufa phansi kwakhe, usengcolise ikhanda lokuzehlukanisela kwakhe. Langosuku lwesificaminwembili uzaletha amajuba amabili loba amaphuphu amabili enkwilimba kumpristi emnyango wethente lenhlangano. Lompristi uzanikela enye ibe ngumnikelo wesono, lenye ibe ngumnikelo wokutshiswa, amenzele inhlawulo yokuthula, ngoba wonile ngesidumbu. Njalo uzangcwelisa ikhanda lakhe ngalona lolosuku, azehlukanisele insuku zokuzehlukanisela kwakhe, alethe iwundlu elilomnyaka owodwa libe ngumnikelo wecala; kodwa insuku zakuqala zizakuwa, ngoba ukuzehlukanisela kwakhe kungcolisiwe. Lalo ngumlayo womNaziri ngosuku lapho insuku zokuzehlukanisela kwakhe sezigcwalisekile. Uzaletha lokhu emnyango wethente lenhlangano, anikele umnikelo wakhe eNni, iwundlu elilodwa elilomnyaka owodwa elingelasici libe ngumnikelo wokutshiswa, lewundlukazi elilodwa elilomnyaka owodwa elingelasici libe ngumnikelo wesono, lesitsha sezinkwa ezingelamvubelo, amaqebelengwana empuphu ecolekileyo ehlanganiswe lamafutha. Njalo umpristi uzakusondeza phambi kweN, anikele umnikelo wakhe wesono. Lenqama uzayinikela ibe ngumhlatshelo weminikelo yokuthula. UmNaziri uzaphuca-ke ikhanda lokuzehlukanisela kwakhe emnyango wethente lenhlangano, athathe inwele zekhanda lokuzehlukanisela kwakhe, azifake emlilweni ongaphansi komhlatshelo weminikelo yokuthula. Lompristi uzathatha umkhono ophekiweyo wenqama, leqebelengwana elilodwa elingelamvubelo esitsheni, lesinkwana esisodwa esiyisipatalala esingelamvubelo, umpristi akuzunguze-ke kube ngumnikelo wokuzunguzwa phambi kweN KOSI. Emva kwalokhu umNaziri usenganatha iwayini. Lo ngumlayo womNaziri othembise umnikelo wakhe wokuzehlukanisela kwakhe eNni, ngaphandle kwalokho isandla sakhe singafinyelela kukho; njengesithembiso sakhe asithembisileyo uzakwenza njalo, njengomlayo wobuNaziri bakhe. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Tshono kuAroni lakumadodana akhe uthi: Lizabusisa kanje abantwana bakoIsrayeli, lisithi kubo: kayikubusise, ikulondoloze. kayikhanyise ubuso bayo kuwe. kayiphakamise ubuso bayo kuwe, ikunike ukuthula. Ngokunjalo bazabeka ibizo lami phezu kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli, mina-ke ngizababusisa. Kwasekusithi ngosuku uMozisi aqeda ngalo ukumisa ithabhanekele, walingcwelisa, lempahla zalo zonke, lelathi lempahla zalo zonke, wakugcoba, wakungcwelisa; iziphathamandla zakoIsrayeli, izinhloko zezindlu zaboyise, ezaziyiziphathamandla zezizwe, ezazisongamela labo ababalwayo, zanikela, zaletha umnikelo wazo phambi kweN, inqola eziyisithupha ezembesiweyo lenkabi ezilitshumi lambili; inqola eyodwa ngeziphathamandla ezimbili, lenkabi ngesisodwa; zazisondeza phambi kwethabhanekele. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Yemukela kuzo, ukuze zibe ngezokusebenza inkonzo yethente lenhlangano, uzinike amaLevi, kulowo lalowo njengomsebenzi wakhe. Ngakho uMozisi wathatha izinqola lezinkabi, wazinika amaLevi. Inqola ezimbili lenkabi ezine wazinika amadodana kaGerishoni, njengomsebenzi wawo; lenqola ezine lenkabi eziyisificaminwembili wazinika amadodana kaMerari, njengomsebenzi wawo, ngesandla sikaIthamari indodana kaAroni umpristi. Kodwa emadodaneni kaKohathi kanikanga lutho, ngoba umsebenzi wendawo engcwele wawuphezu kwawo. Leziphathamandla zanikelela ukwehlukaniselwa kwelathi ngosuku elagcotshwa ngalo; iziphathamandla zasondeza umnikelo wazo phambi kwelathi. yasisithi kuMozisi: Isiphathamandla ngasinye ngasinye ngosuku lwaso, zizanikelela umnikelo wazo wokwehlukaniselwa kwelathi. Owanikela-ke umnikelo wakhe ngosuku lokuqala wayenguNashoni indodana kaAminadaba, owesizwe sakoJuda. Lomnikelo wakhe wawungumganu owodwa wesiliva, osisindo sawo sasingama shekelialikhulu lamatshumi amathathu; ukhezo olulodwa olungama shekelialitshumi egolide, lugcwele impepha; ijongosi elilodwa ithole lenkomo, inqama eyodwa, iwundlu elilodwa elilomnyaka owodwa, kube ngumnikelo wokutshiswa; izinyane lembuzi elilodwa libe ngumnikelo wesono; lokomhlatshelo weminikelo yokuthula, izinkabi ezimbili, inqama ezinhlanu, impongo ezinhlanu, amawundlu amahlanu alomnyaka owodwa. Lokhu kwakungumnikelo kaNashoni indodana kaAminadaba. Ngosuku lwesibili uNethaneli indodana kaZuwari, isiphathamandla sakoIsakari, wanikela. Wanikela umnikelo wakhe: Umganu owodwa wesiliva, osisindo sawo sasingama shekelialikhulu lamatshumi amathathu, umganu wokufafaza owodwa wesiliva wamashekeli angamatshumi ayisikhombisa, ngokweshekeli lendlu engcwele; yomibili yayigcwele impuphu ecolekileyo ixubene lamafutha, kube ngumnikelo wokudla; ukhezo olulodwa olungama shekelialitshumi egolide, lugcwele impepha; ijongosi elilodwa ithole lenkomo, inqama eyodwa, iwundlu elilodwa elilomnyaka owodwa, kube ngumnikelo wokutshiswa; izinyane lembuzi elilodwa libe ngumnikelo wesono; lokomhlatshelo weminikelo yokuthula, izinkabi ezimbili, inqama ezinhlanu, impongo ezinhlanu, amawundlu amahlanu alomnyaka owodwa. Lokhu kwakungumnikelo kaNethaneli indodana kaZuwari. Ngosuku lwesithathu uEliyabi indodana kaHeloni, isiphathamandla sabantwana bakoZebuluni: Umnikelo wakhe wawungumganu owodwa wesiliva, osisindo sawo sasingama shekelialikhulu lamatshumi amathathu, umganu wokufafaza owodwa wesiliva wamashekeli angamatshumi ayisikhombisa, ngokweshekeli lendlu engcwele; yomibili yayigcwele impuphu ecolekileyo ixubene lamafutha, kube ngumnikelo wokudla; ukhezo olulodwa olungama shekelialitshumi egolide, lugcwele impepha; ijongosi elilodwa ithole lenkomo, inqama eyodwa, iwundlu elilodwa elilomnyaka owodwa, kube ngumnikelo wokutshiswa; izinyane lembuzi elilodwa libe ngumnikelo wesono; lokomhlatshelo weminikelo yokuthula, izinkabi ezimbili, inqama ezinhlanu, impongo ezinhlanu, amawundlu amahlanu alomnyaka owodwa. Lokho kwakungumnikelo kaEliyabi indodana kaHeloni. Ngosuku lwesine uElizuri indodana kaShedewuri, isiphathamandla sabantwana bakoRubeni: Umnikelo wakhe wawungumganu owodwa wesiliva, osisindo sawo sasingama shekelialikhulu lamatshumi amathathu, umganu wokufafaza owodwa wesiliva wamashekeli angamatshumi ayisikhombisa, ngokweshekeli lendlu engcwele; yomibili yayigcwele impuphu ecolekileyo ixubene lamafutha, kube ngumnikelo wokudla; ukhezo olulodwa olungama shekelialitshumi egolide, lugcwele impepha; ijongosi elilodwa ithole lenkomo, inqama eyodwa, iwundlu elilodwa elilomnyaka owodwa, kube ngumnikelo wokutshiswa; izinyane lembuzi elilodwa libe ngumnikelo wesono; lokomhlatshelo weminikelo yokuthula, izinkabi ezimbili, inqama ezinhlanu, impongo ezinhlanu, amawundlu amahlanu alomnyaka owodwa. Lokho kwakungumnikelo kaElizuri indodana kaShedewuri. Ngosuku lwesihlanu uShelumiyeli indodana kaZurishadayi, isiphathamandla sabantwana bakoSimeyoni: Umnikelo wakhe wawungumganu owodwa wesiliva, osisindo sawo sasingama shekelialikhulu lamatshumi amathathu, umganu wokufafaza owodwa wesiliva wamashekeli angamatshumi ayisikhombisa, ngokweshekeli lendlu engcwele; yomibili yayigcwele impuphu ecolekileyo ixubene lamafutha, kube ngumnikelo wokudla; ukhezo olulodwa olungama shekelialitshumi egolide, lugcwele impepha; ijongosi elilodwa ithole lenkomo, inqama eyodwa, iwundlu elilodwa elilomnyaka owodwa, kube ngumnikelo wokutshiswa; izinyane lembuzi elilodwa libe ngumnikelo wesono; lokomhlatshelo weminikelo yokuthula, izinkabi ezimbili, inqama ezinhlanu, impongo ezinhlanu, amawundlu amahlanu alomnyaka owodwa. Lokho kwakungumnikelo kaShelumiyeli indodana kaZurishadayi. Ngosuku lwesithupha uEliyasafi indodana kaDehuweli, isiphathamandla sabantwana bakoGadi: Umnikelo wakhe wawungumganu owodwa wesiliva, osisindo sawo sasingama shekelialikhulu lamatshumi amathathu, umganu wokufafaza owodwa wesiliva wamashekeli angamatshumi ayisikhombisa, ngokweshekeli lendlu engcwele; yomibili yayigcwele impuphu ecolekileyo ixubene lamafutha, kube ngumnikelo wokudla; ukhezo olulodwa olungama shekelialitshumi egolide, lugcwele impepha; ijongosi elilodwa ithole lenkomo, inqama eyodwa, iwundlu elilodwa elilomnyaka owodwa, kube ngumnikelo wokutshiswa; izinyane lembuzi elilodwa libe ngumnikelo wesono; lokomhlatshelo weminikelo yokuthula, izinkabi ezimbili, inqama ezinhlanu, impongo ezinhlanu, amawundlu amahlanu alomnyaka owodwa. Lokho kwakungumnikelo kaEliyasafi indodana kaDehuweli. Ngosuku lwesikhombisa uElishama indodana kaAmihudi, isiphathamandla sabantwana bakoEfrayimi: Umnikelo wakhe wawungumganu owodwa wesiliva, osisindo sawo sasingama shekelialikhulu lamatshumi amathathu, umganu wokufafaza owodwa wesiliva wamashekeli angamatshumi ayisikhombisa, ngokweshekeli lendlu engcwele; yomibili yayigcwele impuphu ecolekileyo ixubene lamafutha, kube ngumnikelo wokudla; ukhezo olulodwa olungama shekelialitshumi egolide, lugcwele impepha; ijongosi elilodwa ithole lenkomo, inqama eyodwa, iwundlu elilodwa elilomnyaka owodwa, kube ngumnikelo wokutshiswa; izinyane lembuzi elilodwa libe ngumnikelo wesono; lokomhlatshelo weminikelo yokuthula, izinkabi ezimbili, inqama ezinhlanu, impongo ezinhlanu, amawundlu amahlanu alomnyaka owodwa. Lokho kwakungumnikelo kaElishama indodana kaAmihudi. Ngosuku lwesificaminwembili uGamaliyeli indodana kaPedazuri, isiphathamandla sabantwana bakoManase: Umnikelo wakhe wawungumganu owodwa wesiliva, osisindo sawo sasingama shekelialikhulu lamatshumi amathathu, umganu wokufafaza owodwa wesiliva wamashekeli angamatshumi ayisikhombisa, ngokweshekeli lendlu engcwele; yomibili yayigcwele impuphu ecolekileyo ixubene lamafutha, kube ngumnikelo wokudla; ukhezo olulodwa olungama shekelialitshumi egolide, lugcwele impepha; ijongosi elilodwa ithole lenkomo, inqama eyodwa, iwundlu elilodwa elilomnyaka owodwa, kube ngumnikelo wokutshiswa; izinyane lembuzi elilodwa libe ngumnikelo wesono; lokomhlatshelo weminikelo yokuthula, izinkabi ezimbili, inqama ezinhlanu, impongo ezinhlanu, amawundlu amahlanu alomnyaka owodwa. Lokho kwakungumnikelo kaGamaliyeli indodana kaPedazuri. Ngosuku lwesificamunwemunye uAbidani indodana kaGideyoni, isiphathamandla sabantwana bakoBhenjamini: Umnikelo wakhe wawungumganu owodwa wesiliva, osisindo sawo sasingama shekelialikhulu lamatshumi amathathu, umganu wokufafaza owodwa wesiliva wamashekeli angamatshumi ayisikhombisa, ngokweshekeli lendlu engcwele; yomibili yayigcwele impuphu ecolekileyo ixubene lamafutha, kube ngumnikelo wokudla; ukhezo olulodwa olungama shekelialitshumi egolide, lugcwele impepha; ijongosi elilodwa ithole lenkomo, inqama eyodwa, iwundlu elilodwa elilomnyaka owodwa, kube ngumnikelo wokutshiswa; izinyane lembuzi elilodwa libe ngumnikelo wesono; lokomhlatshelo weminikelo yokuthula, izinkabi ezimbili, inqama ezinhlanu, impongo ezinhlanu, amawundlu amahlanu alomnyaka owodwa. Lokho kwakungumnikelo kaAbidani indodana kaGideyoni. Ngosuku lwetshumi uAhiyezeri indodana kaAmishadayi, isiphathamandla sabantwana bakoDani: Umnikelo wakhe wawungumganu owodwa wesiliva, osisindo sawo sasingama shekelialikhulu lamatshumi amathathu, umganu wokufafaza owodwa wesiliva wamashekeli angamatshumi ayisikhombisa, ngokweshekeli lendlu engcwele; yomibili yayigcwele impuphu ecolekileyo ixubene lamafutha, kube ngumnikelo wokudla; ukhezo olulodwa olungama shekelialitshumi egolide, lugcwele impepha; ijongosi elilodwa ithole lenkomo, inqama eyodwa, iwundlu elilodwa elilomnyaka owodwa, kube ngumnikelo wokutshiswa; izinyane lembuzi elilodwa libe ngumnikelo wesono; lokomhlatshelo weminikelo yokuthula, izinkabi ezimbili, inqama ezinhlanu, impongo ezinhlanu, amawundlu amahlanu alomnyaka owodwa. Lokho kwakungumnikelo kaAhiyezeri indodana kaAmishadayi. Ngosuku lwetshumi lanye uPagiyeli indodana kaOkirani, isiphathamandla sabantwana bakoAsheri: Umnikelo wakhe wawungumganu owodwa wesiliva, osisindo sawo sasingama shekelialikhulu lamatshumi amathathu, umganu wokufafaza owodwa wesiliva wamashekeli angamatshumi ayisikhombisa, ngokweshekeli lendlu engcwele; yomibili yayigcwele impuphu ecolekileyo ixubene lamafutha, kube ngumnikelo wokudla; ukhezo olulodwa olungama shekelialitshumi egolide, lugcwele impepha; ijongosi elilodwa ithole lenkomo, inqama eyodwa, iwundlu elilodwa elilomnyaka owodwa, kube ngumnikelo wokutshiswa; izinyane lembuzi elilodwa libe ngumnikelo wesono; lokomhlatshelo weminikelo yokuthula, izinkabi ezimbili, inqama ezinhlanu, impongo ezinhlanu, amawundlu amahlanu alomnyaka owodwa. Lokho kwakungumnikelo kaPagiyeli indodana kaOkirani. Ngosuku lwetshumi lambili uAhira indodana kaEnani, isiphathamandla sabantwana bakoNafithali: Umnikelo wakhe wawungumganu owodwa wesiliva, osisindo sawo sasingama shekelialikhulu lamatshumi amathathu, umganu wokufafaza owodwa wesiliva wamashekeli angamatshumi ayisikhombisa, ngokweshekeli lendlu engcwele; yomibili yayigcwele impuphu ecolekileyo ixubene lamafutha, kube ngumnikelo wokudla; ukhezo olulodwa olungama shekelialitshumi egolide, lugcwele impepha; ijongosi elilodwa ithole lenkomo, inqama eyodwa, iwundlu elilodwa elilomnyaka owodwa, kube ngumnikelo wokutshiswa; izinyane lembuzi elilodwa libe ngumnikelo wesono; lokomhlatshelo weminikelo yokuthula, izinkabi ezimbili, inqama ezinhlanu, impongo ezinhlanu, amawundlu amahlanu alomnyaka owodwa. Lokho kwakungumnikelo kaAhira indodana kaEnani. Lokhu kwakuyikwehlukaniselwa kwelathi ngosuku lokugcotshwa kwalo ngeziphathamandla zakoIsrayeli. Imiganu yesiliva elitshumi lambili, imiganu yokufafaza yesiliva elitshumi lambili, inkezo zegolide ezilitshumi lambili. Lowo lalowo umganu wesiliva wawungama shekelialikhulu lamatshumi amathathu; langulowo lalowo umganu wokufafaza wamatshumi ayisikhombisa; sonke isiliva semiganu sasingama shekeliazinkulungwane ezimbili lamakhulu amane, ngokweshekeli lendlu engcwele. Inkezo zegolide ezilitshumi lambili, zigcwele impepha; yilolo lalolokhezo lwalungama shekelialitshumi ngokweshekeli lendlu engcwele; igolide lonke lenkezo lalingama shekelialikhulu lamatshumi amabili. Zonke izifuyo zomnikelo wokutshiswa zazingamajongosi alitshumi lambili, inqama ezilitshumi lambili, amawundlu alomnyaka owodwa alitshumi lambili, lomnikelo wazo wokudla; lamazinyane embuzi alitshumi lambili omnikelo wesono. Lazo zonke izifuyo zomhlatshelo weminikelo yokuthula zazingamajongosi angamatshumi amabili lane, inqama ezingamatshumi ayisithupha, impongo ezingamatshumi ayisithupha, amawundlu angamatshumi ayisithupha alomnyaka owodwa. Lokhu kwakuyikwehlukaniselwa kwelathi. Lapho uMozisi esengena ethenteni lenhlangano ukukhuluma laye, wezwa ilizwi likhuluma kuye. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Tshono kuAroni uthi kuye: Nxa ulumathisa izibane, izibane eziyisikhombisa zizakhanyisa ngaphambili phambi koluthi lwesibane. UAroni wasesenza njalo; ngaphambili phambi koluthi lwesibane walumathisa izibane zalo, njengokulaya kweN kuMozisi. Lalo umsebenzi woluthi lwesibane wawungowegolide elikhandiweyo. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Khupha amaLevi phakathi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli, uwahlambulule; wenze ngokunjalo kuwo ukuwahlambulula; ufafaze phezu kwawo amanzi okuhlambulula. Athathe ijongosi ithole lenkomo, lomnikelo walo wokudla, impuphu ecolekileyo ixubene lamafutha, uthathe lelinye ijongosi ithole lenkomo, libe ngumnikelo wesono. Njalo uzasondeza amaLevi phambi kwethente lenhlangano. Usondeze amaLevi phambi kweN, njalo abantwana bakoIsrayeli bazabeka izandla zabo phezu kwamaLevi, loAroni azunguze amaLevi, abe ngumnikelo wokuzunguzwa phambi kweN, evela ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli, ukuze abe ngasebenza umsebenzi weN. AmaLevi azabeka-ke izandla zawo enhlokweni yamajongosi. Njalo uzawamisa amaLevi phambi kukaAroni laphambi kwamadodana akhe, uwazunguze abe ngumnikelo wokuzunguzwa eNni. Ngakho uzakwehlukanisa amaLevi uwakhuphe phakathi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli, ukuthi amaLevi abe ngawami. Lemva kwalokho amaLevi azangena ukukhonza ethenteni lenhlangano. Njalo uzawahlambulula, uwazunguze abe ngumnikelo wokuzunguzwa. Ngoba wona aphiwe lokuphiwa mina ephuma phakathi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli. Esikhundleni salokho okuvula sonke isizalo, izibulo laye wonke wabantwana bakoIsrayeli, ngizithathele wona. Ngoba lonke izibulo phakathi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli ngelami, phakathi kwabantu laphakathi kwezifuyo. Ngosuku engatshaya ngalo lonke izibulo elizweni leGibhithe ngazingcwelisela wona; sengithethe amaLevi esikhundleni sawo wonke amazibulo phakathi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli. Ngiwanikile amaLevi njengabaphiweyo kuAroni lakumadodana akhe, ephuma phakathi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli. UMozisi loAroni lenhlangano yonke yabantwana bakoIsrayeli basebesenza kumaLevi njengakho konke eyakulaya uMozisi mayelana lamaLevi; benza njalo abantwana bakoIsrayeli kuwo. LamaLevi azihlambulula, awatsha izembatho zawo; uAroni wasewazunguza aba ngumnikelo wokuzunguzwa phambi kweN; loAroni wawenzela inhlawulo yokuthula ukuwahlambulula. Lemva kwalokho amaLevi angena ukwenza inkonzo yawo ethenteni lenhlangano phambi kukaAroni laphambi kwamadodana akhe. Njengalokhu yamlaya uMozisi ngamaLevi, benza njalo kuwo. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Yilokhu okuqondene lamaLevi: Kusukela koleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lanhlanu langaphezulu azangena ukukhonza inkonzo, enkonzweni yethente lenhlangano. Njalo kusukela koleminyaka engamatshumi amahlanu azaphuma enkonzweni yenkonzo, angabe esasebenza; kodwa azasiza abazalwane bawo ethenteni lenhlangano ukugcina umlindo, kodwa angasebenzi umsebenzi. Uzakwenza njalo kumaLevi kumfanelo zawo. yasikhuluma kuMozisi enkangala yeSinayi, ngomnyaka wesibili emva kokuphuma kwabo elizweni leGibhithe ngenyanga yokuqala, isithi: Futhi abantwana bakoIsrayeli kabagcine iphasika ngesikhathi salo esimisiweyo. Ngosuku lwetshumi lane lwenyanga le, kusihlwa, lizaligcina ngesikhathi salo esimisiweyo; ngokwezimiso zalo zonke langokwemithetho yalo yonke liligcine. Ngakho uMozisi wakhuluma kubantwana bakoIsrayeli, ukuthi bagcine iphasika. Basebegcina iphasika ngosuku lwetshumi lane lwenyanga yakuqala, kusihlwa, enkangala yeSinayi; njengakho konke eyamlaya ngakho uMozisi, benza njalo abantwana bakoIsrayeli. Kwakukhona-ke amadoda ayengcolile ngenxa yesidumbu, ukuthi ayengelakugcina iphasika ngalolosuku. Lalawomadoda asesithi kubo: Thina singcolile ngenxa yesidumbu; sivinjelelwani ukuze singanikeli umnikelo weN ngesikhathi sawo esimisiweyo, phakathi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli? UMozisi wasesithi kuwo: Manini, ukuze ngizwe ukuthi izalilayani. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Tshono ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli uthi: Uba ngulowo lalowo phakathi kwenu loba owezizukulwana zenu ezangcola ngenxa yesidumbu, loba esekuhambeni khatshana, uzagcina iphasika eNni. Ngenyanga yesibili, ngosuku lwetshumi lane, kusihlwa, bazaligcina. Kabayikutshiya lutho lwalo kuze kube sekuseni. Kodwa umuntu ohlambulukileyo, ongekho ekuhambeni, oyekela ukugcina iphasika, lowomphefumulo uzaqunywa usuke ebantwini bawo, ngoba kanikelanga umnikelo weN ngesikhathi sawo esimisiweyo. Uba-ke owemzini ehlala njengowezizwe kini agcine iphasika eNni, ngokwesimiso sephasika langokomthetho walo, uzakwenza njalo. Kuzakuba lesimiso esisodwa kini lakowemzini lakowokuzalwa elizweni. Langosuku ithabhanekele elamiswa ngalo, iyezi lasibekela ithabhanekele, ithente lobufakazi. Kwakunjalo isikhathi sonke: Iyezi lalisibekela, njalo kwaba lokubonakala komlilo ebusuku. Kwakusithi lapho iyezi liphakanyiswa lisuka phezu kwethente, langemva kwalokho abantwana bakoIsrayeli basuke; lendaweni lapho iyezi elima khona, abantwana bakoIsrayeli bamisa khona amathente abo. Ngokomlayo weN abantwana bakoIsrayeli basuka, langokomlayo weN bamisa amathente abo: Bahlala enkambeni insuku zonke iyezi elalihlala ngazo phezu kwethabhanekele. Lalapho iyezi lihlala isikhathi eside phezu kwethabhanekele insuku ezinengi, abantwana bakoIsrayeli bagcina imfanelo yeN, kabasukanga. Kwasekusithi lapho iyezi liphezu kwethabhanekele insuku ezinlutshwana; ngokomlayo weN bahlala enkambeni, futhi ngokomlayo weN basuka. Kwasekusithi lapho iyezi likhona kusukela kusihlwa kuze kube sekuseni, lapho iyezi liphakanyiswa ekuseni, basuka. Loba kusemini kumbe ebusuku, lapho iyezi liphakanyiswa basuka. Kumbe uba iyezi lalihlala isikhathi eside phezu kwethabhanekele okwensuku ezimbili, loba inyanga, loba umnyaka, lihlezi phezu kwalo. Ngokomlayo weN bamisa inkamba, langokomlayo weN basuka. Bagcina imfanelo yeN ngokomlayo weN ngesandla sikaMozisi. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Zenzele impondo ezimbili zesiliva, uzenze zibe ngumsebenzi okhandiweyo. Uba bezivuthela inhlangano yonke izabuthana kuwe emnyango wethente lenhlangano. Kodwa uba bevuthela olulodwa, iziphathamandla, inhloko zezinkulungwane zakoIsrayeli zizabuthana kuwe. Lapho lihlaba umkhosi. Lalapho lihlaba umkhosi ngokwesibili, izinkamba ezimise ngeningizimu zizasuka ukuze zisuke. Kodwa ekubuthaniseni ibandla lizavuthela impondo, kodwa lingahlabi umkhosi. Njalo amadodana kaAroni, abapristi, azavuthela izimpondo. Zizakuba kini yisimiso esilaphakade ezizukulwaneni zenu. Njalo lapho liphuma impi elizweni lakini ukuyakulwa lesitha. Langosuku lwentokozo yenu, lemikhosini yenu emisiweyo, ukuze ibe kini yisikhumbuzo phambi kukaNkulunkulu wenu. NgiyuNkulunkulu wenu. Kwasekusithi ngomnyaka wesibili, ngenyanga yesibili, ngolwamatshumi amabili lwenyanga, iyezi laphakanyiswa lisuka phezu kwethabhanekele lobufakazi. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebesuka enkangala yeSinayi. Basebesuka okokuqala ngokomlayo weN ngesandla sikaMozisi. Kwasekusuka uphawu lwenkamba yabantwana bakoJuda kuqala ngamabutho abo. Laphezu kwebutho lesizwe sabantwana bakoIsakari kwakunguNethaneli indodana kaZuwari. Laphezu kwebutho lesizwe sabantwana bakoZebuluni kwakunguEliyabi indodana kaHeloni. Ithabhanekele laselidilizwa; amadodana kaGerishoni lamadodana kaMerari asesuka. Kwasekusuka uphawu lwenkamba yakoRubeni ngamabutho abo. Laphezu kwebutho lesizwe sabantwana bakoSimeyoni kwakunguShelumiyeli indodana kaZurishadayi. Laphezu kwebutho lesizwe sabantwana bakoGadi kwakunguEliyasafi indodana kaDehuweli. Kwasekusuka amaKohathi ethwele indlu engcwele, l abanyebamisa ithabhanekele, engakafiki. Kwasekusuka uphawu lwenkamba yabantwana bakoEfrayimi ngamabutho abo. Laphezu kwebutho lesizwe sabantwana bakoManase kwakunguGamaliyeli indodana kaPedazuri. Laphezu kwebutho lesizwe sabantwana bakoBhenjamini kwakunguAbidani indodana kaGideyoni. Kwasekusuka uphawu lwenkamba yabantwana bakoDani; babengabokucina ezinkambeni zonke. Laphezu kwebutho lesizwe sabantwana bakoAsheri kwakunguPagiyeli indodana kaOkirani. Laphezu kwebutho lesizwe sabantwana bakoNafithali kwakunguAhira indodana kaEnani. Lokhu yikusuka kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli ngamabutho abo, ekusukeni kwabo. UMozisi wasesithi kuHobabi indodana kaRehuweli umMidiyani, uyisezala kaMozisi. Wasesithi kuye: Kangiyikuhamba, kodwa-ke ngizakuya elizweni lakithi lezihlotsheni zami. Wasesithi: Ake ungasitshiyi, ngoba uyazi lapho esingamisa khona inkamba enkangala, uzakuba ngamehlo ethu. Kuzakuthi-ke, uba uhamba lathi, yebo, kuzakwenzeka lokho okuhle okungakho ezasenzela okuhle, sizakwenzela okuhle. Basuka-ke entabeni yeN, uhambo lwensuku ezintathu. Leyezi leN laliphezu kwabo emini, ekusukeni kwabo enkambeni. Kwasekusithi ekusukeni komtshokotsho, uMozisi wathi: Vuka, N, kazichitheke-ke izitha zakho, lalabo abakuzondayo kababaleke phambi kwakho. Ekumisweni kwawo wathi: Buyela, N, kuzinkulungwane ezilitshumi zezinkulungwane zakoIsrayeli. Kwasekusithi abantu besola kwakukubi endlebeni zeN KOSI. Abantu basebekhala kuMozisi; uMozisi wasekhuleka eNni, lomlilo wadeda. Ngakho wabiza ibizo laleyondawo iTabera, ngoba umlilo weN wavutha phakathi kwabo. Ududu lwabantu olwaluphakathi kwabo lwaloyisa isiloyiso? Siyazikhumbula inhlanzi esasizidla ngesihle eGibhithe, amakhomane, lamakhabe, lamaliki, lesandindima, legalikhi. Kodwa khathesi umphefumulo wethu womile, kakulalutho ngitsho, ngaphandle kwale imana phambikwamehlo ethu. Njalo imana yayinjengenhlanyelo yekhoriyanderi. Abantu bahambahamba bayibutha. Lapho amazolo esehlela phezu kwenkamba ebusuku, imana yehla phezu kwawo. Njalo uMozisi wezwa abantu bekhala inyembezi ngokwensapho zabo, ngulowo lalowo emnyango wethente lakhe. Lolaka lweN lwavutha kakhulu; futhi kwaba kubi emehlweni kaMozisi. UMozisi wasesithi eNni: Wenzeleni okubi encekwini yakho? Njalo kungani ngingatholanga umusa emehlweni akho ukuthi ubeke umthwalo walababantu bonke phezu kwami? Mina ngakhulelwa yibo bonke lababantu yini? Kumbe mina ngabazala yini, ukuze uthi kimi: Basingathe esifubeni sakho Ngingayithatha ngaphi inyama ukuthi ngibaphe bonke lababantu? Ngoba bayakhala inyembezi kimi besithi: Siphe inyama ukuze sidle. Mina kangilamandla okuthwala bonke lababantu ngedwa, ngoba kunzima kakhulu kimi. Uba-ke usenza njalo kimi, ake ungibulale lokungibulala, uba ngithole umusa emehlweni akho. yasisithi kuMozisi: Buthela kimi amadoda angamatshumi ayisikhombisa abadala bakoIsrayeli, owaziyo ngawo ukuthi angabadala babantu, uwalethe ethenteni lenhlangano ukuze eme khona lawe. Njalo ngizakwehla, ngikhulume lawe khona. Tshono-ke ebantwini uthi: Zingcweliseleleni ikusasa. Ngakho izalipha inyama njalo lidle. Kaliyikudla usuku olulodwa, loba insuku ezimbili, loba insuku ezinhlanu, loba insuku ezilitshumi, kumbe insuku ezingamatshumi amabili, kuze kube yinyanga yonke, ize iphume emakhaleni enu, ilitshiphele, ngenxa yokuthi liyalile ephakathi kwenu Kodwa uMozisi wathi: Abantu abahamba ngenyawo engiphakathi kwabo bazinkulungwane ezingamakhulu ayisithupha; wena-ke uthe: Ngizabanika inyama ukuze badle inyanga yonke. Bazahlatshelwa izimvu lezinkomo yini ukuze zibanele? yasisithi kuMozisi: Isandla seN sifinyeziwe yini?. UMozisi wasephuma, wabatshela abantu amazwi eN; wabutha amadoda angamatshumi ayisikhombisa ebadaleni babantu, wawamisa ehanqe ithente. yasisehla ngeyezi, baprofetha, kodwa kabakuphindanga. Njalo kwakusele amadoda amabili enkambeni, ibizo lenye lalinguElidadi lebizo lenye linguMedadi; loMoya wahlala phezu kwawo. Njalo ayephakathi kwalabo ababhaliweyo, kodwa kawaphumanga ukuya ethenteni, njalo aprofetha enkambeni. Kwagijima ijaha labika kuMozisi lathi: UElidadi loMedadi bayaprofetha enkambeni. UJoshuwa indodana kaNuni. Kodwa uMozisi wathi kuye: Ulobukhwele ngenxa yami yini? Kungathi bonke abantu beN bangaba ngabaprofethi, ukuze ifake uMoya wayo phezu kwabo! UMozisi wasezibuthela enkambeni, yena labadala bakoIsrayeli. Kwasekusuka umoya ovela eNni, waletha izagwaca zivela elwandle, wazehlisela phezu kwenkamba, phose uhambo losuku ngapha, njalo phose uhambo losuku ngapha, zizingelezele inkamba, njalo okungaba zingalo ezimbili phezu komhlabathi. Abantu basebesukuma lolosuku lonke, lobusuku bonke, losuku lonke olulandelayo, bebutha izagwaca. Lowo owayelezinlutshwana wayebuthe amahomeri alitshumi; bazichayela zona inhlangothi zonke zenkamba. Inyama isesephakathi kwamazinyo abo ingakahlafunwa, intukuthelo yeN yabavuthela abantu, njalo yabatshaya abantu ngenhlupheko enkulu kakhulu. Ngakho ibizo laleyondawo lathiwa yiKibirothi-Hathava, ngoba lapho bangcwaba abantu abakhanukayo. Abantu basuka eKibirothi-Hathava baya eHazerothi; bahlala eHazerothi. UMiriyamu loAroni basebekhuluma bemelene loMozisi ngenxa yowesifazana umEthiyophiyakazi owayemthethe, ngoba wayethethe umfazi umEthiyophiyakazi. Basebesithi: Kambe, ikhulume ngoMozisi kuphela? Kayikhulumanga langathi?. Njalo indoda uMozisi yayimnene kakhulu kulabo bonke abantu abaphezu kobuso bomhlaba. Khona yahle yathi kuMozisi lakuAroni lakuMiriyamu: Phumani lobathathu lize ethenteni lenhlangano. Baphuma-ke bona bobathathu. yasisehla isensikeni yeyezi, yema emnyango wethente, yabiza uAroni loMiriyamu; basebephuma bobabili. Yasisithi: Zwanini-ke amazwi ami; uba kukhona umprofethi phakathikwenu, mina ngizaziveza kuye ngombono. Kodwa inceku yami uMozisi kanjalo. Ngikhuluma laye umlomo ngomlomo Njalo ulaka lweN lwabavuthela; yasihamba. Kwathi lapho iyezi lisuka phezu kwethente, khangela, uMiriyamu, emhlophenjengeliqhwa elikhithikileyo. UAroni wasemkhangela uMiriyamu, khangela-ke, ulobulephero. UAroni wasesithi kuMozisi: Hawu nkosi yami, akungabeki isono phezu kwethu, okungaso senze ngobuthutha, lokungaso sonile. Ake angabi njengofileyo, othi nxa ephuma esiswini sikanina ingxenye yenyama yakhe idliwe. UMozisi wasekhala eNni esithi: Nkulunkulu, ake umelaphe, ngiyakuncenga. yasisithi kuMozisi: Uba uyise ubemkhafulele lokumkhafulela ngamathe ebusweni bakhe; lemva kwalokho emukelwe. UMiriyamu wasevalelwa ngaphandle kwenkamba insuku eziyisikhombisa; labantu kabasukanga, waze wemukelwa uMiriyamu. Lemva kwalokho abantu basuka eHazerothi. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Zithumele amadoda ukuthi ahlole ilizwe leKhanani engibapha lona abantwana bakoIsrayeli; uthume indoda eyodwa yaleso lalesosizwe saboyise, yonke eyinduna phakathi kwabo. UMozisi wawathuma-ke esuka enkangala yeParani, ngokomlayo weN; wonke lawomadoda ayezinhloko zabantwana bakoIsrayeli. Lala ngamabizo awo; owesizwe sakoRubeni, uShamuwa indodana kaZakuri. Owesizwe sakoSimeyoni, uShafati indodana kaHori. Owesizwe sakoJuda. Owesizwe sakoIsakari, uIgali indodana kaJosefa. Owesizwe sakoEfrayimi, uHoseya indodana kaNuni. Owesizwe sakoBhenjamini, uPaliti indodana kaRafu. Owesizwe sakoZebuluni, uGadiyeli indodana kaSodi. Owesizwe sakoJosefa, owesizwe sakoManase, uGadi indodana kaSusi. Owesizwe sakoDani, uAmiyeli indodana kaGemali. Owesizwe sakoAsheri, uSethuri indodana kaMikayeli. Owesizwe sakoNafithali, uNabi indodana kaVofisi. Owesizwe sakoGadi, uGewuweli indodana kaMaki. La ngamabizo amadoda uMozisi awathumayo ukuhlola ilizwe. UMozisi wasembiza uHoseya indodana kaNuni ngokuthi nguJoshuwa. UMozisi wasewathuma ukuhlola ilizwe leKhanani, wathi kuwo: Yenyukani lapha liye eningizimu, libone ilizwe ukuthi linjani, labantu abakhileyo kulo ukuthi balamandla kumbe babuthakathaka, balutshwana kumbe banengi yini, lokuthi linjani ilizwe abahlala kulo, loba lihle loba libi, lokuthi injani imizi abahlala kiyo, loba izinkamba loba izinqaba, lokuthi ilizwe linjani, loba livundile loba lilugwadule, lokuthi lilezihlahla loba hayi. Lalesisikhathi kwakuyisikhathi sezithelo zokuqala zevini. Basebesenyuka, balihlola ilizwe kusukela enkangala yeZini. Benyuka-ke ngeningizimu bafika eHebroni, lapho kwakulaboAhimani, uSheshayi, loTalimayi, abantwana bakaAnaki. Basebefika esihotsheni seEshikoli, lokwamapomegranati lokwemikhiwa. Leyondawo kwathiwa yisihotsha seEshikoli, ngenxa yehlukuzo abantwana bakoIsrayeli abaliqumayo lapho. Basebebuya bevela ekuhloleni ilizwe ekupheleni kwensuku ezingamatshumi amane. Basebehamba bafika kuMozisi lakuAroni lakunhlangano yonke yabantwana bakoIsrayeli enkangala yeParani, eKadeshi; basebebuyisela umbiko kubo lakunhlangano yonke, basebebatshengisa isithelo selizwe. Basebembikela bathi: Safika elizweni owasithuma kulo; njalo ngeqiniso, ligeleza uchago loluju. Kodwa-ke abantu abahlala elizweni balamandla, mikhulu kakhulu; njalo-ke sibone khona inzalo kaAnaki. AmaAmaleki akhile elizweni leningizimu. UKalebi wasethulisa abantu phambi kukaMozisi, wathi: Asenyukeni lokwenyuka, sidle ilifa lalo, ngoba silamandla okulinqoba. Kodwa amadoda ayenyuke laye athi: Kasilamandla okwenyukela kulabobantu, ngoba balamandla kulathi. Basebeveza umbiko omubi ngelizwe ababelihlolile. Lalapho sibone iziqhwaga, amadodana kaAnaki, avela eziqhwageni, sasinjalo lemehlweni azo. Lenhlangano yonke yasiziphakamisa, yazwakalisa ilizwi layo. Bonke abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebengunguna bemelene loMozisi loAroni! Njalo kungani isilethe kulelilizwe ukuthi siwe ngenkemba? Omkethu labantwanyana bethu bazakuba yimpango. Bekungebe ngcono kithi ukubuyela eGibhithe yini? Basebesithi omunye komunye: Asimiseni inhloko. UMozisi loAroni basebesithi mbo ngobuso babo phambi kwebandla lonke lenhlangano yabantwana bakoIsrayeli. UJoshuwa indodana kaNuni loKalebi indodana kaJefune ababengabalabo abahlola ilizwe, basebedabula izembatho zabo, bakhuluma kunhlangano yonke yabantwana bakoIsrayeli besithi: Ilizwe esadabula kulo ukuze silihlole yilizwe elihle kakhulukazi. Uba ithokoza ngathi, izasingenisa kulelilizwe. Kuphela lingayivukeli iN KOSI. Kodwa inhlangano yonke yathi kabakhandwe ngamatshe. yasisithi kuMozisi: Koze kube nini lababantu bengidelela Ngizabatshaya ngomatshayabhuqe wesifo, ngibathathele ilifa. UMozisi wasesithi eNni: Khona amaGibhithe azakuzwa; ngoba wenyuse lababantu phakathi kwawo ngamandla akho. Njalo azatshela abahlali balelilizwe. Bazwile ukuthi wena N uphakathi kwalababantu, ukuthi wena N ubonwa ubuso ngobuso. Uba ubulala lababantu njengomuntu oyedwa, izizwe ezizwe ngendumela yakho zizakhuluma zisithi: Ngoba yayingelakho ukungenisa lababantu elizweni eyabafungela lona, ngakho ibabulele enkangala. Khathesi-ke, ngiyancenga, kawabe makhulu amandla eNkosi yami, njengokutsho kwakho usithi: iyaphuza ukuthukuthela, njalo inkulu emuseni, ithethelela ububi leziphambeko, kodwa engayikumyekela lokumyekela olecala. Thethelela, ngiyancenga, ububi balababantu. yasisithi: Sengibathethelele njengokwelizwi lakho. Kodwa isibili, njengalokhungiphila, umhlaba wonke uzagcwala ngenkazimulo yeN. ngoba wonke amadoda abone inkazimulo yami lezibonakaliso zami engazenza eGibhithe lenkangala, langilingileyo, isibili kabayikubona ilizwe engalifungela oyise; futhi kakho owalabo abangideleleyo ozalibona. Kodwa inceku yami uKalebi. (AmaAmaleki. yasikhuluma kuMozisi lakuAroni isithi: Koze kube nini ngila linhlangano embi, engingungunelayo? Ngizwile ukungunguna kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli abangunguna ngakho bemelene lami. Tshono kibo uthi: Sibili njengobangiphila. Izidumbu zenu zizawela enkangala le, labo bonke ababaliweyo benu, njengokwenani lonke lenu, kusukela koleminyaka engamatshumi amabili langaphezulu, lina abangingunguneleyo; sibili lina kaliyikungena elizweni engiliphakamisele isandla sami ukulihlalisa kulo, ngaphandle kukaKalebi indodana kaJefune loJoshuwa indodana kaNuni. Kodwa abantwanyana benu elathi ngabo bazakuba yimpango, ngizabangenisa. Lina-ke, izidumbu zenu zizawela kulinkangala. Labantwana benu bazakuba ngabelusi enkangala. Njengokwenani lezinsuku elahlola ngazo ilizwe, lazi ukufulathela kwami. Mina N ngikhulumile. Isibili ngizakwenza lokhu. Njalo amadoda uMozisi awathumayo ukuhlola ilizwe, esephenduka, enza inhlangano yonke yamngungunela ngokuletha umbiko omubi mayelana lelizwe, lamadoda aletha umbiko omubi ngelizwe afa ngenhlupheko phambi kweN. Kodwa uJoshuwa indodana kaNuni loKalebi indodana kaJefune, kulawomadoda ayeyehlola ilizwe, asala ephila. Njalo uMozisi wakhuluma la amazwi kubo bonke abantwana bakoIsrayeli; abantu basebelila kakhulu. Basebevuka ekuseni kakhulu, benyukela engqongeni yentaba, besithi: Khangelani silapha, sizakwenyukela endaweni eyithembisileyo; ngoba sonile. Kodwa uMozisi wathi: Kungani-ke liseqa umlayo weN? Ngoba kakuyikuphumelela. Lingenyuki, ngoba kayikho phakathi kwenu, ukuze lingatshaywa phambi kwezitha zenu. Ngoba amaAmaleki lamaKhanani alapho phambi kwenu; njalo lizakuwa ngenkemba, ngoba njengoba liphendukile ekulandeleni iN, kayiyikuba lani. Kodwa ngokuziqhenya benyukela engqongeni yentaba. AmaAmaleki asesehla, lamaKhanani ahlala kulezozintaba, abatshaya. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Tshono ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli uthi kubo: Lapho lifika elizweni lokuhlala kwenu, engilinika lona, lisenza umnikelo owenzelwe ngomlilo, umnikelo wokutshiswa kumbe umhlatshelo, lowo-ke onikelayo umnikelo wakhe eNni; lewayini libe ngumnikelo wokunathwayo, ingxenye yesine yehini, uzakulungisa lomnikelo wokutshiswa loba umhlatshelo, owewundlu elilodwa. Kumbe owenqama lizalungisa umnikelo wokudla, ube zingxenye ezimbili etshumini zempuphu ecolekileyo ixubene lamafutha, ingxenye yesithathu yehini; lewayini libe ngumnikelo wokunathwayo, ingxenye yesithathu yehini, uzalinikela libe liphunga elimnandi eNni. Njalo nxa lilungisa ithole eliduna lenkomo libe ngumnikelo wokutshiswa kumbe umhlatshelo, owokugcwalisa isithembiso, kumbe iminikelo yokuthula eNni, uzanikelela-ke ithole lenkomo umnikelo wokudla, ube zingxenye ezintathu etshumini lempuphu ecolekileyo ixubene lamafutha, ingxenye yehini. Linikele iwayini libe ngumnikelo wokunathwayo, ingxenye yehini, kube ngumnikelo owenziwe ngomlilo olephunga elimnandi eNni. Kuzakwenziwa njalo ngaleyonkunzi, loba ngaleyonqama, loba ngewundlu, kumbe ngezinyane. Njengenani elizalilungisa, lizakwenza njalo kuleyo laleyo, ngokwenani lazo. Wonke owokuzalwa elizweni uzazenza njalo lezizinto, ekunikeleni umnikelo owenziwe ngomlilo woqhatshi olumnandi eNni. Uba-ke owemzini ohlala njengowezizwe lani, kumbe loba ngubani ophakathi kwenu ezizukulwaneni zenu, njalo enikela umnikelo owenziwe ngomlilo woqhatshi olumnandi eNni, njengoba lisenza uzakwenza njalo. Kuzakuba lesimiso sinye kini abebandla lakowemzini ohlala njengowezizwe. Kuzakuba lomthetho munye lesimiso sinye kini lakowemzini ohlala lani njengowezizwe. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Tshono ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli uthi kubo: Ekungeneni kwenu elizweni engilisa kulo, kuzakuthi nxa lisidla okokudla kwelizwe, linikele umnikelo wokuphakanyiswa eNni. Ngokokuqala kwenhlama yenu; njengomnikelo wokuphakanyiswa webala lokubhulela, ngokunjalo lizawuphakamisa. Ngokokuqala kwenhlama yenu lizanika eNni umnikelo wokuphakanyiswa ezizukulwaneni zenu. Uba-ke liduha, lingenzanga yonke imilayo le eyikhulume kuMozisi, konke elilaye khona ngesandla sikaMozisi kusukela ngosuku eyalaya ngalo kusiya phambili ezizukulwaneni zenu, kuzakuthi-ke uba kwenziwe ngokungazi, kungekho emehlweni enhlangano, inhlangano yonke izanikela ijongosi elilodwa ithole lenkomo, libe ngumnikelo wokutshiswa, kube luqhatshi olumnandi eNni, lomnikelo walo wokudla, lomnikelo walo wokunathwayo njengomthetho. Umpristi uzakwenzela-ke inhlangano yonke yabantwana bakoIsrayeli inhlawulo yokuthula, bakuthethelelwe, ngoba kuyikungazi, futhi bona bazaletha umnikelo wabo, umnikelo owenzelwe ngomlilo, lomnikelo wabo wesono phambi kweN, ngenxa yesiphambeko sokungazi kwabo. Lenhlangano yonke yabantwana bakoIsrayeli izakuthethelelwa, lowemzini ohlala njengowezizwe phakathi kwabo, ngoba kubo bonke abantu kwakusekungazini. Uba-ke umuntu oyedwa esona ngokungazi, uzasondeza isibhuzikazi esilomnyaka owodwa, sibe ngumnikelo wesono. Lompristi uzawenzela lowomphefumulo owone ngokungazi inhlawulo yokuthula, lapho one ngokungazi phambi kweN, ukumenzela inhlawulo yokuthula; uzakuthethelelwa-ke. Lizakuba lomlayo munye kwalowo owona ngokungazi, owokuzalwa elizweni phakathi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli, lowemzini ohlala njengowezizwe phakathi kwabo. Kodwa umuntu okwenza ngabomo, engowokuzalwa elizweni loba engowemzini. Ngoba edelele ilizwi leN, wephula umlayo wayo, lowomuntu uzaqunywa lokuqunywa; ububi bakhe buzakuba phezu kwakhe. Kwathi abantwana bakoIsrayeli besenkangala, bafica umuntu etheza inkuni ngosuku lwesabatha. Labo abamficayo etheza inkuni bamletha kuMozisi lakuAroni lakunhlangano yonke. Bamfaka esitokisini, ngoba kwakunga ka tshiwo ukuthi kuzakwenziwani kuye. . Lenhlangano yonke yamkhuphela ngaphandle kwenkamba, yamkhanda ngamatshe waze wafa, njengokulaya kweN kuMozisi. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Khuluma ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli, ubatshele ukuthi bazenzele izintshaka emagumbini ezembatho zabo, ezizukulwaneni zabo, lokuthi bafake entshakeni yomphetho intambo eluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka. Njalo kuzakuba kini yintshaka ukuze likukhangele, likhumbule yonke imilayo yeN, liyenze, lingadingi lilandele inhliziyo yenu lilandele amehlo enu. Ukuze likhumbule lenze yonke imilayo yami, libe ngcwele kuNkulunkulu wenu. NgiyuNkulunkulu wenu eyalikhupha elizweni leGibhithe ukuba nguNkulunkulu wenu; ngiyuNkulunkulu wenu. UKora indodana kaIzihari indodana kaKohathi indodana kaLevi. Basebesukuma phambi kukaMozisi, lamadoda abantwana bakoIsrayeli, abangamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amahlanu, abangabakhokheli benhlangano, abakhethiweyo bomhlangano, amadoda alebizo. Bahlangana bamelana loMozisi bamelana loAroni Kwathi uMozisi esekuzwile, wathi mbo ngobuso bakhe phansi. Wasekhuluma kuKora lakuqembu lakhe lonke esithi: Kusisa, khona izatshengisa ukuthi ngubani ongowayo lokuthi ngubani ongcwele, izamsondeza kuyo. Yenzani lokhu: zithatheleni imiganu yokutshisela impepha, uKora, leqembu lakhe lonke, lifake kiyo umlilo, libeke kiyo impepha phambi kweN kusasa. Kuzakuthi indoda eyikhethayo, yiyo engcwele. Seledlulise amalawulo, madodana kaLevi! UMozisi wasesithi kuKora: Ake lizwe, madodana kaLevi; kuyinto encinyane kini yini Ukusondezile, labafowenu bonke, amadodana kaLevi, kanye lawe; selifuna lobupristi yini? Ngalokho wena leqembu lakho lonke selihlangene ukumelana leN. Ngoba uAroni uyini ukuthi limngungunele? UMozisi wasethuma ukubiza uDathani loAbiramu, amadodana kaEliyabi. Kodwa bathi: Kasiyikwenyuka; kuyinto encinyane yini ukuthi wasenyusa Futhi kawusingenisanga elizweni eligeleza uchago loluju, loba ukusinika ilifa lamasimu lezivini. Amehlo ala amadoda ungawakopola yini? Asiyikwenyuka. UMozisi wasethukuthela kakhulu, wathi eNni: Unganaki umnikelo wabo. UMozisi wasesithi kuKora: Wena leqembu lakho lonke banini phambi kweN, wena, labo, loAroni, kusasa; Thathani, omunye lomunye umganu wakhe wokutshisela impepha, lifake kuyo impepha, liyisondeze phambi kweN, kube ngulowo lalowo umganu wakhe wokutshisela impepha, imiganu yokutshisela impepha engamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amahlanu; lawe loAroni, ngulowo lalowo umganu wakhe wokutshisela impepha. Basebethatha, ngulowo lalowo umganu wakhe wokutshisela impepha, bafaka umlilo kuyo, babeka impepha kuyo, bema emnyango wethente lenhlangano, loMozisi loAroni. UKora wasebuthanisa inhlangano yonke ukumelana labo emnyango wethente lenhlangano. Inkazimulo yeN yasibonakala ebandleni lonke. yasikhuluma kuMozisi lakuAroni isithi: Zehlukaniseni liphume phakathi kwalinhlangano. Basebesithi mbo ngobuso babo phansi bathi yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Tshono enhlanganweni uthi: Yenyukani lisuke kunhlangothi zonke zomuzi kaKora, uDathani, loAbiramu. UMozisi wasesukuma, waya kuDathani loAbiramu, labadala bakoIsrayeli bamlandela. Wasekhuluma enhlanganweni esithi: Ake lisuke emathenteni alamadoda amabi, lingathinti lutho olungolwabo. Basebesenyuka besuka emzini yaboKora, uDathani loAbiramu enhlangothini zonke; oDathani loAbiramu basebephuma, bema emnyango wamathente abo labomkabo lamadodana abo labantwanyana babo. UMozisi wasesithi: Ngalokhu lizakwazi ukuthi ingithumile ukwenza yonke limisebenzi. Uba laba besifa njengokufa kwabantu bonke, kumbe behlelwe njengokwehlelwa kwabantu bonke, kayingithumanga. Kodwa uba idala into entsha, ukuthi umhlaba uvule umlomo wawo, ubaginye lakho konke okwabo. Kwasekusithi eseqedile ukukhuluma wonke la amazwi, umhlaba owawungaphansi kwabo waqhekezeka, lomhlaba wavula umlomo wawo, wabaginya lezindlu zabo, labo bonke abantu ababengabakaKora, lempahla yabo yonke. Basebetshona emgodini bephila bona lakho konke okwabo; umhlaba wabagqibela, babhubha besuka phakathi kwebandla. UIsrayeli wonke owayebazingelezele wasebaleka ekukhaleni kwabo, ngoba bathi: Hlezi umhlaba usiginye. Kwasekuphuma umlilo eNni, waqothula amadoda angamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amahlanu ayenikele impepha. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Tshono kuEleyazare, indodana kaAroni umpristi, ukuthi athathe imiganu yokutshisela impepha phakathi kokutsha; uwuchithachithele umlilo laphayana, ngoba ingcwele. Imiganu yokutshisela impepha yalezizoni imelene lemiphefumulo yazo. UEleyazare umpristi wasethatha imiganu yethusi yokutshisela impepha ababenikele ngayo abatshisiweyo, basebeyikhanda yaba yizicecedu zokusibekela ilathi, kube yisikhumbuzo ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli ukuze kungabi lowemzini, ongesuye owenzalo kaAroni, osondela ukutshisa impepha phambi kweN, ukuze angabi njengoKora lanjengexuku lakhe, njengoba yakhuluma kuye ngesandla sikaMozisi. Kodwa kusisa inhlangano yonke yabantwana bakoIsrayeli yabasola oMozisi loAroni, isithi: Lina libabulele abantu beN. Kwasekusithi inhlangano isihlangene imelene loMozisi njalo imelene loAroni, baphendukela ethenteni lenhlangano, khangela-ke iyezi lalilisibekele. UMozisi loAroni basebesiza ngaphambi kwethente lenhlangano. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Yenyukani lisuke phakathi kwalinhlangano. Basebesithi mbo ngobuso babo phansi. UMozisi wasesithi kuAroni: Thatha umganu wokutshisela impepha, ufake kuwo umlilo ovela elathini, ubeke kuwo impepha, uye ngokuphangisa enhlanganweni, ubenzele inhlawulo yokuthula; ngoba ulaka seluphumile lusuka phambi kweN, inhlupheko i si qalisile. UAroni wasekuthatha njengokutsho kukaMozisi, wagijimela phakathi kwebandla, khangela-ke, inhlupheko yayisiqalisile phakathi kwabantu. Wafaka impepha, wabenzela abantu inhlawulo yokuthula. Wasesima phakathi kwabafileyo labaphilayo. Inhlupheko yasimiswa. Labafayo enhluphekweni babeyizinkulungwane ezilitshumi lane lamakhulu ayisikhombisa, ngaphandle kwalabo abafa ngendaba kaKora. UAroni wasebuyela kuMozisi emnyango wethente lenhlangano; lenhlupheko yayisimisiwe. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Tshono kubantwana bakoIsrayeli, njalo uthathe induku kulowo lalowo wabo, ngokwendlu kayise, kuzo zonke iziphathamandla zabo, ngokwezindlu zaboyise, induku ezilitshumi lambili. Bhala ibizo laleyo laleyondoda endukwini yayo, ubhale ibizo likaAroni endukwini kaLevi. Ngoba induku eyodwa izakuba ngeyenhloko yendlu yaboyise. Njalo uzazibeka ethenteni lenhlangano phambi kobufakazi, lapho engizahlangana lawe khona. Kuzakuthi-ke induku yendoda engizayikhetha izahluma. UMozisi wasekhuluma ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli; zonke-ke iziphathamandla zabo zamnika izinduku, yabanye kuleso lalesosiphathamandla, njengezindlu zaboyise, induku ezilitshumi lambili; lenduku kaAroni yayiphakathi kwenduku zazo. UMozisi wasezibeka induku phambi kweN ethenteni lobufakazi. Kwasekusithi kusisa uMozisi wangena ethenteni lobufakazi, khangela-ke, induku kaAroni eyendlu kaLevi yayihlumile, yakhupha amahlumela, yakhahlela impoko, yathela ama-alimondi. UMozisi wasezikhuphela phandle zonke induku zivela phambi kweN, kubo bonke abantwana bakoIsrayeli; basebekhangela, bathatha ngulowo lalowo induku yakhe. yasisithi kuMozisi: Buyisela induku kaAroni phambi kobufakazi. UMozisi wasesenza; njengalokho yamlaya, wenza njalo. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebekhuluma kuMozisi besithi: Khangela, siyafa, siyabhubha, sonke siyabhubha! Wonke osondela lokusondela ethabhanekeleni leN uzakufa. Sizaphela ngokufa yini? yasisithi kuAroni: Wena lamadodana akho lendlu kayihlo kanye lawe. Labafowenu, isizwe sakoLevi, isizwe sikayihlo, basondeze-ke lawe ukuze bahlanganiswe lawe. Bazagcina umlayo wakho, lemfanelo zethente lonke. Bazahlanganiswa lawe, bagcine imfanelo zethente lenhlangano kuyo yonke inkonzo yethente; kodwa owemzini kayikusondela kini. Njalo lizagcina imfanelo zendlu engcwele lemfanelo zelathi. Mina-ke, khangelani, ngithethe abafowenu amaLevi bevela phakathi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli. Ngakho wena lamadodana akho kanye lawe lizagcina ubupristi benu kuzo zonke izinto zelathi. Nginike ubupristi benu bube ngumsebenzi wesipho; kodwa owemzini osondelayo uzabulawa. yasisithi kuAroni: Mina-ke, khangela, ngikunike ukuphathwa kweminikelo yami yokuphakanyiswa yazo zonke izinto ezingcwele zabantwana bakoIsrayeli. Lokhu kuzakuba ngokwakho okuvela ezintweni ezingcwelengcwele, zivela emlilweni. Lizakudlela engcweleni yezingcwele; wonke owesilisa uzakudla; kuzakuba ngcwele kuwe. Lalokhu ngokwakho: Umnikelo wokuphakanyiswa wesipho sabo, layo yonke iminikelo yokuzunguzwa yabantwana bakoIsrayeli. Ikhethelo lonke lamafutha, lekhethelo lonke lewayini elitsha, lelamabele. Izithelo zokuqala zakho konke okuselizweni labo abazakuletha eNni kuzakuba ngokwakho. Konke okwehlukanisiweyo koIsrayeli kuzakuba ngokwakho. Konke okuvula isizalo, kwayo yonke inyama abakuletha eNni, phakathi kwabantu laphakathi kwezifuyo, kuzakuba ngokwakho. Lalezo ezizahlengwa uzazihlenga kusukela sezilenyanga, njengesilinganiso sakho. Kodwa izibulo lenkomo, kumbe izibulo lemvu, kumbe izibulo lembuzi, awuyikuwahlenga, angcwele. Lenyama yawo izakuba ngeyakho, njengesifuba esizunguziweyo lanjengomlenze wokunene, kuzakuba ngokwakho. Yonke iminikelo yokuphakanyiswa yezinto ezingcwele abantwana bakoIsrayeli abayinikela eNni ngiyinike wena lamadodana akho lamadodakazi akho kanye lawe, ngesimiso esilaphakade. yasisithi kuAroni: Kawuyikudla ilifa elizweni labo, kawuyikuba lesabelo phakathi kwabo; ngiyisabelo sakho lelifa lakho phakathi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli. Khangela-ke, nginike abantwana bakoLevi konke okwetshumi koIsrayeli kube yilifa, ngomsebenzi wabo abawenzayo. Njalo abantwana bakoIsrayeli bangabe besasondela ethenteni lenhlangano. Kodwa amaLevi azakwenza inkonzo yethente lenhlangano. Ngoba okwetshumi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli abakunikela eNni kube ngumnikelo wokuphakanyiswa, ngikunike amaLevi kube yilifa. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Futhi uzakhuluma kumaLevi uthi kuwo: Nxa lithatha ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli okwetshumi engilinike khona, kuvela kubo kube yilifa lenu, lizanikela kokwakho umnikelo wokuphakanyiswa weN, kube ngokwetshumi kwalokho okwetshumi. Lomnikelo wenu wokuphakanyiswa uzabalelwa lina, njengamabele ebala lokubhulela lanjengokugcwala kwesikhamelo sewayini. Ngalokhu lani lizanikela umnikelo wokuphakanyiswa weN kukho konke okwetshumi kwenu elikwemukelayo ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli; lizanika kokwayo umnikelo wokuphakanyiswa weN, kuAroni umpristi. Kuzo zonke izipho zenu lizanikela wonke umnikelo wokuphakanyiswa weN; ekhethelweni lonke lazo, ingxenye yayo engcwelisiweyo evela kuyo. Futhi uzakuthi kuwo: Lapho linikela ikhethelo lazo elivela kuzo, kuzabalelwa amaLevi njengesivuno sebala lokubhulela lanjengesivuno sesikhamelo sewayini. Lizakudla lokho endaweni zonke, lina lendlu yenu, ngoba kungumvuzo wenu ngomsebenzi wenu ethenteni lenhlangano. Njalo kaliyikuthwala isono ngenxa yakho, lapho seliphakamisile ikhethelo lakho kukho. yasikhuluma kuMozisi lakuAroni isithi: Lesi yisimiso somlayo esimisileyo isithi: Tshono ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli ukuthi balethe kini ithokazi elibomvu elipheleleyo okungelasici kulo, okungazange kufakwe ijogwe kulo; njalo lilinike uEleyazare umpristi, alikhuphele-ke ngaphandle kwenkamba, libe selihlatshwa phambi kwakhe. Njalo uEleyazare uzathatha okwegazi lalo ngomunwe wakhe, afafaze kasikhombisa okwegazi lalo maqondana laphambi kwethente lenhlangano. Lethokazi litshiswe phambi kwamehlo akhe; kutshiswe isikhumba salo lenyama yalo legazi lalo kanye lomswane walo. Umpristi uzathatha-ke isigodo somsedari, lehisope, lokubomvu, akuphose phakathi kokutsha kwethokazi. Umpristi usezawatsha izembatho zakhe, ageze umzimba wakhe emanzini, emva kwalokho angene enkambeni, njalo umpristi abe ngongcolileyo kuze kuhlwe. Lolitshisileyo uzawatsha izembatho zakhe emanzini, ageze umzimba wakhe emanzini, abe ngongcolileyo kuze kuhlwe. Lendoda ehlambulukileyo izabutha umlotha wethokazi, iwubeke ngaphandle kwenkamba. Lobutha umlotha wethokazi uzawatsha izembatho zakhe, abe ngongcolileyo kuze kuhlwe; njalo kuzakuba yisimiso esilaphakade ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli lowemzini ohlala njengowezizwe phakathi kwabo. Othinta isidumbu saloba nguwuphi umuntu uzakuba ngongcolileyo insuku eziyisikhombisa. Uzazihlambulula ngawo ngosuku lwesithathu langosuku lwesikhombisa uzahlambuluka; kodwa uba engazihlambululi ngosuku lwesithathu, khona ngosuku lwesikhombisa kayikuhlambuluka. Loba ngubani othinta ofileyo, isidumbu somuntu osefile, angazihlambululi, ungcolisa ithabhanekele leN KOSI. Lo ngumlayo womuntu nxa efela ethenteni. Konke okungena ethenteni lakho konke okusethenteni kuzakuba ngokungcolileyo insuku eziyisikhombisa. Njalo yonke imbiza evulekileyo engelasisibekelo esibotshelwe phezulu kwayo ingcolile. Laye wonke othinta umuntu obuleweyo ngenkemba, endle, loba ofileyo, loba ithambo lomuntu, loba ingcwaba, uzakuba ngongcolileyo insuku eziyisikhombisa. Ngongcolileyo bazathatha okomlotha walokho okwatshiswayo kokuhlanjululwa kwesono, njalo kuzafakwa phezu kwakho amanzi aphilayo esitsheni. Lendoda ehlambulukileyo izathatha ihisope, iyigxamuze emanzini, ifafaze phezu kwethente, laphezu kwempahla yonke, laphezu kwabantu ababelapho, laphezu kowathinta ithambo, loba obuleweyo, loba ofileyo, loba ingcwaba. Lohlambulukileyo uzafafaza ongcolileyo ngosuku lwesithathu langosuku lwesikhombisa. Kodwa indoda engcolileyo, ingazihlambululi, lowomuntu uzaqunywa asuke phakathi kwebandla, ngoba engcolise indlu engcwele yeN; amanzi okwehlukanisa kawafafazwanga phezu kwakhe, ungcolile. Njalo kuzakuba yisimiso esilaphakade kubo, ukuthi lowo ofafaza amanzi okwehlukanisa uzawatsha izembatho zakhe; lalowo othinta amanzi okwehlukanisa uzakuba ngongcolileyo kuze kuhlwe. Njalo konke akuthintayo ongcolileyo kuzakuba ngokungcolileyo; lomuntu okuthintayo uzakuba ngongcolileyo kuze kuhlwe. Khona abantwana bakoIsrayeli, inhlangano yonke, bafika enkangala yeZini ngenyanga yokuqala; labantu bahlala eKadeshi. Njalo kwakungelamanzi enhlangano. Abantu baphikisana loMozisi bakhuluma besithi: Kungathi ngabe safa! Liletheleni ibandla leN enkangala le ukuze sifele lapha, thina lezifuyo zethu? Lasenyuselani sisuka eGibhithe ukusiletha kulindawo embi? Kakusiyo indawo yenhlanyelo lemikhiwa lamavini lamapomegranati, futhi kakulamanzi okunatha. UMozisi loAroni basebesuka phambi kwebandla, baya emnyango wethente lenhlangano, bathi mbo ngobuso babo phansi. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Thatha intonga, ubuthanise inhlangano, wena loAroni umnewenu, likhulume kulo idwala phambi kwamehlo abo, njalo lizanika amanzi alo. UMozisi wasethatha intonga esuka phambi kweN njengokumlaya kwayo. UMozisi loAroni basebebuthanisa ibandla phambi kwedwala; wasesithi kubo: Zwanini-ke, lina bahlamuki; sizalikhuphela yini amanzi edwaleni leli? UMozisi wasephakamisa isandla sakhe, watshaya idwala kabili ngentonga yakhe; kwasekumpompoza amanzi amanengi, inhlangano yasinatha, lezifuyo zayo. yasisithi kuMozisi lakuAroni: Ngoba lingangikholwanga. La ngamanzi eMeriba, lapho abantwana bakoIsrayeli abaphikisana khona leN, yasingcweliswa kubo. UMozisi wasethuma izithunywa enkosini yeEdoma, lokuthi obaba behlela eGibhithe. Sasesikhala eNni, yasisizwa ilizwi lethu. Ake usiyekele sidabule elizweni lakho. Kasiyikudabula ensimini loba esivinini, futhi kasiyikunatha amanzi omthombo. Sizahamba ngomgwaqo wenkosi, kasiyikuphambukela ngakwesokunene langakwesokhohlo, size sedlule umngcele wakho. Kodwa uEdoma wathi kuye: Kawuyikudabula kimi, hlezi ngiphume ngenkemba ngimelane lawe. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebesithi kuye: Sizahamba ngomgwaqo omkhulu. Uba-ke mina lezifuyo zami sinatha okwamanzi akho; kuphela ngizadabula ngenyawo zami nje. Kodwa wathi: Kawuyikudabula. UEdoma wasephuma wamelana laye elabantu abanengi, langesandla esilamandla. Ngalokhu uEdoma wala ukuvumela uIsrayeli ukudabula emngceleni wakhe. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli, inhlangano yonke, basebesuka eKadeshi. yasikhuluma kuMozisi lakuAroni entabeni yeHori, emngceleni welizwe leEdoma, isithi: UAroni uzabuthelwa ebantwini bakibo, ngoba kayikungena elizweni engilinike abantwana bakoIsrayeli. Thatha uAroni loEleyazare indodana yakhe, ubenyusele entabeni yeHori, umhlubule uAroni izembatho zakhe, uzifake kuEleyazare indodana yakhe; ngoba uAroni uzabuthelwa kwabakibo, afele lapho. UMozisi wenza njengokulaya kweN. Basebesenyukela entabeni yeHori phambi kwamehlo enhlangano yonke. UMozisi wasemhlubula uAroni izembatho zakhe, wazifaka kuEleyazare indodana yakhe. Lapho inhlangano yonke ibona ukuthi uAroni usephelile, balilela uAroni insuku ezingamatshumi amathathu, indlu yonke kaIsrayeli. Kwathi inkosi yeAradi, umKhanani, eyayihlala eningizimu. UIsrayeli wathembisa isithembiso eNni wathi. yasisizwa ilizwi likaIsrayeli, yanikela amaKhanani, wawatshabalalisa lemizi yawo; ngakho wabiza ibizo laleyondawo ngokuthiyiHorma. Basebesuka entabeni yeHori, ngendlela yoLwandle oluBomvu. Abantu basebekhuluma bemelene loNkulunkulu njalo bemelene loMozisi. yasithuma inyoka ezilokutshisa phakathi kwabantu. Ngakho abantu beza kuMozisi bathi. yasisithi kuMozisi: Zenzele inyoka elomlilo, uyibeke esigodweni; njalo kuzakuthi wonke olunyiweyo, nxa eyikhangela, uzaphila. UMozisi wasesenza inyoka yethusi, wayibeka esigodweni; kwasekusithi lapho inyoka ilume loba nguwuphi umuntu, uba ekhangele inyoka yethusi, waphila. Njalo abantwana bakoIsrayeli basuka bamisa inkamba eObothi. Basuka eObothi, bamisa inkamba eIye-Abarimi enkangala emaqondana lakoMowabi lapho okuphuma khona ilanga. Basuka lapho, bamisa inkamba esigodini seZeredi. Basuka lapho, bamisa inkamba ngale kweArinoni esenkangala ephuma emingceleni yamaAmori; ngoba iArinoni lingumngcele wakoMowabi, phakathi kweMowabi lamaAmori. Ngakho kuthiwa egwalweni lwezimpi zeN: IWahebi eseSufa, lezifula zeArinoni, leliwa lezifula elehlela endaweni yeAri, lisekele umngcele wakoMowabi. Basebesuka lapho baya eBeri; lo ngumthombo eyakhuluma ngawo kuMozisi yathi: Buthanisa abantu, ngizabanika-ke amanzi. Khona uIsrayeli wahlabela lingoma ethi: Mpompoza, mthombo! Hlabelelani kuwo, umthombo ezawugebhayo iziphathamandla, ezawugebhayo izikhulu zabantu, ngomnikumthetho, ngendondolo zazo. Basebesuka enkangala bayaeMathana. Besuka eMathana bayaeNahaliyeli; besuka eNahaliyeli bayaeBamothi; besuka eBamothi esigodini esisemhlabeni wakoMowabi, engqongeni yePisiga ekhangele inkangala. UIsrayeli wasethuma izithunywa kuSihoni inkosi yamaAmori, esithi: Ake ngidabule elizweni lakho; kasiyikuphambukela emasimini loba ezivinini; kasiyikunatha amanzi omthombo; sizahamba ngomgwaqo wenkosi, size sedlule imingcele yakho. Kodwa uSihoni kamvumelanga uIsrayeli ukudabula umngcele wakhe, kodwa uSihoni wabuthanisa bonke abantu bakhe, waphuma ukumelana loIsrayeli enkangala. UIsrayeli wamtshaya ngobukhali benkemba, waba ngumnikazi welizwe lakhe kusukela eArinoni kuze kube seJaboki, kuze kube sebantwaneni bakoAmoni. UIsrayeli wasethatha yonke le imizi; uIsrayeli wasehlala emizini yonke yamaAmori, eHeshiboni layo yonke imizana yalo. Ngoba iHeshiboni yayingumuzi kaSihoni inkosi yamaAmori, owayelwe emelene lenkosi yamandulo yakoMowabi, wayethethe ilizwe lonke layo esandleni sayo, kwaze kwafika eArinoni. Ngakho abasebenzisa izaga bathi: Wozani eHeshiboni! Umuzi kaSihoni kawakhiwe, umiswe. Ngoba umlilo waphuma eHeshiboni, ilangabi emzini kaSihoni, laqothula iAri loMowabi, amakhosi endawo eziphakemeyo zeArinoni. Maye kuwe, Mowabi! Unikele amadodana akhe aba ngababaleki, lamadodakazi akhe ekuthunjweni kuSihoni, inkosi yamaAmori. Sesibatshokile; iHeshiboni ibhubhile kuze kube seDiboni. UIsrayeli wasehlala elizweni lamaAmori. UMozisi wathuma ukuyahlola iJazeri. Basebephenduka, benyuka ngendlela yeBashani. UOgi inkosi yeBashani wasephuma ukumelana labo, yena labantu bakhe bonke, empini eEdreyi. yasisithi kuMozisi: Ungamesabi; ngoba ngimnikele esandleni sakho, labantu bakhe bonke, lelizwe lakhe. Basebemtshaya, lamadodana akhe, labantu bakhe bonke, akwaze kwasala ophilayo kuye. Badla ilifa lelizwe lakhe. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebesuka. UBalaki indodana kaZipori wasebona konke uIsrayeli ayekwenze kumaAmori. UMowabi wasesesaba kakhulu ubuso babantu, ngoba babebanengi. UMowabi wasesithi ebadaleni beMidiyani: Khathesi lelibandla lizakhotha konke okusihanqileyo, njengenkabi ikhotha utshani bedlelo. Njalo uBalaki indodana kaZipori wayeyinkosi yakoMowabi ngalesosikhathi. Wasethuma izithunywa kuBalami indodana kaBeyori eliseduze lomfula welizwe labantwana babantu bakhe, ukumbiza, esithi: Khangela, abantu baphumile eGibhithe. Khangela, basibekele ubuso bomhlaba, futhi sebehlala maqondana lami. Khathesi-ke, ake uze, ngiqalekisela lababantu, ngoba balamandla kulami; mhlawumbe ngingaba lamandla okuthi sibatshaye, lokuthi ngibaxotshe elizweni, ngoba ngiyazi ukuthi lowo ombusisayo ubusisiwe, lalowo omqalekisayo uqalekisiwe. Abadala beMowabi labadala beMidiyani basebehamba belembadalo yokuvumisa esandleni sabo; bafika kuBalami, bakhuluma kuye amazwi kaBalaki. Wasesithi kubo: Lalani lapha lobubusuku, njalo ngizalilethela ilizwi, njengalokhu ezakutsho kimi. Iziphathamandla zakoMowabi zasezihlala loBalami. UNkulunkulu wasefika kuBalami, wathi: Ngobani lamadoda alawe? UBalami wasesithi kuNkulunkulu: UBalaki, indodana kaZipori, inkosi yakoMowabi, ungithumele esithi: Khangela, abantu baphumile eGibhithe basibekele ubuso bomhlaba; woza khathesi, ungiqalekisele bona; mhlawumbe ngingaba lamandla okulwa labo, ngibaxotshe. UNkulunkulu wasesithi kuBalami: Ungahambi labo; ungabaqalekisi labobantu, ngoba babusisiwe. UBalami wasevuka ekuseni, wathi kuziphathamandla zikaBalaki: Yanini elizweni lakini, ngoba iyala ukungivumela ukuhamba lani. Ngakho iziphathamandla zakoMowabi zasukuma, zaya kuBalaki, zathi: UBalami uyala ukuhamba lathi. UBalaki wasebuya wathuma njalo iziphathamandla, ezinengi ezidumileyo kulalezo. Zasezifika kuBalami zathi kuye: Utsho njalo uBalaki indodana kaZipori uthi: Ake ungavinjwa yilutho ukuza kimi. Ngoba ngizakuhlonipha lokukuhlonipha kakhulu, lakho konke ongitshela khona ngizakwenza. Ngakho ake uze, ngiqalekisela lababantu. Kodwa uBalami waphendula wathi encekwini zikaBalaki: Uba uBalaki ebezangipha indlu yakhe igcwele isiliva legolide. Khathesi-ke, ake lihlale lapha lani lobubusuku, ukuze ngazi ukuthi izakuthini kimi futhi. UNkulunkulu wasesiza kuBalami ebusuku wathi kuye: Uba amadoda efika ukukubiza, sukuma uhambe lawo. UBalami wasesukuma ekuseni, wabophela isihlalo kubabhemikazi wakhe, wahamba leziphathamandla zakoMowabi. Ulaka lukaNkulunkulu lwavutha ngoba wahamba; ingilosi yeN yayakuma endleleni ukuba yisitha esimelane laye. Njalo wayegade ubabhemikazi wakhe, lenceku zakhe ezimbili zilaye. Ubabhemi waseyibona ingilosi yeN imi endleleni, lenkemba ehwatshiweyo isesandleni sayo; lobabhemikazi waphambuka endleleni, wangena ensimini. UBalami wasemtshaya ubabhemi ukumphendulela endleleni. Ingilosi yeN yasisima endleleni eminyeneyo yezivini, umduli ngapha lomduli ngapha. Lapho ubabhemikazi ebona ingilosi yeN wazibandezela emdulini, wabandezela unyawo lukaBalami emdulini; wasemtshaya futhi. Ingilosi yeN yasiqhubeka, yema endaweni eminyeneyo, lapho okwakungelandlela yokuphendukela ngakwesokunene kumbe ngakwesokhohlo. Lapho ubabhemikazi ebona ingilosi yeN, walala ngaphansi kukaBalami. Ulaka lukaBalami lwaseluvutha, wasemtshaya ubabhemi ngenduku. yasivula umlomo kababhemikazi UBalami wasesithi kubabhemikazi: Ngoba ungenze inhlekisa. Kungathi ngabe kulenkemba esandleni sami, ngoba bengizakubulala khathesi. Ubabhemikazi wasesithi kuBalami: Angisuye yini ubabhemi wakho omgade kusukela ngi sengowakho kuze kube lamuhla? Ngake ngejwayela ukwenza kanje kuwe yini? Wasesithi: Hatshi. yasivula amehlo kaBalami. Ingilosi yeN yasisithi kuye: Umtshayeleni ubabhemikazi wakho okwalezizikhathi ezintathu?; njalo ubabhemikazi wangibona, waphambuka phambi kwami lezizikhathi ezintathu. Ngaphandle kokuthi ephambukile phambi kwami, ngeqiniso khathesi ngabe ngikubulele lawe, ngamgcina yena ephila. UBalami wasesithi engilosini yeN: Ngonile, ngoba bengingazi ukuthi umi endleleni ukumelana lami. Ngakho-ke uba kukubi emehlweni akho, ngizabuyela futhi. Ingilosi yeN yasisithi kuBalami: Hamba lalawomadoda; kodwa kuphela ilizwi engizalikhuluma kuwe, yilo ozalikhuluma. UBalami wasehamba leziphathamandla zikaBalaki. UBalaki esezwile ukuthi uBalami uyeza, waphuma ukuyamhlangabeza emzini wakoMowabi, osemngceleni weArinoni, osekucineni komngcele. UBalaki wasesithi kuBalami: Kangithumanga yini lokuthuma kuwe ukukubiza? Kungani ungafikanga kimi? Isibili kangilamandla okukunika udumo yini? UBalami wasesithi kuBalaki: Khangela, ngifikile kuwe. Khathesi ngilamandla isibili okukhuluma loba yini na? Ilizwi uNkulunkulu alifaka emlonyeni wami, yilo engizalikhuluma. UBalami wasehamba loBalaki, basebefika eKiriyathi-Huzothi. UBalaki wasehlaba izinkabi lezimvu, wathumela kuBalami lakuziphathamandla ezazilaye. Kwasekusithi ekuseni uBalaki wamthatha uBalami, wamenyusela endaweni eziphakemeyo zikaBhali, ukuthi abone elapho ukucina kwabantu. UBalami wasesithi kuBalaki: Ngakhela lapha amalathi ayisikhombisa, ungilungisele lapha amajongosi ayisikhombisa lenqama eziyisikhombisa. UBalaki wenza njengokutsho kukaBalami; uBalaki loBalami basebenikela ku lelo laleloilathi ijongosi lenqama. UBalami wasesithi kuBalaki: Mana emnikelweni wakho wokutshiswa. Wasesiya endaweni ephakemeyo. UNkulunkulu wasehlangana loBalami; wasesithi kuye: Sengilungise amalathi ayisikhombisa, nganikela ku lelo laleloilathi ijongosi lenqama. yasifaka ilizwi emlonyeni kaBalami, yathi: Buyela kuBalaki, ukhulume kanje. Wasebuyela kuye, khangela-ke, wayemi emnikelweni wakhe wokutshiswa, yena lazo zonke iziphathamandla zakoMowabi. Wasephakamisa umzekeliso wakhe, wathi: UBalaki, inkosi yakoMowabi, ungilandile eSiriya, ezintabeni zempumalanga wathi. Ngingamqalekisa njani Kumbe ngingamthuka njani enga m thukanga? Ngoba ngisengqongeni yamadwala ngiyambona, ngisemaqaqeni ngiyamkhangela. Khangela, abantu bazahlala bodwa. Ngubani ongabala uthuli lukaJakobe, lokuphela kwami kube njengokwakhe! UBalaki wasesithi kuBalami: Wenzeni kimi? Ngikuthethe ukuze uqalekise izitha zami, kodwa khangela, u zi busisile loku zi busisa. Wasephendula wathi: Lokho ekufaka emlonyeni wami, kakumelanga ngiqaphele yini ukukukhuluma? UBalaki wasesithi kuye: Ake uze lami siye kwenye indawo lapho ozababona khona; uzabona ukucina kwabo kuphela, ungaboni bonke; njalo ungiqalekisele bona ulapho. Njalo wamthatha wamusa ensimini yeZofimu, engqongeni yePisiga; wakha amalathi ayisikhombisa, wanikela ijongosi lenqama phezu kwa lelo laleloilathi. Wasesithi kuBalaki: Mana lapha emnikelweni wakho wokutshiswa, njalo mina ngizahlangana layolaphayana. yasihlangana loBalami, yafaka ilizwi emlonyeni wakhe, yathi: Buyela kuBalaki, ukhulume kanje. Esefikile kuye, khangela-ke wema emnikelweni wakhe wokutshiswa leziphathamandla zakoMowabi zilaye. UBalaki wasesithi kuye: itheni? Wasephakamisa umfanekiso wakhe wathi: Sukuma, Balaki, uzwe, ubeke indlebe, ndodana kaZipori. UNkulunkulu kasumuntu ukuthi aqambe amanga, loba indodana yomuntu ukuthi azisole. Utshilo, kanti kayikukwenza? Kumbe ukhulumile, kanti kayikukuqinisa? Khangela, ngemukele ukuthi ngibusise; yebo, ubusisile, njalo ngingeke ngikuguqule. Kakhangelanga ububi kuJakobe, kabonanga isiphambeko kuIsrayeli. UNkulunkulu wabakhupha eGibhithe. Isibili kakulamlingo ongamelana loJakobe, loba ukuvumisa okungamelana loIsrayeli! Khangela, abantu bazasukuma njengesilwane esisikazi. UBalaki wasesithi kuBalami: Futhi ungabaqalekisi lokubaqalekisa, njalo ungababusisi lokubabusisa. Kodwa uBalami waphendula wathi kuBalaki: Kangikutshelanga yini ngisithi: Konke ekutshoyo, lokho ngizakwenza? UBalaki wasesithi kuBalami: Ake uze, ngizakusa kwenye indawo; mhlawumbe kungaqonda emehlweni kaNkulunkulu ukuthi ungiqalekisele bona ulapho. UBalaki wamthatha wamusa uBalami engqongeni yePeyori. UBalami wasesithi kuBalaki: Ngakhela lapha amalathi ayisikhombisa, ungilungisele lapha amajongosi ayisikhombisa lenqama eziyisikhombisa. UBalaki wasesenza njengokutsho kukaBalami, wanikela ijongosi lenqama ku lelo laleloilathi. UBalami esebonile ukuthi kuhle emehlweni eN ukubusisa uIsrayeli, kahambanga njengezinye izikhathi ukuyadinga imilingo; kodwa wakhangelisa ubuso bakhe enkangala. Kwathi uBalami ephakamisa amehlo akhe, wabona uIsrayeli ehlezi ngokwezizwe zakhe. Wasephakamisa umfanekiso wakhe wathi: UBalami indodana kaBeyori uthi, lendoda olihlo layo livulekile ithi, uthi ozwayo amazwi kaNkulunkulu, obonayo umbono kaSomandla, esiwa, njalo kwembulwe amehlo. Mahle kangakanani amathente akho, Jakobe, amakhaya akho, Israyeli! Njengezigodi zisabalele, njengezivande ngasemfuleni, njengezinhlaba! Amanzi azageleza evela embizeni zakhe, lenhlanyelo yakhe izakuba semanzini amanengi. UNkulunkulu wamkhupha eGibhithe, ulokunjengamandla enyathi. Waqutha, walala phansi njengesilwane, lanjengesilwane esisikazi; ngubani ozamvusa? Njalo ulaka lukaBalaki lwavuthela uBalami, watshaya izandla zakhe okwalezizikhathi ezintathu. Khathesi-ke zibalekele uye endaweni yakho. Bengithe ngizakuhlonipha ngodumo, kodwa khangela, ikuvimbile kudumo. UBalami wasesithi kuBalaki: Kangikhulumanga yini lakuzithunywa obuzithume kimi ngisithi: Uba uBalaki ebezangipha indlu yakhe igcwele isiliva legolide, bengingayikweqa umlayo weN KOSI Khathesi-ke, khangela, ngiya ebantwini bakithi; woza ngikucebise ukuthi lababantu bazakwenzani ebantwini bakini. Wasephakamisa umfanekiso wakhe wathi uthi, lendoda elamehlo avulekileyo ithi, uthi ozwayo amazwi kaNkulunkulu, lowazi ulwazi loPhezukonke, obonayo umbono kaSomandla, esiwa, njalo kuvuleke amehlo. Ngizambona, kodwa hatshi khathesi, itshaye amagumbi akoMowabi, njalo ichithe bonke abantwana bakaShethi. Njalo uEdoma uzakuba yimfuyo, kuzavela-ke koJakobe umbusi, njalo uzabhubhisa oseleyo emzini. Esebone uAmaleki, waphakamisa umfanekiso wakhe wathi: UAmaleki wayengowokuqala wezizwe, kodwa ukucina kwakhe kuyikubhubha okupheleleyo. Esebone amaKeni, waphakamisa umfanekiso wakhe wathi: Iqinile indlu yakho, isidleke sakho usimise edwaleni. Kanti-ke uKhayini uzachithwa, aze akuthumbe uAshuri. Wasephakamisa umfanekiso wakhe wathi: Maye, ngubani ozaphila nxa uNkulunkulu esenza lokhu? Imikhumbi izavela ekhunjini lweKitimi. UBalami wasesukuma wahamba wabuyela endaweni yakhe; loBalaki laye wahamba ngendlela yakhe. UIsrayeli wasehlala eShithimi. Asebabizela, labantu badla, bakhothamela onkulunkulu bawo. UIsrayeli wasezihlanganisa; lolaka lweN lwamvuthela uIsrayeli. yasisithi kuMozisi: Thatha zonke inhloko zabantu. UMozisi wasesithi kubahluleli bakoIsrayeli. Khangela-ke, umuntu wabantwana bakoIsrayeli weza waletha kubafowabo umMidiyanikazi phambi kwamehlo kaMozisi laphambi kwamehlo enhlangano yonke yabantwana bakoIsrayeli, besakhala inyembezi emnyango wethente lenhlangano. Kwathi uPhinehasi, indodana kaAroni umpristi, ekubona, wasukuma ephuma phakathi kwenhlangano, wathatha umkhonto esandleni sakhe, waseyilandela indoda yakoIsrayeli ethenteni, wabagwaza bobabili, indoda yakoIsrayeli lowesifazana esiswini sakhe. Yasimiswa inhlupheko kubantwana bakoIsrayeli. Lalabo abafayo ngenhlupheko babeyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lane. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: UPhinehasi, indodana kaEleyazare indodana kaAroni umpristi, uphendule ulaka lwami lusuka ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli. Ngakho utsho: Khangela, ngiyamnika isivumelwano sami sokuthula. Njalo uzakuba laso, lenzalo yakhe emva kwakhe, ngenxa yokuthi elobukhwele ngoNkulunkulu wakhe, wabenzela abantwana bakoIsrayeli inhlawulo yokuthula. Lebizo lendoda yakoIsrayeli eyatshaywayo, eyatshaywa kanye lomMidiyanikazi, lalinguZimri indodana kaSalu, isiphathamandla sendlu kayise phakathi kwabakoSimeyoni. Ibizo lowesifazana owatshaywayo, umMidiyanikazi, lalinguKozibi indodakazi kaZuri, owayeyinhloko yesizwe sendlu kayise eMidiyani. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Hluphani amaMidiyani, liwatshaye; ngoba aliphethe njengezitha ngobuqili bawo. Kwathi emva kwenhlupheko yakhuluma kuMozisi lakuEleyazare indodana kaAroni umpristi, isithi: Thathani inani lonke lenhlangano yonke yabantwana bakoIsrayeli. UMozisi loEleyazare umpristi basebekhuluma labo emagcekeni akoMowabi, eJodani eJeriko, besithi: Babalekusukela koleminyaka engamatshumi amabili langaphezulu abaphuma elizweni leGibhithe. URubeni, izibulo likaIsrayeli. Amadodana kaRubeni: UHanoki, okwavela kuyeusendo lwabakoHanoki; koPalu, usendo lwabakoPalu; koHezironi, usendo lwabakoHezironi; koKarimi, usendo lwabakoKarimi. Lezi zinsendo zabakoRubeni; lalabo ababalwayo babo babeyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane lantathu lamakhulu ayisikhombisa lamatshumi amathathu. Lamadodana kaPalu; uEliyabi. Lamadodana kaEliyabi; oNemuweli loDathani loAbiramu. Yibo oDathani loAbiramu, ababizwa yinhlangano. Lomhlaba wavula umlomo wawo, wabaginya loKora ekufeni kwaleloqembu. Kodwa abantwana bakaKora kabafanga. Amadodana kaSimeyoni ngensendo zawo: KoNemuweli, usendo lwabakoNemuweli; koJamini, usendo lwabakoJamini; koJakini, usendo lwabakoJakini; koZera, usendo lwabakoZera; koShawuli, usendo lwabakoShawuli. Lezi zinsendo zabakoSimeyoni; izinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lambili lamakhulu amabili. Amadodana kaGadi ngensendo zawo: KoZefoni, usendo lwabakoZefoni; koHagi, usendo lwabakoHagi; koShuni, usendo lwabakoShuni; koOzini, usendo lwabakoOzini; koEri, usendo lwabakoEri; koArodi, usendo lwabakoArodi; koAreli, usendo lwabakoAreli. Lezi zinsendo zamadodana kaGadi, njengababaliweyo babo, inkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane lamakhulu amahlanu. Amadodana kaJuda ayengoEri loOnani; oEri loOnani basebefela elizweni leKhanani. Njalo amadodana kaJuda ngensendo zawo yila: KoShela, usendo lwabakoShela; koPerezi, usendo lwabakoPerezi; koZera, usendo lwabakoZera. Lamadodana kaPerezi yila: KoHezironi, usendo lwabakoHezironi; koHamuli, usendo lwabakoHamuli. Lezi zinsendo zikaJuda, njengababaliweyo babo, inkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisikhombisa lesithupha lamakhulu amahlanu. Amadodana kaIsakari ngensendo zawo: K oThola, usendo lwabakoThola; koPhuwa, usendo lwabakoPhuwa; koJashubi, usendo lwabakoJashubi; koShimroni, usendo lwabakoShimroni. Lezi zinsendo zikaIsakari, njengababaliweyo babo, inkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisithupha lane lamakhulu amathathu. Amadodana kaZebuluni ngensendo zawo: KoSeredi, usendo lwabakoSeredi; koEloni, usendo lwabakoEloni; koJaleli, usendo lwabakoJaleli. Lezi zinsendo zabakoZebuloni, njengababaliweyo babo, inkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisithupha lamakhulu amahlanu. Amadodana kaJosefa ngensendo zawo ayengoManase loEfrayimi. Amadodana kaManase: KoMakiri, usendo lwabakoMakiri; uMakiri wasezala uGileyadi; koGileyadi, usendo lwabakoGileyadi. La ngamadodana kaGileyadi: K oIyezeri, usendo lwabakoIyezeri; koHeleki, usendo lwabakoHeleki; la ko Asiriyeli, usendo lwabakoAsiriyeli; la ko Shekema, usendo lwabakoShekema; la ko Shemida, usendo lwabakoShemida; la ko Heferi, usendo lwabakoHeferi. Njalo uZelofehadi indodana kaHeferi wayengelamadodana, kodwa amadodakazi. Lamabizo amadodakazi kaZelofehadi ayengoMahla, loNowa, uHogila, uMilka, loTiriza. Lezi zinsendo zikaManase, lababaliweyo babo, inkulungwane ezingamatshumi amahlanu lambili lamakhulu ayisikhombisa. La ngamadodana kaEfrayimi ngensendo zawo: KoShuthela, usendo lwabakoShuthela; koBekeri, usendo lwabakoBekeri; koTahani, usendo lwabakoTahani. Lala ngamadodana kaShuthela: KoErani, usendo lwabakoErani. Lezi zinsendo zamadodana kaEfrayimi, njengababaliweyo babo, inkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu lambili lamakhulu amahlanu. La ngamadodana kaJosefa ngensendo zawo. Amadodana kaBhenjamini ngensendo zawo: KoBhela, usendo lwabakoBhela; koAshibeli, usendo lwabakoAshibeli; koAhiramu, usendo lwabakoAhiramu; koShefufamu, usendo lwabakoShefufamu; koHufamu, usendo lwabakoHufamu. Lamadodana kaBhela ayenguAridi loNamani: KoAridi, usendo lwabakoAridi; koNamani, usendo lwabakoNamani. La ngamadodana kaBhenjamini ngensendo zawo; lababaliweyo babo babeyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane lanhlanu lamakhulu ayisithupha. La ngamadodana kaDani ngensendo zawo: KoShuhamu, usendo lwabakoShuhamu. Lezi zinsendo zikaDani ngensendo zazo. Zonke insendo zabakoShuhamu, njengababaliweyo babo, babeyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisithupha lane lamakhulu amane. Amadodana kaAsheri ngensendo zawo: KoJimna, usendo lwabakoJimna; koIshivi, usendo lwabakoIshivi; koBeriya, usendo lwabakoBeriya. Kumadodana kaBeriya: KoHeberi, usendo lwabakoHeberi; koMalikiyeli, usendo lwabakoMalikiyeli. Lebizo lendodakazi kaAsheri lalinguSera. Lezi zinsendo zamadodana kaAsheri, njengababaliweyo babo; inkulungwane ezingamatshumi amahlanu lantathu lamakhulu amane. Amadodana kaNafithali ngensendo zawo: KoJazeli, usendo lwabakoJazeli; koGuni, usendo lwabakoGuni; koJezeri, usendo lwabakoJezeri; koShilema, usendo lwabakoShilema. Lezi zinsendo zikaNafithali ngensendo zazo; lababaliweyo babo babeyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane lanhlanu lamakhulu amane. Laba ngababaliweyo babantwana bakoIsrayeli, inkulungwane ezingamakhulu ayisithupha lanye lamakhulu ayisikhombisa lamatshumi amathathu. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Kulaba ilizwe lizakwehlukaniswa libe yilifa njengenani lamabizo. Kwabanengi uzakwengeza ilifa labo, lakwabalutshwana uzanciphisa ilifa labo; ngulowo lalowo uzanikwa ilifa lakhe njengababaliweyo bakhe. Loba kunjalo ilizwe lizakwehlukaniswa ngenkatho; ngokwamabizo ezizwe zaboyise bazalidla ilifa. Ngokwenkatho ilifa lalo lizakwehlukaniswa phakathi kwabanengi labalutshwana. Lalaba ngababalwayo bamaLevi ngensendo zawo; koGerishoni, usendo lwabakoGerishoni; koKohathi, usendo lwabakoKohathi; koMerari, usendo lwabakoMerari. Laba zinsendo zabakoLevi; usendo lwabakoLibini, usendo lwabakoHebroni, usendo lwabakoMahli, usendo lwabakoMushi, usendo lwabakoKora. UKohathi wasezala uAmramu. Lebizo lomkaAmramu lalinguJokebedi, indodakazi kaLevi, uninaowamzalela uLevi eGibhithe; njalo wamzalela uAmramu oAroni loMozisi loMiriyamu udadewabo. UAroni wazalelwa uNadabi loAbihu, uEleyazare loIthamari. Kodwa uNadabi loAbihu bafa lapho banikela umlilo ongejwayelekanga phambi kweN. Lababalwayo babo babeyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lantathu, bonke abesilisa kusukela kolenyanga kusiya phezulu. Laba ngababalwa nguMozisi loEleyazare umpristi, ababala abantwana bakoIsrayeli emagcekeni akoMowabi eJodani eJeriko. Kodwa phakathi kwalabo kwakungekho muntu wababalwayo nguMozisi loAroni umpristi, lapho bebala abantwana bakoIsrayeli enkangala yeSinayi; ngoba yayithe ngabo: Bazakufa lokufa enkangala. Kwasekusondela amadodakazi kaZelofehadi indodana kaHeferi indodana kaGileyadi indodana kaMakiri indodana kaManase owensendo zikaManase indodana kaJosefa; njalo la ngamabizo amadodakazi akhe: UMahla, uNowa, loHogila, loMilka, loTiriza. Asesima phambi kukaMozisi, laphambi kukaEleyazare umpristi, laphambi kweziphathamandla, lenhlangano yonke, emnyango wethente lenhlangano, esithi: Ubaba wafela enkangala, wayengelamadodana. Kungani ibizo likababa likhutshwe phakathi kosendo lwakhe ngoba engelandodana? Siphe ilifa phakathi kwabafowabo bakababa. UMozisi waseluletha udaba lwawo phambi kweN. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Amadodakazi kaZelofehadi akhulume iqiniso; uzawanika lokuwanika isabelo selifa phakathi kwabafowabo bakayise; uzadlulisela kuwo ilifa likayise. Njalo uzakhuluma ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli usithi: Uba indoda isifa, ingelandodana, lizadlulisela ilifa layo kundodakazi yayo. Njalo uba ingelandodakazi, lizanika abafowabo ilifa layo. Uba-ke ingelabafowabo, lizanika ilifa layo kubafowabo bakayise. Njalo uba uyise engelabafowabo, lizanika ilifa layo esihlotsheni sayo esiseduze layo sosendo lwayo. yasisithi kuMozisi: Yenyukela kule intaba yeAbarimi, ubone ilizwe engilinike abantwana bakoIsrayeli. Lapho usulibonile, lawe uzabuthelwa ebantwini bakini, njengoAroni umnewenu wabuthwa; njengokuba lavukela umlayo wami enkangala yeZini, ekuphikisaneni kwenhlangano eKadeshi enkangala yeZini. UMozisi wasekhuluma eNni esithi: IN, uNkulunkulu wemimoya yenyama yonke, kayimise indoda enhlanganweni, engaphuma phambi kwabo, lengangena phambi kwabo, lengabakhokhela baphume, lengabangenisa. yasisithi kuMozisi: Zithathele uJoshuwa indodana kaNuni, indoda okukuyo umoya, uyimise phambi kukaEleyazare umpristi laphambi kwenhlangano yonke, uyilaye phambi kwamehlo abo, ubusubeka okodumo lwakho phezu kwayo, ukuze inhlangano yonke yabantwana bakoIsrayeli ilalele. Njalo izakuma phambi kukaEleyazare umpristi ozayibuzela njengokwesahlulelo sikaUrimi phambi kweN; ngomlomo wayo bazaphuma, langomlomo wayo bazangena, yona labantwana bonke bakoIsrayeli kanye layo, ngitsho inhlangano yonke. UMozisi wasesenza njengokulaya kweN kuye. Wathatha uJoshuwa, wammisa phambi kukaEleyazare umpristi laphambi kwenhlangano yonke, wabeka izandla zakhe phezu kwakhe, wamlaya, njengokukhuluma kweN ngesandla sikaMozisi. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Laya abantwana bakoIsrayeli uthi kubo: Umnikelo wami, isinkwa sami seminikelo eyenziwe ngomlilo, uqhatshi lwami olumnandi, lizakuqaphela ukukunikela kimi ngesikhathi sakho esimisiweyo. Uzakuthi kibo: Lo ngumnikelo owenziwe ngomlilo elizawunikela eNni; amawundlu amabili alomnyaka owodwa, angelasici, insuku ngensuku, kube ngumnikelo wokutshiswa njalonjalo. Elinye iwundlu uzalilungisa ekuseni, lelinye iwundlu ulinikele kusihlwa, lokwetshumi kwe-efa lempuphu ecolekileyo. Kungumnikelo wokutshiswa wezikhathi zonke owamiswa entabeni yeSinayi, ube luqhatshi olumnandi, umnikelo owenzelwe ngomlilo. Lomnikelo wawo wokunathwayo uzakuba yingxenye yesine yehini ngewundlu linye; uzathululela eNni umnikelo wokunathwayo ongo wokunathwayo okulamandla endaweni engcwele. Lelinye iwundlu uzalilungisa kusihlwa; njengomnikelo wokudla wekuseni, lanjengomnikelo wawo wokunathwayo uzalinikela, umnikelo owenziwe ngomlilo, oloqhatshi olumnandi eNni. Langosuku lwesabatha amawundlu amabili, alomnyaka owodwa, angelasici, lengxenye ezimbili zetshumi lempuphu ecolekileyo, kube ngumnikelo wokudla, ixubene lamafutha, lomnikelo wawo wokunathwayo; kungumnikelo wokutshiswa wamasabatha wonke, ngaphandle komnikelo wokutshiswa wezikhathi zonke, lomnikelo wawo wokunathwayo. Ekuqaleni kwenyanga zenu lizanikela umnikelo wokutshiswa eNni, amajongosi amabili amathole enkomo, lenqama eyodwa, lamawundlu ayisikhombisa alomnyaka owodwa, angelasici, lengxenye ezintathu zetshumi lempuphu ecolekileyo kube ngumnikelo wokudla, ixubene lamafutha, ngejongosi elilodwa; lokubili kwetshumi kwempuphu ecolekileyo kube ngumnikelo wokudla, ixubene lamafutha, ngenqama eyodwa, njalo yilokho lalokho okwetshumi kwempuphu ecolekileyo kuxubene lamafutha kube ngumnikelo wokudla ngewundlu elilodwa; ngumnikelo wokutshiswa oloqhatshi olumnandi, umnikelo owenzelwe ngomlilo. Leminikelo yayo yokunathwayo izakuba yingxenye yehini lewayini ngejongosi, lengxenye yesithathu yehini ngenqama, lengxenye yesine yehini ngewundlu. Lokhu kungumnikelo wokutshiswa wezinyanga zonke ngezinyanga zomnyaka. Futhi kuzalungiswa izinyane lembuzi elilodwa libe ngumnikelo wesono eNni, ngaphandle komnikelo wokutshiswa ngezikhathi zonke, lomnikelo wawo wokunathwayo. Futhi ngenyanga yokuqala ngosuku lwetshumi lane lwenyanga kuliphasika leN. Langosuku lwetshumi lanhlanu lwenyanga le kuzakuba khona umkhosi; kuzadliwa isinkwa esingelamvubelo insuku eziyisikhombisa. Ngosuku lokuqala kuzakuba khona inhlangano ebiziweyo engcwele; lingenzi lamsebenzi wezisebenzi, kodwa lizanikela umnikelo owenziwe ngomlilo, umnikelo wokutshiswa eNni, amajongosi amabili amathole enkomo, lenqama eyodwa, lamawundlu ayisikhombisa alomnyaka owodwa; kuzakuba ngokungelasici kini. Lomnikelo wakho wokudla kuzakuba yimpuphu ecolekileyo ixubene lamafutha; okuthathu kwetshumi lizakulungisa ngejongosi, lokubili kwetshumi ngenqama, yilokho lalokho okwetshumi uzakulungiselela iwundlu elilodwa, kumawundlu ayisikhombisa; lempongo eyodwa ibe ngumnikelo wesono, ukulenzela inhlawulo yokuthula. Lizalungisa lokho ngaphandle komnikelo wokutshiswa wekuseni, ongowomnikelo wokutshiswa wezikhathi zonke. Ngalindlela lizalungisa insuku zonke, okwensuku eziyisikhombisa, ukudla komnikelo owenziwe ngomlilo, uqhatshi olumnandi eNni; kuzanikelwa ngaphandle komnikelo wokutshiswa wezikhathi zonke, lomnikelo wawo wokunathwayo. Langosuku lwesikhombisa lizakuba lenhlangano ebiziweyo engcwele; lingenzi lamsebenzi wezisebenzi. Langosuku lwezithelo zokuqala, lapho liletha umnikelo wokudla omutsha eNni, emavikini enu, lizakuba lenhlangano ebiziweyo engcwele; lingenzi lamsebenzi wezisebenzi. Kodwa lizanikela umnikelo wokutshiswa, kube luqhatshi olumnandi eNni; amajongosi amabili amathole enkomo, inqama eyodwa, amawundlu ayisikhombisa alomnyaka owodwa. Lomnikelo wakho wokudla wempuphu ecolekileyo ixubene lamafutha, okuthathu kwetshumi ngejongosi elilodwa, lokubili kwetshumi ngenqama eyodwa, yilokho lalokho okwetshumi ngewundlu elilodwa, kumawundlu ayisikhombisa; izinyane lembuzi elilodwa, ukulenzela inhlawulo yokuthula. Lizalungisa lokho ngaphandle komnikelo wokutshiswa ngezikhathi zonke, lomnikelo wakho wokudla (kube ngokungelasici kini) leminikelo yakho yokunathwayo. Ngenyanga yesikhombisa, ngo sukulokuqala lwenyanga, lizakuba-ke lenhlangano ebiziweyo engcwele; lingenzi lamsebenzi wezisebenzi. Kuzakuba lusuku lokutshaywa kwempondo kini. Njalo lizalungisa umnikelo wokutshiswa, kube luqhatshi olumnandi eNni, ijongosi elilodwa ithole lenkomo, inqama eyodwa, amawundlu ayisikhombisa alomnyaka owodwa, angelasici. Lomnikelo wakho wokudla wempuphu ecolekileyo ixubene lamafutha, okuthathu kwetshumi ngejongosi, okubili kwetshumi ngenqama, lokwetshumi okukodwa kumawundlu ayisikhombisa; lezinyane lembuzi elilodwa libe ngumnikelo wesono, ukulenzela inhlawulo yokuthula; ngaphandle komnikelo wokutshiswa wenyanga, lomnikelo wawo wokudla, leminikelo yayo yokunathwayo, ngokwesimiso sayo, kube luqhatshi olumnandi, umnikelo owenzelwe ngomlilo. , kodwa linikele umnikelo wokutshiswa eNni, kube luqhatshi olumnandi, ijongosi elilodwa ithole lenkomo, inqama eyodwa, amawundlu ayisikhombisa alomnyaka owodwa; azakuba ngangelasici kini. Lomnikelo wakho wokudla wempuphu ecolekileyo ixubene lamafutha, okuthathu kwetshumi ngejongosi, okubili kwetshumi ngenqama eyodwa, yilokho lalokho okwetshumi ngewundlu elilodwa, kumawundlu ayisikhombisa; izinyane lembuzi elilodwa libe ngumnikelo wesono. Langosuku lwetshumi lanhlanu lwenyanga yesikhombisa lizakuba lenhlangano ebiziweyo engcwele; lingenzi lamsebenzi wezisebenzi, liyigcinele umkhosi insuku eziyisikhombisa, linikele umnikelo wokutshiswa, umnikelo owenziwe ngomlilo, ube luqhatshi olumnandi eNni, amajongosi alitshumi lantathu amathole enkomo, inqama ezimbili, amawundlu alitshumi lane alomnyaka owodwa, azakuba ngangelasici. Lomnikelo wakho wokudla wempuphu ecolekileyo ixubene lamafutha, okuthathu kwetshumi ngejongosi elilodwa, kumajongosi alitshumi lantathu, okubili kwetshumi ngenqama eyodwa, kunqama ezimbili, njalo yilokho lalokho okwetshumi ngewundlu elilodwa, kumawundlu alitshumi lane; lezinyane lembuzi elilodwa libe ngumnikelo wesono, ngaphandle komnikelo wokutshiswa wezikhathi zonke, umnikelo wawo wokudla, lomnikelo wawo wokunathwayo. Langosuku lwesibili: Amajongosi alitshumi lambili amathole enkomo, inqama ezimbili, amawundlu alitshumi lane alomnyaka owodwa, angelasici, lomnikelo wakho wokudla leminikelo yakho yokunathwayo ngamajongosi, ngezinqama, langamawundlu, ngokwenani lakho, ngokwesimiso, lezinyane lembuzi elilodwa libe ngumnikelo wesono, ngaphandle komnikelo wokutshiswa wezikhathi zonke, lomnikelo wawo wokudla, leminikelo yayo yokunathwayo. Langosuku lwesithathu: Amajongosi alitshumi lanye, inqama ezimbili, amawundlu alitshumi lane alomnyaka owodwa, angelasici, lomnikelo wakho wokudla leminikelo yakho yokunathwayo ngamajongosi, ngezinqama, langamawundlu, ngokwenani lakho, ngokwesimiso, lempongo eyodwa ibe ngumnikelo wesono, ngaphandle komnikelo wokutshiswa wezikhathi zonke, lomnikelo wawo wokudla, lomnikelo wawo wokunathwayo. Langosuku lwesine: Amajongosi alitshumi, inqama ezimbili, amawundlu alitshumi lane alomnyaka owodwa, angelasici, umnikelo wakho wokudla leminikelo yakho yokunathwayo ngamajongosi, ngezinqama, langamawundlu, ngokwenani lakho, ngokwesimiso, lezinyane lembuzi elilodwa libe ngumnikelo wesono, ngaphandle komnikelo wokutshiswa wezikhathi zonke, umnikelo wawo wokudla, lomnikelo wawo wokunathwayo. Langosuku lwesihlanu: Amajongosi ayisificamunwemunye, inqama ezimbili, amawundlu alitshumi lane alomnyaka owodwa, angelasici, lomnikelo wakho wokudla leminikelo yakho yokunathwayo ngamajongosi, ngezinqama, langamawundlu, ngokwenani lakho, ngokwesimiso, lempongo eyodwa ibe ngumnikelo wesono, ngaphandle komnikelo wokutshiswa wezikhathi zonke, lomnikelo wawo wokudla, lomnikelo wawo wokunathwayo. Langosuku lwesithupha: Amajongosi ayisificaminwembili, inqama ezimbili, amawundlu alitshumi lane alomnyaka owodwa, angelasici, lomnikelo wakho wokudla leminikelo yakho yokunathwayo, ngamajongosi, ngezinqama, langamawundlu, ngokwenani lakho, ngokwesimiso, lempongo eyodwa ibe ngumnikelo wesono, ngaphandle komnikelo wokutshiswa wezikhathi zonke, umnikelo wawo wokudla, lomnikelo wawo wokunathwayo. Langosuku lwesikhombisa: Amajongosi ayisikhombisa, inqama ezimbili, amawundlu alitshumi lane alomnyaka owodwa, angelasici, lomnikelo wakho wokudla leminikelo yakho yokunathwayo, ngamajongosi, ngezinqama, langamawundlu, ngokwenani lakho, ngokwesimiso, lempongo eyodwa ibe ngumnikelo wesono, ngaphandle komnikelo wokutshiswa wezikhathi zonke, umnikelo wawo wokudla, lomnikelo wawo wokunathwayo. Ngosuku lwesificaminwembili lizakuba lomhlangano omkhulu; lingenzi lamsebenzi wezisebenzi, kodwa linikele umnikelo wokutshiswa, umnikelo owenziwe ngomlilo, uqhatshi olumnandi eNni: Ijongosi elilodwa, inqama eyodwa, amawundlu ayisikhombisa alomnyaka owodwa, angelasici, umnikelo wakho wokudla, leminikelo yakho yokunathwayo, ngejongosi, ngenqama, langamawundlu, ngokwenani lakho, ngokwesimiso, lempongo eyodwa ibe ngumnikelo wesono, ngaphandle komnikelo wokutshiswa wezikhathi zonke, lomnikelo wawo wokudla, lomnikelo wawo wokunathwayo. Lezizinto lizazenzela emikhosini yenu emisiweyo. UMozisi wasekhuluma ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli njengakho konke emlaye ngakho uMozisi. UMozisi wasekhuluma kunhloko zezizwe zabantwana bakoIsrayeli esithi: Yile into elaye ngayo: Nxa indoda ithembisa isithembiso eNni. Futhi nxa owesifazana ethembisa isithembiso eNni, azibophe ngesibopho, esesemzini kayise ebutsheni bakhe, loyise esizwa isithembiso sakhe lesibopho sakhe abophe ngaso umphefumulo wakhe, loyise athule kuye, khona zonke izithembiso zakhe zizakuma, laso sonke isibopho abopha ngaso umphefumulo wakhe sizakuma. Kodwa uba uyise emenqabela, ngosuku ezwa ngalo, kakuyikuma lesisodwa sezithembiso zakhe lezibopho zakhe abophe ngazo umphefumulo wakhe; leN izamthethelela, ngoba uyise emnqabele. Uba-ke elendoda sibili, lezithembiso zakhe ziphezu kwakhe, kumbe ilizwi lokungananzeleli lomlomo wakhe, abophe ngalo umphefumulo wakhe, lendoda yakhe ikuzwa, yathula kuye ngosuku ezwa ngalo, khona izithembiso zakhe zizakuma, lezibopho abophe ngazo umphefumulo wakhe zizakuma. Kodwa uba indoda yakhe imenqabela ngosuku ekuzwa ngalo, iyasenza ize isithembiso esiphezu kwakhe, lelizwi lokungananzeleli lomlomo wakhe, abophe ngalo umphefumulo wakhe; leN izamthethelela. Kodwa isithembiso somfelokazi loba esolahliweyo, konke abophe ngakho umphefumulo wakhe, kuzakuma phezu kwakhe. Uba-ke ethembisile endlini yendoda yakhe, loba ebophe umphefumulo wakhe ngesibopho ngesifungo, lendoda yakhe izwile, yathula kuye, ingamenqabelanga, khona zonke izithembiso zakhe zizakuma, laso sonke isibopho abophe ngaso umphefumulo wakhe sizakuma. Kodwa uba indoda yakhe izenza ize sibili ngosuku izizwa, konke okuphuma endebeni zakhe mayelana lezithembiso zakhe lamayelana lesibopho somphefumulo wakhe kakuyikuma; indoda yakhe izenze ize; leN izamthethelela. Sonke isithembiso laso sonke isifungo sesibopho ukuthobisa umphefumulo, indoda yakhe ingasiqinisa loba indoda yakhe isenze ize. Kodwa uba indoda yakhe ithula lokumthulela insuku ngensuku, abeseqinisa zonke izithembiso zakhe kumbe zonke izibopho zakhe eziphezu kwakhe; iyaziqinisa, ngoba yathula kuye ngosuku lokuzwa kwayo. Kodwa uba izenza ize sibili emva kokuzwa kwayo, izathwala ububi bakhe. Lezi yizimiso eyamlaya zona uMozisi, phakathi kwendoda lomkayo, phakathi kukayise lendodakazi yakhe ebutsheni bayo emzini kayise. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Phindisela impindiselo yabantwana bakoIsrayeli kumaMidiyani. UMozisi wakhuluma ebantwini esithi: Abanye benu kabahlomele impi ukuze bamelane lamaMidiyani, benze impindiselo yeN kumaMidiyani. Thumelani empini abayinkulungwane kuleso lalesosizwe, kuzo zonke izizwe zakoIsrayeli. Kwasekunikelwa kuvela ezinkulungwaneni zakoIsrayeli inkulungwane ngesizwe, inkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili zihlomele impi. UMozisi wasezithumela empini, inkulungwane ngesizwe, zona loPhinehasi indodana kaEleyazare umpristi, ukuya empini, belempahla ezingcwele lempondo zokuhlaba umkhosi esandleni sakhe. Basebesilwa bemelene lamaMidiyani, njengokulaya kweN kuMozisi, babulala bonke abesilisa. Babulala njalo amakhosi eMidiyani, ngaphandle kwababuleweyo, oEvi loRekemi. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebethumba abesifazana bamaMidiyani labantwanyana babo, baphanga inkomo zawo zonke, lezimvu zawo zonke, layo yonke inotho yawo. Batshisa ngomlilo yonke imizi ayehlala kiyo, lazo zonke izinqaba zawo. Bathatha yonke impango lakho konke okuthunjiweyo, kwabantu lokwezifuyo, baletha abathunjiweyo lempango lokuthunjiweyo kuMozisi lakuEleyazare umpristi, lakunhlangano yabantwana bakoIsrayeli, enkambeni emagcekeni akoMowabi, aseJodani eJeriko. UMozisi loEleyazare umpristi leziphathamandla zonke zenhlangano basebephuma ukubahlangabeza ngaphandle kwenkamba. UMozisi wasethukuthelela induna zebutho, induna zezinkulungwane lenduna zamakhulu ezazivela ebuthweni lempi. UMozisi wasesithi kuzo: Liyekele yini abesifazana bonke ukuthi baphile? Khangelani, yilaba abenza abantwana bakoIsrayeli. Ngakho-ke bulalani wonke owesilisa ebantwanyaneni, libulale wonke owesifazana owazi indoda ngokulala lendoda; kodwa bonke abantwanyana abesifazana abangazanga indoda ngokulala layo, libayekele baphile, babe ngabenu. Lina-ke, misani inkamba ngaphandle kwenkamba insuku eziyisikhombisa, loba ngubani obulele umuntu, lihlambulule sonke isembatho, layo yonke into eyenziweyo ngesikhumba, lakho konke okwenziweyo ngoboya bembuzi, layo yonke into eyenziweyo ngesihlahla. UEleyazare umpristi wasesithi kumadoda empi ayephume impi: Lesi yisimiso somlayo emlaye ngaso uMozisi: Kuphela igolide, lesiliva, ithusi, insimbi, ithini, lomnuso, yonke into engahlala emlilweni lizayidlulisa emlilweni, ihlambuluke; loba kunjalo izahlanjululwa. Lakho konke okungahlali emlilweni lizakudlulisa emanzini. Njalo lizawatsha izembatho zenu ngosuku lwesikhombisa, lihlambuluke, lemva kwalokho lingene enkambeni. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Thatha inani lonke lempango lokuthunjiweyo, okwabantu lokwezifuyo, wena, loEleyazare umpristi, lenhloko zaboyise zenhlangano; yehlukanisa impango ibe zingxenye ezimbili, phakathi kwabahlanganyela empini baphuma impi lenhlangano yonke. Njalo thelisela umthelo emadodeni empi ayephumele impi, umphefumulo owodwa phakathi kwamakhulu amahlanu, owabantu, lowenkomo, lowabobabhemi, lowezimvu, likuthathe kungxenye yawo eyodwa kwezimbili, njalo ukunike uEleyazare umpristi kube ngumnikelo wokuphakanyiswa weN. Lengxenyeni eyodwa kwezimbili yabantwana bakoIsrayeli thatha isabelo esisodwa kwezingamatshumi amahlanu, esabantu, esezinkomo, esabobabhemi, lesezimvu, kuso sonke isifuyo. UMozisi loEleyazare umpristi basebesenza njengokulaya kweN kuMozisi. Lempango eyayisele lokuthunjiweyo abantu bempi abakuthumbayo yayiyizimvu ezizinkulungwane ezingamakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi ayisikhombisa lanhlanu, lenkomo ezizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisikhombisa lambili, labobabhemi abazinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisithupha lanye, lemiphefumulo yabantu besifazana abangazanga ukulala lendoda, bonke abantu babeyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu lambili. Lengxenye, isabelo sababephumele impi, ngenani, yayiyizimvu ezizinkulungwane ezingamakhulu amathathu lamatshumi amathathu lesikhombisa lamakhulu amahlanu; lomthelo eNni wezimvu wawungamakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi ayisikhombisa lanhlanu. Lenkomo zazizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu lesithupha; lomthelo wazo eNni wawungamatshumi ayisikhombisa lambili. Labobabhemi babeyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu lamakhulu amahlanu; lomthelo wabo eNni wawungamatshumi ayisithupha lanye. Lemiphefumulo yabantu yayizinkulungwane ezilitshumi lesithupha; lomthelo wayo eNni wawungabantu abangamatshumi amathathu lambili. UMozisi wasenika umthelo, umnikelo wokuphakanyiswa weN, kuEleyazare umpristi, njengalokho yamlaya uMozisi. Lokwengxenye yabantwana bakoIsrayeli, uMozisi ayehlukanise ivela emadodeni ayelwe impi. Lengxenye enge yenhlangano, eyezimvu, yayizinkulungwane ezingamakhulu amathathu lamatshumi amathathu lesikhombisa lamakhulu amahlanu, lenkomo ezizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu lesithupha, labobabhemi abazinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu lamakhulu amahlanu, lemiphefumulo yabantu abayizinkulungwane ezilitshumi lesithupha. Lakuyo ingxenye yabantwana bakoIsrayeli uMozisi wathatha isabelo esisodwa kwezingatshumini amahlanu, esabantu lesezifuyo, wakunika amaLevi ayelondoloza imfanelo yethabhanekele leN, njengokulaya kweN kuMozisi. Iziphathamandla ezaziphezu kwezinkulungwane zebutho, izinduna zezinkulungwane lezinduna zamakhulu, zasezisondela kuMozisi, zathi kuMozisi: Izinceku zakho sezithethe inani lonke lamadoda empi ayengaphansi kwesandla sethu; njalo kakulamuntu ongekho kithi. Ngakho silethile umnikelo weN, ngulowo lalowo awutholileyo, izinto zegolide, izigqizo. UMozisi loEleyazare umpristi basebesemukela igolide kuzo, zonke izinto ezenziwe ngobungcitshi. Lalo lonke igolide lomnikelo abalinikela eNni, livela ezinduneni zezinkulungwane lenduneni zamakhulu lalingamashekeli azinkulungwane ezilitshumi lesithupha lamakhulu ayisikhombisa lamatshumi amahlanu. Amadoda empi ayethethe impango, yileyo laleyo engeyayo. UMozisi loEleyazare umpristi basebesemukela igolide enduneni zezinkulungwane lezamakhulu, baliletha ethenteni lenhlangano, kube yisikhumbuzo kubantwana bakoIsrayeli phambi kweN. Mayelana labantwana bakoRubeni labantwana bakoGadi, babelenkomo ezinengi, ezinengi kakhulu. Sebebone ilizwe leJazeri lelizwe leGileyadi, khangela-ke, indawo yayiyindawo yenkomo. Ngakho abantwana bakoGadi labantwana bakoRubeni beza bakhuluma kuMozisi lakuEleyazare umpristi lakuziphathamandla zenhlangano, besithi: IAtarothi leDiboni leBeyoni, ilizwe eyalitshayayo phambi kwenhlangano yakoIsrayeli, liyilizwe lezinkomo; futhi izinceku zenu zilezinkomo. Basebesithi: Nxa sithole umusa emehlweni akho, ilizwe leli kaliphiwe inceku zakho libe yimfuyo; ungasichaphisi iJodani. UMozisi wasesithi ebantwaneni bakoGadi lebantwaneni bakoRubeni: Abafowenu bazakuya empini, lina-ke lihlale lapha yini? Njalo lizadaniselani inhliziyo yabantwana bakoIsrayeli ukuze bangachaphi ukuya elizweni ebanike lona? Benza njalo oyihlo mhla ngibathuma besuka eKadeshi-Bhaneya ukubona ilizwe. Ekuhambeni kwabo ukuya esihotsheni seEshikoli, balibona ilizwe, badanisa inhliziyo yabantwana bakoIsrayeli ukuze bangangeni elizweni eyayibanike lona. Ulaka lweN lwaseluvutha ngalolusuku, yasifunga isithi: Isibili kakho kumadoda enyuka esuka eGibhithe, ngoba kabangilandelanga ngokupheleleyo; ngaphandle kukaKalebi indodana kaJefune umKenizi. Lolaka lweN lwamvuthela uIsrayeli, yasibazulisa enkangala iminyaka engamatshumi amane. Khangelani-ke, selivukile esikhundleni saboyihlo, inzalo yabantu abonayo, ukwandisa futhi intukuthelo yeN evuthela uIsrayeli. Uba liphenduka ekuyilandeleni, izaphinda njalo ibatshiye enkangala; njalo lizabhubhisa bonke lababantu. Basebesondela kuye bathi: Sizakwakha lapha izibaya zezifuyo zethu, lemizi yabantwanyana bethu; kodwa thina sizahloma, size sibafikise endaweni yabo, labantwanyana bethu bazahlala emizini evikelekileyo, ngenxa yabahlali belizwe. Kasiyikubuyela emizini yethu, abantwana bakoIsrayeli baze badle, ngulowo lalowo ilifa lakhe. Ngoba kasiyikudla ilifa kanye labo ngaphetsheya kweJodani langaphambili, ngoba ilifa lethu selehlele kithi nganeno kweJodani empumalanga. UMozisi wasesithi kubo: Nxa lisenza linto, nxa lizahamba lihlomele impi phambi kweN, beselichapha iJodani, wonke ohlomileyo kini, phambi kweN KOSI, lelizwe lehliselwe phansi phambi kweN, khona emva kwalokho lizabuya, lingabi lacala eNni lakuIsrayeli; lalelilizwe lizakuba yilifa lenu phambi kweN. Kodwa nxa lingenzi njalo, khangelani lizabe lonile eNni; ngakho yazini ukuthi isono senu sizalithola. Zakheleni imizi yabantwanyana benu lezibaya zezimvu zenu, njalo yenzani lokho okuphume emlonyeni wenu. Abantwana bakoGadi labantwana bakoRubeni basebekhuluma kuMozisi besithi: Izinceku zakho zizakwenza njengalokho inkosi yami ilaya. Abantwanyana bethu, omkethu, izimvu zethu, lazo zonke izifuyo zethu kuzakuba lapho emizini yeGileyadi; kodwa inceku zakho zizachapha, ngulowo lalowo ehlomele impi, phambi kukaJehova empini, njengokutsho kwenkosi yami. UMozisi waselayezela ngabo kuEleyazare umpristi, loJoshuwa indodana kaNuni, lenhloko zaboyise zezizwe zabantwana bakoIsrayeli. UMozisi wasesithi kubo: Nxa abantwana bakoGadi labantwana bakoRubeni bechapha lani iJodani, wonke ehlomele impi, phambi kweN, lelizwe lisehliselwa phansi phambi kwenu, khona lizabanika ilizwe leGileyadi libe yimfuyo. Kodwa uba bengachaphi lani behlomile, bazakuba lemfuyo phakathi kwenu elizweni leKhanani. Abantwana bakoGadi labantwana bakoRubeni basebephendula besithi: Lokhu esikutshilo kunceku zakho - sizakwenza njalo. Thina sizachapha sihlomile phambi kweN siye elizweni leKhanani, ukuze imfuyo yelifa lethu ibe ngeyethu nganeno kweJodani. Njalo uMozisi wabanika, kubantwana bakoGadi lakubantwana bakoRubeni lakungxenye yesizwe sakoManase, indodana kaJosefa. Labantwana bakoGadi bakha iDiboni leAtirothi-Shofani leJazeri leJogibeha, leBeti-Nimra leBeti-Harani, imizi evikelweyo, lezibaya zezimvu. Labantwana bakoRubeni bakha iHeshiboni leNebo; basebebiza amabizo emizi abayakhayo nga manyeamabizo. Labantwana bakoMakiri indodana kaManase baya eGileyadi, bayithumba, bawakhupha amaAmori emfuyweni yawo ayekuyo. UMozisi wasenika uMakiri indodana kaManase iGileyadi, wasehlala kiyo. LoJayiri indodana kaManase wayathumba imizana yayo. LoNoba wayathumba iKenathi, lemizana yayo, wayibiza ngokuthi yiNoba ngebizo lakhe. Lezi zinhambo zabantwana bakoIsrayeli abaphuma elizweni leGibhithe ngamabutho abo, ngesandla sikaMozisi loAroni. UMozisi wasebhala ukuphuma kwabo ngezinhambo zabo ngokomlayo weN. Lalezi zinhambo zabo njengokuphuma kwabo. Basebesuka eRamesesi, lapho amaGibhithe engcwaba labo eyabatshayayo phakathi kwawo, wonke amazibulo. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebesuka eRamesesi, bamisa inkamba eSukothi. Basuka eSukothi, bamisa inkamba eEthama elisekucineni kwenkangala. Basuka eEthama, babuyela ePi-Hahirothi. Basuka ePi-Hahirothi, badabula phakathi kolwandle besiya enkangala. Basuka eMara, bayafika eElimi; njalo eElimi kwakukhona imithombo yamanzi elitshumi lambili lezihlahla zelala ezingamatshumi ayisikhombisa; basebemisa inkamba lapho. Basuka eElimi, bamisa inkamba eLwandle oluBomvu. Basuka eLwandle oluBomvu, bamisa inkamba enkangala yeSini. Basuka enkangala yeSini, bamisa inkamba eDofika. Basuka eDofika, bamisa inkamba eAlushi. Basuka eAlushi, bamisa inkamba eRefidimi lapho okwakungelamanzi khona okuthi abantu banathe. Basebesuka eRefidimi, bamisa inkamba enkangala yeSinayi. Basuka enkangala yeSinayi, bamisa inkamba eKibirothi-Hathava. Basuka eKibirothi-Hathava, bamisa inkamba eHazerothi. Basuka eHazerothi, bamisa inkamba eRithima. Basuka eRithima, bamisa inkamba eRimoni-Perezi. Basuka eRimoni-Perezi, bamisa inkamba eLibhina. Basuka eLibhina, bamisa inkamba eRisa. Basuka eRisa, bamisa inkamba eKehelatha. Basuka eKehelatha, bamisa inkamba entabeni yeSheferi. Basuka entabeni yeSheferi, bamisa inkamba eHarada. Basuka eHarada, bamisa inkamba eMakelothi. Basuka eMakelothi, bamisa inkamba eTahathi. Basuka eTahathi, bamisa inkamba eTera. Basuka eTera, bamisa inkamba eMithika. Basuka eMithika, bamisa inkamba eHashimona. Basuka eHashimona, bamisa inkamba eMoserothi. Basuka eMoserothi, bamisa inkamba eBene-Jakani. Basuka eBene-Jakani. Basuka eHori-Hagidigadi, bamisa inkamba eJotibatha. Basuka eJotibatha, bamisa inkamba eAbrona. Basuka eAbrona, bamisa inkamba eEziyoni-Geberi. Basuka eEziyoni-Geberi, bamisa inkamba enkangala yeZini, eyiKadeshi. Basuka eKadeshi, bamisa inkamba entabeni yeHori ekucineni kwelizwe leEdoma. UAroni umpristi wasesenyukela entabeni yeHori ngokomlayo weN, wafela khona, ngomnyaka wamatshumi amane emva kokuphuma kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli elizweni leGibhithe, ngenyanga yesihlanu, ngo sukulokuqala lwenyanga. Njalo uAroni wayeleminyaka elikhulu lamatshumi amabili lantathu ekufeni kwakhe entabeni yeHori. UmKhanani, inkosi yeAradi, owayehlala eningizimu elizweni leKhanani, wasesizwa ngokuza kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli. Basebesuka entabeni yeHori, bamisa inkamba eZalimona. Basuka eZalimona, bamisa inkamba ePunoni. Basuka ePunoni, bamisa inkamba eObothi. Basuka eObothi, bamisa inkamba eIye-Abarimi, emngceleni wakoMowabi. Basuka eIyimi, bamisa inkamba eDiboni-Gadi. Basuka eDiboni-Gadi, bamisa inkamba eAlimoni-Dibilathayimi. Basuka eAlimoni-Dibilathayimi. Basuka entabeni zeAbarimi, bamisa inkamba emagcekeni akoMowabi eJodani eJeriko; bamisa inkamba eJodani kusukela eBeti-Jeshimothi kusiya eAbeli-Shithimi. yasikhuluma kuMozisi emagcekeni akoMowabi, eJodani eJeriko, isithi: Tshono ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli uthi kubo: Lapho selichaphe iJodani laya elizweni leKhanani, lizaxotsha, lidle, lihlale kilo, ngoba ngilinike ilizwe ukuthi lidle ilifa lalo. Njalo lizakudla ilifa lelizwe ngenkatho ngensendo zenu; kwabanengi lizakwengeza ilifa labo, lakwabalutshwana lizanciphisa ilifa labo. Lapho inkatho ezamphumela khona umuntu, kuzakuba ngokwakhe. Njengezizwe zaboyihlo lizakudla ilifa. Kodwa nxa lingabakhuphi abakhileyo elizweni emfuyweni yabo phambi kwenu, balihluphe elizweni elihlala kilo. Kuzakuthi-ke, ngizakwenza kini njengalokhu ebengicabanga ukukwenza kubo. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Laya abantwana bakoIsrayeli uthi kubo: Lapho lingena elizweni leKhanani, leli lizakuba yilizwe elizawela kini libe yilifa, ilizwe leKhanani, ngokwemingcele yalo. Legumbi lenu leningizimu lizakuba kusukela enkangala yeZini, enhlangothini zeEdoma. Umngcele wenu uzajika uvela eningizimu usiya emqansweni weAkirabimi, wedlulele eZini. Lomngcele uzajika uvela eAzimoni uye esifuleni seGibhithe; lokuphuma kwawo kuzakuba selwandle. Mayelana lomngcele wentshonalanga, ulwandle olukhulu luzakuba ngumngcele wenu; lona luzakuba ngumngcele wenu ngentshonalanga. Lalokhu kuzakuba ngumngcele wenu wenyakatho: Kusukela elwandle olukhulu lizazidwebela intaba yeHori; kusukela entabeni yeHori. Lomngcele uzaphuma uye eZifroni, lokuphuma kwawo kuzakuba eHazari-Enani. Lo uzakuba ngumngcele wenu wenyakatho. Njalo lizazidwebela umngcele wenu wempumalanga kusukela eHazari-Enani kusiya eShefamu; lomngcele uzakwehla uvela eShefamu uye eRibila empumalanga kweAyini. Umngcele uzakwehlela-ke eJodani, lokuphuma kwawo kuzakuba solwandle lwetshwayi. Leli lizakuba yilizwe lenu ngemingcele yalo inhlangothi zonke. UMozisi waselaya abantwana bakoIsrayeli esithi: Leli yilizwe elizakudla ilifa lalo ngenkatho, elaye ngalo ukulinika izizwe eziyisificamunwemunye lengxenye yesizwe. Ngoba isizwe sabantwana bakoRubeni ngezindlu zaboyise, lesizwe sabantwana bakoGadi ngezindlu zaboyise zemukele, lengxenye yesizwe sakoManase yemukele ilifa layo. Izizwe ezimbili lengxenye yesizwe zemukele ilifa lazo nganeno kweJodani, eJeriko, empumalanga, lapho okuphuma khona ilanga. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: La ngamabizo amadoda azalabela ilizwe libe yilifa: UEleyazare umpristi loJoshuwa indodana kaNuni. Njalo lizathatha isiphathamandla kuleso lalesosizwe ukwehlukanisa ilizwe libe yilifa. Lala ngamabizo amadoda: Esizweni sakoJuda, uKalebi indodana kaJefune. Lesizweni sabantwana bakoSimeyoni, uShemuweli indodana kaAmihudi. Esizweni sakoBhenjamini, uElidadi indodana kaKisiloni. Lesizweni sabantwana bakoDani, isiphathamandla uBuki indodana kaJogili. Ebantwaneni bakoJosefa, esizweni sabantwana bakoManase, isiphathamandla uHaniyeli indodana kaEfodi. Lesizweni sabantwana bakoEfrayimi, isiphathamandla uKemuweli indodana kaShifitani. Lesizweni sabantwana bakoZebuluni, isiphathamandla uElizafani indodana kaParinaki. Lesizweni sabantwana bakoIsakari, isiphathamandla uPalitiyeli indodana kaAzani. Lesizweni sabantwana bakoAsheri, isiphathamandla uAhiyudi indodana kaShelomi. Lesizweni sabantwana bakoNafithali, isiphathamandla uPedaheli indodana kaAmihudi. Yibo labo eyabalaya ukwehlukanisela abantwana bakoIsrayeli ilifa elizweni leKhanani. yasikhuluma kuMozisi emagcekeni akoMowabi, eJodani eJeriko, isithi: Laya abantwana bakoIsrayeli ukuthi banike amaLevi okwelifa lemfuyo yabo imizi yokuhlala inhlangothi zonke zawo. Njalo azakuba lemizi yokuhlala, lamadlelo awo abe ngawenkomo zawo lawempahla zawo lawezifuyo zawo zonke. Lamadlelo emizi elizawanika amaLevi azakuba kusukela emthangaleni womuzi langaphandle izingalo eziyinkulungwane inhlangothi zonke. Njalo lizalinganisa ngaphandle komuzi ingalo ezizinkulungwane ezimbili ehlangothini lwempumalanga, lengalo ezizinkulungwane ezimbili ehlangothini lweningizimu, lengalo ezizinkulungwane ezimbili ehlangothini lwentshonalanga, lengalo ezizinkulungwane ezimbili ehlangothini lwenyakatho, lomuzi ube phakathi. Lokho kuzakuba ngamadlelo awo emizi. Lemizi elizayinika amaLevi izakuba yimizi eyisithupha yokuphephela elizayinika, ukuze umbulali abalekele khona; langaphezu kwayo linike imizi engamatshumi amane lambili. Yonke imizi elizayinika amaLevi izakuba ngamatshumi amane lesificaminwembili, yile lamadlelo ayo. Lemizi elizayinika emfuyweni yabantwana bakoIsrayeli; koleminengi lithathe eminengi; ngulowo lalowo njengokwelifa lakhe azalidla, uzanika okwemizi yakhe kumaLevi. yasikhuluma kuMozisi isithi: Tshono ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli uthi kibo: Lapho lichapha iJodani lingene elizweni leKhanani, zimiseleni imizi ezakuba yimizi yenu yokuphephela, ukuze umbulali abalekele khona, otshaye umuntu kungeyisikho ngabomo. Njalo izakuba yimizi yenu yokuphephela kumphindiseli, ukuthi umbulali angafi aze eme phambi kwenhlangano ukuthi ahlulelwe. Lemizi elizayinika izakuba yimizi yenu eyisithupha yokuphephela. Lizanika imizi emithathu nganeno kweJodani, linike imizi emithathu elizweni leKhanani, ibe yimizi yokuphephela. Limizi eyisithupha izakuba ngeyokuphephela kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli, lakowemzini lakowezizweni phakathi kwabo, ukuze loba ngubani otshaya umuntu kungeyisikho ngabomo abalekele khona. Njalo nxa emtshaya ngesikhali sensimbi afe, ungumbulali; umbulali kabulawe lokubulawa. Njalo nxa emtshaya ngelitshe elisesandleni angafa ngalo, abesesifa, ungumbulali; umbulali kabulawe lokubulawa. Kumbe ubaemtshaya ngesikhali sesigodo esisesandleni angafa ngaso, abesesifa, ungumbulali; umbulali kabulawe lokubulawa. Umphindiseli wegazi, yena uzabulala umbulali; lapho ehlangana laye, yena uzambulala. Njalo nxa emsunduza ngokuzonda, loba emjikijela ngokucathama, afe, loba ngobutha emtshaya ngesandla sakhe, afe, lowo otshayayo kabulawe lokubulawa, ungumbulali; umphindiseli wegazi uzabulala umbulali lapho ehlangana laye. Kodwa uba emsunduzile masinyane engelabutha, loba emjikijela loba ngasiphi isikhali, kumbe loba ngaliphi ilitshe, angafa ngalo, enga m boni, aliwisele kuye, afe, lanxa engeyisiso isitha sakhe, futhi engadingi ububi bakhe, inhlangano izakwahlulela phakathi komtshayi lomphindiseli wegazi ngokwezahlulelo lezi. Lenhlangano izamophula umbulali esandleni somphindiseli wegazi; lenhlangano imbuyisele emzini wokuphephela kwakhe, lapho abebalekele khona, ahlale kuwo, aze afe umpristi omkhulu. Kodwa uba umbulali ephuma nje umngcele womuzi wokuphephela kwakhe, abebalekele khona, umphindiseli wegazi emfica ngaphandle komngcele womuzi wokuphephela kwakhe, umphindiseli wegazi uzabulala umbulali; kayikuba lecala legazi. Ngoba ngabe uhlale emzini wokuphephela kwakhe, aze afe umpristi omkhulu; kodwa emva kokufa kompristi omkhulu umbulali uzabuyela elizweni lemfuyo yakhe. Njalo lezizinto zizakuba ngumthetho wesahlulelo kini, ezizukulwaneni zenu, kuyo yonke imizi yenu. Loba ngubani otshaya umuntu, ngomlomo wabafakazi umbulali uzabulawa; kodwa umfakazi oyedwa kayikufakaza ngomuntu ukuthi afe. Futhi kaliyikuthatha inhlawulo ngempilo yombulali ocaleke ngokufa; ngoba uzabulawa lokubulawa. Njalo kaliyikuthatha inhlawulo ngobalekele emzini wokuphephela kwakhe, ukuze abuyele ukuyahlala elizweni, aze afe umpristi. Ngakho kaliyikungcolisa ilizwe. Ngakho lingangcolisi ilizwe elihlala kilo, engihlala phakathi kwalo. Kwasekusondela inhloko zaboyise zensendo zabantwana bakoGileyadi indodana kaMakiri indodana kaManase, abosendo lwabantwana bakoJosefa, zakhuluma phambi kukaMozisi laphambi kweziphathamandla, inhloko zaboyise babantwana bakoIsrayeli, zathi: yalaya inkosi yami ukuthi iphe abantwana bakoIsrayeli ilizwe njengelifa ngenkatho. Uba esendela kwenye yamadodana ezizwe zabantwana bakoIsrayeli, ilifa lawo lizasuswa elifeni labobaba. Lalapho kuzakuba lijubili labantwana bakoIsrayeli. UMozisi waselaya abantwana bakoIsrayeli ngokomlomo weN esithi: Isizwe sabantwana bakoJosefa sikhulume kuhle. Le yinto eyilayileyo mayelana lamadodakazi kaZelofehadi isithi: Kawendele kulabo abahle emehlweni awo, kodwa kawendele osendweni lwesizwe sikayise. Ngalokho ilifa labantwana bakoIsrayeli kalingabhodi lisuke esizweni liye esizweni, ngoba abantwana bakoIsrayeli bazanamathela, ngulowo lalowo elifeni lesizwe saboyise. Layileyo laleyo indodakazi edla ilifa esizweni sabantwana bakoIsrayeli izakwendela komunye wosendo wesizwe sikayise, ukuze abantwana bakoIsrayeli badle ilifa, omunye lomunye ilifa laboyise. Ngalokho ilifa kaliyikubhoda lisuke esizweni liye kwesinye isizwe, ngoba izizwe zabantwana bakoIsrayeli zizanamathela, ngulowo lalowo elifeni lakhe. Njengokulaya kweN kuMozisi enza njalo amadodakazi kaZelofehadi; ngoba uMahla, uTiriza, loHogila, loMilka, loNowa, amadodakazi kaZelofehadi, endela emadodaneni abafowabo bakayise. Endela kunsendo zabantwana bakoManase indodana kaJosefa, lelifa lawo lahlala esizweni sosendo lukayise. Le yimilayo lezahlulelo eyazilaya abantwana bakoIsrayeli ngesandla sikaMozisi emagcekeni akoMowabi eJodani eJeriko. La ngamazwi uMozisi awakhuluma kuIsrayeli wonke nganeno kweJodani enkangala, egcekeni eliqondene leSufi, phakathi kweParani leTofeli leLabani. Kulensuku ezilitshumi lanye kusukela eHorebe ngendlela yentaba yeSeyiri kusiya eKadeshi-Bhaneya. Kwasekusithi ngomnyaka wamatshumi amane, ngenyanga yetshumi lanye, ngolokuqala lwenyanga, uMozisi wakhuluma kubantwana bakoIsrayeli njengakho konke eyamlaya ngakho kubo, esemtshayile uSihoni inkosi yamaAmori owayehlala eAshitarothi eEdreyi. Nganeno kweJodani, elizweni lakoMowabi, uMozisi waqala ukuchasisa lumlayo esithi: uNkulunkulu wethu yakhuluma kithi eHorebe isithi: Selihlale isikhathi eseneleyo kulintaba. Phendukani lisuke, liye entabeni yamaAmori, lendaweni ezakhelene lawo, egcekeni, entabeni, lesihotsheni, leningizimu, lekhunjini lolwandle, ilizwe lamaKhanani, leLebhanoni, kuze kube semfuleni omkhulu, umfula iYufrathi. Bonani, ngibeke ilizwe phambi kwenu. Ngenani, lidle ilifa lelizwe eyalifungela oyihlo, oAbrahama, uIsaka, loJakobe, ukubanika lona lenzalo yabo emva kwabo. Njalo ngakhuluma kini ngalesosikhathi ngisithi: Kangilakulithwala ngingedwa. uNkulunkulu wenu ilandisile, khangelani-ke, lamuhla linjengenkanyezi zamazulu ngobunengi. IN, uNkulunkulu waboyihlo, kayandise kini, njengoba linjalo, ngokuphindwe kankulungwane, ilibusise, njengokukhuluma kwayo kini. Ngingedwa ngingathwala njani? Zithatheleni amadoda ahlakaniphileyo, azwisisayo, laziwayo ezizweni zenu, ngiwabeke-ke abe zinhloko zenu. Laselingiphendula lisithi: Ilizwi olikhulumileyo lilungile ukulenza. Ngasengithatha inhloko zezizwe zenu, amadoda ahlakaniphileyo, aziwayo, ngawabeka aba zinhloko phezu kwenu, induna zezinkulungwane, lenduna zamakhulu, lenduna zamatshumi amahlanu, lenduna zamatshumi. Ngasengilaya abahluleli benu ngalesosikhathi ngisithi: Zwanini oku phakathi kwabafowenu, lahlulele ngokulunga phakathi komuntu lomfowabo lowezizweni oku ye. Lingakhangeli ubuso ekwahluleleni, zwanini omncinyane njengomkhulu; lingesabi ubuso bomuntu. Langalesosikhathi ngalilaya zonke izinto elifanele ukuzenza. Sasesisuka eHorebe, sahamba kuyo yonke leyonkangala enkulu leyesabekayo elayibonayo ngendlela yentaba yamaAmori, njengokusilaya kweN uNkulunkulu wethu. Ngasengisithi kini: Selifikile entabeni yamaAmori uNkulunkulu wethu ezasinika yona. Bona, uNkulunkulu wakho ilinikile ilizwe phambi kwakho; yenyuka udle ilifa lalo, njengokutsho kweN uNkulunkulu waboyihlo kuwe; ungesabi, ungadideki. Laselisondela kimi lonke lathi: Asithume amadoda phambi kwethu ukuze asihlolele ilizwe, abuyise ilizwi kithi, indlela esizakwenyuka ngayo, lemizi esizangena kuyo. Lendaba yayinhle emehlweni ami; ngakho ngathatha kini amadoda alitshumi lambili, indodanye ngesizwe. Wona aphenduka, enyukela entabeni aze afika esihotsheni seEshikoli, asihlola. Asethatha okwezithelo zelizwe esandleni sabo, azehlisela kithi; abuyisa ilizwi kithi athi: Ilizwe lihle uNkulunkulu wethu esinika lona. Kanti kalifunanga ukwenyuka, kodwa lavukela umlomo weN uNkulunkulu wenu, langunguna emathenteni enu lathi. Sizakwenyukela ngaphi? Abafowethu benze inhliziyo yethu iphele amandla. Ngasengisithi kini: Lingatshaywa luvalo, libesabe. uNkulunkulu wenu ehamba phambi kwenu, yona izalilwela njengakho konke eyalenzela khona eGibhithe phambi kwamehlo enu, lenkangala, lapho obone khona ukuthi uNkulunkulu wakho yakuthwala njengendoda ithwala indodana yayo, endleleni yonke elahamba ngayo laze lafika kulindawo. Kodwa ngalelilizwi kalikholwanga uNkulunkulu wenu eyahamba phambi kwenu endleleni. Kwathi isizwile ilizwi lamazwi enu, yathukuthela yafunga yathi: Isibili kakho kulamadoda alesisizukulwana esibi ozabona ilizwe elihle engafunga ukulinika oyihlo, ngaphandle kukaKalebi indodana kaJefune; yena uzalibona. Njalo ngizanika kuye ilizwe anyathela kulo, lakubantwana bakhe, ngoba ulandele ngokupheleleyo. Lami yangithukuthelela ngenxa yenu, isithi: Lawe kawuyikungena khona. UJoshuwa indodana kaNuni. Labantwanyana benu elalisithi bazakuba yimpango, labantwana benu. Kodwa lina ziphendukeleni, lisuke liye enkangala, indlela yoLwandle oluBomvu. Laseliphendula lisithi kimi: Sonile eNni; thina sizakwenyuka siyekulwa, njengakho konke uNkulunkulu wethu eyasilaya khona. Selihlomile, ngulowo lalowo isikhali sakhe sempi, lacabanga ukuthi kulula ukwenyukela entabeni. yasisithi kimi: Tshono kubo: Lingenyuki, lingalwi, ngoba kangikho phakathi kwenu, hlezi litshaywe phambi kwezitha zenu. Ngasengikhuluma kini, kodwa kalilalelanga, lavukela umlomo weN, laqholoza lenyukela entabeni. Kwathi amaAmori ayehlala entabeni leyo aphuma ukumelana lani, alixotsha. Laselibuya, lakhala inyembezi phambi kweN, kodwa kayilizwanga ilizwi lenu, kayibekanga indlebe kini. Laselihlala eKadeshi insuku ezinengi, njengensuku elahlala ngazo. Sasesiphenduka, sasuka saya enkangala, indlela yoLwandle oluBomvu, njengokutsho kweN kimi; njalo sayibhoda intaba yeSeyiri insuku ezinengi. yasikhuluma kimi isithi: Selibhode intaba le okweneleyo; phendukelani lina enyakatho. Balaye-ke abantu usithi: Lidabula umngcele wabafowenu, abantwana bakaEsawu. Njalo bazalesaba, ngakho lizinanzelele kakhulu, lingalwi labo; ngoba kangiyikulinika okwelizwe labo, lelingangokunyathela kwangaphansi konyawo. Lizathenga ukudla kubo ngemali ukuze lidle, lithenge kubo lamanzi ngemali ukuze linathe. Ngoba uNkulunkulu wakho ikubusisile emsebenzini wonke wesandla sakho; iyazi ukuhamba kwakho kulinkangala enkulu. Le iminyaka engamatshumi amane uNkulunkulu wakho ibilawe, kawuswelanga lutho. Uba sisedlula sisuka kubafowethu, abantwana bakaEsawu abahlala eSeyiri, saphenduka, sadlula ngendlela yenkangala yakoMowabi. yasisithi kimi: Ungahlukuluzi uMowabi, ungalwi labo empini; ngoba kangiyikukunika okwelizwe labo kube yilifa. Kwakuhlala khona endulo amaEmi, abantu abakhulu, labanengi, labade; babebalwa njenge ziqhwaga labo njengamaAnaki, kodwa amaMowabi ababiza ngokuthi ngamaEmi. LamaHori ayehlala eSeyiri endulo. Khathesi, sukumani lina lichaphe isifula iZeredi. Ngakho sachapha isifula iZeredi. Lensuku esahamba ngazo sisuka eKadeshi-Bhaneya. Ngoba isibili isandla seN sasimelene lawo, ukuwachitha esuka phakathi kwenkamba, aze aphela. Kwasekusithi lapho wonke amadoda empi esephelile esifa esuka phakathi kwabantu, yasikhuluma kimi isithi: Lamuhla uzakwedlula iAri, umngcele wakoMowabi, lapho ususondele maqondana labantwana bakoAmoni, ungabahlukuluzi, ungalwi labo, ngoba kangiyikukunika okwelizwe labantwana bakoAmoni kube yilifa. Lalelo labalwa njengelizwe leziqhwaga. Iziqhwaga zahlala kulo endulo, kodwa amaAmoni bazibiza ngokuthi ngamaZamuzumu; abantu abakhulu, labanengi, labade, njengamaAnaki; kodwa yabachitha phambi kwabo, babakhupha emfuyweni yabo, bahlala endaweni yabo, njengalokho eyakwenzela abantwana bakaEsawu, ababehlala eSeyiri, lapho yawachitha amaHori esuka phambi kwabo, bawakhupha emfuyweni yabo, bahlala endaweni yawo kuze kube lamuhla. LamaAvi, ayehlala eHazerimi. Sukumani, lisuke. Lamuhla ngizaqalisa ukufaka uvalo ngawe lokwesabeka kwakho phezu kobuso bezizwe, ngaphansi kwamazulu wonke, ezizakuzwa umbiko ngawe, zithuthumele, ziqhaqhazele ngenxa yakho. Ngasengithuma izithunywa zisuka enkangala yeKedemothi kuSihoni inkosi yeHeshiboni, zilamazwi okuthula, zisithi: ; ngizahamba ngomgwaqo kuphela, ngingaphambukeli ngakwesokunene loba ngakwesokhohlo. Uzangithengisela ukudla ngemali ukuze ngidle, ungiphe amanzi ngemali ukuze nginathe; kuphela ngizadabula ngenyawo zami, njengalokhu abantwana bakaEsawu abahlala eSeyiri lamaMowabi ahlala eAri benza kimi, ngize ngichaphe iJodani, ngingene elizweni uNkulunkulu wethu esinika lona. Kodwa uSihoni inkosi yeHeshiboni kasivumelanga ukuthi sidlule kuye. yathi kimi: Bona, sengiqalisile ukunikela phambi kwakho uSihoni lelizwe lakhe; qalisa ukudla ilifa, ukuze udle ilifa lelizwe lakhe. Kwasekuphuma uSihoni ukumelana lathi, yena labantu bakhe bonke, ukulwa eJahazi. uNkulunkulu wethu yasimnikela phambi kwethu. Ngalesosikhathi sasesithumba yonke imizi yakhe, satshabalalisa wonke umuzi, abesilisa labesifazana labantwanyana; kasitshiyanga insali; sazithumbela izifuyo kuphela, lempango yemizi esayithumbayo. Kusukela eAroweri esekhunjini lwesifula iArinoni, lomuzi osesifuleni, kuze kube seGileyadi kwakungekho muzi owawuphakeme kakhulu kithi. Kuphela kawusondelanga elizweni labantwana bakoAmoni, endaweni yonke yesifula iJaboki, lemizini esezintabeni. Sasesiphenduka sisenyuka ngendlela yeBashani. UOgi inkosi yeBashani wasephuma ukumelana lathi, yena labantu bakhe bonke. Kodwa yathi kimi: Ungamesabi, ngoba ngizamnikela labantu bakhe bonke lelizwe lakhe esandleni sakho; njalo uzakwenza kuye njengokwenza kwakho kuSihoni inkosi yamaAmori owayehlala eHeshiboni. Ngakho uNkulunkulu wethu yanikela esandleni sethu loOgi inkosi yeBashani labo bonke abantu bakhe; sasesimtshaya, kakwaze kwasala lansali kuye. Sasesithumba yonke imizi yakhe ngalesosikhathi; kwakungelamuzi esingawuthathanga kibo; imizi engamatshumi ayisithupha, isabelo sonke seArigobi, umbuso kaOgi eBashani. Yonke limizi yayivikelwe ngemithangala ephakemeyo, amasango lemigoqo, ngaphandle kwemizana eminengi kakhulu engelamithangala. Sasesiyitshabalalisa. Kodwa zonke izifuyo lempango yemizi, saziphangela. Ngalesosikhathi sasesithatha esandleni samakhosi amabili amaAmori ilizwe, elalinganeno kweJodani, kusukela esifuleni iArinoni kuze kube sentabeni yeHermoni. (AmaSidoni ayibiza iHermoni.) Yonke imizi yemagcekeni, leGileyadi yonke, leBashani yonke, imizi yombuso kaOgi eBashani. Ngoba nguOgi kuphela, inkosi yeBashani, owasalayo kunsali yeziqhwaga. Lalelilizwe sadla ilifa lalo ngalesosikhathi; kusukela eAroweri, elisesifuleni seArinoni, lengxenye yentaba yeGileyadi. Lokuseleyo kweGileyadi leBashani yonke, umbuso kaOgi, ngakunika kungxenye yesizwe sakoManase. UJayiri indodana kaManase wathatha isabelo sonke seArigobi. Ngasengimnika uMakiri iGileyadi. LakwabakoRubeni lakwabakoGadi nganika kusukela eGileyadi ngitsho kuze kufike esifuleni seArinoni, phakathi laphakathi kwesifula, lomngcele, njalo kuze kube sesifuleni iJaboki. Lamagceke, leJodani, lomngcele, kusukela eKinerethi, ngaphansi kweAshidodi-Pisiga ngasempumalanga. Ngasengililaya ngalesosikhathi ngisithi: uNkulunkulu wenu ilinikile lelilizwe libe yilifa lenu. Lizachapha lihlomile phambi kwabafowenu, abantwana bakoIsrayeli, wonke amadodana angamaqhawe. Kuphela omkenu labantwanyana benu lezifuyo zenu - ngiyazi ukuthi lilezifuyo ezinengi - kuzahlala emizini yenu engilinike yona, ize ibanike ukuphumula abafowenu njengani, baze bathi labo badle ilifa lelizwe uNkulunkulu wenu ebaphe lona, ngaphetsheya kweJodani; beselibuyela, ngulowo lalowo elifeni lakhe, engilinike lona. Njalo ngamlaya uJoshuwa ngalesosikhathi ngisithi: Amehlo akho abonile konke uNkulunkulu wenu ekwenze kulawomakhosi amabili; izakwenza njalo kuyo yonke imibuso ozakwedlulela kuyo. Lingabesabi, ngoba uNkulunkulu wenu, yona izalilwela. Ngasengiyincenga ngalesosikhathi ngisithi: Nkosi Jehova, wena usuqalile ukutshengisa inceku yakho ubukhulu bakho lesandla sakho esilamandla? Ngicela ngichaphe, ngibone ilizwe elihle elingaphetsheya kweJodani, leyontaba enhle. Kodwa yangithukuthelela ngenxa yenu, kayingizwanga. Yenyukela engqongeni yePisiga, uphakamisele amehlo akho ngentshonalanga langenyakatho langeningizimu langempumalanga, ukhangele ngamehlo akho; ngoba kawuyikuchapha le iJodani. Kodwa laya uJoshuwa. Sasesihlala esigodini maqondana leBeti-Peyori. Khathesi-ke, Israyeli, zwana izimiso lezahlulelo engilifundisa zona, ukuzenza, ukuze liphile, lingene lidle ilifa lelizwe uNkulunkulu waboyihlo elinika lona. Kaliyikwengezelela elizwini engililaya lona, lingaphunguli luthokulo, ukuze ligcine imilayo yeN uNkulunkulu wenu engililaya yona. Amehlo enu abonile eyakwenzayo ngenxa kaBhali-Peyori; ngoba wonke umuntu owalandela uBhali-Peyori, uNkulunkulu wenu yambhubhisa phakathi kwenu; kodwa lina elanamathela eNni uNkulunkulu wenu liyaphila lonke lamuhla. Bonani, ngilifundisile izimiso lezahlulelo, njengokungilaya kweN uNkulunkulu wami, ukuthi lenze njalo phakathi kwelizwe eliya kulo ukudla ilifa lalo. Ngakho zigcineni, lizenze; ngoba lokhu kuyinhlakanipho yenu lokuqedisisa kwenu emehlweni ezizwe. Ngoba yisiphi isizwe esikhulu? Futhi yisiphi isizwe esikhulu esilezimiso lezahlulelo ezilungileyo njengalumlayo wonke engiwubeka phambi kwenu lamuhla? Kuphela ziqaphele, ugcine kakhulu umphefumulo wakho, hlezi ukhohlwe izinto amehlo akho azibonileyo, njalo hlezi zisuke enhliziyweni yakho, zonke izinsuku zempilo yakho, ukuthingosuku owema ngalo phambi kweN uNkulunkulu wakho eHorebe, lapho yathi kimi: Ngibuthanisela abantu ngibe sengibazwisa amazwi ami, ukuze bafunde ukungesaba zonke izinsuku abazaziphila emhlabeni, bafundise njalo abantwana babo. Laselisondela, lema ngaphansi kwentaba, lentaba yayivutha umlilo kwaze kwaba phakathi kwamazulu, lo mnyama, amayezi, lomnyama onzima. yasikhuluma kini iphakathi komlilo. Yamemezela kini isivumelwano sayo, eyalilaya ukuthi lisenze. yasingilaya ngalesosikhathi ukuthi ngilifundise izimiso lezahlulelo, ukuze lizenze elizweni elidlulela kulo ukudla ilifa lalo. Ngakho-ke qaphelani kakhulu, hlezi lizone, lizenzele isithombe esibaziweyo, isifanekiso saloba yiyiphi inyamazana esemhlabeni, isifanekiso saloba yikuphi okuhuquzelayo emhlabeni. Futhi hlezi uphakamisele amehlo akho emazulwini, lapho ubona ilanga lenyanga lezinkanyezi, uNkulunkulu wakho ekwabele izizwe zonke ngaphansi kwamazulu wonke. Kodwa lina yalithatha, yalikhupha esithandweni sensimbi, eGibhithe. Futhi yangithukuthelela ngenxa yenu, yafunga ukuthi kangiyikuchapha iJodani, lokuthi kangiyikungena kulelolizwe elihle uNkulunkulu wakho ekunika lona libe yilifa. Ngoba ngizafela kulelilizwe. Ziqapheleni, lizenzele isithombe esibaziweyo, umfanekiso waloba yikuphi uNkulunkulu wakho ekwenqabele khona. Ngoba uNkulunkulu wakho ingumlilo oqothulayo. Lapho uzala abantwana labantwana babantwana, njalo selihlale elizweni isikhathi eside, uba lisonakala, lenze isithombe esibaziweyo, umfanekiso waloba yikuphi, ngibiza amazulu lomhlaba lamuhla ukuze kufakaze kumelene lani ukuthi lizabhubha lokubhubha masinyane lisuka elizweni elichapha iJodani ukuya kilo ukuze libe yilifa lenu; kaliyikwelula insuku zenu phezu kwalo, ngoba lizabhujiswa lokubhujiswa. Njalo izalichithachitha phakathi kwezizwe. Lapho lizakhonza onkulunkulu, umsebenzi wezandla zabantu, izigodo lamatshe. Kodwa lilapho liyidinge uNkulunkulu wakho, uzayithola uba uyidinga ngenhliziyo yakho yonke langomphefumulo wakho wonke. Lapho usekuhluphekeni, lezizinto zonke zikwehlela, ekupheleni kwezinsuku; ngoba uNkulunkulu wakho inguNkulunkulu olomusa, kayiyikukutshiya, kayiyikukubhubhisa, kayiyikukhohlwa isivumelwano saboyihlo, eyasifunga kubo. Ngoba buza-ke ngensuku zamandulo ezazingaphambi kwakho, kusukela osukwini uNkulunkulu adala ngalo umuntu emhlabeni? Abantu bakebezwa yini ilizwi likaNkulunkulu likhuluma livela phakathi komlilo, njengalokhu ulizwile wena, waphila? Futhi uNkulunkulu wakewazama yini ukuyazithathela isizwe phakathi kwesizwe, ngezilingo, njengakho konke uNkulunkulu wenu eyalenzela khona eGibhithe phambi kwamehlo akho? Wena wakutshengiswa, ukuze wazi ukuthi uJehova unguNkulunkulu; kakho omunye ngaphandle kwakhe. Esemazulwini wakuzwisa ilizwi lakhe ukukufundisa; lemhlabeni wakutshengisa umlilo wakhe omkhulu, lamazwi akhe wawezwa evela phakathi komlilo. Njalo ngoba wabathanda oyihlo, wakhetha inzalo yabo emva kwabo, wakukhupha eGibhithe ebusweni bakhe ngamandla akhe amakhulu, ukuxotsha elifeni izizwe ezinkulu lezilamandla kulawe phambi kwakho, ukukungenisa, ukukupha ilizwe lazo, libe yilifa, njengalamuhla. Ngakho yazi lamuhla, ukukhumbule enhliziyweni yakho ukuthi inguNkulunkulu emazulwini phezulu, lemhlabeni phansi. Ngakho uzagcina izimiso zakhe lemilayo yakhe engikulaya yona lamuhla. Khona uMozisi wehlukanisa imizi emithathu nganeno kweJodani ngasempumalanga, ukuthi abalekele kuyo umbulali obulele umakhelwane wakhe kungeyisikho ngabomo; iBezeri enkangala; leRamothi eGileyadi, elabakoGadi; leGolani eBashani, elabakoManase. Njalo yilo umlayo uMozisi awubeka phambi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli. Lobu yibufakazi lezimiso lezahlulelo uMozisi akukhuluma ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli ekuphumeni kwabo eGibhithe, nganeno kweJodani, esigodini maqondana leBeti-Peyori, elizweni likaSihoni inkosi yamaAmori. Basebesidla ilifa lelizwe lakhe lelizwe likaOgi inkosi yeBashani, amakhosi amabili amaAmori, ayenganeno kweJodani ngasempumalanga, kusukela eAroweri esekhunjini lwesifula seArinoni, lamagceke wonke nganeno kweJodani ngasempumalanga, kuze kube selwandle lwamagceke. UMozisi wasebiza uIsrayeli wonke, wathi kubo: Zwana, Israyeli, izimiso lezahlulelo engizikhuluma endlebeni zenu lamuhla, ukuze lizifunde, linanzelele ukuzenza. uNkulunkulu wethu yenza isivumelwano lathi eHorebe. kayisenzanga lesisivumelwano labobaba, kodwa lathi, thina sonke esilapha siphila lamuhla. yakhuluma lani ubuso lobuso entabeni, iphakathi komlilo, (ngema phakathi kweN lani ngalesosikhathi, ukulazisa ilizwi leN KOSI isithi: NgiyuNkulunkulu wakho, eyakukhupha elizweni leGibhithe, endlini yobugqili. Ungabi labanye onkulunkulu phambi kwami. Ungazenzeli isithombe esibaziweyo, loba yiwuphi umfanekiso wokusemazulwini phezulu loba wokusemhlabeni phansi, loba wokusemanzini ngaphansi komhlaba. Ungakukhothameli, ungakukhonzi; ngoba mina iN, uNkulunkulu wakho, nginguNkulunkulu olobukhwele, ngiphindisela ububi baboyise phezu kwabantwana, kuze kube se sizukulwane ni sesithathu lesesine sabangizondayo, njalo ngibenzela umusa abayizinkulungwane zabangithandayo lezabagcina imilayo yami. Ungaliphathi ngeze ibizo leN uNkulunkulu wakho; ngoba kayiyikumyekela engelacala ophatha ibizo layo ngeze. Gcina usuku lwesabatha, ukulungcwelisa, njengokukulaya kweN uNkulunkulu wakho. Insuku eziyisithupha uzasebenza, uwenze wonke umsebenzi wakho; kodwa usuku lwesikhombisa lulisabatha leN uNkulunkulu wakho; ungenzi loba yiwuphi umsebenzi ngalo, wena lendodana yakho lendodakazi yakho lenceku yakho lencekukazi yakho lenkabi yakho lobabhemi wakho loba yisiphi sezifuyo zakho, lowemzini wakho ophakathi kwamasango akho, ukuze iphumule inceku yakho lencekukazi yakho, njengawe. Njalo ukhumbule ukuthi wawuyinceku elizweni leGibhithe. Ngakho uNkulunkulu wakho yakulaya ukuthi ugcine usuku lwesabatha. Hlonipha uyihlo lonyoko, njengokukulaya kweN uNkulunkulu wakho, ukuze insuku zakho zelulwe, lokuthi kukulungele elizweni uNkulunkulu wakho ekunika lona. Ungabulali. Njalo ungafebi. Njalo ungebi. Njalo unganiki ubufakazi bamanga ngomakhelwane wakho. Njalo ungafisi umkamakhelwane wakho; ungahawukeli indlu kamakhelwane wakho, insimu yakhe, lenceku yakhe, lencekukazi yakhe, inkabi yakhe, lobabhemi wakhe, njalo loba yini ekamakhelwane wakho. Amazwi la yawakhuluma ebandleni lenu lonke entabeni, iphakathi komlilo, eyezini, lemnyameni onzima, ngelizwi elikhulu; njalo kayengezelelanga. Yawabhala ezibhebheni ezimbili zamatshe, yanginika zona. Kwasekusithi lilizwa ilizwi livela phakathi komnyama, lentaba ivutha umlilo, lasondela kimi, zonke inhloko zezizwe zenu, labadala benu, lathi: Khangela, uNkulunkulu wethu isitshengisile inkazimulo yayo lobukhulu bayo. Ngakho-ke sizafelani? Ngoba lumlilo omkhulu uzasiqothula. Uba siphinda silizwa ilizwi leN uNkulunkulu wethu futhi, sizakufa-ke. Ngoba ngubani enyameni yonke owezwa ilizwi likaNkulunkulu ophilayo likhuluma livela phakathi komlilo, njengathi, waphila? Sondela wena, uzwe konke uNkulunkulu wethu ezakutsho, usitshele wena konke uNkulunkulu wethu ezakutsho kuwe, sizakuzwa, sikwenze. yasisizwa ilizwi lamazwi enu ekukhulumeni kwenu kimi; yasisithi kimi: Ngizwile ilizwi lamazwi alababantu abawakhulume kuwe; kulungile konke abakukhulumileyo. O kungathi bangaba lenhliziyo enjalo yokungesaba, bagcine yonke imilayo yami, insuku zonke! Hamba uthi kibo: Zibuyeleleni emathenteni enu. Kodwa wena, mana lapha phansi kwami, ke ngikhulume kuwe yonke imilayo lezimiso lezahlulelo ozabafundisa zona, ukuze bazenze elizweni engibanika lona ukuthi badle ilifa lalo. Ngakho qaphelani ukuthi lenze njengokulilaya kweN uNkulunkulu wenu; lingaphambukeli ngakwesokunene langakwesokhohlo. Lizahamba endleleni yonke uNkulunkulu wenu elilaye yona, ukuze liphile. Lale yimilayo, izimiso, lezahlulelo uNkulunkulu wenu elaya ukulifundisa, ukuthi lizenze elizweni elichaphela kulo ukuthi lidle ilifa lalo, ukuze uyesabe uNkulunkulu wakho, ukugcina zonke izimiso zayo lemithetho yayo engikulaya yona, wena lendodana yakho lendodana yendodana yakho, zonke izinsuku zempilo yakho. Ngakho zwana, Israyeli, unanzelele ukuzenza, ukuze kukulungele, ukuze wande kakhulu. Zwana, Israyeli, uNkulunkulu wethu, yyinye. Njalo wothanda uNkulunkulu wakho ngenhliziyo yakho yonke Njalo amazwi la engikulaya ngawo lamuhla azakuba senhliziyweni yakho; njalo uzawafundisa abantwana bakho ngokukhuthala, uzakhuluma ngawo lapho uhlezi endlini yakho, lalapho uhamba endleleni, lalapho ulala, lalapho uvuka. Uzawabophela esandleni sakho abe luphawu, njalo abe ngamafilakteriyu phakathi laphakathi kwamehlo akho. Njalo uzawabhala emigubazini yendlu yakho, lemasangweni akho. Kuzakuthi lapho uNkulunkulu wakho ikungenisa elizweni eyafunga kuboyihlo, kuAbrahama, kuIsaka lakuJakobe, ukukunika imizi emikhulu lemihle, ongayakhanga, lezindlu ezigcwele zonke izinto ezinhle, ongazigcwalisanga, lemithombo eyagejwayo ongayigebhanga, izivini lezihlahla zemihlwathi ongazihlanyelanga, lapho udlile wasutha, ziqaphele, hlezi uyikhohlwe eyakukhupha elizweni leGibhithe, endlini yobugqili. Uzayesaba uNkulunkulu wakho, uyikhonze. Lingalandeli abanye onkulunkulu. Ngoba uNkulunkulu wakho inguNkulunkulu olobukhwele phakathi kwakho. Lingayilingi uNkulunkulu wenu. Ligcine lokugcina imilayo yeN uNkulunkulu wenu, lobufakazi bayo, lezimiso zayo, ekulaye zona. Njalo wenze okuqondileyo lokulungileyo emehlweni eN, ukuze kukulungele, lokuthi ungene udle ilifa lelizwe elihle, eyalifungela oyihlo, ukuxotsha zonke izitha zakho phambi kwakho, njengalokhu ikhulumile. Lapho indodana yakho ikubuza esikhathini esizayo isithi: Buyini ubufakazi lezimiso lezahlulelo uNkulunkulu wethu elilaye zona? Khona uzakuthi endodaneni yakho: Sasiyizigqili zikaFaro eGibhithe, leN yasikhupha eGibhithe ngesandla esilamandla. Njalo yenza izibonakaliso lezimangaliso ezinkulu lezimbi eGibhithe, phezu kukaFaro laphezu kwendlu yakhe yonke, phambi kwamehlo ethu. Yasikhupha khona ukuze isingenise, ukusinika ilizwe eyalifungela obaba. yasisilaya ukwenza zonke lezizimiso, ukwesaba uNkulunkulu wethu. Kuzakuba yikulunga kithi, uba sinanzelela ukwenza limilayo yonke phambi kweN uNkulunkulu wethu, njengokusilaya kwayo. Lapho uNkulunkulu wakho isikungenisa elizweni oya kulo ukudla ilifa lalo, ixotshe izizwe ezinengi phambi kwakho, lapho uNkulunkulu wakho izinikela phambi kwakho. Ungathathani lazo, unganiki indodakazi yakho kundodana yakhe, njalo indodakazi yakhe ungayithatheli indodana yakho. Ngoba izaphambula indodana yakho ekungilandeleni, ukuze bakhonze abanye onkulunkulu; ngakho ulaka lweN luzalivuthela, lukubhubhise masinyane. Kodwa-ke lizakwenza njalo kuzo; lizadiliza amalathi azo, ligamule izixuku zabo, litshise ngomlilo izithombe zazo ezibaziweyo. Ngoba uyisizwe esingcwele eNni uNkulunkulu wakho. kayehliselanga uthando lwayo phezu kwenu, kumbe ilikhethe, ngenxa yokuthi lalibanengi kulaziphi izizwe; ngoba lalibalutshwana kulazo zonke izizwe; kodwa kungenxa yokuthi yalithanda. Ngakho yazi ukuthi uNkulunkulu wakho inguNkulunkulu, uNkulunkulu othembekileyo, lophindisela abamzondayo ebusweni babo, ukubabhubhisa. Ngakho uzagcina imilayo lezimiso lezahlulelo engikulaya zona lamuhla ukuzenza. Kuzakuthi ngoba lisizwa lezizahlulelo, lizigcine, lizenze. Njalo izakuthanda, ikubusise, ikwandise. Uzabusiswa kulazo zonke izizwe; kakuyikuba khona phakathi kwakho owesilisa ongazaliyo lowesifazana oyinyumba, loba phakathi kwezifuyo zakho. LeN izasusa kuwe wonke umkhuhlane; kayiyikukwehlisela lasinye sezifo ezimbi zeGibhithe ozaziyo, kodwa izazehlisela phezu kwabo bonke abakuzondayo. Njalo uzabaqothula bonke abantu ezabanikela kuwe uNkulunkulu wakho. Nxa uzakuthi enhliziyweni yakho: Izizwe lezi zinengi kulami; ngingazixotsha njani elifeni lazo? Ungazesabi, izilingo ezinkulu ilihlo lakho elazibonayo, lezibonakaliso, lezimangaliso, lesandla esilamandla, lengalo eyeluliweyo, uNkulunkulu wakho eyakukhupha ngakho. uNkulunkulu wakho izakwenza njalo kuzo zonke izizwe ozesabayo. Futhi-ke uNkulunkulu wakho izathumela olonyovu phakathi kwazo, zize zibhujiswe eziseleyo lezicatshele ubuso bakho. Kaliyikutshaywa luvalo ngazo. uNkulunkulu wakho izazingcothula lezizizwe phambi kwakho kancinyane kancinyane; ungeziqede masinyane, hlezi izilo zeganga zikwandele. Kodwa uNkulunkulu wakho izazinikela phambi kwakho, iziphazamise ngokuphazamiseka okukhulu, zize zichithwe. Izanikela ezandleni zakho amakhosi azo. Izithombe ezibaziweyo zabonkulunkulu bazo lizazitshisa ngomlilo. Njalo ungasingenisi isinengiso endlini yakho, hlezi ube yinto eqalekisiweyo njengaso; usenyanye lokusenyanya, unengwe lokunengwa yiso, ngoba siyinto eqalekisiweyo. Yonke imithetho engikulaya yona lamuhla lizananzelela ukuyenza, ukuze liphile, lande, lingene lidle ilifa lelizwe, eyalifungela oyihlo. Njalo uzakhumbula indlela yonke uNkulunkulu wakho ekukhokhele ngayo liminyaka engamatshumi amane enkangala, ukuze ikuthobise. Yasikuthobisa, yakulambisa. Izembatho zakho kaziguganga phezu kwakho, lonyawo lwakho kaluvuvukanga, le iminyaka engamatshumi amane. Ngakho yazi enhliziyweni yakho ukuthi njengendoda ilaya indodana yayo, uNkulunkulu wakho iyakulaya. Ngakho uzagcina imithetho yeN uNkulunkulu wakho, ukuhamba endleleni zayo, lokuyesaba. Ngoba uNkulunkulu wakho ikungenisa elizweni elihle, ilizwe lezifula zamanzi, lemithombo lokujula okugobhoza ezihotsheni lezintabeni; ilizwe lengqoloyi, lebhali, lezivini, lemikhiwa, lezithelo zepomegranati, ilizwe lezihlahla zemihlwathi zamafutha, loluju, ilizwe ozakudla kulo isinkwa kungekho ukusilela, ongayikuswela lutho kulo; ilizwe elilamatshe ayinsimbi, lelilezintaba elingagebha kuzo ithusi. Usudlile wasutha, uzabusisa uNkulunkulu wakho ngelizwe elihle ekunike lona. Ziqaphele hlezi ukhohlwe uNkulunkulu wakho ngokungagcini imilayo yayo lezahlulelo zayo lezimiso zayo, engikulaya zona lamuhla. Hlezi lapho usudlile wasutha, usuwakhe izindlu ezinhle wahlala kuzo, sekwandile inkomo zakho lezimvu zakho, lesiliva legolide kwakho sekwandile, lakho konke olakho sekwandile, inhliziyo yakho ibisiziphakamisa, eyakukhokhela enkangala enkulu leyesabekayo, eyakudlisa imana enkangala, oyihlo ababengayazi, ukuze ikuthobise, lokuze ikuhlole, ubususithi enhliziyweni yakho: Amandla ami lokuqina kwesandla sami kungizuzele linotho. Kodwa uzakhumbula uNkulunkulu wakho, ngoba yiyo ekunika amandla okuzuza inotho. Kuzakuthi-ke, nxa ukhohlwa lokukhohlwa uNkulunkulu wakho, ulandele abanye onkulunkulu, ubakhonze, ubakhothamele. Njengezizwe ezichithileyo phambi kwenu, ngokunjalo lizabhubha, ngoba lingalilalelanga ilizwi leN uNkulunkulu wenu. Zwana, Israyeli; uzachapha iJodani lamuhla, ukungenela ukudla ilifa lezizwe. Abantu abakhulu labade, abantwana bamaAnaki wena obaziyo, wena osuzwile ngabo kuthiwa: Ngubani ongema phambi kwabantwana bakaAnaki? Ngakho yazi lamuhla ukuthi yuNkulunkulu wakho echapha phambi kwakho. Ungakhulumi enhliziyweni yakho, lapho uNkulunkulu wakho isibaxotshile phambi kwakho, usithi: Ngenxa yokulunga kwami ingingenise ukudla ilifa lelizwe leli. Kakungenxa yokulunga kwakho kumbe ngenxa yobuqotho benhliziyo yakho ukuthi ungene ukudla ilifa lelizwe lazo. Yazi-ke ukuthi kakungenxa yokulunga kwakho ukuthi uNkulunkulu wakho ikunika lelilizwe elihle ukuthi udle ilifa lalo; ngoba uyisizwe esilentamo elukhuni. Khumbula, ungakhohlwa, ukuthi wayithukuthelisa uNkulunkulu wakho enkangala; kusukela osukwini owaphuma ngalo elizweni leGibhithe laze lafika kulindawo, beliyivukela iN. LeHorebe layithukuthelisa iN, yaze yalithukuthelela ukulichitha. Sengenyukele entabeni ukwemukela izibhebhe zamatshe, izibhebhe zesivumelwano eyasenza lani. yasinginika lezozibhebhe ezimbili zamatshe zilotshwe ngomunwe kaNkulunkulu, laphezu kwazo kulotshiwengokwamazwi wonke eyayiwakhulume lani entabeni, iphakathi komlilo. Kwasekusithi ekupheleni kwensuku ezingamatshumi amane lobusuku obungamatshumi amane, yangipha izibhebhe ezimbili zamatshe, izibhebhe zesivumelwano. yasisithi kimi: Sukuma wehle ngokuphangisa usuke lapha, ngoba abantu bakho owabakhupha eGibhithe bonakalisile. yasikhuluma kimi isithi: Ngibabonile lababantu. Ngiyekela ukuze ngibabhubhise. Ngasengiphenduka ngisehla entabeni. Ngasengibona, khangelani-ke, lalonile eNni uNkulunkulu wenu, lalizenzele ithole elibunjwe ngokuncibilikisa, laliphambukile ngokuphangisa endleleni eyayililayile. Ngasengibamba izibhebhe zombili, ngazilahla ezandleni zami zombili, ngazibulala phambi kwamehlo enu. Ngasengiziwisela phansi phambi kweN KOSI. Ngoba ngangisesaba ukuthukuthela lolaka eyayilithukuthelela ngakho ukulibhubhisa; kodwa yangizwa langalesosikhathi. yasimthukuthelela kakhulu uAroni ukuze imbhubhise; kodwa ngamkhulekela loAroni ngalesosikhathi. Ngasengithatha isono senu, ithole elalilenzile, ngalitshisa ngomlilo, ngalichoboza, ngalicholisisa laze laba lincinyane njengothuli; ngaphosa uthuli lwalo esifuleni esasisehla entabeni. LeTabera laliyithukuthelisa iN. Lalapho yalithuma lisuka eKadeshi-Bhaneya. Lalivele liyivukele kusukela osukwini engalazi ngalo. Ngasengiziwisela phansi phambi kweN insuku ezingamatshumi amane lobusuku obungamatshumi amane, engaziwisela phansi ngazo, ngoba yayithe izalichitha. Ngasengikhuleka eNni ngathi: Nkosi Jehova, ungabachithi abantu bakho lelifa lakho, obahlenge ngobukhulu bakho, owabakhupha eGibhithe ngesandla esilamandla. Khumbula inceku zakho, uAbrahama, uIsaka, loJakobe; ungakhangeli inkani yalababantu lobubi babo lesono sabo, hlezi ilizwe owasikhupha kilo lithi: Ngenxa yokuthi yayingelamandla okubangenisa elizweni eyabathembisa lona, langenxa yokuthi ibazonda, yabakhupha ukuze ibabulalele enkangala. Kube kanti bangabantu bakho lelifa lakho, owabakhupha ngamandla akho amakhulu langengalo yakho eyeluliweyo. Ngalesosikhathi yathi kimi: Zibazele izibhebhe ezimbili zamatshe njengezakuqala, wenyukele kimi entabeni. Ngizabhala-ke phezu kwezibhebhe amazwi ayesezibhebheni zakuqala owazibulalayo, uzibeke emtshokotshweni. Ngasengisenza umtshokotsho ngesihlahla sesinga. Yasibhala ezibhebheni njengokubhala kwakuqala, imilayo elitshumi; njalo yanginika zona. Ngasengiphenduka ngisehla entabeni. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebesuka eBeyerothi-Bene-Jakani; indodana yakhe uEleyazare wasebenza njengompristi esikhundleni sakhe. Besuka lapho, baya eGudigoda; basuka eGudigoda, baya eJotibatha, ilizwe lezifula zamanzi. Ngalesosikhathi yehlukanisa isizwe sakoLevi. Ngalokhu uLevi kalasabelo lelifa kanye labafowabo; iyilifa lakhe, njengokuthembisa kweN uNkulunkulu wakho kuye. Mina ngasengihlala entabeni njengensuku zendulo, insuku ezingamatshumi amane lobusuku obungamatshumi amane. yasisithi kimi: Sukuma, uhambe phambi kwabantu, ukuze bangene badle ilifa lelizwe engafunga kuboyise ukubanika lona. Khathesi-ke, Israyeli, kuyini uNkulunkulu wakho ekufuna kuwe, ukugcina imilayo yeN lezimiso zayo engikulaya zona lamuhla, ukuthi kukulungele? Khangela, amazulu, lezulu lamazulu ngaweN uNkulunkulu wakho. Kuphela yehlisela uthando lwayo phezu kwaboyihlo, ukubathanda, yakhetha inzalo yabo emva kwabo, ngitsholina phakathi kwazo zonke izizwe, njengalamuhla. Ngakho sokani ijwabu lenhliziyo yenu. Ngoba uNkulunkulu wenu inguNkulunkulu wabonkulunkulu. Eyenza isahlulelo sentandane lomfelokazi, njalo ethanda owezizweni ngokumnika ukudla lezembatho. Ngakho lizamthanda owezizweni, ngoba lalingabezizweni elizweni leGibhithe. Uzayesaba uNkulunkulu wakho, uyikhonze. Iludumo lwakho, njalo inguNkulunkulu wakho. Oyihlo behlela eGibhithe belabantu abangamatshumi ayisikhombisa. Ngakho wothanda uNkulunkulu wakho. Yazini lamuhla, ngoba kangikhulumi ebantwaneni benu abangakwaziyo labangakubonanga ukulaya kweN uNkulunkulu wenu, lezibonakaliso zayo lezenzo zayo eyazenza phakathi kweGibhithe kuFaro inkosi yeGibhithe, lelizweni lakhe lonke, lalokho eyakwenza ebuthweni leGibhithe, emabhizeni ayo lenqoleni zayo, lokuthi yenza amanzi oLwandle oluBomvu abakhukhule lapho bexotshana lani, lokuthi yababhubhisa, kuze kube lamuhla, lalokho eyakwenza kini enkangala laze lafika kulindawo, lalokho eyakwenza kuDathani lakuAbiramu amadodana kaEliyabi indodana kaRubeni, ukuthi umhlaba wakhamisa umlomo wawo wabaginya bona labezindlu zabo, lamathente abo. Kodwa amehlo enu abonile zonke izenzo ezinkulu zeN eyazenzayo. Ngakho lizagcina yonke imithetho engikulaya yona lamuhla, ukuze libe lamandla lingene lidle ilifa lelizwe, elichaphela kulo ukuyakudla ilifa lalo, lokuthi lelule izinsuku elizweni. Ngoba ilizwe ongena kilo ukudla ilifa lalo kalinjengelizwe leGibhithe eliphuma kilo, lapho owahlanyela khona inhlanyelo yakho, wayithelela ngonyawo lwakho, njengesivande semibhida; kodwa ilizwe elichaphela kilo ukudla ilifa lalo liyilizwe lamaqaqa lezigodi, linatha amanzi ngezulu lamazulu; ilizwe uNkulunkulu wakho elikhathalelayo; amehlo eN uNkulunkulu wakho aphezu kwalo njalo, kusukela ekuqaleni komnyaka kuze kube sekupheleni komnyaka. Kuzakuthi-ke, uba lilalela lokulalela imithetho yami engililaya yona lamuhla, ukuthanda uNkulunkulu wenu, lokuyikhonza ngenhliziyo yenu yonke langomphefumulo wenu wonke, ngizanika izulu lelizwe lenu ngesikhathi salo. Ngizanika izifuyo zakho utshani edlelweni lakho. Ziqapheleni, hlezi inhliziyo yenu ikhohliseke, liphambuke, ukuze ulaka lweN lulivuthele. Ngakho lizabeka lamazwi ami enhliziyweni yenu lemphefumulweni wenu. Lizawafundisa abantwana benu, ukhulume ngawo lapho uhlezi endlini yakho, lalapho uhamba endleleni, lalapho ulala, lalapho uvuka. Liwabhale emigubazini yendlu yakho lemasangweni akho, ukuze zande insuku zenu lensuku zabantwana benu, elizweni eyalifungela oyihlo ukubanika lona. Ngoba uba ligcina lokugcina yonke imithetho le engililaya ukuthi liyenze, ukuthanda uNkulunkulu wenu, ukuhamba ngendlela zayo zonke, khona izaxotsha elifeni zonke lezizizwe zisuke phambi kwenu. Yonke indawo lapho ingaphansi yonyawo lwenu ezanyathela khona izakuba ngeyenu. Kakulamuntu ozakuma phambi kwenu. Khangelani, lamuhla ngiyabeka phambi kwenu isibusiso lesiqalekiso; isibusiso, uba lilalela imithetho yeN uNkulunkulu wenu engililaya yona lamuhla; lesiqalekiso, uba lingalaleli imithetho yeN uNkulunkulu wenu, kodwa liphambuka endleleni engililaya yona lamuhla. Kuzakuthi lapho uNkulunkulu wakho esekungenisile elizweni oya kulo ukudla ilifa lalo, uzabeka isibusiso phezu kwentaba yeGerizimi, lesiqalekiso phezu kwentaba yeEbhali. Angithi zona ziphetsheya kweJodani emva kwendlela yekutshoneni kwelanga, elizweni lamaKhanani ahlala emagcekeni maqondana leGiligali, eduze lezihlahla zama-okhi? Ngoba lizachapha iJodani ukuze lingene lidle ilifa lelizwe uNkulunkulu wenu elinika lona. Lizakudla ilifa lalo, lihlale kilo, linanzelele ukwenza zonke izimiso lezahlulelo engizibeka phambi kwenu lamuhla. Lezi yizimiso lezahlulelo elizananzelela ukuzenza elizweni iN, uNkulunkulu waboyihlo, ekunika lona ukuthi udle ilifa lalo. Lizadiliza lokudiliza zonke indawo lapho izizwe elizazixotsha elifeni lazo ezazikhonzela khona onkulunkulu bazo, entabeni eziphakemeyo lemaqaqeni langaphansi kwaso sonke isihlahla esiluhlaza; lizadiliza amalathi azo, libulale insika zazo eziyizithombe, litshise izixuku zazo ngomlilo. Lingenzi njalo eNni uNkulunkulu wenu. Kodwa endaweni uNkulunkulu wenu ezayikhetha phakathi kwazo zonke izizwe zenu ukubeka ibizo layo khona, lizadinga kundawo yayo yokuhlala; njalo uzakuya khona, lilethe khona iminikelo yenu yokutshiswa, lemihlatshelo yenu, lokwetshumi kwenu, lomnikelo wokuphakanyiswa wesandla senu, lezithembiso zenu, leminikelo yenu yesihle; lidle khona phambi kweN uNkulunkulu wenu. Kaliyikwenza njengakho konke esikwenzayo lapha lamuhla, ngulowo lalowo loba yikuphi okulungileyo emehlweni akhe. Ngoba kalikafiki ekuphumuleni lelifeni, uNkulunkulu wakho ekunika lona. Lapho selichaphile iJodani, selihlezi elizweni uNkulunkulu wenu elinika lona libe yilifa lenu, isiliphumuzile ezitheni zenu zonke inhlangothi zonke, selihlezi livikelekile, khona kuzakuba lendawo uNkulunkulu wenu ezayikhetha ukwenza ibizo layo lihlale lapho; lizaletha lapho konke engililaya khona, iminikelo yenu yokutshiswa, lemihlatshelo yenu, lokwetshumi kwenu, lomnikelo wokuphakanyiswa wesandla senu, lezithembiso zenu zonke ezikhethekileyo elizazithembisa eNni. Njalo lizathaba phambi kweN uNkulunkulu wenu, lina lamadodana enu lamadodakazi enu, lenceku zenu lencekukazi zenu, lomLevi ophakathi kwamasango enu. Ziqaphele ukuthi unganikeli iminikelo yakho yokutshiswa kuyo yonke indawo oyibonayo; kodwa endaweni ezayikhetha kwesinye sezizwe zakho, lapho uzanikela iminikelo yakho yokutshiswa, lalapho uzakwenza konke engikulaya khona. Kanti ungahlaba udle inyama, phakathi kwawo wonke amasango akho, njengaso sonke isifiso somphefumulo wakho, njengokwesibusiso seN uNkulunkulu wakho, ekunike sona. Kuphela lingadli igazi; lizalichithela emhlabathini njengamanzi. Awulakudlela emasangweni akho okwetshumi kwamabele akho leyewayini lakho elitsha, leyamafutha akho, loba amazibulo enkomo zakho lawezimvu zakho, loba yikuphi kwesithembiso sakho osithembisileyo, loba iminikelo yakho yesihle, loba umnikelo wokuphakanyiswa wesandla sakho. Kodwa phambi kweN uNkulunkulu wakho uzadlela lokho endaweni uNkulunkulu wakho ezayikhetha, wena lendodana yakho lendodakazi yakho, lenceku yakho lencekukazi yakho, lomLevi ophakathi kwamasango akho; njalo uzathaba phambi kweN uNkulunkulu wakho. Ziqaphele ukuthi ungamkhohlwa umLevi zonke izinsuku zakho elizweni lakho. Lapho uNkulunkulu wakho iqhelisa umngcele wakho, njengokukhuluma kwayo kuwe, njalo uzakuthi: Ngizakudla inyama, ngoba umphefumulo wakho ukhanuka ukudla inyama. Uba indawo uNkulunkulu wakho ezayikhetha ukubeka ibizo layo khona ikhatshana lawe, uzahlaba enkomeni zakho loba ezimvini zakho ekunike zona, njengokukulaya kwami, uzakudlela phakathi kwamasango akho, njengokwesifiso sonke somphefumulo wakho. Ngitsho, njengalokhu kudliwa umziki lendluzele, ngokunjalo uzazidla; ongahlambulukanga lohlambulukileyo angazidla ngokufananayo. Kuphela qaphela ukuthi ungadli igazi. Ungalidli, uzalichithela emhlabathini njengamanzi. Ungalidli, ukuze kukulungele labantwana bakho emva kwakho. Kuphela izinto ezingcwele olazo. Ulungise iminikelo yakho yokutshiswa, inyama legazi, phezu kwelathi leN uNkulunkulu wakho. Legazi lemihlatshelo yakho lizathululelwa phezu kwelathi leN uNkulunkulu wakho, lenyama ungayidla. Qaphela uzwe wonke amazwi la engikulaya wona, ukuze kukulungele labantwana bakho emva kwakho kuze kube nininini, lapho usenza okulungileyo lokuqondileyo emehlweni eN uNkulunkulu wakho. Lapho uNkulunkulu wakho izaquma izizwe zisuke phambi kwakho lapho oya khona ukudla ilifa lazo, lapho usudle ilifa lazo wahlala elizweni lazo, ziqaphele ukuthi ungathiywa uzilandele, emva kokuchithwa kwazo phambi kwakho, lokuthi ungabuzi ngonkulunkulu bazo usithi: Izizwe lezi zazikhonza njani onkulunkulu bazo? Lami ngizakwenza njalo. Kawuyikwenza njalo eNni uNkulunkulu wakho; ngoba konke okunengekayo eNni, ekuzondayo, zikwenzile kubonkulunkulu bazo; ngoba ngitsho amadodana azo lamadodakazi azo zibatshisile ngomlilo kubonkulunkulu bazo. Yonke into engililaya ngayo, qaphelani ukuyenza; ungengezeleli kuyo, futhi ungaphunguli kuyo. Uba kuvela phakathi kwakho umprofethi kumbe umphuphi wamaphupho, lesibonakaliso loba isimangaliso akhulume ngaso kuwe senzakale, esithi: Asilandele abanye onkulunkulu ongabazanga, sibakhonze; ungalaleli amazwi alowomprofethi loba lowomphuphi wamaphupho; ngoba uNkulunkulu wenu iyalilinga ukuze yazi ukuthi liyayithanda yini uNkulunkulu wenu ngenhliziyo yenu yonke langomphefumulo wenu wonke. uNkulunkulu wenu lizayilandela, yona liyesabe, imithetho yayo liyigcine, ilizwi layo lililalele, yona liyikhonze. Lalowomprofethi loba lowomphuphi wamaphupho kabulawe, ngoba ukhulume ukuhlamukela uNkulunkulu wenu, eyalikhupha elizweni leGibhithe, yakuhlenga endlini yobugqili. Uba umfowenu, indodana kanyoko, loba indodana yakho, loba indodakazi yakho, babonkulunkulu babantu abalizingelezeleyo, abaseduze lawe loba abakhatshana lawe, kusukela ko munyeumkhawulo womhlaba kuze kufike ko munyeumkhawulo womhlaba, ungamvumeli, ungamlaleli, kodwa umbulale lokumbulala; isandla sakho sizakuba ngesokuqala phezu kwakhe ukumbulala, lemva kwalokho isandla sabantu bonke. Njalo mkhande ngamatshe aze afe. LoIsrayeli wonke uzakuzwa, esabe, angabe esenza ububi obunjengalobo phakathi kwakho. Uba usizwa komunye wemizi yakho, uNkulunkulu wakho ekunika yona, ukuthi uhlale khona, kuthiwa: Kuphumile amadoda, abantwana bakaBheliyali, phakathi kwakho, afuqa aphambula abakhileyo bomuzi wawo esithi: Asihambe siyekhonza abanye onkulunkulu elingabazanga; khona uzabuza, uhlolisise, udingisise; khangela, uba kuliqiniso, leyonto iqinisekile, lesisinengiso senziwe phakathi kwakho, uzatshaya lokubatshaya abakhileyo balowomuzi ngobukhali benkemba, uwutshabalalise, lakho konke okukuwo lezifuyo zawo, ngobukhali benkemba. Uzabuthela yonke impango yawo phakathi komdanga wawo, utshise ngomlilo umuzi lempango yawo yonke uphele du, eNni uNkulunkulu wakho. Kunganamatheli lutho kwalokho okuqalekisiweyo esandleni sakho, ukuze iphenduke ekuvutheni kwentukuthelo yayo, ikuphe umusa, ibe lobubele kuwe, ikwandise, uba ulalela ilizwi leN uNkulunkulu wakho, ukugcina yonke imithetho yayo engikulaya yona lamuhla, ukwenza okulungileyo emehlweni eN uNkulunkulu wakho. Lingabantwana beN uNkulunkulu wenu. Ngoba uyisizwe esingcwele eNni uNkulunkulu wakho; leN ikukhethile. Ungadli loba yikuphi okunengekayo. Yilezi inyamazana elingazidla: Inkabi, imvu, lembuzi, indluzele, layo yonke inyamazana edabula isondo, edabula okudabukileyo kube zinklagu ezimbili, eyetshisayo phakathi kwezinyamazana; leyo lingayidla. Kodwa lezi kaliyikuzidla kuzo ezetshisayo, lakuzo ezidabula isondo elidabukileyo: Ikamela lomvundla lembila, ngoba ziyetshisa kodwa kazidabulanga isondo; zingcolile kini. Lengulube, ngoba idabula isondo kodwa kayetshisi; ingcolile kini. Lingadli okwenyama yazo, lingathinti izidumbu zazo. Lezi lingazidla kuzo zonke ezisemanzini: Zonke ezilempiko lamaxolo lingazidla. Kodwa loba yikuphi okungelampiko lamaxolo lingakudli; kungcolile kini. Zonke inyoni ezihlambulukileyo lingazidla. Kodwa yilezi elingayikudla kuzo: Ukhozi lelinqe lengqungqulu edla inhlanzi, lomzwazwa, lohelwane, lalo lonke iwabayi ngohlobo lwalo, lesikhova, lomandukulo, lenkanku, lokhozi ngohlobo lwalo, isikhova esincinyane, lesikhova esikhulu, lesikhova esimhlophe, lewunkwe, lelinqe elikhulu, letshayamanzi, lengabuzane, lehemu ngohlobo lwalo, lemvenduna, lolulwane. Lazo zonke izibungu ezilempiko zingcolile kini. Zonke izinyoni ezihlambulukileyo lingazidla. Lingabokudla langcuba; ungayinika owemzini ophakathi kwamasango akho ukuthi ayidle, loba uyithengise kowezizwe. Uzanikela ngoqotho okwetshumi kwesithelo sonke senhlanyelo yakho, insimu ekuthelayo iminyaka ngeminyaka. Njalo uzakudla phambi kweN uNkulunkulu wakho, endaweni ezayikhetha ukuthi ibeke ibizo layo khona, okwetshumi kwamabele akho, okwewayini lakho elitsha, lokwamafutha akho. Uba-ke indlela inde kakhulu kuwe, uze wehluleke ukukuthwala, ngoba ikhatshana kakhulu lawe indawo uNkulunkulu wakho ezayikhetha ukuthi ibeke ibizo layo khona, lapho uNkulunkulu wakho ikubusisile, uzakuguqula-ke kube yimali, ubophele imali esandleni sakho, uye endaweni uNkulunkulu wakho ezayikhetha, uthenge ngaleyomali loba kuyini umphefumulo wakho okufisayo, izinkabi loba izimvu loba iwayini loba okunathwayo okulamandla, loba kuyini umphefumulo wakho okufisayo; udle khona phambi kweN uNkulunkulu wakho, uthabe wena lendlu yakho. LomLevi ophakathi kwamasango akho, ungamdeli. Ekupheleni kweminyaka emithathu uzakhupha konke okwetshumi kwezithelo zakho ngalowomnyaka, ukugcine phakathi kwamasango akho. LomLevi. Ekupheleni kweminyaka yonke eyisikhombisa uzakwenza inkululeko. Njalo le yindlela yenkululeko: Wonke umkweledisi oweboleka umakhelwane wakhe uzakhulula isikwelede; kayiku si bamba ngamandla kumakhelwane wakhe kumbe kumfowabo, ngoba kumenyezelwe inkululeko eNni. Kowezizweni uza si bamba ngamandla; kodwa lokho okwakho okukumfowenu isandla sakho sizakukhulula; ukuze kungabi lomyanga phakathi kwakho; ngoba izakubusisa lokukubusisa elizweni uNkulunkulu wakho ekunika lona ukuthi libe yilifa ukudla ilifa lalo, kuphela uba ulalela lokulalela ilizwi leN uNkulunkulu wakho, ugcine ukuyenza limithetho yonke engikulaya yona lamuhla. Ngoba uNkulunkulu wakho izakubusisa njengokuthembisa kwayo kuwe. Njalo uzakweboleka izizwe ezinengi, kodwa wena kawuyikweboleka kuzo. Uba kukhona phakathi kwakho umyanga ongomunye wabafowenu, kwelinye lamasango akho, elizweni lakho, uNkulunkulu wakho ekunika lona, ungenzi lukhuni inhliziyo yakho, ungamvaleli umfowenu ongumyanga isandla sakho, kodwa uzamvulela lokumvulela isandla sakho, umeboleke lokumeboleka okwanela ukuswela kwakhe, lokho akuswelayo. Ziqaphele hlezi kube khona ilizwi enhliziyweni yakho embi lisithi: Umnyaka wesikhombisa, umnyaka wenkululeko useduze; lelihlo lakho libe libi limelane lomfowenu ongumyanga, ukuze ungamniki. Umnike lokumnika, lenhliziyo yakho ingadani nxa umnika. Ngoba umyanga kayikuphela phakathi kwelizwe. Uba umfowenu, umHebheru loba umHebherukazi, ethengiswa kuwe, akusebenzele iminyaka eyisithupha, ngakho ngomnyaka wesikhombisa uzamyekela ukuthi ahambe ekhululekile asuke kuwe. Lalapho umyekela ukuthi ahambe ekhululekile esuka kuwe, ungamyekeli ukuthi ahambe engaphathanga lutho; uzamnakekela lokumnakekela ezimvini zakho, lokwebala lokubhulela lakho, lokwesikhamelo sakho sewayini; ku lokho uNkulunkulu wakho ekubusise ngakho uzamupha. Njalo uzakhumbula ukuthi wawuyisigqili elizweni leGibhithe, lokuthi uNkulunkulu wakho yakuhlenga. Ngalokho ngiyakulaya linto lamuhla. Kodwa kuzakuthi, uba esithi kuwe: Kangiyikusuka kuwe, ngoba ethanda wena lendlu yakho, ngoba kulungile kuye elawe, uzathatha usungulo, ubhobozele indlebe yakhe ngaloesivalweni, ukuze abe yisigqili sakho laphakade. Lakuso isigqilikazi sakho wenze njalo. Kakungabi lukhuni emehlweni akho nxa umyekela ehamba ekhululekile kuwe; ngoba ngokuphindwe kabili kweholo lesiqatshwa ukusebenzele iminyaka eyisithupha. Ngakho uNkulunkulu wakho izakubusisa kukho konke okwenzayo. Wonke amazibulo azazalwa enkomeni zakho lezimvini zakho, amaduna, uzawangcwelisela uNkulunkulu wakho. Phambi kweN uNkulunkulu wakho uzalidla, umnyaka ngomnyaka, endaweni ezayikhetha, wena lendlu yakho. Kodwa uba kulesici kulo, liqhula, loba liyisiphofu, loba lilasiphi isici esibi, ungalihlabeli uNkulunkulu wakho. Uzalidla phakathi kwamasango akho, ongahlambulukanga lohlambulukileyo bazalidlabendawonye, njengomziki lanjengendluzele. Kuphela igazi lalo ungalidli; ulichithele emhlabathini njengamanzi. Gcina inyanga kaAbhibhi, wenzele uNkulunkulu wakho iphasika. Ngakho uzahlabela uNkulunkulu wakho iphasika, lezimvu lenkomo. Ungadli lalo isinkwa esilemvubelo. Insuku eziyisikhombisa uzakudla lalo isinkwa esingelamvubelo, isinkwa senhlupheko, ngoba waphuma elizweni leGibhithe ngokuphangisa, ukuze ukhumbule usuku lokuphuma kwakho elizweni leGibhithe zonke izinsuku zempilo yakho. Njalo kakungabonwa kuwe imvubelo emingceleni yonke yakho insuku eziyisikhombisa; futhi okwenyama oyihlaba kusihlwa. Awulakuhlaba iphasika phakathi kwaloba yiliphi lamasango akho, uNkulunkulu wakho ekunika wona, kodwa endaweni uNkulunkulu wakho ezayikhetha ukuhlalisa ibizo layo khona, lapho uzahlabela iphasika kusihlwa, ekutshoneni kwelanga, ngesikhathi esimisiweyo sokuphuma kwakho eGibhithe. Njalo uzalipheka, ulidlele endaweni uNkulunkulu wakho ezayikhetha. Lekuseni uzaphenduka uye emathenteni akho. Insuku eziyisithupha uzakudla isinkwa esingelamvubelo. Uzazibalela amaviki ayisikhombisa amileyo uzaqala ukubala amaviki ayisikhombisa. Khona uzagcinela uNkulunkulu wakho umkhosi wamaviki, umnikelo wesihle wesandla sakho, ozawunikela, njengalokhu uNkulunkulu wakho ikubusisile. Njalo uzathokoza phambi kweN uNkulunkulu wakho, wena lendodana yakho lendodakazi yakho, lenceku yakho lencekukazi yakho, lomLevi ophakathi kwamasango akho, lowezizweni, lentandane, lomfelokazi, abaphakathi kwakho, endaweni uNkulunkulu wakho ezayikhetha ukuhlalisa ibizo layo khona. Uzakhumbula-ke ukuthi wawuyisigqili eGibhithe. Njalo uzagcina njalo wenze lezizimiso. Umkhosi wamadumba uzazigcinela wona insuku eziyisikhombisa, ekubutheleni kwakho ebaleni lakho lokubhulela lesikhamelweni sakho sewayini. Njalo uzathaba emkhosini wakho, wena lendodana yakho lendodakazi yakho, lenceku yakho lencekukazi yakho, lomLevi, lowezizweni, lentandane, lomfelokazi, abaphakathi kwamasango akho. Insuku eziyisikhombisa uzayigcinela uNkulunkulu wakho umkhosi, endaweni ezayikhetha; ngoba uNkulunkulu wakho izakubusisa kuzo zonke izithelo zakho lemsebenzini wonke wezandla zakho. Ngakho uzathokoza ngoqotho. Kathathu ngomnyaka wonke owesilisa wakho uzabonakala phambi kweN uNkulunkulu wakho endaweni ezayikhetha, ngomkhosi wesinkwa esingelamvubelo, langomkhosi wamaviki, langomkhosi wamadumba; ngulowo lalowo ngokwesipho sesandla sakhe, njengesibusiso seN uNkulunkulu wakho, ekunike sona. Abahluleli. Ungaphambuli isahlulelo. Ukulunga, ukulunga uzakunxwanela, ukuze uphile, udle ilifa lelizwe uNkulunkulu wakho ekunika lona. Ungazihlanyeleli isixuku saloba yisiphi isihlahla eduze kwelathi leN uNkulunkulu wakho. Njalo ungazimiseli insika eyisithombe, uNkulunkulu wakho eyizondayo. Ungahlabeli uNkulunkulu wakho inkabi kumbe imvu okukuyo isici, loba yiyiphi into embi, ngoba kuyisinengiso eNni uNkulunkulu wakho. Uba kutholakala phakathi kwakho, loba phakathi kwaliphi lamasango akho, uNkulunkulu wakho ekunika wona, owesilisa loba owesifazana owenza okubi emehlweni eN uNkulunkulu wakho, abesesiyakhonza abanye onkulunkulu, abakhothamele, loba ilanga kumbe inyanga, kumbe enye yebutho lamazulu, ube usukubikelwa, ukuzwe, uzakubuzisisa, khangela-ke, kuliqiniso, indaba iqinisekile, lesosinengiso senziwe koIsrayeli, uzayikhupha leyondoda kumbe lowo owesifazana, abenze leyonto embi, emasangweni akho, leyondoda kumbe lowo owesifazana, ubakhande ngamatshe baze bafe. Ngomlomo wabafakazi ababili loba wabafakazi abathathu ofanele ukufa uzabulawa; kayikubulawa ngomlomo womfakazi oyedwa. Isandla sabafakazi sizakuba ngesokuqala phezu kwakhe ukumbulala, lemva kwalokho isandla sabo bonke abantu. Uba kulodaba olulukhuni kakhulu kuwe ekwahluleleni, uze kubapristi abangamaLevi. Njalo uzakwenza njengokwesinqumo abazakutshela sona kuleyondawo ezayikhetha; njalo unanzelele ukwenza njengakho konke abazakufundisa khona. Njengokomthetho abazakufundisa wona, lanjengokwesahlulelo abazakutshela sona, uzakwenza. Kawuyikuphambuka kusinqumo abazakutshela sona, uye ngakwesokunene kumbe ngakwesokhohlo. Lendoda eyenza ngokuziqhenya ukuze ingalaleli umpristi. Njalo bonke abantu bazakuzwa, besabe, bangaphindi ukuziqhenya. Lapho usufikile elizweni uNkulunkulu wakho ekunika lona ukuthi udle ilifa lalo, uhlale kilo, ubususithi: Ngizazimisela inkosi njengazo zonke izizwe ezingizingelezeleyo; umbeke lokumbeka abe yinkosi phezu kwakho, yena uNkulunkulu wakho ezamkhetha; kawulakumbeka owezizweni phezu kwakho ongesumfowenu. Kodwa angazandiseli amabhiza. Futhi angazandiseli abafazi, ukuze inhliziyo yakhe ingaphambuki; njalo angazandiseli kakhulu isiliva legolide. Kuzakuthi esehlala esihlalweni sobukhosi sombuso wakhe, uzazibhalela impinda yalumlayo egwalweni. Njalo luzakuba laye, njalo abale kulo insuku zonke zempilo yakhe, ukuze inhliziyo yakhe ingaziphakamisi phezu kwabafowabo, lokuze angaphambuki emthethweni ayengakwesokunene loba ngakwesokhohlo. Abapristi, amaLevi, isizwe sonke sakoLevi, kasiyikuba lesabelo lelifa kanye loIsrayeli. Ngakho kabayikuba lelifa phakathi kwabafowabo; iyilifa labo, njengokukhuluma kwayo kibo. Lalokhu kuzakuba lilungelo labapristi elivela ebantwini, kulabo abahlaba umhlatshelo, loba inkabi loba imvu; njalo bazanika umpristi umkhono lemihlathi yomibili lolusu. Okokuqala kwamabele akho, yewayini lakho elitsha, leyamafutha akho, lengqabutho yoboya bezimvu zakho, uzamupha yona. Ngoba uNkulunkulu wakho imkhethile kuzo zonke izizwe zakho, ukuthi eme akhonze ebizweni leN, yena lamadodana akhe, zonke izinsuku. Uba-ke umLevi esiza evela loba kukuliphi lamasango akho kuIsrayeli wonke lapho ahlala khona njengowezizwe, eze, khona ezakhonza ebizweni leN uNkulunkulu wakhe. Azakudla izabelo ezilinganayo, ngaphandle kwezinto zakhe ezathengiswayo zaboyise. Lapho usufikile elizweni uNkulunkulu wakho ekunika lona, ungafundi ukwenza ngokwezinengiso zalezozizwe. Kakuyikutholakala phakathi kwakho owenza indodana yakhe lendodakazi yakhe idabule emlilweni, lophosayo. Ngoba wonke owenza lezizinto uyisinengiso eNni. Langenxa yalezizinengiso uNkulunkulu wakho iyabaxotsha elifeni phambi kwakho. Uzakuba ngopheleleyo eNni uNkulunkulu wakho. Ngoba izizwe lezi, ozakudla ilifa lazo, zalalela abachasisa ngemibono; kodwa wena, uNkulunkulu wakho kayikuvumelanga okunjalo. uNkulunkulu wakho izakuvusela uMprofethi ophuma phakathi kwakho kubafowenu onjengami; yena limlalele. Njengakho konke owakucelayo eNni uNkulunkulu wakho eHorebe ngosuku lokuhlangana. yasisithi kimi: Benze kuhle kwabakukhulumileyo. Ngizabavusela uMprofethi ophuma phakathi kwabafowabo onjengawe. Kuzakuthi-ke loba ngubani ongayikulalela amazwi ami azawakhuluma ebizweni lami, ngizakubuza kuye. Kodwa umprofethi oziqhenya. Njalo uba usithi enhliziyweni yakho: Sizakwazi njani ilizwi engalikhulumanga? Lapho umprofethi ekhuluma ebizweni leN KOSI. Lapho uNkulunkulu wakho isiqumile izizwe, olizwe lazo uNkulunkulu wakho ekunike lona, osusidla ilifa lazo, osuhlala emizini yazo lezindlini zazo, imizi emithathu uzazehlukanisela yona phakathi kwelizwe uNkulunkulu wakho ekunika lona ukudla ilifa lalo. Uzazilungisela indlela, wehlukanise umngcele welizwe lakho uNkulunkulu wakho ekunika lona ukudla ilifa lalo, ube lezigaba ezintathu, ukuze wonke umbulali abalekele khona. Lalolu ludaba lombulali ongabalekela khona ukuze aphile: Lowo otshaya umakhelwane wakhe kungeyisikho ngabomo, obengamzondi mandulo, njengongena egangeni lomakhelwane wakhe ukuyagamula izihlahla, lesandla sakhe sitshaya ngehloka ukugamula isihlahla, lensimbi ikhumuke emphinini, imtshaye umakhelwane wakhe aze afe, yena uzabalekela komunye waleyomizi ukuze aphile. Hlezi umphindiseli wegazi axotshane lombulali, inhliziyo yakhe isatshisa, amfice ngoba indlela inde, amtshaye ambulale, lanxa bekungelasigwebo sokufa kuye, ngoba ebengamzondi mandulo. Ngalokhu ngiyalilaya ngisithi: Uzazehlukanisela imizi emithathu. Uba-ke uNkulunkulu wakho, uba ugcina yonke limithetho ukuyenza engikulaya yona lamuhla, ukuthanda uNkulunkulu wakho, lokuhamba endleleni zayo izinsuku zonke, khona uzazengezelelela eminye imizi emithathu ngaphandle kwaleyo emithathu. Ukuze kungachithwa igazi elingelacala phakathi kwelizwe lakho uNkulunkulu wakho ekunika lona ukuba yilifa, ube lecala legazi phezu kwakho. Kodwa uba umuntu elenzondo kumakhelwane wakhe, amcathamele, amvukele, amtshaye okokufa aze afe, abalekele komunye walimizi, khona abadala bomuzi wakhe bazathumela bamthathe lapho, bamnikele esandleni somphindiseli wegazi ukuthi afe. Ilihlo lakho lingamhawukeli. Ungatshedisi isikhonkwane somngcele womakhelwane wakho abendulo abasibethelayo elifeni lakho, ozakudla ilifa lalo elizweni uNkulunkulu wakho ekunika lona ukudla ilifa lalo. Umfakazi oyedwa kayikusukumela umuntu loba ngabuphi ububi loba ngasiphi isono, loba kusiphi isono one ngaso. Ngomlomo wabafakazi ababili kumbe ngomlomo wabafakazi abathathu udaba lungaqiniswa. Uba kusukuma umfakazi wamanga amelane lomuntu emfakazela ngokubi, khona abantu bobabili, abalokuxabana, bazakuma phambi kweN, phambi kwabapristi labahluleli abazakuba bekhona ngalezonsuku. Labahluleli bazachwayisisa; khangela-ke umfakazi ngumfakazi wamanga, ufakaze amanga ngomfowabo, khona lizakwenza kuye lokho abehlose ukukwenza kumfowabo. Lalabo abaseleyo bazakuzwa, besabe, kusukela lapho bangabe besenza ububi obunjengalobu phakathi kwakho. Lelihlo lakho lingabi lesihawu. Lapho uphuma impi ukumelana lezitha zakho, ube usubona amabhiza lezinqola, labantu abanengi kulawe, ungabesabi. Njalo kuzakuthi, nxa selisondela empini, umpristi asondele akhulume labantu, athi kubo: Zwana, Israyeli! Selisondela empini lamuhla limelana lezitha zenu; inhliziyo yenu kayingapheli amandla; lingesabi, lingathuthumeli, lingatshaywa luvalo ngenxa yobukhona babo; ngoba uNkulunkulu wenu nguye ohamba lani, ukulilwela ezitheni zenu, ukulisindisa. Lenduna zizakhuluma labantu zithi: Ngubani umuntu owakhe indlu entsha. Ngubani-ke umuntu ohlanyele isivini, ongadlanga okwaso? Kahambe abuyele endlini yakhe, hlezi afele empini, lomunye umuntu adle okwaso. Ngubani-ke umuntu ogane umfazi, engakamthathi? Kahambe abuyele endlini yakhe, hlezi afele empini, lomunye umuntu amthathe. Lezinduna zizakhuluma futhi labantu, zithi. Kuzakuthi-ke lapho izinduna seziqedile ukukhuluma labantu, bazabeka izinduna zebutho ephondo lwabantu. Ekusondeleni kwakho emzini ukulwa umelene lawo, uzamemezela ukuthula kuwo. Kuzakuthi-ke, uba ukuphendula ngokuthula, ukuvulela, khona bonke abantu abaficwa kuwo bazakuba yizibhalwa kuwe, bakusebenzele. Kodwa uba ungenzi ukuthula lawe, kodwa usilwa lawe, uzawuvimbezela. Nxa uNkulunkulu wakho iwunikela esandleni sakho, uzatshaya wonke owesilisa wawo ngobukhali benkemba. Kodwa abesifazana labantwanyana, lezifuyo, lakho konke okusemzini, impango yonke yawo, uzaziphangela yona; uzakudla impango yezitha zakho uNkulunkulu wakho ekunike yona. Uzakwenza njalo kuyo yonke imizi ekhatshana kakhulu lawe, engeyisiyo yemizi yalezizizwe. Kodwa emizini yalababantu uNkulunkulu wakho ekunika yona ukuba yilifa, kawuyikutshiya lutho luphila oluphefumulayo; kodwa uzabatshabalalisa lokubatshabalalisa: AmaHethi lamaAmori, amaKhanani lamaPerizi, amaHivi lamaJebusi, njengokukulaya kwayo uNkulunkulu wakho. Ukuze bangalifundisi ukwenza njengazo zonke izinengiso zabo, abazenze kubonkulunkulu babo. Lapho uvimbezela umuzi isikhathi eside, usilwa lawo ukuwuthumba, ungoni izihlahla zawo ngokuzigamula ngehloka, ngoba ungadla okwazo, kodwa ungazigamuli) ukuza phambi kwakho ekuvimbezeleni. Kuphela izihlahla elizaziyo ukuthi kayisizo izihlahla zokudla, yilezo ongazichitha lokuzigamula ukuze wakhe inqaba yokuvimbezela maqondana lomuzi olwa impi lawe, uze wehlele phansi. Uba kutholakala obuleweyo elizweni uNkulunkulu wakho ekunika lona ukudla ilifa lalo, elele egangeni, kungaziwa ukuthi ngubani omtshayileyo, abadala bakho labahluleli bakho bazaphuma, balinganise ukuya emizini ezingelezele obuleweyo. Kuzakuthi-ke umuzi oseduze lobuleweyo, abadala balowomuzi bazathatha ithokazi enkomeni, okungasetshenzwanga ngalo, elingadonsanga ejogweni. Labadala balowomuzi balehlisele ithokazi esigodini esilamanzi angacitshiyo, esingalinywanga lesingahlanyelwanga, bephule intamo yethokazi lapho esigodini. Abapristi, amadodana kaLevi, bazasondela-ke; ngoba uNkulunkulu wakho ibakhethile ukuyikhonza lokubusisa ebizweni leN KOSI. Labo bonke abadala balowomuzi oseduze lobuleweyo bazagezela izandla zabo phezu kwethokazi elephulwe intamo esigodini, baphendule bathi: Izandla zethu kazichithanga leligazi, lamehlo ethu kawakubonanga. Benzele inhlawulo yokuthula abantu bakho uIsrayeli owamhlengayo, N, ungabeki igazi elingelacala phakathi kwesizwe sakho uIsrayeli. Legazi bazalithethelelwa. Ngalokhu wena uzakhupha igazi elingelacala phakathi kwakho nxa usenza okulungileyo emehlweni eN. Lapho uphuma impi ukumelana lezitha zakho, uNkulunkulu wakho isizinikele esandleni sakho, usuthumbe abathunjwa bazo, ubusubona phakathi kwabathunjiweyo owesifazana omuhle, umfise, ukuthi ungamthatha abe ngumkakho, uzamngenisa phakathi komuzi wakho, njalo aphuce ikhanda lakhe, aqume inzipho zakhe, akhulule izembatho zokuthunjwa kwakhe, ahlale emzini wakho abeselilela uyise lonina inyanga yonke. Emva kwalokho ubusungena kuye, ube yindoda yakhe, laye abe ngumkakho. Kuzakuthi-ke, uba ungathokozi ngaye, uzamyekela ahambe njengokuthanda kwakhe; kodwa ungamthengisi lokumthengisa ngemali, ungamphathi njengesigqili. Uba indoda ilabafazi ababili, omunye eyintandokazi lomunye eyisaliwakazi, njalo bamzalele abantwana, intandokazi lesaliwakazi, uba izibulo libe yindodana yesaliwakazi, kuzakuthi, mhla esenza amadodana akhe ukuthi adle ilifa lalokho alakho, kangayenzi indodana yentandokazi ibe lizibulo phambi kwendodana yesaliwakazi, elizibulo. Kodwa izibulo indodana yesaliwakazi uzalivuma ngokulinika isabelo esiphindwe kabili sakho konke okuficwayo kuye, ngoba liyikuqala kwamandla akhe. Uba indoda ilendodana elenkani lengezwayo, engalaleli ilizwi likayise kumbe ilizwi likanina, sebeyijezisile, njalo ingabalaleli, khona uyise lonina bazayibamba, bayikhuphele ebadaleni bomuzi wayo, lesangweni lendawo yayo, bathi ebadaleni bomuzi wayo: Lindodana yethu ilenkani, kayizwa, kayilaleli ilizwi lethu; iyisiminzi lesidakwa. Khona wonke amadoda omuzi wayo azayikhanda ngamatshe ize ife; ngalokho uzakhupha ububi phakathi kwakho. Njalo uba kuzakuba lesono emuntwini esifanele ukufa, abulawe, uzamphanyeka esihlahleni. Isidumbu sakhe singahlali esihlahleni ubusuku bonke, kodwa lizamngcwaba lokumngcwaba ngalolosuku. Awuyikubona inkabi yomfowenu. Njalo uba umfowenu engekho eduze lawe, loba ungamazi, uzayiletha-ke phakathi komuzi wakho; njalo izakuba kuwe, umfowenu aze ayidinge, ubusuyibuyisela kuye. Wenze njalo langobabhemi wakhe, wenze njalo langesembatho sakhe, wenze njalo langayo yonke into elahlekileyo yomfowenu, ayilahlileyo, oyitholileyo; awulakuyicatshela. Awuyikubona ubabhemi womfowenu loba inkabi yakhe kusiwa endleleni, ukucatshele; uzakuphakamisa lokukuphakamisa kanye laye. Owesifazana angagqoki okwendoda, lendoda ingagqoki isigqoko sowesifazana; ngoba wonke owenza lezizinto uyisinengiso eNni uNkulunkulu wakho. Uba kungaba lesidleke senyoni phambi kwakho endleleni loba kusiphi isihlahla loba phansi, amaphuphu kumbe amaqanda, unina efukamele amaphuphu loba amaqanda, ungathathi unina lamaphuphu; uzayekela lokuyekela unina ukuze ahambe, uzithathele amaphuphu, ukuze kukulungele, njalo welule insuku. Nxa usakha indlu entsha, uzakwenzela uphahla lwakho uthango, ukuze ungayehliseli indlu yakho icala legazi, uba umuntu esiwa awe kulo. Ungahlanyeli inhlobo ezimbili esivinini sakho, hlezi isivuno esigcweleyo senhlanyelo yakho oyihlanyeleyo lesithelo sesivini singcoliswe. Ungalimi ngenkabi lobabhemi ndawonye. Ungagqoki isigqoko esixubene. Uzazenzela. Uba indoda ithatha umfazi, ingene kuye, ibisimzonda, imbeke icala elilehlazo, imgcone ngebizo elibi, ithi: Ngathatha lowesifazana; lapho ngisondela kuye kangitholanga ubuntombi kuye. Uyise wentombi lonina bazathatha baveze ubufakazi bobuntombi bentombi ebadaleni bomuzi esangweni. Loyise wentombi uzakuthi ebadaleni: Ngendisela indodakazi yami kulindoda; yasiyizonda; khangelani-ke, ibeke icala elilehlazo, isithi: Kangitholanga ubuntombi endodakazini yakho. Kanti lobu yibufakazi bobuntombi bendodakazi yami. Besebesendlala ilembu phambi kwabadala bomuzi. Abadala balowomuzi babesebethatha leyondoda bayijezise; bamhlawulise inhlamvu zesiliva ezilikhulu, bazinike uyise wentombi, ngoba iveze ibizo elibi phezu kwentombi emsulwa yakoIsrayeli. Njalo izakuba ngumkayo; kayilakuyilahla zonke izinsuku zayo. Kodwa uba linto iliqiniso; ubufakazi bobuntombi kabutholakalanga entombini, intombi bazayikhuphela emnyango wendlu kayise. Uba indoda ificwa ilele lomfazi owendele endodeni, labo bobabili bazakufa-ke, indoda ebilele lomfazi, lalowomfazi. Uba kulentombazana eyintombi emsulwa egane indoda, njalo indoda iyithole phakathi komuzi, ilale layo, lizabakhuphela esangweni lalowomuzi bobabili, libakhande ngamatshe baze bafe; intombi ngoba ingahlabanga umkhosi phakathi komuzi, lendoda ngoba ithobise umkamakhelwane wakhe. Kodwa uba indoda ifica intombi eganileyo egangeni, indoda iyibambe, ilale layo, ngakho indoda kuphela elele layo izakufa. Kodwa lingenzi lutho entombini; kakulasono sokufa entombini; ngoba njengendoda evukela umakhelwane wakhe imbulale, injalo lindaba. Ngoba iyifice egangeni; intombi eganileyo ibihlabe umkhosi, njalo bekungelamuntu wokuyisindisa. Uba indoda ifice intombazana eyintombi emsulwa engagananga, iyibambe, ilale layo, babesebeficwa, khona indoda ebilele layo izanika uyise wentombi inhlamvu zesiliva ezingamatshumi amahlanu, njalo ibe ngumkayo, ngoba eyithobisile; kayilakuyilahla zonke izinsuku zayo. Indoda kayingathathi umkayise. Olimele emasendeni, loba oqunywe amaphambili, angangeni ebandleni leN. Ozelwe ngobufebe angangeni ebandleni leN; ngitsho isizukulwana sakhe setshumi kasiyikungena ebandleni leN. UmAmoni lomMowabi kangangeni ebandleni leN; ngitsho isizukulwana sabo setshumi kasiyikungena ebandleni leN, kuze kube laphakade; ngenxa yokuthi kabalihlangabezanga endleleni ngesinkwa langamanzi ekuphumeni kwenu eGibhithe. Kodwa uNkulunkulu wakho kayifunanga ukuzwa uBalami; kodwa uNkulunkulu wakho yaphendula isiqalekiso saba yisibusiso kuwe, ngoba uNkulunkulu wakho yakuthanda. Kawuyikudinga ukuthula kwabo lokuhle kwabo zonke izinsuku zakho, kuze kube laphakade. Unganengwa ngumEdoma, ngoba ungumfowenu; unganengwa ngumGibhithe. Abantwana abazalwa yibo, besizukulwana sesithathu sabo, bangangena ebandleni leN. Lapho inkamba iphuma ukuyamelana lezitha zakho, uzazigcina kuyo yonke into embi. Uba ekhona phakathi kwenu umuntu ongahlambulukanga ngenxa yokungcola okwehla ebusuku, uzaphumela ngaphandle kwenkamba, angangeni phakathi kwenkamba. Kodwa kuzakuthi sekuzakuhlwa uzageza ngamanzi, lalapho ilanga selitshonile angene aye phakathi kwenkamba. Njalo uzakuba lendawo ngaphandle kwenkamba lapho ozaphumela khona ukuya ngaphandle, ube lesikhonkwane ezikhalini zakho; njalo kuzakuthi usuye ngaphandle, ugebhe ngaso, uphenduke ugqibele okuphume kuwe. Ngoba uNkulunkulu wakho iyahamba phakathi kwenkamba yakho, ukukukhulula. Unganikeli enkosini yaso isigqili esibalekele kuwe sisuka enkosini yaso; sizahlala lawe phakathi kwakho, endaweni esizayikhetha, kwelinye lamasango akho, lapho okusilungele khona; ungasicindezeli. Kakungabi khona iwule elethempeli phakathi kwamadodakazi akoIsrayeli. Ungalethi iholo lewule lemali yenja endlini yeN uNkulunkulu wakho ngokwaloba yisiphi isithembiso; ngoba lokho kokubili kuyisinengiso eNni uNkulunkulu wakho. Ungeboleki umfowenu ngenzalo, inzalo yemali, inzalo yokudla, inzalo yaloba yiyiphi into ebolekwa ngenzalo. Ungeboleka owezizweni ngenzalo, kodwa ungeboleki umfowenu ngenzalo. Nxa uthembisa isithembiso eNni uNkulunkulu wakho, ungaphuzi ukusikhokha; ngoba uNkulunkulu wakho izasibiza lokusibiza kuwe; njalo kuzakuba yisono kuwe. Kodwa uba uyekela ukuthembisa, kakuyikuba yisono kuwe. Lokho okuphuma endebeni zakho uzakugcina ukwenze; njengokuthembisa kwakho eNni uNkulunkulu wakho, umnikelo wesihle owukhulume ngomlomo wakho. Nxa ungena esivinini somakhelwane wakho, ungadla izithelo zevini njengokuthanda kwakho usuthe; kodwa ungafaki luthoesitsheni sakho. Nxa ungena emabeleni amileyo kamakhelwane wakho. Uba indoda ithatha umfazi, imgane, kuzakuthi nxa engatholi umusa emehlweni ayo, ngoba ifice kuye into elihlazo, kayimbhalele incwadi yesehlukaniso, ifake esandleni sakhe, imkhuphe endlini yayo. Nxa esephumile endlini yayo, angahamba, ayekuba ngowenye indoda. Uba lindoda elandelayo imzonda, imbhalele incwadi yesehlukaniso, i yi fake esandleni sakhe, imkhiphe endlini yayo; loba lindoda elandelayo isifa ebimthethe waba ngumkayo, indoda yakhe yokuqala eyamkhiphayo ingemthathe futhi abe ngumkayo, emva kokuba esengcolisiwe; ngoba kuyisinengiso phambi kweN. Ngakho kawuyikwenza ilizwe lone uNkulunkulu wakho ekunika lona ukuba yilifa. Nxa indoda ithethe umfazi omutsha kayiyikuphuma impi, futhi kayiyikuphathiswa laloba yiwuphi umsebenzi; izakuba sekhaya ikhululekile umnyaka owodwa. Kakungabi khona ozathatha ilitshe lokucholela loba imbokodo ukuze kube yisibambiso; ngoba uthatha impilo ibe yisibambiso. Uba umuntu eficwa eseba umuntu kubafowabo ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli. Qaphela esifeni sobulephero, ukunanzelelisisa wenze njengakho konke abapristi abangamaLevi abakufundisa khona; njengalokhu ngabalaya, nanzelelani ukukwenza. Khumbula lokho uNkulunkulu wakho eyakwenza kuMiriyamu endleleni ekuphumeni kwenu eGibhithe. Nxa useboleka umakhelwane wakho ulutho, ungangeni endlini yakhe ukuthi uthathe isibambiso sakhe. Uzakuma phandle, lomuntu omebolekayo akukhuphele isibambiso phandle. Njalo uba umuntu engumyanga, ungalali lesibambiso sakhe; uzabuyisela lokubuyisela isibambiso kuye lapho ilanga litshona, ukuze alale ngesembatho sakhe. Ungacindezeli inceku eqatshiweyo engumyanga leswelayo, ingowabafowenu loba ingowezizweni oselizweni lakini phakathi kwamasango akho. Uzanika iholo layo ngosuku lwayo, lelanga kalingatshoni phezu kwalo, ngoba ingumyanga, ibeke inhliziyo yayo kulo. Oyise kabayikubulawa ngenxa yabantwana, labantwana kabayikubulawa ngenxa yaboyise; ngulowo lalowo uzabulawa ngenxa yesakhe isono. Ungaphambuli isahlulelo sowemzini le ntandane; kodwa ukhumbule ukuthi wawuyisigqili eGibhithe, leN uNkulunkulu wakho yakuhlenga khona; ngakho ngiyakulaya ukuthi wenze lolulutho. Nxa uvuna isivuno sakho ensimini yakho. Nxa uvuthuza isihlahla sakho somhlwathi, ungayihlola izingatsha emva kwakho; kuzakuba ngokowemzini lokwentandane lokomfelokazi. Nxa usuvunile izithelo zesivini sakho, ungakhothozi emva kwakho; kuzakuba ngokowemzini lokwentandane lokomfelokazi. Uzakhumbula ukuthi wawuyisigqili elizweni leGibhithe; ngakho ngiyakulaya ukwenza lolulutho. Uba kukhona ukuxabana phakathi kwabantu, baye esahlulelweni, ukuthi babahlulele. Kuzakuthi-ke uba olecala efanele ukutshaywa, umahluleli uzamlalisa phansi, atshaywe phambi kwakhe, njengokulingene icala lakhe, ngokwenani. Angatshaywa imivimvinyaengamatshumi amane, angengezeleli, hlezi nxa esedlule ukumtshaya okwedlula le ngemivimvinya eminengi, kuze kuthi umfowenu ayangeke emehlweni akho. Ungayifaki isayeke inkabi nxa ibhula. Uba izelamani zihlala ndawonye, lomunye wazo esifa, engelandodana, umfazi wofileyo kangendeli kowemzini ongaphandle; umfowabo wendoda yakhe uzangena kuye, amthathe abe ngumkakhe, enze kuye imfanelo yomfowabo wendoda. Kuzakuthi-ke izibulo alizalayo lizakuma ebizweni lomfowabo ofileyo. Uba umuntu engathandi ukuthatha umkamfowabo, umkamfowabo uzakwenyukela esangweni kubadala athi: Umfowabo wendoda yami uyala ukuvusela umfowabo ibizo koIsrayeli; kafuni ukwenza kimi imfanelo yomfowabo wendoda. Abadala bomuzi wakhe bazambiza-ke, bakhulume laye. Uba eqinisa esithi: Kangithandi ukumthatha; umkamfowabo uzasondela-ke kuye phambi kwamehlo abadala, akhuphe inyathela lakhe enyaweni lwakhe. Lebizo lakhe lizakuthiwa koIsrayeli: Indlu yolenyathela elakhutshwayo. Nxa amadoda esilwa, omunye lomunye, kusondele umfazi wenye ukuthi ayikhulule indoda yakhe esandleni soyitshayayo, elule isandla sakhe ayibambe ngamaphambili, usiqume isandla sakhe, ilihlo lakho lingabi lasihawu. Ungabi lamatshe okulinganisa, elikhulu lelincinyane. Ungabi lama-efa ehlukeneyo endlini yakho, esikhulu lesincinyane. Woba lelitshe lokulinganisa elipheleleyo lelilungileyo, woba le-efa epheleleyo lelungileyo, ukuze insuku zakho zelulwe elizweni uNkulunkulu wakho ekunika lona. Ngoba wonke owenza izinto ezinje, wonke owenza ukungalungi, uyisinengiso eNni uNkulunkulu wakho. Khumbula lokho uAmaleki akwenza kuwe, ukuthi wakuhlangabeza endleleni, watshaya phakathi kwakho ababebuthakathaka emva kwakho. Ngakho kuzakuthi, nxa uNkulunkulu wakho isikuphumuzile kuzo zonke izitha zakho inhlangothi zonke, elizweni uNkulunkulu wakho ekunika lona libe yilifa ukudla ilifa lalo. Kuzakuthi-ke lapho usufikile elizweni uNkulunkulu wakho ekunika lona libe yilifa, udle ilifa lalo, uhlale kulo, uthathe okokuqala kwezithelo zonke zomhlabathi ozakuletha kuvela elizweni lakho uNkulunkulu wakho ekunika lona. Uzakuya kumpristi ozakuba ekhona ngalezonsuku uthi kuye: Ngiyabika lamuhla eNni uNkulunkulu wakho ukuthi sengifikile elizweni eyalifungela obaba ukusinika lona. Njalo umpristi uzathatha isitsha esandleni sakho, asibeke phambi kwelathi leN uNkulunkulu wakho. Khona uzaphendula uthi phambi kweN uNkulunkulu wakho: Ubaba wayengumSiriya. Kodwa amaGibhithe asiphatha kubi, asihlupha, asethwesa ubugqili obunzima. Sasesikhala eNni uNkulunkulu wabobaba; yalizwa ilizwi lethu, yabona inhlupheko yethu, lokutshikatshika kwethu, locindezelo lwethu; yasikhupha eGibhithe; yasiletha kulindawo, yasinika lelilizwe, ilizwe eligeleza uchago loluju. Khathesi-ke, khangela, ngilethile ukuqala kwezithelo zomhlabathi, N, onginike khona. Njalo uzakubeka phambi kweN uNkulunkulu wakho, ukhonze phambi kweN uNkulunkulu wakho; uthokoze ngakho konke okuhle uNkulunkulu wakho ekunike khona labendlu yakho, wena lomLevi lowemzini ophakathi kwakho. Lapho usuqedile ukunika okwetshumi, konke okwetshumi kwezithelo zakho ngomnyaka wesithathu, uzakuthi phambi kweN uNkulunkulu wakho: Sengikhuphile endlini yamiinto engcwele, lami njalo ngakunika umLevi, lowemzini, intandane, lomfelokazi, njengayo yonke imilayo yakho ongilaye yona; kangeqanga okwemilayo yakho, futhi kangi yi khohlwanga. Kangidlanga kukho ekulileni kwami, kangisuselanga kukho ukungcola, kangikunikelanga okwakho kofileyo; ngililalele ilizwi leN uNkulunkulu wami, ngenzile njengakho konke ongilaye khona. Khangela phansi usendaweni yakho yokuhlala engcwele usemazulwini, ubusise abantu bakho uIsrayeli lomhlaba osinike wona, njengokufunga kwakho kubobaba. Lamuhla uNkulunkulu wakho iyakulaya ukuthi wenze lezizimiso lezahlulelo; ngakho uzazigcina uzenze ngenhliziyo yakho yonke langomphefumulo wakho wonke. Lamuhla uvumile obala ukuthi inguNkulunkulu wakho, lokuthi uzahamba endleleni zayo, ugcine izimiso zayo lemilayo yayo lezahlulelo zayo, ulalele ilizwi layo. Futhi ivumile obala lamuhla ukuthi uzakuba yisizwe sayo esikhethekileyo njengokukuthembisa kwayo, lokuthi ugcine yonke imilayo yayo, ukuze ikuphakamise phezu kwezizwe zonke ezenzileyo, ekubongweni, lebizweni, lenhlonipheni. UMozisi labadala bakoIsrayeli basebelaya abantu besithi: Gcina yonke imithetho engililaya yona lamuhla. Kuzakuthi-ke mhla lichapha iJodani lisiya elizweni uNkulunkulu wakho ekunika lona, uzazimisela amatshe amakhulu, uwahuqe ngekalaga, ubhale kuwo wonke amazwi alumlayo nxa usuchaphile, ukuze ungene elizweni uNkulunkulu wakho ekunika lona. Kuzakuthi-ke selichaphile iJodani, limise lamatshe engililaya ngawo lamuhla, entabeni yeEbhali, liwahuqe ngekalaga. Wakhele khona uNkulunkulu wakho ilathi, ilathi lamatshe. Ungasebenzisi insimbi phezu kwawo. Wakhele uNkulunkulu wakho ilathi ngamatshe apheleleyo. Unikele phezu kwalo iminikelo yokutshiswa eNni uNkulunkulu wakho, uhlabe iminikelo yokuthula, udle lapho, uthokoze phambi kweN uNkulunkulu wakho. Futhi ubhale phezu kwamatshe wonke amazwi alumlayo, kukhanye kuhle. UMozisi labapristi abangamaLevi basebekhuluma kuIsrayeli wonke besithi: Thula ulalele, Israyeli; lamuhla usuyisizwe seN uNkulunkulu wakho. Ngakho uzalalela ilizwi leN uNkulunkulu wakho, wenze imilayo yayo lezimiso zayo engikulaya zona lamuhla. UMozisi wasebalaya abantu ngalolosuku esithi: Laba bazakuma entabeni yeGerizimi ukubusisa abantu nxa selichaphe iJodani: OSimeyoni, loLevi, loJuda, loIsakari, loJosefa, loBhenjamini. Lalaba bazakuma entabeni yeEbhali phezu kwesiqalekiso: ORubeni, uGadi, loAsheri, loZebuluni, uDani, loNafithali. LamaLevi azaphendula athi kuwo wonke amadoda akoIsrayeli ngelizwi eliphakemeyo: Kaqalekiswe umuntu owenza isithombe esibaziweyo lesibunjwe ngokuncibilikisa, isinengiso eNni, umsebenzi wezandla zomuntu oyingcitshi, asibeke ensitha. Kaqalekiswe odelela uyise lonina. Labo bonke abantu bazakuthi: Ameni. Kaqalekiswe otshedisa isikhonkwane somngcele kamakhelwane wakhe. Labo bonke abantu bazakuthi: Ameni. Kaqalekiswe oduhisa isiphofu endleleni. Labo bonke abantu bazakuthi: Ameni. Kaqalekiswe ophambula isahlulelo sowemzini, intandane, lomfelokazi. Labo bonke abantu bazakuthi: Ameni. Kaqalekiswe olala lomkayise. Labo bonke abantu bazakuthi: Ameni. Kaqalekiswe olala laloba yiyiphi inyamazana. Labo bonke abantu bazakuthi: Ameni. Kaqalekiswe olala lodadewabo, indodakazi kayise loba indodakazi kanina. Labo bonke abantu bazakuthi: Ameni. Kaqalekiswe olala loninazala. Labo bonke abantu bazakuthi: Ameni. Kaqalekiswe otshaya umakhelwane wakhe ensitha. Labo bonke abantu bazakuthi: Ameni. Kaqalekiswe owemukela isivalamlomo sokutshaya umuntu, igazi elingelacala. Labo bonke abantu bazakuthi: Ameni. Kaqalekiswe ongaqinisi amazwi alumlayo ukuwenza. Labo bonke abantu bazakuthi: Ameni. Kuzakuthi-ke, uba ulalela lokulalela ilizwi leN uNkulunkulu wakho, ukugcina ukwenza yonke imilayo yayo engikulaya yona lamuhla. Lalezizibusiso zonke zizakuza phezu kwakho, zikufice, nxa ulalela ilizwi leN uNkulunkulu wakho. Uzabusiswa emzini, ubusiswe futhi ensimini. Sizabusiswa isithelo sesizalo sakho, lesithelo somhlaba wakho, lenzalo yezifuyo zakho. Kuzabusiswa isitsha sakho, lomganu wakho wokuxovela izinkwa. Uzabusiswa ekungeneni kwakho, ubusiswe ekuphumeni kwakho. izakwenza izitha zakho ezikuvukelayo zitshaywe phambi kwakho; zizaphuma ukumelana lawe ngandlelanye, zibaleke phambi kwakho ngezindlela eziyisikhombisa. izalaya isibusiso phezu kwakho, eziphaleni zakho. izazimisela wena ube yisizwe esingcwele, njengokufunga kwayo kuwe, uba ugcina imilayo yeN uNkulunkulu wakho, uhambe endleleni zayo. Labo bonke abantu basemhlabeni bazabona ukuthi ibizo leN libizwa phezu kwakho. LeN izakwandisela okuhle, esithelweni sesizalo sakho, lenzalweni yezifuyo zakho, lesithelweni somhlaba wakho, elizweni eyafungela oyihlo ukukunika lona. izakuvulela okuligugu kwayo okulungileyo, amazulu, ukunika izulu elizweni lakho ngesikhathi salo. izakwenza ube yinhloko, ungabi ngumsila; uzakuba ngaphezulu kuphela, ungabi ngaphansi, uba ulalela imilayo yeN uNkulunkulu wakho engikulaya yona lamuhla ukuyigcina lokuyenza. Ungaphambuki lakwelilodwa lamazwi engililaya wona lamuhla, ukuya ngakwesokunene langakwesokhohlo, ukulandela abanye onkulunkulu ukubakhonza. Kodwa kuzakuthi, uba ungalaleli ilizwi leN uNkulunkulu wakho, ukugcina ukwenza yonke imilayo yayo lezimiso zayo engikulaya zona lamuhla, leziziqalekiso zonke zize phezu kwakho. Uzaqalekiswa emzini, uqalekiswe futhi ensimini. Kuzaqalekiswa isitsha sakho lomganu wakho wokuxovela izinkwa. Kuzaqalekiswa isithelo sesizalo sakho, lesithelo somhlaba wakho, umqegu wenkomo zakho, lamazinyane ezimvu zakho. Uzaqalekiswa ekungeneni kwakho, uqalekiswe ekuphumeni kwakho. izathumela phakathi kwakho isiqalekiso. izanamathelisa kuwe umatshayabhuqe wesifo, aze akuqede usuke elizweni oya kulo ukudla ilifa lalo. izakutshaya ngesifo esicakisayo; njalo kuzakuxotsha uze ubhubhe. Lesibhakabhaka sakho esiphezu kwekhanda lakho sizakuba lithusi, lomhlaba ongaphansi kwakho ube yinsimbi. izakwenza izulu lelizwe lakho libe lubhuqu lothuli, kwehlele phezu kwakho kuvela emazulwini, uze ubhujiswe. izakwenza utshaywe phambi kwezitha zakho; uzaphuma umelane lazo ngandlelanye, njalo uzabaleka phambi kwazo ngezindlela eziyisikhombisa. Lesidumbu sakho sizakuba yikudla kwenyoni zonke zamazulu lokwezinyamazana zomhlaba. izakutshaya ngamathumba eGibhithe. izakutshaya ngobuhlanya langobuphofu. Njalo uzaphumputha emini njengesiphofu siphumputha emnyameni, ungenzi indlela zakho ziphumelele; ucindezelwe kuphela, uphangwe insuku zonke, kungabi khona osindisayo. Uzagana umfazi, kodwa enye indoda ilale laye. Inkabi yakho izahlatshwa phambi kwamehlo akho, ungadli okwayo; ubabhemi wakho athathwe ngodlakela phambi kobuso bakho, angabuyiselwa kuwe; izimvu zakho zizanikwa izitha zakho, kungabi khona okusindiselayo. Amadodana akho lamadodakazi akho azanikelwa kwesinye isizwe, lamehlo akho azakhangela abalangathe usuku lonke. Isithelo somhlaba wakho, lomsebenzi wakho wonke, isizwe ongasaziyo sizakudla. Uzacindezelwa kuphela, uchotshozwe insuku zonke, uze uhlanye ngenxa yokubona kwamehlo akho ozakubona. izakutshaya emadolweni lemilenzeni ngamathumba amabi angelakwelatshwa, kusukela kungaphansi yonyawo lwakho kuze kube senkanda yakho. izakusa wena lenkosi yakho owayibeka phezu kwakho esizweni ongasaziyo wena laboyihlo. Uzakuba yinto eyesabekayo, lapho ezakusa khona. Uzaphuma lenhlanyelo enengi uye ensimini, kodwa ubuthelele okulutshwana. Uzahlanyela izivini, uzisebenze, kodwa kawuyikunatha iwayini, kawuyikubutha lutho, ngoba imihogoyi izazidla. Uzakuba lezihlahla zemihlwathi phakathi kwemingcele yakho yonke, kodwa kawuyikugcoba ngamafutha, ngoba imihlwathi izawohloka. Uzazala amadodana lamadodakazi, kodwa kawayikuba ngawakho, ngoba azakuya ekuthunjweni. Zonke izihlahla zakho lezithelo zomhlaba wakho zizakuba ngezesikhonyane. Owemzini ophakathi kwakho uzaphakama phezu kwakho aqonge phezulu, wena-ke uzakwehlela phansi phansi. Yena uzakweboleka, kodwa wena ungameboleki. Lazo zonke leziziqalekiso zizakwehlela, zixotshane lawe, zikufice, uze ubhujiswe, ngoba ungalilalelanga ilizwi leN uNkulunkulu wakho, ukugcina imilayo yayo lezimiso zayo eyakulaya zona. Njalo zizakuba phezu kwakho ukuba yisibonakaliso lokuba yisimangaliso, laphezu kwenzalo yakho kuze kube nininini. Njengoba ungayikhonzanga, ngakho uzakhonza izitha zakho ezazithuma ukumelana lawe, endlaleni, lekomeni, lekuhambenize, lekusweleni konke. Njalo izabeka ijogwe lensimbi entanyeni yakho, ize ikubhubhise. izakuvusela isizwe esivela khatshana, emkhawulweni womhlaba, isizwe esilobuso obesabekayo, esingemukeli ubuso bomdala, esingelamusa komutsha. Sizakudla isithelo sezifuyo zakho lesithelo somhlaba wakho, uze ubhujiswe; okungayikukutshiyela amabele, iwayini elitsha, lamafutha, umqegu wenkomo zakho, lamazinyane ezimvu zakho, size sikuchithe. Sizakuvimbezela emasangweni akho wonke, ize idilike imiduli yakho ephakemeyo lebiyelwe ngemithangala obuthembela kuyo, elizweni lonke lakho; njalo sizakuvimbezela emasangweni akho wonke elizweni lonke lakho uNkulunkulu wakho ekunike lona. Njalo uzakudla isithelo sesizalo sakho, inyama yamadodana leyamadodakazi akho, uNkulunkulu wakho ekunike wona. Indoda ebuthakathaka phakathi kwakho letotoziweyo kakhulu, ilihlo layo lizakuba libi kumfowabo; ukuze inganiki lamunye wabo okwenyama yabantwana bayo ebadlayo, ngoba ingasalelwanga lutho ekuvinjezelweni lekucindezelweni, izitha zakho ezizakucindezela ngakho emasangweni akho wonke. Owesifazana obuthakathaka lototoziweyo phakathi kwakho ongazamanga ukubeka ingaphansi yonyawo lwakhe emhlabathini ngenxa yokutotozwa lobuthakathaka, lakumnakwabo ophuma phakathi kwenyawo zakhe, lebantwaneni azabazala. Uba ungayikugcina ukwenza wonke amazwi alumlayo abhaliweyo egwalweni lolu, ukwesaba lelibizo elilodumo lelesabekayo, uNkulunkulu wakho, izakwenza-ke inhlupheko zakho zimangalise, lenhlupheko zenzalo yakho, inhlupheko ezinkulu leziqhubekayo, lemikhuhlane emibi leqhubekayo. Njalo izabuyisela kuwe zonke izifo zeGibhithe owawuzesaba, zizanamathela kuwe, lawo wonke umkhuhlane layo yonke inhlupheko engabhalwanga egwalweni lwalumlayo, izakwehlisela zona uze ubhujiswe. Njalo lizasala lilabantu abalutshwana. Kuzakuthi-ke, njengalokhu yathokoza ngani ukulenzela okuhle lokulandisa. izakuhlakazela-ke phakathi kwezizwe zonke, kusukela komunye umkhawulo womhlaba kuze kube komunye umkhawulo womhlaba. Laphakathi kwalezozizwe kawuyikuphumula, lengaphansi yonyawo lwakho kayiyikuba lendawo yokuphumula. Lempilo yakho izahlala isevalweni phambi kwakho; uzatshaywa luvalo ebusuku lemini, ungabi lethemba lempilo yakho. Ekuseni uzakuthi: Kungathi kungahlwa! Lakusihlwa uzakuthi: Kungathi kungasa! ngenxa yokwesaba kwenhliziyo ozakwesaba ngakho. LeN izakubuyisela eGibhithe ngemikhumbi, ngendlela engatsho ngayo kuwe ukuthi. La ngamazwi esivumelwano eyamlaya uMozisi ukusenza labantwana bakoIsrayeli elizweni lakoMowabi, ngaphandle kwesivumelwano eyayisenze labo eHorebe. UMozisi wasebiza uIsrayeli wonke, wathi kubo: Lina libonile konke eyakwenza phambi kwamehlo enu elizweni leGibhithe, kuFaro lakuzo zonke inceku zakhe lakulo lonke ilizwe lakhe, izilingo ezinkulu amehlo akho azibonileyo, izibonakaliso lalezozimangaliso ezinkulu. Kodwa kayilinikanga inhliziyo yokuqedisisa lamehlo okubona lendlebe zokuzwa kuze kube lamuhla. Ngilihambise iminyaka engamatshumi amane enkangala; kalidlanga sinkwa, kalinathanga iwayini lokunathwayo okulamandla, ukuze lazi ukuthi ngiyuNkulunkulu wenu. Ekufikeni kwenu kulindawo, uSihoni inkosi yeHeshiboni loOgi inkosi yeBashani baphuma ukumelana lathi empini, kodwa sabatshaya, sathatha ilizwe labo, salinika laba yilifa kwabakoRubeni lakwabakoGadi lakungxenye yesizwe sakoManase. Ngakho gcinani amazwi alesisivumelwano liwenze. Lina lonke limi phambi kweN uNkulunkulu wenu lamuhla, inhloko zenu, izizwe zenu, abadala benu, lezinduna zenu, wonke amadoda akoIsrayeli, abantwanyana benu, omkenu, lowemzini ophakathi kwenkamba yakho, kusukela kumgamuli wenkuni zakho kuze kube kumukhi wamanzi akho, ukwedlulela esivumelwaneni seN uNkulunkulu wakho lesifungweni sayo, uNkulunkulu wakho esenza lawe lamuhla, ukuze ikumise lamuhla ube yisizwe sayo, lokuthi yona ibe nguNkulunkulu wakho. Njalo kangisenzi lani lodwa lesisivumelwano, kodwa lalowo olapha lathi, omiyo lamuhla phambi kweN uNkulunkulu wethu, njalo lalowo ongekho lapha lathi lamuhla. Ngoba lina liyazi ukuthi sahlala njani elizweni leGibhithe, lokuthi sadabula njani phakathi kwezizwe eladabula kuzo; njalo libonile izinengiso zazo, lezithombe zazo, isigodo lelitshe, isiliva legolide, ezazilazo. Hlezi kube khona phakathi kwenu indoda kumbe owesifazana kumbe usapho kumbe isizwe, onhliziyo yakhe iphambuka lamuhla isuka eNni uNkulunkulu wethu ukuyakhonza onkulunkulu balezizizwe. Hlezi kube khona phakathi kwenu impande ethela izithelo ezilobuhlungu. Njalo kuzakuthi nxa esizwa amazwi alesisiqalekiso, azibusise enhliziyweni yakhe esithi: Ngizakuba lokuthula lanxa ngihamba ebuqholweni benhliziyo yami; ukuze kuqedwe okumanzi kanye lokomileyo. kayiyikuvuma ukumthethelela, kodwa khona intukuthelo yeN KOSI LeN izayehlukanisela ububi iyikhuphe kuzo zonke izizwe zakoIsrayeli, njengazo zonke iziqalekiso zesivumelwano ezibhaliweyo egwalweni lwalumlayo. Khona sizakuthi isizukulwana esizayo, abantwana benu, abazavela emva kwenu, lowezizwe ovela elizweni elikhatshana, lapho bebona inhlupheko zalelilizwe lezifo eligulise ngazo, ilizwe lonke lalo lizakuba yisibabule letshwayi lokutshiswa, alihlanyelwanga, kalimilisi, kakulalatshani obumila kulo, lazo zonke izizwe zizakuthi? Khona bazakuthi: Ngoba batshiyile isivumelwano seN uNkulunkulu waboyise, eyasenza labo ekubakhupheni kwayo elizweni leGibhithe. Bahamba bakhonza abanye onkulunkulu babakhothamela, onkulunkulu abangabaziyo, eyayingababelanga. Lentukuthelo yeN yalivuthela lelilizwe, ukwehlisela kulo zonke iziqalekiso ezibhaliweyo egwalweni lolu. Njalo yabasiphuna elizweni labo ngentukuthelo langolaka langenzondo enkulu, yabaphosela kwelinye ilizwe njengalamuhla. Imfihlo ngezeN uNkulunkulu wethu, kodwa izinto ezembuliweyo zingezethu lezabantwana bethu kuze kube nininini, ukwenza wonke amazwi alumlayo. Kuzakuthi-ke, uzabuyela eNni uNkulunkulu wakho, ulalele ilizwi layo, njengakho konke engikulaya khona lamuhla, wena labantwana bakho, ngenhliziyo yakho yonke langomphefumulo wakho wonke, khona uNkulunkulu wakho izabuyisa ukuthunjwa kwakho, ikuhawukele. Lanxa abaxotshiweyo bakho besemkhawulweni wamazulu, ulapho uNkulunkulu wakho izakubutha, ulapho-ke ikuthathe. LeN uNkulunkulu wakho izakungenisa elizweni oyihlo abalifuyayo, njalo uzalifuya, ikwenzele okuhle, ikwandise kulaboyihlo. LeN uNkulunkulu wakho izasoka inhliziyo yakho lenhliziyo yenzalo yakho, ukuthanda uNkulunkulu wakho ngenhliziyo yakho yonke langomphefumulo wakho wonke, ukuze uphile. LeN uNkulunkulu wakho izakwehlisela zonke leziziqalekiso ezitheni zakho lakwabakuzondayo ababekuzingela. Wena-ke uzabuya ulalele ilizwi leN, wenze yonke imilayo yayo engikulaya yona lamuhla. Njalo uNkulunkulu wakho izakwandisa kuwo wonke umsebenzi wesandla sakho, esithelweni sesizalo sakho, lesithelweni sezifuyo zakho, lesithelweni somhlaba wakho, ukuthi kulunge, uba uzalalela ilizwi leN uNkulunkulu wakho, ukugcina imilayo yayo lezimiso zayo ezibhalwe kulolugwalo lomlayo, uba uphendukela eNni uNkulunkulu wakho ngenhliziyo yakho yonke langomphefumulo wakho wonke. Ngoba lumlayo engikulaya wona lamuhla kawufihlwanga kuwe, futhi kawukhatshana lawe. Kawukho emazulwini ukuthi uthi: Ngubani ozasenyukelela emazulwini, asithathele wona ukuze siwuzwe siwenze? Futhi kawungaphetsheya kolwandle ukuthi uthi: Ngubani ozasichaphela aye ngaphetsheya kolwandle, asithathele wona ukuze siwuzwe siwenze? Kodwa ilizwi liseduze kakhulu lawe, emlonyeni wakho lenhliziyweni yakho ukulenza. Bona, ngibekile phambi kwakho lamuhla impilo lokulunga, lokufa lobubi. Ngoba ngiyakulaya lamuhla ukuthanda uNkulunkulu wakho, lokuhamba endleleni zayo, lokugcina imilayo yayo lezimiso zayo lezahlulelo zayo, ukuze uphile wande; leN uNkulunkulu wakho izakubusisa elizweni oya kulo ukudla ilifa lalo. Kodwa uba inhliziyo yakho iphenduka ukuze ungalaleli, ngiyalitshela lamuhla ukuthi lizabhubha lokubhubha. Lamuhla ngiyabiza amazulu lomhlaba ukufakaza ngani, ukuthanda uNkulunkulu wakho, ukulalela ilizwi layo, lokunamathela kuyo. UMozisi wasehamba wakhuluma lamazwi kuIsrayeli wonke, wathi kubo: Ngileminyaka elikhulu lamatshumi amabili lamuhla. uNkulunkulu wakho, yona izachapha phambi kwakho, yona izachitha lezizizwe zisuke phambi kwakho, ukuze udle ilifa lazo. UJoshuwa, yena uzachapha phambi kwakho. LeN izakwenza kuzo. izazinikela-ke phambi kwenu, ukuze lenze kuzo njengokwemilayo yonke engililaye yona. Qinani, lime isibindi. UMozisi wasembiza uJoshuwa, wathi kuye phambi kwamehlo kaIsrayeli wonke: Qina, ume isibindi; ngoba wena uzangena lalababantu elizweni eyalifungela oyise ukubanika lona; uzabenza badle ilifa lalo. Njalo iN, yiyo ehamba phambi kwakho; yona izakuba lawe. UMozisi wasewubhala lumlayo, wawunika abapristi, amadodana kaLevi. UMozisi wasebalaya esithi: Ekupheleni kweminyaka eyisikhombisa, ngesikhathi esimisiweyo somnyaka wenkululeko, lapho uIsrayeli wonke esefike ukubonakala phambi kweN uNkulunkulu wakho endaweni ezayikhetha. Buthanisa abantu, abesilisa labesifazana labantwana, lowemzini wakho ophakathi kwamasango akho, ukuze bezwe, lokuze bafunde, bayesabe uNkulunkulu wenu, bagcine ukwenza wonke amazwi alumlayo. Labantwana babo abangaziyo. yasisithi kuMozisi: Khangela, insuku zakho zokufa sezisondele. yasibonakala ethenteni ensikeni yeyezi; lensika yeyezi yema phezu komnyango wethente. yasisithi kuMozisi: Khangela, uzalala laboyihlo; lalababantu bazasukuma. Lentukuthelo yami izabavuthela ngalolosuku, ngibatshiye? Lami ngizafihla lokufihla ubuso bami ngalolosuku ngenxa yobubi bonke ababenzileyo, ngoba bephendukele kwabanye onkulunkulu. Ngakho-ke zibhaleleni lingoma, uyifundise abantwana bakoIsrayeli; uyifake emlonyeni wabo ukuze lingoma ibe yibufakazi kimi obumelene labantwana bakoIsrayeli. Lapho sengibangenisile elizweni engalifungela oyise, eligeleza uchago loluju, sebedlile basutha. Kuzakuthi-ke, nxa sebehlelwe ngokubi okunengi lezinhlupheko, lingoma izaphendula phambi kobuso babo ibe yibufakazi; ngoba kayiyikukhohlakala emlonyeni wenzalo yabo. UMozisi wasebhala lingoma ngalolosuku, wayifundisa abantwana bakoIsrayeli. Yasilaya uJoshuwa indodana kaNuni yathi. Kwasekusithi uMozisi eseqedile ukubhala amazwi alumlayo egwalweni, aze aphela, uMozisi walaya amaLevi ayethwala umtshokotsho wesivumelwano seN esithi: Thathani lolugwalo lomlayo, lilubeke eceleni komtshokotsho wesivumelwano seN uNkulunkulu wenu, ukuze lube khona. Ngoba mina ngiyazi umvukela wakho, lentamo yakho elukhuni; khangelani, ngisaphila lani lamuhla? Buthanisani kimi bonke abadala bezizwe zenu lenduna zenu ukuze ngikhulume lamazwi endlebeni zabo. Ngoba ngiyazi ukuthi emva kokufa kwami lizakona lokona, liphambuke endleleni engililaye yona. UMozisi wasekhuluma amazwi alingoma endlebeni zebandla lonke lakoIsrayeli, aze aphela. Bekani indlebe, mazulu, ngizakhuluma, njalo zwana, mhlaba, amazwi omlomo wami. Imfundiso yami. Ngoba ngizamemezela ibizo leN. Mnikeni ubukhulu uNkulunkulu wethu. U liDwala, umsebenzi wakhe uphelele. Bonile kuye, kabasibo abantwana bakhe, isici ngesabo, bayisizukulwana esigobileyo. Lingahlawula lokho eNni yini, bantu abayizithutha labangahlakaniphanga? Khumbula insuku zendulo, unakane iminyaka yesizukulwana ngesizukulwana. Buza uyihlo, uzakulandisela, abadala bakho, bazakutshela. Lapho oPhezukonke enika izizwe ilifa. Ngoba isabelo seN ngabantu bayo, uJakobe uyinkatho yelifa layo. Wamfica elizweni eliyinkangala. Njengokhozi olunyakazisa isidleke salo, yodwa yamkhokhela, njalo kwakungekho layo unkulunkulu wabezizwe. Yamgadisa endaweni eziphakemeyo zomhlaba, ukuze adle izithelo zensimu, izankefu zenkomo, lochago lwembuzi, kanye lamafutha amawundlu, lezinqama zohlobo lweBashani, lezimpongo, kanye lamahwahwa ezinso zengqoloyi. Kodwa uJeshuruni wazimuka. Bambangela ubukhwele ngokwezizwe, bamthukuthelisa ngezinengiso. Bahlabela amadimoni, hatshi uNkulunkulu, onkulunkulu ababengabazi, abatsha abavela eduze, oyihlo abangabesabanga. IDwala elakuzalayo ulikhohliwe, wamkhohlwa uNkulunkulu owakuzalayo. Kwathi ikubona, yanengwa yibo. Yasisithi: Ngizabafihlela ubuso bami, ngibone ukuthi ukuphela kwabo kuzakuba yini. Bona bangenze ngaba lobukhwele ngokungesuye uNkulunkulu. Ngoba umlilo usubasiwe entukuthelweni yami, uyavutha kuze kube sesihogweni esingaphansi kakhulu. Ngizabuthelela ububi phezu kwabo, ngiqedele imitshoko yami kubo. Bazamunywa yindlala, baqedwe yikutshisa lencithakalo ebabayo; njalo ngizathumela phakathi kwabo amazinyo ezilo. Ngaphandle inkemba izabenza bafelwe, ngokunjalo uvalo ezindlini ezingaphakathi, ijaha lalo lentombi emsulwa, omunyayo kanye lendoda eyimpunga. Ngathi: Ngizabahlakaza, ngenze ukukhunjulwa kwabo kuphele phakathi kwabantu; uba bengingesabi intukuthelo yesitha, hlezi abazondi babo bahlanekele. Ngoba bayisizwe esingelakwelulekwa, njalo kakukho ukuqedisisa kubo. Kwangathi ngabe bebehlakaniphile, bebengaqedisisa lokhu! Oyedwa angaxotsha njani abayinkulungwane, lababili babalekise abayizinkulungwane ezilitshumi? Ngoba idwala labo kalinjengeDwala lethu. Ngoba ivini labo livela evinini leSodoma, lemasimini eGomora. Iwayini labo liyibuhlungu bemigobho. Lokho kakubekiwe kimi yini, kunanyekiwe emagugwini ami? Ngeyami impindiselo lokubuyisela, ngesikhathi sokutshelela konyawo lwabo. Ngoba izabahlulela abantu bayo. Khona izakuthi: Bangaphi onkulunkulu babo, idwala ababephephela kulo, abadla amafutha emihlatshelo yabo, banatha iwayini lomnikelo wabo wokuthululwa? Kabavuke, balisize, babe yisivikelo senu. Bonani khathesi ukuthi mina, nginguye, njalo kakho unkulunkulu olami. Ngoba ngiphakamisela isandla sami emazulwini, ngithi: Ngiyaphila kuze kube phakade, nxa ngilola inkemba yami ephazimayo, lesandla sami sibambelela ekwahluleleni, ngizabuyisela impindiselo ezitheni zami, ngibavuze abangizondayo. Ngizadakisa imitshoko yami ngegazi, lenkemba yami izakudla inyama, ngegazi labagwaziweyo labathunjiweyo. Thokozani zizwe, bantu bayo. UMozisi wasesiza, wakhuluma wonke amazwi alingoma endlebeni zabantu, yena loHoseya indodana kaNuni. UMozisi eseqedile ukukhuluma wonke lamazwi kuIsrayeli wonke, wathi kubo: Bekani inhliziyo yenu kuwo wonke amazwi engiwafakaza phakathi kwenu lamuhla, ukuthi libalaye abantwana benu bagcine ukuwenza wonke amazwi alumlayo. Ngoba kakusiyo into eyize kini, ngoba kuyimpilo yenu; ngalinto lizakwelula izinsuku elizweni elichapha iJodani ukuya kulo ukudla ilifa lalo. yasikhuluma kuMozisi ngalona lolosuku isithi: Yenyukela kule intaba yeAbarimi, intaba yeNebo, eselizweni lakoMowabi emaqondana leJeriko, ubone ilizwe leKhanani engilinika abantwana bakoIsrayeli ukuba yilifa, ufele entabeni owenyukela kuyo, ubuthelwe ebantwini bakini. Ngenxa yokuthi laphambana lami phakathi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli emanzini eMeriba-Kadeshi enkangala yeZini; ngoba kalingingcwelisanga phakathi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli. Ngoba unganeno uzalibona ilizwe, kodwa kawuyikungena khona, elizweni engilinika abantwana bakoIsrayeli. Lalesi yisibusiso. Wasesithi: yavela eSinayi, yenyukela kubo ivela eSeyiri,. Yebo, yathanda abantu. UMozisi wasilaya umlayo. Yaba yinkosi, lapho inhloko zabantu zibuthene, ndawonye lezizwe zakoIsrayeli. URubeni kaphile, angafi. Lalokhu ngokukaJuda, wasesithi: Zwana, N, ilizwi likaJuda, umlethe kubantu bakhe, izandla zakhe kazimlwele, njalo kawube ngumsizi ezitheni zakhe. LakuLevi wathi: IThumimi yakho leUrimi yakho; eyathi kuyise lakunina: Kangimbonanga. Bazamfundisa uJakobe izahlulelo zakho, loIsrayeli umlayo wakho. Busisa, N, amandla akhe, wemukele umsebenzi wezandla zakhe; tshaya inkalo zalabo abamvukelayo lezabamzondayo, ukuze bangasukumi. KuBhenjamini wathi: Othandwayo weN uzahlala evikelekile ngakiyo; izamsibekela usuku lonke, uzahlala phakathi kwamahlombe ayo. LakuJosefa wathi: Ilizwe lakhe kalibusiswe yiN, ngokuhlekazi kwamazulu, langokujula okulele ngaphansi, langokuhlekazi kwezithelo zelanga, langokuhlekazi kwezinto ezivezwa zinyanga, langekhethelo lentaba ezindala, langokuhlekazi kwamaqaqa aphakade, langokuhlekazi komhlaba lokugcwala kwawo. Ulobukhosi bezibulo benkunzi yakhe. LakuZebuluni wathi: Thokoza, Zebuluni, ekuphumeni kwakho, lawe Isakari, emathenteni akho. Bazabizela izizwe entabeni. LakuGadi wathi: Kabusiswe owandisa uGadi. Uhlala njengesilwane, uklebhula ingalo, yebo inkanda. Wazinakekela ngekhethelo. LakuDani wathi: UDani ngumdlwane wesilwane. LakuNafithali wathi: Nafithali, eneliswa ngomusa, ugcwele isibusiso seN KOSI. LakuAsheri wathi: UAsheri kabusiswe ngabantwana, abe ngowemukelekayo kubafowabo. Insimbi lethusi kuzakubayizicathulo zakho, lanjengensuku zakho azakuba njaloamandla akho. Kakho onjengoNkulunkulu. UNkulunkulu waphakade uyisiphephelo, langaphansi kulengalo ezingelakuphela. Uxotsha isitha phambi kwakho, athi: Bhubhisa. Ngakho uIsrayeli uzahlala evikelekile. Ubusisiwe wena, Israyeli. UMozisi wasesenyuka esuka emagcekeni akoMowabi, esiya entabeni yeNebo, engqongeni yePisiga, emaqondana leJeriko, layo yonke iNafithali, lelizwe lakoEfrayimi, leManase, lelizwe lonke lakoJuda, kwaze kwaba selwandle lokucina, leningizimu, legceke lesigodi seJeriko. yasisithi kuye: Leli yilizwe engalifungela uAbrahama, uIsaka, loJakobe ngisithi: Ngizalinika inzalo yakho. UMozisi inceku yeN wasefela khona elizweni lakoMowabi njengokomlayo weN. Yasimngcwaba esigodini elizweni lakoMowabi maqondana leBeti-Peyori. Njalo uMozisi wayeleminyaka elikhulu lamatshumi amabili ekufeni kwakhe. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebemlilela uMozisi emagcekeni akoMowabi insuku ezingamatshumi amathathu; zaphela-ke insuku zokukhala zokumlilela uMozisi. Njalo uJoshuwa indodana kaNuni wayegcwele umoya wokuhlakanipha. Kakusavelanga-ke umprofethi koIsrayeli onjengoMozisi, ngazo zonke izibonakaliso lezimangaliso eyamthuma ukuthi azenze elizweni leGibhithe, kuFaro lakuzo zonke inceku zakhe lelizweni lakhe lonke, langaso sonke lesosandla esilamandla uMozisi akwenzayo phambi kwamehlo kaIsrayeli wonke. Kwasekusithi emva kokufa kukaMozisi inceku yeN, yakhuluma kuJoshuwa indodana kaNuni, inceku kaMozisi, isithi: UMozisi inceku yami usefile; ngakho-ke sukuma uchaphe le iJodani, wena labo bonke lababantu, liye elizweni engilinika bona, ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli. Yonke indawo lapho ingaphansi yonyawo lwenu ezanyathela khona ngilinike yona. Kusukela enkangala, ilizwe lonke lamaHethi, njalo kufike elwandle olukhulu lapho okutshona khona ilanga, kuzakuba ngumngcele wenu. Kakulamuntu ozakuma phambi kwakho zonke izinsuku zempilo yakho. Qina, ume isibindi, ngoba wena uzakwenza lababantu badle ilifa lelizwe engalifungela oyise ukubanika lona. Kuphela qina, ube lesibindi esikhulu. Ugwalo lwalumlayo lungasuki emlonyeni wakho, kodwa uzindle kuwo emini lebusuku, ukuze uqaphele ukwenza njengakho konke okubhaliweyo kulo, ngoba khona uzakwenza indlela yakho iphumelele, ubusuphumelela. Kangikulayanga yini? Qina, ume isibindi. UJoshuwa waselaya izinduna zabantu, esithi: Dabulani phakathi kwenkamba lilaye abantu lithi: Zilungiseleni umphako, ngoba kusesezinsuku ezintathu lizachapha le iJodani, ukuze lingene lidle ilifa lelizwe uNkulunkulu wenu elinika lona ukuthi lidle ilifa lalo. UJoshuwa wasekhuluma kwabakoRubeni labakoGadi lengxenye yesizwe sakoManase esithi: Khumbulani ilizwi uMozisi inceku yeN alilaya ngalo esithi: uNkulunkulu wenu iyaliphumuza, ilinika lelilizwe. Omkenu, abantwanyana benu, lezifuyo zenu kuzahlala elizweni uMozisi alinika lona nganeno kweJodani; kodwa lina lizachapha lihlomile phambi kwabafowenu, wonke amaqhawe alamandla, libasize, ize iphumuze abafowenu njengani, labo njalo badle ilifa lelizwe uNkulunkulu wenu ebanika lona. Basebemphendula uJoshuwa besithi: Konke osilaya khona sizakwenza, laloba ngaphi lapho ozasithuma khona sizahamba. Njengakho konke esamlalela uMozisi ngakho, ngokunjalo sizakulalela. Kuphela uNkulunkulu wakho ibe lawe njengoba yayiloMozisi. Wonke umuntu ozavukela umlomo wakho, angalaleli amazwi akho, kukho konke omlaya khona, uzabulawa. UJoshuwa indodana kaNuni wasethuma eseShithimi amadoda amabili aba zinhloli ensitha, esithi: Hambani libone ilizwe, leJeriko, alala khona. Kwatshelwa inkosi yeJeriko kwathiwa: Khangela, kufike lapha ebusuku amadoda abantwana bakoIsrayeli ukuhlola ilizwe. Inkosi yeJeriko yasithumela kuRahabi isithi: Khupha lawo amadoda afikele kuwe, angena endlini yakho, ngoba azehlola ilizwe lonke. Kodwa owesifazana wayethethe lawomadoda amabili, wawafihla, wakhuluma kanje: Afikile kimi amadoda, kodwa bengingazi lapha avela khona. Kwasekusithi sekuzavalwa isango lapho sekumnyama amadoda aphuma. Kangikwazi lapho amadoda aye khona; axhumeni ngokuphangisa liwalandele, ngoba lizawafica. Kodwa yena wayewenyusele ephahleni, wawafihla phakathi kwamahlanga efilakisi ayechayelwe yena ephahleni. Amadoda asewaxhuma ngendlela yeJodani aze afika emazibukweni; bavala amasango emva kokuphuma kwabawaxhumayo bewalandela. Kwathi wona engakalali, yena wenyukela kuwo ephahleni wasesithi emadodeni: Ngiyazi ukuthi ilinikile ilizwe, lokuthi ukwesabeka kwenu kuwele phezu kwethu, lokuthi bonke abakhileyo elizweni bayancibilika ngenxa yobukhona benu. Ngoba sizwile ukuthi yomisa amanzi oLwandle oluBomvu phambi kwenu ekuphumeni kwenu eGibhithe. Sathi sikuzwa lokho. Ngakho-ke ake lifunge kimi ngeN, ngoba ngilenzele umusa, lani-ke lizayenzela umusa indlu kababa, ukuthi ligcine bephila ubaba lomama, labanewethu labodadewethu, lakho konke abalakho, likhulule impilo yethu ekufeni. Lamadoda athi kuye: Umphefumulo wethu ufe esikhundleni senu, uba ungavezi obala loludaba lwethu. Njalo kuzakuthi lapho isisinikile ilizwe, sizakwenzela umusa leqiniso. Wasewehlisa ngentambo ewindini, ngoba indlu yakhe yayisemdulini womuzi, wayehlala phezu komduli. Wasesithi kuwo: Yanini entabeni, hlezi abaxhumi bahlangane lani, licatshe khona insuku ezintathu, baze babuye abaxhumi, lemva kwalokho lihambe ngendlela yenu. Amadoda asesithi kuye: Thina sizakhululeka esifungweni sakho lesi osifungise sona. Khangela, ekufikeni kwethu elizweni uzabophela lintambo yomnxeba. Kuzakuthi-ke, loba ngubani ophumela phandle kweminyango yendlu yakho, igazi lakhe lizakuba phezu kwekhanda lakhe, thina-ke sizakuba singelacala. Njalo loba ngubani ozakuba lawe endlini, igazi lakhe lizakuba sekhanda lethu, uba isandla sisiba phezu kwakhe. Kodwa uba uluveza obala loludaba lwethu, sizakhululeka esifungweni sakho osifungise sona. Wasesithi: Njengamazwi enu, kakube njalo. Wasewayekela ehamba, ahamba, wabophela intambo ebomvu ewindini. Asehamba afika entabeni, ahlala khona insuku ezintathu, baze babuya abaxhumi, ngoba abaxhumi bawadinga endleleni yonke, kodwa kabawatholanga. Ngakho amadoda womabili aphenduka asesehla entabeni, achapha, afika kuJoshuwa indodana kaNuni. Athi kuJoshuwa: Isibili ilinikele esandleni sethu ilizwe lonke, futhi-ke bonke abakhileyo belizwe bancibilikile ngenxa yobukhona bethu. UJoshuwa wasevuka ekuseni kakhulu, basuka eShithimi, bafika eJodani, yena labo bonke abantwana bakoIsrayeli; basebelala khona bengakachaphi. Kwasekusithi ekupheleni kwensuku ezintathu zalaya abantu zisithi: Nxa libona umtshokotsho wesivumelwano seN uNkulunkulu wenu, labapristi, amaLevi, bewuthwele, lina-ke lisuke endaweni yenu liwulandele. Kodwa kuzakuba khona ibanga phakathi kwenu lawo, phose ingalo eziyizinkulungwane ezimbili ngesilinganiso; lingasondeli kuwo; ukuze lazi indlela elizahamba ngayo, ngoba kalidlulanga ngalindlela mandulo. UJoshuwa wasesithi ebantwini: Zingcweliseni, ngoba kusasa izakwenza izimangaliso phakathi kwenu. UJoshuwa wasekhuluma kubapristi esithi: Phakamisani umtshokotsho wesivumelwano, ledlule phambi kwabantu. Basebewuphakamisa umtshokotsho wesivumelwano, bahamba phambi kwabantu. yasisithi kuJoshuwa: Lamuhla ngizaqala ukukukhulisa emehlweni kaIsrayeli wonke. Wena-ke uzalaya abapristi abathwele umtshokotsho wesivumelwano uthi: Nxa selifikile ekhunjini lwamanzi eJodani. UJoshuwa wasesithi ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli: Sondelani lapha, lizwe amazwi eN uNkulunkulu wenu. UJoshuwa wasesithi: Ngalokhu lizakwazi ukuthi uNkulunkulu ophilayo uphakathi kwenu. Khangelani, umtshokotsho wesivumelwano seNkosi yomhlaba wonke uzachapha phambi kwenu eJodani. Ngakho-ke zithatheleni amadoda alitshumi lambili ezizweni zakoIsrayeli. Kuzakuthi-ke lapho ingaphansi yenyawo zabapristi abathwele umtshokotsho weN KOSI. Kwasekusithi abantu besuka emathenteni abo ukuchapha iJodani, abapristi bathwala umtshokotsho wesivumelwano phambi kwabantu. Lalapho abathwele umtshokotsho befika eJodani, lenyawo zabapristi abathwele umtshokotsho zigxanyuzwa ephethelweni lamanzi), amanzi ehlayo evela phezulu ema, aphakama aba yinqwaba eyodwa, khatshana kakhulu lomuzi iAdamu, oseceleni kweZarethani. Labapristi abathwele umtshokotsho wesivumelwano seN bema emhlabathini owomileyo phakathi kweJodani beqinile, loIsrayeli wonke wachapha emhlabathini owomileyo, isizwe sonke saze saqeda ukuchapha iJodani. Kwasekusithi lapho isizwe sonke sesiqede ukuchapha iJodani, yakhuluma kuJoshuwa isithi: Zithathele amadoda alitshumi lambili ebantwini, indoda ibenye kuleso lalesosizwe, uwalaye uthi: Zithatheleni okuvela lapha phakathi kweJodani kuleyondawo, lapho obekumi khona inyawo zabapristi ziqinile. UJoshuwa wasebiza amadoda alitshumi lambili ayewalungisile ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli, indoda yabanye kuleso lalesosizwe. UJoshuwa wasesithi kuwo: Dlulani phambi komtshokotsho weN uNkulunkulu wenu, lingene phakathi kweJodani, lizithathele, lowo lalowo, ilitshe elilodwa, ale tshate ehlombe, njengokwenani lezizwe zabantwana bakoIsrayeli, ukuze lokhu kube yisiboniso phakathi kwenu. Nxa abantwana benu bebuza kusasa besithi: Ayini lamatshe kini? Lizabatshela-ke: Ngoba amanzi eJodani aqunywa phambi komtshotsho wesivumelwano seN. Lapho uchapha iJodani, amanzi eJodani aqunywa. Labantwana bakoIsrayeli benza njalo njengokulaya kukaJoshuwa, bathatha amatshe alitshumi lambili phakathi kweJodani, njengokutsho kweN kuJoshuwa, ngokwenani lezizwe zabantwana bakoIsrayeli; bawathwala bachapha lawo, baya endaweni lapho abalala khona, bawabeka khona. UJoshuwa wasemisa amatshe alitshumi lambili phakathi kweJodani endaweni lapho inyawo zabapristi ababethwele umtshokotsho wesivumelwano ezazimi khona. Njalo asekhona lapho kuze kube lamuhla. Ngoba abapristi ababethwele umtshokotsho bema phakathi kweJodani kwaze kwaphela yonke into eyayimlaye yona uJoshuwa ukuyitshela abantu, njengakho konke uMozisi ayekulaye uJoshuwa. Labantu baphangisa bachapha. Kwasekusithi bonke abantu sebeqedile ukuchapha, umtshokotsho weN wachapha, labapristi phambi kwabantu. Njalo abantwana bakoRubeni labantwana bakoGadi lengxenye yesizwe sakoManase bachapha behlomile phambi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli. Phose izinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane behlomele impi, bachapha phambi kweN ukuya empini, emagcekeni eJeriko. Ngalolosuku yamkhulisa uJoshuwa emehlweni kaIsrayeli wonke, njalo bamesaba njengalokhu babemesaba uMozisi insuku zonke zempilo yakhe. yasikhuluma kuJoshuwa isithi: Laya abapristi abathwala umtshokotsho wobufakazi ukuthi bakhuphuke eJodani. UJoshuwa wasebalaya abapristi esithi: Khuphukani eJodani. Kwasekusithi lapho abapristi ababethwele umtshokotsho wesivumelwano seN sebekhuphukile phakathi kweJodani, l engaphansi yenyawo zabapristi isiphakanyiselwe emhlabathini owomileyo, amanzi eJodani abuyela endaweni yawo, ahamba njengamandulo aphuphuma enkunjini zonke zayo. Labantu bakhuphuka besuka eJodani ngolwetshumi lwenyanga yokuqala, bamisa inkamba eGiligali ephethelweni lempumalanga yeJeriko. Lalawomatshe alitshumi lambili abawathatha eJodani uJoshuwa wawamisa eGiligali. Wakhuluma kubantwana bakoIsrayeli esithi: Nxa abantwana benu bebuza kusasa kuboyise besithi: Ayini lamatshe? Lizabazisa-ke abantwana benu lisithi: UIsrayeli wayichapha le iJodani emhlabathini owomileyo. Ngoba uNkulunkulu wenu yenza amanzi eJodani atsha phambi kwenu laze lachapha, njengokwenza kweN uNkulunkulu wenu kuLwandle oluBomvu eyalomisa phambi kwethu saze sachapha, ukuze zonke izizwe zomhlaba zazi isandla seN KOSI. Kwasekusithi lapho wonke amakhosi amaAmori ayenganeno kweJodani ngentshonalanga lawo wonke amakhosi amaKhanani ayengaselwandle. Ngalesosikhathi yathi kuJoshuwa: Zenzele ingqamu zensengetshe, ubasoke futhi abantwana bakoIsrayeli okwesibili. UJoshuwa wasezenzela ingqamu zensengetshe, wabasoka abantwana bakoIsrayeli oqaqeni lwamajwabu. Njalo yilesisizatho uJoshuwa a ba sokela sona; bonke abantu abaphuma eGibhithe, abesilisa, amadoda wonke empi, afela enkangala endleleni esephumile eGibhithe. Ngoba bonke abantu abaphumayo babesokiwe, kodwa bonke abantu ababezalelwe enkangala endleleni sebephumile eGibhithe babengabasokanga. Ngoba abantwana bakoIsrayeli bahamba enkangala iminyaka engamatshumi amane saze sabhubha isizwe sonke samadoda empi ayephume eGibhithe, ngoba engalilalelanga ilizwi leN KOSI. Labantwana bawo yabavusa esikhundleni sawo; bona uJoshuwa wabasoka, ngoba babengasokwanga, ngoba babengabasokanga endleleni. Kwasekusithi sebeqedile ukusoka isizwe sonke, bahlala endaweni yabo enkambeni baze baphola. yasisithi kuJoshuwa: Lamuhla ngigiqile ngasusa kini ihlazo leGibhithe. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebemisa inkamba eGiligali, bagcina iphasika ngosuku lwetshumi lane lwenyanga kusihlwa emagcekeni eJeriko. Basebesidla izithelo zelizwe, ngekuseni eyalandela iphasika, izinkwa ezingelamvubelo lamabele akhanzingiweyo, ngalona lolosuku. Imana yacina ngelanga elalandela abadla ngalo izithelo zelizwe; labantwana bakoIsrayeli kabasabanga lemana, kodwa badla izithelo zelizwe leKhanani ngalowomnyaka. Kwasekusithi uJoshuwa eseJeriko, waphakamisa amehlo akhe wabona, khangela-ke, indoda imi maqondana laye. UJoshuwa wasesiya kuyo wathi kuyo: Ungowakithi yini, kumbe ungowezitha zethu? Wasesithi: Hatshi; kodwa ngiyinduna yebutho leN; sengibuyile. UJoshuwa wasesithi mbo ngobuso bakhe emhlabathini, wakhonza esithi kuye: INkosi yami ithini encekwini yayo? Induna yebutho leN yasisithi kuJoshuwa: Khulula inyathela lakho enyaweni lwakho, ngoba indawo omi kiyo ingcwele. UJoshuwa wasesenza njalo. IJeriko yayivaliwe-ke ngci ngenxa yabantwana bakoIsrayeli. Kakho owaphumayo, njalo kakho owangenayo. yasisithi kuJoshuwa: Bona, nginikele esandleni sakho iJeriko lenkosi yayo lamaqhawe. Lizawubhoda-ke umuzi, wonke amadoda empi, awubhode umuzi kanye. Uzakwenza njalo insuku eziyisithupha. Labapristi abayisikhombisa bazathwala impondo. Kuzakuthi-ke lapho bekhalisa uphondo lwenqama isikhathi eside, nxa lisizwa ukukhala kophondo, abantu bonke bazamemeza ngokuklabalala okukhulu, lomduli womuzi uzadilikela phansi; labantu bazakwenyuka, ngulowo lalowo maqondana laye. Ngakho uJoshuwa indodana kaNuni wabiza abapristi wathi kibo: Thwalani umtshokotsho wesivumelwano, labapristi abayisikhombisa bathwale impondo zezinqama eziyisikhombisa phambi komtshokotsho weN. Wasesithi ebantwini: Dlulani liwuzingelezele umuzi, lohlomileyo kadlule phambi komtshokotsho weN. Kwasekusithi uJoshuwa esekhulume ebantwini, abapristi abayisikhombisa bethwele impondo eziyisikhombisa zenqama bakhokhela phambi kweN, bavuthela impondo, lomtshokotsho wesivumelwano seN wabalandela. Abahlomileyo basebehamba phambi kwabapristi ababevuthela izimpondo, lesigaba sasemuva salandela umtshokotsho, bahamba bevuthela izimpondo. UJoshuwa wayelaye-ke abantu esithi: Lingamemezi, loba lizwakalise ilizwi lenu; kungaphumi lizwi emlonyeni wenu kuze kube lusuku engizalitshela ngalo ukuthi limemeze; beselimemeza. Ngakho umtshokotsho weN wawubhoda umuzi, uzingelezela kanye; basebesiza enkambeni, balala enkambeni ebusuku. UJoshuwa wasevuka ekuseni kakhulu, labapristi bathwala umtshokotsho weN. Labapristi abayisikhombisa bephethe impondo zezinqama eziyisikhombisa phambi komtshokotsho weN baqhubeka behamba, bevuthela izimpondo, labahlomileyo bahamba phambi kwabo, lesigaba sasemuva salandela umtshokotsho weN, bahamba bevuthela izimpondo. Langosuku lwesibili bawuzingelezela umuzi kanye, babuyela enkambeni. Benza njalo insuku eziyisithupha. Kwasekusithi ngosuku lwesikhombisa bavuka ngovivi emadabukakusa, bawubhoda umuzi kasikhombisa ngendlela efananayo. Kuphela ngalolosuku bawubhoda umuzi kasikhombisa. Kwasekusithi ngesikhathi sesikhombisa, abapristi bavuthela impondo, uJoshuwa wasesithi ebantwini: Memezani, ngoba ilinikile umuzi. Kodwa umuzi wona lakho konke okukuwo kuzakwehlukaniselwa eNni; nguRahabi iwule kuphela ozaphila, yena labo bonke alabo endlini yakhe, ngoba wafihla izithunywa esazithumayo. Kodwa lina sibili zigcineni kokuqalekisiweyo, hlezi lizenze abaqalekisiweyo nxa lithatha kokuqalekisiweyo, lenze inkamba yakoIsrayeli ibe yinto eqalekisiweyo. Kodwa sonke isiliva legolide, lezitsha zethusi lezensimbi, kungcwele eNni. Kuzakuza endlini yokuligugu kweN. Abantu basebememeza, kwavuthelwa izimpondo. Kwasekusithi abantu besizwa ukukhala kwempondo, abantu bamemeza ngokuklabalala okukhulu, umduli wadilikela phansi, labantu benyukela emzini, ngulowo lalowo maqondana laye, bawuthumba umuzi. Batshabalalisa konke okusemzini, kusukela kowesilisa kusiya kowesifazana, kusukela komutsha kusiya komdala, kuze kube senkabini lemvini lobabhemi, ngobukhali benkemba. Lakulawomadoda amabili ayeyehlola ilizwe uJoshuwa wathi: Ngenani endlini yowesifazana oliwule, likhuphe kuyo owesifazana lakho konke alakho, njengokufunga kwenu kuye. Lamajaha izinhloli angena akhupha uRahabi loyise lonina labanewabo lakho konke ayelakho; akhupha zonke izihlobo zakhe, azibeka ngaphandle kwenkamba yakoIsrayeli. Basebewutshisa umuzi ngomlilo lakho konke okwakukiwo; kuphela isiliva legolide lezitsha zethusi lezensimbi bakufaka kokuligugu kwendlu yeN. Ngakho uRahabi iwule, lendlu kayise, labo bonke ayelabo, uJoshuwa wabayekela bephila; wahlala phakathi koIsrayeli kuze kube lamuhla, ngoba wafihla izithunywa uJoshuwa ayezithume ukuhlola iJeriko. UJoshuwa wa ba fungisa esithi. Ngokunjalo yaba loJoshuwa. Kodwa abantwana bakoIsrayeli baphambuka ngesiphambeko ngokuqalekisiweyo. Ngoba uAkani indodana kaKarmi indodana kaZabidi indodana kaZera owesizwe sakoJuda wathatha kokuqalekisiweyo; ulaka lweN lwaselubavuthela abantwana bakoIsrayeli. UJoshuwa wasethuma abantu besuka eJeriko besiya eAyi eliseduze leBeti-Aveni. Basebebuyela kuJoshuwa bathi kuye: Kakungenyuki bonke abantu; kakwenyuke phose amadoda azinkulungwane ezimbili loba phose amadoda azinkulungwane ezintathu ukutshaya iAyi. Ungadinisi bonke abantu ngo kuya khona, ngoba balutshwana. Kwasekusenyukela khona abavela ebantwini amadoda aphosa abe zinkulungwane ezintathu; abaleka phambi kwamadoda eAyi. Lamadoda eAyi atshaya phose amadoda angamatshumi amathathu lesithupha, axotshana lawo phambi kwesango aze afika eShebarimi, awatshayela ekwehleni. Ngakho inhliziyo yabantu yancibilika yaba ngamanzi. UJoshuwa wasedabula izigqoko zakhe, wathi mbo ngobuso emhlabathini phambi komtshokotsho weN kwaze kwahlwa, yena labadala bakoIsrayeli. UJoshuwa wasesithi: Maye Nkosi Jehova! Ubachaphiseleni lokubachaphisa lababantu iJodani ukusinikela esandleni samaAmori ukusibhubhisa? Kungathi ngabe seneliswa sahlala ngaphetsheya kweJodani! O Nkosi, ngizakuthini, emva kokuthi uIsrayeli esephendule intamo ezitheni zakhe? Ngoba amaKhanani labo bonke abakhileyo elizweni bazakuzwa, basihanqe, baliqume ibizo lethu lisuke emhlabeni? yasisithi kuJoshuwa: Sukuma wena, uweleni kanje ngobuso bakho? UIsrayeli wonile; njalo baseqile isivumelwano sami engabalaya sona. Ngalokho abantwana bakoIsrayeli babengelakuma phambi kwezitha zabo. Sukuma, ngcwelisa abantu, uthi: Zingcweliseleleni ikusasa. Ngakho ekuseni lizasondezwa ngezizwe zenu; kuzakuthi-ke isizwe ezasibamba sizasondela ngensendo, losendo ezalubamba luzasondela ngezindlu, lendlu ezayibamba izasondela ngabantu. Kuzakuthi-ke lowo ozabanjwa lokuqalekisiweyo uzatshiswa ngomlilo, yena lakho konke alakho. UJoshuwa wasevuka ekuseni kakhulu, wenza uIsrayeli wasondela ngezizwe zakhe; lesizwe sakoJuda sabanjwa; wasesenza usendo lwakoJuda lusondele, wabamba usendo lwakoZera; wenza usendo lwakoZera lusondele ngabantu; uZabidi wasebanjwa; wasesenza indlu yakhe isondele ngabantu; uAkani. UJoshuwa wasesithi kuAkani: Ndodana yami, ake unike udumo, uNkulunkulu wakoIsrayeli. UAkani wasephendula uJoshuwa wathi: Isibili mina ngonile eNni, uNkulunkulu wakoIsrayeli. Ngokunje langokunje ngikwenzile. Kwathi ngibona phakathi kwempango isembatho seBhabhiloni esihle esisodwa, lamashekeli esiliva angamakhulu amabili, lolimi lwegolide olulodwa osisindo salo singamashekeli angamatshumi amahlanu, ngakuhawukela, ngakuthatha, khangela-ke, kuthukuziwe emhlabathini phakathi kwethente lami, lesiliva singaphansi kwakho. UJoshuwa wasethuma izithunywa, zagijima zaya ethenteni, khangela-ke, kwakufihliwe ethenteni lakhe, lesiliva singaphansi kwakho. Bakukhupha phakathi kwethente, bakuletha kuJoshuwa lebantwaneni bonke bakoIsrayeli, bakuthululela phambi kweN. UJoshuwa loIsrayeli wonke ekanye laye basebemthatha uAkani indodana kaZera, lesiliva, lesembatho, lolimi lwegolide, lamadodana akhe, lamadodakazi akhe, lenkabi zakhe, labobabhemi bakhe, lezimvu zakhe, lethente lakhe, lakho konke ayelakho, bakwenyusela esihotsheni seAkori. UJoshuwa wasesithi: Usihlupheleni? izakuhlupha lamuhla. Bamisa phezu kwakhe inqwaba enkulu yamatshe kuze kube lamuhla. yasisithi kuJoshuwa: Ungesabi, ungatshaywa luvalo; thatha kanye lawe bonke abantu bempi, usukume wenyukele eAyi. Uzakwenza-ke eAyi lenkosini yayo njengokwenza kwakho eJeriko lenkosini yayo. UJoshuwa wasesukuma labo bonke abantu bempi ukwenyukela eAyi; uJoshuwa wasekhetha amaqhawe alamandla ayizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu, wawathuma ebusuku. Wawalaya esithi: Bonani, lizawucathamela umuzi ngemva komuzi. Lingabi khatshana kakhulu lomuzi, kodwa lungani lonke. Mina-ke labo bonke abantu abalami sizasondela emzini. Kuzakuthi-ke lapho bephuma ukumelana lathi njengakuqala sibaleke phambi kwabo. Njalo bazaphuma emva kwethu size sibadonse basuke emzini. Ngoba bazakuthi: Bayabaleka phambi kwethu njengakuqala. Ngakho sizabaleka phambi kwabo. Lina-ke lizasukuma ekucathameni, liwuthumbe umuzi; ngoba uNkulunkulu wenu izawunikela esandleni senu. Kuzakuthi-ke seliwuthumbile umuzi, liwutshise umuzi ngomlilo, lizakwenza njengokwelizwi leN. Bonani, ngililayile. UJoshuwa wasebathuma, baya ekucathameni, bahlala phakathi kweBhetheli leAyi, entshonalanga kweAyi, kodwa uJoshuwa walala phakathi kwabantu ngalobobusuku. UJoshuwa wasevuka ekuseni kakhulu, wabala abantu, wenyuka, yena labadala bakoIsrayeli, phambi kwabantu, waya eAyi. Labo bonke abantu bempi ababelaye benyuka, basondela, beza maqondana lomuzi, bamisa inkamba enyakatho kweAyi. Njalo kwakulesihotsha phakathi kwabo leAyi. Wasethatha phose amadoda azinkulungwane ezinhlanu, wawacathamisa phakathi kweBhetheli leAyi entshonalanga komuzi. Lapho sebemisa abantu, lonke ibutho elalisenyakatho komuzi, labacathami ngasentshonalanga komuzi, uJoshuwa waya phakathi kwesihotsha ngalobobusuku. Kwasekusithi inkosi yeAyi i ku bona, aphangisa avuka ngovivi; lamadoda omuzi aphuma impi emelane loIsrayeli, yona labantu bayo bonke, ngesikhathi esimisiweyo, phambi kwamagceke; kodwa yona yayingazi ukuthi kukhona abayicathameleyo emva komuzi. UJoshuwa loIsrayeli basebetshaywa phambi kwawo, babaleka ngendlela yenkangala. Kwasekubizwa bonke abantu ababesemzini ukuxotshana labo. Nxa bexotshana loJoshuwa badonswa basuka emzini. Njalo kakusalanga muntu eAyi kumbe eBhetheli, abangaphumanga ukulandela uIsrayeli; bawutshiya umuzi ukhamisile, baxotshana loIsrayeli. yasisithi kuJoshuwa: Yelulela umkhonto osesandleni sakho eAyi, ngoba ngizayinikela esandleni sakho. UJoshuwa waseselulela umkhonto osesandleni sakhe emzini. Abacathemeyo basebesukuma masinyane endaweni yabo; bagijima esanda ukwelula isandla sakhe, bangena emzini, bawuthumba, baphangisa, bawutshisa umuzi ngomlilo. Kwathi lapho amadoda eAyi enyemukula abona, khangela-ke, intuthu yomuzi yenyukela emazulwini, njalo ayengelandawo yokubalekela ngapha langapha, ngoba abantu ababebalekele enkangala baphendukela aba ba xotshayo. Kwathi uJoshuwa loIsrayeli wonke bebona ukuthi abacathemeyo sebewuthumbile umuzi lokuthi intuthu yomuzi yenyuka, baphenduka batshaya amadoda eAyi. Lalaba baphuma emzini ukumelana lawo, aze aba phakathi kukaIsrayeli, abanye ngapha labanye ngale; basebewatshaya, kakwaze kwasala muntu kuwo, owasilayo kumbe owaphunyukayo. Kodwa inkosi yeAyi bayibamba iphila, bayisondeza kuJoshuwa. Kwasekusithi lapho uIsrayeli eseqedile ukubulala bonke abahlali beAyi egangeni, enkangala lapho ababebaxotshele khona, babewile bonke ngobukhali benkemba, baze baqedwa, uIsrayeli wonke wabuyela eAyi, bayitshaya ngobukhali benkemba. Kwasekusithi, bonke abawayo mhlalokho, kusukela kwabesilisa kusiya kwabesifazana, babeyizinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili, bonke abantu beAyi. Njalo uJoshuwa kasifinyezanga isandla sakhe ayelule umkhonto ngaso baze batshabalalisa bonke abahlali beAyi. Kuphela izifuyo lempango yalowomuzi uIsrayeli waziphangela, njengelizwi leN eyalilaya uJoshuwa. UJoshuwa waseyitshisa iAyi, wayimisa yaba yinqwaba phakade, unxiwa, kuze kube lamuhla. Lenkosi yeAyi wayiphanyeka esihlahleni kwaze kwaba yisikhathi santambama. Khona uJoshuwa wayakhela uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli ilathi entabeni yeEbhali. Njengokulaya kukaMozisi inceku yeN kubantwana bakoIsrayeli, njengalokhu ubhalwe egwalweni lomlayo kaMozisi, ilathi lamatshe apheleleyo, okungazange kusetshenziswe nsimbi phezu kwalo. Wasebhala lapho ematsheni impinda yomlayo kaMozisi, ayibhala phambi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli. UIsrayeli wonke-ke, labadala babo, lezinduna, labahluleli babo, bema ngapha langapha komtshokotsho, beqondene labapristi, amaLevi. Langemva kwalokho wamemezela wonke amazwi omlayo, njengakho konke okubhaliweyo egwalweni lomlayo. Akwabakho ilizwi kukho konke uMozisi akulayayo uJoshuwa angalimemezelanga phambi kwebandla lonke lakoIsrayeli labesifazana labantwanyana. Kwasekusithi lapho wonke amakhosi ayenganeno kweJodani, entabeni, lesihotsheni, abuthana ndawonye ukulwa loJoshuwa loIsrayeli nganhliziyonye. Kwathi abahlali beGibeyoni, labo basebesenza ngobuqili; bahamba bazenza izithunywa, bathwalisa obabhemi babo amasaka agugileyo lemigodla yewayini egugileyo ledabukileyo lebekelweyo, lamanyathela agugileyo labekelweyo enyaweni zabo. Basebesiya kuJoshuwa enkambeni eGiligali, bathi kuye lemadodeni akoIsrayeli: Sivela elizweni elikhatshana, ngakho-ke yenzani isivumelwano lathi. Kodwa amadoda akoIsrayeli athi kumaHivi? Asesithi kuJoshuwa: Sizinceku zakho. UJoshuwa wasesithi kiwo: Lingobani? Njalo livela ngaphi? Asesithi kuye: Izinceku zakho zivela elizweni elikhatshana kakhulu, ngenxa yebizo leN uNkulunkulu wakho, lakho konke eyakwenza emakhosini amabili amaAmori ayengaphetsheya kweJodani, uSihoni inkosi yeHeshiboni, loOgi inkosi yeBashani, eyayiseAshitarothi. Ngakho abadala bethu labo bonke abakhileyo elizweni lakithi bakhuluma kithi besithi: Thathani umphako wendlela esandleni senu, lihambe liyehlangana labo, lithi kibo: Sizinceku zenu; ngakho-ke yenzani isivumelwano lathi. Lesisinkwa sethu sasithatha sitshisa singumphako wethu ezindlini zethu mhla siphumayo sisiza kini; kodwa khathesi, khangela, sesomile sakhunta. Lalimigodla yewayini esayigcwalisayo yayimitsha; kodwa khangela, isidabukile. Lalezizigqoko zethu lamanyathela ethu sekugugiswe luhambo olude kakhulu. Ngakho amadoda athatha kokomphako wabo, engabuzanga umlomo weN. UJoshuwa wasesenza ukuthula labo, wenza isivumelwano labo sokubayekela baphile, lezinduna zenhlangano zafunga kibo. Kwasekusithi ekupheleni kwensuku ezintathu emva kokuthi sebenzile isivumelwano labo, bezwa ukuthi bangomakhelwane babo, lokuthi babehlala phakathi kwabo. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebesuka bafika emizini yabo ngosuku lwesithathu. Njalo imizi yabo yayiyiGibeyoni leKefira leBherothi. Njalo abantwana bakoIsrayeli kababatshayanga ngoba izinduna zebandla zazibafungele ngeN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli; inhlangano yonke yasingungunela izinduna. Kodwa zonke izinduna zathi enhlanganweni yonke: Thina sifungile kibo ngeN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, ngakho-ke kasilakubathinta. Sizakwenza lokhu kibo, sibayekele baphile, ukuze kungabi khona ulaka phezu kwethu. Lezinduna zathi kubo: Bayekeleni baphile, kodwa kababe ngabagamuli benkuni labakhi bamanzi enhlanganweni yonke. UJoshuwa wasebabiza, wakhuluma labo esithi: Lisikhohliseleni, lisithi: Sikhatshana kakhulu lani? Ngakho-ke liqalekisiwe. Basebephendula uJoshuwa bathi: Ngoba kwatshelwa lokutshelwa ezincekwini zakho ukuthi uNkulunkulu wakho yalaya uMozisi inceku yayo ukulinika ilizwe lonke lokuchitha bonke abakhileyo belizwe phambi kwenu. Khathesi-ke, khangela, sesisesandleni sakho; yenza njengokulungileyo lanjengokuqondileyo emehlweni akho u ku kwenza kithi. Ngakho wenza njalo kubo, wabophula esandleni sabantwana bakoIsrayeli, ukuze bangababulali. UJoshuwa wasebenza ngalolosuku baba ngabagamuli benkuni labakhi bamanzi benhlangano, labelathi leN, kuze kube lamuhla. Kwasekusithi lapho uAdonizedeki inkosi yeJerusalema esezwile ukuthi uJoshuwa uyithumbile iAyi, wayitshabalalisa, njengalokho akwenza eJeriko lenkosini yayo, besaba kakhulu, ngoba iGibeyoni yayingumuzi omkhulu njengomunye wemizi yenkosi, langoba yayinkulu kuleAyi, lamadoda ayo wonke engamaqhawe. Ngakho uAdonizedeki inkosi yeJerusalema yathumela kuHohamu inkosi yeHebroni, esithi: Yenyukelani kimi lingisize, ukuze siyitshaye iGibeyoni; ngoba yenzile ukuthula loJoshuwa labantwana bakoIsrayeli. Ngakho amakhosi amahlanu amaAmori, inkosi yeJerusalema, inkosi yeHebroni, inkosi yeJarimuthi, inkosi yeLakishi, inkosi yeEgiloni, ahlangana enyuka, wona lamabutho awo wonke, amisa inkamba maqondana leGibeyoni, alwa layo. Amadoda eGibeyoni asethumela kuJoshuwa enkambeni yeGiligali esithi: Isandla sakho singatshiyi izinceku zakho; yenyukela kithi masinyane usisindise usisize, ngoba amakhosi wonke amaAmori ahlala ezintabeni asesihlanganyele. Ngakho uJoshuwa wenyuka esuka eGiligali, yena labo bonke abantu bempi kanye laye, lawo wonke amaqhawe alamandla. yasisithi kuJoshuwa: Ungabesabi, ngoba ngibanikele esandleni sakho; kakulamuntu wabo ozakuma phambi kwakho. UJoshuwa wasebajuma, enyuke ubusuku bonke esuka eGiligali. yabasanganisa phambi kukaIsrayeli, yabatshaya ngokutshaya okukhulu eGibeyoni. Kwasekusithi besabaleka phambi kukaIsrayeli ekwehleni kweBhethi-Horoni. Ngalesosikhathi uJoshuwa wakhuluma eNni mhla inikela amaAmori phambi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli, wathi phambi kwamehlo kaIsrayeli: Langa, mana eGibeyoni. Lelanga lathi mpo lenyanga yema, abantu baze baziphindisela ezitheni zabo. Lokhu kakubhaliwe yini egwalweni lukaJashari? Ngakho ilanga lema phakathi komkhathi, kalaze laphangisa ukutshona phose okosuku olupheleleyo. Kaluzanga lube khona usuku olunjalo ngaphambi kwalo loba emva kwalo lapho eyalizwa khona ilizwi lomuntu. UJoshuwa wasebuyela enkambeni eGiligali loIsrayeli wonke kanye laye. Kodwa lawomakhosi amahlanu abaleka, acatsha ebhalwini eMakeda. Kwasekubikwa kuJoshuwa ukuthi: Amakhosi amahlanu atholwe ecatshile ebhalwini eMakeda. UJoshuwa wasesithi: Giqelani amatshe amakhulu emlonyeni wobhalu, limise amadoda kulo ukuwalinda. Kodwa lina lingami; xotshanani lezitha zenu, lizitshaye ngemuva kwazo, lingaziyekeli zingene emizini yazo, ngoba uNkulunkulu wenu izinikele esandleni senu. Kwasekusithi lapho uJoshuwa labantwana bakoIsrayeli sebeqedile ukuzitshaya ngokutshaya okukhulukazi zaze zaqedwa, insali eyasalayo yazo yangena emizini evikelweyo. Labantu bonke babuyela enkambeni kuJoshuwa eMakeda ngokuthula; kakho owanyikinya ulimi lwakhe emelana labantwana bakoIsrayeli. UJoshuwa wasesithi: Vulani umlomo wobhalu, likhuphele kimi lawomakhosi amahlanu evela ebhalwini. Basebesenza njalo, bawakhuphela kuye lawomakhosi amahlanu evela ebhalwini: Inkosi yeJerusalema, inkosi yeHebroni, inkosi yeJarimuthi, inkosi yeLakishi, inkosi yeEgiloni. Kwasekusithi sebewakhuphele kuJoshuwa lawomakhosi, uJoshuwa wabiza wonke amadoda akoIsrayeli, wathi ezinduneni zamadoda empi ezazihambe laye: Sondelani, libeke inyawo zenu entanyeni zalamakhosi. Zasezisondela, zabeka inyawo zazo entanyeni zawo. UJoshuwa wasesithi kuzo: Lingesabi lingatshaywa luvalo. Emva kwalokho uJoshuwa wasewatshaya wawabulala, wawalengisa ezihlahleni ezinhlanu; njalo ayelenga ezihlahleni kwaze kwahlwa. Kwasekusithi ngesikhathi sokutshona kwelanga uJoshuwa walaya ukuthi bawethule ezihlahleni, bawaphosele ebhalwini ayecatshe khona; basebefaka amatshe amakhulu emlonyeni wobhalu, akhonakuze kube yilona lolusuku. UJoshuwa wathumba layo iMakeda ngalolosuku, wayitshaya ngobukhali benkemba, watshabalalisa lenkosi yayo, bona, layo yonke imiphefumulo eyayikiyo, katshiyanga insali. UJoshuwa, loIsrayeli wonke laye, wasedlula esuka eMakeda waya eLibhina, walwa emelene leLibhina. yasiyinikela layo lenkosi yayo esandleni sikaIsrayeli; waseyitshaya ngobukhali benkemba lemiphefumulo yonke eyayikiyo; katshiyanga insali kiyo; wenza enkosini yayo njengalokho akwenza enkosini yeJeriko. UJoshuwa wasesedlula esuka eLibhina, loIsrayeli wonke kanye laye, waya eLakishi, wamisa inkamba maqondana layo, walwa emelene layo. yasiyinikela iLakishi esandleni sikaIsrayeli; waseyithumba ngosuku lwesibili, wayitshaya ngobukhali benkemba layo yonke imiphefumulo eyayikiyo, njengakho konke akwenza eLibhina. Ngalesosikhathi uHoramu inkosi yeGezeri wenyuka ukusiza iLakishi; kodwa uJoshuwa wamtshaya labantu bakhe, kwaze kwathi kamtshiyelanga insali. UJoshuwa wasesedlula esuka eLakishi, loIsrayeli wonke kanye laye, baya eEgiloni, bamisa inkamba maqondana layo, balwa bemelene layo. Bayithumba ngalolosuku, bayitshaya ngobukhali benkemba, lemiphefumulo yonke eyayikiyo bayitshabalalisa ngalolosuku, njengakho konke akwenza eLakishi. UJoshuwa wasesenyuka esuka eEgiloni loIsrayeli wonke kanye laye, baya eHebroni, balwa bemelene layo, bayithumba, bayitshaya ngobukhali benkemba, lenkosi yayo lemizi yayo yonke lawo wonke umphefumulo owawukiyo; katshiyanga insali, njengakho konke akwenza eEgiloni, wawutshabalalisa lawo wonke umphefumulo owawukiyo. UJoshuwa wasebuyela eDebiri loIsrayeli wonke kanye laye, balwa bemelene layo, bayithumba lenkosi yayo layo yonke imizi yayo, bayitshaya ngobukhali benkemba, batshabalalisa wonke umphefumulo owawukiyo; katshiyanga insali. Njengokwenza kwakhe eHebroni wenza njalo eDebiri lenkosini yayo, lanjengokwenza kwakhe eLibhina lenkosini yayo. Ngakho uJoshuwa walitshaya ilizwe lonke lezintaba leleningizimu lelesihotsha lelamawatha lawo wonke amakhosi abo. UJoshuwa wasebatshaya kusukela eKadeshi-Bhaneya. UJoshuwa wasethumba wonke lamakhosi lelizwe lawo ngasikhathi sinye, ngoba uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli yamlwela uIsrayeli. UJoshuwa wasebuyela, loIsrayeli wonke kanye laye, enkambeni eGiligali. Kwasekusithi lapho uJabini, lemakhosini ayengenyakatho ezintabeni, lemagcekeni, eningizimu kweKinerothi, amaKhanani empumalanga lentshonalanga, lamaAmori lamaHethi lamaPerizi lamaJebusi entabeni. Asephuma, wona lawo wonke amabutho awo kanye lawo, abantu abanengi, njengetshebetshebe elisekhunjini lolwandle ngobunengi, lamabhiza lenqola okunengi kakhulu. Wonke lamakhosi asehlangana, eza amisa inkamba ndawonye emanzini eMeroma, ukulwa emelene loIsrayeli. yasisithi kuJoshuwa: Ungesabi ngenxa yabo, ngoba kusasa phose ngalesisikhathi ngizawanikela wonke esebulewe phambi kukaIsrayeli. UJoshuwa wasesiza, labo bonke abantu bempi kanye laye, bemelene lawo emanzini eMeroma bawajuma, bawadumela. yasiwanikela esandleni sikaIsrayeli, owawatshaya waxotshana lawo kwaze kwaba seSidoni enkulu, kwaze kwaba seMisirefothi-Mayimi, kwaze kwaba sesihotsheni seMizipa empumalanga. Bawatshaya, kabaze batshiya insali kubo. UJoshuwa wasesenza kiwo njengokutsho kweN kuye; waquma imisipha yamabhiza awo, watshisa inqola zawo ngomlilo. UJoshuwa wasebuya ngalesosikhathi, wathumba iHazori, watshaya inkosi yayo ngenkemba. Ngoba kuqala iHazori yayiyinhloko yayo yonke leyomibuso. Batshaya yonke imiphefumulo eyayikiyo ngobukhali benkemba, bayitshabalalisa; kakusalanga lokukodwa okuphefumulayo; wasetshisa iHazori ngomlilo. Yonke-ke imizi yalawomakhosi lamakhosi ayo wonke uJoshuwa wakuthumba, wakutshaya ngobukhali benkemba, wakutshabalalisa, njengokulaya kukaMozisi inceku yeN. Kuphela imizi yonke eyayimi emadundulwini ayo uIsrayeli kayitshisanga, ngaphandle kweHazori kuphela uJoshuwa ayitshisayo. Layo yonke impango yalimizi lezifuyo abantwana bakoIsrayeli baziphangela. Kuphela bonke abantu babatshaya ngobukhali benkemba baze babachitha; kabatshiyanga loyedwa ophefumulayo. Njengalokhu yayimlayile uMozisi inceku yayo. Ngakho uJoshuwa walithatha lelolizwe lonke, izintaba, leningizimu yonke, kusukela entabeni yeHalaki. Wawathumba wonke amakhosi abo, wawatshaya wawabulala. UJoshuwa wayilwa-ke impi insuku ezinengi lawo wonke lawomakhosi. Kakubanga lamuzi owenza ukuthula labantwana bakoIsrayeli ngaphandle kwamaHivi abahlali beGibeyoni; bayithatha yonke ngempi. Ngoba kwakuvela eNni ukwenza lukhuni inhliziyo zabo ukuze bahlangabezane loIsrayeli empini, ukuze abatshabalalise. UJoshuwa wasesiza ngalesosikhathi, waquma amaAnaki asuke ezintabeni, eAnabi, lentabeni zonke zakoJuda, lakuzo zonke intaba zakoIsrayeli; uJoshuwa wawatshabalalisa lemizi yawo. Kakusalanga amaAnaki elizweni labantwana bakoIsrayeli; kuphela eGaza. UJoshuwa wasethatha ilizwe lonke njengakho konke eyakukhuluma kuMozisi. Lala ngamakhosi elizwe abantwana bakoIsrayeli abawatshayayo, badla ilifa lelizwe lawo ngaphetsheya kweJodani ngempumalanga, kusukela esifuleni seArinoni: USihoni inkosi yamaAmori owayehlala eHeshiboni, lamagceke kuze kufike elwandle lweKinerothi, kuze kube selwandle lwamagceke, uLwandle lweTshwayi, empumalanga; lomngcele kaOgi inkosi yeBashani, wabusa entabeni yeHermoni. UMozisi inceku yeN labantwana bakoIsrayeli babatshaya. Lala ngamakhosi elizwe uJoshuwa labantwana bakoIsrayeli abawatshayayo nganeno kweJodani entshonalanga, kusukela eBhali-Gadi esihotsheni seLebhanoni kusiya entabeni elugwadule: Ezintabeni, lezihotsheni, lemagcekeni, lemawatheni, lenkangala, leningizimu. Inkosi yeJeriko, eyodwa; inkosi yeJerusalema, eyodwa; inkosi yeHebroni, eyodwa; ; inkosi yeEgiloni, eyodwa; inkosi yeDebiri, eyodwa; inkosi yeHorma, eyodwa; inkosi yeLibhina, eyodwa; inkosi yeMakeda, eyodwa; inkosi yeTapuwa, eyodwa; inkosi yeAfeki, eyodwa; inkosi yeLasharoni, eyodwa; inkosi yeMadoni, eyodwa; inkosi yeShimironi-Meroni, eyodwa; inkosi yeThahanakhi, eyodwa; inkosi yeKedeshi, eyodwa; inkosi yeDori emngceleni weDori, eyodwa; inkosi yeTiriza, eyodwa; wonke amakhosi angamatshumi amathathu lanye. UJoshuwa wayesemdala eleminyaka eminengi. yasisithi kuye: Usumdala, uleminyaka eminengi, kusasele ilizwe elikhulu kakhulu ukudla ilifa lalo. Yileli ilizwe eliseleyo, kusukela eShihori eliphambi kweGibhithe, kusiya emngceleni weEkhironi enyakatho, elibalelwa kumaKhanani, kusukela eningizimu, ilizwe lonke lamaKhanani, leMeyara elingelamaSidoni, kuze kufike eAfeki, lelizwe lamaGebali, leLebhanoni lonke, kusiya empumalanga. Bonke abakhileyo ezintabeni, kusukela eLebhanoni kusiya eMisirefothi-Mayimi, wonke amaSidoni. Ngakho-ke yehlukanisa ilizwe leli libe yilifa ezizweni eziyisificamunwemunye lengxenye yesizwe sakoManase. Kanye labo abakoRubeni labakoGadi bemukela ilifa labo, uMozisi owabanika lona, ngaphetsheya kweJodani ngempumalanga, njengalokho uMozisi inceku yeN wabanika: Kusukela eAroweri esekhunjini lwesifula seArinoni, lomuzi ophakathi kwesifula, lemizi yonke kaSihoni inkosi yamaAmori owabusa eHeshiboni, kuze kube semngceleni wabantwana bakoAmoni, leGileyadi, umbuso wonke kaOgi eBashani owabusa eAshitarothi leEdreyi. UMozisi wayebatshaye-ke wabaxotsha elifeni labo. Kodwa abantwana bakoIsrayeli kabawaxotshanga elifeni amaGeshuri lamaMahakathi; kodwa amaGeshuri lamaMahakathi ahlala phakathi kukaIsrayeli kuze kube lamuhla. Kuphela esizweni sakoLevi kanikanga ilifa; iminikelo yeN uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli eyenziwe ngomlilo iyilifa laso. UMozisi wasenika isizwe sabantwana bakoRubeni ngokwensendo zabo. Lomngcele waso wasukela eAroweri, iHeshiboni, lemizi yayo yonke esemagcekeni leBamothi-Bhali leBeti-Bhali-Meyoni, leJahaza, leKiriyathayimi, leBeti-Peyori, lemizi yonke yamagceke, lombuso wonke kaSihoni inkosi yamaAmori, owayebusa eHeshiboni. LoBalami indodana kaPeyori, ovumisayo, abantwana bakoIsrayeli bambulala ngenkemba phakathi kwababuleweyo babo. Lomngcele wabantwana bakoRubeni wawuyiJodani lomngcele wayo. Lokhu kwakuyilifa labantwana bakoRubeni ngokwensendo zabo, imizi lemizana yayo. UMozisi wasenika isizwe sakoGadi, kubantwana bakoGadi ngokwensendo zabo. Lomngcele wabo wawuyiJazeri, njalo kusukela eHeshiboni kusiya eRamathi-Mizipa leBetonimi; lesigodini, iBeti-Harama. Leli yilifa labantwana bakoGadi ngokwensendo zabo, imizi lemizana yabo. UMozisi wasenika ingxenye yesizwe sakoManase ilifa; njalo yayingeyengxenye yesizwe sabantwana bakoManase ngokwensendo zabo. Lomngcele wabo wasukela eMahanayimi, iBashani lonke, umbuso wonke kaOgi inkosi yeBashani, layo yonke imizana yeJayiri eseBashani, imizi engamatshumi ayisithupha. Lengxenye yeGileyadi, leAshitarothi, leEdreyi, imizi yombuso kaOgi eBashani, yayingeyabantwana bakoMakiri indodana kaManase. La yiwo uMozisi awanika aba yilifa emagcekeni akoMowabi ngaphetsheya kweJodani eJeriko empumalanga. Kodwa esizweni sakoLevi uMozisi kanikanga ilifa. Lala ngamazweabantwana bakoIsrayeli abawadla abe yilifa elizweni leKhanani, uEleyazare umpristi loJoshuwa indodana kaNuni lenhloko zaboyise bezizwe zabantwana bakoIsrayeli ababanika wona aba yilifa, ngenkatho yelifa labo, njengokulaya kweN ngesandla sikaMozisi, ngezizwe eziyisificamunwemunye lengxenye yesizwe. Ngoba uMozisi wayesenike ilifa izizwe ezimbili lengxenye yesizwe ngaphetsheya kweJodani; kodwa kumaLevi kanikanga ilifa phakathi kwazo. Ngoba abantwana bakoJosefa babeyizizwe ezimbili, uManase loEfrayimi. Njengokulaya kweN kuMozisi, abantwana bakoIsrayeli benza njalo, balaba ilizwe. Khona abantwana bakoJuda basondela kuJoshuwa eGiligali; uKalebi indodana kaJefune umKenizi wasesithi kuye. Ngangileminyaka engamatshumi amane lapho uMozisi inceku yeN ingithuma ngisuka eKadeshi-Bhaneya ukuhlola ilizwe. Ngasengibuyisela kuye umbiko njengokusenhliziyweni yami. Kodwa abazalwane bami ababenyuke lami. UMozisi wasefunga mhlalokho esithi: Isibili umhlaba. Khathesi-ke khangela, ingilondoloze ngiphila njengokutsho kwayo okwale iminyaka engamatshumi amane lanhlanu, kusukela esikhathini eyakhuluma ngaso lelilizwi kuMozisi, uIsrayeli esahamba enkangala. Ngisaqinile lalamuhla njengasosukwini uMozisi angithuma ngalo. Ngakho-ke nginika lintaba eyakhuluma ngayo ngalolosuku, ngoba wena wezwa mhlalokho ukuthi amaAnaki ayekhona lapho lemizi emikhulu ebiyelwe ngemithangala. Aluba ilami, ngizawaxotsha elifeni, njengokutsho kweN. UJoshuwa wasembusisa. Ngalokho-ke iHebroni yaba ngekaKalebi indodana kaJefune umKenizi yaba yilifa kuze kube lamuhla, ngoba wayilandela ngokupheleleyo iN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli. Lebizo leHebroni kuqala laliyiKiriyathi-Arba, owayengumuntu omkhulu phakathi kwamaAnaki. Lenkatho yesizwe sabantwana bakoJuda ngokwensendo zabo yayisemngceleni weEdoma. Lomngcele wabo weningizimu wawusuka ephethelweni loLwandle lweTshwayi, kusukela ethekwini elikhangela eningizimu. Waphuma waya eningizimu emqansweni weAkirabimi, wedlulela eZini, wenyuka usuka eningizimu kusiya eKadeshi-Bhaneya, wedlulele eHezironi, wenyukele eAdari, uphendukele eKarika, wedlulele eAzimoni, uphumele esifuleni seGibhithe; lokuphuma komngcele kwakuselwandle. Lo uzakuba ngumngcele wenu eningizimu. Njalo umngcele wempumalanga wawuluLwandle lweTshwayi, kusiya ephethelweni leJodani. Lomngcele ehlangothini lwenyakatho wasukela ethekwini lolwandle, kusukela ephethelweni leJodani. Lomngcele wenyukela eBeti-Hogila. Lomngcele wenyukela eDebiri. Lomngcele wenyuka ngesihotsha sendodana kaHinomu. Lomngcele wagoba usuka engqongeni yentaba kuze kube semthonjeni wamanzi eNefitowa. Lomngcele wabhoda usuka eBhahala ngentshonalanga waya entabeni yeSeyiri, wedlulele eceleni kwentaba yeJeyarimi, eyiKesaloni, wehlele eBeti-Shemeshi. Lomngcele waphuma uye eceleni kweEkhironi enyakatho, waphumela eJabineli; lokuphuma komngcele kwakuselwandle. Lomngcele wentshonalanga wawululwandle olukhulu lokhumbi. Lo ngumngcele wabantwana bakoJuda inhlangothi zonke ngokwensendo zabo. Wasemupha uKalebi indodana kaJefune isabelo phakathi kwabantwana bakoJuda, ngokomlayo weN kuJoshuwa, iKiriyathi-Arba, uyise kaAnaki, eyiHebroni. UKalebi wasexotsha elifeni amadodana amathathu kaAnaki asuke lapho, uSheshayi loAhimani loTalimayi, abantwana bakaAnaki. Wasesenyuka esuka lapho waya kwabahlali beDebiri. Lebizo leDebiri kuqala laliyiKiriyathi-Seferi. UKalebi wasesithi: Lowo otshaya iKiriyathi-Seferi, ayithumbe, ngizamupha uAkisa indodakazi yami abe ngumka khe. UOthiniyeli indodana kaKenazi, umnawakhe kaKalebi, waseyithumba; wasemnika uAkisa indodakazi yakhe ukuba ngumka khe. Kwasekusithi ekufikeni kwakhe wamkhuthaza ukuthi acele kuyise insimu; wasesehla kubabhemi, uKalebi wasesithi kuye: Ukhala ngani? Wasesithi: Ngipha isibusiso. Leli yilifa lesizwe sabantwana bakoJuda ngokwensendo zabo. Lemizi esukela ekucineni kwesizwe sabantwana bakoJuda kusiya emngceleni weEdoma yile: IKabhiseyeli leJaguri leKina leDimona leAdada leKedeshi leHazori leIthinani, iZifi leHazori-Hadatha leKeriyothi, iHezironi okuyiHazori, iAmama leShema leMolada leHazari-Gada leHeshimoni leBeti-Peleti leHazari-Shuwali, iBhahala leElitoladi leZikilagi leMadimana leSansana leLebayothi leShilihimi. Esihotsheni: IEshitawoli leAshina leZanowa leEni-Ganimi, iTapuwa leEnama, iJarimuthi leShaharayimi leGederothayimi; imizi elitshumi lane lemizana yayo. IZenani leHadasha leMigidali-Gadi leDileyani leMizipa leJokhitheyeli, iLakishi leKhabhoni leLahimasa leKitilishi leGederothi, iBeti-Dagoni, leNahama, leMakeda; imizi elitshumi lesithupha lemizana yayo. ILibhina leJifitha leAshina leNezibhi leKeyila; imizi eyisificamunwemunye lemizana yayo. IEkhironi. Kusukela eEkhironi kusiya elwandle, yonke eseceleni kweAshidodi lemizana yayo: IAshidodi, imizi yayo lemizana yayo. Lezintabeni: IShamiri leJatiri leDana leKiriyathi-Sana okuyiDebiri, leAnabi leEshithemo leAnimi leGosheni; imizi elitshumi lanye lemizana yayo. IArabi leDuma leEshani leJanimi leBeti-Tapuwa leAfeka leHumta leKiriyathi-Arba, okuyiHebroni, leZiyori; imizi eyisificamunwemunye lemizana yayo. IMayoni leJizereyeli leJokideyama leZanoya, iKayini, iGibeya leTimina; imizi elitshumi lemizana yayo. IHalihuli, iBeti-Zuri leGedori leMarathi leBeti-Anothi leElitekoni; imizi eyisithupha lemizana yayo. iKiriyathi-Bhali, okuyiKiriyathi-Jeyarimi, leRaba; imizi emibili lemizana yayo. Enkangala: IBeti-Araba, iMidini leSekaka leNibishani, lomuzi wetshwayi, leEngedi; imizi eyisithupha lemizana yayo. Kodwa amaJebusi, abahlali beJerusalema, abantwana bakoJuda babengelakho ukuwaxotsha elifeni; ngakho amaJebusi ahlala labantwana bakoJuda eJerusalema kuze kube lamuhla. Kwasekuphuma inkatho yabantwana bakoJosefa kusukela eJodani eJeriko, kusiya emanzini eJeriko ngempumalanga, inkangala isenyuka isuka eJeriko entabeni yeBhetheli; yasiphuma eBhetheli isiya eLuzi, yehlela entshonalanga emngceleni wamaJafilethi, isiya emngceleni weBhethi-Horoni ngaphansi; lokuphuma kwayo kwakuselwandle. Ngakho abantwana bakoJosefa, uManase loEfrayimi, balidla ilifa. Lomngcele wabantwana bakoEfrayimi ngokwensendo zabo wawu nje: Ngitsho umngcele welifa labo empumalanga wawuyiAtarothi-Adari. Umngcele wasuphumela elwandle, eMikimethathi enyakatho, wedlula empumalanga usiya eJanowa; wasusehla usuka eJanowa usiya eAtarothi leNahara, wagudla iJeriko, waphumela eJodani. Kusukela eTapuwa umngcele waya entshonalanga, lokuphuma kwawo waba selwandle. Leli yilifa lesizwe sabantwana bakoEfrayimi ngokwensendo zabo. Lemizi eyayehlukaniselwe abantwana bakoEfrayimi yayiphakathi kwelifa labantwana bakoManase, yonke imizi lemizana yayo. Kodwa kabawaxotshanga elifeni amaKhanani ayehlala eGezeri. Kwasekusiba lenkatho yesizwe sakoManase, ngoba wayelizibulo likaJosefa. Yayikhona njalo eyabaseleyo babantwana bakoManase ngokwensendo zabo. Laba ngabantwana besilisa bakaManase indodana kaJosefa ngokwensendo zabo. Kodwa uZelofehadi indodana kaHeferi indodana kaGileyadi indodana kaMakiri indodana kaManase wayengelamadodana, kodwa amadodakazi. Lala ngamabizo amadodakazi akhe: OMahla loNowa, uHogila, uMilka loTiriza. Asesondela phambi kukaEleyazare umpristi laphambi kukaJoshuwa indodana kaNuni. Ngakho wawanika ngokomlayo weN ilifa phakathi kwabafowabo bakayise. Ngakho kwawela inkatho ezilitshumi kuManase. Ngoba amadodakazi kaManase adla ilifa phakathi kwamadodana akhe. Lelizwe leGileyadi laba ngelabaseleyo bamadodana akoManase. Umngcele wakoManase wasusukela eAsheri usiya eMikimethathi. UManase waba lelizwe leTapuwa, kodwa iTapuwa emngceleni kaManase yayingeyabantwana bakoEfrayimi. Lomngcele wehlela esifuleni iKana eningizimu kwesifula. Imizi le ngeyakoEfrayimi phakathi kwemizi yakoManase. Lomngcele wakoManase usenyakatho kwesifula, lokuphuma kwawo kuselwandle. Eningizimu lalingelakoEfrayimi, lenyakatho lalingelakoManase, lolwandle lungumngcele wakhe. LeAsheri bahlangana enyakatho, leIsakari empumalanga. Ngoba koIsakari loAsheri uManase: Amadundulu amathathu. Kodwa abantwana bakoManase babengelakho ukuxotsha elifeni leyomizi, kodwa amaKhanani ayefuna ukuhlala kulelolizwe. Kodwa kwathi lapho abantwana bakoIsrayeli sebelamandla bawasebenzisa amaKhanani njengezibhalwa, kodwa kabawaxotshanga lokuwaxotsha elifeni. Abantwana bakoJosefa? UJoshuwa wasesithi kubo: Uba uyisizwe esikhulu, wena yenyukela eguswini. Abantwana bakoJosefa basebesithi: Intaba kayisanelanga, njalo kulenqola zensimbi. UJoshuwa wasekhuluma kundlu kaJosefa, kuEfrayimi lakuManase esithi: Uyisizwe esikhulu, futhi ulamandla amakhulu; kawuyikuba lenkatho eyodwa, kodwa intaba izakuba ngeyakho; ngoba iligusu, uzalicenta, lokuphuma kwalo kube ngokwakho, ngoba uzawaxotsha elifeni amaKhanani, lanxa elenqola zensimbi, lanxa elamandla. Inhlangano yonke-ke yabantwana bakoIsrayeli yabuthana eShilo, yamisa khona ithente lenhlangano. Lelizwe lalehliselwe phansi phambi kwabo. Kwasekusele phakathi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli izizwe eziyisikhombisa ezazingabelwanga ilifa lazo. UJoshuwa wasesithi kubantwana bakoIsrayeli: Koze kube nini lidonda ukuyakudla ilifa lelizwe uNkulunkulu waboyihlo elinike lona? Zinikeni amadoda amathathu ngesizwe, ngiwathume, asukume ahambe adabule ilizwe, alibhale ngokwelifa lazo, abuye kimi. Azalehlukanisa libe yizabelo eziyisikhombisa; uJuda bahlale emngceleni wabo enyakatho. Lani lizabhala ilizwe ngezigaba eziyisikhombisa, beseliletha kimi lapha, ukuthi ngiliphosele inkatho lapha phambi kweN uNkulunkulu wethu. Ngoba amaLevi kawalasabelo phakathi kwenu loRubeni lengxenye yesizwe sakoManase sebethethe ilifa labo ngaphetsheya kweJodani empumalanga, uMozisi inceku yeN eyabanika lona. Asesuka amadoda ahamba. UJoshuwa wawalaya ahambayo ukubhala ilizwe esithi: Hambani lidabule ilizwe lilibhale, libuyele kimi, ukuze ngiliphosele inkatho lapha phambi kweN eShilo. Ngakho amadoda ahamba adabula phakathi kwelizwe, alibhala ngemizi ngezigaba eziyisikhombisa egwalweni; asebuya kuJoshuwa enkambeni eShilo. UJoshuwa wasebaphosela inkatho eShilo phambi kweN; uJoshuwa wasebabela lapho ilizwe abantwana bakoIsrayeli ngokwezigaba zabo. Inkatho yesizwe sabantwana bakoBhenjamini yavela ngokwensendo zabo. Lomngcele wenkatho yabo waphuma phakathi kwabantwana bakoJuda labantwana bakoJosefa. Lomngcele wabo ngenyakatho wasukela eJodani. Lomngcele wedlula usuka lapho waya eLuzi, ewatheni leLuzi, eyiBhetheli engaphansi. Umngcele wagoba-ke, waphenduka waya eceleni lentshonalanga ngeningizimu, kusukela entabeni emaqondana leBhethi-Horoni, umuzi wabantwana bakoJuda. Lolu luhlangothi lwentshonalanga. Lohlangothi lweningizimu lusephethelweni leKiriyathi-Jeyarimi; lomngcele waphuma waya entshonalanga, waphuma waya emthonjeni wamanzi weNefitowa. Umngcele wasusehla usiya ephethelweni lentaba emaqondana lesihotsha sendodana kaHinomu esisesihotsheni seziqhwaga enyakatho; wagoba usukela enyakatho waphuma eEni-Shemeshi; wadlulela ewatheni maqondana leAraba enyakatho, wehlela eAraba. Umngcele wasusedlulela ewatheni leBeti-Hogila enyakatho, lokuphuma komngcele kwakusethekwini loLwandle lweTshwayi enyakatho, ephethelweni leJodani ngeningizimu. Lo ngumngcele weningizimu. LeJodani ingumngcele walo ehlangothini lwempumalanga. Leli yilifa labantwana bakoBhenjamini ngemingcele yalo inhlangothi zonke, ngokwensendo zabo. Lemizi yesizwe sabantwana bakoBhenjamini ngokwensendo zabo yile: IJeriko leEmeki-Kezizi leBeti-Araba leAvimi lePara leOfira leKefari-Amoni leOfini leGeba; imizi elitshumi lambili lemizana yayo. IGibeyoni leMizipa leMoza leRekemi leIripheyeli leTarala leZela; imizi elitshumi lane lemizana yayo. Leli yilifa labantwana bakoBhenjamini ngokwensendo zabo. Inkatho yesibili yasivela yaya kuSimeyoni, eyesizwe sabantwana bakoSimeyoni, ngokwensendo zabo. Lelifa labo laliphakathi kwelifa labantwana bakoJuda. Elifeni leMolada leHazari-Shuwali leElitoladi leZikilagi leBeti-Marikabothi leHazari-Susa leBeti-Lebawothi leSharuheni; imizi elitshumi lantathu lemizana yayo. IEni; imizi emine lemizana yayo. Layo yonke imizana ezingelezele imizi le, kuze kufike eBahalathi-Beri. Leli yilifa lesizwe sabantwana bakoSimeyoni ngokwensendo zabo. Ilifa labantwana bakoSimeyoni lavela enkathweni yabantwana bakoJuda; ngoba isigaba sabantwana bakoJuda sasisikhulu kakhulu kibo; ngakho abantwana bakoSimeyoni badla ilifa phakathi kwelifa labo. Inkatho yesithathu yasivela yaya kubantwana bakoZebuluni ngokwensendo zabo. Lomngcele welifa labo wafika eSaridi. Umngcele wabo-ke wenyukela entshonalanga leMarala, wafinyelela eDabeshethi wafinyelela esifuleni; waphenduka uvela eSaridi usiya empumalanga lapho okuphuma khona ilanga emngceleni weKisilothi-Thabhori, wenyukela eJafiya; ususuka lapho wedlulela empumalanga, endaweni yokuphuma kwelanga, usiya eGitha leItha-Kazini, waphumela eRimoni, uphendukela eNeya. Lomngcele wayizingelezela enyakatho eHanathoni; lokuphuma kwawo kwaba sesihotsheni seJifitaheli. LeKatathi leNahalali. Leli yilifa labantwana bakoZebuluni ngokwensendo zabo: Imizi le lemizana yayo. Inkatho yesine yavela yaya kubantwana bakoIsakari ngokwensendo zabo. Umngcele wabo-ke wawuyiJizereyeli leHafarayimi leShiyoni leAnaharathi leRabithi leKishiyoni leAbezi leRemethi leEni-Ganimi leEni-Hada leBeti-Pazezi. Lomngcele wafinyelela eThabhori; lokuphuma komngcele wabo kwakuseJodani; imizi elitshumi lesithupha lemizana yayo. Leli yilifa lesizwe sabantwana bakoIsakari ngokwensendo zabo, imizi lemizana yayo. Inkatho yesihlanu yasivela yaya esizweni sabantwana bakoAsheri ngokwensendo zabo. Umngcele wabo-ke wawuyiHelkathi leAlameleki leAmadi leMishali entshonalanga leShihori-Libhinathi, waphendukela lapho okuphuma khona ilanga usiya eBeti-Dagoni, wafinyelela eZebuluni lesihotsha seJifitaheli kwesokhohlo, leEbroni leRehobi. Umngcele wasuphendukela eRama, waya emzini obiyelweyo weTire; lomngcele waphendukela eHosa; lokuphuma kwawo kwakuselwandle, uvela esigabeni usiya eAkizibi leUma leAfeki. Leli yilifa lesizwe sabantwana bakoAsheri ngokwensendo zabo, imizi le lemizana yayo. Inkatho yesithupha yavela yaya kubantwana bakoNafithali, eyabantwana bakoNafithali ngokwensendo zabo. Umngcele wabo wasusuka eHelefi, esihlahleni se-okhi eZahananimi leAdami-Nekebi leJabineli, kwaze kwaba seLakumi; lokuphuma kwawo wawuseJodani. Umngcele wasuphendukela entshonalanga, waphuma lapho waya eHukoki, wafinyelela eZebuluni ngeningizimu, leAsheri wafinyelela entshonalanga, leJuda eJodani lapho okuphuma khona ilanga. Njalo imizi ebiyelweyo yile: IZidimi, iZeri, leHamathi, leAdama, leRama, leHazori, leKedeshi, leEdreyi, leEni-Hazori, leYironi, leMigidali-Eli. Leli yilifa lesizwe sabantwana bakoNafithali ngokwensendo zabo, imizi lemizana yayo. Inkatho yesikhombisa yavela yaya esizweni sabantwana bakoDani ngokwensendo zabo. Lomngcele welifa labo wawuyiZora leIri-Shemeshi leShahalabini leJithila leEloni leTiminatha leEliteke leGibethoni leJehudi leBene-Beraki leGathi-Rimoni leMe-Jarkoni leRakoni kanye lomngcele oqondene leJafo. Lomngcele wabantwana bakoDani wavela umncinyane kakhulukubo; sebeyithumbile bayitshaya ngobukhali benkemba, badla ilifa layo, bahlala kiyo, bayibiza iLeshema ngokuthiyiDani, ngebizo likaDani uyise. Leli yilifa lesizwe sabantwana bakoDani ngokwensendo zabo, imizi le lemizana yayo. Kwathi sebeqedile ukwaba ilizwe libe yilifa ngokwemingcele yalo, abantwana bakoIsrayeli bamnika uJoshuwa indodana kaNuni ilifa phakathi kwabo. Ngokomlayo weN bamnika umuzi awucelayo, iThiminathi-Sera entabeni yakoEfrayimi, wasesakha umuzi, wahlala kiwo. La ngamafa uEleyazare umpristi loJoshuwa indodana kaNuni lenhloko zaboyise zezizwe zabantwana bakoIsrayeli phambi kweN, emnyango wethente lenhlangano. Baqeda-ke ukulaba ilizwe. yasikhuluma kuJoshuwa isithi: Khuluma kubantwana bakoIsrayeli uthi: Zikhetheleni imizi yokuphephela engakhuluma ngayo kini ngesandla sikaMozisi, ukuze umbulali obulala umuntu kungeyisikho ngabomo abalekele khona. Njalo izakuba yisiphephelo kini kumphindiseli wegazi. Nxa ebalekela komunye walimizi uzakuma emnyango wesango lomuzi, akhulume udaba lwakhe ezindlebeni zabadala balowomuzi; babesebememukela kubo emzini, bamnike indawo ukuthi ahlale labo. Uba-ke umphindiseli wegazi exotshana laye, kabayikunikela, ebengamzondi mandulo. Uzahlala kulowomuzi aze eme phambi kwenhlangano kusenzelwa ukwahlulelwa oyabe ekhona ngalezonsuku. Umbulali usengabuyela eze emzini wakibo lendlini yakhe, aye emzini abaleke khona. Basebengcwelisa iKedeshi okuyiHebroni entabeni yakoJuda. Langaphetsheya kweJodani eJeriko empumalanga banika iBezeri. Le yimizi eyayimiselwe bonke abantwana bakoIsrayeli lowezizwe ohlala njengowezizwe phakathi kwabo. Kwasekusondela inhloko zaboyise bamaLevi kuEleyazare umpristi lakuJoshuwa indodana kaNuni lakuzo inhloko zaboyise bezizwe zabantwana bakoIsrayeli, bakhuluma kubo eShilo, lamadlelo ayo ezifuyo zethu. Ngakho abantwana bakoIsrayeli banika amaLevi okwelifa labo ngokomlayo weN, limizi lamadlelo ayo. Kwasekuvela inkatho yensendo zamaKohathi. Abantwana bakoAroni umpristi lesizweni sakoSimeyoni lesizweni sakoBhenjamini, basebesiba lemizi elitshumi lantathu. Labaseleyo kubantwana bakaKohathi, ngenkatho ensendweni zesizwe sakoEfrayimi lesizweni sakoDani lengxenyeni eyodwa kwezimbili yesizwe sakoManase, baba lemizi elitshumi. Labantwana bakoGerishoni, ngenkatho ensendweni zesizwe sakoIsakari lesizweni sakoAsheri lesizweni sakoNafithali lengxenyeni eyodwa kwezimbili yesizwe sakoManase eBashani, baba lemizi elitshumi lantathu. Abantwana bakoMerari ngokwensendo zabo, esizweni sakoRubeni lesizweni sakoGadi lesizweni sakoZebuluni, baba lemizi elitshumi lambili. Labantwana bakoIsrayeli banika amaLevi le imizi lamadlelo ayo ngenkatho, njengokulaya kweN ngesandla sikaMozisi. Basebenika esizweni sabantwana bakoJuda lesizweni sabantwana bakoSimeyoni le imizi, eqanjwa ngebizo, eyayingeyabantwana bakoAroni, bevela kunsendo zamaKohathi ebantwaneni bakoLevi, ngoba baba lenkatho yokuqala. Basebebanika lamadlelo inhlangothi zayo zonke. Kodwa insimu yomuzi lemizana yawo bakunika uKalebi indodana kaJefune ukuba ngeyakhe. Ngakho banika abantwana bakoAroni umpristi umuzi wokuphephela wombulali, iHebroni lamadlelo ayo, leJatiri lamadlelo ayo, leHoloni lamadlelo ayo, leDebiri lamadlelo ayo, leAyini lamadlelo ayo, leJuta. Lesizweni sakoBhenjamini: IGibeyoni lamadlelo ayo, iGeba lamadlelo ayo, iAnathothi lamadlelo ayo, leAlimoni lamadlelo ayo: Imizi emine. Yonke imizi yabantwana bakoAroni, abapristi, yayilemizi elitshumi lantathu lamadlelo ayo. Lensendo zabantwana bakoKohathi, amaLevi, asalayo ebantwaneni bakoKohathi, baba lemizi yenkatho yabo esizweni sakoEfrayimi. Basebebanika umuzi wokuphephela umbulali, iShekema lamadlelo ayo, leKibizayimi lamadlelo ayo, leBhethi-Horoni lamadlelo ayo: Imizi emine. Lesizweni sakoDani iEliteke lamadlelo ayo, iAjaloni lamadlelo ayo: Imizi emine. Lengxenyeni eyodwa kwezimbili yesizwe sakoManase, iThahanakhi lamadlelo ayo: Imizi emibili. Yonke imizi yensendo zabantwana bakoKohathi abaseleyo yayilitshumi lamadlelo ayo. Lakubantwana bakoGerishoni lamadlelo ayo: Imizi emibili. Lesizweni sakoIsakari, iKishiyoni lamadlelo ayo, iJarimuthi lamadlelo ayo: Imizi emine. Lesizweni sakoAsheri, iMishali lamadlelo ayo, iAbidoni lamadlelo ayo, iHelkathi lamadlelo ayo: Imizi emine. Lesizweni sakoNafithali, iKedeshi lamadlelo ayo: Imizi emithathu. Yonke imizi yamaGerishoni ngokwensendo zawo yayiyimizi elitshumi lantathu lamadlelo ayo. Lensendo zabantwana bakoMerari esizweni sakoZebuluni lamadlelo ayo, leKarita lamadlelo ayo, iDimina lamadlelo ayo, iNahalali lamadlelo ayo: Imizi emine. Lesizweni sakoRubeni, iBezeri lamadlelo ayo, iKedemothi lamadlelo ayo: Imizi emine. Lesizweni sakoGadi, iRamothi eGileyadi lamadlelo ayo, iHeshiboni lamadlelo ayo: Imizi emine isiyonke. Yonke imizi yayingeyabantwana bakoMerari, ngokwensendo zabo, abaseleyo ensendweni zamaLevi. Lenkatho yabo yayiyimizi elitshumi lambili. Yonke imizi yamaLevi phakathi kwelifa labantwana bakoIsrayeli yayiyimizi engamatshumi amane lesificaminwembili lamadlelo ayo. Le imizi, lowo lalowo wawulamadlelo awo inhlangothi zawo zonke. Kwakunjalo kuleyo yonke imizi. yasinika uIsrayeli ilizwe lonke eyafunga ukubanika lona oyise; basebesidla ilifa lalo bahlala kulo. yasibanika ukuphumula inhlangothi zonke. Kakwehlulekanga lalutho lwayo yonke into enhle eyayikhuluma kuyo indlu kaIsrayeli; konke kwenzeka. Ngalesosikhathi uJoshuwa wabiza abakoRubeni labakoGadi lengxenye yesizwe sabakoManase, wathi kubo: Lina ligcinile konke uMozisi inceku yeN eyalilaya khona, lalilalela ilizwi lami kukho konke engalilaya khona. Kalibatshiyanga abafowenu kulezinsuku ezinengi, kuze kube lamuhla; kodwa ligcinile imfanelo yomlayo weN uNkulunkulu wenu. Khathesi-ke, uNkulunkulu wenu ibanikile abafowenu ukuphumula. Kuphela liqaphelisise ukwenza umlayo lomthetho kuyo, lokuyikhonza ngenhliziyo yenu yonke langomphefumulo wenu wonke. Wasebabusisa uJoshuwa ebayekela behamba, baya emathenteni abo. Njalo kungxenye yesizwe sakoManase uMozisi wayeyinike indawoeBashani; kodwa kungxenye yayo uJoshuwa wayinika indawolabafowabo nganeno kweJodani entshonalanga. Njalo-ke nxa uJoshuwa ebayekela behamba besiya emathenteni abo, wababusisa. Wakhuluma labo esithi: Buyelani emathenteni enu lilenotho impango yezitha zenu labafowenu. Abantwana bakoRubeni labantwana bakoGadi lengxenye yesizwe sakoManase basebebuyela, besuka ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli bephuma eShilo, elizweni lelifa labo ababelizuzile, ngokomlayo weN ngesandla sikaMozisi. Kwathi sebefikile emingceleni yeJodani eselizweni leKhanani, abantwana bakoRubeni labantwana bakoGadi lengxenye yesizwe sakoManase bakha khona ilathi ngaseJodani, ilathi elikhulu ngokubonakala. Kwathi abantwana bakoIsrayeli besizwa kuthiwa: Khangelani, abantwana bakoRubeni labantwana bakoGadi lengxenye yesizwe sakoManase bakhile ilathi maqondana lelizwe leKhanani emingceleni eJodani ehlangothini lwabantwana bakoIsrayeli. Kwathi abantwana bakoIsrayeli be ku zwa, inhlangano yonke yabantwana bakoIsrayeli yabuthana eShilo ukwenyukela kubo empini. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebethuma kubantwana bakoRubeni umpristi, lezinduna ezilitshumi laye, induna eyodwa ngendlu ngayinye yaboyise ivela kuzo zonke izizwe zakoIsrayeli; ngayinye yayiyinhloko yendlu yaboyise, kunkulungwane zakoIsrayeli. Basebefika kubantwana bakoRubeni lakubantwana bakoGadi lengxenyeni eyodwa kwezimbili yesizwe sakoManase elizweni leGileyadi, bakhuluma labo besithi: Itsho njalo inhlangano yonke yeN: Kuyisiphambeko bani eseliphambeke ngaso limelane loNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, liphambuka lamuhla ekuyilandeleni iN, ekuzakheleni ilathi, ukuze lihlamukele lamuhla? Ngabe isiphambeko sePeyori sincinyane kakhulu kithi yini, esingahlanjululwanga kuso kuze kube lamuhla, lanxa inhlupheko yayiphakathi kwenhlangano yeN, ukuze lina liphenduke lamuhla ekuyilandeleni iN? Kuzakuthi uba lina liyihlamuka yakoIsrayeli. Kodwa ngeqiniso, uba ilizwe lemfuyo yenu lingcolile, chaphelani lina elizweni lemfuyo yeN lapho ithabhanekele leN elihlala khona njalo lingasihlamukeli ekuzakheleni kwenu ilathi ngaphandle kwelathi leN uNkulunkulu wethu. UAkani indodana kaZera kaphambekanga yini ngesiphambeko entweni eqalekisiweyo, kwasekusiba lolaka phezu kwenhlangano yonke yakoIsrayeli? Leyondoda kayibhubhanga-ke yodwa esiphambekweni sayo. Abantwana bakoRubeni labantwana bakoGadi lengxenye yesizwe sakoManase basebephendula bathi kunhloko zezinkulungwane zakoIsrayeli: UNkulunkulu wabonkulunkulu, loIsrayeli kakwazi; uba bekungokuhlamuka kumbe uba ngokuphambuka eNni, lingasisindisi lamuhla, ukuthi sizakhele ilathi ukuphambuka ekuyilandeleni iN, loba sinikelele phezu kwalo umnikelo wokutshiswa loba umnikelo wokudla, loba ukwenza phezu kwalo iminikelo yokuthula, uqobo kayikudinge. Kodwa ngeqiniso sikwenze ngokunqineka nga lolu daba sisithi: Kusasa abantwana benu bazakhuluma kubantwana bethu bathi: Lilani leN uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli? Ngoba iyenzile iJodani yaba ngumngcele phakathi kwethu lani, linabantwana bakoRubeni labantwana bakoGadi, kalilasabelo eNni. Ngalokho abantwana benu benze abantwana bethu ukuthi bayekele ukuyesaba iN. Ngakho sathi: Kasizilungiseleni khathesi ukwakha ilathi, lingabi ngelomnikelo wokutshiswa, njalo lingabi ngelomhlatshelo, kodwa libe yibufakazi langemihlatshelo yethu langeminikelo yethu yokuthula, ukuze abantwana benu bangathi ebantwaneni bethu kusasa: Kalilasabelo eNni. Sasesisithi: Kuzakuthi-ke, nxa bekhuluma lokhukithi lesizukulwaneni sethu kusasa, sizakuthi: Bonani umfanekiso welathi leN obaba abalakhayo, kungeyisilo lomnikelo wokutshiswa lingeyisilo lomhlatshelo, kodwa liyibufakazi phakathi kwethu lani. Kakube khatshana lathi ukuthi siyihlamuke iN, lokuthi siphenduke lamuhla ekuyilandeleni iN, ukwakha ilathi lomnikelo wokutshiswa lelomnikelo wokudla lelomhlatshelo, ngaphandle kwelathi leN uNkulunkulu wethu eliphambi kwethabhanekele layo. Kwathi uPhinehasi umpristi lenduna zenhlangano lenhloko zezinkulungwane zakoIsrayeli ezazilaye bewezwa amazwi abantwana bakoRubeni labantwana bakoGadi labantwana bakoManase abawakhulumayo, kwakukuhle emehlweni abo. UPhinehasi indodana kaEleyazare umpristi wasesithi kubantwana bakoRubeni lakubantwana bakoGadi lakubantwana bakoManase: Lamuhla siyazi ukuthi iphakathi kwethu, ngoba kaliphambekanga lesisiphambeko eNni; khathesi likhulule abantwana bakoIsrayeli esandleni seN. UPhinehasi indodana kaEleyazare umpristi lezinduna basebebuyela bevela ebantwaneni bakoRubeni lebantwaneni bakoGadi elizweni leGileyadi, besiya elizweni leKhanani ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli, babuyisela ilizwi kubo. Lodaba lwaluluhle emehlweni abantwana bakoIsrayeli; abantwana bakoIsrayeli bambusisa uNkulunkulu, kabasakhulumanga ngo kwenyukela kubo empini ukuchitha ilizwe abantwana bakoRubeni labantwana bakoGadi ababehlala kulo. Abantwana bakoRubeni labantwana bakoGadi balibiza ilathi ngokuthi: Liyibufakazi phakathi kwethu bokuthi inguNkulunkulu. Kwasekusithi emva kwensuku ezinengi emva kokuthi isimphumuzile elensuku ezinengi, uJoshuwa wabiza uIsrayeli wonke, wathi kubo: Mina sengimdala ngilensuku ezinengi. Lina selibonile konke uNkulunkulu wenu ekwenzileyo kulezizizwe zonke ngenxa yenu, ngoba uNkulunkulu wenu yiyo elilweleyo. Bonani, ngilabele ngenkatholapho okutshona khona ilanga. uNkulunkulu wenu izazixotsha-ke. Ngakho qinani kakhulu ukugcina lokwenza konke okubhaliweyo egwalweni lomlayo kaMozisi, ukuze lingangeni kulezi izizwe, lingabakhonzi, lingakhothami kubo, kodwa linamathele eNni uNkulunkulu wenu njengoba lenzile kuze kube lamuhla. Ngoba ixotshile elifeni phambi kwenu izizwe ezinkulu lezilamandla kuze kube lamuhla. Umuntu oyedwa kini uzaxotsha inkulungwane. Ngakho ziqaphelisiseni ukuthanda uNkulunkulu wenu. Ngoba uba libuyela lokubuyela, lingene kuzo, lazo kini, yazini lokwazi ukuthi uNkulunkulu wenu kayiyikuqhubeka ngokuzixotsha elifeni lezizizwe phambi kwenu, zibe luswazi enhlangothini zenu, lameva emehlweni enu, lize libhubhe liphele kulelilizwe elihle, uNkulunkulu wenu elinike lona. Khangelani-ke, ngihamba lamuhla ngendlela yomhlaba wonke; wonke ezile kini, akukho lelizwi elilodwa elehlulekayo kuwo. Kuzakuthi-ke, njengalokhu zonke izinto ezinhle uNkulunkulu wenu eyazikhuluma kini sezilehlele, ngokunjalo izalehlisela zonke izinto ezimbi, ize ilibhubhise liphele kulelilizwe elihle uNkulunkulu wenu elinike lona. Uba liseqa isivumelwano seN uNkulunkulu wenu eyalilaya sona, lisuke liyekhonza abanye onkulunkulu, likhothame kibo, khona ulaka lweN luzalivuthela, libhubhe masinyane liphele kulelilizwe elihle elinike lona. UJoshuwa wasebuthanisa zonke izizwe zakoIsrayeli eShekema. UJoshuwa wasesithi kubo bonke abantu: Itsho njalo iN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Endulo oyihlo babehlala ngaphetsheya komfula, uTera uyise kaAbrahama loyise kaNahori, babekhonza abanye onkulunkulu. Ngasengimthatha uyihlo uAbrahama ngimsusa ngaphetsheya komfula. LakuIsaka nganika uJakobe loEsawu. Ngasengithuma uMozisi loAroni, njengalokho engakwenzayo phakathi kwayo; lemva kwalokho ngalikhupha. Ngasengibakhupha oyihlo eGibhithe. Kwathi bekhala eNni. Ngasengililetha elizweni lamaAmori ayehlala ngaphetsheya kweJodani, asesilwa lani, ngawanikela esandleni senu, lalidla ilifa lelizwe lawo, ngawachitha phambi kwenu. UBalaki indodana kaZipori. Kodwa kangithandanga ukulalela uBalami, ngasengilikhulula esandleni sakhe. Lachapha iJodani, amaAmori, lamaPerizi, lamaKhanani, lamaHethi, lamaGirigashi, amaHivi, lamaJebusi; ngawanikela esandleni senu. Ngathuma olonyovu phambi kwenu njalo hatshi ngedandili lakho. Ngasengilinika ilizwe elingalisebenzelanga, lemizi elingayakhanga, lihlala kiyo. Lidla okwezivini lezivande zemihlwathi elingakuhlanyelanga. Khathesi-ke yesabeni iN KOSI, njalo likhonze iN. Uba-ke kukubi emehlweni enu ukuyikhonza iN, zikhetheleni lamuhla lowo elizamkhonza. Basebephendula abantu besithi: Kakube khatshana lathi ukuthi sitshiye iN, sikhonze abanye onkulunkulu. Ngoba uNkulunkulu wethu iyiyo eyasenyusayo labobaba sivela elizweni leGibhithe, endlini yobugqili, eyenza phambi kwamehlo ethu lezizibonakaliso ezinkulu, yasilondoloza endleleni yonke esahamba kiyo, laphakathi kwabo bonke abantu esedlule phakathi kwabo. yasixotsha phambi kwethu zonke izizwe, lamaAmori ayehlala elizweni. Thina lathi sizayikhonza iN, ngoba inguNkulunkulu wethu. UJoshuwa wasesithi ebantwini: Kalilakuyikhonza iN KOSI. Uba liyitshiya iN KOSI, iliqede, emva kokuthi ilenzele okuhle. Abantu basebesithi kuJoshuwa: Hatshi, kodwa sizayikhonza iN. UJoshuwa wasesithi ebantwini: Lingabafakazi ngani ukuthi lina lizikhethele ukuyikhonza. Basebesithi: Si ngabafakazi. Khathesi-ke, susani onkulunkulu abezizwe abaphakathi kwenu, lithobele inhliziyo yenu eNni, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli. Abantu basebesithi kuJoshuwa: uNkulunkulu wethu sizayikhonza, lelizwi layo sililalele. Ngakho uJoshuwa wasebenzela abantu isivumelwano ngalolosuku eShekema. UJoshuwa wasebhala lawomazwi egwalweni lomlayo kaNkulunkulu elingasendlini engcwele yeN. UJoshuwa wasesithi ebantwini bonke: Khangelani, lelilitshe lizakuba yibufakazi ngathi. UJoshuwa wasebayekela abantu ukuthi bahambe, ngulowo lalowo waya elifeni lakhe. Kwasekusithi emva kwalezizinto uJoshuwa indodana kaNuni, inceku yeN, wafa eleminyaka elikhulu letshumi. Basebemngcwabela emngceleni welifa lakhe eThiminathi-Sera. Njalo uIsrayeli wayikhonza zonke izinsuku zikaJoshuwa lazo zonke izinsuku zabadala abelula insuku emva kukaJoshuwa, njalo ababewazi wonke umsebenzi weN eyawenzela uIsrayeli. Lamathambo kaJosefa ngenhlamvu zesiliva ezilikhulu; saba-ke yilifa labantwana bakoJosefa. UEleyazare indodana kaAroni wasesifa, bamngcwaba eqaqeni lukaPhinehasi indodana yakhe. Kwasekusithi emva kokufa kukaJoshuwa abantwana bakoIsrayeli babuza iN KOSI ukulwa emelene labo? yasisithi: UJuda uzakwenyuka; khangelani, ngilinikele ilizwe esandleni sakhe. UJuda wasesithi kuSimeyoni umfowabo: Yenyuka lami enkathweni yami ukuze silwe simelene lamaKhanani; lami-ke ngizahamba lawe enkathweni yakho. USimeyoni wasehamba laye. UJuda wasesenyuka, njalo yanikela amaKhanani lamaPerizi esandleni sabo; bawatshaya eBezeki, amadoda azinkulungwane ezilitshumi. Basebefica uAdoni-Bezeki eBezeki, balwa bemelene laye, bawatshaya amaKhanani lamaPerizi. Kodwa uAdoni-Bezeki wabaleka, baxotshana laye, bambamba, baquma izithupha zezandla zakhe lamazwane akhe amakhulu. UAdoni-Bezeki wasesithi: Amakhosi angamatshumi ayisikhombisa aqunywe izithupha zezandla zawo lezenyawo zawo ayedobha ngaphansi kwetafula lami. Njengokwenza kwami, ngokunjalo uNkulunkulu ungiphindisele. Basebemusa eJerusalema, wafela khona. Abantwana bakoJuda balwa-ke bemelene leJerusalema, bayithumba, bayitshaya ngobukhali benkemba, lomuzi bawuthungela ngomlilo. Emva kwalokho-ke abantwana bakoJuda behla ukuyakulwa bemelene lamaKhanani ayehlala entabeni leningizimu lesihotsheni. UJuda wasehamba wamelana lamaKhanani ayehlala eHebroni loAhimani loTalimayi. Basuka lapho baya bamelana labahlali beDebiri. Lebizo leDebiri kuqala kwakuyiKiriyathi-Seferi. UKalebi wasesithi: Ozatshaya iKiriyathi-Seferi, ayithumbe, ngizamnika uAkisa indodakazi yami ibe ngumka khe. UOthiniyeli indodana kaKenazi umfowabo kaKalebi, owayemncane kulaye, waseyithumba; wasemnika uAkisa indodakazi yakhe ukuba ngumka khe. Kwasekusithi ekufikeni kwakhe wamkhuthaza ukuthi acele kuyise insimu; wasesehla kubabhemi, uKalebi wasesithi kuye: Ulani? Wasesithi kuye: Ngipha isibusiso. Njengoba ungiphe ilizwe leningizimu, ngipha njalo imithombo yamanzi. UKalebi wasemnika imithombo engaphezulu lemithombo engaphansi. Abantwana bomKeni. UJuda wasehamba loSimeyoni umfowabo. UJuda wasethumba iGaza lomngcele wayo. yasisiba loJuda. Basebenika uKalebi iHebroni, njengokutsho kukaMozisi; wasexotsha elifeni esuka lapho amadodana amathathu kaAnaki. Kodwa abantwana bakoBhenjamini kabawaxotshanga elifeni amaJebusi ayehlala eJerusalema. Lendlu kaJosefa, labo benyukela eBhetheli; njalo yayilabo. Indlu kaJosefa yasithuma inhloli eBhetheli. Abalindi basebebona umuntu ephuma emzini, bathi kuye: Akusitshengise indlela yokungena emzini, besesikwenzela umusa. Esebatshengise indlela yokungena emzini, bawutshaya umuzi ngobukhali benkemba, kodwa lowomuntu losapho lwakhe lonke babayekela bahamba. Lowomuntu wasesiya elizweni lamaHethi, wakha umuzi, wabiza ibizo lawo ngokuthiyiLuzi; yilelo ibizo lawo kuze kube lamuhla. UManase kaxotshanga-ke iBeti-Sheyani lemizana yayo, leThahanakhi lemizana yayo, labahlali beDori lemizana yayo, labahlali beIbileyamu lemizana yayo, labahlali beMegido lemizana yayo; kodwa amaKhanani afuna ukuhlala kulelolizwe. Kwasekusithi uIsrayeli eselamandla wawamisa amaKhanani kusibhalo, kodwa kawaxotshanga lokuwaxotsha elifeni. UEfrayimi kawaxotshanga-ke elifeni amaKhanani ayehlala eGezeri. UZebuluni kabaxotshanga elifeni abahlali beKitroni labahlali beNahaloli, kodwa amaKhanani ahlala phakathi kwabo, aba yizibhalwa. UAsheri kabaxotshanga elifeni abahlali beAko labahlali beSidoni; kodwa abakoAsheri bahlala phakathi kwamaKhanani abahlali belizwe, ngoba kabawaxotshanga elifeni. UNafithali kabaxotshanga elifeni abahlali beBeti-Shemeshi. AmaAmori asebafuqela abantwana bakoDani entabeni, ngoba kawabavumelanga ukwehlela esigodini. Kodwa amaAmori ayefuna ukuhlala entabeni yeHeresi, kodwa isandla sendlu kaJosefa saba nzima, aba yizibhalwa. Umngcele wamaAmori wawusukela emqansweni weAkirabimi, uvela edwaleni usiya phezulu. Ingilosi yeN yasisenyuka isuka eGiligali isiya eBokimi lani kuze kube sephakadeni. Lani-ke kaliyikwenza isivumelwano labahlali balelilizwe. Kuyini lokhu elikwenzileyo? Ngakho lami ngathi: Kangiyikuzixotsha elifeni phambi kwenu, kodwa zizakuba njengamevaenhlangothini. Kwasekusithi lapho ingilosi yeN isikhulume lamazwi kubo bonke abantwana bakoIsrayeli, abantu baphakamisa ilizwi labo bakhala inyembezi. Basebebiza ibizo laleyondawo ngokuthiyiBokimi, bayihlabela lapho. Kwathi uJoshuwa esebayekele abantu bahamba, abantwana bakoIsrayeli bahamba, ngulowo lalowo waya elifeni lakhe ukudla ilifa lelizwe. Abantu basebeyikhonza kuzo zonke izinsuku zikaJoshuwa, lazo zonke izinsuku zabadala abasala bephila emva kukaJoshuwa, ababewubonile wonke umsebenzi omkhulu weN eyayiwenzele uIsrayeli. UJoshuwa indodana kaNuni, inceku yeN, wafa-ke, eleminyaka elikhulu letshumi. Basebemngcwabela emngceleni welifa lakhe eThiminathi-Heresi entabeni yakoEfrayimi, enyakatho kwentaba iGahashi. Njalo lalesosizukulwana sabuthelwa kuboyise. Kwasekusukuma esinye isizukulwana emva kwabo esasingayazi njalo lomsebenzi eyayiwenzele uIsrayeli. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebesenza okubi emehlweni eN, bakhonza oBhali. Batshiya iN KOSI iN. Bayidela iN, bakhonza uBhali laboAshitarothi. Ngakho ulaka lweN lwavutha kuIsrayeli. Loba bephuma besiya ngaphi, isandla seN samelana labo ngokubi, njengokutsho kweN lanjengokufunga kweN kibo, njalo bacindezeleka kakhulu. yasimisa abahluleli ababophula esandleni salabo ababaphangayo. Kanti kababalalelanga labahluleli babo, kodwa baphinga ngokulandela abanye onkulunkulu, belalela imilayo yeN. Bona kabenzanga njalo. Lalapho ibamisela abahluleli, yayilomahluleli. Kwasekusithi ekufeni kukamahluleli, babuyela emuva baxhwala okwedlula oyise, ngokulandela abanye onkulunkulu, ngokubakhonza langokubakhothamela; kabalahlanga okwemisebenzi yabo lokwendlela yabo yenkani. Ngakho ulaka lweN lwavutha kuIsrayeli, kasilalelanga ilizwi lami, lami kangisayikuxotsha loba ngubani elifeni phambi kwabo ezizweni uJoshuwa azitshiya ekufeni kwakhe, ukuze ngihlole ngazo uIsrayeli ukuthi bazagcina yini indlela yeN ukuhamba kuyo njengaboyise ba yi gcina, kumbe hatshi. Ngakho yaziyekela lezozizwe, ukuze ingazixotshi elifeni masinyane, njalo kayizinikelanga esandleni sikaJoshuwa. Lalezi yizizwe eyazitshiyayo ukuze ihlole uIsrayeli ngazo, bonke abangazazanga zonke izimpi zeKhanani; kuphela ukuze izizukulwana zabantwana bakoIsrayeli zazi, ukuzifundisa impi, kuphela abangazazanga phambili: Amakhosi amahlanu amaFilisti, kusukela entabeni yeBhali-Hermoni kuze kube sekungeneni kweHamathi. Zazingezokuhlola uIsrayeli ngazo ukwazi ukuthi bazayilalela yini imilayo yeN eyabalaya yona oyise ngesandla sikaMozisi. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli bahlala-ke phakathi kwamaKhanani, amaHethi, lamaAmori, lamaPerizi, lamaHivi, lamaJebusi. Basebethatha amadodakazi awo ukuba ngomkabo, lamadodakazi abo bawanika amadodana awo, bakhonza onkulunkulu bawo. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebesenza okubi emehlweni eN KOSI. Ngakho ulaka lweN lwavutha kuIsrayeli inkosi yeMesopotamiya. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebeyisebenzela inkosi uKushani-Rishathayimi iminyaka eyisificaminwembili. Kwathi abantwana bakoIsrayeli bekhala eNni umfowabo kaKalebi ongumnawakhe. Njalo uMoya weN wayephezu kwakhe, wahlulela uIsrayeli, waphuma impi, yanikela esandleni sakhe uKushani-Rishathayimi inkosi yeSiriya, lesandla sakhe saba lamandla phezu kukaKushani-Rishathayimi. Lelizwe laba lokuthula iminyaka engamatshumi amane. UOthiniyeli indodana kaKenazi wasesifa. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebebuya besenza okubi emehlweni eN KOSI, ngenxa yokuthi babenzile okubi emehlweni eN. Wasezibuthela abantwana bakoAmoni. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebesebenzela uEgiloni inkosi yakoMowabi iminyaka elitshumi leyisificaminwembili. Kwathi abantwana bakoIsrayeli bekhala eNni. UEhudi wasezenzela inkemba ebukhali inhlangothi ezimbili, ubude bayo buyingalo, wayibophela ngaphansi kwezigqoko zakhe ethangazini lakhe lokunene. Wasondeza isipho kuEgiloni inkosi yakoMowabi. Njalo uEgiloni wayengumuntu okhulupheleyo kakhulu. Kwasekusithi eseqedile ukusondeza isipho, wasephelekezela abantu ababethwele isipho. Kodwa yena wabuyela emuva ezithombeni ezibaziweyo ezaziseGiligali, wathi: Nkosi, ngilendaba eyimfihlo kuwe. Yasisithi: Thula. Bonke ababemi laye basebephuma. UEhudi wasesiza kuye ehlezi endlini ephezulu epholileyo eyayingeyakhe yedwa. UEhudi wathi: Ngilendaba kaNkulunkulu kuwe. Wasesukuma esihlalweni. UEhudi waseselula isandla sakhe sokhohlo, wathatha inkemba ethangazini lakhe lokunene, wayithela esiswini sakhe, kwaze kwangena lesilanda emva kobukhali, amahwahwa agubuzela ubukhali, ngoba kayingcothulanga inkemba esiswini sakhe, kwasekuphuma umswane. UEhudi wasephuma ekhulusini, wavala iminyango yendlu ephezulu emva kwakhe. Yena esephumile, kwafika izinceku zakhe; kwathi zibona, khangela-ke, iminyango yendlu ephezulu yayikhiyiwe, zathi: Sibili wembese inyawo zakhe endlini epholileyo. Njalo zalinda zaze zaba lenhloni; khangela-ke kavulanga iminyango yendlu ephezulu; ngakho zathatha isihluthulelo zavula, khangela-ke, inkosi yazo yayiwele phansi ifile. UEhudi wasephunyuka zisalibele, waphunyuka waya eSeyira. Kwasekusithi ekufikeni kwakhe wavuthela uphondo. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebesehla laye ezintabeni, yena ephambi kwabo. Wasesithi kibo: Landelani emva kwami, ngoba inikele izitha zenu amaMowabi esandleni senu, kabavumelanga muntu ukuchapha. Basebebulala amaMowabi ngalesosikhathi angaba zinkulungwane ezilitshumi, amadoda wonke aqatha lawo wonke amadoda alamandla, njalo kakuphunyukanga muntu. Ngalokho uMowabi wehliselwa phansi mhlalokho ngaphansi kwesandla sikaIsrayeli. Lelizwe laba lokuthula iminyaka engamatshumi ayisificaminwembili. Lemva kwakhe kwaba loShamigari indodana kaAnathi, owatshaya amaFilisti amadoda angamakhulu ayisithupha ngocijo lwenkabi; laye wasemkhulula uIsrayeli. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebebuya besenza okubi emehlweni eN esefile uEhudi. yasibathengisa labezizwe. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebekhala eNni iminyaka engamatshumi amabili. UDebora umfazi owayengumprofethikazi umkaLapidothi yena wahlulela uIsrayeli ngalesosikhathi. Wayehlala ngaphansi kwesihlahla selala sikaDebora phakathi kweRama. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebesenyukela kuye ukwahlulelwa. Wasethuma wabiza uBaraki indodana kaAbinowama eKedeshi, uzithathele amadoda azinkulungwane ezilitshumi ebantwaneni bakoNafithali lebantwaneni bakoZebuluni? Njalo ngizadonsela kuwe esifuleni iKishoni uSisera. UBaraki wasesithi kuye: Uba uhamba lami, ngizahamba; kodwa uba ungahambi lami, kangiyikuhamba. Wasesithi: Ngizahamba lokuhamba lawe, kodwa udumo kaluyikuba ngolwakho ngendlela ohamba ngayo, ngoba izathengisa uSisera esandleni sowesifazana. Wasesukuma uDebora, wahamba loBaraki waya eKedeshi. UBaraki wasebizela oZebuluni loNafithali, loDebora wenyuka laye. UHeberi umKeni eseduze leKedeshi. Basebebikela uSisera ukuthi uBaraki indodana kaAbinowama usenyukele entabeni yeThabhori. USisera wasebiza zonke izinqola zakhe, inqola ezingamakhulu ayisificamunwemunye zensimbi, labo bonke abantu ababelaye, kusukela eHaroshethi labezizwe kuze kufike esifuleni iKishoni. UDebora wasesithi kuBaraki: Vuka! Ngoba yilo lolusuku enikele ngalo uSisera esandleni sakho lamadoda azinkulungwane ezilitshumi ngemva kwakhe. yasimsanganisa uSisera lazo zonke izinqola lebutho lonke ngobukhali benkemba phambi kukaBaraki, kwaze kwathi uSisera wehla enqoleni wabaleka ngenyawo zakhe. UBaraki wasexotshana lezinqola lebutho, waze wafika eHaroshethi labezizwe; ibutho lonke likaSisera laselisiwa ngobukhali benkemba; kakusalanga loyedwa. Kodwa uSisera wabaleka ngenyawo zakhe waya ethenteni likaJayeli umkaHeberi umKeni, ngoba kwakulokuthula phakathi kukaJabini inkosi yeHazori lendlu kaHeberi umKeni. UJayeli wasephuma ukuhlangabeza uSisera, wathi kuye: Phambuka, nkosi yami, phambukela kimi, ungesabi. Wasephambukela kuye ethenteni, wamembesa ngengubo. Wasesithi kuye: Akunginathise amanzi amalutshwana ngoba ngomile. Wasesibukula igula lochago, wamnathisa, wamembesa. Wasesithi kuye: Mana emnyango wethente; kuzakuthi-ke, uba kufika umuntu kuwe ekubuza esithi: Kulomuntu lapha yini? Uzakuthi: Kakulamuntu. Kodwa uJayeli umkaHeberi wathatha isikhonkwane sethente, wafaka isando esandleni sakhe, wamnyenyela, wabethela isikhonkwane enhlafunweni yakhe sangena emhlabathini, ngoba yena wayelele ubuthongo obukhulu, ediniwe, wasesifa. Khangela-ke, uBaraki waxotsha uSisera; uJayeli wasephuma ukumhlangabeza wathi kuye: Woza, ngizakutshengisa umuntu omdingayo. Wasengena e thente ni lakhe, khangela-ke, uSisera wayelele efile, lesikhonkwane sasisenhlafunweni yakhe. Ngakho ngalolosuku uNkulunkulu wamehlisela phansi uJabini inkosi yeKhanani phambi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli. Isandla sabantwana bakoIsrayeli saqhubeka-ke saba nzima phezu kukaJabini inkosi yeKhanani, baze bamchitha uJabini inkosi yeKhanani. UDebora loBaraki indodana kaAbinowama basebehlabela ngalolosuku besithi: Ngenxa yokuphindisela kwezimpindiselo koIsrayeli, busisani iN! Zwanini makhosi, libeke indlebe ziphathamandla, mina, mina ngizahlabela eNni, ngihubele iN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli. N, ekuphumeni kwakho eSeyiri, lamazulu athonta, lamayezi athontisa amanzi. Izintaba zageleza phambi kweN KOSI le phambi kweN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli. Ensukwini zikaShamigari indodana kaAnathi, lababehamba ezindledlaneni bahamba ngezindlela ezimazombazombe. Izakhamizi zemakhaya zaphela koIsrayeli, zaphela, ngaze ngasukuma mina Debora, ngasukuma, unina koIsrayeli. Wakhetha onkulunkulu abatsha phakathi kwabazinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane koIsrayeli? Inhliziyo yami ikubanikimithetho bakoIsrayeli, abazinikela ngokuzithandela phakathi kwabantu. Busisani iN! Bagadi babobabhemi abamhlophe, labahambi endleleni, khulumani. Elizwini labatshoki, phakathi kwezindawo zokukha amanzi. Ngalesosikhathi abantu beN behlela emasangweni. Vuka, ndodana kaAbinowama. Khona yayenza insali yabusa phezu kwezinduna ebantwini; yangenza ngabusa phezu kwabalamandla. Kuvela koEfrayimi, lakoZebuluni abadonsa ngentonga yombhali. Leziphathamandla zakoIsakari zaziloDebora; la njengo Isakari, waba njalo uBaraki; wathunjwa esigodini ngenyawo zakhe. Ekwehlukaneni kukaRubeni izinqumo zenhliziyo zazizinkulu. Wahlalelani phakathi kwezibaya? Izifunda zakoRubeni zaba lokuhlolwa okukhulu kwenhliziyo. UGileyadi wahlala ngaphetsheya kweJodani, wahlala ethekwini. UZebuluni uyisizwe esadela umphefumulo waso kwaze kwaba sekufeni, loNafithali, emiqolweni yensimu. Amakhosi afika alwa; khona amakhosi eKhanani alwa eThahanakhi. Zisemazulwini zalwa, inkanyezi zisendleleni zazo zalwa loSisera. Isifula iKishoni sabakhukhula, isifula sendulo, isifula iKishoni. Mphefumulo wami, unyathela ngamandla! Khona atshaya phansi amasondo amabhiza, ngokumatha, ukumatha kwabalamandla bakhe. Qalekisani iMerozi, kutsho ingilosi yeN, qalekisani ngokuqalekisa abakhileyo kuyo, ngoba kabezanga, kuncedo lweN, lamaqhawe. Uzabusiswa phezu kwabesifazana uJayeli umkaHeberi umKeni; ubusisiwe phezu kwabesifazana ethenteni. Wacela amanzi, wa m nika uchago, waletha amasi ngomganu wobukhosi. Welulela isandla sakhe esikhonkwaneni, lesandla sakhe sokunene esandweni sezisebenzi, wamtshaya uSisera, wachoboza ikhanda lakhe, wahlaba wabhoboza inhlafuno yakhe. Phakathi laphakathi kwenyawo zakhe wakhothama wawa walala; phakathi laphakathi kwenyawo zakhe wakhothama wawa, lapho akhothamela khona, wawa lapho efile echithekile. Unina kaSisera walunguza ngewindi? Kungani ephuzile amavili ezinqola zakhe? Izihlakaniphi zamakhosazana akhe zaphendula, yebo yena wazibuyisela impendulo yakhe wathi: Kabatholanga yini bayaba impango, intombazana, amantombazana amabili kuleyo laleyondoda, impango yamalembu aconjiweyo kaSisera, impango yamalembu aconjiweyo afekethisiweyo ngenalithi, amalembu amabili aconjiweyo afekethisiweyo ngenalithi, awentamo zomphangi? Ngokunjalo kazibhubhe zonke izitha zakho. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebesenza okubi emehlweni eN KOSI iminyaka eyisikhombisa. Lesandla sikaMidiyani saba lamandla phezu kukaIsrayeli. Ngenxa kaMidiyani, lezinqaba. Kwasekusithi uIsrayeli esehlanyele, enyuka amaMidiyani, benyuka bamelana labo, bamisa inkamba maqondana labo, bachitha izithelo zelizwe, njalo kabatshiyanga okondlayo koIsrayeli loba imvu loba inkabi loba ubabhemi. Ngoba bona benyuka lezifuyo zabo lamathente abo, bafika njengokugcwala kwentethe ngobunengi, okokuthi bona lamakamela abo babengelanani; basebengena elizweni ukulichitha. UIsrayeli wasesiba ngumyanga kakhulu ngenxa yamaMidiyani, labantwana bakoIsrayeli bakhala eNni. Kwasekusithi lapho abantwana bakoIsrayeli bekhala eNni, yathuma umprofethi kubantwana bakoIsrayeli, owathi kibo: Itsho njalo iN, uNkulunkulu wakoIsrayeli: Mina ngalenyusa lisuka eGibhithe ngalikhupha endlini yobugqili, ngalihluthuna esandleni samaGibhithe, lesandleni sabo bonke abalicindezelayo, ngabaxotsha phambi kwenu, ngalinika ilizwe labo, ngathi kini: NgiyuNkulunkulu wenu; lingesabi onkulunkulu bamaAmori elihlala elizweni lawo. Kodwa kalililalelanga ilizwi lami. Kwasekufika ingilosi yeN, yahlala ngaphansi kwesihlahla se-okhi esiseOfira, esasingesikaJowashi umAbiyezeri. Ingilosi yeN yasibonakala kuye, qhawe elilamandla. UGidiyoni wasesithi kuyo: Hawu Nkosi yami, uba ilathi, kungani konke lokhu kusehlele. yasiphendukela kuye yathi: Hamba ngalamandla akho? Wasesithi kuyo: Hawu Nkosi yami, ngizamkhulula ngani uIsrayeli? Khangela, usendo lwami lungumyanga koManase, njalo ngingomncinyane endlini kababa. yasisithi kuye: Ngoba ngizakuba lawe njengendodanye. Wasesithi kuyo: Uba khathesi ngithole umusa emehlweni akho sokuthi nguwe okhuluma lami. Ake ungasuki lapha, ngize ngibuye kuwe, ngikhuphe isipho sami, ngisibeke phambi kwakho. Yasisithi: Mina ngizahlala uze uphenduke. UGidiyoni wasengena, walungisa izinyane lembuzi, lezinkwa ezingelamvubelo nge-efa lempuphu, inyama wayifaka esitsheni, lomhluzi wawufaka embizeni, wakukhuphela kuyo ngaphansi kwesihlahla se-okhi, wakusondeza. Ingilosi kaNkulunkulu yasisithi kuye: Thatha inyama lezinkwa ezingelamvubelo, ukubeke phezu kwalelidwala. Wasesenza njalo. Ingilosi yeN yasiselula isihloko somqwayi owawusesandleni sayo, yathinta inyama lezinkwa ezingelamvubelo; kwasekusenyuka umlilo uphuma edwaleni, wadla inyama lezinkwa ezingelamvubelo. Lengilosi yeN yasuka emehlweni akhe. UGidiyoni wasebona ukuthi yayiyingilosi yeN KOSI. Kodwa yathi kuye: Ukuthula kakube kuwe, ungesabi, kawuyikufa. UGidiyoni waseyakhela ilathi lapho, walibiza ngokuthi uJehova-shalomi. Kuze kube lamuhla lisesekhona eOfira lamaAbiyezeri. Kwasekusithi ngalobobusuku yathi kuye: Thatha ijongosi lenkunzi engekayihlo, ngitsho ijongosi lesibili elileminyaka eyisikhombisa, udilize ilathi likaBhali elingelikayihlo, lesixuku esiphansi kwalo usigamule; wakhele uNkulunkulu wakho ilathi phezu kwengqonga yalinqaba, njengokwejwayelekileyo; ubusuthatha ijongosi lesibili, unikele umnikelo wokutshiswa ngenkuni zesixuku ozasigamula. UGidiyoni wasethatha amadoda alitshumi ezincekwini zakhe, wenza njengokutsho kweN kuye; kodwa kwathi ngenxa yokuthi wayesesaba indlu kayise lamadoda omuzi ukukwenza emini, wakwenza ebusuku. Lapho amadoda omuzi evuka ekuseni kakhulu, khangela, ilathi likaBhali lalidiliziwe, lesixuku esasiphansi kwalo sesiganyuliwe, lejongosi lesibili lanikelwa phezu kwelathi elaselakhiwe. Basebesithi omunye komunye: Ngubani owenze loludaba? Nxa sebedingile bebuza bathi: UGidiyoni indodana kaJowashi wenze loludaba. Amadoda omuzi asesithi kuJowashi: Khupha indodana yakho ukuze ife, ngoba idilizile ilathi likaBhali, langoba igamule isixuku esasiphansi kwalo. Kodwa uJowashi wathi kubo bonke ababemi ngakuye: Lina lizamlwela uBhali yini, kumbe lina limsindise? Omlwelayo uzabulawa kusesekuseni. Uba engunkulunkulu, kazilwele, ngoba ilathi lakhe lidiliziwe. Ngakho ngalolosuku wambiza ngokuthinguJerubali, esithi: UBhali kalwe laye, ngoba ulidilizile ilathi lakhe. Lawo wonke amaMidiyani lamaAmaleki labantwana bempumalanga. LoMoya weN wembesa uGidiyoni, lamaAbiyezeri abizwa emva kwakhe. Wasethuma izithunywa kuye wonke uManase, labo futhi babizwa emva kwakhe. Wasethuma izithunywa koAsheri lakoZebuluni lakoNafithali; basebesiza ukubahlangabeza. UGidiyoni wasesithi kuNkulunkulu: Uba uzasindisa uIsrayeli ngesandla sami njengokutsho kwakho, khangela, ngizabeka uboya bezimvu obugundiweyo ebaleni lokubhulela; uba amazolo ezakuba phezu koboya obugundiweyo kuphela, lokoma emhlabathini wonke, ngizakwazi-ke ukuthi uzamsindisa uIsrayeli ngesandla sami, njengokutsho kwakho. Kwasekusiba njalo. Lapho evuka ngovivi kusisa, wacindezela uboya obugundiweyo, wakhama amazolo eboyeni obugundiweyo, umganu ogcwele amanzi. UGidiyoni wasesithi kuNkulunkulu: Ulaka lwakho lungangivutheli, ngizakhuluma khathesi kuphela; ake ngihlole khathesi kuphela ngoboya obugundiweyo; ake kube lokoma eboyeni obugundiweyo kuphela, lemhlabathini wonke kakube lamazolo. UNkulunkulu wasesenza njalo ngalobobusuku; ngoba kwaba lokoma eboyeni obugundiweyo kuphela, kodwa emhlabathini wonke kwaba lamazolo. UJerubali. yasisithi kuGidiyoni: Abantu abalawe banengi kakhulu ukuthi nginikele amaMidiyani esandleni sabo, hlezi uIsrayeli azidumise emelene lami, esithi: Isandla sami singisindisile. Ngakho khathesi memezela-ke endlebeni zabantu usithi: Loba ngubani owesabayo kaphenduke asuke masinyane entabeni yeGileyadi. Ngakho kwaphenduka ebantwini abazinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lambili, lenkulungwane ezilitshumi zasala. yasisithi kuGidiyoni: Abantu basesebanengi kakhulu; behlisele emanzini, ngizakuhlolela bona khona; kuzakuthi-ke lowo engizakuthi ngaye kuwe: Lo uzahamba lawe, yena uzahamba lawe; kodwa loba ngubani engizakuthi ngaye kuwe: Lo kayikuhamba lawe, yena kayikuhamba. Wasebehlisela abantu emanzini. yasisithi kuGidiyoni: Wonke oxhapha emanzini ngolimi lwakhe njengenja ixhapha, uzambeka yedwa, laye wonke oguqa ngamadolo akhe ukunatha. Lenani lalabo abaxhaphayo ngesandla sabo besisa emlonyeni wabo babengamadoda angamakhulu amathathu, kodwa bonke abaseleyo babantu baguqa ngamadolo abo ukunatha amanzi. yasisithi kuGidiyoni: Ngamadoda angamakhulu amathathu axhaphileyo ngizalisindisa, nginikele amaMidiyani esandleni sakho; bayekele-ke bonke abantu bahambe, ngulowo lalowo endaweni yakhe. Ngakho abantu bathatha umphako esandleni sabo, lempondo zabo. Wasewayekela wonke amadoda akoIsrayeli ahamba, ngulowo ethenteni lakhe, kodwa wagcina amadoda angamakhulu amathathu. Lenkamba yamaMidiyani yaba ngaphansi kwakhe esigodini. Kwasekusithi ngalobobusuku. Kodwa uba usesaba ukwehla, yehla wena loPura inceku yakho uye enkambeni. Uzakuzwa abakukhulumayo; lemva kwalokho izandla zakho zizaqiniswa ukuze wehlele enkambeni. Wasesehla yena loPura ijaha lakhe, baya ephethelweni labangamatshumi amahlanu ababesenkambeni. Njalo amaMidiyani lamaAmaleki labo bonke abantwana bempumalanga. Kwathi uGidiyoni efika, khangela umuntu elandisela umngane wakhe iphupho, wathi: Khangela, ngiphuphe iphupho, khangela-ke, iqebelengwana lesinkwa sebhali ligiqikela enkambeni yamaMidiyani, lafika ethenteni, lalitshaya lawa laligenqula lakhangela phezulu, okokuthi ithente lawa. Umngane wakhe wasephendula wathi: Lokhu kakusilutho ngaphandle kwenkemba kaGidiyoni indodana kaJowashi, indoda yakoIsrayeli. UNkulunkulu unikele esandleni sakhe iMidiyani lenkamba yonke. Kwasekusithi uGidiyoni esezwe ukulandiswa kwephupho lengcazelo yalo, wakhonza, wabuyela enkambeni yakoIsrayeli, wathi: Vukani, ngoba inikele esandleni senu inkamba yamaMidiyani. Wasesehlukanisa amadoda angamakhulu amathathu, aba yizigaba ezintathu, wanika impondo esandleni sawo wonke, lenqayi ezingelalutho, lezihlanti phakathi kwezinqayi. Wasesithi kuwo: Ngikhangelani, lenze njalo. Khangelani-ke, nxa ngifika ephethelweni lenkamba, kuzakuthi njengokwenza kwami lenze njalo. Nxa ngivuthela impondo, mina labo bonke abalami, lapho lani lizavuthela izimpondo, lihanqe inkamba yonke, lithi: OweN lokaGidiyoni! Ngakho uGidiyoni lamadoda alikhulu ayelaye bafika ephethelweni lenkamba ekuqaleni komlindo wobusuku waphakathi, sebesanda ukumisa nje abalindi; basebevuthela impondo, babulala izinqayi ezazisesandleni sabo. Lezigaba ezintathu zavuthela izimpondo, zabulala izinqayi, zaphatha esandleni sazo sekhohlo izihlanti lesandleni sazo sokunene impondo zokuvuthelwa, zamemeza zisithi: Inkemba yeN lekaGidiyoni! Zasezisima yamemeza yabaleka. Lapho abangamakhulu amathathu bevuthela impondo eduze kweTabathi. Lamadoda akoIsrayeli abizelwa ndawonye lakoAsheri lakoManase wonke, axotshana lamaMidiyani. UGidiyoni wasethuma izithunywa kuyo yonke intaba yakoEfrayimi. Athumba iziphathamandla ezimbili eMidiyani, loZebi ambulala esikhamelweni sewayini seZebi, axotshana lamaMidiyani; aletha amakhanda aboOrebi loZebi kuGidiyoni ngaphetsheya kweJodani. Amadoda akoEfrayimi asesithi kuye: Iyini linto oyenze kithi ukuthi awusibizanga nxa usiya ukulwa lamaMidiyani? Amsola ngamandla. Wasesithi kiwo: Ngenzeni khathesi njengani? Ukudojwa kwezithelo eziseleyo koEfrayimi kakukuhle yini kulesivuno sevini sakoAbiyezeri? UNkulunkulu unikele esandleni senu iziphathamandla zeMidiyani lapho ekhuluma lelilizwi. Lapho uGidiyoni efika eJodani wachapha, yena lamadoda angamakhulu amathathu ayelaye, bediniwe kodwa bexotsha. Wasesithi emadodeni eSukothi amaqebelengwana ezinkwa, ngoba badiniwe, ngixotshana loZeba loZalimuna amakhosi eMidiyani. Lenduna zeSukothi zathi: Intende yesandla sikaZeba loZalimuna isisesandleni sakho yini, ukuthi siphe ibutho lakho isinkwa? UGidiyoni wasesithi: Ngakho nxa isinikele uZeba loZalimuna esandleni sami, ngizabhula inyama yenu ngameva enkangala langokhula oluhlabayo. Wasesenyuka lapho waya ePenuweli, wakhuluma labo ngokufananayo; lamadoda ePenuweli amphendula njengamadoda eSukothi abephendulile. Wasekhuluma futhi emadodeni ePenuweli esithi: Ekubuyeni kwami ngokuthula. Njalo uZeba loZalimuna babeseKarikori lenkamba yabo ilabo, phose inkulungwane ezilitshumi lanhlanu, bonke ababesele ebuthweni, ngoba ababewile babengamadoda azinkulungwane ezilikhulu lamatshumi amabili abahwatsha inkemba. UGidiyoni wasesenyuka ngendlela yabahlala emathenteni empumalanga kweNoba leJogibeha. UZeba loZalimuna basebebaleka, wasexotshana labo, wathumba amakhosi amabili eMidiyani, uZeba loZalimuna, wethusa inkamba yonke. Lapho uGidiyoni indodana kaJowashi esebuya evela empini phambi kokuphuma kwelanga, wabamba ijaha emadodeni eSukothi, walibuza; laselimbhalela iziphathamandla zeSukothi labadala bayo, amadoda angamatshumi ayisikhombisa lesikhombisa. Wasefika emadodeni eSukothi, wathi: Khangelani oZeba loZalimuna elalingiklolodela ngabo lisithi: Intende yesandla sikaZeba loZalimuna isisesandleni sakho yini, ukuthi siphe amadoda akho asediniwe isinkwa? Wasethatha abadala bomuzi, lameva enkangala lokhula oluhlabayo, wenza amadoda eSukothi aqedisise ngawo. Lomphotshongo wePenuweli wawudiliza, wabulala amadoda omuzi. Wasesithi kuZeba lakuZalimuna: Ngamadoda anjani elawabulala eThabhori? Basebesithi: Njengawe babenjalo, ngulowo njengesimo sendodana yenkosi. Wasesithi: Babengabafowethu, abantwana bakamama. Kuphila kukaJehova, uba belibayekele baphila, bengingayikulibulala. Wasesithi kuJetheri izibulo lakhe: Sukuma ubabulale. Kodwa umfana kayihwatshanga inkemba yakhe, ngoba wayesesaba ngoba esesengumfana. UZeba loZalimuna basebesithi: Sukuma wena uwele phezu kwethu, ngoba njengoba injalo indoda, anjaloamandla ayo. Wasesukuma uGidiyoni wabulala uZeba loZalimuna. Wasethatha izinyangana ezazisentanyeni zamakamela abo. Amadoda akoIsrayeli asesithi kuGidiyoni: Sibuse, wena-ke, lendodana yakho, lendodana yendodana yakho, ngoba usisindisile esandleni samaMidiyani. Kodwa uGidiyoni wathi kibo: Mina kangiyikulibusa, lendodana yami kayiyikulibusa; izalibusa. UGidiyoni wasesithi kibo: Ake ngicele isicelo kini; nginikani ngamunye icici lempango. Basebesithi: Sizanika lokunika. Basebesendlala isembatho, baphosela lapho ngamunye icici lempango yakhe. Lesisindo samacici egolide ayewacelile sasingama shekeliegolide ayinkulungwane lamakhulu ayisikhombisa, ngaphandle kwezinyangana. UGidiyoni wasesenza i-efodi lendlu yakhe. Ngokunjalo amaMidiyani ehliselwa phansi phambi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli, kawaphindanga aphakamisa ikhanda lawo. Lelizwe laba lokuthula iminyaka engamatshumi amane ensukwini zikaGidiyoni. UJerubali indodana kaJowashi wayahlala-ke endlini yakhe. Njalo uGidiyoni wayelamadodana angamatshumi ayisikhombisa aphuma okhalweni lwakhe, ngoba wayelabafazi abanengi. Lomfazi wakhe omncane owayeseShekema laye wamzalela indodana, wayitha ibizo lokuthinguAbhimeleki. UGidiyoni indodana kaJowashi wasesifa eseluphele kuhle. Kwasekusithi lapho uGidiyoni esefile waba ngunkulunkulu. Njalo abantwana bakoIsrayeli kabayikhumbulanga uNkulunkulu wabo eyabophula esandleni sezitha zabo zonke inhlangothi zonke. Kabenzanga umusa endlini kaJerubali, ong uGidiyoni, njengakho konke okuhle akwenza kuIsrayeli. UAbhimeleki indodana kaJerubali wasesiya eShekema kubafowabo bakanina, wakhuluma kibo lakusendo lonke lwendlu kayise kanina, esithi: Ake likhulume endlebeni zabo bonke abahlali beShekema. Labafowabo bakanina bamkhulumela ezindlebeni zabo bonke abahlali beShekema wonke la amazwi. Bamnika inhlamvu zesiliva ezingamatshumi ayisikhombisa ezavela endlini kaBhali-Berithi abamlandelayo. Wasesiya endlini kayise eOfira, amadoda angamatshumi ayisikhombisa, phezu kwedwala elilodwa; kodwa uJothamu indodana elicinathunjana kaJerubali wasala, ngoba wacatsha. Labo bonke abahlali beShekema. Lapho bemtshela uJothamu, wayakuma phezu kwengqonga yentaba yeGerizimi ukuze uNkulunkulu alizwe. Izihlahla zahamba lokuhamba ukuzigcobela inkosi. Kodwa isihlahla somhlwathi sathi kuzo: Kambe ngizatshiya amafutha ami abadumisa ngawo uNkulunkulu labantu ngami, ukuze ngiyezunguza phezu kwezihlahla? Izihlahla zasezisithi esihlahleni somkhiwa: Woza wena usibuse. Kodwa isihlahla somkhiwa sathi kuzo: Kambe ngizatshiya ubumnandi bami lezithelo zami ezinhle, ukuze ngiyezunguza phezu kwezihlahla? Izihlahla zasezisithi esihlahleni sevini: Woza wena usibuse. Kodwa isihlahla sevini sathi kuzo: Kambe ngizatshiya iwayini lami elitsha elithokozisa uNkulunkulu labantu, ukuze ngiyezunguza phezu kwezihlahla? Izihlahla zonke zasezisithi embabazaneni: Woza wena usibuse. Imbabazane yasisithi ezihlahleni: Uba ngeqiniso lingigcoba ngibe yinkosi phezu kwenu, wozani lidinge ukuvikelwa emthunzini. Ngakho khathesi, uba likwenzile ngeqiniso langokuthembeka; ngoba ubaba walilwela, walahlela khatshana impilo yakhe, walophula esandleni samaMidiyani; kodwa lina seliyivukele indlu kababa lamuhla, labulala amadodana akhe; uba-ke ngeqiniso langokuthembeka, laye athokoze ngani; Kodwa uba kungenjalo, kakuphume umlilo kuAbhimeleki leBeti-Milo, njalo kakuphume umlilo kubahlali beShekema leBeti-Milo udle uAbhimeleki. UJothamu wasephunyuka wabaleka, waya eBeri, wahlala khona, ngenxa kaAbhimeleki umfowabo. Kwathi uAbhimeleki esebuse uIsrayeli iminyaka emithathu, uNkulunkulu wathuma umoya omubi phakathi kukaAbhimeleki labahlali beShekema, ukuze udlakela olwenziwa ku madodana kaJerubali angamatshumi ayisikhombisa lubuyele, legazi libekwe phezu kukaAbhimeleki umfowabo owawabulalayo, laphezu kwabahlali beShekema ababeqinise izandla zakhe ukubulala abafowabo. Abahlali beShekema basebembekela abacathameli ezingqongeni zezintaba, baphanga bonke ababebedlula ngaleyondlela; uAbhimeleki wasekubikelwa. UGahali indodana kaEbedi wasesiza labafowabo, bedlulela eShekema; njalo abahlali beShekema bamthemba. Basebephuma baya emasimini, bakha izithelo zamavini ezivinini zabo, bazinyathela, benza indumiso, bangena endlini kankulunkulu wabo, badla banatha, bamthuka uAbhimeleki. UGahali indodana kaEbedi wasesithi: Ungubani uAbhimeleki. Ngoba thina sizamsebenzelelani? Sengathi ngabe lababantu bebesesandleni sami, bengizamkhupha-ke uAbhimeleki. Wasesithi kuAbhimeleki: Yandisa ibutho lakho, uphume. Kwathi uZebuli umbusi womuzi esizwa amazwi kaGahali indodana kaEbedi, ulaka lwakhe lwavutha. Wathuma izithunywa kuAbhimeleki ngobuqili, esithi: Khangela, uGahali indodana kaEbedi labafowabo bafikile eShekema, khangela-ke, sebeqinisa umuzi ukumelana lawe. Khathesi-ke sukuma ebusuku wena labantu abalawe, uyecathama egangeni. Kuzakuthi-ke ekuseni ekuphumeni kwelanga, uvuke ngovivi uwuhlasele umuzi; khangela, lapho yena labantu abalaye bephuma ukumelana lawe, uzakwenza kuye njengalokho isandla sakho esikutholayo. UAbhimeleki wasesukuma labo bonke abantu ababelaye, ebusuku, basebeyicathamela iShekema ngezigaba ezine. UGahali indodana kaEbedi wasephuma wema esikhaleni sesango lomuzi. UAbhimeleki wasesukuma labantu ababelaye ekucathameni. Kwathi uGahali ebona abantu, wathi kuZebuli: Khangela, abantu bayehla ezingqongeni zezintaba. Kodwa uZebuli wathi kuye: Ubona amathunzi ezintaba kungathi ngabantu. UGahali waqhubeka futhi ekhuluma wathi: Khangela, abantu bayehla bevela phakathi kwelizwe, lelinye ixuku livela endleleni yamagceke abavumisi. UZebuli wasesithi kuye: Usungaphi umlomo wakho owathi ngawo: Ungubani uAbhimeleki ukuthi simkhonze? Laba kayisibo abantu obadeleleyo yini? Ake uphume khathesi uyekulwa labo. UGahali wasephuma phambi kwabahlali beShekema, walwa loAbhimeleki. UAbhimeleki wamxotsha, wasebaleka phambi kwakhe; abanengi bawa belimele kwaze kwaba sekungeneni kwesango. UAbhimeleki wasehlala eAruma. UZebuli wasemxotsha uGahali labafowabo, ukuze bangahlali eShekema. Kwasekusithi kusisa abantu baphuma baya egangeni; bamtshela uAbhimeleki. Wasethatha abantu, wabehlukanisa baba ngamaxuku amathathu, wacathama egangeni, wabona, khangela-ke, abantu bephuma emzini, wabasukela wabatshaya. UAbhimeleki lexuku elalilaye basebebahlasela, abatshaya. UAbhimeleki wasesilwa emelene lomuzi lolosuku lonke, wawuthumba umuzi, wabulala abantu ababekiwo, wadilizela phansi umuzi. Lapho bonke abahlali bomphotshongo weShekema bekuzwa. Kwabikelwa uAbhimeleki ukuthi bonke abahlali bemphotshongweni weShekema babuthene ndawonye. UAbhimeleki wasesenyukela entabeni yeZalimoni, yena labo bonke abantu ababelaye; uAbhimeleki wathatha ihloka esandleni sakhe, wagamula ugatsha lwezihlahla, waluthatha walwetshata ehlombe lakhe, wathi ebantwini ababelaye: Lokhu elibona ngikwenza, phangisani likwenze njengami. Ngakho bonke abantu labo bagamula, ngulowo ugatsha lwakhe, bamlandela uAbhimeleki bazibeka enqabeni, phose abesilisa labesifazana abayinkulungwane. UAbhimeleki wasesiya eThebezi, wamisa inkamba maqondana leThebezi wayithumba. Kodwa kwakulomphotshongo oqinileyo phakathi komuzi, labo bonke abesilisa labesifazana babalekela kuyo, labo bonke abahlali bomuzi, babavalela phakathi; benyukela ephahleni lomphotshongo. UAbhimeleki wasefika emphotshongweni, walwa lawo, wasondela emnyango womphotshongo ukuze awutshise ngomlilo. Owesifazana othile wasephosa ekhanda likaAbhimeleki, wadabula ukhakhayi lwakhe. Wasebiza masinyane ijaha elalithwala izikhali zakhe, wathi kilo: Hwatsha inkemba yakho ungibulale, hlezi bathi ngami: Owesifazana wambulala. Ijaha lakhe laselimgwaza, wafa-ke. Kwathi amadoda akoIsrayeli ebona ukuthi uAbhimeleki usefile, ahamba, ngulowo waya endaweni yakhe. Ngokunjalo uNkulunkulu wabuyisela ububi bukaAbhimeleki ayebenze kuyise, ngokubulala abafowabo abangamatshumi ayisikhombisa. Labo bonke ububi bamadoda eShekema uNkulunkulu wabubuyisela phezu kwamakhanda awo; kwasekusehlela phezu kwabo isiqalekiso sikaJothamu indodana kaJerubali. Emva kukaAbhimeleki kwasekuvela uThola indodana kaPhuwa indodana kaDodo, indoda yakoIsakari ukukhulula uIsrayeli; wayehlala eShamiri entabeni yakoEfrayimi. Wasesahlulela uIsrayeli iminyaka engamatshumi amabili lantathu. Wafa, wangcwatshelwa eShamiri. Lemva kwakhe kwavela uJayiri umGileyadi, wahlulela uIsrayeli iminyaka engamatshumi amabili lambili. Wayelamadodana angamatshumi amathathu agada amathole abobabhemi, eselizweni leGileyadi. UJayiri wasesifa, wangcwatshelwa eKamoni. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebebuya besenza okubi emehlweni eN, kabaze bayikhonza. Ulaka lweN lwaselumvuthela uIsrayeli, yabathengisa ezandleni zamaFilisti. Asebachitha abacindezela abantwana bakoIsrayeli - iminyaka elitshumi leyisificaminwembili, bonke abantwana bakoIsrayeli ababengaphetsheya kweJodani elizweni lamaAmori eliseGileyadi. Njalo abantwana bakoAmoni bachapha iJodani ukuze balwe ngitsho bemelene loJuda kakhulu. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebekhala eNni, sasesikhonza oBhali. yasisithi ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli: Kangi likhulula nga yini kumaGibhithe? AmaSidoni lawo lamaAmaleki, laselikhala kimi, ngalikhulula esandleni sawo. Kanti lina lingitshiyile lakhonza abanye onkulunkulu; ngakho kangisayikulikhulula. Hambani liyekhala kubonkulunkulu elibakhethileyo; kabalikhulule bona ngesikhathi sokuhlupheka kwenu. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli-ke bathi eNni: Sonile; yenza wena kithi njengakho konke okuhle emehlweni akho; kuphela sikhulule, siyakuncenga, lamuhla. Basebesusa onkulunkulu bezizweni phakathi kwabo, bakhonza iN; umphefumulo wayo. Kwasekubizelwa ndawonye abantwana bakoAmoni, bamisa inkamba eGileyadi, labantwana bakoIsrayeli babuthana bamisa inkamba eMizipa. Labantu, iziphathamandla zeGileyadi, bathi omunye komunye: Ngubani umuntu ozaqala ukulwa emelene labantwana bakoAmoni? Uzakuba yinhloko phezu kwabo bonke abahlali beGileyadi. Njalo uJefitha umGileyadi wayeliqhawe elilamandla, wayeyindodana yewule; uGileyadi wasezala uJefitha. UmkaGileyadi wasemzalela amadodana; kwathi amadodana omkakhe esekhulile amxotsha uJefitha, athi kuye: Kawuyikudla ilifa endlini kababa, ngoba uyindodana yomunye umfazi. UJefitha wasebalekela abafowabo, wahlala elizweni leTobi. Kwasekusithi emva kwezinsuku abantwana bakoAmoni balwa loIsrayeli. Kwasekusithi lapho abantwana bakoAmoni besilwa loIsrayeli, abadala beGileyadi bahamba ukuyathatha uJefitha elizweni leTobi, bathi kuJefitha: Woza ube ngumkhokheli wethu ukuze silwe labantwana bakoAmoni. Kodwa uJefitha wathi kubadala beGileyadi: Lina kalingizondanga yini, langixotsha endlini kababa? Pho, lizelani kimi khathesi nxa selisenhluphekweni? Abadala beGileyadi basebesithi kuJefitha: Ngakho khathesi siyabuyela kuwe ukuze uhambe lathi uyekulwa umelene labantwana bakoAmoni, ube yinhloko yethu phezu kwabo bonke abakhi beGileyadi. UJefitha wasesithi kubadala beGileyadi: Uba lingibuyisa ukulwa ngimelene labantwana bakoAmoni, ibanikele phambi kwami, mina ngizakuba yinhloko yenu yini? Abadala beGileyadi basebesithi kuJefitha: iyezwa phakathi kwethu, uba singenzi njalo njengokwamazwi akho. UJefitha wasehamba labadala beGileyadi, abantu basebemenza waba yinhloko lomkhokheli phezu kwabo. UJefitha wasethuma izithunywa enkosini yabantwana bakoAmoni esithi: Ngilani lawe ukuthi uze kimi ukulwa elizweni lami? Inkosi yabantwana bakoAmoni yasisithi kuzithunywa zikaJefitha: Ngoba uIsrayeli wathatha ilizwe lami ekwenyukeni kwakhe eGibhithe; ngakho-ke libuyiseni ngokuthula. UJefitha wasephinda ethuma izithunywa futhi enkosini yabantwana bakoAmoni wathi kuye: Utsho njalo uJefitha: UIsrayeli kalithathanga ilizwe lakoMowabi lelizwe labantwana bakoAmoni, kodwa ekwenyukeni kwabo besuka eGibhithe uIsrayeli wahamba edabula enkangala waya eLwandle oluBomvu. UIsrayeli wasethuma izithunywa enkosini yeEdoma esithi: Ake sedlule sidabule elizweni lakho. Basebedabula enkangala, balibhoda ilizwe leEdoma lelizwe lakoMowabi. UIsrayeli wasethuma izithunywa kuSihoni inkosi yamaAmori, inkosi yeHeshiboni. Kodwa uSihoni kamthembanga uIsrayeli ukuthi adlule emngceleni wakhe; kodwa uSihoni wabutha bonke abantu bakhe. Kodwa iN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, yanikela uSihoni labo bonke abantu bakhe esandleni sikaIsrayeli, babatshaya. Ngakho uIsrayeli wadla ilifa lelizwe lonke lamaAmori, abahlali balelolizwe. Badla ilifa layo yonke imingcele yamaAmori kusukela eArinoni kuze kube seJaboki, njalo kusukela enkangala kuze kube seJodani. Khathesi-ke iN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, yawaxotsha elifeni amaAmori phambi kwabantu bayo uIsrayeli; kanti wena uzakudla ilifa lalo yini? Kawuyikudla yini ilifa lalokhu uKemoshi unkulunkulu wakho akunika ukudla ilifa lakho. Pho-ke wena ungcono yini okwedlula uBalaki indodana kaZipori inkosi yakoMowabi? Wake waxabana loIsrayeli; kumbe wake walwa labo yini; lapho uIsrayeli esehlala eHeshiboni lemizaneni yayo? Ngakho mina kangonanga kuwe, kodwa wena wenza okubi kimi ngokulwa lami; uMahluleli kahlulele lamuhla phakathi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli labantwana bakoAmoni. Kodwa inkosi yabantwana bakoAmoni kayilalelanga amazwi kaJefitha awathumela kuyo. UMoya weN wasesiza phezu kukaJefitha, wedlula eGileyadi leManase, wedlula eMizipa yeGileyadi; esuka eMizipa wedlulela kubantwana bakoAmoni. UJefitha wafunga isifungo eNni wathi: Uba uzanikela lokunikela abantwana bakoAmoni esandleni sami, kuzakuthi loba yikuphi okuphuma eminyango yendlu yami ukungihlangabeza ekubuyeni kwami ngokuthula ngivela kubantwana bakoAmoni, kuzakuba ngokweN KOSI. Ngakho uJefitha wasesedlulela ebantwaneni bakoAmoni ukulwa emelene labo; yasibanikela esandleni sakhe. Wasebatshaya kusukela eAroweri, imizi engamatshumi amabili, kuze kube seAbeli-Keramimi, ukutshaya okukhulukazi. Ngokunjalo abantwana bakoAmoni behliselwa phansi phambi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli. UJefitha wasefika eMizipa endlini yakhe. Kwasekusithi lapho eyibona wadabula izigqoko zakhe wathi. Yasisithi kuye: Baba, uvulile umlomo wakho eNni, yenza kimi njengalokho okuphume emlonyeni wakho, lokhu ikuphindisele ezitheni zakho, ebantwaneni bakoAmoni. Yasisithi kuyise: Kakungenzele linto: Ngiyekela inyanga ezimbili, ngiye ngehle ezintabeni, ngililele ubuntombi bami, mina labangane bami. Wasesithi: Hamba. Waseyiyekela ihamba inyanga ezimbili. Yasihamba, yona labangane bayo, yalilela ubuntombi bayo ezintabeni. Kwasekusithi ekupheleni kwenyanga ezimbili yabuyela kuyise, owenza kuyo isifungo sakhe asifungayo; yona kayiyazanga indoda. Kwasekusiba ngumkhuba koIsrayeli: Iminyaka ngeminyaka amadodakazi akoIsrayeli ayehamba uku ya khumbula indodakazi kaJefitha umGileyadi insuku ezine ngomnyaka. Abantu bakoEfrayimi basebebizelwa ndawonye, bachaphela enyakatho, bathi kuJefitha: Wachaphelani ukuyakulwa umelene labantwana bakoAmoni, lathi ungasibizanga ukuthi sihambe lawe? Sizatshisa ngomlilo indlu yakho phezu kwakho. UJefitha wathi kibo: Mina labantu bami sasilengxabano enkulu labantwana bakoAmoni; sathi silibiza, kalingikhululanga esandleni sabo. Kwathi lapho ngibona ukuthi kalisizanga, ngabeka impilo yami esandleni sami, ngachaphela ebantwaneni bakoAmoni, yabanikela esandleni sami. Pho, lenyukeleleni kimi lamuhla ukulwa limelene lami? UJefitha wasebutha wonke amadoda eGileyadi walwa loEfrayimi; amadoda eGileyadi asemtshaya uEfrayimi, ngoba athi: Lingababalekileyo bakoEfrayimi, lina beGileyadi, phakathi kukaEfrayimi loManase. AbeGileyadi basebethumba amazibuko eJodani aya koEfrayimi. Kwakusithi lapho iziphepheli zakoEfrayimi zisithi: Ake ngichaphe; amadoda eGileyadi athi kuye: UngumEfrayimi yini? Lapho esithi: Hatshi; basebesithi kuye: Ake uthi: Shibolethi. Athi: Sibolethi; ngoba engelakulikhuluma kuhle. Basebembamba, bemhlaba emazibukweni eJodani. Kwasekusiwa ngalesosikhathi kwabakoEfrayimi abazinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane lambili. UJefitha wasesahlulela uIsrayeli iminyaka eyisithupha. Wasesifa uJefitha umGileyadi, wangcwatshelwa ko munyewemizi yeGileyadi. Emva kwakhe-ke uIbizani weBhethelehema wahlulela uIsrayeli. Njalo wayelamadodana angamatshumi amathathu, wathumela ngaphandle amadodakazi angamatshumi amathathu, wangenisela amadodana akhe amadodakazi angamatshumi amathathu evela ngaphandle; wahlulela uIsrayeli iminyaka eyisikhombisa. Wasesifa uIbizani, wangcwatshelwa eBhethelehema. Njalo emva kwakhe uEloni umZebuloni wahlulela uIsrayeli; wahlulela uIsrayeli iminyaka elitshumi. Wasesifa uEloni umZebuloni, wangcwatshelwa eAjaloni, elizweni lakoZebuluni. Emva kwakhe-ke uAbidoni indodana kaHileli umPirathoni wahlulela uIsrayeli. Wayelamadodana angamatshumi amane, lamadodana amadodana angamatshumi amathathu, ayegada amathole abobabhemi; wahlulela uIsrayeli iminyaka eyisificaminwembili. Wasesifa uAbidoni indodana kaHileli umPirathoni, wangcwatshelwa ePirathoni elizweni lakoEfrayimi entabeni zamaAmaleki. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli babuya-ke benza okubi emehlweni eN KOSI. Kwakukhona-ke umuntu othile weZora, owosendo lwakoDani, obizo lakhe lalinguManowa. Ingilosi yeN yasibonakala kowesifazana yathi kuye: Khangela-ke, uyinyumba, kawuzali, kodwa uzathatha isisu uzale indodana. Ngakho-ke ake uqaphelise, unganathi wayini lokunathwayo okulamandla, ungadli lalutho olungcolileyo, ngoba khangela, uzathatha isisu uzale indodana. Impuco kayiyikudlula ekhanda layo. Owesifazana wasesiza wabikela indoda yakhe esithi: Kufikile kimi umuntu kaNkulunkulu. Kodwa uthe kimi: Khangela, uzathatha isisu, uzale indodana; khathesi-ke unganathi wayini lokunathwayo okulamandla, ungadli lalutho olungcolileyo, ngoba umfana uzakuba ngumNaziri kaNkulunkulu kusukela esizalweni kuze kube sosukwini lokufa kwakhe. UManowa waseyincenga wathi: Hawu Nkosi yami, umuntu kaNkulunkulu omthumileyo ake abuye futhi kithi, asifundise ukuthi sizakwenza njani emfaneni ozazalwa. UNkulunkulu waselizwa ilizwi likaManowa, lengilosi kaNkulunkulu yafika futhi kowesifazana ehlezi egangeni; kodwa uManowa umkakhe wayengelaye. Owesifazana wasehaluzela wagijima wabikela umkakhe wathi: Khangela, lowomuntu ubonakele kimi owafika kimi mhla lokhuyana. UManowa wasesukuma walandela umkakhe, wafika kulowomuntu wathi kuye: Unguye yini lowomuntu owakhuluma kulowesifazana? Wasesithi: Ngi nguye. UManowa wasesithi: Kaweze-ke amazwi akho; izakuba yini indlela yomfana, lomsebenzi wakhe? Ingilosi yeN yasisithi kuManowa: Kukho konke engakutshoyo kowesifazana akuqaphelise; angadli okolutho oluphuma evinini lewayini, anganathi wayini lokunathwayo okulamandla, angadli lutho olungcolileyo; konke engamlaya khona akugcine. UManowa wasesithi engilosini yeN: Ake sikubambelele, silungise phambi kwakho izinyane lembuzi. Ingilosi yeN yasisithi kuManowa: Uba ungibambelela, kangiyikudla okwesinkwa sakho; njalo uba ulungisa umnikelo wokutshiswa, unikele eNni. Ngoba uManowa wayengazi ukuthi yayiyingilosi yeN. UManowa wasesithi kuyo ingilosi yeN: Ungubani ibizo lakho, ukuze kuthi lapho amazwi akho esiza sikuhloniphe. Ingilosi yeN yasisithi kuye: Ubuzelani kanje ngebizo lami lokhu liyamangalisa? UManowa wasethatha izinyane lembuzi. Kwasekusithi lapho ilangabi lisenyuka elathini liqonde emazulwini, ingilosi yeN yenyuka ngelangabi lelathi. Kodwa ingilosi yeN kayiphindanga isabonakala kuManowa lomkakhe. Khona uManowa wazi ukuthi kwakuyingilosi yeN. UManowa wasesithi kumkakhe: Sizakufa lokufa ngoba sibone uNkulunkulu. Kodwa umkakhe wathi kuye: Uba ibithanda ukusibulala, ibingayikwemukela esandleni sethu umnikelo wokutshiswa lomnikelo wokudla, njalo ibingayikusitshengisa zonke lezizinto, njalo ibingayikusizwisa ngalesisikhathi izintoezinjengalezi. Owesifazana wasebeletha indodana, wayitha ibizo layo wathinguSamsoni. UMoya weN waseqala. USamsoni wasesehlela eThiminathi, wabona owesifazana eThiminathi wamadodakazi amaFilisti. Wenyuka wabatshela oyise lonina wathi: Ngibone owesifazana eThiminathi wamadodakazi amaFilisti. Ngakho-ke ngithatheleni yena abe ngumka mi. Kodwa uyise lonina bathi kuye: Kakula owesifazana yini phakathi kwamadodakazi abafowenu loba phakathi kwabo bonke abantu bakithi? USamsoni wasesithi kuyise: Ngithathele yena ngoba yena uyathandeka emehlweni ami. Kodwa uyise lonina babengazi ukuthi lokho kuvela eNni, ukuthi wayedinga ithuba lokumelana lamaFilisti. USamsoni wasesehla loyise lonina esiya eThiminathi, bafika ezivinini eThiminathi, khangela-ke, ibhongo lesilwane lambhongela. UMoya weN wasefika ngamandla phezu kwakhe; walidabula njengodabula izinyane; njalo kwakungelalutho esandleni sakhe; kodwa kabatshelanga oyise lonina lokho akwenzileyo. Wasesehla, wakhuluma lowesifazana, njalo wayethandeka emehlweni kaSamsoni. Lemva kwezinsuku wabuyela ukuyamthatha; waphambuka ukuthi abone isidumbu sesilwane, khangela-ke, kwakulomtshitshi wenyosi loluju esidunjini sesilwane. Wazithapha ngezandla zakhe, wahamba, ehamba esidla, wafika kuyise lakunina, wabanika, badla. Kodwa kabatshelanga ukuthi wayethaphe uluju esidunjini sesilwane. Uyise wasesehla waya kowesifazana, loSamsoni wenza idili khona, ngoba ayesenza njalo amajaha. Kwasekusithi lapho bembona bathatha abanakwabo abangamatshumi amathathu ukuze babe laye. USamsoni wasesithi kibo: Ake ngililibhe ngelibho. Kodwa uba lingelakho ukungitshela, khona lina lizanginika izembatho zelembu elihle ezingamatshumi amathathu lezembatho zokuntshintsha ezingamatshumi amathathu. Basebesithi kuye: Libha ilibho lakho ukuze silizwe. Wasesithi kubo: Kodlayo kwaphuma ukudla, lakolamandla kwaphuma okumnandi. Kodwa babengelakulichasisa ilibho ensukwini ezintathu. Kwasekusithi ngosuku lwesikhombisa bathi kumkaSamsoni: Huga umkakho ukuthi asichasisele ilibho. Lisinxusele ukuthi lisithathele esilakho yini? Aku njaloyini? UmkaSamsoni wasekhala inyembezi phambi kwakhe wathi: Uyangizonda nje, kawungithandi; uwalibhile ilibho amadodana abantu bakithi, kodwa mina kawungitshelanga. Wasesithi kuye: Khangela ubaba lomama kangibatshelanga, wena-ke ngizakutshela yini? Wakhala inyembezi phambi kwakhe insuku eziyisikhombisa beseledili. Kwasekusithi ngosuku lwesikhombisa wamtshela ngoba wamcindezela kakhulu. Wasewatshela amadodana abantu bakibo. Amadoda omuzi asesithi kuye ngosuku lwesikhombisa ilanga lingakatshoni: Kuyini okumnandi okwedlula uluju? Njalo kuyini okulamandla kulesilwane? Wasesithi kiwo: Uba belingalimanga ngethokazi lami, belingayikulithola ilibho lami. UMoya weN wasefika ngamandla phezu kwakhe. Intukuthelo yakhe yasivutha wasesenyukela endlini kayise. Kodwa umkaSamsoni waba ngowomnakwabo. Kwathi emva kwezinsuku ezithile, ngesikhathi sokuvuna ingqoloyi, uSamsoni wethekelela umkakhe elezinyane lembuzi. Wathi: Kangingene kumkami endlini. Kodwa uyise kamvumelanga ukungena. Uyise wasesithi: Isibili ngakhuluma ukuthi usumzonda lokumzonda; ngakho ngamnika umkhaphi wakho. Umnawakhe kamuhle kulaye yini? Ngiyacela, kabe ngowakho esikhundleni sakhe. USamsoni wasesithi kubo: Khathesi angilacala mayelana lamaFilisti nxa ngiwenzela okubi. Ngakho uSamsoni wahamba, wabamba amakhanka angamakhulu amathathu, wathatha izihlanti, wafulathelisa umsila uqondana lomsila, wafaka isihlanti phakathi kwemisila emibili phakathi laphakathi. Kwathi esethungele umlilo ezihlantini, wawayekela ahamba emabeleni emiyo amaFilisti, watshisa kusukela ezinqunjini zamabele. AmaFilisti asesithi: Ngubani owenze lokhu? Bathi: USamsoni, umkhwenyana womThimina; ngoba uthethe umkakhe, wamnika umkhaphi wakhe. AmaFilisti asesenyuka, amtshisa yena loyise ngomlilo. USamsoni wasesithi kuwo: Lanxa lenze njalo, kanti ngizaphindisela kini, emva kwalokho ngiyekele. Wasebatshaya, umlenze phezu kwethangazi, ukubulala okukhulu. Wasesehla wahlala ebhalwini lwedwala. AmaFilisti asesenyuka amisa inkamba koJuda, asabalala. Amadoda akoJuda asesithi: Lenyukeleleni ukumelana lathi? Athi: Senyukelele ukubopha uSamsoni, ukuze senze kuye njengalokho akwenze kithi. Kwasekusehla amadoda azinkulungwane ezintathu akoJuda aya ebhalwini lwedwala leEtamu? Wasesithi kibo: Njengokwenza kwawo kimi ngenze njalo kuwo. Basebesithi kuye: Sehlele ukukubopha ukuze sikunikele esandleni samaFilisti. USamsoni wasesithi kibo: Fungani kimi ukuthi lina kaliyikungihlasela. Basebekhuluma kuye bathi: Hatshi, kodwa sizakubopha lokukubopha, sikunikele esandleni sawo, kodwa oqotho kasiyikukubulala. Basebembopha ngamagoda amabili amatsha, bamenyusa edwaleni. Kwathi esefikile eLehi, amaFilisti aklabalala emhlangabeza. UMoya weN wasefika ngamandla phezu kwakhe. Wasethola umhlathi omutsha kababhemi, welula isandla sakhe wawuthatha, watshaya ngawo amadoda ayinkulungwane. USamsoni wasesithi: Ngomhlathi kababhemi, inqumbi phezu kwezinqumbi, ngomhlathi kababhemi ngitshaye amadoda ayinkulungwane. Kwasekusithi eseqedile ukukhuluma wawulahla umhlathi esandleni sakhe, wayibiza leyondawo ngokuthiiRamathi-Lehi. Wayesomile kakhulu, wakhala eNni wathi: Wena unikile lokhukukhululwa okukhulu ngesandla senceku yakho; khathesi-ke sengizakufa ngokoma, ngiwele esandleni sabangasokanga yini? UNkulunkulu waseqhekeza igodi elaliseLehi, kwaphuma amanzi kilo. Ngalokho wabiza ibizo lawo ngokuthiyiEni-Hakore, oseLehi kuze kube lamuhla. Wasesahlulela uIsrayeli ensukwini zamaFilisti iminyaka engamatshumi amabili. USamsoni wasesiya eGaza, wabona khona umfazi, iwule, wangena kulo. KwabikwakwabeGaza kuthiwa: USamsoni ufikile lapha. Ba m zingelezela, bamcathamela ubusuku bonke esangweni lomuzi; bathula ubusuku bonke besithi: Kuze kukhanye ekuseni, khona sizambulala. USamsoni waselala kwaze kwaba phakathi kobusuku; wavuka phakathi kobusuku, wabamba izivalo zesango lomuzi, lensika zombili, wazisiphuna lomgoqo, wakwetshata emahlombe akhe, wakwenyusela engqongeni yentaba ephambi kweHebroni. Kwathi emva kwalokho wathanda owesifazana esihotsheni seSoreki, obizo lakhe linguDelila. Njalo iziphathamandla zamaFilisti zenyukela kuye zathi kuye, lokuthi singamehlula ngani, ukuthi simbophe ukuze simnqobe. Thina-ke sizakunika ngamunye izinhlamvu zesiliva eziyinkulungwane lekhulu. UDelila wasesithi kuSamsoni: Ake ungitshele ukuthi akukuphi amandla akho amakhulu, lokuthi ungabotshwa ngani ukukunqoba. USamsoni wasesithi kuye: Uba bengibopha ngentambo eziyisikhombisa ezintsha ezingomanga, ngizakuba buthakathaka ngibe njengomunye umuntu. Iziphathamandla zamaFilisti zasezisenyusela kuye intambo eziyisikhombisa ezintsha ezingomanga; wasembopha ngazo. Abacathemeyo-ke bahlala laye endlini engaphakathi; wasesithi kuye: AmaFilisti aphezu kwakho, Samsoni! Waziqamula intambo njengentambo yefilakisi iqamuka nxa isizwa umlilo. Ngakho amandla akhe kawaziwanga. UDelila wasesithi kuSamsoni: Khangela, udlale ngami wangitshela amanga. Khathesi ake ungitshele ukuthi ungabotshwa ngani. Wasesithi kuye: Uba bengangibopha lokungibopha ngamagoda amatsha okungenziwanga msebenzi ngawo. Ngakho uDelila wathatha amagoda amatsha, wambopha ngawo, wathi kuye: AmaFilisti aphezu kwakho, Samsoni! Abacathemeyo babehlezi endlini engaphakathi. Kodwa wawaqamula asuka engalweni zakhe njengomnxeba. UDelila wasesithi kuSamsoni: Kuze kube khathesi udlale ngami, wangitshela amanga; ngitshela ukuthi ungabotshwa ngani. Wasesithi kuye: Uba useluka amaxha enwele zekhanda lami ayisikhombisa ngezintambo ezelukiweyo. Wasewaqinisa ngesikhonkwane; wathi kuye: AmaFilisti aphezu kwakho, Samsoni! Wasevuka ebuthongweni bakhe, wasusa isikhonkwane seselukiso lentambo ezelukiweyo. Wasesithi kuye: Ungatsho njani ukuthi: Ngiyakuthanda; nxa inhliziyo yakho ingelami? Lezizikhathi ezintathu udlale ngami, kawungitshelanga ukuthi akukuphi amandla akho amakhulu. Kwasekusithi lapho emcindezela ngamazwi akhe insuku zonke, wamkhathaza, kwaze kwathi umphefumulo wakhe wadabuka kwaze kwaba sekufeni. Ngakho wamtshela inhliziyo yakhe yonke wathi kuye: Impuco kayizanga ize phezu kwekhanda lami, ngoba ngingumNaziri kaNkulunkulu kusukela esizalweni sikamama. Uba ngiphucwa, amandla ami azasuka kimi, ngibe buthakathaka ngibe njengaye wonke umuntu. Lapho uDelila ebona ukuthi umtshele inhliziyo yakhe yonke, wathuma wabiza iziphathamandla zamaFilisti esithi: Yenyukani ngalesisikhathi, ngoba ungitshele inhliziyo yakhe yonke. Iziphathamandla zamaFilisti zasezisenyukela kuye, zaletha imali esandleni sazo. Wasemlalisa ubuthongo emadolweni akhe, wabiza umuntu, wamgelisa amaxha ayisikhombisa enwele zekhanda lakhe. Waseqala ukumhlupha, lamandla akhe asuka kuye. Wasesithi: AmaFilisti aphezu kwakho, Samsoni! Wasevuka ebuthongweni bakhe wathi: Ngizaphuma njengakwezinye izikhathi, ngizinyikinye. Khona amaFilisti ambamba, amkopola amehlo, amehlisela eGaza, ambopha ngezibopho zethusi; njalo wayechola entolongweni. Kodwa inwele zekhanda lakhe zaqala ukukhula emva kokuphucwa kwakhe. Khona iziphathamandla zamaFilisti zabuthana ukuze zihlabele uDagoni unkulunkulu wazo umhlatshelo omkhulu, zithokoze, zathi: Unkulunkulu wethu unikele uSamsoni isitha sethu esandleni sethu. Lapho abantu bembona badumisa unkulunkulu wabo, ngoba bathi: Unkulunkulu wethu unikele esandleni sethu isitha sethu, ngitsho umchithi welizwe lakithi, njalo owenza baba banengi ababuleweyo bethu. Kwasekusithi lapho inhliziyo zabo zithokoza bathi: Bizani uSamsoni ukuze azesidlalela. Basebembiza uSamsoni evela entolongweni, wadlala phambi kwabo. Basebemmisa phakathi kwezinsika. USamsoni wasesithi emfaneni owayembambe ngesandla: Ngiyekela ngithinte izinsika indlu emi phezu kwazo ukuze ngeyame kuzo. Indlu yayigcwele-ke abesilisa labesifazana; lazo zonke iziphathamandla zamaFilisti zazikhona, laphezulu ephahleni kwakukhona abesilisa labesifazana abangaba zinkulungwane ezintathu ababebukele uSamsoni edlala. USamsoni wasekhala eNni wathi: Nkosi Jehova, ngikhumbule ngiyakuncenga, ungiqinise ngiyakuncenga, kuphela ngalesisikhathi, Nkulunkulu, ukuze ngiziphindisele ngokuphindisela okukodwa kumaFilisti ngenxa yamehlo ami amabili. USamsoni wasebamba insika ezimbili eziphakathi, indlu eyayimi kuzo, waqina ngazo, enye ngesandla sakhe sokunene lenye ngesandla sakhe sokhohlo. USamsoni wasesithi: Mina kangife lamaFilisti. Wasekhothama ngamandla; njalo indlu yawela phezu kweziphathamandla laphezu kwabo bonke abantu ababekuyo. Ngakho abafayo ababulala ekufeni kwakhe babe banengi okwedlula labo ababulala empilweni yakhe. Kwasekusehla abafowabo labendlu yonke kayise, bamthatha, bamenyusa, bayamngcwabela phakathi kweZora leEshitawoli engcwabeni likaManowa uyise. Kwakukhona-ke umuntu wentabeni yakoEfrayimi. Wasesithi kunina: Izinhlamvu zesiliva eziyinkulungwane lekhulu ezathathwa kuwe, owaqalekisa ngazo, njalo wakhuluma endlebeni zami, khangela, leyomali ikimi, mina ngayithatha. Unina wasesithi: Kawubusiswe eNni, ndodana yami. Wathi esezibuyisele kunina izinhlamvu eziyinkulungwane lekhulu zesiliva, unina wathi: Ngasengisehlukanisile lokusehlukanisela isiliva sami sivela esandleni sami sibe ngesendodana yami, ukuze ngenze isithombe esibaziweyo. Khathesi-ke ngizasibuyisela kuwe. Kodwa wayibuyisela imali kunina. Unina wasethatha izinhlamvu zesiliva ezingamakhulu amabili, wazinika umkhandi. Njalo lowomuntu uMika wayelendlu yabonkulunkulu, wenza i-efodi, wehlukanisa omunye wamadodana akhe, ukuze abe ngumpristi wakhe. Ngalezonsuku kwakungelankosi koIsrayeli. Njalo kwakukhona ijaha leBhethelehema-Juda, elosendo lukaJuda, elalingumLevi, njalo lahlala njengowezizwe khona. Lowomuntu wasesuka emzini, eBhethelehema-Juda, ukuyahlala njengowezizwe lapho ayengathola khona indawo. Wafika entabeni yakoEfrayimi, endlini kaMika, ehamba ngendlela yakhe. UMika wasesithi kuye: Uvela ngaphi? Wasesithi kuye: NgingumLevi weBhethelehema-Juda, ngiya ukuyahlala njengowezizwe lapho engingathola khona indawo. UMika wasesithi kuye: Hlala lami, ube kimi, lezigqoko zokugqoka, lokudla kwakho. UmLevi wasengena. UmLevi wavuma ukuhlala lalowomuntu; njalo ijaha laba kuye njengomunye wamadodana akhe. UMika wamehlukanisa umLevi, laba sendlini kaMika. UMika wasesithi: Khathesi ngiyazi ukuthi izangenzela okuhle, ngoba ngilomLevi ongumpristi. Ngalezonsuku kwakungelankosi koIsrayeli. Abantwana bakoDani basebethuma amadoda amahlanu avela kusendo lwabo esuka emaphethelweni abo, amaqhawe, evela eZora leEshitawoli. Esendlini kaMika wona alazi ilizwi lejaha umLevi; asephendukela khona athi kuye: Ngubani owakuletha lapha? Njalo wenzani lapha? Njalo ulani lapha? Wasesithi kiwo: UMika ungenzele kanje lakanje; ungiqatshile, sengingumpristi wakhe. Asesithi kuye: Ake ubuze. Umpristi wasesithi kibo: Hambani ngokuthula. Indlela yenu elihamba ngayo iphambi kweN. Asehamba lawomadoda amahlanu, ayafika eLayishi, abona abantu abaphakathi kwayo, behlezi bonwabile, ngokwendlela yamaSidoni, belokuthula, bengethuki lutho, kwakungelamahluleli elizweni ukubathiba, babekhatshana lamaSidoni, bengasebenzelani lamuntu. Asefika kubafowabo eZora leEshitawoli, abafowabo basebesithi kuwo: Li thi ni? Asesithi: Sukumani asenyuke simelane labo, ngoba sibonile ilizwe. Ekufikeni kwenu khona lizafika ebantwini abonwabileyo lelizweni elibanzi. Asesuka lapho evela kusendo lwabakoDani eZora leEshitawoli amadoda angamakhulu ayisithupha ehlomile izikhali zempi, enyuka amisa inkamba eKiriyathi-Jeyarimi koJuda. Asesedlula esuka lapho, aya entabeni yakoEfrayimi, afika endlini kaMika. Khona amadoda amahlanu ayehambile ukuhlola ilizwe iLayishi aphendula athi kubafowabo. Asephambukela khona, aya endlini yejaha umLevi endlini kaMika, ambuza impilo. Amadoda angamakhulu ayisithupha ayehlomile ngezikhali zempi, ayengabantwana bakoDani, asesima ekungeneni kwesango. Lawomadoda amahlanu ayehambile ukuhlola ilizwe enyuka angena lapho, umpristi esemi ekungeneni kwesango lamadoda angamakhulu ayisithupha ayebhince izikhali zempi. La-ke esengenile endlini kaMika athatha isithombe esibaziweyo, i-efodi, lamatherafi, lesithombe esibunjwe ngokuncibilikisa, umpristi wathi kiwo: Lenzani? Asesithi kuye: Thula, bamba umlomo wakho, uhambe lathi? Lenhliziyo yompristi yathokoza, wasethatha i-efodi lamatherafi lesithombe esibaziweyo, wangena phakathi kwabantu. Basebephenduka behamba, babeka abantwanyana lezifuyo lempahla phambi kwabo. Sebekhatshana lomuzi kaMika, amadoda ayesezindlini ezaziseduze lendlu kaMika abizelwa ndawonye abafica abantwana bakoDani. Amemeza abantwana bakoDani. Basebephendula ubuso babo bathi kuMika: Ulani ukuze libuthane? Wasesithi: Lithethe onkulunkulu bami engabenzayo, lompristi, lahamba; pho ngiseselani? Kuyini lokho elikutsho kimi: U hlutshwayini? Abantwana bakoDani basebesithi kuye: Ilizwi lakho kalingezwakali phakathi kwethu, hlezi amadoda alolaka akuhlasele, ulahlekelwe yimpilo yakho lempilo yabendlu yakho. Basebezihambela ngendlela yabo abantwana bakoDani. Lapho uMika esebonile ukuthi balamandla kulaye, waphenduka wabuyela endlini yakhe. Bona basebethatha lokho uMika ayekwenzile lompristi owayelaye, bafika eLayishi ebantwini ababelokuthula bengethuki lutho. Njalo kwakungekho umkhululi, ngoba wawukhatshana leSidoni. Basebesakha umuzi, bahlala kiwo. Basebebiza ibizo lomuzi ngokuthiyiDani. Abantwana bakoDani basebezimisela isithombe esibaziweyo. Njalo uJonathani indodana kaGereshoma, indodana kaManase. Basebezimisela isithombe esibaziweyo sikaMika ayesenzile, zonke izinsuku indlu kaNkulunkulu iseShilo. Kwasekusithi ngalezonsuku, kungelankosi koIsrayeli. Lowomfazi wakhe omncinyane waphinga emelene laye, wasuka kuye waya endlini kayise eBhethelehema-Juda, waba lapho izinyanga ezine ezigcweleyo. Umkakhe wasesukuma wamlandela ukuyakhuluma enhliziyweni yakhe ukuthi ambuyise, lejaha lakhe lilaye labobabhemi ababili. Umfazi wasemngenisa endlini kayise; kwathi uyise wentombi embona wathokoza ukuhlangana laye. Uyisezala, uyise wentombazana, wamlibazisa; wasehlala laye insuku ezintathu; basebesidla banatha balala khona ubusuku. Kwasekusithi ngosuku lwesine, lapho bevuka ekuseni kakhulu, wasukuma ukuthi ahambe; kodwa uyise wentombazana wathi kumkhwenyana wakhe: Qinisa inhliziyo yakho ngocezu lwesinkwa; lemva kwalokho lizahamba. Ngakho bahlala badla banatha bobabili ndawonye. Uyise wentombazana wasesithi endodeni: Ake wanele ulale ubusuku uthokozise inhliziyo yakho. Indoda isisukuma ukuthi ihambe, kodwa uyisezala wayicindezela yaze yabuya yalala lapho ubusuku. Yasivuka ekuseni kakhulu ngosuku lwesihlanu ukuze ihambe. Uyise wentombazana wasesithi: Ake uqinise inhliziyo yakho. Basebelibala ilanga laze lakhothama, badla bobabili. Lapho indoda isukuma ukuthi ihambe, yona lomfazi wayo omncinyane lejaha layo, uyisezala, uyise wentombazana, wathi kuyo: Khangela, khathesi ilanga selitshona, sekuzakuhlwa; ake ulale ubusuku; khangela, ilanga selikhotheme, lala ubusuku lapha, ukuze inhliziyo yakho ithokoze. Kusasa-ke lizavuka ngovivi ngohambo lwenu, uye ethenteni lakho. Kodwa indoda kayithandanga ukulala ubusuku, kodwa yasukuma yahamba, yafika maqondana leJebusi eyiJerusalema. Yayilabobabhemi ababili ababotshelwe izihlalo; lomfazi wayo omncinyane wayelayo. Sebeseduze leJebusi ilanga laselitshonile kakhulu, ijaha laselisithi enkosini yalo: Ake uhambe, siphambukele kulo umuzi wamaJebusi, silale khona ubusuku. Inkosi yayo yasisithi kuyo: Kasiyikuphambukela emzini wesizwe ongeyisiwo wabantwana bakoIsrayeli, kodwa sizadlulela eGibeya. Yasisithi encekwini yayo: Woza sisondele kwenye yalezozindawo, siyelala ubusuku eGibeya kumbe eRama. Basebesedlula behamba; ilanga labatshonela eduze leGibeya eyakoBhenjamini. Basebephambuka lapho ukuze bangene balale ubusuku eGibeya. Esengenile wahlala phansi emdangeni womuzi, ngoba kwakungekho muntu owabemukela endlini yakhe ukuze balale ubusuku. Khangela-ke, kwafika ixhegu livela emsebenzini walo ensimini kusihlwa. Lowomuntu laye wayevela entabeni yakoEfrayimi; yena-ke wahlala njengowezizwe eGibeya. Esephakamise amehlo akhe wabona lowomuntu, isihambi, emdangeni womuzi, njalo ixhegu lathi: Uya ngaphi, njalo uvela ngaphi? Wasesithi kulo: Siyedlula sivela eBhethelehema-Juda, siya eceleni elikhatshana lentaba yakoEfrayimi; ngivela lapho. Bengiye eBhethelehema-Juda, kodwa se ngisiya endlini yeN; kodwa kakulamuntu ongemukela endlini. Kube kanti kulamahlanga lokudla kwabobabhemi bethu, njalo kulesinkwa futhi lewayini lami lokwencekukazi yakho lokwejaha elilenceku zakho. Leloxhegu laselisithi: Ukuthula kakube kuwe. Kodwa zonke inswelo zakho ziphezu kwami. Ngakho laselimngenisa endlini yalo, lanika obabhemi ukudla. Basebegeza inyawo zabo, badla banatha. Besathokozisa inhliziyo yabo, khangela, amadoda omuzi, abantwana abathile bakaBheliyali. Umuntu, umninindlu, wasephuma waya kiwo, wathi kiwo: Hatshi, bafowethu, ngiyalicela, lingenzi okubi; lokhu lumuntu engenile endlini yami. Khangelani, indodakazi yami eyintombi emsulwa, lomfazi wakhe omncane. Kodwa lawomadoda kawathandanga ukumlalela. Ngakho lowomuntu wasebamba umfazi wakhe omncane, wamkhuphela kibo phandle. Njalo amazi amdlova ubusuku bonke kwaze kwasa. Kwathi emadabukakusa amyekela wahamba. Ngovivi lokusa owesifazana weza wawela phansi emnyango wendlu yomuntu lapho okwakukhona inkosi yakhe, kwaze kwakhanya. Inkosi yakhe yasivuka ekuseni, yavula iminyango yendlu, yaphuma ukuze ihambe ngendlela yayo; khangela-ke, umfazi, umfazi wakhe omncane wayewele emnyango wendlu, lezandla zakhe ziphezu kombundu. Yasisithi kuye: Sukuma, sihambe. Kodwa kakuphendulanga muntu. Yasimkhweza kubabhemi; indoda yasuka yaya endaweni yayo. Lapho isifikile endlini yayo yathatha ingqamu, yambamba umfazi wayo omncane yamqumaquma lamathambo akhe iziqa ezilitshumi lambili; yamthumela kuyo yonke imingcele yakoIsrayeli. Kwasekusithi bonke abakubonayo bathi: Kakukaze kwenzeke njalo kakukaze kubonwe okunje kusukela ngosuku abantwana bakoIsrayeli abenyuka ngalo elizweni leGibhithe kuze kube lamuhla. Nakanani ngalokho, leluleke, likhulume. Khona bonke abantwana bakoIsrayeli baphuma, inhlangano yonke yabuthana njengamuntu munye. Njalo induna zabo bonke abantu, zazo zonke izizwe zakoIsrayeli, zazimisa ebandleni labantu bakaNkulunkulu. (Abantwana bakoBhenjamini basebesizwa ukuthi abantwana bakoIsrayeli babenyukele eMizipa.) Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebesithi: Tshono, lobububi benziwa njani? Indoda engumLevi, indoda yalowo owesifazana owayebulewe, yasiphendula yathi: Ngafika eGibeya engeyakoBhenjamini, mina lomfazi wami omncane, ukuze silale khona. Abahlali. Ngasengimbamba umfazi wami omncane, ngamquma iziqa, ngamthumela elizweni lonke lelifa lakoIsrayeli. Khangelani, lina lonke lingabantwana bakoIsrayeli, phanini ilizwi leseluleko senu lapha. Abantu bonke basebesukuma njengamuntu munye besithi: Asiyikuya, ngulowo ethenteni lakhe, njalo asiyikuphambukela, ngulowo endlini yakhe. Kodwa khathesi, nansi into esizayenza kuyo iGibeya. Si za melana layo ngenkatho, sithathe abantu abalitshumi phakathi kwekhulu ezizweni zonke zakoIsrayeli, lekhulu phakathi kwenkulungwane, lenkulungwane phakathi kwenkulungwane ezilitshumi, ukuze bathathele abantu umphako, ukuze, nxa sebefike eGibeya koBhenjamini, benze ngokobuwula bonke ababenze koIsrayeli. Ngakho wonke amadoda akoIsrayeli ahlanganyela umuzi, njengamuntu munye emoya munye. Izizwe zakoIsrayeli zasezithuma amadoda esizweni sonke sakoBhenjamini zisithi: Yibubi bani lobu obenzeke phakathi kwenu? Ngakho-ke anikeleni lawomadoda, abantwana bakaBheliyali, abaseGibeya ukuze siwabulale. Kodwa abakoBhenjamini kabafunanga ukulalela ilizwi labafowabo, abantwana bakoIsrayeli. Kodwa abantwana bakoBhenjamini babuthana bevela emizini baya eGibeya, ukuze baphume ukuya empini labantwana bakoIsrayeli. Abantwana bakoBhenjamini basebebalwa ngalolosuku bevela emizini, amadoda azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lesithupha, ngaphandle kwabahlali beGibeya, ababalwa baba ngamadoda angamakhulu ayisikhombisa akhethiweyo. Phakathi kwabo bonke lababantu kwakulamadoda akhethiweyo angamakhulu ayisikhombisa angamanxele; wonke la ayejikijela ilitshe ngesavutha enweleni engakhuthi. Amadoda akoIsrayeli asebalwa, ngaphandle kukaBhenjamini, amadoda azinkulungwane ezingamakhulu amane; wonke la ayengamadoda empi. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebesukuma benyukela eBhetheli. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebevuka ekuseni, bamisa inkamba maqondana leGibeya. Amadoda akoIsrayeli asephuma ukuya empini loBhenjamini; amadoda akoIsrayeli azihlelela ukumelena labo empini eGibeya. Abantwana bakoBhenjamini basebephuma eGibeya, babhubhisela emhlabathini koIsrayeli ngalolosuku amadoda azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lambili. Abantu, amadoda akoIsrayeli, basebeziqinisa bahlela futhi impi kuleyondawo ababezihlelele khona ngosuku lokuqala. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebesenyuka bakhala inyembezi phambi kweN kwaze kwahlwa. Babuza eNni bathi: Ngisondele yini futhi empini ngimelane labantwana bakoBhenjamini umfowethu? yasisithi: Yenyukani limelane laye. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebesondela ebantwaneni bakoBhenjamini ngosuku lwesibili. UBhenjamini wasephuma eGibeya emelene labo ngosuku lwesibili, babuya babhubhisela emhlabathini ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli amadoda azinkulungwane ezilitshumi leziyisificaminwembili; bonke labo bahwatsha inkemba. Ngakho bonke abantwana bakoIsrayeli labo bonke abantu benyuka bafika eBhetheli, bakhala inyembezi bahlala lapho phambi kweN, bazila ukudla ngalolosuku kwaze kwahlwa, banikela iminikelo yokutshiswa leminikelo yokuthula phambi kweN. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebebuza eNni (ngoba umtshokotsho wesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu wawulapho ngalezonsuku, loPhinehasi indodana kaEleyazare indodana kaAroni) besithi: Ngibuye ngiphinde yini ukuphuma impi ngimelene labantwana bakoBhenjamini umfowethu, loba ngiyekele? yasisithi: Yenyukani, ngoba kusasa ngizabanikela esandleni sakho. Ngakho uIsrayeli wamisa abacathami maqondana leGibeya inhlangothi zonke. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebesenyuka ukumelana labantwana bakoBhenjamini ngosuku lwesithathu, bazihlelela ukumelana leGibeya njengakwezinye izikhathi. Abantwana bakoBhenjamini basebephuma ukumelana labantu, badonswa besuka emzini, baqala ukutshaya ebantwini, ukubulala njengakwezinye izikhathi, emigwaqweni emikhulu, enye yazo eyenyukela eBhetheli lenye eya eGibeya emagcekeni, phose amadoda angamatshumi amathathu akoIsrayeli. Abantwana bakoBhenjamini basebesithi: Sebetshayiwe phambi kwethu njengakuqala. Kodwa abantwana bakoIsrayeli bathi: Asibalekeni, sibadonse besuka emzini baye emigwaqweni emikhulu. Wonke amadoda akoIsrayeli asevuka endaweni zawo, azihlela eBhali-Tamari, labacathami bakoIsrayeli bavumbuluka endaweni yabo emadlelweni eGibeya. Kwasekusiza kuvela maqondana leGibeya amadoda akhethiweyo azinkulungwane ezilitshumi evela kuIsrayeli wonke; lempi yaba nzima. Kodwa bona babengazi ukuthi ububi buzatshaya phezu kwabo. yasimtshaya uBhenjamini phambi kukaIsrayeli. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebebhubhisa koBhenjamini amadoda azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lanhlanu lekhulu elilodwa ngalolosuku; bonke laba bahwatsha inkemba. Abantwana bakoBhenjamini basebebona ukuthi sebetshayiwe, ngoba amadoda akoIsrayeli amdedela uBhenjamini, ngoba bethembe abacathami ababebamise maqondana leGibeya. Labacathami baphangisa. Kwasekusiba lesiboniso esimisiweyo phakathi kwamadoda akoIsrayeli labacathami sokuthunqisa insika yentuthu enkulu evela emzini. Kwathi amadoda akoIsrayeli aphenduka empini, uBhenjamini waqalisa ukuwatshaya ukubulala emadodeni akoIsrayeli phose amadoda angamatshumi amathathu, ngoba bathi: Isibili atshayiwe lokutshaywa phambi kwethu njengempini yakuqala. Kwathi iyezi liqalisa ukuthunqa liphuma emzini, insika yentuthu. Lapho amadoda akoIsrayeli etshibilika, amadoda akoBhenjamini atshaywa luvalo, ngoba abona ukuthi ububi sebuwehlele. Ngakho afulathela phambi kwamadoda akoIsrayeli esiya endleleni yenkangala; kodwa impi yawanamathela, lalabo abaphuma emizini bawabhubhisa phakathi kwabo. Bamhanqa uBhenjamini, baxotshana labo, babanyathelela phansi lula, kwaze kwaba maqondana leGibeya lapho okuphuma khona ilanga. Kwasekusiwa koBhenjamini amadoda azinkulungwane ezilitshumi leziyisificaminwembili; wonke la ayengamaqhawe. Basebephenduka babalekela enkangala. Ngakho bonke abawayo koBhenjamini mhlalokho babeyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lanhlanu, amadoda ahwatsha inkemba; bonke labo babengamaqhawe. Kodwa amadoda angamakhulu ayisithupha aphenduka abalekela. Amadoda akoIsrayeli asebuyela ebantwaneni bakoBhenjamini, abatshaya ngobukhali benkemba, kusukela emzini wonke kusiya ezinyamazaneni, njalo kusiya kukho konke okwaficwayo. Layo yonke imizi abayificayo bayithungela ngomlilo. Amadoda akoIsrayeli ayefungile-ke eMizipa esithi: Kakukho lamunye wethu ozanika indodakazi yakhe kuBhenjamini ibe ngumka khe. Abantu basebesiza eBhetheli, bahlala lapho phambi kukaNkulunkulu kwaze kwahlwa, baphakamisa ilizwi labo bakhala inyembezi ngokukhala okukhulu. Basebesithi: Kungani, O N, Nkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, kwenzeke lokhu koIsrayeli ukuthi kusilele lamuhla isizwe esisodwa koIsrayeli? Kwasekusithi kusisa abantu bavuka ngovivi, bakha ilathi lapho, banikela iminikelo yokutshiswa leminikelo yokuthula. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebesithi: Ngubani ezizweni zonke zakoIsrayeli ongenyukelanga ebandleni eNni? Ngoba kwenziwa isifungo esikhulu ngalowo ongenyukelanga eNni eMizipa kuthiwa: Uzabulawa lokubulawa. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebezisola ngenxa kaBhenjamini umfowabo, bathi: Kuqunyiwe lamuhla isizwe esisodwa sisuke koIsrayeli. Sizabenzelani abaseleyo ngabafazi, ngoba thina sifungile ngeN ukuthi kasiyikubanika emadodakazini ethu abe ngomka bo? Basebesithi: Yisiphi ezizweni zakoIsrayeli esingenyukelanga eNni eMizipa? Khangela-ke kakuzanga loyedwa enkambeni ovela eJabeshi-Gileyadi ukuya ebandleni. Ngoba abantu babebaliwe, khangela-ke, kwakungekho muntu kubahlali beJabeshi-Gileyadi lapho. Ngakho inhlangano yathuma khona amadoda azinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili awamaqhawe amakhulu, bawalaya bathi: Hambani liyetshaya abahlali beJabeshi-Gileyadi ngobukhali benkemba, labesifazana labantwanyana. Yile into elizayenza: Lizatshabalalisa wonke owesilisa laye wonke owesifazana owazi ukulala lowesilisa. Basebethola phakathi kwabahlali beJabeshi-Gileyadi amankazana angamakhulu amane izintombi ezimsulwa ezingayazanga indoda ngokulala lowesilisa; basebewaletha enkambeni eShilo, eselizweni leKhanani. Inhlangano yonke yasithumela yakhuluma labantwana bakoBhenjamini ababesedwaleni leRimoni; bamemezela ukuthula kibo. UBhenjamini wasebuya ngalesosikhathi, babanika abesifazana ababebagcine bephila kwabesifazana beJabeshi-Gileyadi, kodwa ngokunjalo kababanelanga. Abantu basebezisola ngenxa kaBhenjamini ngoba yayenze ukwehlukana ezizweni zakoIsrayeli. Abadala benhlangano basebesithi: Sizabenzelani abaseleyo ngabafazi, ngoba abesifazana bachithiwe koBhenjamini? Basebesithi: Kumelekube lelifa labaphunyukileyo bakoBhenjamini, ukuze isizwe singatshabalaliswa koIsrayeli. Kodwa thina kasilakho ukubanika abafazi emadodakazini ethu, ngoba abantwana bakoIsrayeli bafungile besithi: Kaqalekiswe lowo onika uBhenjamini umfazi. Basebesithi: Khangelani, kulomkhosi weN eShilo iminyaka ngeminyaka engenyakatho kweBhetheli, langeningizimu kweLebona. Ngakho balaya abantwana bakoBhenjamini besithi: Hambani liyecathama ezivinini, libone, njalo khangelani, nxa amadodakazi eShilo esephuma ukugida imigido, khona lizaphuma ezivinini lizibambele ngulowo lalowo umfazi wakhe emadodakazini eShilo, liye elizweni lakoBhenjamini. Kuzakuthi nxa oyise loba abanewabo befika besola kithi, sizakuthi kibo: Senzeleni umusa ngenxa yabo, ngoba kasibathathelanga ngulowo lalowo umfazi wakhe empini, ngoba lina kalibanikanga wona ngalesisikhathi ukuthi licaleke. Ngakho abantwana bakoBhenjamini benza njalo, bathumba abafazi ngokwenani labo kwabagidayo ababahlwithayo; bahamba babuyela elifeni labo, bakha imizi, bahlala kiyo. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebechitheka besuka lapho ngalesosikhathi, ngulowo lalowo waya esizweni sakhe lakusendo lwakhe; basebephuma besuka lapho, ngulowo lalowo waya elifeni lakhe. Ngalezonsuku kwakungelankosi koIsrayeli. Wonke umuntu wayesenza okwakulungile emehlweni akhe. Kwasekusithi ensukwini abahluleli wasehamba ukuyahlala njengowezizwe elizweni lakoMowabi, yena lomkakhe lamadodana akhe amabili. Njalo ibizo lalowomuntu lalinguElimeleki, lebizo lomkakhe lalinguNawomi, lebizo lamadodana akhe amabili lalinguMaheloni loKiliyoni, amaEfratha, baba khona. UElimeleki umkaNawomi wasesifa, wasetshiywa yena lamadodana akhe womabili. Asezithathela abafazi amaMowabikazi, ibizo lomunye lalinguOpha, lebizo lomunye lalinguRuthe. Basebehlala khona phose iminyaka elitshumi. Basebesifa labo bobabili oMaheloni loKiliyoni; owesifazana wasetshiywa ngabantwana bakhe bobabili layindoda yakhe. Wasesukuma yena labomalokazana bakhe wabuyela esuka eselizweni lakoMowabi, ngoba wayesezwile elizweni lakoMowabi ukuthi ihambele abantu bayo. Ngakho waphuma endaweni lapho ayekhona labomalokazana bakhe bobabili kanye laye, bahamba endleleni ukubuyela elizweni lakoJuda. UNawomi wasesithi kubomalokazana bakhe bobabili: Hambani libuyele ngulowo lalowo endlini kanina; kayilenzele umusa lakimi. kayilinike ukuthi lithole ukuphumula, ngulowo lalowo endlini yomkakhe. Wasebanga, basebephakamisa ilizwi labo bakhala inyembezi. Basebesithi kuye: Isibili, sizabuyela lawe ebantwini bakini. Kodwa uNawomi wathi: Buyelani, madodakazi ami, lizahambelani lami? Kambe ngiselamadodana esiswini sami ukuthi abe ngomkenu? Buyelani, madodakazi ami, zihambeleni, ngoba sengimdala kakhulu ukuthi ngibe lendoda. Loba ngingathi ngilethemba lokuthi lami ngalobubusuku ngibe lendoda, njalo ngizale amadodana, belingawalindela yini aze akhule? Belingazivimbela lingabi lendoda yini? Hatshi, madodakazi ami, ngoba kuyababa kakhulu kimi kulakini ukuthi isandla seN siphume ukumelana lami. Basebephakamisa ilizwi labo bakhala inyembezi futhi. UOpha wasemanga uninazala, kodwa uRuthe wanamathela kuye. Wasesithi: Khangela, umkamfowenu usebuyele ebantwini bakibo lakubonkulunkulu bakhe; buyela umlandele umkamfowenu. Kodwa uRuthe wathi: Ungangincengi ukuthi ngikutshiye, ngibuyele ngiyekele ukukulandela; ngoba lapho oya khona, ngizakuya khona, lalapho olala khona, ngizalala khona. Abantu bakho bangabantu bami, loNkulunkulu wakho unguNkulunkulu wami; lapho ozafela khona, ngizafela khona, ngingcwatshelwe lapho. kayenze njalo kimi ngokunjalo yengezelele, ngoba yikufa kuphelaokuzakwehlukanisa phakathi kwami lawe. Kwathi esebonile ukuthi uzimisele ukuhamba laye waseyekela ukukhuluma kuye. Basebehamba bobabili baze bafika eBhethelehema. Kwasekusithi sebefikile eBhethelehema umuzi wonke wayaluzela ngenxa yabo, bathi: Lo nguNawomi yini? Wasesithi kibo: Lingangibizi ngokuthiNawomi, lingibize ngokuthiMara; ngoba uSomandla ungiphethe ngokubaba okukhulu. Mina ngasuka ngigcwele, njalo ingibuyise ngingelalutho. Lingibizelani ngokuthiNawomi lokhu ifakaze imelane lami, loSomandla ungihluphile? Wabuyela ngokunjalo uNawomi loRuthe umMowabikazi umalokazana wakhe kanye laye, owabuyela evela elizweni lakoMowabi. Bona-ke bafika eBhethelehema ekuqaliseni kwesivuno sebhali. Njalo uNawomi wayelesihlobo somkakhe. URuthe umMowabikazi wasesithi kuNawomi: Ake ngiye emasimini, ngiyekhothoza okwezikhwebu ngemva kwalowo engizathola umusa emehlweni akhe. Wasesithi kuye: Hamba, ndodakazi yami. Wasehamba wafika wakhothoza ensimini ngemva kwabavuni. Waqabuka efika kungxenye yensimu kaBhowazi owayengowosendo lukaElimeleki. Khangela-ke, uBhowazi wafika evela eBhethelehema, wasesithi kubavuni: ibe lani. Basebesithi kuye: ikubusise. UBhowazi wasesithi encekwini yakhe eyayibekwe phezu kwabavuni: Le yintombi kabani? Inceku eyayibekwe phezu kwabavuni yasiphendula yathi: Yintombi umMowabikazi eyabuya loNawomi evela elizweni lakoMowabi. Yasisithi: Ake ngikhothoze ngibuthe phakathi kwezithungo ngemva kwabavuni. Ngakho ifikile, iqhubekile kusukela ekuseni kuze kube khathesi; lokuhlala kwayo endlini kuncinyane. UBhowazi wasesithi kuRuthe: Kawuzwa yini, ndodakazi yami? Ungayikhothoza kwenye insimu, futhi ungedluli usuke lapha, kodwa unamathele lapha emantombazaneni ami. Amehlo akho kawabe sensimini ayivunayo, uwalandele. Angithi ngiwalayile amajaha ukuthi angakuthinti. Nxa usuwomile uye ezimbizeni, unathe kulokhu amajaha akukhileyo. Khona wathi mbo ngobuso bakhe wakhothamela emhlabathini, wathi kuye: Ngitholelani umusa emehlweni akho ukuthi unginanze lokhu ngingowezizweni? UBhowazi wasephendula wathi kuye: Kutshengisiwe lokutshengiswa kimi konke owakwenzela unyokozala emva kokufa kwendoda yakho, ukuthi utshiye uyihlo lonyoko lelizwe lokuzalwa kwakho, weza ebantwini owawungabazi ngaphambili. kayiwuvuze umsebenzi wakho. Wasesithi: Ake ngithole umusa emehlweni akho. UBhowazi wathi kuye: Ngesikhathi sokudla sondela lapha, udle okwesinkwa, utshebe ucezu lwakho kuviniga watshiya. Kwathi esukuma ukukhothoza, uBhowazi walaya amajaha akhe esithi: Myekeleni ukuthi akhothoze laphakathi kwezithungo, lingamyangisi, laye limhwatshele-ke ngabomu okunye ezinyandeni, likutshiye ukuze akukhothoze, lingamkhuzi. Wakhothoza-ke ensimini kwaze kwahlwa. Wabhula lokho ayekukhothozile, kwaba phose yi-efa yebhali. Wakuthwala wangena emzini, loninazala wabona akukhothozileyo; wakhupha wamnika akutshiya esesuthi. Uninazala wasesithi kuye: Ubukhothoza ngaphi lamuhla? Usebenze ngaphi? Kabusiswe lowo okunanzeleleyo. Wasemtshela uninazala ukuthi usebenze kobani, wathi: Ibizo lalowomuntu engisebenze kuye lamuhla nguBhowazi. UNawomi wasesithi kumalokazana wakhe: Kabusiswe yiN KOSI. UNawomi wathi kuye: Lowomuntu uyisihlobo sethu esiseduze kithi, ongomunye wabahlengi bethu. URuthe umMowabikazi wasesithi: Ngoba laye uthe kimi: Uzanamathela emajaheni engilawo aze aqede sonke isivuno engilaso. UNawomi wasesithi kuRuthe umalokazana wakhe: Kuhle, ndodakazi yami, ukuthi uphume lamantombazana akhe, hlezi bakuhlangabeze kwenye insimu. Wasenamathela emantombazaneni kaBhowazi, ekhothoza kwaze kwaphela isivuno sebhali lesivuno sengqoloyi. Wasehlala loninazala. UNawomi uninazala wasesithi kuye: Ndodakazi yami, ngingakudingeli ukuphumula yini ukuze kube kuhle kuwe? Ngakho-ke uBhowazi ayisuye wezihlobo? Khangela, wela ibhali ebaleni lokubhulela ngalobubusuku. Ngakho geza uzigcobe, ugqoke isembatho sakho, wehlele ebaleni lokubhulela; ungazivezi endodeni ize iqede ukudla lokunatha. Kuzakuthi-ke lapho eselala, uqaphelise indawo alala kiyo, ungene, ubususembula inyawo zakhe, ulale phansi; yena-ke uzakutshela ozakwenza. Wasesithi kuye: Konke okutshoyo kimi ngizakwenza. Wasesehlela ebaleni lokubhulela, wenza njengakho konke ayemlaye khona uninazala. Kwathi uBhowazi esedlile wanatha, lenhliziyo yakhe yathokoza, wembula inyawo zakhe, walala phansi. Kwasekusithi phakathi kobusuku indoda yethuka, yaphenduka, khangela-ke owesifazana elele enyaweni zayo. Yathi: Ungubani? Wasesithi: NginguRuthe incekukazi yakho; ngakho yendlala umphetho wesembatho sakho phezu kwencekukazi yakho, ngoba ungumhlengi. Yasisithi: Ka wubusiswe yiN KOSI, njengoba ungalandelanga amajaha loba angabayanga loba anothileyo. Ngakho-ke, ndodakazi yami, ungesabi, ngizakwenzela konke okutshoyo, ngoba umuzi wonke wabantu bakithi uyazi ukuthi ungowesifazana oqotho. Yebo-ke, sibili, kuliqiniso ukuthi ngiyisihlobo esingumhlengi. Hlala lobubusuku; kuzakuthi-ke ekuseni uba ezakwenza imfanelo yesihlobo esingumhlengi. Lala kuze kuse. Waselala enyaweni zayo kwaze kwasa; wavuka omunye engakananzeleli omunye. Yasisithi: Kakungaziwa ukuthi owesifazana ufikile ebaleni lokubhulela. Yasisithi: Letha isembatho osigqokileyo, usibambe; wasesibamba, yasilinganisa izilinganisoeziyisithupha zebhali, yamethesa; wasengena emzini. Kwathi esefike kuninazala, wathi: Ungubani, ndodakazi yami? Wasemtshela konke indoda eyayimenzele khona. Wathi: Ingiphe lezi zilinganisoeziyisithupha zebhali, ngoba ithe kimi: Ungayi kunyokozala ungelalutho. Wasesithi: Hlala, ndodakazi yami, uze wazi ukuthi udaba luzaphetha njani, ngoba indoda kayiyikuphumula ize iluqede udaba lamuhla. UBhowazi wasesenyukela esangweni. Wasesithi: Phambuka uhlale phansi lapha, we zibanibani. Wasephambuka, wahlala phansi. Wasethatha amadoda alitshumi ebadaleni bomuzi, wathi: Hlalani phansi lapha. Asehlala phansi. Wasesithi kulesosihlobo esingumhlengi: Isiqinti sensimu esasingesomfowethu uElimeleki, uyasithengisa uNawomi, osebuyile evela elizweni lakoMowabi. Ngakho mina ngithe: Ngikwembule e ndlebe niyakho ngisithi: Sithenge laphambi kwabadala babantu bakithi. Uba uzasihlenga, sihlenge. Kodwa uba engekho ongasihlenga, ungitshele, ukuze ngazi; ngoba engekho ngaphandle kwakho ongasihlenga, mina-ke ngilandela wena. Wasesithi: Mina ngizasihlenga. UBhowazi wasesithi: Mhla uthenga insimu esandleni sikaNawomi, uzayithenga lakuRuthe umMowabikazi, umfazi womuyi, ukuze umise ibizo lomuyi elifeni lakhe. Lesosihlobo esingumhlengi sasesisithi: Ngingeke ngazihlengela sona, hlezi ngone ilifa lami. Zihlengele wena ilungelo lami lokuhlenga, ngoba kangilamandla okuhlenga. Lokhu-ke kwakukhona mandulo koIsrayeli mayelana lokuhlenga, ukuqinisa lonke udaba: umuntu akhiphe inyathela lakhe, alinike umakhelwane wakhe; lokhu-ke kwakuyibufakazi koIsrayeli. Ngakho isihlobo esingumhlengi sathi kuBhowazi: Zithengele yona; sasesikhipha inyathela laso. UBhowazi wasesithi kubadala lakubo bonke abantu: Lingabafakazi lamuhla bokuthi ngithengile konke okwakungokukaElimeleki lakho konke okwakungokukaKiliyoni lokukaMaheloni esandleni sikaNawomi. LoRuthe laye umMowabikazi, umkaMaheloni, ukuze ibizo lomuyi lingaqunywa lisuke phakathi kwabafowabo lesangweni lendawo yakhe. Lingabafakazi lamuhla. Bonke abantu ababesesangweni labadala basebesithi: Singabafakazi; kungathi ingamenza lo owesifazana ongena endlini yakho abe njengoRasheli lanjengoLeya abakha bobabili indlu kaIsrayeli, uzenzele ibizo eBhethelehema, lendlu yakho ibe njengendlu kaPerezi uTamari amzalela uJuda. Ngakho uBhowazi wamthatha uRuthe, wazala indodana. Abesifazana basebesithi kuNawomi: Kayibusiswe engakutshiyanga ungelaso isihlobo esingumhlengi lamuhla, ukuthi ibizo laso limenyezelwe koIsrayeli! Uzakuba kuwe ngumbuyisi wempilo lomondli wobudala bakho, ngoba umzele umalokazana wakho okuthandayo, ongcono kuwe kulamadodana ayisikhombisa. UNawomi wasemthatha umntwana, wamfaka esifubeni sakhe, waba ngumlizane wakhe. Omakhelwanekazi basebemutha ibizo. Babiza ibizo layo uObedi; nguyise kaJese, uyise kaDavida. Lalezi yizizukulwana zikaPerezi. UPerezi wazala uHezironi, uHezironi wasezala uRamu, uRamu wasezala uAminadaba, uAminadaba wasezala uNashoni, uNashoni wasezala uSalimoni, uSalimoni wasezala uBhowazi, uBhowazi wasezala uObedi, uObedi wasezala uJese, uJese wasezala uDavida. Kwakukhona-ke indoda ethile yeRamathayimi-Zofimu entabeni yakoEfrayimi. Njalo yayilabafazi ababili; ibizo lomunye lalinguHana, lebizo lomunye lalinguPenina. Njalo uPenina wayelabantwana, kodwa uHana wayengelabantwana. Leyondoda yenyuka-ke isuka emzini wayo iminyaka ngeminyaka, njalo kwakukhona lapho amadodana amabili kaEli, uHofini loPhinehasi, abapristi beN. Kwakusithi mhla uElkana ehlaba, wanika uPenina umkakhe lawo wonke amadodana akhe lamadodakazi akhe izabelo; kodwa uHana wamnika isabelo esiphindwe kabili, ngoba wayemthanda uHana; kodwa yayisivalile isizalo sakhe. Lesitha sakhe laso samcaphula ngentukuthelo ukuze simkhathaze, ngoba yayisivalile isizalo sakhe. Wayesenza njalo-ke iminyaka ngeminyaka; kusukela lapho esenyukela endlini yeN, ngokunjalo samcaphula. Ngakho walila, kadlanga. UElkana umkakhe wasesithi kuye: Hana, ulilelani? Njalo kawudli ngani? Kungani-ke inhliziyo yakho idabukile? Mina kangingcono kuwe kulamadodana alitshumi yini? Ngakho uHana wasukuma emva kokudla eShilo. Njalo wayelokubaba emphefumulweni, wasekhuleka eNni ekhala lokukhala inyembezi. Wasefunga isifungo. Kwasekusithi esaqhubeka ukukhuleka phambi kweN, uEli waqaphelisa umlomo wakhe. UHana wayekhulumela-ke enhliziyweni yakhe, kwanyikinyeka indebe zakhe kuphela, kodwa ilizwi lakhe lalingezwakali; ngakho uEli wacabanga ukuthi udakiwe. UEli wasesithi kuye: Koze kube nini udakwa? Susa iwayini lakho kuwe. UHana wasephendula wathi: Hatshi, nkosi yami, ngingowesifazana odabukileyo emoyeni; kanginathanga wayini loba okunathwayo okulamandla, kodwa bengithulula umphefumulo wami phambi kweN. Ungayithathi incekukazi yakho njengendodakazi kaBheliyali, ngoba ebunengini bosizi lwami lenkathazo yami sengikhulume kwaze kwaba khathesi. UEli wasephendula wathi: Hamba ngokuthula. Wasesithi: Incekukazi yakho kayithole umusa emehlweni akho. Basebevuka ekuseni kakhulu, bakhonza phambi kweN, basebebuyela bafika emzini wabo eRama. Kwasekusithi ekuqhubekeni kwesikhathi uHana wakhulelwa, wabeletha indodana, wayitha ibizo layo uSamuweli; ngoba wathi: Ngimcelile eNni. Lendoda uElkana lendlu yakhe yonke benyukela ukuyahlabela umhlatshelo weminyaka ngeminyaka, lesifungo sakhe. Kodwa uHana kenyukanga, ngoba wathi kumkakhe: Kangiyikuhambaaze alunyulwe umfana; khona ngizamletha ukuze abonakale phambi kweN, abesehlala khona kuze kube nininini. UElkana umkakhe wasesithi kuye: Yenza okulungileyo emehlweni akho; hlala uze umlumule. Ngokunjalo owesifazana wahlala, wayimunyisa indodana yakhe waze wayilumula. Wasesenyuka layo eseyilumule, elamajongosi amathathu, le-efa elilodwa lempuphu, lembodlela yewayini; lomfana wayemncinyane. Balihlaba ijongosi, bamletha umntwana kuEli. Wasesithi: Hawu nkosi yami, kuphila komphefumulo wakho, nkosi yami, yimi owesifazana owayemi lawe lapha, ekhuleka eNni. Ngakhulekela lo umfana, njalo inginikile isicelo sami engasicela kuyo. Ngakho lami ngimnikele eNni, zonke izinsuku ekhona; wacelwa eNni. UHana wasekhuleka esithi: Inhliziyo yami iyathokoza eNni. Kakho ongcwele njengeN KOSI. Lingabe lisakhuluma ngokuzigqaja lokuzigqaja, kungaphumi ukuziqakisa emlonyeni wenu; ngoba inguNkulunkulu wolwazi, lezenzo zilinganiswa yiyo. Idandili lamaqhawe lephukile, kodwa abakhubekileyo babhince amandla. Ababesuthi baziqatshisile ngesinkwa, lababelambile kabase njalo. iyabulala njalo iyaphilisa, iyehlisela engcwabeni njalo yenyuse. ipha ubuyanga, njalo iyanothisa. Iyamphakamisa umyanga ethulini, imphakamisa oswelayo enqunjini yomquba. Izagcina inyawo zabangcwele bayo, kodwa ababi bazathuliswa emnyameni; ngoba umuntu kayikunqoba ngamandla. Abalwa leN bazaphahlazwa. UElkana waya eRama endlini yakhe. Amadodana kaEli ayengabantwana bakaBheliyali. Njalo umkhuba wabapristi labantu wawu nje; wonke umuntu ohlaba umhlatshelo, kube sekufika inceku yompristi, inyama isaphekiwe, ilefologwe elencijo ezintathu esandleni sayo, ihlabe ngayo edengezini, loba egedleleni, loba ebhodweni, loba embizeni; konke ifologwe ekukhuphayo umpristi wayezithathela khona. Benze njalo kuIsrayeli wonke ofika lapho eShilo. Njalo engakatshisi amahwahwa, inceku yompristi ifike ithi emuntwini ohlabayo: Letha inyama yokosela umpristi, ngoba kayikuthatha kuwe inyama ephekiweyo, kodwa eluhlaza. Uba lowomuntu esithi kuyo: Kabatshise lokutshisa amahwahwa khathesi, ubusuzithathela njengokuthanda komphefumulo wakho; ibisisithi kuye: Hatshi, ngi nika khathesi; uba kungenjalo, ngizayithatha ngamandla. Ngakho isono samajaha saba sikhulu kakhulu phambi kweN. Kodwa uSamuweli wayekhonza phambi kweN engumfana. Futhi unina wayemenzela ijazana, amphathele lona umnyaka ngomnyaka ekwenyukeni kwakhe lomkakhe ukuyahlaba umhlatshelo womnyaka. UEli wasebabusisa oElkana lomkakhe, wathi: ikunike inzalo ngalowesifazana endaweni yesicelo esicelwe eNni. Basebesiya endaweni yabo. isimhambele uHana, wasethatha isisu, wazala amadodana amathathu lamadodakazi amabili. Kodwa uEli wayesemdala kakhulu; wakuzwa konke amadodana akhe akwenza kuIsrayeli wonke, lokuthi ayelala labesifazana ababuthana emnyango wethente lenhlangano. Wasesithi kuwo: Lenzelani izinto ezinje? Ngoba ngiyezwa ngabo bonke abantu ngezenzo zenu ezimbi. Hatshi, madodana ami; ngoba kakusumbiko omuhle engiwuzwayo ukuthi lenza abantu beN baphambuke. Uba umuntu esona komunye, abahluleli bazamahlulela. Umfana uSamuweli waseqhubeka ekhula. Kwasekufika umuntu kaNkulunkulu kuEli? Ngamkhetha yini kuzo zonke izizwe zakoIsrayeli ukuthi abe ngumpristi wami? Kungani likhahlela imihlatshelo yami leminikelo yami, njalo uhlonipha amadodana akho okwedlula mina, ngokuzikhuluphalisa ngekhethelo leminikelo yonke kaIsrayeli, abantu bami? Ngakho uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli ithi: Ngathi lokuthi: Indlu yakho lendlu kayihlo zizahamba phambi kwami kuze kube nininini. Khangela, insuku ziyeza engizaquma ngazo ingalo yakho lengalo yendlu kayihlo, kungabi khona ixhegu endlini yakho. Njalo uzabona ukuhlupheka kwendlu yami, kuyo yonke impumelelo ezayenzela uIsrayeli; njalo kakuyikuba lexhegu endlini yakho zonke izinsuku. Lowo-ke owakho engingayikumquma asuke elathini lami uzakuba ngowokuqeda amehlo akho, lokudabula umphefumulo wakho; lakho konke ukwanda kwendlu yakho kuzakufa kusebudodeni. Lalokhu kuzakuba yisiboniso kuwe okuzakwehlela amadodana akho womabili, kuHofini loPhinehasi. Ngizazimisela umpristi othembekileyo; uzakwenza njengokusenhliziyweni yami lemphefumulweni wami. Kuzakuthi-ke wonke oseleyo endlini yakho uzakuza akhothame kuye ngenxa yembadalo yesiliva leqebelengwana lesinkwa, athi: Ake ungibeke kwesinye sezikhundla zompristi ukuze ngidle ucezu lwesinkwa. Umfana uSamuweli wayesebenzela phambi kukaEli. Kwasekusithi ngalolosuku uEli elele endaweni yakhe, lamehlo akhe eseqala ukufiphala engelakubona, lesibane sikaNkulunkulu sasingakacitshwa, yambiza uSamuweli, owathi: Khangela ngi lapha. Wasegijimela kuEli, wathi: Khangela ngi lapha, ngoba ungibizile. Wasesithi: Kangibizanga, buyela ulale. Wasesiyalala. yasibuya imbiza uSamuweli futhi. USamuweli wasevuka waya kuEli, wathi: Khangela ngi lapha, ngoba ungibizile. Kodwa wathi: Kangibizanga, ndodana yami; buyela ulale. Kodwa uSamuweli wayengakayazi iN, lelizwi leN lalingakembulwa kuye. yasimbiza futhi uSamuweli ngokwesithathu. Wasevuka waya kuEli wathi: Khangela ngi lapha, ngoba ungibizile. UEli waseqedisisa ukuthi imbizile umfana. Ngakho uEli wathi kuSamuweli: Hamba uyelala; kuzakuthi-ke nxa ikubiza uzakuthi: Khuluma N, ngoba inceku yakho iyezwa. Wasehamba uSamuweli, walala endaweni yakhe. yasisiza, yema, yabiza njengakwezinye izikhathi: Samuweli, Samuweli! Wasesithi uSamuweli: Khuluma, ngoba inceku yakho iyezwa. yasisithi kuSamuweli: Khangela, ngizakwenza into koIsrayeli ezakhenceza indlebe zombili zalowo wonke oyizwayo. Ngalolosuku ngizakwenza ngimelene loEli konke engakukhuluma ngendlu yakhe; ngiqalise ngiqede. Ngoba ngimtshelile. Ngakho-ke ngifungile kuyo indlu kaEli ukuthi ububi bendlu kaEli kabuyikuhlangulwa ngomhlatshelo langomnikelo kuze kube phakade. USamuweli waselala kwaze kwasa; wavula iminyango yendlu yeN, kodwa uSamuweli wesaba ukumtshela uEli umbono. UEli wasembiza uSamuweli, wathi: Samuweli, ndodana yami. Wasesithi: Khangela ngi lapha. Wasesithi: Yinto bani eyikhulume kuwe? Ake ungangifihleli; kenze njalo uNkulunkulu kuwe, ngokunjalo engezelele, uba ungifihlela ulutho lwazo zonke izinto akutshele zona. Ngakho uSamuweli wasemtshela zonke izinto, kamfihlelanga lutho. Wasesithi: YiN, kayenze lokho okulungileyo emehlweni ayo. Wakhula-ke uSamuweli. UIsrayeli wonke-ke kusukela koDani kuze kube seBherishebha wazi ukuthi uSamuweli uqinisiwe ukuthi abe ngumprofethi weN. yaphinda yabonakala eShilo, ngoba yazibonakalisa kuSamuweli eShilo. Ilizwi likaSamuweli lafika kuIsrayeli wonke. UIsrayeli wasephuma ukuyamelana lamaFilisti empini, bamisa inkamba ngaseEbeni-Ezeri. AmaFilisti asezihlela ukumelana loIsrayeli; kwathi impi isabalala, uIsrayeli watshaywa phambi kwamaFilisti; njalo atshaya emaviyweni egangeni phose amadoda azinkulungwane ezine. Kwathi abantu befika enkambeni, abadala bakoIsrayeli bathi: isitshayeleni lamuhla phambi kwamaFilisti? Asizithatheleni eShilo; nxa usiza phakathi kwethu uzasisindisa esandleni sezitha zethu. Ngakho abantu bathumela eShilo; lamadodana amabili kaEli, uHofini loPhinehasi, ayelapho lomtshokotsho wesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu. Kwasekusithi lapho umtshokotsho wesivumelwano seN ufika enkambeni, uIsrayeli wonke wahlokoma ngokuhlokoma okukhulu. Lapho amaFilisti esizwa umsindo wokuhlokoma athi: U tsho ni umsindo walokhukuhlokoma okukhulu enkambeni yamaHebheru? Asesazi ukuthi umtshokotsho weN ufikile enkambeni. AmaFilisti asesesaba, ngoba athi: UNkulunkulu ufikile enkambeni. Athi-ke: Maye kithi! Ngoba kakuzanga kwenzeke okunje mandulo. Maye kithi! Ngubani ozasophula esandleni salaba onkulunkulu abalamandla? Laba ngonkulunkulu abatshaya amaGibhithe ngazo zonke inhlupheko enkangala. Qinani, libe ngamadoda, maFilisti, hlezi lisebenzele amaHebheru. Ngakho amaFilisti alwa, loIsrayeli watshaywa. Umtshokotsho kaNkulunkulu wasuthathwa. Kwasekugijima umuntu wakoBhenjamini evela emaviyweni, wafika eShilo ngalolosuku. Ekufikeni kwakhe, khangela-ke, uEli wayehlezi esihlalweni eceleni kwendlela elindile, ngoba inhliziyo yakhe yayithuthumelela umtshokotsho kaNkulunkulu. Kwathi lowomuntu esengenile emzini ukubika, kwakhala umuzi wonke. Lapho uEli esizwa umsindo wokukhala wathi: Uyini umsindo wale inhlokomo? Lowomuntu wasephangisa weza wamtshela uEli. Njalo uEli wayeleminyaka engamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye leyisificaminwembili, lamehlo akhe ema ukuthi ayengelakho ukubona. Lowomuntu wasesithi kuEli: Nginguye ovela emaviyweni; ngibaleke emaviyweni lamuhla. Wasesithi: Kwenziweni, ndodana yami? Owaletha umbiko wasephendula wathi: UIsrayeli ubalekile phambi kwamaFilisti, futhi kube lokubulawa okukhulu ebantwini, njalo lamadodana akho womabili, uHofini loPhinehasi, afile, lomtshokotsho kaNkulunkulu uthethwe. Kwasekusithi esekhulume ngomtshokotsho kaNkulunkulu, wawa nyovane esihlalweni eceleni kwesango, kwephuka intamo yakhe, wafa, ngoba lowomuntu wayemdala, enzima. Njalo wayahlulele uIsrayeli iminyaka engamatshumi amane. Lomalokazana wakhe, umkaPhinehasi, wayekhulelwe, esezabeletha; esezwile umbiko wokuthi umtshokotsho kaNkulunkulu uthethwe, lokuthi uyisezala lomkakhe bafile, wakhothama wabeletha, ngoba wafikelwa yimihelo. Njalo phose ngesikhathi sokufa kwakhe abesifazana ababemi belaye bathi: Ungesabi, ngoba ubelethe indodana. Kodwa kaphendulanga njalo kazange a ku nanze. Wambiza umfana ngokuthinguIkabodi, esithi: Inkazimulo isukile koIsrayeli; ngoba umtshokotsho kaNkulunkulu uthethwe, langenxa kayisezala lomkakhe. Wasesithi: Inkazimulo isukile koIsrayeli ngoba umtshokotsho kaNkulunkulu uthethwe. AmaFilisti asewuthatha umtshokotsho kaNkulunkulu awususa eEbeni-Ezeri. AmaFilisti asethatha umtshokotsho kaNkulunkulu, awungenisa endlini kaDagoni, awubeka ngakuDagoni. Kwathi abeAshidodi bevuka kusisa ngovivi, khangela, uDagoni esewile ngobuso bakhe emhlabathini phambi komtshokotsho weN. Basebemthatha uDagoni, bambuyisela endaweni yakhe. Sebevukile kusisa ekuseni kakhulu, khangela, uDagoni wayesewile ngobuso bakhe emhlabathini phambi komtshokotsho weN, lekhanda likaDagoni lempama zombili zezandla zakhe kwakuqunyiwe embundwini; kwasala kuye isithombo kuphela. Ngakho abapristi bakaDagoni labo bonke abangena endlini kaDagoni kabanyatheli embundwini kaDagoni eAshidodi kuze kube lamuhla. Kodwa isandla seN saba nzima phezu kwabeAshidodi. Kwathi abantu beAshidodi sebebona ukuthi kunjalo, bathi: Umtshokotsho kaNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli kawungahlali kithi, ngoba isandla sakhe sinzima phezu kwethu laphezu kukaDagoni unkulunkulu wethu. Ngakho bathuma babuthanisa zonke iziphathamandla zamaFilisti kibo, bathi: Sizakwenzani ngomtshokotsho kaNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli. Basebewubhodisa bewusa khonaumtshokotsho kaNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli. Kwasekusithi sebewubhodise bewuthwele, isandla seN sasimelene lomuzi. Basebewuthumela umtshokotsho kaNkulunkulu eEkhironi, abeEkhironi bakhala besithi: Babhodise baletha umtshokotsho kaNkulunkulu wakoIsrayeli kithi ukusibulala labantu bakithi. Ngakho bathuma babuthanisa zonke iziphathamandla zamaFilisti, bathi: Thumani lisuse umtshokotsho kaNkulunkulu wakoIsrayeli ukuthi ubuyele endaweni yawo, ukuze ungasibulali labantu bakithi, ngoba kwakulomonakalo wokufa emzini wonke, lesandla sikaNkulunkulu sasinzima kakhulu khona. Labantu abangafanga batshaywa ngamathumba ophayo; lokukhala komuzi kwenyukela emazulwini. Lomtshokotsho weN wawuselizweni lamaFilisti inyanga eziyisikhombisa. AmaFilisti asebiza abapristi labavumisi, esithi: Sizawenzelani umtshokotsho weN? Saziseni ukuthi singawuthumeza lani endaweni yawo. Basebesithi: Uba lingawuthumeza umtshokotsho kaNkulunkulu wakoIsrayeli, lingawuthumezi uze. Basebesithi: Uzakuba yini umnikelo wecala esizawubuyisela kuye? Basebesithi: Amathumba ophayo egolide amahlanu lamagundwane amahlanu egolide; ngoba bekulenhlupheko eyodwa kini lonke lakuziphathamandla zenu. Ngakho lizakwenza imifanekiso yamathumba enu ophayo lemifanekiso yamagundwane enu alonayo ilizwe. Lenzelani-ke inhliziyo zenu zibe lukhuni njengamaGibhithe loFaro benza inhliziyo zabo zaba lukhuni? Ngakho-ke thathani lilungise inqola entsha lamankomokazi amabili amunyisayo. Lithathe umtshokotsho weN, liwubeke enqoleni, lempahla zegolide elizibuyisela kuye zibe ngumnikelo wecala, lizifake ebhokisini eceleni kwawo; liyithumeze ihambe. Libone aluba isenyuka ngendlela yomngcele wawo eya eBeti-Shemeshi. Abantu basebesenza njalo, bathatha amankomokazi amabili amunyisayo, bawabophela enqoleni, bawavalela amankonyana awo ekhaya. Bawubeka umtshokotsho weN enqoleni lebhokisi elilamagundwane egolide lezithombe zamathumba abo ophayo. Amankomokazi aseqonda endleleni, ngendlela eya eBeti-Shemeshi ehamba ebhonsa, engaphambukeli ngakwesokunene loba ngakwesokhohlo, leziphathamandla zamaFilisti zawalandela kwaze kwaba semngceleni weBeti-Shemeshi. AbeBeti-Shemeshi babevuna isivuno sengqoloyi esigodini; lapho bephakamisa amehlo abo, bawubona umtshokotsho, bathokoza uku wu bona. Inqola yasingena ensimini kaJoshuwa weBeti-Shemeshi, yema khona, lapho okwakulelitshe elikhulu khona; basebebanda izigodo zenqola, basebenikela amankomokazi aba ngumnikelo wokutshiswa eNni. AmaLevi asewethula umtshokotsho weN lebhokisi elalilawo, okwakukulo impahla zegolide, akubeka phezu kwelitshe elikhulu. Labantu beBeti-Shemeshi banikela iminikelo yokutshiswa, bayihlabela imihlatshelo ngalolosuku. Iziphathamandla ezinhlanu zamaFilisti sezikubonile. Lala ngamathumba ophayo egolide amaFilisti awabuyisela abe ngumnikelo wecala eNni, eleAshidodi elilodwa. Lamagundwane egolide njengokwenani lemizi yonke yamaFilisti yeziphathamandla ezinhlanu, kusukela emizini ebiyelweyo kuze kube semizaneni yemaphandleni. Yasitshaya amadoda eBeti-Shemeshi ngoba ayekhangele phakathi komtshokotsho weN; yebo, yatshaya phakathi kwabantu amadoda azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amahlanu lamatshumi ayisikhombisa. Ngakho abantu beBeti-Shemeshi bathi: Ngubani olakho ukuma? Uzakwenyukela kubani esuka kithi? Basebethuma izithunywa kubahlali beKiriyathi-Jeyarimi besithi: AmaFilisti asewubuyisile umtshokotsho weN; yehlani liwenyusele kini. Njalo abantu beKiriyathi-Jeyarimi beza. Kwasekusithi kusukela ngosuku umtshokotsho uhlala eKiriyathi-Jeyarimi, insuku zanda; ngoba kwaba yiminyaka engamatshumi amabili; lendlu yonke yakoIsrayeli yakhala ilandela iN. USamuweli wasekhuluma endlini yonke kaIsrayeli esithi: Uba libuyela eNni ngenhliziyo yenu yonke. Ngakho abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebesusa oBhali laboAshitarothi, bakhonza yodwa. USamuweli wasesithi: Buthanisani uIsrayeli wonke eMizipa. Basebebuthana eMizipa, bakha amanzi, bawathela phambi kweN KOSI. USamuweli wasesahlulela abantwana bakoIsrayeli eMizipa. Kwathi amaFilisti esezwile ukuthi abantwana bakoIsrayeli babuthene eMizipa, iziphathamandla zamaFilisti zenyuka zamelana loIsrayeli. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli sebekuzwile bawesaba amaFilisti. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebesithi kuSamuweli: Ungathuli ukusikhalela eNni uNkulunkulu wethu ukuze asisindise esandleni samaFilisti. USamuweli wasethatha iwundlu elimunyayo, walinikela lonke eNni laba ngumnikelo otshiswayo. USamuweli wakhalela uIsrayeli eNni, yasimphendula. Kwathi uSamuweli esanikela umnikelo wokutshiswa, amaFilisti asondela empini loIsrayeli; kodwa yaduma ngelizwi elikhulu phezu kwamaFilisti ngalolosuku. Amadoda akoIsrayeli asephuma eMizipa axotshana lamaFilisti, awatshaya, kwaze kwaba ngaphansi kweBetikari. USamuweli wasethatha ilitshe, wa li misa phakathi kweMizipa leSheni, wabiza ibizo lalo iEbeni-Ezeri. Ngakho amaFilisti ehliselwa phansi. Imizi amaFilisti ayeyithethe-ke koIsrayeli yabuyiselwa kuIsrayeli kusukela eEkhironi. USamuweli wasesahlulela uIsrayeli insuku zonke zempilo yakhe. Wahamba iminyaka ngeminyaka wabhoda eBhetheli; wahlulela uIsrayeli kuzo zonke lezozindawo. Lokubuyela kwakhe kwakuyikuya eRama. Kwasekusithi uSamuweli esemdala wabeka. Lebizo lendodana yakhe elizibulo lalinguJoweli, lebizo leyesibili linguAbhiya; ayengabahluleli eBherishebha. Kodwa amadodana akhe ayengahambi ngendlela zakhe, kodwa aphambukela enzuzweni embi. Kwasekubuthana abadala bonke bakoIsrayeli, beza kuSamuweli eRama, bathi kuye: Khangela, wena usumdala, lamadodana akho kawahambi ngendlela zakho; ngakho sibekele inkosi ukuze isahlulele njengazo zonke izizwe. Kodwa leyonto yayimbi emehlweni kaSamuweli lapho besithi: Sinike inkosi ukusahlulela. USamuweli wasekhuleka eNni. yasisithi kuSamuweli: Lalela ilizwi labantu kukho konke abakutshoyo kuwe, ngoba kakusuwe abakwalayo. Ngokwezenzo zonke abazenzileyo kusukela ngosuku engabenyusa ngalo eGibhithe kuze kube lamuhla, bangitshiyile bakhonza abanye onkulunkulu; benza njalo lakuwe. Ngakho khathesi, lalela ilizwi labo; kodwa nxa ubafakazele kakhulu, ubazise indlela yenkosi ezabusa phezu kwabo. USamuweli wasetshela abantu abacela kuye inkosi wonke amazwi eN. Wasesithi: Le izakuba yindlela yenkosi ezabusa phezu kwenu. Izazibekela wona abe yizinduna zezinkulungwane lezinduna zamatshumi amahlanu, lokulima amasimu ayo, lokuvuna isivuno sayo, lokwenza izikhali zayo zempi, lezikhali zezinqola zayo. Izathatha amadodakazi enu iwenze abe ngabenzi bamakha, labapheki, labaphekizinkwa. Izathatha amasimu enu, lezivini zenu lezivande zenu zemihlwathi, ezinhle, ikunike inceku zayo. Izathatha okwetshumi yenhlanyelo yenu leyezivini zenu, iyinike induna zayo lenceku zayo. Izathatha inceku zenu lencekukazi zenu lamajaha enu angcono labobabhemi benu, ikusebenzise emsebenzini wayo. Izathatha okwetshumi kwemihlambi yenu; lina-ke libe yizinceku zayo. Njalo lizakhala ngalolosuku ngenxa yenkosi yenu elizikhethele yona; kodwa kayiyikuliphendula mhlalokho. Kodwa abantu bala ukulilalela ilizwi likaSamuweli, bathi: Hatshi, kodwa kuzakuba lenkosi phezu kwethu, ukuze lathi sibe njengezizwe zonke, lenkosi yethu isahlulele, iphume phambi kwethu, ilwe izimpi zethu. USamuweli esewazwile wonke amazwi abantu, wawalandisa endlebeni zeN. yasisithi kuSamuweli: Lalela ilizwi labo, ubabekele inkosi. USamuweli wasesithi emadodeni akoIsrayeli: Hambani liye ngulowo lalowo emzini wakhe. Kwakukhona-ke indoda yakoBhenjamini obizo layo linguKishi, indodana kaAbiyeli, indodana kaZerori, indodana kaBekorathi, indodana kaAfiya, umBhenjamini, iqhawe elilamandla. Njalo yayilendodana, obizo layo lalinguSawuli, ijaha elihle; kwakungelamuntu omuhle kulalo phakathi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli. Obabhemikazi bakaKishi, uyise kaSawuli, balahleka-ke. Ngakho uKishi wathi kuSawuli indodana yakhe: Ake uthathe enye yezinceku lawe, usukume uhambe uyedinga obabhemikazi. Wasedabula intaba zakoEfrayimi, kodwa babengekho. Basebedabula ilizwe lakoBhenjamini, kodwa kababatholanga. Bona sebefikile elizweni leZufi. Yasisithi kuye: Khangela-ke, kulomuntu kaNkulunkulu kulumuzi, ungumuntu ohloniphekayo. USawuli wasesithi encekwini yakhe: Kodwa khangela, uba sisiya, sizamphathelani lowomuntu? Inceku yasibuya yamphendula uSawuli yathi: Khangela, kutholakala esandleni sami ingxenye yesine yeshekeli lesiliva; ngizamnika yona lowomuntu kaNkulunkulu ukuze asitshele indlela yethu. (Endulo koIsrayeli lapho umuntu esiyabuza kuNkulunkulu.) USawuli wasesithi encekwini yakhe: Lihle ilizwi lakho; woza sihambe. Basebesiya emzini lapho okwakukhona lowomuntu kaNkulunkulu. Besenyuka ngomqanso womuzi, bona bafica amantombazana ephuma ukuyakukha amanzi, bathi kuwo: Umboni ulapha yini? Asebaphendula athi: Ukhona; khangelani, uphambi kwenu. Phangisani khathesi; ngoba ufike lamuhla emzini, ngoba abantu balomhlatshelo lamuhla endaweni ephakemeyo. Ekungeneni kwenu emzini, lizahle limthole engakenyukeli endaweni ephakemeyo ukuyakudla; ngoba abantu kabayikudla aze afike, ngoba nguye obusisa umhlatshelo, emva kwalokho abanxusiweyo badle. Ngakho-ke yenyukani, ngoba yena, phose ngalesisikhathi, lizamthola. Basebesenyukela emzini; besangena phakathi komuzi, khangela, uSamuweli waphuma ukubahlangabeza ukwenyukela endaweni ephakemeyo. yasibonakalisa e ndleb enikaSamuweli ngosuku phambi kokufika kukaSawuli, isithi: Kusasa phose ngalesisikhathi ngizathuma kuwe umuntu ovela elizweni lakoBhenjamini; futhi umgcobe abe ngumbusi phezu kwabantu bami uIsrayeli, ukuze asindise abantu bami esandleni samaFilisti. Kwathi uSamuweli ebona uSawuli, yamphendula. USawuli wasesondela kuSamuweli phakathi kwesango wathi: Akungitshele, ingaphi lapha indlu yomboni? USamuweli wasemphendula uSawuli wathi: Yimi umboni; yenyuka phambi kwami uye endaweni ephakemeyo, ngoba lamuhla uzakudla lami; lekuseni ngizakuyekela uhambe, ngikutshele konke okusenhliziyweni yakho. Lamayelana labobabhemikazi bakho asebelensuku ezintathu belahlekile, ungafaki inhliziyo yakho kubo, ngoba sebetholiwe. Kodwa zikubani iziloyiso zonke zikaIsrayeli? Kazikho kuwe yini lendlini yonke kayihlo? USawuli wasephendula wathi: Kangisuye umBhenjamini yini, owesincinyane sezizwe zakoIsrayeli? USamuweli wasethatha uSawuli lenceku yakhe, wabangenisa ekamelweni lokudlela, wabahlalisa endaweni engaphezulu yabanxusiweyo, ababengaphose babe ngamatshumi amathathu. USamuweli wasesithi kumpheki: Letha isabelo engikunike sona, engithe kuwe ngaso: Sibeke ngakuwe. Umpheki wasephakamisa umlenze lokwakuphezu kwawo, wakubeka phambi kukaSawuli. USamuweliwasesithi: Khangela, okuseleyo; kubeke phambi kwakho, dlana; ngoba bekubekelwe wena kuze kufike lesisikhathi esimisiweyo, njengobangitshilo: Nginxuse abantu. USawuli wasesidla loSamuweli ngalolosuku. Sebehlile endaweni ephakemeyo baya emzini, wakhuluma loSawuli ephahleni. Basebevuka ngovivi; kwasekusithi phose emadabukakusa, uSamuweli wambiza uSawuli ephahleni esithi: Sukuma ukuze ngikuyekele uhambe. Wasesukuma uSawuli, baphuma bobabili, yena loSamuweli, baya phandle. Sebesehlela ekucineni komuzi, uSamuweli wathi kuSawuli: Tshela inceku ukuthi yedlule phambi kwethu (yasisedlula), kodwa wena mana okwakhathesi, ukuthi ngikuzwise ilizwi likaNkulunkulu. USamuweli wasethatha umfuma wamafutha, wawathela ekhanda lakhe? Ekusukeni kwakho kimi lamuhla uzafica abantu ababili engcwabeni likaRasheli emngceleni wakoBhenjamini eZeliza esithi: Ngizayenzelani indodana yami? Nxa usudlule lapho waya phambili, uzafika esihlahleni se-okhi seThabhori, omunye ephethe amazinyane amathathu, lomunye ephethe amaqebelengwana ezinkwa amathathu, lomunye ephethe imbodlela yewayini. Bazakubuza ngempilo, bakunike izinkwa ezimbili, ozazithatha esandleni sabo. Emva kwalokho uzafika eqaqeni lukaNkulunkulu. LoMoya kaNkulunkulu uzafika ngamandla phezu kwakho. Kuzakuthi-ke lapho lezizibonakaliso zikufikela, wena wenze lokho isandla sakho esizakuthola. Uzakwehla phambi kwami uye eGiligali. Kwasekusithi lapho esefulathele ukuthi asuke kuSamuweli, uNkulunkulu wamnika enye inhliziyo; lazo zonke lezizibonakaliso zeza mhlalokho. Lapho sebefikile khona eqaqeni. Kwasekusithi bonke ababemazi mandulo bebona ukuthi, khangela, uprofetha labaprofethi, abantu bathi, omunye komunye: Kuyini lokhu okwehlele indodana kaKishi? Kanti uSawuli laye uphakathi kwabaprofethi? Kwasekuphendula umuntu owakhona wathi: Kanti ngubani uyise wabo? Eseqedile ukuprofetha wafika endaweni ephakemeyo. Uyise omncinyane kaSawuli wathi kuye lencekwini yakhe: Beliye ngaphi? Wasesithi: Ukuyadinga obabhemikazi; lapho sesibona ukuthi kabakho sasesifika kuSamuweli. Uyise omncinyane kaSawuli wathi: Ake ungitshele ukuthi utheni kini uSamuweli? USawuli wasesithi kuyise omncinyane: Usitshelile sibili ukuthi obabhemikazi sebetholakele. Kodwa udaba lombuso akhuluma ngalo uSamuweli kamtshelanga. USamuweli wasebizela abantu ndawonye eNni; wathi kubantwana bakoIsrayeli: Itsho njalo uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Mina ngamenyusa uIsrayeli eGibhithe, ngalikhulula esandleni samaGibhithe lesandleni sayo yonke imibuso eyalicindezelayo. Kodwa lamuhla lina limalile uNkulunkulu wenu, yena ngokwakhe owalisindisayo engozini zonke zenu lensizini zenu; laselisithi kuye: Hatshi, beka inkosi phezu kwethu. USamuweli wasesondeza zonke izizwe zakoIsrayeli; njalo isizwe sakoBhenjamini sabanjwa. Wasesondeza isizwe sakoBhenjamini ngensendo zaso, losendo lwakoMatiri lwabanjwa, loSawuli indodana kaKishi wabanjwa. Kuthe bemdinga katholakalanga. Ngakho babuya babuza eNni ukuthi lowomuntu usezafika lapha yini? yasisithi: Khangelani, ucatshile empahleni. Basebegijima bamlanda khona; lapho esemi phakathi kwabantu, wayemude kulabo bonke abantu kusukela ehlombe lakhe kusiya phezulu. USamuweli wasesithi kubo bonke abantu: Liyambona yini lowo emkhethileyo, ukuthi kakho loyedwa onjengaye kubo bonke abantu? Bonke abantu basebememeza bathi: Kayiphile inkosi! USamuweli wasebatshela abantu indlela yombuso, wawubhala egwalweni, walubeka phambi kweN. USamuweli wasebayekela bonke abantu bahamba, wonke waya endlini yakhe. USawuli laye wasesiya endlini yakhe eGibeya; kwasekuhamba laye amaqhawe onhliziyo zawo uNkulunkulu wayezithintile. Kodwa. Kwasekusenyuka uNahashi umAmoni. Kodwa uNahashi umAmoni wathi kibo: Ngizasenza phezu kwalokhu isivumelwanolani. Abadala beJabeshi basebesithi kuye: Siyekele okwensuku eziyisikhombisa ukuze sithume izithunywa kuwo wonke umngcele wakoIsrayeli. Uba-ke kungekho ongasisindisa, sizaphuma size kuwe. Izithunywa zasezifika eGibeya kaSawuli. Khangela-ke, uSawuli weza emva kwezinkabi evela emasimini, uSawuli wathi: Kwenzenjani ebantwini ukuthi bakhale? Basebemtshela amazwi amadoda eJabeshi. UMoya kaNkulunkulu wasefika ngamandla phezu kukaSawuli lapho esizwa lawomazwi, lolaka lwakhe lwavutha kakhulu. Wasethatha inkabi ezimbili, waziquma zaba yiziqa, wazithumela kuwo wonke umngcele wakoIsrayeli ngesandla sezithunywa esithi. Lapho ebabala eBezeki. Basebesithi kuzo izithunywa ezazifikile: Lizawatshela njalo amadoda eJabeshi-Gileyadi lithi: Kusasa lizakuba losindiso nxa ilanga selitshisa. Lapho izithunywa zifika zawatshela amadoda eJabeshi, athokoza. Ngakho amadoda eJabeshi athi: Kusasa sizaphumela kini, lenze kithi njengakho konke okulungileyo emehlweni enu. Kwasekusithi kusisa, uSawuli; bamtshaya uAmoni lwaze lwatshisa usuku; kwasekusithi abaseleyo bahlakazeka, kwaze kwathi kakusalanga kibo ababili bendawonye. Abantu basebesithi kuSamuweli: Ngubani othe: USawuli uzabusa yini phezu kwethu. Kodwa uSawuli wathi: Kakuyikubulawa muntu ngalolusuku. USamuweli wasesithi ebantwini: Wozani siye eGiligali, sivuselele umbuso khona. Bonke abantu basebesiya eGiligali, bambeka khona uSawuli waba yinkosi phambi kweN eGiligali. USamuweli wasesithi kuIsrayeli wonke: Khangelani, ngililalele ilizwi lenu kukho konke elakutsho kimi. Khathesi-ke, khangelani, inkosi iyahamba phambi kwenu. Khangelani, ngi lapha; fakazani limelane lami phambi kweN laphambi kogcotshiweyo wayo. Basebesithi: Kawusiqilibezelanga, njalo kawemukelanga lalutho esandleni samuntu. Wasesithi kibo: ingumfakazi imelene lani logcotshiweyo wayo ungumfakazi lamuhla. USamuweli wasesithi ebantwini: Kuyeyenza uMozisi loAroni, eyenyusa oyihlo elizweni leGibhithe. Khathesi-ke, manini njalo ngahlulelane lani phambi kweN ngezenzo zonke ezilungileyo zeN eyazenza kini lakuboyihlo. Lapho uJakobe esefikile eGibhithe. Sebeyikhohliwe uNkulunkulu wabo; basebesilwa bemelene labo. Basebekhala eNni bathi: Sonile, ngoba siyilahlile iN KOSI. yasithuma uJerubali, yalikhulula esandleni sezitha zenu inhlangothi zonke, laselihlala livikelekile. Lapho libona ukuthi uNahashi inkosi yabantwana bakoAmoni yeza ukumelana lani. Khathesi-ke, khangelani. Uba liyesaba liyikhonza lilalela ilizwi layo, lingawuvukeli umlomo weN, khona lina, lani kanye lenkosi ezabusa phezu kwenu lizalandela uNkulunkulu wenu. Kodwa uba lingalilaleli ilizwi leN, kodwa livukela umlomo weN KOSI. Lakhathesi manini, libone linto enkulu ezayenza phambi kwamehlo enu. Angithi lamuhla kuyisivuno sengqoloyi. USamuweli wasekhala eNni, yasinika umdumo lezulu mhlalokho; ngakho bonke abantu bayesaba kakhulu loSamuweli. Bonke abantu basebesithi kuSamuweli: Khulekela izinceku zakho eNni uNkulunkulu wakho, ukuze singafi; ngoba sengezelele ezonweni zethu zonke lobububi bokuzicelela inkosi. USamuweli wasesithi ebantwini: Lingesabi; lina lenze bonke lobububi, kodwa lingaphambuki ekuyilandeleni iN, kodwa likhonze ngenhliziyo yenu yonke. Njalo lingaphambuki ngoba linga landela izinto eziyize. Ngoba kayiyikubatshiya abantu bayo. Mina-ke kakube khatshana lami ukuthi ngone eNni ngokuyekela ukulikhulekela. Kuphela yesabani iN, liyikhonze ngeqiniso ngenhliziyo yenu yonke. Kodwa uba liphikelela lisenza okubi, lina kanye lenkosi yenu. USawuli wayelomnyaka embusweni wakhe. Esebuse uIsrayeli okweminyaka emibili, uSawuli wasezikhethela abayizinkulungwane ezintathu kwamaIsrayeli; njalo abayizinkulungwane ezimbili babeloSawuli eMikimashi lentabeni yeBhetheli; labaseleyo babantu wabayekela bahamba, ngulowo lalowo ethenteni lakhe. UJonathani wasetshaya ibutho lenqaba yamaFilisti eyayiseGeba. UIsrayeli wonke wezwa kuthiwa uSawuli utshayile ibutho lenqaba yamaFilisti lokuthi uIsrayeli laye waba levumba kumaFilisti. Abantu basebebizelwa ndawonye ukulandela uSawuli baye eGiligali. AmaFilisti asebuthana ukuthi alwe loIsrayeli, inqola eziyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu, labagadi bamabhiza abayizinkulungwane eziyisithupha, labantu abalingana letshebetshebe elisekhunjini lolwandle ngobunengi; enyuka amisa inkamba eMikimashi. Kwathi amadoda akoIsrayeli ebona ukuthi asekuminyezelweni, ngoba abantu bacindezelwa. LamaHebheru achapha iJodani, aya elizweni leGadi leGileyadi. Kodwa uSawuli wayelokhu eseGiligali, labantu bonke bathuthumela bemlandela. Waselinda insuku eziyisikhombisa, njengesikhathi esamiswa nguSamuweli; kodwa uSamuweli kafikanga eGiligali, labantu bahlakazeka besuka kuye. USawuli wasesithi: Sondezani kimi umnikelo wokutshiswa leminikelo yokuthula. Wasenikela umnikelo wokutshiswa. Kwasekusithi eseqede ukunikela umnikelo wokutshiswa, khangela, uSamuweli wafika; uSawuli wasephuma ukumhlangabeza ukuze ambingelele. USamuweli wasesithi: Wenzeni? USawuli wasesithi: Ngoba ngibone ukuthi abantu babehlakazeka besuka kimi, lawe ungafikanga ngesikhathi esimisiweyo sezinsuku, lokuthi amaFilisti asebuthene eMikimashi. Ngakho ngathi: Khathesi amaFilisti azangehlela eGiligali, ngingancenganga ubuso beN. Ngasengizibamba ngamandla, nganikela umnikelo wokutshiswa. USamuweli wasesithi kuSawuli: Wenze ngobuwula. Kodwa khathesi umbuso wakho kawuyikuma. USamuweli wasesukuma wenyuka esuka eGiligali waya eGibeya yakoBhenjamini. Njalo uSawuli loJonathani indodana yakhe labantu abaficwa belabo bahlala eGibeya yakoBhenjamini, kodwa amaFilisti amisa inkamba eMikimashi. Abachithi basebephuma enkambeni yamaFilisti ngezigaba ezintathu; lesinye isigaba saphendukela endleleni yeBhethi-Horoni. Njalo kwakungatholakali mkhandi elizweni lonke lakoIsrayeli, ngoba amaFilisti athi: Hlezi amaHebheru enze izinkemba loba imikhonto. UIsrayeli wonke-ke wehlela kumaFilisti ukulola, ngulowo lalowo isikali sakhe sekhuba, lemataka yakhe, lehloka lakhe, lesikela yakhe. Imbadalo yezikali zekhuba lamamataka lamafologwe alencijo ezintathu lamahloka lokulungisa izincijo yayiyipimi. Ngakho kwathi ngosuku lwempi kakutholakalanga inkemba loba umkhonto esandleni saloba ngubani wabantu ababeloSawuli lababeloJonathani; kodwa kwatholakala kuSawuli loJonathani indodana yakhe. Lebutho lenqaba yamaFilisti laphuma laya emkhandlweni weMikimashi. Kwasekusithi ngolunyeusuku, uJonathani indodana kaSawuli wathi emfaneni othwala izikhali zakhe: Woza sichaphele ebuthweni lenqaba yamaFilisti elingaphetsheya ngale. Kodwa kamtshelanga uyise. USawuli wayehlala-ke ephethelweni leGibeya; loAhiya, indodana kaAhitubi, umfowabo kaIkabodi, indodana kaPhinehasi, indodana kaEli. Laphakathi kwemikhandlo, lapho uJonathani ayezama ukuchapha khona ukuya ebuthweni lenqaba yamaFilisti, kwakuledwala elicijileyo nganeno, ledwala elicijileyo ngaphetsheya; njalo ibizo lelinye laliyiBozezi, lebizo lelinye laliyiSene. Elinye iliwa laligxile enyakatho maqondana leMikimashi. UJonathani wasesithi emfaneni othwala izikhali zakhe: Woza sichaphele ebuthweni lenqaba e lalaba abangasokanga. Umthwali wezikhali zakhe wasesithi kuye: Yenza konke okusenhliziyweni yakho; phambuka, khangela ngilawe njengokwenhliziyo yakho. UJonathani wasesithi: Khangela, sizachaphela kulabobantu sizibonakalise kibo. Uba bekhuluma njalo kithi besithi: Manini mpo, size sifike kini; sizakuma-ke endaweni yethu, singenyukeli kibo. Kodwa uba bekhuluma njalo kithi besithi: Yenyukelani kithi; sizakwenyuka-ke, ngoba ibanikele esandleni sethu. Ngakho bobabili bazibonakalisa ebuthweni lenqaba yamaFilisti; amaFilisti asesithi: Khangelani, amaHebheru asephuma emilindini abecatshe kiyo. Amadoda ebutho lenqaba asephendula oJonathani lomthwali wezikhali zakhe athi: Yenyukelani kithi, sizalitshengisa ulutho. UJonathani wasesithi kumthwali wezikhali zakhe: Yenyuka ungilandele, ngoba iwanikele esandleni sikaIsrayeli. UJonathani wasekhwela ngezandla zakhe langenyawo zakhe, lomthwali wezikhali zakhe emva kwakhe. Asesiwa phambi kukaJonathani, lomthwali wezikhali zakhe wawabulala emva kwakhe. Ukutshaya kokuqala atshaya ngakho uJonathani lomthwali wezikhali zakhe kwakungaba phose ngamadoda angamatshumi amabili, ensimini elingana lengxenye yendima yesipani. Kwasekusiba khona ukuthuthumela enkambeni, egangeni, laphakathi kwabantu bonke; ibutho lenqaba labachithi labo bathuthumela, lomhlaba wanyikinyeka, kwasekusiba yikuthuthumela okukhulu. Abalindi bakaSawuli eGibeya yakoBhenjamini. USawuli wasesithi ebantwini ababelaye: Ake libale, libone ukuthi ngubani osuke kithi. Kwathi sebebalile, khangela, uJonathani lomthwali wezikhali zakhe babengekho. USawuli wasesithi kuAhiya: Letha lapha umtshokotsho kaNkulunkulu. Ngoba umtshokotsho kaNkulunkulu ngalolosuku wawukubantwana bakoIsrayeli. Kwasekusithi uSawuli esakhuluma lompristi, umsindo owawusenkambeni yamaFilisti waqhubeka wanda. USawuli wasesithi kumpristi: Buyisela isandla sakho. USawuli labo bonke abantu ababelaye basebebizelwa ndawonye bafika empini, khangela-ke, inkemba yalowo lalowo yayimelene lomakhelwane wakhe. LamaHebheru ayelamaFilisti njengakuqala, enyukela lawo enkambeni inhlangothi zonke, ngitsho lawo aphenduka ukuthi abe loIsrayeli owayeloSawuli loJonathani. Kwathi amadoda wonke akoIsrayeli ayecatshe esezwile ukuthi amaFilisti ayabaleka, ngitsho lawo awanamathela ewalandela empini. Ngokunjalo yamsindisa uIsrayeli ngalolosuku. Amadoda akoIsrayeli asekhathala ngalolosuku. Bonke abe lizwe basebefika ehlathini. Lapho abantu bengena ehlathini, khangela, uluju lwathonta; kodwa kakho loyedwa owasa isandla sakhe emlonyeni wakhe, ngoba abantu besaba isifungo. Kodwa uJonathani wayengezwanga lapho uyise efungisa abantu; ngakho welula isihloko somqwayi owawusesandleni sakhe, wasigxamuza ehlangeni lwenyosi, wasesisa isandla sakhe emlonyeni wakhe, lamehlo akhe aqaqabuka. Omunye wabantu wasephendula wathi: Uyihlo ubafungisile lokubafungisa abantu esithi: Uqalekisiwe umuntu odla ukudla lamuhla. Abantu basebephele amandla. UJonathani wasesithi: Ubaba ulihluphile ilizwe; ake libone ukuthi amehlo ami aseqaqabuke njani, ngoba nginambithe ingcosana yaloluluju. Kudlula kangakanani aluba abantu bebedlile lokudla lamuhla okwempango yezitha zabo abayitholayo? Ngoba khathesi ukubulala kakubanga kukhulu phakathi kwamaFilisti. Basebetshaya amaFilisti ngalolosuku kusukela eMikimashi. Abantu basebephele amandla kakhulu. Abantu basebetheleka empangweni; bathatha izimvu, lezinkabi, lamathole enkomo, bakuhlabela emhlabathini. Basebemtshela uSawuli besithi: Khangela, abantu bayona eNni ngokudla kanye legazi. Wasesithi: Lenze ngokungathembeki; giqelani kimi ilitshe elikhulu lamuhla. USawuli wasesithi: Zihlakazeni phakathi kwabantu lithi kibo: Sondezani kimi, ngulowo lalowo inkabi yakhe, langulowo lalowo imvu yakhe, lizihlabele lapha, lidle; njalo lingoni eNni ngokudla kanye legazi. Ngakho bonke abantu basondeza, ngulowo lalowo inkabi yakhe ngesandla sakhe ngalobobusuku, bazihlaba khona. USawuli waseyakhela ilathi; kwakulilathi lokuqala alakhela iN. USawuli wasesithi: Asehleni silandele amaFilisti ebusuku, siwaphange kuze kube yikukhanya kokusa, singatshiyi lamuntu kiwo. Basebesithi: Yenza konke okuhle emehlweni akho. Kodwa umpristi wathi: Asisondeleni lapha kuNkulunkulu. USawuli wasebuza kuNkulunkulu wathi: Ngehle ngilandele amaFilisti yini? Uzawanikela esandleni sikaIsrayeli yini? Kodwa kamphendulanga ngalolosuku. USawuli wasesithi: Sondelani lapha lonke bakhokheli babantu, lazi libone ukuthi lesisono sikukuphi lamuhla. Ngoba kuphila kukaJehova owasindisa uIsrayeli, lanxa kungaba kuJonathani indodana yami, isibili uzakufa lokufa. Kodwa kakho loyedwa owamphendulayo ebantwini bonke. Wasesithi kuIsrayeli wonke: Banini nganxanye lina, mina-ke loJonathani indodana yami sizakuba nganxanye. Abantu basebesithi kuSawuli: Yenza okuhle emehlweni akho. Ngakho uSawuli wathi eNni uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Phana opheleleyo. USawuli wasesithi: Yenzani inkathoyokuphosa phakathi kwami loJonathani indodana yami. UJonathani wasebanjwa. USawuli wasesithi kuJonathani: Ngitshela okwenzileyo! USawuli wasesithi: UNkulunkulu kenze njalo langokunjalo engezelele. Kodwa abantu bathi kuSawuli: Uzakufa yini uJonathani, owenze lolusindiso olukhulu koIsrayeli? Kakube khatshana! Kuphila kukaJehova. USawuli wasesenyuka esuka ekulandeleni amaFilisti; amaFilisti asesiya endaweni yawo. USawuli wasethatha ubukhosi phezu kukaIsrayeli, walwa emelene lezitha zakhe zonke inhlangothi zonke, emelene loMowabi, njalo emelene labantwana bakoAmoni, njalo emelene lamaFilisti; laloba ngaphi lapho aphendukela khona wayejezisa. Wenza ngobuqhawe wasetshaya amaAmaleki, wakhulula uIsrayeli esandleni somphangi wakhe. Lamadodana kaSawuli ayengoJonathani loIshivi, loMaliki-Shuwa. Lebizo lomkaSawuli lalinguAhinowama indodakazi kaAhimahazi; lebizo lenduna yebutho lakhe lalinguAbhineri indodana kaNeri. Njalo uKishi wayenguyise kaSawuli. Njalo kwakukhona impi enzima lamaFilisti zonke izinsuku zikaSawuli; lapho uSawuli ebona indoda elamandla loba iqhawe, wayezibuthela yona. USamuweli wasesithi kuSawuli: yangithuma ukuthi ngikugcobe ube yinkosi phezu kwabantu bayo, phezu kukaIsrayeli; ngakho-ke lalela ilizwi lamazwi eN. Itsho njalo yamabandla ithi: Ngizananzelela lokho uAmaleki akwenza kuIsrayeli. Hamba-ke uyetshaya uAmaleki, utshabalalise konke alakho; ungamyekeli. USawuli wasebiza abantu. USawuli wasefika emzini kaAmaleki, wacathama esigodini. USawuli wasesithi kumaKeni. Ngakho amaKeni asuka aphuma phakathi kwamaAmaleki. USawuli wasetshaya amaAmaleki. Wambamba uAgagi inkosi yamaAmaleki ephila; labo bonke abantu wabatshabalalisa ngobukhali benkemba. Kodwa uSawuli labantu bamyekela uAgagi, lokuhle kakhulu kwezimvu lokwenkomo, lokunonisiweyo, lamawundlu, lakho konke okuhle; kabathandanga ukukutshabalalisa, kodwa yonke into edelelekayo lecakileyo bayitshabalalisa. Kwasekufika ilizwi leN kuSamuweli lisithi: Sengizisola ngokuthi ngambeka uSawuli waba yinkosi; ngoba ubuyele emuva ekungilandeleni, kaqinisanga amazwi ami. USamuweli wasethukuthela, wakhala eNni ubusuku bonke. USamuweli wasevuka ekuseni kakhulu ukuhlangabeza uSawuli; kwasekutshelwa uSamuweli kuthiwa: USawuli usefikile eKharmeli; khangela-ke, uzimisele insika, wabhoda, wedlula, wehlela eGiligali. USamuweli wasefika kuSawuli; uSawuli wathi kuye: Kawubusiswe yiN; ngiliqinisile ilizwi leN. USamuweli wasesithi: Kuyini pho lokhukukhala kwezimvu endlebeni zami, lokubhonsa kwenkomo engikuzwayo? USawuli wasesithi: Babuye lazo kumaAmaleki; ngoba abantu bayekele okuhle kakhulu kwezimvu lokwenkomo ukuze bahlabele uNkulunkulu wakho; kodwa okuseleyo sikutshabalalisile. USamuweli wasesithi kuSawuli: Yekela, ngikutshele ukuthi itheni kimi kulobubusuku. Wasesithi kuye: Khuluma. USamuweli wasesithi: Angithi, lapho usemncinyane emehlweni akho, waba yinhloko yezizwe zakoIsrayeli, leN yakugcoba waba yinkosi phezu kukaIsrayeli? ikuthumile-ke ngendlela yathi: Hamba uyetshabalalisa izoni, amaAmaleki, ulwe lawo aze aphele. Pho, kungani ungalilalelanga ilizwi leN, kodwa waphaphela impango, wenza okubi emehlweni eN? USawuli wasesithi kuSamuweli: Isibili ngililalele ilizwi leN, ngihambile ngendlela ebingithume ngayo, ngibuyile loAgagi inkosi yakoAmaleki, njalo ngitshabalalisile amaAmaleki. Kodwa abantu bathethe okwempango, izimvu lenkomo. Kodwa uSamuweli wathi: Kambe iyathokoza ngeminikelo yokutshiswa lemihlatshelo, njengekulaleleni ilizwi leN KOSI. Ngoba umvukela u njenge sono sokuvumisa, lobuqholo buyisiphambeko lokukhonza izithombe. USawuli wasesithi kuSamuweli: Ngonile; ngoba ngeqile umlayo weN lamazwi akho. Ngakho-ke ake uthethelele isono sami, ubuyele lami, ukuze ngikhonze iN. Kodwa uSamuweli wathi kuSawuli: Kangiyikubuyela lawe ngoba ulalile ilizwi leN, layo ikwalile ukuthi ungabi yinkosi phezu kukaIsrayeli. Kuthe uSamuweli etshibilika ukuthi ahambe, wabamba umphetho wesembatho sakhe, sasesidabuka. USamuweli wasesithi kuye: iwudabule kuwe lamuhla umbuso wakoIsrayeli, yawunika umakhelwane wakho ongcono kulawe. Futhi-ke aMandla kaIsrayeli kawaqambi manga, kawazisoli, ngoba kawasimuntu ukuthi azisole. Wasesithi: Ngonile, ake ungihloniphe khathesi phambi kwabadala babantu bakithi laphambi kukaIsrayeli, ubuyele lami, ukuthi ngikhonze uNkulunkulu wakho. Ngakho uSamuweli wabuyela elandela uSawuli; uSawuli wayikhonza-ke iN. USamuweli wasesithi: Msondezeni kimi uAgagi inkosi yakoAmaleki. UAgagi wasesiya kuye ethokozile; uAgagi wathi: Isibili ukubaba kokufa sekudlulile. USamuweli wasesithi: Njengoba inkemba yakho yemuke abesifazana abantwana, ngokunjalo unyoko uzakwemukwa abantwana phakathi kwabesifazana. USamuweli wasesiya eRama. USamuweli kaphindanga wambona uSawuli kwaze kwaba lusuku lokufa kwakhe. yasisithi kuSamuweli: Koze kube nini umlilela uSawuli. USamuweli wasesithi: Ngizahamba njani? Uba uSawuli ekuzwa, uzangibulala. yasisithi: Thatha ithokazi lenkomo esandleni sakho uthi: Ngizehlabela iN. Ubizele uJese emhlatshelweni; mina ngizakwazisa ozakwenza. USamuweli wasesenza lokho ekutshiloyo, wafika eBhethelehema. Abadala bomuzi basebethuthumela ukumhlangabeza bathi: Ukufika kwakho kulo kuthula yini? Wasesithi: Ukuthula; ngize ukuhlabela iN KOSI. Kwasekusithi ekufikeni kwabo, wakhangela uEliyabi wathi: Isibili ogcotshiweyo wayo uphambi kweN. Kodwa yathi kuSamuweli: Ungakhangeli isimo sakhe lobude besithombo sakhe, ngoba ngimalile, ngoba kakunjengokubona komuntu, ngoba umuntu ubona okuphambi kwamehlo. UJese wasebiza uAbinadaba, wamedlulisa phambi kukaSamuweli, kodwa wathi: Laye lo kayimkhethanga. UJese wasedlulisa uShama, kodwa wathi: Laye lo kayimkhethanga. UJese wasedlulisa amadodana akhe ayisikhombisa phambi kukaSamuweli. Kodwa uSamuweli wathi kuJese: kayibakhethanga laba. USamuweli wasesithi kuJese: Abafana se bephelile yini? Wasesithi: Kusasele icinathunjana; khangela-ke, liyelusa izimvu. Wasethuma walingenisa. Lona-ke lalibomvana lilamehlo amahle lokukhangeleka okuhle. USamuweli wasethatha uphondo lwamafutha. Kodwa uMoya weN wasuka kuSawuli. Izinceku zikaSawuli zasezisithi kuye: Ake ukhangele, umoya omubi kaNkulunkulu uyakwesabisa. Ake itsho inkosi yethu kunceku zakho eziphambi kwakho ukuthi zidinge umuntu okwaziyo ukutshaya ichacho. Ngakho uSawuli wathi ezincekwini zakhe: Ake lingibonele umuntu otshaya kuhle, limlethe kimi. Omunye wamajaha wasephendula wathi: Khangela, ngibone indodana kaJese umBhethelehema, ekwaziyo ukutshaya, futhi eliqhawe elilamandla, lendoda yempi, lehlakaniphileyo endabeni, futhi indoda ebukekayo. Ngakho uSawuli wathuma izithunywa kuJese, wathi: Thuma kimi uDavida indodana yakho osezimvini. UJese wasethatha ubabhemi, ethweleisinkwa, lembodlela yewayini, lezinyane lembuzi elilodwa, wakuthumela ngesandla sikaDavida indodana yakhe kuSawuli. UDavida wasefika kuSawuli, wema phambi kwakhe; wasemthanda kakhulu, wasesiba ngumthwali wezikhali zakhe. USawuli wasethumela kuJese esithi: UDavida ake eme phambi kwami, ngoba uthole umusa emehlweni ami. Kwakusithi-ke lapho umoya ovela kuNkulunkulu uphezu kukaSawuli, uDavida athathe ichacho atshaye ngesandla sakhe. AmaFilisti asebuthela amabutho awo impi, eEfesi-Damimi. USawuli lamadoda akoIsrayeli babuthana, bamisa inkamba esigodini seEla, bahlela impi ukumelana lamaFilisti. AmaFilisti asesima entabeni ngapha, loIsrayeli wema entabeni ngale, lesigodi sasiphakathi kwabo. Kwasekuphuma enkambeni yamaFilisti iqhawe; ibizo lalo lalinguGoliyathi; ubude balo babuyizingalo eziyisithupha lokwelulwa kweminwe. Kwakulekhowa lethusi ekhanda lalo; laligqoke ibhatshi lensimbi elilamaxolo; njalo isisindo sebhatshi lensimbi sasingamashekeli ethusi ayizinkulungwane ezinhlanu. Njalo kwakulemigwamazi yethusi emibaleni yalo, lomkhonto wethusi phakathi laphakathi kwamahlombe alo. Loluthi lomkhonto walo lwalunjengogodo lomaluki, lengqamu yomkhonto walo yayingamashekeli ensimbi angamakhulu ayisithupha; lophatha isihlangu esikhulu wayehamba phambi kwalo. Lema, lamemeza emaviyweni akoIsrayeli lathi kuwo: Liphumelani ukuzahlela impi? Kangisuye umFilisti yini, lani izinceku zikaSawuli? Zikhetheleni umuntu ehlele kimi. Uba elakho ukulwa lami angibulale, sizakuba yizigqili zenu; kodwa uba mina ngimehlula ngimbulale, lizakuba yizigqili zethu, lisisebenzele. UmFilisti wasesithi: Mina ngiyaweyisa amaviyo akoIsrayeli lamuhla; nginikani indoda ukuze silwisane. Lapho uSawuli loIsrayeli wonke besizwa lamazwi omFilisti, batshaywa luvalo, besaba kakhulu. UDavida wayeyindodana. Njalo lowomuntu wahamba njeng omuntu omdala phakathi kwamadoda ensukwini zikaSawuli. Asehamba amadodana amathathu kaJese amadala, amlandela uSawuli empini. Lamabizo amadodana akhe amathathu ayeyile empini ayenguEliyabi izibulo, lowesibili wakhe uAbinadaba, lowesithathu uShama. Njalo uDavida nguye owayelicinathunjana; lamathathu amadala alandela uSawuli. Kodwa uDavida wahamba wabuyela esuka kuSawuli ukuyakwelusa izimvu zikayise eBhethelehema. UmFilisti wayesondela-ke ekuseni kakhulu lantambama ezimisa okwensuku ezingamatshumi amane. UJese wasesithi kuDavida indodana yakhe: Ake uthathele abafowenu i-efa lamabele akhanzingiweyo, lalezizinkwa ezilitshumi, ugijimele enkambeni kubafowenu. Laleziziqa zetshizi ezilitshumi uziphathele induna yenkulungwane. Njalo uSawuli, labo, lawo wonke amadoda akoIsrayeli babesesigodini seEla besilwa lamaFilisti. UDavida wasevuka ekuseni kakhulu, watshiya izimvu kumlindi, wakuthatha wahamba njengokulaywa kwakhe nguJese. Wafika enqabeni yezinqola lapho ibutho liphuma ngamaviyo, bememezela impi. Njalo uIsrayeli lamaFilisti bahlela iviyo laqondana leviyo. UDavida wasetshiya impahla ezisuka kuye ngaphansi kwesandla somlindi wempahla, wagijimela eviyweni wafika wabuza abafowabo impilakahle. Esakhuluma labo, khangela, iqhawe lenyuka, ibizo lalo lalinguGoliyathi, umFilisti weGathi, laphuma emaviyweni amaFilisti. Njalo wonke amadoda akoIsrayeli athi embona lowomuntu ambalekela, esaba kakhulu. Amadoda akoIsrayeli athi-ke: Limbonile lowana umuntu owenyukileyo yini? Ngoba wenyukele ukweyisa uIsrayeli. Kuzakuthi-ke indoda ezambulala, inkosi izayinothisa ngenotho enkulu, iyinike lendodakazi yayo, lendlu kayise izayenza ikhululeke koIsrayeli. UDavida wasekhuluma emadodeni ayemi laye esithi: Kuzakwenziwani endodeni ebulala lumFilisti, isuse ihlazo koIsrayeli? Abantu basebemphendula njengalelolizwi besithi: Kuzakwenziwa njalo endodeni embulalayo. UEliyabi umnewabo omdala wezwa-ke lapho ekhuluma lamadoda; lentukuthelo kaEliyabi yavuthela uDavida, wathi: Wehleleleni lapha? Izimvu leziyana ezinlutshwana uzitshiye lobani egangeni? Mina ngiyakwazi ukuziqhenya kwakho lobubi benhliziyo yakho; ngoba wehlele ukubona impi. Kodwa uDavida wathi: Sengenzeni? Bekungasilizwi njeyini? Wasemfulathela, waya komunye, wakhuluma laye njengokwalelolizwi; abantu basebebuyisela impendulo kuye njengelizwi lakuqala. Lapho sebewezwile amazwi uDavida awakhulumayo, bawakhuluma phambi kukaSawuli; wasememukela. UDavida wasesithi kuSawuli: Kakungehluleki inhliziyo yomuntu ngenxa yakhe. Kodwa uSawuli wathi kuDavida: Ungeke waya kulumFilisti ukulwa laye; ngoba wena ungumfana, yena-ke uyindoda yempi kusukela ebutsheni bakhe. Kodwa uDavida wathi kuSawuli: Inceku yakho yayiselusa izimvu zikayise; lapho kwafika isilwane lebhere, kwathatha imvu emhlanjini, ngaphuma ngakulandela, ngakutshaya, ngayikhulula emlonyeni wakho; lapho kungivukela, ngakubamba ngendevu, ngakutshaya, ngakubulala. Inceku yakho yabulala kokubili isilwane lebhere; lalo umFilisti ongasokanga uzakuba njengokunye kwakho. UDavida wathi futhi: eyangophula kuzipho lwesilwane lakuzipho lwebhere, yona izangophula esandleni salo umFilisti. USawuli wasegqokisa uDavida izigqoko zakhe, wafaka ikhowa lethusi ekhanda lakhe, wamgqokisa ibhatshi lensimbi. UDavida wasebhinca inkemba yakhe phezu kwezigqoko zakhe, walinga ukuhamba, ngoba wayengakuzamanga. UDavida wasesithi kuSawuli: Kangilakho ukuhamba ngilalezizinto ngoba kangizizamanga. UDavida wasezikhumula kuye. Wasethatha umqwayi wakhe esandleni sakhe, wazikhethela amatshe amahlanu abutshelezi esifuleni, wawafaka esikhwameni sikamelusi ayelaso, ngitsho emxhakeni, lesavutha sakhe sasisesandleni sakhe, wasesondela kumFilisti. UmFilisti wasehamba waya wasondela kuDavida; lomuntu ophethe isihlangu esikhulu wayephambi kwakhe. Kwathi umFilisti ekhangela ebona uDavida, wameyisa; ngoba wayengumfana njalo ebomvana elobuso obubukekayo. UmFilisti wasesithi kuDavida: Ngiyinja yini ukuthi wena uze kimi ulezinduku? UmFilisti wasemqalekisa uDavida ngabonkulunkulu bakhe. UmFilisti wasesithi kuDavida: Woza kimi, ngizanika inyoni zamazulu lenyamazana zeganga inyama yakho. UDavida wasesithi kumFilisti: Wena uza kimi ulenkemba, lomkhonto, lomdikadika. Lamuhla izakuvalela esandleni sami, ngizakutshaya, ngisuse ikhanda lakho kuwe; nginike lamuhla inyoni zamazulu lenyamazana zomhlaba. Lalelibandla lonke lizakwazi ukuthi kayisindisi ngenkemba langomkhonto. Kwasekusithi lapho umFilisti esukuma ehamba esondela ukuhlangabeza uDavida, uDavida wasephangisa wagijimela ngaseviyweni ukuhlangana lomFilisti. UDavida wasefaka isandla sakhe esikhwameni, wakhupha khona ilitshe, walijikijela, wamtshaya umFilisti ebunzini lakhe ilitshe laze latshona ebunzini lakhe, wawela emhlabathini ngobuso bakhe. Ngalokho uDavida wamehlula umFilisti ngesavutha langelitshe, wamtshaya umFilisti, wambulala; kodwa kwakungelankemba esandleni sikaDavida. Ngakho uDavida wagijima wema phezu komFilisti, wathatha inkemba yakhe, wayihwatsha esikhwameni sayo. Lapho amaFilisti ebona ukuthi iqhawe lawo selifile, abaleka. Lamadoda akoIsrayeli lawakoJuda asukuma amemeza, axotshana lamaFilisti uze uyefika esigodini lemasangweni eEkhironi. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebephenduka ekuxotshaneni ngamandla lamaFilisti, baphanga inkamba zawo. UDavida wasethatha ikhanda lomFilisti, waliletha eJerusalema; kodwa wabeka izikhali zakhe ethenteni lakhe. Lapho uSawuli ebona uDavida ephuma ukuyahlangabeza umFilisti, wathi kuAbhineri induna yebutho. Inkosi yasisithi: Buza wena ukuthi liyindodana kabani lelijaha. Lapho uDavida esephendukile ekubulaleni umFilisti, uAbhineri wamthatha, wamusa phambi kukaSawuli elekhanda lomFilisti esandleni sakhe. USawuli wasesithi kuye: Uyindodana kabani, jaha? UDavida wasesithi: Ngi yindodana yenceku yakho uJese umBhethelehema. Kwasekusithi eseqedile ukukhuluma loSawuli, umphefumulo kaJonathani wabotshelwa emphefumulweni kaDavida. USawuli wasemthatha ngalolosuku, kaze amvumela ukubuyela endlini kayise. UJonathani loDavida basebesenza isivumelwano ngoba wamthanda njengomphefumulo wakhe. UJonathani wasezikhulula ibhatshi ayeligqokile, walinika uDavida, lezembatho zakhe, kuze kube senkembeni yakhe, kuze kube sedandilini lakhe, njalo kuze kube sebhantini lakhe. UDavida wasephuma waya loba ngaphi lapho uSawuli amthuma khona, waziphatha ngenhlakanipho, uSawuli waze wambeka phezu kwamadoda empi. Njalo wayelungile emehlweni abantu bonke njalo lemehlweni ezinceku zikaSawuli. Kwasekusithi ekufikeni kwabo, uDavida esebuye ekubulaleni umFilisti, abesifazana baphuma emizini yonke yakoIsrayeli, behlabela, begida, ukuhlangabeza uSawuli inkosi. Abesifazana basebevum ela na bedlala bathi, kodwa uDavida izinkulungwane zakhe ezingamatshumi. USawuli wasethukuthela kakhulu, lalelolizwi lalilibi emehlweni akhe, wathi: Banike uDavida izinkulungwane ezingamatshumi, kodwa mina banginika izinkulungwane; usesalelwe ngumbuso kuphela. USawuli wasemqaphela uDavida kusukela kulolosuku kusiya phambili. Kwasekusithi kusisa umoya omubi ovela kuNkulunkulu wafika ngamandla phezu kukaSawuli. USawuli wasewuphosa umkhonto wathi: Ngizammbandakanya uDavida ngitsho emdulini. Kodwa uDavida wavika kabili esuka phambi kwakhe. USawuli wayemesaba-ke uDavida. Ngakho uSawuli wasemsusa kuye, wambeka waba yinduna yakhe yabayizinkulungwane; njalo wayephuma engena phambi kwabantu. UDavida waseziphatha ngenhlakanipho endleleni zakhe zonke, leN yayilaye. Lapho uSawuli ebona ukuthi waziphatha ngenhlakanipho enkulu, wamesaba. Kodwa uIsrayeli wonke loJuda bamthanda uDavida, ngoba wayephuma engena phambi kwabo. USawuli wasesithi kuDavida: Khangela, indodakazi yami endala uMerabi. Kodwa uDavida wathi kuSawuli: Ngingubani mina? Lempilo yami iyini, l osendo lukababa koIsrayeli, ukuthi ngibe ngumkhwenyana wenkosi? Kodwa kwathi ngesikhathi uMerabi indodakazi kaSawuli ayezanikwa ngaso uDavida, wayesenikwe uAdriyeli. UMikhali indodakazi kaSawuli wamthanda-ke uDavida; basebemtshela uSawuli, lalolodaba lwaluqondile emehlweni akhe. USawuli wasesithi: Ngizamnika yena ukuze abe ngumjibila kuye. USawuli waselaya inceku zakhe wathi: Khulumani loDavida ngensitha lithi: Khangela, inkosi iyathokoza ngawe, lazo zonke inceku zayo ziyakuthanda; ngakho-ke woba ngumkhwenyana wenkosi. Izinceku zikaSawuli zasezikhuluma lawomazwi endlebeni zikaDavida. UDavida wasesithi: Kuyinto elula yini emehlweni enu ukuba ngumkhwenyana wenkosi, lokhu mina ngingumuntu ongumyanga lodelelekayo? Lenceku zikaSawuli zamtshela zisithi: UDavida wakhuluma ngalindlela. USawuli wasesithi: Lizakutsho njalo kuDavida lithi: Inkosi kayiloyisi lobolo, kodwa amajwabu alikhulu amaFilisti. Lapho inceku zakhe zimtshela uDavida lawomazwi, udaba lwalulungile emehlweni kaDavida ukuthi abe ngumkhwenyana wenkosi. Ngakho uDavida wasukuma wahamba, yena labantu bakhe, basebetshaya phakathi kwamaFilisti amadoda angamakhulu amabili. USawuli wasebona wazi ukuthi iloDavida, loMikhali indodakazi yakhe yamthanda. Njalo uSawuli waya lokhu emesaba kakhulu uDavida. Iziphathamandla zamaFilisti zaseziphuma. USawuli wasekhuluma kuJonathani indodana yakhe lakuzo zonke inceku zakhe ukuthi babulale uDavida. Kodwa uJonathani indodana kaSawuli wayemthanda kakhulukazi uDavida. UJonathani wasemtshela uDavida esithi: USawuli ubaba udinga ukukubulala; ngakho-ke ake uzinanzelele ekuseni, uhlale ekusithekeni, ucatshe. Mina-ke ngizaphuma ngime eceleni kukababa emmangweni lapho okhona, mina ngizakhuluma ngawe kubaba; lengikubonayo ngizakutshela. UJonathani wasekhuluma okuhle ngoDavida kuSawuli uyise, wathi kuye: Inkosi kayingayoni inceku yayo, imelane loDavida, ngoba kakonanga wena, langokunjalo imisebenzi yakhe ilungile kakhulu kuwe. Ngoba wafaka impilo yakhe esandleni sakhe? USawuli waselilalela ilizwi likaJonathani, uSawuli wafunga wathi: Kuphila kukaJehova, kayikubulawa. UJonathani wasembiza uDavida, uJonathani wamtshela wonke lawomazwi. UJonathani wasemletha uDavida kuSawuli, njalo wayephambi kwakhe njengakuqala. Kwabuya kwaba khona impi; uDavida wasephuma walwa lamaFilisti, wawatshaya ngokutshaya okukhulu aze ambalekela. Njalo umoya omubi ovela eNni wawuphezu kukaSawuli ehlezi endlini yakhe, lomkhonto usesandleni sakhe. USawuli wasedinga ukummbandakanya uDavida ngitsho emdulini ngomkhonto; kodwa waphunyuka ebukhoneni bukaSawuli, owahlaba umkhonto emdulini. UDavida wabaleka waphepha ngalobobusuku. USawuli wasethuma izithunywa endlini kaDavida ukuze zimqaphele zimbulale ekuseni. UMikhali umkakhe wasemtshela uDavida esithi: Uba ungasindisi impilo yakho ngalobubusuku, kusasa uzabulawa. Ngakho uMikhali wasemehlisa uDavida ngewindi, wasehamba wabaleka waphepha. UMikhali wasethatha isithombe, wasifaka embhedeni, wabeka umqamelo woboya bembuzi endaweni yekhanda laso, wasembesa ngelembu. Lapho uSawuli ethuma izithunywa ukuthatha uDavida, wathi: Uyagula. USawuli wasethuma izithunywa ukumbona uDavida esithi: Menyuseleni kimi ngombheda ukuze ngimbulale. Lapho izithunywa zingena, khangela-ke, kwakulesithombe embhedeni, lomqamelo woboya bembuzi endaweni yekhanda laso. USawuli wasesithi kuMikhali: Ungikhohliseleni kanje, wayekela isitha sami sahamba saphepha? UMikhali wasesithi kuSawuli: Yena uthe kimi: Ngiyekela ngihambe; ngizakubulalelani? Ngokunjalo uDavida wabaleka waphunyuka, wafika kuSamuweli eRama; wamtshela konke uSawuli ayekwenze kuye. Yena loSamuweli basebesiyahlala eNayothi. USawuli wasebikelwa kwathiwa: Khangela, uDavida useNayothi eRama. USawuli wasethuma izithunywa ukumthatha uDavida; lapho zibona ixuku labaprofethi beprofetha, loSamuweli emi engumkhokheli phezu kwabo, uMoya kaNkulunkulu waba phezu kwezithunywa zikaSawuli. Lapho ebikelwa uSawuli, wathuma ezinye izithunywa, zona lazo zaprofetha. USawuli wasephinda ethuma izithunywa ngokwesithathu, zona lazo zaprofetha. Laye wasesiya eRama, wafika emthonjeni omkhulu oseSeku, wabuza wathi: Bangaphi oSamuweli loDavida? Kwathiwa: Khangela, eNayothi eRama. Wasesiya khona eNayothi eRama. Laye wasekhulula izigqoko zakhe, laye waprofetha phambi kukaSamuweli? UDavida wasebaleka esuka eNayothi eRama, wafika wathi phambi kukaJonathani: Ngenzeni? Isiphambeko sami siyini? Lesono sami siyini phambi kukayihlo ukuze adinge umphefumulo wami? Wasesithi kuye: Kakube khatshana! Kawusoze ufe; khangela, ubaba kenzi ulutho olukhulu loba ulutho oluncinyane engakuvezi e ndlebe niyami. Pho, ubaba uzayifihlelani kimi linto? Kayisikho. UDavida wasefunga futhi wathi: Uyihlo uyakwazi lokwazi ukuthi ngithole umusa emehlweni akho, kukhona inyathelo nje phakathi kwami lokufa. UJonathani wasesithi kuDavida: Lokho umphefumulo wakho okuloyisayo, ngizakwenzela khona. UDavida wasesithi kuJonathani: Khangela, kusasa yikuthwasa kwenyanga; mina-ke ngifanele ukuhlala lokuhlala ukuthi ngidle lenkosi. Uba uyihlo engiswela lokungiswela, uzakuthi: UDavida ungicelile lokungicela ukuthi agijimele eBhethelehema umuzi wakibo. Uba esitsho njalo: Kulungile; inceku yakho izakuba lokuthula. Kodwa uba ethukuthela lokuthukuthela, yazi ukuthi ububi buqondwe nguye. Ngakho yenzela inceku yakho umusa? UJonathani wasesithi: Kakube khatshana lami! Ngoba uba bengisazi lokwazi ukuthi ububi buqondwe ngubaba ukuthi bukwehlele, mina bengingayikukutshela yini? UDavida wasesithi kuJonathani: Ngubani ozangitshela uba uyihlo ekuphendula ngolaka? UJonathani wasesithi kuDavida: Woza siphume siye emmangweni. Basebephuma bobabili besiya emmangweni. UJonathani wasesithi kuDavida: IN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, lapho sengimhlolile ubaba phose ngalesisikhathi kusasa lobangomhlomunye, uba, khangela, kukuhle kuDavida, uba ngingathumeli kuwe ngalesosikhathi ngikuveze e ndlebe niyakho, kayenze njalo kuJonathani, langokunjalo yengezelele. Uba ububi phezu kwakho bulungile kubaba, ngizakuveza e ndlebe niyakho, ngikuyekele uhambe ukuze uhambe ngokuthula. Kawuyikungenzela yini umusa weN, ngitsho, nxa ngisaphila, ukuze ngingafi, kodwa kawuyikuquma umusa wakho usuke endlini yami kuze kube phakade, njalo hatshi lapho isiziqumile izitha zikaDavida, zisuke ngulowo lalowo ebusweni bomhlaba. Ngokunjalo uJonathani wenza isivumelwanolendlu kaDavida, esithi: kayikubize esandleni sezitha zikaDavida. UJonathani wasephinda wamfungisa uDavida ngenxa yokumthanda kwakhe; ngoba wayemthanda njengoba ethanda umphefumulo wakhe. UJonathani wasesithi kuye: Kusasa yikuthwasa kwenyanga, njalo uzaswelwa ngoba isihlalo sakho sizakuba size. Usuhlale insuku ezintathu uzakwehla masinyane, uze endaweni owacatsha khona ngosuku lwendaba leyo, uzahlala eduze lamatshe e-Ezeli. Mina-ke ngizatshoka imitshoko emithathu eceleni, kungathi ngitshoka ibala. Khangela-ke, ngizathuma umfana ngithi: Hamba uyeyidinga imitshoko. Uba ngisithi lokuthi emfaneni: Khangela, imitshoko inganeno kwakho, ithathe, ubuye; ngoba kulokuthula kuwe, njalo kakulandaba, kuphila kukaJehova! Kodwa uba ngisitsho njalo ejaheni: Khangela, imitshoko ingale kwakho; hamba ngoba ikuyekele uhambe. Mayelana lendaba esikhulume ngayo mina lawe, khangela, iphakathi kwami lawe kuze kube nininini. Ngakho uDavida wasecatsha emmangweni. Isithwasile inyanga, inkosi yahlala ekudleni ukuze idle. Inkosi yasihlala esihlalweni sayo njengezikhathi ngezikhathi, esihlalweni eduze lomduli; uJonathani wasesukuma, loAbhineri wahlala eceleni kukaSawuli; kodwa indawo kaDavida yayize. Kodwa uSawuli katshongo lutho ngalolosuku; ngoba wathi: Okuthile kumehlele; kahlambulukanga, isibili kahlambulukanga. Kwasekusithi kusisa, ngolwesibili lokuthwasa kwenyanga, indawo kaDavida yayize. USawuli wasesithi kuJonathani indodana yakhe: Kungani indodana kaJese ingezanga ekudleni ngitsho izolo lalamuhla? UJonathani wasephendula uSawuli wathi: UDavida wangicela lokungicela ukuthi aye eBhethelehema. Wasesithi: Akungivumele ukuthi ngihambe; ngoba usendo lwakwethu lulomhlatshelo emzini, lomfowethu ungilayile. Khathesi-ke uba ngithole umusa emehlweni akho, ake ngikhululeke ukuthi ngiyebona abafowethu. Ngenxa yalokho kezanga etafuleni lenkosi. Khona intukuthelo kaSawuli yamvuthela uJonathani, wathi kuye: Ndodana yomfazi owonakeleyo lovukelayo! Kangazi yini ukuthi uyikhethile indodana kaJese, kube lihlazo lakho, njalo kube lihlazo lobunqunu bukanyoko? Ngoba zonke izinsuku indodana kaJese iphila emhlabeni, kawuyikuma wena lombuso wakho. Ngakho-ke thuma umlethe kimi, ngoba uyindodana yokufa. UJonathani wasephendula uSawuli uyise wathi kuye: Uzabulawelwani? Wenzeni? USawuli wasephosa umkhonto kuye ukumtshaya. Ngalokho uJonathani wakwazi ukuthi kwakuqondwe nguyise ukumbulala uDavida. Ngakho uJonathani wasuka etafuleni ekuvutheni kwentukuthelo, njalo kadlanga ukudla ngosuku lwesibili lokuthwasa kwenyanga, ngoba wayedabukile ngoDavida, ngoba uyise emyangisile. Kwasekusithi ekuseni uJonathani waphuma waya emmangweni ngesikhathi esimisiweyo loDavida, lomfanyana elaye. Wasesithi emfaneni wakhe: Gijima, ake udinge imitshoko engiyitshokayo. Umfana wagijima, yena wasetshoka umtshoko ukuze umedlule. Lapho umfana esefikile endaweni yomtshoko uJonathani awutshokileyo, uJonathani wamemeza emva komfana wathi: Umtshoko kawuphambi kwakho yini? Njalo uJonathani wamemeza emva komfana wathi: Phangisa, ukhawuleze, ungemi. Umfana kaJonathani waseyiqoqa imitshoko, wabuya enkosini yakhe. Kodwa umfana wayengazi lutho, kuphela uJonathani loDavida babelwazi udaba. UJonathani wasenika umfana owayelaye izikhali zakhe, wathi kuye: Hamba, uzise emzini. Esehambile umfana, uDavida wasukuma ngaseningizimu, wathi mbo ngobuso bakhe emhlabathini, wakhothama kathathu; basebesangana, bakhala inyembezi omunye lomunye, uDavida waze wedlulisa. UJonathani wasesithi kuDavida: Hamba ngokuthula; lokhu esikufunge sobabili ngebizo leN, sisithi: ibe phakathi kwami lawe, laphakathi kwenzalo yami lenzalo yakho, kakube kuze kube nininini. UDavida wasesiza eNobi kuAhimeleki umpristi? UDavida wasesithi kuAhimeleki umpristi: Inkosi ingilaye udaba, yathi kimi: Kakungabi lamuntu owazi lalutho ngaloludaba engikuthuma lona, lengikulaya khona; lamajaha ngiwazisile ngendawo enje lenje. Khathesi-ke kuyini okungaphansi kwesandla sakho? Nika esandleni sami izinkwa ezinhlanu loba okungatholakala. Umpristi wasephendula uDavida wathi: Kakulasinkwa esejwayelekileyo ngaphansi kwesandla sami, kodwa kulesinkwa esingcwele. UDavida wasemphendula umpristi wathi kuye: Isibili abesifazana bavinjelwe kithi phose lezinsuku ezintathu ekuphumeni kwami; lezitsha zamajaha zingcwele; kodwa ngandlela thize sejwayelekile, laphezu kwalokho, ngoba lamuhla singcweliswe ezitsheni. Ngakho umpristi wamnika esingcwele; ngoba kwakungelasinkwa lapho, ngaphandle kwesinkwa sokubukiswa, ebesisuswe phambi kweN ukuthi kubekwe isinkwa esitshisayo mhla sithathwa. Njalo kwakulomuntu lapho owenceku zikaSawuli mhlalokho, ebambekile phambi kweN KOSI. UDavida wasesithi kuAhimeleki: Kanti kakulamkhonto loba inkemba lapha ngaphansi kwesandla sakho? Ngoba kokubili inkemba yami lezikhali zami kangikuthathanga esandleni sami, ngoba udaba lwenkosi lwalungoluphuthunywayo. Umpristi wasesithi: Inkemba kaGoliyathi umFilisti. Wasesukuma uDavida wabaleka ngalolosuku esuka ebusweni bukaSawuli, waya kuAkishi inkosi yeGathi. Izinceku zikaAkishi zasezisithi kuye: Lo kayisuye uDavida yini inkosi yelizwe? Kabahlabelanga yini ngaye? UDavida wasewafaka lamazwi enhliziyweni yakhe, wamesaba kakhulu uAkishi inkosi yeGathi. Ngakho waguqula ukuziphatha kwakhe emehlweni abo, wazitshaya uhlanya ezandleni zabo, wadweba ezivalweni zamasango, wagxozisela indenda esilevini sakhe. UAkishi wasesithi ezincekwini zakhe: Khangelani, liyabona ukuthi lumuntu uyahlanya; limletheleni kimi? Ngiswele inhlanya yini ukuthi lilethe lo ukuthi ahlanye phambi kwami? Lo uzangena endlini yami yini? UDavida wasesuka lapho, waphephela ebhalwini. Lapho abafowabo lendlu yonke kayise bekuzwa lokho, behlela kuye lapho. Kwasekubuthana kuye wonke umuntu ocindezelweyo, laye wonke umuntu owayelesikwelede, laye wonke umuntu owayebuhlungu emphefumulweni, wasesiba yinduna phezu kwabo. UDavida wasesuka lapho waya eMizipa yakoMowabi, wathi enkosini yakoMowabi: Ngiyacela ukuthi ubaba lomama baphume lani, ngize ngazi ukuthi uNkulunkulu uzangenzelani. Wasebaletha phambi kwenkosi yakoMowabi, basebehlala layo insuku zonke uDavida esenqabeni. Umprofethi uGadi wasesithi kuDavida: Ungahlali enqabeni; hamba wena ngena elizweni lakoJuda. UDavida wasehamba wangena eguswini leHerethi. USawuli wasesizwa ukuthi uDavida uyaziwa labantu ababelaye. USawuli wayehlezi eGibeya ngaphansi kwesihlahla, elomkhonto esandleni sakhe, lazo zonke inceku zakhe zazimi laye. USawuli wasesithi ezincekwini zakhe ezazimi laye: Ake lizwe, bakoBhenjamini: Kambe indodana kaJese izalinika lonke amasimu lezivini, ilibeke lonke libe zinduna zezinkulungwane lezinduna zamakhulu, ngokuthi lonke lingenzele ugobe, njalo kakho owembule e ndlebe niyami ukuthi indodana yami yenza isivumelwano lendodana kaJese? Kwasekuphendula uDowegi umEdoma owayemi lenceku zikaSawuli. Wasembuzela eNni. Inkosi uSawuli yasithuma ukubiza uAhimeleki umpristi, indodana kaAhitubi, lendlu yonke kayise, abapristi ababeseNobi; bonke basebesiza enkosini. USawuli wasesithi: Ake ulalele, ndodana kaAhitubi. Wasesithi: Khangela ngi lapha, nkosi yami. USawuli wasesithi kuye: Kungani lingenzela ugobe, wena lendodana kaJese, njengoba wayinika isinkwa lenkemba, wayibuzela kuNkulunkulu? UAhimeleki waseyiphendula inkosi wathi: Pho, ngubani kuzo zonke inceku zakho othembekileyo njengoDavida, ongumkhwenyana wenkosi, oqhubeka ekukulaleleni, lohloniphekayo endlini yakho? Ngiyaqalisa lamuhla yini ukumbuzela kuNkulunkulu? Kakube khatshana lami! Inkosi kayingabeki udaba encekwini yayo l endlini yonke kababa; ngoba inceku yakho yayingazi lutho ngaloludaba, oluncinyane kumbe olukhulu. Inkosi yasisithi: Ahimeleki, uzakufa lokufa, wena lendlu yonke kayihlo. Inkosi yasisithi kuzigijimi ezazimi layo: Phendukani, libulale abapristi beN; ngoba isandla sabo laso siloDavida, futhi ngoba babesazi ukuthi ubalekile, kodwa kabembulanga e ndlebe niyami. Kodwa inceku zenkosi kazithandanga ukwelula isandla sazo ukuthi zihlasele abapristi beN. Inkosi yasisithi kuDowegi: Phenduka wena, uhlasele abapristi. UDowegi umEdoma wasephenduka, yena wahlasela abapristi, wabulala ngalolosuku abantu abangamatshumi ayisificaminwembili lanhlanu. LeNobi, umuzi wabapristi, wayitshaya ngobukhali benkemba. Kodwa omunye wamadodana kaAhimeleki indodana kaAhitubi waphepha, wabaleka walandela uDavida. UAbhiyatha wasetshela uDavida ukuthi uSawuli ubulele abapristi beN. UDavida wasesithi kuAbhiyatha: Ngakwazi ngalolosuku lapho uDowegi umEdoma elapho ukuthi uzamtshela lokumtshela uSawuli. Yimi engibangele ukufakwawo wonke umphefumulo wendlu kayihlo. Hlala lami, ungesabi, ngoba lowo odinga umphefumulo wami udinga umphefumulo wakho; kodwa uzalondolozeka ulami. Basebebika kuDavida besithi: Khangela, amaFilisti alwa emelene leKeyila, aphanga amabala okubhulela. UDavida wasebuza eNni esithi: Ngihambe yini ngitshaye lamaFilisti? yasisithi kuDavida: Hamba uyetshaya amaFilisti, usindise iKeyila. Kodwa abantu bakaDavida bathi kuye: Khangela, siyesaba khonapha koJuda; pho, kangakanani uba sisiya eKeyila emaviyweni amaFilisti? UDavida wasephinda futhi ukubuza eNni. yasimphendula yathi: Sukuma wehlele eKeyila, ngoba ngizanikela amaFilisti esandleni sakho. Ngakho uDavida labantu bakhe baya eKeyila, balwa lamaFilisti, baqhuba inkomo zawo, bawatshaya ngokutshaya okukhulu. Ngalokho uDavida wasindisa abahlali beKeyila. Kwasekusithi lapho uAbhiyatha indodana kaAhimeleki ebalekela kuDavida eKeyila, wehla ele-efodi esandleni sakhe. Kwasekubikwa kuSawuli ukuthi uDavida ungenile eKeyila. USawuli wasesithi: UNkulunkulu umnikele esandleni sami, ngoba uvalelwe ngokungena emzini olamasango lemigoqo. USawuli wasebizela bonke abantu empini ukwehlela eKeyila, ukuvimbezela uDavida labantu bakhe. UDavida wasesazi ukuthi uSawuli wenza iqhinga elibi ngasese ngaye, wathi kuAbhiyatha umpristi: Letha lapha i-efodi. UDavida wasesithi: N, Nkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, inceku yakho izwile lokuzwa ukuthi uSawuli udinga ukuza eKeyila ukuchitha umuzi ngenxa yami. Abahlali beKeyila bazanginikela esandleni sakhe yini? USawuli uzakwehla yini njengokuzwa kwenceku yakho? N, Nkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, akuyitshele inceku yakho. yasisithi: Uzakwehla. UDavida wasesithi: Abahlali beKeyila bazanginikela mina labantu bami esandleni sikaSawuli yini? yasisithi: Baza li nikela. Wasesukuma uDavida labantu bakhe, phose abangamakhulu ayisithupha, baphuma eKeyila. Lapho uSawuli esetshelwa ukuthi uDavida usephephile eKeyila, wayekela ukuphuma. UDavida wasehlala enkangala ezinqabeni, wahlala ezintabeni enkangala yeZifi. LoSawuli wayemdinga insuku zonke, kodwa uNkulunkulu kamnikelanga esandleni sakhe. UDavida wasebona ukuthi uSawuli wayephumele ukudinga impilo yakhe. UDavida wayesenkangala yeZifi eguswini. UJonathani, indodana kaSawuli, wasesukuma waya kuDavida eguswini, waqinisa isandla sakhe kuNkulunkulu. Wathi kuye: Ungesabi, ngoba isandla sikaSawuli ubaba kasiyikukuthola, njalo uzakuba yinkosi phezu kukaIsrayeli, mina-ke ngibe ngowesibili kuwe, loSawuli laye ubaba ukwazi kunjalo. Basebesenza isivumelwano; uDavida wasehlala eguswini, loJonathani waya endlini yakhe. AbeZifi engeningizimu kweJeshimoni? Ngakho-ke, ngokwesifiso sonke somphefumulo wakho sokwehla, nkosi, yehla; njalo kungokwethu ukumnikela esandleni senkosi. USawuli wasesithi: Libusisiwe yiN KOSI. Ake lihambe, libe lilungisa, lazi libone indawo yakhe lapho unyawo lwakhe lukhona, ngubani ombone lapho, ngoba ngitsheliwe ukuthi wenza ngobuqili isibili. Bonani-ke, lizazi zonke indawo zokucatsha lapho acatsha khona, libuye kimi lileqiniso, ngizahamba-ke lani; kuzakuthi-ke nxa ekhona elizweni, ngizamdinga phakathi kwazo zonke inkulungwane zakoJuda. Basebesukuma baya eZifi phambi kukaSawuli. USawuli labantu bakhe basebesiya m dinga. Basebemtshela uDavida, wasesehla edwaleni, wahlala enkangala yeMahoni. Kwathi uSawuli esekuzwile, waxotshana loDavida enkangala yeMahoni. USawuli wasehamba nganeno kuloluhlangothi lwentaba, loDavida labantu bakhe bahamba ngakolunye uhlangothi lwentaba. Kwasekusithi uDavida waphangisa ukusuka ebusweni bukaSawuli, ngoba uSawuli labantu bakhe bahanqa uDavida labantu bakhe ukubabamba. Kodwa kwafika isithunywa kuSawuli sisithi: Phangisa ubuye, ngoba amaFilisti asehlasele ilizwe. Ngakho uSawuli waphenduka ekuxotshaneni loDavida, wayamelana lamaFilisti. Ngakho bayibiza leyondawo bathi yiSela-Hamalekoti. UDavida wasesenyuka esuka lapho, wahlala ezinqabeni zeEngedi. Kwasekusithi uSawuli esebuyile ekulandeleni amaFilisti, bambikela besithi: Khangela, uDavida usenkangala yeEngedi. USawuli wasethatha amadoda ayizinkulungwane ezintathu akhethiweyo kuIsrayeli wonke, wayadinga uDavida labantu bakhe phezu kwamadwala amagogo. Wasefika ezibayeni zezimvu endleleni, lapho okwakulobhalu khona; uDavida labantu bakhe babehlezi-ke enhlangothini zobhalu. Abantu bakaDavida basebesithi kuye: Khangela, usuku ethi ngalo kuwe: Khangela, ngizanikela isitha sakho esandleni sakho, ukuthi wenze kuso njengokuhle emehlweni akho. UDavida wasesukuma, wasika ensitha umphetho wesembatho uSawuli ayelaso. Kwasekusithi emva kwalokho inhliziyo kaDavida yamtshaya, ngenxa yokuthi wayesike umphetho wesembatho uSawuli ayelaso. Wasesithi ebantwini bakhe: Kakube khatshana lami ngeN ukuthi ngenze linto enkosini yami, ukwelulela isandla sami kuye, ngoba engogcotshiweyo weN. UDavida wabanqanda abantu bakhe ngalawomazwi, kabavumelanga ukuthi bamvukele uSawuli. USawuli wasesukuma waphuma ebhalwini, wahamba endleleni. Emva kwalokho uDavida laye wasukuma waphuma ebhalwini, wamemeza emva kukaSawuli esithi: Nkosi yami nkosi! Lapho uSawuli enyemukula, uDavida wakhothama ngobuso emhlabathini, wakhonza. UDavida wasesithi kuSawuli: Ulalelelani amazwi abantu besithi: Khangela, uDavida udinga ukulinyazwa kwakho? Khangela, lamuhla amehlo akho abonile ukuthi ibikunikele lamuhla esandleni sami ebhalwini; njalo besithi ka ngi kubulale, kodwa nga kuhawukela, ngathi: Kangiyikwelulela isandla sami enkosini yami, ngoba ingogcotshiweyo weN. Futhi-ke, baba, bona, yebo bona umphetho wesembatho sakho esandleni sami; ngoba ekusikeni kwami umphetho wesembatho sakho, lokuthi kangikubulalanga, yazi ubone ukuthi kakukho ububi lesiphambeko esandleni sami, njalo kangonanga kuwe, kanti wena uzingela umphefumulo wami ukuwuthatha. kayahlulele phakathi kwami lawe, njalo ingiphindiselele kuwe, kodwa isandla sami kasiyikumelana lawe. Njengokutsho kwesaga sabendulo esithi: Kwababi kuvela okubi; kodwa isandla sami kasiyikumelana lawe. Inkosi yakoIsrayeli iphume ukulandela bani? Uxotshana lobani? Emva kwenja efileyo! Ngakho kayibe ngumahluleli, yahlulele phakathi kwami lawe, ingikhulule esandleni sakho. Kwasekusithi uDavida eseqedile ukukhuluma lamazwi kuSawuli, uSawuli wathi: Yilizwi lakho lelo yini, ndodana yami, Davida? USawuli wasephakamisa ilizwi lakhe, wakhala inyembezi. Wasesithi kuDavida: Ulungile kulami, ngoba wena ungivuze ngo kuhle, kodwa mina ngikuvuze ngo kubi. Wena-ke utshengisile lamuhla ukuthi wenze okuhle ngami, ngoba lapho ibinginikele esandleni sakho, kawungibulalanga. Ngoba nxa umuntu efica isitha sakhe, uzasiyekela sihambe ngendlela enhle yini? Ngakho ikuvuze ngo kuhle ngokwenze kimi lamuhla. Manje-ke, khangela, ngiyazi ukuthi uzakuba yinkosi isibili, lokuthi umbuso wakoIsrayeli uzaqiniswa esandleni sakho. Ngakho khathesi funga kimi ngeN KOSI. UDavida wasefunga kuSawuli, loSawuli waya endlini yakhe, kodwa uDavida labantu bakhe benyukela enqabeni. USamuweli wasesifa. Kwakukhona-ke indoda eMahoni; lindoda-ke yayiyisikhulu esikhulu, yayilezimvu eziyizinkulungwane ezintathu lembuzi eziyinkulungwane, yayigunda izimvu zayo eKharmeli. Njalo ibizo laleyondoda lalinguNabali, lebizo lomkayo lalinguAbigayili. Njalo owesifazana wayelokuqedisisa okuhle, elesimo esihle, kodwa indoda yayilukhuni ilezenzo ezimbi; yayingeyakoKalebi. UDavida wasesizwa esenkangala ukuthi uNabali ugunda izimvu zakhe. UDavida wasethuma amajaha alitshumi, uDavida wathi emajaheni: Yenyukelani eKharmeli, liye kuNabali, limbuze impilo ebizweni lami, lizakutsho njalo: Impilakahle kayibe kuwe, ukuthula kakube kuwe, lokuthula kakube sendlini yakho, lokuthula kakube kukho konke olakho! Sengizwile-ke ukuthi ulabagundi; abelusi olabo-ke babelathi, kasibalimazanga, futhi kabaswelanga lutho zonke izinsuku beseKharmeli. Buza amajaha akho, azakutshela. Ngakho amajaha kawathole umusa emehlweni akho. Kwathi amajaha kaDavida esefikile, akhuluma kuNabali ngokwalawomazwi wonke ebizweni likaDavida, aselinda. UNabali waseziphendula izinceku zikaDavida, wathi: Ngubani uDavida? Njalo ngubani indodana kaJese. Pho, ngithathe isinkwa sami, lamanzi ami, lenyama yami engiyihlabele abagundi bami, ngikuphe abantu engingazi ukuthi bavela ngaphi? Amajaha kaDavida asephendukela endleleni yawo, abuyela, eza, ambikela njengawo wonke lamazwi. UDavida wasesithi ebantwini bakhe: Bhincani, ngulowo lalowo inkemba yakhe! Babhinca, ngulowo lalowo inkemba yakhe, loDavida laye wabhinca inkemba yakhe; kwasekusenyuka emva kukaDavida phose amadoda angamakhulu amane. Kodwa elinye ijaha lamajaha lamtshela uAbigayili umkaNabali lathi: Khangela, uDavida uthume izithunywa zivela enkangala ukubingelela inkosi yethu, kodwa yazithethisa. Kanti labobantu basiphatha kuhle kakhulu, kasilimalanga, kasiswelanga lutho zonke izinsuku sihambisana labo, sisemmangweni. Babengumduli kithi ebusuku kanye lemini, zonke izinsuku silabo seluse izimvu. Khathesi-ke, yazi ubone ukuthi uzakwenzani; ngoba ububi buqunyelwe inkosi yethu lendlu yayo yonke. UAbigayili wasephangisa wathatha izinkwa ezingamakhulu amabili, lembodlela ezimbili zewayini, lezimvu ezinhlanu ezilungisiweyo, lamaseya amane amabele akhanzingiweyo, lamahlukuzo alikhulu ezithelo zevini ezonyisiweyo, lezinkwa ezingamakhulu amabili zomkhiwa, wakuthwalisa obabhemi. Wasesithi emajaheni akhe: Dlulani phambi kwami; khangelani, ngiyalilandela. Kodwa kamtshelanga umkakhe uNabali. Kwasekusithi esagade ubabhemi esehlela endaweni esithekileyo yentaba, khangela-ke, uDavida labantu bakhe behla behlangabezana laye; wasehlangana labo. Njalo uDavida wayethe: Isibili ngigcine ngeze konke lo ayelakho enkangala, kakwaze kwasweleka lutho kukho konke ayelakho. Usengibuyisele okubi ngokuhle. UNkulunkulu akenze njalo ezitheni zikaDavida. Lapho uAbigayili ebona uDavida, waphangisa wehla kubabhemi. Wawela enyaweni zakhe wathi: Lobububi kabube phezu kwami mina, nkosi yami; incekukazi yakho ake ikhulume endlebeni zakho, uzwe amazwi encekukazi yakho. Inkosi yami ake inganaki lowomuntu kaBheliyali, uNabali; ngoba njengebizo lakhe unjalo; uNabali libizo lakhe, lobuthutha bukuye. Kodwa mina, incekukazi yakho, kangiwabonanga amajaha enkosi yami owawathumayo. Ngakho-ke, nkosi yami, kuphila kukaJehova, lokuphila komphefumulo wakho. Manje-ke, lesisibusiso incekukazi yakho esilethe enkosini yami kasinikwe amajaha ahamba esiya le lale emanyathelweni enkosi yami. Akuthethelele isiphambeko sencekukazi yakho; ngoba izakwenzela lokwenzela inkosi yami indlu eqinileyo. Loba kusukuma umuntu ukukuxotsha lokudinga impilo yakho, kodwa umphefumulo wenkosi yami uzabotshelwa emqulwini wabaphilayo leN uNkulunkulu wakho; kodwa umphefumulo wezitha zakho izawujikijela kungathiuphume phakathi kwesavutha. Kwasekusithi, lapho isikwenzile enkosini yami njengakho konke okuhle ekukhulume ngawe, isikumisile waba ngumbusi phezu kukaIsrayeli, kakungabi yisikhubekiso kuwe lokukhubekiswa kwenhliziyo enkosini yami, ngokuthi uchithe igazi ngeze, lokuthi inkosi yami iziphindisele. Lapho isiyenzele okuhle inkosi yami, khumbula incekukazi yakho. UDavida wasesithi kuAbigayili: Kayibusiswe iN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, ekuthumileyo lamuhla ukungihlangabeza. Futhi kakubusiswe ukuqedisisa kwakho, ubusiswe lawe onginqandileyo lamuhla ukuze ngingangeni ekuchitheni igazi lokuziphindisela ngesandla sami. Ngoba ngeqiniso, kuphila kukaJehova uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli. UDavida wasesemukela esandleni sakhe lokho amlethele khona. Wasesithi kuye: Yenyukela ngokuthula endlini yakho; bona, ngililalele ilizwi lakho. UAbigayili wasefika kuNabali, khangela-ke, wayeledili endlini yakhe, njengedili lenkosi. Kwasekusithi ekuseni lapho iwayini seliphumile kuNabali, lomkakhe esemtshele lezizinto, inhliziyo yakhe yafa phakathi kwakhe, wasesiba njengelitshe. Kwasekusithi phose emvakwensuku ezilitshumi yamtshaya uNabali, wasesifa. UDavida esezwile ukuthi uNabali usefile wathi: Kayibusiswe iN KOSI. UDavida wasethuma, wakhuluma loAbigayili ukuthi amthathe abe ngumkakhe. Lapho izinceku zikaDavida zifika kuAbigayili eKharmeli, zakhuluma laye zisithi: UDavida usithumile kuwe ukukuthatha ube ngumkakhe. Wasesukuma, wakhothama ngobuso emhlabathini, wathi: Khangela, incekukazi yakho kayibe yisigqili sokugezisa inyawo zenceku zenkosi yami. UAbigayili wasephangisa esukuma, wagada ubabhemi, lentombi zakhe ezinhlanu ezazimphelekezela, walandela izithunywa zikaDavida, waba ngumkakhe. UDavida wathatha loAhinowama weJizereyeli. Ngoba uSawuli wayenike uMikhali indodakazi yakhe, umkaDavida. AbeZifi basebesiza kuSawuli eGibeya besithi: UDavida kacatshi yini oqaqeni lweHakila phambi kweJeshimoni? USawuli wasesukuma wehlela enkangala yeZifi elabantu abakhethiweyo bakoIsrayeli abayizinkulungwane ezintathu, ukuze adinge uDavida enkangala yeZifi. USawuli wasemisa inkamba oqaqeni lweHakila, uDavida wasethuma izinhloli ukuze azi ukuthi uSawuli ufikile isibili. UDavida wasesukuma wayafika endaweni lapho uSawuli amise khona inkamba; uDavida wayibona indawo lapho uSawuli alala khona, loAbhineri indodana kaNeri, induna yebutho lakhe. Njalo uSawuli wayelele enqabeni yezinqola, lesizwe sasimise amathente simhanqile. UDavida wasephendula wakhuluma kuAhimeleki umHethi. Ngakho uDavida loAbishayi bafika ebantwini ebusuku; khangela-ke, uSawuli wayelele ubuthongo enqabeni yezinqola, lomkhonto wakhe wawugxunyekiwe emhlabathini ngasekhanda lakhe, loAbhineri labantu babelele bemhanqile. UAbishayi wasesithi kuDavida: UNkulunkulu uvalele isitha sakho esandleni sakho lamuhla; ngakho-ke ake ngimtshayele ngitsho emhlabathini kanye ngomkhonto, ngingakuphindi kuye. Kodwa uDavida wathi kuAbishayi: Ungamchithi; ngoba ngubani ongelulela isandla sakhe kogcotshiweyo weN angabi lacala? UDavida wathi futhi: Kuphila kukaJehova. Kakube khatshana lami ngeN; kodwa khathesi ake uthathe umkhonto osemqamelweni wakhe, lesigxingi samanzi, sihambe. UDavida wasethatha umkhonto lesigxingi samanzi ekususa emqamelweni kaSawuli, bahamba. Njalo kakho owakubonayo, kakho owakwaziyo, kakho owavukayo, ngoba bonke babelele, ngoba ubuthongo obunzima beN babubehlele. Lapho uDavida esechaphele ngaphetsheya, wema engqongeni yentaba khatshana; kwakukhona ummango omkhulu phakathi kwabo. UDavida wasememeza ebantwini lakuAbhineri indodana kaNeri, esithi: Kawuphenduli yini, Abhineri? UAbhineri wasephendula esithi: Ungubani okhala enkosini? UDavida wasesithi kuAbhineri: Kawusindoda yini? Njalo ngubani onjengawe koIsrayeli? Kungani-ke ungayilindanga inkosi yakho inkosi? Ngoba kufike omunye wabantu ukuchitha inkosi, inkosi yakho. Kayinhle into oyenzileyo. Kuphila kukaJehova. Khathesi-ke bona ukuthi ungaphi umkhonto wenkosi lesigxingi samanzi ebesingasemqamelweni wayo. USawuli waselinanzelela ilizwi likaDavida wathi: Yilizwi lakho lelo yini, ndodana yami, Davida? UDavida wasesithi: Yilizwi lami, nkosi yami, nkosi. Wathi njalo: Inkosi yami ixotshanelani lenceku yayo? Ngoba ngenzeni? Kulobubi bani esandleni sami? Ngakho-ke, ake izwe inkosi yami, inkosi, amazwi enceku yayo. Uba ikuqubula ukumelana lami, kayemukele umnikelo; kodwa uba kungabantwana babantu, kabaqalekiswe phambi kweN KOSI. Ngakho-ke igazi lami kalingaweli emhlabathini lisuke phambi kobuso beN; ngoba inkosi yakoIsrayeli iphumele ukudinga indwebundwebu eyodwa. USawuli wasesithi: Ngonile; buya, ndodana yami Davida, ngoba kangisayikwenza ububi kuwe. UDavida wasephendula wathi: Khangela, umkhonto wenkosi! Kalichaphe elinye lamajaha, liwuthathe. kayibuyisele kulowo lalowo ukulunga kwakhe lokuthembeka kwakhe; ngoba ibikunikele esandleni sami lamuhla, kodwa kangithandanga ukwelulela isandla sami kogcotshiweyo weN. Khangela-ke, njengoba impilo yakho ibinkulu emehlweni ami lamuhla, ngokunjalo impilo yami ayibe nkulu emehlweni eN, kayingophule ekuhluphekeni konke. USawuli wasesithi kuDavida: Kawubusiswe wena, ndodana yami Davida. Lawe uzakwenza isibili. UDavida wasehamba ngendlela yakhe, loSawuli wabuyela endaweni yakhe. UDavida wasesithi enhliziyweni yakhe: Sengizabhubha ngolunye usuku ngesandla sikaSawuli. Kakulalutho olungcono kimi ngaphandle kokuphepha lokuphepha ngiye elizweni lamaFilisti, loSawuli uzadela ngami ukungidinga futhi kuwo wonke umngcele wakoIsrayeli; ngokunjalo ngiphephe esandleni sakhe. Wasesukuma uDavida wachapha, yena labantu abangamakhulu ayisithupha ayelabo. UDavida wasehlala loAkishi eGathi, yena labantu bakhe, ngulowo lalowo lendlu yakhe; uDavida labomkakhe bobabili, uAhinowama umJizereyelikazi loAbigayili umKharmelikazi umkaNabali. Kwathi kubikwa kuSawuli ukuthi uDavida ubalekele eGathi, kabe esamdinga futhi. UDavida wasesithi kuAkishi: Uba khathesi ngithole umusa emehlweni akho, kabangiphe indawo komunye wemizi emaphandleni ukuthi ngihlale khona? UAkishi wasemnika iZikilagi ngalolosuku. Ngakho iZikilagi ingeyamakhosi akoJuda kuze kube lamuhla. Lenani lensuku uDavida azihlala elizweni lamaFilisti lalingumnyaka lenyanga ezine. UDavida labantu bakhe basebesenyuka. UDavida waselitshaya ilizwe, kazatshiya ophilayo, owesilisa lowesifazana, wathatha izimvu lenkomo labobabhemi lamakamela lezigqoko, wabuyela wafika kuAkishi. Lapho uAkishi esithi: Belihlasela ngaphi lamuhla? UDavida wayesithi: Ngaseningizimu yakoJuda, langaseningizimu yamaJerameli. UDavida katshiyanga owesilisa kumbe owesifazana ophilayo, ukuletha ilizwieGathi, esithi: Hlezi bakhulume ngathi, besithi: Wenze njalo uDavida. Wawunjalo-ke umkhuba wakhe zonke izinsuku azihlala elizweni lamaFilisti. UAkishi wasemkholwa uDavida esithi: Uzenze waba levumba kakhulu ebantwini bakibo koIsrayeli. Ngakho uzakuba yinceku yami kuze kube nininini. Kwasekusithi ngalezonsuku amaFilisti abuthanisela impi amabutho awo ukuze alwe loIsrayeli. UAkishi wasesithi kuDavida: Yazi lokwazi ukuthi uzaphuma impi lami, wena labantu bakho. UDavida wasesithi kuAkishi: Sibili, wena uzakwazi ukuthi inceku yakho ingenzani. UAkishi wasesithi kuDavida: Ngakho, ngizakubeka ube ngumlindi wekhanda lami zonke izinsuku. USamuweli wayesefile, loIsrayeli wonke wayemlilele. AmaFilisti asebuthana afika amisa inkamba eShunemi. Lapho uSawuli ebona inkamba yamaFilisti, wesaba, lenhliziyo yakhe yathuthumela kakhulu. Lapho uSawuli ebuza eNni, kayimphendulanga. USawuli wasesithi ezincekwini zakhe: Ngidingelani owesifazana oledlozi ukuze ngiye kuye, ngibuze kuye. USawuli wasezifihla isimo, wagqoka ezinye izigqoko, wahamba, yena lamadoda amabili laye; basebefika kowesifazana ebusuku. Kodwa owesifazana wathi kuye: Khangela, wena uyazi ukuthi uSawuli wenzeni, ukuthi ubaqumile elizweni abalamadlozi labalumbayo. Pho, uwuthiyelani umphefumulo wami ukungibulala? Kodwa uSawuli wafunga kuye ngeN, esithi: Kuphila kukaJehova. Owesifazana wasesithi: Ngikwenyusele bani? Wasesithi: Ngenyusela uSamuweli. Lapho owesifazana ebona uSamuweli, wakhala ngelizwi elikhulu; owesifazana wasekhuluma kuSawuli esithi: Ungikhohliseleni? Ngoba unguSawuli. Inkosi yasisithi kuye: Ungesabi; kodwa ubonani? Owesifazana wasesithi kuSawuli: Ngibona onkulunkulu besenyuka emhlabathini. Wasesithi kuye: Sinjani isimo sakhe? Wasesithi: Kwenyuka ixhegu elembethe isembatho. Lapho uSawuli esesazi ukuthi nguSamuweli, wakhothama ngobuso emhlabathini, wakhonza. USamuweli wasesithi kuSawuli: Ungikhathazeleni ngokungenyusa? USawuli wasephendula wathi: Ngibandezelekile kakhulu, ngoba amaFilisti alwa lami, loNkulunkulu usukile kimi. USamuweli wasesithi: Pho, ubuzelani kimi, lokhu isisukile kuwe, yaba yisitha sakho? isizenzele njengokukhuluma kwayo ngesandla sami. Njengoba ungalilalelanga ilizwi leN, futhi ungenzanga ukuvutha kolaka lwayo kumaAmaleki, ngakho yenzile linto kuwe lamuhla. Futhi izanikela uIsrayeli laye kanye lawe esandleni samaFilisti; kusasa-ke wena lamadodana akho lizakuba lami. Lenkamba yakoIsrayeli izayinikela esandleni samaFilisti. USawuli wasehle edilikela emhlabathini, ngokuphelela kobude bakhe, wesaba kakhulu ngenxa yamazwi kaSamuweli, njalo kwakungelamandla kuye, ngoba wayengadlanga kudla usuku lonke lobusuku bonke. Owesifazana wasesiza kuSawuli, wabona ukuthi wethukile kakhulu, wathi kuye: Khangela, incekukazi yakho ililalele ilizwi lakho, ngifakile umphefumulo wami esandleni sami, ngalalela amazwi owakhulume kimi. Ngakho-ke lawe akulalele ilizwi lencekukazi yakho, ngifake phambi kwakho ucezwana lwesinkwa ukuze udle, ukuze amandla abe kuwe nxa uhamba indlela yakho. Kodwa wala wathi: Kangiyikudla. Kodwa inceku zakhe kanye lowesifazana bamcindezela; waselalela ilizwi labo. Wasesukuma emhlabathini, wahlala embhedeni. Njalo owesifazana wayelethole elinonileyo endlini; waphangisa walihlaba; wasisondeza phambi kukaSawuli laphambi kwenceku zakhe; badla. Basukuma bahamba ngalobobusuku. AmaFilisti ayebuthanise-ke wonke amabutho awo. Iziphathamandla zamaFilisti zasezidlula ngamakhulu langezinkulungwane. Induna zamaFilisti zasezisithi: Ayini lamaHebheru? UAkishi wasesithi kuzo induna zamaFilisti: Lo kayisuye uDavida yini, inceku kaSawuli inkosi yakoIsrayeli, obelami lezinsuku kumbe liminyaka. Kodwa induna zamaFilisti zamthukuthelela; izinduna zamaFilisti zathi kuye: Mbuyisele lumuntu ukuthi abuyele endaweni yakhe owambeka khona? Lo kayisuye uDavida yini ababevumelana ngaye emigidweni besithi: USawuli utshaye izinkulungwane zakhe, kodwa uDavida inkulungwane zakhe ezingamatshumi? UAkishi wasebiza uDavida wathi kuye: Kuphila kukaJehova, isibili wena uqondile. Ngakho-ke buyela uhambe ngokuthula. UDavida wasesithi kuAkishi: Kodwa ngenzeni? Uficeni encekwini yakho, kusukela osukwini engangiphambi kwakho ngalo kuze kube lamuhla, ukuthi ngingayikulwa lezitha zenkosi yami, inkosi? UAkishi wasephendula wathi kuDavida: Ngiyazi ukuthi ulungile emehlweni ami njengengilosi kaNkulunkulu. Ngakho-ke ubovuka ekuseni kakhulu kanye lenceku zenkosi yakho ezifike lawe; selivuke ekuseni kakhulu sekukhanya kini, lihambe. Ngakho uDavida wavuka ngovivi, yena labantu bakhe, ukuhamba ekuseni, ukuthi babuyele elizweni lamaFilisti. AmaFilisti asesenyukela eJizereyeli. Kwasekusithi ngosuku lwesithathu, lapho uDavida labantu bakhe befika eZikilagi, leZikilagi, ayitshaya iZikilagi, ayitshisa ngomlilo, athumba abesifazana ababephakathi kwayo; kusukela komncinyane kuze kube komkhulu kawabulalanga muntu, kodwa abaqhuba, ahamba ngendlela yawo. Lapho uDavida labantu bakhe befika emzini, khangela, wawutshisiwe ngomlilo, labomkabo, lamadodana abo lamadodakazi abo sebethunjiwe. UDavida labantu ababelaye basebephakamisa ilizwi labo bakhala inyembezi akaze aba khona kubo amandla okukhala. OmkaDavida bobabili labo babethunjiwe, uAhinowama umJizereyelikazi loAbigayili umkaNabali weKharmeli. UDavida wasecindezeleka kakhulu, ngoba abantu babekhuluma ngokumkhanda ngamatshe, ngoba umphefumulo wabantu bonke wawubuhlungu, ngulowo lalowo ngenxa yamadodana langenxa yamadodakazi akhe. UDavida wasesithi kuAbhiyatha umpristi indodana kaAhimeleki: Akungilethele lapha i-efodi. UAbhiyatha waseyiletha i-efodi kuDavida. UDavida wasebuza eNni esithi. Ngakho uDavida wahamba, yena labantu abangamakhulu ayisithupha ababelaye. Kodwa uDavida waxotshana la bo, yena labantu abangamakhulu amane; ngoba abangamakhulu amabili basala, ababekhathele kakhulu ukuthi babengelakuchapha isifula iBesori. Basebefica umGibhithe emmangweni, bamletha kuDavida, bamnika ukudla, wadla, bamnathisa amanzi; bamnika ucezu lwesinkwa somkhiwa lamahlukuzo amabili ezithelo zevini ezonyisiweyo. UDavida wasesithi kuye: Ungokabani? Uvela ngaphi? Wasesithi: Ngilijaha leGibhithe, inceku yomAmaleki, lenkosi yami ingitshiyile ngoba bengigula okwensuku ezintathu. Thina besihlasela iningizimu yamaKerethi, leZikilagi sayitshisa ngomlilo. UDavida wasesithi kulo: Ungangehlisela kuleloviyo yini? Laselisithi: Funga kimi ngoNkulunkulu ukuthi kawuyikungibulala, njalo kawuyikunginikela esandleni senkosi yami, besengikwehlisela kuleloviyo. Selimehlisile, khangela, babehlakazekile ebusweni bomhlaba wonke, besidla, benatha, begidela impango enkulu ababeyithethe elizweni lamaFilisti lelizweni lakoJuda. UDavida wasebatshaya kusukela libantubahle kwaze kwaba kusihlwa kosuku olulandelayo lwabo. Njalo kakuphunyukanga muntu kubo, ngaphandle kwamajaha angamakhulu amane, agada amakamela, abaleka. UDavida wasekhulula konke amaAmaleki ayekuthethe, labomkakhe bobabili uDavida wabakhulula. Njalo kakusilelanga lutho kubo kusukela komncinyane kuze kube komkhulu, kuze kube semadodaneni lemadodakazini, lempangweni, ngitsho lakuphi ababezithathele khona; uDavida wakubuyisa konke. UDavida wasethatha zonke izimvu lenkomo. Baziqhuba phambi kwenkomo lezo, bathi: Le yimpango kaDavida. UDavida wasefika kulabobantu abangamakhulu amabili ababekhathele kakhulu ukuthi babengelakulandela uDavida; basebephuma ukumhlangabeza uDavida lokuhlangabeza abantu ababelaye. Lapho uDavida esondela kubantu, wababuza impilakahle. Basebephendula bonke abantu ababi labakaBheliyali phakathi kwabantu ababehambe loDavida bathi: Njengoba bengahambanga lathi, kasiyikubanika empangweni esiyikhululileyo, ngaphandle kwakuleyo laleyondoda umkayo labantwana bayo, ukuthi babakhokhele bahambe. Kodwa uDavida wathi: Kaliyikwenza njalo, bafowethu, ngalokho esiphe khona, esilondolozileyo, yanikela esandleni sethu iviyo eleza lamelana lathi. Pho, ngubani ozalilalela kuloludaba? Ngoba njengesabelo salowo owehlela empini. Kwasekusiba njalokusukela mhlalokho kusiya phambili, ukuthi wakwenza kwaba yisimiso lesimiselo koIsrayeli kuze kube lamuhla. UDavida esefikile eZikilagi, wathumela okwempango kubadala bakoJuda, kubo abangane bakhe, esithi: Khangela, isibusiso senu esivela empangweni yezitha zeN. KwabeseBhetheli, lakwabaseAroweri, lakwabaseRakali, lakwabasemizini yamaJerameli, lakwabaseHorma, lakwabaseAthaki, lakwabaseHebroni, lendaweni zonke lapho uDavida ahamba khona besiya le lale, yena labantu bakhe. AmaFilisti alwa-ke loIsrayeli. AmaFilisti asenamathela kuSawuli lamadodana akhe; amaFilisti abulala uJonathani, loAbinadaba, loMaliki-Shuwa, amadodana kaSawuli. Lempi yaba nzima kuSawuli, abatshoki bamfica, amadoda edandili; wasesiba lobuhlungu kakhulu ngabatshoki. USawuli wasesithi kumthwali wezikhali zakhe: Hwatsha inkemba yakho, ungigwaze ngayo. Lapho umthwali wezikhali zakhe ebona ukuthi uSawuli usefile, laye waziwisela phezu kwenkemba yakhe, wafa kanye laye. Wafa-ke uSawuli lamadodana akhe amathathu lomthwali wezikhali zakhe labo bonke abantu bakhe ngalolosuku ndawonye. Lapho amadoda akoIsrayeli ayengaphetsheya kwesigodi layengaphetsheya kweJodani ebona ukuthi amadoda akoIsrayeli abalekile, lokuthi uSawuli lamadodana akhe sebefile, atshiya imizi, abaleka; amaFilisti asefika, ahlala kiyo. Kwasekusithi kusisa lapho amaFilisti efika ukuhlubula ababuleweyo, afica uSawuli lamadodana akhe amathathu bewile entabeni yeGilibowa. Asequma ikhanda lakhe, ahlubula izikhali zakhe. Abeka izikhali zakhe. Kwathi abahlali beJabeshi-Gileyadi sebezwile ngalokho amaFilisti akwenze kuSawuli, asukuma wonke amaqhawe, ahamba ubusuku bonke, athatha isidumbu sikaSawuli lezidumbu zamadodana akhe emdulini weBeti-Shani. Asethatha amathambo abo, awangcwaba. Kwasekusithi emva kokufa kukaSawuli, uDavida esephendukile ekutshayeni amaAmaleki, uDavida wahlala insuku ezimbili eZikilagi. Kwasekusithi ngosuku lwesithathu, khangela, kwafika umuntu evela enkambeni evela kuSawuli. UDavida wasesithi kuye: Uvela ngaphi? Wasesithi kuye: Ngiphephile enkambeni yakoIsrayeli. UDavida wasesithi kuye: Lunjani udaba? Akungitshele. Wasesithi: Abantu babalekile empini, labanengi babantu labo bawile njalo bafile, uSawuli laye loJonathani indodana yakhe labo bafile. UDavida wasesithi kulelojaha elalimbikela: Wazi njani ukuthi uSawuli loJonathani indodana yakhe bafile? Lelojaha elalimbikela laselisithi: Kuthe ngisithi thutshu entabeni yeGilibowa, khangela, uSawuli eyeme emkhontweni wakhe, khangela-ke, inqola labagadi bamabhiza kwakumnamathele. Lapho enyemukula, wasengibona, wangibiza; ngasengisithi: Khangela ngi lapha. Wasesithi kimi: Ungubani? Ngasengisithi kuye: NgingumAmaleki. Wasesithi kimi: Ake ume phezu kwami ungibulale; ngoba ubuhlungu obukhulu bungehlele, ngoba impilo yami isaphelele kimi. Ngakho ngema phezu kwakhe ngambulala, ngoba ngazi ukuthi angeke aphile emva kokuwa kwakhe. Ngasengithatha umqhele owawusekhanda lakhe. UDavida wasebamba izigqoko zakhe wazidabula, njalo lawo wonke amadoda ayelaye. Basebelila, bakhala inyembezi, bazila ukudla kwaze kwahlwa ngenxa kaSawuli, langenxa kaJonathani indodana yakhe, langenxa yabantu beN, langenxa yendlu kaIsrayeli, ngoba babewe ngenkemba. UDavida wasesithi kulelojaha elalimbikele: Uvela ngaphi? Laselisithi: Ngiyindodana yomuntu wezizweni, umAmaleki. UDavida wasesithi kulo: Kawesabanga njani? UDavida wasebiza elinye lamajaha, wathi: Sondela ulidumele. Laselilitshaya laze lafa. UDavida wasesithi kulo: Igazi lakho kalibe phezu kwekhanda lakho. UDavida waselila lesisililo ngenxa kaSawuli loJonathani indodana yakhe (lapho wathi kufundiswe abantwana bakoJuda "IDandili"; khangela, kubhaliwe egwalweni lukaJashari): Ubuhle bukaIsrayeli bubulewe ezindaweni zakho eziphakemeyo. Awe njani amaqhawe! Lingakukhulumi eGathi. Zintaba zeGilibowa, kakungabi khona amazolo kumbe izulu phezu kwenu egazini lababuleweyo, emahwahweni amaqhawe idandili likaJonathani kaliphendukanga, lenkemba kaSawuli kayibuyelanga ize. USawuli loJonathani babethandeka bebahle empilweni zabo, lekufeni kwabo kabehlukaniswanga; babelesiqubu kulezinkozi. Madodakazi akoIsrayeli, mkhaleleni inyembezi uSawuli, owaligqokisa ngokubomvu lentokozo, owafaka imiceciso yegolide phezu kwezigqoko zenu. Awe njani amaqhawe phakathi kwempi! Jonathani, u bulewe endaweni zakho eziphakemeyo! Ngidabukile ngawe, mfowethu Jonathani; ubumnandi kakhulu kimi, uthando lwakho belumangalisa kimi lusedlula uthando lwabesifazana. Awe njani amaqhawe, zabhubha lezikhali zempi! Kwasekusithi emva kwalokho uDavida wabuza eNni esithi: Ngenyukele yini komunye wemizi yakoJuda. Ngakho uDavida wenyukela lapho, kanye labafazi bakhe bobabili, uAhinowama umJizereyelikazi loAbigayili umkaNabali umKharmeli. UDavida wasesenyusa abantu bakhe ababelaye, ngulowo lalowo labendlu yakhe; basebehlala emizini yeHebroni. Kwasekufika abantu bakoJuda, bamgcoba khona uDavida waba yinkosi phezu kwendlu yakoJuda. UDavida wasethumela izithunywa ebantwini beJabeshi-Gileyadi. Khathesi-ke, kayilenzele umusa leqiniso; mina lami ngizalenzela lokhu okuhle, ngoba lenze loludaba. Khathesi-ke kaziqine izandla zenu libe ngamadodana amaqhawe; ngoba inkosi yenu uSawuli ifile; njalo lendlu yakoJuda ingigcobile mina ukuba yinkosi phezu kwabo. Kodwa uAbhineri indodana kaNeri, wambeka waba yinkosi phezu kweGileyadi, laphezu kukaIsrayeli wonke. UIshiboshethi, indodana kaSawuli, wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amane esiba yinkosi phezu kukaIsrayeli, wabusa iminyaka emibili. Kodwa indlu yakoJuda yalandela uDavida. Lenani lensuku uDavida owaba yinkosi ngazo eHebroni phezu kwendlu yakoJuda laliyiminyaka eyisikhombisa lenyanga eziyisithupha. UAbhineri indodana kaNeri wasephuma, lenceku zikaIshiboshethi indodana kaSawuli, basuka eMahanayimi baya eGibeyoni. UJowabi indodana kaZeruya lenceku zikaDavida basebephuma bahlangana ndawonye echibini leGibeyoni; bahlala, abanye ngapha kwechibi labanye ngale kwechibi. UAbhineri wasesithi kuJowabi: Amajaha ake asukume adlale phambi kwethu. UJowabi wasesithi: Kawasukume. Kwasekusukuma kwedlula ngenani abalitshumi lambili koBhenjamini lakoIshiboshethi indodana kaSawuli, letshumi lambili lenceku zikaDavida. Basebebamba ngulowo lalowo ikhanda lomunye, wagwazange nkemba yakhe ehlangothini lomunye; ngokunjalo bawa ndawonye. Ngakho leyondawo bayibiza ngokuthiyiHelekati-Hasurimi eseGibeyoni. Njalo kwaba lempi enzima kakhulu ngalolosuku, loAbhineri wehlulwa lamadoda akoIsrayeli phambi kwenceku zikaDavida. Ayekhona-ke lapho amadodana amathathu kaZeruya, oJowabi, loAbishayi loAsaheli. UAsaheli wasexotshana loAbhineri; njalo ekuhambeni kwakhe kaphambukelanga ngakwesokunene langakwesokhohlo ekulandeleni uAbhineri. UAbhineri wasenyemukula, wathi: Nguwe uAsaheli yini? Wasesithi: Yimi. UAbhineri wasesithi kuye: Phambukela wena ngakwesokunene loba ngakwesokhohlo, uzibambele elinye lamajaha, uzithathele izikhali zalo. Kodwa uAsaheli kavumanga ukuphambuka ekumlandeleni. UAbhineri wasebuya futhi esithi kuAsaheli: Phambuka wena ekungilandeleni; ngizakutshayelelani emhlabathini? Pho, ngingaphakamisa njani ubuso bami kuJowabi umfowenu? Kodwa wala ukuphambuka; ngakho uAbhineri wamtshaya ngesidindi somkhonto kubambo lwesihlanu, umkhonto waze waphuma emuva kwakhe; wasewela phansi lapho, wafela kuleyondawo. Kwasekusithi bonke abafika endaweni lapho uAsaheli awela wafa khona, bema. UJowabi laye loAbishayi baxotshana loAbhineri; ilanga laselitshona, bona befika eqaqeni lweAma, olungaphambi kweGiya endleleni yenkangala yeGibeyoni. Abantwana bakoBhenjamini basebebuthana ngemva kukaAbhineri, baba lixuku linye, bema phezu koqaqa oluthile. UAbhineri wasememeza kuJowabi wathi: Inkemba izakudla njalonjalo yini? Kawazi yini ukuthi kuzakuba yikubaba ekucineni? Koze kube nini ungabatsheli abantu ukuthi babuye ekulandeleni abafowabo? UJowabi wasesithi: Kuphila kukaNkulunkulu, ngaphandle kokuthi ubukhulumile, isibili ngalesosikhathi kusukela ekuseni abantu ngabe benyukile, ngulowo lalowo esuka ekulandeleni umfowabo. UJowabi wasevuthela uphondo, bonke abantu basebesima, kababe besaxotshana loIsrayeli, futhi kababe besalwa njalo. UAbhineri labantu bakhe bahamba bedabula amagceke bonke lobobusuku, bachapha iJodani, badabula iBhithironi yonke, bafika eMahanayimi. UJowabi wasebuya ekulandeleni uAbhineri; esebuthanisile bonke abantu, encekwini zikaDavida kwasilela abalitshumi labayisificamunwemunye, loAsaheli. Kodwa izinceku zikaDavida zazitshayile koBhenjamini lemadodeni akaAbhineri; amadoda angamakhulu amathathu lamatshumi ayisithupha afa. Basebemthatha uAsaheli, bamngcwaba engcwabeni likayise elaliseBhethelehema. UJowabi labantu bakhe basebehamba ubusuku bonke, kwasa beseHebroni. Kwakukhona-ke impi isikhathi eside phakathi kwendlu kaSawuli lendlu kaDavida; kodwa uDavida waya eqina, kodwa indlu kaSawuli yaya isiba buthakathaka. Kwasekuzalelwa uDavida amadodana eHebroni; leyesibili yakhe yayinguKileyabi kaAbigayili umkaNabali umKharmeli; eyesithathu yayinguAbisalomu indodana kaMahaka indodakazi kaTalimayi, inkosi yeGeshuri; leyesine yayinguAdonija indodana kaHagithi; leyesihlanu yayinguShefathiya indodana kaAbithali; leyesithupha yayinguIthereyamu kaEgila, umkaDavida. Laba bazalelwa uDavida eHebroni. Kwasekusithi kuselempi phakathi kwendlu kaSawuli lendlu kaDavida, uAbhineri waziqinisa endlini kaSawuli. Njalo uSawuli wayelomfazi omncane, obizo lakhe lalinguRizipha indodakazi kaAya? UAbhineri wasethukuthela kakhulu ngenxa yamazwi kaIshiboshethi, wathi: Ngilikhanda lenja yini mina ongokaJuda? Lamuhla ngenzela indlu kaSawuli uyihlo umusa, kubafowabo, lakubangane bakhe, kangikunikelanga esandleni sikaDavida, ukuthi ungibeka icala ngowesifazana lamuhla? UNkulunkulu enze njalo kuAbhineri, ukudlulisa umbuso usuka endlini kaSawuli, lokumisa isihlalo sobukhosi sikaDavida phezu kukaIsrayeli laphezu kukaJuda, kusukela koDani kuze kufike eBherishebha. Njalo wayengelakumphendula uAbhineri ngalizwi futhi, ngoba wayemesaba. UAbhineri wasethuma izithunywa kuDavida esikhundleni sakhe, esithi: Ngelikabani ilizwe? Esithi: Yenza isivumelwano sakho lami; khangela-ke, isandla sami sizakuba lawe ukuphendulela uIsrayeli wonke kuwe. Wasesithi: Kulungile; mina ngizakwenza isivumelwano lawe, kodwa yinye into engiyifuna kuwe, ngeyokuthi kawuyikubona ubuso bami. UDavida wasethuma izithunywa kuIshiboshethi indodana kaSawuli, esithi: Ngi nika umkami uMikhali engamgana ngamajwabu alikhulu amaFilisti. UIshiboshethi wasethumela, wamthatha endodeni yakhe, kuPalitiyeli indodana kaLayishi. Kodwa indoda yakhe yahamba laye, ihamba ikhala inyembezi ngemva kwakhe kwaze kwaba seBahurimi. UAbhineri wasesithi kuyo: Hamba, buyela. Yasibuyela. UAbhineri wasesiba lenkulumo labadala bakoIsrayeli esithi: Ngezikhathi ezidlulileyo lalifuna uDavida ukuthi abe yinkosi phezu kwenu. Khathesi-ke, kw enzeni, ngoba ikhulumile ngoDavida ukuthi: Ngesandla senceku yami uDavida ngizakhulula abantu bami uIsrayeli esandleni samaFilisti lesandleni sazo zonke izitha zabo. UAbhineri wasekhuluma futhi endlebeni zakoBhenjamini; uAbhineri njalo wasesiyakhuluma endlebeni zikaDavida eHebroni konke okwakukuhle emehlweni akoIsrayeli lemehlweni endlu yonke yakoBhenjamini. Ngakho uAbhineri wafika kuDavida eHebroni elamadoda angamatshumi amabili; uDavida wasesenzela uAbhineri lamadoda ayelaye idili. UAbhineri wasesithi kuDavida: Ngizasukuma ngihambe, ngibuthanise uIsrayeli wonke enkosini yami, inkosi, ukuze benze isivumelwano lawe. UDavida waseyekela uAbhineri ukuthi ahambe, wasehamba ngokuthula. Khangela-ke, izinceku zikaDavida loJowabi bafika bevela ekuhlaseleni beza belempango enkulu. Kodwa uAbhineri wayengekho kuDavida eHebroni, ngoba wayemyekele ukuthi ahambe, wahamba ngokuthula. Esefikile uJowabi lebutho lonke elalilaye, bamtshela uJowabi besithi: UAbhineri indodana kaNeri ubefikile enkosini, imyekele wahamba; wahamba ngokuthula. UJowabi wasesiya enkosini, wathi: Wenzeni? Khangela, uAbhineri ubefikile kuwe; pho, umyekeleleni ukuthi ahambe, wahamba lokuhamba? Uyamazi uAbhineri indodana kaNeri ukuthi ulande ukukukhohlisa, lokwazi ukuphuma kwakho lokungena kwakho, lokwazi konke okwenzayo. Esephumile uJowabi kuDavida wathuma izithunywa ukulandela uAbhineri, ezambuyisa emthonjeni weSira; kodwa uDavida wayenga kw azi lokho. UAbhineri esebuyile eHebroni, uJowabi wamphambulela eceleni phakathi kwesango ukuze akhulume laye ngasese. Kwathi uDavida esekuzwile emva kwalokho wathi: Mina lombuso wami kasilacala phambi kweN kuze kube nininini ngegazi likaAbhineri indodana kaNeri. Kalihlale phezu kwekhanda likaJowabi lendlini yonke kayise. Ngokunjalo uJowabi loAbishayi umfowabo bambulala uAbhineri, ngoba wayebulele umfowabo uAsaheli eGibeyoni empini. UDavida wasesithi kuJowabi lakubo bonke abantu ababelaye: Dabulani izigqoko zenu. Inkosi uDavida yasilandela ithala. UAbhineri basebemngcwabela eHebroni; inkosi yasiphakamisa ilizwi layo yakhala inyembezi engcwabeni likaAbhineri, labantu bonke bakhala inyembezi. Inkosi yamenzela uAbhineri isililo? Izandla zakho bezingabotshwanga, lenyawo zakho bezingafakwanga emaketaneni; njengowela phambi kwabantu ababi uwile. Bonke abantu basebephinda bemkhalela inyembezi. Bonke abantu basebesiza ukumenza uDavida ukuthi adle ukudla kusesemini. Kwathi bonke abantu bekunanzelela, kwaba kuhle emehlweni abo; njengakho konke eyakwenzayo inkosi, kwaba kuhle emehlweni abo bonke abantu. Ngoba bonke abantu loIsrayeli wonke bazi ngalolosuku ukuthi kwakungeyisikho okwenkosi ukubulala uAbhineri indodana kaNeri. Inkosi yasisithi encekwini zayo: Kalazi yini ukuthi kuwe induna lomkhulu koIsrayeli lamuhla? Lami lamuhla ngibuthakathaka, njalo ngigcotshwe ngaba yinkosi; lalamadoda, amadodana kaZeruya. Lapho isizwile indodana kaSawuli ukuthi uAbhineri ufele eHebroni, izandla zakhe zaba buthakathaka, loIsrayeli wonke wakhathazeka. Njalo indodana kaSawuli yayilamadoda amabili ayeyi zinduna zamaviyo; ibizo lenye lalinguBahana, lebizo lenye linguRekabi, amadodana kaRimoni, umBherothi, wabantwana bakoBhenjamini. Ngoba iBherothi layo yayibalelwa koBhenjamini; lamaBherothi abalekela, aba ngabahlali njengabezizwe khona kuze kube lamuhla. UJonathani indodana kaSawuli wayelendodana eyayiyisilima enyaweni; lomlizane wayo wayithatha, wabaleka; kwasekusithi ekuphangiseni kwakhe ukubaleka, yawa yaba yisilima. Lebizo layo lalinguMefiboshethi. Lamadodana kaRimoni, umBherothi, uRekabi loBahana, ahamba, ekutshiseni kwelanga afika endlini kaIshiboshethi, owayelele embhedeni emini enkulu. Bona bangena endlini phakathi kungathibathatha ingqoloyi, bamtshaya kubambo lwesihlanu; uRekabi loBahana umfowabo basebebaleka. Ngoba bengena endlini, wayelele embhedeni wakhe endlini yakhe yokulala, bamtshaya, bambulala, bamquma ikhanda; bathatha ikhanda lakhe, bahamba ngendlela yamagceke ubusuku bonke. Basebelisa ikhanda likaIshiboshethi kuDavida eHebroni. Bathi enkosini: Khangela, ikhanda likaIshiboshethi indodana kaSawuli, isitha sakho ebesidinga impilo yakho; inike impindiselo lamuhla enkosini yami, inkosi, kuSawuli lakuyo inzalo yakhe. Kodwa uDavida wabaphendula uRekabi loBahana umfowabo, amadodana kaRimoni umBherothi, wathi kubo: Kuphila kukaJehova, lapho owangibikelayo esithi: Khangela, uSawuli ufile; njalo enjengomthwali wendaba ezinhle emehlweni akhe, ngamxhakalaza, ngambulala eZikilagi, kulokuthi ngimvuzele indaba ezinhle. Pho kangakanani, lapho abantu ababi bebulele umuntu olungileyo endlini yakhe esembhedeni wakhe; ngakho-ke angiyikubiza yini igazi lakhe esandleni senu, ngilisuse emhlabeni? UDavida waselaya amajaha. Khona zonke izizwe zakoIsrayeli zeza kuDavida eHebroni. Lesikhathini esidlulileyo, uSawuli eseyinkosi phezu kwethu, nguwe owakhupha lowangenisa uIsrayeli. Ngakho kwafika bonke abadala bakoIsrayeli enkosini uDavida eHebroni; basebemgcoba uDavida, waba yinkosi phezu kukaIsrayeli. UDavida wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amathathu ekubeni kwakhe yinkosi; wabusa iminyaka engamatshumi amane. EHebroni wabusa phezu kukaJuda iminyaka eyisikhombisa lenyanga eziyisithupha; leJerusalema wabusa iminyaka engamatshumi amathathu lantathu phezu kukaIsrayeli wonke loJuda. Inkosi labantu bayo basebesiya eJerusalema; akhuluma kuDavida athi: Kawuyikungena lapha, ngaphandle kokuthi ususe iziphofu labaqhulayo; besithi uDavida kayikungena lapho. Kodwa uDavida wayithumba inqaba yeZiyoni; le ngumuzi kaDavida. UDavida wasesithi ngalolosuku: Ngulowo lalowo otshaya umJebusi, katshaye emgelweni wamanzi abaqhulayo leziphofu, abazondwa ngumphefumulo kaDavida. Ngakho uDavida wahlala enqabeni, wayibiza ngokuthingumuzi kaDavida. UDavida wakha inhlangothi zonke, kusukela eMilo kusiya phakathi. UDavida waqhubeka njalo esiba lamandla, njalo iN, uNkulunkulu wamabandla, yayilaye. UHiramu inkosi yeTire wasethuma izithunywa kuDavida, lezigodo zemisedari, lababazi bezigodo lababazi bamatshe; basebemakhela uDavida indlu. UDavida wasekwazi ukuthi yayimmisile ukuthi abe yinkosi phezu kukaIsrayeli, lokuthi iwuphakamisile umbuso wakhe ngenxa yabantu bayo uIsrayeli. UDavida wasethatha, njalo kwakulamanye amadodana lamadodakazi azalelwa uDavida. Njalo la ngamabizo alabo abazalelwa yena eJerusalema: OShamuwa, loShobabi, loNathani, loSolomoni, loIbihari, loElishuwa, loNefegi, loJafiya, loElishama, loEliyada, loElifeleti. Kwathi amaFilisti esezwile ukuthi bamgcobile uDavida ukuthi abe yinkosi phezu kukaIsrayeli, wonke amaFilisti enyuka ukuyamdinga uDavida; uDavida wakuzwa, wehlela enqabeni. AmaFilisti esefikile asabalala. UDavida wasebuza eNni esithi: Ngingenyukela yini kumaFilisti? Uzawanikela esandleni sami yini? yasisithi kuDavida: Yenyuka, ngoba isibili ngizawanikela amaFilisti esandleni sakho. UDavida wasefika eBhali-Perazimi, uDavida wawatshaya khona, wathi: izifohlele izitha zami phambi kwami njengokufohla kwamanzi. Ngakho wabiza ibizo laleyondawo ngokuthiyiBhali-Perazimi. Asetshiya izithombe zawo lapho, loDavida labantu bakhe bazisusa. AmaFilisti asebuya enyuka futhi, asabalala esihotsheni seRefayimi. Lapho uDavida ebuza iN, yathi: Ungenyuki; bhoda ngemuva kwawo, uwasukele usuka maqondana lezihlahla zebhalisamu. Kuzakuthi-ke lapho usizwa isisinde sokuhamba ezihlokweni zezihlahla zebhalisamu, lapho uphangise. UDavida wasesenza njalo, njengokumlaya kwayo iN, wawatshaya amaFilisti kusukela eGeba uze ufike eGezeri. UDavida wabuya wabuthanisa bonke abakhethiweyo koIsrayeli, inkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu. UDavida wasesukuma wahamba labo bonke abantu ababelaye, besuka eBahala-Juda ukuze benyuse umtshokotsho kaNkulunkulu usuka lapho, obizo lawo libizwa ngebizo leN yamabandla phezu kwawo. Basebewukhweza umtshokotsho kaNkulunkulu enqoleni entsha. Bayikhipha-ke endlini kaAbinadaba eyayiseqaqeni kanye lomtshokotsho kaNkulunkulu, njalo uAhiyo ehamba phambi komtshokotsho. UDavida lendlu yonke yakoIsrayeli basebetshaya phambi kweN ngazo zonke izinto zokutshayazesihlahla sefiri, langamachacho, langezigubhu zezintambo. Bathi befika esizeni sikaNakoni, uUza welulela. Intukuthelo yeN yasimvuthela uUza; uNkulunkulu wamtshaya khonapho ngenxa yalesisiphambeko; wasefela khonapho phansi komtshokotsho kaNkulunkulu. UDavida wasethukuthela ngoba imfohlele uUza nge sikhala; waseyibiza leyondawo ngokuthiyiPerezi-Uza, kuze kube lamuhla. UDavida waseyesaba ngalolosuku, wathi: Umtshokotsho weN uzakuza njani kimi? Ngakho uDavida kavumanga ukuwudlulisela kuye umtshokotsho weN emzini kaDavida; kodwa uDavida wawuphambulela endlini kaObedi-Edoma umGithi. Umtshokotsho weN wasuhlala endlini kaObedi-Edoma umGithi inyanga ezintathu. yasimbusisa uObedi-Edoma lendlu yakhe yonke. Kwasekubikelwa inkosi uDavida kwathiwa: ibusisile indlu kaObedi-Edoma lakho konke okwakhe ngenxa yomtshokotsho kaNkulunkulu. Ngakho uDavida wasehamba wenyusa umtshokotsho kaNkulunkulu ewususa endlini kaObedi-Edoma, ewusa emzini kaDavida ngentokozo. Kwasekusithi lapho labo abathwele umtshokotsho weN sebehambe izinyathelo eziyisithupha. UDavida wasegida ngamandla wonke phambi kweN KOSI. Ngokunjalo uDavida lendlu yonke yakoIsrayeli bawenyusa umtshokotsho weN ngokumemeza langokukhala kophondo. Kwasekusithi lapho umtshokotsho weN ungena emzini kaDavida, uMikhali indodakazi kaSawuli walunguza ngewindi, wabona inkosi uDavida eseqa egida phambi kweN; wameyisa enhliziyweni yakhe. Basebewungenisa umtshokotsho weN KOSI. Kwathi uDavida eseqedile ukunikela iminikelo yokutshiswa leminikelo yokuthula, wabusisa abantu ebizweni leN yamabandla. Wababela bonke abantu, ixuku lonke lakoIsrayeli, kusukela kwabesilisa kusiya kwabesifazana, ngulowo lalowo iqebelengwana lesinkwa, leqatha lenyama, lesinkwa sezithelo zevini ezonyisiweyo. Basebehamba abantu bonke, ngulowo lalowo emzini wakhe. UDavida wasebuyela ukubusisa indlu yakhe! UDavida wasesithi kuMikhali: Ngaphambi kweN, eyangikhetha phambi kukayihlo laphambi kwendlu yakhe yonke, yangimisa ukuthi ngibe ngumbusi phezu kwabantu beN, phezu kukaIsrayeli. Ngisazadeleleka-ke kakhulu kulalokhu, ngehliselwe phansi emehlweni ami; kodwa ngezincekukazi okhulume ngazo, ngizadunyiswa yizo. Njalo uMikhali indodakazi kaSawuli kabanga lamntwana kwaze kwaba lusuku lokufa kwakhe. Kwasekusithi lapho inkosi yayihlezi endlini yayo, leN isiyiphumuzile inhlangothi zonke ezitheni zayo zonke, inkosi yathi kuNathani umprofethi. UNathani wasesithi enkosini: Hamba wenze konke okusenhliziyweni yakho, ngoba ilawe. Kodwa kwathi ngalobobusuku, ilizwi leN lafika kuNathani lisithi: Hamba uthi encekwini yami, kuDavida: Itsho njalo iN: Wena uzangakhela yini indlu ukuze ngihlale kiyo? Ngoba kangizange ngihlale endlini kusukela osukwini engenyusa ngalo abantwana bakoIsrayeli eGibhithe kuze kube lamuhla. Kuzo zonke izindawoengihambe kuzo labo bonke abantwana bakoIsrayeli, ngake ngakhuluma ilizwi yini kwesinye sezizwe zakoIsrayeli: Kungani lingangakhelanga indlu yemisedari? Ngakho-ke uzakutsho njalo encekwini yami, kuDavida, uthi: Itsho njalo yamabandla: Mina ngakuthatha; ngangilawe loba ngaphi lapho oya khona, ngaquma zonke izitha zakho ngaphambi kwakho. Njalo ngizabamisela indawo abantu bami uIsrayeli, ngibagxumeke ukuze bahlale endaweni yabo; labantwana benkohlakalo kabasayikubahlupha, njengakuqala, njalo kusukela osukwini engalaya ngalo abahluleli phezu kwabantu bami uIsrayeli. Lapho insuku zakho sezigcwalisekile. Yona izakwakhela ibizo lami indlu. Mina ngizakuba nguyise, layo ibe yindodana yami. Kodwa umusa wami kawuyikusuka kiyo njengalokho nga wu susa kuSawuli engamsusa ngaphambi kwakho. Lendlu yakho lombuso wakho kuzaqiniswa kuze kube nininini phambi kwami; isihlalo sakho sobukhosi sizaqiniswa kuze kube nininini. Njengokwalamazwi wonke lanjengokwalo wonke lo umbono, ngokunjalo uNathani wakhuluma kuDavida. Yasingena inkosi uDavida, yahlala phambi kweN, yathi: Ngingubani mina, Nkosi Jehova, lendlu yami iyini, ukuthi ungifikise kuze kube lapha? Kanti lokhu kusekuncinyane emehlweni akho, Nkosi Jehova; usukhulumile futhi ngendlu yenceku yakho ngokwesikhathi esikhatshana; lalokhu yindlela yabantu, Nkosi Jehova. Pho, uDavida angabe esengezelela ngokuthini kuwe? Ngoba wena uyayazi inceku yakho, Nkosi Jehova. Ngenxa yelizwi lakho lanjengokwenhliziyo yakho wenzile zonke lezizinto ezinkulu ukuze uzazise inceku yakho. Ngakho umkhulu, Nkosi Jehova, njengakho konke esikuzwileyo ngendlebe zethu. Yisiphi-ke isizwe esisodwa emhlabeni esinjengabantu bakho, njengoIsrayeli, uNkulunkulu owaya ukuzihlengela sona ukuba ngabantu? Wasuziqinisela abantu bakho uIsrayeli ukuze babe ngabantu kuwe kuze kube nininini; lawe N usube nguNkulunkulu wabo. Khathesi-ke, N Nkulunkulu, ilizwi olikhulume ngenceku yakho langendlu yayo liqinise kuze kube nininini, wenze njengokukhuluma kwakho. Njalo kalibe likhulu ibizo lakho kuze kube nininini, kuthiwe: yamabandla inguNkulunkulu phezu kukaIsrayeli; lendlu yenceku yakho uDavida imiswe phambi kwakho. Ngoba wena, N yamabandla, Nkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, wembule e ndlebe niyenceku yakho, usithi: Ngizakwakhela indlu. Ngakho inceku yakho ithole enhliziyweni yayo ukuthi ikhuleke lumkhuleko kuwe. Khathesi-ke, Nkosi Jehova, wena ungulowoNkulunkulu, lamazwi akho aliqiniso; ukhulume encekwini yakho lokhu okuhle. Ngakho-ke akuvume ubusise indlu yenceku yakho ukuze ibe phambi kwakho kuze kube nininini; ngoba wena, Nkosi Jehova, ukhulumile; langesibusiso sakho indlu yenceku yakho izabusiswa kuze kube nininini. Kwasekusithi emva kwalokho uDavida watshaya amaFilisti, wawehlisela phansi; uDavida wasethatha iMethegama esandleni samaFilisti. Wasetshaya amaMowabi. UDavida wasetshaya uHadadezeri indodana kaRehobi inkosi yeZoba. UDavida wasethumba kuye inqolaeziyinkulungwane, labagadi bamabhiza abangamakhulu ayisikhombisa, lamadoda ahamba ngenyawo ayizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili; waquma imisipha yawo wonke amabhiza enqola, kodwa watshiya kuwo izinqola ezilikhulu. Lapho amaSiriya aweDamaseko efika ukusiza uHadadezeri inkosi yeZoba, uDavida watshaya amadoda ayizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lambili kumaSiriya. UDavida wasebeka amabutho enqaba eSiriya. UDavida wasethatha izihlangu zegolide ezazisezincekwini zikaHadadezeri, waziletha eJerusalema. Inkosi uDavida yasithatha ithusi elinengi kakhulu eBeta leBerothayi, imizi kaHadadezeri. Lapho uToyi inkosi yeHamathi esizwa ukuthi uDavida wayetshaye ibutho lonke likaHadadezeri, uToyi wasethuma uJoramu indodana yakhe enkosini uDavida ukuyibuza impilo lokuyibusisa, ngoba yayilwe loHadadezeri yamtshaya (ngoba uHadadezeri waba lezimpi loToyi); njalo esandleni sakhe kwakulezitsha zesiliva lezitsha zegolide lezitsha zethusi. Lazo inkosi uDavida yazehlukanisela kanye lesiliva legolide eyayilehlukanisile livela ezizweni zonke eyayizehlisele phansi, eSiriya, lakoMowabi, lakubantwana bakoAmoni, lempangweni kaHadadezeri indodana kaRehobi, inkosi yeZoba. UDavida wase z enzela ibizo ekubuyeni kwakhe ekutshayeni amaSiriya, esihotsheni seTshwayi. Wasebeka amabutho enqaba eEdoma lonke. UDavida wabusa-ke phezu kukaIsrayeli wonke; uDavida wayesenza ukwahlulela lokulunga kubo bonke abantu bakhe. Njalo uJowabi indodana kaZeruya wayephezu kwebutho; loZadoki indodana kaAhitubi loAhimeleki indodana kaAbhiyatha babengabapristi; loSeraya wayengumbhali; loBhenaya indodana kaJehoyada; lamadodana kaDavida ayeyiziphathamandla. UDavida wasesithi: Kusekhona yini oseleyo endlini kaSawuli ukuze ngimenzele umusa ngenxa kaJonathani? Njalo indlu kaSawuli yayilenceku obizo layo lalinguZiba. Sebembizele kuDavida, inkosi yathi kuye: UnguZiba yini? Wasesithi: Ngiy inceku yakho. Inkosi yasisithi: Kakuselamuntu yini wendlu kaSawuli, engingamenzela umusa kaNkulunkulu. Inkosi yasisithi kuye: Ingaphi? UZiba wasesithi enkosini: Khangela, isendlini kaMakiri indodana kaAmiyeli eLodebari. Inkosi uDavida yasithuma yamlanda endlini kaMakiri indodana kaAmiyeli eLodebari. Lapho uMefiboshethi indodana kaJonathani indodana kaSawuli esefika kuDavida, wathi mbo ngobuso bakhe, wakhothama. UDavida wasesithi: Mefiboshethi! Wasesithi: Khangela, inceku yakho. UDavida wasesithi kuye: Ungesabi, ngoba ngizakwenzela lokukwenzela umusa ngenxa kaJonathani uyihlo; ngizakubuyisela ilizwe lonke likaSawuli uyihlo, wena-ke uzakudla isinkwa etafuleni lami njalonjalo. Wasekhothama, wathi: Iyini inceku yakho ukuthi ukhangele inja efileyo enjengami? Inkosi yasibiza uZiba, inceku kaSawuli, yathi kuye: Konke okwakungokukaSawuli, lendlu yakhe yonke ngikunike indodana yenkosi yakho. Uzayilimela-ke umhlaba, wena lamadodana akho lenceku zakho, lilethe izitheloukuze indodana yenkosi yakho ibe lesinkwa engasidla; kodwa uMefiboshethi indodana yenkosi yakho uzakudla isinkwa etafuleni lami njalonjalo. UZiba wasesithi enkosini: Njengakho konke inkosi yami, inkosi, ekulaya inceku yayo, izakwenza njalo inceku yakho. NgoMefiboshethi, uzakudla etafuleni lami, njengomunye wamadodana enkosi. Njalo uMefiboshethi wayelendodana encinyane, obizo layo lalinguMika. Labo bonke ababehlala endlini kaZiba baba zinceku zikaMefiboshethi. UMefiboshethi wasehlala eJerusalema, ngoba wadla etafuleni lenkosi njalonjalo. Wayeyisilima inyawo zakhe zombili. Kwasekusithi emva kwalokho. UDavida wasesithi: Ngizamenzela umusa uHanuni indodana kaNahashi njengoba uyise wangenzela umusa. UDavida wasethuma ngesandla senceku zakhe ukuyamduduza ngoyise. Zafika-ke izinceku zikaDavida elizweni labantwana bakoAmoni. Iziphathamandla zabantwana bakoAmoni zasezisithi kuHanuni inkosi yazo: Kambe uDavida uyamhlonipha uyihlo emehlweni akho ngoba ethume abaduduzi kuwe? UDavida kazithumanga yini inceku zakhe kuwe ukuze ziphenye umuzi, ziwuhlole, ziwuchithe? UHanuni wasebamba izinceku zikaDavida, wagela ingxenye yendevu zazo, waquma izembatho zazo phakathi kuze kube sezibunu zazo, waziyekela zahamba. Sebembikele uDavida wathumela ukuzihlangabeza ngoba amadoda ayelenhloni kakhulu; inkosi yasisithi: Hlalani eJeriko zize zihlume indevu zenu, beselibuya. Lapho abantwana bakoAmoni sebebonile ukuthi baba levumba kuDavida, amadoda ayinkulungwane, lebantwini beTobi, amadoda azinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili. Kwathi uDavida esekuzwile wathuma uJowabi lebutho lonke lamaqhawe. Abantwana bakoAmoni basebephuma bahlela impi emnyango wesango; lamaSiriya eZoba leRehobi, labantu beTobi leMahaka babebodwa egangeni. Lapho uJowabi ebona ukuthi impi ikhangele kuye ngaphambili langemuva, wakhetha kubo bonke abakhethiweyo koIsrayeli, wabahlela ukuthi bamelane lamaSiriya. Abaseleyo babantu wasebanikela esandleni sikaAbishayi umfowabo, owabahlela ukuthi bamelane labantwana bakoAmoni. Wasesithi: Uba amaSiriya elamandla kakhulu kulami, khona uzakuba lusizo kimi; kodwa uba abantwana bakoAmoni belamandla kakhulu kulawe, khona ngizakuza ukukusiza. Qina. UJowabi wasesondela, labantu ababelaye, empini lamaSiriya; asebaleka phambi kwakhe. Lapho abantwana bakoAmoni bebona ukuthi amaSiriya ayabaleka, labo babaleka phambi kukaAbishayi, bangena emzini. UJowabi wasebuyela esuka ebantwaneni bakoAmoni, weza eJerusalema. AmaSiriya esebonile ukuthi atshayiwe phambi kukaIsrayeli, abuthana ndawonye. UHadadezeri wasethumela, wakhupha amaSiriya ayengaphetsheya komfula, afika eHelamu, loShobaki induna yebutho likaHadadezeri phambi kwawo. Lapho kubikelwa uDavida, wabuthanisa uIsrayeli wonke, wachapha iJodani, wafika eHelamu. AmaSiriya asezihlelela ukumelana loDavida, alwa laye. AmaSiriya asebaleka phambi kukaIsrayeli; uDavida wasetshaya kumaSiriya izinqola ezingamakhulu ayisikhombisa. Lapho wonke amakhosi, izinceku zikaHadadezeri, ebona ukuthi atshaywa phambi kukaIsrayeli, enza ukuthula loIsrayeli. Kwasekusithi ekuthwaseni komnyaka ngesikhathi amakhosi aphuma ngaso impi, uDavida wathuma uJowabi lenceku zakhe kanye laye loIsrayeli wonke; basebechitha abantwana bakoAmoni. Kodwa uDavida wahlala eJerusalema. Kwasekusithi ngesikhathi sakusihlwa uDavida wavuka embhedeni wakhe, wahambahamba phezu kophahla lwendlu yenkosi; esephahleni wasebona owesifazana egeza. UDavida wasethuma wabuza ngalowowesifazana. Kwasekuthiwa: Lo kakusuye uBathisheba yini, indodakazi kaEliyamu, umkaUriya umHethi? UDavida wasethuma izithunywa wamthatha, owesifazana weza kuye, walala laye), wasebuyela endlini yakhe. Owesifazana wasethatha isisu, wathumela watshela uDavida wathi: Se ngilesisu. UDavida wasethumela kuJowabi wathi: Thumela kimi uUriya umHethi. UJowabi wasethumela uUriya kuDavida. Esefikile kuye uUriya, uDavida wambuza ngempilakahle kaJowabi langempilakahle yabantu langempumelelo yempi. UDavida wasesithi kuUriya: Yehlela endlini yakho, ugeze inyawo zakho. Kodwa uUriya walala emnyango wendlu yenkosi kanye lenceku zonke zenkosi yakhe, kehlelanga endlini yakhe. Kwathi sebemtshelile uDavida besithi: U-Uriya kehlelanga endlini yakhe, uDavida wathi kuUriya: Kawuveli ekuhambeni yini? Kungani ungehlelanga endlini yakho? U-Uriya wasesithi kuDavida: Umtshokotsho, loIsrayeli, loJuda kuhlala emathenteni. UDavida wasesithi kuUriya: Hlala lapha lalamuhla, kusasa-ke ngizakuvumela ukuthi uhambe. U-Uriya wasehlala eJerusalema ngalolosuku langosuku olulandelayo. UDavida wasembiza ukuthi adle anathe phambi kwakhe, wamdakisa; njalo kusihlwa waphuma ukuyalala embhedeni wakhe kanye lenceku zenkosi yakhe, kodwa kehlelanga endlini yakhe. Kwasekusithi ekuseni uDavida wabhalela uJowabi incwadi, wa yi thumela ngesandla sikaUriya. Wasebhala encwadini esithi: Misani uUriya phambili eqondene lokulwa okutshisayo kakhulu, beselihlehlela nyovane lisuka kuye, ukuze atshaywe afe. Kwasekusithi lapho uJowabi esewukhangelisisile umuzi, wamisa uUriya endaweni azi ukuthi kulamaqhawe khona. Amadoda omuzi asephuma alwa loJowabi; kwawa abanyebabantu, benceku zikaDavida; wafa laye uUriya umHethi. UJowabi wasethuma wambikela uDavida zonke indaba zempi; wasilaya isithunywa esithi: Lapho usuqedile ukuyibikela inkosi zonke izindaba zempi, kuzakuthi-ke uba ulaka lwenkosi luvuka, isithi kuwe: Belisondelelani kangakaemzini ukulwa? Belingazi yini ukuthi bebezaciba besemdulini? Ngubani owatshaya uAbhimeleki indodana kaJerubeshethi? Angithi owesifazana wamwisela ngocezu lwelitshe lokuchola ephezu komduli, waze wafa eThebezi? Lisondeleleni eduze lomduli? Ubususithi: Inceku yakho uUriya umHethi laye ufile. Sasesihamba isithunywa, safika sambikela uDavida konke uJowabi ayesithume khona. Isithunywa sasesisithi kuDavida: Isibili, abantu basehlula, basiphumela egangeni; kodwa saba phezu kwabo kwaze kwaba semnyango wesango. Abatshoki basebetshoka ezincekwini zakho bephezu komduli; zifile l ezinyezenceku zenkosi; lenceku yakho uUriya umHethi ifile layo. UDavida wasesithi kuso isithunywa: Uzakutsho njalo kuJowabi uthi: Le into kayingabimbi emehlweni akho, ngoba inkemba idla omunye njengomunye; qinisa impi yakho imelane lomuzi, uwuchithe; ubusumqinisa. Lapho umkaUriya esezwile ukuthi uUriya indoda yakhe ufile, wayililela indoda yakhe. Sekwedlulile ukulila, uDavida wathuma, wamletha endlini yakhe; wasesiba ngumkakhe, wamzalela indodana. Kodwa leyonto uDavida ayenzayo yayimbi emehlweni eN. yasithuma uNathani kuDavida. Wasefika kuye wathi kuye: Kwakukhona amadoda amabili emzini owodwa; enye inothile, lenye ingumyanga. Enothileyo yayilezimvu lenkomo ezinengi kakhulu. Kodwa engumyanga yayingelalutho ngaphandle kwewundlu elincinyane elilodwa elisikazi eyayilithengile, yalondla; lakhula layo, njalo labantwana bayo ndawonye. Ladla okocezu lwayo, lanatha okwenkezo yayo; lalala esifubeni sayo, lalinjengendodakazi kiyo. Kwasekufika isihambi endodeni enothileyo; yasiyekela ukuthatha ezimvini zayo lenkomeni zayo ukulungisela isihambi esasifike kiyo, kodwa yathatha iwundlu elisikazi lendoda engumyanga, yalilungisela umuntu owayefike kiyo. Ulaka lukaDavida lwaseluvuthela lowomuntu kakhulu, wathi kuNathani: Kuphila kukaJehova, isibili umuntu owenze lokho uyindodana yokufa. Njalo uzalibuyisela iwundlu elisikazi liphindwe kane, ngenxa yokuthi enze le into langenxa yokuthi engabanga lozwelo. UNathani wasesithi kuDavida: Nguwe lowomuntu! Itsho njalo uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Ngakugcoba waba yinkosi phezu kukaIsrayeli, ngakukhulula esandleni sikaSawuli. Ngakunika indlu yenkosi yakho labafazi benkosi yakho esifubeni sakho, ngakunika indlu kaIsrayeli lekaJuda; uba-ke bekukuncinyane, bengingakwengezelela okunje lokunje. Udeleleleni ilizwi leN ukuthi wenze okubi emehlweni ayo. Ngakho-ke inkemba kayiyikusuka endlini yakho kuze kube nininini, ngenxa yokuthi ungidelele, wathatha umkaUriya umHethi ukuthi abe ngumkakho. Itsho njalo iN: Khangela, ngizakuvusela okubi kuvela endlini yakho, ngithathe omkakho phambi kwamehlo akho, ngibanike umakhelwane wakho, alale labomkakho phambi kwalelilanga. Ngoba wena wakwenza ensitha, kodwa mina ngizakwenza le into phambi kukaIsrayeli wonke laphambi kwelanga. UDavida wasesithi kuNathani. Loba kunjalo, ngoba wenze izitha zeN zidelele lokudelela ngalindaba, laye umntwana ozalelwe wena uzakufa lokufa. UNathani wasesiya endlini yakhe. yasimtshaya umntwana umkaUriya amzalela uDavida, wagula kakhulu. Ngakho uDavida wamncengela umntwana kuNkulunkulu; uDavida wasezila izilo lokudla, wangena, walala emhlabathini ubusuku bonke. Abadala bendlu yakhe basebesukuma baya kuye ukumvusa emhlabathini; kodwa kafunanga, futhi kadlanga ukudla labo. Kwasekusithi ngosuku lwesikhombisa umntwana wafa. Izinceku zikaDavida zasezisesaba ukumtshela ukuthi umntwana ufile; ngoba zathi: Khangela, umntwana esaphila sakhuluma laye, kalalelanga ilizwi lethu; pho, singamtshela njani ukuthi umntwana ufile? Anga zi limaza. Kodwa uDavida ebona ukuthi inceku zakhe ziyanyenyezelana, uDavida waqedisisa ukuthi umntwana u se file; ngakho uDavida wathi ezincekwini zakhe: Umntwana u se file yini? Zasezisithi: U se file. UDavida wasevuka emhlabathini, wageza, wagcoba, wantshintsha izigqoko zakhe, wangena endlini yeN KOSI; wasesiya endlini yakhe, wacela, babeka ukudla phambi kwakhe, wadla. Inceku zakhe zasezisithi kuye: Iyini le into oyenzileyo? Ngenxa yomntwana ophilayo uzile ukudla wakhala inyembezi; kodwa lapho umntwana esefile, uvukile wadla isinkwa. Wasesithi: Umntwana esaphila, ngizile ukudla, ngakhala inyembezi, ngoba ngathi: Ngubani owaziyo ingangihawukela ukuthi umntwana aphile. Kodwa khathesi usefile, ngizazilelani? Ngilakho ukumbuyisa yini futhi. UDavida wasemduduza uBathisheba umkakhe, wangena kuye, walala laye; wazala indodana. Wasethuma ngesandla sikaNathani umprofethi, wabiza ibizo layo wathinguJedidiya, ngenxa kaJehova. UJowabi walwa-ke, wathumba umuzi wobukhosi. UJowabi wasethuma izithunywa kuDavida wathi: Ngilwe leRaba, njalo ngathumba umuzi wamanzi. Ngakho-ke buthanisa abantu abaseleyo, umise inkamba maqondana lomuzi, uwuthumbe, hlezi mina ngiwuthumbe umuzi, lebizo lami libizwe phezu kwawo. UDavida wasebuthanisa bonke abantu, waya eRaba, walwa layo, wayithumba. Wasethatha umqhele wenkosi ekhanda lakhe, osisindo sawo sasilithalenta legolide lelitshe eliligugu, waba sekhanda likaDavida. Wasekhipha impango yomuzi enengi kakhulu. Wakhupha labantu ababephakathi kwawo, wababeka. Kwasekusithi emva kwalokho uAbisalomu indodana kaDavida wayelodadewabo omuhle; uAmnoni indodana kaDavida wasemthanda. UAmnoni wasehlupheka kakhulu waze wagula ngenxa kaTamari udadewabo; ngoba wayeyintombi emsulwa, kwasekusiba nzima emehlweni kaAmnoni ukwenza ulutho kuye. Kodwa uAmnoni wayelomngane, obizo lakhe lalinguJonadabi indodana kaShimeya umfowabo kaDavida; njalo uJonadabi wayengumuntu olobuqili kakhulu. Wasesithi kuye: Kungani wena, indodana yenkosi, ucaka kangaka ukusa ngokusa? Ungengitshele yini? UAmnoni wasesithi kuye: Ngiyamthanda uTamari udadewabo kaAbisalomu umfowethu. UJonadabi wasesithi kuye: Lala embhedeni wakho, uzitshaye ogulayo; lapho uyihlo efika ukukubona, uzakuthi kuye: Ake kuze uTamari udadewethu, anginike ukudla, akulungise ukudla phambi kwamehlo ami, ukuze ngikubone, ngidle esandleni sakhe. Waselala phansi uAmnoni, wazitshaya ogulayo; lapho inkosi ifika ukuzambona, uAmnoni wathi enkosini: Ake kuze uTamari udadewethu, enze amaqebelengwana amabili phambi kwamehlo ami ukuthi ngidle esandleni sakhe. UDavida wasethumela endlini kuTamari esithi: Yana khathesi endlini yomfowenu uAmnoni, umenzele ukudla. Ngakho uTamari waya endlini kaAmnoni umfowabo, owayelele phansi. Wathatha inhlama, wayixova, wenza amaqebelengwana phambi kwamehlo akhe, wapheka amaqebelengwana. Wasethatha ipani, wa wa thulula phambi kwakhe, kodwa wala ukudla; uAmnoni wasesithi: Khupha wonke umuntu kimi. Basebephuma, wonke umuntu kuye. UAmnoni wasesithi kuTamari: Letha ukudla ekamelweni ukuze ngidle esandleni sakho. UTamari wasethatha amaqebelengwana ayewenzile, wawangenisa ekamelweni kuAmnoni umnewabo. Lapho ewasondeza kuye ukuthi adle, wambamba, wathi kuye: Woza ulale lami, dadewethu. Wasesithi kuye: Hatshi mnewethu, ungangibhinyi, ngoba okunje kakwenziwa koIsrayeli. Mina-ke ngingalisa ngaphi ihlazo lami? Lawe uzakuba njengomunye weziphukuphuku koIsrayeli. Ngalokho-ke, ake ukhulume lenkosi, ngoba kayiyikungigodla kuwe. Kodwa kafunanga ukulalela ilizwi lakhe; kodwa elamandla kulaye, wambhinya walala laye. UAmnoni wasemzonda ngenzondo enkulu kakhulu; ngoba inzondo amzonda ngayo yayinkulu kulothando ayemthande ngalo. UAmnoni wasesithi kuye: Vuka uhambe. Yena wasesithi kuye: Kakulazizatho; lobububi bokungixotsha bukhulu okwedlula obunye obenze kimi. Kodwa kafunanga ukumlalela. Wasebiza inceku yakhe eyayisebenza kuye, wathi: Umkhuphele phandle lo khathesi asuke kimi, unxibe umnyango emva kwakhe. Njalo wayegqoke isigqoko esilemibalabala, ngoba amadodakazi enkosi ayizintombi ezimsulwa ayegqoka izigqoko ezinjalo. UTamari wasezithela ngomlotha ekhanda, wadabula isigqoko sakhe esilemibalabala ayesigqokile. UAbisalomu umnewabo wasesithi kuye: UAminoni umnewenu kade elawe yini? Ngakho-ke, thula, dadewethu, ungumnewenu; ungabeki inhliziyo yakho kulindaba. Ngakho uTamari wahlala eyedwa endlini kaAbisalomu umnewabo. Inkosi uDavida isizwile zonke lezizinto yathukuthela kakhulu. UAbisalomu kakhulumanga loAmnoni okuhle kumbe okubi, ngoba uAbisalomu wamzonda uAmnoni, ngenxa yokuthi wayebhinye uTamari udadewabo. Kwasekusithi emva kweminyaka emibili epheleleyo uAbisalomu wayelabagundi bezimvueBhali-Hazori eliseceleni kweEfrayimi; uAbisalomu wasenxusa wonke amadodana enkosi. UAbisalomu wasesiza enkosini wathi: Khangela khathesi, inceku yakho ilabagundi; inkosi ake ihambe lenceku zayo lenceku yakho. Kodwa inkosi yathi kuAbisalomu: Hatshi, ndodana yami, ake singahambi sonke, hlezi sibe ngumthwalo kuwe. Wayibamba ngamandla kodwa kayivumanga ukuhamba, kodwa yambusisa. UAbisalomu wasesithi: Uba kungenjalo, ake ahambe lathi uAmnoni umfowethu. Inkosi yasisithi kuye: Uzahambelani lawe? UAbisalomu eseyicindezele, yabayekela oAmnoni lawo wonke amadodana enkosi ahamba laye. UAbisalomu waselaya inceku zakhe esithi: Khangelani-ke, nxa inhliziyo kaAmnoni isithokoza ngewayini, lapho ngisithi kini: Tshayani uAmnoni, beselimbulala; lingesabi; angithi ngoba mina ngililayile? Qinani, libe ngamaqhawe. Izinceku zikaAbisalomu zasezisenza kuAmnoni njengokulaya kukaAbisalomu. Amadodana wonke enkosi asesukuma, agada, ngulowo lalowo imbongolo yakhe, abaleka. Kwasekusithi besesendleleni, kwafika umbiko kuDavida usithi: UAbisalomu utshaye wonke amadodana enkosi, kakusalanga leyodwa yawo. Inkosi yasisukuma yadabula izigqoko zayo; lazo zonke inceku zayo zazimi izigqoko zidatshuliwe. UJonadabi indodana kaShimeya, umfowabo kaDavida, wasephendula wathi: Inkosi yami kayingathi babulele wonke amajaha, amadodana enkosi, ngoba nguAmnoni yedwa ofileyo; ngoba ngomlomo kaAbisalomu kwanqunywa kusukela osukwini abhinya ngalo udadewabo uTamari. Ngakho-ke inkosi yami, inkosi, kayingayibeki indaba enhliziyweni yayo, ukuthi wonke amadodana enkosi afile, ngoba nguAmnoni yedwa ofileyo. Kodwa uAbisalomu wabaleka. Ijaha elilindayo laseliphakamisa amehlo alo, labona, khangela-ke, abantu abanengi babesiza ngendlela emva kwalo ehlangothini lwentaba. UJonadabi wasesithi enkosini: Khangela, amadodana enkosi ayeza; njengokwelizwi lenceku yakho, kunjalo. Kwasekusithi ekuqedeni kwakhe ukukhuluma, khangela, afika amadodana enkosi, aphakamisa ilizwi lawo, akhala inyembezi; lenkosi layo lazo zonke inceku zayo bakhala inyembezi ngokukhala okukhulukazi. Kodwa uAbisalomu wabaleka waya kuTalimayi indodana kaAmihudi inkosi yeGeshuri. UDavidawaselilela indodana yakhe insuku zonke. Wabaleka-ke uAbisalomu, waya eGeshuri, waba lapho iminyaka emithathu. InhliziyokaDavida inkosi yasikhanuka kakhulu ukuphuma iye kuAbisalomu, ngoba wayeseduduzekile ngoAmnoni ukuthi ufile. UJowabi indodana kaZeruya wasenanzelela ukuthi inhliziyo yenkosi ikuAbisalomu. UJowabi wasethumela eThekhowa. Ungene enkosini, ukhulume kuyo ngalindlela. UJowabi wasefaka amazwi emlonyeni wakhe. Lapho owesifazana umThekhowa ekhuluma enkosini, wathi mbo ngobuso bakhe emhlabathini, wakhothama, wathi: Siza, nkosi! Inkosi yasisithi kuye: Ulani? Yena wasesithi: Sibili, ngingumfazi ongumfelokazi, lendoda yami yafa. Njalo incekukazi yakho yayilamadodana amabili, alwa womabili egangeni; kwakungelamlamuli phakathi kwawo; enye yasitshaya enye, yayibulala. Khangela-ke, usendo lonke seluvukele incekukazi yakho, bathi: Nikela lowo owatshaya umfowabo wambulala, ukuthi simbulale ngenxa yempilo yomfowabo ambulalayo. Inkosi yasisithi kowesifazana: Yana endlini yakho; mina-ke ngizalaya ngawe. Owesifazana umThekhowa wasesithi enkosini: Nkosi yami, nkosi, icala kalibe phezu kwami laphezu kwendlu kababa. Inkosi yasisithi: Okhuluma uluthokuwe, umlethe kimi, njalo kayikuphinda akuthinte futhi. Wasesithi: Inkosi ake ikhumbule uNkulunkulu wayo ukuthi umphindiseli wegazi angabe esachitha, hlezi bachithe indodana yami. Owesifazana wasesithi: Incekukazi yakho ake ikhulume ilizwi enkosini yami inkosi. Yasisithi: Khuluma. Owesifazana wasesithi: Pho, unakaneleni okunje ngabantu bakaNkulunkulu. Ngoba kumele sife, sinjengamanzi achithekele emhlabathini angabuthwanga. Ngakho-ke, njengoba ngizile ukukhuluma linto enkosini, inkosi yami, ku ngoba abantu bangesabisile; incekukazi yakho yasisithi: Khathesi ngizakhuluma lenkosi; mhlawumbe inkosi izakwenza ilizwi lencekukazi yayo. Ngoba inkosi izakuzwa, ukukhulula incekukazi yayo esandleni somuntu ofunaukuchitha mina kanye lendodana yami elifeni likaNkulunkulu. Incekukazi yakho yasisithi: Akuthi ilizwi lenkosi yami, inkosi, libe ngelokuthula, ngoba njengengilosi kaNkulunkulu, injalo inkosi yami, inkosi, ukuzwa okubi lokuhle. Ngakho uNkulunkulu wakho kayibe lawe. Inkosi yasiphendula yathi kowesifazana: Ake ungangifihleli indaba engizayibuza kuwe. Owesifazana wasesithi: Ake ikhulume inkosi yami, inkosi. Inkosi yasisithi: Isandla sikaJowabi silawe yini kukho konke lokhu? Owesifazana wasephendula wathi: Kuphila komphefumulo wakho, nkosi yami; ngoba inceku yakho uJowabi, yona yangilaya, yiyo eyafunza incekukazi yakho wonke lamazwi. Inceku yakho uJowabi iyenzile linto ukuthi iphendule ukuma kwendaba. Njalo inkosi yami ihlakaniphile njengenhlakanipho yengilosi kaNkulunkulu, ukwazi konke okusemhlabeni. Inkosi yasisithi kuJowabi: Khangela khathesi, ngenzile lindaba; ngakho hamba ubuyise umfana uAbisalomu. UJowabi wasesithi mbo ngobuso emhlabathini, wakhothama, wayibusisa inkosi; uJowabi wasesithi: Lamuhla inceku yakho iyazi ukuthi ngithole umusa emehlweni akho, nkosi yami, nkosi, ngokuthi inkosi yenzile indaba yenceku yayo. Wasesuka uJowabi, waya eGeshuri, wamletha uAbisalomu eJerusalema. Inkosi yasisithi: Kaphendukele endlini yakhe, angaboni ubuso bami. Ngakho uAbisalomu waphendukela endlini yakhe, kabonanga ubuso benkosi. KoIsrayeli wonke-ke kwakungelamuntu onjengoAbisalomu ukudunyiswa kakhulu ngobuhle; kwakungelasici kuye kusukela kungaphansi yonyawo lwakhe kuze kufike enkanda yakhe. Nxa ephuca ikhanda lakhe - walinganisa inwele zekhanda lakhe, amashekeli angamakhulu amabili ngesilinganiso senkosi. Kwasekuzalelwa uAbisalomu amadodana amathathu lendodakazi eyodwa, obizo layo lalinguTamari. UAbisalomu wasehlala eJerusalema iminyaka emibili epheleleyo, kabonanga ubuso benkosi. UAbisalomu wasethumela kuJowabi ukuthi amthume enkosini; kodwa kavumanga ukuza kuye. Waphinda wathumela ngokwesibili, kodwa kavumanga ukuza. Wasesithi ezincekwini zakhe: Bonani, isabelo sikaJowabi siseceleni kwesami, njalo ulebhali lapho; hambani lisithungele ngomlilo. Izinceku zikaAbisalomu zasezithungela isabelo ngomlilo. Wasesuka uJowabi weza kuAbisalomu endlini, wathi kuye: Izinceku zakho zithungeleleni isabelo esingesami ngomlilo? UAbisalomu wasesithi kuJowabi: Khangela, ngithumele kuwe ngisithi: Woza lapha, ukuze ngikuthume enkosini, ukuthi: Ngibuyeleni ngisuka eGeshuri? Bekukuhle kimi ukuthi ngabe ngilokhu ngikhonale. Ngakho-ke kangibone ubuso benkosi; njalo uba kulecala kimi, kayingibulale. Ngakho uJowabi weza enkosini, wayitshela; isimbizile uAbisalomu weza enkosini, wayikhothamela ngobuso bakhe emhlabathini, phambi kwenkosi; inkosi yasimanga uAbisalomu. Kwasekusithi emva kwalokhu uAbisalomu wazilungisela izinqola lamabhiza, labantu abangamatshumi amahlanu begijima phambi kwakhe. UAbisalomu wayesevuka ekuseni kakhulu eme eceleni kwendlela yesango; kwakusithi wonke umuntu olecala lomthetho eliya enkosini ukwahlulelwa, uAbisalomu ambize athi: Ungowawuphi umuzi? Lapho esithi: Inceku yakho ingowesinye sezizwe zakoIsrayeli; uAbisalomu abesesithi kuye: Bona, indaba zakho zinhle zilungile, kodwa kakho owenkosi ukuthi akuzwe. UAbisalomu abesesithi: Kungathi ngabe ngibekwe umahluleli elizweni, ukuthi wonke umuntu olecala lomthetho lodaba angeza kimi, njalo bengizamlungisela. Kwakusithi lapho kusondela umuntu ukumkhothamela, elule isandla sakhe, ambambe, amange. UAbisalomu wasesenza ngalindlela kuIsrayeli wonke, bona abeza enkosini ukwahlulelwa; ngalokho uAbisalomu wathumba inhliziyo yamadoda akoIsrayeli. Kwasekusithi ekupheleni kweminyaka engamatshumi amane uAbisalomu wathi enkosini: Ake ngiyekhokha isithembiso sami engasithembisa eNni eHebroni. Ngoba inceku yakho yathembisa isithembiso. Inkosi yasisithi kuye: Hamba ngokuthula. Wasesukuma waya eHebroni. Kodwa uAbisalomu wathuma izinhloli ezizweni zonke zakoIsrayeli esithi: Lapho lisizwa ukukhala kophondo, lizakuthi: UAbisalomu uyinkosi eHebroni! Kwasekuhamba loAbisalomu amadoda angamakhulu amabili esuka eJerusalema, anxusiweyo. UAbisalomu wasethumela wabizauAhithofeli weGilo. Kwasekufika isithunywa kuDavida, sisithi: Inhliziyo yabantu bakoIsrayeli ilandela uAbisalomu. Wasesithi uDavida ezincekwini zakhe zonke ezazilaye eJerusalema: Sukumani, sibaleke, ngoba kasilakuphepha ebusweni bukaAbisalomu. Phangisani ukuhamba, hlezi aphangise asifice, asehlisele okubi, atshaye umuzi ngobukhali benkemba. Izinceku zenkosi zasezisithi enkosini: Njengakho konke inkosi, inkosi yami, ekukhethayo, khangela, nanziinceku zakho. Yasiphuma inkosi, layo yonke indlu yayo iyilandela. Inkosi yasitshiya abafazi abalitshumi, abafazi abancane, ukuze balinde indlu. Yasiphuma inkosi, labo bonke abantu beyilandela; bema endlini ekhatshana. Lazo zonke inceku zayo zedlula eceleni kwayo, njalo wonke amaKerethi, edlula phambi kwenkosi. Inkosi yasisithi kuIthayi umGiti. Ufike izolo; pho, lamuhla ngikuzulazulise ngokuhamba lathi, njengoba ngiya lapho engiya khona? Buyela ubuyisele abafowenu. Umusa leqiniso kakube lawe. Kodwa uIthayi wayiphendula inkosi wathi: Kuphila kukaJehova, njalo kuphila kwenkosi yami, inkosi, isibili kuleyondawo lapho inkosi yami, inkosi, ezakuba kiyo, loba kusekufeni loba kusekuphileni, lalapho izakuba khona inceku yakho. UDavida wasesithi kuIthayi: Hamba, uchaphe. UIthayi umGiti wasechapha kanye labantu bakhe bonke labantwanyana ababelaye. Ilizwe lonke lakhala inyembezi ngelizwi elikhulu, njalo abantu bonke bachapha. Inkosi yasichapha isifula iKidroni. Njalo khangela, uZadoki laye lawo wonke amaLevi elaye, abantu bonke baze baphela ukudlula bephuma emzini. Inkosi yasisithi kuZadoki: Buyisela umtshokotsho kaNkulunkulu emzini. Uba ngizathola umusa emehlweni eN, izangibuyisa. Kodwa uba isitsho njalo, ithi: Kangithokozi ngawe. Inkosi yasisithi kuZadoki umpristi: Ungumboni yini. Bona, ngizalinda emazibukweni enkangala, kuze kufike ilizwi elivela kini lokungibikela. Ngakho uZadoki loAbhiyatha bawubuyisela umtshokotsho kaNkulunkulu eJerusalema, bahlala khona. UDavida wasesenyuka ngomqanso wemihlwathi, esenyuka ekhala inyembezi, embomboze ikhanda lakhe. Kwasekubikwa kuDavida kwathiwa: UAhithofeli uphakathi kwabakugobe loAbisalomu. UDavida wasesithi: N, ake enze icebo likaAhithofeli libe yibuthutha. Kwasekusithi uDavida esefike engqongeni lapho ayekhonza khona uNkulunkulu, khangela, uHushayi umArki wamhlangabeza. UDavida wasesithi kuye: Uba usedlula lami, uzakuba ngumthwalo kimi. Kodwa uba ubuyela emzini uthi kuAbisalomu: Ngizakuba yinceku yakho, nkosi. Njalo kabakho yini kanye lawe lapho oZadoki loAbhiyatha abapristi? Ngakho kuzakuthi yonke indaba oyizwayo endlini yenkosi, uyitshele oZadoki loAbhiyatha abapristi. Khangela, kukhona lapho kanye labo amadodana abo amabili, uAhimahazi okaZadoki, loJonathani okaAbhiyatha; njalo uzathumela ngesandla sabo kimi yonke into ozayizwa. UHushayi umngane kaDavida wasefika emzini. Kwathi uDavida esedlule kancinyane engqongeni. Inkosi yasisithi kuZiba: Uthini nga lezizinto? UZiba wasesithi: Obabhemi ngabendlu yenkosi ukuthi bagade, lezinkwa lezithelo zehlobo ngezamajaha ukuthi adle. Inkosi yasisithi: Pho, ingaphi indodana yenkosi yakho? UZiba wasesithi enkosini: Khangela, uhlezi eJerusalema, ngoba uthe: Lamuhla uIsrayeli uzabuyisela kimi umbuso kababa. Inkosi yasisithi kuZiba: Khangela, ngokwakho konke okukaMefiboshethi. UZiba wasesithi: Ngiyakhothama; kangithole umusa emehlweni akho, nkosi yami, nkosi. Kwathi inkosi uDavida ifika eBahurimi; waphuma, ehamba ethuka. Wasejikijela uDavida ngamatshe kanye lenceku zonke zenkosi uDavida, labo bonke abantu lamaqhawe wonke ngakwesokunene sakhe langakwesokhohlo sakhe. Wasesitsho njalo uShimeyi ekuthukeni kwakhe: Phuma, phuma, muntu wegazi, muntu kaBheliyali! ibuyisele phezu kwakho. UAbishayi indodana kaZeruya wasesithi enkosini: Linja efileyo iyithukelani inkosi yami, inkosi? Ake ngedlule ngisuse ikhanda layo. Kodwa inkosi yathi: Ngilani lani? Ngakho kathuke, ngoba ithe kuye: Thuka uDavida; pho, ngubani ozakuthi: Wenzeleni njalo? UDavida wasesithi kuAbishayi lakuzo zonke inceku zakhe: Khangela, indodana yami, ephume emibilini yami, idinga impilo yami; kangakanani-ke lumBhenjamini? Myekeleni, athuke, ngoba ikhulumile kuye. Mhlawumbe iN KOSI. UDavida labantu bakhe basebehamba ngendlela; loShimeyi ehamba eceleni kwentaba maqondana laye, ehamba ethuka, emjikijela ngamatshe, e m thela ngothuli. Inkosi labo bonke abantu ababelayo bafika sebekhathele; yasihlumelela khona. UAbisalomu labantu bonke, amadoda akoIsrayeli, basebefika eJerusalema, loAhithofeli elaye. Kwasekusithi lapho uHushayi umArki, umngane kaDavida, esefike kuAbisalomu, uHushayi wathi kuAbisalomu: Kayiphile inkosi! Kayiphile inkosi! UAbisalomu wasesithi kuHushayi: Yiwo umusa wakho kumngane wakho yini? Kungani ungahambanga lomngane wakho? UHushayi wasesithi kuAbisalomu: Hatshi, kodwa lowo emkhethayo iN, lalababantu, lawo wonke amadoda akoIsrayeli, ngizakuba ngowakhe, njalo ngihlale laye. Ngokwesibili, mina ngizakhonza bani? Kungabi phambi kobuso bendodana yakhe na? Njengoba ngakhonza phambi kukayihlo, ngokunjalo ngizakuba phambi kwakho. UAbisalomu wasesithi kuAhithofeli: Phanini iseluleko senu ukuthi sizakwenza njani? UAhithofeli wasesithi kuAbisalomu: Ngena kubafazi abancane bakayihlo abatshiye ukulinda indlu. Basebemendlalela uAbisalomu ithente phezu kophahla. Iseluleko sikaAhithofeli aseluleka ngalezonsuku sasinjengomuntu ebuza ilizwi likaNkulunkulu; sasinjalo sonke iseluleko sikaAhithofeli kubo bobabili uDavida loAbisalomu. UAhithofeli wasesithi kuAbisalomu: Ake ngikhethe amadoda azinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili, ngisukume ngixotshane loDavida ngalobubusuku. Ngizamehlela esakhathele ebuthakathaka ezandleni, ngimethuse; labo bonke abantu abalaye bazabaleka; ngizatshaya inkosi kuphela. Ngizabuyisela abantu bonke kuwe. Umuntu omdingayo ufanana lokubuya kwabo bonke. Bonke abantu bazakuba sekuthuleni. Lalelilizwi lalilungile emehlweni kaAbisalomu lemehlweni abo bonke abadala bakoIsrayeli. UAbisalomu wasesithi: Bizani-ke loHushayi umArki, sizwe ukuthi laye uthini ngomlomo. UHushayi esefikile kuAbisalomu, uAbisalomu wakhuluma kuye esithi: UAhithofeli ukhulume ngalindlela: Senze ilizwi lakhe yini? Uba kungenjalo, khuluma wena. UHushayi wasesithi kuAbisalomu: Iseluleko uAhithofeli aselulekileyo ngalesisikhathi kasisihle. UHushayi wathi futhi: Wena uyamazi uyihlo labantu bakhe ukuthi bangamaqhawe, ukuthi bathukuthele enhliziyweni, njengebhere elithathelwe imidlwane egangeni. Futhi uyihlo yindoda yempi; kayikulala labantu ebusuku. Khangela, khathesinje ucatshile komunye wemigodi, loba kwenye yezindawo. Kuzakuthi lapho abanyebabo bewile ekuqaleni, kuthi loba ngubani ozwayo athi: Bekulokubulawa ebantwini abalandela uAbisalomu. Kuthi laye olobuqhawe, onhliziyo yakhe injengenhliziyo yesilwane, ancibilike lokuncibilika; ngoba uIsrayeli wonke uyazi ukuthi uyihlo uliqhawe, lalabo abalaye balobuqhawe. Ngakho ngiyeluleka ukuthi uIsrayeli wonke abuthane, abuthane kuwe kusukela koDani kuze kufike eBherishebha, wena ngokwakho ubususiya empini. Ngakho sizamehlela kwenye yezindawo lapho angatholakala khona, simehlele njengamazolo ewela emhlabathini; njalo kungasali kuye lebantwini bonke abalaye loyedwa. Uba-ke engena emzini, uIsrayeli wonke uzaletha amagoda kulowomuzi, siwuhudulele esifuleni, kungabe kusatholwa lalitshana khona. UAbisalomu lawo wonke amadoda akoIsrayeli basebesithi: Iseluleko sikaHushayi umArki singcono kuleseluleko sikaAhithofeli. Ngoba uNkulunkulu yayilayile ukuthi kufutshiswe iseluleko esihle sikaAhithofeli ukuze imehlisele okubi uAbisalomu. UHushayi wasesithi kuZadoki lakuAbhiyatha abapristi: UAhithofeli weluleke uAbisalomu labadala bakoIsrayeli kanje lakanje; mina-ke ngeluleka kanje lakanje. Ngakho-ke thumani masinyane litshele uDavida lithi: Ungalali emagcekeni enkangala kulobubusuku, futhi chapha lokuchapha, hlezi inkosi iginywe labantu bonke abalayo. OJonathani loAhimahazi babemile-ke eEnirogeli; incekukazi yeza yabatshela, bona-ke bahamba babikela inkosi uDavida; ngoba babengelakubonwa bengena emzini. Kodwa umfana othile wababona, wabikela uAbisalomu; kodwa bahamba masinyane bobabili, bayafika endlini yomuntu eBahurimi, owayelomthombo egumeni lakhe; behlela khona. Owesifazana wasethatha wendlala isimbombozo phezu komlomo womthombo. Lapho zifika izinceku zikaAbisalomu kowesifazana endlini, zathi: Bangaphi oAhimahazi loJonathani? Owesifazana wasesithi kizo: Bachaphe isifula samanzi. Sezidingile, zinga ba tholanga, zabuyela eJerusalema. Kwasekusithi sezihambile, benyuka emthonjeni baya bayitshela inkosi uDavida, bathi kuDavida: Sukani lichaphe amanzi masinyane, ngoba uAhithofeli weluleke njalo emelene lani. UDavida wasesuka, labo bonke abantu ababelaye, bachapha iJodani; kuze kube sekukhanyeni kokusa kwakungasalanga loyedwa, ongayichaphanga iJodani. Lapho uAhithofeli ebona ukuthi iseluleko sakhe asilandelwanga, wabophela isihlalo kubabhemi, wasuka waya endlini yakhe emzini wakhe, walaya indlu yakhe. UDavida wasefika eMahanayimi; uAbisalomu wasechapha iJodani, yena lamadoda wonke akoIsrayeli kanye laye. UAbisalomu wayebeke-ke uAmasa phezu kwebutho esikhundleni sikaJowabi. Njalo uAmasa wayeyindodana yomuntu obizo lakhe lalinguIthira umIsrayeli, owangena kuAbigali indodakazi kaNahashi, udadewabo kaZeruya, unakaJowabi. Ngakho uIsrayeli loAbisalomu bamisa inkamba elizweni leGileyadi. Kwasekusithi uDavida esefikile eMahanayimi, uShobi indodana kaNahashi weRaba yabantwana bakoAmoni, baletha amacansi, lemiganu, lendiwo zebumba, lengqoloyi, lebhali, lempuphu, lamabele akhanzingiweyo, lendumba, lamalentili, lokunye okukhanzingiweyo, lenyosi, lamasi, lezimvu, letshizi yenkomo, kusenzelwa uDavida labantu ababelaye ukuze badle; ngoba bathi: Abantu balambile badiniwe bomile. UDavida wasebala abantu ababelaye, wabeka phezu kwabo izinduna zezinkulungwane lenduna zamakhulu. UDavida wasethuma ingxenye yesithathu yabantu ngaphansi kwesandla sikaJowabi, lengxenye yesithathu ngaphansi kwesandla sikaAbishayi indodana kaZeruya, umfowabo kaJowabi, lengxenye yesithathu ngaphansi kwesandla sikaIthayi umGiti. Kodwa abantu bathi: Kawuyikuphuma. Ngoba uba sibaleka lokubaleka, kabayikusinaka; kumbe uba kusifa ingxenye yethu, kabayikuba landaba lathi. Kanti khathesi wena u lingana lenkulungwane ezilitshumi zethu; ngakho-ke kungcono ukuthi ube lusizo lwethu usemzini. Inkosi yasisithi kibo: Lokho okulungileyo emehlweni enu ngizakwenza. Inkosi yasisima eceleni kwesango; bonke abantu basebephuma ngamakhulu langezinkulungwane. Inkosi yasibalaya oJowabi loAbishayi loIthayi, isithi: Liliphathekahle ijaha, uAbisalomu, ngenxa yami. Njalo bonke abantu bezwa lapho inkosi ilaya zonke izinduna indaba kaAbisalomu. Abantu basebephumela egangeni ukuyakulwa bemelene loIsrayeli; njalo impi yayiseguswini lakoEfrayimi. Abantu bakoIsrayeli basebetshaywa lapho phambi kwenceku zikaDavida, kwasekusiba khona ukubulala okukhulu ngalolosuku - abayizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili. Ngoba impi yahlakazeka khona ebusweni belizwe lonke, njalo igusu ladla abantu abanengi ngalolosuku okwedlula labo inkemba eyabadlayo. UAbisalomu wasehlangana lenceku zikaDavida. Njalo uAbisalomu wayegade imbongolo; kwathi imbongolo ifika ngaphansi kwengatsha ezihlangeneyo zesihlahla se-okhi elikhulu, ikhanda lakhe laselibambelela esihlahleni se-okhi; waselenga phakathi kwamazulu lomhlaba, njalo imbongolo engaphansi kwakhe yedlula. Umuntu othile wasebona, watshela uJowabi wathi: Khangela, ngibone uAbisalomu elenga esihlahleni se-okhi. UJowabi wasesithi kulowomuntu omtshelayo: Khangela-ke, u m bonile, kungani-ke ungamtshayelanga emhlabathini khonapho? Bengizakunika inhlamvu ezilitshumi zesiliva elilodwa. Kodwa lowomuntu wathi kuJowabi: Loba bengingemukela ezandleni zami inhlamvu eziyinkulungwane zesiliva, bengingayikwelulela isandla sami endodaneni yenkosi. Uba bengenze inkohliso ngempilo yami, ngoba kakulalutho olucatshela inkosi, lawe ubuzazimisa umelene lami. UJowabi wasesithi: Kangiyikulibala ngokunjalo lawe. Wasethatha imikhonto emithathu esandleni sakhe, wamgwaza uAbisalomu enhliziyweni esaphila, phakathi kwesihlahla se-okhi. Njalo amajaha alitshumi ayethwala izikhali zikaJowabi, amzingelezela amtshaya uAbisalomu ambulala. UJowabi wasevuthela uphondo, abantu basebebuya ekuxotshaneni loIsrayeli, ngoba uJowabi wabamisa abantu. Basebemthatha uAbisalomu, bamphosela emgodini omkhulu eguswini, babeka phezu kwakhe inqwaba enkulu kakhulu yamatshe. UAbisalomu esaphila wayethethe wazimisela insika. UAhimahazi indodana kaZadoki wasesithi: Ake ngigijime, ngiyibikele inkosi ukuthi iyiphindisele esandleni sezitha zayo. Kodwa uJowabi wathi kuye: Kawusumbiki wendaba lamuhla, kodwa uzazibika izindaba ngolunye usuku; lamuhla kawuyikubika izindaba, ngenxa yokuthi indodana yenkosi ifile. UJowabi wasesithi kumKhushi: Hamba uyebikela inkosi okubonileyo. UmKhushi wamkhothamela uJowabi, wagijima. UAhimahazi indodana kaZadoki wabuya wasephinda wathi kuJowabi: Loba kunjani, ake ngigijime lami ngimlandele umKhushi. Kodwa uJowabi wathi: Uzagijimelani, mntanami, lokhu ungelambiko ongawuletha? Kodwa loba kunjani, kangigijime. Wasesithi kuye: Gijima. UDavida wayehlezi-ke phakathi kwamasango womabili; umlindi wasesiya ephahleni lwesango emdulini, waphakamisa amehlo akhe, wabona, khangela-ke, umuntu egijima yedwa. Umlindi wasememeza watshela inkosi. Yasisithi inkosi: Uba eyedwa ulombiko emlonyeni wakhe. Wasehamba weza esondela. Umlindi wasebona omunye umuntu egijima; umlindi wabiza umlindisango wathi: Khangela, omunyeumuntu ugijima yedwa. Inkosi yasisithi: Laye lo uletha izindaba. Umlindi wasesithi: Ngibona ukugijima kowokuqala kunjengokugijima kukaAhimahazi indodana kaZadoki. UAhimahazi wasememeza wathi enkosini: Ukuthula! Wasekhothamela inkosi ngobuso bakhe emhlabathini wathi: Kayibusiswe iN, uNkulunkulu wakho, enikele abantu abaphakamisa isandla sabo enkosini yami, inkosi. Inkosi yasisithi: Kuhle yini ngejaha, ngoAbisalomu? UAhimahazi wasesithi: Ngibone isiphithiphithi esikhulu lapho uJowabi ethuma inceku yenkosi lenceku yakho, kodwa kangazanga ukuthi kuyini. Inkosi yasisithi: Buyela eceleni, ume lapho. Wasebuyela eceleni wema. Khangela-ke, umKhushi wafika, umKhushi wathi: Yemukela imibiko, nkosi yami, nkosi! Ngoba ikuphindisele lamuhla esandleni salabo bonke abakuvukelayo. Inkosi yasisithi kumKhushi: Kuhle yini ngejaha, ngoAbisalomu? UmKhushi wasesithi: Kungathi izitha zenkosi yami, inkosi, labo bonke abakuvukelayo ngobubi bangaba njengalelojaha. Yasikhathazeka kakhulu inkosi, yenyukela endlini ephezulu yesango, yakhala inyembezi! Kwasekubikwa kuJowabi kwathiwa: Khangela, inkosi uDavida iyakhala inyembezi, ililela uAbisalomu. Ukunqoba ngalolosuku kwasekusiba yisililo ebantwini bonke, ngoba abantu bezwa ngalolosuku kuthiwa: Inkosi idabukile ngenxa yendodana yayo. Abantu basebengena ngokunyenya emzini ngalolosuku. Kodwa inkosi yagubuzela ubuso bayo, inkosi yakhala ngelizwi elikhulu yathi: Ndodana yami Abisalomu, Abisalomu, ndodana yami, ndodana yami! UJowabi wasengena endlini enkosini wathi: Lamuhla uyangisile ubuso benceku zakho zonke ezisindise impilo yakho lamuhla lempilo yamadodana akho leyamadodakazi akho lempilo yabomkakho lempilo yabafazi bakho abancane. Uyabathanda abakuzondayo, uzonde abakuthandayo. Ngoba ukuveze obala lamuhla ukuthi izinduna lezinceku kazisilutho kuwe; ngoba ngiyananzelela lamuhla ukuthi uba uAbisalomu ubephila, njalo thina sonke besifile lamuhla, ukuthi bekungabe kulungile emehlweni akho. Ngakho-ke sukuma, uphume u ye khuluma enhliziyweni yezinceku zakho; ngoba ngifunga ngeN, uba ungaphumi, sibili kakulamuntu ozahlala lawe ngalobubusuku. Lalokhu kuzakuba kubi kuwe kulakho konke okubi okukwehlele kusukela ebutsheni bakho kuze kube khathesi. Inkosi yasisukuma, yahlala esangweni. Batshela bonke abantu bathi: Khangela, inkosi ihlezi esangweni; basebesiza abantu bonke phambi kwenkosi. UIsrayeli wayebaleke-ke, ngulowo lalowo waya emathenteni akhe. Njalo abantu bonke babephikisana ezizweni zonke zakoIsrayeli besithi: Inkosi yasikhulula esandleni sezitha zethu, njalo yona yasophula esandleni samaFilisti; kodwa khathesi isibalekile elizweni ngenxa kaAbisalomu. Kodwa uAbisalomu esamgcoba ukuthi abe phezu kwethu ufele empini. Pho-ke, lithuleleni ngokubuyisa inkosi? Inkosi uDavida yasithuma kuZadoki lakuAbhiyatha abapristi, isithi: Khulumani labadala bakoJuda lithi: Kungani lingabokucina ukubuyisela inkosi endlini yayo? (Ngoba inkulumo kaIsrayeli wonke ifike enkosini endlini yayo.) Lingabafowethu, lilithambo lami lenyama yami; ngakho kungani lingabokucina ukubuyisa inkosi? Lithi-ke kuAmasa. Wasethobisa inhliziyo yabantu bonke bakoJuda, njengamuntu munye; basebethuma enkosini besithi: Buyela wena lazo zonke inceku zakho. Inkosi yasibuyela yafika eJodani; uJuda wasesiza eGiligali ukuyahlangabeza inkosi, ukuchaphisa inkosi iJodani. UShimeyi indodana kaGera umBhenjamini, wasephangisa wehla labantu bakoJuda ukuhlangabeza inkosi uDavida, labantu abayinkulungwane bakoBhenjamini belaye, loZiba inceku yendlu kaSawuli, lamadodana akhe alitshumi lanhlanu, lenceku zakhe ezingamatshumi amabili belaye. Basebephangisa baya eJodani phambi kwenkosi. Kwasekuchapha isikepe sokuchapha ukuchaphisa abendlu yenkosi lokwenza okulungileyo emehlweni ayo. UShimeyi indodana kaGera wasewela phansi phambi kwenkosi ekuchapheni kwayo iJodani. Wasesithi enkosini: Inkosi yami ingangibaleli isiphambeko, futhi ungakhumbuli lokho inceku yakho eyaphambeka ngakho mhla inkosi yami, inkosi, iphuma eJerusalema. Ngoba inceku yakho iyazi ukuthi mina ngonile; khangela-ke, ngifikile lamuhla ngingowokuqala wendlu yonke kaJosefa ukwehla ukuhlangabeza inkosi yami, inkosi. Kodwa uAbishayi indodana kaZeruya waphendula wathi: UShimeyi kayikubulawa yini ngalokhu, ngoba wathuka ogcotshiweyo weN? UDavida wasesithi: Ngilani lani, madodana kaZeruya, ukuthi libe yisitha kimi lamuhla? Inkosi yasisithi kuShimeyi: Kawuyikufa. Inkosi yasifunga kuye. UMefiboshethi indodana kaSawuli wasesehla ukuhlangabeza inkosi. Wayengalungisanga inyawo zakhe, engalungisanga lendevu zakhe, engawatshanga lezigqoko zakhe, kusukela mhla inkosi ihamba kwaze kwaba mhla ibuya ngokuthula. Kwasekusithi esefikile eJerusalema ukuhlangabeza inkosi, inkosi yathi kuye: Kungani ungahambanga lami, Mefiboshethi? Wasesithi: Nkosi yami, nkosi, inceku yami yangikhohlisa; ngoba inceku yakho yathi: Ngizazibophelela isihlalo kubabhemi ukuze ngimgade, ngihambe lenkosi, ngoba inceku yakho iyaqhula. Njalo iyihlebile inceku yakho enkosini yami, inkosi; ngakho yenza okulungileyo emehlweni akho. Ngoba yonke indlu kababa ibingesilutho ngaphandle kokuba ngabantu bokufa phambi kwenkosi yami, inkosi; loba kunjalo wayibeka inceku yakho phakathi kwabadla etafuleni lakho. Pho, ngiselalungelo bani ukuthi ngibuye ngikhale enkosini? Inkosi yasisithi kuye: Usakhulumelani ngendaba zakho? Ngithe: Wena loZiba lizakwehlukaniselana insimu. UMefiboshethi wasesithi enkosini: Yebo, kayithathe yonke, lokhu inkosi yami, inkosi, isibuyile endlini yayo ngokuthula. UBarizilayi umGileyadi, wachapha iJodani kanye lenkosi ukuyiphelekezela phetsheya kweJodani. UBarizilayi wayesemdala kakhulu, eleminyaka engamatshumi ayisificaminwembili; yena wayisekela inkosi ekuhlaleni kwayo eMahanayimi, ngoba wayengumuntu omkhulu kakhulu. Inkosi yasisithi kuBarizilayi: Chapha kanye lami wena, ngizakusekela lami eJerusalema. Kodwa uBarizilayi wasesithi enkosini: Zingaki insuku zeminyaka yempilo yami ukuthi ngenyukele eJerusalema lenkosi? Lamuhla ngileminyaka engamatshumi ayisificaminwembili; ngingehlukanisa phakathi kokuhle lokubi yini? Inceku yakho inganambitha engikudlayo lengikunathayo yini? Ngingabe ngisawezwa yini amazwi amadoda ahlabelayo lawabesifazana abahlabelayo? Kungani-ke inceku yakho isizakuba ngumthwalo enkosini yami, inkosi? Inceku yakho izake ichaphe iJodani ingcosana nje kanye lenkosi; kungani-ke inkosi izangenanisa ngomvuzo ongaka? Ngiyakuncenga, yekela inceku yakho ibuyele, ukuze ngifele emzini wami eduze lengcwaba likababa lelikamama. Kodwa khangela, inceku yakho uKhimihamu, kayichaphe lenkosi yami, inkosi, uyenzele okulungileyo emehlweni akho. Inkosi yasisithi: UKhimihamu uzachapha lami; njalo mina ngizamenzela okulungileyo emehlweni ami, lakho konke okufunayo kimi ngizakwenzela khona. Bonke abantu basebechapha iJodani, lenkosi yachapha, inkosi yamanga uBarizilayi, yambusisa, wasebuyela endaweni yakhe. Inkosi yasisedlulela eGiligali, loKhimihamu wedlula layo; labo bonke abantu bakoJuda bayidlulisela phambili inkosi, futhi lengxenye yesizwe sakoIsrayeli. Khangela-ke, bonke abantu bakoIsrayeli beza enkosini bathi enkosini: Abafowethu, abantu bakoJuda, bakuntshontsheleni, bachaphisa inkosi lendlu yayo iJodani labo bonke abantu bakaDavida belaye? Bonke abantu bakoJuda basebephendula amadoda akoIsrayeli bathi: Ngoba inkosi iyisihlobo sethu; pho-ke, lithukuthelelani ngalindaba? Sike sadlani okwenkosi? Kumbe isinike isipho yini? Njalo amadoda akoIsrayeli aphendula amadoda akoJuda, athi: Silengxenye ezilitshumi enkosini, futhi lakuDavida si lelungelookwedlula lina. Pho, lasidelelelani ukuthi ilizwi lethu lingabi ngelokuqala ukubuyisa inkosi yethu? Kodwa ilizwi lamadoda akoJuda lalilukhuni kulelizwi lamadoda akoIsrayeli. Kwasekusenzakala ukuthi kube khona lapho umuntu kaBheliyali, obizo lakhe linguShebha indodana kaBikiri umBhenjamini! Ngakho wonke umuntu wakoIsrayeli wenyuka wasuka emva kukaDavida, elandela uShebha indodana kaBikiri; kodwa abantu bakoJuda banamathela enkosini yabo, kusukela eJodani kwaze kwaba seJerusalema. UDavida wasefika endlini yakhe eJerusalema; inkosi yathatha abafazi abalitshumi, abafazi abancane, eyayibatshiye ukuze balinde indlu, yababeka endlini elindiweyo, yabanika ukudla, kodwa kayingenanga kubo. Basebevalelwa kwaze kwaba lusuku lokufa kwabo, bephila ebufelokazini. Inkosi yasisithi kuAmasa: Biza abantu bakoJuda babuthane kimi nge nsuku ezintathu, lawe ube khona lapha. UAmasa wasehamba ukubuthanisa uJuda, kodwa waphuza phezu kwesikhathi esimisiweyo ayemmisele sona. UDavida wasesithi kuAbishayi: Khathesi uShebha indodana kaBikiri uzasenzela okubi okwedlula uAbisalomu; wena thatha inceku zenkosi yakho, uxotshane laye, hlezi azitholele imizi ebiyelwe ngemithangala, asiphunyuke. Kwasekuphuma emva kwakhe amadoda kaJowabi lamaKerethi lamaPelethi lamaqhawe wonke, basebephuma eJerusalema ukuxotshana loShebha indodana kaBikiri. Sebeselitsheni elikhulu eliseGibeyoni, uAmasa weza phambi kwabo. UJowabi wayebhince isigqoko ayesigqokile, laphezu kwaso kulebhanti elil enkemba ebotshelwe ekhalweni lwakhe isesikhwameni sayo; esaqhubeka inkembayawa. UJowabi wasesithi kuAmasa: Uyaphila yini, mfowethu? UJowabi wasebamba uAmasa ngesilevu ngesandla sokunene ukuze amange. Kodwa uAmasa wayengayinanzeleli inkemba eyayisesandleni sikaJowabi; wasemtshaya ngayo. UJowabi loAbishayi umfowabo basebexotshana loShebha indodana kaBikiri. Omunye wamajaha kaJowabi wema phansi kwakhe, wathi: Omthandayo uJowabi, longokaDavida, landela uJowabi. UAmasa wasegiqika egazini phakathi komgwaqo omkhulu. Lapho lowomuntu ebona ukuthi bonke abantu bayema, wamsusa uAmasa emgwaqweni omkhulu wamusa egangeni, waphosela isembatho phezu kwakhe, lapho ebona ukuthi wonke ofika ngakuye wema. Esesusiwe emgwaqweni omkhulu, bonke abantu badlula bamlandela uJowabi ukuze baxotshane loShebha indodana kaBikiri. Wasedabula kuzo zonke izizwe zakoIsrayeli, waya eAbeli; basebebuthana bamlandela labo. Basebefika, bamgombolozela eAbeli-Beti-Mahaka, lema emthangaleni; bonke abantu ababeloJowabi basebewona umduli ukuwuwisela phansi. Kwasekumemeza owesifazana ohlakaniphileyo phakathi komuzi wathi: Zwanini, zwanini! Ake lithi kuJowabi: Sondela lapha, ukuze ngikhulume lawe. Esesondele kuye, owesifazana wathi: Nguwe uJowabi yini? Yena wathi: Nginguye. Wasesithi kuye: Zwana amazwi encekukazi yakho. Wasesithi: Ngiyezwa. Wasekhuluma esithi: Endulo babejwayele ukukhuluma besithi: Kababuze lokubuza eAbeli; basebeqeda ngokunjalo. Ngingowabokuthula, owabathembekileyo bakoIsrayeli; udinga ukuchitha umuzi lonina koIsrayeli. Uginyelani? UJowabi wasephendula wathi: Kakube khatshana, kakube khatshana lami ukuthi ngiginye loba ngichithe. Udaba kalunjalo; kodwa umuntu wasentabeni yakoEfrayimi, nguShebha indodana kaBikiri ibizo lakhe, uphakamisile isandla sakhe emelene lenkosi, emelene loDavida; nikelani yena kuphela, ngizasuka emzini. Owesifazana wasesithi kuJowabi: Khangela, ikhanda lakhe lizaphoselwa kuwe ngaphezu komduli. Owesifazana wasesiya ngenhlakanipho yakhe ebantwini bonke. Basebequma ikhanda likaShebha indodana kaBikiri, baliphosela kuJowabi. Wasevuthela uphondo, bahlakazeka besuka kulowomuzi, ngulowo lalowo waya emathenteni akhe. UJowabi wasebuyela eJerusalema enkosini. Njalo uJowabi wayephezu kwebutho lonke lakoIsrayeli; loAdoniramu wayephezu kwezibhalwa; loSheva wayengumbhali; loZadoki loAbhiyatha babengabapristi; loIra laye. Kwasekusiba khona indlala ensukwini zikaDavida iminyaka emithathu, umnyaka ngomnyaka ilandelana; uDavida wadinga ubuso beN. yasisithi: Kungenxa kaSawuli langenxa yendlu yakheyegazi, ngoba wabulala amaGibeyoni. Ngakho inkosi yabiza amaGibeyoni yathi kuwo: (AmaGibeyoni-ke ayengeyisiwo awabantwana bakoIsrayeli, kodwa ayengawensali yamaAmori; njalo abantwana bakoIsrayeli babefungile kuwo; uSawuli wasedinga ukuwatshaya ekutshisekeleni kwakhe abantwana bakoIsrayeli loJuda.) Ngakho uDavida wathi kumaGibeyoni: Ngingalenzelani? Ngingayenza ngani inhlawulo yokuthula ukuze libusise ilifa leN? AmaGibeyoni asesithi kuye: Kayisindaba yesiliva kumbe igolide loSawuli lendlu yakhe; futhi kakusikwethu ukubulala umuntu koIsrayeli. Wasesithi: Lokho elikutshoyo ngizalenzela khona. Basebesithi enkosini: Umuntu owasiqedayo, owaceba emelene lathi ukuthi sichithwe singasali lakuwuphi umngcele wakoIsrayeli, kasinikwe amadoda ayisikhombisa emadodaneni akhe. Inkosi yasisithi: Mina ngiza li pha. Kodwa inkosi yamyekela uMefiboshethi indodana kaJonathani indodana kaSawuli ngenxa yesifungo seN esasiphakathi kwabo, phakathi kukaDavida loJonathani indodana kaSawuli. Kodwa inkosi yathatha amadodana amabili kaRizipa indodakazi kaAya ayewazalele uSawuli, uArimoni loMefiboshethi, lamadodana amahlanu kadadewabokaMikhali indodakazi kaSawuli ayewazalele uAdriyeli indodana kaBarizilayi umMehola, yabanikela esandleni samaGibeyoni, asebaphanyeka entabeni phambi kweN, njalo abayisikhombisa bawa kanyekanye. Babulawa ensukwini zokuvuna, ensukwinizakuqala ekuqaleni kokuvunwa kwebhali. URizipa indodakazi kaAya wasethatha isaka, wazendlalela lona phezu kwedwala, kusukela ekuqaleni kokuvuna kwaze kwathonta amanzi phezu kwabo evela emazulwini; kavumelanga inyoni zamazulu ukuthi zihlale phezu kwabo emini, lezilo zeganga ebusuku. Kwasekubikelwa uDavida lokho uRizipa indodakazi kaAya, umfazi omncane kaSawuli, ayekwenzile. UDavida wasehamba wa ya thatha amathambo kaSawuli lamathambo kaJonathani indodana yakhe kubahlali beJabeshi-Gileyadi. Wasesenyusa esuka lapho amathambo kaSawuli lamathambo kaJonathani indodana yakhe; basebeqoqa amathambo awababephanyekiwe. Basebewangcwaba amathambo kaSawuli lakaJonathani indodana yakhe elizweni lakoBhenjamini eZela. AmaFilisti abuye aba lempi futhi loIsrayeli; uDavida wasesehla lenceku zakhe kanye laye, njalo balwa lamaFilisti; uDavida wasedinwa. UIshibi-Benobi owayengowabantwana besiqhwaga, osisindo somkhonto wakhe sasing amashekeliangamakhulu amathathu ethusi, wayebhince inkembaentsha, wathi uzamtshaya uDavida. Kodwa uAbishayi indodana kaZeruya wamsiza, wamtshaya umFilisti wambulala. Kwasekusithi emva kwalokhu kwaba lempi futhi lamaFilisti eGobi. Kwasekusiba lempi futhi lamaFilisti eGobi; uElihanani indodana kaJahari-Oregimi umBhethelehema. Njalo kwabuye kwaba lempi eGathi, lapho okwakulomuntu omude, owayeleminwe eyisithupha ezandleni zakhe, lamazwane ayisithupha ezinyaweni zakhe, kung amatshumi amabili lane ngenani; laye-ke wayezalelwe isiqhwaga. Lapho eseyisa uIsrayeli, uJonathani indodana kaShimeya, umfowabo kaDavida, wamtshaya. Laba abane babezalelwe isiqhwaga eGathi; njalo bawa ngesandla sikaDavida langesandla senceku zakhe. UDavida wasekhuluma eNni amazwi alelihubo mhla imkhulula esandleni sezitha zakhe zonke lesandleni sikaSawuli. Wasesithi; uNkulunkulu wedwala lami, umsindisi wami; ungisindisile odlakeleni. Ngizabiza edumisekayo, ngakho ngizasindiswa ezitheni zami. Ngoba izinsizi zokufa zingizingelezele, lezikhukhula zobubi zangethusa. Izibopho zesihogo zangigombolozela, imijibila yokufa yayiphambi kwami. Ekuhluphekeni kwami ngayibiza iN, ngakhala kuNkulunkulu wami. Khona umhlaba wazamazama, wanyikinyeka. Kwenyuka intuthu emakhaleni akhe, lomlilo ophuma emlonyeni wakhe waqothula; amalahle avuthiswa yiwo. Wasekhothamisa amazulu, wehlela phansi. Wasegada ikherubhi, waphapha, wabonakala phezu kwempiko zomoya. Wasemisa umnyama wabangamadumba inhlangothi zonke zakhe, lokuqoqana kwamanzi, amayezi amnyama omkhathi. Ekukhazimuleni okuphambi kwakhe kwavuthiswa amalahle omlilo. yaduma isemazulwini, loPhezukonke walikhupha ilizwi lakhe. Yathuma imitshoko. Khona kwabonakala imisele yolwandle, kwembulwa izisekelo zomhlaba, ekusoleni kweN, ekuvutheleni komoya wamakhala ayo. Iphezulu yathuma, yangibamba. Yangophula esitheni sami esilamandla, kwabangizondayo, ngoba babelamandla kulami. Babephambi kwami osukwini lwenhlupheko yami, kodwa yaba yisisekelo sami. Yangikhuphela endaweni ebanzi. yangivuza njengokulunga kwami. Ngoba ngizilondolozile indlela zeN, kangisukanga kuNkulunkulu wami ngenkohlakalo. Ngoba zonke izahlulelo zayo zaziphambi kwami, lezimiso zayo, kangiphambukanga kuzo. Njalo ngangiqondile phambi kwayo, ngizinqandile ebubini bami. Ngakho ingibuyisele njengokulunga kwami, njengokuhlanzeka kwami phambi kwamehlo ayo. Kolesihawu uzaziveza ulesihawu; koqotho uzaziveza uqotho; kohlanzekileyo uzaziveza uhlanzekile; lakophambukileyo uzaziveza uphambukile. Labantu abahlutshwayo uzabasindisa, kodwa amehlo akho aphezu kwabaziphakamisayo, uzabehlisela phansi. Ngoba uyisibane sami, N, izakhanyisa-ke ubumnyama bami. Ngoba ngawe ngigijimile ngadabula phakathikwebutho, ngoNkulunkulu wami ngeqe umthangala. UNkulunkulu; indlela yakhe iphelele; ilizwi leN lihloliwe. Ngoba ngubani onguNkulunkulu ngaphandle kweN? Njalo ngubani olidwala ngaphandle kukaNkulunkulu wethu? UNkulunkulu uyinqaba yami l amandla. Owenza inyawo zami zibe njenge ze zimpala. Ofundisela izandla zami impi, ukuze idandili lethusi ligotshiswe zingalo zami. Unginikile lesihlangu sosindiso lwakho, lokuzithoba kwakho kungikhulisile. Wenze laba banzi inyathelo lami ngaphansi kwami, ukuze inqagala zami zingatsheleli. Ngixotshene lezitha zami ngazibhubhisa, kangibuyanga ngaze ngaziqeda. Ngaziqeda, ngazigwaza, ukuze zingavuki; kodwa zawa ngaphansi kwenyawo zami. Ngoba ungibhincise amandla kusenzelwa impi. Unginike intamo yezitha zami, labo abangizondayo ngababhubhisa. Bakhangela, kodwa engekho umsindisi; eNni, kodwa kayibaphendulanga. Ngasengibacholisisa. Wasungikhulula ekuphikiseni kwabantu bami. Abezizweni bazazehlisela phansi kimi; bangenela ukuzwa ngendlebe bazangilalela. Abezizweni bazabuna, baphume ezinqabeni zabo. iyaphila; njalo kalibusiswe idwala lami, kaphakanyiswe uNkulunkulu, idwala losindiso lwami; uNkulunkulu onginika impindiselo, lowehlisela izizwe ngaphansi kwami; longikhupha ezitheni zami; laphezu kwabangivukelayo wena wangiphakamisa. Ngenxa yalokhu ngizakudumisa, N, phakathi kwezizwe, ngihubele ibizo lakho indumiso. Ingumphotshongo wosindiso kuyo inkosi yayo. La-ke ngamazwi okucina kaDavida. UDavida indodana kaJese wathi, lomhlabeleli omnandi wakoIsrayeli, wathi: UMoya weN wakhuluma ngami, lelizwi lakhe lisolimini lwami. UNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli wathi, iDwala likaIsrayeli lakhuluma kimi lathi. Njalo uzakubanjengokukhanya kwekuseni e kuphum enikwelanga, ikuseni engelamayezi, njeng ohlaza emhlabathini ngokukhanya emva kwezulu. Lanxa indlu yami ingenjalo kuNkulunkulu, kube kanti wenzile lami isivumelwano esilaphakade, esimiswe kuhle ezintweni zonke, lesigcinekileyo. Kodwa aba kaBheliyali bonke banjengameva alahliweyo, ngoba engelakuthathwa ngesandla; kodwa umuntu owathintayo uzazihlomisa ngensimbi langoluthi lomkhonto, azatshiswa lokutshiswa ngomlilo kuleyondawo. La ngamabizo amaqhawe uDavida ayelawo. Lemva kwakhe kwakuloEleyazare indodana kaDodo indodana kaAhohi, owamaqhawe amathathu aye loDavida, yena wasukuma watshaya amaFilisti saze sadinwa isandla sakhe, lesandla sakhe sanamathela enkembeni. yasisenza usindiso olukhulu ngalolosuku; abantu basebebuya emva kwakhe ukuzaphanga kuphela. Lemva kwakhe kwakuloShama indodana kaAge umHarari. AmaFilisti ayebuthene aba lixuku, lapho okwakukhona isiqinti sensimu sigcwele amalentili; njalo abantu babaleka ebusweni bamaFilisti, kodwa wajama phakathi kwesiqinti, wasivikela, wawatshaya amaFilisti. yenza-ke usindiso olukhulu. Abathathu ezinhlokweni ezingamatshumi amathathu basebesehla, bafika kuDavida ebhalwini lweAdulamu. Langalesosikhathi uDavida wayesenqabeni. UDavida wasenxwanela, wathi: Hawu, kungathi omunye ubenganginathisa amanzi omthombo weBhethelehema ongasesangweni! Lawomaqhawe amathathu asefohla adabula enkambeni yamaFilisti, akha amanzi emthonjeni weBhethelehema owawungasesangweni, awathatha awaletha kuDavida. Kube kanti kathandanga ukuwanatha, kodwa wawathululela iN. Wasesithi: Kakube khatshana lami, N, ukuthi ngenze lokho; kakusi gazi yini labantu abahambe lempilo yabo engozini? Ngalokho kathandanga ukuwanatha. Lezizinto azenza lamaqhawe amathathu. Njalo uAbishayi, umfowabo kaJowabi indodana kaZeruya, wayeyinhloko yabathathu. Yena wasegiyela abangamakhulu amathathu ngomkhonto wakhe, ababuleweyo, wasesiba lebizo phakathi kwabathathu. Kahlonitshwanga kakhulu yini kulabathathu? Ngakho waba yinduna yabo; kodwa kafikanga kwabathathu abokuqala. UBhenaya-ke, indodana kaJehoyada, indodana yeqhawe; futhi wehla watshaya isilwane phakathi komgodi mhla weliqhwa elikhithikileyo. Yena wasetshaya indoda engumGibhithe, umuntu obukekayo; njalo umGibhithe wayelomkhonto esandleni sakhe; kodwa wehlela kuye elenduku, wawuhluthuna umkhonto esandleni somGibhithe, wambulala ngomkhonto wakhe. Lezizinto wazenza uBhenaya indodana kaJehoyada, waba lebizo phakathi kwamaqhawe amathathu. Wayehlonipheka kulabangamatshumi amathathu, kodwa kafikanga kwabathathu. UDavida wasembeka phezu kwabalindi bakhe. UAsaheli umfowabo kaJowabi wayephakathi kwabangamatshumi amathathu, uElihanani indodana kaDodo weBhethelehema, uShama umHarodi, uElika umHarodi, uHelezi umPaliti, uAbiyezeri umAnethothi, uZalimoni umAhohi, uHelebi indodana kaBahana umNetofa, uBhenaya umPirathoni, uAbi-Aliboni umAraba, uEliyabha umShahaliboni, wamadodana kaJasheni, uJonathani, uShama umHarari, uAhiyamu indodana kaSharari umHarari, uElifeleti indodana kaAhasibayi indodana yomMahaka, uHezirayi umKharmeli, uPaharayi umArabi, uIgali indodana kaNathani weZoba, uBani umGadi, uZeleki umAmoni, umthwali wezikhali zikaJowabi indodana kaZeruya, uIra, uGarebi umIthiri, uUriya umHethi; be bonke babe ngamatshumi amathathu lesikhombisa. Lwaselubuya lwamvuthela uIsrayeli ulaka lukaJehova. Ngakho inkosi yathi kuJowabi induna yebutho eyayilaye: Hamba khathesi ubhode ezizweni zonke zakoIsrayeli, kusukela koDani kuze kube seBherishebha, libale abantu ukuze ngazi inani labantu. UJowabi wasesithi enkosini: Aluba uNkulunkulu wakho ingandisa ebantwini, loba bebanengi kangakanani, kuphindwe ngokulikhulu, ukuthi amehlo enkosi yami, inkosi, akubone. Kodwa inkosi yami, inkosi, ithokozelani kulinto? Kodwa ilizwi lenkosi lalilamandla phezu kukaJowabi laphezu kwezinduna zebutho. Ngakho uJowabi lenduna zebutho baphuma phambi kwenkosi ukuze babale abantu, uIsrayeli. Basebechapha iJodani, bamisa inkamba eAroweri. Basebefika eGileyadi lelizweni leTahetimi-Hodishi; bafika eDani-Jahani, bafika enqabeni yeTire; baphuma baya eningizimu yakoJuda, eBherishebha. Sebebhode badabula ilizwe lonke, bafika eJerusalema ekupheleni kwenyanga eziyisificamunwemunye lensuku ezingamatshumi amabili. UJowabi waseyinika inkosi inani lokubalwa kwabantu; njalo kwakukhona koIsrayeli amaqhawe ayizinkulungwane ezingamakhulu ayisificaminwembili; lamadoda akoJuda ayengamadoda ayizinkulungwane ezingamakhulu amahlanu. Inhliziyo kaDavida yasimtshaya emva kokuthi esebale abantu. Kwathi uDavida esevukile ekuseni, kwafika ilizwi leN kuGadi umprofethi, lisithi: Hamba uthi kuDavida: Itsho njalo ithi: Ngikubekela okuthathu; zikhethele okukodwa kukho, ukuthi ngikwenze kuwe. UGadi wasefika kuDavida, wamtshela wathi kuye: Kufike kuwe yini iminyaka eyisikhombisa yendlala elizweni lakini? Loba ubalekele izitha zakho inyanga ezintathu zixotshana lawe? Ingabe kube khona umatshayabhuqe wesifo okwensuku ezintathu elizweni lakini? Khathesi cabanga, ubone ukuthi yimpendulo bani engizayibuyisela kongithumileyo. UDavida wasesithi kuGadi: Ngicindezelekile kakhulu; ake siwele esandleni seN, ngoba izisa zayo zinkulu, kodwa kangingaweli esandleni somuntu. Ngakho yasibeka umatshayabhuqe wesifo kuIsrayeli, kusukela ekuseni kwaze kwaba sesikhathini esimisiweyo; kwasekusifa ebantwini abantu abayizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisikhombisa kusukela koDani kwaze kwaba seBherishebha. Lapho ingilosi iselulela isandla sayo eJerusalema ukuyibhubhisa, yazisola ngalobobubi: Sekwanele. Khathesi finyeza isandla sakho. Ingilosi yeN yayisebaleni lokubhulela likaArawuna umJebusi. UDavida wasekhuluma eNni lapho ebona ingilosi eyayitshaya abantu, wathi: Khangela, mina ngonile, njalo mina ngenze okubi; pho, lezizimvu zenzeni? Isandla sakho ake simelane lami njalo simelane lendlu kababa. UGadi wasefika kuDavida ngalolosuku, wathi kuye: Yenyuka, umisele ilathi ebaleni lokubhulela likaArawuna umJebusi. UDavida wasesenyuka njengokutsho kukaGadi, njengokulaya kweN. UArawuna waselunguza, wabona inkosi lenceku zayo beqhubeka besiza kuye; uArawuna wasephuma wakhothama phambi kwenkosi ngobuso bakhe emhlabathini. UArawuna wasesithi: Kungani inkosi yami, inkosi, ize encekwini yayo? UDavida wasesithi: Ukuthi ngithenge kuwe ibala lokubhulela, ukuthi ngakhele ilathi. UArawuna wasesithi kuDavida: Inkosi yami, inkosi, kayithathe inikele lokho okuhle emehlweni ayo. Konke lokhu, nkosi, uArawuna wakunika inkosi; uArawuna wasesithi enkosini: uNkulunkulu wakho kayikwemukele. Inkosi yasisithi kuArawuna: Hatshi, kodwa ngizakuthenga lokukuthenga kuwe ngentengo; njalo kangiyikunikela iminikelo yokutshiswa engangibizanga lutho eNni uNkulunkulu wami. UDavida waselithenga ibala lokubhulela lezinkabi ngamashekeli esiliva angamatshumi amahlanu. UDavida wasesakhela khona ilathi, wanikela iminikelo yokutshiswa leminikelo yokuthula. Inkosi uDavida yayisindala ilensuku ezinengi; basebeyembesa ngezembatho, kodwa kayikhudumalanga. Inceku zayo zasezisithi kuyo: Inkosi yami, inkosi, kayidingelwe intombazana emsulwa, ukuthi ime phambi kwenkosi, iyonge, ilale esifubeni sakho, ukuze inkosi yami, inkosi, ikhudumale. Zasezidinga intombazana enhle emingceleni yonke yakoIsrayeli, zathola uAbishagi umShunami, zamletha enkosini. Intombazana yayiyinhle kakhulu sibili, yaba ngumongi wenkosi, yayisebenzela; kodwa inkosi kayiyazanga. UAdonija indodana kaHagithi. Uyise wayengazanga amdanise lakanye esithi: Wenzeleni kanje? Laye futhi wayelesimo esihle kakhulu, lo ninawamzala emva kukaAbisalomu. Lamazwi akhe ayeloJowabi indodana kaZeruya njalo loAbhiyatha umpristi. Kodwa uZadoki umpristi. UAdonija wahlaba izimvu lezinkabi lokunonisiweyo elitsheni leZohelethi eliseceleni kweEni-Rogeli, wanxusa bonke abafowabo, amadodana enkosi, lawo wonke amadoda akoJuda, inceku zenkosi; kodwa oNathani umprofethi loBhenaya lamaqhawe loSolomoni umfowabo kabanxusanga. Ngakho uNathani wakhuluma kuBathisheba unina kaSolomoni esithi: Kawuzwanga yini ukuthi uAdonija indodana kaHagithi uyabusa, lenkosi yethu uDavida kayikwazi? Ngakho-ke woza, ake ngikuphe iseluleko, ukuze usindise impilo yakho lempilo yendodana yakho uSolomoni. Hamba ungene enkosini uDavida uthi kuyo: Wena nkosi yami, nkosi, kawufunganga yini kuncekukazi yakho usithi: Qotho, uSolomoni indodana yami uzabusa emva kwami, njalo yena uzahlala esihlalweni sami sobukhosi? Pho, kungani kubusa uAdonija? Khangela, ulokhu usakhuluma lapho lenkosi, ngingene lami emva kwakho, ngiqinise amazwi akho. UBathisheba wasengena enkosini ekamelweni. Inkosi yayisindala kakhulu, loAbishagi umShunami wayeyisebenzela inkosi. UBathisheba waseguqa wakhothamela inkosi; inkosi yasisithi: Ulani? Wasesithi kuyo: Nkosi yami, wena wafunga ngoJehova uNkulunkulu wakho kuncekukazi yakho usithi: Qotho uSolomoni indodana yakho uzabusa emva kwami, njalo yena uzahlala esihlalweni sami sobukhosi. Kodwa khathesi khangela, uAdonija uyabusa, khathesi-ke, nkosi yami, nkosi, kawukwazi. Usehlabe izinkabi lokunonisiweyo lezimvu ezinengi, wanxusa wonke amadodana enkosi loAbhiyatha umpristi loJowabi induna yebutho; kodwa uSolomoni inceku yakho kamnxusanga. Wena-ke, nkosi yami, nkosi, amehlo kaIsrayeli wonke aphezu kwakho ukuthi ubatshele ukuthi ngubani ozahlala esihlalweni sobukhosi senkosi yami, inkosi, emva kwayo, hlezi kuzakuthi lapho inkosi yami, inkosi, izalala laboyise, mina lendodana yami uSolomoni sizakuba yizoni. Khangela-ke, elokhu esakhuluma lenkosi, loNathani umprofethi wangena. Basebeyibikela inkosi besithi: Khangela uNathani umprofethi. Esengene phambi kwenkosi wakhothama phambi kwenkosi ngobuso bakhe emhlabathini. UNathani wasesithi: Nkosi yami, nkosi, wena utshilo yini ukuthi: UAdonija uzabusa emva kwami, njalo yena uzahlala esihlalweni sami sobukhosi? Ngoba wehlile lamuhla, uhlabile izinkabi lokunonisiweyo lezimvu ezinengi, wanxusa wonke amadodana enkosi, lenduna zebutho, loAbhiyatha umpristi; khangela-ke, bayadla bayanatha phambi kwakhe, njalo bathi: Kayiphile inkosi uAdonija! Kodwa mina, mina inceku yakho loZadoki umpristi loBhenaya indodana kaJehoyada loSolomoni inceku yakho, ka si nxusanga. Lindaba yenziwe yinkosi yami, inkosi, yini? Njalo kawazisanga inceku yakho ukuthi ngubani ozahlala esihlalweni sobukhosi senkosi yami, inkosi, emva kwayo? Inkosi uDavida yasiphendula yathi: Ngibizelani uBathisheba. Wasengena phambi kobuso benkosi, wema phambi kwenkosi. Inkosi yasifunga yathi: Kuphila kukaJehova ohlenge umphefumulo wami kuzo zonke inhlupheko, ngitsho, njengoba ngafunga kuwe ngeN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, ngisithi: Qotho, uSolomoni indodana yakho uzabusa emva kwami, njalo yena uzahlala esihlalweni sami sobukhosi esikhundleni sami; qotho ngizakwenza njalo lamuhla. UBathisheba wasekhothama ngobuso emhlabathini, waguqela inkosi wathi: Kayiphile inkosi yami, inkosi uDavida kuze kube nininini! Inkosi uDavida yasisithi: Ngibizelani uZadoki umpristi, loNathani umprofethi, loBhenaya indodana kaJehoyada. Basebengena phambi kwenkosi. Inkosi yasisithi kibo: Thathani kanye lani inceku zenkosi yenu, ligadise uSolomoni indodana yami imbongolo engeyami. Kakuthi-ke uZadoki umpristi loNathani umprofethi bamgcobe khona abe yinkosi phezu kukaIsrayeli; beselivuthela uphondo lithi: Kayiphile inkosi uSolomoni! Beselisenyuka emva kwakhe, njalo uzakuza ahlale esihlalweni sami sobukhosi, ngoba uzakuba yinkosi esikhundleni sami, njalo yena ngimbekile ukuthi abe ngumbusi phezu kukaIsrayeli laphezu kukaJuda. UBhenaya indodana kaJehoyada waseyiphendula inkosi wathi: Ameni. Kayitsho njalo iN, uNkulunkulu wenkosi yami, inkosi! Njengoba uJehova ubelenkosi yami, inkosi, kabe njalo loSolomoni. Ngakho uZadoki umpristi, loNathani umprofethi, loBhenaya indodana kaJehoyada, lamaKerethi behla bamgadisa uSolomoni imbongolo yenkosi uDavida, bamusa eGihoni. UZadoki umpristi wasethatha uphondo lwamafutha ethenteni! Bonke abantu basebesenyuka emva kwakhe, bonke abantu basebevuthela imihlanga bethokoza ngentokozo enkulu, waze waqhekezeka umhlaba ngomsindo wabo. UAdonija labo bonke abanxusiweyo ababelaye basebewuzwa sebeqede ukudla. Lapho uJowabi esizwa ukukhala kophondo wathi: Ngowani umsindo womuzi oxokozelayo? Lapho esakhuluma, khangela, kwafika uJonathani indodana kaAbhiyatha umpristi. UJonathani wasephendula wathi kuAdonija: Qotho, inkosi yethu, inkosi uDavida, imbekile uSolomoni waba yinkosi; njalo inkosi ithume kanye laye uZadoki umpristi, loNathani umprofethi, loBhenaya indodana kaJehoyada, lamaKerethi, lamaPelethi, bamgadisa imbongolo yenkosi. Njalo uZadoki umpristi loNathani umprofethi bamgcobile waba yinkosi eGihoni, benyuka khona bethokoza; yikho umuzi uxokozela. Yiwo lowomsindo eliwuzwileyo. Futhi uSolomoni usehlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi sombuso. Futhi lenceku zenkosi zifikile ukubusisa inkosi yethu, inkosi uDavida, zisithi: UNkulunkulu wakho kalenze ibizo likaSolomoni libe ngcono kulebizo lakho, enze isihlalo sakhe sobukhosi sibe sikhulu kulesihlalo sakho sobukhosi. Futhi-ke yatsho njalo inkosi: Kayibusiswe iN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, enike lamuhla ohlala esihlalweni sami sobukhosi, amehlo ami ekubona. Bonke abanxusiweyo ababeloAdonija basebethuthumela, basukuma, bahamba ngulowo lalowo ngendlela yakhe. UAdonija wasesesaba ngenxa kaSolomoni, wasukuma wahamba, wabamba impondo zelathi. Wasebikelwa uSolomoni ukuthi: Khangela, uAdonija uyayesaba inkosi uSolomoni; ngoba khangela, usebambe impondo zelathi esithi: Inkosi uSolomoni kayifunge kimi lamuhla ukuthi kayiyikuyibulala inceku yayo ngenkemba. USolomoni wasesithi: Uba eyindoda uqobo, kakuyikuwa okonwele lwakhe emhlabathini. Kodwa uba ububi butholakala kuye, uzakufa. Inkosi uSolomoni yasithuma, bamehlisa elathini. Wasesiza wakhothama enkosini uSolomoni; uSolomoni wasesithi kuye: Yana endlini yakho. Insuku zikaDavida zokuthi afe zasezisondela, waselaya uSolomoni indodana yakhe esithi: Se ngihamba indlela yomhlaba wonke, ugcine imfanelo yeN uNkulunkulu wakho, ukuhamba ngezindlela zayo, ukugcina izimiso zayo, imithetho yayo, lezahlulelo zayo, lobufakazi bayo, njengokubhaliweyo emlayweni kaMozisi, ukuze uphumelele kukho konke okwenzayo, laloba ngaphi lapho ophendukela khona, ukuze iqinise ilizwi layo eyalikhuluma mayelana lami. Futhi-ke wena uyakwazi ukuthi uJowabi indodana kaZeruya wenzani kimi, ukuthi wenzani kuzinduna ezimbili zamabutho akoIsrayeli. Ngakho yenza njengenhlakanipho yakho, ungayekeli ikhanda lakhe elilezimvu lehlele engcwabeni ngokuthula. Kodwa kumadodana kaBarizilayi umGileyadi wenze umusa. Futhi khangela, kukhona kuwe uShimeyi indodana kaGera umBhenjamini weBahurimi. Ngakho-ke ungamyekeli abe ngongelacala, ngoba ungumuntu ohlakaniphileyo, ngoba uyakwazi ozakwenza kuye. UDavida waselala laboyise. Njalo insuku uDavida abusa ngazo phezu kukaIsrayeli zaziyiminyaka engamatshumi amane; eHebroni wabusa iminyaka eyisikhombisa, leJerusalema wabusa iminyaka engamatshumi amathathu lantathu. USolomoni wasehlala esihlalweni sobukhosi sikaDavida uyise, lombuso wakhe waqiniswa kakhulu. UAdonija indodana kaHagithi wasesiza kuBathisheba unina kaSolomoni; wasesithi: Ukuza kwakho kuyikuthula yini? Wasesithi: Ukuthula. Wathi: Ngilelizwi kuwe. Wasesithi: Khuluma. Wasesithi: Wena uyakwazi ukuthi umbuso wawungowami, lokuthi uIsrayeli wonke babebeke ubuso babo kimi ukuthi ngizabusa; kodwa umbuso waphendulwa, waba ngowomfowethu. Khathesi-ke, ngicela isicelo esisodwa kuwe, ungafulathelisi ubuso bami. Wasesithi kuye: Khuluma. Wasesithi: Ake ukhulume loSolomoni inkosi (ngoba kayikufulathelisa ubuso bakho) ukuthi anginike uAbishagi. UBathisheba wasesithi: Kulungile; mina ngizakukhulumela enkosini. Ngakho uBathisheba wasesiya enkosini uSolomoni ukukhulumela uAdonija kuyo. Inkosi yasisukuma ukumhlangabeza, yakhothama kuye, yahlala esihlalweni sayo sobukhosi, yathi kubekelwe unina wenkosi isihlalo sobukhosi; wasehlala ngakwesokunene sayo. Wasesithi: Ngicela isicelo esisodwa esincinyane kuwe, ungafulathelisi ubuso bami. Inkosi yasisithi kuye: Cela, mama, ngoba kangiyikufulathelisa ubuso bakho. Wasesithi: UAbishagi umShunami kanikwe uAdonija umfowenu abe ngumka khe. Inkosi uSolomoni yasiphendula yathi kunina: Usumcelelelani uAdonija uAbishagi umShunami? Umcelele lombuso. Inkosi uSolomoni yasifunga ngeN isithi: Kenze njalo uNkulunkulu kimi lokunjalo engezelele, uba uAdonija e nga khuluma ngalelilizwi emelene lempilo yakhe. Ngakho-ke, kuphila kukaJehova ongimisileyo wangibeka esihlalweni sobukhosi sikaDavida ubaba. Inkosi uSolomoni yasithuma ngesandla sikaBhenaya indodana kaJehoyada, owamsukelayo, wasesifa. LakuAbhiyatha umpristi inkosi yathi: Yana eAnathothi emasimini akho. Ngakho uSolomoni wamxotsha uAbhiyatha ekubeni ngumpristi weN, ukugcwalisa ilizwi leN eyalikhuluma mayelana lendlu kaEli. Kwathi umbiko ufika kuJowabi, ngoba uJowabi wayephenduke walandela uAdonija. Kwasekubikelwa inkosi uSolomoni ukuthi uJowabi usebalekele ethenteni leN, khangela-ke, use celeni kwelathi. USolomoni wasethuma uBhenaya indodana kaJehoyada esithi: Hamba umsukele. Ngakho uBhenaya waya ethenteni leN, wathi kuye: Itsho njalo inkosi: Phuma! Kodwa wathi: Hatshi, kodwa ngizafela lapha. UBhenaya wasebuyisela ilizwi enkosini, esithi: Utsho njalo uJowabi, ungiphendule njalo. Inkosi yasisithi kuye: Yenza njengokutsho kwakhe, umsukele, umngcwabe. Njalo izabuyisela igazi lakhe ekhanda lakhe. Ngakho igazi labo lizabuyela ekhanda likaJowabi lekhanda lenzalo yakhe kuze kube nininini; kodwa kuDavida lenzalweni yakhe, lendlini yakhe, lembusweni wakhe, kuzakuba lokuthula kuze kube nininini okuvela eNni. UBhenaya indodana kaJehoyada wasesenyuka, wamsukela wambulala. Inkosi yasibeka uBhenaya indodana kaJehoyada esikhundleni sakhe phezu kwebutho, loZadoki umpristi. Inkosi yasithuma yabiza uShimeyi, yathi kuye: Zakhele indlu eJerusalema, uhlale khona, ungaphumi lapho uye ngaphi langaphi. Ngoba kuzakuthi mhla uphumayo, uchaphe isifula iKidroni. UShimeyi wasesithi enkosini: Lelolizwi lihle; njengokutsho kwenkosi yami, inkosi, inceku yakho izakwenza njalo. UShimeyi wasehlala eJerusalema insuku ezinengi. Kwasekusithi ekupheleni kweminyaka emithathu inceku ezimbili zikaShimeyi zabalekela kuAkishi indodana kaMahaka. Basebebikela uShimeyi besithi: Khangela, inceku zakho ziseGathi. Wasesukuma uShimeyi, wabophela isihlalo kubabhemi wakhe, waya eGathi kuAkishi ukudinga inceku zakhe; uShimeyi wahamba waletha inceku zakhe zivela eGathi. Kwasekubikelwa uSolomoni ukuthi uShimeyi wayesukile eJerusalema waya eGathi, njalo wabuyela. Inkosi yasithuma yabiza uShimeyi yathi kuye: Kangikufungisanga yini ngeN, ngafakaza kuwe ngathi: Mhla uphumayo ukuya ngaphi langaphi yazi lokwazi ukuthi uzakufa lokufa? Wasusithi kimi: Lihle ilizwi e ngilizwileyo. Pho, kungani ungasigcinanga isifungo seN lomlayo engakulaya ngawo? Inkosi yasisithi kuShimeyi: Wena uyazi bonke ububi inhliziyo yakho ebaziyo owabenza kuDavida ubaba. Kodwa inkosi uSolomoni ibusisiwe, lesihlalo sobukhosi sikaDavida sizaqiniswa phambi kweN kuze kube nininini. Ngakho inkosi yalaya uBhenaya indodana kaJehoyada, owaphuma wamsukela waze wafa. USolomoni wasehlangana ngomtshado loFaro inkosi yeGibhithe, wathatha indodakazi kaFaro. Kube kanti abantu babenikela umhlatshelo endaweni eziphakemeyo, ngoba kwakungakhelwanga ibizo leN indlu kwaze kwaba yilezonsuku. USolomoni wayithanda-ke iN KOSI; kube kanti wanikela umhlatshelo watshisa impepha endaweni eziphakemeyo. Inkosi yasisiya eGibeyoni ukuhlaba khona. EGibeyoni yabonakala kuSolomoni. USolomoni wasesithi: Wena wenzele inceku yakho uDavida ubaba umusa omkhulu, njengokuhamba kwakhe phambi kwakho eqinisweni lekulungeni lebuqothweni benhliziyo kuwe; wamgcinela lo umusa omkhulu. Ngakho-ke, N Nkulunkulu wami, wena wenzile inceku yakho yaba yinkosi esikhundleni sikaDavida ubaba. Lenceku yakho iphakathi kwabantu bakho obakhethileyo, abantu abanengi. Ngakho nika inceku yakho inhliziyo eqedisisayo? Laloludaba lwaba luhle emehlweni eNkosi ukuthi uSolomoni ucele lolulutho. UNkulunkulu wasesithi kuye: Ngenxa yokuthi ucele lolulutho, ungazicelelanga insuku ezinengi, ungazicelelanga inotho, ungacelanga umphefumulo wezitha zakho, kodwa uzicelele ukuqedisisa ukuzwa ukwahlulela, khangela, sengenze njengamazwi akho. Futhi longakucelanga ngikunikile. Njalo uba uzahamba endleleni zami, ukugcina izimiso zami lemilayo yami njengoDavida uyihlo wahamba. USolomoni wasephaphama; khangela-ke kwakuliphupho. Ngalesosikhathi kwafika abesifazana ababili, amawule, enkosini, bema phambi kwayo. Omunye owesifazana wasesithi: Hawu nkosi yami, mina lalumfazi sihlala ndlunye; ngasengibeletha ngilaye endlini. Kwasekusithi ngosuku lwesithathu ngibelethile, laye lumfazi wabeletha; njalo sasindawonye, kungekho owemzini kanye lathi endlini, ngaphandle kwethu sobabili endlini. Umntwana walumfazi wasesifa ebusuku, ngoba walala phezu kwakhe. Wasevuka phakathi kobusuku, wathatha indodana yami eceleni kwami, incekukazi yakho isalele, wayilalisa esifubeni sakhe, lomntanakhe ofileyo wamlalisa esifubeni sami. Lapho ngivuka ekuseni ukumunyisa umntanami, khangela-ke wayesefile; sengimkhangelisisa ekuseni, khangela-ke, kwakungeyisuye umntanami engamzalayo. Kodwa lowo omunye owesifazana wathi: Hatshi, kodwa indodana yami ngephilayo, lendodana yakho ngefileyo. Lalowo wathi: Hatshi, kodwa indodana yakho ngefileyo, lendodana yami ngephilayo. Batsho njalo phambi kwenkosi. Inkosi yasisithi: Lo uthi: Le yindodana yami ephilayo, lendodana yakho ngefileyo; lomunye uthi: Hatshi, kodwa indodana yakho ngefileyo, lendodana yami ngephilayo. Inkosi yasisithi: Ngithathelani inkemba. Basebeyiletha inkemba phambi kwenkosi. Inkosi yasisithi: Dabulani kabili umntwana ophilayo, linike omunye ingxenye, lomunye ingxenye. Owesifazana okwakungowakhe umntwana ophilayo wakhuluma enkosini, ngoba imibilini yakhe yavutha ngendodana yakhe, wathi: Hawu nkosi yami, mnikeni yena umntwana ophilayo, lingambulali loba kunjani. Kodwa omunye wathi: Kangabi ngowami kumbe ngowakho, dabulani. Inkosi yasiphendula yathi: Nikani yena umntwana ophilayo, lingambulali loba kunjani; nguye unina. UIsrayeli wonke wasesizwa isahlulelo inkosi eyayisahlulele, besaba phambi kwenkosi, ngoba babona ukuthi inhlakanipho kaNkulunkulu yayikuye ukwenza isahlulelo. Ngakho inkosi uSolomoni yaba yinkosi phezu kukaIsrayeli wonke. Lalezi yiziphathamandla ayelazo: UAzariya indodana kaZadoki wayengumpristi; uElihorefi loAhiya amadodana kaShisha babengababhali; uJehoshafathi indodana kaAhiludi wayengumabhalane; loBhenaya indodana kaJehoyada wayephezu kwebutho; loAzariya indodana kaNathani wayephezu kwabaphathi; loAhishari wayengumlawuli wendlu; loAdoniramu indodana kaAbida wayephezu kwemithelo. USolomoni wayelabaphathi abalitshumi lambili phezu kukaIsrayeli wonke, ababedingela inkosi lendlu yayo ukudla, ngulowo lalowo ngenyanga yakhe ngomnyaka wadinga ukudla. Lala ngamabizo abo: UBeni-Huri entabeni zakoEfrayimi. UBeni-Dekeri eMakazi leShahalibimi leEloni-Beti-Hanani. UBeni-Hesedi eArubothi, eleSoko. UBeni-Abinadaba wayele lizwe lonke leDori; uTafathi indodakazi kaSolomoni wayengumkakhe. UBahana indodana kaAhiludi. UBeni-Geberi eRamothi-Gileyadi. UAhinadaba indodana kaIdo eMahanayimi. UAhimahazi wayekoNafithali; laye wathatha uBasemathi indodakazi kaSolomoni abe ngumka khe. UBahana indodana kaHushayi wayekoAsheri leAlothi. UJehoshafathi indodana kaParuwa wayekoIsakari. UShimeyi indodana kaEla wayekoBhenjamini. UGeberi indodana kaUri wayeselizweni leGileyadi, ilizwe likaSihoni inkosi yamaAmori, lelikaOgi inkosi yeBashani. Njalo wayenguye yedwa umphathi kulelolizwe. UJuda loIsrayeli babebanengi njengetshebetshebe elingaselwandle ngobunengi, besidla, benatha, bethokoza. USolomoni wayesebusa phezu kwayo yonke imibuso. Njalo ukudla kukaSolomoni ngosuku olulodwa kwakungamakhori angamatshumi amathathu empuphu ecolekileyo, lamakori angamatshumi ayisithupha empuphu, inkabi ezilitshumi ezinonisiweyo, lenkabi ezingamatshumi amabili zemadlelweni, lezimvu ezilikhulu, ngaphandle kwendluzele, lenyoni ezinonisiweyo. Ngoba wayebusa phezu kwalo lonke nganeno komfula, kusukela eTifisa. UJuda loIsrayeli bahlala-ke bevikelekile, ngulowo lalowo ngaphansi kwesivini sakhe. Njalo uSolomoni wayelezindlwana zamabhiza enqola zakhe ezizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane, labagadi bamabhiza abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili. Lalabobaphathi badingela inkosi uSolomoni ukudla, laye wonke osondela etafuleni lenkosi uSolomoni, ngulowo lalowo ngenyanga yakhe; kabatshiyanga kusweleke lutho. Lebhali lamahlanga awamabhiza lawamabhiza alejubane bakuletha endaweni lapho eyayifanelekube khona, ngulowo lalowo njengemfanelo yakhe. UNkulunkulu wasemnika uSolomoni inhlakanipho lokuqedisisa okukhulu kakhulu. Lenhlakanipho kaSolomoni yayinkulu kulenhlakanipho yawo wonke amadodana empumalanga. Ngoba wayehlakaniphile kulabo bonke abantu loDarida amadodana kaMaholi; lebizo lakhe lalisezizweni zonke inhlangothi zonke. Waseqamba izaga ezizinkulungwane ezintathu, lengoma zakhe zaziyinkulungwane lanhlanu. Wasekhuluma ngezihlahla, kusukela esihlahleni somsedari oseLebhanoni; wakhuluma langezinyamazana langezinyoni langezihuquzelayo langezinhlanzi. Kwasekufika abavela ezizweni zonke ukuzwa inhlakanipho kaSolomoni, bevela emakhosini wonke omhlaba ayezwe ngenhlakanipho yakhe. UHiramu inkosi yeTire wasethuma inceku zakhe kuSolomoni. USolomoni wasethumela kuHiramu esithi: Wena uyazi ukuthi uDavida ubaba wayengelakwakhela ibizo leN uNkulunkulu wakhe indlu ngenxa yezimpi ezazimzingelezele, yaze yazifaka ngaphansi kwengaphansi yenyawo zakhe. Kodwa khathesi uNkulunkulu inginikile ukuphumula inhlangothi zonke. Khangela-ke, ngizimisele ukwakhela ibizo leN uNkulunkulu wami indlu njengokutsho kweN kuDavida ubaba isithi: Indodana yakho engizayibeka esihlalweni sakho sobukhosi esikhundleni sakho, yona izakwakhela ibizo lami indlu. Ngakho-ke laya ukuthi bangigamulele imisedari eLebhanoni, lenceku zami zizakuba lenceku zakho; leholo lenceku zakho ngizakunika njengakho konke okutshoyo. Ngoba wena uyakwazi ukuthi kakho phakathi kwethu okwaziyo ukugamula izihlahla njengabeSidoni. Kwasekusithi uHiramu esizwa amazwi kaSolomoni wathokoza kakhulu wathi: Kayibusiswe lamuhla emnikileyo uDavida indodana ehlakaniphileyo phezu kwalesisizwe esikhulu. UHiramu wasethumela kuSolomoni esithi: Ngizwile lokho ongithumele ngakho; mina ngizakwenza zonke iziloyiso zakho mayelana lezigodo zemisedari lamayelana lezigodo zamafiri. Inceku zami zizazehlisa zisuka eLebhanoni zisiya elwandle; mina-ke ngizazenza okundendayo olwandle ukuya endaweni ozayiqamba kimi, ngizithukulule lapho; wena-ke uzazithathela khona, wena uzakwenza isifiso sami ngokupha abendlu yami ukudla. Ngakho uHiramu wamnika uSolomoni izigodo zemisedari lezigodo zamafiri njengokwe zifiso zakhe zonke. LoSolomoni wanika uHiramu amakhori engqoloyi azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu lambili, ukudla kwabendlu yakhe, lamakhori angamatshumi amabili amafutha akhanyiweyo. Ngokunjalo uSolomoni wamupha uHiramu iminyaka ngeminyaka. yasimnika uSolomoni inhlakanipho njengokutsho kwayo kuye. Kwasekusiba khona ukuthula phakathi kukaHiramu loSolomoni; benza isivumelwano bobabili. Inkosi uSolomoni yabutha izibhalwa kuIsrayeli wonke; lezibhalwa zazingabantu abazinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu. Yasibathuma eLebhanoni, abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi ngenyanga ngamazopho, inyanga beseLebhanoni, inyanga ezimbili besekhaya. LoAdoniramu wayephezu kwezibhalwa. Futhi uSolomoni wayelabayizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisikhombisa abathwala imithwalo, lababazi abazinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisificaminwembili ezintabeni, ngaphandle kwezinduna zabaphathi bakaSolomoni, ababephethe umsebenzi. Inkosi yasilaya, baletha amatshe amakhulu, amatshe aligugu, okubeka isisekelo sendlu, amatshe abaziweyo. Abakhi bakaSolomoni labakhi bakaHiramu lamaGebhali basebebaza, balungisa izigodo lamatshe ukwakha indlu. Kwasekusithi ngomnyaka wamakhulu amane lamatshumi ayisificaminwembili emva kokuphuma kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli elizweni leGibhithe. Njalo indlu inkosi uSolomoni eyayakhela uJehova, ubude bayo babuzingalo ezingamatshumi ayisithupha, lobubanzi bayo babungamatshumi amabili, lokuphakama kwayo kwakuzingalo ezingamatshumi amathathu. Lekhulusi phambi kwethempeli lendlu, ubude balo babuzingalo ezingamatshumi amabili, njengobubanzi bendlu, ububanzi balo babuzingalo ezilitshumi phambi kwendlu. Njalo wayenzela indlu amawindi abanzi ngaphandle kulangaphakathi. Futhi emdulini wendlu wakha amakamelo inhlangothi zonke, imiduli yendlu inhlangothi zonke, esenzela ithempeli lendawo yelizwi. Wenza lezindlwana eziseceleni inhlangothi zonke. Ikamelo elingaphansi kwawo wonke, ububanzi balo babuzingalo ezinhlanu, leliphakathi, ububanzi balo buzingalo eziyisithupha, lelesithathu, ububanzi balo buzingalo eziyisikhombisa. Ngoba ngaphandle kwendlu wenza izinciphiso inhlangothi zonke, ukuze imijaboingagxunyekwa emidulini yendlu. Njalo indlu, isakhiwa, yakhiwa ngamatshe ayepheleliswe enkwalini, ukuze kungezwakali isando lehloka, loba yisiphi isikhali sensimbi endlini nxa isakhiwa. Umnyango wendlwana eseceleni ephakathi wawusehlangothini lwesokunene lwendlu; njalo bakhwela ngesikhwelo esibhodayo ukuya kwengaphakathi, lokusuka kwengaphakathi kusiya kweyesithathu. Wayakha-ke indlu, wayiqeda; wagubuzela indlu ngentungo lamapulanka emisedari. Wasesakha izindlwana eceleni kwendlu yonke, ubude bazo buzingalo ezinhlanu, wakuxhuma endlini ngezigodo zemisedari. Ilizwi leN laselifika kuSolomoni lathi: Mayelana la le indlu oyakhayo, uba uhamba ngezimiso zami, usenza izahlulelo zami, njalo ugcina yonke imilayo yami ukuhamba ngayo; ngizahlala phakathi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli. Wayakha-ke uSolomoni indlu, wayiqeda. Wasesakha imiduli yendlu ngaphakathi ngamapulanka emisedari, kusukela kuphansi lendlu kuze kufike emidulini yophahla. Wasesakha izingalo ezingamatshumi amabili emaceleni endlu, ngamapulanka emisedari, kusukela kuphansi kwaze kwafika emidulini; wayakhela ngaphakathi, esenzela indawo yelizwi, esenzela ingcwele yezingcwele. Lendlu, elithempeli, ngaphambili, yayizingalo ezingamatshumi amane. Njalo umsedari wendlu ngaphakathi wawubazwe waba zinduku lamaluba avulekileyo; konke kwakungumsedari, kungabonakali litshe. Waselungisa indawo yelizwi phakathi endlini ukubeka khona umtshokotsho wesivumelwano seN. Lendawo yelizwi ephambili, ubude babuzingalo ezingamatshumi amabili, lobubanzi buzingalo ezingamatshumi amabili, lokuphakama kwayo kuzingalo ezingamatshumi amabili; wayihuqa ngegolide elicwengekileyo; wasesembesa ilathi ngo msedari. USolomoni waseyihuqa indlu ngaphakathi ngegolide elicwengekileyo, wenza isehlukaniso ngamaketane egolide phambi kwendawo yelizwi, wasesihuqa ngegolide. Lendlu yonke wayihuqa ngegolide yaze yaphelela yonke indlu; lelathi lonke elisendaweni yelizwi walihuqa ngegolide. Endaweni yelizwi wasesenza amakherubhi amabili ngesihlahla somhlwathi, ukuphakama kwakuzingalo ezilitshumi ngalinye. Olunye uphiko lwekherubhi lwaluzingalo ezinhlanu, lolunye uphiko lwekherubhi lwaluzingalo ezinhlanu; kusukela ekucineni ko lunyeuphiko kusiya ekucineni ko lunyeuphiko kwakuzingalo ezilitshumi. Lelinye ikherubhi lalizingalo ezilitshumi; womabili amakherubhi ayeyisilinganiso sinye lesimo sinye. Ukuphakama kwelinye ikherubhi kwakuzingalo ezilitshumi, lelinye ikherubhi lalinjalo. Wasewabeka amakherubhi phakathi kwendlu engaphakathi; njalo amakherubhi elula impiko, kuze kuthi olunye uphiko lwathinta umduli, lophiko lwelinye ikherubhi lwathinta omunye umduli, lempiko zawo zathintana uphiko lophiko ngaphakathi kwendlu. Wasewahuqa amakherubhi ngegolide. Wabaza imiduli yonke yendlu inhlangothi zonke ngemifanekiso ebaziweyo yamakherubhi lezihlahla zamalala lamaluba avulekileyo ngaphakathi langaphandle. Iphansi lendlu waselihuqa ngegolide ngaphakathi langaphandle. Emnyango wendawo yelizwi wenza izivalo zesihlahla somhlwathi, ikhothamo le migubazi kulezinhlangothi ezinhlanu. Lezivalo zombili zazingezesihlahla somhlwathi, wabaza kuzo imibazo yamakherubhi lezihlahla zamalala lamaluba avulekileyo, wazihuqa ngegolide, wakhandela igolide phezu kwamakherubhi lezihlahla zamalala. Ngokunjalo wasesenzela umnyango wethempeli imigubazi yesihlahla somhlwathi, ezinhlangothini ezine. Lezivalo ezimbili zazingezezihlahla zamafiri. Wasebaza kuzoamakherubhi lezihlahla zamalala lamaluba avulekileyo, wakuhuqa ngegolide elendlala kuhle phezu kokubaziweyo. Wasesakha iguma elingaphakathi ngemizila emithathu yamatshe abaziweyo, lomzila wemijabo yemisedari. Ngomnyaka wesine isisekelo sendlu yeN sabekwa, ngenyanga kaZivi. Kwathi ngomnyaka wetshumi lanye, enyangeni kaBuli, okuyinyanga yesificaminwembili, yaphela indlu ezintweni zayo zonke lanjengakho konke ukumiswa kwayo. Ngakho wayakha iminyaka eyisikhombisa. Kodwa indlu yakhe uSolomoni wayakha iminyaka elitshumi lantathu, wayiqeda yonke indlu yakhe. Wasesakha indlu yegusu leLebhanoni; ubude bayo babuzingalo ezilikhulu, lobubanzi bayo buzingalo ezingamatshumi amahlanu, lokuphakama kwayo kuzingalo ezingamatshumi amathathu, phezu kwemizila emine yensika zemisedari, lemijabo yemisedari phezu kwezinsika. Yayifulelwe ngemisedari phezulu, phezu kwemijabo, eyayiphezu kwensika ezingamatshumi amane lanhlanu, ezilitshumi lanhlanu emzileni. Njalo kwakulemizila emithathu yamawindi, ukukhanya kuqondene lokukhanya, kathathu. Layo yonke iminyango lemigubazi yayilingana inhlangothi zozine, l amawindi, njalo ukukhanya kuqondene lokukhanya, kathathu. Wasesenza ikhulusi lezinsika, ubude balo babuzingalo ezingamatshumi amahlanu, lobubanzi balo buzingalo ezingamatshumi amathathu; lekhulusi laliphambi kwazo, lezinsika lombundu phambi kwazo. Wasesenza ikhulusi elesihlalo sobukhosi lapho ahlulela khona, ikhulusi lesahlulelo, lalembeswe ngemisedari kusukela kuphansi kusiya kuphansi. Lendlu yakhe lapho ayehlala khona yayilelinye iguma ngaphakathi kwekhulusi, esetshenzwe ngokufananayo. Wenzela njalo indodakazi kaFaro, uSolomoni ayeyithethe, indlu, njengalelikhulusi. Zonke lezi zazingezamatshe aligugu abazwe ngokwesilinganiso, asahwe ngesaha ngaphakathi langaphandle, ngitsho kusukela esisekelweni kusiya ematsheni aphezulu, njalo ngaphandle kuze kube segumeni elikhulu. Njalo yayisekelwe ngamatshe aligugu, amatshe amakhulu, amatshe engalo ezilitshumi, lamatshe engalo eziyisificaminwembili; langaphezulu kwakulamatshe aligugu, abazwe ngokwesilinganiso, lemisedari. Leguma elikhulu inhlangothi zonke lalilemizila emithathu yamatshe abaziweyo, lomzila wemijabo yemisedari. Inkosi uSolomoni yasithuma yathatha uHiramu evela eTire. Yena wayeyindodana yowesifazana umfelokazi, wesizwe sakoNafithali; weza enkosini uSolomoni, wenza wonke umsebenzi wakhe. Wasebumba insika ezimbili zethusi. Wenza futhi iziduku ezimbili zethusi elincibilikisiweyo ukubeka phezu kwezihloko zezinsika; ukuphakama kwesiduku esisodwa kwakuzingalo ezinhlanu, lokuphakama kwesinye isiduku kwakuzingalo ezinhlanu. Amambule angumsebenzi oyisixhobexhobe, intambo eziphothiweyo zazingumsebenzi wamaketane, kusenzela iziduku eziphezu kwezihloko zezinsika; eziyisikhombisa esidukwini esisodwa, leziyisikhombisa kwesinye isiduku. Wenza-ke insika zombili, imizila emibili izingelezela phezu kwembule eyodwa, ukwembesa iziduku ezisesihlokweni samapomegranati; wenza njalo lakwesinye isiduku. Leziduku ezazisesihlokweni sensika zazingumsebenzi womduze ekhulusini, ingalo ezine. Njalo iziduku zazisezinsikeni ezimbili, langaphezulu maqondana lesisu, esingasemambuleni; lamapomegranati angamakhulu amabili ayesemizileni ezingelezeleyo, phezu kwesinye isiduku. Wasemisa izinsika ekhulusini lethempeli; esemise insika yangakwesokunene wabiza ibizo layo ngokuthinguJakini; esemise insika yangakwesokhohlo wabiza ibizo layo ngokuthinguBhowazi. Laphezu kwesihloko sezinsika kwakulomsebenzi womduze. Waphela-ke umsebenzi wezinsika. Wasesenza ulwandle oluncibilikisiweyo, luzingalo ezilitshumi kusukela emphethweni kusiya emphethweni, luzingelezele luyisigombolozi, lokuphakama kwalo luzingalo ezinhlanu, lomzila ozingalo ezingamatshumi amathathu waluzingelezela ulugombolozela. Ngaphansi komphetho walo kwakukhona amaqhaga eluzingelezele alugombolozela, alitshumi engalweni, ezingelezele ulwandle alugombolozela; imizila emibili yamaqhaga yabunjwa ngokuncibilikisa ekubunjweni kwalo ngokuncibilikisa. Lwema phezu kwenkabi ezilitshumi lambili; ezintathu zikhangele enyakatho, lezintathu zikhangele entshonalanga, lezintathu zikhangele eningizimu, lezintathu zikhangele empumalanga, lolwandle lwaluphezu kwazo phezulu, lazo zonke ingemuva zazo zazingaphakathi. Njalo ububanzi balo babuyibubanzi besandla, lomphetho walo wawunjengomphetho wenkezo, njenge luba lomduze; lwalumumethe amabhathi azinkulungwane ezimbili. Wenza lezisekelo ezilitshumi zethusi; ubude besisekelo esisodwa babuzingalo ezine, lobubanzi baso buzingalo ezine, lokuphakama kwaso kuzingalo ezintathu. Lalokhu kwakungumsebenzi wesisekelo: Zazilemiphetho, njalo imiphetho yayiphakathi kwezinhlanganiso; lemiphethweni ephakathi kwezinhlanganiso kwakulezilwane, izinkabi, lamakherubhi. Laphezu kwezinhlanganiso kwakulesisekelo ngaphezulu, njalo ngaphansi kwezilwane lezinkabi kwakulezinkatha zomsebenzi okhandiweyo. Lesisekelo sinye sasilamavili ethusi amane lamaphini ethusi; lamagumbi aso amane ayelamahlombe; ngaphansi kwenditshi yokugezela kwakulamahlombe abunjwe ngokuncibilikisa, eceleni kwaleyo laleyo inkatha. Lomlomo waso phakathi kwesiduku langaphezulu wawuyingalo, lomlomo wawo wawuyisigombolozi, njengo msebenzi wesisekelo, uyingalo lengxenye; futhi laphezu komlomo wawo kwakulokubaziweyo; njalo imiphetho yayo yayizinhlangothi ezine ezilinganayo, hatshi isigombolozi. Lamavili amane ayengaphansi kwemiphetho, lama-ekseli amavili ayesesisekelweni; lokuphakama kwevili elilodwa kwakuyingalo lengxenye yengalo. Njalo umsebenzi wamavili wawunjengomsebenzi wevili lenqola: Ama-ekseli awo lamasongo awo lezipokisi zawo lamahabha awo kwakubunjwe ngokuncibilikisa. Njalo kwakulamahlombe amane emagumbini womane esisekelo esisodwa; amahlombe aso avela esisekelweni. Laphezu kwesihloko sesisekelo kwakulokuphakama okuyisigombolozi okuyingxenye yengalo inhlangothi zonke; laphezu kwesihloko sesisekelo kwakulezisekelo zaso lemiphetho yaso, kuvela kuso. Laphezu kwezibhebhe zezisekelo zaso laphezu kwemiphetho yaso wabaza amakherubhi lezilwane lezihlahla zamalala, njengendawo yakho yonke engelalutho, lezinkatha inhlangothi zonke. Wazenza ngokunjalo izisekelo ezilitshumi; zonke zazilokubunjwa kunye, isilinganiso sinye, isimo sinye. Wasesenza inditshi zokugezela zethusi ezilitshumi; inditshi yokugezela eyodwa yayimumethe amabhathi angamatshumi amane; inditshi yokugezela eyodwa yayizingalo ezine; inditshi yokugezela eyodwa yayiphezu kwesisekelo ngasinye sezisekelo ezilitshumi. Wasebeka izisekelo ezinhlanu eceleni lokunene lendlu, lezinhlanu eceleni lokhohlo lendlu; lolwandle walubeka eceleni lokunene lendlu, ngasempumalanga maqondana leningizimu. UHiramu wasesenza inditshi zokugezela. UHiramu waseqeda ukwenza umsebenzi wonke ayewenzela inkosi uSolomoni endlini kaJehova: Insika zombili, lenditshi zeziduku ezaziphezu kwezinsika zombili, lamapomegranati angamakhulu amane, lezisekelo ezilitshumi, lenditshi zokugezela ezilitshumi phezu kwezisekelo, lolwandle olulodwa, lenkabi ezilitshumi lambili ngaphansi kolwandle; lezimbiza lamafotsholo lemiganu yokufafaza, lazo zonke lezizitsha uHiramu azenzela inkosi uSolomoni endlini kaJehova, zazingezethusi elikhazimulisiweyo. Inkosi yazibumbela ngokuncibilikisa emagcekeni eJodani, emhlabathini webumba phakathi kweSukothi. USolomoni wasetshiya zonke lezizitsha zingalinganiswanga, ngenxa yobunengi obukhulukazi; isisindo sethusi kasihlolwanga. USolomoni wenza-ke zonke izitsha ezazingezendlu yeN; ilathi legolide, lezinti zezibane zegolide elicwengekileyo, ezinhlanu ngakwesokunene, lezinhlanu ngakwesokhohlo, phambi kwendawo yelizwi; lemiganu, ezivalo zendlu yethempeli. Waphela njalo umsebenzi wonke inkosi uSolomoni eyawenza endlini yeN. USolomoni wasengenisa izinto ezingcwelisiweyo zikaDavida uyise; isiliva legolide lezitsha wakubeka enothweni yendlu yeN. Khona uSolomoni wabuthanisa abadala bakoIsrayeli. Wonke amadoda akoIsrayeli asebuthana enkosini uSolomoni emkhosini enyangeni kaEthanimi eyinyanga yesikhombisa. Labo bonke abadala bakoIsrayeli beza, abapristi bawuphakamisa umtshokotsho wesivumelwano, bawenyusa umtshokotsho weN lethente lenhlangano, lazo zonke izitsha ezingcwele ezazisethenteni; abapristi lamaLevi bakwenyusa-ke. Njalo inkosi uSolomoni lenhlangano yonke yakoIsrayeli eyayibuthene babelayo phambi komtshokotsho behlaba izimvu lezinkabi ezingelanani lezingelakubalwa ngobunengi. Abapristi basebewungenisa umtshokotsho wesivumelwano seN KOSI. Ngoba amakherubhi elulela impiko zawophezu kwendawo yomtshokotsho, amakherubhi embesa umtshokotsho lemijabo yawo, kuvela phezulu. Basebeselula imijabo ukuze izihloko zemijabo zibonakale endaweni engcwele. Kwakungelalutho emtshokotshweni, ngaphandle kwezibhebhe zamatshe ezimbili uMozisi azifaka khona eHorebe. Kwasekusithi ekuphumeni kwabapristi endaweni engcwele iyezi layigcwalisa indlu yeN; ngakho abapristi babengelakho ukuma ukuthi bakhonze ngenxa yeyezi, ngoba inkazimulo yeN yayigcwalise indlu yeN. Ngalesosikhathi uSolomoni wathi. Ngikwakhele lokukwakhela indlu. Inkosi yasitshibilikisa ubuso bayo, yalibusisa ibandla lonke lakoIsrayeli; lebandla lonke lakoIsrayeli lalimi. Yasisithi: Kayibusiswe iN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, isithi: Kusukela ngosuku engakhupha ngalo abantu bami uIsrayeli elizweni leGibhithe kangikhethanga muzi ezizweni zonke zakoIsrayeli ukwakha indlu, ukuthi ibizo lami libe lapho. Njalo kwakusenhliziyweni kaDavida ubaba ukwakhela ibizo leN uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli indlu. Kodwa yathi kuDavida ubaba: Njengoba kwakusenhliziyweni yakho ukwakhela ibizo lami indlu, wenze kuhle ukuthi kwakusenhliziyweni yakho; loba kunjalo kawuyikuyakha indlu wena. isiqinisile ilizwi layo eyalikhulumayo, ngoba ngivukile esikhundleni sikaDavida ubaba, ngihlala esihlalweni sobukhosi sikaIsrayeli njengokuba ikhulumile, sengilakhele ibizo leN uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli indlu. Njalo ngimisile lapho indawo yomtshokotsho, lapho okulesivumelwano seN khona, eyasenza labobaba ekubakhupheni kwayo elizweni leGibhithe. USolomoni wasesima phambi kwelathi leN maqondana lebandla lonke lakoIsrayeli wathi: N, Nkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, kakho unkulunkulu onjengawe emazulwini phezulu lemhlabeni phansi. Ogcinele inceku yakho uDavida ubaba lokho owakutsho kuye; njalo wakhuluma ngomlomo wakho, wakugcwalisa ngesandla sakho, njengalamuhla. Ngakho-ke, N, Nkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, gcinela inceku yakho uDavida ubaba owakukhuluma kuye, usithi: Kakuyikusweleka muntu kuwe phambi kwami ozahlala esihlalweni sobukhosi sikaIsrayeli, kuphela uba amadodana akho egcina indlela yawo ukuhamba phambi kwami njengoba uhambile phambi kwami. Khathesi-ke, Nkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, ake liqiniseke ilizwi lakho owalikhuluma encekwini yakho uDavida ubaba. Kodwa isibili uNkulunkulu uzahlala yini emhlabeni? Khangela, amazulu? Kube kanti phendukela emkhulekweni wenceku yakho lekuncengeni kwayo, N Nkulunkulu wami, ukuze uzwe ukukhala lomkhuleko inceku yakho ekukhulekayo phambi kwakho lamuhla. Ukuthi amehlo akho avulekele lindlu ebusuku lemini, indawo owatsho ngayo. Zwana-ke ukuncenga kwenceku yakho lokwabantu bakho uIsrayeli lapho bezakhuleka kulindawo; yebo, uzwe wena, usendaweni yakho yokuhlala emazulwini; lapho usizwa, uthethelele. Uba loba nguwuphi umuntu one umakhelwane wakhe, abeke phezu kwakhe isifungo, amenze afunge, lesifungo size phambi kwelathi lakho kulindlu, zwana-ke wena usemazulwini, wenze wahlulele inceku zakho, ulahle omubi, ukunikela indlela yakhe ekhanda lakhe, ukulungisisa olungileyo, ukumnika njengokulunga kwakhe. Lapho abantu bakho uIsrayeli betshaywe phambi kwesitha ngoba bonile kuwe, babesebephendukela kuwe, balivume ibizo lakho, bakhuleke bancenge kuwe kulindlu, zwana-ke wena usemazulwini, uthethelele isono sabantu bakho uIsrayeli, ubabuyisele elizweni owalinika oyise. Lapho amazulu evaliwe, kungelazulu ngoba bonile kuwe, uba bekhuleka kulindawo belivuma ibizo lakho, baphenduke esonweni sabo lapho ubahluphile, zwana-ke wena usemazulwini, uthethelele isono senceku zakho lesabantu bakho uIsrayeli, lapho usubafundisile. Uba kukhona indlala elizweni, uba kukhona umatshayabhuqe wesifo, ukutshisa, ingumane, isikhonyane, uba kulemihogoyi; uba isitha sabo sibavimbezele elizweni lemizi yabo, loba yiyiphi inhlupheko, loba yiwuphi umkhuhlane, wonke umkhuleko, konke ukuncenga, okwenziwa yiloba nguwuphi umuntu, ngabantu bakho bonke bakoIsrayeli, abazakwazi ngulowo inhlupheko yenhliziyo yakhe, eselula izandla zakhe kulindlu, zwana-ke wena usemazulwini, indawo yakho yokuhlala emisiweyo, ukuze bakwesabe zonke izinsuku abaziphila ebusweni belizwe owalinika obaba. Futhi-ke mayelana lowezizweni ongesuye wabantu bakho uIsrayeli kodwa evela elizweni elikhatshana ngenxa yebizo lakho, (ngoba bazakuzwa ngebizo lakho elikhulu langesandla sakho esilamandla langengalo yakho eyeluliweyo) uba esiza akhuleke kulindlu, zwana wena usemazulwini, indawo yakho yokuhlala emisiweyo. Uba abantu bakho bephuma impi bemelene lesitha sabo ngendlela obathuma ngayo, babesebekhuleka eNni bekhangele emzini owukhethileyo lendlini engiyakhele ibizo lakho, zwana-ke usemazulwini umkhuleko wabo lokuncenga kwabo, wenze udaba lwabo. Uba besona kuwe, ngoba kakulamuntu ongoniyo, kodwa babuye enhliziyweni yabo elizweni abathunjelwe kilo, baphenduke, bancenge kuwe elizweni lababathumbileyo; babuyele kuwe ngenhliziyo yonke yabo langomphefumulo wonke wabo elizweni lezitha zabo ezibathumbileyo, zwana-ke usemazulwini umkhuleko wabo lokuncenga kwabo, endaweni yakho yokuhlala, ubamele. Uthethelele abantu bakho abone kuwe, leziphambeko zabo zonke, abaphambeke ngazo kuwe, ubaphe isihawu phambi kwababathumbileyo, ukuthi babe lesihawu kibo, ngoba bayisizwe sakho, lelifa lakho owabakhupha eGibhithe. Ukuze amehlo akho avulekele ukuncenga kwenceku yakho lokuncenga kwabantu bakho uIsrayeli, ukubezwa kukho konke ukukhala kwabo kuwe. Ngoba wena wazehlukanisela bona babe yilifa bevela kuzo zonke izizwe zomhlaba, njengokukhuluma kwakho ngesandla sikaMozisi, inceku yakho, ekukhupheni kwakho obaba eGibhithe, Nkosi Jehova. Kwasekusithi eseqedile uSolomoni ukukhuleka wonke lo umkhuleko lokuncenga eNni, wasukuma esuka ngaphambi kwelathi leN ekuguqeni ngamadolo akhe lezandla zakhe zelulekele emazulwini, wasesima wabusisa ibandla lonke lakoIsrayeli ngelizwi elikhulu esithi: Kayibusiswe enike abantu bayo uIsrayeli ukuphumula njengakho konke eyakukhulumayo; kakuwanga lelilodwa ilizwi kuwo wonke amazwi ayo eyawakhuluma ngesandla sikaMozisi inceku yayo. uNkulunkulu wethu kayibe lathi njengalokhu yayilabobaba, ingasitshiyi, ukuze ithobele inhliziyo yethu kuyo, ukuhamba ngazo zonke indlela zayo, lokugcina imilayo yayo lezimiso zayo lezahlulelo zayo, eyakulaya obaba. Lala amazwi ami, engincenga ngawo phambi kweN, abe seduzane leN uNkulunkulu wethu emini lebusuku, ukuze imele udaba lwenceku yayo lodaba lwabantu bayo uIsrayeli, udaba losuku ngosuku lwalo, ukuze izizwe zonke zomhlaba zazi. Ngakho inhliziyo yenu kayibe ngepheleleyo kuJehova uNkulunkulu wethu, ukuhamba ezimisweni zayo, lokugcina imilayo yayo njengalamuhla. Inkosi loIsrayeli wonke elayo basebehlaba umhlatshelo phambi kukaJehova. USolomoni wasehlaba umhlatshelo weminikelo yokuthula awuhlabela uJehova, inkabi ezizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lambili, lezimvu ezizinkulungwane ezilikhulu lamatshumi amabili. Ngokunjalo inkosi labo bonke abantwana bakoIsrayeli bayehlukanisa indlu kaJehova. Ngalona lolosuku inkosi yangcwelisa iphakathi leguma elalingaphambi kwendlu kaJehova, ngoba lapho yanikela umnikelo wokutshiswa lomnikelo wokudla, lamahwahwa eminikelo yokuthula, ngoba ilathi lethusi elaliphambi kukaJehova lalilincinyane kakhulu ukwanela umnikelo wokutshiswa lomnikelo wokudla lamahwahwa eminikelo yokuthula. Ngalesosikhathi uSolomoni wasesenza idili, loIsrayeli wonke laye. Ngosuku lwesificaminwembili wabayekela abantu bahamba. Kwasekusithi uSolomoni eseqedile ukwakha indlu kaJehova, yabonakala kuSolomoni ngokwesibili njengokubonakala kwayo kuye. yathi kuye: Ngizwile umkhuleko wakho lokuncenga kwakho okuncenge phambi kwami. Ngiyingcwelisile lindlu oyakhileyo ukubeka ibizo lami lapho kuze kube nininini. Wena-ke, uba uhamba phambi kwami, khona ngizamisa isihlalo sobukhosi sombuso wakho phezu kukaIsrayeli kuze kube nininini, njengokukhuluma kwami kuDavida uyihlo, ngisithi: Kakuyikusweleka kuwe umuntu phezu kwesihlalo sobukhosi sikaIsrayeli. Uba lizaphenduka lokuphenduka, lina labantwana benu, ekungilandeleni, lingayigcini imilayo yami, izimiso zami, engikubeke phambi kwenu, kodwa liyekhonza abanye onkulunkulu, libakhothamele, khona ngizaquma uIsrayeli ebusweni belizwe engibanike lona. Lalindlu, ephakemeyo, wonke oyedlulayo uzamangala kakhulu ancife, bathi: ikwenzeleni okunje kulelilizwe lakulindlu? Njalo bazakuthi: Ngenxa yokuthi bayitshiyile uNkulunkulu wabo eyakhupha oyise elizweni leGibhithe, babambelela kwabanye onkulunkulu, babakhonza babasebenzela; ngalokho ibehlisele bonke lobububi. Kwasekusithi, (uHiramu inkosi yeTire wayemsekele uSolomoni ngezigodo zemisedari langezigodo zamafiri langegolide, njengesiloyiso sakhe sonke) ngalesosikhathi inkosi uSolomoni yamnika uHiramu imizi engamatshumi amabili elizweni leGalili. UHiramu wasephuma eTire ukubona imizi uSolomoni ayemnike yona, kodwa yayingalunganga emehlweni akhe. Wasesithi: Yimizi bani le onginike yona, mfowethu? Waseyibiza ngokuthiilizwe leKabuli, kuze kube lamuhla. UHiramu wayethumele enkosini amathalenta alikhulu lamatshumi amabili egolide. Nantu-ke udaba lwezibhalwa inkosi uSolomoni eyazibuthela ukwakha indlu yeN, lendlu yayo: UFaro inkosi yeGibhithe wayenyukile wathumba iGezeri wayitshisa ngomlilo, wabulala amaKhanani ayehlala emzini. USolomoni wasesakha iGezeri, leBhethi-Horoni engaphansi, leBahalathi, leTamari enkangala elizweni, lemizi yonke yokugcinela impahla uSolomoni ayelayo, lemizi yabagadi bamabhiza, lesiloyiso sikaSolomoni ayeloyisa ngaso ukwakha eJerusalema leLebhanoni lelizweni lonke lombuso wakhe. Bonke abantu ababesele kumaAmori, amaHethi, amaPerizi, amaHivi, lamaJebusi, ababengeyisibo babantwana bakoIsrayeli, abantwana babo ababesele emva kwabo elizweni. Kodwa ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli uSolomoni kenzanga sigqili, kodwa babengamadoda empi, lenceku zakhe, leziphathamandla zakhe, lezinduna zakhe, labaphathi bezinqola zakhe, labagadi bakhe bamabhiza. Laba babezinduna zabaphathi abaphezu komsebenzi kaSolomoni. Kodwa indodakazi kaFaro yenyuka iphuma emzini kaDavida. Njalo kathathu ngomnyaka uSolomoni wanikela iminikelo yokutshiswa leminikelo yokuthula phezu kwelathi ayelakhele iN, watshisa impepha kulelo elaliphambi kweN. Waqeda njalo indlu. Inkosi uSolomoni yasisenza imikhumbi eEziyoni-Geberi ekhunjini loLwandle oluBomvu elizweni leEdoma. UHiramu wasethuma emikhunjini inceku zakhe, amadoda emikhumbi, abazi ulwandle, kanye lenceku zikaSolomoni. Bafika eOfiri. Kwathi indlovukazi. Yasifika eJerusalema lodwendwe olukhulu kakhulu, lamakamela ethwele amakha legolide elinengi kakhulu lamatshe aligugu; isifikile kuSolomoni yamtshela konke okwakusenhliziyweni yayo. USolomoni waseyichasisela zonke indaba zayo; kwakungelalutho olwayicatshelayo inkosi engayichasiselanga lona. Indlovukazi yeShebha isibonile yonke inhlakanipho kaSolomoni, lendlu ayeyakhile, lokudla kwetafula lakhe, lokuhlala kwezinceku zakhe, lokuma kwezisebenzi zakhe, lezigqoko zazo, labaphathinkezo bakhe, lokwenyuka kwakhe enyuka ngakho endlini yeN KOSI. Yasisithi enkosini: Umbiko wawuliqiniso engawuzwa elizweni lami ngamazwi akho langenhlakanipho yakho. Kodwa kangiyikholwanga leyomibiko ngaze ngafika lamehlo ami abona. Khangela, bengingatshelwanga ingxenye; wengezelele inhlakanipho lokulunga embikweni engiwuzwileyo. Bayathokoza abantu bakho, ziyathokoza lezizinceku zakho ezimi njalo phambi kwakho zisizwa inhlakanipho yakho! Kayibusiswe uNkulunkulu wakho eyathokoza ngawe, ukukubeka phezu kwesihlalo sobukhosi sikaIsrayeli. Yasinika inkosi amathalenta alikhulu lamatshumi amabili egolide, lamakha amanengi kakhulu, lamatshe aligugu. Kakuzange kusabuya amakha ngobunengi njengalawo indlovukazi yeShebha eyawanika inkosi uSolomoni. Futhi lemikhumbi kaHiramu yaletha izigodo ezinengi kakhulu zomkampa, lamatshe aligugu, kuvela eOfiri. Ngezigodo zomkampa inkosi yasisenza insika zendlu kaJehova lezendlu yenkosi, lamachacho lezigubhu zezintambo kwabahlabeleli; kakuzanga kulethwe kumbe kubonwe ngokunjalo izigodo zomkampa kuze kube lamuhla. Inkosi uSolomoni yasinika indlovukazi yeShebha sonke isiloyiso sayo, eyakucelayo, ngaphandle kwalokho eyayinika khona njengokuphana kwenkosi uSolomoni. Yasiphenduka yaya elizweni layo, yona lenceku zayo. Njalo isisindo segolide elalifika kuSolomoni ngomnyaka owodwa sasingamathalenta angamakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi ayisithupha lesithupha, ngaphandle kokuvela kubathengisi, lempahleni zabathengisi bezinongo, lemakhosini wonke eArabhiya, lakubabusi belizwe. Inkosi uSolomoni yasisenza izihlangu ezinkulu ezingamakhulu amabili ngegolide elikhandiweyo, amashekeliangamakhulu ayisithupha egolide esihlangwini esisodwa esikhulu. Lamahawu angamakhulu amathathu egolide elikhandiweyo. Inkosi yenza lesihlalo sobukhosi esikhulu ngempondo zendlovu, yasihuqa ngegolide elicwengekileyo. Isihlalo sobukhosi sasilezikhwelo eziyisithupha, lesihloko sesihlalo sobukhosi sasiyisigombolozi emuva, lezeyamelo zengalo ngapha langapha kuze kube sendaweni yokuhlala, lezilwane ezimbili zimi eceleni kwezeyamelo zezingalo. Lezilwane ezilitshumi lambili zazimi lapho ezikhwelweni eziyisithupha, ngapha langapha. Kakwenziwanga okunjalo kuwo wonke umbuso. Lazo zonke inkezo zokunatha zenkosi uSolomoni zazingezegolide, lazo zonke izitsha zendlu yegusu leLebhanoni zazingezegolide elicwengekileyo; kwakungelasiliva, lalingabalwa santo ensukwini zikaSolomoni. Ngoba inkosi yayilemikhumbi yeThashishi olwandle kanye lemikhumbi kaHiramu; kanye ngeminyaka emithathu limikhumbi yeThashishi yeza ithwele igolide lesiliva, impondo zezindlovu lezinkawu lamaphigaga. Ngakho inkosi uSolomoni yaba nkulu kulawo wonke amakhosi omhlaba enothweni lenhlakanipheni. Umhlaba wonke wasudinga ubuso bukaSolomoni ukuzwa inhlakanipho yakhe uNkulunkulu ayeyinike enhliziyweni yakhe. Basebeletha, ngulowo isipho sakhe, izitsha zesiliva, lezitsha zegolide, lezembatho, lezikhali, lamakha, amabhiza, lezimbongolo; into yomnyaka ngomnyaka wayo. USolomoni wasebuthanisa izinqola labagadi bamabhiza. Inkosi yasisenza isiliva eJerusalema laba njengamatshe. Wasengenisa ngokuthenga amabhiza avela eGibhithe, ayengekaSolomoni, lelembu elicolekileyo; labathengi benkosi babelithatha ilembu elicolekileyo ngentengo. Inqola yasisenyuka yaphuma eGibhithe nga mashekeliesiliva angamakhulu ayisithupha, lebhiza ngekhulu lamatshumi amahlanu. Langokunjalo ba wa khuphela wonke amakhosi amaHethi lamakhosi eSiriya ngesandla sabo. Inkosi uSolomoni, ababevela ezizweni eyayithe ngazo kubantwana bakoIsrayeli: Kaliyikungena kibo, labo kabayikungena kini; isibili bazaphendula inhliziyo yenu ilandele onkulunkulu babo. Bona uSolomoni wabanamathela ngothando. Wayelabafazi abangamakhulu ayisikhombisa, amakhosazana, labafazi abancane abangamakhulu amathathu; abafazi bakhe basebephambula inhliziyo yakhe. Ngoba kwathi esikhathini sokuluphala kukaSolomoni, abafazi bakhe baphambulela inhliziyo yakhe ekulandeleni abanye onkulunkulu. Ngoba uSolomoni wahamba emva kukaAshitarothi unkulunkulu wamaSidoni lemva kukaMilkomu isinengiso samaAmoni. USolomoni wasesenza okubi emehlweni eN, kayilandelanga ngokupheleleyo njengoDavida uyise. Ngalesosikhathi uSolomoni wakhela uKemoshi. Langokunjalo wabenzela bonke abafazi bakhe bezizweni abatshisa impepha bahlabela onkulunkulu babo. yasimthukuthelela uSolomoni, ngoba inhliziyo yakhe yayiphambukile eNni, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, yamlaya mayelana lalinto, ukuthi angalandeli abanye onkulunkulu; kodwa kagcinanga lokho eyamlaya khona. Ngakho yathi kuSolomoni: Ngenxa yokuthi lokhu kwenziwe nguwe, ungagcinanga isivumelwano sami lezimiso zami, engakulaya khona, ngizawudabula lokuwudabula umbuso kuwe, ngiwunike inceku yakho. Kanti kangiyikukwenza ensukwini zakho ngenxa kaDavida uyihlo; ngizawudabula usuke esandleni sendodana yakho. Loba kunjalo kangiyikudabula wonke umbuso. yasimvusela uSolomoni isitha, uHadadi umEdoma; wayengowenzalo yenkosi eEdoma. Ngoba kwathi uDavida eseEdoma, uJowabi induna yebutho wayenyukele ukungcwaba ababuleweyo, watshaya wonke owesilisa eEdoma. Ngoba uJowabi wahlala lapho inyanga eziyisithupha, loIsrayeli wonke, waze waquma wonke owesilisa eEdoma. Kodwa uHadadi wabaleka, yena lamaEdoma athile avela encekwini zikayise kanye laye, ukungena eGibhithe; njalo uHadadi wayengumfanyana. Basebesuka eMidiyani, bathatha amadoda labo eParani, bafika eGibhithe, kuFaro inkosi yeGibhithe, owamnika indlu, wammisela ukudla, wamnika umhlabathi. UHadadi wasethola umusa omkhulu emehlweni kaFaro, waze wamendisela udadewabo womkakhe, udadewabo kaTapenesi indlovukazi. Udadewabo kaTapenesi wasemzalela uGenubathi indodana yakhe, uTapenesi amlumulela phakathi kwendlu kaFaro; njalo uGenubathi wayesendlini kaFaro phakathi kwabantwana bakaFaro. Kwathi uHadadi esezwile eseGibhithe ukuthi uDavida ulele laboyise lokuthi uJowabi induna yebutho usefile, uHadadi wathi kuFaro: Ngivumela ngisuke ukuthi ngiye elizweni lakithi. UFaro wasesithi kuye: Kodwa usweleni ulami ukuthi, khangela, udinge ukuya elizweni lakini? Wasesithi: Akulalutho, loba kunjalo ngivumela lokungivumela ngihambe. UNkulunkulu wasemvusela isitha, uRezoni indodana kaEliyada owayebalekile enkosini yakhe uHadadezeri inkosi yeZoba. Wasezibuthela amadoda, waba ngumkhokheli weviyo, lapho uDavida ebabulala, bahlala kuyo, babusa eDamaseko. Wasesiba yisitha kuIsrayeli insuku zonke zikaSolomoni, phezu kobubi uHadadi abenzayo; njalo wanengwa nguIsrayeli, wabusa phezu kukaSiriya. LoJerobhowamu, indodana kaNebati. Yilolu-ke udaba lokuthi aphakamise isandla emelene lenkosi, wavala isikhala somuzi kaDavida uyise. UJerobhowamu wayeliqhawe elilamandla. Kwathi uSolomoni ebona lelijaha ukuthi likhuthele emsebenzini, walibeka phezu kwawo wonke umthwalo wendlu kaJosefa. Kwasekusithi ngalesosikhathi lapho uJerobhowamu ephuma eJerusalema, uAhiya umprofethi wamfica endleleni. Njalo wayezigqokise isigqoko esitsha; bobabili babebodwa egangeni. UAhiya wasesibamba isigqoko esitsha esasikuye, wasidabula iziqa ezilitshumi lambili, wathi kuJerobhowamu: Zithathele iziqa ezilitshumi, ngoba itsho njalo iN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Khangela, ngizadabula umbuso usuke esandleni sikaSolomoni, ngikunike izizwe ezilitshumi. Kodwa yena uzakuba lesizwe esisodwa ngenxa yenceku yami uDavida langenxa yeJerusalema, umuzi engiwukhethileyo ezizweni zonke zakoIsrayeli. Ngenxa yokuthi bangitshiyile, bakhonza uAshitarothi unkulunkulu wamaSidoni, kabahambanga ngendlela zami, ukwenza okulungileyo emehlweni ami, lo kulondolozaizimiso zami lezahlulelo zami, njengoDavida uyise. Loba kunjalo kangiyikuwususa umbuso wonke esandleni sakhe; kodwa ngizamenza abe ngumbusi zonke izinsuku zempilo yakhe ngenxa kaDavida inceku yami, engamkhethayo, owagcina imilayo yami lezimiso zami. Kodwa ngizawususa umbuso esandleni sendodana yakhe, ngiwunike wena, izizwe ezilitshumi. Lendodana yakhe ngizayinika isizwe sibe sinye ukuze uDavida inceku yami abe lesibane zonke izinsuku phambi kwami eJerusalema. Wena-ke ngizakuthatha, uzabusa phezu kwakho konke umphefumulo wakho okuloyisayo, ube yinkosi phezu kukaIsrayeli. Kuzakuthi-ke, uba ulalela konke engikulaya khona, uhambe ngezindlela zami, wenze okulungileyo emehlweni ami, ukugcina izimiso zami lemilayo yami, njengokwenza kukaDavida inceku yami, ngizakuba lawe, njalo ngihluphe inzalo kaDavida ngenxa yalokhu, kodwa kungabi kokuphela. Ngakho uSolomoni wadinga ukumbulala uJerobhowamu, kodwa uJerobhowamu wasuka wabalekela eGibhithe, kuShishaki inkosi yeGibhithe, wayeseGibhithe waze wafa uSolomoni. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaSolomoni, lakho konke akwenzayo, lenhlakanipho yakhe, kakubhalwanga yini egwalweni lwendaba zikaSolomoni? Isikhathi-ke uSolomoni abusa ngaso eJerusalema phezu kukaIsrayeli wonke saba yiminyaka engamatshumi amane. USolomoni waselala laboyise. URehobhowamu ngoba uIsrayeli wonke wayefike eShekema ukumbeka abe yinkosi. Kwasekusithi uJerobhowamu indodana kaNebati, e ku zwa lokhu(ngoba wayebaleke esuka phambi kukaSolomoni inkosi, uJerobhowamu wahlala eGibhithe), bathuma bambiza. UJerobhowamu lebandla lonke lakoIsrayeli basebesiza bakhuluma loRehobhowamu besithi: Uyihlo wenza ijogwe lethu laba lukhuni; ngakho-ke wena yenza kube lula umsebenzi olukhuni kayihlo, lejogwe lakhe elinzima abesithwalise lona, njalo sizakukhonza. Wasesithi kibo: Hambani futhi okwensuku ezintathu, libe selibuya kimi. Basebehamba abantu. Inkosi uRehobhowamu yasicebisana labadala ababesima phambi kukaSolomoni uyise esaphila, isithi: Licebisa njani ukubuyisela impendulo kulababantu? Basebekhuluma kuyo besithi: Uba uzakuba yinceku yalababantu lamuhla ubasebenzele, ubaphendule, ukhulume kibo amazwi amahle, khona bezakuba zinceku zakho zonke izinsuku. Kodwa wasitshiya iseluleko sabadala ababemeluleke ngaso, wacebisana lamajaha ayeyintanga yakhe, ayemi phambi kwakhe. Wasesithi kuwo: Lipha seluleko bani ukuthi sibuyisele impendulo kulababantu abakhulume lami besithi: Yenza libe lulanyana ijogwe uyihlo alibeka phezu kwethu? Amajaha ayeyintanga yakhe asekhuluma kuye esithi: Uzakutsho njalo kulababantu abakhuluma kuwe besithi: Uyihlo wenza ijogwe lethu laba nzima, kodwa wena yenza libe lulanyana kithi; uzakutsho njalo kibo: Ucikilic ane wami uqatha kulokhalo lukababa. Uba-ke ubaba walethwesa ijogwe elinzima, mina-ke ngizakwengezelela ejogweni lenu. Ubaba walijezisa ngeziswepu. Ngakho uJerobhowamu labo bonke abantu beza kuRehobhowamu ngosuku lwesithathu njengokutsho kwenkosi isithi: Libuye kimi futhi ngosuku lwesithathu. Inkosi yasibaphendula abantu kalukhuni, yatshiya iseluleko sabadala ababeyeluleke ngaso. Yakhuluma kubo njengokweseluleko samajaha isithi: Ubaba wenza ijogwe lenu laba nzima, kodwa mina ngizakwengezelela ejogweni lenu; ubaba walijezisa ngeziswepu, kodwa mina ngizalijezisa ngabofezela. Ngalokho inkosi kayibalalelanga abantu; ngoba inguquko yayivela eNni ukuze iqinise ilizwi layo. Lapho uIsrayeli wonke ebona ukuthi inkosi kayibalalelanga, abantu babuyisela impendulo enkosini besithi: Silesabelo bani kuDavida? Yebo, ka sila lifa endodaneni kaJese. Ngakho uIsrayeli waya emathenteni akhe. Mayelana labantwana bakoIsrayeli ababehlala emizini yakoJuda, uRehobhowamu wabusa phezu kwabo. Khona inkosi uRehobhowamu yathuma uAdoniramu owayephezu kwezibhalwa; uIsrayeli wonke wasemkhanda ngamatshe waze wafa. Ngakho inkosi uRehobhowamu yakhwela masinyane inqola yayo, ukubalekela eJerusalema. Ngokunjalo uIsrayeli wayihlamukela indlu kaDavida kuze kube lamuhla. Kwasekusithi uIsrayeli wonke esezwile ukuthi uJerobhowamu ubuyile, bathuma bambizela enhlanganweni, bamenza inkosi phezu kukaIsrayeli wonke; kakubanga khona olandela indlu kaDavida ngaphandle kwesizwe sakoJuda sodwa. Kwathi uRehobhowamu esefikile eJerusalema wabuthanisa yonke indlu yakoJuda lesizwe sakoBhenjamini, abakhethiweyo abayizinkulungwane ezilikhulu lamatshumi ayisificaminwembili, abalwa impi, ukulwa lendlu yakoIsrayeli, ukubuyisela umbuso kuRehobhowamu indodana kaSolomoni. Kodwa ilizwi likaNkulunkulu lafika kuShemaya lisithi: Khuluma kuRehobhowamu indodana kaSolomoni, inkosi yakoJuda, lakuyo yonke indlu yakoJuda leyakoBhenjamini, lensali yabantu, uthi: Itsho njalo iN: Lingenyuki njalo lingalwi labafowenu, abantwana bakoIsrayeli. Buyelani, ngulowo lalowo endlini yakhe; ngoba linto ivela kimi. Basebelilalela ilizwi leN, babuyela ukuhamba, njengokwelizwi leN. UJerobhowamu wasesakha iShekema. UJerobhowamu wasesithi enhliziyweni yakhe: Khathesi umbuso uzabuyela endlini kaDavida. Uba lesisizwe sisenyukela ukwenza imihlatshelo endlini yeN eJerusalema, khona inhliziyo yalesisizwe izabuyela enkosini yabo, kuRehobhowamu inkosi yakoJuda, njalo bazangibulala babuyele kuRehobhowamu inkosi yakoJuda. Ngakho inkosi yathatha icebo, yenza amathole amabili egolide. Wasemisa elinye eBhetheli. Loludaba lwaselusiba yisono ukuyakhonza. Wasesenza indlu yezindawo eziphakemeyo. UJerobhowamu wasesenza umkhosi ngenyanga yesificaminwembili ngosuku lwetshumi lanhlanu lwenyanga njengomkhosi owawukoJuda. Wasenikela phezu kwelathi ayelenzile eBhetheli ngosuku lwetshumi lanhlanu enyangeni yesificaminwembili, enyangeni ayeyiqambile evela enhliziyweni yakhe. Wenzela abantwana bakoIsrayeli umkhosi, wanikela phezu kwelathi etshisa impepha. Khangela-ke, kwafika, njalo uJerobhowamu wayemi eduze lelathi ukutshisa impepha. Wasememeza emelene lelathi ngelizwi leN wathi: Lathi, lathi, itsho njalo iN: Khangela, indodana izazalelwa indlu kaDavida, nguJosiya ibizo layo; izahlabela phezu kwakho abapristi bezindawo eziphakemeyo abatshisa impepha phezu kwakho, lamathambo abantu azatshiselwa phezu kwakho. Wasenika isibonakaliso ngalolosuku esithi: Lesi yisibonakaliso esikhulumileyo yathi: Khangela, ilathi lizadatshulwa lomlotha ophezu kwalo uzachithwa. Kwasekusithi inkosi isizwile ilizwi lomuntu kaNkulunkulu owamemeza emelene lelathi eBhetheli, uJerobhowamu welula isandla sakhe wasisusa elathini, esithi: Mbambeni! Isandla sakhe-ke ayeselulele kuye soma, waze wehluleka ukusibuyisela kuye. Lelathi ladatshulwa, lomlotha wachitheka elathini, njengokwesibonakaliso umuntu kaNkulunkulu ayesinikile ngelizwi leN. Inkosi yasiphendula yathi emuntwini kaNkulunkulu: Ake uncenge ubuso bukaJehova uNkulunkulu wakho. Inkosi yasisithi emuntwini kaNkulunkulu: Woza lami siye ekhaya, uzivuselele. Kodwa umuntu kaNkulunkulu wathi enkosini: Loba unganginika ingxenye yendlu yakho, kangiyikuhamba lawe; kangiyikudla isinkwa, njalo kangiyikunatha amanzi kulindawo; ngoba ngokunjalo yangilaya ngelizwi leN isithi: Ungadli isinkwa, njalo unganathi amanzi, njalo ungabuyeli ngendlela oze ngayo. Ngakho wahamba ngenye indlela, kabuyelanga ngendlela oweza ngayo eBhetheli. Kwakuhlala-ke umprofethi othile omdala eBhetheli. Amadodana akhe eza amtshela sonke isenzo umuntu kaNkulunkulu ayesenzile mhlalokho eBhetheli; amazwi ayewakhulume enkosini, lawo awatshela uyise. Uyise wasesithi kiwo: Uhambe ngayiphi indlela? Ngoba amadodana akhe ayebonile indlela umuntu kaNkulunkulu owayevele koJuda ahambe ngayo. Wasesithi emadodaneni akhe: Ngibophelelani isihlalo kubabhemi. Basebembophelela isihlalo kubabhemi, wasegada kuye. Wasemlandela umuntu kaNkulunkulu, wamfica ehlezi ngaphansi kwesihlahla se-okhi, wathi kuye: Nguwe umuntu kaNkulunkulu ovele koJuda yini? Wasesithi: Yimi. Wasesithi kuye: Woza lami siye ekhaya, udle isinkwa. Wasesithi: Ngingeke ngibuyele lawe, kumbe ngingene lawe, angiyikudla isinkwa, njalo angiyikunatha lawe amanzi kulindawo, ngoba ilizwi lathikimi ngelizwi leN: Kawuyikudla isinkwa, unganathi amanzi khona, ungabuyeli uhambe ngendlela oze ngayo. Wasesithi kuye: Lami ngingumprofethi njengawe, njalo ingilosi ikhulume kimi ngelizwi leN isithi: Umbuyise endlini yakho lawe ukuze adle isinkwa anathe amanzi. Kodwawaqamba amanga kuye. Wasebuyela laye, wadla isinkwa endlini yakhe, wanatha amanzi. Kwasekusithi behlezi etafuleni, ilizwi leN lafika kumprofethi owayembuyisile; wasememeza kulowomuntu kaNkulunkulu owayevela koJuda, esithi: Itsho njalo iN: Ngenxa yokuthi kawulalelanga umlomo weN, ungagcinanga umlayo uNkulunkulu wakho eyakulaya wona, kodwa ubuyile, wadla isinkwa, wanatha amanzi endaweni eyathi ngayo kuwe: Ungadli isinkwa, njalo unganathi amanzi; isidumbu sakho kasiyikuya engcwabeni laboyihlo. Kwasekusithi emva kokudla kwakhe isinkwa lemva kokunatha kwakhe, wasembophelela isihlalo kubabhemi lowomprofethi ayembuyisile. Kwathi esehambile, isilwane samfica endleleni, sambulala; isidumbu sakhe sasesiphoselwa endleleni, ubabhemi wema eceleni kwaso, isilwane laso sema eceleni kwesidumbu. Khangela-ke, abantu bedlula babona isidumbu siphoselwe endleleni lesilwane simi eceleni kwesidumbu; bafika bakubika emzini lapho lowomprofethi omdala ayehlala khona. Kwathi lowomprofethi owayembuyisile esizwa wathi: Ngumuntu kaNkulunkulu ongalalelanga umlomo weN; ngakho imnikele esilwaneni esimphoqoze sambulala, njengokwelizwi leN elakhuluma kuye. Wasekhuluma emadodaneni akhe esithi: Ngibophelelani isihlalo kubabhemi. Basebebophela isihlalo. Wasehamba wathola isidumbu sakhe siphoselwe endleleni, lobabhemi lesilwane kumi eceleni kwesidumbu. Isilwane sasingasidlanga isidumbu, singephulanga ubabhemi. Umprofethi wasesiphakamisa isidumbu somuntu kaNkulunkulu, wasiphanyeka kubabhemi, wasibuyisa; umprofethi omdala wafika emzini ukulila lokumngcwaba. Wasilalisa isidumbu engcwabeni lakhe, bamlilela bathi: Maye mfowethu! Kwasekusithi emva kokumngcwaba kwakhe wakhuluma emadodaneni akhe esithi: Ekufeni kwami lingingcwabe engcwabeni okungcwatshelwe khona umuntu kaNkulunkulu; lilalise amathambo ami eceleni kwamathambo akhe. Ngoba udaba luzakwenzeka sibili, alumemeza ngelizwi leN emelene lelathi eliseBhetheli. Emva kwaloludaba uJerobhowamu kaphendukanga endleleni yakhe embi, kodwa wabuya wenza abapristi bezindawo eziphakemeyo ebantwini abaphansi kakhulu; ofunayo wamehlukanisa waba ngowabapristi bendawo eziphakemeyo. Langale into kwaba lesono kuyo indlu kaJerobhowamu. Ngalesosikhathi uAbhiya indodana kaJerobhowamu wagula. UJerobhowamu wasesithi kumkakhe: Akusuke uzifihle isimo ukuze bangakwazi ukuthi ungumkaJerobhowamu, uye eShilo. Uthathe izinkwa ezilitshumi esandleni sakho lamaqebelengwana alukhuni lodiwo loluju, uye kuye, yena uzakutshela okuzakwenzeka kulumntwana. UmkaJerobhowamu wasesenza njalo, wasuka waya eShilo, wafika emzini kaAhiya. Kodwa uAhiya wayengelakubona ngoba amehlo akhe ayesenqundekile ngenxa yobudala bakhe. yasisithi kuAhiya: Khangela, umkaJerobhowamu uyeza ukubuza ulutho kuwe ngendodana yakhe, ngoba iyagula. Uzamtshela ukuthi lokuthi. Ngoba kuzakuthi ekungeneni kwakhe, uzazitshaya omunye. Kwasekusithi uAhiya esizwa izisinde zenyawo zakhe lapho engena emnyango wathi: Ngena mkaJerobhowamu; uzitshayelani omunye? Ngoba ngithunywe kuwe ngento enzima. Hamba uthi kuJerobhowamu: Itsho njalo iN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, ithi: Njengoba ngakuphakamisa uphakathi kwabantu, ngakwenza umbusi phezu kwabantu bami uIsrayeli, ngadabula umbuso ngawususa endlini kaDavida, ngawunika wena; kodwa kawubanga njengenceku yami uDavida, owagcina imilayo yami; kodwa wenzile ububi okwedlula bonke ababekhona phambi kwakho, kodwa uhambe wazenzela abanye onkulunkulu. Ngakho, khangela, ngizakwehlisela ububi endlini kaJerobhowamu. OkaJerobhowamu ofela phakathi komuzi zizamudla izinja, lofela egangeni zizamudla inyoni zamazulu; ngoba ikhulumile. Ngakho wena suka, uye endlini yakho; ekungeneni kwenyawo zakho emzini umntwana uzakufa. Njalo uIsrayeli wonke uzamlilela amngcwabe; ngoba nguye kuphela koJerobhowamu ozakuza engcwabeni, ngoba kutholakala kuye into elungileyo ngaseNni uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli endlini kaJerobhowamu. Futhi uJehova uzazivusela inkosi phezu kukaIsrayeli, ezaquma indlu kaJerobhowamu ngalolosuku. Njalo izamtshaya uIsrayeli njengomhlanga uzunguzeka emanzini, iquphule uIsrayeli. Njalo izanikela uIsrayeli ngenxa yezono zikaJerobhowamu, owonayo, wenza uIsrayeli one. UmkaJerobhowamu wasesuka wahamba, wafika eTiriza, umfana wafa. Basebemngcwaba; loIsrayeli wonke wamlilela, njengokwelizwi leN eyalikhuluma ngesandla senceku yayo uAhiya umprofethi. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaJerobhowamu, ukuthi walwa njani, lokuthi wabusa njani, khangela, zibhaliwe egwalweni lwemilando yamakhosi akoIsrayeli. Lensuku uJerobhowamu abusa ngazo zaziyiminyaka engamatshumi amabili lambili, walala laboyise, njalo uNadabi indodana yakhe waba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. URehobhowamu indodana kaSolomoni wabusa-ke koJuda. URehobhowamu wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amane lanye lapho esiba yinkosi, wabusa iminyaka elitshumi lesikhombisa eJerusalema. UJuda wasesenza okubi emehlweni eN KOSI. Ngoba labo bazakhela izindawo eziphakemeyo. Kwakukhona-ke elizweni lezinkotshana. Benza njengokwezinengiso zezizwe eyayizixotshile elifeni phambi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli. Kwasekusithi ngomnyaka wesihlanu wenkosi uRehobhowamu. Wathatha amagugu endlu kaJehova lamagugu endlu yenkosi, yebo wakuthatha konke, wathatha zonke izihlangu zegolide uSolomoni ayezenzile. Inkosi uRehobhowamu yasisenza endaweni yazo izihlangu zethusi, yazinikela esandleni senduna yabalindi ababegcina umnyango wendlu yenkosi. Njalo kwakusithi lapho inkosi ingena endlini kaJehova abalindi babezithwala, bazibuyisele endlini yabalindi. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaRehobhowamu, lakho konke akwenzayo, kakubhalwanga yini egwalweni lwemilando yamakhosi akoJuda? Kwakukhona-ke impi phakathi kukaRehobhowamu loJerobhowamu zonke izinsuku. URehobhowamu waselala laboyise. UAbhiyamu indodana yakhe wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. Ngomnyaka wetshumi lesificaminwembili wenkosi uJerobhowamu indodana kaNebati uAbhiyamu wasesiba yinkosi phezu kukaJuda. Wabusa iminyaka emithathu eJerusalema. Lebizo likanina lalinguMahaka indodakazi kaAbishalomu. Wasehamba ezonweni zonke zikayise ayezenze phambi kwakhe, lenhliziyo yakhe yayingaphelelanga kuJehova uNkulunkulu wakhe, njengenhliziyo kaDavida uyise. Kodwa ngenxa kaDavida uNkulunkulu wakhe yamnika isibane eJerusalema, ngokubeka indodana yakhe emva kwakhe, langokuqinisa iJerusalema. Ngoba uDavida wenza okulungileyo emehlweni eN, kaphambukanga kukho konke eyamlaya khona insuku zonke zempilo yakhe. Kwakukhona-ke impi phakathi kukaRehobhowamu loJerobhowamu zonke izinsuku zempilo yakhe. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaAbhiyamu, lakho konke akwenzayo, kakubhalwanga yini egwalweni lwemilando yamakhosi akoJuda. UAbhiyamu waselala laboyise, bamngcwabela emzini kaDavida. UAsa indodana yakhe wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. Ngomnyaka wamatshumi amabili kaJerobhowamu inkosi yakoIsrayeli uAsa wasesiba yinkosi yakoJuda. Wasebusa iminyaka engamatshumi amane lanye eJerusalema. Lebizo likanina lalinguMahaka indodakazi kaAbishalomu. UAsa wasesenza okulungileyo emehlweni eN njengoDavida uyise. Wasusa izinkotshana elizweni. Laye-ke uMahaka unina. Kanti indawo eziphakemeyo kazisuswanga; lanxa kunjalo inhliziyo kaAsa yayiphelele kuJehova insuku zakhe zonke. Wasengenisa izinto ezehlukanisiweyo zikayise kanye lezakhe izinto ezehlukanisiweyo endlini yeN, isiliva legolide lezitsha. Kwakukhona-ke impi phakathi kukaAsa loBahasha inkosi yakoIsrayeli zonke izinsuku zabo. UBahasha inkosi yakoIsrayeli wasesenyuka wamelana loJuda. UAsa wasethatha sonke isiliva legolide okwakusele emagugwini endlu kaJehova lamagugu endlu yenkosi, wakunikela esandleni senceku zakhe, esithi: Kulesivumelwano phakathi kwami lawe, phakathi kukababa loyihlo; khangela, ngikuthumezela isipho, isiliva legolide. Hamba, yephula isivumelwano sakho loBahasha inkosi yakoIsrayeli, ukuze enyuke asuke kimi. UBenihadadi waseyilalela inkosi uAsa, wathuma induna zamabutho ayelawo emelene lemizi yakoIsrayeli, watshaya iIjoni. Kwasekusithi uBahasha e ku zwa wayekela ukwakha iRama. Inkosi uAsa yasisenza isimemezelo kuyo yonke iJuda; kakho owayetshiywe ngaphandle; ukuze basuse amatshe eRama lezigodo zayo, uBahasha ayesakha ngakho. Inkosi uAsa wasesakha ngakho iGeba yakoBhenjamini. Ezinye-ke zazo zonke indaba zikaAsa, lawo wonke amandla akhe, lakho konke akwenzayo, lemizi ayakhayo, kakubhalwanga yini egwalweni lwemilando yamakhosi akoJuda. UAsa waselala laboyise, wangcwatshelwa kuboyise emzini kaDavida uyise. UJehoshafathi indodana yakhe wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. UNadabi indodana kaJerobhowamu wasesiba yinkosi phezu kukaIsrayeli ngomnyaka wesibili kaAsa inkosi yakoJuda; wabusa phezu kukaIsrayeli iminyaka emibili. Wasesenza okubi emehlweni eN, wahamba ngendlela kayise, lesonweni sakhe, enza uIsrayeli one ngaso. UBahasha indodana kaAhiya, owendlu kaIsakari, wasemenzela ugobe, lapho uNadabi loIsrayeli wonke bevimbezele iGibethoni. UBahasha wambulala-ke ngomnyaka wesithathu kaAsa inkosi yakoJuda, wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. Kwasekusithi ekubuseni kwakhe watshaya yonke indlu kaJerobhowamu, katshiyanga loyedwa ophefumulayo kuJerobhowamu, waze wamqeda, njengelizwi leN KOSI. Ngenxa yezono zikaJerobhowamu azonayo, lowenza uIsrayeli azone, ngentukuthelo yakhe athukuthelisa ngayo iN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaNadabi, lakho konke akwenzayo, kakubhalwanga yini egwalweni lwemilando yamakhosi akoIsrayeli? Njalo kwakulempi phakathi kukaAsa loBahasha inkosi yakoIsrayeli insuku zabo zonke. Ngomnyaka wesithathu kaAsa inkosi yakoJuda uBahasha indodana kaAhiya waba yinkosi phezu kukaIsrayeli wonke eTiriza; iminyaka engamatshumi amabili lane. Wasesenza okubi emehlweni eN, wahamba ngendlela kaJerobhowamu, lesonweni sakhe, enza uIsrayeli one ngaso. Ilizwi leN laselifika kuJehu lisithi: Ngenxa yokuthi ngakuphakamisa ethulini, ngakwenza umphathi phezu kwabantu bami uIsrayeli, wenza ukuthi abantu bami uIsrayeli bone, ukungithukuthelisa ngezono zabo; khangela, ngizaqothula inzalo kaBahasha lenzalo yendlu yakhe. Ofayo kaBahasha phakathi komuzi izinja zizamudla, lowakhe ofela egangeni inyoni zamazulu zizamudla. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaBahasha lakwenzayo lamandla akhe, kakubhalwanga yini egwalweni lwemilando yamakhosi akoIsrayeli? UBahasha waselala laboyise, wangcwatshelwa eTiriza. UEla indodana yakhe wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. Njalo ngesandla sikaJehu umprofethi indodana kaHanani. Ngomnyaka wamatshumi amabili lesithupha kaAsa inkosi yakoJuda uEla indodana kaBahasha waba yinkosi phezu kukaIsrayeli eTiriza, iminyaka emibili. Kodwa inceku yakhe uZimri, induna yengxenye yezinqola, yamenzela ugobe, eseTiriza enathe wadakwa endlini kaAriza, umphathi wendlu eTiriza. UZimri wasengena wamtshaya wambulala ngomnyaka wamatshumi amabili lesikhombisa kaAsa inkosi yakoJuda, waba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. Kwasekusithi esebe yinkosi ekuhlaleni kwakhe esihlalweni sakhe sobukhosi wayitshaya indlu yonke kaBahasha; kamtshiyelanga ochamela emdulini, loba izihlobo zakhe, kumbe abangane bakhe. Ngakho uZimri wayichitha indlu yonke kaBahasha, njengokwelizwi leN KOSI, ngenxa yazo zonke izono zikaBahasha lezono zikaEla indodana yakhe, abona ngazo, labenza ngazo uIsrayeli ukuthi one, ukuthukuthelisa uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli ngezinto zabo eziyize. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaEla, lakho konke akwenzayo, kakubhalwanga yini egwalweni lwemilando yamakhosi akoIsrayeli? Ngomnyaka wamatshumi amabili lesikhombisa kaAsa inkosi yakoJuda uZimri wabusa insuku eziyisikhombisa eTiriza. Abantu babemise-ke inkamba bemelene leGibethoni eyayingeyamaFilisti. Abantu-ke ababemise inkamba bezwa ukuthi: UZimri wenzile ugobe futhi watshaya inkosi. Ngakho uIsrayeli wonke wabeka uOmri induna yebutho ukuba yinkosi phezu kukaIsrayeli mhlalokho enkambeni. U-Omri loIsrayeli wonke kanye laye basebesenyuka besuka eGibethoni, bavimbezela iTiriza. Kwasekusithi uZimri esebonile ukuthi umuzi usuthunjiwe, wangena esigodlweni sendlu yenkosi, watshisa indlu yenkosi phezu kwakhe ngomlilo, wafa. Ngenxa yezono zakhe azonayo, ngokwenza okubi emehlweni eN, ngokuhamba ngendlela kaJerobhowamu lesonweni sakhe asenzayo, ukwenza uIsrayeli ukuthi one. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaZimri, logobe lwakhe alwenzayo, kakubhalwanga yini egwalweni lwemilando yamakhosi akoIsrayeli? Khona abantu bakoIsrayeli badabukana baba zingxenye ezimbili; ingxenye yabantu yalandela uTibini indodana kaGinathi ukuze bamenze inkosi, lengxenye yalandela uOmri. Kodwa abantu abalandela uOmri babehlula abantu abalandela uTibini indodana kaGinathi; ngakho uTibini wafa, uOmri wasebusa. Ngomnyaka wamatshumi amathathu lanye kaAsa inkosi yakoJuda uOmri wabusa phezu kukaIsrayeli, iminyaka elitshumi lambili; eTiriza wabusa iminyaka eyisithupha. Wathenga intaba yeSamariya kuShemeri ngamathalenta esiliva amabili, wakha entabeni, wabiza ibizo lomuzi awakhayo ngebizo likaShemeri umnikazi wentaba, wathiyiSamariya. Kodwa uOmri wenza okubi emehlweni eN KOSI. Ngoba wahamba ngayo yonke indlela kaJerobhowamu indodana kaNebati, lesonweni sakhe, enza ngaso ukuthi uIsrayeli one, ukuyithukuthelisa uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli ngezinto zabo eziyize. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaOmri azenzayo lamandla akhe awenzayo, kakubhalwanga yini egwalweni lwemilando yamakhosi akoIsrayeli? U-Omri waselala laboyise, wangcwatshelwa eSamariya. UAhabi indodana yakhe wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. UAhabi indodana kaOmri wasesiba yinkosi phezu kukaIsrayeli ngomnyaka wamatshumi amathathu lesificaminwembili kaAsa inkosi yakoJuda; uAhabi indodana kaOmri wabusa phezu kukaIsrayeli eSamariya iminyaka engamatshumi amabili lambili. UAhabi indodana kaOmri wasesenza okubi emehlweni eN okwedlula bonke ababekhona phambi kwakhe. Kwasekusithi, njengokungathi kuyinto elula ukuhamba ezonweni zikaJerobhowamu indodana kaNebati, wathatha uJezebeli indodakazi kaEthibali. Wasemisela uBhali ilathi endlini kaBhali ayeyakhile eSamariya. UAhabi wasesenza isixuku. Ensukwini zakhe uHiyeli umBhetheli wakha iJeriko. UElija umTishibi wabahlali beGileyadi wasesithi kuAhabi: Kuphila kukaJehova, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli. Ilizwi leN laselifika kuye lisithi: Suka lapha, wena uphendukele empumalanga, uzicatshise esifuleni iKerithi, esiphambi kweJodani. Kuzakuthi-ke unathe esifuleni; sengilaye amawabayi ukuthi akondle khona. Wasehamba wenza njengokwelizwi leN, ngoba wayahlala esifuleni iKerithi esiphambi kweJodani. Amawabayi asemlethela isinkwa lenyama ekuseni, lesinkwa lenyama ntambama; wanatha esifuleni. Kwasekusithi emva kwesikhathi isifula satsha, ngoba kwakungelazulu elizweni. Ilizwi leN laselifika kuye lisithi: Sukuma uye eZarefathi engeyeSidoni, uhlale khona. Khangela, ngilayile owesifazana ongumfelokazi khona ukuthi akondle. Wasukuma-ke waya eZarefathi; wasembiza wathi: Ake ungikhele amanzi amalutshwana ngenkezo ukuze nginathe. Kwathi esahamba ukuya wa thatha, wambiza wathi: Ake ungiphathele ucezu lwesinkwa esandleni sakho. Wasesithi: Kuphila kukaJehova uNkulunkulu wakho. UElija wasesithi kuye: Ungesabi; hamba wenze njengokwelizwi lakho, kodwa ngenzela kuqala iqebelengwana elincinyane ngakho, u li lethe lapha kimi, ngemva kwalokho-ke wenzele wena lendodana yakho. Ngoba itsho njalo uNkulunkulu wakoIsrayeli: Imbiza yempuphu kayiyikuphela, lesiphiso samafutha kasiyikuswela, kuze kube lusuku ezanisa ngalo izulu ebusweni bomhlaba. Wasehamba wenza njengokwelizwi likaElija. Njalo yena kanyelaye lendlu yakhe badla okwensuku ezinengi. Imbiza yempuphu kayiphelanga lesiphiso samafutha kasiswelanga, njengokwelizwi leN eyalikhuluma ngesandla sikaElija. Kwasekusithi emva kwalezizinto, indodana yowesifazana, inkosikazi yendlu, yagula; lomkhuhlane wayo wawulamandla kangangokuthi akwaze kwasala umphefumulo kuyo. Wasesithi kuElija: Ngilani lawe? Wasesithi kuye: Nginika indodana yakho. Waseyithatha esifubeni sakhe, wayenyusela endlini ephezulu lapho ayehlala khona, wayilalisa embhedeni wakhe. Wasekhala eNni wathi: N Nkulunkulu wami, umehlisele ububi lalo umfelokazi engingenise kwakhe ngokubulala indodana yakhe na? Wasezelulela phezu komntwana kathathu, wakhala eNni wathi: N Nkulunkulu wami, ake ubuyele umphefumulo walumntwana phakathi kwakhe. yasilizwa ilizwi likaElija, umphefumulo womntwana wasubuyela phakathi kwakhe, wasebuya ephila. UElija wasemthatha umntwana, wamehlisa esuka endlini ephezulu waya endlini, wamnika unina; uElija wasesithi: Bona, indodana yakho iyaphila. Owesifazana wasesithi kuElija: Khathesi sengisazi. Kwasekusithi emvakwensuku ezinengi ilizwi leN lafika kuElija ngomnyaka wesithathu lisithi: Hamba, uziveze kuAhabi. UElija wasesiya ukuziveza kuAhabi. Njalo indlala yayilamandla eSamariya. UAhabi wasebiza uObhadiya owayephezu kwendlu yakhe. UObhadiya wayeyesaba-ke kakhulu iN. Ngoba kwathi lapho uJezebeli ebhubhisa abaprofethi beN, uObhadiya wathatha abaprofethi abalikhulu, wabafihla ngamadoda angamatshumi amahlanu ebhalwini, wabondla ngesinkwa langamanzi. UAhabi wasesithi kuObhadiya: Hamba elizweni uye emithonjeni yonke yamanzi lezifuleni zonke; mhlawumbe singathola utshani, silondoloze amabhiza lezimbongolo kuphila, ukuze singabhubhisi okwezifuyo. Basebesehlukaniselana ilizwe ukuthi badabule phakathi kwalo; uAhabi wahamba ngenye indlela yedwa, uObhadiya laye wahamba ngenye indlela yedwa. Kwasekusithi uObhadiya esendleleni, khangela-ke, uElija wamhlangabeza; wamnanzelela, wawa ngobuso bakhe wathi: Nguwe yini, nkosi yami, Elija? Wasesithi kuye: Yimi. Hamba u ye tshela inkosi yakho ukuthi: Khangela, uElija ulapha. Wasesithi: Ngoneni ukuthi unikele inceku yakho esandleni sikaAhabi ukuthi angibulale? Kuphila kukaJehova uNkulunkulu wakho, kakulasizwe lombuso inkosi yami engathumelanga kukho ukukudinga. Lapho besithi: Kakho; yafungisa lowombuso lalesosizwe ukuthi kabakutholanga. Khathesi-ke uthi: Hamba utshele inkosi yakho ukuthi: Khangela, uElija ulapha. Kuzakuthi-ke sengisukile kuwe, uMoya weN akuthwale akuse lapho engingazi khona; lapho sengifike ngatshela uAhabi, angakutholi, uzangibulala; kodwa minainceku yakho ngiyayesaba kusukela ebutsheni bami. Kakutshelwanga inkosi yami yini engakwenzayo lapho uJezebeli ebulala abaprofethi beN, ukuthi ngafihla amadoda alikhulu kubaprofethi beN, ngamadoda angamatshumi amahlanu ebhalwini, ngabondla ngesinkwa langamanzi? Khathesi-ke uthi: Hamba u ye tshela inkosi yakho ukuthi: Khangela uElija ulapha. Abesengibulala. UElija wasesithi: Kuphila kukaJehova wamabandla engimi phambi kwakhe, oqotho lamuhla ngizaziveza kuye. Ngakho uObhadiya wahamba ukuhlangabeza uAhabi, wamtshela; loAhabi wayahlangabeza uElija. Kwasekusithi uAhabi ebona uElija, uAhabi wathi kuye: Nguwe yini? Wasesithi: Kangimhluphanga uIsrayeli, kodwa nguwe lendlu kayihlo. Ngakho-ke thuma, ubuthanisele kimi uIsrayeli wonke entabeni iKharmeli. Ngakho uAhabi wathuma phakathi kwabo bonke abantwana bakoIsrayeli, wabuthanisa abaprofethi. UElija wasesondela ebantwini bonke wathi: Koze kube nini liqhula emicabangweni emibili? Uba inguNkulunkulu, landelani yona; kodwa uba kunguBhali, mlandeleni. Kodwa abantu kabamphendulanga nga lizwi. UElija wasesithi ebantwini: Mina ngedwa ngingumprofethi weN oseleyo. Ngakho kabasinike amajongosi amabili, bazikhethele ijongosi elilodwa, baliqume iziqa, bazibeke phezu kwenkuni, bangafaki mlilo; lami ngizalungisa elinye ijongosi, ngilibeke phezu kwenkuni, ngingafaki mlilo. Njalo bizani ibizo likankulunkulu wenu, lami ngizabiza ibizo leN; uNkulunkulu ozaphendula ngomlilo nguye uNkulunkulu. Bonke abantu basebephendula bathi: Lelilizwi lilungile. UElija wasesithi kubaprofethi bakaBhali: Zikhetheleni ijongosi elilodwa, lililungise kuqala, ngoba libanengi, libize ibizo likankulunkulu wenu, kodwa lingafaki mlilo. Basebethatha ijongosi ababelinikiwe, balilungisa, babiza ibizo likaBhali kusukela ekuseni kwaze kwaba semini, besithi: Bhali, siphendule! Kodwa kakubanga lalizwi, kakubanga lophendulayo. Basebeseqa phezu kwelathi elalenziwe. Kwasekusithi emini uElija wadlala ngabo wathi: Memezani ngelizwi elikhulu, ngoba ungunkulunkulu; ngoba uyanakana, loba umonyukile, kumbe usekuhambeni, mhlawumbe ulele, njalo kudingeka ukuthi avuswe. Basebememeza ngelizwi elikhulu, bazisika njengokomkhuba wabo ngezinkemba langemikhonto, kwaze kwantshaza igazi kubo. Kwasekusithi sekwedlulile imini, baprofetha kwaze kwaba sekunikelweni komnikelo. UElija wasesithi ebantwini bonke: Sondelani kimi. Bonke abantu basebesondela kuye. Waselungisa ilathi leN elaselidilikile. UElija wasethatha amatshe alitshumi lambili, ngokwenani lezizwe zamadodana kaJakobe, okwafika kuye ilizwi leN lisithi: Ibizo lakho lizakuba nguIsrayeli. Ngalawomatshe wasesakha ilathi ebizweni leN, wenza umgelo ozingelezela ilathi, ngokwesilinganiso samaseya amabili enhlanyelo. Waselungisa inkuni, waliquma iziqa ijongosi, wa li beka phezu kwenkuni. Wasesithi: Kwenzeni okwesibili. Bakwenza okwesibili. Wathi: Kwenzeni okwesithathu. Basebekwenza okwesithathu. Amanzi asehamba azingelezela ilathi, lomgelo lawo wawugcwalisa ngamanzi. Kwasekusithi ekunikelweni komnikelo uElija umprofethi wasondela wathi: N, Nkulunkulu kaAbrahama, uIsaka, loIsrayeli. Ngiphendule, N, ungiphendule, ukuze lababantu bazi ukuthi wena uyuNkulunkulu, lokuthi uyiphendulile futhi inhliziyo yabo. Wasusehla umlilo weN, waqothula umnikelo wokutshiswa lenkuni lamatshe lothuli, wakhotha lamanzi asemgelweni. Kwathi abantu bonke bekubona bathi mbo ngobuso babo, bathi: UJehova nguye onguNkulunkulu; uJehova nguye onguNkulunkulu. UElija wasesithi kibo: Babambeni abaprofethi bakaBhali, kungaphunyuki lamunye wabo. Basebebabamba. UElija wasebehlisela esifuleni iKishoni. UElija wasesithi kuAhabi: Yenyuka, udle unathe, ngoba kulomsindo wobunengi bezulu. UAhabi wasesenyuka ukuyakudla lokunatha. UElija wasesenyukela engqongeni yeKharmeli. Wasesithi encekwini yakhe: Yenyuka khathesi, ukhangele ngaselwandle. Yasisenyuka, yakhangela, yathi: Kakulalutho. Wasesithi: Buyela, kasikhombisa. Kwasekusithi ngesikhathi sesikhombisa yathi: Khangela, iyezana elingangesandla somuntu lisenyuka olwandle. Kwasekusithi kungakafiki lesosikhathi isibhakabhaka sasesisiba mnyama ngamayezi langomoya, kwaba lezulu elikhulu. UAhabi wasegada, waya eJizereyeli. Lesandla seN sasiphezu kukaElija. UAhabi wasetshela uJezebeli konke uElija ayekwenzile, labo bonke ababulalayo, bonke abaprofethi, ngenkemba. Khona uJezebeli wathuma isithunywa kuElija esithi: Kabenze njalo onkulunkulu, bengezelele njalo, uba ngalesisikhathi kusasa ngingenzi impilo yakho ibe njengempilo yomunye wabo. Ese ku bonile, wasukuma, wahamba ngenxa yempilo yakhe, wafika eBherishebha engeyakoJuda, watshiya khona inceku yakhe. Kodwa yena wahamba uhambo losuku enkangala, wafika wahlala ngaphansi kwesihlahla serotemu, wacela ukuthi umphefumulo wakhe ufe, wathi: Kwanele, khathesi, N, thatha impilo yami, ngoba kangingcono kulabobaba. Esecambalele elele ngaphansi kwesihlahla esithile serotemu, khangela-ke, khonokho ingilosi yamthinta, yathi kuye: Vuka udle. Wasethalaza, khangela-ke, ekhanda lakhe iqebelengwana losiwe emalahleni, lesigxingi samanzi; wasesidla wanatha, waphinda walala. Ingilosi yeN yasifika ngokwesibili, yamthinta yathi: Vuka udle; ngoba uhambo lwakho lukhulu kakhulu kuwe. Wasevuka wadla wanatha, wahamba ngamandla alokhokudla insuku ezingamatshumi amane lobusuku obungamatshumi amane. Wasengena lapho ebhalwini, walala khona ubusuku. Khangela-ke, ilizwi leN lafika kuye lathi kuye: Wenzani lapha, Elija? Wathi: Bengitshiseka lokutshisekela iN, uNkulunkulu wamabandla. Wasesithi: Phuma ume entabeni phambi kweN. Khangela-ke, yadlula. Umoya omkhulu olamandla wasudabula izintaba, waqhekeza amadwala phambi kweN; kodwayayingekho emoyeni. Lemva komoya ukunyikinyeka komhlaba; kodwayayingekho ekunyikinyekeni komhlaba. Lemva kokunyikinyeka komhlaba umlilo; kodwayayingekho emlilweni. Kwasekuthi uElija e li zwa, wathandela ubuso bakhe ngesembatho sakhe, waphuma wema emlonyeni wobhalu? Wathi: Bengitshisekela lokutshisekela iN, uNkulunkulu wamabandla, ngoba abantwana bakoIsrayeli basitshiyile isivumelwano sakho, badiliza amalathi akho, babulala abaprofethi bakho ngenkemba; yimi ngedwa engiseleyo, njalo badinga impilo yami ukuyisusa. yasisithi kuye: Hamba, ubuyele ngendlela yakho uye enkangala yeDamaseko, loJehu indodana kaNimshi umgcobe abe yinkosi phezu kukaIsrayeli. Kuzakuthi-ke ozaphepha enkembeni kaHazayeli. Kodwa ngitshiyile koIsrayeli abazinkulungwane eziyisikhombisa, wonke amadolo angazanga aguqe kuBhali. Wasesuka lapho, wafica uElisha indodana kaShafati; wayelima ngezipani zenkabizamajogwe alitshumi lambili phambi kwakhe, yena wayelesetshumi lambili. UElija wesesedlula eceleni kwakhe, waphosela isembatho sakhe phezu kwakhe. Wasetshiya izinkabi, wagijima elandela uElija, wathi: Ake ngange ubaba lomama, besengikulandela. Wasesithi kuye: Hamba ubuyele, ngoba ngenzeni kuwe? Wasebuyela ekumlandeleni, wathatha isipani senkabi, wasihlaba, langezikhali zenkabi wapheka inyama yazo, wayinika abantu, bayidla. UBenihadadi inkosi yeSiriya wasebutha ibutho lakhe lonke. Wathuma izithunywa kuAhabi inkosi yakoIsrayeli, emzini, wathi kuye: Utsho njalo uBenihadadi: Isiliva sakho legolide lakho ngokwami, labafazi bakho labantwana bakho abahle ngabami. Inkosi yakoIsrayeli yasiphendula yathi: Njengokwelizwi lakho, nkosi yami, nkosi, ngingowakho, lakho konke engilakho. Izithunywa zasezibuyela zathi: Utsho njalo uBenihadadi uthi: Lanxa ngithumele kuwe ngisithi: Isiliva sakho legolide lakho labafazi bakho labantwana bakho, kunike mina; kube kanti phose ngalesisikhathi kusasa ngizathuma kuwe izinceku zami, zizaguduza indlu yakho lezindlu zezinceku zakho; kuzakuthi-ke, yonke into ethandekayo emehlweni akho, zizayifaka esandleni sazo ziyithathe. Ngakho inkosi yakoIsrayeli yabiza bonke abadala belizwe yathi. Bonke abadala labo bonke abantu basebesithi kuyo: Ungalaleli, njalo ungavumi. Wasesithi kuzo izithunywa zikaBenihadadi: Tshelani inkosi yami, inkosi ukuthi: Konke eyakuthumela encekwini yayo kuqala ngizakwenza; kodwa linto kangilamandla okuyenza. Izithunywa zasezihamba, zayibuyisela ilizwi. UBenihadadi wasethumela kuye wathi: Kabenze njalo onkulunkulu kimi, bengezelele njalo, uba ubhuqu lweSamariya lungenela izandla ezigcweleyo zabo bonke abantu abangilandelayo. Inkosi yakoIsrayeli yasiphendula yathi. Kwasekusithi esizwa lelilizwi esanatha, yena lamakhosi emadumbeni, wathi ezincekwini zakhe: Zimiseni! Zasezizimisa ukumelana lomuzi. Khangela-ke, umprofethi othile wasondela kuAhabi inkosi yakoIsrayeli, wathi: Itsho njalo iN: Uyalibona lelixuku lonke elikhulu yini? Khangela, ngizalinikela esandleni sakho lamuhla. UAhabi wasesithi: Ngobani? Wasesithi: Itsho njalo iN: Ngamajaha abaphathi bezabelo. Wasesithi: Ngubani uzaqalisa impi? Wasesithi: Wena. Wasebala amajaha abaphathi bezabelo, ayengamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amathathu lambili; lemva kwawo wabala bonke abantu, bonke abantwana bakoIsrayeli, izinkulungwane eziyisikhombisa. Basebephuma emini, uBenihadadi esenathe wadakwa emadumbeni, yena lamakhosi, amakhosi angamatshumi amathathu lambili ayemsiza. Amajaha abaphathi bezabelo asephuma kuqala. UBenihadadi wasethuma, basebemtshela besithi: Kuphume amadoda eSamariya. Wasesithi: Loba ephumele ukuthula, abambeni ephila; loba-ke ephumele impi, abambeni ephila. Lala aphuma emzini, amajaha abaphathi bezabelo, lebutho elawalandelayo. Babulala, ngulowo lalowo umuntu wakhe. AmaSamariya asebaleka, uIsrayeli wasexotshana lawo, kodwa uBenihadadi inkosi yeSiriya waphunyuka ngebhiza kanye labagadi bamabhiza. Inkosi yakoIsrayeli yasiphuma, yatshaya amabhiza lenqola, yatshaya phakathi kwamaSiriya ngokubulala okukhulu. Lowomprofethi wasesondela. Lezinceku zenkosi yeSiriya zathi kuyo: Onkulunkulu babo bangonkulunkulu bezintaba, yikho belamandla kulathi; kube kanti asilwe labo emagcekeni, sibili sizabehlula. Ngakho yenza linto: Susa amakhosi, ngulowo lalowo endaweni yakhe, ubeke izinduna esikhundleni sawo; njalo wena zibalele ibutho njengebutho eliwileyo kuwe, lebhiza njengebhiza, lenqola njengenqola; njalo sizakulwa labo emagcekeni, isibili sizabehlula. Yasilalela ilizwi labo, yenza njalo. Kwasekusithi ekuthwaseni komnyaka uBenihadadi wabala amaSiriya, wenyukela eAfeki ekulweni loIsrayeli. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli babalwa-ke, banikwa imiphako, basebephuma ukumelana lawo; abantwana bakoIsrayeli bamisa inkamba phambi kwawo njengemihlanjana yembuzi emibili, kodwa amaSiriya agcwala ilizwe. Kwasekusondela umuntu kaNkulunkulu. Basebemisa inkamba, enye iqondene lenye, insuku eziyisikhombisa. Kwasekusithi ngosuku lwesikhombisa impi yadibana; abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebetshaya ngosuku lunye amaSiriya azinkulungwane ezilikhulu ahamba ngenyawo. Labaseleyo babalekela eAfeki emzini; lomduli wawela phezu kwamadoda ayizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lesikhombisa ayesele. UBenihadadi laye wabaleka, wangena emzini ekamelweni elingaphakathi. Lezinceku zakhe zathi kuye: Khangela-ke, sizwile ukuthi amakhosi endlu yakoIsrayeli angamakhosi alesihawu; ake sifake amasaka enkalweni zethu, lamagoda emakhanda ethu. Basebethandela amasaka enkalweni zabo, lamagoda emakhanda abo, bafika enkosini yakoIsrayeli, bathi: Inceku yakho uBenihadadi ithi: Ake ungiyekele ngiphile. Yasisithi: Usaphila yini? Ungumfowethu. Lamadoda aqaphela ngokukhuthala aphangisa ukukuhluthuna kuyo, athi: Umfowenu uBenihadadi. Yasisithi: Hambani liyemthatha. UBenihadadi wasephumela kuyo, yamkhweza enqoleni. Wasesithi kuyo: Imizi ubaba ayithatha kuyihlo ngizayibuyisela. Umuntu othile wamadodana abaprofethi. Wasesithi kuye: Ngenxa yokuthi ungalilalelanga ilizwi leN, khangela, ekusukeni kwakho kimi isilwane sizakutshaya. Wasesuka kuye, lesilwane samfica, sambulala. Wasethola omunye umuntu wathi: Ake ungitshaye. Lalowomuntu wamtshaya lokumtshaya emlimaza. Ngakho umprofethi wasuka, wamelela inkosi endleleni, ezifihle isimo ngelembu emehlweni. Kwasekusithi inkosi idlula, yena wamemeza enkosini wathi: Inceku yakho yaphuma phakathi kwempi; khangela-ke, umuntu waphambuka, waletha umuntu kimi, wathi: Londoloza lumuntu; uba elahleka lokulahleka, khona impilo yakho izakuba sesikhundleni sempilo yakhe, kumbe uhlawule ngethalenta lesiliva. Kwasekusithi inceku yakho isaphathekile lapha lalaphaya, yena wayengekho. Inkosi yakoIsrayeli yasisithi kuye: Sinjalo isahlulelo sakho, usu si qumile wena. Wasephangisa walisusa ilembu emehlweni akhe. Inkosi yakoIsrayeli yasimazi ukuthi ungowabaprofethi. Wasesithi kuyo: Itsho njalo iN: Ngoba umyekele ukuthi aphume esandleni umuntu engim miseleukumtshabalalisa, ngakho impilo yakho izakuba sesikhundleni sempilo yakhe, labantu bakho esikhundleni sabantu bakhe. Inkosi yakoIsrayeli. Kwasekusithi emva kwalezizinto uNabothi umJizereyeli wayelesivini esasiseJizereyeli phansi kwesigodlo sikaAhabi inkosi yeSamariya. UAhabi wasekhuluma loNabothi esithi: Ngipha isivini sakho ukuze sibe kimi yisivande semibhida, ngoba siseduze phansi kwendlu yami; ngizakunika isivini esingcono kulaso esikhundleni saso; uba kukuhle emehlweni akho, ngizakunika imali ngentengo yaso. Kodwa uNabothi wathi kuAhabi: Kakube khatshana lami ngeN ukuthi ngikunike ilifa labobaba. UAhabi wasengena endlini yakhe enyukumele ethukuthele ngenxa yelizwi uNabothi umJizereyeli ayelikhulume kuye, ngoba wayethe: Kangiyikukunika ilifa labobaba. Wasecambalala embhedeni wakhe, waphendula ubuso bakhe, kadlanga ukudla. UJezebeli umkakhe wasesiza kuye wathi kuye: Kungani umoya wakho usineme ukuze ungadli ukudla? Wasesithi kuye: Ngoba ngikhulume loNabothi umJizereyeli ngithe kuye: Nginike isivini sakho ngemali, loba uba uthanda ngizakunika isivini esikhundleni saso; wasesithi: Kangiyikukunika isivini sami. UJezebeli umkakhe wasesithi kuye: Khathesi nguwe obusa umbuso wakoIsrayeli? Vuka udle isinkwa, lenhliziyo yakho ithokoze; ngizakunika mina isivini sikaNabothi umJizereyeli. Wasebhala izincwadi ngebizo likaAhabi, wazidinda ngophawu lwakhe. Wasebhala ezincwadini esithi: Memezelani izilo lokudla, limhlalise uNabothi ngaphezulu kwabantu; beselihlalisa amadoda amabili, amadodana kaBheliyali, maqondana laye ukuthi afakaze emelene laye. Beselimkhuphela phandle limkhande ngamatshe aze afe. Lamadoda alumuzi wakhe, abadala lezikhulu ababehlala emzini wakhe, benza njengokuthumela kukaJezebeli kuwo, njengokubhalwe ezincwadini ayewathumele zona. Amemezela izilo lokudla, ahlalisa uNabothi phezulu kwabantu. Asengena amadoda amabili, amadodana kaBheliyali, ahlala maqondana laye; lamadoda kaBheliyali afakaza emelene laye, emelene loNabothi, phambi kwabantu. Basebemkhuphela ngaphandle komuzi, bamkhanda ngamatshe waze wafa. Basebethumela kuJezebeli besithi: UNabothi usekhandwe ngamatshe wafa. Kwasekusithi uJezebeli esezwile ukuthi uNabothi usekhandwe ngamatshe wafa, uJezebeli wathi kuAhabi: Vuka uthathe isivini sikaNabothi umJizereyeli sibe ngesakho, ala ukukunika sona ngemali, ngoba uNabothi kaphili, kodwa ufile. Kwasekusithi uAhabi esezwile ukuthi uNabothi ufile, uAhabi wasukuma ukwehlela esivinini sikaNabothi umJizereyeli, ukusithatha sibe ngesakhe. Kwasekufika ilizwi leN kuElija lisithi: Sukuma wehle ukuhlangabeza uAhabi inkosi yakoIsrayeli, oseSamariya; khangela, usesivinini sikaNabothi, ehlele khona ukuze asithathe sibe ngesakhe. Uzakhuluma kuye uthi: Itsho njalo iN: Ubulele futhi wathatha yini kwaba ngokwakho? Njalo uzakhuluma kuye uthi: Itsho njalo iN: Endaweni lapho izinja ezikhothe khona igazi likaNabothi, izinja zizakhotha igazi lakho, ngitsho elakho. UAhabi wasesithi kuElija: Ungificile yini, sitha sami. Khangela, ngizakwehlisela ububi. Njalo ngizakwenza indlu yakho ibe njengendlu kaJerobhowamu indodana kaNebati. LangoJezebeli laye yakhuluma isithi: Izinja zizamudla uJezebeli emthangaleni weJizereyeli. OkaJerobhowamu ofela phakathi komuzi zizamudla izinja, lofela egangeni zizamudla inyoni zamazulu. Kodwa kakubanga khona onjengoAhabi, uJezebeli umkakhe amkhuthazayo. Wenza amanyala kakhulu ngokulandela izithombe, eyawaxotsha elifeni phambi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli. Kwasekusithi uAhabi esizwa lamazwi wadabula izigqoko zakhe, walala ngesaka, wahamba buthakathaka. Ilizwi leN laselifika kuElija umTishibi lisithi: Ubonile yini ukuthi uAhabi uzithobe phambi kwami? Ngenxa yokuthi ezithobile phambi kwami kangiyikuletha ububi ensukwini zakhe; ensukwini zendodana yakhe ngizaletha lobububi endlini yakhe. Bahlala-ke iminyaka emithathu kungekho impi phakathi kweSiriya loIsrayeli. Kwasekusithi ngomnyaka wesithathu. Inkosi yakoIsrayeli yasisithi encekwini zayo: Liyazi yini ukuthi iRamothi-Gileyadi ingeyethu? Kodwa sithule, singayithathi esandleni senkosi yeSiriya. Yasisithi kuJehoshafathi: Uzahamba lami empini eRamothi-Gileyadi yini? UJehoshafathi wasesithi enkosini yakoIsrayeli: Nginjengawe, njengabantu bami banjalo abantu bakho, njengamabhiza ami anjalo amabhiza akho. UJehoshafathi wasesithi enkosini yakoIsrayeli: Akubuze lamuhla ilizwi leN. Inkosi yakoIsrayeli yasibuthanisa abaprofethi abangaba ngamadoda angamakhulu amane, yathi kubo: Ngihambe yini ukuyamelana leRamothi-Gileyadi empini kumbe ngiyekele? Basebesithi: Yenyuka, ngoba iNkosi izayinikela esandleni senkosi. UJehoshafathi wasesithi: Kakusekho yini lapha umprofethi weN esingambuza? Inkosi yakoIsrayeli yasisithi kuJehoshafathi: Kusekhona indoda eyodwa, uMikhaya indodana kaImla, e si ngabuza ngaye eNni, kodwa mina ngiyamzonda, ngoba kaprofethi okuhle ngami, kodwa okubi. UJehoshafathi wasesithi: Inkosi ingatsho njalo. Inkosi yakoIsrayeli yasibiza induna yathi: Landa masinyane uMikhaya indodana kaImla. Inkosi yakoIsrayeli loJehoshafathi inkosi yakoJuda babehlezi, ngulowo lalowo esihlalweni sakhe sobukhosi, begqoke izembatho zabo, besebaleni lokubhulela ekungeneni kwesango leSamariya, njalo bonke abaprofethi babeprofetha phambi kwabo. UZedekhiya indodana kaKhenahana wasezenzela izimpondo zensimbi. Labo bonke abaprofethi baprofetha njalo, besithi: Yenyukela eRamothi-Gileyadi, uphumelele; ngoba uJehova uzayinikela esandleni senkosi. Isithunywa esasiyebiza uMikhaya sakhuluma laye sathi: Khangela-ke, amazwi abaprofethi ngamlomo munye mahle enkosini; ake ilizwi lakho lifanane lelizwi lomunye wabo, ukhulume okuhle. Kodwa uMikhaya wathi: Kuphila kukaJehova. Esefikile enkosini, inkosi yathi kuye: Mikhaya, siye eRamothi-Gileyadi empini kumbe siyekele? Wasesithi kuyo: Yenyuka, uphumelele; ngoba uJehova uzayinikela esandleni senkosi. Inkosi yasisithi kuye: Ngizakufungisa kuze kube kangaki ukuthi ungangitsheli lutho ngaphandle kweqiniso ebizweni leN? Wasesithi: Ngabona uIsrayeli wonke ehlakazekile phezu kwezintaba njengezimvu ezingelamelusi; uJehova wathi: Laba kabalankosi, kababuyele, ngulowo lalowo endlini yakhe ngokuthula. Inkosi yakoIsrayeli yasisithi kuJehoshafathi: Kangikutshelanga yini ukuthi kayikuprofetha okuhle ngami kodwa okubi? Wasesithi: Ngakho zwana ilizwi leN: Ngibone ihlezi esihlalweni sayo sobukhosi. yasisithi: Ngubani ozahuga uAhabi ukuthi enyuke ayewela eRamothi-Gileyadi? Omunye-ke watsho njalo, lomunye watsho njalo. Kwasekuphuma umoya, wema phambi kweN wathi: Mina ngizamhuga. yasisithi kuye: Ngani? Wasesithi: Ngizaphuma ngibe ngumoya wamanga emlonyeni wabo bonke abaprofethi bakhe. Yasisithi: Uza m huga, njalo uzaphumelela; phuma wenze njalo. Ngakho-ke, khangela, ifake umoya wamanga emlonyeni walababaprofethi bakho bonke, njalo ikhulume okubi ngawe. UZedekhiya indodana kaKhenahana wasesondela, watshaya uMikhaya esihlathini, wathi: UMoya weN wedlula ngani esuka kimi ukuyakhuluma lawe? UMikhaya wasesithi: Khangela, uzakubona mhlalokho lapho uzangena ekamelweni elingaphakathi ukuyacatsha. Inkosi yakoIsrayeli yasisithi: Thatha uMikhaya, mbuyisele kuAmoni umbusi womuzi lakuJowashi indodana yenkosi, uthi: Itsho njalo inkosi: Fakani lo entolongweni, limdlise isinkwa sohlupho lamanzi ohlupho ngize ngibuye ngokuthula. UMikhaya wasesithi: Uba uphenduka isibili ngokuthula. Inkosi yakoIsrayeli loJehoshafathi inkosi yakoJuda basebesenyukela eRamothi-Gileyadi. Inkosi yakoIsrayeli yasisithi kuJehoshafathi: Ngi zazifihla isimo, ngi ngene empini, kodwa wena gqoka izembatho zakho. Inkosi yeSiriya yayilaye induna zezinqola ezingamatshumi amathathu lambili ayelazo. Kwasekusithi induna zezinqola zibona uJehoshafathi zona zathi: Isibili yiyo inkosi yakoIsrayeli. Zaseziphambuka ukulwa zimelene layo. Kwasekusithi induna zezinqola zibona ukuthi kwakungeyisiyo inkosi yakoIsrayeli, zaphenduka ekuyilandeleni. Umuntu othilewasedonsa idandili lakhe engananzeleli, wahlaba inkosi yakoIsrayeli phakathi kwenhlangano lebhatshi lensimbi; yasisithi kumtshayeli wenqola yayo: Phendula isandla sakho, ungikhuphe phakathi kwebutho, ngoba ngilimele kakhulu. Impi yasikhula mhlalokho; njalo inkosi yayisekelwe enqoleni yayo iqondene lamaSiriya, yafa ntambama; igazi lenxeba lagelezela ngaphansi kwenqola. Ekutshoneni kwelanga kwadabula isimemezelo ebuthweni sisithi: Wonke ka ye emzini wakibo, laye wonke elizweni lakibo. Ngakho inkosi yafa, yalethwa eSamariya; basebeyingcwaba inkosi eSamariya. Omunyewasegezisa inqola echibini leSamariya, lezinja zakhotha igazi layo, lapho amawule ayegeza khona, njengokwelizwi leN eyalikhulumayo. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaAhabi, lakho konke akwenzayo, lendlu yempondo zendlovu ayakhayo, lemizi yonke ayakhayo, kakubhalwanga yini egwalweni lwemilando yamakhosi akoIsrayeli? UAhabi waselala laboyise. UAhaziya indodana yakhe wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. UJehoshafathi indodana kaAsa waba-ke yinkosi phezu kukaJuda ngomnyaka wesine kaAhabi inkosi yakoIsrayeli. Njalo uJehoshafathi wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amathathu lanhlanu lapho esiba yinkosi; wabusa eJerusalema iminyaka engamatshumi amabili lanhlanu. Lebizo likanina lalinguAzuba indodakazi kaShilehi. Njalo wahamba ngayo yonke indlela kaAsa uyise. UJehoshafathi wasesenza ukuthula lenkosi yakoIsrayeli. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaJehoshafathi, lobuqhawe abenzayo, lokuthi walwa njani, kakubhalwanga yini egwalweni lwemilando yamakhosi akoJuda? Lensali yezinkotshana ezazisele ensukwini zikaAsa uyise wayikhupha elizweni. Njalo eEdoma kwakungelankosi. UJehoshafathi. Ngalesosikhathi uAhaziya indodana kaAhabi wathi kuJehoshafathi: Inceku zami kazihambe lenceku zakho emikhunjini. Kodwa uJehoshafathi kafunanga. UJehoshafathi waselala laboyise, wangcwatshelwa kuboyise emzini kaDavida uyise. UJoramu indodana yakhe wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. UAhaziya indodana kaAhabi waba yinkosi phezu kukaIsrayeli eSamariya ngomnyaka wetshumi lesikhombisa kaJehoshafathi inkosi yakoJuda; wabusa phezu kukaIsrayeli iminyaka emibili. Wasesenza okubi emehlweni eN, wahamba ngendlela kayise, langendlela kanina, langendlela kaJerobhowamu indodana kaNebati. Wasekhonza uBhali, wakhothamela kuye, wayithukuthelisa iN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, njengakho konke ayekwenzile uyise. UMowabi wasevukela. UAhaziya wasesiwa eminxibeni yewindi ekamelweni lakhe eliphezulu eliseSamariya, wagula. Kodwa ingilosi yeN yathi kuElija umTishibi? Ngakho-ke itsho njalo iN: Umbheda owenyukele kuwo kawuyikwehla kuwo, ngoba uzakufa lokufa. UElija wasehamba. Lapho izithunywa sezibuyele kuyo, wathi kuzo: Kungani selibuyile? Zasezisithi kuyo: Umuntu wenyukile ukusihlangabeza, wathi kithi: Hambani libuyele enkosini elithumileyo, lithi kuyo: Itsho njalo iN: Kungenxa yokuthi kakulaNkulunkulu koIsrayeli yini ukuthi uthumele ukubuza kuBhali-Zebhubi? Ngakho umbheda owenyukele kuwo kawuyikwehla kuwo, ngoba sibili uzakufa. Yasisithi kuzo: Besinjani isimo salowomuntu owenyukele ukulihlangabeza, wakhuluma kini lamazwi? Basebesithi kuyo: Ubeyindoda eloboya, ebophe ngozwezwe lwesikhumba ekhalweni lwayo. Inkosi yasithuma kuye induna yabangamatshumi amahlanu labangamatshumi amahlanu bayo. Yasisenyukela kuye; khangela-ke, wayehlezi engqongeni yentaba; yathi kuye: Muntu kaNkulunkulu, inkosi ithe: Yehla. UElija wasephendula wathi enduneni yabangamatshumi amahlanu: Uba-ke ngingumuntu kaNkulunkulu, kakwehle umlilo ovela emazulwini uqothule wena labangamatshumi amahlanu bakho. Wasusehla umlilo uvela emazulwini, wayiqothula yona labangamatshumi amahlanu bayo. Yasibuya ithuma kuye enye induna yabangamatshumi amahlanu labangamatshumi amahlanu bayo. Yasiphendula yathi kuye: Muntu kaNkulunkulu, itsho njalo inkosi: Yehla masinyane. UElija wasephendula wathi kubo: Uba ngingumuntu kaNkulunkulu, kakwehle umlilo ovela emazulwini uqothule wena labangamatshumi amahlanu bakho. Wasusehla umlilo kaNkulunkulu uvela emazulwini, wayiqothula yona labangamatshumi amahlanu bayo. Yasithuma futhi induna yabangamatshumi amahlanu besithathu labangamatshumi amahlanu bayo. Leyonduna yesithathu yabangamatshumi amahlanu yasisenyuka yeza yawa ngamadolo ayo phambi kukaElija, yamncenga yathi kuye: Muntu kaNkulunkulu, ake ibe ligugu impilo yami lempilo yalezi inceku zakho ezingamatshumi amahlanu emehlweni akho. Khangela, wehla umlilo uvela emazulwini, waqothula induna ezimbili zabangamatshumi amahlanu zokuqala labangamatshumi amahlanu azo; ngakho-ke kayibe ligugu impilo yami emehlweni akho. Ingilosi yeN yasisithi kuElija: Yehla laye, ungamesabi. Wasesukuma, wehla laye waya enkosini; wathi kuyo: Itsho njalo iN: Ngenxa yokuthi uthume izithunywa ukuyabuza kuBhali-Zebhubi, kungenxa yokuthi kakulaNkulunkulu koIsrayeli yini, ukubuza ilizwi lakhe? Ngakho-ke umbheda owenyukele kuwo kawuyikwehla kuwo, ngoba uzakufa lokufa. Wasesifa njengokwelizwi leN uElija ayelikhulumile. UJehoramu wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe, ngomnyaka wesibili kaJoramu indodana kaJehoshafathi inkosi yakoJuda, ngoba wayengelandodana. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaAhaziya, azenzayo, kazibhalwanga yini egwalweni lwemilando yamakhosi akoIsrayeli? Kwasekusithi isizamenyusela uElija emazulwini ngesivunguzane. UElija wasesithi kuElisha: Akuhlale lapha. Basebesehlela eBhetheli. Lamadodana abaprofethi ayeseBhetheli aphuma eza kuElisha? Wasesithi: Yebo, mina ngiyazi; thulani. UElija wasesithi kuye: Elisha, akuhlale lapha, ngoba ingithumile eJeriko. Basebefika eJeriko. Amadodana abaprofethi aseJeriko asesondela kuElisha, athi kuye: Uyazi yini ukuthi lamuhla izasusa inkosi yakho ekhanda lakho? Wasesithi: Yebo, mina ngiyazi; thulani. UElija wasesithi kuye: Akuhlale lapha, ngoba ingithumile eJodani. Kodwa wathi: Kuphila kukaJehova lokuphila komphefumulo wakho, kangiyikukutshiya. Basebehamba bobabili. Amadoda angamatshumi amahlanu awamadodana abaprofethi asesiyakuma khatshana maqondana labo; bonabobabili basebesima eJodani. UElija wasethatha isembatho sakhe, wa si goqa, watshaya amanzi. Kwasekusithi sebechaphile uElija wathi kuElisha: Cela engizakwenzela khona ngingakasuswa kuwe. UElisha wathi: Ake kuthi isabelo esiphindwe kabili somoya wakho sibe phezu kwami. Wasesithi: Ucele ulutho olulukhuni; uba ungibona lapha ngisuswa kuwe, kuzakuba njalo kuwe; kodwa uba kungenjalo, kakuyikuba njalo. Kwasekusithi besahamba, behamba bekhuluma, khangela-ke, kwaba lenqola yomlilo lamabhiza omlilo, kwabehlukanisa bobabili. UElija wasesenyukela emazulwini ngesivunguzane. UElisha wasekubona wamemeza wathi: Baba wami! Baba wami! Inqola yakoIsrayeli labamabhiza bayo. Wasedobha isembatho sikaElija esawa kuye, wabuyela, wema ekhunjini lweJodani. Wasethatha isembatho sikaElija esawa kuye, watshaya amanzi esithi: Ingaphi iN, uNkulunkulu kaElija? Yena-ke esewatshayile amanzi, ehlukana ngapha langapha; uElisha wasechapha. Kwathi amadodana abaprofethi ayeseJeriko maqondana layeembona athi: Umoya kaElija uhlezi phezu kukaElisha. Asesiza ukumhlangabeza, akhothamela emhlabathini phambi kwakhe. Asesithi kuye: Khangela khathesi, kulamadoda aqinileyo angamatshumi amahlanu kanye lenceku zakho; akuwayekele ahambe adinge inkosi yakho; mhlawumbe uMoya weN uyenyusile wayiphosela kwenye yezintaba, loba kwesinye sezihotsha. Wasesithi: Lingathumi. Sebemphikelele waze waba lenhloni, wathi: Thumani. Basebethuma amadoda angamatshumi amahlanu; adinga insuku ezintathu, kodwa awamtholanga. Asebuyela kuye ehlezi eJeriko, wathi kuwo: Kangitshongo yini kini ukuthi: Lingahambi? Amadoda omuzi asesithi kuElisha: Ake ukhangele, indawo yalumuzi inhle njengoba inkosi yami ibona; kodwa amanzi mabi, lomhlabathi kawuvundanga. Wasesithi: Ngilethelani umganu omutsha, lifake itshwayi kuwo. Basebe wu letha kuye. Wasephuma waya emthonjeni wamanzi, waphosela itshwayi kuwo. Amanzi aseselatshwa kuze kube lamuhla, njengelizwi likaElisha alikhulumayo. Wasesenyuka esuka lapho waya eBhetheli; kwathi esenyuka endleleni kwaphuma abantwanyana emzini, bamklolodela bathi kuye: Yenyuka, mpabanga ndini! Yenyuka, mpabanga ndini! Wasenyemukula, wababona wabaqalekisa ngebizo leN. Kwaphuma amabhere amabili amasikazi ehlathini, adabula abafana abangamatshumi amane lambili kubo. Wasesuka lapho, waya entabeni iKharmeli, esuka lapho wabuyela eSamariya. UJehoramu indodana kaAhabi waba-ke yinkosi phezu kukaIsrayeli eSamariya ngomnyaka wetshumi lesificaminwembili kaJehoshafathi inkosi yakoJuda; wabusa iminyaka elitshumi lambili. Wasesenza okubi emehlweni eN, kodwa kungenjengoyise lanjengonina, ngoba wasusa insika kaBhali eyisithombe uyise ayeyenzile. Loba kunjalo wanamathela ezonweni zikaJerobhowamu indodana kaNebati. Njalo uMesha inkosi yakoMowabi wayengumfuyi wezimvu, lezinqama ezizinkulungwane ezilikhulu, lo boya bezimvu. Kodwa kwathi uAhabi esefile, inkosi yakoMowabi yavukela inkosi yakoIsrayeli. Inkosi uJehoramu yasiphuma ngalesosikhathi eSamariya, yabala uIsrayeli wonke. Yasihamba yathumela kuJehoshafathi inkosi yakoJuda isithi: Inkosi yakoMowabi isingivukele; uzahamba lami yini siye koMowabi empini? Wasesithi: Ngizakwenyuka. Nginjengawe, njengabantu bami banjalo abantu bakho, njengamabhiza ami anjalo amabhiza akho. Yasisithi: Sizakwenyuka ngayiphi indlela? Wasesithi: Ngendlela yenkangala yeEdoma. Yasihamba inkosi yakoIsrayeli, lenkosi yakoJuda, lenkosi yeEdoma; sebebhode uhambo lwensuku eziyisikhombisa, kwakungelamanzi ebutho lawezifuyo ezibalandelayo. Inkosi yakoIsrayeli yasisithi: Maye, ngoba uJehova ubize la amakhosi amathathu ukuwanikela esandleni sikaMowabi! Kodwa uJehoshafathi wathi: Kakulamprofethi weN lapha yini esingabuza ngaye iN KOSI. UJehoshafathi wasesithi: Ilizwi leN likuye. Ngakho inkosi yakoIsrayeli loJehoshafathi lenkosi yeEdoma behlela kuye. UElisha wasesithi enkosini yakoIsrayeli: Ngilani lawe. Kodwa inkosi yakoIsrayeli yathi kuye: Hatshi, ngoba ibize lamakhosi amathathu ukuwanikela esandleni sikaMowabi. UElisha wasesithi: Kuphila kukaJehova wamabandla engimi phambi kwakhe. Ngakho-ke ngilethelani umtshayi wechacho. Wasesithi: Itsho njalo iN: Yenzani lesisihotsha sibe yimigelogelo. Ngoba itsho njalo iN: Kaliyikubona umoya njalo kaliyikubona izulu, kodwa lesisihotsha sizagcwaliswa ngamanzi, ukuze linathe lina, lenkomo zenu lezifuyo zenu. Kodwa lokhu kulula emehlweni eN: Izanikela lamaMowabi esandleni senu. Njalo lizatshaya wonke umuzi obiyelweyo, lawo wonke umuzi okhethekileyo, ligamule sonke isihlahla esihle, ligqibele yonke imithombo yamanzi, lone yonke insimu enhle ngamatshe. Kwasekusithi ekuseni ekunikelweni komnikelo wokudla, khangela-ke, kwafika amanzi evelela endleleni yeEdoma, ilizwe laseligcwaliswa ngamanzi. Wonke amaMowabi esezwile ukuthi amakhosi enyukile ukulwa emelene lawo, abizelwa ndawonye, kusukela kuye wonke obhinca izikhali kusiyaphezulu, asesima emngceleni. Asevuka ekuseni kakhulu; ilanga selikhanya phezu kwamanzi, amaMowabi abona amanzi emaqondana lawoebomvu njengegazi. Asesithi: Ligazi leli; amakhosi achithiwe lokuchithwa, asetshayene. Ngakho-ke, empangweni, Mowabi! Kwathi efika enkambeni yakoIsrayeli, amaIsrayeli asukuma atshaya amaMowabi, aze abaleka esuka phambi kwawo; kodwa angena e lizw eni atshaya amaMowabi. Asediliza imizi; ngulowo wasephosa ilitshe lakhe kuyo yonke insimu enhle, ayigcwalisa, agqibela yonke imithombo yamanzi, agamula zonke izihlahla ezinhle; kodwa abaphosa ngezavutha bayigombolozela, bayitshaya. Inkosi yakoMowabi isibonile ukuthi impi ilukhuni kakhulu kuyo, yathatha abantu abangamakhulu ayisikhombisa abahwatsha inkemba kanye layo, ukuze ifohlele enkosini yeEdoma, kodwa behluleka. Yasithatha indodana yayo elizibulo eyayizakuba yinkosi esikhundleni sayo, yayinikela yaba ngumnikelo wokutshiswa phezu komduli. Kwasekukhala kuElisha umfazi othile wabafazi bamadodana abaprofethi. UElisha wasesithi kuye: Ngi nga kwenzelani? Ngitshela, ulani endlini? Wasesithi: Incekukazi yakho kayilalutho endlini, ngaphandle kwesiphiso samafutha. Wasesithi: Hamba u ye zebolekela izitsha ezivela phandle, kobomakhelwane bakho bonke, izitsha ezingelalutho, zingabi nlutshwana. Nxa usungenile uzivalele wena lamadodana akho umnyango, uthele kulezizitsha zonke; lokugcweleyo ukubeke eceleni. Wasesuka-ke kuye wazivalela yena lamadodana akhe umnyango; bazisondeza kuye, wathulula. Kwasekusithi izitsha sezigcwele wathi endodaneni yakhe: Ngilethela njalo isitsha. Yasisithi kuye: Kakuselasitsha. Amafutha asesima. Wasesiza wamazisa umuntu kaNkulunkulu; wasesithi: Hamba u ye thengisa amafutha, uhlawule isikwelede sakho; wena-ke lamadodana akho liphile ngaseleyo. Kwasekusithi ngo lunyeusuku uElisha wedlulela eShunemi owamcindezela ukuthi adle isinkwa. Kwakusithi-ke lanini esedlula, aphambukele khona ukuthi adle isinkwa. Wasesithi kumkakhe: Khangela-ke, ngiyazi ukuthi lo ungumuntu ongcwele kaNkulunkulu, owedlula kithi njalonjalo. Ake senze ikamelo elincinyane eliphezulu emdulini, simfakele lapho umbheda letafula lesihlalo lesiqobane sesibane; kuzakuthi-ke lapho efika kithi aphambukele khona. Kwasekusithi ngo lunyeusuku wafika khona, waphambukela ekamelweni eliphezulu, walala khona. Wasesithi kuGehazi inceku yakhe. Esembizile, wema phambi kwakhe. Wasesithi kuyo: Tshono kuye-ke uthi: Khangela, usinakekele ngakho konke lokhukunaka? Wasesithi: Ngihlala phakathi kwabantu bakithi. Wasesithi: Kuyini-ke angakwenzelwa? UGehazi wasesithi: Qiniso, kalamntwana, lomkakhe u se mdala. Wasesithi: Mbize. Esembizile, wema emnyango. Wasesithi: Ngalesisikhathi esimisiweyo njengokwesikhathi sempilo. Owesifazana wasekhulelwa, wabeletha umntwana ngalesosikhathi esimisiweyo njengokwesikhathi sempilo uElisha ayesitshilo kuye. Esekhulile umntwana, kwathi ngosuku oluthilewaphuma waya kuyise kubavuni. Wasesithi kuyise: Ikhanda lami! Ikhanda lami! Wasesithi encekwini: Mthwale umuse kunina. Isimthwele yamusa kunina, wahlala emadolweni akhe kwaze kwaba semini, wasesifa. Wasesenyuka, wamlalisa embhedeni. Wasememeza umkakhe wathi: Ake uthume kimi enye yezinceku lomunye wabobabhemi, ukuze ngigijime ngiye emuntwini kaNkulunkulu, ngibuye futhi. Wasesithi. Uyelani kuye lamuhla? Kakusikuthwasa kwenyanga njalo kakusisabatha. Owesifazanawasesithi: Kulungile. Esembophelele isihlalo ubabhemi, wathi encekwini yakhe: Tshaya uhambe, ungangibambeleli ekuhambeni, ngaphandle ngikutshele. Wahamba-ke, weza emuntwini kaNkulunkulu entabeni iKharmeli. Khathesi akugijime umhlangabeze, uthi kuye: Kulungile yini kuwe? Kulungile yini ngomkakho? Kulungile yini ngomntwana? Wasesithi: Kulungile. Esefikile entabeni. Kodwa umuntu kaNkulunkulu wathi: Myekele, ngoba umphefumulo wakhe umunyu kuye, leN ingifihlele lokhu, kayingitshelanga. Wasesithi: Ngangicelile indodana enkosini yami yini? Kangitshongo yini ukuthi: Ungangikhohlisi? UElishawasesithi kuGehazi: Bopha ukhalo lwakho, uthathe udondolo lwami esandleni sakho, uhambe. Unina womntwana wasesithi: Kuphila kukaJehova lokuphila komphefumulo wakho, kangiyikukutshiya. Wasesukuma wamlandela. UGehazi wedlulela phambi kwabo, walubeka udondolo ebusweni bomntwana, kodwa kakubanga khona ilizwi njalo kwakungelakunaka. Wasebuyela ukumhlangabeza, wamtshela esithi: Umntwana kavukanga. UElisha esengenile endlini, khangela, umntwana wayefile, elaliswe embhedeni wakhe. Wasengena, wavala umnyango emva kwabo bobabili. Wenyuka walala phezu komntwana, wabeka umlomo wakhe phezu komlomo wakhe lamehlo akhe phezu kwamehlo akhe lezandla zakhe phezu kwezandla zakhe, wacambalala phezu kwakhe; inyama yomntwana yasikhudumala. Wasebuyela, wahambahamba endlini waya kanye ngapha lakanye le, wasesenyuka wacambalala phezu kwakhe; umntwana wasethimula kwaze kwaba kasikhombisa, umntwana wasevula amehlo akhe. Wasebiza uGehazi wathi: Mbize lo umShunamikazi. Wasembiza. Esefikile kuye, wathi kuye: Thatha umntanakho. Wasengena, wawela ezinyaweni zakhe, wakhothamela emhlabathini, waphakamisa umntanakhe, waphuma. UElisha wasebuyela eGiligali. Omunye wasephuma waya egangeni ukukha imibhida, wathola intandela yeganga, wakha amajodwana ayo eganga, isembatho sakhe sagcwala, weza wawaqobelela embizeni yokudla okuphekiweyo, ngoba ayengawazi. Basebethululela abantu ukuze badle; kwasekusithi besadla okokudla okuphekiweyo bona bamemeza bathi: Ukufa embizeni, muntu kaNkulunkulu! Njalo babengelakukudla. Wasesithi: Lethani-ke impuphu. Waseyithela embizeni wathi: Thululela abantu, ukuze badle. Kwakungaselalutho oluyingozi embizeni. Kwasekufika umuntu evela eBhali-Shalisha. Kodwa inceku yakhe yathi: Ini, ngibeke lokhu phambi kwabantu abalikhulu. Yasikubeka phambi kwabo, badla, batshiya, njengokwelizwi leN. Njalo uNamani induna yebutho lenkosi yeSiriya wayengumuntu omkhulu phambi kwenkosi yakhe, lohloniphekayo, ngoba ngaye uJehova wayenikile iSiriya ukukhululwa. Njalo lindoda yayiliqhawe elilamandla, kodwayaying umlephero. Njalo amaSiriya ayephumile nga maviyo athumba intombazana elizweni lakoIsrayeli, eyayi simaphambi komkaNamani. Yasisithi enkosikazini yayo: Sengathi inkosi yami ingaba phambi komprofethi oseSamariya; khona ubezayiphilisa kubulephero bayo. Wasengena watshela inkosi yakhe esithi: Intombazana evela elizweni lakoIsrayeli itsho ukuthi lokuthi. Inkosi yeSiriya yasisithi: Suka, uhambe, ngizathumela incwadi enkosini yakoIsrayeli. Wasehamba wathatha esandleni sakhe amathalenta esiliva alitshumi lenhlamvu zegolide. Waseletha incwadi enkosini yakoIsrayeli isithi: Khathesi-ke, lapho le incwadi isifikile kuwe, khangela, ngithume kuwe uNamani inceku yami ukuze umphilise kubulephero bakhe. Kwasekusithi inkosi yakoIsrayeli isiyibalile leyoncwadi. Kwasekusithi lapho uElisha umuntu kaNkulunkulu esizwa ukuthi inkosi yakoIsrayeli idabule izigqoko zayo, wathumela enkosini esithi: Udabuleleni izigqoko zakho? Akeze kimi ukuze azi ukuthi kukhona umprofethi koIsrayeli. Ngakho uNamani weza lamabhiza akhe lenqola yakhe, wema emnyango wendlu kaElisha. UElisha wasethuma isithunywa kuye esithi: Hamba u ye geza kasikhombisa eJodani, inyama yakho izabuyela kuwe, uhlambuluke. Kodwa uNamani wathukuthela, wahamba, wathi: Khangela, bengisithi uzaphuma sibili eze kimi, eme, abize ibizo leN uNkulunkulu wakhe, ahambahambise isandla sakhe phezu kwendawo, aphilise umlephero. IAbana leFaripari imifula yeDamaseko kayingcono yini kulawo wonke amanzi akoIsrayeli? Bengingegeze kiyo ngihlambuluke yini? Wasetshibilika wahamba ngolaka oluvuthayo. Kodwa inceku zakhe zasondela zakhuluma laye zathi: Baba, alubaumprofethi ubekhulume lawe ulutho olukhulu, ubungayiku lw enza yini? Pho, kakhulu kangakanani uba ethe kuwe: Geza uhlambuluke? Wasesehla, wazigxamuza eJodani kasikhombisa njengokwelizwi lomuntu kaNkulunkulu, lenyama yakhe yabuyela yafanana lenyama yomntwana omncinyane. Wasebuyela kumuntu kaNkulunkulu, yena lalo lonke ixuku lakhe, wafika wema phambi kwakhe, wathi: Khangela sengisazi ukuthi kakulaNkulunkulu emhlabeni wonke, ngaphandle kwakoIsrayeli. Kodwa wathi: Kuphila kukaJehova engimi phambi kwakhe. Wasemncenga ukuthi athathe, kodwa wala. UNamani wasesithi: Uba kungenjalo, akunikwe inceku yakho umthwalo wembongolo ezimbili wenhlabathi. Ngoba inceku yakho kayisayikwenza umnikelo wokutshiswa lomhlatshelo kwabanye onkulunkulu, kodwa eNni. Kulinto kayithethelele inceku yakho: Nxa inkosi yami ingena endlini kaRimoni ukukhonza lapho. Wasesithi kuye: Hamba ngokuthula. Wasesuka kuye ummango omfitshane. Kodwa uGehazi inceku kaElisha umuntu kaNkulunkulu, ngizagijima ngimlandele, ngithathe kuye okuthile. UGehazi wasegijima wamlandela uNamani. Kwathi uNamani ebona ogijimayo emva kwakhe, wehla enqoleni ukuze amhlangabeze, wathi: Kulungile yini? Wasesithi: Kulungile. Inkosi yami ingithumile, isithi: Khangela, ngitsho khathesi kufikile kimi amajaha amabili evela entabeni yakoEfrayimi; ake uwanike ithalenta lesiliva lezigqoko ezimbili zokuntshintsha. UNamani wasesithi: Vuma, uthathe amathalenta amabili. Esefike oqaqeni, wa ku thatha esandleni sazo, wa ku beka endlini; waseyekela amadoda ahamba, asesuka. Yena wasengena wema phambi kwenkosi yakhe; uElisha wasesithi kuye: Uvela ngaphi, Gehazi? Wasesithi: Inceku yakho ibingayanga le lale. Wasesithi kuye: Inhliziyo yami ayihambanga yini lapho lowomuntu etshibilika enqoleni yakhe ukukuhlangabeza? Kuyisikhathi sokwemukela imali yini, lokwemukela izigqoko, lezivande zemihlwathi, lezivini, lezimvu, lezinkabi, lezinceku, lezincekukazi? Ngakho ubulephero bukaNamani buzanamathela kuwe lenzalweni yakho kuze kube nininini. Wasephuma ebukhoneni bakhe engumlephero emhlophenjengeliqhwa elikhithikileyo. Amadodana abaprofethi asesithi kuElisha: Khangela-ke, indawo esihlala kiyo lawe iminyene kakhulu kithi. Akusiyekele sihambe siye eJodani, sithathe khona, ngulowo lalowo isigodo esisodwa, sizenzele khona indawo yokuhlala kiyo. Wasesithi: Hambani. Omunye wasesithi: Akuvume, uhambe lenceku zakho. Wasesithi: Mina ngizahamba. Wasehamba labo; sebefikile eJodani bagamula izihlahla. Kodwa omunye esagamula ugodo, insimbi yawela emanzini. Wasememeza esithi: Maye, nkosi yami! Ngoba belebolekiwe. Umuntu kaNkulunkulu wasesithi: Iwele ngaphi? Wasemtshengisa indawo. Wasegamula uswazi, wa lu phosela khona, wenza insimbi yandenda. Wasesithi: Zenyulele yona. Waseselula isandla sakhe, wayithatha. Kwathi inkosi yeSiriya isilwa loIsrayeli yacebisana lenceku zayo isithi: Ekuthanathaneni izakuba yinkamba yami. Umuntu kaNkulunkulu wasethumela enkosini yakoIsrayeli esithi: Qaphela ungedluli kulindawo, ngoba amaSiriya ehlele khona. Inkosi yakoIsrayeli yasithumela kuleyondawo umuntu kaNkulunkulu ayitshela yona wayixwayisa ngayo. Yasizilondoloza khona, kungekanye, njalo kungekabili. Inhliziyo yenkosi yeSiriya yasikhathazeka kakhulu ngenxa yalinto. Yasibiza inceku zayo yathi kuzo: Kaliyikungitshela yini ukuthi ngubani kithi ongowenkosi yakoIsrayeli? Omunye wenceku zakhe wasesithi: Hatshi, nkosi yami, nkosi; kodwa uElisha umprofethi okoIsrayeli uyayitshela inkosi yakoIsrayeli amazwi owakhuluma phakathi kwekamelo lakho lokulala. Yasisithi: Hambani li ye bona lapho akhona, ukuze ngithume ngimthathe. Wasetshelwa kwathiwa: Khangela, useDothani. Yasithuma khona amabhiza lezinqola lebutho elinzima; basebefika ebusuku, bawuzingelezela umuzi. Kwathi inceku yomuntu kaNkulunkulu isivukile ngovivi yaphuma, khangela-ke, ibutho lizingelezele umuzi kanye lamabhiza lezinqola. Inceku yakhe yasisithi kuye: Maye, nkosi yami! Sizakwenza njani? Wasesithi: Ungesabi, ngoba labo abalathi banengi okwedlula labo abalabo. UElisha wasekhuleka wathi: N, akuvule amehlo ayo ukuze ibone. yasiwavula amehlo alelojaha, laselibona, khangela-ke, intaba igcwele amabhiza lenqola zomlilo zihanqe uElisha. Sebehlele kuye, uElisha wakhuleka eNni wathi: Akutshaye lababantu ngobuphofu. Yasibatshaya ngobuphofu njengokwelizwi likaElisha. UElisha wasesithi kibo: Kayisiyo le indlela, futhi kayisiwo lo umuzi; ngilandelani, ngizalisa kulowomuntu elimdingayo. Kodwa wabasa eSamariya. Kwasekusithi sebengene eSamariya, uElisha wathi: N, vula amehlo alaba ukuze babone. yasivula amehlo abo, basebebona; khangela-ke, babephakathi kweSamariya. Inkosi yakoIsrayeli yasisithi kuElisha ibabona: Baba, ngi ba tshaye, ngi ba tshaye yini? Wasesithi: Ungatshayi. Ungatshaya yini labo obathumbe ngenkemba yakho langedandili lakho. Yasibalungisela idili elikhulu; sebedlile banatha, yabayekela bahamba, baya enkosini yabo. Ngakho amaviyo amaSiriya kawabesaphinda ukubuya elizweni lakoIsrayeli. Kwasekusithi emva kwalokho uBenihadadi inkosi yeSiriya wabutha ibutho lakhe lonke, wenyuka wavimbezela iSamariya. Kwasekusiba lendlala enkulu eSamariya; khangela-ke, bayivimbela, kwaze kwathi inhloko kababhemi yathengiswange nhlamvuzesiliva ezingamatshumi ayisificaminwembili, lengxenye eyodwa kwezine yegajana lobudolilo bejuba nge nhlamvuzesiliva ezinhlanu. Kwasekusithi inkosi yakoIsrayeli idlula phezu komduli, owesifazana wamemeza kiyo esithi: Siza, nkosi yami, nkosi! Yasisithi: Ubaingakusizi, ngikusize ngokuvela ngaphi? Ebaleni lokubhulela kumbe esikhamelweni sewayini yini? Inkosi yasisithi kuye: Ulani? Wasesithi: Lo owesifazana uthe: Letha indodana yakho ukuze siyidle lamuhla; kusasa-ke sizakudla indodana yami. Sasesiyipheka indodana yami, sayidla. Ngasengisithi kuye ngosuku olulandelayo: Letha indodana yakho ukuze siyidle. Kodwa wayifihla indodana yakhe. Kwasekusithi inkosi isizwa amazwi alowo owesifazana yadabula izigqoko zayo. Yasisithi: UNkulunkulu kenze njalo kimi langokunjalo engezelele, uba ikhanda likaElisha indodana kaShafati lizahlala kuye lamuhla. Kodwa uElisha wayehlezi endlini yakhe labadala babehlezi laye? Kwathi esakhuluma labo, khangela-ke, inkosi yehlela kuye, yathi: Khangela, lobububi buvela eNni. Ngingabe ngisayilindelelani iN? UElisha wasesithi: Zwanini ilizwi leN; itsho njalo iN: Ngalesisikhathi kusasa iseya lempuphu ecolekileyo lizathengiswangeshekeli, lamaseya amabili ebhali ngeshekeli, esangweni leSamariya. Induna inkosi eyayeyeme esandleni sayo. Njalo kwakulamadoda amane ayengamalephero ekungeneni kwesango, athi omunye komunye: Sihlaleleni lapha size sife? Uba sisithi: Sizangena emzini, lendlala isemzini, sizafela khona. Njalo uba sihlala lapha, sizakufa futhi. Ngakho-ke, wozani, si ye wela enkambeni yamaSiriya; uba esiyekela siphile, sizaphila; uba-ke esibulala, sizakufa nje. Asesukuma kusahwalala ukuya enkambeni yamaSiriya; esefike ekucineni kwenkamba yamaSiriya, khangela-ke, kwakungelamuntu khona. Ngoba iNkosi yenza ibutho lamaSiriya lizwe umsindo wezinqola, umsindo wamabhiza, umsindo webutho elikhulu; athi omunye komunye: Khangela, inkosi yakoIsrayeli isisiqatshele amakhosi amaHethi lamakhosi amaGibhithe ukuzamelana lathi. Asesukuma abaleka kusahwalala, atshiya amathente awo lamabhiza awo labobabhemi bawo, inkamba njengoba injalo, abaleka ngenxa yempilo yawo. Amalephero la esefike ekucineni kwenkamba, angena kwelinye ithente, adla anatha, athatha lapho isiliva legolide lezigqoko, ayakufihla; abuyela angena kwelinye ithente, athatha lapho, ayakufihla. Asesithi omunye komunye: Kasenzi kuhle. Lolusuku lusuku lwemibiko emihle, kodwa sizithulele thina. Uba silinda kuze kube yikukhanya kwekuseni, isijeziso sizasifica. Khathesi-ke, wozani siyebikela indlu yenkosi. Asesiza, amemeza kumlindi wesango womuzi, abatshela esithi: Sifike enkambeni yamaSiriya, khangela-ke, bekungelamuntu khona kumbe ilizwi lomuntu, kodwa amabhiza ebotshelwe labobabhemi bebotshelwe, lamathente enjengoba enjalo. Wasebiza abalindi bamasango, basebebikela indlu yenkosi phakathi. Inkosi yasivuka ebusuku, yathi encekwini zayo: Sengizalitshela ukuthi amaSiriya enzeni kithi. Ayazi ukuthi silambile, ngakho aphumile enkambeni uku ya catsha egangeni esithi: Nxa bephuma emzini, sizababamba bephila, besesingena emzini. Enye yenceku zayo yasiphendula yathi: Ake bathathe amahlanu emabhizeni aseleyo, aseleyo phakathi ko muzi, (khangela, afanana lexuku lonke lakoIsrayeli elitshiywe kuwo, khangela, afanana lexuku lonke lakoIsrayeli eliqothuliweyo), kasithume, sibone. Basebethatha amabhiza amabili enqola; inkosi yasithuma emva kwebutho lamaSiriya isithi: Hambani, libone. Basebewalandela kwaze kwaba seJodani; khangela-ke, indlela yonke yayigcwele izembatho lempahla amaSiriya ayekulahlile ekuphangiseni kwawo. Izithunywa zasezibuyela, zayibikela inkosi. Abantu basebephuma bayiphanga inkamba yamaSiriya. Ngakho iseya lempuphu ecolekileyo laselithengiswangeshekeli, lamaseya amabili ebhali ngeshekeli, njengokwelizwi leN. Inkosi yasibeka induna eyayeyeme esandleni sayo ukuba ngumlindiphezu kwesango. Abantu bayinyathela esangweni yaze yafa. Kwasekusithi njengokutsho komuntu kaNkulunkulu enkosini esithi: Amaseya amabili ebhali ngeshekeli, leseya lempuphu ecolekileyo ngeshekeli phose ngalesisikhathi kusasa azakuba sesangweni leSamariya. Induna yasimphendula umuntu kaNkulunkulu yathi: Khangela-ke, ubaibingenza amawindi emazulwini, kungenzeka linto yini? Kodwa wathi: Khangela, uzakubona ngamehlo akho, kodwa kawuyikudla okwakho. Kwaba njalo-ke kuye, ngoba abantu bamnyathela esangweni waze wafa. UElisha wasekhuluma kowesifazana ondodana yakhe ayeyenze yaphila. Owesifazana wasukuma-ke, wenza njengokutsho komuntu kaNkulunkulu; wahamba yena lendlu yakhe, wahlala njengowezizwe elizweni lamaFilisti iminyaka eyisikhombisa. Kwasekusithi ekupheleni kweminyaka eyisikhombisa, owesifazana waphenduka evela elizweni lamaFilisti; waphuma uku ya khala enkosini ngendlu yakhe langensimu yakhe. Inkosi yayikhuluma-ke loGehazi inceku yomuntu kaNkulunkulu isithi: Akungilandisele izinto zonke ezinkulu uElisha asezenzile. Kwasekusithi esatshela inkosi ukuthi wavusa njani ofileyo, khangela-ke, owesifazana ondodana yakhe ayeyivuse ekufeni wakhala enkosini ngendlu yakhe langensimu yakhe. UGehazi wasesithi: Nkosi yami, nkosi, nguye lo owesifazana, njalo yiyo le indodana yakhe uElisha ayiphilisayo. Lapho inkosi ibuza owesifazana, wayilandisela. Inkosi yasimmisela induna ethile, isithi: Buyisela konke okwakungokwakhe, laso sonke isivuno sensimu kusukela mhla esuka elizweni kuze kube lamuhla. UElisha wasefika eDamaseko. Wasetshelwa kwathiwa: Umuntu kaNkulunkulu ufikile lapha. Inkosi yasisithi kuHazayeli, ubusubuza eNni ngaye usithi: Ngizasila yini kulumkhuhlane? UHazayeli wasesiyamhlangabeza, wathatha isipho esandleni sakhe, ngitsho esakho konke okuhle kweDamaseko, imithwalo yamakamela engamatshumi amane, weza wema phambi kwakhe, wathi: Indodana yakho uBenihadadi inkosi yeSiriya ingithumile kuwe isithi: Ngizasila yini kulumkhuhlane? UElisha wasesithi kuye: Hamba uthi kuye: Ungasila lokusila, kodwa ingibonisile ukuthi uzakufa lokufa. Wase m joloz el a waze waba lenhloni. Umuntu kaNkulunkulu waselila. UHazayeli wasesithi: Inkosi yami ililelani? Wasesithi: Ngoba ngiyazi ububi ozabenza ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli; uzathungela inqaba zabo ngomlilo, ubulale amajaha abo ngenkemba. Kodwa uHazayeli wathi: Kodwa iyini inceku yakho eyinja nje, ukuthi yenze linto enkulu. Wasesuka kuElisha weza enkosini yakhe eyathi kuye: UElisha utheni kuwe? Wasesithi: Ungitshele ukuthi uzasila lokusila. Kwasekusithi kusisa wathatha ingubo, wayigxamuza emanzini, wayendlala phezu kobuso bakhe waze wafa. UHazayeli wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. Njalo ngomnyaka wesihlanu kaJoramu indodana kaAhabi inkosi yakoIsrayeli. Wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amathathu lambili lapho esiba yinkosi, wabusa iminyaka eyisificaminwembili eJerusalema. Wasehamba ezindleleni zamakhosi akoIsrayeli njengokwenza kwendlu kaAhabi, ngoba indodakazi kaAhabi yayingumkakhe; wenza okubi emehlweni eN. Kodwa kayithandanga ukuchitha uJuda ngenxa kaDavida inceku yayo, njengokuthembisa kwayo kuye ukuthi izanika isibane kuye zonke izinsuku. Ensukwini zakhe iEdoma yahlamuka isuka phansi kwesandla sakoJuda, yabeka inkosi phezu kwayo. UJoramu wasewelela eZayiri lazo zonke inqola zilaye; yena wavuka ebusuku watshaya amaEdoma ayemzingelezele, lenduna zezinqola; labantu babalekela emathenteni abo. Ngakho iEdoma yahlamuka isuka phansi kwesandla sakoJuda kuze kube lamuhla. Khona iLibhina yahlamuka ngalesosikhathi. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaJoramu, lakho konke akwenzayo, kakubhalwanga yini egwalweni lwemilando yamakhosi akoJuda? UJoramu waselala laboyise, wangcwatshelwa kuboyise emzini kaDavida. Ngomnyaka wetshumi lambili kaJoramu indodana kaAhabi inkosi yakoIsrayeli uAhaziya indodana kaJehoramu, inkosi yakoJuda, waba yinkosi. UAhaziya wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lambili lapho esiba yinkosi, wabusa umnyaka owodwa eJerusalema. Lebizo likanina lalinguAthaliya, indodakazi kaOmri inkosi yakoIsrayeli. Wasehamba ngendlela yendlu kaAhabi, wenza okubi emehlweni eN, njengendlu kaAhabi, ngoba wayengumkhwenyana wendlu kaAhabi. Wasehamba loJoramu indodana kaAhabi ukulwa loHazayeli inkosi yeSiriya; amaSiriya aselimaza uJoramu. UJoramu inkosi wabuyela ukwelatshwa. UElisha umprofethi wasebiza omunye wamadodana abaprofethi. Nxa ufika khona udinge lapho uJehu indodana kaJehoshafathi indodana kaNimshi, umngenise ekamelweni elingaphakathi. Ubusuthatha umfuma wamafutha, uwathele ekhanda lakhe uthi: Itsho njalo iN: Ngikugcobile ube yinkosi phezu kukaIsrayeli. Ubusuvula umnyango, ubaleke, ungaphuzi. Lahamba-ke ijaha lelo, ijaha umprofethi, laya eRamothi-Gileyadi. Ekufikeni kwalo, khangela, induna zebutho zazihlezi, lathi: Ngilombiko kuwe, nduna. UJehu wasesithi: Kubani phakathi kwethu sonke? Laselisithi: Kuwe, nduna. Wasesukuma, wangena endlini; laselithela amafutha ekhanda lakhe, lathi kuye: Itsho njalo iN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Ngikugcobile ukuthi ube yinkosi phezu kwabantu beN, phezu kukaIsrayeli. Njalo uzatshaya indlu kaAhabi inkosi yakho, ukuze ngiphindisele igazi lenceku zami abaprofethi, legazi lazo zonke inceku zeN, esandleni sikaJezebeli. Yonke-ke indlu kaAhabi izabhubha; njalo ngizaquma asuke kuAhabi. Njalo ngizakwenza indlu kaAhabi njengendlu kaJerobhowamu indodana kaNebati. Lezinja zizakudla uJezebeli, njalo kakuyikuba lo m ngcwabayo. Laselivula umnyango, labaleka. Kwathi uJehu esephumele encekwini zenkosi yakhe, omunyewathi kuye: Kulungile yini. Zasezisithi: Manga! Sitshele khathesi. Wasesithi: Ukhulume ukuthi lokuthi kimi esithi: Itsho njalo iN: Ngikugcobile ube yinkosi phezu kukaIsrayeli. Zaseziphangisa, zathatha, ngulowo lalowo isembatho sakhe, zazibeka ngaphansi kwakhe engqongeni yezikhwelo! Ngokunjalo uJehu indodana kaJehoshafathi indodana kaNimshi wamenzela ugobe uJoramu. (UJoramu wagcina-ke iRamothi-Gileyadi; kodwa uJehoramu inkosi wayesebuyelele ukwelatshwa eJizereyeli ngamanxeba amaSiriya ayemtshaye wona ekulweni kwakhe loHazayeli inkosi yeSiriya. UJehu wasekhwela inqola, waya eJizereyeli, ngoba uJoramu wayelele khona, loAhaziya inkosi yakoJuda wayehle ukuthi abone uJoramu. Umlindi wayemi-ke emphotshongweni eJizereyeli, wabona ixuku likaJehu, yena esiza, wathi: Ngibona ixuku. UJehoramu wathi: Thatha umgadi webhiza u m thume ukubahlangabeza, athi: Yikuthula yini? Wasehamba umgadi webhiza ukumhlangabeza, wathi: Itsho njalo inkosi: Yikuthula yini? UJehu wasesithi: Ulani lokuthula? Phendukela ngemva kwami. Umlindi wasebika esithi: Isithunywa sesifikile kibo, kodwa kasiphenduki. Yasithuma umgadi webhiza wesibili, wafika kibo wathi: Itsho njalo inkosi: Yikuthula yini? UJehu wasesithi: Ulani lokuthula? Phendukela ngemva kwami. Umlindi wasebika wathi: Usefikile kibo, kodwa kaphenduki. Lokutshayela kufanana lokutshayela kukaJehu. UJehoramu wasesithi: Bophelani. Basebebophela inqola yakhe. UJehoramu inkosi yakoIsrayeli loAhaziya inkosi yakoJuda basebephuma, ngulowo lalowo enqoleni yakhe, baphuma ukuhlangabeza uJehu. Kwasekusithi uJehoramu ebona uJehu wathi: Yikuthula yini, Jehu? Wasesithi: Ukuthula bani, selokhu ukuwula kukaJezebeli unyoko? UJehoramu wasephendula izandla zakhe wabaleka, wathi kuAhaziya: Yinkohliso, Ahaziya! UJehu wasedonsisisa idandili, watshaya uJehoramu phakathi kweziphanga zakhe, lomtshoko waphuma enhliziyweni yakhe, wasekhothama enqoleni yakhe. Wasesithi kuBidikari induna yakhe: Ngibonile isibili izolo igazi likaNabothi legazi lamadodana akhe, itsho iN, ngizaphindisela kuwe kulesisiqinti, itsho iN. Ngakho-ke mphakamise umphosele kulesisiqinti, njengokwelizwi leN. UAhaziya inkosi yakoJuda esebonile lokhu wabaleka, ngendlela yendlu yesivande. UJehu wasexotshana laye, wathi: Mtshayeni laye enqoleni, emqansweni weGuri. Wasebalekela eMegido, wafela khona. Inceku zakhe zasezimthwala zamusa eJerusalema, zamngcwaba engcwabeni lakhe kuboyise emzini kaDavida. Ngomnyaka wetshumi lanye kaJoramu indodana kaAhabi, uAhaziya waba yinkosi phezu kukaJuda. UJehu esefikile eJizereyeli, uJezebeli wa ku zwa. Wasecomba amehlo akhe, wacecisa ikhanda lakhe. Lapho-ke uJehu engena esangweni, wasesithi: Yikuthula yini, Zimri, mbulali wenkosi yakho? Wasephakamisela ubuso bakhe ewindini, wathi: Ngubani ongakimi? Ngubani? Kwasekulunguza kuye abathenwa ababili, abathathu. Wasesithi: Mphoseleni phansi. Basebemphosela phansi; l elinyelegazi lakhe lachaphakela emdulini lemabhizeni; wasemnyathelela phansi. Wasengena wadla wanatha, wathi: Ake libone lo umqalekiswakazi limngcwabe, ngoba uyindodakazi yenkosi. Basebesiyamngcwaba, kodwa kabaficanga lutho olwakhe ngaphandle kokhakhayi lenyawo lempama zezandla. Ngakho babuyela bamtshela; wasesithi: Leli yilizwi leN eyalikhuluma ngesandla senceku yayo uElija umTishibi lisithi: Esiqintini seJizereyeli izinja zizakudla inyama kaJezebeli; lesidumbu sikaJezebeli sizakuba njengomquba ebusweni bomhlabathi esiqintini seJizereyeli, ukuze bangathi: Lo nguJezebeli. Njalo uAhabi wayelamadodana angamatshumi ayisikhombisa eSamariya. UJehu wasebhala izincwadi, wazithumela eSamariya kubabusi beJizereyeli, abadala, lakubondli ba madodanakaAhabi, esithi: Ngakho-ke nxa lincwadi ifika kini, lokhu amadodana enkosi yenu akini, futhi izinqola lamabhiza kukini, lomuzi obiyelweyo, lezikhali, ziboneleni-ke ongcono kakhulu lofaneleyo kulabo bonke ebantwaneni benkosi yenu, limbeke esihlalweni sobukhosi sikayise, lilwele indlu yenkosi yenu. Kodwa besaba kakhulukazi bathi: Khangelani, amakhosi amabili kawemanga phambi kwakhe; thina-ke sizakuma njani? Umphathi wendlu lomphathi womuzi labadala labondli babantwanabathumela kuJehu besithi: Siyizinceku zakho, sizakwenza konke okutshoyo kithi. Kasiyikubeka muntu abe yinkosi. Yenza okuhle emehlweni akho. Wasebabhalela incwadi okwesibili esithi: Uba lingabami, lilalela ilizwi lami, thathani amakhanda alawomadoda, amadodana enkosi yenu, lize kimi eJizereyeli ngalesisikhathi kusasa. Lamadodana enkosi, abantu abangamatshumi ayisikhombisa, ayelezikhulu zomuzi ezaziwakhulisa. Kwasekusithi ekufikeni kwencwadi kubo, bathatha amadodana enkosi, babulala abantu abangamatshumi ayisikhombisa, bafaka amakhanda awo ezitsheni, ba w esa kuye eJizereyeli. Kwasekusiza isithunywa sambikela sisithi: Sebewalethile amakhanda amadodana enkosi. Wasesithi: Abekeni abe zinqumbi ezimbili ekungeneni kwesango kuze kube sekuseni. Kwasekusithi ekuseni waphuma wema wathi ebantwini bonke: Lina lilungile. Khangelani, mina ngenzela inkosi yami ugobe, ngayibulala; pho, ngubani obulele bonke laba? Yazini khathesi ukuthi kakuyikuwela lutho emhlabathini okwelizwi leN, eyalikhuluma ngendlu kaAhabi. UJehu wasetshaya bonke ababesele endlini kaAhabi eJizereyeli, lazo zonke izikhulu zakhe, labazana laye, labapristi bakhe. Wasesukuma wahamba waya eSamariya. Endlini yokugunda yabelusi endleleni, uJehu wahlangana labafowabo bakaAhaziya inkosi yakoJuda. Wasesithi: Babambeni bephila. Basebebabamba bephila, bababulalela emgodini weBeti-Ekedi, amadoda angamatshumi amane lambili, katshiyanga loyedwa wabo. Esesukile lapho wahlangana loJehonadabi. Wasesithi: Hamba lami, ubone ukuyitshisekela kwami iN. Basebemgadisa enqoleni yakhe. Ekufikeni kwakhe eSamariya wabatshaya bonke ababesele kuAhabi eSamariya waze wamqeda, njengokwelizwi leN KOSI. UJehu wasebuthanisa bonke abantu, wathi kibo: UAhabi wakhonza kancinyane uBhali: UJehu uzamkhonza kakhulu. Ngakho-ke ngibizelani abaprofethi bakaBhali bonke, izinceku zakhe zonke labo bonke abapristi bakhe, kungabi lamuntu ongekho, ngoba ngilomhlatshelo omkhulu kuBhali; loba ngubani ongayikuba khona kayikuphila. Kodwa uJehu wakwenza ngobuqili ukuze abulale izinceku zikaBhali. UJehu wasesithi: Mehlukaniseleni umhlangano onzulu uBhali. UJehu wasethumela kuye wonke uIsrayeli; zonke izinceku zikaBhali zasezisiza, kakwaze kwasala loyedwa ongabuyanga. Bangena endlini kaBhali, yaze yagcwala indlu kaBhali kusukela emsamo kusiya emnyango. Wasesithi kulowo owayephethe indlu yezembatho: Khuphela bonke abakhonzi bakaBhali izembatho. Wasebakhuphela izembatho. Wasengena uJehu eloJehonadabi indodana kaRekabi endlini kaBhali, wathi kuzinceku zikaBhali: Hlolani libone ukuthi kakukho kini abezinceku zeN lapha, kodwa izinceku zikaBhali kuphela. Sebengene ukwenza imihlatshelo leminikelo yokutshiswa, uJehu wazimisela amadoda angamatshumi ayisificaminwembili ngaphandle, wasesithi: Umuntu oyekela kumadoda engiwabeka ezandleni zenu iphunyuke, impilo yakhe izakuba sendaweni yempilo yayo. Kwasekusithi eseqedile ukwenza iminikelo yokutshiswa, uJehu wasesithi kubalindi lezinduneni. Bakhupha endlini kaBhali insika eziyizithombe, bazitshisa. Badiliza insika kaBhali eyisithombe, badiliza indlu kaBhali, bayenza yaba yindlu yokuyela ngaphandle kuze kube lamuhla. Ngokunjalo uJehu wachitha uBhali wamkhupha koIsrayeli. Kodwa e zonw enizikaJerobhowamu indodana kaNebati owenza uIsrayeli one, uJehu kasukanga ekuzilandeleni. yasisithi kuJehu: Ngoba wenze kuhle ngokwenza okulungileyo emehlweni ami, wenza endlini kaAhabi njengakho konke okwakusenhliziyweni yami, amadodana akho kuze kube sesizukulwanenisesine azahlala esihlalweni sobukhosi sakoIsrayeli. Kodwa uJehu kaqaphelisanga ukuhamba emlayweni weN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, ngenhliziyo yakhe yonke; kasukanga ezonweni zikaJerobhowamu owenza uIsrayeli one. Ngalezonsuku yaqala ukuquma isusa koIsrayeli, kusukela eJodani empumalanga, ilizwe lonke leGileyadi, abakoGadi labakoRubeni labakoManase, kusukela eAroweri engasesifuleni seArinoni. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaJehu, lakho konke akwenzayo, lamandla akhe wonke, kakubhalwanga yini egwalweni lwemilando yamakhosi akoIsrayeli? UJehu waselala laboyise, bamngcwabela eSamariya. UJehowahazi indodana yakhe wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. Lesikhathi uJehu abusa ngaso phezu kukaIsrayeli eSamariya sasiyiminyaka engamatshumi amabili lesificaminwembili. UAthaliya unina kaAhaziya. Kodwa uJehosheba indodakazi yenkosi uJoramu, udadewabo kaAhaziya, wathatha uJowashi indodana kaAhaziya, wameba phakathi kwamadodana enkosi abulawayo, yena lomlizane wakhe ekamelweni lokulala. Basebemfihla ebusweni bukaAthaliya ukuze angabulawa. Wayelaye-ke efihliwe endlini yeN iminyaka eyisithupha; uAthaliya wasebusa phezu kwelizwe. Ngomnyaka wesikhombisa uJehoyada wasethuma wathatha izinduna zamakhulu, wabaletha kuye endlini yeN. Wenza isivumelwano labo, wabafungisa endlini yeN, wabatshengisa indodana yenkosi. Wasebalaya esithi: Nansi into elizayenza: Ingxenye eyodwa kwezintathu yenu elingena ngesabatha izakuba ngabalindi bomlindo wendlu yenkosi, lengxenye eyodwa kwezintathu izakuba sesangweni leSuri; ngokunjalo lizalinda umlindo wendlu, ingafohlelwa. Lengxenye ezimbili zenu lonke eliphuma ngesabatha, bona bazagcina umlindo wendlu yeN mayelana lenkosi. Lizazingelezela inkosi inhlangothi zonke, ngulowo lalowo elezikhali esandleni sakhe. Induna zamakhulu zasezisenza njengakho konke uJehoyada umpristi akulayayo; zathatha, yileyo laleyo abantu bayo abangena ngesabatha lalabo abaphuma ngesabatha, zafika kuJehoyada umpristi. Umpristi wasenika izinduna zamakhulu imikhonto lezihlangu ezazingezenkosi uDavida ezazisendlini yeN. Abalindi basebesima, ngulowo lalowo elezikhali esandleni sakhe, kusukela kwesokunene sendlu kusiya kwesokhohlo sendlu, ngaselathini langasendlini, enkosini inhlangothi zonke. Waseyikhupha indodana yenkosi, wayethesa umqhele! UAthaliya esizwa umsindo wabalindi lo wabantu waya ebantwini endlini yeN; wabona, khangela-ke, inkosi yayimi ngasensikeni njengomkhuba, lezinduna labavutheli bezimpondo bengasenkosini! UJehoyada umpristi waselaya induna zamakhulu, abaphathi bebutho, lomlandelayo limbulale ngenkemba. Ngoba umpristi wathi: Kangabulawelwa endlini kaJehova. Basebembamba ngezandla, wasehamba ngendlela yokungena kwamabhiza endlini yenkosi, wabulawelwa khonapho. UJehoyada wasesenza isivumelwano phakathi kukaJehova lenkosi labantu ukuthi babe ngabantu bakaJehova. Bonke abantu belizwe basebengena endlini kaBhali, bayidilizela phansi. Umpristi wasebeka abaphathi phezu kwendlu yeN. Wasethatha izinduna zamakhulu lamaKariti labalindi labo bonke abantu belizwe, bayehlisa inkosi isuka endlini kaJehova. Bonke abantu belizwe basebethokoza. Umuzi wasusiba lokuthula, sebembulele uAthaliya ngenkemba ngase ndli niyenkosi. UJehowashi wayeleminyaka eyisikhombisa lapho esiba yinkosi. Ngomnyaka wesikhombisa kaJehu uJehowashi waba yinkosi; wabusa iminyaka engamatshumi amane eJerusalema. UJehowashi wasesenza okulungileyo emehlweni eN zonke izinsuku zakhe uJehoyada umpristi amfundisa ngazo. Kodwa indawo eziphakemeyo kazisuswanga; abantu babelokhu benikela imihlatshelo betshisa impepha endaweni eziphakemeyo. UJehowashi wasesithi kubapristi: Yonke imali yezinto ezehlukanisiweyo elethwa endlini kaJehova; abapristi kabayithathe kubo, ngulowo lalowo komejwayeleyo, balungise izikhala zendlu. Kodwa kwathi ngomnyaka wamatshumi amabili lantathu wenkosi uJehowashi abapristi babenga ka lungisi izikhala zendlu. Inkosi uJehowashi yasibiza uJehoyada umpristi labapristi, yathi kibo: Kungani lingalungisi izikhala zendlu? Ngakho-ke lingathathi imali kwelibejwayeleyo kodwa liyinikele izikhala zendlu. Abapristi basebevuma ukuthi kaba sa yikuthatha imali ebantwini lokuthi kabayikulungisa izikhala zendlu. UJehoyada umpristi wasethatha ibhokisi elilodwa, wabhoboza isikhala esivalweni salo, walibeka eceleni kwelathi ngakwesokunene nxa umuntu engena endlini yeN. Abapristi-ke abalinda umbundu bafaka kulo yonke imali eyalethwa endlini yeN. Kwakusithi sebebona ukuthi imali isinengi ebhokisini, umabhalane wenkosi, lompristi omkhulu benyuke. Basebenikela imali elinganisiweyo ezandleni zabenzi bomsebenzi, zababonisi bendlu yeN, bayikhuphela kubabazi bezigodo lakubakhi ababesebenza endlini yeN, lakwabakha ngamatshe lakubabazi bamatshe, lokuthenga izigodo lamatshe abaziweyo ukulungisa izikhala zendlu yeN, lakukho konke okwakhutshelwa indlu ukuyilungisa. Kodwa kayenzelwanga indlu yeN, kodwa bayinika abenzi bomsebenzi, basebelungisa ngayo indlu yeN. Njalo kababalelananga labantu abanikela imali esandleni sabo, ukupha abenzi bomsebenzi, ngoba benza ngokuthembeka. Imali yomnikelo wecala. Ngalesosikhathi uHazayeli inkosi yeSiriya. Kodwa uJehowashi inkosi yakoJuda wathatha zonke izinto ezingcwelisiweyo uJehoshafathi loJoramu loAhaziya oyise, amakhosi akoJuda, ababezingcwelisile. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaJowashi, lakho konke akwenzayo, kakubhalwanga yini egwalweni lwemilando yamakhosi akoJuda? Inceku zakhe zasezisukuma zenza ugobe, zamtshaya uJowashi endlini yeMilo. Ngoba oJozakari indodana kaShimeyathi loJehozabadi indodana kaShomeri, inceku zakhe, bamtshaya, wafa; basebemngcwaba kuboyise emzini kaDavida. UAmaziya indodana yakhe wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. Ngomnyaka wamatshumi amabili lantathu kaJowashi indodana kaAhaziya inkosi yakoJuda uJehowahazi indodana kaJehu waba yinkosi phezu kukaIsrayeli eSamariya, wabusaiminyaka elitshumi lesikhombisa. Wenza okubi emehlweni eN, walandela izono zikaJerobhowamu indodana kaNebati owenza uIsrayeli one, kasukanga kuzo. Ulaka lweN lwaselumvuthela uIsrayeli. UJehowahazi wasencenga ubuso beN, yamuzwa. (yasisipha uIsrayeli. Loba kunjalo kabasukanga ezonweni zendlu kaJerobhowamu owenza uIsrayeli one, bahamba kuzo.) Ngoba kayimtshiyelanga uJehowahazi abantu, kuphela abagadi bamabhiza abangamatshumi amahlanu, lenqola ezilitshumi, labahamba ngenyawo abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi; ngoba inkosi yeSiriya yayibabhubhisile, yabenza baba njengothuli ngokubhula. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaJehowahazi, lakho konke akwenzayo, lamandla akhe, kakubhalwanga yini egwalweni lwemilando yamakhosi akoIsrayeli? UJehowahazi waselala laboyise, bamngcwabela eSamariya; uJowashi indodana yakhe wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. Ngomnyaka wamatshumi amathathu lesikhombisa kaJowashi inkosi yakoJuda uJehowashi indodana kaJehowahazi waba yinkosi phezu kukaIsrayeli eSamariya; wabusaiminyaka elitshumi lesithupha. Laye wenza okubi emehlweni eN, kasukanga ezonweni zonke zikaJerobhowamu indodana kaNebati owenza uIsrayeli one; wahamba kuzo. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaJowashi? UJowashi waselala laboyise, uJerobhowamu wasehlala esihlalweni sakhe sobukhosi. UJowashi wangcwatshelwa eSamariya lamakhosi akoIsrayeli. UElisha wasegula umkhuhlane wakhe afa ngawo! UElisha wasesithi kuye: Thatha idandili lemitshoko. Wasezithathela idandili lemitshoko. Wasesithi enkosini yakoIsrayeli: Beka isandla sakho edandilini. Wasesibeka isandla sakhe. UElisha wasebeka izandla zakhe phezu kwezandla zenkosi. Wasesithi: Vula iwindi ngempumalanga. Yasi li vula. UElisha wasesithi: Tshoka! Yasitshoka. Wasesithi: Umtshoko wenkululeko yeN, lomtshoko wenkululeko kuSiriya. Ngoba uzatshaya amaSiriya eAfeki uze u wa qede. Wasesithi: Thatha imitshoko. Yasiyithatha. Wasesithi enkosini yakoIsrayeli: Tshaya emhlabathini. Yasitshaya kathathu, yasisima. Umuntu kaNkulunkulu waseyithukuthelela. UElisha wasesifa, basebemngcwaba. Amaviyo amaMowabi asengena elizweni ekuthwaseni komnyaka. Kwasekusithi bengcwaba umuntu, khangela-ke, babona iviyo, baphosela lowomuntu engcwabeni likaElisha. Kwathi umuntu esiyathinta amathambo kaElisha waphila, wasukuma wemangenyawo. UHazayeli inkosi yeSiriya wasecindezela uIsrayeli insuku zonke zikaJehowahazi. yasisiba lomusa kibo, yaba lesihawu kubo. UHazayeli inkosi yeSiriya wasesifa; uBenihadadi indodana yakhe wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. UJehowashi indodana kaJehowahazi wasebuya wathatha imizi esandleni sikaBenihadadi indodana kaHazayeli owayeyithethe esandleni sikaJehowahazi uyise ngempi. UJowashi wamtshaya kathathu, waseyibuyisela imizi yakoIsrayeli. Ngomnyaka wesibili kaJowashi indodana kaJehowazi, inkosi yakoIsrayeli. Wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lanhlanu lapho esiba yinkosi; wabusa iminyaka engamatshumi amabili lesificamunwemunye eJerusalema. Lebizo likanina lalinguJehowadani weJerusalema. Wasesenza okulungileyo emehlweni eN, kodwa kungenjengoDavida uyise; wenza njengakho konke uJowashi uyise akwenzayo. Loba kunjalo indawo eziphakemeyo kazisuswanga; abantu babelokhu benikela imihlatshelo betshisa impepha endaweni eziphakemeyo. Kwasekusithi umbuso wakhe usuqinisiwe esandleni sakhe, watshaya inceku zakhe ezazitshaye inkosi uyise. Kodwa abantwana bababulali kababulalanga, njengokubhaliweyo ogwalweni lomlayo kaMozisi lapho eyalaya khona isithi: Oyise kabayikubulawa ngenxa yabantwana, labantwana kabayikubulawa ngenxa yaboyise, kodwa wonke umuntu uzabulawelwa isono sakhe. Yena wasetshaya amaEdoma. Khona uAmaziya wathuma izithunywa kuJehowashi indodana kaJehowahazi indodana kaJehu, inkosi yakoIsrayeli. UJehowashi inkosi yakoIsrayeli wasethumela kuAmaziya inkosi yakoJuda esithi: Ukhula oluhlabayo oluseLebhanoni lusithi: Nika indodakazi yakho endodaneni yami ibe ngumka yo; kwasekusedlula isilo seganga esiseLebhanoni, salugxoba ukhula oluhlabayo. Uyitshayile lokuyitshaya iEdoma, inhliziyo yakho isikuphakamisile? Kodwa uAmaziya kezwanga. Ngakho uJehowashi inkosi yakoIsrayeli wenyuka, yena-ke loAmaziya inkosi yakoJuda bakhangelana ubuso ngobuso eBeti-Shemeshi eyakoJuda. UJuda wasetshaywa phambi kukaIsrayeli; basebebaleka, ngulowo lalowo waya ethenteni lakhe. UJehowashi inkosi yakoIsrayeli wasembamba uAmaziya inkosi yakoJuda, indodana kaJehowashi indodana kaAhaziya, eBeti-Shemeshi. Wasethatha lonke igolide lesiliva, lezitsha zonke ezatholakala endlini kaJehova lezendlini zenotho zendlu yenkosi, kanye labayisibambiso, wasebuyela eSamariya. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaJehowashi azenzayo, lamandla akhe, lokuthi walwa njani loAmaziya inkosi yakoJuda, kakubhalwanga yini egwalweni lwemilando yamakhosi akoIsrayeli? UJehowashi waselala laboyise, wangcwatshelwa eSamariya emakhosini akoIsrayeli. UJerobhowamu indodana yakhe wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. UAmaziya indodana kaJowashi, inkosi yakoJuda, wasephila iminyaka elitshumi lanhlanu emva kokufa kukaJehowashi indodana kaJehowahazi inkosi yakoIsrayeli. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaAmaziya, kazibhalwanga yini egwalweni lwemilando yamakhosi akoJuda? Basebemenzela ugobe eJerusalema. Basebemthwala ngamabhiza, wangcwatshelwa eJerusalema kuboyise emzini kaDavida. Bonke abantu bakoJuda basebethatha uAzariya, owayeleminyaka elitshumi lesithupha, bambeka waba yinkosi esikhundleni sikayise uAmaziya. Yena wakha iElathi, wayibuyisela koJuda emva kokulala kwenkosi laboyise. Ngomnyaka wetshumi lanhlanu kaAmaziya indodana kaJowashi inkosi yakoJuda uJerobhowamu indodana kaJowashi inkosi yakoIsrayeli waba yinkosi eSamariya; wabusaiminyaka engamatshumi amane lanye. Wasesenza okubi emehlweni eN; kasukanga ezonweni zonke zikaJerobhowamu indodana kaNebati owenza uIsrayeli one. Yena wabuyisela umngcele wakoIsrayeli kusukela ekungeneni kweHamathi. Ngoba yabona ukuhlupheka kukaIsrayeli, kwakubaba kakhulu. yayingatshongo-ke ukuthi izalesula ibizo likaIsrayeli ngaphansi kwamazulu; kodwa yabasindisa ngesandla sikaJerobhowamu indodana kaJowashi. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaJerobhowamu, lakho konke akwenzayo, lamandla akhe, ukuthi walwa njani, lokuthi wayibuyisela njani koIsrayeli iDamaseko leHamathi, kakubhalwanga yini egwalweni lwemilando yamakhosi akoIsrayeli? UJerobhowamu waselala laboyise, emakhosini akoIsrayeli. UZekhariya indodana yakhe wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. Ngomnyaka wamatshumi amabili lesikhombisa kaJerobhowamu, inkosi yakoIsrayeli, uAzariya indodana kaAmaziya, inkosi yakoJuda, waba yinkosi. Wayeleminyaka elitshumi lesithupha lapho esiba yinkosi; wasebusa iminyaka engamatshumi amahlanu lambili eJerusalema. Lebizo likanina lalinguJekoliya weJerusalema. Wasesenza okulungileyo emehlweni eN njengakho konke uAmaziya uyise akwenzayo. Kodwa indawo eziphakemeyo kazisuswanga; abantu babelokhu benikela imihlatshelo betshisa impepha endaweni eziphakemeyo. UJehova wayitshaya inkosi, yasisiba ngumlephero kwaze kwaba lusuku lokufa kwayo. UJothamu indodana yenkosi wasephatha indlu, esahlulela abantu belizwe. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaAzariya, lakho konke akwenzayo, kakubhalwanga yini egwalweni lwemilando yamakhosi akoJuda? UAzariya waselala laboyise, bamngcwaba kuboyise emzini kaDavida. UJothamu indodana yakhe wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. Ngomnyaka wamatshumi amathathu lesificaminwembili kaAzariya inkosi yakoJuda uZekhariya indodana kaJerobhowamu wabusa phezu kukaIsrayeli eSamariya inyanga eziyisithupha. Wasesenza okubi emehlweni eN njengokwenza kwaboyise; kasukanga ezonweni zikaJerobhowamu indodana kaNebati owenza uIsrayeli one. UShaluma indodana kaJabeshi wasemenzela ugobe, wamtshaya phambi kwabantu wambulala, wasebusa esikhundleni sakhe. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaZekhariya, khangela, zibhaliwe egwalweni lwemilando yamakhosi akoIsrayeli. Leli yilizwi leN eyalikhuluma kuJehu isithi: Amadodana akho azahlala esihlalweni sobukhosi sikaIsrayeli kuze kube se sizukulwane ni sesine. Kwaba njalo-ke. UShaluma indodana kaJabeshi waba yinkosi ngomnyaka wamatshumi amathathu lesificamunwemunye kaUziya inkosi yakoJuda; wabusa inyanga egcweleyo eSamariya. Ngoba uMenahema indodana kaGadi wenyuka esuka eTiriza, weza eSamariya, wamtshaya uShaluma indodana kaJabeshi eSamariya wambulala; wabusa esikhundleni sakhe. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaShaluma, logobe lwakhe alwenzayo, khangela, kubhaliwe egwalweni lwemilando yamakhosi akoIsrayeli. Khona uMenahema wasetshaya iThifisa. Ngomnyaka wamatshumi amathathu lesificamunwemunye kaAzariya inkosi yakoJuda uMenahema indodana kaGadi waba yinkosi phezu kukaIsrayeli; wabusaiminyaka elitshumi eSamariya. Wasesenza okubi emehlweni eN; kasukanga ezonweni zikaJerobhowamu indodana kaNebati owenza uIsrayeli one, insuku zakhe zonke. UPhuli. UMenahema wasekhuphisa uIsrayeli imali, yabo bonke abantu abalamandla enothweni. Inkosi yeAsiriya yasibuyela, kayaze yahlala lapho elizweni. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaMenahema, lakho konke akwenzayo, kakubhalwanga yini egwalweni lwemilando yamakhosi akoIsrayeli? UMenahema waselala laboyise; uPhekahiya indodana yakhe wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. Ngomnyaka wamatshumi amahlanu kaAzariya inkosi yakoJuda uPhekahiya indodana kaMenahema waba yinkosi phezu kukaIsrayeli eSamariya, wabusaiminyaka emibili. Wasesenza okubi emehlweni eN; kasukanga ezonweni zikaJerobhowamu indodana kaNebati owenza uIsrayeli one. Kodwa uPheka indodana kaRemaliya, induna yakhe, wamenzela ugobe wamtshaya eSamariya. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaPhekahiya, lakho konke akwenzayo, khangela, kubhaliwe egwalweni lwemilando yamakhosi akoIsrayeli. Ngomnyaka wamatshumi amahlanu lambili kaAzariya inkosi yakoJuda uPheka indodana kaRemaliya waba yinkosi phezu kukaIsrayeli eSamariya; wabusaiminyaka engamatshumi amabili. Wasesenza okubi emehlweni eN; kasukanga ezonweni zikaJerobhowamu indodana kaNebati owenza uIsrayeli one. Ensukwini zikaPheka inkosi yakoIsrayeli kwafika uTigilathi Pileseri inkosi yeAsiriya. UHosheya indodana kaEla wasesenza ugobe emelene loPheka indodana kaRemaliya, wamtshaya wambulala, waba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe ngomnyaka wamatshumi amabili kaJothamu, indodana kaUziya. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaPheka, lakho konke akwenzayo, khangela, kubhaliwe egwalweni lwemilando yamakhosi akoIsrayeli. Ngomnyaka wesibili kaPheka indodana kaRemaliya inkosi yakoIsrayeli uJothamu indodana kaUziya inkosi yakoJuda waba yinkosi. Wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lanhlanu lapho esiba yinkosi; wabusa iminyaka elitshumi lesithupha eJerusalema. Lebizo likanina lalinguJerusha indodakazi kaZadoki. Wasesenza okulungileyo emehlweni eN; wenza njengakho konke uUziya uyise ayekwenzile. Kodwa indawo eziphakemeyo kazisuswanga; abantu babelokhu benikela imihlatshelo betshisa impepha endaweni eziphakemeyo. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaJothamu, azenzayo, kazibhalwanga yini egwalweni lwemilando yamakhosi akoJuda? Ngalezonsuku yaqala ukuthumela koJuda uRezini inkosi yeSiriya. UJothamu waselala laboyise, wangcwatshelwa kuboyise emzini kaDavida uyise. UAhazi indodana yakhe wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. Ngomnyaka wetshumi lesikhombisa kaPheka indodana kaRemaliya uAhazi indodana kaJothamu inkosi yakoJuda waba yinkosi. UAhazi wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lapho esiba yinkosi; wabusa iminyaka elitshumi lesithupha eJerusalema. Kenzanga-ke okulungileyo emehlweni eN uNkulunkulu wakhe, njengoDavida uyise. Kodwa wahamba ngendlela yamakhosi akoIsrayeli, yebo, futhi wenza indodana yakhe idabule emlilweni. Wanikela imihlatshelo watshisa impepha endaweni eziphakemeyo. Khona uRezini inkosi yeSiriya loPheka indodana kaRemaliya, inkosi yakoIsrayeli, benyukela eJerusalema ukulwa, bamvimbezela uAhazi. Ngalesosikhathi uRezini inkosi yeSiriya wabuyisela iElathi eSiriya, waxotsha amaJuda eElathi; amaSiriya asesiza eElathi ahlala khona kuze kube lamuhla. UAhazi wasethuma izithunywa kuTigilathi Pileseri inkosi yeAsiriya esithi: Ngiyinceku yakho lendodana yakho; yenyuka ungisindise esandleni senkosi yeSiriya lesandleni senkosi yakoIsrayeli abangivukelayo. UAhazi. Inkosi yeAsiriya yasimlalela, ngoba inkosi yeAsiriya yenyuka imelene leDamaseko yayithumba, ya ba thumbela eKiri abantu ba yo, yabulala uRezini. Inkosi uAhazi yasisiya eDamaseko ukuhlangana loTigilathi Pileseri inkosi yeAsiriya, yabona ilathi elaliseDamaseko. Inkosi uAhazi yasithumela kuUriya umpristi isimo selathi lomfanekiso walo njengokwenziwa kwalo konke. U-Uriya umpristi wasesakha ilathi njengakho konke uAhazi akuthumela kuvela eDamaseko; uUriya umpristi wenza njalo, yaze yafika inkosi uAhazi ivela eDamaseko. Inkosi isibuyile eDamaseko inkosi yalibona ilathi. Inkosi yasondela elathini, yanikela phezu kwalo. Yasitshisa umnikelo wayo wokutshiswa lomnikelo wayo wokudla, yathela umnikelo wayo wokunathwayo, yafafaza igazi leminikelo yokuthula eyayilayo phezu kwelathi. Kodwa ilathi lethusi elaliphambi kweN KOSI. Inkosi uAhazi yasimlaya uUriya umpristi isithi: Phezu kwelathi elikhulu. U-Uriya umpristi wasesenza njengakho konke inkosi uAhazi eyayikulayile. Inkosi uAhazi yasiquma, yalubeka phezu kokugandelwe ngamatshe. Lokwembesiweyo kwesabatha ababekwakhe endlini, lentuba yenkosi phandle, yakususa endlini yeN, ngenxa yenkosi yeAsiriya. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaAhazi azenzayo, kazibhalwanga yini egwalweni lwemilando yamakhosi akoJuda? UAhazi waselala laboyise, wangcwatshelwa kuboyise emzini kaDavida. UHezekhiya indodana yakhe wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. Ngomnyaka wetshumi lambili kaAhazi inkosi yakoJuda uHosheya indodana kaEla waba yinkosi eSamariya phezu kukaIsrayeli; wabusaiminyaka eyisificamunwemunye. Wasesenza okubi emehlweni eN, loba kunjalo kungenjengamakhosi akoIsrayeli ayengaphambi kwakhe. UShalimaneseri inkosi yeAsiriya wenyuka wamelana laye; uHosheya wasesiba yinceku yakhe, wathela umthelo kuye. Kodwa inkosi yeAsiriya yafica ugobe kuHosheya, ngoba wayethume izithunywa kuSo inkosi yeGibhithe, ka za be esenyusa umthelo enkosini yeAsiriya umnyaka ngomnyaka. Ngakho inkosi yeAsiriya yamvalela yambopha entolongweni. Inkosi yeAsiriya yasisenyukela kulo lonke ilizwe, yenyukela eSamariya, yayivimbezela iminyaka emithathu. Ngomnyaka wesificamunwemunye kaHosheya, inkosi yeAsiriya yathumba iSamariya yathumbela uIsrayeli eAsiriya, yabahlalisa eHala leHabori, umfula weGozani, lemizini yamaMede. Lokhu-ke kwenzeka ngoba abantwana bakoIsrayeli babonile eNni uNkulunkulu wabo eyayibenyuse elizweni leGibhithe ibasusa ngaphansi kwesandla sikaFaro inkosi yeGibhithe, babesabe abanye onkulunkulu, bahamba ezimisweni zezizwe eyayizixotshe elifeni phambi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli, lezamakhosi akoIsrayeli, ayezenzile. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli benza ensitha izinto ezingalunganga bemelene leN uNkulunkulu wabo. Babezakhele indawo eziphakemeyo kuyo yonke imizi yabo, kusukela enqabeni yabalindi kuze kube semzini obiyelweyo. Basebezimisela insika eziyizithombe lezixuku phezu kwawo wonke amaqaqa aphakemeyo langaphansi kwaso sonke isihlahla esiluhlaza. Basebetshisa lapho impepha endaweni zonke eziphakemeyo, njengezizwe eyazikhokhelela ekuthunjweni phambi kwabo; benza izinto ezimbi ukuyithukuthelisa iN. Ngoba bakhonza izithombe, eyayithe ngazo kubo: Kaliyikuyenza linto. Kanti yafakaza imelene loIsrayeli njalo imelene loJuda ngesandla sabo bonke abaprofethi l ababoni bonke isithi: Phendukani endleleni zenu ezimbi, ligcine imithetho yami, izimiso zami, njengokomlayo wonke engawulaya oyihlo lengawuthumela kini ngesandla senceku zami abaprofethi. Loba kunjalo kabalalelanga, kodwa benza lukhuni intamo yabo, njengentamo yaboyise, abangakholwanga eNni uNkulunkulu wabo. Njalo bala izimiso zayo lesivumelwano sayo eyasenza laboyise lezifakazelo zayo eyazifakaza imelene labo, balandela ize, baba yize, balandela izizwe ezazibahanqile, eyayibalaye ngazo ukuthi bangenzi njengazo. Bayitshiya yonke imilayo yeN uNkulunkulu wabo, bazenzela izithombe ezibunjwe ngokuncibilikisa, amathole amabili, benza isixuku, bakhothamela lonke ibutho lamazulu, bakhonza uBhali. Benza amadodana abo lamadodakazi abo adabule emlilweni, benza ukuvumisa, benza imilingo, bazithengisela ukwenza okubi emehlweni eN ukuyithukuthelisa. Ngakho yamthukuthelela kakhulu uIsrayeli, yabasusa ebusweni bayo; kakusalanga loyedwa ngaphandle kwesizwe sakoJuda kuphela. Laye uJuda kayigcinanga imilayo yeN uNkulunkulu wabo, kodwa bahamba ngezimiso zikaIsrayeli abazenzayo. yasiyala yonke inzalo yakoIsrayeli, yayihlupha, yayinikela esandleni sabaphangi, yaze yabalahla yabasusa phambi kwayo. Ngoba yamdabula uIsrayeli imsusa endlini kaDavida, basebebeka uJerobhowamu indodana kaNebati ukuthi abe yinkosi. UJerobhowamu wamqhuba wamphambula uIsrayeli ekulandeleni iN, wabenza bona isono esikhulu. Ngoba abantwana bakoIsrayeli bahamba ngazo zonke izono zikaJerobhowamu azenzayo, kabasukanga kuzo, yaze yamsusa uIsrayeli phambi kwayo njengokutsho kwayo ngesandla sazo zonke inceku zayo abaprofethi. Inkosi yeAsiriya yasiletha abantu, yabahlalisa emizini yeSamariya esikhundleni sabantwana bakoIsrayeli, badla ilifa leSamariya, bahlala emizini yayo. Kwasekusithi ekuqaleni kokuhlala kwabo khona kabayesabanga iN; ngakho yathumela izilwane phakathi kwabo ezabulala abanyebabo. Ngakho bakhuluma enkosini yeAsiriya besithi: Izizwe owazisusayo wazihlalisa emizini yeSamariya kaziwazi umkhuba kaNkulunkulu walelolizwe; ngakho uthumele izilwane phakathi kwazo, khangela-ke ziyazibulala, ngoba kaziwazi umkhuba kaNkulunkulu walelolizwe. Inkosi yeAsiriya yasilaya isithi: Yisani khona omunye wabapristi elabathumbayo besuka lapho; kabayehlala khona, kabafundise umkhuba kaNkulunkulu walelolizwe. Ngakho omunye wabapristi ababebathumbe besuka eSamariya weza wahlala eBhetheli, wabafundisa ukuthi bangayesaba njani iN. Loba kunjalo zonke izizwe zenza onkulunkulu bazo, zabafaka ezindlini zezindawo eziphakemeyo amaSamariya azenzayo, yileso laleso isizwe emizini yazo ezihlala kuyo. Labantu beBhabhiloni benza uSukothi-Benothi, labantu beKuthi benza uNerigali, labantu beHamathi benza uAshima, lamaAvi enza uNibazi loTaritaki, lamaSefavayimi ayetshisa abantwana bawo emlilweni esenzela uAdrameleki loAnameleki onkulunkulu beSefavayimi. Babeyesaba leN, bazenzela abapristi bezindawo eziphakemeyo kwabaphansi kakhulu babo, ababebasebenzela ezindlini zezindawo eziphakemeyo. Babeyesaba iN, njalo babekhonza onkulunkulu babo njengomkhuba wezizwe ezabathumbayo besuka lapho. Kuze kube lamuhla benza njengemikhuba yakuqala. Kabayesabi iN, kabenzi njengezimiso zabo lanjengezimiselo zabo lanjengomlayo lanjengomthetho eyakulaya abantwana bakaJakobe, owamutha ibizo elithi uIsrayeli. eyenza isivumelwano labo, yabalaya isithi: Kaliyikwesaba abanye onkulunkulu, lingabakhothameli, lingabasebenzeli, lingabahlabeli. Kodwa eyalenyusa elizweni leGibhithe ngamandla amakhulu langengalo eyeluliweyo, yona lizayesaba njalo yona lizayikhothamela njalo yona lizayihlabela. Lezimiso lezimiselo lomlayo lomthetho eyalibhalela khona, lizaqaphelisa ukukwenza zonke izinsuku, lingesabi abanye onkulunkulu. Lesivumelwano engasenza lani lingasikhohlwa, lingesabi abanye onkulunkulu. Kodwa uNkulunkulu wenu lizayesaba; yona-ke izalikhulula esandleni sezitha zenu zonke. Loba kunjalo kabalalelanga, kodwa benza njengomkhuba wabo wakuqala. Lezizizwe zayesaba-ke iN, kodwa zakhonza izithombe zazo ezibaziweyo; bobabili abantwana bazo labantwana babantwana bazo, njengokwenza kwaboyise benza la bo kuze kube lamuhla. Kwasekusithi ngomnyaka wesithathu kaHosheya indodana kaEla. Wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lanhlanu lapho esiba yinkosi; wabusa iminyaka engamatshumi amabili lesificamunwemunye eJerusalema. Lebizo likanina lalinguAbhi indodakazi kaZekhariya. Wasesenza okulungileyo emehlweni eN njengakho konke uDavida uyise akwenzayo. Yena wasusa indawo eziphakemeyo, wabhidliza insika eziyizithombe; wayibiza ngokuthinguNehushitani. Wathembela eNni, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli. Ngoba wanamathela eNni, kaphambukanga ekuyilandeleni, kodwa wagcina imilayo yayo eyayilaya uMozisi. LeN yaba laye. Yena watshaya amaFilisti waze wafika eGaza lemingcele yayo. Kwasekusithi ngomnyaka wesine wenkosi uHezekhiya, owawungumnyaka wesikhombisa kaHosheya indodana kaEla, inkosi yakoIsrayeli, uShalimaneseri inkosi yeAsiriya wenyuka wamelana leSamariya, wayivimbezela. Basebeyithumba ekupheleni kweminyaka emithathu. Ngomnyaka wesithupha kaHezekhiya, owawungumnyaka wesificamunwemunye kaHosheya inkosi yakoIsrayeli, iSamariya yathunjwa. Inkosi yeAsiriya yathumbela uIsrayeli eAsiriya, yababeka eHala leHabori umfula weGozani, lemizi niyamaMede. Ngoba bengalilalelanga ilizwi leN uNkulunkulu wabo. Langomnyaka wetshumi lane wenkosi uHezekhiya, uSenakheribi inkosi yeAsiriya wenyuka wamelana layo yonke imizi yakoJuda ebiyelweyo, wayithumba. UHezekhiya inkosi yakoJuda wasethumela enkosini yeAsiriya eLakishi. UHezekhiya wase m nika sonke isiliva esatholakala endlini kaJehova lenothweni yendlu yenkosi. Ngalesosikhathi uHezekhiya waquma igolide e zivalw enizethempeli leN, l e migubazi niuHezekhiya inkosi yakoJuda ayekunamathisele, walinika inkosi yeAsiriya. Inkosi yeAsiriya. Sebebize inkosi, kwaphumela kibo uEliyakhimi indodana kaHilikhiya owayengumphathi wendlu. URabi-Shake wasesithi kibo: Khulumani khathesi kuHezekhiya: Itsho njalo inkosi enkulu, inkosi yeAsiriya ithi: Yisibindi bani lesi, othembela kuso? Uthi, kodwa yilizwi lendebe nje: Kulecebo lamandla empi. Usuthembe bani ukuthi ungivukele? Khangela-ke, wena uthembele odondolweni lomhlanga owephukileyo, oluy iGibhithe, uba umuntu eseyama phezu kwalo, luzangena esandleni sakhe lusihlabe. Unjalo uFaro inkosi yeGibhithe kubo bonke abathembela kuye. Kodwa uba lisithi kimi: ENni uNkulunkulu wethu siyathemba; angithi yiyo elezindawo zayo eziphakemeyo lamalathi ayo uHezekhiya awasusileyo, wathi kuJuda leJerusalema: Phambi kwalelilathi lizakhonza eJerusalema? Ngakho-ke, akunike isibambiso enkosini yami, inkosi yeAsiriya, njalo ngizakunika amabhiza azinkulungwane ezimbili, uba wena ulakho ukunika abagadi bawo. Pho, uzabuyisela emuva njani ubuso benduna eyodwa yabancinyane nje benceku zenkosi yami; wena-ke uthembele eGibhithe ngezinqola labagadi bamabhiza? Kambe ngenyukile yini ukumelana lalindawo ngingelaJehova ukuyichitha? UJehova uthe kimi: Yenyuka umelane lalelilizwe, ulichithe. UEliyakhimi indodana kaHilikhiya loShebina loJowa basebesithi kuRabi-Shake: Akukhulume lenceku zakho ngesiSiriya, ngoba siyasizwa; ungakhulumi lathi ngesiJuda endlebeni zabantu abasemdulini. Kodwa uRabi-Shake wathi kubo: Inkosi yami ingithumile yini enkosini yakho lakuwe ukukhuluma lamazwi? Kakusebantwini yini abahlezi phezu komduli ukuze badle ubulongwe babo, banathe umchamo wabo kanye lani? URabi-Shake wasesima wamemeza ngelizwi elikhulu ngesiJuda, wakhuluma esithi: Zwanini ilizwi lenkosi enkulu, inkosi yeAsiriya. Itsho njalo inkosi: UHezekhiya, ngoba kayikuba lakho ukulikhulula esandleni sayo. Njalo uHezekhiya angalenzi lithembele eNni esithi: izasikhulula lokusikhulula, lalumuzi kawuyikunikelwa esandleni senkosi yeAsiriya. Lingamlaleli uHezekhiya, ngoba itsho njalo inkosi yeAsiriya: Yenzani isivumelwano sokuthula lami, liphume lize kimi; dlanini-ke, ngulowo lalowo okw evini lakhe langulowo lalowo ok omkhiwa wakhe, linathe, ngulowo lalowo amanzi omthombo wakhe; ngize ngifike ngilithathe ngilise elizweni elifanana lelizwe lakini, ilizwe lamabele lewayini elitsha, ilizwe lesinkwa lezivini, ukuze liphile lingafi. Lingamlaleli uHezekhiya ngoba eliyenga esithi: izasikhulula. Onkulunkulu bezizwe sebake bawakhulula yini ngulowo lalowo ilizwe lakhe esandleni senkosi yeAsiriya? Bangaphi onkulunkulu? Bangaphi onkulunkulu beSefavayimi, beHena, leIva? Kambe bayikhulule yini iSamariya esandleni sami? Ngobani kubo bonke onkulunkulu balawomazwe abakhulule ilizwe labo esandleni sami, ukuthi ikhulule iJerusalema esandleni sami? Kodwa abantu bathula, kabaze bamphendula lalizwi, ngoba umlayo wenkosi wawuyikuthi: Lingamphenduli. UEliyakhimi indodana kaHilikhiya. Kwasekusithi lapho inkosi uHezekhiya isizwile, yadabula izigqoko zayo. Yasithuma uEliyakhimi owayephezu kwendlu, loShebina umabhalane, labadala babapristi, bembeswe ngamasaka. Basebesithi kuye: Utsho njalo uHezekhiya: Lolusuku lusuku lohlupho lolokusolwa lolokweyiswa; ngoba abantwana sebefikile emlonyeni wesizalo, kanti kakulamandla okubeletha. Mhlawumbe uNkulunkulu wakho izakuzwa wonke amazwi kaRabi-Shake. Izinceku zenkosi uHezekhiya zasezifika kuIsaya. UIsaya wasesithi kuzo: Lizakutsho njalo enkosini yenu: Utsho njalo uJehova: Ungesabi amazwi owezwileyo inceku zenkosi yeAsiriya ezingithuke ngawo. Khangela, ngizafaka. URabi-Shake wasebuyela, wafica inkosi yeAsiriya isilwa imelene leLibhina. Kwathi isizwa ngoTirihaka kuthiwa: Khangela, uphumile uku ya kulwa emelene lawe, yabuya yathuma izithunywa kuHezekhiya, isithi: Lizakhuluma kanje kuHezekhiya inkosi yakoJuda, lithi: UNkulunkulu wakho omthembileyo. Khangela, wena usuzwile ukuthi amakhosi eAsiriya enzeni kuwo wonke amazwe, ngokuwatshabalalisa. Wena-ke uzakhululwa yini? Onkulunkulu bezizwe bazikhululile yini, obaba abazichithayo? Ingaphi inkosi yeHamathi, lenkosi yomuzi weSefavayimi, iHena, leIva? UHezekhiya waseyemukela incwadi esandleni sezithunywa, wayibala, wasesenyukela endlini yeN, uHezekhiya wayichaya phambi kweN. UHezekhiya wasekhuleka phambi kweN KOSI. N, thoba indlebe yakho, uzwe. Qiniso, N, amakhosi eAsiriya azichithile izizwe lelizwe lazo, aphosela onkulunkulu bazo emlilweni; ngoba babengeyisibo onkulunkulu, kodwa umsebenzi wezandla zabantu, izigodo lamatshe; ngakho bababhubhisa. Ngakho-ke, N Nkulunkulu wethu, ngicela usisindise esandleni sakhe, ukuze yonke imibuso yomhlaba yazi ukuthi wena uyuNkulunkulu, wena wedwa. UIsaya indodana kaAmozi wasethumela kuHezekhiya esithi: Itsho njalo iN, uNkulunkulu wakoIsrayeli: Lokho okukhuleke kimi mayelana loSenakheribi inkosi yeAsiriya ngikuzwile. Yileli ilizwi elikhulume mayelana laye: Intombi emsulwa, indodakazi yeZiyoni, iyakudelela, iyakuklolodela. Ngubani omeyisileyo. Ngesandla sezithunywa zakho uyeyisile iNkosi. Mina ngagebha nganatha amanzi angaziwayo, langengaphansi yenyawo zami ngomisa yonke imifula yezindawo ezivinjelweyo. Kawuzwanga yini ukuthi ngakwenza endulo. Ngakho abahlali bayo babelesandla esifitshane, besaba babe lenhloni, baba njengo tshani beganga lemibhida eluhlaza. Kodwa ngiyakwazi ukuhlala kwakho lokuphuma kwakho lokungena kwakho lokungithukuthelela kwakho. Ngenxa yokungithukuthelela kwakho, lokuthi umsindo wakho wenyukele endlebeni zami, ngizafaka umkhala wami emakhaleni akho, letomu lami endebeni zakho. Lokhu-ke kuzakuba yisibonakaliso kuwe, langomnyaka wesibili umkhukhuzela, kuthi ngomnyaka wesithathu lihlanyele livune, lihlanyele izivini lidle izithelo zazo. Lokuphephileyo kwendlu yakoJuda okuseleyo kuzaphinda kugxumeke impande phansi, kuthele izithelo ngaphezulu. Ngoba kuzaphuma eJerusalema insali, lokuphephileyo entabeni yeZiyoni. Ukutshiseka kweN yamabandla kuzakwenza lokhu. Ngakho utsho njalo uJehova ngenkosi yeAsiriya: Kayiyikungena kulumuzi, kayiyikutshoka umtshoko khona, kayiyikuza phambi kwawo ile sihlangu, kayiyikubuthelela idundulu maqondana lawo. Ngendlela eyeza ngayo, ngayo izabuyela, kayiyikungena kulo umuzi, itsho iN. Ngoba ngizawuvikela lumuzi ukuwusindisa. Kwasekusithi ngalobobusuku. Ngakho uSenakheribi inkosi yeAsiriya wasuka wahamba wabuyela, wahlala eNineve. Kwasekusithi ekhonza endlini kaNisiroki unkulunkulu wakhe, oAdrameleki loSharezeri. Ngalezonsuku uHezekhiya wagula okokufa. UIsaya indodana kaAmozi umprofethi wasefika kuye wathi kuye: Itsho njalo iN: Laya indlu yakho, ngoba uzakufa, kawuyikuphila. Wasephendulela ubuso bakhe emdulini, wakhuleka eNni esithi: Ngiyakuncenga N, ake ukhumbule ukuthi ngihambe phambi kwakho ngobuqotho. Kwasekusithi uIsaya engakaphumi egumeni elingaphakathi, ilizwi leN lafika kuye lisithi: Buyela uthi kuHezekhiya umbusi wabantu bami; khangela, ngizakusilisa; ngosuku lwesithathu uzakwenyukela endlini yeN. Njalo ngizakwengezelela iminyaka elitshumi lanhlanu ensukwini zakho; ngikukhulule wena lalumuzi esandleni senkosi yeAsiriya; ngiwuvikele lumuzi ngenxa yami langenxa yenceku yami uDavida. UIsaya wasesithi: Thathani isigaqa somkhiwa. UHezekhiya wasesithi kuIsaya: Yisiphi isibonakaliso sokuthi izangisilisa, lokuthi ngizakwenyukela endlini yeN ngosuku lwesithathu? UIsaya wasesithi: Lesi yisibonakaliso kuwe esivela eNni esokuthi izayenza into eyikhulumileyo: Isithunzi sizakuya phambili izinyathelo ezilitshumi, loba siye emuva izinyathelo ezilitshumi yini? UHezekhiya wasesithi: Kulula. UIsaya umprofethi wasekhala eNni, yasibuyisela emuva isithunzi, ngezinyathelo esasehle ngazo esikhwelweni sikaAhazi, izinyathelo ezilitshumi emuva. Ngalesosikhathi uMerodaki-Baladani indodana kaBaladani, inkosi yeBhabhiloni, wathumela izincwadi lesipho kuHezekhiya, ngoba wayezwile ukuthi uHezekhiya ubekade egula. UHezekhiya wabalalela, wabatshengisa yonke indlu yakhe yezinto eziligugu, isiliva legolide lamakha lamafutha amahle lendlu yezikhali zakhe, lakho konke okwakutholakala endlini yakhe yokuligugu; kakulalutho endlini yakhe lembusweni wonke wakhe uHezekhiya angabatshengisanga lona. UIsaya umprofethi wasesiza enkosini uHezekhiya wathi kiyo: Batheni lababantu? Futhi bebevela ngaphi besiza kuwe? UHezekhiya wasesithi: Bebevela elizweni elikhatshana, eBhabhiloni. Wasesithi: Baboneni endlini yakho? UHezekhiya wasesithi: Babone konke okusendlini yami; kakulalutho phakathi kokuligugu kwami engingabatshengisanga khona. UIsaya wasesithi kuHezekhiya: Zwana ilizwi leN. Khangela, insuku ziyeza lapho konke okusendlini yakho lalokho oyihlo abakubekelelayo kuze kube lamuhla kuzathwalelwa eBhabhiloni; kakuyikusala lutho, itsho iN. Njalo bazathatha emadodaneni akho azaphuma kuwe, ozawazala, abe ngabathenwa esigodlweni senkosi yeBhabhiloni. UHezekhiya wasesithi kuIsaya: Lihle ilizwi leN olikhulumileyo. Wasesithi: Kaku njaloyini, uba kuzakuba khona ukuthula lokuvikeleka ensukwini zami? Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaHezekhiya, lawo wonke amandla akhe? UHezekhiya waselala laboyise. UManase indodana yakhe wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. UManase wayeleminyaka elitshumi lambili lapho esiba yinkosi; wabusa iminyaka engamatshumi amahlanu lanhlanu eJerusalema. Lebizo likanina lalinguHefiziba. Wasesenza okubi emehlweni eN njengokwamanyala ezizwe eyazixotsha elifeni phambi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli. Ngoba wabuya wakha indawo eziphakemeyo uyise uHezekhiya ayezichithile. Wasesakha amalathi endlini yeN KOSI. Wasesakhela ibutho lonke lamazulu amalathi. Wasedabulisa indodana yakhe emlilweni. Wasemisa isithombe esibaziweyo sesixuku ayesenzile endlini, eyakhuluma ngayo kuDavida lakuSolomoni indodana yakhe yathi: Kulindlu, leJerusalema engiyikhethe kuzo zonke izizwe zakoIsrayeli, ngizabeka ibizo lami kuze kube nininini. Kangisayikuzulisa unyawo lukaIsrayeli luphume futhi elizweni engalinika oyise, kuphela uba bezananzelela ukwenza njengakho konke engabalaya khona langokomlayo wonke inceku yami uMozisi eyabalaya wona. Kodwa kabalalelanga; uManase wasebaphambukisa ukuthi benze okubi okwedlula izizwe eyazichitha phambi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli. yasikhuluma ngezinceku zayo abaprofethi isithi: Ngenxa yokuthi uManase inkosi yakoJuda wenzile lamanyala. Ngakho itsho njalo iN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Khangela, ngiletha okubi phezu kweJerusalema loJuda kuthi laye wonke ozwayo indlebe zakhe zombili zizakhenceza ngakho. Ngizakwelula phezu kweJerusalema intambo yeSamariya, lentambo yokulinganisa yendlu kaAhabi, ngiyesule iJerusalema njengowesula umganu, awesule awumbokothe. Njalo ngizatshiya insali yelifa lami, ngibanikele esandleni sezitha zabo, babe ngokubanjiweyo lempango kwezitha zabo zonke, ngenxa yokuthi benzile okubi emehlweni ami, bayangithukuthelisa, kusukela osukwini oyise abaphuma ngalo eGibhithe ngitsho kuze kube lamuhla. Futhi-ke uManase uchithile igazi elinengi kakhulu elingelacala waze wayigcwalisa iJerusalema kusukela ekuqaleni kuze kube sekucineni, ngaphandle kwesono sakhe enza ngaso uJuda ukuthi one, ukwenza okubi emehlweni eN. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaManase, lakho konke akwenzayo, lesono sakhe asonayo, kakubhalwanga yini egwalweni lwemilando yamakhosi akoJuda? UManase waselala laboyise, wangcwatshelwa esivandeni sendlu yakhe. UAmoni indodana yakhe wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. UAmoni wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lambili lapho esiba yinkosi; wabusa iminyaka emibili eJerusalema. Wasesenza okubi emehlweni eN njengokwenza kukaManase uyise. Wahamba ngendlela yonke uyise ahamba ngayo, wakhonza izithombe uyise azikhonzayo, wakhothama kuzo. Wayidela iN, uNkulunkulu waboyise, kahambanga ngendlela yeN. Izinceku zikaAmoni zasezimenzela ugobe, zabulala inkosi endlini yayo. Kodwa abantu belizwe babatshaya bonke labo ababenzele inkosi uAmoni ugobe; abantu belizwe basebebeka uJosiya indodana yakhe ukuba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaAmoni azenzayo kazibhalwanga yini egwalweni lwemilando yamakhosi akoJuda? Wasengcwatshelwa engcwabeni lakhe esivandeni sikaUza. UJosiya indodana yakhe wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. UJosiya wayeleminyaka eyisificaminwembili lapho esiba yinkosi; wabusa iminyaka engamatshumi amathathu lanye eJerusalema. Wasesenza okulungileyo emehlweni eN, wahamba ngayo yonke indlela kaDavida uyise, kaze aphambukela ngakwesokunene langakwesokhohlo. Kwasekusithi ngomnyaka wetshumi lesificaminwembili wenkosi uJosiya, inkosi yathuma uShafani indodana kaAzaliya indodana kaMeshulamu, umabhalane, endlini yeN, esithi: Yenyukela kuHilikhiya umpristi omkhulu. Kabayinikele esandleni sabenzi bomsebenzi abamiswe phezu kwendlu yeN, kabayinike abenzi bomsebenzi osendlini yeN, ukulungisa izikhala zendlu, kubabazi, lakubakhi, lakubabazi bamatshe, lokuthenga amapulanka lamatshe abaziweyo ukulungisa indlu. Kodwa akubalelwananga labo imali eyayinikelwe esandleni sabo ngoba benza ngokuthembeka. UHilikhiya umpristi omkhulu wasesithi kuShafani umabhalane: Sengifice ugwalo lomlayo endlini yeN. UHilikhiya wasenika uShafani ugwalo, waselufunda. UShafani umabhalane wasefika enkosini, wabuyisela ilizwi enkosini wathi: Izinceku zakho seziyithulule imali eficwe endlini, zayinikela esandleni sabenzi bomsebenzi abamiswe phezu kwendlu yeN. UShafani umabhalane wasebika enkosini esithi: UHilikhiya umpristi unginike ugwalo. UShafani waselufunda phambi kwenkosi. Kwasekusithi inkosi isizwile amazwi ogwalo lomlayo, yadabula izigqoko zayo. Inkosi yasilaya uHilikhiya umpristi loAhikhamu indodana kaShafani loAkhibhori indodana kaMikhaya loShafani umabhalane loAsaya inceku yenkosi, isithi: Hambani liyengibuzela eNni mina labantu loJuda wonke mayelana lamazwi alolugwalo oluficiweyo; ngoba yinkulu intukuthelo yeN esesiyibaselwe, ngoba obaba kabawalalelanga amazwi alolugwalo, ukwenza konke okubhaliweyo mayelana lathi. Ngakho uHilikhiya umpristi loAhikhamu loAkhibhori loShafani loAsaya baya kuHulida umprofethikazi umkaShaluma indodana kaTikiva indodana kaHarihasi, umgcini wezigqoko. Wayehlala-ke eJerusalema esiGabeni seSibili. Basebekhuluma laye. Wasesithi kibo: Itsho njalo iN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Mtsheleni lowomuntu olithume kimi: Itsho njalo iN: Khangela, ngizakwehlisela okubi kulindawo laphezu kwabakhileyo bayo, wonke amazwi ogwalo inkosi yakoJuda elufundileyo. Ngenxa yokuthi bangidelile, batshisela abanye onkulunkulu impepha. Kodwa enkosini yakoJuda elithumileyo ukubuza eNni, lizakutsho njalo kuyo: Itsho njalo iN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Mayelana l amazwi eliwezwileyo: Ngoba inhliziyo yakho ibithambile. Ngakho, khangela, ngizakubuthela kuboyihlo, njalo uzabuthelwa engcwabeni lakho ngokuthula, lamehlo akho kawayikubona bonke ububi engizabehlisela phezu kwalindawo. Basebebuyisela ilizwi enkosini. Inkosi yasithumela, basebebuthanisa kuye bonke abadala bakoJuda labeJerusalema. Inkosi yasisenyukela endlini kaJehova, lawo wonke amadoda akoJuda labo bonke abahlali beJerusalema kanye laye, labapristi labaprofethi, labo bonke abantu kusukela komncinyane kusiya komkhulu, yasifunda endlebeni zabo wonke amazwi ogwalo lwesivumelwano. Inkosi yema-ke ngasensikeni, yenza isivumelwano phambi kweN KOSI. Inkosi yasilaya uHilikhiya umpristi omkhulu, wathwalela umlotha wazo eBhetheli. Wasesusa abapristi bezithombe amakhosi akoJuda ayebabekile ukuthi batshise impepha endaweni eziphakemeyo, emizini yakoJuda, lendawo ezizingelezele iJerusalema, lalabo ababetshisa impepha kuBhali, elangeni, lenyangeni, lezinkanyezini, lebuthweni lonke lamazulu. Wakhupha isixuku endlini yeN, ngaphandle kweJerusalema. Wadiliza izindlu zezinkotshana ezazingasendlini yeN KOSI. Wakhupha bonke abapristi emizini yakoJuda, wangcolisa indawo eziphakemeyo lapho abapristi ababetshisela khona impepha, kusukela eGeba. Wadiliza indawo eziphakemeyo zamasango ezisekungeneni kwesango likaJoshuwa umbusi womuzi, ezazingakwesokhohlo somuntu esangweni lomuzi. Loba kunjalo abapristi bendawo eziphakemeyo kabenyukelanga elathini leN eJerusalema, kodwa badla izinkwa ezingelamvubelo phakathi kwabafowabo. Wasengcolisa iTofethi. Wasesusa amabhiza amakhosi akoJuda ayewanikele elangeni ekungeneni kwendlu yeN KOSI. Lamalathi ayesephahleni lwendlu kaAhazi. Lendawo eziphakemeyo, ezaziphambi kweJerusalema, ezazingakwesokunene sentaba yokubola, uSolomoni inkosi yakoIsrayeli eyayizakhele uAshitarothi isinengiso samaSidoni, inkosi yazingcolisa. Wasephahlaza insika eziyizithombe, wagamula izixuku, wagcwalisa izindawo zazo ngamathambo abantu. Lelathi lalo elaliseBhetheli, lendawo ephakemeyo, ayenzayo uJerobhowamu indodana kaNebati, kokubili lelolathi lendawo ephakemeyo wakudiliza, watshisa indawo ephakemeyo, wayichoboza yaba luthuli, watshisa isixuku. Lapho uJosiya ephenduka wabona amangcwaba ayelapho entabeni, wathuma wasekhupha amathambo emangcwabeni, wawatshisela phezu kwelathi, walingcolisa, njengelizwi leN umuntu kaNkulunkulu ayelimemezele, owamemezela lamazwi. Wasesithi: Yisikhumbuzo sani lesiyana engisibonayo. Wasesithi: Myekeleni, kakungabi lamuntu othinta amathambo akhe. Basebewayekela amathambo akhe kanye lamathambo omprofethi owavela eSamariya. Njalo lazo zonke izindlu zezindawo eziphakemeyo ezisemizini yeSamariya, amakhosi akoIsrayeli ayezenzile ukuthukuthelisa, uJosiya wazisusa, wenza kizo njengayo yonke imisebenzi ayeyenze eBhetheli. Wasebulala bonke abapristi bezindawo eziphakemeyo. Inkosi yasilaya bonke abantu isithi: Gcinani iphasika eNni uNkulunkulu wenu. Ngoba kwakungagcinwanga elinjengaleli iphasika kusukela ensukwini zabehluleli abehlulela uIsrayeli, kumbe kuzo zonke izinsuku zamakhosi akoIsrayeli, kumbe zamakhosi akoJuda. Kodwa ngomnyaka wetshumi lesificaminwembili wenkosi uJosiya lagcinwa leliphasika eNni eJerusalema. Ngaphezu kwalokho-ke abalamadlozi. Langaphambi kwakhe kakubanga khona inkosi eyafanana laye eyaphendukela eNni ngenhliziyo yayo yonke langomphefumulo wayo wonke. Kanti kayiphendukanga ekuvutheni kolaka lwayo olukhulu, olaka lwayo eyavuthela ngalo uJuda, ngenxa yazo zonke intukutheliso uManase ayithukuthelisa ngazo. yasisithi: Ngizamsusa loJuda phambi kwami, njengoba ngasusa uIsrayeli. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaJosiya, lakho konke akwenzayo, kakubhalwanga yini egwalweni lwemilando yamakhosi akoJuda? Ensukwini zakhe uFaro Neko inkosi yeGibhithe wenyuka wamelana lenkosi yeAsiriya emfuleni iYufrathi. Inkosi uJosiya yasisiyahlangabezana laye; wayibulalela eMegido eseyibonile. Inceku zakhe zasezimthwala efile ngenqola, zisuka eMegido, zamusa eJerusalema, zamngcwaba engcwabeni lakhe. Abantu belizwe basebethatha uJehowahazi indodana kaJosiya, bamgcoba, bambeka waba yinkosi esikhundleni sikayise. UJehowahazi wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lantathu lapho esiba yinkosi; wabusa inyanga ezintathu eJerusalema. Lebizo likanina lalinguHamuthali. Wasesenza okubi emehlweni eN njengakho konke oyise abakwenzayo. UFaro Neko wasembopha eRibila. UFaro Neko wasebeka uEliyakhimi indodana kaJosiya ukuthi abe yinkosi esikhundleni sikaJosiya uyise, waphendula ibizo lakhe wathinguJehoyakhimi. Wasethatha uJehowahazi; wasesiza eGibhithe, wafela khona. UJehoyakhimi wasemnika uFaro isiliva legolide, kodwa wathelisa ilizwe ukuze anike leyomali njengokomlayo kaFaro. Wakhuphisa abantu belizwe isiliva legolide, ngulowo lalowo ngokomthelo wakhe, yokunika uFaro Neko. UJehoyakhimi wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lanhlanu lapho esiba yinkosi; wabusa iminyaka elitshumi lanye eJerusalema. Lebizo likanina lalinguZebida indodakazi kaPhedaya weRuma. Wasesenza okubi emehlweni eN njengakho konke oyise abakwenzayo. Ngensuku zakhe uNebhukadinezari inkosi yeBhabhiloni wenyuka. yasithuma ukumelana laye. Sibili ngokomlayo weN lokhokwehlela koJuda ukubasusa ebusweni bayo ngenxa yezono zikaManase, njengakho konke akwenzayo, njalo la nge gazi elingelacala alichithayo; ngoba wagcwalisa iJerusalema ngegazi elingelacala, engavumanga ukulithethelela. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaJehoyakhimi, lakho konke akwenzayo, kakubhalwanga yini egwalweni lwemilando yamakhosi akoJuda? UJehoyakhimi waselala laboyise. UJehoyakhini indodana yakhe wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. Inkosi yeGibhithe kayisaphindanga futhi ukuphuma elizweni layo, ngoba inkosi yeBhabhiloni yayithethe kusukela emfuleni weGibhithe kusiya emfuleni iYufrathi, konke okwakungokwenkosi yeGibhithe. UJehoyakhini wayeleminyaka elitshumi lesificaminwembili lapho esiba yinkosi; wabusa inyanga ezintathu eJerusalema. Lebizo likanina lalinguNehushita indodakazi kaElinathani weJerusalema. Wasesenza okubi emehlweni eN njengokwenza konke kukayise. Ngalesosikhathi izinceku zikaNebhukadinezari inkosi yeBhabhiloni zenyukela eJerusalema, umuzi wasungena ekuvinjezelweni. UNebhukadinezari inkosi yeBhabhiloni wasefika wamelana lomuzi, izinceku zakhe zisawuvimbezela. UJehoyakhini inkosi yakoJuda wasephuma waya enkosini yeBhabhiloni, yena lonina lenceku zakhe lenduna zakhe labathenwa bakhe. Inkosi yeBhabhiloni yasimthatha ngomnyaka wesificaminwembili wokubusa kwakhe. Yasikhupha lapho wonke amagugu endlu kaJehova lamagugu endlu yenkosi. Yasithumba iJerusalema yonke, leziphathamandla zonke, lawo wonke amaqhawe alamandla. Yasimthumbela uJehoyakhini eBhabhiloni. Lawo wonke amadoda angamaqhawe. Inkosi yeBhabhiloni. UZedekhiya wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lanye lapho esiba yinkosi; wabusa iminyaka elitshumi lanye eJerusalema. Wasesenza okubi emehlweni eN njengokwenza konke kukaJehoyakhimi. Ngoba ngenxa yentukuthelo yeN lokhu kwenzeka eJerusalema lakoJuda yaze yabaxotsha phambi kwayo. UZedekhiya waseyivukela inkosi yeBhabhiloni. Kwasekusithi ngomnyaka wesificamunwemunye wokubusa kwakhe. Umuzi wangena ekuvinjezelweni kwaze kwaba ngumnyaka wetshumi lanye wenkosi uZedekhiya. Ngolwesificamunwemunye lwenyanga yesine. Umuzi wasufohlelwa. Ibutho lamaKhaladiya laselixotshana lenkosi, layifica emagcekeni eJeriko; ibutho layo lonke laselihlakazeka lisuka kuyo. Aseyibamba inkosi, ayenyusela enkosini yeBhabhiloni, akhuluma ukwahlulela kwayo. Abulala amadodana kaZedekhiya phambi kwamehlo akhe, akhupha amehlo kaZedekhiya. Langenyanga yesihlanu) kwafika uNebuzaradani induna yabalindi, inceku yenkosi yeBhabhiloni, eJerusalema. Wasetshisa indlu kaJehova lendlu yenkosi; layo yonke indlu yesikhulu wayitshisa ngomlilo. Lebutho lonke lamaKhaladiya elalilenduna yabalindi. Njalo insali yabantu ababesele emzini, labahlamuki ababehlamukele enkosini yeBhabhiloni, lensali yexuku, uNebuzaradani induna yabalindi yabathumba. Kodwa induna yabalindi yatshiya ebayangeni belizwe ukuba ngabaphathi bezivini labalimi. Lensika zethusi ezazisendlini yeN KOSI, athwalela ithusi lakho eBhabhiloni. Lezimbiza. Lezitsha zokuthwala umlilo. Insika zombili. Ubude bensika eyodwa babuzingalo ezilitshumi lesificaminwembili, lesiduku phezu kwayo sasilithusi, lomsebenzi ophothiweyo, lamapomegranati phezu kwesiduku inhlangothi zonke, konke kungokwethusi. Lensika yesibili yayilokunje, ilomsebenzi ophothiweyo. Induna yabalindi yasithatha uSeraya umpristi oyinhloko loZefaniya umpristi wesibili, labalindi bombundu womnyango abathathu. Lemzini yasithatha induna eyayimiswe phezu kwamadoda empi, lamadoda amahlanu ayesebusweni benkosi ayeficwe emzini, lomabhalane omkhulu webutho eyayibuthela abantu belizwe emabuthweni, lamadoda angamatshumi ayisithupha abantu belizwe ayeficwe phakathi komuzi. UNebuzaradani induna yabalindi wasebathatha laba wabasa enkosini yeBhabhiloni eRibila. Inkosi yeBhabhiloni yasibatshaya yababulalela eRibila elizweni leHamathi. Ngokunjalo uJuda wathunjwa esuswa elizweni lakhe. Abantu abasala-ke elizweni lakoJuda, uNebhukadinezari inkosi yeBhabhiloni owayebatshiyile, wabeka phezu kwabo uGedaliya. Kwathi zonke induna zamabutho, zona labantu bazo, sezizwile ukuthi inkosi yeBhabhiloni ibeke uGedaliya abe ngumbusi, zona labantu bazo. UGedaliya wasefunga kuzo lakubantu bazo wathi kuzo: Lingesabi ukubazinceku zamaKhaladiya; hlalani elizweni, likhonze inkosi yeBhabhiloni, njalo kuzakuba kuhle kini. Kodwa kwathi ngenyanga yesikhombisa, kwafika uIshmayeli indodana kaNethaniya indodana kaElishama, owenzalo yesikhosini, lamadoda alitshumi elaye, basebemtshaya uGedaliya waze wafa, lamaJuda lamaKhaladiya ayelaye eMizipa. Abantu bonke-ke, kusukela komncinyane kuze kuye komkhulu, lenduna zamabutho, basebesuka baya eGibhithe, ngoba besaba amaKhaladiya. Kwasekusithi ngomnyaka wamatshumi amathathu lesikhombisa. Wasekhuluma kuhle laye, wamisa isihlalo sakhe sobukhosi phezu kwesihlalo sobukhosi samakhosi ayelaye eBhabhiloni. Wasentshintsha izigqoko zokubotshwa kwakhe; wasesidla isinkwa njalonjalo phambi kwakhe insuku zonke zempilo yakhe. Lesabelo esimiyo, isabelo esimiyo esiqhubekayo sanikwa yena yinkosi, into yosuku ngosuku lwayo, zonke izinsuku zempilo yakhe. UAdamu, uSeti, uEnosi, uKenani, uMahalaleli, uJaredi, uEnoki, uMethusela, uLameki, uNowa, uShemu, uHamu, loJafethi. Amadodana kaJafethi: OGomeri loMagogi. Lamadodana kaGomeri: OAshikenazi loRifathi loTogarma. Lamadodana kaJavani: OElisha loTarshishi, amaKiti lamaDodani. Amadodana kaHamu: OKushi loMizirayimi, uPuti loKhanani. Lamadodana kaKushi: OSeba loHavila loSabitha loRahama loSabitheka. Lamadodana kaRahama: OShebha loDedani. UKushi wasezala uNimrodi; yena waqala ukuba liqhawe emhlabeni. UMizirayimi wasezala amaLudi lamaAnami lamaLehabi lamaNafethuhi lamaPatrusi lamaKaseluhi (okwaphuma kiwo amaFilisti), lamaKafitori. UKhanani wasezala uSidoni izibulo lakhe, loHethi, lomJebusi lomAmori lomGirigashi lomHivi lomArki lomSini lomArvadi lomZemari lomHamathi. Amadodana kaShemu: OElamu loAshuri loArpakishadi loLudi loAramu. UArpakishadi wasezala uShela; uShela wasezala uEberi. UEberi wasezalelwa amadodana amabili. Ibizo lenye lalinguPelegi, ngoba ensukwini zayo umhlaba wadatshulwa; lebizo lomfowabo lalinguJokithani. UJokithani wasezala oAlimodadi loShelefi loHazamavethi loJera loHadoramu loUzali loDikila loEbhali loAbhimayeli loShebha loOfiri loHavila loJobabi. Bonke labo babengamadodana kaJokithani. UShemu, uEberi, uPelegi, uRewu, uSerugi, uNahori, uTera, uAbrama; onguAbrahama. Amadodana kaAbrahama: OIsaka. Laba yizizukulwana zabo: Izibulo likaIshmayeli, loKedari, loAdibeli, loMibisama, uMishima, loDuma, uMasa, uHadadi, loTema, uJeturi, uNafishi, loKedema; la ngamadodana kaIshmayeli. Njalo amadodana kaKetura, umfazi omncinyane kaAbrahama. Lamadodana kaMidiyani. UAbrahama wasezala uIsaka. Amadodana kaEsawu: OElifazi, uRehuweli, loJewushi, loJalamu, loKora. Amadodana kaElifazi: OThemani, loOmari, uZefi, loGatama, uKenazi, loTimina, loAmaleki. Amadodana kaRehuweli: ONahathi, uZera, uShama, loMiza. Lamadodana kaSeyiri: OLotani loShobhali loZibeyoni loAna loDishoni loEzeri loDishani. Lamadodana kaLotani: OHori loHomama; lodadewabo kaLotani wayenguTimina. Amadodana kaShobhali: OAliyani, loManahathi, loEbhali, uShefi, loOnama. Lamadodana kaZibeyoni: OAya loAna. Amadodana kaAna: UDishoni. Lamadodana kaDishoni: OHamrani loEshibhani loJitirani loKerani. Amadodana kaEzeri: OBilihani loZahavana. Amadodana kaDishani: OUzi loArani. Njalo la ngamakhosi abusa elizweni leEdoma, kungakabusi inkosi phezu kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli: UBhela indodana kaBeyori; lebizo lomuzi wakhe laliyiDinihaba. UBhela wasesifa, uJobabi indodana kaZera weBhozira wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. UJobabi wasesifa, uHushama owelizweni lamaThemani wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. UHushama wasesifa, uHadadi indodana kaBedadi, owatshaya amaMidiyani emagcekeni akoMowabi, wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe; lebizo lomuzi wakhe laliyiAvithi. UHadadi wasesifa, uSamila weMasireka wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. USamila wasesifa, uShawuli weRehobothi emfuleni wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. UShawuli wasesifa, uBhali-Hanani indodana kaAkhibhori wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. UBhali-Hanani wasesifa, uHadadi wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe; lebizo lomuzi wakhe laliyiPhayi; lebizo lomkakhe lalinguMehethabheli indodakazi kaMatiredi indodakazi kaMezahabhi. UHadadi wasesifa. Lezinduna zeEdoma zaziyi lezi: Induna uTimina, induna uAliya, induna uJethethi, induna uAholibama, induna uEla, induna uPinoni, induna uKenazi, induna uThemani, induna uMibhizari, induna uMagidiyeli, induna uIrama; lezi yizinduna zeEdoma. La ngamadodana kaIsrayeli: ORubeni, uSimeyoni, uLevi, loJuda, uIsakari, loZebuluni, uDani, uJosefa, loBhenjamini, uNafithali, uGadi, loAsheri. Amadodana kaJuda: OEri loOnani loShela. UTamari, umalokozana wakhe, wasemzalela uPerezi loZera. Wonke amadodana kaJuda ayemahlanu. Amadodana kaPerezi: OHezironi loHamuli. Njalo amadodana kaZera: OZimri loEthani loDara; wonke ayemahlanu. Njalo amadodana kaKarimi. Njalo amadodana kaEthani: UAzariya. Njalo amadodana kaHezironi awazalelwayo: OJerameli loKalebi. URamu wasezala uAminadaba. UNahishoni wasezala uSalima; uSalima wasezala uBhowazi; uBhowazi wasezala uObedi; uObedi wasezala uJese. UJese wasezala izibulo lakhe uEliyabi, uNethaneli owesine, uRadayi owesihlanu, uOzema owesithupha, uDavida owesikhombisa. Odadewabo babengoZeruya loAbigayili. Lamadodana kaZeruya: OAbishayi loJowabi loAsaheli; abathathu. UAbigayili wasezala uAmasa; loyise kaAmasa wayenguJetheri umIshmayeli. UKalebi indodana kaHezironi wasezala kuAzuba umka khelakuJeriyothi; lala ngamadodana akhe: OJesheri loShobabi loAridoni. UAzuba esefile uKalebi wazithathela uEfrathi owamzalela uHuri. UHuri wasezala uUri. Emva kwalokho uHezironi wasengena kundodakazi kaMakiri uyise kaGileyadi; wayithatha eseleminyaka engamatshumi ayisithupha. Yasimzalela uSegubi. USegubi wasezala uJayiri owayelemizi engamatshumi amabili lantathu elizweni leGileyadi. Wasethatha kibo iGeshuri leAramu kanye lemizana yeJayiri, kanye leKenathi lemizana yayo; imizi engamatshumi ayisithupha. Bonke labo babengamadodana kaMakiri uyise kaGileyadi. Lemva kokufa kukaHezironi eKalebi-Efratha. Njalo amadodana kaJerameli izibulo likaHezironi ayengoRamu izibulo, loBuna, loOreni, loOzema, uAhiya. UJerameli laye wayelomunye umfazi obizo lakhe lalinguAthara; wayengunina kaOnama. Njalo amadodana kaRamu izibulo likaJerameli ayengoMahazi loJamini loEkeri. Lamadodana kaOnama ayengoShamayi loJada. Lamadodana kaShamayi: ONadabi loAbhishuri. Lebizo lomkaAbhishuri lalinguAbihayili, owamzalela oAhibani loMolidi. Njalo amadodana kaNadabi: OSeledi loAphayimi; kodwa uSeledi wafa engelabantwana. Njalo amadodana kaAphayimi: UIshi. Lamadodana kaIshi: USheshani. Lamadodana kaSheshani: UAhilayi. Njalo amadodana kaJada umfowabo kaShamayi: OJetheri loJonathani; kodwa uJetheri wafa engelabantwana. Njalo amadodana kaJonathani: OPelethi loZaza. Laba babengabantwana bakaJerameli. Njalo uSheshani wayengelamadodana, kodwa amadodakazi; njalo uSheshani wayelenceku, umGibhithe, obizo layo lalinguJariha. USheshani wasenika uJariha inceku yakhe indodakazi yakhe yaba ngumka khe; yasimzalela uAthayi. UAthayi wasezala uNathani, uNathani wasezala uZabadi, uZabadi wasezala uEfilali, uEfilali wasezala uObedi, uObedi wasezala uJehu, uJehu wasezala uAzariya, uAzariya wasezala uHelezi, uHelezi wasezala uEleyasa, uEleyasa wasezala uSisimayi, uSisimayi wasezala uShaluma, uShaluma wasezala uJekamiya, uJekamiya wasezala uElishama. Njalo amadodana kaKalebi umfowabo kaJerameli. Njalo amadodana kaHebroni: OKora loTapuwa loRekemi loShema. UShema wasezala uRahama uyise kaJorikeyamu; uRekemi wasezala uShamayi. Lendodana kaShamayi: UMawoni. UEfa umfazi omncinyane kaKalebi wasezala oHarani loMoza loGazezi; uHarani wasezala uGazezi. Njalo amadodana kaJahidayi: ORegema loJothamu loGeshani loPeleti loEfa loShahafi. UMahaka umfazi omncinyane kaKalebi wazala oSheberi loTirihana. Wasezala uShahafi uyise kaMadimana. Laba babengabantwana bakaKalebi, indodana kaHuri, uSalima uyise kaBhethelehema, uHarefi uyise kaBeti-Gaderi. UShobhali uyise kaKiriyathi-Jeyarimi wayelamadodana: UHarowe, ingxenye yamaMenuhothi. Njalo insendo zikaKiriyathi-Jeyarimi: AmaIthiri. Amadodana kaSalima. Lensendo zababhali ababehlala eJabezi. Njalo la ayengamadodana kaDavida awazalelwa eHebroni: Izibulo nguAmnoni kuAhinowama umJizereyelikazi; eyesibili nguDaniyeli kuAbigayili umKharmelikazi; eyesithathu nguAbisalomu indodana kaMahaka indodakazi kaTalimayi inkosi yeGeshuri; eyesine nguAdonija indodana kaHagithi; eyesihlanu nguShefathiya kuAbithali; eyesithupha nguIthereyamu kuEgila umkakhe. Abayisithupha bazalelwa yena eHebroni, lapho abusa khona iminyaka eyisikhombisa lezinyanga eziyisithupha. Lalaba bazalelwa yena eJerusalema: OShimeya loShobabi loNathani, bo bane, kuBathishuwa indodakazi kaAmiyeli; loIbihari loElishama loElifelethi loNoga loNefegi loJafiya loElishama loEliyada loElifelethi, abayisificamunwemunye. Bonke babengamadodana kaDavida, ngaphandle kwamadodana abafazi abancane, loTamari udadewabo. Lendodana kaSolomoni yayinguRehobhowamu, uJoramu indodana yakhe, uAmaziya indodana yakhe, uAhazi indodana yakhe, uAmoni indodana yakhe. Njalo amadodana kaJosiya: Izibulo uJohanani, eyesibili uJehoyakhimi, eyesithathu uZedekhiya, eyesine uShaluma. Lamadodana kaJehoyakhimi: UJekoniya indodana yakhe, uZedekhiya indodana yakhe. Njalo amadodana kaJekoniya: UAsiri, uSheyalitiyeli indodana yakhe, loMalikiramu, loPhedaya, loShenazari, uJekamiya, uHoshama, loNedabiya. Njalo amadodana kaPhedaya: OZerubhabheli loShimeyi. Lamadodana kaZerubhabheli: OMeshulamu, loHananiya, loShelomithi udadewabo; loHashuba, loOheli, loBerekiya, loHasadiya, uJushabi-Hesedi, amahlanu. Lamadodana kaHananiya: OPelatiya loJeshaya; amadodana kaRefaya, amadodana kaArinani, amadodana kaObhadiya, amadodana kaShekaniya. Lamadodana kaShekaniya: UShemaya. Lamadodana kaShemaya: OHathushi loIgali loBariya loNeyariya loShafati, ayisithupha. Njalo amadodana kaNeyariya: OEliyohenayi loHizikiya loAzirikamu, amathathu. Njalo amadodana kaEliyohenayi: OHodaviya loEliyashibi loPelaya loAkubi loJohanani loDelaya loAnani, ayisikhombisa. Amadodana kaJuda. UReyaya indodana kaShobhali wasezala uJahathi; uJahathi wasezala uAhumayi loLahadi. Laba babezinsendo zamaZorathi. Laba babengabakayise kaEtamu: OJizereyeli loIshma loIdibhashi; lebizo likadadewabo lalinguHazeleliponi. LoPenuweli uyise kaGedori. Njalo uAshuri uyise kaThekhowa wayelabafazi ababili, oHela loNahara. UNahara wasemzalela uAhuzama loHeferi loTemeni loHahashitari. Laba babengamadodana kaNahara. Lamadodana kaHela: OZerethi loIzohari loEthinani. UKhozi wasezala uAnubi loZobeba, lensendo zikaAhariheli indodana kaHarumi. Njalo uJabezi. UJabezi wasebiza uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli esithi: Kungathi ungangibusisa lokungibusisa, uqhelise umngcele wami, lesandla sakho sibe lami, ungivikele ebubini ukuze bungangidabuli! UNkulunkulu wenza kwenzakala lokho akucelayo. UKelubi umfowabo kuShuha wasezala uMehiri, onguyise kaEshitoni. UEshitoni wasezala uBeti-Rafa loPhaseya loTehina uyise kaIri-Nahashi. Laba babengabantu bakaReka. Lamadodana kaKenazi loSeraya. Lamadodana kaOthiniyeli: UHathathi. UMeyonothayi wasezala uOfira. USeraya wasezala uJowabi uyise wesigodi seHarashi, ngoba babezingcitshi. Lamadodana kaKalebi indodana kaJefune: OIru, uEla, loNahamu; lamadodana kaEla, ngitsho uKenazi. Lamadodana kaJehaleleli: OZifi, loZifa, uTiriya, loAsareli. Lamadodana kaEzra: OJetheri loMeredi loEferi loJaloni. Wasezala oMiriyamu loShamayi loIshiba uyise kaEshithemowa. Umkakhe umJudakazi wasezala uJeredi uyise kaGedori. Lalabo babengamadodana kaBithiya indodakazi kaFaro, uMeredi amthathayo. Lamadodana omkaHodiya, udadewabo kaNahama, uyise kaKeyila umGarmi. Njalo amadodana kaShimoni: OAmnoni, loRina, uBheni-Hanani, loThiloni. Lamadodana kaIshi: OZohethi loBheni-Zohethi. Amadodana kaShela indodana kaJuda, loJokimi, lamadoda akoKhozeba, loJowashi, loSarafi ababebusa amaMowabi, loJashubi-Lehema. Lalezizindaba zindala. Labo babengababumbi, labakhileyo ezilimeni lezintangweni; bahlala lapho lenkosi emsebenzini wayo. Amadodana kaSimeyoni: ONemuweli, loJamini, loJaribi, uZera, uShawuli, uShaluma indodana yakhe, uMibhisamu indodana yakhe, uMishima indodana yakhe. Lamadodana kaMishima: UHamuweli indodana yakhe, uZakuri indodana yakhe, uShimeyi indodana yakhe. Njalo uShimeyi wayelamadodana alitshumi lesithupha lamadodakazi ayisithupha; kodwa abafowabo babengelabantwana abanengi, losendo lonke lwabo kalwandanga njengabantwana bakoJuda. Basebehlala eBherishebha leMolada leHazari-Shuwali leBiliha leBethuweli leZikilagi leBeti-Marikabothi leHazari-Susimi leBeti-Biri. Le yayiyimizi yabo kwaze kwaba sekubuseni kukaDavida. Lemizana yabo: IEtamu, leAyini, leTokeni, leAshani, imizi emihlanu, layo yonke imizana yayo, eyayiyizingelezele leyomizi, kuze kube seBahali. Lezi zindawo zabo zokuhlala, njalo baba lombhalo wosendo lwabo. LoMeshobabi loJamileki loJosha indodana kaAmaziya, loJoweli loJehu indodana kaJoshibhiya indodana kaSeraya indodana kaAsiyeli, loEliyohenayi loJahakoba loJeshohaya loAsaya loAdiyeli loJesimiyeli loBhenaya, loZiza indodana kaShifi indodana kaAloni indodana kaJedaya indodana kaShimiri indodana kaShemaya. Laba abaqanjwe ngamabizo babeyizikhulu ensendweni zabo, lezindlu zaboyise. Basebesiya ekungeneni kweGedori, baya ngempumalanga kwesihotsha, ukudingela imihlambi yabo idlelo. Bafica idlelo elivundileyo lelihle, lommango obanzi emaceleni; ngoba aba koHamu babehlala khona endulo. Lalabo ababebhalwe ngamabizo bafika ensukwini zikaHezekhiya inkosi yakoJuda. Kwasekuphuma kubo, ebantwaneni bakoSimeyoni, amadoda angamakhulu amahlanu, aya entabeni yeSeyiri. LoPelatiya loNeyariya loRefaya loUziyeli amadodana kaIshi babezinhloko zabo. Basebetshaya insali yabaphephayo bamaAmaleki, bahlala khona kuze kube lamuhla. Njalo amadodana kaRubeni, izibulo likaIsrayeli (ngoba wayelezibulo; futhi wayengabhalwanga njengezibulo; ngoba uJuda wayelamandla kulabafowabo, lowayengumbusi wavela kuye, kodwa ubuzibulo babungobukaJosefa). Amadodana kaRubeni, izibulo likaIsrayeli: OHanoki, loPalu, uHezironi, loKarmi. Amadodana kaJoweli: UShemaya indodana yakhe, uGogi indodana yakhe, uShimeyi indodana yakhe, uMika indodana yakhe, uReyaya indodana yakhe, uBhali indodana yakhe, uBehera indodana yakhe, uTiligathi-Pilineseri inkosi yeAsiriya eyamthumbayo; wayeyisiphathamandla sabakoRubeni. Njalo abafowabo ngensendo zabo, lapho bebhalwa ngokwezizukulwana zabo, bayizinhloko: OJeyiyeli, loZekhariya, loBhela indodana kaAzazi indodana kaShema indodana kaJoweli, owayehlala eAroweri. Langempumalanga wahlala kwaze kwaba sekungeneni kwenkangala kusukela emfuleni iYufrathi, ngoba izifuyo zabo zasezandile elizweni leGileyadi. Ensukwini zikaSawuli balawula-ke impi lamaHagari, awa ngesandla sabo; bahlala emathenteni awo elizweni lonke lempumalanga yeGileyadi. Labantwana bakoGadi bahlala maqondana labo elizweni leBashani kwaze kwaba seSaleka. UJoweli inhloko, loShafamu owesibili, loJanayi loShafati eBashani. Labafowabo ngendlu yaboyise: OMikayeli loMeshulamu loShebha loJorayi loJakani loZiya loEberi, beyisikhombisa. Laba babengamadodana kaAbihayili indodana kaHuri indodana kaJarowa indodana kaGileyadi indodana kaMikayeli indodana kaJeshishayi indodana kaJahido indodana kaBuzi. UAhi indodana kaAbidiyeli indodana kaGuni wayeyinhloko yendlu yaboyise. Basebehlala eGileyadi, eBashani, lemizaneni yayo, lakuwo wonke amadlelo eSharoni, kwaze kwaba sekuphumeni kwawo. Bonke laba babhalwa ngezizukulwana zabo ezinsukwini zikaJothamu inkosi yakoJuda. Amadodana kaRubeni labakoGadi lengxenye yesizwe sakoManase, emadodeni angamaqhawe, athwala isihlangu lenkemba, anyathela idandili, lezingcitshi empini. Basebelawula impi lamaHagari. Bancediswa bemelene labo, amaHagari asenikelwa esandleni sabo, labo bonke ababelawo; ngoba bakhala kuNkulunkulu besempini, wasencengeka ngabo. Bathumba izifuyo zabo, amakamela azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amahlanu, lezimvu ezizinkulungwane ezingamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amahlanu, labobabhemi abazinkulungwane ezimbili, lemiphefumulo yabantu ezinkulungwane ezilikhulu. Ngoba kwawa abanengi ababuleweyo, ngoba impi yayingekaNkulunkulu. Basebehlala ezindaweni zabo. Abantwana bengxenye yesizwe sakoManase basebehlala elizweni; kusukela eBashani kusiya eBhali-Hermoni leSeniri. Lalezi zinhloko zendlu yaboyise, ngitsho oEferi loIshi loEliyeli loAziriyeli loJeremiya loHodaviya loJahidiyeli, amadoda angamaqhawe alamandla, amadoda alamabizo, inhloko zendlu yaboyise. Kodwa bona kuNkulunkulu waboyise, baphinga ngo kulandela onkulunkulu babantu balelolizwe, uNkulunkulu abachithayo phambi kwabo. Ngakho uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli wavusa umoya kaPhuli inkosi yeAsiriya, kuze kube lamuhla. Amadodana kaLevi: OGerishoni, uKohathi, loMerari. Lamadodana kaKohathi: OAmramu, uIzihari, loHebroni, loUziyeli. Labantwana bakaAmramu: OAroni loMozisi loMiriyamu. Lamadodana kaAroni: ONadabi, loAbihu, uEleyazare, loIthamari. UEleyazare; uAbishuwa wasezala uBuki; uBuki wasezala uUzi; uUzi wasezala uZerahiya; uZerahiya wasezala uMerayothi; uMerayothi wazala uAmariya; uAmariya wasezala uAhitubi; uAhitubi wasezala uZadoki; uAhimahazi wasezala uAzariya; uAzariya wasezala uJohanani; uJohanani (nguye owasebenza njengompristi endlini uSolomoni ayakha eJerusalema); uAzariya wasezala uAmariya; uAmariya wasezala uAhitubi; uAhitubi wasezala uZadoki; uZadoki wasezala uShaluma; uShaluma wasezala uHilikhiya; uAzariya wasezala uSeraya. UJehozadaki laye wahamba lapho yathumba uJuda leJerusalema ngesandla sikaNebhukadinezari. Amadodana kaLevi: OGerishoni, uKohathi, loMerari. Lala ngamabizo amadodana kaGerishoni: OLibini loShimeyi. Njalo amadodana kaKohathi. Amadodana kaMerari. Lalezi zinsendo zamaLevi njengokwaboyise. KoGerishoni: ULibini indodana yakhe, uJahathi indodana yakhe, uZima indodana yakhe, uJowa indodana yakhe, uIdo indodana yakhe, uZera indodana yakhe, uJeyatherayi indodana yakhe. Amadodana kaKohathi, uElkana indodana yakhe, loEbiyasafi indodana yakhe, loAsiri indodana yakhe, uTahathi indodana yakhe, uUriyeli indodana yakhe, uUziya indodana yakhe, loShawuli indodana yakhe. Njalo amadodana kaElkana: OAmasayi loAhimothi. UElkana; amadodana kaElkana: UZofayi indodana yakhe, loNahathi indodana yakhe, uEliyabi indodana yakhe, uJerohamu indodana yakhe, uElkana indodana yakhe. Amadodana kaSamuweli: Izibulo uVashini, loAbhiya. Amadodana kaMerari: UMahli, uLibini indodana yakhe, uShimeyi indodana yakhe, uUza indodana yakhe, uShimeya indodana yakhe, uHagiya indodana yakhe, uAsaya indodana yakhe. Lalaba yibo uDavida abamisayo phezu kwenkonzo yengoma endlini yeN umtshokotsho usuphumule. Njalo babekhonza phambi kwethabhanekele lethente lenhlangano ngengoma, uSolomoni waze wakha indlu yeN eJerusalema. Bema ngokwesimiso sabo enkonzweni yabo. Lalaba yibo abema lamadodana abo: Kumadodana amaKohathi: UHemani umhlabeleli indodana kaJoweli indodana kaElkana indodana kaJerohamu indodana kaEliyeli indodana kaTowa indodana kaZufi indodana kaElkana indodana kaMahathi indodana kaAmasayi indodana kaElkana indodana kaJoweli indodana kaAzariya indodana kaZefaniya indodana kaTahathi indodana kaAsiri indodana kaEbhiyasafi indodana kaKora indodana kaIzihari indodana kaKohathi indodana kaLevi indodana kaIsrayeli. Lomfowabo uAsafi indodana kaMikayeli indodana kaBahaseya indodana kaMalikiya indodana kaEthini indodana kaZera indodana kaAdaya indodana kaEthani indodana kaZima indodana kaShimeyi indodana kaJahathi indodana kaGerishoni indodana kaLevi. Lamadodana kaMerari, abafowabo, ema indodana kaAbidi indodana kaMaluki indodana kaHashabhiya indodana kaAmaziya indodana kaHilikhiya indodana kaAmizi indodana kaBani indodana kaShemeri indodana kaMahli indodana kaMushi indodana kaMerari indodana kaLevi. Labafowabo, amaLevi, bamiswa kuyo yonke inkonzo yethabhanekele lendlu kaNkulunkulu. Kodwa uAroni lamadodana akhe banikela phezu kwelathi lomnikelo wokutshiswa. Lala ngamadodana kaAroni: OEleyazare indodana yakhe, uPhinehasi indodana yakhe, uAbishuwa indodana yakhe, uBuki indodana yakhe, uUzi indodana yakhe, uZerahiya indodana yakhe, uMerayothi indodana yakhe, uAmariya indodana yakhe, uAhitubi indodana yakhe, uZadoki indodana yakhe, uAhimahazi indodana yakhe. Lezi-ke zindawo zawo zokuhlala ezinqabeni zawo emingceleni yawo, zamadodana kaAroni, zezinsendo zamaKohathi. Basebewanika iHebroni elizweni lakoJuda, lamadlelo ayo ayizingelezeleyo. Kodwa insimu yomuzi lemizana yawo bakunika uKalebi indodana kaJefune. Basebenika amadodana kaAroni imizi yokuphephela: IHebroni, leLibhina lamadlelo ayo, leJathiri, leEshithemowa lamadlelo ayo, leHileni lamadlelo ayo, iDebiri lamadlelo ayo, leAshani lamadlelo ayo, leBeti-Shemeshi lamadlelo ayo. Lesizweni sakoBhenjamini: IGeba lamadlelo ayo, leAlemethi lamadlelo ayo. Lamadodana kaKohathi, aseleyo. Njalo amadodana kaGerishoni, ngensendo zawo, esizweni sakoIsakari lesizweni sakoAsheri lesizweni sakoNafithali lesizweni sakoManase eBashani, aba lemizi elitshumi lantathu. Amadodana kaMerari, ngensendo zawo, esizweni sakoRubeni lesizweni sakoGadi lesizweni sakoZebuluni, aba lemizi elitshumi lambili, ngenkatho. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebenika amaLevi limizi kanye lamadlelo ayo. Basebenika le imizi ngenkatho esizweni sabantwana bakoJuda lesizweni sabantwana bakoSimeyoni lesizweni sabantwana bakoBhenjamini. Le zinyezensendo zamadodana kaKohathi zaba lemizi yemingcele yazo esizweni sakoEfrayimi. Basebewanika imizi yokuphephela, iShekema lamadlelo ayo entabeni yakoEfrayimi, leGezeri lamadlelo ayo, leJokimeyamu lamadlelo ayo, leBhethi-Horoni lamadlelo ayo, leAjaloni lamadlelo ayo, leGathi-Rimoni lamadlelo ayo. Lengxenyeni eyodwa kwezimbili yesizwe sakoManase: IAneri lamadlelo ayo. Amadodana kaGerishoni ensendweni zengxenye yesizwe sakoManase aba leGolani eBashani lamadlelo ayo. Lesizweni sakoIsakari: IKedeshi lamadlelo ayo, leRamothi lamadlelo ayo. Lesizweni sakoAsheri: IMashali lamadlelo ayo, leAbidoni lamadlelo ayo, leHukoki lamadlelo ayo, leRehobi lamadlelo ayo. Lesizweni sakoNafithali: IKedeshi eGalili lamadlelo ayo, leHamoni lamadlelo ayo. Njalo; langaphetsheya kweJodani, eJeriko, ngempumalanga kweJodani, esizweni sakoRubeni: IBezeri enkangala lamadlelo ayo, leKedemothi lamadlelo ayo, leMefahathi lamadlelo ayo; lesizweni sakoGadi: IRamothi eGileyadi lamadlelo ayo, leMahanayimi lamadlelo ayo, leHeshiboni lamadlelo ayo. Lemadodaneni kaIsakari: OThola, loPhuwa, uJashubi, loShimroni; bebane. Njalo amadodana kaThola: OUzi, loRefaya, loJeriyeli, loJahimayi, loIbisamu, loShemuweli, izinhloko zendlu yaboyise. Lamadodana kaUzi: UIzrahiya. Lamadodana kaIzrahiya: OMikayeli, loObhadiya, loJoweli, uIshiya, bebahlanu; beyizinhloko bonke. Kanye labo-ke, ngensendo zabo, ngendlu yaboyise, kwakukhona amaviyo ebutho lempi, izinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu lesithupha, ngoba babelabafazi labantwana abanengi. Labafowabo, phakathi kwensendo zonke zakoIsakari, amaqhawe alamandla, izinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisificaminwembili lesikhombisa, bebhalwe bonke ngezizukulwana. AmadodanakaBhenjamini: OBhela, loBekeri loJediyayeli, bebathathu. Lamadodana kaBhela: OEziboni, loUzi, loUziyeli, loJerimothi, loIri, bebahlanu; izinhloko zendlu zaboyise, amaqhawe alamandla; bebhalwe ngezizukulwana, babeyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lambili lamatshumi amathathu lane. Njalo amadodana kaBekeri: OZemira, loJowashi, loEliyezeri, loEliyohenayi, loOmri, loJeremothi, loAbhiya, loAnathothi; bonke laba babengamadodana kaBekeri. Bebhalwe ngensendo ngezizukulwana zabo, izinhloko zezindlu zaboyise, amaqhawe alamandla, babezinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lamakhulu amabili. Njalo amadodana kaJediyayeli: UBilihani. Lamadodana kaBilihani: OJewushi, loBhenjamini, loEhudi, loKenahana, loZethani, loTarshishi, loAhishahari. Bonke laba babengamadodana kaJediyayeli, ngezinhloko zaboyise, amaqhawe alamandla; babeyizinkulungwane ezilitshumi lesikhombisa lamakhulu amabili, angaphuma ebuthweni ukuya empini. LoShupimi loHupimi babengamadodana kaIri, lo Hushimi amadodana kaAheri. Amadodana kaNafithali: OJahaziyeli, loGuni, loJezeri, loShaluma, amadodana kuBiliha. Amadodana kaManase. UMakiri wathatha udadewabo kaHupimi loShupimi, waba ngumka khe, obizo lakhe nguMahaka. UMahaka umkaMakiri wasezala indodana, wayitha ibizo wathinguPereshi; lebizo lomfowabo lalinguShereshi, lamadodana akhe ayengoUlamu loRakema. Njalo amadodana kaUlamu: UBedani. La ayengamadodana kaGileyadi indodana kaMakiri indodana kaManase. Udadewabo uHamolekethi wasezala oIshodi loAbiyezeri loMahla. Lamadodana kaShemida ayengoAhiyani loShekema loLikhi loAniyamu. Njalo amadodana kaEfrayimi: OShuthela, loBeredi indodana yakhe, loTahathi indodana yakhe, loEleyada indodana yakhe, loTahathi indodana yakhe, loZabadi indodana yakhe, loShuthela indodana yakhe, loEzeri loEleyadi, amadoda eGathi azalelwa kulelolizwe abababulalayo, ngoba behlela ukuthatha izifuyo zabo. UEfrayimi uyise walila insuku ezinengi; abafowabo basebesiza uku za mduduza. Wasengena kumkakhe; wathatha isisu, wazala indodana; waseyitha ibizo wathinguBeriya, ngoba wayesebubini endlini yakhe. Lendodakazi yakhe yayinguShera, owakha iBethi-Horoni engaphansi lengaphezulu, leUzeni-Shera. Njalo uRefa wayeyindodana yakhe, loReshefi, loTela indodana yakhe, loTahani indodana yakhe, uLadani indodana yakhe, uAmihudi indodana yakhe, uElishama indodana yakhe, uNoni indodana yakhe, uJoshuwa indodana yakhe. Lemfuyo yawo lendawo zawo zokuhlala kwakuyiBhetheli lemizana yayo, leShekema lemizana yayo, kwaze kwaba seAya lemizana yayo. Lasemingceleni yabantwana bakoManase, iBeti-Sheyani lemizana yayo, iThahanakhi lemizana yayo, iMegido lemizana yayo, iDori lemizana yayo. Kule kwahlala abantwana bakoJosefa indodana kaIsrayeli. Abantwana bakaAsheri: OImina, loBeriya, loSera udadewabo. Njalo amadodana kaBeriya: OHeberi, loMalikiyeli onguyise kaBirizayithi. UHeberi wasezala oJafilethi loShomeri loHothamu loShuwa udadewabo. Lamadodana kaJafilethi: OPasaki loBimihali loAshivathi; la ngamadodana kaJafilethi. Lamadodana kaShemeri: OAhi, loRohiga, uJehuba, loAramu. Njalo amadodana kaHelemu umfowabo: OZofa loImina loSheleshi loAmali. Njalo amadodana kaZofa: OSuwa, loHarineferi, loShuwali, loBeri, loImra, uBezeri, loHodi, loShama, loShilisha, loIthirani, loBehera. Njalo amadodana kaJetheri: OJefune loPisipa loAra. Njalo amadodana kaUla: OAra loHaniyeli loRiziya. Bonke laba babengabantwana bakaAsheri, izinhloko zendlu yaboyise, abakhethiweyo, amaqhawe alamandla, izinhloko zeziphathamandla. Basebebhalwa ngezizukulwana ebuthweni empini; inani labo lalingamadoda azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lesithupha. UBhenjamini wasezala uBhela izibulo lakhe, uAshibeli owesibili, uNoha owesine, loRafa owesihlanu. Njalo uBhela wayelamadodana: OAdari loGera loAbhihudi loAbishuwa loNamani loGera loShefufani loHuramu. Lala ngamadodana kaEhudi; lezi zinhloko zaboyise zabahlali beGeba; loNamani; yena wabathumba; wasezala oUza loAhihudi. UShaharayimi wasezala abantwanaelizweni lakoMowabi, esebaxotshile; oHushimi loBahara babengomkakhe. Wasezala kuHodeshi umkakhe oJobabi loZibiya loMesha loMalikamu loJewuzi loSakiya loMirima. Laba babengamadodana akhe, izinhloko zaboyise. KuHushimi wasezala oAbitubi loEliphahali. Amadodana kaEliphahali: OEberi, loMishamu, loShemedi owakha iOno, loBeriya, loShema, loAhiyo, uShashaki, loJeremothi, loZebhadiya, loAradi, loEderi, loMikayeli, loIshipa, loJoha, amadodana kaBeriya. LoZebhadiya, loMeshulamu, loHiziki, loHeberi, loIshmerayi, loIziliya, loJobabi, amadodana kaEliphahali. LoJakimi, loZikiri, loZabidi, loEliyenayi, loZilethayi, loEliyeli, loAdaya, loBeraya, loShimirathi, amadodana kaShimeyi. LoIshipani, loEberi, loEliyeli, loAbidoni, loZikiri, loHanani, loHananiya, loElamu, loAnithothiya, loIfideya, loPenuweli, amadodana kaShashaki. LoShamisherayi, loShekariya, loAthaliya, loJahareshiya, loEliya, loZikiri, amadodana kaJerohamu. Laba babezinhloko zaboyise, izinhloko ngezizukulwana zabo; laba bahlala eJerusalema. EGibeyoni. Lendodana yakhe, izibulo lakhe, nguAbhidoni, loZuri, loKishi, loBhali, loNadabi, loGedori, loAhiyo, loZekeri. UMikilothi wasezala uShimeya. Lalaba babehlala maqondana labafowabo eJerusalema, kanye labafowabo. UNeri. Njalo indodana kaJonathani yayinguMeribi-Bhali; uMeribi-Bhali wasezala uMika. Njalo amadodana kaMika: OPithoni loMeleki loTareya loAhazi. UAhazi wasezala uJehoyada; uJehoyada wasezala oAlemethi loAzimavethi loZimri; uZimri wasezala uMoza; uMoza wasezala uBineya; uRafa wayey indodana yakhe, uEleyasa indodana yakhe, uAzeli indodana yakhe. Njalo uAzeli wayelamadodana ayisithupha; lala ngamabizo awo: OAzirikamu, uBhokeru, loIshmayeli, loSheyariya, loObhadiya, loHanani. Wonke la ngamadodana kaAzeli. Njalo amadodana kaEsheki umfowabo: OUlamu izibulo lakhe, uJewushi eyesibili, loElifeleti eyesithathu. Njalo amadodana kaUlamu ayengamadoda, amaqhawe alamandla, anyathela idandili, elamadodana amanengi lamadodana amadodana, ikhulu lamatshumi amahlanu. Bonke laba babengabantwana bakoBhenjamini. UIsrayeli wonke wasebalwa ngezizukulwana; khangela-ke, zibhaliwe egwalweni lwamakhosi akoIsrayeli. Njalo abahlali bokuqala ababeselizweni labo emizini yabo kwakunguIsrayeli, abapristi, amaLevi. Njalo eJerusalema kwahlala ababantwana bakoJuda lababantwana bakoBhenjamini lababantwana bakoEfrayimi loManase: U-Uthayi indodana kaAmihudi indodana kaOmri indodana kaImri indodana kaBani, wabantwana bakaPerezi indodana kaJuda. LakumaShiloni: UAsaya izibulo, lamadodana akhe. Lakumadodana kaZera: UJeyuweli labafowabo, amakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye. Lakumadodana akoBhenjamini: USalu indodana kaMeshulamu indodana kaHodaviya indodana kaHasenuwa; loIbineya indodana kaJerohamu, loEla indodana kaUzi indodana kaMikiri, loMeshulamu indodana kaShefathiya indodana kaRehuweli indodana kaIbiniya; labafowabo ngezizukulwana zabo, amakhulu ayisificamunwemunye lamatshumi amahlanu lesithupha. Lakubapristi: OJedaya, loJehoyaribi, loJakini, loAzariya indodana kaHilikhiya indodana kaMeshulamu, loAdaya, labafowabo, izinhloko zendlu yaboyise, inkulungwane lamakhulu ayisikhombisa lamatshumi ayisithupha, abalamandla ngobungcwethi emsebenzini wenkonzo yendlu kaNkulunkulu. LakumaLevi: UShemaya indodana kaHashubi indodana kaAzirikamu indodana kaHashabhiya, owamadodana kaMerari, loBakibakari, uHereshi, loGalali, loObhadiya. Labagcini bamasango oShaluma loAkubi loTalimoni loAhimani; lomfowabo uShaluma wayeyinhloko; njalo kuze kube lesisikhathi, babesangweni lenkosi ngempumalanga, laba babengabagcini bamasango enkambeni yabantwana bakoLevi. UShaluma indodana kaKore indodana kaEbiyasafi indodana kaKora, labafowabo, abendlu kayise. UPhinehasi indodana kaEleyazare wayengumbusi phezu kwabo ngaphambili; yayilaye. UZekhariya indodana kaMeshelemiya wayengumgcinisango emnyango wethente lenhlangano. Bonke labo abakhethwayo babangabagcinimasango emibundwini, babengamakhulu amabili letshumi lambili. Ngakho bona lamadodana abo baphatha amasango endlini yeN, indlu yethente, ngemilindo. Abalindi bamasango babekhona emimoyeni yomine, empumalanga, entshonalanga, enyakatho, leningizimu. Labafowabo ababesemizini yabo. Ngoba amaLevi la, abagcini bamasango abakhulu bobane, babesesikhundleni, babephethe amakamelo bephezu kwezindlu zenotho zendlu kaNkulunkulu. Njalo babehlala ebusuku bezingelezele indlu kaNkulunkulu, ngoba umlindo wawuphezu kwabo, njalo bephethe ukuvulwa kwayo, ngitsho ikuseni ngekuseni. Njalo abanyebabo babephethe izitsha zenkonzo, ngoba ngenani bazingenisa, langenani bazikhupha. L abanyebabo babemiswe phezu kwezitsha, laphezu kwazo zonke izitsha ezingcwele, laphezu kwempuphu ecolekileyo lewayini lamafutha lempepha lamakha. Abanyeemadodaneni abapristi babehlanganisa-ke amafutha amakha. LoMathithiya kumaLevi, owayelizibulo likaShaluma umKora, wayephathiswe umsebenzi wamaqebelengwana abhakwe emapanini. L abanyebabantwana bamaKohathi kubafowabo babephethe isinkwa sokubukiswa uku si lungisa isabatha ngesabatha. Lalaba ngabahlabeleli, izinhloko zaboyise bamaLevi. Laba bazinhloko zaboyise bamaLevi, izinhloko ngezizukulwana zabo; laba bahlala eJerusalema. EGibeyoni kwakuhlala-ke uyise kaGibeyoni, uJehiyeli; lebizo lomkakhe lalinguMahaka. Lendodana yakhe elizibulo uAbidoni, loZuri loKishi loBhali loNeri loNadabi loGedori loAhiyo loZekhariya loMikilothi. UMikilothi wasezala uShimeyamu; laba labo bahlala eJerusalema maqondana labafowabo kanye labafowabo. UNeri wasezala uKishi; uKishi wasezala uSawuli; uSawuli wasezala oJonathani loMaliki-Shuwa loAbinadaba loEshibhali. Njalo indodana kaJonathani yayinguMeribi-Bhali; uMeribi-Bhali wasezala uMika. Njalo amadodana kaMika: OPithoni loMeleki loTareya. UAhazi wasezala uJara; uJara wasezala oAlemethi loAzimavethi loZimri. UZimri wasezala uMoza. UMoza wasezala uBineya, loRefaya indodana yakhe, uEleyasa indodana yakhe, uAzeli indodana yakhe. Njalo uAzeli wayelamadodana ayisithupha; lala ngamabizo awo: OAzirikamu, uBhokeru, loIshmayeli, loSheyariya, loObhadiya, loHanani. La ayengamadodana kaAzeli. AmaFilisti asesilwa emelene loIsrayeli; lamadoda akoIsrayeli abaleka phambi kwamaFilisti, awa abulawa entabeni yeGilibowa. AmaFilisti asenamathela ngemva kukaSawuli langemva kwamadodana akhe; amaFilisti atshaya uJonathani loAbinadaba loMaliki-Shuwa, amadodana kaSawuli. Impi yasisiba nzima imelene loSawuli; abatshoka ngamadandili basebemfica; waselinyazwa ngabatshoki. USawuli wasesithi kumthwali wezikhali zakhe: Hwatsha inkemba yakho, ungigwaze ngayo, hlezi laba abangasokanga bafike, badlale kubi ngami. Kodwa umthwali wezikhali zakhe kavumanga, ngoba wesaba kakhulu. USawuli wasethatha inkemba, wa zi wisela phezu kwayo. Lapho umthwali wezikhali zakhe ebona ukuthi uSawuli u se file, laye wa zi wisela phezu kwenkemba, wafa. Wafa-ke uSawuli, lamadodana akhe amathathu, lendlu yakhe yonke; bafa ndawonye. Kwathi wonke amadoda akoIsrayeli ayesesigodini ebona ukuthi abalekile, lokuthi uSawuli lamadodana akhe bafile, atshiya imizi yawo, abaleka; amaFilisti asefika, ahlala kiyo. Kwasekusithi kusisa lapho amaFilisti efika ukuhlubula ababuleweyo, afica uSawuli lamadodana akhe bewile entabeni yeGilibowa. Amhlubula, athatha ikhanda lakhe lezikhali zakhe, athumela elizweni lamaFilisti inhlangothi zonke, ukumemezela imibiko ezithombeni zawo lebantwini. Asebeka izikhali zakhe endlini yabonkulunkulu bawo, abethela ukhakhayi lwakhe endlini kaDagoni. Kwathi iJabeshi-Gileyadi yonke isizwile konke amaFilisti akwenze kuSawuli, wonke amaqhawe asuka, athatha isidumbu sikaSawuli lezidumbu zamadodana akhe, aziletha eJabeshi, angcwaba amathambo abo ngaphansi kwesihlahla se-okhi eJabeshi, azila ukudla insuku eziyisikhombisa. Ngakho uSawuli wafa ngenxa yesiphambeko sakhe aphambuka ngaso emelene leN, emelene lelizwi leN ayengaligcinanga, njalo kakudinganga eNni. UIsrayeli wonke wasebuthana kuDavida eHebroni esithi: Khangela, thina silithambo lakho lenyama yakho. Ngitsho mandulo, ngitsho uSawuli eyinkosi, nguwe owakhupha lowangenisa uIsrayeli; uNkulunkulu wakho yasisithi kuwe: Wena uzakwelusa abantu bami uIsrayeli, njalo wena uzakuba ngumbusi phezu kwabantu bami uIsrayeli. Kwasekufika bonke abadala bakoIsrayeli enkosini eHebroni. UDavida wasesenza isivumelwano labo eHebroni phambi kweN. Basebemgcoba uDavida ukuba yinkosi phezu kukaIsrayeli, njengelizwi leN ngesandla sikaSamuweli. UDavida loIsrayeli wonke basebesiya eJerusalema, eyiJebusi, ngoba lapho kwakulamaJebusi, abahlali balelolizwe. Abahlali beJebusi basebesithi kuDavida: Kawuyikungena lapha. Kodwa uDavida wayithumba inqaba yeZiyoni, engumuzi kaDavida. UDavida wasesithi: Loba ngubani ozatshaya amaJebusi kuqala uzakuba yinhloko lenduna. Ngakho uJowabi indodana kaZeruya wenyuka kuqala, waba yinhloko. UDavida wasehlala enqabeni; ngalokho-ke bayibiza ngokuthingumuzi kaDavida. Wasewakha umuzi inhlangothi zonke, kusukela eMilo waze wawuhlanganisa. UJowabi wasevuselela okuseleyo komuzi. UDavida wasesiya eqhubeka esiba mkhulu, ngoba yamabandla yayilaye. Lalezi zinhloko zamaqhawe uDavida ayelazo, ezaziqinisa kanye laye embusweni wakhe, loIsrayeli wonke, ukumenza inkosi. Laleli linani lamaqhawe uDavida ayelawo: UJashobeyamu indodana yomHakimoni. Lemva kwakhe kwakuloEleyazare indodana kaDodo umAhohi; wayephakathi kwamaqhawe amathathu. Yena wayeloDavida ePasi-Damimi lapho amaFilisti ayebuthanele impi khona. Lesiqinti sensimu sasigcwele ibhali; abantu basebebaleka phambi kwamaFilisti. Bona bazimisa phakathi kwesiqinti, basikhulula, batshaya amaFilisti, yasisindisa ngokukhulula okukhulu. Abathathu ezinduneni ezingamatshumi amathathu basebesehlela edwaleni kuDavida, ebhalwini lweAdulamu; lebutho lamaFilisti lalimise inkamba esihotsheni seRefayimi. UDavida ngalesosikhathi wayesenqabeni, lebutho lenqaba lamaFilisti ngalesosikhathi laliseBhethelehema. UDavida waselangatha wathi: Hawu, kungathi omunye ubenganginathisa amanzi omthombo weBhethelehema osesangweni! Labo abathathu bafohlela enkambeni yamaFilisti, bakha amanzi emthonjeni weBhethelehema owawusesangweni, bawathwala bawaletha kuDavida; kodwa uDavida kafunanga ukuwanatha, kodwa wawathululela iN. Wasesithi: Kakube khatshana lami, ngoNkulunkulu wami, ukwenza lokho. Nginganatha yini igazi lalamadoda abeke impilo yawo engozini? Ngoba ngokubeka impilo yawo engozini, awalethile. Ngakho kafunanga ukuwanatha. Lezizinto azenza lawomaqhawe amathathu. UAbishayi umfowabo kaJowabi, yena-ke wayeyinhloko yabathathu. Yena ephakamisa umkhonto wakhe emelene labangamakhulu amathathu wababulala; wasesiba lebizo phakathi kwabathathu. Kwabathathu wayehlonitshwa kulababili, wasesiba yinduna yabo; kodwa kafinyelelanga kwabathathu abokuqala. UBhenaya indodana kaJehoyada, indodana yeqhawe leKabhiseyeli, wayemkhulu ngezenzo: Nguye owatshaya abakoMowabi ababili ababenjengezilwane; futhi yena wehla wabulala isilwane phakathi komgodi mhla weliqhwa elikhithikileyo. Yena wasetshaya indoda engumGibhithe, umuntu omude, ozingalo ezinhlanu. Lesandleni somGibhithe kwakulomkhonto onjengogodo lomeluki; kodwa wehlela kuye ngenduku, wahluthuna umkhonto esandleni somGibhithe, wambulala ngowakhe umkhonto. Lezizinto wazenza uBhenaya indodana kaJehoyada, waba lebizo phakathi kwamaqhawe amathathu. Khangela, wahlonitshwa phakathi kwabangamatshumi amathathu, kodwa kafinyelelanga kwabathathu. UDavida wasembeka phezu kwabalindi bakhe. Lamaqhawe amabutho: OAsaheli umfowabo kaJowabi, uElihanani indodana kaDodo weBhethelehema, uShamothi umHarodi, uHelezi umPheloni, uIra indodana kaIkheshi umThekhowa, uAbiyezeri umAnathothi, uSibekayi umHushathi, uIlayi umAhohi, uMaharayi umNetofa, uHelebi indodana kaBahana umNetofa, uIthayi indodana kaRibayi weGibeya yabantwana bakoBhenjamini, uBhenaya umPirathoni, uHurayi wezifula zeGahashi, uAbiyeli umArba, uAzimavethi umBaharumi, uEliyabha umShahaliboni, amadodana kaHashema umGizoni, uJonathani indodana kaShage umHarari, uAhiyamu indodana kaSakari umHarari, uElifali indodana kaUri, uHeferi umMekera, uHeziro umKharmeli, uNaharayi indodana kaEzibayi, uJoweli umfowabo kaNathani, uMibhari indodana kaHagiri, uZeleki umAmoni, uNaharayi umBherothi, umthwali wezikhali zikaJowabi indodana kaZeruya, uIra umIthiri, uGarebi umIthiri, uUriya umHethi, uZabadi indodana kaAhilayi, uAdina indodana kaShiza umRubeni, inhloko kwabakoRubeni, labangamatshumi amathathu belaye, uHanani indodana kaMahaka, loJoshafati umMithini, uUziya umAshiterathi, uJediyayeli indodana kaShimri, loJoha umfowabo umTizi, uEliyeli umMahavi, loJeribayi loJoshaviya amadodana kaElinahamu, loIthima umMowabi, loEliyeli, loObedi, loJahasiyeli umMezobaya. Laba-ke yilabo abeza kuDavida eZikilagi, lapho esavalelwe ngenxa kaSawuli indodana kaKishi; njalo babephakathi kwamaqhawe, abasizi bempi. Behlomile ngamadandili. Inhloko yayinguAhiyezeri, loJowashi, amadodana kaShemaha umGibeya, loIshmaya umGibeyoni, uEluzayi, loJerimothi, loBeyaliya, loShemariya, loShefathiya umHarufi, uElkana, loIshiya, loAzareli, loJowezeri, loJashobeyamu, amaKora, loJowela, loZebhadiya, amadodana kaJehoramu weGedori. LakwabakoGadi bazehlukanisela kuDavida enqabeni enkangala, amaqhawe alamandla, amadoda ebutho empi, ephatha isihlangu esikhulu lomkhonto, obuso bawo babuyibuso bezilwane. UEzeri wayeyinhloko, uObhadiya owesibili, uEliyabi owesithathu, uMishimana owesine, uJeremiya owesihlanu, uAthayi owesithupha, uEliyeli owesikhombisa, uJohanani owesificaminwembili, uElizabadi owesificamunwemunye, uJeremiya owetshumi, uMakibanayi owetshumi lanye. Laba babengabamadodana akoGadi, izinhloko zebutho; omunye wabancinyane wayephethe ikhulu, lomkhulu wayephethe inkulungwane. Laba yibo abachapha iJodani ngenyanga yokuqala lapho yayigcwele iphuphuma inkumbi zonke zayo, baxotsha bonke ababese zigodini ngempumalanga langentshonalanga. Basebefika bevela ebantwaneni bakoBhenjamini labakoJuda enqabeni kuDavida. UDavida wasephuma ukubahlangabeza, waphendula wathi kibo: Uba lisiza kimi ngokuthula ukungisiza, ngilenhliziyo ehlangene lani. UMoya wasesehlela kuAmasayi inhloko yezinduna! UDavida wasebemukela, wabenza induna zeviyo. Abavela koManase bahlamukela kuDavida ekufikeni kwakhe lamaFilisti emelene loSawuli empini. Kodwa kababasizanga, ngoba ababusi bamaFilisti bamxotsha ngecebo besithi: Ngamakhanda ethu uzahlamukela enkosini yakhe uSawuli. Ekuyeni kwakhe eZikilagi kwabalekela kuye abavela koManase: OAdina loJozabadi loJediyayeli loMikhayeli loJozabadi loElihu loZilethayi, inhloko zezinkulungwane ababengabakoManase. Bona basebesiza kanye loDavida bemelene leviyo elihlaselayo, ngoba bonke babengamaqhawe alamandla, bezinduna ebuthweni. Ngoba ngesikhathi insuku ngensuku beza kuDavida ukumnceda baze babe libutho elikhulu njengebutho likaNkulunkulu. Lala ngamanani ezinhloko ezazihlomele impi. Abantwana bakoJuda bethwele isihlangu esikhulu lomkhonto babeyizinkulungwane eziyisithupha lamakhulu ayisificaminwembili, behlomele impi. Ebantwaneni bakoSimeyoni, amaqhawe alamandla empi, izinkulungwane eziyisikhombisa lekhulu. Ebantwaneni bakoLevi, izinkulungwane ezine lamakhulu ayisithupha. LoJehoyada wayeyisiphathamandla sabakoAroni; kanye laye kwakulezinkulungwane ezintathu lamakhulu ayisikhombisa. LoZadoki ijaha, iqhawe elilamandla; lendlini kayise izinduna ezingamatshumi amabili. Lebantwaneni bakoBhenjamini, abafowabo bakaSawuli, izinkulungwane ezintathu; ngoba kuze kube khathesi ubunengi babo bagcina uthembeko endlini kaSawuli. Lebantwaneni bakoEfrayimi, izinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lamakhulu ayisificaminwembili, amaqhawe alamandla, amadoda alamabizo endlini yaboyise. Lengxenyeni eyodwa kwezimbili yesizwe sakoManase, izinkulungwane ezilitshumi leyisificaminwembili, ababeqanjwe ngamabizo ukuthi beze babeke uDavida abe yinkosi. Lebantwaneni bakoIsakari, ababelokwazi beqedisisa izikhathi ukwazi ukuthi uIsrayeli ufanele enzeni, izinhloko zabo zazingamakhulu amabili, labafowabo bonke babesemlayweni wazo. KoZebuluni, abaphuma impi, behlela impi ngazo zonke izikhali zempi, izinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amahlanu, ukugcina iviyo kungengenhliziyombili. LakoNafithali, izinduna eziyinkulungwane, labayizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu lesikhombisa kanye lazo, belesihlangu esikhulu lomkhonto. LakwabakoDani, abahlela impi, izinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lesificaminwembili lamakhulu ayisithupha. LakoAsheri. Lababevela ngaphetsheya kweJodani, kwabakoRubeni labakoGadi lengxenye yesizwe sakoManase, belezikhali zonke zempi ukuyakulwa, izinkulungwane ezilikhulu lamatshumi amabili. Wonke lamadoda empi, angagcina iviyo, afika eHebroni ngenhliziyo epheleleyo ukubeka uDavida abe yinkosi phezu kukaIsrayeli wonke; njalo loIsrayeli wonke oseleyo wayenhliziyonye ukubeka uDavida abe yinkosi. Njalo baba lapho loDavida insuku ezintathu besidla benatha, ngoba abafowabo babebalungisele. Futhi lababeseduze labo kuze kube koIsakari lakoZebuluni lakoNafithali baletha isinkwa ngabobabhemi langamakamela langezimbongolo langezinkabi. UDavida wasecebisana lezinduna zezinkulungwane lezamakhulu laye wonke umphathi. UDavida wasesithi ebandleni lonke lakoIsrayeli: Uba kulungile kini, njalo kuvela eNni uNkulunkulu wethu, kasisabalale sithumele kubafowethu abaseleyo emazweni wonke akoIsrayeli lakubapristi lamaLevi alabo emizini, emadlelweni, ukuze babuthane kithi. Besesibuyisa kithi umtshokotsho wesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu wethu, ngoba kasiwudinganga ensukwini zikaSawuli. Ibandla lonke laselisithi kwenziwe njalo, ngoba udaba lwalulungile emehlweni abo bonke abantu. UDavida wasebuthanisa uIsrayeli wonke. UDavida loIsrayeli wonke basebesenyukela. Basebewuthwala umtshokotsho kaNkulunkulu ngenqola entsha bewususa endlini kaAbinadaba; njalo oUza loAhiyo babetshayela leyonqola. UDavida loIsrayeli wonke babedlala-ke phambi kukaNkulunkulu ngamandla wonke, langengoma, langamachacho. Lapho befika ebaleni lokubhulela likaKidoni, uUza welula isandla sakhe ukubamba umtshokotsho, ngoba inkabi zakhubeka. Ulaka lweN lwaselumvuthela uUza, yamtshaya, ngenxa yokuthi welulela isandla sakhe emtshokotshweni; wasefela khonapho phambi kukaNkulunkulu. UDavida wasethukuthela ngoba imfohlele ngokufohla uUza; waseyibiza leyondawo ngokuthiyiPerezi-Uza, kuze kube lamuhla. UDavida wasemesaba uNkulunkulu ngalolosuku, esithi: Ngizawuletha njani kimi umtshokotsho kaNkulunkulu? Ngakho uDavida kawulethanga umtshokotsho kuye emzini kaDavida, kodwa wawuphambulela endlini kaObedi-Edoma umGithi. Ngakho umtshokotsho kaNkulunkulu wahlala kwabendlu kaObedi-Edoma endlini yakhe inyanga ezintathu. yasibusisa indlu kaObedi-Edoma lakho konke ayelakho. UHiramu inkosi yeTire wasethuma izithunywa kuDavida, lezigodo zemisedari lababazi bamatshe lababazi bezigodo ukumakhela indlu. UDavida wasesazi ukuthi yayimmisile ukuthi abe yinkosi phezu kukaIsrayeli, ngoba umbuso wakhe wawuphakanyiselwe phezulu ngenxa yabantu bayo uIsrayeli. UDavida wasethatha abanye abafazi eJerusalema; uDavida wasezala amanye amadodana lamadodakazi. Lala ngamabizo abantwana aba labo eJerusalema: OShamuwa, loShobabi, uNathani, loSolomoni, loIbihari, loElishuwa, loEliphaleti, loNoga, loNefegi, loJafiya, loElishama, loBeyeliyada, loElifaleti. AmaFilisti esezwile ukuthi uDavida ugcotshiwe ukuthi abe yinkosi phezu kukaIsrayeli wonke, wonke amaFilisti enyuka ukudinga uDavida; uDavida ekuzwa waphuma uku ya melana lawo. AmaFilisti asefika azisabalalisa esihotsheni seRefayimi. UDavida wasebuza kuNkulunkulu esithi: Ngenyukele yini kumaFilisti? Uzawanikela esandleni sami yini? yasisithi kuye: Yenyuka, ngoba ngizawanikela esandleni sakho. Basebesenyukela eBhali-Perazimi, uDavida wawatshaya lapho; uDavida wasesithi: UNkulunkulu ufohlele ezitheni zami ngesandla sami njengokufohla kwamanzi. Ngenxa yalokhu babiza leyondawo ngokuthiyiBhali-Perazimi. Asetshiya onkulunkulu bawo lapho, uDavida wasesithi kabatshiswe ngomlilo. AmaFilisti asebuya ezisabalalisa esihotsheni futhi. Lapho uDavida ebuza futhi kuNkulunkulu, uNkulunkulu wathi kuye: Ungenyukeli ngemva kwawo, agombolozele usuka kiwo, uze kuwo maqondana lezihlahla zebhalisamu. Kuzakuthi-ke lapho usizwa umsindo wokuhamba ezihlokweni zezihlahla zebhalisamu, ubusuphumela empini, ngoba uNkulunkulu uzabe esephume phambi kwakho ukutshaya ibutho lamaFilisti. Ngakho uDavida wenza njengoba uNkulunkulu emlayile; basebetshaya ibutho lamaFilisti kusukela eGibeyoni kwaze kwaba seGezeri. Njalo ibizo likaDavida laphumela kuwo wonke amazwe. Wasezenzela izindlu emzini kaDavida, walungisela umtshokotsho kaNkulunkulu indawo, wawumisela ithente. Ngalesosikhathi uDavida wathi: Kakho ongathwala umtshokotsho kaNkulunkulu ngaphandle kwamaLevi, ngoba yiwo eyawakhethela ukuthwala umtshokotsho kaNkulunkulu, lokuyikhonza kuze kube nininini. UDavida wasebuthanisa uIsrayeli wonke eJerusalema. UDavida wasebuthanisa amadodana kaAroni lamaLevi. Kumadodana kaKohathi, uUriyeli induna, labafowabo, ikhulu lamatshumi amabili. Kumadodana kaMerari, uAsaya induna, labafowabo, amakhulu amabili lamatshumi amabili. Kumadodana kaGerishoni, uJoweli induna, labafowabo, ikhulu lamatshumi amathathu. Kumadodana kaElizafani, uShemaya induna, labafowabo, amakhulu amabili. Kumadodana kaHebroni, uEliyeli induna, labafowabo, amatshumi ayisificaminwembili. Kumadodana kaUziyeli, uAminadaba induna, labafowabo, ikhulu letshumi lambili. UDavida wasebiza oZadoki. Wasesithi kubo: Lizinhloko zaboyise bamaLevi; zingcweliseni lina labafowenu ukuze lenyuse umtshokotsho weN uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli. Ngoba lina lalingekho kuqala. Ngakho abapristi lamaLevi bazingcwelisa ukwenyusa umtshokotsho weN uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli. Abantwana bamaLevi basebethwala umtshokotsho kaNkulunkulu, njengokulaya kukaMozisi ngokwelizwi leN KOSI. UDavida wasesithi ezinduneni zamaLevi zimise abafowabo, abahlabeleli, lezinto zokuhlabelela. AmaLevi asemisa uHemani indodana kaJoweli. Njalo kanye labo abafowabo besigaba sesibili: OZekhariya, uBeni, loJahaziyeli, loShemiramothi, loJehiyeli, loUni, uEliyabi, loBhenaya, loMahaseya, loMathithiya, loElifelehu, loMikineya, loObedi-Edoma, loJeyiyeli, abalindi bamasango. Abahlabeleli oHemani, uAsafi, loEthani bazizwakalisa-ke ngensimbi ezincencethayo zethusi. LoZekhariya loAziyeli loShemiramothi loJehiyeli loUni loEliyabi loMahaseya loBhenaya belezigubhu zezintambo. LoMathithiya loElifelehu loMikineya loObedi-Edoma loJeyiyeli loAzaziya. LoKenaniya induna yamaLevi emthwalweni, wafundisa ngokuhlabelela ngoba wayeyingcitshi. LoBerekiya loElkana babengabagcini bamasango omtshokotsho. LoShebaniya loJoshafati loNethaneli loAmasayi loZekhariya loBhenaya loEliyezeri abapristi bakhalisa izimpondo phambi komtshokotsho kaNkulunkulu. LoObedi-Edoma loJehiya babengabagcinimasango bomtshokotsho. Kwasekusithi uDavida labadala bakoIsrayeli lenduna zezinkulungwane bahamba ukwenyusa umtshokotsho wesivumelwano seN uvela endlini kaObedi-Edoma ngentokozo. Kwasekusithi uNkulunkulu ewasiza amaLevi ayewuthwele umtshokotsho wesivumelwano seN, banikela umhlatshelo wamajongosi ayisikhombisa lenqama eziyisikhombisa. Njalo uDavida wayegqoke isembatho selembu elicolekileyo kakhulu, lawo wonke amaLevi ayewuthwele umtshokotsho labahlabeleli loKenaniya induna yomthwalo wabahlabeleli; uDavida-ke wayegqoke i-efodi yelembu elicolekileyo. Ngakho uIsrayeli wonke wawenyusa umtshokotsho wesivumelwano seN ngokumemeza langokukhala kophondo lwenqama. Kwasekusithi lapho umtshokotsho wesivumelwano seN ufika emzini kaDavida, uMikhali indodakazi kaSawuli walunguza ngewindi wabona inkosi uDavida esina edlala, wamdelela enhliziyweni yakhe. Basebewuletha umtshokotsho kaNkulunkulu, bawumisa phakathi kwethente uDavida ayelimisele wona; basebenikela iminikelo yokutshiswa leminikelo yokuthula phambi kukaNkulunkulu. UDavida eseqedile ukunikela umnikelo wokutshiswa leminikelo yokuthula wababusisa abantu ebizweni leN. Wasesabela wonke umuntu wakoIsrayeli kusukela kowesilisa kuze kube kowesifazana, kwaba ngulowo lalowo isinkwa esisodwa, leqatha lenyama, lesinkwa sezithelo zevini ezonyisiweyo. Wasemisa izikhonzi kumaLevi phambi komtshokotsho weN, ngitsho ukukhumbula lokubonga lokudumisa iN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli. UAsafi inhloko; loBhenaya loJahaziyeli abapristi ngezimpondo njalonjalo phambi komtshokotsho wesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu. Ngalesosikhathi ngalolosuku uDavida wanika kuqala lesisihlabeleloukudumisa iN KOSI: Bongani iN KOSI. Hlabelelani kuyo, liyihubele amahubo, lilandise ngezenzo zayo ezimangalisayo. Zincomeni ebizweni layo elingcwele, kayithokoze inhliziyo yabo abadinga iN. Dingani lamandla ayo, lidinge ubuso bayo njalonjalo. Khumbulani izimangaliso zayo eyazenzayo, nzalo kaIsrayeli inceku yayo, bantwana bakaJakobe, abakhethiweyo bayo. IyuNkulunkulu wethu; izahlulelo zayo zisemhlabeni wonke. Khumbulani isivumelwano sayo kuze kube nininini, ilizwi e yalilaya kuzinkulungwane zezizukulwana, eyasenza loAbrahama, eyasiqinisa lakuJakobe saba yisimiso, kuIsrayeli saba yisivumelwano esilaphakade, isithi: Ngizakunika ilizwe leKhanani, inkatho yelifa lakho. Lapho lalibalutshwana ngenani, yebo libalutshwana. Basebezula besuka esizweni besiya esizweni, besuka embusweni besiya kwabanye abantu. Kayivumelanga muntu ukubacindezela: Lingathinti abagcotshiweyo bami, lingoni abaprofethi bami. Hlabelelani eNni, mhlaba wonke, litshumayele insuku ngensuku usindiso lwayo. Landisani udumo lwayo phakathi kwezizwe, izimangaliso zayo phakathi kwabantu bonke. Ngoba yinkulu iN, ifanele ukudunyiswa kakhulu. Ngoba bonke onkulunkulu bezizwe bayizithombe. Udumo lenkazimulo kuphambi kwayo, amandla lentokozo kusendaweni yayo. Inikeni iN, zizukulwana zezizwe, inikeni udumo lamandla. Inikeni udumo lwebizo layo. Lithuthumele phambi kwayo, mhlaba wonke; njalo umhlaba uzaqiniswa, kawuyikunyikinyeka. Kawathokoze amazulu, lomhlaba ujabule. Kaluhlokome ulwandle lokugcwala kwalo, iganga kalithabe lakho konke okukulo. Khona zizahlabelela ngentokozo izihlahla zehlathi phambi kweN, ngoba iyeza ukwahlulela umhlaba. Bongani ngoba ilungile, ngoba umusa wayo umikuze kube phakade. Lithi futhi: Sisindise, Nkulunkulu wosindiso lwethu, usibuthe usikhulule ezizweni, ukuze sibonge ibizo lakho elingcwele, sizincome kudumo lwakho. Kayibusiswe iN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, kusukela phakade kuze kube phakade. Wasetshiya lapho phambi komtshokotsho wesivumelwano seN oAsafi labafowabo ukukhonza phambi komtshokotsho njalonjalo. LoObedi-Edoma kanye labafowabo, abangamatshumi ayisithupha lesificaminwembili; uObedi-Edoma indodana kaJeduthuni loHosa babengabagcini bamasango. LoZadoki umpristi labafowabo abapristi, ukuze banikele iminikelo yokutshiswa eNni phezu kwelathi lomnikelo wokutshiswa. Njalo kanye labo oHemani. Njalo kanye labo oHemani. Basebehamba bonke abantu, ngulowo lalowo waya endlini yakhe. UDavida wasebuyela ukubusisa indlu yakhe. Kwasekusithi uDavida esehlezi endlini yakhe, uDavida wathi kuNathani umprofethi: Khangela, mina ngihlala endlini yemisedari, kodwa umtshokotsho wesivumelwano seN ungaphansi kwamakhetheni. UNathani wasesithi kuDavida: Yenza konke okusenhliziyweni yakho, ngoba uNkulunkulu ulawe. Kodwa kwathi ngabona lobobusuku ilizwi likaNkulunkulu lafika kuNathani, lisithi: Hamba utshele uDavida inceku yami: Itsho njalo iN: Wena kawuyikungakhela indlu yokuhlala. Ngoba kangihlalanga endlini kusukela osukwini engenyusa ngalo uIsrayeli kuze kube lamuhla, kodwa ngasuka ethenteni ngaya ethenteni njalo ngasuka ethabhanekeleni ngaya kwelinye. Loba ngaphi engihambe khona loIsrayeli wonke ngake ngakhuluma ilizwi yini komunye wabahluleli bakoIsrayeli, engabalaya ukwelusa abantu bami ngisithi: Yini lingangakhelanga indlu yemisedari? Ngakho-ke uzakutsho njalo encekwini yami uDavida uthi: Itsho njalo yamabandla: Mina ngakuthatha esibayeni sezimvu ekulandeleni izimvu ukuze ube ngumbusi phezu kwabantu bami uIsrayeli. Njalo ngaba lawe loba ngaphi oya khona, ngaquma zonke izitha zakho zasuka phambi kwakho, ngakwenzela ibizo njengebizo labakhulu abasemhlabeni. Njalo ngizabamisela indawo abantu bami uIsrayeli, ngibagxumeke ukuze bahlale endaweni yabo, bangabe besanyikinywa; labantwana bobubi kabasayikubamotsha njengakuqala, njalo kusukela kulezonsuku engalaya abahluleli ukuthi babe phezu kwabantu bami uIsrayeli; ngazehlisela phansi zonke izitha zakho; njalo ngiyakutshela ukuthi iNKOSI izakwakhela indlu. Kuzakuthi-ke lapho insuku zakho sezigcwalisekile ukuthi uhambe laboyihlo, ngizavusa inzalo yakho emva kwakho, ezavela emadodaneni akho, ngiqinise umbuso wayo. Yena uzangakhela indlu, ngizaqinisa isihlalo sakhe sobukhosi kuze kube nininini. Mina ngizakuba nguyise, yena abe yindodana yami; njalo kangiyikususa uthandolomusa wami kuye. Kodwa ngizamqinisa endlini yami lembusweni wami kuze kube nininini, lesihlalo sakhe sobukhosi sizaqiniswa kuze kube nininini. Njengawo wonke lamazwi lanjengawo wonke lumbono, ngokunjalo uNathani wakhuluma kuDavida. Inkosi uDavida yasingena yahlala phambi kweN, yathi: Mina ngingubani, N Nkulunkulu, lendlu yami iyini, ukuthi ungilethe kuze kube lapha? Lokhu bekukuncinyane emehlweni akho, Nkulunkulu. UDavida angenzani okunye kuwe ngodumo lwenceku yakho? Ngoba wena uyayazi inceku yakho. N, ngenxa yenceku yakho langokwenhliziyo yakho wenzile zonke lezizinto ezinkulu ukwazisa zonke lezizinto ezinkulu. N, kakho onjengawe, njalo kakho uNkulunkulu ngaphandle kwakho, njengakho konke esikuzwileyo ngendlebe zethu. Njalo ngubani onjengabantu bakho uIsrayeli, isizwe esisodwa emhlabeni, uNkulunkulu owayazihlengela sona sibe ngabantu, ukuzenzela ibizo nge zenzo ezinkulu lezesabekayo, ngokuxotsha elifeni izizwe ukuzisusa phambi kwabantu bakho owabahlenga eGibhithe? Ngoba wenza abantu bakho uIsrayeli ukuthi babe ngabantu bakho kuze kube nininini; lawe N waba nguNkulunkulu wabo. Khathesi-ke, N, ilizwi owalikhuluma ngenceku yakho langendlu yayo kaliqiniswe kuze kube nininini, wenze njengokukhuluma kwakho. Yebo kaliqiniswe, lebizo lakho kalibe likhulu kuze kube nininini, kuthiwa: yamabandla inguNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, nguNkulunkulu koIsrayeli; lendlu kaDavida inceku yakho kayimiswe phambi kwakho. Ngoba wena, Nkulunkulu wami, wembule endlebeni yenceku yakho ukuthi uzayakhela indlu; ngenxa yalokho inceku yakho ithole enhliziyweni ukukhuleka phambi kwakho. Khathesi-ke, N, wena unguye uNkulunkulu, ukhulume lokhu okuhle ngenceku yakho. Khathesi-ke, kukuthokozisile ukubusisa indlu yenceku yakho ukuze ibe phambi kwakho kuze kube nininini; ngoba, wena N, uyabusisa, njalo izabusiswa kuze kube nini lanini. Kwasekusithi emva kwalokho uDavida watshaya amaFilisti, wawehlisela phansi. Watshaya loMowabi; amaMowabi asesiba zinceku zikaDavida, aletha umthelo. UDavida watshaya loHadadezeri inkosi yeZoba kuze kube seHamathi lapho esiyamisa amandla akhe emfuleni iYufrathi. UDavida wasethumba kuye inqola eziyinkulungwane, labamabhiza abazinkulungwane eziyisikhombisa, lamadoda ahamba ngenyawo azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili; uDavida wasequma imisipha yawo wonke amabhiza enqola, kodwa watshiya kuwo amabhiza enqola alikhulu. Lapho amaSiriya eDamaseko eza ukusiza uHadadezeri inkosi yeZoba, uDavida watshaya kumaSiriya amadoda azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lambili. UDavida wasebeka amabutho enqabaeSiriya yeDamaseko; amaSiriya asesiba zinceku zikaDavida, aletha umthelo. Ngokunjalo yamsindisa uDavida loba ngaphi aya khona. UDavida wasethatha izihlangu zegolide ezaziphezu kwenceku zikaHadadezeri, waziletha eJerusalema. Njalo eTibhathi leKuni, imizi kaHadadezeri, uDavida wathatha ithusi elinengi kakhulu; uSolomoni enza ngalo ulwandle lwethusi, lezinsika, lezitsha zethusi. UTowu inkosi yeHamathi esizwa ukuthi uDavida utshayile ibutho lonke likaHadadezeri inkosi yeZoba, wathuma uHadoramu indodana yakhe enkosini uDavida ukuyibuza impilakahle lokuyibusisa, ngenxa yokuthi ilwe loHadadezeri yamtshaya, (ngoba uHadadezeri wayengumuntu wezimpi esilwaloTowu), e lezitsha zonke zegolide lezesiliva lezethusi. Lalezo inkosi uDavida yazehlukanisela uJehova kanye lesiliva legolide eyakuletha kuvela ezizweni zonke, eEdoma, lakoMowabi, lebantwaneni bakoAmoni, lakumaFilisti, lakumaAmaleki. UAbishayi indodana kaZeruya wasetshaya amaEdoma esihotsheni setshwayi, izinkulungwane ezilitshumi lesificaminwembili. Wasebeka amabutho enqaba eEdoma; wonke amaEdoma asesiba zinceku zikaDavida. Ngokunjalo yamsindisa uDavida loba ngaphi aya khona. UDavida wabusa-ke phezu kukaIsrayeli wonke, wayesenza isahlulelo lokulunga kubo bonke abantu bakhe. Njalo uJowabi indodana kaZeruya wayephezu kwebutho; loJehoshafathi indodana kaAhiludi wayengumabhalane; loZadoki indodana kaAhitubi loAbhimeleki indodana kaAbhiyatha babengabapristi; loShavisha wayengumbhali; loBhenaya indodana kaJehoyada wayephezu kwamaKerethi lamaPelethi; lamadodana kaDavida ayezinhloko eceleni kwenkosi. Kwasekusithi emva kwalokho uNahashi inkosi yamaAmoni wafa, indodana yakhe yasisiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. UDavida wasesithi: Ngizamenzela umusa uHanuni indodana kaNahashi, ngoba uyise wangenzela umusa. UDavida wasethuma izithunywa uku ya mduduza ngoyise. Izinceku zikaDavida zasezifika elizweni labantwana bakoAmoni kuHanuni ukumduduza. Kodwa iziphathamandla zabantwana bakoAmoni zathi kuHanuni: Kambe uDavida uyamhlonipha uyihlo emehlweni akho, ngoba ethume abaduduzi kuwe? Izinceku zakhe kazizanga kuwe yini ukuphenya lokuchitha lokuhlola ilizwe? Ngakho uHanuni wathatha izinceku zikaDavida wazigela waquma izembatho zazo kungxenye kuze kube sezibunu zazo, waziyekela zahamba. Basebehamba bamtshela uDavida ngalawomadoda; wasethuma ukuwahlangabeza, ngoba amadoda ayelenhloni kakhulu; inkosi yasisithi: Hlalani eJeriko zize zihlume izindevu zenu, beselibuya. Abantwana bakoAmoni sebebonile ukuthi sebelevumba kuDavida, uHanuni labantwana bakoAmoni bathumela amathalenta esiliva ayinkulungwane ukuziqatshela izinqola labagadi bamabhiza eMesopotamiya. Basebeziqatshela inqola ezizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amathathu lambili lenkosi yeMahaka labantu bayo; abantwana bakoAmoni basebebuthana bevela emizini yabo, beza empini. UDavida esezwile wathuma uJowabi lebutho lonke lamaqhawe. Abantwana bakoAmoni basebephuma bahlela impi esangweni lomuzi, lamakhosi ayezile ayewodwa egangeni. UJowabi esebonile ukuthi impondo zebutho zimelene laye ngaphambili langemuva, wakhetha kuwo wonke umkhethwa koIsrayeli, wabahlela ukumelana lamaSiriya. Labaseleyo babantu wabanikela esandleni sikaAbishayi umfowabo; basebe zi hlela ukumelana labantwana bakoAmoni. Wasesithi: Uba amaSiriya engikhulela, uzakuba lusizo lwami; kodwa uba abantwana bakoAmoni bekukhulela, ngizakusiza. Bana lesibindi, siziqinise ngenxa yabantu bakithi langenxa yemizi kaNkulunkulu wethu; leN kayenze okuhle emehlweni ayo. UJowabi labantu ababelaye basebesondela phambi kwamaSiriya ukuya empini; asebaleka phambi kwakhe. Abantwana bakoAmoni sebebona ukuthi amaSiriya ayabaleka, babaleka labo phambi kukaAbishayi umfowabo, bangena emzini. UJowabi wasengena eJerusalema. AmaSiriya esebonile ukuthi atshayiwe phambi kukaIsrayeli athuma izithunywa akhupha amaSiriya ayengaphetsheya komfula. LoShofaki induna yebutho likaHadadezeri wayephambi kwawo. Esetsheliwe uDavida, wabuthanisa uIsrayeli wonke, wachapha iJodani, wafika kibo, wahlela ibutho limelene lawo. UDavida esehlele impi ukumelana lamaSiriya, alwa laye. Kodwa amaSiriya abaleka phambi kukaIsrayeli; uDavida wasebulala kumaSiriya abezinqola abazinkulungwane eziyisikhombisa. Izinceku zikaHadadezeri sezibonile ukuthi zitshayiwe phambi kukaIsrayeli, zenza ukuthula loDavida, zamsebenzela. Ngakho amaSiriya kawafunanga ukusiza abantwana bakoAmoni futhi. Kwasekusithi ngesikhathi sokuthwasa komnyaka, ngesikhathi amakhosi aphuma ngaso, uJowabi wakhokhela amaqhawe ebutho, wachitha ilizwe labantwana bakoAmoni, weza wavimbezela iRaba. Kodwa uDavida wasala eJerusalema. UDavida wathatha umqhele wenkosi yabo wawususa ekhanda layo, wawuthola ulesisindo sethalenta legolide, laphakathi kwawo kulelitshe eliligugu, wasu bekwaekhanda likaDavida. Wasekhupha impango enengi kakhulu emzini. Wakhupha abantu ababephakathi kwawo, wa ba quma ngesaha, langamapiki ensimbi, langamahloka. Wenza njalo-ke uDavida kuyo yonke imizi yabantwana bakoAmoni; uDavida wasebuyela eJerusalema labo bonke abantu. Kwasekusithi emva kwalokho kwavuka impi; ngalesosikhathi uSibekayi umHushathi watshaya uSiphayi owabantwana besiqhwaga; asesehliselwa phansi. Kwasekusiba khona impi futhi lamaFilisti; uElihanani indodana kaJayiri wasetshaya uLahimi umfowabo kaGoliyathi umGithi, oluthi lomkhonto wakhe lwalungangogodo lwabeluki. Kwabuye kwaba khona futhi impi eGathi lapho okwakukhona umuntu omude owayeleminwe lamazwane kuyisithupha lesithupha, amatshumi amabili lane; laye futhi wazalwa yisiqhwaga. Eseyisa uIsrayeli, uJonathani indodana kaShimeya, umfowabo kaDavida, wamtshaya. Laba bazalelwa isiqhwaga eGathi; basebesiwa ngesandla sikaDavida langesandla sezinceku zakhe. USathane wasesukuma emelana loIsrayeli. Ngakho uDavida wathi kuJowabi lakubabusi babantu: Hambani libale uIsrayeli kusukela eBherishebha kuze kufike koDani, lilethe kimi ukuze ngazi inani labo. UJowabi wasesithi: kayandise ebantwini bayo njengoba benjalo ngokulikhulu. Nkosi yami, nkosi, abasizo bonke yini izinceku zenkosi yami? Inkosi yami ikufunelani lokhu? Izakuba licala ngani kuIsrayeli? Kodwa ilizwi lenkosi laba lamandla phezu kukaJowabi. Ngakho uJowabi waphuma, wahambahamba phakathi kukaIsrayeli wonke; wafika eJerusalema. UJowabi wasenika uDavida inani lokubalwa kwabantu. Njalo wonke uIsrayeli wayengamadoda azinkulungwane ezizinkulungwane lezinkulungwane ezilikhulu ahwatsha inkemba. Kodwa uLevi loBhenjamini kababalanga phakathi kwabo, ngoba ilizwi lenkosi lalinengeka kuJowabi. Njalo kwaba kubi emehlweni kaNkulunkulu mayelana lalindaba; ngakho wamtshaya uIsrayeli. UDavida wasesithi kuNkulunkulu: Ngonile kakhulu ngoba ngenze linto. Kodwa khathesi, ake wedlulise ububi benceku yakho, ngoba ngenze ngobuthutha obukhulu. yasikhuluma kuGadi umboni kaDavida isithi: Hamba ukhulume kuDavida uthi: Itsho njalo iN: Mina ngikubekela okuthathu; zikhethele okunye kukho engizakwenza kuwe. UGadi wasefika kuDavida wathi kuye: Itsho njalo iN: Zikhethele: Kumbe iminyaka emithathu yendlala; loba inyanga ezintathu uqedwa ebusweni bezitha zakho lenkemba yezitha zakho i ku fice; kumbe insuku ezintathu inkemba yeN, ngitsho umatshayabhuqe wesifo, elizweni, lengilosi yeN ichitha kuwo wonke umngcele wakoIsrayeli. Ngakho-ke bona ukuthi yimpendulo bani engizayibuyisela kongithumileyo. UDavida wasesithi kuGadi: Ngicindezelwe kakhulu; ake ngiwele esandleni seN, ngoba izisa zayo zinengi kakhulu; kodwa kangingaweli esandleni somuntu. Ngakho yathuma umatshayabhuqe wesifo koIsrayeli; kwasekusiwa abantu abazinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisikhombisa. UNkulunkulu wasethuma ingilosi eJerusalema ukuyibhubhisa; njalo isayibhubhisa, yabona yazisola ngalobobubi, yasisithi kuyo ingilosi ebhubhisayo: Kwanele, khathesi buyisa isandla sakho. Ingilosi yeN yayimi-ke ebaleni lokubhulela likaOrinani umJebusi. UDavida wasephakamisa amehlo akhe, wabona ingilosi yeN imi phakathi komhlaba lamazulu lenkemba yayo ehwatshiweyo esandleni sayo iyelulele phezu kweJerusalema. UDavida labadala begqoke-ke amasaka bathi mbo ngobuso babo. UDavida wasesithi kuNkulunkulu: Kakusimi yini othe kababale abantu? Yebo yimi owonileyo owenze okubi sibili. Kodwa lezizimvu zenzeni? N Nkulunkulu wami, isandla sakho ake sibe phezu kwami laphezu kwendlu kababa, kodwa hatshi phezu kwabantu bakho ukuthi bahlutshwe. Ingilosi yeN yasisithi kuGadi katshele uDavida ukuthi uDavida kenyuke a ye kwakhela ilathi ebaleni lokubhulela likaOrinani umJebusi. UDavida wasesenyuka ngelizwi likaGadi alikhuluma ngebizo leN. UOrinani enyemukula wabona ingilosi; lamadodana akhe amane ayelaye acatsha. UOrinani wayebhula-ke ingqoloyi. UDavida esefika kuOrinani, uOrinani wakhangela wambona uDavida, waphuma ebaleni lokubhulela, wakhothamela uDavida ngobuso emhlabathini. UDavida wasesithi kuOrinani: Nginika indawo yebala lokubhulela ukuze ngakhele ilathi kuyo; nginike yona ngemali egcweleyo, ukuze inhlupheko imiswe ebantwini. UOrinani wasesithi kuDavida: Zithathele, inkosi yami inkosi kayenze okuhle emehlweni ayo; khangela, ngiyanika inkabi zibe yiminikelo yokutshiswa, lezimbulo zibe zinkuni, lengqoloyi ibe ngumnikelo wokudla. Ngiyanika konke. Kodwa inkosi uDavida yathi kuOrinani: Hatshi, kodwa ngizathenga lokuthenga ngemali egcweleyo; ngoba kangiyikuthathela okwakho, loba nginikele iminikelo yokutshiswa ngaphandle kwentengo. UDavida wasemnika uOrinani ngaleyondawo amashekeli angamakhulu ayisithupha egolide ngesisindo. UDavida waseyakhela khona ilathi, wanikela iminikelo yokutshiswa leminikelo yokuthula, wayibiza iN; yasimphendula ngomlilo ovela emazulwini phezu kwelathi lomnikelo wokutshiswa. yasilaya ingilosi; yasibuyisela inkemba yayo esikhwameni sayo. Ngalesosikhathi uDavida esebonile ukuthi imphendule ebaleni lokubhulela likaOrinani umJebusi, wanikela khona imihlatshelo. Ngoba ithabhanekele leN uMozisi ayelenze enkangala lelathi lomnikelo wokutshiswa ngalesosikhathi kwakusendaweni ephakemeyo eGibeyoni. Kodwa uDavida wayengelakho ukuhamba phambi kwalo ukudinga uNkulunkulu. UDavida wasesithi: Le yindlu yeN uNkulunkulu, laleli lilathi lomnikelo wokutshiswa kaIsrayeli. UDavida waselaya ukubuthanisa abezizweni ababeselizweni lakoIsrayeli. UDavida waselungisa insimbi enengi kakhulu yezipikili zezivalo zamasango leyokuhlanganisa; lezigodo zemisedari ezingelakubalwa; ngoba amaSidoni lamaTire amlethela uDavida izigodo zemisedari ezinengi kakhulu. UDavida wasesithi: USolomoni indodana yami ungumfana, ubuthakathaka, lendlu ezakwakhelwa kumele yenziwe ibe nkulu kakhulu, ibe lebizo ibe lodumo emazweni wonke. Ngakho ngizayilungiselela. UDavida waselungiselela kakhulu phambi kokufa kwakhe. Wasebiza uSolomoni indodana yakhe, wamlaya ukuthi akhele uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli indlu. UDavida wasesithi kuSolomoni: Ndodana yami, mina-ke, kwakusenhliziyweni yami. Kodwa ilizwi leN lafika kimi lisithi: Uchithe igazi elinengi. Khangela, uzazalelwa indodana ezakuba ngumuntu wokuphumula; njalo ngizayiphumuza ezitheni zayo zonke inhlangothi zonke: Ngoba ibizo layo lizakuba nguSolomoni, njalo ngizanika ukuthula lokuphumula phezu kukaIsrayeli ensukwini zakhe. Yena uzakwakhela ibizo lami indlu. Khathesi, ndodana yami, ibe lawe, njalo uphumelele wakhe indlu yeN uNkulunkulu wakho, njengokutsho kwayo ngawe. Kuphela ikunike inhlakanipho lokuqedisisa, ikulaye ngoIsrayeli, ukuze ulondoloze umlayo weN uNkulunkulu wakho. Khona uzaphumelela, uba unanzelela ukwenza izimiso lezahlulelo eyakulaya uMozisi ngoIsrayeli. Khangela-ke, ekuhluphekeni kwami ngilungisele indlu yeN amathalenta egolide ayizinkulungwane ezilikhulu, lamathalenta esiliva ayizinkulungwane eziyinkulungwane, ngoba kunengi kakhulu; ngilungise lezigodo lamatshe. Uzakwengezelela-ke kukho. Njalo ulezisebenzi ezinengi, ababazi bamatshe, lezingcitshi zamatshe lezezigodo, layo yonke indoda ehlakaniphileyo kuwo wonke umsebenzi. Kakulanani legolide, lelesiliva, lelethusi, lelensimbi! UDavida waselaya zonke induna zakoIsrayeli ukusiza uSolomoni indodana yakhe, esithi: uNkulunkulu wenu kayilani yini? Ngoba inikele abahlali belizwe esandleni sami, lelizwe lehliselwe phansi phambi kweN laphambi kwabantu bayo. Khathesi misani inhliziyo yenu lomphefumulo wenu ukudinga uNkulunkulu wenu. UDavida esemdala esanele ngensuku. Wasebuthanisa zonke induna zakoIsrayeli labapristi lamaLevi. AmaLevi asebalwa kusukela koleminyaka engamatshumi amathathu kusiya phezulu. Kula kwakulezinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lane okuqondisa umsebenzi wendlu yeN; lezinduna labahluleli abayizinkulungwane eziyisithupha; labagcini bamasango abayizinkulungwane ezine; labadumisi beN abayizinkulungwane ezine ngezinto engizenzele ukudumisa. UDavida wasewehlukanisa ngezigaba. KumaGerishoni kwakungoLadani loShimeyi. Amadodana kaLadani: OJehiyeli inhloko. Amadodana kaShimeyi: OShelomithi loHaziyeli loHarani, emathathu. La ayezinhloko zaboyise koLadani. Lamadodana kaShimeyi: OJahathi, uZiza, loJewushi, loBeriya. La ayengamadodana kaShimeyi, emane. LoJahathi wayeyinhloko, loZiza engowesibili; kodwa uJewushi loBeriya babengelabantwana abanengi, ngakho babesendlini yaboyise ngokubalwa kanye. Amadodana kaKohathi: OAmramu, uIzihari, uHebroni, loUziyeli, emane. Amadodana kaAmramu: OAroni loMozisi. NgoMozisi umuntu kaNkulunkulu. Amadodana kaMozisi: OGereshoma loEliyezeri. Amadodana kaGereshoma: UShebuweli inhloko. Lamadodana kaEliyezeri ayenguRehabhiya inhloko; uEliyezeri wayengelawo-ke amanye amadodana, kodwa amadodana kaRehabhiya ayemanengi okwedlulisayo. Amadodana kaIzihari: UShelomithi inhloko. Amadodana kaHebroni: OJeriya inhloko, uAmariya owesibili, uJahaziyeli owesithathu, uJekameyamu owesine. Amadodana kaUziyeli: OMika inhloko. Amadodana kaMerari: OMahli loMushi. UEleyazare wasesifa, wayengelamadodana kodwa amadodakazi. Amadodana kaMushi: OMahli loEderi loJeremothi, emathathu. La ngamadodana kaLevi ngendlu yaboyise. Ngoba uDavida wathi: IN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, ibanikile abantu bayo ukuphumula, bazahlala eJerusalema kuze kube sephakadeni. Ngokunjalo-ke kumaLevi; kakulamuntu ozathwala ithabhanekele laloba yiziphi izitsha zalo zenkonzo yalo. Ngoba ngamazwi kaDavida okucina amadodana kaLevi abhalwa kusukela kwaleminyaka engamatshumi amabili kusiya phezulu. Ngoba indawo yawo yayingasesandleni samadodana kaAroni enkonzweni yendlu yeN, phezu kwamaguma, laphezu kwamakamelo, laphezu kokuhlambulula zonke izinto ezingcwele, lomsebenzi wenkonzo yendlu kaNkulunkulu, lowezinkwa zokubukiswa; lokuma ukusa ngokusa ukubonga lokudumisa iN, kanjalo lantambama, lokunikela konke kweminikelo yokutshiswa eNni ngamasabatha, ngenani, ngokwesimiso kukho, njalonjalo phambi kweN. Njalo azagcina umlindo wethente lenhlangano, lomlindo wendlu engcwele. Njalo izigaba zamadodana kaAroni. Amadodana kaAroni: ONadabi, loAbihu, uEleyazare, loIthamari. Kodwa oNadabi loAbihu bafa mandulo kuloyise, njalo bengelabantwana; ngakho oEleyazare loIthamari basebenza njengabapristi. UDavida wasebehlukanisa, loZadoki emadodaneni kaEleyazare. Kwatholakala emadodaneni kaEleyazare inhloko zamaqhawe amanengi okwedlula emadodaneni kaIthamari mhla bewehlukanisa; emadodaneni kaEleyazare kwakulenhloko ezilitshumi lesithupha zendlu yaboyise, eziyisificaminwembili. Basebezehlukanisa ngezinkatho, lezi laleziyana, ngoba izinduna zendlu engcwele lezinduna zikaNkulunkulu zazivela emadodaneni kaEleyazare lemadodaneni kaIthamari. UShemaya indodana kaNethaneli umbhali, ovela kumaLevi, wasezibhala phambi kwenkosi leziphathamandla loZadoki umpristi, lenhloko zaboyise zabapristi lezamaLevi; indlu kayise eyodwa yathathelwa uEleyazare, leyodwa yathathelwa uIthamari. Inkatho yokuqala yasiphumela uJehoyaribi, eyesibili uJedaya, eyesithathu uHarimi, eyesine uSeworimi, eyesihlanu uMalikiya, eyesithupha uMijamini, eyesikhombisa uHakhozi, eyesificaminwembili uAbhiya, eyesificamunwemunye uJeshuwa, eyetshumi uShekaniya, eyetshumi lanye uEliyashibi, eyetshumi lambili uJakimi, eyetshumi lantathu uHupha, eyetshumi lane uJeshebeyabi, eyetshumi lanhlanu uBiliga, eyetshumi lesithupha uImeri, eyetshumi lesikhombisa uHeziri, eyetshumi lesificaminwembili uHaphizezi, eyetshumi lesificamunwemunye uPhethahiya, eyamatshumi amabili uJehezekeli, eyamatshumi amabili lanye uJakini, eyamatshumi amabili lambili uGamuli, eyamatshumi amabili lantathu uDelaya, eyamatshumi amabili lane uMahaziya. Isikhundla salaba enkonzweni yabo sasiyikungena endlini yeN ngokwesimiso sabo ngesandla sikaAroni uyise, njengalokho uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli yayimlayile. Labaseleyo emadodaneni kaLevi: Emadodaneni kaAmramu: NguShubayeli; emadodaneni kaShubayeli: NguJehideya. NgoRehabhiya: Emadodaneni kaRehabhiya, inhloko kwakunguIshiya; kwabakoIzihari, uShelomothi; emadodaneni kaShelomothi, uJahathi. Lamadodana kaHebroni. Amadodana kaUziyeli, uMika. Umfowabo kaMika nguIshiya; emadodaneni kaIshiya, uZekhariya. Amadodana kaMerari: OMahli loMushi; amadodana kaJahaziya: UBheno. Amadodana kaMerari: KuJahaziya: OBheno loShohama loZakuri loIbiri. KuMahli: UEleyazare, owayengelamadodana. NgoKishi: Amadodana kaKishi: UJerameli. Lamadodana kaMushi. La ngamadodana amaLevi ngokwendlu yaboyise. Lalaba labo benza inkatho yokuphosa njengabafowabo lenhloko zaboyise babapristi labamaLevi, inhloko yaboyise njengomfowabo omnciyane. UDavida lenduna zebutho. Lenani lamadoda omsebenzi lalinjengokwenkonzo yawo: Emadodaneni kaAsafi. NgoJeduthuni: Amadodana kaJeduthuni: OGedaliya, loZeri, loJeshaya, uHashabhiya, loMathithiya, beyisithupha, ezandleni zikayise uJeduthuni. NgoHemani: Amadodana kaHemani: OBukhiya, uMathaniya, uUziyeli, uShebuweli, loJerimothi, uHananiya, uHanani, uEliyatha, uGidaliti, loRomamiti-Ezeri, uJoshibekasha, uMaloti, uHothiri, uMahaziyothi. Bonke laba babengamadodana kaHemani umboni wenkosi emazwini kaNkulunkulu ukuphakamisa uphondo. Njalo uNkulunkulu wamnika uHemani amadodana alitshumi lane lamadodakazi amathathu. Bonke laba babesezandleni zikayise ekuhlabeleleni endlini yeN ngensimbi ezincencethayo. Lenani labo kanye labafowabo ababefundiswe ngezingoma zeN, bonke ababelolwazi. Basebesenza inkatho yokuphosa ngomlindo. Inkatho yokuqala yasiphumela uAsafi; eyesithathu k uZakuri; eyesine kuIziri, amadodana akhe labafowabo, belitshumi lambili; eyesihlanu k uNethaniya, amadodana akhe labafowabo, belitshumi lambili; eyesithupha k uBukhiya, amadodana akhe labafowabo, belitshumi lambili; eyesikhombisa k uAsarela, amadodana akhe labafowabo, belitshumi lambili; eyesificaminwembili k uJeshaya, amadodana akhe labafowabo, belitshumi lambili; eyesificamunwemunye k uMathaniya, amadodana akhe labafowabo, belitshumi lambili; eyetshumi k uShimeyi, amadodana akhe labafowabo, belitshumi lambili; eyetshumi lanye k uAzareli, amadodana akhe labafowabo, belitshumi lambili; eyetshumi lambili kuHashabhiya, amadodana akhe labafowabo, belitshumi lambili; eyetshumi lantathu k uShebuweli, amadodana akhe labafowabo, belitshumi lambili; eyetshumi lane k uMathithiya, amadodana akhe labafowabo, belitshumi lambili; eyetshumi lanhlanu kuJeremothi, amadodana akhe labafowabo, belitshumi lambili; eyetshumi lesithupha kuHananiya, amadodana akhe labafowabo, belitshumi lambili; eyetshumi lesikhombisa kuJoshibekasha, amadodana akhe labafowabo, belitshumi lambili; eyetshumi lesificaminwembili kuHanani, amadodana akhe labafowabo, belitshumi lambili; eyetshumi lesificamunwemunye kuMalothi, amadodana akhe labafowabo, belitshumi lambili; eyamatshumi amabili kuEliyatha, amadodana akhe labafowabo, belitshumi lambili; eyamatshumi amabili lanye kuHothiri, amadodana akhe labafowabo, belitshumi lambili; eyamatshumi amabili lambili kuGidaliti, amadodana akhe labafowabo, belitshumi lambili; eyamatshumi amabili lantathu kuMahaziyothi, amadodana akhe labafowabo, belitshumi lambili; eyamatshumi amabili lane kuRomamiti-Ezeri, amadodana akhe labafowabo, belitshumi lambili. Ngezigaba zabalindi bamasango. KwabakoKora kwakunguMeshelemiya indodana kaKore wamadodana kaAsafi. LoMeshelemiya wayelamadodana, uZekhariya izibulo, uJediyayeli owesibili, uZebhadiya owesithathu, uJathiniyeli owesine, uElamu owesihlanu, uJehohanani owesithupha, uEliyohenayi owesikhombisa. UObedi-Edoma laye wayelamadodana, uShemaya izibulo, uJehozabadi owesibili, uJowa owesithathu, uSakari owesine, loNethaneli owesihlanu, uAmiyeli owesithupha, uIsakari owesikhombisa, uPhewulethayi owesificaminwembili; ngoba uNkulunkulu wayembusisile. LakuShemaya indodana yakhe kwazalwa amadodana abusa jikelele endlini kayise, ngoba ayengamaqhawe alamandla. Amadodana kaShemaya: O-Othini, loRefayeli, loObedi, uElizabadi, abafowabo, amadodana alamandla, oElihu loSemakhiya. Bonke laba babengabamadodana kaObedi-Edoma, bona lamadodana abo labafowabo, amadoda enelisayo ngamandla omsebenzi, bengamatshumi ayisithupha lambili bakoObedi-Edoma. Njalo uMeshelemiya. UHosha laye emadodaneni kaMerari wayelamadodana, uShimiri inhloko (lanxa wayengeyisilo izibulo, kodwa uyise wamenza waba yinhloko); uHilikhiya owesibili, uTebaliya owesithathu, uZekhariya owesine; wonke amadodana labafowabo bakaHosa babelitshumi lantathu. Phakathi kwalabo kwakulezigaba zabalindi bamasango; izinhloko zamadoda zilemilandu njengabafowabo, ukukhonza endlini yeN. Basebesenza inkatho yokuphosa, omncinyane laye njengomkhulu, ngokwendlu yaboyise, besenzela isango lesango. Inkatho yempumalanga yawela-ke phezu kukaShelemiya; basebesenza inkatho yokuphosa ngoZekhariya indodana yakhe, umeluleki ohlakaniphileyo; inkatho yakhe yasiphuma ngenyakatho. KuObedi-Edoma ngeningizimu; lakumadodana akhe, indlu yokulondoloza. KuShupimi lakuHosa ngentshonalanga, lesango iShalekethi. Ngempumalanga kwakulamaLevi ayisithupha, ngenyakatho abane ngosuku, ngeningizimu abane ngosuku, leziphaleni ababili ng ababili; eParibari ngentshonalanga. Lezi yizigaba zabalindi bamasango bamadodana amaKora. LakumaLevi, uAhiya wayephethe izinto eziligugu zendlu kaNkulunkulu, njalo wayephethe izinto eziligugu zezinto ezingcwele. Amadodana kaLadani, abantwana bomGerishoni uLadani, kaLadani umGerishoni, inhloko zaboyise zazingoJehiyeli. Amadodana kaJehiyeli: UZethamu, loJoweli umfowabo, babephethe izinto eziligugu zendlu yeN kumaAmramu, kumaIzihari, kumaHebroni, kumaUziyeli. LoShebuweli indodana kaGereshoma indodana kaMozisi wayeyisiphathamandla phezu kwezinto eziligugu. Labafowabo abakaEliyezeri: ORehabhiya indodana yakhe. UShelomithi lo labafowabo babephethe zonke izinto eziligugu zezinto ezingcwele uDavida inkosi ayezingcwelisile, lenhloko zaboyise, lenduna zezinkulungwane lezamakhulu, labalawulimabutho. Kokwempi lokwempangweni bakungcwelisela ukulungisa indlu yeN. Lakho konke uSamuweli umboni ayekungcwelisile; konke okwakungcwelisiwe kwakungaphansi kwesandla sikaShelomithi labafowabo. KumaIzihari uKenaniya lamadodana akhe babengabomsebenzi wangaphandle phezu kukaIsrayeli. KumaHebroni uHashabhiya labafowabo, amadoda alamandla, ayinkulungwane lamakhulu ayisikhombisa, babephethe iziphathamandla zakoIsrayeli nganeno kweJodani ngentshonalanga, emsebenzini wonke kaJehova lenkonzweni yenkosi. KumaHebroni uJeriya wayeyinhloko. Labafowabo amadoda alamandla ayezinkulungwane ezimbili lamakhulu ayisikhombisa, inhloko zezindlu. UDavida inkosi wasebenza abaphathi phezu kwabakoRubeni labakoGadi lengxenye yesizwe sakoManase ezintweni zonke zikaNkulunkulu lezinto zenkosi. Njalo abantwana bakoIsrayeli ngenani labo, inhloko zaboyise, lezinduna zezinkulungwane lezamakhulu, leziphathamandla zabo ezazisebenzela inkosi ezindabeni zonke zezigaba, ezazingena ziphuma inyanga ngenyanga enyangeni zonke zomnyaka; leso lalesosigaba sasilezinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lane. Phezu kwesigaba sokuqala ngenyanga yokuqala kwakunguJashobeyamu indodana kaZabidiyeli; lesigabeni sakhe kwakulezinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lane. Wayengowamadodana kaPerezi, inhloko yabo bonke abaphathi bebutho ngenyanga yokuqala. Laphezu kwesigaba senyanga yesibili kwakunguDodayi umAhohi; l e sigab enisakhe uMikilothi laye wayeyinduna; lesigabeni sakhe kwakulezinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lane. Induna yesithathu yebutho ngenyanga yesithathu yayinguBhenaya indodana kaJehoyada umpristi omkhulu; lesigabeni sakhe kwakulezinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lane. UBhenaya lo wayeliqhawe labangamatshumi amathathu, laphezu kwabangamatshumi amathathu. La ku sigaba sakhe kwakuloAmizabadi indodana yakhe. Eyesine ngenyanga yesine yayinguAsaheli umfowabo kaJowabie. Eyesihlanu ngenyanga yesihlanu yayingumphathi uShamihuthi; lesigabeni sakhe kwakulezinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lane. Eyesithupha ngenyanga yesithupha yayinguIra indodana kaIkheshi umThekhowa; lesigabeni sakhe kwakulezinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lane. Eyesikhombisa ngenyanga yesikhombisa yayinguHelezi umPheloni wamadodana akoEfrayimi; lesigabeni sakhe kwakulezinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lane. Eyesificaminwembili ngenyanga yesificaminwembili yayinguSibekayi. Eyesificamunwemunye ngenyanga yesificamunwemunye yayinguAbiyezeri umAnathothi wabakoBhenjamini; lesigabeni sakhe kwakulezinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lane. Eyetshumi ngenyanga yetshumi yayinguMaharayi umNetofa; lesigabeni sakhe kwakulezinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lane. Eyetshumi lanye ngenyanga yetshumi lanye yayinguBhenaya umPirathoni wabantwana bakoEfrayimi; lesigabeni sakhe kwakulezinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lane. Eyetshumi lambili ngenyanga yetshumi lambili yayinguHelidayi umNetofa wakoOthiniyeli; lesigabeni sakhe kwakulezinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lane. Laphezu kwezizwe zakoIsrayeli: Umbusi wabakoRubeni kwakunguEliyezeri indodana kaZikiri. KwabakoSimeyoni, uShefethiya indodana kaMahaka. KwabakoLevi, uHashabhiya indodana kaKemuweli. KoJuda, uElihu wabafowabo bakaDavida. KoIsakari, uOmri indodana kaMikayeli. KoZebuluni, uIshmaya indodana kaObhadiya. KoNafithali, uJerimothi indodana kaAziriyeli. Ebantwaneni bakoEfrayimi, uHosheya indodana kaAzaziya. Engxenyeni eyodwa kwezimbili yesizwe sakoManase, uJoweli indodana kaPhedaya. Engxenyeni eyodwa kwezimbili yakoManase eGileyadi, uIdo indodana kaZekhariya. KoDani, uAzareli indodana kaJerohamu. Laba babeyiziphathamandla zezizwe zakoIsrayeli. Kodwa uDavida kathathanga inani lalabo abaleminyaka engamatshumi amabili langaphansi, ngoba yayithe izakwengeza uIsrayeli njengezinkanyezi zamazulu. UJowabi indodana kaZeruya waqalisa ukubala, kodwa kaqedanga. Laphezu kwezinto eziligugu zenkosi kwakuloAzimavethi indodana kaAdiyeli; laphezu kwezinto eziligugu ensimini, emizini, lemizaneni, lezinqabeni kwakuloJonathani indodana kaUziya. Laphezu kwabenza umsebenzi wensimu, wokulinywa komhlabathi, kwakuloEziri indodana kaKelubi. Laphezu kwezivini kwakuloShimeyi umRama. Laphezu kwezihlahla zemihlwathi lemikhiwa yesikhamore. Laphezu kwezinkomo ezazisidla eSharoni kwakuloShitirayi umSharoni. Laphezu kwezinkomo ezazisezigodini kwakuloShafati indodana kaAdilayi. Laphezu kwamakamela kwakuloObili umIshmayeli. Laphezu kwemihlambi kwakuloJaziri umHagiri. Bonke labo babengabaphathi bempahla inkosi uDavida ayelayo. UJonathani, uyise omdala kaDavida, wayengumeluleki, indoda ehlakaniphileyo, njalo wayengumbhali; loJehiyeli indodana kaHakimoni wayelabantwana benkosi. Njalo uAhithofeli wayengumeluleki wenkosi. Lemva kukaAhithofeli kwakuloJehoyada indodana kaBhenaya. UDavida wasebuthanisa zonke iziphathamandla zakoIsrayeli. UDavida inkosi wasesima ngenyawo zakhe wathi: Ngilalelani, bafowethu labantu bami. Mina, kwakusenhliziyweni yami ukwakhela umtshokotsho wesivumelwano seN indlu yokuphumula. Kodwa uNkulunkulu wathi kimi: Kawuyikulakhela ibizo lami indlu, ngoba wena ungumuntu wempi, uchithe igazi elinengi. Kanti uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli yangikhetha kuyo yonke indlu kababa ukuthi ngibe yinkosi phezu kukaIsrayeli. Lakuwo wonke amadodana ami (ngoba yanginika amadodana amanengi. Yasisithi kimi: USolomoni indodana yakho nguye ozakwakha indlu yami lamaguma ami, ngoba ngimkhethile ukuba yindodana yami, lami ngizakuba nguyise. Njalo ngizawuqinisa umbuso wakhe kuze kube nininini. Ngakho-ke phambi kwamehlo kaIsrayeli wonke, ibandla leN, lendlebeni zikaNkulunkulu wethu, gcinani lidinge yonke imilayo yeN uNkulunkulu wenu, ukuze lidle ilifa lalelilizwe elihle, lenze abantwana benu badle ilifa laloemva kwenu kuze kube nininini. Wena-ke, Solomoni ndodana yami, mazi uNkulunkulu kayihlo. Bona-ke, ngoba ikukhethile ukuthi wakhe indlu ibe yindlu engcwele; qina, ukwenze. UDavida wasenika uSolomoni indodana yakhe umdwebo. Lomdwebo wakho konke ayelakho ngoMoya, lowamaguma endlu yeN, lowamakamelo wonke azingelezeleyo, lowezigaba zabapristi, lowomsebenzi wonke wenkonzo yendlu yeN, lowezitsha zonke zenkonzo yendlu yeN. Waphaigolide ngesisindo nge zinto ze golide, ngempahla yonke yenkonzo ngenkonzo, ngempahla yonke yesiliva ngesisindo, ngempahla yonke yenkonzo ngenkonzo, lesisindo sezinti zesibane zegolide, ngesisindo soluthi lwesibane ngalunye lezibane zalo, langezinti zesibane zesiliva, ngesisindo soluthi lwesibane lezibane zalo, njengomsebenzi woluthi lwesibane ngalunye. Wa se nikaigolide ngesisindo lamatafula ezinkwa zokubukiswa, ngalelo lalelotafula, lesiliva samatafula esiliva. Lamafologwe, langezitsha zesiliva ngesisindo saleso lalesositsha. Langelathi lempephaagubuzela umtshokotsho wesivumelwano seN. UDavida wathi:Konke lokhu yenza ngi kuqedisise ngombhalo, yonke imisebenzi yomdwebo. UDavida wasesithi kuSolomoni indodana yakhe: Qina, ube lesibindi, usebenze; ungesabi, ungatshaywa luvalo. Khangela-ke, izigaba zabapristi lezamaLevi, zenkonzo yonke yendlu kaNkulunkulu. UDavida inkosi wasesithi ebandleni lonke: USolomoni indodana yami, yena yedwa uNkulunkulu amkhethileyo, u se ngumfana ubuthakathaka. Ngakho ngiyilungisele indlu kaNkulunkulu wami ngamandla ami wonke, igolide lo kwe golide, lesiliva lo kwe siliva, lethusi lo kwe thusi, insimbi lo kwe nsimbi, lezigodo lo kwe zigodo, amatshe e-onikse. Laphezu kwakho, ngenxa yokuthanda kwami indlu kaNkulunkulu wami, nganikela indlu kaNkulunkulu wami inotho yegolide leyesiliva, engilakho, phezu kwakho konke engikulungisele indlu yendawo engcwele, amathalenta egolide azinkulungwane ezintathu egolideni azinkulungwane eziyisikhombisa, ukuhuqa imiduli yezindlu. Igolide kusenzelwa okwe golide, lesiliva kusenzelwa okwe siliva, langawo wonke umsebenzi ngesandla sezingcitshi. Ngubani-ke ovumayo ukuzehlukanisela lamuhla? Inhloko zaboyise zasezinikela ngesihle, lezinduna zezizwe zakoIsrayeli. Basebenikela emsebenzini wendlu kaNkulunkulu amathalenta azinkulungwane ezinhlanu egolide, lenhlamvu ezizinkulungwane ezilitshumi, lamathalenta esiliva azinkulungwane ezilitshumi, lamathalenta ethusi azinkulungwane ezilitshumi lesificaminwembili, lamathalenta ensimbi azinkulungwane ezilikhulu. Lalabo okwatholwa kibo amatshe aligugu bawanika indlu yokuligugu yendlu yeN KOSI. Basebethokoza abantu ngokunikela kwabo ngesihle, ngoba ngenhliziyo epheleleyo babenikele ngothando kuNkulunkulu; loDavida inkosi laye wathokoza ngentokozo enkulu. UDavida waseyibusisa phambi kwamehlo ebandla lonke; uDavida wathi: Kawubusiswe wena N Nkulunkulu kaIsrayeli ubaba, kusukela ephakadeni kuze kube sephakadeni. Kungokwakho, N, ubukhulu. Lenotho lodumo kuvela phambi kwakho, wena-ke ubusa phezu kwakho konke. Ngakho-ke Nkulunkulu wethu, siyakubonga, silidumise ibizo lakho elilodumo. Ngoba mina-ke ngingubani, labantu bami bangobani, ukuthi sithole amandla okunika ngothando ngokunje? Ngoba konke kuvela kuwe, sinikele kuwe okuvela esandleni sakho. Ngoba singabemzini phambi kwakho labahlala njengabezizwe njengabo bonke obaba. N Nkulunkulu wethu, konke lokhu okunengi, esikulungisele ukwakhela wena indlu, kusenzelwa ibizo lakho elingcwele, kuvela esandleni sakho, njalo konke kungokwakho. Ngiyazi-ke, Nkulunkulu wami, ukuthi wena uhlola inhliziyo. N, Nkulunkulu kaAbrahama, uIsaka, loIsrayeli, obaba, gcina lokho laphakade ekuzindleni kweminakano yenhliziyo yabantu bakho, ulungise inhliziyo yabo kuwe. Njalo unike uSolomoni indodana yami inhliziyo epheleleyo ukugcina imilayo yakho, ubufakazi bakho, lezimiso zakho. UDavida wasesithi kulo lonke ibandla: Khathesi busisani uNkulunkulu wenu. Ibandla lonke laselibusisa iN, uNkulunkulu waboyise. Basebehlabela imihlatshelo eNni, banikela iminikelo yokutshiswa eNni, ngokusa kwalolosuku, amajongosi azinkulungwane, izinqama eziyinkulungwane, amawundlu ayinkulungwane, kanye leminikelo yabo yokunathwayo, lemihlatshelo ngobunengi kusenzelwa uIsrayeli wonke. Basebesidla banatha phambi kweN ngalolosuku ngentokozo enkulu. Basebembeka okwesibili. USolomoni. Lazo zonke izinduna lamaqhawe kanye lawo wonke amadodana enkosi uDavida bazehlisela ngaphansi kukaSolomoni inkosi. yasimphakamisa uSolomoni kakhulu phambi kwamehlo kaIsrayeli wonke. Ngokunjalo uDavida indodana kaJese wayebuse phezu kukaIsrayeli wonke. Njalo insuku abusa ngazo phezu kukaIsrayeli zaziyiminyaka engamatshumi amane. Wasesifa eseluphele kuhle. Njalo izindaba zikaDavida inkosi, ezokuqala lezokucina, kanye lakho konke ukubusa kwakhe lamandla akhe, lezikhathi ezedlula phezu kwakhe laphezu kukaIsrayeli laphezu kwayo yonke imibuso yamazwe. USolomoni indodana kaDavida waseqina embusweni wakhe. USolomoni wasekhuluma kuIsrayeli wonke, kubaphathi bezinkulungwane labamakhulu, lakubahluleli, lakuzo zonke induna kuIsrayeli wonke, inhloko zaboyise. USolomoni lebandla lonke laye basebesiya endaweni ephakemeyo eyayiseGibeyoni. Kodwa uDavida wayewenyusile umtshokotsho kaNkulunkulu, wawusa lapho uDavida ayewulungisele khona, ngoba wayewumisele ithente eJerusalema. Lelathi lethusi. USolomoni wasesenyukela lapho elathini lethusi phambi kweN elalisethenteni lenhlangano, wanikela phezu kwalo iminikelo yokutshiswa eyinkulungwane. Ngalobobusuku uNkulunkulu wabonakala kuSolomoni, wathi kuye: Cela engingakupha khona. USolomoni wasesithi kuNkulunkulu: Wena wenzele uDavida ubaba umusa omkhulu, wangenza ngaba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. Khathesi, N Nkulunkulu, kaliqiniswe ilizwi lakho kuDavida ubaba, ngoba wena ungenze ngaba yinkosi phezu kwabantu abanengi ngangothuli lomhlabathi. Khathesi ngipha inhlakanipho lolwazi ukuze ngiphume ngingene phambi kwalababantu; ngoba ngubani ongehlulela lababantu bakho abakhulu kangaka? UNkulunkulu wasesithi kuSolomoni: Ngenxa yokuthi lokhu bekusenhliziyweni yakho, njalo ungacelanga inotho, ingcebo, lodumo, lempilo yezitha zakho, futhi ungacelanga insuku ezinengi, kodwa uzicelele inhlakanipho lolwazi ukuze wahlulele abantu bami engikwenze waba yinkosi phezu kwabo: Inhlakanipho lolwazi ukuphiwe; ngizakunika futhi inotho lengcebo lodumo. Wasebuya uSolomoni evela endaweni ephakemeyo eseGibeyoni waya eJerusalema, evela phambi kwethente lenhlangano; wasebusa phezu kukaIsrayeli. USolomoni wasebuthanisa izinqola labagadi bamabhiza. Inkosi yasisenza isiliva legolide eJerusalema kwaba njengamatshe, njalo wenza imisedari yaba njengemikhiwa yesikhamore esesihotsheni, ngobunengi. Wasengenisa ngokuthenga amabhiza avela eGibhithe, ayengekaSolomoni, lelembu elicolekileyo; labathengi benkosi babelithatha ilembu elicolekileyo ngentengo. Basebesenyusa bekhupha inqola eGibhithe nga mashekeliesiliva angamakhulu ayisithupha, lebhiza nga mashekelialikhulu lamatshumi amahlanu. Ngokunjalo ba ku khuphela wonke amakhosi amaHethi lamakhosi eSiriya ngesandla sabo. USolomoni wasezimisela ukwakhela ibizo leN indlu, lendlu yombuso wakhe. USolomoni wasebala amadoda azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisikhombisa. USolomoni wasethumela kuHuramu inkosi yeTire esithi: Njengokwenza kwakho kuDavida ubaba umthumela imisedari ukumakhela indlu yokuhlala kuyo, yenza njalo lakimi. Khangela, mina ngakhela ibizo leN uNkulunkulu wami indlu, uku y ehlukanisela yona, ukutshisa phambi kwayo impepha elephunga elimnandi, lezinkwa zokubukiswa njalonjalo, leminikelo yokutshiswa ekuseni lantambama, ngamasabatha, lekuthwaseni kwezinyanga, langemikhosi emisiweyo yeN uNkulunkulu wethu. Lesi yisimisosaphakade kuIsrayeli. Lendlu engiyakhayo inkulu, ngoba uNkulunkulu wethu mkhulu kulabonkulunkulu bonke. Kodwa ngubani ongaba lamandla okumakhela indlu, ngoba amazulu, yebo, amazulu amazulu, angemanele? Mina-ke ngingubani ukuthi ngimakhele indlu, ngaphandle kokutshisa impepha phambi kwakhe? Ngakho-ke thuma kimi umuntu oyingcitshi ekusebenzeni ngegolide langesiliva langethusi langensimbi langokuyibubende langokubomvu langokuluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka, lokwaziyo ukubaza okubazwe ngokugujwa, labazingcitshi abalami koJuda leJerusalema, uDavida ubaba abamisayo. Ngithumela njalo izigodo zemisedari, amafiri, lama-aligumi ezivela eLebhanoni; ngoba mina ngiyazi ukuthi inceku zakho ziyakwazi ukugamula izihlahla zeLebhanoni; khangela-ke, inceku zami zi zaku ba lenceku zakho; ngitsho ukungilungisela izigodo ezinengi, ngoba indlu engiyakhayo izakuba nkulu imangalise. Khangela-ke, inceku zakho, abagamuli abagamula izihlahla, ngizazinika amakhori engqoloyi echoliweyo azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili, lamakhori ebhali azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili, lamabhathi ewayini azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili, lamabhathi amafutha azinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili. UHuramu inkosi yeTire wasephendula ngokubhala akuthumela kuSolomoni: Ngoba uJehova uthanda abantu bakhe, ukubeke waba yinkosi phezu kwabo. UHuramu wabuya wathi: Kayibusiswe uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli eyenza amazulu lomhlaba, enike uDavida inkosi indodana ehlakaniphileyo, eyazi inhlakanipho lokuqedisisa, ezayakhela indlu, lendlu yombuso wayo. Khathesi sengithuma indoda eyingcitshi eyazi ukuqedisisa, uHuramu Abhi, indodana yowesifazana emadodakazini akoDani, oyise wayeyindoda yeTire; uyakwazi ukusebenza ngegolide, langesiliva, ngethusi, ngensimbi, ngamatshe, langezigodo, ngokuyibubende, ngokuluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka, langamalembu acolekileyo kakhulu, langokubomvu, lokubaza lakuphi okubaziweyo ngokugubha, lokuqamba lakuphi okuqanjiweyo angakunikwa, kanye lezingcitshi zakho lezingcitshi zenkosi yami uDavida uyihlo. Ngakho-ke ingqoloyi, lebhali, amafutha, lewayini, inkosi yami ekhulume ngakho, kayikuthumele ezincekwini zayo. Thina-ke sizagamula izihlahla eLebhanoni, njengokuswela kwakho konke, sizilethe kuwe ngokundendayo phezu kolwandle eJopha, njalo wena uzazenyusela eJerusalema. USolomoni wasebala wonke amadoda ezizweni ayeselizweni lakoIsrayeli; asetholakala ezinkulungwane ezilikhulu lamatshumi amahlanu lantathu lamakhulu ayisithupha. Wasesenza kuwo abathwali bemithwalo abayizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisikhombisa, lababazi entabeni abayizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisificaminwembili, lababonisi abayizinkulungwane ezintathu lamakhulu ayisithupha bokwenza abantu basebenze. USolomoni waseqala ukwakha indlu yeN eJerusalema. Waseqalisa ukwakha ngenyanga yesibili ngolwesibili ngomnyaka wesine wokubusa kwakhe. Lalezi yizisekelo zikaSolomoni zokwakha indlu kaNkulunkulu. Ubude ngezingalo ngesilinganiso esidala babuzingalo ezingamatshumi ayisithupha, lobubanzi buzingalo ezingamatshumi amabili. Lekhulusi elaliphambili, ubude njengobubanzi bendlu babuzingalo ezingamatshumi amabili, lokuphakama kwakuzingalo ezilikhulu lamatshumi amabili. Wayihuqa ngaphakathi ngegolide elicwengekileyo. Lendlu enkulu wayembesa ngezigodo zefiri, wayihuqa ngegolide elihle, wamisa phezu kwayo amalala lamaketane. Wayembesela ubuhle indlu ngamatshe aligugu; njalo igolide laliligolide leParivayimi. Waseyihuqa indlu, imijabo, imigubazi, lemiduli yayo, leminyango yayo ngegolide, wabaza ngokugubha amakherubhi emidulini. Wasesenza indlu yengcwele yezingcwele; ubude bayo njengobubanzi bendlu babuzingalo ezingamatshumi amabili, lobubanzi bayo buzingalo ezingamatshumi amabili; wayihuqa ngegolide elihle kwaze kwaba ngamathalenta angamakhulu ayisithupha. Lesisindo sezipikili saze saba ngamashekeli egolide angamatshumi amahlanu. Wawahuqa amakamelo aphezulu ngegolide. Wasesenza endlini yengcwele yezingcwele, wawahuqa ngegolide. Lempiko zamakherubhi, ubude bazo babuzingalo ezingamatshumi amabili. Uphiko lwelilodwa lwaluzingalo ezinhlanu lufinyelela emdulini wendlu, lolunye uphiko lwaluzingalo ezinhlanu lufinyelela ophikweni lwelinye ikherubhi. Ngokunjalo uphiko lwelinye ikherubhi lwaluzingalo ezinhlanu lufinyelela emdulini wendlu; lolunye uphiko lwaluzingalo ezinhlanu lunamathele ephikweni lwelinye ikherubhi. Impiko zalamakherubhi zeluleka ingalo ezingamatshumi amabili; njalo ema ngenyawo zawo, lobuso bawo bukhangele ngasendlini. Wasesenza iveyili ngokuluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka lokuyibubende lokubomvu, wabeka kulo amakherubhi. Wasesenza phambi kwendlu insika ezimbili. Wasesenza amaketane njeng endaweni yelizwi, wawafaka esihlokweni sezinsika, wa wa faka emaketaneni. Wasemisa izinsika ngaphambi kwethempeli, enye ngakwesokunene, lenye ngakwesokhohlo; wasebiza ibizo lengakwesokunene uJakini, lebizo lengakwesokhohlo uBhowazi. Wasesenza ilathi lethusi, ubude balo buzingalo ezingamatshumi amabili, lobubanzi balo buzingalo ezingamatshumi amabili, lokuphakama kwalo kuzingalo ezilitshumi. Wasesenza ulwandle olubunjwe ngokuncibilikisa, luzingalo ezilitshumi kusukela okhunjini lwalo kusiya okhunjini lwalo, lwalugombolozele inhlangothi zonke, lokuphakama kwalo kuzingalo ezinhlanu, lomzila wezingalo ezingamatshumi amathathu ulugombolozele inhlangothi zonke. Lokufanana kwenkabi kwakungaphansi kwalo, kubhodabhoda inhlangothi zonke zalo, ezilitshumi engalweni, lugombolozela ulwandle inhlangothi zonke; imizila emibili yenkabi yabunjwa ngokuncibilikisa ekubunjweni kwalo. Lwalumi phezu kwenkabi ezilitshumi lambili; ezintathu zikhangele enyakatho, lezintathu zikhangele entshonalanga, lezintathu zikhangele eningizimu, lezintathu zikhangele empumalanga; lolwandle lwaluphezu kwazo phezulu, lazo zonke ingemuva zazo zazingaphakathi. Uhlonzi lwalo lwaluyibubanzi besandla, lomphetho walo wawunjengomsebenzi womphetho wenkezo, njeng eluba lomduze, lwalumumethe amabhathi, lumumethe azinkulungwane ezintathu. Wasesenza inditshi zokugezela ezilitshumi, wabeka ezinhlanu ngakwesokunene, lezinhlanu ngakwesokhohlo, ukugezisela kizo; babegezisela kizo okomnikelo wokutshiswa; kodwa ulwandle lwalungolwabapristi ukugezela kulo. Wasesenza izinti zezibane zegolide ezilitshumi njengokumiswa kwazo, wazibeka ethempelini, ezinhlanu ngakwesokunene, lezinhlanu ngakwesokhohlo. Wenza lamatafula alitshumi, wawabeka ethempelini, amahlanu ngakwesokunene, lamahlanu ngakwesokhohlo. Wenza lemiganu elikhulu yegolide. Wenza leguma labapristi leguma elikhulu, lezivalo zeguma, wazihuqa izivalo zalo ngethusi. Wasebeka ulwandle ehlangothini lokunene ngasempumalanga maqondana leningizimu. UHuramu wasesenza izimbiza lamafotsholo lemiganu yokufafaza. UHuramu waqeda ukwenza umsebenzi ayewenzela inkosi uSolomoni endlini kaNkulunkulu. Insika ezimbili, lemiganu, leziduku phezu kwengqonga yezinsika ezimbili, lamambule amabili okwembesa imiganu emibili yeziduku ezaziphezu kwengqonga yezinsika, lamapomegranati angamakhulu amane emambuleni womabili, imizila emibili yamapomegranati kulelo lalelombule. Wenza lezisekelo, wenza lezinditshi zokugezela phezu kwezisekelo; ulwandle olulodwa, lezinkabi ezilitshumi lambili ngaphansi kwalo. Lezimbiza, lamafotsholo, lamafologwe. Inkosi yazibumbela ngokuncibilikisa emagcekeni eJodani emhlabathini olibumba phakathi kweSukothi leZeredatha. USolomoni wasezenza zonke lezizitsha ngobunengi obukhulu, ngoba isisindo sethusi sasingehlolwe. USolomoni wazenza-ke zonke izitsha ezazingezendlu kaNkulunkulu, lelathi legolide, lamatafula okwakukhona kuwo izinkwa zokubukiswa, lezinti zezibane lezibane zazo ngegolide elicwengekileyo; lamaluba lezibane lezindlawu, ngegolide, kwakuligolide elipheleleyo; lezindlawu, lemiganu yokufafaza, lezinkezo, lezitsha zokuthwala umlilo, ngegolide elicwengekileyo. Usuphelile umsebenzi wonke uSolomoni ayewenzela indlu yeN, wangenisa izinto ezingcwelisiweyo zikaDavida uyise, lesiliva legolide lazo zonke izitsha wazibeka esiphaleni senotho sendlu kaNkulunkulu. Ngalesosikhathi uSolomoni wabuthanisa eJerusalema abadala bakoIsrayeli, lazo zonke inhloko zezizwe, izinduna zaboyise babantwana bakoIsrayeli, ukuthi benyuse umtshokotsho wesivumelwano seN usuke emzini kaDavida oyiZiyoni. Wonke amadoda akoIsrayeli asebuthana enkosini emkhosini owenyanga yesikhombisa. Labo bonke abadala bakoIsrayeli beza, amaLevi asewuthwala umtshokotsho, awuletha umtshokotsho lethente lenhlangano lazo zonke izitsha ezingcwele ezazisethenteni; abapristi lamaLevi basebekwenyusa. Inkosi uSolomoni lenhlangano yonke yakoIsrayeli eyayibuthene phambi komtshokotsho basebenikela imihlatshelo yezimvu lezinkabi ezingelakubhalwa lezingelakubalwa ngobunengi. Abapristi basebewungenisa umtshokotsho wesivumelwano seN endaweni yawo, endaweni yelizwi yendlu, kungcwele yezingcwele, kwaze kwaba ngaphansi kwempiko zamakherubhi. Ngoba amakherubhi elulela impiko zawophezu kwendawo yomtshokotsho; amakherubhi awembesa umtshokotsho lemijabo yawo ngaphezulu. Basebeselula imijabo, izihloko zemijabo zaze zabonakala emtshokotshweni phambi kwendawo yelizwi, kodwa zingabonakali ngaphandle; ukhona lapho-ke kuze kube lamuhla. Kwakungelalutho emtshokotshweni, ngaphandle kwezibhebhe ezimbili uMozisi azifaka khonaeHorebe lapho eyenza khona isivumelwanolabantwana bakoIsrayeli ekuphumeni kwabo eGibhithe. Kwasekusithi abapristi bephuma endaweni engcwele, ngoba bonke abapristi abatholakalayo babezihlambulule bengagcinanga izigaba, lamaLevi ang abahlabeleli babo bonke - akoAsafi, akoHemani, akoJeduthuni, lakumadodana abo lakubafowabo - begqoke amalembu acolekileyo amhlophe, belezinsimbi ezincencethayo lezigubhu zezintambo lamachacho, bema ngempumalanga kwelathi; njalo kanye labo kulabapristi abalikhulu lamatshumi amabili bekhalisa izimpondo. Kwasekusithi bekhalisa izimpondo behlabelela kanyekanye ukuzwakalisa umsindo owodwa, ukudumisa lokubonga iN, lalapho bephakamisa ilizwi ngezimpondo langezinsimbi ezincencethayo lezinto zokuhlabelela, lalapho bedumisa ukuthi ilungile lokuthi umusa wayo umikuze kube phakade, indlu yagcwaliswa liyezi, indlu yeN, abapristi kabaze baba lakho ukuma ukukhonza ngenxa yeyezi, ngoba inkazimulo yeN yagcwalisa indlu kaNkulunkulu. Ngalesosikhathi uSolomoni wathi: UJehova wathi uzahlala emnyameni onzima. Kodwa mina ngikwakhele indlu yokuhlala, lendawo yokuhlala kwakho kuze kube nini lanini. Inkosi yasiphendula ubuso bayo, yabusisa ibandla lonke lakoIsrayeli; ibandla lonke-ke lakoIsrayeli lalimi. Yasisithi: Kayibusiswe iN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, eyakhuluma ngomlomo wayo kuDavida ubaba yakugcwalisa ngezandla zayo, isithi: Kusukela ngosuku engakhupha ngalo abantu bami elizweni leGibhithe kangikhethanga muzi ezizweni zonke zakoIsrayeli ukwakha indlu, ukuthi ibizo lami libe lapho, kangikhethanga muntu ukuba ngumkhokheli phezu kwabantu bami uIsrayeli. Kodwa ngakhetha iJerusalema ukuthi ibizo lami libe lapho, ngakhetha uDavida ukuthi abe phezu kwabantu bami uIsrayeli. Njalo kwakusenhliziyweni kaDavida ubaba ukwakhela ibizo leN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, indlu. Kodwa yathi kuDavida ubaba: Njengoba kwakusenhliziyweni yakho ukwakhela ibizo lami indlu, wenze kuhle ngokuthi kwakusenhliziyweni yakho. Lanxa kunjalo kawuyikuyakha indlu wena, kodwa indodana yakho ezaphuma ekhalweni lwakho, yiyo ezakwakhela ibizo lami indlu. isiqinisile ilizwi layo eyalikhulumayo, ngoba ngivelile esikhundleni sikaDavida ubaba, ngihlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi sikaIsrayeli, njengokukhuluma kweN; sengilakhele ibizo leN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, indlu. Ngiwubeke khona umtshokotsho lapho okulesivumelwano seN khona eyasenza labantwana bakoIsrayeli. Wasesima phambi kwelathi leN maqondana lebandla lonke lakoIsrayeli, welula izandla zakhe. Ngoba uSolomoni wayenze isitubhu sethusi, wathi: N, Nkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, kakho uNkulunkulu onjengawe emazulwini lemhlabeni, ogcina isivumelwano lomusa ezincekwini zakho ezihamba phambi kwakho ngayo yonke inhliziyo yazo, ogcinele inceku yakho uDavida ubaba lokho owakutsho kuyo; ngoba wakhuluma ngomlomo wakho usukugcwalisile ngesandla sakho njengalamuhla. Ngakho-ke, N, Nkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, gcinela inceku yakho uDavida ubaba lokho owakutsho kuyo usithi: Kakuyikusweleka umuntu kuwe phambi kobuso bami ozahlala esihlalweni sobukhosi sikaIsrayeli; kuphela uba abantwana bakho beqaphela indlela yabo phambi kwami, ukuthi bahambe ngomlayo wami, njengalokho uhambile phambi kwami. Ngakho-ke, N, Nkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, kaliqiniseke ilizwi lakho owalikhuluma encekwini yakho, kuDavida. Kambe ngeqiniso uNkulunkulu angahlala labantu emhlabeni? Khangela, amazulu, yebo, amazulu amazulu angekwanele; kangakanani-ke lindlu engiyakhileyo? Kodwa phendukela emkhulekweni wenceku yakho lekuncengeni kwayo, N Nkulunkulu wami, ukuzwa ukukhala lomkhuleko inceku yakho ekukhulekayo phambi kwakho. Ukuze amehlo akho avulekele lindlu emini lebusuku, endaweni owatsho ngayo ukuthi uzabeka ibizo lakho khona, ukuthi uwuzwe umkhuleko inceku yakho ewukhulekayo ikhangele kulindawo. Ngakho zwana ukuncenga kwenceku yakho lokwabantu bakho uIsrayeli abazakukhuleka bekhangele kulindawo; yebo, uzwe wena, usendaweni yakho yokuhlala, usemazulwini; lapho usizwa, uthethelele. Uba umuntu esona kumakhelwane wakhe, amethese isifungo ukumenza afunge, njalo isifungo size phambi kwelathi lakho kulindlu, zwana-ke wena usemazulwini, njalo yenza wahlulele inceku zakho, ngokuphindisela okhohlakeleyo, ngokunika indlela yakhe ekhanda lakhe, langokulungisisa olungileyo, ngokumnika njengokulunga kwakhe. Lalapho abantu bakho uIsrayeli betshaywa phambi kwesitha, ngoba bonile kuwe, uba bephenduka, balivume ibizo lakho, bakhuleke bencenga phambi kwakho kulindlu, zwana-ke wena usemazulwini, uthethelele isono sabantu bakho uIsrayeli, ubabuyisele elizweni owalinika bona laboyise. Lapho amazulu evaliwe, njalo kungelazulu, ngoba bonile kuwe, uba bekhuleka bekhangele kulindawo belivuma ibizo lakho, baphenduke esonweni sabo, nxa ubahluphile, zwana-ke wena usemazulwini, uthethelele isono senceku zakho lesabantu bakho uIsrayeli, usubafundise indlela enhle abazahamba ngayo; unise izulu elizweni lakho owalinika abantu bakho libe yilifa labo. Uba kulendlala elizweni, uba kulomatshayabhuqe wesifo, uba kulokutshisa, lengumane, isikhonyane, lemihogoyi; uba izitha zabo zibavimbezela elizweni lesango labo, loba yiyiphi inhlupheko laloba yiwuphi umkhuhlane; lawuphi umkhuleko, lakuphi ukuncenga, okuzakwenziwa languwuphi umuntu, kumbe yibo bonke abantu bakho uIsrayeli, lapho besazi, ngulowo lalowo inhlupheko yakhe losizi lwakhe, eselulela izandla zakhe kulindlu; zwana-ke wena usemazulwini, indawo yakho yokuhlala, uthethelele, uphe ngulowo lalowo ngokwezindlela zakhe zonke, onhliziyo yakhe uyayazi, ngoba nguwe wedwa owazi inhliziyo yabantwana babantu, ukuze bakwesabe bahambe endleleni zakho insuku zonke abaziphila ebusweni bomhlaba owawupha obaba. Njalo mayelana lowezizweni ongesuye owabantu bakho uIsrayeli, kodwa evela elizweni elikhatshana ngenxa yebizo lakho elikhulu lesandla sakho esilamandla lengalo yakho eyeluliweyo; lapho besizakhuleka kulindlu, zwana-ke wena usemazulwini, usendaweni yakho yokuhlala, wenze njengakho konke owezizweni akhala ngakho kuwe, ukuze bonke abantu bomhlaba bazi ibizo lakho, bakwesabe, njengabantu bakho uIsrayeli, lokuthi bazi ukuthi ibizo lakho liyabizwa phezu kwalindlu engiyakhileyo. Uba abantu bakho bephuma ukuyakulwa bemelene lezitha zabo ngendlela obathume ngayo, bakhuleke kuwe endleleni yomuzi owukhethileyo lendlu engiyakhele ibizo lakho, zwana-ke usemazulwini umkhuleko wabo lokuncenga kwabo, wenze ilungelo labo. Uba besona kuwe, ngoba kakulamuntu ongoniyo, ubusubathukuthelela, ubanikele phambi kwesitha, ukuze ababathumbileyo babathumbele elizweni eli khatshana kumbe eli seduze, uba benakana ngakhoenhliziyweni yabo elizweni abathunjelwe kilo, baphenduke bancenge kuwe elizweni lokuthunjwa kwabo bathi: Sonile, senze okubi, senza ngenkohlakalo; uba bephendukela kuwe ngayo yonke inhliziyo yabo langawo wonke umphefumulo wabo elizweni lokuthunjwa kwabo, lapho ababathumbele khona, bakhuleke ngasendleleni yelizwe labo owalinika oyise, lomuzi owukhethileyo, langasendlini engiyakhele ibizo lakho, zwana-ke usemazulwini, usendaweni yakho yokuhlala, umkhuleko wabo lokuncenga kwabo, wenze ilungelo labo, uthethelele abantu bakho abakonileyo. Ngakho, Nkulunkulu wami, ake amehlo akho avuleke. Khathesi-ke, sukuma, N Nkulunkulu. N Nkulunkulu, ungafulathelisi ubuso bogcotshiweyo wakho. Kwathi uSolomoni eseqedile ukukhuleka. Njalo abapristi babengelakho ukungena endlini yeN, ngoba inkazimulo yeN yayigcwalise indlu yeN. Lapho bonke abantwana bakoIsrayeli bebona ukwehla komlilo lenkazimulo yeN phezu kwendlu, bakhothama ngobuso babo emhlabathini endaweni egandelweyo, bakhonza bedumisa iN, ukuthi ilungile, ukuthi umusa wayo umiphakade. Inkosi labo bonke abantu banikela-ke imihlatshelo phambi kweN. Inkosi uSolomoni yasinikela imihlatshelo yezinkabi ezizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili, lezimvu ezizinkulungwane ezilikhulu lamatshumi amabili. Ngokunjalo inkosi labo bonke abantu bayehlukanisa indlu kaNkulunkulu. Abapristi basebesima ezikhundleni zabo; lamaLevi elezinto zokuhlabelela zikaJehova inkosi uDavida ayezenzele ukudumisa uJehova, ngoba umusa wakhe umiphakade, lapho uDavida edumisa ngenkonzo yabo; labapristi bakhalisa impondo phambi kwabo, loIsrayeli wonke wema. USolomoni wasengcwelisa iphakathi leguma elaliphambi kwendlu yeN, ngoba wenza lapho iminikelo yokutshiswa lamahwahwa eminikelo yokuthula, ngoba ilathi lethusi uSolomoni ayelenzile lalingenele umnikelo wokutshiswa, lomnikelo wokudla, lamahwahwa. Langalesosikhathi uSolomoni wenza umkhosi okwensuku eziyisikhombisa, loIsrayeli wonke kanye laye, ibandla elikhulu kakhulu, kusukela ekungeneni kweHamathi kusiya esifuleni seGibhithe. Langosuku lwesificaminwembili benza umhlangano onzulu, ngoba benza ukwehlukaniswa kwelathi okwensuku eziyisikhombisa, lomkhosi okwensuku eziyisikhombisa. Ngosuku lwamatshumi amabili lantathu lwenyanga yesikhombisa waseyekela abantu bahamba baya emathenteni abo, bethokoza bejabula enhliziyweni ngokuhle eyayikwenzele uDavida loSolomoni loIsrayeli abantu bayo. Ngokunjalo uSolomoni waqeda indlu kaJehova lendlu yenkosi; lakho konke okwakuvela enhliziyweni kaSolomoni ukukwenza endlini yeN lendlini yakhe wakuphumelelisa. yasibonakala kuSolomoni ebusuku yathi kuye: Ngizwile umkhuleko wakho, sengizikhethele lindawo ukuba yindlu yomhlatshelo. Uba ngivala amazulu ukuze kungabi lazulu, uba abantu bami ibizo lami elibizwa phezu kwabo bezithoba, bakhuleke badinge ubuso bami, baphenduke ezindleleni zabo ezimbi. Khathesi amehlo ami azavuleka, lendlebe zami zilalele umkhuleko walindawo. Ngoba sengiyikhethile ngayingcwelisa lindlu ukuze ibizo lami libe khona kuze kube nininini; lamehlo ami lenhliziyo yami kuzakuba lapho zonke izinsuku. Wena-ke, uba uhamba phambi kwami njengokuhamba kukaDavida uyihlo, wenze njengakho konke engikulaye khona, ugcine izimiso zami lezahlulelo zami, ngizaqinisa-ke isihlalo sobukhosi sombuso wakho, njengokwenza kwami isivumelwanoloDavida uyihlo ngisithi: Kakuyikusweleka muntu kuwe obusa koIsrayeli. Kodwa uba libuyela emuva lina, litshiya izimiso zami lemilayo yami engikubeke phambi kwenu, lihambe likhonze abanye onkulunkulu libakhothamele, ngizabasiphuna-ke elizweni engibanike lona, lalindlu engiyingcwelisele ibizo lami ngizayilahla isuke phambi kwami, ngiyenze ibe yisiga lento yokuhozwa phakathi kwezizwe zonke. Lalindlu ephakemeyo izakuba yisimangaliso kulowo lalowo odlula kuyo, aze athi: ikwenzeleni okunje kulelilizwe lakulindlu? Bazakuthi-ke: Kungoba beyidelile uNkulunkulu waboyise eyabakhupha elizweni leGibhithe, babambelela kwabanye onkulunkulu, babakhonza babasebenzela; ngenxa yalokho ibehlisele bonke lobububi. Kwasekusithi ekupheleni kweminyaka engamatshumi amabili uSolomoni akha ngayo indlu yeN lendlu yakhe, imizi uHuramu ayeyinike uSolomoni, uSolomoni wayakha, wahlalisa abantwana bakoIsrayeli khona. USolomoni wasesiya eHamathi. Wakha iTadimori enkangala layo yonke imizi e yiziphala ayakha eHamathi. Wakha leBhethi-Horoni engaphezulu leBhethi-Horoni engaphansi, imizi ebiyelweyo elemithangala, amasango, lemigoqo, leBahalathi, lemizi yonke e yiziphala uSolomoni ayelayo, layo yonke imizi yezinqola, lemizi yabagadi bamabhiza, laso sonke isifiso sikaSolomoni ayefisa ngaso ukwakha eJerusalema leLebhanoni lelizweni lonke lombuso wakhe. Abantu bonke ababesele kumaHethi lamaAmori lamaPerizi lamaHivi lamaJebusi, ababengeyisibo bakoIsrayeli, ebantwaneni babo ababesele emva kwabo elizweni abantwana bakoIsrayeli abangabaqedanga uSolomoni wabenyusa baba yizibhalwa kuze kube lamuhla. Kodwa ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli uSolomoni kabenzanga izigqili zomsebenzi wakhe, kodwa baba ngamadoda empi, lezinduna zabalawulimabutho akhe, labaphathi bezinqola zakhe labagadi bamabhiza akhe. Lalaba babezinduna zeziphathamandla inkosi uSolomoni ayelazo, amakhulu amabili lamatshumi amahlanu, bebusa abantu. USolomoni wasesenyusa indodakazi kaFaro emzini kaDavida, wayisa endlini ayeyakhele yona, ngoba wathi: Umkami kayikuhlala endlini kaDavida inkosi yakoIsrayeli, ngoba izindawozingcwele umtshokotsho weN oze kizo. Ngalesosikhathi uSolomoni wanikela eNni iminikelo yokutshiswa phezu kwelathi leN ayelakhile phambi kwekhulusi. Ngitsho njengokumiselwe. Njengesimiso sikaDavida uyise wasemisa izigaba zabapristi phezu kwenkonzo yabo. Njalo kabaphambukanga emlayweni wenkosi kubapristi lamaLevi mayelana laluphi udaba kumbe mayelana lokuligugu. Walungiswa-ke umsebenzi wonke kaSolomoni kuze kube lusuku lokubekwa kwesisekelo sendlu yeN, njalo yaze yaphela: Indlu yeN yaphelela. Ngalesosikhathi uSolomoni waya eEziyoni-Geberi leElothi okhunjini lolwandle elizweni leEdoma. UHuramu wasethumela kuye imikhumbi ngesandla sezinceku zakhe, lenceku ezazi ulwandle, zaya eOfiri kanye lenceku zikaSolomoni, zalanda khona igolide elingamathalenta angamakhulu amane lamatshumi amahlanu, zaliletha enkosini uSolomoni. Indlovukazi yeShebha isizwile udumo lukaSolomoni yeza eJerusalema ukuhlola uSolomoni ngemibuzo enzima, ilexuku elikhulu kakhulu, lamakamela ethwele amakha legolide ngobunengi lamatshe aligugu; isifikile kuSolomoni yakhuluma laye konke okwakusenhliziyweni yayo. USolomoni wayichasisela zonke indaba zayo, njalo kwakungekho lutho olwamcatshelayo uSolomoni angaluchasisanga kuyo. Indlovukazi yeShebha isibonile inhlakanipho kaSolomoni, lendlu ayeyakhile, lokudla kwetafula lakhe, lokuhlala kwenceku zakhe, lokuma kwezikhonzi zakhe, lezigqoko zazo, labaphathinkezo bakhe, lezigqoko zabo, lokwenyuka kwakhe enyuka ngakho endlini yeN, kakusabanga lamoya kuyo. Yasisithi enkosini: Wawuliqiniso umbiko engawuzwa elizweni lami ngendaba zakho langenhlakanipho yakho. Kodwa kangiwakholwanga amazwi abo ngaze ngeza lamehlo ami a ku bona. Khangela-ke, bengingatshelwanga ingxenye yobukhulu benhlakanipho yakho; uyedlula umbiko engawuzwayo. Ayajabula amadoda akho, njalo ziyajabula lezizinceku zakho ezimi phambi kwakho njalonjalo zisizwa inhlakanipho yakho. Kabusiswe uJehova uNkulunkulu wakho othokoze ngawe ukukubeka esihlalweni sakhe sobukhosi ukuthi ube yinkosi kuJehova uNkulunkulu wakho. Ngoba uNkulunkulu wakho wamthanda uIsrayeli ukumqinisa kuze kube nininini, ngakho ukubekile waba yinkosi phezu kwabo ukuze wenze isahlulelo lokulunga. Yasinika inkosi igolide elingamathalenta alikhulu lamatshumi amabili, lamakha ngobunengi obukhulu, lamatshe aligugu. Kakuzanga kube khona anjengalawo amakha indlovukazi yeShebha eyawanika inkosi uSolomoni. Futhi izinceku zikaHuramu lenceku zikaSolomoni ezaziletha igolide livela eOfiri, zaseziletha izigodo zama-aligumi lamatshe aligugu. Inkosi yasisenza ngezigodo zama-aligumi izikhwelo zendlu kaJehova lezendlu yenkosi, lamachacho lezigubhu zezintambo kwabahlabeleli. Kakuzanga kubonwe futhi okunjengalokho mandulo elizweni lakoJuda. Inkosi uSolomoni yasinika indlovukazi yeShebha sonke isifiso sayo eyasicelayo, ngaphandle kwalokho ayekulethe enkosini. Yasiphenduka yaya elizweni layo yona lenceku zayo. Isisindo segolide elalifika-ke kuSolomoni ngomnyaka owodwa sasingamathalenta egolide angamakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi ayisithupha lesithupha, ngaphandle kwalokho abakuletha kuvela kubathengisi labathengi; lawo wonke amakhosi eArabhiya lababusi belizwe baletha igolide lesiliva kuSolomoni. Inkosi uSolomoni yasisenza izihlangu ezinkulu ezingamakhulu amabili ngegolide elikhandiweyo; yasebenzisa amashekeliangamakhulu ayisithupha egolide elikhandiweyo esihlangwini esisodwa esikhulu. Lamahawu angamakhulu amathathu egolide elikhandiweyo; yasebenzisela ihawu elilodwa amashekeliangamakhulu amathathu. Inkosi yakubeka endlini yegusu leLebhanoni. Inkosi yasisenza isihlalo sobukhosi esikhulu ngempondo zendlovu, yasinameka ngegolide elicwengekileyo. Njalo isihlalo sobukhosi sasilezikhwelo eziyisithupha zesihlalo lesenabelo segolide sasixhunywe esihlalweni sobukhosi, lezeyamelo zengalo ngapha langapha endaweni yokuhlala, lezilwane ezimbili zimi eceleni kwezeyamelo zengalo. Njalo kwakumi izilwane ezilitshumi lambili khona ngapha langapha ezikhwelweni eziyisithupha. Kakuzanga kwenziwe okunjalo lakuwuphi umbuso. Lazo zonke izitsha zokunatha zenkosi uSolomoni zazingezegolide, lezitsha zonke zendlu yegusu leLebhanoni zazingezegolide elicwengekileyo; isiliva sasingabalwa njengolutho ensukwini zikaSolomoni. Ngoba imikhumbi yenkosi yaya eTarshishi lezinceku zikaHuramu; kanye ngeminyaka emithathu imikhumbi yeTarshishi yeza ithwele igolide, lesiliva, impondo zezindlovu, lezindwangu, lamaphigaga. Inkosi uSolomoni yaba nkulu kulawo wonke amakhosi omhlaba ngenotho langenhlakanipho. Lawo wonke amakhosi omhlaba adinga ubuso bukaSolomoni ukuzwa inhlakanipho yakhe uNkulunkulu ayeyifake enhliziyweni yakhe. Aseletha, ngulowo lalowo isipho sakhe, izitsha zesiliva, lezitsha zegolide, lezembatho, izikhali, lamakha, amabhiza, lezimbongolo; into yomnyaka ngomnyaka wayo. Njalo uSolomoni. Wasebusa phezu kwawo wonke amakhosi kusukela eMfuleni kuze kube selizweni lamaFilisti, njalo kuze kube semngceleni weGibhithe. Inkosi yasisenza isiliva eJerusalema laba njengamatshe, lemisedari wayenza yaba njengemikhiwa yesikhamore esesihotsheni, ngobunengi. Basebekhuphela uSolomoni amabhiza eGibhithe lemazweni wonke. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaSolomoni? USolomoni wasebusa eJerusalema phezu kukaIsrayeli wonke iminyaka engamatshumi amane. USolomoni waselala laboyise, basebemngcwaba emzini kaDavida uyise. URehobhowamu indodana yakhe wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. URehobhowamu wasesiya eShekema ngoba uIsrayeli wonke wayeze eShekema ukumbeka abe yinkosi. Kwasekusithi uJerobhowamu indodana kaNebati esizwa, owayeseGibhithe lapho ayebalekele khona ubuso bukaSolomoni inkosi, uJerobhowamu wabuya evela eGibhithe. Basebethumela bambiza; uJerobhowamu loIsrayeli wonke basebesiza, bakhuluma kuRehobhowamu besithi: Uyihlo wenza ijogwe lethu laba lukhuni; ngakho-ke yenza ube lulanyana umsebenzi kayihlo olukhuni, lejogwe lakhe elinzima abesithwalise lona, njalo sizakukhonza. Wasesithi kibo: Buyani kimi emva kwensuku ezintathu. Abantu basebehamba. Inkosi uRehobhowamu yasicebisana labadala ababesima phambi kukaSolomoni uyise esaphila, isithi: Licebisa ukubuyisela mpendulo bani kulababantu? Basebekhuluma kuye besithi: Uba uzalunga kulababantu, ubathokozise, ukhulume kibo amazwi amahle, bazakuba zinceku zakho insuku zonke. Kodwa wadela iseluleko sabadala abamcebisa ngaso, wacebisana lamajaha ayeyintanga yakhe, ayesima phambi kwakhe. Wasesithi kuwo: Licebisa ukuthi sibuyisele mpendulo bani kulababantu, abakhulume kimi besithi: Yenza libe lulanyana ijogwe uyihlo alibeka phezu kwethu? Amajaha ayeyintanga yakhe asekhuluma laye esithi: Uzakutsho njalo ebantwini abakhuluma kuwe besithi: Uyihlo wenza ijogwe lethu laba nzima, kodwa wena lenze libe lulanyana kithi; uzakutsho njalo kubo: Ucikilicane wami uqatha kulokhalo lukababa. Ngakho-ke ubaba walethwesa ijogwe elinzima, kodwa mina ngizakwengezelela ejogweni lenu. Ubaba walijezisa ngeziswepu, kodwa mina ngabofezela. Ngakho uJerobhowamu labo bonke abantu beza kuRehobhowamu ngosuku lwesithathu njengokutsho kwenkosi isithi: Libuye kimi futhi ngosuku lwesithathu. Inkosi yasibaphendula kalukhuni; inkosi uRehobhowamu yasidela iseluleko sabadala, yakhuluma kubo njengeseluleko samajaha isithi: Ubaba wenza ijogwe lenu laba nzima, kodwa mina ngizakwengezelela kulo; ubaba walijezisa ngeziswepu, kodwa mina ngabofezela. Ngokunjalo inkosi kayibalalelanga abantu; ngoba inguquko yayivela kuNkulunkulu ukuze iqinise ilizwi layo eyayilikhulume ngesandla sikaAhiya umShilo kuJerobhowamu indodana kaNebati. Lapho uIsrayeli wonke ebonaukuthi inkosi kayibalalelanga, abantu bayiphendula inkosi besithi: Silesabelo bani kuDavida? Njalo ka si lalifa endodaneni kaJese. Ngulowo emathenteni akho, Israyeli; khathesi, zibonele indlu yakho, Davida. Ngakho uIsrayeli wonke waya emathenteni akhe. Kodwa abantwana bakoIsrayeli ababehlala emizini yakoJuda, uRehobhowamu wabusa phezu kwabo. Inkosi uRehobhowamu yasithuma uAdoramu owayengumphathi wezibhalwa; abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebemkhanda ngamatshe, wasesifa. Inkosi uRehobhowamu yaphangisa ukukhwela enqoleni ukubalekela eJerusalema. Ngalokho uIsrayeli wayihlamuka indlu kaDavida kuze kube lamuhla. URehobhowamu esefikile eJerusalema wabuthanisa indlu yakoJuda leyakoBhenjamini, abakhethiweyo abazinkulungwane ezilikhulu lamatshumi ayisificaminwembili, abalwa impi, ukuze balwe loIsrayeli ukubuyisela umbuso kuRehobhowamu. Kodwa ilizwi leN lafika kuShemaya umuntu kaNkulunkulu lisithi: Khuluma kuRehobhowamu indodana kaSolomoni, inkosi yakoJuda, lakuIsrayeli wonke koJuda lakoBhenjamini, uthi: Itsho njalo iN: Kaliyikwenyuka njalo lingalwi labafowenu. Buyelani ngulowo endlini yakhe, ngoba linto yenziwe yimi. Basebelilalela ilizwi leN, baphenduka ekuyenimelana loJerobhowamu. URehobhowamu wasehlala eJerusalema, wakha imizi eyizinqaba koJuda. Wasesakha iBhethelehema leBeti-Zuri leGathi leAdorayimi leLakishi leZora, eyayikoJuda lakoBhenjamini, imizi ebiyelweyo. Waseqinisa izinqaba, wabeka abalawulimabutho kizo, leziphala zokudla lamafutha lewayini. Lakuwo wonke umuzi lomuzi wabekaizihlangu ezinkulu lemikhonto, wayiqinisa kakhulukazi. Njalo uJuda loBhenjamini babengabakhe. Labapristi lamaLevi ababekoIsrayeli wonke bazimisa kuye bevela kuyo yonke imingcele yabo. Ngoba amaLevi atshiya amadlelo awo lemfuyo yabo, aya koJuda leJerusalema; wasezibekela abapristi bendawo eziphakemeyo. Lemva kwawo kweza eJerusalema labo ababenikele inhliziyo yabo ukuyidinga iN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, bevela kuzo zonke izizwe zakoIsrayeli, ukuyahlabela iN, uNkulunkulu waboyise. Ngokunjalo bawuqinisa umbuso wakoJuda, benza uRehobhowamu indodana kaSolomoni waba lamandla iminyaka emithathu; ngoba bahamba endleleni kaDavida loSolomoni iminyaka emithathu. URehobhowamu wasezithathela uMahalathi indodakazi kaJerimothi indodana kaDavida waba ngumka khe, lo Abihayili indodakazi kaEliyabi indodana kaJese, owamzalela amadodana, oJewushi loShemariya loZahamu. Langemva kwakhe wathatha uMahaka loAthayi loZiza loShelomithi. URehobhowamu wasemthanda uMahaka indodakazi kaAbisalomu okwedlula bonke omkakhe labafazi bakhe abancinyane - ngoba wathatha abafazi abalitshumi lesificaminwembili, labafazi abancinyane abangamatshumi ayisithupha, wazala amadodana angamatshumi amabili lesificaminwembili lamadodakazi angamatshumi ayisithupha. URehobhowamu. Wenza ngokuhlakanipha, wasabalalisa kuwo wonke amadodana akhe emazweni wonke akoJuda lakoBhenjamini, kuwo wonke umuzi obiyelweyo, wawanika ukudla ngobunengi. Kwasekusithi uRehobhowamu eseqinise umbuso, eseziqinisile. Kwasekusithi ngomnyaka wesihlanu wenkosi uRehobhowamu, uShishaki inkosi yeGibhithe wenyuka wamelana leJerusalema, ngoba babephambukile eNni, elezinqola ezingamakhulu alitshumi lambili labagadi bamabhiza abazinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisithupha; labantu babengelakubalwa abeza laye bephuma eGibhithe, amaLibiya. Wasethumba imizi ebiyelweyo eyayingeyakoJuda weza eJerusalema. UShemaya umprofethi wasefika kuRehobhowamu. Iziphathamandla zakoIsrayeli kanye lenkosi basebezithoba. isibona ukuthi bazithobile. Kodwa bazakuba zinceku zakhe ukuze bazi inkonzo yami lenkonzo yemibuso yamazwe. Ngakho uShishaki inkosi yeGibhithe wenyukela eJerusalema, wathatha okuligugu kwendlu kaJehova lokuligugu kwendlu yenkosi. Inkosi uRehobhowamu yasisenza izihlangu zethusi endaweni yazo, ya zi nikela ngaphansi kwesandla senduna zabalindi ababegcina umnyango wendlu yenkosi. Kwasekusithi lapho inkosi ingena endlini kaJehova bafika abalindi bezithwele, bazibuyisela ekamelweni labalindi. Isizithobile, ulaka lweN lwaphenduka lwasuka kuyo ukuze inga yi bhubhisi ngokuphelelelyo; futhi lakoJuda kwakulezinto ezinhle. Inkosi uRehobhowamu yasiziqinisa eJerusalema, yabusa. Wasesenza okubi ngoba engalungisanga inhliziyo yakhe ukudinga iN. Lendaba zikaRehobhowamu, lezimpi zikaRehobhowamu loJerobhowamu zonke izinsuku? URehobhowamu waselala laboyise, wangcwatshelwa emzini kaDavida. UAbhiya indodana yakhe wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. Ngomnyaka wetshumi lesificaminwembili wenkosi uJerobhowamu uAbhiya wasesiba yinkosi phezu kukaJuda. Wabusa iminyaka emithathu eJerusalema. Lebizo likanina lalinguMikhaya indodakazi kaUriyeli. UAbhiya wasehlela impi elebutho lamaqhawe empi, amadoda akhethiweyo azinkulungwane ezingamakhulu amane. UJerobhowamu wasehlela impi ukumelana laye elamadoda akhethiweyo azinkulungwane ezingamakhulu ayisificaminwembili, amaqhawe alamandla. UAbhiya wasesima entabeni iZemarayimi wathi: Ngizwa Jerobhowamu, loIsrayeli wonke! Kakusikwenu yini ukwazi ukuthi uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli yanika uDavida umbuso phezu kukaIsrayeli phakade? Kodwa uJerobhowamu indodana kaNebati, inceku kaSolomoni indodana kaDavida, wasukuma wavukela inkosi yakhe. Kwasekubuthana kuye abantu abayize. Khathesi-ke lina lithi lizamelana lombuso weN esandleni samadodana kaDavida uJerobhowamu alenzela wona abe ngonkulunkulu. Kalibaxotshanga yini abapristi beN, amadodana kaAroni, lamaLevi, lazenzela abapristi njengezizwe zelizwe. Kodwa thina, inguNkulunkulu wethu, kasiyidelanga; labapristi abayikhonzayo bangamadodana kaAroni, lamaLevi asemsebenzini. Njalo bayahlabela ikuseni ngekuseni lentambama ngentambama iminikelo yokutshiswa, kodwa lina liyidelile. Ngakho khangelani, uNkulunkulu ulathi eyinhloko, labapristi bakhe belempondo zokukhalisa ukuhlaba umkhosi bemelene lani. Kodwa uJerobhowamu wayebhodise abacathameli ukuthi beze bengasemva kwabo. Ngakho babephambi kukaJuda, labacathameli bengemva kwabo. Lapho uJuda ephenduka, khangela-ke, impi yayimelene labo ngaphambili langemuva; basebekhala eNni, labapristi bakhalisa izimpondo, labantu bakoJuda bamemeza; kwasekusithi ekumemezeni kwabantu bakoJuda uNkulunkulu watshaya oJerobhowamu loIsrayeli wonke phambi kukaAbhiya loJuda. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebebaleka phambi kobuso bukaJuda, uNkulunkulu wasebanikela esandleni sabo. UAbhiya labantu bakhe basebebatshaya ngokutshaya okukhulu; kwasekusiwa ababuleweyo koIsrayeli, amadoda akhethiweyo azinkulungwane ezingamakhulu amahlanu. Ngokunjalo abantwana bakoIsrayeli bathotshiswa ngalesosikhathi, labantwana bakoJuda baba lamandla ngoba beyama eNni, uNkulunkulu waboyise. UAbhiya wasexotshana loJerobhowamu, wathumba imizi kuye, iBhetheli lemizana yayo. UJerobhowamu akabe esaba lamandla ensukwini zikaAbhiya. Kodwa uAbhiya waziqinisa, wazithathela abafazi abalitshumi lane, wazala amadodana angamatshumi amabili lambili, lamadodakazi alitshumi lesithupha. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaAbhiya, lezindlela zakhe, lamazwi akhe, kubhaliwe ezindabeni zomprofethi uIdo. UAbhiya waselala laboyise, bamngcwabela emzini kaDavida. UAsa indodana yakhe wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. Ensukwini zakhe ilizwe laba lokuthula iminyaka elitshumi. UAsa wasesenza okuhle lokulungileyo emehlweni eN uNkulunkulu wakhe. Ngoba wasusa amalathi owemzini lendawo eziphakemeyo. Wasesithi kuJuda kabayidinge iN, uNkulunkulu waboyise, lokuthi bagcine umthetho lomlayo. Wasesusa kuyo yonke imizi yakoJuda indawo eziphakemeyo lamalathi okutshisela impepha. Lombuso waba lokuthula phambi kwakhe. Wasesakha imizi ebiyelweyo koJuda, ngoba ilizwe lalilokuthula. Wasesithi kuJuda: Asiyakheni limizi, si yi zingelezele ngemiduli, lemiphotshongo, amasango, lemigoqo, ilizwe lisesephambi kwethu. Njalo uAsa wayelebutho labazinkulungwane ezingamakhulu amathathu abavela koJuda, bethwele ihawu lomkhonto, labazinkulungwane ezingamakhulu amabili lamatshumi ayisificaminwembili abavela koBhenjamini. UZera umEthiyophiya. UAsa wasephuma ukumelana laye, bahlela impi esihotsheni seZefatha. UAsa wasekhala eNni uNkulunkulu wakhe. Ngakho yawatshaya amaEthiyophiya phambi kukaAsa laphambi kukaJuda; amaEthiyophiya asebaleka. UAsa labantu ababelaye baxotshana lawo kwaze kwaba seGerari. Basebetshaya yonke imizi ezingelezele iGerari. Basebetshaya lamathente ezifuyo, bathumba izimvu ezinengi lamakamela, babuyela eJerusalema. UMoya kaNkulunkulu. Wasephuma ukuhlangabezana loAsa, wathi kuye: Ngilalela, Asa loJuda wonke loBhenjamini; ilani liselayo. Uba-ke liyidinga, izafunyanwa yini. Okwensuku ezinengi uIsrayeli wayengelaye uNkulunkulu weqiniso. Kodwa ekubandezelweni kwakhe waphendukela eNni, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, basebemdinga, wasefunyanwa yibo. Langalezozikhathi kwakungelakuthula kophumayo lakongenayo, ngoba inhlupheko ezinengi zaziphezu kwabo bonke abakhi bamazwe. Basebephahlazwa, isizwe ngesizwe, lomuzi ngomuzi, ngoba uNkulunkulu wabahlupha ngayo yonke imbandezelo. Ngakho lina qinani. Lapho uAsa esizwa lamazwi lesiprofetho sikaOdedi umprofethi, waziqinisa. Wasebuthanisa wonke uJuda loBhenjamini labemzini labo ababevela koEfrayimi loManase lakoSimeyoni; ngoba bawelela kuye bevela koIsrayeli ngobunengi lapho bebona ukuthi uNkulunkulu wakhe yayilaye. Basebebuthana eJerusalema ngenyanga yesithathu ngomnyaka wetshumi lanhlanu wokubusa kukaAsa. Basebehlabela ngalolosuku okwempango ababe yi lethile, inkabi ezingamakhulu ayisikhombisa lezimvu ezizinkulungwane eziyisikhombisa. Basebengena esivumelwaneni sokudinga iN, uNkulunkulu waboyise, ngenhliziyo yabo yonke langomphefumulo wabo wonke. Njalo wonke ongadingi uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli uzabulawa, kusukela komncinyane kusiya komkhulu, kusukela kowesilisa kusiya kowesifazana. Basebefunga eNni ngelizwi elikhulu langokumemeza langezimpondo langempondo zezinqama. AbakoJuda bonke bathokoza-ke ngesifungo, ngoba babefungile ngenhliziyo yabo yonke, beyidingile ngaso sonke isifiso sabo. Njalo mayelana loMahaka unina kaAsa inkosi, yamsusa ekubeni yindlovukazi, ngoba wayenzele isixuku into enengekayo. Kanti indawo eziphakemeyo kazisuswanga koIsrayeli; lanxa kunjalo inhliziyo kaAsa yayiphelele insuku zakhe zonke. Wasengenisa endlini kaNkulunkulu izinto ezingcwele zikayise, lezinto zakhe ezingcwele, isiliva legolide lezitsha. Kakusabanga khona impi kwaze kwaba ngumnyaka wamatshumi amathathu lanhlanu wokubusa kukaAsa. Ngomnyaka wamatshumi amathathu lesithupha wokubusa kukaAsa, wakha iRama ukuze angavumeli ophumayo longenayo kuAsa inkosi yakoJuda. UAsa wasekhupha isiliva legolide esiphaleni senotho sendlu kaJehova lendlu yenkosi, wathumela kuBenihadadi inkosi yeSiriya owayehlala eDamaseko, esithi: Kulesivumelwano phakathi kwami lawe laphakathi kukababa loyihlo; khangela, ngiyakuthumela isiliva legolide; hamba, yephula isivumelwano sakho loBahasha inkosi yakoIsrayeli ukuze enyuke asuke kimi. UBenihadadi waseyilalela inkosi uAsa, wathuma induna zamabutho ayelawo ukuyamelana lemizi yakoIsrayeli, zasezitshaya iIjoni leDani leAbeli-Mayimi. Kwasekusithi uBahasha esizwa wayekela ukwakha iRama, wawumisa umsebenzi wakhe. UAsa inkosi wasethatha uJuda wonke, bathutha amatshe eRama lezigodo zayo uBahasha ayesakha ngakho; wasesakha ngakho iGeba leMizipa. Ngalesosikhathi uHanani umboni wasefika kuAsa inkosi yakoJuda, wathi kuye: Ngoba weyeme enkosini yeSiriya, ungeyamanga eNni uNkulunkulu wakho, ngalokho ibutho lenkosi yeSiriya liphunyukile esandleni sakho. AmaEthiyophiya lamaLibiya ayengeyisilo ibutho elikhulu, elezinqola labagadi bamabhiza abanengi kakhulu yini? Kanti lapho weyeme eNni, yawanikela esandleni sakho. Ngoba iN, amehlo ayo agijima aye le lale emhlabeni wonke ukuthi izitshengise ilamandla ngalabo abanhliziyo yabo iphelele kuyo. Wenze ngobuthutha kulokhu, ngoba kusukela khathesi kuzakuba lezimpi kuwe. UAsa wasemcunukela umboni, wamfaka entolongweni, ngoba wamthukuthelela ngalokhu. UAsa wasecindezela abanyeebantwini ngalesosikhathi. Khangela-ke, izindaba zikaAsa. UAsa waba lomkhuhlane enyaweni zakhe, ngomnyaka wamatshumi amathathu lesificamunwemunye wokubusa kwakhe, umkhuhlane wakhe waze wakhula kakhulu; kanti lekuguleni kwakhe kayidinganga iN, kodwa izinyanga. UAsa waselala laboyise wafa ngomnyaka wamatshumi amane lanye wokubusa kwakhe. Basebemngcwaba emangcwabeni akhe ayezigebhele wona emzini kaDavida. UJehoshafathi indodana yakhe wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe; waziqinisa ukumelana loIsrayeli. Wasebeka amabutho kuyo yonke imizi ebiyelweyo yakoJuda. yasisiba loJehoshafathi, ngoba wahamba ngendlela zakuqala zikaDavida uyise, kabadinganga oBhali; kodwa wadinga kuNkulunkulu kayise, wahamba ngemilayo yakhe. Ngakho yawuqinisa umbuso esandleni sakhe, loJuda wonke waletha izipho kuJehoshafathi. Inhliziyo yakhe yasiphakama ezindleleni zeN; futhi-ke wasusa indawo eziphakemeyo. Langomnyaka wesithathu wokubusa kwakhe wathuma kuziphathamandla zakhe, kuBeni-Hayili lakuObhadiya lakuZekhariya lakuNethaneli lakuMikhaya, ukufundisa emizini yakoJuda. Kanye lazo-ke amaLevi, oShemaya loNethaniya loZebhadiya loAsaheli loShemiramothi loJehonathani loAdonija loTobija loTobi-Adonija, amaLevi. Basebefundisa koJuda, belogwalo lomlayo weN; babhoda kuyo yonke imizi yakoJuda, bafundisa abantu. Kwasekusiba lokuyesaba phezu kwayo yonke imibuso yamazwe ayehanqe uJuda, okokuthi kayilwanga loJehoshafathi. La banyebamaFilisti. UJehoshafathi wayelokhu ekhula njalo. Wayelomsebenzi omnengi emizini yakoJuda, lamadoda empi, amaqhawe alamandla, eJerusalema. Lala ngamanani awo ngezindlu zaboyise: KoJuda, induna zezinkulungwane, uAdina engumphathi, njalo kanye laye amaqhawe alamandla azinkulungwane ezingamakhulu amathathu; leceleni kwakhe uJohanani umphathi, njalo kanye laye izinkulungwane ezingamakhulu amabili lamatshumi ayisificaminwembili; leceleni kwakhe uAmasiya indodana kaZikiri, owazinikela ngesihle eNni, njalo kanye laye amaqhawe alamandla azinkulungwane ezingamakhulu amabili. LakoBhenjamini: UEliyada iqhawe elilamandla, njalo kanye laye izinkulungwane ezingamakhulu amabili, ezihlome ngedandili langesihlangu; leceleni kwakhe uJehozabadi, njalo kanye laye izinkulungwane ezilikhulu lamatshumi ayisificaminwembili, abahlomele impi. Laba babesebenzela inkosi ngaphandle kwalabo inkosi eyayibabeke emizini ebiyelweyo kuye wonke uJuda. Njalo uJehoshafathi wayelenotho lodumo ngobunengi. Ekupheleni kweminyaka wasesehlela kuAhabi. UAhabi inkosi yakoIsrayeli wasesithi kuJehoshafathi inkosi yakoJuda: Uzahamba lami eRamothi-Gileyadi yini? Wasesithi kuye: Njengami unjalo wena, labantu bami banjengabantu bakho. Sizakuba lawe empini. UJehoshafathi wasesithi enkosini yakoIsrayeli: Akubuze lamuhla ilizwi leN. Inkosi yakoIsrayeli yasibuthanisa abaprofethi, amadoda angamakhulu amane, yathi kubo: Sihambe yini eRamothi-Gileyadi empini kumbe ngiyekele? Basebesithi: Yenyuka, ngoba uNkulunkulu uza yi nikela esandleni senkosi. Kodwa uJehoshafathi wathi: Kasekho yini lapha umprofethi weN ukuthi sibuze kuye? Inkosi yakoIsrayeli yasisithi kuJehoshafathi: Kusekhona indoda eyodwa esingabuza ngayo eNni, kodwa mina ngiyamzonda ngoba kaprofethi lutho oluhle ngami, kodwa okubi zonke izinsuku zakhe; lo nguMikhaya indodana kaImla. UJehoshafathi wasesithi: Inkosi ingatsho njalo. Inkosi yakoIsrayeli yasibiza umthenwa othile yathi: Landa masinyane uMikhaya indodana kaImla. Njalo inkosi yakoIsrayeli loJehoshafathi inkosi yakoJuda babehlezi ngulowo lalowo esihlalweni sakhe sobukhosi, begqoke izembatho, behlezi ebaleni engenelweni lesango leSamariya, bonke abaprofethi beprofetha-ke phambi kwabo. UZedekhiya indodana kaKhenahana wasezenzela impondo zensimbi, wathi: Itsho njalo iN: Ngalezi uzahlaba amaSiriya uze uwaqede. Labo bonke abaprofethi baprofetha njalo, besithi: Yenyukela eRamothi-Gileyadi uphumelele, ngoba iza yi nikela esandleni senkosi. Isithunywa esasiyebiza uMikhaya sakhuluma kuye sisithi: Khangela, amazwi abaprofethi ngamlomo munye mahle enkosini; ngakho ilizwi lakho ake lifanane lelomunye wabo, ukhulume okuhle. Kodwa uMikhaya wathi: Kuphila kukaJehova, ngeqiniso lokho uNkulunkulu wami akutshoyo, lokho ngizakukhuluma. Esefikile enkosini, inkosi yathi kuye: Mikhaya, siye eRamothi-Gileyadi empini kumbe ngiyekele yini? Wasesithi: Yenyukani, liphumelele, ngoba bazanikelwa esandleni senu. Inkosi yasisithi kuye: Ngizakufungisa kuze kube yizikhathi ezingaki ukuze ungakhulumi kimi ngaphandle kweqiniso ebizweni leN? Wasesithi: Ngabona uIsrayeli wonke echithekile phezu kwezintaba njengezimvu ezingelamelusi; yasisithi: Laba kabalamakhosi, kababuyele ngulowo endlini yakhe ngokuthula. Inkosi yakoIsrayeli yasisithi kuJehoshafathi: Kangikutshelanga yini: Kayikuprofetha okuhle ngami kodwa okubi kuphela? Wasesithi: Ngakho zwanini ilizwi leN. Ngabona ihlezi esihlalweni sayo sobukhosi, lexuku lonke lamazulu limi ngakwesokunene sayo langakwesokhohlo sayo. yasisithi: Ngubani ozahuga uAhabi inkosi yakoIsrayeli ukuze enyuke awe eRamothi-Gileyadi? Omunye wasekhuluma esitsho ngokunjalo, lomunye esitsho ngokunjalo. Kwasekuphuma umoya, wema phambi kweN wathi: Mina ngizamhuga. yasisithi kuwo: Ngani? Wasusithi: Ngizaphuma ngibe ngumoya wamanga emlonyeni wabo bonke abaprofethi bakhe. Yasisithi: Uza m huga, njalo uzakuba lamandla; phuma wenze njalo. Ngakho-ke, khangela, ifake umoya wamanga emlonyeni walababaprofethi bakho, njalo ikhulume okubi ngawe. UZedekhiya indodana kaKhenahana wasesondela, watshaya uMikhaya esihlathini, wathi: UMoya weN wedlula ngandlela bani esuka kimi ukuthi akhulume lawe? UMikhaya wasesithi: Khangela, uzabona ngalolosuku mhla uzangena ekamelweni phakathi kwekamelo ukuthi ucatshe. Inkosi yakoIsrayeli yasisithi: Thathani uMikhaya, limbuyisele kuAmoni umbusi womuzi lakuJowashi indodana yenkosi, lithi: Itsho njalo inkosi: Fakani lo entolongweni, limdlise isinkwa senhlupho lamanzi enhlupho ngize ngibuye ngokuthula. UMikhaya wasesithi: Uba ubuya lokubuya ngokuthula, izabe ingakhulumanga ngami. Wathi: Lalelani, bantu lonke. Ngakho inkosi yakoIsrayeli loJehoshafathi inkosi yakoJuda benyukela eRamothi-Gileyadi. Inkosi yakoIsrayeli yasisithi kuJehoshafathi: Ngizazifihla isimo, ngingene empini, kodwa wena gqoka izembatho zakho. Inkosi yakoIsrayeli yasizifihla isimo, basebengena empini. Inkosi yeSiriya yayilayile-ke izinduna zenqola eyayilazo isithi: Lingalwi lomncane loba omkhulu, kodwa lenkosi yakoIsrayeli kuphela. Kwasekusithi induna zezinqola zibona uJehoshafathi zona zathi: Yena uyinkosi yakoIsrayeli. Ngakho zamhanqela ukulwa. Ngoba kwathi lapho induna zezinqola zibona ukuthi kwakungayisiyo inkosi yakoIsrayeli, zaphenduka ekuyilandeleni. Umuntu othilewasedonsa idandili engananzelele, wahlaba inkosi yakoIsrayeli phakathi kwenhlangano lebhatshi lensimbi; yasisithi kumtshayeli wenqola: Phendula isandla sakho, ungikhuphe ebuthweni, ngoba ngilimele. Impi yasikhula mhlalokho; inkosi yayisekelwe enqoleni iqondene lamaSiriya kwaze kwaba ntambama; yafa ngesikhathi sokutshona kwelanga. UJehoshafathi inkosi yakoJuda wasebuyela endlini yakhe ngokuthula eJerusalema. UJehu indodana kaHanani. Loba kunjalo izinto ezinhle zitholwe kuwe. UJehoshafathi wasehlala eJerusalema; wabuya waphuma wahambaphakathi kwabantu, kusukela eBherishebha. Wasemisa abahluleli elizweni. Wasesithi kubahluleli: Bonani elikwenzayo, ngoba kalehluleleli umuntu kodwa iN, elani endabeni yokwahlulela. Ngakho-ke uvalo ngeN kalube phezu kwenu, linanzelele likwenze, ngoba eNni uNkulunkulu wethu kakulabubi. Futhi leJerusalema uJehoshafathi wasemisa abanyekumaLevi labapristi lakunhloko zaboyise zakoIsrayeli. Wasebalaya esithi: Lizakwenza njalo ekuyesabeni iN. Lawuphi umbango oza kini ovela kubafowenu abahlala emizini yabo, phakathi kwegazi legazi, phakathi komthetho lomlayo, izimiso lezahlulelo. Khangelani-ke, uAmariya umpristi oyinhloko uphezu kwenu. Kwasekusithi emva kwalokho abantwana bakoMowabi. Kwasekusiza abanyebabikela uJehoshafathi besithi: Kuyeza ixuku elikhulu ukumelana lawe elivela phetsheya kolwandle, eSiriya; khangela-ke, liseHazazoni-Tamari. UJehoshafathi wasesesaba, wamisa ubuso bakhe ukudinga iN KOSI. UJuda wasezibuthanisa ukudinga eNni; lasemizini yonke yakoJuda baphuma beza ukudinga iN. UJehoshafathi wasesima ebandleni lakoJuda leJerusalema endlini yeN phambi kweguma elitsha. Wasesithi: N, Nkulunkulu wabobaba, wena kawusuye yini uNkulunkulu emazulwini. KawusiNkulunkulu wethu yini. Basebehlala kilo, bakwakhela indawo engcwele kulo eyebizo lakho, besithi: Uba kusehlela phezu kwethu ububi, inkemba, isahlulelo, loba umatshayabhuqe wesifo, loba indlala), sikhale kuwe ekubandezelekeni kwethu, uzakuzwa-ke usindise. Ngakho-ke, khangela, abantwana bakoAmoni labakoMowabi; khangela-ke, basivuza beza uku za sixotsha elifeni lakho owenze ukuthi silidle. Nkulunkulu wethu, kawuyikubahlulela yini. UJuda wonke wasesima phambi kweN, lensane zabo, omkabo labantwana babo. Khona uJahaziyeli indodana kaZekhariya indodana kaBhenaya indodana kaJeyiyeli indodana kaMathaniya, umLevi emadodaneni kaAsafi. Wasesithi: Lalelani lonke bakoJuda labahlali beJerusalema, lawe nkosi Jehoshafathi; itsho njalo kini: Lina lingesabi lingatshaywa luvalo ngenxa yalelixuku elikhulu. Kusasa yehlani limelane labo; khangela, bayenyuka ngomqanso weZizi; lizabathola ekucineni kwesihotsha phambi kwenkangala yeJeruweli. Kakusikwenu ukulwa kule impi; zimiseni lime, libone usindiso lweN lani. UJehoshafathi wasekhothamisa ikhanda emhlabathini, laye wonke uJuda labahlali beJerusalema bawa phambi kweN, beyikhonza iN. AmaLevi kubantwana bakoKohathi, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, ngelizwi elikhulu eliphezulu. Basebevuka ekuseni kakhulu, baphuma baya enkangala yeThekhowa. Esecebisene labantu wamisela abahlabeleli, abazadumisa ubuhle bobungcwele. Kwathi lapho beqalisa ukuhlabelela lokudumisa, yabeka abacathameli, uMowabi, lentaba iSeyiri, ababezemelana loJuda; basebetshaywa. Ngoba abantwana bakoAmoni labakoMowabi basukuma bamelana labahlali bentaba yeSeyiri ukutshabalalisa lokuchitha. UJuda esefikile enqabeni yokulinda enkangala bakhangela ngasexukwini, khangela-ke, kwakulezidumbu eziwele emhlabathini; njalo kungekho ophephileyo. UJehoshafathi labantu bakhe sebefikile ukuphanga impango bathola phakathi kwabo ngobunengi, impahla lazo, lezidumbu, lezinto eziligugu, baziphangela baze b ehluleka uku zi thwala. Njalo baba lensuku ezintathu bephanga impango ngoba yayinengi. Njalo ngosuku lwesine babuthana esihotsheni seBeraka, ngoba lapho bayibusisa iN; ngenxa yalokho babiza ibizo laleyondawo ngokuthiyisihotsha seBeraka kuze kube lamuhla. Basebebuyela, wonke umuntu wakoJuda leJerusalema, loJehoshafathi enhlokweni yabo, ukuthi babuyele eJerusalema belentokozo, ngoba yabathokozisa phezu kwezitha zabo. Basebengena eJerusalema belezigubhu zezintambo lamachacho lezimpondo, baya endlini yeN. Uvalo ngoNkulunkulu lwaselusiba phezu kwayo yonke imibuso yamazwe lapho besizwa ukuthi yalwa lezitha zikaIsrayeli. Ngakho umbuso kaJehoshafathi waba lokuthula, ngoba uNkulunkulu wakhe wamphumuza inhlangothi zonke. UJehoshafathi wabusa-ke phezu kukaJuda; wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amathathu lanhlanu lapho esiba yinkosi, wabusa iminyaka engamatshumi amabili lanhlanu eJerusalema. Lebizo likanina lalinguAzuba indodakazi kaShilehi. Wasehamba ngendlela kayise uAsa, kaphambukanga kuyo, esenza okulungileyo emehlweni eN. Lanxa kunjalo indawo eziphakemeyo kazisuswanga. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaJehoshafathi, ezokuqala lezokucina, khangela, zibhaliwe ezindabeni zikaJehu indodana kaHanani. Lemva kwalokho uJehoshafathi inkosi yakoJuda wazihlanganisa loAhaziya inkosi yakoIsrayeli owenza ngenkohlakalo ekwenzeni. Wasezihlanganisa laye ukwenza imikhumbi yokuya eTarshishi; basebeyenza imikhumbi eEziyoni-Geberi. UEliyezeri indodana kaDodavahu weMaresha waseprofetha emelene loJehoshafathi. UJehoshafathi waselala laboyise, wangcwatshelwa kuboyise emzini kaDavida. UJoramu indodana yakhe wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. Njalo wayelabafowabo, amadodana kaJehoshafathi, oAzariya, loJehiyeli, loZekhariya, loAzariya, loMikayeli, loShefathiya. Bonke laba babengamadodana kaJehoshafathi inkosi yakoIsrayeli. Uyise wasebanika izipho ezinengi zesiliva lezegolide lezempahla eziligugu; kodwa umbuso wawunika uJehoramu ngoba wayelizibulo. UJehoramu esephakeme embusweni kayise waziqinisa, wabulala bonke abafowabo ngenkemba njalo le zinyezeziphathamandla zakoIsrayeli. UJehoramu wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amathathu lambili esiba yinkosi, wabusa iminyaka eyisificaminwembili eJerusalema. Wasehamba ngendlela yamakhosi akoIsrayeli, njengokwenza kwendlu kaAhabi, ngoba indodakazi kaAhabi yayingumkakhe; wasesenza okubi emehlweni eN. Kodwa kayithandanga ukuchitha indlu kaDavida ngenxa yesivumelwano eyayisenze loDavida, lanjengoba yayithe izanika yena lamadodana akhe isibane insuku zonke. Ensukwini zakhe uEdoma wahlubuka wasuka phansi kwesandla sakoJuda, basebezibekela inkosi. UJehoramu wasechapha lenduna zakhe lenqola zonke laye, wavuka ebusuku, wawatshaya amaEdoma ayezingelezele yena lenduna zenqola. UEdoma wahlubuka-ke wasuka phansi kwesandla sakoJuda kuze kube lamuhla. Khona iLibhina yahlubuka ngalesosikhathi yasuka phansi kwesandla sakhe, ngoba wayedelile iN, uNkulunkulu waboyise. Futhi yena wenza indawo eziphakemeyo entabeni zakoJuda, wenza abahlali beJerusalema baphinge. Kwasekufika kuye incwadi ivela kuElija umprofethi isithi: Itsho njalo iN, uNkulunkulu kaDavida uyihlo: Ngenxa yokuthi ungahambanga ezindleleni zikaJehoshafathi uyihlo, kodwa uhambe ngendlela yamakhosi akoIsrayeli, khangela, izatshaya ngokutshaya okukhulu ebantwini bakho lebantwaneni bakho lakubomkakho, lakuyo yonke impahla yakho. Lawe uzakuba semikhuhlaneni emikhulu ngesifo samathumbu akho, amathumbu akho aze aphume ngenxa yesifo usuku ngosuku. yasimvusela uJehoramu umoya wamaFilisti lamaArabhiya ayeseceleni kwamaEthiyophiya. Asesenyukela koJuda ayifohlela athumba yonke impahla eyatholakala endlini yenkosi kanye lamadodana ayo labafazi bayo; kakwaze kwasala indodana kuyo ngaphandle kukaJehowahazi, icinathunjana lamadodana ayo. Langemva kwakho konke lokho yamtshaya emathunjini akhe ngomkhuhlane ongelaselapho. Kwasekusithi umnyaka ngomnyaka, langesikhathi sokuphuma kokucina kweminyaka emibili, amathumbu akhe aphuma ngomkhuhlane wakhe; ngakho wafa ngemikhuhlane emibi. Wayele minyakaengamatshumi amathathu lambili esiba yinkosi, wabusa iminyaka eyisificaminwembili eJerusalema; wahamba engaloyiseki. Abahlali beJerusalema basebebeka uAhaziya. UAhaziya wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amane lambili esiba yinkosi, wabusa umnyaka owodwa eJerusalema. Laye wahamba ngezindlela zendlu kaAhabi, ngoba unina wayengumelulekikazi wakhe ukwenza okubi. Ngakho wenza okubi emehlweni eN njengendlu kaAhabi, ngoba bona babengabeluleki bakhe emva kokufa kukayise, kwaba yikuchitheka kwakhe. Futhi wahamba ngeseluleko sabo, wahamba loJehoramu indodana kaAhabi inkosi yakoIsrayeli waya empini emelene loHazayeli inkosi yeSiriya eRamothi-Gileyadi. AmaSiriya asemtshaya uJoramu. Wasebuyela uku ya kwelatshwa eJizereyeli ngenxa yamanxeba ayewatshaywe eRama, ekulweni kwakhe loHazayeli inkosi yeSiriya. UAzariya indodana kaJehoramu inkosi yakoJuda wehlela ukubona uJehoramu indodana kaAhabi eJizereyeli, ngoba wayegula. Lokubhujiswa kukaAhaziya kwakuvele kuNkulunkulu ngokuthi eze kuJoramu. Kwasekusithi lapho uJehu esenza isahlulelo kundlu kaAhabi. Wasedinga uAhaziya, basebembamba, ngoba wayecatshile eSamariya, bamletha kuJehu. Kwathi uAthaliya unina kaAhaziya ebone ukuthi indodana yakhe ifile, wasukuma wabhubhisa yonke inzalo yobukhosi yendlu yakoJuda. Kodwa uJehoshabeyathi indodakazi yenkosi wathatha uJowashi indodana kaAhaziya, wameba emsusa phakathi kwamadodana enkosi ayebulawa, wambeka lomlizane wakhe endlini yokulala. Ngokunjalo uJehoshabeyathi indodakazi yenkosi uJehoramu, umkaJehoyada umpristi, ngoba yena wayengudadewabo kaAhaziya, wamfihla ebusweni bukaAthaliya ukuze angambulali. Wasecatsha labo endlini kaNkulunkulu iminyaka eyisithupha; uAthaliya wabusa-ke phezu kwelizwe. Njalo ngomnyaka wesikhombisa uJehoyada waziqinisa, loMahaseya indodana kaAdaya, loElishafati indodana kaZikiri. Basebebhodabhoda koJuda, baqoqa amaLevi kuyo yonke imizi yakoJuda lenhloko zaboyise bakoIsrayeli, beza eJerusalema. Ibandla lonke laselisenza isivumelwano lenkosi endlini kaNkulunkulu. Wasesithi kubo: Khangelani indodana yenkosi izabusa njengokutsho kweN mayelana lamadodana kaDavida. Yilolu ulutho elizalwenza; ingxenye yesithathu yenu elingena ngesabatha, kubapristi lakumaLevi, bazakuba ngabalindi bemibundu; lengxenye yesithathu izakuba sendlini yenkosi, lengxenye yesithathu esangweni lesisekelo; labo bonke abantu bazakuba semagumeni endlu kaJehova. Kodwa kakungangeni muntu endlini yeN ngaphandle kwabapristi lalabo abasebenzayo bamaLevi. LamaLevi azaphahla inkosi inhlangothi zonke, ngulowo lalowo elezikhali zakhe esandleni sakhe; lalowo ongenayo endlini uzabulawa. Kodwa yibani lenkosi ekungeneni kwayo lekuphumeni kwayo. Ngakho amaLevi loJuda wonke benza njengakho konke uJehoyada umpristi ayekulayile. Zasezithatha, yileyo laleyo amadoda ayo angena ngesabatha kanye lalawo aphuma ngesabatha; ngoba uJehoyada umpristi wayengazikhululanga izigaba. UJehoyada umpristi wasenika izinduna zamakhulu imikhonto lezihlangu ezinkulu lezihlangu ezazingezenkosi uDavida ezazisendlini kaNkulunkulu. Wasemisa bonke abantu, langulowo elesikhali sakhe esandleni sakhe, kusukela kucele langakwesokunene lendlu kusiya kucele langakwesokhohlo lendlu, ngaselathini langasendlini, enkosini inhlangothi zonke. Basebekhuphela phandle indodana yenkosi, bayithwalisa umqhele, bayiphaubufakazi, bayibeka yaba yinkosi. UJehoyada lamadodana akhe basebeyigcoba bathi: Kayiphile inkosi! UAthaliya esizwa ilizwi labantu begijima bedumisa inkosi, weza ebantwini endlini kaJehova. Wasebona, khangela-ke, inkosi yayimi ngasensikeni yayo engenelweni, lezinduna, lezimpondo ngasenkosini; labo bonke abantu belizwe bathokoza bavuthela izimpondo, labahlabeleli belezinto zokuhlabelela labafundisa ukudumisa. UAthaliya wasedabula izigqoko zakhe, wathi: Umvukela! Umvukela! UJehoyada umpristi wasekhupha izinduna zamakhulu ezazibekwe phezu kwebutho, wathi kuzo: Mkhupheni limsuse phakathi kwamaviyo; lomlandelayo uzabulawa ngenkemba. Ngoba umpristi wayethe: Lingambulaleli endlini kaJehova. Zasezimbamba ngezandla, wasesiya engenelweni lesango lamabhiza endlini yenkosi, zambulalela khona. UJehoyada wasesenza isivumelwano phakathi kwakhe labantu bonke lenkosi ukuthi babe ngabantu bakaJehova. Bonke abantu basebesiya endlini kaBhali, bayidiliza, baphahlaza lamalathi akhe lezithombe zakhe, babulala uMathani umpristi kaBhali phambi kwamalathi. UJehoyada wasemisa izikhundla zendlu yeN ngesandla sabapristi, amaLevi, ngenjabulo langokuhlabela, njengokumisa kukaDavida. Wasebeka abalindi bamasango emasangweni endlu yeN ukuze kungangeni muntu ongcolileyo ngolutho loba luphi. Wasethatha izinduna zamakhulu leziphathamandla lababusi phakathi kwabantu labo bonke abantu belizwe, wayehlisa inkosi isuka endlini kaJehova; basebengena endlini yenkosi ngaphakathi kwesango elingaphezulu, bayihlalisa inkosi esihlalweni sobukhosi sombuso. Labo bonke abantu belizwe bathokoza; lomuzi waba lokuthula sebembulele uAthaliya ngenkemba. UJowashi wayeleminyaka eyisikhombisa esiba yinkosi, wabusa iminyaka engamatshumi amane eJerusalema. Lebizo likanina lalinguZibiya weBherishebha. UJowashi wasesenza okuqondileyo emehlweni eN KOSI. UJehoyada wasemthathela abafazi ababili; wasezala amadodana lamadodakazi. Kwasekusithi emva kwalokho kwaba senhliziyweni kaJowashi ukuvuselela indlu yeN. Wasebuthanisa abapristi lamaLevi, wathi kibo: Phumani liye emizini yakoJuda, liqoqe kuIsrayeli wonke imali yokulungisa indlu kaNkulunkulu wenu umnyaka ngomnyaka; lina-ke, luphangiseleni udaba. Inkosi yasibiza uJehoyada inhloko, yathi kuye: Kungani ungabizanga kumaLevi ukuthi alethe esusa koJuda laseJerusalema umthelo kaMozisi inceku yeN KOSI? Ngoba amadodana kaAthaliya okhohlakeleyo afohlela endlini kaNkulunkulu. Inkosi yasilaya, asesenza ibhokisi elilodwa, alibeka esangweni lendlu kaJehova phandle. Asesenza isimemezelo koJuda laseJerusalema ukuthi balethe eNni umthelo kaMozisi inceku kaNkulunkulu owabekwaphezu kukaIsrayeli enkangala. Zonke iziphathamandla labo bonke abantu basebethokoza, baletha baphosela ebhokisini baze baqeda. Kwakusithi-ke ngesikhathi eletha ibhokisi kumhloli wenkosi ngesandla samaLevi, lalapho ebona ukuthi kulemali enengi, umabhalane wenkosi lenduna yompristi oyinhloko beze balithulule ibhokisi, balithathe balibuyisele endaweni yalo. Benza njalo-ke insuku ngensuku, baqoqa imali ngobunengi. Inkosi loJehoyada basebeyinika abenzi bomsebenzi wenkonzo wendlu kaJehova, baqatsha abakha ngamatshe lababazi ukuvuselela indlu kaJehova, njalo labakhandi bensimbi lethusi ukuqinisa indlu kaJehova. Ngakho abenzi bomsebenzi basebenza, kwaze kwathi ukuvuselelwa komsebenzi kwaqhubeka ngesandla sabo, bayimisa indlu kaNkulunkulu ngesilinganiso sayo, bayiqinisa. Kwathi sebeqedile baletha imali eseleyo phambi kwenkosi loJehoyada, abenza ngayo izitsha zendlu kaJehova, izitsha zenkonzo lezokunikela, lezinkezo, lezitsha zegolide lezesiliva. UJehoyada waseguga wenela ngezinsuku, wafa; wayeleminyaka elikhulu lamatshumi amathathu ekufeni kwakhe. Basebemngcwabela emzini kaDavida lamakhosi, ngoba wayenze okulungileyo koIsrayeli lakuNkulunkulu lendlu yakhe. Emva kokufa kukaJehoyada iziphathamandla zakoJuda zasezisiza zakhothama phambi kwenkosi; khona inkosi yazilalela. Basebeyitshiya indlu yeN, uNkulunkulu waboyise, bakhonza izixuku. Kodwa yathuma abaprofethi phakathi kwabo ukubabuyisela eNni. UMoya kaNkulunkulu wasesembesa uZekhariya indodana kaJehoyada umpristi owema ngaphezu kwabantu, wathi kibo: Utsho njalo uNkulunkulu: Kungani liseqa imilayo yeN ukuze lingaphumeleli. Basebemenzela ugobe, bamkhanda ngamatshe ngomlayo wenkosi. Ngokunjalo uJowashi inkosi kawukhumbulanga umusa uJehoyada uyise ayemenzele wona, kodwa wabulala indodana yakhe. Kwasekusithi ekuthwaseni komnyaka ibutho leSiriya lenyuka lamelana laye. Lanxa ibutho lamaSiriya leza lilamadoda amalutshwana, kanti yanikela esandleni sawo ibutho elikhulu kakhulu, ngoba babeyitshiyile uNkulunkulu waboyise. Kwathi sebesukile kuye, ngoba bemtshiye esemikhuhlaneni emikhulu. Lalaba yibo ababemenzele ugobe: OZabadi indodana kaShimeyathi umAmonikazi, loJehozabadi indodana kaShimirithi umMowabikazi. Mayelana lamadodana akhe, lobukhulu bomthwalo phezu kwakhe, lokumiswa kwendlu kaNkulunkulu, khangela, kubhaliwe endabeni yogwalo lwamakhosi. UAmaziya indodana yakhe wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. UAmaziya eseleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lanhlanu waba yinkosi; wabusa iminyaka engamatshumi amabili lesificamunwemunye eJerusalema. Lebizo likanina lalinguJehowadani weJerusalema. Wasesenza okuqondileyo emehlweni eN, kodwa kungeyisikho ngenhliziyo epheleleyo. Kwasekusithi umbuso usuqinisiwe kuye, wabulala inceku zakhe ezazibulele inkosi uyise. Kodwa kababulalanga abantwana bazo, kodwa wenzanjengokubhaliweyo emlayweni wogwalo lukaMozisi lapho eyalaya khona isithi: Oyise kabayikufa ngenxa yabantwana, labantwana kabayikufa ngenxa yaboyise, kodwa wonke uzafela isono sakhe. UAmaziya wasebuthanisa uJuda, wabamisa ngokwendlu yaboyise baba zinduna zezinkulungwane lezinduna zamakhulu, kuye wonke uJuda loBhenjamini. Wababala kusukela koleminyaka engamatshumi amabili kusiya phezulu. Wabuya waqatsha koIsrayeli amaqhawe alamandla azinkulungwane ezilikhulu ngamathalenta esiliva alikhulu. Kodwa kwafika umuntu kaNkulunkulu kuye, esithi: Nkosi, ibutho lakoIsrayeli kalingahambi lawe, ngoba kayilaye uIsrayeli, kusitshobonke abantwana bakoEfrayimi. Kodwa uba uhamba, kwenze, qinela impi; uNkulunkulu uzakwenza ukhubeke phambi kwesitha. UAmaziya wasesithi emuntwini kaNkulunkulu: Pho, senzeni ngamathalenta alikhulu engiwanike iviyo lakoIsrayeli? Umuntu kaNkulunkulu wasesithi: ilokunengi kulalokhu okokukunika. UAmaziya wasebehlukanisa, kusitshoiviyo elalifike kuye livela koEfrayimi, ukuze baye endaweni yabo. Ngakho ulaka lwabo lwamvuthela kakhulu uJuda, babuyela endaweni yabo bevutha ulaka. UAmaziya waseziqinisa, wakhokhela abantu bakhe, waya esihotsheni setshwayi, watshaya abantwana beSeyiri, izinkulungwane ezilitshumi. Abantwana bakoJuda basebethumba abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi abaphilayo, babasa engqongeni yeliwa, babaphosa besengqongeni yeliwa, baze baphahlazeka bonke. Kodwa abantu beviyo uAmaziya ayelibuyisele emuva ukuthi bangahambi laye empini, bahlasela imizi yakoJuda, kusukela eSamariya kuze kube seBhethi-Horoni, batshaya abazinkulungwane ezintathu zabo, baphanga impango enengi. Kwasekusithi emva kokubuya kukaAmaziya ekutshayeni amaEdoma, waletha onkulunkulu, wabamisa baba ngonkulunkulu bakhe, wabakhothamela, wabatshisela impepha. Ngalokhu ulaka lweN lwamvuthela uAmaziya, yathuma kuye umprofethi owathi kuye: Ubadingelani onkulunkulu babantu abangophulanga abantu babo esandleni sakho? Kodwa kwathi ekhuluma laye, wathi kuye: Sikubekile yini ukuthi ube ngumeluleki wenkosi? Ziyekelele! Kungani bezakutshaya. UAmaziya inkosi yakoJuda wasethatha iseluleko, wathumela kuJowashi indodana kaJehowahazi indodana kaJehu, inkosi yakoIsrayeli, esithi: Woza, sikhangelane ubuso. UJowashi inkosi yakoIsrayeli wasethumela kuAmaziya inkosi yakoJuda esithi: Ukhula oluhlabayo oluseLebhanoni lwathumela emsedarini oseLebhanoni lusithi: Phana indodana yami indodakazi yakho ibe ngumka yo; kodwa isilo seganga esasiseLebhanoni sedlula, salugxoba ukhula oluhlabayo. Uthi: Khangela, uyitshayile iEdoma; ngakho inhliziyo yakho iyakuphakamisa ukuthi uzincome; khathesi hlala endlini yakho; kungani uzazingenisa ebubini ukuze uwe, wena loJuda elawe? Kodwa uAmaziya kalalelanga; ngoba kwakungokukaNkulunkulu ukuze abanikele esandleni sabo. UJowashi inkosi yakoIsrayeli wasesenyuka, bakhangelana ubuso, yena loAmaziya inkosi yakoJuda, eBeti-Shemeshi engeyakoJuda. UJuda wasetshaywa phambi kukaIsrayeli, babaleka, ngulowo waya ethenteni lakhe. UJowashi inkosi yakoIsrayeli wasembamba uAmaziya inkosi yakoJuda, indodana kaJowashi, indodana kaJehowahazi, eBeti-Shemeshi. Wase thathalonke igolide lesiliva, lezitsha zonke ezatholakala endlini kaNkulunkulu. UAmaziya indodana kaJowashi inkosi yakoJuda wasephila iminyaka elitshumi lanhlanu emva kokufa kukaJowashi indodana kaJehowahazi inkosi yakoIsrayeli. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaAmaziya, ezokuqala lezokucina, khangela, kazibhalwanga yini egwalweni lwamakhosi akoJuda lawakoIsrayeli? Njalo kusukela esikhathini uAmaziya aphambuka ngaso ekulandeleni bamenzela ugobe eJerusalema; wasebalekela eLakishi; kodwa bathumela emva kwakhe eLakishi, bambulalela khona. Basebemthwala ngamabhiza, bamngcwaba kuboyise emzini kaJuda. Bonke abantu bakoJuda basebethatha uUziya owayeleminyaka elitshumi lesithupha, bambeka waba yinkosi esikhundleni sikayise uAmaziya. Yena wakha iElothi, wayibuyisela koJuda emva kokulala kwenkosi laboyise. U-Uziya wayeleminyaka elitshumi lesithupha lapho esiba yinkosi; wabusa iminyaka engamatshumi amahlanu lambili eJerusalema. Lebizo likanina lalinguJekoliya weJerusalema. Wasesenza okuqondileyo emehlweni eN njengakho konke uAmaziya uyise ayekwenzile. Njalo wayemdinga uNkulunkulu ensukwini zikaZekhariya. Wasephuma walwa lamaFilisti, wakha imizi eAshidodi laphakathi kwamaFilisti. UNkulunkulu wasemsiza ukumelana lamaFilisti. AmaAmoni, lebizo lakhe lahamba laze lafika engenelweni leGibhithe, ngoba waziqinisa waze waba sengqongeni. Futhi uUziya wakha imiphotshongo eJerusalema esangweni lengonsi. Wakha lemiphotshongo enkangala, wagebha imithombo eminengi, ngoba wayelenkomo ezinengi esihotsheni kanye lemagcekeni, ngoba wayengothanda umhlabathi. Futhi uUziya wayelebutho elilwayo eliphuma impi ngamaviyo. Inani lonke lezinhloko zaboyise lamaqhawe alamandla lalizinkulungwane ezimbili lamakhulu ayisithupha. Laphansi kwesandla sazo kwakulamandla ebutho elizinkulungwane ezingamakhulu amathathu lesikhombisa lamakhulu amahlanu elalisilwa ngamandla obuqhawe ukusiza inkosi limelene lesitha. U-Uziya wasebalungisela, ibutho lonke, izihlangu. EJerusalema wasesenza imitshina, eyaqanjwa ngohlakaniphileyo. Kodwa eseqinile. UAzariya umpristi wasengena emva kwakhe elabapristi beN abangamatshumi ayisificaminwembili. Basebemelana loUziya inkosi, bathi kuye: Kakusikho okwakho, Uziya, ukutshisela impepha. Wasethukuthela uUziya, njalo kwakulodengezi esandleni sakhe ukuze atshise impepha; esebathukuthelele abapristi, kwabonakala ubulephero ebunzini lakhe phambi kwabapristi endlini yeN, ngaphezu kwelathi lempepha. UAzariya umpristi oyinhloko labo bonke abapristi basebemkhangela, khangela-ke, wayelobulephero ebunzini lakhe; basebemkhupha lapho masinyane. U-Uziya inkosi waba ngumlephero kwaze kwaba lusuku lokufa kwakhe; wahlala endlini eyehlukanisiweyo engumlephero, ngoba waqunywa wasuka endlini kaJehova. Njalo uJothamu indodana yakhe wayephezu kwendlu yenkosi, esahlulela abantu belizwe. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaUziya, ezokuqala lezokucina. U-Uziya waselala laboyise; basebemngcwaba kuboyise ensimini yokungcwaba eyayingeyamakhosi, ngoba bathi: Ungumlephero. UJothamu indodana yakhe wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. UJothamu wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lanhlanu esiba yinkosi; wasebusa iminyaka elitshumi lesithupha eJerusalema. Lebizo likanina lalinguJerusha, indodakazi kaZadoki. Wasesenza okuqondileyo emehlweni eN njengokwenza konke kukaUziya uyise; kodwa kangenanga ethempelini leN; labantu babelokhu besenza ngokonakala. Yena wakha isango eliphezulu lendlu yeN. Futhi wakha imizi entabeni zakoJuda, lemaguswini wakha izinqaba lemiphotshongo. Yena wesesilwa lenkosi yabantwana bakoAmoni. Ngokunjalo uJothamu waziqinisa, ngoba walungisa izindlela zakhe phambi kweN uNkulunkulu wakhe. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaJothamu, lazo zonke izimpi zakhe, lezindlela zakhe, khangela, zibhaliwe egwalweni lwamakhosi akoIsrayeli lawakoJuda. Wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lanhlanu esiba yinkosi, wabusa iminyaka elitshumi lesithupha eJerusalema. UJothamu waselala laboyise, basebemngcwabela emzini kaDavida; uAhazi indodana yakhe wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. UAhazi wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amabili esiba yinkosi; wabusa iminyaka elitshumi lesithupha eJerusalema. Kodwa kenzanga okuqondileyo emehlweni eN, njengoDavida uyise. Ngoba wahamba ezindleleni zamakhosi akoIsrayeli, wasesenzela oBhali. Yena watshisa impepha esihotsheni sendodana kaHinomu. Wanikela imihlatshelo watshisa impepha endaweni eziphakemeyo laphezu kwamaqaqa langaphansi kwaso sonke isihlahla esiluhlaza. Ngakho uNkulunkulu wakhe yamnikela esandleni senkosi yeSiriya; asemtshaya, athumba kuye abathunjiweyo abanengi, abasa eDamaseko. Futhi wanikelwa esandleni senkosi yakoIsrayeli eyamtshaya ngokutshaya okukhulu. Ngoba uPheka indodana kaRemaliya wabulala koJuda abazinkulungwane ezilikhulu lamatshumi amabili ngasuku lunye, bonke bengamadoda alamandla, ngoba babeyidelile uNkulunkulu waboyise. UZikiri iqhawe lakoEfrayimi wasebulala uMahaseya indodana yenkosi. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebethumba kubafowabo abazinkulungwane ezingamakhulu amabili, abesifazana, amadodana, lamadodakazi; baphanga lempango enengi kibo, bayiletha impango eSamariya. Kodwa kwakukhona lapho umprofethi weN obizo lakhe lalinguOdedi; wasephuma phambi kwebutho elalisiza eSamariya, wathi kibo: Khangelani, ngenxa yolaka lweN uNkulunkulu waboyihlo phezu kukaJuda. Khathesi-ke lina lithi lehlisela ngaphansi kwenu abantwana bakoJuda labeJerusalema babe yizigqili lezigqilikazi. Kodwa lina kakulamacala yini kini amelene leN uNkulunkulu wenu? Ngakho-ke ngilalelani; libuyisele abathunjiweyo elibathumbe kubafowenu, ngoba ukuvutha kolaka lweN kuphezu kwenu. Kwasekusukuma amadoda kunhloko zabantwana bakoEfrayimi, oAzariya indodana kaJohanani, uBerekiya indodana kaMeshilemothi, loJehizikiya, loAmasa indodana kaHadilayi, bamelana lalabo ababengena bevela ebuthweni. Basebesithi kibo: Kaliyikungenisa abathunjiweyo lapha kube licala eNni limelene lathi; ngoba lina lithi lizakwengeza ezonweni zethu lemacaleni ethu, ngoba isiphambeko sethu sikhulu, lokuvutha kolaka kuphezu kukaIsrayeli. Ngakho abahlomileyo batshiya abathunjiweyo lempango phambi kweziphathamandla lebandla lonke. Lamadoda abizwa ngamabizo asukuma, abamba abathunjiweyo. Ngalesosikhathi inkosi uAhazi yathuma emakhosini eAsiriya ukumncedisa. Ngoba amaEdoma ayesebuye atshaya uJuda, athumba abathunjwa. LamaFilisti; ahlala khona. Ngoba yamthobisa uJuda ngenxa kaAhazi inkosi yakoIsrayeli. Ngakho uTiligathi-Pileseri inkosi yeAsiriya wafika kuye, wamhlupha, kodwa kamqinisanga. Ngoba uAhazi wathatha isabelo sendlu kaJehova lesendlu yenkosi leseziphathamandla, wasipha inkosi yeAsiriya; kodwa kayimsizanga. Ngesikhathi sohlupho lwakhe wengeza-ke ekuphambekeni emelene loJehova. Le yinkosi uAhazi. Ngoba wahlabela onkulunkulu beDamaseko ababemtshayile. UAhazi waseqoqa izitsha zendlu kaNkulunkulu, waziquma iziqa izitsha zendlu kaNkulunkulu. Lakuwo wonke umuzi ngomuzi wakoJuda wenza indawo eziphakemeyo zokutshisela abanye onkulunkulu impepha, wayithukuthelisa uNkulunkulu waboyise. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zakhe lazo zonke indlela zakhe. UAhazi waselala laboyise, basebemngcwabela emzini, eJerusalema; kodwa kabamlethanga emangcwabeni amakhosi. UHezekhiya indodana yakhe wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. UHezekhiya waba yinkosi eleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lanhlanu; wabusa iminyaka engamatshumi amabili lesificamunwemunye eJerusalema. Wasesenza okuqondileyo emehlweni eN njengokwenza konke kukaDavida uyise. Yena, ngomnyaka wokuqala wokubusa kwakhe ngenyanga yokuqala, wavula iminyango yendlu yeN, wayilungisa. Wasengenisa abapristi lamaLevi, wababuthanisa egumeni elingasempumalanga. Wasesithi kubo: Ngilalelani, maLevi; khathesi zingcweliseni, njalo lingcwelise indlu yeN uNkulunkulu waboyihlo, likhuphe ingcekeza endaweni engcwele. Ngoba obaba babephambukile, benza okubi emehlweni eN uNkulunkulu wethu, bayitshiya, baphendula ubuso babo bebususa endaweni yokuhlala yeN, bafulathela. Bavala leminyango yekhulusi, bacitsha izibane, kabatshisanga impepha, kabanikelanga umnikelo wokutshiswa kuNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli endaweni engcwele. Ngakho ulaka lweN lwaba phezu kukaJuda leJerusalema, yabanikela evalweni. Ngoba khangelani, obaba bawile ngenkemba, lamadodana ethu lamadodakazi ethu labomkethu basekuthunjweni ngenxa yalokhu. Khathesi kusenhliziyweni yami. Madodana ami, khathesi lingonwabi, ngoba ilikhethile ukuthi lime phambi kwayo, liyikhonze, libe zinceku zayo labatshisi bempepha. Asesukuma amaLevi, oMahathi indodana kaAmasayi; lemadodaneni kaElizafani oShimiri loJehiyeli; lemadodaneni kaHemani. Basebebuthanisa abafowabo, bazingcwelisa, beza njengomlayo wenkosi ngamazwi kaJehova. Abapristi basebengena ngaphakathi kwendlu yeN uku yi hlanza, bakhupha konke ukungcola abakuthola ethempelini leN egumeni lendlu yeN; lamaLevi akuthatha, akukhuphela esifuleni iKidroni ngaphandle. Basebeqala ukungcwelisa ngolokuqala lwenyanga yokuqala, njalo ngosuku lwesificaminwembili lwenyanga bafika ekhulusini leN; bangcwelisa indlu yeN ngensuku eziyisificaminwembili; kwathi ngosuku lwetshumi lesithupha lwenyanga yokuqala baqeda. Basebengena phakathi kuHezekhiya inkosi bathi: Se siyihlanzile yonke indlu yeN, lelathi lomnikelo wokutshiswa, lezitsha zalo zonke, letafula lezinkwa zokubukiswa, lezitsha zalo zonke. Lazo zonke izitsha inkosi uAhazi eyayizilahlile ekubuseni kwayo, esiphambekweni sayo, sizilungisile sazingcwelisa, khangela-ke, ziphambi kwelathi leN. UHezekhiya inkosi wasevuka ngovivi, wabuthanisa izinduna zomuzi, wenyukela endlini kaJehova. Basebeletha amajongosi ayisikhombisa lenqama eziyisikhombisa lamawundlu ayisikhombisa. Wasesithi emadodaneni kaAroni, abapristi, a ku nikele phezu kwelathi leN. Basebehlaba izinkabi, labapristi bemukela igazi balifafaza elathini; bahlaba lezinqama bafafaza igazi elathini; bahlaba lamawundlu bafafaza igazi elathini. Basebesondeza impongo zomnikelo wesono phambi kwenkosi lebandla, babeka izandla zabo phezu kwazo. Abapristi basebezihlaba, benza ukubuyisana ngegazi lazo phezu kwelathi ukwenzela uIsrayeli wonke inhlawulo yokuthula. Ngoba inkosi yalaya: Umnikelo wokutshiswa lomnikelo wesono ngokaIsrayeli wonke. Wasebeka amaLevi endlini kaJehova elensimbi ezincencethayo, lezigubhu zezintambo, njalo lamachacho; ngoba lumlayo wawungesandla sikaJehova ngesandla sabaprofethi bakhe. LamaLevi ema elezinto zokuhlabelela zikaDavida. UHezekhiya waselaya ukunikela umnikelo wokutshiswa phezu kwelathi; kwathi ngesikhathi umnikelo wokutshiswa uqalisa, ingoma yeN yaqalisa kanye lezimpondo, langezandla zezinto zokuhlabelela zikaDavida inkosi yakoIsrayeli. Lebandla lonke lakhonza, labahlabeleli bahlabelela, labakhalisi bempondo bakhalisa; konke lokhu, kwaze kwaphela umnikelo wokutshiswa. Lekupheleleni kokunikela inkosi labo bonke abatholakala layo bakhothama bakhonza. Khona uHezekhiya inkosi leziphathamandla bathi kumaLevi kawayidumise ngamazwi kaDavida lakaAsafi umboni. UHezekhiya wasephendula wathi: Selizehlukanisele iN; sondelani lilethe imihlatshelo leminikelo yokubonga endlini yeN KOSI. Lenani leminikelo yokutshiswa ibandla elayilethayo lalizinkunzi ezingamatshumi ayisikhombisa, inqama ezilikhulu, amawundlu angamakhulu amabili; konke lokhu kwakungokomnikelo wokutshiswa eNni. Izinto ezazingcwelisiwe kwakuzinkunzi ezingamakhulu ayisithupha lezimvu ezizinkulungwane ezintathu. Kodwa abapristi babebalutshwana, okokuthi babengelakho ukuhlinza yonke iminikelo yokutshiswa; ngakho abafowabo amaLevi babancedisa. Leminikelo yokutshiswa layo yayiminengi, lamahwahwa eminikelo yokuthula. Ngokunjalo inkonzo yendlu yeN yamiswa. UHezekhiya labantu bonke basebethokoza ngalokho uNkulunkulu ayekulungisele abantu, ngoba into yahle yenzeka. UHezekhiya wasethumela kuIsrayeli wonke loJuda, wasebhalela loEfrayimi loManase izincwadi, ukuthi beze endlini yeN eJerusalema ukwenzela uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli iphasika. Ngoba inkosi yelulekana lezikhulu zayo lebandla lonke eJerusalema ukwenza iphasika ngenyanga yesibili. Ngoba babengelakukwenza ngalesosikhathi. Lodaba lwaluqondile emehlweni enkosi lemehlweni ebandla lonke. Basebemisa ilizwi ukwedlulisela isimemezelo kuIsrayeli wonke, ukuthi bazekwenzela uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli iphasika eJerusalema; ngoba okwesikhathi eside babengenzanga njengokubhaliweyo. Ngakho izigijimi zahamba kuIsrayeli wonke loJuda zilezincwadi ezivela esandleni senkosi leziphathamandla zayo, langokomlayo wenkosi. Njalo lingabi njengaboyihlo lanjengabafowenu ababephambuka eNni uNkulunkulu waboyise. Khathesi lingaqinisi intamo yenu njengaboyihlo; zinikeleni eNni, lingene endlini yayo engcwele eyingcwelise kuze kube nininini. Ngoba ekubuyeleni kwenu eNni, abafowenu labantwana benu bazatholaizihawu phambi kwababathumbileyo, ukuze babuye kulelilizwe. Ngokunjalo izigijimi zedlula zisuka emzini zisiya emzini elizweni. Kube kanti abanye bakoAsheri labakoManase labakoZebuluni bazithoba, beza eJerusalema. LakoJuda isandla sikaNkulunkulu sasikhona ukubanika inhliziyonye ukwenza umlayo wenkosi leziphathamandla ngelizwi likaJehova. Kwasekubuthana eJerusalema abantu abanengi ukwenza umkhosi wesinkwa esingelamvubelo ngenyanga yesibili, ibandla elikhulu kakhulu. Basebesukuma basusa amalathi ayeseJerusalema, lawo wonke amalathi okutshisela impepha bawasusa. Basebehlaba iphasika ngolwetshumi lane lwenyanga yesibili. Basebesima endaweni yabo ejwayelekileyo njengendlela yabo ngokomlayo kaMozisi umuntu kaNkulunkulu; abapristi bafafaza igazi elalivela esandleni samaLevi. Ngoba babebanengi ebandleni ababengazingcwelisanga; ngakho amaLevi ayephezu kokuhlatshwa kwamaphasika kwalowo lalowo owayengahlambulukanga uku ba ngcwelisela iN. Ngoba ixuku labantu, abanengi bakoEfrayimi, loManase, uIsakari, loZebuluni babengazihlambululanga wonke olungise inhliziyo yakhe ukudinga uNkulunkulu, uNkulunkulu waboyise, lanxa kungenjengokuhlanjululwa kwendawo engcwele. yasimuzwa uHezekhiya, yabelapha abantu. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli abatholakala eJerusalema basebesenza umkhosi wesinkwa esingelamvubelo insuku eziyisikhombisa ngentokozo enkulu; lamaLevi labapristi bayidumisa insuku ngensuku, ngezinto zokuhlabelela ngamandla eNni. UHezekhiya wasekhuluma ngomusa kumaLevi wonke ayelokuqedisisa elwazini oluhle lweN. Badla-ke oko mkhosi omisiweyo insuku eziyisikhombisa benikela iminikelo yokuthula. Ibandla lonke laselicebisana ukwenza ezinye insuku eziyisikhombisa; benza ezinye insuku eziyisikhombisa ngentokozo. Ngoba uHezekhiya inkosi yakoJuda wanika ibandla amajongosi azinkulungwane lezimvu eziyizinkulungwane eziyisikhombisa, leziphathamandla zanika ibandla amajongosi azinkulungwane lezimvu ezizinkulungwane ezilitshumi; labapristi bazingcwelisa ngobunengi. Ibandla lonke lakoJuda, labapristi lamaLevi, lebandla lonke elivela koIsrayeli, labezizweni ababevela elizweni lakoIsrayeli, lababehlala koJuda, basebethokoza. Kwasekusiba khona intokozo enkulu eJerusalema, ngoba kusukela ensukwini zikaSolomoni indodana kaDavida inkosi yakoIsrayeli kakuzanga kube khona okunjalo eJerusalema. Basebesukuma abapristi lamaLevi; ilizwi labo laselizwakala, lomkhuleko wabo wafika endaweni yakhe yokuhlala engcwele emazulwini. Kwathi konke lokho sekuphelile, wonke amaIsrayeli atholakalayo aphuma aya emizini yakoJuda, adiliza izinsika eziyizithombe, agamulela phansi izixuku, aphosela phansi indawo eziphakemeyo lamalathi, akukhupha kuye wonke uJuda loBhenjamini lakoEfrayimi loManase, aze aqeda. Bonke abantwana bakoIsrayeli basebebuyela, ngulowo lalowo emfuyweni yakhe, emizini yabo. UHezekhiya wasemisa izigaba zabapristi lamaLevi ngokwezigaba zabo, ngulowo lalowo ngokomsebenzi wakhe. Lesabelo senkosi esivela emfuyweni yayo seminikelo yokutshiswa, seminikelo yokutshiswa yekuseni lantambama. Wasesithi ebantwini, kubahlali beJerusalema, banike isabelo sabapristi lamaLevi. Lekusatshalalisweni kwelizwi abantwana bakoIsrayeli bengeza izithelo zokuqala zamabele, iwayini elitsha, lamafutha, loluju, lakuzo zonke izithelo zensimu; lokwetshumi kwakho konke bakuletha ngobunengi. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli loJuda ababehlala emizini yakoJuda labo basebeletha okwetshumi kwenkomo lokwezimvu lokwetshumi kwezinto ezingcwele ezazehlukaniselwe uNkulunkulu wabo, babeka izinqumbinqumbi. Ngenyanga yesithathu baqalisa ukubeka isisekelo sezinqumbi, langenyanga yesikhombisa baqeda. UHezekhiya leziphathamandla sebefika bebona izinqumbi, bayibusisa labantu bayo uIsrayeli. UHezekhiya wasebuza abapristi lamaLevi ngalezinqumbi. UAzariya umpristi oyinhloko. UHezekhiya wasesithi kulungiswe amakamelo endlini yeN; basebewalungisa. Basebengenisa iminikelo lezingxenye zetshumi. LoJehiyeli loAzaziya loNahathi loAsaheli loJerimothi loJozabadi loEliyeli loIsimakhiya. Njalo uKore indodana kaImna umLevi, umgcini wesango ngasempumalanga, wayephezu kweminikelo yesihle kaNkulunkulu ukupha iminikelo yeN KOSI. Langasesandleni sakhe kwakuloEdeni, loMiniyamini, loJeshuwa. Ngaphandle kwababalwe ngezizukulwana zabesilisa, kusukela koleminyaka emithathu kusiya phezulu, wonke ongena endlini yeN, ngomsebenzi wosuku ngosuku lwawo, enkonzweni yabo, kumfanelo zabo, ngezigaba zabo. Lalabo ababalwa ngezizukulwana zabapristi ngendlu yaboyise, lamaLevi, kusukela koleminyaka engamatshumi amabili kusiya phezulu, kumfanelo zabo, ngezigaba zabo. Lekubalweni ngezizukulwana, labo bonke abancinyane babo, omkabo, lamadodana abo, lamadodakazi abo, ebandleni lonke, ngoba ekuthembekeni kwabo bazingcwelisa ngo bungcwele. Lemadodaneni kaAroni, abapristi, emasimini amadlelo emizi yabo, kuwo wonke umuzi ngomuzi. Wasesenza njalo uHezekhiya kuJuda wonke; wenza okuhle lokulungileyo lokuqotho phambi kweN uNkulunkulu wakhe. Emsebenzini wonke-ke awuqalisayo enkonzweni yendlu kaNkulunkulu, lemlayweni lemthethweni, ukudinga uNkulunkulu wakhe, wakwenza ngenhliziyo yakhe yonke, waphumelela. Emva kwalezizenzo zobuqotho uSenakheribi inkosi yeAsiriya wafika wangena koJuda, wamisa inkamba maqondana lemizi ebiyelweyo eqonde ukuzifohlelela yona. UHezekhiya esebonile ukuthi uSenakheribi usefikile lokuthi ubuso bakhe bukhangele impi emelene leJerusalema, wacebisana lezinduna zakhe lamaqhawe akhe ukuvimba amanzi emithombo eyayingaphandle komuzi; basebemsiza. Kwasekubuthaniswa abantu abanengi, abavimba yonke imithombo lesifula esasigeleza phakathi kwelizwe, besithi: Kungani amakhosi eAsiriya ezafika afice amanzi amanengi. Waseziqinisa, wakha umduli wonke owawudilikile, wawukhweza emiphotshongweni, lomunye umduli ngaphandle; wenza lezikhali lezihlangu ngobunengi. Wasebekela abantu induna zezimpi, wazibuthanisela bona egcekeni lesango lomuzi, wakhuluma kunhliziyo yabo esithi: Qinani lime isibindi. Kuye kulengalo yenyama. Abantu basebeseyama phezu kwamazwi kaHezekhiya inkosi yakoJuda. Emva kwalokho uSenakheribi inkosi yeAsiriya wathuma inceku zakhe eJerusalema (kodwa yena wayephambi kweLakishi lawo wonke amandla akhe elaye) kuHezekhiya inkosi yakoJuda lakuJuda wonke oseJerusalema, esithi: Utsho njalo uSenakheribi inkosi yeAsiriya? UHezekhiya kalikhohlisi yini ukuthi alinikele ukuthi life yindlala langokoma? Kasuye yini lo uHezekhiya owasusa indawo zayo eziphakemeyo lamalathi ayo, watshela uJuda leJerusalema esithi: Lizakhonza phambi kwelathi elilodwa, litshise impepha kulo? Kalazi yini engakwenzayo mina labobaba kubo bonke abantu bamazwe? Onkulunkulu bezizwe zalawomazwe babelakho lokuba lakho yini ukukhulula amazwe abo esandleni sami? Nguwuphi kubo bonke onkulunkulu balezozizwe obaba abazitshabalalisayo owaba lakho ukukhulula abantu bakhe esandleni sami, ukuthi uNkulunkulu wenu abe lakho ukulikhulula esandleni sami? Ngalokho-ke uHezekhiya kangalikhohlisi yini? Inceku zakhe zatsho lokunye zimelene leN uNkulunkulu njalo zimelene loHezekhiya inceku yayo. Wabhala lezincwadi zokuthuka uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli lokukhuluma zimelene layo. Zasezimemeza ngelizwi elikhulu ngesiJuda ebantwini beJerusalema. Zasezikhuluma ngoNkulunkulu weJerusalema. Kodwa uHezekhiya inkosi bakhuleka ngenxa yalokhu, bakhala emazulwini. yasithuma ingilosi eyaquma wonke amaqhawe alamandla labaphathi lezinduna enkambeni yenkosi yeAsiriya. Ngokunjalo yamsindisa uHezekhiya labahlali beJerusalema esandleni sikaSenakheribi inkosi yeAsiriya lesandleni sabo bonke; yasibakhokhela inhlangothi zonke. Abanengi basebeletha izipho eNni eJerusalema. Ngalezonsuku uHezekhiya wagulela ukufa; wasekhuleka eNni. Kodwa uHezekhiya kabuyiselanga njengokwenzuzo ayey enz elwe. Kodwa uHezekhiya wazithoba ngenxa yokuphakama kwenhliziyo yakhe. Njalo uHezekhiya wayelenotho lodumo kakhulukazi, wazenzela iziphala zesiliva lezegolide lezamatshe aligugu lezamakha lezezihlangu lezezinto zonke eziloyisekayo. Leziphala zesivuno samabele lewayini elitsha lamafutha. Wazenzela lemizi, lemfuyo yezimvu lenkomo ngobunengi, ngoba uNkulunkulu wayemnikile impahla enengi kakhulu. UHezekhiya lo, wawaqondisa ehla ngentshonalanga komuzi kaDavida. UHezekhiya waphumelela kuyo yonke imisebenzi yakhe. Kodwa kwakunjalo, mayelana lezithunywa zeziphathamandla zeBhabhiloni, ezathumela kuye. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaHezekhiya lomusa wakhe, khangela, kubhaliwe embonweni kaIsaya umprofethi indodana kaAmozi. UHezekhiya waselala laboyise; basebemngcwabela kweliphezulu kakhulu lamangcwaba amadodana kaDavida; uJuda wonke labahlali beJerusalema basebemenzela inhlonipho ekufeni kwakhe. UManase indodana yakhe wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. UManase wayeleminyaka elitshumi lambili esiba yinkosi; wasebusa iminyaka engamatshumi amahlanu lanhlanu eJerusalema. Kodwa wenza okubi emehlweni eN, njengamanyala ezizwe eyazixotsha elifeni phambi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli. Ngoba wabuya wakha indawo eziphakemeyo uyise uHezekhiya ayezidilizile, wamisela oBhali amalathi, wenza izixuku, wakhothamela ibutho lonke lamazulu, walikhonza. Wasesakha amalathi endlini yeN, eyayithe ngayo: EJerusalema ibizo lami lizakuba khona phakade. Wasesakhela ibutho lonke lamazulu amalathi emagumeni womabili endlu yeN. Yena wenza abantwana bakhe badabule emlilweni esihotsheni sendodana kaHinomu. Wasebeka isifanekiso esibaziweyo sesithombe ayesenzile endlini kaNkulunkulu, uNkulunkulu owayethe ngayo kuDavida lakuSolomoni indodana yakhe: Kulindlu, leJerusalema engiyikhethe kuzo zonke izizwe zakoIsrayeli, ngizabeka ibizo lami kuze kube nininini. Kangisayikususa unyawo lukaIsrayeli luphume elizweni engalimisela oyihlo, kuphela uba bezananzelela ukwenza konke engibalaya khona, ngokomlayo wonke lezimiso lezimiselo ngesandla sikaMozisi. Ngakho uManase waduhisa uJuda labahlali beJerusalema, ukwenza okubi okwedlula izizwe eyazichitha phambi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli. yasikhuluma kuManase lebantwini bakhe, kodwa kabalalelanga. Ngakho yabehlisela abaphathi bebutho inkosi yeAsiriya eyayilabo. Kwathi esecindezelwe wancenga ubuso beN uNkulunkulu wakhe. Wasekhuleka kuye, njalo wancengeka ngaye, wezwa ukuncenga kwakhe, wambuyisela eJerusalema embusweni wakhe. Lemva kwalokho wakha umduli ongaphandle komuzi kaDavida ngentshonalanga kweGihoni esihotsheni, wabhoda iOfeli, wawenza waphakama kakhulu. Wabeka labaphathi bamabutho kuyo yonke imizi ebiyelweyo koJuda. Wasesusa onkulunkulu bezizweni. Wasesakha ilathi leN, wahlabela phezu kwalo iminikelo yokuthula leminikelo yokubonga. Wathi kuJuda kakhonze iN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli. Loba kunjalo abantu babelokhu behlaba endaweni eziphakemeyo, kuphela eNni uNkulunkulu wabo. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaManase, lomkhuleko wakhe kuNkulunkulu wakhe. Umkhuleko wakhe-ke. UManase waselala laboyise; basebemngcwaba endlini yakhe. UAmoni indodana yakhe wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. UAmoni wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lambili esiba yinkosi; wasebusa iminyaka emibili eJerusalema. Wasesenza okubi emehlweni eN njengokwenza kukaManase uyise; ngoba uAmoni wahlabela zonke izithombe ezibaziweyo uManase uyise ayezenzile, wazikhonza. Kodwa kazithobanga phambi kweN njengokuzithoba kukaManase uyise, kodwa uAmoni lo wandisa icala. Inceku zakhe zasezimenzela ugobe, zambulala endlini yakhe. Kodwa abantu belizwe batshaya bonke labo ababenzele inkosi uAmoni ugobe; abantu belizwe basebebeka uJosiya indodana yakhe ukuba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. UJosiya wayeleminyaka eyisificaminwembili esiba yinkosi; wasebusa iminyaka engamatshumi amathathu lanye eJerusalema. Wasesenza okuqondileyo emehlweni eN, wahamba ngezindlela zikaDavida uyise, kaphambukelanga ngakwesokunene loba kwesokhohlo. Ngoba ngomnyaka wesificaminwembili wokubusa kwakhe esesengumfana waqala ukumdinga uNkulunkulu kaDavida uyise. Basebediliza amalathi aboBhali phambi kwakhe. Wasetshisela amathambo abapristi phezu kwamalathi abo, wahlambulula uJuda leJerusalema. Lemizini yakoManase loEfrayimi loSimeyoni kuze kufike koNafithali lemanxiweni ayo inhlangothi zonke wadiliza lamalathi, lezixuku, wachola izithombe ezibaziweyo zaze zaba yimpuphu. Kwathi ngomnyaka wetshumi lesificaminwembili wokubusa kwakhe, esehlambulule ilizwe lendlu. Basebefika kuHilikhiya umpristi omkhulu. Basebeyinikela esandleni sabenzi bomsebenzi ababekhethelwe indlu yeN abayipha abenzi bomsebenzi ababesebenza endlini yeN ukuthi balungise baqinise indlu. Bayinika ababazi labakhi ukuze bathenge amatshe abaziweyo lezigodo zentungo lezokufulela izindlu amakhosi akoJuda ayezidilizile. Amadoda asesebenza ngobuqotho emsebenzini; lababonisi phezu kwawo babengoJahathi loObhadiya amaLevi, ebantwaneni bakoMerari. Njalo ayephezu kwabathwali bemithwalo. Kwasekusithi bekhupha imali eyayilethwe endlini yeN, uHilikhiya umpristi wafica ugwalo lomlayo weN owawunikwengesandla sikaMozisi. UHilikhiya wasephendula wathi kuShafani umabhalane: Ngifice ugwalo lomlayo endlini yeN. UHilikhiya wasenika uShafani ugwalo. UShafani waseletha ugwalo enkosini, futhi wabuyisela ilizwi enkosini esithi: Konke okwakunikelwe esandleni senceku zakho ziyakwenza. Seziyiqoqile imali eyatholakala endlini yeN, zayinikela esandleni sabaphathi lesandleni sabenzi bomsebenzi. UShafani umabhalane wasetshela inkosi esithi: UHilikhiya umpristi unginike ugwalo. UShafani wasefunda kulo phambi kwenkosi. Kwasekusithi inkosi isizwile amazwi omlayo yadabula izigqoko zayo. Inkosi yasilaya oHilikhiya loAhikhamu indodana kaShafani loAbidoni indodana kaMika loShafani umabhalane loAsaya inceku yenkosi, isithi: Hambani li ye buza eNni ngenxa yami langenxa yensali ekoIsrayeli lakoJuda mayelana lamazwi ogwalo olutholakeleyo; ngoba lukhulu ulaka lweN oluthululelwe phezu kwethu, ngenxa yokuthi obaba kabaligcinanga ilizwi leN ukwenza njengakho konke okubhaliweyo kulolugwalo. Ngakho uHilikhiya lalabo ababengabenkosi baya kuHulida umprofethikazi, umkaShaluma indodana kaTokhathi indodana kaHasira, umgcini wezigqoko. (Yena-ke wayehlala eJerusalema esiGabeni seSibili.) Basebekhuluma kuye kanje. Wasesithi kibo: Itsho njalo uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Tshelani umuntu olithume kimi: Itsho njalo iN: Khangela, ngizakwehlisela ububi kulindawo laphezu kwabahlali bayo, zonke iziqalekiso ezibhaliweyo egwalweni abalubalileyo phambi kwenkosi yakoJuda. Ngenxa yokuthi bengitshiyile, batshisela abanye onkulunkulu impepha, ukuze bangithukuthelise ngayo yonke imisebenzi yezandla zabo; ngakho ulaka lwami luzathululelwa phezu kwalindawo, kaluyikucitshwa. Kodwa enkosini yakoJuda elithumileyo ukubuza eNni, lizakutsho njalo kuyo: Itsho njalo uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Mayelanalamazwi owazwileyo, ngoba inhliziyo yakho ibuthakathaka, wazithoba phambi kukaNkulunkulu usuzwe amazwi akhe amelene lalindawo lamelene labahlali bayo, wazithoba phambi kwami, wadabula izigqoko zakho, wakhala inyembezi phambi kwami, ngitsho lami ngizwile, itsho iN. Khangela, ngizakubuthela kuboyihlo, njalo uzabuthelwa emangcwabeni akho ngokuthula, lamehlo akho kawayikubona konke okubi engizakwehlisela kulindawo laphezu kwabahlali bayo. Basebebuyisela ilizwi enkosini. Inkosi yasithuma yaqoqa bonke abadala bakoJuda labeJerusalema. Inkosi yasisenyukela endlini kaJehova, kanye labantu bonke bakoJuda labahlali beJerusalema labapristi lamaLevi, labo bonke abantu kusukela komkhulu kusiya komncinyane; yasibala endlebeni zabo wonke amazwi ogwalo lwesivumelwano olwalutholakele endlini kaJehova. Inkosi yasisima endaweni yayo, yenza isivumelwano phambi kukaJehova ukulandela uJehova, lokugcina imilayo yakhe lezifakazelo zakhe lezimiso zakhe ngayo yonke inhliziyo yayo langawo wonke umphefumulo wayo, ukwenza amazwi esivumelwano abhalwe kulolugwalo. Yasibamisa bonke abatholakala eJerusalema loBhenjamini. Labahlali beJerusalema benza njengokwesivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu, uNkulunkulu waboyise. UJosiya wasesusa zonke izinengiso kuwo wonke amazwe ayengawabantwana bakoIsrayeli, wenza wonke owaficwa koIsrayeli ukuthi akhonze, akhonze uNkulunkulu wabo. Insuku zakhe zonke kabaphambukanga ekuyilandeleni iN, uNkulunkulu waboyise. UJosiya wasesenzela iphasika eJerusalema. Wasemisa abapristi kumfanelo zabo, wabaqinisela inkonzo yendlu yeN. Wasesithi kumaLevi ayefundisa uIsrayeli wonke ayengcwele eNni. Njalo li zi lungise ngokwendlu yaboyihlo ngezigaba zenu. Lime endaweni engcwele. Lihlabe iphasika, lizingcwelise, lilungisele abafowenu, ukwenza njengokwelizwi leN ngesandla sikaMozisi. UJosiya wasenika abantwana babantu umhlambi wamawundlu lamazinyane embuzi, konke kungokwamaphasika. Iziphathamandla zakhe zasezinika abantu, abapristi lamaLevi ngokukhululeka. OHilikhiya. OKonaniya. Ngokunjalo inkonzo yalungiswa; abapristi basebesima endaweni yabo. Basebehlaba iphasika. Basebesusa i m i nikelo yokutshiswa ukuyinika njengokwezigaba zendlu yaboyise kubantwana babantu ukuze banikele eNni, njengokubhaliweyo egwalweni lukaMozisi. Ngokunjalo langezinkunzi. Basebesosa iphasika ngomlilo njengokwesimiso, bakusa masinyane kubo bonke abantwana babantu. Lemva kwalokho basebezilungisela bona labapristi, ngoba abapristi amadodana kaAroni babesekunikeleni iminikelo yokutshiswa lamahwahwa kwaze kwaba sebusuku; ngakho amaLevi azilungisela wona labapristi amadodana kaAroni. Labahlabeleli amadodana kaAsafi babesendaweni yabo njengokomlayo kaDavida. Yasilungiswa yonke inkonzo yeN ngalolosuku ukwenza iphasika lokunikela iminikelo yokutshiswa phezu kwelathi leN, njengokomlayo wenkosi uJosiya. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli ababekhona basebesenza iphasika ngalesosikhathi, lomkhosi wesinkwa esingelamvubelo, insuku eziyisikhombisa. Njalo kalenziwanga iphasika elinjengaleli; lawo wonke amakhosi akoIsrayeli kawenzanga iphasika elinje uJosiya alenzayo, labapristi lamaLevi, loJuda loIsrayeli wonke ababekhona, labahlali beJerusalema. Ngomnyaka wetshumi lesificaminwembili wokubusa kukaJosiya iphasika leli lenziwa. Emva kwakho konke lokho, uJosiya eseyilungisile indlu, uNeko inkosi yeGibhithe; loJosiya waphuma uku ya melana laye. Kodwa wathuma izithunywa kuye esithi: Ngilani lawe, nkosi yakoJuda? Kangenyukelanga ukumelana lawe wena lamuhla, kodwa ngimelene lendlu elwa lami. Kodwa uJosiya kaphendulanga ubuso bakhe kuye. Abatshoki bemitshoko basebemciba uJosiya; inkosi yasisithi encekwini zayo: Ngisusani ngoba ngizwa ubuhlungu obukhulu. Inceku zakhe zasezimkhupha enqoleni, zamgadisa enqoleni yesibili ayelayo, zamletha eJerusalema. Wasesifa, wangcwatshelwa emangcwabeni aboyise. LoJeremiya wenza isililo ngoJosiya. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaJosiya, lezisa zakhe njengokubhaliweyo emlayweni weN, izindaba zakhe-ke, ezokuqala lezokucina, khangela, zibhaliwe egwalweni lwamakhosi akoIsrayeli lawakoJuda. Abantu belizwe basebethatha uJehowahazi indodana kaJosiya, bambeka waba yinkosi esikhundleni sikayise eJerusalema. UJehowahazi wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lantathu esiba yinkosi; wasebusa inyanga ezintathu eJerusalema. Inkosi yeGibhithe yasimsusa eseJerusalema, yahlawulisa ilizwe amathalenta esiliva alikhulu lethalenta legolide. Inkosi yeGibhithe yasibeka uEliyakhimi umfowabo abe yinkosi phezu kukaJuda leJerusalema, yaguqula ibizo lakhe yathinguJehoyakhimi. UNeko wasethatha uJehowahazi umfowabo wamletha eGibhithe. UJehoyakhimi wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lanhlanu esiba yinkosi; wasebusa iminyaka elitshumi lanye eJerusalema. Wenza okubi emehlweni eN uNkulunkulu wakhe. Kwenyukela kuye uNebhukadinezari inkosi yeBhabhiloni. UNebhukadinezari waseletha okwezitsha zendlu yeN eBhabhiloni, wakufaka ethempelini lakhe eBhabhiloni. Ezinye-ke zezindaba zikaJehoyakhimi, lamanyala akhe awenzayo, lokwatholakala kuye, khangela, kubhaliwe egwalweni lwamakhosi akoIsrayeli loJuda. UJehoyakhini indodana yakhe wasesiba yinkosi esikhundleni sakhe. UJehoyakhini. Lekuthwaseni komnyaka inkosi uNebhukadinezari. UZedekhiya wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lanye esiba yinkosi; wasebusa iminyaka elitshumi lanye eJerusalema. Wasesenza okubi emehlweni eN uNkulunkulu wakhe; kazithobanga phambi kukaJeremiya umprofethi, ekhulumaokomlomo weN. Laye wasevukela inkosi uNebhukadinezari. Futhi zonke induna zabapristi labantu banda ekuphambukeni ngeziphambeko njengawo wonke amanyala ezizwe, bayingcolisa indlu yeN eyayiyingcwelisile eJerusalema. IN, uNkulunkulu waboyise, yasithuma kubo ngesandla sezithunywa zayo, ivuka ngovivi ithuma, ngoba yayilesihawu ebantwini bayo lendaweni yayo yokuhlala. Kodwa babezihleka usulu izithunywa zikaNkulunkulu. Ngakho yabenyusela inkosi yamaKhaladiya. Lazo zonke izitsha zendlu kaNkulunkulu, ezinkulu lezincinyane, lezinto eziligugu zendlu kaJehova, lezinto eziligugu zenkosi lezeziphathamandla zayo, konke lokhu yakuletha eBhabhiloni. Basebetshisa indlu kaNkulunkulu, badiliza umduli weJerusalema. Yasithumbela eBhabhiloni abasele enkembeni; ukugcwalisa ilizwi leN ngomlomo kaJeremiya. Kwathi ngomnyaka wokuqala kaKoresi inkosi yePerisiya, ekugcwalisekeni kwelizwi leN ngomlomo kaJeremiya, yavusa umoya kaKoresi inkosi yePerisiya ukuthi edlulise isimemezelo embusweni wakhe wonke, njalo langombhalo, esithi: Utsho njalo uKoresi inkosi yePerisiya: IN, uNkulunkulu wamazulu, inginikile yonke imibuso yomhlaba; layo ingilayile ukuyakhela indlu eJerusalema ekoJuda. Ngubani ophakathi kwenu kubo bonke abantu bayo? uNkulunkulu wakhe kayibe laye, enyuke. Kwathi ngomnyaka wokuqala kaKoresi inkosi yePerisiya, ekugcwalisekeni kwelizwi leN ngomlomo kaJeremiya, esithi: Utsho njalo uKoresi inkosi yePerisiya: IN, uNkulunkulu wamazulu, inginikile yonke imibuso yomhlaba; layo ingilayile ukuyakhela indlu eJerusalema ekoJuda. Ngubani ophakathi kwenu kubo bonke abantu bayo? UNkulunkulu wakhe kabe laye, enyukele eJerusalema ekoJuda, akhe indlu yeN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli (unguNkulunkulu) oseJerusalema. Laloba ngubani oseleyo lakuyiphi yezindawo lapho ahlala njengowezizwe khona, kakuthi abantu bendawo yakibo bamsekele ngesiliva, langegolide, langempahla, langezifuyo, kanye lomnikelo wesihle wendlu kaNkulunkulu eseJerusalema. Kwasekusukuma inhloko zaboyise bakoJuda loBhenjamini, labapristi lamaLevi, laye wonke uNkulunkulu. Labo bonke ababebaphahlile baqinisa izandla zabo ngezitsha zesiliva, ngegolide, ngempahla, langezifuyo, langezinto eziligugu, ngaphandle kwakho konke okwakunikelwe ngesihle. UKoresi inkosi laye wakhupha izitsha zendlu yeN. UKoresi inkosi yePerisiya wasezikhupha ngesandla. Leli-ke linani lazo: Imiganu yegolide engamatshumi amathathu, imiganu yesiliva eyinkulungwane, izingqamu ezingamatshumi amabili lesificamunwemunye, inkezo zegolide ezingamatshumi amathathu, ezinye inkezo zesiliva ezingamakhulu amane letshumi, ezinye izitsha eziyinkulungwane. Zonke izitsha zegolide lezesiliva zazizinkulungwane ezinhlanu lamakhulu amane. Zonke lezi uSheshibazari wazenyusa lalabo ababenyuswe ekuthunjweni bevela eBhabhiloni besiya eJerusalema. Laba-ke ngabantwana besabelo abenyuka besuka ekuthunjweni kwalabo ababethunjiwe; abafika loZerubhabheli, uBilishani, uMisipari, uBigivayi, uRehuma, uBahana. Inani lamadoda esizwe sakoIsrayeli: Abantwana bakoParoshi, izinkulungwane ezimbili lekhulu lamatshumi ayisikhombisa lambili. Abantwana bakoShefathiya, amakhulu amathathu lamatshumi ayisikhombisa lambili. Abantwana bakoAra. Abantwana bakoPahathi-Mowabi. Abantwana bakoElamu, inkulungwane lamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amahlanu lane. Abantwana bakoZathu, amakhulu ayisificamunwemunye lamatshumi amane lanhlanu. Abantwana bakoZakayi, amakhulu ayisikhombisa lamatshumi ayisithupha. Abantwana bakoBani, amakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi amane lambili. Abantwana bakoBebayi. Abantwana bakoAzigadi. Abantwana bakoAdonikamu. Abantwana bakoBigivayi. Abantwana bakoAdini. Abantwana bakoAteri, bakoHezekhiya, amatshumi ayisificamunwemunye lesificaminwembili. Abantwana bakoBezayi. Abantwana bakoJora, ikhulu letshumi lambili. Abantwana bakoHashuma. Abantwana bakoGibari, amatshumi ayisificamunwemunye lanhlanu. Abantwana beBhethelehema. Amadoda eNetofa. Amadoda eAnathothi, ikhulu lamatshumi amabili lesificaminwembili. Abantwana beAzimavethi, amatshumi amane lambili. Abantwana beKiriyatharimi, amakhulu ayisikhombisa lamatshumi amane lantathu. Abantwana beRama, amakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi amabili lanye. Amadoda eMikimasi, ikhulu lamatshumi amabili lambili. Amadoda eBhetheli leAyi. Abantwana beNebo, amatshumi amahlanu lambili. Abantwana bakoMagibishi, ikhulu lamatshumi amahlanu lesithupha. Abantwana bomunye uElamu, inkulungwane lamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amahlanu lane. Abantwana bakoHarimi, amakhulu amathathu lamatshumi amabili. Abantwana beLodi. Abantwana beJeriko, amakhulu amathathu lamatshumi amane lanhlanu. Abantwana beSenaha. Abapristi. Abantwana bakoJedaya. Abantwana bakoImeri: Inkulungwane lamatshumi amahlanu lambili. Abantwana bakoPashuri: Inkulungwane lamatshumi amane lesikhombisa. Abantwana bakoHarimi: Inkulungwane letshumi lesikhombisa. AmaLevi. Abantwana bakoJeshuwa, babantwana bakaHodaviya: Amatshumi ayisikhombisa lane. Abahlabeleli. Abantwana bakoAsafi. Abantwana babalindi bamasango. AmaNethini, abantwana bakoHasufa, abantwana bakoTabhawothi, abantwana bakoKerosi, abantwana bakoSiyaha, abantwana bakoPadoni, abantwana bakoLebana, abantwana bakoHagaba, abantwana bakoAkubi, abantwana bakoHagabi, abantwana bakoShamilayi, abantwana bakoHanani, abantwana bakoGideli, abantwana bakoGahari, abantwana bakoReyaya, abantwana bakoRezini, abantwana bakoNekoda, abantwana bakoGazama, abantwana bakoUza, abantwana bakoPhaseya, abantwana bakoBhesayi, abantwana bakoAsina, abantwana bakoMewunimi, abantwana bakoNefusimi, abantwana bakoBakibuki, abantwana bakoHakufa, abantwana bakoHarihuri, abantwana bakoBaziluthi, abantwana bakoMehida, abantwana bakoHarisha, abantwana bakoBarkosi, abantwana bakoSisera, abantwana bakoThama, abantwana bakoNeziya, abantwana bakoHatifa. Abantwana bezinceku zikaSolomoni. Abantwana bakoSotayi, abantwana bakoHasoferethi, abantwana bakoPeruda, abantwana bakoJahala, abantwana bakoDarkoni, abantwana bakoGideli, abantwana bakoShefathiya, abantwana bakoHathili, abantwana bakoPokerethi-Hazebayimi, abantwana bakoAmi. Wonke amaNethini labantwana bezinceku zikaSolomoni babengamakhulu amathathu lamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye lambili. Lalaba yilabo abenyuka bevela eTeli-Mela, iTeli-Harisha, iKerubi, iAdani, iImeri: Abantwana bakoDelaya, abantwana bakoTobiya, abantwana bakoNekoda: Amakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi amahlanu lambili. Lebantwaneni babapristi, abantwana bakoHabaya, abantwana bakoHakozi. Laba badinga ukubhalwa kwabo oluhlwini lwababhaliweyo ngezizukulwana, kodwa kabatholakalanga; basebekhutshwa ebupristini njengabangcolileyo. Umbusi wasesitsho kubo ukuthi bangadli okwezinto ezingcwelengcwele. Ibandla lonke lindawonye lalizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane lambili lamakhulu amathathu l amatshumi ayisithupha, ngaphandle kwenceku zabo lencekukazi zabo; lezi zazizinkulungwane eziyisikhombisa lamakhulu amathathu lamatshumi amathathu lesikhombisa; babelabahlabeleli labahlabelelikazi abangamakhulu amabili. Amabhiza abo ayengamakhulu ayisikhombisa lamatshumi amathathu lesithupha; imbongolo zabo zingamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amane lanhlanu; amakamela abo engamakhulu amane lamatshumi amathathu lanhlanu; obabhemi bezinkulungwane eziyisithupha lamakhulu ayisikhombisa lamatshumi amabili. Lenhlokweni zaboyise, ekufikeni kwabo endlini yeN eseJerusalema, zanikelela indlu kaNkulunkulu ngesihle ukuyimisa endaweni yayo. Zanikela ngokwamandla azo esikhwameni somsebenzi. Abapristi lamaLevi le ngxenyeyabantu labahlabeleli labalindi bamasango lamaNethini basebehlala emizini yabo, loIsrayeli wonke emizini yakhe. Isifikile inyanga yesikhombisa, labantwana bakoIsrayeli sebesemizini, abantu babuthana njengamuntu munye eJerusalema. Kwasekusukuma uJeshuwa indodana kaJozadaki labafowabo abapristi, loZerubhabheli indodana kaSalatiyeli labafowabo, bakha ilathi likaNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli ukuze banikele iminikelo yokutshiswa phezu kwalo, njengokubhaliweyo emlayweni kaMozisi. Basebemisa ilathi ezisekelweni zalo, ngoba ukwesaba kwakuphezu kwabo ngenxa yabantu belizwe, basebenikela eNni iminikelo yokutshiswa phezu kwalo, iminikelo yokutshiswa ekuseni lantambama. Basebesenza umkhosi wamadumba. Langemva kwalokho umnikelo wokutshiswa njalonjalo. Ngosuku lokuqala lwenyanga yesikhombisa baqalisa ukunikela iminikelo yokutshiswa eNni, kodwa isisekelo sethempeli leN sasinga ka bekwa. Basebenika imali kubabazi bamatshe lakubabazi bezigodo, lokudla lokunathwayo lamafutha kumaSidoni lakumaTire. Langomnyaka wesibili wokufika kwabo endlini kaNkulunkulu eJerusalema, ngenyanga yesibili, baqalisa oZerubhabheli indodana kaSalatiyeli. Kwasekusukuma oJeshuwa, amadodana akhe, labafowabo, amadodana abo labafowabo amaLevi. Abakhi sebebekile isisekelo sethempeli leN, bamisa abapristi begqokile. Baphendulana ngokuhlabela bedumisa bebonga iN KOSI. Bonke abantu basebememeza ngokumemeza okukhulu ekuyidumiseni iN, ngoba isisekelo sendlu yeN sasesibekiwe. Kodwa abanengi babapristi lamaLevi lenhloko zaboyise, abadala ababeyibonile indlu yokuqala, isisekelo salindlu sesibekiwe emehlweni abo, bakhala inyembezi ngelizwi elikhulu; kodwa abanengi baphakamisa ilizwi ngokumemeza ngentokozo. Ngokunjalo abantu kabehlukanisanga umsindo wokumemeza kwentokozo lomsindo wokukhala kwabantu, ngoba abantu baklabalala ngokuklabalala okukhulu, umsindo waze wezwakala khatshana. Kwathi izitha zakoJuda loBhenjamini sezizwile ukuthi abantwana bokuthunjwa babesakhela uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli ithempeli, basebesondela kuZerubhabheli lenhlokweni zaboyise bathi kibo: Kasakhe lani, ngoba siyamdinga uNkulunkulu wenu njengani, samhlabela kusukela ensukwini zikaEsarihadoni inkosi yeAsiriya owasenyusela lapha. Kodwa uZerubhabheli loJeshuwa lezinye inhloko zaboyise zakoIsrayeli bathi kibo: Kayisikho kwenu lathi. Kwasekusithi abantu balelolizwe. Basebebaqatshela abeluleki ukufubisa icebo labo zonke izinsuku zikaKoresi inkosi yePerisiya, kwaze kwaba sekubuseni kukaDariyusi inkosi yePerisiya. Ekubuseni-ke kukaAhasuwerusi, ekuqaleni kokubusa kwakhe, babhala isimangalelo bemelene labahlali bakoJuda leJerusalema. Njalo ensukwini zikaAthakisekisi oBishilamu, uMithiredathi, uTabeyeli labanye abakibo babhalela uAthakisekisi inkosi yePerisiya. URehuma umlawuli loShimishayi umbhali babhala incwadi bemelene leJerusalema kuAthakisekisi inkosi, ngalindlela: Khonokho uRehuma umlawuli loShimishayi umbhali labanye babangane babo, amaDinayi, lezinye izizwe uAsinaphari. Le yikhophi yencwadi abayithumeza kuye, kuAthakisekisi inkosi: Izinceku, amadoda anganeno komfula, langesikhathi esinje. Kakwaziwe enkosini ukuthi amaJuda enyuka evela kuwe esiza kithi asefikile eJerusalema, ayawakha lowomuzi ovukelayo lomubi, aseqedisa imiduli, avuselela izisekelo. Khathesi kakwaziwe enkosini ukuthi uba lumuzi usakhiwa lemiduli iphele, kabayikupha umthelo, imali eyimfanelo, lemali yendlela, futhi uzalimaza isikhwama samakhosi. Khathesi njengoba sisidla itshwayi etshwayini lesigodlo njalo kakusifanelanga ukuthi sibone ihlazo lenkosi, ngakho sithumele sayazisa inkosi; ukuze kuhlolwe egwalweni lwezindaba zaboyihlo. Ngakho uzathola egwalweni lwezindaba, wazi ukuthi lumuzi ungumuzi ovukelayo, olimazayo emakhosini lemazweni, benza ukuhlamuka phakathi kwawo kwasezinsukwini zekadeni. Ngakho lumuzi wachithwa. Siyayazisa inkosi ukuthi uba lumuzi usakhiwa, lemiduli yawo iphele, ngalokho kawuyikuba lesabelo nganeno komfula. Inkosi yathuma impendulo kuRehuma umlawuli loShimishayi umbhali labanye babangane babo abahlala eSamariya labanye abaphetsheya komfula: Ukuthula, langesikhathi esinje. Incwadi elayithumela kithi ifundiwe ngokucacileyo phambi kwami. Umlayo wasubekwa yimi, basebedinga bathola ukuthi kusukela ensukwini zendulo lumuzi uziphakamisele amakhosi, lomvukela lokuhlamuka kwenziwe phakathi kwawo. Kwake kwaba khona amakhosi alamandla phezu kweJerusalema ayebusa phezu kwakho konke ngaphetsheya komfula. Khathesi bekani umthetho ukwenza ukuthi lababantu bayekele ukuze lumuzi ungakhiwa kuze kwenziwe umthetho yimi. Njalo qaphelani ukuthi lingayekethisi ekwenzeni lokhu. Kungani ukonakala kuzakhula kukho ukulinyazwa kwamakhosi? Khonokho, kusukela ikhophi yencwadi kaAthakisekisi inkosi isifundiwe phambi kwaboRehuma loShimishayi umbhali labangane babo, baya masinyane eJerusalema kumaJuda, babenza bayekela ngengalo lamandla. Khonokho wema umsebenzi wendlu kaNkulunkulu eseJerusalema; wasusima kwaze kwaba ngumnyaka wesibili wokubusa kukaDariyusi inkosi yePerisiya. Abaprofethi, oHagayi umprofethi, basebeprofetha kumaJuda ayekoJuda laseJerusalema, ebizweni likaNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli phezu kwawo. Khonokho kwasuka oZerubhabheli indodana kaSalatiyeli, baqala ukwakha indlu kaNkulunkulu eseJerusalema, njalo kanye labo abaprofethi bakaNkulunkulu bebasekela. Ngalesosikhathi kwafika kibo oTathenayi umbusi nganeno komfula loShethari-Bozenayi? Sasesibatshela ngokunjalo: Ngobani amabizo abantu abakha lesisakhiwo? Kodwa ilihlo likaNkulunkulu wabo laliphezu kwabadala bamaJuda, ukuthi kababenzanga beme, ize ifike leyondaba kuDariyusi. Ikhophi yencwadi oTathenayi umbusi nganeno komfula loShethari-Bozenayi labangane bakhe amaAfarisathiki ayenganeno komfula abayithumela kuDariyusi inkosi; bathumeza incwadi kuye, njalo kwabhalwa kanje kuyo: KuDariyusi inkosi, ukuthula konke. Kakwaziwe enkosini ukuthi saya esabelweni sakoJuda, endlini kaNkulunkulu omkhulu, eyakhiwe ngamatshe amakhulu, izigodo sezifakiwe emidulini; njalo lumsebenzi uyenziwa ngokuphangisa, uphumelela esandleni sabo. Sasesibabuza labobadala sakhuluma kanje kubo: Ngubani obeke umthetho kini wokwakha lindlu lokuqedisa lumduli? Njalo sababuza amabizo abo ukuze sikwazise, ukuze sibhale amabizo abantu abazinhloko zabo. Langokunjalo babuyisela ilizwi kithi besithi: Thina siyizinceku zikaNkulunkulu wamazulu lomhlaba, sakha indlu eyayakhiwe iminyaka eminengi phambi kwalokhu, inkosi enkulu yakoIsrayeli eyayakha yayiqeda. Kodwa emva kwalokho obaba bamthukuthelisa uNkulunkulu wamazulu, owachitha lindlu, wathumbela abantu eBhabhiloni. Kodwa ngomnyaka wokuqala kaKoresi inkosi yeBhabhiloni, uKoresi inkosi wamisa umthetho wokwakha lindlu kaNkulunkulu. Njalo lezitsha zendlu kaNkulunkulu ezingezegolide lesiliva uNebhukadinezari ayezithethe wazisusa ethempelini eliseJerusalema waziletha ethempelini leBhabhiloni, lezo uKoresi inkosi wazikhupha ethempelini leBhabhiloni. Wasesithi kuye: Thatha lezizitsha, uyezibeka ethempelini eliseJerusalema, lendlu kaNkulunkulu kayakhiwe endaweni yayo. Ngakho uSheshibazari lo wafika wabeka izisekelo zendlu kaNkulunkulu eseJerusalema. Ngakho-ke uba kulungile enkosini kakuhlolisiswe endlini yokuligugu kwenkosi ekhona eBhabhiloni ukuthi kungaba yikuthi umthetho wenziwa yini nguKoresi inkosi wokwakha lindlu kaNkulunkulu eJerusalema. Kayithumele-ke intando yenkosi kithi mayelana lalinto. UDariyusi inkosi wasemisa umthetho, basebephenya endlini yezingwalo lapho okwakubekwe khona okuligugu eBhabhiloni. Kwasekutholakala eAkimetha, esigodlweni, incwadi egoqwayo, okwakubhalwe phakathi kwayo isikhumbuzo ngalindlela: Ngomnyaka wokuqala kaKoresi inkosi, uKoresi inkosi wamisa umthetho: Indlu kaNkulunkulu eseJerusalema, kayakhiwe lindlu endaweni lapho abanikela khona iminikelo, lezisekelo zayo zizabekwa ngokuqinileyo; ukuphakama kwayo kube zingalo ezingamatshumi ayisithupha, ububanzi bayo bube zingalo ezingamatshumi ayisithupha; ibe l emizila emithathu yamatshe amakhulu lomzila wezigodo ezintsha. Izindleko zizaphiwa-ke zivela endlini yenkosi. Futhi lezitsha zegolide lezesiliva zendlu kaNkulunkulu uNebhukadinezari azikhupha ethempelini eliseJerusalema waziletha eBhabhiloni, kazibuyiselwe zisiwe ethempelini eliseJerusalema, endaweni yayo, u zi beke endlini kaNkulunkulu. Khathesi, Tathenayi, mbusi waphetsheya komfula, Shethari-Bozenayi, abaphetsheya komfula, banini khatshana lalapho. Uyekeleni umsebenzi walindlu kaNkulunkulu; umbusi wamaJuda labadala bamaJuda kabakhe lindlu kaNkulunkulu endaweni yayo. Futhi umthetho umiswa yimi ngelizakwenzela abadala balamaJuda ekwakhiweni kwalindlu kaNkulunkulu, ukuthi empahleni zenkosi. Lokuswelakalayo, kokubili amajongosi lezinqama lamawundlu komnikelo wokutshiselwa uNkulunkulu wamazulu, ingqoloyi, itshwayi, iwayini, lamafutha, njengokutsho kwabapristi abaseJerusalema, kabakunikwe insuku ngensuku kungaphuthi, ukuze banikele iminikelo yephunga elimnandi kuNkulunkulu wamazulu, bakhulekele impilo yenkosi leyamadodana ayo. Futhi umthetho umiswe yimi wokuthi loba ngubani oguqula lelilizwi, kakuhwatshwe ugodo endlini yakhe, aphakanyiswe abethelwe phezu kwalo; lendlu yakhe yenziwe inqumbi yomquba ngenxa yalokhu. LoNkulunkulu owenze ibizo lakhe lihlale lapho kachithe loba yiyiphi inkosi loba abantu abazakwelula isandla sabo ukuguqula l okuchitha lindlu kaNkulunkulu eseJerusalema. Mina Dariyusi ngimise umthetho, kakwenziwe masinyane. Khonokho uTathenayi umbusi nganeno komfula, uShethari-Bozenayi, labangane babo benza njalo masinyane njengalokho uDariyusi inkosi ayekuthumele. Abadala bamaJuda basebesakha njalo baphumelela ngesiprofetho sikaHagayi umprofethi loZekhariya indodana kaIdo. Lindlu yasiphela ngosuku lwesithathu enyangeni kaAdari, okwakungumnyaka wesithupha wokubusa kukaDariyusi inkosi. Abantwana bakoIsrayeli, abapristi lamaLevi labanye abantwana bokuthunjwa, basebesenza ukwehlukaniselwa kwalindlu kaNkulunkulu ngentokozo. Banikelela ukwehlukaniselwa kwalindlu kaNkulunkulu inkunzi ezilikhulu, inqama ezingamakhulu amabili, amawundlu angamakhulu amane; lezimpongo zembuzi ezilitshumi lambili zingumnikelo wesono kaIsrayeli wonke, ngokwenani lezizwe zakoIsrayeli. Basebemisa abapristi ngezigaba zabo. Abantwana bokuthunjwa benza lephasika ngolwetshumi lane lwenyanga yokuqala. Ngoba abapristi lamaLevi babezihlambulule ndawonye, bonke babehlambulukile. Ngokunjalo badla abantwana bakoIsrayeli ababebuyile ekuthunjweni, labo bonke ababezehlukanisele kubo. Benza umkhosi wesinkwa esingelamvubelo insuku eziyisikhombisa ngentokozo; ngoba yayibenze bathokoza. Lemva kwalezizinto, ekubuseni kukaAthakisekisi inkosi yePerisiya, uEzra indodana kaSeraya, indodana kaAzariya, indodana kaHilikhiya, indodana kaShaluma, indodana kaZadoki, indodana kaAhitubi, indodana kaAmariya, indodana kaAzariya, indodana kaMerayothi, indodana kaZerahiya, indodana kaUzi, indodana kaBuki, indodana kaAbishuwa, indodana kaPhinehasi, indodana kaEleyazare, indodana kaAroni umpristi oyinhloko. UEzra lo wenyuka esuka eBhabhiloni; njalo wayengumbhali oyingcitshi emlayweni kaMozisi, uJehova uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli ayewunikile. Kwasekusenyuka abanyebabantwana bakoIsrayeli lababapristi baya eJerusalema ngomnyaka wesikhombisa kaAthakisekisi inkosi. Wasefika eJerusalema ngenyanga yesihlanu okwakungumnyaka wesikhombisa wenkosi. Ngoba ngolokuqala lwenyanga yokuqala waqala ukwenyuka esuka eBhabhiloni, langolokuqala lwenyanga yesihlanu wafika eJerusalema, ngokwesandla esihle sikaNkulunkulu wakhe phezu kwakhe. Ngoba uEzra wayelungise inhliziyo yakhe ukudinga umlayo weN lokuwenza. Le-ke yikhophi yencwadi inkosi uAthakisekisi ayinika uEzra umpristi, umbhali, umbhali wamazwi emilayo yeN lowezimiso zayo kuIsrayeli. UAthakisekisi inkosi yamakhosi: Umthetho umiswa yimi wokuthi wonke ozithandelayo embusweni wami esizweni sakoIsrayeli labapristi baso lamaLevi ukuya eJerusalema angahamba lawe. Ngoba uthunyiwe yinkosi labacebisi bayo abayisikhombisa uku ya hlolisisa ngoJuda langeJerusalema ngokomlayo kaNkulunkulu wakho osesandleni sakho, lokuthwala isiliva legolide inkosi labacebisi bayo abakunikele ngesihle kuNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, lalo lonke isiliva legolide ongakuthola esigabeni sonke seBhabhiloni lomnikelo wesihle wabantu labapristi, ukuthi uthenge masinyane ngalimali izinkunzi, izinqama, amawundlu, leminikelo yakho yokudla. Lokukulungeleyo wena labafowenu ukukwenza ngesiliva legolide eliseleyo, kwenzeni lokhu ngokwentando kaNkulunkulu wenu. Lezitsha ezinikelwe kuwe zomsebenzi wendlu kaNkulunkulu wakho, zinikele ngokupheleleyo phambi kukaNkulunkulu weJerusalema. Lokunye okuswelekayo endlini kaNkulunkulu wakho okufanele ukuphe, uzakunika kuvela endlini yenotho yenkosi. Mina-ke Athakisekisi inkosi, umlayo umiswe yimi kubo bonke abaphathi bezikhwama abangaphetsheya komfula ukuthi konke uEzra umpristi, umbhali womlayo kaNkulunkulu wamazulu, azakucela kini, kwenziwe masinyane, kuze kufike kumathalenta esiliva alikhulu, njalo kuze kufike kumakhori engqoloyi alikhulu, njalo kuze kufike kumabhathi alikhulu ewayini, njalo kuze kufike kumabhathi alikhulu amafutha, letshwayi elingelasimiso. Konke okungokomlayo kaNkulunkulu wamazulu kakwenzelwe indlu kaNkulunkulu wamazulu ngokukhuthala, ngoba kungani kuzakuba lolaka phezu kombuso wenkosi lamadodana ayo? Futhi siyalazisa mayelana labo bonke abapristi, lamaLevi, abahlabeleli, abalindimasango, amaNethini, lenceku zalindlu kaNkulunkulu, kakulagunya ukubeka phezu kwabo umthelo, imali eyimfanelo, lemali yendlela. Wena-ke Ezra, ngokwenhlakanipho kaNkulunkulu wakho esesandleni sakho. Wonke-ke ongawenziyo umlayo kaNkulunkulu wakho lomlayo wenkosi, isigwebo kasenziwe ngokukhuthala phezu kwakhe, kungaba ngokufa, loba ngokuxotshwa, loba ngokuthathelwa impahla, loba ngezibopho. Kayibusiswe uNkulunkulu wabobaba, eyelule umusa kimi phambi kwenkosi. Laba-ke zinhloko zaboyise, lombhalo wosendo lwabo abenyuka lami besuka eBhabhiloni ekubuseni kukaAthakisekisi inkosi. Kumadodana kaPhinehasi: UGerishomu. Kumadodana kaShekaniya: UZekhariya, njalo kanye laye kwabhalwa ngombhalo wosendo, kwabesilisa, ikhulu lamatshumi amahlanu. Kumadodana kaPahathi-Mowabi: UEliyowenayi, indodana kaZerahiya, njalo kanye laye abesilisa abangamakhulu amabili. Kumadodana kaShekaniya: Indodana kaJahaziyeli, njalo kanye laye abesilisa abangamakhulu amathathu. Njalo kumadodana kaAdini: UEbedi indodana kaJonathani, njalo kanye laye abesilisa abangamatshumi amahlanu. Lakumadodana kaElamu: UJeshaya indodana kaAthaliya, njalo kanye laye abesilisa abangamatshumi ayisikhombisa. Lakumadodana kaShefathiya: UZebhadiya indodana kaMikayeli, njalo kanye laye abesilisa abangamatshumi ayisificaminwembili. Kumadodana kaJowabi: UObhadiya indodana kaJehiyeli, njalo kanye laye abesilisa abangamakhulu amabili letshumi lesificaminwembili. Lakumadodana kaShelomithi: Indodana kaJosifiya, njalo kanye laye abesilisa abalikhulu lamatshumi ayisithupha. Lakumadodana kaBebayi: UZekhariya indodana kaBebayi, njalo kanye laye abesilisa abangamatshumi amabili lesificaminwembili. Lakumadodana kaAzigadi: UJohanani indodana kaHakatani, njalo kanye laye abesilisa abalikhulu letshumi. Lakumadodana okucina kaAdonikamu, omabizo abo yila: OElifeleti, uJehiyeli, loShemaya, njalo kanye labo abesilisa abangamatshumi ayisithupha. Lakumadodana kaBigivayi: OUthayi loZabudi, njalo kanye labo abesilisa abangamatshumi ayisikhombisa. Ngasengibabuthanisa ngasemfuleni oya eAhava. Ngasengithuma kuEliyezeri, kuAriyeli, kuShemaya, lakuElinathani, lakuJaribi, lakuElinathani, lakuNathani, lakuZekhariya, ngasengibalayela kuIdo, inhloko endaweni iKasifiya, ngafaka amazwi emlonyweni wabo ukuthi bathi kuIdo, l abafowabo, amaNethini endaweni iKasifiya, ukuthi basilethele izikhonzi zendlu kaNkulunkulu wethu. Basebesilethela ngokwesandla esihle sikaNkulunkulu wethu phezu kwethu umuntu oqedisisayo; loHashabhiya; lakumaNethini. Ngasengimemezela ukuzila ukudla khona. Ngoba ngaba lenhloni ukucela enkosini ibutho labagadi bamabhiza ukusinceda ezitheni endleleni; ngoba sasiyitshelile inkosi sisithi: Isandla sikaNkulunkulu wethu siphezu kwabo bonke. Ngakho sazila ukudla sadinga kuNkulunkulu wethu ngenxa yalokhu; wasencengeka ngathi. Ngasengisehlukanisa abalitshumi lambili kunhloko zabapristi, oSherebiya. Ngasengibalinganisela isiliva legolide lezitsha; ngasengilinganisa esandleni sabo amathalenta esiliva angamakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi amahlanu, lamathalenta alikhulu ezitsha zesiliva, lamathalenta egolide alikhulu, lemiganu yegolide engamatshumi amabili. Ngasengisithi kibo: Lingcwele eNni. Kulondolozeni likugcine lize likulinganise phambi kwenduna yabapristi lamaLevi lenhloko zaboyise bakoIsrayeli eJerusalema, emakamelweni endlu yeN. Abapristi lamaLevi basebesemukela isisindo sesiliva legolide lezitsha, ukuze bakuse eJerusalema, endlini kaNkulunkulu wethu. Sasuka-ke emfuleni iAhava. Safika-ke eJerusalema, sahlala khona insuku ezintathu. Kwathi ngosuku lwesine isiliva legolide lezitsha kwalinganiswa endlini kaNkulunkulu wethu, ngenani ngesisindo sakho konke; laso sonke isisindo sabhalwa ngalesosikhathi. Abantwana bokuthunjwa ababebuyile ekuthunjweni banikela iminikelo yokutshiswa kuNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli. Basebenika imithetho yenkosi. Kwathi ekupheleni kwalezizinto, iziphathamandla zasondela kimi zisithi: Abantu bakoIsrayeli labapristi lamaLevi kabazehlukanisanga lezizwe zamazwe. Ngoba bazithathele emadodakazini azo bona lamadodana abo. Kwathi ngisizwa loludaba ngadabula isembatho sami lebhatshi lami, ngangcothula okwenwele zekhanda lami lendevu zami. Kwasekubuthana kimi wonke othuthumela ngamazwi kaNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli ngenxa yesiphambeko sabathunjwa. Kwathi ngomnikelo wakusihlwa ngasukuma ekuthotshisweni kwami, lekudabuleni kwami isembatho sami lebhatshi lami, ngaguqa ngamadolo ami, ngathi: Nkulunkulu wami, ngilenhloni, ngiyangekile ukuphakamisela ubuso bami kuwe, Nkulunkulu wami, ngoba ububi bethu bandile ngaphezu kwekhanda. Kusukela ensukwini zabobaba besiphakathi kwecala elikhulu kuze kube lamuhla. Khathesi-ke ngokwesikhatshana umusa wenziwe yuNkulunkulu wethu, ukusitshiyela ukuphepha, lokusinika isikhonkwane endaweni yayo engcwele. Ngoba siyizigqili, kanti ebugqilini bethu uNkulunkulu wethu kasitshiyanga. Khathesi-ke, Nkulunkulu wethu, sizakuthini emva kwalokhu? Ngoba siyitshiyile imilayo yakho, owasilaya yona ngesandla senceku zakho abaprofethi, usithi: Ilizwe elingena kulo ukudla ilifa lalo liyilizwe elingcolileyo ngokungcola kwezizwe zamazwe, ngokunengekayo kwazo eziligcwalise ngakho kusukela ephethelweni kusiya ephethelweni, ngokungcola kwazo. Ngakho-ke linganiki amadodana azo amadodakazi enu, futhi lingathatheli amadodana enu amadodakazi azo. Lemva kwakho konke okusehleleyo ngenxa yezenzo zethu ezimbi langenxa yecala lethu elikhulu; sizayephula futhi yini imilayo yakho, sithathane lesizwe salezizinengiso? N, Nkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, ulungile. Kwathi uEzra esakhuleka esavuma, kwabuthana kuye ibandla elikhulu kakhulu lamadoda labesifazana labantwana, livela kuIsrayeli, ngoba abantu bakhala inyembezi ngokukhala okukhulu. UShekaniya indodana kaJehiyeli, sathatha abafazi bezizweni abavela ezizweni zelizwe; kodwa khathesi kukhona ithemba koIsrayeli mayelana lalokhu. Ngakho-ke asenze isivumelwano loNkulunkulu wethu ukuze sikhuphe bonke abafazi lokuzelwe yibo ngokweseluleko senkosi yami lesabathuthumela emlayweni kaNkulunkulu wethu. Sukuma, ngoba udaba luphezu kwakho, lathi silawe. Qina, wenze. Wasesukuma uEzra, wafungisa induna zabapristi, amaLevi, loIsrayeli wonke, ukuthi benze ngokwalelilizwi. Basebefunga. UEzra wasesukuma esuka phambi kwendlu kaNkulunkulu. Basebesenza isimemezelo sedlule koJuda leJerusalema kubo bonke abantwana bokuthunjwa ukuthi babuthane eJerusalema, lokuthi loba ngubani ongafikanga ngensuku ezintathu, ngokweseluleko seziphathamandla labadala, impahla yakhe yonke izadliwa, yena ehlukaniswe lebandla labathunjiweyo. Wonke amadoda akoJuda loBhenjamini asebuthana eJerusalema ngensuku ezintathu. Kwakuyinyanga yesificamunwemunye ngolwamatshumi amabili lwenyanga. Bonke abantu basebehlala egumeni lendlu kaNkulunkulu beqhaqhazela ngenxa yaloludaba langenxa yezulu elikhulu. UEzra umpristi wasukuma wathi kibo: Lina liphambukile lathatha abafazi bezizweni, ukwandisa isiphambeko sikaIsrayeli. Ngakho-ke yenzani uvumo eNni uNkulunkulu waboyihlo, lenze intando yayo. Ibandla lonke laseliphendula lathi ngelizwi elikhulu: Njengamazwi akho, ngokunjalo kuphezu kwethu ukuthi sikwenze. Kodwa abantu banengi, njalo kuyisikhathi sezulu elinengi, njalo singeme phandle. Futhi kakusimsebenzi wosuku olulodwa njalo hatshi owezimbili, ngoba sibanengi esiphambukileyo kuloludaba. Ake zime iziphathamandla zethu zebandla lonke, labo bonke abasemizini yethu abathethe abafazi bezizweni beze ngezikhathi ezimisiweyo, njalo kanye labo abadala bomuzi ngomuzi labahluleli bawo. NgoJonathani indodana kaAsaheli loJahazeya indodana kaTikiva kuphela abamelana lalokho; loMeshulamu. Abantwana bokuthunjwa besebesenza njalo. UEzra umpristi, amadoda, inhloko zaboyise ngendlu yaboyise, labo bonke ngamabizo, basebesehlukaniswa; basebehlala ngosuku lokuqala lwenyanga yetshumi ukuhlola loludaba. Basebeqeda lawo wonke amadoda ayethethe abafazi bezizweni kwaze kwaba lusuku lokuqala lwenyanga yokuqala. Kwasekutholakala phakathi kwamadodana abapristi ayethethe abafazi bezizweni: Emadodaneni kaJeshuwa indodana kaJozadaki labafowabo: OMahaseya loEliyezeri loJaribi loGedaliya. Basebenika isandla sabo ukuthi bazakhupha abafazi babo. Lemadodaneni kaImeri: OHanani loZebhadiya. Lemadodaneni kaHarimi loJehiyeli loUziya. Lemadodaneni kaPashuri. LakumaLevi: OJozabadi. Lakubahlabeleli: UEliyashibi. Lakubalindimasango: OShaluma loTelema loUri. LakuIsrayeli: Emadodaneni kaParoshi loBhenaya. Lemadodaneni kaElamu: OMathaniya, uZekhariya, loJehiyeli, loAbidi, loJeremothi, loEliya. Lemadodaneni kaZathu: OEliyowenayi, uEliyashibi, uMathaniya, loJeremothi, loZabadi, loAziza. Lemadodaneni kaBebayi. Lemadodaneni kaBani, loAdaya, uJashubi, loSheyali, loRamothi. Lemadodaneni kaPahathi-Mowabi, uMathaniya, uBhezaleli, loBinuwi, loManase. Lamadodana kaHarimi, uShemaya, uShimeyoni, uBhenjamini, uShemariya. Emadodaneni kaHashuma: OMathenayi, uMathatha, uZabadi, uElifeleti, uJeremayi, uManase, uShimeyi. Emadodaneni kaBani: OMahadayi, uAmramu, loUweli, uBhenaya, uBedeya, uKeluhi, uVaniya, uMeremothi, uEliyashibi, uMathaniya, uMathenayi, loJahasa, loBani, loBinuwi, uShimeyi, loShelemiya, loNathani, loAdaya, uMakinadebayi, uShashayi, uSharayi, uAzareli, uShelemiya, uShemariya, uShaluma, uAmariya, uJosefa. Lemadodaneni kaNebo. Bonke laba babethethe abafazi bezizweni; njalo kwakukhona phakathi kwabo abafazi ababezele abantwana. Amazwi kaNehemiya indodana kaHakaliya, uHanani omunye wabafowethu wafika yena lamadoda avela koJuda. Ngasengibabuza mayelana lamaJuda ayephunyukile asala ekuthunjweni, langeJerusalema. Basebesithi kimi: Labo abasalayo abasala ekuthunjweni lapho esabelweni baphakathi kokuhlupheka okukhulu lehlazo, lomduli weJerusalema wadilika. Kwasekusithi sengizwe lamazwi ngahlala phansi ngakhala inyembezi, ngalila okw ezinsuku, ngizila ukudla, ngikhuleka phambi kukaNkulunkulu wamazulu. Ngathi: Ngiyancenga, N, Nkulunkulu wamazulu, Nkulunkulu omkhulu lowesabekayo, indlebe yakho ake ilalele; senze kubi lokwenza kubi kuwe, kasigcinanga imilayo lezimiso lezahlulelo. Ake ukhumbule ilizwi owalaya ngalo uMozisi inceku yakho usithi: Ubalina liphambuka, mina ngizalichithachitha phakathi kwezizwe; uba lina liphendukela kimi, lilondoloza imilayo yami, liyenze. Laba-ke bazinceku zakho labantu bakho owabahlenga ngamandla akho amakhulu langesandla sakho esiqinileyo. Ngiyacela, Nkosi, indlebe yakho ake ilalele umkhuleko wenceku yakho. Kwasekusithi ngenyanga kaNisani. Njalo ngangingakaze ngidane phambi kwayo. Inkosi yasisithi kimi: Kungani ubuso bakho budanile lokhu ungaguli, ngathi enkosini: Kayiphile inkosi kuze kube nininini? Inkosi yasisithi kimi: Kuyini okudingayo? Ngasengikhuleka kuNkulunkulu wamazulu. Ngathi enkosini: Uba kukuhle enkosini, njalo uba inceku yakho ithole umusa phambi kwakho, ngicelaukuthi ungithume koJuda emzini wamangcwaba abobaba, ukuze ngiwakhe. Inkosi yasisithi kimi, lendlovukazi ihlezi eceleni kwayo: Uhambo lwakho luzakuba ngolwesikhathi esingakanani, ubuye nini? Ngakho kwaba kuhle phambi kwenkosi ukuthi ingithume; ngasengiyinika isikhathi esimisiweyo. Ngasengisithi enkosini: Uba kulungile enkosini kayinginike izincwadi eziya kubabusi bangaphetsheya komfula ukuze bangivumele ukudlula, ngize ngifike koJuda; lencwadi eya kuAsafi, umphathi wegusu inkosi elalo. Ngasengifika kubabusi ngaphetsheya komfula, ngabanika incwadi zenkosi. Inkosi yayithume-ke lami induna zebutho labagadi bamabhiza. Lapho uSanibhalathi. Ngafika-ke eJerusalema, ngaba lapho insuku ezintathu. Ngasengisukuma ebusuku, mina lamadoda amalutshwana elami; kangitshelanga muntu lokho uNkulunkulu wami ayekufake enhliziyweni yami ukuthi ngikwenzele iJerusalema. Futhi kwakungelanyamazana kanye lami ngaphandle kwenyamazana engangiyigadile. Ngasengiphuma ebusuku ngesango lesigodi, ngaqonda emthonjeni womgobho. Ngasengisedlulela esangweni lomthombo; kodwa kwakungelandawo yenyamazana ukwedlula ngaphansi kwami. Ngasengisenyuka ngesifula ebusuku ngihlola umduli, ngabuyela. Lababusi babengazi lapho engangiye khona lokuthi ngenzani. Kuze kube khathesi-ke ngangingatshelanga amaJuda labapristi leziphathamandla. Ngasengisithi kibo: Liyabona inhlupheko esikiyo ukuthi iJerusalema ilunxiwa. Ngasengibatshela isandla sikaNkulunkulu wami esasisihle phezu kwami, futhi lamazwi enkosi eyayiwakhulume kimi. Basebesithi: Asisukumeni, sakhe. Lapho uSanibhalathi umHoroni loTobiya inceku, umAmoni, loGeshema umArabhiya? Ngasengibabuyisela impendulo ngathi kibo: UNkulunkulu wamazulu yena uzasiphumelelisa; lathi inceku zakhe sizasukuma sakhe; kodwa lina kalilasabelo lelungelo lesikhumbuzo eJerusalema. Kwasekusukuma eEliyashibi umpristi omkhulu labafowabo abapristi. Leceleni kwakhe kwakha amadoda eJeriko. Lesango lenhlanzi. Leceleni kwawo kwalungisa uMeremothi; leceleni kwabo kwalungisa amaThekhowa. Lesango elidala balilungisa oJoyada. Eceleni kwabo-ke kwalungisa uMelatiya umGibeyoni loJadoni umMeronothi. Eceleni kwakhe kwalungisa uUziyeli indodana kaHarihaya, wabakhandi begolide. Eceleni kwabo-ke kwalungisa uRefaya indodana kaHuri, umbusi wengxenye yesigaba seJerusalema. Eceleni kwabo-ke kwalungisa uJedaya indodana kaHarumafi lamaqondana lendlu yakhe; leceleni kwakhe kwalungisa uHathushi. Isilinganiso sesibili basilungisa oMalikiya. Leceleni kwakhe kwalungisa uShaluma indodana kaHaloheshi. Isango lesigodi walilungisa. Lesango lomquba. Lesango lomthombo. Ngemva kwakhe kwalungisa uNehemiya indodana kaAzibuki, umbusi wengxenye yesigaba seBeti-Zuri. Ngemva kwakhe kwalungisa amaLevi, uRehuma indodana kaBani, esigabeni sakhe. Ngemva kwakhe kwalungisa abafowabo, uBavayi indodana kaHenadadi. Njalo kwalungisa eceleni kwakhe uEzeri. Ngemva kwakhe kwalungisa ngesivuvu uBharukhi. Ngemva kwakhe uMeremothi indodana kaUriya indodana kaHakozi. Langemva kwakhe kwalungisa abapristi, amadoda endawo ezigombolozeleyo. Ngemva kwakhe kwalungisa oBhenjamini. Ngemva kwakhe uBinuwi. UPalali indodana kaUzayi, maqondana lengonsi. AmaNethini. Ngemva kwakhe abeThekhowa balungisa esinye isilinganiso maqondana lomphotshongo omkhulu othutshayo, njalo kwaze kwaba semdulini weOfeli. Kusukela phezu kwesango lamabhiza kwalungisa abapristi, ngulowo maqondana lendlu yakhe. Ngemva kwakhe kwalungisa uZadoki indodana kaImeri maqondana lendlu yakhe. Ngemva kwakhe kwalungisa oHananiya. Ngemva kwakhe kwalungisa uMalikiya, njalo kusiya endlini yengonsi engaphezulu. Njalo phakathi laphakathi kwendlu yengonsi engaphezulu kuze kube sesangweni lezimvu. Kwasekusithi uSanibhalathi esezwile ukuthi siyawakha umduli. Wasekhuluma phambi kwabafowabo lebutho leSamariya wathi: La amaJuda abuthakathaka enzani? Azaziqinisa yini? Azahlaba yini? Azaqeda ngosuku yini? Azavuselela amatshe yini ezinqwabeni zengcekeza, ezitshileyo? LoTobiya umAmoni wayelaye. Zwana, Nkulunkulu wethu, ngoba siyeyiswa; ungaligubuzeli icala labo. Sawakha-ke umduli, waze wahlangana wonke umduli kuze kube yingxenye yawo, ngoba abantu babelenhliziyo yokusebenza. Kodwa kwathi oSanibhalathi loTobiya lamaArabhiya. Basebesenza ugobe bonke ndawonye ukuthi beze balwe leJerusalema, lokuthi badunge phakathi kwayo. Kodwa sakhuleka kuNkulunkulu wethu, sabeka abalindi ukumelana labo emini lebusuku, ngenxa yabo. Kodwa uJuda wathi: Amandla abathwali bomthwalo adedile, lezibi zinengi, ngakho thina kasilakho ukwakha umduli. Lezitha zethu zathi: Kabayikwazi, kabayikubona, size singene phakathi kwabo sibabulale, siwumise umsebenzi. Kwasekusithi amaJuda ayehlala duze lazo esefika. Ngasengimisa endaweni eziphansi kakhulu ngemva komduli endaweni ezisobala, ngamisa abantu ngensapho belezinkemba zabo, imikhonto yabo, lamadandili abo. Ngasengikhangela ngasukuma ngathi kuzikhulu lakubabusi lakwabanye abantu: Lingabesabi. Khumbulani iNkosi. Kwasekusithi izitha zethu sezizwile ukuthi sekusaziwa yithi lokuthi uNkulunkulu ufubisile icebo labo, sabuyela sonke emdulini, wonke emsebenzini wakhe. Kwasekusithi kusukela mhlalokho ingxenye yezisebenzi zami yayisebenza emsebenzini, lengxenye yazo yabamba imikhonto, izihlangu, lamadandili. Lababusi babengemuva kwendlu yonke yakoJuda Ababesakha emdulini, lababethwala imithwalo, ababelayitshela, ngesinye sezandla zakhe wayesebenza emsebenzini, lesinye sibambelele isikhali. Labakhi, ngulowo wayebhince inkemba yakhe ekhalweni lwakhe, besakha. Lovuthela uphondo wayeseceleni kwami. Ngasengisithi kuzikhulu lakubabusi lakwabanye abantu: Umsebenzi mkhulu futhi ubanzi; lathi sehlukene phezu komduli, omunye ukhatshana lomunye. Endaweni elizakuzwa khona ukukhala kophondo, lizabuthana lapho kithi; uNkulunkulu wethu uzasilwela. Ngokunjalo sasebenza emsebenzini; ingxenye yabo yayibambe imikhonto kusukela emadabukakusa kuze kuphume izinkanyezi. Langalesosikhathi ngathi ebantwini: Ngulowo lenceku yakhe kabalale phakathi kweJerusalema ukuze babe ngabalindi bethu ebusuku, lemini emsebenzini. Ngakho kakho, mina, labafowethu, lenceku zami, lamadoda omlindo abangemva kwami, kakho kithi owakhulula izigqoko zethu, ngulowo wazikhululela uku zi hlanza. Kwasekusiba khona ukukhala okukhulu kwabantu labomkabo. Ngoba kwaba khona abathi: Thina, amadodana ethu lamadodakazi ethu sibanengi; ngakho sithethe amabele ukuze sidle siphile. Njalo kwaba khona abathi: Sibambisa amasimu ethu lezivini zethu lezindlu zethu ukuze sithenge amabele endlaleni. Njalo kwaba khona abathi: Seboleke imali yomthelo wenkosi ng amasimu ethu lezivini zethu. Khathesi-ke, inyama yethu injengenyama yabafowethu; kukhona-ke emadodakazini ethu asehliselwe phansi, njalo isandla sethu kasilamandla, ngoba abanye balamasimu ethu lezivini zethu. Ngathukuthela kakhulu nxa ngisizwa ukukhala kwabo lalamazwi. Inhliziyo yami isicabangile phakathi kwami, ngasengilwisana lezikhulu lababusi, ngathi kubo: Libhadalisa inzuzo, ngulowo kumfowabo. Ngabamisela umhlangano omkhulu. Ngasengisithi kibo: Thina ngamandla akithi sihlenge abafowethu amaJuda ababethengiswe ezizweni; lani selizathengisa abafowethu, kumbe bazathengiswa kithi yini? Basebethula, kabatholanga mpendulo. Ngasengisithi: Into eliyenzayo kayilunganga. Belingehambe yini ngokwesaba uNkulunkulu wethu? Ngitsho lami, abafowethu, lenceku zami, besikweledisa imali lamabele. Asiyekeleni inzuzo lezi. Ake libabuyisele lalamuhla amasimu abo, izivini zabo, izihlahla zabo zemihlwathi, lezindlu zabo, lokwekhulu kwemali lokwamabele lokwewayini elitsha lokwamafutha elibabhadalisa khona. Basebesithi: Sizabuyisela, singabizi lutho kubo. Sizakwenza njalo njengokutsho kwakho. Ngasengibiza abapristi, ngabafungisa. Ngasengithintitha ithangazi lami. Futhi kusukela ngosuku angilaya ngalo ukuthi ngibe ngumbusi wabo elizweni lakoJuda. Kodwa ababusi bamandulo ababengaphambi kwami babathwalisa nzima abantu, bethatha kibo isinkwa lewayini, emva kwalokhu amashekeli esiliva angamatshumi amane; lenceku zabo zabusa nzima phezu kwabantu. Phezu kwalokho-ke ngaqina emsebenzini walumduli, njalo kasithenganga insimu; lenceku zami zonke zabuthana lapho emsebenzini. Lamadoda alikhulu lamatshumi amahlanu kumaJuda lakubabusi, lalabo abeza kithi bevela ezizweni ezisihanqileyo, babesetafuleni lami. Lalokhu okwakulungiselwe usuku olulodwa kwakuyinkabi eyodwa, izimvu ezikhethiweyo eziyisithupha, lezinyoni zazilungiselwe mina, njalo phakathi kwensuku ezilitshumi okwalo lonke iwayini ngobunengi, ngoba ubugqili babunzima phezu kwalababantu. Ngikhumbule, Nkulunkulu wami, ngokuhle, konke engikwenzele lababantu. Kwasekusithi oSanibhalathi, oSanibhalathi loGeshema bathuma kimi besithi: Woza sihlangane ndawonye emizini. Kodwa babecabange ukwenza okubi kimi. Ngasengithuma izithunywa kubo ngisithi: Ngenza umsebenzi omkhulu, ngakho kangilakho ukwehla. Kungani umsebenzi uzakuma, ngiwutshiye, ngehlele kini? Basebethuma kimi kane ngaleyondlela, ngabaphendula ngaleyondlela. Ngakho uSanibhalathi wathuma kimi inceku yakhe ngaleyondlela ngokwesihlanu ilencwadi evulekileyo esandleni sayo. Kwakubhalwe kuyo ukuthi: Kuzwakele ezizweni, loGashimu uthi: Wena lamaJuda linakana ukuhlamuka; ngenxa yalokho wakha umduli, ukuze wena ube yinkosi yabo, njengalamazwi. Futhi umisile labaprofethi ukuze bamemezele ngawe eJerusalema, besithi: Kukhona inkosi koJuda. Khathesi-ke kuzazwakala enkosini njengalamazwi. Ngakho-ke woza, sicebisane. Ngasengithuma kuye ngisithi: Kazikho izinto ezinjengalezo ozitshoyo, kodwa uyazibumba zivela enhliziyweni yakho. Ngoba bonke basethusa besithi: Izandla zabo zizadangala emsebenzini, ukuthi ungenziwa. Ngakho-ke qinisa izandla zami. Mina sengingenile endlini kaShemaya indodana kaDelaya indodana kaMehethabheli owayezivalele, wasesithi: Asihlangane endlini kaNkulunkulu phakathi kwethempeli, sivale iminyango yethempeli, ngoba bayeza ukukubulala, yebo, bayeza ebusuku ukukubulala. Kodwa ngathi: Kambe umuntu onjengami angabaleka? Pho, nguwuphi umuntu onjengami ongangena ethempelini aphile? Kangiyikungena. Ngasenginanzelela, khangela-ke, uNkulunkulu wayengamthumanga, kodwa wakhuluma isiprofetho esimelene lami ngoba oTobiya loSanibhalathi babemqatshile. Ngakho wayeqatshiwe ukuze ngesabe, ngenze njalo, ngone, ukuze babe lebizo elibi ngami, ukuze bangigcone. Khumbula, Nkulunkulu wami, uTobiya loSanibhalathi njengokwale imisebenzi yakhe. Waphela-ke umduli ngolwamatshumi amabili lanhlanu kaEluli ngensuku ezingamatshumi amahlanu lambili. Kwasekusithi zonke izitha zethu zisizwa, lazo zonke izizwe ezisizingelezeleyo zibona, zawa kakhulu emehlweni azo. Njalo ngalezonsuku izikhulu zakoJuda zandisa incwadi zazo eziya kuTobiya, lezikaTobiya zeza kuzo. Ngoba abanengi koJuda babefungile kuye. Njalo babekhuluma izenzo zakhe ezinhle phambi kwami, lamazwi ami bewakhuphela kuye. UTobiya wathumela incwadi zokungethusa. Kwasekusithi umduli usuwakhiwe, sengimisile izivalo, abalindi bamasango labahlabeleli lamaLevi sebebekiwe, ngalaya uHanani umfowethu. Ngasengisithi kibo: Amasango eJerusalema kangavulwa lize litshise ilanga; besemi kabavale izivalo banxibe. Njalo umise abalindi kubahlali beJerusalema, ngulowo lalowo emlindweni wakhe, njalo ngulowo maqondana lendlu yakhe. Njalo umuzi wawubanzi inhlangothi zombili, umkhulu, kodwa abantu babebalutshwana phakathi kwawo, izindlu zingakakhiwa. UNkulunkulu wami wasenika enhliziyweni yami ukuthi ngibuthanise izikhulu lababusi labantu ukuthi babhalwe ngezizukulwana. Ngasengithola ugwalo lwezizukulwana zalabo abenyuka kuqala, ngathola kubhalwe kulo: Laba ngabantwana besabelo abenyuka bevela ekuthunjweni kwabathunjiweyo uNebhukadinezari inkosi yeBhabhiloni abathumbayo; basebebuyela eJerusalema lakoJuda, ngulowo lalowo emzini wakibo, abafika loZerubhabheli, uJeshuwa, uNehemiya, uAzariya, uRahamiya, uNahamani, uModekhayi, uBilishani, uMisiperethi, uBigivayi, uNehuma, uBahana. Inani lamadoda esizwe sakoIsrayeli: Abantwana bakoParoshi: Izinkulungwane ezimbili lekhulu lamatshumi ayisikhombisa lambili. Abantwana bakoShefathiya: Amakhulu amathathu lamatshumi ayisikhombisa lambili. Abantwana bakoAra: Amakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi amahlanu lambili. Abantwana bakoPahathi-Mowabi, babantwana bakoJeshuwa loJowabi: Izinkulungwane ezimbili lamakhulu ayisificaminwembili letshumi lesificaminwembili. Abantwana bakoElamu: Inkulungwane lamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amahlanu lane. Abantwana bakoZathu: Amakhulu ayisificaminwembili lamatshumi amane lanhlanu. Abantwana bakoZakayi: Amakhulu ayisikhombisa lamatshumi ayisithupha. Abantwana bakoBinuwi: Amakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi amane lesificaminwembili. Abantwana bakoBebayi: Amakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi amabili lesificaminwembili. Abantwana bakoAzigadi: Izinkulungwane ezimbili lamakhulu amathathu lamatshumi amabili lambili. Abantwana bakoAdonikamu: Amakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi ayisithupha lesikhombisa. Abantwana bakoBigivayi: Izinkulungwane ezimbili lamatshumi ayisithupha lesikhombisa. Abantwana bakoAdini: Amakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi amahlanu lanhlanu. Abantwana bakoAteri, bakoHezekhiya: Amatshumi ayisificamunwemunye lesificaminwembili. Abantwana bakoHashuma: Amakhulu amathathu lamatshumi amabili lesificaminwembili. Abantwana bakoBezayi: Amakhulu amathathu lamatshumi amabili lane. Abantwana bakoHarifi: Ikhulu letshumi lambili. Abantwana bakoGibeyoni: Amatshumi ayisificamunwemunye lanhlanu. Amadoda eBhethelehema leNetofa: Ikhulu lamatshumi ayisificaminwembili lesificaminwembili. Amadoda eAnathothi: Ikhulu lamatshumi amabili lesificaminwembili. Amadoda eBeti-Azimavethi: Amatshumi amane lambili. Amadoda eKiriyathi-Jeyarimi, iKefira, leBherothi: Amakhulu ayisikhombisa lamatshumi amane lantathu. Amadoda eRama leGeba: Amakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi amabili lanye. Amadoda eMikimasi: Ikhulu lamatshumi amabili lambili. Amadoda eBhetheli leAyi: Ikhulu lamatshumi amabili lantathu. Amadoda enye iNebo: Amatshumi amahlanu lambili. Abantwana benye iElamu: Inkulungwane lamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amahlanu lane. Abantwana beHarimi: Amakhulu amathathu lamatshumi amabili. Abantwana beJeriko: Amakhulu amathathu lamatshumi amane lanhlanu. Abantwana beLodi, iHadidi, leOno: Amakhulu ayisikhombisa lamatshumi amabili lanye. Abantwana beSenaha: Izinkulungwane ezintathu lamakhulu ayisificamunwemunye lamatshumi amathathu. Abapristi. Abantwana bakoJedaya, bendlu kaJeshuwa: Amakhulu ayisificamunwemunye lamatshumi ayisikhombisa lantathu. Abantwana bakoImeri: Inkulungwane lamatshumi amahlanu lambili. Abantwana bakoPashuri: Inkulungwane lamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amane lesikhombisa. Abantwana bakoHarimi: Inkulungwane letshumi lesikhombisa. AmaLevi. Abantwana bakoJeshuwa, bakoKadimiyeli, babantwana bakoHodeva: Amatshumi ayisikhombisa lane. Abahlabeleli. Abantwana bakoAsafi: Ikhulu lamatshumi amane lesificaminwembili. Abalindimasango. Abantwana bakoShaluma, abantwana bakoAteri, abantwana bakoTalimoni, abantwana bakoAkubi, abantwana bakoHatita, abantwana bakoShobayi: Ikhulu lamatshumi amathathu lesificaminwembili. AmaNethini. Abantwana bakoZiha, abantwana bakoHasufa, abantwana bakoTabhawothi, abantwana bakoKerosi, abantwana bakoSiya, abantwana bakoPadoni, abantwana bakoLebana, abantwana bakoHagaba, abantwana bakoShalimayi, abantwana bakoHanani, abantwana bakoGideli, abantwana bakoGahari, abantwana bakoReyaya, abantwana bakoRezini, abantwana bakoNekoda, abantwana bakoGazama, abantwana bakoUza, abantwana bakoPhaseya, abantwana bakoBhesayi, abantwana bakoMewunimi, abantwana bakoNefushesimi, abantwana abakoBakibuki, abantwana bakoHakufa, abantwana bakoHarihuri, abantwana bakoBazilithi, abantwana bakoMehida, abantwana bakoHarisha, abantwana bakoBarkosi, abantwana bakoSisera, abantwana bakoThama, abantwana bakoNeziya, abantwana bakoHatifa. Abantwana benceku zikaSolomoni. Abantwana bakoSotayi, abantwana bakoSoferethi, abantwana bakoPerida, abantwana bakoJahala, abantwana bakoDarkoni, abantwana bakoGideli, abantwana bakoShefathiya, abantwana bakoHathili, abantwana bakoPokerethi kaHazebayimi, abantwana bakoAmoni. Wonke amaNethini labantwana benceku zikaSolomoni: Amakhulu amathathu lamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye lambili. Laba ngabenyuka bevela eTeli-Mela, iTeli-Harisha, iKerubi, iAdoni, leImeri, kodwa babengelakutshengisa indlu yaboyise lenzalo yabo, uba bavela koIsrayeli yini. Abantwana bakoDelaya, abantwana bakoTobiya, abantwana bakoNekoda: Amakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi amane lambili. Lakubapristi: Abantwana bakoHabaya, abantwana bakoHakozi, abantwana bakoBarizilayi, owayethethe emadodakazini kaBarizilayi umGileyadi ukuba ngumka khe, wasebizwa ngebizo lawo. Laba badinga ukubhalwa kwabo oluhlwini lwababhaliweyo ngezizukulwana, kodwa kakutholakalanga; basebekhutshwa ebupristini njengabangcolileyo. Umbusi wasesithi kubo bangadli okwezingcwelengcwele, kuze kusukume umpristi oleUrimi leThumimi. Ibandla lonke lindawonye lalizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amane lambili lamakhulu amathathu lamatshumi ayisithupha, ngaphandle kwenceku zabo lencekukazi zabo; lezi zazizinkulungwane eziyisikhombisa lamakhulu amathathu lamatshumi amathathu lesikhombisa; njalo babelabahlabeleli labahlabelelikazi abangamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amane lanhlanu. Amabhiza abo, amakhulu ayisikhombisa lamatshumi amathathu lesithupha; imbongolo zabo, amakhulu amabili lamatshumi amane lanhlanu; amakamela, amakhulu amane lamatshumi amathathu lanhlanu; obabhemi, inkulungwane eziyisithupha lamakhulu ayisikhombisa lamatshumi amabili. Ezinye-ke zenhloko zaboyise zanikela emsebenzini. Umbusi wanikela kokuligugu inhlamvu zegolide eziyinkulungwane, izigqoko zabapristi ezingamakhulu amahlanu lamatshumi amathathu. L ezinyezezinhloko zaboyise zanikela kokuligugu komsebenzi inhlamvu zegolide ezizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lamamane esiliva azinkulungwane ezilikhulu letshumi. Lalokho abaseleyo babantu abakunikelayo kwakuzinhlamvu zegolide ezizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lamamane esiliva azinkulungwane ezilikhulu lezigqoko zabapristi ezingamatshumi ayisithupha lesikhombisa. Abapristi lamaLevi labalindimasango labahlabeleli la banyebabantu lamaNethini loIsrayeli wonke basebehlala emizini yabo. Kwathi inyanga yesikhombisa isifikile, abantwana bakoIsrayeli babesemizini yabo. Bonke abantu basebebuthana njengamuntu munye. UEzra umpristi wasewuletha umlayo phambi kwebandla, kusukela kowesilisa kusiya kowesifazana. Wasebala kuwo phambi kwegceke. UEzra umbhali wasesima phezu kwendawo ephakemeyo yamapulanka ababeyenzele loludaba. Leceleni kwakhe kwakumi oMathithiya loShema. UEzra wasevula ugwalo phambi kwamehlo abo bonke abantu; ngoba wayengaphezu kwabantu bonke; lapho eluvula, bonke abantu basukuma. UEzra waseyibusisa iN, uNkulunkulu omkhulu. OJeshuwa. Basebebala egwalweni, emlayweni kaNkulunkulu, ngokucacileyo, bechasisa, be b enza ba zwisise ekubaleni. UNehemiya owayengumbusi, lompristi uEzra umbhali, lamaLevi ayefundisa abantu. Wasesithi kibo: Hambani, lidle okunonileyo, linathe okumnandi, lithumele izabelo kongalungiselwanga lutho; ngoba lolusuku lungcwele eNkosini yethu, njalo lingadabuki, ngoba intokozo yeN ingamandla enu. AmaLevi asebathulisa bonke abantu esithi: Thulani, ngoba lolusuku lungcwele, lingadabuki. Bonke abantu basebehamba uku ya kudla, lokunatha, lokuthumela izabelo. Langosuku lwesibili kwabuthana inhloko zaboyise zabo bonke abantu, abapristi, lamaLevi, kuEzra umbhali, ukuze baqedisise amazwi omlayo. Basebethola kubhaliwe emlayweni eyayiwulayile ngesandla sikaMozisi ukuthi abantwana bakoIsrayeli bahlale emadumbeni ngomkhosi ngenyanga yesikhombisa, lokuthi bazwakalise bedlulise isimemezelo kuyo yonke imizi yabo. Basebephuma abantu, baziletha, bazenzela amadumba, ngulowo lalowo ephahleni lwakhe, lemagumeni abo, lemagumeni endlu kaNkulunkulu. Ibandla lonke lalabo ababebuyile ekuthunjweni basebesenza amadumba, bahlala emadumbeni. Ngoba kusukela ensukwini zikaJoshuwa indodana kaNuni kwaze kwaba yilolosuku abantwana bakoIsrayeli babengenzanga njalo. Njalo usuku ngosuku kusukela osukwini lokuqala kwaze kwaba lusuku lokucina wabala egwalweni lomlayo kaNkulunkulu. Bawenza-ke umkhosi insuku eziyisikhombisa; kwathi ngosuku lwesificaminwembili kwaba lenhlangano enzulu, njengesimiso. Ngosuku lwamatshumi amabili lane lwaleyonyanga. Inzalo yakoIsrayeli yasizehlukanisa labo bonke abezizweni; basebesima bavuma izono zabo lobubi baboyise. Basebesukuma endaweni yabo yokuma. Lezikhwelweni zamaLevi kwakumi oJeshuwa, uKenani; bamemeza ngelizwi elikhulu eNni uNkulunkulu wabo. AmaLevi, oJeshuwa. Nguwe oywena wedwa. Wena uyuNkulunkulu, owakhetha uAbrama wamkhupha eUri yamaKhaladiya; wafica inhliziyo yakhe ithembekile phambi kwakho. Wabona ukuhlupheka kwabobaba eGibhithe, wenza izibonakaliso lezimangaliso kuFaro lakuzo zonke inceku zakhe lakubo bonke abantu belizwe lakhe. Wehlukanisa ulwandle phambi kwabo ukuze bachaphe phakathi kolwandle emhlabathini owomileyo. Wasubakhokhela ngensika yeyezi emini langensika yomlilo ebusuku ukubakhanyisela indlela abazahamba ngayo. Wehlela phezu kwentaba yeSinayi, wakhuluma labo usemazulwini, wabazisa isabatha lakho elingcwele, wabalaya imilayo, lezimiso, lomthetho, ngesandla sikaMozisi inceku yakho. Wabanika isinkwa esivela emazulwini ekulambeni kwabo. Kodwa bona labobaba baziphatha ngokuzigqaja. Yebo, bala ukulalela, kabakhumbulanga izimangaliso zakho owazenza kubo. Lalapho sebezenzele ithole elibunjwe ngokuncibilikisa bathi: Lo nguNkulunkulu wakho, owakwenyusa eGibhithe, kodwa wena ngezihawu zakho ezinengi kawubatshiyanga enkangala. Wabanika umoya wakho omuhle ukubafundisa. Yebo, iminyaka engamatshumi amane wabondla enkangala, kabaswelanga lutho. Wasebanika imibuso lezizwe, wababela kwaze kwaba semagumbini. Wandisa abantwana babo njengenkanyezi zamazulu, wabangenisa elizweni owawutshele oyise ukuthi bazangena badle ilifa lalo. Sebengenile abantwana babo badla ilifa lelizwe. Basebethumba imizi ebiyelweyo, lelizwe elivundileyo. Kube kanti kabalalelanga, bakuvukela wena. Ngakho wabanikela esandleni sezitha zabo ezabahluphayo. Kodwa sebephumulile benza okubi futhi phambi kwakho; ngakho wabatshiya esandleni sezitha zabo zaze zababusa; sebebuyile bakhala kuwe, wena wezwa usemazulwini. Wafakaza umelene labo ukuze ubenze babuyele emlayweni wakho; kube kanti bona baziphatha ngokuzigqaja, kabayilalelanga imilayo yakho. Wababekezelela iminyaka eminengi, wafakaza umelene labo ngomoya wakho. Kanti ngezisa zakho ezinengi. Ngakho khathesi, Nkulunkulu wethu, uNkulunkulu omkhulu, olamandla lowesabekayo. Kodwa ubulungile mayelana lakho konke okusehleleyo, ngoba wenzile ngokuqonda. Lamakhosi ethu, iziphathamandla zethu, abapristi bethu, labobaba bethu kabawenzanga umlayo wakho, kabalalelanga imithetho yakho lezifakazelo zakho owazifakaza umelene labo. Ngoba bona kabakukhonzanga embusweni wabo. Khangela, siyizigqili lamuhla, yebo, ilizwe owalinika obaba ukuthi badle isithelo salo lokuhle kwalo, khangela, siyizigqili kulo. Njalo isivuno salo lisandisela amakhosi owabeke phezu kwethu ngenxa yezono zethu; njalo abusa phezu kwemizimba yethu laphezu kwezifuyo zethu ngokwentando yawo; sesisesizini olukhulu. Langenxa yakho konke lokhu senza isivumelwanoesiqinileyo, sisibhala; iziphathamandla zethu, amaLevi ethu, abapristi bethu, basebefaka uphawu phezu kwaso. Ekufakeni-ke uphawu kwakuloNehemiya umbusi indodana kaHakaliya, loZedekhiya, uSeraya, uPashuri, uHathushi, uShebaniya, uMaluki, uHarimi, uDaniyeli, uMeshulamu, uAbhiya, uMahaziya, uBiligayi; laba babengabapristi. LamaLevi: Ngitsho uJeshuwa indodana kaAzaniya, labafowabo, oShebaniya, uMika, uRehobi, uZakuri, uHodiya, uBeninu. Inhloko zabantu: OParoshi, uBuni, uAdonija, uBigivayi, uAteri, uAzuri, uHodiya, uHashuma, uHarafi, uAnathothi, uNebayi, uMagipiyashi, uMeshezabeli, uPelatiya, uHanani, uHosheya, uHananiya, uHaloheshi, uPiliha, uShobeki, uRehuma, uAhiya, uHanani, uAnani, uMaluki. Labantu abaseleyo, abapristi, amaLevi, babambelela kubafowabo, izikhulu zabo, bangena kusiqalekiso lesifungo, lokuyigcina lokuyenza yonke imilayo kaJehova iNkosi yethu, lezahlulelo zayo lezimiso zayo. Lokuthi kasiyikunika amadodakazi ethu ebantwini belizwe loba singathatheli amadodana ethu amadodakazi abo. Uba abantu belizwe beletha izimpahla loba yiwaphi amabele ukukuthengisa ngosuku lwesabatha, kasiyikuthenga kibo ngesabatha langosuku olungcwele. Futhi sizazimisela imilayo yokubeka phezu kwethu ingxenye yesithathu yeshekeli emnyakeni ibe ngeyomsebenzi wendlu kaNkulunkulu wethu, eyesinkwa sokubukiswa. Sasesisenza inkatho yokuphosa. Lokuletha izithelo zokuqala zomhlabathi wethu lezithelo zokuqala zesithelo sonke sesihlahla sonke umnyaka ngomnyaka endlini yeN; lokuletha amazibulo amadodana ethu lawezifuyo zethu, njengokubhalwe emlayweni, lamazibulo ezinkomo zethu lawezimvu zethu, endlini kaNkulunkulu wethu, kubapristi abasebenza endlini kaNkulunkulu wethu; lokokuqala. Umpristi-ke indodana kaAroni uzakuba kanye lamaLevi lapho amaLevi esemukela okwetshumi. LamaLevi azakwenyusa okwetshumi kokwetshumi endlini kaNkulunkulu wethu. Ngoba abantwana bakoIsrayeli labantwana bamaLevi bazaletha umnikelo wamabele. Ngakho ababusi babantu bahlala eJerusalema, lengxenye eziyisificamunwemunye kweminyeimizi. Abantu basebebusisa wonke amadoda azinikela ngesihle uku ya hlala eJerusalema. Lezi-ke zinhloko zesabelo ezahlala eJerusalema. Kodwa emizini yakoJuda bahlala, ngulowo kumfuyo yakhe, emizini yabo: UIsrayeli, abapristi, lamaLevi, lamaNethini. EJerusalema kwahlala-ke abanyebabantwana bakoJuda lababantwana bakoBhenjamini. Ebantwaneni bakoJuda: OAthaya indodana kaUziya indodana kaZekhariya indodana kaAmariya indodana kaShefathiya indodana kaMahalaleli, owabantwana bakoPerezi, loMahaseya indodana kaBharukhi. Wonke amadodana kaPerezi ayehlala eJerusalema ayengamakhulu amane lamatshumi ayisithupha lesificaminwembili, amadoda alamandla. Lala ngamadodana kaBhenjamini: USalu indodana kaMeshulamu indodana kaJowedi indodana kaPhedaya indodana kaKolaya indodana kaMahaseya indodana kaIthiyeli indodana kaJeshaya, langemva kwakhe oGabayi, uSalayi, amakhulu ayisificamunwemunye lamatshumi amabili lesificaminwembili. LoJoweli indodana kaZikiri wayengumboni phezu kwabo, loJuda indodana kaHasenuwa engowesibili phezu komuzi. Kubapristi, uSeraya indodana kaHilikhiya indodana kaMeshulamu indodana kaZadoki indodana kaMerayothi indodana kaAhitubi, umphathi wendlu kaNkulunkulu, labafowabo ababesenza umsebenzi wendlu babengamakhulu ayisificaminwembili lamatshumi amabili lambili; loAdaya indodana kaJerohamu, labafowabo, inhloko zaboyise, babengamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amane lambili; loAmashayi indodana kaAzareli indodana kaAhizayi indodana kaMeshilemothi indodana kaImeri, labafowabo, amaqhawe alamandla, ikhulu lamatshumi amabili lesificaminwembili; lomboni phezu kwabo wayenguZabidiyeli indodana y omunyewabakhulu. LakumaLevi; loShabethayi; loMathaniya indodana kaGalali indodana kaJeduthuni. Wonke amaLevi emzini ongcwele ayengamakhulu amabili lamatshumi ayisificaminwembili lane. Labalindimasango, oAkubi, uTalimoni, labafowabo ababelinda amasango babelikhulu lamatshumi ayisikhombisa lambili. Lensali yakoIsrayeli, ababapristi, amaLevi, babesemizini yonke yakoJuda, ngulowo elifeni lakhe. LamaNethini ayehlala eOfeli. Njalo umboni wamaLevi eJerusalema wayenguUzi indodana kaBani. Owamadodana kaAsafi, abahlabeleli babeqondene lomsebenzi wendlu kaNkulunkulu. Ngoba kwakungumlayo wenkosi ngabo. Njalo uPethahiya indodana kaMeshezabeli. Lemizaneni lamasimu ayo, kwahlala abanyebabantwana bakoJuda eKiriyathi-Arba, laseJeshuwa, laseMolada, laseHazari-Shuwali, laseZikilagi, laseEni-Rimoni, iZanowa. Labantwana bakoBhenjamini kusukela eGeba babeseMikimashi, leAyija, iAnathothi, iAnaniya, iHazori, iHadidi, iNebalati, iLodi. LakumaLevi kwakulezigaba zakoJuda lo Bhenjamini. Lalaba ngabapristi lamaLevi, uAmariya, uMaluki, uHathushi, uShekaniya, uRehuma, uMeremothi, uIdo, uGinethoyi, uAbhiya, uMijamini, uMahadiya, uBiliga, uShemaya, uSalu, uAmoki, uHilikhiya, uJedaya. LamaLevi: OJeshuwa. LoBakibukiya loUni, abafowabo, babeqondene labo emilindweni. UJeshuwa wasezala uJoyakimi, uJoyada wasezala uJonathani. Lensukwini zikaJoyakimi abapristi, inhloko zaboyise, babengo: OkaSeraya nguMeraya; okaJeremiya nguHananiya; okaEzra nguMeshulamu; okaAmariya nguJehohanani; okaMeliku nguJonathani; okaShebaniya nguJosefa; okaHarimi nguAdina; okaMerayothi nguHelikayi; okaIdo nguZekhariya; okaGinethoni nguMeshulamu; okaAbhiya nguZikiri; okaMiniyamini, okaMowadiya nguPilitayi; okaBiliga nguShamuwa; okaShemaya nguJehonathani; lokaJoyaribi nguMathenayi; okaJedaya nguUzi; okaSalayi nguKalayi; okaAmoki nguEberi; okaHilikhiya nguHashabhiya; okaJedaya nguNethaneli. AmaLevi ensukwini zikaEliyashibi loJaduwa, babhalwa baba zinhloko zaboyise, labapristi kwaze kwaba ngumbuso kaDariyusi umPerisiya. Amadodana kaLevi, inhloko zaboyise, abhalwa egwalweni lwemilando, kwaze kwaba sensukwini zikaJohanani indodana kaEliyashibi. Lenhloko zamaLevi: OHashabhiya. OMathaniya, babengabalindimasango belinda umlindo eziphaleni zamasango. Labo babekhona ensukwini zikaJoyakimi indodana kaJeshuwa indodana kaJozadaki. Lekwehlukaniselweni komduli weJerusalema. Amadodana abahlabeleli asebuthana, njalo evela emagcekeni azingelezele iJerusalema, leBeti-Giligali, ngoba abahlabeleli babezakhele imizi ezingelezele iJerusalema. Labapristi lamaLevi bazihlambulula, bahlambulula labantu lamasango lomduli. Ngasengisenza iziphathamandla zakoJuda zenyukele emdulini, ngamisa amaxuku amakhulu amabili okubonga lezindwendwe, elinye kwesokunene. Lemva kwawo kwahamba oHoshaya, lengxenye yeziphathamandla zakoJuda, loAzariya, uJuda, loBhenjamini, loShemaya. Lakumadodana abapristi elezimpondo indodana kaAsafi, labafowabo, oShemaya, loAzareli, uMilalayi, uGilalayi, uMahayi, uNethaneli, loJuda, uHanani, belezinto zokuhlabelela zikaDavida, loEzra umbhali ephambi kwabo. Langasesangweni lomthombo. Lexuku lesibili lokubonga lahamba maqondana lalo, lami ngililandela, lengxenye yabantu phezu komduli, njalo kusukela ngaphezu kwesango lakoEfrayimi. Womabili amaxuku okubonga asesima endlini kaNkulunkulu, lami, lengxenye yababusi ilami. Labapristi: OEliyakhimi, uMahaseya, uMiniyamini, uMikhaya, belezimpondo, loMahaseya. Abahlabeleli basebezizwakalisa, loJezerahiya umboni. Basebehlaba mhlalokho imihlatshelo emikhulu, bathokoza, ngoba uNkulunkulu wabenza bathokoza ngentokozo enkulu; labesifazana labantwana labo bathokoza; kwaze kwathi intokozo yeJerusalema yezwakala khatshana. Ngalolosuku kwamiswa-ke. Abahlabeleli labalindimasango basebegcina imfanelo kaNkulunkulu wabo, lemfanelo yokuhlambulula, njengomlayo kaDavida l oSolomoni indodana yakhe. Ngoba ensukwini zamandulo zikaDavida loAsafi kwakulezinhloko zabahlabeleli lezingoma zokudumisa lokubonga kuNkulunkulu. LoIsrayeli wonke ensukwini zikaZerubhabheli. Ngalolosuku babala egwalweni lukaMozisi endlebeni zabantu; ngoba bengahlangabezanga abantwana bakoIsrayeli ngesinkwa langamanzi, kodwa baqatsha bemelene labo uBalami, ukubaqalekisa. Kwasekusithi sebewuzwile umlayo behlukanisa koIsrayeli. Ngaphambi kwalokho-ke uEliyashibi umpristi owayemiswe phezu kwekamelo likaNkulunkulu wethu. Wayemlungisele ikamelo elikhulu lapho ababekade befaka khona umnikelo wokudla, impepha, lezitsha, lokwetshumi kwamabele, iwayini elitsha, lamafutha, okwakulayelwe amaLevi labahlabeleli labalindimasango, lomnikelo wabapristi. Kodwa kukho konke lokhu ngangingekho eJerusalema, ngoba ngomnyaka wamatshumi amathathu lambili kaAthakisekisi; lekupheleni kwezinsuku ngacela imvumo enkosini, ngeza eJerusalema, ngaqedisisa ngokubi uEliyashibi. Kwasekusiba kubi kakhulu kimi; ngakho ngaphosela phandle zonke impahla zendlu kaTobiya phandle kwekamelo. Ngasengilaya, bahlambulula amakamelo. Ngasengisazi ukuthi izabelo zamaLevi zazinganikwanga. Ngasengiphikisana lababusi? Ngababuthanisa, ngabamisa endaweni yabo. Khona wonke uJuda waletha okwetshumi kwamabele lewayini elitsha lamafutha eziphaleni. Ngasengibeka abagciniziphala phezu kweziphala; njalo kwakuphezu kwabo ukwabela abafowabo. Ngikhumbule, Nkulunkulu wami, mayelana lalokho, ungayicitshi imisebenzi yami yomusa engiyenzele indlu kaNkulunkulu wami lezinkonzo zayo. Ngalezonsuku ngabona koJuda abanyathela izikhamelo zewayini ngesabatha. LabeTire bahlala kuyo, beletha inhlanzi lempahla yonke ethengiswayo, bakuthengisa ngesabatha kubantwana bakoJuda laseJerusalema. Khona ngaphikisana lezikhulu zakoJuda, ngathi kuzo: Iyini le into embi eliyenzayo lingcolisa usuku lwesabatha? Kabenzanga njalo yini oyihlo, loNkulunkulu wethu wehlisela phezu kwethu bonke lobububi laphezu kwalumuzi? Kanti lina landisa ulaka phezu kukaIsrayeli ngokungcolisa isabatha. Kwasekusithi lapho amasango eJerusalema eseqala ukuba mnyama mandulo kwesabatha, ngalaya ukuthi iminyango kayivalwe, njalo ngalaya ukuthi bangayivuli kuze kube ngemva kwesabatha. Ngabeka ezinyezenceku zami emasangweni ukuzekungangeni mthwalo ngosuku lwesabatha. Ngakho abathengi labathengisi bempahla yonke balala ngaphandle kweJerusalema kanye loba kabili. Khona ngafakaza ngimelene labo ngathi kibo: Lilalelani maqondana lomduli? Uba likwenza futhi, ngizalidumela ngesandla. Kusukela kulesosikhathi kababuyanga ngesabatha. Ngasengitshela amaLevi ukuthi azihlambulule. Futhi, ngalezonsuku ngabona amaJuda ayethethe abafazi. Labantwana babo, ingxenye babekhuluma isiAshidodi njalo bengelakukhuluma isiJuda, kodwa ngokolimi lwezizwe ngezizwe. Ngasengiphikisana lawo, ngawaqalekisa, ngatshaya amanye awo, ngawangcothula inwele: Kaliyikunika amadodakazi enu kumadodana abo, njalo kaliyikuthathela amadodana enu emadodakazini abo, kumbe lina ngokwenu. USolomoni inkosi yakoIsrayeli konanga yini ngalezozinto. Pho, sizalilalela yini ukwenza bonke lobobubi obukhulu, ngokona kuNkulunkulu wethu ngokuthatha abafazi bezizweni? L enyeyamadodana kaJehoyada; ngakho ngayixotsha yasuka kimi. Bakhumbule, Nkulunkulu wami, ngoba bangcolisile ubupristi. Ngokunjalo ngabahlambulula kubo bonke abezizweni, ngamisa imfanelo kubapristi lakumaLevi, ngulowo lalowo emsebenzini wakhe, leyomnikelo wenkuni. Kwasekusithi ngensuku zikaAhasuwerusi, ngalezonsuku lapho inkosi uAhasuwerusi wahlala esihlalweni sobukhosi sombuso wakhe, ngomnyaka wesithathu wokubusa kwakhe wenzela iziphathamandla zakhe lenceku zakhe zonke idili, lapho etshengisa inotho yenkazimulo yombuso wakhe lobugugu bobuhle bobukhulu bakhe insuku ezinengi, insuku ezilikhulu lamatshumi ayisificaminwembili. Kwathi lezonsuku sezigcwalisekile, inkosi yenzela bonke abantu abatholakala eShushani isigodlo idili, kusukela komkhulu kusiya komncinyane, insuku eziyisikhombisa, egumeni lesivande sesigodlo senkosi. Kwakulamalembu amhlophe, amalembu acolekileyo, laluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka, ebotshelwe ngentambo zelembu elicolekileyo kakhulu leziyibubende emasongweni esiliva. Basebenathisa ngezitsha zegolide, lezitsha zaziyizitsha ezehlukeneyo, lewayini lesikhosini laba linengi njengokwesandla senkosi. Lokunatha kwakungokomthetho, kungekho obamba ngamandla; ngoba ngokunjalo inkosi yayilayile kwabakhulu bonke bendlu yayo ukuthi benze njengokufisa komuntu lomuntu. UVashiti indlovukazi laye wenzela abesifazana idili endlini yesikhosini inkosi uAhasuwerusi ayelayo. Ngosuku lwesikhombisa, inhliziyo yenkosi isithokozile ngewayini, abathenwa abayisikhombisa ababesebenza phambi kwenkosi uAhasuwerusi, ukuthi balethe uVashiti indlovukazi phambi kwenkosi elomqhele wesikhosini, ukutshengisa abantu leziphathamandla ubuhle bakhe, ngoba wayekhangeleka kuhle. Kodwa indlovukazi uVashiti yala ukubuya ngelizwi lenkosi elalingesandla sabathenwa. Ngakho inkosi yathukuthela kakhulu, lolaka lwayo lwavutha phakathi kwayo. Inkosi yasisithi kwabahlakaniphileyo, lalabo ababeseduze layo babengoKarishena, uShethari, uAdimatha, uTarshishi, uMeresi, uMarisena, uMemukani: Ngokomthetho kungenziwani ngendlovukazi uVashiti ngenxa yokuthi kayenzanga ilizwi lenkosi uAhasuwerusi ngesandla sabathenwa? UMemukani wasesithi phambi kwenkosi leziphathamandla: UVashiti indlovukazi wonile kungeyisikho enkosini kuphela, kodwa la kuziphathamandla zonke lebantwini bonke abasezabelweni zonke zenkosi uAhasuwerusi. Ngoba isenzo sendlovukazi sizaphumela kubo bonke abesifazana, kuze kuthi badelele omkabo emehlweni abo, nxa besithi: Inkosi uAhasuwerusi watshela ukuthi kulethwe uVashiti indlovukazi phambi kwayo, kodwa kayizanga. Yebo mhlalokho amakhosikazi ePerisiya leMede ezwe isenzo sendlovukazi azakuthi kuzo zonke iziphathamandla zenkosi, kube khona ukudelela lokuthukuthela okwedlulisayo. Uba kulungile enkosini kakuphume umthetho wesikhosini kuyo, kakubhalwe emithethweni yamaPerisiya lamaMede, ongeguqulwe, ukuthi uVashiti kayikungena phambi kwenkosi uAhasuwerusi; inkosi inike-ke ubukhosikazi bakhe komunye onjengaye ongcono kulaye. Usuzwakele umthetho wenkosi ezawenza embusweni wayo wonke (ngoba mkhulu) bonke abesifazana bazanika inhlonipho kubomkabo. Njalo indaba yayilungile emehlweni enkosi leziphathamandla; inkosi yasisenza njengokwelizwi likaMemukani. Yasithumela izincwadi kuzo zonke izabelo zenkosi, kusabelo lesabelo njengombhalo waso, lakubo abantu labantu njengokolimi lwabo, ukuthi ileyo laleyondoda ibe ngumbusi endlini yayo, ikhulume njengokolimi lwabantu bakibo. Emva kwalezizinto, ulaka lwenkosi uAhasuwerusi seludedile, wamkhumbula uVashiti, lalokho ayekwenzile, lalokho okwaqunywa ngaye. Izinceku zenkosi ezaziyisebenzela zasezisithi: Kakudingelwe inkosi amantombazana, izintombi ezikhangeleka kuhle. Inkosi imise-ke ababonisi kuzo zonke izabelo zombuso, ukuze babuthanise wonke amantombazana, izintombi ezikhangeleka kuhle, eShushani isigodlo, endlini yabesifazana, esandleni sikaHegayi, umthenwa wenkosi, umlondolozi wabesifazana, lokunika okokuqhola kwawo. Kuthi intombazana enhle emehlweni enkosi ibe yindlovukazi esikhundleni sikaVashiti. Indaba yayilungile-ke emehlweni enkosi, yenza njalo. Kwakukhona indoda engumJuda eShushani isigodlo, obizo layo lalinguModekhayi indodana kaJayiri indodana kaShimeyi, owayethunjwe eJerusalema kanye labathunjwa ababethunjwe loJekoniya inkosi yakoJuda, uNebhukadinezari inkosi yeBhabhiloni owayebathumbile. Njalo wayesondla uHadasa, onguEsta, umntakamalumakhe, ngoba wayengelayise kumbe unina; njalo intombi yayiyinhle ngesimo njalo ikhangeleka kuhle; ekufeni-ke kukayise lonina uModekhayi wayithatha yaba yindodakazi yakhe. Kwasekusithi sekuzwakele ilizwi lenkosi lomthetho wayo, lapho sekubuthaniswe izintombi ezinengi eShushani isigodlo esandleni sikaHegayi, uEsta laye wathathwa wasiwa endlini yenkosi esandleni sikaHegayi, umlondolozi wabesifazana. Lentombi yayiyinhle emehlweni akhe, yazuza umusa phambi kwakhe. UEsta wayengakhulumanga abantu bakwabo lomhlobo wakhe, ngoba uModekhayi wayemlayile ukuthi angakukhulumi. Langalo lonke usuku ngosuku uModekhayi wayehambahamba phambi kweguma lendlu yabesifazana ukwazi impilakahle kaEsta lokuthi kuyini okuzakwenzeka kuye. Lekufikeni kwezopha lentombi ngentombi ukungena enkosini uAhasuwerusi ekucineni sekwenziwe kuye njengomthetho wabesifazana, inyanga ezilitshumi lambili, ngoba ngokunjalo kwagcwaliseka insuku zamakha awo, inyanga eziyisithupha ngamafutha emure, lenyanga eziyisithupha ngamakha okuqhola, lang amanyeamakha abesifazana. Ngalokho-ke intombi yangena enkosini; loba kuyini ekutshoyo izakunikwa ukuthi ihambe lakho isuka endlini yabesifazana isiya endlini yenkosi. Ntambama yangena, lekuseni ibuyele endlini yesibili yabesifazana, esandleni sikaShashigazi umthenwa wenkosi umlondolozi wabafazi abancinyane; kayingenanga futhi enkosini ngaphandle kokuthi inkosi ithokoze ngayo, ibizwe ngebizo. Kwathi selifikile izopho likaEsta, indodakazi kaAbihayili umalumakhe kaModekhayi owayemthethe waba yindodakazi yakhe, lokuthi angene enkosini, kacelanga lutho ngaphandle kwalokho uHegayi umthenwa wenkosi umlondolozi wabesifazana akutshoyo. UEsta wayesemukela-ke umusa emehlweni abo bonke abambonayo. Ngokunjalo uEsta wasiwa enkosini uAhasuwerusi endlini yayo yesikhosini ngenyanga yetshumi, eyinyanga kaTebethi, ngomnyaka wesikhombisa wokubusa kwayo. Inkosi yasimthanda uEsta okwedlula bonke abesifazana, wemukela umusa lesihe phambi kwayo okwedlula zonke intombi, yasibeka umqhele wobukhosi ekhanda lakhe, yamenza indlovukazi esikhundleni sikaVashiti. Inkosi yasisenzela zonke iziphathamandla zayo lenceku zayo idili elikhulu, idili likaEsta. Yenzela izabelo ikhefu. Kwathi intombi sezibuthanisiwe okwesibili. UEsta wayengakhulumanga umhlobo wakhe labantu bakibo, njengoba uModekhayi wamlaya. Ngalezozinsuku uModekhayi ehlezi esangweni lenkosi, oBigithani loTereshi abathenwa ababili benkosi, abalindi bombundu, bathukuthela, badinga ukuyithela isandla inkosi uAhasuwerusi. Njalo udaba lwaziwa kuModekhayi, waselutshela uEsta indlovukazi; njalo uEsta wayitshela inkosi ebizweni likaModekhayi. Lolodaba seluhlolwa, lwatholakala lunjalo; ngakho bobabili baphanyekwa esihlahleni. Kwasekubhalwa egwalweni lwemilando phambi kwenkosi. Emva kwalezizindaba inkosi uAhasuwerusi yamkhulisa uHamani indodana kaHamedatha. Ngakho zonke inceku zenkosi ezazisesangweni lenkosi zakhothama zamkhonza uHamani, ngoba inkosi yayilaye ngokunjalo ngaye. Kodwa uModekhayi kakhothamanga kakhonzanga. Izinceku zenkosi ezazisesangweni lenkosi? Kwasekusithi zikhuluma laye insuku ngensuku, kodwa engazizwanga, zamtshela uHamani ukuze zibone ukuthi amazwi kaModekhayi azakuma yini; ngoba wayezitshelile ukuthi ungumJuda. UHamani esebonile ukuthi uModekhayi kakhothamanga njalo kakhonzanga kuye. Wesedelela emehlweni akhe ukumthela isandla uModekhayi yedwa, ngoba babemtshelile abantu bakibo kaModekhayi, ngakho uHamani wadinga ukuchitha wonke amaJuda, ayesembusweni wonke kaAhasuwerusi, abantu bakibo kaModekhayi. Ngenyanga yokuqala, eyinyanga uNisani. UHamani wasesithi enkosini uAhasuwerusi: Kukhona abantu abathile abahlakazeke basabalala phakathi kwabantu ezabelweni zonke zombuso wakho; lemilayo yabo, lemilayo yenkosi kabayenzi; ngakho kakufanelanga enkosini ukuthi ibayekele bahlale. Uba kulungile enkosini, kakubhalwe ukuthi bachithwe, njalo ngizalinganisa amathalenta esiliva azinkulungwane ezilitshumi ezandleni zabenzi bomsebenzi, ukuze afakwe kokuligugu kwenkosi. Inkosi yasikhupha indandatho yophawu lwayo esandleni sayo, yayinika uHamani indodana kaHamedatha, isitha samaJuda. Inkosi yasisithi kuHamani: Isiliva usinikiwe, labantu, ukwenza ngabo njengokuhle emehlweni akho. Kwasekubizwa ababhali benkosi, kwananyathiselwa ngendandatho yophawu lwenkosi. Incwadi zathunyelwa ngesandla sezigijimi. Ikhophi yombhalo yokuthi umlayo unikwe kuso sonke isabelo ngesabelo yayisobala kubo bonke abantu ukuze balungele lolosuku. Izigijimi zaphuma ziphangisiswa yilizwi lenkosi. UModekhayi esekwazile konke okwenziweyo, uModekhayi wadabula izigqoko zakhe, waphuma wangena phakathi komuzi, wakhala ukukhala okukhulu lokubabayo, weza waze waba phambi kwesango lenkosi, ngoba kwakungekho ongangena esangweni lenkosi egqoke isaka. Lakuso sonke isabelo lesabelo, indawo lapho ilizwi lenkosi lomthetho okwakufika khona, kwaba lokulila okukhulu kumaJuda, lokuzila ukudla, lokukhala inyembezi, lokulila; amanengi alala emasakeni lemlotheni. Kwasekufika amantombazana kaEsta labathenwa bakhe bamtshela; indlovukazi yasidabuka kakhulu, yathumela izembatho zokugqokisa uModekhayi, lokususa kuye isaka lakhe, kodwa kazemukelanga. UEsta wasebiza uHathaki omunyewabathenwa benkosi eyayimmisele yena, wamlaya ngoModekhayi ukuthi azi ukuthi kuyini lokuthi kungani. UHathaki wasephuma waya kuModekhayi egcekeni lomuzi elaliphambi kwesango lenkosi. UModekhayi wamtshela konke okwenzeke kuye, lengcazelo yemali uHamani athi uzayilinganisela kokuligugu kwenkosi ngamaJuda ukuwachitha. Wasemnika ikhophi yombhalo womthetho eyanikwa eShushani ukuwachitha ukuthi ayitshengise uEsta, lokuthi amtshele, lokuthi amlaye ukuthi angene enkosini, ukumncengela, lokucelela abantu bakibo phambi kwakhe. UHathaki wasesiza wamtshela uEsta amazwi kaModekhayi. UEsta wasekhuluma loHathaki, wamnika umlayo usiya kuModekhayi wokuthi: Zonke inceku zenkosi labantu bezabelo zenkosi bayakwazi ukuthi, loba ngubani, owesilisa loba owesifazana, ongena esiya enkosini egumeni elingaphakathi, engabizwanga, kulomthetho owodwa ngaye woku m bulala, ngaphandle kokuthi inkosi imelulele intonga yobukhosi yegolide, ukuze aphile; kodwa mina kangibizwanga ukungena enkosini lezinsuku ezingamatshumi amathathu. Basebemtshela uModekhayi amazwi kaEsta. UModekhayi wasesithi ephendula uEsta: Ungacabangi engqondweni yakho ukuthi uzaphepha endlini yenkosi okwedlula wonke amaJuda. Ngoba uba uthula lokuthula ngalesisikhathi, usizo lenkululeko kuzamela amaJuda kuvela kwenye indawo, kodwa wena lendlu kayihlo lizabhubha. Ngubani kambe owaziyo ukuthi ufikile embusweni ngenxa yesikhathi esinje? UEsta wasesithi ephendula uModekhayi: Hamba ubuthanise wonke amaJuda atholakala eShushani, lingizilele ukudla, lingadli linganathi insuku ezintathu ubusuku lemini; lami lamantombazana ami sizazila ukudla ngokufananayo; ngokunjalo-ke ngizangena enkosini, okunganjengokomthetho. UModekhayi waseqhubeka wenza njengakho konke uEsta amlaye khona. Kwasekusithi ngosuku lwesithathu uEsta wagqoka ezobundlovukazi. Kwasekusithi inkosi ibona uEsta indlovukazi emi egumeni, wazuza umusa emehlweni ayo. Inkosi yasisithi kuye: Ulani, ndlovukazi Esta? Lesicelo sakho siyini? Uzasinikwa ngitsho kuze kube yingxenye yombuso. UEsta wasesithi: Uba kukuhle enkosini, kayize inkosi loHamani edilini engiyenzele lona. Inkosi yasisithi: Phangisisani uHamani ukuthi enze ilizwi likaEsta. Ngakho yeza inkosi loHamani edilini uEsta ayelenzile. Inkosi yasisithi kuEsta edilini lewayini. UEsta wasephendula wathi: Isicelo sami lesifiso sami yilokhu: Uba ngithole umusa emehlweni enkosi, futhi uba kukuhle enkosini ukupha isicelo sami lokwenza isifiso sami, inkosi loHamani kabeze edilini engizalenzela bona. Kusasa-ke ngizakwenza njengokwelizwi lenkosi. UHamani wasephuma mhlalokho ethokoza elenhliziyo enhle. Kodwa uHamani wazithinta, wafika endlini yakhe; wasethuma walanda abangane bakhe. UHamani wasebalandisela udumo lwenotho yakhe, lobunengi bamadodana akhe. UHamani wasesithi: Yebo, uEsta indlovukazi kangenisanga muntu kanye lenkosi edilini alenzileyo ngaphandle kwami; njalo lakusasa nginxuselwe kuye lenkosi. Kanti konke lokhu kakungenelisi ngalutho ngaso sonke isikhathi ngibona uModekhayi umJuda ehlezi esangweni lenkosi. UZereshi umkakhe labo bonke abangane bakhe basebesithi kuye: Kakwenziwe ugodo ubude obuzingalo ezingamatshumi amahlanu; kusasa-ke uthi enkosini kabalengise uModekhayi kulo, ubusungena lenkosi edilini uthokozile. Njalo loludaba lwalulungile phambi kukaHamani, waselwenza ugodo. Ngalobobusuku ubuthongo benkosi babaleka; yasisithi kakulethwe ugwalo lwezikhumbuzo lwemilando; yasibalwa phambi kwenkosi. Kwasekutholakala kubhaliwe ukuthi uModekhayi wabika ngoBigithana loTereshi, abathenwa ababili benkosi, abalindi bombundu, ababedinge ukwelulela isandla enkosini uAhasuwerusi. Inkosi yasisithi: Dumo? Izinceku zenkosi ezaziyikhonza zasezisithi: Kakwenziwanga lutho kuye. Inkosi yasisithi: Ngubani osegumeni? UHamani wayesengene egumeni elingaphandle lendlu yenkosi. Izinceku zenkosi zasezisithi kuyo: Khangela, uHamani umi egumeni. Inkosi yasisithi: Kangene. UHamani wasengena; inkosi yasisithi kuye: Kwenziweni kumuntu inkosi ethokoza kudumo lwakhe? UHamani wasesithi enhliziyweni yakhe: Ngubani inkosi engathokoza uku m nika udumo okwedlula mina? UHamani wasesithi enkosini: Umuntu inkosi ethokoza kudumo lwakhe, kakulethwe isembatho sobukhosi inkosi uqobo esigqokayo, lebhiza inkosi eligadayo, lokuthi umqhele wobukhosi ubekwe enhlokweni yalo; lesembatho lebhiza kunikwe esandleni somunye weziphathamandla zenkosi ezihloniphekayo, lokuthi bagqokise lowomuntu inkosi ethokoza kudumo lwakhe, bamgadise ibhiza adabule igceke lomuzi, bamemeze phambi kwakhe bathi: Kwenziwa nje emuntwini inkosi ethokoza ngodumo lwakhe. Inkosi yasisithi kuHamani: Phangisa thatha isembatho lebhiza njengokutsho kwakho, wenze njalo kuModekhayi umJuda ohlala esangweni lenkosi; kungawi lalizwi kukho konke okukhulumileyo. UHamani wasethatha isembatho lebhiza, wagqokisa uModekhayi, wamgadisa wadabula igceke lomuzi, wamemeza phambi kwakhe wathi: Kwenziwa nje emuntwini inkosi ethokoza kudumo lwakhe. Wasebuyela uModekhayi esangweni lenkosi, kodwa uHamani wahaluzela waya endlini yakhe elila. UHamani wasetshela uZereshi umkakhe labo bonke abangane bakhe. Besakhuluma loHamani, abathenwa benkosi basondela, bahaluzela ukuletha uHamani. Bafika-ke inkosi loHamani uku ya kuba ledili loEsta indlovukazi. Inkosi yasisithi kuEsta langosuku lwesibili edilini lewayini: Siyini isicelo sakho, Esta ndlovukazi? njalo uzasinikwa. Siyini-ke isifiso sakho? kuzakwenziwa ngitsho kuze kube yingxenye yombuso. UEsta indlovukazi wasephendula wathi: Uba ngithole umusa emehlweni akho, nkosi, njalo uba kukuhle enkosini, impilo yami kangiyinikwe ngesicelo sami labantu bakithi ngesifiso sami. Ngoba sithengisiwe, mina labantu bakithi, ukuthi sibhujiswe sibulawe njalo sichithwe; kodwa uba besithengiswe ukuba yizigqili lezigqilikazi ngabe ngithule; lanxa isitha besingelinganise ukoniwa kwenkosi. Inkosi uAhasuwerusi yasikhuluma yathi kuEsta indlovukazi: Ngubani lo, futhi ungaphi lo ogcwalise inhliziyo yakhe ukwenza njalo? UEsta wasesithi: Umuntu, umbandezeli lesitha, nguHamani lo okhohlakeleyo. UHamani waseqhaqhazela phambi kwenkosi lendlovukazi. Inkosi yasisukuma edilini lewayini olakeni lwayo, yaya esivandeni sesigodlo. Inkosi isiphendukile ivela esivandeni sesigodlo isiya endlini yedili lewayini. UHaribona omunye wabathenwa wasesithi phambi kwenkosi. Basebemlengisa uHamani kulologodo ayelulungisele uModekhayi. Lwaseludeda ulaka lwenkosi. Ngalolosuku inkosi uAhasuwerusi yanika uEsta indlovukazi indlu kaHamani isitha samaJuda. UModekhayi wasesiza phambi kwenkosi ngoba uEsta waye se landisile ukuthi wayeyini kuye. Inkosi yasikhupha indandatho yophawu lwayo eyayiyithathele uHamani, yayinika uModekhayi. UEsta wasebeka uModekhayi phezu kwendlu kaHamani. UEsta wasebuya ekhuluma phambi kwenkosi, wawa phambi kwenyawo zayo wakhala inyembezi wayincenga ukuthi isuse ububi bukaHamani umAgagi, logobe lwakhe ayelucebe ngamaJuda. Inkosi yasiselulela intonga yobukhosi yegolide kuEsta. UEsta wasesukuma wema phambi kwenkosi, wasesithi: Uba kukuhle enkosini, uba-ke ngithole umusa phambi kwayo, lodaba lulungile phambi kwenkosi, lami ngilungile emehlweni ayo, kakubhalwe ukubuyisela emuva izincwadi, ugobe lukaHamani indodana kaHamedatha umAgagi, ayelubhalele ukubhubhisa amaJuda asezabelweni zonke zenkosi. Ngoba ngingaba lakho njani ukubona ububi obuzathola isizwe sakithi? Kumbe ngingaba lakho njani ukubona ukubhujiswa kwezihlobo zami? Inkosi uAhasuwerusi yasisithi kuEsta indlovukazi lakuModekhayi umJuda: Khangelani, indlu kaHamani ngiyinike uEsta, yena-ke bamlengise egodweni, ngenxa yokuthi welulela isandla sakhe kumaJuda. Ngakho lina bhalelani amaJuda ebizweni lenkosi, njengokuhle emehlweni enu, likunameke ngophawu lwendandatho yenkosi, ngoba umbhalo obhalwe ngebizo lenkosi wananyekwa ngophawu lwendandatho yenkosi, kakho ongawubuyisela emuva. Kwasekubizwa ababhali benkosi ngalesosikhathi ngenyanga yesithathu, eyinyanga uSivani, ngolwamatshumi amabili lantathu lwayo; kwasekubhalwa njengakho konke uModekhayi akulaya kumaJuda, lezikhulwini lakubabusi lakuziphathamandla zezabelo ezisukela eIndiya kuze kufike eEthiyophiya, izabelo ezilikhulu lamatshumi amabili lesikhombisa, isabelo lesabelo njengokombhalo waso, lesizwe ngesizwe njengokolimi lwaso, lakumaJuda njengokombhalo wawo lanjengokolimi lwawo. Wasebhala ebizweni lenkosi uAhasuwerusi, wanameka ngophawu lwendandatho yenkosi, wathumela izincwadi ngesandla sezigijimi ezigade amabhiza, ezigade amabhiza alejubane awesikhosini, amabhizakazi amatsha. Ukuthi inkosi yavumela amaJuda ayesemzini ngomuzi wonke ukuthi ahlangane amele impilo yawo ukubhubhisa abulale aqede wonke amandla abantu lesabelo abawahlaseleyo, abantwanyana labesifazana, lokuphanga impango yabo, ngasuku lunye kuzo zonke izabelo zenkosi uAhasuwerusi, ngolwetshumi lantathu lwenyanga yetshumi lambili, eyinyanga uAdari. Ikhophi yombhalo yomthetho ozamiswa kuso sonke isabelo ngesabelo yayisobala kubo bonke abantu, ukuthi amaJuda azilungisele lolusuku ukuziphindiselela ezitheni zawo. Izigijimi zigade amabhiza esikhosini alejubane zaphuma, ziphangisiswa zicindezelwa yilizwi lenkosi, lomthetho wanikwa eShushani isigodlo. UModekhayi wasephuma phambi kwenkosi ekusembatho sobukhosi sobuluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka lesimhlophe, lomqhele omkhulu wegolide, lesembatho selembu elicolekileyo kakhulu leliyibubende. Umuzi weShushani wasuthokoza wathaba. AmaJuda ayelokukhanya lentokozo lenjabulo lodumo. Lakuso sonke isabelo ngesabelo lakuwo wonke umuzi ngomuzi endaweni lapho ilizwi lenkosi lomthetho wayo okwafika khona amaJuda aba lentokozo, lenjabulo, idili, losuku oluhle. Labanengi babantu belizwe baba ngamaJuda, ngoba ukwesaba amaJuda kwabehlela. Kwathi ngenyanga yetshumi lambili, eyinyanga uAdari, ngosuku lwetshumi lantathu lwayo, sekusondele ilizwi lenkosi lomlayo wayo ukuthi kwenziwe, ngosuku izitha zamaJuda ezazithemba ukuwabusa ngalo, kwaguquka, ngoba amaJuda ngokwawo abusa kwababewazonda. AmaJuda abuthana emizini yawo kuzo zonke izabelo zenkosi uAhasuwerusi ukwelulela isandla kulabo ababedinge ukulinyazwa kwawo; njalo kakho owayengema phambi kwawo, ngoba ukwesabeka kwawo kwakwehlele bonke abantu. Zonke-ke iziphathamandla zezabelo, lezikhulu, lababusi, labenzi bomsebenzi inkosi eyayilabo, basiza amaJuda, ngoba ukwesabeka kukaModekhayi kwakubehlele. Ngoba uModekhayi wayemkhulu endlini yenkosi, lodumo lwakhe lwahamba kuzo zonke izabelo, ngoba lindoda uModekhayi yaqhubeka ikhula. Ngakho amaJuda atshaya phakathi kwezitha zawo zonke ngokutshaya kwenkemba lokubulala lokubhubhisa, enza ngabazondi bawo ngokwentando yawo. EShushani isigodlo amaJuda asebulala abhubhisa abantu abangamakhulu amahlanu, loParishanidatha, loDalifoni, loAsiphatha, loPoratha, loAdaliya, loAridatha, loParimashita, loArisayi, loAridayi, loVayizatha. Amadodana alitshumi kaHamani indodana kaHamedatha, isitha samaJuda, awabulala. Ngalolosuku inani lababulawayo eShushani isigodlo lafika phambi kwenkosi. Inkosi yasisithi kuEsta indlovukazi: EShushani isigodlo amaJuda abulele abhubhisa abantu abangamakhulu amahlanu lamadodana alitshumi kaHamani. Enzeni kwezinye izabelo zenkosi? Siyini-ke isicelo sakho? Njalo uzasinikwa. Siyini-ke isifiso sakho futhi? Njalo sizakwenziwa. UEsta wasesithi: Uba kulungile enkosini kawavunyelwe amaJuda aseShushani ukwenza lakusasa njengokomthetho walamuhla; lamadodana alitshumi kaHamani kabawalengise egodweni. Inkosi yasisithi kwenziwe njalo; kwasekunikwa umthetho eShushani, lamadodana alitshumi kaHamani bawalengisa. AmaJuda eyeseShushani asebuthana futhi ngosuku lwetshumi lane lwenyanga uAdari. Amanye kumaJuda ayesezabelweni zenkosi abuthana-ke amela impilo yabo, aphumula ezitheni zawo, abulala kwabawazondayo izinkulungwane ezingamatshumi ayisikhombisa lanhlanu; kodwa kawelulelanga isandla sawo empangweni. Kwaku ngosuku lwetshumi lantathu lwenyanga uAdari. Asephumula ngolwetshumi lane lwayo, alwenza lwaba lusuku lwedili lentokozo. Kodwa amaJuda aseShushani abuthana ngolwetshumi lantathu lwayo langolwetshumi lane lwayo; asephumula ngolwetshumi lanhlanu lwayo, alwenza lwaba lusuku lwedili lentokozo. Ngenxa yalokhu amaJuda emaphandleni. UModekhayi wasezibhala lezizinto, wathumela izincwadi kuwo wonke amaJuda ayekuzo zonke izabelo zenkosi uAhasuwerusi, aseduze lakhatshana, ukumisa phakathi kwabo ukwenza usuku lwetshumi lane lwenyanga uAdari losuku lwetshumi lanhlanu lwayo kuwo wonke umnyaka ngomnyaka, njengokwensuku amaJuda aphumula ngazo ezitheni zawo, lenyanga eyaphendulwa kuwo kusuka osizini kusiya kuntokozo, lekulileni kube lusuku oluhle, azenze zibe zinsuku zedili lentokozo, lezokuthumelana izabelo, lezipho kubayanga. AmaJuda emukela lokho ayesekuqalile ukukwenza, lalokho uModekhayi ayewabhalele khona. Ngoba uHamani indodana kaHamedatha umAgagi, isitha sawo wonke amaJuda, wayecebe mayelana lamaJuda ukuwachitha, waphosa iPuri, eyinkatho, ukuwachoboza lokuwabhubhisa. Kodwa lapho uEstaefika phambi kwenkosi, yalaya ngencwadi ukuthi icebo lakhe elibi ayelicebe ngamaJuda libuyele ekhanda lakhe; basebebalengisa yena lamadodana akhe egodweni. Ngenxa yalokhu babiza lezozinsuku ngokuthiiPurimi ngebizo lePuri. Ngenxa yalokhu, ngenxa yawo wonke amazwi aleyoncwadi, lababekubonile mayelana lalokho, lokwakubehlele, amaJuda amisa azemukelela wona lenzalo yawo labo bonke abazihlanganisa lawo, ukuze bangeqi, ukugcina lezinsuku ezimbili, njengokombhalo wazo, lanjengokwesikhathi sazo esimisiweyo, kuwo wonke umnyaka lomnyaka, ukuthi lezinsuku zikhunjulwe zigcinwe kuso sonke isizukulwana lesizukulwana, usapho losapho, isabelo ngesabelo, lomuzi ngomuzi, ukuthi lezinsuku zePurimi zingeqiwa phakathi kwamaJuda, lesikhumbuzo sazo singapheli enzalweni yawo. UEsta indlovukazi, indodakazi kaAbihayili, loModekhayi umJuda, basebebhala ngamandla wonke ukuqinisa lincwadi yesibili yePurimi. Wasethumela izincwadi kuwo wonke amaJuda ezabelweni ezilikhulu lamatshumi amabili lesikhombisa zombuso kaAhasuwerusi, amazwi okuthula leqiniso, ukuqinisa lezinsuku zePurimi ngezikhathi zazo ezimisiweyo njengokumisa phezu kwawo kukaModekhayi umJuda loEsta indlovukazi, lanjengokuzimisela kwawo wona lenzalo yawo, indaba zokuzila ukudla lokukhala kwawo. Ilizwi likaEsta laseliqinisa lezizindaba zePurimi; kwasekubhalwa egwalweni. Inkosi uAhasuwerusi yasibeka umthelo elizweni lezihlenge nizolwandle. Zonke-ke izenzo zamandla ayo lawengalo zayo? Ngoba uModekhayi umJuda wayengowesibili enkosini uAhasuwerusi. Kwakukhona indoda elizweni leUzi. Yasizalelwa amadodana ayisikhombisa lamadodakazi amathathu. Lemfuyo yayo yayiyizimvu eziyizinkulungwane eziyisikhombisa, lamakamela ayizinkulungwane ezintathu, lezipane zenkabi ezingamakhulu amahlanu, labobabhemi abasikazi abangamakhulu amahlanu, lenceku ezinengi kakhulu. Ngakho lowomuntu wayemkhulu okwedlula bonke abantu bempumalanga. Njalo amadodana akhe ahamba enza idili endlini yaleyo laleyo ngosuku lwayo. Kwakusithi lapho esephelile amazopha ensuku zedili, uJobe athume, awangcwelise, avuke ekuseni kakhulu, anikele iminikelo yokutshiswa ngokw enani lawo wonke. Wenza njalo uJobe zonke izinsuku. Kwasekusiba losuku. yasisithi kuSathane: Uvela ngaphi? USathane wasephendula wathi: Ekuzulazuleni emhlabeni lekuhambahambeni kuwo. yasisithi kuSathane: Ubekile yini inhliziyo yakho encekwini yami uJobe, ngoba kakho onjengayo emhlabeni, umuntu opheleleyo loqondileyo, owesaba uNkulunkulu loxwaya ububi? USathane wasephendula wathi: UJobe umesabela ize uNkulunkulu yini? Kawumbiyelanga yini yena lendlu yakhe lakho konke alakho inhlangothi zonke. Kodwa isibili yelula isandla sakho khathesi, uthinte konke alakho. yasisithi kuSathane: Khangela konke alakho kusesandleni sakho; kuphela kuye ungeluleli isandla sakho. Wasephuma uSathane phambi kweN. Kwasekusiba losuku. Kwasekufika isithunywa kuJobe sathi: Inkabi bezilima labobabhemi besidla emaceleni azo; kwasekutheleka amaShebha, akuthatha, atshaya izinceku ngobukhali benkemba, njalo yimi ngedwa kuphela engiphephileyo ukuze ngikubikele. Lesi sisakhuluma, kwafika lesinye, sathi: Umlilo kaNkulunkulu uwile uvela emazulwini, watshisa izimvu lezinceku, waziqeda; njalo yimi ngedwa kuphela engiphephileyo ukuze ngikubikele. Lesi sisakhuluma, kwafika lesinye, sathi: AmaKhaladiya atheleka phezu kwamakamela, awathatha, atshaya izinceku ngobukhali benkemba, njalo yimi ngedwa kuphela engiphephileyo ukuze ngikubikele. Lesi sisakhuluma, kwafika lesinye, sathi: Amadodana akho lamadodakazi akho bebesidla benatha iwayini endlini yomfowabo, izibulo. Khangela-ke, umoya omkhulu wafika uvela ngaphetsheya kwenkangala, watshaya amagumbi womane endlu, yawela phezu kwamajaha, afa; njalo yimi ngedwa kuphela engiphephileyo ukuze ngikubikele. UJobe wasesukuma; wasesithi: Ngaphuma ngize esiswini sikamama, njalo ngizabuyela khona ngize. Kukho konke lokhu uJobe konanga, kambalelanga ubuwula uNkulunkulu. Kwakulosuku futhi lapho amadodana kaNkulunkulu afika ukuzimisa phambi kweN, uSathane laye wafika phakathi kwawo ukuzimisa phambi kweN. yasisithi kuSathane: Uvela ngaphi? USathane wasephendula wathi: Ekuzulazuleni emhlabeni lekuhambahambeni kuwo. yasisithi kuSathane: Ubekile yini inhliziyo yakho encekwini yami uJobe? Ngoba kakho onjengaye emhlabeni, umuntu opheleleyo loqondileyo, owesaba uNkulunkulu, loxwaya ububi? Usabambelele kubo ubuqotho bakhe, lanxa ungivuse ukuze ngimchithe kungelasizatho. USathane wasephendula wathi: Isikhumba ngesikhumba, yebo, konke umuntu alakho uzakunikelela impilo yakhe. Kodwa khathesi yelula isandla sakho, uthinte ithambo lakhe lenyama yakhe. yasisithi kuSathane: Khangela, usesandleni sakho; kodwa gcina impilo yakhe. USathane wasephuma phambi kweN, wamtshaya uJobe ngamathumba amabi. Wasezithathela udengezi ukuziphala ngalo, wahlala phakathi kwesilotha. Umkakhe wasesithi kuye: Usabambelele yini. Kodwa wathi kuye: Ukhuluma njengokukhuluma komunye wabesifazana abayiziwula. Abangane abathathu bakaJobe sebezwile ngakho konke lokhu okubi okumehleleyo, beza, lowo lalowo evela endaweni yakhe, uElifazi umThemani. Lapho bephakamisa amehlo abo bekhatshana, kabamazanga, baphakamisa ilizwi labo, bakhala inyembezi, badabula ngulowo ibhatshi lakhe. Basebehlala laye emhlabathini insuku eziyisikhombisa lobusuku obuyisikhombisa, njalo kakho owakhuluma ilizwi kuye, ngoba babona ukuthi ubuhlungu bukhulu kakhulu. Emva kwalokho uJobe wavula umlomo wakhe, waqalekisa usuku lwakhe. UJobe wasephendula wathi: Kalubhubhe usuku engazalwa ngalo, lobusuku okwathiwa ngalo: Kukhulelwe umntwana wesilisa. Lolosuku kalube ngumnyama, uNkulunkulu angalunanzi ephezulu, lokukhanya kungalukhanyisi. Umnyama lethunzi lokufa, iyezi lihlale phezu kwalo, umnyama welanga ulesabise. Lobobusuku, umnyama ububambe, lungathokozi ensukwini zomnyaka, lungezi kunani lezinyanga. Khangela, lobobusuku kabube yinyumba. Kababuqalekise abaqalekisi bosuku, abalungele ukuvusa uLeviyathani. Zibe mnyama inkanyezi zokusa kwabo, bulindele ukukhanya, kodwa kungabi khona, bungaboni inkophe zokusa. Ngoba bungavalanga iminyango yesisu sika mamawami, bungafihlanga usizi emehlweni ami. Kungani ngingafanga kusukela esizalweni? Kungani amadolo angandulela? Kungani lamabele ukuthi ngimunye? Ngoba khathesi ngabe ngacambalala ngathula, ngalala, khona ngaba lokuphumula, kanye lamakhosi labeluleki bomhlaba abazakhela amanxiwa, kumbe kanye leziphathamandla ezazilegolide ezagcwalisa izindlu zazo ngesiliva. Kumbe njengomphunzo ofihliweyo ngingabi khona, njengensane e zingabonanga ukukhanya. Lapho ababi bayekela ukuhlupha, lapho abakhathele ngamandla bephumula. Izibotshwa ziyaphumula ndawonye. Omncinyane lomkhulu balapho, lesigqili sikhululekile enkosini yaso. Kungani enika ukukhanya kohluphekayo, lempilo kwabalokubaba komphefumulo; abalindele ukufa, kodwa kungekho, abathabayo kakhulu ngentokozo, bajabule lapho bethola ingcwaba? Emuntwini yini? Ngoba ukububula kwami kuza phambi kokudla kwami, lokubhonga kwami kuthululeka njengamanzi. Ngoba engikwesabayo ngokwesaba sekungehlele, lengilovalo ngakho kufikile kimi. Ngangingahlalisekanga, ngingaphumuli, ngingelakuthula, lohlupho lweza. UElifazi umThemani wasephendula wathi: Ubasizama ilizwi kuwe, uzadabuka yini? Kodwa ngubani ongazibamba emazwini? Khangela, uqondisile abanengi, waqinisa izandla ezibuthakathaka. Amazwi akho amvusile okhubekayo. Kodwa khathesi kufikile kuwe, uyadinwa; kuyakuthinta wena, utshaywa luvalo. Ukwesaba kwakho uNkulunkulu? Akukhumbule, ngubani owake wachithwa engelacala? Kumbe abalungileyo bake baqunywa ngaphi? Njengengikubonileyo, abalima ububi. Ngokuphephetha kukaNkulunkulu bayabhubha, langokuphefumula kwamakhala akhe bayaphela. Ukubhonga kwesilwane, lelizwi lesilwane esesabekayo. Isilwane esidala siyabhubha ngokuswela impango. Ngasenginyenyezelwa ilizwi, lendlebe yami yemukela okuncinyane kwalo. Phakathi kwemicabango yemibono yebusuku, ukwesaba kwangifikela lokuthuthumela okwenza ubunengi bamathambo ami baqhaqhazela. Kwasekusedlula umoya ebusweni bami. Wema, kodwa angikuqondanga ukubonakala kwawo; isimo sasiphambi kwamehlo ami; kwathula, ngasengisizwa ilizwi lisithi: Kambe umuntu angalunga okwedlula uNkulunkulu? Umuntu angahlambuluka okwedlula uMenzi wakhe yini? Khangela, kazithembi inceku zakhe. Kangakanani abahlala. Bakhandwa kusukela ekuseni kuze kube kusihlwa. Ubuhle babo kabususwa labo yini. Ake umemeze, ukhona ongakuphendula yini? Uzaphendukela kuwuphi wabangcwele? Ngoba ulaka luyasibulala isiwula, lomhawu ubulale isiphukuphuku. Mina ngibone isiwula sigxila, kodwa ngahle ngaqalekisa indawo yaso yokuhlala. Abantwana baso bakhatshana losindiso. Osivuno saso olambileyo uyasidla, esithatha lemeveni. Ngoba usizi kaluveli ethulini, lenhlupheko kayihlumi emhlabathini. Kube kanti umuntu uzalelwe inhlupheko njengoba inhlansi ziqhatshela phezulu. Kodwa mina bengizadinga uNkulunkulu, lakuNkulunkulu bengizabeka udaba lwami. Owenza izinto ezinkulu lezingelakuhlolwa, imimangaliso engelakubalwa. Onika izulu ebusweni bomhlaba, athumele amanzi ebusweni bamaphandle, ukuze abamise phezulu abaphansi. Uchitha amacebo abalobuqili, ukuze izandla zabo zingenzi cebo. Ubamba abahlakaniphileyo ebuqilini babo. Bahlangana lomnyama emini, baphumputhe phakathi kwemini njengebusuku. Kodwa ukhulula umyanga enkembeni, emlonyeni wabo, lesandleni solamandla. Ngakho umyanga ulethemba, lobubi buzavala umlomo wabo. Khangela, ubusisiwe lowomuntu uNkulunkulu amlayayo. Ngoba yena uzwisa ubuhlungu, abuye abophe; uyalimaza, lezandla zakhe ziyapholisa. Uzakukhulula. Endlaleni uzakuhlenga ekufeni, lempini emandleni enkemba. Uzafihlelwa isiswepu solimi, njalo kawuyikwesaba incithakalo lapho ifika. Uzahleka. Ngoba uzakuba lesivumelwano lamatshe eganga. Njalo uzakwazi ukuthi ithente lakho lilokuthula, uzakwethekela indawo yakho yokuhlala ungasweli lutho. Uzakwazi futhi ukuthi inzalo yakho izakuba nengi, lembewu yakho njengotshani bomhlaba. Uzafika engcwabeni lakho usuluphele, njengenqumbi zamabele zisenyuka ngesikhathi sawo. Khangela lokhu, sesikuhlolile; kunjalo. Kuzwe, uzazele wena. UJobe wasephendula wathi: Kungathi ukudabuka kwami bekungalinganiswa lokulinganiswa, lenhlupheko yami ibekwe ndawonye esikalini! Ngoba khathesi kungaba nzima kuletshebetshebe lolwandle. Ngenxa yalokho amazwi ami angawamawala. Ngoba imitshoko kaSomandla iphakathi kwami, obuhlungu bayo umoya wami uyabunatha; izesabiso zikaNkulunkulu ziyazihlela zimelene lami. Ubabhemi weganga uyakhala yini esohlazeni, kumbe inkabi iyakhonya yini ekudleni kwayo? Kambe okuduma kungadliwa kungelatshwayi? Kulokuhlabusa kokumhlophe kweqanda yini? Umphefumulo wami uyala ukukuthinta, kunjengokudla kwami okunengekayo. Kungathi isicelo sami singafika, njalo uNkulunkulu a ngi nike ithemba lami, ukuthi kumthokozise uNkulunkulu. Khona kungahlala kube yinduduzo yami, bengingajabula ebuhlungwini obungayekeliyo. Ayini amandla ami ukuze ngithembe? Lokuphela kwami kuyini ukuze ngelule impilo yami? Amandla ami angamandla amatshe yini? Inyama yami ilithusi yini? Usizo lwami kalukimi yini? Lenhlakanipho iyaxotshwa kimi yini? Ohluphekayo nga ehawukelwa ngumngane wakhe, kodwa udela ukwesabeka kukaSomandla. Abafowethu kabenzanga ngokuthembeka njengesifula, njengempophoma yezifula bayedlula, ezimnyama ngenxa yongqwaqwane, okucatsha kizo iliqhwa elikhithikileyo. Ngesikhathi sokufudumala kwazo ziyanyamalala, sekutshisa zicitshe endaweni yazo. Imikhondo yendlela yazo iyajika. Izihambi zeTema zakhangela. Zaba lenhloni ngoba zazithembile. Ngoba khathesi kalisilutho; liyabona isesabiso, liyesaba. Ngitshilo yini ukuthi: Lethani kimi? Kumbe: Phanini isipho ngenxa yami empahleni yenu? Kumbe: Ngikhululani esandleni sesitha? Kumbe: Lingihlenge esandleni sabalesihluku? Ngifundisani, khona mina ngizathula; lingenze ngiqedisise engiduhe khona. Alamandla angakanani amazwi aqotho; kodwa ukusola okuvela kini kusolani? Likhumbula amazwi okusola yini, lezinkulumo zophelelwe lithemba zingumoya? Yebo, li zi wisela phezu kwentandane, ligebhele umngane wenu umgodi. Ngakho-ke, vumani lingikhangele, ngoba kuphambi kobuso benu nxa ngiqamba amanga. Ake liphenduke, kungabi lobubi, yebo, libuye liphenduke, ukulunga kwami kukukho. Kambe kukhona ububi olimini lwami? Ukunambitha kwami bekungehlukanise yini izinto ezimbi? Kakukho yini imfazo kumuntu emhlabeni, lensuku zakhe ka zinjengensuku zoqatshiweyo yini? Njengesigqili sikhefuzelela umthunzi, ngokunjalo mina ngidliswe ilifa lenyanga, lobusuku bezinhlupheko bubalelwe mina. Lapho ngilala phansi ngithi: Ngizavuka nini? Ngoba ubusuku bude, njalo ngigcwele ukutshukuma kuze kuse. Inyama yami yembethe impethu lamagade othuli. Insuku zami ziyaphangisa kuleselukiso someluki, ziphele kungelathemba. Khumbula ukuthi impilo yami ingumoya; ilihlo lami kaliyikuphinda libone okuhle. Ilihlo longibonayo kaliyikungibona futhi; amehlo akho aphezu kwami, kodwa ngizakuba nginga se kho. Iyezi liyaphela linyamalale; ngokunjalo owehlela engcwabeni kayikwenyuka. Kaphindi abuyele emzini wakhe. Ngakho mina kangiyikubamba umlomo wami; ngizakhuluma ekucindezelweni komoya wami, ngisole. Ngilulwandle yini, kumbe isilo solwandle, ukuze lingibekele abalindi? Lapho ngisithi: Umbheda wami uzangiduduza; ubusungiqhaqhazelisa ngamaphupho, angethuse ngemibono; ukuze umphefumulo wami ukhethe ukuklinywa, ukufa kulamathambo ami. Ngiyanengwa yikho, kangiyikuphila njalonjalo. Uyini umuntu ukuthi umkhulise, lokuthi umhambele ikuseni yonke? Koze kube nini ungayekeli ukungiqaphela, ungangiyekeli ngize ngiginye amathe ami yini? Ngonile, ngizakwenzani kuwe, wena mlindi wabantu? Njalo kawuthetheleli ngani isiphambeko sami, ususe isono sami? Ngoba sengizalala phansi othulini; uzangidinga ngovivi, kodwa kangiyikuba khona. Wasephendula uBilidadi umShuhi wathi: Koze kube nini ukhuluma lezizinto, lamazwi omlomo wakho abe ngumoya olamandla? UNkulunkulu uyahlanekela isahlulelo yini? Uba abantwana bakho bonile kuye, yena usebalahlile emandleni esiphambeko sabo; uba wena; uba uhlambulukile, uqotho; isibili khathesi ubezavuka ngenxa yakho, aphumelelise indawo yokuhlala yokulunga kwakho. Lanxa ukuqala kwakho bekukuncinyane, kube kanti isiphetho sakho sizakwanda kakhulu. Ngoba ake ubuze esizukulwaneni sakuqala, uzilungisele isidingo saboyise. Ngoba singabezolo, njalo kasazi. Kabayikukufundisa yini, bakutshele, bakhuphe amazwi enhliziyweni yabo? Imihlanga ingakhula lapho okungelaxhaphozi khona yini? Nxa lisebuluhlazeni balo linga ka khiwa, kube kanti libuna kuqala kwazo zonke izihlahlakazana. Zinjalo indlela zabo bonke abamkhohlwayo uNkulunkulu, lethemba lomzenzisi lizabhubha. Othemba lakhe lizaqunywa, lokuthemba kwakhe kuyibulembu besayobe. Uyeyama endlini yakhe, kodwa kayimi; ubambelela kiyo, kodwa kayihlali. Uluhlaza phambi kwelanga. Impande zakhe zithandele enqunjini; ubona indawo yamatshe. Uba emchitha endaweni yakhe. Khangela, le yintokozo yendlela yakhe; njalo kuzakhula abanye emhlabathini. Khangela, uNkulunkulu kayikumlahla opheleleyo, kabambi isandla sabenzi bobubi. Aze agcwalise umlomo wakho ngohleko, lezindebe zakho ngokumemeza kwentokozo. Abakuzondayo bazakwembeswa ngenhloni. UJobe wasephendula wathi: Ngeqiniso? Uba efisa ukuphikisana laye, kayikumphendula okukodwa phakathi kwenkulungwane. Uhlakaniphile enhliziyweni, uqinile emandleni? Osusa izintaba njalo zingazi, ozigenqula entukuthelweni yakhe. Onyikinya umhlaba awususe endaweni yawo. Olaya ilanga ukuthi lingaphumi, avalele inkanyezi ngophawu. Owendlala amazulu eyedwa, anyathele phezu kwezingqonga zolwandle. Owenza. Owenza izinto ezinkulu ezingelakuhlolwa, lezimangalisayo ezingelakubalwa. Khangela, uyedlula phansi kwami nginga m boni. Khangela, uyahluthuna, ngubani ongamnqanda? Ngubani ongathi kuye: Wenzani? UNkulunkulu kayinqandi intukuthelo yakhe. Abasizi bakaRahabi bayakhothama phansi kwakhe. Pho-ke, mina ngingamphendula ngithini? Ebengingeke ngamphendula loba bengilungile; ngizacela isihawu kumahluleli wami. Uba bengibizile, wangiphendula, bengingayikukholwa ukuthi ubekile indlebe elizwini lami. Ngoba uyangihlifiza ngesiphepho. Kangivumeli ukukhokha umoya, kodwa engigcwalisa ngezinto ezibabayo. Uba ku ngamandla, khangela, ul amandla? Aluba ngilungile, umlomo wami uzangilahla; ubangiphelele, uzakuthi ngonakele. Ngiphelele, angikhathaleli umphefumulo wami, ngidelela impilo yami. Kunye lokho, ngenxa yalokho ngithi: Uyabhubhisa olungileyo lomubi. Lapho isiswepu sibulala ngokujumayo, uzahleka ukudangala kwabangelacala. Umhlaba unikelwe esandleni somubi; wembesa ubuso babehluleli bawo? Njalo insuku zami zilejubane. Ziyedlula njengezikepe zomhlanga, njengokhozi olutheleka empangweni. Uba ngisithi: Ngizakhohlwa ukusola kwami, ngiyesaba zonke insizi zami, ngiyazi ukuthi kawuyikungiphatha njengongelacala. Ngilecala mina, pho, ngizatshikatshikelelani ize? Uba ngizigezisa ngamanzi eliqhwa elikhithikileyo, ngihlambulule izandla zami ngesepa, khona uzangiphosela emgodini, besengisenyanywa yizigqoko zami. Ngoba kasuye umuntu njengami ukuzengimphendule, ukuzesiye ndawonye kusahlulelo. Kakukho umqamuli phakathi kwethu. Kasuse. Bengingakhuluma ngingamesabi, kodwa anginjalo ngokwami. Umphefumulo wami ukhathele yimpilo yami. Ngizakuthi kuNkulunkulu: Ungangilahli; ngazisa ukuthi kungani uphikisana lami. Kuhle yini kuwe ukuthi ucindezele? Ulamehlo enyama yini? Insuku zakho zinjengensuku zomuntu na? Iminyaka yakho injengensuku zomuntu yini, ukuthi udinge ngobubi bami, uhlolisise ngesono sami? Ngoba usazi ukuthi kangikhohlakalanga, lokuthi kakho ongakhulula esandleni sakho. Izandla zakho zangibumba. Ake ukhumbule ukuthi wangenza njengebumba? Kawungithululanga njengochago, wangijiyisa njengamasi yini? Ungigqokise isigogo lenyama, wangihlanganisa ndawonye ngamathambo langemisipha. Ungenzele impilo lomusa, lokunakekela kwakho kulondolozile umoya wami. Kanti lezizinto uzifihlile enhliziyweni yakho; ngiyazi ukuthi lokhu kukuwe. Uba ngisona, ungiqaphele. Uba ngimubi, maye kimi. Ngoba kuyaziphakamisa; uyangizingela njengesilwane; ubuye uzenze okumangalisayo kimi. Uyavuselela abafakazi bakho abamelene lami, wandise ulaka lwakho kimi; izinguquko lempi kulami. Pho kungani wangikhupha esizalweni? Kungathi ngabe ngaphela, lelihlo lingangibonanga! Ngangizakuba njengokungathi kangikho. Insuku zami kazinlutshwana yini, ngingakayi - ngingabuyi, ilizwe lomnyama. Wasephendula uZofari umNahama wathi: Kambe kabuphendulwa yini ubunengi bamazwi? Njalo isilawuli singalungisiswa yini? Ukulawula kwakho kuzathulisa abantu yini? Lapho ukloloda, kakho onga ku yangisa yini? Ngoba uthe. Kodwa-ke kungathi uNkulunkulu angakhuluma, avule indebe zakhe kuwe, ukuze akwazise imfihlakalo zenhlakanipho, ukuthi ziphindwe kabili. Ungafumana ukujula kukaNkulunkulu na? Kuphakeme nje ngamazulu, ungenzani? Kutshonile kulesihogo, ungazini? Isilinganiso sakho side kulomhlaba, sibanzi kulolwandle. Uba esedlula avalele, ngubani-ke ongamnqanda? Ngoba yena uyabazi abantu abayize, uyabona ububi; ngakho kayiku ku qaphelisa yini? Ngoba umuntu oyisiphukuphuku angaba lokuqedisisa, lanxa umuntu. Uba wena ulungisa inhliziyo yakho, uba ububi busesandleni sakho, bubeke khatshana, lobubi kabungahlali emathenteni akho. Ngoba ng'khona uzaphakamisa ubuso bakho ungelasici. Ngoba wena uzakhohlwa usizi lwakho, u lu khumbule njengamanzi asedlulile. Lobude bempilo yakho. Njalo uzakuba lethemba ngoba kulethemba; uzagebha, uzalala ngokuvikeleka. Uzalala, njalo kakho oza kw ethusa, labanengi bazancenga phambi kwakho. Kodwa amehlo ababi azafiphala. Wasephendula uJobe wathi: Ngoba isibili, lenhlakanipho izakufa lani. Lami ngilengqondo njengani, kangiphansi kulani. Njalo ngubani ongelazo izinto ezinje? Ngiyinhlekisa kumngane wami. Uyisibane esidelelekayo emnakanweni wowonwabileyo. Amathente abaphangi alokuthula, labamthukuthelisayo uNkulunkulu bavikelekile, kulowo oletha uNkulunkulu esandleni sakhe. Kodwa-ke buza khathesi inyamazana, zizakufundisa, lenyoni zamazulu, zizakutshela. Kumbe khuluma lomhlaba, uzakufundisa, lenhlanzi zolwandle zizakulandisela. Ngubani ongaziyo phakathi kwakho konke lokhu ukuthi isandla sikaJehova? Okusesandleni sakhe. Indlebe kayihloli yini amazwi, njengolwanga luzinambithela ukudla? Kwabadala kakhulu kulenhlakanipho, l e bud enibezinsuku kulokuqedisisa. Kuye kukhona inhlakanipho lamandla. Khangela, udiliza, kungabe kusakhiwa; uvalela umuntu, kungabe kusavulwa. Khangela, uvimbela amanzi, atshe. Kuye kukhona amandla lenhlakanipho; okhohlisiweyo lomkhohlisi bangabakhe. Ukhupha abeluleki bahambe behlutshulwe. Uthukulula isibopho samakhosi, abophe umbhinco enkalweni zawo. Ukhupha abapristi. Uphambula inkulumo yabathembekileyo. Uthela ukudelela phezu kweziphathamandla, axegise umbhinco wabalamandla. Wembula izinto ezijulileyo ezisemnyameni. Enze izizwe zibe zinkulu, abesezichitha; andise izizwe, abesezisusa. Ususa inhliziyo yenhloko zabantu bomhlaba. Ziphumputhe emnyameni kungelakukhanya. Khangela, konke ilihlo lami likubonile, indlebe yami izwile yakuqedisisa. Njengokolwazi lwenu lami ngiyakwazi; kangiphansi kulani. Kodwa mina ngizakhuluma loSomandla. Kodwa lina-ke ligcona ngamanga. Kungathi ngabe liyathula lithi zwi; lokhu kube yinhlakanipho kini! Ake lizwe ukuzivikela kwami, lilalele impikiso zendebe zami. Lizamkhulumela uNkulunkulu ngokubi? Lizakwemukela ubuso bakhe? Kuzakuba kuhle yini? Isibili uzalisola. Ubukhulu bakhe kabulethusi yini, lokwesabeka kwakhe kulehlele? Izikhumbuzo zenu, izivikelo zenu ziyizivikelo zebumba. Thulani lingiyekele, ukuze ngikhulume mina; kungehlele. Ngizayithathelani inyama yami ngamazinyo ami, ngibeke impilo yami esandleni sami? Lanxa ezangibulala. Njalo uzakuba lusindiso lwami; ngoba umzenzisi kayikuza phambi kwakhe. Zwisisani ilizwi lami. Khangelani-ke, se ngilubeke kuhle udaba lwami, ngiyazi ukuthi mina ngizalungisiswa. Ngubani lowo ozaphikisana lami? Nxa khathesi ngithula ngizaphela. Kuphela ungenzi izintoezimbili kimi; khona ngingayikucatshela ubuso bakho. Susela khatshana lami isandla sakho. Ubusungibiza, mina ngizaphendula. Zingaki iziphambeko lezono engilazo? Ngazisa isiphambeko sami lesono sami. Ufihlelani ubuso bakho? Uzakwethusa yini ihlamvu eliphephethekayo? Njalo uzaxotshana lomule owomileyo yini? Ngoba ubale izinto ezibabayo umelene lami. Ufake lenyawo zami esigodweni. Yena-ke njengokubolileyo uyaguga. Umuntu, ozelwe ngowesifazana. Uyavela njengeluba. Kambe onjalo umvulela amehlo akho, ungingenise ekwahlulelweni kanye lawe. Ngubani ongaveza okuhlambulukileyo kokungcolileyo. Lokhu insuku zakhe zimisiwe, inani lenyanga zakhe likuwe, ummisele imingcele yakhe angeyedlule; ungamkhangeli, ukuze aphumule. Ngoba kukhona ithemba esihlahleni uba siganyulwa. Lanxa impande yaso isiba ndala emhlabeni, lesiphunzi saso sifele emhlabathini, ngephunga lamanzi sizahluma, senze ingatsha njengesithombo. Kodwa umuntu uyafa alaliswe phansi? Amanzi ayemuka elwandle, ngokunjalo umuntu uyalala phansi angavuki; kuze kuthi amazulu angabikho, bangavuki, kumbe bangaphatshanyiswa ebuthongweni babo. Kungathi ungangifihla engcwabeni! Uba umuntu esifa, uzabuya aphile yini. Uzabiza, mina-ke ngizasabela. Kanti khathesi uyazibala izinyathelo zami yini? Isiphambeko sami sinanyekwe esikhwameni. Isibili-ke intaba ewayo iyabhidlika, ledwala liyasuswa endaweni yalo. Amanzi ayaguguda amatshe. Uyamehlula. Amadodana akhe ayadunyiswa. Kodwa inyama yakhe kuye isebuhlungwini, lomphefumulo wakhe kuye uyalila. Wasephendula uElifazi umThemani wathi: Ohlakaniphileyo angaphendula yini ulwazi olungumoya? Aphikise ngamazwi angasizi lutho? Yebo, wena uyachitha ukwesaba, uvimbela umkhuleko phambi kukaNkulunkulu. Ngoba umlomo wakho ufundisa ububi bakho, ukhethe ulimi lwamaqili. Umlomo wakho uyakulahla, kayisimi. Ungumuntu wokuqala owazalwayo yini? Kumbe wazalwa mandulo? Uzwile yini icebo langasese likaNkulunkulu? Kuyini okwaziyo esingakwaziyo? Kuyiniokuqedisisayo okungekho kithi? Kukhona phakathi kwethu lempunga. Zincinyane yini kuwe induduzo zikaNkulunkulu, lelizwi elikhulunywa kuhle lawe? Kungani inhliziyo yakho ikumukisa? Njalo kungani amehlo akho ephayiza, ukuthi uphendule umoya wakho umelane loNkulunkulu, ukhuphe amazwi anjeemlonyeni wakho? Umuntu uyini ukuthi abe ngohlambulukileyo? Khangela, kathembeli, lamazulu kawahlambulukanga emehlweni akhe. Kukangakanani umuntu onengekayo! Ngizakutshengisa, ungilalele, lengikubonileyo ngizakulandisa, lokho izihlakaniphi, okwanikwa kuzo zodwa ilizwe, lokungadlulanga izihambi phakathi kwazo. Insuku zonke zokhohlakeleyo uzizwisa ubuhlungu, lenani leminyaka ebekelelwe. Umsindo wezethuso usendlebeni zakhe; empumelelweni umchithi uzamfikela. Kakholwa ukuthi uzaphenduka emnyameni, kodwa ukuthi ulindelwe yinkemba. Uzulela ukudla. Uhlupho losizi kuyamethusa, kumehlule. Ngoba welule isandla sakhe emelene loNkulunkulu, wenza ngamandla ukumelana loSomandla. Wagijima emelene laye, ngohlonzi lwamaqhubu ezihlangu zakhe. Ngoba wamboza ubuso bakhe ngamafutha akhe, wenza ukhalo lwakhukhumala ngamafutha. Uhlala emizini echithekileyo, izindlu abangahlali kuzo, ezilungele ukuba zinqumbi. Kayikunotha, lenotho yakhe kayiyikuma, lenzuzo yakhe kayiyikusabalala emhlabeni. Kayikusuka emnyameni; ilangabi lizakomisa ihlumela lakhe. Oduhisiweyo kangathembeli ezenini, ngoba ize lizakuba ngumvuzo wakhe. Kuzafezwa kungakabi lusuku lwakhe. Uzawohloza. Ngoba inhlangano yabazenzisi. Bamitha. Wasephendula uJobe wathi: Ngizwile izinto ezinengi ezinje. Kuzakuba lesiphetho yini emazwini angumoya? Kumbe kuyini okulicunulayo ukuthi liphendule? Lami bengingakhuluma njengani uba umphefumulo wenu ubusendaweni yomphefumulo wami; bengingabuthelela amazwi phezu kwenu, ngilinikinele ikhanda lami. Bengingaliqinisa ngomlomo wami, lokunyikinyeka kwendebe zami bekungadedisa ubuhlungu benu. Uba ngikhuluma, ubuhlungu bami kabudedi; uba ngiyekela, kuyini okusuka kimi? Kodwa khathesi ungidinisile yena, wena uchithile yonke inhlangano yami. Ungitshwabhanisile, kuyafakaza ebusweni bami. Ulaka lwakhe luya ngi dwengula. Bangikhamisela umlomo wabo, bengihlanganyela ndawonye. UNkulunkulu unginikele kokhohlakeleyo. Ngangonwabile, kodwa wangichoboza. Abatshoki bakhe bangigombolozela. Wangivodloza ngokuvodlovodloza, wagijimela kimi njengeqhawe. Ngathunga isaka. Ubuso bami bubomvu ngokukhala, lanxa kungekho isihluku ezandleni zami, lomkhuleko wami uhlanzekile. Mhlaba, ungaligqibeli igazi lami. Lakhathesi, khangelani, ubufakazi bami busemazulwini, lomfakazi wami usezindaweni eziphakemeyo. Abangane bami bayangiklolodela; ilihlo lami liyathonta kuNkulunkulu. Kungathi kungaba khona ongamlamulela umuntu kuNkulunkulu, njengendodana yomuntu kumngane wayo. Ngoba iminyaka emilutshwana izafika, ng'khona ngizahamba nge ndlela engingayikubuya ngayo. Umoya wami wonakele, insuku zami zicitshiwe. Kabakho lami yini abaklolodayo, lelihlo lami lichitha ubusuku ekuvukeleni kwabo? Akubeke isibambiso sami kuwe? Ngoba inhliziyo yabo uyifihlele ukuqedisisa; ngenxa yalokhu kawuyikubaphakamisa. Okhuluma ngokuyenga kubangane, lamehlo abantwana bakhe azafiphala. Njalo ungimise ngaba yisaga sezizwe, ngaze ngaba ngokhafulelwayo phambi kwazo. Njalo ilihlo lami lifiphele ngosizi. Abaqotho bazakwethuswa yikho. Lolungileyo uzabambelela endleleni yakhe, lolezandla ezihlambulukileyo uzakwengeza amandla. Kodwa-ke lina lonke, phendukani ake libuye, ngoba kangitholi ohlakaniphileyo phakathi kwenu. Insuku zami zedlule, izifiso zenhliziyo yami. Bamisa ubusuku bube yimini. Uba ngilinda, ingcwaba lizakuba yindlu yami; ngendlala umbheda wami emnyameni. Ngibiza ingcwaba ngisithi: Wena ungubaba; impethu ngisithi: Umama lodadewethu. Pho-ke ithemba lami lingaphi? Yebo, ithemba lami ngubani ozalibona? Kuzakwehlela ku mijabo yengcwaba. Wasephendula uBilidadi umShuhi wathi: Koze kube nini libekela amazwi imigibe? Nanzelelani, lemva kwalokho sikhulume. Kungani sithiwa sizinyamazana, singcolile emehlweni enu? Udwengula umphefumulo wakhe ngokuthukuthela kwakhe? Yebo, ukukhanya kwabakhohlakeleyo kuzacitshwa, lenhlansi yomlilo wakhe kayiyikukhanya. Ukukhanya kuzafiphala ethenteni lakhe. Izinyathelo zamandla akhe zizafinyezwa, lecebo lakhe lizamwisela phansi. Ngoba uzaphoselwa. Umjibila uza m bamba isithende. Igoda lakhe lifihlwe emhlabathini, lomjibila wakhe endleleni. Izesabiso zizamethusa inhlangothi zonke. Amandla akhe azaqedwa yindlala, lengozi ilindele. Kuzakudla ingxenye zesikhumba sakhe. Ithemba lakhe. Kuzahlala ethenteni lakhe elingeyisilo lakhe. Impande zakhe zizakoma ngaphansi. Ukukhunjulwa kwakhe kuzabhubha emhlabeni. Bazamfuqa bamsuse ekukhanyeni bamuse emnyameni, bamxotshe emhlabeni. Kayikuba lenzalo. Abalandelayo bazakwethuswa lusuku lwakhe, labokuqala bazabanjwa yisesabiso. Isibili zinjalo indawo zokuhlala zomubi, njalo yiyo le indawo yo ngamaziyo uNkulunkulu. Wasephendula uJobe wathi: Koze kube nini lihlupha umphefumulo wami, lingiphahlaza ngamazwi? Lezizikhathi ezilitshumi lingithela ngehlazo; kalilanhloni, lingiphatha kubi. Uba-ke kuliqiniso ukuthi ngiduhile, ukuduha kwami kuzahlala lami. Uba isibili lizikhukhumeza phezu kwami, liphikisane lami nge hlazo lami, yazini-ke ukuthi nguNkulunkulu ongihlanekeleyo, wangigombolozela ng embule lakhe. Khangela, ngiyamemeza ngithi: Okubi! Kodwa kangiphendulwa. Uyivalile indlela yami ngomduli ukuze ngingedluli, wamisa umnyama emikhondweni yami. Ungihlubule udumo lwami. Ungibhidlizile inhlangothi zonke, sengihambile, ulisiphule ithemba lami njengesihlahla. Ulumathisile ulaka lwakhe kimi, ungibale njengezitha kuye. Amabutho akhe afika kanyekanye. Ubeke abafowethu khatshana lami. Izihlobo zami zinyamalele. Abahlala endlini yami lencekukazi zami bangibala njengowezizwe; ngingumfokazi emehlweni abo. Ngabiza inceku yami, kodwa kayiphendulanga; ngayincenga ngomlomo wami. Umoya wami uyenyanyeka kumkami, sengiyisinengiso kumadodana esizalo sami. Labantwana abancinyane bayangidelela; ngasukuma, basebekhuluma bemelene lami. Bonke abantu besifuba sami banengwa yimi, labo ebengibathanda sebengiphendukele. Ithambo lami linamathelana lesikhumba sami lenyama yami, njalo ngiphephe ngesikhumba samazinyo ami. Ngihawukelani, ngihawukelani, lina bangane bami. Lingizingelelani njengoNkulunkulu? Kungathi ngabe khathesi amazwi ami abhaliwe! Kungathi ngabe acindezelwe! Ngabe abazwe ngepheni yensimbi langomnuso! Ngoba mina ngiyazi. Lapho sekutshabalalise lokhu emva kwesikhumba sami, mina engizazibonela yena, lamehlo ami azabona, hatshi omunye. Kodwa lithi. Lina yesabeni inkemba. Wasephendula uZofari umNahama wathi: Ngakho imicabango yami ingenza ngiphendule, langenxa yokuphangisa kwami phakathi kwami. Ngizwile isijeziso sehlazo lami, lomoya wokuqedisisa kwami ungenza ngiphendule. Uyakwazi lokhu yini, kusukela endulo, ukuthi? Loba ubukhosi bakhe busenyukela emazulwini, lekhanda lakhe lifinyelela emayezini, uzabhubha phakade? Uzaphapha njengephupho, bangabe besamthola; yebo, uzaxotshwa njengombono webusuku. Ilihlo elike lambona, lendawo yakhe kayisayikumbona. Abantwana bakhe bazadinga ukuthokozisa abayanga, lezandla zakhe zibuyisele inotho yakhe. Amathambo akhe ayegcwele ubutsha bakhe, kodwa azalala kanye laye enhlabathini. Uba ububi bumnandi emlonyeni wakhe, ebufihla ngaphansi kolimi lwakhe, ebugodla, engabuyekeli, kodwa ebugcina phakathi komlomo wakhe, ukudla kwakhe kuzaphenduka esiswini sakhe, kuzakuba yibuhlungu bezinyoka phakathi kwakhe. Uginye inotho, kodwa uzayihlanza; uNkulunkulu uzayikhupha esiswini sakhe. Uzamunya ubuhlungu bezinyoka. Kayikubona izifula. Uzabuyisela lokho akusebenzelayo; njengokwenotho izakuba njaloinhlawulo, njalo kayikuthokoza. Ngoba ubacindezele wabadela abayanga, waphanga indlu abengayakhanga. Ngoba kakwazi ukuthula esiswini sakhe. Kakuyikusala lutho ekudleni kwakhe; ngenxa yalokhu okuhle kwakhe kakuyikuma. Ekugcwaleni kokwanela kwakhe uzakuba lencindezelo; sonke isandla sohluphekayo sizamfikela. Kuzakuthi lapho egcwalisa isisu sakhe, uNkulunkuluathumele kuye ukuvutha kwentukuthelo yakhe. Uzabalekela isikhali sensimbi. Uyalihwatsha, liphume emhlana. Ubumnyama bonke bugcinelwe. Amazulu azakwembula ububi bakhe. Ukwanda kwendlu yakhe kuzanyamalala, kukhukhulwe osukwini lwentukuthelo yakhe. Lesi, lelifa alimiselwa nguNkulunkulu. Wasephendula uJobe wathi: Zwanini lilalele ilizwi lami, lalokho kube zinduduzo zenu. Ngibekezelelani, ukuthi mina ngikhulume; lemva kokukhuluma kwami lingakloloda. Mina-ke ukusola kwami kusemuntwini yini? Ngikhangelani, likhakhamale, libeke isandla phezu komlomo. Yebo, lapho ngikhumbula, ngitshaywa luvalo, lokuthuthumela kubamba inyama yami. Ababi baphilelani, babe badala, yebo, bakhule emandleni? Inzalo yabo izinze phambi kwabo kanye labo, lembewu yabo emehlweni abo. Izindlu zabo zilokuthula kungelakwesaba, loswazi lukaNkulunkulu kaluphezu kwabo. Inkunzi yakhe iyakhwela ingaphuthi; inkomokazi yakhe iyazala, ingaphunzi. Bakhupha abantwanyana babo njengomhlambi, labantwana babo bayagida. Baphakamisa ilizwingesigujana lechacho, bathokoze ngelizwi lomhlanga. Bachitha insuku zabo ngokuhle, behlele engcwabeni ngokucwayiza kwelihlo. Babesebesithi kuNkulunkulu: Suka kithi; ngoba kasifisi ulwazi lwendlela zakho. Uyini uSomandla ukuthi simkhonze? Sizazuzani uba simncenga? Khangela, okuhle kwabo kakukho esandleni sabo; icebo lababi likhatshana lami. Kukangaki isibane sababi sicitshwa. Banjengamahlanga phambi komoya, lanjengomule isiphepho esiwuphephulayo. UNkulunkulu ubekela. Amehlo akhe azabona ukuchitheka kwakhe, anathe okolaka lukaSomandla. Ngoba iyini intokozo yakhe endlini yakhe emva kwakhe? Kukhonaongafundisa uNkulunkulu ulwazi yini. Lo uyafa esemandleni akhe apheleleyo, yena wonke onwabile, elokuthula. Iziphathelo zakhe zigcwele uchago, lomnkantsho wamathambo akhe umanzi. Lomunye ufa elomphefumulo obabayo. Balala ndawonye, lempethu zibasibekele. Khangelani, ngiyayazi imicabango yenu, lamacebo e liwaceba limelene lami. Ngoba lithi: Ingaphi? Kalibabuzanga yini abadlula ngendlela, njalo kalinanzeleli iziboniso zabo? Ukuthi omubi uyekelwa osukwini lokubhujiswa; bazalethwa osukwini lwezintukuthelo. Ngubani ozamtshela indlela yakhe ebusweni? Kanti yena uzasiwa engcwabeni, lilindwe idundulu. Amagade esihotsha amnandi kuye. Pho lizangiduduza njani ngeze, ngoba empendulweni zenu kusele inkohliso? Wasephendula uElifazi umThemani wathi: Umuntu angaba losizo kuNkulunkulu yini? Kuyintokozo yini kuSomandla ukuthi ulungile? Kumbe inzuzo kuyeukuthi uphelelise indlela zakho? Uzakusola yini ngenxa yokwesaba kwakho? Uzangena lawe kusahlulelo. Ububi bakho kabubukhulu yini, lezono zakho kazilakuphela? Ngoba uthethe isibambiso kubafowenu kungelasizatho. Kawumnathisanga amanzi odiniweyo, lolambileyo umgodlele ukudla. Kodwa umuntu olengalo, umhlaba ungowakhe, lowemukeleka ebusweni wahlala kuwo. Uxotshile abafelokazi bengelalutho. Ngakho-ke imijibila ikuhanqile, lovalo luhle lwakwesabisa, kumbe ubumnyama ukuzeungaboni, lesikhukhula. UNkulunkulu kakho yini engqongeni yamazulu? Bona-ke ingqonga yezinkanyezi, ukuthi ziphakeme kangakanani. Kanti uthi: UNkulunkulu wazini? Amayezi amnyama ayisisibekelo sakhe ukuze angaboni. Usunanzelele indlela endala yini abantu ababi abanyathela kuyo? Abahluthunwa; uzamcolo wathululwa phezukwesisekelo sabo. Abathi kuNkulunkulu: Suka kithi? Kanti yena wayegcwalise izindlu zabo ngokuhle; kodwa icebo labakhohlakeleyo likhatshana lami. Abalungileyo bayakubona bathokoze. Isibili isitha sethu sichithiwe, lomlilo uqede insali yabo. Ake wejwayelane laye, ngalokho okuhle kuzakuza kuwe. Ake wemukele umlayo ovela emlonyeni wakhe, ubeke amazwi akhe enhliziyweni yakho. Uba ubuyela kuSomandla. Ubusubeka igolide lakho othulini, le golideleOfiri elitsheni lezifula. Ngakho uSomandla uzakuba ligolide lakho, lesiliva sakho esinengi. Ngoba ngalesosikhathi uzazithokozisa ngoSomandla. Uzakhuleka kuye, akuzwe. Uzaquma-ke udaba. Nxa behliselwe phansi, ubususithi: Phezulu. Uzamkhulula ongemsulwa; njalo ukhululwa ngokuhlanzeka kwezandla zakho. Wasephendula uJobe wathi: Lalamuhla; isandla sami sinzima phezu kokububula kwami. Kungathi ngabe ngiyazi lapho engingamthola khona! Ngibeke kuhle udaba lwamiphambi kwakhe. Bengingawazi amazwi azangiphendula ngawo, ngiqedisise azakutsho kimi. Uzaphikisana lami ngobukhulu bamandla yini? Hatshi, kodwa uzabeka inhliziyo yakhekimi. Lapho oqotho angaphikisana laye; ngakho bengizaphepha phakade kumahluleli wami. Khangelani. Ngakwesokhohlo ekusebenzeni kwakhe, kodwa kangi m boni. Kanti uyayazi indlela elami. Unyawo lwami lubambelele enyathelweni lakhe. Kangisukanga lemlayweni wezindebe zakhe, ngawalondoloza amazwi omlomo wakhe okwedlula isabelo sami. Kodwa yena ukokukodwa, ngubani-ke ongambuyisela emuva. Ngoba uzaphelelisa engikumiselweyo; lezinto ezinengi ezinjalo zikuye. Ngenxa yalokho ngitshaywa luvalo phambi kwakhe; ngicabanga, ngiyamesaba. Ngoba uNkulunkulu wenze inhliziyo yami yaphela amandla, loSomandla ungethusile. Ngoba kangiqunywanga phambi komnyama. Kungani izikhathi? Bathuthukisa imingcele, baphange imihlambi bayeluse. Baxotsha ubabhemi wezintandane. Baphambula abaswelayo emigwaqweni. Khangelani, bangobabhemi beganga enkangala; inkangala ibe yikudla kwakhe lo kwabantwana. Emasimini bavuna ukudla kwakhe, bakhothoze e sivini nisomubi. Balala beze ebusuku bengelasembatho, bengelasigubuzelo emqandweni. Bamanzi ngezihlambo zezintaba. Bahluthuna intandane ebeleni, bathathe lesibambiso kumyanga. Bahamba beze. Phakathi kwemiduli yabo bahluza amafutha. Abantu bayabubula besemzini. Bona baphakathi kwabavukela ukukhanya; kabazazi indlela zakhe, kabahlali emikhondweni yakhe. Umbulali uyavuka ngovivi, abulale umyanga loswelayo; lebusuku unjengesela. Lelihlo lesiphingi lilindela ukuhlwa, sisithi: Kakulalihlo elizangibona; sifake isimbombozo ebusweni baso. Emnyameni ugebha aphutshele ezindlini a baziphawulele zonaemini; kabakwazi ukukhanya. Ngoba ikuseni kanyekanye ilithunzi lokufa kubo; uba besaziwa bakuzesabiso zethunzi lokufa. Ulula phezu kobuso bamanzi; isabelo sabo siqalekisiwe emhlabeni; kaphendukeli endleleni yezivini. Imbalela lokutshisa kuqeda amanzi eliqhwa elikhithikileyo, ngokunjaloingcwaba abonileyo. Isizalo sizamkhohlwa, impethu izammunya, engabe esakhunjulwa, lenkohlakalo izakwephulwa njengesihlahla. Udla ngokuminza inyumba engazaliyo, kamenzeli okuhle umfelokazi. Njalo udonsa abalamandla ngamandla akhe, uyavuka, njalo kungabi lolethemba lempilo. Uyamnika ukuze alondolozeke, eseyama kukho, kodwa amehlo akhe aphezu kwendlela zabo. Bayaphakanyiswa okwesikhatshana, babesebengasekho, behliselwa phansi, bavalelwe njengaye wonke. Uba-ke kungenjalo, ngubani ongangenza umqambimanga, enze inkulumo yami ibe yize? Wasephendula uBilidadi umShuhi wathi: Ukubusa lokwesabeka kulaye; uyenza ukuthula endaweni zakhe eziphezulu. Kukhona inani yini? Pho umuntu angalunga njani kuNkulunkulu? Khangela kuze kube senyangeni, njalo kayikhazimuli, lezinkanyezi kazihlambulukanga emehlweni akhe. Pho kangakanani umuntu oy impethu! Wasephendula uJobe wathi: Umsize njani ongelamandla, wasindisa ingalo e ngelamandla? Umeluleke njani ongelakuhlakanipha, watshumayela ngobunengi ulwazi oluqotho? Utshele bani amazwi? Njalo ngumoya kabani ophume kuwe? Abafileyo, labahlali bawo. Isihogo sinqunu phambi kwakhe. Welulela inyakatho. Uyabophela amanzi emayezini akhe, kodwa amayezi kawadabuki ngaphansi kwawo. Uyasibekela ubuso besihlalo sakhesobukhosi, endlale iyezi phezu kwaso. Udwebe umngcele, kuze kube sekucineni kokukhanya lomnyama. Insika zamazulu ziyathuthumela, zethuswa yikukhuza kwakhe. Ngamandla akhe uthulisa ulwandle, langenhlakanipho yakhe uphahlaza ukuziqhenya. Ngomoya wakhe ucecise amazulu; isandla sakhe sagwaza. Khangela, lokhu kungamaphethelo ezindlela zakhe! Kanti umdumo wamandla akhe ngubani ongawuqedisisa? UJobe wasebuya ephakamisa isaga sakhe wathi: Kuphila kukaNkulunkulu, loSomandla owenze umphefumulo wami wababa. Isibili ngaso sonke isikhathi umphefumulo u se kimi, lomoya kaNkulunkulu usemakhaleni ami, oqotho indebe zami kaziyikukhuluma okubi. Kakube khatshana lami ukuthi ngithi lilungile. Ngizabambelela ekulungeni kwami. Isitha sami kasibe njengomubi, longivukelayo njengongalunganga. Ngoba liyini ithemba longamesabiyo uNkulunkulu? UNkulunkulu uzakuzwa yini ukukhala kwakhe, ukuhlupheka sekwehlele phezu kwakhe? Uzazithokozisa yini ngoSomandla? Uzabiza uNkulunkulu yini sonke isikhathi? Ngizalifundisa ngesandla sikaNkulunkulu; okukuSomandla kangiyikukufihla. Khangela, lina lonke likubonile. Pho, kungani selibe yize lokuba yize ngokunjalo? Lesi yisabelo somuntu omubi kuNkulunkulu. Uba abantwana bakhe besanda. Insali zakhe zizangcwatshwa ekufeni. Lanxa ebuthelela isiliva njengothuli, elungisa isigqoko njengodaka; angalungisa, kodwa olungileyo uzasigqoka, longelacala uzakwaba isiliva. Wakha indlu yakhe umlindi alenzayo. Ulala enothile. Izesabiso zizambamba. Umoya wempumalanga uzamthatha, ahambe. Abesephosela phezu kwakhe angayekeli; phambi kwesandla sakhe uzabaleka isibili. Abantubazatshaya izandla zabo ngaye. Isibili kukhona umthapho wesiliva. Insimbi ithathwa enhlabathini, lethusi lincibilikiswa e litsh eni. Umisela umnyama umngcele, udingisisa kuze kube sekupheleleni konke. Uqhekeza umgodi khatshana lalapho okuhlala khona abantu, laphoabakhohlwe khona lunyawo; bayalenga bejikajika khatshanalabantu. Umhlaba, kuphuma ukudla kuwo. Amatshe awo ayindawo, njalo ulothuli lwegolide. Inyoni edla inyama kayiyazi indlela, lelihlo lelinqe. Imidlwane yokuziqhenyayo kayiyinyathelanga. Uyelula isandla sakhe elitsheni elilukhuni, uyagenqula izintaba ezimpandeni. Aqhekeze imisele emadwaleni, lelihlo lakhe libona konke okuligugu. Uyabopha izifula zingathonti. Kodwa inhlakanipho? Umuntu kalazi ixabiso lakho. Ukujula kuthi: Kakukho kimi. Lolwandle luthi: Kakulami. Igolide elihle, lesiliva singelinganis el we intengo yakho. Kungelingane. Igolide lekristali kungelingane lakho, futhi ku nge naniswe ngesitsha segolide elicwengekileyo. Ikorali lekristali. Itopazi. Pho, inhlakanipho ivela ngaphi? Lendawo yokuqedisisa ingaphi? Ngoba kusithekile emehlweni abo bonke abaphilayo, kwafihlwa ezinyonini zamazulu. Ukubhujiswa lokufa kuthi: Sizwile ngendlebe zethu umbiko wakho. UNkulunkulu uyayiqedisisa indlela yakho, njalo yena uyayazi indawo yakho. Ngoba yena uyakhangela kuze kube semikhawulweni yomhlaba, abone ngaphansi kwawo wonke amazulu. Esenzela umoya isisindo, walinganisa amanzi ngesilinganiso. Lapho esenzela. Ngalesosikhathi wakubona, walandisa ngakho; wakulungisa, yebo, wakuhlolisisa. Wasesithi emuntwini: Khangela, ukwesaba iNkosi, lokhu kuyinhlakanipho. UJobe wasebuya ephakamisa isaga sakhe wathi: Kungathi ngabe nginjengenyang enizamandulo, njengensuk winiuNkulunkulu angigcine ngazo, lapho isibane sakhe sakhanya phezu kwekhanda lami; ngahamba e mnyam eningokukhanya kwakhe! Njengoba nganginjalo ensukwini zokuvuthwa kwami, lapho iseluleko sikaNkulunkulu, lapho uSomandla wayeseselami, l abantwana bami bengiphahlile, lapho ngagezisa izinyathelo zami! Lapho ngaphuma ngaya esangweni; amajaha angibona, acatsha; lamaxhegu asukuma ema; iziphathamandla zayekela ukukhuluma, zabeka isandla phezu komlomo wazo; ilizwi labakhulu lacatsha, lolimi lwabo lwanamathela. Lapho indlebe isizwa yangibusisa, lelihlo libona langifakazela, ngoba ngakhulula umyanga okhalayo, lentandane, longelamsizi. Isibusiso. Ngembatha ukulunga, kwangembesa. Ngangingamehlo koyisiphofu, ngangizinyawo kusiqhuli. Nganginguyise wabayanga, lendaba e ngingayaziyo ngayihlolisisa. Ngasengisephula umhlathi womubi, nga menza a lahle impango emazinyweni akhe. Ngasengisithi: Ngizaphela. Impande zami zinabele. Udumo lwami lutsha kimi, ledandili lami laguquka esandleni sami. Bangilalela, belindele, bathulela iseluleko sami. Emva kwelizwi lami kabaphendulanga, lelizwi lami lathontela phezu kwabo. Bangilindela njengezulu, lomlomo wabo bawukhamisela. Laphongibahlekela, kabakholwanga. Ngakhetha indlela yabo ngahlala ngiy inhloko, ngahlala njengenkosi, njengoduduza abalilayo. Kodwa khathesi abatsha kulami ngensuku bayangihleka, oyise babo engangingabadelela ukubafaka lezinja zomhlambi wami. Yebo, amandla ezandla zabo ayengaba yini kimi, ukuvuthwa kwabo sekuphelile? Ngenswelo langendlala bajujukile, bangqathuze e lizwe nielomileyo, elali kade li y inkangala legwadule. Abakha imibhida yetshwayi enkotheni, lempande yesihlahla serotemu iyikudla kwabo. Baxotshwa phakathi kwabantu; bamemeza ngabo kungathi lisela; ukuthi bahlale eliweni lezihotsha, imigodi yenhlabathi, lamadwala. Bayakhonya phakathi kwenkotha, babuthane phansi kokhula. Bangabantwana beziphukuphuku, yebo abantwana abangelabizo; betshaywa, bexotshwa emhlabeni. Khathesi. Banengwa yimi, bamela khatshana lami. Ngoba ukhulule intambo yami. Ngakwesokunene abatsha bayasukuma. Badiliza indlela yami, bancedisa ukuqhubela phambili incithakalo yami, kabalamncedisi. Beza kungathi bafohlela esikhaleniesibanzi. Izesabiso ziphendukele phezu kwami. Khathesi-ke umphefumulo wami uyazithulula; insuku zosizi zingibambile. Ubusuku bugwaza amathambo ami phakathi kwami. Ngobunengi bamandla akheisembatho sami. Ungiphosele odakeni. Ngiyakhala kuwe, kodwa kawungiphenduli; ngiyasukuma, unginanzelele nje. Usuphenduke waba lesihluku kimi; ngamandla esandla sakho umelana lami. Ungiphakamisela emoyeni, ungigadise kuwo, ungincibilikisele kusiphepho. Ngoba ngiyazi ukuthi uzangibuyisela e kufeni. Kodwa umuntukayikwelulela isandla engcwabeni, kumbe encithakalweni yakhe. Kangimkhalelanga inyembezi yini owayelensuku ezilukhuni, umphefumulo wami wadabuka ngongumyanga? Lapho ngilindele okuhle, kweza okubi. Imibilini yami yabila, kayithulanga. Ngahamba ngilila. Ngingumfowabo wemigobho, lomngane wezintshe. Isikhumba sami simnyama phezu kwami. Ichacho lami. Ngenza isivumelwano? Ngoba siyini isabelo sikaNkulunkulu esivela phezulu? Incithakalo kayisiyomubi yini, lengozi yabenzi bobubi? Yena kaziboni yini indlela zami? Uba ngihambe ngokuyize, kumbe unyawo lwami luphuthumele enkohlisweni, kangilinganise ngesilinganiso esilungileyo, ukuze uNkulunkulu azi ubuqotho bami. Uba inyathelo lami liphambukile endleleni, lenhliziyo yami yalandela amehlo ami; kangihlanyele, kodwa kudle omunye. Uba inhliziyo yami iyengwe ngowesifazana, umkami kacholele omunye. Ngoba lokho kuyinkohlakalo. Ngoba ngumlilo odla. Uba ngalile udaba lwenceku yami loba olwencekukazi yami, lapho ziphikisana lami, pho ngizakwenzani lapho uNkulunkulu esukuma? Lowo owangenza esiswini kamenzanga yena yini, lowasibumba esiswini munye? Uba ngigodlele umyanga isifiso, kumbe ngadla ucezu lwami ngedwa, ukuze intandane ingadli kulo (ngoba kwasebutsheni bami yakhula lami ngi njengoyise, ngamqondisa kusukela esizalweni sikamama), uba ngabona obhubha, uba inkalo zakhe zingangibusisanga, ngoba ekhudunyezwe yiboya bezimvu zami, uba ngaphakamisa isandla sami, kaliwe ihlombe lami esiphangeni sami, lengalo yami iqamuke ethanjeni layo. Ngoba incithakalo kaNkulunkulu. Uba ngenzile igolide. Uba ngithokozile ngoba inotho yami inengi; uba ngikhangele, loba inyanga ehamba enkazimulweni, lenhliziyo yami yayengwa ensitha, kumbe isandla sami sange umlomo wami, lalokho yisiphambeko. Uba ngithokozile; njalo ngingavumelanga umlomo wami ukuthi wone, ngokucela umphefumulo wakhe ngesiqalekiso; uba abantu bethente lami bebengatshongo ukuthi. Owemzini kazanga alale esitaladeni; iminyango yami ngayivulela isihambi. Uba ngasibekela iziphambeko zami. Ngoba ngethuswa lixuku elikhulu, lokudelelwa ngabensendo kwangesabisa, ngakho ngathula, kangaze ngaphuma emnyango. Kungathi ngabe ngilongangizwa! Isibili, bengingaluthwala ehlombe lami. Ngimtshele inani lezinyathelo zami, ngisondele kuye njengesiphathamandla. Uba umhlaba wami ukhalile ngami, lemifolo yawo ililile ndawonye, uba ngidlile amandla awo kungelamali, kumbe ngenza umphefumulo wabaniniwo uphele, kakuhlume ukhula oluhlabayo endaweni yengqoloyi, lokhula olunukayo endaweni yebhali. Lawomadoda amathathu aseyekela ukumphendula uJobe, ngoba wayelungile emehlweni akhe. Lwaseluvutha ulaka lukaElihu indodana kaBarakeli umBuzi. Ulaka lwakhe lwabavuthela labo abangane bakhe abathathu, ngoba bengatholanga impendulo, kube kanti bamlahla uJobe. Kodwa UElihu wayelindele uJobe ekhuluma, ngoba babebadala ngensuku kulaye. UElihu esebonile ukuthi kwakungelampendulo emlonyeni walamadoda amathathu, ulaka lwakhe lwaseluvutha. Ngakho uElihu indodana kaBarakeli umBuzi waphendula wathi: Mina ngingomncinyane ngezinsuku, lina-ke libadala. Ngathi: Kakukhulume izinsuku, lobunengi beminyaka bazise inhlakanipho. Isibili umoya ukhona emuntwini. Abakhulu kabahlakaniphi. Ngakho ngithi: Lalelani kimi; lami ngizatshengisa umcabango wami. Khangelani, bengiwalindele amazwi enu, ngabeka indlebe ekukhulumeni kwenu okuhlakaniphileyo, lisadinga amazwi. Yebo, ngalilalela, khangelani-ke, kakho phakathi kwenu omvumisileyo uJobe, owaphenduleyo amazwi akhe. Hlezi lithi: Sitholile inhlakanipho; nguNkulunkulu ozamxotsha, hatshi umuntu. Kodwa kangihlelelanga amazwi, langamazwi enu kangiyikumphendula. Badideka, kabasaphendulanga, basusa amazwi kubo. Ngasengilinda, kodwa kabakhulumanga, ngoba bema, kabasaphendulanga. Lami ngizaphendula ingxenye yami. Ngoba ngigcwele amazwi, umoya wesisu sami uyangiqhubezela. Khangelani, isisu sami sinjengewayini engavulwanga, njengemigodla emitsha sizadabuka. Ngizakhuluma ukuze ngiphefumule; ngivule indebe zami, ngiphendule. Ake ngingaphakamisi ubuso bomuntu. Ngoba kangikwazi ukunika amabizo okubamba amehlo; masinyane umenzi wami angangisusa. Kube kanti-ke, Jobe, ake uzwe inkulumo zami, ubeke indlebe kuwo wonke amazwi ami. Khangelani, sengivule umlomo wami, ulimi lwami lukhuluma emlonyeni wami. Amazwi ami angawokuqonda kwenhliziyo yami, azakhuluma ulwazi lwendebe zami ngokuhlanzeka. UMoya kaNkulunkulu wangenza, lokuphefumula kukaSomandla kwanginika impilo. Uba ulakho ngiphendula. Khangela, nginjengawe kuNkulunkulu, lami ngathatshwa ebumbeni. Khangela, ukwethusa kwami kungakwethusi. Isibili ukhulume endlebeni zami, ngezwa ilizwi lamazwi, uthi: Ngimsulwa, ngihlanzekile, njalo kakulabubi kimi. Khangela, uthola amathuba okumelana lami. Ufaka inyawo zami esigodweni. Khangela, ku lokhu kawulunganga; ngizakuphendula, ngoba uNkulunkulu mkhulu kulomuntu. Umphikiselani? Ngoba engaphenduli leyodwa yezindaba zakhe. Ngoba uNkulunkulu ukhuluma kanye, yebo, kabili, engekho onanzayo. Ephutsheni; abesesembula indlebe yabantu, aphawule ukuqondiswa kwabo; ukuze aphambule umuntu e kwenz enikwakhe, afihle ukuzigqaja emuntwini, anqande umphefumulo wakhe egodini, lempilo yakhe ekwedluleni ngenkemba. Njalo ujeziswa ngobuhlungu embhedeni wakhe, langokuqaqamba kwamathambo akhe okungapheliyo, ize impilo yakhe inengwe yisinkwa, lomphefumulo wakhe yikudla okuloyisekayo. Inyama yakhe iyaphela, ingabonakali, lamathambo akhe abe kade engabonakali avele. Lomphefumulo wakhe useduze legodi. Uba kulesithunywa kanye laye, uzakuba lomusa kuye athi: Mkhulule ekwehleleni egodini, se ngithole inhlawulo. Inyama yakhe izakuba ntsha okwedlula ubutsha. Akhuleke kuNkulunkulu, ozakuba lesisa kuye; ngoba uzabuyisela emuntwini ukulunga kwakhe. Ukhangela ebantwini. Uhlengile umphefumulo wami ekwedluleni egodini. Khangelani, lezizinto uNkulunkulu uyazenza ngomuntu kabili kumbekathathu, ukuze abuyise umphefumulo wakhe egodini. Zwana, Jobe, ungilalele, uthule, njalo mina ngikhulume. Uba kulamazwi, ungiphendule. Uba kunge njalo, wena ngilalela; thula, njalo ngizakufundisa inhlakanipho. Wasephendula uElihu wathi: Zwanini amazwi ami, zihlakaniphi, lani zazi, libeke indlebe kimi. Ngoba indlebe ihlola amazwi, njengolwanga lunambitha ukudla. Asizikhetheleni isahlulelo; sazi phakathi kwethu okuhle. Ngoba uJobe uthe: Ngilungile; ngiqamba amanga ngimelene lelungelo lami. Nguwuphi umuntu onjengoJobe? Unatha ukuklolodelwa njengamanzi, ahambahambe exukwini labenzi bobubi, ahambe labantu benkohlakalo. Ngoba uthe. Ngakho, bantu bengqondo, ngilalelani: Kakube khatshana loNkulunkulu. Ngoba umsebenzi womuntu uzawubuyisela kuye. Yebo, isibili uNkulunkulu kenzi okubi, njalo uSomandla kagobisi isehlulelo. Ngubani owambeka phezu komhlaba? Uba ebeka inhliziyo yakhe phezu kwakhe. Inyama yonke ibizaphela kanyekanye. Uba kulokuqedisisa-ke, zwana lokhu, ubeke indlebe elizwini lamazwi ami. Kambe, ozonda isehlulelo ubengabusa yini? Kambe uzamlahla yini olungileyo kakhulu? Angatsho yini enkosini? Kuyeongemukeli ubuso beziphathamandla. Bayafa ngesikhatshana. Ngoba amehlo akhe aphezu kwendlela zomuntu. Kakulamnyama. Ngoba kabi lokhu enaka umuntu, ukuthi aye kuNkulunkulu esahlulelweni. Uyaphahlaza abalamandla kungahlolwanga, amise abanye endaweni zabo. Ngakho uyayazi imisebenzi yabo, uya ba genqula. Uyabatshaya njengababi endaweni yababukelayo. Ngenxa yokuthi bephambukile ekumlandeleni, bengananzanga leyodwa yezindlela zakhe, baze benza ukukhala komyanga kufike kuye. Lapho yena ethulisa, ngubani-ke ongaziphatha ngenkohliso? Loba esizweni loba emuntwini eyedwa. Ukuze abantu abangabazenzisi bangabusi, ukuze bangabi yimijibila ebantwini. Isibili uthe kuNkulunkulu: Ngithwele isijeziso. Lokhu engingakuboniyo ngifundise wena; uba ngenze okubi kangisayikukwenza futhi. Uzaphindisela yini njengokuthanda kwakho, loba uyala, loba wena ukhetha, njalo kungesimi? Wazini-ke? Khuluma. Abantu abalokuqedisisa bazakhuluma kimi, lomuntu ohlakaniphileyo uzangizwa. UJobe ukhulume engelalwazi, lamazwi akhe kawalanhlakanipho. Kungathi ngabe uJobe uyahlolwa kuze kube sekupheleni, ngenxa yempendulo zakhenjengabantu ababi. Ngoba esonweni sakhe wengezelela ububi, etshaya izandla phakathi kwethu, esandisa amazwi akhe emelene loNkulunkulu. UElihu wasephendula wathi: Ukhumbula ukuthi lokhu kuqondile yini? Uthe: Ukulunga kwami kwedlula okukaNkulunkulu. Ngoba uthe kusizani kuwe? Mina ngizakuphendula, labangane bakho kanye lawe. Khangela amazulu ubone; ukhangele amayezi, aphakeme kulawe. Uba usona, wenzani kuye? Uba iziphambeko zakho zizinengi, wenzani kuye? Uba ulungile, umnikani, kumbe wemukelani esandleni sakho? Ububi bakho buthinta umuntu onjengawe. Ngenxa yobunengi bencindezelo. Kodwa kakho othi: Ungaphi uNkulunkulu umenzi wami, osifundisa okwedlula inyamazana zomhlaba, asenze sihlakaniphe okwedlula inyoni zamazulu? Lapho bayakhala, kodwa kaphenduli, ngenxa yokuzigqaja kwababi. Isibili uNkulunkulu kayikuzwa ize, loSomandla kayikukunanza. Yebo, lanxa usithi: Kawumboni. Kodwa khathesi, ngoba intukuthelo yakhe ingajezisanga, laye kayikwejwayela kakhulu yini ukuziphakamisa? Ngakho uJobe uvule umlomo wakhe. UElihu waseqhubeka wathi: Ngibekezelela kancinyane, ngizakubonisa ukuthi kuseselamazwi ngoNkulunkulu. Ngizathatha ulwazi lwami luvela khatshana. Ngoba isibili amazwi ami kawayisiwo amanga; opheleleyo elwazini ulawe. Khangela, uNkulunkulu ulamandla, njalo keyisi. Kayekeli omubi aphile, kodwa unika abayanga okulungileyo. Kasusi amehlo akhe kolungileyo. Njalo uba bebotshiwe, ng'khona ezabatshela isenzo sabo. Uyavula indlebe yabo ekulayweni, alaye baphenduke ebubini. Uba belalela. Kodwa uba bengalaleli, bazadlula ngomkhonto. Labangamesabiyo uNkulunkulu ngenhliziyo babuthelela intukuthelo. Umphefumulo wabo uzafela ebutsheni, lempilo yabo phakathi kwezinkotshana. Uzakhulula ohluphekayo ekuhluphekeni kwakhe, avule indlebe yabo ecindezelweni. Yebo, lawe wakuhuga ukuthiuphume emlonyeni wocindezelo. Kodwa ugcwalise isigwebo somubi; isigwebo lokulunga ku ku bambile. Qaphelaulaka lungakuhugeli ekuklolodeni. Ubengalinganisa inotho yakho? Ungakhefuzeleli. Qaphela, ungaphendukeli ebubini. Khangela, uNkulunkulu uziphakamisa ngamandla akhe; ngubani ongumfundisi njengaye? Ngubani ommisele indlela yakhe? Kumbe ngubani othe: Wenze ububi? Khumbula ukuthi ukhulise umsebenzi wakhe, abahlabela ngawo. Bonke abantu bayawubona; umuntu uyawukhangela ekhatshana. Khangela, uNkulunkulu uphakeme, njalo kasi m azi. Ngoba wenyusa amathonsi amanzi; amayezi alithululela phansi. Yebo, kukhona yini ongaqedisisa ukwendlaleka kwamayezi? Khangela, wendlala ukukhanya kwakhe phezu kwawo. Ngoba ngawo uyehlulela abantu. Ngezandla usibekela ukukhanya. Umdumo wakhe ubika ngakho, lenkomo ngenkungueyenyukayo. Langenxa yalokho inhliziyo yami iyathuthumela, yeqe endaweni yayo. Zwana lokuzwa umdumo welizwi lakhe, lomsindo o phuma emlonyeni wakhe. Uyakukhulula ngaphansi kwamazulu wonke, lokukhanya kwakhe kuze kube semikhawulweni yomhlaba. Emva kwalokho kubhonga ilizwi, uyaduma ngelizwi lokuphakama kwakhe, angakunqandi lapho kuzwakala ilizwi lakhe. UNkulunkulu uyaduma ngelizwi lakhe ngokumangalisayo kakhulu, wenza izinto ezinkulu, esingeziqedisise. Ngoba kuliqhwa elikhithikileyo uthi: Woba semhlabeni; la ku zihlambo zezulu, la ku zihlambo zezulu elikhulu lamandla akhe. Uyanamathelisa isandla somuntu wonke, ukuze bazi bonke abantu bomsebenzi wakhe. Inyamazana ziyangena emihomeni yazo, zihlale ezikhundleni zazo. Isivunguzane siphuma ekamelweni leningizimu, lomqando emimoyeni yenyakatho. Ngomoya kaNkulunkulu kunikwa ungqwaqwane, lamanzi abanzi abe yilitshe. Njalo uthwalisa amayezi ngobumanzi, ahlakaze iyezi lokukhanya kwakhe. Njalo lona liyajikajika liphenduka ngokuqondisa kwakhe. Loba ngoswazi. Beka indlebe kukho, Jobe; mana, unanzelele imisebenzi emangalisayo kaNkulunkulu. Uyazi yini ukuthi uNkulunkulu uwalungisa nini, enze ukukhanya kwamayezi akhe kukhanye? Uyazi yini ukulengiswa kwamayezi, izimangaliso zopheleleyo? Ukuthi izigqoko zakho zikhudumala njani, ekuthuliseni umhlaba ngo moyaweningizimu? Uwendlalile yini amayezi kanye laye? Sifundise ukuthi sizakuthini kuye; singeke silungise luthongenxa. Kungalandiswa kuye yini ukuthi ngiyakhuluma? Uba umuntu engakhuluma, isibili uzaginywa. Khathesi-ke kabakuboni ukukhanya okubenyezelayo okusemayezini, lapho umoya udlula uwahlambulula. Igolide livela enyakatho. KuNkulunkulu kulobukhosi obesabekayo. USomandla singemfumane. Ngakho abantu. yasimphendula uJobe: Ngubani lo ofiphaza iseluleko ngamazwi angelalwazi? Bopha-ke ukhalo lwakho njengendoda. Wawungaphi? Tshono uba usazi ukuqedisisa. Ngubani owabeka izilinganiso zawo? Izisekelo zawo zamiswa phezu kwani? Kumbe ngubani owabeka ilitshe lawo lengonsi, lapho inkanyezi zokusa? Kumbe ngubaniowavalela ulwandle ngezivalo, lapho ngimisa iyezi laba yisembatho salo? Njalo ngaluqumela isimiso, ngathi: Uzafika kuze kube lapha, kodwa ungedluli, lalapha kuzamelana lokuzigqaja kwamagagasi akho. Kusukela ensukwini zakho walawula ukusa yini, wenza ukudabuka kokusa ukuthi kwazi indawo yakho, ukuthi kubambe imiphetho yomhlaba, ukuze kuthintithe ababi kuwo? Kuyaguquka njengebumba lophawu lokunamathisela, kuzimisa njengesembatho. Lakwababi ukukhanya kwabo kuyagodlwa. Usungenile emithonjeni yolwandle yini, wahamba usiya le lale ekudingeni inziki? Amasango okufa wawembulelwa yini? Uqedisisile yini kuze kube sebubanzini bomhlaba? Tshono uba ukwazi konke. Ingaphi indlela laphookuhlala khonaukukhanya? Lomnyama, ingaphi indawo yawo, ukuze ukuse emngceleni wakho, lokuthi uqedisise izindlela zomuzi wakho? Uyazi, ngoba wawusuzelwe, lenani lensuku zakho likhulu. Usungenile eziphaleni zeliqhwa elikhithikileyo yini, wabona iziphala zesiqhotho, engizigodle kuze kube yisikhathi sokuhlupheka, kuze kube lusuku lokulwa lolwempi? Ingaphi indlela laphoukukhanya okwabiwa khona, umoya wempumalanga ohlakazeka khonaemhlabeni? Ngubani owehlukanisela impophoma indlela yamanzi, lendlela yombane wemidumo, ukuthi line emhlabeni laphookungelamuntu khona, enkangala okungelamuntu kuyo, ukusuthisa inkangala legwadule, lokuhlumisa ukuphuma kotshani? Izulu liloyise yini, kumbe ngubani owazala amathonsi amazolo? Ungqwaqwane waphuma esiswini sikabani? Njalo ngubani owazala iliqhwa lamazulu? Amanzi afihlakele njengelitshe, lobuso bokujula bujiyile. Ungazibopha yini izibopho? Ungakhupha yini izinkanyezi ngesikhathi sazo? Ungakhokhela yini iBhere kanye labantwana balo? Uyazazi yini izimiso zamazulu, kumbe ungamisa umbuso wazo emhlabeni? Ungaphakamisela yini ilizwi lakho emayezini, ukuthi ubunengi bamanzi bukusibekele? Ungathuma yini imibane ukuthi ihambe, ithi kuwe: Khangela, si lapha? Ngubani owabeka inhlakanipho? Ngubani ongabala amayezi ngenhlakanipho? Njalo ngubani ongalalisa imbodlela zamazulu, lapho uthuli luqina lube yizigaqa, lamagade anamathelane? Ungasizingelela yini isilwane ukudla, kumbe usuthise ukulamba kwezilwane ezintsha, lapho zicathame emihomeni, zihlala esikhundleni ukuthi zicathame? Ngubani olungisela iwabayi ukudla kwalo, lapho amaphuphu alo ekhala kuNkulunkulu, ezulazula ngoba kungelakudla? Uyasazi yini isikhathi sokuzala kwamagogo edwala? Ungazibala yini inyanga e zi zi gcwalisayo? Njalo uyasazi yini isikhathi sokuzala kwazo? Zigoba, zizale abantwana bazo, zikhuphe imihelo yazo. Amazinyane azo aqine akhule egangeni; asuke ahambe, angabuyi kuzo. Ngubani owakhupha, engimmisele inkangala ibe ngumuzi wakhe, lesimunyu sibe zindawo zakhe zokuhlala? Uhleka umsindo womuzi, angezwa imisindo yomtshayeli. Udinga izintaba ezi lidlelo lakhe, edinga elandela konke okuluhlaza. Inyathi iyavuma yini ukukusebenzela? Ungayibophela inyathi yini ngentambo yayo emfolweni? Ungathembela kuyo yini ngoba amandla ayo makhulu? Ungayiyekelela yini umtshikatshika wakho? Ungayikholwa yini ukuthi izabuyisa inhlanyelo yakho, njalo i yi buthele e bale nilokubhulela lakho? Impiko zezintshe ziyaphaphazela ngentokozo; kodwa ziz impiko lezinsiba zengabuzane yini? Ngoba itshiya amaqanda ayo emhlabathini, iwakhudumeze othulini, iyakhohlwa ukuthi unyawo lungawachoboza, lokuthi isilo seganga singawanyathela. Iwaphatha kalukhuni amaphuphu ayo, kungathi kawayisiwo awayo; umtshikatshika wayo uyize, ingelakwesaba. Ngoba uNkulunkulu wayithathela inhlakanipho, kayabelanga ukuqedisisa. Lapho sekuyisikhathi iyaziphakamisela phezulu, ihleke ibhiza lomgadi walo. Uzanika yini ibhiza amandla? Uyayigqokisa yini intamo yalo ngomhlonga oyephuzelayo? Uyalenza leqe yini njengentethe. Liyaphanda esihotsheni, lithokoze ngamandla alo, liphume ukuhlangabeza izikhali. Liyakuhleka ukwesaba, kalesabi, kaliphenduki phambi kwenkemba. Phezu kwalo isamba semitshoko siyakhehlezela, umkhonto ophazimayo. Ngokuqhuqha lokufutheka liginye umhlaba; kalikholwa ukuthi ngumsindo wophondo. Ekukhaleni kophondo lithi: Aha! Linuke impi ikhatshana, umdumo wezinduna, lokumemeza. Ukhozi luyaphapha yini ngokuqedisisa kwakho, luselulela impiko zalo eningizimu? Ilinqe liyaqonga ngokulaya kwakho, lakhe isidleke salo engqongeni yini? Lihlala lilale ebusuku edwaleni, engqongeni yedwala leyenqaba. Lisuka lapho lidinga ukudla; amehlo alo abonela khatshana. Lamaphuphu alo azitika ngegazi; lalapho okukhona ababuleweyo likhona. yasiphendula uJobe yathi: Ophikisana loSomandla uza m qondisa yini? Osola uNkulunkulu kakuphendule. UJobe waseyiphendula wathi: Khangela, ngiphansi; ngingakuphendula ngithi ni. Ngikhulumile kanye, kodwa kangiyikuphendula. yasimphendula uJobe isesivunguzaneni yathi: Bopha khathesi ukhalo lwakho njengendoda. Isibili, uzachitha isahlulelo sami yini? Njalo ulengalo yini njengoNkulunkulu? Kumbe ungaduma yini ngelizwi njengaye? Khathesi zicecise ngobukhosi lokuphakama, uzembese ngodumo lenkazimulo. Usabalalise intukuthelo zolaka lwakho. Khangela wonke ozigqajayo. Ubafihle bonke, ubophe ubuso babo ngasese. Khona lami ngizavuma kuwe, ukuthi isandla sakho sokunene singakusindisa. Ake ukhangele imvubu engayenza kanye lawe; idla utshani njengenkabi. Ake ukhangele, amandla ayo asekhalweni lwayo, lokuqina kwayo kusemisipheni yesisu sayo. Iyagobisa umsila wayo njengomsedari; imisipha yemilenze yayo yelukene. Amathambo ayo a njeng empompi zethusi, amathambo ayo anjengemigoqo yensimbi. Ingeyokuqala; owayenzayo wasondeza inkemba yayo. Ngoba intaba ziyayivezela ukudla, lapho okudlala khona inyamazana zonke zeganga. Ilala phansi kwesihlahla esiluhlaza, ekusithekeni kwemihlanga lamaxhaphozi. Izihlahla eziluhlaza ziyayisibekela ngo mthunzi wazo; imidubu yesifula iyayiphahla. Khangela, umfula uya yi cindezela, kayiphangisi. Ongayibamba yini ngamehlo ayo? Ongahlaba yini amakhala ayongemijibila? Ungamhudula yini uLeviyathani ngengwegwe, kumbe ulimi lwakhe ngentambo o yenza itshone? Ungafaka yini? Uzakuncenga kanengi yini? Uzakhuluma lawe ngathambileyo yini? Uzakwenza isivumelwano lawe yini? Uzadlala laye yini njengenyoni? Kumbe uzambophela amantombazana akho yini? Abathengi? Uzagcwalisa yini isikhumba sakhe ngezinhlendla, lekhanda lakhe ngemikhonto yenhlanzi? Beka isandla sakho phezu kwakhe, khumbula impi, ungakwenzi futhi. Khangela, ithemba lakhe lizakuba ngamanga? Kakho olesihluku sokuthi amvuse. Ngubani-ke yena ongazimisa phambi kwami? Ngubani. Kangiyikuthula mayelana lezitho zakhe, lendaba yamandla akhe, lobuhle besimo sakhe. Ngubani ongabonakalisa ubuso besembatho sakhe? Ngubani ongeza lamatomu akhe aphindwe kabili? Ngubani ongavula iminyango yobuso bakhe? Amazinyo akhe ayesabeka inhlangothi zonke. Imizila yamahawu akhe ilokuziqhenya, ivalelwe ngophawu oluqinisiweyo. Elinye lisondele kwelinye, ukuze kungangeni umoya phakathi kwawo. Ahlangene, abambana. Ukuthimula kwakhe kuphazima ukukhanya. Emlonyeni wakhe kuphuma izihlanti, ziqhatshe ziphume inhlansi zomlilo. Emakhaleni akhe kuphuma intuthu, njengembiza ebilayo. Umoya wakhe uvuthela amalahle, lelangabi liphume emlonyeni wakhe. Entanyeni yakhe kuhlala amandla, laphambi kwakhe kugiya usizi. Amavinqo enyama yakhe anamathelene, aqinile kuye, kawanyikinyeki. Inhliziyo yakhe iqinile njengelitshe, yebo, ilukhuni njengelitshe lokuchola elingaphansi. Ekuvukeni kwakhe amaqhawe ayesaba, ngenxa yokwephulwa bayazihlambulula. Ofinyelela kuye ngenkemba angeme, umkhonto, umtshoko, lomdikadika. Uthatha insimbi njengotshani, ithusi njengogodo olubolileyo. Umtshoko kawumenzi abaleke; amatshe esavutha aphendulwa nguye abe yizibi. Isagila sitshaywa njengezibi; uhleka ukugenqeza komdikadika. Ngaphansi kwakhe kulendengezi ezibukhali; wendlala izinto ezibukhali odakeni. Wenza inziki, enze ulwandle lube njengembiza yamafutha. Ngemva kwakhe wenza indlela ikhanye; inziki zingathiwa ziyimpunga. Kakukho emhlabeni, owenziwa angabi lokwesaba. Ukhangela konke okuphakemeyo; uyinkosi phezu kwabo bonke abantwana bokuzigqaja. UJobe waseyiphendula wathi: Ngiyazi ukuthi ungakwenza konke. Ngubani lo ofiphaza iseluleko engelalwazi. Ake uzwe, ngizakhuluma mina. Ngizakubuza, njalo wenze ngazi. Ngokuzwa kwendlebe ngikuzwile, kodwa khathesi ilihlo lami liyakubona. Ngakho-ke. Kwasekusithi isikhulume lamazwi kuJobe, yathi kuElifazi umThemani. Ngakho-ke zithatheleni amajongosi ayisikhombisa lenqama eziyisikhombisa, liye encekwini yami uJobe. Ngakho bahamba oElifazi umThemani loBilidadi umShuhi lo Zofari umNahama, benza njengokutsho kweN kubo; njalo yemukela ubuso bukaJobe. yasiphendula ukuthunjwa kukaJobe esekhulekele abangane bakhe. Kwasekufika kuye bonke abafowabo labo bonke odadewabo. yasibusisa isiphetho sikaJobe okwedlula ukuqala kwakhe. Wasesiba lamadodana ayisikhombisa lamadodakazi amathathu. Wasebiza ibizo leyokuqala wathinguJemima, lebizo leyesibili wathinguKeziya, lebizo leyesithathu wathinguKereni-Hapuki. Njalo kakutholakalanga abesifazana abahle njengamadodakazi kaJobe elizweni lonke; loyise wawanika ilifa phakathi kwabanewabo. Lemva kwalokho uJobe waphila iminyaka elikhulu lamatshumi amane; wabona amadodana akhe, lamadodana amadodana akhe, kwaze kwabayizizukulwana ezine. UJobe wasesifa, emdala, enele ngezinsuku. Ubusisiwe umuntu ongahambi ngeseluleko sababi; kodwa intokozo yakhe isemlayweni weN KOSI. Njalo uzakuba njengesihlahla esihlanyelwe emifuleni yamanzi, esithela isithelo saso ngesikhathi saso. Ababi kabanjalo, kodwa ba njengamakhoba umoya owaphephulayo. Ngakho ababi kabayikuma ekwahlulelweni, lezoni enhlanganweni yabalungileyo. Ngoba iyayazi indlela yabalungileyo. Kungani, labantu benakana okuyize? Amakhosi omhlaba azimisela: Asiqamule izibopho zabo, silahle intambo zabo zisuke kithi. Ohlezi emazulwini. Khona izakhuluma kubo entukuthelweni yayo, ibethuse ngokuvutha kolaka lwayo. Kube kanti mina ngibekile iNkosi yami phezu kweZiyoni, intaba yami engcwele. Ngizalandisa ngesimiso: ithe kimi: Wena uyiNdodana yami, lamuhla ngikuzele. Cela kimi, ngizanika izizwe zibeyilifa lakho, lemikhawulo yomhlaba ibeyimfuyo yakho. Uzazephula. Ngakho-ke hlakaniphani makhosi, lilayeke bahluleli bomhlaba. Ikhonzeni ngokwesaba, lithokoze ngokuthuthumela, liyange. N, zande kangakanani izitha zami. Banengi abathi ngomphefumulo wami: Kakulasindiso lwakhe kuNkulunkulu. Sela. Kodwa wena N, uyisihlangu sami. Ngakhala ngelizwi lami eNni. Sela. Mina ngalala phansi, ngajumeka; ngavuka, ngoba yangisekela. Kangiyikwesaba izinkulungwane ezilitshumi zabantu abangihanqileyo bemelana lami. Vuka, N! Ngisindisa, Nkulunkulu wami. Ngoba zonke izitha zami uzitshayile emhlathini. Usindiso ngolweN. Isibusiso sakho siphezu kwabantu bakho. Sela. Ngiphendula ekukhaleni kwami, Nkulunkulu wokulunga kwami. Ekucindezelweni wangenzela indawo ebanzi. Woba lomusa kimi, uzwe umkhuleko wami. Madodana abantu, koze kube nini liphendulaudumo lwami lube lihlazo, lithanda okuyize, lidinga amanga? Sela. Kodwa yazini ukuthi izehlukanisele; iyangizwa lapho ngikhala kuyo. Thuthumelani, lingoni. Nikelani imihlatshelo yokulunga. Banengi abathi: Ngubani ozasitshengisa okuhle? N, phakamisela. Ubeke intokozo enhliziyweni yami. Ngizacambalala. Beka indlebe emazwini ami, N; unanzelele ukububula kwami. Lalela ilizwi lokukhala kwami, Nkosi yami loNkulunkulu wami. N, ekuseni uzalizwa ilizwi lami. Ngoba kawusuye uNkulunkulu othokoza ebubini; omubi kayikuhlala lawe. Abazikhukhumezayo kabayikuma phambi kwamehlo akho; uzonda bonke abenzi bobubi. Uzababhubhisa abaqamba amanga. iyamenyanya umuntu wegazi lenkohliso. Kodwa mina, ngizangena endlini yakho ngobukhulu besihawu sakho, ngikhothame. N, ngikhokhelele ekulungeni kwakho ngenxa yezitha zami. Ngoba kalikho iqiniso emlonyeni wazo, ingaphakathi yazo izinkohlakalo. Tshono uthi zilecala, Nkulunkulu, kaziwe ngamacebo azo; uzilahle ngenxa yobunengi beziphambeko zazo, ngoba zikuvukele. Kodwa kabathabe. Ngoba wena N, uzabusisa olungileyo, uzamhanqa ngomusa njengesihlangu esikhulu. N, ungangikhuzi entukuthelweni yakho. Woba lomusa kimi, N, ngoba ngibuthakathaka. Lomphefumulo wami ukhathazekile kakhulu? Phenduka, N, khulula umphefumulo wami; ungisindise ngenxa yomusa wakho. Ngoba ekufeni kakukho ukukukhumbula; engcwabeni ngubani ozakubonga? Ngikhathele. Ilihlo lami lidliwe ngenxa yosizi, liyaguga ngenxa yezitha zami zonke. Sukani kimi. izwile ukuncenga kwami. Zonke izitha zami zizayangeka zitshaywe luvalo kakhulu. N, Nkulunkulu wami, ngiyathembela kuwe. Hlezi adabule umphefumulo wami njengesilwane, edabudabula, kungekho okhululayo. N, Nkulunkulu wami, uba ngikwenzile lokhu, uba ngiphindisele okubi kosekuthuleni lami), isitha kasizingele umphefumulo wami, siwufice, siyinyathelele impilo yami emhlabathini, senze udumo lwami luhlale ethulini. Sela. Vuka, N, ngolaka lwakho, ziphakamise. Ngakho inhlangano yezizwe izakuhanqa; buya ngaphezulu phezu kwayo. izakwahlulela izizwe. Ngahlulela, N KOSI. Ake buphele ububi bababi, kodwa umqinise olungileyo, ngoba ohlola inhliziyo lezinso. Isihlangu sami sikuNkulunkulu osindisa abaqotho enhliziyweni. UNkulunkulu ngumahluleli olungileyo, njalo nguNkulunkulu othukuthel el a omubiinsuku zonke. Uba engaphenduki, uzalola inkemba yakhe. Usemlungisele izikhali zokufa, wenzela abazingeli. Khangela, uhelelwa ngobubi. Agebhe umgodi awugubhe, abesewela egodini alenzileyo. Ububi bakhe buzabuyela phezu kwekhanda lakhe, lodlame lwakhe lwehlele enkanda yakhe. Ngizayidumisa njengokulunga kwayo, ngihlabelele ibizo leN ephezu konke. N, Nkosi yethu, lilenkazimulo kangakanani ibizo lakho emhlabeni wonke. Emlonyeni wezingane lowabamunyayo umisile amandla ngenxa yezitha zakho. Lapho ngikhangela amazulu akho, umsebenzi weminwe yakho, inyanga lenkanyezi owazimisayo, uyini umuntu ukuthi umkhumbule? Kanti wamenza waba ngaphansi kancinyane kulengilosi, wamethwesa umqhele wobukhosi. Wamenza wabusa phezu kwemisebenzi yezandla zakho, izimvu lenkabi zonke, kanye lezinyamazana zeganga, inyoni zamazulu, lezinhlanzi zolwandle, okudlula ezindleleni zenlwandle. N, Nkosi yethu, lilenkazimulo kangakani ibizo lakho emhlabeni wonke! Ngiza ku dumisa, N, ngenhliziyo yami yonke, ngilandise zonke izimangaliso zakho. Ngizathaba ngithokoze kuwe. Lapho izitha zami zibuyela emuva, zizakuwa, zibhubhe phambi kwakho. Ngoba ulimele ilungelo lami lodaba lwami, wahlala esihlalweni sobukhosi, wahlulela ngokulungileyo. Uzikhuzile izizwe, wabhubhisa omubi. Izitha ziphelile, izincithakalo eziphakade; uyidilizile imizi; ukukhunjulwa kwayo kubhubhe kanye la yo. Kodwa izahlala kuze kube phakade. Yona-ke izawahlulela umhlaba ngokulunga. Njalo izakuba yisiphephelo socindezelweyo. Labalaziyo ibizo lakho bazathemba kuwe, ngoba wena N, kawubatshiyanga abakudingayo. Hlabelani indumiso eNni ehlezi eZiyoni, limemezele phakathi kwabantu izenzo zayo. Nxa idinga igazi, iyabakhumbula, kayikhohlwa ukukhala kwabahlutshwayo. Woba lomusa kimi, N, ubone uhlupho lwami oluvela kwabangizondayo, ukuze ngilandise yonke indumiso yakho emasangweni endodakazi yeZiyoni, ngithokoze. Izizwe zitshone emgodini e zawenzayo. izazisile, yenza isahlulelo; omubi uthiywe emsebenzini wezandla zakhe. Higayoni. Sela. Abakhohlakeleyo bazabuyela esihogweni, zonke izizwe ezimkhohlwayo uNkulunkulu. Ngoba oswelayo kayikukhohlakala kokuphela; ithemba. Vuka, N, umuntu kanganqobi; izizwe kazigwetshwe phambi kwakho. Zitshayise ngovalo, N, izizwe kazikwazi ukuthi zingabantu nje. Sela. N, umeleni khatshana? Ucatshela niezikhathini zokuhlupheka? Omubi ekuzigqajeni uyamzingelisisa umyanga. Ngoba omubi uyazikhukhumeza ngesifiso somphefumulo wakhe, uyasibusisa isihwaba, ayeyise iN. Omubi, ngokuzigqaja kobuso bakhe uthi: Ka ku bizi emicabangweni yakhe yonke. Indlela zakhe ziqinile isikhathi sonke; izahlulelo zakho ziphakeme zikhatshana laye. Uthi enhliziyweni yakhe. Umlomo wakhe ugcwele ukuthuka lezinkohliso. Uhlezi endaweni yokucathama yemizi, ezindaweni ezisithekileyo ubulala ongelacala. Uyacatsha ekusithekeni. Uyaqutha, uyakhothama. Uthi enhliziyweni yakhe: UNkulunkulu ukhohliwe. Sukuma, N! Nkulunkulu, phakamisa isandla sakho, ungabakhohlwa abahluphekayo. Kungani omubi edelela uNkulunkulu. Uyabona, ngoba wena uyakhangela ububi lenhlupheko, ukukubeka esandleni sakho. Yephula ingalo yokhohlakeleyo lomubi. UJehova yiNkosi kuze kube nini lanini; izizwe zibhubhile elizweni layo. N, uzwile isifiso sabathobekileyo, uzaqinisa inhliziyo yabo, wenze indlebe yakho izwe, ukwahlulela intandane. Ngithembela eNni. Ngoba, khangela, ababi bayagobisa idandili. Nxa izisekelo zidilizwa? IN KOSI, inkophe zayo ziyahlola, abantwana babantu. iyamhlola olungileyo, kodwa omubi lothanda ubudlwangudlwangu, umphefumulo wayo uyamzonda. Uzanisa phezu kwababi imijibila, umlilo, lesolufa. Ngoba ilungile iN, iyathanda ukulunga. Siza, N, ngoba owesaba uNkulunkulu ka se kho, ngoba abathembekileyo banyamalele basuka ebantwaneni babantu. Bakhuluma okuyize, ngulowo lalowo lomakhelwane wakhe. izaquma zonke indebe ezilalisayo, ulimi olukhuluma izinto zokuzidla; abathi: Sizanqoba ngolimi lwethu, indebe zethu ngezethu; ngubani oyinkosi phezu kwethu? Ngenxa yokubandezelwa. Amazwi eN angamazwi ahlambulukileyo. Wena, N, uzabagcina, ubavikele kulesisizukulwana kuze kube nininini. Ababi bayahambahamba inhlangothi zonke, lapho amanyala ephakanyiswa phakathi kwabantwana babantu. Koze kube nini, N, ungikhohlwa? Koze kube nini ngizicebisa emphefumulweni wami, ngilo sizi enhliziyweni yami insuku zonke? Koze kube nini isitha sami siphakanyiswa phezu kwami? Khangela, ungiphendule, N, Nkulunkulu wami; khanyisa amehlo ami, hlezi isitha sami sithi: Se ngimehlule. Kodwa mina ngithembele emuseni wakho. Ngizayihlabelela iN, ngoba ingenzele okuhle kakhulu. Isithutha. yakhangela phansi isemazulwini phezu kwabantwana babantu. Baphambukile bonke, bebonke bonakele; kakho owenza okuhle, kakho loyedwa. Kabazi yini bonke abenza okubi. Lapho besaba lokwesaba. Liliyangisile icebo lomyanga. Kungathi usindiso lukaIsrayeli lungavela eZiyoni. N, ngubani ozahlala ethenteni lakho? Ngulowo ohamba ngobuqotho, ongahlebiyo, ongenzi okubi kumngane wakhe, longaphakamiseli umakhelwane wakhe ihlazo; olahliweyo uyenyanyeka emehlweni akhe, kodwa uyabahlonipha abayesabayo iN; ofunga ngoku zi limaza, kodwa kaphenduki, onganiki imali yakhe ukuthi azuze inzuzo. Ngilondoloza, Nkulunkulu, ngoba ngithembela kuwe. Ngithe eNni: UyiNkosi yami, ukulunga kwami kaku fikikuwe. Kodwakubangcwele abasemhlabeni, labahlekazi, ontokozo yami yonke ikubo. Zizakwanda insizi zabagijimela omunye unkulunkulu. iyisabelo. Imizila iwele kimi; yebo, ngilelifa elibukekayo. Ngizayibonga engelulekayo; lebusuku. Ngibekile. Ngakho inhliziyo yami iyathokoza, lodumo lwami luyajabula, lenyama yami izahlala ivikelekile. Ngoba kawutshiyanga umphefumulo wami esihogweni. Uzangazisa indlela yempilo. Zwana ukulunga, N, ulalele ukukhala kwami; ubeke indlebe emkhulekweni wami onga phum i ezindebeni ezilenkohliso. Ukwahlulelwa kwami kakuphume ebukhoneni bakho. Uyilingile inhliziyo yami. Mayelana lezenzo zabantu, ngelizwi lendebe zakho, mina ngizinqandile ezindleleni zomchithi, ukusekela izinyathelo zami, ukuzeinyawo zami zingatsheleli. Mina ngikubizile. Tshengisa ngokumangalisayo uthandolomusa wakho. Ngigcine njengenhlamvu yelihlo, kubo ubuso bababi abangicindezelayo, izitha zempilo yami ezingihanqileyo. Baya zi valela ngamahwahwa abo. Sebesihanqile emanyathelweni ethu. Unjengesilwane esikhuthalele ukudabula, lanjengesilwane esitsha esiquthileyo endaweni ezisithekileyo. Vuka, N! Uhlangabeze ubuso bakhe, umphosele phansi, kubo abantu, abayi sandla sakho, N, ebantwini bomhlaba. Mina, ngizakhangela ubuso bakho ekulungeni. Ngizakuthanda, N, mandla ami. ilidwala lami, lenqaba yami, lomkhululi wami; uNkulunkulu wami, idwala lami, engizaphephela kulo, isihlangu sami, lophondo losindiso lwami, inqaba yami ephakemeyo. Ngizabiza edumisekayo, ngakho ngizasindiswa ezitheni zami. Izibopho zokufa zangizingelezela, lezikhukhula zobubi zangethusa. Izibopho zesihogo zangigombolozela, imijibila yokufa yayiphambi kwami. Ekuhluphekeni kwami ngayibiza iN, ngakhala kuNkulunkulu wami; walizwa ilizwi lami esethempelini lakhe, lokukhala kwami kweza phambi kwakhe, endlebeni zakhe. Khona umhlaba wazamazama, wanyikinyeka, lezisekelo zezintaba zaqhaqhazela, zazamazama, ngoba wayethukuthele. Kwenyuka intuthu emakhaleni akhe, lomlilo ophuma emlonyeni wakhe waqothula; amalahle avuthiswa yiwo. Wasekhothamisa amazulu, wehlela phansi, lomnyama onzima wawungaphansi kwenyawo zakhe. Wasegada ikherubhi, waphapha, wandiza phezu kwempiko zomoya. Wamisa umnyama wabayindawo yakhe yensitha, idumba lakhe inhlangothi zonke zakhe, amanzi amnyama, amayezi amnyama omkhathi. Ekukhazimuleni okuphambi kwakhe amayezi akhe amnyama edlula, isiqhotho lamalahle omlilo. yasiduma emazulwini, oPhezukonke wazwakalisa ilizwi lakhe, isiqhotho lamalahle omlilo. Yasithuma imitshoko yayo, yabachitha; lemibane eminengi, yabaphaphathekisa. Khona kwabonakala imisele yamanzi, kwembulwa izisekelo zomhlaba ekusoleni kwakho, N, ekuvutheleni komoya wamakhala akho. Yathuma iphezulu, yangibamba, yangenyula emanzini amanengi. Yangophula esitheni sami esilamandla, lakibo abangizondayo, ngoba babelamandla kulami. Babephambi kwami osukwini lwenhlupheko yami, kodwa yaba yisisekelo sami. Yangikhuphela endaweni ebanzi, yangikhulula ngoba yayithokoza ngami. yangivuza njengokulunga kwami; yangibuyisela njengokuhlanzeka kwezandla zami. Ngoba ngizilondolozile indlela zeN, kangisukanga kuNkulunkulu wami ngenkohlakalo. Ngoba zonke izahlulelo zayo zaziphambi kwami, lezimiso zayo kangiziphambulanga kimi. Njalo ngangiqondile kuyo, ngizinqandile ebubini bami. Ngakho ingibuyisele njengokulunga kwami, njengokuhlanzeka kwezandla zami phambi kwamehlo ayo. Kolesihawu uzaziveza ulesihawu; koqotho uzaziveza uqotho; kohlanzekileyo uzaziveza uhlanzekile; lakophambukileyo uzaziveza uphambukile. Ngoba wena uzabasindisa abantu abahlutshwayo; kodwa amehlo aphakemeyo uzawehlisela phansi. Ngoba wena uzalumathisa isibane sami; iN, uNkulunkulu wami, izakhanyisa ubumnyama bami. Ngoba ngawe ngigijimile ngadabula phakathikwebutho, langoNkulunkulu wami ngeqe umthangala. UNkulunkulu, indlela yakhe iphelele; ilizwi leN lihloliwe; uyisihlangu kubo bonke abaphephela kuye. Ngoba ngubani onguNkulunkulu ngaphandle kweN? Njalo ngubani olidwala ngaphandle kukaNkulunkulu wethu? NguNkulunkulu ongibhincisa amandla. Owenza inyawo zami zibe njenge ze zimpala, wangimisa ezingqongeni zami. Ofundisela izandla zami impi, ukuze idandili lethusi ligotshiswe zingalo zami. Unginikile lesihlangu sosindiso lwakho, lesandla sakho sokunene, lobumnene bakho bungikhulisile. Wenze zaba banzi izinyathelo zami ngaphansi kwami, ukuze inyawo zami zingatsheleli. Ngixotshene lezitha zami, ngazifica, kangibuyanga ngaze ngaziqeda. Ngazigwaza, zaze zehluleka ukuvuka, zawa ngaphansi kwenyawo zami. Ngoba ungibhincise amandla kusenzelwa impi, wabakhothamisela phansi kwami abangivukelayo. Unginike intamo yezitha zami, labo abangizondayo ngababhubhisa. Bakhala, kodwa engekho umsindisi; eNni, kodwa kayibaphendulanga. Ngasengibacholisisa njengothuli phambi komoya, ngabachitha njengodaka lwezitalada. Wangikhulula ekuphikiseni kwabantu, wangimisa ngaba yinhloko yezizwe; abantu engangingabazi bangisebenzela. Bangenela ukuzwa ngendlebe bazangilalela, abezizweni bazazithoba kimi ngokuzenzisa. Abezizweni bazabuna, baphume ezinqabeni zabo bethuthumela. iyaphila; njalo kalidunyiswe idwala lami, kaphakanyiswe uNkulunkulu wosindiso lwami. UNkulunkulu onginika impindiselo, lowehlisela izizwe ngaphansi kwami; ongikhulula ezitheni zami; yebo, phezu kwabangivukelayo wangiphakamisa, emuntwini wodlakela wangikhulula. Ngenxa yalokhu. Iyanika inkosi yayo usindiso olukhulu, isenzela ogcotshiweyo wayo umusa, kuDavida, lenzalweni yakhe kuze kube nininini. Amazulu alandisa ngodumo lukaNkulunkulu, lomkhathi utshumayela umsebenzi wezandla zakhe. Usuku kusuku luphumisela inkulumo. Kakukho nkulumo, kawakho lamazwi, lapho ilizwi lawo elingezwakali khona. Intambo yawo. Elinjengomyeni. Ukuphuma kwalo kusukela emkhawulweni wamazulu, lokuzingeleza kwalo kuze kube semikhawulweni yawo; njalo kakukho okufihliweyo ekutshiseni kwalo. Umlayo weN uphelele, uphendula umphefumulo; ubufakazi beN KOSI; izimiso zeN zilungile, zithokozisa inhliziyo. Ukuyesaba kuhlanzekile, kumi kuze kube nininini; izahlulelo zeN ziliqiniso, zilungile ngokupheleleyo. Ziyaloyiseka kakhulu kulegolide. Futhi inceku yakho iyelulekwa ngazo; ekuzigcineni kulomvuzo omkhulu. Ngubani oqedisisa iziphosiso zakhe. Igcine inceku yakho l ezonwenizokuzincoma. Amazwi omlomo wami lezizindlo zenhliziyo yami kakwemukeleke phambi kwakho. ikuphendule osukwini lokuhlupheka; ibizo likaNkulunkulu kaJakobe likuvikele. Kayikuthumele usizo oluvela endaweni engcwele. Kayikhumbule yonke iminikelo yakho, njalo yemukele umnikelo wakho wokutshiswa. Sela. Ikunike njengokwenhliziyo yakho, njalo igcwalise icebo lakho lonke. Simemeze ngentokozo esindisweni lwakho. Sengisazi ukuthi isindisa ogcotshiweyo wayo; izamphendula isemazulwini ayo angcwele ngamandla asindisayo esandla sayo sokunene. Abanye bathembelaenqoleni, labanye emabhizeni, kodwa thina sizakhumbula ibizo leN uNkulunkulu wethu. Bona bakhothanyisiwe bawa, kodwa thina sisukumile simi. Jehova, sindisa; inkosi isiphendule osukwini lokukhala kwethu. Jehova, inkosi izajabula emandleni akho, lesindisweni lwakho izathaba kangakanani! Uyinikile isifiso senhliziyo yayo, kawu yi ncitshanga isicelo sendebe zayo. Sela. Ngoba uyihlangabeze ngezibusiso zokuhle. Yacela impilo kuwe, wayinika yona. Lukhulu udumo lwayo ekusindiseni kwakho. Ngoba uyenze yabusiseka kakhulu kuze kube nininini, uyayithokozisa ngenjabulo ebukhoneni bakho. Ngoba inkosi ithembela kuJehova, langomusa woPhezukonke kayiyikunyikinywa. Isandla sakho sizazithola zonke izitha zakho, lesandla sakho sokunene sizabathola labo abakuzondayo. Uzabenza babe njengesithando somlilo. Uzachitha isithelo sabo emhlabeni, lenzalo yabo phakathi kwabantwana babantu. Ngoba bezimisela okubi bemelene lawe, beceba ugobe, bazakwehluleka. Ngoba uzabafulathelisa, ngezintambo zedandili uzalungisa imitshokoimelane lobuso babo. Phakama, N, ngamandla akho! Sizahlabela sidumise amandla akho. Nkulunkulu wami, Nkulunkulu wami, ungitshiyeleni? Nkulunkulu wami, ngiyakhala emini, kodwa kawungiphenduli, lebusuku, kodwa kangilakho ukuthula. Kodwa wena ungcwele, ohlezi e zibongw enizikaIsrayeli. Obaba bethu bathemba kuwe, bathemba, wasubakhulula. Bakhala kuwe, bakhululwa. Kodwa ngingumswenya, kangisuye muntu. Bonke abangibonayo bayangihleka usulu, besithi: Wathembela eNni. Kodwa nguwe owangikhupha esiswini, wangenza ngathemba ngis emabeleni kamama. Ngalahlelwa phezu kwakho kusukela esizalweni. Ungabi khatshana lami, ngoba uhlupho luseduze, ngoba kakho osizayo. Izinkunzi ezinengi zingihanqile, ezilamandla. Zangikhamisela umlomo wazo, isilwane esiphangayo lesibhongayo. Ngithululiwe njengamanzi. Amandla ami omile njengodengezi; ungibeke ethulini lokufa. Ngoba izinja zingigombolozele. Ngingabala wonke amathambo ami; bona bayakhangela bayangijolozela. Babelana izigqoko zami, benza inkatho yokuphosa ngezembatho zami. Kodwa, wena N, ungabi khatshana; mandla ami, phangisa ukungisiza. Khulula umphefumulo wami kuyo inkemba, wona wodwa owami emandleni enja. Ngisindisa emlonyeni wesilwane. Ngizalandisa ibizo lakho, phakathi kwebandla ngizakudumisa. Lina elesaba iN, idumiseni. Ngoba kayidelelanga kayinengwanga yinhlupheko yohluphekayo; njalo kayimfihlelanga ubuso bayo; kodwa lapho ekhala kuyo, yezwa. Indumiso yami izakuba ngawe ebandleni elikhulu. Abamnene bazakudla basuthe; bazayidumisa labo abayidingayo. Imikhawulo yonke yomhlaba izakhumbula, iphendukele eNni. Ngoba umbuso ungoweN, njalo iyabusa phakathi kwezizwe. Bonke abakhulupheleyo bomhlaba bazakudla bakhonze, longagcini umphefumulo wakhe uphila. Inzalo izayikhonza; izabalelwa eNkosini kuso isizukulwana. Bazakuza bamemezele ukulunga kwayo. ingumelusi wami. Iyangilalisa emadlelweni aluhlaza. Ibuyisa umphefumulo wami, ingiholele endleleni zokulunga. Yebo, loba ngihamba esihotsheni. Uyalungisa itafula phambi kwami. Isibili okuhle lesihawu kuzangilandela insuku zonke zempilo yami; njalo ngizahlala endlini yeN kuze kube sebudeni bezinsuku. Umhlaba ungoweN. Ngoba yona yawusekela. Ngubani ozakwenyukela entabeni yeN KOSI? Ngulowo. Uzakwemukela isibusiso eNni, lokulunga kuNkulunkulu wosindiso lwakhe. Lesi yisizukulwana salabo abayidingayo, abadinga ubuso bakho, ngitshoJakobe. Sela. Phakamisani inhloko zenu, lina masango, phakanyiswani, lina minyango yaphakade. Ingubani liNkosi yenkazimulo? elamandla leliqhawe, elamandla empini. Phakamisani inhloko zenu, lina masango, yebo, phakamani, lina minyango yaphakade, ukuze kungene iNkosi yenkazimulo. Ingubani liNkosi yenkazimulo? yamabandla, yiyo eyiNkosi yenkazimulo. Sela. Kuwe, N, ngiphakamisela umphefumulo wami. Nkulunkulu wami, ngithembela kuwe. Yebo, kungayangeki loyedwa kulabo abakulindelayo. Ngazisa izindlela zakho, N KOSI. Ngikhokhelela eqinisweni lakho, ungifundise, ngoba unguNkulunkulu wosindiso lwami; ngilindele wena usuku lonke. Khumbula izihawu zakho, N, lobubele bakho, ngoba kwaku khonakusukela phakade. Ungazikhumbuli izono zobutsha bami leziphambeko zami. ilungile iqondile. Izabakhokhela abathobekileyo ekwahlulelweni. Zonke indlela zeN zingumusa leqiniso kulabo abalondoloza isivumelwano sayo lezifakazelo zayo. Ngenxa yebizo lakho, N, thethelela isiphambeko sami, ngoba sikhulu. Nguwuphi umuntu owesaba iN? Izamfundisa ngendlela eza yi khetha. Umphefumulo wakhe uzahlala ebuhleni. Imfihlo yeN ingeyabayesabayo, izabazisa isivumelwano sayo. Amehlo ami ahlala eseNni. Phendukela kimi, ube lomusa kimi. Inkathazo zenhliziyo yami zanda, ungikhuphe ezinhluphekweni zami. Khangela inhlupheko yami losizi lwami, uthethelele zonke izono zami. Khangela izitha zami ngoba zinengi, ziyangizonda ngenzondo elesihluku. Londoloza umphefumulo wami, ungikhulule; kangingayangeki. Ubuqotho lokuqonda kakungilondoloze, ngoba ngilindele wena. Nkulunkulu, hlenga uIsrayeli kuzo zonke inkathazo zakhe. Ngahlulela, N KOSI. Ngihlola, N, ungilinge. Ngoba uthandolomusa wakho luphambi kwamehlo ami, njalo ngihambe eqinisweni lakho. Kangihlalanga, kangihambelani labazenzisayo. Ngiyizondile inhlangano yabenzi bobubi. Ngizageza izandla zami ngokungelacala, ngizingelezele ilathi lakho, N. Ukuze ngizwakalise ngelizwi lokubonga. N, ngiyayithanda inhlalo yendlu yakho. Ungabuthi umphefumulo wami kanye lezoni, kumbe impilo yami kanye labantu abomele igazi. Ozandla zabo zilobubi, lesandla sabo sokunene sigcwele izivalamlomo. Kodwa mina ngizahamba ngobuqotho bami; ngihlenga, ube lomusa kimi. Unyawo lwami lumi endaweni elingeneyo. iyikukhanya kwami? Lapho ababi, izitha zami labamelana lami, besondela kimi ukudla inyama yami, bona bakhubeka bawa. Loba ibutho lingamisa inkamba limelene lami, inhliziyo yami kayiyikwesaba; loba impi ingangivukela, kulokhu ngizathemba. Into yinye engiyicela eNni, yiyo engizayidinga. Ngoba izangifihla edumbeni layo ngosuku lobubi. Khathesi-ke ikhanda lami lizaphakanyiswa phezu kwezitha zami ezingihanqileyo; ngakho ngizanikela iminikelo yokuthaba ethenteni layo; ngizahlabela, yebo ngihlabele indumiso eNni. Zwana, N, ilizwi lami laphongikhala. Uthe:Dingani ubuso bami. Inhliziyo yami yathi kuwe: Ubuso bakho, N, ngizabudinga. Ungangifihleli ubuso bakho. Lapho umama lobaba bengitshiya, khona izangemukela. Ngifundisa indlela yakho, N, ungikhokhele endleleni eqondileyo, ngenxa yezitha zami. Unganginikeli entandweni yezitha zami. Ngangizaphelangaphandle kokuthi ngakholwa ukuthi ngizabona okuhle kweN elizweni labaphilayo. Lindela iN. Ngiyakhala kuwe, N; dwala lami. Zwana ilizwi lokuncenga kwami lapho ngikhala kuwe. Ungangihuduli kanye lababi njalo kanye labenzi bobubi. Ubanike njengokwenza kwabo, lanjengobubi bezenzo zabo; ubanike njengokomsebenzi wezandla zabo. Ngoba kabayinanzi imisebenzi yeN lokwenza kwezandla zayo, izababhidliza ingabakhi. Kayibongwe iN, ngoba ilizwile ilizwi lokuncenga kwami. ingamandla ami lesihlangu sami. ingamandla abo, njalo iyinqaba yezinsindiso zogcotshiweyo wayo. Sindisa abantu bakho, beluse, ubaphakamise kuze kube nininini. Inikeni iN, lina madodana abalamandla, inikeni udumo lamandla. Inikeni iN KOSI. Ilizwi leN liphezu kwamanzi; uNkulunkulu wenkazimulo uyaduma. Ilizwi leN lilamandla, ilizwi leN lilobukhosi. Ilizwi leN lephula imisedari, yebo, yephula imisedari yeLebhanoni. Yenza yona-ke iqolotshe njengethole. Ilizwi leN lidabula amalangabi omlilo. Ilizwi leN lizamazamisa inkangala, izamazamisa inkangala yeKadeshi. Ilizwi leN lizalisa izimpala, lihlubule amahlathi; lethempelini layo konke kuthi: Udumo. UJehova uhlezi phezu kukazamcolo. izanika abantu bayo amandla; ibusise abantu bayo ngokuthula. Ngizakuphakamisa, N, ngoba ungenyusile. N Nkulunkulu wami, ngakhalela kuwe. N, uwukhuphulile umphefumulo wami. Hlabelelani eNni, lina bangcwele bayo, libonge ekukhunjulweni kobungcwele bayo. Ngoba ukuthukuthela kwayo kungokwesikhatshana. Mina-ke ngathi ekuphumeleleni kwami. N, ngomusa wakho wenzile intaba yami iqine; wabufihla ubuso bakho, ngahlupheka. Ngakhala kuwe, N; ngancenga eNkosini. Kulenzuzo bani egazini lami ekutshoneni kwami emgodini? Uthuli luzakudumisa na? Luzatshumayela iqiniso lakho yini? Zwana, N, ube lomusa kimi; N, woba ngumsizi wami. Uphendule ukukhala kwami kwaba yikusina, ukuze udumo lwamiluhlabele indumiso kuwe, lungathuli; N, Nkulunkulu wami, ngizakubonga kuze kube nininini. Kuwe, N, ngiyathemba. Beka kimi indlebe yakho, ngikhulule masinyane, ube lidwala elilamandla kimi. Ngoba wena ulidwala lami lenqaba yami. Ngikhupha. Esandleni sakho ngibeka umoya wami. Ngibazondile. Ngizathaba ngithokoze emuseni wakho, ngoba ubonile uhlupho lwami, wazile umphefumulo wami ezinkathazweni. Njalo kawungivalelanga esandleni sesitha. Woba lomusa kimi, N KOSI. Ngoba impilo yami iphela ngosizi, leminyaka yami ngokububula; amandla ami ayadeda ngenxa yeziphambeko zami. Sengilihlazo phakathi kwazo zonke izitha zami, kodwa ikakhulu kwabakhelene lami. Ba khohlwe ngami njengofileyo enhliziyweni; nginjengesitsha esifileyo. Ngoba ngizwile ukunyunda kwabanengi, becebisana bemelene lami, beceba ukuthatha impilo yami. Kodwa mina ngithemba kuwe, N, ngithi: UnguNkulunkulu wami. Izikhathi zami zisesandleni sakho. Khanyisa ubuso bakho phezu kwenceku yakho; ungisindise ngothando lwakho. N, kangingayangeki, ngoba ngikubizile. Kazithuliswe indebe zamanga, ezikhuluma kalukhuni zimelene lolungileyo ngokuzigqaja langokweyisa. Kukhulu kangakanani ukulunga kwakho, okubekele labo abakwesabayo! Uzabafihla ekusithekeni kobukhona bakho basuke kumagobe omuntu. Kayibongwe iN, ngoba ingenzele uthando olumangalisayo emzini oyinqaba. Ngoba mina ngathi ekuphangiseni kwami. Ithandeni lonke bangcwele bayo. ilondoloza abathembekileyo, iyamphindisela kakhulukazi owenze ngokuzigqaja. Qinani, izaqinisa inhliziyo yenu. Ubusisiwe lowo osiphambeko sakhe sithethelelwe, osono sakhe sisitshekelwe. Ubusisiwe umuntu engambaleli ububi. Lapho ngathula, amathambo ami aguga. Ngoba emini lebusuku isandla sakho sasinzima phezu kwami. Ngakwazisa isono sami, kangifihlanga isiphambeko sami. Ngenxa yalokhu ngulowo lalowo owesaba uNkulunkulu uzakhuleka kuwe. Isibili, esikhukhuleni samanzi amakhulu kawayikufinyelela kuye. Wena uyindawo yami yokucatsha. Ngizakulaya ngikufundise endleleni ozahamba ngayo, ngizakweluleka, ilihlo lami libe phezu kwakho. Ungabi njengebhiza, njengembongolo engelakuqedisisa. Zinengi izinhlupheko zomubi. Jabulani eNni, lithabe, balungileyo. Thokozani eNni, balungileyo. Dumisani ngechacho. Ihlabeleleni ingoma entsha. Ngoba ilizwi leN liqotho, lomsebenzi wayo wonke ngowobuqotho. Ithanda ukulunga lesahlulelo. Ngelizwi leN amazulu enziwa. Ibuthelela amanzi olwandle njengenqumbi. Umhlaba wonke kawuyesabe iN, bonke abakhileyo bomhlaba kabathuthumele ngayo. Ngoba yona yakhuluma, kwaba khona; yona yalaya, kwema. ichitha icebo lezizwe, iphuthisa imicabango yabantu. Icebo leN limi kuze kube nininini, imicabango yenhliziyo yayo ezizukulwaneni ngezizukulwana. Sibusisiwe isizwe esiNkulunkulu waso yiN KOSI. iyakhangela phansi isemazulwini, ibone bonke abantwana babantu. Isendaweni emisiweyo yokuhlala kwayo. Ibumba inhliziyo yabo bonke, inanzelele zonke izenzo zabo. Kayikho inkosi esindiswa yibunengi bebutho, iqhawe kalikhululwa ngamandla amakhulu. Ibhiza liyize ekunqobeni, njalo kalikhululi ngobukhulu bamandla alo. Khangela, ilihlo leN liphezu kwabayesabayo, ukukhulula umphefumulo wabo ekufeni. Umphefumulo wethu. Ngoba inhliziyo yethu izathokoza kuyo. Umusa wakho, N, kawube phezu kwethu, njengokulindela kwethu kuwe. Ngizayibonga ngesikhathi sonke; ukudunyiswa kwayo kuzahlala kusemlonyeni wami. Umphefumulo wami. Ikhuliseni kanye lami, asiliphakamise ibizo layo kanyekanye. Ngayidinga iN KOSI. Bakhangela kuyo, bakhazimula, lobuso babo kabubanga lenhloni. Lo umyanga wakhala, leN yezwa. Ingilosi yeN KOSI. Nambithanini libone. Yesabeni iN, bangcwele bayo, ngoba kakulakuswela kwabayesabayo. Izilwane ezintsha ziyaswela zilambe. Wozani, bantwana, lingilalele, ngizalifundisa ukwesaba iN. Ngubani umuntu ofisa impilo? Londa ulimi lwakho kokubi. Suka kokubi, wenze okuhle. Amehlo eN akwabalungileyo. Ubuso beN bumelene labenza okubi. Bakhala. iseduze labo, iyabasindisa abalomoya odabukileyo. Zinengi inhlupheko zolungileyo. Iyawagcina wonke amathambo akhe, kakwaphulwa lelilodwa kuwo. Okubi kuzambulala okhohlakeleyo; labazonda olungileyo bazalahlwa. iyahlenga umphefumulo wenceku zayo; njalo bonke abathemba kuyo kabayikulahlwa. Phikisana, N KOSI. Xhakalaza ihawu lesihlangu esikhulu. Hwatsha lomkhonto, uvimbe indlelaumelane labangizingelayo; tshono emphefumulweni wami ukuthi: Ngilusindiso lwakho. Kabayangeke. Kababe njengamakhoba phambi komoya, lengilosi yeN kayi ba dudule. Indlela yabo kayibe mnyama itshelele, lengilosi yeN ibaxotshe. Ngoba kungelasizatho bangifihlele imbule labo e mgod ini, kungelasizatho bawugebhele umphefumulo wami. Ukubhujiswa kakumjume. Kodwa umphefumulo wami uzathokoza eNni, ujabule esindisweni lwayo. Wonke amathambo ami azakuthi? Abafakazi bamanga basukuma, bangibuza engingakwaziyo. Bangibuyisela okubi endaweni yokuhle, umphefumulo wami ulahlekelwa. Kanti mina, ekuguleni kwabo isembatho sami sasilisaka. Ngahamba ngokungathi ungumngane ngokungathi ungumfowethu; ngikhotheme. Kodwa ekukhubekeni kwami bathokoza, babuthana ndawonye, abalahliweyo babuthana ndawonye bemelene lami, njalo nganginga kw azi; badabula kabemanga. Kanye lababi abaklolodayo edilini. Nkosi, uzabukela kuze kube nini? Buyisa umphefumulo wami ekubhubhiseni kwabo, wona wodwa owami emabhongweni ezilwane. Ngizakubonga ebandleni elikhulu, ngikudumise phakathi kwabantu abanengi. Bangajabuli ngami abayizitha zami ngamanga. Ngoba kabakhulumi ukuthula, kodwa baceba amazwi enkohliso bemelene labachumileyo emhlabeni. Kanti bangikhamisela kakhulu umlomo wabo! N, usu ku bonile. Zivuse, udaba lwami, Nkulunkulu wami leNkosi yami. Ngahlulela, N Nkulunkulu wami, ngokulunga kwakho. Kabangatsho enhliziyweni yabo ukuthi: Hiya, yisifiso sethu. Kabayangeke babe lenhloni ndawonye abajabula ngosizi lwami. Kabamemeze ngenjabulo bathabe abaloyisa ukulunga kwami. Lolimi lwami luzakhuluma ukulunga kwakho, usuku lonke indumiso yakho. Kulenkulumo yesiphambeko kokhohlakeleyo; ngaphakathi kwenhliziyo yami ngathi: Kakukho ukwesaba uNkulunkulu phambi kwamehlo akhe. Ngoba uyazikhohlisa emehlweni akhe. Amazwi omlomo wakhe ayibubi. Uceba. N, umusa wakho usemazulwini, uthembeko lwakho luze lufike emayezini. Ukulunga kwakho kunjengezintaba zikaNkulunkulu, izahlulelo zakho ziyinziki enkulu. Luligugu kangakanani uthandolomusa wakho, Nkulunkulu! Ngakho abantwana babantu baphephela emthunzini wempiko zakho. Bazasutha kakhulu ngamanono. Ngoba ukuwe umthombo wempilo. Luqhubele phambili uthandolomusa wakho kulabo abakwaziyo. Unyawo lwabazigqajayo lungezi kimi, lesandla sababi singangixotshi. Nampo abenzi. Ungazikhathazi ngababi. Ngoba bazaqunywa masinyane. Themba eNni. Zithokozise eNni. Nikela indlela yakho eNni. Izaveza ukulunga kwakho njengokukhanya. Thula eNni, uyilindele, ngomuntu owenza amacebo amabi. Yekela intukuthelo, utshiye ulaka. Ngoba ababi bazaqunywa. Kuseyisikhatshana nje, omubi angabe esaba khona. Kodwa abamnene. Omubi uyaceba emelene lolungileyo, amgedlele amazinyo akhe. INkosi izamhleka. Ababi sebehwatshe inkemba, bagobise idandili labo. Inkemba yabo izangena kweyabo inhliziyo, kwephulwe amadandili abo. Okuncinyane alakho olungileyo. Ngoba ingalo zababi zizakwephulwa. iyazazi izinsuku zabaqotho. Kabayikuyangeka ngesikhathi esibi, langensuku zendlala bazasutha. Kodwa ababi bazabhubha; lezitha zeN zizanyamalala njengamafutha amawundlu, zinyamalale entuthwini. Omubi uyeboleka, angabuyiseli. Ngoba ababusiswe yiyo. Izinyathelo zomuntu olungileyoziqondiswa yiN, iyathokoza endleleni yakhe. Loba esiwa. Ngangimutsha, sengimdala, kanti kangibonanga olungileyo etshiyiwe, lenzalo yakhe. Usuku lonke ulomusa, uyeboleka, lenzalo yakhe iyisibusiso. Suka ebubini, wenze okuhle. Ngoba ithanda isahlulelo. Abalungileyo bazakudla ilifa lelizwe Umlomo wolungileyo ukhuluma inhlakanipho. Umlayo kaNkulunkulu wakhe usenhliziyweni yakhe. Omubi uyamqaphela olungileyo, udinga ukumbulala. kayiyikumyekela esandleni sakhe, kayiyikumlahla lapho esahlulelwa. Lindela eNni, ugcine indlela yayo. Ngambona omubi. Kube kanti wedlula; yebo ngamdinga, kodwa katholakalanga. Nanzelela opheleleyo, umbone oqotho, ngoba ukuphela kwa lowo muntu kuyikuthula. Kodwa abaphambukayo bazabhujiswa kanyekanye; ukuphela kwababi kuzaqunywa. Kodwa usindiso lwabalungileyo luvela eNni. Njalo izabasiza ibakhulule; izabakhulula kwababi. N, ungangikhuzi entukuthelweni yakho, ungangijezisi ekuvutheni kolaka lwakho. Ngoba imitshoko yakho ihlabe yatshona kimi. Kakukho ukuphila enyameni yami ngenxa yentukuthelo yakho. Ngoba iziphambeko zami zedlule phezu kwekhanda lami. Izilonda zami zilevumba zilobomvu ngenxa yobuthutha bami. Ngigungubele, ngagotshiselwa phansi kakhulu. Ngoba ukhalo lwami lugcwele okutshileyo, njalo kakukho ukuphila enyameni yami. Ngibuthakathaka ngichobozekile kakhulukazi. Nkosi, sonke isiloyiso sami siphambi kwakho, lokububula kwami kakufihlakalanga kuwe. Inhliziyo yami iyatshaya, amandla ami angitshiyile; lokukhanya kwamehlo ami lakho kakukho kimi. Abangithandayo labangane bami. Labo abadinga impilo yami baya ngi thiya. Kodwa mina nginjengesacuthe, kangizwa. Yebo, nginjengomuntu ongezwayo. Ngoba kuwe, N, ngiyathemba; wena uzaphendula, Nkosi Nkulunkulu wami. Ngoba ngathi: Hlezi bathokoze ngami. Ngoba se ngiseduze lokuwa, lobuhlungu bami buphambi kwami njalonjalo. Ngoba ngizakwazisa ububi bami. Kodwa izitha zami ziphilile zilamandla. Abaphindisela okubi esikhundleni sokuhle. Ungangitshiyi, N; Nkulunkulu wami, ungabi khatshana lami. Phangisa ungisize, Nkosi, nsindiso yami. Ngathi: Ngizaqaphelisa izindlela zami. Ngaba yisimungulu ngokuthula; lokuhlupheka kwami kwavuswa. Inhliziyo yami yatshisa phakathi kwami, ngathi: N, ngazisa isiphetho sami lesilinganiso sensuku zami ukuthi siyini. Khangela, wenze insuku zami zaba yibubanzi besandla. Isibili, umuntu uhambahamba esesithunzini; isibili. Pho-ke, ngilindeleni, Nkosi? Ithemba lami likuwe. Ngikhulula kuzo zonke iziphambeko zami. Ungangenzi ihlazo lesithutha. Ngaba yisimungulu, kangivulanga umlomo wami. Susa uswazi lwakho kimi, ngoba ngiyaqedwa yisidutshulo sesandla sakho. Lapho ulaya umuntu ngokukhuza ngenxa yesiphambeko. Zwana umkhuleko wami, N, ubeke indlebe ekukhaleni kwami. Ungangihwaqeli. Ngalindela lokuyilindela iN KOSI. Yangenyula emgodini ohlokomayo, exhaphozini. Yafaka ingoma entsha emlonyeni wami, indumiso kuNkulunkulu wethu. Ubusisiwe umuntu oyenzayo ibe lithemba lakhe. Minengi wena oyenzileyo, N, Nkulunkulu wami, imisebenzi yakho emangalisayo. Umhlatshelo lomnikelo kawukufisi; izindlebe zami uzivulile; umnikelo wokutshiswa lomnikelo wesono kawuwubizi. Ngasengisithi: Khangela, ngiyeza; emqulwini wogwalo. Ngiyathokoza ukwenza intando yakho, Nkulunkulu wami. Ngitshumayele ukulunga ebandleni elikhulu. Ukulunga kwakho kangikufihlanga phakathi kwenhliziyo yami; ngikhulumile ngobuqotho bakho langosindiso lwakho; kangifihlanga uthandolomusa wakho leqiniso lakho ebandleni elikhulu. Wena N, ungangigodleli isihawu sakho. Ngoba ububi obungebalwe bungihanqile. Thokoza, N, ukungikhulula. Kabayangeke babe lenhloni ndawonye abadinga umphefumulo wami ukuwuchitha; kababuyiselwe emuva bayangiswe abangifisela okubi. Kabachitheke kube ngumvuzo wehlazo labo! Kabathabe bajabule kuwe bonke abakudingayo; abathanda usindiso lwakho kabatsho njalonjalo! Kodwa ngingumyanga ngiyaswela; ungumsizi wami lomkhululi wami; Nkulunkulu wami, ungalibali. Ubusisiwe onanzelela obuthakathaka. izamlondoloza, imgcine ephila; uzabusiswa emhlabeni; kawuyikumnikela entandweni yezitha zakhe. izamsekela embhedeni wokugula kwakhe; wena uzaguqula lonke icansi lakhe emkhuhlaneni wakhe. Mina ngathi: N, woba lomusa kimi. Izitha zami zikhuluma okubi ngami zisithi: Uzakufa nini, lebizo lakhe lichitheke? Lalapho efika uku ngi bona, ukhuluma inkohliso; inhliziyo yakhe izibuthela okubi, esephumile phandle akhulume. Bonke abangizondayo banyenyezelana bemelene lami, bangisongele ukungona. Into embi inamathele kuye; njalo njengoba elele phansi kasayikuvuka. Yebo, indoda yobungane bami engiyithembayo. Kodwa, wena N, woba lomusa kimi, ungilulamise ukuze ngibaphindisele. Ngalokhu ngiyazi ukuthi uyangithanda, ngoba isitha sami kasithabanga phezu kwami. Kodwa mina, ungisekele ebuqothweni bami, wangimisa phambi kwakho kuze kube nininini. Kayibongwe iN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, kusukela phakade kuze kube phakade. Njengalokhu indluzele inxwanele izifula zamanzi, ngokunjalo umphefumulo wami unxwanela wena, Nkulunkulu. Umphefumulo wami womela uNkulunkulu? Inyembezi zami beziyikudla kwami emini lebusuku? Ngikhumbula lezizinto ngathulula umphefumulo wami phakathi kwami. Udanelani mphefumulo wami. Nkulunkulu wami, umphefumulo wami udanile phakathi kwami; ngakho ngizakukhumbula ngiselizweni leJodani. Inziki ibiza inziki. Emini izalaya uthandolomusa wayo. Ngizakuthi kuNkulunkulu, idwala lami: Ungikhohlweleni? Njengo kuchoboza emathanjeni ami, izitha zami ziyangiklolodela, lapho zisithi kimi usuku lonke: Ungaphi uNkulunkulu wakho? Udaneleni mphefumulo wami? Njalo ukhathazekelani phakathi kwami? Themba kuNkulunkulu, ngoba ngisezamdumisa, usindiso lobuso bami, loNkulunkulu wami. Ngahlulela, Nkulunkulu; ungikhulule emuntwini wenkohliso longalunganga. Ngoba wena unguNkulunkulu wesiphephelo sami? Thumela ukukhanya kwakho leqiniso lakho, kungikhokhele, kungise entabeni yakho engcwele. Khona ngizakuya elathini likaNkulunkulu, kuNkulunkulu injabulo yentokozo yami; yebo ngizakudumisa ngechacho, Nkulunkulu, Nkulunkulu wami. Udanelani mphefumulo wami? Njalo ukhathazekelani phakathi kwami? Themba kuNkulunkulu, ngoba ngisezamdumisa, ukusiliswa kobuso bami, loNkulunkulu wami. Nkulunkulu, sizwile ngendlebe zethu, obaba basitshelile. Wena ngesandla sakho wazixotsha izizwe elifeni. Ngoba kabadlanga ilifa lelizwe ngenkemba yabo, lengalo yabo kayibasindisanga. Wena uyiNkosi yami, Nkulunkulu. Ngawe sizadudula izitha zethu. Ngoba kangithembeli, lenkemba yami kayiyikungisindisa. Kodwa usisindisile ezitheni zethu, wayangisa abasizondayo. KuNkulunkulu siyazincoma usuku lonke; lebizo lakho sizalidumisa kuze kube nininini. Sela. Kodwa ulahlile wasiyangisa. Usenze ukuthi sibuyele emuva sisuka esitheni; labasizondayo baziphangela. Usinikele njengezimvu zokudliwa. Uthengisile abantu bakho ngokungelanotho. Usenze. Usenze saba yisiga phakathi kwezizwe. Usuku lonke ukudunyazwa kwami kuphambi kwami, lehlazo lobuso bami lingigubuzele, ngenxa yelizwi lomgconi lomhlambazi. Konke lokhu kusehlele, kube kanti kasikukhohlwanga. Inhliziyo yethu kayibuyelanga emuva, lanxa usichobozile. Uba besilikhohliwe ibizo likaNkulunkulu wethu, loba selulela izandla zethu, uNkulunkulu ubengayikukuhlola lokhu yini? Ngoba uyayazi imfihlo yenhliziyo. Yebo, ngenxa yakho siyabulawa usuku lonke, kuthiwa sinjengezimvu zokuhlatshwa. Phaphama, ulaleleni, Nkosi. Ufihlelani ubuso bakho, ukhohlwe ukuhlupheka kwethu locindezelo lwethu? Ngoba umphefumulo wethu ukhothamele othulini, isisu sethu sinamathela emhlabathini. Sukumela usizo lwethu, usihlenge ngenxa yomusa wakho. Inhliziyo yami iphuphuma ngendaba enhle; ngikhuluma ngezinto engizenzele inkosi; ulimi lwami lulusiba. Umuhle kulabantwana babantu; umusa uthululwe endebeni zakho; ngenxa yalokho uNkulunkulu ukubusisile kuze kube phakade. Bhinca inkemba yakho. Lebukhosini bakho gada uphumulele, ngenxa yeqiniso lobumnene bokulunga. Imitshoko yakho ibukhali enhliziyweni yezitha zenkosi; izizwe zizakuwa ngaphansi kwakho. Isihlalo sakho sobukhosi, Nkulunkulu, ngesaphakade laphakade; intonga yakho yobukhosi iyintonga yobuqotho. Uthanda ukulunga, njalo uzonda ububi. Izembatho zakho zonke ziqholiwengemure; ezigodlweni zempondo zendlovu abakwenze wathokoza ngazo. Amadodakazi amakhosi aphakathi kwabesifazana bakho abadumileyo. Zwana, ndodakazi, unakane, ubeke indlebe yakho; ukhohlwe abantu bakini lendlu kayihlo; khona inkosi izalangatha ubuhle bakho; ngoba iyinkosi yakho. Lendodakazi yeTire ilesipho. Indodakazi yenkosi iyakhazimula yonke. Izalethwa enkosini; izintombi eziyilandelayo, abangane bayo, zizalethwa kuwe. Zizalethwa ngokuthaba lenjabulo, zizangena esigodlweni senkosi. Esikhundleni saboyihlo kuzakuba ngamadodana akho, uzawabeka abe yiziphathamandla emhlabeni wonke. Ibizo lakho ngizalenza likhunjulwe ezizukulwaneni zonke; ngenxa yalokho izizwe zizakudumisa kuze kube nini lanini. UNkulunkulu uyisiphephelo sethu lamandla ethu. Ngenxa yalokhu kasiyikwesaba ekuguqukeni komhlaba, lanxa izintaba zidilikela phakathi kwenlwandle. Amanzi alo kawahlokome, akhaphazele, izintaba zizamazame ngokukhukhumala kwalo. Sela. Kulo mfula, indawo engcwele yamathabhanekele oPhezukonke. UNkulunkulu uphakathi kwawo; uNkulunkulu uzawusiza ngovivi lokusa. Izizwe ziyaxokozela, imibuso izamazame. yamabandla ilathi, uNkulunkulu kaJakobe uyinqaba yethu. Sela. Wozani libone imisebenzi yeN, incithakalo eyenzileyo emhlabeni. Yenza izimpi ziphele kuze kube semkhawulweni womhlaba. Thulani, lazi ukuthi mina nginguNkulunkulu. yamabandla ilathi, uNkulunkulu kaJakobe uyinqaba yethu. Sela. Tshayani isandla, zizwe zonke. Ngoba iN, oPhezukonke, iyesabeka, yiNkosi enkulu phezu komhlaba wonke. Izakwehlisela abantu ngaphansi kwethu, lezizwe ngaphansi kwenyawo zethu. Izasikhethela ilifa lethu. UNkulunkulu wenyukile ngokuhlokoma, ngokukhala kophondo. Hlabelani indumiso kuNkulunkulu, hlabelelani indumiso. Hlabelani indumiso eNkosini yethu, hlabelelani indumiso. Ngoba uNkulunkulu uyiNkosi yomhlaba wonke. UNkulunkulu uyabusa phezu kwezizwe; uNkulunkulu uhlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi sobungcwele bakhe. Iziphathamandla zabantu zibuthene ndawonye, abantu bakaNkulunkulu kaAbrahama. Yinkulu iN, ingeyokudunyiswa kakhulu. Yinhle ngokuphakama. Ezigodlweni zawo uNkulunkulu uyaziwa ukuthi uyinqaba. Ngoba, khangela, amakhosi abuthana, adlula kanyekanye. Wona awubona, ngokunjalo amangala. Ukuthuthumela kwawabamba lapho. Ngomoya wempumalanga. Njengesikuzwileyo ngokunjalo sikubonile emzini weN yamabandla, emzini kaNkulunkulu wethu. Sizindle ngothandolomusa wakho, Nkulunkulu, phakathi kwethempeli lakho. Njengalo ibizo lakho, Nkulunkulu; isandla sakho sokunene sigcwele ukulunga. Kayithokoze intaba yeZiyoni. Ibhodeni iZiyoni, liyizingeleze, libale imiphotshongo yayo, liqaphelise umthangala wayo. Ngoba lo uNkulunkulu unguNkulunkulu wethu kuze kube nini lanini; yena uzasikhokhela kuze kube sekufeni. Zwanini lokhu lonke bantu, bonke abantukazana labaphakemeyo, abanothileyo labayanga, ndawonye. Umlomo wami uzakhuluma izinhlakanipho, lokuzindla kwenhliziyo yami kuzakuba yikuqedisisa. Ngizabeka indlebe yami kuso isaga. Ngizakwesabelani ensukwini zobubi. Abathemba ingcebo yabo, abazincoma ngobunengi benotho yabo, umuntu kasoze ahlenge lokuhlenga umfowabo, (ngoba uhlengo lomphefumulo wabo luligugu, futhi luyaphela laphakade) ukuze ahlale ephila phakade, angaboni ukubola. Ngoba ubona ukuthi abahlakaniphileyo bayafa. Umcabango wabo wangaphakathi uyikuthi izindlu zabo zizakuba ngezaphakade, izindawo zabo zokuhlala zibe ngezezizukulwana. Kodwa umuntu elodumo kayikuma. Le indlela yabo iyibuthutha babo; kube kanti ababalandelayo bathokoza ngomlomo wabo. Sela. Njengezimvu bamiselwe ingcwaba, ukufa kuzabelusa; labaqotho bazababusa ekuseni. Kodwa uNkulunkulu uzahlenga umphefumulo wami emandleni engcwaba. Ungesabi nxa umuntu enotha, nxa udumo lwendlu yakhe lusanda; ngoba ekufeni kwakhe kayikuthatha lutho, udumo lwakhe kaluyikwehla lumlandele. Lanxa empilweni yakhe wabusisa umphefumulo wakhe, njalo bakudumisa nxa uzenzela okuhle, uzakuya esizukulwaneni saboyise. Umuntu o lodumo, engaqedisisi, unjengezinyamazana e zibhubhayo. USomandla, uNkulunkulu, iN, ukhulumile. EseZiyoni, ukuphelela kobuhle. UNkulunkulu wethu uzakuza, kayikuthula; umlilo phambi kwakhe uzaqothula, enhlangothini zonke zakhe kuzakuba lesiphepho esikhulu. Uzabiza amazulu ephezulu, lomhlaba, ukwahlulela abantu bakhe. Buthelani kimi abangcwele bami. Lamazulu azatshumayela ukulunga kwakhe. Zwanini bantu bami, ngizakhuluma. Kangikusoli ngenxa yemihlatshelo yakho. Kangiyikuthatha ijongosi elivela emzini wakho. Ngoba ngeyami yonke inyamazana yehlathi, izinkomo ezisentabeni eziyizinkulungwane. Ngiyazazi izinyoni zonke zezintaba, lezilo zommango zikimi. Uba bengilambile, bengingayikukutshela, ngoba umhlaba ngowami lokugcwala kwawo. Ngizayidla yini inyama yezinkunzi, kumbe nginathe igazi lezimpongo? Nikela kuNkulunkulu. Ungibize osukwini lokuhlupheka. Kodwa komubi uNkulunkulu uthi: Ulani lokuthi utshumayele izimiso zami, kumbe uthathe isivumelwano sami emlonyeni wakho? Ngoba wena uzonda ukuqondiswa. Uba ubona isela, uthokozelana lalo, lesabelo sakho sisezifebeni. Umlomo wakho uyawunikela ebubini, lolimi lwakho luqambe inkohliso. Uhlala ukhulume umelene lomfowenu, uhlebe indodana kanyoko. Lezizinto uzenzile, ngathula. Kuqapheleni-ke lokhu, lina elikhohlwa uNkulunkulu. Onikela umnikelo wokubonga; lolungisa indlela yakhengizambonisa usindiso lukaNkulunkulu. Ngihawukela, Nkulunkulu. Ungigezisise ebubini bami, ungihlambulule esonweni sami. Ngoba mina ngiyazivuma iziphambeko zami. Ngonile kuwe, kuwe wedwa. Khangela, ngazalelwa ebubini, lomama wangomulela esonweni. Khangela, uthanda iqiniso endaweni ezingaphakathi; lekusithekeni ungenza ngazi inhlakanipho. Ngihlanze ngehisope, ngizahlambuluka. Ngizwise intokozo lenjabulo, ukuze athabe amathambo. Fihla ubuso bakho ezonweni zami. Nkulunkulu, dala kimi inhliziyo ehlambulukileyo. Ungangilahli. Buyisela kimi intokozo yosindiso lwakho, ungisekele ngo moya ovumayo. Khonangizafundisa abaphambukayo indlela zakho, lezoni zizaphendukela kuwe. Ngikhulula ecaleni legazi, Nkulunkulu. Nkosi, vula indebe zami, lomlomo wami uzamemezela indumiso yakho. Ngoba kawuthandi umhlatshelo, ngoba bengizawunika; kawuthokozi ngomnikelo wokutshiswa. Imihlatshelo kaNkulunkulu ingumoya odabukileyo, Nkulunkulu, kawuyikuyidelela. Yenzele iZiyoni okuhle ngokuthanda kwakho. Khona uzajabulela. Uzincomelani ngokubi, qhawe? Umusa kaNkulunkulu ukulolonke usuku. Ulimi lwakho. Uthanda okubi kulokuhle; amanga kulokukhuluma iqiniso. Sela. Uthanda wonke amazwi okuginya, limi lwenkohliso. UNkulunkulu laye uzakubhidliza phakade, akususe, akuhluthune ethenteni. Abalungileyo bazakubona, besithi: Khangelani, umuntu o ngamenzanga uNkulunkulu abe yinqaba yakhe, kodwa wathembela ebunengini benotho yakhe. Kodwa nginjengesihlahla somhlwathi esiluhlaza endlini kaNkulunkulu. Ngiyathemba emuseni kaNkulunkulu phakade laphakade. Ngizakudumisa kuze kube phakade ngoba ukwenzile. Ngizalindela ibizo lakho, ngoba lihle. Isithutha sithi enhliziyweni yaso: KakulaNkulunkulu. UNkulunkulu wakhangela phansi esemazulwini phezu kwabantwana babantu, ukubona ukuthi ukhona yini oqedisisayo, odinga uNkulunkulu. Bonke ngamunye wabo; kakho owenza okuhle, kakho loyedwa. Kabazi yini bonke abenzi bobubi, abadla abantu bami njengobabesidla isinkwa? Kababizi uNkulunkulu. Lapho besaba lokwesaba, kungekho okwesabekayo; ubayangisile, ngoba uNkulunkulu ubadelile. Kungathi insindiso zikaIsrayeli zingavela eZiyoni! Lapho uNkulunkulu ebuyisa ukuthunjwa kwabantu bakhe, uJakobe uzathaba, uIsrayeli athokoze. Nkulunkulu, ngisindisa ngebizo lakho, ungahlulele ngamandla akho. Nkulunkulu, zwana umkhuleko wami, ubeke indlebe emazwini omlomo wami. Ngoba abemzini bangivukele, abalolunya badinga umphefumulo wami, kababekanga uNkulunkulu phambi kwabo. Sela. Khangela, uNkulunkulu ungumsizi wami. Izaphindisela ububi ezitheni zami. Baqume. Ngizanikela umhlatshelo kuwe ngokukhululeka. Ngoba ungikhulule ekuhluphekeni konke, lelihlo lami libonile isiloyiso samiezitheni zami. Beka indlebe. Lalela kimi, ngenxa yelizwi lesitha, ngenxa yembandezelo yomubi; ngoba bangethwesa ububi, langentukuthelo bayangizonda. Inhliziyo yami iyafutha phakathi kwami, lezethuso zokufa ziwele phezu kwami. Uvalo. Ngasengisithi: Kungathi ngabe ngilempiko njengejuba! Bengizaphaphela khatshana, ngiphumule. Khangela, bengingabalekela khatshana ngihlale enkangala. Sela. Bengizaphangisisa ukuphunyuka kwami, ngisuke emoyeni ovunguzayo, esiphephweni. Sanganisa, Nkosi, yehlukanisa ulimi lwabo. Emini lebusuku bayawubhoda phezu kwemithangala yawo; njalo ububi lenkathazo kuphakathi kwawo. Inkohlakalo iphakathi kwawo. Ngoba kakusisitha esi ngiyangisayo, uba kunjalo bengizakuthwala; kakusuye ongizondayo o ziphakamisa phezu kwami; uba kunjalo bengizamcatshela. Kodwa nguwe, umuntu olingana lami. Esasicebisana ngokumnandi sonke. Ukufa kakubazume, kabehlele. Mina ngizabiza uNkulunkulu, ingisindise-ke. Kusihlwa lekuseni, ibisilizwa ilizwi lami. Ikhululile umphefumulo wami ngokuthula empini emelene lami, ngoba babebanengi. UNkulunkulu uzakuzwa, abahluphe, ngitsho yena obehlezi endulo. Sela. Welule isandla sakhe kwabaxolelene laye, wasingcolisa isivumelwano sakhe. Umlomo wakhe. Phosela umthwalo wakho phezu kweN KOSI. Kodwa wena, Nkulunkulu, uzabehlisela. Woba lomusa kimi, Nkulunkulu; usuku lonke esilwa uyangicindezela. Izitha zami zifuna uku ngi ginya usuku lonke. Mhla ngisesaba, mina ngizathemba kuwe. KuNkulunkulu ngizadumisa ilizwi lakhe? Usuku lonke baphambanisa amazwi ami; yonke imicabango yabo imelene lami ngokubi. Bayabuthana. Bazaphunyuka yini ngobubi? Ekuthukutheleni wisela phansi abantu, Nkulunkulu. Ukuzulazula kwami ukubalile; wena faka izinyembezi zami embodleleni yakho? Khona izitha zami zizabuyela emuva. KuNkulunkulu ngizadumisa ilizwi, eNni ngizadumisa ilizwi. KuNkulunkulu ngiyathemba? Nkulunkulu, izifungo zakho ziphezu kwami. Ngoba uwukhulule umphefumulo wami ekufeni, yebo, inyawo zami ekukhubekeni. Ngihawukela, Nkulunkulu, ngihawukela. Ngizakhala kuNkulunkulu oPhezukonke, kuNkulunkulu ongiphelelisela khona. Uzathumela esemazulwini, angisindise. Umphefumulo. Phakama ngaphezu kwamazulu, Nkulunkulu; ubukhosi bakho bube phezu komhlaba wonke. Balungisele izinyathelo zami imbule; bawele phakathi kwalo. Sela. Inhliziyo yami iqinisiwe, Nkulunkulu, inhliziyo yami iqinisiwe. Ngizahlabelela ngihube indumiso. Vuka! Ngizavusa ukusa. Ngizakudumisa phakathi kwabantu, Nkosi, ngihlabelele kuwe phakathi kwezizwe. Ngoba umusa wakho mkhulu kuze kube semazulwini, leqiniso lakho kuze kube semayezini. Phakama ngaphezu kwamazulu, Nkulunkulu; ubukhosi bakho bube phezu komhlaba wonke. Isibili likhuluma okulungileyo yini, babusi? Lehlulela ngokuqonda yini, madodana abantu? Yebo, enhliziyweni lenza okubi, lilinganisa udlakela lwezandla zenu emhlabeni. Ababi baba ngabemzini kusukela esiswini, bayaduha kusukela esizalweni, beqamba amanga. Ubuhlungu babo bunjengobuhlungu benyoka, banjengebululu elingezwayo, elivimba indlebe yalo, ukuze lingezwa ilizwi labalumbi. Nkulunkulu, yephula amazinyo abo emlonyeni wabo. Kabancibilike njengamanzi agelezayo. Kahambe njengomnenke oncibilikayo. Imbiza zenu zingakaluzwa. Olungileyo uzathokoza lapho ebona impindiselo. Ukuze umuntu athi: Impela ukhonaumvuzo wolungileyo. Ngikhulula ezitheni zami, Nkulunkulu wami. Ngikhulula kubenzi bobubi. Ngoba, khangela, bacathamela umphefumulo wami. Ngaphandle kwecala bayagijima bezilungisa. Wena-ke, N Nkulunkulu wamabandla, Nkulunkulu kaIsrayeli. Bayabuyela kusihlwa, behlaba umkhulungwane njengenja, bezingelezela umuzi. Khangela, bempompoloza ngomlomo wabo? Kodwa wena, N, uzabahleka. Ngenxayamandla akhe ngizalindela kuwe, ngoba uNkulunkulu uyinqaba yami. UNkulunkulu womusa wami uzangandulela. Ungazibulali, hlezi abantu bakithi bakhohlwe; uzizulazulise ngamandla akho. Nge sono somlomo wazo, ng elizwi lendebe zazo, kazibanjwe ekuzigqajeni kwazo, langenxa yokuhlambaza lokuqamba amanga ezikukhulumayo. U zi qede ngokuthukuthela, u zi qede zingabi khona, ukuze bazi ukuthi uNkulunkulu uyabusa koJakobe. Kababuyele-ke kusihlwa behlaba umkhulungwane njengenja, bezingelezela umuzi. Bona kabazulazulele ukudla. Kodwa mina ngizahlabelela ngamandla akho; yebo, ngizahlabelela kakhulu ekuseni ngomusa wakho; ngoba ube yinqaba yami. Mandla ami, ngizahlabelela kuwe, ngoba uNkulunkulu uyinqaba yami. Nkulunkulu, ubusilahlile, wasibhidliza. Uzamazamisile umhlaba, wawuqhekeza; silisa imikenke yawo, ngoba uyazamazama. Abantu bakho ubabonisile okulukhuni. Ubanikile labo abakwesabayo isiboniso. Ukuze. UNkulunkulu ukhulumile ebungcweleni bakhe. Ngeyami iGileyadi, njalo ngowami uManase. UMowabi ungumganu wami wokugezela, memeza ngokunqoba. Ngubani ozangisa emzini oqinileyo? Ngubani ozangiholela eEdoma? Kawusilahlanga yini, Nkulunkulu? Siphe usizo ekuhlupheni, ngoba luyize uncedo lomuntu. KuNkulunkulu sizakwenza ngobuqhawe. Zwana, Nkulunkulu, ukukhala kwami, ulalele umkhuleko wami. Ngisemkhawulweni womhlaba ngizakhala kuwe, inhliziyo yami isiphela amandla; ngikhokhelela edwaleni eliphakemeyo kulami. Ngoba ubuyisiphephelo sami. Ngizahlala ethenteni lakho kuze kube nininini. Ngoba wena, Nkulunkulu, uzwile izifungo zami, wa ngi nika ilifa labesaba ibizo lakho. Uzakwengeza; iminyaka yayo izakuba njengesizukulwana lesizukulwana. Kayihlale phambi kukaNkulunkulu kuze kube nininini; umise umusa leqiniso, ukuze kuyilondoloze. Ngalokho ngizahlabela indumiso ebizweni lakho kuze kube nininini, ukuze ngigcwalise izifungo zami insuku ngensuku. Ngoqotho, umphefumulo wami uyamlindela uNkulunkulu ngokuthula; luvela kuye usindiso lwami. Nguye kuphela olidwala lami losindiso lwami. Koze kube nini liceba ububi limelene lomuntu? Lonke lizabulawa, njengomduli otshekileyo, uthango oludilikayo. Baceba kuphela uku m wisa ekuphakameni kwakhe. Mphefumulo wami, lindela ngokuthula kuNkulunkulu kuphela; ngoba ithemba lami livela kuye. Nguye kuphela olidwala lami losindiso lwami. LukuNkulunkulu usindiso lwami lodumo lwami. Thembani kuye isikhathi sonke, linabantu. Ngoqotho. Lingathembeli embandezelweni, lingamisi ithemba eliyize ekuphangeni. UNkulunkulu ukhulumile kwaba kanye. Lomusa ungowakho. Nkulunkulu, unguNkulunkulu wami, ngizakudinga ngovivi. Njengoba ngikubonile endaweni engcwele, ngibone amandla akho lobukhosi bakho. Ngoba uthandolomusa wakho; indebe zami zizakudumisa. Ngokunjalo ngizakubonga ngisaphila. Umphefumulo wami uzasutha kungathi ngomnkantsho lamahwahwa, lomlomo wami uzadumisa ngezindebe ezithabisayo. Lapho ngikukhumbula embhedeni wami. Ngoba ubulusizo lwami. Umphefumulo wami unamathele ekukulandeleni, isandla sakho sokunene siyangisekela. Kodwa a badinga umphefumulo wami ukuwuchitha. Bazanikelwa emandleni enkemba, babe yisabelo samakhanka. Kodwa inkosi izathokoza kuNkulunkulu. Zwana, Nkulunkulu, ilizwi lami esikhalazweni sami, ulondoloze impilo yami ekwesabeni isitha. Ungifihle ecebeni elifihliweyo lababi, abalola ulimi lwabo njengenkemba, ukutshoka. Baziqinisa e dabe niolubi, bekhuluma ngokuthiya? Badingisisa iziphambeko; silungile ngecebo elicetshwe ngobuqili; umcabango wangaphakathi womuntu kanye lenhliziyo kujulile. Kodwa uNkulunkulu uzabatshoka ngomtshoko masinyane; bazalinyazwa. Njalo bazakwenza olwabo ulimi luwele phezu kwabo. Labo bonke abantu bazakwesaba. Olungileyo uzajabula eNni. Ukulinda ngokuthula kuyindumiso kuwe, Nkulunkulu, eZiyoni, lesifungo sizagcwaliswa kuwe. Wenaozwa umkhuleko. Izinto zobubi zingehlule. Ubusisiwe o m khethayo. Nge zinto ezesabekayo uzasiphendula, Nkulunkulu wosindiso lwethu. Omisa izintaba ngamandla akhe, ebhince amandla. Othulisa. Labakhileyo emikhawulweni bayesaba iziboniso zakho; wenza kuhlabele kuthokoze ukuphuma kokusa lokokuhlwa. Uyahambela umhlaba uwuthelele, uwuvundise kakhulu. Uyathelela kakhulu imisele yawo, ulalise imigelo yawo. Uyethesa umnyaka ngomqhele wobuhle bakho; lemikhondo yakho ithonta amafutha. Ithontela. Amadlelo embethe imihlambi, lezigodi zisitshekelwe ngamabele. Mhubeleni ngentokozo uNkulunkulu, mhlaba wonke. Hlabelani ubukhosi bebizo lakhe, lenze udumo lwakhe lube lenkazimulo. Tshonini kuNkulunkulu lithi: Yeka ukwesabeka kwezenzo zakho! Ngenxa yobukhulu bamandla akho izitha zakho zizakuthobela ngenkohliso. Umhlaba wonke uzakukhonza, uhlabelele kuwe, bahlabelele ibizo lakho. Sela. Wozani libone izenzo zikaNkulunkulu. Ulwandle waluphendula lwaba ngumhlaba owomileyo. Ubusa ngamandla akhe kuze kube nininini; amehlo akhe ayazilinda izizwe. Bongani uNkulunkulu, zizwe, lizwakalise ilizwi lendumiso yakhe. Obeka umphefumulo wethu empilweni, ongavumanga ukuthi unyawo lwethu lutshelele. Ngoba usihlolile, Nkulunkulu. Wasingenisa embuleni, wabeka inhlupheko enkalweni zethu. Wenze abantu bagade phezu kwekhanda lethu, kodwa wasikhuphela endaweni elokunengi. Ngizangena endlini yakho ngileminikelo yokutshiswa, indebe zami eziziphumisileyo, lomlomo wami ozikhulumileyo ngisekuhluphekeni. Ngizanikela kuwe iminikelo yokutshiswa yezinonileyo, kanye lempepha yezinqama; ngizanikela inkomo kanye lezimpongo. Sela. Wozani lizwe lina lonke elimesabayo uNkulunkulu, ngizalandisa akwenzele umphefumulo wami. Ngakhala kuye ngomlomo wami, waphakanyiswa ngaphansi kolimi lwami. Uba benginanze ububi enhliziyweni yami. Qotho uNkulunkulu uzwile. Kabongwe uNkulunkulu, ongabuyiselanga emuva umkhuleko wami, kumbe umusa wakhe kimi. Nkulunkulu, woba lomusa kithi usibusise. Ukuze indlela yakho yaziwe emhlabeni, usindiso lwakho ezizweni zonke. Kazikudumise izizwe, Nkulunkulu, kabakudumise abantu bonke. Izizwe kazijabule zihlabele ngentokozo, ngoba uzabahlulela abantu ngokuqonda, uhole izizwe emhlabeni. Sela. Kazikudumise izizwe, Nkulunkulu, kabakudumise abantu bonke. Umhlaba uzathela izithelo zawo; uNkulunkulu, uNkulunkulu wethu uzasibusisa. UNkulunkulu uzasibusisa, layo yonke imikhawulo yomhlaba izamesaba. UNkulunkulu kavuke, labamzondayo babaleke phambi kwakhe. Njengokuphetshethwa kwentuthu ba phephethe. Kodwa abalungileyo kabajabule, bathabe phambi kukaNkulunkulu, njalo bathokoze ngentokozo. Hlabelelani kuNkulunkulu, hlabelelani indumiso ebizweni lakhe. Ung uyise wezintandane lomahluleli wabafelokazi, uNkulunkulu endaweni yakhe yokuhlala engcwele. UNkulunkulu uhlalisa. Nkulunkulu, ekuphumeni kwakho phambi kwabantu bakho: Umhlaba wazamazama, lawo amazulu athontisa phambi kukaNkulunkulu. Walinisa izulu elikhulu, Nkulunkulu; waliqinisa wena ilifa lakho selikhathele. Ibandla lakho lahlala kulo. INkosi yanika ilizwi; abesifazana ababika izindaba babelixuku elikhulu. Amakhosi amabutho ayabaleka. Lanxa lilala phakathi kwezibaya zezimvu. Lapho uSomandla echitha amakhosi kulo. Intaba yeBashani yintaba kaNkulunkulu, intaba elezingqonga, intaba yeBashani. Likhangelelani ngomhawu, lina zintaba zezingqonga. Izinqola zikaNkulunkulu, iNkosi iphakathi kwazo, iSinayi endaweni engcwele. Wena wenyukele phezulu. Kayibongwe iNkosi; isethwesa insuku ngensuku; uNkulunkulu ulusindiso lwethu. Sela. UNkulunkulu wethu unguNkulunkulu wezinsindiso; lakuJehova iNkosi. Kodwa uNkulunkulu uzaphohloza ikhanda lezitha zakhe, ukhakhayi olulenwele lwalowo ohamba ezonweni zakhe. INkosi yathi: Ngiza ba buyisa be vela eBashani, ukuze inyawo zakho uzigxamuze egazini lezitha. Zibonile izindwendwe zakho, Nkulunkulu; izindwendwe zikaNkulunkulu wami, iNkosi yami, endaweni engcwele. Ngaphambili kuhamba abahlabelayo. Bongani uNkulunkulu emabandleni. Nango uBhenjamini omncinyane umbusi wabo. UNkulunkulu wakho ulaye amandla akho; qinisa, Nkulunkulu, lokho osenzele khona. Ngenxa yethempeli lakho eJerusalema amakhosi. Sikhuze. Iziphathamandla zizakuza zivela. Mibuso yomhlaba, hlabelelani kuNkulunkulu, lihlabelele indumiso eNkosini. Sela. Kuyo egade. Phanini amandla kuNkulunkulu; ubukhosi bakhe buphezu kukaIsrayeli. Uyesabeka, Nkulunkulu; uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli nguye onika abantu bakheamandla lengalo. Kabongwe uNkulunkulu. Ngisindisa, Nkulunkulu, ngoba amanzi asengene. Ngiyatshona odakeni olujulileyo, lapho okungelakuma khona. Ngidiniwe yikukhala kwami, umphimbo wami womile qha. Abangizondayo ngeze. Nkulunkulu, wena uyabazi ubuthutha bami, lezono zami kazifihlakalanga kuwe. Kabangayangeki ngenxa yami labo abakulindeleyo, Nkosi Jehova wamabandla; bangadunyazwa ngenxa yami labo abakudingayo, Nkulunkulu kaIsrayeli. Ngoba ngenxa yakho ngithwele ihlazo; inhloni zisibekele ubuso bami. Sengaba ngowemzini, lowezizweni kubantwana bakamama. Ngoba ukutshisekela indlu yakho kungidlile. Ngasengilila ekuzileni ukudla komphefumulo wami, njalo kwaba yikudunyazwa kimi. Ngasengisenza isaka isembatho sami. Abahlezi esangweni bakhuluma ngami, njalo ngabayingoma yabanatha okunathwayo okulamandla. Kodwa mina umkhuleko wami ukuwe, N KOSI. Ungophule odakeni. Impophoma yamanzi kayingangicwilisi. Ngiphendula, N, ngoba uthandolomusa wakho lulungile. Njalo ungayifihleli ubuso bakho inceku yakho. Sondela emphefumulweni wami, uwuhlenge, ungikhulule ngenxa yezitha zami. Wena uyakwazi ukuthukwa kwami. Ukuthukwa kuyidabule inhliziyo yami, njalo ngibuthakathaka. Basebengipha inyongo ibe yikudla kwami Itafula labo eliphambi kwabo kalibe ngumjibila, ibe yisifu sabonwabileyo. Amehlo abo kawafiphale ukuze bangaboni. Thela intukuthelo yakho phezu kwabo, lolaka lwakho oluvuthayo lubafice. Indawo yabo yokuhlala kayibe lunxiwa, kungabi khona ohlala emathenteni abo. Ngoba omtshayileyo wena. Yengezelela ukona ekoneni kwabo, ukuze bangangeni ekulungeni kwakho. Kabesulwe ogwalweni lwabaphilayo. Kodwa mina ngilusizi, ngiyafuthelwa; usindiso lwakho, Nkulunkulu, kalungimise phezulu ngivikelekile. Ngizadumisa ibizo likaNkulunkulu ngehubo, ngimkhulise. Kuzakuba kuhle-ke eNni okwedlula inkabi. Abathobekileyo bazabona, bathokoze. Ngoba iyabezwa abaswelayo, njalo kayideleli izibotshwa zayo. Kakuthi amazulu lomhlaba kuyidumise, izinlwandle lakho konke okunyakaza phakathi kwazo. Ngoba uNkulunkulu uzasindisa iZiyoni, ayakhe imizi yakoJuda. Lenzalo. Nkulunkulu, ngophula, N, phangisa ungisize. Kabayangeke babe lenhloni bonke abadinga umphefumulo wami; kababuyiselwe emuva bayangiswe. Kababuyele emuva kube ngumvuzo wehlazo labo abathi: Aha, aha! Kabathabe bajabule kuwe bonke abakudingayo; labathanda usindiso lwakho kabatsho njalo bathi: Kabe mkhulu uNkulunkulu! Kodwa ngingumyanga njalo ngiyaswela; Nkulunkulu, phangisa uze kimi. Wena ungumsizi wami lomkhululi wami; N, ungaphuzi. Kuwe, N, ngiyaphephela; kangingayangeki lanininini. Ngikhulula ngokulunga kwakho, ungophule; beka indlebe yakho kimi, ungisindise. Woba lidwala lokuhlala kimi, ngiye kulo njalonjalo. Nkulunkulu wami, ngophula esandleni somubi lesandleni songalunganga lolesihluku. Ngoba wena, ulithemba lami Nkosi, Jehova, ithemba lami kwasebutsheni bami. Ngeyame kuwe; indumiso yami ingawe njalonjalo. Benginjengesimangaliso kwabanengi; kodwa wena uyisiphephelo sami esiqinileyo. Umlomo wami kawugcwaliswe ngendumiso yakho, usuku lonke ngodumo lwakho. Ungangilahli esikhathini sokuluphala. Ngoba izitha zami zikhuluma zimelene lami, labacathamela umphefumulo wami bayacebisana, besithi: UNkulunkulu umtshiyile; zingelani, limbambe, ngoba kakho okhululayo. Nkulunkulu, ungabi khatshana lami. Kabayangeke baphele. Kodwa mina ngizathemba njalonjalo, ngengeze ekudunyisweni kwakho konke. Umlomo wami uzalandisa ukulunga kwakho, usuku lonke usindiso lwakho. Ngizahamba emandleni eNkosi uJehova, ngiqambe ukulunga kwakho, okwakho kuphela. Nkulunkulu, ungifundisile kusukela ebutsheni bami, njalo kuze kube khathesi ngitshumayele izimangaliso zakho. Lalapho sengiluphele sengiyimpunga. Lokulunga kwakho, Nkulunkulu, kufika ezingqongeni? Ongenze ngabona inhlupheko ezinengi lezibuhlungu. Uzakwandisa ubukhulu bami, ungiduduze inhlangothi zonke. Lami ngizakudumisa ngogubhu lwezintambo. Indebe zami zizamemeza ngentokozo lapho ngihlabelela kuwe, lomphefumulo wami owuhlengileyo. Futhi ulimi lwami luzakhuluma ngokulunga kwakho usuku lonke. Nkulunkulu, nika inkosi izahlulelo zakho lokulunga kwakho. Izakwehlulela abantu bakho ngokulunga, labayanga bakho ngokuqonda. Izintaba zizalethela. Izakwahlulela abahluphekayo babantu, isindise abantwana babaswelayo, ifohloze umcindezeli. Bazakwesaba wena lisekhona ilanga, isekhona lenyanga, ku zizukulwana nge zizukulwana. Izakwehla njengezulu. Ensukwini zayo olungileyo uzahluma. Izabusa-ke kusukela elwandle kusiya elwandle. Abahlala enkangala. Amakhosi. Amakhosi wonke azayikhothamela, izizwe zonke ziyikhonze. Ngoba izamkhulula oswelayo ekhala. Izahawukela ongumyanga loswelayo, isindise imiphefumulo yabaswelayo. Izahlenga umphefumulo wabo ecindezelweni ledlakeleni. Izaphila, inikwe okwegolide leShebha. Kuzakuba khona inala yamabele elizweni ezingqongeni zezintaba; izithelo zawo zihatshazele njengeLebhanoni; labomuzi. Ibizo layo lizakuba khona kuze kube phakade, lebizo layo lizakwanda lisekhona ilanga. Njalo bazabusiswa kuyo. Kayibongwe uNkulunkulu, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli. Kalibusiswe ibizo lakhe elilodumo kuze kube nininini! Imikhuleko. Qotho uNkulunkulu ulungile kuIsrayeli, kulabo abahlambulukileyo enhliziyweni. Kodwa mina inyawo zami zaphose zasuka, izinyathelo zami zaphose zatshelela. Ngoba. Ngoba kakulazibopho ekufeni kwabo, kodwa amandla abo aqinile. Kabakho enhluphekweni njengabanyeabantu, njalo kabahlutshwa nje ngabanyeabantu. Ngakho-ke ukuzigqaja kuyabazungeza. Amehlo abo aqumbile ngamafutha; iminakano yenhliziyo iyaphuphuma. Bayakloloda, bakhulume ngobubi ngocindezelo; bakhuluma. Bamisa umlomo wabo umelene lamazulu, lolimi lwabo luhamba emhlabeni. Ngakho abantu bakhe bayaphendukela lapha. Njalo bathi: UNkulunkulu wazi njani? Kukhona ulwazi yini koPhezukonke? Khangela, laba ngabangelaNkulunkulu, kanti bayaphumelela elizweni, bandisa inotho. Isibili ngihlambulule inhliziyo yami ngeze. Ngoba ngihlutshiwe usuku lonke. Uba bengingathi: Ngizakhuluma ngokunje. Lapho nganakana ukwazi lokhu, kwakubuhlungu emehlweni ami, ngaze ngangena ezindlini ezingcwele zikaNkulunkulu. Isibili ubamisa. Yeka ukuchitheka kwabo njengokucwayiza kwelihlo. Njengephupho ekuphaphameni. Ngakho inhliziyo yami yaba buhlungu, ngahlatshwa ezinsweni zami. Njalo ngaba yisiphukuphuku esingaziyo. Kodwa mina ngihlezi ngilawe; ubambe isandla sami sokunene. Uzangikhokhela ngeseluleko sakho. Ngilobani emazulwini ngaphandle kwakho? Njalo kakukho engikufisayo emhlabeni ngaphandle kwakho. Inyama yami lenhliziyo yami kuyaphela. Ngoba khangela, abakhatshana lawe bazabhubha. Kodwa mina kungilungele ukusondela kuNkulunkulu; ngibeke isiphephelo sami eNkosini uJehova, ukutshumayela zonke izenzo zakho. Nkulunkulu, u si lahleleni kokuphela? Ulaka lwakho luvuth elaningakuzo izimvu zedlelo lakho? Khumbula ibandla lakho o wa li thenga endulo, intonga yelifa lakho o wa yi hlengayo, le intaba yeZiyoni ohlala kuyo. Phakamisa inyawo zakho ezincithakalweni eziqhubekayo, konke okubi izitha ezikwenzileyo endaweni engcwele. Izitha zakho zibhongile phakathi kwezindawo zakho zokubuthanela, zamisa impawu zazo zibe zimpawu. Umuntuwaziwa njengophakamisa amahloka eguswini lezihlahla. Kodwa khathesi zitshaye okubaziweyo kwayo ndawonye ngamahloka lezando. Zinikele indlu yakho engcwele emlilweni, zangcolisa indawo yokuhlala yebizo lakho ngokuyiwiselaemhlabathini. Zathi enhliziyweni yazo: Kasibachithe ndawonye. Zatshisa zonke indawo zokubuthanela zikaNkulunkulu elizweni. Impawu zethu kasiziboni; kakusekho mprofethi; kakho kithi owaziyo ukuthi koze kube nini. Koze kube nini, Nkulunkulu, umcindezeli edelela? Isitha sizahlambaza ibizo lakho kokuphela yini? Usifinyezeleni isandla sakho, yebo isandla sakho sokunene? Si khuphe phakathi kwesifuba sakho. Kanti uNkulunkulu uyiNkosi yami kusukela endulo, eyenza insindiso phakathi komhlaba. Nguwe owehlukanisa ulwandle ngamandla akho; wafohloza amakhanda emigobho emanzini. Nguwe owachoboza amakhanda kaLeviyathani, wamnikela waba yikudla kwabantu enkangala. Nguwe owaqhekeza umthombo lesifula, nguwe owomisa imifula egeleza njalo. Usuku ngolwakho, lobusuku ngobakho; nguwe owamisa ukukhanya lelanga. Nguwe owamisa yonke imikhawulo yomhlaba; nguwe owenza ihlobo lobusika. Khumbula lokhu, isitha siyangisile, N, labantu abayizithutha bahlambazile ibizo lakho. Ungawunikeli umphefumulo wejuba lakho ezinyamazaneni zendle; ungakhohlwa ixuku lezihlupheki zakho phakade. Nanzelela isivumelwano; ngoba indawo ezimnyama zomhlaba zigcwele indawo zokuhlala zesihluku. Kangabuyeli eyangekile ocindezelweyo; ohluphekayo loswelayo kabalidumise ibizo lakho. Vuka, Nkulunkulu! Ulumele udaba lwakho, ukhumbule ihlazo lakho ngoyisiwula usuku lonke. Ungakhohlwa ilizwi lezitha zakho, ukuxokozela kwabakuvukelayo kwenyuka njalonjalo. Siyakubonga, Nkulunkulu, siyabonga, ukuthi ibizo lakho liseduze, iyalandisa imisebenzi yakho emangalisayo. Lapho ngisemukela isikhathi esimisiweyo. Umhlaba labo bonke abakhileyo kuwo kuncibilikile. Ngathi kwabayiziwula: Lingabi yiziwula. Lingaphakamiseli phezulu uphondo lwenu, li nga khulum ingentamo. Ngoba ukuphakanyiswa kakuveli empumalanga kumbe entshonalanga njalo hatshi enkangala. Kodwa uNkulunkulu ungumahluleli. Ngoba esandleni seN KOSI. Kodwa mina ngizatshumayela njalonjalo, ngihlabele indumiso kuNkulunkulu kaJakobe. Njalo zonke impondo zababi ngizaziquma. UNkulunkulu uyaziwa koJuda; ibizo lakhe likhulu koIsrayeli. Njalo idumba, lendawo yakhe yokuhlala eZiyoni. Lapho wephula, isihlangu, lenkemba, lempi. Sela. Uyakhazimula, ulobukhosi okwedlula izintaba zempango. Baphangiwe abaqinileyo ngenhliziyo; njalo kakho emaqhaweni othole izandla zawo. Ekukhalimeni kwakho, Nkulunkulu kaJakobe, kokubili inqola lebhiza. Wena, wena uyesabeka? Wenza isahlulelo sizwakale usemazulwini; umhlaba wesaba wathula, mhla uNkulunkulu evukela isahlulelo, ukusindisa bonke abathobekileyo bomhlaba. Sela. Qotho, ulaka lomuntu luzakudumisa. Fungani, likhokhe eNni uNkulunkulu wenu. Izaquma umoya weziphathamandla; iyesabeka emakhosini omhlaba. Ilizwi lami likuNkulunkulu, njalo ngiyakhala, ilizwi lami likuNkulunkulu, wasebeka indlebe kimi. Osukwini lokuhlupheka kwami ngayidinga iNkosi. Ngamkhumbula uNkulunkulu, ngabubula. Ubambe amehlo ami ukuthi angalali; ngakhathazeka, kangisakhulumanga. Ngakhumbula. Ngakhumbula ingoma yami. INkosi izalahla kokuphela yini? Uthandolomusa wayo seluphelile kokuphela yini? Isithembiso sesiphelile kusukela kusizukulwana kusiya kusizukulwana na? UNkulunkulu usekhohliwe ukuba lomusa yini. Ngasengisithi: Lobu yibuthakathaka bami; iminyaka yesandla sokunene soPhezukonke. Ngizakhumbula. Ngizazindla. Nkulunkulu, indlela yakho isendaweni engcwele? Wena unguNkulunkulu owenza. Ngengalo yakho. Amanzi akubona, Nkulunkulu, amanzi akubona. Amayezi athulula amanzi. Ilizwi lokuduma kwakho lalisesivunguvungwini. Indlela yakho iselwandle. Wakhokhela abantu bakho. Lalelani, bantu bami, umthetho wami, libeke indlebe yenu emazwini omlomo wami. Ngizavula umlomo wami, esizizwileyo lesizaziyo, obaba abasitshela zona. Kasiyiku zi fihlela abantwana babo. Ngoba wamisa ubufakazi, ukuze isizukulwana esilandelayo sazi, ukuze babeke ithemba labo kuNkulunkulu, bangayikhohlwa imisebenzi kaNkulunkulu; njalo bangabi njengaboyise. Abantwana bakoEfrayimi, behlomile. Kabasilondolozanga isivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu, bala ukuhamba emlayweni wakhe. Bakhohlwa izenzo zakhe. Phambi kwaboyise wenza isimangaliso. Waqhekeza ulwandle, wabachaphisa. Wabakhokhela ngeyezi emini, lebusuku bonke ngokukhanya komlilo. Waqhekeza amadwala enkangala, wa ba nathisa kungathi kuvelae zinziki niezinkulu. Waseveza izifula, wenza amanzi ehla njengemifula. Kodwa baphinda futhi ukona kuye, ngokumvukela oPhezukonke. Bamlinga uNkulunkulu enhliziyweni yabo ngokucela ukudla kwenkanuko yabo. Basebekhuluma bemelene loNkulunkulu bathi: UNkulunkulu angalungisa itafula enkangala yini? Khangela, watshaya idwala? Ngakho yezwa yathukuthela, ngoba kabakholwanga kuNkulunkulu, kabathembanga esindisweni lwakhe. Lanxa walaya amayezi ngaphezulu, wavula iminyango yamazulu, wabanisela imana ukuthi badle. Umuntu wadla isinkwa sabalamandla. Wenza umoya wempumalanga wavunguza emazulwini; langamandla akhe waqhuba umoya weningizimu. Wasenisela phezu kwabo inyama njengothuli; wazenza zawela phakathi kwenkamba yabo, zagombolozela indawo zabo zokuhlala. Ngakho badla basutha kakhulu. Kabehlukananga lenkanuko yabo, ulaka lukaNkulunkulu lwaselubavukela. Kulokhu konke bajinga besona. Ngakho waziqeda izinsuku zabo, leminyaka yabo ovalweni. Lapho ebabulala, bamdinga. Bakhumbula ukuthi uNkulunkulu ulidwala labo. Kodwa bamyenga ngomlomo wabo. Ngoba inhliziyo yabo. Kodwa yena elesihawu; yebo, kanengi walunqanda ulaka lwakhe, kakuvusanga konke ukuthukuthela kwakhe. Ngoba wakhumbula. Kanengi kangakanani bemvukela ehlane, bemdabukisa. Yebo baphenduka bamlinga uNkulunkulu. Kabasikhumbulanga isandla sakhe, usuku abahlenga ngalo esitheni. Ukuthi wamisa njani, lokuthi waphendula imifula yabo yaba ligazi. Wathumela phakathi kwabo umtshitshi wezibawu, ezabadlayo. Wasenika imihogoyi isivuno sabo. Wabulala ivini labo ngesiqhotho. Wasenikela izifuyo zabo esiqhothweni, lemihlambi yabo kuyo imibane. Waphosela phezu kwabo ukuvutha kolaka lwakhe, ukuthukuthela, lokucunuka, lokuhlupheka, ngo kuthuma izithunywa zobubi. Walungisela ulaka lwakhe indlela, kanqandanga umphefumulo wabo ekufeni, kodwa wanikela impilo yabo kumatshayabhuqe wesifo. Wasetshaya wonke amazibulo eGibhithe. Wasebakhupha abantu bakhe. Wasebakhokhela bephephile ukuze bangesabi. Wasebafikisa emkhawulweni wendawo yakhe engcwele. Wasebaxotsha abezizwe phambi kwabo, wahlalisa izizwe zakoIsrayeli emathenteni azo. Kanti, kabazigcinanga izifakazelo zakhe. Kodwa babuyela emuva, benza ngokungathembeki njengaboyise. Ngoba bamthukuthelisa. UNkulunkulu esizwa wathukuthela. Ngakho walitshiya. Wasenikela amandla akhe, lenkazimulo yakhe esandleni sesitha. Wasenikela abantu bakhe. Umlilo waqeda amajaha abo, lezintombi zabo kazihlatshelelwanga. Abapristi babo bawa ngenkemba. Khona iNkosi yavuka njengobelele. Yazitshaya izitha zayo emuva, yazithela ihlazo phakade. Yasilahla ithente. Kodwa yakhetha isizwe sakoJuda, intaba yeZiyoni eyithandayo. Yayakha indlu yayo engcwele njengezingqonga, njengomhlaba ewusekeleyo kuze kube nininini. Yasikhetha uDavida inceku yayo; ekulandeleni izimvukazi ezenyisayo. Njalo wabelusa njengobuqotho benhliziyo yakhe. Nkulunkulu, abezizwe. Banikile izidumbu zezinceku zakho zaba yikudla kwenyoni zamazulu. Balichithile igazi labo njengamanzi. Sesibe yinhlamba kubomakhelwane bethu. Koze kube nini, N KOSI? Thulula ulaka lwakho phezu kwabezizwe. Ngoba bamdlile uJakobe, lomuzi wakhe sebewenze unxiwa. Ungakhumbuli umelene lathi izono zethu zendulo. Sisize, Nkulunkulu wosindiso lwethu, ngenxa yodumo lwebizo lakho. Kungani abezizwe bezakuthi: Ungaphi uNkulunkulu wabo? Kawaziwe phakathi kwezizwe phambi kwamehlo ethu, impindiselo yegazi lenceku zakho elachithwayo. Ukububula kwezibotshwa kakuze phambi kwakho. Uphindisele omakhelwane bethu. Khona thina abantu bakho. Melusi kaIsrayeli, beka indlebe, okhokhela uJosefa. Phambi kukaEfrayimi loBhenjamini loManase. Siphendule, Nkulunkulu. N Nkulunkulu wamabandla? Ubenze badla isinkwa sezinyembezi. Usenza sibe yingxabano kubomakhelwane bethu, lezitha zethu ziyahlekisana ngathi. Siphendule, Nkulunkulu wamabandla, wenze ubuso bakho bukhanye, ngakho sizasindiswa. Waliletha ivini livela eGibhithe. Walungisa indawophambi kwalo, wagxilisa impande zalo, laze lagcwala umhlaba. Izintaba zembeswa ngomthunzi walo, lezingatsha zalo zi njenge misedari kaNkulunkulu. Lanabisela ingatsha zalo elwandle. Uyibhobozeleni imiduli yalo? Ingulube yasehlathini iyalihlikiza. Nkulunkulu wamabandla, akubuyele, ngitsho isivini isandla sakho sokunene esasihlanyelayo, lendodana. Sitshisiwe ngomlilo. Isandla sakho kasibe phezu komuntu. Ngakho kasiyikubuyela emuva sisuke kuwe; sivuselele, khona sizabiza ibizo lakho. N, Nkulunkulu wamabandla, siphendule, wenze ubuso bakho bukhanye, ngakho sizasindiswa. Hlabelani kakhulu kuNkulunkulu amandla ethu. Thathani ingoma, lilethe isigujana. Vuthelani uphondo. Ngoba lokho kuyisimiso kuIsrayeli, umthetho kaNkulunkulu kaJakobe. Wakumisa kwaba yibufakazi. Ngasusa ihlombe lakhe. Wakhala usenhluphekweni, ngakukhulula. Zwana, sizwe sami. Kakungabi khona phakathi kwakho unkulunkulu wezizweni. Mina ngiyiN, uNkulunkulu wakho, owakwenyusa usuka elizweni leGibhithe. Kodwa abantu bami kabalilalelanga ilizwi lami; loIsrayeli kavumelananga lami. Ngakho ngabanikela enkanini yenhliziyo yabo. Kungathi abantu bami bebengangilalela! Masinyane bengingazehlisela phansi izitha zabo, ngiphendulele isandla sami kwabamelene labo. Abayizondayo bangatshotshobala phambi kwayo ngokuzenzisa, kodwa isikhathi sabo besizakuba phakade. Wayezabondla ngamanono engqoloyi; njalo bengizakusuthisa ngoluju oluvela edwaleni. UNkulunkulu. Koze kube nini lisahlulela ngokungalunganga. Yahlulelani umyanga. Khululani. Kabazi kabaqedisisi. Mina ngathi. Kodwa lizakufa, liwe njengesinye seziphathamandla. Vuka, Nkulunkulu! wahlulele umhlaba. Nkulunkulu, ungazithuleli. Ngoba, khangela, izitha zakho ziyaxokozela. Benzela abantu bakho iseluleko sobuqili. Bathi: Wozani, sibaqume, lebizo likaIsrayeli lingabe lisakhunjulwa. Ngoba bacebisana nganhliziyonye; amathente eEdoma; iGebali; iAshuri layo isizihlanganise labo. Yenza kubo njengeMidiyani. Babhubhela eEndori. Yenza zona izikhulu zabo zibe njengoOrebi, abathi: Kasizithathele. Nkulunkulu wami, benze babe njengokuhwithwayo, njengomlilo utshisa ihlathi. Ngokunjalo baxotshe. Gcwalisa ubuso babo ngehlazo, ukuze balidinge ibizo lakho, N. Kababe lenhloni bethuke kuze kube nininini. Ukuze bazi. Athandeka kangakanani! Umphefumulo wami uyalangatha. Intaka layo iyathola indlu. Babusisiwe abahlala endlini yakho. Ubusisiwe umuntu omandla akhe akuwe, okukhona imigwaqo emikhulu enhliziyweni yabo. Abadabula isihotsha seBaka basenza sibe ngumthombo; yebo, insewula. Bahamba besuka emandleni besiya emandleni. N Nkulunkulu wamabandla, zwana umkhuleko wami, ubeke indlebe, Nkulunkulu kaJakobe. Sela. Nkulunkulu. Ngoba usuku emagumeni akho lungcono kulenkulungwane. Ngikhetha ukuba sembundwini womnyango endlini kaNkulunkulu wami kulokuhlala emathenteni enkohlakalo. Ngoba uNkulunkulu ililanga. N yamabandla, ubusisiwe umuntu othemba kuwe. N, ubulomusa elizweni lakho. Ubuyisile ukuthunjwa kukaJakobe. Wathethelela ububi babantu bakho. Ukususile konke ukuthukuthela kwakho, waphenduka. Siphendule, Nkulunkulu wosindiso lwethu. Uzasithukuthelela kokuphela yini? Kawuyikubuya usivuselele yini? Sitshengise umusa wakho, N, usinike usindiso lwakho. Ngizakuzwa lokho uNkulunkulu azakukhuluma. Isibili usindiso lwakhe luseduze kulabo abamesabayo. Umusa leqiniso. Iqiniso lizaphuma emhlabeni. Yebo, izanika okuhle. Ukulunga kuzahamba phambi kwayo, kwenzele izinyathelo zayo indlela. Beka indlebe yakho, N, ungiphendule. Londoloza umphefumulo wami, ngoba ngiyamesaba uNkulunkulu; wena Nkulunkulu wami, sindisa inceku yakho ekuthembayo. Woba lesihawu kimi, Nkosi. Thokozisa umphefumulo wenceku yakho, ngoba kuwe, Nkosi, ngiyawuphakamisela umphefumulo wami. Ngoba wena, Nkosi, ulungile, ungothethelelayo. Beka indlebe, N, emkhulekweni wami. Ngosuku lokuhlupheka kwami ngizakhala kuwe. Kakho ofanana lawe phakathi kwabonkulunkulu, Nkosi. Izizwe zonke ozenzileyo zizakuza. Ngoba wena umkhulu. Ngifundisa indlela yakho, N KOSI. Ngizakudumisa, Nkosi Nkulunkulu wami, ngenhliziyo yami yonke; ngilidumise ibizo lakho kuze kube nininini. Ngoba umusa wakho phezu kwami mkhulu; njalo wakhulula umphefumulo wami. Nkulunkulu, abazigqajayo bangivukele, lemibuthano yabalobudlwangudlwangu idinga umphefumulo wami; njalo kabakubekanga phambi kwabo. Kodwa wena, Nkosi, unguNkulunkulu olozwelo, lolesisa. Phendukela kimi. Ngenzela isiboniso. Isisekelo sayo. iyawathanda amasango eZiyoni kulazo zonke indawo zokuhlala zikaJakobe. Izinto ezidumileyo zikhulunywa ngawe, muzi kaNkulunkulu! Sela. Ngizaqamba iRahabi. LangeZiyoni kuzakuthiwa: Lo lalowayana bazalelwa kuyo. LoPhezukonke uqobo uzayiqinisa. izabala. Labahlabeleli kanye labagidi, yonke imithombo yami ikuwe. N Nkulunkulu wosindiso lwami. Umkhuleko wami kawuze phambi kwakho; beka indlebe yakho ekukhaleni kwami. Ngoba umphefumulo wami ugcwele ukuhlupheka, lempilo yami ifinyelela. Ngibalwa lalabo abehlela emgodini; nginjengomuntu ongelamandla. Ngikhululwe phakathi kwabafileyo, nginjengababuleweyo abalele engcwabeni, ongasabakhumbuliyo. Ungifakile emgodini ongaphansi kakhulu. Intukuthelo yakho iyangeleka, la ngawowonke amagagasi akho ungihluphile. Sela. Ususele khatshana lami abejwayelene lami. Ilihlo lami liyaphela ngenxa yosizi. Abafileyo uyabenzela izimangaliso yini. Uthando lwakho luzalandiswa yini engcwabeni? Izimangaliso zakho zizakwaziwa yini? Kodwa mina, N, ngikhalile kuwe. N, ulahlelani umphefumulo wami? Ngihluphekile ngingofayo kusukela ebutsheni, ngithwele ukwesabeka kwakho, ngikhathazekile. Ulaka lwakho olutshisayo ludlulile phezu kwami. Kungizingelezile njengamanzi usuku lonke. Ususele khatshana lami. Ngizahlabela. Ngoba ngithe: Umusa uzakwakhiwa kuze kube phakade. Ngenze isivumelwano lomkhethwa wami. Ngizaqinisa inzalo yakho kuze kube nininini. Lamazulu azadumisa. Ngoba ngubani esibhakabhakeni ongafananiswa leN KOSI? UNkulunkulu uyesabeka kakhulu emhlanganweni. N Nkulunkulu wamabandla, ngubani olamandla. Wena uyabusa ukukhukhumala kolwandle; lapho amagagasi alo ephakama wena uyawathulisa. Wena wamchoboza uRahabi njengobuleweyo. Amazulu ngawakho, lomhlaba ngowakho. Inyakatho leningizimu wakudala wena. Ulengalo elamandla, isandla sakho siqinile, isandla sakho sokunene siphakeme. Ukulunga lesahlulelo. Babusisiwe abantu abawaziyo umsindo wentokozo. Ebizweni lakho bazathokoza usuku lonke, langokulunga kwakho bazaphakanyiswa. Ngoba wena uludumo lwamandla abo. Ngoba isihlangu sethu singeseN, lenkosi yethu. Khona wakhuluma ngombono. Ngithole uDavida inceku yami, osandla sami sizakuba laye siqinile. Isitha kasiyikumcindezela, lendodana yenkohlakalo kayiyikumhlupha. Ngizazichoboza izitha zakhe phambi kobuso bakhe, ngihluphe abamzondayo. Kodwa uthembeko lwami. Njalo ngizabeka isandla sakhe olwandle. Yena uzangibiza ngokuthi: Wena ungubaba wami. Njalo mina ngizammisa abe lizibulo. Ngizaligcinela umusa wami kuze kube nininini. Njalo ngizamisa inzalo yakhe kuze kube nininini. Uba abantwana bakhe, bangahambi ngezahlulelo zami, uba besephula izimiso zami, bengagcini imithetho yami, ngizaphindisela iziphambeko zabo. Kodwa kangiyikulususa du uthandolomusa wami kuye. Kangiyikwephula, lalokho okuphuma endebeni zami kangiyikukuguqula. Ngafunga kwaba kanye: Kangiyikuqamba amanga kuDavida. Inzalo yakhe izakuba khona kuze kube nininini. Sizaqiniswa njengenyanga. Kodwa wena usulahlile. Usenze ize isivumelwano senceku yakho. Uyibhobozile yonke imithangala yakhe, wazenza inqaba zakhe amanxiwa. Bonke abadlula ngendlela bayamphanga. Usiphakamisile isandla sokunene sabamelene laye; wazithokozisa zonke izitha zakhe. Futhi ubuyisele emuva ubukhali benkemba yakhe; kawumenzanga ame empini. Uyiqedile inkazimulo yakhe, lesihlalo sakhe sobukhosi wasiphosela emhlabathini. Ufinyezile insuku zobutsha bakhe, wamembesa ihlazo. Sela. Koze kube nini, N KOSI? Khumbula? Ngubani umuntu ophilayo? Akhulule umphefumulo wakhe esandleni sengcwaba na? Sela. Zingaphi izisa zakho zakuqala, Nkosi? Khumbula, Nkosi, ihlazo lezinceku zakho, izitha zakho ezithuke ngalo, N KOSI. Kayibongwe kuze kube nininini. Ameni, loAmeni. Nkosi, wena ubuyindawo yethu yokuhlala kusizukulwana lesizukulwana. Zingakazalwa intaba. Uyambuyisela umuntu encithakalweni, uthi: Buyelani, bantwana babantu. Ngoba iminyaka eyinkulungwane emehlweni akho. Uyabakhukhula. Ekuseni, bubune. Ngoba siqedwa yikuthukuthela kwakho, langolaka lwakho sibhujiswe. Ubekile iziphambeko zethu phambi kwakho. Ngoba insuku zethu zonke ziyedlula elakeni lwakho; sichitha iminyaka yethu njengokubeka iphika. Insuku zeminyaka yethu, kuleminyaka engamatshumi ayisikhombisa kuzo; njalo uba ngenxa yamandla zingamatshumi ayisificaminwembili, kanti ukuzigqaja kwayo kuyinhlupheko losizi, ngoba aphangisa aqunywe, sibe sesiphapha sinyamalale. Ngubani owaziyo amandla okuthukuthela kwakho? Lanjengokwesabeka kwakho lunjaloulaka lwakho. Ngokunjalo si fundise ukubala insuku zethu, ukuze sizuze inhliziyo yenhlakanipho. Phenduka, N KOSI. Sisuthise ekuseni ngomusa wakho. Sithokozise njengokwensuku owasihlupha ngazo. Umsebenzi wakho kawubonakale ezincekwini zakho, lenkazimulo yakho ebantwaneni bazo. Ubuhle beNkosi, uNkulunkulu wethu, kabube phezu kwethu. Ohlezi ekusithekeni koPhezukonke. Ngizakuthi eNni: Uy isiphephelo sami. Sibili yena uzakukhulula. Uzakusibekela ngensiba zakhe. Kawuyikwesaba isesabiso sebusuku, umtshoko ophaphayo emini, umatshayabhuqe wesifo ohambayo emnyameni. Bazakuwa abayinkulungwane eceleni kwakho, labayizinkulungwane ezilitshumi ngakwesokunene sakho; kuwe kakuyikusondela. Uzakhangela nje ngamehlo akho, ubone impindiselo kwababi. Ngoba wena, N, uyisiphephelo sami. Kakulabubi obuzakwehlela. Ngoba uzalaya. Zizakuphatha ezandleni, hlezi utshayeke ngonyawo lwakho elitsheni. Uzanyathela. Ngoba uyangithanda kakhulu, ngakho ngizamkhulula. Uzangibiza, njalo ngimphendule; ngibe laye ekuhluphekeni. Ngizamsuthisa ngobude bezinsuku, ngimtshengise usindiso lwami. Kuhle; ukutshumayela uthandolomusa wakho ekuseni, ngechacho elilentambo ezilitshumi elikhala kamnandi. Ngoba ungithokozisile, N, ngomsebenzi wakho. Mikhulu kangakanani imisebenzi yakho, N KOSI. Isiphukuphuku kasazi. Lapho ababi, kuyi kuze babhujiswe kuze kube phakade. Kodwa wena, N, uphakeme kuze kube nininini. Ngoba khangela, izitha zakho, N KOSI. Kodwa uzaphakamisa uphondo lwami. Lelihlo lami lizabona isiloyiso samiezitheni zami, indlebe zami zizakuzwa mayelana lababi abangivukelayo. Olungileyo. Abahlanyelwe. Bazabe belokhu bethela izithelo ebudaleni babo, bakhuluphale babeluhlaza, ukutshumayela ukuthi i qondile. iyabusa. Isihlalo sakho sobukhosi samiswa kwasendulo; usukela ephakadeni. Imifula iphakamisile, N KOSI. IN KOSI. Izifakazelo zakho ziqinisekile kakhulu; ubungcwele buyifanele indlu yakho, N, kuze kube ebudeni bezinsuku. N, Nkulukulu wempindiselo! Phakama. N, koze kube nini ababi? Bepopota? N, bayabaphohloza abantu bakho, bayalihlupha ilifa lakho. Babulala umfelokazi lowezizweni, lentandane bazibulale. Kanti bathi. Qedisisani? Yena owagxumeka indlebe kezwa yini? Owabumba ilihlo kaboni yini? Yena olaya izizwe kajezisi yini, kaziyini? iyayazi imicabango yomuntu. N KOSI, ukumphumuza. Ngoba kayiyikubalahla abantu bayo, kayiyikulitshiya ilifa layo. Kodwa isahlulelo sizabuyela ekulungeni, labo bonke abaqotho enhliziyweni bazakulandela. Ngubani ozangisukumela? Uba ibingesilo usizo lwami. Lapho ngathi: Unyawo lwami luyatshelela. Ebunengini bemicabango yami engaphakathi kwami induduzo zakho zithokozisa umphefumulo wami. Isihlalo sobukhosi sobubi singahlanganyela lawe? Bayahlangana ukumelana lomphefumulo wolungileyo, balahla igazi elingelacala. Kodwa iyinqaba yami. Izaphindisela phezu kwabo ububi babo. Wozani, siyihlabelele iN, senze umsindo wentokozo. Kasize phambi kobuso bayo ngokubonga, senze umsindo wentokozo kuyo ngezihlabelelo. Ngoba inguNkulunkulu omkhulu. Okusesandleni sayo indawo zomhlaba ezizikileyo, lezingqonga zezintaba zingezayo. Olungolwayo ulwandle, yona-ke yalwenza. Wozani, sikhonze. Ngoba yona inguNkulunkulu wethu, thina-ke singabantu bedlelo layo, lingayenzi ibe lukhuni inhliziyo yenu, lapho oyihlo bangilinga bengihlola. Iminyaka engamatshumi amane ngaze ngathi: Bangabantu abaduhayo enhliziyweni, bona kabazazi indlela zami. Engafunga kubo ekuthukutheleni kwami. Hlabelani eNni. Hlabelani eNni, lidumise ibizo layo, litshumayele usindiso lwayo insuku ngensuku. Landisani udumo lwayo phakathi kwezizwe, izimangaliso zayo phakathi kwabantu bonke. Ngoba yinkulu iN, ifanele ukudunyiswa kakhulu, yona iyesabeka phezu kwabonkulunkulu bonke. Ngoba bonke onkulunkulu bezizwe bayizithombe; kodwa yenza amazulu. Ubukhosi lenkazimulo kuphambi kwayo, amandla. Inikeni iN, zizukulwana zezizwe. Inikeni udumo lwebizo layo. Ikhonzeni ebuhleni bobungcwele; lithuthumele phambi kwayo, mhlaba wonke. Tshonini phakathi kwezizwe: iyabusa. Kawathokoze amazulu, lomhlaba ujabule; kaluhlokome ulwandle lokugcwala kwalo. Iganga kalithabe lakho konke okukulo phambi kweN, ngoba iyeza, ngoba iyeza ukwahlulela umhlaba. iyabusa. Amayezi. Umlilo uhamba phambi kwayo, utshisa izitha zayo inhlangothi zonke. Imibane yayo ikhanyisa umhlaba; umhlaba wabona, wathuthumela. Izintaba zancibilika. Amazulu atshumayela ukulunga kwayo, labantu bonke babona inkazimulo yayo. Bayayangeka bonke abakhonza izithombe. IZiyoni yezwa, yathokoza. Ngoba wena, N, uphakeme phezu komhlaba wonke. Lina elithanda iN, zondani okubi. Ukukhanya kuhlanyelelwe olungileyo. Thokozani eNni, lina balungileyo. Hlabelelani ingoma entsha. yazisile usindiso lwayo. Ikhumbule. Hlokomani ngentokozo eNni, mhlaba wonke. Hlabelelani eNni ngechacho. Ngezimpondo. Kaluholobe ulwandle. Imifula kayitshaye izandla phambi kweN, ngoba iyeza ukwahlulela umhlaba; izawahlulela umhlaba ngokulunga. iyabusa; abantu kabathuthumele. yinkulu eZiyoni; njalo iphakeme phezu kwezizwe zonke. Kazidumise ibizo lakho elikhulu lelesabekayo. Lamandla eNkosi athanda isahlulelo. Phakamisani uNkulunkulu wethu. UMozisi loAroni. Yakhuluma labo iphakathi kwensika yeyezi. N Nkulunkulu wethu, wena wabaphendula. Phakamisani uNkulunkulu wethu. Hlabelelani ngokuthaba. Ikhonzeni ngenjabulo, wozani phambi kwayo ngokuhlabela ngentokozo. Yazini ukuthi inguNkulunkulu. Yiyo eyasenzayo, njalo ayisithi. Ngenani emasangweni ayo ngokubonga. Ibongeni, lidumise ibizo layo. Ngoba ilungile. Ngizahlabela ngomusa lesahlulelo; ngizahlabela kuwe, N. Ngizaziphatha ngenhlakanipho ngendlela eqotho. Kangiyikubeka phambi kwamehlo ami into embi. Ngiyakuzonda ukwenza kwabaphambukayo; kakuyikunamathela kimi. Inhliziyo ephambeneyo izasuka kimi. Ohleba umakhelwane wakhe ensitha, yena ngizamquma. Amehlo ami azakuba kwabathembekileyo belizwe, ukuze bahlale lami. Ohamba endleleni eqotho, yena uzangikhonza. Owenza inkohliso kayikuhlala phakathi kwendlu yami; okhuluma amanga kayikuma phambi kwamehlo ami. Insuku zonke ekuseni ngizabaquma bonke ababi belizwe. N, zwana umkhuleko wami. Ungangifihleli ubuso bakho. Ngoba insuku zami ziyanyamalala njengentuthu. Inhliziyo yami itshayiwe, yabuna njengotshani, ngaze ngakhohlwa ukudla isinkwa sami. Ngenxa yelizwi lokububula kwami amathambo ami anamathela esikhumbeni sami. Ngifanana lewunkwe yenkangala. Ngiyalinda, senginjengenyoni ehlezi yodwa ephahleni. Izitha zami ziyangithuka usuku lonke; abangihlanyelayo. Ngoba ngidle umlotha njengesinkwa, ngixubanise okunathwayo kwami lezinyembezi, ngenxa yentukuthelo yakho lolaka lwakho; ngoba ungiphakamisile. Insuku zami zinjengesithunzi. Kodwa wena, N, uzahlala kuze kube nininini. Wena uzavuka uhawukele iZiyoni. Ngoba inceku zakho ziyawathanda amatshe ayo. Khona izizwe zizalesaba ibizo leN KOSI. Lapho izayakha iZiyoni. Izaphendukela emkhulekweni, kayiyikudelela umthandazo wabo. Lokhu kuzabhalelwa. Ngoba yakhangela phansi isekuphakameni kwendawo yayo engcwele, ukuzwa ukububula kwesibotshwa, ukukhulula abamiselwa ukufa; ukulandisa ibizo leN eZiyoni, lendumiso yayo eJerusalema, lapho izizwe zibuthana ndawonye, lemibuso, ukuyikhonza iN. Yathoba amandla ami endleleni, yafinyeza insuku zami. Ngathi: Nkulunkulu wami. Endulo wawusekela umhlaba, lamazulu angumsebenzi wezandla zakho. Lokho kuzabhubha. Kuzaguga-ke konke njengesembatho, njengesigqoko uzakuguqula, njalo kuzaguqulwa. Kodwa wena unguwe njalo, leminyaka yakho kayipheli. Abantwana benceku zakho. Bonga iN, mphefumulo wami, lakho konke okuphakathi kwami kubongeibizo layo elingcwele. Busisa iN, mphefumulo wami, ethethelela zonke izono zakho, ehlenga, esuthisa umlomo wakho ngokuhle. iyabenzela ukulunga. Yamazisa uMozisi indlela zayo, abantwana bakoIsrayeli izenzo zayo. ilesihawu lomusa, iyaphuza ukuthukuthela, njalo ivame ububele. Kayiyikuphikisana njalonjalo. Kayisenzelanga njengokwezono zethu Ngoba njengokuphakama kwamazulu ngaphezu komhlaba. Njengobukhatshana bempumalanga kuyo intshonalanga, ngokunjaloizisusele khatshana lathi iziphambeko zethu. Njengoyise ehawukela abantwana. Ngoba iyakwazi ukubunjwa kwethu. Umuntu, insuku zakhe zinjengotshani. Ngoba umoya wedlula phezu kwakhe, njalo angabikho. Kodwa umusa weN usukela ephakadeni usiya ephakadeni, kubo abagcina isivumelwano sayo. imisile isihlalo sayo sobukhosi emazulwini. Busisani iN, lina zingilosi zayo. Bongani iN, lonke mabandla ayo. Bongani iN, lonke misebenzi yayo, endaweni zonke zombuso wayo. Bonga iN, mphefumulo wami. Ozembesa ngokukhanya njengesembatho. Owabeka imijabo. Owenza izingilosi zakhe zibe yimimoya. Wamisa umhlaba phezu kwezisekelo zawo. Wawugubuzela ngokujula njengesembatho; amanzi ema phezu kwezintaba. Ekukhuzeni kwakho abaleka; - zenyuka izintaba, zehla izihotsha. Wamisa. Othumela imithombo ezihotsheni, yahamba phakathi kwezintaba. Yanathisa yonke inyamazana yeganga. Inyoni zamazulu zakhela emaceleni ayo, zizwakalisa ilizwi ziphakathi kwezingatsha. Uthelela izintaba. Umilisela izifuyo utshani, lewayini. Ziyasutha. Lapho inyoni ezakhela khona izidleke; ingabuzane, izihlahla zefiri ziyindlu yalo. Intaba eziphakemeyo zingezamagogo. Inyanga wayenzela izikhathi ezimisiweyo. Wenza umnyama, kube sebusuku. Izilwane ezintsha. Ilanga liphuma, zibuthane, zilale ezikhundleni zazo. Umuntu uphuma. Minengi kangakanani imisebenzi yakho, N! Yonke uyenze ngenhlakanipho. Lolulwandle olukhulu lolubanzi. Kuhamba khona imikhumbi, uLeviyathani. Zonke lezi zilindele kuwe. Uyazinika, zibuthe; uvula isandla sakho, zisuthe okuhle. Ufihla ubuso bakho, zikhathazeke. Uthumela umoya wakho, zidalwe; wenze bube butsha ubuso bomhlaba. Udumo lweN ka lum e kuze kube nininini; kayithokoze ngemisebenzi yayo. Ikhangela umhlaba, uthuthumele. Ngizahlabelela ngisaphila. Ukuzindla kwami ngaye kuzakuba mnandi; mina ngizathokoza eNni. Izoni kaziqedwe emhlabeni, kungabe kusaba khona ababi! Bongani iN, libize ibizo layo. Hlabelelani kuyo, lihlabelele amahubo kuyo, likhulume ngezenzo zayo zonke ezimangalisayo. Zincomeni ebizweni layo elingcwele; kayithokoze inhliziyo yabadinga iN. Dingani lamandla ayo, lidinge ubuso bayo njalonjalo. Khumbulani izenzo zayo ezimangalisayo eyazenzayo, izimangaliso zayo lezahlulelo zomlomo wayo, nzalo kaAbrahama inceku yayo. Yona iyuNkulunkulu wethu; izahlulelo zayo zisemhlabeni wonke. Iyakhumbula isivumelwano sayo kuze kube nininini, eyasenza loAbrahama, lesifungo sayo kuIsaka; eyasiqinisa kuJakobe saba yisimiso, kuIsrayeli sabayisivumelwano esilaphakade, isithi: Ngizakunika wena ilizwe leKhanani, isabelo selifa lakho. Besebalutshwana ngenani; basebezula besuka esizweni besiya esizweni, besuka ko munyeumbuso besiya kwabanye abantu; kayivumelanga muntu ukubahlupha; yasikhuza amakhosi ngenxa yabo, isithi: Lingathinti abagcotshiweyo bami. Yasibiza indlala phezu kwelizwe. Yathuma indoda phambi kwabo. Bazwisa ubuhlungu inyawo zakhe. Kwaze kwaba yisikhathi sokufika kwelizwi lakhe. Inkosi yathuma. Yambeka waba yinkosi yendlu yayo, lombusi wemfuyo yayo yonke, ukubopha iziphathamandla zayo. UIsrayeli wasefika eGibhithe. Wenza abantu bayo bazale kakhulu, yabenza baba lamandla kulezitha zabo. Yaphendula inhliziyo yabo ukuzonda abantu bayo. Yasithuma uMozisi inceku yayo. Babeka phakathi kwabo izinto zezibonakaliso zayo. Yathumela umnyama. Yaphendula amanzi abo aba ligazi, yabulala inhlanzi zawo. Ilizwe labo, emakamelweni amakhosi abo. Yakhuluma. Yabanika isiqhotho saba lizulu. Yasitshaya isivini sabo lomkhiwa wabo, yephula izihlahla zomngcele wabo. Yakhuluma, okwaqeda yonke imibhida elizweni labo, kwaqeda isithelo somhlabathi wabo. Yasitshaya amazibulo wonke elizweni labo. Yasibakhupha belesiliva legolide. IGibhithe yathokoza ekuphumeni kwabo. Yendlala iyezi laba yisisibekelo, lomlilo wokukhanyisa e busuku. Bacela. Yavula idwala. Ngoba yakhumbula isithembiso sayo esingcwele, lo Abrahama inceku yayo. Yasikhupha abantu bayo ngentokozo, abakhethiweyo bayo ngenjabulo. Yasibanika amazwe abezizwe, ukuze bagcine izimiso zayo! Dumisani iN! Ibongeni iN KOSI. Ngubani ongalandisa izenzo ezilamandla zeN, azwakalise yonke indumiso yayo? Babusisiwe abagcina izahlulelo, owenza ukulunga. Ngikhumbule, N, ngothando olalo ku bantu bakho; ngethekelele ngosindiso lwakho; ukuze ngibone okuhle kwabakhethiweyo bakho. Sonile. Obaba eGibhithe kabaqedisisanga izimangaliso zakho. Loba kunjalo wabakhulula ngenxa yebizo lakhe. Wasekhuza uLwandle oluBomvu. Wasebasindisa esandleni somzondi. Amanzi asibekela izitha zabo. Basebekholwa amazwi akhe. Baphanga bakhohlwa imisebenzi yakhe. Kodwa bakhanuka lokukhanuka ehlane. Wasebanika isicelo sabo. Basebesiba lomhawu ngoMozisi enkambeni. Umhlaba wavuleka waginya uDathani. Lomlilo wavutha eqenjini labo. Benza ithole, bakhonza isithombe esibunjwe ngokuncibilikisa. Basebeguqula inkazimulo yabo. Bamkhohlwa uNkulunkulu umsindisi wabo, izimangaliso elizweni likaHamu. Ngakho wathi. Yebo, baleyisa ilizwe elihle. Kodwa bakhonona emathenteni abo, kabalilalelanga ilizwi leN. Ngakho waphakamisa isandla sakhe emelene labo, ukubawisa enkangala, lokuwisa inzalo yabo phakathi kwezizwe, lokubahlakaza emazweni. Basebezihlanganisa. Basebe m thukuthelisa ngezenzo zabo, lenhlupheko yafohlela kibo. Kwasekusukuma uPhinehasi. Lokhu kwasekubalelwa kuye kube yikulunga, esizukulwaneni ngesizukulwana kuze kube nininini. Basebemthukuthelisa emanzini empikisano. Ngoba bacunula umoya wakhe. Kabazibhubhisanga izizwe. Kodwa bazihlanganisa lezizwe, bafunda imisebenzi yazo. Basebekhonza izithombe zazo. Lamadodana abo lamadodakazi abo bawahlabela amadimoni. Bachitha igazi elingelacala, igazi lamadodana abo lamadodakazi abo, abawahlabela izithombe zeKhanani. Basebengcola ngemisebenzi yabo. Ngakho ulaka lweN KOSI. Yabanikela esandleni sezizwe, lababazondayo bababusa. Lezitha zabo zabacindezela. Yabakhulula kanengi. Loba kunjalo yabona ukuhlupheka kwabo. Yabakhumbulela isivumelwano sayo. Yabanika izisa phambi kwabo bonke ababebathumbile. Sisindise, N Nkulunkulu wethu. Kayibongwe iN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, kusukela phakade kuze kube sephakadeni. Dumisani iN! Ibongeni iN, ngoba ilungile, ngoba umusa wayo umikuze kube phakade. Kabatsho njaloabahlengiweyo beN KOSI. Yababutha. Bazulazula enkangala. Belambile njalo bomile. Khona bakhala eNni. Yabakhokhela ngendlela eqondileyo. Kabayidumise ngo musa wayo la nge misebenzi yayo emangalisayo ebantwaneni babantu! Ngoba iyasuthisa. Abahlala emnyameni, ngoba bavukela amazwi kaNkulunkulu. Ngakho wathoba inhliziyo yabo ngokuhlupheka; bakhubeka, njalo kwakungekho umsizi. Khona bakhala eNni ekuhluphekeni kwabo, yabasindisa ezinsizini zabo. Yabakhupha. Kabayidumise ngo musa wayo, la nge misebenzi yayo emangalisayo ebantwaneni babantu! Ngoba yephule izivalo zethusi, yaquma imigoqo yensimbi. Abayizithutha, ngenxa yendlela yeziphambeko zabo langenxa yezono zabo, bahlutshiwe. Umphefumulo wabo wenyanya ukudla konke. Khona bakhala eNni ekuhluphekeni kwabo, yabasindisa ezinsizini zabo. Yathumela. Kabayidumise ngo musa wayo, la nge misebenzi yayo emangalisayo ebantwaneni babantu! Njalo kabahlabe imihlatshelo yokubonga. Abehlela olwandle ngemikhumbi; laba babona izenzo zeN, lemisebenzi yayo emangalisayo ekujuleni. Ngoba iyakhuluma. Benyukela emazulwini, behlele enzikini; umphefumulo wabo uncibilika ngosizi. Bayadengezela bebhadazela. Khona bakhala eNni ekuhluphekeni kwabo, yabakhupha ezinsizini zabo. Yenza isiphepho. Basebethokoza ngoba aye se thule, yasibaholela ethekwini lesifiso sabo. Kabayibonge ngo musa wayo, la nge misebenzi yayo emangalisayo ebantwaneni babantu! Njalo kabayiphakamise! Yenza imifula ibe yinkangala, lemithombo yamanzi ibe ngumhlabathi owomileyo, umhlabathi ovundileyo ube ligwadule, ngenxa yobubi babahlezi kuwo. Iphendula inkangala. Ihlalise khona abalambileyo, njalo bamise umuzi wokuhlala; bahlanyele amasimu, bagxumeke izivini, ezithela izithelo zesivuno. Njalo iyababusisa ukuze bande kakhulu, lezifuyo zabo kayizinciphisi. Babuye banciphe, bathotshiswe ngocindezelo, ububi, losizi. Ithela ukudelelwa phezu kweziphathamandla. Kube kanti ihlalisa phezulu umyanga ekuhluphekeni. Abalungileyo bazabona bathokoze. Loba ngubani ohlakaniphileyo uzaqaphelisa lezizinto; labo bazaqedisisa izisa zeN. Inhliziyo yami iqinile, Nkulunkulu. Ngizahlabelela ngitshotshe, ngitsho udumo lwami! Vukani gubhu lwezintambo lechacho! Ngizavusa ukusa. Ngizakudumisa, N, phakathi kwabantu, ngihlabele indumiso kuwe phakathi kwezizwe. Ngoba umusa wakho mkhulu phezu kwamazulu. Phakama, Nkulunkulu, ngaphezu kwamazulu, lobukhosi bakho phezu komhlaba wonke. Ukuze abathandekayo bakho bakhululwe; sindisa nge sandla sakho sokunene, ungiphendule. UNkulunkulu ukhulumile ebungcweleni bakhe. Ngizathaba, ngiyabe iShekema, ngilinganise isihotsha seSukothi. Ngeyami iGileyadi, ngowami uManase, loEfrayimi ungamandla ekhanda lami, uJuda ungumnikumthetho wami. UMowabi ungumganu wami wokugezela; phezu kukaEdoma ngizaphosela inyathela lami; mayelana lami, wena Filisti, memeza ngokunqoba. Ngubani ozangisa emzini oqinileyo? Ngubani ozangiholela eEdoma? Kawusilahlanga yini, Nkulunkulu; kawuphumanga, Nkulunkulu, lamabutho ethu? Siphe usizo ekuhlupheni, ngoba luyize uncedo lomuntu. KuNkulunkulu sizakwenza ngobuqhawe, ngoba yena uzanyathelela phansi izitha zethu. Nkulunkulu wendumiso yami. Ngoba umlomo wokhohlakeleyo lomlomo wenkohliso uvulekile umelene lami; bakhulume lami ngolimi lwamanga. Bangihanqa ngamazwi enzondo, balwa bemelene lami kungelasizatho. Esikhundleni sothando lwami bayizitha zami. Basebengibuyisela okubi esikhundleni sokuhle, lenzondo esikhundleni sothando lwami. Umise omubi. Ekwahlulelweni kwakhe kaphume elecala. Insuku zakhe kazibe nlutshwana; omunye athathe isikhundla sakhe. Abantwana bakhe kabangabi loyise, lomkakhe abengumfelokazi. Abantwana bakhe kabazulazule. Umebolekisi kabambe konke alakho. Kungabi khona omelulela umusa. Inzalo yakhe kayiqunywe. Ububi baboyise bukhunjulwe eNni. Kabube phambi kweN njalonjalo, ukuze aqume ukukhunjulwa kwabo kusuke emhlabeni. Ngenxa yokuthi wayengakhumbuli ukwenza umusa, kodwa wazingela umuntu ohluphekayo longumyanga. Njengoba wathanda ukuqalekisa, ngakho kakwehlele kuye; njengoba wayengathandi ukubusisa, ngakho kakube khatshana laye. Njengoba wagqoka isiqalekiso njengesigqoko sakhe. Kakube kuye njengesembatho azembesa ngaso, kube libhanti azibopha ngalo njalonjalo. Lokhu kube ngumvuzo wezitha zami ovela eNni, lowalabo abakhuluma okubi ngomphefumulo wami. Kodwa wena, Jehova, Nkosi, ngenzela ngenxa yebizo lakho. Ngoba mina ngiyisihlupheki lomyanga, lenhliziyo yami ilimele phakathi kwami. Ngedlula njengesithunzi sisiba side. Amadolo ami ayaxega ngokuzila ukudla. Mina sengibe lihlazo kubo. Ngisize, N, Nkulunkulu wami, ungisindise ngokomusa wakho. Ukuze bazi ukuthi lesi yisandla sakho; wena, N, ukwenzile. Kabathuke bona, kodwa wena ubusise. Izitha zami. Ngizayibonga kakhulu ngomlomo wami; njalo ngizayidumisa phakathi kwabanengi. Ngoba izakuma ngakwesokunene komyanga, uku m sindisa kulabo abalahla umphefumulo wakhe. yathi eNkosini yami. izathuma intonga yamandla akho. Abantu bakho ba za vuma ngosuku lwamandla akho. IN KOSI. INkosi ngakwesokunene sakho. Izakwehlulela phakathi kwezizwe, kugcwale izidumbu; izachoboza inhloko phezu kwelizwe elikhulu. Izanatha esifuleni endleleni; ngakho-ke izaphakamisa ikhanda. Dumisani iN! Ngizayibonga ngenhliziyo yonke. Mikhulu imisebenzi yeN, idingwa yilabo abathokoza ngayo. Ulodumo lenkazimulo umsebenzi wayo. Yenzile izimangaliso zayo zikhunjulwe; ilomusa lesihawu. Iyabapha ukudla labo abayesabayo; iyakhumbula kuze kube phakade isivumelwano sayo. Yazisile abantu bayo amandla emisebenzi yayo, ngokubanika ilifa lezizwe. Imisebenzi yezandla zayo iliqiniso lokwehlulela. Isekelwe kuze kube phakade laphakade. Yathumela uhlengo ebantwini bayo. Ukuyesaba kuyikuqala kokuhlakanipha. Dumisani iN! Ubusisiwe umuntu oyesabayo iN KOSI. Inzalo yakhe izakuba lamandla emhlabeni; isizukulwana sabaqotho sizabusiswa. Imfuyo. Kuyabaphumela abaqotho ukukhanya emnyameni. Umuntu olungileyo ngolesisa lowebolekisayo. Ngoba kayikunyikinywa phakade. Kayikwesaba umbiko omubi. Isekelwe. Uhlakazile, uyabanika abayanga. Omubi uya ku bona, athukuthele; agedle amazinyo akhe. Dumisani iN! Dumisani. Kalibongwe ibizo leN kusukela khathesi njalo kuze kube nininini. Kusukela ekuphumeni kwelanga kuze kube sekutshoneni kwalo. iphakeme phezu kwezizwe zonke. Ngubani onjengeN uNkulunkulu wethu, ehlezi phezulu, ekhothama ukukhangela emazulwini lemhlabeni? Iyamvusa umyanga ethulini, imphakamise osweleyo enqunjini yomquba, ukuze. Ihlalisa inyumba emzini! Ekuphumeni kukaIsrayeli eGibhithe, uJuda waba yindlu yakhe engcwele. Ulwandle lwa ku bona lwabaleka. Intaba zaqolotsha njengezinqama. Ulani wena lwandle, ukuthi ubaleke? Wena Jodani, ukuthiubuyele emuva? Lina zintaba, ukuthiliqolotshe njengezinqama? Thuthumela, mhlaba, phambi kweNkosi, phambi kukaNkulunkulu kaJakobe, owaphendula idwala. Kakungabi kithi, N, kakungabi kithi. Kungani izizwe zizakuthi: Ungaphi pho uNkulunkulu wabo? Kodwa uNkulunkulu wethu usemazulwini. Izithombe zabo yisiliva legolide. Zilomlomo, kodwa kazikhulumi; zilendlebe, kodwa kazizwa; zilempumulo, kodwa kazinuki; zi le zandla, kodwa kaziphathi; inyawo zi la zo, kodwa kazihambi; kazikhulumi ngomphimbo wazo. Abazenzayo kabafanane lazo, wonke othembela kuzo. Israyeli. Ndlu kaAroni. Lina elesaba iN KOSI. isikhumbule, izabusisa, ibusise indlu kaIsrayeli; izabusisa labo abayesabayo iN, abancinyane kanye labakhulu. izalandisa, lina labantwana benu. Libusisiwe eNni. Amazulu, amazulu ngaweN, kodwa umhlaba iwunike abantwana babantu. Abafileyo. Kodwa thina! Ngiyayithanda iN KOSI. Ngoba ibeke indlebe yayo kimi, ngakho ngiza yi biza ensukwini zami. Izibopho zokufa zangibamba; ngathola inhlupheko losizi. Ngasengibiza ibizo leN, ngathi: O N, khulula umphefumulo wami. Ilomusa iN KOSI. iyabalondoloza abathobekileyo. Buyela, mphefumulo wami, ekuphumuleni kwakho. Ngoba ikhulule umphefumulo wami ekufeni. Ngizahamba phambi kweN emazweni abaphilayo. Ngakholwa, ngakho ngikhulumile. Mina ngahlupheka kakhulu. Mina ngathi ekuphangiseni kwami. Ngizabuyiselani eNni? Ngizathatha inkezo yosindiso. Ngizakhokha izifungo zami eNni, khathesi phambi kwabantu bayo bonke. Kuligugu emehlweni eN KOSI. Hawu N, isibili ngiyinceku yakho. Ngizakuhlabela umhlatshelo wokubonga. Ngizakhokha izifungo zami eNni, khathesi phambi kwabantu bayo bonke, emagumeni endlu yeN, phakathi kwakho, Jerusalema! Dumisani iN, lina zizwe zonke, liyibabaze, lina bantu lonke. Ngoba uthandolomusa wayo mkhulu kithi! Bongani iN, ngoba ilungile, ngoba isihawu sayo simikuze kube nininini. Katsho uIsrayeli khathesi ukuthi isihawu sayo simikuze kube nininini. Kayitsho indlu kaAroni khathesi ukuthi isihawu sayo simikuze kube nininini. Kabatsho khathesi. Ngisesizini ngabiza iN KOSI. ingakimi? ingakimi labangisizayo. Kungcono ukuphephela eNni kulokuthembela emuntwini. Kungcono ukuphephela eNni. Zonke izizwe zangihanqa; kodwa ebizweni leN ngizaziquma. Zangihanqa, yebo zangihanqa; kodwa ebizweni leN ngizaziquma. Zangihanqa. Wangigudlumeza lokugudlumeza ngize ngiwe; kodwa yangisiza. ingamandla lengoma yami. Ilizwi lentokozo losindiso lisemathenteni abalungileyo; esokunene seN KOSI. Esokunene seN KOSI. Kangiyikufa, kodwa ngizaphila. IN KOSI. Ngivulelani amasango okulunga; ngingene ngawo. Yileli isango leN; abalungileyo bazangena ngalo. Ngizakudumisa, ngoba ungiphendule. Ilitshe abakhi a balalayo. Lokhu kwenziwa yiN, kuyamangalisa emehlweni ethu. Lolu lusuku e yalwenzayo, sizathaba sithokoze kulo. Sindisa khathesi, N; ngiyakuncenga, N, khathesi unike impumelelo. Ubusisiwe. UNkulunkulu uyiN, osinike ukukhanya. Wena unguNkulunkulu wami, ngizakudumisa; Nkulunkulu wami, ngizakuphakamisa. Bongani iN, ngoba ilungile; ngoba isihawu sayo simikuze kube nininini. Babusisiwe abaqotho endleleni, abahamba emlayweni weN. Babusisiwe abagcina izifakazelo zayo, a bayidinga ngenhliziyo yonke. Njalo kabenzi okubi, bahamba endleleni zayo. Wena usulayile ukugcina ngokukhuthala imithetho yakho. Kungathi izindlela zami zingaqondiswa ukugcina izimiso zakho! Khona ngingayikuyangeka, lapho nginanzelela yonke imithetho yakho. Ngizakudumisa ngobuqotho benhliziyo, sengifunde izahlulelo zokulunga kwakho. Ngizagcina izimiso zakho. Ungangitshiyi ngokupheleleyo. Ijaha lingayihlanza ngani indlela yalo? Ngokuqaphela njengokwelizwi lakho. Ngikudingile ngenhliziyo yami yonke. Ilizwi lakho ngilifihlile enhliziyweni yami, ukuze ngingoni kuwe. Kawubongwe wena, N; ungifundise izimiso zakho. Ngezindebe zami ngilandisile zonke izahlulelo zomlomo wakho. Ngithokozile ngendlela yezifakazelo zakho njengaphezu kwenotho yonke. Ngizazindla ngemithetho yakho, ngikhangele ezindleleni zakho. Ngizazithokozisa ngezimiso zakho; kangiyikukhohlwa ilizwi lakho. Iphathe kuhle inceku yakho, ukuzengiphile ngigcine ilizwi lakho. Vula amehlo ami ukuze ngibone izimangaliso ezivela emlayweni wakho. Ngiyisihambi emhlabeni; ungangifihleli imithetho yakho. Umphefumulo wami uyadabuka. Ukhuzile abaziqakisayo. Susa kimi. Iziphathamandla lazo zahlala zakhuluma zimelene lami. Izifakazelo zakho lazo ziyintokozo yami, zingabeluleki bami. Umphefumulo wami unamathele ethulini. Ngilandisile indlela zami, wangiphendula. Ngifundisa izimiso zakho. Ngenze ngiqedisise indlela yemithetho yakho. Umphefumulo wami uyathonta. Susa kimi indlela yamanga, unginike ngomusa umlayo wakho. Ngikhethile indlela yeqiniso, ngibekile phambi kwamiizahlulelo zakho. Nginamathele ezifakazelweni zakho; N, ungangiyangisi. Ngizagijima e ndlel eniyemithetho yakho, ngoba uzakhulisa inhliziyo yami. Ngifundisa, N, indlela yezimiso zakho. Ngiphe ukuqedisisa. Ngihambisa endleleni yemithetho yakho. Thobisela inhliziyo yami ezifakazelweni zakho. Susa amehlo ami ukuze angaboni okuyize. Qinisa ilizwi lakho encekwini yakho e zinik ele ukukwesaba. Susa isigcono engisesabayo, ngoba izahlulelo zakho zilungile. Khangela, ngiyalangatha imithetho yakho. Lezisa zakho kazize kimi, N. Khona ngizakuba lakho ukuphendula ongithukayo, ngoba ngiyathembela elizwini lakho. Njalo ungasusi ngokupheleleyo emlonyeni wami ilizwi leqiniso, ngoba ngithembele ezahlulelweni zakho. Ngokunjalo ngizawugcina umlayo wakho njalonjalo, kuze kube phakade laphakade. Ngizahamba ebubanzini, ngoba ngidinga imithetho yakho. Njalo ngizakhuluma ngezifakazelo zakho phambi kwamakhosi, ngingayangeki. Ngizithokozise ngemithetho yakho engiyithandileyo. Ngizaphakamisela lezandla zami emithethweni yakho engiyithandileyo. Khumbula ilizwi encekwini yakho, ongenze ngathembela kulo. Le yinduduzo yami ekuhluphekeni kwami. Abazigqajayo. Ngikhumbule izahlulelo zakho zasendulo, N, futhi ngiziduduzile. Intukuthelo enkulu ingibambile ngenxa yababi. Izimiso zakho zaba zingoma zami endlini yobuhambuma bami. Ebusuku ngikhumbule ibizo lakho, N, ngigcine umlayo wakho. Lokhu kwaba ngokwami ngoba ngigcinile imithetho yakho. UJehova uyisabelo sami; ngithe ngizagcina amazwi akho. Ngancenga ubuso bakho ngenhliziyo yonke; woba lomusa kimi. Ngazindla ngezindlela zami, ngaphendulela inyawo zami ezifakazelweni zakho. Ngaphangisa, kangiphuzanga ukugcina imithetho yakho. Amaxuku ababi angihanqile; kangikhohlwa umlayo wakho. Phakathi kobusuku ngizavuka ukuze ngikubonge. Ngingumngane wabo bonke abakwesabayo, labagcina imithetho yakho. N, umhlaba ugcwele umusa wakho. Wenzele inceku yakho okuhle, N, ngokwelizwi lakho. Ngifundisa ingqondo enhle lolwazi, ngoba ngikholwa imithetho yakho. Ngingakahlupheki ngaduha, kodwa khathesi ngigcine ilizwi lakho. Wena ulungile. Abazigqajayo. Inhliziyo yabo inone njengamahwahwa. Kungilungele ukuthi ngihlutshwe, ukuze ngifunde izimiso zakho. Umlayo womlomo wakho ungcono kimi kulezinkulungwane zegolide lezesiliva. Izandla zakho. Abakwesabayo bazangibona bathokoze. Ngiyazi, N, ukuthi izahlulelo zakho zilungile. Umusa wakho ake ube yinduduzo yami njengokutsho kwakho encekwini yakho. Izihawu zakho kazize kimi ukuze ngiphile. Abazigqajayo kabayangeke. Kabaphendukele kimi abakwesabayo, labazi izifakazelo zakho. Inhliziyo yami kayiphelele ezimisweni zakho, ukuze ngingayangeki. Umphefumulo wami uyaphela ngokulangatha usindiso lwakho. Amehlo ami ayafiphala ngokulangatha ilizwi lakho? Ngoba senginjengomgodla. Zingaki insuku zenceku yakho? Abazigqajayo. Yonke imithetho yakho ithembekile; bangizingela ngamanga! Baphosa bangiqeda emhlabeni, kodwa mina kangitshiyanga imithetho yakho. Ngivuselela ngokomusa wakho; ngibe sengigcina isifakazelo somlomo wakho. Laphakade, N, ilizwi lakho limi emazulwini. Uthembeko lwakho lusesizukulwaneni lesizukulwana; wamisa umhlaba, usemi. Ngokwezimiso zakho ku s emi lamuhla, ngoba konke kuzinceku zakho. Uba umlayo wakho ubungesizo intokozo zami, ngabe sengibhubhele ekuhluphekeni kwami. Laphakade kangiyikukhohlwa imithetho yakho. Ngingowakho, ungisindise; ngoba ngiyidingile imithetho yakho. Ababi bangilindele ukungibhubhisa; ngiyananzelela izifakazelo zakho. Ngibonile ukucina kwakho konke ukuphelela. Ngiwuthanda kangakanani umlayo wakho. Ngemithetho yakho uyangihlakaniphisa kulezitha zami, ngoba ilami kuze kube nininini. Ngilokuqedisisa kulabo bonke abafundisi bami. Ngiyaqedisisa kulabadala. Ngizinqandile inyawo zami kuyo yonke indlela embi, ukuze ngigcine ilizwi lakho. Kangiphambukanga kuzahlulelo zakho, ngoba wena ungifundisile. Amnandi kangakanani amazwi akho ekunambitheni kwami! Emithethweni yakho ngizuza ukuqedisisa; ngenxa yalokho ngizonda yonke indlela yamanga. Ilizwi lakho liyisibane enyaweni lwami, lokukhanya endleleni yami. Ngifungile, ngiza ku qinisa. Ngiyahlupheka kakhulukazi; N, ngivuselela. N, yemukela iminikelo yesihle yomlomo wami. Umphefumulo wami usesandleni sami njalonjalo. Ababi bangibekele umjibila. Ngidle ilifa lezifakazelo zakho kuze kube nininini. Ngithobe inhliziyo yami ukwenza izimiso zakho njalonjalo. Ngiyabazonda abanhliziyombili. Wena uyisiphephelo sami. Sukani kimi benzi bobubi. Ngisekela ngokwelizwi lakho ukuze ngiphile. Ngisekela ngibe sengisindiswa, ngizananzelela izimiso zakho njalonjalo. Uyabeyisa bonke. Uyasusa bonke ababi bomhlaba njeng amanyele. Inyama yami. Ngenzile ukwahlulela lokulunga; ungangiyekeli kubacindezeli bami. Mela inceku yakho kube kuhle. Amehlo ami aphelela usindiso lwakho, lelizwi lokulunga kwakho. Yenza encekwini yakho ngokomusa wakho, ungifundise izimiso zakho. Ngiyinceku yakho, ukuze ngazi izifakazelo zakho. Se kuyisikhathi seN sokuthi isebenze, ngobabawephule umlayo wakho. Ngakho-ke ngiyayithanda imithetho yakho kakhulu kulegolide. Ngalokho imithetho yakhoyonke mayelanalazo zonke izinto ngiyibona iqondile; yonke indlela yamanga ngiyayizonda. Izifakazelo zakho ziyamangalisa. Ukuvulwa kwamazwi akho kuyakhanyisa, kunika ukuqedisisa kwabangelalwazi. Ngavula umlomo wami, ngaphefuzela. Phendukela kimi. Qinisa izinyathelo zami ngelizwi lakho. Ngikhulula kucindezelo lwabantu, ukuze ngigcine imithetho yakho. Khanyisa ubuso bakho phezu kwenceku yakho. Imifula yamanzi iyehla emehlweni ami. Wena, N, ulungile, ziqondile izahlulelo zakho. Ulayile izifakazelo zakho e kulung enil e kuthembek eniokukhulu. Ukutshiseka kwami kungiqedile, ngoba izitha zami zikhohlwe amazwi akho. Ilizwi lakho licwengekile kakhulu; ngakho inceku yakho iyalithanda. Ngimncinyane, ngidelelekile; imithetho yakho kangiyikhohlwa. Ukulunga kwakho kuyikulunga kuze kube phakade, lomlayo wakho uliqiniso. Ucindezelo lohlupho kungifumene; imithetho yakho izintokozo zami. Ukulunga kwezifakazelo zakho kungokwaphakade; ngiphe ukuqedisisa ukuze ngiphile. Ngakhala ngenhliziyo yami yonke; ngiphendula, N. Ngizagcina izimiso zakho. Ngikhalela kuwe; ngisindisa, njalo ngizagcina izifakazelo zakho. Ngandulela. Amehlo ami aqalela. Zwana ilizwi lami ngokomusa wakho; N, ngivuselela. Bayasondela abazingeli bobubi, bakhatshana lomlayo wakho. Wena useduze, N. Sekukade ngisazi ngemilayo yakho ukuthi uyisekele kuze kube nininini. Khangela ukuhlupheka kwami. Mela udaba lwami, ungihlenge. Usindiso lukhatshana lababi, ngoba kabadingi izimiso zakho. Izihawu zakho, N, zinkulu; ngivuselela. Banengi abangizingelayo labayizitha zami; kangiphambuki ezifakazelweni zakho. Ngabona abaphambuki. Bona ukuthi ngiyayithanda imithetho yakho. Ilizwi lakho liliqiniso kwase kuqal eni. Iziphathamandla zingizingela. Ngiyathokoza ngelizwi lakho. Amanga ngiyawazonda ngiyawenyanya; umlayo wakho ngiyawuthanda. Kasikhombisa ngosuku ngiyakudumisa. Balokuthula okukhulu. Ngilindele usindiso lwakho, N, ngiyayenza imithetho yakho. Umphefumulo wami uyazigcina izifakazelo zakho, ngiyazithanda kakhulu. Ngiyagcina imithetho yakho lezifakazelo zakho, ngoba zonke indlela zami ziphambi kwakho. Ukukhala kwami kakusondele kuwe, N; ngiphe ukuqedisisa. Ukuncenga kwami kakufike phambi kwakho; ngikhulula ngokwelizwi lakho. Indebe zami zizathulula indumiso. Ulimi lwami luzakhuluma ilizwi lakho, ngoba yonke imithetho yakho iyikulunga. Isandla sakho kasibe lusizo lwami, ngoba ngikhethile imithetho yakho. Ngiyalangazelela usindiso lwakho, N. Kawuphile umphefumulo wami, njalo uzakudumisa, lezahlulelo zakho zingisize. Ngiduhile. Ekuhluphekeni kwami ngakhala eNni, yangiphendula. N, khulula umphefumulo wami kundebe zamanga, kulimi lwenkohliso. Uzanikwani, njalo kuzakwengezelelwani kuwe, limi lwenkohliso? Imitshoko ebukhali! Maye kimi, ngoba ngihlala njengowezizwe koMesheki! Umphefumulo wami sekukade wahlala laye ozonda ukuthula. Ngingo wo kuthula, kodwa lapho ngikhuluma, bangabempi. Ngizaphakamisela amehlo ami. Usizo lwami luvela eNni. Kayiyikuvuma ukuthi unyawo lwakho lutshelele. Khangela, umlondolozi kaIsrayeli. ingumlondolozi wakho. Ilanga kaliyikukutshaya emini. izakulondoloza kukho konke okubi. izalondoloza. Ngathokoza lapho besithi kimi: Kasiye endlini yeN. Inyawo zethu zimi emasangweni akho, Jerusalema. IJerusalema yakhiwe, lapho izizwe ezenyukela khona. Ngoba kumiswe khona izihlalo zobukhosi zesahlulelo, izihlalo zobukhosi zendlu kaDavida. Khulekelani ukuthula kweJerusalema; bazaphumelela abakuthandayo. Kakube khona ukuthula phakathi kwemiduli yakho. Ngenxa yabafowethu labangane bami sengizakuthi: Ukuthula kakube phakathi kwakho. Ngenxa yendlu yeN uNkulunkulu wethu ngizakudingela okuhle. Ngiyaphakamisela kuwe amehlo ami. Khangela, njengalokhu amehlo ezinceku engasesandleni senkosi yazo, njengamehlo encekukazi engasesandleni senkosikazi yayo, ngokunjalo amehlo ethu angaseNni uNkulunkulu wethu, ize ibe lesihawu kithi. Woba lesihawu kithi, N KOSI. Umphefumulo wethu ugcwele kakhulu yikukloloda. Uba kwakungeseyayilathi - uba kwakungeseyayilathi, lapho abantu besivukela, ngabe basiginya, ekuvutheni kolaka lwabo kithi; ngabe amanzi; ngabe amanzi aqubukayo edlula phezu komphefumulo wethu. Ka yibongwe iN, engasinikelanga ukuthi sibeyimpango emazinyweni abo. Umphefumulo wethu uphunyukile njengenyoni emjibileni wabathiyi; umjibila uqamukile, thina sasesiphunyuka. Usizo lwethu lusebizweni leN KOSI. Labo abathembela eNni banjengentaba iZiyoni. Njenge zintaba ziyiphahlile iJerusalema, ngokunjalo iyabaphahla abantu bayo kusukela kulesisikhathi kuze kube nininini. Ngoba intonga yobukhosi yobubi, ukuze abalungileyo bangeluleli izandla zabo kokubi. N, yenza okuhle kubo abalungileyo. Kodwa labo abaphambukela! Lapho ibuyisa abathunjiweyo beZiyoni. Umlomo wethu wasugcwala uhleko, lolimi lwethu ukuhlabelela. isenzele izinto ezinkulu; siyathokoza. Buyisa, N, ukuthunjwa kwethu, njengezifula. Abahlanyela ngezinyembezi bazavuna ngentokozo. Yena ohamba ahambe ekhala inyembezi, ephethe inhlanyelo yokuhlanyela, isibili uzabuya ethokoza, ethwele inyanda zakhe. Uba ingayakhi indlu, basebenzela ize kiyo abayakhayo. Uba ingawulondolozi umuzi. Kuyize kini. Khangela, abantwana bayilifa leN KOSI. Njengemitshoko esandleni seqhawe. Ibusisiwe indoda egcwalise umxhaka wayo ngabo; kabayikuyangeka ngoba bazakhuluma lezitha. Ubusisiwe wonke oyesabayo iN KOSI. Ngoba uzakudla umsebenzi wezandla zakho. Umkakho uzakuba njengevini elithelayo. Ngoba khangela, ngokunjalo izabusiswa indoda eyesabayo iN. izakubusisa, yebo, uzabona abantwana babantwana bakho! Kanengi bangihluphile, kanengi bangihluphile kusukela ebutsheni bami. Abalimi balima emhlana wami. ilungile, iqumile intambo zababi. Kabayangeke. Kababe njengotshani ephahleni, ovunayo angagcwalisi ngabo isandla sakhe, lalowo obopha izithungo isifuba sakhe. Labadlulayo bangatsho ukuthi: Isibusiso seN kasibe phezu kwenu. Ngisenzikini ngakhalela kuwe, N. Nkosi, zwana ilizwi lami, indlebe zakho zilalele. Uba wena, N KOSI? Kodwa kuwe kulothethelelo. Ngiyilindele iN KOSI. Umphefumulo wami ulindelaiNkosi okwedlula abalindele. UIsrayeli kathembele eNni. Yona-ke izahlenga uIsrayeli kuzo zonke iziphambeko zakhe. N, inhliziyo yami kayikhukhumali. Sibili ngichumisile ngathulisa umphefumulo wami, njengolunyuliweyo kunina; umphefumulo wami unjengolunyuliweyo phakathi kwami. UIsrayeli kathembele eNni kusukela khathesi kuze kube laphakade. Khumbula, N, uDavida, izinhlupheko zakhe zonke, ukuthi wafunga: Qotho, kangiyikungena ethenteni lendlu yami, qotho, kangiyikwenyukela ecansini lombheda wami; qotho, kangiyikunika amehlo ami ubuthongo, ngize ngiyitholele indawo. Khangela, sakuzwa. Sizangena ezindlini zayo zokuhlala. Sukuma, N KOSI! Abapristi bakho kabembeswe ukulunga. Ngenxa yenceku yakho uDavida ungafulathelisi. IN KOSI. Uba abantwana bakho begcina isivumelwano sami lezifakazelo zami engizabafundisa zona. Ngoba iyikhethile iZiyoni, iyifisile ibe yindawo yayo yokuhlala. Le yindawo yami yokuphumula kuze kube nini lanini. Ngizabusisa kakhulu ukudla kwayo. Labapristi bayo ngizabembathisa usindiso. Lapho ngizahlumisa uphondo lukaDavida. Izitha zakhe ngizazembathisa ihlazo, kodwa phezu kwakhe uzakhazimula umqhele wakhe wobukhosi. Khangela, kuhle kangakanani njalo kumnandi kangakanani ukuhlala kwabazalwane ndawonye ngitsho babe munye. Kufanana lamafutha amahle, njengamazolo eHermoni. Khangelani, libonge lina lonke zinceku zeN KOSI. Phakamiselani izandla zenu. eyenza amazulu lomhlaba. Dumisani iN, elimi endlini yeN KOSI. Dumisani iN, ngoba ilungile. Ngoba iN KOSI. Ngoba mina ngiyazi ukuthi yinkulu, ukuthi iNkosi yethu iphezu kwabo bonke onkulunkulu. Konke ekuthandayo iyakwenza, emazulwini lemhlabeni, ezinlwandle lenzikini zonke. Yenza izinkungu zenyuke emikhawulweni yomhlaba. Eyatshaya izibulo leGibhithe, kusukela emuntwini kuze kube senyamazaneni. Yathumela izibonakaliso lezimangaliso phakathi kwakho, Gibhithe. Eyatshaya izizwe ezinengi, yabulala amakhosi alamandla, uSihoni inkosi yamaAmori, yanikela ilizwe labo laba yilifa, ilifa likaIsrayeli, isizwe sayo. N, ibizo lakho limikuze kube phakade. Ngoba izakwehlulela abantu bayo. Izithombe zezizwe ziyisiliva legolide, umsebenzi wezandla zomuntu. Zilemilomo, kodwa kazikhulumi; zilamehlo, kodwa kaziboni; zilendlebe, kodwa kazizwa; lomoya kawukho emlonyeni wazo. Abazenzayo bafanana lazo, layewonke othembela kuzo. Wena ndlu kaIsrayeli, bongani iN; wena ndlu kaAroni, bongani iN; wena ndlu kaLevi, bongani iN. Kayibongwe iseZiyoni! Bongani iN KOSI. Bongani uNkulunkulu wabonkulunkulu, ngoba isihawu sakhe simikuze kube nininini. Bongani iNkosi yamakhosi, ngoba isihawu sayo simikuze kube nininini. Yona yodwa eyenza izimangaliso ezinkulu, ngoba isihawu sayo simikuze kube nininini; eyenza amazulu, ngoba isihawu sayo simikuze kube nininini; eyendlala umhlaba, ngoba isihawu sayo simikuze kube nininini; eyenza izikhanyiso ezinkulu, ngoba isihawu sayo simikuze kube nininini; ilanga ukubusa emini, ngoba isihawu sayo simikuze kube nininini; inyanga lezinkanyezi ukubusa ebusuku, ngoba isihawu sayo simikuze kube nininini. Yona eyatshaya amaGibhithe kumazibulo awo, ngoba isihawu sayo simikuze kube nininini; yakhupha uIsrayeli phakathi kwabo, ngoba isihawu sayo simikuze kube nininini; ngesandla esilamandla langengalo eyeluliweyo, ngoba isihawu sayo simikuze kube nininini. Yona eyehlukanisa; yenza uIsrayeli adabule phakathi kwalo, ngoba isihawu sayo simikuze kube nininini; kodwa yathintithela uFaro lebutho lakhe oLwandle oluBomvu, ngoba isihawu sayo simikuze kube nininini. Yona eyakhokhela abantu bayo enkangala, ngoba isihawu sayo simikuze kube nininini. Yona eyatshaya amakhosi amakhulu, ngoba isihawu sayo simikuze kube nininini; yabulala amakhosi adumileyo, ngoba isihawu sayo simikuze kube nininini; uSihoni inkosi yamaAmori, ngoba isihawu sayo simikuze kube nininini; loOgi inkosi yeBashani, ngoba isihawu sayo simikuze kube nininini; yanika ilizwe labo laba yilifa, ngoba isihawu sayo simikuze kube nininini; ilifa kuIsrayeli inceku yayo, ngoba isihawu sayo simikuze kube nininini. Eyasikhumbula, ngoba isihawu sayo simikuze kube nininini; yasophula ezitheni zethu, ngoba isihawu sayo simikuze kube nininini. Enika yonke inyama ukudla, ngoba isihawu sayo simikuze kube nininini. Bongani uNkulunkulu wamazulu, ngoba isihawu sakhe simikuze kube nininini. Emifuleni yeBhabhiloni sahlala phansi khona, yebo sakhala inyembezi, lapho sikhumbula iZiyoni. Amachacho ethu sawaphanyeka eminyezaneni phakathi kwayo. Ngoba khonapho abasithumbayo basicela amazwi engoma, labasimotshayo bacelainjabulo besithi: Sihlabeleleni enyeyezingoma zeZiyoni. Singahlabela njani ingoma yeN elizweni lemzini? Uba ngikukhohlwa, Jerusalema, isandla sami sokunene kasikhohlwe ubungcitshi. Ulimi lwami kalunamathele elwangeni lwami, uba ngingakukhumbuli, uba ngingaphakamisi iJerusalema phezu kwentokozo yami enkulu. Khumbula, N, ngabantwana bakoEdoma, ngo suku lweJerusalema, abathi: Dilizani, dilizani, kuze kube sesisekelweni sayo. Ndodakazi yeBhabhiloni, ozabhujiswa. Ubusisiwe ozabamba asakaze abantwana bakho edwaleni. Ngizakubonga ngenhliziyo yami yonke; phambi kwabonkulunkulu ngizakuhlabelela indumiso. Ngizakhonza ngikhangele. Ngosuku engakhala ngalo wangiphendula, wangiqinisa ng amandla emphefumulweni wami. Wonke amakhosi omhlaba azakudumisa, N, ngoba azwile amazwi omlomo wakho. Yebo, azahlabelela ngezindlela zeN, ngoba lukhulu udumo lweN. Loba iphakeme. Loba ngihamba phakathi kwenhlupheko. izaphelelisa oku mayelana lami. N, ungihlolile, uya ng azi. Wena uyakwazi ukuhlala kwami. Uyahlungula ukuhamba kwami lokulala kwami. Ngoba kalikho ilizwi elimini lwami, khangela N, usulazi lonke. Ungizingelezile emuva langaphambili. Lolu lwazi. Ngizakuya ngaphi ngisuke kuMoya wakho? Uba ngisenyukela emazulwini, lapho ukhona. Ubangithatha amaphiko okusa, ngihlale emikhawulweni yolwandle, lalapho isandla sakho sizangikhokhela, lesokunene sakho singibambe. Uba ngisithi: Isibili umnyama uzangifihla, ng'khona ubusuku buzakuba yikukhanya kimi inhlangothi zonke. Ngitsho umnyama kawufihli kuwe, kodwa ubusuku bukhanya njengemini; njengomnyama kunjalo ukukhanya kuwe. Ngoba wena ungumnini wezinso zami. Ngizakudumisa, ngenxa yokuthi ngenziwe ngokwesabekayo, ngokumangalisayo. Imisebenzi yakho iyamangalisa; lomphefumulo wami uyakwazi kuhle kakhulu. Amathambo ami ayengafihlekanga kuwe, lapho ngangisenziwa ekusithekeni. Amehlo akho abona ibumba lami; legwalweni lwakho zonke lezi zabhalwa, izinsuku o kwabunjwa ngazo, kunga ka bikho lakunye kwakho. Iligugu kangakanani-ke! Ubangingayibala. Lapho ngivuka, ngilokhu ngilawe. Isibili; abakhuluma ngenkohliso ngawe. Kangibazondi yini, N, abakuzondayo? Ngiyabazonda ngenzondo epheleleyo; sebeyizitha kimi. Ngihlola, Nkulunkulu, uyazi inhliziyo yami; ngilinga, ubone ukuthi ikhona indlela embi kimi yini. Ngikhulula, N KOSI, abaceba izinto ezimbi enhliziyweni, usuku lonke babuthanela izimpi. Balola ulimi lwabo. Ngilondoloze, N, ezandleni zomubi, ungivikele emuntwini olesihluku. Abazigqajayo bangifihlele. Ngithe eNni: Wena unguNkulunkulu wami. Jehova, Nkosi, mandla osindiso lwami. Unganiki, N, izifiso zomubi, ungaphumelelisi icebo lakhe elibi. Nge khanda labangihanqileyo, ububi bendebe zabo kabubembese. Kakuthi amalahle atshisayo akhithikele phezu kwabo, ubawisela emlilweni, emigodini etshonayo, ukuze bangavuki. Umuntu wolimi kangamiswa elizweni; umuntu olesihluku, ububi buzamzingela kube yikuwiswa kwakhe. Ngiyazi ukuthi izasebenza udaba lohluphekayo. Isibili abalungileyo bazalidumisa ibizo lakho; abaqotho bazahlala ebusweni bakho. N, ngiyakhala kuwe; phangisa uze kimi; beka indlebe elizwini lami lapho ngikhala kuwe. Umkhuleko wami kawumiswe njeng empepha. N, bekela umlomo wami umlindi. Ungaphenduleli inhliziyo yami entweni embi. Olungileyo kangitshaye e thandw eni lomusa. Abahluleli babo baphoselwa emaceleni edwala. Amathambo ethu ahlakazekile. Kodwa amehlo ami akuwe, Jehova, Nkosi. Ngigcina emandleni omjibila a bangibekele wona. Ababi kabawele emambuleni abo kanye, ngize ngidlule mina. Ngakhalela eNni ngelizwi lami. Ngathulula. Lapho umoya wami uphela amandla phakathi kwami, wena wayazi indlela yami. Khangela. Ngakhalela kuwe, N, ngathi. Lalela ukukhala kwami. Khupha umphefumulo wami entolongweni, ukuze ngidumise ibizo lakho. N, zwana umkhuleko wami, ubeke indlebe ekuncengeni kwami. Njalo ungangeni kusahlulelo lenceku yakho. Ngoba isitha sizingele umphefumulo wami, sacindezelela impilo yami emhlabathini, sangenza ngahlala emnyameni omkhulu, njengabakade bafa. Ngakho umoya wami uphela amandla phakathi kwami. Ngikhumbula. Ngelulela izandla zami kuwe. Phangisa ungiphendule, N KOSI. Ngizwisa uthandolomusa wakho ekuseni. Ngikhulula ezitheni zami, N; ngizifihlile kuwe. Ngifundisa ukwenza. Ngenxa yebizo lakho. Langomusa wakho chitha izitha zami. Kayibongwe iN, idwala lami, efundisela izandla zami impi; umusa wami. N, umuntu uyini? Umuntu unjengeze. N, khothamisa amazulu akho, wehle. Phazimisa umbane, ubachithe. Yelula isandla sakho, abamlomo wabo ukhuluma amanga. Ngizahlabelela kuwe ingoma entsha, Nkulunkulu. Wena onika amakhosi usindiso, okhulula uDavida inceku yakho enkembeni embi. Ngophula, ungikhulule esandleni sabantwana besizwe. Ukuthi amadodana ethu abe njengezilimo ezikhula ebutsheni bazo! Ukuthiiziphala zethu zigcwale ziveze uhlobo ngohlobo! Ukuthiinkabi zethu zingathwaliswa, kungabi lokufohlela phakathi! Bayathaba abantu okunjalo kubo. Ngizakuphakamisa, Nkulunkulu wami, Nkosi, ngibonge ibizo lakho kuze kube nini lanini. Ngensuku zonke ngizakubonga, ngidumise ibizo lakho kuze kube nini lanini. Yinkulu iN, ifanele ukudunyiswa kakhulu, lobukhulu bayo kabuhloleki. Isizukulwana ngesizukulwana sizababaza imisebenzi yakho. Ngizakhuluma. Njalo bazakhuluma ngamandla ezenzozakho ezesabekayo, lobukhulu bakho ngibulandise. Bazathulula ngamazwiisikhumbuzo. Ilomusa lesihawu iN, iyaphuza ukuthukuthela, inkulu ngothando. ilungile kubo bonke, lezihawu zayo ziphezu kwayo yonke imisebenzi yayo. Imisebenzi yakho yonke izakudumisa, N KOSI. Bazakhuluma ngenkazimulo yombuso wakho, balandise ngamandla akho. Ukuze bazise abantwana babantu. Umbuso wakho ungumbuso wamaphakade wonke. isekela bonke abawayo. Amehlo abo bonke alindele kuwe, wena-ke uyabanika ukudla kwabo. Uyavula isandla sakho. ilungile endleleni zayo zonke. iseduze labo bonke abayibizayo. Yenza isifiso sabayesabayo. iyabalondoloza bonke; kodwa bonke ababi izababhubhisa. Umlomo wami uzakhuluma indumiso yeN, layo yonke inyama ibonge ibizo layo. Dumisani iN! Dumisa iN, mphefumulo wami. Ngizayidumisa ngisaphila. Lingabeki ithemba lenu eziphathamandleni. Umoya wakhe uyaphuma, uyabuyela emhlabathini wakhe. Ubusisiwe yena oloNkulunkulu kaJakobe, owenza amazulu, lomhlaba, owenzela abacindezelweyo isahlulelo, iyavula amehloeziphofu. ilondoloza abemzini. izabusa kuze kube nininini! Dumisani iN KOSI. iyayakha iJerusalema. Yelapha. Ibala inani lezinkanyezi. Yinkulu iNkosi yethu. IN KOSI. Hlabelelani eNni ngokubonga. Eyembesa amazulu ngamayezi, elungisela umhlaba izulu, enika inyamazana ukudla kwazo. Kayithokozi ngamandla ebhiza, kayijabuleli imilenze yomuntu. ijabulela abayesabayo. Babaza iN, Jerusalema. Dumisa uNkulunkulu wakho, Ziyoni. Ngoba iqinise imigoqo yamasango akho; ibusise abantwana bakho phakathi kwakho. Iyenza ukuthula e mingcele niyakho. Iyathumela umthetho wayo e mhlabe ni; ilizwi layo ligijima ngesiqubu esikhulu. Enika iliqhwa elikhithikileyo njengoboya bezimvu. Iyaphosa isiqhotho sayo njengezigaqa? Iyathumela ilizwi layo, ikuncibilikise; ivunguzise umoya wayo, amanzi ageleze. Iyamemezela ilizwi layo kuJakobe. Kayenzanga njalo lakusiphi isizwe! Dumisani iN! Dumisani lisemazulwini. Idumiseni lonke zingilosi zayo. Idumiseni langa lenyanga. Idumiseni lonke zinkanyezi ezikhanyayo. Idumiseni mazulu amazulu. Kakudumise ibizo leN KOSI. Yakumisa kuze kube nini lanini. Dumisani lisemhlabeni, mlilo; zintaba lamaqaqa wonke lemisedari yonke, zinyamazana zeganga, zinto ezihuquzelayo lenyoni eziphaphayo. Makhosi omhlaba, lani zizwe zonke, ziphathamandla, lani babusi bomhlaba, majaha, lani-ke zintombi, maxhegu labatsha. Kabadumise ibizo leN KOSI. Njalo iphakamisile uphondo lwabantu bayo! Dumisani iN! HIabelelani ingoma entsha. UIsrayeli kathokoze. Kabadumise ibizo layo. Ngoba iyathokoza ngabantu bayo. Abangcwele kabathokoze ngendumiso. Indumiso zikaNkulunkulu zisemphinjeni wabo, ukuze benze impindiselo phezu kwabahedeni, izijeziso phezu kwezizwe, ukuze babophe amakhosi azo ngamaketane, ukuze benze isahlulelo! Dumisani iN! Dumisani uNkulunkulu endlini yakhe engcwele. Mdumiseni ngenxa yezenzo zakhe ezilamandla. Mdumiseni ngokuvuthelwa kophondo, limdumise, limdumise, limdumise ngensimbi ezincencethayo ezihlokomayo. Konke okuphefumulayo! Izaga zikaSolomoni, indodana kaDavida, inkosi yakoIsrayeli; ukwazi inhlakanipho lokulaywa, ukwemukela ukulaya kwenhlakanipho; ukunika abangelalwazi, ijaha ulwazi lengqondo. Ohlakaniphileyo uzakuzwa, andise, ukuqedisisa. Ukwesaba kuyikuqala kolwazi. Ndodana yami; ngoba ku za kuba ngumqhele womusa ekhanda lakho, lemigaxo. Ndodana yami, uba izoni zikuhuga, ungavumi. Uba zisithi: Hamba lathi, si ye cathamela igazi; sibaginye bephila. Sizathola yonke impahla eligugu, sigcwalise izindlu zethu ngempango. Phosela inkatho yakho phakathi kwethu; sonke sibe lesikhwama semali sinye. Ndodana yami, ungahambi lazo endleleni; unqande unyawo lwakho emkhondweni wazo. Ngoba inyawo zazo zigijimela ebubini, ziphangisa ukuchitha igazi. Isibili, imbule lendlalelwa ize phambi kwamehlo aloba yiyiphi inyoni. Lalaba bacathamela igazi labo. Zinjalo indlela zakhe wonke ozuza inzuzo ngokuphanga. UkuHlakanipha kuyamemeza ngaphandle, kukhupha ilizwi lakho emidangeni. Kuyamemeza endaweni eqakathekileyo yokuxokozela, ekungeneni kwamasango; emzini kutsho amazwi akho kusithi: Koze kube nini, lina elingelalwazi, lithanda ukungabi lalwazi? Phendukelani ekukhuzeni kwami; khangelani, ngizathululela. Ngoba ngibizile; ngelulile isandla sami, kodwa kakho onanzayo; ladelela sonke iseluleko sami; mina-ke ngizahleka ukuchitheka kwenu, ekufikeni kokwesaba kwenu njengesiphepho, lokuchitheka kwenu kufika njengesivunguzane, lapho ubuhlungu losizi kulehlela. Khona bazangibiza, kodwa kangiyikusabela. Ngenxa yokuthi babezonda ulwazi. Kabavumanga iseluleko sami. Ngakho bazakudla okwesithelo sendlela yabo. Ngoba ukuhlehla kwabangelalwazi kuzababulala, lokonwaba kweziphukuphuku kuzababhubhisa. Kodwa ongilalelayo uzahlala evikelekile. Ndodana yami, uba usemukela amazwi ami, ukuthi wenze indlebe yakho ilalele inhlakanipho, uthobise inhliziyo yakho ekuqedisiseni, yebo, uba ukhalela ukuqedisisa, ukhuphele ilizwi lakho ekuzwisiseni, uba ukudinga njengesiliva, khona uzaqedisisa ukuyesaba iN, uthole ulwazi lukaNkulunkulu. Ngoba inika inhlakanipho; ulwazi lokuqedisisa kuvela emlonyeni wayo. Iyababekela, ukugcina indlela zesahlulelo. Khona uzaqedisisa. Lapho inhlakanipho izangena enhliziyweni yakho, lolwazi lube mnandi emphefumulweni wakho; ingqondo; ukukophula endleleni embi, emuntwini okhuluma izinto eziphambeneyo; abatshiya indlela zobuqotho, ukuze bahambe ngendlela zobumnyama; abathokoza ngokwenza okubi; abandlela zabo ziphambene; ukukophula; otshiya umngane wobutsha bakhe, ekhohlwa isivumelwano sikaNkulunkulu wakhe; ngoba indlu yakhe itshonela ekufeni. Bonke abangena kuye kabayikubuya, njalo kabayikufinyelela endleleni zempilo. Ukuze uhambe endleleni yabalungileyo, ugcine imikhondo yamalungisa. Ngoba abaqotho bazahlala elizweni, labapheleleyo basale kulo; kodwa abakhohlakeleyo bazaqunywa basuswe elizweni. Ndodana yami, ungakhohlwa umlayo wami, kodwa inhliziyo yakho kayigcine imilayo yami. Ngoba yengezelela kuwe ubude bezinsuku. Umusa lothembeko kakungakutshiyi. Ngalokho uzathola umusa lokuqedisisa okuhle. Themba eNni ngenhliziyo yakho yonke. Ivume endleleni zakho zonke. Ungabi ngohlakaniphileyo emehlweni akho. Kuzakuba yikwelatshwa kwenkaba yakho, lokunathwayo kwamathambo akho. Hlonipha ngemfuyo yakho, langezithelo zakho zokuqala zesivuno sakho sonke. Khona iziphala zakho zizagcwaliswa ngenala, lezikhamelo zakho zewayini ziphuphume iwayini elitsha. Ndodana yami, ungadeleli ukulaya kweN, unganengwa yikukhuza kwayo. Ngoba iyamlaya emthandayo, yebo, njengoyise indodana athokoza ngayo. Ubusisiwe umuntu o thola inhlakanipho, lomuntu o zuza ukuqedisisa. Ngoba inzuzo yakho ingcono kulenzuzo yesiliva. Kuligugu elidlula amatshe aligugu. Ubude bezinsuku busesandleni sakho sokunene. Izindlela zakho zizindlela zentokozo, lemikhondo yakho yonke iyikuthula. Kuyisihlahla sempilo. Ngenhlakanipho yasekela umhlaba. Ngolwazi lwayo izinziki zaqhekezwa. Ndodana yami, kakungasuki emehlweni akho. Njalo kuzakuba yimpilo yomphefumulo wakho. Khona uzahamba indlela yakho uvikelekile. Nxa ulala phansi, kawuyikwesaba, yebo, uzalala, lobuthongo bakho buzakuba mnandi. Ungesabi uvalo olujumayo. Ngoba izakuba sethembeni lakho, igcine unyawo lwakho ukuze lungabanjwa. Ungagodleli umninikho okuhle. Ungathi kumakhelwane wakho: Hamba, ubuye, kusasa ngizakunika; nxa ulakho. Ungacebi okubi ngomakhelwane wakho, ngoba yena uhlala lawe evikelekile. Ungaphikisani lomuntu kungelasizatho, nxa engakonanga. Ungahawukeli umuntu olobudlwangudlwangu; ungakhethi leyodwa yezindlela zakhe. Ngoba ophambeneyo uyisinengiso eNni. Isiqalekiso seN sisendlini yomubi. Isibili, yona iyabeyisa, kodwa inika umusa kwabathobekileyo. Abahlakaniphileyo bazakudla ilifa lodumo, kodwa abayizithutha, isabelo sabo silihlazo. Zwanini, bantwana bami, umlayo kayihlo. Ngoba ngilinika imfundiso enhle, lingawutshiyi umlayo wami. Ngoba bengiyindodana kababa, ngithambile. Wasengifundisa wathi kimi: Inhliziyo yakho kayibambelele emazwini ami. Zuza inhlakanipho, ungakhohlwa; ungaphambuki emazwini omlomo wami. Ungakutshiyi, njalo kuzakulondoloza; ukuthande, njalo kuzakulinda. Okokuqala yinhlakanipho. Kukhulise, njalo kuzakuphakamisa; kuzakunika udumo. Kuzanika ikhanda lakho umqhele womusa; kuzakulethela umqhele wodumo. Zwana, ndodana yami, wemukele amazwi ami, leminyaka yempilo izakuba minengi kuwe. Ngikufundisile endleleni yenhlakanipho; ngikwenze wanyathela emikhondweni yobuqotho. Ekuhambeni kwakho inyathelo lakho kaliyikufinyezwa. Bambelela ekulayweni. Ungangeni emkhondweni wabakhohlakeleyo. Iyekele, ungedluli ngayo. Ngoba kabalali uba bengenzanga okubi; lobuthongo babo buyasuswa uba bengakhubekisanga muntu. Ngoba badla isinkwa senkohlakalo, banathe iwayini lobudlwangudlwangu. Kodwa indlela yabalungileyo. Indlela yababi injengomnyama. Ndodana yami, lalela amazwi ami, ubeke indlebe yakho ekukhulumeni kwami. Kakungaphunyuki emehlweni akho. Ngoba kuyimpilo kwabakutholayo, lempilo enhle yenyama yabo yonke. Gcina inhliziyo yakho phezu kwakho konke okungagcinwa, ngoba kuvela kikho. Susa kuwe ukuphambana komlomo. Amehlo akho kawakhangele phambili, lenkophe zakho ziqonde phambi kwakho. Linganisa umkhondo wonyawo lwakho, ukuze zonke indlela zakho ziqine. Ungaphambukeli ngakwesokunene kumbe ngakwesokhohlo. Ndodana yami, lalela inhlakanipho yami, ukuze uqaphele ingqondo. Ngoba indebe zowesifazana wemzini. Kodwa ukucina kwakhe kuyababa. Inyawo zakhe zehlela ekufeni; izinyathelo zakhe zibambelela esihogweni. Hlezi ulinganise indlela yempilo. Ngakho-ke, bantwana, ngilalelani, lingaphambuki emazwini omlomo wami. Dedisela indlela yakho khatshana laye, ungasondeli emnyango wendlu yakhe; hlezi unikele udumo lwakho kwabanye, leminyaka yakho kolesihluku; hlezi abezizwe bazisuthise ngamandla akho, lemitshikatshika yakho ibe sendlini yowezizweni; njalo ububule ekupheleni kwakho, lapho inyama yakho lomzimba wakho sekudliwe; njalo uthi: Ngikuzonde njani ukulaywa! Kangizwanga-ke ilizwi labafundisi bami; kangibekanga indlebe zami kwabangifundisayo! Ngaphosa ngaba ebubini bonke phakathi kwebandla lenhlangano. Natha amanzi emgodini wakho, lemifula ephuma phakathi komthombo wakho. Imithombo yakho ichitheke phandle. Kakube ngokwakho wedwa, kungabi ngokwabezizweni kanye lawe. Umthombo wakho kawubusiswe; impala ethandekayo kakhulu, legogo elibukekayo, uzule othandweni lwakhe kokuphela. Kungani-ke, ndodana yami, uzule kowesifazana wemzini? Ngoba indlela zomuntu. Ezakhe iziphambeko. Yena uzakufa ngokungalaywa. Ndodana yami, uba uyisibambiso somakhelwane wakho, uthiywe ngamazwi omlomo wakho, ubanjwe ngamazwi omlomo wakho. Yenza lokhu khathesi, ndodana yami, uzophule, lokhu usesandleni sikamakhelwane wakho; hamba, uzithobe, umncengisise umakhelwane wakho. Unganiki amehlo akho ubuthongo. Uzophule njengomziki esandleni somzingeli, lanjengenyoni esandleni somthiyi wenyoni. Yana. Obuthi, bulungisa isinkwa sabo ehlobo. Koze kube nini, vila, ulele? Uzavuka nini ebuthongweni bakho? Ubuthongo obuncinyane, besebusiza ubuyanga bakho njengesihambi, lenswelo yakho njengomuntu olesihlangu. Umuntu kaBheliyali, umuntu okhohlakeleyo, afice amehlo akhe, akhulume ngenyawo zakhe, afundise ngeminwe yakhe, ukuphambuka kusenhliziyweni yakhe. Ngenxa yalokhu ingozi yakhe izafika masinyane, ahle ephuke. Lezizinto eziyisithupha iyazizonda: Amehlo aphakemeyo, ulimi oluqamba amanga, inhliziyo eceba, umfakazi wamanga ophafuza izinkohliso. Ndodana yami, gcina umlayo kayihlo. Kubophele enhliziyweni yakho njalo. Ekuhambeni kwakho kuzakukhokhela. Ngoba umlayo uyisibane, ukuze kukugcine emfazini omubi, emazwini ayengayo. Ungaloyisi ubuhle bakhe enhliziyweni yakho. Ngoba ngenxa yomfazi o yisiphingi. Kambe, umuntu angaphatha, lezigqoko zakhe zingatshi? Umuntu angahamba phezu kwamalahle avuthayo? Unjalo ongena kumkamakhelwane wakhe; wonke omthintayo kayikuba msulwa. Kabalideleli isela, nxa liseba ukuthi ligcwalise. Uba litholwa, linika yonke impahla yendlu yalo. Ofeba lowesifazana uswela ingqondo; owenza lokhu nguye ochitha umphefumulo wakhe. Uzathola ukutshaywa lesigcono, lehlazo lakhe kaliyikwesulwa. Ngoba ubukhwele bululaka lomuntu. Kayikunanza loba yiyiphi inhlawulo, kayikuvuma lanxa usandisa isipho. Ndodana yami, gcina amazwi ami. Gcina imilayo yami. Ukubophele eminweni yakho. Uthi kunhlakanipho: Ungudadewethu; ubize ukuqedisisa ngokuthiyisihlobo sakho; ukuze kukugcine kumfazi wemzini. Ngoba ewindini lendlu yami, ngasengibona phakathi kwabangelalwazi, lisedlula esitaladeni, linyathela endleleni yendlu yakhe, kusihlwa, ngentambama yosuku. Khangela-ke, owesifazana walihlangabeza, le sembatho sewule, elobuqili ngenhliziyo. Lo wayelomsindo. Khathesi uphandle, abesesiba ezitaladeni, ecathama kuyo. Ngokunjalo walibamba, walanga, waqinisa ubuso bakhe, wathi kulo: Imihlatshelo yeminikelo yokuthula ikimi. Ngakho-ke ngiphumile ukukuhlangabeza, ngidingisise ubuso bakho; ngikutholile. Ngendlele umbheda wami ngezendlalo. Ngifafazile umbheda wami. Woza, sizidakise ngothando kuze kuse, sizithokozise ngothando olukhulu. Ngoba indoda kayikho endlini yayo, ihambile uhambo khatshana. Ithethe isaka lemali esandleni sayo; ngosuku lwenyanga egcweleyo izakuza endlini yayo. Walihuga ngobunengi bemfundiso yakhe. Lahle lamlandela njengenkabi isiya ekuhlatshweni, lanjengesiphukuphuku sisiya ekujezisweni esongweni lenqagala; uze umtshoko uhlabe isibindi salo, njengenyoni iphangisela esifwini, ingazi ukuthi simelene lempilo yayo. Khathesi-ke, bantwana, ngizweni. Inhliziyo yakho kayingaphambukeli endleleni zakhe; ungaduhi emikhondweni yakhe. Ngoba ubawisele phansi abanengi abalimeleyo, labo bonke ababuleweyo bakhe banengi. Indlu yakhe izindlela zesihogo. Inhlakanipho kayimemezi yini? Engqongeni yezindawo eziphakemeyo, ngasendleleni, phakathi kwezindlela kumi. Eceleni kwamasango: Kini, madoda, ngiyamemeza, lelizwi lami lisebantwaneni babantu. Lina elingelalwazi; lani zithutha, qedisisani nge nhliziyo. Zwanini, ngoba ngizakhuluma izinto zobukhosi. Ngoba umlomo wami, lenkohlakalo iyisinengiso endebeni zami. Wonke amazwi omlomo wami asekulungeni; kakukho okutshilekileyo. Wonke aqondile kulowo oqedisisayo, alungile kulabo abathola ulwazi. Yemukelani ukufundisa kwami, hatshi isiliva, lolwazi kulegolide elikhethekileyo. Ngoba inhlakanipho ingcono. Mina nhlakanipho ngihlala lokuqedisisa. Ukwesaba iN KOSI. Iseluleko ngesami. Ngami amakhosi ayabusa. Ngami iziphathamandla ziyabusa, lezikhulu, bonke abehluleli bomhlaba. Mina ngiyathanda abangithandayo. Inotho lodumo kukimi. Isithelo sami singcono. Ngihamba endleleni yokulunga, phakathi kwemikhondo yesahlulelo; ukuthi ngenze abangithandayo badle ilifa lemfuyo; ngigcwalise iziphala zabo. IN KOSI. Ngamiswa kwasephakadeni. Kungakabi khona izinziki, ingakabi khona imithombo enzima ngamanzi. Intaba zingakamiswa. Ingakawenzi umhlaba lemimango, lokuqala kwentuli zomhlaba. Lapho ilungisa amazulu ngangikhonapho; lapho imisa amayezi ngaphezulu; lapho iqinisa imithombo yenziki; lapho imisela ulwandle; khona ngangiseduze layo, ngidlala. Ngakho-ke, bantwana bami, ngizweni. Zwanini ukulaya, lihlakaniphe. Ubusisiwe umuntu, alinde insuku ngensuku emasangweni ami, alinde emigubazini yeminyango yami. Ngoba ongitholayo, azuze umusa eNni. Kodwa owona kimi. Inhlakanipho enkulu yakhe indlu yayo. Ihlabe okuhlatshwayo kwayo. Ithume incekukazi zayo: Loba ngubani ongelalwazi? Kaphendukele lapha: Wozani, lidle okwesinkwa sami. Yekelani abangelalwazi. Osola isiklolodi uzizuzela ihlazo, lokhuza okhohlakeleyo u zi zuz ela isici. Ungasoli isiklolodi, hlezi sikuzonde. Nika ohlakaniphileyo, njalo uzakuba lokhu ehlakanipha; fundisa olungileyo, njalo uzakwandisa ukufunda. Ukuyesaba kuyikuqala kwenhlakanipho. Ngoba ngami insuku zakho zizakwandiswa. Uba uhlakaniphile. Owesifazana oyisithutha. Ngoba uhlala emnyango wendlu yakhe, esihlalweni, e ndaw enieziphakemeyo zomuzi, ukubiza abadlulayo ngendlela, abahamba beqondile emikhondweni yabo, esithi: Loba ngubani ongelalwazi? Kaphendukele lapha: Amanzi ebiweyo amnandi, lesinkwa sensitha siyahlabusa. Kodwa kazi ukuthi abafileyo balapho; abanxusiweyo bakhe basenzikini yesihogo. Izaga zikaSolomoni. Inotho yenkohlakalo kayisizi lutho. kayiyekeli. Osebenza nge sandla esixegayo uba ngumyanga. Ovuna ehlobo uyindodana ehlakaniphileyo. Izibusiso zisekhanda lolungileyo, kodwa ubudlwangudlwangu. Ukukhunjulwa kolungileyo kungokwesibusiso. Ohlakaniphileyo ngenhliziyo uyemukela imilayo, kodwa isithutha ngendebe sizawiselwa phansi. Ohamba ngobuqotho. Ociyoza ilihlo ubanga inkathazo. Umlomo wolungileyo. Inzondo ibanga ingxabano, kodwa uthando lusibekela iziphambeko zonke. Endebeni zoqedisisayo kutholakala inhlakanipho, kodwa intonga ingeyomhlana woswela ingqondo. Abahlakaniphileyo babekelela ulwazi. Inotho yonothileyo ingumuzi wamandla akhe. Umsebenzi wolungileyo ngowempilo; inzuzo yokhohlakeleyo ngeyesono. Ogcina ukulaywa u se ndlel eniyempilo, kodwa odelela ukukhuzwa ubanga ukuduha. Osibekela inzondo ungowendebe zamanga, lohlebayo uyisithutha. Ebunengini bamazwi ukuphambeka kakusileli. Ulimi lolungileyo luyisiliva esikhethekileyo; inhliziyo yokhohlakeleyo injengento encinyane. Indebe zolungileyo zondla abanengi, kodwa izithutha ziyafa ngokuswela ingqondo. Isibusiso seN sona siyanothisa. Kunjengenhlekisa koyisithutha; kunjalo inhlakanipho kumuntu wokuqedisisa. Lokho okhohlakeleyo akwesabayo kuzamfikela. Njengokwedlula kwesivunguzane. Njengeviniga emazinyweni, lanjengentuthu emehlweni, unjalo olivila kwabamthumileyo. Ukuyesaba kwandisa insuku. Ithemba labalungileyo liyintokozo, kodwa okulindelwayo kwabakhohlakeleyo kuzabhubha. Indlela yeN iyinqaba koqotho. Olungileyo kayikunyikinywa laphakade. Umlomo wolungileyo. Indebe zolungileyo ziyazi okuthokozisayo, kodwa umlomo wabakhohlakeleyo iziphambeko. Isikali esikhohlisayo siyisinengiso eNni, kodwa ilitshe lokulinganisa elipheleleyo liyintokozo yayo. Nxakufika ukuzigqaja, kufika lehlazo. Ubuqotho babaqotho buzabaqondisa. Inotho kayisizi. Ukulunga kwabaqotho kuzaqondisa indlela yakhe, kodwa okhohlakeleyo uzakuwa ngenkohlakalo yakhe. Ukulunga kwabaqotho kuzabophula. Nxa umuntu okhohlakeleyo esifa, ithemba lakhelizabhubha. Olungileyo ukhululwa ekuhluphekeni, kodwa omubi ungena endaweni yakhe. Ngomlomo umzenzisi uchitha umakhelwane wakhe. Ngempumelelo yabalungileyo umuzi uyathokoza; lekubhubheni kwabakhohlakeleyo kulenjabulo. Ngesibusiso sabaqotho. Oswela ingqondo udelela umakhelwane, kodwa umuntu oqedisisayo uyazithulela. Ohamba enyeya wembula imfihlakalo, kodwa othembekileyo ngomoya ufihla udaba. Lapho kungekho. Oba yisibambiso sowezizwe uzahlupheka ngokubi; kodwa ozonda ukutshaya izandla uvikelekile. Owesifazana olomusa ubamba udumo. Umuntu olomusa wenzela umphefumulo wakhe okuhle. Okhohlakeleyo wenza umsebenzi wenkohliso, kodwa ohlanyela ukulunga ulo mvuzo weqiniso. Njengoba ukulunga kungokwempilo. Abaphambeneyo ngenhliziyo bayisinengiso eNni. Isandla esandleni omubi kayikuyekelwa ukujeziswa. Ulisongo legolide empumulweni yengulube. Isifiso sabalungileyo singokuhle kuphela; ithemba labakhohlakeleyo lulaka. Kukhona. Umphefumulo obusisayo. Ogodla amabele, abantu bazamqalekisa; kodwa isibusiso sizakuba phezu kwekhanda lothengisayo. Odingisisa okuhle, udinga umusa. Othemba inotho yakhe yena uzakuwa. Oletha inkathazo emzini wakhe uzakudla ilifa lomoya, lesithutha sizakuba yinceku yohlakaniphileyo ngenhliziyo. Isithelo solungileyo. Khangela, olungileyo uzavuzwa emhlabeni; kakhulu kangakanani omubi lesoni! Othanda ukulaywa uthanda ulwazi; kodwa ozonda ukukhuzwa. Olungileyo uzuza umusa eNni, kodwa umuntu wamacebo amabi iyamlahla. Umuntu kayikumiswa yibubi, kodwa impande yabalungileyo. Umfazi okhuthalela okulungileyo ungumqhele wendoda yakhe. Imicabango yabalungileyo ilungile; izeluleko zababi ziyinkohliso. Amazwi abakhohlakeleyo ngawokucathamela igazi. Abakhohlakeleyo. Umuntu uzadunyiswa ngokwenhlakanipho yakhe, kodwa ophambeke ngenhliziyo uzakuba ngowokudelelwa. Odelelekayo elesisebenzi ungcono kulozihloniphayo aswele ukudla. Olungileyo unanzelela impilo yesifuyo sakhe. Olima insimu yakhe. Okhohlakeleyo ufisa impango yababi. Ekuphambekeni kwendebe kulomjibila womubi. Umuntu. Indlela yesithutha ilungile emehlweni aso, kodwa olalela iseluleko uhlakaniphile. Isithutha, intukuthelo yaso yaziwa ngosuku; kodwa ohlakaniphileyo ufihla ihlazo. Ophefumula iqiniso wazisa ukulunga. Kukhona. Indebe yeqiniso izamiswa phakade, kodwa ulimi lwamanga lungolomzuzu nje. Inkohliso isenhliziyweni yabaceba okubi, kodwa abeluleki bokuthula balentokozo. Lokukodwa okubi kakuyikubehlela abalungileyo, kodwa abakhohlakeleyo bagcwele ububi. Indebe zamanga, kodwa abenza iqiniso bayintokozo yayo. Umuntu ohlakaniphileyo ufihla ulwazi. Isandla sabakhutheleyo sizabusa. Ukukhathazeka enhliziyweni yomuntu kuyayithobisa. Olungileyo ungumholi kamakhelwane wakhe, kodwa indlela yabakhohlakeleyo iyabaduhisa. Olivila kayikosa inyamazana yakhe ayizingeleyo. Endleleni yokulunga kulempilo, lendleleni yomkhondo kakulakufa. Indodana ehlakaniphileyo ilalelaukulaya kukayise, kodwa isideleli kasilaleli ukukhuzwa. Umuntu uzakudla okuhle okuvela esithelweni somlomo. Olondoloza umlomo wakhe ugcina umphefumulo wakhe. Umphefumulo wevila uyafisa, kodwa kakulalutho. Olungileyo uyalizonda ilizwi lamanga; kodwa omubi uzenza abe levumba, uthelela ihlazo. Ukulunga kulinda. Kukhona ozitshaya onothileyo, kanti kalalutho. Inhlawulo yempilo yomuntu yinotho yakhe. Ukukhanya kwabalungileyo kuyathokoza. Ukuzigqaja kuveza ingxabano kuphela, kodwa inhlakanipho ikwabalulekiweyo. Inotho etholakalangokuyize izaphunguka, kodwa obuthelela ngesandla uya y andisa. Ithemba eliphuzayo ligulisa inhliziyo, kodwa isifiso esizayo. Odelela. Imfundiso yohlakaniphileyo ingumthombo wempilo. Ukuqedisisa okuhle, kodwa indlela yabaphambukayo ilukhuni. Wonke ohlakaniphileyo wenza ngolwazi, kodwa isithutha sichaya ubuthutha. Isithunywa esikhohlakeleyo siwela ebubini, kodwa isithunywa esithembekileyo. Ubuyanga lehlazo ngokwalowo. Isifiso esenziweyo simnandi emphefumulweni, kodwa kuyisinengiso ezithutheni ukuphenduka ebubini. Ohamba labahlakaniphileyo uzahlakanipha, kodwa umngane wezithutha uzakuba mubi. Ububi buzazingela izoni. Olungileyo uzabenza abantwana babantwana badle ilifa. Ukudla okunengi. Ogodla uswazi lwakhe uzonda indodana yakhe. Olungileyo uyadla kuze kusuthe umphefumulo wakhe, kodwa isisu sabakhohlakeleyo sizaswela. Wonke owesifazana ohlakaniphileyo. Ohamba. Emlonyeni wesithutha kulentonga yokuzigqaja. Lapho okungekho izinkabi khona umkolo uhlanzekile, kodwa kulesivuno esinengi ngamandla enkabi. Umfakazi othembekileyo kaqambi amanga. Odelelayo udinga inhlakanipho, kodwa kayikho. Suka phambi komuntu oyisithutha, nxa ungayikunanzelela kuyeindebe zolwazi. Inhlakanipho yokhaliphileyo yikuqedisisa indlela yakhe, kodwa ubuthutha bezithutha buyinkohliso. Izithutha. Inhliziyo iyazi ukubaba kwayo ngokwayo, lowemzini kahlanganyeli lentokozo yayo. Indlu yabakhohlakeleyo izachithwa. Kukhona indlela ebonakala ilungile emuntwini. Lekuhlekeni inhliziyo isebuhlungwini, lokuphela kwaleyontokozo. Ohlehlela nyovane ngenhliziyo uzasutha ngezindlela zakhe, kodwa umuntu olungileyo uzasuthangaye ngokwakhe. Ongelalwazi ukholwa lonke ilizwi, kodwa olengqondo unanzelela ukuhamba kwakhe. Ohlakaniphileyo uyesaba. Ophangisa ukuthukuthela wenza ubuthutha, lomuntu wamacebo amabi uzazondwa. Abangelalwazi badla ilifa lobuthutha, kodwa abakhaliphileyo bazathwala umqhele wolwazi. Ababi bakhothama phambi kwabalungileyo, labakhohlakeleyo emasangweni abalungileyo. Umyanga uzondwa langumakhelwane wakhe, kodwa abathanda onothileyo banengi. Odelela umakhelwane wakhe uyona. Kabaduhi yini abaceba okubi. Kumtshikatshika wonke kulenzuzo, kodwa inkulumo yendebe ibanga inswelo kuphela. Umqhele wabahlakaniphileyo uyinotho yabo; ubuthutha bezithutha buyibuthutha. Umfakazi oqinisileyo uyophula imiphefumulo, kodwa ophafuza amanga ungumkhohlisi. Ekuyesabeni kulethemba eliqinileyo, labantwana bakhe bazakuba lesiphephelo. Ukuyesaba kungumthombo wempilo. Lusebunengini babantu udumo lwenkosi, kodwa kusekuswelekeni kwabantu ukuchitheka kombusi. Ophuza ukuthukuthela ulokuqedisisa okukhulu, kodwa ophangisa ukuzonda ukhulisa ubuthutha. Inhliziyo ephilileyo. Ocindezela umyanga uthuka. Okhohlakeleyo uwiswa ebubini bakhe. Inhlakanipho ihlala enhliziyweni yoqedisisayo. Ukulunga kuphakamisa isizwe, kodwa isono silihlazo ebantwini. Umusa wenkosi usencekwini ehlakaniphileyo. Impendulo ethambileyo ibuyisela emuva ulaka. Ulimi lwabahlakaniphileyo lwenza ulwazi lube luhle. Amehlo eN akuyo yonke indawo, eqaphela ababi labalungileyo. Ukusilisa kolimi kuyisihlahla sempilo. Isithutha. E ndl iniyolungileyo kulenotho enengi, kodwa enzuzweni yomubi kulenkathazo. Indebe zabahlakaniphileyo ziyahlakaza ulwazi, kodwa inhliziyo yezithutha. Umhlatshelo wabakhohlakeleyo uyisinengiso eNni, kodwa umkhuleko wabaqotho uyintokozo yayo. Indlela yokhohlakeleyo iyisinengiso eNni, kodwa ithanda ozingela ukulunga. Ukujezisa kubi kotshiya indlela. Isihogo lentshabalalo kuphambi kweN KOSI! Isideleli kasithandi osikhuzayo, kasiyi kwabahlakaniphileyo. Inhliziyo ethokozayo. Inhliziyo yoqedisisayo idinga ulwazi, kodwa umlomo wezithutha udla ubuthutha. Zonke insuku zohluphekayo zimbi, kodwa inhliziyo ethokozayo ilidili njalonjalo. Kungcono okuncinyane kanye lokwesaba kulenotho enengi lenkathazo kanye layo. Kungcono. Umuntu ololaka. Indlela yevila, kodwa indlela yabaqotho ibuthelelwe. Indodana ehlakaniphileyo ithokozisa uyise, kodwa umuntu oyisithutha weyisa unina. Ubuthutha buyintokozo koswela ingqondo. Amaqhinga angelaseluleko ayachitheka. Umuntu ulentokozo ngempendulo yomlomo wakhe; lelizwi. Indlela yempilo kohlakaniphileyo iya phezulu, ukuze asuke esihogweni phansi. IN KOSI. Imicabango yomubi iyisinengiso eNni. Ophanga inzuzo ukhathaza indlu yakhe. Inhliziyo yolungileyo inakana ukuphendula. ikhatshana labakhohlakeleyo. Ukukhanya kwamehlo kuthokozisa inhliziyo. Indlebe elalela ukukhuzwa kwempilo. Owala ukulaywa, kodwa olalela ukukhuzwa uzuza ukuqedisisa. Ukuyesaba kuyikufundiswa kwenhlakanipho. Umuntu ulamacebo enhliziyo. Zonke indlela zomuntu. Giqela eNni imisebenzi yakho, lamacebo akho azaqiniswa. izenzele konke. Wonke ozigqajayo ngenhliziyo. Ngomusa leqiniso. Nxa indlela zomuntu zithokozisa iN, iyenza lezitha zakhe zibe lokuthula laye. Okulutshwana kanye lokulunga. Inhliziyo yomuntu iceba indlela yakhe. Isinqumo sikaNkulunkulu sisendebeni zenkosi; umlomo wayo kawuyikuphambeka kusahlulelo. Isikali. Kuyisinengiso emakhosini ukwenza okubi, ngoba isihlalo sobukhosi simiswa ngokulunga. Indebe zokulunga ziyintokozo yamakhosi; iyathanda okhuluma izinto eziqondileyo. Ulaka lombusi luyizithunywa zokufa. Ekukhanyeni kobuso benkosi kulempilo. Kungcono kangakanani ukuzuza inhlakanipho. Umgwaqo omkhulu wabaqotho. Ukuzigqaja kuqalela ukubhujiswa, lokuziphakamisa komoya kuqalela ukuwa. Kungcono ukuthobeka ngomoya kanye labamnene. Ophatha udaba ngenhlakanipho. Ohlakaniphileyo ngenhliziyo kuthiwa ngoqedisisayo; lobumnandi bendebe bandisa imfundiso. Ukuqedisisa kwabalakho, kodwa ukulaya kwezithutha kuyibuthutha. Ingqondo yohlakaniphileyo yenza umlomo wakhe uhlakaniphe. Amazwi amnandi. Kukhona indlela ebonakala iqondile emuntwini, kodwa ukuphela kwayo zindlela zokufa. Indlala yomtshikatshiki iyazitshikatshikela. Umuntu omubi ugebha ububi; lendebeni zakhe kulokunjengomlilo otshisayo. Umuntu ophambeneyo ungenisa ingxabano. Umuntu wobudlwangudlwangu. Uvala amehlo akhe ukuceba izinto eziphambeneyo. Izimvu zekhanda. Ophuza ukuthukuthela ungcono kuleqhawe, lobusa umoya wakhe kulothumba umuzi. Inkatho iphoselwa. Ucezu olomileyo lokuthula kanye lalo lungcono kulendlu egcwele imihlatshelo lengxabano. Inceku ehlakaniphileyo izabusa phezu kwendodana eyangisayo, yehlukanise ilifa phakathi kwezelamani. Imbiza yokuncibilikisa ngeyesiliva, lesithando ngesegolide. Umenzi wobubi ulalela indebe ekhohlakeleyo; umqambimanga ubeka indlebe olimini oluchithayo. Oklolodela umyanga uthuka. Abantwana babantwana, lodumo lwabantwana ngoyise. Indebe elobungcwethi kayisifanelanga isithutha; kakhulu kangakanani indebe yamanga isiphathamandla. Isipho siyilitshe eliligugu. Osibekela isiphambeko udinga uthando. Ukukhuza kuyajula koqedisisayo kulokutshaya isithutha ngokulikhulu. Omubi udinga ububi kuphela, kodwa isithunywa esilesihluku. Kakuthi ibhere elifelwe yimidlwane lihlangane lomuntu. Ophindisela, ububi kabuyikusuka endlini yakhe. Ukuqala kwenkani ku njengo kuvulela amanzi; ngakho yekela ingxabano. Olungisisa omubi. Kungani kulemali yokuthenga inhlakanipho esandleni sesithutha, lokhu si ngelangqondo? Umngane uyathanda ngaso sonke isikhathi, lomzalwane uzalelwa inhlupheko. Umuntu oswela ingqondo uyabambana ngezandla. Othanda isiphambeko uthanda inkani; ophakamisa umnyango wakhe udinga ukubhujiswa. Olenhliziyo ephambeneyo katholi okuhle, lophambene ngolimi uwela ebubini. Ozala isithutha, sizakuba lusizi kuye; loyise wesithutha kathokozi. Inhliziyo ethokozayo yenza kuhle njengo muthi. Omubi uthatha isipho esifubeni. Inhlakanipho. Indodana eyisiwula ilusizi kuyise. Ukuhlawulisa, lo kutshaya iziphathamandla ngenxa yobuqotho. Owazi ulwazi ugodla amazwi akhe; umuntu oqedisisayo ulomoya opholileyo. Isithutha esithuleyo laso sithiwa sihlakaniphile; ovala indebe zakhe uthiwauyaqedisisa. Ozehlukanisayo udinga okuloyisekayo kwakhe; ufohlela. Isithutha kasithokozi ekuqedisiseni, kodwa ukuze inhliziyo yaso iziveze. Lapho okhohlakeleyo esiza, kuza lokudelela, njalo kanye lenhloni, ihlazo. Amazwi omlomo womuntu. Kakulunganga ukwemukela ubuso bokhohlakeleyo. Indebe zesithutha zingena enkanini, lomlomo waso ubiza imivimvinya. Umlomo wesithutha uyintshabalalo yaso, lendebe zaso zingumjibila womphefumulo waso. Amazwi onyeyayo anjengezibondlo. Lolivila emsebenzini wakhe ungumfowabo. Ibizo leN lingumphotshongo oqinileyo; olungileyo uzagijimela kuwo amiswe phezulu evikelekile. Inotho yesinothi ingumuzi waso oqinileyo. Mandulo kokubhujiswa inhliziyo yomuntu iyaziphakamisa. Ophendula indaba engakezwa, kuyibuwula kuye, lehlazo. Umoya womuntu uzasekela ukugula kwakhe, kodwa umoya owephukileyo, ngubani ongawuthwala? Inhliziyo yoqedisisayo izuza ulwazi, lendlebe yabahlakaniphileyo idinga ulwazi. Isipho somuntu siyamvulela ngokubanzi, simkhokhelela phambi kwabakhulu. Ongowokuqala ecaleni lakhe ubonakalaelungile, kodwa umakhelwane wakhe ufika amhlole. Inkatho iqeda izingxabano, yehlukanise phakathi kwabalamandla. Umzalwane owoniweyo wedlula umuzi oqinileyo, lengxabano zinjengomgoqo wenqaba. Isisu somuntu siyasuthiswa. Ukufa lempilo kusesandleni solimi; labaluthandayo bazakudla isithelo salo. Othole umfazi. Umyanga uyakhuluma ngo kuncenga, kodwa isinothi siphendula izinto ezilukhuni. Umuntu wabangane abanengiuzachitheka. Umyanga ohamba ngobuqotho bakhe ungcono. Futhi umphefumulo ongelalwazi kawulunganga, lophangisayo ngezinyawo uyona. Ubuthutha bomuntu buphambula indlela yakhe. Inotho yengeza abangane abanengi. Umfakazi wamanga kayikuyekelwa engajeziswanga. Banengi. Bonke abazalwane bomyanga bayamzonda. Ozuza ingqondo uthanda umphefumulo wakhe. Umfakazi wamanga kayikuyekelwa engajeziswanga. Ukutamasa. Ukuqedisisa komuntu kuphuzisa ukuthukuthela kwakhe; lodumo lwakhe yikwedlula isiphambeko. Ulaka lwenkosi lunjengokubhonga kwebhongo lesilwane. Indodana eyisithutha iyincithakalo kayise. Umuzi lenotho kuyilifa labobaba. Ubuvila. Ogcina umlayo ugcina umphefumulo wakhe. Ozwela umyanga weboleka iN KOSI. Laya indodana yakho kuselethemba. Ololaka olukhulu uzathwala inhlawulo; ngoba nxa u m ophula uzabe lokhu uqhubeka ukwenza. Lalela izeluleko, wemukele imfundiso, ukuze uhlakaniphe ekucineni kwakho. Kulamacebo amanengi enhliziyweni yomuntu. Isiloyiso somuntu ngumusa wakhe, njalo umyanga ungcono kulomuntu wamanga. Ukuyesaba kungokwempilo. Ivila lifihla isandla salo, njalo kaliyikusibuyisela emlonyeni walo. Tshaya. Ochitha uyise, axotshe unina, uyindodana ethelela inhloni ilethe ihlazo. Yekela, ndodana yami, ukulalela ukulaywa, ukuphambuka emazwini olwazi. Umfakazi omubi udelela isahlulelo, lomlomo wabakhohlakeleyo uginya ububi. Izahlulelo zilungiselwe izideleli. Iwayini. Ukwesabeka kwenkosi kunjengokubhonga kwebhongo lesilwane. Kuludumo emuntwini ukuyekela inkani. Ngenxa yobusika ivila kaliyikulima. Iseluleko enhliziyweni yomuntu si njeng amanzi azikileyo. Inengi labantu limemezela, lowo lalowo ukulunga kwakhe? Olungileyo uhamba ngobuqotho bakhe. Inkosi ehlezi esihlalweni sesahlulelo. Ngubani ongathi? Amatshe ezilinganiso ezehlukeneyo, ama-efa ehlukeneyo, kuyisinengiso eNni, yebo kokubili. Lomntwana uyazazisa ngezenzo zakhe, loba umsebenzi wakhe uhlanzekile kumbe loba uqotho. Indlebe ezwayo lelihlo elibonayo. Ungathandi ubuthongo, hlezi ube ngumyanga. Kubi, kubi, kutsho umthengi; kodwa esehambile abesezincoma. Kulegolide. Thatha isembatho sakhe oyisibambiso sowemzini. Isinkwa samanga simnandi emuntwini, kodwa emva kwalokho umlomo wakhe uzagcwaliswa ngokhethe. Imicabango uyimisa ngeseluleko. Ohambahamba enyeya wembula imfihlakalo. Othuka uyise loba unina. Ilifa li nga phangisiswa ekuqaleni. Ungathi: Ngizaphindisela okubi. Amatshe ezilinganiso ezehlukeneyo ayisinengiso eNni, lesikali esikhohlisayo kasilunganga. Izinyathelo zomuntu zivela eNni; pho, umuntu angaqedisisa njani indlela yakhe? Kungumjibila emuntwini ukuginya okungcwele. Inkosi ehlakaniphileyo ihlakaza ababi. Umphefumulo womuntu uyisibane seN KOSI. Umusa leqiniso kuyayigcina inkosi. Udumo lwejaha lungamandla alo, lobukhosi babadala yizimvu zekhanda. Imivimvinya yenxeba ihlanza ububi. Inhliziyo yenkosi isesandleni sikaJehova i njenge zifula zamanzi. Yonke indlela yomuntu ilungile emehlweni akhe. Ukwenza ukulunga lesahlulelo kukhethekile eNni kulomhlatshelo. Ukuphakama kwamehlo. Imicabango yokhutheleyo isenzuzweni kuphela. Ukwenza inotho ngolimi lwamanga. Isihluku sababi sizabahudula, ngoba besala ukwenza okulungileyo. Indlela yomuntu igobile njalo ilecala, kodwa ohlanzekileyo, umsebenzi wakhe uqondile. Kungcono ukuhlala. Umphefumulo wokhohlakeleyo uloyisa ububi; umakhelwane wakhe kemukeli umusa emehlweni akhe. Nxa isideleli. Olungileyo uyananzelela indlu yokhohlakeleyo. Ogcika indlebe yakhe ekukhaleni komyanga, laye uzakhala angaphendulwa. Isipho sensitha siyadedisa intukuthelo. Kuyintokozo kolungileyo ukwenza ukulunga, kodwa kuluvalo. Umuntu oduha endleleni yokuqedisisa uzahlala ebandleni. Othanda injabulo uzakuba ngumyanga; othanda iwayini lamafutha kayikunotha. Okhohlakeleyo. Kungcono ukuhlala elizweni eliyinkangala kulalowesifazana wezingxabano lolaka. Kukhona imfuyo eloyisekayo. Oxotshana lokulunga lomusa. Ohlakaniphileyo ukhwela emzini wamaqhawe, adilizele phansi amandla ethemba lawo. Ogcina umlomo wakhe lolimi lwakhe. Isideleli esizikhukhumezayo esizigqajayo libizo lakhe osebenza ngolaka lokuzikhukhumeza. Isiloyiso sevila sizalibulala, ngoba izandla zalo ziyala ukusebenza. Usuku lonke liloyisa isiloyiso. Umhlatshelo wabakhohlakeleyo uyisinengiso; kakhulu kangakanani nxa bewuletha ngecebo elibi. Umfakazi wamanga uzabhubha, kodwa umuntu olalelayo uzakhuluma njalonjalo. Umuntu okhohlakeleyo wenza lukhuni ubuso bakhe. Kakulanhlakanipho, njalo kakulakuqedisisa, njalo kakulaseluleko, okumelana leN. Ibhiza lilungiselwa usuku lwempi. Ibizo elihle. Onothileyo lomyanga bayahlangana. Ohlakaniphileyo ubona ububi acatshe. Umvuzo wokuthobeka lo kwesaba kuyinotho lodumo lempilo. Ameva le mijibila kusendleleni yabaphambeneyo. Fundisa umntwana endleleni angahamba ngayo; ngitsho esemdala kayikuphambuka kuyo. Onothileyo ubusa abayanga, lomeboleki uyisigqili somebolekisi. Ohlanyela. Olelihlo elilokuhle yena uzabusiswa. Xotsha isideleli, kuzaphuma lenkani. Othanda ukuhlanzeka kwenhliziyo. Amehlo eN alondoloza ulwazi, kodwa izachitha amazwi abangathembekanga. Ivila lithi: Kulesilwane ngaphandle; ngizabulawa phakathi kwezitalada. Umlomo wabesifazana bemzini. Ubuthutha bubotshelwe enhliziyweni yomntwana; uswazi lokuqondisa luzabususela khatshana laye. Ocindezela umyanga ukwandisa alakho, opha onothileyo, isibili uzakuba ngoswelayo. Beka indlebe yakho. Ngoba kumnandi uba uwalondoloza emibilini yakho; azahlala elungile kanyekanye endebeni zakho. Ukuze ithemba lakho libe seNni, ngikwazisile wonalamuhla, ngitsho wena. Kangikubhalelanga yini izinto ezinhle kakhulu kuzeluleko lelwazini? Ukukwazisa ukuqiniseka kwamazwi eqiniso, ukuze ubuyisele amazwi eqiniso kulabo abakuthumileyo. Ungamphangi umyanga ngoba engumyanga. Ngoba izamela udaba lwabo. Ungahlanganyeli lomuntu ololaka, ungahambisani lomuntu othukuthelayo, hlezi ufunde indlela zakhe, wemukele umjibila emphefumulweni wakho. Ungabi phakathi kwababambana izandla. Uba ungelakho okokuhlawula, kungani ezathatha umbheda wakho ngaphansi kwakho? Ungatshedisi. Uyambona yini umuntu. Nxa uhlalela ukudla lesiphathamandla, qaphelisa lokuqaphelisa okuphambi kwakho. Ubeke ingqamu emphinjeni wakho uba uyisiminzi. Ungafisi, ngoba ziyikudla kwamanga. Ungatshikatshikeli ukunotha. Uzandizisa yini amehlo akho kokungekho? Ngoba kuzazenzela lokuzenzela izimpiko njengokhozi oluphaphela emazulwini. Ungadli ukudla. Ngoba njengoba ecabangile emphefumulweni wakhe. Ucezu oludlileyo uzaluhlanza. Ungakhulumi endlebeni zoyisithutha, ngoba uzadelela inhlakanipho yamazwi akho. Ungatshedisi isikhonkwane esidala somngcele; ungangeni emasimini ezintandane; ngoba uMhlengi wazo ulamandla. Beka inhliziyo yakho ekufundisweni, lezindlebe zakho emazwini olwazi. Ungagodleli umntwana. Wena uzamtshaya ngoswazi, ukhulule umphefumulo wakhe esihogweni. Ndodana yami, uba inhliziyo yakho ihlakanipha; lezinso zami zizajabula. Inhliziyo yakho kayingahawukeli izoni. Ngoba isibili. Lalela wena, ndodana yami, uhlakaniphe. Ungabi phakathi kwabanathi bewayini. Ngoba isidakwa. Lalela uyihlo owakuzalayo, ungamdeleli unyoko esemdala. Thenga iqiniso, unga li thengisi; inhlakanipho, lemfundiso, lokuqedisisa. Uyise wolungileyo uzathaba lokuthaba; lozala ohlakaniphileyo uzathokoza ngaye. Uyihlo lonyoko kabathokoze, lokuzeleyo kathabe. Ndodana yami, ngiphe inhliziyo yakho, lamehlo akho kawananzelele indlela zami. Ngoba iwule lingumgodi otshonayo. Laye ucathama njengomphangi, andise abangathembekanga phakathi kwabantu. Ngubani olo: Maye? Ngubani olo: Wo? Ngubani olenkani? Ngubani olesililo? Yilabo. Ungakhangeli iwayini, lapho lizibonakalisa libomvu, nxa linika umbala walo enkomitshini, lihamba liqondile. E kucin eni. Amehlo akho azabona abesifazana bemzini. Yebo, uzakuba njengolala enhliziyweni yolwandle, lanjengolala esihlokweni sensika yomkhumbi. Bangitshayile. Ungabi lamhawu ngabantu ababi. Ngoba inhliziyo yabo iceba udlakela. Ngenhlakanipho indlu iyakhiwa. Langolwazi amakamelo agcwaliswa ngempahla zonke eziligugu lezimnandi. Umuntu ohlakaniphileyo ulamandla, lomuntu ololwazi uqinisa amandla. Ngoba ngezeluleko ezihlakaniphileyo ungalawula impi yakho. Inhlakanipho. Oceba ukwenza okubi. Umcabango wobuwula yisono, lesideleli siyisinengiso emuntwini. Ubauzitshengisa uxega ngosuku lokuhlupheka, amandla akho mancinyane. Bophule abasiwa ekufeni. Uba usithi: Khangela besingakwazi? Dlana uluju, ndodana yami, ngoba lulungile. Lunjalo ulwazi lwenhlakanipho emphefumulweni wakho. Wena okhohlakeleyo, ungacathameli umuzi wolungileyo; ungachithi indawo yakhe yokuphumula. Ngoba olungileyo uzakuwa. Ungathokozi ngokuwa kwesitha sakho; hlezi ikubone, kube kubi emehlweni ayo, iphendule ulaka lwayo ilususe kuso. Ungazikhathazi ngenxa yabenzi bobubi; ngoba omubi kayikuba lomvuzo. Ndodana yami, yesaba uJehova lenkosi; ungahlanganyeli labaguquguqukayo; ngoba incithakalo yabo izavuka masinyane; njalo ngubani owazi ukuchitheka? Lala ngawabahlakaniphileyo. Ukunaka ubuso kusahlulelo kakulunganga. Othi kokhohlakeleyo: Wena ulungile. Kodwa kulabo aba m khuzayo kuzakuba lentokozo, lesibusiso esihle sizabehlela. Ophendula ngamazwi aqondileyo uzakwanga indebe. Lungisa umsebenzi wakho ngaphandle, uzilungiselele wona ensimini, emva kwalokho wakhe indlu yakho. Ungabi ngumfakazi umelene lomakhelwane wakho kungelasizatho, kumbe ukhohlise ngendebe zakho. Ungathi: Njengokwenza kwakhe kimi ngizakwenza njalo kuye; ngizaphindisela emuntwini njengokomsebenzi wakhe. Ngedlula ensimini yevila; khangela-ke, konke kwakumile ameva, imbabazane yayisibekele ubuso bakho. Mina-ke nga ku khangela, nga ku beka enhliziyweni yami; nga ku bona, ngemukela imfundiso. Ubuthongo obuncinyane, ukuwozela okuncinyane, ukusonga izandla okuncinyane ukuthi kulalwe, besebusiza ubuyanga bakho njeng esihambi, lenswelo zakho njengomuntu ohlomileyo. Lalezi yizaga zikaSolomoni. Kuludumo lukaNkulunkulu ukufihla udaba. Amazulu ngokuphakama, lomhlaba ngokujula, lenhliziyo yamakhosi kakulakuhlolisiswa. Susa. Susa okhohlakeleyo phambi kwenkosi. Ungaziqhenyi phambi kwenkosi, njalo ungemi endaweni yezikhulu; ngoba kungcono kuthiwe kuwe: Yenyukela ngapha. Ungaphangisi ukuphuma uku ya phikisana, hlezi wenze ulutho ekucineni kwakho, lapho umakhelwane wakho esekuyangisile. Mela udaba lwakho lomakhelwane wakho, kodwa ungavezi imfihlo yomunye; hlezi okuzwayo akuyangise, lesigcono sakho singaphambuki. Ilizwi elikhulunywe ngokufaneleyo. Isongo legolide. Isithunywa esithembekileyo kwabasithumileyo sinjengomqando weliqhwa elikhithikileyo ngosuku lokuvuna, ngoba sivuselela umphefumulo wamakhosi aso. Umuntu oziqhenya ngesipho samanga. Ngokubekezela, lolimi oluthambileyo lwephula ithambo. Utholile yini uluju? Dlana okwenele wena. Unyawo lwakho kalungavami endlini kamakhelwane wakho, hlezi akusuthe akuzonde. Umuntu ofakaza ubufakazi bamanga ngomakhelwane wakhe. Ukuthemba ongathembekanga ngosuku lokuhlupheka ku njeng ezinyo elephukileyo, lonyawo olwenyeleyo. Ohlabelela izingoma enhliziyweni edabukileyo. Uba okuzondayo elambile, umnike isinkwa adle, njalo uba omile, umnike amanzi anathe; ngoba uzabekelela. Umoya wenyakatho uletha izulu, lolimi lwemfihlo ubuso obulolaka. Kungcono ukuhlala engonsini yophahla. Umbiko omuhle ovela elizweni elikhatshana. Olungileyo ozanyazanyiswayo phambi kokhohlakeleyo. Ukudla uluju olunengi kakulunganga. Umuntu ongathinti umoya wakhe. Njengeliqhwa elikhithikileyo ehlobo lanjengezulu ngesikhathi sokuvuna. Njengenyoni ekuzulazuleni. Isiswepu ngesebhiza, itomu ngelikababhemi. Ungaphenduli isithutha ngokobuthutha baso, hlezi lawe ufanane laso. Phendula isithutha ngokobuthutha baso, hlezi sibe ngesihlakaniphileyo emehlweni aso. Othumela amazwi ngesandla sesithutha, uquma inyawo, unatha isihluku. Imilenze yesiqhuli iyalengalenga; sinjalo isaga emlonyeni wezithutha. Njengokubophela ilitshe esavutheni, unjalo onika udumo esithutheni. Njeng ameva enyuka esandleni sesidakwa. Omkhulu owabumba konke uvuza isithutha, avuze abadlulayo. Njengenja ebuyela emahlanzweni ayo. Uyabona yini umuntu ohlakaniphileyo emehlweni akhe. Olivila uthi. Isivalo siphenduka ngamabhanti aso, ngokunjalo ivila embhedeni walo. Ivila lifihla isandla salo emganwini, liyavilapha ukusibuyisela emlonyeni walo. Ivila lihlakaniphile emehlweni alo. Odlulayo engenela ingxabano engeyisiyo eyakhe ungobamba indlebe zenja. Njengohlanya oluphosa izikhuni ezivuthayo, imitshoko, lokufa, unjalo umuntu okhohlisa umakhelwane wakhe, abesesithi: Kangisomi yini? Uba kungelankuni umlilo uyacitsha; njalo uba kungelakunyeya, ukuxabana kuyathula. Njeng amalahle. Amazwi onyeyayo anjengezibondlo ezehlela kokungaphakathi kwesisu. Indebe ezivuthayo lenhliziyo embi. Ozondayo uyazenzisa ngezindebe zakhe, kodwa ufaka inkohliso ngaphakathi kwakhe. Lapho esenza ilizwi lakhe libe ngelomusa, ungamkholwa. Inzondo isibekelwa ngenkohliso; ububi bakhe buzakwembulwa. Ogebhayo umgodi uzawela kuwo. Ulimi lwamanga luzonda olubachobozayo, lomlomo obutshelezi usebenza incithakalo. Ungazincomi ngosuku lwakusasa. Owemzini kakudumise, njalo hatshi umlomo wakho; owezizwe, njalo hatshi indebe zakho. Ilitshe linzima, letshebetshebe liyasinda, kodwa ulaka lwesithutha lunzima kulakho kokubili. Ulaka lulolunya, lentukuthelo iyisikhukhula; kodwa ngubani ongema phambi komona? Kungcono ukukhuzwa ngokusobala kulothando lwensitha. Amanxeba omngane, kodwa ukwanga kwesitha kuyakhohlisa. Umphefumulo osuthiyo unyathelela phansi uhlanga loluju. Njengenyoni eduha isuka esidlekeni sayo unjalo umuntu oduha esuka endaweni yakhe. Amafutha lempepha kuthokozisa inhliziyo. Ungadeli umngane wakho lomngane kayihlo. Hlakanipha, ndodana yami. Okhaliphileyo uyabona ububi acatshe. Thatha isigqoko soyisibambiso ngenxa yowemzini, umthathele isibambiso ngenxa yowesifazana wezizwe. Obusisa umngane wakhe ngelizwi elikhulu evuka ekuseni kakhulu, kuzathiwa yisiqalekiso kuye. Ukuchophelela ngosuku lwezulu eliqhubekayo lowesifazana oxabanayo kuyafanana. Omfihlayo ufihla umoya, lamagcobo ahlangana lesandla sakhe sokunene. Insimbi ilolwa ngensimbi; ngokunjalo umuntu ulola ubuso bomngane wakhe. Olondoloza isihlahla somkhiwa uzakudla isithelo saso; lolinda inkosi yakhe uzadunyiswa. Njeng e manz iniubuso busebusweni, ngokunjalo inhliziyo yomuntu isemuntwini. Isihogo lencithakalo kawasuthi. Imbiza yokucenga ngeyesiliva, lesithando ngesegolide. Lanxa ugiga isithutha. Yazi lokwazi isimo sezimvu zakho, beka inhliziyo yakho kumihlambi yakho, ngoba inotho kayisiyaphakade; kumbe umqhele ube sesizukulwaneni lesizukulwana yini? Utshani buyasuswa. Amawundlu angawezigqoko zakho, lezimpongo ziyintengo yesiqinti. Kuzakuba lochago lwezimbuzi olwanele ukudla kwakho lokudla kwendlu yakho lempilo yencekukazi zakho. Ababi babaleka kungekho umzingeli, kodwa abalungileyo balesibindi njengebhongo lesilwane. Ngesiphambeko sesizwe ababusi baso banengi. Umuntu ongumyanga ocindezela abayanga. Abadela umlayo badumisa ababi. Abantu ababi kabaqedisisi ukulunga. Kungcono umyanga. Ogcina umlayo uyindodana eqedisisayo. Owandisa inotho yakhe ngenzalo langenzuzo. Ophambula indlebe yakhe ekulaleleni umlayo, lomkhuleko wakhe uzakuba yisinengiso. Oduhisela abaqotho endleleni embi yena uzawela emgodini wakhe. Indoda enothileyo ihlakaniphile emehlweni ayo, kodwa umyanga oqedisisayo uzayihlola. Lapho abalungileyo bethokoza, kulenkazimulo enkulu. Osibekela iziphambeko zakhe kayikuphumelela. Ubusisiwe umuntu owesaba. Umbusi okhohlakeleyo phezu kwabantu abangabayanga. Umbusi oswele ukuqedisisa. Umuntu ocindezelwe ligazi lomphefumulo uzabalekela emgodini; kabangamsekeli. Ohamba. Olima umhlaba wakhe uzasutha ukudla. Umuntu wothembeko lonke uzavama ngezibusiso, kodwa ophangisa ukunotha kayikuba msulwa. Ukuhlonipha ubuso kakulunganga. Ophangisa. Okhuza umuntu uzathola umusa emuva. Ophanga uyise kumbe unina, athi: Akusiso isiphambeko; ungumngane. Ongasuthisekiyo. Othemba enhliziyweni yakhe uyisithutha, kodwa ohamba ngenhlakanipho uzakhululwa. Opha umyanga. Nxa abakhohlakeleyo bephakanyiswa, kodwa nxa bebhubha, abalungileyo bayanda. Umuntu othi ekhuzwa kanengi. Lapho abalungileyo besanda, abantu bayathokoza. Umuntu othanda inhlakanipho uthokozisa uyise. Inkosi iqinisa ilizwe ngesahlulelo, kodwa umuntu wezipho uyalichitha. Umuntu olalisa ngolimi umakhelwane wakhe. Esiphambekweni somuntu omubi kulomjibila. Olungileyo uyalwazi udaba lwabayanga. Abantu abadelelayo bayawuthungela umuzi, kodwa abahlakaniphileyo badedisa ulaka. Umuntu ohlakaniphileyo emangalelana lomuntu oyisithutha. Abantu abomele igazi bazonda opheleleyo, kodwa abaqotho badinga umphefumulo wakhe. Isithutha sikhupha umoya waso wonke. Umbusi olalela amazwi amanga, zonke izinceku zakhe zikhohlakele. Umyanga lomuntu wencindezelo bayahlangana. Inkosi eyahlulela abayanga ngothembeko. Uswazi lokukhuza kunika inhlakanipho. Lapho abakhohlakeleyo besanda, isiphambeko siyanda, kodwa abalungileyo. Laya indodana yakho, izakuphumuza. Lapho okungelambono khona, abantu babengabambeki. Inceku kayilaywa ngamazwi; lanxa iqedisisa, kayiyikuphendula. Uyambona yini umuntu ophangisa ngamazwi akhe. Ototoza inceku yakhe kusukela ebuntwaneni, ekucineni izakuba yindodana kuye. Umuntu ololaka ubanga ukuxabana. Ukuzigqaja komuntu kuzamehlisa. Owabelana lesela uzonda umphefumulo wakhe. Ukwesaba abantu kuletha umjibila. Abanengi badinga ubuso bombusi. Umuntu ongalunganga uyisinengiso kwabalungileyo, kodwa oqotho endleleni uyisinengiso kokhohlakeleyo. Amazwi kaAguri indodana kaJake umMasa: Isibili. Kangifundanga inhlakanipho. Ngubani owenyukela emazulwini njalo wehla? Lonke ilizwi likaNkulunkulu licwengekile. Ungengezeleli emazwini akhe. Zimbili izinto engizicele kuwe; ungangigodleli zona ngingakafi. Susa khatshana lami ize lamazwi amanga; ungangiphi ubuyanga loba inotho; ungiphe ukudla kwesabelo sami. Hlezi ngisuthe, ngi ku phike ngithi: Ngubani iN? Kumbe hlezi ngibe ngumyanga, ngintshontshe. Ungahlebi inceku enkosini yayo, hlezi ikuthuke. Kulesizukulwana esi thuka uyise, esingabusisi unina; isizukulwana esihlambulukileyo emehlweni aso, kodwa esingahlanjululwanga engcekezeni yaso; isizukulwana omehlo aso aphakeme kangaka, lenkophe zaso ziphakanyisiwe; isizukulwana omazinyo aso zinkemba. Umkhaza ulamadodakazi amabili athi: Phana, phana; lezizontathu kazisuthi. Ingcwaba. Ilihlo e liklolodela uyise. Lezizinto ezintathu: Indlela yokhozi emazulwini, indlela yenyoka edwaleni, indlela yomkhumbi enhliziyweni yolwandle, lendlela yejaha entombini. Injalo indlela yowesifazana oliwule; udla, esule umlomo wakhe, athi: Kangenzanga isiphambeko. Ngenxa yezinto ezintathu: Ngenxa yesigqili nxa sibusa, ngenxa yesaliwakazi, lencekukazi nxa iyindlalifa yenkosikazi yayo. Lezi ezine zingezincinyane zomhlaba, kanti zihlakaniphile zenziwe zihlakaniphe: Ubunyonyo buyisizwe esingelamandla. Imbila ziyisizwe esingelamandla. Intethe kazilankosi. Umbankwa ubambelela ngezandla ezimbili, njalo usezigodlweni zenkosi. Lezi ezintathu zinyathela kuhle: Isilwane esilamandla phakathi kwenyamazana; injaebhince okhalweni, kumbe impongo; lenkosi ileviyo lamabutho. Uba ube yisithutha ngokuziphakamisa, njalo uba ucebe okubi. Ngoba ukuphehlwa kochago kuveza iphehla, lokucindezelwa kwempumulo kuveza igazi, lokucindezelwa kwentukuthelo kuveza ingxabano. Amazwi kaLemuweli. Ini, ndodana yami! Unganiki amandla akho kwabesifazana. Kakusikwamakhosi. Hlezi anathe, akhohlwe isimiso, aguqule isahlulelo sawo wonke amadodana enhlupheko. Phana okunathwayo okulamandla. Kanathe, akhohlwe ubuyanga bakhe, angabe esakhumbula usizi lwakhe. Vulela isimungulu umlomo wakho, udaba lwabo bonke abamiselwe incithakalo. Vula umlomo wakho, wahlulele ngokulunga. Ngubani ongathola. Inhliziyo yomkakhe ithemba kuye, ukuze angasweli impango. Umenzela okuhle, hatshi okubi, insuku zonke zempilo yakhe. Udinga uboya bezimvu lefilakisi, asebenze ngenjabulo yezandla zakhe. Ufanana lemikhumbi yomthengisi; uletha ukudla kwakhe kuvela khatshana. Uvuka kusesebusuku. Anakane ngensimu ayizuze; ngesithelo sezandla zakhe ahlanyele ivini. Uyabhinca ukhalo lwakhe. Uyananzelela ukuthi ukuthengisa kwakhe kuhle; isibane sakhe kasicitshi ebusuku. Welulela izandla zakhe kuluthi lokuphotha, lezandla zakhe zibambe isigodo esilezintambo. Welulela umyanga. Kesabi iliqhwa elikhithikileyo ngenxa yabendlu yakhe, ngoba bonke abendlu yakhe bagqokiswe okubomvu. Uzenzela izembeso. Umkakhe. Wenza ilembu elicolekileyo kakhulu, alithengise. Amandla lodumo kuyisigqoko sakhe. Uvula umlomo wakhe ngenhlakanipho; lemfundiso yomusa iselimini lwakhe. Uqaphela inhambo zomuzi wakhe; kadli isinkwa sobuvila. Abantwana bakhe bayavuka bathi ubusisiwe, l omkakhe laye uyamdumisa: Manengi amadodakazi enze ngenkuthalo, kodwa wena wenyukile phezu kwawo wonke. Ubuhle buyinkohliso, lokubukeka kuyize; owesifazana owesaba yena uzadunyiswa. Mnikeni okuvela esithelweni sezandla zakhe, lemisebenzi yakhe kayimdumise emasangweni. Amazwi omTshumayeli, indodana kaDavida. Ize leze. Kuyinzuzoni emuntwini? Isizukulwana siyedlula, lesizukulwana size, kodwa umhlaba umi kuze kube nininini. Lelanga liyaphuma, lelanga litshone, litshetshela endaweni lapho eliphuma khona. Umoya uya. Yonke imifula iya olwandle, kodwa ulwandle kalugcwali. Zonke izinto ziyadinisa; kakulamuntu olakho ukukukhuluma. Ilihlo kalisuthi ngokubona, lendlebe kayigcwaliswa yikuzwa. Okwake kwaba khona yilokho okuzakuba khona, lokwake kwenziwa yilokho okuzakwenziwa; njalo kakulalutho olutsha ngaphansi kwelanga. Kungaba khona ulutho yini okungathiwa ngalo: Khangela, lokhu kutsha! Kwakuvele kukhona endulo engaphambi kwethu. Kakukho ukukhunjulwa kwezinto zakuqala; njalo lezinto ezizayo ezizakuba khona kakuyikuba khona ukukhunjulwa kwazo lalabo abazakuba khona emva kwalokho. Mina mTshumayeli. Ngasenginikela inhliziyo yami ukudinga lokuhlolisisa ngokuhlakanipha ngakho konke okwenziwayo. Ngiyibonile yonke imisebenzi eyenziwayo ngaphansi kwelanga; khangela-ke, konke kuyize. Okugobileyo kakulakuqondiswa; lokuswelekayo kakulakubalwa. Ngakhuluma mina lenhliziyo yami ngisithi: Khangela, mina ngikhulile. Nganginikela inhliziyo yami ukwazi inhlakanipho. Ngoba kunhlakanipho enengi. Ngathi mina enhliziyweni yami: Woza-ke, ngizakuzama ngentokozo, njalo kholisa okuhle. Khangela-ke, lalokhu kwakuyize. Ngokuhleka ngathi? Ngadinga enhliziyweni yami ukuthokozisa inyama yami ngewayini. Ngazenzela imisebenzi emikhulu; ngazakhela izindlu; ngazihlanyelela izivini; ngazenzela izivande lezivande zezihlahla; ngahlanyela kuzo izihlahla zezithelo zohlobo lonke; ngazenzela amachibi amanzi okuthelela ngawo ihlathi lokukhulisa izihlahla; ngathenga izigqili lezigqilikazi, ngaba labazalelwe endlini; ngazibuthela futhi isiliva legolide. Ngakho ngaba mkhulu nganda okwedlula wonke owayekhona ngaphambi kwami. Lakho konke amehlo ami akufisayo kangiwancitshanga khona, kangigodlanga inhliziyo yami lakuyiphi intokozo; ngoba inhliziyo yami yathokoza ekutshikatshikeni kwami konke. Mina ngasengikhangela yonke imisebenzi izandla zami eziyenzileyo, lomtshikatshika engangitshikatshike ukuwenza; khangela-ke, konke kwakuyize lokukhathazeka komoya. Mina ngasengibuyela ukubona inhlakanipho lobuhlanya. Mina ngasengibona ukuthi inhlakanipho ingcono kulobuthutha. Ohlakaniphileyo, amehlo akhe asekhanda lakhe, kodwa isithutha sihamba emnyameni. Mina ngasengisithi enhliziyweni yami: Njengoba kusehlela isithutha kuzangehlela lami. Ngoba kakukho ukukhunjulwa kohlakaniphileyo okwedlula koyisithutha phakade. Ngasengizonda impilo, ngoba umsebenzi owenziwa ngaphansi kwelanga wawubuhlungu kimi; ngoba konke kuyize lokukhathazeka komoya. Yebo, mina ngawuzonda wonke umtshikatshika wami engawutshikatshika ngaphansi kwelanga, ngoba ngizawutshiyela umuntu. Ngubani-ke owaziyo ukuthi uzakuba ngohlakaniphileyo kumbe oyisithutha? Kanti uzabusa phezu kwawo wonke umtshikatshika wami engawutshikatshikayo lengiwenze ngenhlakanipho ngaphansi kwelanga. Lokhu lakho kuyize. Mina ngasengiphenduka ngadangalisa inhliziyo yami ngomtshikatshika wonke engangiwutshikatshika ngaphansi kwelanga. Ngoba kulomuntu omtshikatshika wakhe ukunhlakanipho lakulwazi lakubuqotho, kanti uzawunika umuntu ongatshikatshikanga kuwo ube yisabelo sakhe. Lokhu lakho kuyize, lobubi obukhulu. Ngoba ulani umuntu ngomtshikatshika wakhe wonke? Ngoba insuku zakhe. Kakukho okungcono emuntwini kul okuthi adle anathe. Ngoba ngubani ongadla kumbe ngubani ongakholisa kulami? Ngoba yena uyamnika umuntu olungileyo phambi kobuso bakhe inhlakanipho lolwazi lentokozo. Konke kulesikhathi esimisiweyo, njalo kulesikhathi: Isikhathi sokuzalwa, lesikhathi sokufa; isikhathi sokubulala, lesikhathi sokuphilisa; isikhathi sokudiliza, lesikhathi sokwakha; isikhathi sokukhala inyembezi, lesikhathi sokuhleka; isikhathi sokulila, lesikhathi sokugida; isikhathi sokulahla amatshe, lesikhathi sokubuthelela amatshe; isikhathi sokudinga inzuzo, lesikhathi sokuyekela kulahleke; isikhathi sokulondoloza, lesikhathi sokulahla; isikhathi sokudabula, lesikhathi sokuthunga; isikhathi sokuthanda, lesikhathi sokuzonda; isikhathi sempi, lesikhathi sokuthula. Ulenzuzo bani osebenzayo kwatshikatshika kikho? Ngiwubonile umsebenzi. Konke ukwenze kwaba kuhle. Ngiyazi ukuthi kakukho okuhle kubo ngaphandle kokuthokoza. Futhi lokuthi wonke umuntu adle anathe. Ngiyazi ukuthi konke uNkulunkulu akwenzayo kuzakuba khona phakade; kakukho okuzakwengezelelwa kukho, njalo kakukho okuzaphungulwa kukho; uNkulunkulu wakwenza ukuze besabe phambi kwakhe. Lokho okwakukhona. Futhi ngasengibona ngaphansi kwelanga indawo yokwahlulela, kwakukhona ububi lapho; lendawo yokulunga, kwakukhona ububi lapho. Ngathi mina enhliziyweni yami: UNkulunkulu uzakwahlulela olungileyo lomubi. Ngathi mina enhliziyweni yami ngesimo sabantwana babantu. Ngoba okwehlela abantwana babantu kwehlela lezinyamazana. Konke kuya endaweninye; konke kuvela ethulini, njalo konke kubuyela ethulini. Ngubani owazi umoya wabantwana babantu owenyukela phezulu, lomoya wenyamazana owehlela phansi emhlabathini? Ngakho ngabona ukuthi kakukho okungcono okwedlula ukuthi umuntu azithokozise ngemisebenzi yakhe? Mina ngasengiphenduka. Ngakho ngancoma abafileyo. Yebo ungcono kulabo bobabili, ongakabi khona. Ngasengibona mina wonke umtshikatshika lempumelelo yonke yomsebenzi, ngoba lokhu kungumhawu womuntu ovela kumakhelwane wakhe. Isiphukuphuku sigoqa izandla zaso. Singcono isandla. Mina ngasengiphenduka ngabona ize ngaphansi kwelanga. Kukhona oyedwa, njalo kakho owesibili, yebo kalamntwana kumbe umfowabo, njalo kakulakuphela komtshikatshika wakhe wonke, lelihlo lakhe kalisuthiswa yinotho. Ababili bangcono kuloyedwa, ngoba balomvuzo omuhle ngokutshikatshika kwabo. Ngoba uba besiwa omunye uzamvusa umngane wakhe; kodwa maye kuye oyedwa nxa esiwa, ngoba kungekho owesibili ongamvusa. Futhi uba ababili belala ndawonye, ngakho balokukhudumala; kodwa ngoyedwa angakhudumala njani? Njalo uba omunye engehlula oyedwa, ababili bazamelana laye. Umfana ongumyanga ohlakaniphileyo. Ngoba. Ngabona bonke abaphilayo abahamba ngaphansi kwelanga, lomfana wesibili ozakuma esikhundleni sakhe. Kakulasiphetho sabantu bonke, sabo bonke ababephambi kwabo, lalabo abeza emva kabayikuthokoza ngaye. Gcina unyawo lwakho. Ungabi lamawala ngomlomo wakho, lenhliziyo yakho ingaphangisi ukukhupha ilizwi phambi kukaNkulunkulu. Ngoba iphupho liza ngobunengi bomsebenzi. Lapho ufunga isifungo kuNkulunkulu. Kungcono ukuthi ungafungi kulokuthi ufunge ungakhokhi. Ungavumeli umlomo wakho ukuthi wenze inyama yakho yone? Ngoba ebunengini bamaphupho lamazwi kukhona lokuyize okunengi, kodwa mesabe uNkulunkulu. Uba ubona. Lenzuzo yomhlabathi ngeyabo bonke; inkosi isetshenzelwa yinsimu. Othanda imali kayikweneliswa yimali, njalo othanda okunengi kayi kweneliswayikwanda; lokhu lakho kuyize. Ekwandeni kokuhle, bayanda abakudlayo; njalo kulenzuzo bani? Bumnandi ubuthongo besisebenzi loba sisidla okulutshwana loba okunengi; kodwa ukusutha kwesinothi kakusivumeli ukulala. Kukhona. Kodwa leyonotho ichitheka ngomsebenzi omubi: Esezala umntwana, kungaselalutho esandleni sakhe. Njengokuphuma kwakhe esiswini sikanina, uzabuyela eze ehamba njengokuza kwakhe; njalo kayikuthatha lutho lomtshikatshika wakhe angahamba lalo esandleni sakhe. Lokhu lakho kuyibubi obubuhlungu? Njalo insuku zakhe zonke udlela emnyameni, e losizi olukhulu, lomkhuhlane wakhe, lokuthukuthela? Khangela, engikubonileyo mina, kulungile okuhle ukudla lokunatha. Laye wonke umuntu, uNkulunkulu amnike inotho. Ngoba kayikukhumbula kakhulu insuku zempilo yakhe, ngoba uNkulunkulu u m phendula ngentokozo yenhliziyo yakhe. Kukhona ububi esengibubonile ngaphansi kwelanga, njalo buvamile ebantwini: Umuntu. Uba umuntu ezala abantwanaabalikhulu, aphile iminyaka eminengi, ukuze insuku zeminyaka yakhe zibe zinengi. Ngoba uza ngeze, uye emnyameni, lebizo lawo lisitshekelwe emnyameni; futhi kawulibonanga ilanga, kawulalwazi; lo ulokuphumula kulaye. Yebo, lanxa ephila iminyaka eyinkulungwane, ephindwe kabili? Wonke umtshikatshika womuntu ngowomlomo wakhe. Ngoba ohlakaniphileyo ulani okwedlula isithutha? Ulani umyanga owazi ukuhamba phambi kwabaphilayo? Kungcono ukubona kwamehlo kulokuzulazula kwenkanuko. Osekukhona. Ngoba zinengi izinto ezandisa ize; kuyinzuzo bani emuntwini? Ngoba ngubani okwaziyo okulungele umuntu empilweni, e nani nilensuku zempilo yakhe eyize ayichitha njengesithunzi? Ibizo elihle. Kungcono ukuya endlini yokulila kulokuya endlini yedili; ngoba lokhu kuyisiphetho sakhe wonke umuntu; lophilayo uzakubeka enhliziyweni yakhe. Usizi lungcono kulohleko. Inhliziyo yabahlakaniphileyo isendlini yokulila, kodwa inhliziyo yezithutha isendlini yentokozo. Kungcono ukuzwa ukukhuza kohlakaniphileyo kulokuthi umuntu ezwe ingoma yezithutha. Ngoba njengokuchachamba kwameva ngaphansi kwembiza. Isibili ucindezelo. Singcono isiphetho sento kulokuqala kwayo. Ungaphangisi emoyeni wakho. Ungatsho ukuthi: Kwenziwa yini ukuthi insuku zakuqala zibe ngcono kulalezi? Ngoba kawubuzi ngenhlakanipho ngalokhu. Inhlakanipho yinhle ilelifa, njalo kulenzuzo. Ngoba inhlakanipho iyisivikelo, imali iyisivikelo; kodwa ubungcono bolwazi yikuthi. Nakana umsebenzi kaNkulunkulu; ngoba ngubani olakho ukwelula? Thokoza ngosuku lokuphumelela, kodwa ngosuku lobubi nakana. Konke ngikubonile ensukwini zokuyize kwami: Kukhona olungileyo obhubhela ekulungeni kwakhe. Ungabi ngolungileyo ngokudlulisayo, futhi ungahlakaniphi okwedlulisileyo; uzichithelani? Ungabi ngomubi ngokudlulisayo, futhi ungabi yisiwula; uzafelani kungakabi yisikhathi sakho? Kuhle ukuthi ubambelele kulokhu. Inhlakanipho iyamqinisa ohlakaniphileyo. Ngoba kakulamuntu olungileyo emhlabeni owenza okuhle. Futhi ungabeki inhliziyo yakho emazwini wonke akhulunywayo. Ngoba ngezikhathi ezinengi lenhliziyo yakho iyakwazi ukuthi lawe uqobo ubathukile abanye. Konke lokhu ngikuhlolile ngenhlakanipho, ngathi: Ngizahlakanipha; kodwa kwakukhatshana lami. Okukhatshana, lokujule kakhulu? Ngaphenduka mina lenhliziyo yami ukwazi lokuhlola lokudinga inhlakanipho. Ngasengithola okubaba kulokufa. Khangela, yilokhu engikutholileyo, utsho umTshumayeli, ngibekaokunye kokunye, ukuthola isizatho sezinto, umphefumulo wami osasidinga kodwa kangisitholanga. Indoda eyodwa phakathi kwenkulungwane ngayithola. Khangela, yilokhu kuphela engikutholileyo, ukuthi uNkulunkulu wamenza umuntu waqonda. Ngubani onjengohlakaniphileyo? Ngubani-ke owazi ukuchasiswa kolutho? Inhlakanipho yomuntu. Ngi thi: Gcina umlayo wenkosi, lanjengokwesifungo sikaNkulunkulu. Ungaphangisi. Lapho okulelizwi lenkosi khona kulamandla? Lowo ogcina umlayo kayikwazi into embi, lenhliziyo yohlakaniphileyo iyasazi isikhathi lokwahlulela. Ngoba kulo lonke udaba kulesikhathi, ngoba ububi bomuntu bukhulu phezu kwakhe. Ngoba kakwazi ukuthi kuzakuba yini? Kakulamuntu olamandla phezu komoya. Konke lokhu ngikubonile, nganikela inhliziyo yami emsebenzini wonke owenziwa ngaphansi kwelanga; kulesikhathi lapho umuntu abusa khona umuntu kube yikulimala kwakhe. Ngokunjalo-ke ngabona ababi bengcwatshwa. Ngoba isigwebo nge senzo esibi singenziwa masinyane. Lanxa isoni sisenza okubi izikhathi ezilikhulu, le nsuku. Kodwa omubi kakuyikumlungela. Kukhona okuyize okwenziwayo emhlabeni, ukuthi bakhona abalungileyo abehlelwa njengokomsebenzi wababi. Ngakho mina ngababaza intokozo; ngoba umuntu kalalutho oluhle ngaphansi kwelanga, ngaphandle kokudla lokunatha lokuthokoza. Lapho nganikela inhliziyo ukwazi inhlakanipho lokubona umsebenzi owenziwa emhlabeni, (ngoba futhi ukhona ongaboni ubuthongo ngamehlo akhe emini lebusuku) ngasengibona wonke umsebenzi kaNkulunkulu ukuthi umuntu kalakho ukufumana umsebenzi owenziwayo ngaphansi kwelanga. Ngoba konke lokhu ngakubeka enhliziyweni yami ukuhlolisisa konke lokhu. Konke kwehlangokufananayo kubo bonke. Yilobu ububi phakathi kwakho konke okwenziwa ngaphansi kwelanga, ukuthi sinye isehlakalo kukho konke. Ngoba kulowo ohlanganiswe labo bonke abaphilayo kulethemba, ngoba inja ephilayo ingcono kulesilwane esifileyo. Ngoba abaphilayo bayazi ukuthi bazakufa, kodwa abafileyo kabazi lutho, njalo kabaselawo umvuzo. Futhi uthando lwabo lenzondo yabo lomona wabo sekubhubhile, njalo kabasayikuba lesabelo laphakade kukho konke okwenziwayo ngaphansi kwelanga. Hamba, udle ukudla kwakho ngentokozo, unathe iwayini lakho ngenhliziyo elenjabulo. Izigqoko zakho kazibe ngezimhlophe ngesikhathi sonke. Kholisa impilo lomkakho omthandayo zonke izinsuku zempilo yakho eyize akunike yona ngaphansi kwelanga, zonke izinsuku zakho eziyize. Loba kuyini isandla sakho esikutholayo ukukwenza. Ngaphenduka ngabona ngaphansi kwelanga. Ngoba futhi umuntu kasazi isikhathi sakhe. Lale inhlakanipho ngayibona ngaphansi kwelanga, njalo yaba nkulu kimi. Kwakukhona umuzi omncinyane, okwakulabantu abalutshwana phakathi kwawo; kwasekusiza inkosi enkulu kuwo, yawuvimbezela. Kwasekutholakala phakathi kwawo umuntu ohlakaniphileyo ongumyanga. Mina ngasengisithi: Inhlakanipho ingcono kulamandla lamazwi akhe engalalelwa. Amazwi abahlakaniphileyo azwiwa ekupholeni ngcono kulokumemeza kobusayo phakathi kwezithutha. Inhlakanipho ingcono kulezikhali zempi. Impukane ezifileyo zinukisa zibilise. Inhliziyo yohlakaniphileyo ingakwesokunene sakhe, kodwa inhliziyo yesithutha ingakwesokhohlo saso. Yebo-ke lapho oyisithutha ehamba endleleni, ingqondo yakhe iyasilela, uthi kuye wonke uyisithutha. Uba umoya wombusi ukuvukela, ungatshiyi indawo yakho. Kulobubi e ngibubone ngaphansi kwelanga, njengesiphosiso esiphuma ebusweni: Ubuwula bubekwa ezindaweni eziphakemeyo kakhulu, labanothileyo bahlala endaweni ephansi. Ngibonile izigqili. Ogebha umgodi uzawela kuwo. Osusa amatshe uzalinyazwa yiwo. Uba insimbi ibuthundu. Uba inyoka iluma kungelakulunjwa. Amazwi omlomo ohlakaniphileyo alomusa. Ukuqala kwamazwi omlomo waso kuyibuthutha, njalo isithutha sandisa amazwi? Umtshikatshika wesithuthandini uyasidinisa, ngoba kasazi ukuya emzini. Maye kuwe, lizwe! Ubusisiwe, lizwe, onkosi yakho iyindodana yabakhulu, leziphathamandla zakho zidla ngesikhathi esifaneleyo, zidl ela ukuqina, hatshi ukudakwa. Ngobuvila obukhulu intungo ziyabhensa. Idili lenzelwa uhleko, lewayini lithokozisa impilo. Lemcabangweni wakho ungayithuki inkosi. Phosela isinkwa sakho phezu kobuso bamanzi. Nika isabelo. Uba amayezi egcwele izulu, aya li thululela emhlabeni; uba-ke isihlahla siwela ngeningizimu kumbe ngenyakatho, endaweni lapho isihlahla esiwela khona sizakuba khonapho. Onanzelela umoya kayikuhlanyela, lalowo okhangela amayezi kayikuvuna. Njengoba ungazi ukuthi iyini indlela yomoya. Hlanyela inhlanyelo yakho ekuseni, lantambama ungaphumuzi isandla sakho; ngoba kawazi ukuthi yiyiphi ezaphumelela, le kumbe leyana. Sibili, ukukhanya kumnandi; njalo kuhle emehlweni ukubona ilanga. Kodwa uba umuntu ephila iminyaka eminengi, kathokoze ngayo yonke; kodwa kakhumbule lensuku zomnyama, ngoba zizakuba zinengi. Konke okuzayo kuyize. Thokoza, jaha, ebutsheni bakho. Ngakho susa ukudabuka enhliziyweni yakho, ukhuphe ububi enyameni yakho, ngoba ubutsha lobujaha buyize. Khumbula-ke uMdali wakho ensukwini. Kungakafiphali ilanga. Ngosuku lapho abagcini bendlu bezathuthumela, lezivalo zivalwe, la laphobezakwesaba okuphakemeyo lezesabiso endleleni, lapho isihlahla se-alimondi sesilempoko, lentothoviyane izakuba ngumthwalo kuyo. Kungakathukululwa intambo yesiliva, lothuli lubuyele emhlabathini njengoba lwalunjalo. Ize leze. Phezu kwalokho-ke. UmTshumayeli wadinga ukuthola amazwi akholisisayo, lokwabhalwayo kwakuqondile, amazwi eqiniso. Amazwi abahlakaniphileyo anjengezincijo, lanjengezipikili. Phezu kwalokho-ke, ndodana yami. Isiphetho sodaba konke sekuzwakele yi lesi: Mesabe uNkulunkulu, ugcine imilayo yakhe; ngoba lokho yimfaneloyonke yomuntu. Ngoba uNkulunkulu uzaletha wonke umsebenzi. Ingoma. Kangange ngokwanga komlomo wakhe. Ngenxa yephunga lamagcobo akho amnandi, ibizo lakho li nje ngamagcobo athululiweyo; ngakho-ke izintombi ziyakuthanda. Ngidonsa; abaqondileyo bayakuthanda. Ngimnyama, kodwa ngimuhle. Lingangibukeli ngoba ngimnyama, ngoba ilanga lingitshisile. Abantwana bakamama bangizondela. Ngitshela, wenaumphefumulo wami okuthandayo? Uba ungazi, wena omuhle kakhulu phakathi kwabesifazana, phuma wena ngezinyathelo zomhlambi, welusele amazinyane akho phansi kwamadumba abelusi. Ngikufananise lebhizakazi ezinqoleni zikaFaro. Izihlathi zakho zinhle. Sizakwenzela imiceciso yegolide lamaqhubu esiliva. Inkosi isesetafuleni layo. Isithandwa sami kimi siyisamba semure; sizalala phakathi kwamabele ami ebusuku. Isithandwa sami kimi silihlukuzo lesihlahla sehena. Khangela, umuhle, mthandwa wami, khangela, umuhle. Khangela, umuhle, sithandwa sami, isibili uyathokozisa. Lombheda wethu uluhlaza. Imijabo. Ngilirozi. Njengomduze phakathi kwameva. Njengesihlahla sama-aphula phakathi kwezihlahla zeganga, sinjalo isithandwa sami phakathi kwamadodana. Sangisa endlini yewayini, lesiboniso saso phezu kwami siluthando. Ngisekelani. Isandla saso sokhohlo singaphansi kwekhanda lami. Ngiyalifungisa, ukuze lingaphazamisi lingavusi uthando aze athande. Ilizwi lesithandwa sami! Khangela sona siyeza, siseqa phezu kwezintaba, siqolotsha phezu kwamaqaqa. Isithandwa sami sinjengomziki. Isithandwa sami saphendula sathi kimi. Ngoba khangela, ubusika sebudlulile, izulu seliphelile, lihambile. Amaluba ayabonakala emhlabeni, isikhathi sokuhlabelela se sifikile, lelizwi lejuba liyezwakala elizweni lakithi. Isihlahla somkhiwa sivuthisa imikhiwa yaso eluhlaza, lamavini ale mpoko. Juba lami. Sibambeleni amakhanka, amakhanka amancinyane, ona izivini. Isithandwa sami ngesami, lami ngingowaso. Kuze kube semadabukakusa, lamathunzi abaleke. Embhedeni wami ebusuku. Sengizasuka ngibhodabhode emzini, ezitaladeni. Abalindi ababebhodabhoda emzini bangifica? Sengidlule kancinyane kubo ngasengimthola yena umphefumulo wami omthandayo. Ngiyalifungisa. Ngubani lo? Khangela umbheda wakhe ongokaSolomoni, amaqhawe angamatshumi ayisithupha awugombolozela, emaqhaweni akoIsrayeli. Wonke abambe inkemba efundiselwe impi, yilelo lalelo inkemba yalo emlenzeni walo. Inkosi uSolomoni yazenzela isihlalo sokuthwalwa ngezigodo zeLebhanoni. Yenza insika zaso nge siliva, iphansi laso nge golide, isihlalo saso ngo kuyibubende, ubuphakathi baso bubekelelwe ngo thando ngamadodakazi eJerusalema. Phumani, madodakazi eZiyoni. Khangela, umuhle, mthandwa wami, khangela, umuhle. Amazinyo akho anjengomhlambi wezimvukaziezigundiweyo. Indebe zakho zinjengentambo ebomvu. Intamo yakho injengomphotshongo kaDavida. Amabele akho womabili. Kuze kube semadabukakusa. Wena wonke umuhle, mthandwa wami. Woza lami si suke eLebhanoni. Uyithumbile inhliziyo yami, dadewethu, makoti, uyithumbile inhliziyo yami ngelinye lamehlo akho. Luhle kangakanani uthando lwakho, dadewethu, makoti. Indebe zakho, makoti. Uyisivande esikhiyiweyo, dadewethu, makoti. Amahlumela akho ayisivande, inadi lesafroni; umthombo wezivande, umgodi wamanzi aphilayo, lezifula ezivela eLebhanoni. Vuka, moya wenyakatho, uze lawe, moya weningizimu, uphephethe esivandeni sami ukuzeamakha aso ageleze aphume. Sengingenile esivandeni sami. Ngilele, kodwa inhliziyo yami iphapheme. Ilizwi lesithandwa sami liqoqoda. Ngikhuphile isigqoko sami? Isithandwa sami safaka isandla saso esikhaleni sesivalo. Ngasukuma mina ukuvulela isithandwa sami; lezandla zami zathonta imure, leminwe yami imure egelezayo, ezibanjeni zekhiye. Mina ngasivulela isithandwa sami, kodwa isithandwa sami sasitshibilike sedlula. Abalindi ababebhodabhoda emzini bangifica. Ngiyalifungisa. Isithandwa sakho simedlula ngani omunyeothandekayo, wena omuhle phakathi kwabesifazana? Isithandwa sami simhlophe sibomvana, inhlokonkulu phakathi kwenkulungwane ezilitshumi. Ikhanda laso li nje ngegolide elicengeke kakhulu. Amehlo aso anjengamajuba ezifuleni zamanzi, agezwe ngochago, afakwe kakuhle. Izihlathi zaso. Izandla zaso zi njeng endandatho zegolide Imilenze yaso. Umlomo waso umnandi kakhulu, yebo sonke siyathandeka kakhulu. Siye ngaphi isithandwa sakho, wena omuhle phakathi kwabesifazana? Siphendukele ngaphi isithandwa sakho, ukuze sisidinge kanye lawe? Isithandwa sami sehlele esivandeni saso. Ngingowesithandwa sami, lesithandwa sami singesami. Umuhle, mthandwa wami. Susa amehlo akho kimi ngoba ayanginqoba. Inwele zakho zinjengomhlambi wembuzi zisehla eGileyadi. Amazinyo akho anjengomhlambi wezimvukazi ezikhuphuka ekugezisweni, okuthi zonke zazo zizele amaphahla, njalo kungekho eyinyumba phakathi kwazo. Inhlafuno zakho phakathi kweveyili lakho zinjengocezu lwepomegranati. Kukhona izindlovukazi ezingamatshumi ayisithupha, labafazi abancane abangamatshumi ayisificaminwembili. Linye ijuba lami. Ngubani lo obonakala njengokusa? Ngehlela esivandeni senkelo ukubona okuhlumayo esigodini. Ngingakazi umphefumulo wami wangimisa e zinqol enizobukhosi zabantu bakithi. Phenduka, phenduka, mShulami. Zinhle kangakanani izinyawo zakho emanyathelweni. Inkaba yakho i njengo mganu oyingubhe ongasweli iwayini elixutshanisiweyo. Amabele akho womabili anjengabantwana bomziki, abangamaphahla empala. Intamo yakho injengomphotshongo wempondo zendlovu. Ikhanda lakho phezu kwakho linjengeKharmeli. Umuhle kangakanani, njalo uthandeka kangakanani. Lobu ubude bakho bunjengesihlahla selala. Ngathi: Ngizakhwela esihlahleni selala, lolwanga lwakho lunjengewayini elihle. Ngingowesithandwa sami. Woza, sithandwa sami, kasiphumele egangeni, silale ebusuku emizaneni; kasivuke ngovivi siye ezivinini, sibone ukuthi amavini asehluma. Amamandrake akhupha iphunga elimnandi. Kungathi ngabe unjengomfowethu owamunya amabele kamama! Ubabengingakufica phandle, bengingakwanga, yebo, bebengayikungidelela. Bengingakukhokhela ngikungenise endlini kamama, ubengangifundisa. Isandla sakhe sokhohlo singaphansi kwekhanda lami. Ngiyalifungisa. Ngubani lo owenyuka evela enkangala eyeme kothandekayo wakhe, kulapho unyoko akuhelela khona, kulapho ahelelwa khona owakuzalayo. Ngibeka njengophawu enhliziyweni yakho, njengophawu engalweni yakho. Amanzi amanengi kawalakulucitsha uthando, lezimpophoma kazilugalulisi. Uba umuntu ubenganika impahla yonke yendlu yakhe ngothando, bebengayidelela lokuyidelela. Silodadewethu omncinyane, njalo kalamabele. Sizamenzelani udadewethu ngosuku mhla kukhulunywa ngaye? Uba engumduli, sizakwakha phezu kwakhe inqaba yesiliva. Ngingumduli, lamabele ami anjengemiphotshongo; khona emehlweni akhe ngaba njengokufumene umusa. USolomoni wayelesivini. Isivini sami esingesami siphambi kwami; inhlamvueziyinkulungwane ngezakho, Solomoni. Wena ohlala ezivandeni. Phangisa, sithandwa sami. Umbono kaIsaya, amakhosi akoJuda. Zwanini, kodwa bona bangivukele. Inkabi iyamazi umniniyo. Hawu, isizwe esonayo, abantu abasindwa yibubi, inzalo oNgcwele kaIsrayeli, bahlehlele nyovane. Lizatshayelwani futhi? Belizaqhubeka livukela; ikhanda lonke liyagula, lenhliziyo yonke ibuthakathaka. Kusukela kungaphansi yonyawo kuze kufike ekhanda kakulandawo ephilileyo. Ilizwe kulencithakalo, njengokugenqulwa ngabemzini. Indodakazi yeZiyoni isele-ke yamakhomane, njengomuzi ovinjezelweyo. Uba. Zwanini ilizwi leN, babusi, libeke indlebe kumlayo kaNkulunkulu wethu, bantu beGomora. Buyini kimi ubunengi bemihlatshelo yenu? itsho iN. Ngenelisiwe yiminikelo yokutshiswa yezinqama langamahwahwa okunonisiweyo; legazi lamajongosi lelamawundlu lelezimpongo kangithokozi ngalo. Lapho lisizabonakala phambi kwami Lingabe lisaletha umnikelo oyize; impepha iyisinengiso kimi; ukuthwasa kwenyanga. Umphefumulo wami uyakuzonda ukuthwasa kwezinyanga. Lalapho liselula izandla zenu. Gezani, lizihlambulule; fundani ukwenza okuhle; dingani isahlulelo. Wozani khathesi, siqondisane; loba zibomvu njengokubomvu kakhulu, zizakuba njengoboya bezimvu. Uba livuma lilalela, lizakudla okuhle kwelizwe; kodwa uba lisala libe lenkani, lizadliwa yinkemba; ngoba umlomo weN ukhulumile. Yeka, umuzi othembekileyo usube liwule! Wawugcwele isahlulelo, ukulunga kwakuhlezi kuwo, kodwa khathesi ababulali. Isiliva sakho sesibe ngamanyele. Iziphathamandla zakho zingabahlamuki, lendaba yomfelokazi kayifiki kuzo. Ngakho itsho iNkosi, yamabandla. Ngizabuyisela isandla sami phezu kwakho. Ngizabuyisela abahluleli bakho njengekuqaleni. IZiyoni izahlengwa ngesahlulelo, labaphendukayo bayo ngokulunga. Lokwephulwa kwabaphambuki. Ngoba bazakuba lenhloni ngezihlahla zama-okhi. Ngoba lizakuba njengesihlahla se-okhi omahlamvu aso ayabuna. Njalo olamandla uzakuba lifilakisi eliyizibi, kungabi khona ocitshayo. Ilizwi uIsaya indodana kaAmozi alibona ngoJuda leJerusalema. Kuzakuthi-ke. Lezizwe ezinengi zizahamba zithi: Wozani. Njalo izakwahlulela phakathi kwezizwe, ikhuze abantu abanengi; njalo bazakhanda inkemba zabo. Ndlu kaJakobe, wozani sihambe ekukhanyeni kweN. Ngoba ubadelile abantu bakho, indlu kaJakobe, ngoba bagcwele okwempumalanga. Lelizwe labo ligcwaliswe isiliva legolide, njalo kakulakuphela kwenqola zabo. Lelizwe labo ligcwaliswe; bakhothamela imisebenzi yezandla zabo, lokho iminwe yabo ekwenzileyo. Lomuntukazana uyakhothama; ngakho kawubaxoleli. Ngena edwaleni, langenxa yodumo lobukhosi bayo. Amehlo aziqhenyayo omuntu azakwehliselwa phansi. Ngoba usuku lweN yamabandla luzakuba phezu kwakhe wonke ozigqajayo lozikhukhumezayo, lumelane layo yonke imisedari yeLebhanoni emide lephakemeyo, lumelane lazo zonke intaba ezinde, lumelane lawo wonke umphotshongo ophakemeyo, lumelane lawo wonke umthangala obiyelweyo, lumelane layo yonke imikhumbi yeTarshishi, lumelane layo yonke imifanekiso eloyisekayo. Lokuziqhenya kwabantu kuzakhothanyiswa. Lezithombe zizaphela du. Bazangena-ke. Ngalolosuku abazenzela zona uku zi khonza, ukungena. Lina phezani kumuntu; ngoba unakanwa kukuphi? Ngoba khangela, iNkosi, uJehova wamabandla, insika yonke yesinkwa, lensika yonke yamanzi, iqhawe, lendoda yempi, induna yamatshumi amahlanu, lowemukelekayo ngobuso, lomeluleki, lombazi ohlakaniphileyo, lowazi amalumbo. Ngizabanika abafana babeyiziphathamandla zabo. Labantu bazacindezelwa, omunye komunye, njalo ngulowo lalowo kumakhelwane wakhe; ijaha lizadelela omdala, lodelelekayo ohloniphekayo. Lapho umuntu ezabamba umfowabo; uzaphakamisa ngalolosuku. Ngoba iJerusalema ikhubekile. Ukukhangeleka kobuso babo kuyafakaza ngabo; bememezela izono zabo, kabazifihli. Maye kumphefumulo wabo! Ngoba bazenzela okubi. Tshelani olungileyo ukuthi kuzakuba. Maye kokhohlakeleyo! Kuzakuba kubi kuye uzakwenziwa kuye. Abantu bami, abacindezeli babo ngabantwana, labesifazana bayababusa. Bantu bami, abakhokheli benu ngabaduhisi, basanganisa indlela yemikhondo yenu. izimisele, imi ukuthi yahlulele abantu. ingena kusahlulelo; impango yomyanga isezindlini zenu. Lina libachobozelani abantu bami, lichola ubuso babayanga? itsho iNkosi uJehova wamabandla. yasisithi: Ngenxa yokuthi, ngakho iNkosi izakwenza inkanda yamadodakazi eZiyoni. Ngalolosuku, amacici, lamasongo, lezimbombozo, amaqhiye, izindandatho, izigqoko zemikhosi, lezibuko, lamaveyili. Kuzakuthi-ke endaweni yamakha, ukutsha endaweni yobuhle. Amadoda akho azakuwa ngenkemba, lamaqhawe akho empini. Lamasango ayo. Labesifazana abayisikhombisa bazabamba indoda ibenye ngalolosuku. Ngalolosuku kwabaphunyukileyo bakoIsrayeli. Kuzakuthi-ke oseleyo eZiyoni lotshiywe eJerusalema athiwe ungcwele impilo eJerusalema; iNkosi isigezisile ingcekeza phakathi kwayo, ngomoya wesahlulelo langomoya wokutshisa. LeN izadala phezu kwayo yonke indawo yokuhlala yentaba yeZiyoni, laphezu kwenhlangano zayo ezibiziweyo, iyezi emini, lentuthu; ngoba phezu kwayo yonke inkazimulo kuzakuba lesembeso esiluphahla. Njalo kuzakuba ledumba. Ake ngihlabelele othandiweyo wami ulesivini oqaqeni oluvundileyo. Wasibiyela, kodwa sathela izithelo zevini ezimunyu. Ngakho-ke, bahlali beJerusalema, lani madoda akoJuda, ake lahlulele phakathi kwami lesivini sami. Ngabe kwenziwani okunye esivinini sami engingakwenzanga kuso? Ngalindelelani ukuthi sizathela izithelo zevini, kodwa sathela izithelo zevini ezimunyu? Ngakho-ke ukuze sibe ngesokugxotshwa. Ngizasenza sibeliganga, singathenwa, singahlakulwa, kodwa kumile ameva lokhula oluhlabayo. Njalo ngizalaya amayezi ukuthi anganisi izulu phezu kwaso. Ngoba isivini seN yamabandla yindlu kaIsrayeli, labantu bakoJuda bayisithombo sentokozo zayo. Njalo yayilindele isahlulelo, kodwa khangela, ukuchithwa kwegazi; ukulunga, kodwa khangela, ukukhala. Maye kulabo abahlanganisa indlu lendlu, kuze kusweleke indawo, lina-ke lihlale lodwa phakathi kwelizwe! Endlebeni zami yamabandla yathi: Isibili izindlu ezinengi zizakuba ngamanxiwa, ezinkulu lezinhle zingabi lamhlali. Ngoba indima ezilitshumi zesivini zizathela ibhathi. Maye kwabavuka ekuseni kakhulu! Njalo ichacho. Ngakho abantu bami bazakuya ekuthunjweni ngenxa yokungabi lolwazi, lamadoda abo odumo alendlala, lenengi labo lizakoma ngumhawu. Ngakho ingcwaba lizazinabulula phakathi kwabo. Lomuntukazana uzakwehliselwa phansi, lomuntu ophakemeyo athotshiswe, lamehlo abazikhukhumezayo athotshiswe. Kodwa yamabandla izaphakanyiswa ngesahlulelo, loNkulunkulu ongcwele uzangcweliswa ngokulunga. Lamawundlu azakudla ngokwendlela yawo. Maye kwabadonsa isiphambeko ngentambo zeze, lesono njengamagoda enqola! Labo abathi: Kaphangise, aphangisise umsebenzi wakhe, ukuze si wu bone; lecebo loNgcwele kaIsrayeli kalisondele lize, ukuze si l azi. Maye kwabathi kokubi kuhle, lakokuhle kubi, ababeka umnyama ube yikukhanya, lokukhanya kube ngumnyama, ababeka okubabayo kube mnandi, lokumnandi kube ngokubabayo! Maye kwabahlakaniphileyo emehlweni abo, labaqedisisayo phambi kobuso babo! Maye kwabangamaqhawe okunatha iwayini, lamadoda alamandla okuhlanganisa okunathwayo okulamandla; abalungisisa okhohlakeleyo, basuse ukulunga kwabalungileyo kubo! Ngakho njengolimi lomlilo. Ngenxa yalokho ulaka lweN KOSI, kodwa isandla sayo silokhu seluliwe. Njalo izasiphakamisela isizwe isiboniso. Kakho ozadinwa, njalo kakho ozakhubeka. Omitshoko yakhe ibukhali. Ukubhonga kwakhe kuzakuba njengokwesilwane, abhavume abambe impango, ayilethe ekuvikelekeni, njalo kungekho umemuki. Bazakubhavumela ngalolosuku njengokubhavuma kolwandle, lokukhanya kwenziwe kwaba mnyama ngamayezi aso. Ngomnyaka esiphezulu lesiphakemeyo, lemiphetho yesembatho sayo yagcwalisa ithempeli. Amaserafi ayemi ngaphezu kwayo; impiko eziyisithupha, impiko eziyisithupha zalelo lalelo; ngezimbili lagubuzela ubuso balo, langezimbili lagubuzela inyawo zalo, langezimbili laphapha. Lelinye lamemeza kwelinye lathi: Ingcwele, ingcwele, ingcwele yamabandla. Insika zomnyango zasezinyikinyeka ngenxa yelizwi lomemezayo, lendlu yagcwala intuthu. Ngasengisithi: Maye kimi. Kwasekuphaphela kimi elinye lamaserafi lilelahle elivuthayo esandleni salo e lali li thethe ngodlawu elathini. Lathinta umlomo wami. Ngasengisizwa ilizwi leNkosi lisithi: Ngizathuma bani? Njalo ngubani ozasiyela?. Yasisithi: Hamba, uthi kulababantu: Zwanini lizwe, kodwa kaliyikuqedisisa; njalo bonani libone, kodwa kaliyikubonisisa. Yenza inhliziyo yalababantu ikhuluphale, bezwe ngendlebe zabo, baqedisise ngenhliziyo zabo, baphenduke, babesebesiliswa. Ngasengisithi: Koze kube nini, Nkosi? Yasisithi: Kuze kuchitheke imizi ingabi lamhlali, lezindlu zingabi lamuntu, lelizwe lichitheke lithi nya, leN ibasusele khatshana abantu, njalo kube lokutshiywa okukhulu phakathi kwelizwe. Kodwa ingxenye eyodwa etshumini iyisidindi salo. Kwasekusithi ensukwini zikaAhazi indodana kaRemaliya inkosi yakoIsrayeli wenyukela eJerusalema ukuya empini emelene layo, kodwa kabangalakho ukulwa layo ngokuphumelelayo. Kwasekubikwa endlini kaDavida ukuthi iSiriya ihlangene loEfrayimi; inhliziyo yakhe lenhliziyo yabantu bakhe zasezinyikinyeka njengezihlahla zegusu zinyikinywa ngumoya. yasisithi kuIsaya: Ake uphume u ye hlangabeza uAhazi, wena loSheyari-Yashubi indodana yakho, ekucineni komfolo, uthi kuye: Nanzelela, uthule, ungesabi, lenhliziyo yakho ingabi buthakathaka ngenxa yemisila emibili yalezizikhuni ezithunqayo. Ngenxa yokuthi iSiriya, uEfrayimi, lendodana kaRemaliya, bacebise okubi ngawe, besithi: Asenyukele koJuda, simesabise, sizifohlelele kuye, sibeke inkosi phakathi kwakhe, indodana kaTabeyeli. Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Kakuyikuma, njalo kakuyikwenzeka. Ngoba inhloko yeSiriya uEfrayimi uzakwephulwa, angabi yisizwe. Njalo inhloko kaEfrayimi yiSamariya. yasiqhubeka ikhuluma kuAhazi isithi: Zicelele isibonakaliso eNni uNkulunkulu wakho. Kodwa uAhazi wathi: Kangiyikucela, kangiyikulinga iN. Wasesithi: Zwana-ke, ndlu kaDavida Ngakho iNkosi uqobo izalinika isibonakaliso. Uzakudla amasi. Ngoba umntwana. izaletha phezu kwakho. Kuzakuthi-ke ngalolosuku. Zizakuza-ke, ziphumule zonke ezigodini zamawa, lezingoxweni zamadwala, lemadlelweni wonke. Ngalolosuku, ngenkosi yeAsiriya, ikhanda loboya bezinyawo, futhi ihluthune lendevu. Kuzakuthi-ke ngalolosuku umuntu uzagcina kuphila ithokazi lezimvu ezimbili; kuzakuthi-ke ngenxa yobunengi bochago ezilwehlisayo adle amasi; yebo, wonke oseleyo phakathi kwelizwe uzakudla amasi. Kuzakuthi-ke ngalolosuku. Bazakuya khona ngemitshoko langedandili. Lazo zonke izintaba ezazilinywa ngekhuba kabayikuya kuzo ngo kwesaba ameva lokhula oluhlabayo. yasisithi kimi: Zithathele isibhebhe esikhulu ukuthi: Maherishalali-Hashibazi. Ngasengizifakazisela abafakazi abathembekileyo, oUriya umpristi indodana kaJeberekiya. Ngasengisondela kumprofethikazi, wasethatha isisu, wazala indodana. yasisithi kimi: Umuthe ibizo lokuthiuMaherishalali-Hashibazi. Ngoba umntwana engakakwazi ukumemeza kuzathwalelwa phambi kwenkosi yeAsiriya. yasibuya yakhuluma lami futhi isithi: Ngenxa yokuthi lesisizwe siwalile amanzi eShilowa, ngakho-ke, khangela, iNkosi izakwenyusela phezu kwabo amanzi labo bonke ubukhosi bayo; azakwenyukela phezu kwaso yonke imigelo yaso, ahambe phezu kwazo zonke inkumbi zaso, aze adlulele koJuda; akhukhule. Zihlanganiseni; bekani indlebe, lina lonke abezizwe ezikhatshana; zibhinceni, kodwa liphahlazwe; zibhinceni, kodwa liphahlazwe. Cebani icebo. Ngoba yatsho njalo kimi ngesandla esilamandla, yangifundisa ukuthi ngingahambi endleleni yalababantu, isithi: Lingatsho ukuthi: Ugobe, lingatshaywa luvalo. yamabandla, yona lizayingcwelisa, njalo yona ibe luvalo lwenu. Njalo izakuba yindawo engcwele kwabakhileyo eJerusalema. Labanengi bazakhubeka phakathi kwabo, bawe, bephuke, bathiywe, bathunjwe. Bopha ubufakazi, unameke umlayo. Ngakho ngizalindela iNkosi. Khangela koIsrayeli, ezivela eNni yamabandla ehlala entabeni yeZiyoni. Lalapho bezakuthi kini: Buzani kwabalamadlozi Kuwo umthetho lakubo ubufakazi!. Bazadabula kukho, becindezelwe kakhulu belambile inkosi yabo loNkulunkulu wabo, bakhangele phezulu. Njalo bazakhangela emhlabeni, njalo axotshelwe emnyameni. Kodwa umnyama lezizwe. Abantu, ukukhanya kubakhanyisele. Wandisile isizwe, wakhulisa intokozo yaso; bayathokoza phambi kwakho njengentokozo ekuvuneni. Ngoba wephulile ijogwe lomthwalo waso. Ngoba wonke umsindo wempi usenhlokomeni, lesigqoko sigiqwe egazini; njalo kuzakuba ngesokutshiswa, kube zinkuni zomlilo. Ngoba sizalelwe umntwana. Ukwanda kombuso lokuthula kakuyikuphela kuzakwenza lokhu. INkosi ithumele ilizwi koJakobe, lawela koIsrayeli. Labo bonke abantu bazakwazi, ngokuzigqaja langokuzikhukhumeza kwenhliziyo, besithi: Izitina ziwile, kodwa sizakwakha ng amatshe abaziweyo; imikhiwa yesikhamore. Ngakho izaphakamisa abacindezeli phezu kwakhe, itshotshozele izitha zakhe; amaSiriya, kodwa isandla sayo silokhu seluliwe. Ngoba abantu kabaphendukeli kulowo owabatshayayo, futhi kabayidingi yamabandla. Ngakho izaquma kusuke koIsrayeli inhloko lomsila. Omdala lowemukelwa ngobuso, ungumsila. Ngoba abakhokheli. Ngenxa yalokho iNkosi kayiyikuthokoza, kodwa isandla sayo silokhu seluliwe. Ngoba inkohlakalo itshisa njengomlilo. Ngolaka lweN yamabandla ilizwe liyafiphazwa, labantu bazakuba njengokudla komlilo; umuntu kayikuyekela umfowabo. Njalo uzahluthuna ngakwesokunene, kodwa alambe; adle ngakwesokhohlo; uManase uEfrayimi, loEfrayimi uManase, kodwa isandla sayo silokhu seluliwe. Maye kwabamisa izimiso ezikhohlakeleyo; ukuphambula abayanga ekwahlulelweni, lokuphanga ilungelo labahluphekayo babantu bami Kodwa lizakwenzani Lizabalekela kubani ukuthi libe losizo? Lizatshiya ngaphi udumo lwenu? Ngaphandle kwami bazakhothama ngaphansi kwezibotshwa, kodwa isandla sayo silokhu seluliwe. Maye kumAsiriya, intonga yentukuthelo yami esandleni sabo! Ngizamthumela isizwe esizenzisayo, lokuthumba okuthunjiweyo, lokukubeka kube ngokunyathelwayo njengodaka lwezitalada. Kodwa yena kanakani njalo, lenhliziyo yakhe kayicabangi njalo; kodwa kusenhliziyweni yakhe ukuchitha, lokuquma izizwe ezingenlutshwana. Ngoba uthi: Iziphathamandla zami zonke kazisimakhosi yini? IKalino yini? Njengoba isandla sami; njengalokhu ngenzile kuyo iSamariya zayo? Kuzakuthi-ke lapho iNkosi isiqedile umsebenzi wayo wonke lobuhle bokuziqhenya kwamehlo ayo. Ngoba ithe: Ngamandla esandla sami ngikwenzile ngehlisela phansi abahlali bazo. Isandla sami sesithole inotho yezizwe njengesidleke. Ihloka lizazikhukhumeza kuye ogamula ngalo yini? Isaha izazikhulisa kuye oyinyikinyayo yini? Njengokungathi induku ingaziphakamisa, kungathi kayisisigodo. Ngalokhu iNkosi uJehova wamabandla; langaphansi kodumo lwayo izaphemba ukutshisa njengokutshisa komlilo. Lokukhanya kukaIsrayeli kuzakuba ngumlilo, loNgcwele wakhe abe lilangabi, elizatshisa liqede. Liqede lodumo lwehlathi lwayo. Lokuseleyo kwezihlahla zehlathi zayo kuzakuba nlutshwana ngenani, ukuze umntwana akubale. Kuzakuthi-ke ngalolosuku, oNgcwele kaIsrayeli, ngeqiniso. Insali izabuyela. Ngoba lanxa abantu bakho, Israyeli, kuphuphuma ngo kulunga. Ngoba ukubhujiswa okupheleleyo okumisiweyo iNkosi uJehova wamabandla izakwenza phakathi komhlaba wonke. Ngakho itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova wamabandla: Bantu bami, elihlala eZiyoni, lingesabi iAsiriya. Ngoba kuseyisikhatshana nje, lolaka lwami ekuchithweni kwabo. Njalo yamabandla izabavusela isiswepu. Kuzakuthi-ke ngalolosuku. Uyeza eAyathi. Badlula esikhaleni kaSawuli iyabaleka. Hlaba umkhosi ngelizwi lakho, ndodakazi kaGalimi elusizana! IMadimena iyabaleka, abahlali beGebimi badinga isiphephelo. Kuselamuhla uzakuma eNobi, uqaqa lweJerusalema. Khangela, iNkosi uJehova wamabandla bazaganyulelwa phansi, labazikhukhumezayo bazathotshiswa. Njalo izagamula izixuku zehlathi ngensimbi izakuwa ngolamandla. Kuzavela-ke uGatsha. LoMoya weN KOSI, uMoya weseluleko lowamandla, uMoya wolwazi lowokwesaba iN. Lephunga lakhe lizakuba sekuyesabeni iN; kayikwahlulela, njalo kayikukhuza ngokuzwa kwezindlebe zakhe; kodwa uzakwahlulela abayanga ngokulunga. Njalo ukulunga, lobuqotho bube libhanti lokhalo lwakhe. Lempisi, lokunonisiweyo ndawonye; lomfana omncinyane uzakuqhuba. Inkomokazi lebhere kuzakudla; amathole akho alale ndawonye; lesilwane sizakudla amahlanga njengenkabi. Lomunyayo uzadlalela phezu komlindi wenhlangwana, lolunyuliweyo afake isandla sakhe emlindini wephimpi. Kabayikwenza okubi njengamanzi esibekela ulwandle. Langalolosuku ibe lodumo. Kuzakuthi-ke ngalolosuku. Izaphakamisela, bevela ezingonsini zozine zomhlaba. Lomhawu kaEfrayimi uzasuka, lezitha zakoJuda zizaqunywa; uEfrayimi kayikuba lomona ngoJuda, loJuda kayikucindezela uEfrayimi. Kodwa bazaphapha phezu kwehlombe. LeN izatshabalalisa. Kuzakuba khona ngosuku lokwenyuka kwakhe elizweni leGibhithe. Langalolosuku uzakuthi: Ngiyakubonga, N, lanxa wawungithukuthelele, ulaka lwakho seluphendukile, njalo ungiduduzile. Khangela, uNkulunkulu ulusindiso lwami, isibe lusindiso lwami. Ngakho ngentokozo lizakukha amanzi emithonjeni yosindiso. Lithi ngalolosuku. Hlabelelani eNni ngoba yenzile izinto ezinhle kakhulu; lokhu kakwaziwe emhlabeni wonke. Memeza. Umthwalo. Phakamisani uphawu, ukuze bangene eminyango yeziphathamandla. Mina ngibalayile abangcwelisiweyo bami. Ukuxokozela kwexuku ezintabeni kwemibuso, kwezizwe ezibutheneyo; yamabandla ibutha ibutho lempi. Bavela elizweni elikhatshana ilizwe lonke. Qhinqani isililo. Ngenxa yalokhu izandla zonke zizaxega, lenhliziyo yonke yomuntu incibilike; babesebetshaywa luvalo; imihelo; bamangale ngulowo ngomakhelwane wakhe; ubuso babo buyibuso bamalangabi. Khangelani, usuku lweN luyeza zawo zisuke kuwo. Ngoba inkanyezi zamazulu lemithala yazo. Ngoba ngizaphindisela ububi. Ngizakwenza ukuthi indoda. Ngenxa yalokhu ngizazamazamisa amazulu. Njalo kuzakuba njengomziki oxotshwayo, lanjengezimvu okungelamuntu oziqoqayo; bazaphenduka ngulowo lalowo ebantwini bakibo, babalekele ngulowo lalowo elizweni lakhe. Wonke ozatholakala uzagwazwa, laye wonke ozabanjwa uzakuwa ngenkemba. Labantwana babo. Khangela, ngizabavusela, legolide, angathokozi ngalo. Lamadandili awo kaliyikuhawukela abantwana. LeBhabhiloni, udumo lwemibuso. Kakuyikuba lendawo yokuhlala kuze kube nininini. Kodwa. Lezimpisi, lezinsuku zayo kaziyikuphuziswa. Ngoba izamhawukela uJakobe bazahlangana labo, njalo bazanamathela endlini kaJakobe. Labantu bazabathatha, babase endaweni yabo. Kuzakuthi-ke ngosuku ezaliphumuza ngalo ebuhlungwini benu lekuhluphekeni kwenu lemtshikatshikeni onzima ebelisetshenziswa kiwo, lizaphakamisa lesisaga! Owegolide usuphelile! ilwephule udondolo. Owatshaya abantu entukuthelweni ngokutshaya okungapheliyo, owabusa izizwe ngolaka, wazingelwa kungekho onqandayo. Umhlaba wonke uphumule, ulokuthula; baqhamuka ngo kuhlabelela. Lezihlahla zefiri, isithi: Selokhu walala phansi, kakulamgamuli owenyukela kithi. Isihogo, impongo zonke zomhlaba, sisukumise wonke amakhosi ezizwe ezihlalweni zawo zobukhosi. Bonke bazaphendula bathi kuwe: Lawe usubuthakathaka njengathi; u su fanana lathi. Ubukhosi bakho sebehliselwe esihogweni, lo kukhala kwamachacho akho; izimpethu zizakwendlalwa ngaphansi kwakho, lemihlavane ikugubuzele. Uwe kanganani uvela emazulwini! Wena wasusithi enhliziyweni yakho: Ngizakwenyukela emazulwini; ngizakwenyukela ngaphezu kwendawo eziphakemeyo zamayezi. Kodwa uzakwehliselwa esihogweni. Abakubonayo bazakujolozela, owamisa ilizwe laba njengenkangala, wachitha imizi yalo, ongavulelanga izibotshwa zakhe ziye ekhaya? Wonke amakhosi ezizwe, wonke alala phansi ngodumo, ileyo laleyo endlini yayo; kodwa wena uphoselwe ngaphandle kwengcwaba lakho, njengehlumela elinengekayo, njenge lembu lababuleweyo, begwazwe ngenkemba, abehlela phansi ematsheni omgodi, njengesidumbu esinyathelelwe phansi. Kawuyikuhlanganiswa kanye labo ekungcwatshweni yabenzi bobubi kayiyikubizwa kuze kube nininini. Lungiselani ukubulawa kwabantwana babo ngenxa yobubi baboyise badle ilifa lelizwe, bagcwalise ubuso bomhlaba ngemizi. Ngoba ngizabavukela, itsho yamabandla, ngiqume kusuke eBhabhiloni ibizo, itsho iN. Ngizayimisa ibe yindawo yezinhloni lamatete amanzi, ngiyithanyele ngomthanyelo wencithakalo, kutsho yamabandla. yamabandla ifungile isithi: Isibili, njengokucabanga kwami kuzakuba njalo, lanjengokweluleka kwami khona kuzakuma! Ukuthi ngimephule umAsiriya usuke ehlombe labo. Lesi yiseluleko eselulekwe ngomhlaba wonke, njalo lesi yisandla eselulelwe izizwe zonke. Ngoba yamabandla ikucebile? Ngomnyaka wokufa kwenkosi uAhazi: Ungathokozi, wena wonke Filisti. Lamazibulo abayanga azakwelusela, labaswelayo balale bevikelekile; kodwa ngizabulala impande yakho ngendlala, njalo abulale insali yakho. Qhinqa isililo. Lezithunywa zesizwe zizaphendulwa ngokuthi ni? Ngokuthi: iyisekele iZiyoni. Umthwalo ichithekile, iqunyiwe. Wenyukela eBayiti; ezitaladeni zabo bazibhinca ngamasaka, besehla bekhala inyembezi. LeHeshiboni; ngenxa yalokhu abahlomileyo bakoMowabi bayamemeza; umphefumulo wakhe uyathuthumela kuye. Inhliziyo yami iyamkhalela uMowabi baphakamisa ukukhala kwencithakalo. Ngoba amanzi; ngoba utshani buyoma, uhlaza luyaphela, kakukho okuluhlaza. Ngenxa yalokhu ukwanda abakwenzileyo. Ngoba ukukhala kuzabhoda umngcele kaMowabi, ukuqhinqa kwakhe isililo kufinyelela eEgilayimi. Ngoba amanzi eDiboni lakunsali yelizwe. Thumelani iwundlu. Ngoba kuzakuthi, njengenyoni ezulazulayo exotshwe e sidlek eni, azakuba njaloamadodakazi akoMowabi emazibukweni eArinoni. Lethani iseluleko, lenze isinqumo; wenze isithunzi sakho sibe njengobusuku phakathi kwemini; Abaxotshiweyo kibo ebusweni bomchithi; ngoba umcindezeli usekucineni, ukuchitheka se kunyamalele, lonyathezela phansi u se phelile elizweni. Njalo kuzamiswa isihlalo sobukhosi. Sizwile ngokuziphakamisa kukaMowabi. Ngakho uMowabi uzaqhinqela uMowabi isililo; isibili batshayiwe. Ngoba amasimu eHeshiboni. Ngenxa yalokho ngizakhala inyembezi. Intokozo lenjabulo. Ngenxa yalokho imibilini yami iyakhala njengechacho ngoMowabi. Kuzakuthi sekubonakele ukuthi uMowabi uzidinisile endaweni ephakemeyo, khona ezangena endlini yakhe engcwele ukukhuleka, kodwa kayikuphumelela. Leli yilizwi elikhulume ngoMowabi kusukela kulesosikhathi. Kodwa khathesi ikhuluma isithi: Phakathi kweminyaka emithathu, njengeminyaka yoqatshiweyo. Umthwalo, kodwa ibe lunxiwa oludilikileyo. Imizi yeAroweri. Lenqaba, lensali yeSiriya; bazakuba njengodumo lwabantwana bakoIsrayeli, itsho yamabandla. Kuzakuthi-ke ngalolosuku udumo lukaJakobe kwenyama yakhe kucakiswe. Njalo kube njengomvuni. Kodwa, itsho uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli. Ngalolosuku umuntu uzajolozela kuMenzi wakhe, lamehlo akhe akhangele koNgcwele kaIsrayeli. Njalo kayikujolozela emalathini, umsebenzi wezandla zakhe. Ngalolosuku imizi yabo eqinileyo izakuba njengegusu; njalo kuzakuba yincithakalo. Ngoba umkhohliwe uNkulunkulu wosindiso lwakho; ngenxa yalokho uzahlanyela izithombo ezinhle, uyihlanyele ngamahlumela angejwayelekanga. Ngosuku lokuhlanyela kwakho uzakwenza kuhlume, lekuseni wenze inhlanyelo yakho ikhuphe impoko; kodwaisivuno sizakuba yinqumbi ngosuku lomkhuhlane lobuhlungu obungelaphekiyo. Yeka ukuhlokoma kwabantu abanengi abahlokoma! Izizwe. Ngesikhathi sokuhlwa, khangela-ke, ukuthuthumela, kungakasi ka se kho. Yiso isabelo sabasiphangayo lenkatho yabasihlaselayo. Maye e lizwe ni, elithuma izithunywa. Lina lonke bahlali bomhlaba, lani elihlezi elizweni, bonani lapho kuphakanyiswa uphawu e zintab eni, lizwe lapho kuvuthelwa uphondo. Ngoba yatsho njalo kimi: Ngizathula ngikhangele ngisendaweni yami emisiweyo, njengeyezi lamazolo ekutshiseni kwesivuno. Ngoba mandulo kwesivuno, ihlumela seliphelele, lesithelo sesivini esingavuthwanga. Zizatshiywa ndawonye, lenyamazana zonke zomhlaba zichithe ubusika phezu kwazo. Ngalesosikhathi kuzalethwa isipho, siye endaweni yebizo leN yamabandla, intaba yeZiyoni. Umthwalo incibilike phakathi kwawo. Njalo ngizacija amaGibhithe amelane lamaGibhithe, ukuthi alwe, ngulowo lalowo emelene lomfowabo, langulowo lalowo emelene lomakhelwane wakhe, umuzi umelene lomuzi, umbuso umelene lombuso. Lomoya wamaGibhithe uzathululwa phakathi kwawo, njalo ngizaginya icebo lawo; babesebebuza izithombe zawo, labathakathi, labalamadlozi, labalumbayo. Sengizavalela amaGibhithe esandleni samakhosi alukhuni. Lamanzi elwandle azacitsha. Njalo bazakwala imifula, lezifudlana zeGibhithe zetshe zicitshe. Imihlanga ezifuleni, emilonyeni yezifula, lakho konke okuhlanyelweyo kwezifula kuzakoma, kuphetshethwe, kungabe kusabakhona. Njalo abagoli benhlanzi. Labasebenzi ngefikalisi elicolekileyo labeluka okumhlophe bazakuba lenhloni. Lezisekelo zayo zonke zizachotshozwa, lamadoda ayiziqatshwa azadana emphefumulweni. Isibili, iziphathamandla zeZowani ziyizithutha? Pho, bangaphi abahlakaniphileyo bakho? Yebo, ake bakutshele, kabakwazi lokho yamabandla ekucebileyo ngeGibhithe. Iziphathamandla zeZowani, insika yezizwe zayo. ithulule umoya ophambeneyo phakathi kwayo; baduhise iGibhithe ekuhlanzeni kwakhe. Njalo kakuyikuba khona umsebenzi weGibhithe okungawenza inhloko kumbe umsila. Ngalolosuku phezu kwayo. Lelizwe lakoJuda lizakuba yisesabiso eGibhithe; wonke ozakhuluma ngalo uzakwethuka yena ngokwakhe ngenxa yecebo leN yamabandla elicebileyo imelene layo. Ngalolosuku. Ngalolosuku yeN emngceleni wayo. Njalo izakuba yisibonakaliso ibe yibufakazi lomkhulu ozabakhulula. LeN izakwaziwa kumaGibhithe; njalo amaGibhithe. LeN izatshaya iGibhithe, itshaye ibuye isilise, ibasilise. Ngalolosuku. Ngalolosuku uIsrayeli uzakuba ngowesithathu leGibhithe leAsiriya, isibusiso phakathi komhlaba, ezababusisa yamabandla isithi: Ibusisiwe iGibhithe abantu bami. Ngomnyaka wokufika kukaTharithani, lapho uSarigoni inkosi yeAsiriya emthuma, lapho walwa leAshidodi wayithumba; ngalesosikhathi yakhuluma ngesandla sikaIsaya. yasisithi: Njengalokhu inceku yami uIsaya isihambeze; ngokunjalo inkosi yeAsiriya, kubelihlazo eGibhithe. Basebesethuka baba lenhloni. Abahlali balesisihlenge bazakuthi ngalolosuku: Khangela, linjalo ithemba lethu, lapho esabalekelela usizo khona ukuze sikhululwe ebusweni benkosi yeAsiriya. Pho, thina sizaphunyuka njani? Umthwalo, elizweni elesabekayo. Ngaziswe umbono olukhuni; umkhohlisi wenza ngenkohliso konke ukububula kwayo. Ngenxa yalokhu ukhalo lwami lugcwele ubuhlungu, ngadideka ngenxa yokubona. Inhliziyo yami yaduha, uvalo lwangesabisa wakwenza kwaba yikuthuthumela kimi. Lungisa itafula. Ngoba yatsho njalo iNkosi kimi: Hamba umise umlindi; akhulume akubonayo. Wasebona inqola. Wasememeza esithi: Isilwane, Nkosi, ngimi njalonjalo. Khangela-ke, nansi inqola yomuntu zabonkulunkulu bayo uzidilizele emhlabathini. Lina okubhuliweyo, engikuzwileyo eNni yamabandla, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, ngilitshelile khona. Umthwalo esithi: Mlindi, u thi ni ngobusuku? Mlindi, u thi ni ngobusuku? Umlindi wathi: Kuyeza ukusa, lobusuku futhi. Uba libuza, buzani, libuye, lize. Umthwalo. Mletheleni omileyo amanzi. Abahlali belizwe leTema obalekayo ngokudla. Ngoba babalekela izinkemba, inkemba ehwatshiweyo, ledandili eligotshiweyo, lobunzima bempi. , lonke udumo lweKedari luzaphela. Lensali yenani labatshoki, amaqhawe amaKedari. Umthwalo? Wena ogcwele imisindo, muzi oxokozelayo, dolobho elilentokozo, ababuleweyo bakho kababulawanga ngenkemba, kabafelanga empini. Bonke ababusi bakho babaleke kanyekanye, babotshwe ngabatshoki, bonke abatholakala kuwe, babotshiwe kanyekanye, babaleke besuka khatshana. Ngenxa yalokhu ngathi: Susani amehlo kimi; ungaphangisi ukungiduduza ngenxa yokuchitheka kwendodakazi yabantu bakithi. Ngoba kulusuku lokusanganiseka. IElamu. Kuzakuthi-ke izigodi zakho ezikhethekileyo zigcwala izinqola, labagadi bamabhiza bazihlele lokuzihlela ngasesangweni. Njalo yena uzakwembula isimbombozo sakoJuda; langalolosuku wena uzakhangela izikhali. Njalo lizabona imikenke yomuzi kaDavida. Lizabala izindlu zeJerusalema, lidilize izindlu ukuze liqinise umduli. Lizakwenza ichibi. Langalolosuku iNkosi uJehova wamabandla izamemezela ukulila. Kodwa khangela, injabulo lokuthaba, ukubulawa kwenkomo, lokuhlatshwa kwezimvu, ukudliwa kwenyama, lokunathwa kwewayini; lathi: Asidleni sinathe, ngoba kusasa sizakufa. Kodwa yamabandla yembula endlebeni zami, kutsho iNkosi uJehova wamabandla. Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova wamabandla: Hamba uye kulo umphathi, kuShebina, uthi: Ulani lapha, njalo ulobani lapha, ukuthi uzigebhele ingcwaba lapha, ozigubhela indawo yokuhlala edwaleni? Khangela, izakujikijela khatshana ngokujika kwendoda; izakugoqela ngoku ku goqela, i ku thandele lokukuthandela eligoqelwayo; njengebhola izakuphosela elizweni elibanzi; lalapho uzafela, lalapho izinqola zodumo lwakho zizakuba lihlazo, olwendlu yenkosi yakho! Njalo ngizakusunduza usuke esikhundleni sakho, ikuwise ekumeni kwakho. Kuzakuthi-ke ngalolosuku ngibize inceku yami uEliyakhimi indodana kaHilikhiya; ngizamgqokisa isigqoko sakho kubahlali beJerusalema lendlini yakoJuda. Ngizabeka-ke isihluthulelo. Ngizambethela njenge sikhonkwane endlini kayise. Njalo bazaphanyeka phezu kwakhe udumo lonke lwendlu kayise, inzalo lembewu. Ngalolosuku, itsho yamabandla, isikhonkwane. Umthwalo kwembuliwe kubo. Thulani abachapha ulwandle. Langamanzi amakhulu, inzalo yeShihori. Woba lenhloni, Sidoni. Njengasembikweni ngeGibhithe bazahelelwa ngombiko weTire. Chaphelani eTarshishi. Yiwo lo yini umuziwenu ojabulayo? Inyawo zawo zizawuthwalela khatshana uku ya hlala njengowezizwe. Ngubani oweluleke lokhu ngeTire, omethesi womqhele, obathengisi bayo bayiziphathamandla, obathengiselani bayo ngabadumileyo emhlabeni? yamabandla ikucebisile lokhu, ukonakalisa ukuzigqaja kodumo bonke abadumileyo bomhlaba. Dabula ilizwe lakho njengomfula. Yelulele isandla sayo phezu kolwandle, inyikinye imibuso; ilayezile imelene leKhanani, ukuchitha inqaba zayo. Yasisithi: Kawusayikuphinda ujabule, ntombi emsulwa ecindezelweyo, ndodakazi yeSidoni; eKhithimu sukuma uchaphe; lakhona kakuyikuba lokuphumula kuwe. Khangela ilizwe lamaKhaladiya. Qhinqani isililo, mikhumbi yeTarshishi, ngoba inqaba yenu ichithekile. Kuzakuthi-ke ngalolosuku iTire ikhohlakale okweminyaka engamatshumi ayisikhombisa. Thatha ichacho, uhlabele ingoma ezinengi, ukuze ukhunjulwe. Kuzakuthi-ke ekupheleni kweminyaka engamatshumi ayisikhombisa layo yonke imibuso yomhlaba phezu kobuso bomhlaba. Lokuthengiselana kwayo lokuqatshwa kwayo kuzakuba yibungcwele eNni, babe lezigqoko ezinhle. Khangela, iN KOSI, yone ubuso bawo, ihlakaze abahlali bawo. Kuzakuthi njengabantu. Umhlaba. Umhlaba uyalila, ubune, ilizwe liyadangala. Umhlaba lawo ungcolisiwe. Ngenxa yalokho isiqalekiso siwuqedile umhlaba, labahlala kuwo bayachitheka. Iwayini elitsha liyalila, ivini lidangale, bonke abanhliziyo ethokozayo bayabubula. Injabulo. Kabayikunatha iwayini ngengoma; okunathwayo okulamandla kuzababa kwabakunathayo. Umuzi wencithakalo ubhidlikile. Kukhalelwa. Emzini kusele incithakalo, lesango litshayiwe lachithwa. Ngoba kuzakuba njalo phakathi kwelizwe, phakathi kwabantu. Bona bazaphakamisa ilizwi labo, bazahlabelela. Ngenxa yalokhu dumisani emililweni. Sizwile amahubo; yebo abenzi benkohliso benze ngokukhohlisa okukhulu. Ukwesaba. Kuzakuthi-ke. Umhlaba wephukile lokwephuka, umhlaba uyanyikinyeka kakhulu. Umhlaba uzadiyazela lokudiyazela njengesidakwa; lesiphambeko sawo sizakuba nzima phezu kwawo; uzakuwa, ungabe u sa vuka futhi. Kuzakuthi-ke ngalolosuku. Bazabuthelwa ndawonye njenge zibotshwa. Khona. N unguNkulunkulu wami; ngizakuphakamisa. Ngoba wenzile umuzi waba yinqwaba; kasiyikwakhiwa kuze kube nininini. Ngenxa yalokho abantu abalamandla bazakudumisa. Ngoba ubungamandla kumyanga, lapho ukuvuthela kwabalolunya kunjengezulu lesiphepho e mdul ini. Uzakwehlisa umsindo wabezizwe yabalolunya izathotshiswa. Lakulintaba, idili lamawayini alenzece, lezinto ezinonileyo zigcwele umnkantsho, lamawayini alenzece acengekileyo. Izaginya kulintaba. Izaginya ukufa. Kuzakuthiwa-ke ngalolosuku. Ngoba isandla seN sizaphumula kulintaba, njengamahlanga abuthelelweyo enyathelelwa enqunjini yomquba. Njalo izakwelula izandla zayo phakathi kwakhe njengontshezayo e ze lula ukuze antsheze; njalo izathobisa ukuzigqaja kwakhe kanye lokucathamela kwezandla zakhe. Lenqaba ephakemeyo, ethulini. Ngalolosuku. Vulani amasango esigcina ukuthembeka. Uza m gcina ekuthuleni okupheleleyo. Thembani eNni kokuphela kuLidwala elilaphakade. Ngoba ibehlisela phansi abahlala engqongeni. Unyawo luzawunyathelela phansi, ngitshoinyawo zabayanga, amanyathela abaswelayo. Indlela yabalungileyo iyikuqonda. Yebo, endleleni yezahlulelo zakho. Ngo mphefumulo wami ngikuloyisile ebusuku, abahlali bomhlaba bazafunda ukulunga. Uba ubukhosi beN. N, isandla sakho siphakeme, kabayikubona wezitha zakho uzaziqeda. N, uzasimisela ukuthula. N Nkulunkulu wethu, amanyeamakhosi ngaphandle kwakho ake abusa phezu kwethu kuphela sizakhumbula ibizo lakho. Afile, kawayikuphila; ayimimoya efileyo. Usandisile isizwe. N, besekuhluphekeni bakwethekelele, bathulula umkhuleko laphoukujezisa kwakho kuphezu kwabo. Njengowesifazana okhulelweyo sekusondele ukubeletha, esebuhlungwini, ekhala emihelweni yakhe, saba njalo ebusweni bakho, N. Sasikhulelwe, sasisebuhlungwini, kwakungathi sibelethe umoya. Kasenzanga usindiso emhlabeni, njalo abahlali bomhlaba. Abafileyo bakho bazaphila. Hambani bantu bami, lingene emakamelweni enu. Ngoba, khangelani. Ngalolosuku. Ngalolosuku. Mina N KOSI. Ukuthukuthela kakukho kimi. Kumbe kabambelele emandleni ami; uzakwenza ukuthula lami. Izakwenza abavela koJakobe bagxile, agcwalise ubuso bomhlaba ngezithelo. Imtshayile yini njengokutshaya kwayo oyitshayayo? Ubulewe yini njengokubulawa kwababuleweyo bakhe? Ngesilinganiso. Ngakho ngalokhu kakuyikuma. Ngoba umuzi obiyelweyo. Lapho ingatsha zawo. Kuzakuthi-ke ngalolosuku; lina-ke lizabuthwa ngamunye ngamunye, bantwana bakoIsrayeli. Kuzakuthi-ke ngalolosuku. Maye kumqhele wokuzigqaja zalabo abatshaywe liwayini. Khangela, iNkosi ilaye olamandla loqinileyo. Umqhele wokuziqgaja wezidakwa zakoEfrayimi uzanyathelelwa phansi ngezinyawo. Lobuhle benkazimulo yakhe; okuthi osibonileyo asibone, sisesesandleni sakhe asiginye. Ngalolosuku kunsali yabantu bayo, lomoya wesahlulelo kulowo ohlalela isahlulelo, lamandla kulabo ababuyisela impi esangweni. Lalaba baduhile ngenxa yewayini. Ngoba wonke amatafula agcwele amahlanzo lo kungcola, kakulandawo engangcolanga. Izafundisa bani ulwazi, abakhunyuliweyo emabeleni. Ngoba umthetho phezu komthetho, umthetho phezu komthetho; umzila phezu komzila, umzila phezu komzila; lapha okuncinyane, laphayana okuncinyane. Ngoba ngendebe eziklolodayo langolunye ulimi izakhuluma kulababantu, eyathi kubo: Lokhu yikuphumula. Kodwa ilizwi leN lizakuba kibo ngumthetho phezu komthetho, umthetho phezu komthetho. Ngakho zwanini ilizwi leN, bantu abaklolodayo, elibusa lababantu abaseJerusalema. Ngoba lithe: Sivumelane isivumelwano lokufa. Ngakho itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Khangela, ngibeka eZiyoni. Isahlulelo laso ngizasibeka entanjeni. Lesivumelwano senu, khona lizanyathelelwa phansi yikho. Kusukela esikhathini sokwedlula kwaso, sizalithatha; ngoba ukusa ngokusa sizakwedlula, emini lebusuku. Ngoba umbheda mfitshane kakhulu ukuthi umuntuazelule kuwo, lengubo yincinyane kakhulu ukuthi umuntuazigoqele ngayo. Ngoba izavuka njengentab eniyePerazimi, ukuze yenze umsebenzi wayo, umsebenzi wayo ongejwayelekanga, yenze isenzo sayo, isenzo sayo esingejwayelekanga. Ngakho-ke lingahleki usulu. Bekani indlebe, lizwe ilizwi lami; lalelani lizwe inkulumo yami. Umlimi ulimela ukuhlanyela lonke usuku yini? Uyavula abhuqe umhlabathi wakhe yini? Kakunjalo yini, esewuhlelembile ubuso bawo, ukuthi aphose amafitshizi, ahlakaze ikhumini, afake phezu kwakhoingqoloyi enhle kakhulu, lebhali emisiweyo, lespelite emngceleni wakho? Ngoba uNkulunkulu wakhe uyamazisa ngendlela, amfundise. Ngoba amafitshizi kawabhulwa ngobhulo, lekhumini ngentonga. Amabeleesinkwa ayachotshozwa; ngoba kayikuhlala ewabhula kokuphela, loba ewachoboza nge vili lenqola yakhe, njalo kawachobozi ngamabhiza akhe. Lalokhu kuvela eNni yamabandla; iyamangalisa ekwelulekeni. Maye kuyo iAriyeli. Kanti ngizayicindezela iAriyeli. Njalo ngizamisa inkamba ezimelene lawe. Njalo uzakwehliselwa phansi. Njalo ixuku labezizwe bakho lizakuba njengothuli olucholekileyo. Uzakwethekelelwa yyamabandla. Lexuku lezizwe zonke. Kuzakuba lanjengolambileyo ephupha; lizakuba njalo ixuku lazo zonke izizwe ezilwa zimelene lentaba iZiyoni. Manini, lithithibale; zithokoziseni liphumputheke; badakiwe; bayadiyazela, kodwa hatshi ngenxa yokunathwayo okulamandla. Ngoba iN KOSI; abaprofethi lezinhloko zenu, ababoni, ibagubuzele. Lawo wonke umbono. Ugwalo beselunikwa ongazi umbhalo, besithi: Bala lokhu, siyakuncenga; yena athi: Kangiwazi umbhalo. INkosi yasisithi: Ngenxa yokuthi lababantu besondela ngomlomo wabo; ngakho, khangela, ngizaqhubeka ukukwenza ngokumangalisayo lalababantu, umsebenzi omangalisayo lesimanga; ngoba inhlakanipho yabahlakaniphileyo babo izaphela, lokuqedisisa kwabaqedisisayo babo kucatshe. Maye kulabo abajula besuka eNni ukuze bafihle icebo labo Ukugonqomisa kwenu kuthiwa kunjengebumba lombumbi! Ngoba umsebenzi kungatsho yini ngombumbi wakho ukuthi: Kaqedisisi? Kakuseyi sikha tshana esifitshane ithiwe injengehlathi? Njalo ngalolosuku zizakuzwa amazwi ogwalo, lamehlo eziphofu abone ekufiphaleni lemnyameni. Abathobekileyo bathokoze koNgcwele kaIsrayeli. Ngoba olesihluku, labo bonke abalindele okubi baqunyiwe; abenza umuntu one ngelizwi, bambekele umjibila okhuzayo esangweni. Ngakho itsho njalo eyahlenga uAbrahama, ngendlu kaJakobe: Khathesi uJakobe kayikuba lanhloni, lobuso bakhe khathesi kabuyikuhloba. Ngoba lapho ebona abantwana bakhe, umsebenzi wezandla zami. Lalabo abaduhayo emoyeni bazakwazi ukuqedisisa, labangungunayo. Maye ebantwaneni abahlamukayo!. Abahamba ukwehlela eGibhithe Ngakho amandla kaFaro azakuba lihlazo kini, lokuthembela kube yikuyangeka. Ngoba iziphathamandla zakhe zaziseZowani. Bonke izabayangisa, bangabi luncedo njalo bangabi yinzuzo, kodwa babe luyangiso njalo babe lihlazo. Umthwalo. Ngoba amaGibhithe. Khathesi hamba, ukubhale, ukuze kube khona kuze kube lusuku lokucina, kuze kube nininini, kuze kube phakade. Ngoba bangabantu abavukelayo, abantwana abaqamba amanga, abantwana abangathandi ukuzwa umlayo weN; abathi kubaboni: Lingaboni, likhangele izinkohliso; phumani endleleni, liphambuke lisuke emkhondweni, lisuse oNgcwele kaIsrayeli phambi kwethu. Ngakho utsho njalo oNgcwele kaIsrayeli uthi: Ngoba lidelele lelilizwi, lathembela kucindezelo lokuphambeneyo, labambelela kukho. Ngakho lobububi buzakuba kini njengomkenke osuzakuwa, ukhukhumala emdulini omude, okudilika kwawo kuhle kufike. Yebo, uzawephula. Ngoba itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova, oNgcwele kaIsrayeli: Ngokuphenduka lokuphumula lizasindiswa. Kodwa lathi: Hatshi, ngoba sizabaleka ngamabhiza; ngakho-ke abalixotshayo bazakuba lejubane. Inkulungwane eyodwa phezu koqaqa. Ngakho-ke izalinda. Ngoba abantu bazahlala eZiyoni eJerusalema; kaliyikukhala lokukhala inyembezi; izakuba lomusa omkhulu kuwe elizwini lokukhala kwakho; lapho ilizwa izakuphendula. Loba iNkosi ilinika isinkwa sosizi, kodwa amehlo akho azabona abafundisi bakho. Lendlebe zakho zizakuzwa ilizwi emva kwakho lisithi: Le yiyo indlela, hambani ngayo. Lizangcolisa lokuhuqiweyo Khona izanika izulu lenhlanyelo yakho ozayihlanyela emhlabathini, lesinkwa sesivuno somhlaba; uzavunda ucicime. Ngalolosuku; lezinkabi, oweliweyo ngefotsholo langefologwe. Laphezu kwayo yonke intaba ende. Futhi ukukhanya umvimvinya wesilonda sabo. Khangela, ibizo leN livela khatshana, livutha ulaka lwayo, lomthwalo unzima; indebe zayo zigcwele intukuthelo, lolimi lwayo lunjengomlilo oqothulayo; lokuphefumula kwayo eliduhisayo emihlathini yabantu. Lizakuba lengoma, njengeyobusuku bokwehlukaniswa komkhosi, lokuthokoza kwenhliziyo, njengohamba lomhubhe, eDwaleni lakoIsrayeli. izazwakalisa-ke ilizwi layo elilodumo, ibonakalise ukwehla kwengalo yayo. Ngoba ngelizwi leN KOSI. Kuzakuthi loba ngaphi okwedlula khona induku emisiweyo, eyibeka phezu kwayo, kube ngezigubhu ilwe labo. Ngoba iThofethi njengesifula sesolufa. Maye kulabo abehlela usizo eGibhithe Kanti layo ihlakaniphile. Ngoba amaGibhithe angabantu, kabasuNkulunkulu. Ngoba itsho njalo kimi: Njengesilwane loqaqa lwayo. Njengenyoni eziphaphayo. Phendukelani ku yookuyo abantwana bakoIsrayeli bahlubuke ngokujulileyo. Ngoba ngalolosuku bazalahla, wonke umuntu. ISiriya, lamajaha ayo abe yizibhalwa. Izakwedlulela. Khangela, inkosi izabusa ngokulunga, leziphathamandla zibuse ngesahlulelo. Lomuntu uzakuba njengendawo yokucatshela umoya lesivikelo kuzulu lesiphepho. Lamehlo zalabo abezwayo zizalalela. Lenhliziyo yabalamawala izaqedisisa ulwazi, lolimi lwabagagasayo luzaphangisa ukukhuluma ngokucaca. Isithutha kasisayikubizwa ngokuthisihloniphekile, loncitshanayo angathiwa uyaphana. Ngoba isithutha sikhuluma ubuthutha, lenhliziyo yaso isebenze okubi, ukwenza ubuzenzisi, lokukhuluma okuphambeneyo ngeN, ukwenza umphefumulo wolambileyo ube ze, senze kusweleke okunathwayo kowomileyo. Izikhali zoncitshanayo lazo zimbi; yena uceba amacebo akhohlakeleyo ukuze achithe abayanga ngamazwi amanga, lanxa oswelayo ekhuluma okulungileyo. Kodwa ohloniphekayo uceba izinto ezihloniphekayo; langezinto ezihloniphekayo yena uzakuma. Vukani, besifazana abonwabileyo, lizwe ilizwi lami; madodakazi avikelekileyo, bekani indlebe ekukhulumeni kwami. Izinsuku ezedlula umnyaka lizathuthumela, besifazana abavikelekileyo, ngoba ukuvunwa kwevini kuzaphela, ukubutha kakuyikufika. Thuthumelani, besifazana abonwabileyo. Bazakhalela amabele okumunya, amasimu amahle, ivini elithelayo. Phezu komhlabathi wabantu bami kuzakhula ameva lo khula oluhlabayo. Ngoba isigodlo sizadelwa; aze athululelwe phezu kwethu uMoya. Khona isahlulelo sizahlala enkangala, lokulunga kuhlale ensimini ethelayo. Lomsebenzi wokulunga kube yikuthula lokuqinisekiswa kuze kube nininini. Labantu bami bazahlala endaweni yokuhlala elokuthula, lezindaweni zokuhlala ezivikelekileyo, lezindaweni zokuphumula ezonwabileyo. Kodwa lizakuna ngesiqhotho, lomuzi uzathotshiswa endaweni ephansi. Libusisiwe lina elihlanyela ngasemanzini wonke. Maye kuwe ochithayo; lapho usucinile ukwenza ngenkohliso, bazakwenza ngenkohliso kuwe. N, woba lomusa kithi, sikulindele, losindiso lwethu ngesikhathi socindezelo. Emsindweni wokuhlokoma abantu babaleka; ekuziphakamiseni kwakho izizwe zahlakazeka. Lempango yenu. iphakeme, ngoba ihlala phezulu; igcwalise iZiyoni ngesahlulelo langokulunga. Lenhlakanipho lolwazi kuzakuba yikuqina kwezikhathi zakho; ukwesaba kuligugu lakhe. Khangela, amaqhawe abo azakhala ngaphandle; izithunywa zokuthula zizakhala inyembezi ngokubabayo. Imigwaqo emikhulu ize, kananzi muntu. Ilizwe liyalila. Khathesi ngizavuka, kutsho iN; khathesi ngizadunyiswa; khathesi ngizaphakanyiswa. Lizakhulelwa; umoya wenu, njengo mlilo, uzaliqeda. Njalo abantu bazakuba njengo kutshisiweyo kwekalaga; njeng ameva. Zwanini, lina eli khatshana, vumani amandla ami. Izoni zeZiyoni ziyesaba, ukuthuthumela? Ngubani phakathi kwethu ongahlala lokutshisa okulaphakade? Yena ohamba ngokulunga; yena uzahlala ezindaweni eziphakemeyo. Amehlo akho azabona iNkosi ebuhleni bayo; abone ilizwe elikhatshana kakhulu. Inhliziyo yakho izazindla ukwesabisa. Ungaphi umbhali? Ungaphi umlinganisi? Ungaphi obala imiphotshongo? Kawuyikubona ongeluqedisise. Khangela iZiyoni, umuzi wemikhosi yethu emisiweyo zalo. Kodwa lapho izakuba ngelobukhosi kithi, indawo yemifula; umkolo olamaphini okugwedla ongahambi khona, lomkhumbi olamandla ongedluli khona. Ngoba uJehova ungumahluleli wethu, uJehova ungumnikumthetho wethu, uJehova uyinkosi yethu, yena uzasisindisa. Ingoda zakho baphange impango. Lomhlali kayikuthi: Ngiyagula. Sondelani, zizwe, ukuze lizwe. Ngoba intukuthelo yeN iphezu kwazo zonke izizwe, lolaka phezu kwawo wonke amabutho azo; izitshabalalisile, izinikele ekubulaweni. Ababuleweyo bazo labo bazaphoselwa phandle, levumba labo lizakwenyuka ezidunjini zabo, lezintaba zizancibilika ngegazi labo. Lalo lonke ibutho lamazulu lizabola. Ngoba inkemba yami ngesigwebo. Inkemba. Lezinyathi. Njalo ilizwe labo lizacwila egazini, lothuli lwabo lunoniswe ngamahwahwa. Ngoba kulusuku lwempindiselo yeN, umnyaka wokubuyiselwa kwempikisano yeZiyoni. Lezifula zabo zizaphendulwa zibe yingcino, lothuli lwabo lube yisibabule; lelizwe labo lizakuba yingcino etshayo. Kaliyikucitshwa ubusuku lemini; intuthu; kakho ozadabula phakathi kwalo kuze kube nini lanini. Kodwa iwunkwe. Bazabizela izikhulu zalo e mbusw eni, kodwa kakho ozakuba khona, leziphathamandla zalo zonke zizakuba yinto engelutho. Lameva. Izilo zenkangala, sizitholele indawo yokuphumula. Lapho isikhova esikhulu sizakwakha isidleke lawo azabuthana lapho, yilelo lalelo lomngane walo. Dingani egwalweni lweN KOSI; ngoba umlomo wami ngokwawo ulayile, lomoya wayo ngokwawo ukubuthanisile. Ngoba yona ibenzele inkatho yokuphosa, lesandla sayo sibehlukanisele ngentambo; lizakuba yilifa labo kuze kube phakade, kusukela kusizukulwana kuze kube sesizukulwaneni bazahlala kulo. Inkangala; lehlane ithokoze, ikhahlele njengerosi, ikhahlele kakhulu; khona kuzabona inkazimulo yeN, ubukhosi bukaNkulunkulu wethu. Qinisani izandla ezibuthakathaka, liqinise amadolo axegayo. Tshonini kwabalenhliziyo ephangisayo lithi: Qinani, lingesabi. Khangelani, uNkulunkulu wenu uzakuza ngempindiselo, uNkulunkulu el omvuzo; yena uzakuza alisindise. Khona amehlo eziphofu ezavuleka. Khona oqhulayo ezakweqa njengendluzele, lezifula enkangala. Lomhlabathi otshileyo. Kuzakuba lomgwaqo omkhulu khona, lendlela kayikudlula kuyo, kodwa izakuba ngeyalowo; abahambayo nga leyo ndlela, loba beyizithutha, kabayikulahleka. Kakuyikuba khona isilwane lapho bazahamba ngayo. Njalo abenzelwe inhlawulo yokuthula beN bazabuyela. Kwasekusithi ngomnyaka wetshumi lane wenkosi uHezekhiya, uSenakheribi inkosi yeAsiriya wenyuka wamelana lemizi yonke evikelweyo yakoJuda, wayithatha. Njalo inkosi yeAsiriya yathuma uRabi-Shake esuka eLakishi esiya eJerusalema enkosini uHezekhiya lebutho elinzima. Wasesima emfolweni wechibi elingaphezulu, emgwaqweni omkhulu wensimu yomwatshi. Kwasekuphumela kuye uEliyakhimi, indodana kaHilikhiya, owayephezu kwendlu, loJowa indodana kaAsafi umabhalane. URabi-Shake wasesithi kubo: Tshonini khathesi kuHezekhiya ukuthi: Itsho njalo inkosi enkulu, inkosi yeAsiriya: Lithemba bani leli othembele kulo? Ngithi (kodwa yilizwi lendebe): Kuleseluleko lamandla empi. Khathesi uthembele kubani ukuthi ungivukele? Khangela, uthembele kuloludondolo lwalo umhlanga owephukileyo, kuyo iGibhithe, okuthi uba umuntu eseyama kulo, luzangena esandleni sakhe lusihlabe. Unjalo uFaro inkosi yeGibhithe kubo bonke abathembela kuye. Kodwa uba usithi kimi: Sithembela eNni uNkulunkulu wethu; kakusuye yini ozindawo zakhe eziphakemeyo lamalathi akhe uHezekhiya akususileyo, wathi kuJuda leJerusalema: Lizakhonza phambi kwaleli ilathi? Ngakho-ke ake unike isibambiso enkosini yami, inkosi yeAsiriya; njalo ngizakunika amabhiza azinkulungwane ezimbili, uba wena ulakho ukunika abagadi bamabhiza phezu kwawo. Uzabuyisela njani-ke emuva ubuso bombusi oyedwa wabancinyane bezinceku zenkosi yami, wena-ke uthembela eGibhithe ngenxa yezinqola labagadi bamabhiza? Khathesi sengenyukile yini ngingelaN ngimelene lalelilizwe ukulichitha? yathi kimi: Yenyuka umelene lalelilizwe, ulichithe. UEIiyakimi loShebina loJowa basebesithi kuRabi-Shake: Ake ukhulume lenceku zakho ngesiSiriya, ngoba siyasiqedisisa; ungakhulumi lathi ngesiJuda, endlebeni zabantu abaphezu komduli. Kodwa uRabi-Shake wathi: Inkosi yami ingithume enkosini yakho lakuwe yini ukukhuluma lamazwi? Kakusebantwini yini abahlezi phezu komduli ukuze badle ubulongwe babo, banathe umchamo wabo kanye lani? URabi-Shake wema-ke, wamemeza ngelizwi elikhulu ngesiJuda, wathi: Zwanini amazwi enkosi enkulu, inkosi yeAsiriya. Itsho njalo inkosi: UHezekhiya kangalikhohlisi, ngoba kayikuba lakho ukulikhulula. Futhi uHezekhiya angalenzi lithembele eNni, esithi: INkosi izasikhulula lokusikhulula; lumuzi kawuyikunikelwa esandleni senkosi yeAsiriya. Lingamlaleli uHezekhiya, ngoba itsho njalo inkosi yeAsiriya: Dingani umusa wami ngesipho, li si thumele kimi; lidle ngulowo lalowo okwevini lakhe, langulowo lalowo okomkhiwa wakhe, linathe ngulowo lalowo amanzi omthombo wakhe; ngize ngifike, ngilithathe, ngilise elizweni elifanana lelizwe lenu, ilizwe lamabele lewayini elitsha, ilizwe lesinkwa lezivini. UHezekhiya kangalihugi esithi: izasikhulula. Onkulunkulu bezizwe bakhulule yini, ngulowo lalowo ilizwe lakhe, esandleni samakhosi eAsiriya? Bangaphi onkulunkulu beHamathi leArpadi? Bangaphi onkulunkulu beSefavayimi? Bayikhulule yini layo iSamariya esandleni sami? Ngobani phakathi kwabo bonke onkulunkulu balawomazwe abakhulule ilizwe labo esandleni sami, ukuthi ikhulule iJerusalema esandleni sami? Kodwa bathula, kabaze bamphendula lizwi, ngoba umlayo wenkosi wawuyikuthi: Lingamphenduli. Kwasekufika uEliyakhimi, indodana kaHilikhiya, owayephezu kwendlu, loShebina umbhali, loJowa indodana kaAsafi, umabhalane, kuHezekhiya, izigqoko zabo zidatshuliwe, bamtshela amazwi kaRabi-Shake. Kwasekusithi inkosi uHezekhiya isi ku zwile, yadabula izigqoko zayo, yazembesa ngesaka, yangena endlini yeN. Yasithuma uEliyakhimi umphathi wendlu, loShebina umabhalane, labadala babapristi bembethe amasaka, kuIsaya umprofethi indodana kaAmozi. Basebesithi kuye: Utsho njalo uHezekhiya: Lolusuku lusuku lohlupho, kanti akulamandla okubeletha. Mhlawumbe iN, uNkulunkulu wakho, izawezwa amazwi kaRabi-Shake, onkosi yeAsiriya, inkosi yakhe, emthume ukuthuka uNkulunkulu ophilayo, lokusola ngamazwi uNkulunkulu wakho ewazwileyo. Ngakho phakamisa umkhuleko ngensali etholakeleyo. Ngakho inceku zenkosi uHezekhiya zafika kuIsaya. UIsaya wasesithi kuzo: Lizakutsho njalo enkosini yenu: Itsho njalo iN: Ungesabi amazwi owezwileyo, inceku zenkosi yeAsiriya ezingithuke ngawo. Khangela, ngizafaka umoya kuyo, njalo izakuzwa ihungahunga, ibuyele elizweni layo; njalo ngizayenza ukuthi iwe ngenkemba elizweni layo. URabi-Shake wasebuyela, wafica inkosi yeAsiriya isilwa imelene leLibhina; ngoba wayezwile ukuthi isisukile eLakishi. Wasesizwa ngoTirihaka inkosi yeEthiyophiya kuthiwa: Uphumile uku za kulwa lawe. Esekuzwile wathuma izithunywa kuHezekhiya esithi: Lizakhuluma kanje kuHezekhiya inkosi yakoJuda lithi: UNkulunkulu wakho othembele kuye kangakukhohlisi esithi: IJerusalema kayiyikunikelwa esandleni senkosi yeAsiriya. Khangela, wena usuzwile ukuthi amakhosi eAsiriya enzeni kuwo wonke amazwe ngokuwatshabalalisa. Wena-ke uzakhululwa yini? Onkulunkulu bezizwe bazikhulula yini obaba abazichithayo, iGozani leHarani leRezefi, labantwana beEdeni ababeseTelasari? Ingaphi inkosi yeHamathi, lenkosi yomuzi weSefavayimi, iHena, leIva? UHezekhiya wasesemukela izincwadi esandleni sezithunywa, wazifunda, wenyukela endlini yeN; uHezekhiya wasezichaya phambi kweN. UHezekhiya wasekhuleka eNni, esithi: N yamabandla, Nkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, ohlala phakathikwamakherubhi, nguwe wedwa onguNkulunkulu wayo yonke imibuso yomhlaba; wena wenze amazulu lomhlaba. Thoba indlebe yakho, N, uzwe, vula amehlo akho, N, ubone; uzwe wonke amazwi kaSenakheribi awathumele ukuklolodela uNkulunkulu ophilayo. Qiniso, N, amakhosi eAsiriya achithile zonke izizwe lamazwe azo; aphosela onkulunkulu bazo emlilweni, ngoba babengeyisibo onkulunkulu, kodwa umsebenzi wezandla zabantu, izigodo lamatshe; ngalokho bababhubhisa. Ngakho-ke, N Nkulunkulu wethu, sisindise esandleni sakhe, ukuze yonke imibuso yomhlaba yazi ukuthi wena wedwa uyiN. UIsaya indodana kaAmozi wasethumela kuHezekhiya, esithi: Itsho njalo iN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Lokho okukhuleke kimi ngoSenakheribi inkosi yeAsiriya, leli yilizwi elikhulume ngaye: Intombi emsulwa, indodakazi yeZiyoni iyakudelela, iyakuklolodela; indodakazi yeJerusalema inikina ikhanda ngemva kwakho. Ngubani omeyisileyo wamhlambaza? Njalo uphakamisele bani ilizwi, waphakamisela amehlo akho phezulu? Umelene loNgcwele kaIsrayeli. Uklolodele iNkosi ngesandla sezinceku zakho, wathi: Ngobunengi bezinqola zami mina ngenyukele endaweni ephakemeyo yezintaba, ezinhlangothini zeLebhanoni. Njalo ngizagamula imisedari. Mina ngagebha, nganatha amanzi, langengaphansi yenyawo zami ngomisa yonke imifula. Kawuzwanga yini ukuthi ngakwenza endulo ibe zinqumbi zamanxiwa. Ngakho abahlali bayo babelesandla esifitshane, besaba, baba lenhloni, baba njeng otshani beganga, lemibhida eluhlaza, utshani bempahla, lamabele ahanguliweyo engakami. Kodwa ngiyakwazi ukuhlala kwakho, lokuphuma kwakho, lokungena kwakho, lokungithukuthelela kwakho. Ngenxa yokungithukuthelela kwakho, lokuthi umsindo, ngikwenze ubuyele ngendlela oweza ngayo. Lokhu-ke kuzakuba yisibonakaliso kuwe; lonyaka uzakudla okuzikhulelayo; langomnyaka wesibili umkhukhuzela; kuthi ngomnyaka wesithathu lihlanyele, livune, lihlanyele izivini, lidle izithelo zazo. Lokuphephileyo kwendlu yakoJuda okuseleyo kuzaphinda kugxumeke impande phansi, kuthele izithelo ngaphezulu. Ngoba kuzaphuma eJerusalema insali, lokuphephileyo entabeni yeZiyoni. Ukutshiseka kweN yamabandla kuzakwenza lokhu. Ngakho, utsho njalo uJehova ngenkosi yeAsiriya: Kayiyikungena kulumuzi. Ngendlela eyeza ngayo, ngayo izabuyela, njalo kayiyikungena kulo umuzi, itsho iN. Ngoba ngizawuvikela lumuzi ukuwusindisa, ngenxa yami, langenxa kaDavida inceku yami. Khona kwaphuma ingilosi yeN KOSI abazinkulungwane ezilikhulu lamatshumi ayisificaminwembili lanhlanu. Kwathi bevuka ekuseni kakhulu, khangela-ke, bonke babeyizidumbu ezifileyo. Ngakho uSenakheribi inkosi yeAsiriya wasuka, wahamba ebuyela, wahlala eNineve. Kwasekusithi ekhonza endlini kaNisiroki unkulunkulu wakhe, oAdrameleki loSharezeri amadodana akhe bamtshaya ngenkemba; bona basebephephela elizweni leArarathi. UEsarihadoni indodana yakhe wasebusa esikhundleni sakhe. Ngalezonsuku uHezekhiya wagula waphos'ukufa wasefika kuye, wathi kuye: Itsho njalo iN: Layezela indlu yakho, ngoba uzakufa, kawuyikuphila. UHezekhiya wasephendulela ubuso bakhe ngasemdulini, wakhuleka eNni, wathi: Ngiyakuncenga, N, ake ukhumbule ukuthi ngihambe phambi kwakho ngobuqotho langenhliziyo epheleleyo, ngenza okulungileyo emehlweni akho. UHezekhiya wasekhala inyembezi ngokukhala okukhulu. Kwasekufika ilizwi leN kuIsaya, lisithi: Hamba, uthi kuHezekhiya: Itsho njalo uNkulunkulu kaDavida uyihlo: Ngiwuzwile umkhuleko wakho, ngibonile inyembezi zakho; khangela, ngizakwengezelela iminyaka elitshumi lanhlanu ensukwini zakho, ngikukhulule wena lalumuzi esandleni senkosi yeAsiriya, ngiwuvikele lumuzi. Lalesi yisibonakaliso kuwe esivela eNni, esokuthi izayenza le into eyikhulumileyo. Khangela, ngizabuyisela emuva isithunzi sezinyathelo esesehlile ezinyathelweni zelanga zikaAhazi, izinyathelo ezilitshumi emuva. Ilanga laselibuyela emuva izinyathelo ezilitshumi, ngezinyathelo elalehle ngazo. Umbhalo kaHezekhiya inkosi yakoJuda lapho egula, esesile emkhuhlaneni wakhe. Mina ngathi: Ekuqunyweni kwezinsuku zami; ngemukiwe insali yeminyaka yami. Ngathi: Kangiyikubona uJehova; kangisayikubona muntu labahlali bomhlaba. Isizukulwana sami sesisukile, sasuswa kimi njengethente lomelusi. Ngabalisa kwaze kwaba sekuseni. Njengenkonjane. Ngingathini? Ikhulumile kimi, yona uqobo ikwenzile. Ngizahamba kabuthakathaka. Nkosi, ngalezizinto bayaphila. Khangela, kulokuthula ngibe lobuhlungu obukhulu, kodwa wena uwuthandile umphefumulo wami wawukhululaegodini lencithakalo, ngoba uphosele ngemva komhlana wakho zonke izono zami. Ngoba ingcwaba lingekubonge bangelithembele iqiniso lakho. Ophilayo, ophilayo, yena uzakudumisa, njengami lamuhla; uyise uzakwazisa abantwana iqiniso lakho. yayilungeleukungisindisa; ngakho sizahlabelela izingoma zami ngamachacho insuku zonke zempilo yethu endlini yeN. Ngoba uIsaya wayethe: Kabathathe isigaqa somkhiwa, basifake njengomnameko phezu kwethumba, njalo uzasila. UHezekhiya? Ngalesosikhathi uMerodaki-Baladani, indodana kaBaladani inkosi yeBhabhiloni, wathumela izincwadi lesipho kuHezekhiya, ngoba wayezwile ukuthi ubekade egula, useqinile. UHezekhiya wasethokoza ngazo, wabatshengisa indlu yokuligugu kwakhe, isiliva; kakubanga lalutho endlini yakhe lembusweni wakhe wonke uHezekhiya angabatshengisanga lona. Wasefika uIsaya umprofethi enkosini uHezekhiya, wathi kuyo: Atheni lamadoda? Futhi avele ngaphi esiza kuwe? UHezekhiya wasesithi: Avele elizweni elikhatshana esiza kimi, eBhabhiloni. Wasesithi: Aboneni endlini yakho? UHezekhiya wasesithi: Abone konke okusendlini yami; kakulalutho phakathi kokuligugu kwami engingawatshengisanga lona. UIsaya wasesithi kuHezekhiya: Zwana ilizwi leN yamabandla. Khangela, insuku ziyeza lapho konke okusendlini yakho, lalokho oyihlo abakubuthelelayo kuze kube lamuhla, kuzathwalelwa eBhabhiloni; kakuyikusala lutho, kutsho iN. Njalo bazathatha emadodaneni akho azaphuma kuwe, ozawazala; njalo abe ngabathenwa esigodlweni senkosi yeBhabhiloni. UHezekhiya wasesithi kuIsaya: Ilizwi leN olikhulumileyo lilungile. Wathi futhi: Ngoba kuzakuba lokuthula leqiniso ensukwini zami. Duduzani, liduduze abantu bami, utsho uNkulunkulu wenu. Khulumani kunhliziyo yeJerusalema, limemeze kuyo ukuthi imfazo yayo iphelelisiwe, ukuthi ububi bayo buthethelelwe, ngoba yemukele esandleni seN okuphindwe kabili ngazo zonke izono zayo. Ilizwi lomemezayo ehlane oqondileyo enkangala. Sonke isigodi sizaphakanyiswa kuzakwenziwa kuqonde, lendawo ezimaxhakaxhaka zibe ligceke. Inkazimulo. Ilizwi lathi: Memeza! Wasesithi: Ngizamemeza ngithini? Yonke inyama. Utshani buyabuna. Utshani buyabuna, iluba liyawohloka. Wena Ziyoni, oletha izindaba ezinhle, khwela entabeni ende; wena Jerusalema, oletha izindaba ezinhle, phakamisa ilizwi lakho ngamandla, liphakamise ungesabi; tshono emizini yakoJuda uthi: Khangelani, uNkulunkulu wenu. Khangela, iNkosi uJehova izakuza ngamandla. Izakwelusa umhlambi wayo njengomelusi ezimunyisayo. Ngubani olinganise amanzi? Ngubani, kumbe wamfundisa eng umeluleki wakhe? Yelulekane lobani, owayenza yaqedisisa, wayifundisa endleleni yesahlulelo, wayifundisa ulwazi, wayazisa indlela yokuqedisisa? Khangela, izizwe zinjengethonsi lenkonxa, zibalwa njengothuli lwesikali. Khangela, uphakamisa izihlenge. LeLebhanoni kayeneli ukutsha zayo kazeneli umnikelo wokutshiswa. Zonke izizwe zinjengezingasilutho. Pho, lizamfananisa lobani uNkulunkulu, loba mfanekiso bani elizamlinganisa lawo? Ingcitshi incibilikisa isithombe esibaziweyo, abumbe ngokuncibilikisa amaketane esiliva. Lowo ongumyanga ongelamnikelo ukhetha isihlahla e singaboliyo, azidingele umbazi oyingcitshi ukuze alungise isithombe e singayikunyikinywa. Kalazi yini? Kunguye ohlala phezu kwesigombolozi somhlaba, awelule njengethente lokuhlala; owenza iziphathamandla. Yebo, kabayikugxunyekwa; yebo, kabayikuhlanyelwa; yebo, isiqu sabo kasiyikugxila emhlabathini. Pho, lizangifananisa lobani? kutsho oNgcwele. Phakamiselani amehlo enu phezulu. Utsholoni, wena Jakobe, ukhulume, wena Israyeli ukuthi: Indlela yami isithekile eNni sedlulisiwe nguNkulunkulu wami? Kawazi yini. Inika abadangeleyo amandla, lakwabangaqinanga yandisa amandla. Labatsha bazaphelelwa ngamandla, badinwe, lamajaha azakuwa lokuwa; kodwa abalindela bazavuselela amandla, bagijime bangadinwa, bahambe bangapheli amandla. Thulani phambi kwami; kabasondele; babesebekhuluma; kasisondele kanyekanye kusahlulelo. Ngubani owavusa. Waxotshana lawo, wedlula ephephile, ngendlela anga yi hambanga ngenyawo zakhe. Ngubani okusebenzileyo, wa kw enza. Izihlenge zakubona, zesaba; imikhawulo yomhlaba yathuthumela; yasondela, yafika. Basiza, ngulowo lalowo umakhelwane wakhe, wonkewasesithi kumfowabo: Qina! Umbazi. Kodwa wena Israyeli isithandwa sami, wena engakubambayo kwasemikhawulweni yomhlaba, ngakubiza ezikhulwini zawo, kangikulahlanga; ungesabi, yebo ngizakusekela ngesandla sami sokunene esokulunga kwami. Khangela bonke abakuthukuthelelayo; labantu abalwa lawe bazabhubha. Uzabadinga, ungabatholi; abantu abaphikisana lawe bazakuba njengento engesilutho. Ngoba mina N, uNkulunkulu wakho, ngibamba isandla sakho sokunene. Ungesabi. Khangela, ngizakwenza, wenze amaqaqa abe njengamakhoba; uzawela. Abayanga labaswelayo badinga amanzi, kodwa engekho; ulimi lwabo lome ngokoma kangiyikubadela. Ngizavula imifula. Ngizamisa enkangala umsedari, lomsayiphuresi ndawonye; ukuze babone, bazi, ukuthi isandla seN sikwenzile lokhu, loNgcwele kaIsrayeli ukudalile. Sondezani indaba yenu, itsho iN, lisondeze izizatho zenu eziqinileyo, itsho iNkosi kaJakobe. Kabasondeze, basitshele okuzakwenzakala, ukuthi ziyini, ukuze si zi beke enhliziyweni yethu, sazi isiphetho sazo; loba yenza ukuthi sizwe izinto ezizayo. Tshonini izinto ezizakuza, sikhangele kanyekanye. Khangelani, livela kokungekho, lomsebenzi wenu uvela emayeni; uyisinengiso olikhethayo. Ngimvusile; njalo uzakwehlela phezukweziphathamandla njengodaka, lanjengombumbi evoxa ibumba. Ngubani owabikayo kwasekuqaleni, ukuze sazi? langaphambili ukuze sitsho ukuthi: U lungile? Yebo, kakho obikayo, yebo, kakho ozwakalisayo, yebo, kakho owezwayo amazwi enu. Owokuqala. Ngoba ngakhangela, njalo kwakungelamuntu, laphakathi kwabo kungekho umeluleki, ukuthi, lapho ngibabuza, baphendule ilizwi. Khangela, bonke bayize; izithombe zabo ezibunjiweyo zingumoya lokusanganiseka. Khangela; uzavezela izizwe isahlulelo. Kayikumemeza, kayikuphakamisa ilizwi, kayikwenza ilizwi lakhe lizwakale esitaladeni. Umhlanga ofecekileyo kayikuwephula, lentambo yesibane ethunqayo kayikuyicitsha; uzaveza isahlulelo ngeqiniso. Kayikudinwa, kayikwephulwa, aze amise isahlulelo emhlabeni; lezihlenge zizalindela umlayo wakhe. Utsho njalo uNkulunkulu iN, owadala amazulu, wawelula kulabo abahamba kuwo. Mina N ngikubizile ngokulunga, ngizabamba isandla sakho. Ukuthi uvule amehlo eziphofu endlini yezibotshwa. NgiyiN, lelo libizo lami; lodumo lwami, kumbe indumiso yami ezithombeni ezibaziweyo. Khangela, izinto zamandulo se zifikile; zingakahlumi ngilitshela ngazo. Hlabelelani, labahlali bazo. Kakuthi inkangala ahlala kuyo; kakuthi abahlali bedwala bahlabelele, bamemeze besengqongeni yezintaba. Kabayinike udumo. izaphuma njengeqhawe, izinqobe izitha zayo. Kwasendulo ngithule, ngathi zwi, ngazibamba; ngiphefuzele, ngikhefuzele kanyekanye. Ngizabhidliza izintaba lamaqaqa, ngomise konke okuluhlaza kwazo, ngenze imifula ibe yizihlenge, ngomise amachibi. Njalo ngizakwenza iziphofu zihambe ngendlela e zinga y aziyo, ngizikhokhelele emikhondweni e zinga ya ziyo; ngizakwenza umnyama ube yikukhanya phambi kwazo, lezinto ezigobileyo ziqonde; lezizinto ngizazenza kuzo, ngingaziyekeli. Bazabuyiselwa emuva abathembela ezithombeni ezibaziweyo, abathi ezithombeni ezibunjwe ngokuncibilikisa: Lingonkulunkulu bethu. Zwanini lina zacuthe. Ngubani oyisiphofu? Wena ubona izinto ezinengi. iyathokoza ngenxa yokulunga kwayo; ikhulise umlayo, i w enze u be lodumo. Kodwa laba ngabantu abantshontshelwayo baphangwa, bonke bathiyiwe emigodini, bafihlwa ezintolongweni; bangabokuphangwa, njalo kungabikho othi: Buyisela. Ngubani phakathi kwenu ozabeka indlebe kulokhu, ozalalela azwe esikhathini esizayo? Ngubani owanikela uJakobe ekuphangweni, loIsrayeli kubaphangi? Kwakungeyisiyo yini esone kuyo? Ngoba bengavumanga ukuhamba endleleni zayo, njalo bengalalelanga umlayo wayo. Ngakho yathululela. Kodwa khathesi itsho njalo eyakudalayo; ungowami. Lapho udabula emanzini, lelangabi kaliyikukulumathisa. Ngoba ngiyuNkulunkulu wakho, oNgcwele kaIsrayeli, uMsindisi wakho esikhundleni sakho. Njengoba wawuligugu esikhundleni sakho, lezizwe endaweni yempilo yakho. Ungesabi; ngizakutsho kuyo inyakatho asemkhawulweni womhlaba, wonke obizwa ngebizo lami. Khuphani abantu abayiziphofu abalamehlo, lezacuthe ezilendlebe. Izizwe zonke kazibuthane ndawonye, labantu bahlangane. Ngubani phakathi kwabo ongamemezela lokhu, asenze sizwe izinto zamandulo? Kabalethe abafakazi babo, ukuze balungisiswe, kumbe bezwe bathi: Kuliqiniso. Lingabafakazi bami, langemva kwami kayikuba khona. Mina, mina ngiyiN KOSI. Ngimemezele, ngasindisa, ngazwakalisa, kungakabikho unkulunkuluwezizwe. Yebo, kungakabi khona usuku, mina nginguye? Itsho njalo iN, uMhlengi wenu okukhala kwawo kusemikhunjini. NgiyiN, oNgcwele wenu, uMdali kaIsrayeli, inkosi yenu. Itsho njalo iN, eyenza indlela olwandle, lomkhondo emanzini alamandla, ekhupha inqola lebhiza, ibutho lamandla. Lingakhumbuli izinto zakuqala, linganakani ngezinto zendulo. Khangelani, ngizakwenza into entsha. Inyamazana zeganga zizangidumisa, imigobho, abakhethiweyo bami. Lababantu ngizibumbele bona. Kanti kawungibizanga, Jakobe, kodwa udiniwe ngami, Israyeli. Kawulethanga kimi izimvu zomnikelo wakho wokutshiswa. Kawungithengelanga umhlanga olephunga elimnandi. Mina, mina nginguye owesula iziphambeko zakho. Ngikhumbuza; kasehlulelane; landisa wena, ukuze ulungisiswe. Uyihlo wokuqala wona, labachasisi bakho baphambukile bemelene lami. Ngakho ngingcolise. Kodwa khathesi zwana, Jakobe nceku yami engikukhethileyo. Itsho njalo umenzi wakho. Ngoba ngizathela amanzi. Bazahluma phakathi kotshani. Omunye uzakuthi: Mina ngingoweN; lomunye azibize ngebizo likaJakobe, lomunye abhale e sandl enisakhe. Utsho njalo uJehova, inkosi yakoIsrayeli, loMhlengi wakhe. Njalo ngubani ongabiza njengami, lezizakuza, kabazimemezele kubo. Lingatshaywa luvalo, lingesabi; kangikuzwisanga yini; kangilazi. Bonke ababumba izithombe ezibaziweyo bayize; ukuze bayangeke. Ngubani obumbe unkulunkulu, loba wabumba ngokuncibilikisa isithombe esibaziweyo esingasizi lutho? Khangela, bonke abangane bakhe bazayangeka; lababazi bangababantu; kababuthane bonke, basukume; bazakwesaba, bayangeke kanyekanye. Umkhandi wensimbi, alisebenze ngamandla engalo yakhe; yebo, alambe, aze aphele amandla; kanathi manzi, aze adinwe. Umbazi welula intambo yokulinganisa, adwebe ngosungulo, asenze ngezancele, asidwebe ngekhampasi, asenze ngomfanekiso womuntu, ngokobuhle bomuntu, ukuze sihlale endlini. Uzigamulela imisedari, athathe umsayiphuresi lesihlahla se-okhi, aziqinisela zona phakathi kwezihlahla zegusu, ahlanyele ifiri, lezulu li yi khulise. Kuzakuba-ke ngokomuntu ukuthi akubase. Atshise ingxenye yakho emlilweni; ngengxenye yakho adle inyama, ose amawoso asuthe; yebo, uyotha athi: Alala! ngiyakhudumala, ngiwubonile umlilo. Njalo okuseleyo kwakho akwenze kube ngunkulunkulu, kube yisithombe sakhe esibaziweyo; akhothame kuso athi: Ngophula, ngoba ungunkulunkulu wami. Kabazanga, kabaqedisisanga; ngoba ebhade amehlo abo ukuze bangaboni; le nhliziyo zabo ukuze bangaqedisisi. Kakho ocabanga enhliziyweni yakhe, njalo kakulalwazi njalo kakulakuqedisisa kokuthi: Ngibasile ingxenye yakho emlilweni, yebo ngibhake isinkwa phezu kwamalahle akho, ngosa inyama, ngayidla; kambe ngizakwenza insali yakho isinengiso yini? Ngizakhothamela okwesihlahla yini? Udla umlotha? Khumbula lezizinto, Jakobe, lawe Israyeli, ngoba uyinceku yami. Wena Israyeli, kawuyikukhohlwa yimi. Ngesule. Hlabelelani, lina mazulu. Itsho njalo iN, uMhlengi wakho; efubisa izibonakaliso zabaqambimanga; eqinisa ilizwi lenceku yayo; ifeze amacebo ezithunywa zayo; ethi kuyo iJerusalema: Uzahlalwa; lemizini yakoJuda: Lizakwakhiwa; futhi ngizavusa amanxiwa ayo; etshoyo enzikini: Tshana; njalo ngizakomisa imifula yakho; etshoyo ngoKoresi: Kayakhiwe; l e thempeli ni: Isisekelo sakho kasibekwe. Itsho njalo kogcotshiweyo wayo, kuKoresi, ukuvula phambi kwakhe amasango alezivalo ezimbili, lamasango angavalwa. Mina ngizahamba phambi kwakho, ngenze indawo ezigobileyo ziqonde. Ngizakunika okuligugu kobumnyama. Ngenxa yenceku yami uJakobe. NgiyiN KOSI. Ukuze bazi. Ngibumba ukukhanya, ngidale umnyama; mina N ngenza zonke lezizinto. Thontisani, mazulu kumile kanyekanye; mina N ngikudalile. Maye kuye lizakutsho yini kolibumbayo ukuthi: Wenzani? kumbe: Umsebenzi wakho, kawulazandla yini? Maye kuye othi kuyise: Uzalani? kumbe kowesifazana: Ubeletheni? Itsho njalo iN, oNgcwele kaIsrayeli, loMbumbi wakhe: Buzani kimi ngezinto ezizayo liyangilaya. Mina ngiwenzile umhlaba. Mina ngimvusile ngokulunga, kutsho yamabandla. Itsho njalo iN: Umsebenzi weGibhithe. Isibili unguNkulunkulu ozifihlayo, uNkulunkulu wakoIsrayeli, uMsindisi. Bazayangeka. KodwauIsrayeli uzasindiswa eNni ngo sindiso olulaphakade; kaliyikuyangeka, kaliyikuba lenhloni. Ngoba itsho njalo eyadala amazulu. Kangikhulumelanga ekusithekeni. Buthanani libuye; sondelani kanyekanye, lina elaphunyuka ezizweni. Tshelani, li ba sondeze. Khangelani kimi, lisindiswe. Ngizifungile mina. Ngeqiniso, omunye uzakuthi: ENni ngilokulunga lamandla. ENni. UBeli uyakhothama, uNebo uyazithoba. Bayaguqa, bakhothame kanyekanye, kabalakophula umthwalo, kodwa bona ngokwabo baya ekuthunjweni. Ngilalela, ndlu kaJakobe, lensali yonke. Kuze kube sekugugeni, ngitsho mina ngithwale, ngikhulule. Lizangifananisa, li ngi linganise, lingiqathanise lobani ukuze sifanane? Bathulula igolide. Bametshata ehlombe, kamsindisi enkathazweni yakhe. Khumbulani lokhu, lizibonakalise liqinile, lina bahlamuki. Khumbulani izinto zakuqala zendulo; nging uNkulunkulu, njalo kakho ofanana lami; engimemezela isiphetho kwasekuqaleni; engibiza inyoni edla inyama; ngikumisile, yebo, ngizakwenza. Ngilalelani, lina abalenhliziyo eziqinileyo, lina elikhatshana lokulunga. Ngiyasondeza ukulunga kwami, udumo lwami koIsrayeli. Yehla. Thatha amatshe okuchola, uchaphe imifula. Ubunqunu bakho buzakwembulwa. UMhlengi wethu. Hlala ngokuthula. Ngabathukuthelela. Wena wathi. Khathesi-ke zwana lokhu, wena ozithokozisayo, ohlezi uvikelekile. Kodwa lezizinto ezimbili. Ngoba wathembela ebubini bakho: Yimi, njalo kakho omunye ngaphandle kwami. Ngakho ububi buzakwehlela, kawusoze wazi lapho obenyuka khona; lengozi izakwehlela. Mana khathesi; mhlawumbe uzakuba lakho ukuba lenzuzo, mhlawumbe unqobe. Udiniwe, abakhangela izinkanyezi, abazisa ngezinyanga, bakusindise kwezizakwehlela. Khangela, bazakuba njengamabibi. Bazakuba njalo kuwe labo owatshikatshika labo, owathengiselana labo kusukela ebutsheni bakho; bazazulazula, ngulowo lalowo ngendlela yakhe; kakuyikuba lomsindisi wakho. Zwanini lokhu, lina ndlu kaJakobe, elabizwa ngebizo likaIsrayeli, elaphuma emanzini akoJuda, njalo kungeyisikho ngokulunga. Ngoba bazibiza ngokuthi ba ngabomuzi oyingcwele; yamabandla libizo lakhe. Ngamemezela izinto zamandulo. Ngoba ngangisazi ukuthi ulukhuni, lentamo yakho ingumsipha wensimbi, lebunzi lakho lilithusi; ngitsho kwasekuqaleni sizenzile, lesithombe sami esibaziweyo, lesithombe sami esibunjwe ngokuncibilikisa sikulayile. Usuzwile, khangela konke lokhu; njalo kaliyikukumemezela yini? Ngikwenze uzwe izinto ezintsha kusukela khathesi, lezinto ezifihlakeleyo obungazazi. Zidalwe khathesi, kungeyisikho ekuqaleni. Yebo, kawuzwanga; yebo, kawazanga. Ngenxa yebizo lami, la ngenxayodumo lwami ngizibambe ngawe, ukuze ngingakuqumi. Khangela, ngikuhlolile. Ngenxa yami. Ngilalela, Jakobe, lawe Israyeli obiziweyo wami: Nginguye. Isandla sami laso sabeka isisekelo somhlaba, lesandla sami sokunene sendlale amazulu; laphongikubiza, kuyasukuma kanyekanye. Buthanani lina lonke, lizwe; ngubani phakathi kwabo omemezele lezizinto. Mina uqobo ngikhulumile; yebo ngambiza, ngimlethile, njalo uzaphumelelisa indlela yakhe. Sondelani kimi, lizwe lokhu; kangikhulumanga ensitha ingithumile. Itsho njalo ofanele ukuthi uhambe ngayo. Kungathi ngabe walalela imilayo yami kwakuzakuba njengomfula, lokulunga kwakho njengamagagasi olwandle. Inzalo yakho layo yayizakuba njengetshebetshebe yemibilini yakho njengezinhlamvu zalo; ibizo lawo belingayikuqunywa kumbe lichithwe lisuke phambi kwami. Phumani eBhabhiloni. Njalo kabomanga. Akulakuthula, itsho IN, kwabakhohlakeleyo. Ngilalelani, zihlenge; ngisemibilini kamama yaqamba ibizo lami. Yasisenza umlomo wami, yangifihla esambeni sayo semitshoko. Yathi kimi: Uyinceku yami. Ngasengisithi mina: Ngitshikatshikele ize siseNni, lomvuzo wami ukuNkulunkulu wami. Khathesi-ke itsho iN KOSI emehlweni eN; njalo uNkulunkulu wami uzakuba ngamandla ami. Yasisithi: Kuyinto encane kuze kube semkhawulweni womhlaba. Itsho njalo iN KOSI. Itsho njalo iN: Ngesikhathi esemukelekayo, ukuze uthi kuzibotshwa: Zivezeni. Bazakudla ezindleleni, ledlelo labo libe semadundulwini wonke. Kabayikulamba, kumbe bome. Njalo ngizakwenza zonke intaba zami zibe yindlela, lemigwaqo yami iphakame. Khangela laba bazavela khatshana, lalaba elizweni leSinimi. Hlabelelani, ngoba ibaduduzile abantu bayo, izakuba lesihawu kwabahluphekileyo bayo. Kodwa iZiyoni yathi: UJehova ungidelile, njalo iNkosi yami ingikhohliwe. Owesifazana angamkhohlwa yini umntanakhe omunyayo, ukuba angabi lasihawu kuyo indodana yesisu sakhe. Khangela, ngikubhale ngokugubha ezintendeni zezandla; imiduli yakho ihlezi iphambi kwami. Abantwana bakho bazaphangisa; abachithi bakho labakumotshayo bazaphuma kuwe. Phakamisa amehlo akho. Ngoba indawo zakho ezichithekileyo lamanxiwa akho bazakuba khatshana. Abantwana! Khona uzakuthi enhliziyweni yakho: Ngubani ongizalele laba, ngingumthunjwa, ngisiwa le lale? Njalo ngubani okhulise laba? Khangela mina ngangisele ngedwa; laba babengaphi? Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Khangela. Lamakhosi. Impango izathathwa yini kolamandla, kumbe umthunjwa ngokomthetho akhululwe? Kodwa itsho njalo iN: Yebo, abathunjiweyo beqhawe bazathathwa, lempango yabesabekayo izakophulwa; ngoba mina ngizalwisana laye olwisana lawe, mina-ke ngisindise abantwana bakho. Njalo ngizadlisa abacindezeli bakho eyabo inyama. Itsho njalo iN: Ingaphi incwadi, langenxa yeziphambeko zenu unyoko walahlwa. Kungani e kufik enikwami kwakungelamuntu? ngibiza ngoba kungelamanzi, zife ngenxa yokoma. Ngigqokisa amazulu ngobumnyama libeyisembeso sawo. INkosi uJehova. INkosi uJehova ivule indlebe yami. Nganika umhlana wami kubatshayi. Ngoba iNkosi uJehova izangisiza; ngakho-ke kangiyangiswa; ngakho-ke ngimise ubuso bami. Useduze yena ongilungisisayo? Kasime ndawonye. Ngubani ummangaleli wami? Kasondele kimi. Khangela, iNkosi uJehova izangisiza; ngubani ozangilahla? Khangela, bonke bazaguga njengesembatho. Ngubani phakathi kwenu oyesabayo iN, olalela ilizwi lenceku yayo, ohamba emnyameni. Khangelani, lina lonke eliphemba umlilo, elizigombolozela ngenhlansi. Lalelani kimi elacezulwa kulo, lemlindini wegodi elagejwa kuwo. Khangelani kuAbrahama uyihlo. Ngoba izayiduduza iZiyoni. Lalelani kimi kwabantu. Ukulunga kwami kuseduze zingilindele, zithembele engalweni yami. Phakamiselani amehlo enu emazulwini; kodwa usindiso lwami luzakuba phakade, lokulunga kwami kakuyikuchithwa. Lalelani kimi ukusola kwabantu, kumbe lethuswe yizithuko zabo. Ngoba inundu izabadla njengesembatho, lempethu ibadle njengoboya bezimvu, kodwa ukulunga kwami kuzakuba laphakade, losindiso lwami esizukulwaneni lezizukulwana. Vuka, vuka? Kawusuwe yini lowo owomisa ulwandle? Ngakho abahlengiweyo beN KOSI. Mina, mina nginguye oliduduzayo? Ubusukhohlwa iN KOSI? Isibotshwa esithunjiweyo, lokudla kwaso kungasweleki. Ngoba ngiyuNkulunkulu wakho eyavusa ulwandle. Njalo ngifakile amazwi ami. Vuka, vuka, usukume, Jerusalema. Kakho ongayikhokhela kuwo wonke amadodana ewazeleyo; njalo kakho ongayibamba ngesandla kuwo wonke amadodana ewakhulisileyo. Lokhu kokubili kukwehlele? Amadodana akho aphelelwe ngamandla; agcwele ulaka lweN, ukukhuza kukaNkulunkulu wakho. Ngakho khathesi zwana lokhu, kodwa hatshi ngewayini. Itsho njalo iNkosi yakho, uJehova, kawusayikuyinatha futhi. Kodwa ngizayibeka esandleni salabo abakuhluphayo, lanjengesitalada kwabadlula phezulu. Vuka, vuka. Zithintithe usuke othulini ku zibopho zentamo yakho, ndodakazi ethunjiweyo yeZiyoni! Ngoba itsho njalo iN: Lathengiswa. Ngoba itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Abantu bami behlela eGibhithe esikhathini sendulo ukuhlala njengabezizwe khona, njalo iAsiriya yabacindezela ngaphandle kwesizatho. Khathesi-ke, ngilani lapha, itsho iN, ukuthi abantu bami bathethwe ngeze? Labo abababusayo babenza baqhinqe isililo, itsho iN, lebizo lami. Ngakho abantu bami bazalazi ibizo lami; ngakho ngalolosuku; khangela, yimi. Zinhle kangakanani. Ilizwi labalindi bakho! Bazaphakamisa ilizwi, bahlabele kakhulu kanyekanye, ngoba bazabona ilihlo ngelihlo, lapho izabuyisa iZiyoni. Qhamukani ngentokozo. yembule ingalo yayo engcwele imikhawulo yonke yomhlaba izabona usindiso lukaNkulunkulu wethu. Sukani, sukani. Ngoba kaliyikuphuma. Khangela, inceku yami, iphakeme kakhulu. Njengoba abanengi babethithibele ngawe kwakonakele kangaka, okwedlula loba nguwuphi, lesimo sayo okwedlula amadodana abantu. Ngokunjalo izafafaza izizwe ezinengi, lalokho abangakuzwanga bazakuqedisisa. Ngubani okholwe umbiko wethu yembulelwe bani? Ngoba uzakhula phambi kwakhe njengesihlahla esibuthakathaka, lanjengempande; lapho simbona, kalakubukeka ukuthi simloyise. Uyeyiswa. Isibili yena wathwala inhlungu zethu, njalo uhlutshiwe. Kodwa walinyazwa. Thina sonke njengezimvu siduhile yehlisele phezu kwakhe ububi bethu sonke. Wacindezelwa, lanjengemvu ithule phambi kwabagundi bayo, laye kawuvulanga umlomo wakhe. Wasuswa ekucindezelweni lekwahlulelweni; ngenxa yesiphambeko sabantu bami watshaywa. Wenza ingcwaba lakhe kanye lababi, njalo kanye lonothileyo ekufeni kwakhe, njalo kungekho inkohliso emlonyeni wakhe. Kanti yathanda ukumchoboza, ya m enza adabuke izaphumelela esandleni sakhe. Uzabona okuvela ekuhluphekeni komphefumulo wakhe, eneliswe. Ngakho ngizayabela. Hlabelela, nyumba, wena o ngazalanga, itsho iN. Qhelisa indawo. Ngoba uzaqhamuka ngakwesokudla langakwesokunene, yenze imizi echithekileyo ihlalwe. Ungesabi, ngoba kawuyikuyangeka; njalo ungabi lenhloni, ungabe usakhumbula ukuyangeka kobufelokazi bakho. Ngoba uMenzi wakho. Ngoba ikubizile njengomfazi, lapho waliwe, kutsho uNkulunkulu wakho. Okomzuzwana omncinyane ngakutshiya ngizakubutha. Ngolaka oluncinyane ngakufihlela ubuso bami. Ngoba lokhu ku njeng amanzi kaNowa kimi, lapho ngafunga ukuthi kangiyikukuthukuthelela, ngikusole. Ngoba kasiyikuzamazama, itsho elesihawu kuwe. Wena ohluphekileyo. Ngizakwenza imiphotshongo yakho nge-agate. Labantwana bakho bonke kwabantwana bakho. Uzaqiniswa ekulungeni; ube khatshana locindezelo, ngoba kawuyikwesaba; levalweni, ngoba kakuyikusondela kuwe. Khangela bazabuthana sibili emelene lawe uzakuwa ngenxa yakho. Khangela mina ngidale umkhandi wensimbi ovuthela amalahle emlilweni. Kakulasikhali esibunjelwe ukumelana lawe esizaphumelela; lalo lonke ulimi kuvela kimi, itsho iN. We lina lonke elomileyo. Kungani lichitha imali kokungeyisikho kudla. Thobani indlebe yenu, lize kimi. Khangela, ngimnike. Khangela, uzabiza isizwe ongasaziyo. Dingani iselokutholwa, ibizeni iseseduze. Omubi katshiye indlela yakhe, lomuntu ongalunganga imicabango yakhe. Ngoba imicabango yami kayisiyo imicabango yenu, lendlela zenu kayisizo izindlela zami, itsho iN. Ngoba njengobaamazulu ephakeme kulomhlaba, ngokunjalo indlela zami ziphakeme kulendlela zenu, lemicabango yami kulemicabango yenu. Ngoba njengalokhu izulu lisehla, lokudla kodlayo, lizakuba njalo ilizwi lami eliphuma emlonyeni wami; kaliyikubuyela kimi lize, kodwa lizakwenza lokho engikufisayo, liphumelele ku lokhu engilithumele khona. Ngoba lizaphuma ngentokozo zitshaye izandla. Endaweni, kube yisibonakaliso esilaphakade e singayikuqunywa. Itsho njalo iN: Gcinani isahlulelo, lenze ukulunga, ngoba usindiso lwami luseduze ukuthi lufike, lokulunga kwami ukuthi kubonakaliswe. Ubusisiwe umuntu o wenza lokhu engalingcolisi, egcina isandla sakhe ukuthi singenzi loba yikuphi okubi. Kayingakhulumi-ke indodana yowezizweni. Ngoba itsho njalo kubathenwa abagcina amasabatha ami, abakhetha engikuthandayo, lababambelela esivumelwaneni sami: Ngizabanika labo endlini yami langaphakathi kwemiduli yami elingcono kulelamadodana lakulelamadodakazi; ngizabanika ibizo elingapheliyo, elingayikuqunywa. Lamadodana awemzini, lababambelela esivumelwaneni sami; lalabo ngizabaletha entabeni yami engcwele. INkosi uJehova oqoqa abaxotshiweyo bakoIsrayeli ngaphandle kwababuthiweyo bakhe. Lina lonke zilo zeganga, wozani lidle, lina lonke zilo ezis eguswini. Abalindi bakhe. Yebo bayi zinja ezihahayo, ezingasoze zisuthe lakhe. Uthi: Wozani izakuba njengalamuhla, kwengezelelwe ngokukhulukazi. Olungileyo uyabhubha, njalo kakulamuntu o ku beka enhliziyweni ngaphambi kobubi. Uzangena e kuthul eni. Bazaphumula emibhedenibakhe. Kodwa lina sondelani lapha, madodana omthakathikazi. Lidlala, lizitshisa phakathi kwezihlahla zama-okhi? Isabelo sakho siphakathi kw amatsheabutshelezi esifula; wona, wona ayinkatho yakho; njalo kiwo uthululele umnikelo wokunathwayo, waletha umnikelo wokudla. Ngizazisola ngalezizinto yini? Phezu kwentaba ende lephakemeyo; ngitsho lapho wenyukela khona uku ya nikela umhlatshelo. Langemva kwesivalo lensika yomnyango. Waya enkosini khatshana, wazehlisela esihogweni. Wadinwa, ngakho-ke kawuphelanga amandla. Njalo wesaba bani watshaywa luvalo ngitsho kwasendulo, njalo mina ungangesabi? Mina ngizamemezela ukulunga kwakho, lemisebenzi yakho; ngoba kakuyikukusiza. Lapho ukhala, amaxuku akho kawakukhulule! Kanti umoya uzawaphephula wonke, ize liza wa thatha. Kodwa othemba kimi. Azakuthi: Buthelelani, buthelelani, susani isikhubekiso endleleni yabantu bami. Ngoba utsho njalo ophezulu lophakemeyo, ohlala ephakadeni, lokuvuselela inhliziyo yabadabukileyo. Ngoba kangiyikulwisa kuze kube phakade. Ngenxa yobubi bokufisa kwakhe; kodwa waqhubeka ehlubuka ngendlela yenhliziyo yakhe. Ngizibonile izindlela zakhe, njalo ngizamsilisa. Ngidala izithelo zezindebe. Kodwa ababi banjengolwandle olutshukumayo; ngoba kalulakuphumula, lamanzi alo akhafula udaka lengcekeza. Kakulakuthula, utsho uNkulunkulu wami, kwababi. Memeza, utshele abantu bami isiphambeko sabo, lendlu kaJakobe izono zabo. Kanti bayangidinga mina usuku ngosuku, bethokoza ukwazi indlela zami ekusondeleni kuNkulunkulu. Besithi: Kungani sizile ukudla. Khangelani, lizila ukudla. Kunjalo yini ukuzila ukudla engikukhethileyo? Lokhu ungakubiza yini ngokuthiyikuzila ukudla, losuku olwemukelekayo eNni? Kayisikho lokhu yini ukuzila ukudla engikukhethileyo: Ukuthukulula izibopho zobubi, lokuthi lephule lonke ijogwe? Kayisikho yini ukwabela olambileyo isinkwa sakho? Khona ukukhanya kwakho kwakho kuhlume masinyane; lokulunga kwakho kuhambe phambi kwakho; inkazimulo yeN ibe ngumvikeli wakho ngasemuva. Khona uzabiza, iphendule, uzakhala, ibisisithi: Khangela ngi lapha. Uba ususa phakathi kwakho ijogwe, ukukhomba ngo munwe, ukhuphele olambileyo umphefumulo wakho kuzaphuma emnyameni, lobumnyama bakho bube njengemini enkulu. Njalo izakukhokhela njalonjalo, lanjengomthombo wamanzi, omanzi awo angapheliyo. Labakho bazakwakha, uMbuyiseli wemikhondo yokuhlala. Uba uphendula unyawo lwakho lusuka kusabatha, ungatholi intokozo yakho, loba ukhulume ilizwi lakho, khona uzazithokozisa eNni. Khangela isandla seN kasifinyezwanga ukuthi singasindisi, lendlebe yayo kayinzima ukuthi ingezwa. Kodwa iziphambeko zenu zehlukanisile phakathi kwenu loNkulunkulu wenu, lezono zenu zibusithile ubuso bakhekini, ukuthi angezwa. Ngoba izandla zenu. Kakho omemeza ngokulunga, njalo kakho olabhela ngeqiniso. Bachamusela amaqanda enhlangwana, beluke ubulembu besayobe. Ubulembu babo kabuyikuba yizembatho, njalo kabayikuzembesa ngemisebenzi yabo. Imisebenzi yabo yimisebenzi yobubi, lesenzo sodlakela sisezandleni zabo. Inyawo zabo zigijimela ebubini kusezindleleni zabo. Indlela yokuthula kabayazi; loba ngubani ohamba kuzo kayikwazi ukuthula. Ngakho-ke isahlulelo sikhatshana lathi, lokulunga kakusifinyeleli. Silindela ukukhanya. Siphumputha umduli njengeziphofu kwangathi kukusihlwa, si sendaweni ezichithekileyo njengabafileyo. Sonke siyabhonga njengamabhere, silile lokulila njengamajuba; losindiso, kodwalukhatshana lathi. Ngoba iziphambeko zethu zandile phambi kwakho, lezono zethu zifakaza zimelene lathi; ngoba iziphambeko zethu zilathi, lobubi bethu siyabazi; ukuphambuka, lokuqambela amanga, lokusuka ekulandeleni uNkulunkulu wethu. Ngakho isahlulelo sibuyiselwa emuva kabulakungena. Yebo, iqiniso liyasilela. yasi ku bona, njalo kwaba kubi emehlweni ayo ukuthi kakulasahlulelo. Yasibona ukuthi kwakungelamuntu. Ngoba yembatha ukulunga. Njengokwezenzo uzabuyisela umvuzo. Ngokunjalo bazalesaba ibizo leN KOSI esimelene laso. LoMhlengi uzafika eZiyoni, lakulabo abaphenduka e ziphambek wenikoJakobe, itsho iN. Mina-ke, lesi yisivumelwano sami labo engiwafake emlonyeni wakho, kawayikusuka emlonyeni wakho, lemlonyeni wenzalo yakho, lemlonyeni wenzalo yenzalo yakho, itsho iN, kusukela khathesi kuze kube phakade. Vuka, ukhanye luphume phezu kwakho. Ngoba khangela, umnyama luzabonakala phezu kwakho. Labezizwe ekukhazimuleni kokuphuma kwakho. Phakamisa amehlo akho inhlangothi zonke. Khona uzabona, ugeleze ndawonye azakuza kuwe. Ubunengi bamakamela buzakwembesa, amakamela amatsha. Yonke imihlambi yeKedari. Ngobani laba a bandiza njengeyezi, lanjengamajuba esiya emawindini awo? Qotho izihlenge. Lamadodana abezizwe. Njalo amasango akho alethwe. Ngoba isizwe lombuso okungayikukukhonza kuzabhubha; yebo, lezozizwe zizaphela nya. Udumo lweLebhanoni. Amadodana. Esikhundleni sokuthi wawutshiyiwe laphakade, intokozo yezizukulwana ngezizukulwana. Uzamunya futhi uchago lwabezizwe. Endaweni yethusi ngizaletha igolide. Udlakela. Ilanga lwakho. Ilanga lakho kwakho zizaphela. Njalo abantu bakho bonke bazakuba ngabalungileyo. Omncinyane uzakuba yinkulungwane. UMoya; ukumemezela umnyaka owemukelekayo weN KOSI; ukumisa kwabalilayo beZiyoni. Njalo bazakwakha amanxiwa amadala zezizukulwana ngezizukulwana. Labezizwe. Kodwa lina lizabizwa ngokuthilingabaPristi beN KOSI. Esikhundleni sehlazo lenu lizakubalokuphindwe kabili, intokozo elaphakade ibe ngeyabo. Ngoba mina N ngithanda isahlulelo. Lenzalo yabo. Ngizathokoza lokuthokoza eNni. Ngoba njengomhlaba uveza ihlumela lawo, lanjengesivande sikhulisa okuhlanyelweyo kiso kuhlume phambi kwezizwe zonke. Ngenxa yeZiyoni kangiyikuthula, langenxa yeJerusalema kangiyikuphumula, kuze kuphume ukulunga kwayo njengokukhanya, losindiso lwayo njengesibane esivuthayo. Labezizwe, umlomo weN ozakutha lona. Njalo uzakuba ngumqhele wobuhle esandleni sikaNkulunkulu wakho. Kawusayikuthiwa; kodwa uzabizwa ngokuthinguHefiziba; ngoba ithokoza ngawe, lelizwe lakho lizakwenda. Ngoba njenge jaha lithatha intombi emsulwa, ngokunjaloamadodana akho azakuthatha. Ngibekile abalindi, lingayiphumuzi, ize imise, njalo ize yenze iJerusalema ibeludumo emhlabeni. ifungile ngesandla sayo sokunene, langengalo yamandla ayo: Isibili kangisayikunika amabele akho abeyikudla kwezitha zakho lakho elitsha olitshikatshikeleyo. Kodwa labo abawabuthileyo bazawadla, badumise iN KOSI. Dabulani, dabulani emasangweni; lungisani indlela yabantu. Khangelani, iyezwakala kuze kube sephethelweni lomhlaba: Tshonini kundodakazi yeZiyoni. Bazababiza. Ngubani lo ovela eEdoma, elezembatho ezibomvu? Yimi engikhuluma ngokulunga, engilamandla okusindisa. Kungani izigqoko zakho zibomvu? Ngisinyathele ngedwa isikhamelo sewayini lizafafazwa ezembathweni zami, ngingcolise izigqoko zami zonke. Ngoba usuku lwempindiselo. Njalo ngakhangela lona lwangisekela. Besenginyathela abantu ekuthukutheleni kwami, ngibadakise. Ngizakhumbuza ngothandolomusa. Ngoba yathi: Isibili bangabantu bami, abantwana a bangayikukhuluma amanga; ngakho yaba nguMsindisi wabo. Enhluphekweni yabo yonke yahlupheka. Kodwa bona baba lenkani, yona yalwa imelene labo. Yasikhumbula insuku zendulo? Owakhokhela ingalo yakhe elodumo? Owabakhokhela ezinzikini kabakhubekanga? Njengenkomo isehlela esigodini, uMoya weN wabaphumuza. Ngokunjalo wabakhokhela abantu bakho, ukuze uzenzele ibizo elilodumo. Khangela phansi usemazulwini? Isibili wena ungubaba; ibizo lakho lisukela ephakadeni. N, kungani usenza siduhe ezindleleni zakho. Abantu bobungcwele bakho indlu yakho engcwele. Singa bakho; kawuzange ubuse phezu kwabo; kababizwanga ngebizo lakho. Kungathi ungadabula amazulu; njengokutshisa komlilo oncibilikisayo, umlilo wenze amanzi abile, ukulazisa ibizo lakho ezitheni zakho, ukuzeizizwe zithuthumele ebukhoneni bakho. Ekwenzeni kwakho izinto ezesabekayo ebukhoneni bakho. Ngoba kusukela endulo kabezwanga. Uhlangabeza othokozayo, njalo sizasindiswa. Kodwa sonke sinjengongcolileyo. Njalo kakho obiza ibizo lakho, wasicikiza ngenxa yeziphambeko zethu. Kodwa, khathesi, N, wena ungubaba wethu. Ungathukutheli wedlulise. Imizi yakho engcwele isiyinkangala. Indlu yethu engcwele leyethu enhle. Uzazithinta yini ngenxa yalezizinto, usihluphe wedlulise? Ngadingwa yilabo abanga ngi celanga. Ngelule izandla zami; abantu abangithukuthelisayo; abahlala emangcwabeni e migan winiyabo. Abathi: Xeka wena usuku lonke. Khangela, kubhaliwe phambi kwami, iziphambeko zenu. Itsho njalo iN: Njengewayini elitsha. Njalo ngizaveza inzalo ivela kuJakobe, lakoJuda, lenceku zami zihlale khona. Njalo iSharoni, eyabantu bami abangidingayo. Kodwa lina elidela iN. Ngakho ngizalimisela inkemba, njalo lonke lizakhothamela ukuhlatshwa; ngoba ngalibiza, kodwa kaliphendulanga. Ngakho itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Khangela, izinceku zami, kodwa lina lizayangeka; khangela, inceku zami zizahlabela ngenxa yokudabuka komoya. Njalo lizatshiya ibizo lenu libe yisiqalekiso; ukuthi lowo ozibusisa emhlabeni uzazibusisa, njalo ngoba zisithekile emehlweni ami. Ngoba khangela, ngidala; okwakuqala kakusayikukhunjulwa, kumbe kuvele enhliziyweni. Kodwa jabulani, lithokoze kuze kube laphakade, labantu bayo babeyinjabulo. Ngizathokoza-ke ngeJerusalema lelizwi lokukhala. Kusukela lapho kakusayikuba khona usane lwezinsuku, kumbe ixhegu elingagcwalisi insuku zalo; ngoba omutsha uzakufa eleminyaka elikhulu sizaqalekiswa. Njalo bazakwakha izindlu, bahlale kuzo, badle izithelo zazo. Kabayikwakha okwesikhathi eside. Kabayikutshikatshikela ize kanye labo. Kuzakuthi-ke bengakabizi, mina ngiphendule. Impisi lewundlu, itsho iN. Itsho njalo iN: Amazulu ayisihlalo sami sobukhosi. Ingaphi leyondlu elizangakhela yona? Njalo ingaphi indawo yami yokuphumula? Ngoba zonke lezizinto isandla sami sazenza. Ohlaba inkabi unjeng obulala umuntu, lomphefumulo wabo uthokoza ngezinengiso zabo. Lami ngizakhetha izigcono zabo. Zwanini ilizwi leN, lina elithuthumela ngelizwi layo; bona-ke bazayangeka. Ilizwi lomsindo elivela emzini, ilizwi elivela ethempelini, ilizwi leN elibuyisela izinzuzo ezitheni zayo. Ingakahelelwa bayo, yabeletha owesilisa. Ngubani o wakewezwa okunje? Ngubani o wakewabona izinto ezinje? Umhlaba uzakwenziwa uzale yini ngosuku olulodwa? Kumbe isizwe singabelethwa yini ngesikhathi sinye? Ngoba iZiyoni ithe ihelelwa, yazala abantwana bayo. Mina ngizasondeza ekuzalweni, ngingazalisi yini? itsho iN. Ngizazalisa, besengivala yini? utsho uNkulunkulu wakho. Thokozani kanye leJerusalema; ukuze limunye ngobunengi bodumo lwayo. Ngoba itsho njalo iN: Khangelani, ngizaqhelisa ukuthula. Njengalowo unina amduduzayo. Lapho libona lokhu, inhliziyo yenu izathokoza; lesandla seN sizakwaziwa ngasezincekwini zayo, njalo izakuba lolaka ngasezitheni zayo. Ngoba khangela, izafika ngomlilo, lokukhuza kwayo ngamalangabi omlilo. Ngoba ngomlilo langenkemba yayo. Labo abazingcwelisayo, bazihlambulule ezivandeni, itsho iN. Ngoba mina ngiyayaziimisebenzi yabo lemicabango yabo. Ngizabeka-ke isibonakaliso. Bazaletha-ke bephuma kuzo zonke izizwe bephezu kwamabhiza, langezinqola, langamathala, laphezu kwezimbongolo, laphezu kwezinyamazana ezilejubane, entabeni yami engcwele e Jerusalema, itsho iN, njengabantwana bakoIsrayeli beletha umnikelo ngesitsha esihlambulukileyo endlini yeN. Ngizathatha-ke lakubo babe ngabapristi njalobabe ngamaLevi, itsho iN. Ngoba njengamazulu amatsha lomhlaba omutsha lebizo lakho kuzakuma. Kuzakuthi-ke izakuzakhonza phambi kwami, itsho iN. Bazaphuma-ke, babone izidumbu zabantu kuyo yonke inyama. Amazwi kaJeremiya, indodana kaHilikhiya wabapristi okwafika kuye ilizwi leN ensukwini zikaJosiya Lafika futhi ensukwini zikaJehoyakhimi indodana kaJosiya, inkosi yakoJuda, Kwasekufika kimi ilizwi leN lisithi: Ngingakakubumbi esiswini Ngasengisithi: Hawu Nkosi Jehova! Khangela, angikwazi ukukhuluma, Kodwa yathi kimi: Ungatsho ukuthi: Ngingumntwana; ngoba uzakuya kubo bonke engikuthuma kubo, lakho konke engikulaya khona uzakukhuluma. Ungesabi ubuso babo, itsho iN. yasiselula isandla sayo, Bona, ngikubekile lamuhla phezu kwezizwe laphezu kwemibuso, Ilizwi leN laselifika kimi lisithi: Ubonani, Jeremiya? Ngasengisithi: Ngibona uswazi lwesihlahla se-alimondi. yasisithi kimi: Ubone kuhle, ngoba ngizalinda ilizwi lami ukuze ngilenze. Njalo ilizwi leN lafika kimi ngokwesibili lisithi: Ubonani? Ngasengisithi: Ngibona imbiza yasisithi kimi: Okubi kuzaqutshulwa kuvela enyakatho phezu kwabo bonke abakhileyo belizwe. Ngoba khangela, ngibiza insapho zonke zemibuso zimelene lemiduli yayo yonke inhlangothi zonke, zimelene lemizi yonke yakoJuda. Ngizakhuluma izigwebo zami zimelene labo ngenxa yabo bonke ububi babo, Wena-ke, bopha ukhalo lwakho, hlezi ngikwethuse phambi kwabo. Ngoba khangela, mina ngikubekile lamuhla ukumelana lelizwe lonke, ukumelana lamakhosi akoJuda, ukumelana leziphathamandla zayo, ukumelana labapristi bayo, lokumelana labantu belizwe. Njalo bazakulwa bemelene lawe; kodwa kabayikukwehlula; Laselifika kimi ilizwi leN lisithi: Hamba u ye memezela endlebeni zeJerusalema usithi: Itsho njalo iN: Ngiyakukhumbula, umusa wobutsha bakho, UIsrayeli wayeyibungcwele eNni, itsho iN. Zwanini ilizwi leN, ndlu kaJakobe, lensendo zonke zendlu kaIsrayeli. Itsho njalo iN: Yibubi bani oyihlo ababuthola kimi, ukuze baye khatshana lami, Njalo kabatshongo ukuthi: Ingaphi eyasenyusa elizweni leGibhithe, elizweni umuntu angalidabulanga, lalapho okungahlalanga muntu khona? Njalo ngaliletha elizweni elivundileyo, Abapristi kabatshongo ukuthi: Ingaphi iN? Lalabo abaphatha umlayo kabangazanga; Ngakho ngisezaphikisana lawe, Ngoba dlulelani ezihlengeni linakane kuhle, libone ukuthi kukhona into enjengale yini? Isizwe sake santshintsha yini onkulunkulu baso, Mangalani kakhulu, mazulu, ngalokhu, lethuke, lichitheke kakhulu, itsho iN. Ngoba abantu bami benzile izinto ezimbi ezimbili; bangidelile ukuthi bazigebhele izikhongozelo, izikhongozelo ezidabukileyo, ezingegcine manzi. UIsrayeli uyisigqili yini? Kungani waba yimpango? Amabhongo ezilwane abhongele phezu kwakhe, Futhi abantwana beNofi badlele enkanda yakho. Kawuzenzelanga lokhu yini, Khathesi-ke ulani lendlela yeGibhithe, Ububi bakho buzakulaya, lokuthi ukungesaba kakukho kuwe, itsho iNkosi uJehova wamabandla. Ngoba kwasendulo ngephula ijogwe lakho, Kube kanti mina ngakuhlanyela, Ngoba lanxa ugeza itsho iNkosi uJehova. Ungatsho njani ukuthi: Kangingcolanga, Ungubabhemi weganga Nqanda unyawo lwakho ekungabini ngolungelasicathulo, njalo ngizabalandela. Njengesela lilenhloni lapho selibanjiwe, ngokunjalo indlu kaIsrayeli ilenhloni, bona, amakhosi abo, iziphathamandla zabo, labapristi babo, labaprofethi babo, besithi esigodweni: Wena ungubaba; lelitsheni: Kodwa bangaphi onkulunkulu bakho ozenzele bona? Liphikisanelani lami? Lonke liphambekile kimi, itsho iN. Ngibatshayile abantwana benu njengesilwane esichithayo. Wena sizukulwana, kasisayikuza kuwe? Intombi ingazikhohlwa yini iziceciso zayo, kumbeumakoti amabhanti akhe? Kungani ulungisa indlela yakho ekudingeni uthando? Lezigqokweni zakho kutholakala igazi lemiphefumulo yabayanga abangelacala; kawubatholanga befohlela phakathi, kodwa phezu kwakho konke lokhu. Kanti wena uthi: Ngoba kangilacala, isibili intukuthelo yakhe izaphenduka isuke kimi. Khangela, ngizakwehlulelana lawe, Kungani uzulazula kangaka Yebo, uzaphuma usuka lapha, lezandla zakho ziphezu kwekhanda lakho, ngoba iwalile amathemba akho, njalo kawuyikuphumelela ngawo. Kuthiwa: Uba indoda ilahla umkayo, itsho iN. Phakamisela amehlo akho emadundulwini, Ngakho izihlambo zigodliwe; Kawuyikuthi kusukela khathesi ukhale yini kimi uthi: Baba, ungumeluleki Yena uza lu gcina yini ulakalwakhephakade? Uza lu londoloza kuze kube sekucineni yini? Khangela, ukhulumile, wenza izinto ezimbi, uphumelele. yasisithi kimi ensukwini zikaJosiya inkosi: Ubonile yini lokho uIsrayeli ohlehlele nyovane akwenzileyo? Ngasengisithi esezenzile zonke lezizinto: Ngasengibona, lapho ngenxa yazo zonke imbangela Kwasekusithi ngenxa yendumela yokufeba kwakhe wangcolisa ilizwe, Kube kanti kukho konke lokhu udadewabo ongathembekanga, uJuda, kabuyelanga kimi ngenhliziyo yakhe yonke, kodwa ngenkohliso, itsho iN. yasisithi kimi: UIsrayeli ohlehlela nyovane Hamba uyememezela lamazwi ngasenyakatho Yazi kuphela isiphambeko sakho ukuthi uphambekile umelene leN uNkulunkulu wakho, itsho iN. Phendukani, Njalo ngizalinika Kuzakuthi-ke lapho selandile laba banengi elizweni, ngalezonsuku, itsho iN, kabasayikuthi: Umtshokotsho wesivumelwano seN; njalo kawuyikufika enhliziyweni, njalo kabayikuwukhumbula, futhi kabayiku wu hambela, kungabuyi kwenziwe futhi. Ngalesosikhathi bazabiza iJerusalema ngokuthiyisihlalo sobukhosi seN; lezizwe zonke zizabuthaniswa kuyo, Ngalezonsuku indlu yakoJuda izakuya kuyo indlu yakoIsrayeli, Kodwa mina ngathi: Ngizakubeka njani phakathi kwabantwana, ngikunike ilizwe eliloyisekayo, ilifa elihle kakhulu lezizwe. Ngasengisithi: Uzangibiza ngokuthi: Baba; njalo ungaphambuki ekungilandeleni. Isibili, njengo mfazi ungathembekanga kumkakhe, lina ndlu kaIsrayeli, itsho iN. Ilizwi lezwakala emadundulwini, Phendukani, lina bantwana abahlehlela nyovane; Khangela, thina siyeza kuwe, ngoba uyuNkulunkulu wethu. Isibili kuyize ukuthembela kusindisooluvela emaqaqeni, l ebuneng inibezintaba. Ngoba ihlazo liwuqedile izimvu zabo lenkomo zabo, amadodana abo lamadodakazi abo. Silala phansi ehlazweni lethu, lenhloni zethu zisimbozile; Uba uphenduka, Israyeli, itsho iN, phendukela kimi; Futhi uzafunga: Ngoba itsho njalo kumadoda akoJuda leJerusalema: Qhathani Zisokeleni eNni, Bikani koJuda, lizwakalise eJerusalema, lithi: Vuthelani uphondo elizweni; Misani uphawu ngaseZiyoni, lokwephuka okukhulu. Isilwane sesenyukile siphuma ehlathini laso, Ngenxa yalokhu bhincani amasaka, Njalo kuzakuthi ngalolosuku, itsho iN, inhliziyo yenkosi izaphela, lenhliziyo yeziphathamandla; labapristi bazamangala kakhulu, labaprofethi bazathithibala. Ngasengisithi: Hawu, Nkosi Jehova! isibili ubakhohlisile lokubakhohlisa lababantu leJerusalema usithi: Lizakuba lokuthula; kanti inkemba ifinyelela emphefumulweni. Ngalesosikhathi kuzakuthiwa kulabobantu lakuyo iJerusalema: Umoya otshisayo indlela yendodakazi yabantu bami, ungeyisiwo wokwela njalo ungeyisiwo wokuhlambulula. Umoya ogcweleyo ovela kuwo uzakuza kimi. Khathesi lami ngizakhuluma izahlulelo zimelene labo. Khangela, uzakwenyuka njengamayezi, lenqola zakhe njengesivunguzane; Jerusalema, hlambulula inhliziyo yakho kuphume inkohlakalo, ukuze usindiswe. Koze kube nini imicabango yakho emibi ihlala phakathi kwakho? Ngoba ilizwi liyamemeza Khumbuzani izizwe, khangelani, lizwakalise limelene leJerusalema; kufika abalindi bevela elizweni elikhatshana, baphakamisa ilizwi labo bemelene lemizi yakoJuda. Njengabalindi bensimu bamelene layo inhlangothi zonke, ngoba ingivukele, itsho iN. Indlela yakho lezenzo zakho kukwenzele lezizinto; ngoba kufinyelela enhliziyweni yakho. Imibilini yami, imibilini yami! Kuyamenyezelwa incithakalo phezu kwencithakalo, Koze kube nini ngibona isiboniso, ngizwe ukukhala kophondo? Ngoba abantu bami bayizithutha, mina kabangazi; kodwa ukwenza okuhle kabakwazi. Ngabona umhlaba, Ngabona izintaba, khangela-ke, zazinyikinyeka, lamaqaqa wonke ayenyakazela. Ngabona, khangela-ke, kwakungelamuntu, Ngabona, khangela-ke, ilizwe elivundileyo laliyinkangala, Ngoba itsho njalo iN: Ilizwe lonke lizakuba lunxiwa, kodwa kangiyikuqeda ngokupheleleyo. Ngenxa yalokhu umhlaba uzalila, njalo kangiyikubuyela emuva ngisuka kukho. Umuzi wonke uzabaleka ngenxa yomsindo wabagadi bamabhiza labatshoki ngamadandili; Wena-ke ozachitheka, zidinga impilo yakho. Ngoba ngizwile ilizwi kungathi ngelowesifazana ohelelwayo, Hambani liye le lale ezitaladeni zeJerusalema, Loba-ke besithi: N, amehlo akho kawakho eqinisweni yini? Mina ngasengisithi: Qiniso, laba ngabayanga, bayizithutha; Mina ngizakuya kwabakhulu, ngikhulume labo, ngoba bona bayayazi indlela yeN, Ngakho-ke isilwane Ngingakuthethelela njani ngalokhu? Babe njeng amabhiza asuthayo ekuseni, bakhonya, Kangiyikujezisa yini ngenxa yalezizinto? itsho iN; kumbe umphefumulo wami kawuyikuphindisela yini esizweni esinjengalesi? Yenyukelani emidulini ayo, lichithe, ngoba kazisizo zeN. Ngoba indlu kaIsrayeli lendlu kaJuda zenze ngenkohliso enkulu zimelene lami, itsho iN. Bayiphikile iN, Labaprofethi bazakuba ngumoya, lelizwi kalikho kubo; kuzakwenziwa njalo kibo! Ngalokho itsho njalo uNkulunkulu wamabandla: Ngoba likhuluma lelilizwi, khangela, ngizakwenza amazwi ami emlonyeni wakho njalo uzabaqothula. Khangelani, ngizaletha phezu kwenu isizwe Isamba saso semitshoko bonke bangamaqhawe. Njalo sizakudla isivuno sakho lokudla kwakho; othembela kiyo, sizayithelela ubuyanga ngenkemba. Kodwa langalezonsuku, itsho iN, kangiyikwenza isiphetho esipheleleyo kini. Kuzakuthi-ke lapho lisithi: uNkulunkulu wethu yenzeleni zonke lezizinto kithi? Memezelani lokhu endlini kaJakobe, likuzwakalise koJuda, lisithi: Zwanini-ke lokhu, lina bantu abayizithutha elilendlebe, kodwa lingezwa. Kalingesabi yini? kube kanti kawayikudlula phezu kwawo. Kodwa lababantu balenhliziyo evukelayo lephikayo; baphambukile, bahamba. Futhi kabatsho enhliziyweni zabo ukuthi: Ake sesabe uNkulunkulu wethu, enika izulu Iziphambeko zenu ziphambule lezizinto, Ngoba phakathi kwabantu bami kutholakala abakhohlakeleyo; bacatheme njengabathiya inyoni; babeka umgibe ochithayo, babambe abantu. Njengezongo ligcwele inyoni, zinjalo izindlu zabo zigcwele inkohliso; ngakho-ke sebebakhulu, banothile. Bazimukile, lelungelo labaswelayo kabalahluleli. Kangiyiku ba jezisa ngalezizinto yini? kutsho iN. Umphefumulo wami kawuyikuphindisela esizweni esinjengalesi yini? Okwethusayo lokwesabekayo kwenzakele elizweni. Abaprofethi baprofetha kodwa lizakwenzani ekupheleni kwakho? Lina bantwana bakoBhenjamini, lencithakalo enkulu. Indodakazi yeZiyoni ngiyifananise l owesifazanaomuhle obuthakathaka. Abelusi bazafika kuye lemihlambi yabo; Z ehlukaniseleni impi limelene layo;, ngoba amathunzi okuhlwa aselulekile. Sukumani, senyuke ngobusuku, sidilize izigodlo zayo. Ngoba itsho njalo yamabandla: Gamulani izihlahla, kulocindezelo kuphela phakathi kwawo. Njengomthombo umpompoza amanzi awo, phambi kwami kulenhlungu lamanxeba njalonjalo. Layeka, Jerusalema, hlezi umphefumulo wami wehlukane lawe; Itsho njalo yamabandla: Bazayikhothoza lokuyikhothoza insali kaIsrayeli njengevini; buyisela isandla sakho ezitsheni njengomvuni wevini. Ngizakhuluma kubani, kabathokozi ngalo. Ngakho ngigcwele ulaka lweN, ngikhathele yikuzithiba. Lezindlu zabo zizanikelwa kwabanye, ngoba ngizakwelulela isandla sami phezu kwabahlali belizwe, itsho iN. Ngoba kusukela komncinyane wabo kuze kufike komkhulu wabo Bapholisa kancane inxeba labantu bami, Baba lenhloni yini lapho besenza isinengiso? ngesikhathi sokubahambela kwami bazakhubeka, itsho iN. Itsho njalo iN: Manini ezindleleni, libone, libuze ngemikhondo yasendulo, Futhi ngilibekele abalindi, Kodwa bathi: Kasiyikulalela. Ngakho zwanini, lina zizwe, wazi, wena bandla, okuphakathi kwabo. Zwana, wena mhlaba; ngoba bengalalelanga amazwi ami, lomlayo wami, kodwa bawalile. Izelani kimi lemihlatshelo yenu kayimnandi kimi. Ngakho itsho njalo iN: Khangela, ngizabeka izikhubekiso phambi kwalababantu, njalo oyise lamadodana bakhubeke kanyekanye kuzo, umakhelwane lomngane wakhe, bazabhubha. Itsho njalo IN: Khangela, abantu bayeza bevela Bazabamba idandili lomkhonto; bagade amabhiza, behleliwe njengabantu bempi bemelene lawe, ndodakazi yeZiyoni. Siyizwile indumela yakho, izandla zethu ziyadangala; Lingaphumi liye egangeni, lingahambi endleleni, ngoba kukhonainkemba yesitha, ukwesaba inhlangothi zonke. Wena ndodakazi yabantu bami, bhinca amasaka, ngoba umchithi uzafika kithi masinyane. Ngikubekile ubengumphotshongo Bonke bangabahlamuki abalenkani, Imvutho itshile, umnuso usuqedwe ngumlilo; Bazababiza ngokuthibayisiliva esilahliweyo, ngoba ibalahlile. Ilizwi elafika kuJeremiya livela eNni lisithi: Mana esangweni lendlu yeN umemezele khona lelilizwi uthi: Zwanini ilizwi leN, lina bonke bakoJuda, abangena kulamasango uku za khonza iN. Itsho njalo yamabandla, uNkulunkulu wakoIsrayeli: Lungisani indlela zenu lezenzo zenu, Lingathembi lina emazwini amanga okuthi: La alithempeli leN, ithempeli leN, ithempeli leN. Ngoba uba lilungisisa lokulungisa izindlela zenu lezenzo zenu; lingacindezeli khona ngizalenza ukuthi lihlale kulindawo, Khangelani, lina lithembela Lizakweba, libulale, lifebe, Beselisiza lime phambi kwami kulindlu, ebizwa ngebizo lami, lithi: Sikhululwe ukuze senze zonke lezizinengiso. Indlu le, emehlweni enu yini? Khangelani, mina sengibonile, itsho iN. Ngoba yanini khathesi endaweni yami Khathesi-ke, ngoba lenzile yonke le imisebenzi, itsho iN, njalo ngikhulumile lani, ngivuka ngovivi ngikhuluma, ngakho ngizakwenza kulindlu, ebizwa ngebizo lami, elithemba kiyo, lakundawo engayinika lina laboyihlo, Njalo ngizalixotsha lisuke ebusweni bami, njengalokho ngaxotsha bonke abafowenu, Ngakho wena ungabakhulekeli lababantu, Kawukuboni yini abakwenza emizini yakoJuda lezitaladeni zeJerusalema? Abantwana batheza inkuni, laboyise baphembe umlilo, labesifazana baxove inhlama, Bathukuthelisa mina yini? Ngakho itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Khangela, intukuthelo yami lolaka lwami kuzathululelwa kulindawo, Itsho njalo yamabandla, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Fakani iminikelo yenu yokutshiswa kanye lemihlatshelo yenu, Ngoba kangikhulumanga kuboyihlo, Kodwa ngabalaya le into ngisithi: Lalelani ilizwi lami, Kodwa kabalalelanga, kabathobanga indlebe yabo; hatshi-ke phambili. Kusukela osukwini oyihlo abaphuma ngalo elizweni leGibhithe kuze kube yilolusuku, ngithume kini zonke inceku zami, abaprofethi, Kanti kabangilalelanga, Ngakho uzakhuluma wonke lamazwi kibo, kodwa kabayikukuphendula. Ngakho uzakuthi kibo: Lesi yisizwe esingalaleli ilizwi leN, uNkulunkulu waso, lesingemukeli ukulaywa; liqunyiwe emlonyeni waso. Gela ngoba isalile yasidela isizukulwana solaka lwayo. Ngoba abantwana bakoJuda benzile ububi emehlweni ami, itsho iN; babekile izinengiso zabo endlini Bakhile-ke indawo eziphakemeyo lokungavelanga enhliziyweni yami. Ngakho khangela, insuku ziyeza, Lezidumbu zalababantu zizakuba yikudla kwenyoni zamazulu, ozazethusa. Khona ngizakwenza Ngalesosikhathi, itsho iN, bazakhupha amathambo amakhosi akoJuda, lamathambo eziphathamandla zayo, lamathambo abapristi, lamathambo abaprofethi, lamathambo abahlali beJerusalema, emangcwabeni abo; baweneke Njalo ukufa kuzakhethwa kulempilo yiyo yonke insali yabaseleyo balolusapho olubi, itsho yamabandla. Uzakuthi kibo futhi: Itsho njalo IN: Bazakuwa bangavuki yini? Uzaphambuka angaphenduki yini? Pho,baphambukelani lababantu eJerusalema ngokuphambuka Ngilalele ngezwa, Yebo ingabuzane emazulwini liyazazi izikhathi zalo ezimisiweyo; Litsho njani ukuthi: Sihlakaniphile, lomlayo weN ulathi? Abahlakaniphileyo bayangekile, khangela, balalile ilizwi leN; pho balenhlakanipho bani? Ngakho omkabo ngizabanika abanye, amasimu abo kwabazakudla ilifa la bo; ngoba kusukela komncinyane kuze kufike komkhulu bonke bayizihwaba zenzuzo embi, kusukela kumprofethi kuze kube kumpristi wonke wenza ngenkohliso. Ngoba balipholise kancane inxeba lendodakazi yabantu bami, besithi: Ukuthula, ukuthula! khona kungelakuthula. Baba lenhloni yini lapho sebenze amanyala? Hatshi, kababanga lanhloni lakanye, futhi kabakwazi ukuyangeka; ngakho bazakuwa phakathi kwabawayo; ngesikhathi sokuhanjelwa kwabo bazawiselwa phansi, itsho iN. Isibili ngizabaqeda, itsho iN; kakuyikuba khona lengibanike khona kuzakwedlula kibo. Sihlaleleni? Buthanani, ngoba sonile eNni. Sa lindela ukuthula, Ukuthimula kwamabhiza akhe kwezwakala lokugcwala kwalo, umuzi labahlala kiwo. Ngoba khangelani, ngithumela phakathi kwenu izinyoka, itsho iN. Ukududuzwa kwami kusosizini, inhliziyo yami iphelelwa ngamandla kimi. Khangelani, ilizwi lokukhala kwendodakazi yabantu bami livela elizweni elikhatshana. ngokuyize kwabezizwe? Isivuno sidlulile, ihlobo liphelile, kanti thina kasisindiswanga. Ngokwephuka ukumangala okukhulu kungibambile. Kakulabhalisamu yini eGileyadi? Kungathi ngabe ikhanda lami lingamanzi, emini lebusuku! Kungathi ngabe ngilendawo yokulala yezihambi Njalo bagobisa ulimi lwabo njenge dandili labo besenzelaamanga; itsho iN. Qaphelani, ngulowo lalowo umakhelwane wakhe, Njalo bazakhohlisa, ngulowo lalowo umakhelwane wakhe, bengakhulumi iqiniso; balufundisile ulimi lwabo ukukhuluma amanga, bezidinisa ngokwenza okubi. Indawo yakho yokuhlala iphakathi kwenkohliso; ngenkohliso bayala ukungazi, itsho iN. Ngakho itsho njalo yamabandla: Khangela, ngizabancibilikisa, Ulimi lwabo lungumtshoko wokubulala, Kangiyikubajezisa yini ngenxa yalezizinto? itsho iN; umphefumulo wami kawuyikuphindisela yini esizweni esinjengalesi? Ngizaphakamisa ukukhala lesililo phezu kwezintaba, laphezu kwezindawo zokuhlala zenkangala ingoma yokulila, Ngizayenza iJerusalema ibe zinqumbi, lemizi yakoJuda ngizayenza ibelunxiwa, ingabi lamhlali. Ngubani umuntu ohlakaniphileyo ongaqedisisa lokhu? kuze kungabikho odlulayo? yasisithi: Ngoba bedelile umlayo wami engawubeka phambi kwabo, njalo bengalilalelanga ilizwi lami, bengahambanga ngalo; kodwa balandela Ngalokho itsho njalo yamabandla, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Khangela, ngizabondla Njalo ngizabahlakaza phakathi kwezizwe ngize ngibaqede. Itsho njalo yamabandla: Qaphelani, libize abesifazana abalilayo ukuthi beze; lithumele kwabesifazana abahlakaniphileyo, ukuthi beze. Kabaphangise, basiphakamisele isililo, ukuze amehlo ethu ehlise inyembezi, lenkophe zethu zimpompoze amanzi. Ngoba ilizwi lokulila liyezwakala liphuma eZiyoni lisithi: Yeka ukuchitheka kwethu! Kanti zwanini ilizwi leN, lina besifazana, lendlebe zenu zilemukele ilizwi lomlomo wayo; lifundise amadodakazi enu ukuqhinqa isililo, kube ngulowo lalowo umakhelwane wakhe ingoma yokulila. Ngoba ukufa kwenyukele emawindini ethu, kwangena ezigodlweni zethu, ukuquma abantwana Khuluma uthi: Itsho njalo iN: Ngitsho isidumbu somuntu sizakuwa njengamalongwe ebusweni bensimu, Itsho njalo iN: Ohlakaniphileyo kangazincomi ngenhlakanipho yakhe, leqhawe lingazincomi ngobuqhawe balo, isinothi singazincomi ngenotho yaso; kodwa ozincomayo kazincome ngalokhu, itsho iN. Khangela, insuku ziyeza, IGibhithe, loJuda, loEdoma, labantwana bakoAmoni, loMowabi, Zwanini ilizwi elikhuluma kini, lina ndlu kaIsrayeli. Itsho njalo IN: Lingafundi indlela yabahedeni, lingatshaywa luvalo ngezibonakaliso zamazulu, ngenxa yokuthi abahedeni bayazesaba. Ngoba imikhuba yabantu iyize; Basicecisa ngesiliva langegolide, ukuze singazamazami. Zinjengesihlahla Njengoba kungekho onjengawe, Ngubani ongekwesabe, Kodwa kanyekanye banjengezinyamazana Isiliva esikhandiweyo Kodwa inguNkulunkulu weqiniso, inguNkulunkulu ophilayo lenkosi yaphakade. Ekuthukutheleni kwayo umhlaba uyazamazama, lezizwe kazilakulumela ulaka lwayo. Lizakutsho njalo kubo: Onkulunkulu abangenzanga amazulu lomhlaba Owenza umhlaba ngamandla akhe, Lapho ekhupha ilizwi, Wonke umuntu unjengenyamazana elwazini; Ziyize, Isabelo sikaJakobe kasinjengazo, Qoqa impahla yakho uyikhuphe elizweni, Ngoba itsho njalo iN: Khangela, ngizabajikijela ngaphandle abahlali belizwe Maye kimi ngenxa yokwephuka kwami! Ithente lami lidiliziwe, Ngoba abelusi lomhlambi wabo wonke uhlakazekile. Khangela, umsindo wombiko ufikile, N, ngiyazi ukuthi indlela yomuntu kayikho kuye; N, ngilaya, kodwa ngesahlulelo, hatshi olakeni lwakho, hlezi unginciphise. Thululela ulaka lwakho phezu kwabahedeni Ilizwi elafika kuJeremiya livela eNni, lisithi: Zwanini amazwi likhulume ebantwini bakoJuda lakubahlali beJerusalema. Njalo uthi kibo: Itsho njalo uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Uqalekisiwe umuntu ongalaleli amazwi alesisivumelwano, engawalayela oyihlo ngosuku engibakhupha ngalo elizweni leGibhithe, esithandweni sensimbi, lami ngibe nguNkulunkulu wenu, ukuze ngimise isifungo engasifunga kuboyihlo Ngasengiphendula ngathi: Ameni, N. yasisithi kimi: Memezela wonke lamazwi emizini yakoJuda Ngoba ngafakaza lokufakaza kuboyihlo ngosuku engabakhuphula ngalo elizweni leGibhithe, kuze kube lamuhla, ngivuka ngovivi ngifakaza, Kodwa kabalalelanga, kodwa kaba w enzanga. yasisithi kimi: Kutholakele ugobe phakathi kwabantu bakoJuda, laphakathi kwabahlali beJerusalema. Sebebuyele eziphambekweni zabokhokho babo, Ngakho itsho njalo iN: Khangela, ngizaletha okubi phezu kwabo, abangeke baphume kukho; lapho bekhala kimi, kangiyikubezwa. Khona imizi yakoJuda labahlali beJerusalema bezahamba bakhale kubonkulunkulu ababatshisela impepha, kodwa kabayikubasindisa lokubasindisa ngesikhathi sobubi babo. Ngoba njenge nani lemizi yakho babe njaloonkulunkulu bakho, Juda, la njenge nani lezitalada zeJerusalema limisile amalathi kulokhu okuyangisayo, amalathi okutshisela uBhali impepha. Ngakho wena ungabakhulekeli lababantu, Othandekayo wami yabiza ibizo lakho ngokuthi: Isihlahla somhlwathi esiluhlaza esihle ngezithelo ezinhle; Ngoba yamabandla, eyakuhlanyelayo, yasingazisa ukuthi ngazi; wasungitshengisa izenzo zabo. Kodwa mina nganginjengewundlu kumbeinkabi kusiwa ekuhlatshweni; Kodwa, wena N yamabandla, umahluleli olungileyo, ohlola izinso ngoba ngembule udaba lwami kuwe. Ngakho itsho njalo ngamadoda eAnathothi, Ngakho itsho njalo yamabandla: Khangela, ngizawajezisa; amajaha azakufa ngenkemba, amadodana awo lamadodakazi awo azakufa ngendlala, njalo kakuyikuba lensali kuwo; ngoba ngizaletha okubi phezu kwamadoda Ulungile wena N, Ubahlanyele, yebo, bagxilile impande; bayaqhubeka, yebo, bathele izithelo; useduze emlonyeni wabo, kanti ukhatshana lezinso zabo. Kodwa wena, N, uyangazi, Koze kube nini ilizwe lilila, ngoba bathi: Kayiyikubona isiphetho sethu. Uba ugijime labezinyawo, bakudinisa, pho, ungancintisana njani lamabhiza? Ngoba ngitsho abafowenu lendlu kayihlo, loba bekhuluma izinto ezinhle kuwe. Ngiyidelile indlu yami, ngilitshiyile ilifa lami; nginikele othandiweyo womphefumulo wami esandleni sezitha zakhe. Ilifa lami kimi linjengesilwane ehlathini; lingiphumisele ilizwi; ngakho-ke ngilizondile. Ilifa lami kimi li njenge nyoni elamabalabala edla inyama, Abelusi abanengi basichithile basenzile isabelo sami esiloyisekayo saba yinkangala elunxiwa. Basenze saba lunxiwa, sililela kimi Abachithi bafikile phezu kwawo wonke amadundulu enkangala; ngoba inkemba yeN izakudla kusukela ko munyeumkhawulo welizwe kusiya ko munyeumkhawulo welizwe; kakulakuthula kuyo yonke inyama. Bahlanyele ingqoloyi, kodwa bazavuna ameva; Itsho njalo iN: Mayelana labo bonke omakhelwane bami ababi Khangela, ngizabasiphuna elizweni labo, ngiyisiphune indlu yakoJuda isuke phakathi kwabo. Kuzakuthi-ke emva kokubasiphuna kwami, ngizabuya kube ngulowo lalowo elifeni lakhe, langulowo lalowo elizweni lakhe. Kuzakuthi-ke uba bezazifunda ngokukhuthala izindlela zabantu bami, ukuthi bafunge ngebizo lami bathi: Kuphila kukaJehova; Kodwa uba bengalaleli, ngizasisiphuna lesosizwe, ngisisiphune ngisibhubhise, itsho iN. Itsho njalo kimi: Hamba uzithengele ibhanti lelembu ulifake ekhalweni lwakho, ungalifaki emanzini. Ngasengithenga ibhanti njengokwelizwi leN, ngalifaka ekhalweni lwami. Ilizwi leN laselifika kimi ngokwesibili lisithi: Thatha ibhanti olithengileyo elisokhalweni lwakho, usukume uye eYufrathi, ulifihle khona engoxweni yedwala. Ngasengihamba, ngalifihla ngaseYufrathi njengoba ingilayile. Kwasekusithi ekupheleni kwensuku ezinengi, yasisithi kimi: Sukuma, uye eYufrathi, u ye thatha khona ibhanti engakulaya ukuthi ulifihle khona. Ngasengisiya eYufrathi, ngagebha, ngalithatha ibhanti endaweni lapho engangilifihle khona; khangela-ke, ibhanti lalonakele, Laselifika kimi ilizwi leN lisithi: Itsho njalo iN: Ngalindlela lokuziqhenya okukhulu kweJerusalema. Lababantu ababi, abala ukuzwa amazwi ami, abahamba ngobulukhuni benhliziyo yabo, Ngoba njengoba ibhanti linamathela okhalweni lomuntu, ngokunjalo nginamathelise kimi indlu yonke yakoIsrayeli lendlu yonke yakoJuda, itsho iN; ukuze kimi babe ngabantu, kodwa kabalalelanga. Ngakho uzakhuluma kibo lelilizwi: Itsho njalo uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Yonke imbodlela Isibili kasikwazi yini ukuthi yonke imbodlela izagcwaliswa ngewayini? Ubususithi kibo: Itsho njalo iN: Khangela, ngizagcwalisa bonke abakhileyo balelilizwe, lamakhosi ahlala esihlalweni sobukhosi sikaDavida, Njalo ngizabaphahlaza omunye komunye, laboyise lamadodana ndawonye, itsho iN; kangiyikuhawukela, kangiyikuyekela, kangiyikuba lomusa, ukuthi ngingabachithi. Zwanini, libeke indlebe, lingaziqhenyi, ngoba ikhulumile. Inikeni uNkulunkulu wenu udumo, Kodwa uba lingalaleli, umphefumulo wami uzakhala inyembezi endaweni zensitha ngenxa yokuziqhenya kwenu, lehlise inyembezi, ngoba umhlambi weN uthunjiwe. Tshono enkosini Imizi yeningizimu izavalwa, njalo kakho oza yi vula; uJuda uzathunjwa, yena wonke, uzathunjwa ngokupheleleyo. Phakamisani amehlo enu, libone labo abavela enyakatho. Ungaphi umhlambi owaphiwa wona, umhlambi wakho omuhle? Uzakuthini uba esenza isijeziso phezu kwakho, ngoba wena ubafundise ukuthi babey izinduna Njalo uba usithi enhliziyweni yakho: Kungani lezizinto zenzakele kimi? l ezithende zakho zaphathwa ngodlakela. UmEthiyophiya angasiphendula yini isikhumba sakhe, kumbe ingwe amabala ayo? Khonalani lizakuba lakho ukwenza okuhle elejwayele ukwenza okubi. Ngakho ngizabahlakaza njengamakhoba edluliswa ngomoya wenkangala. Le yinkatho yakho, isabelo sezilinganiso zakho ezivela kimi, Ngakho lami ngizakwembula amalogwe akho phezu kobuso bakho, Ngibonile ubufebe bakho, lokukhonya kwakho, Kusezadlula nini? Ilizwi leN elafika kuJeremiya mayelana lendaba zembalela. UJuda uyalila, lamasango akhe adangele; amnyama kuze kube semhlabathini, lokukhala kweJerusalema kwenyukile. Njalo izikhulu zakhe zithuma abancinyane bazo emanzini; bafika emithonjeni, bangatholi manzi; babuyele inkonxa zabo zingelalutho, belenhloni, beyangekile, bembomboze ikhanda labo. Ngoba umhlabathi udabukile, ngoba kungekho izulu elizweni, abalimi balenhloni, bambomboza ikhanda labo. Yebo impala layo iyazala egangeni, i ku tshiye, ngoba kungelatshani. Labobabhemi beganga bayema emadundulwini, baphembele umoya amehlo abo ayaphela, ngoba kungelatshani. Lanxa izono zethu zifakaza zimelana lathi, N, yenza ngenxa yebizo lakho. Wena themba likaIsrayeli, uMsindisi wakhe ngesikhathi sembandezelo, kungani uzakuba njengowezizweni elizweni? Kungani uzakuba njengomuntu odidekileyo, njengeqhawe e lingelakusindisa. Itsho njalo ngalababantu: Ngokunjalo bathanda ukuzula, kabazinqandanga inyawo zabo; ngakho kayithokozi ngabo. yasisithi kimi: Ungakhulekeli lababantu. Lapho bezila ukudla, kangiyikuzwa ukukhala kwabo. Ngasengisithi: Hawu, Nkosi Jehova! Khangela, abaprofethi bathi kubo: Kaliyikubona inkemba, kaliyikuba lendlala. yasisithi kimi: Abaprofethi baprofetha amanga ngebizo lami. Ngakho itsho njalo mayelana labaprofethi abaprofetha ebizweni lami, ngoba mina ngingabathumanga. Labantu, abaprofetha kibo, bazakuba ngabaphoselwa ezitaladeni zeJerusalema ngenxa yendlala lenkemba; njalo kungekho obangcwabayo, bona, omkabo, lamadodana abo, lamadodakazi abo; ngoba ngizathululela ububi babo phezu kwabo. Ngakho uzakutsho lelilizwi kibo elokuthi: Amehlo ami kawehlise inyembezi ebusuku lemini. Uba ngiphumela emaphandleni, khangela-ke, ababulewe ngenkemba. Usumalile isibili uJuda yini? Umphefumulo wakho unengwa yiZiyoni yini. Siyazi, N, ukukhohlakala kwethu lo bubi babobaba, ngoba sonile kuwe. Unga si deleli, ngenxa yebizo lakho. Kukhona yini phakathi. yasisithi kimi: Loba bekumi phambi kwami inhliziyo yami ibingebe kulababantu; baxotshe phambi kwami, bayekele baphume. Kuzakuthi-ke uba besithi kuwe: Sizaphuma siye ngaphi? Uzabatshela-ke uthi: Itsho njalo iN: Abokufa baya ekufeni, labenkemba baya enkembeni, labendlala baya endlaleni, labokuthunjwa baya ekuthunjweni. Ngoba ngizabamisela izinhlobo ezine, lezinyamazana zomhlaba zokudla lezokubhubhisa. Ngizabanikela babe yinto eyesabekayo kuyo yonke imibuso yomhlaba, ngenxa kaManase indodana kaHezekhiya, inkosi yakoJuda, ngalokho akwenza eJerusalema. Ngoba ngubani ozakuhawukela, wena Jerusalema? njalo ngubani ozakulilela? njalo ngubani ozaphambukela eceleni ukubuza ngokuthula kwakho? Wena ungidelile, Njalo ngizabela Abafelokazi babo bandile kimi kuletshebetshebe lolwandle. bengananzelele. Owazala abayisikhombisa usekhathele; waba lenhloni, wayangeka; lensali yabo ngizayinikela enkembeni phambi kwezitha zabo, itsho iN. Maye mina, futhi kabangebolekisanga ngenzuzo, kantibayangithuka, ngulowo lalowo wabo. yathi: Isibili kuzakuba kuhle ngensali yakho; Insimbi ingayephula yini insimbi evela enyakatho Inotho yakho lokuligugu kwakho ngizakunikela kube yimpango, Ngizakwenza ukuthi u dlule kanye lezitha zakho u ye elizweni onga l aziyo; uzabhebha phezu kwenu. Wena uyazi, N; Amazwi akho atholakala njalo ngawadla; ngoba ibizo lakho labizwa phezu kwami, wena N, Nkulunkulu wamabandla. Kangihlalanga ngoba ungigcwalise ngentukuthelo. Kungani ubuhlungu bami bube khona njalonjalo, lenxeba lami lingelapheki, Ngakho itsho njalo iN: Uba ubuya, njalo uba ukhupha okuligugu kokungasizi lutho, uzakuba njengomlomo wami. Bona kababuyele kuwe, kodwa wena ungabuyeli kubo. Ngoba ngizakwenza ube ngumduli wethusi ovikelweyo kulababantu; itsho iN. Ngizakophula esandleni sababi, Ilizwi leN laselifika kimi lisithi: Ungazithatheli umfazi, njalo ungabi lamadodana kumbe amadodakazi kulindawo. Ngoba itsho njalo mayelana lamadodana lamayelana lamadodakazi azalelwe kulindawo, lamayelana labonina abawazalayo lamayelana laboyise abawazalele kulelilizwe: Bazakufa izimfa zemikhuhlane; lokwenyamazana zomhlaba. Ngoba itsho njalo iN: Ungangeni endlini yesililo, ungayikulila, ungabakhaleli; ngoba ngikususile ukuthula kwami kulababantu, itsho iN, uthandolomusa lezihawu. Njalo abakhulu labancinyane bazakufa kulelilizwe; kabayikungcwatshwa, ngenxa yabo. Futhi kabayikubahlephulela isinkwaesililweni, ukubaduduza ngenxa yofileyo; futhi kakho ozabanathisa inkezo yezinduduzo ngenxa kayise langenxa kanina. Njalo ungangeni endlini yedili, ukuhlala labo, ukudla lokunatha. Ngoba itsho njalo yamabandla, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Khangelani, ngizakwenza ukuthi kuphele kule indawo, emehlweni enu, lensukwini zenu, ilizwi lentokozo, lelizwi lenjabulo, ilizwi lomyeni, lelizwi likamakoti. Njalo kuzakuthi lapho utshela lababantu wonke lamazwi, babesebesithi kuwe: ikhulumelani konke lokhu okubi okukhulu imelene lathi, njalo buyini ububi bethu, njalo yisiphi isono sethu esisonileyo simelene leN uNkulunkulu wethu? Khona uzakuthi kubo: babasebenzela, babakhonza, bangidela mina, kabagcinanga umlayo wami; lina-ke lenze okubi kulaboyihlo; ukuthi bangangilaleli. Ngakho ngizaliphosela ngaphandle kwalelilizwe, lina laboyihlo; lapho-ke lizasebenzela abanye onkulunkulu emini lebusuku, ngoba kangiyikulinika umusa. Ngakho, khangela, eyakhuphula abantwana bakoIsrayeli elizweni leGibhithe; kodwa: Kuphila kweN, Khangela, ngizathumela kubagoli benhlanzi Ngoba amehlo ami aphezu kwazo zonke izindlela zabo; Kuqala-ke ngizaphindisela isiphambeko sabo lesono sabo bagcwalisa ilifa lami ngezidumbu zamanyala abo lezinengiso zabo. N, wena mandla ami, lenqaba yami, Umuntu angazenzela onkulunkulu yini, kanti kabayisibo onkulunkulu? Ngakho, khangela, ngizabenza bazi okwalesisikhathi, Isono sakoJuda sibhaliwe ngepheni yensimbi, abantwana babo besakhumbula amalathi abo Wena ntaba yami esegangeni, le zindawo zakho eziphakemeyo, ngenxa yesono kuyo yonke imingcele yakho. Lawe, ngitsho ngokwakho, uzayekela ilifa lakho engakunika lona; ngoba usuphembe umlilo ekuthukutheleni kwami; uzavutha kuze kube nininini. Itsho njalo iN: Uqalekisiwe umuntu othembela emuntwini, lonhliziyo yakhe iphambuka eNni. Ngoba uzakuba njengesihlahlanyana enkangala, Ubusisiwe umuntu othembela eNni, Ngoba uzakuba njengesihlahla esihlanyelwe ngasemanzini, kasikhathazeki emnyakeni wokubalela, kasiyekeli ukuthela isithelo. Inhliziyo ngubani ongayazi? Mina N ngihlola inhliziyo, njengokwesithelo sezenzo zakhe. Njenge thendele elifukamela amaqandalinga wa chamuseli, Isihlalo sobukhosi esilenkazimulo, esiphakanyisiweyo kwasekuqaleni, siyindawo yendlu yethu engcwele. N, themba likaIsrayeli, Ngisilisa, N, njalo ngizasila; Khangela, bathi kimi: Lingaphi ilizwi leN? Kodwa mina kangiphangisanga Ungabi luvalo kimi; wena uyisiphephelo sami osukwini lobubi. Kabayangeke labo abangizingelayo, Itsho njalo kimi: Hamba u ye kuma esangweni labantwana babantu, angena ngalo amakhosi akoJuda, aphuma ngalo, lakuwo wonke amasango eJerusalema, ubususithi kubo: Zwanini ilizwi leN, abangena ngala amasango! Itsho njalo iN: Ziqapheleni, lingathwali mthwalo ngosuku lwesabatha, kumbe li wu ngenise ngamasango eJerusalema. Futhi lingakhuphi umthwalo ezindlini zenu ngosuku lwesabatha, lingenzi loba yiwuphi umsebenzi; Kodwa kabalalelanga, kababekanga indlebe yabo, Kuzakuthi-ke uba lina lingilalela lokungilalela, itsho iN, ukuthi lingangenisi mthwalo ngamasango alumuzi ngosuku lwesabatha, ukuthi lingenzi loba yiwuphi umsebenzi ngalo; khona kuzangena ngamasango alumuzi amakhosi leziphathamandla abahlala esihlalweni sobukhosi sikaDavida, wona leziphathamandla zawo, abantu bakoJuda, labahlali beJerusalema; lalumuzi uzahlalwa kuze kube nininini. Bazakuza-ke bevela emizini yakoJuda, endlini yeN. Kodwa uba lingangilaleli, ukwenza usuku lwesabatha lube ngcwele, Ilizwi elafika kuJeremiya livela eNni lisithi: Sukuma, wehlele e ndl iniyombumbi, lapho-ke ngizakuzwisa amazwi ami. Ngasengisehlela e ndl iniyombumbi, khangela-ke wayesenza umsebenzi emavilini. Njalo imbiza ayeyenza ngebumba yonakala esandleni sombumbi; wasebuya wenza ngayo enye imbiza njengoba kwakuqondile emehlweni ombumbi ukwenza. Ilizwi leN laselifika kimi lisithi: Ndlu kaIsrayeli, ngingeze ngenza kini njengalo umbumbi yini? lina ndlu kaIsrayeli. Nge sikhatshana ngizakhuluma ngesizwe langombuso uba lesosizwe engikhulume ngimelene laso siphenduka ebubini baso, La nge sikhatshana ngizakhuluma ngesizwe langombuso, ukwakha loku ku hlanyela; uba kusenza okubi emehlweni ami, kungalaleli ilizwi lami, khona ngizazisola ngokuhle ebengisithi ngizakwenzela okuhle ngakho. Ngakho khathesi ake ukhulume ebantwini bakoJuda lakwabahlali beJerusalema, usithi: Itsho njalo iN: Khangelani, ngilibumbela okubi, ngilicebela icebo. Phendukani khathesi, ngulowo lalowo endleleni yakhe embi, Kodwa bathi: Kakulathemba; Ngakho itsho njalo iN: Buzani khathesi phakathi kwabahedeni, Umuntuangatshiya yini iliqhwa elikhithikileyo leLebhanoni e livela edwaleni leganga? Angatshiywa yini amanzi aqandayo ageleza evelakwezinye indawo? Kodwa abantu bami bangikhohliwe, besenza ilizwe labo libe lunxiwa, Ngizabahlakaza Basebesithi: Wozani simcebele amacebo uJeremiya; singananzi lawaphi amazwi akhe. Nginakekela, N, ulalele ilizwi labaphikisana lami. Kuyavuzwa okubi esikhundleni sokuhle yini? Khumbula ukuthi ngema phambi kwakho ukubakhulumela okuhle, ukuphambula ulaka lwakho kibo. Ngakho nikela abantwana babo endlaleni, babe ngabafelokazi, lamadoda abo abulawe yi kufa, amajaha abo atshaywe ngenkemba empini. Kakuzwakale ukukhala endlini zabo, Kanti wena, N, uyawazi wonke amacebo abo bemelene lami uku ngi bulala. Ungathetheleli Itsho njalo iN: Hamba u ye thenga Ubusuphuma uye esihotsheni sendodana kaHinomu esisekungeneni kwesango lodengezi, umemezele khona amazwi engizakutshela wona. Uthi: Zwanini ilizwi leN, Ngenxa yokuthi bangidelile, Futhi bakha izindawo eziphakemeyo zikaBhali, Ngakho khangela, insuku ziyeza, kodwa isiHotsha sokuBulawa. Njalo ngizachitha icebo lakoJuda leJerusalema kulindawo, Ngenze lumuzi ube lunxiwa, lokokuncifelwa; wonke owedlula kuwo uzamangala kakhulu ancife ngenxa yazo zonke inhlupheko zawo. Njalo ngizabenza badle inyama yamadodana abo lenyama yamadodakazi abo; ezizabacindezela ngakho izitha zabo labadinga impilo yabo. Khona uzaphahlaza ubususithi kiwo: Itsho njalo yamabandla: Ngizakwenza njalo kulindawo, itsho iN, lakwabakhileyo bayo, ukuthi ngenze lumuzi ubenjengeThofethi. Njalo izindlu zeJerusalema lezindlu zamakhosi akoJuda zizangcoliswa njengendawo yeThofethi, Khona wabuya uJeremiya evela eTofethi, wathi ebantwini bonke: Itsho njalo yamabandla, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Khangelani, ngizakwehlisela kulumuzi lakuyo yonke imizana yawo konke okubi engikutshiloyo ngawo, ngoba benze lukhuni intamo yabo, Kwathi uPashuri wamuzwa uJeremiya eprofetha lezizinto, uPashuri wasemtshaya uJeremiya umprofethi, wamfaka esitokisini elalingasendlini yeN. Kwasekusithi ngosuku olulandelayo, uPashuri wamkhupha uJeremiya esitokisini. UJeremiya wasesithi kuye: kayibizanga ibizo lakho ngokuthiuPashuri, kodwa uMagori-Misabibi. Ngoba itsho njalo iN: Khangela, ngizakwenza ube yinto eyesabekayo kuwe uqobo, lakubo bonke abangane bakho; njalo bazakuwa ngenkemba yezitha zabo, lamehlo enu aza ku bona. Njalo ngizanikela wonke uJuda esandleni senkosi yeBhabhiloni, ezabathumba ibase eBhabhiloni, ibatshaye ngenkemba. Futhi ngizanikela yonke Lawe Pashuri, lani lonke bahlali bendlu yakho, lizakuya ekuthunjweni; njalo uzakuya eBhabhiloni, ufele khona, ungcwatshelwe khona, wena labangane bakho bonke, oprofethe kibo amanga. N, wangiyenga, bonke bayangiklolodela. Ngoba loba nini ngikhuluma, ngiyakhala, ngimemeze udlakela lencithakalo; Ngasengisithi: Kangiyikuyikhumbula, kangisayikukhuluma ngebizo layo; kodwa enhliziyweni yami kunjengomlilo ovuthayo ovalelwe emathanjeni ami; ngingeke ngenelise. Ngoba ngizwile ukuhleba kwabanengi, siphindisele impindiselo yethu kuye. Kodwa ilami njengeqhawe elesabekayo; Kodwa, N yamabandla, ohlolayo olungileyo, Hlabelelani eNni,. Kaluqalekiswe usuku engazalwa ngalo; usuku umama angizala ngalo kalungabusiswa. Kaqalekiswe umuntu owaletha izindaba kubaba, esithi: Uzalelwe umntwana wesilisa; emenza athokoze kakhulu. Njalo lowomuntu kabe njengemizi eyayigenqulayo, Ngoba ingangibulalanga kwasesiswini; kumbe umama waba lingcwaba lami, lesisu sakhe sakhulelwa kokuphela. Ngaphumelani esiswini ukuthi insuku zami ziphele ehlazweni? Ilizwi elafika kuJeremiya livela eNni lapho inkosi uZedekhiya ethuma kuye uPashuri indodana kaMalikiya,, isithi: Ake usibuzele eNni, ukuze enyuke asuke kithi. UJeremiya wasesithi kubo: Lizakutsho njalo kuZedekhiya: Itsho njalo uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Khangelani, ngizaphendulela emuvaizikhali zempi ezisezandleni zenu, elilwa ngazo lenkosi yeBhabhiloni lamaKhaladiya, Njalo mina ngizakulwa lani ngesandla eseluliweyo, langengalo elamandla, Njalo ngizatshaya abakhileyo balumuzi, umuntu kanye lesifuyo; bazakufa ngomatshayabhuqe wesifo omkhulu. Kuthi emva kwalokhu, itsho iN, uZedekhiya Njalo kulababantu uzakuthi: Itsho njalo IN: Khangelani, ngibeka phambi kwenu indlela yokuphila lendlela yokufa. Osala kulumuzi uzakufa Ngoba ngimisile ubuso bami bumelene lalumuzi ngokubi, Lamayelana lendlu yenkosi yakoJuda, zwanini ilizwi leN: Wena ndlu kaDavida, itsho njalo IN: Yehlulelani isahlulelo Khangela, ngimelene lawe, Kumbe ngubani ozangena endaweni zethu zokuhlala? Kodwa ngizalijezisa njengokwesithelo sezenzo zenu, Itsho njalo iN: Yehlela e ndl iniyenkosi yakoJuda, ukhulume khona lelilizwi, uthi: Zwana ilizwi leN, wena nkosi yakoJuda, Itsho njalo iN: Yenzani isahlulelo lokulunga, Ngoba uba lisenza linto isibili, khona kuzangena ngamasango alindlu amakhosi lenceku zayo labantu bayo. Kodwa uba lingawalaleli lamazwi, ngiyafunga ngami, Ngoba itsho njalo mayelana lendlu yenkosi yakoJuda: UyiGileyadi kimi, inhloko yeLebhanoni; Ngizakulungisela abachithi, Lezizwe ezinengi zizadlula kulumuzi, zithi, ngulowo kumakhelwane wakhe: yenzeleni kanje kulumuzi omkhulu? Khona bazakuthi: Ngenxa yokuthi basidelile isivumelwano seN uNkulunkulu wabo, babasebenzela. Lingamkhaleli ngoba kasayikubuya kumbe abone ilizwe lokuzalwa kwakhe. Ngoba itsho njalo mayelana loShaluma indodana kaJosiya, Kasayikubuya lapha; kodwa uzafela endaweni abamthumbele kuyo, kasayikulibona lelilizwe. Maye angamniki umvuzo wakhe; othi: Ngizazakhela indlu enkulu lamakamelo aphezulu abanzi; Uzabusa yini, ngoba utshisekela ulaka ugqokeimisedari? Wehlulela udaba lomyanga loswelayo; itsho iN. Kodwa amehlo akho lenhliziyo yakho kakukho kokunye lekwenzeni udlakela. Ngakho itsho njalo mayelana loJehoyakhimi indodana kaJosiya, inkosi yakoJuda: Uzangcwatshwa ngokungcwatshwa kukababhemi, ehudulwa alahlwe ngaphandle kwamasango eJerusalema. Yenyukela eLebhanoni, umemeze, uphakamise ilizwi lakho eBashani, umemeze useAbarimi, Ngakhuluma lawe ekonwabeni kwakho, kodwawathi: Kangiyikulalela. Lokhu bekuyindlela yakho kusukela ebutsheni bakho, Umoya uzakudla bonke abelusi bakho, isibili khona uzakuba lenhloni, uyangeke, ngenxa yobubi bakho bonke. Wena ohlala eLebhanoni, Kuphila kwami, kanti bengizakuhluthula kuso, ngikunikele esandleni sabadinga impilo yakho, ngitsho esandleni sikaNebhukadirezari inkosi yeBhabhiloni, lesandleni samaKhaladiya, ngikuphosele phandle liye kwelinye ilizwe, elingazalelwanga kulo; njalo lizafela khona. Kodwa elizweni abaphakamisa umphefumulo wabo ukubuyela kulo, kabayikubuyela kulo. Lumuntu uKoniya uyisithombe esidelelekayo lesiphahlazekileyo yini? Lizwe, lizwe, lizwe, zwana ilizwi leN. Itsho njalo iN: Bhalani lumuntu ukuthikalabantwana, esabusa koJuda. Maye kubelusi abachitha behlakaza izimvu zedlelo lami! itsho iN. Ngakho itsho njalo iN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, imelene labelusi abelusa abantu bami: itsho iN. Mina-ke ngizabutha insali yezimvu zami Ngizamisa phezu kwazo abelusi abazazelusa; njalo kazisayikwesaba, kaziyikutshaywa luvalo, kaziyikulahleka, itsho iN. Khangela, insuku ziyeza, Ensukwini zalo uJuda uzasindiswa, loIsrayeli ahlale Ngakho khangela, itsho iN, lapho abangasayikuthi: Kuphila kweN, eyabakhuphula abantwana bakoIsrayeli elizweni leGibhithe. Kodwa: Kuphila kweN eyakhuphula eyaletha inzalo yendlu kaIsrayeli isuka elizweni lenyakatho lakuwo wonke amazwe engangiyixotshele khona. Njalo bazahlala elizweni lakibo. Mayelana labaprofethi: Inhliziyo yami yephukile ngaphakathi kwami; Ngoba ilizwe ligcwele izifebe; lokuhamba kwabo kubi, lamandla abo kawaqondanga. Ngoba lomprofethi lompristi kabamesabi uNkulunkulu; itsho iN. Ngakho indlela yabo izakuba kibo njenge zindlelaezitshelelayo itsho iN. Ngibonile-ke ubuwula kubaprofethi bami uIsrayeli. Kodwa kubaprofethi beJerusalema ngibonile into eyesabekayo; Ngakho itsho njalo yamabandla mayelana labaprofethi: ngoba kusukela kubaprofethi beJerusalema ukungamesabi uNkulunkulu kuphumele ilizwe lonke. Itsho njalo yamabandla: Lingalaleli amazwi abaprofethi abaprofetha kini; balenza libe yize; bakhuluma umbono wenhliziyo yabo, hatshi ovela emlonyeni weN. Baqhubeka besithi kwabangidelelayo: ithe: Lizakuba lokuthula; Ngoba ngubani omi kucebo leN, wabona wezwa ilizwi layo? Ngubani oqaphelise ilizwi lakhe, wa li zwa? Khangela, isivunguzane seN, ulaka luphumile, Ulaka lweN kaluyikuphenduka, Kangibathumanga lababaprofethi, kanti bona bagijima; kangikhulumanga labo, kanti bona baprofetha. Kodwa uba bebemi kucebo lami, NginguNkulunkulu oseduze yini, itsho iN, njalo hatshi uNkulunkulu okhatshana? Ukhona yini ongacatsha endaweni ezisithekileyo itsho iN. Ngizwile ukuthi abaprofethi batheni, abaprofetha amanga ebizweni lami Koze kube nini kusenhliziyweni yabaprofethi abaprofetha amanga? abacabanga ukwenza abantu bami bakhohlwe ibizo lami ngamaphupho abo abawalandisa ngulowo umakhelwane wakhe, Umprofethi olephupho, kalilandise iphupho; lolelizwi lami, kalikhulume ilizwi lami ngeqiniso. Amahlanga ayini lamabele? itsho iN. Ilizwi lami kalinjalo njengomlilo yini, Ngakho khangela, ngimelene labaprofethi, itsho iN, abeba amazwi ami, ngulowo kumakhelwane wakhe. Khangela, ngimelene labaprofethi, itsho iN, abasebenzisa ulimi lwabo, bathi: Ithi. Khangela, ngimelene labaprofetha amaphupho amanga, ngingabalayanga; ngakho kabayikubasiza ngitsho ngalutho lababantu, itsho iN. Lalapho lababantu, loba umprofethi, kumbe umpristi, itsho iN. Mayelana lomprofethi, lompristi, labantu, ngizamjezisa lalowomuntu lendlu yakhe. Lizakhuluma ngalindlela, ngulowo kumakhelwane wakhe, langulowo kumfowabo: iphendule yathi ni? Lokuthi: ikhulumeni? Kodwa umthwalo weN kalisayikukhuluma ngawo. Ngoba ilizwi langulowo lalowomuntu lizakuba ngumthwalo wakhe, ngoba liwahlanekele amazwi kaNkulunkulu ophilayo, yamabandla, uNkulunkulu wethu. Uzakutsho ngokunjalo kumprofethi: ikuphenduleni? njalo: ikhulumeni? Kodwa uba lisithi: Umthwalo weN; ngakho itsho njalo iN: Ngoba likhuluma lamazwi okuthi: Umthwalo weN; njalo ngithumele kini ngisithi: Lingabokuthi: Umthwalo weN; ngakho khangelani, mina ngizalikhohlwa ngokupheleleyo, lisuke ebusweni bami. Njalo ngizabeka phezu kwenu ihlazo elilaphakade lokuyangeka okulaphakade, okungayikukhohlakala. yangenza ngibone, wabasusa eJerusalema, wabasa eBhabhiloni. Esinye isitsha sasile mikhiwa emihle kakhulu njengemikhiwa evuthwe kuqala; eyayingeke idliwe ngenxa yobubi bayo. yasisithi kimi: Ubonani, Jeremiya? Ngasengisithi: Imikhiwa, imikhiwa emihle, emihle kakhulu; lemibi, emibi kakhulu, engeke idliwe ngenxa yobubi bayo. Lafika kimi futhi ilizwi leN lisithi: Itsho njalo iN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Njengalimikhiwa emihle, ngokunjalo ngizananzelela abathunjiweyo bakoJuda, engibaxotshe ngabasusa kulindawo ngabasaelizweni lamaKhaladiya, Ngoba ngizabeka ilihlo lami phezu kwabo Njalo ngizabanika inhliziyo yokuthi bangazi mina, Kodwa njengemikhiwa emibi engeke idliwe ngenxa yobubi bayo, ngibanikele babe yinto eyesabekayo, babe yibubi, kuyo yonke imibuso yomhlaba, kuzo zonke indawo engizabaxotshela khona. Njalo ngizathumela baze baqedwe basuke elizweni engalinika bona laboyise. Ilizwi elafika kuJeremiya mayelana labantu bonke bakoJuda, ngomnyaka wesine kaJehoyakhimi indodana kaJosiya, inkosi yakoJuda (kwakungumnyaka wokuqala kaNebhukadirezari, inkosi yeBhabhiloni), alikhulumayo uJeremiya umprofethi kubo bonke abantu bakoJuda, lakubo bonke abahlali beJerusalema, esithi: Kusukela emnyakeni wetshumi lantathu kaJosiya, indodana kaAmoni, inkosi yakoJuda, Futhi ithumile kini zonke izinceku zayo, abaprofethi, ivuka ngovivi i ba thuma; besithi: Phendukani khathesi ngulowo lalowo njalo lingalandeli abanye onkulunkulu ukubasebenzela lokubakhonza, khona ngingayikulenzela okubi. Kodwa kalingilalelanga, itsho iN, ukuze lingithukuthelise Ngakho itsho njalo yamabandla: Ngenxa yokuthi lingawalalelanga amazwi ami, khangela, ngizathuma, ngilande zonke izinsapho zenyakatho, babe zincithakalo ezilaphakade. Futhi ngizaphelisa ngisuse kubo ilizwi lentokozo lelizwi lenjabulo, ilizwi lomyeni lelizwi likamakoti, Lelizwe lonke leli lizakuba lunxiwa Kuzakuthi-ke iminyaka engamatshumi ayisikhombisa isiphelele Ngehlisele phezu kwalelolizwe wonke amazwi ami engawakhuluma ngimelene lalo, konke okubhaliweyo kulolugwalo, uJeremiya akuprofethayo ngazo zonke izizwe. Ngoba izizwe ezinengi lanjengokomsebenzi wezandla zabo. Ngoba itsho njalo uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli kimi: Thatha inkezo yewayini yalolulaka esandleni sami, wenze zonke izizwe engikuthuma kuzo ziyinathe. Njalo zizanatha, Ngasengithatha inkezo esandleni seN, nganathisa zonke izizwe eyayingithume kizo, iJerusalema, lemizi yakoJuda, lamakhosi ayo, leziphathamandla zayo, ukubenza babe yincithakalo, njengalamuhla; uFaro inkosi yeGibhithe, lezinceku zakhe, leziphathamandla zakhe, labantu bakhe bonke; labo bonke abaxubeneyo, iEdoma, lawo wonke amakhosi eTire, iDedani, labo bonke abaqunywe ezingonsini; lamakhosi wonke lamakhosi wonke eZimri, lawo wonke amakhosi enyakatho, Ubususithi kibo: Itsho njalo yamabandla, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Nathani Kuzakuthi-ke lapho besala ukuthatha inkezo esandleni sakho ukuthi banathe, Ngoba khangela, ngiyaqala ukwenza okubi emzini obizwa ngebizo lami, itsho yamabandla. Wena-ke profetha wonke lamazwi umelene labo, uthi kubo: izabhonga iphezulu, imelene labo bonke abakhileyo bomhlaba. Umsindo uzafika emkhawulweni womhlaba; abakhohlakeleyo izabanikela enkembeni, itsho iN. Itsho njalo yamabandla: Khangela, ububi buzaphuma esizweni busiya esizweni, lesivunguzane esikhulu Langalolosuku ababuleweyo beN bazasukela ko munyeumkhawulo womhlaba baze bafike ko munyeumkhawulo; Qhinqani isililo, zikhulu zomhlambi; ngoba izinsuku zokuhlatshwa lezokuhlakazeka kwenu zigcwalisekile, njalo lizakuwa njengesitsha esiloyisekayo. Lokubaleka kuzaphela kubelusi, lokuphunyuka kuzikhulu zomhlambi. Kuzakubalelizwi lokukhala kwabelusi lokuqhinqa isililo kwezikhulu zomhlambi; ngoba izachitha idlelo labo. Lezibaya ezilokuthula Itshiyile ubhalu lwayo Ekuqaleni kokubusa kukaJehoyakhimi indodana kaJosiya inkosi yakoJuda kwafika lelilizwi livela eNni lisithi: Itsho njalo iN: Mana egumeni lendlu yeN, Mhlawumbe bazalalela, Uzakuthi-ke kibo: Itsho njalo IN: Uba lingayikungilalela, ukuthi lihambe ngomlayo wami engiwubeka phambi kwenu, ukuthi lilalele amazwi enceku zami abaprofethi ngizakwenza-ke lindlu ibe njengeShilo, Ngakho abapristi labaprofethi labo bonke abantu bamuzwa uJeremiya ekhuluma lamazwi endlini yeN. Kwathi uJeremiya eseqedile ukukhuluma konke eyayi m laye ukuthi akukhulume ebantwini bonke, abapristi labaprofethi labo bonke abantu bambamba besithi: Uzakufa lokufa! Kungani uprofetha ngebizo leN usithi: Lindlu izakuba njengeShilo, Bonke abantu basebembuthanela uJeremiya endlini yeN. Kwathi iziphathamandla zakoJuda sezizwile lezizinto, zenyuka zivela endlini yenkosi zafikaendlini yeN, zahlala emnyango wesango elitsha le ndlu y eN. Abapristi labaprofethi basebekhuluma kuzo iziphathamandla lakubo bonke abantu besithi: Umuntu lo ufanele isigwebo sokufa, ngoba uprofethe emelene lalumuzi, njengoba lizwile ngendlebe zenu. Wasekhuluma uJeremiya kuzo zonke iziphathamandla lakubo bonke abantu esithi: yangithuma ukuprofetha ngimelene lalindlu ngimelene lalumuzi wonke amazwi eliwezwileyo. Ngakho-ke lungisani indlela zenu lezenzo zenu, Kodwa mina, khangela, ngisesandleni senu; Kodwa yazini isibili ukuthi uba lingibulala, isibili lizakwehlisela igazi elingelacala phezu kwenu laphezu kwalumuzi laphezu kwabakhileyo bawo; ngoba ngeqiniso ingithume kini ukuthi ngikhulume wonke la amazwi endlebeni zenu. Iziphathamandla labo bonke abantu basebesithi kubapristi lakubaprofethi: Lumuntu kafanele isigwebo sokufa, ngoba ukhulumile kithi ebizweni leN uNkulunkulu wethu. Kwasekusukuma abanye bakhuluma kulo lonke ibandla labantu, besithi: UMika umMorashethi waprofetha ensukwini zikaHezekhiya inkosi yakoJuda, leJerusalema ibe zinqumbi, lentaba yendlu ibe zindawo eziphakemeyo zegusu. UHezekhiya inkosi yakoJuda layo wonke uJuda bambulala isibili yini? Kayesabanga yini iN, Kwakukhona njalo umuntu owaprofetha ebizweni leN, uUriya indodana kaShemaya oweKiriyathi-Jeyarimi, owaprofetha ngalumuzi langalelilizwe njengokwamazwi wonke kaJeremiya. Kwathi inkosi uJehoyakhimi lawo wonke amaqhawe akhe lazo zonke iziphathamandla zakhe besizwa amazwi akhe, inkosi yadinga ukumbulala; kwathi uUriya ekuzwa, wesaba, wabaleka, waya eGibhithe. Inkosi uJehoyakhimi yasithuma amadoda eGibhithe, uElinathani la manyeamadoda kanye laye eGibhithe, basebemkhipha uUriya eGibhithe, bamletha enkosini uJehoyakhimi, owambulala ngenkemba, waphosela isidumbu sakhe emangcwabeni abantwana babantu. Kodwa isandla sikaAhikhamu sasiloJeremiya, ukuze bangamnikeli esandleni sabantu ukuthi bambulale. Ekuqaleni kokubusa kwafika lelilizwi kuJeremiya livela eNni, lisithi: Itsho njalo kimi: Zenzele imichilo ukugaxe entanyeni yakho, ukuthumele enkosini yeEdoma uzilaye ukuthi zithi emakhosini azo: Itsho njalo N yamabandla, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Lizakutsho njalo emakhosini enu: Mina ngenze umhlaba, Khathesi mina sengiwanikele wonke lamazwe esandleni sikaNebhukadinezari inkosi yeBhabhiloni inceku yami; Lezizwe zonke zizasebenzela yena, Kuzakuthi-ke isizwe lombuso okungayikumsebenzela yena, uNebhukadinezari inkosi yeBhabhiloni, lokungayikubeka intamo yakho ngaphansi kwejogwe lenkosi yeBhabhiloni, langendlala langomatshayabhuqe wesifo, ngize ngikuqede ngesandla sakhe. Lina-ke lingabalaleli abaprofethi benu Ngoba baprofetha amanga kini, ukuze balisuse liye khatshana lelizwe lakini, lokuze ngilixotshe liphume, libhubhe. Kodwa isizwe esizangenisa intamo yaso ngaphansi kwejogwe lenkosi yeBhabhiloni, siyisebenzele, ngizasiyekela elizweni laso, itsho iN, ukuthi silisebenze, sihlale kulo. Ngakhuluma lakuZedekhiya inkosi yakoJuda Lizafelani, wena labantu bakho, Ngakho lingawalaleli amazwi abaprofethi abakhuluma kini besithi: Kaliyikuyisebenzela inkosi yeBhabhiloni; Ngoba kangibathumanga, itsho iN, kodwa baprofetha amanga ngebizo lami, libhubhe, lina labaprofethi abaprofetha kini. Ngasengikhuluma kubapristi lakulababantu bonke, ngisithi: Itsho njalo IN: Lingawalaleli amazwi abaprofethi benu abaprofetha kini besithi: Lingabalaleli; sebenzelani inkosi yeBhabhiloni, Kodwa uba bengabaprofethi, njalo uba ilizwi leN likubo, khathesi kabayincenge yamabandla, Ngoba itsho njalo yamabandla mayelana lezinsika, langensali yezitsha ezisele kulumuzi, uNebhukadinezari inkosi yeBhabhiloni angazithathanga, ekuthumbeni kwakhe uJekoniya indodana kaJehoyakhimi inkosi yakoJuda eJerusalema emusa eBhabhiloni, lazo zonke izikhulu zakoJuda leJerusalema; yebo, itsho njalo yamabandla uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli mayelana lezitsha eziseleyo endlini kaJehova lendlini yenkosi yakoJuda leJerusalema: Zizasiwa eBhabhiloni, Kwasekusithi ngalowomnyaka, wakhuluma kimi endlini yeN emehlweni abapristi labantu bonke, esithi: Itsho njalo yamabandla, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, isithi: Ngilephulile ijogwe lenkosi yeBhabhiloni. Kusesephakathi kweminyaka emibili yezinsuku ngizabuyisela kulindawo uNebhukadinezari inkosi yeBhabhiloni azisusa kulindawo wazisa eBhabhiloni. Futhi uJekoniya indodana kaJehoyakhimi inkosi yakoJuda, labo bonke abathunjwa bakoJuda, abaya eBhabhiloni, ngiza ba buyisela kulindawo, itsho iN; ngoba ngizalephula ijogwe lenkosi yeBhabhiloni. Wasekhuluma uJeremiya umprofethi kuHananiya umprofethi emehlweni abapristi lemehlweni abantu bonke ababemi endlini yeN; uJeremiya umprofethi wasesithi: Ameni! kayenze njalo, kayiqinise amazwi akho owaprofethileyo, ukuthi ibuyise izitsha zendlu yeN, labo bonke abathunjwa, kusuke eBhabhiloni kuze kulindawo. Kodwa ake uzwe lelilizwi engilikhuluma endlebeni zakho lendlebeni zabo bonke abantu: Abaprofethi ababephambi kwami lababephambi kwakho kwasendulo baprofetha bemelene lamazwe amanengi bemelene lemibuso emikhulu, ngempi langobubi langomatshayabhuqe wesifo. Umprofethi oprofetha lapho ilizwi lomprofethi selifikile, lowomprofethi uzakwaziwa ukuthi imthumile ngeqiniso. Umprofethi uHananiya waselisusa ijogwe entanyeni kaJeremiya umprofethi, walephula. UHananiya wasekhuluma emehlweni abantu bonke esithi: Itsho njalo iN: Ngokunjalo ngizalephula ijogwe likaNebhukadinezari inkosi yeBhabhiloni UJeremiya umprofethi wasehamba ngendlela yakhe. Laselifika ilizwi leN kuJeremiya, emva kokuthi uHananiya umprofethi esephulile ijogwe elisusa entanyeni kaJeremiya umprofethi, lisithi: Hamba u ye tshela uHananiya usithi: Itsho njalo iN: Wephulile amajogwe esigodo; kodwa uzawenza amajogwe ensimbi endaweni yawo. Ngoba itsho njalo yamabandla, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Ngigaxile ijogwe lensimbi UJeremiya umprofethi wasesithi kuHananiya umprofethi: Ake uzwe, Hananiya; kayikuthumanga, Ngakho itsho njalo iN: Khangela, ngizakuxotsha ebusweni bomhlaba; lonyaka uzakufa, ngoba ukhulumile ukuhlamuka umelene leN. Wafa-ke uHananiya umprofethi ngalowomnyaka ngenyanga yesikhombisa. La-ke ngamazwi encwadi ayithumelayo uJeremiya umprofethi ivela eJerusalema isiya kunsali yabadala babathunjiweyo lakubaprofethi lebantwini bonke ayebathumbile uNebhukadinezari besuka eJerusalema wabasa eBhabhiloni (emva kokuphuma kukaJekoniya inkosi, besuka eJerusalema), ngesandla sikaElasa indodana kaShafani, isithi: Itsho njalo yamabandla, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, kibo bonke abathunjiweyo engabenza bathunjwa besuswa eJerusalema basiwa eBhabhiloni: Yakhani izindlu, lihlale kizo, lihlanyele izivande, lidle izithelo zazo; lithathe abafazi, lizale amadodana lamadodakazi, lithathele amadodana enu abafazi, lendise amadodakazi enu emadodeni, ukuze azale amadodana lamadodakazi, lande khona, linganciphi. Lidinge ukuthula komuzi lapho engilithumbele khona, liwukhulekele eNni; ngoba ekuthuleni kwawo lizakuba lokuthula. Ngoba itsho njalo yamabandla, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Akuthi abaprofethi benu labavumisi benu ngoba baprofetha amanga kini ngebizo lami; itsho iN. Ngoba itsho njalo iN: Qiniso, lapho iminyaka engamatshumi ayisikhombisa isigcwalisekile eBhabhiloni, Ngoba mina ngiyazi imicabango engiyicabanga ngani, itsho iN, imicabango yokuthula, kayisiyo eyokubi, ukuthi ngilinike isiphetho lokulindelweyo. Khona lizangibiza liyekhuleka kimi, ngilizwe. Njalo lizangidinga, Njalo ngizatholwa yini, itsho iN, ngilibuyise endaweni engalithumba livela khona. Ngoba litshilo: isivusele abaprofethi eBhabhiloni. Ngoba utsho njalo uJehova ngenkosi ehlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi sikaDavida langabo bonke abantu abahlala kulumuzi, abafowenu abangaphumelanga ekuthunjweni kanye lani: Itsho njalo yamabandla: Khangelani, ngizathumela phakathi kwabo inkemba, indlala, lomatshayabhuqe wesifo, Ngixotshane labo ngenkemba, ngendlala, langomatshayabhuqe wesifo, ngibanikele ukuba yisesabiso kuyo yonke imibuso yomhlaba, ngenxa yokuthi bengawalalelanga amazwi ami, itsho iN, engawathumela kibo ngenceku zami abaprofethi, ngivuka ngovivi ngi ba thuma, itsho iN. Lina-ke zwanini ilizwi leN, lina lonke bathunjiweyo, engabathuma besuka eJerusalema besiya eBhabhiloni: Itsho njalo yamabandla uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, mayelana loAhabi indodana kaKolaya, lamayelana loZedekhiya indodana kaMahaseya, abaprofetha amanga kini ngebizo lami: Khangelani, ngizabanikela esandleni sikaNebhukadirezari inkosi yeBhabhiloni, ozababulala phambi kwamehlo enu. Njalo kuzathathwa kubo ngenxa yokuthi benze ubuthutha koIsrayeli, bafeba labafazi babomakhelwane babo, itsho iN. Uzakhuluma kuShemaya umNehelami usithi: Itsho njalo yamabandla, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, isithi: Ngenxa yokuthi wena uthumele izincwadi ngebizo lakho kubo bonke abantu abaseJerusalema, lakuZefaniya lakubo bonke abapristi, usithi: isikwenze ube ngumpristi esikhundleni sikaJehoyada umpristi, Khathesi-ke, kungani ungamkhuzanga uJeremiya umAnathothi Ngoba ngenxa yalokhu usethumele kithi e Bhabhiloni esithi: Kuzakuba kude; yakhani izindlu, lihlale kizo, lihlanyele izivande, lidle izithelo zazo. UZefaniya umpristi waseyifunda lincwadi endlebeni zikaJeremiya umprofethi. Laselifika ilizwi leN kuJeremiya lisithi: Thumela kubo bonke abathunjiweyo usithi: Itsho njalo ngoShemaya umNehelami: Ngenxa yokuthi uShemaya eprofethe kini, mina-ke ngingamthumanga, ngakho itsho iN: Khangela, ngizajezisa uShemaya umNehelami kanye lenzalo yakhe; kayikuba lamuntu ozahlala phakathi kwalababantu, angaboni okuhle engizakwenzela abantu bami, Ilizwi elafika kuJeremiya livela eNni lisithi: Itsho njalo uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, isithi: Zibhalele encwadini wonke amazwi engiwakhulume kuwe. Ngoba khangela, insuku ziyeza, Lala ngamazwi eyawakhuluma mayelana loIsrayeli lamayelana loJuda. Ngoba itsho njalo iN: Sizwile ilizwi lokuthuthumela; kulokwesaba, hatshi ukuthula. Ake libuze, libone uba indoda ingabeletha yini? Kungani ngibona ngulowo lalowo owesilisa isandla sakhe siphezu kokhalo lwakhe njengowesifazana obelethayo, Maye! ngoba lukhulu lolosuku, kuyisikhathi sokuhlupheka kukaJakobe, kodwa uzasindiswa kukho. Kuzakuthi-ke ngalolosuku, Kodwa bazasebenzela uJehova, uNkulunkulu wabo, loDavida inkosi yabo Ngakho wena ungesabi, Ngoba mina ngilawe, itsho iN, ukukusindisa; Ngoba itsho njalo iN: Ukwaphuka kwakho kakwelapheki, Kakho owahlulela udaba lwakho, ukuthi abophe isilonda sakho; kawulamithi epholisayo. Zonke izithandwa zakho zikukhohliwe; Ukhalelani ngokwephuka kwakho? Usizi lwakho kalwelapheki ngenxa yobunengi besiphambeko sakho; ngizenzile lezizinto kuwe. Ngakho bonke abakudlayo Ngoba ngizakwenyusela ukuphila kuwe, Itsho njalo iN: Khangela, ngizabuyisa ukuthunjwa kwamathente kaJakobe, lesigodlo sizahlala njengomkhuba waso. Njalo kuzaphuma kubo ukubonga, Labantwana babo bazakuba njengendulo, lenhlangano yabo izamiswa phambi kwami; njalo ngizajezisa bonke ababacindezelayo. Lesikhulu sabo sizavela kubo, itsho iN. Njalo lizakuba ngabantu bami, lami ngibe nguNkulunkulu wenu. Khangelani isivunguzane seN, ukuvutha kuphumile, Ukuvutha Ngalesosikhathi, bona-ke bazakuba ngabantu bami. Itsho njalo iN: Abantu babaseleyo benkemba bathola umusa enkangala; ngitshouIsrayeli, lapho ngi siyamphumuza. yabonakala kimi ikhatshana isithi: Yebo, ngikuthandile Ngizabuya ngikwakhe, Uzabuya uhlanyele izivini phezu kwezintaba abahlanyeli bazahlanyela, badle izithelo. Ngoba kuzakuba khona usuku abazamemeza ngaloabalindi entabeni yakoEfrayimi Ngoba itsho njalo iN: Mhlabeleleni uJakobe nge ntokozo, insali yakoIsrayeli. Khangelani, ngizabaletha bevela elizweni lenyakatho, abesifazana abakhulelweyo lababelethayo ndawonye; bazabuya lapha belibandla elikhulu. Bazabuya belokukhala, Zwanini ilizwi leN, lina zizwe, li li memeze ezihlengeni ezikhatshana, lithi: Yena owachitha uIsrayeli uzambutha, Ngoba imhlengile uJakobe, yamhlawulela Ngakho bazakuza bahlabelele ekuphakameni kweZiyoni, Khona intombi izathokoza ekugideni, Njalo ngizasuthisa umphefumulo wabapristi ng amanono, labantu bami bazasuthiswa ngokuhle kwami, itsho iN. Itsho njalo iN: Ilizwi lezwakala Itsho njalo iN: Bamba ilizwi lakho ekukhaleni, lamehlo akho ezinyembezini; ngoba kulomvuzo womsebenzi wakho, itsho iN, ngoba bazabuya bevela elizweni lesitha. Kukhona-ke ithemba enzalweni yakho, Ngizwile lokuzwa uEfrayimi ezililela ngoba uyuNkulunkulu wami. Isibili emva kokuphenduka kwami, UEfrayimi uyindodana yami eligugu yini, ungumntwana wami othokozisayo yini? isibili ngizakuba lesihawu kuye, kutsho iN. Zibekele izitshengiso zendlela, phenduka, ntombi emsulwa yakoIsrayeli, uphendukele kule imizi yakini. Koze kube nini uzulazula, Itsho njalo yamabandla, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Bazabuya batsho lelilizwi elizweni lakoJuda lemizini yakho, lapho ngibuyisela ukuthunjwa kwabo: Njalo kuzahlala kulo uJuda layo yonke imizi yakhe ndawonye, abalimi labahamba lemihlambi. Ngoba ngisuthise ngigcwalise wonke umphefumulo ophela amandla. Ngasengiphaphama, ngabona; lobuthongo bami babumnandi kimi. Khangela, insuku ziyeza, lenhlanyelo yenyamazana. Kuzakuthi-ke njengalokho itsho iN. Ngalezonsuku kabasayikuthi: Kodwa ngulowo lalowo uzafela ububi bakhe; wonke umuntu odla izithelo zevini ezimunyu, amazinyo akhe azatshelela. Khangela, lendlu kaIsrayeli lendlu kaJuda; kungeyisikho njengesivumelwano engasenza laboyise mhla ngibamba isandla sabo itsho iN. Kodwa yilesi isivumelwano engizasenza lendlu kaIsrayeli labo babe ngabantu bami. Kabasayikufundisa-ke, ngulowo lalowo umakhelwane wakhe, langulowo lalowo umfowabo, esithi: Yazi iN; ngoba bonke bazangazi, Itsho njalo iN, enika ilanga libe yikukhanya emini, Uba lezozimiso Itsho njalo iN: Uba engalinganiswa amazulu phezulu, ngenxa yakho konke abakwenzileyo, itsho iN. Khangela, insuku ziyeza, Lentambo yokulinganisa isezaphuma maqondana layo Lesihotsha sonke sezidumbu Ilizwi elafika kuJeremiya livela eNni emnyakeni wetshumi kaZedekhiya, inkosi yakoJuda, Ngoba ngalesosikhathi ibutho lenkosi yeBhabhiloni layivimbezela iJerusalema; uJeremiya umprofethi wayevalelwe-ke elalisendlini yenkosi yakoJuda. Ngoba uZedekhiya inkosi yakoJuda wayemvalele esithi: Kungani wena uprofetha usithi: Itsho njalo iN: Khangela, ngiwunikela lumuzi esandleni senkosi yeBhabhiloni, loZedekhiya inkosi yakoJuda izakhokhela-ke uZedekhiya imuse eBhabhiloni, kaliyikuphumelela. UJeremiya wasesithi: Ilizwi leN lafika kimi lisithi: Khangela, uHanameli indodana kaShaluma Kwasekufika kimi uHanameli indodana kamalumami, njengokutsho kweN, egumeni lentolongo, eselizweni lakoBhenjamini, ngoba ulelungelo lelifa, ulohlengo; zithengele yona. Ngasengisazi ukuthi yilizwi leN. Ngasengiyithenga insimu kuHanameli indodana kamalumami, eseAnathothi, eng amashekeli ayisikhombisa lenhlamvu ezilitshumi zesiliva. Ngasengibhala incwadi, nga yi phawula, Ngasengithatha incwadi yokuthenga enanyekiweyo njengoko mthetho nganika incwadi yokuthenga kuBharukhi Ngasengilaya uBharukhi phambi kwamehlo abo ngisithi: Itsho njalo yamabandla, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Thatha lezizincwadi, le incwadi yokuthenga, zombili enanyekiweyo uzifake embizeni yebumba, ukuze zihlale insuku ezinengi. Ngoba itsho njalo yamabandla, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Kuzabuya kuthengwe izindlu lamasimu lezivini Ngasengikhuleka eNni, senginike uBharukhi indodana kaNeriya ngisithi: Hawu Nkosi Jehova! Khangela, nguwe owenze amazulu lomhlaba owenza uthandolomusa kwabayizinkulungwane, omkhulu ngeseluleko, lanjengesithelo sezenzo zakhe; owamisa izibonakaliso lezimangaliso elizweni leGibhithe, njengalamuhla. Wabakhupha abantu bakho uIsrayeli elizweni leGibhithe ngezibonakaliso, wabanika lelilizwe, owafunga kuboyise ukubanika lona, Basebengena badla ilifa lalo, kodwa kabalilalelanga ilizwi lakho, kabahambanga ngomlayo wakho, kabakwenzanga konke owabalaya khona ukuthi bakwenze; ngakho ubehlisele bonke lobububi. Khangela amadundulu; afikile emzini ukuwuthumba, lomuzi unikelwe esandleni samaKhaladiya lalokho owakukhulumayo kwenzakele; khangela-ke, uya ku bona. Kanti, wena Nkosi Jehova, uthe kimi: Zithengele insimu ngemali, Laselifika ilizwi leN kuJeremiya lisithi: Khangela, ngiyiN, uNkulunkulu wayo yonke inyama; Ngakho itsho njalo iN: Khangela, ngiwunikela lumuzi esandleni samaKhaladiya, lesandleni sikaNebhukadirezari inkosi yeBhabhiloni, ozawuthumba. LamaKhaladiya alwa emelene lalumuzi azangena, awuthungele lumuzi ngomlilo, awutshise kanye lezindlu Ngoba abantwana bakoIsrayeli labantwana bakoJuda bebesenza okubi kuphela emehlweni ami, kusukela ebutsheni babo; itsho iN. Ngoba lumuzi ubukimi ngokolaka lwami langokwentukuthelo yami, kusukela ngosuku abawakha ngalo kuze kube lamuhla, ukuze ngiwususe ebusweni bami; ngenxa yabo bonke ububi babantwana bakoIsrayeli lobabantwana bakoJuda abakwenzayo ukungithukuthelisa, amakhosi abo, iziphathamandla zabo, abapristi babo, labaprofethi babo, labantu bakoJuda, labahlali beJerusalema. Basebengiphendulela umhlana, Kodwa bamisa izinengiso zabo endlini, Basebesakha indawo eziphakemeyo zikaBhali Khathesi-ke, ngakho itsho njalo iN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, mayelana lomuzi lo elithi ngawo: Unikelwe esandleni senkosi yeBhabhiloni Khangelani, ngizabaqoqa bevela emazweni wonke Yebo, bazakuba ngabantu bami, lami ngibe nguNkulunkulu wabo. Ngizabanika inhliziyonye lakubantwana babo emva kwabo. Njalo ngizakwenza labo isivumelwano esilaphakade, ukuze bangaphenduki basuke kimi. Yebo, ngizathokoza ngabo ukubenzela okuhle, Ngoba itsho njalo iN: Njengoba ngehlisele phezu kwalababantu bonke lobububi obukhulu, Amasimu azathengwa-ke kulelilizwe Bazathenga amasimu ngemali, babhale izincwadi, itsho iN. Ilizwi leN laselifika kuJeremiya ngokwesibili, esavalelwe egumeni lentolongo, lisithi: Itsho njalo iN, ekwenzayo, Ngibiza, ngikuphendule, Ngoba itsho njalo iN, uNkulunkulu wakoIsrayeli, ngezindlu zalumuzi langezindlu zamakhosi akoJuda, ezidilizelwe phansi ukuba ngamadundulu langenxa yenkemba: Beza ukulwa lamaKhaladiya, Khangela, ngizawandisela impilo enhle lokusiliswa; ngibembulele ukwanda kokuthula leqiniso. Ngizabuyisa ukuthunjwa kukaJuda lokuthunjwa kukaIsrayeli, Ngibahlambulule kubo bonke ububi babo abona ngabo kimi, abona ngazo kimi labaphambeka ngazo kimi. Njalo kuzakuba kimi libizo lenjabulo, Itsho njalo iN: Kuzabuya kuzwakale kulindawo, elithi ngayo, ilunxiwa, engelamuntu lengelanyamazana, ilizwi lokuthaba, lelizwi lentokozo, itsho iN. Itsho njalo yamabandla: Kule indawo elunxiwa engelamuntu kuze kube senyamazaneni, Emizini yentabeni, itsho iN. Khangela, insuku ziyeza, Ngalezonsuku langalesosikhathi ngizahlumisela uDavida iHlumela elilungileyo; njalo uzakwenza isahlulelo lokulunga elizweni. Ngalezonsuku uJuda uzasindiswa, leJerusalema ihlale ivikelekile. Njalo yileli ibizoelizabizwa ngalo: ukulunga kwethu. Ngoba itsho njalo iN: Kakuyikuqunywa muntu kuDavida Njalo kakuyikuqunywa muntu kubapristi, amaLevi, ebusweni bami, enze umhlatshelo insuku zonke. Ilizwi leN laselifika kuJeremiya lisithi: Itsho njalo iN: Uba lingasephula isivumelwano sami semini lesivumelwano sami sobusuku, ukuze kungabi khona imini lobusuku ngesikhathi sakho, khona sizakwephulwa isivumelwano sami loDavida inceku yami, Njengoba ibutho lamazulu lingebalwe, ngokunjalo ngizakwandisa inzalo kaDavida inceku yami lamaLevi angikhonzayo. Ilizwi leN laselifika kuJeremiya lisithi: Kawubonanga yini abakutshoyo lababantu besithi: Izinsapho ezimbili ebizikhethile izilahlile? Itsho njalo iN: Uba isivumelwano sami singeyisiso esemini lesebusuku, khona ngizayala inzalo kaJakobe lekaDavida inceku yami, Ilizwi elafika kuJeremiya livela eNni, lapho uNebhukadinezari inkosi yeBhabhiloni, lazo zonke izizwe, babesilwa bemelene leJerusalema bemelene layo yonke imizi yayo, lisithi: Itsho njalo iN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Hamba ukhulume kuZedekhiya inkosi yakoJuda Lawe kawuyikuphunyuka esandleni sayo, Kodwa zwana ilizwi leN, Zedekhiya, nkosi yakoJuda: Itsho njalo ngawe: Kawuyikufa ngenkemba. Uzakufa ngokuthula, besithi: Maye inkosi! Ngoba mina ngilikhulumile lelolizwi, itsho iN. UJeremiya umprofethi wasewakhuluma wonke lamazwi kuZedekhiya inkosi yakoJuda eJerusalema, lapho ibutho lenkosi yeBhabhiloni lisilwa limelene leJerusalema limelene layo yonke imizi yakoJuda eyayisele, limelene leLakishi Ilizwi elafika kuJeremiya livela eNni, emva kokuthi inkosi uZedekhiya esenzile isivumelwano labo bonke abantu ababeseJerusalema ukumemezela inkululeko kubo, ukuthi ngulowo lalowo ayekele isigqili sakhe Kwasekulalela zonke iziphathamandla labo bonke abantu ababengene lesosivumelwano sokuthi ngulowo lalowo ayekele isigqili sakhe langulowo lalowo isigqilikazi sakhe sihambe sikhululekile, bangaphindi bazenze zibe yizigqili; basebelalela, ba zi yekela za hamba. Kodwa emva kwalokho baphenduka, bazehlisela phansi zaba yizigqili lezigqilikazi. Ngakho ilizwi leN lafika kuJeremiya livela eNni, lisithi: Itsho njalo iN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Mina ngenza isivumelwano laboyihlo mhla ngibakhupha elizweni leGibhithe, endlini yobugqili, ngisithi: Ekupheleni Lina seliphendukile lamuhla, lenza okulungileyo emehlweni ami, limemezela inkululeko, ngulowo lalowo kumakhelwane wakhe, Kodwa liphendukile, langcolisa ibizo lami, lazehlisela phansi, zaba yizigqili lezigqilikazi zenu. Ngakho itsho njalo iN: Lina kalingilalelanga, ukumemezela inkululeko, Nginikele amadoda aseqileyo isivumelwano sami, angaqinisanga amazwi esivumelwano asenza phambi kwami, adlula phakathi kweziqa zalo; iziphathamandla zakoJuda, leziphathamandla zeJerusalema, abathenwa, kweziqa zethole. Yebo, ngizabanikela esandleni sezitha zabo lesandleni salabo abadinga impilo yabo; LoZedekhiya inkosi yakoJuda leziphathamandla zakhe ngizabanikela esandleni sezitha zabo, lesandleni salabo abadinga impilo yabo, Khangelani, ngizalaya, Ilizwi elafika kuJeremiya livela eNni ensukwini zikaJehoyakhimi indodana kaJosiya, inkosi yakoJuda, lisithi: Yana endlini yamaRekabi, uwanathise iwayini. Ngasengithatha uJahazaniya, indodana kaJeremiya, indodana kaHabaziniya, labafowabo, lawo wonke amadodana akhe, lendlu yonke yamaRekabi. Ngabaletha endlini yeN, ekamelweni lamadodana kaHanani, Ngasengibeka phambi kwamadodana endlu yamaRekabi izimbiza ezigcwele iwayini, lezinkezo, ngathi kibo: Nathani iwayini. Kodwa bathi: Kasilinathi iwayini, ngoba uJonadabi, indodana kaRekabi, ubaba, wasilaya esithi: Linganathi iwayini, lina labantwana benu, kuze kube nininini. Njalo lingakhi izindlu, lingahlanyeli inhlanyelo, lingahlanyeli izivini, lingabi lazo; kodwa lihlale emathenteni zonke insuku zenu, ukuze liphile insuku ezinengi ebusweni bomhlaba lapho elihlala khona njengabezizwe. Ngakho salilalela ilizwi likaJonadabi, indodana kaRekabi, ubaba, kukho konke asilaya ngakho, ukuthi singanathi iwayini zonke insuku zethu, thina, omkethu, amadodana ethu, lamadodakazi ethu; lokuthi singakhi izindlu zokuhlala kwethu; njalo singabi lesivini kumbe insimu kumbe inhlanyelo; kodwa sihlala emathenteni, silalele senze njengakho konke uJonadabi ubaba asilaya khona. Kodwa kwathi lapho uNebhukadirezari inkosi yeBhabhiloni Laselifika ilizwi leN kuJeremiya lisithi: Itsho njalo yamabandla, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Hamba uthi ebantwini bakoJuda lakwabahlali beJerusalema: Kaliyikwemukela yini ukulaywa ukuthi lilalele amazwi ami? itsho iN. Aqiniswa amazwi kaJonadabi, indodana kaRekabi, awalaya abantwana bakhe ukuthi banganathi iwayini; ngoba kaba li nathanga kuze kube lamuhla, ngoba bawulalele umlayo kayise. Lami ngikhulumile kini ngivuke ngovivi ngikhuluma, kodwa kalingilalelanga. Futhi ngithume kini zonke inceku zami abaprofethi, kalilalelanga kimi. Ngoba amadodana kaJonadabi, indodana kaRekabi, awuqinisile umlayo kayise awalaya wona, kodwa lababantu kabangilaleli, ngakho itsho njalo iN, uNkulunkulu wamabandla, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Khangelani, ngizakwehlisela phezu kukaJuda laphezu kwabakhileyo bonke beJerusalema bonke ububi engibukhulume ngabo; ngoba ngikhulumile kibo, kodwa kabalalelanga, ngibabizile, kodwa kabaphendulanga. Lakuyo indlu yamaRekabi uJeremiya wathi: Itsho njalo yamabandla, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Ngenxa yokuthi lilalele umlayo kaJonadabi uyihlo, lagcina yonke imilayo yakhe, lenza njengakho konke alilaya khona, ngakho itsho njalo yamabandla, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Kakuyikuqunywa muntu kuJonadabi indodana kaRekabi oma phambi kwami insuku zonke. Kwasekusithi ngomnyaka wesine kaJehoyakhimi, indodana kaJosiya, inkosi yakoJuda, lelilizwi lafika kuJeremiya livela eNni, lisithi: Zithathele umqulu wogwalo, kuze kube lamuhla. Mhlawumbe abendlu kaJuda bazakuzwa bonke ububi engicabanga ukubenza kubo; UJeremiya wasebiza uBharukhi indodana kaNeriya; UJeremiya waselaya uBharukhi esithi: Ngivinjelwe, kangilakungena endlini yeN. Ngakho hamba wena, ufunde emqulwini owubhalileyo, kuvela emlonyeni wami, amazwi eN endlebeni zabantu endlini yeN ngosuku lokuzila ukudla; uwafunde futhi endlebeni zakhe wonke uJuda abavela emizini yabo. Mhlawumbe ukuncenga kwabo kuzakuwa phambi kweN, ngoba lukhulu ulaka lentukuthelo ekukhulume kulababantu. UBharukhi indodana kaNeriya wasesenza njengakho konke uJeremiya umprofethi ayemlaye khona, efunda egwalweni amazwi eN e ndli niyeN. Kwasekuthi emnyakeni wesihlanu kaJehoyakhimi, indodana kaJosiya, inkosi yakoJuda, ngenyanga yesificamunwemunye, bamemezela labantu bonke abavela emizini yakoJuda eJerusalema. UBharukhi wasefunda egwalweni amazwi kaJeremiya e ndli niyeN, ekamelweni likaGemariya, endlebeni zabantu bonke. UMikhaya, indodana kaGemariya, indodana kaShafani, wasesizwa wonke amazwi eN avela kulolugwalo, wehlela endlini yenkosi, ekamelweni lombhali; leziphathamandla zonke. UMikhaya wasebatshela wonke amazwi ayewezwile, lapho uBharukhi efunda egwalweni endlebeni zabantu. Zonke iziphathamandla zasezithuma uJehudi, indodana kaNethaniya, indodana kaShelemiya, indodana kaKushi, kuBharukhi, zisithi: Umqulu ofunde kuwo endlebeni zabantu, uthathe ngesandla sakho uze. Ngakho uBharukhi indodana kaNeriya wathatha umqulu ngesandla sakhe, waya kuzo. Zasezisithi kuye: Ake uhlale phansi, uwufunde endlebeni zethu. UBharukhi wasefunda endlebeni zazo. Kwasekusithi sezizwile wonke amazwi, zethukile, ngulowo lalowo ekhangelekumakhelwane wakhe, zathi kuBharukhi: Sizayitshela isibili inkosi wonke amazwi la. Zasezimbuza uBharukhi zisithi: Ake usitshele, wawabhala njani wonke lamazwi emlonyeni wakhe? UBharukhi wasesithi kuzo: Wangifundela wonke lamazwi evela emlonyeni wakhe, nga wa bhala egwalweni ngeyinki. Iziphathamandla zasezisithi kuBharukhi: Hamba ucatshe, wena loJeremiya, kakungabi lamuntu owaziyo lapho elikhona. Zasezingena enkosini egumeni, kodwa umqulu zawubeka ekamelweni likaElishama umbhali; zakhuluma wonke amazwi endlebeni zenkosi. Inkosi yasithuma uJehudi ukuthi awulande umqulu; wasewuthatha ekamelweni likaElishama umbhali; Inkosi yayihlezi-ke endlini yobusika umlilowawuvutha embawuleni phambi kwayo. Kwasekusithi lapho uJehudi esefundile amakhasi amathathu loba amane, yawasika ngengqamu yombhali, yawaphosela emlilweni osembawuleni, waze watsha waphela umqulu wonke emlilweni osembawuleni. Kodwa kabesabanga, inkosi lenceku zayo zonke, abawezwayo wonke lamazwi. Loba kunjalo labo oElinathani loDelaya loGemariya kodwa kayibalalelanga. Kodwa inkosi yalaya uJerameli indodana yenkosi, loSeraya indodana kaAziriyeli, loShelemiya indodana kaAbideli, kodwa yabafihla. Ilizwi leN laselifika kuJeremiya emva kokuthi inkosi isiwutshisile umqulu lamazwi uBharukhi ayewabhalile evela emlonyeni kaJeremiya, lisithi: Zithathele futhi omunye umqulu, ubhale kuwo wonke amazwi okuqala ayesemqulwini wokuqala, uJehoyakhimi inkosi yakoJuda eyawatshisayo. Njalo uzakuthi kuJehoyakhimi inkosi yakoJuda: Itsho njalo iN: Wena utshisile lumqulu, usithi: Ubhaleleni kiwo usithi: Inkosi yeBhabhiloni izafika isibili, ilichithe lelilizwe, yenze ukuthi kuphele kulo abantu lenyamazana? Ngakho itsho njalo mayelana loJehoyakhimi inkosi yakoJuda: Kayikuba la muntu kwemini lekuqandeni kobusuku. Ngizamjezisa-ke yena, lenzalo yakhe, lenceku zakhe, ububi babo; ngehlisele phezu kwabo laphezu kwabahlali beJerusalema laphezu kwabantu bakoJuda konke okubi engikukhulume kubo, kodwa kabalalelanga. UJeremiya wasethatha omunye umqulu, wawunika uBharukhi, indodana kaNeriya, umbhali, owabhala kiwo okuvela emlonyeni kaJeremiya wonke amazwi ogwalo uJehoyakhimi inkosi yakoJuda eyalutshisayo ngomlilo; kwengezelelwa-ke kiwo amanye amazwi amanengi afanana lawo. Inkosi uZedekhiya indodana kaJosiya Kodwa kawalalelanga, yena labantu belizwe, amazwi eN eyayiwakhulume ngesandla sikaJeremiya umprofethi. Inkosi uZedekhiya yasithuma uJehukali isithi: Ake usikhulekele eNni uNkulunkulu wethu. UJeremiya wangena-ke waphuma phakathi kwabantu, Ibutho likaFaro laliphumile-ke eGibhithe; Laselifika ilizwi leN kuJeremiya umprofethi lisithi: Itsho njalo iN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Lizakutsho njalo enkosini yakoJuda elithume kimi ukungibuza: AmaKhaladiya azabuya futhi, Itsho njalo iN: Lingakhohlisi imiphefumulo yenu lisithi: AmaKhaladiya isibili azasuka kithi; ngoba kawayikusuka. Ngoba loba lilitshaya ibutho lonke lamaKhaladiya alwa emelene lani, Kwasekusithi ibutho lamaKhaladiya selenyukile lisuka eJerusalema ngenxa yebutho likaFaro, uJeremiya waphuma eJerusalema ukuya elizweni lakoBhenjamini Kwasekusithi esesesangweni lakoBhenjamini, UJeremiya wasesithi: Ngamanga; kangihlubukeli kumaKhaladiya. Kodwa kamlalelanga; ngokunjalo uIriya wambamba uJeremiya, wamletha kuziphathamandla. Iziphathamandla zasezithukuthela ngoJeremiya, zamtshaya, zamfaka entolongweni, ngoba zaziyenze yaba yintolongo. UJeremiya esengene endlini yomgodi lezitokisini, uJeremiya esehlale khona insuku ezinengi, inkosi uZedekhiya yasithuma, yamthatha; inkosi yasimbuza endlini yayo ensitha UJeremiya wathi futhi enkosini uZedekhiya: Ngoneni kuwe lezincekwini zakho lakulababantu ukuthi lingifake entolongweni? Bangaphi khathesi abaprofethi benu abaprofetha kini besithi: Inkosi yeBhabhiloni kayiyikufika imelane lani kumbe imelane lalelilizwe? Khathesi-ke, ake uzwe, nkosi yami, nkosi, kakuthi ukuncenga kwami hlezi ngifele khona. Ngakho inkosi uZedekhiya yalaya ukuthi bamfake uJeremiya egumeni lentolongo, UShefathiya indodana kaMathani, loGedaliya indodana kaPashuri, loJukali indodana kaShelemiya, Itsho njalo iN: Osala kulumuzi uzakufa ngenkemba, ngendlala, langomatshayabhuqe wesifo; ngoba uzakuba lempilo yakhe ibe yimpango, aphile. Itsho njalo iN: Lumuzi uzanikelwa isibili esandleni sebutho lenkosi yeBhabhiloni, Iziphathamandla zasezisithi enkosini: Ake abulawe lumuntu, lezandla zabo bonke abantu, ngokukhuluma kibo amazwi anje; ngoba lumuntu kadingi ukuthula kwalababantu, kodwa okubi. Inkosi uZedekhiya yasisithi: Khangela, usesandleni senu, ngoba inkosi kayilakho okuphambene lani ngalutho. Basebemthatha uJeremiya, bamphosela emgodini kaMalikiya indodana yenkosi, Kwathi uEbedimeleki uEbedimeleki waphuma endlini yenkosi, wakhuluma lenkosi esithi: Nkosi yami, nkosi, abantu laba benzile okubi ngakho konke abakwenze kuJeremiya umprofethi, abamphosele emgodini, ngoba uzakufa endaweni yakhe Inkosi yasimlaya uEbedimeleki umEthiyophiya, isithi: Thatha lapha amadoda angamatshumi amathathu ngaphansi kwesandla sakho, umenyule uJeremiya umprofethi emgodini engakafi. Ngakho uEbedimeleki wathatha amadoda ngaphansi kwesandla sakhe, wazehlisela kuJeremiya emgodini ngamagoda. UEbedimeleki umEthiyophiya UJeremiya wasesenza njalo. Basebemdonsa uJeremiya ngamagoda, bamenyula emgodini. UJeremiya wasehlala egumeni lentolongo. Inkosi uZedekhiya yasithuma yathatha uJeremiya umprofethi yamusa kuye, ekungeneni kwesithathu okusendlini yeN. Inkosi yasisithi kuJeremiya: Ngizakubuza udaba, ungangifihleli lutho. UJeremiya wasesithi kuZedekhiya: Uba ngikutshela, kawuyikungibulala lokungibulala yini? Loba ngikweluleka, kawuyikungilalela. Inkosi uZedekhiya yasifunga kuJeremiya ekusithekeni UJeremiya wasesithi kuZedekhiya: Itsho njalo iN, uNkulunkulu wamabandla, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Uba uphuma isibili lalumuzi kawuyikutshiswa ngomlilo; uzaphila wena lendlu yakho. Kodwa uba ungaphumi Inkosi uZedekhiya yasisithi kuJeremiya: Ngiyawesaba amaJuda ahlubukele kumaKhaladiya, UJeremiya wasesithi: Kawayiku ku nikela; ake ulalele ilizwi leN njengalelo engilikhuluma kuwe, futhi umphefumulo wakho uzaphila. Kodwa uba usala ukuphuma, yileli ilizwi engibonise lona lokuthi: Khangela-ke, bonke abesifazana abasele endlini yenkosi yakoJuda bazakhitshelwa kuziphathamandla zenkosi yeBhabhiloni, bathi: Abangane bakho bakukhuthazile, Njalo azakhuphela abafazi bonke bakho lamadodana akho kumaKhaladiya; UZedekhiya wasesithi kuJeremiya: Kakungabi khona umuntu owaziyo lamazwi, khona ungayikufa. Kodwa nxa iziphathamandla zisizwa ukuthi ngikhulume lawe, zize kuwe zithi kuwe: Ake usitshele, ubusithini enkosini, ungakufihli kithi, khona kasiyikukubulala; njalo inkosi ikhulumeni kuwe; uzakuthi-ke kuzo: Mina ngiwise ukuncenga kwami phambi kwenkosi Zasezifika zonke iziphathamandla kuJeremiya, zambuza; yena waziphendula njengawo wonke lamazwi inkosi ewalayileyo. Zasezithula kuye, ngoba udaba lwalungezwakali. UJeremiya wasehlala wayekhona lapho iJerusalema ithunjwa. Ngomnyaka wesificamunwemunye kaZedekhiya inkosi yakoJuda, ngenyanga yetshumi, kwafika uNebhukadirezari inkosi yeBhabhiloni lebutho lakhe lonke, bamelana leJerusalema, bayivimbezela. Ngomnyaka wetshumi lanye kaZedekhiya, ngenyanga yesine, ngolwesificamunwemunye lwenyanga, umuzi wafohlelwa. Zonke iziphathamandla zenkosi yeBhabhiloni zasezingena, lazo zonke ezinye iziphathamandla zenkosi yeBhabhiloni. Kwasekusithi lapho uZedekhiya inkosi yakoJuda lawo wonke amadoda empi bezibona, babaleka, baphuma emzini ebusuku nge ndlela yesivande senkosi, ngesango eliphakathi kwemiduli emibili; waphuma nge ndlela yamagceke. Kodwa ibutho lamaKhaladiya laxotshana labo, lamfica uZedekhiya emagcekeni eJeriko; selimbambile lamenyusela kuNebhukadinezari inkosi yeBhabhiloni eRibila, elizweni leHamathi, Inkosi yeBhabhiloni yasibulala amadodana kaZedekhiya eRibila emehlweni akhe; Yasiphumputhekisa amehlo kaZedekhiya, yambopha ngamaketane ethusi amabili ukuze imuse eBhabhiloni. AmaKhaladiya asetshisa indlu yenkosi lezindlu zabantu ngomlilo, adilizela phansi imiduli yeJerusalema. Lensali yabantu eyayisele emzini, lalabo ababehlubukile, ababehlubukile kuyo, lensali yabantu eyayisele, uNebuzaradani induna yabalindi yabathumba yabasa eBhabhiloni. Kodwa uNebuzaradani induna yabalindi watshiya elizweni lakoJuda ebantwini ababengabayanga ababengelalutho, wabanika izivini lamasimu ngalolosuku. UNebhukadirezari inkosi yeBhabhiloni waselaya ngesandla sikaNebuzaradani induna yabalindi ngoJeremiya esithi: Mthathe, umise amehlo akho kuye, ungamenzeli ulutho olubi, kodwa njengokukhuluma kwakhe kuwe wenze njalo ngaye. Ngakho bathuma oNebuzaradani induna yabalindi, loNebushazibani, uRabisarisi, loNerigali-Sharezi, bathuma, bamthatha uJeremiya egumeni lentolongo, Ilizwi leN laselifika kuJeremiya esavalelwe egumeni lentolongo, lisithi: Hamba ukhulume kuEbedimeleki umEthiyophiya njalo azakuba phambi kwakho ngalolosuku. Kodwa ngizakophula ngalolosuku, itsho iN, njalo kawuyikunikelwa esandleni sabantu obesabayo. Ngoba ngizakukhulula isibili, kawuyikuwa-ke ngenkemba, kodwa impilo yakho izakuba yimpango kuwe, itsho iN. Ilizwi elafika kuJeremiya livela eNni emva kokuthi uNebuzaradani induna yabalindi esemyekele wahamba Induna yabalindi yasimthatha uJeremiya yathi kuye: isikulethile yakwenza njengokutsho kwayo, ngoba lonile eNni, kalilalelanga ilizwi layo; ngakho loludaba lwenzakele kini. Khathesi-ke, khangela, lamuhla ngiyakukhulula kulamaketane asezandleni zakho. Kodwa engakabuyeli, wathi: Buyela yamyekela ukuthi ahambe. Ngakho uJeremiya wafika kuGedaliya indodana kaAhikhamu eMizipa, Kwathi zonke induna zamabutho ezazisegangeni, zona kanye lamadoda azo, kulabo ababengathunjelwanga eBhabhiloni, khona beza kuGedaliya eMizipa, bona lamadoda abo. UGedaliya, indodana kaAhikhamu, indodana kaShafani, wasefunga kibo lamadoda abo, esithi: Lingesabi ukusebenzela amaKhaladiya; hlalani elizweni, liyisebenzele inkosi yeBhabhiloni; khona kuzalilungela. Khangelani-ke, mina ngihlala eMizipa ukuma phambi kobuso bamaKhaladiya azafika kithi; kodwa lina buthani iwayini lezithelo zehlobo lamafutha, likufake ezitsheni zenu, lihlale emizini yenu eliyithetheyo. Futhi, lapho wonke amaJuda lokuthi yabeka phezu kwabo uGedaliya, indodana kaAhikhamu, indodana kaShafani; wonke amaJuda asebuya esuka endaweni zonke ayexotshelwe khona, UJohanani indodana kaKareya basebesiza kuGedaliya eMizipa, bathi kuye: Uyakwazi isibili yini ukuthi uBhahalisi ukukutshaya empilweni? Kodwa uGedaliya indodana kaAhikhamu kabakholwanga. UJohanani indodana kaKareya wasekhuluma loGedaliya ensitha eMizipa esithi: Ake ungiyekele ngihambe ngi ye tshaya uIshmayeli indodana kaNethaniya, kungabi lamuntu okwaziyo. Uzakutshayelani empilweni, ukuze bahlakazeke bonke abakoJuda ababuthene kuwe, kubhubhe insali yakoJuda? Kodwa uGedaliya indodana kaAhikhamu wathi kuJohanani indodana kaKareya: Ungayenzi le indaba, ngoba uqamba amanga ngoIshmayeli. Kwasekusithi ngenyanga yesikhombisa khona ndawonye eMizipa. UIshmayeli indodana kaNethaniya wasesukuma, UIshmayeli wabulala lawo wonke amaJuda ayelaye, amadoda empi. Kwasekusithi ngosuku lwesibili esembulele uGedaliya, kungelamuntu okwaziyo, kwafika amadoda evela eShekema, UIshmayeli indodana kaNethaniya ukuwahlangabeza, ehamba, ehamba ekhala inyembezi. Kwasekuthi lapho ehlangana lawo, wathi kuwo: Wozani kuGedaliya indodana kaAhikhamu. Kwasekusithi sebefikile phakathi komuzi, uIshmayeli indodana kaNethaniya wawabulala wawaphoselaphakathi yena lamadoda ayelaye. Kodwa kwatholakala amadoda alitshumi phakathi kwawo, athi kuIshmayeli: Ungasibulali, ngoba sileziphala ensimini, ingqoloyi lebhali lamafutha loluju. Ngakho wa wa yekela, kaze awabulala phakathi kwabafowabo. Njalo umgodi uIshmayeli ayephosele kuwo zonke izidumbu zabantu ayebatshayile lowo uIshmayeli indodana kaNethaniya wawugcwalisa ngababuleweyo. UIshmayeli wasethumba yonke insali yabantu ababeseMizipa, amadodakazi enkosi, Kwathi uJohanani indodana kaKareya besizwa konke okubi uIshmayeli indodana kaNethaniya ayekwenzile, bathatha wonke amadoda, bayakulwa loIshmayeli indodana kaNethaniya; bamfica emanzini amanengi Kwasekusithi bonke abantu ababeloIshmayeli bebona uJohanani indodana kaKareya lazo zonke induna zamabutho ezazilaye, bathokoza. Basebetshibilika abantu bonke uIshmayeli ayebathumbe besuka eMizipa, baphenduka baya kuJohanani indodana kaKareya. Kodwa uIshmayeli indodana kaNethaniya waphunyuka wasuka phambi kukaJohanani, lamadoda ayisificaminwembili, waya ebantwaneni bakoAmoni. UJohanani indodana kaKareya Basebesuka ba ya hlala eGeruthi-Kimihamu ngenxa yamaKhaladiya; ngoba babewesaba, ngoba uIshmayeli indodana kaNethaniya wayebulele uGedaliya indodana kaAhikhamu, inkosi yeBhabhiloni eyayimmise phezu kwelizwe. Zasezisondela zonke induna zamabutho, bathi kuJeremiya umprofethi: Ake kuthi ukuncenga kwethu kuwe phambi kwakho, usikhulekele eNni uNkulunkulu wakho, njengalokho amehlo akho esibona; ukuze iN, uNkulunkulu wakho, isazise indlela esizahamba ngayo, lento esizayenza. UJeremiya umprofethi wasesithi kibo: Sengizwile; khangelani, ngizakhuleka eNni uNkulunkulu wenu njengokwamazwi enu; kuzakuthi-ke, lonke ilizwi ezaliphendula ngizalitshela lona, Bona basebesithi kuJeremiya: kayibe ngumfakazi oqinisileyo Loba kukuhle loba kukubi, sizalalela ilizwi leN uNkulunkulu wethu, esikuthuma kuyo, ukuze kusilungele lapho sililalela ilizwi leN uNkulunkulu wethu. Kwasekusithi ekupheleni kwensuku ezilitshumi, ilizwi leN lafika kuJeremiya. Wasebiza uJohanani indodana kaKareya, wathi kibo: Itsho njalo iN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, elingithume kiyo ukuthi ngenze ukuncenga kwenu kuwe phambi kwayo: Uba lihlala lokuhlala kulelilizwe, ngizalakha Lingayesabi inkosi yeBhabhiloni eliyesabayo, lingayesabi, ngilophule esandleni sayo. Ngilinike izihawu, ukuze ibe lomusa kini, ilibuyisele elizweni lakini. Kodwa uba lisithi: Kasiyikuhlala kulelilizwe; ukuthi lingalaleli ilizwi leN uNkulunkulu wenu; lisithi: Hatshi; kodwa sizangena elizweni leGibhithe, singalambelanga isinkwa, sihlale khona; khathesi-ke, ngakho zwanini ilizwi leN, nsali yakoJuda: Itsho njalo yamabandla, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Uba lina libeka ubuso benu kuzakuthi-ke inkemba elinqineka ngayo izanamathela emva kwenu khona eGibhithe, lifele khona. Bazakuba njalo bonke abantu ababeka ubuso babo ukuya eGibhithe, ukuze bahlale njengabezizwe khona; Ngoba itsho njalo yamabandla, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Njengokuthululwa kolaka lwami lentukuthelo yami phezu kwabahlali beJerusalema, lingaphindi liyibone lindawo. ithe ngani, nsali yakoJuda: Lingangeni eGibhithe. Yazini isibili ukuthi lamuhla ngifakazile ngimelene lani. Ngoba liyikhohlisile imiphefumulo yenu; ngoba lina lingithume eNni, uNkulunkulu wenu, lisithi: ngokunjalo sitshele, sikwenze. Sengilitshelile lamuhla, kodwa kalililalelanga ilizwi leN uNkulunkulu wenu, laloba yiyiphi into engithume yona kini. Khathesi-ke yazini isibili ukuthi lizakufa ngenkemba, ngendlala, langomatshayabhuqe wesifo, endaweni eliloyisa ukuyahlala khona njengabezizwe. Kwasekusithi lapho uJeremiya eseqedile ukukhuluma kubo bonke abantu wonke amazwi eN uNkulunkulu wabo, uNkulunkulu wabo eyayimthume ngawo kibo, ngitshowonke lamazwi; wasekhuluma uAzariya indodana kaHoshaya, kodwa uBharukhi indodana kaNeriya ukuze asibulale, asithumbele eBhabhiloni. Ngakho uJohanani indodana kaKareya, labo bonke abantu, kabalilalelanga ilizwi leN, ukuze bahlale elizweni lakoJuda. Kodwa uJohanani indodana kaKareya amadoda, Basebengena elizweni leGibhithe, ngoba kabalilalelanga ilizwi leN; basebefika eThahaphanesi. Laselifika ilizwi leN kuJeremiya eThahaphanesi lisithi: Thatha esandleni sakho amatshe amakhulu, uwafihle ebumbeni ewondweni, emehlweni amadoda angamaJuda, uthi kiwo: Itsho njalo yamabandla, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Khangelani, ngizathuma ngilande uNebhukadirezari inkosi yeBhabhiloni inceku yami, endlale ithente lakhe lesikhosini phezu kwawo. Eze atshaye ilizwe leGibhithe; Ngiphembe umlilo aphume khona ngokuthula. Njalo uzakwephula insika zeBetshemeshi eziyizithombe Ilizwi elafika kuJeremiya ngawo wonke amaJuda ayehlala elizweni leGibhithe ahlala eMigidoli lisithi: Itsho njalo yamabandla, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Lina likubonile konke okubi engakwehlisela phezu kweJerusalema laphezu kwayo yonke imizi yakoJuda. Khangelani-ke, lamuhla ilunxiwa, njalo kakho ohlala phakathi kwayo, ngenxa yobubi babo ababenzileyo, ukungithukuthelisa, abangabaziyo, bona, lina, laboyihlo. Kanti ngathuma kini inceku zami zonke abaprofethi, ngisithi: Ake lingayenzi linto enengekayo engiyizondayo. Kodwa kabalalelanga Ngakho kwathululwa intukuthelo yami lolaka lwami, njengalamuhla. Ngakho-ke, itsho njalo iN, uNkulunkulu wamabandla, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Libenzelani ububi obukhulu kangakalimelene lemiphefumulo yenu, ngokungithukuthelisa phakathi kwazo zonke izizwe zomhlaba? Se lakhohlwa yini izinto ezimbi zaboyihlo, lezinto ezimbi zamakhosi akoJuda, lezinto ezimbi zabomkabo, abazenza elizweni lakoJuda lezitaladeni zeJerusalema? Kabadabukanga kuze kube lamuhla, kabesabanga, kabahambanga ngomlayo wami langezimiso zami engazibeka phambi kwenu laphambi kwaboyihlo. Ngakho itsho njalo yamabandla, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Khangelani, ngimisa ubuso bami bumelene lani ngokubi ukuze ngiqume uJuda wonke. Ngithathe insali yakoJuda, abamise ubuso babo ukungena elizweni leGibhithe ukuhlala khona njengabezizwe; Ngoba ngizajezisa labo abahlezi elizweni leGibhithe, ukuze insali yakoJuda efikileyo ukuhlala khona njengowezizwe elizweni leGibhithe ingabi lophunyukayo losilayo, Khona wonke amadoda ayesazi ukuthi omkabo batshisela abanye onkulunkulu impepha, bamphendula uJeremiya, besithi: Lelilizwi olikhulume kithi ebizweni leN, kasiyikukulalela. Kodwa sizakwenza lokwenza loba yiyiphi into ephume emlonyeni wethu, kasibonanga okubi. Kodwa kusukela lapho sayekela ukutshisela indlovukazi yamazulu impepha Futhi lapho sitshisela indlovukazi yamazulu impepha, siyithululela iminikelo yokuthululwa, ngaphandle kwamadoda enu yini? UJeremiya wasekhuluma kubo bonke abantu, emadodaneni, lakwabesifazana, lakubo bonke abantu ababemphendule ngalelolizwi, esithi: Impepha elayitshisa emizini yakoJuda lezitaladeni zeJerusalema, Kwaze kwathi iN KOSI njengalamuhla. Ngenxa yokuthi litshisile impepha, lokuthi lonile eNni, njengalamuhla. UJeremiya wasesithi kubo bonke abantu lakwabesifazana bonke: Zwanini ilizwi leN, wonke uJuda oselizweni leGibhithe. Itsho njalo yamabandla, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, ithi: Lina labomkenu, likhulumile ngomlomo wenu, Lizaqinisa lokuqinisa izithembiso zenu, lenze sibili izithembiso zenu! Ngakho zwanini ilizwi leN, lonke Juda elihlala elizweni leGibhithe: Khangela, ngizabalindela ngokubi, aze aphele. Lalabo abaphepha enkembeni bazabuyela elizweni lakoJuda bevela elizweni leGibhithe, Lalokhu kuzakuba yisibonakaliso kini, kutsho iN, ukuthi ngizalijezisa kulindawo, ukuze lazi ukuthi amazwi ami azakuma lokuma emelana lani ngokubi. Itsho njalo iN: Khangelani, ngizanikela uFaro Hofira inkosi yeGibhithe esandleni sezitha zakhe, Ilizwi uJeremiya umprofethi alikhuluma kuBharukhi indodana kaNeriya, lisithi: Itsho njalo iN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, kuwe Bharukhi: Uthi wena: Hawu maye mina! ngoba yengezelela usizi ebuhlungwini bami, Uzakutsho njalo kuye: Itsho njalo iN: Khangela, lokho engikwakhileyo ngiyakudiliza, lalokho engikuhlanyeleyo ngiyakusiphuna; yebo, ilizwe leli lonke. Wena-ke uzazidingela izinto ezinkulu yini? Ilizwi leN elafika kuJeremiya umprofethi limelene labezizwe; limelene leGibhithe, limelene lebutho likaFaro Neko inkosi yeGibhithe, Hlelani ihawu lesihlangu, lisondele empini. Bophelani amabhiza, Ngibaboneleni betshaywa luvalo, bebuyela emuva? Lamaqhawe abo ephulaphuliwe, ayabaleka ngesiqubu, kawanyemukuli emuva; itsho iN. Olejubane kangabaleki, Ngubani lo o khukhumala IGibhithe ikhukhumala ithi: Ngizakhukhumala, ngiwusibekele umhlaba, ngichithe umuzi labahlala kiwo. Yenyukani mabhiza, lihlanye Ngoba lolu lusuku lweNkosi uJehova wamabandla, Yenyukela eGileyadi, u ye thatha Izizwe zizwile ihlazo lakho, lomhlaba ugcwele ukukhala kwakho; Ilizwi eyalikhuluma kuJeremiya umprofethi ngokuza kukaNebhukadirezari inkosi yeBhabhiloni ukutshaya ilizwe leGibhithe: Memezelani eGibhithe, lizwakalise eMigidoli, Kungani amadoda akho alamandla Kawemanga ngoba iwafuqile. Yandisa abakhubekayo, Bamemeza khona, bathi: UFaro inkosi yeGibhithe ungumsindo; Kuphila kwami, uzafika. Zenzele izikhali zokuthunjwa, IGibhithe ilithokazi Labaqatshiweyo bayo phakathi kwayo banjengethole lesibaya; Ilizwi layo lizahamba Bagamule ihlathi layo, kabalakubalwa. Indodakazi yamaGibhithe izayangeka, izanikelwa esandleni sabantu benyakatho. yamabandla, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, ithi: Khangela, ngizajezisa uAmoni lamakhosi ayo, yebo uFaro labathembela kuye. Ngibanikele esandleni salabo abadinga impilo yabo, itsho iN. Kodwa wena, ungesabi, nceku yami Jakobe, ungatshaywa luvalo, Israyeli, ngoba khangela, ngizakusindisa usekhatshana, lenzalo yakho elizweni lokuthunjwa kwayo; uJakobe uzaphenduka-ke, athule, onwabe, njalo kakho oza m ethusa. Wena, ungesabi, nceku yami Jakobe, itsho iN, ngoba ngilawe; ngoba ngizaqeda ngokupheleleyo zonke izizwe engikuxotshele kuzo, kodwa kangiyikukuqeda ngokupheleleyo, ngikukhuze ngokufaneleyo, kodwa kangiyikukuyekela lokukuyekela ungajeziswanga. Ilizwi leN elafika kuJeremiya umprofethi limelene lamaFilisti, Itsho njalo iN: Khangela, amanzi azakhukhumala azakuba yisifula esikhukhulayo, akhukhule ilizwe lokugcwala kwalo, umuzi labahlala kiwo; labantu bazakhala, labo bonke abakhileyo belizwe bazaqhinqa isililo, ngomsindo wokugidiza kwamasondo amabhizaakhe alamandla, ngenxa yokuyekethiswa kwezandla; ngenxa yosuku oluzayo ukuchitha wonke amaFilisti, Ubumpabanga sebufikile eGaza, kuze kube nini? Hawu, nkemba yeN; Ungathula njani, lapho iyilawulile? Imelene Imelene loMowabi, Kakusayikuba khona udumo lukaMowabi eHeshiboni uzathula, inkemba izakulandela. Ilizwi lokukhala livela incithakalo lokwephuka okukhulu! UMowabi wephukile; abancinyane bakhe benze ukukhala kuzwakale. Ngoba e kwenyuk enikweLubithi ukukhala kuzakwenyuka lo kukhala, Balekani, likhulule impilo yenu, libe njengesihlahla esiyize enkangala. Ngoba ngenxa yokuthembela kwakho emisebenzini yakho lemagugwini akho Lomchithi uzafikela wonke umuzi, njengokutsho kweN. Nikani uMowabi amaphiko, Uqalekisiwe lowo owenza uqalekisiwe lalowo ogodla inkemba yakhe egazini. UMowabi wonwabile kusukela ebutsheni bakhe, kathululelwanga esuka embizeni esiya embizeni, kahambanga ekuthunjweni; ngakho-ke ukunambitheka kwakhe kumi kuye, lephunga lakhe kaliphenduki. Ngakho, khangela, insuku ziyeza, itsho iN, lapho ngizathuma kuye abathambeki Khona uMowabi uzakuba lenhloni ngoKemoshi, njengalokho indlu kaIsrayeli yaba lenhloni Lingatsho njani ukuthi: Singamaqhawe lamadoda empi alamandla? UMowabi uchithiwe, Inkathazo kaMowabi iseduze ukufika, lobubi bakhe buyaphangisa kakhulu. Mlileleni, lina lonke elimzingelezeleyo, lani lonke elazi ibizo lakhe; lithi: Yephuke njani Yehla ebukhosini, uhlale wachitha inqaba zakho. Mana endleleni, ulinde, ubuze obalekayo lowesifazana ophunyukileyo, uthi: Kwenzakaleni? UMowabi uyangekile, ngoba udilikile; Lesahlulelo sehlele phezu kwelizwe elilamagceke, laphezu kweDiboni, laphezu kweKiriyathayimi, laphezu kweKeriyothi, laphezu kwayo yonke imizi yelizwe lakoMowabi, ekhatshana leseduze. Uphondo lukaMowabi luqunyiwe, itsho iN. Mdakiseni, ngitsho yena. Ngoba uIsrayeli kabanga yinhlekisa yini kuwe? Ngoba kusukela ngesikhathi samazwi akho ngaye wanyikinya ikhanda. Tshiyani imizi, Sizwile ngo kuzigqaja kukaMowabi (uyazigqaja kakhulu), ukuziphakamisa kwakhe, lokuzigqaja kwakhe, lokuzikhukhumeza kwakhe, lokuphakama kwenhliziyo yakhe. Mina ngiyayazi, itsho iN, intukuthelo yakhe, Ngalokho-ke ngizaqhinqa isililo ngoMowabi, Ngokukhala inyembezi kweJazeri umchithi wehlele phezu kwezithelo zakho zehlobo lemavinini akho avuniweyo. Lokuthaba lentokozo kususiwe esivandeni Ngenxa yokukhala kweHeshiboni, kuze kube seEleyale, Njalo ngizaqeda koMowabi, itsho iN, lowo onikela endaweni ephakemeyo, lotshisela onkulunkulu bakhe impepha. Ngenxa yalokho inhliziyo yami Ngoba lonke ikhanda Phezu kwazo zonke impahla zezindlu zakoMowabi itsho iN. Bazaqhinqa isililo besithi: Udilike njani! uMowabi uphendule njani umhlana el enhloni! Ngoba itsho njalo iN: Khangela, uzaphapha ngesiqubu njengokhozi, Imizi ithunjiwe, LoMowabi uzachithwa angabi yisizwe, Ukwesaba lomjibila kuphezu kwakho, mhlali wakoMowabi, itsho iN. Obalekela ukwesaba uzawela emgodini, itsho iN. Emthunzini lenkanda yabantwana besiphithiphithi. Maye kuwe, Mowabi! Abantu bakaKemoshi baphelile, ngoba amadodana akho athethwe asiwa ekuthunjweni, lamadodakazi akho ekuthunjweni. Kodwa ngizabuyisa ukuthunjwa kukaMowabi Mayelana labantwana bakoAmoni labantu bakhe behlala emizini yayo? Ngakho khangela, insuku ziyeza, itsho iN, lapho ngizakwenza ukuthi kuzwakale umkhosi wempi itsho iN. Qhinqa isililo, Heshiboni, Uzincomelani ngezihotsha? Isihotsha sakho siyageleza, ndodakazi ehlehlela nyovane, Khangela, ngizakwehlisela phezu kwakho uvalo, Kodwa emva kwalokho ngizabuyisa ukuthunjwa kwabantwana bakoAmoni, itsho iN. Mayelana leEdoma, Inhlakanipho yabo isinyamalele yini? Balekani, Uba abavuni bamavini befika kuwe azaphanga aze anele? Kodwa mina ngimhlubule uEsawu, Tshiya izintandane zakho, mina ngizazilondoloza ziphila, labafelokazi bakho kabathembele kimi. Ngoba itsho njalo iN: Khangela, labo okugwetshwa kwabo kwakungeyisikho ukunatha inkezo baza yi natha loku yi natha, Kawuyikuyekelwa ungelacala, kodwa isibili uzanatha. Ngoba ngifungile ngami uqobo, Ngizwile umbiko ovela eNni, lize limelane layo, lisukumele impi. Ngoba khangela, ngizakwenza ube mncinyane phakathi kwezizwe, udeleleke phakathi kwabantu. Ukwesabeka kwakho kukukhohlisile, ukuziqhenya kwenhliziyo yakho, wena ohlala ezingoxweni zamadwala, itsho iN. IEdoma layo izakuba yinto eyesabekayo; Njengokuchithwa kweSodoma leGomora, Khangela, njengesilwane Ngakho, zwanini icebo leN elicebe imelene leEdoma, lemicabango yayo eyicabange emelene labahlali beThemani: Isibili abancinyane bomhlambi bazabadonsa; isibili izachitha indawo yabo yokuhlala phezu kwabo. Ngomsindo wokuwa kwabo umhlaba uyazamazama; ukukhala, umsindo wakho wezwakala eLwandle oluBomvu. Khangela, uzakwenyuka Mayelana leDamaseko. IDamaseko Kawutshiywanga njani Ngakho amajaha awo azawela ezitaladeni zawo, itsho yamabandla. Ngizaphemba-ke umlilo emdulini Mayelana leKedari Bazathatha amathente abo lemihlambi yabo, Balekani, lizulazule kakhulu, lina bahlali beHazori, itsho iN; ngoba uNebhukadirezari inkosi yeBhabhiloni waceba icebo emelene lani, wacabanga umcabango emelene lani. Sukumani, lenyuke limelene lesizwe esonwabileyo, Lamakamela abo azakuba yimpango, lemihlambi yezifuyo zabo izakuba yimpango; njalo ngizabachithachitha kuyo yonke imimoya, a baphoselwe engonsini, ngilethe inkathazo yabo evela inhlangothi zonke zaso, itsho iN. LeHazori izakuba yindawo yokuhlala yamakhanka, Ilizwi leN elafika kuJeremiya umprofethi limelene leElamu ekuqaleni kokubusa kukaZedekhiya, inkosi yakoJuda, lisithi: Itsho njalo yamabandla: Khangela, ngizakwephula idandili leElamu, induna yamandla abo. Ngilethele iElamu imimoya emine evela emikhawulweni emine yamazulu, ngibahlakazele kuyo yonke leyomimoya; Ngoba ngizakwenza abeElamu besabe phambi kwezitha zabo ngize ngibaqede. Ngizamisa-ke isihlalo sami sobukhosi eElamu, ngichithe kuyo inkosi leziphathamandla, itsho iN. Kodwa kuzakuthi ekucineni kwezinsuku itsho iN. Ilizwi eyalikhuluma imelene leBhabhiloni, imelene lelizwe lamaKhaladiya, ngesandla sikaJeremiya umprofethi, lisithi: Memezani phakathi kwezizwe, lizwakalise; misani uphawu, imifanekiso yayo ibhidliziwe. Ngoba isizwe senyuka simelene layo esivela enyakatho, Ngalezonsuku langalesosikhathi, itsho iN, abantwana bakoIsrayeli bazakuza, bona labantwana bakoJuda kanyekanye; Bazabuza indlela e Ziyoni, Abantu bami Bonke ababatholayo babadla, Balekani Ngoba khangela, ngizavusa ngenze ukuthi kwenyukele eBhabhiloni. Njalo iKhaladiya izakuba yimpango; bonke abayiphangayo bazasutha, itsho iN. Ngoba lalijabula, unyoko ulenhloni kakhulu, owalizalayo uyangekile. Khangela, ingemuva yezizwe iyinkangala Ngenxa yolaka lweN kayiyikuhlalwa, Zihleleleni ukumelana leBhabhiloni Memezani limelene layo Qumani umhlanyeli asuke eBhabhiloni, laye ophatha isikela ngesikhathi sokuvuna; UIsrayeli uyimvu ehlakazekileyo; Ngakho itsho njalo yamabandla, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Khangela, ngizayijezisa inkosi yeBhabhiloni lelizwe layo, Njalo ngizabuyisela uIsrayeli endaweni yakhe yokuhlala, Ngalezonsuku langalesosikhathi, itsho iN, kuzadingwa ububi koIsrayeli, Umelene lelizwe leMerathayimi, Umsindo wempi uselizweni, lokuchitheka okukhulu. Yeka ukuganyulwa lokwephuka kwesando somhlaba wonke! Ngakuthiya ngomjibila, ivulile isiphala sayo, yakhupha izikhali zolaka lwayo, ngoba lokhu kungumsebenzi weNkosi uJehova wamabandla elizweni lamaKhaladiya. Wozani limelane layo livela ephethelweni, livule izibuya zayo, liyibuthelele Bulalani amajongosi ayo wonke, Ilizwi lababalekayo labaphunyukayo bevela elizweni leBhabhiloni, Bizani abatshoki bamelane leBhabhiloni, imelene loNgcwele kaIsrayeli. Ngakho amajaha ayo azakuwa ezitaladeni zayo, itsho iN. Khangela, ngimelana lawe, wena oziqhenyayo, itsho iNkosi uJehova wamabandla; ngoba usuku lwakho selufikile, Khona oziqhenyayo ezakhubeka awe, njalo kungekho ozamvusa; njalo ngizaphemba umlilo emizini yakhe Itsho njalo yamabandla: Babecindezelwe abantwana bakoIsrayeli labantwana bakoJuda ndawonye; Umhlengi wabo ukuze inike umhlaba ukuphumula, kodwa inyakazise abahlali beBhabhiloni. Inkemba iphezu kwamaKhaladiya, itsho iN, laphezu kwabahlali beBhabhiloni, laphezu kweziphathamandla zayo, Inkemba iphezu kwabaqambimanga ukuze adilizwe. Inkemba iphezu kwamabhiza ayo, ukuze kuphangwe. Imbalela iphezu kwamanzi ayo, Ngakho izilo zenkangala Njengoba uNkulunkulu wagenqula iSodoma leGomora njalo kakulandodana yomuntu ezahlala njengowezizwe kuyo. Khangela, abantu bazavela lamakhosi amanengi azavuswa evela emikhawulweni yomhlaba. Bazabamba idandili lomkhonto; balesihluku, kabayikuba lomusa; ilizwi labo lizahlokoma njengolwandle, bagade amabhiza, ngulowo lalowo ehleliwe njengomuntu wempi emelene lawe, ndodakazi yeBhabhiloni. Inkosi yeBhabhiloni izwile umbiko wabo, lezandla zayo zaba buthakathaka; ucindezelo lwayibamba, umhelo njengowobelethayo. Khangela, njengesilwane esivela ekukhukhumaleni kweJodani Ngakho, zwanini icebo leNKOSI eyicabange imelene lelizwe lamaKhaladiya: Isibili abancinyane bomhlambi bazabadonsa; isibili izachitha indawo yokuhlala phezu kwabo. Ngomsindo wokuthunjwa kweBhabhiloni Itsho njalo iN: Khangela ngizavusela iBhabhiloni lalabo abahlala enhliziyweni yalabo abangivukelayo Ngithume eBhabhiloni abelayo, Kakuthi otshokayo agobise idandili lakhe Ngokunjalo ababuleweyo bazakuwa elizweni lamaKhaladiya, labagwazwe Ngoba uIsrayeli kayikutshiywa, loJuda nguNkulunkulu wabo, yyamabandla, lanxa ilizwe labo ligcwele icala koNgcwele kaIsrayeli. Balekani liphume phakathi kweBhabhiloni, IBhabhiloni yayiyinkezo yegolide esandleni seN, IBhabhiloni mhlawumbe ingelatshwa. Besingayelapha iBhabhiloni, kodwa kayelaphekanga; itshiyeni, ikhuphe umsebenzi weN uNkulunkulu wethu. Lolani imitshoko, Phakamisani isiboniso phezu kwemiduli yeBhabhiloni, lokho ekukhulume ngabahlali beBhabhiloni. Wena ohlala emanzini amanengi, yamabandla ifungile Wenza umhlaba ngamandla akhe, walimisa ilizwe ngenhlakanipho yakhe, langokuqedisisa kwakhe wendlala amazulu. Lapho ekhupha ilizwi lakhe, kulokuhlokoma kwamanzi amanengi emazulwini, ukhuphula inkungu ivela emkhawulweni womhlaba, enze imibane kanye lezulu, akhuphe umoya eziphaleni zakhe. Wonke umuntu uyisiphukuphuku kalalwazi; wonke umkhandi wegolide uyangiswa yisithombe esibaziweyo, ngoba isithombe sakhe esibunjwe ngokuncibilikisa siyinkohliso, njalo kakulamoya kuzo. Ziyize, umsebenzi wezinkohliso; ngesikhathi sokuhanjelwa kwazo zizabhubha. Isabelo sikaJakobe kasinjengazo; ngoba yena nguye umbumbi wakho konke, lo Israyeliuyintonga yelifa lakhe; yamabandla libizo lakhe. Wena uyinduku yami yempi, izikhali zempi; ngoba ngawe ngizaphahlaza izizwe, langawe ngichithe imibuso, langawe ngiphahlaze ibhiza lomgadi walo, langawe ngiphahlaze inqola lomkhweli wayo, langawe ngiphahlaze indoda lowesifazana, langawe ngiphahlaze ixhegu lomutsha, langawe ngiphahlaze umelusi lomhlambi wakhe, langawe ngiphahlaze umlimi lesipani sakhe, langawe ngiphahlaze ababusi lezinduna. Njalo ngizayiphindisela iBhabhiloni emehlweni enu, itsho iN. Khangela, ngimelana lawe, wena ntaba echithayo, Njalo kabayikuthatha kuwe ilitshe libe ngelengonsi, lelitshe libe ngelezisekelo; ngoba uzakuba ng amanxiwa aphakade, itsho iN. Phakamisani isiboniso elizweni, Lungisani izizwe Lelizwe lizazamazama libe lobuhlungu, Amaqhawe eBhabhiloni ayekele ukulwa, ahlala ezinqabeni, amandla awo aphelile, sebengabesifazana; Isigijimi sizagijima ukuhlangana lesigijimi, lamazibuko lamadoda empi ethukile. Ngoba itsho njalo yamabandla, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli: Indodakazi yeBhabhiloni injengebala lokubhulela; UNebhukadirezari inkosi yeBhabhiloni ungidlile, Udlakela lwami lo lw enyama yami kube phezu kweBhabhiloni, utsho umhlalikazi weZiyoni; legazi lami libe phezu kwabahlali beKhaladiya, itsho iJerusalema. Ngakho itsho njalo iN: Khangela, ngizalumela udaba lwakho, LeBhabhiloni izakuba ngamadundulu, Bazabhonga kanyekanye njengamabhongo ezilwane, Ekutshisekeni kwabo ngizabenzela amadili, itsho iN. Ngizabehlisa njengamawundlu ekuhlatshweni, njengezinqama kanye lezimpongo. Ithunjwe njani iSheshaki; Ulwandle lukhukhumele phezu kweBhabhiloni, isibekelwe ngobunengi bamagagasi alo. Imizi yayo isingamanxiwa, okungadluli kulo indodana yomuntu. Njalo ngizajezisa uBheli eBhabhiloni, Phumani phakathi kwayo, bantu bami, Njalo hlezi inhliziyo yenu ibe buthakathaka, Ngakho khangela, insuku ziyeza lapho engizahambela Kuzakuthi-ke amazulu lomhlaba lakho konke okukukho itsho iN. Njengalokhu iBhabhiloni yenza bawe ababuleweyo bakoIsrayeli, Lina eliphunyukileyo enkembeni, Siyangekile ngoba sizwile ihlazo; Ngakho khangela, insuku ziyeza, Loba iBhabhiloni ingaphakamela emazulwini, kube kantiabachithi bazayifikela bevela kimi, itsho iN. Kulomsindo wokukhala ovela eBhabhiloni, lokufohlela okukhulu elizweni lamaKhaladiya. Ngoba ichithile iBhabhiloni, yabhubhisa kuyo ilizwi elikhulu. Lapho amagagasi abo ahlokoma njengamanzi amanengi, umsindo wawo uzakhupha ilizwi. Ngoba umchithi wehlela phezu kwayo, phezu kweBhabhiloni, amaqhawe ayo azathunjwa, amadandili awo ephukile; ngoba iN, uNkulunkulu wezimpindiselo, uza yi vuza sibili. Ngizadakisa-ke Itsho njalo yamabandla: Imiduli ebanzi yeBhabhiloni izadilizwa ngokupheleleyo, Ilizwi uJeremiya umprofethi alilaya uSeraya indodana kaNeriya, UJeremiya wasebhala egwalweni konke okubi okuzakwehlela iBhabhiloni, wonke lamazwi abhaliweyo emelene leBhabhiloni. UJeremiya wasesithi kuSeraya: Lapho usufikile eBhabhiloni, ubone ufunde wonke lamazwi. Ubususithi: N, wena ukhulumile ngalindawo ukuthi uzayiquma, ukuze kungabi khona umhlali kiyo, kodwa ibe zincithakalo phakade. Kuzakuthi-ke usuqedile ukulufunda lolugwalo, ubophele ilitshe kulo, uluphosele phakathi kweYufrathi, ubususithi: Ngokunjalo iBhabhiloni izatshona, UZedekhiya wayeleminyaka engamatshumi amabili lanye esiba yinkosi, wabusa iminyaka elitshumi lanye eJerusalema; lebizo likanina lalinguHamuthali, indodakazi kaJeremiya weLibhina. Wasesenza okubi emehlweni eN, njengakho konke akwenzayo uJehoyakhimi. Ngoba ngenxa yokuthukuthela kweN kwenzeka eJerusalema loJuda yaze yabaphosela khatshana lobuso bayo; uZedekhiya wasevukela inkosi yeBhabhiloni. Kwasekusithi ngomnyaka wesificamunwemunye wokubusa kwakhe, ngenyanga yetshumi, ngolwetshumi lwenyanga, uNebhukadirezari inkosi yeBhabhiloni wafika, yena lebutho lakhe lonke, ukumelana leJerusalema; basebemisa inkamba bemelene layo, bayakhela izinqaba zokuvimbezela bemelene layo inhlangothi zonke. Ngokunjalo umuzi wangena ekuvinjezelweni kwaze kwaba ngumnyaka wetshumi lanye wenkosi uZedekhiya. Ngenyanga yesine, ngolwesificamunwemunye lwenyanga, lapho indlala yayiqinile phakathi komuzi, abantu belizwe kababanga lokudla. Basebewufohlela umuzi; wonke amadoda empi asebaleka, aphuma emzini ebusuku, ngendlela yesango, phakathi kwemiduli emibili, elisesivandeni senkosi (amaKhaladiya ayemelene lomuzi inhlangothi zonke), ahamba ngendlela yegceke. Kodwa ibutho lamaKhaladiya laxotshana lenkosi, lafica uZedekhiya emagcekeni eJeriko; lebutho lakhe lonke lahlakazeka lisuka kuye. Basebeyibamba inkosi, bayenyusela enkosini yeBhabhiloni eRibila elizweni leHamathi, eyakhuluma izigwebo kuyo. Inkosi yeBhabhiloni yasibulala amadodana kaZedekhiya emehlweni akhe, futhi yazibulala lazo zonke iziphathamandla zakoJuda eRibila. Yasiphumputhekisa amehlo kaZedekhiya, yambopha ngamaketane ethusi amabili, ukuze inkosi yeBhabhiloni imuse eBhabhiloni, yamfaka entolongweni, kwaze kwaba lusuku lokufa kwakhe. Njalo ngenyanga yesihlanu, uNebuzaradani induna yabalindi, eyayimi phambi kwenkosi yeBhabhiloni, wangena eJerusalema. Watshisa indlu kaJehova, lendlu yenkosi, lezindlu zonke zeJerusalema lezindlu zonke zabakhulu wazitshisa ngomlilo. Lebutho lonke lamaKhaladiya, elalilenduna yabalindi, labhidliza yonke imiduli yeJerusalema inhlangothi zonke. UNebuzaradani induna yabalindi wasethumba abathilekwabangabayanga babantu,, ababehlamukele enkosini yeBhabhiloni, labaseleyo bexuku. Kodwa uNebuzaradani induna yabalindi watshiya abanyekwabangabayanga belizwe ukuthi babe ngabaphathi bezivini labalimi. Lensika zethusi ezazisendlini yeN, Athatha izimbiza, lazo zonke izitsha zethusi abakhonza ngazo, lemiganu, lezitsha zokuthwala umlilo, okwakuligolide golide lokwakuyisiliva siliva induna yabalindi yakuthatha. Insika zombili, ulwandle olulodwa, lenkabi zethusi ezazilitshumi lambili ezazingaphansi kwezisekelo inkosi uSolomoni eyayikwenzele indlu yeN; ithusi lazo zonke lezizitsha lalingelakulinganiswa ngesisindo. Mayelana lezinsika, ubude bensika eyodwa babuzingalo ezilitshumi lesificaminwembili, lentambo yezingalo ezilitshumi lambili yayigombolozela, Lesiduku esiphezu kwayo sasilithusi, lobude besiduku esisodwa babuzingalo ezinhlanu, konke kwakulithusi. Lensika yesibili yayilokufanana lalezi, lamapomegranati. Njalo kwakulamapomegranati angamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye lesithupha eceleni; Induna yabalindi yasithatha uSeraya umpristi oyinhloko, Yasithatha emzini umthenwa othile owayengumphathi phezu kwamadoda empi, lamadoda ayisikhombisa kulabo ababona ubuso benkosi, atholakala emzini, lomabhalane wenduna yebutho eyayibuthela abantu belizwe emabuthweni, lamadoda angamatshumi ayisithupha abantu belizwe, ayetholakala phakathi komuzi. UNebuzaradani induna yabalindi wasebathatha, wabasa enkosini yeBhabhiloni eRibila. Inkosi yeBhabhiloni yasibatshaya, yababulalela eRibila elizweni leHamathi. Ngokunjalo uJuda wathunjwa esuswa elizweni lakhe. Laba ngabantu uNebhukadirezari abathumbayo: Ngomnyaka wesikhombisa, amaJuda azinkulungwane ezintathu lamatshumi amabili lantathu; ngomnyaka wetshumi lesificaminwembili kaNebhukadirezari, kwasuka eJerusalema imiphefumulo engamakhulu ayisificaminwembili lamatshumi amathathu lambili; ngomnyaka wamatshumi amabili lantathu kaNebhukadirezari, uNebuzaradani induna yabalindi wathumba amaJuda, imiphefumulo engamakhulu ayisikhombisa lamatshumi amane lanhlanu; yonke imiphefumulo yayizinkulungwane ezine lamakhulu ayisithupha. Kwasekusithi ngomnyaka wamatshumi amathathu lesikhombisa wokuthunjwa kukaJehoyakhini inkosi yakoJuda, wamkhupha entolongweni, wasekhuluma kuhle laye, wabeka isihlalo sakhe sobukhosi phezu kwesihlalo sobukhosi samakhosi ayelaye eBhabhiloni. Wasentshintsha izigqoko zokubotshwa kwakhe; njalo wadla isinkwa phambi kwayo njalonjalo insuku zonke zempilo yakhe. Mayelana lesabelo sakhe, isabelo esimiyo wasinikwa yinkosi yeBhabhiloni, into yosuku ngosuku lwayo, kwaze kwaba lusuku lokufa kwakhe, zonke insuku zempilo yakhe. Yeka! Uyakhala ngenkohliso, sebeyizitha zawo. UJuda. Indlela zeZiyoni ziyalila, ngoba kungekho ozayo emkhosini, layo isekubabeni. Abamelani bayo sebeyinhloko ekuthunjweni phambi kwesitha. Labo bonke ubuhle bayo busukile kundodakazi yeZiyoni. Iziphathamandla zayo zinjengezindluzele e zingatholi idlelo, njalo ziyahamba zingelamandla phambi komzingeli. E zinsuk winizenhlupheko yayo lokuzulazula. IJerusalema yonile kakhulu, ngakho-ke isingcolile; bonke ababeyihlonipha bayidelela, ngoba sebebonile, ibuyele emuva. Ukungcola kwayo kwakusemiphethweni yezigqoko. Isitha selule isandla saso phezu kwazo zonke izinto zayo eziloyisekayo phakathi kwebandla lakho. Bonke abantu bayo bayabubula bavuselele umphefumulo. Bona, N, ukhangele, ngoba ngiyadelelwa. Kakusilutho kini yini lonke elidlulayo lwayo. Iphezulu, ithumele usuku lonke. Ijokwe entanyeni yami, iwisile amandla ami; iNkosi inginikele ezandleni zabo, ngingelakho ukuvuka. INkosi yeyisile intombi emsulwa, indodakazi yakoJuda, isikhamelo sewayini. Ngenxa yalezizinto ngiyakhala inyembezi; ilihlo lami, ilihlo lami umphefumulo wami ukhatshana lami; abantwana bami bachithakele ngoba isitha sinqobile. IZiyoni iyelula ongcolileyo phakathi kwabo. IN KOSI wayo. Ake lizwe, bantu lonke, libone usizi lwami. Intombi zami ezimsulwa lamajaha ami baye ekuthunjweni. Ngabiza izithandwa zami bavuselele umphefumulo wabo. Bona, N, ngoba ngilusizi; imibilini yami. Bezwile ukuthi mina ngiyabubula njengami. Kabufike iphela amandla. INkosi iyigubuzele kangakanani zayo ngosuku lwentukuthelo yayo! INkosi iginyile zawo. Iqumile ngokuvutha imelene loJakobe njengomlilo welangabi oqothula inhlangothi zonke. Igobisile izinto eziloyisekayo zamehlo ethenteni lendodakazi yeZiyoni; yathulula ulaka lwayo njengomlilo. INkosi lesililo kundodakazi yakoJuda. Ithethe inkosi lompristi ngokuvutha kolaka lwakhe. INkosi ilahlile umsindo endlini yeN njengosukwini lomkhosi omisiweyo. IN KOSI amandla. Amasango ayo atshonile kabatholi umbono uvela eNni. Abadala bendodakazi yeZiyoni bahlezi amasaka; izintombi zeJerusalema zikhothamisele emhlabathini amakhanda azo. Amehlo ami ezitaladeni zomuzi. Bathi kubonina: Angaphi bedangala njengabagwaziweyo ezitaladeni zomuzi, lapho umphefumulo wabo uzithululela esifubeni sabonina. Ngingakufakazelani? Kuyini kwakho kukhulu njengolwandle; ngubani ongakwelapha? Abaprofethi yamanga lezinkohliso. Bonke abedlulayo ngendlela yomhlaba wonke? Zonke. IN KOSI lwabamelene lawe. Inhliziyo yabo yakhala eNkosini: Wena yelihlo lakho ingapheli! Sukuma, unqongoloze kwaso sonke isitalada. Bona, N, ukhangele ukuthi wenze bazabulawa endaweni engcwele yeNkosi yini? Abatsha. Wabiza njeng o suk winiolumisiweyo ngabakhulisa isitha sami sabaqedile. Ngiyindoda yolaka lwayo. Ingikhokhele yangihambisa e mnyam enikodwa hatshi e kukhany eni. Isibili iphenduke yamelana lami; iphendule isandla sayo imelene lamiusuku lonke. Igugisile amathambo ami. Yakhile. Ingihlalise endulo. Ingibiyele ngingaphumi, yenza iketane lami lethusi laba nzima. Njalo nxa ngikhala ngimemeza, ivalela phandle umkhuleko wami. Ibiyele izindlela zami zagoba. Yaba kimi njengebhere ezindaweni zensitha. Iphambule izindlela zami, yangidabudabula. Igobisile njengento yokunenjwa ngomtshoko. Yenze yayo angena ezinsweni zami. Ngaba yinhlekisa usuku lonke. Ingisuthise umhlonyane. Njalo ichoboze amazinyo ami ngokhethe emlotheni. Njalo wena walahla. Ngakho eNni. Khumbula inhlupheko. Umphefumulo wami uhlala u ku khumbula, njalo ukhotheme phakathi kwami. Lokhu ngiyakubuyisela ngiyathemba. Kuyizihawu zeN ukuthi kasiqedwanga izisa zakhe kazipheli; zintsha ikuseni yonke uthembeko lwayo. iyisabelo sami kiyo. ilungile kwabayilindelayo, kumphefumulo o yidingayo. Kuhle ukuthi umuntuathembe kusindiso lweN. Kuhle. Kahlale yedwa, athule, ngoba isimethese lona. Kabeke umlomo wakhe othulini; mhlawumbe kungaba khona ithemba. Kanikele isihlathi sakhe komtshayayo; asuthe inhlamba. Ngoba iNkosi kayiyikulahla kuze kube phakade. Ngoba lanxa idabukisile bezisa zayo. Ngoba abantwana babantu; ukuchoboza ngaphansi kwenyawo zayo zonke izibotshwa zomhlaba; ukuphambukisa ilungelo lomuntu phambi kobuso boPhezukonke; ukuphambanisa yini? Ngubani ongakukhuluma, njalo kwenzeke, nxaiNkosi inga ku layanga? Kakuphumi ububi yini? Ngakho zakhe? Asihlole silinge izindlela zethu, sibuyele eNni. Asiphakamisele inhliziyo lezandla zethu kuNkulunkulu emazulwini. Siphambukile; wena kawuthethelelanga. Wembese ngolaka, waxotshana lathi, wabulala, kawuhawukelanga. Uzembese ngeyezi, ukuze kungedluli umkhuleko. Usenze saba yimfucuza lezibi phakathi kwezizwe. Zonke umlomo wazo zimelene lathi. Ukwesaba lokwephuka. Ilihlo lami lehlisa imifula yamanzi ngokuchitheka kwendodakazi yabantu bami. Ilihlo lami, ize ikhangele phansi ibone isezulwini. Ilihlo lami lenza yawo wonke amadodakazi omuzi wakithi. Izitha zami zingizingele. Bayiqumile ilitshe phezu kwami. Amanzi. Ngabiza phansi; wezwa kwami, ekukhaleleni kwami usizo. Wasondela: Ungesabi. Nkosi, uzimele impilo yami. N, ubonile ukoniwa udaba lwami. Ubonile yonke impindiselo yabo, wonke amacebo abo amelene lami. Uzwile inhlamba yabo amelene lami, indebe zabangivukelayo kumelene lami lonke usuku. Khangela ukuhlala yabo. Buyisela wezandla zabo. Banike ubulukhuni benhliziyo, isiqalekiso sakho kibo. Xotshana la bongolaka, ubabhubhise bangabi ngaphansi eN. Yeka kwazo zonke izitalada. Amadodana aligugu eZiyoni, alinganiswa legolide elihle, umsebenzi wezandla zombumbi! Ngitsho amakhanka enkangala. Ulimi lomunyayo lunamathela. Ababesidla izibiliboco inqumbi zomquba. Ngoba icala kwangathi ngomzuzwana, kungelazandla ezayonayo. AmaNazari. Ukubonakala kwawo se kumnyama kulomsizi sinamathele emathanjeni awo, somile, saba njengogodo. Ababulawa ngenkemba bangcono kulababulawa yindlala; ngoba laba bayacikizeka yikuswela izithelo zensimu. Izandla abantwana babo; baba yikudla kwabo ekwephukeni kwendodakazi yabantu bami. iphelelisile umlilo eZiyoni oqothule izisekelo zayo. Amakhosi omhlaba labo bonke abakhileyo bomhlaba babengayikukholwa ukuthi umcindezeli lesitha babengangena emasangweni eJerusalema. Kwakungenxa igazi labalungileyo phakathi kwayo. Bazula njenge ziphofu ezitaladeni, bangcoliswa abantukabangelakuthinta izembatho zabo. Bamemeza kubo bathi: Sukani, kungcolile, sukani, sukani, lingathinti! Lapho bebaleka njalo bezula, bathi phakathi kwabezizwe: Kabasayikuhlala njengabezizwe. Ubuso ubuso babapristi, kababanga lomusa kubadala. Thina e singelakusisindisa. Bazingela sesifikile. Abasizingelayo balejubane lathi ngokutshiseka ezintabeni; basicathamela enkangala. Umoya komthunzi wakhe sizaphila phakathi kwezizwe. Jabula. Ububi izono zakho. Khumbula. Ilifa lethu seliphendulelwe kwabezizwe, izindlu zethu kwabemzini. Siyizintandane, kungelababa; omama banjengabafelokazi. Amanzi ethu siwanathile ngemali; inkuni zethu ziza ngentengo. Sizingelwa ezintanyeni zethu, sidiniwe, kasilakuphumula. Sinike, ukuze sisuthiswe ngesinkwa. Obaba bona sithwele iziphambeko zabo. Izigqili esandleni sazo. Sizuza isinkwa sethu ngengozi yempilo yethu, ngenxa yenkemba yenkangala. Ijwabu lethu kwendlala. Badlova abesifazana eZiyoni, izintombi ezimsulwa emizini yakoJuda. Iziphathamandla zaphanyekwa ngesandla sazo; ubuso babadala. Amajaha athwala amatshe okuchola ngaphansi kwenkuni. Abadala. Intokozo yenhliziyo yethu iphelile, ukugida ukulila. Umqhele wekhanda lethu uwile; hawu, maye kithi, ngoba sonile! Ngenxa yalokhu inhliziyo yethu afiphele. Ngenxa yentaba yeZiyoni elunxiwa ahamba phezu kwayo. Wena sobukhosi sisuka esizukulwaneni sisiya esizukulwaneni. Usikhohlweleni bezinsuku? Siphendulele insuku zethu zibe zintsha njengasendulo. Kodwa ususilahlile isibili; usithukuthelele kakhulukazi. Kwasekusithi-ke ngomnyaka wamatshumi amathathu, nge nyangayesine, ngolwesihlanu lwenyanga. Ngolwesihlanu lwenyanga, okungumnyaka wesihlanu, ilizwi leN leza liqonde kuHezekeli, indodana kaBuzi, umpristi. Ngasengibona, khangela-ke, umoya wesivunguzane. Laphakathi kwalo kwavela umfanekiso wezidalwa ezine eziphilayo. Njalo yileso laleso sasilobuso obune, njalo yileso laleso sazo sasilempiko ezine. Lenyawo zazo zazizinyawo eziqondileyo, lengaphansi yezinyawo zazo yayinjengengaphansi yonyawo lwethole, zacwazimula njengombala wethusi elilolongiweyo. Njalo kwakulezandla zomuntu ngaphansi kwempiko zazo. Impiko zazo. Njalo umfanekiso wobuso bazo wawuyibuso bomuntu, njalo zozine zazilobuso besilwane ngakwesokunene; njalo zozine zazilobuso benkabi ngakwesokhohlo; futhi zozine zazilobuso belinqe. Babunjalo ubuso bazo; lempiko zazo zazehlukene ngaphezulu; yileso laleso sasilezimbili zihlanganisiwe kolunye. Zahamba yileso laleso siqonde phambili. Mayelana lomfanekiso wezidalwa eziphilayo, ukubonakala kwazo kwakunjengamalahle omlilo avuthayo. Lezidalwa eziphilayo zagijima. Ngathi ngikhangela izidalwa eziphilayo, khangela-ke, ivili elilodwa lalisemhlabeni eceleni kwezidalwa eziphilayo, ebusweni baso obune. Ukubonakala kwamavili lomsebenzi wawo. Ekuhambeni kwawo. Mayelana lamarimu awo, ayephakeme kangangokuthi ayesesabeka; njalo amarimu awo ayegcwele. Ekuhambeni kwezidalwa eziphilayo amavili ahamba eceleni kwazo. Lapho umoya owawusiya khona zaya khona, kulapho umoya owawuzakuya khona. Lapho lezi zihamba, lawoahamba. Njalo isimo somkhathi ngaphezu kwamakhanda ezidalwa eziphilayo, seluliwe phezu kwamakhanda azo ngaphezulu. Langaphansi komkhathi impiko zazo zaziqondile. Lekuhambeni kwazo ngezwa umsindo wempiko zazo. Kwasekusiba lelizwi elavela phezu komkhathi ongaphezu kwekhanda lazo lapho sezimi sezehlise impiko zazo. Langaphezu komkhathi owawuphezu kwekhanda lazo. Ngasengibona njengombala wethusi, njengokubonakala komlilo phakathi kwakho inhlangothi zonke. Njengokubonakala komchilo wamakhosikazi. Wasesithi kimi: Ndodana yomuntu. Kwasekungena kimi uMoya lapho ekhuluma kimi. Wasesithi kimi: Ndodana yomuntu, ngiyakuthuma ebantwaneni bakoIsrayeli, ezizweni ezivukelayo, abangivukeleyo; bona laboyise baphambukile kimi, kuze kube yilolusuku kanye. Ngoba bangabantwana abalukhuni ngobuso labalukhuni ngenhliziyo; ngikuthuma kubo, njalo uzakuthi kubo: Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova. Bona-ke, loba bezakuzwa, kumbe loba beyekela. Wena-ke, ndodana yomuntu. Kodwa uzakhuluma amazwi ami kibo. Kodwa wena, ndodana yomuntu, zwana engikutshoyo kuwe; ungabi ngovukelayo njengaleyana indlu evukelayo. Ngasengibona, khangela-ke, isandla sithunyelwe kimi. Wasewendlala phambi kwami, njalo wawubhaliwe phambili langemuva. Yasisithi kimi: Ndodana yomuntu, dlana lokho ozakuthola; dlana lumqulu, uhambe u ye khuluma kuyo indlu kaIsrayeli. Ngasengivula umlomo wami, yasingidlisa lowomqulu. Yasisithi kimi: Ndodana yomuntu, yenza isisu sakho sidle, ugcwalise amathumbu akho ngalumqulu engikunika wona. Ngasengisidla. Yasisithi kimi: Ndodana yomuntu, hamba uye endlini yakoIsrayeli, ukhulume ngamazwi ami kibo. Ngoba kawuthunywanga ebantwini abalenkulumo ejulileyo lolimi olunzima, kodwaendlini yakoIsrayeli. Hatshi ebantwini abanengi abalenkulumo ejulileyo lolimi olunzima, abamazwi abo ongeke uwezwe. Isibili, uba bengikuthume kubo, bona bebezakukuzwa. Kodwa indlu kaIsrayeli kayiyikuvuma ukukulalela, ngoba kabavumi ukungilalela. Khangela, ngenze ubuso bakho baqina bumelene lobuso babo. Ngenze ibunzi lakho libe njengendayimana elukhuni kulensengetshe. Futhi yathi kimi: Ndodana yomuntu, wonke amazwi ami engizawakhuluma kuwe. Hamba-ke, uye kwabathunjiweyo. UMoya wasengiphakamisa. Ngezwafuthi umsindo wempiko zezidalwa eziphilayo, ezazithintana. UMoya wasengiphakamisa, wangisusa; ngasengihamba ngokubaba ekuvutheni komoya wami. Ngasengifika kwabathunjiweyo eTelabibi. Kwasekusithi ekucineni: Ndodana yomuntu. Lapho ngisithi kokhohlakeleyo. Kodwa. Futhi, uba olungileyo ephenduka ekulungeni kwakhe, enze isiphambeko. Kodwa uba wena umxwayisa olungileyo, ukuze olungileyo angoni, yena-ke angaze ona, isibili yenauzaphila. Isandla seN sasesiphezu kwami lapho. Ngasengisukuma ngaphuma ngaya egcekeni. UMoya wasengena kimi. Wena-ke, ndodana yomuntu, khangela, bazafaka izibopho phezu kwakho, bakubophe ngazo, ukuze ungaphumi phakathi kwabo. Njalo ngizakwenza ulimi lwakho lunamathele olwangeni lwakho. Kodwa lapho ngikhuluma lawe, ngizavula umlomo wakho, ubususithi kibo. Wena-ke, ndodana yomuntu, zithathele isitina, usibeke phambi kwakho; wenze ukuvinjezelwa umelene lawo. Futhi wena uzithathele umganu wensimbi, uwumise ube ngumduli wensimbi phakathi kwakho lomuzi; umise ubuso bakho bumelene lawo. Futhi wena lala ngomhlubulo wakho wangasekhohlo, ubeke isiphambeko sendlu kaIsrayeli phezu kwayo. Ngoba mina ngikumisele iminyaka yesiphambeko sabo, njengokwenani lezinsuku, izinsuku ezingamakhulu amathathu layisificamunwemunye. Lapho usuziphelelisile lezo, lala okwesibili ngomhlubulo wakho wangakwesokunene. Ngakho uzamisa ubuso bakho. Khangela-ke, ngizabeka izibopho phezu kwakho, ukuze ungaphenduki usuka ko munyeumhlubulo usiya ko munyeumhlubulo. Futhi wena zithathele ingqoloyi lebhali lendumba lamalentili. Lokudla kwakho ozakudla; ukudle isikhathi ngesikhathi. Lamanzi uzawanatha. Njalo uzakudla iqebelengwana lebhali, ulipheke emehlweni abo ngamalongwe aphuma emuntwini. yasisithi: Ngokunjalo abantwana bakoIsrayeli bazakudla isinkwa sabo esingcolileyo phakathi kwezizwe engizabaxotshela kuzo. Ngasengisithi: Hawu Nkosi Jehova! khangela, umphefumulo wami kawuzanga ungcoliswe. Yasisithi kimi: Bona, ngikunike amalongwe enkomo esikhundleni samalongwe omuntu, njalo uzalungisa isinkwa sakho ngawo. Yathi futhi kimi: Ndodana yomuntu, khangela, ngizakwephula udondolo lwesinkwa eJerusalema; ukuze baswele isinkwa lamanzi, bethuke omunye lomunye, bacikizeke ngobubi babo. Wena-ke, ndodana yomuntu, zithathele; ubusuzithathela isikali sokulinganisa, wehlukanise inwele. Ingxenye yesithathu uzayitshisa ngomlilo. Njalo uzathatha ezinlutshwana ngenani kuzo, uzigoqele emaphethelweni ezembatho zakho. Ubusuthatha kuzo futhi, uziphosele phakathi komlilo, uzitshise emlilweni; kuzaphuma kuwo umlilo uye kuyo yonke indlu kaIsrayeli. Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Le yiJerusalema. Kodwa iphendule izahlulelo zami zaba yibubi okwedlula izizwe. Ngakho itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Ngoba leyisile okwedlula izizwe; ngakho itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Khangela, ngimelene lawe, ngitsho mina, njalo ngizakwenza izahlulelo phakathi kwakho, emehlweni ezizwe. Ngenze phakathi kwakho engingazange ngikwenze, lengingasayikukwenza okunjengakho, ngenxa yamanyala akho wonke. Ngakho oyise bazakudla amadodana phakathi kwakho. Ngakho, kuphila kwami, itsho iNkosi uJehova. Ingxenye yesithathu yakho. Ngokunjalo. Futhi ngizakwenza ube lunxiwa. Ngakho kuzakuba lihlazo; mina N ngikhulumile. Lapho ngithumela phezu kwabo imitshoko emibi yendlala, ezakuba ngeyokubhubhisa, engizayithumela ukulibhubhisa, ngizakwandisa indlala phezu kwenu. Ngokunjalo ngizathuma phezu kwenu indlala. Mina N ngikhulumile. Ilizwi leN laselifika kimi lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, khangelisa ubuso bakho, uprofethe umelene lazo. Uthi: Lina zintaba zakoIsrayeli, zwanini ilizwi leNkosi uJehova. Lamalathi enu azachithwa, lamalathi enu elanga aphahlazwe. Ngibeke izidumbu zabantwana bakoIsrayeli phambi kwezithombe zabo. Kuzo zonke indawo zenu zokuhlala imizi izachithwa. Lababuleweyo bazakuwa phakathi kwenu, njalo lizakwazi ukuthi ngiyiN. Kodwa ngizatshiya insali. Labaphunyukileyo benu. Njalo bazakwazi ukuthi ngiyiN KOSI. Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Tshaya ngesandla sakho. Okhatshana uzakufa ngomatshayabhuqe wesifo, loseduze uzakuwa ngenkemba, loseleyo wavinjezelwa uzakufa yindlala. Khona lizakwazi ukuthi ngiyiN KOSI. Ngokunjalo ngizakwelulela isandla sami phezu kwabo. Ilizwi leN laselifika kimi lisithi: Wena-ke, ndodana yomuntu, itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova kulo ilizwe lakoIsrayeli. Khathesi isiphetho siphezu kwakho. Lelihlo lami. Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Ububi, ububi obubodwa, khangela, sebufikile. Isiphetho sesifikile, isiphetho sesifikile, siyakuvukela; khangela, sesifikile. Ukusa sekufikile kuwe, wena mhlali welizwe. Khathesi, kuseduze. Lelihlo lami kaliyikuhawukela, njalo kangiyikuyekela. Khangela usuku, khangela, selufikile; ukusa sekuphumile. Udlakela lusukume. Isikhathi sesifikile, usuku selusondele. Ngoba umthengisi kayikubuyela; futhi kakulamuntu ongaqinisa impilo yakhe ngesiphambeko sakhe. Baluvuthele uphondo ukuthi balungise konke, kodwa kakho oya empini. Inkemba ingaphandle. Kodwa abaphunyukayo babo bazaphunyuka. Zonke. Njalo bazabhinca amasaka. Bazalahla isiliva sabo ezitaladeni, legolide labo libe yikungcola; isiliva sabo legolide labo kakuyikuba lakho ukubophula. Lobuhle besiceciso sakhe; ngenxa yalokho ngibumise bube yinto engcolileyo kubo. Njalo ngizakunikela. Njalo ngizaphendula ubuso bami busuke kibo, bangcolise indawoyami yensitha. Yenza iketane. Ngakho ngizaletha ababi bezizwe, abazakudla ilifa lezindlu zabo. Ukwethuka kuyeza; bazadinga-ke ukuthula, kodwa kaku yiku ba khona. Incithakalo izakuza. Inkosi izalila, lesiphathamandla sembathiswe incithakalo. Kwasekusithi ngomnyaka wesithupha, nge nyangayesithupha, ngolwesihlanu lwenyanga. Ngasengibona, khangela-ke, umfanekiso o njengokubonakala komlilo. Waseselula esibanga ubukhwele. Khangela-ke, inkazimulo kaNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli. Wasesithi kimi: Ndodana yomuntu, ake uphakamisele amehlo akho ngasendleleni yenyakatho. Ngasengiphakamisela amehlo ami ngasendleleni yenyakatho, khangela-ke, ngasenyakatho kwakulalesisithombe sobukhwele entubeni. Wasesithi kimi: Ndodana yomuntu, uyakubona yini abakwenzayo, amanyala amakhulu ewenzayo indlu kaIsrayeli lapha, ukuze ngi ye khatshana lendawo yami engcwele? Kodwa phenduka futhi, uzabona amanyala amakhulu kula la. Wasengisa emnyango weguma; lapho ngibona, njalo khangela, kwakulesikhala emdulini. Wasesithi kimi: Ndodana yomuntu, ake ugebhe emdulini. Ngathi ngigebha emdulini, khangela-ke kwakulomnyango. Wasesithi kimi: Ngena, ubone izinengiso ezimbi abazenzayo lapha. Ngasengingena, ngabona, khangela-ke, sonke isimo sokuhuquzelayo. Futhi kwakumi phambi kwazo amadoda angamatshumi ayisikhombisa; yileyo laleyo ilo dengezi lwayo esandleni sayo, njalo iyezi eliqatha lempepha lenyuka. Wasesithi kimi: Ukubonile yini, ndodana yomuntu, lokho abadala bendlu kaIsrayeli. Wasesithi kimi: Phenduka futhi, uzabona izinengiso ezinkulu kakhulu abazenzayo. Wasengisa emnyango wesango lendlu yeN eyayingasenyakatho; khangela-ke, kwakuhlezi abesifazana belilela uTamuzi. Wasesithi kimi: Ubonile yini, ndodana yomuntu? Phenduka futhi, uzabona izinengiso ezinkulu kulalezi. Wasengingenisa egumeni lendlu yeN elingaphakathi. Wasesithi kimi: Ubonile yini, ndodana yomuntu? Kuyinto elula kundlu yakoJuda ukwenza izinengiso. Ngakho lami ngizakwenza ngentukuthelo ngelizwi elikhulu, kangiyikubezwa. Wasememeza ezindlebeni zami nge lizwi elikhulu esithi: Yenza ababonisi bomuzi basondele, ngitsho wonke umuntu ele sikhali sakhe sokuchitha esandleni sakhe. Khangela-ke, amadoda ayisithupha eza evela ngendlela yesango eliphezulu elikhangele ngasenyakatho. Lenkazimulo kaNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli yenyuka isuka ngaphezu kwekherubhi eyayiphezu kwalo, yaya embundwini wendlu owayelophondo lweyinki lombhali okhalweni lwakhe. yasisithi kuye: Dabula phakathi komuzi, phakathi kweJerusalema, ufake uphawu emabunzini abantu ngenxa yazo zonke izinengiso ezenziwa phakathi kwawo. Lakwabanye yathi endlebeni yami, njalo lingayekeli. Bulalani ayephambi kwendlu. Yasisithi kibo: Ngcolisani indlu, ligcwalise amaguma ngababuleweyo. Phumani. Basebephuma, babulala emzini. Kwasekusithi besababulala, mina-ke ngasala, ngathi Khona yathi kimi: Ububi bendlu yakoIsrayeli loJuda bukhulu kakhulukazi, lelizwe. Lami-ke ilihlo lami kaliyikuhawukela, njalo kangiyikuyekela; ngizakwehlisela indlela yabo ekhanda labo. Khangela-ke, lowomuntu owayegqoke ilembu elicolekileyo, owayelophondo lweyinki okhalweni lwakhe, wabuyisela ilizwi esithi: Ngenzile njengoba ungilayile. Ngasengibona, khangela-ke, emkhathini kwabonakala phezu kwawo. Wasekhuluma emuntwini. Njalo amakherubhi ayemi ngakwesokunene kwendlu, lapho lowomuntu engena; iyezi laseligcwalisa iguma elingaphakathi. Inkazimulo yeN yasiphakama. Lomdumo wempiko zamakherubhi nxa ekhuluma. Kwasekusithi isimlayile umuntu ogqoke ilembu elicolekileyo, phakathi kwamakherubhi; wangena, wema duze kwevili. Ikherubhi laseliselulela isandla salo sisuka phakathi kwamakherubhi kuwo umlilo owawuphakathi kwamakherubhi, la wu thatha, la wu beka ezandleni; owa wu thatha waphuma. Kwasekubonakala kiwo amakherubhi isimo sesandla somuntu ngaphansi kwempiko zawo. Ngasengibona, khangela-ke amavili amane eceleni kwamakherubhi, ivili elilodwa eceleni kwelinye ikherubhi, levili elilodwa eceleni kwelinye ikherubhi; lokubonakala kwamavili kwakunjengombala welitshe lebherule. Mayelana lokubonakala kwawo, womane ayelesimo sinye, njengokungathi livili eliphakathi kwevili. Ekuhambeni kwawo, ahamba ngenhlangothi zawo zozine, awaphendukanga ekuhambeni kwawo, kodwa indawo lapho ikhanda elalikhangele khona, ayilandela, awaphendukanga ekuhambeni kwawo. Lomzimba wawo wonke, lemihlane yawo, lezandla zawo, lempiko zawo, lamavili, kwakugcwele amehlo inhlangothi zonke, amavili azo zozine ezazilawo. Mayelana lamavili, kwamenyezwa kiwo endlebeni zami ukuthi: Vili! Njalo yilelo lalelo lalilobuso obune; ubuso bokuqala babuyibuso bekherubhi, lobuso besibili babuyibuso bomuntu, lobesithathu buyibuso besilwane, lobesine buyibuso belinqe. Amakherubhi aseziphakamisa. Lesi yisidalwa esiphilayo engasibona ngasemfuleni iKebari. Kwathi lapho amakherubhi ehamba, amavili ahamba eceleni kwawo; lalapho amakherubhi ephakamisa impiko zawo ukuze enyuke asuke emhlabeni, lawomavili kawaphendukanga esuka eceleni lawo futhi. Lapho esima, lawoema; lalapho ephakama, la woaphakama; ngoba umoya wezidalwa eziphilayo wawukiwo. Inkazimulo yeN yasiphuma yasuka phezu kombundu wendlu, yema phezu kwamakherubhi. Amakherubhi asephakamisa impiko zawo, enyuka esuka emhlabeni phambi kwamehlo ami, lapho ephuma, lamavili lawo ayemaqondana lawo; njalo yilelo lalelo lema emnyango wesango elingasempumalanga kwendlu yeN; lenkazimulo kaNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli yayiphezu kwawo ngaphezulu. Lesi yisidalwa esiphilayo engasibona ngaphansi kukaNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli ngasemfuleni iKebari; ngasengisazi ukuthi ngamakherubhi. Yilelo lalelo lalilobuso obune, lalelo lalelo lilempiko ezine; lesimo sezandla zomuntu singaphansi kwempiko zazo. Lesimo sobuso bawo sasiyibuso engabubona ngasemfuleni iKebari, ukubonakala kwawo, lawo ngokwawo. Ahamba, yilelo lalelo ngaphambi kobuso balo. UMoya wasengiphakamisa. Wasesithi kimi: Ndodana yomuntu, lawa ngamadoda acabanga inkohlakalo, aceba iseluleko esibi kulumuzi, athi. Ngakho profetha umelene lawo, profetha, ndodana yomuntu. UMoya weN wasewela phezu kwami, wathi kimi: Khuluma uthi: Itsho njalo iN: Litshilo njalo, lina ndlu kaIsrayeli. Landisile ababuleweyo benu kulumuzi, lagcwalisa izitalada zawo ngababuleweyo. Ngakho itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Ababuleweyo benu elibabeke phakathi kwawo. Liyesabile inkemba, njalo ngizayiletha inkemba phezu kwenu, itsho iNkosi uJehova. Njalo ngizalikhupha phakathi kwawo. Lizakuwa ngenkemba. Lo umuzi. Njalo lizakwazi ukuthi ngiyiN; ngoba kalihambanga ezimisweni zami, lezahlulelo zami kalizenzanga. Kwasekusithi ngisaprofetha? Ilizwi leN lafika kimi futhi lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, abafowenu, abafowenu, abantu bezihlobo zakho, layo yonke indlu yakoIsrayeli, yonke, bayilabo abahlali beJerusalema abathi kubo: Sukani khatshana leN; lelilizwe linikwe thina ukuze libe yilifa. Ngakho wothi: Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Lanxa ngibase khatshana phakathi kwezizwe, njalo lanxa ngibahlakaze phakathi kwamazwe, kanti ngizakuba kubo. Ngakho wothi: Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Yebo, ngizaliqoqa ezizweni. Njalo bazafika kulo, basuse kulo. Njalo ngizabanika inhliziyo eyodwa; ukuze bahambe ngezimiso zami, bagcine izahlulelo zami bazenze. Kodwa laboabanhliziyo yabo ihamba ngokwenhliziyo yezinto zabo ezinengekayo. Amakherubhi asephakamisa impiko zawo. Lenkazimulo yeN yenyuka isuka phakathi komuzi. UMoya wasengiphakamisa. Ngokunjalo umbono engangiwubonile wenyuka wasuka kimi. Ngasengikhuluma kubo abokuthunjwa wonke amazwi eN eyayingibonise wona. Ilizwi leN lafika futhi kimi lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, uhlala phakathi kwendlu evukelayo. Ngakho, wena ndodana yomuntu, zenzele. Ubusukhupha impahla yakho emini phambi kwamehlo abo njengempahla yokuthunjwa. Uzibhobozele. Phambi kwamehlo abo uzayithwala emahlombe, uyikhiphe emnyameni. Ngasengisenza ngokunjalo njengokulaywa kwami: Ngakhupha impahla yami emini. Ekuseni ilizwi leN laselifika kimi lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, kayitshongo yini kuwe indlu kaIsrayeli, indlu evukelayo? Tshono kibo: Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Lo umthwalo umayelanalesiphathamandla eJerusalema, layo yonke indlu kaIsrayeli ephakathi kwabo. Wothi: Ngiyisibonakaliso senu. Njalo isiphathamandla esiphakathi kwabo. Njalo ngizakwendlala imbule lami phezu kwaso. Labo bonke abasihanqileyo ukubalusizo lwaso lalo lonke ibutho laso. Khona bazakwazi ukuthi ngiyiN KOSI. Kodwa ngizatshiya amadoda amalutshwana kibo. Ilizwi leN lafika kimi futhi lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, dlana isinkwa sakho ngokuqhaqhazela, unathe amanzi akho ngokuthuthumela langokukhathazeka. Ubususithi ebantwini belizwe: Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova ngabahlali beJerusalema, ngelizwe lakoIsrayeli: Bazakudla isinkwa sabo ngokukhathazeka. Lemizi okuhlalwa kiyo izakuba ngamanxiwa. Ilizwi leN laselifika kimi lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, kuyini lesisaga elilaso elizweni lakoIsrayeli esithi: Insuku ziyelulwa? Ngakho batshele uthi: Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Ngizakwenza lesisaga siphele, njalo kabasayikusisebenzisa njengesaga koIsrayeli; kodwa tshono kibo: Kusondele izinsuku. Ngoba kakusayikuba khona. Ngoba mina N ngizakhuluma; ilizwi engizalikhuluma lizakwenzeka. Lafika futhi kimi ilizwi leN lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, khangela, abendlu yakoIsrayeli bathi: Umbono awubonayo. Ngakho uthi kibo: Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Kakusayikuphuziswa. Ilizwi leN laselifika kimi lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, profetha umelene labaprofethi bakoIsrayeli abaprofethayo, utsho kibo abaprofetha okwenhliziyo yabo: Zwanini ilizwi leN. Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Maye kubaprofethi abayizithutha, abalandela umoya wabo, abangabonanga lutho! Israyeli, abaprofethi bakho banjengamakhanka emanxiweni. Kalenyukelanga ezikhexeni. Babone okuyize; bathemba ekuqinisweni kwelizwi. Kalibonanga yini umbono oyize. Ngakho itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Ngoba likhulume okuyize, labona amanga, ngakho, khangelani, ngimelene lani, itsho iNkosi uJehova. Njalo isandla sami sizakuba phezu kwabaprofethi ababona okuyize. Ngoba, yebo ngoba beduhise abantu bami. Tshono kulabo abawubhada ngekalaga ukuthi uzakuwa. Khangela-ke, nxa umduli usuwile, kakuyikutshiwo yini kini ukuthi: Lungaphi udaka elalibhade ngalo? Ngakho itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Ngiza wu qhekeza ngomoya wesiphepho ekuthukutheleni kwami. Ngokunjalo ngizadiliza umduli eliwubhade ngekalaga, ngiwuwisele emhlabathini, ukuze kwembuleke isisekelo sawo, uwe; njalo lizaqedwa phakathi kwawo. Ngokunjalo ngizaphelelisa ulaka lwami emdulini laphezu kwalabo abawubhade ngekalaga, besengisithi kini: Umduli kawu se kho, lalabo abawubhadayo kabakho; okutshoabaprofethi bakoIsrayeli abaprofetha ngeJerusalema, labayibonela umbono wokuthula, kanti kungelakuthula, itsho iNkosi uJehova. Wena-ke ndodana yomuntu, misa ubuso bakho. Ubususithi: Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Maye kwabesifazana abathungela izigqizo? Futhi lizangingcolisa yini phakathi kwabantu bami ngenxa yezandla ezigcwele ibhali, langenxa yezincezu zezinkwa, ukuthi libulale imiphefumulo ebingayikufa, lokuthi ligcine iphila imiphefumulo ebingayikuphila, ngokuqamba amanga kwenu ebantwini bami abalalela amanga? Ngalokho itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Khangelani, ngimelene lezigqizo zenu, elizingela ngazo lapho imiphefumulo liyenza iphaphe; ngizaziqamula engalweni zenu, ngiyekele imiphefumulo ihambe, ngitsho imiphefumulo eliyizingelayo liyenza iphaphe. Lezimbombozo zenu ezinde ngizazidabula. Ngoba lidanisile inhliziyo yolungileyo ng amanga, engingamdabukisanga mina. Ngakho kalisayikubona okuyize njalo kaliyikuvumisa okuvunyiswayo. Kwasekufika kimi abanye babadala bakoIsrayeli, bahlala phambi kwami. Ilizwi leN laselifika kimi lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, lamadoda amise izithombe zawo enhliziyweni yawo, abeka isikhubekiso sesiphambeko sawo phambi kobuso bawo? Ngakho khuluma lawo, uthi kuwo: Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Wonke umuntu wendlu kaIsrayeli omisa izithombe zakhe enhliziyweni yakhe, abeke isikhubekiso sesiphambeko sakhe phambi kobuso bakhe, abesesiza kumprofethi, mina ngizamphendula njengobunengi bezithombe zakhe; ukuze ngibambe indlu kaIsrayeli ngenhliziyo yabo. Ngakho tshono kuyo indlu kaIsrayeli: Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Phendukani, lifulathele izithombe zenu, lifulathelise ubuso benu kuzo zonke izinengiso zenu. Ngoba ngulowo lalowo wendlu kaIsrayeli, kumbe owezizweni ohlala koIsrayeli njengowezizwe ozehlukanisa ekungilandeleni, amise izithombe zakhe enhliziyweni yakhe. Ngizamisa ubuso bami ngimelane lalowomuntu. Futhi uba umprofethi ekhohliseka, nxa ekhulume ilizwi, mina N ngimkhohlisile lowomprofethi; njalo ngizakwelulela isandla sami phezu kwakhe, ngimbhubhise asuke phakathi kwabantu bami uIsrayeli. Njalo bazathwala icala labo; ukuze indlu kaIsrayeli ingabe isaphambuka ekungilandeleni. Ilizwi leN lafika kimi futhi lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, lapho ilizwe lisona kimi ngokuphambeka okukhulu, ngizakwelulela isandla sami phezu kwalo; lanxa lamadoda amathathu. Uba ngidabulisa izilo ezimbi elizweni, zenze lifelwe ngabantwana, lize libe lunxiwa, kuze kungabi khona odlulayo ngenxa yezilo, lobalamadoda amathathu abephakathi kwalo. Kumbe uba; loba lamadoda amathathu abephakathi kwalo. Kumbe ubangithumela umatshayabhuqe wesifo kulelolizwe; loba oNowa, uDaniyeli, loJobe bebephakathi kwalo. Ngoba itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Kakhulu kangakanani lapho ngithuma izahlulelo zami ezine ezimbi phezu kweJerusalema. Kodwa khangela, kuzasala kiyo abaphephileyo abazakhutshwa, amadodana lamadodakazi. Ngokunjalo bazaliduduza. Ilizwi leN laselifika kimi lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, isihlahla sevini siyini ngaphezu kwaso sonke isihlahla, kumbeugatsha oluphakathi kwezihlahla zegusu? Kuzathathwa kiso isigodo yini ukwenza umsebenzi? Bangathatha kiso isikhonkwane yini ukuthi balengise lasiphi isitsha kiso? Khangela yini? Khangela, lapho sisaphelele, asenziwanga sibe ngumsebenzi; kuncane kangakanani lapho umlilo ususiqedile sesitshile sisezakwenziwa sibe ngumsebenzi! Ngakho itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Njengesihlahla sevini phakathi kwezihlahla zegusu, engisinikele emlilweni sibe yikudla, ngokunjalo ngizanikela abahlali beJerusalema. Ngoba ngizamisa ubuso bami bumelane labo. Njalo ngizakwenza ilizwe libe lunxiwa, ngoba benze isiphambeko, itsho iNkosi uJehova. Ilizwi leN lafika kimi futhi lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, yenza iJerusalema yazi amanyala ayo, uthi: Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova kuyo iJerusalema: Ukudabuka kwakho lokuzalwa kwakho. Mayelana lokuzalwa kwakho, ngosuku owazalwa ngalo inkaba yakho kayiqunywanga, njalo kawugeziswanga emanzini ukuthi u hlanjululwe, kawugcotshwanga ngetshwayi ngitsho, kawugoqelwanga ngamalembu ngitsho. Kakulalihlo elakuhawukelayo, ukuthi lenze yiloba yikuphi kwalezizinto kuwe, ukuthi likuhawukele. Kwathi ngisedlula kuwe ngikubona uqhatsha egazini lakho, ngathi kuwe usegazini lakho. Ngikwenzile waba linani elikhulu, waba njengehlumela leganga, wanda, wakhula. Kwathi ngisedlula kuwe ngakubona, khangela-ke, isikhathi sakho sasiyisikhathi sothando; ngasengisendlala umphetho wesembatho sami phezu kwakho, ngembesa ubunqunu bakho; yebo, ngafunga kuwe, ngangena esivumelwaneni lawe, itsho iNkosi uJehova. Ngasengikugezisa ngamanzi, ngahlambulula igazi lakho elinengi kuwe, ngakugcoba ngamafutha. Ngakugqokisa ilembu elifekethisiweyo. Ngakucecisa ngeziceciso. Ngafaka isongo emakhaleni akho, lamacici ezindlebeni zakho. Ngokunjalo waceciswa ngegolide lesiliva. Lodumo lwakho lwaphumela ezizweni. Kodwa wathembela ebuhleni bakho, kwaba ngokwakhe. Wathatha ezembathweni zakho, wazenzela indawo eziphakemeyo; izinto ezinjekaziyikuza, njalo kakuyikwenzeka. Wathatha futhi izitsha zakho ezinhle egolideni lami lesiliveni sami engangikunike khona. Wathatha izembatho zakho ezifekethisiweyo. Lokudla kwami engakunika khona, wakubeka phambi kwazo kwaba liphunga elimnandi; kwaba njalo, itsho iNkosi uJehova. Wasuthatha amadodana akho lamadodakazi akho, owawungizalele wona, ukuze ubulale abantwana bami? Lakuwo wonke amanyala akho lokuwula kwakho kawukhumbulanga insuku zobutsha bakho. Kwasekusithi emva kwayo yonke inkohlakalo yakho (maye, maye kuwe! itsho iNkosi uJehova), wazakhela idundulu, wazenzela indawo ephakemeyo kuso sonke isitalada. Kuyo yonke inhloko yendlela wakhile indawo yakho ephakemeyo. Njalo waphinga. Ngakho, khangela, ngelulele isandla sami phezu kwakho, nganciphisa. Uwulile futhi. Wandisa futhi ukuwula kwakho; kodwa langalokhu kawusuthisekanga. Ibuthakathaka kangakanani inhliziyo yakho, itsho iNkosi uJehova, ekwenzeni kwakho zonke lezizinto, umsebenzi wowesifazana ophingayo, obusayo, ekwakheni kwakho idundulu lakho enhlokweni yayo yonke indlela. Umfazi ofebayo, endaweni yendoda yakhe uthatha abemzini! Bapha isipho kuwo wonke amawule. Kodwa wena unika isipho sakho kuzo zonke izithandwa zakho, uzithenga ukuze zize kuwe enhlangothini zonke ngokuwula kwakho. Ngakho kuwe kulokuphambene labesifazana ekuwuleni kwakho, ngoba kakho olandela wena ukuyawula; lekunikeni kwakho iholo lewule. Ngakho, wena wule, zwana ilizwi leN. Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Ngoba ukuwula kwakho kuthululiwe, lobunqunu bakho bembulwa ngokuwula kwakho lezithandwa zakho, langazo zonke izithombe zezinengiso zakho. Ngakho, khangela, ngizaqoqa zonke izithandwa zakho obuthokoza lazo. Njalo ngizakugweba, ngikuphe igazi lentukuthelo lobukhwele. Ngizakunikela futhi esandleni sazo, ziwisele phansi idundulu lakho. Zikwenyuselele ixuku. Zitshise izindlu zakho ngomlilo. Ngokunjalo ngizakwenza ukukuthukuthelela kwami kuphumule, lobukhwele bami busuke kuwe; njalo ngizathula, ngingabe ngisathukuthela. Ngenxa yokuthi ungakhumbulanga insuku zobutsha bakho. Khangela, wonke osebenzisa izaga uzasebenzisa isaga ngawe esithi: Njengonina injaloindodakazi yakhe. Wena uyindodakazi kanyoko, owayesenyanya indoda yakhe labantwana bakhe. Lodadewenu omdala yiSamariya. Kanti kawuhambanga ngezindlela zabo, wenze njengokwezinengiso zabo. Kuphila kwami, itsho iNkosi uJehova. Khangela, lesi sasiyisiphambeko seSodoma udadewenu: Ukuzigqaja, ukusutha isinkwa, lokuchelesa okulokuthula kwakukuyo lakumadodana ayo, kodwa kaqinisanga isandla sabayanga labaswelayo. Babeziphakamisa, benza isinengiso phambi kwami. Futhi iSamariya kayonanga ngengxenye yezono zakho. Lawe. Lapho ngizabuyisa abathunjiweyo babo, abathunjwa beSodoma lamadodakazi ayo, labathunjwa beSamariya lamadodakazi ayo, khona ngizabuyisaukuthunjwa kwabathunjwa bakho phakathi kwabo. Ukuze uthwale ihlazo lakho. Lapho odadewenu iSodoma lamadodakazi ayo bezabuyela esimeni sabo sakuqala, leSamariya lamadodakazi ayo babuyele esimeni sabo sakuqala, lawe lamadodakazi akho lizabuyela esimeni senu sakuqala. Ngoba iSodoma udadewenu kayibanga semlonyeni wakho njengombiko ngosuku lokuzigqaja kwakho, bungakembulwa ububi bakho, ngesikhathi sehlazo lamadodakazi eSiriya. Wena uthwele amacebo akho amabi lezinengiso zakho, itsho iN. Ngoba itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Ngizakwenza lakuwe njengokwenza kwakho, odelela. Kube kanti mina ngizakhumbula isivumelwano sami lawe. Khona uzakhumbula izindlela zakho. Njalo mina ngizamisa isivumelwano sami lawe. Ukuze ukhumbule, ube lenhloni. Ilizwi leN laselifika kimi lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, yenza ilibho, uthi: Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Ukhozi olukhulu, lwaqunta isihloko sezingatshana zawo ezintsha. Lwaseluthatha okwenhlanyelo yalelolizwe. Yasihluma, yaba livini elinabayo. Kwasekusiba khona olunye ukhozi olukhulu. Lalihlanyelwe ensimini enhle ngasemanzini amanengi ukuthi liveze ingatsha. Wothi: Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Lizaphumelela yini? Kaluyikusiphuna yini impande zalo, luqume izithelo zalo, libune? Lizabuna kuwo wonke amahlamvu alo amatsha okumila kwalo, kungengengalo enkulu labantu abanengi, ukulisiphuna ngempande zalo. Yebo, khangela, selihlanyelwe lizaphumelela yini. Laselifika ilizwi leN kimi lisithi: Tshono khathesi kuyo indlu evukelayo, yathatha inkosi yayo leziphathamandla zayo, yabaletha ngakuyo eBhabhiloni. Yathatha owenzalo yesikhosini, yenza isivumelwano laye; ukuze umbuso ube phansi, ungaziphakamisi, ukuthi ngokulondoloza isivumelwano sakhe ume. Kodwa wayivukela? Kuphila kwami, itsho iNkosi uJehova. Njalo, ukuquma abantu abanengi. Ngoba edelele isifungo. Ngakho, itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Kuphila kwami. Ngizakwendlala imbule lami phezu kwakhe. Labo bonke ababalekayo bakhe kanye lawo wonke amaviyo akhe bazakuwa ngenkemba. Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Lami ngizathatha esihlokweni somsedari omude, ngikumise. Entabeni yengqonga yakoIsrayeli ngizaluhlanyela. Ngokunjalo zonke izihlahla zeganga zizakwazi ukuthi mina ngithobisile isihlahla eside. Ilizwi leN lafika kimi futhi lisithi: Litshoni, ukuthi lisebenzise lesisaga ngelizwe lakoIsrayeli? Kuphila kwami, itsho iNkosi uJehova. Khangela, yonke imiphefumulo ngeyami; njengomphefumulo kayise, unjalo lomphefumulo wendodana, kungokwami. Umphefumulo owonayo, wona uzakufa. Kodwa uba umuntu elungile, enze ukwahlulela lokulunga, engadleli phezu kwezintaba, engacindezeli muntu, enganiki, ehamba ngezimiso zami, egcina izahlulelo zami, ukwenza iqiniso. Uba ezala indodana engumphangi, umchithi wegazi, lowenza okufanana lokunye kwalezizinto, longenzi zonke lezozinto, kodwa ngitsho edlela phezu kwezintaba, ecindezela umyanga loswelayo, enika ngenzuzo, athathe ngokwengezelelweyo, uzaphila yini? Kayikuphila; wenze zonke lezizinengiso; uzakufa lokufa. Khangela-ke, uzala indodana ebona zonke izono zikayise azenzileyo, ibona, ingenzi njengalezizinto, ingadleli phezu kwezintaba, ingacindezeli muntu, isuse isandla sayo kongumyanga. Uyise, ngoba ecindezele ngocindezelo. Kanti lithi: Kungani indodana ingathwali isiphambeko sikayise. Umphefumulo owonayo, wona uzakufa. Kodwa uba omubi ephenduka ezonweni zakhe zonke azenzileyo. Iziphambeko zakhe zonke azenzileyo kaziyikukhunjulelwa kuye; ekulungeni kwakhe akwenzileyo, uzaphila. Ngiyathokoza lokuthokoza ngokufa kokhohlakeleyo yini? itsho iNkosi uJehova; kakusikuthi aphenduke ezindleleni zakhe, aphile yini? Kodwa nxa olungileyo ephenduka ekulungeni kwakhe, esenza isiphambeko, enze njengokwezinengiso zonke azenzayo omubi, uzaphila yini. Kanti lithi: Indlela yeNkosi kayilingani. Zwanini-ke, lina ndlu kaIsrayeli; indlela yami kayilingani yini? Kayisizo yini izindlela zenu ezingalinganiyo? Lapho olungileyo ephenduka ekulungeni kwakhe, enze iziphambeko, afele kuzo, eziphambekweni azenzileyo uzakufa. Futhi nxa omubi ephenduka ebubini bakhe abenzileyo. Ngoba ebona, ephenduka kuzo zonke iziphambeko zakhe azenzileyo. Kanti indlu kaIsrayeli ithi: Indlela yeNkosi kayilingani. Wena ndlu kaIsrayeli, indlela zami kazilingani yini? Kayisizo yini indlela zenu ezingalinganiyo? Ngakho ngizalahlulela, lina ndlu kaIsrayeli, ngulowo lalowo njengokwendlela zakhe, itsho iNkosi uJehova. Lahlani lisuse kini zonke iziphambeko zenu eliphambeke ngazo? Ngoba kangithokozi ngokufa kofayo, itsho iNkosi uJehova. Wena-ke, phakamisa isililo ngezikhulu zakoIsrayeli, uthi: Uyini unyoko? Isilwanekazi; salala phakathi kwezilwane. Sakhulisa omunye wemidlwane yaso, waba libhongo. Izizwe zasezisizwa ngawo, wabanjwa. Kwathi sibona ukuthi sesilindile, lokuthiithemba laso selibhubhile. Wahamba waya le lale phakathi kwezilwane, waba libhongo. Wazazi inqaba zabo, wachitha imizi yabo. Izizwe zasezisima zimelene lawo inhlangothi zonke. Zawufaka ekhejini ngamaketane, zawusa enkosini yeBhabhiloni. Unyoko unjengevini. Lalilezinti eziqinileyo ezaba zintonga zababusayo. Kodwa lasitshunwa ngokuthukuthela, laphoselwa emhlabathini, lomoya wempumalanga womisa isithelo salo. Khathesi selihlanyelwe enkangala. Umlilo usuphume oluthini. Kwasekusithi ngomnyaka wesikhombisa, nge nyangayesihlanu, ngolwetshumi lwenyanga, abathile babadala bakoIsrayeli beza uku za buza iN KOSI. Ilizwi leN laselifika kimi lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, khuluma kubadala bakoIsrayeli, uthi kibo: Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Lize uku za ngibuza yini. Uzabahlulela yini, uza ba hlulela yini, ndodana yomuntu; uthi kibo: Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Ngosuku engakhetha ngalo uIsrayeli. Ngalolusuku ngaphakamisa isandla sami kibo. Ngasengisithi kibo: Lahlani ngulowo lalowo izinengiso. Kodwa bangivukela, bengavumi ukulalela kimi. Kodwa ngakwenza. Ngakho ngabakhupha elizweni leGibhithe. Ngabanika izimiso zami, ngabazisa izahlulelo zami. Ngabanika futhi amasabatha ami ukuze abe yisibonakaliso phakathi kwami labo. Kodwa indlu kaIsrayeli yangivukela enkangala. Kodwa ngakwenza ngenxa yebizo lami. Futhi lami ngabaphakamisela isandla sami enkangala, ukuthi kangiyikubaletha elizweni engangilinike bona; ngoba badelela izahlulelo zami. Lanxa kunjalo. Kodwa ngathi kubantwana babo enkangala. NgiyuNkulunkulu wenu; hambani ngezimiso zami, ligcine izahlulelo zami, lizenze. Lingcwelise. Kodwa abantwana. Kodwa ngabuyisa isandla sami, engangibakhuphe phambi kwamehlo azo. Mina ngabaphakamisela isandla sami futhi enkangala; ngoba bengazenzanga izahlulelo zami. Ngakho mina ngabanika futhi izimiso ezazingalunganga, lezahlulelo ababengeke baphile ngazo. Ngasengibangcolisa kuzo izipho zabo. Ngakho, ndodana yomuntu, khuluma kuyo indlu yakoIsrayeli, uthi kibo: Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Lakulokhu oyihlo bangihlambazile, ngokuthi baphambeke isiphambeko bemelene lami. Lapho sengibalethe elizweni, engaphakamisela isandla sami ngalo ukuthi ngibanike lona. Ngasengisithi kibo: Iyini indawo ephakemeyo eliya kuyo. Ngakho tshono kuyo indlu kaIsrayeli: Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Lizazingcolisa ngendlela yaboyihlo yini? Ngoba lapho linikela izipho zenu. Lalokho okuvela engqondweni yenu kakuyikuba khona ngitsho. Kuphila kwami, itsho iNkosi uJehova! Ngoba ngizalikhupha ebantwini. Njalo ngizaliletha enkangala yabantu. Njengalokhu. Njalo ngizalidlulisa ngaphansi kwentonga, ngilingenise kusibopho sesivumelwano. Ngihlanze ngikhuphe phakathi kwenu abavukeli. Lina-ke, ndlu kaIsrayeli, itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova, hambani likhonze, ngulowo lalowo izithombe zakhe. Ngoba entabeni yami engcwele. Ngizalemukela ngephunga elimnandi. Lizakwazi-ke ukuthi ngiyiN KOSI. Lapho-ke lizakhumbula. Beselisazi ukuthi ngiyiN KOSI. Ilizwi leN lafika kimi futhi lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, misa ubuso bakho ngasendleleni yeningizimu; uthi kilo igusu leningizimu: Zwana ilizwi leN: Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Khangela, ngizaphemba umlilo phakathi kwakho. Futhi yonke inyama izabona ukuthi mina N ngiwuphembile, kawuyikucitshwa. Ngasengisithi: Hawu, Nkosi Jehova? Ilizwi leN laselifika kimi lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, misa ubuso bakho ngaseJerusalema; uthi elizweni lakoIsrayeli: Itsho njalo iN: Khangela, ngimelene lawe, njalo ngizahwatsha inkemba yami esikhwameni sayo. Ngenxa yokuthi ngizaquma; ukuthi yonke inyama ikwazi ukuthi mina N ngiyihwatshile inkemba yami esikhwameni sayo. Wena-ke, ndodana yomuntu, bubula ngokudabuka kokhalo, langokubaba ububule phambi kwamehlo abo. Kuzakuthi-ke nxa besithi kuwe: Wena ububulelani? uzaphendula: Ngenxa yombiko; ngoba uyeza; layo yonke inhliziyo izancibilika. Ilizwi leN laselifika kimi lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, profetha uthi: Itsho njalo iN: Wothi: Inkemba. Ilolelwe ukuthi ibulale lokubulala. Njalo uyinikele ukuthi ilolongwe ukuze iphathwe ngesandla. Khala, uqhinqe isililo, ndodana yomuntu, ngoba yona izakuba phezu kwabantu bami, izakuba phezu kwazo zonke iziphathamandla zakoIsrayeli; zizaphoselwa enkembeni kanye labantu bami; ngakho, tshaya ethangazini lakho. Ngoba kuyikuhlolwa, pho, kuzakuba njani nxa intonga idelela. Ngakho wena, ndodana yomuntu, profetha, utshaye isandla esandleni. Ngimise umcijo wenkemba umelene lamasango abo wonke, ukuze inhliziyo incibilike lezikhubekiso zande. Hamba ngendlela enye kumbe ngenye, ngakwesokunene, umise ngakwesokhohlo. Lami-ke ngizatshaya isandla sami esandleni sami. Ilizwi leN lafika kimi futhi lisithi: Wena-ke, ndodana yomuntu, zimisele izindlela ezimbili, ukuze inkemba yenkosi yeBhabhiloni ibuye; elizweni linye zizaphuma zombili. Misa indlela, ukuze inkemba ize, lakoJuda eJerusalema ebiyelweyo. Ngoba inkosi yeBhabhiloni yema kunina wendlela, ibuze izithombe, ikhangele esibindini. Esandleni sakhe sokunene kwakulokuvumisa ngeJerusalema, ukumisa izinqama zokudiliza, ukuvula umlomo ekubulaleni. Njalo kuzakuba kubo njengokuvumisa kwamanga emehlweni abo, kubo abafunge izifungo. Ngakho itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Ngoba lenze ububi benu bukhunjulwe, ngokwembulwa kweziphambeko zenu, kuze kuthi izono zenu zibonakale kuzo zonke izenzo zenu, ngoba likhunjulwe, lizabanjwa ngesandla. Wena-ke, siphathamandla esingcolileyo, itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Susa iqhiye, wethule umqhele; lokhu kakuyikuba yikho. Ngizakwenza kube lunxiwa, unxiwa, unxiwa; lokhu kungabi kusaba khona. Wena-ke, ndodana yomuntu, profetha uthi: Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova ngabantwana bakoAmoni. Besakubonela okuyize. Buyisela inkembaesikhwameni sayo. Njalo ngizathululela intukuthelo yami phezu kwakho. Uzakuba yikudla komlilo; igazi lakho libe phakathi kwelizwe; kawuyikukhunjulwa. Ilizwi leN laselifika kimi lisithi: Wena-ke, ndodana yomuntu, uzakwehlulela yini. Ubususithi: Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Umuzi ochitha igazi phakathi kwawo. Wena usulecala. Abaseduze labakhatshana lawe bazakuhleka usulu, wena ongcolileyo ngebizo, ogcwele isiphithiphithi. Khangela, iziphathamandla zakoIsrayeli zaziphakathi kwakho. Baphathe uyihlo lonyoko ngokweyisa kuwe. Uzidelele izinto zami ezingcwele. Abantu abahlebayo. Bembule ubunqunu baboyise phakathi kwakho. Futhi omunye wenze amanyala lomfazi kamakhelwane wakhe. Phakathi kwakho bemukele izipho. Khangela-ke ngitshayile isandla sami. Inhliziyo yakho izakuma yini, kumbe izandla zakho ziqine, ensukwini engizaphathana lawe. Ngikuhlakaze phakathi kwezizwe. Njalo uzangcoliswa phakathi kwakho emehlweni abezizwe. Ilizwi leN laselifika kimi lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, indlu kaIsrayeli isibengamanyele kimi. Ngakho itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Ngoba lonke selibengamanyele, ngakho khangelani, ngizalibuthelela phakathi kweJerusalema. Njengobabebuthelela isiliva lethusi. Yebo, ngizalibuthelela, ngivuthele phezu kwenu. Njengesiliva sincibilikiswa phakathi kwesithando, ngokunjalo lizancibilikiswa phakathi kwaso. Ilizwi leN laselifika kimi lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, wothi kiyo: Wena uyilizwe elingahlanjululwanga, le linganethwanga ngosuku lwentukuthelo. Ugobe lwabaprofethi bayo phakathi kwayo, benza abafelokazi baba banengi phakathi kwayo. Abapristi bayo. Iziphathamandla zayo phakathi kwayo. Labaprofethi bayo babacombe ngekalaga. Abantu belizwe bacindezele ng ocindezelo, baphanga impango. Njalo ngadinga umuntu phakathi kwabo. Ngakho ngithululele intukuthelo yami phezu kwabo. Ilizwi leN lafika kimi futhi lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, kwakulabesifazana ababili, amadodakazi omfazi oyedwa. Basebesenza ubuwule. Lamabizo abo ayenguOhola omdala, loOholiba umnawakhe. UOhola wasesenza ubuwule engaphansi kwami, agqoke okuluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka, abalawulimabutho lababusi. Ngokunjalo wanika ubuwule bakhe kubo, bonke belikhethelo labantwana beAsiriya, lakubo bonke obakhanukayo; wazingcolisa ngazo zonke izithombe zabo. Futhi kabuyekelanga ubuwule bakhe abuya laboeGibhithe. Ngakho ngamnikela esandleni sezithandwa zakhe, esandleni sabantwana beAsiriya. Bona baveza ubunqunu bakhe. Kwathi umnawakhe uOholiba ekubona, lebuwuleni bakhe okwedlula ubuwule bukadadewabo. Wakhanuka. Ngasengibona ukuthi ungcolisiwe; bobabili babelendlelanye. Wasesengezelela ebuwuleni bakhe; lapho ebona abesilisa bebazwe ngokugujwa emdulini, bebhince ibhanti ezinkalweni zabo, belamaqhiye alengayo emakhanda abo, bonke bekhangeleka beyiziphathamandla, umfanekiso wabantwana beBhabhiloni, beKhaladiya, ilizwe lokuzalwa kwabo. Wasebakhanuka eku ba boneni ngamehlo akhe. Amadodana eBhabhiloni afika kuye embhedeni wothando, amngcolisa ngokuphinga kwawo, wasengcoliswa yiwo. Wasesembula ubuwule bakhe, wembula ubunqunu bakhe; khona umphefumulo wami wehlukaniswa laye, njengalokhu umphefumulo wami wehlukaniswa lodadewabo. Kodwa wandisa ubuwule bakhe. Wasekhanuka izithandwa zabo. Ngokunjalo wena wakhumbula amanyala obutsha bakho. Ngakho, wena Oholiba, itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Khangela, ngizavusa izithandwa zakho zimelane lawe, owehlukana lazo umphefumulo wakho; abantwana beBhabhiloni, lamaKhaladiya wonke, iPekodi, leShowa, leKowa, la bo bonke abantwana beAsiriya kanye labo. Njalo bazakuza bemelene lawe bele zikhali, izinqola, lamavili, langexuku labantu. Njalo ngizabeka ubukhwele bami bumelane lawe, bakuphathe ngolaka; bazasusa impumulo yakho lendlebe zakho, lensali yakho izakuwa ngenkemba; bona bazathatha amadodana lamadodakazi akho. Futhi bazakuhlubula izigqoko zakho. Ngokunjalo ngizaqeda amanyala akho kuwe. Ngoba itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Khangela, ngizakunikela esandleni salabo obazondayo. Njalo bazakuphatha ngenzondo, bathathe wonke umtshikatshika wakho. Lezizinto zizakwenziwa kuwe, ngoba ulandele abezizweni ngokuwula, la ngenxa yokuthi wangcoliswa ngezithombe zabo. Uhambile ngendlela kadadewenu; ngakho ngizanikela inkezo yakhe esandleni sakho. Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Uzanatha inkezo kadadewenu ezikileyo lebanzi; uzakuba yinhlekisa lokuklolodelwa; imumethe okunengi. Uzagcwala ukudakwa losizi. Yebo, uzayinatha. Ngakho itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Ngoba ungikhohliwe. yathi futhi kimi: Ndodana yomuntu, uzakwahlulela uOhola loOholiba yini. Ngoba bafebile, legazi lisezandleni zabo, njalo bafebile lezithombe zabo. Babuye benza lokhu kimi: Bangcolise indawo yami engcwele ngalolosuku. Ngoba sebebulalele izithombe zabo abantwana babo. Lalokho ukuthi bathumele kumadoda avela khatshana, okwathunywa kiwo isithunywa. Wahlala embhedeni okhazimulayo. Lelizwi lexuku elonwabileyo lalilaye. Ngasengisithi kowesifazana owayeguge ngokufeba: Khathesi bazakwenza ubuwule laye, yena-ke labo. Basebengena kuye, njengoba besiya kowesifazana oyisifebe; ngokunjalo bangena kuOhola lakuOholiba, abesifazana abalamanyala. Kodwa amadoda alungileyo wona azabagweba, ngokwe ndlela yezifebekazi la nge ndlela yabesifazana abachitha igazi. Ngoba itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Ngizabenyusela ixuku, ngibanikele babe yisesabiso njalo babe yimpango. Njalo ixuku lizabakhanda ngamatshe, libaqume ngezinkemba zalo. Ngokunjalo ngizakwenza amanyala aphele elizweni. Ngokunjalo bazabeka amanyala enu phezu kwenu, lithwale izono zezithombe zenu. Ilizwi leNKOSI laselifika kimi, ngomnyaka wesificamunwemunye, ngenyanga yetshumi, ngolwetshumi lwenyanga, lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, zibhalele ibizo losuku, lwalona lolusuku; inkosi yeBhabhiloni yazimisa ukumelana leJerusalema ngalona lolusuku. Njalo tshono umfanekiso, ubuthele iziqa zayo kiyo, zonke iziqa ezinhle. Thatha ikhethelo lomhlambi, ubuthelele lamathambo ngaphansi kwayo, kwenze kubile kuhle, kuphekwe lamathambo phakathi kwayo. Ngakho itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Maye kuwoumuzi wegazi. Ngoba igazi lawo liphakathi kwawo, ulibeke edwaleni elize. Ukuze ngivuse intukuthelo, ukuze ngiphindisele impindiselo, ngibekile igazi lawo edwaleni elize, ukuze lingagqitshelwa. Ngakho itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Maye kuwoumuzi wegazi. Yandisa izinkuni, uphembe umlilo, uqede inyama. Ubusuyibeka phezu kwamalahle ayo ingelalutho, ukuze kutshise. I zi dinisile ngomtshikatshika, lomengulo wayo omnengi kawuphumanga kuyo. Umengulo wayo usemlilweni. Kulamanyala ekungcoleni kwakho; ngoba ngikuhlambulule, kodwa kawuhlambulukanga, kawuyikuhlambuluka ekungcoleni kwakho futhi. Mina N ngikhulumile; kuzafika. Ilizwi leN lafika kimi futhi, lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, khangela, ngizasusa kuwe isiloyiso samehlo akho ngokutshaya. Bubula, uthule, ungenzi isililo ngabafileyo. Ngasengikhuluma labantu ekuseni, lakusihlwa umkami wafa. Ngasengisenza ekuseni njengokulaywa kwami. Abantu basebesithi kimi: Kawuyikusitshela yini ukuthi lezizinto ziyini kithi, ukuthi wenze nje? Ngasengisithi kubo: Ilizwi leN lafika kimi lisithi: Tshono kuyo indlu kaIsrayeli: Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Khangela, ngizangcolisa indawo yami engcwele. Khona lizakwenza njengoba ngenzile; kaliyikumbomboza indevu zendebe yangaphezulu. Lamaqhiye enu azakuba phezu kwamakhanda enu. Ngokunjalo uHezekeli uzakuba yisibonakaliso kini. Futhi, wena ndodana yomuntu, kakuyikuba njaloyini ngalolosuku lapho engizasusa kubo inqaba yabo, ngalolosuku kuzafika kuwe ophunyukileyo, ukwenza indlebe zakhozizwe? Ngalolosuku umlomo wakho uzavulekela yena ophunyukileyo. Ilizwi leN laselifika kimi, lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, misa ubuso bakho. Uthi kubantwana bakoAmoni: Zwanini ilizwi leNkosi uJehova: Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova, ngakho, khangela, ngizakunikela ebantwaneni basempumalanga. Njalo ngizakwenza iRaba. Ngoba itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Ngoba utshayile isandla; ngakho, khangela, ngizakwelulela isandla sami phezu kwakho. Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Ngoba oMowabi; ngakho khangela, ngizavula uhlangothi lukaMowabi kusukela emizini; njalo ngizayinikela emadodaneni empumalanga kube yilifa. Ngizakwenza izahlulelo laphakathi kukaMowabi; njalo bazakwazi ukuthi ngiyiN. Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Ngoba uEdoma enze ngokuphindisela; ngakho itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Lami ngizakwelula isandla sami phezu kukaEdoma. Njalo ngizabeka impindiselo yami phezu kukaEdoma ngesandla sabantu bami uIsrayeli. Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Ngoba amaFilisti enze ngempindiselo; ngakho itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Khangela, ngizakwelulela isandla sami phezu kwamaFilisti. Ngenze izimpindiselo ezinkulu phezu kwabo ngokukhuza kwentukuthelo. Kwasekusithi ngomnyaka wetshumi lanye, ngolokuqala lwenyanga, ilizwi leN lafika kimi, lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, ngenxa yokuthi iTire itshilo ngeJerusalema. Ngakho itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Khangela, ngimelane lawe, wena Tire, ngenze izizwe ezinengi zenyuke zimelane lawe. Njalo zizachitha imiduli yeTire, zibhidlizele phansi imiphotshongo yayo; ngiphale inhlabathi yayo kuyo, ngiyenze. Izakuba yindawo yokuchayela amambule. Lamadodakazi ayo asensimini azabulawa ngenkemba. Ngoba itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Khangela, ngizaletha phezu kweTire uNebhukadirezari inkosi yeBhabhiloni. Uzabulala ngenkemba amadodakazi akho ensimini. Uzamisa imigqala yokudiliza imelane lemiduli yakho, adilizele phansi imiphotshongo yakho ngezinkemba zakhe. Ngenxa yobunengi bamabhiza akhe uthuli lwawo luzakusibekela; imiduli yakho izanyikinywa ngumsindo wabagadi bamabhiza lamavili lezinqola, nxa ezangena emasangweni akho, njengokungena emzini ofohlelwayo. Ngamasondo amabhiza akhe uzanyathela zonke izitalada zakho; uzabulala abantu bakho ngenkemba, lensika zakho eziqinileyo ziwele emhlabathini. Njalo bazaphanga inotho yakho. Ngizakwenza kuphele umsindo wengoma zakho. Njalo ngizakwenza ube lidwala elize. Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova kuyo iTire: Izihlenge kaziyikunyikinyeka yini ngomdumo wokuwa kwakho? Khona zonke iziphathamandla zolwandle. Zizakuphakamisela isililo! Khathesi izihlenge zizathuthumela. Ngoba itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Lapho ngizakwenza ubengumuzi olunxiwa, njengemizi engahlalwayo; lapho ngizakwenyusa ukujula phezu kwakho, lamanzi amanengi akusibekele; khona ngizakwehlisela phansi lalabo abehlela emgodini. Ngizakwenza ube ngokwesabekayo okukhulu. Ilizwi leN laselifika kimi lisithi: Wena-ke, ndodana yomuntu, phakamisa isililo ngeTire, uthi kiyo iTire, ehlezi ngasekungeneni kolwandle. Imingcele yakho isenhliziyweni yezinlwandle; abakhi bakho baphelelise ubuhle bakho. Benzile wonke amapulanka akho nge zihlahla zefiri. Ng ama-okhi eBashani. Ilembu elicolekileyo kakhulu. Abakhileyo beSidoni leArvadi. Abadala beGebali. AmaPerisiya. Amadodana eArvadi lebutho lakho. ITarshishi. IJavani. Abendlu kaTogarima. Amadodana eDedani ayengabathengiselani bakho. ISiriya yayingumthengiselani wakho ngenxa yokwanda kwemisebenzi yakho. UJuda lelizwe lakoIsrayeli babengabathengiselani bakho, benana impahla yakho ngengqoloyi. IDamaseko yayingumthengiselani wakho ngobunengi bemisebenzi yakho, ngenxa yobunengi benotho yonke. Njalo iDani leJavani yayihamba isiya le lale yazinikela empahleni zakho kwakuyimpahla yakho yokuthengiselana. IDedani yayingumthengiselani wakho ngamalembu aligugu ezinqola. IArabhiya babengabathengiselani besandla sakho, ngamawundlu lezinqama lezimbuzi, ngalezi babethengiselana lawe. Abathengiselani beShebha, langamatshe wonke aligugu, legolide. IHarani leKane. Laba babengabathengiselani bakho ngezinto ezipheleleyo, ngezigqoko eziluhlaza okwesibhakabhaka, langamabhokisi omsedari elembu elifekethisiweyo, abotshwe aqiniswa ngezintambo, phakathi kokuthengiswayo kwakho. Imikhumbi. Abagwedli bakho bakusa emanzini amanengi. Inotho yakho. Ngelizwi lokukhala kwabatshayeli bakho bomkhumbi. Njalo bonke abaphatha. Bazwakalise ilizwi labo bemelene lawe, bazenze ompabanga ngokupheleleyo ngenxa yakho. Lekulileni kwabo bazaphakamisa isililo ngawe? Ekuphumeni kwezimpahla zakho zokuthengiselana ezinlwandle. Nge sikhathi okwephulwa ngaso ezinlwandle. Bonke abakhileyo bezihlenge. Abathengiselani phakathi kwabantu. Ilizwi leN laselifika kimi futhi lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, tshono kusiphathamandla seTire. Khangela, uhlakaniphile; kakulamfihlo abangayifihla kuwe. Ngenhlakanipho yakho langokuqedisisa kwakho. Ngobukhulu benhlakanipho yakho ekuthengiselaneni kwakho. Ngakho itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Ngoba usumise inhliziyo yakho njengenhliziyo kaNkulunkulu, ngakho, khangela, ngizaletha abezizwe phezu kwakho. Bazakwehlisela phansi egodini. Usezakutsho yini phambi kwabakubulalayo: NginguNkulunkulu. Uzakufa izimfa zongasokanga. Ilizwi leN lafika kimi futhi lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, phakamisa isililo. WawuseEdeni, isivande sikaNkulunkulu. Wena ulikherubhi eligcotshiweyo elisibekelayo, njalo ngikumisile. Wawuphelele ezindleleni zakho kusukela osukwini owadalwa ngalo kwaze kwatholakala ububi kuwe. Ngobunengi bokuthengiselana kwakho sebegcwalise ingaphakathi yakho ngodlakela, wasusona. Inhliziyo yakho yaziphakamisa. Ngobunengi beziphambeko zakho, ngobubi bokuthengiselana kwakho. Bonke abakwaziyo phakathi kwezizwe bazamangala kakhulu ngawe. Ilizwi leN lafika kimi futhi, lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, misa ubuso bakho, uthi: Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Khangela, ngimelene lawe, wena Sidoni. Ngoba ngizathumela umatshayabhuqe wesifo kiyo. Njalo kakusayikuba khona. Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Nxa sengibuthe indlu kaIsrayeli ivela ezizweni abahlakazwe kizo. Njalo bazahlala kilo belondolozekile. Ngomnyaka wetshumi, ng enyangayetshumi, ngolwetshumi lambili lwenyanga, ilizwi leN lafika kimi, lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, misa ubuso bakho. Khuluma uthi: Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Khangela, ngimelane lawe, Faro, nkosi yeGibhithe. Kodwa ngizafaka izingwegwe emihlathini yakho. Njalo ngizakutshiya enkangala, wena lazo zonke inhlanzi zemifula yakho. Labo bonke abahlali beGibhithe bazakwazi ukuthi ngiyiN KOSI. Lapho bekubamba ngesandla, wephula wadabula lonke ihlombe labo; lalapho beseyama kuwe. Ngakho itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Khangela, ngizaletha inkemba phezu kwakho. Lelizwe leGibhithe lizakuba yincithakalo lenkangala. Khona bezakwazi ukuthi ngiyiN KOSI. Ngakho, khangela, ngimelene lawe. Kakulanyawo lomuntu oluzadlula kilo, kakulanyawo lwenyamazana oluzadlula kilo; futhi kaliyikuhlalwa okwe minyaka engamatshumi amane. Ngoba ngizakwenza ilizwe leGibhithe libeyincithakalo phakathi kwamazwe wonke achithekileyo. Ngoba itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Ekupheleni kweminyaka engamatshumi amane ngizabutha amaGibhithe ebantwini abahlakazekele khona. Njalo ngizabuyisela abathunjwa beGibhithe. Lizakuba phansi kulayo imibuso, futhi kalisayikuziphakamisa phezu kwezizwe; ngoba ngizabanciphisa ukuze bangabuyi babuse phezu kwezizwe. Njalo kalisayikuba lithemba kuyo indlu kaIsrayeli. Kwasekusithi ngomnyaka wamatshumi amabili lesikhombisa, nge nyangayokuqala, ngolokuqala lwenyanga, ilizwi leN lafika kimi, lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, uNebhukadirezari inkosi yeBhabhiloni; kanti yena kalamvuzo, lebutho lakhe, ngenxa yeTire, ngenxa yenkonzo ayikhonza emelene layo. Ngakho itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Khangela, ngizanikela ilizwe leGibhithe kuNebhukadirezari inkosi yeBhabhiloni. Ngimnike ilizwe leGibhithe kubengumvuzo akhonza ngawo kulo, ngoba bangisebenzela, itsho iNkosi uJehova. Ngalolosuku ngizakwenza uphondo lwendlu kaIsrayeli lukhahlele. Ilizwi leN lafika kimi futhi, lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, profetha uthi: Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Qhinqani isililo: Maye ngalolosuku! Ngoba usuku luseduze. Lenkemba izafika eGibhithe. IEthiyophiya. Itsho njalo iN: Yebo, abasekela iGibhithe bazakuwa, lokuzigqaja kwamandla ayo kuzakwehla. Njalo bazachitheka phakathi kwamazwe achithekileyo. Khona bezakwazi ukuthi ngiyiN KOSI. Ngalolosuku izithunywa zizaphuma phambi kwami ngemikhumbi. Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Yebo, ngizaqeda ixuku leGibhithe ngesandla sikaNebhukadirezari inkosi yeBhabhiloni. Yena, labantu bakhe kanye laye, abesabekayo bezizwe, bazalethwa uku za chitha ilizwe. Njalo ngizakwenza. Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Ngizabhubhisa lezithombe. Ngenze iPatrosi ibe lunxiwa. Ngithulule ulaka lwami phezu kweSini, amandla eGibhithe; ngiqume ixuku. Ngibeke umlilo eGibhithe. Amajaha eAvene lePhibhesethi azakuwa ngenkemba, lale imiziizakuya ekuthunjweni. Njalo eThahaphanesi imini izakuba mnyama. Ngokunjalo ngizakwenza izahlulelo eGibhithe. Kwasekusithi ngomnyaka wetshumi lanye, nge nyangayokuqala, ngolwesikhombisa lwenyanga, ilizwi leN lafika kimi, lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, ngiyephule ingalo kaFaro inkosi yeGibhithe. Ngakho itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Khangela, ngimelene loFaro inkosi yeGibhithe. Ngihlakazele amaGibhithe phakathi kwezizwe, ngiwasabalalisele emazweni. Ngiqinise ingalo zenkosi yeBhabhiloni, ngibeke inkemba yami esandleni sayo. Kodwa ngizaqinisa ingalo zenkosi yeBhabhiloni, lengalo zikaFaro zizawela phansi. Njalo ngizahlakaza amaGibhithe phakathi kwezizwe, ngiwasabalalisele emazweni. Kwasekusithi ngomnyaka wetshumi lanye, nge nyangayesithathu, ngolokuqala lwenyanga, ilizwi leN lafika kimi, lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, tshono kuFaro inkosi yeGibhithe lexukwini lakhe? Khangela, iAsiriya. Amanzi awukhulisa, inziki yawuphakamisa, imifula yawo yageleza yazingelezela indawo ohlanyelwe kiyo, wakhuphela izifudlana zawo kuzo zonke izihlahla zeganga. Ngakho-ke ubude bawo baphakama bedlula zonke izihlahla zeganga. Lazo zonke izinyoni zamazulu zakha izidleke zazo. Ngokunjalo wawumuhle ebukhulwini bawo; ngoba impande yawo yayingasemanzini amanengi. Imisedari esivandeni sikaNkulunkulu yayingewufiphaze. Ngawenza waba muhle ngobunengi bezingatsha zawo. Ngakho itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Ngenxa yokuthi uziphakamisile ngobude; ngakho ngizawunikela esandleni solamandla wezizweni. Njalo abemzini. Zonke inyoni zamazulu zizahlala phezu kwencithakalo yawo. Ukuze kungabi khona kuzo zonke izihlahla ngasemanzini eziziphakamisayo ngenxa yobude bazo. Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Mhla usehlela engcwabeni ngenza isililo ibe mnyama ngenxa yawo, lezihlahla zonke zeganga zabuna ngenxa yawo. Ngenza izizwe zithuthumele ngomdumo wokuwa kwawo. Lazo zehlela esihogweni kanye lawo. Ufanana lobani ngokunjalo ngodumo langobukhulu. Kwasekusithi ngomnyaka wetshumi lambili, ngenyanga yetshumi lambili, ngolokuqala lwenyanga, ilizwi leN lafika kimi lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, phakamisa isililo ngoFaro inkosi yeGibhithe. Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Ngakho ngizakwendlala imbule lami phezu kwakho ngexuku labantu abanengi. Besengikutshiya emhlabathini. Ngizabeka inyama yakho phezu kwezintaba. Ngizathelela ilizwe ngokuntshaza kwegazi lakho kuze kube sezintabeni. Lalapho ngikucitsha ngizasibekela amazulu. Zonke izibane ezikhanyisayo emazulwini ngizazenza zibe mnyama phezu kwakho. Njalo ngizakhathaza inhliziyo zabantu abanengi, nxa ngizaletha incithakalo yakho phakathi kwezizwe emazweni ongawaziyo. Yebo, ngizakwenza abantu abanengi bamangale kakhulu ngawe. Ngoba itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Inkemba yenkosi yeBhabhiloni izakwehlela. Ngezinkemba zamaqhawe ngizakwenza ixuku lakho liwe. Njalo ngizabhubhisa zonke izinyamazana zayo ngasemanzini amanengi; lonyawo lomuntu. Besengisenza amanzi abo atshone, ngenze imifula yabo igeleze njengamafutha, itsho iNkosi uJehova. Mhla ngizakwenza ilizwe leGibhithe libeyincithakalo, lelizwe liphundlwe ukugcwala kwalo. Lesi yisililiselo. Kwasekusithi ngomnyaka wetshumi lambili, ngolwetshumi lanhlanu lwenyanga, ilizwi leN lafika kimi lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, khala ngenxa yexuku leGibhithe. Wedlula bani ngokuthandeka. Bazawela phakathi kwababulewe ngenkemba. Abalamandla bamaqhawe. IAsiriya ilapho lexuku layo lonke. Omangcwaba ayo enziwe emaceleni egodi. Ikhona lapho. Bayenzele umbheda phakathi kwababuleweyo. Kukhona lapho. Kodwa kabayikulala. Wena-ke uzakwephulwa phakathi kwabangasokanga. Kukhona lapho. Kukhona lapho. UFaro uzababona, aduduzeke. Ngoba ngibekile isethuso sami. Ilizwi leN lafika kimi futhi, lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, khuluma kubantwana babantu bakho, lapho ebona inkemba isiza phezu kwelizwe, avuthele uphondo, axwayise abantu, kuzakuthi loba ngubani ozwa umsindo wophondo. Uzwile ukukhala kophondo. Kodwa oxwayayo uzawophula umphefumulo wakhe. Kodwa nxa umlindi ebona inkemba isiza. Wena-ke, ndodana yomuntu. Uba ngisithi komubi: Mubi, uzakufa lokufa. Kodwa. Ngakho, wena ndodana yomuntu, tshono kuyo indlu kaIsrayeli: Likhuluma ngokunjalo lisithi: Ngoba iziphambeko zethu lezono zethu ziphezu kwethu, thina sicikizeke sikuzo? Tshono kibo: Kuphila kwami, itsho iNkosi uJehova? Wena-ke, ndodana yomuntu, tshono ebantwaneni babantu bakini. Lapho ngizakutsho kolungileyo ukuthiuzaphila isibili; uba yena ethembela ekulungeni kwakhe, enze isiphambeko, konke ukulunga kwakhe kakuyikukhunjulwa; kodwa ngenxa yobubi bakhe abenzileyo, uzabufela. Futhi uba ngisitsho kokhohlakeleyo, okhohlakeleyo ebuyisela isibambiso. Kakukho lasinye sezono zakhe azenzileyo esizakhunjulwa kuye. Kodwa. Nxa olungileyo ephenduka ekulungeni kwakhe, enze isiphambeko, uzakufa ngenxa yaso. Kodwa uba okhohlakeleyo ephenduka kunkohlakalo yakhe. Kanti lithi: Indlela yeNkosi kayilingani. Kwasekusithi ngomnyaka wetshumi lambili. Kwathi isandla seN saba phezu kwami kusihlwa, ophunyukileyo engakafiki, savula umlomo wami, waze wafika kimi ekuseni. Ilizwi leN laselifika kimi, lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, abahlali balawomanxiwa elizwe lakoIsrayeli. Ngakho tshono kibo: Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Lidla okulegazi? Lima phezu kwenkemba yenu, lenze isinengiso, lingcolise, ngulowo lalowo umfazi kamakhelwane wakhe; kambe lizakudla ilifa lelizwe yini? Tshono njalo kibo: Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Kuphila kwami. Ngoba ngizalenza ilizwe libelunxiwa lencithakalo. Khona bazakwazi ukuthi ngiyiN, lapho sengenze ilizwe labayinkangala lesesabiso ngenxa yawo wonke amanyala abo abawenzileyo. Wena-ke, ndodana yomuntu, abantwana babantu bakini basakhuluma ngawe ngasemidulini laseminyango yezindlu, njalo omunye ekhuluma komunye, ngulowo lalowo kumfowabo, besithi: Wozani, ngiyacela, sizwe ukuthi yilizwi bani eliphuma eNni. Njalo bayeza kuwe njengokuza kwabantu. Khangela-ke, kibo unjengengoma ethandekayo. Kodwa ekufikeni kwalokhu (khangela, kuzafika), khona bazakwazi ukuthi bekukhona umprofethi phakathi kwabo. Ilizwi leN laselifika kimi lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, profetha umelene labelusi bakoIsrayeli, profetha uthi kibo: Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova kubelusi: Maye kubelusi bakoIsrayeli? Lidla amanono, lizigqokise ngoboya. Ezibuthakathaka kaliziqinisanga. Ngokunjalo zahlakazeka, lapho zihlakazekile. Izimvu zami zazulazula kuzo zonke izintaba, laphezu kwalo lonke uqaqa oluphakemeyo; yebo umhlambi wami wawuhlakazeke phezu kobuso bonke bomhlaba. Ngakho, lina belusi, zwanini ilizwi leN. Kuphila kwami, itsho iNkosi uJehova; ngakho, lina belusi, zwanini ilizwi leN. Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Khangela, ngimelane labelusi, ngizabiza umhlambi wami esandleni sabo, ngibenze bayekele ukwelusa umhlambi. Ngoba itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Khangela, mina. Njengomalusi. Ngizazikhupha ebantwini, ngizibuthe emazweni, ngizise elizweni lazo. Ngizazelusa edlelweni elivundileyo. Mina ngizawelusa umhlambi wami. Ngizadinga ezilahlekileyo. Lina-ke, mhlambi wami, itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Khangela, ngizakwahlulela phakathi kwemvu lemvu. Kuyinto encane kini yini ukuthi lidle edlelweni elihle, linyathelele phansi ngenyawo zenu insali yamadlelo enu? Kodwa umhlambi wami udla lokhu elikunyathele ngenyawo zenu. Ngakho itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova kuzo: Khangelani, mina, ngitsho mina ngizakwahlulela phakathi kwezimvu ezinonileyo lezimvu ezicakileyo. Ngoba lisunduza ngomhlubulo langehlombe, lihlabe zonke ezigulayo ngezimpondo zenu, lize lizihlakazele ngaphandle; ngakho ngizasindisa umhlambi wami, njalo kawusayikuba yimpango. Ngimise umalusi oyedwa phezu kwazo. Mina-ke N ngizakuba nguNkulunkulu wazo. Njalo ngizakwenza lazo isivumelwano sokuthula. Futhi ngizakwenza zona lezindawo ezihanqe uqaqa lwami. Lesihlahla sasendle sizathela izithelo zaso. Njalo kazisayikuba yimpango yabezizwe. Njalo ngizazivusela isilimo esilebizo. Ngalokho zizakwazi ukuthi mina N, uNkulunkulu wazo, ngilazo. Lina-ke, mhlambi wami, mhlambi wedlelo lami. Ilizwi leN lafika kimi futhi lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, misa ubuso bakho, uthi kuyo: Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Khangela. Ngizakwenza imizi yakho ibelunxiwa, wena-ke ube yincithakalo. Ngoba waba lenzondo engapheliyo; ngakho, kuphila kwami, itsho iNkosi uJehova, isibili ngizakulungiselela igazi, legazi lizakuzingela. Njalo ngizakwenza intaba yeSeyiri ibe yincithakalo lonxiwa. Ngigcwalise intaba zayo ngababuleweyo bayo. Ngizakwenza. Ngoba uthi: Lezizizwe ezimbili lala amazwe amabili kuzakuba ngokwami, sidle ilifa lakho; ngakho, kuphila kwami, itsho iNkosi uJehova. Khona uzakwazi ukuthi mina N KOSI. Ngokunjalo lizikhulisile limelene lami ngomlomo wenu, landisa amazwi enu limelene lami; mina ngizwile. Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Njengokwentokozo yelizwe lonke, ngizakwenza ube yincithakalo. Njengoba lathokoza ngelifa lendlu kaIsrayeli. Wena-ke ndodana yomuntu, profetha kuzo izintaba zakoIsrayeli. Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Ngoba isitha sitshilo simelene lani; ngakho profetha uthi: Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Ngoba, yebo, ngoba bakwenze incithakalo, baliginya inhlangothi zonke; ngakho, lina zintaba zakoIsrayeli. Ngakho itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Isibili ngomlilo. Ngakho profetha ngelizwe lakoIsrayeli, uthi ezintabeni. Ngakho itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Mina ngiphakamisile isandla sami. Kodwa lina, zintaba zakoIsrayeli. Ngoba, khangelani, ngilani, ngiphendukele ngakini, njalo lizalinywa lihlanyelwe. Njalo ngizakwandisa abantu phezu kwenu, yonke indlu kaIsrayeli, yona yonke. Njalo ngizakwandisa phezu kwenu. Yebo ngizakwenza abantu bahambe phezu kwenu, abantu bami uIsrayeli; badle ilifa lakho, wena ube yilifa labo. Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Ngoba bathi kini: Wena ungumudli wabantu. Ngakho kawusayikudla abantu, kawusayikukhubekisa izizwe zakho, itsho iNkosi uJehova. Njalo kangisayikuzwakalisa kuwe ihlazo lezizwe, kawusayikuthwala inhloni zabantu, kawusayikukhubekisa izizwe, itsho iNkosi uJehova. Ilizwi leN lafika kimi futhi lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, abendlu kaIsrayeli besahlala elizweni lakibo, balingcolisa. Ngakho ngathululela ulaka lwami phezu kwabo ngenxa yegazi ababelichithe elizweni, langenxa yezithombe zabo a babelingcolise ngazo. Ngasengibahlakaza phakathi kwezizwe. Lapho befika kwabezizwe, lapho abaya khona, bangcolisa ibizo lami elingcwele, lapho kwathiwa ngabo: Laba ngabantu beN, baphume elizweni layo. Kodwa ngalihawukela ibizo lami elingcwele, indlu kaIsrayeli eyayilingcolise phakathi kwezizwe, lapho abaya khona. Ngakho tshono kuyo indlu kaIsrayeli: Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Kangikwenzi ngenxa yenu, lina ndlu kaIsrayeli. Njalo ngizangcwelisa ibizo lami elikhulu, elingcoliswe phakathi kwezizwe, elilingcolisileyo phakathi kwazo. Ngoba ngizalithatha ezizweni, ngilibuthe emazweni wonke. Khona ngizafafaza. Ngilinike inhliziyo entsha. Ngifake uMoya wami phakathi kwenu. Lizahlala-ke elizweni engalinika oyihlo. Njalo ngizalisindisa. Ngandise isithelo sesihlahla, lesivuno sensimu, ukuze lingaphindi lemukele ihlazo lendlala phakathi kwezizwe. Khona lizakhumbula izindlela zenu ezimbi lezenzo zenu ezingalunganga. Kangi kw enzi ngenxa yenu, itsho iNkosi uJehova; kakwaziwe kini. Banini lenhloni libe lehlazo ngenxa yezindlela zenu, lina ndlu kaIsrayeli. Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Mhla ngilihlambulula kubo bonke ububi benu. Lelizwe elichithekileyo lizalinywa, endaweni yokuthi beliyinkangala emehlweni abo bonke abadlulayo. Njalo bazakuthi: Lelilizwe ebeselichithekile selinjengesivande seEdeni; lemizi eyinkangala lengamanxiwa lediliziweyo isibiyelwe yahlalwa. Khona izizwe ezisele zilizingelezele zizakwazi ukuthi mina iN KOSI. Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Langalokhu ngizacelwa yindlu kaIsrayeli, ukuthi ngiyenzele khona. Njengomhlambi ongcwele. Isandla seN sasiphezu kwami. Yangidlulisa kuwo ngibhoda inhlangothi zonke; khangela-ke, ayemanengi kakhulu ebusweni besihotsha, njalo khangela, ayomile kakhulu. Yasisithi kimi: Ndodana yomuntu, amathambo la angaphila yini. Yasisithi kimi: Profetha phezu kwalamathambo, uthi kiwo: Lina mathambo omileyo, zwanini ilizwi leN. Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova kula amathambo: Khangelani, ngizakwenza. Ngibeke imisipha phezu kwenu, ngivuselele inyama phezu kwenu. Ngasengiprofetha njengokulaywa kwami; kwasekusiba lomsindo ngisaprofetha, khangela-ke ukunyikinyeka, amathambo asesondelel an a, ithambo kuthambo lalo. Ngasengibona, khangela-ke, kwakulemisipha phezu kwawo. Yasisithi kimi: Profetha emoyeni, profetha ndodana yomuntu, uthi emoyeni: Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Woza uvela emimoyeni emine, wena moya. Ngasengiprofetha njengalokho yayingilayile. Yasisithi kimi: Ndodana yomuntu, la amathambo ayindlu yonke kaIsrayeli. Khangela, bathi: Amathambo ethu omile. Ngakho profetha uthi kibo: Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Khangelani, ngizavula amangcwaba enu, ngilikhuphule emangcwabeni enu. Khona lizakwazi ukuthi ngiyiN, lapho ngivula amangcwaba enu, ngilikhuphule emangcwabeni enu, lina bantu bami. Besengifaka umoya wami kini. Ilizwi leN lafika kimi futhi lisithi: Wena-ke ndodana yomuntu, zithathele intonga eyodwa, ubhale phezu kwayo, layo yonke indlu kaIsrayeli abangane bakhe. Ubusuzisondeza, enye kwenye kuwe, zibe yintonga eyodwa. Lalapho abantwana babantu bakini bekhuluma kuwe? Tshono kibo: Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Khangela, ngizathatha intonga kaJosefa, esesandleni sikaEfrayimi, lezizwe zakoIsrayeli abangane bakhe. Njalo izintonga obhale kizo zizakuba sesandleni sakho phambi kwamehlo abo. Ubususithi kibo: Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Khangelani, ngizathatha abantwana bakoIsrayeli phakathi kwezizwe; ngibenze babe yisizwe esisodwa elizweni. Kabasayikuzingcolisa ngezithombe zabo, langamanyala abo. Njalo inceku yami uDavida. Bahlale elizweni engalinika inceku yami uJakobe, ababehlala kulo oyihlo, yebo, bazahlala kulo, bona, labantwana babo, labantwana babantwana babo. Futhi ngizakwenza isivumelwano sokuthula labo. Ithabhanekele lami lalo lizakuba kibo. Lezizwe zizakwazi. Ilizwi leN laselifika kimi lisithi: Ndodana yomuntu, uthi: Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Khangela. Njalo ngizakuphendula. IPerisiya. IGomeri. Lunga. Emva kwensuku ezinengi. Khona uzakwenyuka, uze njengesiphepho. Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Kuzakuthi-ke ngalolosuku kuvele izinto enhliziyweni yakho, unakane icebo elibi, uthi: Ngizakwenyukela elizweni lemizi engabiyelwanga, ukuphanga impango, lokubamba okubanjiweyo. IShebha? Ngakho, profetha, ndodana yomuntu, uthi kuGogi: Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Ngalolosuku, mhla abantu bami uIsrayeli? Khona uzakuza uvele endaweni yakho, ezinhlangothini zenyakatho. Njalo uzakwenyuka umelane labantu bami uIsrayeli, njengeyezi elisibekela umhlaba. Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Unguwe yini engakhuluma ngaye ensukwini zasendulo ngesandla sezinceku zami abaprofethi bakoIsrayeli, abaprofetha ngalezonsuku okweminyaka eminengiukuthi ngizakuletha umelane labo? Kuzakuthi-ke ngalolosuku mhla uGogi ezakuza ukumelana lelizwe lakoIsrayeli, itsho iNkosi uJehova, ulaka lwami luvuke ebusweni bami. Ngoba ebukhweleni bami. Ukuze kuthuthumele ebukhoneni bami izinhlanzi zolwandle. Njalo ngizabiza. Futhi ngizamehlulela. Ngalokho ngizazikhulisa ngizingcwelise. Wena-ke ndodana yomuntu. Ngizakutshibilikisa. Besengitshaya idandili lakho lisuke esandleni sakho sokhohlo, ngenze imitshoko yakho iwe esandleni sakho sokunene. Uzawela. Uzawela ebusweni bomhlaba, ngoba mina ngikhulumile, itsho iNkosi uJehova. Njalo ngizathumela umlilo. Njalo ngizakwenza ukuthi ibizo lami elingcwele laziwe phakathi kwabantu bami uIsrayeli. Khangelani. Labahlali bemizi yakoIsrayeli bazaphuma, batshise; ukuze bangathezi izinkuni egangeni, bangagamuli emaguswini; ngoba bazaphemba umlilo ngezikhali. Kuzakuthi-ke ngalolosuku, ngiphe uGogi lapho indawo yengcwaba koIsrayeli, isihotsha sabadluli empumalanga kolwandle, esizavimbela abadluli. Lalapho bazangcwaba uGogi lexuku lakhe lonke; basibize ngokuthiyisiHotsha sexuku likaGogi. Njalo indlu yakoIsrayeli izabangcwaba, ukuze bahlambulule ilizwe, okwe nyanga eziyisikhombisa. Yebo bonke abantu belizwe baza ba ngcwaba, kube libizo kubo ngo suku engizadunyiswa ngalo, itsho iNkosi uJehova. Njalo bazakwehlukanisa amadoda ahlezi edabula phakathi kwelizwe ukuyangcwaba, labedlulayo, labo abaseleyo ebusweni belizwe. Labedlulayo bazadlula phakathi kwelizwe, lapho be bona ithambo lomuntu. Futhi lebizo lomuzi lizakuba yiHamona. Ngokunjalo bazahlambulula ilizwe. Wena-ke, ndodana yomuntu, itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Tshono, ukuze lidle inyama linathe igazi. Lizakudla inyama yamaqhawe, linathe igazi leziphathamandla zomhlaba. Njalo lizakudla amafutha lize lisuthe, linathe igazi lize lidakwe. Ngokunjalo lizasutha etafuleni lami ngamabhiza lezinqola, langawo wonke amadoda empi, itsho iNkosi uJehova. Njalo ngizamisa inkazimulo yami phakathi kwezizwe. Ngokunjalo abendlu kaIsrayeli bazakwazi ukuthi ngiyuNkulunkulu wabo. Lezizwe zizakwazi ukuthi abendlu kaIsrayeli bathunjwa ngenxa yobubi bayo; ngenxa yokuthi baphambuka bemelene lami ngakho ngafihla ubuso bami kibo. Ngabaphatha njengokokungcola kwabo lanjengokweziphambeko zabo. Ngakho itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Khathesi ngizabuyisa abathunjwa bakaJakobe. Sebethwele ihlazo labo, laso sonke isiphambeko sabo abaphambeke ngaso bemelene lami. Sengibabuyisile bevela ebantwini, ngabaqoqa bevela emazweni ezitha zabo. Khona bazakwazi ukuthi ngiyiNkosi uNkulunkulu wabo, engenza ukuthi bakhokhelelwe ekuthunjweni phakathi kwezizwe. Njalo kangisayikufihla ubuso bami kibo. Ngomnyaka wamatshumi amabili lanhlanu wokuthunjwa kwethu, wangiletha lapho. Ngemibono kaNkulunkulu; njalo eceleni kwayo kwakulokunjengesakhiwo somuzi ngaseningizimu. Wasengiletha khona, khangela-ke, kwakulomuntu; wema-ke esangweni. Lowomuntu wasesithi kimi: Ndodana yomuntu. Khangela-ke, kwakulomduli ngaphandle kwendlu ozingelezeleyo inhlangothi zonke. Wasesiza esangweni elikhangele indlela yempumalanga, ububanzi baba ngumhlanga owodwa. Njalo yi lelo lalelo kamelo. Walinganisa lekhulusi lesango ngaphakathi, laba ngumhlanga owodwa. Waselinganisa ikhulusi lesango, laba yizingalo eziyisificaminwembili; lemigubazi yawo. Lamakamelo esango ngendlela yempumalanga; lemigubazi yayilesilinganiso sinye ngapha langapha. Waselinganisa ububanzi bentuba yesango, baba yizingalo ezilitshumi; ubude besango, baba yizingalo ezilitshumi lantathu. Lomkhawulo. Waselinganisa isango kusukela ephahleni lwelinye ikamelo kusiya ephahleni lwelinye; ububanzi babuzingalo ezingamatshumi amabili lanhlanu, umnyango phambi komnyango. Wenza futhi imigubazi, ngitsho kuze kube semgubazini weguma inhlangothi zonke zesango zizingelezele. Njalo kusukela ebusweni besango lokungena kuze kube sebusweni bekhulusi lesango elingaphakathi kwaba zingalo ezingamatshumi amahlanu. Futhi kwakulamawindi avaliweyo emakamelweni. Wasengingenisa egumeni elingaphandle. Lendawo egandelweyo; kwakuyindawo egandelweyo engaphansi. Waselinganisa ububanzi, kusukela ngaphambi kwesango elingaphansi kusiya ngaphambi kweguma elingaphakathi ngaphandle, kwaba yizingalo ezilikhulu, ngasempumalanga langasenyakatho. Lesango elikhangele indlela yenyakatho, kulo iguma elingaphandle, walinganisa ubude balo lobubanzi balo. Lamakamelo. Lamawindi. Lesango leguma elingaphakathi lalimaqondana lesango elingasenyakatho, kwaba zingalo ezilikhulu. Emva kwalokho wangiletha ngendlela yeningizimu, khangela-ke, kwakukhona isango ngase ndlel eniyeningizimu; waselinganisa imigubazi yalo. Kwakukhona amawindi. Kwakukhona izinyathelo eziyisikhombisa. Kwakukhona isango egumeni elingaphakathi ngendlela yeningizimu. Wasengiletha egumeni elingaphakathi ngesango leningizimu. Lamakamelo. Kwakulamakhulusi azingelezeleyo inhlangothi zonke. Lamakhulusi eziyisificaminwembili. Wasengiletha egumeni elingaphakathi ngasendleleni yempumalanga. Lamakamelo alo. Lamakhulusi. Wasengisa esangweni elingenyakatho, walinganisa njengezilinganiso lezi. Amakamelo alo. Lemigubazi yalo. Njalo amakamelo. Lekhulusini lesango kwakukhona amatafula amabili ngapha, lamatafula amabili ngapha, ukuhlabela phezu kwawo umnikelo wokutshiswa. Laseceleni ngaphandle ekwenyukeleni kuso isivalo sesango lenyakatho kwakulamatafula amabili, laseceleni elinye elingasekhulusini lesango kwakulamatafula amabili. Amatafula amane ngapha, lamatafula amane ngapha, ngaseceleni kwesango; amatafula ayisificaminwembili, ababehlabela phezu kwawo. Lamatafula amane omnikelo wokutshiswa lomhlatshelo. Kwakulezingwegwe sinye, zimisiwe ngaphakathi inhlangothi zonke ezizingelezeleyo; laphezu kwamatafula kwakulenyama yomnikelo. Langaphandle kwesango elingaphakathi kwakulamakamelo, elaliseceleni kwesango elisenyakatho, lokukhangela kwalo kusendleleni yeningizimu; elilodwa liseceleni kwesango eliseningizimu, likhangele ngasendleleni yenyakatho. Wasesithi kimi: Lelikamelo. Lekamelo okukhangela kwalo kusendleleni yenyakatho lingelabapristi. Waselinganisa iguma; ubude baba zingalo ezilikhulu. Wasengiletha ekhulusini lendlu, izingalo ezinhlanu ngapha lezingalo ezinhlanu ngapha, lobubanzi besango, izingalo ezintathu ngapha, lezingalo ezintathu ngapha. Ubude bekhulusi babuzingalo ezingamatshumi amabili, lobubanzi buzingalo ezilitshumi lanye, enye ngapha, lenye ngapha. Wasengingenisa ethempelini. Lobubanzi bomnyango babuzingalo ezilitshumi. Wasengena ngaphakathi, ingalo ezimbili; lomnyango, ingalo eziyisithupha; lobubanzi bomnyango, ingalo eziyisikhombisa. Waselinganisa ubude bayo, ingalo ezingamatshumi amabili. Waselinganisa umduli wendlu, izingalo eziyisithupha; lobubanzi b ama kamelo aseceleni, izingalo ezine, inhlangothi zonke ezizingelezele indlu inhlangothi zonke. Njalo amakamelo aseceleni. Kwaba khona ukuqhela. Ngabona futhi ukuphakama kwendlu inhlangothi zonke ezizingelezeleyo; izisekelo zamakamelo aseceleni. Ubuqatha bomduli, owawungowekamelo eliseceleni ngaphandle ayengakuyo indlu. Laphakathi kwamakamelo kwakulobubanzi. Lezivalo zamakamelo aseceleni babuzingalo ezinhlanu inhlangothi zonke ezizingelezeleyo. Mayelana lesakhiwo esasiphambi, ububanzi babuyizingalo ezingamatshumi ayisikhombisa; lomduli wesakhiwo wawuzingalo ezinhlanu ngobuqatha inhlangothi zonke ezizingelezeleyo, lobude bawo babuzingalo ezingamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye. Waselinganisa indlu, ubude babuyizingalo ezilikhulu; lendawo eyehlukanisiweyo; lobubanzi bobuso bendlu, lobendawo eyehlukanisiweyo ngasempumalanga. Waselinganisa ubude besakhiwo maqondana, lethempeli elingaphakathi, lamakhulusi eguma. Imibundu, kwembeswe ngamapulanka azingelezeleyo inhlangothi zonke, kusukela emhlabathini kusiya emawindini; amawindi-ke ayesibekelwe; kuze kube phezu komnyango, kuze kube sendlini engaphakathi lengaphandle, lakuwo wonke umduli inhlangothi zonke uzingelezele ngaphakathi langaphandle, nge zilinganiso. Njalo kwakwenziwe ng amakherubhi. Kuze kuthi ubuso bomuntu babukhangelene lesihlahla selala ngapha, lobuso bebhongo lesilwane bukhangelene lesihlahla selala ngapha. Kwakwenziwe endlini yonke inhlangothi zonke ezizingelezeleyo. Kusukela emhlabathini kuze kube phezu komnyango kwakwenziwe amakherubhi. Imigubazi yethempeli, isimo sobunyesasinjengesimo sobunye. Ilathi lesigodo. Kwakulezivalo ezimbili kulo ithempeli. Njalo izivalo zazilempiko ezimbili; ezimbili ezesivalo esinye, lempiko ezimbili ezesinye. Njalo kwenziwa kuzo, kuzo izivalo zethempeli. Kwakukhona amawindi avaliweyo. Wasengikhuphela egumeni elingaphandle. Phambi kobude bezingalo ezilikhulu kwakulomnyango wenyakatho. Maqondana le zingaloezingamatshumi amabili ezazingezeguma langaphakathi. Laphambi kwamakamelo. Amakamelo angaphezulu-ke ayemafitshane lakulakwaphakathi kwesakhiwo. Ngoba aye leziteziezintathu, kodwa zazingelazinsika njengezinsika zamaguma; ngakho-ke isakhiwo sasinciphile. Lomduli owawungaphandle. Ngoba ubude bamakamelo ayesegumeni elingaphandle babuzingalo ezingamatshumi amahlanu; khangela-ke, ngaphambi kwethempeli kwakuzingalo ezilikhulu. Langaphansi kwalamakamelo kwakulokungena ngasempumalanga, lapho umuntuengena kuwo evela egumeni elingaphandle. Amakamelo ayesebubanzini bomduli weguma. Lendlela phambi kwawo. Lanjengokweminyango yamakamelo ayesendlel eniyeningizimu kwakulomnyango esihlokweni sendlela. Wasesithi kimi: Amakamelo enyakatho l amakamelo eningizimu, ngoba indawo ingcwele. Lapho abapristi bengena, kabayikuphuma endaweni engcwele baye egumeni elingaphandle, kodwa bazabeka lapho izembatho zabo abakhonza ngazo. Eseqedile izilinganiso zendlu engaphakathi, wangikhupha nge ndlela yesango elikhangele indlela yempumalanga, wayilinganisa inhlangothi zonke ezizingelezeleyo. Walinganisa uhlangothi lwempumalanga ngomhlanga wokulinganisa, imihlanga engamakhulu amahlanu, ngomhlanga wokulinganisa inhlangothi zonke. Walinganisa uhlangothi lwenyakatho, imihlanga engamakhulu amahlanu, ngomhlanga wokulinganisa inhlangothi zonke. Walinganisa uhlangothi olungeningizimu, imihlanga engamakhulu amahlanu, ngomhlanga wokulinganisa. Wasephendukela kuhlangothi lwentshonalanga, walinganisa imihlanga engamakhulu amahlanu ngomhlanga wokulinganisa. Wayilinganisa ezinhlangothini zozine. Yayilomduli inhlangothi zonke uzingelezele. Wasengiyisa esangweni, isango elikhangele indlela yempumalanga. Khangela-ke, inkazimulo kaNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli. Futhi kwakunjengesimo sombono engangiwubonile. Inkazimulo yeN KOSI. UMoya wasengiphakamisa. Ngasengimuzwa ekhuluma lami engasendlini; futhi umuntu wayemi eceleni kwami. Wasesithi kimi: Ndodana yomuntu, leyindawo yesihlalo sami sobukhosi, ekumiseni kwabo umbundu wabo ngamanyala abo abawenzileyo, ngakho ngibaqedile olakeni lwami. Khathesi kabadedisele ubufebe babo. Wena, ndodana yomuntu, tshengisa indlu yakoIsrayeli le indlu. Uba-ke belenhloni ngakho konke abakwenzileyo, bazise isimo sendlu. Lo ngumlayo wendlu: Phezu kwengqonga yentaba. Khangela, lo ngumlayo wendlu. Futhi lezi yizilinganiso zelathi ngezingalo. Njalo le izakuba ngumhlane welathi. Njalo kusukela kusisekelo emhlabathini kuze kube semngceleni ophansi kube zingalo ezimbili, lobubanzi bube yingalo eyodwa; futhi kusukela emngceleni omncane kusiya emngceleni omkhulu kube zingalo ezine, lobubanzi bube yingalo. Njalo iziko lelathi libe zingalo ezine, njalo kusukela eziko lelathi kusiya phezulu kube lezimpondo ezine. Njalo iziko lelathi libe yizingalo ezilitshumi lambili ngo bude, ezilitshumi lambili ngo bubanzi, kulingana inhlangothi zozine. Umngcele. Wasesithi kimi: Ndodana yomuntu, itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Lezi yizimiso zelathi. Njalo uzanika kubapristi amaLevi. Uthathe okwegazi layo. Futhi uzathatha ijongosi lomnikelo wesono. Langosuku lwesibili uzasondeza izinyane lembuzi elingelasici libe ngumnikelo wesono; njalo bazahlambulula ilathi njengoba babe li hlambulule ngejongosi. Nxa usuqedile ukuhlambulula, uzasondeza ijongosi ithole lenkomo elingelasici, lenqama engelasici evela emhlanjini. Ukusondeze phambi kweN; njalo abapristi bazathela itshwayi phezu kwakho, bakunikele kube ngumnikelo wokutshiswa eNni. Insuku eziyisikhombisa uzalungisa insuku zonke imbuzi yomnikelo wesono; futhi bazalungisa ijongosi ithole lenkomo, lenqama evela emhlanjini, kungelasici. Insuku eziyisikhombisa bazakwenzela ilathi inhlawulo yokuthula, balihlambulule, balehlukanise. Nxa seziphelile lezonsuku, itsho iNkosi uJehova. Wasengibuyisela nge ndlela, elalivalekile. yasisithi kimi: Lelisango lizahlala livaliwe, kaliyikuvulwa, kakulamuntu ozangena ngalo; ngoba iN, uNkulunkulu kaIsrayeli, ingene ngalo, ngakho lizakuba livalekile. Libengelesiphathamandla; isiphathamandla. Wasengiletha nge ndlela yesango lenyakatho ngaphambi kwendlu. yasisithi kimi: Ndodana yomuntu, beka inhliziyo yakho, ubone ngamehlo akho. Njalo uzakuthi kibo abavukelayo, lina ndlu kaIsrayeli. Ngoba lingenisile abezizwe, futhi bephulile isivumelwano sami ngamanyala enu wonke. Njalo kaligcinanga umlindo wezinto zami ezingcwele; kodwa lizimisele abagcini bomlindo wami endaweni yami engcwele. Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Kakula muntuwezizwe, kumbe ongasokanga enyameni, ozangena endaweni yami engcwele, kuye wonke owezizwe ophakathi kwabantwana bakoIsrayeli. Kodwa amaLevi asuka aya khatshana lami. Kube kanti azakuba yizikhonzi. Ngenxa yokuthi bebakhonze phambi kwezithombe zabo, baba yisikhubekiso sesiphambeko kuyo indlu yakoIsrayeli, ngalokho ngiphakamise isandla sami ngimelene labo. Njalo kabayikusondela kimi, lamanyala abo abawenzileyo. Kodwa ngizabenza abagcini bomlindo wendlu. Kodwa abapristi abangamaLevi, itsho iNkosi uJehova. Bona bazangena endaweni yami engcwele, bona basondele etafuleni lami. Kuzakuthi-ke lapho bengena emasangweni eguma elingaphakathi, kodwa uboya bezimvu kabuyikuza phezu kwabo, besakhonza emasangweni eguma elingaphakathi, langaphakathi. Kuzakuba lamaqhiye babe enkalweni zabo, bangabhinci ngokuginqisayo. Lalapho bephumela egumeni elingaphandle, ngitshoegumeni elingaphandle besiya ebantwini. Futhi kabayikuphuca amakhanda abo; bazagela lokugela amakhanda abo. Futhi kabayikunatha iwayini. Njalo kabayikuzithathela umfelokazi babe ngabafazi, kodwa bazathatha izintombi ezimsulwa zenzalo yendlu yakoIsrayeli, loba umfelokazi ongumfelokazi wompristi. Njalo bazafundisa abantu bami. Lekuphikisaneni bona bazakuma ekwahluleleni. Njalo kabayikuza emuntwini ofileyo. Langemva kokuhlanjululwa kwakhe bazambalela insuku eziyisikhombisa. Langosuku azangena ngalo endaweni engcwele, egumeni elingaphakathi, itsho iNkosi uJehova. Lokhu kuzakuba yilifa kubo; mina ngiyinzuzo yabo. Bona bazakudla umnikelo wokudla. Lokuqala kwazo zonke izithelo zokuqala zakho konke, lawo wonke umnikelo wakho konke. Abapristi kabayikudla loba kuyini okuzifeleyo, loba okudatshuliweyo, okwenyoni kumbe okwenyamazana. Kuzakuthi-ke lapho lisaba ilizwe ngenkatho ukuthi libe yilifa. Leyo izakuba ngcwele kuyo yonke imingcele yayo inhlangothi zonke. Kuleyo kuzakuba lokwendawo engcwele engamakhulu amahlanu, lamakhulu amahlanu. Langalesisilinganiso lizalinganisa. Kuzakuba yindawo engcwele yelizwe. Lobude bezinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lanhlanu, lobubanzi bezinkulungwane ezilitshumi. Njalo lizanika imfuyo yomuzi, ububanzi bezinkulungwane ezinhlanu, lobude bamatshumi amabili lanhlanu. Njalo isiphathamandla wesabeloesingcwele lakwemfuyo yomuzi, phambi komnikelo wesabelo ongcwele, laphambi kwemfuyo yomuzi, kusukela ngentshonalanga kuqonda entshonalanga, lakusukela ngempumalanga kuqonda empumalanga. Lobude buzaqondana lesinye sezabelo, kusukela emngceleni wentshonalanga kuze kube semngceleni wempumalanga. Mayelana lelizwe, uzakuba lalo libe yimfuyo koIsrayeli. Njalo iziphathamandla. Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Sekwanele kini, lisuse ukuxotsha kwenu kubo abantu bami, itsho iNkosi uJehova. Lizakuba, lebhathi elilungileyo. I-efa, le-efa ingxenye eyodwa etshumini yehomeri; isilinganiso sakho sizakuba ngokwehomeri. Leshekeli lizakuba ngamagera angamatshumi amabili kini. Lokhu kungumnikelo elizawunikela. Mayelana lesimiso samafutha, ibhathi lamafutha alitshumi; ngoba amabathi alitshumi alihomeri. Lewundlu elilodwa emhlanjini, kuwo amakhulu amabili, endaweni elamanzi kaIsrayeli, itsho iNkosi uJehova. Bonke abantu belizwe bazakuba kulowomnikelo kusenzelwa isiphathamandla koIsrayeli. Kuzakuba phezu kwesiphathamandla. Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Nge nyangayokuqala, ngolokuqala lwenyanga. Njalo umpristi uzathatha okwegazi lomnikelo wesono. Futhi uzakwenza njalo ngolwesikhombisa lwenyanga ngenxa yomuntu oduhayo. Nge nyangayokuqala, ngosuku lwetshumi lane lwenyanga, lizakuba lephasika, umkhosi wensuku eziyisikhombisa; isinkwa esingelamvubelo sizadliwa. Langalolosuku isiphathamandla sizazilungisela sona kanye labo bonke abantu belizwe ijongosi lomnikelo wesono. Ngensuku eziyisikhombisa zomkhosi. Uzalungisa-ke umnikelo wokudla. Nge nyangayesikhombisa. Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Isango. Njalo isiphathamandla sizangena nge ndlela yekhulusi lalelosango sivela phandle, siphume; kodwa isango kaliyikuvalwa kuze kube kusihlwa. Ngokunjalo abantu belizwe bazakhonza phambi kweN. Lomnikelo wokutshiswa, lenqama engelasici. Lomnikelo wokudla. Langosuku lokuthwasa kwenyanga, lamawundlu ayisithupha, lenqama; kungabi lasici. Njalo sizalungisa umnikelo wokudla. Lalapho isiphathamandla singena, sizangena nge ndlela yekhulusi lalelosango, siphume ngendlela yalo. Kodwa lapho abantu belizwe. Lesiphathamandla sizangena siphakathi kwabo; lalapho bephuma sizaphuma. Lemadilini. Lalapho isiphathamandla silungisa umnikelo wesihle, umnikelo wokutshiswa, loba iminikelo yokuthula, umnikelo wesihle eNni emva kokuphuma kwaso. Njalo uzalungisa iwundlu elilomnyaka munye elingelasici libe ng umnikelo wokutshiswa eNni insuku zonke. Uzalilungisa ngaleyo laleyo ikuseni. Futhi uzalilungisela umnikelo wokudla ngaleyo laleyo ikuseni, ingxenye yesithupha ye-efa, ukuthambisa impuphu ecolekileyo, kube ng umnikelo wokudla eNni, nge zimiso eziphakade njalonjalo. Ngokunjalo bazalungisa iwundlu lomnikelo wokudla lamafutha ngaleyo laleyo ikuseni kube ng umnikelo wokutshiswa njalonjalo. Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Uba isiphathamandla sinika isipho kuloba yiyiphi yamadodana aso, ilifa laso, amadodana aso azakuba lalo, lizakuba yimpahla yawo ngokwelifa. Kodwa uba sinika isipho selifa laso kwenye yezinceku zaso; khona sizabuyela kusiphathamandla; kodwa siyilifa laso, amadodana aso azakuba laso. Futhi isiphathamandla kasiyikuthatha ulutho elifeni labantu; sizanika ilifa emadodaneni aso emfuyweni yaso; ukuze abantu bami bangahlakazwa ngulowo asuke emfuyweni yakhe. Wasengingenisa ekungeneni, okwakuseceleni kwesango, akhangele ngasenyakatho; khangela-ke kwakulendawo kunhlangothi zombili ngasentshonalanga. Wasesithi kimi: Yiyo le indawo lapho abapristi abazaphekela. Wasengikhuphela egumeni elingaphandle, wangidlulisa engonsini zozine zeguma; khangela-ke, kuleyo laleyongonsi yeguma kwakulelinye iguma. Ezingonsini zozine zeguma kwakulamaguma ahlanganisiweyo; ubude babuzingalo ezingamatshumi amane, lobubanzi babuzingalo ezingamatshumi amathathu; lezizingonsi zozine zazilesilinganiso sinye. Njalo kwakulomzila wesakhiwo inhlangothi zonke kuzo, inhlangothi zonke zozine, njalo kwenziwe amaziko okubilisa ngaphansi kwemizila yesakhiwo inhlangothi zonke. Wasesithi kimi: Lezi yizindlu zokuphekela, lapho abakhonzi bendlu. Emva kwalokho wangibuyisela emnyango wendlu. Wasengikhupha nge ndlela yesango ngasenyakatho. Khangela-ke, kwageleza amanzi avela ehlangothini lwesokunene. Ekuphumeni kwendoda, yalinganisa izingalo eziyinkulungwane, yangidabulisa phakathi kwamanzi; amanzi afika enqagaleni. Walinganisa futhi inkulungwane, wangidabulisa emanzini; amanzi afika emadolweni. Walinganisa futhi inkulungwane, wangidabulisa; amanzi afika ekhalweni. Walinganisa futhi inkulungwane; kwaba ngumfula engingeke ngiwuchaphe, ngoba amanzi ayesephakeme, amanzi ongantsheza kuwo, umfula owawungeke wachatshwa. Wasesithi kimi: Ubonile yini, ndodana yomuntu? Wasengihambisa, wangenza ngabuyela ekhunjini lomfula. Ekubuyeleni kwami, khangela-ke, ekhunjini lomfula kwakulezihlahla ezinengi kakhulu ngapha langapha. Wasesithi kimi: La amanzi aphumela ngaselizweni lempumalanga, amanzi azakwelatshwa. Kuzakuthi-ke, sonke isidalwa esiphilayo, loba ngaphi lapho imifula efika khona, sizaphila. Futhi kuzakuba khona inhlanzi ezinengi kakhulu, ngoba amanzi la azafika lapho; ngoba zizakwelatshwa; ngoba kuzaphila konke lapho umfula ofika khona. Kuzakuthi-ke, abagoli benhlanzi beme ngakuwo kusukela e-Engedi, ezinengi kakhulu. Kodwa izindawo zawo ezilodaka. Futhi ngasemfuleni ekhunjini lwawo, ngapha langapha. Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Lo uzakuba ngumngcele, elizakudla ilifa lelizwe ngawo njengokwezizwe ezilitshumi lambili zakoIsrayeli. Njalo lizakudla ilifa lalo, omunye njengomunye, engaphakamisa isandla sami ngaloukulinika oyihlo. Njalo lokhu kuzakuba ngumngcele welizwe ngakuhlangothi lwenyakatho, kusukela olwandle olukhulu. IHamathi. Lomngcele osuka elwandle uzakuba yiHazari-Enoni. La loluluhlangothi lwenyakatho. Futhi uhlangothi lwempumalanga lizalulinganisa lusuka phakathi kweHawurani. La loluluzakuba luhlangothi lwempumalanga. Lohlangothi lweningizimu ngaseningizimu. Lohlangothi lwentshonalanga luzakuba lulwandle olukhulu kusukela emngceleni. Lolu luhlangothi lwentshonalanga. Ngokunjalo lizazehlukanisela lelilizwe njengokwezizwe zakoIsrayeli. Kuzakuthi-ke, lilabe ngenkatho. Kuzakuthi-ke, esizweni owezizwe ahlala njengowezizwe kiso, lapho liza m nika ilifa lakhe, itsho iNkosi uJehova. La-ke ngamabizo ezizwe. Langasemngceleni kaDani, kusukela ehlangothini lwempumalanga kusiya ehlangothini lwentshonalanga, isabeloesisodwa sika Asheri. Langasemngceleni kaAsheri, kusukela ehlangothini lwempumalanga kusiya ehlangothini lwentshonalanga, isabeloesisodwa sika Nafithali. Langasemngceleni kaNafithali, kusukela ehlangothini lwempumalanga kusiya ehlangothini lwentshonalanga, isabeloesisodwa sika Manase. Langasemngceleni kaManase, kusukela ehlangothini lwempumalanga kusiya ehlangothini lwentshonalanga, isabeloesisodwa sika Efrayimi. Langasemngceleni kaEfrayimi, kusukela ehlangothini lwempumalanga kusiya ehlangothini lwentshonalanga, isabeloesisodwa sika Rubeni. Langasemngceleni kaRubeni, kusukela ehlangothini lwempumalanga kusiya ehlangothini lwentshonalanga, isabeloesisodwa sika Juda. Langasemngceleni kaJuda, kusukela ehlangothini lwempumalanga kusiya ehlangothini lwentshonalanga, kuzakuba ngumnikelo elizawunikela. Umnikelo elizawunikela eNni uzakuba yibude obuyizinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lanhlanu, lobubanzi bezinkulungwane ezilitshumi. Njalo kuzakuba kuso umnikelo ongcwele wabapristi izakuba phakathi kwaso. Sizakuba ngesabapristi abangcwelisiweyo. Lokunikelweyo komnikelo welizwe kuzakuba kubo yinto engcwelengcwele ngasemngceleni wamaLevi. Njalo maqondana lomngcele wabapristi, amaLevi azakuba lobude bezinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lanhlanu, lobubanzi bezinkulungwane ezilitshumi. Ubude bonke buzakuba zinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amabili lanhlanu, lobubanzi bube zinkulungwane ezilitshumi. Njalo kabayikuthengisa okwakho, ngoba kungcwele eNni. Lezinkulungwane ezinhlanu eziseleyo; lomuzi uzakuba phakathi kwazo. Lalezi zizakuba yizilinganiso zaso; uhlangothi lwenyakatho luzakuba zinkulungwane ezine lamakhulu amahlanu. Njalo amadlelo omuzi azakuba ngamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amahlanu ngasenyakatho, lamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amahlanu ngaseningizimu, lamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amahlanu ngasempumalanga, lamakhulu amabili lamatshumi amahlanu ngasentshonalanga. Lokuseleyo ngobude maqondana lomnikelo ongcwele kuzakuba zinkulungwane ezilitshumi ngempumalanga, lezinkulungwane ezilitshumi ngentshonalanga; njalo kuzakuba maqondana lomnikelo ongcwele. Njalo izisebenzi zomuzi. Wonke umnikelo. Njalo okuseleyo kuzakuba ngokwesiphathamandla. Futhi kusukela enzuzweni yamaLevi, lakusukela enzuzweni yomuzi, ephakathi kokungokwesiphathamandla, phakathi komngcele kaJuda lomngcele kaBhenjamini, kuzakuba ngokwesiphathamandla. Mayelana lokuseleyo kwezizwe, kusukela kuhlangothi lwempumalanga kusiya kuhlangothi lwentshonalanga, uBhenjamini uzakuba l esabeloesisodwa. Lasemngceleni wakoBhenjamini, kusukela kuhlangothi lwempumalanga kusiya kuhlangothi lwentshonalanga, uSimeyoni uzakuba lesisodwa. Lasemngceleni kaSimeyoni, kusukela kuhlangothi lwempumalanga kusiya kuhlangothi lwentshonalanga, uIsakari uzakuba lesisodwa. Lasemngceleni kaIsakari, kusukela kuhlangothi lwempumalanga kusiya kuhlangothi lwentshonalanga, uZebuluni uzakuba lesisodwa. Lasemngceleni kaZebuluni, kusukela kuhlangothi lwempumalanga kusiya kuhlangothi lwentshonalanga, uGadi uzakuba lesisodwa. Lasemngceleni kaGadi, kuhlangothi lweningizimu ngaseningizimu. Yilo ilizwe elizalaba ngenkatho libe yilifa kuzo izizwe zakoIsrayeli, njalo lezi yizabelo zazo, itsho iNkosi uJehova. Lalokhu yikuphuma komuzi. Njalo amasango omuzi azakuba ngamabizo ezizwe zakoIsrayeli. Lehlangothini lwempumalanga izinkulungwane ezine lamakhulu amahlanu, lamasango amathathu; ngitsho isango elilodwa elikaJosefa, isango elilodwa elikaBhenjamini, isango elilodwa elikaDani. Lehlangothini lweningizimu izilinganiso ezizinkulungwane ezine lamakhulu amahlanu, lamasango amathathu; isango elilodwa elikaSimeyoni, isango elilodwa elikaIsakari, isango elilodwa elikaZebuluni. Uhlangothi lwentshonalanga, izinkulungwane ezine lamakhulu amahlanu, amasango azo amathathu; isango elilodwa elikaGadi, isango elilodwa elikaAsheri, isango elilodwa elikaNafithali. Inhlangothi zonke yizinkulungwane ezilitshumi lesificaminwembili. Njalo ibizo lomuzi kusukela nga lolo suku lizakuba. Ngomnyaka wesithathu wokubusa kukaJehoyakhimi inkosi yakoJuda, kwafika uNebhukadinezari inkosi yeBhabhiloni eJerusalema, wayivimbezela. INkosi yasinikela uJehoyakhimi inkosi yakoJuda esandleni sakhe, lengxenye yezitsha zendlu kaNkulunkulu. Inkosi yasikhuluma kuAshipenazi induna yabathenwa bayo; amajaha okungelalasici kuwo, amahle ngesimo. Inkosi yasiwamisela into yosuku ngosuku. Njalo kwakukhona phakathi kwabo kubantwana bakoJuda: ODaniyeli, uHananiya, uMishayeli, loAzariya. Njalo induna yabathenwa yabatha amabizo. Kodwa uDaniyeli wazimisela enhliziyweni yakhe ukuthi angazingcolisi yokunatha kwayo; ngakho wacela enduneni yabathenwa ukuthi angazingcolisi. UNkulunkulu wasemnika uDaniyeli umusa phambi kwenduna yabathenwa. Induna yabathenwa yasisithi kuDaniyeli: Ngiyayesaba inkosi yami, inkosi, emise ukudla kwenu lokunathwayo kwenu; ngoba kungani izabona ubuso benu budanile kulamajaha ayintanga yenu? Ngokunjalo lizafaka ikhanda lami engozini enkosini. UDaniyeli wasesithi kumphathi, induna yabathenwa eyayimmise waba phezu kwaboDaniyeli, uHananiya, uMishayeli, loAzariya: Ake ulinge inceku zakho insuku ezilitshumi ukuthi sidle, lamanzi ukuthi sinathe. Kakuthi-ke izimo zethu zibonakale phambi kwakho, lezimo zamajaha adla isabelo sokudla kwenkosi; wenze-ke ezincekwini zakho njengokubona kwakho. Wasebalalela kuloludaba, wabalinga insuku ezilitshumi. Kwathi ekupheleni kwezinsuku ezilitshumi izimo zabo zabonakala zizinhle njalo zizimukile enyameni kulawo wonke amajaha. Ngakho-ke umphathi wasusa isabelo sokudla kwabo. Mayelana lala amajaha amane, uNkulunkulu wawanika. Kwathi ekupheleni kwezinsuku inkosi eyayitshilo ukuthi bazawangenisa ngazo, induna yabathenwa yawangenisa phambi kukaNebhukadinezari. Inkosi yasikhuluma lawo; njalo phakathi kwawo wonke kakutholwanga onjengoDaniyeli, uHananiya, uMishayeli, loAzariya; ngakho ema phambi kwenkosi. Mayelana lazo zonke izindaba zenhlakanipho lo kuqedisisa, inkosi eyayiwabuza ngazo abasembusweni wayo wonke. Njalo uDaniyeli waba khona kwaze kwaba ngumnyaka wokuqala wenkosi uKoresi. Ngomnyaka wesibili wokubusa kukaNebhukadinezari. Inkosi yasisithi kubizwe. Inkosi yasisithi kibo: Ngiphuphe iphupho; umoya wami wasukhathazeka ukulazi iphupho. AmaKhaladiya asekhuluma enkosini ngesiAramu. Inkosi yaphendula yathi kumaKhaladiya. Kodwa uba litshengisa iphupho lengcazelo yalo. Baphendula okwesibili bathi: Inkosi kayitshele inceku zayo iphupho, thina sizabonisa ingcazelo yalo. Inkosi yaphendula yathi: Mina ngiyazi isibili ukuthi lithenga isikhathi. Kodwa uba lingangazisi iphupho, kulesimiso esisodwa ngani, besengisazi ukuthi lingangitshela ingcazelo yalo. AmaKhaladiya aphendula phambi kwenkosi. Futhi kuyinto enzima inkosi eyibuzayo, njalo kakho omunye ongayibonisa phambi kwenkosi, ngaphandle, okuhlala kwabo kakukho kwa bas enyameni. Ngenxa yalokhu inkosi yaba lolaka yathukuthela kakhulu. Kwasekuphuma isimiso, ukuthi abahlakaniphileyo. Khona uDaniyeli wabuyisela icebo lokuqonda kuAriyoki. Waphendula wathi kuAriyoki induna yenkosi: Kungani isimiso singesesiphangiphangi esivela enkosini? Khona uAriyoki wamazisa uDaniyeli indaba. UDaniyeli wasengena, wacela enkosini ukuthi imnike isikhathi sokuthi ayitshengise inkosi ingcazelo. Khona uDaniyeli waya endlini yakhe, wabazisa oHananiya, uMishayeli, loAzariya, abangane bakhe, loludaba; ukuze bacele izihawu. Khona imfihlakalo yembulelwa uDaniyeli. UDaniyeli waphendula wathi: Kalidunyiswe ibizo likaNkulunkulu kusukela phakade kuze kube phakade. Ngoba uyaguqula, lolwazi kulabo abazi ukuqedisisa. Uyembula okujulileyo lokufihlakeleyo. Ngiyakubonga ngikudumise, ngoba usazisile udaba lwenkosi. Ngakho uDaniyeli wangena; wahamba, wakhuluma kanje kuye: Ungabhubhisi abahlakaniphileyo beBhabhiloni; ngingenisa phambi kwenkosi, mina ngizayitshengisa inkosi ingcazelo. Khona uAriyoki wangenisa uDaniyeli phambi kwenkosi ngokuphangisa, watsho njalo kuyo: Ngithole indoda kwabathunjiweyo bakoJuda, ezakwazisa inkosi ingcazelo. Inkosi yaphendula yathi kuDaniyeli, obizo lakhe lalinguBeliteshazari, lengcazelo yalo? UDaniyeli waphendula phambi kwenkosi, wathi: Imfihlakalo inkosi eyibuzayo inkosi. Kodwa ukhona uNkulunkulu emazulwini: Wena, nkosi, usembhedeni wakho kwavela imicabango yakho nga lokhu okuzakwenzeka emva kwalokhu; lalowo owembula izimfihlakalo ukwazisile wena lokho okuzakwenzeka. Mayelana lami, limfihlakalo yembulwa kimi hatshi ngenxa yenhlakanipho ephakathi kwami okwedlula bonke abaphilayo, kodwa ukuthi kwaziswe ingcazelo enkosini, lokuthi wazi imicabango yenhliziyo yakho. Wena nkosi, wabona, khangela-ke, isithombe esikhulu. Lesisithombe esikhulu, okukhazimula kwaso kwakusedlulisa, sema phambi kwakho; lesimo saso sasisesabeka. Ikhanda lalesisithombe lalingelegolide elihle, isifuba saso lengalo zaso kwakungokwesiliva, isisu saso lamathangazi aso kwakungokwethusi, imilenze yaso yayingeyensimbi, inyawo zaso ingxenye yayingeyensimbi lengxenye yayingeyebumba. Wasubona kwaze kwasikwa ilitshe kungengezandla, elatshaya isithombe ezinyaweni zaso ezensimbi lebumba. Khona kwachotshozwa ndawonye insimbi, ibumba, ithusi, isiliva, legolide, kwaba njengamakhoba amabala okubhulela ehlobo. Yilo lelo iphupho; sesizakutsho ingcazelo yalo phambi kwenkosi. Wena, nkosi, uyinkosi yamakhosi. Njalo loba kungaphi lapho abantwana babantu abahlezi khona, izinyamazana zeganga lezinyoni zamazulu uzinikele esandleni sakho. Langemva kwakho kuzavela omunye umbuso, ozabusa emhlabeni wonke. Lombuso wesine uzaqina njengensimbi. Njalo njengoba wabona izinyawo lamazwane. Njengoba amazwane enyawo ayelengxenye yensimbi lengxenye yebumba; umbuso uzakuba lamandla nganxanye, wephuke lula nganxanye. Njalo njengoba wabona insimbi ihlanganiswe lebumba eliludaka. Langensuku zalamakhosi uNkulunkulu wamazulu. Ngenxa yokuthi uyazisile inkosi okuzakwenzeka emva kwalokhu; iphupho liqinisekile, lengcazelo yalo ithembekile. Khona inkosi uNebhukadinezari yathi mbo ngobuso bayo. Inkosi yamphendula uDaniyeli, yathi: Kuliqiniso ukuthi uNkulunkulu wenu unguNkulunkulu wabonkulunkulu, ngoba ubelakho ukwembula limfihlakalo. Khona inkosi yamenza uDaniyeli waba ngomkhulu, yamupha izipho ezinkulu ezinengi. UDaniyeli wasecela enkosini, njalo yamisa UNebhukadinezari inkosi wenza isithombe segolide. UNebhukadinezari inkosi wasethumela ukubuthela ndawonye iziphathamandla, ukuze beze ekwehlukanisweni kwesithombe uNebhukadinezari inkosi ayesimisile. Khona iziphathamandla, ababusi, lezinduna, abeluleki, abaphathizikhwama, abehluleli, abathonisisi, labo bonke ababusi bezabelo babuthana ndawonye ekwehlukanisweni kwesithombe uNebhukadinezari inkosi ayesimisile; basebesima phambi kwesithombe uNebhukadinezari ayesimisile. Ummemezeli wasememeza ngamandla wathi: Liyalaywa, lina bantu, zizwe, lezindimi, ukuthi: Ngesikhathi elizwa uNebhukadinezari inkosi asimisileyo. Njalo loba ngubani ongawi phansi, akhonze. Ngakho ngalesosikhathi uNebhukadinezari inkosi ayesimisile. Ngakho ngalesosikhathi. Aphendula athi kuNebhukadinezari inkosi: Nkosi, phila kuze kube nininini! Wena nkosi, wenzile umlayo; njalo loba ngubani ongawi phansi, akhonze. Kukhona amaJuda athile owamise phezu komsebenzi. Khona uNebhukadinezari ekuthukutheleni lekuvutheni kolaka walaya ukuletha oShadraki, uMeshaki, loAbedinego. Khonokho lawomadoda alethwa phambi kwenkosi. UNebhukadinezari waphendula wathi kibo: Kungamabomu yini, Shadraki, Meshaki, loAbedinego? Khathesi, uba selilungile ukuthi ngesikhathi lisizwa ukukhala kophondo, umhlanga, ichacho, ichachwana, ugubhu lwezintambo, lomfece, layo yonke imihlobo yokukhaliswayo? OShadraki, uMeshaki, loAbedinego. Uba kungenzeka, uNkulunkulu wethu esimkhonzayo ulakho ukusikhulula esithandweni somlilo ovuthayo; njalo uza si khulula esandleni sakho, nkosi. Kodwa uba kungenjalo, kakwaziwe kuwe, nkosi, ukuthi kasiyikubakhonza onkulunkulu bakho, lokuthi kasiyikukhothamela isithombe segolide osimisileyo. Khona uNebhukadinezari wagcwala ulaka, lesimo sobuso bakhe sabaguqukela oShadraki, uMeshaki loAbedinego; waphendula, walaya ukuthi batshise isithando kasikhombisa ngaphezu kwalokho okwejwayeleke ukutshiswa ngakho. Waselaya amadoda alamandla ayesebuthweni lakhe ukuthi abophe oShadraki, uMeshaki, loAbedinego, ukuthi babaphosele esithandweni somlilo ovuthayo. Lawomadoda asebotshwa embethe izembatho zawo, amabhulugwe awo, aphoselwa phakathi kwesithando somlilo ovuthayo. Ngakho ngenxa yokuthi ilizwi lenkosi belibukhali, lesithando sitshisa kakhulu. Lala amadoda amathathu, oShadraki, uMeshaki, loAbedinego, awela phansi ebotshiwe phakathi kwesithando somlilo esivuthayo. Khona uNebhukadinezari inkosi wethuka, wasukuma ngokuphangisa: Kasiphoselanga amadoda amathathu ebotshiwe phakathi komlilo yini? Baphendula bathi enkosini: Liqiniso, nkosi. Yaphendula yathi: Khangelani, ngibona amadoda amane ekhululekile ehamba phakathi komlilo. Khona uNebhukadinezari wasondela emnyango wesithando somlilo esivuthayo, waphendula, wathi: Shadraki, Meshaki, loAbedinego, lina zinceku zikaNkulunkulu oPhezukonke, phumani, lize. Khona oShadraki, Meshaki, loAbedinego baphuma phakathi komlilo. Iziphathamandla. UNebhukadinezari waphendula, wathi: Kadunyiswe uNkulunkulu kaShadraki, uMeshaki, loAbedinego, othume. Ngakho umlayo wenziwa yimi. Khona inkosi yabaphumelelisa oShadraki, uMeshaki, loAbedinego, esabelweni seBhabhiloni. UNebhukadinezari inkosi, kubo bonke abantu, izizwe, lezindimi! Bekukuhle kimi ukuthi ngikwazise izibonakaliso lezimangaliso. Yeka ubukhulu bezibonakaliso zakhe. Mina,uNebhukadinezari, ngangonwabile endlini yami, ngabona iphupho elangesabisayo; lemicabango phezu kombheda wami. Ngakho umlayo wenziwa yimi, ukuze bangazise ingcazelo yephupho. Kwasekungena izanuse, izangoma, amaKhaladiya. Kodwa ngasekucineni uDaniyeli wangena phambi kwami, obizo lakhe lalinguBeliteshazari: Wena Beliteshazari, lengcazelo yalo. Yayinjalo imibono yekhanda lami embhedeni wami, isihlahla phakathi komhlaba, lobude baso babubukhulu. Isihlahla sakhula saba sikhulu, saqina, lobude baso bafinyelela emazulwini, lokubonakala kwaso kwaze kwaba sekucineni komhlaba wonke. Amahlamvu aso ayemahle, layo yonke inyama yondliwa kiso. Ngabona emibonweni yekhanda lami embhedeni wami. Wamemeza ngamandla watsho njalo: Sigamuleni isihlahla, lezinyoni ngasezingatsheni zaso. Lanxa kunjalo tshiyani isidindi sempande zakhe emhlabathini, langebhanti lensimbi lethusi ohlazeni lwasendle; njalo kakumanziswe ngamazolo amazulu, lesabelo sakhe kasibe kanye lezinyamazana etshanini bomhlaba. Inhliziyo yakhe kayiphenduke ingabi ngeyomuntu, kayiphiwe inhliziyo yenyamazana; futhi kakwedlule phezu kwakhe izikhathi eziyisikhombisa. Loludaba lungesimemezelo. Leliphupho ngilibonile mina nkosi uNebhukadinezari. Wena-ke, Beliteshazari. Ng'khona uDaniyeli, obizo lakhe lalinguBeliteshazari. Isihlahla osibonileyo, esakhula saba sikhulu saqina, lobude baso bafinyelela emazulwini, lokubonakala kwaso kwaze kwaba semhlabeni wonke, esimahlamvu aso ayemahle, lenyoni zamazulu zahlala ezingatsheni zaso; singuwe, wena nkosi, osukhulile waba mkhulu waqina. Njengalokho inkosi yabona umlindi. Nansi ingcazelo, nkosi, njalo nansi isimemezelo, esiza phezu kwenkosi yami, inkosi: Ukuthi bazakuxotsha ebantwini. Njengalokho bathi kutshiywe isidindi sempande zesihlahla. Ngakho, nkosi, kasemukeleke kuwe iseluleko sami. Konke lokhu kwamehlela uNebhukadinezari inkosi. Ekupheleni kwenyanga ezilitshumi lambili wayehambahamba phezu kwesigodlo sombuso weBhabhiloni. Inkosi yaphendula yathi? Ilizwi lisesemlonyeni wenkosi. Bazakuxotsha usuke ebantwini, lenhlalo yakho izakuba kanye lenyamazana zeganga. Ngalesosikhathi lolulutho lwagcwaliseka phezu kukaNebhukadinezari, zaze inwele zakhe zakhula njenge nsibazelinqe, lenzipho zakhe njengezenyoni. Njalo ekupheleni kwezinsuku, mina Nebhukadinezari; futhi bonke abahlali bomhlaba? Ngasona lesosikhathi ingqondo yami yabuyela kimi. Khathesi, mina, Nebhukadinezari, ngiyayidumisa ngiyiphakamise. UBelishazari inkosi, wanatha iwayini phambi kwaleyonkulungwane. UBelishazari, esalinambitha iwayini, walaya ukuthi balethe izitsha zegolide lezesiliva. Khona baletha izitsha zegolide ezazikhutshwe ethempelini lendlu kaNkulunkulu eyayiseJerusalema; njalo inkosi, leziphathamandla zayo, omkayo, labafazi bayo abancane, banathela kizo. Banatha iwayini. Ngalesosikhathi. Khonokho ukucwebezela kobuso. Inkosi yamemeza ngamandla. Khona bangena bonke abahlakaniphileyo benkosi; kodwa babengelakho ukuwubala umbhalo, lokwazisa inkosi ingcazelo yawo. Khona inkosi uBelishazari yethuka kakhulu. Indlovukazi, ngenxa yamazwi enkosi. Kulomuntu embusweni wakho, yamaKhaladiya, yabalumbi, uyihlo, nkosi. Ngoba umoya owedlulisileyo, lolwazi, lokuqedisisa. Khathesi kabizwe uDaniyeli, uzatshengisa ingcazelo. Khona uDaniyeli walethwa phambi kwenkosi; inkosi yaphendula yathi kuDaniyeli: UngulowoDaniyeli, ongowabathunjwa bakoJuda? Sengizwile ngawe ukuthi umoya wabonkulunkulu ukuwe. Khathesi sebengenisiwe phambi kwami abahlakaniphileyo. Kodwa mina ngizwile ngawe, ukuthi ulakho ukuchasisa izingcazelo. Khona uDaniyeli waphendula wathi phambi kwenkosi: Izipho zakho kazibe ngezakho, lemivuzo yakho uyinike omunye. Loba kunjalo ngizayifundela inkosi umbhalo, ngiyazise ingcazelo. Wena nkosi, uNkulunkulu oPhezukonke. Langenxa yobukhulu amnika bona. Kodwa lapho inhliziyo yakhe yaziphakamisa, lenhliziyo yakhe isiba lukhuni ngokuzigqaja, wehliswa esihlalweni sakhe sobukhosi sombuso. Wasexotshwa ebantwaneni babantu. Wena-ke, ndodana yakhe, Belishazari, kawuyithobisanga inhliziyo yakho. Kodwa uziphakamisile wamelana leNkosi yamazulu. Khonokho le inhlanekela yesandla yathunywa ivela kuye; lumbhalo wasubhalwa. Njalo nanku umbhalo owabhalwayo: MENE, MENE, TEKELI, UFARISINI. Nansi ingcazelo yalolulutho: MENE: UNkulunkulu ubalile umbuso wakho, wawuqeda. TEKELI: Ulinganisiwe esilinganisweni, watholwa usilela. UPERESI: Umbuso wakho wehlukanisiwe, wanikwa amaMede. Khona uBelishazari walaya, basebemgqokisa uDaniyeli ngokuyibubende. Ngalobobusuku uBelishazari inkosi. UDariyusi umMede wasesemukela umbuso, eleminyaka phose engamatshumi ayisithupha lambili. Kwaba kuhle kuDariyusi ukubeka phezu kombuso, ukuthi zibe phezu kombuso wonke, laphezu kwazo ababonisi abathathu, njalo inkosi ingabi lomonakalo. Khona uDaniyeli lo wenza ngcono. Khona ababonisi okwatholakala kuye. Khona lawomadoda athi: Kasiyikuthola thuba ngaye lo uDaniyeli ngaphandle kokuthi si li thole limelene laye emlayweni kaNkulunkulu wakhe. Khona labobabonisi! Bonke ababonisi bombuso. Khathesi, nkosi, misa umlayo uphawule umbhalo, ukuthi ungaguqulwa, njengokomthetho. Ngakho inkosi uDariyusi yaphawula umbhalo lesimiso. Kwathi lapho uDaniyeli asesazi ukuthi umbhalo uphawuliwe, wangena endlini yakhe; njalo amawindi ekamelo lakhe. Khona la amadoda abuthana, athola uDaniyeli ekhuleka encenga phambi kukaNkulunkulu wakhe. Khona asondela. Khona aphendula athi phambi kwenkosi: UDaniyeli ongowabantwana bokuthunjwa bakoJuda, nkosi, lesimiso osiphawulileyo, kodwa uyakhuleka isicelo sakhe izikhathi ezintathu ngosuku. Kwathi lapho inkosi isizwile lelilizwi, yazizondela kakhulu, yabeka ingqondo kuDaniyeli ukumkhulula; yebo, yalwisa laze latshona ilanga ukumophula. Khona abuthana enkosini lawomadoda, athi enkosini: Yazi, nkosi, ukuthi umthetho wamaMede lamaPerisiya uthi: Kakulasimiso kumbe umthetho inkosi eyawumisayo ongaguqulwa. Khona inkosi yalaya, bamletha uDaniyeli, ba m phosela ebhalwini lwezilwane. Inkosi yaphendula yathi kuDaniyeli: UNkulunkulu wakho, omkhonzayo njalonjalo, kungathi angakukhulula! Kwasekulethwa ilitshe, labekwa phezu komlomo wobhalu, ukuze kungaguqulwa ulutho mayelana loDaniyeli. Khona inkosi yaya esigodlweni sayo, yachitha ubusuku izila ukudla; lamachacho kawalethwanga phambi kwayo. Khona inkosi yavuka emadabukakusa. Yathi isisondele ebhalwini, yamemeza ngelizwi lokulila kuDaniyeli; inkosi yaphendula yathi kuDaniyeli: Daniyeli, nceku kaNkulunkulu ophilayo, ulakho ukukukhulula yini ezilwaneni? Khona uDaniyeli wathi enkosini: Nkosi, phila kuze kube nininini! UNkulunkulu wami uthumile ingilosi yakhe; njalo phambi kwakho, nkosi, kangenzanga bubi. Khona inkosi yamthokozela kakhulu, yalaya ukukhuphula uDaniyeli ebhalwini. UDaniyeli wasekhutshulwa ebhalwini, kakwatholwa kulimala kuye. Inkosi yasilaya, kwasekulethwa lawomadoda; kwathi bengakafiki phansi ebhalwini, izilwane zazibusa phezu kwabo, zachoboza wonke amathambo abo. Khona inkosi uDariyusi yabalela bonke abantu, izizwe, lezindimi. Umlayo wenziwa yimi. Uyakhulula, ophule, enze izibonakaliso lezimangaliso emazulwini lemhlabeni. Ngakho uDaniyeli lo waphumelela embusweni kaDariyusi. Ngomnyaka wokuqala kaBelishazari inkosi yeBhabhiloni. Khona walibhala iphupho, wakhuluma indikimba yezindaba. UDaniyeli waphendula wathi: Ngabona embonweni wami ebusuku, khangela-ke, imimoya yomine yamazulu yavumbuluka phezu kolwandle olukhulu. Izilo ezine ezinkulu zakhuphuka elwandle. Esokuqala sasinjengesilwane. Khangela-ke esinye isilo, esesibili, sazimisa ehlangothini olulodwa, silembambo ezintathu emlonyeni waso phakathi kwamazinyo aso. Basebesithi njalo kuso: Sukuma, udle inyama enengi. Emva kwalokhu ngabona, khangela-ke esinye, lokubusa kwaphiwa kuso. Emva kwalokhu ngabona emibonweni yebusuku. Ngakhangelisisa izimpondo, khangela-ke, kwenyuka phakathi kwazo olunye uphondo oluncinyane. Ngakhangela, kwaze kwabekwa izihlalo zobukhosi. Isifudlana somlilo sageleza saphuma phambi kwakhe. Khona ngakhangela, ngenxa yomsindo wamazwi amakhulu uphondo olwawakhulumayo. Mayelana lezinye izilo, umbuso wazo wasuswa, kanti ukwelulwa empilweni kwanikwa kuzo kwaze kwaba yisikhathi esimisiweyo lethuba. Ngabona emibonweni yebusuku, basebemsondeza phambi kwakhe. Wasenikwa ukubusa, lodumo, lombuso. Mina Daniyeli, umoya wami wadabuka phakathi komzimba. Ngasondela komunye wababemi khona, ngabuza kuye iqiniso lakho konke lokhu. Wasengitshela, wangazisa ingcazelo yezindaba. Lezizilo ezinkulu, zozine, zingamakhosi amane, azasukuma evela emhlabeni. Kodwa abangcwele boPhezukonke, ngitsho kuze kube nini lanini. Khona ngathanda iqiniso ngesilo sesine, esasehlukile kuzo zonke; langezimpondo ezilitshumi ezazisekhanda laso. Ngabona, ukuthi loluphondo lusilwa, kwaze kwafika oMdala wezinsuku. Watsho njalo: Isilo sesine sizakuba. Mayelana lempondo ezilitshumi, amakhosi alitshumi azasukuma evela kulo umbuso. Njalo izakhuluma. Kodwa isahlulelo sizahlala. Njalo umbuso lokubusa lobukhulu bemibuso ngaphansi kwamazulu wonke. Kuze kube lapha yisicino sendaba. Mina Daniyeli. Ngomnyaka wesithathu wokubusa kwenkosi uBelishazari kwabonakala umbono kimi. Ngabona-ke embonweni; kwasekusithi, sengibonile, ngiseShushani. Ngasengiphakamisa amehlo ami, ngabona, khangela-ke, kwema phambi komfula. Impondo zombili zaziphakeme, kodwa olunye lwaluphakeme okwedlula olunye, njalo oluphakemeyo lwenyuka muva. Ngabona inqama ihlaba ikhangele ngentshonalanga langenyakatho langeningizimu. Kwathi mina ngisacabanga, khangela-ke, kweza impongo yembuzi ivela ngentshonalanga phezu kobuso bomhlaba wonke. Yasisiza enqameni eyayilempondo ezimbili, engangiyibone imi phambi komfula. Ngasengiyibona isondela ngasenqameni, yathukuthela kakhulu imelene layo. Ngakho impongo yembuzi yazikhulisa kakhulukazi. Njalo kolunye lwazo kwaphuma uphondo oluncinyane, olwakhula kakhulukazi. Lwaselukhula. Yebo, lwazikhulisa. Kwasekunikelwa ibutho limelene lo mhlatshelooqhubekayo ngenxa yesiphambeko. Ngasengisizwa ongcwele oyedwa ekhuluma? Wasesithi kimi: Kuze kube zintambama l ekuseni okuzinkulungwane ezimbili lamakhulu amathathu; kube sekuhlanjululwa indawo engcwele. Kwasekusithi mina Daniyeli sengiwubonile umbono ngadinga ukuqedisisa. Ngasengisizwa ilizwi lomuntu phakathi kwe zinkumbi. Wasesiza eceleni kwalapho engangimi khona. Esefikile, ngethuka. Kwathi esakhuluma lami, ngangilele ubuthongo obukhulu. Wasesithi: Khangela, ngizakwenza wazi okuzakuba sekupheleni kwentukuthelo. Inqama oyibonileyo elempondo ezimbili. Njalo. Ngolwephukayo, njengoba kwema ezine endaweni yalo, kuzakuma imibuso emine kuso isizwe. Njalo ekucineni kwemibuso yazo, lapho abaphambeki sebephelele. Lamandla ayo azaqina, kodwa hatshi ngamandla ayo. Langobuqili bayo izaphumelelisa inkohliso esandleni sayo. Njalo umbono wantambama lowekuseni olandisiweyo. Mina-ke Daniyeli, ngaphela amandla ngagula. Ngomnyaka wokuqala, ngomnyaka wokuqala wokubusa kwakhe, mina Daniyeli ngaqedisisa ngezincwadi inani leminyaka, ilizwi leN eleza ngayo kuJeremiya umprofethi. Ngasengikhangelisa ubuso bami kuyo iNkosi uNkulunkulu, ukudinga ngo mkhuleko. Ngasengikhuleka. Sonile, ngokuphambuka emilayweni yakho lezahlulelweni zakho. Futhi kasilalelanga. Nkosi, kukhona ukulunga. Nkosi, kukhona kithi ukusanganiseka kobuso. ENkosini uNkulunkulu wethu kukhona izisa; lanxa siyivukele. Futhi kasilalelanga ilizwi leN uNkulunkulu wethu. Yebo, uIsrayeli wonke weqile umlayo wakho. Futhi uwaqinisile amazwi akhe, awakhuluma emelene lathi, njalo emelene labehluleli bethu abasehlulelayo. Njengoba kubhaliwe emlayweni kaMozisi. Ngakho yalinda phezu kobubi, yabehlisela phezu kwethu. Khathesi-ke, Nkosi Nkulunkulu wethu, owakhupha abantu bakho elizweni leGibhithe. Nkosi, njengakho konke ukulunga kwakho. Khathesi-ke, Nkulunkulu wethu, zwana umkhuleko wenceku yakho, lokuncenga kwayo, wenze ubuso bakho bukhanye endaweni yakho engcwele. Nkulunkulu wami, beka indlebe yakho, uzwe, kodwa ngenxa yezihawu zakho ezinkulu. Nkosi, zwana! Nkosi, thethelela! Nkosi, lalela wenze, ungalibali; ngoba umuzi wakho labantu bakho kubizwa ngebizo lakho. Kwathi ngisakhuluma; yebo, ngisakhuluma ngomkhuleko. Wa nga zisa, wakhuluma lami, wathi: Daniyeli, khathesi ngiphumele uku za kupha inhlakanipho lokuqedisisa. Ekuqaliseni. Amaviki angamatshumi ayisikhombisa amiswe phezu kwabantu bakho. Yazi-ke uqedisise. Langemva kwamaviki angamatshumi ayisithupha lambili uMesiya uzaqunywa. Njalo uzaqinisa isivumelwano. Ngomnyaka wesithathu kaKoresi. Ngalezonsuku, mina Daniyeli ngangilila okw amaviki amathathu agcweleyo. Kangidlanga sinkwa esiloyisekayo, njalo kakuzanga nyama kumbe iwayini emlonyeni wami, futhi. Kwathi ngosuku lwamatshumi amabili lane lwenyanga yokuqala; ngasengiphakamisa amehlo ami, ngabona, khangela-ke. Lomzimba wakhe wawunjengebherule. Yimi ngedwa uDaniyeli engabona lowombono. Ngakho mina ngasala ngedwa, ngabona lumbono omkhulu, futhi kakusalanga mandla kimi. Ngasengisizwa ilizwi lamazwi akhe; njalo lapho ngisizwa ilizwi lamazwi akhe, mina ngehlelwa yibuthongo obukhulu ebusweni bami. Khangela-ke, isandla sangithinta. Wasesithi kimi: Daniyeli, umuntu othandwe kakhulu, zwisisa amazwi engiwakhuluma kuwe, ume ngokuma kwakho. Wasesithi kimi: Ungesabi, Daniyeli. Kodwa isiphathamandla sombuso wamaPerisiya samelana lami; mina ngasengisala khona ngasemakhosini ePerisiya. Khathesi ngizile ukuthi ngikwenze uqedisise okuzakwehlela abantu bakho ekucineni kwezinsuku. Esekhulumile amazwi anje kimi, ngakhangelisa ubuso bami emhlabathini. Khangela-ke, omunye. Ngoba inceku yale inkosi yami ingaba lakho ukukhuluma njani lale inkosi yami? Mayelana lami, kusukela ngalesosikhathi kakusalanga mandla kimi, lokuphefumula kwakungasekho kimi. Wasebuya wangithinta. Wasesithi: Ungesabi, muntu othandiweyo kakhulu. Kwathi esekhulume lami, ngaqiniswa, ngathi: Kayikhulume inkosi yami, ngoba ungiqinisile. Wasesithi: Uyazi yini ukuthi ngizeleni kuwe? Khathesi-ke ngizabuyela uku za kulwa lesiphathamandla sePerisiya. Kodwa ngizakutshela lokho okubhaliweyo embhalweni. Lami-ke, ngomnyaka wokuqala, ngema uku m qinisa lokumvikela. Khathesi sengizakutshela iqiniso; njalo eyesine izanotha ngenotho enkulu okwedlula wonke. Kuthi isiqinile ngenotho yayo ibavuse bonke bamelane lombuso weGriki. Kuzasukuma-ke inkosi elamandla, ezabusa ngokubusa okukhulu. Lalapho isukuma, umbuso wayo uzaqanyulwa; ngoba umbuso wayo uzasitshunwa, ube ngowabanye ngaphandle kwalaba. Lenkosi yeningizimu izakuba lamandla, l omunyeweziphathamandla zayo; yena -ke uzakuba lamandla kulayo, abuse; umbuso wakhe uzakuba ngumbuso omkhulu. Lekupheleni kweminyaka bazahlangana, ngoba indodakazi yombusi weningizimu izakuza kumbusi wenyakatho uku za kwenza isivumelwano esilinganayo, kodwa kayiyikugcina amandla engalo, loyizeleyo, loyiqinisileyo ngalezizikhathi. Kodwa kuzasukuma ogatsheni lwempande zayo e sikhundl enisakhe, ozabuya lebutho, angene enqabeni yenkosi yenyakatho, enze emelene labo, ehlule. Labonkulunkulu babo kanye leziphathamandla zabo kanye lezitsha zabo eziloyisekayo ezesiliva legolide uzakuletha eGibhithe ekuthunjweni; yena-ke uzakuma okweminyaka kulenkosi yenyakatho. Ngokunjalo inkosi yeningizimu izangena embusweni, ibuyele elizweni layo. Kodwa amadodana ayo azadungeka, ahlanganise ixuku lamabutho amakhulu. Lenkosi yeningizimu izathukuthela kakhulu, kodwa lelixuku lizanikelwa esandleni sayo. Selisusiwe lelixuku, inhliziyo yayo izaziphakamisa, iwisele phansi izinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amanengi, kodwa kayiyikuba lamandla. Ngoba inkosi yenyakatho izaphenduka, ivuse ixuku elikhulu kulelokuqala; njalo ekupheleni kwezikhathi zeminyaka izafika isibili ilebutho elikhulu lempahla ezinengi. Langalezozikhathi abanengi bazasukuma bamelene lenkosi yeningizimu. Labalesihluku babantu bakho bazaziphakamisa. Ngakho inkosi yenyakatho izafika, ibuthelele idundulu, ithumbe imizi ebiyelweyo. Futhi izingalo zeningizimu kaziyikuma, kanye labakhethiweyo bakhe, futhi kakuyikuba lamandla okuma. Kodwa eza uku za melana layo izakwenza ngokwentando yayo. Izakuma lelizweni elihle, lokutshabalaliswa kuzakuba sesandleni sayo. Njalo izamisa ubuso bayo ukungena ngamandla ombuso wayo wonke. Emva kwalokho izaphendulela ubuso bayo ezihlengeni, ithumbe ezinengi; kodwa isiphathamandla. Ibisiphendulela ubuso bayo ngasezinqabeni zelizwe lakibo. Khona kuzasukuma esikhundleni sayo odlulisa umthelisi k udumo lombuso; kodwa phakathi kwezinsuku ezinlutshwana uzabhujiswa, kungabi ngezintukuthelo, kungabi ngezimpi. Khona kuzasukuma esikhundleni sakhe odelelekileyo, abangayikumnika udumo lombuso, kodwa ezangena ngokuthula. Lezingalo zikazamcolo. Langemva kokuhlangana laye uzasebenza ngenkohliso. Uzangena ngokuthula. Futhi uzavusa amandla akhe lenhliziyo yakhe emelene lenkosi yeningizimu elebutho elikhulu; kodwa kayiyikuma, ngoba bazaceba amacebo bemelene layo. Yebo, labo abadla isabelo sokudla sayo bazayibhubhisa, labanengi bazakuwa bebulewe. Njalo inhliziyo zalamakhosi amabili zikukho okubi, akhulume amanga etafuleni elilodwa; kodwa kakuyikuphumelela, ngoba isiphetho sisezakuba khona ngesikhathi esimisiweyo. Khona ezabuyela e lizw enilakhe elempahla ezinengi; kodwa inhliziyo yakhe izamelana. Ngesikhathi esimisiweyo uzaphenduka, eze ngaseningizimu. Ngoba imikhumbi yeKitimi izakuza imelane laye. Lezingalo zizakuma zivela kuye, zingcolise indawo engcwele ey inqaba, asuse umnikelooqhubekayo. Lalabo abenza inkohlakalo bemelene lesivumelwano uzabangcolisa; kodwa abantu abamaziyo uNkulunkulu wabo bazaqina, benze. Njalo abaqedisisayo babantu bazafundisa abanengi, langelangabi, ngokuthunjwa, langokuphangwa, izinsuku ezinengi. Kuzakuthi lapho besiwa. Kodwa abanyekwabaqedisisayo. Njalo inkosi izakwenza njengokwentando yayo. Futhi kayiyikunaka onkulunkulu baboyise, lesiloyiso sabesifazana. Kodwa esikhundleni sakhe uzadumisa unkulunkulu wezinqaba, ngitsho unkulunkulu oyise ababengamazi amdumise ngegolide langesiliva langezinto eziloyisekayo. Njalo izakwenza ezinqabeni ezilamandla kanye lonkulunkulu wezizweni; amnanzelelayo amandisele udumo. Izabenza babuse phezu kwabanengi, yehlukanise ilizwe ngentengo. Langesikhathi sokuphela inkosi yeningizimu. Njalo izangena elizweni elihle, njalo amazweamanengi azakuwa. Njalo izakwelulela isandla sayo emazweni, lelizwe leGibhithe kaliyikuphepha. Kodwa izabusa phezu kwamagugu afihliweyo egolide lawesiliva, laphezu kwazo zonke izinto eziligugu. Kodwa imibiko evela empumalanga levela enyakatho izamethusa, ngakho uzaphuma ngokuthukuthela okukhulu uku ya chitha. Njalo uzagxumeka amathente esigodlo sakhe phakathi laphakathi kwezinlwandle. Langalesosikhathi uMikayeli uzasukuma, isiphathamandla esikhulu esimela abantwana babantu bakini. Labanengi babo. Njalo abahlakaniphileyo. Kodwa wena, Daniyeli, vala lamazwi. Abanengi bazagijima baye le lale, lolwazi luzakwandiswa. Mina, Daniyeli, ngasengibona, khangela-ke, abanye ababili bemi, omunye enganeno kokhumbi lomfula lomunye engaphetsheya kokhumbi lomfula. Kwasekuthiwa kulowomuntu ogqoke ilembu elicolekileyo? Ngasengisizwa lowomuntu ogqoke ilembu elicolekileyo, zonke lezizinto zizaphela. Mina ngasengisizwa, kodwa kangiqedisisanga. Ngasengisithi: Nkosi yami, kuzakuba yini ukuphela kwalezizinto? Wasesithi: Hamba, Daniyeli, ngoba amazwi avalelwe ananyekwa. Abanengi bazahlanjululwa. Njalo kusukela esikhathini sokususwa ko mnikelooqhubekayo. Ubusisiwe olindayo aze afinyelele ezinsukwini eziyinkulungwane lamakhulu amathathu lamatshumi amathathu lanhlanu. Kodwa wena, hamba kuze kube sekupheleni. Ilizwi leN elafika kuHoseya indodana kaBeyeri ensukwini indodana kaJowasi inkosi yakoIsrayeli. Ukuqala kwelizwi leN ngoHoseya. yasisithi kuHoseya: Hamba iN. Wasehamba wathatha uGomeri indodakazi kaDibilayimi; wasekhulelwa, wamzalela indodana. yasisithi kuye: Biza ibizo layo uthinguJizereyeli, ngoba kuseseyi sikhatsh ana ngizaphindisela umbuso wendlu kaIsrayeli. Kuzakuthi ngalolosuku ngephule seJizereyeli. Wasebuya ekhulelwa, wazala indodakazi. UNkulunkulu ngizabasusa lokubasusa. Kodwa ngizayihawukela, kumbe ngabagadi bamabhiza. Esemlumulile uLo-Ruhama, wakhulelwa, wazala indodana. UNkulunkulu kalisibo abantu bami, ngakho mina kangisuye owenu. Kube kanti inani. Labantwana. Khulumani. Phikisanani lonyoko, liphikise, ngoba kwamabele akhe, hlezi ngimhlubule. Labantwana bakhe kangiyikubahawukela bobufebe. Ngoba unina uwulile, lefilakisi yami, amafutha ami, lokunathwayo kwami. Ngakho, khangela, ngizabiya umduli ukuze angatholi imikhondo yakhe. Alandele izithandwa zakhe kwakungcono kimi ngalesosikhathi kulakhathesi. Ngoba wayengazi uBhali. Ngakho ngizabuyela, ngithathe lefilakisi yami okwembesa ubunqunu bakhe. Khathesi sengizakwambula ihlazo lakhe emehlweni ezithandwa zakhe, njalo kungabi khona omophulayo esandleni sami. Sengizaqeda. Sengizachitha kube ligusu, ukuze inyamazana zeganga zikudle. Njalo ngizaphindisela, itsho iN. Ngakho, khangela, ngizamhuga, ngimuse enhliziyweni yakhe. Ngibe sengimnika izivini zakhe lokwenyuka kwakhe elizweni leGibhithe. Kuzakuthi ngalolosuku wami. Ngoba ngizasusa besakhunjulwa futhi ngebizo labo. Langalolosuku. Njalo ngizakugana ube ngowami kuze kube phakade, yebo, ngikugane ube ngowami ngokulunga langesahlulelo langothandolomusa langezihawu. Yebo, ngizakugana iN. Kuzakuthi ngalolosuku, itsho iN, ngizaphendula amazulu, wona aphendule umhlaba, lomhlaba uphendule amabele. Besengizihlanyelela lingabantu bami; bona bathi: Nkulunkulu wami. yasisithi kimi: Hamba zevini ezonyisiweyo. Ngasengizithengela yebhali lengxenye yehomeri yebhali. Ngasengisithi kuye: Uzahlala ungowami insuku ezinengi; ungawuli, ungabi ngow enyeindoda, ngokunjalo lami ngizakuba ngowakho. Ngoba abantwana bakoIsrayeli bazahlala insuku ezinengi bengelankosi. Emva kwezinsuku. Zwanini lukaNkulunkulu elizweni. Kulokufunga. Ngenxa yalokho ilizwe lizalila zolwandle zizasuswa. Kodwa lompristi. Ngakho uzakhubeka emini, yebo, lomprofethi uzakhubeka kanye lawe ebusuku; njalo ngizamchitha. Abantu bami babhujisiwe umlayo kaNkulunkulu wakho, lami ngizakhohlwa abantwana bakho. Njengokwanda bonile kimi. Udumo lwabo ngizaluphendula lube lihlazo. Badla umphefumulo wabo esiphambekweni sabo. Kuzakuthi-ke izenzo zabo kubo. Ngoba; ngoba bayekele ukuqaphela iN. Ubuwule inhliziyo. Abantu bami babuza wokuwula ubaduhisile, ukuze bawule besuka phansi kukaNkulunkulu wabo. Benza azawula, labomakoti benu bazafeba. Kangiyikuwajezisa amadodakazi enu lapho ewula, labomakoti benu lapho befeba; ngoba bona ngokwabo bazehlukanisa. Loba wena Israyeli uwula, uJuda kangabi lacala lithi: Kuphila kukaJehova. Ngoba uIsrayeli ujila eliyisiqholo; khathesi izabelusa njengewundlu endaweni ebanzi. UEfrayimi. Okunathwayo ihlazo. Umoya lenhloni ngenxa yemihlatshelo yabo. Zwanini. Labahlamuki wabo bonke. Mina uzingcolisile. Kabaqondisi izenzo zabo ukuze baphendukele kuNkulunkulu wabo, ngoba umoya wokuwula uphakathi kwabo, leN kabayazi. Lokuzigqaja bakhe; ngakho uIsrayeli loEfrayimi bazakhubeka esiphambekweni sabo, loJuda uzakhubeka kanye labo. Bazahamba lezimvu kibo. Benze ethwasayo izabaqeda lezabelo zabo. Vuthelani kwakho, wena Bhenjamini. UEfrayimi uzakuba yincithakalo ngosuku lokujeziswa; phakathi kwezizwe zakoIsrayeli ngikwazisile okuliqiniso. Iziphathamandla zakoJuda sezinjengalabo abatshedisa umngcele; ngizathululela phezu kwabo ulaka lwami njengamanzi. UEfrayimi ucindezelwe. Ngakho ngizakuba njengenundu endlini yakoJuda. Kwathi uEfrayimi ebona umkhuhlane wakhe, loJuda isilonda isilonda senu. Ngoba lomophuli. Ngizahamba ngibuyele endaweni yami, baze ngovivi. Wozani sibuyele. Izasivuselela lwesithathu isivuse, njalo siphile phambi kwayo. Khona lelokuqala emhlabeni. Ngizakwenzani kuwe, Efrayimi ovivi ethintitheka. Ngenxa yalokhu ngi ba gamule ngabaprofethi omlomo wami; lezahlulelo zakho zi njengo kukhanya okuphumayo. Ngoba ngaloyisa lukaNkulunkulu kuleminikelo yokutshiswa. Kodwa bona ngenkohliso kimi. IGileyadi ingumuzi wabenzi bokubi, ilemikhondo yegazi. Njengamaviyo inkohlakalo. Endlini yakoIsrayeli ngibone into ungcolisiwe. Lawe Juda, ukumisele ngibuyise ukuthunjwa kwabantu bami. Lapho bengingelapha uIsrayeli, khona isiphambeko sikaEfrayimi sembulwa, lobubi ngaphandle. Njalo kabangatsho enhliziyweni yabo ukuthingiyabukhumbula bonke ububi kobuso bami. Bayayithokozisa abo. Bonke inhlama kuze kube sekubileni kwayo. Kulusuku lwenkosi; yelulela isandla sayo kanye labaklolodayo. Ngoba zalungisa libhebhe njengomlilo olelangabi. Zonke ziyatshisa njengeziko; zidle abehluleli bazo; amakhosi azo wonke phakathi kwazo ongibizayo. UEfrayimi yena uzihlanganise lezizwe; uEfrayimi uliqebelengwana elingaphendulwanga. Abezizwe yena kazi. Lokuzigqaja eNni uNkulunkulu wabo, kabayidingi ngakho konke lokhu. Njalo uEfrayimi eAsiriya. Lapho behamba ngizakwendlala ebandleni labo. Maye kibo, ngoba babalekile kimi! Incithakalo amanga bemelene lami. Kabakhaleli-ke, bayaphambuka bemelene lami. Lanxa mina ngi ba laya izingalo zabo, kanti baceba okubi bemelene lami. Bayaphenduka kodwakunge koPhezukonke leGibhithe. Uphondo isivumelwano sami, baphambuke bemelene lomlayo wami. Bazamemeza kimi: Nkulunkulu wami, thina, uIsrayeli, siyakwazi. UIsrayeli walile okuhle; isitha sizaxotshana laye. Bona legolide labo bazenzela izithombe, ukuze baqunywe. Ithole lakho? Ngoba laleli livela koIsrayeli; umbazi walenza, njalo kalisuye Nkulunkulu; kodwa ithole yizihlephu. Ngoba bahlanyele bazayiginya. UIsrayeli okungelantokozo kiso. Ngoba bona. Yebo, lanxa beqatsha yeziphathamandla. Ngoba uEfrayimi wandise amalathi ngawokona, amalathi azakuba ngawokona kuye. Ngimbhalele ezinkulu zomlayo wami kodwazabalwa njengento yemzini. Mayelanalemihlatshelo yeminikelo yami, bahlaba eGibhithe. Ngoba uIsrayeli izigodlo zakhe. Ungajabuli wobuwule emabaleni wonke okubhulela amabele. Ibala lizabakhohlisa. Kabayikuhlala elizweni leN KOSI. Kabayikuthululela abasidlayo bazangcola; ngoba isinkwa sabo ngesomphefumulo wabo, kasiyikufika endlini yeN. Lizakwenzani ngosuku lomkhosi leN? Ngoba khangela, bahambile ngenxa yokuchitheka abe semathenteni abo. Insuku, ngenxa yobunengi bobubi benu, lenzondo enkulu. Umlindi kaNkulunkulu wakhe. Ba z onakalisile izono zabo. Ngamthola uIsrayeli njengezithelo zevini enkangala, ngababona oyihlo njengezithelo ngokunengekayo njengokuthanda kwabo. Ngo Efrayimi, udumo lwabo esiswini, njalo kusukela ekumithweni. Loba kibo! UEfrayimi, njengokubona kwami iTire, uhlanyelwe endaweni yokuhlala; kodwa uEfrayimi uzakhuphela abantwana bakhe kumbulali. Banike, N! Uzanikani? Banike isizalo esiphunzayo. Bonke ububi babo buseGiligali. UEfrayimi utshayiwe; impande yabo. UNkulunkulu wami uzabala, ngoba kabamlaleli; bazakuba ngabazulayo phakathi kwezizwe. UIsrayeli ulivini elithululwayo zibe zinhle. Iyehlukanisile inhliziyo yabo; khathesi bazakuba. Ngoba khathesi bazakuthi: Kasilankosi; ngoba kasimesabanga uJehova; pho, inkosi izakwenzani kithi? Bakhulume amazwi, befunga amanga besenza isivumelwano; ngakho isahlulelo yensimu. Abahlali beSamariya kulo. Yebo, lizathwalelwa. ISamariya. Lendawo eziphakemeyo zeAveni ezintabeni: Sisibekeleni; lemaqaqeni: Welani phezu kwethu. Kusukela eGibeya emelene labantwana bobubi kayibaficanga. Kusesiloyisweni zizabuthana zimelene labo, lapho ngizababopha ngenxa yeziphambeko zabo ezimbili. Njalo uEfrayimi ulithokazi e lifundisiweyo, elithanda. Zihlanyeleleni ekulungeni. Lilime inkohlakalo, lidle izithelo zamanga; ngoba lithembele endleleni yenu, ebunengini bamaqhawe enu. Ngalokho kuzakuba khona ukuxokozela phakathi kwabantu bakho, lenqaba zakho zonke. Izakwenza njalo iBhetheli kini, ngenxa yobubi bobubi bakho. UIsrayeli esengumntwana. Kwathibebabiza, ngokunjalo basuka phambi kwabo. Mina-ke ngacathulisa uEfrayimi; ngababamba ngezingalo zabo. Ngabadonsa ngamagoda. Kayikubuyela elizweni leGibhithe. Inkemba izatheleka emizini yakhe. Njalo abantu bami banamathela ekuhlehleleni muva kimi. Ngizakunikela njani, Efrayimi kanyekanye. Kangiyikwenza ukuvutha kolaka lwami; kangiyikubuyela ngichithe uEfrayimi; ngoba nginguNkulunkulu, kangisuye umuntu; kangiyikungena emzini. Bazayilandela iN KOSI beqhaqhazela. Bazaqhaqhazela njengenyoni evela eGibhithe. UEfrayimi ungizingelezele ngamanga, lendlu kaIsrayeli ngenkohliso; kodwa uJuda. UEfrayimi udla umoya, axotshane. layo ilengxabano loJuda. Esiswini wabamba umfowabo ngesithende. Yebo, waba lamandla phezu kwengilosi, wanqoba. Ngitsho iN, uNkulunkulu wamabandla, iyisikhumbuzo sayo. Ngakho wena, phendukela kuNkulunkulu wakho. Ung umthengisi, izilinganiso ezikhohlisayo zisesandleni sakhe, uthanda ukucindezela. LoEfrayimi uthi: Kanti nginothile, se ngizitholele inotho. Kodwa ngiyiN, uNkulunkulu wakho, kusukela elizweni leGibhithe. Ngizakhuluma futhi labaprofethi, ngisebenzise imifanekiso ngesandla sabaprofethi. Bukhona yini ububi e Gileyadi? Isibili bayize. Kanti uJakobe wabalekela e liz wenileSiriya. Langomprofethi. UEfrayimi uyicunule ngobuhlungu obukhulu. Lapho uEfrayimi ekhuluma eqhuqha, waziphakamisa koIsrayeli, wafa. Khathesi-ke baqhubeka besona, bazenzela izithombe ezibunjwe ngokuncibilikisa zesiliva sabo, izithombe njengokuqedisisa kwabo. Ngakho bazakuba njengeyezi lekuseni. Kube kanti mina ngiyiN, uNkulunkulu wakho, kusukela elizweni leGibhithe; ngakho kawuyikwazi unkulunkulu ngaphandle kwami. Mina ngakwazi enkangala. Njengokwedlelo labo, ngokunjalo basutha. Ngakho ngizakuba kubo njengesilwane. Ngizabahlangabeza njengebhere elithathelwe imidlwane, ngidabule isisibekelo senhliziyo yabo, ngibadlele lapho njengesilwane; isilo seganga sizabadabudabula. Kukuchithile, Israyeli. Pho, ingaphi inkosi yakho, ukuthi ikusindise emizini yakho yonke? Ngakunika inkosi ekuthukutheleni kwami. Ububi bukaEfrayimi bubotshiwe, isono sakhe sibekiwe. Insizi zowesifazana ohelelwayo zizamfikela; uyindodana engahlakaniphanga. Ngizabenzela inhlawulo yokuthula. Loba yena engaveza izithelo phakathi kwabafowabo; wona uzaphanga okuligugu kwazo zonke izitsha eziloyisekayo. ISamariya. Buyela, Israyeli, eNni, uNkulunkulu wakho. Thathani amazwi lani, libuyele eNni, lithi kiyo. IAsiriya kayiyikusisindisa. Ngizakwelapha, ngoba intukuthelo yami iphanjulwe kuye. Ngizakuba njengamazolo kuIsrayeli. Amahlumela akhe azanaba. Bazabuyela abahlala emthunzini wakhe, bavuseleleke njeng amabele, bakhahlele njengevini, isikhumbuzo sakhe sibenjengewayini leLebhanoni. Efrayimi, ngiseselani lezithombe. Ngubani ohlakaniphileyo aqedisise lezizinto? okhaliphileyo azazi. Ilizwi leN elafika kuJoweli indodana kaPethuweli. Zwanini lokhu? Landiselani abantwana benu ngakho, labantwana benu abantwana babo, labantwana babo esinye isizukulwana. Okutshiywe zintothoviyane; lokutshiywe liqhwagi inswabanda ikudlile. Phaphamani, zidakwa, likhale inyembezi, liqhinqe isililo. Ngoba isizwe senyukele elizweni lami. Senze ivini lami laba yincithakalo, lesihlahla sami somkhiwa saba zimvava. Qhinqani isililo njengentombi emsulwa ebhinciswe isaka. Umnikelo wokudla lomnikelo wokunathwayo uqunyiwe wasuka endlini yeN KOSI. Insimu ichithiwe, umhlabathi uyalila. Banini lenhloni, balimi, qhinqani isililo, baphathizivini, ngenxa yengqoloyi langenxa yebhali; ngoba isivuno sensimu sichithekile. Ivini libunile. Bhincani. Yehlukanisani ukuzila ukudla, likhale eNni. Maye ngalolosuku! Ngoba usuku lweN luseduze. Ukudla kakuqunywanga yini phambi kwamehlo ethu? Inhlanyelo iyabola ngaphansi kwamagade ayo; izibuya zingamanxiwa, iziphala zidilizelwe phansi. Yeka ukububula kwezifuyo. Ngiyakhala kuwe. Lenyamazana zeganga. Vuthelani uphondo. Usuku lomnyama. Umlilo uyaqeda phambi kwaso; yebo kakulakuphunyuka kuso. Isimo saso sinjengesimo samabhiza, lanjengabagadi bamabhiza ngokunjalo bazagijima. Bazakweqa. Phambi kobuso babo abantu bazakuba lobuhlungu; bonke ubuso. Bazagijima njengamaqhawe, bakhwele imiduli njengamadoda empi, bahambe ngulowo lalowo ngezindlela zakhe, kabayikuphambuka emikhondweni yabo. Kabasunduzani omunye lomunye. Bazahaluzela bedabula umuzi njengesela. Umhlaba uzanyikinyeka phambi kwabo. Njalo izakhupha ilizwi layo? Ngakho lakhathesi, itsho iN, phendukelani kimi ngenhliziyo yenu yonke. Lidabule inhliziyo yenu. Ngubani owaziyo, ingaphenduka izisole. Vuthelani uphondo eZiyoni, libize umhlangano onzulu, libuthanise abantu, lingcwelise ibandla. Kakuthi abapristi, izikhonzi zeN KOSI? Khona izatshisekela ilizwe layo. Yebo izaphendula ithi ebantwini bayo: Khangelani, ngizalithumela amabele, ukuthi lisuthe ngakho; kangisayikulenza inhlamba phakathi kwezizwe. Kodwa ngizasusela khatshana lani. Ungesabi, lizwe, jabula uthokoze, ngoba yenze izinto ezinkulu. Lingesabi, zinyamazana zeganga. Lani bantwana beZiyoni, thabani. Lamabala okubhulela azagcwala amabele. Njalo ngizabuyisela kini iminyaka eyadliwa yintothoviyane. Njalo lizakudla lokudla, lisuthe, lidumise ibizo leN, uNkulunkulu wenu, oliphethe ngokumangalisayo. Njalo lizakwazi ukuthi ngiphakathi. Kuzakuthi emva kwalokho. Yebo, laphezu ngizathela uMoya wami ngalezonsuku. Njalo ngizaveza izimangaliso emazulwini lemhlabeni. Ilanga lizaphenduka libe ngumnyama. Kuzakuthi-ke loba ngubani ozabiza ibizo leN asindiswe. Ngoba khangela, ngalezonsuku langalesosikhathi, ngizabutha zonke izizwe, ezibahlakaze phakathi kwezizwe, zalaba ilizwe lami, zenza inkatho yokuphosa ngabantu bami, zanika umfana ngewule, zathengisa inkazana ngewayini, ukuze zinathe. Yebo-ke, lilani kimi, Tire. Ngoba lithethe isiliva sami legolide lami, laletha izinto zami eziloyisekayo ezinhle emathempelini enu. Lathengisa. Khangelani, ngizabavusa endaweni elabathengisa kiyo, ngibuyisele umvuzo wenu ekhanda lenu. Njalo ngizathengisa amadodana enu lamadodakazi enu esandleni sabantwana bakoJuda; ngoba ikhulumile. Memezelani lokhu phakathi kwezizwe; lingcwelise impi; livuse amaqhawe; kawasondele enyuke wonke amadoda empi. Khandani amakhuba enu abe yizinkemba. Phangisani lize, lina zizwe. Kazizivuse izizwe zenyukele esihotsheni sikaJehoshafathi. Fakani, ngoba ububi babo bukhulu. Amaxuku, amaxuku. Ilanga lenyanga kuzakuba mnyama. izabhonga-ke iseZiyoni. Ngalokho lizakwazi ukuthi ngiyiN, uNkulunkulu wenu. Kuzakuthi-ke ngalolosuku. IGibhithe izakuba lunxiwa elizweni labo. Kodwa uJuda uzahlala kuze kube nininini, leJerusalema kuze kube yisizukulwana lesizukulwana. Ngoba ngizahlanza igazi labo, e nganginga li hlanzanga. Amazwi kaAmosi owayephakathi kwabelusi beThekhowa. Wasesithi: izabhonga iseZiyoni ibune. Itsho njalo iN: Ngenxa yeziphambeko ezintathu. Ngakho ngizathumela umlilo endlini. Njalo ngizakwephula umgoqo, itsho iN. Itsho njalo iN: Ngenxa yeziphambeko ezintathu. Ngakho ngizathumela umlilo emdulini weGaza, ozaqeda izigodlo zayo. Ngiqume umhlali eAshidodi izabhubha; itsho iNkosi uJehova. Itsho njalo iN: Ngenxa yeziphambeko ezintathu. Ngakho ngizathumela umlilo emdulini weTire ozaqeda izigodlo zayo. Itsho njalo iN: Ngenxa yeziphambeko ezintathu, yagcina intukuthelo yayo kokuphela. Ngakho ngizathumela umlilo. Itsho njalo iN: Ngenxa yeziphambeko ezintathu. Ngakho, ngesiphepho osukwini lwesivunguzane; lenkosi yabo izakuya ekuthunjweni; itsho iN. Itsho njalo iN: Ngenxa yeziphambeko ezintathu. Ngakho ngizathumela umlilo koMowabi, ozaqeda izigodlo. Ngiqume umahluleli asuke phakathi kwakhe, ngibulale zonke iziphathamandla zakhe kanye laye, itsho iN. Itsho njalo iN: Ngenxa yeziphambeko ezintathu. Ngakho. Itsho njalo iN: Ngenxa yeziphambeko ezintathu, abaphefuzelela. Bacambalale ezembathweni zesibambiso. Kanti mina ngachitha umAmori phambi kwabo. Futhi mina ngalenyusa elizweni leGibhithe. Ngavusa abanyeemadodaneni enu babe ngabaprofethi, l abanyeemajaheni enu babe ngamaNaziri. Kakunjalo yini, lina bantwana bakoIsrayeli? itsho iN. Kodwa lawanathisa amaNaziri iwayini. Khangelani, ngizalicindezela phansi, njengenqola igcwele izithungo icindezela. Ngakho ukubaleka kuzabhubha. Lophethe idandili kayikuma, lolenyawo ezilula kayikuzikhulula. Lolenhliziyo eqinileyo phakathi kwamaqhawe uzabaleka eze ngalolosuku, itsho iN. Zwanini lelilizwi elikhulume imelene lani, isithi: Yini kuphela. Ababili bangahamba kanyekanye yini ngaphandle kokuthi behlangene? Kambe lwalo lingabambanga luthoyini? Inyoni ingawela emjibileni emhlabeni lapho okungelasifu khona kuyo? Uphondo lungavuthelwa yini emzini? Isibili iNkosi uJehova kayenzi lutho ngaphandle kokuthi yembule. Isilwane sesibhongile? Zwakalisani ezigodlweni zeAshidodi lezigodlweni zelizwe leGibhithe, lithi: Buthanani phezu kwezintaba zeSamariya. Ngoba kabakwazi ukwenza okuqondileyo. Ngakho itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Isitha, esizazingelezela ilizwe. Itsho njalo iN: Njengalokho umelusi esophula imilenze emibili. Zwanini lifakaze, ukuthi mhla ngizaphindisela iziphambeko zikaIsrayeli phezu kwakhe, ngizaphindisela futhi phezu kwamalathi. Ngizatshaya, lezindlu ezinkulu ziphele; itsho iN. Zwanini lelilizwi, elithi emakhosini abo: Lethani sinathe. INkosi uJehova ifungile ngobungcwele bayo, ukuthi, khangelani, insuku zizafika phezu kwenu lapho abazalihudula ngezingwegwe. Njalo lizaphuma nge zikhala, liziphosele ngasesigodlweni, itsho iN. Wozani; litshise umhlatshelo wokubonga, lizwakalise; ngoba ngokunjalo li ku thanda, bantwana bakoIsrayeli, itsho iNkosi uJehova. Ngakho mina ngilinikile futhi ukuhlanzeka kwamazinyo emizini yonke yenu, lenswelo yesinkwa endaweni zenu zonke, itsho iN. Futhi-ke mina ngaligodlela izulu, kodwa kalinanga komunye umuzi; esinye isiqinti sanethwa, kodwa isiqinti esinganethwanga satsha. Kwasekuzula imizi emibili loba emithathu, itsho iN. Ngalitshaya ngokuhanguka langengumane, itsho iN. Ngathumela phakathi kwenu umatshayabhuqe wesifo, ngokwendlela yeGibhithe, itsho iN. Ngachitha abanyephakathi kwenu njengalokho uNkulunkulu wachitha iSodoma leGomora, itsho iN. Ngakho ngizakwenza ngokunjalo kuwe, Israyeli; ngenxa yokuthi ngizakwenza lokhu kuwe, zilungiselele ukuhlangana loNkulunkulu wakho, Israyeli. Ngoba khangela, obumba izintaba, lodala umoya, lotshela umuntu ukuthi umcabango wakhe uyini. Zwanini lelilizwi, ndlu kaIsrayeli. Intombi emsulwa yakoIsrayeli iwile, kakho oyivusayo. Ngoba itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova: Umuzi ophuma l abayinkulungwane, kuyo indlu kaIsrayeli. Ngoba itsho njalo endlini kaIsrayeli: Ngidingani. Kodwa lingadingi iBhetheli. Dingani liphile. Lina eliphendula isahlulelo. Owenza isiLimela. Okhazimulisa incithakalo phezu kolamandla, ukuze incithakalo ize phezu kwenqaba. Bayamzonda. Ngenxa yokuthi linyathelela phansi umyanga, limthathele umthwalo wamabele, kodwa kaliyikunatha iwayini lazo. Ngoba ngiyazi ukuthiiziphambeko zenu zinengi, l okuthiizono zenu zilamandla; lina elihlupha olungileyo, elemukela isivalamlomo, eliphambula abayanga. Ngakho ohlakaniphileyo uzathula ngalesosikhathi. Dingani okuhle, hatshi-ke okubi, ukuze liphile. Zondani ububi, lithande okuhle. Ngakho utsho njalo uJehova, uNkulunkulu wamabandla. Lakuzo zonke izivini kuzakuba lokulila, ngoba ngizadabula phakathi kwenu, itsho iN. Maye kulabo abaloyisa, kungeyisikho ukukhanya. Kunjengomuntu obaleke phambi kwesilwane. Usuku lweN KOSI? Ngiyayizonda, ngiyayidelela imikhosi yenu. Ngoba lanxa linikela kimi iminikelo yokutshiswa leminikelo yenu yokudla. Susani kimi umsindo wezingoma zenu, ngoba kangiyikuzwa. Kodwa isahlulelo kasikhukhule njengamanzi. Lanikela yini kimi imihlatshelo leminikelo yokudla enkangala okweminyaka engamatshumi amane, lina ndlu kaIsrayeli? Kodwa lathwala, inkanyezi kankulunkulu wenu, elizenzele zona. Ngakho ngizalithumbela ngaphetsheya. Maye kubo kubo abendlu kaIsrayeli! Dlulelani eKaline? Umngcele wabo mkhulu yini kulomngcele wenu? Lina elibeka khatshana usuku olubi. Labo abalala; abatshotsha ngokukhala kwechacho; benatha iwayini ngemiganu yokufafaza. Ngakho khathesi bazakuya ekuthunjweni labakuqala abaya ekuthunjweni. INkosi uJehova lokugcwala kwawo. Kuzakuthi-ke uba kusele amadoda alitshumi endlini eyodwa, azakufa. Njalo umalume womuntuuzamphakamisa, lalowo omtshisayo. Ngoba khangela, iyalaya, njalo izatshaya indlu enkulu. Amabhiza angagijima edwaleni yini? umuntuangalima khonangezinkabi yini? Ngoba liphendulele. Lina elithokoza ngento engelutho? Ngoba khangelani, ngizalivusela, lina ndlu kaIsrayeli. INkosi uJehova yangibonisa kanje kwenkosi. Kwasekusithi lapho sesiqedile ukudla utshani belizwe, ngathi: Nkosi Jehova, ake uthethelele. UJakobe uzakuma njani? ngoba emncinyane. yazisola ngalokhu; kakuyikwenzeka, itsho iN. INkosi uJehova yangibonisa kanje; khangela-ke, iNkosi uJehova yabiza ukulwa ngomlilo, owaqothula ukujula okukhulu waqothula isabelo. Ngasengisithi: Nkosi Jehova, ake ume. UJakobe uzakuma njani? ngoba emncinyane. yazisola ngalokhu. Lalokhu kakuyikwenzeka, itsho iNkosi uJehova. Yangibonisa kanje. yasisithi kimi: Ubonani, Amosi. Kodwa indawo eziphakemeyo zikaIsaka zizakuba ngamanxiwa, lezindawo ezingcwele zakoIsrayeli zizadilizwa; ngiyivukele indlu kaJerobowamu ngenkemba. UAmaziya umpristi. Ngoba utsho njalo uAmosi: UJerobhowamu uzakufa ngenkemba. UAmaziya wasesithi kuAmosi: Wena mboni, lalapho uprofethe. Kodwa eBhetheli njalo iyindlu yombuso. UAmosi wasephendula wathi kuAmaziya: Ngangingasumprofethi mina. Kodwa yangithatha ekulandeleni umhlambi, yathi kimi: Hamba u ye profetha ebantwini bami uIsrayeli. Ngakho-ke zwana ilizwi leN KOSI. Ngakho itsho njalo iN KOSI. INkosi uJehova yangibonisa kanje. Yasisithi: Ubonani, Amosi. Kodwa izingoma zethempelini; kuyo yonke indawo baza zi phosela ngokuthula. Zwanini lokhu; elithi: Ukuthwasa kwenyanga. Ukuze sithenge abayanga ngesiliva? ifungile kuze kube nininini. Kawuyikuqhaqhazela yini. Kuzakuthi-ke ngalolosuku, itsho iNkosi uJehova, ngizatshonisa ilanga emini enkulu. Ngiphendule imikhosi yenu ibe yikulila. Khangela, insuku ziyeza, itsho iNkosi uJehova, lapho ngizathumela indlala elizweni. Njalo bazazula, kodwa benga li tholi. Ngalolosuku intombi ezimsulwa ezinhle lamajaha azaqaleka. Labo abafunga; bazakuwa-ke, bangabe besavuka. Ngabona iNkosi imi. Loba begebha besiyaesihogweni; loba becatsha-ke engqongeni yeKharmeli; loba besiya-ke ekuthunjweni phambi kwezitha zabo, ngizalaya inkemba. Njalo kuyiNkosi uJehova wamabandla ethinta umhlaba, ukuze uncibilike njengomfula weGibhithe. Eyakha amakamelo ayo aphezulu emazulwini. Kimi kalinjengabantwana eKiri? Khangela, amehlo eNkosi uJehova, itsho iN. Ngoba khangela, ngizalaya ngihlungule indlu kaIsrayeli. Zonke izoni zabantu bami zizakufa ngenkemba, ezithi. Ngalolosuku eliwileyo, ngivale izikhala zalo, ngivuse amanxiwa alo, ngilakhe njeng e nsuk winizendulo; ukuze badle ilifa lensali yeEdoma ezibizwa ngebizo lami, itsho eyenza lokhu. Khangela, insuku ziyeza. Njalo ngizaphendula ukuthunjwa kwabantu bami uIsrayeli, benze izivande, badle izithelo zazo. Ngibahlanyele elizweni labo, itsho uNkulunkulu wakho. Umbono kaObhadiya. Itsho njalo iNkosi uJehova mayelana leEdoma: Sukumani, kasimvukele empini! Khangela, ngikwenze waba mncinyane phakathi kwezizwe. Ukuziqhenya kwenhliziyo yakho? Loba uphakeme njengokhozi. Uba amasela efika kuwe, loba abaphangi ebusuku? Yeka ukuhlolwa kwe zinto zika Esawu, ukudingisiswa kokuligugu kwakhe okufihliweyo! Wonke amadoda esivumelwano sakho akuxotshele emngceleni; amadoda okuthula kwakho akukhohlisile, akwehlule. Kakuyikuba njaloyini. Lamaqhawe akho. Ngenxa. Ngosuku owema ngalo ngaphambili, ngosuku abezizweni abathumba ngalo amabutho akhe, abezizwe abangena emasangweni akhe, lawe wawunjengomunye wabo. Kodwa wawungafanelanga ukukhangela; njalo wawungafanelanga ukhulise umlomo wakho ngosuku lokuhlupheka. Ngabe kawungenanga ngesango labantu bami osukwini lwenhlupheko yabo. Ngabe kawumanga emehlukanweni endlela ukuquma abaphunyukayo bakhe. Ngoba usuku lweN lusondele. Ngoba njengoba linathile. Kodwa entabeni yeZiyoni. Lendlu kaJakobe izakuba ngumlilo; ngoba ikhulumile. Labeningizimu, loBhenjamini iGileyadi. Labathunjiweyo bale inqaba yabantwana bakoIsrayeli bazakudla ilifaelalingelamaKhanani. Labasindisi bakhwele. Ilizwi leN laselifika kuJona indodana kaAmithayi, lisithi: Sukuma, uye eNineve. Kodwa uJona wasukuma ukuze abalekele. Kodwa yaphosa umoya omkhulu elwandle. Abatshayeli bomkhumbi basebesesaba. Ngakho induna yomkhumbi yasondela kuye. Basebesithi, ngulowo kumngane wakhe: Wozani senze inkatho yokuphosa, ukuze sazi ukuthi kungenxa kabani lobububi buphezu kwethu. Basebesenza inkatho yokuphosa; inkatho yasiwela phezu kukaJona. Basebesithi kuye: Akusitshele ukuthi kungenxa kabani lobububi buphezu kwethu. Umsebenzi wakho uyini? Njalo uvela ngaphi? Yiliphi ilizwe lakini? Njalo ungowabaphi abantu? Wasesithi kibo: NgingumHebheru, ngiyayesaba iN KOSI. Amadoda asesesaba ngo kwesaba okukhulu, athi kuye: Ukwenzeleni lokhu? Ngoba amadoda akwazi ukuthi ubalekile ebusweni beN, ngoba wayesewatshelile. Asesithi kuye: Senzeni kuwe ukuze ulwandle luthule kithi? Ngoba ulwandle lwaqhubeka lwaba lesiphepho. Wasesithi kiwo: Ngiphakamisani, lingiphosele olwandle; ngalokho ulwandle luzalithulela; ngoba ngiyazi ukuthi lesisiphepho esikhulu siphezu kwenu ngenxa yami. Kodwa amadoda agwedla ngamandla ukuze awubuyisele umkhumbiemhlabathini owomileyo, kodwa ehluleka, ngoba ulwandle lwaqhubeka lwaba lesiphepho lumelene lawo. Ngakho akhala eNni, athi: Siyakuncenga, N KOSI. Asephakamisa uJona, amphosela elwandle; ulwandle lwaselusima ekuvubekeni kwalo. Amadoda aseyesaba ngo kwesaba okukhulu. Njalo yayimise inhlanzi enkulu ukuze imginye uJona. UJona wasekhuleka eNni uNkulunkulu wakhe esemathunjini enhlanzi, wathi: Ekuhluphekeni kwami ngakhala eNni. Ngoba wangiphosela e nzik ini, enhliziyweni yezinlwandle, lempophoma yangihanqa. Ngasengisithi mina: Ngixotshiwe phambi kobuso bakho. Amanzi. Ngehlela ezisekelweni zezintaba. Lapho umphefumulo wami uphela amandla phakathi kwami ngakhumbula iN KOSI. Labo abagcina amanga. Kodwa mina ngizakwenza umhlatshelo kuwe ngelizwi lokubonga. yasikhuluma kuyo inhlanzi, yasimhlanza uJona emhlabathini owomileyo. Ilizwi leN laselifika kuJona ngokwesibili, lisithi: Sukuma, uye eNineve, lowana umuzi omkhulu, utshumayele kuwo intshumayelo engikutshela yona. UJona wasesukuma, waya eNineve, njengokwelizwi leN. Phela iNineve yayingumuzi omkhulu kakhulu, uhambo lwezinsuku ezintathu. UJona waseqala ukungena emzini, uhambo losuku olulodwa. Wamemeza, wathi: Kusesezinsuku ezingamatshumi amane, khona iNineve izagenqulwa. Abantu beNineve basebekholwa kuNkulunkulu. Ngoba ilizwi lafinyelela enkosini yeNineve; yasisukuma esihlalweni sayo sobukhosi. Yasimemezela. Kodwa kakuthi umuntu lenyamazana kwembeswe amasaka. Ngubani owaziyo, uNkulunkulu angaphenduka, ukuze singabhubhi. UNkulunkulu wasebona imisebenzi yabo, ukuthi baphendukile endleleni yabo embi. Kodwa kwaba kubi kakhulukazi kuJona. Wasekhuleka eNkosini, wathi: Ngiyakuncenga, N, leli lalingesilo ilizwi lami ngiseselizweni lakithi yini? Ngenxa yalokhu ngandulela ngokubalekela eTarshishi. Ngakho-ke, N, susa, ngiyakuncenga, impilo yami kimi. INkosi yasisithi: Wenza kuhle yini ngo kuthukuthela kwakho? UJona wasephuma emzini, wa ya hlala ngasempumalanga komuzi, wazenzela idumba khona, wahlala ngaphansi kwalo emthunzini, aze abone okuzakwenzakala emzini. INkosi uNkulunkulu. UJona wasethokoza ngenxa yomhlafutho nge ntokozo enkulu. Kodwa uNkulunkulu wamisa impehlane ekuveleni kokusa kusasa, yatshaya umhlafutho, waze wabuna. Kwasekusithi ekuphumeni kwelanga, uNkulunkulu wamisa umoya wempumalanga. UNkulunkulu wasesithi kuJona: Wenza kuhle yini ngo kuthukuthela kwakho ngenxa yomhlafutho? Wasesithi: Ngenza kuhle ngo kuthukuthela kwami kuze kube sekufeni. yasisithi: Wena ube lozwelo phezu komhlafutho ongawutshikatshikelanga, ongawukhulisanga; owaba khona ngobusuku bunye, wabhubha ngobusuku bunye. Mina-ke ngabe kangihawukelanga yini iNineve? Ilizwi leN elafika kuMika. Zwanini, lina zizwe lonke. Ngoba khangela, iyaphuma. Lezintaba zizancibilika ngaphansi kwayo, lezihotsha ziqhekezeke. Konke lokhu kungenxa yesiphambeko sikaJakobe? Ngakho ngizakwenza iSamariya. Lazo zonke izithombe zayo ezibaziweyo zizaphahlazwa. Ngenxa yalokhu. Ngoba inxeba layo kalelapheki. Linga ku khulumi. Dlula wena, mhlalikazi weShafiri, ohlazo lakho linqunuliwe; umhlalikazi weZawanani kaphumanga; isililo si se Bhethi-Ezeli; uzakwemukela ukuma kwakhe kini. Ngoba umhlalikazi weMarothi. Bophela inqola ebhizeni elilejubane. Ngakho uzakupha uMorashethi-Gathi zizakuba yinkohliso emakhosini akoIsrayeli. Ngisezakulethela indlalifa. Zenze ube lempabanga. Maye kwabaceba ububi, benze okubi. Njalo bahawukela amasimu, ba wa phange; ngokunjalo bayacindezela indoda lendlu yayo, yebo, umuntu lelifa lakhe. Ngakho itsho njalo iN: Khangela, ngiyacabanga okubi. Ngalolosuku kuzaphakanyiswa. Ngakho kawuyikuba lophosela intambo. Lingaprofethi, bayaprofetha kawayikusuka. Wena obizwa ngokuthiuyindlu kaJakobe, umoya weN ufinyeziwe yini? Lezi yizenzo zayo yini? Amazwi ami kawenzi okuhle yini kohamba ngobuqotho? Kodwa mandulo abantu bami basukume baba yisitha. Abesifazana babantu bami libaxotshile. Sukumani, lihambe, ngoba le kayisiyo indawo yokuphumula. Uba umuntu ohamba ngo moya lenkohliso eqamba amanga. Isibili ngizakubuthanisa, Jakobe, wena wonke. Umfohli ukhuphukile phambi kwabo. Ngasengisithi: Ake lizwe, lina zinhloko zakoJakobe? Elizonda okuhle, lithande okubi, elebula isikhumba lisisusa kubo, lenyama yabo emathanjeni abo; futhi elidla inyama yabantu bami. Khona bezakhala eNni, kodwa kayiyikubaphendula, njengalokho benze izenzo zabo zaba zimbi. Itsho njalo mayelana labaprofethi abaduhisa abantu bami. Ngakho kuzakuba yibusuku, losuku lube mnyama phezu kwabo. Khona ababoni bezayangeka. Kodwa isibili mina ngigcwele amandla ngomoya weN, lesahlulelo, lengalo. Ake lizwe lokhu, lina zinhloko zendlu kaJakobe. Elakha iZiyoni, leJerusalema ngobubi. Inhloko zayo zahlulelela isipho. Ngakho ngenxa yenu iZiyoni. Kodwa kuzakuthi ekupheleni kwezinsuku, intaba yendlu yeN iqiniswe phezu kwengqonga yezintaba, njalo iphakanyiswe ngaphezu kwamaqaqa; labantu bazagelezela kuyo. Lezizwe ezinengi zizahamba, zithi: Wozani, senyukele entabeni yeN, lendlini kaNkulunkulu kaJakobe, njalo uzasifundisa ngezindlela zakhe, sihambe emikhondweni yakhe. Ngoba umlayo uzaphuma eZiyoni, lelizwi leN eJerusalema. Njalo izakwahlulela phakathi kwezizwe ezinengi; njalo zizakhanda inkemba zazo zibe yizikali zamakhuba, lemikhonto yazo ibe zingqamu zokuthena izihlahla; isizwe kasiyikuphakamisela isizwe inkemba, kazisayikufunda impi futhi. Kodwa bazahlala ngulowo lalowo ngaphansi kwesihlahla sakhe sevini, langaphansi kwesihlahla sakhe somkhiwa. Ngoba bonke abantu bazahamba ngulowo lalowo ebizweni likankulunkulu wakhe. Ngalolosuku, itsho iN KOSI. Ngizakwenza oqhulayo. Ngakho wena, mphotshongo weEderi, umbuso kundodakazi yeJerusalema. Khathesi ukhalelani kakhulu. Bana lobuhlungu. Khathesi-ke izizwe ezinengi zibuthene zimelene lawe. Kodwa bona kabayazi imicabango yeN KOSI. Sukuma ubhule. Khathesi buthana ube ngamaviyo, wena ndodakazi yeviyo. Kodwa wena. Ngakho uzabanikela, kuze kube yisikhathi sokuthi lowo ohelelwayo azale. Njalo uzakuma. Njalo lu muntuuzakuba yikuthula. Njalo bazalidla ilizwe leAsiriya ngenkemba, lelizwe likaNimrodi. Lensali kaJakobe izakuba phakathi kwabantu abanengi, okungalindeli muntu, lokungameleli bantwana babantu. Lensali kaJakobe izakuba phakathi kwabezizwe, phakathi kwabantu abanengi. Isandla sakho sizaphakama phezu kwabamelana lawe, njalo zonke izitha zakho zizaqunywa. Kuzakuthi-ke ngalolosuku, itsho iN KOSI. Njalo ngizaquma imizi yelizwe lakho. Njalo ngizaquma ubuthakathi esandleni sakho. Njalo ngizaquma. Njalo ngizasiphuna izixuku zakho ziphume phakathi kwakho. Njalo ngizakwenza impindiselo ngentukuthelo langolaka kuzo izizwe ezingalalelanga. Ake lizwe lokhu ekutshoyo: Sukuma, ulwe lezintaba, lamaqaqa kawalizwe ilizwi lakho. Zwanini, lina zintaba, njalo izalungisana loIsrayeli. Wena sizwe sami, ngenzeni kuwe? Fakaza umelene lami. Ngoba ngakukhuphula elizweni leGibhithe. Sizwe sami, ake ukhumbule lokho uBalaki inkosi yakoMowabi eyakucebayo. Ngizakuza lani? Ngizakuza phambi kwayo ngileminikelo yokutshiswa, ngilamathole alomnyaka owodwa yini? izathokoza yini ngezinkulungwane zezinqama? Ikutshengisile? Ilizwi likaJehova liyamemeza kuwo umuzi, lenhlakanipho izabona. Kusekhona inotho yenkohlakalo yini e ndl iniyokhohlakeleyo, le-efa elinciphayo? Bengingaba ngohlanzekileyo ngesikali sobubi? Ngoba abanothileyo bayo bagcwele udlakela lulenkohliso emlonyeni wabo. Ngakho lami ngiza ku gulisa ngokukutshaya, ngi kw enze incithakalo ngenxa yezono zakho. Wena uzakudla, kodwa ungasuthi; lalokhu okukhululayo ngizakunikela enkembeni. Wena, kodwa unganathi iwayini. Ngoba izimiso zikaOmri ziyagcinwa. Maye kimi. Olungileyo. Ukuze benze okubi nge zandla zombili ngokutshiseka, isiphathamandla siyacela. Ongcono wabo unjengameva. Lingabeki ithemba kumngane. Ngoba indodana. Ngakho mina ngizakhangela eNni. Ungathokozi ngami. Ngizaluthwala ulaka lweN KOSI. Ngakho isithakazi sami sizabona. Ngo suku. Nga lolosuku kuzafika lakuwe, kusukela entabeni kusiyae ntab eni. Lanxa kunjalo ilizwe lizakuba yincithakalo ngenxa yabahlali balo. Yelusa abantu bakho ngentonga yakho, umhlambi welifa lakho. Njengezinsukwini zokuphuma kwakho elizweni leGibhithe. Izizwe zizabona ziyangeke ngamandla azo wonke. Zizakhotha uthuli, zesabe ngenxa yakho. Ngubani onguNkulunkulu njengawe. Uzaphenduka. Uzanika iqiniso kuJakobe. Umthwalo. inguNkulunkulu olobukhwele. iyaphuza ukuthukuthela, lamayezi aluthuli lwenyawo zayo. Ikhuza ulwandle, ilwenze lome, yomise yonke imifula. Izintaba ziyanyikinyeka phambi kwayo. Ngubani ongema phambi kwentukuthelo yayo, lamadwala awiselwe phansi yiyo. ilungile. Kodwa ngesikhukhula esiphuphumayo, lobumnyama buxotshane lezitha zayo. Lenza amacebo bani amelane leN KOSI. Ngoba besathandelene. Kuphumile kuwe onakana okubi emelene leN KOSI. Itsho njalo iN: Loba bephelele. Ngoba khathesi ngizakwephula ijogwe lakhe lisuke kuwe. Njalo ilayile ngawe ukuthi kakusayikuhlanyelwa lutholwebizo lakho. Khangelani ezintabeni. Umhlakazi ukhuphukile phambi kobuso bakho; gcina inqaba. Ngoba ibuyisile. Isihlangu samaqhawe akhe senziwe saba bomvu. Izinqola. Uzakhumbula izikhulu zakhe; zizakhubeka ekuhambeni kwazo; ziphangise emthangaleni wakhe, sesimisiwe isivikelo. Amasango emifula azavulwa. Njalo uHuzabhi. Loba iNineve. Phangani isiliva, phangani igolide; ngoba kakulakuphela kokubuthelelweyo, le nkanzimulo kuzo zonke izitsha eziloyisekayo. Iyize, kayiselalutho. Ingaphi indawo yokuhlala yezilwane? Isilwane sadabudabula okwenele, lezindawo zaso zokuhlala ngokudatshuliweyo. Khangela, ngimelene lawe, itsho yamabandla. Maye kumuzi wezingazi. Umsindo wesiswepu, lomsindo wokugedlezela kwamavili. Umgadi webhiza uphakamisa kokubili inkemba ephazimayo lomkhonto ocwazimulayo. Ngenxa yobunengi bokufeba kwesiphingi. Khangela, ngimelene lawe, itsho yamabandla. Ngiphosele amanyala phezu kwakho. Kuzakuthi-ke wonke okubonayo? Ungcono yini? IEthiyophiya babengabasizi bakho. Kanti yona yathuthwa yaya ekuthunjweni. Lawe-ke uzadakwa, uzacatsha. Inqaba zakho zonke zizakuba njenge zihlahla; uba zinyikinywa, ziwela emlonyeni wodlayo. Khangela, abantu bakho bangabesifazana. Zikhelele amanzi okuvinjezelwa, uqinise ihondo yezitina. Lapho umlilo uzakuqeda, inkemba ikuqume, ikudle njengesikhonyane. Wandise abathengisi bakho ngaphezu kwenkanyezi zamazulu liyona, liphaphe lihambe. Abetheswe umqhele bakho, ezimisa inkamba ezintangweni ngosuku lomqando; ilanga seliphumile, ziyasuka zibaleke, ingabe isaziwa indawo yazo ukuthi zingaphi. Abelusi bakho bayawozela. Kakukho ukupholiswa kokwephuka kwakho? Umthwalo uHabhakhukhi umprofethi awubonayo. N, ngizakhala, wena ungasindisi! Ungitshengiselani isiphambeko. Ngakho-ke umlayo uyayekethisa; ngakho-ke isahlulelo esigobileyo siyaphuma. Bonani phakathi kwabezizwe, likhangele, ngoba ngizakwenza umsebenzi ezinsukwini zenu, e lingayiku wu kholwa, lanxa ulandiswa. Ngoba, khangelani, ngivusa. Siyesabeka, siyethusa. Amabhiza aso lawo alejubane. Bonke bazafikela udlakela; ukubuthana kobuso babo kungasempumalanga; babuthe abathunjiweyo. Bona-ke bazaklolodela amakhosi, lababusi bazakuba yinhlekisa kibo; bona bazahleka usulu ngayo yonke inqaba, bayithumbe. Besesikhukhula njengo moya, sedlule. Kawusukeli ephakadeni yini. Wena uhlambuluke kakhulu emehlweni kulokuthi ubone okubi, ongelakukhangela inkathazo? Esenza abantu babenjengenhlanzi zolwandle, ezi ngelambusi phezu kwazo? Bayabakhupha bonke; ngakho-ke bayathokoza bajabule. Ngakho-ke bayalihlabela; ngoba ngakho isabelo sabo sinonile, lokudla kwabo kulamafutha. Ngakho-ke bayathulula imbule labo yini, bangayekeli yini ukubulala izizwe njalonjalo? Ngizakuma endaweni yami yokulinda. yasingiphendula yathi: Bhala umbono. Ngoba umbono. Khangela, uzikhukhumeza. Yebo futhi, ngoba ekhohlisa. Bonke laba kabayikuphakamisa? Lozethwesa ngezibambiso. Kabayikuhle basukume bakulume yini. Ngoba wena uziphangile izizwe ezinengi. Maye kozuzela indlu yakhe inzuzo embi. Indlu yakho usuyicebele ihlazo, ngokuquma abantu abanengi; wonile umelene lo mphefumulo wakho. Ngoba ilitshe lizakhala lisemdulini, lothungo luliphendule lusesigodweni. Maye kowakha umuzi ngegazi elinengi. Khangela, kakuveli eNni yamabandla yini ukuthi izizwe zizatshikatshikela? Ngoba umhlaba uzagcwala. Maye konathisa umakhelwane wakhe! Uzasutha ngehlazo kulodumo. Ngoba udlakela. Sisizani isithombe esibaziweyo lokhu umbumbi waso esibazile? Maye kuye otsho kuso isigodo: Phaphama! L elitsheni eliyisimungulu: Vuka, lona lizafundisa! Khangela, kunanyekwe nge golide lesiliva, njalo kungekho moya phakathi kwakho. Kodwa isethempelini layo elingcwele. Umkhuleko kaHabhakhukhi umprofethi ngamaShigayoni. N, ngizwile umbiko wakho. UNkulunkulu wavela eThemani. Sela. Inkazimulo yakhe yasibekela amazulu, lomhlaba wagcwala indumiso yakhe. Lokucwazimula kwakunjengokukhanya, wayelemisebe ephuma esandleni sakhe; njalo kulapho okwafihlwa amandla akhe. Phambi kwakhe kwahamba umatshayabhuqe wesifo. Wema, walinganisa umhlaba; wabona, wathuthumelisa izizwe; izindlela zaphakade zingezakhe. Ngabona amathente eKushani. yathukuthelela? Idandili lakho lembuliwe lavela obala. Intaba. Ilanga le nyanga kwema. Ngokuthukuthela wanyathela ilizwe. Waphumela usindiso lwabantu bakho. Sela. Wahlaba ngemikhonto yakhe inhloko yamadoda akhe empi. Wanyathela phakathi kolwandle, inqumbi yamanzi amanengi. Lapho ngisizwa. Loba umkhiwa ungakhahleli, kungekho lesivuno sesivini, umsebenzi womhlwathi uzaphutha, kungabi khona inkomo ezibayeni; kanti mina ngizathokoza eNni. UJehova ungamandla ami; njalo uzakwenza inyawo zami zibe njengezezimpala. Ilizwi leN elafika kuZefaniya, indodana kaKushi, indodana kaGedaliya, indodana kaAmariya, indodana kaHezekhiya, ezinsukwini zikaJosiya, indodana kaAmoni, inkosi yakoJuda. Ngizaqeda lokuqeda konke kusuke ebusweni bomhlabathi, itsho iN. Ngizaqeda, itsho iN. Futhi ngizakwelulela isandla sami phezu kukaJuda, laphezu kwabo bonke abahlali beJerusalema, ngiqume; lalabo abakhonza ibutho lamazulu, lababuyela emuva. Thula ebukhoneni beNkosi uJehova. Kuzakuthi-ke ngosuku lomhlatshelo weN ngijezise iziphathamandla. Langalolosuku ngizajezisa bonke abeqa phezu kombundu, abagcwalisa indlu yamakhosi abo ngodlakela langenkohliso. Langalolosuku, itsho iN, kuzakuba lelizwi lokukhala livela esangweni lenhlanzi, lokufohloza okukhulu kuvela emaqaqeni. Qhinqani isililo, lina bahlali; bonke abathwala isiliva baqunyiwe. Kuzakuthi-ke ngalesosikhathi ngihlole iJerusalema. Ngakho inotho yabo izakuba yimpango, lezindlu zabo zibe lunxiwa. Usuku olukhulu lweN KOSI. Lolosuku lusuku lolaka, usuku lophondo. Njalo ngizabacindezela abantu. Lesiliva sabo legolide labo kakuyikuba lakho ukubakhulula. Zibuthaniseni, lizibuthanise, lina sizwe esingaloyisekiyo, isimiso singakazali, usuku lolaka lweN lungakalehleli. Dingani iN. Ngoba iGaza isitshunwe. Maye kwabakhileyo belizwe. Lelizwe. Njalo ilizwe lizakuba. Ngiyizwile. Ngakho kuphila kwami. Lokhu bazakuba lakho endaweni yokuziphakamisa kwabo. izakwesabeka kibo, ngoba izacakisa bonke onkulunkulu bomhlaba. Lani maEthiyophiya. Njalo izakwelula isandla sayo imelene lenyakatho, ichithe iAsiriya. Njalo imihlambi izalala phansi phakathi kwayo. Lo ngumuzi ojabulayo. Maye kowenyanyekayo longcolileyo, umuzi ocindezelayo! Kawulalelanga ilizwi. Iziphathamandla zawo phakathi kwawo; kazikhukhuzi ithambo ekuseni. Abaprofethi bawo. elungileyo. Ngiziqumile izizwe. Ngathi: Isibili uzangesaba. Ngakho ngilindelani, itsho iN KOSI. Ngoba ngalesosikhathi ngizabuyisela ebantwini ulimi oluhlambulukileyo, ukuze bonke babize ibizo leN, ukuze bayikhonze ngahlombe linye. Kusukela phetsheya kwemifula. Ngalolosuku. Njalo ngizatshiya phakathi kwakho abantu abahluphekileyo labangabayanga. Insali yakoIsrayeli. Hlabelela; thokoza, ujabule ngenhliziyo yonke, ndodakazi yeJerusalema. isusile izahlulelo zakho, isixotshile isitha sakho; inkosi yakoIsrayeli. Ngalolosuku. uNkulunkulu wakho phakathi kwakho ilamandla; izathula othandweni lwayo, ithabe ngawe ngokuhlabelela. Ngizababutha abadabuka ngenxa; ihlazo lingumthwalo kubo. Khangela, ngalesosikhathi ngizakuba lokwenza kulo lonke ilizwe lehlazo labo. Ngalesosikhathi abathunjiweyo benu phambi kwamehlo enu, itsho iN. Ngomnyaka wesibili kaDariyusi inkosi: Itsho njalo yamabandla, isithi: Lababantu bathi: Isikhathi kasi ka fiki, isikhathi sokuthi indlu yeN yakhiwe. Laselifika ilizwi leN ngesandla sikaHagayi umprofethi, lisithi: Kuyisikhathi senu lina ngokwenu yini, sokuthi lihlale? Ngakho khathesi itsho njalo yamabandla: Bekani inhliziyo yenu ezindleleni zenu. Lihlanyele okunengi. Itsho njalo yamabandla: Bekani inhliziyo yenu ezindleleni zenu. Yenyukelani entabeni, lilethe izigodo, lakhe indlu; njalo ngizathokoza ngayo, ngidunyiswe, itsho iN. Belikhangele okunengi, kodwa khangelani, kube kulutshwana, kanti lina liyagijima ngulowo lalowo esiya endlini yakhe. Ngakho-ke amazulu phezu kwenu. Ngasengibiza imbalela phezu kwelizwe, laphezu kwezintaba. Khona, lamazwi kaHagayi umprofethi, njengoba uNkulunkulu wabo wayemthumile; njalo abantu besaba phambi kweN. Wasekhuluma uHagayi isithunywa seN ngelizwi leN ebantwini. yasivusa umoya, ngosuku lwamatshumi amabili lane lwenyanga, ngeyesithupha, ngomnyaka wesibili kaDariyusi inkosi. Nge nyangayesikhombisa, kwafika ilizwi leN ngesandla sikaHagayi umprofethi, lisithi: Khuluma khathesi kuZerubhabheli indodana kaSheyalithiyeli, usithi: Ngubani oseleyo phakathi kwenu owabona lindlu? Kanti khathesi qina, njengokwe lizwi. Ngoba itsho njalo yamabandla: Kusekanye, ngizazamazamisa amazulu, lomhlaba, lolwandle, lomhlabathi owomileyo; ngizamazamise, itsho yamabandla. Isiliva ngesami, legolide ngelami, itsho yamabandla. Inkazimulo, itsho yamabandla. Ngolwamatshumi amabili lane lwe nyangayesificamunwemunye, lisithi: Itsho njalo yamabandla: Buza khathesi abapristi ngo mthetho, usithi: Uba umuntu ethwala inyama engcwele emphethweni wesembatho sakhe. Wasesithi uHagayi: Uba ongcoliswe yisidumbu. Khona uHagayi waphendula wathi: Banjalo lababantu, futhi sinjalo lesisizwe phambi kwami, lalokho abakunikelayo lapho kungcolile. Khathesi-ke, ake libeke inhliziyo yenu kukho, kusukela kulolusuku kusiya phambili, kungakabekwa ilitshe phezu kwelitshe ethempelini leN; kusukela lapho. Ngalitshaya ngokuhanguka langengumane, itsho iN. Ake libeke inhliziyo yenu kukhokusukela kulolusuku kusiya phezulu. Inhlanyelo. Ilizwi leN lafika ngokwesibili kuHagayi ngolwamatshumi amabili lane lwenyanga, lisithi: Khuluma kuZerubhabheli. Ngigenqule isihlalo sobukhosi semibuso. Ngalolosuku, itsho yamabandla, ngizakuthatha, wena Zerubhabheli, itsho yamabandla. Ngenyanga yesificaminwembili, lisithi: yabathukuthelela oyihlo nge ntukuthelo. Ngakho wothi kubo: Itsho njalo yamabandla: Phendukelani kimi, itsho yamabandla. Lingabi njengaboyihlo, itsho iN. Oyihlo, baphila laphakade yini? Kodwa amazwi ami lezimiso zami, engakulaya, ngokunjalo yenze kithi. Ngosuku lwamatshumi amabili lane lwenyanga yetshumi lanye, okuyinyanga uShebati, ngomnyaka wesibili kaDariyusi, lisithi: Ngabona ebusuku, khangela-ke umuntu, alibhidi, lamhlophe. Ngasengisithi: Bayini laba, nkosi yami? Ingilosi eyayikhuluma lami yasisithi kimi: Mina ngizakutshengisa ukuthi laba bayini. Umuntu owayemi phakathi. Basebephendula ingilosi yeN eyayimi phakathi. Ingilosi yeN yasiphendula yathi? yasiphendula ingilosi eyayikhuluma lami ng amazwi amahle, amazwi aduduzayo. Ngakho ingilosi eyayikhuluma lami yathi kimi: Memeza, usithi: Itsho njalo yamabandla: Ngilobukhwele ngeJerusalema langeZiyoni ngo bukhwele obukhulu. Njalo ngiyathukuthela nge ntukuthelo enkulu ngezizwe. Ngalokho, itsho njalo iN: Ngibuyele eJerusalema. Phinda umemeze, usithi: Itsho njalo yamabandla: Imizi yami isezasatshalaliswa. Ngasengiphakamisa amehlo ami, ngabona, khangela-ke, impondo ezine. Ngasengisithi kuyo ingilosi eyayikhuluma lami: Kuyini lokhu. yasingitshengisa ababazi abane. Ngasengisithi: Laba bazekwenzani? Yasikhuluma isithi: Lezi zimpondo ezihlakaze uJuda. Ngaphakamisa amehlo ami futhi, ngabona, khangela-ke umuntu. Ngasengisithi: Uya ngaphi? Wasesithi kimi: Uku ya linganisa iJerusalema, ukubona ukuthi bungakanani ububanzi bayo, lokuthi bungakanani ubude bayo. Khangela-ke, ingilosi eyayikhuluma lami yaphuma, lenye ingilosi yaphuma ukuyihlangabeza. Yathi kuyo: Gijima, ukhulume lalelijaha usithi. Ngoba mina, itsho iN, ngizakuba kuyo ngumduli womlilo. Heyi, heyi! Balekani, itsho iN. Heyi, Ziyoni, phunyuka, wena ohlala le ndodakazi yeBhabhiloni! Ngoba itsho njalo yamabandla: Emva kwenkazimulo yangithuma ezizweni ezaliphangayo. Ngoba, khangela, ngizanyikinya isandla sami phezu kwazo. Hlabelela uthokoze, itsho iN. Lezizwe ezinengi. Ng'khona izakudla ilifa lakoJuda. Thula, nyama yonke, phambi kweN KOSI. Yasingitshengisa uJoshuwa. yasisithi kuSathane: kayikukhuze, wena Sathane, yebo kayikukhuze iN KOSI? UJoshuwa-ke. Yasiphendula yakhuluma. Ngasengisithi: Kababeke iqhiye ehlambulukileyo ekhanda lakhe. Basebebeka iqhiye ehlambulukileyo ekhanda lakhe, bamgqokisa izembatho; njalo ingilosi yeN yayimi khona. Ingilosi yeN yasifakaza kuJoshuwa isithi: Itsho njalo yamabandla: Uba uzahamba ezindleleni zami, njalo uba uzagcina umlindo wami. Zwana khathesi, Joshuwa mpristi omkhulu, wena labangane bakho abahlezi phambi kwakho. Ngoba khangela ilitshe engilibeke phambi kukaJoshuwa. Ngalolosuku, itsho yamabandla, lizabiza, ngulowo lalowo umngane wakhe. Ingilosi eyayikhuluma lami yabuya futhi, yangivusa. Yathi kimi: Ubonani? Ngasengisithi: Ngibonile, khangela-ke uluthi lwesibane lwegolide lonke; kulezimpompi eziyisikhombisa leziyisikhombisa eziya ezibaneni, eziphezu kwesihloko salo. Lezihlahla zomhlwathi ezimbili eceleni kwalo, esinye ngakwesokunene. Ngasengiphendula ngikhuluma kuyo ingilosi eyayikhuluma lami, ngisithi: Lezizinto ziyini, nkosi yami? Ingilosi eyayikhuluma lami yasiphendula yathi kimi. Yasiphendula yakhuluma lami isithi: Leli yilizwi leN kuZerubhabheli, lisithi, kodwa ngomoya wami, itsho yamabandla. Ungubani wena, ntaba enkulu! Ilizwi leN lafika kimi futhi lisithi: Izandla zikaZerubhabheli. Ngoba ngubani odelele usuku lwezinto ezincinyane. Ngasengiphendula ngathi kuyo: Ziyini lezizihlahla zomhlwathi ezimbili ngakwesokunene soluthi lwesibane langakwesokhohlo kwalo? Ngasengiphendula ngokwesibili, ngathi kuyo: Ziyini lezizingatsha ezimbili zezihlahla zomhlwathi ezithi ngempompi ezimbili zegolide zithulule igolide liphume kizo? Yasikhuluma lami isithi: Kawazi yini ukuthi lezi ziyini? Ngathi: Hatshi, nkosi yami. Yasisithi: Laba bangabagcotshiweyo ababili abema. Ngasengiphenduka, ngaphakamisa amehlo ami, ngabona, khangela-ke, umqulu ondizayo. Yasisithi kimi: Ubonani? Ngasengisithi: Ngibona umqulu ondizayo; ubude bawo buzingalo ezingamatshumi amabili, lobubanzi bawo izingalo ezilitshumi. Yasisithi kimi: Lesi yisiqalekiso esiphumela ebusweni bomhlaba wonke. Ngizasikhupha, itsho yamabandla, ukuthi singene endlini yesela lasendlini yalowo ofunga. Ingilosi eyayikhuluma lami yasiphuma, yathi kimi: Phakamisa amehlo akho khathesi, ubone ukuthi kuyini lokhu okuphumayo. Ngasengisithi: Kuyini? Yasisithi: Lokhu kuyi-efa ephumayo. Khangela-ke, kwaphakanyiswa isisibekelo somnuso; njalo lo wayengowesifazana owayehlezi phakathi kwe-efa. Yasisithi: Lokhu kuyibubi; yasimphosa ngaphakathi kwe-efa; yasiphosa isisindo somnuso emlonyeni walo. Ngasengiphakamisa amehlo ami, ngabona, khangela-ke, kwaphuma abesifazana ababili, lomoya wawusempikweni zabo; ngoba babelezimpiko. Basebephakamisa i-efa phakathi komhlaba lamazulu. Ngasengisithi kuyo? Yasisithi kimi: Ukumakhela indlu elizweni leShinari; njalo izamiswa ibekwe lapho phezu kwesisekelo sakhe. Ngasengibuya ngaphakamisa amehlo ami, ngabona, khangela-ke, kwaphuma inqola ezine phakathi kwezintaba ezimbili; lezintaba zazizintaba zethusi. Enqoleni yokuqala kwakulamabhiza abomvu, lenqoleni yesithathu amabhiza amhlophe. Ngasengiphendula ngathi? Ingilosi yasiphendula yathi kimi: Lawo ayimimoya emine yamazulu, ephuma. Amabhiza amnyama akhonapho aphuma esiya. Alamandla asephuma, adinga. Yasingimemeza, yakhuluma kimi, isithi. Ilizwi leN laselifika kimi lisithi: Thatha kwabokuthunjwa, kuHelidayi, lakuTobiya, lakuJedaya, abavele eBhabhiloni, uhambe wena ngalolosuku, uye endlini kaJosiya indodana kaZefaniya, ubusuthatha isiliva legolide, wenze imiqhele; ubusukhuluma kuye, usithi: Itsho njalo yamabandla, isithi: Khangela, umuntu obizo lakhe. Yena-ke uzakwakha ithempeli leN KOSI; leseluleko sokuthula sizakuba phakathi kwabo bobabili. Lemiqhele izakuba kuHelemi. Labakhatshana. Lokhukuzakwenzeka, uba lilalela lokulalela ilizwi leN uNkulunkulu wenu. Kwasekusithi ngomnyaka wesine kaDariyusi inkosi, ilizwi leN lafika kuZekhariya ngolwesine lwenyanga yesificamunwemunye. Sebethume e ndl inikaNkulunkulu oSharezeri loRegem-Meleki lamadoda akhe, uku ya cela ubuso beN, ukukhuluma kubapristi? Laselifika kimi ilizwi leN yamabandla, lisithi: Khuluma ebantwini bonke belizwe, lakubapristi, usithi: Lapho lazila ukudla lalila? Lalapho lisidla, lalapho linatha, bekungayisini yini elidlayo? Kakusiwo amazwi eyawamemeza ngesandla sabaprofethi bokuqala yini, lapho iJerusalema yahlalwa iphumelela? Ilizwi leN laselifika kuZekhariya, lisithi: Itsho njalo yamabandla, isithi: Yahlulelani isahlulelo esiqotho. Lingacindizeli umfelokazi. Kodwa bala ukulalela, banika ihlombe elenkani, benza indlebe zabo zaba nzima, ukuze bangezwa. Yebo, benza inhliziyo yabo. Ngakho sekwenzakele, njengoba yamemeza, kabaze bezwa. Kodwa ngabahlakaza ngesivunguzane. Laselifika ilizwi leN yamabandla lisithi: Itsho njalo yamabandla: Ngilobukhwele ngeZiyoni ngobukhwele obukhulu. Itsho njalo iN: Ngibuyele eZiyoni. Itsho njalo yamabandla: Kusezakuhlala amaxhegu lezalukazi, ngulowo lalowo elodondolo esandleni sakhe ngenxa yobunengi bezinsuku. Lezitalada zomuzi zizagcwala abafana lamankazana bedlala ezitaladeni zawo. Itsho njalo yamabandla: Uba kumangalisa emehlweni ensali yalababantu ngalezozinsuku? itsho yamabandla. Itsho njalo yamabandla: Khangela, ngizasindisa abantu bami; ngibalethe, bahlale phakathi kweJerusalema; njalo bazakuba ngabantu bami, lami ngibe nguNkulunkulu wabo. Itsho njalo yamabandla: Izandla zenu kaziqine, ukuze ithempeli lakhiwe. Ngoba ngaphambi kwalezonsuku; ngoba ngathuma wonke umuntu ngulowo emelene lomakhelwane wakhe. Kodwa khathesi kangiyikuba kunsali yalababantu njengensukwini zakuqala, itsho yamabandla. Ngoba inhlanyelo. Kuzakuthi-ke njengoba laliyisiqalekiso phakathi kwabezizwe. Ngoba itsho njalo yamabandla: Njengoba nganginakane ukwenza okubi kini; ngokunjalo ngibuye ngacabanga kulezinsuku ukwenza okuhle kuyo iJerusalema lakuyo indlu kaJuda. Lezi yizinto elizazenza: Khulumani iqiniso, ngulowo lalowo kumakhelwane wakhe. Lingacabangi ububi enhliziyweni yenu; ngoba zonke lezizinto yilezo engizizondayo, itsho iN. Ilizwi leN yamabandla laselifika kimi, lisithi: Itsho njalo yamabandla: Ukuzila ukudla kwe nyangayesine, lokuzila ukudla. Itsho njalo yamabandla: Kuseza kwenzekaukuthi kufike abantu labahlali bemizi eminengi. Labahlali bomunye umuzibazakuya komunye, besithi: Kasihambeni ngokuphangisa uku ya ncenga phambi kweN, lokudinga yamabandla; lami ngizahamba. Yebo, kuzakuza abantu abanengi lezizwe ezilamandla uku za dinga yamabandla eJerusalema, lokuncenga phambi kweN. Itsho njalo yamabandla: Ngalezonsuku kuzakuthi abambe. Umthwalo welizwi leN elizweni. LeHamathi layo izakhawula kiyo. LeTire yazakhela inqaba. Khangela, iNkosi izayixotsha. IAshikeloni izabona, yesabe; njalo inkosi yeGaza izabhubha, leAshikeloni kayiyikuhlalwa. Njalo ozelwe ngobufebe uzahlala. Ngizasusa igazi lakhe emlonyeni wakhe. Besengimisa inkamba ngasendlini yami ngenxa yebutho. Thokoza kakhulu. Njalo ngizaquma inqola isuke koEfrayimi kuze kube semikhawulweni yomhlaba. Lawe, ngegazi lesivumelwano. Phendukelani enqabeni, lina zibotshwa; lapho sengizigobisele uJuda. Njalo izabonakala phezu kwabo, lomtshoko wayo uzaphuma. yamabandla izabavikela, njengamagumbi elathi. Njalo uNkulunkulu wabo izabasindisa ngalolosuku. Ngoba kungakanani. Celani eNni izulu ngesikhathi sezulu, kulowo lalowo utshani egangeni. Ngoba izithombe zikhulume ize. Intukuthelo yami yavutha imelene labelusi, ngajezisa izimpongo. Kwaphuma kuye igumbi. Futhi bazakuba njengamaqhawe. Njalo ngizaqinisa indlu kaJuda. Njalo amaEfrayimi azakuba njengeqhawe. Ngizabatshayela ukhwelo. Njalo ngizabahlanyela phakathi kwezizwe; baphile labantwana babo, baphenduke. Ngibabuyise bevela elizweni leGibhithe. Njalo uzadabula olwandle l enhlupheko. Njalo ngizabaqinisa eNni. Vula iminyango yakho, wena Lebhanoni. Qhinqa isililo, wena sihlahla sefiri. Kulelizwi lokuqhinqa isililo kwabelusi, ngoba udumo lwabo luyachithwa. Itsho njalo uNkulunkulu wami: Yelusa izimvu; obathengi bazo; labelusi bazo kabalasihawu ngazo. Ngoba kangisayikuyekela abahlali belizwe, itsho iN; kodwa khangela, ngizanikela abantu, ngulowo lalowo esandleni sikamakhelwane wakhe, lesandleni senkosi yakhe; njalo bazaliphahlaza ilizwe, njalo kangiyikubophula esandleni sabo. Njalo ngizakwelusa izimvu zokuhlatshwa. Ngasengiquma abelusi abathathu ngenyanga eyodwa; lomphefumulo wami wadabuka ngabo, lomphefumulo wabo lawo wangenyanya. Ngasengisithi: Kangi sa yikulelusa; ofayo kafe. Ngasengithatha intonga yami, uBuhle, ngayiqamula, ukuze ngephule isivumelwano sami engangisenze labantu bonke. Sephulwa-ke ngalolosuku; ngakho-ke eziyangekileyo zezimvu. Ngasengisithi kizo: Uba kulungile emehlweni enu, nikani inkokhelo yami; kodwa uba kunge njalo, yekelani. yasisithi kimi: Ziphosele kumbumbi. Ngasengiqamula intonga yami yesibili, uZibopho, ukuze ngephule ubuzalwane phakathi kukaJuda loIsrayeli. yasisithi kimi: Zithathele futhi izikhali zomelusi oyisithutha. Ngoba khangela, ngizavusa umelusi elizweni; o ngayikuhambela eziqunyiweyo, adabule iziqa amasondo azo. Maye kumelusi ongasizi lutho. Umthwalo welizwi leN ngoIsrayeli: Khangela, ngizakwenza iJerusalema; yebo, izakuba laphezu kukaJuda ekuvinjezelweni kumelene leJerusalema. Kuzakuthi-ke ngalolosuku ngenze iJerusalema. Ngalolosuku, itsho iN KOSI. Khona ababusi bakoJuda bazakutsho enhliziyweni yabo: Abahlali beJerusalema bangamandla ami eNni yamabandla uNkulunkulu wabo. Ngalolosuku ngizakwenza. Futhi izasindisa amathente akoJuda kuqala, ukuze udumo lwendlu kaDavida lodumo lwabakhileyo beJerusalema lungazikhulisi lumelene loJuda. Ngalolosuku iN KOSI. Kuzakuthi-ke ngalolosuku. Njalo ngizathululela phezu kwendlu kaDavida laphezu kwabahlali beJerusalema umoya womusa. Ngalolosuku. Futhi ilizwe lizalila; usapho lwendlu kaLevi lulodwa, labafazi babo bebodwa; usapho lukaShimeyi lulodwa, labafazi babo bebodwa; zonke izinsapho eziseleyo, usapho ngosapho lulodwa, labafazi babo bebodwa. Ngalolosuku kuzakuba. Kuzakuthi-ke ngalolosuku. Kuzakuthi-ke, loba ngubani esaprofetha, uyise lonina abamzalayo. Kuzakuthi-ke ngalolosuku; kodwa uzakuthi: Kangisuye mprofethi, ngingumlimi womhlabathi; ngoba umuntu wangithenga kusukela ebutsheni bami. Lo munyeuzakuthi kuye: Ayini lamanxeba asezandleni zakho? Yena uzakuthi: Engatshaywa ngawo e ndl iniyabangane bami. Vuka, nkemba, umelane lomelusi wami. Kuzakuthi-ke elizweni lonke, itsho iN, ingxenye ezimbili kulo zizaqunywa ziphele. Njalo eyesithathu ngizayidabulisa emlilweni. Khangela, usuku lweN luyeza, lempango yakho izakwehlukaniswa phakathi kwakho. Ngoba ngizabuthanisa zonke izizwe zimelane leJerusalema empini. Khona izaphuma, ilwe imelene lalezozizwe, njengamhla isilwa ngosuku lwempi. Langalolosuku inyawo zayo zizakuma. Lizabaleka-ke nge sihotsha sezintaba zami; ngoba isihotsha sezintaba sizafinyelela eAzali. Kuzakuthi-ke ngalolosuku kungabi khona ukukhanya, kube mnyama. Kodwa kuzakuba lusuku olulodwa oluzakwaziwa eNni. Kuzakuthi-ke ngalolosuku. Njalo uJehova uzakuba yiNkosi phezu komhlaba wonke. Ilizwe lonke lizaphendulwa libe njengegceke. Njalo bazahlala kilo, kungabe kusaba khona. Lalokhu kuzakuba yinhlupheko ezatshaya ngayo zonke izizwe. Kuzakuthi-ke ngalolosuku. LoJuda laye uzakulwa eJerusalema; lenotho yazo zonke izizwe ezizingelezeleyo izabuthwa. Izakuba njalo-ke inhlupheko, eyembongolo, eyekamela, lekababhemi, leyazo zonke inyamazana ezizakuba kulezizinkamba, njengaleyonhlupheko. Kuzakuthi-ke, bonke abaseleyo ezizweni zonke ezeza ukumelana leJerusalema. Kuzakuthi-ke loba ngubani ongayikwenyuka kuzo insapho zomhlaba aye eJerusalema. Futhi uba usapho lweGibhithe lungenyuki luze, kakuyikuba le zuluphezu kwalo. Lokhu kuzakuba yisijeziso sesono seGibhithe. Ngalolosuku kuzakuba semabhereni amabhiza. Yebo, yileyo laleyo imbiza eJerusalema lakoJuda izakuba yibungcwele eNni yamabandla. Umthwalo ngesandla sikaMalaki. Ngilithandile loEsawu ngamzonda enkangala. Lanxa uEdoma esithi: Senziwe abayanga ebathukutheleleyo kuze kube phakade. Lamehlo wakoIsrayeli. Indodana: Silidelele ngani ibizo lakho? Lisondeza leN liyadeleleka. Njalo nxa lisondeza yini ubuso bakho? itsho yamabandla. Khathesi-ke ake lincenge ubuso bukaNkulunkulu ukuze abe lomusa kithi; lokhu ubuso benu yini? itsho yamabandla. Ngubani umnikelo esandleni senu ngentokozo. Ngoba kwezizwe, itsho yamabandla. Kodwa liyalingcolisa ngokuthi kwenu: Itafula. Njalo lithi: Khangela, kudinisa lokhu yini ngokuthokoza esandleni senu? itsho iN. Kaqalekiswe-ke umkhohlisi oleduna phakathi kwezizwe. Khathesi-ke, bapristi, umlayo lo ngowenu. Uba enhliziyweni. Khangelani, ngizakona kanye lawo. Njalo lizakwazi ukuthi ngithumele lumlayo isivumelwano sami sibe loLevi, itsho yamabandla. Isivumelwano yikwesaba angesaba ngakho; wathuthumela phambi kwebizo lami. Umlayo abanengi ebubini. Ngoba indebe seN yamabandla. Kodwa lina liphambukile endleleni, lakhubekisa sikaLevi, itsho yamabandla. Ngakho lami ngilenzile ubuso emlayweni. Kasilababa isivumelwano sabobaba? UJuda wenze ngenkohliso kankulunkulu wezizweni. izaquma umuntu owenza lokhu, ovusayo lophendulayo oletha umnikelo eNni yamabandla. Lalokhu likwenzile kabili; lisibekela ilathi leN ngezinyembezi, ngokukhala, langokububula, okungangokuthi kayisawunanzi umnikelo, kumbe ukuwemukela ngokuthokoza esandleni senu. Kanti wesivumelwano sakho. Kenzanga. Ngoba ngenkohliso. Liyidinisile uNkulunkulu wesahlulelo? Khangelani, itsho iNkosi yamabandla. Kodwa ngubani yomwatshi. Sizahlala njeng omcwengi eNni. Ng'khona umnikelo yakuqala. Njalo ngizasondela kini ngokwahlulela; ngibe eceleni, njalo abangangesabiyo, itsho iNkosi yamabandla. Ngoba ngiyiN, kangiphenduki lina madodana kaJakobe kaliqedwa. Ngitsho lithi: Sizabuyela ngani? Umuntu angamphanga. Liqalekisiwe ngesiqalekiso, lesisizwe sonke. Lethani kuze kungabi le ndawoeyaneleyo. Ngizakhuza odlayo kaliyikulibozisela ensimini, itsho yamabandla. Njalo zonke, itsho yamabandla. Amazwi enu lithi: Sikhulumeni simelene lawe? Lithe phambi kweN yamabandla? Khathesi-ke uNkulunkulu, baphephe. Khona labo abayesabayo iN, langalabo abazindla ngebizo layo. Njalo bazakuba ngabami, itsho yamabandla, ngalolosuku. Beselibuya libona kokhonza uNkulunkulu lalowo ongamkhonziyo. Ngoba khangelani, luyeza kumbe ugatsha. Kodwa kini elesaba esibaya. Lizanyathelela, itsho yamabandla. Khumbulani umlayo lezahlulelo. Khangelani usuku lweN olukhulu lolwesabekayo. Uzaphendulela-ke. Ugwalo lokuzalwa kukaJesu Kristu. UAbrahama wazala; uJuda wasezala uFaresi loZara kuTamari; uEsiromu wasezala uAramu; uAramu wasezala uAminadaba; uAminadaba wasezala uNashoni; uNashoni wasezala uSalimoni; uSalimoni wasezala uBowosi kuRahabi; uBowosi wasezala uObedi kuRuthe; uObedi wasezala uJese; uJese wasezala uDavida inkosi; uSolomoni wasezala uRehobhowamu; uRehobhowamu wasezala uAbhiya; uAbhiya wasezala uAsa; uAsa wasezala uJehoshafathi; uJehoshafathi wasezala uJoramu; uJoramu wasezala uOziya; uOziya wasezala uJothamu; uJothamu wasezala uAhazi; uAhazi wasezala uHezekhiya; uHezekhiya wasezala uManase; uManase wasezala uAmoni; uAmoni wasezala uJosiya; uJosiya wasezala uJekoniya labafowabo. Kwathi emva kokuthunjelwa eBhabhiloni uJekoniya; uZerubhabheli wasezala uAbiyudi; uAbiyudi wasezala uEliyakhimi; uEliyakhimi wasezala uAzori; uAzori wasezala uZadoki; uZadoki wasezala uAkimi; uAkimi wasezala uEliyudi; uEliyudi wasezala uEleyazare; uEleyazare wasezala uMathani; uMathani wasezala uJakobe; uJakobe wasezala uJosefa indoda kaMariya, okwazalwa kuye uJesu othiwa nguKristu. Ngakho izizukulwana zonke ezisukela kuAbrahama zisiya kuDavida ziyizizukulwana ezilitshumi lane; lezisukela kuDavida ziye ekuthunjelweni eBhabhiloni ziyizizukulwana ezilitshumi lane; lezisukela ekuthunjelweni eBhabhiloni ziye kuKristu ziyizizukulwana ezilitshumi lane. Ngakho ukuzalwa kukaJesu Kristu kwaba nje. Kodwa uJosefa indoda yakhe engolungileyo. Kwathi esanakana lezizinto, khangela, ingilosi yeNkosi yabonakala kuye ephutsheni, yathi: Josefa, ndodana kaDavida, ungesabi ukumthatha uMariya umkakho. Ngoba lokho akukhulelweyo kungoMoya oNgcwele; njalo uzazala indodana. Konke lokhu-ke kwenzeka ukuze kugcwaliseke okwakhulunywa yiNkosi ngomprofethi ukuthi: Khangela, intombi izathatha isisu ibelethe indodana, njalo bazabiza ibizo layo ngokuthinguEmanuweli, okuyikuthi ngokuphendulelwa, uNkulunkulu ulathi. Kwathi uJosefa esephapheme ebuthongweni wenza njengalokho ingilosi yeNkosi imlayile, wasethatha umkakhe; kodwa kazange amazi waze. Kwathi uJesu esezelwe eBhethelehema yeJudiya, ensukwini zikaHerodi inkosi, zisithi: Ungaphi ozelwe eyinkosi yamaJuda, njalo sesize ukumkhonza. Ngakho uHerodi inkosi esezwile wakhathazeka, leJerusalema yonke kanye laye. Esebuthanisile bonke abapristi abakhulu lababhali babantu. Basebesithi kuye: EBhethelehema yeJudiya; ngoba kulotshiwe ngokunjalo ngumprofethi ukuthi: Lawe, Bhethelehema lizwe lakoJuda, kawusuye omncinyane lakanye phakathi kwababusi bakoJuda; ngoba kuzavela kuwe umbusi, ozakwelusa abantu bami uIsrayeli. Khona uHerodi, esezibizile izazi ensitha, wabuzisisa kuzo isikhathi sokubonakala kwenkanyezi. Wasezithuma eBhethelehema wathi: Hambani libuzisise ngomntwana; kuzakuthi nxa limtholile, libike kimi, ukuze lami ngiye ngimkhonze. Kwathi seziyizwile inkosi zasuka zahamba; njalo khangela, inkanyezi, ezayibona empumalanga, yahamba phambi kwazo, yaze yafika yema phezu kwalapho usane olwalukhona. Zathi ukuyibona inkanyezi zathokoza ngentokozo enkulu kakhulu. Zasezingena endlini, zabona usane kanye loMariya unina, zawela phansi zalukhonza, zavula impahla zazo eziligugu zalukhunga ngezipho. Kwathi sezilayiwe nguNkulunkulu ephutsheni ukuthi zingabuyeli kuHerodi, zasuka zabuyela elizweni lakizo ngenye indlela. Kwathi sezisukile, khangela, ingilosi yeNkosi yabonakala kuJosefa ephutsheni, isithi: Vuka uthathe usane lonina, ubusubalekela eGibhithe, ube khona ngize ngikutshele; ngoba uHerodi uzaludinga usane, ukuze alubulale. Wavuka-ke wathatha usane lonina ebusuku wasuka waya eGibhithe, wasehlala khona kwaze kwaba yikufa kukaHerodi; ukuze kugcwaliswe okwakhulunywa yiNkosi ngomprofethi isithi: Ngiyibizile indodana yami iphume eGibhithe. Kwathi uHerodi, esebonile ukuthi uphicwe yizazi, wathukuthela kakhulu, wathuma wabulala abantwana bonke ababeseBhethelehema lemingceleni yayo yonke, kusukela eminyakeni emibili langaphansi, njengesikhathi abebuzisise ngaso kuzazi. Kwasekugcwaliseka okwakhulunywa nguJeremiya umprofethi, ukuthi: Kwezwakala ilizwi eRama, ukukhala lokulila lokudabuka okukhulu, uRasheli elil el a abantwana bakhe, njalo engavumi ukududuzwa, ngoba benga se kho. Kodwa kwathi esefile uHerodi, khangela ingilosi yeNkosi yabonakala ephutsheni kuJosefa eGibhithe, isithi: Vuka uthathe umntwana omncinyane lonina, ubususiya elizweni lakoIsrayeli; ngoba sebefile ababedinga umphefumulo womntwana. Wavuka-ke wathatha umntwana omncinyane lonina wasefika elizweni lakoIsrayeli. Kodwa esezwile ukuthi uAkelawu usebusa eJudiya esikhundleni sikaHerodi uyise, wesaba ukuya khona; kodwa esexwayisiwe nguNkulunkulu ephutsheni, wasuka waya kungxenye zeGalili, wasefika wahlala emzini othiwa yiNazaretha. Ngalezonsuku kwasekufika uJohane uMbhabhathizi esithi: Phendukani; ngoba umbuso wamazulu ususondele. Ngoba nguye okwakhulunywa ngaye nguIsaya umprofethi, esithi: Ilizwi lomemezayo enkangala. Njalo uJohane lo wayelesembatho sakhe soboya bekamela, lozwezwe lwesikhumba ekhalweni lwakhe. Kwasekuphumela kuye iJerusalema leJudiya yonke lelizwe lonke elizingelezele iJodani; basebebhabhathizwa nguye. Kwathi ebona abanengi babaFarisi labaSadusi besiza ekubhabhathizeni kwakhe, wathi kubo: Nzalo yezinyoka? Ngakho thelani izithelo ezifanele ukuphenduka; njalo lingacabangi ukutsho phakathi kwenu; ngoba ngithi kini: UNkulunkulu ulamandla okumvusela uAbrahama abantwana kulawa amatshe. Lakhathesi ihloka selibekiwe empandeni zezihlahla; ngakho sonke isihlahla esingatheli isithelo esihle siyaganyulwa siphoselwe emlilweni. Mina ngilibhabhathiza ngamanzi kubesekuphendukeni; okhomane lwakhe lokwela lusesandleni sakhe, njalo uzathanyelisisa isibuya sakhe. Khona uJesu wafika eJodani kuJohane, ukuze abhabhathizwe nguye. Kodwa uJohane wayemalela esithi: Mina ngiswela ukubhabhathizwa nguwe, kanti wena uza kimi? Kodwa uJesu ephendula wathi kuye: Vuma khathesi; ngoba kusifanele ukuthi sigcwalise ngokunjalo ukulunga konke. Wasemvumela. UJesu esebhabhathiziwe wahle wakhuphuka emanzini; njalo khangela, amazulu amvulekela, wasebona uMoya kaNkulunkulu esehla kungathi lijuba esiza phezu kwakhe. Njalo khangela, ilizwi livela emazulwini. Khona uJesu wakhokhelelwa. Esezile ukudla insuku ezingamatshumi amane lobusuku obungamatshumi amane, ekucineni walamba. Kwasekusiza kuye umlingi wathi: Uba uyiNdodana kaNkulunkulu, tshono ukuthi lamatshe abe yizinkwa. Kodwa yena waphendula wathi: Kulotshiwe ukuthi: Umuntu kayikuphila ngesinkwa sodwa, kodwa ngalo lonke ilizwi eliphuma emlonyeni kaNkulunkulu. Udiyabhola wasemthatha, wasesithi kuye: Uba uyiNdodana kaNkulunkulu. UJesu wathi kuye: Kulotshiwe futhi ukuthi: Ungayilingi iNkosi uNkulunkulu wakho. Udiyabhola wabuya wamusa entabeni ende kakhulu, wamtshengisa imibuso yonke yomhlaba lokukhazimula kwayo, wathi kuye: Zonke lezizinto ngizakunika zona, uba uwela phansi ungikhonza. UJesu wasesithi kuye: Suka, Sathane. Udiyabhola wasemyekela; njalo khangela, kwafika ingilosi zasezimsebenzela. Kwathi uJesu esezwile ukuthi uJohane; wasesuka eNazaretha; ukuze kugcwaliseke okwakhulunywa ngumprofethi uIsaya, ukuthi: Ilizwe lakoZebuloni lelizwe lakoNafithali, abantu ababehlezi emnyameni babonile ukukhanya okukhulu, lababehlezi elizweni lethunzini lokufa ukukhanya kuphumele kubo. Kusukela kulesosikhathi uJesu waqala ukutshumayela lokuthi. Kwathi uJesu ehambahamba, loAndreya umfowabo, bephosela imbule olwandle; ngoba babengabagoli benhlanzi. Wasesithi kubo: Ngilandelani, njalo ngizalenza libe ngabagoli babantu. Bahle-ke batshiya amambule bamlandela. Eseqhubeke esuka lapho, wabona ezinye izelamani ezimbili, uJakobe okaZebediya loJohane umfowabo, besemkhunjini kanye loZebediya uyise, belungisa amambule abo; wasebabiza. Njalo bahle batshiya umkhumbi loyise bamlandela. UJesu wasebhoda iGalili yonke, efundisa emasinagogeni abo. Indumela yakhe yasiphumela kuyo yonke iSiriya, lezigoga; wasebasilisa. Amaxuku amanengi asemlandela evela eGalili. Kwathi ebona amaxuku wenyukela entabeni; wasevula umlomo wakhe, wabafundisa, wathi: Babusisiwe. Babusisiwe abalilayo; ngoba bona bazaduduzwa. Babusisiwe abamnene; ngoba bona bazakudla ilifa lomhlaba. Babusisiwe abalambela labomela ukulunga; ngoba bona bazasuthiswa. Babusisiwe abalesihawu; ngoba bona bazahawukelwa. Babusisiwe abamhlophe ngenhliziyo. Babusisiwe abalamulayo; ngoba bona bazathiwa ngabantwana bakaNkulunkulu. Babusisiwe abazingelwayo ngenxa yokulunga; ngoba umbuso wamazulu ungowabo. Lina libusisiwe, nxa belithuka belizingela, bekhuluma okubi konke bemelana lani beqamba amanga, ngenxa yami; thokozani lithabe kakhulu, ngoba umvuzo wenu mkhulu emazulwini. Lina lilitshwayi lomhlaba; kodwa uba itshwayi seliduma lizatshwaywa ngani? Kalisasizi lutho, ngaphandle kokulahlwa phandle beselinyathelwa ngabantu. Lina liyikukhanya komhlaba; umuzi omiswe phezu kwentaba ungesitheke; njalo kabalumathisi isibane basibeke ngaphansi kwesitsha, kodwa phezu kwesiqobane sesibane, besesibakhanyisela bonke abasendlini. Ngokunjalo kakukhanye ukukhanya kwenu phambi kwabantu, ukuze babone imisebenzi yenu emihle. Lingacabangi ukuthi ngize ukuchitha umlayo kumbe abaprofethi; angizanga ukuchitha kodwa ukugcwalisa. Ngoba ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Kuze kudlule izulu lomhlaba, kakusoze kudlule ibadlana libe linye kumbe ichatshana libe linye lomlayo kuze kwenzeke konke. Ngakho owephula owodwa kulimilayo emincinyane, afundise abantu ngokunjalo, uzathiwa ngomncinyane embusweni wamazulu; kodwa oyenzayo ayifundise, lowo uzathiwa mkhulu embusweni wamazulu. Ngoba ngithi kini: Ngaphandle kokuthi ukulunga kwenu kwedlule okwababhali lokwabaFarisi, kalisoze lingene embusweni wamazulu. Lizwile ukuthi kwathiwa kwabasendulo: Ungabulali; laloba ngubani obulalayo, uzakuba lecala lokugwetshwa; kodwa mina ngithi kini: Wonke othukuthelela umfowabo kungelasizatho uzakuba lecala lokugwetshwa. Ngakho uba uletha umnikelo wakho elathini, ubusukhumbula ulapho ukuthi umfowenu ulolutho olumelana lawe, tshiya lapho umnikelo wakho phambi kwelathi, uhambe, uqale ubuyisane lomfowenu, ubusuzonikela umnikelo wakho. Phangisa uzwane laye omangalelane lawe, ubusuphoselwa entolongweni. Ngiqinisile ngithi kuwe: Kawusoze uphume khona, uze ubhadale indibilitshi yokucina. Lizwile ukuthi kwathiwa kwabasendulo. Kodwa mina ngithi kini: Wonke okhangela owesifazana ukumkhanuka usefebile laye enhliziyweni yakhe. Njalo uba ilihlo lakho lokunene likukhubekisa. Njalo uba isandla sakho sokunene sikukhubekisa, siqume usilahlele khatshana lawe. Kwathiwa-ke: Loba ngubani owala umkakhe, kumele amnike incwadi yesehlukaniso; kodwa mina ngithi kini: Loba ngubani owala umkakhe, ngaphandle kodaba lokufeba, umenza afebe, njalo loba ngubani omthathayo owaliweyo uyafeba. Lizwile futhi ukuthi kwathiwa kwabasendulo. Kodwa mina ngithi kini: Lingafungi lakanye; loba ngomhlaba, ngoba uyisenabelo senyawo zakhe; njalo ungafungi ngekhanda lakho, ngoba ungelwenze unwele lalunye lube mhlophe kumbe lube mnyama. Kodwa ilizwi lenu kalibe ngelokuthi: Yebo yebo, hatshi hatshi; kodwa okudlula lokho kuvela komubi. Lizwile ukuthi kwathiwa: Ilihlo ngelihlo, lezinyo ngezinyo; kodwa mina ngithi kini; lalowo ofuna ukukumangalela lokuthatha isigqoko sakho, mtshiyele lesembatho; laloba ngubani okubamba ngamandla ukuthi uhambe imayili libe linye, hamba laye abe mabili. Mnike ocela kuwe. Lizwile ukuthi kwathiwa: Wothanda umakhelwane wakho; kodwa mina ngithi kini: Thandani izitha zenu, libabusise abaliqalekisayo, libaphathe kuhle abalizondayo; ukuze libe ngabantwana bakaYihlo osemazulwini, ngoba yena uphumisa ilanga lakhe phezu kwababi labahle, anise izulu phezu kwabalungileyo labangalunganga. Ngoba aluba lithanda labo abalithandayo, lilomvuzo bani? Futhi uba libingelela abafowenu bodwa, lenzani okukhulu okwedlula okwabanye? Kabenzi njalo labathelisi yini? Ngakho lina banini ngabapheleleyo. Qaphelani ukuthi umsebenzi wenu womusa; nxa kunge njalo, alilamvuzo kuYihlo osemazulwini. Ngakho nxa usenza umsebenzi womusa, ungakhalisi uphondo phambi kwakho. Kodwa wena nxa usenza umsebenzi womusa isandlasakho sokhohlo kasingakwazi esikwenzayo esokunene sakho, ukuze umsebenzi wakho womusa ube sekusithekeni; njalo uYihlo obona ekusithekeni, yena uzakuvuza obala. Lalapho likhuleka, lingabi njengabazenzisi, ngoba bathanda ukukhuleka bemi emasinagogeni lemahlanganweni endlela, ukuze babonwe ngabantu; ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Sebewemukele umvuzo wabo. Kodwa wena nxa ukhuleka, ngena. Njalo uba likhuleka lingaphindaphindi. Ngakho lingafanani labo; ngoba uYihlo uyakwazi elikuswelayo, lingakaceli kuye. Ngakho lina khulekani ngokunje: Baba wethu osemazulwini; umbuso wakho kawuze; siphe lamuhla ukudla kwethu kwensuku zonke; njalo usithethelele amacala ethu, njengalokhu lathi sibathethelela abalamacala kithi; njalo ungasingenisi ekulingweni. Ngoba uba lithethelela abantu iziphambeko zabo, uYihlo osezulwini uzalithethelela lani. Kodwa uba lingathetheleli abantu iziphambeko zabo, loYihlo kayikulithethelela iziphambeko zenu. Futhi nxa lizila ukudla. Kodwa wena nxa uzila ukudla gcoba ikhanda lakho, ugeze ubuso bakho, ukuze ungabonakali ebantwini ukuthi uzilile ukudla, kodwa kuYihlo osekusithekeni; njalo uYihlo obona ekusithekeni uzakuvuza obala. Lingazibekeli impahla eziligugu emhlabeni, lapho inundu lokuthomba okona khona, lalapho amasela afohlela khona ebe; kodwa zibekeleni izinto eziligugu ezulwini, lapho inundu lokuthomba okungoni khona. Ngoba lapho okukhona impahla yenu eligugu, lenhliziyo yenu izakuba lapho. Isibane somzimba yilihlo; kodwa uba ilihlo lakho lilibi, umzimba wakho wonke uzakuba lobumnyama! Kakho ongakhonza amakhosi amabili; ngoba uzazonda enye, athande enye; kumbe uzabambelela kwenye, adelele enye. Ngakho ngithi kini? Khangelani inyoni zezulu, ukuthi kazihlanyeli njalo kazivuni, kazibutheli eziphaleni; kanti uYihlo osezulwini uyazondla; lina kalizidluli kakhulu yini? Njalo nguwuphi kini ngokuphisekela ongengezelela ingalo ibenye ebudeni bakhe? Langezembatho liphisekelani? Qaphelisani imiduze yeganga, ukuthi ikhula njani; kayitshikatshiki, kayiphothi; kodwa ngithi kini: LoSolomoni ebucwazicwazini bakhe bonke wayengembathiswanga njengomunye wayo. Njalo uba uNkulunkulu esembathisa ngokunjalo utshani beganga, obukhona lamuhla, kuthi kusasa buphoswe eziko, kayikule mbathisakakhulu yini, lina abokholo oluncinyane? Ngakho lingaphisekeli lutho, lisithi: Sizakudlani? Kumbe: Sizanathani? Loba: Sizakwembathani? Ngoba zonke lezizinto izizwe ziyazidinga; ngoba uYihlo osezulwini uyazi ukuthi liyaziswela zonke lezizinto. Kodwa dingani kuqala umbuso kaNkulunkulu lokulunga kwakhe, njalo zonke lezizinto zizakwengezelelwa kini. Ngakho lingaphisekeli ikusasa; ngoba ikusasa izaziphisekela yona; bulwanele usuku obalo ububi. Lingehluleli, ukuze lingehlulelwa, ngoba lizakwahlulelwa ngokwehlulela elehlulela ngakho. Kanti ukhangelelani ucezwana oluselihlweni lomfowenu, kodwa ungalunanzeleli ugodo olukwelakho ilihlo? Kumbe ungatsho njani kumfowenu ukuthi: Kahle ngikhuphe ucezwana oluselihlweni lakho; khangela kanti ugodo luselihlweni lakho? Mzenzisi, qala ukhuphe ugodo elihlweni lakho, khona-ke uzabona kuhle ukukhupha ucezwana elihlweni lomfowenu. Linganiki izinja okungcwele; lingaphoseli amapharele enu phambi kwezingulube, hlezi ziwanyathele ngenyawo zazo. Celani; dingani, lizathola; qoqodani, lizavulelwa. Ngoba wonke ocelayo uyemukela, loqoqodayo uzavulelwa. Kumbe nguwuphi kini ongathi, nxa indodana yakhe icela isinkwa, ayinike ilitshe? Uba-ke icela inhlanzi, ayinike inyoka yini? Ngakho uba lina, elingababi, likwazi ukupha abantwana benu izipho ezinhle, uYihlo osemazulwini uzabapha kakhulu kangakanani izinto ezinhle abacela kuye? Ngakho konke elithanda ukuthi abantu bakwenze kini, kwenzeni lani ngokunjalo kubo. Ngenani ngesango elincinyane; ngoba isango likhulu, lendlela ibanzi eya ekubhujisweni, njalo banengi abangena ngalo; ngoba isango lincinyane, lendlela ilukhonjwana eya empilweni, njalo balutshwana abayitholayo. Kodwa nanzelelani abaprofethi bamanga. Lizabazi ngezithelo zabo; bayazikha yini izithelo zevini emeveni, kumbe imikhiwa ekhuleni oluhlabayo? Ngokunjalo sonke isihlahla esihle siyathela izithelo ezinhle; kodwa isihlahla esibi siyathela izithelo ezimbi; isihlahla esihle singethele izithelo ezimbi, lesihlahla esibi singethele izithelo ezinhle. Sonke isihlahla esingatheli isithelo esihle siyaganyulwa siphoselwe emlilweni. Ngakho-ke lizabazi ngezithelo zabo. Kakusibo bonke abatshoyo kimi ukuthi: Nkosi, Nkosi, abazangena embusweni wamazulu. Abanengi bazakuthi kimi ngalolosuku: Nkosi, Nkosi, kasiprofethanga yini ngelakho ibizo? Njalo khona ngizakutsho obala kubo ukuthi: Angizanga ngilazi; sukani kimi lina benzi bobubi. Ngakho wonke owezwayo la amazwi ami njalo awenze; laselisina izulu, kwasekufika impophoma, kwasekuvunguza imimoya yayitshaya leyondlu; kodwa kayiwanga; ngoba yayisekelwe phezu kwedwala. Njalo wonke owezwayo la amazwi ami njalo angawenzi, uzafananiswa lendoda eyisithutha, eyakha indlu yayo phezu kwetshebetshebe; laselisina izulu, kwasekufika impophoma, kwasekuvunguza imimoya yayitshaya leyondlu; yawa; kwaba kukhulu ukuwa kwayo. Kwasekusithi uJesu eseqedile lawomazwi amaxuku ababaza ngemfundiso yakhe; ngoba wabafundisa njengolamandla, njalo kungenjengababhali. Kwathi esehlile entabeni, amlandela amaxuku amakhulu; njalo khangela, umlephero weza wamkhonza wathi. UJesu waseselula isandla, wamthinta, wathi: Ngiyathanda, hlambuluka. Njalo ubulephero bakhe bahle bahlanjululwa. UJesu wasesithi kuye: Khangela ungatsheli muntu. Kwathi uJesu esengenile eKapenawume, kweza kuye induna yekhulu imncenga, yasisithi: Nkosi, inceku yami ilele endlini iyisigoga, isebuhlungwini obukhulu. UJesu wasesithi kuye: Mina ngizakuza ngiyisilise. Induna yekhulu yasiphendula yathi: Nkosi, kangifanele ukuthi ungene ngaphansi kophahla lwami; kodwa kuphela khuluma ilizwi, njalo inceku yami izasiliswa. Ngoba lami ngingumuntu ongaphansi kwamandla, ngilamabutho ngaphansi kwami; njalo ngithi kuleli: Hamba, beselihamba; lakwelinye: Woza, beselisiza; lencekwini yami: Yenza lokhu, njalo ikwenze. Kwathi uJesu esezwile wamangala, wathi kwabalandelayo: Ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Angitholanga ukholo olungaka ngitsho lakoIsrayeli. Njalo ngithi kini: Abanengi bazakuza bevela empumalanga lentshonalanga; kodwa abantwana bombuso. UJesu wasesithi enduneni yekhulu: Hamba, futhi kakube kuwe njengoba ukholiwe. Inceku yakhe yasisiliswa ngalelohola. Kwathi uJesu engene endlini kaPetro. Wasebamba isandla sakhe, njalo uqhuqho lwamyekela; wasesukuma, wabancedisa. Kwathi sekuhlwile baletha kuye abanengi ababengenwe ngamadimoni; wasekhupha omoya ngelizwi, wasilisa bonke abagulayo; ukuze kugcwaliseke okwakhulunywa nguIsaya umprofethi ukuthi: Yena wathatha ubuthakathaka bethu, wazithwala izifo zethu. Kwathi uJesu ebona amaxuku amakhulu emhanqile, walaya ukuthi bachaphele ngaphetsheya. Kwasekusondela umbhali othile wathi kuye: Mfundisi, ngizakulandela loba kungaphi lapho oya khona. UJesu wasesithi kuye: Amakhanka alemilindi, lenyoni zezulu izidleke; kodwa iNdodana yomuntu kayila lapho engaqamelisa ikhanda khona. Omunye wabafundi bakhe wasesithi kuye: Nkosi, ngivumela ukuthi ngiqale ngiyengcwaba ubaba. Kodwa uJesu wathi kuye: Ngilandela, uyekele abafileyo bangcwabe ababo abafileyo. Kwathi esengenile emkhunjini, abafundi bakhe bamlandela. Njalo khangela, kwavuka isiphepho esikhulu olwandle, okungangokuthi umkhumbi wagutshuzelwa ngamagagasi; kodwa yena wayelele. Basebesondela abafundi bakhe bamvusa, besithi: Nkosi, sisindise, siyabhubha! Wasesithi kubo: Lesabelani, lina abokholo oluncinyane. Kodwa abantu bamangala, besithi: Ngonjani lo, ukuthi lemimoya lolwandle kumlalele? Kwathi esefikile ngaphetsheya elizweni lamaGergesi; njalo khangela, bamemeza besithi: Silani lawe? Uze lapha yini ukusihlupha kungakafiki isikhathi? Kwakukhona khatshana labo umhlambi wengulube ezinengi usidla. Amadimoni asemncenga, esithi: Uba usikhupha, sivumela ukuthi sihambe singene emhlanjini wengulube. Wasesithi kuwo: Hambani. Esephumile angena emhlanjini wengulube; futhi khangela, umhlambi wonke wengulube waphaphatheka eliweni usiya olwandle, wafela emanzini. Abazelusayo basebebaleka, basebesiya emzini babika konke, lezin dabazababengenwe ngamadimoni. Njalo khangela, umuzi wonke waphuma ukumhlangabeza uJesu; bathi bembona, bancenga ukuthi asuke emikhawulweni yakibo. Wasengena emkhunjini. Futhi khangela, baletha kuye umuntu oyisigoga elele ehlakeni. Njalo khangela, abanye bababhali bakhulumela ngaphakathi bathi: Lo uyahlambaza. Njalo uJesu ebona imicabango yabo wathi: Linakanelani okubi enhliziyweni zenu? Ngoba yikuphi okulula, ukuthi: Uthethelelwe izono zakho; kumbe ukuthi: Sukuma uhambe? Kodwa ukuze lazi ukuthi iNdodana yomuntu ilamandla emhlabeni okuthethelela izono (wasesithi koyisigoga): Sukuma uthathe uhlaka lwakho, uye endlini yakho. Wasesukuma waya endlini yakhe. Kwathi amaxuku esebonile, amangala, adumisa uNkulunkulu, onike abantu amandla anje. Esedlula lapho uJesu wabona umuntu, wathi kuye: Ngilandela. Wasesukuma wamlandela. Kwasekusithi ehlezi ekudleni endlini, khangela-ke, abathelisi abanengi lezoni beza bahlala ekudleni loJesu labafundi bakhe. AbaFarisi sebebonile bathi kubafundi bakhe: Kungani umfundisi wenu esidla labathelisi lezoni? Kwathi uJesu esizwa wathi kubo: Abaphilileyo kabadingi melaphi, kodwa abagulayo. Kodwa hambani lifunde ukuthi kutshoni. Khona kwafika kuye abafundi bakaJohane? UJesu wasesithi kubo. Futhi kakho obekela isichibi selembu elingakafinyeli esembathweni esidala; ngoba lokho okubekelwe kuso kuzadabuka esembathweni, besesiqhela isikhala. Njalo kabatheli iwayini elitsha emigodleni emidala; uba-ke kungenjalo imigodla iyadabuka, lewayini lichitheke, lemigodla yonakale; kodwa iwayini elitsha balifaka emigodleni emitsha, besekulondolozeka kokubili. Kwathi esakhuluma lezizinto kubo. Wasesukuma uJesu wamlandela, labafundi bakhe. Njalo khangela, owesifazana owayelomopho okweminyaka elitshumi lambili, wasondela ngemuva kwakhe, wathinta umphetho wesembatho sakhe. Ngoba wathi ngaphakathi kwakhe: Aluba ngithinta nje isembatho sakhe, ngizasindiswa. Kodwa uJesu etshibilika embona, wathi: Mana isibindi, ndodakazi; ukholo lwakho lukusindisile. Owesifazana wasesila kusukela ngalelohola. UJesu wasefika endlini yomphathi, wabona abakhalisa imihlanga lexuku liphithizela, wathi kubo: Dedani; ngoba intombazana kayifanga. Kodwa ixuku selikhutshiwe, wangena wabamba isandla sayo, intombazana yasivuka. Indumela yalokho yasiphumela kulelolizwe lonke. Kwathi uJesu esedlula lapho, iziphofu ezimbili zamlandela, zimemeza zisithi! Esengenile endlini, iziphofu zeza kuye; uJesu wasesithi kuzo: Liyakholwa yini ukuthi ngingakwenza lokhu? Zathi kuye: Yebo, Nkosi. Wasethinta amehlo azo. Asevulwa amehlo azo; uJesu wasezilayisisa kakhulu wathi. Kodwa zaphuma. Kwathi ekuphumeni kwazo, khangela, baletha kuye umuntu oyisimungulu owayengenwe lidimoni; kwathi idimoni selikhutshiwe, isimungulu sakhuluma; amaxuku asemangala, athi: Kakuzanga kubonwe okunje koIsrayeli. Kodwa abaFarisi bathi: Ukhupha amadimoni ngenkosi yamadimoni. UJesu wasebhoda emizini yonke lemizaneni. Kwathi ebona amaxuku, waba lesihelo ngawo. Wasesithi kubafundi bakhe: Isibili isivuno sikhulu, kodwa izisebenzi zinlutshwana; ngakho ncengani iNkosi yesivuno. Wasebizela kuye abafundi bakhe abalitshumi lambili, wabanika amandla phezu kwabomoya abangcolileyo, ukuthi babakhuphe, lokuthi belaphe sonke isifo lobuthakathaka bonke. Njalo amabizo abaphostoli abalitshumi lambili yiwo la; uFiliphu, loBartolomewu; uTomasi, loMathewu umthelisi; uJakobe okaAlfewu, loLabewu othiwa njalo nguTadewu; uSimoni umKhanani. Laba abalitshumi lambili uJesu wabathuma, wabalaya, esithi: Lingahambi ngendlela yabezizwe; kodwa yanini ikakhulu. Futhi ekuhambeni kwenu tshumayelani, lisithi. Silisani abagulayo, lihlambulule amalephero, livuse abafileyo, likhuphe amadimoni. Lemukeliswe ngesihle, phanini ngesihle. Lingazithatheli igolide, loba isiliva, loba isikhwama sendlela, loba izigqoko ezimbili, loba amanyathela, loba udondolo. Lakuwuphi umuzi kumbe umzana elingena kuwo, buzani ukuthi ngubani ofaneleyo kuwo; lihlale khona, lize lisuke. Njalo nxa lingena endlini, liyibingelele. Njalo uba indlu ifanele, ukuthula kwenu kakube phezu kwayo; kodwa uba ingafanele. Njalo loba ngubani ongalemukeliyo kumbe ongalaleli amazwi enu, nxa liphuma kuleyondlu kumbe kulowomuzi, thintithani uthuli lwenyawo zenu. Ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Kuzakuba ngcono kulizwe leSodoma leleGomora ngosuku lwesigwebo, kulakulowomuzi. Khangelani, mina ngiyalithuma njengezimvu phakathi kwezimpisi, libe msulwa njengamajuba. Kodwa limukani abantu; ngoba bazalinikela; njalo lizalethwa laphambi kwababusi lamakhosi ngenxa yami. Kodwa nxa belinikela, lingakhathaleli ukuthi lizakhuluma njani kumbe into bani; ngoba kakusini elikhulumayo, kodwa ng uMoya kaYihlo okhuluma phakathi kwenu. Futhi umfowabo uzanikela umfowabo ekufeni, loyise umntwana; labantwana bazavukela abazali, bababulale. Njalo lizazondwa yibo bonke ngenxa yebizo lami. Kodwa nxa belizingela kulo umuzi. Umfundi kaphezu komfundisi, lenceku kayiphezu kwenkosi yayo. Kumanele umfundi ukuthi abe njengomfundisi wakhe, lenceku njengenkosi yayo, kakhulu kangakanani labo abendlu yakhe? Ngakho lingabesabi; ngoba kakukho okufihliweyo, okungayikubonakaliswa; lokuthukuziweyo, okungayikwaziwa. Lokho engikutsho kini emnyameni, kukhulumeni ekukhanyeni; lalokho elikuzwa endlebeni, kumemezeleni phezu kwezimpahla. Njalo lingabesabi ababulala umzimba, kodwa bengelamandla okubulala umphefumulo. Kazithengiswa yini intaka ezimbili ngendibilitshi? Kodwa kakuyikuwa emhlabathini lanye yazo, ngaphandle kukaYihlo. Kodwa lezenu inwele zekhanda zibaliwe zonke. Ngakho lingesabi; lina liyazidlula intaka ezinengi. Ngakho wonke ozangivuma phambi kwabantu. Kodwa loba ngubani ongiphika phambi kwabantu. Lingacabangi ukuthi ngize ukuletha ukuthula emhlabeni; angizanga ukuletha ukuthula, kodwa inkemba. Ngoba ngize ukwehlukanisa umuntu loyise, lendodakazi lonina, lomalokazana loninazala; lezitha zomuntu ngabendlu yakhe. Othanda uyise kumbe unina kulami kangifanele; lothanda indodana kumbe indodakazi kulami kangifanele; longathathi isiphambano sakhe njalo angilandele, kangifanele. Lowo othola impilo yakhe uzalahlekelwa yiyo; lolahlekelwa yimpilo yakhe ngenxa yami uzayithola. Owemukela lina wemukela mina. Owemukela umprofethi ebizweni lomprofethi uzazuza umvuzo womprofethi; lowemukela olungileyo ebizweni lolungileyo uzazuza umvuzo wolungileyo. Njalo loba ngubani ozanathisa omunye walababancinyane inkezo nje yamanziaqandayo ebizweni lomfundi, ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Kasoze alahlekelwa ngumvuzo wakhe. Kwasekusithi uJesu eseqedile ukulaya abafundi bakhe abalitshumi lambili, wasuka lapho ukuyafundisa lokutshumayela emizini yabo. Kwathi uJohane, wathi kuye: Wena unguye ozayo yini, kumbe silindele omunye? UJesu wasephendula wathi kubo: Hambani limtshele uJohane izinto elizizwayo lelizibonayo: Iziphofu zibuye zibone; njalo ubusisiwe loba ngubani ongakhubekiyo ngami. Kwathi bona besuka uJesu waqala ukukhuluma emaxukwini ngoJohane wathi: Laphuma laya enkangala ukuyabonani? Umhlanga onyikinywa ngumoya yini? Kanti laphumela ukuyabonani? Umuntu owembethe izembatho ezibuthakathaka yini? Khangelani, abembethe ezibuthakathaka basezindlini zamakhosi. Pho laphumela ukuyabonani; ngoba lo nguye okulotshwe ngaye ukuthi: Khangela, mina ngiyathuma isithunywa sami phambi kobuso bakho, esizalungisa indlela yakho phambi kwakho. Ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Kakuvelanga phakathi kwabazelwe ngabesifazana omkhulu kuloJohane uMbhabhathizi. Kodwa omncinyane embusweni wamazulu mkhulu kulaye. Njalo kusukela ensukwini zikaJohane uMbhabhathizi kuze kube khathesi umbuso wamazulu uphathwa ngodlakela, labalodlakela bawuthatha ngamandla. Ngoba abaprofethi bonke lomlayo baprofetha kwaze kwaba nguJohane; njalo uba livuma uku kw emukela, lo unguElija obezakuza. Olendlebe zokuzwa, akezwe. Kodwa ngizasifananisa lani lesisizukulwana? Sifanana labantwana abahlezi emamakethe, besithi: Salitshayela umhlanga, kodwa kalisinanga; salililela, kodwa kalikhalanga. Ngoba uJohane wafika engadli, basebesithi: Uledimoni. INdodana yomuntu yafika isidla inatha, basebesithi: Khangelani, umuntu oligovu lesinathi sewayini, umngane wabathelisi. Waseqala ukusola imizi okwakwenziwe phakathi kwayo ubunengi bemisebenzi yakhe yamandla, ngoba ingaphendukanga, wathi: Maye kuwe, Korazini. Kodwa ngithi kini: Kuzakuba ngcono. Lawe, Kapenawume, ophakanyiselwe ezulwini. Kodwa ngithi kini: Kuzakuba ngcono kulizwe leSodoma ngosuku lwesigwebo, kulakuwe. Ngalesosikhathi uJesu, kodwa wazembulela izingane; yebo Baba, ngoba ngokunjalo kwaba kuhle phambi kwakho. Konke kwanikelwa kimi nguBaba; njalo kakho oyaziyo iNdodana, ngaphandle kukaYise; kakho futhi omaziyo uYise ngaphandle kweNdodana, njalo loba ngubani iNdodana ethanda ukumembulela. Wozani kimi lonke elikhatheleyo. Thathani ijogwe lami lilibekephezu kwenu; ngoba ijogwe lami libutshelezi, lomthwalo wami ulula. Ngalesosikhathi uJesu wadabula emasimini amabele ngesabatha; futhi abafundi bakhe babelambile. Kodwa abaFarisi be ku bona bathi kuye: Khangela, abafundi bakho benza okungavunyelwanga ukwenziwa ngesabatha. Kodwa wathi kubo: Kalifundanga yini uDavida akwenzayo, mhla elambile yena lababelaye; ukuthi wangena njani endlini kaNkulunkulu, wadla izinkwa zokubukiswa, ayengavunyelwa ukuzidla, ngitsho lababelaye? Ingabe kalifundanga yini emlayweni, ukuthi ngamasabatha abapristi bayalona isabatha ethempelini, bangabi lacala? Kodwa ngithi kini: Kukhona lapha omkhulu kulethempeli. Kodwa aluba belisazi ukuthi kutshoni ukuthi: Ngifisa isihawu hatshi umhlatshelo, ngabe kalibalahlanga abangelacala. Ngoba iNdodana yomuntu iyiNkosi leyesabatha. Futhi wasuka lapho wangena esinagogeni labo; njalo khangela, kwakukhona umuntu olesandla esitshwabheneyo; basebembuza besithi: Kuvunyelwe yini ukusilisa ngamasabatha? ukuze bambeke icala. Kodwa wathi kubo: Nguwuphi umuntu phakathi kwenu, elemvu eyodwa, futhi uba yona iwele emgodini ngesabatha, ongayikuyibamba a yi khuphule? Umuntu uyedlula-ke kangakanani imvu! Ngakho kuvunyelwe ukwenza okuhle ngamasabatha. Wasesithi kumuntu: Yelula isandla sakho. Wase s elula, sasesisiliswa saphila njengesinye. Basebephuma abaFarisi becebisana ngaye, ukuthi bangambulala njani. Kodwa uJesu esekwazi wasuka lapho. Wasebalayisisa ukuthi bangamvezi; ukuze kugcwaliseke okwakhulunywa nguIsaya umprofethi, ukuthi: Khangela, inceku yami engiyikhethileyo; othandekayo wami othokoza ngaye umphefumulo wami; ngizabeka uMoya wami phezu kwakhe, njalo uzatshumayela ukwahlulela kwabezizwe. Kayikubangisa, kayikumemeza, njalo kakho ozalizwa ilizwi lakhe ezindleleni. Umhlanga ofecekileyo kayikuwephula, lentambo yesibane ethunqayo kayikuyicitsha, aze aphumelelise ukwahlulela. Lezizwe zizathemba ebizweni lakhe. Kwasekulethwa kuye ongenwe lidimoni, ey isiphofu lesimungulu; wasemsilisa, kwaze kwathi isiphofu esiy isimungulu sakhuluma njalo sabona. Asemangala amaxuku wonke athi? Kodwa abaFarisi sebezwile bathi: Lumuntu kakhuphi amadimoni, ngaphandle ngoBhelezebhule inkosi yamadimoni. Kodwa uJesu, eseyazi imicabango yabo, wathi kubo: Wonke umbuso owehlukene umelene lawo ngokwawo uyachitheka; lawo wonke umuzi kumbe indlu eyehlukene imelene layo ngokwayo ingeze yema. Njalo uba uSathane ekhupha uSathane, wehlukene emelene laye ngokwakhe; pho umbuso wakhe uzakuma njani? Futhi uba mina ngikhupha amadimoni ngoBhelezebhule, amadodana enu akhupha ngobani? Ngakho wona azakuba ngabagwebi benu. Kodwa uba mina ngikhupha amadimoni ngoMoya kaNkulunkulu, umbuso kaNkulunkulu usufikile kini. Kumbe umuntu angangena njani endlini yesiqhwaga aphange impahla yaso, ngaphandle kokuthi asibophe kuqala isiqhwaga. Ongelami, umelene lami, longabuthi lami, uyachithiza. Ngakho ngithi kini: Abantu bazathethelelwa sonke isono lokuhlambaza. Lalowo okhuluma ilizwi elimelana leNdodana yomuntu; kodwa lowo okhuluma emelana loMoya oyiNgcwele, kayikuthethelelwa, kungeyisikho kulesisikhathi loba kwesizayo. Loba yenzani isihlahla sibe ngesilungileyo, lesithelo saso sibe ngesilungileyo, kumbe lenze isihlahla sibe sibi, lesithelo saso sibe sibi. Nzalo yezinyoka, lingakhuluma njani izinto ezinhle, libabi? Ngoba umlomo ukhuluma ngokugcwala kwenhliziyo. Umuntu olungileyo ukhupha izinto ezilungileyo kokuligugu elilungileyo lenhliziyo; lomuntu omubi ukhupha izinto ezimbi kokuligugu elibi. Kodwa ngithi kini: Lonke ilizwi eliyize abalikhulumayo abantu, bazaziphendulela ngalo ngosuku lokwahlulela. Ngoba ngamazwi akho uzalungisiswa, langamazwi akho uzalahlwa. Abanye bababhali labaFarisi basebephendula, bathi: Mfundisi, sifuna ukubona isibonakaliso esivela kuwe. Kodwa waphendula wathi kubo: Isizukulwana esibi. Ngoba njengalokhu uJona waba sesiswini sensikabayitshiye insuku ezintathu lobusuku obuthathu, ngokunjalo iNdodana yomuntu izakuba semathunjini omhlaba insuku ezintathu lobusuku obuthathu. Amadoda eNineve. Indlovukazi yeningizimu izasukuma ekugwetshweni kanye lalesisizukulwana. Kodwa nxa umoya ongcolileyo esephumile emuntwini, uyahamba adabule indawo ezomileyo, edinga ukuphumula, kodwa enga ku tholi. Abesesithi: Ngizabuyela endlini yami engaphuma kuyo; njalo esefikile ayifice ize, ithanyelwe, njalo ilungisiwe. Abesehamba athathe kanye laye abanye omoya abayisikhombisa ababi kulaye uqobo, besebengena bahlale khona. Kwathi esakhuluma emaxukwini, khangela, unina labafowabo bema ngaphandle, bedinga ukukhuluma laye. Omunye wasesithi kuye: Khangela, unyoko labafowenu bemi phandle, badinga ukukhuluma lawe. Kodwa waphendula wathi komtshelileyo: Ngubani umama? Labafowethu ngobani? Waseselulela isandla sakhe kubafundi bakhe wathi: Khangelani, umama labafowethu. Ngoba loba ngubani owenza intando. Kwathi ngalolosuku uJesu waphuma endlini. Kwasekubuthana kuye amaxuku amakhulu. Wasekhuluma labo izinto ezinengi ngemifanekiso, wathi: Khangelani, kwaphuma umhlanyeli ukuyahlanyela. Kwathi ekuhlanyeleni kwakhe, enye inhlanyeloyawela eceleni kwendlela; kwasekufika inyoni, zayidla zayiqeda. Kodwa enye yawela emhlabathini olamatshe, lapho eyayingelamhlabathi omnengi khona; futhi yahle yamila, ngoba kwakungelakutshona komhlabathi; kwathi ekuphumeni kwelanga yahangulwa; njalo ngoba yayingelampande yabuna. Kodwa enye yawela emeveni; ameva asekhula ayiminyanisa. Kodwa enye yawela emhlabathini omuhle, yathela isithelo. Olendlebe zokuzwa, akezwe. Kwasekufika abafundi bathi kuye: Ukhulumelani kubo ngemifanekiso? Wasephendula wathi kubo: Ngoba kuphiwe kini ukwazi imfihlo zombuso wamazulu, kodwa bona kabakunikwanga. Ngoba loba ngubani olakho uzaphiwa, abe lokwengezelelweyo; kodwa lowo ongelakho, uzakwemukwa. Ngakho ngikhuluma labo ngemifanekiso, ngoba bebona kababoni, njalo besizwa kabezwa, futhi kabaqedisisi. Kubo besekugcwaliseka isiprofetho sikaIsaya, esithi: Ukuzwa lizakuzwa, kodwa kalisoze liqedisise; lokubona lizabona, kodwa kalisoze libonisise; ngoba inhliziyo yalababantu seyaba lukhuni. Kodwa abusisiwe amehlo enu. Ngoba ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Abaprofethi abanengi labalungileyo babethanda ukubona izinto elizibonayo, kodwa kaba zi bonanga; lokuzwa izinto elizizwayo kodwa kaba zi zwanga. Ngakho lina zwanini umfanekiso womhlanyeli. Kuthi wonke ozwayo ilizwi lombuso kodwa engaqedisisi. Kodwa ohlanyelwe emhlabathini olamatshe, nguye olizwayo ilizwi, ahle alemukele ngentokozo; kodwa kalampande phakathi kwakhe. Lohlanyelwe emeveni, nguye olizwayo ilizwi, kodwa impisekelo yalumhlaba lenkohliso. Kodwa ohlanyelwe emhlabathini omuhle, nguye olizwayo ilizwi aliqedisise; athele izithelo, aveze, omunye ikhulu, lomunye amatshumi ayisithupha, lomunye amatshumi amathathu. Wabeka phambi kwabo omunye umfanekiso, esithi: Umbuso wamazulu ufananiswa lomuntu owahlanyela inhlanyelo enhle ensimini yakhe. Kodwa abantu besalele, kwafika isitha sakhe sahlanyela umfaba phakathi kwamabele, sahamba. Kodwa kwathi selumilile usungulo lwathela isithelo, lomfaba wasubonakala. Zasezisondela inceku zomninimuzi zathi kuye: Nkosi, kawuhlanyelanga yini inhlanyelo enhle ensimini yakho? Pho iwuthethe ngaphi umfaba? Wasesithi kuzo: Umuntu oyisitha ukwenzile lokhu. Inceku zasezisithi kuye: Uthanda ukuthi siyewubutha yini? Kodwa wathi: Hatshi, hlezi, ekubutheni kwenu umfaba, lisiphune amabele kanye lawo. Yekelani kukhule kokubili ndawonye kuze kube yisivuno; langesikhathi sokuvuna ngizakuthi kwabavunayo: Buthani kuqala umfaba, liwubophe izinyanda ukuze liwutshise. Wasebabekela omunye umfanekiso, esithi: Umbuso wamazulu unjengohlamvu lwemasitedi, aluthatha umuntu waluhlanyela ensimini yakhe; lona kambe luncinyane kulazo zonke inhlamvu; kodwa nxa selukhulile. Wabatshela omunye umfanekiso, wathi: Umbuso wamazulu unjengemvubelo. Lezizinto zonke uJesu wazikhuluma emaxukwini ngemifanekiso, futhi ngaphandle komfanekiso kakhulumanga kubo; ukuze kugcwaliseke okwakhulunywa ngumprofethi. Kwathi uJesu esewayekele amaxuku ahamba wangena endlini. Wasephendula wathi kibo: Ohlanyela inhlanyelo enhle yiNdodana yomuntu; lensimu ngumhlaba; lesitha esawuhlanyelayo ngudiyabhola; labavunayo bazingilosi. Ngakho-ke njengalokhu umfaba uyabuthwa utshiswe emlilweni. INdodana yomuntu izathuma ingilosi zayo, besezibutha zikhuphe embusweni wayo konke okukhubekisayo lalabo abenza okubi, besezibaphosela. Khona abalungileyo bezakhanya njengelanga. Futhi umbuso wamazulu unjengempahla eligugu efihliweyo ensimini, okuthi umuntu eseyificile wa yi fihla. Futhi umbuso wamazulu unjengomuntu ongumthengi odinga amapharele amahle; esethole elinye ipharele eliligugu kakhulu. Futhi umbuso wamazulu unjengembule elaphoswa olwandle, laselibutha zonke inhlobo; lona, lithe seligcwele, balidonsela ekhunjini, bahlala phansi, babuthela ezilungileyo ezitsheni, kodwa ezimbi bazilahlela ngaphandle. Kuzakuba njalo ekupheleni kwesikhathi, besezibaphosela esithandweni somlilo; lapho kuzakuba khona ukukhala lokugedla amazinyo. UJesu wathi kubo: Seliziqedisisile zonke lezizinto yini? Bathi kuye: Yebo, Nkosi. Wasesithi kubo: Ngakho wonke umbhali okutsha lokudala. Kwasekusithi uJesu eseqedile limifanekiso, wasuka lapho. Wathi esefikile? Lo kayisiyo yini oJakobe loJose loSimoni loJudasi? Labodadewabo kabakho yini bonke kithi? Pho, zivela ngaphi zonke lezizinto kuye? Basebekhubeka ngaye. Njalo kenzanga lapho imisebenzi yamandla eminengi. Ngalesosikhathi uHerodi, wasesithi ezincekwini zakhe, kungakho-ke imisebenzi yamandla isebenza kuye. Ngoba uHerodi wayembambile uJohane wambopha wamfaka entolongweni; ngoba uJohane wayethe kuye: Kawuvunyelwa ukuba laye. Njalo efuna ukumbulala. Kodwa kwathi kugcinwa usuku lokuzalwa kukaHerodi, indodakazi kaHerodiyasi yagida phakathi kwabo, yamthokozisa uHerodi. Ngakho wathembisa ngesifungo ukuyinika loba yini ezayicela. Kodwa yona, isilayiwe ngunina, yathi ikhanda likaJohane uMbhabhathizi. Inkosi yasisiba losizi, kodwa ngenxa yezifungo langalabo ababehlezi layo ekudleni yalaya ukuthi inikwe. Yasithuma yamquma uJohane ikhanda entolongweni. Ikhanda lakhe laselilethwa ngomganu, lanikwa intombi; yona yasi l isa kunina. Kwasekusiza abafundi bakhe bathatha isidumbu, basingcwaba; basebesuka bambikela uJesu. UJesu esezwile. UJesu esephumile wabona ixuku elikhulu, waba lesihelo ngabo. Kwathi sekuhlwile abafundi bakhe beza kuye, bathi: Lindawo iyinkangala, lesikhathi sesihambile. Kodwa uJesu wathi kubo: Kakuswelekanga ukuthi bahambe; banikeni lina ukuthi badle. Kodwa bathi kuye: Kasila lapha ngaphandle kwezinkwa ezinhlanu lenhlanzi ezimbili. Wasesithi: Ziletheni lapha kimi. Waselaya amaxuku ukuthi ahlale phansi etshanini, wathatha izinkwa ezinhlanu lenhlanzi ezimbili. Basebesidla bonke, basutha; badobha imvuthu ezazisele, izitsha ezigcweleyo ezilitshumi lambili. Lalabo abasebedlile babengamadoda angaba zinkulungwane ezinhlanu, ngaphandle kwabesifazana labantwana. Njalo uJesu wahle wacindezela abafundi bakhe ukuthi bangene emkhunjini, njalo bamqalele ukuya ngaphetsheya, esayekela amaxuku ahambe. Kwathi eseyekele amaxuku ahamba, wenyukela entabeni eyedwa ukuze akhuleke; kwathi sekuhlwile, wayeyedwa lapho. Kodwa umkhumbi wawusuphakathi kolwandle, utshukunyiswa ngamagagasi; ngoba umoya wawuphambene labo. Kwathi ngesikhathi somlindo wesine wobusuku uJesu weza kubo, ehamba phezu kolwandle. Kodwa kwathi abafundi bembona ehamba phezu kolwandle bethuka, bathi: Lithonga. Basebekhala ngokwesaba. Kodwa uJesu wahle wakhuluma labo, wathi: Manini isibindi; yimi; lingesabi. UPetro wasemphendula wathi: Nkosi, uba kunguwe, ngilaya ukuthi ngize kuwe phezu kwamanzi. Wasesithi: Woza. UPetro wasesehla emkhunjini wahamba phezu kwamanzi, ukuze aye kuJesu. Kodwa ebona umoya olamandla wesaba; wathi eseqala ukutshona wakhala, wathi: Nkosi, ngisindisa! Njalo uJesu wahle welula isandla, wambamba, wathi kuye: Wena olokukholwa okuncinyane, uthandabuzelani? Sebengenile emkhunjini, umoya wathula. Abasemkhunjini basebesiza bamkhonza bathi. Kwathi sebechaphile bafika elizweni leGenesaretha. Esemazi amadoda akuleyondawo athumela ilizwikuso sonke lesosigaba esizingelezeleyo, aletha kuye bonke abagulayo. Basebemncenga, ukuthi bathinte nje umphetho wesembatho sakhe. Kwasekufika kuJesu ababhali labaFarisi ababevela eJerusalema, bathi: Kungani abafundi bakho besephula isiko? Ngoba kabagezi izandla zabo, nxa besidla isinkwa. Kodwa waphendula wathi kubo: Lani-ke kungani lisephula umlayo kaNkulunkulu ngenxa yesiko lenu? Ngoba uNkulunkulu walaya, wathi: Hlonipha uyihlo lonyoko; kodwa lina lithi: Loba ngubani othi kuyise kumbe kunina: Ku ngumnikelo, loba yini evela kimi ingakusiza, njalo engasoze amhloniphe uyise kumbe unina; ngalokho lenza umlayo kaNkulunkulu. Bazenzisi, uIsaya waprofetha kuhle ngani, esithi: Lababantu basondela kimi ngomlomo wabo, langendebe bangidumise; kodwa inhliziyo yabo ikhatshana lami. Kodwa bangikhonza ngeze, befundisa izimfundiso eziy imilayo yabantu. Esebizele kuye ixuku, wathi kilo: Lalelani futhi liqedisise. Kakusikho okungena emlonyeni okungcolisa umuntu; kodwa okuphuma emlonyeni, yikho okungcolisa umuntu. Abafundi bakhe basebesondela bathi kuye: Uyazi yini ukuthi abaFarisi bathe ukulizwa lelilizwi bakhubeka? Kodwa waphendula wathi: Sonke isihlahlakazana, uBaba osezulwini angasihlanyelanga, sizasitshunwa. Bayekeleni; bangabakhokheli beziphofu abayiziphofu. UPetro wasephendula wathi kuye: Sichasisele lumfanekiso. UJesu wasesithi: Kanti lani lisengabangelakuqedisisa? Lilokhe lingaqedisisi yini, ukuthi konke okungena emlonyeni kuya esiswini, futhi kuyelahlelwa ngaphandle? Kodwa izinto eziphuma emlonyeni zivela enhliziyweni. Ngoba enhliziyweni kuvela imicabango emibi, ukubulala, ubufebe, ukuphinga, ukweba, ukufakaza amanga, ukuhlambaza; yizo lezozinto ezimngcolisayo umuntu. UJesu wasesuka lapho, waya kungxenye zeTire lezeSidoni. Njalo khangela, owesifazana ong umKhanani ovela kuleyomikhawulo, wakhala kuye esithi: Nkosi. Kodwa kamphendulanga nga lizwi. Basebesondela kuye abafundi bakhe bamncenga, bathi: Mxotshe, ngoba uyakhala ngemva kwethu. Kodwa waphendula wathi: Kangithunywanga, ngaphandle kuzo izimvu ezilahlekileyo zendlu yakoIsrayeli. Kodwa weza wamkhonza wathi: Nkosi, ngisize. Kodwa waphendula wathi: Kakukuhle ukuthatha isinkwa sabantwana, loku si phosela izinjana. Kodwa yena wathi: Yebo, Nkosi, kodwa lezinjana ziyadla okwemvuthuluka eziwa etafuleni labaninizo. UJesu wasephendula wathi kuye: O mama, lukhulu ukholo lwakho! Kakube kuwe njengokuthanda kwakho. Indodakazi yakhe yasisila kusukela kulelohola. UJesu wasesuka lapho weza eduzane kolwandle lweGalili; wenyukela entabeni wahlala phansi khona. Kwasekusiza kuye amaxuku amakhulu, izingini, labanye abanengi, basebebaphosela enyaweni zikaJesu, wasebasilisa; aze amangala amaxuku. UJesu wasebizela kuye abafundi bakhe wathi: Ngilesihelo ngexuku, ngoba sebelami insuku ezintathu, bengelalutho lokudla; njalo kangithandi ukuthi ngibayekele bahambe bengadlanga, hlezi bayathe endleleni. Abafundi bakhe basebesithi kuye: Siza zuzangaphi enkangala izinkwa ezinengi kangaka, ukuthi zisuthise ixuku elikhulu kangaka? UJesu wasesithi kubo: Lilezinkwa ezingaki? Basebesithi: Eziyisikhombisa, lenhlanzana ezinlutshwana. Waselaya amaxuku ukuthi ahlale phansi emhlabathini. Wasethatha izinkwa eziyisikhombisa lenhlanzi, esebongile wa zi hlephula, wa zi nika abafundi bakhe, labafundi ixuku. Basebesidla bonke basutha; basebedobha imvuthu ezazisele, izitsha eziyisikhombisa zigcwele. Lalabo abadlayo babengamadoda azinkulungwane ezine, ngaphandle kwabesifazana labantwana. Eseyekele amaxuku ahamba. AbaFarisi labaSadusi. Kodwa waphendula wathi kubo: Kusihlwa lithi: Umkhathi muhle; ngoba isibhakabhaka sibomvu; lekuseni lithi: Umkhathi mubi lamuhla; ngoba isibhakabhaka sibomvu sinyukubele. Bazenzisi, liyakwazi ukwehlukanisa umumo wesibhakabhaka; kodwa izibonakaliso zezikhathi lingeke yini? Isizukulwana esibi lesifebayo sidinga isibonakaliso; kodwa kasiyikunikwa isibonakaliso, ngaphandle kwesibonakaliso sikaJona umprofethi. Wasebatshiya, wahamba. Sebefikile ngaphetsheya abafundi bakhe babekhohliwe ukuthatha izinkwa. UJesu wasesithi kubo: Nanzelelani liqaphele. Basebezindlisana besithi: Ngoba singathathanga izinkwa. UJesu esekwazi wathi kubo: Lina abokholo oluncinyane? Kalikaqedisisi yini, futhi kalikhumbuli izinkwa ezinhlanu zenkulungwane ezinhlanu? Futhi lezinkwa eziyisikhombisa zenkulungwane ezine, lokuthi labutha izitsha ezingaki? Kaliqedisisi njani, ukuthi bekungemayelana lesinkwa ebengi ku khuluma kini ukuthiliqaphele imvubelo yabaFarisi labaSadusi? Basebeqedisisa ukuthi katshongo ukuthi baqaphele imvubelo yezinkwa. Kwathi uJesu esefikile kungxenye zeKesariya yeFiliphu wababuza abafundi bakhe, esithi: Abantu bathi, mina, iNdodana yomuntu, ngingubani? Basebesithi: Abanye bathi: NguJohane uMbhabhathizi. Wathi kubo: Lina-ke lithi ngingubani? USimoni Petro wasephendula wathi: Wena unguKristu, iNdodana. UJesu wasephendula wathi kuye: Ubusisiwe. Lami-ke ngiyakutshela, ukuthi wena unguPetro. Futhi ngizakunika izihluthulelo zombuso wamazulu. Wasebalayisisa abafundi ukuthi bangatsheli muntu ukuthi yena unguJesu onguKristu. Kusukela kulesosikhathi uJesu waqala ukubatshengisa abafundi bakhe. UPetro wasesiya laye eceleni waqala ukumkhuza esithi: Kakungabi kuwe, Nkosi; lokhu kakusoze kwenziwa kuwe. Kodwa yena watshibilika wathi kuPetro: Suka ngemva kwami, Sathane. UJesu wasesithi kubafundi bakhe: Uba umuntu ethanda ukuza ngemva kwami, kazidele, athathe isiphambano sakhe, angilandele. Ngoba loba ngubani othanda ukusindisa impilo yakhe izamlahlekela; kodwa loba ngubani olahlekelwa yimpilo yakhe ngenxa yami uzayithola; ngoba kuzamsizani umuntu nxa ezuza umhlaba wonke? Ngoba iNdodana yomuntu izakuza ngenkazimulo kaYise. Ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Bakhona abanye kwabemiyo lapha, abangasoze bezwe ukufa. Lemva kwensuku eziyisithupha uJesu wathatha. Waseguqulwa isimo phambi kwabo, njalo ubuso bakhe bakhanya njengelanga, lezembatho zakhe zaba mhlophe njengokukhanya. Futhi khangela, kwasekubonakala kubo uMozisi loElija, bekhuluma laye. UPetro wasephendula wathi kuJesu: Nkosi, kuhle ukuthi sibe lapha. Kwathi esakhuluma, khangela, iyezi elikhanyayo labasibekela; futhi khangela, ilizwi laphuma eyezini. Sebezwile abafundi. Kodwa uJesu weza wabathinta wathi. Sebephakamisile amehlo abo, kababonanga muntu, ngaphandle kukaJesu yedwa. Sebesehla entabeni. Abafundi bakhe basebembuza bathi: Pho batsholoni ababhali ukuthi uElija ufanele ukufika kuqala? UJesu wasephendula wathi kubo: UElija uzafika kuqala isibili, uzabuyisela zonke izinto; kodwa ngitsho kini ukuthi uElija sewafika, kodwa kabamazanga. Abafundi basebeqedisisa ukuthi wakhuluma labo ngoJohane uMbhabhathizi. Kwathi sebefikile exukwini, kweza kuye umuntu: Nkosi, akuhawukele indodana yami, ngoba ilesithuthwane iyahlupheka kakhulu; ngoba iwele kanengi emlilweni, futhi kanengi emanzini. Njalo ngiyilethe kubafundi bakho, kodwa bebengelakho ukuyisilisa. UJesu wasephendula wathi: O sizukulwana esingelakholo lesonakeleyo? Mletheni kimi lapha. UJesu waselikhuza, idimoni laseliphuma kuyo, umntwana wasesila kusukela kulelohola. Abafundi basebesiza kuJesu bebodwa bathi: Kungani thina sehlulekile ukulikhupha? UJesu wasesithi kubo: Kungenxa yokungakholwa kwenu. Kodwa loluhlobo kaluphumi. Besahlezi eGalili, uJesu wathi kubo: INdodana yomuntu izanikelwa ezandleni zabantu, njalo bazayibulala, kodwa ngosuku lwesithathu izavuswa. Kwathi sebefikile eKapenawume? Wathi: Yebo. Esengenile endlini, uJesu wamandulela wathi? Kumadodana abo yini, kumbe kwabezizwe? UPetro wathi kuye: Kwabezizwe. UJesu wathi kuye: Ngakho-ke amadodana akhululekile. Kodwa-ke ukuze singabakhubekisi. Ngalesosikhathi abafundi beza kuJesu, bathi: Kanti ngubani omkhulu embusweni wamazulu? UJesu wasebizela kuye umntwana omncane wammisa phakathi kwabo, wathi: Ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Ngaphandle kokuthi liphenduke libe njengabantwana abancane, kalisoze lingene embusweni wamazulu. Ngakho lowo ozazithoba njengalumntwana omncane, nguye omkhulu embusweni wamazulu. Njalo loba ngubani owemukela abe munye umntwana omncane onje ebizweni lami, wemukela mina. Kodwa loba ngubani. Maye kuwo umhlaba ngenxa yezikhubekiso! Njalo. Futhi uba ilihlo lakho. Qaphelani lingadeleli omunye walaba abancinyane. Ngoba iNdodana yomuntu ize ukusindisa. Licabangani? Uba umuntu othile elezimvu ezilikhulu, besekulahleka enye yazo, kazitshiyi yini ezingamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye lasificamunwemunye, ahambe ezintabeni ukuyadinga elahlekileyo? Futhi uba kungenzakala ukuthi ayithole, ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Uthokoza ngayo kakhulu kulalezo ezingamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye lasificamunwemunye ezingalahlekanga. Ngokunjalo kayisiyo intando kaYihlo osemazulwini. Kodwa nxa umfowenu ekona, hamba umsole phakathi kwakho laye lilodwa; kodwa uba enga ku zwa, thatha abe munye kumbe babe babili kanye lawe futhi, ukuze lonke ilizwi liqiniswe ngomlomo wabafakazi ababili kumbe abathathu; njalo nxa esala ukubezwa bona, tshela ibandla; uba esala ukuzwa lalo ibandla. Ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Konke elizakubopha emhlabeni, kuzakuba kubotshiwe ezulwini; njalo konke elizakukhulula emhlabeni, kuzakuba kukhululiwe ezulwini. Njalo ngithi kini: Uba ababili benu bevumelana emhlabeni loba ngaluphi ulutho abalucelayo. Ngoba lapho ababili kumbe abathathu ababuthene khona ebizweni lami, ngikhona lapho phakathi kwabo. UPetro wasemsondelela wathi: Nkosi, umfowethu uzangona kangaki, njalo ngimthethelela? UJesu wathi kuye: Kangitsho kuwe ukuthikuze kube kasikhombisa, kodwa kuze kube ngamatshumi ayisikhombisa aphindwe kasikhombisa. Ngakho umbuso wamazulu ufananiswa lomuntu oy inkosi, owayethanda ukulandiselana lenceku zakhe. Kwathi eseqalile ukulandisa, kwalethwa kuye enye elomlandu kuyo wamathalenta azinkulungwane ezilitshumi. Kodwa njengoba yayingelalutho lokuhlawula, inkosi yayo yalaya ukuthi ithengiswe. Ngakho inceku yawa phansi imkhothamela, yathi: Nkosi, ngibekezelela, futhi ngizakuhlawula konke. Inkosi yaleyonceku yasisiba lesihelo yayikhulula, yayixolela umlandu. Kodwa yaphuma leyonceku yathola omunye oyinceku kanye layo, olomlandu kuyo wabodenariyo abalikhulu, yambamba ya m khama, yathi: Ngihlawula okufaneleyo. Ngakho oyinceku kanye layo wawa phansi ezinyaweni zayo wayincenga, wathi: Ungibekezelele, futhi ngizakuhlawula konke. Kodwa yona kayivumanga, kodwa yasuka yayiphosela entolongweni, ize iwuhlawule umlandu. Kwathi abayizinceku kanye layo bebona izinto ezazenzakele badabuka kakhulu; beza babikela inkosi yabo konke okwakwenzekile. Inkosi yayo yasiyibizela kiyo yathi kiyo: Wena nceku embi, ngakuxolela wonke lowomlandu, ngoba wangincenga; ngabe lawe kawumhawukelanga yini omunye oyinceku kanye lawe, njengoba lami ngakuhawukela? Inkosi yayo yasithukuthela yayinikela kubahlukuluzi, ize ihlawule konke okufaneleyo kuyo. Uzakwenza njalo kini laye uBaba osezulwini, uba lingathetheleli lowo lalowo umfowenu iziphambeko zabo ngenhliziyo zenu. Kwasekusithi uJesu eseqedile lawomazwi. Amaxuku amakhulu asemlandela, wasewasilisa lapho. Basebesiza kuye abaFarisi bemlinga, bathi kuye: Kuvunyelwe yini endodeni ukuthi yale umkayo ngaso sonke isizatho? Wasephendula wathi kubo: Kalifundanga yini ukuthi owa ba dabula kusukela ekuqaleni wabenza owesilisa lowesifazana? Wasesithi: Ngenxa yalokhu indoda izatshiya uyise lonina, inamathele kumkayo; labo ababili bazakuba nyamanye. Ngakho kabasebabili, kodwa sebe nyamanye. Ngakho lokho uNkulunkulu akuhlanganisileyo kakungabi lamuntu okwehlukanisayo. Bathi kuye: Pho uMozisi walayelani ukunika incwadi yesehlukaniso, lokumala? Wathi kubo: Ngenxa yobulukhuni benhliziyo zenu uMozisi walivumela ukwala omkenu; kodwa kusukela ekuqaleni kwakungenjalo. Kodwa ngithi kini: Loba ngubani owala umkakhe, ngaphandle kokufeba, abesethatha omunye, uyafeba; futhi othatha owaliweyo uyafeba. Abafundi bathi kuye: Uba udaba lomuntu lomfazi lunjalo, akusizi ukuthatha. Kodwa wathi kubo: Kakusibo bonke. Ngoba kukhona abathenwa, abazalwa benjalo kusukela esiswini sikanina; njalo kukhona abathenwa, abathenwa ngabantu. Khona kwalethwa kuye abantwana abancane, ukuze abeke izandla zakhephezu kwabo, akhuleke; kodwa abafundi babakhuza. Kodwa uJesu wathi: Vumelani abantwana abancane, lingabenqabeli ukuza kimi; ngoba umbuso wamazulu ungowabanje. Wasebeka izandla phezu kwabo, wasuka lapho. Njalo khangela, kwasondela omunye wathi kuye: Mfundisi olungileyo, ngizakwenzani okulungileyo, ukuze ngibe lempilo elaphakade? Wasesithi kuye: Ungibizelani ngokuthi olungileyo? Kakho olungileyo, ngaphandle koyedwa, uNkulunkulu. Wathi kuye: Yiyiphi? UJesu wasesithi: Ungabulali; ungafebi; ungebi; ungafakazi amanga; hlonipha uyihlo lonyoko. Ijaha lathi kuye: Konke lokhu ngikugcinile kusukela ebutsheni bami; ngisaswelani? UJesu wathi kulo: Uba uthanda ukuphelela; njalo uze lapha, ungilandele. Kodwa selizwile lelilizwi ijaha lasuka lidanile; ngoba lalilempahla ezinengi. UJesu wasesithi kubafundi bakhe: Ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Onothileyo uzangena ngokulukhuni embusweni wamazulu. Njalo futhi ngithi kini: Kulula ukuthi. Sebezwile abafundi bakhe bamangala kakhulu, bathi: Pho kungasindiswa bani? Kodwa uJesu wa ba khangela wathi kibo: Kubantu kakulakwenzeka. Khona uPetro waphendula wathi kuye: Khangela, thina sitshiye konke sakulandela; pho sizazuzani? UJesu wasesithi kubo: Ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Lina elingilandeleyo, ekuvuselelweni lapho iNdodana yomuntu isihlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi senkazimulo yayo. Laye wonke otshiye izindlu, kumbe abafowabo, kumbe odadewabo, kumbe uyise, kumbe unina, kumbe umkakhe, kumbe abantwana, kumbe amasimu, ngenxa yebizo lami, uzakwemukela ngekhulu, adle ilifa lempilo elaphakade. Kodwa abanengi abokuqala bazakuba ngabokucina. Ngoba umbuso wamazulu ufanana lomuntu ongumninindlu; esevumelene lezisebenzi ngodenariyo ngosuku, wazithuma esivinini sakhe. Wasephuma sekungaba lihola lesithathu, wabona abanye bemi emdangeni bengenzi lutho; lakulabo wathi: Yanini lani esivinini; njalo loba yini efaneleyo ngizalinika yona. Bahamba-ke. Wabuya waphuma sekungaba lihola lesithupha langelesificamunwemunye, wenza njalo. Kwathi sekungaba lihola letshumi lanye waphuma, wathola abanye bemi bengenzi lutho, wathi kubo: Limeleni lapha usuku lonke lingenzi lutho? Bathi kuye: Ngoba akulamuntu osiqatshileyo. Wathi kubo: Yanini lani esivinini, njalo lizakwemukela loba kuyini okufaneleyo. Kwathi sekuntambama umninisivini wathi enduneni yakhe. Kuthe befika aba qatshwangehola letshumi lanye ngulowo lalowo wemukela udenariyo. Njalo sebezile abokuqala bacabanga ukuthi bazakwemukela okungaphezulu; kodwa labo bemukela udenariyo ngamunye. Kwathi be ye mukela bamsola umninindlu, besithi: Labo abokucina basebenze ihola elilodwa, kodwa ubalinganise lathi. Kodwa ephendula wathi komunye wabo: Mngane, angikoni; kanti kawuvumelananga lami ngodenariyo? Thatha okwakho uhambe; ngiyathanda ukumnika lowokucina njengawe. Kumbe angivunyelwa yini ukwenza engikuthandayo ngezinto zami? Kunjalo-ke abokucina bazakuba ngabokuqala, labokuqala ngabokucina. Kwathi uJesu: Khangelani, senyukela eJerusalema, bayinikele. Kwasekusiza kuye unina. Wasesithi kuye: Ufunani? Wathi kuye: Tshono ukuthi la amadodana ami amabili ahlale, lenye ngakwesokhohlo, embusweni wakho. Kodwa uJesu waphendula wathi: Kalikwazi elikucelayo. Linganatha yini inkezo engizayinatha mina? Bathi kuye: Singa kwenza. Wasesithi kubo: Ngeqiniso lizayinatha inkezo yami, libhabhathizwe ngobhabhathizo mina engizabhabhathizwa ngalo. Kwathi sebezwile abalitshumi, bathukuthela ngezelamani ezimbili. Kodwa uJesu wababizela kuye wathi: Liyazi ukuthi ababusi bezizwe. Kodwa akuyikuba njalo phakathi kwenu; kodwa loba ngubani othanda ukuba ngomkhulu phakathi kwenu; njalo loba ngubani othanda ukuba ngowokuqala phakathi kwenu kabe yisisebenzi senu; njengalokhu iNdodana yomuntu kayizanga ukukhonzwa, kodwa ukukhonza. Kwathi. Njalo khangela, iziphofu ezimbili zihlezi endleleni, sezizwile ukuthi uJesu uyadlula, zamemeza, zathi: Sihawukele, Nkosi, Ndodana kaDavida! Ixuku laselizikhuza ukuthi zithule, kodwa zamemeza kakhulu, zisithi: Sihawukele, Nkosi, Ndodana kaDavida! UJesu wasesima wazibiza, wathi: Lifuna ukuthi ngilenzeleni? Zathi kuye: Nkosi, ukuthi amehlo ethu avuleke. UJesu esesiba lesihelo wathinta amehlo azo; njalo amehlo azo ahle abuya abona, zasezimlandela. Kwathi-ke sebesondele eJerusalema, khona uJesu wathuma abafundi ababili, esithi kubo: Hambani liye emzaneni okhangelene lani, lizahle libone ubabhemi ekhulekiwe, lethole lilaye; li ba khulule, li ba lethe kimi. Futhi uba umuntu ekhuluma ulutho kini, lizakuthi: INkosi iyabaswela; njalo uzahle abathumele. Njalo konke lokhu kwenzeka, ukuze kugcwaliseke okwakhulunywa ngumprofethi, ukuthi: Tshelani indodakazi yeSiyoni ukuthi. Abafundi bahamba-ke, benza njengalokhu uJesu wayebalayile, baletha ubabhemi lethole, babeka izembatho zabo phezu kwabo, ba m hlalisa phezu kwazo. Lenengi lexuku lendlala ezalo izembatho endleleni. Lamaxuku ayehamba phambili lababelandela bamemeza, besithi: Hosana kuyo iNdodana kaDavida! Esengenile eJerusalema? Amaxuku asesithi: Lo nguJesu umprofethi. UJesu wasengena ethempelini likaNkulunkulu, wabaxotsha bonke ababethengisa lababethenga ethempelini. Wasesithi kubo: Kulotshiwe ukuthi: Indlu yami izabizwa ngokuthi yindlu yomkhuleko. Kwasekufika kuye iziphofu leziqhuli ethempelini; wasezisilisa. Kodwa abapristi abakhulu lababhali sebebonile izimangaliso azenzayo, labantwana bememeza ethempelini, besithi: Hosana eNdodaneni kaDavida! bathukuthela, basebesithi kuye: Uyakuzwa lokhu yini abakutshoyo laba? UJesu wasesithi kubo: Yebo; alikaze lifunde yini ukuthi: Emlonyeni? Wasebatshiya waphuma phandle komuzi esiya eBethani, walala khona. Kwathi ebuyela emzini ekuseni, walamba; kwathi ebona umkhiwa othile endleleni, wasondela kuwo, kodwa katholanga lutho kuwo ngaphandle kwamahlamvu wodwa; wathi kuwo: Kakungabe kusavela isithelo kuwe lanini. Njalo umkhiwa wahle wabuna. Kwathi bebona lokhuabafundi bakhe bamangala, besithi: Umkhiwa uhle wabuna njani? UJesu wasephendula wathi kubo: Ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Uba lilokholo. Njalo konke loba kuyini elikucelayo emkhulekweni, likholwa, lizakwemukela. Kwathi esengenile ethempelini, abapristi abakhulu labadala babantu basondela kuye esafundisa? UJesu wasephendula wathi kubo: Lami ngizalibuza umbuzo ube munye; uba lingitshela lokhu, lami ngizalitshela ukuthi ngenza lezizinto ngaliphi igunya: Ubhabhathizo lukaJohane lwavela ngaphi? Ezulwini kumbe ebantwini? Basebezindlisana, besithi: Uba sisithi: Ezulwini, uzakuthi kithi: Pho kalikholwanga kuye ngani? Kodwa uba sisithi: Ebantwini, siyesaba ixuku. Basebemphendula uJesu bathi: Kasazi. Wasesithi kubo: Lami kangilitsheli ukuthi ngenza lezizinto ngaliphi igunya. Kanti licabangani. Kodwa yaphendula yathi: Angifuni. Kodwa emva kwalokho yaphenduka, yahamba. Wasesiya kweyesibili watsho ngokunjalo. Yona-ke yaphendula yathi: Ngiya hamba, nkosi. Kodwa kayiyanga. Yiyiphi kulawo amabili eyenza intando kayise? Bathi kuye: Eyokuqala. UJesu wathi kubo: Ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Abathelisi. Ngoba uJohane wafika kini ngendlela yokulunga, kalikholwanga kuye. Zwanini omunye umfanekiso. Kwakukhona umuntu othile ongumninimuzi. Kwathi sekusondele isikhathi sezithelo, wathuma inceku zakhe kubalimi, ukuze zemukele izithelo zakhe. Abalimi basebezibamba inceku zakhe, enye bayitshaya. Wabuya wathuma ezinye inceku ezinengi kulezokuqala; basebesenza njalo kulezo. Ekucineni wasethuma indodana yakhe kubo, esithi: Bazayihlonipha indodana yami. Kodwa abalimi sebeyibonile indodana bakhulumisana besithi: Le yindlalifa. Basebeyibamba. Ngakho mhla kufika umninisivini, uzabenzani abalimi labo? Bathi kuye: Uzababhubhisa kakubi labo ababi. UJesu wathi kubo: Alikaze lifunde yini emibhalweni ukuthi: Ilitshe abakhi abalalayo, yilo eseliyinhloko yengonsi; lokhu yikwenza kweNkosi; njalo kuyamangalisa emehlweni ethu? Ngakho ngithi kini: Lizakwemukwa umbuso kaNkulunkulu, unikwe isizwe esithela izithelo zawo. Lalowo owela phezu kwalelilitshe uzaphahlazwa. Kwathi abapristi abakhulu labaFarisi sebezwile imifanekiso yakhe bazi ukuthi ubekhuluma ngabo. Kwathi sebedinga ukumbamba. UJesu wasephendula wabuya wakhuluma labo ngemifanekiso, wathi: Umbuso wamazulu ufananiswa lomuntu oy inkosi; wasethuma inceku zakhe ukuthi zibize abanxusiweyo emtshadweni, kodwa kabavumanga ukubuya. Wabuya wathuma ezinye inceku, izinto zonke sezilungile; wozani emtshadweni. Kodwa kabananzanga, bazihambela, omunye ensimini yakhe, omunye ekuthengiselaneni kwakhe; abaseleyo basebezibamba inceku zakhe ba zi phatha kubi ba zi bulala. Kodwa kwathi inkosi ikuzwa lokhoyathukuthela, yathuma amabutho ayo yabhubhisa labobabulali, yatshisa umuzi wabo. Yasisithi encekwini zayo: Umtshado usulungile, kodwa abanxusiweyo bebengafanelanga. Ngakho yanini emahlanganweni ezindlela, njalo bonke elingabathola, libabizele emtshadweni. Lezonceku zaseziphuma zaya ezindleleni zabutha bonke ezabatholayo, ababi kanye labalungileyo; indlu yomtshado yasigcwala ngabahleziyo. Kwathi inkosi ingena ukukhangela ababehlezi ekudleni yabona khona umuntu owayengembathanga; yasisithi kuye: Mngane, ungene njani lapha ungelasembatho somtshado. Inkosi yasisithi ezincekwini. Ngoba banengi ababiziweyo, kodwa balutshwana abakhethiweyo. Khona-ke abaFarisi basuka, bacebisana ngokuthi bangamthiya njani ekukhulumeni. Basebethuma kuye abafundi babo kanye labakaHerodi. Ngakho sitshele, wena ucabangani? Kuvunyelwe yini ukuthela? Kodwa uJesu ebazi ububi babo wathi? Ngitshengisani imali yokuthela. Basebemlethela udenariyo. Wasesithi kubo: Ngokabani lumfanekiso lalumbhalo? Bathi: NgokaKesari. Wasesithi kubo: Ngakho mnikeni uKesari izinto zikaKesari; loNkulunkulu izinto zikaNkulunkulu. Kwathi sebezwile bamangala; bamtshiya bahamba. Ngalolosuku kweza kuye abaSadusi, basebembuza, besithi: Mfundisi, uMozisi wathi: Uba umuntu esifa engelabantwana, umfowabo uzamthatha umkakhe, amvusele umfowabo inzalo. Kwakukhona phakathi kwethu izelamani eziyisikhombisa; owokuqala wasethatha umfazi wafa; futhi engelanzalo, watshiya umkakhe kumfowabo. Kwaba njalo lowesibili, lowesithathu, kwaze kwaba kowesikhombisa. Kwathi emva kwabo bonke kwafa lomfazi. Ngakho ekuvukeni kwabafileyo, uzakuba ngumkabani kwabayisikhombisa? Ngoba bonke babelaye. Kodwa uJesu waphendula wathi kubo: Liduhile, lingayazi imibhalo; ngoba ekuvukeni kwabafileyo kabathathani, kabendiswa, kodwa banjengengilosi zikaNkulunkulu ezulwini. Kodwa mayelana lokuvuka okwabafileyo, kalifundanga yini okwakhulunywa kini nguNkulunkulu, esithi: Mina nginguNkulunkulu kaAbrahama, loNkulunkulu kaIsaka, loNkulunkulu kaJakobe? UNkulunkulu kayisuye uNkulunkulu wabafileyo, kodwa owabaphilayo. Kwathi amaxuku ekuzwa amangala kakhulu ngokufundisa kwakhe. Kwathi abaFarisi, sebezwile ukuthi uJesu ubaqume umlomo, babuthana ndawonye. Lomunye wabo, isazumthetho, wa m buza: Mfundisi, yiwuphi umlayo omkhulu emthethweni? UJesu wasesithi kuye: Wothanda iNkosi uNkulunkulu wakho, ngenhliziyo yakho yonke, langomphefumulo wakho wonke, langengqondo yakho yonke; yiwo lowo umlayo owokuqala lomkhulu. Lowesibili ufanana lawo uthi: Wothanda umakhelwane wakho njengalokhu uzi thanda wena. Kuleyomilayo emibili kumisiwe umthetho wonke labaprofethi. Kwathi sebebuthene abaFarisi, uJesu wababuza, esithi: Licabangani ngoKristu? Uyindodana kabani. Wathi kubo: Pho uDavida wambiza njani ekuMoya ngokuthiyiNkosi, esithi: INkosi yathi eNkosini yami: Hlala ngakwesokunene sami, ngize ngenze izitha zakho zibe yisenabelo senyawo zakho? Ngakho uba uDavida embiza ngokuthi yiNkosi, uyiNdodana yakhe njani? Njalo kwakungekho owayengamphendula ilizwi. Khona uJesu wakhuluma emaxukwini lakubafundi bakhe, esithi: Ababhali labaFarisi bahlezi esihlalweni sikaMozisi; ngakho konke lokhu abalitshela khona ukuthi likugcine, ku gcineni li kw enze; kodwa lingenzi njengokwemisebenzi yabo. Ngoba bayabopha imithwalo enzima njalo elukhuni ukuthwalwa, ba yi beke emahlombe abantu, kodwa kabafuni ukuyisusa ngomunwe wabo. Njalo imisebenzi yabo yonke bayenza ukuze babonwe ngabantu; bathanda izihlalo zabahloniphekayo ekudleni kwantambama, lokubingelelwa emidangeni. Kodwa lina kalingabizwa ngokuthiRabi; njalo lina lonke lingabazalwane. Futhi lingabizi muntu emhlabeni ngokuthinguyihlo; kalingabizwa ngokuthi ling abafundisi. Kodwa omkhulu kini. Lalowo oziphakamisayo, uzathotshiswa; lalowo ozithobayo, uzaphakanyiswa. Kodwa maye kini, babhali labaFarisi, bazenzisi. Maye kini, babhali labaFarisi, bazenzisi, ngoba lidla izindlu zabafelokazi, langokuzenzisa lenza imikhuleko emide; ngakho lizakwemukela ukulahlwa okukhulu. Maye kini, babhali labaFarisi, bazenzisi, ngoba libhoda ulwandle lomhlaba ukuthi lenze abe munye ophendukela kumaJuda. Maye kini, bakhokheli abayiziphofu. Zithutha leziphofu? Njalo: Loba ngubani ofunga ngelathi, akulutho; kodwa loba ngubani ofunga ngomnikelo ophezu kwalo, ulomlandu. Zithutha leziphofu! Ngoba yikuphi okukhulu? Ngakho ofunga ngelathi ufunga ngalo langakho konke okuphezu kwalo; lofunga ngethempeli ufunga ngalo langaye ohlala kulo; lofunga ngezulu ufunga ngesihlalo sobukhosi sikaNkulunkulu langaye ohlala phezu kwaso. Maye kini, babhali labaFarisi, bazenzisi, ngoba lithela okwetshumi kwetshwayi leganga ledile lekhumini. Bakhokheli abayiziphofu. Maye kini, babhali labaFarisi, bazenzisi, ngoba lihlambulula ingaphandle. MFarisi oyisiphofu! Hlambulula kuqala ingaphakathi yenkezo leyomganu, ukuze kuhlambuluke lengaphandle yakho. Maye kini, babhali labaFarisi, bazenzisi. Kunjalo lani ngaphandle libonakala ebantwini lilungile, kanti ngaphakathi ligcwele ukuzenzisa lobubi. Maye kini, babhali labaFarisi, bazenzisi, ngoba lakha amangcwaba abaprofethi, lithi: Uba besikhona ensukwini zabobaba bethu, besingayikuhlanganyela labo egazini labaprofethi. Kunjalo liyazifakazela lina ukuthi lingamadodana alabo ababulala abaprofethi; lina-ke gcwalisani! Zinyoka, nzalo yamabululu? Ngakho, khangelani, mina ngithuma kini abaprofethi labahlakaniphileyo; ukuze kwehlele phezu kwenu igazi lonke elilungileyo elachithwa emhlabeni. Ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Zonke lezizinto zizakwehlela phezu kwalesisizukulwana. Jerusalema, Jerusalema. Khangelani, indlu yenu itshiyiwe kini ilunxiwa. Ngoba ngithi kini: Kalisoze langibona kusukela khathesi, lize lithi: Ubusisiwe ozayo ebizweni leNkosi. UJesu wasephuma; basebesondela abafundi bakhe ukumtshengisa izakhiwo zethempeli. UJesu wasesithi kubo: Kaliziboni yini zonke lezizinto? Ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Akusoze kutshiywe lapha ilitshe elilodwa phezu kwelitshe, elingasoze lidilizelwe phansi. Kwathi esehlezi entabeni yeMihlwathi? UJesu wasephendula wathi kubo: Qaphelani, kungabi khona oliduhisayo; ngoba abanengi bazakuza ngebizo lami, besithi: Mina nginguKristu. Njalo lizakuzwa ngezimpi lamahungahunga ezimpi; nanzelelani, lingethuki; ngoba konke lokhukufanele kwenzeke; kodwa ukuphela kakukabi khona. Ngoba isizwe sizavukela isizwe; kodwa zonke lezizinto ziyikuqala kwemihelo. Lapho-ke bazalinikela. Njalo ngalesosikhathi abanengi bazakhubeka, banikelane, bazondane. Futhi kuzavuka abaprofethi bamanga abanengi. Njalo ngenxa yokwanda kobubi, uthando lwabanengi luzaphola; kodwa ophikelelayo kuze kube sekupheleni, nguye ozasindiswa. Njalo lelivangeli lombuso. Ngakho nxa libona amanyala encithakalo, akhulunywa nguDaniyeli umprofethi, khona labo abaseJudiya kababalekele ezintabeni; ophezu kophahla angehli ukuthatha ulutho endlini yakhe; losemasimini angabuyeli emuva uku ya thatha izembatho zakhe. Kodwa maye kwabakhulelweyo labamunyisayo ngalezonsuku! Kodwa khulekani ukuthi ukubaleka kwenu kungabi sebusika, loba ngesabatha. Ngoba ngalesosikhathi kuzakuba khona ukuhlupheka okukhulu. Uba-ke lezonsuku bezingafinyezwanga, bekungesindiswe nyama. Ngalesosikhathi nxa umuntu esithi kini: Khangelani, nangu uKristu, kumbe nanguya, lingakholwa. Ngoba kuzavuka okristu bamanga labaprofethi bamanga. Khangelani, sengilitshelile ngaphambili. Ngakho uba bengathi kini. Ngoba njengalokhu umbane ubaneka empumalanga ukhanye lentshonalanga, kuzakuba njalo lokufika kweNdodana yomuntu. Ngoba loba ngaphi lapho okukhona isidumbu. Njalo masinyane emva kokuhlupheka kwalezonsuku. Khona-ke sizabonakala. Njalo izathuma izingilosi zayo. Kodwa fundani umfanekiso emkhiweni; nxa khathesi ugatsha lwawo selusiba buthakathaka, njalo luhlume amahlamvu, liyazi ukuthi ihlobo seliseduze; ngokunjalo lani, nxa libona lezizinto zonke, yazini ukuthi kuseduze kuseminyango. Ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Lesisizukulwana asisoze sidlule, kuze kwenzeke zonke lezizinto. Kuzadlula izulu lomhlaba. Kodwa lolosuku lehola. Kodwa njengensuku zikaNowa, kuzakuba njalo ukufika kweNdodana yomuntu. Ngoba njengakulezonsuku ezaziphambili kukazamcolo, njalo babengazi, kwaze kwafika uzamcolo wasebasusa bonke, kuzakuba njalo lokufika kweNdodana yomuntu. Ngalesosikhathi kuzakuba khona ababili ensimini; omunye athathwe, lomunye atshiywe; kuzakuthi abesifazanaababili bechola elitsheni; omunye athathwe, lomunye atshiywe. Ngakho lindani. Kodwa yazini lokhu. Ngakho lani hlalani lilungile. Pho ngubani? Ibusisiwe leyonceku, okuzakuthi inkosi yayo nxa ifika izayifica isenza njalo. Ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Izayibeka phezu kwakho konke elakho. Kodwa nxa leyonceku embi isithi enhliziyweni yayo: Inkosi yami iphuzile ukubuya, njalo ibisiqala ukutshaya abayizinceku kanye layo, lokudla lokunatha lezidakwa, inkosi yaleyonceku izafika ngosuku enga yi lindele ngalo, langehola engalaziyo, izayiquma phakathi, izanika isabelo sayo labazenzisi. Ngalesosikhathi umbuso wamazulu uzafananiswa lentombi ezilitshumi. Njalo ezinhlanu zazo. Eziyizithutha zathatha izibane zazo, kazithathanga amafutha kanye lazo; kodwa ezihlakaniphileyo zathatha amafutha ezitsheni kanye lezibane zazo. Kwathi umyeni esephuzile. Kodwa phakathi kobusuku kwamenyezwa: Khangelani, umyeni uyeza, phumani liyemhlangabeza! Zasezivuka lezontombi zonke, zalungisa izibane zazo. Eziyizithutha zasezisithi: Sipheni okwamafutha enu, ngoba izibane zethu ziyacitsha. Kodwa ezihlakaniphileyo zaphendula. Kwathi zisiyathenga, weza umyeni. Ezasezilungile zasezingena laye. Kwathi emva kwalokho zafika lalezontombi ezinye, zathi: Nkosi, Nkosi, sivulele! Kodwa yena waphendula wathi: Ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Angilazi lina. Ngakho lindani. Ngoba; kwathi enye wayinika amathalenta amahlanu, lenye amabili, lenye lalinye, kwaba yileyo laleyo. Leyo eyayemukele amathalenta amahlanu yasihamba yathengiselana ngawo, yenza amanye amathalenta amahlanu. Ngokunjalo laleyo e la mabili, layo yazuza amanye amabili. Kodwa leyo eyayemukele elilodwa yasuka yagebha emhlabathini yayifihla imali yenkosi yayo. Kwathi emva kwesikhathi eside inkosi yalezozinceku yafika, yasilandiselana lazo. Kwasekusiza eyayemukele amathalenta amahlanu yaletha amanye amathalenta amahlanu, yathi: Nkosi, wanginika amathalenta amahlanu; khangela, ngizuzile amanye amathalenta amahlanu phezu kwawo. Inkosi yayo yasisithi kiyo: Kuhle, nceku elungileyo lethembekileyo, ubuthembekile ezintweni ezinlutshwana. Kwasekusiza laleyo eyayemukele amathalenta amabili yathi: Nkosi, wanginika amathalenta amabili; khangela, ngizuzile amanye amathalenta amabili phezu kwawo. Inkosi yayo yathi kiyo: Kuhle, nceku elungileyo lethembekileyo, ubuthembekile ezintweni ezinlutshwana, ngizakubeka phezu kwezinengi; ngena entokozweni yenkosi yakho. Kodwa kweza laleyo eyayemukele ithalenta elilodwa yathi: Nkosi, bengikwazi wena; ngasengisesaba, ngasuka ngalifihla ithalenta lakho emhlabathini; khangela, ulokwakho. Kodwa inkosi yayo yaphendula yathi kiyo: Nceku embi lelivila, ubusazi ukuthi ngivuna lapho engingahlanyelanga khona, njalo ngibutha lapho engingahlakazanga khona; ngakho ngabe ubekile imali yami ebhanga, njalo ekufikeni kwami ngabe ngemukele okwami lenzuzo. Ngakho mthatheleni ithalenta, li li nike yena olamathalenta alitshumi. Ngoba wonke olakho uzaphiwa, uzakwengezelelwa; kodwa ongelakho uzathathelwa lalokho alakho. Laleyonceku engasizi lutho iphoseleni emnyameni ongaphandle. Njalo nxa isiza iNdodana yomuntu ngobukhosi bayo, kuzabuthelwa phambi kwayo izizwe zonke; ibisibeka izimvu ngakwesokunene sayo, kodwa imbuzi ngakwesokhohlo. Khona-ke iNkosi. Ngoba ngangilambile, langinika ukudla; ngangomile, langinathisa; ngangize, langigqokisa. Khona abalungileyo bezayiphendula, besithi: Nkosi, sakubona nini ulambile, njalo sa ku nika ukudla, kumbe womile, njalo sa ku nathisa? Njalo sakubona nini ungowemzini, futhi sa kw emukela, kumbe uze, futhi sa ku gqokisa? Njalo sakubona nini ugula, loba usentolongweni, njalo seza kuwe? Futhi iNkosi izaphendula ithi kubo. Ngalesosikhathi izakuthi njalo kubo abangakwesokhohlo: Sukani kimi, lina eliqalekisiweyo. Ngoba ngangilambile, kodwa kalinginikanga ukudla; ngangomile, kodwa kalinginathisanga; ngangingowemzini, kodwa kalingemukelanga; ngangi ze, kodwa kalingigqokisanga; ngangi gula, ngangi sentolongweni, kodwa kalizanga ukungibona. Khona lalaba bezamphendula, besithi: Nkosi, sakubona nini ulambile, loba womile, loba ungowemzini, loba uze, loba ugula, loba usentolongweni, kodwa kasakusiza? Isizabaphendula, ithi: Ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Njengoba linga kw enzanga komunye walaba abancinyane, kali kw enzanga lakimi. Lalaba bazakuya ekujezisweni okulaphakade. Kwasekusithi uJesu eseqedile wonke lamazwi, wathi kubafundi bakhe: Liyazi ukuthi emva kwensuku ezimbili kuzakuba liphasika, leNdodana yomuntu izanikelwa ukuze ibethelwe. Kwasekubuthana abapristi abakhulu lababhali labadala babantu, basebecebisana ukuthi bambambe uJesu ngobuqili ba m bulale. Kodwa bathi: Kungabi ngomkhosi, hlezi kube khona isiphithiphithi ebantwini. Kwathi uJesu, kwafika kuye owesifazana ephethe umfuma we-alibasta ulamagcobo aligugu elikhulu. Kodwa abafundi bebona lokhubathukuthela, bathi: Ngokwani ukumotsha lokhu? Ngoba la amagcobo angathengiswa ngokunengi, besekunikwa abayanga. Kodwa uJesu ekwazi wathi kubo: Limhluphelani owesifazana? Ngoba wenzile umsebenzi omuhle kimi; ngoba abayanga lihlala lilabo. Ngoba ngokuthululela la amagcobo emzimbeni wami, u kw enzele umngcwabo wami. Ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Loba ngaphi emhlabeni wonke lapho okuzatshunyayelwa khona lelivangeli, lalokho akwenzileyo kuzakhulunywa ngakho, kube yisikhumbuzo ngaye. Omunye wabalitshumi lambili, wasesiya kubapristi abakhulu, wathi: Lizanginikani, mina-ke ngizamnikela kini? Basebevumelana laye. Njalo kusukela lapho wadinga ithuba elihle lokumnikela. Kwathi, besithi kuye: Uthanda ukuthi sikulungisele ngaphi ukuthi udle iphasika? Wasesithi: Hambani liye emzini kusibanibani. Benza-ke abafundi njengoba uJesu ebalayile, basebelungisa iphasika. Kwathi ifika intambama. Bathi besidla wathi: Ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Omunye wenu uzanginikela. Basebedabuka kakhulu baqala ukuthi kuye ngamunye wabo: Nkosi, yimi yini? Wasephendula wathi: Ofaka isandla sakhekanye lami emganwini, nguye ozanginikela. Sibili iNdodana yomuntu. Wasephendula uJudasi owamnikelayo wathi: Rabi, yimi yini. Kwathi besidla, uJesu wathatha isinkwa. Wasethatha inkezo, wabonga, wabanika, esithi: Nathani lonke kuyo; ngoba lokhu. Kodwa ngithi kini: Kusukela khathesi kangiyikunatha okwalesisithelo sevini, kuze kufikelolosuku lapho ngizasinatha lani sisitsha. Kwathi sebehlabele ingoma yokudumisa. UJesu wasesithi kubo: Lina lonke lizakhubeka ngami ngalobubusuku. Kodwa emva kokuvuswa kwami, ngizalandulela ukuya eGalili. Kodwa uPetro waphendula wathi kuye: Lanxa bonke bezakhubeka ngawe, mina angisoze ngikhubeke. UJesu wathi kuye: Ngiqinisile ngithi kuwe: Ngalobubusuku. UPetro wathi kuye: Loba kudingeka ngife lawe, angisoze ngikuphike. Basebesitsho njalo bonke abafundi. UJesu wasefika labo endaweni. Wasethatha kanye laye uPetro lamadodana amabili kaZebediya. Wasesithi kubo: Umphefumulo wami udabukile kakhulu kuze kube sekufeni. Waseqhubeka ibangana, wawa ngobuso bakhe wakhuleka wathi. Wasesiza kubafundi, wabafica belele? Lindani likhuleke, ukuze lingangeni ekulingweni. Wabuya wasuka ngokwesibili wakhuleka, wathi: Baba. Wasebuya wabafica futhi belele, ngoba amehlo abo ayenzima. Wasebatshiya wahamba futhi wakhuleka ngokwesithathu, esitsho wona lawomazwi. Wasesiza kubafundi bakhe, wathi kubo: Qhubekani lilele liphumule; khangelani, isikhathi sesisondele, futhi iNdodana yomuntu iyanikelwa ezandleni zezoni. Sukumani, sihambe; khangelani, onginikelayo useduze. Kwathi esakhuluma, khangela, kwafika uJudasi, omunye wabalitshumi lambili. Laye omnikelayo wayebanike isiboniso, esithi: Lowo engizamanga, nguye; limbambe. Njalo wahle wasondela kuJesu wathi: Mpilo enhle, Rabi. UJesu wasesithi kuye: Mngane, ulandeni? Basebesondela bamdumela uJesu ngezandla, bambamba. Futhi khangela, omunye walabo ababeloJesu. UJesu wasesithi kuye: Buyisela inkemba yakho endaweni yayo; ngoba bonke ababamba inkemba bazabhubha ngenkemba. Kumbe ucabanga ukuthi ngingemcele uBaba yini khathesi, futhi anginike amabutho amakhulu ezingilosi? Pho ingagcwaliseka njani imibhalo, ukuthi kumele ukuthi kube njalo? Ngalelohola uJesu wathi emaxukwini: Liphume njengokuyamelana lomphangi. Kodwa konke lokhu kwenzakele, ukuze kugcwaliseke imibhalo yabaprofethi. Lababembambile uJesu ba m qhuba. Kodwa uPetro wamlandela ekhatshana, kwaze kwaba segumeni lompristi omkhulu. Njalo abapristi abakhulu labadala lomphakathi wonke badinga ubufakazi bamanga obumelana loJesu, ukuze bambulale, kodwa kaba bu tholanga; lanxa kwavela abafakazi abanengi bamanga, bathi: Lo wathi: Ngilakho ukudiliza ithempeli likaNkulunkulu. Kwasekusukuma umpristi omkhulu wathi kuye: Kawuphenduli lutho yini? Bafakazani laba okumelana lawe? Kodwa uJesu wathula. UJesu wathi kuye: Utshilo wena. Umpristi omkhulu wasedabula izembatho zakhe, wathi: Usehlambazile; sisadingelani abafakazi? Khangelani, khathesi seliyizwile inhlamba yakhe; licabangani? Basebephendula besithi: Ulecala. Basebemkhafulela amathe ebusweni, bathi: Profetha kithi, Kristu, ngubani okutshayileyo? UPetro wayesehlezi ngaphandle. Kodwa waphika phambi kwabo bonke, wathi: Kangikwazi lokho okutshoyo. Kwathi esephuma esiya esangweni. Wasebuya ephika ngesifungo esithi: Kangimazi lumuntu. Kwathi emva kwesikhatshana. Waseqala ukuqalekisa lokufunga esithi: Kangimazi lumuntu. Njalo lahle lakhala iqhude. UPetro wasekhumbula ilizwi likaJesu esithi kuye. Kwathi sekusile, bonke abapristi abakhulu labadala babantu; sebembophile ba m qhuba. Kwathi uJudasi owamnikelayo esebonile ukuthi ulahliwe, wathi: Ngonile nginikele igazi elingelacala. Kodwa bona bathi: Kulani lathi? Zibonele wena. Wasephosela inhlamvu zesiliva ethempelini, wasuka; wayaziphanyeka. Abapristi abakhulu basebethatha inhlamvu zesiliva bathi: Kakuvunyelwa ukuzifaka emnikelweni, ngoba ziyintengo yegazi. Basebecebisana bathenga ngazo isiqinti sombumbi, sibe ngesokungcwaba abezizwe. Ngakho lesosiqinti sathiwa yisiqinti segazi. Kwasekugcwaliseka okwakhulunywa ngumprofethi uJeremiya, esithi: Basebethatha inhlamvu zesiliva ezingamatshumi amathathu, intengo yalowo owalinganiswayo, abantwana bakoIsrayeli abamlinganisayo; basebebapha zona ngensimu yombumbi. UJesu wasesima phambi kombusi; umbusi wasembuza, wathi: Wena uyiNkosi yamaJuda yini. Kwathi nxa esemangalelwe ngabapristi abakhulu labadala, kaphendulanga lutho. UPilatu wasesithi kuye: Kawuzwa yini izinto ezingaka abazifakaza ngawe? Kodwa kamphendulanga lakwelilodwa ilizwi, waze wamangala kakhulu umbusi. Futhi ngomkhosi umbusi wayejwayele ukukhululela ixuku. Njalo ngalesosikhathi babelesibotshwa esidumileyo, esithiwa nguBarabasi. Ngakho sebebuthene, uPilatu wathi kubo: Lithanda ukuthi ngilikhululele bani, uBarabasi, kumbe uJesu othiwa nguKristu? Ngoba wayekwazi ukuthi bamnikele ngomona. Kwathi esehlezi esihlalweni sokwahlulela. Kodwa abapristi abakhulu labadala bancengana lamaxuku ukuthi acele uBarabasi, ambhubhise uJesu. Wasephendula umbusi wathi kubo: Lithanda ukuthi ngilikhululele bani kulaba ababili? Basebesithi: UBarabasi. UPilatu wathi kubo: Pho ngimenzeni uJesu othiwa nguKristu? Bonke bathi kuye: Kabethelwe. Umbusi wasesithi: Ngoba wenze bubi bani? Kodwa bamemeza kakhulu, bathi: Kabethelwe! Kwathi uPilatu esebonile ukuthi kakusizi lutho, kodwa kwasekuqala kulalokhu ukuba lesiphithiphithi. Bonke abantu basebephendula bathi: Igazi lakhe kalibephezu kwethu laphezu kwabantwana bethu. Wasebakhululela uBarabasi; kodwa esemtshaye ngesiswepu uJesu wa m nikela ukuthi abethelwe. Abebutho bombusi basebemngenisa uJesu endlini yombusi; bamhlubula, bamgqokisa isembatho esibomvu, sebelukile umqhele wameva, bamethesa wonaekhanda, bamphathisalomhlanga esandleni sakhe sokunene; baguqa phambi kwakhe! Bamkhafulela amathe, bathatha umhlanga, batshaya ikhanda lakhe. Sebemklolodele. Kwathi sebephuma. Sebefikile endaweni ethiwa yiGolgotha, bamnika iviniga. Futhi sebembethele, babelana izembatho zakhe, benza inkatho yokuphosa. Njalo sebehlala phansi bamlinda khona. Babeka ngaphezu kwekhanda lakhe incwadiyecala lakhe ilotshiwe ukuthi. Kwasekubethelwa abaphangi ababili. Labadlulayo, besithi: Wena odiliza ithempeli ulakhe ngensuku ezintathu, zisindise. Langokunjalo labapristi abakhulu labo bekloloda kanye lababhali labadala bathi: Wasindisa abanye, yena angezisindise. Uba eyiNkosi yakoIsrayeli, kehle khathesi esiphambanweni, futhi sizamkholwa. Wathemba kuNkulunkulu; kamkhulule khathesi, uba emthanda. Labaphangi. Njalo kusukela ngehola lesithupha kwaba lobumnyama emhlabeni wonke kwaze kwaba lihola lesificamunwemunye; sekungaba lihola lesificamunwemunye? Njalo abanye kwababemi khona besizwa bathi: Lo ubiza uElija. Njalo omunye wabo wahle wagijima, wathatha uzipho, wa lu gcwalisa ngeviniga. Kodwa abanye bathi: Yekelani sibone ukuthi uElija uzakuza amsindise. UJesu wasebuya ememeza ngelizwi elikhulu. Futhi khangela, iveyili lethempeli ladatshulwa incezuezimbili laqala phezulu lisiya phansi; lamangcwaba avuleka; lezidumbu ezinengi zabangcwele abasebelele zavuswa; sebephumile emangcwabeni emva kokuvuka kwakhe bangena emzini ongcwele, babonakala kwabanengi. Kwathi induna yekhulu lalabo ababelayo belinde uJesu. Kwakukhona lapho abesifazana abanengi bebukele; okwakukhona phakathi kwabo oMariya Magadalena. Kwathi sekuhlwile; yena waya kuPilatu, wacela isidumbu sikaJesu. UPilatu waselaya ukuthi isidumbu a sinikwe. UJosefa wasethatha isidumbu wasigoqela ngelembu elicolekileyo elihlambulukileyo, wasibeka engcwabeni lakhe elitsha. Futhi kwakukhona lapho uMariya Magadalena. Langosuku olulandelayo, olulandela olwamalungiselelo, abapristi abakhulu labaFarisi babuthana kuPilatu, besithi: Nkosi, siyakhumbula ukuthi lowomkhohlisi esaphila wathi. Ngakho laya ukuthi ingcwaba liqiniswe kuze kube lusuku lwesithathu; hlezi abafundi bakhe bafike ebusuku bamebe, besebesithi ebantwini: Uvukile kwabafileyo; kuthi inkohliso yokucina ibembi kuleyokuqala. UPilatu wasesithi kubo: Lilabalindi; hambani, li li qinise njengokubona kwenu. Bahamba-ke baliqinisa ingcwaba. Kwathi ekupheleni kwesabatha. Futhi khangela, kwaba khona ukuzamazama komhlaba okukhulu. Lokubonakala kwayo kwakunjengombane. Abalindi basebethuthumela ngokuyesaba, baba njengabafileyo. Kodwa ingilosi yaphendula yathi kwabesifazana: Lingesabi lina; ngoba ngiyazi ukuthi lidinga uJesu obebethelwe; kakho lapha; ngoba uvukile, njengokutsho kwakhe; wozani libone indawo lapho iNkosi ebilele khona. Hambani masinyane litshele abafundi bakhe ukuthi uvukile kwabafileyo; lizambona khona; khangelani, sengilitshelile. Basebephuma engcwabeni ngokuphangisa belokwesaba lentokozo enkulu. Kwathi besiyatshela abafundi bakhe, futhi khangela, uJesu wabahlangabeza, wathi: Mpilo enhle. UJesu wasesithi kubo: Lingesabi. Kwathi sebehamba, khangela, abanye kubalindi baya emzini babikela abapristi abakhulu konke okwenzakeleyo. Sebebuthene labadala, benza icebo, banika abebutho imali enengi, besithi: Kalibokuthi: Abafundi bakhe beze ebusuku bameba silele thina. Futhi uba lokhu kuzwakala kumbusi. Basebethatha imali benza njengalokhu ababekufundisiwe. Lalelilizwi landa phakathi kwamaJuda. Kwathi abafundi abalitshumi lanye baya eGalili, entabeni uJesu; sebembonile bamkhonza. UJesu wasesondela wakhuluma labo, esithi: Wonke amandla aphiwe mina ezulwini lemhlabeni; ngakho hambani; libafundise ukugcina konke engililaye khona; futhi khangelani, mina ngilani. Ukuqala kwevangeli likaJesu Kristu, iNdodana kaNkulunkulu; njengokulotshiweyo kubaprofethi. Ilizwi lomemezayo enkangala, lithi: Lungisani indlela yeNkosi; qondisani izindledlana zayo. Kweza uJohane ebhabhathiza enkangala, etshumayela ubhabhathizo lokuphenduka kukho ukuthethelelwa kwezono, kwaphumela kuye ilizwe lonke leJudiya, labo abeJerusalema, basebebhabhathizwa bonke nguye emfuleni iJodani, bevuma izono zabo. Futhi uJohane wayembethe uboya bekamela, elozwezwe lwesikhumba ekhalweni lwakhe, wayesidla intethe loluju lweganga. Watshumayela, esithi: Olamandla kulami uyeza emva kwami, engingafanele ukukhothama ngithukulule umchilo wamanyathela akhe. Mina isibili ngilibhabhathize ngamanzi; kodwa yena uzalibhabhathiza ngoMoya oNgcwele. Kwasekusithi ngalezonsuku, wabhabhathizwa nguJohane eJodani. Wenela ukukhuphuka emanzini, wabona amazulu eqhekezeka, loMoya kungathi lijuba esehlela phezu kwakhe; kwasekusiza ilizwi livela emazulwini, lathi: Wena uyiNdodana yami ethandekayo, engithokoza ngayo. Njalo uMoya. Wayekhona-ke lapho enkangala insuku ezingamatshumi amane elingwa nguSathane, wayelezilo, ingilosi zasezimnceda. Kwathi emva kokunikelwa kukaJohane, wasesithi: Isikhathi sigcwalisekile. Kwathi ehambahamba elwandle lweGalili wabona uSimoni loAndreya umfowabo, bephosela imbule olwandle; ngoba babengabagoli benhlanzi. UJesu wasesithi kubo: Ngilandelani, ngizalenza libe ngabagoli babantu. Njalo bahle batshiya amambule abo, bamlandela. Eseqhubeke ibangana esuka lapho, wabona uJakobe okaZebediya, loJohane umfowabo, labo babesemkhunjini belungisa amambule abo. Njalo wahle wababiza; basebetshiya uyise uZebediya emkhunjini leziqatshwa, basuka bamlandela. Basebengena eKapenawume. Basebebabaza ngemfundiso yakhe. Futhi kwakukhona esinagogeni labo umuntu owayelomoya ongcolileyo, wasememeza, wathi: Yekela, silani lawe, Jesu weNazaretha? Uze ukusibhubhisa yini. UJesu wasemkhuza. Futhi umoya ongcolileyo emhlukuluza ekhala ngelizwi elikhulu, waphuma kuye. Basebemangala bonke, baze babuzana, bathi: Kuyini lokhu? Yimfundiso bani entsha le, ukuthi ngamandla uyalaya labomoya abangcolileyo, futhi bamlalele. Njalo yahle yaphuma indumela yakhe esigabeni sonke seGalili esizingelezeleyo. Njalo bahle baphuma. Futhi uninazala kaSimoni wayelele eloqhuqho, njalo bahle bamtshela ngaye; wasesondela, wabamba isandla sakhe wamvusa; futhi uqhuqho lwahle lwamyekela, wabasebenzela. Kwathi sekuhlwile, ilanga selitshona, baletha kuye bonke abagulayo lababengenwe ngamadimoni; njalo umuzi wonke wawubuthene emnyango. Wasesilisa abanengi ababegula izifo ezitshiyeneyo, wakhupha amadimoni amanengi, ngoba ayemazi. Njalo ekuseni kusesemnyama kakhulu wavuka waphuma. USimoni lababelaye basebemdingisisa; sebemtholile bathi kuye: Bonke bayakudinga. Wasesithi kubo: Asiye emizini eseduze, ukuze ngitshumayele lakhona; ngoba ngiphumele lokhu. Wasetshumayela emasinagogeni abo kulo lonke eleGalili, ekhupha amadimoni. Kwasekufika kuye umlephero, emncenga, esithi kuye: Aluba uthanda, ungangihlambulula. UJesu wasesiba lesihelo, welula isandla, wamthinta, wathi kuye: Ngiyathanda, hlambuluka; esekhulumile bahle basuka ubulephero kuye, wahlanjululwa. Wasemlayisisa, wahle wamyekela wahamba, esithi kuye: Khangela ungatsheli muntu ulutho; kodwa hamba, uziveze kumpristi, unikele ngokuhlanjululwa kwakho lokho uMozisi akulayayo, kube yibufakazi kubo. Kodwa yena esephumile waqala ukutshumayela kakhulu. Njalo wabuya wangena eKapenawume. Njalo kwahle kwabuthana abanengi, akwazabe kusaba lendawo ya bo, ngitsho langasemnyango; wasekhuluma ilizwi kubo. Basebesiza kuye, beletha oyisigoga, ethwelwe ngabane. Babengelakusondela kuye ngenxa yexuku, bavula. Njalo uJesu ebona ukholo lwabo wathi koyisigoga: Mntwana, izono zakho uzithethelelwe. Kodwa abanye bababhali ababehlezi lapho, banakana enhliziyweni zabo, bathi: Ukhulumelani inhlamba enje lo? Ngubani ongathethelela izono ngaphandle koyedwa, uNkulunkulu? Njalo khonokho ekwazi uJesu emoyeni wakhe ukuthi babenakana njalo phakathi kwabo, wathi kubo: Linakanelani izinto lezi enhliziyweni zenu? Yikuphi okulula, ukuthi koyisigoga: Izono zakhouzithethelelwe, kumbe ukuthi: Sukuma, uthathe icansi lakho, uhambe? Kodwa ukuze lazi ukuthi iNdodana yomuntu ilamandla okuthethelela izono emhlabeni (wathi koyisigoga): Ngithi kuwe: Sukuma uthathe icansi lakho, uye endlini yakho. Njalo wahle wasukuma, wathatha icansi, waphuma phambi kwabo bonke; baze bamangala bonke, bamdumisa uNkulunkulu, besithi: Kasizange sikubone okunje. Wasebuya esiya elwandle, ixuku lonke laselisiza kuye, wasebafundisa. Esedlula wabona uLevi okaAlfewu ehlezi endlini yokuthelisela, wasesithi kuye: Ngilandela. Wasesukuma wamlandela. Kwasekusithi ehlezi endlini yakhe, labathelisi abanengi lezoni bahlala ekudleni loJesu labafundi bakhe; ngoba babebanengi, njalo bemlandela. Kwathi ababhali labaFarisi, bembona esidla labathelisi lezoni, bathi kubafundi bakhe: Kungani esidla enatha labathelisi lezoni? Kwathi uJesu esezwile wathi kubo: Abaphilileyo kabadingi melaphi, kodwa labo abagulayo. Kangizanga ukubiza abalungileyo, kodwa izoni zize ekuphendukeni. Njalo abafundi bakaJohane lababaFarisi babezila ukudla; basebesiza bathi kuye: Kungani abafundi bakaJohane lababaFarisi bezila ukudla, kodwa abafundi bakho bengazili ukudla? UJesu wasesithi kubo: Amadodana endlu yomthimba angazila yini ukudla, umyeni eselawo? Angezile, ingqe ngesikhathi umyeni eselawo; kodwa zizafika insuku lapho umyeni azasuswa kuwo, njalo khona azazila ukudla ngalezonsuku. Futhi kakho othungela isichibi selembu elingakafinyeli esembathweni esidala; uba-ke kungenjalo okubekelweyo kudabuke kiso, okutsha kwesidala, kuqhele ukudabuka. Futhi kakho othela iwayini elitsha emigodleni emidala; uba-ke kungenjalo iwayini elitsha lidabula imigodla, lichitheke iwayini lemigodla yonakale; kodwa iwayini elitsha limele lifakwe emigodleni emitsha. Kwasekusithi edabula emasimini amabele ngesabatha. AbaFarisi basebesithi kuye: Khangela, kungani besenza lokho okungavunyelwayo ngesabatha? Yena wasesithi kubo: Kalizange libale yini uDavida akwenzayo, mhla eswele, elambile, yena lababelaye? Ukuthi wayangena njani endlini kaNkulunkulu esikhathini uAbhiyatha engumpristi omkhulu, wadla izinkwa zokubukiswa ezingavunyelwa ukudliwa ngaphandle kwabapristi, wabanika lababelaye? Wasesithi kubo: Isabatha lenziwa ngenxa yomuntu, njalo umuntu ke nzi wanga ngenxa yesabatha; ngakho iNdodana yomuntu iyiNkosi leyesabatha. Wasebuya engena. Basebemqaphela ukuthi uzamsilisa ngesabatha. Wasesithi kumuntu olesandla esitshwabheneyo: Sukuma uye phakathi. Wathi kubo: Kuvunyelwe yini ngamasabatha ukwenza okulungileyo, kumbe ukwenza okubi? Ukusindisa impilo, kumbe ukubulala? Kodwa bathula. Wasebathalaza ngokuthukuthela, edabukile ngobulukhuni benhliziyo yabo, wathi kumuntu: Yelula isandla sakho. Waselula, isandla sakhe sasesisiliswa saphila njengesinye. Basebephuma abaFarisi bahle bacebisana labakaHerodi bemelane laye, ukuthi bangambulala njani. Kodwa uJesu wasuka wahamba labafundi bakhe ngaselwandle, leJudiya; leJerusalema, ixuku elikhulu, selizwile izinto ezinkulu abezenza, leza kuye. Wasetshela abafundi bakhe ukuthi umkolo umlindele ngenxa yexuku, ukuze lingamcindezeli. Ngoba wayesilisa abanengi, baze bawela phezu kwakhe bonke abalezifo. Futhi omoya abangcolileyo, bembona, babesiwa phansi phambi kwakhe. Wasebalayisisa kakhulu ukuthi bangamvezi. Wasesenyukela entabeni, wabizela kuye labo ayebafuna yena; basebesiza kuye. Wasemisa abalitshumi lambili, ukuze babe laye, lokuze abathume ukuyatshumayela, futhi babe lamandla okwelapha imikhuhlane, lawokukhupha amadimoni. LoSimoni wamutha ibizo lokuthinguPetro; loJakobe okaZebediya, loJohane umfowabo kaJakobe; wabatha amabizo wathingoBowanegesi, okuyikuthi, amadodana omdumo; loAndreya, loFiliphu, loBartolomewu, loMathewu, loTomasi, loJakobe okaAlfewu, loTadewu, loSimoni umKhanani, loJudasi uIskariyothi, laye owamnikelayo. Ixuku laselibuthana futhi, kwaze kwathi bona abasazange benelise lokudla isinkwa. Kwathi abakibo sebezwile lokhubaphuma ukuyambamba; ngoba bathi. Lababhali abavela eJerusalema bathi. Wasebabizela kuye, wathi kubo ngemifanekiso: USathane angakhupha njani uSathane? Futhi uba umbuso wehlukene umelene lawo ngokwawo, lowombuso ungeme. Lendlu uba yehlukene imelana layo ngokwayo, leyondlu ingeme. LoSathane uba ezivukela yena, ahlukane, angeme, kodwa uyaphela. Kakho ongangena endlini yesiqhwaga, aphange impahla yaso, uba engasibophi isiqhwaga kuqala, abesephanga indlu yaso. Ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Zonke izono zizathethelelwa kubantwana babantu, lezinhlamba loba ziphi abahlambaza ngazo; kodwa loba ngubani ohlambaza emelene loMoya oyiNgcwele, kalakuthethelelwa lanini, kodwa ulecala lokulahlwa okulaphakade; ngoba bathi: Ulomoya ongcolileyo. Kwasekufika. Njalo ixuku lalihlezi limphahlile; basebesithi kuye: Khangela, unyoko labafowenu baphandle bayakudinga. Wasebaphendula wathi: Ngubani umama kumbe abafowethu? Wasethalaza labo ababehlezi bemphahlile, wathi: Khangelani umama labafowethu. Ngoba loba ngubani owenza intando kaNkulunkulu, nguye ongumfowethu lodadewethu lomama. Wasebuya waqala ukufundisa ngaselwandle; kwasekubuthana kuye ixuku elikhulu. Wasebafundisa izinto ezinengi ngemifanekiso, lekufundiseni kwakhe wathi kubo: Lalelani; khangelani, kwaphuma umhlanyeli ukuyahlanyela. Kwasekusithi ekuhlanyeleni, enye yawela eceleni kwendlela, kwasekufika inyoni zezulu zayidla zayiqeda. Kodwa enye yawela emhlabathini olamatshe, lapho eyayingelamhlabathi omnengi khona; futhi yahle yamila, ngoba yayingelakutshona komhlabathi; kwathi ekuphumeni kwelanga yahangulwa yabuna ngoba yayingelampande. Enye yasiwela emeveni, ameva asekhula, ayiminyanisa, futhi ayithelanga isithelo. Njalo enye yawela emhlabathini omuhle; yathela isithelo esakhulayo sanda, yazala enye amatshumi amathathu, lenye amatshumi ayisithupha, lenye ikhulu. Wasesithi kubo: Olendlebe zokuzwa, akezwe. Kwathi eseyedwa, labo ababemphahlile kanye labalitshumi lambili bambuza ngomfanekiso. Wasesithi kubo: Kuphiwe kini ukwazi imfihlo yombuso kaNkulunkulu; kodwa labo abangaphandle benzelwa izinto zonke ngemifanekiso; ukuze bebona babone, bangabonisisi; njalo besizwa bezwe, bangaqedisisi; hlezi loba nini baphenduke, bathethelelwe izono zabo. Wasesithi kubo: Kaliwazi lumfanekiso yini? Pho lizayazi njani imifanekiso yonke? Umhlanyeli uhlanyela ilizwi. Njalo abaseceleni kwendlela, yilabo lapho okuhlanyelwa khona ilizwi, futhi nxa belizwa, uSathane ahle afike alisuse ilizwi elihlanyelwe enhliziyweni zabo. Lalabo ngokunjalo abahlanyelwe emhlabathini olamatshe, abathi, lapho besizwa ilizwi, bahle balemukele ngentokozo, njalo kabalampande phakathi kwabo, kodwa bahlala okwesikhathi; kuthi sekufika inkathazo kumbe ukuzingelwa ngenxa yelizwi, bahle bakhubeke. Lalaba yilabo abahlanyelwe emeveni, abalizwayo ilizwi, kodwa impisekelo yalumhlaba, lenkohliso yenotho, lenkanuko yezinye izinto kungene kuminyanise ilizwi, futhi ibe ingasatheli. Lalaba yilabo abahlanyelwe emhlabathini omuhle, abathi belizwile ilizwi, ba le mukele, bathele, enye amatshumi amathathu, lenye amatshumi ayisithupha, lenye ikhulu. Wasesithi kubo: Kanti isibane silethwa ukuze sibekwe ngaphansi kwesitsha kumbe ngaphansi kombheda? Angithi ukuze sibekwe esiqobaneni sesibane? Ngoba kakukho okufihliweyo okungayikubonakaliswa; akukho okwenzeka kube yimfihlo, kodwa ukuze kube sobala. Nxa umuntu elendlebe zokuzwa akezwe. Wasesithi kubo: Qaphelisani elikuzwayo. Ngoba loba ngubani olakho, uzaphiwa; kodwa loba ngubani ongelakho, uzakwemukwa lalokho alakho. Wasesithi: Unjalo umbuso kaNkulunkulu, njengokuba nxa umuntu ephosa inhlanyelo emhlabathini, njalo alale abesevuka ebusuku lemini, lenhlanyelo imile njalo ikhule, yena kakwazi ukuthi njani. Ngoba umhlabathi uyathela ngokwawo, kuqala usungulo, kulandele isikhwebu, kulandele amabele apheleleyo esikhwetshini. Kodwa nxa sesivuthiwe isithelo, uhle athumeze isikela. Wathi futhi: Sizawufananisa lani umbuso kaNkulunkulu? Kumbe sizawufananisa ngomfanekiso bani? Unjengohlamvu lwemasitedi, oluthi nxa seluhlanyelwe emhlabathini, luncinyane kulazo zonke inhlamvu ezisemhlabeni; njalo nxa seluhlanyelwe, lukhule, lube lukhulu lwedlule izilimo zonke, lwenze ingatsha ezinkulu, kuze kuthi inyoni zezulu zingakhela ngaphansi komthunzi wazo. Waselikhuluma kubo ilizwi ngemifanekiso eminengi enjalo; kodwa ngaphandle komfanekiso kakhulumanga kubo. Ngalolosuku sekuhlwile, wasesithi kubo: Asichapheleni ngaphetsheya. Sebeyekele ixuku lahamba. Futhi leminye imikolo yayilaye. Kwasekuvuka isiphepho esikhulu somoya; lamagagasi aphoseka emkhunjini, waze wagcwala khathesi. Njalo yena wayengemuva emkhunjini elele emqamelweni; basebemvusa, bathi kuye: Mfundisi, kawukhathali yini ukuthi siyabhubha? Wasevuka wakhuza umoya, wathi kulo ulwandle: Thula, uthi zwi! Umoya wasuqamuka, kwasekusiba khona ukuthula okukhulu. Wasesithi kubo: Kungani lisesaba kangaka? Kalilakholo ngani? Basebesesaba ngokwesaba okukhulu, bathi omunye komunye: Kanti ungubani lo, ukuthi lomoya lolwandle kumlalele? Basebefika ngaphetsheya kolwandle, elizweni lamaGadarene. Esephumile emkhunjini, wahle wamhlangabeza umuntu ovela emangcwabeni elomoya ongcolileyo, owayehlala emangcwabeni; njalo kwakungelamuntu owayengambopha ngitsho langamaketane, ngoba wayebotshiwe kanengi ngezibopho langamaketane, kodwa amaketane ayeqanyulwa nguye, lezibopho zaqanyuqanyulwa; njalo kwakungekho owayengamthambisa; langezikhathi zonke, ebusuku lemini, wayesezintabeni lemangcwabeni eklabalala ezisika ngamatshe. Kwathi ebona uJesu ekhatshana, wagijima wamkhonza, wamemeza ngelizwi elikhulu esithi: Ngilani lawe, Jesu, Ndodana kaNkulunkulu oPhezukonke. Ngoba wathi kuye: Phuma emuntwini, moya ongcolileyo. Wasembuza wathi: Ibizo lakho ungubani? Wasephendula, wathi: Ibizo lami nginguLegiyoni, ngoba sibanengi. Wasemncenga kakhulu, ukuthi angabaxotsheli ngaphandle kwelizwe. Kwakukhona lapho ngasezintabeni umhlambi omkhulu wengulube usidla; lamadimoni wonke amncenga, athi: Sithume engulubeni, singene kuzo. Njalo uJesu wahle wawavumela. Omoya abangcolileyo basebephuma bangena ezingulubeni; umhlambi wasuphaphatheka eliweni usiya olwandle; njalo zazingaba zinkulungwane ezimbili; zaminzwa olwandle. Abazelusayo ingulube basebebaleka, bayabika emzini lemaphandleni. Basebephuma ukubona ukuthi kuyini okwenzakeleyo; bafika kuJesu, bambona obengenwe ngamadimoni ehlezi egqokile; basebesesaba. Labo ababekubonile babatshela ukuthi kwenzeke njani kowayengenwe ngamadimoni, langengulube. Basebeqala ukumncenga ukuthi asuke elizweni lakibo. Wathi engena emkhunjini, owayengenwe ngamadimoni wamncenga, ukuthi abe laye. Kodwa uJesu kamvumelanga, kodwa wathi kuye: Hamba uye ekhaya kwabakini, ubatshele ukuthi iNkosi ikwenzele okungakanani, ikuhawukele. Wasesuka ehamba waqala ukutshumayela eDikapolisi ukuthi uJesu umenzele okungakanani; basebemangala bonke. UJesu esebuye wachaphela ngaphetsheya ngomkhumbi, kwabuthana kuye ixuku elikhulu, futhi wayengasolwandle. Njalo khangela, kwafika; embona, wawa phansi enyaweni zakhe, wamncenga kakhulu, esithi: Indodakazi yami encane isiphela; ngiyakuncengaukuthi ubuye ubeke izandla phezu kwayo, ukuze isindiswe, njalo izaphila. Wasehamba laye; ixuku elikhulu laselimlandela, lamminyezela. Njalo owesifazana othile owayelomopho wegazi okweminyaka elitshumi lambili, ehluphekile kakhulu kubelaphi abanengi, echithile konke ayelakho, engasizakalanga, kodwa kulokhu kumqinela, esezwile ngoJesu, weza exukwini ngemuva, wathinta isembatho sakhe; ngoba wathi: Aluba ngithinta izembatho zakhe nje, ngizasindiswa. Futhi wahle woma umthombo wegazi lakhe, wasesizwa emzimbeni ukuthi usilile esifweni. Njalo uJesu wahle wazi phakathi kwakhe ukuthi amandla aphumile kuye, watshibilika esexukwini, wathi: Ngubani othinte izembatho zami? Abafundi bakhe basebesithi kuye: Uyabona ixuku likuminyezela, kodwa uthi: Ngubani ongithintileyo? Wasethalaza ukuthi ambone owenze lokhu. Kodwa owesifazana esesaba ethuthumela, ekwazi okwenzekileyo kuye, weza wawa phambi kwakhe, wamtshela iqiniso lonke. Wasesithi kuye: Ndodakazi, ukholo lwakho lukusindisile; hamba ngokuthula, siliswa esifweni sakho. Esakhuluma, kwafika aba nyebomphathi wesinagoge? Kwahle kwathi uJesu esizwa ilizwi elikhulunywayo wathi kumphathi wesinagoge. Futhi kavumelanga muntu ukuthi amlandele, ngaphandle kukaPetro loJakobe. Bafika-ke endlini yomphathi wesinagoge, wabona isiphithiphithi, labakhalayo labalilayo kakhulu, esengenile wathi kubo: Liphithizelelani, likhala? Umntwana omncane kafanga, kodwa ulele. Basebemhleka usulu. Kodwa yena, esebakhuphile bonke, wathatha uyise womntwana omncane lonina lalabo ababelaye, wangena lapho okwakulele khona umntwana omncane. Wabamba isandla somntwana omncane, wathi kuye: "Thalitha, kumi". Njalo yahle yavuka intombazana encane, yahamba, ngoba yayileminyaka elitshumi lambili; basebesanganiseka ngokusanganiseka okukhulu. Wasebalayisisa kakhulu ukuthi lokhu kungaziwa muntu; wathi kayinikwe ukudla. Wasesuka lapho, waya emzini wakibo; abafundi bakhe basebemlandela. Sekufike isabatha, waqala ukufundisa esinagogeni; labanengi aba mu zwayo bamangala, bathi: Zivela ngaphi lezizinto kuye? Njalo yinhlakanipho bani ayinikiweyo, ukuthi lalimisebenzi yamandla enje yenziwe ngezandla zakhe? Lo kayisuye umbazi yini, indodana kaMariya, lomfowabo kaJakobe loJose loJudasi loSimoni? Labodadewabo kabakho yini lapha kithi? Basebekhubeka ngaye. Kodwa uJesu wathi kubo: Umprofethi kasweli ukudunyiswa, ngaphandle kwelizweni lakibo, lezihlotsheni zakhe lendlini yakwabo. Futhi wayengelakho ukwenza lowodwa umsebenzi wamandla lapho. Wasemangala ngokungakholwa kwabo. Wasebizela kuye abalitshumi lambili. Wabalaya ukuthi bangaphathi lutho lwendlela, ngaphandle kodondolo kuphela; lasikhwama, lasinkwa, lamali ezwezweni; kodwa bafake amanyathela; futhi bangembathi izembatho ezimbili. Wasesithi kubo: Lapho elingena khona endlini, hlalani kiyo lize liphume khona. Njalo loba ngobani abangayikulemukela, kumbe balizwe, nxa liphuma lapho, thintithani uthuli olungaphansi kwenyawo zenu kube yibufakazi kubo. Ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Kuzakuba lula eSodoma kumbe laseGomora ngosuku lwesigwebo, kulakulowomuzi. Sebephumile batshumayela ukuthi baphenduke; bakhupha amadimoni amanengi, bagcoba abanengi abagulayo ngamagcobo. Inkosi uHerodi, ngoba ibizo lakhe laba sobala, wasesithi: UJohane owabhabhathizayo uvukile kwabafileyo, futhi kungakho lamandla esebenza kuye. Abanye bathi: UnguElija; labanye bathi: Ungumprofethi, kumbe u njengomunye wabaprofethi. Kodwa uHerodi esizwa wathi: Lo nguJohane, mina engamquma ikhanda; yena uvukile kwabafileyo. Ngoba yena uHerodi wayethumele wambamba uJohane, wambopha entolongweni, ngenxa kaHerodiyasi umkaFiliphu umfowabo, ngoba wayemthethe. Ngoba uJohane wayethe kuHerodi: Kawuvunyelwa ukuba lomkamfowenu. UHerodiyasi wasembambela inhliziyo, wafuna ukumbulala; kodwa kenelisanga; ngoba uHerodi wayemesaba uJohane, esazi ukuthi uyindoda elungileyo lengcwele, wamlondoloza; lalapho emuzwa, wenza izinto ezinengi. Kwathi selufikile usuku oluhle, uHerodi ngelanga lakhe lokuzalwa wenzela izikhulu zakhe ukudla kwantambama, kwathi indodakazi kaHerodiyasi lo isingenile yagida, yamkholisa uHerodi lalabo ababehlezi ekudleni laye, inkosi yathi entombini: Cela kimi loba kuyini okuthandayo, njalo ngizakupha; wafunga kuyo esithi: Loba kuyini ongakucela kimi, ngizakunika. Yasiphuma isithi kunina: Ngizacelani? Yena wasesithi: Ikhanda likaJohane uMbhabhathizi. Njalo yahle yangena enkosini ngokuphangisa, yacela, yathi: Ngifuna ukuthi unginike khathesinje emganwini ikhanda likaJohane uMbhabhathizi. Inkosi yasidabuka kakhulu, kodwangenxa yezifungo langalabo ababehlezi layo ekudleni. Njalo inkosi yahle yathuma ibutho yalaya ukuthi kulethwe ikhanda lakhe. Wasehamba wamquma ikhanda entolongweni, waletha ikhanda lakhe ngomganu, walinika intombi; intombi yasilinika unina. Kwathi abafundi bakhe sebezwile beza, bathatha isidumbu sakhe, basibeka engcwabeni. Abaphostoli basebebuthana kuJesu, bambikela konke, lababekwenzile kanye lababekufundisile. Wasesithi kubo: Wozani lina lodwa endaweni eyinkangala. Bakhuphuka ngomkhumbi. Amaxuku asebabona besuka, labanengi bamazi, bagijimela khona ndawonye ngenyawo bevela emizini yonke, basebebadlula, bahlangana kuye. Kwathi uJesu esephuma wabona ixuku elikhulu, waba lesihelo ngabo. Kwathi isikhathi sesihambile, abafundi bakhe beza kuye bathi: Lindawo iyinkangala, lesikhathi sesihambile; bayekele, ukuze baye ezigabeni ezizingelezeleyo lemizaneni bazithengele izinkwa. Ngoba bengelalutho abangaludla. Wasephendula wathi kubo: Banikeni lina ukuthi badle. Basebesithi kuye? Wasesithi kubo: Lilezinkwa ezingaki? Hambani liyebona. Sebesazi bathi: Zinhlanu, lenhlanzi ezimbili. Wasebalaya ukuthi babahlalise bonke phansi ngezigaba ngezigaba etshanini obuluhlaza. Basebehlala phansi ngamaviyo ngamaviyo, ngamakhulu langamatshumi amahlanu. Wasethatha izinkwa ezinhlanu lenhlanzi ezimbili, ekhangela phezulu ezulwini, wabonga, wazihlephula izinkwa, wa zi nika abafundi bakhe ukuthi ba zi beke phambi kwabo; lenhlanzi ezimbili wazabela bonke. Basebesidla bonke, basutha. Basebedobha izitsha ezilitshumi lambili ezagcwala imvuthu ezazisele, l okuseleyokwenhlanzi. Lalabo abadlayo izinkwa, babengaba ngamadoda azinkulungwane ezinhlanu. Njalo wahle wacindezela abafundi bakhe, yena esayekela ixuku lihamba. Esebavalelisile, wasuka waya entabeni. Sekuhlwile, umkhumbi wawuphakathi kolwandle, futhi yena wayeyedwa emhlabathini. Wababona behlupheka kakhulu ekugwedleni, ngoba umoya wawuphambene labo, wasesiza kubo sokungaba yisikhathi somlindo wesine wobusuku, ehamba phezu kolwandle; wasefuna ukubadlula. Sebembonile ehamba phezu kolwandle, basebecabanga ukuthi lithonga, bakhala kakhulu; ngoba bambona bonke, bethuka. Kodwa wahle wakhuluma labo, wathi kubo: Manini isibindi; yimi, lingesabi. Wasesenyukela kubo emkhunjini, umoya wasuthula; basebesanganiseka kakhulu okwedlula amalawulo ngaphakathi, bamangala. Ngoba babengaqedisisanga ngezinkwa. Kwathi sebechaphile bafika elizweni leGenesaretha, babophela umkhumbi ekhunjini. Bathi sebephumile emkhunjini, bahle bamazi, bagijimela kuso sonke lesosigaba esizingelezeleyo, baqala ukubhoda bethwala abagulayo ngamathala bebasa lapho abebesizwa ukuthi ukhona. Njalo loba ngaphi angena khona emizaneni loba emizini, loba emaphandleni, babeka abagulayo emidangeni, bamncenga ukuthi bathinte umphetho wesembatho sakhe nje; njalo bonke abamthintayo basindiswa. Kwasekubuthana kuye abaFarisi, labanye bababhali, ababevela eJerusalema; sebebonile ukuthi abanye babafundi bakhe badla izinkwa ngezandla ezingcolileyo, okuyikuthi ezingagezwanga, basola. Ngoba abaFarisi lamaJuda bonke kabadli, ngaphandle kokuthi bagezisise izandla zabo, belondoloza isiko labadala. Nxa be vela emdangeni, kabadli, ngaphandle kokuthi bageze. Emva kwalokhu abaFarisi lababhali bambuza bathi: Kungani abafundi bakho bengahambi ngesiko labadala, kodwa badla isinkwa ngezandla ezingahlanjwanga? Kodwa waphendula wathi kubo: UIsaya waprofetha kuhle ngani lina bazenzisi, njengokulotshiweyo ukuthi: Lesisizwe singidumisa ngezindebe, kodwa inhliziyo yabo ikhatshana lami. Kodwa zingikhonza ngeze, zifundisa izimfundiso eziy imilayo yabantu. Ngoba liyekela umlayo kaNkulunkulu, ligcine isiko labantu, ukugezisa imbiza lenkezo. Wasesithi kubo: Liyachitha kuhle umlayo kaNkulunkulu, ukuze lilondoloze isiko lenu. Ngoba uMozisi wathi: Hlonipha uyihlo lonyoko; kodwa lina lithi: Aluba umuntu esithi kuyise kumbe kunina: Lokho obungasizwa yimi ngakho, "liKhobane", okuyikuthi umnikelo kuNkulunkulu; kalisamvumeli ukwenzela uyise kumbe unina ulutho, lilenza ize ilizwi likaNkulunkulu ngesiko lenu eliliqhubayo; lezinto ezinengi ezinjalo liyazenza. Esebizile kuye ixuku lonke, wathi kilo: Ngilalelani lonke, liqedisise. Kalukho ulutho olungaphandle komuntu olungamngcolisa lungena kuye; kodwa izinto eziphuma kuye, yizo lezo ezingcolisa umuntu. Uba ekhona olendlebe zokuzwa akezwe. Esengenile endlini evela exukwini. Wasesithi kubo: Ngokunjalo lani lingabangelakuqedisisa yini? Kaliqedisisi yini ukuthi konke okungaphandle okungena emuntwini kungemngcolise? Ngoba kakungeni enhliziyweni yakhe, kodwa esiswini; kuphumela ngaphandle, kuhlambulula ukudla konke. Wasesithi: Okuphumayo emuntwini, yikho okungcolisa umuntu. Ngoba kuphuma ngaphakathi enhliziyweni yabantu imicabango emibi, ukuphinga, ukufeba, ukubulala, ukweba, ubuhwaba; zonke lezizinto ezimbi zivela ngaphakathi, zimngcolise umuntu. Wasesukuma lapho waya emikhawulweni yeTire leSidoni. Wangena endlini, engathandi ukuthi umuntu akwazi, kodwa wayengelakufihlakala. Ngoba owesifazana, olentombazana yakhe elomoya ongcolileyo, esezwile ngaye, weza wawa phansi enyaweni zakhe; njalo owesifazana wayengumGriki, engumSirofenike ngokuzalwa; wasemncenga ukuthi akhuphe idimoni endodakazini yakhe. Kodwa uJesu wathi kuye: Ake kusuthe abantwana kuqala; ngoba kakukuhle ukuthatha isinkwa sabantwana sisiphosele izinjana. Kodwa waphendula wathi kuye: Yebo, Nkosi; kodwa lezinjana ezingaphansi kwetafula ziyadla imvuthuluka yabantwana. Wasesithi kuye: Ngenxa yalokhukutsho hamba-ke; idimoni liphumile endodakazini yakho. Wasesuka waya endlini yakhe, wafica idimoni seliphumile, lendodakazi ilele embhedeni. Wasebuya wasuka. Basebeletha kuye isacuthe esigagasayo. Wasesikhupha exukwini saba sodwa, wafaka iminwe yakhe endlebeni zaso, ekhangela phezulu ezulwini! Njalo zahle zavulwa indlebe zaso; yasithukululwa intambo yolimi lwaso, sasesikhuluma saqonda. Wasebalaya ukuthi bangatsheli muntu. Basebemangala kakhulukazi sibili, bathi: Uzenzile kuhle izinto zonke; wenza kokubili izacuthe ukuthi zizwe, lezimungulu ukuthi zikhulume. Ngalezonsuku kwakukhona ixuku elikhulu kakhulu, njalo lalingelakho okokudla, uJesu wabizela kuye abafundi bakhe wathi kubo: Ngilesihelo ngexuku; ngoba sebehlezi lami insuku ezintathu, bengelalutho lokudla; njalo uba ngibayekela baye emakhaya abo bengadlanga, bazayatha endleleni; ngoba abanye babo bavela khatshana. Abafundi bakhe basebemphendula bathi: Zingavela ngaphi izinkwa umuntu angasuthisa ngazo laba lapha enkangala? Wasebabuza wathi: Lilezinkwa ezingaki? Basebesithi: Eziyisikhombisa. Waselaya ixuku ukuthi lihlale phansi emhlabathini; wasethatha izinkwa eziyisikhombisa, esebongile wa zi hlephula wa zi nika abafundi bakhe, ukuthi babeke phambi kwabo; basebebeka phambi kwexuku. Njalo babelenhlanzana ezinlutshwana; esebusisile wathi bazibeke lazo phambi kwabo. Basebesidla, basutha; basebedobha imvuthu ezazisele, izitsha eziyisikhombisa. Lababedlile babengaba zinkulungwane ezine; wasebayekela bahamba. Njalo wahle wangena. AbaFarisi basebephuma, baqala ukuphikisana laye, befunisisa kuye isibonakaliso esivela ezulwini, bemlinga. Wasebubula kakhulu emoyeni wakhe wathi: Lesisizukulwana sidingelani isibonakaliso? Ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Qiniso akulasibonakaliso esizanikwa kulesisizukulwana. Wasebatshiya, wangena emkhunjini futhi, wasuka waya ngaphetsheya. Njalo abafundi babekhohliwe ukuthatha izinkwa, bengela luthoemkhunjini ngaphandle kwesinkwa esisodwa. Wasebalaya, wathi: Nanzelelani, liqaphele imvubelo yabaFarisi. Basebezindlisana, besithi: Ngoba kasilazinkwa. UJesu esekwazi wathi kubo: Kungani likhulumisana ngokuthi kalilazinkwa? Lokhe lilenhliziyo ezilukhuni yini? Lilamehlo kaliboni yini? Futhi lilendlebe kalizwa yini? Njalo kalikhumbuli yini? Mhla ngahlephulela abazinkulungwane ezinhlanu izinkwa ezinhlanu, ladobha izitsha ezingaki ezigcwele imvuthu? Bathi kuye: Ezilitshumi lambili. Njalo mhla ziyisikhombisa kwabazinkulungwane ezine, ladobha izitsha ezingaki ezigcwele imvuthu? Basebesithi: Eziyisikhombisa. Wasesithi kubo: Yinindaba lingaqedisisi? Wasefika eBhethisayida. Wasesibamba isiphofu ngesandla, wasikhuphela ngaphandle komzana, wasibuza ukuthi ngabe sibona ulutho. Sasesikhangela phezulu sathi: Ngibona abantu behambahamba kungathi yizihlahla. Emva kwalokhu wabuya wabeka izandla zakhephezu kwamehlo aso, wasenza sakhangela phezulu; sasesisiliswa, sabona bonke ngokucacileyo. Wasesithuma endlini yaso, wathi: Ungangeni emzaneni. UJesu wasephuma labafundi bakhe baya emizaneni yeKesariya yeFiliphu; besendleleni wababuza abafundi bakhe, wathi kubo: Abantu bathi ngingubani? Basebephendula bathi: UJohane uMbhabhathizi; labanye: UElija; labanye: Omunye wabaprofethi. Yena wasesithi kubo: Lina-ke lithi ngingubani? UPetro wasephendula wathi kuye: Wena unguKristu. Wasebalayisisa. Waseqala ukubafundisa. Waselikhuluma lelilizwi obala. UPetro wasemthatha waqala ukumkhuza. Kodwa etshibilika, wabona abafundi bakhe, wamkhuza uPetro, wathi: Suka ngemva kwami, Sathane; ngoba kawucabangi ngezinto zikaNkulunkulu, kodwa ngezabantu. Kwathi esebizele kuye ixuku kanye labafundi bakhe, wathi kubo: Uba umuntu ethanda ukuza ngemva kwami, kazidele, athathe isiphambano sakhe, angilandele. Ngoba loba ngubani othanda ukusindisa impilo yakhe, izamlahlekela; kodwa loba ngubani olahlekelwa yimpilo yakhe ngenxa yami levangeli, yena uzayisindisa. Ngoba kuzamsizani umuntu, nxa ezuza umhlaba wonke, kodwa alahlekelwe ngumphefumulo wakhe? Kumbe umuntu uzanikani kube lihlawulo lomphefumulo wakhe? Ngoba loba ngubani olenhloni ngami langamazwi ami. Wasesithi kubo: Ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Bakhona abanye kwabemiyo lapha, abangasoze bezwe ukufa, baze babone umbuso kaNkulunkulu usufikile ngamandla. Emva kwensuku eziyisithupha uJesu wasethatha uPetro loJakobe loJohane, wasebakhuphulela entabeni ende ebehlukanisa bodwa; waseguqulwa isimo phambi kwabo; lezembatho zakhe zacwazimula, zaba mhlophe nke njengeliqhwa elikhithikileyo, kakulamcoli welembu emhlabeni ongazenza zibe mhlophe kangako. Kwasekubonakala kubo uElija eloMozisi, njalo bekhuluma loJesu. UPetro wasephendula wathi kuJesu: Rabi, kuhle ukuthi sibe lapha; futhi asakhe amadumba amathathu, elinye ngelakho, lelinye ngelikaMozisi, lelinye ngelikaElija. Ngoba wayengakwazi angakutsho; ngoba babesesaba kakhulu. Kwasekufika iyezi labasibekela; kwaba lelizwi elivela eyezini, lisithi: Lo uyiNdodana yami ethandekayo; zwanini yona. Njalo bahle bathalaza, kababe besabona muntu, kodwa uJesu yedwa elabo. Kwathi besehla entabeni. Njalo bazigcinela lelilizwi, bebuzana ukuthi kutshoni ukuvuka okwabafileyo. Basebembuza, besithi: Batsholoni ababhali ukuthi uElija ufanele ukufika kuqala? Wasephendula, wathi kubo: UElija ufika kuqala isibili, abuyisele zonke izinto; njalo kubhalwe njani ngeNdodana yomuntu. Kodwa ngitsho kini ukuthi uElija laye sewafika, basebesenza kuye konke abakuthandayo, njengokulotshiweyo ngaye. Kwathi efika kubafundi, wabona ixuku elikhulu libahanqile. Lahle lathi ukumbona ixuku lonke laselimangala, lagijimela ku yelambingelela. Wasebabuza ababhali wathi: Liphikisana ngani labo? Omunye wexuku wasephendula wathi: Mfundisi, ngilethe kuwe indodana yami, elomoya oyisimungulu; kuthi loba ngaphi oyibamba khona, uyidabule; ikhihlize amagwebu, igedle amazinyo ayo, yome qha; njalo ngikhulume labafundi bakho ukuthi bawukhuphe, kodwa behluleka. Wasemphendula wathi: O sizukulwana esingelakholo, koze kube nini ngilani? Koze kube nini ngilibekezelela? Iletheni kimi. Basebeyiletha kuye; kwathi umbona, umoya wahle wayihlukuza; yawela emhlabathini. Wasebuza uyise wathi: Kulesikhathi esingakanani, lokhu kwenzeka kiyo? Wasesithi: Kusukela ebuntwaneni. Futhi uyiphosele kanengi emlilweni lemanzini, ukuze uyibhubhise; kodwa nxa kukhona ongakwenza, sihawukele, usisize. UJesu wasesithi kuye: Nxa usenelisa ukukholwa, zonke izinto ziyenzeka kokholwayo. Njalo uyise womntwana wahle wamemeza ngezinyembezi wathi: Ngiyakholwa, Nkosi, siza ukungakholwa kwami. Kwathi uJesu esebona ukuthi ixuku ligijima kanyekanye ndawonye, wakhuza umoya ongcolileyo, esithi kuwo: Wena moya oyisimungulu loyisacuthe, mina ngiyakulaya: Phuma kuye, ungabe usangena kuye. Usumemezile, wayihlukuza kakhulu, waphuma; yasisiba njengofileyo, kwaze kwathi abanengi bathi isifile. Kodwa uJesu wayibamba ngesandla, wayiphakamisa; yasisukuma. Wathi esengenile endlini, abafundi bakhe bambuza bebodwa bathi: Kungani thina sehlulekile ukuwukhupha? Wasesithi kubo: Loluhlobo lungeke luphume ngalutho, ngaphandle komkhuleko lokuzila ukudla. Basebesuka lapho badabula eGalili; wayengathandi ukuthi loba ngubani akwazi, ngoba wayefundisa abafundi bakhe, esithi kubo: INdodana yomuntu izanikelwa ezandleni zabantu, njalo bazayibulala; isibulewe izavuka ngosuku lwesithathu. Kodwa kabaqedisisanga lumutsho, besaba ukumbuza. Wasefika eKapenawume? Kodwa bathula; ngoba endleleni babephikisene ngokuthi ngubani omkhulu. Wasehlala phansi wabiza abalitshumi lambili, wathi kubo: Uba umuntu ethanda ukuba ngowokuqala, uzakuba ngowokucina kubo bonke. Wasethatha umntwana omncane, wammisa phakathi kwabo: Loba ngubani owemukela omunye wabantwana abancane abanje ebizweni lami, wemukela mina; njalo loba ngubani owemukela mina, kemukeli mina, kodwa yena ongithumileyo. UJohane wasemphendula, wathi: Mfundisi, sabona omunye ongasilandeliyo. Kodwa uJesu wathi: Lingamenqabeli; ngoba kakho owenza umsebenzi wamandla ebizweni lami, njalo olamandla okukhuluma kubi ngami masinyane; ngoba ongamelani lathi, ungowethu. Ngoba loba ngubani ozalinathisa inkezo yamanzi ngebizo lami, ngoba lingabakaKristu, ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Kasoze alahlekelwa ngumvuzo wakhe. Futhi loba ngubani okhubekisa omunye walaba abancinyane abakholwa kimi, kungcono kuye ukuthi ilitshe lokuchola ligaxwe entanyeni yakhe, abesephoselwa olwandle. Njalo uba isandla sakho sikukhubekisa, siqume; kungcono kuwe ukungena ekuphileni uyingini, lapho impethu yabo engafi khona, lomlilo ongacitshi khona. Njalo uba unyawo lwakho lukukhubekisa, luqume, lapho impethu yabo engafi khona, lomlilo ongacitshi khona. Njalo uba ilihlo lakho likukhubekisa, likhuphe; kungcono kuwe ukungena embusweni kaNkulunkulu ulelihlo elilodwa, lapho impethu yabo engafi khona, lomlilo ongacitshi khona. Ngoba wonke uzatshwaywa ngomlilo. Itshwayi lihle. Wasesukuma lapho weza emingceleni yeJudiya edabula ngaphetsheya kweJodani; amaxuku asebuya abuthana kuye. Kwasekusiza kuye abaFarisi bambuza ukuthi: Kuvunyelwe yini ukuthi indoda yale umka yo? bemlinga. Wasephendula wathi kubo: UMozisi walilayani? Basebesithi: UMozisi wavuma ukubhala incwadi yesehlukaniso, loku m ala. UJesu wasephendula wathi kubo: Ngenxa yobulukhuni benhliziyo yenu walibhalela lumlayo; kodwa kusukela ekuqaleni kokudaliweyo, uNkulunkulu wabenza owesilisa lowesifazana. Ngenxa yalokhu indoda izatshiya uyise lonina, inamathele kumkayo, njalo labo ababili bazakuba nyamanye. Ngakho kabasebabili, kodwa ba nyamanye. Ngakho lokho uNkulunkulu akuhlanganisileyo, kakungabi lamuntu okwehlukanisayo. Endlini abafundi bakhe basebebuya bembuza ngalokhu. Wasesithi kubo: Loba ngubani owala umkakhe athathe omunye, uyafeba kuye; lomfazi uba esala indoda yakhe endele kwenye, uyafeba. Basebeletha abantwana abancane kuye ukuze ababambe; kodwa abafundi bakhe babakhuza aba ba lethayo. Kodwa uJesu e ku bona wathukuthela, wathi kubo: Vumelani abantwana abancane beze kimi. Ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Loba ngubani ongemukeli umbuso kaNkulunkulu njengomntwana omncane, kasoze angene kuwo. Njalo ebagona, ebeka izandla zakhephezu kwabo, wababusisa. Esephumele endleleni, omunye wa m gijimela? UJesu wasesithi kuye: Ungibizelani ngokuthi olungileyo? Kakho olungileyo, ngaphandle koyedwa, uNkulunkulu. Uyayazi imilayo ethi: Ungafebi, ungabulali, ungebi, ungafakazi amanga. Wasephendula wathi kuye: Mfundisi, lezizinto zonke ngizigcinile kusukela ebutsheni bami. Njalo uJesu emkhangela wamthanda. Kodwa edanile ngalelilizwi wasuka wahamba edabukile; ngoba wayelempahla ezinengi. UJesu wasethalaza wathi kubafundi bakhe: Kuzakuba lukhuni kangakanani kwabalenotho ukungena embusweni kaNkulunkulu. Abafundi basebemangala ngamazwi akhe. Kodwa uJesu ephendula futhi wathi kubo: Bantwana, kulukhuni kangakanani kwabathembela enothweni ukungena embusweni kaNkulunkulu; kulula ukuthi ikamela lithutshe entunjeni yenalithi, kulokuthi umuntu onothileyo angene embusweni kaNkulunkulu. Basebemangala kakhulukazi, bekhulumisana bathi: Pho kungasindiswa bani? UJesu wasebakhangela wathi: Kubantu kakulakwenzeka, kodwa kaku njalokuNkulunkulu; ngoba zonke izinto ziyenzeka kuNkulunkulu. UPetro waseqala ukuthi kuye: Khangela, thina sitshiye konke, sakulandela. UJesu wasephendula wathi: Ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Kakukho muntu otshiye indlu, kumbe abafowabo, kumbe odadewabo, kumbe uyise, kumbe unina, kumbe umka khe, kumbe abantwana, kumbe amasimu, ngenxa yami levangeli, ongayikwemukela ngokwekhulu khathesi ngalesisikhathi, izindlu labafowabo labodadewabo labonina labantwana lamasimu. Kodwa abanengi abokuqala bazakuba ngabokucina, labokucina ngabokuqala. Njalo besendleleni benyukela eJerusalema. Wasethatha futhi abalitshumi lambili, waqala ukubatshela izinto ezazizakwenzakala kuye ukuthi: Khangelani, senyukela eJerusalema, futhi iNdodana yomuntu izanikelwa kubapristi abakhulu lakubabhali, njalo bazayigwebela ukufa, bayinikele kwabezizwe, bazayiyangisa, bayitshaye ngesiswepu, bayikhafulele amathe, bayibulale; njalo ngosuku lwesithathu izabuya ivuke ekufeni. Kwasekusiza kuye uJakobe loJohane, besithi: Mfundisi, sithanda ukuthi usenzele loba yini esizayicela. Wasesithi kubo: Lithanda ukuthi ngilenzeleni? Basebesithi kuye: Siphe ukuthi sihlale omunye ngakwesokunene sakho lomunye ngakwesokhohlo sakho ebukhosini bakho. Kodwa uJesu wathi kubo: Kalikwazi elikucelayo. Linganatha yini inkezo engiyinathayo mina, njalo libhabhathizwe ngobhabhathizo engibhabhathizwa ngalo mina? Basebesithi kuye: Singa kwenza. Kodwa uJesu wathi kubo: Isibili inkezo engiyinathayo mina lizayinatha; lizabhabhathizwa ngobhabhathizo engibhabhathizwa ngalo mina; kodwa ukuhlala ngakwesokunene sami langakwesokhohlo sami kayisikho okwami uku ku pha, kodwa kungo kwalabo abakulungiselweyo. Kwathi sebezwile abalitshumi baqala ukuthukuthela ngoJakobe loJohane. Kodwa uJesu wababizela kuye wathi kubo: Liyazi ukuthi labo okuthiwa babusa izizwe bazibusa ngobulukhuni; lezikhulu zazo zisebenzisa amandla phezu kwazo. Kodwa akuyikuba njalo phakathi kwenu; kodwa loba ngubani othanda ukuba ngomkhulu phakathi kwenu, kabe yisisebenzi senu; njalo loba ngubani othanda ukuba ngowokuqala phakathi kwenu, kabe yisisebenzi sabo bonke. Ngoba leNdodana yomuntu kayizanga ukukhonzwa, kodwa ukukhonza, lokunika impilo yayo ibe lihlawulo labanengi. Basebefika eJeriko wayehlezi endleleni ephanza. Kwathi esezwile ukuthi nguJesu weNazaretha, waqala ukumemeza lokuthi: Jesu Ndodana kaDavida, akungihawukele! Abanengi basebemkhuza ukuthi athule; kodwa wamemeza kakhulukazi, esithi: Ndodana kaDavida, akungihawukele! UJesu esima wasesithi kabizwe; basebesibiza isiphofu, besithi kuso: Mana isibindi; sukuma, uyakubiza. Sasesilahla isembatho saso sasukuma seza kuJesu. UJesu wasephendula wathi kuso: Ufuna ukuthi ngikwenzeleni? Isiphofu sasesisithi kuye: Raboni, ukuthi ngibuye ngibone. UJesu wasesithi kuso: Hamba; ukholo lwakho. Kwathi besondela eJerusalema, entabeni yeMihlwathi, wathuma ababili kubafundi bakhe, wathi kubo: Hambani liye emzaneni okhangelene lani; lizahle lithi lingena kuwo lifice ithole likababhemi likhulekiwe. Njalo uba umuntu esithi kini: Likwenzelani lokhu? Lithi: INkosi iyaliswela; njalo uzahle alithumele lapha. Bahamba-ke bafica ithole likhulekiwe lisesangweni ngaphandle, endleleni; basebelikhulula. Labanye kwababemi khona bathi kubo: Lenzani likhulula ithole? Basebesitsho kubo njengoba uJesu elayile; basebebayekela bahamba. Basebeliletha ithole kuJesu, baphosela izembatho zabo phezu kwalo, wasehlala phezu kwalo. Labanengi bendlala izembatho zabo endleleni; labanye bagamula izingatsha lamahlamvu ezihlahleni, bakwendlala endleleni. Lalabo ababehamba phambili lababelandela bamemeza, besithi: Hosana! Ubusisiwe ozayo ebizweni leNkosi; ubusisiwe umbuso kababa wethu uDavida, ozayo ebizweni leNkosi. Hosana kweliphezulu! UJesu wasengena eJerusalema, lethempelini. Lakusisa. Ebona umkhiwa ukhatshana, ulamahlamvu, wasondela ukuthi mhlawumbe angathola ulutho kuwo; njalo efika kuwo, katholanga lutho ngaphandle kwamahlamvu; ngoba kwakungesiso isikhathi somkhiwa. UJesu ekhuluma wathi kuwo: Kakungabi kusadla muntu isithelo kuwe kuze kube nininini. Labafundi bakhe ba ku zwa. Basebefika eJerusalema; uJesu wasengena ethempelini waqala ukuxotsha labo ababethengisa lababethenga ethempelini; wasegenqula amatafula ababentshintshelana imali, lezihlalo zalabo ababethengisa amajuba; wayengavumeli ukuthi umuntu athwale impahla adabule ethempelini. Wasefundisa, wathi kubo: Kakulotshiwe yini ukuthi: Indlu yami izabizwa ngokuthi yindlu yomkhuleko yezizwe zonke. Ababhali labapristi abakhulu basebe ku zwa, badinga ukuthi bangambulala njani. Sekusihlwa, waphuma phandle komuzi. Ekuseni kakhulu besedlula, babona umkhiwa womile kusukela empandeni. UPetro wasekhumbula wathi kuye: Rabi, khangela, umkhiwa owuqalekisileyo womile. UJesu wasephendula wathi kubo: Banini lokholo kuNkulunkulu. Ngoba ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Loba ngubani ozakuthi kulintaba: Phakanyiswa, uphoselwe olwandle; njalo engathandabuzi enhliziyweni yakhe, kodwa ekholwa ukuthi akutshoyo kuyenzeka, kuzakwenzeka kuye loba yini akutshoyo. Ngakho ngithi kini: Konke loba yini elikucelayo likhuleka, kholwani ukuthi liyakwemukela, njalo lizakuba layo. Njalo nxa limi likhuleka. Kodwa uba lina lingathetheleli, loYihlo osemazulwini kayikulithethelela iziphambeko zenu. Basebebuya bafika eJerusalema; kwathi ehambahamba ethempelini, abapristi abakhulu lababhali labadala beza kuye, bathi kuye: Izinto lezi uzenza ngaliphi igunya; njalo ngubani okunike leligunya lokuthi wenze lezizinto? UJesu wasephendula wathi kubo: Lami ngizalibuza umbuzo ube munye, njalo lingiphendule, khona ngizalitshela ukuthi ngenza lezizinto ngaliphi igunya. Ubhabhathizo lukaJohane lwavela ezulwini, kumbe ebantwini? Ngiphendulani. Basebezindlisana, besithi: Uba sisithi: Ezulwini, uzakuthi: Pho kalikholwanga kuye ngani? Kodwa uba sisithi: Ebantwini; besaba abantu; ngoba bonke babemphatha uJohane, ngokuthi ungumprofethi ngeqiniso. Basebephendula bathi kuJesu: Kasazi. UJesu wasephendula wathi kubo: Lami kangilitsheli ukuthi ngenza lezizinto ngaliphi igunya. Waseqala ukukhuluma labo ngemifanekiso wathi: Umuntu wahlanyela isivini, wasibiyela ngothango, wagebha isikhamelo, wakha umphotshongo, wasiqatshisa kubalimi, waya kwelinye ilizwe. Kwathi sekuyisikhathi esifaneleyo wathuma inceku kubalimi, ukuze yemukele kubalimi okwesithelo sesivini. Kodwa ba yi bamba bayitshaya, ba yi mukisa ize. Wasebuya ethuma kubo enye inceku; laleyo bayitshaya ngamatshe ba yi limaza ekhanda, ba yi xotsha isi thelwe inhloni. Wasebuya ethuma enye; yona basebeyibulala; lezinye ezinengi, ezinye bazitshaya, lezinye bazibulala. Ngakho eseselendodana eyodwa ethandekayo kuye, ekucineni wayithuma kubo layo, esithi: Bazayihlonipha indodana yami. Kodwa labobalimi bakhulumisana besithi: Le yindlalifa; wozani, siyibulale, lelifa lizakuba ngelethu. Basebe yi bamba bayibulala, ba yi phosela ngaphandle kwesivini. Ngakho uzakwenzani umninisivini? Uzakuza ababhubhise abalimi, anikele isivini kwabanye. Kalibalanga yini lumbhalo othi: Ilitshe abakhi abalalayo, yilo eseliyinhloko yengonsi; lokhu kwenziwe yiNkosi, njalo kuyisimanga emehlweni ethu? Basebedinga ukumbamba, kodwa besaba ixuku; ngoba babesazi ukuthi wayekhuluma lumfanekiso emelane labo. Basebethuma kuye abanye babaFarisi labakaHerodi. Basebesiza bathi kuye: Mfundisi, siyazi ukuthi wena uqotho, njalo kawukhathali ngomuntu; ngoba kawunanzi isimo somuntu, kodwa ufundisa indlela kaNkulunkulu ngeqiniso: Kuvunyelwe yini ukuthela kuKesari kumbe hatshi? Sithele, kumbe singatheli? Kodwa ekwazi ukuzenzisa kwabo wathi kubo: Lingilingelani? Lethani kimi udenariyo, ukuze ngibone. Basebeletha. Wasesithi kubo: Ngokabani lumfanekiso lalumbhalo? Basebesithi kuye: NgokaKesari. UJesu wasephendula wathi kubo: Mnikeni uKesari okukaKesari, loNkulunkulu okukaNkulunkulu. Basebemangala ngaye. Basebesiza kuye abaSadusi, abathi kakukho ukuvuka kwabafileyo; bambuza, bathi: Mfundisi, uMozisi wasibhalela, ukuthi: Uba umfowabo womuntu esifa, atshiye umka khe, engatshiyi bantwana, umfowabo kamthathe umkakhe, amvusele umfowabo inzalo; kwakulezelamani eziyisikhombisa; owokuqala wasethatha umfazi, wafa engatshiyanga inzalo; lowesibili wamthatha, wafa, laye engatshiyanga inzalo; lowesithathu kwaba njalo; lalaba boyisikhombisa bamthatha, kabatshiyanga inzalo. Ekucineni kwabo bonke kwafa lomfazi. Ngakho ekuvukeni kwabafileyo, mhla bevukayo, uzakuba ngumkabani kubo; lokhu abayisikhombisa babelaye engumkabo? UJesu wasephendula wathi kubo: Kaliduhanga yini ngalokhu, ngoba lingayazi imibhalo, loba amandla kaNkulunkulu? Ngoba mhla bevukayo ekufeni, kabathathani, njalo kabendiswa, kodwa banjengengilosi ezisemazulwini. Kodwa mayelana labafileyo, ukuthi bayavuswa, kalifundanga yini egwalweni lukaMozisi, ukuthi uNkulunkulu esihlahleni wakhuluma njani kuye? Kayisuye uNkulunkulu wabafileyo, kodwa uNkulunkulu wabaphilayo; ngakho lina liduhile kakhulu. Wasefika omunye wababhali, esezwile bebuzana, esebonile ukuthi ubaphendule kuhle, wambuza wathi: Yiwuphi umlayo wokuqala kuyo yonke? UJesu wasemphendula wathi: Owokuqala kuyo yonke imilayo ngowokuthi: Zwana, Israyeli: INkosi uNkulunkulu wethu, iNkosi yinye; njalo wothanda iNkosi uNkulunkulu wakho ngenhliziyo yakho yonke, langomphefumulo wakho wonke, langengqondo yakho yonke, langamandla akho wonke. Yilo umlayo owokuqala. Lowesibili uyafanana, yilo: Wothanda umakhelwane wakho njengalokhu uzi thanda wena. Kawukho omunye umlayo omkhulu kulale. Umbhali wasesithi kuye: Kuhle, Mfundisi, utsho okuqotho ukuthi kuloNkulunkulu oyedwa, langaphandle kwakhe kakho omunye; lokumthanda ngenhliziyo yonke. UJesu esembona ukuthi uphendule ngenhlakanipho, wathi kuye: Kawukhatshana lombuso kaNkulunkulu. UJesu, wasephendula wathi: Batsho njani ababhali ukuthi uKristu uyindodana kaDavida? Ngoba uDavida uqobo lwakhe ngoMoya oyiNgcwele wathi: INkosi yathi eNkosini yami: Hlala ngakwesokunene sami, ngize ngibeke izitha zakho zibe yisenabelo senyawo zakho. Ngakho uDavida uqobo lwakhe umbiza ngokuthiyiNkosi; pho uyindodana yakhe njani? Lexuku elikhulu lamuzwa ngokuthokoza. Wasesithi kubo ekufundiseni kwakhe, lezihlalo eziqakathekileyo emasinagogeni; abadla izindlu zabafelokazi, bekhuleka isikhathieside ngokuzenzisa; laba bazakwemukela ukulahlwa okukhulu. UJesu wasehlala phansi; labanothileyo abanengi baphosela okunengi. Kwasekufika umfelokazi othile ongumyanga waphosela inhlamvana ezimbili ezincane zemali, ezenza indibilitshi. Wasebizela kuye abafundi bakhe, wathi kubo: Ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Lumfelokazi ongumyanga uphosele okwedlula bonke; ngoba bonke baphosele kokunengi kwabo; kodwa yena ebuyangeni bakhe. Kwathi ephuma ethempelini, omunye wabafundi bakhe wathi kuye: Mfundisi, khangela, amatshe anjani lezakhiwo ezinjani! UJesu wasephendula wathi kuye: Uyabona lezizakhiwo ezinkulu yini? Akusoze kutshiywe ilitshe phezu kwelitshe, elingasoze lidilizelwe phansi. Esehlezi entabeni yeMihlwathi maqondana lethempeli, uPetro loJakobe loJohane loAndreya bambuza bebodwa, bathi: Sitshele, lezizinto zizakuba nini? Lesibonakaliso siyini lapho sezizapheleliswa lezizinto zonke? UJesu ebaphendula waseqala ukuthi: Qaphelani kungabi khona oliduhisayo. Ngoba abanengi bazakuza ngebizo lami, besithi: Mina ngingu ye; futhi baduhise abanengi. Kodwa nxa lisizwa ngezimpi lamahungahunga ezimpi, lingethuki; ngoba kufanele kwenzeke; kodwa ukuphela kakukabi khona. Ngoba isizwe sizavukela isizwe, lombuso u vuk ele umbuso; njalo kuzakuba khona ukuzamazama komhlaba indawo ngendawo, njalo kuzakuba khona indlala lezinhlupheko; lezizinto ziyikuqala kwemihelo. Kodwa ziqapheleni lina. Kodwa ivangeli limele ukutshunyayelwa kuqala kuzo zonke izizwe. Kodwa nxa be li donsa belinikela, lingakhathaleli ngaphambili elizakukhuluma, linganakani; kodwa loba yini elizayinikwa ngalelohola, ikhulumeni; ngoba kakusini elikhulumayo, kodwa uMoya oyiNgcwele. Futhi umfowabo uzanikela umfowabo ekufeni, loyise umntwana; labantwana bazavukela abazali, besebebabulala; njalo lizazondwa yibo bonke ngenxa yebizo lami; kodwa ophikelelayo kuze kube sekupheleni, nguye ozasindiswa. Kodwa nxa libona amanyala encithakalo, akhulunywa nguDaniyeli umprofethi, emi lapho angafanele khona (ofundayo kaqedisise), khona labo abaseJudiya kababalekele ezintabeni; lophezu kophahla lwendlu angehleli endlini, angangeni ukuthatha ulutho endlini yakhe; losemasimini angabuyeli emuva, ukuyathatha isembatho sakhe. Kodwa maye kwabakhulelweyo labamunyisayo ngalezonsuku! Kodwa khulekani ukuthi ukubaleka kwenu kungabi sebusika. Ngoba nga lezonsuku kuzakuba khona ukuhlupheka, okungazanga kube khona kusukela ekuqaleni kokudaliweyo uNkulunkulu akudalayo kuze kube khathesi, lokungasoze kwaba khona. Njalo uba iNkosi ibingazifinyezanga lezonsuku, bekungesindiswe nyama; kodwa ngenxa yabakhethiweyo, ebakhethileyo, izifinyezile insuku. Langalesosikhathi nxa umuntu esithi kini: Khangelani, nangu uKristu; kumbe: Khangelani, ulaphayana; lingakholwa; ngoba kuzavuka okristu bamanga labaprofethi bamanga, besebesenza izibonakaliso lezimangaliso, ukuduhisa, nxa kungenzeka, labakhethiweyo. Kodwa qaphelani lina; khangelani, se ngilitshelile konke ngaphambili. Kodwa ngalezonsuku, emva kwalokhokuhlupheka, ilanga lizafiphazwa, lenyanga kayiyikupha ukukhanya kwayo, lenkanyezi zezulu zizabe zisiwa, lamandla asemazulwini azazanyazanyiswa. Khona-ke bezabona iNdodana yomuntu isiza emayezini ilamandla amakhulu lenkazimulo, khona-ke izathuma ingilosi zayo, ibisiqoqa abakhethiweyo bayo emimoyeni yomine, kusukela emkhawulweni womhlaba kuze kube semkhawulweni wezulu. Fundani-ke umfanekiso emkhiweni; nxa ugatsha lwawo selusiba buthakathaka luhlume amahlamvu, liyazi ukuthi ihlobo seliseduze; ngokunjalo lani, nxa libona lezizinto zisenzeka, yazini ukuthi kuseduze kuseminyango. Ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Lesisizukulwana asisoze sidlule, zize zenzeke izinto zonke lezi. Kuzadlula izulu lomhlaba; kodwa amazwi ami awasoze adlule. Kodwa lolosuku lalelohola kakho owaziyo ngakho, ngitsho lengilosi ezisezulwini. Qaphelani. Njengomuntu owasuka elizweni lakibo watshiya indlu yakhe, wanika inceku zakhe amandla, kuleyo laleyo umsebenzi wayo. Ngakho lindani; hlezi ifike ilijume, ilifice lilele. Lalokhu engikutsho kini ngikutsho kubo bonke: Lindani. Kwathi emva kwensuku ezimbili kwaba khona iphasika l omkhosi wesinkwa esingelamvubelo; abapristi abakhulu lababhali basebedinga ukuthi bangambamba njani ngobuqili ba m bulale; kodwa bathi: Kungabi ngomkhosi, hlezi kube lesiphithiphithi sabantu. Kwathi eseBethani, endlini kaSimoni umlephero, ehlezi ekudleni, kwafika owesifazana ephethe umfuma we-alibasta wamagcobo awenadi uqobo aligugu elikhulu; wasephahlaza umfuma we-alibasta, wa wa thela ekhanda lakhe. Kwakukhona abanye abathukuthelayo ngaphakathi kwabo, besithi: Kwenzelwani ukumotshwa kwalamagcobo? Ngoba la abengathengiswa ngemaliedlula odenariyo abangamakhulu amathathu, besekunikwa abayanga. Basebemsola. Kodwa uJesu wathi: Myekeleni; limhluphelani? Wenze umsebenzi omuhle kimi. Ngoba abayanga lihlala lilabo, futhi uba lithanda lingabenzela okuhle; kodwa mina kalihlali lilami. Yena wenzile abengakwenza; uqalile ngaphambili ukuwugcobela ukungcwatshwa umzimba wami. Ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Loba ngaphi emhlabeni wonke lapho okuzatshunyayelwa khona lelivangeli, lalokhu akwenzileyo kuzakhulunywa ngakho kube yisikhumbuzo ngaye. UJudasi Iskariyothi, omunye wabalitshumi lambili, wasesiya kubapristi abakhulu, ukuze amnikele kubo. Futhi sebezwile bathokoza, bathembisa ukumnika imali; wasedinga ukuthi angamnikela njani kuhle. Kwathi ngosuku lokuqala lwesinkwa esingelamvubelo, ababehlaba ngalo iphasika, abafundi bakhe bathi kuye: Uthanda ukuthi siyelungisa ngaphi ukuze udle iphasika? Wasethuma ababili kubafundi bakhe, wathi kubo: Hambani liye emzini, njalo umuntu uzahlangana lani ethwele imbiza yamanzi; limlandele, njalo loba kungaphi azangena khona, kalibokuthi kumninindlu: UMfundisi uthi: Ingaphi indlu yezihambi, lapho engingadlela khona iphasika labafundi bami? Futhi yena uzalitshengisa indlu enkulu ephezulu eyendlelweyo elungisiweyo; silungiseleni khona. Abafundi bakhe basebephuma, bangena emzini, bathola kunjengokutsho kwakhe kubo; basebelungisa iphasika. Kwathi sekukusihlwa wafika labalitshumi lambili. Sebehlezi besidla, uJesu wathi: Ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Omunye wenu, odla lami, uzanginikela. Basebeqala ukudabuka, bathi kuye ngamunye ngamunye: Yimi yini? Lomunye: Yimi yini? Kodwa waphendula wathi kubo: Ng omunye wabalitshumi lambili, otsheba kanye lami emganwini. Sibili iNdodana yomuntu ihamba, njengokulotshiweyo ngayo; kodwa maye kulowomuntu enikelwa nguye iNdodana yomuntu! Bekungakuhle kuye aluba lowomuntu wayengazalwanga. Kwathi besidla, uJesu wathatha isinkwa, wa si busisa wa si hlephula, wabanika, wathi: Thathani, lidle; lokhu kungumzimba wami. Wasethatha inkezo, esebongile wabanika; basebenatha kuyo bonke. Wasesithi kubo: Leli ligazi lami, elesivumelwano esitsha, elichithelwa abanengi. Ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Angisayikunatha okwesithelo sevini, kuze kufikelolosuku engizasinatha ngalo sisitsha embusweni kaNkulunkulu. Kwathi sebehlabele ingoma yokudumisa baphuma baya entabeni yeMihlwathi. UJesu wasesithi kubo: Lonke lizakhubeka ngami ngalobubusuku; ngoba kulotshiwe ukuthi: Ngizatshaya umelusi, izimvu besezihlakazeka. Kodwa emva kokuvuswa kwami, ngizalandulela ukuya eGalili. Kodwa uPetro wathi kuye: Lanxa bonke bezakhubeka, kodwa hatshi mina. UJesu wasesithi kuye: Ngiqinisile ngithi kuwe: Lamuhla ngalobubusuku, lingakakhali kabili iqhude, uzangiphika kathathu. Kodwa waqinisa ngamandla esithi: Loba kudingeka ngife lawe, angisoze ngikuphike. Basebesitsho njalo labo bonke. Basebefika endaweni ebizo layo yiGetsemane; wasesithi kubafundi bakhe: Hlalani phansi lapha, ngisa ya khuleka. Wasethatha kanye laye uPetro loJakobe loJohane, waseqala ukudatshulwa sibili lokukhathazeka kakhulu. Wasesithi kubo: Umphefumulo wami udabukile kakhulu kuze kube sekufeni; hlalani lapha lilinde. Waseqhubeka ibangana, wawela emhlabathini, wakhuleka ukuthi, uba kungenzeka, kudlule kuye lelihola. Wasesithi: Abha, Baba. Wasesiza, wabafica belele, wathi kuPetro: Simoni, ulele yini? Ubungelinde yini ihola libe linye? Lindani likhuleke, ukuze lingangeni ekulingweni. Umoya uyavuma-ke, kodwa inyama ibuthakathaka. Wasebuya wahamba wa ya khuleka, esitsho wona lawomazwi. Wasebuya wabafica futhi belele; ngoba amehlo abo ayenzima, kodwa babengazi ukuthi bazamphendula bathi ni. Wasesiza ngokwesithathu, wathi kubo: Qhubekani lilele-ke liphumule. Kwanele; ihola selifikile; khangelani, iNdodana yomuntu iyanikelwa ezandleni zezoni. Sukumani, sihambe; khangelani, onginikelayo useduze. Kwathi esakhuluma, wahle wafika uJudasi, omunye wabalitshumi lambili, njalo elexuku elikhulu elilezinkemba lezinduku, livela kubapristi abakhulu lababhali labadala. Lomnikelayo wayebanike isiboniso, esithi: Lowo engizamanga, nguye; limbambe, li m qhube li m qinise. Esefikile, wahle wasondela kuye wathi: Rabi, Rabi! Wasemanga. Basebemdumela, bambamba. Lomunye kwababemi khona wakhokha inkemba wagadla inceku yompristi omkhulu, waquma indlebe yayo. UJesu wasephendula wathi kubo: Liphume njengokuyamelana lomphangi yini lilezinkemba lezinduku ukuzangibamba? Bengilani insuku ngensuku ethempelini ngifundisa, kodwa kalingibambanga; kodwa lokhu kwenzekeukuze kugcwaliseke imibhalo. Bonke basebemtshiya babaleka. Lejaha elithile lamlandela, lembethe ilembu elicolekileyo emzimbenionqunu. Aselibamba amajaha; laselitshiya ilembu elicolekileyo lababalekela linqunu. Basebemqhuba uJesu bamusakumpristi omkhulu; basebebuthana kuye abapristi abakhulu bonke labadala lababhali. UPetro wasemlandela ekhatshana waze waba phakathi kweguma lompristi omkhulu; wayehlezi kanye lezinceku, esotha umlilo. Labapristi abakhulu lomphakathi wonke badinga ubufakazi ngoJesu, ukuze bambulale; kodwa kababutholanga. Ngoba abanengi bafakaza amanga ngaye, kodwa lobubufakazi kabuvumelananga. Kwasekusukuma abanye bafakaza amanga amelana laye besithi: Thina samuzwa esithi: Mina ngizadiliza lelithempeli ngensuku ezintathu. Loba kunjalo ubufakazi babo kabuvumelananga. Kwasekusukuma umpristi omkhulu phakathi kwabowambuza uJesu, esithi: Kawuphenduli lutho yini? Bafakazani laba okumelana lawe? Kodwa wathula, kaphendulanga lutho. Umpristi omkhulu wabuya wambuza, wathi kuye: Wena unguKristu, iNdodana yoBusisiweyo yini? UJesu wasesithi: Mina nginguye. Njalo lizabona iNdodana yomuntu ihlezi ngakwesokunene samandla, isiza ngamayezi ezulu. Umpristi omkhulu wasedabula izembatho zakhe wathi: Sisaswelelani abafakazi? Liyizwile inhlamba; licabangani? Bonke basebemlahla ukuthi ulecala lokufa. Abanye basebeqala ukumkhafulela amathe, lokumgubuzela ubuso, lokumdutshuza. UPetro esegumeni ngaphansi; isibona uPetro esotha, yamkhangela yathi: Lawe ubulomNazaretha, uJesu. Kodwa waphika, wathi: Kangikwazi, futhi kangikuqedisisi okutshoyo. Wasephuma phandle, waya entubeni; laselikhala iqhude. Njalo incekukazi encane imbona yabuya yaqala ukutsho kwababemi khona ukuthi: Lo ungo munyewabo. Kodwa wabuya waphika. Kwathi emva kwesikhatshana futhi labo ababemi khona bathi kuPetro: Ngeqiniso ungo munyewabo; ngoba lawe ungumGalili. Waseqala ukuqalekisa lokufunga esithi: Kangimazi lumuntu elimtshoyo. Iqhude laselikhala ngokwesibili. UPetro wasekhumbula ilizwi uJesu ayelitshilo kuye lokuthi: Lingakakhali kabili iqhude, uzangiphika kathathu. Esenakane ngalokhu wakhala. Kwathi khonokho ekuseni kakhulu abapristi abakhulu benza umhlangano kanye labadala lababhali. UPilatu wasembuza wathi: Wena uyiNkosi yamaJuda yini? Wasemphendula wathi kuye: Uyatsho wena. Abapristi abakhulu basebemmangalela ngezinto ezinengi; kodwa yena kaphendulanga lutho. UPilatu wasebuya embuza, wathi: Kawuphenduli lutho yini? Khangela, zingaki izinto abazifakazayo ezimelana lawe. Kodwa uJesu kabesaphendula lutho, waze wamangala uPilatu. Langomkhosi wayebakhululela isibotshwa esisodwa, loba yisiphi abasicelayo. Kwakukhona umuntuothiwa nguBarabasi, owayebotshiwe lalabo ababevukele umbuso laye, ababebulele ekuvukeleni umbuso. Ixuku laselimemeza laqala ukucela ukuthi alenzele njengezikhathi zonke. UPilatu wasebaphendula, wathi: Lithanda ukuthi ngilikhululele iNkosi yamaJuda yini? Ngoba wayekwazi ukuthi ngomona abapristi abakhulu bamnikele. Kodwa abapristi abakhulu bavusa ixuku, ukuthi kungcono alikhululele uBarabasi. UPilatu wasephendula wathi futhi kubo: Pho lifuna ngimenzeni lo elithi uyiNkosi yamaJuda? Basebememeza futhi bathi: Mbethele! Kodwa uPilatu wathi kubo: Ngoba wenze ububi bani? Kodwa bamemeza kakhulu bathi: Mbethele! Khona uPilatu ethanda ukukholisa ixuku, wabakhululela uBarabasi; kodwa wamnikela uJesu, ese m tshaye ngesiswepu, ukuthi abethelwe. Abebutho basebemngenisa, bamgqokisa okuyibubende, sebeluke umqhele wameva bamethesa, baqala ukumbingelela besithi: Bayethe, Nkosi yamaJuda! Batshaya ikhanda lakhe ngomhlanga, bamkhafulela amathe, baguqa ngamadolo bamkhonza. Sebemklolodele, bamhlubula okuyibubende, bamgqokisa ezakhe izembatho. Basebemusa phandle ukuze bambethele. Babamba ngamandla omunye owayesedlula othiwanguSimoni umKurene, evela emaphandleni, uyise kaAleksandro, ukuthi athwale isiphambano sakhe. Basebemusa endaweni. Basebemnika iwayini lixutshaniswe lenhlaka ukuthi alinathe; kodwa kalemukelanga. Sebembethele, babelana izembatho zakhe, benza inkatho yokuphosa ngazo, ukuthi ngamunye uzathathani. Kwakulihola lesithathu, njalo bambethela. Futhi kwakulombhalo wecala lakhe elalibhalwe phezulu usithi: INKOSI YAMAJUDA. Njalo babethela kanye laye abaphangi ababili, omunye ngakwesokunene lomunye ngakwesokhohlo sakhe. Wasugcwaliseka umbhalo othi: Futhi wabalwa kanye lezoni. Labedlulayo bamhlambaza, benikina amakhanda abo, besithi: Hiya, wena odiliza ithempeli, ulakhe ngensuku ezintathu, zisindise, wehle esiphambanweni. Langokunjalo abapristi abakhulu labo bakloloda kanye lababhali bathi omunye komunye: Wasindisa abanye, angezisindise yena. UKristu iNkosi yakoIsrayeli kehle khathesi esiphambanweni, ukuze sibone sikholwe. Lababebethelwe kanye laye bamklolodela. Kwathi sekufike ihola lesithupha, kwaba khona ubumnyama phezu komhlaba wonke kwaze kwaba lihola lesificamunwemunye. Ngehola lesificamunwemunye uJesu wamemeza ngelizwi elikhulu, wathi, "Eloyi, Eloyi, lama sabaktani?" Okuyikuthi ngokuphendulelwa: Nkulunkulu wami, Nkulunkulu wami, ungitshiyeleni? Labanye kwababemi khona besizwa bathi: Khangelani, ubiza uElija. Wasegijima omunye, wagcwalisa uzipho ngeviniga, waluhloma emhlangeni, wamnika ukuthi anathe, esithi: Yekelani, sibone uba uElija uzakuza amethule. UJesu wasememeza ngelizwi elikhulu waphefumula okokucina. Leveyili lethempeli ladatshulwa laba zincezuezimbili laqala phezulu lisiya phansi. Kwathi induna yekhulu eyayimi maqondana laye ibona ukuthi ukhale njalo, waphefumula okokucina, yathi: Ngeqiniso lumuntu ubeyiNdodana kaNkulunkulu. Kwakukhona labesifazana bebukele bekhatshana, okwakukhona phakathi kwabo loMariya Magadalena, loMariya unina kaJakobe omncinyane lokaJose, loSalome, (labo ababemlandela, eseseGalili, bemncedisa), labanye abesifazana abanengi abenyukela eJerusalema laye. Kwathi sekuhlwile, wafika uJosefa owayevela eArimathiya, ilunga; wangena ngesibindi kuPilatu, wacela isidumbu sikaJesu. UPilatu wasemangala ngokuthi usefile; wabizela kuye induna yekhulu, wayibuza ukuthi kambe sekuyisikhathi efile. Esazisiwe yinduna yekhulu, wamnika uJosefa isidumbu. Wasethenga ilembu elicolekileyo, wamethula, wamgoqela ngelembu elicolekileyo, wambeka engcwabeni elaligujwe edwaleni; wagiqela ilitshe emnyango wengcwaba. Futhi uMariya Magadalena loMariya uninakaJose babona lapho ayebekwa khona. Isabatha selidlulile. Kwathi ekuseni kakhulu ngo sukulokuqala lweviki beza engcwabeni. Basebekhulumisana besithi: Ngubani ozasigiqela ilitshe lisuke emnyango wengcwaba? Futhi bathi ukukhangela babona ilitshe seligiqwe lasuswa; ngoba lalilikhulu kakhulu. Kuthe bengena engcwabeni. Kodwa lathi kubo: Lingesabi; lidinga uJesu umNazaretha obebethelwe; uvukile, kakho lapha; khangelani, indawo lapho abebembeke khona. Kodwa hambani, litshele abafundi bakhe loPetro ukuthi uzalandulela ukuya eGalili. Basebephuma ngokuphangisa babaleka engcwabeni; futhi ukuqhuqha lokwethuka kwababamba; futhi kabakhulumanga lutho emuntwini, ngoba babesesaba. Kwathi uJesuesevukile ekuseni kakhulu ngolokuqala lweviki. Yena wasuka wababikela labo ababelaye. Labo sebezwile ukuthi uyaphila lokuthi ubonwe nguye, kabakholwanga. Njalo emva kwalezizinto wabonakala ngesinye isimo. Labo bahamba babikela abanye; lalabo kababakholwanga. Emva kwalokhu wabonakala kwabalitshumi lanye. Wasesithi kubo: Hambani liye emhlabeni wonke. Lowo okholwayo. Lalezizibonakaliso zizabalandela abakholwayo; bazadobha izinyoka; uba benatha loba yikuphi okubulalayo. Ngakho iNkosi, emva kokuthi isikhulumile labo. Bona basebephuma batshumayela endaweni zonke, iNkosi isebenza la bo. Ameni. Njengoba abanengi sebebeke izandla ukubeka ngendlela efaneleyo ukulandiswa kwezinto eziqiniseke ngokupheleleyo phakathi kwethu, njengalokhu basinika, kukhanye kukuhle lakimi, ukuze wazi iqiniso ngalezozinto. Ensukwini zikaHerodi inkosi yeJudiya kwakukhona umpristi othile othiwa nguZakariya; lomkakhe wayevela kumadodakazi kaAroni, lebizo lakhe linguElizabethi. Njalo babelungile bobabili phambi kukaNkulunkulu. Njalo babengelamntwana, ngoba uElizabethi wayeyinyumba. Kwasekusithi esenza inkonzo yobupristi phambi kukaNkulunkulu esesimisweni seqembu lakibo, ngomkhuba wenkonzo yobupristi. Njalo ixuku lonke labantu. Ingilosi yeNkosi yasibonakala kuye. Kwathi uZakariya e yi bona waqhuqha, lokwesaba kwawela phezu kwakhe. Kodwa ingilosi yathi kuye: Ungesabi Zakariya; ngoba umkhuleko wakho uzwakele, lomkakho uElizabethi uzakuzalela indodana, njalo uzakuthi ibizo layo nguJohane. Futhi uzakuba lenjabulo lentokozo, labanengi bazakujabulela ukuzalwa kwakhe. Ngoba uzakuba mkhulu phambi kweNkosi, iwayini kanye lokunathwayo okulamandla. Labanengi kubantwana bakoIsrayeli uzabaphendulela eNkosini uNkulunkulu wabo; njalo yena uzahamba phambi kwayo emoyeni lemandleni kaElija. UZakariya wasesithi kuyo ingilosi: Ngizakwazi ngani lokhu. Ingilosi yasiphendula yathi kuye: NginguGabriyeli. Njalo khangela, uzakuba yisimungulu njalo wehluleke ukukhuluma, kuze kube lusuku okuzakwenzeka ngalolezizinto, ngenxa yokuthi ungakholwanga amazwi ami, azagcwaliseka ngesikhathi sawo. Labantu babemlindele uZakariya; bamangala ngokuphuza kwakhe ethempelini. Kuthe esephuma wehluleka ukukhuluma labo; njalo bazi ukuthi ubone umbono ethempelini. Kwasekusithi seziphelile insuku. Kwathi emva kwalezonsuku uElizabethi umkakhe wathatha isisu, wazifihla okwezinyanga ezinhlanu, esithi: Yenze kanje kimi iNkosi ensukwini eya ngi khangela ngazo. Kwathi ngenyanga yesithupha, entombini eyayigane indoda, ebizo layo lalinguJosefa; lebizo lentombi linguMariya. Ingilosi yasingena kuye yathi: Ekuhle, wena othandiweyo. Kwathi ese yi bonile wethuswa kakhulu yilizwi layo. Ingilosi yasisithi kuye: Ungesabi, Mariya; ngoba uthole uthando kuNkulunkulu. Njalo khangela, uzathatha isisu, uzale indodana. Yena uzakuba mkhulu, uzabizwa ngokuthiyiNdodana yoPhezukonke, njalo uzabusa phezu kwendlu kaJakobe kuze kube nininini, langombuso wakhe kawuzukuba lokuphela. UMariya wasesithi kuyo ingilosi: Lokhu kungenzeka njani, njengoba ngingazi indoda? Ingilosi yasiphendula yathi kuye: UMoya oNgcwele uzakuza phezu kwakho. Njalo khangela, isinini sakho uElizabethi, laye ukhulelwe yindodana ebudaleni bakhe. Ngoba kuNkulunkulu kakulalutho oluzakwehlula. UMariya wasesithi: Khangela, incekukazi yeNkosi; kakube kimi njengelizwi lakho. Ingilosi yasisuka kuye. Ngalezonsuku uMariya wasesukuma waya ezintabeni, wangena endlini kaZakariya, wabingelela uElizabethi. Kwasekusithi uElizabethi ezwe ukubingelela kukaMariya, inkonyane yeqa esiswini sakhe; loElizabethi wagcwaliswa ngoMoya oNgcwele, wamemeza ngelizwi elikhulu, wathi: Ubusisiwe wena phakathi kwabesifazana, njalo sibusisiwe isithelo sesizalo sakho! Kanti kuvela ngaphi lokhu kimi? Ngoba khangela, kuthe ilizwi lokubingelela kwakho lifika endlebeni zami, umntwana weqa esiswini sami ngokuthokoza. Futhi ubusisiwe. UMariya wasesithi: Umphefumulo wami, lomoya wami uyathokoza, ngoba ukhangele ubuphansi bencekukazi yakhe. Ngoba yena olamandla ungenzele, lesihawu sakhe sikusizukulwana ngesizukulwana kulabo abamesabayo. Wenzile amandla ngengalo yakhe. Wehlisile. Abalambileyo ubasuthise ngezinto ezinhle. Umsizile uIsrayeli inceku yakhe, njengoba watsho kubobaba bethu, kuAbrahama, lenzalweni yakhe kuze kube nininini. UMariya wasehlala laye okungaba zinyanga ezintathu, wasebuyela endlini yakhe. Isikhathi sikaElizabethi sokuthi abelethe sesiphelele, wasebeletha indodana. Abakhelene laye. Kwasekusithi ngosuku lwesificaminwembili, beza uku za soka usane. Kodwa unina waphendula wathi: Hatshi bo, kodwa luzathiwa nguJohane. Basebesithi kuye: Kakho ezihlotsheni zakho obizwa ngalelibizo. Basebeqhweba uyise, ukuthi angathanda ukuthi lubizwe ngokuthini. Wasecela into yokubhalela, wabhala, esithi: NguJohane ibizo lalo; basebemangala bonke. Njalo wahle wavulwa umlomo wakhe. Lokwesaba kwehlela phezu kwabo bonke abakhelene labo, labo bonke aba zi zwayo ba zi londoloza ezinhliziyweni zabo. LoZakariya uyise wagcwaliswa ngoMoya oNgcwele, waprofetha, esithi: Ibusisiwe iNkosi, yasivusela uphondo losindiso endlini kaDavida inceku yayo, njengalokho yakhuluma ngomlomo wabaprofethi bayo abangcwele, isikhulula ezitheni zethu, lesandleni sabo bonke abasizondayo; ukwenzela obaba bethu, isifungo eyasifunga kubaba wethu uAbrahama, ukusinika, ukuthi sesikhululiwe esandleni sezitha zethu, siyikhonze si ngelakwesaba ngobungcwele langokulunga phambi kwayo. Lawe-ke, sane, uzabizwa ngokuthiu ngumprofethi; lokunika isizwe sayo ulwazi losindiso ngothethelelo lwezono zabo, ngesihelo sikaNkulunkulu wethu, okuthi ngaso ukusa kwaphezulu kusethekelele, ukubakhanyisela. Wakhula-ke umntwana omncane, waqina emoyeni. Kwasekusithi ngalezonsuku, isimiso saphuma kuKesari uAgastasi. Lokhukubhalwa kwakungokokuqala. Bonke basebesiya ukuze ba ye bhalwa, ngulowo lalowo emzini wakibo. LoJosefa laye wenyuka, uku ya bhalwa kanye loMariya umkakhe ayemganile, owayezithwele. Kwasekusithi belapho, zaseziphelela insuku zokubeletha kwakhe. Wasebeletha indodana yakhe eyingqabutho. Njalo kwakukhona kulelolizwe abelusi ababehlala egangeni futhi belinde umhlambi wabo ebusuku. Njalo khangela, ingilosi yeNkosi yema eduze kwabo. Ingilosi yasisithi kubo: Lingesabi; ngoba khangelani, ngitshumayela indaba ezinhle kini ezentokozo enkulu, ezakuba kubantu bonke; ngoba lizalelwe lamuhla. Njalo lokhu kuzakuba yisibonakaliso kini. Njalo kwahle kwaba khona kanye lengilosi ixuku, lisithi: Udumo kalube kuNkulunkulu. Kwasekusithi, ingilosi sezisukile kubo zisiya ezulwini, abantu, abangabelusi, bakhulumisana besithi: Ake siye eBhethelehema, sibone leyonto eyenzakeleyo, iNkosi esazise yona. Basebesiza ngokuphangisa, bathola oMariya loJosefa, losane lulele emkolweni. Sebebonile basebesazisa indawoezizingelezeleyo ngelizwi ababelitshelwe mayelana lalo umntwana omncane. Labo bonke aba ku zwayo bamangala ngezinto ezazikhulunywe ngabelusi kubo. Kodwa uMariya. Basebebuyela abelusi, bemdumisa. Kwathi seziphelile insuku eziyisificaminwembili zokuthi umntwana omncane asokwe. Kwathi seziphelele insuku zokuhlanjululwa kwakhe ngokomlayo kaMozisi (njengokulotshiweyo emlayweni weNkosi ukuthi konke okwesilisa okuvula isibeletho kuzathiwa kungcwele eNkosini) lokuthi banikele umhlatshelo njengokutshiwo emlayweni weNkosi, amajuba amabili kumbe amaphuphu amabili enkwilimba. Njalo khangela, kwakukhona eJerusalema umuntu, obizo lakhe linguSimeyoni, njalo lumuntu wayelungile ekhuthele ekukhonzeni, loMoya oNgcwele wayephezu kwakhe. Futhi kwakubonakalisiwe kuye nguMoya oyiNgcwele. Wasengena ethempelini ngoMoya, yena wasemthatha wamphatha engalweni zakhe, wabonga uNkulunkulu, wathi: Nkosi; ngoba amehlo ami alubonile usindiso lwakho olulungisileyo phambi kobuso babantu bonke; ukukhanya kokwembulela abezizwe. UJosefa lonina basebemangala ngezinto ezatshiwo ngaye. USimeyoni wasebabusisa, wathi kuMariya unina: Khangela, lo umiselwe; futhi lawe, inkemba izadabula owakho umphefumulo. Njalo kwakukhona uAna umprofethikazi, indodakazi kaFanuweli, owesizwe sikaAsheri, ebehlale lendoda iminyaka eyisikhombisa kusukela ebuntombini bakhe, njalo wayengumfelokazi owayengaba leminyaka engamatshumi ayisificaminwembili lane, engasuki ethempelini, ekhonza. Laye efika ngalelohola wadumisa uNkulunkulu, wakhuluma ngaye kubo bonke ababelindele. Kwathi sebeqedile konke okungokomlayo weNkosi, babuyela eGalili. Lomntwana omncane wakhula, waqina emoyeni, wagcwala inhlakanipho; lomusa kaNkulunkulu wawuphezu kwakhe. Njalo abazali bakhe babesiya eJerusalema iminyaka yonke. Kwathi eseleminyaka elitshumi lambili, sebenyukele eJerusalema njengomkhuba womkhosi, njalo seziphelile insuku, ekubuyeleni kwabo, umntwana uJesu wasala eJerusalema; njalo uJosefa lonina bengazi; kodwa becabanga ukuthi wayesexukwini endleleni, bahamba uhambo losuku, bamdinga phakathi kwezinini; kodwa bengamtholi, babuyela eJerusalema, bemdinga. Kwasekusithi emva kwensuku ezintathu, bamthola ethempelini, ehlezi phakathi. Njalo bonke ababemuzwa. Kwathi bembona bamangala. Wasesithi kubo: Ku ngani lingidinga? Belingakwazi yini ukuthi kumele ukuthi ngibe sezintweni zikaBaba? Kodwa bona kabaliqedisisanga ilizwi alikhuluma kibo. Wasesehla labo, weza eNazaretha. UJesu waseqhubeka enhlakanipheni. Kwathi ngomnyaka wetshumi lanhlanu wokubusa kukaTiberiyosi uKesari, uAnasi. Wasesiza esigabeni sonke seJodani esizingelezeleyo, etshumayela ubhabhathizo lokuphenduka kube yikuthethelelwa kwezono; njengokulotshiweyo egwalweni lwamazwi kaIsaya umprofethi, ukuthi: Ilizwi lomemezayo enkangala lithi: Lungisani indlela yeNkosi; qondisani indledlana zayo. Sonke isigodi sizagqitshwa, layo yonke intaba loqaqa kuzakwehliswa; njalo kuzaqondiswa amazombazombe, lamaxhakaxhaka ezindlela azalungiswa; layo yonke inyama. Ngakho wathi emaxukwini aphumela ukubhabhathizwa nguye: Nzalo yezinyoka, ngubani olixwayise ukubalekela ulaka oluzayo? Ngakho thelani izithelo ezifanele ukuphenduka; njalo lingaqali ukuthi phakathi kwenu. Lakhathesi lehloka selibekiwe empandeni zezihlahla; ngakho sonke isihlahla esingatheli isithelo esihle siyaganyulwa siphoselwe emlilweni. Amaxuku asembuza, athi: Pho thina sizakwenzani? Wasephendula wathi kubo: Olezembatho ezimbili, kamuphe ongelaso; lolokudla kenze njalo. Kwasekufika labathelisi ukuze babhabhathizwe? Wasesithi kubo: Lingabizi okwedlula elikumiselweyo. Lamabutho lawo ambuza, athi: Thina-ke sizakwenzani. Kwathi abantu belindile, futhi bonke bezibuza enhliziyweni zabo ngoJohane, ukuthi kambe yena angaba enguKristu, uJohane waphendula, esithi kubo bonke: Mina-ke ngilibhabhathiza ngamanzi; kodwa uyeza olamandla kulami, engingafanele ukuthukulula umchilo wamanyathela akhe; yena uzalibhabhathiza ngoMoya oNgcwele langomlilo; okhomane lwakhe lokwela lusesandleni sakhe, njalo uzahlambululisisa isibuya sakhe, abesebuthela amabele esiphaleni sakhe, kodwa amakhoba uzawatshisa ngomlilo ongacitshekiyo. Langokulaya ngezinye izinto ezinengi, watshumayela ivangeli ebantwini. Kodwa, langakho konke okubi ayekwenzile uHerodi, wengezelela lalokhu phezu kwakho konke, ukuthi wamvalela uJohane entolongweni. Kwasekusithi sebebhabhathiziwe bonke abantu, laye uJesu esebhabhathiziwe, izulu lavulwa, uMoya oyiNgcwele wasesehlela phezu kwakhe elesimo somzimba onjengowejuba, lelizwi lavela ezulwini, lisithi: Wena uyiNdodana yami ethandekayo, ngithokoza ngawe. Yena uJesu waseqala ukuba leminyaka engaba ngamatshumi amathathu, kaEli, kaMathati, kaLevi, kaMeliki, kaJanayi, kaJosefa, kaMatathiya, kaAmosi, kaNahume, kaEseli, kaNagayi, kaMahati, kaMatathiya, kaSemeyini, kaJosefa, kaJuda, kaJohana, kaResa, kaNeri, kaMeliki, kaAdi, kaKosamu, kaElimodamu, kaEri, kaJose, kaEliyezeri, kaJorima, kaMathati, kaLevi, kaSimeyoni, kaJuda, kaJosefa, kaJonanu, kaEliyakhimi, kaMeleya, kaMena, kaMathata, kaNathani, kaJese, kaObedi, kaBowosi, kaSalimoni, kaNashoni, kaAminadaba, kaAramu, kaEsiromu, kaFaresi, kaJuda, kaJakobe, kaIsaka, kaAbrahama, kaThara, kaNahori, kaSarugi, kaRagawu, kaFaleki, kaEberi, kaSala, kaKayinani, kaArpakishadi, kaShemu, kaNowe, kaLameki, kaMethusala, kaEnoki, kaJaredi, kaMaleleyeli, kaKayinani, kaEnosi, kaSeti, kaAdamu. Kwathi uJesu egcwele uMoya oNgcwele, walingwa ngudiyabhola insuku ezingamatshumi amane. Njalo kadlanga lutho ngalezonsuku; kwathi seziphelile, ekucineni walamba. Udiyabhola wasesithi kuye: Uba uyiNdodana kaNkulunkulu, tshono kulelilitshe ukuthi libe yisinkwa. UJesu wasemphendula, wathi: Kulotshiwe, ukuthi umuntu kayikuphila ngesinkwa sodwa, kodwa ngalo lonke ilizwi likaNkulunkulu. Udiyabhola wasemkhokhelela entabeni ende. Udiyabhola wasesithi kuye: Amandla wonke la lobukhosi bayo ngizakunika. Ngakho wena uba ukhonza phambi kwami, konke kuzakuba ngokwakho. UJesu wasemphendula wathi: Suka ngemva kwami, Sathane; ngoba kulotshiwe ukuthi: Uzakhothamela eNkosini uNkulunkulu wakho, njalo umkhonze yena yedwa. Wasemkhokhelela eJerusalema, wammisa engqongeni yethempeli, wasesithi kuye: Uba uyiNdodana kaNkulunkulu, ziwisele phansi usuka lapha; ngoba kulotshiwe ukuthi: Uzalaya ingilosi zakhe ngawe, ukukulondoloza; lokuthi: Zizakuphatha ngezandla, hlezi loba nini ukhube unyawo lwakho elitsheni. UJesu wasephendula wathi kuye: Kuthiwa: Ungayilingi iNkosi uNkulunkulu wakho. Udiyabhola eseqedile ukulinga konke, wasuka kuye kwaze kwaba ngesinyeisikhathi. UJesu wasebuyela. Yena wasefundisa emasinagogeni abo. Wasefika. Wasenikwa ugwalo lomprofethi uIsaya, wayithola indawo okubhalwe kuyo ukuthi: UMoya weNkosi uphezu kwami, ngakho ingigcobile ukuthi ngitshumayele ivangeli kubayanga; ingithumile ukusilisa abadabukileyo enhliziyweni; ukumemezela ukukhululwa kwabathunjiweyo, ukumemezela. Waselugoqa ugwalo. Waseqala ukuthi kubo: Lamuhla lumbhalo ugcwalisekile endlebeni zenu. Labo bonke bafakaza ngaye, bamangala ngamazwi omusa aphuma emlonyeni wakhe? Wasesithi kubo: Isibili lizakutsho kimi lesisaga: Melaphi, zelaphe wena. Wathi-ke: Ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Kakho umprofethi. Kodwa ngeqiniso ngithi kini: Abafelokazi abanengi; kodwa uElija kathunyelwanga lakomunye wabo, ngaphandle kweSarepita. Futhi amalephero amanengi. Kwathi bonke ababesesinagogeni bagcwala ulaka, bezizwa lezizinto, basebesukuma, bamkhuphela ngaphandle komuzi, bamqhubela eliweni lentaba umuzi wabo owawakhiwe phezu kwayo, ukuze bamphosele phansi eliweni. Kodwa yena edabula phakathi kwabo wahamba. Wasesehlela eKapenawume umuzi weGalili; njalo wayebafundisa ngamasabatha. Basebebabaza ngemfundiso yakhe. Futhi kwakukhona esinagogeni umuntu owayelomoya wedimoni ongcolileyo, wasememeza ngelizwi elikhulu wathi: Yekela! Silani lawe, Jesu mNazaretha? Uze ukusibhubhisa yini? Ngiyakwazi wena ukuthi ungubani: ONgcwele kaNkulunkulu. UJesu wasemkhuza, esithi: Thula, uphume kuye! Ledimoni selimwisele phakathi laphuma kuye, lingamlimazanga. Kwasekubafikela bonke ukumangala, bakhulumisana, besithi: Yilizwi bani leli, ukuthi ngegunya langamandla uyalaya omoya abangcolileyo, baphume? Yasiphuma indumela yakhe kuyo yonke indawo yesigaba esizingelezeleyo. Wasesukuma; njalo uninazala kaSimoni wayebanjwe luqhuqho olukhulu; basebemcelela kuye. Wasemengama, wakhuza uqhuqho, khona lwamyekela; njalo wahle wasukuma wabasebenzela. Kwathi ekutshoneni kwelanga, bonke ababelababegula izifo ezitshiyeneyo babaletha kuye. Kwasekuphuma lamadimoni kwabanengi ukuthi akhulume, ngoba ayemazi ukuthi unguKristu. Kwathi sekusile, waphuma waya endaweni eyinkangala. Kodwa wathi kuwo: Ngimele ukutshumayela ivangeli lombuso kaNkulunkulu lakweminye imizi; ngoba ngithunyelwe lokho. Wayesetshumayela emasinagogeni eGalili. Kwasekusithi ixuku selimminyezele ukuzwa ilizwi likaNkulunkulu; wabona imikhumbi emibili imi eceleni kwechibi; kodwa abagoli benhlanzi babephumile kiyo behlambulula amambule. Wasengena komunye wemikhumbi, ongokaSimoni, wamcela ukuthi asuke kancinyane emhlabathini. Kwathi eseqedile ukukhuluma, wathi kuSimoni: Ngena enzikini, lehlise amambule enu ukuze libambe. USimoni wasephendula wathi kuye: Nkosi. Kwathi sebekwenzile lokho, babamba inkithinkithi enkulu yenhlanzi. Laselidabuka imbule labo. Basebeqhweba ababehlanganyele labo. Kuthe uSimoni Petro ebona, wawela emadolweni kaJesu. Ngoba ukumangala kwakumbambile, labo bonke ababelaye, ngokubanjwa kwenhlanzi ababezibambile; ngokufananayo-ke loJakobe loJohane, amadodana kaZebediya, ababehlanganyele loSimoni. UJesu wasesithi kuSimoni: Ungesabi; kusukela khathesi uzagola abantu. Kwathi sebeyifikisile imikhumbi emhlabathini, batshiya konke, bamlandela. Kwasekusithi, esekomunye wemizi, khangela-ke, indoda egcwele ubulephero; yathi ibona uJesu, yawa ngobuso, yamncenga, isithi: Nkosi, aluba uthanda, ungangihlambulula. Waseselula isandla, wayithinta, esithi: Ngiyathanda, hlambuluka. Njalo bahle basuka ubulephero kuyo. Yena waseyilaya ukuthi ingatsheli muntu; wathi: Kodwa hamba uziveze kumpristi, unikelele ukuhlanjululwa kwakho, njengoba uMozisi walaya, kube yibufakazi kubo. Kodwa kwayilapho ukukhuluma ngaye kwanda kakhulu; lamaxuku amanengi abuthana ukulalela, lokusiliswa nguye ezifweni zawo. Kodwa yena waphumela enkangala. Kwasekusithi ngolunye lwezinsuku, yena wayefundisa; njalo kwakuhlezi abaFarisi labafundisi bomlayo, abavela kuyo yonke imizana yeGalili leJudiya leJerusalema; lamandla eNkosi aye khonaukubasilisa. Njalo khangela, amadoda ethwele ngohlaka umuntu owayeyisigoga; njalo adinga ukumngenisa a m beke phambi kwakhe; kodwa engatholi indlela yokumngenisa ngenxa yexuku. Kwathi ebona ukholo lwawo, wathi kuye: Ndoda, izono zakho uzithethelelwe. Ababhali labaFarisi basebeqala ukunakana, besithi: Ungubani lo okhuluma inhlamba? Kwathi uJesu esazi ukunakana kwabo waphendula wathi kubo: Linakanani enhliziyweni zenu? Yikuphi okulula, ukuthi: Izono zakho uzithethelelwe; kumbe ukuthi: Sukuma uhambe? Kodwa ukuze lazi ukuthi iNdodana yomuntu ilamandla okuthethelela izono emhlabeni (wathi koyisigoga): Ngithi kuwe: Sukuma, uthathe ithala lakho, uye endlini yakho. Njalo wahle wasukuma phambi kwabo, wathatha lokhu ayelele kukho, wasuka waya endlini yakhe. Lokusanganiseka kwababamba bonke, basebedumisa uNkulunkulu, besithi: Sibone izimanga lamuhla. Njalo emva kwalezizinto waphuma, wabona umthelisi, uLevi ngebizo, ehlezi endlini yokuthelisela, wathi kuye: Ngilandela. Wasetshiya konke, wasukuma wamlandela. ULevi wasemenzela. Ababhali babo labaFarisi basebesola kubafundi bakhe, besithi: Kungani lisidla linatha labathelisi lezoni? UJesu wasephendula wathi kubo: Abaphilayo kabasweli melaphi, kodwa abagulayo. Kangizanga ukubiza abalungileyo, kodwa izoni zize ekuphendukeni. Basebesithi; kodwa abakho bayadla banathe? Kodwa wathi kubo: Kambe, lingabazilisa ukudla yini abantwana bendlu yomthimba, umyeni eselabo? Kodwa zizafika insuku, lapho umyeni ezasuswa kubo, khona bezazila ukudla ngalezonsuku. Wasebatshela futhi umfanekiso wokuthi: Kakho obekela isichibi sesembatho esitsha esembathweni esidala; uba kungenjalo, esitsha laso siyadabula, lesichibi sesitsha asihambelani lesidala. Futhi kakho ofaka iwayini elitsha emigodleni emidala; uba-ke kungenjalo, iwayini elitsha lizadabula imigodla, lichitheke lona, lemigodla yonakale. Kodwa iwayini elitsha limele lifakwe emigodleni emitsha, njalo kokubili kulondolozeke. Njalo kakho othi esenathe iwayinielidala ahle afise elitsha; ngoba uthi: Elidala lingcono. Kwasekusithi, abafundi bakhe bakha izikhwebu, badla, be zi hlikihla ngezandla. Kodwa abathile babaFarisi bathi kubo: Lenzelani okungavunyelwa ukwenziwa ngensuku zesabatha? UJesu wasebaphendula, wathi: Alifundanga lalokho yini, uDavida akwenzayo, mhla elambile yena lababelaye, ukuthi wayangena njani endlini kaNkulunkulu, wathatha izinkwa zokubukiswa, wasesidla, wanika lalabo ababelaye; ezingavunyelwa ukudliwa ngaphandle kwabapristi bodwa? Wasesithi kubo: INdodana yomuntu iyiNkosi leyesabatha. Kwasekusithi langelinye isabatha wangena esinagogeni, wafundisa. Ababhali labaFarisi basebemqaphela, ukuthi uzasilisa ngesabatha yini; ukuze bathole oko kumbeka icala. Kodwa wayazi imicabango yabo, wathi kumuntu olesandla esitshwabheneyo: Sukuma, ume phakathi. Wasukuma-ke wema. UJesu wasesithi kubo: Ngizalibuza ulutho: Kuvunyelwe yini ngamasabatha ukwenza okulungileyo kumbe ukwenza okubi? Ukusindisa impilo kumbe ukuchitha? Wasebathalaza bonke, wathi kumuntu: Yelula isandla sakho. Wasesenza njalo. Isandla sakhe sasesisiliswa saphila njengesinye. Basebegcwala ubuhlanya. Kwasekusithi ngalezonsuku waphuma waya entabeni ukuyakhuleka. Kwathi sekusile, wabizela kuye abafundi bakhe; uSimoni laye ambiza ngokuthi nguPetro, loAndreya umfowabo, uJakobe loJohane, uFiliphu loBartolomewu, uMathewu loTomasi, uJakobe okaAlfewu, loSimoni owayethiwa ngumZelothi, uJudasi. Wasesehla labo, wema esigcawini, lexuku labafundi bakhe, ababezile ukumuzwa, lokusiliswa ezifweni zabo; lalabo ababekhathazwa ngomoya abangcolileyo, basebesiliswa. Lexuku lonke ladinga ukumthinta. Yena wasephakamisela amehlo akhe kubafundi bakhe wathi: Libusisiwe, bayanga, ngoba umbuso kaNkulunkulu ungowenu. Libusisiwe, lina elilambileyo khathesi, ngoba lizasuthiswa. Libusisiwe, lina elikhalayo khathesi, ngoba lizahleka. Libusisiwe, nxa abantu belizonda, njalo nxa belehlukanisa, belithuka, belahla ibizo lenu ngokungathi libi, ngenxa yeNdodana yomuntu. Thokozani ngalolosuku leqe ngokuthokoza; ngoba khangelani, umvuzo wenu mkhulu ezulwini; ngoba oyise benza njalo kubaprofethi. Kodwa maye kini. Maye kini, lina elisuthiyo! Ngoba lizalamba. Maye kini, nxa abantu bonke bekhuluma kuhle ngani. Kodwa ngithi kini elizwayo: Thandani izitha zenu, lenze okuhle kwabalizondayo, libusise abaliqalekisayo, libakhulekele abaliphatha kubi. Okutshaya esihlathini, mnike lesinye; lokwemuka isembatho sakho, ungali lesigqoko sakho. Kodwa mnike wonke ocela kuwe; lokwemuka okwakho, ungabuyi u ku bize kuye. Njalo njengalokho lithanda ukuthi abantu benze kini, lani yenzani njalo kubo. Njalo uba lithanda labo abalithandayo. Njalo uba lisenza okuhle kulabo abenza okuhle kini, yikubongwa bani elilakho? Ngoba lezoni zenza okufananayo. Futhi uba liseboleka labo elithemba ukwemukela kubo, yikubongwa bani elilakho? Ngoba lezoni zeboleka izoni, ukuze zemukele izinto ezifananayo. Kodwa thandani izitha zenu. Ngakho banini lesihawu. Lingahluleli, njalo alisoze lahlulelwe; phanini, lani lizaphiwa. Ngoba ngalesosilinganiso elilinganisa ngaso lizalinganiselwa ngaso futhi. Wasebatshela umfanekiso wokuthi: Kambe isiphofu singakhokhela isiphofu yini? Kabayikuwela bobabili emgodini yini? Umfundi kamkhulu kulomfundisi wakhe. Njalo ukhangelelani ucezwana oluselihlweni lomfowenu, kodwa ungalunanzeleli ugodo olukwelakho ilihlo? Kumbe ungatsho njani kumfowenu ukuthi: Mfowethu, kahle ngikhuphe ucezwana oluselihlweni lakho, wena ungaluboni ugodo oluselihlweni lakho? Mzenzisi, qala ukhuphe ugodo elihlweni lakho, khona-ke uzabona kuhle ukukhupha ucezwana oluselihlweni lomfowenu. Ngoba kayisiso isihlahla esihle esithela isithelo esibi; futhi kayisiso isihlahla esibi esithela isithelo esihle. Ngoba yileso laleso isihlahla saziwa ngesaso isithelo. Ngoba kabaseli imikhiwa emeveni, futhi kakukhiwa isithelo sevini evikaneni. Umuntu olungileyo uveza okulungileyo kokuligugu elilungileyo lenhliziyo yakhe, lomuntu omubi uveza okubi kokuligugu elibi lenhliziyo yakhe. Kodwa lingibizelani ngokuthi: Nkosi, Nkosi, kodwa lingazenzi izinto engizitshoyo? Wonke oza kimi awezwe amazwi ami njalo awenze, ngizalitshengisa ukuthi ufanana lobani; ufanana lomuntu owakha indlu, wagebha watshonisa, wabeka isisekelo phezu kwedwala; kwathi ekufikeni kwempophoma, umfula watshaya kuleyondlu, kodwa wawungelamandla okuyinyikinya; ngoba yayisekelwe phezu kwedwala. Kodwa owezwayo njalo angawenzi unjengomuntu owakha indlu emhlabathini ingelasisekelo. Kwathi eseqedile amazwi akhe wonke endlebeni zabantu, wangena eKapenawume. Njalo inceku yenduna yekhulu ethile, eyayiligugu kuyo, yayigula isizakufa. Kwathi isizwile ngoJesu, yathuma kuye abadala bamaJuda. Kwathi bona, sebefikile kuJesu, bamncenga kakhulu, besithi: Yona kufanele ukuthi uyenzele lokhu; ngoba iyasithanda isizwe sakithi, njalo yiyo eyasakhela isinagoge. UJesu wasehamba labo. Kwathi engasekhatshana lendlu, induna yekhulu yathuma abangane kuye, isithi kuye: Nkosi, ungazikhathazi; ngoba kangifanele ukuthi ungene ngaphansi kophahla lwami; yikho kangizibonanga ngifanele ukuza kuwe; kodwa khuluma ngelizwi, njalo inceku yami izasiliswa. Ngoba lami ngingumuntu obekwe ngaphansi kwamandla, ngilamabutho ngaphansi kwami, njalo ngithi kuleli: Hamba, njalo lihambe; lakwelinye: Woza, njalo lize; lencekwini yami: Yenza lokhu, njalo ikwenze. Kwathi uJesu ezizwa lezizinto wamangala ngayo, watshibilika, wathi exukwini elimlandelayo: Ngithi kini, angitholanga ukholo olungaka ngitsho lakoIsrayeli. Kwathi ababethunyiwe sebebuyele endlini bafica inceku eyayigula isisilile. Kwasekusithi nge langaelilandelayo, waya emzini othiwa yiNayini; abafundi bakhe abanengi basebehamba laye, lexuku elikhulu. Kwathi esesondela esangweni lomuzi, njalo khangela, kwakulofileyo ethwelwe kuphunywa, indodana engeyodwa kanina, futhi yena engumfelokazi; lexuku elikhulu lomuzi lalilaye. INkosi imbona, yasisiba lesihelo ngaye, yathi kuye: Ungakhali. Yasondela yathinta ithala; aba li thweleyo basebesima! Ofileyo wasevuka wahlala waqala ukukhuluma. Yasimnika unina. Ukwesaba kwasekubabamba bonke. Le indumela ngaye yasiphumela kuyo yonke iJudiya, lakuso sonke isigaba esizingelezeleyo. Abafundi bakaJohane basebembikela ngazo zonke lezizinto. UJohane wasebizela kuye ababili abathile kubafundi bakhe wa ba thuma kuJesu, esithi: Wena unguye ozayo yini, kumbe silindele omunye? Lamadoda esefikile kuye athi: UJohane uMbhabhathizi usithumile kuwe, esithi: Wena unguye ozayo yini, kumbe silindele omunye? Langalelohola wasilisa abanengi ezifweni lemikhuhlaneni lakubomoya ababi. UJesu wasephendula wathi kubo: Hambani limtshele uJohane izinto elizibonileyo lelizizwileyo: Ukuthi iziphofu zibuye zibone, iziqhuli ziyahamba, amalephero ayahlanjululwa, izacuthe ziyezwa, abafileyo bayavuswa, abayanga bayatshunyayezwa ivangeli; njalo ubusisiwe loba ngubani ongakhubekiyo ngami. Kwathi sezihambile izithunywa zikaJohane, waqala ukukhuluma lamaxuku ngoJohane esithi: Laphuma laya enkangala ukuyabonani? Umhlanga onyikinywa ngumoya yini? Kanti laphumela ukuyabonani? Umuntu owembethe izembatho ezicolekileyo yini? Khangelani, abe mbetheezikhazimulayo baphila mnandi basezindlini zamakhosi. Pho laphumela ukuyabonani? Umprofethi yini? Yebo, ngithi kini: Loba odlula kakhulu umprofethi. Lo nguye okubhalwe ngaye ukuthi: Khangela, mina ngiyathuma isithunywa sami phambi kobuso bakho, esizalungisa indlela yakho phambi kwakho. Ngoba ngithi kini: Phakathi kwabazelwe ngabesifazana kakho umprofethi omkhulu kuloJohane uMbhabhathizi; kodwa omncinyane embusweni kaNkulunkulu mkhulu kulaye. Labantu bonke bekuzwa, labathelisi, bathi ulungile uNkulunkulu; kodwa abaFarisi lezazumthetho bemelene labo, ngoba bengabhabhathizwanga nguye. Yasisithi iNkosi: Pho-ke abantu balesisizukulwana ngizabafananisa lani? Kanti bafanana lani? Banjengabantwana abancane abahlezi emakethe bememezana besithi: Silitshayele umhlanga, kodwa kalisinanga; silililele, kodwa kalikhalanga. Ngoba uJohane uMbhabhathizi wafika engadli isinkwa njalo enganathi iwayini, laselisithi: Uledimoni; iNdodana yomuntu ifikile isidla, inatha, laselisithi: Khangelani, umuntu oligovu lesinathi sewayini, umngane wabathelisi lezoni. Kodwa inhlakanipho ithiwa ilungile ngabantwana bayo bonke. Omunye wabaFarisi wasemcela ukuthi adle laye; esengenile endlini yomFarisi wahlala ekudleni. Njalo khangela, owesifazana kulowomuzi, owayeyisoni, esekwazi ukuthi uJesu uhlezi ekudleni endlini yomFarisi, waletha umfuma we-alibasta owamagcobo, wasesima eceleni kwenyawo zakhe ngemva kwakheekhala, waqala ukuthambisa inyawo zakhe ngenyembezi, wa ze sula ngenwele zekhanda lakhe, wanga inyawo zakhe, wa zi gcoba ngamagcobo. Kuthe umFarisi obemnxusile e ku bona wakhulumela ngaphakathi kwakhe wathi: Lo, ngabe uyamazi ukuthi ungubani lokuthi unjani lo owesifazana omthintayo, ngoba uyisoni. UJesu wasephendula wathi kuye: Simoni, ngilengizakukhuluma lawe. Yena wasesithi: Khuluma, Mfundisi. Kwakukhona ababili ababelezikwelede kumkweledisi othile; omunye wayelomlandu wabodenariyo abangamakhulu amahlanu, lomunye abangamatshumi amahlanu. Kwathi bengelakho okokuhlawula ngakho, wabaxolela bobabili. Kambe nguwuphi kubo, tshono, ozamthanda okwedlulisileyo? USimoni wasephendula wathi: Ngicabanga ngulowo amxolela okwedlulisileyo. Wathi kuye: Wahlulele ngokuqonda. Wasetshibilikela kowesifazana, wathi kuSimoni: Uyambona lo owesifazana yini? Ngingene endlini yakho, amanzi enyaweni zami kawu ngi nikanga. Kawunganganga; kodwa yena, lokhu ngingenile, kayekelanga ukwanga inyawo zami. Ngamagcobo ikhanda lami kawuligcobanga; kodwa yena ugcobile inyawo zami ngamakha. Ngenxa yalokhu, ngithi kuwe: Izono zakhe ezinengi zithethelelwe, ngoba uthandile kakhulu; kodwa lowo othethelelwa kancinyane, uthanda kancinyane. Wasesithi kuye: Zithethelelwe izono zakho. Ababehlezi laye ekudleni basebeqala ukukhulumisana bodwa besithi: Ngubani lo othethelela lezono? Wasesithi kowesifazana: Ukholo. Kwasekusithi emva kwalokho, yena wadabula imizi lemizana, ememezela lokutshumayela indaba ezinhle zombuso kaNkulunkulu; labalitshumi lambili babelaye, labesifazana abathile ababesiliswe kubomoya ababi lemikhuhlaneni, loJowana umkaKuza. Kwathi sekubuthene ixuku elikhulu, njalo bevela emizini ngemizi besiza kuye, wakhuluma ngomfanekiso wathi: Umhlanyeli waphuma ukuyahlanyela inhlanyelo yakhe; kwathi ekuhlanyeleni kwakhe, enye yawela eceleni kwendlela; yasinyathelwa ngenyawo, lenyoni zezulu zayidla zayiqeda. Lenye yawela edwaleni, kwathi ekukhuleni yabuna, ngoba yaswela ubumanzi. Lenye yawela phakathi kwameva, ameva asemila layo ayiminyanisa. Lenye yawela emhlabathini omuhle, yakhula yathela ikhulu. Esetshilo lezizinto wamemeza wathi: Olendlebe zokuzwa akezwe. Abafundi bakhe basebembuza besithi: Ungaba yini lumfanekiso? Wasesithi: Kuphiwe kini ukwazi imfihlo zombuso kaNkulunkulu; kodwa kwabanye ngemifanekiso, ukuze bebona bangaboni, njalo besizwa bangaqedisisi. Lomfanekiso uyilokhu: Inhlanyelo iyilizwi likaNkulunkulu. Labaseceleni kwendlela yilabo abathi sebezwile, besekufika udiyabhola alisuse ilizwi enhliziyweni zabo, ukuze bangakholwa basindiswe. Labasedwaleni yilabo, abathi belizwile, balemukele ilizwi ngentokozo, kodwa laba kabalampande, abakholwa okwesikhathi, kuthi ngesikhathi sokulingwa bawe. Lewele phakathi kwameva, yilabo abathi sebezwile, bahambe baminyaniswe yikukhathalela lenotho lenkanuko yempilo, njalo bangatheli izithelo ezivuthiweyo. Kodwa esemhlabathini omuhle, yilabo abathi belizwile ilizwi ba li londoloze enhliziyweni enhle lelungileyo, bathela izithelo ngokubekezela. Njalo kakho othi eselumathise isibane, kumbe asibeke ngaphansi kombheda, kodwa usibeka esiqobaneni sesibane, ukuze abangenayo babone ukukhanya. Ngoba kakukho okufihliweyo, okungasoze kube sobala; lokuthukuziweyo, okungayikwaziwa lokungayikulethwa obala. Ngakho qaphelisani ukuthi lizwa njani. Kwasekufika kuye unina labafowabo, kodwa abazange bamfinyelele ngenxa yexuku. Wasebikelwa ngabanyeabathi: Unyoko labafowenu bemi phandle, bafuna ukukubona. Kodwa waphendula wathi kubo: Umama labafowethu yilabo, abalizwayo ilizwi likaNkulunkulu balenze. Kwasekusithi ngolunye lwezinsuku, wangena emkhunjini yena labafundi bakhe; basuka-ke. Kwathi behamba ngomkhumbi, walala ubuthongo; isiphepho esikhulu somoya sasesisehlela phansi echibini. Basebesondela bamvusa, besithi: Nkosi, nkosi, siyabhubha. Wasesithi kubo: Lungaphi ukholo lwenu? Basebesesaba bamangala, bakhulumisana besithi: Kambe ungubani lo, ukuthi alaye ngitsho imimoya lamanzi, njalo kumlalele? Basebesiya ngomkhumbi elizweni lamaGadarene, eliqondene leGalili. Kwathi esephumele emhlabathini, yamhlangabeza indoda ethile ivela emzini, njalo ingembathi isembatho, ingahlali endlini, kodwa emangcwabeni. Yathi imbona uJesu, yamemeza, yawa phansi phambi kwakhe, yathi ngelizwi elikhulu: Ngilani lawe, Jesu, Ndodana kaNkulunkulu oPhezukonke? Ngiyakuncenga, ungangihluphi. Ngoba walaya umoya ongcolileyo ukuthi aphume ku lowo muntu; ngoba wayesembambe okwezikhathi ezinengi, walindwa ebotshiwe ngamaketane lezibopho, kodwa eseqamule izibopho waqhutshelwa enkangala lidimoni. UJesu wasembuza, wathi: Ungubani ibizo lakho? Wasesithi: NguLegiyoni; ngoba amadimoni amanengi ayengene kuye. Asemncenga ukuthi angawalayi ukuya emgodini ongelamkhawulo. Kwakukhona lapho umhlambi wengulube ezinengi usidla entabeni; asemncenga ukuthi awavumele angene kuzo. Wasewavumela. Kwathi amadimoni esephumile kulowomuntu angena engulubeni; umhlambi wasuphaphatheka usuka eliweni usiya echibini, waminzwa. Kwathi ababe z elusile bebona okwenzakeleyo babaleka, basuka bayabika emzini, lemaphandleni. Basebephuma ukuyabona okwenzakeleyo; bafika kuJesu, bamfica umuntu okwakuphume kuye amadimoni; basebesesaba. Basebebatshela lalabo ababebonile ukuthi usindiswe njani owayengenwe ngamadimoni. Ixuku lonke lesigaba samaGadarene waphindela emuva. Kodwa indoda. Kodwa uJesu wayiyekela yahamba, esithi: Buyela endlini yakho, ulandise ukuthi kungakanani uNkulunkulu akwenze kuwe. Wasesuka wahamba, etshumayela phakathi komuzi wonke ukuthi kungakanani uJesu ayekwenzile kuye. Kwasekusithi ekubuyeni kukaJesu. Njalo khangela, kwafika indoda, uJayirosi ngebizo, yona ingumphathi wesinagoge, yasisiwa phansi enyaweni zikaJesu yamncenga ukuthi angene endlini yayo; ngoba yayilendodakazi eyodwa ezelweyo eyayingaba leminyaka elitshumi lambili, njalo yona yayisisifa. Kwathi esahamba amaxuku amcindezela. Lowesifazana owayelomopho wegazi okweminyaka elitshumi lambili, echithe konke okwempilo yakhe kubelaphi engelakusiliswa langubani, wasondela ngemva kwakhe, wathinta umphetho wesembatho sakhe; njalo wahle wakhawula umopho wegazi lakhe. UJesu wasesithi: Ngubani ongithintileyo? Kwathi lapho bephika bonke, uPetro wathi lababelaye: Nkosi, ixuku likuminyanisile li ku cindezele, kodwa uthi: Ngubani ongithintileyo? Kodwa uJesu wathi: Ukhona ongithintileyo; ngoba mina ngazile ukuthi amandla aphumile kimi. Kwathi owesifazana ebona ukuthi kafihlakalanga, weza ethuthumela, wawa phambi kwakhe, walandisa phambi kwabantu bonke ukuthi umthinte ngesizatho bani, lokuthi uhle wasila njani. Wasesithi kuye: Mana isibindi, ndodakazi, ukholo lwakho lukusindisile. Esakhuluma, kwafika umuntu evela endliniyomphathi wesinagoge, wathi kuye: Indodakazi yakho isifile; ungamhluphi uMfundisi. Kodwa uJesu esizwa, wamphendula, wathi: Ungesabi; kholwa kuphela, njalo izasindiswa. Futhi esengenile endlini, kavumanga ukuthi kungene muntu, ngaphandle kukaPetro loJakobe loJohane, loyise wendodakazi lonina. Njalo bakhala bonke, beyililela. Kodwa wathi: Lingakhali; kayifanga, kodwa ilele. Basebemhleka usulu, besazi ukuthi ifile. Kodwa yena esebakhuphele phandle bonke, wabamba isandla sayo, wamemeza, esithi: Ndodakazi, vuka! Wasubuya umoya wayo, yasivuka khona lapho; waselaya ukuthi kayiphiwe ukudla. Abazali bayo basebemangala kakhulu. Wasebizela ndawonye abafundi bakhe abalitshumi lambili. Wasebathuma uku ya tshumayela umbuso kaNkulunkulu, lokusilisa abagulayo, wasesithi kubo: Lingaphathi lutho lwendlela; lodondolo, lesikhwama, lomphako, lemali, njalo lingabi lezigqoko ezimbili ngamunye. Lakuyiphi indlu elingena kuyo, hlalani lapho, lalapho lisuke. Labo bonke abangalemukeliyo, nxa lisuka kulowomuzi, thintithani ngitsho uthuli enyaweni zenu kube yibufakazi obumelana labo. Basuka-ke bahamba bedabula imizana, betshumayela ivangeli besilisa endaweni zonke. UHerodi umtetrarki, ngoba kwatshiwo ngabanye ukuthi uJohane uvukile kwabafileyo; langabanye ukuthi uElija ubonakele; langabanye ukuthi kuvukile omunye wabaprofethi abadala. Kodwa uHerodi wathi: UJohane ngamquma ikhanda mina; kodwa ngubani lo, mina engizwa ngaye izinto ezinje? Wasefunisisa ukumbona. Abaphostoli. Kwathi amaxuku esekwazi, amlandela; wasewemukela, wakhuluma lawo ngombuso kaNkulunkulu. Ilanga laseliqala ukutshona; ngoba lapha sisendaweni eyinkangala. Kodwa wathi kubo: Banikeni lina bona ukuthi badle. Bathi-ke: Asilakho okwedlula izinkwa ezinhlanu lenhlanzi ezimbili, ngaphandle kokuthi thina siyebathengela ukudla bonke lababantu. Ngoba kwakukhona amadoda angaba zinkulungwane ezinhlanu. Wasesithi kubafundi bakhe: Bahlaliseni phansi ngezigaba ngamatshumi amahlanu. Basebesenza njalo, babahlalisa phansi bonke. Wasezithatha izinkwa ezinhlanu lenhlanzi ezimbili, wakhangela phezulu ezulwini, wazibusisa, wa zi hlephula, wa zi nika abafundi ukuthi babeke phambi kwexuku. Basebesidla basutha bonke; kwadojwa imvuthu ezazisele kubo, izitsha ezilitshumi lambili. Kwasekusithi ekhuleka yedwa, abafundi babelaye; wasebabuza, esithi: Amaxuku athi ngingubani? Basebephendula bathi: UJohane uMbhabhathizi; kodwa abanye bathi: UElija; kodwa abanye bathi: Kuvukile umprofethi othile wabadala. Wasesithi kubo: Lina-ke lithi ngingubani? UPetro wasephendula wathi: UKristu kaNkulunkulu. Esebaxwayisisile, esithi. Wasesithi kubo bonke: Uba umuntu ethanda ukuza ngemva kwami, kazidele, athathe isiphambano sakhe. Ngoba loba ngubani othanda ukusindisa impilo yakhe, izamlahlekela; kodwa loba ngubani olahlekelwa yimpilo yakhe ngenxa yami, yena uzayisindisa. Ngoba kuzamsizani umuntu, uba ezuza umhlaba wonke, kodwa yena uqobo lwakhe azone kumbe alahleke? Ngoba loba ngubani olenhloni ngami langamazwi ami, iNdodana yomuntu izakuba lenhloni ngaye, nxa isiza enkazimulweni yayo lekaBaba leyengilosi ezingcwele. Kodwa ngilitshela ngeqiniso: Bakhona abanye kwabemiyo lapha, abangasoze bezwe ukufa, baze babone umbuso kaNkulunkulu. Kwasekusithi. Kwasekusithi ekukhulekeni kwakhe, isimo sobuso bakhe saphenduka, lesembatho sakhe saba mhlophe, sacwazimula. Njalo khangela, akhuluma laye amadoda amabili, ayengoMozisi loElija; abonakala ngenkazimulo. Kodwa uPetro lababelaye babesindwe yibuthongo, lamadoda amabili ayemi laye. Kwasekusithi, ekwehlukaneni kwawo laye. Kwathi ekhuluma lezizinto, kwafika iyezi labasibekela; basebesesaba ekungeneni kwabo eyezini. Kwasekuphuma ilizwi eyezini, lisithi: Lo uyiNdodana yami ethandekayo; zwanini yona. Kwathi ilizwi selifikile, uJesu waficwa eyedwa. Kodwa bona bathula, kabaze batshela muntu ngalezonsuku okunye kwalezozinto abazibonileyo. Kwasekusithi ngelanga elilandelayo, sebehlile. Njalo khangela, indoda exukwini yamemeza, isithi: Mfundisi, ngiyakuncenga, bona indodana yami; njalo khangela, umoya uyayibamba, futhi ihle iklabalale. Njalo ngincenge abafundi bakho ukuthi bawukhuphe, kodwa abenelisanga. UJesu wasephendula wathi: O sizukulwana esingelakholo lesonakeleyo, kuzaze kube nini ngilani, ngilibekezelela? Ilethe lapha indodana yakho. Kuthe iseza, idimoni layidabula la yi hlukuza; kodwa uJesu wawukhuza umoya ongcolileyo, wamsilisa umntwana, wambuyisela kuyise. Bonke basebemangaliswa kakhulu yibukhulu bukaNkulunkulu. Kwathi bemangele bonke ngazo zonke izinto uJesu azenzileyo, wathi kubafundi bakhe: Fakani lina endlebeni zenu lamazwi: Ngoba iNdodana yomuntu izanikelwa ezandleni zabantu. Kodwa kabaqedisisanga lumutsho, njalo wawufihlakele kubo, ukuze bangawuzwisisi; basebesesaba ukumbuza ngalumutsho. Kwasekungena. Kwathi uJesu ebona ukunakana kwenhliziyo yabo, wathatha umntwana omncane, wammisa phansi kwakhe, wasesithi kubo: Loba ngubani owemukela lumntwana omncane ebizweni lami wemukela mina; njalo loba ngubani owemukela mina wemukela ongithumileyo. UJohane wasephendula wathi: Nkosi, sabona omunye ekhupha amadimoni ngebizo lakho, sasesimenqabela, ngoba engalandeli kanye lathi. Kodwa uJesu wathi kuye: Linga m enqabeli, ngoba ongamelani lathi ungakithi. Kwathi seziphelelisiwe insuku, wasethuma izithunywa phambi kobuso bakhe, ukuze zimlungisele. Kodwa kawamemukelanga. Kwathi abafundi bakhe uJakobe loJohane? Kodwa watshibilika wabakhuza, esithi: Alazi ukuthi lina lingabomoya onjani. Ngoba iNdodana yomuntu kayizanga ukuthi ibhubhise imiphefumulo yabantu, kodwa uku yi sindisa. Basebesedlulela komunye umzana. Kwasekusithi behamba endleleni, umuntuothile wathi kuye: Nkosi, ngizakulandela loba ngaphi lapho oya khona. UJesu wasesithi kuye: Amakhanka alemilindi, lenyoni zezulu zile zidleke; kodwa iNdodana yomuntu kayilalapho engaqamelisa ikhanda khona. Wasesithi komunye: Ngilandela. Kodwa yena wathi: Nkosi, ngivumela ukuthi ngiyengcwaba ubaba kuqala. Kodwa uJesu wathi kuye: Yekela abafileyo bangcwabe ababo abafileyo; kodwa wena hamba utshumayele umbuso kaNkulunkulu. Lomunye wasesithi: Ngizakulandela, Nkosi. Kodwa uJesu wathi kuye: Kakho othi esebeke isandla sakhe ekhubeni, akhangele kokusemuva. Njalo emva kwalezizinto iNkosi yamisa njalo abanye. Ngakho yathi kubo: Isibili isivuno sikhulu, kodwa izisebenzi zinlutshwana. Ngakho ncengani eNkosini yesivuno, ukuze ithume izisebenzi esivunweni sayo. Hambani; khangelani, mina ngiyalithuma linjengezimvana phakathi kwezimpisi. Lingaphathi. Njalo lakuyiphi indlu elingena kuyo, qalani lithi: Ukuthula kakubekulindlu. Njalo uba kukhona lapho indodana yokuthula, ukuthula kwenu kuzahlala phezu kwayo; kodwa uba kunge njalo, kuzabuyela kini. Hlalani-ke kuleyondlu, lidle linathe izinto ezivela kibo; ngoba isisebenzi sifanele umvuzo waso. Lingayi endlini lendlini. Lakuwuphi umuzi elingena kuwo, besebelemukela, dlanini okubekwa phambi kwenu, lisilise abagulayo abakuwo. Kodwa lakuwuphi umuzi elingena kuwo, futhi bengalemukeli, phumelani endleleni zawo, lithi: Lothuli lomuzi wenu olusinamatheleyo siyaluthintithela kini. Njalo ngithi kini: Kuzakuba lula eSodoma ngalolosuku, kulakulowomuzi. Maye kuwe, Korazini! Maye kuwe, Bhethisayida! Ngoba uba kwakwenziwe eTire leSidoni imisebenzi yamandla eyenziwe kini. Kodwa kuzakuba lula eTire leSidoni ekugwetshweni, kulakini. Lawe, Kapenawume, ophakanyiselwe ezulwini, uzaphoselwa phansi esihogweni. Olizwayo lina uyangizwa mina. Babuya-ke abangamatshumi ayisikhombisa ngentokozo. Wasesithi kubo: Ngabona uSathane njengombane. Khangelani, ngilinika amandla okunyathela phezu kwezinyoka labofezela, laphezu kwamandla wonke esitha; njalo akusoze kube lalutho olungalilimaza. Kodwa lingathokozi ngalokho ukuthi omoya bayazehlisela ngaphansi kwenu. Ngalelohola uJesu. Konke kwanikelwa kimi nguBaba; njalo kakho owaziyo ukuthi iNdodana ingubani, ngaphandle kukaBaba, lokuthi uBaba ungubani, ngaphandle kweNdodana, njalo loba ngubani iNdodana ethanda ukumembulela. Wasephendukela kubafundi bebodwa wathi: Abusisiwe amehlo abona elikubonayo. Ngoba ngithi kini: Abaprofethi abanengi lamakhosi babethanda ukubona izinto elizibonayo lina, kodwa kaba zi bonanga; lokuzwa izinto elizizwayo, kodwa kaba zi zwanga. Njalo khangela, isazumthetho esithile? Wasesithi kuso: Kubhalweni emlayweni? Uwubala njani? Sasesiphendula sathi: Wothanda iNkosi uNkulunkulu wakho, ngenhliziyo yakho yonke, langomphefumulo wakho wonke, langamandla akho wonke, langengqondo yakho yonke. Wasesithi kuso: Uphendule ngokuqonda; yenza lokhu, futhi uzaphila. Kodwa sona sithanda ukuzilungisisa sathi kuJesu: Kanti ngubani umakhelwane wami? UJesu wasephendula wathi: Umuntu othile wehla evela eJerusalema, njalo bamhlubula impahla ba m tshaya imivimvinya basuka bahamba, ba m tshiya ephosukufa. Umpristi othile waseqabuka esehla ngaleyondlela. Langokunjalo lomLevi nxa wayesekulindawo, wafika e m bona, wadlula eceleni. Kodwa umSamariya othile owayehamba wafika lapho ayekhona, njalo kwathi embona waba lesihelo, waya kuyewabopha amanxeba akhe; wamkhweza phezu kweyakhe inyamazana, wamusa endlini yezihambi, wamlondoloza. Kusisa esehamba, wakhupha odenariyo ababili wa ba nika umninindlu, wathi kuye: Umlondoloze; njalo loba yini ozakuchitha okwedlula lokhu, mina ngizabuyisela kuwe ekubuyeni kwami. Pho, nguwuphi kulaba abathathu ocabanga ukuthi wayengumakhelwane walowo owatheleka phakathi kwabaphangi? Wasesithi: Ngulowo owamenzela isihawu. Ngakho uJesu wathi kuye: Hamba, lawe wenze njalo. Kwasekusithi ekuhambeni kwabo, yena wangena emzaneni othile; lowesifazana othile, uMarta. Njalo lo wayelodadewabo othiwa nguMariya, walizwa ilizwi lakhe. Kodwa uMarta wayephazanyiswa yikusebenza okunengi; weza eduze wasesithi: Nkosi, kawukhathali yini ukuthi udadewethu ungitshiye ukuthi ngisebenze ngedwa? Ngakho umtshele ukuthi angisize. Kodwa uJesu waphendula wathi kuye: Marta, Marta; kodwa yinye into edingekayo. Kwasekusithi ekhuleka endaweni ethile, eseqedile, omunye wabafundi bakhe wathi kuye: Nkosi, sifundise ukukhuleka, njengoJohane laye wafundisa abafundi bakhe. Wasesithi kubo: Nxa likhuleka, libokuthi: Baba wethu osemazulwini, kalihlonitshwe ibizo lakho. Umbuso wakho kawuze. Intando yakho kayenziwe, lemhlabeni njengezulwini. Siphe usuku ngosuku ukudla kwethu kwensuku zonke. Njalo usithethelele amacala ethu, ngoba lathi sibathethelela bonke abalamacala kithi. Njalo ungasingenisi ekulingweni, kodwa usikhulule ebubini. Wasesithi kubo: Nguwuphi kini olomngane, futhi aye kuye phakathi kobusuku, athi kuye: Mngane, ngeboleka izinkwa ezintathu, ngoba kufike kimi umngane wami evela ekuhambeni, kodwa kangilalutho engingalubeka phambi kwakhe; longaphakathi aphendule athi: Ungangihluphi; umnyango usuvaliwe, labantwana bami abancane balami embhedeni; kangingeke ngivuke ngikunike. Ngithi kini: Loba engazukuvuka amnike, ngoba engumngane wakhe, kodwa ngenxa yokuphikelela kwakhe uzavuka amnike konke akuswelayo. Mina-ke ngithi kini: Celani, lizaphiwa; dingani, lizathola; qoqodani, lizavulelwa. Ngoba wonke ocelayo uyemukela; lodingayo uyathola; loqoqodayo uyavulelwa. Kambe, nguwuphi kini onguyise ongathi indodana icela isinkwa, ayinike ilitshe? Loba-ke inhlanzi, ayinike inyoka endaweni yenhlanzi yini? Uba-ke icela iqanda, ayinike ufezela yini? Ngakho uba lina elingababi likwazi ukupha abantwana benu izipho ezinhle, kakhulu kangakanani uBaba osezulwini. Wayesekhupha idimoni, elaliyisimungulu. Kwasekusithi, seliphumile idimoni, wakhuluma oyisimungulu; amaxuku asemangala. Kodwa abanye babo bathi: Ukhupha amadimoni ngoBhelezebhule inkosi yamadimoni. Labanye be m linga. Kodwa yena eyazi imicabango yabo wathi kubo: Wonke umbuso owehlukene umelene lawo ngokwawo uyachitheka; njalo indlu emelene lendlu iyadilika. Njalo uba uSathane laye ehlukene emelane laye ngokwakhe, umbuso wakhe uzakuma njani? Ngoba lithi, ngikhupha amadimoni ngoBhelezebhule. Njalo uba mina ngikhupha amadimoni ngoBhelezebhule, amadodana enu akhupha ngobani? Ngakho wona azakuba ngabagwebi benu. Kodwa uba ngikhupha amadimoni ngomunwe kaNkulunkulu, isibili umbuso kaNkulunkulu usufikile kini. Uba isiqhwaga sihlomile silinda owaso umuzi, impahla yaso isekuthuleni; kodwa nxa olamandla kulaso e si sukela asinqobe, uyasemuka izikhali zaso ebesithembele kuzo, abesesaba impango yaso. Ongelami umelene lami. Nxa umoya ongcolileyo esephumile emuntwini, uyahamba adabule indawo ezomileyo, edinga ukuphumula; kodwa engakutholi athi: Ngizabuyela endlini yami engaphuma kuyo; njalo esefikile ayifice ithanyelwe njalo ilungisiwe. Abesehamba azithathele abanye omoya abayisikhombisa ababi kulaye uqobo, bangene bahlale lapho; njalo ukucina kwalowomuntu kube kubi kulokuqala. Kwasekusithi ekhuluma lezizinto, owesifazana othile exukwini waphakamisa ilizwi, wathi kuye. Kodwa yena wathi: Kodwa ikakhulu. Kwathi sekubuthene amaxuku eminyene, waqala ukuthi: Lesi isizukulwana sibi; sidinga isibonakaliso, kodwa kasiyikunikwa isibonakaliso, ngaphandle kwesibonakaliso sikaJona umprofethi. Ngoba njengalokhu uJona waba yisibonakaliso kwabeNineve, leNdodana yomuntu izakuba njalo kulesisizukulwana. Indlovukazi yeningizimu izasukuma ekugwetshweni kanye lamadoda alesisizukulwana, iwalahle; ngoba yavela emikhawulweni yomhlaba uku zaku zwa inhlakanipho kaSolomoni, njalo khangelani, omkhulu kuloSolomoni ulapha. Amadoda eNineve azasukuma ekugwetshweni kanye lalesisizukulwana, asilahle; ngoba aphenduka ngokutshumayela kukaJona, njalo khangelani, omkhulu kuloJona ulapha. Futhi kakho othi eselumathise isibane asibeke ekusithekeni, loba ngaphansi kwesitsha, kodwa phezu kwesiqobane sesibane. Isibane somzimba yilihlo; ngakho nxa ilihlo lakho liphilile, lomzimba wakho wonke ugcwele ukukhanya. Ngakho qaphela ukuthi ukukhanya okukuwe kungabi ngumnyama. Ngakho uba umzimba wakho wonke ugcwele ukukhanya, ungelandawo emnyama, uzakhanya wonke, njengesibane sikukhanyisa ngokukhanya. Kwathi esakhuluma, umFarisi othile wamcela ukuthi adle laye; wasengena wahlala ekudleni. Kwathi umFarisi ebona lokhuwamangala ukuthi kazange aqale ageze. Yasisithi iNkosi kuye: Khathesi lina baFarisi lihlambulula ingaphandle yenkezo leyesitsha. Zithutha, yena owenza ingaphandle kayenzanga yini lengaphakathi? Kodwa phanini zibe yizipho lezozinto ezingaphakathi. Kodwa maye kini baFarisi. Maye kini baFarisi! Ngoba lithanda izihlalo zabahloniphekayo emasinagogeni. Maye kini, babhali labaFarisi, bazenzisi! Ngoba lifanana lamangcwaba angabonakaliyo, labantu abahamba phezu kwawo bengawazi. Omunye wezazumthetho wasephendula wathi kuye: Mfundisi, ngokutsho lezizinto uyasithuka lathi. Kodwa wathi: Maye lakini zazumthetho. Maye kini! Ngoba lakha amangcwaba abaprofethi, njalo oyihlo bababulala. Ngalokhu-ke lifakaza. Ngalokhu-ke inhlakanipho kaNkulunkulu yathi; ukuze kubizwe kulesisizukulwana igazi labaprofethi bonke elachithwa kusukela ekusekelweni komhlaba, kusukela egazini likaAbela kuze kufike egazini likaZakariya owabulawa phakathi laphakathi kwelathi lendlu kaNkulunkulu; yebo, ngithi kini: Lizabizwa kulesisizukulwana. Maye kini zazumthetho, labangenayo labavimbela. Kwathi ekhuluma lezizinto kubo, ababhali labaFarisi baqala uku m ngxamela kakhulukazi, lokumbuzisisa ngezinto ezinengi, bemthiya. Kusenjalo sezibuthene izigidi zexuku, baze banyathelana, waqala ukukhuluma labafundi bakhe kuqala. Njalo kakukho okumbomboziweyo, okungayikwembulwa, lokufihliweyo, okungayikwaziwa. Ngakho loba yini eliyikhuluma emnyameni izazwakala ekukhanyeni; lelikukhulume endlebeni ezindlini zensitha. Njalo ngithi kini bangane bami: Lingabesabi ababulala umzimba, njalo emva kwalokho bengelakho ukwenza olunye ulutho. Kodwa ngizalitshengisa elifanele ukumesaba: Mesabeni lowo othi esebulele abe lamandla okuphosela esihogweni; yebo, ngithi kini: Mesabeni yena. Kazithengiswa yini intaka ezinhlanu ngendibilitshi ezimbili? Kakukhohlakali lanye yazo phambi kukaNkulunkulu. Kanti lenwele zekhanda lenu zibaliwe zonke. Ngakho lingesabi; liyazedlula intaka ezinengi. Njalo ngithi kini: Wonke loba ngubani ongivuma phambi kwabantu, iNdodana yomuntu layo izamvuma phambi kwengilosi zikaNkulunkulu; kodwa ongiphika phambi kwabantu uzaphikwa phambi kwengilosi zikaNkulunkulu. Laye wonke okhuluma ilizwi elimelana leNdodana yomuntu, uzathethelelwa; kodwa lowo ohlambaza uMoya oNgcwele kayikuthethelelwa. Njalo nxa belisa emasinagogeni; ngoba uMoya oNgcwele uzalifundisa ngalelohola izinto e li fanele ukuzikhuluma. Futhi omunye wexuku wathi kuye: Mfundisi, akutshele umfowethu abelane lami ilifa. Kodwa wathi kuye: Ndoda? Wasesithi kubo: Nanzelelani liqaphele ubuhwaba, ngoba impilo yomuntu kayikho ebunengini bezinto alazo. Wasebatshela umfanekiso, esithi: Insimu yomuntu othile onothileyo yathela kakhulu; wasenakana ngaphakathi kwakhe? Wasesithi: Ngizakwenza lokhu; ngizadiliza iziphala zami, ngakhe ezinkulu, besengisithi kumphefumulo wami: Mphefumulo, ulempahla ezinengi ezibekelwe iminyaka eminengi; phumula, udle, unathe. Kodwa uNkulunkulu wathi kuye: Siphukuphuku? Kunjalo-ke kozibekela inotho. Wasesithi kubafundi bakhe: Ngakho ngithi kini: Lingakhathaleli impilo yenu, ukuthi lizakudlani; loba umzimba, ukuthi lizakwembathani. Impilo yedlula ukudla, lomzimba isembatho. Qaphelisisani amawabayi, ukuthi kawahlanyeli, njalo kawavuni inyoni? Njalo nguwuphi kini ongathingokuphiseka engezelele ingalo ibenye? Ngakho nxa lingelamandla okwenza into encinyane, liphisekelani ngokunye? Qaphelisani imiduze ukuthi ikhula njani; kayitshikatshiki, kayiphothi, kodwa ngithi kini: LoSolomoni ebucwazicwazini bakhe bonke wayengembathiswanga njengomunye wayo. Njalo uba uNkulunkulu esembathisa ngokunjalo utshani obukhona lamuhla egangeni, kuthi kusasa buphoswa eziko, uza l embathisangokukhulu kangakanani, lina abokholo oluncinyane? Lani-ke lingadingi elizakudla lelizakunatha; njalo lingakhathazeki. Ngoba konke lokhu izizwe zomhlaba ziyakudinga; kodwa uYihlo uyazi ukuthi liyaziswela lezizinto. Kodwa dingani umbuso kaNkulunkulu, njalo zonke lezizinto zizakwengezelelwa kini. Lingesabi. Thengisani impahla zenu; ngoba lapho okukhona impahla yenu eligugu, izakuba khona lapho lenhliziyo yenu. Inkalo zenu kazihlale zibotshiwe; lani libe njengabantu abalindele inkosi yabo, lapho izabuya ivela emtshadweni, ukuze, nxa ifika iqoqoda, bahle bayivulele. Zibusisiwe lezozinceku. Njalo nxa ifika ngomlindo wesibili, zibusisiwe lezozinceku. Kodwa yazini lokhu, ukuthi uba umninindlu ebelazi ihola isela elizafika ngalo, futhi ubengayikuvuma ukuthi indlu yakhe ifohlelwe. Ngakho lani-ke hlalani lilungile. UPetro wasesithi kuye: Nkosi, uwutshela thina lumfanekiso? INkosi yasisithi: Pho ngubani umphathi wezinceku othembekileyo lohlakaniphileyo, inkosi ezambeka phezu kwabendlu yayo, ukuze a ba nike isabelo sabosokudla ngesikhathi esifaneleyo? Ibusisiwe leyonceku, okuzakuthi inkosi yayo nxa ifika iyifice isenza njalo. Ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Izayibeka phezu kwakho konke elakho. Kodwa nxa leyonceku isithi enhliziyweni yayo: Inkosi yami iphuzile ukubuya; njalo ibisiqala ukutshaya izinceku lezincekukazi, lokudla lokunatha lokudakwa, inkosi yaleyonceku izafika ngosuku enga yi lindele ngalo, langehola engalaziyo; izayiquma phakathi, izanika isabelo sayo lalabo abangathembekanga. Laleyonceku ebisazi intando yenkosi yayo. Kodwa leyo. Ngize ukuphosela umlilo emhlabeni? Kodwa ngilobhabhathizo engizabhabhathizwa ngalo. Licabanga ukuthi ngize ukunika ukuthula emhlabeni yini. Ngoba kusukela khathesi abahlanu endlini yinye bazakwehlukana, abathathu bamelane lababili, lababili bamelane labathathu, bazakwehlukana, uyise amelane lendodana, lendodana imelane loyise; unina amelane lendodakazi, lendodakazi imelane lonina; uninazala amelane lomalokazana wakhe, lomalokazana amelane loninazala. Wasesithi lemaxukwini: Nxa libona iyezi, lihle lithi: Izulu liyabuya; futhi kube njalo. Njalo nxa libonaumoya weningizimu uphephetha, lithi: Lizatshisa; besekusenzakala. Bazenzisi! Liyakwazi ukuhlola umumo wesibhakabhaka lowomhlaba; kodwa lesisikhathi kungani lingasihloli? Pho, kungani ukuthi lingahluleli lani lina uqobo lwenu okulungileyo? Ngoba nxa usiya, endleleni yenza ubungcono ukuthi ukhululwe kuye; hlezi akudonsele kumahluleli, lomahluleli akunikele epholiseni, lepholisa likuphosele entolongweni. Ngithi kuwe, kawusoze waphuma khona, uze ubhadale lenhlamvu encane yemali yokucina. Njalo ngalesosikhathi kwaba khona abathile abamtshela ngamaGalili, igazi lawo uPilatu alixubanisa lemihlatshelo yawo. UJesu wasephendula wathi kubo: Licabanga ukuthi amaGalili la ayeyizoni yini kulawo wonke amaGalili, ngoba ahlupheka izinto ezinje? Hatshi bo, ngithi kini: Kodwa uba lingaphenduki, lizabhubha ngokunjalo lonke. Lalabo abalitshumi lesificaminwembili, owawela phezu kwabo umphotshongo eSilowama wababulala, licabanga ukuthi bona babebabi yini kulabantu bonke ababehlala eJerusalema? Hatshi bo, ngithi kini: Kodwa uba lingaphenduki, lizabhubha ngokunjalo lonke. Wasekhuluma lumfanekiso wathi: Umuntuothile wayelomkhiwa owawuhlanyelwe esivinini sakhe; wafika edinga isithelo kuwo, kodwa ka si tholanga. Wasesithi kuso isisebenzi sesivini: Khangela, sekuyiminyaka emithathu ngisiza ngidinga isithelo emkhiweni, kodwa nginga si tholi; ugamule; yini ukuthi wone ngitsho umhlabathi? Sasesiphendula sathi kuye: Nkosi, ake uwuyekele langalumnyaka, ngize ngigebhe ngiwugombolozele, ngithele umquba; njalo uba uthela isithelo, kuhle. Futhi wayefundisa kwelinye lamasinagoge ngesabatha; njalo khangela, kwakukhona owesifazana owayelomoya wobuthakathaka iminyaka elitshumi leyisificaminwembili. Kwathi uJesu embona wa m bizela kuye, wathi kuye: Mama, ukhululwe ebuthakathakeni bakho. Wasebeka izandla phezu kwakhe. Kodwa umphathi wesinagoge. Ngakho iNkosi yamphendula, yathi: Mzenzisi? Lalo, oyindodakazi kaAbrahama? Kwathi esitsho lezizinto, bayangeka bonke ababephikisana laye; lexuku lonke lathokoza ngezinto zonke ezilodumo ezenziwe nguye. Wasesithi: Umbuso kaNkulunkulu unjengani? Futhi ngizawufananisa lani? Unjengohlamvu lwemasitedi, umuntu aluthatha wa lu phosa esivandeni sakhe; lwaselumila, lwaba yisihlahla esikhulu, lenyoni zezulu zakhele engatsheni zaso. Wasebuya wathi: Ngizawufananisa lani umbuso kaNkulunkulu? Unjengemvubelo, ayithathayo owesifazana wayifaka ezilinganisweni ezintathu zempuphu, kwaze kwabila konke. Wasehamba edabula imizi lemizana efundisa. Omunye wasesithi kuye: Nkosi, balutshwana yini abasindiswayo? Wasesithi kubo: Zamani kakhulu ukungena ngesango elincinyane; ngoba abanengi, ngithi kini, bazadinga ukungena, kodwa bazakwehluleka. Emva kokuthi umninindlu; lapho lizaqala ukuthi: Sadla sanatha phambi kwakho. Kodwa uzakuthi: Ngithi kini: Kangilazi lapho elivela khona. Lapho kuzakuba khona ukukhala lokugedla amazinyo. Futhi bazakuza. Njalo khangelani, bakhona abokucina abazakuba ngabokuqala, njalo bakhona abokuqala abazakuba ngabokucina. Ngelanga elifananayo kwafika abaFarisi abathile, bathi kuye: Phuma usuke lapha. Wasesithi kubo: Hambani lilitshele lelokhanka: Khangela, ngiyakhupha amadimoni ngenza izelapho lamuhla lakusasa, langelesithathu ngipheleliswe. Kodwa kumele ukuthi ngihambe lamuhla lakusasa. Jerusalema, Jerusalema, wena obulala abaprofethi, lobakhanda ngamatshe labo abathunywe kuwe! Bengithanda kangakanani ukubuthela ndawonye abantwana bakho. Khangelani, indlu yenu itshiywe kini ilunxiwa. Kwasekusithi ekungeneni kwakhe ngesabatha endlini yomunye wabakhulu kubaFarisi ukuthi adle isinkwa. Njalo khangela, kwakukhona umuntu othile phambi kwakhe owayelombizankulu. UJesu wasephendula? Kodwa bathula. Wase m bamba wamsilisa wa m yekela ukuthi ahambe. Wasebaphendula esithi? Abasazange babuyisele impendulo kuye ngalezizinto. Wasekhuluma umfanekiso kubo abanxusiweyo, wathi kubo: Nxa unxusiwe ngumuntu emtshadweni; hlezi kukhona omkhulu kulawe onxusiweyo nguye, futhi okunxusileyo wena laye eze athi kuwe: Mxekele lo; khona uzaqala ukuhlala endaweni esekucineni usulenhloni. Kodwa nxa unxusiwe, hamba uhlale endaweni esekucineni. Ngoba wonke oziphakamisayo uzathotshiswa, lozithobayo uzaphakanyiswa. Wasesithi lakulowo owayemnxusile: Nxa usenza ukudla kwemini loba ukudla kwantambama, unganxusi abangane bakho, loba abafowenu, loba izihlobo zakho, loba omakhelwane abanothileyo; hlezi labo babuye bakunxuse, futhi ukwenananiswa kwenziwe kuwe. Kodwa nxa usenza idili, nxusa abayanga, izilima, iziqhuli, iziphofu; njalo uzabusiswa, ngoba abalalutho lokukwenanisa. Kwathi omunye kwababehlezi laye ekudleni esezwile lezizinto wathi kuye: Ubusisiwe lowo ozakudla isinkwa embusweni kaNkulunkulu. Kodwa wathi kuye: Umuntu othile wenza ukudla kwantambama okukhulu, wanxusa abanengi. Ngesikhathi sokudla kwantambama wasethuma inceku yakhe ukuthi ithi kwabanxusiweyo: Wozani, ngoba sekulungisiwe konke. Kodwa bonke baqala omunye lomunye ukuzixolisela. Lomunye wathi: Sengithenge izipane ezinhlanu zenkabi, ngiya ukuzilinga; ngiyakuncenga, akungixolisele. Lomunye wathi: Sengithethe umfazi, ngakho ngingeze ngeza. Isibuyile leyonceku yayibikela lezizinto inkosi yayo. Wasethukuthela umninindlu wathi encekwini yakhe: Phuma ngokuphangisa uye emigwaqweni lendleleni zomuzi, ulethe abayanga lezilima leziqhuli leziphofu ubangenise lapha. Inceku yasisithi: Nkosi, sekwenziwe njengokulaya kwakho, njalo indawo isesekhona. Yasisithi inkosi encekwini: Phuma uye ezindleleni lezintangweni u ba cindezele ba ngene, ukuze igcwaliswe indlu yami. Ngoba ngithi kini: Kakho kulamadoda ayenxusiwe ozakuzwa ukudla kwami kwantambama. Kwakuhamba laye amaxuku amanengi; wasetshibilika wathi kuwo: Uba umuntu esiza kimi. Njalo loba ngubani. Ngoba nguwuphi kini, othi efuna ukwakha umphotshongo, ongaqali ahlale phansi, abale indleko, ukuthi ulakho yini okokuqedisa? Ukuze hlezi, kuthi esebekile isisekelo kodwa angabi lamandla okuqeda, bonke abakubonayo baqale ukumhleka, besithi: Lumuntu waqala ukwakha, kodwa kabanga lamandla okuqeda. Loba yiyiphi inkosi ezakuya empini imelene lenye inkosi engaqali ihlale phansi inakane ngokuthi ilamandla yini ngenkulungwane ezilitshumi okuhlangabezana laleyo? Kodwa uba kunge njalo, ingathi isekhatshana leyo, ithume amanxusa icele okokuthula. Ngakho kunjalo wonke kini ongadeli konke alakho, angeke aba ngumfundi wami. Itshwayi lihle? Kalifanele lamhlabathi ledundulu lomquba. Kwasekusondela kuye bonke. AbaFarisi lababhali basebesola besithi: Lo wemukela izoni, adle lazo. Wasebatshela lumfanekiso, esithi: Nguwuphi umuntu kini ongathi elezimvu ezilikhulu? Njalo athi ese yi tholile a ye tshate ethokoza. Esefikile ekhaya, abizele ndawonye abangane labomakhelwane, esithi kubo: Thokozani lami, ngoba ngithole imvu yami ebilahlekile. Ngithi kini: Ngokunjalo kuzakuba khona intokozo ezulwini ngesoni esisodwa esiphendukayo, kulabalungileyo abangamatshumi ayisificamunwemunye lasificamunwemunye, abangasweli ukuphenduka. Loba nguwuphi umfazi othi elenhlamvu zesiliva ezilitshumi, uba elahlekelwa luhlamvu olulodwa lwesiliva, angalumathisi isibane, athanyele indlu, adingisise aze a lu thole? Njalo nxa ese lu tholile ubizela ndawonye abangane labomakhelwane, athi: Thokozani lami, ngoba sengilutholile uhlamvu lwesiliva ebengilahlekelwe yilo. Ngokunjalo, ngithi kini, ikhona intokozo phambi kwezingilosi zikaNkulunkulu ngesoni esisodwa esiphendukayo. Wasesithi: Umuntu othile wayelamadodana amabili; encinyane yawo yasisithi kuyise: Baba, nginika isabelo sempahla. Njalo kungelansuku ezinengi emva kwalokhu indodana encinyane yabutha konke yasuka yahamba yaya elizweni elikhatshana, njalo lapho yachitha khona impahla yayo, iphila okobuhlanya. Yathi isichithile konke, kwavela indlala enkulu kulelolizwe, yona yasiqala ukuswela. Yasisuka yazihlanganisa lesinye sezakhamizi zalelolizwe; njalo sayithuma emasimini aso ukuze yeluse izingulube. Yasifisa ukugcwalisa isisu sayo ngamakhasi ingulube eziwadlayo; njalo kwakungelamuntu oyinika ulutho. Kwathi ingqondoyayo isibuyile yathi: Zingaki izisebenzi zikababa eziqatshiweyo ezilezinkwa ezinengi kakhulu, kanti mina ngiyafa yindlala; ngizasukuma ngiye kubaba, ngithi kuye: Baba, ngonile ezulwini, laphambi kwakho; njalo; ngenza ngibe njengomunye wezisebenzi zakho eziqatshiweyo. Yasisukuma yaya kuyise. Kodwa kuthe isesekhatshana, uyise wayibona, waba lesihelo. Indodana yasisithi kuye: Baba, ngonile ezulwini. Kodwa uyise wathi ezincekwini zakhe: Khuphani lilethe isembatho esihle kakhulu liyigqokise; lilethe ithole elinonisiweyo; ngoba indodana yami le ibifile, isibuye yaphila; ibilahlekile, itholiwe. Kodwa indodana yakhe endala yayisensimini; yathi isiza isondela endlini, yezwa ukuhlabelela lokusina. Yasibizela kuyo omunye wezinceku, yabuza ukuthi zitshoni lezizinto. Yasisithi kuyo: Umfowenu ufikile; loyihlo uhlabile ithole elinonisiweyo, ngoba ememukele ephila. Kodwa yathukuthela, ayizange ifune ukungena; ngakho uyise waphuma wayincenga. Kodwa yaphendula yathi kuyise: Khangela, iminyaka engaka ngikusebenzela, kangizange ngeqe umlayo wakho, kodwa kawuzange unginike lazinyane lembuzi. Kodwa kuthe isifikile lindodana yakho eyachitha impahla yakho lezifebe, wayihlabela. Wasesithi kuyo: Ndodana, wena uhlezi ulami. Kodwa bekufanele ukuthi sijabule sithokoze. Wasekhuluma futhi kubafundi bakhe esithi: Kwakukhona umuntu othile onothileyo, owayelomphathi; lalo wayemangalelwe kuye njengochitha impahla yakhe. Wasembiza wathi kuye: Kuyini lokhu engikuzwayo ngawe? Landisa ngobuphathi bakho; ngoba ungebe usaba ngumphathi. Umphathi wasesithi ngaphakathi kwakhe: Ngizakwenzani, lokhu inkosi yami isingemuka ubuphathi? Kangilamandla okugebha, ngilenhloni zokuphanza. Ngiyakwazi engizakwenza, ukuze nxa sengikhutshiwe ebuphathini, bangemukele ezindlini zabo. Wasebabizela kuye ngamunye abalemilandu enkosini yakhe, wathi kowokuqala: Ulomlandu ongakanani enkosini yami? Wasesithi yena: Izilinganiso ezilikhulu zamagcobo. Wasesithi kuye: Thatha incwadi yakho, uhlale phansi ubhale masinya amatshumi amahlanu. Wasesithi komunye: Wena-ke ulomlandu ongakanani? Wasesithi: Izilinganiso ezilikhulu zamabele. Wasesithi kuye: Thatha incwadi yakho, ubhale amatshumi ayisificaminwembili. Inkosi yasimbabaza umphathi. Lami ngithi kini: Zenzeleni lina abangane. Othembekileyo kokuncinyanyana uthembekile lakokukhulu, longathembekanga kokuncinyanyana kathembekanga lakokukhulu. Ngakho uba lingathembekanga kuMamona ongalunganga, ngubani ozaliphathisa into eqotho? Futhi uba lingathembekanga kokomunye, ngubani ozalinika okungokwenu? Kayikho inceku engakhonza amakhosi amabili. Njalo labaFarisi ababethanda imali bazizwa zonke lezizinto. Kodwa wathi kubo: Lina yini elizilungisisayo phambi kwabantu. Umlayo labaprofethi kukhonakuze kube nguJohane; kusukela lapho ivangeli lombuso kaNkulunkulu liyatshunyayelwa. Kodwa kulula ukuthi kudlule izulu lomhlaba, kulokuthi kuwe ichatshana elilodwa lomlayo. Wonke owala umkakhe athathe omunye uyafeba; njalo wonke othatha owaliwe yindoda uyafeba. Kwakukhona umuntu othile onothileyo, owayegqoka eziyibubende. Kwakukhona futhi umuntu othile ongumyanga othiwa nguLazaro, wafisa ukusuthiswa; kanti lezinja zazisiza zikhothe izilonda zakhe. Kwasekusithi ongumyanga wafa, wathwalelwa zingilosi; lesinothi laso safa, sangcwatshwa. Sisesihogweni. Sona sasesimemeza sisithi: Baba Abrahama, ngihawukela. Kodwa uAbrahama wathi: Ndodana, khumbula ukuthi wemukela okuhle, njalo wena uyahlupheka. Langaphezu kwakho konke lokhu, kubekiwe phakathi kwethu lani igebe elikhulu, ukuze kuthi abafuna ukuchapha besuka ngapha beze ngakini bangekwenze, labangapho bangechaphele ngakithi. Sasesisithi: Ngakho ngiyakuncenga, baba, ukuthi umthume endlini kababa, ngoba ngilabafowethu abahlanu, ukuze abaxwayise. UAbrahama wathi: BaloMozisi labaprofethi; kabezwe bona. Sona sasesisithi: Hatshi bo, baba Abrahama; kodwa uba omunye kwabafileyo esiya kubo, bazaphenduka. Kodwa wathi kuso: Uba bengalaleli. Wasesithi kubafundi! Kungaba ngcono kuye ukuthi ilitshe lokuchola elikhulu ligaxwe entanyeni yakhe, abesephoselwa olwandle. Zinanzeleleni lina; futhi nxa ephenduka, mthethelele. Njalo loba ekona kuze kube kasikhombisa ngosuku, abesebuya kuwe kasikhombisa ngosuku, esithi: Ngiyaphenduka; uzamthethelela. Abaphostoli basebesithi eNkosini. INkosi yasisithi: Uba lilokholo olungangohlamvu lwemasitedi. Kodwa nguwuphi kini olenceku elimayo kumbe eyelusayo, ohle athi kiyo ingena ivela ensimini: Sondela, uhlale ekudleni? Kodwa kazukutsho yini kuyo ukuthi: Lungisa engingakudla? Uyayibonga yini leyonceku, ngoba yenze izinto ezilayiweyo? Angicabangi. Kunjalo-ke lani, nxa selikwenzile konke elikulayiweyo, kalibokuthi: Sizinceku ezingasizi lutho, ngoba senze lokhu ebesifanele ukukwenza. Kwasekusithi esahamba esiya eJerusalema. Esangena emzaneni othile, amadoda alitshumi alobulephero amhlangabeza, ema khatshana; wona asephakamisa ilizwi, esithi: Jesu, Nkosi, sihawukele! Futhi kuthe e wa bona wathi kuwo: Hambani liyeziveza kubapristi. Kwasekusithi ekusukeni kwawo, ahlanjululwa. Futhi omunye wawo, esebonile ukuthi usilisiwe, wabuyela, edumisa uNkulunkulu ngelizwi elikhulu; wasesiwa ngobuso enyaweni zakhe. Kodwa uJesu waphendula wathi: Kakuhlanjululwanga yini abalitshumi? Bangaphi pho abayisificamunwemunye? Akuficakalanga ababuya ukunika uNkulunkulu udumo, ngaphandle kwalo owezizweni. Wasesithi kuye: Sukuma uhambe; ukholo lwakho. Kwathi ebuzwa ngabaFarisi, ukuthi umbuso kaNkulunkulu uzakuza nini; njalo kabayikutsho ukuthi: Khangelani nanku, kumbe: Khangelani nankuya. Ngoba khangelani, umbuso kaNkulunkulu uphakathi kwenu. Wasesithi kubafundi: Kuzafika insuku lapho elizafisa. Njalo bazakuthi kini. Ngoba njengombane ophazimayo ukhanyisa kusukela kokunye ukucinangaphansi kwezulu kusiya kokunye ukucinangaphansi kwezulu. Kodwa kuqala imele ihlupheke izinto ezinengi njalo ilahlwe yilesisizukulwana. Futhi njengoba kwenzeka ensukwini zikaNowa, kuzakuba njalo lensukwini zeNdodana yomuntu. Babesidla, benatha, bethatha, besendiswa, kwaze kwaba lusuku uNowa angena ngalo emkhunjini, kwasekufika uzamcolo, wababhubhisa bonke. Ngokufananayo futhi njengoba kwenzeka ensukwini zikaLothi; babesidla, benatha, bethenga, bethengisa, behlanyela, besakha; kodwa ngosuku uLothi aphuma ngalo eSodoma, kwana umlilo lesibabule kuvela ezulwini, kwababhubhisa bonke; kuzakuba njalo ngosuku ezakwembulwa ngalo iNdodana yomuntu. Ngalolosuku, lowo ophezu kophahla lwendlu, lempahla zakhe zisendlini, angehli uku ya zithatha; losensimini ngokunjalo angabuyeli ezintweni ezisemuva. Khumbulani umkaLothi. Loba ngubani odinga ukusindisa impilo yakhe izamlahlekela. Ngithi kini: Ngalobobusuku kuzakuba khona ababili embhedeni munye; omunye uzasuswa, lomunye atshiywe. Kuzakuba khona abesifazanaababili bechola ndawonye; omunye uzasuswa, lomunye atshiywe. Kuzakuba khona ababili ensimini; omunye uzasuswa, lomunye atshiywe. Basebephendula bathi kuye: Ngaphi, Nkosi? Wasesithi kubo: Lapho okukhona isidumbu, ku lapho amanqe azabuthana khona. Wasebatshela lomfanekiso esenzela ukuthi bafanele ukukhuleka isikhathi sonke, wathi: Kwakukhona emzini othile umahluleli othile, owayengesabi uNkulunkulu, njalo engahloniphi muntu; kwakukhona futhi kulowomuzi umfelokazi othile, njalo wayefika kuye, esithi: Ngiphindiselele esitheni sami. Kodwa kavumanga okwesikhathi; kodwa emva kwalezizinto wathi ngaphakathi kwakhe: Lanxa ngingamesabi uNkulunkulu, ngingahloniphi muntu, kodwa ngoba lumfelokazi engikhathaza, ngizamphindiselela. INkosi yasisithi: Zwanini umahluleli ongalunganga akutshoyo. Kanti uNkulunkulu? Ngithi kini, uzahle enze. Kodwa-ke nxa iNdodana yomuntu ifika, izathola ukholo yini emhlabeni? Wasekhuluma lumfanekiso lakwabathile ukuthi balungile, futhi bedelela abanye, wathi: Abantu ababili benyukela ethempelini ukuyakhuleka; omunye engumFarisi. UmFarisi wema wazikhulekela kanje wathi: Nkulunkulu, ngiyakubonga ukuthi kanginjengabanye abantu. Ngizila ukudla kabili ngeviki. Kodwa umthelisi emi khatshana. Ngithi kini: Lo wehlela endlini yakhe. Basebeletha kuye lensane, ukuze azibambe; kodwa abafundi be ku bona babakhuza. Kodwa uJesu wazibizela kuye wathi: Vumelani abantwana abancane beze kimi, lingabenqabeli, ngoba umbuso kaNkulunkulu ungowabanje. Ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Loba ngubani ongemukeli umbuso kaNkulunkulu njengomntwana omncane, kasoze angene kuwo. Umbusi wasembuza, esithi: Mfundisi olungileyo, ngenzeni ukuze ngidle ilifa lempilo elaphakade? Kodwa uJesu wathi kuye: Ungibizelani ngokuthiolungileyo? Kakho olungileyo, ngaphandle koyedwa, uNkulunkulu. Uyayazi imilayo ethi: Ungafebi, ungabulali, ungebi, ungafakazi amanga, hlonipha uyihlo lonyoko. Yena wasesithi: Konke lokhu ngikugcinile kusukela ebutsheni bami. Kodwa uJesu esizwa lezizinto wathi kuye: Usaswele ulutho olulodwa; thengisa konke olakho, wabele abayanga, njalo uzakuba lempahla eligugu ezulwini; njalo uze lapha ungilandele. Kodwa yena esizwa lezizinto wadana kakhulu; ngoba wayenothile kakhulu. Kwathi uJesu ebona ukuthi usedane kakhulu wathi: Abalenotho bazangena ngokulukhuni kangakanani embusweni kaNkulunkulu. Ngoba kulula ukuthi ikamela lingene ngentunja yenalithi, kulokuthi umuntu onothileyo angene embusweni kaNkulunkulu. Aba ku zwayo basebesithi: Pho kungasindiswa bani? Kodwa yena wathi: Izinto ezingenzekiyo ebantwini ziyenzeka kuNkulunkulu. UPetro wasesithi: Khangela, thina sitshiye konke, sakulandela. Wasesithi kubo: Ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Kakho umuntu otshiye indlu, kumbe abazali, kumbe abafowabo, kumbe umka khe, kumbe abantwana, ngenxa yombuso kaNkulunkulu, ongayikwemukela okuphindwe kanengi. Wasezithathela abalitshumi lambili, wathi kubo: Khangelani, senyukela eJerusalema. Ngoba izanikelwa kwabezizwe, iyangiswe, ba yi tshaye ngesiswepu bayibulale; njalo ngosuku lwesithathu izabuya ivuke. Kodwa bona kabaqedisisanga lutho ngalezizinto. Kwasekusithi esesondela siphanza; sathi sisizwa ixuku lisedlula, sabuza ukuthi kuyini lokho. Basebesitshela bathi: UJesu weNazaretha uyedlula. Sasesimemeza, sisithi: Jesu, Ndodana kaDavida, ngihawukela! Ababehamba phambili basebesikhuza ukuthi sithule; kodwa samemeza kakhulukazi, sisithi: Ndodana kaDavida, ngihawukele! UJesu wema-ke walaya ukuthi silethwe kuye; sathi sesisondele wasibuza, esithi: Ufuna ukuthi ngikwenzeleni? Sasesisithi: Nkosi, ukuthi ngibuye ngibone. UJesu wasesithi kuso: Buya ubone! Ukholo lwakho lukusindisile. Njalo sahle sabuya sabona, samlandela, sidumisa uNkulunkulu. Wathi uJesuengena, wadabula eJeriko. Njalo khangela, kwakukhona indoda eyayithiwa nguZakewu ngebizo; owayeyinduna yabathelisi, njalo wayenothile; wadinga ukubona uJesu ukuthi ungubani. Wasegijimela phambili wakhwela emkhiweni wesikhamore ukuze ambone; ngoba wayezadlula ngaleyo ndlela. Kwathi uJesu efika kuleyondawo, wakhangela phezulu wambona, wathi kuye: Zakewu, phangisa wehle; ngoba lamuhla ngimele ukuhlala endlini yakho. Wasephangisa wehla, wamemukela ethokoza. Futhi bonke be ku bona basola. Kodwa uZakewu wema wathi eNkosini: Khangela, ingxenye yempahla yami, Nkosi, ngiyipha abayanga; kuthi uba ngimthathele umuntu. UJesu wasesithi kuye: Lamuhla usindiso lufikile kulindlu, ngoba. Ngoba iNdodana yomuntu. Kwathi besizwa lezizinto, wengezelela watsho umfanekiso, ngoba wayeseduze leJerusalema. Wasesithi-ke: Umuntu. Wasebiza inceku zakhe ezilitshumi, wazinika impondo ezilitshumi, wathi kuzo: Sebenzani ngemali ngize ngibuye. Kodwa izakhamizi zakhe zamzonda, zathuma amanxusa emva kwakhe, zisithi: Kasithandi ukuthi lo asibuse. Kwasekusithi esebuyile esewemukele umbuso, wathi azibizelwe kuye lezozinceku, ayezinike imali, ukuze azi ukuthi yileyo laleyo izuzeni ngokuthengiselana. Kweza-ke eyokuqala, yathi: Nkosi, impondo yakho izuze impondo ezilitshumi. Wasesithi kuyo: Kuhle, nceku elungileyo. Kwasekusiza eyesibili, yathi: Nkosi, impondo yakho yenze impondo ezinhlanu. Wasesithi lakuyo: Lawe woba phezu kwemizi emihlanu. Kwasekusiza enye, isithi: Nkosi, khangela impondo yakho, engayibeka elenjini; ngoba bengikwesaba, ngoba ungumuntu olukhuni; uthatha lokho ongakubekanga, futhi uvune lokho ongakuhlanyelanga. Wasesithi kuyo: Ngizakugweba ngoku vela emlonyeni wakho, nceku embi ukuthi mina ngingumuntu olukhuni, othatha lokho engingakubekanga, futhi avune lokho engingakuhlanyelanga; ngakho kungani ungafakanga imali yami ebhanga? Wasesithi kulabo ababemi khona: Memukeni impondo, li yi nike lowo olempondo ezilitshumi. Kodwa bathi kuye: Nkosi, lowo ulempondo ezilitshumi. Ngoba ngithi kini: Wonke olakho uzaphiwa; kodwa lowo ongelakho, uzakwemukwa lalokho alakho. Kodwa lezozitha zami, ebezingathandi ukuthi ngizibuse. Esetshilo lezizinto, wahamba phambili. Kwasekusithi esondela eBetfage leBethani entabeni okuthiwa ngeyeMihlwathi, wathuma ababili kubafundi bakhe, esithi: Hambani liye emzaneni okhangelene lani; lizakuthi lingena kuwo lifice ithole likababhemi libotshiwe, okungazanga kuhlale kulo muntu; lilikhulule li li lethe. Uba umuntu elibuza esithi: Li li khululelani? Lizakutsho njalo kuye ukuthi: INkosi iyaliswela. Ababethunyiwe bahamba-ke bafica kunjengoba ebatshelile. Kuthe besalikhulula ithole, abaninilo bathi kubo: Lilikhululelani ithole? Bona basebesithi: INkosi iyaliswela. Basebeliletha kuJesu; baphosela izembatho zabo phezu kwethole likababhemi, bamkhweza uJesu kulo. Kwathi ehamba, bendlala izembatho zabo phansi endleleni. Kwathi khathesi esesondela ekwehleni kwentaba yeMihlwathi, ixuku lonke labafundi laqala ukuthokoza lokudumisa uNkulunkulu ngelizwi elikhulu, lisithi: Ibusisiwe inkosi ezayo ebizweni leNkosi. Labanye babaFarisi ababesexukwini bathi kuye: Mfundisi, khuza abafundi bakho. Wasephendula wathi kubo: Ngithi kini, uba bethula laba, amatshe azamemeza. Kwathi esondela, ewubona umuzi, esithi: Kungathi ngabe wazi lawe, ngitsho ngalolusuku lwakho, izinto zokuthula kwakho; kodwa-ke khathesi zifihlakele emehlweni akho. Ngoba insuku zizakwehlela phezu kwakho, lapho izitha zakho zizakwakhela umthangala, zikudilizele phansi wena labantwana bakho. Wasengena ethempelini, waqala ukuxotsha abathengisayo kulo, labathengayo, esithi kubo: Kulotshiwe ukuthi: Indlu yami yindlu yomkhuleko. Njalo wayefundisa ethempelini insuku zonke lenduna zabantu badinga ukumbulala; kodwa kabatholanga abangakwenza, ngoba abantu bonke banamathela kuye be m lalela. Kwasekusithi ngolunye lwalezonsuku, efundisa abantu ethempelini etshumayela ivangeli, ba m fikela abapristi abakhulu lababhali kanye labadala, basebekhuluma laye, besithi: Sitshele, ukuthi izinto lezi uzenza ngaliphi igunya, kumbe ngubani okunike leligunya? Wasephendula wathi kubo: Lami ngizalibuza umbuzo ube munye, njalo lingitshele: Ubhabhathizo lukaJohane lwavela ezulwini, kumbe ebantwini? Basebezindlisana, besithi: Uba sisithi: Ezulwini; uzakuthi: Kungani-ke lingamkholwanga? Kodwa uba sisithi: Ebantwini; abantu bonke bazasikhanda ngamatshe. Basebephendula ngokuthikabazi lapho o lwa vela khona. UJesu wasesithi kubo: Lami kangilitsheli ukuthi ngenza lezizinto ngaliphi igunya. Waseqala ukutshela abantu lumfanekiso, esithi: Umuntu othile wahlanyela isivini, wasiqatshisa kubalimi; kwathi ngesikhathi esifaneleyo wathuma inceku kubalimi, ukuze bayinike okwesithelo sesivini; kodwa abalimi bayitshaya ba yi thumeza ize. Wasethuma njalo enye inceku; layo bayitshaya ba yi yangisa, ba yi thumeza ize. Wasephinda ethuma leyesithathu; layo leyo ba yi limaza ba yi phosela ngaphandle. Umninisivini wasesithi: Ngizakwenza njani? Ngizathuma indodana yami ethandekayo; mhlawumbe bebona yona baza yi hlonipha. Kodwa abalimi beyibona bazindlisana, besithi: Le yindlalifa; wozani, siyibulale, ukuze ilifa libe ngelethu. Bayiphosela ngaphandle kwesivini, ba yi bulala. Kambe uzakwenzani kubo umninisivini? Uzakuza, ababhubhise labobalimi, anikele isivini kwabanye. Be ku zwa basebesithi: Akungabi njalo! Kodwa wabakhangela wathi? Wonke owela phezu kwalelolitshe, uzaphahlazwa; kodwa loba ngubani eliwela phezu kwakhe, lizamchoboza. Abapristi abakhulu lababhali basebedinga ukumbamba ngezandla ngalelohola, kodwa besaba abantu; ngoba baqedisisa ukuthi wayekhuluma lumfanekiso emelane labo. Basebe m qaphela. Bambuza-ke, besithi: Mfundisi, siyazi ukuthi wena ukhuluma ufundise ngokuqondileyo, kawemukeli buso, kodwa ufundisa indlela kaNkulunkulu ngeqiniso. Sivunyelwe yini ukuthela kuKesari, kumbe hatshi? Kodwa wabubona ubuqili babo, wathi kubo: Lingilingelani? Ngitshengisani udenariyo; ulomfanekiso lombhalo kabani? Basebephendula besithi: OkaKesari. Wasesithi kubo: Ngakho nikani uKesari okukaKesari, loNkulunkulu okukaNkulunkulu. Basebesehluleka ukumbamba ngelizwi lakhephambi kwabantu; basebemangaliswa yimpendulo yakhe, bathula. Kwasekusiza kuye abathile babaSadusi, abaphika besithi kakukho ukuvuka kwabafileyo, bambuza, besithi: Mfundisi, uMozisi wasibhalela ukuthi: Uba kusifa umfowabo womuntu elomkakhe, lo abesesifa engelamntwana, umfowabo kamthathe umfazi, abesemvusela inzalo umfowabo. Ngakho kwakulezelamani eziyisikhombisa; owokuqala wasethatha umfazi, wafa engelamntwana; lowesibili wamthatha umfazi, laye lo wafa engelamntwana; lowesithathu wamthatha. Kwaba njalo-ke lakwabayisikhombisa; abatshiyanga abantwana, bafa. Ekucineni kwabo bonke kwafa lomfazi. Ngakho ekuvukeni kwabafileyo, uzafika abe ngumkabani kubo? Ngoba abayisikhombisa babelaye engumkabo. UJesu wasephendula wathi kubo: Abantwana balumhlaba bayathatha, bendiswe; kodwa labo okuzathiwa bafanele ukuzuza lowomhlaba lokuvuka okwabafileyo kabathathani, kabendiswa; ngoba bengelakuphinda bafe; ngoba banjengezingilosi, njalo bangabantwana bakaNkulunkulu, bengabantwana bokuvuka. Kodwa ukuthi abafileyo bayavuswa, loMozisi wakutshengisa esihlahleni. Futhi kayisuye uNkulunkulu wabafileyo, kodwa owabaphilayo; ngoba bonke baphilela yena. Abathile bababhali basebephendula bathi: Mfundisi, ukhulume kuhle. Njalo kababanga lesibindi sokuphinda bambuze ulutho. Wasesithi kubo: Batsho njani ukuthi uKristu uyiNdodana kaDavida? Ngoba uDavida uqobo lwakhe uthi encwadini yeziHlabelelo: INkosi yathi eNkosini yami: Hlala ngakwesokunene sami, ngize ngenze izitha zakho zibe yisenabelo senyawo zakho. Ngakho uDavida umbiza ngokuthi yiNkosi, pho uyindodana yakhe njani? Kwathi besalalele abantu bonke, wathi kubafundi bakhe: Xwayani ababhali abathanda ukuhamba bembethe izembatho ezinde, njalo bethanda ukubingelelwa emidangeni, lezihlalo zabahloniphekayo ezilayelweni; abadla izindlu zabafelokazi, bekhuleka isikhathieside ngokuzenzisa. Laba bazakwemukela ukulahlwa okukhulu. Wathi ephakamisa amehlo wabona abanothileyo. Wabona lomfelokazi othile ongumyanga ephosela khona inhlamvana ezincane ezimbili zemali. Wathi: Ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Lumfelokazi ongumyanga uphosele okwedlula okwabo bonke; ngoba bonke laba baphosele kokunengi kwabo eminikelweni kaNkulunkulu, kodwa yena ebuyangeni bakhe uphosele konke alakho abephila ngakho. Abanye besakhuluma ngethempeli, ukuthi liceciswe ngamatshe amahle langezipho, wathi: Lezizinto elizibonayo, kuzafika insuku okungayikutshiywa ngazo ilitshe phezu kwelitshe, elingayikudilizelwa phansi. Basebembuza, besithi: Mfundisi, pho lezizinto zizakuba nini? Lesibonakaliso siyini, lapho sekuzakwenzeka lezizinto? Wasesithi: Qaphelani ukuthi lingaduhiswa; ngoba abanengi bazakuza ebizweni lami. Njalo nxa lisizwa ngezimpi langeziphithiphithi. Wasesithi kubo: Isizwe sizavukela isizwe, lombuso u vuk ele umbuso; njalo kuzakuba khona ukuzamazama komhlaba okukhulu indawo ngendawo lezindlala labomatshayabhuqe bezifo; kube khona lezinto ezesabekayo lezibonakaliso ezinkulu ezivela ezulwini. Kodwa ngaphambi kwakho konke lokhu bazalibamba ngezandla zabo, ba li zingele. Njalo lokhukuzaphenduka kini kube yibufakazi. Ngakho kubekeni enhliziyweni zenu; ngoba mina ngizalinika umlomo lenhlakanipho, abangekuphike, bamelane lakho, bonke abayizitha zenu. Njalo lizanikelwa langabazali labafowenu lezihlobo labangane, njalo bazabulala abanyebenu. Njalo lizazondwa yibo bonke ngenxa yebizo lami. Kodwa kakuyikulahleka ngitsho unwele lwekhanda lenu. Ekubekezeleni kwenu. Kodwa nxa libona iJerusalema ihanqwe ngamabutho. Ngalesosikhathi abaseJudiya kababalekele ezintabeni; labaphakathi kwayo baphume; labasemaphandleni. Ngoba lezi zinsuku zempindiselo. Kodwa maye kwabakhulelweyo labamunyisayo ngalezonsuku! Ngoba kuzakuba khona ukuhlupheka okukhulu emhlabeni, lolaka kulesisizwe. Njalo bazakuwa ngobukhali benkemba, bathunjelwe ezizweni zonke. Kuzakuba khona izibonakaliso elangeni lenyangeni lezinkanyezini; lemhlabeni usizi lwezizwe ngokudideka; kudume ulwandle lamagagasi, abantu baphele amandla ngenxa yokwesaba langokubona lokho okuzayo emhlabeni; ngoba amandla amazulu azazanyazanyiswa. Khona-ke bezayibona iNdodana yomuntu isiza eyezini ilamandla lenkazimulo enkulu. Njalo nxa kuqala ukwenzeka lezizinto, manini liqonde njalo liphakamise amakhanda enu. Wasebatshela umfanekiso: Khangelani umkhiwa lazo zonke izihlahla; nxa sezihluma, liyazibonela lani likwazi ukuthi ihlobo selisondele. Ngokunjalo lani, nxa libona lezizinto zisenzeka, yazini ukuthi umbuso kaNkulunkulu useduze. Ngiqinisile ngithi kini: Lesisizukulwana asisoze sidlule, kuze kwenzeke zonke izinto. Kuzadlula izulu lomhlaba, kodwa amazwi ami kawasoze adlule. Njalo ziqapheleni; ngoba luzafika njengomjibila phezu kwabo bonke abahlezi ebusweni bomhlaba wonke. Ngakho lindani ngezikhathi zonke. Njalo wayefundisa. Lekuseni kakhulu abantu bonke babesiza kuye. Kwasekusondela umkhosi wesinkwa esingelamvubelo, othiwa liphasika. Abapristi abakhulu lababhali basebedinga ukuthi bangambulala njani; ngoba babesesaba abantu. USathane, owayengowenani labalitshumi lambili. Wasesuka wayakhuluma labapristi abakhulu lezinduna ngokuthi angamnikela njani kubo. Basebethokoza, basebevumelana ukumnika imali. Yena wasevuma, njalo wadinga ithuba elihle lokumnikela kubo lingekho ixuku. Lwaselufika usuku lwesinkwa esingelamvubelo, okwakumele kuhlatshwe ngalo iphasika. Wasethuma uPetro loJohane, esithi: Hambani li ye silungisela iphasika, ukuze sidle. Basebesithi kuye: Uthanda ukuthi silungise ngaphi? Wasesithi kubo: Khangelani, kuzakuthi selingenile emzini, umuntu uzahlangana lani ethwele imbiza yamanzi; limlandele endlini azangena kuyo. Beselisithi kumninindlu: Uthi uMfundisi kuwe: Ingaphi indlu yezihambi, lapho engingadlela khona iphasika labafundi bami? Yena-ke uzalitshengisa indlu enkulu ephezulu eyendlelweyo; lilungise khona. Bahamba-ke bafica njengokutsho kwakhe kubo; basebelungisa iphasika. Kwathi selifikile ihola, wahlala phansi. Wasesithi kubo: Ngokunxwanela nginxwanele ukudla lani leliphasika ngingakahlupheki; ngoba ngithi kini: Kangisoze ngidle futhi kulo, lize ligcwaliseke. Wasethatha inkezo, esebongile wathi: Thathani lokhu, beselisabelana; ngoba ngithi kini: Kangisoze nginathe okwesithelo sevini, kuze kufike umbuso kaNkulunkulu. Wasethatha isinkwa. Ngokunjalo lenkezo emva kokudla, esithi: Inkezo le iyisivumelwano esitsha egazini lami, elichithelwa lina. Kodwa khangelani, isandla songinikelayo silami etafuleni. Ngoba isibili iNdodana yomuntu ihamba; kodwa maye kulowomuntu enikelwa nguye! Bona basebeqala ukubuzana ukuthi kambe ngubani kubo ozakwenza lokho. Kwavela lokuphikisana phakathi kwabo. Wasesithi kubo: Amakhosi abezizwe azibusa ngobulukhuni, leziphathamandla zazo zithiwa ngabasizi. Kodwa lina kakungabi njalo; kodwa omkhulu phakathi kwenu, longumkhokheli njengosebenzayo. Ngoba nguwuphi omkhulu. Lina-ke liyibo ababehlezi lami ezilingweni zami; njalo mina ngilimisele, ukuthi lidle linathe etafuleni lami embusweni wami. INkosi yasisithi: Simoni, Simoni, khangela, uSathane ulifunisisile; kodwa mina ngikukhulekele. Kodwa wathi kuye: Nkosi, lentolongweni. Kodwa yena wathi: Ngiyakutshela, Petro, iqhude kaliyikukhala lamuhla, ungakaphiki kathathu ukuthi uyangazi. Wasesithi kubo: Mhla ngilithuma, laswela yini ulutho? Basebesithi: Kakulalutho. Wasesithi kubo: Kodwa khathesi lowo olomxhaka ka wu thathe, ngokunjalo lesikhwama; lalowo ongelakho, athengise isembatho sakhe, athenge inkemba. Ngoba ngithi kini, kusamele kugcwaliseke kimi lokhu okulotshiweyo, ukuthi: Wabalwa kanye lezoni. Basebesithi: Nkosi, khangela, nanzi inkemba ezimbili. Wasesithi kubo: Kwanele. Wasephuma; labafundi bakhe bamlandela. Esefikile kuleyondawo, wathi kubo. Yena wasemonyuka kubo okungaba libangalokuphosa ilitshe, waguqa phansi ngamadolo wakhuleka, esithi: Baba, uba uthanda, susa linkezo kimi; kodwa-ke kungenziwa intando yami, kodwa eyakho. Kwabonakala kuye ingilosi evela ezulwini imqinisa. Esesesizini olunzima, wakhuleka kakhulu. Njalo izithukuthuku zakhe zaba njengamathonsi egazi zawela emhlabathini. Esesukumile emkhulekweni, weza kubafundi bakhe, wabafica belele ngenxa yokudabuka, wasesithi kubo: Lilaleleni? Vukani likhuleke, ukuze lingangeni ekulingweni. Kwathi esakhuluma, khangela, ixuku, lalowo okuthiwa nguJudasi, omunye wabalitshumi lambili, ehamba phambi kwabo, wasesondela kuJesu ukumanga. Kodwa uJesu wathi kuye: Judasi, uyayinikela yini iNdodana yomuntu ngokuyanga? Kwathi labo ababengakuye sebebona okuzakwenzeka bathi kuye: Nkosi, sigadle yini ngenkemba? Omunye wabo wasegadla inceku yompristi omkhulu, waquma indlebe yayo yokunene. Kodwa uJesu waphendula wathi: Yekelani kuze kube yilokhu. Wasethinta indlebe yayo, wayisilisa. UJesu wasesithi kubapristi abakhulu lezinduna zethempeli labadala ababeze kuye: Liphume njengokuyamelana lomphangi yini lilezinkemba lezinduku? Nxa bengilani insuku ngensuku ethempelini, kalelulanga izandla ukumelana lami; kodwa leli lihola lenu. Sebembambile ba m qhuba, bamusa endlini yompristi omkhulu. Sebebasile umlilo, sebehlezi phansi ndawonye, uPetro wahlala phakathi kwabo. Kodwa incekukazi ethile imbona ehlezi emlilweni, yamjolozela, yathi: Lumuntu laye ube laye. Kodwa wamphika, wathi: Mama, kangimazi. Emva kwesikhatshana omunye: Lawe ungomunye wabo. Kodwa uPetro wathi: Ndoda, kangisu ye. Sekungaba kwedlule ihola elilodwa, omunye waqinisa, esithi: Isibili laye ube laye; ngoba futhi ungumGalili. Kodwa uPetro wathi: Ndoda, kangazi ukuthi uthini. Njalo khonokho esakhuluma lakhala iqhude. INkosi yasiphenduka yamkhangela uPetro. UPetro wasephuma phandle wakhala ngokubabayo. Lamadoda ayembambile uJesu. Amembesa, amtshaya ubuso, asembuza, esithi: Profetha! Ngubani okutshayileyo? Akhuluma lezinye izinto ezinengi kuye ehlambaza. Kwathi sekusile, bathi: Uba unguKristu, sitshele. Wasesithi kubo: Uba ngilitshela, kalisoze likholwe; njalo uba lami ngilibuza, kalisoze lingiphendule, loba li ngi khulule. Kusukela khathesi iNdodana yomuntu izahlala ngakwesokunene samandla kaNkulunkulu. Basebesithi bonke: Kanti uyiNdodana kaNkulunkulu. Basebesithi: Pho sisafunelani ubufakazi? Ngoba sesizizwele uqobo lwethu emlonyeni wakhe. Kwasekusukuma ixuku labo lonke, lamusa kuPilatu. Baqala ukummangalela, besithi: Simficile lo eduhisa isizwe. UPilatu wasembuza? Wasemphendula wathi: Uyatsho wena. Wasesithi uPilatu kubapristi abakhulu lemaxukwini: Kangitholi cala kulumuntu. Kodwa baqinisa, besithi: Udunga abantu, efundisa kuyo yonke iJudiya. Lapho uPilatu esizwa kuthiwaiGalili wabuza ukuthi lumuntu ungumGalili yini. Kwathi esezwile ukuthi ungowombuso kaHerodi. Kwathi uHerodi embona uJesu wathokoza kakhulu; ngoba wayekade ethanda ukumbona. Wambuza ngamazwi amanengi; kodwa yena kamphendulanga lutho. Abapristi abakhulu lababhali babemi, bemmangalela ngamandla. UHerodi lamabutho akhe. Ngalolosuku uHerodi kanye loPilatu baba ngabangane omunye komunye; ngoba ngaphambi kwalokhu babelobutha phakathi kwabo. UPilatu wasebizela ndawonye abapristi abakhulu lababusi labantu, wathi kubo: Limlethile kimi lumuntu; hatshi ngitsho loHerodi; ngoba ngilithumeze kuye, njalo khangelani, kakulalutho olufanele ukufa olwenziwe nguye. Ngakho ngizamtshaya ngi m khulule. Kwakufanele ukuthi abakhululele abe munye ngomkhosi. Bamemeza bonke kanyekanye besithi: Msuse lo, usikhululele uBarabasi (owayephoselwe entolongweni ngenxa yomvukela othile owenzeka phakathi komuzi langenxa yokubulala). Ngakho uPilatu wabuya wakhuluma labo, efuna ukumkhulula uJesu. Kodwa bamemeza, besithi: Bethela, mbethele! Wasesithi kubo ngokwesithathu: Ngoba lo enze bubi bani. Kodwa baqinisa ngamazwi amakhulu, befuna ukuthi abethelwe; lamazwi abo lawabapristi abakhulu aphumelela. UPilatu wasequma ukuthi kwenziwe isicelo sabo. Wasebakhululela lowo ababemcelile owayephoselwe entolongweni ngenxa yomvukela lokubulala. Kwathi sebemqhuba, babamba uSimoni othile umKurene owayevela emaphandleni, bamethesa isiphambano, ukuthi asi thwale ngemva kukaJesu. Laselimlandela ixuku elikhulu labantu, labesifazana labo ababekhala bemlilela. Kodwa uJesu ephendukela kubo wathi: Madodakazi eJerusalema, lingangikhaleli mina, kodwa zikhaleleni lina labantwana benu, ngoba khangelani, ziyeza insuku abazakutsho ngazo ukuthi: Zibusisiwe inyumba, lezizalo ezingazalanga, lamabele angamunyisanga. Khona bezaqalisa ukuthi ezintabeni: Welani phezu kwethu; lemaqaqeni: Sisibekeleni. Ngoba uba besenza lezizinto esihlahleni esimanzi? Kwaqhutshwa labanye abenzi bobubi ababili. Sebefikile endaweni ethiwa luKhakhayi, bambethela khona. UJesu wasesithi: Baba. Labantu bema babukela. Labebutho bamklolodela, besithi: Uba wena uyiNkosi yamaJuda, zisindise wena. Kwakukhona lombhalo ngaphezu kwakhe. Lomunye wabenzi bobubi ababelengisiwe. Kodwa omunye waphendula emkhuza, esithi: Wena kawumesabi yini uNkulunkulu, lokhu lawe ukulokhukulahlwa? Thina kambe kusilungele, ngoba semukela okulingene ukwenza kwethu; kodwa lo kenzanga lutho olungafanelanga. Wasesithi kuJesu: Ungikhumbule, Nkosi, lapha ufika embusweni wakho. UJesu wasesithi kuye: Ngiqinisile ngithi kuwe: Lamuhla uzakuba lami eParadise. Kwakungaba lihola lesithupha, kwaba khona ubumnyama phezu komhlaba wonke kwaze kwaba lihola lesificamunwemunye, futhi ilanga lalifiphaziwe. UJesu wasememeza ngelizwi elikhulu esithi. Kwathi induna yekhulu isibonile okwenzekileyo, isithi: Isibili lumuntu ubelungile. Lamaxuku wonke ayebuthene ukubukela lokho, sebebonile izinto ezenzekileyo, babuyela bezitshaya izifuba. Bonke abazana laye, bema khatshana, bebona lezizinto. Njalo khangela, indoda ethiwa nguJosefa; yena wayengavumelananga lecebo lesenzo sabo; waye vela eArimathiya umuzi wamaJuda, laye ngokwakhe; lowo wasuka waya kuPilatu wacela isidumbu sikaJesu. Wasesethula wasigoqela ngelembu elicolekileyo, wasibeka engcwabeni elaligujwe edwaleni, lapho okwakungazanga kubekwe khona umuntu. Kwakulusuku lwamalungiselelo, lesabatha. Labesifazana, ababeze laye bevela eGalili. Basebebuyela emuva balungisa amakha lamagcobo. Kodwa ngo sukulokuqala lweviki. Bafica ilitshe ligiqiwe lasuswa engcwabeni. Kuthe bengena kabasitholanga isidumbu seNkosi uJesu. Kwasekusithi bedidekile kakhulu ngalokhu; njalo besesaba, bakhothamisa ubuso emhlabathini, athi kubo: Lidingelani ophilayo kwabafileyo? Kakho lapha, kodwa uvukile; khumbulani ukuthi wakhuluma njani kini, eseseGalili, esithi: INdodana yomuntu imele ukunikelwa ezandleni zabantu abayizoni, ibethelwe. Basebewakhumbula amazwi akhe. Sebebuyile bevela engcwabeni, babika konke lokhu kwabalitshumi lanye lakubo bonke abanye. KwakunguMariya Magadalena. Kodwa amazwi abo akhanya kibo njengokukhuluma okuyize, futhi kabaze bawakholwa. Kodwa uPetro wasukuma wagijimela engcwabeni. Futhi khangela, ngalona lolosuku ababili babo babehamba besiya emzaneni, obizo lawo yiEmawusi. Njalo bona babekhulumisana ngazo zonke lezizinto ezenzekileyo. Kwasekusithi bekhulumisana bebuzana, uJesu uqobo wasondela wahamba kanye labo, kodwa amehlo abo ayebanjiwe ukuze bangamazi. Wasesithi kubo: Ngamazwi bani la elikhulumisana ngawo lihamba, lidanile? Omunye, obizo lakhe linguKleyopha, wasephendula wathi kuye: Wena nguwe wedwa isihambi eJerusalema, njalo esingaziyo yini izinto ezenzekileyo phakathi kwayo kulezinsuku? Wasesithi kubo: Yizinto bani? Basebesithi kuye: Ezimayelana loJesu weNazaretha, obeyindoda umprofethi; lokuthi abapristi abakhulu. Kodwa thina besithemba ukuthi nguye obezakhulula uIsrayeli. Kodwa-ke phezu kwakho konke lokhu lamuhla lusuku lwesithathu selokhu lezizinto zenzakele. Kodwa njalo abesifazana abathile abangakithi basimangalisile; kuthe bengasitholi isidumbu sakhe. Labathile abebelathi baya engcwabeni, bafica kunjalo njengokutsho kwabesifazana labo; kodwa yena kabambonanga. Yena wasesithi kubo: O lina elingelakuqedisisa elilenhliziyo ezivilaphela ukukholwa konke lokho abaprofethi abalitshela khona! UKristu ubengamele yini ukuthi ahlupheke ngalezizinto, abesengena ebukhosini bakhe? Esesusela. Basebesondela emzaneni ababesiya kuwo; yena wasesenza angathi uyedlula. Kodwa bamcindezela, besithi: Hlala lathi, ngoba sekuzakuhlwa. Wangena-ke ukuze ahlale labo. Kwasekusithi ehlezi ekudleni labo, wathatha isinkwa wa si busisa, wa si hlephuna wabanika. Amehlo abo asevuleka. Basebekhulumisana besithi: Kambe inhliziyo zethu bezingavuthi yini phakathi kwethu? Basebesukuma ngalelohola, babuyela eJerusalema, bafica abalitshumi lanye bebuthene ndawonye, besithi: Isibili iNkosi ivukile, ibonwe nguSimoni. Basebelandisa okw enzekileyoendleleni, lokuthi yaziwa njani yibo ekuhlephuneni isinkwa. Besakhuluma lezizinto. Kodwa batshaywa luvalo besaba. Wasesithi kubo: Likhathazekelani, njalo kuvukelani imicabango enhliziyweni zenu? Khangelani izandla zami lenyawo zami, ukuthi yimi uqobo; ngibambani libone. Esekutshilo lokho wabatshengisa izandla lenyawo zakhe. Kodwa belokhu bengakholwa? Bamnika iqatha lenhlanzi eyosiweyo, lohlanga lwenyosi. Wase ku thatha wa ku dla phambi kwabo. Wasesithi kubo: Yila amazwi, engawakhuluma kini ngiseselani okuthi. Wasevula ingqondo yabo, ukuze baqedisise imibhalo; wasesithi kubo: Kulotshiwe kanje, njalo uKristu kumele ahlupheke kanje, njalo kutshunyayelwe ebizweni lakhe ukuphenduka lothethelelo lwezono. Lina-ke lingabafakazi balezizinto. Futhi khangelani, mina ngiyathumela kini isithembiso sikaBaba; kodwa lina hlalani emzini weJerusalema. Wasebakhokhela ephuma phandle baze bafika eBethani; ephakamisa izandla zakhe wababusisa. Kwasekusithi esababusisa, wehlukana labo, wenyukiselwa ezulwini. Basebemkhonza; baqhubeka besethempelini. Ameni. Ekuqaleni. Yena lo wayeloNkulunkulu ekuqaleni. Zonke izinto zenziwa ngaye, njalo ngaphandle kwakhe kakulalutho lolulodwa olwenziwayo lolo olwenziweyo. Impilo yayikuye, lokukhanya kukhanya. Kwavela umuntu ethunywe nguNkulunkulu; yena lo wezela ubufakazi, ukuze afakaze ngokukhanya, ukuze bonke bakholwe ngaye. Yena wayengayisikho ukukhanya, kodwa ukuze afakaze ngokukhanya. Kwakuyikukhanya okuqotho. Wayekhona emhlabeni, njalo umhlaba wenziwa ngaye, kodwa umhlaba kawumazanga. Weza kokwakhe. Kodwa bonke abamemukelayo, wabapha amandla okuthi babe ngabantwana bakaNkulunkulu, labo abakholwa ebizweni lakhe; abazalwa kungeyisikho ngegazi, langentando yenyama. ULizwi. UJohane wafakaza ngaye. Lekugcwaleni kwakhe thina semukele sonke, futhi umusa ngomusa; ngoba umlayo wanikwa ngoMozisi. Kakho. Njalo lobu yibufakazi bukaJohane? Wasevuma, kaphikanga; futhi wavuma wathi: Kangisuye uKristu mina. Bambuza futhi bathi: Kuyini pho? Wena unguElija yini? Wasephendula wathi: Hatshi. Basebesithi kuye: Ungubani? Ukuze sibaphe impendulo abasithumileyo; uthini ngawe? Wathi: Mina ngiyilizwi lomemezayo enkangala. Lalabo ababethunyiwe babevela kubaFarisi. Basebembuza, bathi kuye: Ubhabhathizelani pho? UJohane wabaphendula, wathi: Mina ngibhabhathiza ngamanzi; nguye ozayo emva kwami, ophambi kwami. Lezizinto zenzeka eBethabara. Kusisa uJohane wabona uJesu esiza kuye, wathi: Khangelani iWundlu likaNkulunkulu. Nguye lo mina ebengi li tshela ngaye ukuthi: Emva kwami kuza indoda, eyayikhona phambi kwami. Lami bengingamazi; kodwa ukuze abonakaliswe kuIsrayeli. UJohane wasefakaza. Lami bengingamazi; kodwa owangithumayo ukubhabhathiza ngamanzi, yena wathi kimi: Lowo ozabona uMoya esehlela phezu kwakhe ahlale kuye, nguye obhabhathiza ngoMoya oNgcwele. Mina ngibonile, ngafakaza. Kusisa futhi uJohane wayemi, lababili kubafundi bakhe; wasekhangela uJesu ehambahamba. Abafundi ababili bamuzwa ekhuluma, basebemlandela uJesu. Kwathi uJesu enyemukula ebabona belandela, wathi kibo: Lidingani? Wathi kibo: Wozani libone. Beza babona lapho ayehlala khona; bahlala laye ngalolosuku; kwakungaba lihola letshumi. UAndreya umfowabo kaSimoni Petro wayengomunye wababili ababe ku zwe ngoJohane bamlandela. Yena wathola kuqala umfowabo uqobo uSimoni. Wasemletha kuJesu. UJesu esemkhangele wathi. Kusisa, wathola uFiliphu, wathi kuye: Ngilandela. UFiliphu-ke, emzini wakibo kaAndreya loPetro. UFiliphu wathola uNathaniyeli. UNathaniyeli wasesithi kuye: Kambe kungavela okuhle eNazaretha? UFiliphu wathi kuye: Woza ubone. UJesu wabona uNathaniyeli esiza kuye, wathi ngaye: Khangelani umIsrayeli uqobo. UNathaniyeli wathi kuye: Ungazela ngaphi? UJesu waphendula wathi kuye: UFiliphu engakakubizi, ungaphansi komkhiwa, ngakubona. UNathaniyeli waphendula wathi kuye: Rabi. UJesu waphendula wathi kuye: Uyakholwa ngoba ngithe kuwe, bengikubona ungaphansi komkhiwa. Uzabona izinto ezinkulu kulalezi. Wasesithi kuye: Ngiqinisile, ngiqinisile, ngithi kini: Kusukela khathesi. Kwathi ngosuku lwesithathu kwaba khona umtshado; lonina kaJesu wayekhona lapho; njalo uJesu laye wayenxusiwe labafundi bakhe. Kwathi iwayini selisweleka, unina kaJesu wathi kuye: Kabalalo iwayini. UJesu wathi kuye: Mama. Unina wathi kuzinceku: Yenzani loba yikuphi azalitshela khona. Kwakukhona lapho imbiza zamanzi ezamatshe zimiswe njengokokuhlambulula kwamaJuda. UJesu wathi kuzo: Gcwalisani imbiza zamanzi ngamanzi. Zasezizigcwalisa zathi kliki. Wasesithi kuzo: Khanini khathesi, lise kumphathi wokudla. Zasezikusa. Umphathi wokudla, engazi ukuthi livela ngaphi (kodwa inceku ezaziwakhile amanzi zazisazi), umphathi wokudla wabiza umyeni, wasesithi kuye: Wonke umuntu uletha iwayini elimnandi kuqala, kuthi lapho sebenathile kakhulu, abese lethaelibi; wena ugcinile iwayini elimnandi kwaze kwaba khathesi. Lokho kuyikuqala kwezibonakaliso uJesu akwenza eKana yeGalili; labafundi bakhe bakholwa kuye. Emva kwalokho wehlela eKapenawume, labafundi bakhe; njalo bahlala khona kungeyisikho okwensuku ezinengi. Iphasika lamaJuda laselisondele. Wafica ethempelini labo abathengisa inkabi lezimvu lamajuba, labantshintshi bemali behlezi. Esenze isiswepu sezintambo wabaxotsha bonke ethempelini, izimvu kanye lenkabi; wachitha imali yabantshintshisayo, wagenqula amatafula; wasesithi kwabathengisa amajuba: Susani lezizinto lapha; lingayenzi indlu kaBaba indlu yokuthengisela. Abafundi bakhe basebekhumbula ukuthi kulotshiwe ukuthi: Ukutshisekela indlu yakho kungidlile. Ngakho amaJuda aphendula athi kuye? UJesu waphendula wathi kuwo: Dilizani. AmaJuda asesithi: Okweminyaka engamatshumi amane lesithupha lelithempeli lakhiwa, wena-ke uzalivusa ngensuku ezintathu yini? Kodwa yena wayekhuluma ngethempeli lomzimba wakhe. Ngakho, kwathi esevukile kwabafileyo, abafundi bakhe bakhumbula ukuthi wayekutshilo lokhu kubo. Njalo kwathi eseJerusalema ngephasika, emkhosini, abanengi bakholwa ebizweni lakhe, bebona izibonakaliso zakhe azenzayo; kodwa uJesu ngokwakhe kazinikelanga yena kubo, ngoba yena wayebazi bonke, langenxa yokuthi wayengasweli ukuthi loba ngubani afakaze ngomuntu; ngoba yena wayekwazi okusemuntwini. Kwakukhona-ke umuntu wakubaFarisi, nguNikodima ibizo lakhe; lo weza kuJesu. UJesu waphendula wathi kuye: Ngiqinisile, ngiqinisile, ngithi kuwe: Ngaphandle kokuthi umuntu azalwe, angewubone umbuso kaNkulunkulu. UNikodima wathi kuye: Umuntu angazalwa njani esemdala? Angangena yini ngokwesibili esiswini sikanina azalwe? UJesu waphendula wathi: Ngiqinisile, ngiqinisile, ngithi kuwe: Uba umuntu engazalwanga ngamanzi, angengene embusweni kaNkulunkulu. Lokho okuzelwe yinyama kuyinyama; lalokho okuzelwe nguMoya kungumoya. Ungamangali ukuthi ngithe kuwe: Kufanele ukuthi lizalwe ngokutsha. Umoya uphephethela lapho othanda khona, uyawuzwa umdumo wawo, kodwa kawazi lapho ovela khona lalapho oya khona; unjalo wonke ozelwe nguMoya. UNikodima waphendula wathi kuye: Lezizinto zingenzeka njani? UJesu waphendula wathi kuye: Wena ungumfundisi wakoIsrayeli, kodwa kawuzazi lezizinto yini? Ngiqinisile, ngiqinisile, ngithi kuwe: Sikhuluma esikwaziyo, sifakaze esikubonileyo. Nxa ngilitshelile izinto zomhlaba njalo lingakholwa, lizakholwa njani, uba ngilitshela izinto zezulwini? Njalo kakho owake wenyukela ezulwini. Futhi njengoba uMozisi waphakamisa inyoka enkangala; ukuze wonke okholwa kuyo angabhubhi. Ngoba uNkulunkulu wawuthanda umhlaba ngokunjalo. Ngoba uNkulunkulu kayithumanga iNdodana yakhe emhlabeni. Okholwa kiyo kalahlwa. Ukulahlwa kuyilokhu, ukuthi ukukhanya kufikile emhlabeni. Ngoba wonke. Kodwa owenza iqiniso uyeza ekukhanyeni, ukuze imisebenzi yakhe ibonakale, ukuthi yenziwe kuNkulunkulu. Emva kwalezizinto uJesu weza elizweni leJudiya. UJohane laye wayebhabhathiza eEnoni. Ngoba uJohane wayengakaphoselwa entolongweni. Kwasekusiba khona ukuphikisana phakathi kwabafundi bakaJohane lamaJuda ngokuhlambulula. Basebesiza kuJohane bathi kuye: Rabi, khangela yena uyabhabhathiza, njalo bayeza kuye bonke. UJohane waphendula wathi: Umuntu angemukele ulutho. Lina ngokwenu liyangifakazela ukuthi ngathi: Kangisuye uKristu mina. Olomakoti ungumyeni; ngakho lintokozo yami isiphelele. Umele ukukhula yena, kodwa mina nginciphe. Ovela. Lalokho akubonileyo. Owemukele ubufakazi bakhe uphawulile. Ngoba lowo uNkulunkulu amthumileyo, ukhuluma amazwi kaNkulunkulu. UYise uyayithanda iNdodana. Yena okholwa eNdodaneni ulempilo elaphakade; kodwa yena ongakholwayo eNdodaneni, kayikubona impilo, kodwa ulaka lukaNkulunkulu luhlezi phezu kwakhe. Kwathi-ke iNkosi isisazi ukuthi abaFarisi sebezwile ukuthi uJesu wenza wabhabhathiza abafundi abanengi kuloJohane, lanxa uJesu ngokwakhe wayengabhabhathizi, kodwa abafundi bakhe, wasuka eJudiya. Kodwa kwakumele. Wafika-ke emzini weSamariya okuthiwa yiSikari; lomthombo kaJakobe wawulapho. Ngakho uJesu ekhathele ngohambo. Kwafika owesifazana evela eSamariya ukuzakukha amanzi; uJesu wathi kuye: Nginathisa (ngoba abafundi bakhe babehambile baya emzini, ukuze bathenge ukudla). Ngakho owesifazana umSamariya wathi kuye: Kungani wena ungumJuda ucela ukunatha kimi, owesifazana ongumSamariya? Ngoba amaJuda awalabudlelwano lamaSamariya. UJesu waphendula wathi kuye: Aluba ubusazi isipho sikaNkulunkulu, lokuthi ungubani othi kuwe: Nginathisa; ubuzacela kuye, njalo ubezakunika amanzi aphilayo. Owesifazana wathi kuye: Nkosi, kawulalutho lokukha, lomgodi uyatshona; uwathethe ngaphi pho amanzi aphilayo? Wena umkhulu yini kulobaba wethu uJakobe, owasinika umgodi, wanatha kuwo yena, labantwana bakhe, lemihlambi yakhe? UJesu waphendula wathi kuye: Wonke onatha lamanzi, uzakoma futhi; kodwa loba ngubani onatha amanzi mina engizamnika wona, kasoze ome kuze kube laphakade. Owesifazana wathi kuye: Nkosi, ngipha lawomanzi, ukuze ngingomi, ngingabe ngiseza lapha ukukha. UJesu wathi kuye: Hamba, ubize umkakho, uze lapha. Owesifazana waphendula wathi: Kangilandoda. UJesu wathi kuye: Utsho kuhle ukuthi: Kangilandoda; ngoba usuke waba lamadoda amahlanu, le olayo khathesi kayisiyo indoda yakho; lokhu ukutsho uqinisile. Owesifazana wathi kuye: Nkosi, ngiyabona ukuthi wena ungumprofethi. Obaba bethu babekhonza kulintaba. UJesu wathi kuye: Mama, kholwa kimi, ukuthi ihola liyeza. Lina likhonza elingakwaziyo. Kodwa ihola liyeza njalo seliyilo. UNkulunkulu unguMoya. Owesifazana wathi kuye: Ngiyazi ukuthi uMesiya uyeza okuthiwa nguKristu. UJesu wathi kuye: Mina nginguye, okhuluma lawe. Kwathi ngalesosikhathi bafika abafundi bakhe, bamangala ukuthi wayekhuluma lowesifazana; kodwa kakho owathi: Udingani? Kumbe: Ukhulumani laye? Ngakho owesifazana wasetshiya inkonxa yakhe, wasesuka waya emzini, wathi ebantwini: Wozani, libone umuntu, ongitshele konke engakwenzayo? Ngakho baphuma emzini, beza kuye. Kusenjalo abafundi bamncenga besithi: Rabi. Kodwa wathi kubo: Mina ngilokudla engikudlayo lina elingakwaziyo. Basebekhulumisana abafundi besithi: Kambe ukhona omlethele ukudla? UJesu wathi kubo: Ukudla kwami. Kalitsho yini ukuthi: Kuseselenyanga ezine ukuthi kufike ukuvuna? Khangelani, ngithi kini: Phakamisani amehlo enu. Njalo ovunayo wemukela umvuzo. Ngoba kulokhu ilizwi liqinisile elokuthi: Omunye ngohlanyelayo, lomunye ngovunayo. Mina ngalithuma ukuvuna. Njalo amaSamariya amanengi akulowomuzi akholwa kuye ngenxa yelizwi lowesifazana. Kwathi esefikile kuye amaSamariya, amncenga ukuthi ahlale lawo. Abanengi bengezelelwa bakholwa ngenxa yelizwi lakhe. Basebesithi kowesifazana: Kasisakholwa ngenxa yokutsho kwakho; ngoba sesizizwele thina, siyazi ukuthi oqotho lo unguMsindisi womhlaba, uKristu. Kwathi emva kwensuku ezimbili wasuka lapho; ngoba uJesu ngokwakhe wafakaza ukuthi umprofethi kaladumo elizweni lakibo. Wathi esefikile eGalili, amaGalili amemukela. UJesu wafika-ke futhi eKana yeGalili. Esezwile ukuthi uJesu u se fikile eGalili evela eJudiya, ngoba yayisizaphela. Ngakho uJesu wathi kuye: Ngaphandle kokuthi, kalisoze likholwe. Owesikhosini wathi kuye: Nkosi, yehla. UJesu wathi kuye: Hamba; indodana yakho iyaphila. Umuntu wasekholwa ilizwi uJesu alikhuluma laye, wasuka wahamba. Kwathi esesehla, inceku zakhe zamhlangabeza, zabika zathi: Umntanakho uyaphila. Wasezibuza ihola aqale ngalo ukuba ngcono. Zasezisithi kuye: Izolo ngehola lesikhombisa uqhuqho lumyekele. Ngakho uyise wazi ukuthi kwaku ngalelohola uJesu athi ngalo kuye: Indodana yakho iyaphila; wasekholwa yena lendlu yakhe yonke. UJesu waphinda wakwenza lokhu kwaba yisibonakaliso sesibili. Emva kwalezizinto kwaba khona umkhosi wamaJuda. Kwakukhona-ke lapho eJerusalema eduze lesangolezimvu ichibi, elithiwa ngesiHebheru iBethesda, lilamakhulusi amahlanu. Kwakulele kuwo ixuku elikhulu labagulayo, eleziphofu, eleziqhuli, elabatshwabheneyo, belindele ukuzanyanzanyiswa kwamanzi. Ngoba ingilosi yayisehlela echibini ngezikhathi ezithile, izamazamise amanzi; kuthi lowo ongene kuqala emva kokuzanyazanyiswa kwamanzi, asiliswe, loba yisiphi isifo ebesimbambile. Njalo kwakukhona lapho umuntu othile owayelesifo okweminyaka engamatshumi amathathu leyisificaminwembili. Kwathi uJesu embona elele, esazi ukuthi ulesikhathi eside enjalo, wathi kuye: Uyafuna ukuthi uphile yini? Ogulayo wamphendula wathi: Nkosi, kangilamuntu wokungifaka echibini, nxa amanzi ezanyazanyiswa; kuthi nxa ngizayo mina, kwehle omunye phambi kwami. UJesu wathi kuye: Sukuma, uthathe icansi lakho, uhambe. Lowomuntu wahle waphila, wathatha icansi lakhe wahamba. Njalo kwakulisabatha mhlalokho. Ngakho amaJuda athi kosilisiweyo: Kulisabatha. Wawaphendula wathi: Ongiphilisileyo, yena uthe kimi: Thatha icansi lakho uhambe. Ngakho ambuza: Ngubani umuntu othe kuwe: Thatha icansi lakho uhambe? Kodwa osilisiweyo wayengamazi ukuthi ungubani; ngoba uJesu wayesesithele, ngoba kukhona ixuku kuleyondawo. Emva kwalezizinto uJesu wamfica ethempelini, wasesithi kuye: Khangela usuphilile; ungabe usona futhi. Umuntu wasuka, watshela amaJuda ukuthi nguJesu owayemenze waphila. Njalo ngenxa yalokhu amaJuda amzingela uJesu. Kodwa uJesu wawaphendula wathi. Ngenxa yalokhu-ke amaJuda. UJesu wasephendula wathi kubo. Ngoba uYise uyayithanda iNdodana, uyayitshengisa konke akwenzayo yena. Ngoba njengalokhu uYise evusa abafileyo abaphilise ukubaphilisa. Ngoba loYise kahluleli muntu, kodwa unike iNdodana konke; ukuze bonke badumise iNdodana, njengalokhu bedumisa uYise. Ngiqinisile, ngiqinisile, ngithi kini: Olizwayo ilizwi lami, akholwe kuye ongithumileyo, ulempilo elaphakade; njalo kangeni ekulahlweni. Ngiqinisile, ngiqinisile, ngithi kini: Ihola liyeza, njalo selikhona. Ngoba njengoba uYise elempilo ngokwakhe, kunjalo uyinikile layo iNdodana ukuthi ibe lempilo ngokwayo; njalo uyiphile. Lingamangali ngalokhu, babesebephuma. Mina ngingenze lutho ngokwami. Aluba ngizifakazela mina, ubufakazi bami abusiloqiniso. Ukhona omunye ongifakazelayo mina. Lina lathumela kuJohane. Kodwa mina kangibemukeli ubufakazi obuvela emuntwini, kodwa ngitsho lezizinto ukuze lina lisindiswe. Yena wayeyisibane. Kodwa mina ngilobufakazi obukhulu kulo buka Johane. Laye uBaba ongithumileyo, njalo kalilalizwi lakhe elihlala phakathi kwenu, ngoba amthumileyo yena, lowo lina kalimkholwa. Hlolani imibhalo, ngoba lina licabanga ukuthi lilempilo elaphakade kiyo; kodwa kalivumi ukuza kimi, ukuze libe lempilo. Angemukeli udumo ebantwini; kodwa ngiyalazi lina. Mina ngizile ebizweni likaBaba, kodwa kalingemukeli. Lingakholwa njani lina, nxa lisemukela udumo omunye komunye? Lingacabangi ukuthi mina ngizalimangalela kuBaba. Ngoba uba belikholwa uMozisi, belizakholwa mina; ngoba yena wabhala ngami. Kodwa uba lingakholwa imibhalo yakhe? Emva kwalezizinto uJesu wasuka waya. Laselimlandela ixuku elikhulu, ngoba babebone izibonakaliso zakhe azenza kulabo abagulayo. UJesu wasesenyukela entabeni. Iphasika, umkhosi wamaJuda, laselisondele. Kwathi uJesu ephakamisa amehlo, wasebona ixuku elikhulu lisiza kuye: Sizathenga ngaphi izinkwa, ukuze laba badle? Njalo watsho lokhu emhlola, ngoba yena wayekwazi azakwenza. UFiliphu wamphendula wathi: Izinkwa zabodenariyo abangamakhulu amabili zingebanele, ukuthi wonke ngamunye wabo azuze ingcosana. Omunye wabafundi bakhe, uAndreya umfowabo kaSimoni Petro, wathi kuye: Kukhona umfanyana lapha, olezinkwa ezinhlanu zebhali lenhlanzana ezimbili; kodwa ziyini kwabanengi kangaka? Kodwa uJesu wathi: Hlalisani abantu phansi. Kwakukhona utshani obunengi ku leyo ndawo. UJesu wasezithatha izinkwa, esebongile wazinika abafundi. Bathi sebesuthi, wathi kubafundi bakhe: Buthani imvuthu eziseleyo, ukuze kungachitheki lutho. Basebebutha, bagcwalisa izitsha ezilitshumi lambili ngemvuthu zezinkwa ezinhlanu zebhali, ezasalayo kulabo abadlayo. Kwathi lababantu bebona isimangaliso asenzileyo uJesu, bathi: Ngeqiniso lo nguye umProfethi. Kwathi uJesu esazi ukuthi bazakuza bambambe ngamandla. Sekuhlwile, abafundi bakhe behlela elwandle, sebengenile emkhunjini. Kwasekumnyama, uJesu wayengafikanga kubo. Lwaseluvuka ulwandle ngoba umoya olamandla wawuvunguza. Sebegwedlile amastadiyu angaba ngamatshumi amabili lanhlanu, babona uJesu ehamba phezu kolwandle, esondela emkhunjini; basebesethuka. Kodwa wathi kubo: Yimi, lingesabi. Basebevuma ukumemukela emkhunjini; njalo wahle wafika umkhumbi elizweni ababesiya kilo. Kusisa ixuku elalimi ngaphetsheya kolwandle, kodwa abafundi bakhe babehambe bodwa, kodwa imikolo evela eTiberiyasi; ngakho ixuku selibonile ukuthi uJesu wayengekho lapho loba abafundi bakhe, bangena labo emikhunjini, bafika eKapenawume, bedinga uJesu. Bathi sebemtholile ngaphetsheya kolwandle, ufike nini lapha? UJesu wabaphendula wathi: Ngiqinisile, ngiqinisile, ngithi kini: Liyangidinga, kungeyisikho ukuthi labona izibonakaliso, kodwa ngoba ladla izinkwa lasutha. Lingasebenz el i ukudla okuphelayo. Basebesithi kuye: Sizakwenzani, ukuze senze imisebenzi kaNkulunkulu? UJesu waphendula wathi kubo: Lo ngumsebenzi kaNkulunkulu. Ngakho bathi kuye: Pho wena wenza isibonakaliso bani, ukuze sibone sikholwe kuwe? Usebenzani? Obaba bethu badla imana enkangala. UJesu wasesithi kubo: Ngiqinisile, ngiqinisile, ngithi kini: UMozisi kalinikanga isinkwa esivela ezulwini; kodwa uBaba ulinika isinkwa soqobo esivela ezulwini. Ngoba isinkwa sikaNkulunkulu singuye owehla evela ezulwini esinika impilo emhlabeni. Basebesithi kuye: Nkosi, sinike lesosinkwa njalonjalo. UJesu wasesithi kubo: Mina. Kodwa ngithe kini: Lani lingibonile, kodwa kalikholwa. Bonke uBaba anginika bona bazakuza kimi. Ngoba ngehlile ezulwini. Lalokhu kuyintando kaBaba ongithumileyo, ukuze konke anginike khona. Lalokhu kuyintando yongithumileyo, ukuthi wonke obona iNdodana. Ngalokho amaJuda akhonona ngaye. Athi-ke: Lo kayisuye yini uJesu indodana kaJosefa? UJesu wasephendula wathi kuwo: Lingakhononi phakathi kwenu. Kakho ongeza kimi, ngaphandle kokuthi uBaba ongithumileyo amdonse. Kulotshiwe kubaprofethi. Kayisikho ukuthi ukhona obone uBaba, yena umbonile uBaba. Ngiqinisile, ngiqinisile, ngithi kini: Okholwayo kimi, ulempilo elaphakade. Mina ngiyisinkwa sempilo. Oyihlo badla imana enkangala, futhi bafa; lesi yisinkwa esehla sivela ezulwini. Mina ngiyisinkwa esiphilayo. AmaJuda? Ngakho uJesu wathi kuwo: Ngiqinisile, ngiqinisile, ngithi kini: Ngaphandle kokuthi lidle inyama yeNdodana yomuntu. Odla inyama yami anathe igazi lami, ulempilo elaphakade. Ngoba inyama yami iyikudla oqotho, legazi lami lingokunathwayo oqotho. Odla inyama yami anathe igazi lami, uhlala kimi, lami kuye. Njengalokhu uBaba ophilayo engithumile, lami ngiphila ngoBaba. Lesi yisinkwa. Watsho lezizinto esinagogeni efundisa eKapenawume. Kwathi abanengi kubafundi bakhe besizwa bathi? Kodwa uJesu esazi phakathi kwakhe ukuthi abafundi bakhe bayasola ngalokhu? Pho, lizathiniuba libona iNdodana yomuntu? KunguMoya ophilisayo, inyama kayisizi lutho. Kodwa bakhona abanye kini abangakholwayo. Wasesithi: Kungenxa yalokhu ngithe kini: Kakho ongeza kimi, ngaphandle kokuthi ekunikwe nguBaba. Kusukela lapho abanengi babafundi bakhe babuyela emuva, kababe besahamba laye. UJesu wasesithi kwabalitshumi lambili: Lani lithanda ukuzihambela yini? USimoni Petro wasemphendula wathi: Nkosi, sizakuya kubani, njalo thina siyakholwa, sesisazi ukuthi wena unguKristu iNdodana. UJesu wabaphendula wathi: Mina kangilikhethanga yini? Wayekhuluma ngoJudasi Iskariyothi kaSimoni. Njalo emva kwalezizinto uJesu wabhoda eGalili; ngoba wayengathandi ukubhoda eJudiya. Wawusondele umkhosi wamaJuda wokwakha amadumba. Ngakho abafowabo bathi kuye: Suka lapha, uye eJudiya. Ngoba kakho owenza ulutho ensitha, kodwa yena ngokwakhe edinga ukuba sobala. Uba uzenza lezizinto, ziveze wena emhlabeni. Ngoba labafowabo. Ngakho uJesu wathi kubo: Isikhathi sami kasikafiki, kodwa esenu isikhathi sihlala silungile. Ungelizonde umhlaba lina; kodwa uyangizonda, ngoba mina ngifakaza ngawo. Yenyukelani lina emkhosini lo; mina angikenyukeli kulumkhosi. Esetshilo lezizinto kubo, wahlala eGalili. Kodwa sebenyukile, laye wasesenyukela emkhosini, kungeyisikho obala, kodwa kungathi ku sensitha. AmaJuda, athi: Ungaphi yena? Kwakukhona ukukhonona okukhulu ngaye phakathi kwamaxuku. Loba kunjalo kwakungekho muntu owakhuluma obala ngaye ngokwesaba. Kuthe sekuphakathi komkhosi, uJesu wenyukela. AmaJuda: Lo uyazi njani imibhalo, engafundanga? UJesu wawaphendula wathi: Imfundiso yami kayisiyo eyami kodwa ngeyalowo ongithumileyo. Uba umuntu ethanda ukwenza intando yakhe, uzakwazi ngemfundiso, ukuthi ivela kuNkulunkulu, kumbe ngizikhulumela mina ngokwami. Ozikhulumela ngokwakhe, uzidingela udumo lwakhe. Kalinikanga yini uMozisi umlayo? Ixuku laphendula lathi: Uledimoni? UJesu waphendula wathi kubo: Ngenze umsebenzi owodwa, njalo lonke liyamangala. Ngakho uMozisi walinika ukusoka (kungeyisikho ukuthi kwavela kuMozisi. Uba ngesabatha umuntu esemukela ukusoka, ukuze kungephulwa umlayo kaMozisi? Lingahluleli ngokubona, kodwa yahlulelani ukwahlulela okuqondileyo. Abanye kwabeJerusalema basebesithi: Lo kayisuye yini abadinga ukumbulala? Kodwa khangela ukhuluma obala, kodwa kabatsho lutho kuye. Kungaba yikuthi ababusi sebesazi oqotho ukuthi lo unguKristu uqobo yini? Kodwa. Ngakho uJesu efundisa ethempelini wamemeza. Kodwa ngiyamazi mina. Ngakho badinga ukumbamba. Kodwa abanengi bexuku bakholwa kuye? AbaFarisi bezwa ixuku likhonona lezizinto ngaye; abapristi abakhulu labaFarisi basebethuma abancedisi ukuze bambambe. UJesu wasesithi kubo: Ngiselani okwesikhatshana. Lizangidinga, linga ngit holi. Ngakho amaJuda akhulumisana athi: Uzakuya ngaphi lo ukuthi thina singayikumthola? Yilizwi bani leli alitshoyo elokuthi: Lizangidinga, aliyiku ngi thola; lelo kuthi: Lapho engikhona mina, lina lingeze leza? Kwathi ngosuku lokucina olukhulu lomkhosi. Okholwa kimi, njengokutsho kombhalo. Lalokhu wakutsho. Ngakho abanengi bexuku besizwa lelilizwi bathi: Oqotho lo ungulowomProfethi. Abanye bathi: Lo unguKristu? Kawutsho yini umbhalo ukuthi uKristu uzavela enzalweni kaDavida? Ngakho kwaba khona ukwehlukana ngaye phakathi kwexuku. Abanye babo bafuna ukumbamba. Khona abancedisi baya kubapristi abakhulu lakubaFarisi? Abancedisi baphendula bathi. AbaFarisi basebebaphendula bathi: Lani seliduhisiwe yini? Ukhona yini? Kodwa lelixuku elingawaziyo umlayo liqalekisiwe. UNikodima, wathi kubo: Kanti umlayo wakithi uyamgweba umuntu ukwazi akwenzayo? Baphendula bathi kuye: Kanti lawe ungoweGalili? Hlolisisa ubone ukuthi kakuvukanga umprofethi eGalili. Ngulowo lalowo wasesuka waya ekhaya. Kodwa uJesu waya entabeni yeMihlwathi. Kwathi ekuseni kakhulu wabuya weza. Ababhali labaFarisi basebeletha kuye owesifazana owayebanjwe efeba, bammisa phakathi, bathi kuye: Mfundisi, lo owesifazana ubanjwe eseqotsheni lo kuphinga; lemlayweni uMozisi; ngakho wena uthini? Kodwa batsho lokhu bemlinga, wenza angathi ka bezwa. Kwathi bephikelela ukumbuza, walulama wathi kubo. Wasebuya ekhothamela phansi wabhala emhlabathini. Kodwa bona, bekuzwa, balahlwa; uJesu wasesala yedwa, lowesifazana emi phakathi. UJesu waseselulama, engaboni muntu ngaphandle kowesifazana, wathi kuye: Mama, bangaphi labo abakumangalelayo? Kakho okulahlayo yini? Wasesithi: Kakho, Nkosi. UJesu wasesithi kuye: Lami kangikulahli. Ngakho uJesu wakhuluma labo futhi wathi: Mina ngiyikukhanya komhlaba. Ngakho abaFarisi bathi kuye: Wena uyazifakazela; ubufakazi bakho kabulaqiniso. UJesu waphendula wathi kubo: Lanxa ngizifakazela mina. Lina lahlulela ngokwenyama. Kodwa uba lami ngisahlulela, ukwahlulela kwami kuqinisile. Njalo emlayweni wenu kulotshiwe ukuthi ubufakazi babantu ababili bungobuqinisileyo. Mina ngingozifakazelayo, loBaba ongithumileyo ufakaza ngami. Ngakho bathi kuye: Ungaphi uYihlo? UJesu waphendula wathi: Kalingazi mina, loba uBaba. UJesu wakhuluma la amazwi endlini yomnikelo. Ngakho uJesu wathi kubo futhi: Ngiyahamba mina, njalo lizangidinga. Ngakho amaJuda athi. Wasesithi kuwo: Lina livela phansi. Ngakho ngithe kini, lizafela ezonweni zenu. Ngakho athi kuye: Wena ungubani? UJesu wasesithi kuwo: Lokho engalitshela khona futhi ekuqaleni. Ngilezinto ezinengi engilokuzikhuluma ngani lokwahlulela ngazo; kodwa ongithumileyo uqinisile. Kawaqedisisanga ukuthi ukhuluma lawo ngoYise. Ngakho uJesu wathi kuwo: Nxa seliyiphakamisile iNdodana yomuntu; njalo yena ongithumileyo ulami. Esakhuluma lezizinto abanengi bakholwa kuye. Ngakho uJesu wathi kumaJuda akholwe kuye: Uba lina lihlala elizwini lami; lizalazi iqiniso. Amphendula athi: Siyinzalo kaAbrahama, kasizanga sibe yizigqili zamuntu? UJesu wawaphendula wathi: Ngiqinisile, ngiqinisile, ngithi kini: Wonke owenza isono uyisigqili sesono. Njalo isigqili kasihlali phakade ekhaya. Ngakho uba iNdodana. Ngiyazi ukuthi liyinzalo. Mina ngikhuluma lokho engikubonileyo kuBaba. Aphendula athi kuye: Ubaba wethu nguAbrahama. Kodwa khathesi lidinga ukungibulala, umuntu olitshele iqiniso; lokho uAbrahama kakwenzanga. Lina lenza imisebenzi kayihlo. Ngakho athi kuye: Kasizalwanga ngobufebe thina. UJesu wathi kuwo: Uba uNkulunkulu ubenguyihlo, belizangithanda. Kungani lingaqedisisi inkulumo yami? Ngoba lingeke lilizwe ilizwi lami. Lina; ngoba engumqambimanga loyise wawo. Mina-ke ngoba ngikhuluma iqiniso, kalingikholwa. Nguwuphi kini? Njalo uba ngilitshela iqiniso, lina kalingikholwa ngani? Yena ongokaNkulunkulu. Ngakho amaJuda aphendula athi kuye? UJesu waphendula wathi: Mina kangiladimoni, kodwa ngiyadumisa uBaba; kodwa lina liyangigcona. Mina-ke kangizidingeli udumo lwami; ukhona odingayo lowahlulelayo. Ngiqinisile, ngiqinisile, ngithi kini: Uba umuntu elondoloza ilizwi lami. Ngakho amaJuda athi kuye: Khathesi sesisazi ukuthi uledimoni. Wena umkhulu yini kulobaba wethu uAbrahama, owafayo? Labaprofethi bafa; uzenza bani wena? UJesu waphendula wathi: Uba ngizidumisa mina, udumo lwami luyize, njalo kalimazanga. Uyihlo uAbrahama wajabula kakhulu ukubona. Ngakho amaJuda athi kuye: Kawukabi leminyaka engamatshumi amahlanu, njalo wena wambona uAbrahama yini? UJesu wathi kuwo: Ngiqinisile, ngiqinisile, ngithi kini: UAbrahama engakabi khona, mina ngikhona. Asedobha amatshe ukuze amjikijele. Wathi esedlula wabona umuntu oyisiphofu kusukela ekuzalweni. Abafundi bakhe basebembuza bathi: Rabi? UJesu waphendula wathi: Konanga lo loba abazali bakhe; kodwa ukuze kubonakaliswe imisebenzi kaNkulunkulu kuye. Kufanele ngisebenze imisebenzi yongithumileyo; ubusuku buyeza, lapho okungekho olakho ukusebenza khona. Ngisekhona emhlabeni, ngiyikukhanya komhlaba. Esetshilo lezizinto, wakhafulela emhlabathini, wenza udaka ngamathe, waninda loludaka emehlweni esiphofu, wasesithi kuso: Hamba uyegeza echibini leSilowama. Ngakho abakhelene laso lalabo ababesibonile ngaphambili ukuthi sasiyisiphofu? Abanye bathi: Lo nguye; kodwa abanye bathi: Unjengaye. Yena wathi: Ngingu ye. Ngakho bathi kuye: Avulwe njani amehlo akho? Yena waphendula wathi: Umuntu othiwa nguJesu wenze udaka, waninda amehlo ami, wathi kimi: Hamba uye echibini leSilowama, ugeze. Njalo ngahamba ngageza, ngabuye ngabona. Ngakho bathi kuye: Ungaphi yena? Wathi: Kangazi. Basebemletha kubaFarisi, lowo owayekade eyisiphofu. Njalo kwakulisabatha mhla uJesu esenza udaka, evula amehlo akhe. AbaFarisi labo basebembuza futhi, ukuthi wemukele njani ukubona. Wasesithi kubo: Ufake udaka emehlweni ami, ngasengigeza, sengibona. Ngakho abanye babaFarisi bathi: Lumuntu kaveli kuNkulunkulu. Baphinda bathi kuso isiphofu: Wena uthini ngaye, lokhu evule amehlo akho? Wasesithi: Ungumprofethi. AmaJuda-ke kawakholwanga ngaye, ukuthi wayeyisiphofu usemukele ukubona, aze abiza abazali bakhe osebuye wabona, asebabuza athi: Lo uyindodana yenu, lina elithi yazalwa iyisiphofu yini? Pho isibona njani khathesi? Abazali bakhe bawaphendula bathi: Siyazi ukuthi lo uyindodana yethu, lokuthi wazalwa eyisiphofu; kodwa ukuthi ubona njani khathesi, kasikwazi; kumbe ngubani ovule amehlo akhe, thina kasikwazi; yena usekhulile; mbuzeni, uzazikhulumela yena. Abazali bakhe batsho lezizinto, ngoba besesaba. Kungakho abazali bakhe bathi: Usekhulile, mbuzeni. Ambiza-ke ngokwesibili lowomuntu owayeyisiphofu, athi kuye: Phana uNkulunkulu udumo. Yena wasephendula esithi: Loba eyisoni kangazi, kunye engikwaziyo, ukuthi bengiyisiphofu, khathesi sengibona. Asesithi kuye futhi: Wenzeni kuwe? Uwavule njani amehlo akho? Wawaphendula wathi: Sengilitshelile, kodwa kalizwanga, lifunelani ukuzwa futhi? Liyafisa lani ukuba ngabafundi bakhe yini? Ngakho amthuka, esithi: Nguwe ongumfundi wakhe; kodwa thina singabafundi bakaMozisi. Thina siyazi ukuthi uNkulunkulu wakhuluma loMozisi; kodwa lo kasimazi lapho avela khona. Umuntu waphendula wathi kuwo: Ngoba kulokhu kuyisimanga ukuthi lina kalimazi lapho avela khona, kanti uvule amehlo ami. Njalo siyazi ukuthi uNkulunkulu kazizwa izoni. Loba nini kakukaze kuzwakale ukuthi kukhona umuntu owavula amehlo owazalwa eyisiphofu. Uba lo. Aphendula athi kuye: Wena wazalelwa esonweni ngokupheleleyo, njalo wena uyasifundisa yini. UJesu wezwa ukuthi amxotshele phandle? Yena waphendula wathi: Ingubani, Nkosi, ukuze ngikholwe kuyo? UJesu wasesithi kuye: Lawe usuyibonile. Wasesithi: Nkosi, ngiyakholwa; wasemkhonza. UJesu wasesithi: Mina ngizele ukwahlulela kulumhlaba, ukuze abangaboniyo babone. Lalabo kubaFarisi ababelaye bezwa lezizinto, bathi kuye: Lathi siyiziphofu yini? UJesu wathi kubo: Uba beliyiziphofu, ngabe kalilasono. Ngiqinisile, ngiqinisile, ngithi kini: Ongangeni ngesango esibayeni sezimvu, kodwa akhwele kwenye indawo, lowo ulisela lomphangi; kodwa ongena ngesango ungumelusi wezimvu. Umlindi wesango uyamvulela, lezimvu ziyalizwa ilizwi lakhe, njalo uyazibiza ezakhe izimvu ngebizo, azikhokhelele phandle. Nxa esezikhuphile ezakhe izimvu, uhamba phambi kwazo; lezimvu zimlandele, ngoba ziyalazi ilizwi lakhe. Kodwa owemzini kazisoze zimlandele, kodwa zizambalekela; ngoba kazilazi ilizwi labemzini. UJesu wakhuluma lumfanekiso kubo. Ngakho uJesu waphinda wathi kubo: Ngiqinisile, ngiqinisile, ngithi kini: Mina ngilisango lezimvu; bonke abake bafika phambi kwami bangamasela labaphangi; kodwa izimvu kazibezwanga. Mina ngilisango; uba umuntu engena ngami, uzasindiswa. Isela kalizi ngaphandle kokuzakweba lokubulala lokubhubhisa; mina ngizile ukuze babe lempilo, babe layoiphuphume. Mina ngingumelusi olungileyo. Kodwa oqatshiweyo. Oqatshiweyo uyabaleka-ke, ngoba engoqatshiweyo, njalo engazikhathaleli izimvu. Mina ngingumelusi olungileyo, ngiyazazi ezami, ngiyaziwa ngezami, njengalokhu uBaba engazi, lami ngiyamazi uBaba. Njalo ngilezinye izimvu. Ngenxa yalokhu uBaba uyangithanda. Kakho ongemuka yona, kodwa mina ngiyibeka phansi ngokwami. Ngilamandla okuyibeka phansi. Ngakho kwaba khona futhi ukwehlukana. Labanengi bawo bathi: Uledimoni? Amanye athi: Lamazwi kawasiwo wongenwe lidimoni? Kwakukhona umkhosi wokuvuselela eJerusalema, kwakusebusika; uJesu wasehambahamba ethempelini ekhulusini likaSolomoni. AmaJuda asemhanqa, athi kuye: Koze kube nini usilibazisa? Uba wena unguKristu, sitshele ngokucacileyo. UJesu wawaphendula wathi: Ngalitshela, kodwa kalikholwanga; kodwa lina kalikholwa; ngoba kalisibo abezimvu zami, njengokutsho kwami kini. Izimvu zami ziyalizwa ilizwi lami, lami ngiyazazi, futhi ziyangilandela; njalo mina ngizinika impilo elaphakade. UBaba; kungekho njalo ongazihluthuna esandleni sikaBaba. Mina loBaba simunye. Ngakho amaJuda. UJesu wawaphendula wathi: Ngilitshengise imisebenzi eminengi emihle evela kuBaba; yiwuphi umsebenzi kuyo elingikhandela wona ngamatshe? AmaJuda amphendula athi: Kasikukhandi ngamatshe ngenxa yomsebenzi omuhle. UJesu wawaphendula wathi: Kakulotshiwe yini emlayweni wenu? Uba wababiza bona ngokuthi ngonkulunkulu, eleza kubo ilizwi likaNkulunkulu, njalo umbhalo ungephulwe, lowo uBaba amehlukanisileyo? Uba ngingenzi imisebenzi kaBaba, kalingakholwa kimi. Kodwa uba ngi y enza, lanxa lingakholwa kimi, kholwani imisebenzi. Ngakho adinga futhi ukumbamba. Wasebuya wasuka waya ngaphetsheya kweJodani; wasehlala khona. Labanengi beza kuye, bathi: UJohane kenzanga sibonakaliso. Abanengi basebekholwa kuye lapho. Kwakukhona-ke othile owayegula othiwanguLazaro. Kwakunguye uMariya owagcoba iNkosi ngamagcobo, wesula inyawo zayo ngenwele zakhe, omnewabo uLazaro wayegula. Ngakho odadewabo bathumela kuye besithi: Nkosi. UJesu esezwile wathi: Lokhu ukugula kakusikho okokufa, kodwa kungokodumo lukaNkulunkulu ukuze iNdodana kaNkulunkulu idunyiswe ngakho. UJesu wayebathanda-ke oMarta lodadewabo loLazaro. Ngakho esezwile ukuthi uyagula, wasehlala insuku ezimbili endaweni lapho ayekhona. Emva kwalokhu wasesithi kubafundi: Asiphinde siye eJudiya. Abafundi bathi kuye: Rabi? UJesu waphendula wathi: Kawakho amahola alitshumi lambili emini yini. Kodwa uba umuntu ehamba ebusuku, uyakhubeka, ngoba ukukhanya kakukho kuye. Wakhuluma lezizinto, emva kwalokhu wasesithi kubo: Umngane wethu uLazaro. Ngakho abafundi bakhe bathi kuye: Nkosi, uba elele, uzaphila. Kodwa uJesu wakhuluma ngokufa kwakhe; kodwa bona bacabanga ukuthi wakhuluma ngokuphumula kobuthongo. Ngakho uJesu wasebatshela ngokucacileyo: ULazaro ufile. Njalo ngiyathokoza ngenxa yenu ukuthi bengingekho lapho, ukuze likholwe; kodwa asiye kuye. Ngakho uTomasi. Kwathi esefika uJesu, wamfica eselensuku ezine engcwabeni. LeBethani yayiseduze leJerusalema, okungaba ngamastadiyu alitshumi lanhlanu ukusuka lapho; labanengi kumaJuda babefikile kuMarta loMariya, ukuze babaduduze ngomnewabo. Ngakho uMarta, esezwile ukuthi uJesu uyeza, wayakumhlangabeza. UMarta wasesithi kuJesu: Nkosi, aluba ubukhona lapha, umnewethu ngabe kafanga; kodwa lakhathesi ngiyazi ukuthi loba yini ongayicela kuNkulunkulu, uNkulunkulu uzakunika yona. UJesu wathi kuye: Umnewenu uzabuya avuke. UMarta wathi kuye: Ngiyazi ukuthi uzabuya avuke ekuvukeni ngosuku lokucina. UJesu wathi kuye: Mina ngiyikuvuka; njalo wonke ophilayo ekholwa kimi, kasoze afe laphakade. Uyakukholwa lokhu yini? Wathi kuye: Yebo, Nkosi; mina ngiyakholwa ukuthi wena unguKristu. Esetshilo lokhu uMarta wasuka, wayabiza udadewabo uMariya ensitha, wathi: UMfundisi ulapha uyakubiza. Yena-ke esezwile lokhu, wahle wasukuma waya kuye. Kodwa uJesu wayengakafiki emzaneni, kodwa wayesendaweni lapho uMarta amhlangabeza khona. Ngakho amaJuda ayesendlini laye emduduza. Kwathi uMariya, esefike lapho uJesu akhona, embona, wawela enyaweni zakhe. Ngakho uJesu wathi embona ekhala, lamaJuda afika laye ekhala, wabubula emoyeni, wazikhathaza, wathi: Limbeke ngaphi? Bathi kuye: Nkosi, woza ubone. UJesu walila. Ngakho amaJuda athi: Khangelani ukuthi ubemthanda njani. Kodwa amanye awo athi: Lo, owavula amehlo esiphofu, ubengekwenze yini ukuthi lalo angafi? Ngakho uJesu ebubula futhi phakathi kwakhe wafika engcwabeni. UJesu wathi: Susani ilitshe. UJesu wathi kuye: Kangitshongo yini kuwe? Balisusa-ke ilitshe, lapho okwakulele khona ofileyo, wathi: Baba, ngiyakubonga ngoba wena ungizwile. Kodwa mina bengisazi ukuthi uyangizwa njalonjalo. Esetshilo lezizinto, wamemeza ngelizwi elikhulu wathi: Lazaro, phuma! Wasephuma owayefile, ebotshiwe izandla lenyawo ngamalembu. Ngakho abanengi kumaJuda, ababeze kuMariya. Kodwa abanye babo baya kubaFarisi, babatshela izinto azenzileyo uJesu. Ngakho abapristi abakhulu labaFarisi, bathi: Sizakwenzani? Ngoba umuntu lo wenza izibonakaliso ezinengi; uba simyekele njalo, bonke bazakholwa kuye. Kodwa omunye wabo, uKayafasi, wathi kubo: Kalazi lutho lina, futhi kalinakani ukuthi kusilungele ukuthi umuntu oyedwa afele abantu, lokuthi isizwe sonke singabhubhi. Kodwa kazitsholongo lokhu ngokwakhe, njalo. Ngakho kusukela kulolosuku benza ndawonye icebo ukuze bambulale. Ngakho uJesu kabesahamba obala phakathi kwamaJuda, wasehlala khona labafundi bakhe. Laselisondele iphasika lamaJuda. Ngakho bamdinga uJesu, bekhulumisana bemi ethempelini besithi: Licabangani? Lithi isibili kayikuza emkhosini yini? Kodwa bonke abapristi abakhulu labaFarisi babekhuphe umlayo wokuthi uba ekhona owaziyo lapho akhona, akubike ukuze bambambe. Kwathi kuselensuku eziyisithupha lingakafiki. Basebemenzela ukudla kwantambama lapho; njalo uLazaro wayengomunye walabo ababehlezi ekudleni laye. UMariya, wesula inyawo zakhe ngenwele zakhe; lendlu yagcwala iphunga lamagcobo. Ngakho omunye wabafundi bakhe, uJudasi Iskariyothi kaSimoni, owayezamnikela, wathi: Kungani amafutha la engathengiswanga ngabodenariyo abangamakhulu amathathu, kwasekunikwa abayanga? Wakutsho-ke lokhu, kungeyisikho ukuthi ekhathalele abayanga, kodwa ngoba wayelisela, wayelesikhwama. UJesu wasesithi: Myekeleni; uwalondolozele usuku lokungcwatshwa kwami. Ngoba abayanga lihlala lilabo, kodwa mina kalihlali lilami. Ngakho ixuku elikhulu lamaJuda lakwazi ukuthi ulapho; laselisiza kungesikuthi ngenxa kaJesu kuphela, kodwa lokuthi babone loLazaro. Abapristi abakhulu; ngoba ngenxa yakhe. Kusisa ixuku elikhulu, lezwa ukuthi uJesu uyeza eJerusalema, bathatha ingatsha zezihlahla zelala, baphuma uku ya mhlangabeza, bamemeza besithi: Hosana! Ubusisiwe ozayo ebizweni leNkosi, iNkosi kaIsrayeli. UJesu wasefica ithole likababhemi, wahlala phezu kwalo, njengokulotshiweyo ukuthi: Ungesabi, ndodakazi yeSiyoni; khangela, inkosi yakho iyeza, ihlezi phezu kwethole likababhemi. Kodwa abafundi bakhe kabaqedisisanga lezizinto ekuqaleni. Ngakho ixuku elalilaye lapho ebiza uLazaro ukuthi aphume engcwabeni, emvusa kwabafileyo, lafakaza. Ngenxa yalokhu ixuku laphuma futhi uku ya mhlangabeza, ngoba lezwa ukuthi wenze lesisibonakaliso. Ngakho abaFarisi bakhulumisana besithi: Liyabona ukuthi kalisizi lutho; khangelani umhlaba uyamlandela. Kwakukhona amaGriki phakathi kwalabo; wona-ke eza kuFiliphu, basebemcela besithi: Nkosi, sithanda ukubona uJesu. UFiliphu weza watshela uAndreya; uAndreya loFiliphu basebetshela uJesu futhi. UJesu wasebaphendula esithi: Ihola selifikile. Ngiqinisile, ngiqinisile, ngithi kini: Ngaphandle kokuthi uhlamvu lwebele luwele emhlabathini lufe, lona luhlala lulodwa; kodwa aluba lusifa, luthela isithelo sande. Yena othanda impilo yakhe uyalahlekelwa yiyo. Uba umuntu engisebenzela, kangilandele; lalapho engikhona mina. Khathesi umphefumulo wami ukhathazekile. Baba, dumisa ibizo lakho. Ngakho ixuku elalimi khonalisizwa lathi kube lomdumo. Abanye bathi: Ingilosi ikhulume laye. UJesu waphendula wathi: Lelilizwi kalizanga ngenxa yami, kodwa ngenxa yenu. Khathesi yisigwebo salumhlaba. Mina-ke nxa ngiphakanyiswa emhlabeni. Watsho-ke lokhu. Ixuku lamphendula lathi: Thina sezwa emlayweni? Ingubani le iNdodana yomuntu? UJesu wasesithi kubo: Kuseyisikhatshana. Liselokukhanya, kholwani kukho ukukhanya, ukuze libe ngabantwana bokukhanya. Lanxa wayenze izibonakaliso ezinengi kangaka phambi kwabo, kabakholwanga kuye; ukuze ligcwaliseke ilizwi likaIsaya umprofethi, alikhulumayo elokuthi: Nkosi, ngubani okholwe ukutshumayela kwethu? Lengalo yeNkosi yembulelwa bani? Ngakho babengelakho ukukholwa, ngoba uIsaya wabuya wathi: Uphumputhekisile amehlo abo. UIsaya wakhuluma lezizinto. Loba kunjalo-ke labanengi bababusi; ngoba bathanda udumo lwabantu kulodumo lukaNkulunkulu. UJesu wasememeza esithi; njalo obona mina, ubona ongithumileyo. Mina ngizile ngiyikukhanya emhlabeni, ukuze wonke okholwa kimi, angahlali emnyameni. Njalo uba ekhona owezwayo amazwi ami angakholwa, mina kangimgwebi. Yena. Ngoba mina kangizikhulumelanga ngokwami. Njalo ngiyazi ukuthi umlayo wakhe uyimpilo elaphakade; ngakho izinto mina engizikhulumayo, njengokutsho kukaBaba kimi, ngokunjalo ngiyazikhuluma. Kwathi ungakafiki umkhosi wephasika. Ukudla kwantambama sekwenziwe, udiyabhola esekufakile enhliziyweni kaJudasi Iskariyothi, uJesu ekwazi ukuthi uYise unikele izinto zonke ezandleni zakhe, wasukuma ekudleni kwantambama. Emva kwalokhu wathela amanzi emganwini, waqala ukugezisa inyawo zabafundi, loku ze sula ngelembu ayezithandele ngalo. Wasefika kuSimoni Petro; yena wasesithi kuye: Nkosi, wena ugezisa inyawo zami yini? UJesu waphendula wathi kuye: Engikwenzayo mina, kawukwazi khathesi, kodwa uzakwazi emva kwalezizinto. UPetro wathi kuye: Kawusoze ugezise inyawo zami kuze kube laphakade. UJesu wamphendula wathi: Uba ngingakugezisi, kawulasabelo lami. USimoni Petro wathi kuye: Nkosi, kakungabi zinyawo zami zodwa, kodwa lezandla lekhanda. UJesu wathi kuye: Ogezileyo kasweli luthongaphandle kokugeziswa inyawo, kodwa uhlambulukile. Ngoba wayemazi lowo owayezamnikela; ngenxa yalokhu wathi: Kalihlambulukanga lonke. Esegezisile inyawo zabo, wathatha izembatho zakhe, wabuya wahlala phansi? Lina lingibiza lithi: Mfundisi. Ngakho uba mina, iNkosi loMfundisi, ngigezise inyawo zenu. Ngoba ngilinikile isibonelo, ukuze lenze lani njengoba mina ngenzile kini. Ngiqinisile, ngiqinisile, ngithi kini: Inceku kayinkulu kulenkosi yayo. Uba lisazi lezizinto, libusisiwe uba lizenza. Kangikhulumi ngani lonke. Sengilitshela kusukela khathesi kungakenzeki. Ngiqinisile, ngiqinisile, ngithi kini: Owemukela loba ngubani engimthumileyo, wemukela mina; lowemukela mina, wemukela ongithumileyo. UJesu esetshilo. Ngakho abafundi bakhangelana, bengaqondi ukuthi ukhuluma ngobani. Kwakweyeme esifubeni sikaJesu omunye wabafundi bakhe; ngakho uSimoni Petro wamqhweba ukubuza ukuthi ngubani akhuluma ngaye. Yena-ke eqamela esifubeni sikaJesu, wathi kuye: Nkosi, ngubani? UJesu waphendula wathi: Ngulowo mina engizamnika ucezu sengilutshebile. Futhi emva kocezu, uSathane wasengena kuye. Kodwa kakho kwababehlezi ekudleni owayekwazi ukuthi ukutsholoni kuye. Ngoba abanye bacabanga ukuthi, njengoba uJudasi wayelesikhwama; loba ukuthi kanike abayanga okunye. Lowo wathi eselwemukele ucezu, wahle waphuma; kwakusebusuku. Ngakho kwathi esephumile, uJesu wathi: Khathesi iNdodana yomuntu idunyisiwe. Uba uNkulunkulu edunyiswe kuyo. Bantwanyana, ngiselani isikhatshana. Lizangidinga: Lapho mina engiya khona, lingeze leza lina; ngitsho lakini khathesi. Ngilinika. Ngalokhu bonke bazakwazi ukuthi lingabafundi bami, uba lilothando omunye komunye. USimoni Petro wathi kuye: Nkosi, uya ngaphi. UPetro wathi kuye: Nkosi, ngingekulandele khathesi ngani? Impilo yami ngizayibekela wena phansi. UJesu wamphendula wathi: Impilo yakho uzayibekela mina phansi yini. Inhliziyo yenu kayingakhathazeki; liyakholwa kuNkulunkulu, kholwani lakimi. Ekhaya likaBaba kukhona izindlu ezinengi; kodwa uba kwaku ngenjalo, ngabe ngalitshela. Njalo nxa ngihamba ngisiyalilungisela indawo, ngizabuya futhi ngilemukele kimi. Lalapho mina engiya khona liyakwazi, lendlela liyayazi. UTomasi wathi kuye? UJesu wathi kuye: Mina ngiyindlela. Uba belingazile, belizamazi loBaba. UFiliphu wathi kuye: Nkosi, sitshengise uYihlo, njalo kusanele. UJesu wathi kuye: Sengilani isikhathi eside kangaka, kawukangazi, Filiphu? Yena obone mina, ubone uBaba; njalo utsho njani ukuthi: Sitshengise uYihlo? Kawukholwa yini ukuthi mina ngikuBaba, loBaba ukimi. Ngikholwani ukuthi mina ngikuBaba, loBaba ukimi. Ngiqinisile, ngiqinisile, ngithi kini: Okholwa kimi, imisebenzi engiyenzayo uzayenza laye. Njalo loba yini eliyicelayo, ukuze uYise adunyiswe eNdodaneni. Uba licela loba yini ebizweni lami, mina ngiza y enza. Uba lingithanda, londolozani imilayo yami. Lami ngizacela kuBaba, laye uzalinika omunye uMduduzi, ukuze ahlale lani laphakade, uMoya weqiniso. Kangiyikulitshiya lizintandane; ngizakuza kini. Kube kanti okwesikhatshana. Ngalolosuku lina lizakwazi. Olemilayo yami ayilondoloze, nguye ongithandayo. UJudasi, ongesuye uIskariyothi, wathi kuye: Nkosi, kungani uzazibonakalisa kithi, kodwa kungeyisikho kumhlaba? UJesu waphendula wathi kuye: Uba umuntu engithanda. Yena ongangithandiyo, kawalondolozi amazwi ami; lelizwi elilizwayo kayisilo elami, kodwa ngelikaBaba ongithumileyo. Lezizinto ngizikhulumile kini ngihlezi lani. Kodwa uMduduzi, uMoya oyiNgcwele. Ukuthula ngikutshiya kini. Lizwile ukuthi mina ngithe kini. Njalo khathesi ngilitshelile kungakenzeki; ukuze, lapho sekusenzeka, likholwe. Kangisayikukhuluma okunengi lani; kodwa ukuze umhlaba wazi. Mina ngilivini eliqotho, njalo uBaba ungumlimi. Lonke ugatsha olukimi olungatheliyo isithelo, uyalususa; lalo lonke oluthela isithelo, uyaluthena, ukuze lwengeze ukuthela. Selihlambululekile. Hlalani kimi, lami kini. Njengalokhu ugatsha lungethele isithelo ngokwalo, uba lungahlali evinini, ngokunjalo lani lingeke, uba lingahlali kimi. Mina ngilivini, lina lizingatsha; ngoba ngaphandle kwami lingenze lutho. Uba umuntu engahlali kimi, ulahlelwa phandle njengogatsha, abe esebuna. Uba lihlala kimi. UBaba uyadunyiswa ngalokhu, ukuthi lithele isithelo sande. Njengalokhu uBaba engithandile, lami ngilithandile; hlalani ethandweni lwami. Uba lilondoloza imilayo yami, lizahlala ethandweni lwami. Lezizinto ngizikhulume kini, ukuze intokozo yami ihlale kini. Lo ngumlayo wami, ukuthi lithandane, njengalokhu ngilithandile. Kakho olothando olukhulu kulalolu. Lina lingabangane bami. Kangisalibizi ngokuthi lizinceku, ngoba inceku kayikwazi ukuthi inkosi yayo yenzani; kodwa sengilibize ngokuthi lingabangane, ngoba konke engikuzwileyo kuBaba. Kalingikhethanga lina, kodwa mina ngilikhethile. Ngililaya lezizinto, ukuze lithandane. Uba umhlaba ulizonda. Uba belingabomhlaba, umhlaba ubuzathanda abawo. Khumbulani ilizwi mina engalitsho kini: Inceku kayinkulu kulenkosi yayo. Kodwa bazakwenza konke lokhu. Uba bengingafikanga ngakhuluma labo, ngabe kabalasono. Ongizondayo, uzonda loBaba. Uba bengingenzanga phakathi kwabo imisebenzi kungekho omunye owayenzayo. Kodwa ukuze ligcwaliseke ilizwi elilotshiweyo emlayweni wabo elokuthi. Kodwa nxa esefikile uMduduzi; lani futhi lizafakaza. Lezizinto ngizikhulume kini. Bazalimisa emasinagogeni. Lalezizinto bazazenza kini, ngoba bengamazanga uBaba loba mina. Kodwa ngikhulume lezizinto kini. Kodwa khathesi ngiyahamba ngiya kongithumileyo? Kodwa ngoba ngikhulume lezizinto kini, usizi lugcwalise inhliziyo yenu. Kodwa mina ngilitshela iqiniso: Kulilungele ukuthi mina ngihambe; ngoba nxa ngingahambi, uMduduzi. Nxa esefikile yena uzaqinisekisa umhlaba ngesono langokulunga langesigwebo; ngesono; langokulunga; langesigwebo. Ngiseselezinto ezinengi engingalitshela zona; kodwa nxa yena esefikile, uMoya weqiniso. Yena uzangidumisa. Konke uBaba alakho, kungokwami. Okwesikhatshana futhi kaliyikungibona. Ngakho abanyekubafundi bakhe bakhulumisana besithi: Kuyini lokho akutsho kithi: Okwesikhatshana, futhi kaliyikungibona, kubuye kube yisikhatshana libe selingibona; lokuthi: Ngoba mina ngiya kuBaba? Basebesithi: Kuyini lokhu akutshoyo ukuthi: Okwesikhatshana? Kasazi ukuthi utshoni. UJesu wayesesazi ukuthi babethanda ukumbuza? Ngiqinisile, ngiqinisile, ngithi kini: Lina lizakhala lilile. Owesifazana nxa ebeletha ulobuhlungu, ngoba ihola lakhe selifikile; kodwa nxa esebelethe usane, kasakhumbuli ubuhlungu, ngenxa yentokozo yokuthi kuzelwe umuntu emhlabeni. Ngakho lani-ke lilosizi khathesi. Langalolosuku kaliyikungibuza lutho. Kuze kube khathesi kalicelanga lutho ebizweni lami; celani, lizakwemukeliswa, ukuze intokozo yenu igcwale. Ngikhulume izinto lezi kini ngemifanekiso; kodwa isikhathi siyeza lapho ngingasayikukhuluma kini ngemifanekiso, kodwa ngizalitshela ngoBaba ngokucacileyo. Ngalolosuku lizacela ebizweni lami; njalo kangitsho kini ukuthi ngizalicelela mina kuBaba; ngoba uBaba uqobo uyalithanda, ngoba lina lingithandile. Ngiphume kuBaba, njalo ngeza emhlabeni. Abafundi bakhe bathi kuye: Khangela khathesi ukhuluma ngokucacileyo, njalo kawukhulumi lamfanekiso. Khathesi siyazi ukuthi uyazi izinto zonke, njalo kawudingi ukuthi umuntu akubuze. UJesu wabaphendula wathi: Selikholwa yini? Khangelani, ihola liyeza, yebo selifikile. Ngikhulume lezizinto kini, ukuze libe lokuthula kimi. UJesu wakhuluma lezizinto, waphakamisela amehlo akhe ezulwini; njengoba uyinikile amandla phezu kwayo yonke inyama. Lalokhu yimpilo elaphakade, ukuthi bazi wena. Mina ngikudumisile emhlabeni; khathesi-ke ngidumise wena, Baba. Ngilibonakalisile ibizo lakho ebantwini. Khathesi sebesazi ukuthi konke, loba yikuphi onginike khona, kuvela kuwe; ngoba amazwi onginike wona, ngibanikile wona; ba we mukela. Mina ngiyabakhulekela bona; njalo konke okwami kungokwakho, lokwakho kungokwami. Njalo kangisekho emhlabeni. Lapho ngiselabo emhlabeni, mina ngabalondoloza. Kodwa khathesi ngiza kuwe. Mina ngibanikile ilizwi lakho. Kangiceli ukuthi ubasuse emhlabeni, kodwa ukuze ubalondoloze. Kabasibo abomhlaba, njengalokhu mina ngingesuye owomhlaba. Bangcwelise. Njengalokhu wangithuma emhlabeni, lami ngibathumile emhlabeni. Njalo mina ngizehlukanisela bona. Njalo kangiceleli laba bodwa, kodwa lalabo abazakholwa kimi ngelizwi labo; ukuze bonke babe munye. Lenkazimulo mina onginike yona. Mina ngikubo, lawe ukimi. Baba, labo onginike bona. Baba olungileyo; njalo ngibazisile ibizo lakho, njalo ngizabazisa lona. UJesu esekhulumile lezizinto waphuma kanye labafundi bakhe. Njalo uJudasi laye, owamnikelayo, wayeyazi lindawo. Ngakho uJudasi, esethethe. Kwathi uJesu, ekwazi konke okwakuzamehlela, waphuma wathi kubo: Lidinga bani? Bamphendula bathi: UJesu weNazaretha. UJesu wathi kubo: Mina ngingu ye. LoJudasi owamnikelayo laye wayemi labo. Ngakho kuthe esithi kubo: Mina ngingu ye; bahlehla nyovane, bawela phansi. Wasephinda wababuza wathi: Lidinga bani? Basebesithi: UJesu weNazaretha. UJesu waphendula wathi: Ngilitshelile ukuthi mina ngingu ye; ngakho uba lidinga mina, yekelani laba bahambe; ukuze ligcwaliseke ilizwi ayelikhulumile elokuthi: Kulabo owanginika bona, angilahlekelwanga lamunye wabo. Kwathi uSimoni Petro elenkemba wayihwatsha, wagadla inceku yompristi omkhulu, waquma indlebe yayo yokunene. Lebizo lenceku lalinguMalikusi. UJesu wasesithi kuPetro: Faka inkemba yakho esikhwameni; inkezo uBaba anginike yona, kangiyikuyinatha yini? Ngakho isigaba, bambopha, basebemusa. Kwakunguye uKayafasi owayecebise amaJuda, ukuthi kwakulungile ukuthi umuntu oyedwa afele isizwe. USimoni Petro wasemlandela uJesu; kodwa uPetro wayemi ngaphandle emnyango. Incekukazi encane engumlindisango yasisithi kuPetro: Kawusuye lawe omunye wabafundi balumuntu yini? Yena wathi: Kangisu ye. Njalo izinceku labancedisi, njalo besotha; uPetro laye wayemi labo esotha. Umpristi omkhulu wasembuza uJesu ngabafundi bakhe, langemfundiso yakhe. UJesu wamphendula wathi: Mina ngikhulume obala emhlabeni. Ubuzelani kimi? Buza labo abakuzwayo lokho engakukhuluma labo. Kwathi esetshilo lezizinto, omunye wabancedisi? UJesu wamphendula wathi: Uba ngikhulume kubi, fakaza ngobubi; kodwa uba kuhle, ungitshayelani? UAnasi wasemthuma ebotshiwe kuKayafasi umpristi omkhulu. Kodwa uSimoni Petro wayemi esotha. Omunye wezinceku zompristi omkhulu, oyisinini somuntu uPetro aquma indlebe yakhe, wathi: Mina kangikubonanga yini esivandeni ulaye? UPetro wasebuya ephika; njalo lahle lakhala iqhude. Basebemkhupha uJesu. Ngakho uPilatu waphumela kubo, wathi: Limbeka cala bani lumuntu? Basebephendula bathi kuye: Uba lo ubengesuye owenza okubi, ngabe kasimnikelanga kuwe. UPilatu wasesithi kubo: Mthatheni lina, limahlulele njengomlayo wakini. Ngakho amaJuda athi kuye: Kakuvunyelwa kithi ukubulala umuntu; ukuze kugcwaliseke ilizwi uJesu alikhulumayo, ukutshengisa uhlobo lokufa ayezakufa ngalo. Ngakho uPilatu wabuye wangena endlini yombusi, wambiza uJesu, wathi kuye: Wena uyiNkosi yamaJuda yini? UJesu wamphendula wathi: Uyazitsholo lokhu wena yini, kumbe abanye bakutshelile ngami? UPilatu waphendula wathi: Kanti ngingumJuda mina? Isizwe sakini labapristi abakhulu bakunikele kimi; wenzeni? UJesu waphendula wathi: Umbuso wami; kodwa khathesi umbuso wami kawusiwo owalapha. UPilatu wasesithi kuye: Ngakho uyinkosi yini? UJesu waphendula wathi: Uyatsho wena, ukuthi mina ngiyinkosi. UPilatu wathi kuye: Liyini iqiniso? Kwathi esetshilo lokhu, wabuya waphumela kumaJuda. Kodwa lilomkhuba, wokuthi ngilikhululele omunye ngephasika; ngakho liyathanda ukuthi ngilikhululele iNkosi yamaJuda yini? Wonke asememeza futhi. Ngakho uPilatu wamthatha uJesu, wa m tshaya ngesiswepu. Labebutho beluka umqhele wameva ba wu beka ekhanda lakhe, basebesithi: Bayethe, Nkosi yamaJuda! Basebemtshaya ngempama. UPilatu wasebuya waphumela phandle, wathi kubo: Khangelani, ngiyamkhuphela phandle kini. UJesu wasephumela phandle, ethwele umqhele wameva embethe isembatho esiyibubende. UPilatuwasesithi kubo: Khangelani lumuntu! Kwathi abapristi abakhulu labancedisi. AmaJuda amphendula athi: Silomlayo thina, langokomlayo wethu ufanele ukufa. Kwathi uPilatu esizwa lelolizwi, wesaba kakhulu, wangena futhi endlini yombusi. Khona uPilatu wathi kuye: Kawukhulumi lami yini? Kawazi yini ukuthi ngilamandla okukubethela, njalo ngilamandla okukukhulula? UJesu wamphendula wathi: Ungeke ube lamandla phezu kwami. Kusukela lapho uPilatu wadinga ukumkhulula. Kodwa amaJuda amemeza athi: Uba ukhulula lo, kawusuye umngane kaKesari; wonke ozenza inkosi, uphikisana loKesari. Kwathi uPilatu esizwa lelilizwi wamkhuphela phandle uJesu; njalo kwakungamalungiselelo ephasika! Kodwa amemeza athi: Susa, susa, mbethele. Ngakho wasemnikela kubo, ukuze abethelwe. Kwathi ethwele isiphambano, ethiwa ngesiHebheru yiGolgotha; lapho abambethela khona, labanye ababili kanye laye, ngapha langapha, loJesu ephakathi. UPilatu wasebhala lesaziso, wa si phanyeka esiphambanweni; njalo kwakubhalwe ukuthi: UJESU UMNAZARETHA INKOSI YAMAJUDA. Lalesisaziso abanengi bamaJuda basifunda, ngoba indawo lapho uJesu ayebethelwe khona yayiseduze lomuzi. Abapristi abakhulu bamaJuda basebesithi kuPilatu: Ungabhali ukuthi: INkosi yamaJuda; kodwa ukuthi lo wathi: NgiyiNkosi yamaJuda. UPilatu waphendula wathi: Engikubhalileyo, ngikubhalile. Kwathi abebutho, sebembethele uJesu, selukiwe sonke kusukela phezulu. Ngakho bakhulumisana besithi: Kasingasidabuli, kodwa asisenzele inkatho, ukuthi sizakuba ngesikabani; ukuze kugcwaliseke umbhalo othi: Babelana izembatho zami, benza inkatho yokuphosa ngesigqoko sami. Azenza-ke lezizinto amabutho. Kwakumi esiphambanweni sikaJesu unina, lodadewabo kanina. Ngakho uJesu ebona unina, lomfundi amthandayo bemi khona. Emva kwalokho wathi kumfundi: Khangela unyoko. Kusukela ngalelohola lowomfundi wamthatha wamusa kwakhe. Emva kwalokhu uJesu ekwazi ukuthi konke kwasekuphelile, ukuze kugcwaliseke umbhalo, wathi: Ngomile. Kwakubekwe isitsha sigcwele iviniga. Kwathi-ke uJesu elemukele iviniga, wathi: Kuphelile. Ngakho amaJuda, ngoba kwakungamalungiselelo), acela uPilatu ukuthi yephulwe imilenze yabo, njalo basuswe. Ngakho abebutho beza, bephula imilenze yowokuqala leyomunye ababebethelwe laye; kodwa sebefika kuJesu, kwathi bebona ukuthi wayesefile, kabayephulanga imilenze yakhe; kodwa omunye webutho wamgwaza ngomkhonto ehlangothini, njalo kwahle kwaphuma igazi lamanzi. Yena owabonayo ufakazile, njalo ubufakazi bakhe buqinisile, yena-ke uyazi ukuthi ukhuluma okuliqiniso, ukuze lina likholwe. Ngoba lezizinto zenzeka ukuze kugcwaliseke umbhalo othi: Kakuyikwephulwa thambo lakhe. Njalo lomunye umbhalo uthi: Bazamkhangela abamgwazileyo. Kwathi emva kwalezizinto uJosefa weArimathiya, wacela kuPilatu ukuthi asuse isidumbu sikaJesu; futhi uPilatu wavuma. Ngakho weza wasisusa isidumbu sikaJesu. Kwasekusiza loNikodima. Basebesithatha isidumbu sikaJesu, basibopha ngamalembu acolekileyo kanye lamakha. Njalo kwakukhona kuleyondawo ayebethelwe khona isivande, lesivandeni kwakulengcwaba elitsha, okwakungazange kubekwe muntu kulo. Basebembeka lapho uJesu ngenxa yamalungiselelo amaJuda, ngoba ingcwaba laliseduze. Kwathi ngolokuqala lweviki uMariya Magadalena wafika engcwabeni ekuseni kakhulu, kusesemnyama. Ngakho wagijima weza kuSimoni Petro lakomunye umfundi uJesu ayemthanda, wathi kubo: Bayisusile iNkosi engcwabeni, njalo kasazi lapho abayibeke khona. Ngakho uPetro waphuma lomunye umfundi, bafika engcwabeni. Basebegijima bobabili kanyekanye; omunye umfundi wasegijima phambili ngesiqubu kuloPetro, wafika kuqala engcwabeni. Kwathi ekhothama elunguza. USimoni Petro wasefika emlandela, wangena engcwabeni, wabona amalembu acolekileyo endlelwe, lelembu lobuso elalisekhanda lakhe, lingabekwanga lamalembu acolekileyo, kodwa lendluliwe lisendaweni yalolodwa. Ngakho wasengena laye omunye umfundi owayefike kuqala engcwabeni, wabona, wakholwa; ngoba babengakaqedisisi. Basebesuka futhi abafundi baya kibo. Kodwa uMariya wema engcwabeni phandle ekhala, wasebona ingilosi ezimbili zembetheezimhlophe zihlezi, enye isemakhanda, lenye ingasenyaweni, lapho isidumbu sikaJesu ebesilele khona. Zona zasezisithi kuye: Mama, ukhalelani? Wathi kuzo: Ngoba bayithethe iNkosi yami, njalo kangazi lapho abayibeke khona. Kwathi esetshilo lezizinto watshibilika, wabona uJesu emi. UJesu wathi kuye: Mama, ukhalelani? Udinga bani. UJesu wathi kuye: Mariya! Yena watshibilika wathi kuye: Raboni! okuyikuthi: Mfundisi. UJesu wathi kuye: Ungangibambi, ngoba kangikenyukeli kuBaba. UMariya Magadalena weza wababikela abafundi ukuthi uyibonile iNkosi, njalo imtshele lezizinto. Kwathi kusihlwa ngalolosuku, olokuqala lweviki. Njalo esetshilo lokhu wabatshengisa izandla zakhelohlangothi lwakhe. UJesu wasebuya esithi kubo: Ukuthula kakubekini. Kwathi esetshilo lokhu waphephetha phezu kwabowathi kubo: Yemukelani uMoya oNgcwele. Loba ngobani elithethelela izono zabo, bathethelelwe; loba ngobani elibamba ezabo, zibanjiwe. Kodwa uTomasi, omunye wabalitshumi lambili, othiwa nguDidimusi, wayengekho labo mhla uJesu efika. Ngakho abanye abafundi bathi kuye: Siyibonile iNkosi. Kodwa yena wathi kubo: Uba ngingaboni ezandleni zayo amanxeba ezipikili, njalo ngifake umunwe wami enxebeni lezipikili, njalo ngibeke izandla zami ehlangothini lwayo, kangisoze ngikholwe. Njalo emva kwensuku eziyisificaminwembili abafundi bakhe babephakathi futhi, loTomasi elabo. UJesu wafika. Wasesithi kuTomasi: Letha umunwe wakho lapha, ubone izandla zami; njalo letha isandla sakho, u si fake ehlangothini lwami; njalo ungabi ngongakholwayo, kodwa okholwayo. UTomasi wasephendula, wathi kuye: Nkosi yami loNkulunkulu wami! UJesu wathi kuye: Ngoba usungibonile, Tomasi, ukholiwe; babusisiwe abangabonanga. Njalo, ezingalotshwanga kulolugwalo. Kodwa lezi zilotshiwe, ukuze likholwe ukuthi uJesu unguKristu. Emva kwalezizinto uJesu wabuya wazibonakalisa; njalo wazibonakalisa ngalindlela. Babendawonye oSimoni Petro, loTomasi othiwa nguDidimusi. USimoni Petro wathi kubo: Ngiyagola inhlanzi. Bathi kuye: Lathi sizahamba lawe. Basebephuma bahle bangena emkhunjini. Kwathi sekusemadabukakusa uJesu wema ekhunjini. Ngakho uJesu wathi kubo: Bantwana, lilokudla yini. Wasesithi kubo: Phosani imbule ehlangothini lokunene lomkhumbi, njalo lizathola. Basebephosa, njalo babengaselakho ukulidonsa ngenxa yobunengi benhlanzi. Ngakho lowomfundi uJesu ayemthanda wathi kuPetro), waseziphosela olwandle. Kodwa abanye abafundi beza ngomkolo, bedonsa imbule lenhlanzi, ngoba babengekhatshana lomhlabathi, kodwa kungaba zingalo ezingamakhulu amabili. Kwathi sebekhuphukele emhlabathini, babona umlilo wamalahle. UJesu wathi kubo: Lethani ezi nyezezinhlanzi elisanda kuzibamba. USimoni Petro wasekhwela, wahudulela imbule emhlabathini, ligcwele inhlanzi ezinkulu, ikhulu lamatshumi amahlanu lantathu; njalo lanxa zazinengi kangaka, imbule kalidabukanga. UJesu wathi kubo: Wozani. Kodwa kakho kubafundi owaba lesibindi sokumbuza ukuthi: Ungubani wena? besazi ukuthi yiNkosi. UJesu wasesiza. Lokhu sekungokwesithathu uJesu ebonakaliswa. Sebedlile? Wathi kuye: Yebo Nkosi; wena uyazi ukuthi ngiyakuthanda. Wathi kuye: Phana amawundlu ami ukudla. Wabuya wathi kuye ngokwesibili: Simoni kaJona, uyangithanda yini. Wathi kuye ngokwesithathu: Simoni kaJona, uyangithanda yini. UJesu wathi kuye: Phana izimvu zami ukudla. Ngiqinisile, ngiqinisile, ngithi kuwe. Lalokhu wakutsho, etshengisa indlela yokufa. UPetro etshibilika wabona umfundi uJesu amthandayo elandela? Kwathi uPetro embona wathi kuJesu: Nkosi, lo-ke? UJesu wathi kuye: Uba ngithanda ukuthi ahlale. Ngakho lelilizwi laphumela kubazalwane, ukuthi lowomfundi kayikufa; kanti uJesu katshongo kuye ukuthi kayikufa; kodwa wathi: Uba ngithanda ukuthi ahlale ngize ngifike, ulani lakho? Nguye lowomfundi ofakaza ngalezizinto, lozibhalileyo; njalo siyazi. Njalo zikhona lezinye izinto ezinengi uJesu azenzayo, uba bezilotshiwe zonke ngazinye. Umbiko wokuqala ngawenza, Teyofilu, ngakho konke uJesu aqala kokubili ukukwenza lokukufundisa, kwaze kwaba lusuku enyuswa ngalo; wazibonakalisa futhi kubo. Kwathi ehlangene labo, wabalaya ukuthi bangasuki eJerusalema; ngoba ngeqiniso uJohane wabhabhathiza ngamanzi. Kwathi sebebuthene bambuza bathi: Nkosi, uzabuyisela umbuso kuIsrayeli kulesisikhathi yini? Wasesithi kubo: Kakusikho okwenu; kodwa lizakwemukela amandla. Kwathi esetshilo lezizinto, wenyuswa bekhangele, leyezi lamsusa emehlweni abo. Bathi besajolozele ezulwini, esenyuka, njalo athi: Madoda maGalili, limeleni lijolozele ezulwini. Basebebuyela eJerusalema. Kwathi sebengenile, benyukela endlini ephezulu. Bonke laba baphikelela. Kwathi ngalezonsuku uPetro wasukuma phakathi kwabafundi, kwakulexuku labantu ndawonye elalingaba likhulu lamatshumi amabili, wathi: Madoda bazalwane, kwakumele ukuthi lumbhalo ugcwaliswe, uMoya oyiNgcwele awukhuluma ngaphambili ngomlomo kaDavida ngoJudasi, ngoba wayebalwe kanye lathi. Lo-ke wathenga isiqinti. Njalo kwaziwa yibo bonke abakhileyo eJerusalema, saze sabizwa lesosiqinti ngolimi lwakibo ngokuthiiAkeldama. Ngoba kulotshiwe egwalweni lweziHlabelelo ukuthi: Umuzi wakhe kawube lunxiwa, njalo kungabi khona ohlala kuwo. Ngakho kumele ukuthi kulawomadoda ayehamba lathi kuso sonke isikhathi lapho iNkosi uJesu yayingena njalo iphuma phakathi kwethu, kusukela ebhabhathizweni lukaJohane. Basebemisa ababili, uJosefa othiwa nguBarsaba, othiwa futhi nguJustusi. Basebekhuleka, omkhethileyo ukwemukela isabelo kulinkonzo. Basebebapha inkatho yabo; lenkatho yadla uMathiyasi, wasebalwa kanye labaphostoli abalitshumi lanye. Kwathi selugcwalisekile. Kwahle kwezwakala-ke umdumo ovela ezulwini, kwasekubonakala kubo inlimi ezehlukanisiweyo kungathi ngezomlilo, zasezihlala phezu kwalowo lalowo wabo. Basebegcwaliswa bonke ngoMoya oNgcwele. Kwakuhlala-ke eJerusalema amaJuda, amadoda aqotho, avela kuso sonke isizwe salezo ezingaphansi kwezulu. Kwathi sekulalo umdumo, ixuku labuthana ndawonye lasanganiseka, ngoba ngulowo lalowo wabezwa bekhuluma ngolimi lwakibo. Basebemangala kakhulu bonke bababaza? Kungani, pho, thina sibezwa ngamunye wabo ngolimi lwakithi esazalwa lalo? AmaPathiya lamaMede, abeFrigiya, amaKrete. Bonke basebemangala kakhulu? Kodwa abanye bahleka usulu bathi: Basuthi iwayini elitsha. Kodwa uPetro emi labalitshumi lanye. Ngoba laba kabadakwanga, njengoba lina licabanga; kodwa lokhu yikho okwakhulunywa ngumprofethi uJoweli: Njalo kuzakuthi ensukwini zokucina, utsho uNkulunkulu; njalo laphezu kwenceku zami laphezu kwencekukazi zami ngalezonsuku ngizathulula okoMoya wami, njalo zizaprofetha. Njalo ngizaveza izimangaliso ezulwini phezulu; ilanga lizaphendulwa umnyama, lenyanga igazi, lungakafiki usuku lweNkosi olukhulu loludumisekayo; kuzakuthi, wonke obiza ibizo leNkosi uzasindiswa. Madoda maIsrayeli, zwanini la amazwi: UJesu weNazaretha, yena lo esenikelwe; yena uNkulunkulu wamvusa. Ngoba uDavida uthi ngaye: Ngangibona iNkosi phambi kwami njalonjalo; ngoba ingakwesokunene sami, ukuze nginganyikinyeki; ngakho inhliziyo yami yajabula, lolimi lwami lwathokoza; ngitsho lenyama yami izahlala ethembeni; ngoba kawuyikutshiya umphefumulo wami esihogweni, kawuyikunikela oNgcwele wakho ukuthi abone ukubola. Wangazisa indlela zempilo; uzangigcwalisa ngenjabulo ebusweni bakho. Madoda bazalwane, ake ngikhulume kini ngokusobala ngokhokho uDavida. Yena-ke engumprofethi, ekwazi ukuthi uNkulunkulu wafunga ngesifungo kuye, ebonile ngaphambili wakhuluma ngokuvuka kukaKristu, ukuthi umphefumulo wakhe kawutshiywanga, lenyama yakhe kayikubonanga ukubola. UJesu lo uNkulunkulu wamvusa. Ngakho ephakanyiswe ngakwesokunene sikaNkulunkulu khathesi. Ngoba uDavida kenyukelanga, kodwa yena uqobo lwakhe uthi: INkosi yathi eNkosini yami: Hlala ngakwesokunene sami, ngize ngenze izitha zakho zibe yisenabelo senyawo zakho. Ngakho indlu kaIsrayeli yonke kayazi isibili, ukuthi uNkulunkulu umenzile kokubili. Sebekuzwa lokhubahlabeka enhliziyweni? UPetro wasesithi kubo: Phendukani. Ngoba isithembiso ngesenu, lesabantwana benu. Langamanye amazwi amanengi wafakaza wakhuthaza wathi. Ngakho abalemukelayo ilizwi lakhe ngokuthokoza babhabhathizwa. Basebephikelela ekufundiseni kwabaphostoli lebudlelwaneni, lekuhlephuleni isinkwa lemikhulekweni. Lokwesaba kwehlela phezu kwayo yonke imiphefumulo. Njalo bonke abakholwayo babendawonye, basebethengisa izinto lempahla zabo. Insuku ngensuku basebephikelela, bedumisa uNkulunkulu. UPetro loJohane. Kwasekuthwalwa indoda ethile eyayiyisiqhuli kusukela esizalweni sikanina. Eyathi ibona uPetro loJohane sebezangena ethempelini, yacela isipho. UPetro waseyijolozela eloJohane, wathi: Sikhangele! Yasibananzelela, ilindele ukuthi izakwemukela ulutho kubo. UPetro wasesithi: Isiliva legolide kangilakho; kodwa lokho engilakho, ngikunika khona; ebizweni likaJesu Kristu umNazaretha, sukuma uhambe. Waseyibamba ngesandla sokunene wa yi sukumisa; njalo kwahle kwaqiniswa inyawo lenqagala zayo. Yasisithi lothu yema yasihamba. Njalo bonke abantu bayibona ihamba, idumisa uNkulunkulu; basebeyazi ukuthi yiyo. Kwathi isiqhuli esasisilisiwe sibambelele kuPetro loJohane, bemangala kakhulu. Kwathi uPetro e ku bona lokhowaphendula ebantwini wathi: Madoda maIsrayeli? UNkulunkulu kaAbrahama lokaIsaka lokaJakobe, uNkulunkulu wabobaba bethu. Kodwa lina lamphika oNgcwele, labulala uMqali. Njalo ngokholo ebizweni lakhe. Njalo khathesi, bazalwane, ngiyazi ukuthi la k wenza ngokungazi. Kodwa uNkulunkulu wagcwalisa ngalindlela ngomlomo wabaprofethi bakhe bonke, ukuthi uKristu uzahlupheka. Ngakho phendukani, ukuze kufike izikhathi zokukhudumala ezivela ebusweni beNkosi, njalo ithume lo owamenyezelwa kini phambili, uJesu Kristu; okumele ukuthi izulu limemukele. Ngoba uMozisi wathi kubobaba: INkosi uNkulunkulu wenu izalivusela umprofethi kubazalwane benu onjengami. Njalo kuzakuthi, wonke umphefumulo, loba ngubani ongayikumlalela lowomprofethi, uzachithwa ebantwini. Njalo labaprofethi bonke. Lina lingabantwana babaprofethi. UNkulunkulu. Kwathi besakhuluma ebantwini, abapristi lenduna yethempeli labaSadusi babafikela, benengekile ngoba babefundisa abantu. Babadumela ngezandla. Kodwa abanengi abalizwayo ilizwi bakholwa; lenani lamadoda lalingaba zinkulungwane ezinhlanu. Kwasekusithi kusisa kwabuthana ababusi labadala lababhali babo eJerusalema, loAnasi umpristi omkhulu. Sebebamise phakathi, babuza: Lokhu lina likwenze ngawaphi amandla kumbe ngaliphi ibizo? Khona uPetro egcwaliswe nguMoya oNgcwele wathi kubo, nxa thina sibuzwa lamuhla ngomsebenzi omuhle emuntwini obuthakathaka emzimbeni; kakwaziwe yini lonke laso sonke isizwe sakoIsrayeli, ukuthi ngebizo likaJesu Kristu umNazaretha, ngaye lo umi lapha phambi kwenu esesilile. Yena lo uyilitshe. Njalo kalukho usindiso komunye; ngoba kalikho lelinye ibizo ngaphansi kwezulu elinikiweyo phakathi kwabantu, esimele sisindiswe ngalo. Kwathi bebona isibindi sikaPetro loJohane, kodwa bebona umuntu osilisiweyo emi labo, babengelakuphika lutho. Kodwa sebebalayile ukuthi baphume phandle emphakathini, bacebisana bodwa, besithi: Sizabenzani lababantu; kodwa ukuze kungabe kusanda phakathi kwabantu, asibaqonqosele ukuthi bangabe besakhuluma lamuntu ngalelibizo. Basebebabiza, babalaya ukuthi bangakhulumi lakanye njalo bangafundisi ngebizo likaJesu. Kodwa uPetro loJohane babaphendula bathi: Yehlukanisani ukuthi kulungile phambi kukaNkulunkulu ukulalela lina kuloNkulunkulu. Ngoba thina izinto esizibonileyo lesizizwileyo. Kwathi sebe ba qonqosele futhi, babayekela bahamba; bengatholi lutho lokuthi bangabajezisa njani, ngenxa yabantu. Ngoba umuntu wayeleminyaka edlula amatshumi amane esenziwa kuye lesisibonakaliso seselapho. Kwathi sebeyekelwe basuka baya kwabakibo, bababikela konke abapristi abakhulu labadala abakutshiloyo kubo. Kwathi bona sebezwile baphakamisela ilizwi nganhliziyonye kuNkulunkulu; owathi ngomlomo wenceku yakho uDavida: Kungani abezizwe bexokozela, labantu banakane okuyize? Amakhosi omhlaba ema, lababusi bahlangana ndawonye ukumelana leNkosi; ngoba isibili bahlangana ndawonye bemelane, ukwenza konke isandla sakho lecebo lakho elakumisa phambili ukuthi kwenzeke. Njalo ngalesisikhathi, Nkosi, khangela ukusonga kwabo, ngokuthi welule isandla sakho ukusilisa, lokuthi kwenziwe izibonakaliso lezimangaliso. Kwathi sebekhulekile kwazanyazanyiswa indawo ababebuthene kuyo. Lexuku labakholwayo lalinhliziyo nye. Langamandla amakhulu. Ngoba kwakungekho futhi oswelayo phakathi kwabo; ngoba bonke ababelemihlaba kumbe izindlu, bathengisa baletha intengo zalokho okuthengisiweyo, ba yi beka enyaweni zabaphostoli. Kwathi uJose owabizwa ngabaphostoli ngokuthi nguBarnabasi, elesiqinti, wa si thengisa. Kodwa indoda ethile uAnaniya ngebizo, loSafira umkakhe, bathengisa impahla, yagodla entengweni, lomkakhe ekwazi. Kodwa uPetro wathi: Ananiya, kungani uSathane? Sisekhona besingesiso esakho, sesithengisiwe besingekho emandleni akho yini? Kungani ukuthi ubeke lesisenzo enhliziyweni yakho. Kwathi uAnaniya esizwa lamazwi, wawela phansi waphela. Lamajaha asuka. Kwasekusithi sekungaba ngamahola amathathu kwedlule, lomkakhe wangena engakwazi okwenzakeleyo. UPetro wasemphendula wathi: Ngitshele ukuthi isiqinti lisithengise ngokungaka. Wasesithi: Yebo, ngokungaka. UPetro wasesithi kuye: Kungani ukuthi livumelane ukulinga. Njalo wahle wawela phansi enyaweni zakhe. Lokwesaba okukhulu kwehlela phezu kwebandla lonke, lakubo bonke abazizwayo lezizinto. Njalo ngezandla zabaphostoli. Kodwa kwabanye kwakungekho olesibindi sokuzihlanganisa labo; njalo abakholwayo bengezelelwa banda eNkosini, amaxuku womabili amadoda labesifazana; baze bathwalela phandle emigwaqweni abagulayo, basebe ba beka ezinhlakeni lemacansini, ukuze kuthi lapho uPetro esiza ngitsho isithunzi sibasibekele abanye babo. Njalo lamaxuku avela emizini ezingelezeleyo babuthana ndawonye eJerusalema, beletha abagulayo. Kwasekusukuma umpristi omkhulu labo bonke ababelaye, bagcwala umona, babadumela abaphostoli ngezandla zabo. Kodwa ebusuku ingilosi yeNkosi: Hambani, njalo lime likhulume ethempelini ebantwini. Kwathi sebezwile, bangena ethempelini labo bonke abadala babantwana bakoIsrayeli, bathumela entolongweni ukubaletha. Kodwa kwathi abancedisi befika kababaficanga entolongweni; babuyela emuva babika, besithi: Intolongo siyifice ivaliwe konke kuqinile, labalindi bemi phandle phambi kweminyango; kodwa sesivulile, phakathi kasificanga muntu. Njalo kwathi umpristi lenduna yethempeli labapristi abakhulu bezwe lamazwi. Kwasekufika omunye wabatshela wathi: Khangelani, amadoda ebeliwafake entolongweni ami ethempelini afundisa abantu. Yasihamba induna. Sebebalethile ba ba misa phambi komphakathi. Umpristi omkhulu wasebabuza, esithi: Kasililayisisanga. Kodwa uPetro labaphostoli baphendula bathi: Kumele ukulalela uNkulunkulu kulabantu. UNkulunkulu wabobaba. Yena lo, uNkulunkulu wamphakamisa ngesandla sakhe sokunene. Njalo thina singabafakazi bakhe balezizinto, njalo loMoya oyiNgcwele. Kwathi sebezwile lokhubathukuthela kakhulu. Kwasekusukuma umFarisi othile emphakathini. Wasesithi kubo: Madoda maIsrayeli, ziqapheleni mayelana lalababantu, elizakwenza. Ngoba ngaphambi kwalezinsuku kwasuka uTewuda, esithi yena ngokwakhe ungumuntu, lahlanganyela laye inani lamadoda angaba ngamakhulu amane; wabulawa, labo bonke ababemlalela bachitheka baphela. Emva kwakhe kwasuka uJudasi umGalili ensukwini zokubalwa, wadonsela abantu abanengi ngemva kwakhe; laye wabhubha, lalabo bonke ababemlalela bachitheka. Njalo khathesi ngithi kini: Dedani kulababantu, libayekele; ngoba uba lelicebo kumbe lumsebenzi ungowabantu, uzachitheka; kodwa uba ungokaNkulunkulu, lingeke lawuchitha, hlezi lificwe ngitsho lingabalwayo loNkulunkulu. Basebemlalela; sebebabizele kubo abaphostoli. Ngakho basuka ebusweni bomphakathi. Njalo insuku zonke, ethempelini. Kwathi ngalezonsuku, abafundi sebandile. Abalitshumi lambili basebebizela kubo ixuku labafundi, bathi: Kakulunganga ukuthi thina sitshiye ilizwi likaNkulunkulu. Ngakho, bazalwane, khangelani phakathi kwenu amadoda ayisikhombisa, esingawamisa phezu kwale inswelo. Kodwa thina sizaphikelela emkhulekweni. Lalelilizwi lalithokozisa lonke ixuku; basebekhetha uStefane, indoda egcwele ukholo loMoya oNgcwele, ababamisa phambi kwabaphostoli; sebekhulekile. Lelizwi likaNkulunkulu landa, lenani labafundi lakhula kakhulu sibili eJerusalema. Kwathi uStefane egcwele ukholo lamandla wenza izimangaliso lezibonakaliso ezinkulu phakathi kwabantu. Kwasekusukuma abanye abesinagoge elithiwa ngelabaKhululwa, labeKurene, baphikisana loStefane. Kodwa babengelamandla okumelana lenhlakanipho loMoya ayekhuluma ngawo. Basebefumbathisa amadoda athi: Simzwile ekhuluma amazwi ayinhlamba amelana loMozisi loNkulunkulu. Basebevusa abantu labadala lababhali, basebe m fikela, basebemisa abafakazi bamanga; ngoba simzwile esithi, uJesu lo weNazaretha uzadiliza lindawo. Bonke ababehlezi emphakathini. Umpristi omkhulu wasesithi: Kambe lezizinto zinjalo? Wasesithi: Madoda, bazalwane labobaba, lalelani, wasesithi kuye: Phuma elizweni lakini lezihlotsheni zakho, uze elizweni engizakutshengisa lona. Wasesuka elizweni lamaKhaladiya wahlala eHarani; kodwa kamnikanga ilifa kilo, hatshi lanyathela. UNkulunkulu wasekhuluma kanje esithi inzalo yakhe izakuba yisihambi elizweni lemzini, bazayenza isigqili baza yi phatha kubi; kodwa lesosizwe, abazakuba yizigqili kuso, ngizasigweba mina, kutsho uNkulunkulu; njalo emva kwalezizinto bazaphuma, bangikhonze kulindawo. Wasemnika isivumelwano sokusoka. Okhokho, wasemkhulula kuzo zonke inhlupheko zakhe, wamnika umusa lenhlakanipho phambi kukaFaro inkosi yeGibhithe; wasembeka ukuba ngumbusi phezu kweGibhithe lowendlu yakhe yonke. Kwasekufika indlala elizweni lonke leGibhithe leleKhanani, lokuhlupheka okukhulu; labobaba bethu kabatholanga ukudla. Kodwa uJakobe esezwile ukuthi kukhona amabele eGibhithe, wathuma obaba bethu okokuqala. Kwathi ngokwesibili. UJosefa wasethumela wabizela kuye uyise uJakobe. UJakobe wasesehlela eGibhithe; basebethwalelwa. Kwathi sesisondele isikhathi sesithembiso uNkulunkulu ayesifunge kuAbrahama, kwaze kwavela enye inkosi, eyayingamazi uJosefa. Yona yasiphatha ngobuqili isizukulu sakithi, yabahlupha obaba bethu. Ngalesosikhathi kwazalwa uMozisi. Eselahliwe, indodakazi kaFaro yamdobha, yazondlela yena ukuthi abe yindodana. Njalo uMozisi wafundiswa kuyo yonke inhlakanipho yamaGibhithe. Kwathi eselesikhathi seminyaka engamatshumi amane agcweleyo, kwafika enhliziyweni yakhe. Kwathi ebona omunye ephathwa kubi, wa m vikela wamlamulela ohlutshwayo, watshaya umGibhithe; njalo wayethemba ukuthi abafowabo bazaqedisisa ukuthi uNkulunkulu ubanika inkululeko ngesandla sakhe; kodwa kabaqedisisanga. Njalo ngosuku olulandelayo wazibonakalisa kibo ababesilwa, wabalamula ngamandla, esithi: Madoda, lingabazalwane; liphathanelani kubi? Kodwa lowo owayemona umakhelwane wamsunduza, esithi: Ubekwe ngubani ukuba ngumbusi lomahluleli phezu kwethu? Usufuna ukungibulala yini, njengoba ubulele umGibhithe izolo? Ngalelilizwi uMozisi wasebaleka, waba ngowemzini elizweni leMadiyani. Kwathi sekugcwaliseke iminyaka engamatshumi amane, kwabonakala kuye enkangala. Kwathi uMozisi esebonile wamangala ngalowombono; esasondela ukuthi akhangelisise, ilizwi leNkosi lafika kuye lisithi: Mina nginguNkulunkulu waboyihlo, uNkulunkulu kaAbrahama loNkulunkulu kaIsaka loNkulunkulu kaJakobe. INkosi yasisithi kuye: Khulula amanyathela enyaweni zakho; ngoba indawo omi kiyo ingumhlabathi ongcwele. Ngikubonile lokukubona ukuhlutshwa kwabantu bami abaseGibhithe, njalo ngizwile ukububula kwabo; sengehlile ukuthi ngibakhulule; khathesi-ke woza, ngizakuthuma eGibhithe. UMozisi lo abamalayo besithi: Ubekwe ngubani ukuba ngumbusi lomahluleli? nguye uNkulunkulu amthumayo ukuba ngumbusi lomkhululi ngesandla sengilosi eyabonakala kuye esihlahleni. Yena wabakhupha. Nguye lowo uMozisi owathi kubantwana bakoIsrayeli: INkosi uNkulunkulu wenu uzalivusela umprofethi kubazalwane benu onjengami; lizamuzwa yena. Nguye lowo, ukuze asinike; yena obaba bethu abangavumanga ukumlalela, kodwa ba m sunduzela eceleni, basebebuyela eGibhithe ngenhliziyo zabo, besithi kuAroni: Senzele onkulunkulu abazahamba phambi kwethu; ngoba uMozisi lo, owasikhupha elizweni iGibhithe, kasazi ukuthi wehlelwe yini. Basebesenza ithole ngalezonsuku. Kodwa uNkulunkulu wafulathela? Njalo lathatha ithabhanekele likaMoloki lenkanyezi kankulunkulu wenu uRefani, imifanekiso elayenza ukuthi liyikhonze. Obaba bethu babelalo ithabhanekele lobufakazi enkangala; okwathi futhi obaba bethu sebelemukele balingenisa kanye; owathola umusa phambi kukaNkulunkulu. Kodwa uSolomoni wamakhela indlu. Kodwa, njengokutsho komprofethi ukuthi: Izulu kimi liyisihlalo sobukhosi, lomhlaba uyisenabelo senyawo zami; lizangakhela indlu enjani, kutsho iNkosi; kumbe yiyiphi indawo yami yokuphumula? Isandla sami kasizenzanga yini zonke lezizinto? Lina ntamo zilukhuni. Nguwuphi owabaprofethi oyihlo abangamzingelanga; elemukela umlayo ngokuqoqa kwezingilosi. Bathi sebezwile lezizinto, bahlabeka enhliziyweni zabo. Kodwa yena egcwele uMoya oNgcwele, wasesithi: Khangelani, ngibona amazulu evulekile. Kodwa bamemeza ngelizwi elikhulu, bavala indlebe zabo, batheleka phezu kwakhe bengqondonye; basebemkhuphela ngaphandle komuzi. Bamkhanda ngamatshe uStefane. Waseguqa ngamadolo, wamemeza ngelizwi elikhulu. Njalo uSawuli, ngaphandle kwabaphostoli. Amadoda akholwayo. Kodwa uSawuli walichitha ibandla, engena izindlu ngezindlu. Ngakho abahlakazekileyo badabula ilizwe, betshumayela ilizwi. UFiliphu wasesehlela emzini weSamariya, watshumayela kubo uKristu. Amaxuku aselalela nganhliziyonye okwakhulunywa nguFiliphu, esizwa njalo ebona izibonakaliso azenzayo. Ngoba kwabanengi ababelabomoya abangcolileyo. Kwaba khona intokozo enkulu kulowomuzi. Njalo indoda ethile, uSimoni ngebizo, e yayikade isenza imilingo; abayilalelayo bonke kusukela kwabancinyane kuze kube kwabakhulu. Basebemlalela. Kodwa kwathi sebekholwe uFiliphu etshumayela indaba ezinhle zezinto ngombuso kaNkulunkulu langebizo likaJesu Kristu, babhabhathizwa bonke amadoda labafazi. LoSimoni laye wakholwa, njalo esebhabhathiziwe wanamathela kuFiliphu. Kwathi abaphostoli abaseJerusalema bezwe ukuthi iSamariya ilemukele ilizwi likaNkulunkulu; abathi sebehlile babakhulekela, ukuze bamemukele uMoya oNgcwele; ngoba wayengakehleli lakoyedwa wabo. Basebebeka izandla phezu kwabo Njalo uSimoni esebonile ukuthi ngokubekwa kwezandla zabaphostoli uyaphiwa uMoya oyiNgcwele, waletha imali kubo, esithi: Ngiphani lami lawomandla, ukuze kuthi loba ngubani engibeka izandla zami phezu kwakhe, emukele uMoya oNgcwele. Kodwa uPetro wathi kuye: Isiliva sakho kanye lawe kakube sekubhubheni. Ngoba kawulasabelo lelifa. Ngakho phenduka kulobububi bakho, njalo ucele iNkosi, ukuthi uba kungenzeka uthethelelwe umnakano wenhliziyo yakho. Ngoba ngibona ukuthi usenyongweni ebabayo. USimoni wasephendula esithi: Ngikhulekelani lina eNkosini, ukuze ngingehlelwa ngolunye lwalezizinto elizikhulumileyo. Ngakho kuthe sebefakazile bekhulumile ilizwi leNkosi, babuyela eJerusalema. Ingilosi yeNkosi yasikhuluma; yona iyinkangala. Wasesukuma ehamba; njalo khangela umuntu weEthiyophiya, eyayifikile eJerusalema ukukhonza, yayisibuyela ihlezi enqoleni yayo, ibala kumprofethi uIsaya. UMoya wasesithi kuFiliphu: Sondela uhambe lalinqola. UFiliphu wasegijimela ku yowayizwa ibala umprofethi uIsaya, wathi: Kambe uyaqedisisa yini lezizinto ozifundayo? Yasisithi: Kambe ngingakwenelisa njani, ngaphandle kokuthiomunye angiqondise. Lesehlukwana sombhalo eyayisifunda yilesi: Walethwa ekuhlatshweni njengemvu; lanjengewundlu lithule phambi komgundi walo, ngokunjalo kawuvuli umlomo wakhe. Ekuthotshisweni kwakhe ukwahlulelwa kwakhe kwasuswa, njalo ngubani ongalandisa nge sizukulwana sakhe? Ngoba impilo yakhe iyasuswa emhlabeni. Umthenwa wasephendula uFiliphu wathi: Ngiyakubuza, umprofethi ukhuluma lokhu ngobani? Ngaye ngokwakhe, kumbe ngomunye yini? UFiliphu wasevula umlomo wakhe. Kwathi besahamba endleleni, bafika emanzini athile; lomthenwa wathi: Khangela, nankaamanzi; kuyini okungivimbela ukuthi ngibhabhathizwe? UFiliphu wasesithi: Uba ukholwa ngenhliziyo yonke. Waselaya ukuthi inqola ime; basebesehlela emanzini bobabili, uFiliphu lomthenwa; wasembhabhathiza. Kwathi sebekhuphukile emanzini, uMoya weNkosi wamhluthuna uFiliphu; njalo umthenwa kazabe esambona. Kodwa uFiliphu waficwa eAzotu. Kwathi uSawuli, wacela kuye incwadi zokuya eDamaseko kumasinagoge, ukuze kuthi uba ethola abanye baleyondlela, amadoda kanye labafazi, a ba lethe eJerusalema bebotshiwe. Kwathi ekuhambeni; njalo kwahle kwamphazimela inhlangothi zonke ukukhanya okuvela ezulwini; njalo ewela emhlabathini, wezwa ilizwi lisithi kuye? Wasesithi: Ungubani, Nkosi? INkosi yasisithi: Mina nginguJesu omzingelayo; kulukhuni kuwe ukukhahlelana lezincijo. Ethuthumela njalo emangala wathi: Nkosi, uthanda ukuthi ngenzeni. Lamadoda ayehamba laye ayemi engelakukhuluma. USawuli wasevuka emhlabathini; kwathi esevule amehlo akhe, kabonanga muntu. Basebe m bamba ngesandla, bamusa eDamaseko. Wasesiba lensuku ezintathu engaboni, njalo engadli futhi enganathi. Kwakukhona eDamaseko: Ananiya! Wasesithi: Khangela ngi lapha, Nkosi. INkosi yasisi thikuye: Sukuma uye endleleni ethiwa iQondile, udinge endlini kaJudasi umuntu, uSawuli ngebizo, weTarsu; ngoba khangela uyakhuleka, njalo ubonile ngombono umuntu, uAnaniya ngebizo, engena. Kodwa uAnaniya waphendula wathi: Nkosi, ngizwile ngabanengi ngalindoda, kungakanani okubi akwenzileyo; lalapha ulamandla avela kubapristi abakhulu, okubopha bonke labo ababiza ibizo lakho. Kodwa iNkosi yathi kuye: Hamba, ngoba lowo uyisitsha sami esikhethiweyo, labantwana bakoIsrayeli; ngoba mina ngizamtshengisa ukuthi umele ukuhlupheka kangakanani ngenxa yebizo lami. UAnaniya wasesuka. Kwahle kwawa emehlweni akhe kwangathi zinkwethu, wahle wabuye wabona, njalo esukuma wabhabhathizwa, njalo esedlile wathola amandla. USawuli wasehlala labafundi ababeseDamaseko insuku ezithile. Wahle-ke watshumayela uKristu emasinagogeni, ukuthi yena uyiNdodana kaNkulunkulu. Njalo bonke abezwayo basanganiseka bathi: Lo kayisuye yini owachitha? Kodwa uSawuli waqiniswa kakhulu, waphithizelisa amaJuda akhileyo eDamaseko, eqinisa ukuthi lo unguye uKristu. Kwathi sezigcwalisiwe insuku ezinengi, amaJuda enza icebo ndawonye ukuthi ambulale; kodwa iqhinga lawo laziwa nguSawuli; kodwa abafundi bamthatha ebusuku, ba m ehlisela emthangaleni. Kwathi uSawuli esefikile eJerusalema, wazama ukuzihlanganisa labafundi; kodwa bonke bamesaba, bengakholwa ukuthi ungumfundi. Kodwa uBarnabasi wamthatha Wasehlala labo, wasekhuluma ngesibindi ngebizo leNkosi uJesu. Kodwa abazalwane sebekwazi. Ngakho amabandla kuyo yonke iJudiya leGalili. Kwasekusithi uPetro edabula indawo zonke. Wasefica khona umuntu othile uEneya ngebizo, owayeselele ecansini iminyaka eyisificaminwembili, eyisigoga. UPetro wasesithi kuye: Eneya, uJesu Kristu uyakusilisa; sukuma uzendlalele icansi. Njalo wahle wasukuma. Basebembona bonke abakhileyo eLida. Kwakukhona eJopha umfundikazi othile, uTabitha ngebizo. Kwasekusithi kulezonsuku wagula wafa; sebemgezisile ba m lalisa endlini ephezulu. Njalo njengoba iLida yayiseduze leJopha. UPetro wasesukuma wahamba labo; okwathi esefikile ba m thatha ba m usa endlini ephezulu, labafelokazi bonke bema laye bekhala bemtshengisa izembatho lezigqoko uDorkasi ayezenzile eselabo. Kodwa uPetro esebakhuphele phandle bonke! Wasevula amehlo akhe; wabona uPetro, walulama. Wamelulela isandla, wamsukumisa; esebize abangcwele labafelokazi, wa ba nika ephila. Kwasekusaziwa kuyo yonke iJopha. Kwenzeka ukuthi ahlale eJopha insuku ezinengi loSimoni othile umtshuki wezikhumba. Kwakukhona eKesariya indoda ethile ngebizo nguKorneliyu, eqotho; yabona, yasisithi kuyo: Korneliyu! Waseyijolozela. Khathesi-ke thuma amadoda eJopha, ubize uSimoni othiwa futhi nguPetro; yena ungenisile kuSimoni othile umtshuki wezikhumba, ondlu yakhe iselwandle. Kwathi ingilosi ebikhuluma loKorneliyu isihambile, wabiza ababili kwabendlu yakhe, njalo eselandisile konke kubo, wabathuma eJopha. Njalo kusisa bona besahamba sebesondela emzini, uPetro wenyukela; waselamba kakhulu, wafuna ukudla; kwathi bona besamlungisela, ukuhlehliswa kwengqondo kwamehlela, wasebona izulu livulekile, lesitsha esithile sehlela kuye, njengelembu elikhulu, libotshwe ngamasondo amane, lisehliselwa emhlabeni; okwakukhona kulo izidalwazonke ezilenyawo ezine zomhlaba lezeganga lezihuquzelayo lenyoni zezulu. Kwasekufika ilizwi kuye lathi: Sukuma, Petro, hlaba udle. Kodwa uPetro wathi: Hatshi bo, Nkosi; ngoba kangizake ngidle loba yini. Ilizwi laphinda ngokwesibili kuye: Izinto uNkulunkulu azihlambululileyo, wena ungatsho ukuthi zingcolile. Njalo lokhu kwenzeka kwaze kwaba kathathu; lesitsha sabuya saphakanyiselwa ezulwini. Kwathi uPetro esadidekile ngaphakathi kwakhe, esememezile abuza ukuthi uSimoni, othiwa futhi nguPetro, ungenisile lapha yini. Kwathi uPetro esanakana ngombono, uMoya wathi kuye: Khangela, amadoda amathathu ayakudinga. Ngakho sukuma wehle, uhambe lawo; ngoba yimi engiwathumileyo. UPetro wasesehlela emadodeni avela kuKorneliyu ayethunywe kuye, wathi: Khangelani, yimi elimdingayo; yisizatho bani elize ngaso? Basebesithi: UKorneliyu induna yekhulu, indoda elungileyo lemesabayo uNkulunkulu. Ngakho esebabizele phakathi wa ba ngenisa. Njalo kusisa uPetro waphuma wahamba labo, labanye. Ngosuku olulandelayo basebengena eKesariya. LoKorneliyu wayebalindele, esebizele ndawonye izihlobo zakhe labangane abazwana laye. Kwathi sekwenzakele ukuthi uPetro angene, uKorneliyu wamhlangabeza, ewela enyaweni zakhe. Kodwa uPetro emphakamisa, wathi: Sukuma; lami ngokwami ngingumuntu. Njalo esakhuluma layo wangena, wafica abanengi bebuthene, wasesithi kubo: Lina liyazi ukuthi kakuvunyelwa emuntwini ongumJuda; ngakho-ke ngizile ngingaphikisanga nxa ngibizwa. Ngakho ngiyabuza, ukuthi ungibizele sizatho bani? UKorneliyu wasesithi: Ngensuku ezine ezidlulileyo, yasisithi: Korneliyu, umkhuleko wakho uzwakele, lemisebenzi yakho yomusa ikhunjulwe phambi kukaNkulunkulu. Ngakho thumela eJopha, ubusubiza uSimoni othiwa futhi nguPetro; yena ungenisile endlini kaSimoni umtshuki wezikhumba ngaselwandle; ozakuthi angabuya akutshele. Ngakho ngahle ngathumela kuwe; njalo wena wenze kuhle ukuthi ufike. Ngakho khathesi sesikhona sonke phambi kukaNkulunkulu ukuze sizwe konke okulayelwe nguNkulunkulu. Kwathi uPetro evula umlomo, wathi; kodwa kuso sonke isizwe. Ilizwi alithumela kubantwana bakoIsrayeli, ngevangeli etshumayela ukuthula ngoJesu Kristu). Lina liyalazi ilizwi elamenyezelwa eJudiya yonke, kusukela eGalili, emva kobhabhathizo uJohane alutshumayelayo; uJesu weNazaretha, ukuthi uNkulunkulu wamgcoba njani ngoMoya oNgcwele langamandla. Lathi singabafakazi bezinto zonke azenzayo elizweni lamaJuda leJerusalema. Yena uNkulunkulu wamvusa ngosuku lwesithathu, wasemnika ukuze abonakale, kungeyisikho kubo bonke abantu. Wasesilaya ukuthi sitshumayele ebantwini. Ngaye bonke abaprofethi bafakaza. Kwathi uPetro esakhuluma lawomazwi, uMoya oyiNgcwele wehlela phezu kwabo bonke abalizwayo ilizwi. Labokusoka abakholwayo basanganiseka; ngoba babezwa bekhuluma ngendimi, bekhulisa uNkulunkulu: Ukhona yini ongala lamanzi, ukuthi laba bangabhabhathizwa? Waselaya ukuthi babhabhathizwe. Basebemcela ukuthi ahlale insuku ezithile. Abaphostoli labazalwane ababeseJudiya basebesizwa ukuthi abezizwe labo balemukele ilizwi likaNkulunkulu. Kwathi uPetro esenyukele eJerusalema, besithi: Ungene emadodeni angasokanga, wadla lawo. Kodwa uPetro eqala wabalandisela: Mina ngangisemzini weJopha ngikhuleka, kwehla isitsha esithile, sinjengelembu elikhulu sisehliswa ngamasondo amane sivela ezulwini, sasesifika kimi; okwathi sengilikhangelisisile ngaqaphelisa, ngasengibona inyamazana ezilenyawo ezine zomhlaba lezeganga lezihuquzelayo lenyoni zezulu. Ngasengisizwa ilizwi lisithi kimi: Sukuma, Petro, hlaba udle. Kodwa ngathi: Hatshi bo Nkosi; ngoba loba yini engahlambulukanga kumbe engcolileyo kayizake ingene emlonyeni wami. Kodwa ilizwi langiphendula ngokwesibili livela ezulwini lathi: Izinto uNkulunkulu azihlambululileyo, wena ungatsho ukuthi zingcolile. Lokhu-ke kwenzeka kathathu, njalo konke kwabuye kwadonselwa phezulu ezulwini. Njalo khangela, ngasona lesosikhathi amadoda amathathu ema phambi kwendlu engangikuyo, ethunyiwe kimi evela eKesariya. UMoya wasesithi kimi ngihambe lawo, ngingathandabuzi; lalababazalwane abayisithupha labo bahamba lami, sasesingena endlini yendoda; yasisibikela ukuthi yayibone njani ingilosi imi endlini yayo, isithi kuyo: Thumela amadoda eJopha, ubize uSimoni, othiwa nguPetro, ozakutshela amazwi. Kwathi ngisaqala ukukhuluma, uMoya oyiNgcwele wehlela phezu kwabo. Ngakhumbula ilizwi leNkosi. Ngakho nxa uNkulunkulu? Njalo bathi sebezizwile lezizinto bathula, bamdumisa uNkulunkulu. Labo-ke abahlakazeka ngokuhlupheka, bengalikhulumi ilizwi lakoyedwa ngaphandle kumaJuda kuphela. Kodwa kwakukhona abanye kubo, amadoda amaKuprosi. Lesandla seNkosi sasilabo. Zasezizwakala indaba ngabo endlebeni zebandla elaliseJerusalema; kwathi esefikile esebona umusa kaNkulunkulu wathokoza; ngoba wayeyindoda elungileyo. UBarnabasi wasesiya eTarsu ukuze adinge uSawuli, kwathi esemtholile wamletha eAntiyoki. Kwathi ngalezonsuku kwafika eAntiyoki bevela eJerusalema. Kwasekusukuma omunye wabo othiwa nguAgabusi. Labafundi bazimisela ukuthi ngulowo lalowo wabo athumele njengamandla alowo lalowo; abakwenzayo-ke. Ngalesosikhathi uHerodi inkosi. Wasebulala uJakobe. Esebonile ukuthi lokhu kuyawathokozisa amaJuda; esembambile laye wa m faka entolongweni. Ngakho uPetro wagcinwa entolongweni; kodwa umkhuleko oqhubekayo wenziwa libandla ngaye kuNkulunkulu. Kwathi uHerodi esezamkhupha, ngalobobusuku uPetro wayelele phakathi kwabebutho ababili; labalindi phambi komnyango babegcine intolongo. Njalo khangela, ingilosi yeNkosi yema. Asesiwa amaketane akhe ezandleni zakhe. Ingilosi yasisithi kuye: Bhinca, ubophe amanyathela akho. Wasesenza njalo. Yasisithi kuye: Yembatha isembatho sakho, ungilandele. Wasephuma wayilandela; njalo wayengazi ukuthi kuliqiniso okwenziwa yingilosi, kodwa wayecabanga ukuthi. Njalo sebedlulile abalindi bokuqala labesibili, bafika esangweni lensimbi, elokuya emzini, elabavulekela ngokwalo; basebephuma bahamba umgwaqo waba munye; njalo ingilosi yahle yamtshiya. Kwathi uPetro, eseqaqabukile. Kwathi esenanzelele. Kwathi uPetro eseqoqodile esivalweni sesango, uRoda ngebizo, kwathi isilazi ilizwi likaPetro, kayivulanga isango. Kodwa bathi kuyo: Uyahlanya. Kodwa yaqinisisa ukuthi kunjalo. Kodwa uPetro waqhubeka eqoqoda; sebevulile bambona, basanganiseka. Wasebaqhweba ngesandla ukuze bathule, wabalandisela ukuthi iNkosi imkhuphe njani entolongweni. Wasephuma waya kwenye indawo. Sekusile, kwaba khona isiphithiphithi esingesincinyane phakathi kwebutho, ukuthi wayesehlelwe yini uPetro. Kwathi uHerodi esemdingile enga m tholi. Njalo uHerodi. Njalo ngosuku olumisiweyo uHerodi wembatha isembatho sobukhosi, wenza inkulumo kubo. Abantu basebememeza besithi: Y ilizwi likaNkulunkulu njalo kayisilo elomuntu. Njalo yahle yamtshaya ingilosi yeNkosi; wasedliwa zimpethu, waphela. Kodwa ilizwi likaNkulunkulu lakhula landa. UBarnabasi. Kwakukhona eAntiyoki. Kwathi bekhonza iNkosi. Sebezile ukudla. Bona-ke sebethunyiwe nguMoya oyiNgcwele. Kwathi sebefikile eSalamisi, batshumayela ilizwi likaNkulunkulu emasinagogeni amaJuda. Kwathi sebedabule isihlenge bafika ePhafosi, owayelombusi uSergiyu Pawuli, indoda ehlakaniphileyo. Lo wabizela kuye uBarnabasi loSawuli edinga ukuzwa ilizwi likaNkulunkulu. Kodwa isanuse, uElimasi, ngoba liphendulelwa njalo ibizo lakhe, waphikisana labo. Kodwa uSawuli, onguPawuli futhi, egcwele uMoya oNgcwele wathi: O wena ogcwele inkohliso yonke lobuqili bonke? Njalo khathesi khangela, isandla seNkosi si phezu kwakho, njalo uzakuba yisiphofu. Ngalesosikhathi umbusi wabona okwenziweyo wakholwa, edidwa yimfundiso yeNkosi. UPawuli lababelaye. Kodwa bona bedabula besuka ePerga, bahlala phansi. Kwathi sekufundwe umlayo, khulumani. Kwathi uPawuli esukuma, njalo eqhweba ngesandla. UNkulunkulu walesisizwe sakoIsrayeli. Wasebekezelela isimilo sabo okungaba yisikhathi seminyaka engamatshumi amane enkangala. Njalo esechithile izizwe eziyisikhombisa elizweni leKhanani. Lemva kwalezizinto, okungaba ngokweminyaka engamakhulu amane lamatshumi amahlanu. Njalo kusukela lapho bacela inkosi, okweminyaka engamatshumi amane. Njalo esemkhuphile. Enzalweni yalu muntu; engakafiki yena uJohane wayesetshumayele kuqala. UJohane esegcwalise uhambo lwakhe. Madoda bazalwane, bantwana bohlanga lukaAbrahama, lalabo phakathi kwenu abesaba uNkulunkulu. Ngoba labo abahlala eJerusalema lababusi babo; njalo bengatholi lacala lokufa, bacela kuPilatu ukuthi abulawe. Kwathi sebeqedile konke okulotshiweyo ngaye, ba m lalisa engcwabeni. Kodwa uNkulunkulu wamvusa kwabafileyo; owabonwa insuku ezinengi yilabo. Lathi sitshumayela indaba ezinhle kini zesithembiso esenziwa kubobaba, ukuthi uNkulunkulu usigcwalisile sona kithi, abantwana babo, emvusile uJesu. Njalo ngokuthi wamvusa kwabafileyo. Ngakho njalo kwenye indawouthi: Kawuyikunikela ongcwele wakho abone ukubola; ngoba uDavida, esekhonze esakhe isizukulwana ngecebo likaNkulunkulu walala; kodwa lowo uNkulunkulu amvusayo, kakubonanga ukubola. Ngakho kakwaziwe yini, madoda bazalwane, ukuthi ngalowo kutshunyayelwa kini; njalo kulo wonke okholwayo. Ngakho bonani ukuthi kalehlelwa yilokhu okwakhulunywa kubaprofethi, okokuthi: Khangelani, zideleli, njalo limangale, litshabalale; ngoba mina ngenza umsebenzi ensukwini zenu, umsebenzi elingayikuwukholwa, nxa umuntu elilandisela. Kwathi ekuphumeni kwamaJuda esinagogeni. Kwathi abe sinagoge sebephumile, abanengi kumaJuda labakhonzayo. Kwathi ngesabatha elilandelayo babuthana kwaphose kwaba ngumuzi wonke ukuzwa ilizwi likaNkulunkulu. Kodwa amaJuda ebona amaxuku agcwaliswa ngomona, aphikisa izinto ezakhulunywa nguPawuli. Kodwa uPawuli loBarnabasi bekhuluma ngesibindi. Ngoba iNkosi isilayile ngokunjalo yathi: Ngikumisile ube yikukhanya kwabezizwe, ube ngowosindiso kuze kube semkhawulweni womhlaba. Kwathi abezizwe be ku zwa bathokoza, basebelidumisa ilizwi leNkosi, basebekholwa ngobunengi obungangobalabo ababemiselwe impilo elaphakade; lelizwi leNkosi lasatshalaliswa elizweni lonke. Kodwa amaJuda avusa. Kodwa babathintithela uthuli lwenyawo zabo. Njalo abafundi bagcwaliswa ngentokozo. Kwasekusithi eIkoniyuma, basebekhuluma njalo kwaze kwakholwa ixuku elikhulu lamaJuda kanye lamaGriki. Kodwa amaJuda angakholwayo. Ngakho bahlala isikhathi eside bekhuluma ngesibindi beseNkosini. Kodwa ixuku lomuzi lehlukaniswa phakathi; abanye basebesiba lamaJuda. Kwathi sekulokuhlasela kwabezizwe lamaJuda kanye lababusi babo, okoku ba phatha kubi lokubakhanda ngamatshe, sebe kw azi, lelizweni elizingelezeleyo; lakhona batshumayela ivangeli. Njalo eListra. Yona yamuzwa uPawuli ekhuluma; yena eyijolozela, wathi ngelizwi elikhulu: Sukuma, ume ngenyawo zakho uqonde. Yasisukuma yathi lothu yahamba. Kwathi amaxuku, ebona uPawuli akwenzileyo, aphakamisa amazwi awo. UBarnabasi basebembiza ngokuthinguZewusi, loPawuli ngokuthinguHermesi, ngoba yena wayengumkhokheli wokukhuluma. Njalo umpristi kaZewusi owayephambi komuzi wabo, waletha izinkabi lemigaxo emasangweni. Kodwa abaphostoli besithi: Madoda, lizenzelani lezizinto; owathi ezizukulwaneni ezidlulileyo wayekela. Loba kunjalo kayekelanga yena ukuthi angabi lobufakazi. Njalo bekhuluma lezizinto, bawayekelisa kalukhuni amaxuku ukuthi angabahlabeli. Kodwa kwafika amaJuda, a m hudulela ngaphandle komuzi, ecabanga ukuthi ufile. Kodwa kwathi abafundi bembuthanela, wasukuma wangena emzini; kusisa wasuka loBarnabasi baya eDerbe. Njalo sebetshumayele ivangeli kulowomuzi, sebezuzile abafundi abanengi, babuyela eListra, beqinisa imiphefumulo yabafundi. Kwathi sebebabekele. Basebedabula iPisidiya baya ePamfiliya. Sebekhulumile ilizwi ePerga, behlela eAtaliya; basuka lapho ngomkhumbi baya eAntiyoki. Kwathi sebefikile bahlanganisa ibandla, balandisa konke uNkulunkulu ayekwenzile labo. Basebehlala lapho okwesikhathi esingesifitshane labafundi. Kwasekusehla abathile bevela eJudiya. Ngakho kwathi sekulokuphambana lokuphikisana okungekuncinyane ngoPawuli loBarnabasi bemelane labo, ngaloludaba lwempikisano. Ngakho, kwathi sebephelekezelwe libandla. Kwathi sebefikile eJerusalema, bemukelwa libandla labaphostoli. Kodwa kwasukuma abanye abakholwayo abangabehlelo labaFarisi, besithi: Kufanele uku ba soka, lokubalaya bagcine umlayo kaMozisi. Kwasekubuthana abaphostoli labadala ndawonye ukuze baluhlole loludaba. Kwathi sebephikisene kakhulu. Njalo uNkulunkulu umazi wenhliziyo; futhi kehlukanisanga phakathi kwethu labo. Pho-ke limlingelani uNkulunkulu? Kodwa sikholwa ukuthi sisindiswa ngomusa weNkosi uJesu Kristu, ngandlelanye labo. Ixuku lonke laselithula; laselisizwa uBarnabasi loPawuli belandisa ukuthi. Kwathi bona sebeqedile ukukhuluma, uJakobe waphendula wathi: Madoda bazalwane, ngilalelani: USimeyoni. Njalo amazwi abaprofethi ayavumelana lalokhu, njengoba kulotshiwe ukuthi: Emva kwalezizinto ngizabuya, ngilakhe futhi ithabhanekele likaDavida eliwileyo; njalo ngizakwakha okudilikileyo kwalo, njalo ngilimise; ukuze abaseleyo babantu bayidinge iNkosi, labezizwe bonke ibizo lami elibizwa phezu kwabo, itsho iNkosi eyenza lezizinto zonke. Kwaziwa kuNkulunkulu imisebenzi yonke yakhe kusukela ephakadeni. Ngakho mina ngiquma ukuthi; kodwa sibabhalele ukuthi bazile amanyala ezithombe. Ngoba uMozisi ulabo kusukela ezizukulwaneni zendulo abamtshumayelayo umuzi ngomuzi, efundwa emasinagogeni isabatha ngesabatha. Kwasekubonakala kukuhle kubaphostoli lakubadala, basebebhala lokhu ngesandla sabo ukuthi: Abaphostoli labadala; njengoba sizwile ukuthi abathile abaphume kithi balikhathazile ngamazwi, bedunga imiphefumulo yenu, besithi lisokwe lilonde umthetho, bona singabalayanga; kwabonakala kukuhle kithi singqondonye, ukuthi siwakhethe amadoda si wa thume kini, kanye labathandekayo bethu uBarnabasi loPawuli, abantu abanikele impilo yabo ngenxa yebizo leNkosi yethu uJesu Kristu. Ngakho sithumile uJudasi loSilasi, abazakuthi langomlomo balandise ngokufananayo. Ngoba kwabonakala kukuhle kuMoya oNgcwele, lakithi, ukuthi singalethesi umthwalo omkhulu, ngaphandle kwalezizinto ezifunekayo: Ukuthi lizile okuhlatshelwe izithombe. Ngakho sebebakhululile beza eAntiyoki; futhi sebelihlanganisile ixuku, ba li nika incwadi. Kwathi sebefundile, bathokoza ngenduduzo. UJudasi kanye loSilasi. Sebehlale isikhathi, bayekelwa bahamba ngokuthula ngabazalwane baya kubaphostoli, kodwa kwabonakala kukuhle kuSilasi ukuthi asale khona. UPawuli loBarnabasi. Emva kwensuku ezithile uPawuli wasesithi kuBarnabasi: Ake sibuye sihambele abazalwane bethu emizini yonke, lapho esatshumayela khona ilizwi leNkosi, ukuthi bahlezi njani. UBarnabasi wasehlosa ukuthatha uJohane, othiwa nguMarko, ahambe labo. Kodwa uPawuli wacabanga ukuthi kufanele ukuthi bangamthathi ahambe labo lowo owabatshiya ePamfiliya, kaze aya labo emsebenzini. Kwasekuvela ukuphikisana okukhulu, baze behlukana phakathi; uBarnabasi. Kodwa uPawuli wakhetha uSilasi. Wasedabula iSiriya leKilikhiya. Wasefika eDerbe; owayenconywa ngabazalwane. Lo uPawuli wathanda ukuthi aphume laye, wasemthatha wa m soka. Njalo bedabula imizi, babanika izimiso ukuzilondoloza. Ngakho amabandla aqiniswa ekholweni, njalo anda ngenani insuku ngensuku. Sebedabule eFrigiya, sebefikile maqondana leMisiya bazama ukuya eBithiniya; kodwa uMoya kabavumelanga; basebeyiceza iMisiya behlela eTrowasi. Kwasekubonakala umbono kuPawuli ebusuku, imncenga isithi: Chaphela eMakedoniya, usisize. Kwathi esewubonile umbono. Ngakho sasuka eTrowasi, sasuka lapho saya eFiliphi. Njalo ngosuku lwesabatha saphumela ngaphandle komuzi eceleni komfula, lapho okwakufanele kwenzelwe umkhuleko khona; sasesihlala phansi sakhuluma labesifazana ababebuthene ndawonye. Lowesifazana othile uLidiya ngebizo, ongumthengisikazi wamalembu ayibubende owemzini weTiyathira. Kuthe esebhabhathiziwe, lendlu yakhe. Kwasekusithi sisiya emkhulekweni. Lo walandela uPawuli lathi, ememeza esithi: Lababantu bazinceku. Lalokhu yakwenza insuku ezinengi. Kwathi uPawuli. Amakhosi akhe esebonile, esebalethile ezinduneni athi, bengamaJuda, batshumayela imikhuba esingavunyelwa ukuyemukela siyenze. Lexuku labelekelela, lenduna zabadabulela izembatho zabo. Sebebatshayile imivimvinya eminengi ba ba phosela entolongweni; yena, emukele umlayo onjalo, wabaphosela entolongweni ephakathi. Kwathi sekungaba phakathi kobusuku behlabela amahubo endumiso kuNkulunkulu, lezibotshwa zazibezwa; njalo kwahle kwaba khona ukuzamazama komhlaba okukhulu, kwaze kwanyikinyeka izisekelo zentolongo. Kwathi umlindintolongo ephaphama, esebona iminyango yentolongo ivulekile, wakhokha inkemba, ezimisele ukuzibulala, ecabanga ukuthi izibotshwa zibalekile. Kodwa uPawuli wamemeza ngelizwi elikhulu esithi: Ungazilimazi; ngoba silapha sonke. Wasecela isibane waphoseka phakathi, njalo wasethuthumela, njalo esebakhuphela phandle wathi: Makhosi, kumele ngenzeni ukuze ngisindiswe? Basebesithi: Kholwa eNkosini uJesu Kristu, njalo uzasindiswa wena. Basebekhuluma kuye ilizwi leNkosi, lakulabo bonke ababesendlini yakhe. Wasebathatha ngalelohola lobusuku wa ba gezisa amanxeba. Wasebasa endlini yakhe wabeka itafula lokudlaphambi kwabo, wasethokoza lendlu yakhe yonke bekholwa kuNkulunkulu. Kwathi sekusile, induna zathuma amapholisa zisithi: Khulula labobantu. Umlindintolongo wasebikela uPawuli lamazwi. Kodwa uPawuli wathi kuwo: Basitshayile obala singalahlwanga licala, basebe si phosela entolongweni, njalo khathesi ngensitha sebesiphosela phandle yini? Hatshi bo! Kodwa kumele beze bona basikhuphe. Amapholisa azibikela izinduna lamazwi zisizwa ukuthi bangamaRoma, njalo zeza zabancenga, njalo za ba khupha. Basebephuma entolongweni bangena koLidiya. Kwathi sebedabule iAmfipholi leApoloniya, bafika eThesalonika, lapho okwakukhona isinagoge lamaJuda; njalo njengomkhuba kaPawuli wangena kuwo okwamasabatha amathathu, evula etshengisa, mina engimtshumayela kini, unguKristu. Labanye babo bakholwa, bazihlanganisa loPawuli. Kodwa amaJuda angakholwayo, edinga ukubakhuphela ebantwini; kwathi engabatholi, adonsela uJasoni labazalwane abathile kubaphathi bomuzi, uJasoni abemukeleyo. Asedunga ixuku labaphathi bomuzi besizwa lezizinto. Kwathi sebethethe isibambiso kuJasoni lakwabanye, abakhulula. Njalo abazalwane. Lawo ayekhaliphile kulalawo aweThesalonika. Ngakho amanengi kuwo akholwa, lakwabesifazana abahloniphekayo abangamaGriki lakwabesilisa abangabalutshwana. Kodwa kwathi amaJuda eThesalonika esekwazi ukuthi ilizwi likaNkulunkulu liyatshunyayelwa nguPawuli leBeriya, eza lakhona enyakazelisa amaxuku. Njalo ngalesosikhathi abazalwane bahle bamthuma uPawuli kungathi uya elwandle basala khona. Lalabo ababephelekezela uPawuli. Kwathi uPawuli esabalindele eAtene, umoya wakhe wakhathazeka phakathi kwakhe, ebona umuzi ugcwele izithombe. Ngakho waphikisana, lasemdangeni insuku zonke lalabo ahlangana labo. Labathile kuzo izazi zamaEpikuri lamaStoyiki baphikisana laye. Labanye bathi: Uwumane lolu lufuna ukuthini? Kodwa abanye bathi: Kungathi ungotshumayela onkulunkulu bezizweni; ngoba ngevangeli watshumayela kibo uJesu. Basebemthatha, bamusa eAreyopagu besithi: Singazi yini ukuthi iyini limfundiso entsha oyifundisayo? Ngoba uletha indaba ezimangalisayo ezithile endlebeni zethu; ngakho sifisa ukwazi ukuthi lezizinto ziyini. Ngoba bonke abeAtene lezethekeli ezihlala khona babechitha isikhathi kungeyisikho ngolutho olunye, ngaphandle kokutshela lokuzwa into entsha. Kwathi uPawuli esima phakathi kweAreyopagu, wathi: Madoda maAtene, ngiyabona ukuthi ezintweni zonke kungathi lilenkolelo enkulu. Ngoba ngithe ngidabula ngikhangela izinto zenu elizikhonzayo, ngasengifica ilathi elilotshwe ukuthi: KUNKULUNKULU ONGAZIWAYO. UNkulunkulu owenza umhlaba lakho konke okukuwo, futhi kakhonzwa ngezandla zabantu, njengo swela ulutho; njalo wazenza zonke izizwe zabantu zivela egazini linye, ukuthi zihlale ebusweni bonke bomhlaba, wazimisela izikhathi eziqunyiweyo ngaphambili; ukuze zidinge iNkosi, ukuthi mhlawumbe sibili zimuzwe zi m thole, njalo kanti kakhatshana kulowo lalowo wethu. Ngoba kuye siphila njalo sihamba futhi sikhona. Ngakho lokhu siyinzalo kaNkulunkulu, kakufanele ukuthi sinakane ukuthi ubuNkulunkulu bunjengegolide kumbe isiliva loba ilitshe, okubazwe ngeminwe langokunakana kwabantu. Ngakho izikhathi zokungazi uNkulunkulu kazinanzanga; ngoba umisile usuku, azakwahlulela. Kwathi besizwa ngokuvuka okwabafileyo. Langokunjalo uPawuli waphuma phakathi kwabo. Kodwa amadoda athile anamathela kuye, akholwa; phakathi kwawo kwakukhona loDiyonisiyu umAreyopagu, lowesifazana obizo lakhe nguDamari, labanye kanye labo. Emva kwalezizinto uPawuli wasuka eAtene weza eKorinte. Wasefica umJuda othile uAkwila kokuthi wonke amaJuda kawasuke eRoma, waya kubo; njalo ngoba babelomsebenzi ofananayo, wahlala kibo wasebenza; ngoba babengabenzi bamathente ngomsebenzi. Wasetshumayela, wancenga amaJuda lamaGriki. Kwathi uSilasi loTimothi. Kwathi emelana laye ehlambaza. Wasesuka lapho waya endlini yomunye obizo lakhe nguJustusi, okhonza uNkulunkulu, ondlu yakhe yayiseduze lesinagoge. Kodwa uKrispusi. INkosi yasisithi kuPawuli ebusuku: Ungesabi, kodwa khuluma njalo ungathuli; ngoba mina ngilawe, njalo kakho ozakuhlasela ukukwenzela okubi; ngoba ngilabantu abanengi kulumuzi. Njalo wahlala umnyaka lenyanga eziyisithupha, efundisa ilizwi likaNkulunkulu phakathi kwabo. Kwathi uGaliyo engumbusi, esithi: Lo uncenga abantu ukuthi bakhonze uNkulunkulu ngokuphambene lomlayo. Kodwa kwathi uPawuli esezavula umlomo; kodwa uba kuyikuphikisana ngelizwi lamabizo, ziboneleni lina; ngoba mina kangithandi ukuba ngumahluleli walezizinto. Wasewaxotsha esihlalweni sokwahlulela. Wonke amaGriki asebamba uSostenesi. Njalo uGaliyo kaze azinanza lezizinto. Kwathi uPawuli esahlezi insuku ezinengi, wavalelisa abazalwane. Sebefikile eEfesu. Sebemcelile ukuthi ahlale isikhathi esidanyana labo, kavumanga; kodwa wabavalelisa, njalo esefikile eKesariya. Njalo esechithe isikhathi esithile, wasuka, wadabula ngokulandelana ilizwe leGalathiya. Kwathi umJuda othile uApolosi ngebizo, elamandla emibhalweni. Lo wayefundisiwe indlela yeNkosi, njalo evutha emoyeni; lo waseqala ukukhuluma ngesibindi esinagogeni. Kwathi esethanda ukuchaphela eAkaya; ngoba waphikisa ngamandla. Kwasekusithi, uApolosi esedabule indawo eziphakemeyo; wasefica abafundi abathile wathi kubo: Lamemukela yini uMoya oNgcwele mhla likholwayo? Basebesithi kuye: Kodwa kasizanga sizwe ngitsho ukuthi kukhona uMoya oNgcwele. Wasesithi kubo: Pho labhabhathizelwa kukuphi? Basebesithi: Kubhabhathizo lukaJohane. Kodwa uPawuli wathi: UJohane wabhabhathiza ubhabhathizo lokuphenduka. Lalabo abezwayo babhabhathizwa ebizweni leNkosi uJesu. Wathi uPawuli esebeke izandla phezu kwabo. Njalo wonke amadoda ayengaba litshumi lambili. Wasengena esinagogeni. Kodwa kwathi abanye besiba lukhuni bengakholwa, bekhuluma kubi nga leyo ndlela phambi kwabantu. Lalokhu kwenzeka okweminyaka emibili, amaJuda kanye lamaGriki. UNkulunkulu wasesenza, kwaze kwathi lakwabagulayo kwasiwa izifinyo kumbe amafasikoti. Kwathi abanye kumihambuma yamaJuda, izanuse. Njalo kwakukhona amadodana ayisikhombisa athile kaSikeva umJuda umpristi omkhulu akwenzayo lokho. Kodwa umoya omubi waphendula wathi: UJesu ngiyamazi, loPawuli ngiyazi ngaye; kodwa lina lingobani? Lowomuntu okwakukuye umoya omubi waseseqela phezu kwabo, njalo wabehlula, wabanqoba, baze babaleka kuleyondlu benqunu belimele. Lokhu kwasekusaziwa yibo bonke abakhileyo eEfesu; njalo lakhuliswa ibizo leNkosi uJesu. Labanengi balabo abakholwayo beza, bevuma, bememezela izenzo zabo. Labanengi balabo ababesenza amasalamusi baletha ingwalo ndawonye bazitshisa phambi kwabo bonke; basebebala intengo yazo, bathola izinkulungwane ezingamatshumi amahlanu zesiliva. Ngokunjalo ilizwi leNkosi lakhula ngamandla lanqoba. Kwathi lezizinto seziphelile, uPawuli wazimisela emoyeni. Esethume eMakedoniya. Kodwa ngalesosikhathi kwasuka isiphithiphithi esingesincinyane. Ngoba umuntu othile onguDemetriyu ngebizo, umkhandi wesiliva, owenza amathempel anaesiliva kaDiyana, waletha kuzingcwethi inzuzo engencinyane; owabaqoqayo bona, lezisebenzi zezinto ezifananayo, wathi: Madoda, liyazi ukuthi inotho yethu ivela kulumsebenzi. Njalo liyabona liyezwa ukuthi kungeyisikho eEfesu. Njalo kayisikho lokhu kuphela ukuthi sisengozini yokuthi le ingxenye ifike ekutheni ingahlonitshwa, kodwa lethempeli likankulunkulukazi omkhulu uDiyana lizathiwa liyinto engesilutho, njalo lobukhulukazi bakhe buzakwehliswa, elimkhonzayo yonke iAsiya. Kwathi be ku zwa bagcwala intukuthelo, bamemeza besithi: Mkhulu uDiyana wamaEfesu! Njalo umuzi wonke wagcwala isiphithiphithi. Kwathi uPawuli efuna ukungena exukwini, abafundi kabamvumelanga. Njalo labanye bababusi beAsiya, ababengabangane bakhe, bathuma kuye, be m ncenga ukuthi angazinikeli endaweni yokudlalela. Ngakho abanye bamemeza okunye labanye okunye; ngoba umhlangano wawusanganisekile, njalo inengi labo lalingazi ukuthi libuthene lapho ngenxa yani. Basebemusa phambili uAleksandro esuka exukwini. Kodwa bathi sebekwazi ukuthi ungumJuda, kwaba lelizwi elilodwa livela kubo bonke okungaba ngamahola amabili limemeza lisithi: Mkhulu uDiyana wamaEfesu! Njalo kwathi umabhalane eselithulisile ixuku wathi: Madoda eEfesu, kanti kukhona yini umuntu ongaziyo ukuthi umuzi weEfesu ungumlondolozi wethempeli likankulunkulukazi omkhulu uDiyana lowento eyawa ivela kuZewusi? Ngakho njengoba lezizinto zingephikwe, kufanele lithule. Ngoba lilethe lamadoda, angeyisibo abaphangi bamathempeli langahlambazi unkulunkulukazi wenu. Ngakho uba uDemetriyu lezingcwethi kanye laye belodaba ngomuntu, amalanga okuthonisa amacala ayagcinwa, bakhona lababusi. Kodwa uba lidinga ulutho ngezinye izinto, kuzalungiswa emhlanganweni osemthethweni. Ngoba futhi sisengozini yokumangalelwa ngomvukela ngenxa yalamuhla, kungelambangela esingalandisa ngayo ngalesisiphithiphithi. Njalo esetshilo lokho, wawuchitha umhlangano. Kwathi sesiphelile isiyaluyalu, uPawuli wabizela kuye abafundi. Kwathi esedabule lezongxenye, esebakhuthazile ngamazwi amanengi, wafika eGriki, kwathi esehlale khonainyanga ezintathu, selenziwe iqhinga ngaye. Wasemphelekezela kwaze kwaba seAsiya uSopatheri. Laba sebehambe phambili basilindela. Kodwa thina sasuka ngomkhumbi eFiliphi. Kwathi ngo sukulokuqala lweviki, uPawuli watshumayela kubo, elungele ukusuka kusisa, waseselula ilizwi kwaze kwaba phakathi kobusuku. Njalo kwakukhona izibane ezinengi. Kwakuhlezi ewindini ijaha elithile ngebizo linguYutikusi, elajunywa yibuthongo obukhulu, laselidojwa lifile. Kodwa uPawuli wehla waziphosela phezu kwalo. Esenyukile njalo esehlephule isinkwa wadla, waxoxa labo isikhathi eside kwaze kwasa, ngokunjalo wahamba. Basebemletha umfana ephila, basebeduduzwa hatshi lakancane. Kodwa thina, sesihambe phambili ukuya emkhunjini, sasuka ngomkhumbi saya eAsosi, lapho siqonde ukumkhweza uPawuli; ngoba wayemisile ngokunjalo, yena ebezahamba ngenyawo. Njalo esehlangene lathi eAsosi, samkhweza safika eMithilene, sasuka lapho ngomkhumbi, kusisa safika maqondana leKiyosi; langomhlomunye sasondela eSamosi; sasesihlala eTrogiliumu, ngolulandelayo. Ngoba uPawuli wayezimisele ukuyiceza iEfesu ngomkhumbi. Kwathi eseMilethu wathumela eEfesu wabizela kuye abadala bebandla. Kwathi sebefikile kuye, wathi kubo: Liyazi lina, ukuthi kusukela osukwini lokuqala lokufika kwami eAsiya, ngangihlezi njani isikhathi sonke phakathi kwenu, ngakhonza iNkosi ngokuthobeka konke langezinyembezi ezinengi langezilingo ezangehlela ngamaqhinga amaJuda; ukuthi angigodlanga lutho ngayo olusizayo, ngifakaza kumaJuda kanye lakumaGriki. Lakhathesi khangelani, mina ngiya eJerusalema ngibotshwe nguMoya, ngingakwazi okuzangehlela phakathi kwayo, ngaphandle kokuthi uMoya oyiNgcwele uyangifakazela emizini yonke. Kodwa angikhathaleli lutho lwalezizinto. Njalo khathesi khangelani, mina ngiyazi ukuthi kalisayikubona ubuso bami lina lonke. Ngakho ngiyafakaza kini ngalolusuku lwalamuhla, ukuthi mina ngimsulwa egazini labo bonke; ngoba kangigodlanga ukuthi ngilitshumayeze. Ziqapheleni-ke lina. Ngoba mina ngiyazi lokhu, ukuthi emva kokuhamba kwami kuzangena impisi eziphangayo phakathi kwenu, zingawuyekeli umhlambi; laphakathi kwenu kuzavela amadoda. Ngakho lindani. Lakhathesi, bazalwane, ngilinikela kuNkulunkulu. Kangihawukelanga isiliva. Lina-ke uqobo lwenu liyazi ukuthi lezizandla zasebenzela inswelo zami. Kukho konke ngilitshengisile, ukuthi kumele ukuthi sisize ababuthakathaka, sikhumbule amazwi eNkosi uJesu, ukuthi yena wathi: Kubusisekile kakhulu ukupha kulokwemukela. Njalo esetshilo lezizinto, waguqa ngamadolo akhe, wakhuleka labo bonke. Kwaba khona ukukhala kakhulu kwabo bonke; basebewela entanyeni kaPawuli bamanga, belosizi kakhulu ngelizwi alitshoyo. Kwasekusithi sisuka ngomkhumbi sesehlukene labo, sahamba ngendlela eqondileyo safika eKosi, lango sukuolulandelayo eRodesi, sasuka lapho sayaePathara; sasesithola lapho umkhumbi ochaphela eFenekiya, sangena sahamba ngomkhumbi. Kwathi sesiqhamuka eKuprosi. Sesibatholile abafundi. Kwathi sekwenzakele ukuthi siqede insuku, sasuka sahamba, njalo bonke basiphelekezela kanye labomkabo labantwana kwaze kwaba ngaphandle komuzi, sesivalelisene, sangena emkhunjini. Kodwa thina, sesiqedile uhambo ngomkhumbi sisuka eTire sahlala labo usuku lwaba lunye. Kusisa thina esasiloPawuli sasuka, sahlala laye. Yena-ke wayelamadodakazi amane, intombi, eziprofethayo. Kwathi sesihlezi insuku ezinengi, kwehla umprofethi othile, wasefika kithi, wathatha uzwezwe lukaPawuli: Indoda olungolwayo loluzwezwe, amaJuda eJerusalema azayibopha kanje, njalo a yi nikele ezandleni zabezizwe. Sesizizwile lezizinto, samncenga thina kanye lalabo ababelapho, ukuthi angenyukeli eJerusalema. Kodwa uPawuli waphendula esithi: Lenzani likhala lidabula inhliziyo yami? Ngoba mina sengilungele, kungeyisikho ukubotshwa kuphela, kodwa lokufa eJerusalema ngenxa yebizo leNkosi uJesu. Kwathi engancengeki, sathula sathi: Kayenziwe intando yeNkosi. Emva kwalezinsuku sasesilungiselela. L abathilebabafundi, ebesizangenisa kuye. Njalo sesifikile eJerusalema, abazalwane. Kusisa uPawuli wangena lathi kuJakobe. Kwathi esebabingelele, wabalandisela ngakunye ngakunye. Kwathi sebe ku zwile, bayidumisa iNkosi; njalo sebetsheliwe ngawe. Pho-ke kuyini? Isibili kufanele ukuthi ixuku libuthane; ngoba bazakuzwa ukuthi usufikile. Ngakho yenza lokhu esikutsho kuwe; silamadoda amane abalesifungo phezu kwawo; athathe kanye lawe, uzihlambulule kanye lawo. Kodwa mayelana labezizwe abakholwayo thina sesibhalile, saquma sathibangagcini lutho olunjalo, ngaphandle kokuthi kabazile okuhlatshelwe izithombe, legazi, lokukhanyiweyo, lokufeba. UPawuli wasewathatha amadoda, kusisa wahlanjululwa kanye lawo. Kwathi sezizaphela insuku eziyisikhombisa, amemeza athi: Madoda maIsrayeli, sizani! Nguye lumuntu ofundisa bonke endaweni zonke okuphambene lesizwe, lomlayo. Ngoba ayebonile ngaphambili uTrofimu emzini elaye, amkhumbulela ukuthi uPawuli umngenisile ethempelini. Lomuzi wonke wanyakazela, labantu bagijimela ndawonye, bamdumela uPawuli bamhudulela ngaphandle kwethempeli; leminyango yahle yavalwa. Kuthe besafuna ukumbulala, ilizwi lafika enduneni enkulu; eyahle yathatha amabutho lezinduna zekhulu, yagijimela kubo. Induna enkulu yasisondela, yabuza ukuthi ungubani, lokuthi wenzeni. Abanye exukwini bememeza okunye labanye okunye; kodwa ingelakulazi iqiniso ngenxa yomsindo, yalaya ukuthi asiwe enkambeni yamabutho. Kwathi esefikile ezikhwelweni, kwenzeka ukuthi athwalwe ngamabutho ngenxa yokufutheka kwexuku; ngoba ixuku labantu lalandela limemeza lisithi: Msuseni! Kwathi uPawuli esezangeniswa enkambeni yamabutho: Kuvunyelwe yini ukuthi ngikhulume ulutho kuwe? Yona yasisithi: Uyasazi isiGriki yini? Kanti kawusuye yini lowomGibhithe? Kodwa uPawuli wathi: Mina ngingumuntu ongumJuda, weTarsu yeKilikhiya, isakhamuzi somuzi ongadelelekanga; ngiyakuncenga, ngivumela ngikhulume ebantwini. Kwathi esemvumele, uPawuli wema ezikhwelweni: Madoda, bazalwane, labobaba, zwanini ukuziphendulela kwami khathesi kini. Sebezwile ukuthi ukhuluma labo ngolimi lwamaHebheru, bathula kakhulu, wasesithi: Mina ngiyindoda engumJuda; eyazingela leyondlela, njengoba lompristi omkhulu engifakazela, lomphakathi wonke wabadala, ngaya eDamaseko, ukuthi lababekhona lapho ngibalethe eJerusalema bebotshiwe, ukuze bajeziswe. Kwasekusithi ngisahamba sengisondela eDamaseko, sekungaba yimini enkulu, kwahle kwakhanya ukukhanya okukhulu okuvela ezulwini kungizingelezela. Ngasengiwela phansi, ngasengisizwa ilizwi lisithi kimi: Sawuli, Sawuli, ungizingelelani? Mina ngasengiphendula ngathi: Ungubani, Nkosi? Wasesithi kimi: NginguJesu weNazaretha wena omzingelayo. Lalabo ababelami bakubona ukukhanya, njalo basebesesaba, kodwa kabalizwanga ilizwi elakhuluma lami. Ngasengisithi: Ngenzeni, Nkosi? INkosi yasisithi kimi: Sukuma uye eDamaseko; njalo uzatshelwa khona ngazo zonke izinto ozimiselwe ukuthi uzenze. Njengoba ngangingaboni ngenxa yenkazimulo yalokhokukhanya, ngakhokhelwa ngesandla yilabo ababelami, ngafika eDamaseko. Njalo uAnaniya othile, weza kimi wasesima phansi kwami wathi kimi: Sawuli mzalwane, buya ubone. Njalo mina ngalesosikhathi ngasengimbona. Wasesithi: UNkulunkulu wabobaba bethu, ngoba uzakuba ngumfakazi wakhe. Khathesi-ke, usalindeleni? Sukuma ubhabhathizwe. Kwasekusithi kimi sengibuyele eJerusalema, ngasengimbona wathi kimi: Phangisa uphume ngesiqubu eJerusalema. Ngasengisithi: Nkosi, bayazi bona ukuthi mina ngangibafaka entolongweni; njalo mhla kuchithwa igazi likaStefane umfakazi wakho. Wasesithi kimi: Hamba, ngoba mina ngizakuthuma. Bamlalela kwaze kwafika kulelolizwi, baphakamisa ilizwi labo! Kwathi besamemeza, baphosa izembatho, baphosa uthuli emoyeni, induna enkulu yalaya ukuthi angeniswe enkambeni yamabutho, ukuze yazi ukuthi kungasizatho bani bememeza ngokunjalo ngaye. Kwathi sebemelulele phambili ngemichilo, uPawuli wathi enduneni yekhulu eyayimi lapho: Kuvunyelwe kini yini ukutshaya ngesiswepu umuntu ongumRoma? Induna yekhulu isizwile yasondela yatshela induna enkulu isithi: Nanzelela osuzakwenza; ngoba lumuntu ungumRoma. Induna enkulu yasifika yathi kuye: Ngitshele, wena ungumRoma yini? Yena wathi: Yebo. Induna enkulu yasiphendula yathi: Mina lelilungelo lokuba yisakhamuzi ngalizuza ngemali enkulu. UPawuli wasesithi: Kodwa lami ngazalwa lalo. Ngakho labo abasebezamhlola bahle basuka kuye. Lenduna enkulu layo yesaba, isisazi ukuthi ungumRoma, lokuthi ibimbophile. Kwathi kusisa ifuna ukwazi iqiniso, ukuthi kungani emangalelwa ngamaJuda, yamkhulula kuzibopho. UPawuli wasewujolozela, kuze kube lamuhla. Kodwa uAnaniya umpristi omkhulu. UPawuli wasesithi kuye: UNkulunkulu uzakutshaya, mduli oconjwe waba mhlophe? Lababemi lapho bathi: Uyamthuka umpristi omkhulu kaNkulunkulu yini? UPawuli wasesithi: Bengingazi, bazalwane, ukuthi ungumpristi omkhulu. Kwathi uPawuli esekwazi ukuthi enye ingxenye yabo ingabaSadusi. Kwathi esetshilo lokhu, kwavela ukuphikisana kwabaFarisi labaSadusi, lexuku ladabuka phakathi; ngoba abaSadusi. Kwasekuvela ukumemeza okukhulu; kwathi ababhali behlelo labaFarisi basukuma baphika kakhulu besithi: Kasitholi bubi kulumuntu. Kwathi sekuvele ukuphikisana okukhulu, induna enkulu yesaba ukuthi uPawuli uzadatshulwa yibo, yalaya amabutho. Njalo ngobusuku obulandelayo iNkosi yema phansi kwakhe. Kwathi sekusile, abanye bamaJuda benza iqhinga, bazibopha ngesiqalekiso, besithi kabayikudla lokunatha baze bambulale uPawuli. Njalo babengaphezu kwamatshumi amane abenza lesisifungo ndawonye; abaya kubapristi abakhulu labadala bathi: Sizibophe ngesiqalekiso esikhulu, sokuthi kasiyikudla lutho size simbulale uPawuli. Ngakho khathesi lina kanye lomphakathi. Kodwa indodana kadadewabo kaPawuli yezwa ngokumcathamela, yeza yangena enkambeni yamabutho, yamtshela uPawuli. UPawuli wasebizela kuye enye yezinduna zekhulu wathi: Sana lelijaha enduneni enkulu; ngoba lilento elizayitshela yona. Yasilithatha-ke yalisa enduneni enkulu, yasisithi: UPawuli isibotshwa ungibizele kuye wacela ukuthi ngilethe lelijaha kuwe, lilento elizakutshela yona. Induna enkulu yasilithatha ngesandla, yasibuyela eceleni bebodwa, yabuza: Kuyini ozongitshela khona? Laselisithi: AmaJuda avumelene ukucela kuwe. Ngakho wena ungavunyiswa yiwo; ngoba amadoda adlula amatshumi amane kuwo amcathamele ngokuthi angadli anganathi aze ambulale; lakhathesi alungile elindele isithembiso sakho. Ngakho induna enkulu yasiliyekela ijaha lahamba, i li laya isithi: Ungatsheli muntu ukuthi ungibikele lezizinto. Yasibizela kuyo induna zekhulu ezithile ezimbili, yathi: Lungisani abebutho abangamakhulu amabili ukuze bahambe baze bayefika eKesariya, labagadi bamabhiza abangamatshumi ayisikhombisa, labemikhonto abangamakhulu amabili, kusukela ngehola lesithathu lobusuku; lungisani lezinyamazana, ukuze ligadise uPawuli limfikise ephephile kumbusi uFelike; wabhala incwadi imumethe lokhu: Klawudiyosi Lisiya kumhlekazi. Lindoda ibibanjwe ngamaJuda, njalo ibisizabulawa yiwo. Ngathi ngifuna ukuthi ngazi isizatho ayimangalela ngaso; engathi ngithola ukuthi imangalelwe loba izibopho. Kwathi sekuvelile kimi. Abebutho-ke, njengokulaywa kwabo, bamthatha uPawuli, bamusa eAntipatri ngobusuku. Njalo kusisa, batshiya abagadi bamabhiza ukuthi bahambe laye; okwathi sebefikile eKesariya, bammisa loPawuli phambi kwakhe. Kwathi umbusi eseyifundile incwadi, wathi: Ngizakuzwa, sebefikile labamangaleli bakho. Kwathi emva kwensuku ezinhlanu. Kwathi esebiziwe, uTertulo waqala uku m cala esithi: Ukuthula okukhulu sikuzuzile ngawe, lemisebenzi emihle yenzakele kulesisizwe ngokunakekela kwakho, ngazo zonke indlela lakuzo zonke indawo siyakwemukela, ngakho konke ukubonga. Kodwa ukuze ngingakubambeleli kakhulu, ngiyakuncenga ukuthi ngomusa wakho usizwe ngokufitshane. Ngoba lindoda siyifice iyinkathazo, njalo ingeyenza umvukela phakathi kwamaJuda wonke; eyake yazama lokungcolisa ithempeli, kodwa kwafika uLisiya induna enkulu wa m thatha ngodlakela olukhulu ezandleni zethu, elaya abamangaleli bakhe ukuthi beze kuwe; ongathi, ngoku m buzisisa wena uqobo, ungaba lakho ukwazi kuye ngazo zonke izinto thina esimmangalela ngazo. LamaJuda lawo avuma, esithi lezizinto zinjalo. UPawuli wasephendula, umbusi esemqhwebile ukuthi akhulume, njengoba ungakubona ukuthi kaku ka dluli insuku ezilitshumi lambili; njalo kabangificanga ethempelini ngiphikisana lomuntu loba ngivusa isiphithiphithi exukwini, loba emasinagogeni, loba emzini. Futhi bangeke baqinise ngezinto abangimangalela ngazo khathesi. Kodwa ngiyavuma kuwe lokhu, ukuthi ngendlela abayibiza ngokuthi; ngilethemba kuNkulunkulu. Njalo kulokho mina ngiyazama, ukuthi ngibe lesazela. Kwathi emva; ngikulezizinto; afanele ukuba khona lapha phambi kwakho a ngi cale uba elolutho ngami; kumbe bona ngokwabo kabatsho, ukuthi baficani okungalunganga kimi, mhla ngimi phambi komphakathi, ngaphandle kwalelolizwi elilodwa, engalimemeza ngimi phakathi kwabo ngisithi: Ngokuvuka okwabafileyo mina ngiyehlulelwa yini lamuhla. Kwathi uFelike wabadlulisela phambili, esezwile lezizinto esazi ngokupheleleyo; waselaya induna yekhulu ukuthi agcinwe uPawuli, lokuthi abe lenkululeko. Kwathi emva kwensuku ezithile, uFelike weza loDrusila umkakhe engumJudakazi, wathumela ukubiza uPawuli, wamuzwa mayelana lokholo kuKristu. Kwathi esakhuluma ngokulunga langokuzithiba; njalo ngesikhathi esifananayo wayethemba futhi ukuthi uzanikwa imali nguPawuli, ukuze amkhulule; ngakho wayehlezi embizela kuye ekhuluma laye. Kodwa sekugcwaliseke iminyaka emibili, uFelike wemukela omlandelayo uPorkiyu uFestusi; uFelike efisa ukuthokozisa amaJuda wamtshiya uPawuli ebotshiwe. Ngakho kwathi uFestusi esengenile emkhonweni, labapristi abakhulu bammangalela uPawuli kuye, bemncenga, bacela ukwenzelwa umusa omelane laye, ukuthi amthume eJerusalema. Kodwa uFestusi waphendula ngokuthi uPawuli ugciniwe eKesariya, lokuthi laye ngokwakhe uzakuya khonangokuphangisa. Wathi: Ngakho labo abenelisayo phakathi kwenu kabehle kanye lami; uba kukhona ulutho olubi ngaleyondoda, bayimangalele. Kwathi esehlale phakathi kwabo insuku ezedlula itshumi, wehlela walaya ukuthi uPawuli alethwe. Kwathi esefikile, amaJuda ayehlile evela eJerusalema ema e m hanqile, yena eziphendulela wathi. Kodwa uFestusi ethanda ukuthabisa amaJuda, wahlulelwe khona ngalezizinto phambi kwami? Kodwa uPawuli wathi: Ngimi phambi kwesihlalo sokwahlulela sikaKesari. Ngoba uba ngonile ngenze ulutho olufanele ukufa, kangali ukufa. Khona uFestusi esekhulume lomphakathi waphendula wathi: Ulidlulisele kuKesari? Uzakuya kuKesari. Kwathi sekudlule insuku ezithile, uAgripha inkosi loBernike bafika eKesariya, ukuze babingelele uFestusi. Kwathi sebehlezi khona insuku ezinengi, uFestusi wayilandisela inkosi izindaba zikaPawuli, kwathi ngiseJerusalema. Engabaphendula ngathi: Kakusiwo umkhuba wamaRoma ukumnikela umuntu ekufeni. Ngakho sebebuthene lapha, kangizange ngiphuze; ngo sukuolulandelayo, ngalaya ukuthi indoda ilethwe; leyo aba yi mangalelayo sebemi kabavezanga cala ngayo ngezinto mina ebengizicabangela, kodwa babelokuphikisana okuthile laye, langothile uJesu owafayo, uPawuli othi ngaye uyaphila. Kuthe mina ngisadidekile ngombuzo onje, ngathi, angathanda yini ukuya eJerusalema, ayekwahlulelwa khona ngalezozinto. Kodwa kwathi uPawuli eselidlulisele phambili ukuthi agcinelwe ukuhlolwa yinkosi enkulu, ngalaya ukuthi agcinwe, ngize ngimthume kuKesari. UAgripha wasesithi kuFestusi: Lami bengithanda ukuthi ngimuzwe lumuntu. Yena wathi: Kusasa uzamuzwa. Ngakho kusisa, kwathi uAgripha loBernike befika ngokuzibonakalisa okukhulu lamadoda ayizikhulu zomuzi, uFestusi waselaya ukuthi uPawuli alethwe. UFestusi wasesithi: Nkosi Agripha, lani lonke madoda elikhona lapha kanye lathi, liyambona lo elangicela ngaye. Kodwa mina ngathola ukuthi kenzanga lutho olufanele ukufa, ngaquma ukumthuma. Okungaye kangilalutho oluqinileyo engingalubhalela inkosi. Ngakho ngimlethile phambi kwenu, ikakhulu phambi kwakho, nkosi Agripha, ukuze kuthi esehloliwe ngibe lakho engingakubhala. Ngoba ngibona kungaqondanga ukuthuma isibotshwa, kungatshengiswanga lamacala amelene laso. UAgripha wasesithi kuPawuli: Uvunyelwe ukuzikhulumela. UPawuli waseselula isandla, waziphendulela wathi: Kukho konke engimangalelwa ngakho ngamaJuda; ikakhulu ngoba uyawazi wonke amasiko lokuphikisana phakathi kwamaJuda; ngakho ngiyakuncenga, ukuthi ungizwe ngesineke. Ngakho ukuhamba kwami konke kusukela ebutsheni, okwakuqala esizweni sakithi eJerusalema, wonke amaJuda ayakwazi, ayangazi phambili kusukela ekuqaleni. Lakhathesi ngimi ngithonisiswa ngenxa yethemba, ezithemba ukufinyelela kuso izizwe zakithi ezilitshumi lambili. Kungani kukhunjulwa ukuthi ku yintoengakholekiyo kini, nxa uNkulunkulu evusa abafileyo? Ngakho lami ngokwami ngangicabanga ukuthi ngangifanele ukwenza izinto ezinengi eziphambene lebizo likaJesu weNazaretha; lami engakwenza eJerusalema. Lemasinagogeni wonke ngabajezisa kanengi, nga ba bamba ngamandla ukuthi bahlambaze, nga ba zingela baze bafika emizini yabezizwe. Okungazo lami ngisiya eDamaseko ngamandla langokuthunywa ngabapristi abakhulu, emini enkulu, nkosi, ngabona endleleni ukukhanya kuvela ezulwini, kudlula ukukhanya kwelanga, kwakhanya kwangizingelezela lalabo ababehamba lami. Kwathi sonke sesiwele phansi emhlabathini, ngezwa ilizwi likhuluma lami lisithi ngolimi lwesiHebheru: Sawuli, Sawuli, ungizingelelani? Kulukhuni kuwe ukukhahlelana lezincijo. Mina ngasengisithi: Ungubani, Nkosi? Wasesithi: Mina nginguJesu omzingelayo. Kodwa sukuma, njalo ume ngenyawo zakho; ngoba ngibonakelele lokho kuwe, ukuthi ngikumise, ngikophula ebantwini lakwabezizwe, engikuthuma kubo khathesi, ukuvula amehlo abo. Ngakho, nkosi Agripha, kangalanga ukulalela umbono wezulwini; kodwa ngatshumayela kuqala kwabaseDamaseko. Ngenxa yalezizinto amaJuda angibamba ethempelini, azama uku ngi bulala. Ngakho ngizuzile usizo oluvela kuNkulunkulu, kuze kube lamuhla ngimi ngifakaza kubo bonke abancinyane labakhulu ukuthi zizakwenzeka, ukuthi uKristu umele ukuhlupheka. Kwathi esaziphendulela lezizinto. Kodwa wathi: Kangihlanyi. Ngoba inkosi iyazi ngalezizinto, engikhuluma ngesibindi lakuyo; ngoba ngileqiniso lokuthi akukho okunye kwalezizinto okufihlakeleyo kuyo; ngoba lokhu kakwenziwanga engonsini. Nkosi Agripha, uyakholwa abaprofethi yini? Ngiyazi ukuthi uyakholwa. UAgripha wasesithi kuPawuli: Usuphose wangiqinisekisa ukuthi ngibe ngumKristu. UPawuli wasesithi: Bengingafisa kuNkulunkulu ukuthi, loba ngokulutshwana loba ngokunengi kungabi nguwe wedwa, kodwa labo bonke abangizwayo lamuhla, babe ngabanje njengoba nginjalo lami, ngaphandle kwalezizibopho. Kwathi esekhulume lezizinto, yasukuma inkosi, lombusi; kwathi sebephumile bakhulumisana, besithi: Lumuntu kenzi lutho olufanele ukufa kumbe ukubotshwa. UAgripha wasesithi kuFestusi: Lumuntu ubengakhululwa. Kwathi sekuqunyiwe ukuthi siye eIthaliya ngomkhumbi. Sasesingena emkhunjini weAdramithiyu, obusuzakuya endaweni zeAsiya. Lakusisa safika eSidoni. Sasesisuka lapho ngomkhumbi, ngoba imimoya yayiphambene lathi, kwathi sesidabule ulwandle olungaseKilikhiya lePamfiliya, safika eMira yeLikhiya. Lapho-ke induna yekhulu yathola umkhumbi weAleksandriya oya eIthaliya, yasikhweza kuwo. Sasesihamba kancinyane okwensuku ezinengi, safika nzima maqondana leKinidu, umoya ungasivumeli maqondana leSalamone; sasesiyigudla kanzima safika endaweni ethile ethiwa yiMathekwamahle; okwakuseduze layo umuzi iLaseya. Kwathi sekudlule isikhathi esikhulu, njalo sekuyingozi ukuhamba ngomkhumbi, ngoba lezilo lokudla laseledlule, uPawuli wa be luleka esithi kubo: Madoda, ngiyabona ukuthi uhambo luzakuba lengozi, kungeyisiwo owempahla lomkhumbi kuphela kodwa lowempilo zethu. Kodwa induna yekhulu yakholwa induna yomkhumbi lomnikazi wawo kulezinto ezazitshiwo nguPawuli. Kwathi njengoba itheku lalingalungelanga ukuhlalwa ebusika, inengi labo lacebisa ukuthi kusukwe lalapho, mhlawumbe kwenzeke ukuthi bafike eFenikisi bahlale khonaebusika, itheku leKrete elikhangele eningizimuntshonalanga lenyakathontshonalanga. Njalo kuthe umoya weningizimu usuphephetha buthakathaka, banakana ukuthi sebekuzuzile lokho ababekuqondile, sebephakamise ingwegwesagudla eKrete. Kodwa kungabanga yisikhathi eside umoya oyisivunguzane, othiwa iYurakilidoni, wawutshaya; umkhumbi wasubanjwa, wehluleka ukukhangelana lomoya, sasesiwuyekela undenda. Sathi sesigudla phansi kwesihlengana esithile esithiwa yiKlawuda, senelisa kalukhuni ukuwubamba umkolo; abasebewuphanyekile, basebenzisa izincediso, sabopha ngamagoda sizingelezela umkhumbi; basebesesaba ukuthi bazaphoseka emhlabathiniweSirti, behlisa iseyili, ngokunjalo basebendenda. Kuthe ukuthi siphoswe kakhulu yisiphepho, ngo lu landelayo baphosa impahla; kwathi ngolwesithathu salahla izikhali zomkhumbi ngezandla zethu uqobo. Kwathi kungelalanga njalo kungelankanyezi ezibonakalayo insuku ezinengi, lesiphepho esingesincinyane si qinisa, kusukela lapho laseliphela ithemba lonke lokuthi sizasinda. Kwathi sekuyisikhathi eside bengasadli, uPawuli wasesukuma phakathi kwabo, wathi: Madoda, ngabe la lalela mina. Khathesi-ke sengileluleka ukuthi lime isibindi; ngoba kakusoze kulahleke impilo leyodwa kini, ngaphandle komkhumbi. Ngoba, yathi: Ungesabi Pawuli; ngoba umele ukuma phambi kukaKesari; njalo khangela, uNkulunkulu ukuphile bonke labo abahamba ngomkhumbi lawe. Ngakho manini isibindi madoda. Kodwa kumele. Kwathi sekufike ubusuku betshumi lane, sasindenda sizula olwandle lweAdriya, phakathi kobusuku, abomkhumbi bakhumbula ukuthi umhlabathi othile ususondela kibo; basebephosa intambo yokulinganisa bathola amafathome angamatshumi amabili; sebeqhubekile kancinyane baphosa intambo yokulinganisa futhi, bathola amafathome alitshumi lanhlanu; njalo sesaba ukuthi mhlawumbe singatshayeka emadwaleni, basebephosela ingwegwe ezine ngemva komkhumbi, bafisa ukuthi kuse. Abomkhumbi sebezama ukubaleka emkhunjini, basebesehlisela olwandle umkolo, uPawuli wathi enduneni yekhulu lakwabebutho: Uba laba bengahlali emkhunjini, lingesindiswe lina. Abebutho basebequma amagoda omkolo. Kwasekusithi sekuzakusa, uPawuli wa ba ncenga bonke ukuthi bathathe ukudla, esithi: Lamuhla kulusuku lwetshumi lane lilindile lihlezi lingadli, lingathathi lutho. Ngakho ngiyalincenga ukuthi lithathe ukudla; ngoba lokhu ngokosindiso lwenu; ngoba kakuyikuwa komunye unwele lwekhanda lenu. Kwathi esetshilo lezizinto, esethethe isinkwa, wabonga uNkulunkulu phambi kwabo bonke; wa si hlephula waqala ukudla. Basebesima isibindi bonke njalo bona bathatha ukudla. Njalo thina sonke esasisemkhunjini sasiyimiphefumulo engamakhulu amabili lamatshumi ayisikhombisa lesithupha. Njalo sebesuthi ukudla baphungula umkhumbi, baphosela amabele olwandle. Kwathi sekusile, kabalazanga ilizwe; kodwa babona itheku elithile lilokhumbi, abamisa ukuthi baqhubele umkhumbi kulo, uba kungenzeka. Basebequma ingwegwe ba zi yekela olwandle. Basebefika bengananzelele endaweni lapho ulwandle olwaluhlangana khona bawuqhubela umkhumbi esihlabathini; njalo isihloko somkhumbi sagxumekeka sahlala singanyikinyeki, kodwa ingemuva yomkhumbi yephulwa ngamandla amagagasi. Labebutho babeqonde ukubulala izibotshwa, hlezi ezinye zibaleke ngokuntshezela khatshana. Kodwa induna yekhulu, ifisa ukusindisa uPawuli, yabavimbela kunjongo yabo, yasilaya ukuthi labo abakwaziyo ukuntsheza baziphosele olwandle kuqala, baye emhlabathini; labaseleyo, abanye ngamapulanka, labanye ngezinye zezinto zomkhumbi. Ngokunjalo-ke kwenzeka ukuthi bonke bafike emhlabathini besindile. Kwathi sebesindile, basebesizwa ukuthi. Labalelolizwe; ngoba babasa umlilo, basemukela sonke, ngenxa yezulu elaseliqalisile, langenxa yomqando. UPawuli wasetheza umnyaba wenkuni, wa zi beka emlilweni, kwaphuma inyoka ngenxa yokutshisa, yanamathela esandleni sakhe. Kwathi abalelolizwe bebona isilo silenga esandleni sakhe. Yena-ke wasithintithela emlilweni isilo, akaze aba lengozi. Basebelindela ukuthi uzavuvuka lokuthi awele phansi ahle afe; kwathi sebelinde isikhathieside, basebebona ukuthi kakulalutho olubi olwenzakala kuye. Kubomakhelwane baleyondawo kwakulamasimu esikhulu sesihlenge, uPubliyo ngebizo; owasemukela wasingenisa kuhle insuku ezintathu. Kwasekusithi uyise kaPubliyo wayelele ebanjwe luqhuqho lesisu segazi; angena kuye uPawuli, wakhuleka. Ngakho lokho sekwenzakele, beza labanye ababesesihlengeni ababelezifo basebesiliswa; abasidumisa langodumo olukhulu, njalo mhla sisukayo ngomkhumbi, ba s ethesa izinto ezidingekayo. Kwathi emva kwenyanga ezintathu sasuka ngomkhumbi weAleksandriya, owawuhlezi ebusika esihlengeni, ulophawu oluthiwangoDiyosikuroyi. Sasesifika eSirakhuse sahlala insuku ezintathu; sasuka lapho sahamba ngokubhoda sayafika eRegiyuma, sekudlule usuku olulodwa kwafika umoya weningizimu, safika ePuthiyoli ngosuku lwesibili; lapho esafica khona abazalwane, sacelwa ukuhlala labo insuku eziyisikhombisa; ngokunjalo saya-ke eRoma. Njalo besuka lapho abazalwane sebezwile izinto ngathi, beza ukusihlangabeza baze bafika eApiyi Foruma leNdlini zeZihambi eziNtathu; okwathi uPawuli ebabona, wabonga uNkulunkulu, wema isibindi. Sathi sesifike eRoma, induna yekhulu yanikela izibotshwa enduneni yabalindi; kodwa uPawuli wavunyelwa ukuhlala yedwa, lowebutho omlindayo. Kwasekusithi emva kwensuku ezintathu; wona esengihlolile. Kodwa amaJuda ala, ngacindezeleka ukulidlulisela kuKesari, kungeyisikho ukuthi ngilolutho olokumangalela isizwe sakithi. Ngakho ngenxa yalesisizatho ngilibizele lapha ukuthi ngi li bone ngikhulume lani; ngoba ngenxa yethemba. Basebesithi kuye: Thina kasemukelanga izincwadi ngawe ezivela eJudiya, futhi loba ngubani wabazalwane, esefikile, kabikanga kumbe akhulume lutho olubi ngawe. Kodwa sifisa ukuzwa izinto ozinakanayo wena; ngoba mayelana lalobububhazuka. Njalo kwathi sebemmisele usuku, abanengi beza kuye endlini yezihambi; owabachasisela. Abanye basebekholwa izinto azitshoyo, kodwa abanye kabakholwanga. Kwasekusithi bengezwanani bodwa basuka bahamba, uPawuli esekhulume ilizwi laba linye lokuthi: Wayekhulume kuhle uMoya oyiNgcwele ngoIsaya umprofethi kubobaba bethu, esithi: Hamba uye kulesisizwe ubususithi: Ngokuzwa lizakuzwa, njalo kalisoze liqedisise; lokubona lizabona, njalo kalisoze libonisise; ngoba inhliziyo yalesisizwe seyaba buthundu, njalo bezwa kanzima ngendlebe, lamehlo abo bawacimezile; hlezi babone ngamehlo, njalo bezwe ngendlebe, futhi baqedisise ngenhliziyo, njalo baphenduke, besengibasilisa. Ngakho kakwaziwe kini, ukuthi usindiso lukaNkulunkulu. Njalo kwathi esetshilo lezizinto, amaJuda asuka, elokuphikisana okukhulu phakathi kwawo. UPawuli wasehlala iminyaka emibili egcweleyo endlini yakhe uqobo ayeyiqatshile, wemukela bonke abangena kuye, watshumayela umbuso kaNkulunkulu, njalo wafundisa ngeNkosi uJesu Kristu. UPawuli, inceku kaJesu Kristu, ebizelwe ukubangumphostoli (alithembisa ngaphambili), mayelana leNdodana yakhe, eyavela, eyabonakaliswa ukuba yiNdodana kaNkulunkulu ngamandla, ngokuvuka okwabafileyo, uJesu Kristu iNkosi yethu; esemukela ngaye umusa, elikuzo lani, babiziweyo bakaJesu Kristu: Kibo bonke abaseRoma, abathandiweyo bakaNkulunkulu, ababizelwe ukubangabangcwele. Kuqala-ke ngibonga uNkulunkulu wami ngoJesu Kristu ngani lonke. Ngoba uNkulunkulu ungumfakazi wami, ukuthi kangiyekeli ukulikhumbula, ngesikhathi sonke emikhulekweni yami ekucineni. Ngoba ngilangatha ukulibona, ukuze ngiliphe, okuyikuthi, siduduzeke ndawonye phakathi kwenu ngokholo olukomunye lomunye, olwenu kanye lolwami. Kanti angithandi ukuthi kungaziwa kini, bazalwane, ukuthi ngazimisela kanengi ukuza kini laphakathi kwenu, lanjengaphakathi kwezinye izizwe. Ngilomlandu kumaGriki, kwabahlakaniphileyo kanye lakwabangahlakaniphanga; ngokunjalo njengokukimi ngilungele ukutshumayela ivangeli lakini abaseRoma. Ngoba kangilanhloni ngevangeli likaKristu. Ngoba ukulunga kukaNkulunkulu. Ngoba ulaka lukaNkulunkulu luyabonakaliswa luvela ezulwini phezu kwakho konke ukungakhonzi uNkulunkulu lokungalungi kwabantu abavimbela iqiniso ngokungalungi; ngoba. Ngoba okungabonwayo kwakhe, selokhu kwadatshulwa umhlaba; ngoba kuthe bemazi uNkulunkulu, kaba m dumisanga njengoNkulunkulu kaba m bonga, kodwa baba. Bezitshaya abahlakaniphileyo baba yizithutha, lenkazimulo kaNkulunkulu ongabhubhiyo bayiphendulela. Ngalokho-ke uNkulunkulu wabanikela emanyaleni, enkanukweni zenhliziyo zabo; abaphendulela iqiniso likaNkulunkulu. Ngenxa yalokho uNkulunkulu wabanikela; langokunjalo labesilisa bayekela ukwenza kwemvelo kowesifazana, batsha ngokukhanukana kwabo, abesilisa labesilisa benza okulihlazo, bemukeliswa phakathi kwabo umvuzo ofanele ukuduha kwabo. Njalo njengalokhu bengavumanga ukuba lolwazi ngoNkulunkulu; begcwaliswe konke ukungalungi, ukuphinga, ububi, abanyeyayo, abangelangqondo, abephula izithembiso; abathi besazi umlayo wokulunga kaNkulunkulu. Ngakho kawulakuzilandulela. Njalo siyazi ukuthi ukwahlulela kukaNkulunkulu kungokweqiniso phezu kwalabo abenza izinto ezinjalo. Njalo ucabanga lokho yini, O muntu owahlulela abenza izinto ezinjalo, lawe uzenza lezozinto, ukuthi wena uzaphepha ukwahlulela kukaNkulunkulu? Kumbe uyayeyisa yini inotho yomusa wakhe? Kodwa ngobulukhuni bakho lenhliziyo yakho engaphendukiyo uzibekela ulaka, ozavuza lowo lalowo ngokwemisebenzi yakhe; impilo elaphakade lokungabhubhi; kodwa intukuthelo lolaka, usizi; kodwa inkazimulo lokuthula kuye wonke owenza okuhle, kumJuda kuqala lakumGriki; ngoba kakukho ukubandlulula umuntu kuNkulunkulu. Ngoba bonke abonileyo bengelamlayo, bazabhubha labo bengelamlayo; ngoba kakusibo abezwayo umlayo abalungileyo phambi kukaNkulunkulu. Ngoba nxa abezizwe abangelawo umlayo besenza ngokwemvelo okungokomlayo, bona, bengelawo umlayo, bangumlayo wabo ngokwabo; ababonakalisa ukuthi umsebenzi womlayo ulotshiwe enhliziyweni zabo; isazela sabo siyafakaza laso, lemicabango yaboi ba sole omunye komunye kumbe njalo i ba vikele omunye komunye, ngosuku uNkulunkulu azakwahlulela ngalo imfihlo zabantu. Khangela wena ubizwa ngokuthiungumJuda, usazi intando yakhe, njalo uzithembile wena ukuthi ungumholi weziphofu, ukukhanya kwabasemnyameni, umeluleki wezithutha, umfundisi wensane, ulesimo. Ngakho wena ofundisa omunye, kawuzifundisi yini? Wena otshumayela ukuthi ungebi, uyeba yini? Wena othi ungafebi, uyafeba yini? Wena ozincoma ngomlayo, udumaza uNkulunkulu ngokweqa umlayo yini? Ngoba ibizo likaNkulunkulu liyahlanjazwa, njengoba kulotshiwe. Ngoba isibili ukusoka kuyasiza, uba usenza umlayo; kodwa uba ungumeqi womlayo, ukusoka kwakho sekuyikungasoki. Ngakho uba ukungasoki? Lokungasoki ngemvelo, egcwalisa umlayo, kunge kugwebe yini? Ngoba kayisuye umJuda o nguyengokusobala, njalo kakusikho ukusoka okusobala enyameni; kodwa yena ungumJuda o nguyengasese. Pho-ke yibuphi ubungcono bomJuda, kumbe luyini usizo lokusoka? Kukhulu ngendlela yonke; ngoba kuqala-ke ukuthi. Ngoba kuyini uba abanye bengakholwanga? Phinde. Kodwa uba ukungalungi kwethu kubonakalisa ukulunga kukaNkulunkulu, sizakuthini? Kambe uNkulunkulu kalunganga yini owehlisela ulaka.) Phinde? Ngoba uba iqiniso likaNkulunkulu landisile kakhulu? Njalo kungenjengalokhu sigconwa, lanjengoba abanye bathi thina sithi: Kasenze izinto ezimbi ukuze kuvele okuhle? Abakulahlwa kwabo kuba ngokokulunga. Pho-ke? Singcono yini, njengokulotshiweyo ukuthi: Kakho olungileyo, kakho loyedwa; kakho oqedisisayo, kakho odinga uNkulunkulu; bonke baphambukile, kabasizi lutho bonkana; kakho owenza okuhle, kakho ngitsho loyedwa; umphimbo wabo ulingcwaba elivulekileyo; bakhohlisa ngenlimi zabo; omlomo wabo ugcwele ukuqalekisa lokubaba; inyawo zabo ziphangisela ukuchitha igazi; incithakalo losizi kusendleleni zabo, njalo indlela yokuthula kabayazanga; ukwesaba uNkulunkulu kakukho phambi kwamehlo abo. Njalo siyazi ukuthi konke okutshoyo umlayo, ukukhuluma kibo abangaphansi komlayo; ngoba. Kodwa khathesi-ke sekubonakalisiwe ukulunga kukaNkulunkulu; ngitsho ukulunga kukaNkulunkulu ngokholo lukaJesu Kristu kibo bonke laphezu kwabo bonke abakholwayo; ngoba bonke bonile basilele enkazimulweni kaNkulunkulu, balungisiswa ngesihle; uNkulunkulu; ukuze kube yisibonakaliso sokulunga kwakhe kulesisikhathi, ukuze abe ngolungileyo lokuthi uyamlungisisa ongowokholo lukaJesu. Ngakho kungaphi ukuzincoma? Kuvalelwe phandle. Ngomthetho bani? Hatshi bo, kodwa ngomthetho wokholo. Ngakho siphetha ngokuthi. Kambe u nguNkulunkulu wamaJuda kuphela? Njalo kayisuye lowabezizwe yini? Yebo lowabezizwe; lokhu uNkulunkulu emunye. Ngakho siyawenza umlayo ube yize ngokholo yini? Phinde. Pho-ke sizakuthi uAbrahama ubaba wethu wazuzani ngokwenyama? Ngoba uba uAbrahama walungisiswa ngemisebenzi. Ngoba umbhalo uthini? Uthi: Kodwa uAbrahama wakholwa kuNkulunkulu, kwasekubalelwa kuye ukuthi yikulunga. Kodwa kulowo osebenzayo kabalelwa iholo. Kodwa kulowo ongasebenziyo, kodwa ekholwa kuye olungisisa oweyisa uNkulunkulu, ukholo lwakhe. Njengoba laye uDavida ekhuluma ngokubusiswa komuntu, uNkulunkulu ambalela ukulunga esithi: Babusisiwe abaziphambeko zabo zithethelelwe labazono zabo zisitshekelwe. Ubusisiwe umuntu iNkosi engasoze yambalela isono. Ngakho lokhukubusiswa kuphezu kokusoka? Ngoba sithi: Ukholo lwabalelwa kuAbrahama ukuthi luyikulunga. Pho lwabalelwa njani? Lapho esekusokeni yini, kumbe ekungasokini? Kungekho ekusokeni, kodwa ekungasokini. Wasesemukela isibonakaliso sokusoka; ukuze abe nguyise wabo bonke abakholwayo lanxa b engasokanga, ukuze ukulunga kubalelwe lakibo; loyise wokusoka kulabo abangeyisibo bokusoka kuphela, kodwa futhi abahamba ezinyathelweni zokholo lukababa wethu uAbrahama aye lalo engakasokwa. Ngoba kasingomlayo isithembiso kuAbrahama kumbe kunzalo yakhe, ukuthi uzakuba yindlalifa yomhlaba, kodwa ngokulunga kokholo. Ngoba uba labo abomlayo beyizindlalifa; ngoba umlayo ubanga ulaka. Ngakho ku ngokholo, ukuze kube ngokomusa, (njengokulotshiweyo ukuthi: Ngikumisile ukuthi ube nguyise wezizwe ezinengi. Owathi emelane lethemba wakholwa ngethemba, ukuze abe nguyise wezizwe ezinengi, njengalokho okwatshiwoyo ukuthi: Izakuba njalo inzalo yakho. Njalo kabanga buthakathaka ekholweni, kanakananga umzimba wakhe uqobo owawusufile; njalo kathandabuzanga ngesithembiso sikaNkulunkulu ngokungakholwa, kodwa waqiniswa ekholweni, enika uNkulunkulu udumo, njalo eqinisekile ngokupheleleyo ukuthi lokho ayekuthembisile, ulamandla ngitsho okukwenza. Ngalokho-ke kwabalelwa kuye ukuthi yikulunga. Kakubhalwanga-ke ngenxa yakhe yedwa, ukuthi kwabalelwa kuye; kodwa langenxa yethu, esizabalelwa khona, owanikelwa ngenxa yeziphambeko zethu. Ngakho sesilungisisiwe ngokholo, okungaye njalo silokungena ngokholo kulumusa. Kakusikho lokhu -ke kuphela, lokubekezela ukuqina; lethemba kalidanisi. Ngoba sisebuthakathaka, ngesikhathi esifaneleyo uKristu wafela abeyisa uNkulunkulu. Ngoba kunzima ukuthi umuntu afele olungileyo; kodwa mhlawumbe kungaba khona ngitsho olesibindi sokufela olungileyo. Kodwa uNkulunkulu uqinisa. Ngakho kakhulu-ke, lokhu sesilungisisiwe khathesi ngegazi lakhe. Ngoba uba, lapho siseyizitha; njalo kakusikho lokhukuphela. Ngakho, njengalokhu ngamuntu munye isono sangena emhlabeni, ngoba bonke bonile; ngoba kuze ku fikeumlayo isono sasikhona emhlabeni, kanti ukufa kwabusa kusukela kuAdamu kusiya kuMozisi, laphezu kwalabo ababengonanga okufanana lokweqa kukaAdamu. Kodwa kungenjengesiphambeko, sinjalo lesipho somusa. Ngoba uba ngesiphambeko soyedwa abanengi bafa. Futhi isipho kasinjengoyedwa owonayo; ngoba isigwebo sa singesisodwa ngasekulahlweni, kodwa isipho somusa ngeseziphambeko ezinengi ngasekulungisisweni. Ngoba uba ngesiphambeko so muntuoyedwa ukufa kwabusa ngalowo oyedwa, ikakhulu bona abemukela ubunengi bomusa lobesipho sokulunga bazabusa empilweni ngalowo oyedwa, uJesu Kristu. Ngakho njengoba ngesiphambeko sinye isigwebo sabakubo bonke abantu ukuya ekulahlweni. Ngoba njengoba ngokungalaleli komuntu munye abanengi benziwa izoni. Kodwa umlayo; ukuze njengoba isono sabusa ekufeni, ngokunjalo lomusa ubuse ngokulunga. Ngakho sizakuthini? Sizahlala yini esonweni? Phinde? Kalazi yini ukuthi thina sonke esabhabhathizelwa? Ngakho sangcwatshwa kanye laye ngobhabhathizo ekufeni. Ngoba uba; sisazi lokhu, ukuthi umuntu wethu omdala; ngoba ofileyo. Njalo uba sifile kanye loKristu, siyakholwa ukuthi sizaphila futhi kanye laye; sisazi ukuthi uKristu esevusiwe kwabafileyo kasafi futhi; ukufa kungeke kusabusa phezu kwakhe. Ngoba lokhu wafa, wafela isono. Ngokunjalo lani zinakaneni sibili lifile esonweni. Ngakho kakumelanga isono sibuse emzimbeni wenu ofayo, lize lilalele inkanuko zawo; njalo linganikeli izitho zenu zibe yizikhali zokungalungi esonweni; ngoba isono kasiyikubusa phezu kwenu. Pho-ke? Sizakona yini! Kalazi yini ukuthi lowo elizinikela kuye ukuze libe yizigqili zoku m lalela, liyizigqili zakhe elimlalelayo, loba ezesono kube yikufa, loba ezokulalela kube yikulunga? Kodwa kabongwe uNkulunkulu, ukuthi lina lake laba yizigqili zesono; njalo likhululiwe esonweni. Ngikhuluma ngokwabantu. Ngoba lapho liyizigqili zesono, lalikhululekile ekulungeni. Ngakho sithelobani elilaso ezintweni ngalesosikhathi eselilenhloni ngazo. Kodwa khathesi-ke selikhululiwe esonweni, njalo selenziwe izigqili kuNkulunkulu, lilesithelo senu kube yibungcwele, lokucina kuyimpilo elaphakade. Ngoba inkokhelo yesono. Kalazi yini, bazalwane (ngoba ngikhuluma lalabo abawaziyo umlayo), ukuthi umlayo ubusa umuntu selokhu esaphila? Ngoba umfazi owendileyo ubotshelwe ngomlayo endodeni ephilayo; kodwa uba indoda isifile, ukhululiwe emlayweni wendoda. Ngakho uba indoda isaphila, uzathiwa yisifebe uba esiba ngowenye indoda; kodwa uba indoda isifile, ukhululekile emlayweni, ukuze angabi yisifebe uba esiba ngowenye indoda. Ngakho, bazalwane bami, selenziwe lafa lani emlayweni. Ngoba sathi sisenyameni, inkanuko zesono ezingomlayo zasebenza ezithweni zethu. Kodwa khathesi-ke sesikhululiwe emthethweni, sifile mayelana lalokho esasibanjwe yikho, ukuze sikhonze ngobutsha bomoya, njalo kungeyisikho ngobudala bokulotshiweyo. Pho-ke sizakuthini? Umthetho uyisono yini? Phinde. Kodwa isono, sizuze. Mina-ke ngake ngaphila ngaphandle komlayo, njalo ngafa mina; njalo umthetho ongowempilo, wona waficwa yimi ungowokufa; ngoba isono, sizuze ithuba ngomthetho. Ngakho umthetho ungcwele, lomlayo ungcwele. Ngakho okulungileyo kwaba yikufa kimi yini? Phinde! Kodwa isono, ukuze sibonakaliswe ukuthi siyisono, sisebenza ukufa kimi ngokulungileyo; ukuze isono ngomthetho sibe yikonakala okukhulu kakhulu. Ngoba siyazi ukuthi umthetho ungowomoya. Ngoba lokhu engikwenzayo, angivumelani lakho; ngoba kakusikho engikuthandayo, lokho engikwenzayo; kodwa lokho engikuzondayo, yikho engikwenzayo. Uba ngisenza lokho engingakuthandiyo, ngiyawuvumela umthetho ukuthi ulungile. Kodwa khathesi-ke kakuseyimi engikwenzayo, kodwa yisono esihlala kimi. Ngoba ngiyazi ukuthi kimi, lokhu kuyikuthi enyameni yami, kakuhlali okuhle. Ngoba okuhle engikuthandayo, kangikwenzi; kodwa okubi engingakuthandiyo, yikho engikwenzayo. Kodwa uba ngisenza lokho mina engingakuthandiyo, kakuseyimi engikwenzayo, kodwa yisono esihlala kimi. Ngakho ngithola umthetho wokuthi lapho ngithanda ukwenza okuhle, okubi kukhona kimi. Ngoba ngiyathokoza emthethweni kaNkulunkulu; kodwa ngibona ezithweni zami. Mina muntu olusizi! Ngubani ozangikhulula kulumzimba walokhukufa? Ngiyabonga uNkulunkulu ngoJesu Kristu iNkosi yethu. Ngalokho-ke mina ngokwami ngikhonza umthetho kaNkulunkulu ngengqondo, kodwa ngenyama umthetho wesono. Ngakho khathesi kakukho ukulahlwa kibo abakuKristu Jesu, abangahambi ngokwenyama, kodwa ngokoMoya. Ngoba umthetho woMoya wempilo kuKristu Jesu. Ngoba lokho umthetho owawungekwenze, njalo kusenzelwa isono, walahla isono enyameni; ukuze ukulunga komthetho kugcwaliswe kithi. Ngoba bona abangokwenyama. Ngoba ukuzindla kwenyama kuyikufa; kodwa ukuzindla kukaMoya kuyimpilo lokuthula; ngoba ukuzindla kwenyama kuyibutha kuNkulunkulu; ngoba kakuzehliseli ngaphansi komthetho kaNkulunkulu, ngoba kungekwenze; lalabo abasenyameni kabalakumthokozisa uNkulunkulu. Lina-ke alisenyameni, kodwa likuMoya, uba phela. Uba-ke uKristu ekini, umzimba ufile ngenxa yesono, kodwa umoya uyimpilo ngenxa yokulunga. Njalo uba uMoya walowo owavusa uJesu kwabafileyo ehlala kini. Ngakho, bazalwane, silomlandu, kungeyisikho enyameni, ukuthi siphile ngokwenyama; ngoba uba liphila ngokwenyama, lizakufa. Ngoba bonke abakhokhelwa nguMoya kaNkulunkulu, bona bangabantwana bakaNkulunkulu. Ngoba kalemukelanga! UMoya uqobo ufakazelana kanye lomoya wethu; njalo uba sing abantwana, siyi zindlalifa. Ngoba ngithi. Ngoba ukulangatha kokudaliweyo. Ngoba okudaliweyo kwehliselwa lokuthi lalokho okudaliweyo kuzakhululwa ebugqilini. Ngoba siyazi ukuthi konke okudaliweyo. Kakusikho lokhu kuphela, kodwa lathi uqobo lwethu. Ngoba sisindiswa ngethemba; kodwa ithemba elibonwayo kayisilo ithemba; ngoba lokho umuntu akubonayo, ukuthembelani futhi? Kodwa uba sithemba lokho esingakuboniyo, si ku lindela ngokubekezela. Ngokunjalo loMoya uyasiza ubuthakathaka bethu; ngoba kasikwazi esikukhulekelayo njengokufaneleyo; yena-ke ohlola izinhliziyo. Njalo siyazi ukuthi izinto zonke zisebenziselana. Ngoba labo abazi ngaphambili; lalabo abamisayo ngaphambili. Pho-ke sizakuthini kulezizinto? Uba uNkulunkulu engowethu, ngubani omelana lathi? Yena ongazange ayigodle eyakhe iNdodana? Ngubani ozababeka icala; ngubani olahlayo. Ngubani ozasehlukanisa lothando lukaKristu? Ukuhlupheka, kumbe ingozi, kumbe inkemba yini? Njengokulotshiweyo ukuthi: Ngenxa yakho. Kanti kulezizinto zonke sedlula abanqobi. Ngoba ngileqiniso ukuthi kayisikho ukufa lempilo lezingilosi lobude. Ngikhuluma iqiniso kuKristu, ukuthi ngilokudabuka okukhulu, lobuhlungu obungapheliyo enhliziyweni yami. Ngoba ngingafisa ukuthi; abangamaIsrayeli, abangababo obaba. Kodwa kakunjengokuthi ilizwi likaNkulunkulu lehlulekile; njalo kungesikuthi ngoba bayinzalo kaAbrahama, bonke bangabantwana. Lokhu kutsho ukuthi, kakusibo abantwana benyama, bona bangabantwana bakaNkulunkulu; kodwa abantwana besithembiso bathiwa yinzalo. Ngoba ilizwi lesithembiso yileli elokuthi: Ngalesisikhathi ngizafika, njalo uSara uzakuba lendodana. Kakusikho lokhu kuphela, kodwa loRebeka esekhulelwe ngomunye, ubaba wethu uIsaka; ngoba abantwanabengakazalwa, bengakenzi okuhle loba okubi, kwatshiwo kuye ukuthi: Omkhulu uzakhonza omncinyane, njengokulotshiweyo ukuthi: UJakobe ngamthanda. Pho-ke sizakuthini? Kukhona ukungalungi kuNkulunkulu yini! Ngoba uthi kuMozisi: Ngizakuba lomusa kwengilomusa kuye, njalo ngimhawukele engimhawukelayo. Ngakho ka ku sikho kothandayo, njalo ka ku sikho kogijimayo, kodwa ngo kukaNkulunkulu olesihawu. Ngoba umbhalo uthi kuFaro: Ngakuphakamisela khona lokho, ukuze ngibonakalise amandla ami ngawe, njalo ukuze ibizo lami litshunyayelwe emhlabeni wonke. Ngakho uhawukela lowo athanda ukumhawukela; njalo amenze abe lukhuni lowo athanda ukumenza lukhuni. Ngakho uzakuthi kimi: Usasolelani? Ngoba ngubani ongamelana lentando yakhe? Hatshi bo? Kumbe umbumbi? Njalo uba uNkulunkulu ethanda ukubonakalisa ulaka lwakhe, lokwazisa amandla akhe, wathwala ngokubekezela okukhulu; njalo ukuze azise inotho yenkazimulo, azibizileyo lazo, esiyizothina? Njengalokhu akutsho lakuHoseya: Abangeyisibo abantu bami ngizababiza ngokuthingabantu bami; lowayengathandwa ngokuthingothandekayo; njalo kuzakuthi, endaweni lapho okwathiwa khona kibo: Kalisibo abantu bami. LoIsaya umemeza ngoIsrayeli esithi: Lanxa inani labantwana bakoIsrayeli lingangetshebetshebe lolwandle; ngoba uzaqeda isenzo a si qume ngokulunga; ngoba iNkosi izakwenza isenzo siqunywe ngokuphangisa emhlabeni. Njalo njengoba uIsaya watsho ngaphambili ukuthi: Uba iNkosi yamabandla ibingasitshiyelanga inzalo. Pho sizakuthini? Ukuthi abezizwe; kodwa uIsrayeli, edingisisa umlayo wokulunga. Ngani? Ngoba kaba dingisis anga ngokholo, kodwa ngokungathi ngemisebenzi yomlayo; ngoba bakhubeka, njengokulotshiweyo ukuthi: Khangela ngibeka eSiyoni. Bazalwane, isifiso senhliziyo yami, lomkhuleko kuNkulunkulu ngenxa kaIsrayeli yikuthi ba sindiswe. Ngoba ngiyabafakazela ukuthi balokutshisekela uNkulunkulu; ngoba bengakwazi ukulunga kukaNkulunkulu. Ngoba uKristu uyisiphetho somlayo ekulungeni kuye wonke okholwayo. Ngoba uMozisi ubhala ngo kulunga okungokomlayo, ukuthi umuntu owenza lezizinto uzaphila ngazo. Kodwa ukulunga okungokholo kukhuluma kanje? Lokhu kuyikuthi ukumehlisa uKristu; kumbe ukuthi: Ngubani ozakwehlela ekujuleni? Lokhu kuyikuthi ukumkhuphula uKristu kwabafileyo. Kodwa kuthini? Ilizwi liseduze lawe, emlonyeni wakho lenhliziyweni yakho; leli yilizwi lokholo esilitshumayelayo; ukuthi uba uvuma ngomlomo wakho iNkosi uJesu; ngoba ngenhliziyo omunyeuyakholwa kube yikulunga, langomlomo uyavuma kube lusindiso. Ngoba umbhalo uthi: Wonke okholwa kuye kayikuyangeka. Ngoba kakukho umehluko phakathi komJuda lomGriki. Ngoba wonke loba ngubani. Ngakho bazayibiza njani abangakholwanga kuyo? Futhi bazakholwa njani kuyo abangezwanga ngayo? Futhi bazakuzwa njani bengelamtshumayeli? Njalo bazatshumayela njani uba bengathunywanga! Kodwa kabalilalelanga bonke ivangeli? Ngakho ukholo luvela ekuzweni. Kodwa ngithi: Kabezwanga yini? Yebo sibili. Kodwa ngithi: UIsrayeli kaqedisisanga yini? Kuqala uMozisi uthi: Mina ngizalivusela umona nga boaba ngesiso isizwe. LoIsaya ulesibindi uthi: Ngaficwa yilabo abangangidinganga, ngabonakala kibo abangabuzanga ngami. Kodwa kuIsrayeli uthi: Usuku lonke ngelulela izandla zami kubantu abangalaleliyo labalenkani. Ngakho ngithi: UNkulunkulu ubalahlile yini abantu bakhe. UNkulunkulu kabalahlanga abantu bakhe, esithi: Nkosi, babulele abaprofethi bakho, badilizile amalathi akho; mina-ke ngisele ngedwa, sebedinga umphefumulo wami. Kodwa impendulo kaNkulunkulu yathini kuye? Yathi: Ngizitshiyele amadoda azinkulungwane eziyisikhombisa, angaguqanga ngedolo kuBhali. Kunjalo-ke kukhona langalesisikhathi insali ngokukhetha komusa. Kodwa uba kungomusa, kakusayi ngemisebenzi; uba kungenjalo umusa kawuseyiwo umusa. Kodwa aluba kusiya ngemisebenzi, akusengumusa; uba kungenjalo umsebenzi kawusengumsebenzi. Pho-ke? Lokhu uIsrayeli ayekudinga, lokho kakutholanga, kodwa abakhethiweyo bakuthola, labanye benziwa baba lukhuni; njengokulotshiweyo ukuthi: UNkulunkulu wabanika umoya wobuthongo obukhulu. LoDavida uthi: Itafula labo libe ngumjibila lesifu, lesikhubekiso, lempindiselo kibo; amehlo abo kafiphazwe ukuze bangaboni, njalo ugobise umhlana wabo njalonjalo. Ngakho ngithi: Bakhubeka ukuze bawe yini? Phinde. Kodwa uba isiphambeko sabo siyinotho yomhlaba, lokwehluleka kwabo kuyinotho yabezizwe, kakhulu kangakanani ukugcwala kwabo? Ngoba ngikhuluma lani bezizwe, njengalokho mina ngingumphostoli wabezizwe; ngikhulisa inkonzo yami; ukuthi mhlawumbe ngibavusele umona abe nyama yami. Ngoba uba ukulahlwa kwabo kuyikubuyiswa komhlaba, ku nga ba yini ukwemukelwa, ngaphandle kokuthi kuyimpilo kwabafileyo? Njalo uba izithelo zokuqala zingcwele. Kodwa uba kwephulwe ezinye ingatsha, ungazincomi phezu kwengatsha; kodwa uba uzincoma phezu kwazo, kayisuwe othwele impande, kodwa impande wena. Uzakuthi-ke: Ingatsha zephulwa, ukuze mina ngixhunyelwe. Kulungile; zephulwa ngokungakholwa, wena-ke umi ngokholo; ngoba uba uNkulunkulu engayekelanga ingatsha zemvelo, hlezi lawe kayikukuyekela. Khangela-ke ububele lobukhali bukaNkulunkulu; ubukhali, kulabo abawayo; kodwa kuwe, ububele, uba uhlala ebubeleni. Lalabo futhi, uba bengahlali ekungakholweni, bazaxhunyelwa, ngoba uNkulunkulu ulamandla okubuya abaxhume. Ngoba uba wena waqunywa emhlwathini weganga ngemvelo, wasuxhunyelelwa ngokuphambene lemvelo emhlwathini ohlanyelweyo, kakhulu kangakanani labo, aba zingatshangemvelo, bazaxhunyelelwa esihlahleni sakibo somhlwathi? Ngoba ngithanda ukuthi lingabi ngabangaziyo, bazalwane, ngalimfihlo; ngokunjalo-ke uIsrayeli wonke uzasindiswa; njalo yilesi isivumelwano sami kibo, lapho ngizasusa izono zabo. Ngokwevangeli bayizitha ngenxa yenu; kodwa ngokukhetha bangabathandiweyo ngenxa yabobaba; ngoba izipho zomusa lokubiza kukaNkulunkulu. Ngoba njengalokhu lani kade lingamlaleli uNkulunkulu, kodwa khathesi selihawukelwe ngenxa yokungalaleli kwabo; ngokunjalo lalabo khathesi kabalalelanga, ukuze ngesihawu senu bahawukelwe labo; ngoba uNkulunkulu ubavalele bonke ekungalalelini, ukuze abe lesihawu kibo bonke. Yeka ukujula kwenotho! Ngoba ngubani owazi ingqondo yeNkosi? Kumbe ngubani owaba ngumeluleki wayo? Kumbe ngubani owamnika kuqala, njalo kubuyiselwe kuye? Ngoba konke kuvela kuye. Ngakho, bazalwane, ngiyalincenga ukuthi, ngezihawu zikaNkulunkulu. Njalo lingalingisi. Ngoba ngomusa engiwuphiweyo. Ngoba njengoba silezitho ezinengi emzimbeni munye, kodwa izitho zonke kazilamsebenzi ofananayo; kunjalo thina esibanengi. Njalo silezipho ezehlukeneyo, asiprofethengokwesilinganiso sokholo; kumbe yikukhonza; kumbe olayayo. Uthando. Thandanani kakhulu ngothando lobuzalwane; ekuhloniphaneni phathani abanye ngcono kulani; lingabi ngamavila; lithokoza ethembeni; libekezela ekuhluphekeni; yabelani kunswelo zabangcwele. Babusiseni abalizingelayo; busisani, lingaqalekisi. Thokozani labathokozayo. Kalibe lenhliziyonye komunye lomunye. Lingaphindiseli muntu okubi ngokubi. Uba kungenzeka, ng okukini. Bathandiweyo, lingaziphindiseli. Ngakho nxa isitha sakho silambile, siphe ukudla; nxa somile, sinathise; ngoba ngokwenza lokho, usibekela amalahle avuthayo phezu kwekhanda laso. Unganqotshwa ngokubi, kodwa nqoba okubi ngokuhle. Wonke umphefumulo. Ngakho omelana lamandla, umelana lesimiso sikaNkulunkulu. Ngoba ababusi kabesabeki emisebenzini emihle; ngoba uyinceku kaNkulunkulu ukuze kube kuhle kuwe. Kodwa nxa usenza okubi, yesaba; ngoba inkemba kayiphatheli ize. Ngoba uyinceku kaNkulunkulu, ungumphindiseli wolaka kulowo owenza okubi. Ngakho kumele ukuthi uzehlise, kungabi ngenxa yolaka kuphela. Ngoba ngenxa yalokho lithela lomthelo; ngoba bayizinceku zikaNkulunkulu, ezikhuthalela khona lokho. Ngakho phanini bonke okufaneleyo. Lingabi lamlandu kumuntu, ngaphandle kowokuthandana; ngoba othanda omunye, ugcwalisile umlayo. Ngoba lokhu ukuthi: Ungafebi, ungabulali, ungebi, ungafakazi amanga. Uthando kalwenzi okubi kumakhelwane; ngakho uthando luyikugcwaliseka komlayo. Njalo lokhu, lisazi isikhathi. Ubusuku budlulile, usuku selusondele. Asihambe ngokufaneleyo, njengasemini. Kodwa yembathani iNkosi uJesu Kristu, linganakekeli inyama. Lowo obuthakathaka ekholweni kwemibono. Omunye ukholwa ukuthi angadla konke. Lowo odlayo kangamdeleli ongadliyo. Ungubani wena ogweba? Enkosini yayo iyema kumbe iwe. Yebo, izamiswa; ngoba uNkulunkulu ulamandla okuyimisa. Omunye wazisa usuku kulo lunyeusuku, omunye wazisa insuku zonke. Kakube ngulowo lalowo aqiniseke kweyakhe ingqondo. Owazisa usuku, u l wazisa eNkosini; longalwazisiyo usuku, ka l wazisi eNkosini. Ngoba kakho phakathi kwethu oziphilelayo, njalo kakho ozifelayo. Ngoba uba siphila, siphilela iNkosi; uba-ke sisifa, sifela iNkosi; ngakho loba siphila, loba sisifa, singabeNkosi. Ngoba kulokhu uKristu. Wena-ke umgwebelani umzalwane wakho. Ngoba kulotshiwe ukuthi: Mina ngiyaphila. Ngakho ngulowo lalowo wethu uzaziphendulela ngokwakhe kuNkulunkulu. Ngakho kasingabe sisahlulelana. Ngiyazi njalo ngiqinisekisile eNkosini uJesu, ukuthi kakulalutho olungcolileyo ngokwalo. Kodwa uba umzalwane wakho ekhutshwa yikudla, kawusahambi ngokothando. Ungambhubhisi ngokudla kwakho lowo, amfelayo uKristu. Ngakho okuhle kini kakungahlanjazwa; ngoba umbuso kaNkulunkulu kawusikho ukudla lokunatha, kodwa ukulunga lokuthula lentokozo kuMoya oNgcwele. Ngoba okhonza uKristu. Ngakho asidingisise izinto zokuthula. Ungawuchithi umsebenzi kaNkulunkulu ngenxa yokudla. Kuhle ukungadli inyama, lokunganathi iwayini, lokunye umzalwane wakho akhubeka ngakho kumbe acunulwe kumbe abebuthakathaka. Ulokholo yini? Woba la longokwakho phambi kukaNkulunkulu. Ubusisiwe lowo ongazigwebiyo ngalokho! Kodwa othandabuzayo, uba esidla, ulahliwe, ngoba akuveli ekholweni. Kodwa thina esilamandla, njalo singazithokozisi thina. Ngoba ngulowo lalowo wethu kathokozise umakhelwane. Ngoba laye uKristu kazithokozisanga yena. Ngoba konke okwabhalwa ngaphambili. Njalo uNkulunkulu wokubekezela lenduduzo kaliphe ukuthi libe nhliziyonye phakathi kwenu njengokukaKristu Jesu; ukuze nganhliziyonye. Ngakho yemukelanani, njengalokhu loKristu wasemukela. Njalo ngithi, uJesu Kristu waba yinceku yokusoka; lezizwe. Njalo futhi uthi: Thokozani, bezizwe, kanye labantu bakhe. Futhi-ke: Dumisani iNkosi lina bezizwe lonke; idumiseni-ke lina bantu bonke. Njalo futhi uIsaya uthi: Kuzakuba khona impande kaJese, lophakamela ukubusa abezizwe; abezizwe bazathembela kuye. Kungathi-ke uNkulunkulu wethemba angaligcwalisa ngentokozo yonke langokuthula ekukholweni, ukuze lengezwe ethembeni, ngamandla kaMoya oNgcwele. Lami-ke ngokwami nganelisiwe ngani, bazalwane bami, lilamandla-ke okwelulekana. Kodwa, bazalwane, ngilibhalele ngesibindi esikhulu, nganxanye, ukuze ngibe yisikhonzi sikaJesu Kristu kwabezizwe, ngikhonze ivangeli likaNkulunkulu. Ngakho ngilokuzincoma kuKristu Jesu ezintweni eziqondane loNkulunkulu; ngoba kangiyikuba lesibindi sokukhuluma ulutho lwezinto uKristu angazenzanga ngami, ngelizwi langesenzo, ngamandla ezibonakaliso lezimangaliso, ngamandla kaMoya kaNkulunkulu; ngakho kusukela eJerusalema le ndawoezizingelezeleyo kuze kufike eIliriku ngi tshumayeleivangeli likaKristu ngokupheleleyo; ngokunjalo ngazama kakhulu ukutshumayela ivangeli, kungeyisikho lapho uKristu abizwe khona; kodwa, njengokulotshiweyo ukuthi: Abangatshelwanga ngaye, bazabona, labangezwanga, bazaqedisisa. Ngenxa yalokho futhi ngavinjelwa kanengi ukuza kini; kodwa khathesi-ke lokhu ngingaselandawo kulezizabelo, ngokunjalo nxa ngizakuya eSpaniya, ngizakuza kini; ngoba ngithemba ukuthi ngizalibona ekudluleni, njalo ngiphelekezelwe yini khona. Kodwa khathesi-ke ngiya eJerusalema, ngikhonze abangcwele. Ngoba kwaba kuhle eMakedoniya. Ngoba kwaba kuhle kibo, njalo balomlandu kibo. Ngoba uba abezizwe behlanganyela labo ezintweni zabo zomoya. Ngakho nxa sengiqede lokhu, sengibaphawulele, ngizasuka ngiye eSpaniya ngidlule ngakini. Ngiyazi-ke ukuthi nxa ngisiza kini. Ngiyalincenga-ke, bazalwane, ngayo iNkosi yethu uJesu Kristu, langothando lukaMoya, ukuthi lilwise kanye lami emikhulekweni kuNkulunkulu ngami; ukuze ngophulwe kwabangakholwayo eJudiya; ukuze ngentando kaNkulunkulu. Ngakho uNkulunkulu wokuthula kabelani lonke. Ameni. Ngiyamncoma-ke kini udadewethu uFebe; ukuze limemukele eNkosini. Bingelelani uPrisila loAkwila izisebenzi kanye lami kuKristu Jesu, ababeka phansi intamo yabo esikhundleni sempilo yami; engibabongayo kungeyisimi ngedwa, kodwa lamabandla wonke abezizwe; bingelelanilebandla elisendlini yabo. Bingelelani uMariya. Bingelelani uAnderoniku loJuniya, abayizihlobo zami, ababekuKristu labo ngaphambi kwami. Bingelelani uAmpiliyasi, othandiweyo wami eNkosini. Bingelelani uOrbanu isisebenzi kanye lathi kuKristu, loSitaku othandiweyo wami. Bingelelani uApele othembekileyo kuKristu. Bingelelani labo abakaAristobulu. Bingelelani uHerodiyoni isihlobo sami. Bingelelani abakaNarkisu, labo abaseNkosini. Bingelelani uTrifina loTrifosa, abesifazanaabasebenza eNkosini. Bingelelani uPersisi owesifazanaothandekayo, owasebenza kakhulu eNkosini. Bingelelani uRufusi. Bingelelani uAsinkiritu, uFileko, uHermasi, uPatroba, uHermesi, labazalwane abalabo. Bingelelani uFilologu loJuliya, uNerusi lodadewabo, loOlimpa, labangcwele bonke. Bingelelanani ngokwanga okungcwele. Amabandla kaKristu ayalibingelela. Njalo ngiyalincenga, bazalwane, ukuthi liqaphele ababanga ukuxabana. Ngoba abanjalo kabasebenzeli iNkosi yethu uJesu Kristu. Ngoba ukulalela kwenu sekufikile kibo bonke. Njalo uNkulunkulu wokuthula. UTimothi. Mina Tertiyo, engibhale incwadi, ngiyalibingelela eNkosini. UGayusi umngenisi wami, lebandla lonke, uyalibingelela umphathisikhwama somuzi uyalibingelela, loKwartu umzalwane. Umusa weNkosi yethu uJesu Kristu kawubelani lonke. Ameni. Kuye olamandla, kodwa, kuNkulunkulu ololwazi yena yedwa kakubeubukhosi, ngoJesu Kristu, kuze kube nininini. Ameni. UPawuli obizelwe ukubangumphostoli kaJesu Kristu umzalwane, kubandla likaNkulunkulu eliseKorinte: Umusa kawubekini lokuthula okuvela kuNkulunkulu uBaba wethu leNkosini uJesu Kristu. Ngiyambonga uNkulunkulu wami ngesikhathi sonke ngani, ngenxa yomusa kaNkulunkulu eliwuphiweyo kuKristu Jesu; ukuthi kuyo yonke into linothisiwe kuye, ekukhulumeni konke, njengoba ubufakazi bukaKristu buqinisiwe kini; ngakho kalisileli lakwesinye isipho, lilindele ukwembulwa kweNkosi yethu uJesu Kristu, ozaliqinisa. UNkulunkulu uthembekile kweNdodana yakhe uJesu Kristu iNkosi yethu. Ngiyalincenga-ke emqondweni munye lekuboneni kunye. Ngoba ngitsheliwe ngani, bazalwane bami, ngabakoKlowe phakathi kwenu. Njalo ngitsho lokhu, kokuthi ngulowo lalowo wenu; kodwa mina okaKristu. UKristu wehlukanisiwe yini yini ebizweni likaPawuli? Ngiyambonga uNkulunkulu ukuthi kangibhabhathizanga; ukuze kungabi khona othi ngabhabhathiza ebizweni lami uqobo. Futhi ngabhabhathiza lendlu kaStefana; ngaphandle kwalokho kangazi ukuthi ngabhabhathiza omunye umuntu. Ngoba uKristu kangithumanga ukuthi ngibhabhathize, kodwa ukuthi ngitshumayele ivangeli; kungeyisikho ngenhlakanipho yelizwi. Ngoba ilizwi lesiphambano liyibuthutha kulabo ababhubhayo. Ngoba kulotshiwe ukuthi: Ngizachitha. Singaphi isihlakaniphi? Ungaphi? Ngoba kuthe bentshumayelo ukusindisa abakholwayo. Ngoba lamaJuda acela isibonakaliso, lamaGriki adinga inhlakanipho; kodwa thina kumaGriki; kodwa kulabo ababiziweyo, kumaJuda kanye lakumaGriki, uKristu amandla kaNkulunkulu; ngoba ubuthutha bukaNkulunkulu buhlakaniphile kulabantu, lobuthakathaka bukaNkulunkulu bulamandla kulabantu. Ngoba khangelani; kodwa uNkulunkulu ukhethile izinto zobuthutha zomhlaba, ukuze ayangise abahlakaniphileyo; njalo uNkulunkulu ukhethile okubuthakathaka komhlaba, ukuze ayangise okulamandla; lezinto eziphansi zomhlaba lezinto ezidelelekayo uNkulunkulu uzikhethile, lezinto ezingekho; ukuze kungabikho inyama ezincomayo phambi kwakhe. Kodwa ngaye lina likuKristu Jesu, owenzelwa thina inhlakanipho, ukuze, njengokulotshiweyo ukuthi: Ozincomayo, kazincome eNkosini. Lami, bazalwane, ekufikeni kwami kini, kangifikanga bukaNkulunkulu. Ngoba ngamisa ukuthi ngingazi lutho phakathi kwenu, ngaphandle kukaJesu Kristu, laye ebethelwe. Njalo mina ngangilani lekwesabeni lekuthuthumeleni okukhulu. Lokukhuluma kwami lokutshumayela kwami kakubanga; ukuze ukholo lwenu lungabi enhlakanipheni yabantu, kodwa emandleni kaNkulunkulu. Kodwa inhlakanipho siyikhuluma phakathi kwabapheleleyo; kodwa sikhuluma inhlakanipho kaNkulunkulu eyimfihlo; kungekho loyedwa. Kodwa njengokulotshiweyo ukuthi: Izinto ilihlo elingazibonanga abamthandayo; uNkulunkulu-ke usembulele; ngoba uMoya uhlolisisa zonke izinto, ngitsho izinto ezijulileyo zikaNkulunkulu. Ngoba ngubani ebantwini owazi okomuntu. Thina-ke kasemukelanga, ukuze sazi izinto esiziphiwa ngesihle nguNkulunkulu; futhi esizitshoyo, kungeyisikho ngamazwi okomoya ngokomoya. Kodwa, ngoba zihlolisiswa ngokomoya; kodwa owomoya muntu. Ngoba ngubani owazi ingqondo yeNkosi. Lami-ke, bazalwane, bengingelakukhuluma lani njengabakomoya kuKristu. Ngalinathisa uchago, kodwa lakhathesi kalikenelisi; ngoba lisengabenyama; ngoba lokhu kukhona phakathi kwenu umhawu lokwehlukana, kalisibo abenyama, lihamba ngokwabantu yini? Ngoba nxa omunye esithi: Mina ngingokaPawuli, kalisibo yini abenyama? Kanti uPawuli uyini, loApolosi? Mina ngahlanyela. Ngakho ohlanyelayo kasilutho, loba othelelayo, kodwa uNkulunkulu okhulisayo. Ohlanyelayo kanye lothelelayo banye; kodwa ngulowo lalowo uzakwemukela owakhe umvuzo njengowakhe umsebenzi. Ngoba siyizisebenzi. Ngokomusa kaNkulunkulu, lomunye wakha phezu kwaso. Kodwa kakube ngulowo lalowo abone ukuthi wakha njani phezu kwaso. Ngoba akulamuntu ongabeka esinye isisekelo ngaphandle kwaleso esibekiweyo. Kodwa uba umuntu esakhela phezu kwalesisisekelo igolide, isiliva, amatshe aligugu, izigodo, utshani, inhlanga, umsebenzi walowo lalowo uzavela obala umsebenzi walowo lalowo ukuthi unjani. Uba umsebenzi womuntu awakhe phezulu usima, uzakwemukela umvuzo. Uba umsebenzi womuntu uzatshiswa, uzalahlekelwa. Kalazi yini ukuthi lina lilithempeli likaNkulunkulu? Uba umuntu echitha ithempeli likaNkulunkulu, uNkulunkulu uzamchitha yena; ngoba ithempeli likaNkulunkulu lingcwele, eliyilo lina. Kakungabi khona ozikhohlisayo, kumele abe yisithutha, ukuze ahlakaniphe. Ngoba inhlakanipho; njalo lo kuthi: INkosi iyayazi imicabango yabahlakaniphileyo, ukuthi iyize. Ngakho kakungabi khona, loba uPawuli, loba uApolosi, loba izinto ezizayo; konke ngokwenu, lina-ke lingabakaKristu. Umuntu kanakane ngathi ngokunje, njengezisebenzi zikaNkulunkulu. Futhi-ke, kuyadingeka ebaphathini, ukuthi umuntu aficwe ethembekile. Kodwa kimi kuyinto encinyane kakhulu ukuthi ngithonisiswe. Ngoba kanginanzeleli lutho kimi. Ngakho lingahluleli lutho isikhathi singakafiki, ize ifike iNkosi. Njalo lezizinto, bazalwane. Ngoba ngubani okwenza ukuthi wehluke? Njalo uba lawe wemukele, uzincomelani ngokungathi kawemukelanga yini? Selisuthi, selinothile, libusile ngaphandle kwethu. Ngoba ngithi uNkulunkulu usimisile thina abaphostoli bokucina. Thina siyizithutha ngenxa kaKristu. Kuze kube lihola lakhathesi silambile, siyimihambuma, siyatshikatshika sibekezele; sithi sinyeywa sincenge; senziwa njengamanyala omhlaba yezinto zonke, kuze kube khathesi. Kangilibhaleli lezizinto ukuthi ngilithele inhloni. Ngoba lanxa lilabeluleki ngevangeli. Ngakho ngiyalincenga: Banini ngabalingisi bami. Ngalokho ngithume kini uTimothi. Kodwa abanye ngokungathi kangiyikuza kini. Kanti ngizakuza kini masinyane, kodwa amandla. Ngoba umbuso kaNkulunkulu kawungelizwi kodwa ngamandla. Lifunani? Ngize kini ochumileyo? Isibili kuzwakele ukuthi kukhona. Kodwa lina liyazikhukhumeza, ukuze owenze lesisenzo asuswe phakathi kwenu. Ngoba mina-ke, njengongekho ngomzimba kodwa okhona ngomoya, senginqumile owenze lokhu okunjalo, ngokungathi ngi khona, ebizweni leNkosi yethu uJesu Kristu, selihlangene lomoya wami eNkosi yethu uJesu Kristu, ukunikela lweNkosi uJesu. Kakukuhle ukuzincoma kwenu ibilisa inhlama yonke? Ngakho khuphani imvubelo endala, ukuze libe yinhlama entsha, njengabangelamvubelo. Ngoba lephasika lethu lihlatshelwe thina, eling uKristu; ngakho asigcine. Ngalibhalela encwadini ukuthi lingahlanganyeli leziphingi; kodwa kungeyisikho ngokupheleleyo leziphingi. Kodwa khathesi-ke ngalibhalela ukuthi lingahlanganyeli; lingaze ladla lonjalo lakanye. Ngoba ngilani lokwahlulela abangaphandle? Kodwa uNkulunkulu wahlulela abangaphandle omubi asuke phakathi kwenu. Kukhona yini umuntu wakini, othi elecala lomunye, abe lesibindi sokuyakwahlulelwa phambi kwabangalunganga, kungabi phambi kwabangcwele? Kalazi yini ukuthi abangcwele bazakwahlulela umhlaba? Uba-ke umhlaba uzakwahlulelwa yini, kalifanele yini ukwahlulelaamacala amancinyane? Kalazi yini ukuthi sizazahlulela ingilosi? Ngakho uba lilamacala alokhukuphila, babekeni phezu kwawolabo abadelelekayo ebandleni. Ngikhuluma phakathi kwabazalwane bakhe? Kodwa umzalwane umangalela umzalwane, lalokho phambi kwabangakholwayo. Ngakho kusekhona isibili? Kungani kulalokhu lingavumi ukuqilibezelwa? Kodwa lina liyona liqilibezele, lalokhu kubazalwane. Kumbe alazi yini ukuthi abangalunganga kabayikulidla ilifa, loba amasela, loba izihwaba, loba izidakwa, loba izithuki, loba abaphangi, abayikulidla ilifa lombuso kaNkulunkulu. Abanye benu leNkosi uJesu Kristu, langoMoya kaNkulunkulu wethu. Zonke izinto. Ukudla ngokwesisu; njalo uNkulunkulu. Kalazi yini ukuthi imizimba yenu Kumbe kalazi yini ukuthi onamathelana lesifebe ungumzimba munye laso? Ngoba labo ababili, uthi, bazakuba nyamanye. Kodwa onamathelene leNkosi ungumoya munye layo. Balekelani. Kumbe kalazi yini ukuthi umzimba wenu? Ngoba lathengwa ngentengo. Mayelana-ke lezinto elangibhalela ngazo, kuhle owesifazana. Kodwa ngenxa yokuphinga, ngulowo lalowo kumele abe lowakhe umfazi, njalo ngulowo lalowo mfaziabe leyakhe indoda. Indoda kayenanise kumfazi isifiso esihle esifaneleyo; langokunjalo lomfazi endodeni. Umfazi kalamandla phezu kowayo umzimba, kodwa umfazi. Lingagodlelani kwenu. Kodwa lokhu ngikutsho ngemvumo, kungeyisikho ngomlayo. Ngoba ngithanda. Kodwa kwabangendanga labafelokazi ngithi: Kuhle kibo uba behlala njengami. Kodwa uba bengelakuzithiba kabende; ngoba kungcono ukwenda kulokutsha. Kodwa kwabendileyo ngiyabalaya, kungeyisimi; kodwa uba laye esehlukana, kahlale engendanga, kumbe abuyisane lendoda; lendoda kayingamlahli umfazi. Kodwa kwabanye kutsho mina. Lomfazi olendoda engakholwayo, njalo ivuma. Ngoba indoda engakholwayo yenziwa ibe ngcwele ngomfazi, lomfazi ongakholwayo wenziwa abe ngcwele ngendoda. Uba kungenjalo abantwana benu ngabangcolileyo. Uba-ke ongakholwayo ezehlukanisa, kazehlukanise; kwezinjalo umzalwane kumbe umzalwanekazi kabotshwanga; kodwa uNkulunkulu usibizele ekuthuleni. Ngoba wazi ngani umfazi? Kuphela nje njengokuthi uNkulunkulu. Ukhona yini owabizwa esokile? Kangabi ngongasokwanga. Ukhona yini owabizwa engasokanga? Kangasokwa. Ukusoka kwemilayo kaNkulunkulu. Ngulowo lalowo kahlale kubizo abizwe kulo. Wabizwa uyisigqili yini? Ungakhathazeki ngakho. Kodwa uba lawe ungakhululeka, kungcono ukusebenzise. Ngoba lo obizwa eNkosini eyisigqili ungokhululekileyo weNkosi. Lathengwa ngentengo. Ngulowo lalowo abizelwe kukho, bazalwane, kahlale kukho loNkulunkulu. Kodwa mayelana lentombi kangilawo umlayo weNkosi. Ngakho ngikhumbula ukuthi lokhu kuhle ngenxa yenkathazo ezikhona emuntwini ukubanje. Ubotshelwe emfazini yini? Ungadingi ukukhululwa. Ukhululwe emfazini yini? Ungadingi umfazi. Kodwa. Kodwa ngitsho lokhu, bazalwane, ukuthi isikhathi sifitshane; kusukela khathesi labalabafazi kababe njengabangelabo; labakhalayo, njenga ba ngakhaliyo; labathokozayo, njenga ba ngathokoziyo; labathengayo, njenga ba ngelalutho; labasebenzisa lumhlaba, njenga ba nga wu sebenzisisiyo. Kodwa ngithanda; kodwa othetheyo ukhathalela izinto zomhlaba, ukuthi uzamthokozisa njani umfazi. Wehlukene okweNkosi, ukuze abe ngcwele emzimbeni kanye lemoyeni; kodwa othethweyo ukhathalela okomhlaba, ukuthi uzayithokozisa njani indoda. Lalokhu ngikutsho ukuthi kube ngolwenu usizo; kungesikuthi ngiliphosele umchilo wokulikhina, kodwa ukuze lihambe ngokufaneleyo lokubambelela eNkosini kungelakuphazamiseka. Kodwa uba umuntu ebona ukuthi uziphatha ngokungafanelanga entombini yakhe, yona isikhulile, futhi kumele kwenzeke kanje, kenze akufunayo; koni; kabatshade. Kodwa omiyo enhliziyweni yakhe, engacindezelwa lutho, futhi elamandla ngesakhe isifiso, esekumisile lokhu enhliziyweni yakhe ukuthi uzagcina eyakhe intombi, wenza kuhle; ngakho lowo owendisayo wenza kuhle; kodwa ongendisiyo wenza ngcono. Umfazi. Kodwa uyathaba kakhulu uba ehlala enjalo, ngokubona kwami. Mayelana-ke lezinto ezihlatshelwe. Uba-ke umuntu esithi uyazi ulutho, kakazi lutho njengoba kufanele ukuthi azi; kodwa uba umuntu ethanda uNkulunkulu, yena uyaziwa nguye. Ngakho mayelana lokudla izinto omunye unkulunkulu ngaphandle koyedwa; ngoba lanxa kukhona okuthiwa ngonkulunkulu, loba kusezulwini loba kusemhlabeni (njengoba kukhona onkulunkulu abanengi, lamakhosi amanengi), kanti kithi kuloNkulunkulu munye, lathi si khonangaye. Kodwa ulwazi. Kodwa ukudla kakusisondezi kuNkulunkulu; ngoba kungesikuthi nxa sisidla, silenzuzo; njalo kungesikuthi nxa singadli, silokulahlekelwa. Qaphelani-ke. Ngoba uba umuntu salowo obuthakathaka kasiyikuqiniswa yini ukuthi adle izinto ezihlatshelwe izithombe? Ngenxa yolwazi lwakho? Kodwa uba lisona ngokunjalo kubazalwane, lilimaza isazela sabo esibuthakathaka, liyona kuKristu. Ngakho-ke uba ukudla. Kangisuye umphostoli yini? Uba ngingesuye umphostoli kwabanye, kodwa nging uyesibili kini; ngoba lina liluphawu eNkosini. Ukuziphendulela yilokhu. Kasilamandla yini okudla lokunatha? Kasilamandla yini? Kumbe yimi ngedwa loBarnabasi? Ngubani owake waphuma impi? Kambe lezizinto ngizitsho ngokomuntu? Kumbe lomlayo kawutsho lezizinto yini? Ngoba kulotshiwe emlayweni kaMozisi ukuthi: Ungayifaki isayeke inkabi amabele. Kambe uNkulunkulu ukhathalela inkabi? Kumbe utsho ngenxa yethu isibili? Ngoba kubhalwe ngenxa yethu esethembeni uhlanganyela ethembeni lakhe. Uba thina sahlanyela kini okomoya, kuyinto enkulu yini uba sivuna okwenu okwenyama? Uba abanye behlanganyela lamandla phezu kwenu evangelini likaKristu. Kalazi yini ukuthi labo abasebenza ezintweni ezingcwele badla okwethempeli, labo abalinda ilathi bahlanganyela lelathi? Ngokunjalo iNkosi layo ilayile ngevangeli. Kodwa mina angisebenzisanga lalunye lwalezizinto. Ngoba loba ngitshumayela ivangeli, kangilakuzincoma, uba ngingatshumayeli ivangeli! Ngoba uba ngisenza lokhu ngokuzithandela, ngilomvuzo bunikelwe kimi. Pho umvuzo wami uyini amandla ami evangelini. Ngoba ngikhululekile. LakumaJuda abangaphansi komlayo; kwabangelamlayo; kwababuthakathaka. Lalokho ngikwenza ngenxa yevangeli, ukuze lami ngibe ngohlanganyela kulo. Kalazi yini ukuthi abagijima emjahweni bagijima bonke, kodwa munye owemukela umvuzo. Labo bonke abancintisanayo. Mina-ke ngigijima; kodwa ngiyawudinda umzimba wami mina uqobo. Kangithandi-ke, futhi bonke babhabhathizwa kuMozisi eyezini lolwandle, labo bonke badla ukudla kunye komoya, futhi bonke banatha okunathwayo kunye komoya; ngoba banatha edwaleni lomoya elabalandelayo; lalelodwala lalinguKristu. Kodwa ubunengi babo uNkulunkulu. Lalezizinto zaba yizibonelo. Njalo lingabi ngabakhonza izithombe bahlala phansi ukudla lokunatha, basebesukuma ukudlala. Njalo kasingaphingi. Njalo asingamlingi uKristu, njengabanye babo futhi ba m linga. Lingasoli-ke, njengabanye babo labo basola. Lalezizinto zonke zabehlela labo kube yizibonelo. Ngakho lowo ocabanga ukuthi umi, kabone ukuthi kawi. Kakulakulingwa okulibambileyo ngaphandle kokusebantwini; kodwa uNkulunkulu uthembekile, ukuze libe lamandla oku si thwala. Ngakho-ke, bathandiweyo bami, balekelani ukukhonza izithombe. Ngikhuluma njengakwabahlakaniphileyo; lina yehlukanisani engikutshoyo. Inkezo komzimba kaKristu? Ngoba thina abanengi; ngoba thina sonke sihlanganyela lesosinkwa sinye. Khangelani yini abahlanganyela lelathi? Ngithini pho? Ukuthi isithombe siyilutho yini? Kumbe ukuthi okuhlatshelwe izithombe kuyilutho? Kodwa ukuthi izinto abezizwe abazihlabayo, bazihlabela amadimoni lamadimoni. Lingenathe inkezo yeNkosi; lingehlanganyele itafula leNkosi letafula lamadimoni. Kumbe sizayivusela? Zonke izinto. Kakungabi khona ozidingela okwakhe, kodwa ngulowo lalowo okomunye. Konke okuthengiswa esilaheni; ngoba umhlaba ungoweNkosi lokugcwala kwawo. Njalo uba omunye kwabangakholwayo elinxusa, njalo lithanda ukuya, dlanini konke okubekwa phambi kwenu. Kodwa uba umuntu esithi kini: Lokhu kuhlatshelwe isithombe ungoweNkosi lokugcwala kwawo. Kodwa isazela yahlulelwe yisazela somunye? Njalo uba mina ngomusa ngihlanganyela, ngikhulunyelwani kubi ngalokho mina engikubongayo? Ngakho uba lisidla lukaNkulunkulu. Lingabi; njengami futhi ezintweni zonke ngithokozisa bonke. Banini ngabalandeli bami, njengoba lami okaKristu. Ngiyalibabaza-ke njengoba ngalinika. Kodwa ngithanda ukuthi lazi, ukuthi inhloko yawo wonke amadoda nguKristu. Yonke indoda ekhulekayo loba eprofethayo, ikhanda limboziwe, ilithela ihlazo ikhanda layo. Kodwa wonke owesifazana okhuleka kumbe aprofethe. Ngoba uba owesifazana engagubuzeli, futhi kagele; kodwa uba kukubi kowesifazana ukugela kumbe ukuphucwa, kagutshuzelwe. Ngoba indoda kayifanele ukumbomboza ikhanda, ngoba ingumfanekiso. Ngoba indoda kayivelanga kowesifazana, kodwa owesifazana endodeni; ngoba futhi indoda kayidalelwanga owesifazana, kodwa owesifazana indoda; ngenxa yalokhu owesifazana kufanele abe lamandla phezu kwekhanda ngenxa yezingilosi. Kodwa indoda. Ngoba njengoba owesifazana. Ziboneleni lina; kufanele yini ukuthi owesifazana akhuleke kuNkulunkulu engambombozanga? Imvelo uqobo lwayo kayilifundisi yini, ukuthi uba indoda ilenwele ezinde, kulihlazo kuyo? Kodwa uba owesifazana elenwele ezinde, kuludumo kuye. Ngoba inwele uziphiwe ukuthi zibe yisimbombozo. Kodwa uba umuntu. Kodwa ngokulaya lokhu kangi li babazi, ngoba libuthana ngokungekuhle kodwa ngokubi. Okokuqala ngoba nxa libuthana ebandleni, ngizwa ukuthi kukhona ukwehlukana phakathi kwenu; njalo nganxanye ngiyakukholwa. Ngoba kufanele phakathi kwenu. Ngakho nxa libuthana ndawonye, lokhukakusikho ukudla isidlo seNkosi; ngoba ngulowo lalowo uthatha kuqala esakhe isidlo ekudleni. Kanti kalilazo izindlu zokudlela lezokunathela? Kumbe lidelela ibandla likaNkulunkulu yini abangelakho? Ngingathini kini? Ngingalibabaza kulokhu yini? Kangi li babazi. Ngoba mina ngakwemukela ngobusuku eyanikelwa ngabo yathatha isinkwa, isibongile ya si hlephuna. Ngokunjalo lenkezo, sebedlile, yathi: Inkezo le iyisivumelwano esitsha egazini lami; lokhu kwenzeni, loba nini li yi natha, ukungikhumbula. Ngoba loba nini nxa lisidla lesisinkwa, linatha linkezo, litshumayela ukufa kweNkosi ize ifike. Ngakho loba ngubani. Kodwa umuntu kumele azihlole, ngokunjalo-ke adle okwesinkwa anathe okwenkezo; ngoba odlayo anathe ngokungafanelanga, uzidlela azinathele isigwebo, engawehlukanisi umzimba weNkosi. Ngenxa yalokhu banengi kini ababuthakathaka labagulayo. Kodwa uba thina, besingayikwahlulelwa; kodwa nxa sisahlulelwa, sikhuzwa yiNkosi, ukuze singalahlwa kanye lomhlaba. Ngakho, bazalwane bami, nxa libuthana ukuthi lidle, kalibomelelana. Njalo uba omunye elambile. Maqondana-ke le ziphozomoya ukuthi lingazi. Lazi ukuthi lalingabezizwe, njengelikhokhelwayo. Ngakho ngiyalazisa, ukuthi kakho umuntu okhuluma ngoMoya kaNkulunkulu, kuphela ngoMoya oNgcwele. Kukhona-ke izipho ezehlukeneyo. Njalo kukhona. Kukhona-ke imisebenzi. Kodwa ngulowo lalowo uphiwa ukubonakalisa kukaMoya kulokho okulusizo. Ngoba omunye uphiwa ngoMoya ilizwi lenhlakanipho, ngoMoya munye; lakomunye ukholo, ngoMoya munye; lakomunye ukusebenza imisebenzi; kodwa konke lokho lowoMoya munye uyakusebenza, ebabela. Ngoba njengoba umzimba umunye; ngoba ngoMoya munye. Ngoba umzimba lawo kawusiso isitho sinye kodwa ezinengi. Uba unyawo lungathi: Lokhu ngingesisandla, kangisikho okomzimba; kungeyisikho ngalokho kakusilo olomzimba; uba-ke indlebe ingathi: Lokhu ngingesilo ilihlo, kangisikho okomzimba; ngenxa yalokho kayisiyo yini eyomzimba? Uba umzimba wonke ubuyilihlo, ngabekungaphi ukuzwa? Uba wonke ubuyikuzwa, ngabekungaphi ukunuka? Kodwa khathesi-ke uNkulunkulu umisile. Kodwa uba zonke beziyisitho sinye, umzimba ngabeungaphi? Kodwa khathesi izitho zinengi, kodwa umzimba munye. Ilihlo-ke lingeke latsho esandleni ukuthi: Kangikusweli. Kumbe futhi ikhanda ezinyaweni ukuthi: Kangilisweli; kodwa kakhulukazi izitho zomzimba ezikhangeleka zibuthakathaka kakhulu, ziyadingeka; lalezo ezomzimba esicabanga ukuthi zidelelekile kakhulu, yizo esizihlonipha ngokwengezelelwe kakhulu; lalezo ezethu ezingezinhle zilobuhle obengezelelwe kakhulu; kanti ezinhle zethu kazikusweli; kodwa uNkulunkulu wawuhlanganisa umzimba, enika udumo olwengezelelwe kakhulu kwesi ku swelayo, ukuze kungabi khona ukwehlukana emzimbeni, kodwa izitho zinanzelelane ngokufananayo. Uba-ke kuhlupheka isitho sinye, izitho zonke zihlupheka kanye la so; uba kudunyiswa isitho sinye, izitho zonke ziyajabula kanye la so. Lina-ke lingumzimba kaKristu. Njalo uNkulunkulu, indimi ezehlukeneyo. Bonke bangabaphostoli yini? Bonke bangabaprofethi yini? Bonke bangabafundisi yini? Bonke benzaimisebenzi yamandla yini? Bonke balezipho zokusilisa yini? Kodwa fisani kakhulu izipho ezingcono. Njalo ngisalitshengisa indlela engcono kakhulukazi. Nxa ngingakhuluma ngendimi. Njalo loba ngingaba lesiprofetho, kodwa ngingelathando, angisilutho. Njalo loba ngingabela abayangakonke engilakho, njalo uba nginganikela umzimba wami ukuthi ngitshiswe, kodwa ngingelathando, kakungisizi ngalutho. Uthando luyabekezela, kaluziphathi ngokungafanelanga, kaluthokozi; lusibekela izinto zonke. Uthando kalungeke lwehluleke. Kumbe-ke iziprofetho. Ngoba sazi nganxanye; kodwa lapho sekufikile okupheleleyo. Lapho ngilusane, ngakhuluma njengosane, ngaqedisisa njengosane, nganakana njengosane; kodwa kuthe sengiyindoda, ngazenza ize izinto zosane. Ngoba khathesi sibona. Njalo khathesi-ke kumi ukholo, ithemba, uthando, lokhu kokuthathu; kodwa okukhulu kulokhu luthando. Landelani uthando. Ngoba okhuluma ngendimi, kanti ukhuluma izimfihlo ngomoya. Kodwa oprofethayo lenduduzo. Okhuluma ngendimi uyazakha yena, kodwa oprofethayo. Njalo ngiyathanda ukuthi lonke likhulume ngendimi, ukuze ibandla lemukele ukwakhiwa. Khathesi-ke, bazalwane, uba ngifika kini ngikhuluma ngendimi, ngizalisiza ngani, nxa ngingakhulumi kini kumbe ekwembulelweni? Ngokunjalo izinto ezingelampilo ezikhalayo, loba umhlanga, loba ichacho, uba zinganiki umehluko ngokukhala, kuzakwaziwa njani okuvuthelwayo ngomhlanga kumbe okutshaywayo ngomqangala? Ngoba-ke nxa uphondo? Kunjalo lani, uba linganiki inkulumo ecacileyo ngolimi, kuzakwaziwa njani okukhulunywayo? Ngoba lizakuba likhuluma emoyeni. Kukhona, nxa kungenzakala emhlabeni kodwa kawukho ongatsho lutho; ngakho uba ngingawazi umqondo welizwi, ngizakuba ngowezizweni kulowo okhulumayo, lalowo okhulumayo uzakubangowezizweni kimi. Kunjalo lani, lokhu litshisekela iziphozomoya, dingani ukuthi livame ekwakhiweni kwebandla. Ngakho-ke okhulumayo ngendimi. Ngoba uba ngikhuleka ngendimi, umoya wami uyakhuleka, kodwa ingqondo yami kayilasithelo. Ngakho kuyini? Ngizakhuleka ngomoya, njalo ngizakhuleka langengqondo; ngizahlabelela indumiso. Uba kungenjalo, nxa ubonga ngomoya, lokhu engakwazi okutshoyo? Ngoba isibili wena ubonga kuhle, kodwa omunye kakhiwa. Ngiyambonga uNkulunkulu wami ukuthi ngikhuluma ngendimi kakhulu kulani lonke; kodwa ebandleni ngithanda ukukhuluma amazwi amahlanu ngengqondo yami, ukuze ngifundise labanye, kulamazwi ayizinkulungwane ezilitshumi ngendimi. Bazalwane, lingabi ngabantwana engqondweni, lekunakaneni libe ngabakhulileyo. Emlayweni langezinye indebe ngizakhuluma lalesisizwe, langokunjalo labo kabayikungizwa, itsho iNkosi. Ngakho indimi zingezesibonakaliso, kungeyisikho kwabakholwayo, kodwa kwabangakholwayo; kanti isiprofetho, kungayi sisosabangakholwayo, kodwa sabakholwayo. Ngakho uba ibandla lonke libuthene ndawonye, labo bonke bakhulume ngendimi, besekungena abangafundanga? Kodwa uba bonke beprofetha yibo bonke, ahlolwe yibo bonke, langokunjalo izinto ezifihliweyo zenhliziyo yakhe ziyadalulwa; ngokunjalo uzakuwa ngobuso. Ngakho kuyini, bazalwane? Loba nini libuthana, ngulowo lalowo wenu elesihlabelelo. Uba umuntu ekhuluma ngendimi, kakubengababili, kumbe bangadluli kwabathathu, njalo ba dedelane, lomunye kumele atolike; kodwa uba kungekho umtoliki, kumele athule ebandleni; akhulume kuye ngokwakhe lakuNkulunkulu. Abaprofethi-ke. Kodwa uba kusembulwa komunye ohleziyo, kathule owokuqala. Ngoba lonke lingaprofetha; lemimoya yabaprofethi iyathotshiselwa abaprofethi. Ngoba uNkulunkulu kayisuye owesiphithiphithi, kodwa ngowokuthula, njengemabandleni wonke abangcwele. Abesifazana usitsho. Uba-ke bethanda ukufunda ulutho, kababuze kubomkabo ekhaya; ngoba kulihlazo kowesifazana ukukhuluma ebandleni. Kumbe ilizwi likaNkulunkulu laphuma kini? Kumbe lafika kini lodwa yini? Uba umuntu ecabanga izinto engilibhalela zona, ukuthi ziyimilayo yeNkosi; uba umuntu engazi, kumele engazi. Ngakho, bazalwane, tshisekelani; konke. Ngakho, bazalwane, ngilazisa ivangeli, njalo elisindiswa ngalo. Ngoba ngalinika; lokuthi wangcwatshwa; lokuthi wavuswa kwabafileyo ngosuku lwesithathu; lokuthi wabonakala; emva kwalokho wabonakala ngesikhathi sinye kubazalwane abedlula amakhulu amahlanu; emva kwalokho wabonakala kuJakobe; lekucineni njengozelwe ngesikhathi esingaqondanga. Ngoba mina ngingomncinyane ibandla likaNkulunkulu. Kodwa ngomusa, kodwa ngumusa kaNkulunkulu olami. Ngakho loba kuyi mi, loba kuyi bo, ngokunjalo siyatshumayela langokunjalo lakholwa. Kodwa uba uKristu etshunyayelwa ukuthi uvusiwe kwabafileyo, batsho njani abanye phakathi kwenu ukuthi kakukho ukuvuka okwabafileyo? Kodwa uba kungekho ukuvuka okwabafileyo, kavuswanga laye uKristu; uba-ke uKristu engavuswanga, ngakho ukutshumayela kwethu kuyize, lokholo lwenu lalo luyize, lathi futhi sificwa singabafakazi bamanga bakaNkulunkulu, ngoba safakaza ngoNkulunkulu ukuthi wamvusa uKristu, angamvusanga, uba-ke abafileyo bengavuswa. Ngoba uba abafileyo bengavuswa, kavuswanga laye uKristu; njalo uba uKristu engavuswanga, ukholo lwenu luyize; lisesezonweni zenu. Ngakho lalabo abalele bekuKristu sebabhubha. Uba singabathembela kuKristu kule impilo kuphela, singabalosizi kulabo bonke abantu. Kodwa khathesi-ke uKristu uvusiwe kwabafileyo. Ngoba lokhu ngomuntu ukufa kweza. Ngoba njengalokhu kuAdamu bonke bayafa, ngokunjalo futhi kuKristu bonke bazakwenziwa baphile. Kodwa ngulowo lalowo ngesakhe isigaba; isithelo sokuqala uKristu, besekusiba yikuphela, lapho esenikela umbuso. Ngoba umele yena ukubusa, aze abeke zonke izitha zakhe ngaphansi kwenyawo zakhe. Isitha sokucina esizachithwa yikufa. Ngoba izinto zonke uzehlisele ngaphansi kwenyawo zakhe izinto zonke zehlisiwe, kusobala ukuthi ungaphandle kwazo ozehlisileyo izinto zonke ngaphansi kwakhe. Nxa izinto zonke sezehlisiwe ngaphansi kwakhe ngokwayo izazehlisa ngaphansi kwalowo owehlisela zonke izinto ngaphansi kwayo, ukuze uNkulunkulu abe yikho konke kukho konke. Pho, bazakwenzani ababhabhathizelwa abafileyo? Babhabhathizelwa labo abafileyo njani? Kungani lathi sisengozini ihola ngehola? Ngiyafa, ngiyaqinisa ngokuzincoma ngani engilakho kuKristu Jesu iNkosi yethu. Uba ngokwabantu ngalwa, ngoba kusasa siyafa. Lingakhohliswa kuyonakalisa izimilo ezinhle. Vusani ingqondo ngokulunga. Kodwa omunye uzakuthi: Abafileyo bavuswa njani? Njalo beza lomzimba onjani? Siphukuphuku wena, kakwenziwa kuphile ngaphandle kokuthi kufe; lalokho okuhlanyelayo, kawuhlanyeli umzimba ozakuba khona, kodwa uhlamvu oluze, mhlawumbe, olwebele kumbe olokunye nje; kodwa uNkulunkulu uyinika umzimba njengokuthanda kwakhe, lakuleyo laleyo yenhlanyelo owayo umzimba. Inyama yonke kayisinyamanye; kodwa enye yinyama yabantu, lenye yinyama yenyamazana, lenye eyenhlanzi, lenye eyezinyoni. Ikhonalemizimba yezulwini, lemizimba yemhlabeni; kodwa inkazimulo yezulu ingenye, leyemhlabeni ingenye. Enye yinkazimulo yelanga, lenye yinkazimulo yenyanga, lenye yinkazimulo yezinkanyezi; ngoba inkanyezi yehlukile kwenye inkanyezi enkazimulweni. Kunjalo-ke ukuvuka okwabafileyo; kuhlanyelwa ekudelweni; kuhlanyelwa ebuthakathakeni, kuvuswe emandleni; kuhlanyelwa umzimba wemvelo, kuvuswe umzimba womoya. Kukhona umzimba wemvelo, njalo kukhona umzimba womoya. Langokunjalo kulotshiwe ukuthi: Umuntu wokuqala uAdamu waba ngumphefumulo ophilayo. Kodwa okokuqala kakusikho okomoya, kodwa okwemvelo, besekusiza okomoya. Umuntu wokuqala. Njengoba enjalo owomhlabathi; lanjengoba enjalo owezulwini, banjalo labo abezulwini; futhi njengoba silesimo sowomhlabathi, lathi sizakuba lesimo sowezulwini. Kodwa ngitsho lokhu, bazalwane, ukuthi inyama legazi. Khangelani, ngilitshela imfihlo: Kasiyikulala sonke, ngesikhatshana, ngokucwayiza kwelihlo, ekukhaleni kophondo lokucina; ngoba uphondo luzakhala, labafileyo bazavuswa bengelakubola, lathi sizaphendulwa. Ngoba lokhu okubolayo kumele ukwembatha ukungaboli kwembathe ukungafi. Nxa-ke lokho okubolayo sekwembethe ukungaboli. Lungaphi, kufa, udonsi lwakho? Kungaphi, ngcwaba, ukunqoba kwakho? Lodonsi lokufa yisono; lamandla esono ngumlayo. Kodwa kabongwe ngeNkosi yethu uJesu Kristu. Ngakho. Mayelana-ke lokuqoqelwa, yenzani ngokunjalo lani. Ngalo lonke usukulokuqala lweviki nxa ngifikayo. Njalo loba nini ekufikeni kwami, loba ngobani, laba ngizabathuma ukuze base isipho senu somusa eJerusalema; njalo uba kufanele ukuthi lami ngihambe, bazahamba lami. Kodwa ngizakuza kini, nxa sengidabule; futhi ngingahle ngihlale lani, loba ngiqede lobusika, ukuze lina lingidlulisele loba ngaphi lapho engiya khona. Ngoba kangifisi ukulibona khathesinje ekwedluleni. Kodwa ngizahlala eEfesu; ngoba ngivulelwe umnyango omkhulu lolamandla. Nxa-ke njengami futhi. Ngakho kakungabi khona omdelelayo, ukuze eze kimi; ngoba ngimlindele kanye labazalwane. Njalo mayelana lomzalwane uApolosi, ngamkhuthaza kakhulu ukuze eze kini kanye labazalwane; kodwa kwakungeyisiyo intando yakhelakanye ukuthi eze khathesi, kodwa uzakuza nxa eselethuba. Lindani. Izinto zenu zonke kazenziwe ngothando. Futhi ngiyalincenga bazalwane, liyayazi indlu kaStefana; ukuze lani lehliselwe. Sengithokoza ngokufika kukaStefana; ngoba bawuvuselele umoya wami lowenu. Ngakho bananzeleleni abanjalo. Amabandla eAsiya elisemzini wabo. Bonke abazalwane bayalibingelela. Bingelelanani ngokwanga okungcwele. Isibingelelo ngesami isandla esikaPawuli. Uba umuntu engayithandi iNkosi uJesu Kristu Umusa weNkosi yethu uJesu Kristu kawubelani. Uthando lwami kalubelani lonke kuKristu Jesu. Ameni. UPawuli umphostoli kaJesu Kristu: Umusa kawubekini lokuthula okuvela kuNkulunkulu uBaba wethu la kuyoiNkosi uJesu Kristu. Kabongwe, ngitsho uYise weNkosi yethu uJesu Kristu, uYise wobubele loNkulunkulu wenduduzo yonke, osiduduza esiduduzwa ngayo thina ngokwethu nguNkulunkulu; ngoba njengalokhu inhlupheko zikaKristu zengezelelekile kithi, ngokunjalo lenduduzo yethu yengezelelekile ngoKristu. Njalo loba sihlutshwa, ku ngokwenduduzo ekubekezeleni kulezizinhlupheko ezifananayo esihlupheka ngazo lathi; loba siduduzwa, ku ngokwenduduzo losindiso lwenu; njalo ithemba lethu ngani liqinile, sisazi ukuthi njengalokhu lihlanganyela ezinhluphekweni. Ngoba kasithandi lelempilo. Kodwa thina ngokwethu sasilaso kithi isigwebo sokufa; owasophula ekufeni okungaka, losophulayo; esithemba kuye ukuthi uza s ophula futhi. Lani lisebenzela thina ndawonye ngomkhuleko. Ngoba ukuzincoma kwethu yilokhu, ubufakazi besazela sethu kodwa emuseni kaNkulunkulu, saziphatha emhlabeni, njalo ngokukhethekileyo maqondana lani. Ngoba kasilibhaleli okunye, kodwa loba izinto elizifundayo kumbe njalo lizivume; ngithemba futhi ukuthi liza zi vuma kuze kube sekupheleni; njengalokhu lathi selisivumile nganxanye lweNkosi uJesu. Langalelithemba ngafisa; njalo ukudlula kini ngisiya eMakedoniya yini eJudiya. Ngakho ngiqonde lokho, besengisebenzisa yini ubulula? Kumbe izinto engizimisayo, ngimisa ngokwenyama yini, ukuze kube khona kimi uyebo, yebo; lohatshi, hatshi? Kodwa uNkulunkulu uthembekile, ukuthi ilizwi lethu elikini kalisuye uyebo lohatshi. Ngoba iNdodana kaNkulunkulu uJesu Kristu kwakunguyebo. Ngoba zonke izithembiso zikaNkulunkulu, kube ludumo lukaNkulunkulu ngathi. Njalo osiqinisayo kanye lani kuKristu, owasigcobayo, nguNkulunkulu, owasiphawulayo lathi enhliziyweni zethu. Kodwa mina ngibiza uNkulunkulu angikezi eKorinte. Kungesikuthi sibusa ukholo lwenu. Ngasengizimisela lokhu, ukungaphindi ngize kini esizini. Ngoba uba mina ngilibangela usizi, ngubani-ke ongithokozisayo, ngaphandle kobangelwe yimi usizi? Njalo ngalibhalela into le efananayo ukuze ekufikeni kwami ingeyenu lonke. Ngoba esizini olukhulu lekudabukeni kwenhliziyo, kodwa ukuze lazi uthando olwengezelelweyo engilalo kini. Kodwa uba ekhona obange usizi (ukuze ngingathwalisi nzima) kini lonke. Kumanele onjalo lokhukukhuza okungokwabanengi; ukuze endaweni yalokho kungcono lithethelele liduduze, hlezi onjalo aginywe lusizi olwengezelelweyo. Ngakho ngiyalincenga ukuthi liqinise uthando lwenukuye. Ngoba ngenxa yalokhu futhi ngabhala, ukuze ngazi ukuhlolwa kwenu ezintweni zonke. Lalowo elimthethelela ulutho, lami ngiyamthethelela, ukuze singasetshenziswa nguSathane. Lekufikeni kwami eTrowasi eNkosini, kangibanga lokuphumula. Njalo kabongwe uNkulunkulu osikhokhelayo ngesikhathi sonke ekunqobeni lolwazi lwakhe endaweni zonke. Ngoba siliphunga elimnandi; kulaba iphunga lokufa ekufeni? Ngoba kasinjengabanengi, abalonayo, njalo njengokuvela kuNkulunkulu phambi kukaNkulunkulu, sikhuluma sikuKristu. Siqala siphinde ukuziveza yini, loba zokuvezwa okuvela kini? Lina liyincwadi yethu; libonakalisa ukuthi liyincwadi kaKristu esetshenziswa yithi. Lethemba elinjalo silalo ngoKristu kuNkulunkulu; kungesikuthi siyenelisa thina ngokwethu; owasenza futhi senelisa ukuba yizikhonzi uyaphilisa. Kodwa uba inkonzo yokufa, pho ingebe nkulu kangakanani inkonzo kaMoya enkazimulweni? Ngoba uba inkonzo yokulahlwa iyinkazimulo. Ngoba lalokho okwake kwaba yinkazimulo, akuzange ngitsho kukhazimule, ngenxa yalinkazimulo eyidlulayo kakhulu. Ngoba uba lokho okwenziwa kwaphela ku lenkazimulo, kangakanani lokho okumiyo, kusenkazimulweni. Ngakho silethemba elinje, sisebenzisa isibindi esikhulu ekukhulumeni; njalo kasinjengoMozisi owafaka isimbombozo; kodwa ingqondo zabo. Kodwa kuze kube lamuhla, nxa kufundwa uMozisi, isimbombozo siphezu kwenhliziyo yabo. Loba nini nxa ebuyela eNkosini siyasuswa. LeNkosi inguMoya. Thina-ke, sonke esilobuso obembuliweyo sibona inkazimulo yeNkosi esibukweni, njengokuvela kuMoya weNkosi. Ngakho-ke, lokhu silenkonzo le; kodwa sizilahlile izinto ezifihliweyo zehlazo, singahambi ebuqilini bonke abantu phambi kukaNkulunkulu. Kodwa uba futhi ivangeli lethu lembesiwe; okubo unkulunkulu. Ngoba kasizitshumayeli zenu ngenxa kaJesu. Ngoba uNkulunkulu owathi ukukhanya kukhanya kuvela ebumnyameni. Kodwa silalo leligugu ezitsheni zebumba bamandla bube ngobukaNkulunkulu, njalo bungaveli kithi; si yaminyezelwa, kodwa ka si lahli ithemba; si yazingelwa, kodwa ka si bhujiswa; sithwele njalonjalo ibonakaliswe emzimbeni wethu. Ngoba thina esiphilayo sinikelwa njalonjalo ekufeni ngenxa kaJesu, ukuze lempilo kaJesu ibonakaliswe enyameni yethu efayo. Ngakho ukufa kusebenza kithi, kodwa impilo kini. Ngakho silalowomoya; sisazi ukuthi lowo owayivusayo kanye lani. Ngoba zonke izinto. Ngakho-ke kasidinwa insuku ngensuku. Ngoba inhlupheko yethu elula, singakhangeli okubonwayo; kodwa okungabonwayo ngokulaphakade. Ngoba siyazi ukuthi uba indlu yethu yemhlabeni, ephakade emazulwini. Ngoba lakule siyabubula, silangatha ukwembeswa ngendlu yethu evela ezulwini; uba lathi sesembathisiwe singaficwa size. Ngoba lathi esikhona ku leli dumba yimpilo. Owasilungisela-ke khona lokhu nguNkulunkulu. Ngakho silesibindi ngesikhathi sonke, sisazi ukuthi sisekhona ekhaya emzimbeni sikhatshana leNkosi, ngoba sihamba ngokholo; ngakho silesibindi ukuba singabikho emzimbeni, lokuba sekhaya leNkosi. Ngalokho-ke siyazama kakhulu, loba sisekhaya, kumbe singekho ekhaya, ukuthi sibe ngabemukelekayo kuye. Ngoba sonke simele ukubonakala phambi kwesihlalo sokwahlulela sikaKristu azamukelele izinto ezenziwengomzimba, njengalokhu akwenzileyo, loba kuhle kumbe kubi. Ngakho sisazi ukwesabeka lezazeleni zenu. Ngoba kasizivezi ngathi, ukuze libe la khoukumelana labo abazincomayo ebusweni, kungeyisikho enhliziyweni. Ngoba uba sihlanya, ku kini. Ngoba uthando lukaKristu luyasiqhubezela; njalo wafela bonke ukuze abaphilayo bangabe besaziphilela bona, kodwa lowo owabafelayo wabuye wavuka. Ngakho kusukela khathesi thina kasazi muntu. Ukuze kuthi uba umuntu ekuKristu, khangela konke sekukutsha. Konke lokhu-ke kuvela kuNkulunkulu, owabuyisana; okunjengokuthi uNkulunkulu wayekuKristu. Ngakho siyizithunywa. Ngoba lowo ongasazanga isono wamenza isono esikhundleni sethu kukaNkulunkulu kuye. Sisebenza-ke kanye laye, lathi; ngoba uthi: Ngesikhathi esihle ngikuzwile; khangelani khathesi lusuku losindiso. Kasikhubekisi; kodwa kukho konke sizibonakalisa njengezikhonzi zikaNkulunkulu, ekutshayweni, ekuhlambulukeni, elwazini, ekubekezeleni, elizwini leqiniso, ngodumo langehlazo, kanti abaqinisileyo; njengabangaziwayo, kanti abaziwayo kakhulu, kanti abangabulawayo; njengabalosizi. Umlomo wethu uvulekele lina, beKorinte. Kalivinjelwanga yithi emibilini yenu. Njalo ngokwenanana okufananayo (ngikhuluma njengebantwaneni), lani yenziwani banzi. Lingabotshwa ngokungalingani ejogweni labangakholwayo? Njalo uKristu ulokuzwana bani loBheliyali? Kumbe ulesabelo bani okholwayo longakholwayo? Njalo kulokuvumelana bani ithempeli likaNkulunkulu lezithombe? Ngoba lina lilithempeli, ngizahamba phakathi kwabo; sengizakuba nguNkulunkulu wabo, bona-ke bazakuba ngabantu bami. Ngakho phumani phakathi kwabo lehlukaniswe, itsho iNkosi, lingathinti okungcolileyo; mina-ke ngizalemukela, futhi ngizakuba nguBaba kini. Lokhu silalezizithembiso, siphelelise ubungcwele ekwesabeni uNkulunkulu. Semukeleni. Kangikhulumeli uku li sola; ngoba ngatsho phambili, ukuthi lisenhliziyweni zethu ukuthi sife ndawonye siphile ndawonye. Sikhulu isibindi kakhulu intokozo kuyo yonke inhlupheko yethu. Ngoba lekufikeni kwethu eMakedoniya, ngaphakathi ukwesaba. Kodwa uNkulunkulu, oduduza abadanileyo, wasiduduza ekufikeni; njalo kungeyisikho ekufikeni kwakhe kuphela, kodwa langenduduzo, ngaze ngathokoza kakhulu. Ngoba lanxa ngalidabukisa. Khathesi ngiyathokoza, kungeyisikho ukuthi ladatshulwa ngenxa yethu. Ngoba ukudabuka ngokukaNkulunkulu. Ngoba khangelani, leyo into, ukuthi ladatshulwa ngokukaNkulunkulu. Uba-ke lami ngalibhalela, kungeyisikho ngenxa yalowo owonayo, njalo kungeyisikho ngenxa yalowo owoniweyo kubonakaliswe kini phambi kukaNkulunkulu. Ngalokho siduduzekile ngokuvela kini lonke; ngoba uba ngazincomela kwaba liqiniso. Isihelo sakhe sesengezelelwe kakhulu kini, lapho ekhumbula ukulalela. Ngakho ngiyathokoza ukuthi ngiyalithemba kukho konke. Sesilazisa; ukuthi ekulingweni okukhulu kwenhlupho bengezelela enothweni yokuphana kwabo. Ngoba babekhululekile njengokwamandla abo, ngiyafakaza, langaphezu kwamandla abo, ngesicelo esikhulu basincenga, ukuthi semukele isipho; njalo kaku ba nga njengoba sathemba, kodwa bazinikela kuqala eNkosini, lakithi ngentando kaNkulunkulu. Kwaze kwathi sakhuthaza phambili, ngokunjalo awuqede futhi kini lumusa. Kodwa njengalokhu lisengezelela. Kangikhulumi njengokulawula. Ngoba liyawazi umusa weNkosi yethu uJesu Kristu, ukuthi lanxa wayenothile. Lakulokhu ngipha umbono, kungeyisikwenza kuphela, kodwa lokufisa; kodwa khathesi-ke qedani futhi ukwenza, ukuze, njengalokhu kukhonaukukhuthalela. Ngoba uba kukhona ngalokho alakho, kungeyisikho ngalokho angelakho. Ngoba kungeyisikuthi abanye babe lenkululeko, lina-ke libe lohlupho; kodwa ngokulingana, okwalesisikhathi isengezo senu sibengesenswelo yabo, ukuze kuthi lesengezo sabo, njengokulotshiweyo ukuthi: O wabuthaokunengi, kabanga lokusalayo; lo wabuthaokuncinyane kasilelanga. Kodwa kabongwe uNkulunkulu ofaka efananayo ngani enhliziyweni kaTitosi, ukuthi isibili wemukela isikhuthazo. Njalo sithuma kanye laye umzalwane; kungeyisilokhu kuphela, kodwa ukhethiwe; sivikela lokhu; sinakekela okuhle kungekho phambi kweNkosi kuphela kodwa laphambi kwabantu. Sasesithuma kanye labo umzalwane wethu, esimfice ezintweni ezinengi kanengi ekhuthele. Kumbe ngoTitosi, ungumhlanganyeli zamabandla, bayinkazimulo kaKristu. Ngakho bonakalisani kubo ubufakazi bothando lwenu labokuzincomela kwethu lina, laphambi kwamabandla. Ngoba mayelana lokuncedisa kakusweleki kimi ukulibhalela; ngoba ngiyazi ukukhuthala kwenu; lokutshiseka okuvela kini kubavusile abanengi. Kodwa ngithume abazalwane; hlezi mhlawumbe, nxa abeMakedoniya befika lami. Ngakho ngibona kufanele ukuthi ngikhuthaze abazalwane. Lalokhu ukuthi, ohlanyela ingcosana, laye uzavuna ingcosana; lohlanyela ngokunengi, laye uzavuna ngokunengi. Ngulowo lalowo njengalokhu azikhethela khona enhliziyweni; kungabi ngokokudonda uyamthanda onikela ngentokozo. Njalo uNkulunkulu; njengokulotshiweyo ukuthi: Uchithachithile, wanika abayanga; ukulunga kwakhe kuhlala kuze kube phakade. Njalo yena onika; linothiswe ezintweni zonke kukho konke ukuphana, okusebenza ngathi ukubongwa kuNkulunkulu; ngoba umsebenzi; ngobufakazi kubo, lakubo bonke; langomkhuleko wabo ngani, belilangatha ngomusa kaNkulunkulu ongelakulinganiswa phezu kwenu. Njalo kabongwe uNkulunkulu ngenxa yesipho sakhe esingakhulumekiyo. Mina-ke uPawuli ngokwami ngiyalincenga nxa ngi khona, kodwa nxa ngingekho ngilesibindi kini; ngiya li ncenga-ke ukuthi, nxa ngikhona, ngingabi lesibindi. Ngoba lanxa sihamba enyameni kasilwi ngokwenyama; ngoba izikhali izinqaba, sehlisa iminakano lakho konke okuziphakamisela; futhi silokulungela ukuphindisela ukungalaleli konke. Likhangela. Ngoba loba ngolutho olwengezelelweyo kakhulu ngingaze ngizincome; ukuze ngingabonakali njengolethusa ngezincwadi. Ngoba kuthiwa: Incwadi zakhezinzima zilamandla. Onjalo kanakane lokhu, ukuthi njengoba sinjalo ngelizwi ngezincwadi nxa singekho, lathi sinjalo ngesenzo nxa sikhona. Ngoba kasilasibindi sokuzibalela kumbe ukuzifananisa, kabaqedisisi. Kodwa thina kasisoze sizincome sesigaba uNkulunkulu asabele sona, isilinganiso sokufika lakini. Ngoba kasizeluli ngokweqileyo ngokungathi kasifinyelelanga kini, ngoba sifikile lakini evangelini likaKristu; kasizincomi, kodwa silethemba lokuthi, nxa lwandile ukholo lwenu, sizakhuliswa ngokwengezelelelweyo phakathi kwenu ngesigaba sethu, ukutshumayela ivangeli endaweniezingaphetsheya kwenu, singazincomi ngesigaba somunye ezintweni ezilungisiweyo. Kodwa ozincomayo, kazincome eNkosini. Ngoba kayisuye. Kungathi lingangibekezelela. Ngoba ngilobukhwele. Kodwa ngiyesaba ukuthi hlezi njengalokhu inyoka obukuKristu. Ngoba uba ofikayo. Ngoba ngithi. Njalo uba lami kini ezintweni zonke. Kumbe ngenze isono? Ngaphanga amanye amabandla, ngithatha iholo ukuze ngilisize; lalapho ngangikhona kini ngiswele kangibanga ngumthwalo ngitsho emuntwini ukuthi ngingabi ngumthwalo kini, futhi ngizazigcina. Njengobaiqiniso likaKristu likimi. Ngenxa yani? Ngoba ngingalithandi yini. Kodwa engikwenzayo, ngizakwenza futhi, ukuze ngiqume. Ngoba abanje babe ngabaphostoli bakaKristu. Kakumangalisi-ke; ngoba uSathane. Ngakho ka ku sinto enkulu uba lazo inceku zakhe. Ngiyaphinda ngithi lanjengesithutha, ukuze lami ngizincome kancinyane. Lokho engikutshoyo, kangikutsho ngokweNkosi. Lokhu abanengi bezincoma ngokwenyama. Ngoba libekezelela abayizithutha. Ngoba liyabekezela ebusweni. Ngitsho ngenhloni) lami ngilesibindi ngakho. BangamaHebheru yini? Lami. Bayizikhonzi zikaKristu yini; kumaJuda. Ngatshaywa kathathu ngezinduku, ubusuku lemini ngisekujuleni kolwandle; ekuhambeni kanengi; engozini zemifula, ekutshikatshikeni. Ngaphandle kwezinto ezingaphandle, okungicindezelayo insuku zonke yikukhathalela. Ngubani obuthakathaka, ngingabi buthakathaka lami? Ngubani okhutshekiswayo, lami ngingatshiseki? Uba kumele ukuzincoma, ngizazincoma ngezinto zobuthakathaka bami. UNkulunkulu uYise weNkosi yethu uJesu Kristu. EDamaseko umuzi wabeDamaseko, efuna ukungibamba; njalo ngehliswa ngewindi esilulwini ngomduli, ngasengiphepha ezandleni zayo. Qiniso ukuzincoma kakusizi lutho kimi; ngoba ngizakuya kumibono zeNkosi. Ngiyamazi umuntu ekuKristu. Ngiyamazi-ke umuntu onjalo (loba emzimbeni, loba ngaphandle komzimba, kangazi; uNkulunkulu uyazi), ukuthi wahluthulwa muntu ukuwakhuluma. Ngizazincoma ngonjalo, kodwa ngami uqobo kangiyikuzincoma. Ngoba uba bengingathanda ukuzincoma, bengingazukuba yisithutha okungaphezu kwalokho angibona ngiyikho, kumbe akuzwa kimi, futhi ukuze ngingaphakanyiswa kakhulukazi ngobukhulukazi bezembulo, ukuze ngingaziphakamisi kakhulukazi. Ngalokho nganxusa iNkosi kathathu ukuze kusuke kimi. Yasisithi kimi: Umusa wami ukwanele; ngoba amandla ami ahlale phezu kwami. Ngakho ngiyathokoza ebuthakathakeni, khona ngilamandla. Sengize ngaba yisithutha, ngizincoma. Isibili impawu lemisebenzi yamandla. Ngoba kuyini elaba ngaphansi ngakho kwamanye amabandla. Khangelani, sengilungele ukuza kini ngokwesithathu kabafanele ukudlinzekelela abazali, kodwa abazali abantwana. Mina-ke ngizachitha ngentokozo, ngithandwa kancinyane. Kodwa ku njalo, mina kangibanga ngumthwalo kini, ngalibamba ngobuqili. Ngaliqilibezela yini engabathuma kini? Ngacela uTitosi? Licabanga futhi. Ngoba ngilovalo hlezi mhlawumbe ekufikeni kwami; hlezi ekufikeni kwami abakwenzileyo. Ngalesisikhathi sesithathu wabafakazi ababili kumbe abathathu wonke umutsho uzaqiniswa. Sengitshilo; njengoba lidinga ubufakazi; ngoba lanxa wabethelwa, kodwa sizaphila kanye laye ngamandla kaNkulunkulu kini. Zihloleni ukuthi lisekholweni; lizilinge? Ngithemba-ke ukuthi lizakwazi ukuthi thina kasisibo abalahliweyo. Njalo ngiyakhuleka kuNkulunkulu, ukuthi lingenzi lutho olubi, kungesikuthi sibonakale thina singabathembekileyo. Ngoba kasilamandla okwenza ulutho olumelana leqiniso, kodwa okweqiniso. Ngoba siyajabula nxa sibuthakathaka kwenu. Ngakho ngibhala lezizinto ngingekho, ukuze kuthi nxa ngikhona. Elokucina, bazalwane, thokozani, lipheleliswe uzakuba lani. Bingelelanani ngokwanga okungcwele. Bonke abangcwele bayalibingelela. Umusa bukaMoya oNgcwele kakubelani lonke. Ameni. UPawuli umphostoli ongaveli ebantwini, njalo kungekho ngomuntu, labazalwane bonke abalami: Umusa kawubekini lokuthula okuvela kuNkulunkulu uBaba, leNkosini yethu uJesu Kristu, owazinikela ngenxa yezono zethu; obukuye ubukhosi kuze kube nini lanini. Ameni. Ngiyamangala; elingeyisilo elinye; kodwa bakhona abanye abalididayo bethanda ukuhlanekela ivangeli likaKristu. Kodwa lanxa kungaba yithi kumbe ingilosi evela ezulwini engalitshumayeza ivangeli elehlukene lalelo esalitshumayeza lona. Njengoba sesitshilo, lakhathesi ngiyaphinda ngithi: Uba umuntu elitshumayeza ivangeli elehlukene lalelo elalemukelayo. Ngoba ngincenga? Ngoba uba ngisathokozisa abantu, ngingebe yinceku kaKristu. Kodwa ngiyalazisa, bazalwane. Ngoba lami kangilemukelanga. Ngoba selizwile ukuhamba kwami kwakuqala; njalo ngangiphumelela. Kodwa nxa kwaba kuhle kuNkulunkulu, ukwembula iNdodana yakhe kimi; futhi kangenyukelanga eJerusalema kubo ababengabaphostoli ngaphambi kwami, kodwa ngasuka ngaya eArabhiya. Emva kwalokho sekwedlule iminyaka emithathu. Kodwa kangibonanga la munye wabaphostoli, ngaphandle kukaJakobe. Lezinto engilibhalela zona, khangelani, phambi kukaNkulunkulu, kangiqambi manga. Emva kwalokho ngaya ezabelweni. Njalo ngangingakaziwa ngobuso emabandleni eJudiya; kodwa ayesizwa nje ukuthi: Owake wasizingela, usetshumayela ukholo owake waluchitha, asedumisa uNkulunkulu kimi. Emva kwalokho sekwedlule iminyaka elitshumi lane; ngasengisenyuka ngesambulelo. Kodwa ngitsho uTitosi o waye lami; njalo ngenxa; esingabathobelanga ngokuzehlisa ngitsho okwehola. Kodwa kulabo okuthiwa; kodwa kokuphambeneyo, bebona ukuthi ngaphiwa ivangeli lokungasoki, ngoba owenza ngamandla kuPetro kubuphostoli bokusoka, bathi besazi umusa engiwuphiweyo, oJakobe; kuphela ukuze sikhumbule abayanga. Kodwa kwathi uPetro. Ngoba bengakafiki abathile abavela kuJakobe. Lamanye futhi amaJuda azenzisa kanye laye, kwaze kwathi loBarnabasi wathatheka ngokuzenzisa kwawo. Kodwa kuthe sengibonile ukuthi kabahambi ngokuqonda eqinisweni levangeli? Thina singamaJuda, sisazi ukuthi umuntu kalungisiswa ngemisebenzi yomlayo kakuyikulungisiswa nyama. Kodwa uba thina, esidinga ukulungisiswa kuKristu, lathi uqobo sificwe siyizoni! Ngoba uba ngibuye ngakhe izinto engizidilizileyo, ngitshengisa ukuthi ngingophambekayo. Ngoba ngomlayo. Ngibethelwe kanye loKristu, kodwa ngiyaphila; kakuseyimi-ke, kodwa uKristu uphila kimi. Kangiwutshayi ize umusa kaNkulunkulu. Hawu maGalathiya ayizithutha, ngubani oliloyileyo? Yilokhu kuphela engithanda ukukufunda kini ukuthi: Lemukela uMoya ngemisebenzi yomlayo yini? Kanti liyizithutha kangaka? Liqale ngoMoya selipheleliswa ngenyama yini? Lahlupheka izinto ezinengi kangaka ngeze yini? Uba-ke ngitsho ngeze. Ngakho yena olinika uMoya losebenza imisebenzi yamandla phakathi kwenu, kungabangemisebenzi yomlayo yini, kumbe ngokuzwa kokholo? NjengoAbrahama wakholwa kuNkulunkulu, kwabalelwa-ke kuye ukuthi yikulunga. Ngakho liyazi ukuthi labo abangabokholo. Lombhalo, ubona ngaphambili ukuthi uNkulunkulu. Ngakho abangabokholo babusiswa kanye loAbrahama okholwayo. Ngoba bonke abemisebenzi yomlayo bangaphansi kwesiqalekiso. Kodwa kusobala ukuthi ngomlayo kakulamuntu olungisiswayo phambi kukaNkulunkulu; kodwa umlayo kawusiwo wokholo, kodwa kuthiwa: Umuntu owenza lezizinto uzaphila kuzo. UKristu; ukuze kuthi isibusiso sikaAbrahama sifike kwabezizwe ngoKristu Jesu. Bazalwane, ngikhuluma njengokomuntu. Njalo izithembiso zakhulunywa. Lalokho ngiyakutsho: Umlayo oweza emva kweminyaka engamakhulu amane lamatshumi amathathu kawusesuli isivumelwano esaqiniswa nguNkulunkulu kuKristu ngaphambili. Ngoba uba ilifa livela emlayweni, alisaveli esithembisweni; kodwa uNkulunkulu wa li nika uAbrahama ngesithembiso. Pho, umlayo uyini? Wengezwa ngenxa yeziphambeko. Kodwa umlamuli kayisuye woyedwa. Pho umlayo uphambene lezithembiso zikaNkulunkulu yini? Phinde. Kodwa umbhalo. Kodwa kungakafiki ukholo. Ngakho umlayo; kodwa selufikile ukholo. Ngoba lonke lingabantwana bakaNkulunkulu ngokholo kuKristu Jesu. Ngoba lonke elabhabhathizelwa kuKristu; kakukho umJuda lomGriki. Uba-ke lingabakaKristu. Kodwa ngithi, ngaso sonke isikhathi indlalifa iseyingane, kayehlukananga ngalutho esigqilini lanxa ingumnikazi wakho konke; kodwa ingaphansi kwabaphathi, kuze kufike isikhathi esamiswa nguyise. Ngokunjalo lathi, lapho si se yizingane, sasiyizigqili; kodwa kwathi ukuphelela kwesikhathi sekufikile, uNkulunkulu wathuma iNdodana yakhe, ukuze ihlenge abangaphansi komlayo, ukuze semukele ukuma kwabantwana. Njengoba lingamadodana! Ngakho kawuseyiso isigqili, kodwa indodana; njalo uba uy indodana, futhi uy indlalifa kaNkulunkulu ngoKristu. Kodwa ngalesosikhathi, lingamazi uNkulunkulu; kodwa khathesi lokhu selimazi uNkulunkulu, yebo kangithi lisaziwa nguNkulunkulu? Ligcina izinsuku. Ngilovalo ngani. Banini njengami, ngoba lami nginjengani, bazalwane, ngiyalincenga; kalingonanga nga lutho; liyazi-ke ukuthi ngobuthakathaka benyama ngatshumayela ivangeli kini, lokulingwa kwami okwakusenyameni yami kalikudelelanga njalo kalikwenyanyanga, kodwa langemukela njengengilosi kaNkulunkulu. Ngakho sasiyini isibusiso senu. Ngakho sengibeyisitha senu ngokulitshela iqiniso yini? Bayalitshisekela ngokungekuhle. Kodwa kuhle ukuthi litshisekelelwe kokuhle isikhathi sonke, njalo kungabi sebukhoneni bami lani kuphela. Bantwana bami abancane, engilomhelo futhi wokulizala, kodwa bengingathanda ukuba khona lani khathesi, ngiphendule ilizwi lami. Ngitshelani, lina elithanda ukuba ngaphansi komlayo, kaliwuzwa yini umlayo? Ngoba kulotshiwe ukuthi uAbrahama wayelamadodana amabili; enye ingeyesigqilikazi. Kodwa eyesigqilikazi yazalwa ngokwenyama. Okuyizinto ezingumzekeliso; ngoba laba bayizivumelwano ezimbili; esinye esentabeni iSinayi. Ngoba lokhu, uAgari, kuyintaba iSinayi eseArabhiya. Kodwa iJerusalema ephezulu ikhululekile, engumama wethu sonke; ngoba kulotshiwe ukuthi: Thokoza, wenanyumba engazaliyo; kekela umemeze, wena ongawuzwanga umhelo; ngoba abantwana botshiyiweyo banengi okwedlula kakhulu kulaye olendoda. Kodwa thina, bazalwane, njengoIsaka. Kodwa njengakulesosikhathi owazalwa ngokwenyama wamzingela yena ongowakoMoya. Kodwa umbhalo uthini. Ngakho, bazalwane, kasisibo abantwana besigqilikazi, kodwa bokhululekileyo. Ngakho manini liqine. Khangelani, mina Pawuli ngithi kini, uba lisokwa, uKristu kayikulisiza ngalutho. Ngiyafakaza-ke futhi kumuntu wonke osokwayo, ukuthi ulomlandu wokwenza umlayo wonke. Likhutshiwe. Ngoba thina ngoMoya silindele ngokholo ithemba lokulunga. Ngoba kuKristu Jesu ukusoka kumbe ukungasoki kakusizi lutho. Beligijima kuhle? Lokhukuhuga kakuveli kolibizayo. Imvubelo eyingcosana ibilisa inhlama yonke. Mina ngilethemba ngani eNkosini, loba engubani. Kodwa mina, bazalwane, uba ngisatshumayela ukusoka. Sengathi. Ngoba lina labizelwa enkululekweni. Ngoba umlayo wonke ugcwaliseka elizwini linye. Kodwa uba lilumana lidlana, qaphelani ukuthi lingaqedwa omunye ngomunye. Kodwa ngithi: Hambani ngoMoya. Ngoba inyama ikhanuka okuphambene loMoya, loMoya okuphambene lenyama; njalo lezizinto ziphambene. Kodwa uba likhokhelwa nguMoya. Imisebenzi yenyama-ke isobala, eyi le: Ukufeba, ukuphinga, ukukhonza izithombe, umhawu. Kodwa isithelo sikaMoya, ubumnene. Kodwa abakaKristu babethele inyama kanye lokuhugeka lezinkanuko. Uba siphila ngoMoya, njalo asihambe ngoMoya. Kasingazikhukhumezi, siqalane, sifelane umona. Bazalwane, uba-ke umuntu esehlelwa yisiphambeko esithile. Thwalisanani imithwalo yenu. Ngoba uba umuntu ezitsho ukuthi uyilutho; kodwa ngulowo lalowo kahlole owakhe umsebenzi, njalo kungabi ngokomunye. Ngoba ngulowo lalowo. Lofundiswa ilizwi. Lingakhohliswa. Ngoba ohlanyela kweyakhe inyama. Kodwa. Ngakho-ke njengoba silethuba. Bonani amabala amakhulu kangaka engilibhalela ngawo ngesami isandla. Bonke abafuna ukubukeka enyameni. Ngoba ngitsho lalabo abasokwayo kabawugcini umlayo, kodwa bafuna ukuthi lisokwe, ukuze bazincome enyameni yenu. Kodwa kimi kakungabi khona, lami kuwo umhlaba. Ngoba kuKristu Jesu ukusoka kakusizi lutho. Njalo bonke. Kusukela khathesi, kakungabi lamuntu ongihluphayo; ngoba mina ngithwele emzimbeni wami impawu zeNkosi uJesu. Umusa weNkosi yethu uJesu Kristu kawubelomoya wenu, bazalwane. Ameni. UPawuli: Umusa kawubekini lokuthula okuvela kuNkulunkulu uBaba wethu laseNkosini uJesu Kristu. Ubusisiwe; njengoba wasikhetha kuye, esesimisele, kube ludumo lobukhosi bomusa wakhe, asiphe wona; esilohlengo kuye, awengezelele kithi, esesazisile imfihlo, ukuze, ekuphatheni kokugcwaliseka kwezikhathi; ngitshokuye, lathi esabelwa ilifa kuye, ukuze sibe ngabodumo lobukhosi bakhe; eseli thembakuye lani, selizwile, oyisibambiso. Ngenxa yalokho lami lothando kubo bonke abangcwele, kangiyekeli, ngiliphatha emikhulekweni yami; ukuze uNkulunkulu weNkosi yethu uJesu Kristu elwazini lwakhe; amehlo engqondo yenu akhanyiswe, lokuthi buyini ubukhulu bamandla akhe obudlula amalawulo kithi esikholwa njengokusebenza kobuninimandla bamandla akhe, awasebenzisa kuKristu, emvusa kwabafileyo, phezulu kakhulu kwakho konke, kungeyisikho kulesisikhathi kuphela, kodwa lakwesizayo; wasebeka konke ngaphansi kwenyawo zakhe phezu kwakho konke kulo ibandla, elingumzimba wakhe. Lina-ke, elalikade; lathi sonke sake sahamba, njengabanye labo; kodwa uNkulunkulu, enothile esihawini asithanda ngalo, lanxa sasifile ngeziphambeko njalo wa si vusa kanye la ye, wase si hlalisa kanye la ye; ukuze abonakalise ezikhathini ezizayo inotho yomusa wakhe edlula amalawulo; ngoba ngomusa lisindisiwe; ka ku veli emisebenzini. Ngoba singumsebenzi wakhe. Ngakho khumbulani ukuthi lina lake laba, ukuthi ngalesosikhathi lalingelaye uKristu, abemzini, lalingelathemba, njalo lingelaye uNkulunkulu emhlabeni. Kodwa khathesi-ke kuKristu Jesu lina. Ngoba yena uyikuthula kwethu, echithile, njalo enze ukuthi bobabili babuyisane loNkulunkulu; njalo weza watshumayela ukuthula; ngoba ngaye. Ngakho-ke kaliseyibo abemzini, lakhiwe phezu kwesisekelo, okuhlanganiselwe kuye isakhiwo sonke, elakhiwa kuye lani kanye la banye. Ngenxa yalokhu mina Pawuli, isibotshwa, uba kambe selizwile ngokuphathwa, ukuthi, okungalokhu, nxa lifunda, lingazi ulwazi lwami); yona engaziswanga ezizukulwaneni; ukuthi abezizwe babe yizindlalifa, ngevangeli, engenziwa ngalo. Kimi, engimncinyane kulomncinyane wabo bonke abangcwele, lokukhanyisela bonke ukuthi buyini ubudlelwano bemfihlo, ukuze khathesi ezinhlobonhlobo, njengokwecebo laphakade alenza ngoKristu Jesu iNkosi yethu; esilesibindi kuye lwakhe. Ngakho ngiyacela ukuthi lingalahli ithemba. Ngenxa yalokhu kuYise weNkosi yethu uJesu Kristu, okubizwa ngaye usendo lonke, ukuze alinike, njengokwenotho yobukhosi bakhe, ukuze uKristu ahlale ngokholo enhliziyweni zenu, ukuze libe lamandla sibili okuqedisisa lokuphakama, lokwazi uthando lukaKristu olwedlula ulwazi, ukuze ligcwaliswe. Njalo kuye, olamandla, kuye kakubeudumo ebandleni kuKristu Jesu, ezizukulwaneni zonke zaphakade laphakade. Ameni. Ngakho ngiyalincenga, mina isibotshwa eNkosini elabizwa ngalo, kanye lokuthobeka konke, likhuthale ukugcina ukuhlangana koMoya ngesibopho sokuthula. Munye umzimba; yinye iNkosi, lunye ubhabhathizo, munye uNkulunkulu loYise wabo bonke, lakini lonke. Kodwa ngulowo lalowo wethu. Ngakho uthi: Ekwenyukeleni kwakhe phezulu. Lokhu-ke ukuthi: Wenyuka? Owehlayo, nguye owenyukela. Yena wasenika abanye babe ngabaphostoli, ekuphelelisweni; size sifike sonke ebunyeni bokholo, lobolwazi; ukuze singabe sisaba zinsane; kodwa sikhulume iqiniso ethandweni, uKristu, okuvela kuye umzimba wonke, ngokwelekelelana kwalo lonke ilunga, njengokusebenza esilinganisweni saleso laleso isitho, wenza ukukhula komzimba ekuzakheni kwawo ethandweni. Ngakho ngitsho lokho ngifakaza eNkosini, ukuthi lingabe lisahamba lanjengabanye abezizwe behamba, befiphaziwe engqondweni; abathi sebentunyile konke ngomhawu. Kodwa lina kalimfundanga ngokunjalo uKristu, uba-ke limzwile lafundiswa kuye, njengoba iqiniso likuJesu; ukuthi lilahle; njalo lenziwe batsha emoyeni wengqondo yenu, njalo lembathe umuntu omutsha. Ngakho lilahla amanga. Thukuthelani lingoni; futhi lingamniki indawo udiyabhola. Owebayo kangabe eseba; kodwa kulalokhu kakhuthale. Kakungaphumi emlonyeni wenu lalinye ilizwi elibolileyo kubo abezwayo. Njalo lingamdabukisi. Konke ukubaba; kodwa libe mnene. Ngakho banini ngabalandeli bakaNkulunkulu, njengabantwana abathandekayo; njalo lihambe ethandweni. Kodwa ubufebe, njengoba kufanele abangcwele; lamanyala; kodwa kulalokhu, ukubonga. Ngoba lokhu liyakwazi, ukuthi sonke isifebe embusweni kaKristu lokaNkulunkulu. Kakungabi lamuntu olikhohlisayo ngamazwi ayize. Ngakho lingabi ngabahlanganyeli labo. Ngoba lake laba ngoba isithelo sikaMoya, lihlolisise; njalo lingahlanganyeli; ngoba izinto ezenziwa yibo ekusithekeni, kuthelela inhloni ngitsho ukukhuluma ngazo. Kodwa konke okusolwayo yikukhanya kuyabonakaliswa; ngoba konke okubonakaliswayo kuyikukhanya, ngakho uthi: Phaphama wena oleleyo. Ngakho qaphelani ukuthi lihamba, lihlenga. Ngakho lingabi yizithutha. Njalo lingadakwa liwayini, likhulumisana, limbonga njalo uNkulunkulu loBaba ngazo zonke izinto, lizehlisela ngaphansi omunye komunye ekumesabeni uNkulunkulu. Bafazi, ngoba indoda iyinhloko yomfazi. Kodwa njengoba-ke ibandla lehliselwe ngaphansi kukaKristu, ngokunjalo labafazi kwawabo amadoda kuyo yonke into. Madoda; ukuze azingcwelisele, ukuze azimisele lona, ibandla elilenkazimulo. Ngokunjalo amadoda afanele ukuthanda abawo abafazi njengeyawo imizimba. Othanda owakhe umfazi, uyazithanda yena; ngoba kakho owake wazonda eyakhe inyama, kodwa uya y ondla ayiphathe kuhle, njengalokhu leNkosi isenzaku bandla; ngoba siyizitho zomzimba wakhe, okwenyama yakhe lokwamathambo akhe. Ngenxa yalokhu umuntu uzatshiya uyise lonina anamathele kumkakhe. Inkulu le imfihlo; kodwa mina ngikhuluma. Ngalokho lonke ngokukhethekileyo lani-ke, ngulowo lalowo kathande ngokunjalo owakhe umfazi njengaye indoda. Bantwana, lalelani abazali benu eNkosini; ngoba lokhu kulungile. Hlonipha uyihlo lonyoko, okungumlayo wokuqala olesithembiso, ukuze kube kuhle kuwe, njalo uphile isikhathi eside emhlabeni. Lani bobaba. Zisebenzi; kungeyisikho ngenkonzo yamehlo, lisebenza ngenhliziyo enhle kungathi kuseNkosini njalo kungeyisikho ebantwini; lisazi ukuthi loba yini enhle ngulowo lalowo angayenza, enjalo uzayemukela eNkosini. Lani makhosi kakukho kuyo. Elokucina, bazalwane bami, qinani eNkosini. Hlomani; ngoba kasibindani balesisikhathi, lemimoya yamabutho obubi ezindaweni zamazulu. Ngakho hlomani izikhali zonke zikaNkulunkulu. Ngakho manini, inkalo zenu zibotshiwe ngeqiniso, njalo ligqokise inyawo; phezu kwakho konke selithethe isihlangu sokholo. Njalo thathani ikhowa losindiso, ngawo wonke umkhuleko lonxuso likhuleka isikhathi sonke, langami, engiyisithunywa kulo, njengoba kungifanele ukuthi ngikhulume. Kodwa ukuze lani lazi izinto eziqondana lami; engimthuma kini ngakhona lokhu, ukuze lazi izinto eziqondana lathi, lokuthi aduduze inhliziyo zenu. Ukuthula kakubekubazalwane, lothando kanye lokholo oluvela kuNkulunkulu uBaba leNkosini uJesu Kristu. Umusa kawubekubo bonke abathanda iNkosi yethu uJesu Kristu ngokungonakaliyo. Ameni. UPawuli loTimothi: Umusa. Ngiyambonga, ngezikhathi zonke kuwo wonke umkhuleko wami ngani lonke, ngokuhlanganyela kwenu evangelini; ngilethemba lakhona lokho, ukuthi owaqalisa; njengoba kulungile kimi ukuthi ngikhumbule lokhu ngani lonke, ngoba ngilani enhliziyweni. Ngoba uNkulunkulu ungumfakazi wami. Njalo ngikhuleka lokhu, ukuthi uthando lwenu, ukuze lizivume, ligcwaliswe ngezithelo zokulunga lukaNkulunkulu. Kodwa ngithanda ukuthi lazi, bazalwane, ukuthi izinto ezangehlelayo zenza kakhulu ukuqhutshelwa phambili kwevangeli; zize izibopho esigodlweni sonke lakwabanye bonke, labazalwane abanengi eNkosini, beqiniswe ngezibopho zami, sebelesibindi esikhulu sokukhuluma ilizwi ngokungesabi. Abanye kambe batshumayela uKristu ngomona langombango, labanye kambe ngenhliziyo enhle; laba batshumayela uKristu ngokuphikisana, bengelaqiniso, besithi baletha ukuhlupheka ekubotshweni kwami; kodwa labo ngothando, besazi. Kuyini pho? Loba kunjalo kuyo yonke indlela, loba ekuzenziseni, kumbe eqinisweni, uKristu uyatshunyayelwa; kulokhu-ke ngiyathokoza, yebo ngizathokoza futhi. Ngoba ngiyazi ukuthi lokhu kuzaphendukela kimi esindisweni ngomkhuleko wenu, njengokulindela okukhulu, njengesikhathi sonke, lakhathesi uKristu uzakhuliswa emzimbeni wami, loba ngempilo, kumbe ngokufa. Ngoba kimi ukuphila kunguKristu, lokufa kuyinzuzo. Kodwa uba ukuphila enyameni kuyisithelo somsebenzi kimi, lengizakukhetha kangikwazi. Ngoba ngiminyezelwe ngokubili lokuba loKristu, okungcono kakhulukazi; kodwa ukuhlala enyameni kuyasweleka kakhulu ngenxa yenu. Njalo ngilalelithemba lentokozweni yokholo, ukuze ukuzincoma kwenu ngami kwengezwe kuKristu Jesu kimi, ngobukhona bami kini futhi. Kuphela hambani, njalo lingethuswa ngalutho ngabaphikisayo; okuyisibonakaliso, njalo lokhu kuvela kuNkulunkulu; ngoba lanikwa; lilokulwa. Ngakho uba kukhona inkuthazo, gcwalisani intokozo yami, libe lothando olufananayo, libelenhliziyonye, ukuqonda kunye; li ng enz i lutho ngokubangisana; ngulowo lalowo angakhathaleli okwakhe, kodwa ngulowo lalowo lokwabanye. Ngoba kawube kini lowomqondo owawukhona lakuKristu Jesu; owathi esesimeni, kodwa wazidela; njalo eficwe elesimo. Ngakho eliphezu kwalo lonke ibizo; ukuze kuthi ebizweni likaJesu lonke idolo liguqe, lenlimi zonke, kube ludumo kuNkulunkulu uYise. Ngakho, bathandiweyo bami, njengalokho lilalela ngezikhathi zonke; ngoba kunguNkulunkulu. Yenzani zonke izinto kungelakusola, ukuze lingasoleki emhlabeni, libonakalise ilizwi lempilo. Yebo, uba lami ngithululwa njengomnikelo njalo ngithokoza kanye lani lonke; ngenxa yalokho-ke thokozani lani njalo lithokoze kanye lami. Ngiyathemba-ke eNkosini uJesu ukuthuma uTimothi kini masinyane, ukuze lami ngithokoze lapho ngisazi izindaba zenu. Ngoba kangilaye olengqondo enjengeyakhe, ngoba bonke, kungeyisikho okukaKristu Jesu. Kodwa liyazi ukuqinisa kwakhe, usebenzile lami evangelini. Ngiyathemba-ke ukuhle ngimthume yena, nxa sengibonisisile okuqondene lami; kodwa ngiyathemba eNkosini, ukuthi lami ngizakuza kini masinyane. Kodwa ngibone kufanele ukuthi ngithume kini uEpafrodithu; njengoba wayelilangatha, ngoba lezwa ukuthi wayegula; ngoba njalo wagula waphosa wafa, kodwa uNkulunkulu wamhawukela, njalo kungeyisuye yena yedwa, kodwa lami, ukuze ngingabi losizi phezu kosizi. Ngakho ngitshisekela kakhulu ukumthuma, ukuze kuthi, nxa limbona, lithokoze futhi, losizi lwami lunciphe. Memukeleni-ke; ngoba ngenxa yomsebenzi kaKristu waphose wafa, edela impilo, ukuze aphelelise okusileleyo komsebenzi wenu kimi. Elokucina izinto ezifananayo, mina kakungidinisi, kodwa lina kuyaliqinisa. Nanzelelani izinja; ngoba thina siyikusoka kuKristu Jesu, njalo singathembeli enyameni; lanxa mina ngilethemba futhi enyameni; uba omunye ecabanga ukuthemba enyameni, mina kakhulu; ngasokwa, ngokokukhuthala. Kodwa izinto ezaziyinzuzo kimi, lezo ngazibala njengencithakalo ngenxa kaKristu. Yebo isibili yikho konke, njalo ngakuthatha njengezibi, ukuze ngizuze uKristu, njalo ngificwe kuye, ngingelakho okwami ukulunga okuvela kuNkulunkulu ngokholo; ukuze ngimazi yena lamandla okuvuka kwakhe ukufa kwakhe, uba kungenzeka ngifinyelele ekuvukeni okwabafileyo. Kangitsho ukuthi sengi ku bambile khona nguKristu Jesu. Bazalwane, mina kangibali ukuthi mina uqobo sengi ku bambisisile, ngigijimela lukaNkulunkulu kuKristu Jesu. Ngakho sonke esesiphelele; kodwa kulokhu esesifike kukho. Banini ngabahlanganyeli abanga balingiseli bami. Ngoba abanengi bahamba, engalitshela kanengi ngabo, lakhathesi ngitsho ngezinyembezi ngithi, ba yizitha zesiphambano sikaKristu; abakuphela kwabo kuyikubhujiswa. Ngoba ikithi; ozaphendula kwakhe zonke izinto. Ngakho, bazalwane bami abathandekayo labalangathwayo ngokunjalo eNkosini, bathandekayo. Ngiyamncenga uYuwodiya, njalo ngiyamncenga uSintike, ukuthi babe lomqondo munye eNkosini. Ngiyakucela-ke lawe, mnakwethu oqotho. Thokozani eNkosini njalonjalo; ngiyaphinda ngithi: Thokozani. Ukubekezela kwenu. Lingakhathazeki ngalutho, lokuthula kukaNkulunkulu. Elokucina, uba kukhona okuhle njalo uba kukhona okudumisekayo, nakanani ngakho lokhu; lelakufundayo uzakuba lani. Kodwa ngiyathokoza kakhulu eNkosini, ukuthi khathesi selize lavuselela ukunginanzelela. Kakusikho ukuthi ngitsho mayelana lenswelo ezintweni engikuzo. Ngiyakwazi konke ukuthotshiswa, futhi ngiyakwazi ukuba lokunengi kakhulu; kukho konke lezintweni zonke sengifundisiwe futhi ukusutha lokulamba, lokuba lokunengi kakhulu lokuswela. Ngingakwenza konke ngoKristu. Kodwa lenze kuhle ngokuhlanganyela ekuhluphekeni kwami. Liyazi futhi lani, beFiliphi, ukuthi ekuqaleni kwevangeli, ngaphandle kwenu lodwa; ngoba laseThesalonika kanye njalo la phinda. Kungesikuthi ngidinga isipho esengeza isikhwama senu. Kodwa ngemukele konke njalo ngengezelelwe. Kodwa uNkulunkulu wami uzagcwalisa, kuKristu Jesu. Akube-ke kuNkulunkulu loBaba wethu. Ameni. Bingelelani wonke ongcwele okuKristu Jesu. Abazalwane abalami bayalibingelela. Bonke abangcwele bayalibingelela. Umusa weNkosi yethu uJesu Kristu kawubelani lonke. Ameni. UPawuli, kibo abangcwele labazalwane abathembekileyo kuKristu abaseKolose: Umusa kawubekini lokuthula okuvela kuNkulunkulu uBaba wethu leNkosini uJesu Kristu. Siyambonga uNkulunkulu loYise weNkosi yethu uJesu Kristu, sikhuleka ngani njalonjalo, sesizwile ngokholo lwenu kuKristu Jesu, langothando olukwabangcwele bonke, ngethemba, eselifikile kini, njengalokhu lemhlabeni wonke; njengalokhu lani lafunda kuEpafra ngani, ositshele futhi ngothando. Ngakho lathi, kusukela ngosuku esezwa ngalo okungomoya, ukuze lihambe ngokufanele iNkosi; liqiniswe ngamandla wonke; sibonge uBaba, owasikhulula, esilohlengo. Engumfanekiso lesidalwa sonke; ngoba kuyo zonke izinto zadalwa; yona-ke ingaphambi kwazo zonke izinto. Njalo yona yinhloko yomzimba, olibandla; ngoba kwa m thokozisa uBaba, njalo ngayo enze izinto zonke zibuyisane laye oqobo, esenze ukuthula. Lani, kodwa khathesi usebuyisene lani emzimbeni wenyama yayo ngokufa ukuthi alimise phambi kwakhe lingcwele, uba-ke lihlala ekholweni. Khathesi-ke ngiyathokoza, olibandla; mina engenziwa isikhonzi salo enganikwa sona maqondana lani, ukugcwalisa ilizwi likaNkulunkulu, imfihlo, kubo uNkulunkulu; esimtshumayelayo thina, sixwayisa wonke umuntu; engikutshikatshikelayo lami. Ngoba ngithanda ukuthi lazi, ukuze inhliziyo zabo, okufihlwe kuye izinto zonke eziligugu zenhlakanipho. Ngitsho lokhu-ke, ukuze kungabi lamuntu. Ngoba lanxa ngingekho ngenyama lwenu kuKristu. Ngakho njengalokho, ligxilise impande. Nanzelelani, njengokwemfundiso zakuqala zomhlaba, njalo hatshi njengokukaKristu; ngoba kuhlala, njalo liphelelisiwe kuye; elasokelwa kuye lani ngokusoka okungenziwanga ngezandla umzimba wezono zenyama, ekusokeni kukaKristu, lingcwatshwe kanye laye ebhabhathizweni. Lani lifile eziphambekweni lokungasoki kwenyama yenu, ulenze laphila kanye laye, eselithethelele zonke iziphambeko, esesule; ebahlubule. Ngakho kakungabi khona olilahla; eziyisithunzi sezinto ezizayo. Kakungabi lamuntu ngeze ngengqondo yenyama yakhe, njalo engabambi. Ngakho uba lafa ngokungathi liphila elizweni, (ungabambi, ungathinti, ezizaphela zonke ngokusetshenziswa zabantu? Ezilesimo lekuphatheni nzima umzimba, kakusizi lutho ukumelana lokusuthisa inyama. Ngakho uba livuswe. Nakanani ngezinto eziphezulu, kungeyisikho ngezinto ezisemhlabeni. Ngoba lifile, lempilo yenu ifihlwe loKristu kuNkulunkulu. Nxa ebonakaliswa uKristu, oyimpilo yethu. Ngakho bulalani, okwehla ngalezizinto ulaka lukaNkulunkulu; elake lahamba kuzo lani, lapho lalihlezi phakathi kwazo. Kodwa khathesi lani khuphani konke lokhu; lingaqambelani amanga lezenzo zakhe, selembethe; okungekho umGriki lomJuda. Ngakho yembathani; libekezelelane, ngokunjalo lani; phezu kwakho konke-ke. Lokuthula kukaNkulunkulu. Ilizwi likaKristu kalihlale phakathi kwenu ngokwenotho enhlakanipheni yonke enhliziyweni zenu eNkosini. Njalo konke loba yini eliyenzayo uNkulunkulu loBaba ngaye. Bafazi. Madoda, thandani omkenu. Bantwana, lalelani abazali iNkosi. Bobaba, lingabathukuthelisi abantwana benu, ukuze bangadani. Zisebenzi, lisesaba uNkulunkulu; njalo yonke loba yini eliyenzayo, njalo kungeyisikho ebantwini; lisazi iNkosi uKristu. Kodwa owenza okubi uzazemukelela umuntu. Makhosi, lisazi ukuthi lani lileNkosi emazulwini. Khuthalani; likhuleke; ukuthi ngiyibonakalise, njengalokhu ngifanele ukukhuluma. Hambani. Ilizwi lenu kalihlale emuseni lowo lalowo. Konke okumaqondana lami uzalitshela uTikiko kanye lathi eNkosini; engimthume kini kukho lokhu, ukuze azi indaba zenu lokuthi aduduze inhliziyo zenu; kanye loOnesimo. Bazalazisa konke okulapha. Uyalibingelela uAristako, loJesu othiwa nguJustusi embusweni kaNkulunkulu, ababa yinduduzo kimi. Uyalibingelela uEpafra. Ngoba ngiyafakaza kuye ukuthi uyalitshisekela kakhulu labaseHiyerapoli. Uyalibingelela uLuka. Bingelelani abazalwane abaseLawodikeya elisemzini wakhe. Njalo nxa isifundiwe lincwadi. Limtshele uArkipho lithi: Qaphela inkonzo oyemukele eNkosini, ukuthi uyiphelelise. Isibingelelo. Ameni. UPawuli. Sibonga, sikhumbula ngokungaphezi; sisazi, bazalwane abathandiweyo; ngoba ivangeli lethu kalifikanga kini ngelizwi ukuthi sasinjani phakathi kwenu ngenxa yenu. Lani laba ngabalingisi, laze laba yizibonelo. Ngoba kini kwezwakala, okokuthi kwakungasadingeki ukuthi sikhulume ulutho. Ngoba bona uqobo lwabo balandisa ngathi ukuthi saba lokungena, lilindele. Ngoba liyazi lina, bazalwane, ukungena kwethu kini, ukuthi kakubanga yize; kodwa lanxa sasihluphekile kuqala saphathwa kubi. Ngoba inkuthazo; kodwa njengoba sivunywe nguNkulunkulu. Ngoba kasizange size ngamazwi ayengayo; singadingi udumo ebantwini, kodwa saba mnene esingatha abakhe abantwana. Njengoba besilithanda kangaka, sathokoza ukulinika kungeyisilo ivangeli likaNkulunkulu kuphela, kodwa lemiphefumulo yethu uqobo, ngoba laselingabathandekayo kithi. Ngoba liyakhumbula, bazalwane, ukutshikatshika lokulwisa kwethu lakomunye wenu, silitshumayeza ivangeli likaNkulunkulu. Lina lingabafakazi kini elikholwayo; njengoba-ke lisazi ukuthi ngulowo lalowo wenu, njengoyise kwabakhe abantwana, salikhuthaza njani sa li duduza safakaza ukuthi lihambe. Ngenxa yalokhu njalo thina kasiyekeli, kodwa linjengeqiniso ilizwi likaNkulunkulu, osebenza lakini elikholwayo. Ngoba lina, bazalwane, laba ngabalingiseli, abulala leNkosi uJesu, esivimbela kuze kube sekupheleni. Kodwa thina, bazalwane, lokhu sehlukaniswe lani ubuso benu ngokulangatha okukhulu. Ngakho besifisa ukufika kini, ikakhulu mina Pawuli, lakanye lokuphinda, kodwa uSathane; ngoba liyini ithemba lethu, kumbe intokozo Ngoba lina liludumo lentokozo yethu. Kwathi-ke singaselakubekezela, sasesithuma uTimothi, ukuze kunganyikinywa lamunye kulezizinhlupheko; ngoba liyazi lina ukuthi simiselwe lokhu. Ngoba lathi siselani, salitshela ngaphambili ukuthi sesizahlupheka, lani liya kw azi. Ngenxa yalokhu futhi ngingaselakubekezela. Kodwa khathesi uTimothi; ngenxa yalokhu saduduzeka ngokholo lwenu; ngoba khathesi siyaphila eNkosini. Ngoba sibongobani esingenanisa kuNkulunkulu ngani, ngentokozo yonke esithokoza ngayo ngenxa yenu phambi kukaNkulunkulu wethu? Ebusuku lemini okusileleyo kokholo lwenu. Njalo kungathi uNkulunkulu uqobo loBaba wethu; njalo kungathi iNkosi ingalandisa, njengoba sinjalo lathi kini, ukuze iqinise inhliziyo zenu. Okunye-ke. Ngoba liyazi ukuthi milayo bani esalinika yona ngeNkosi uJesu. Ngoba le yintando kaNkulunkulu; ukuthi ngulowo lalowo wenu kakwazi ukugcina, kungeyisikho enkanukweni. Kakungabi khona oweqayo aqile umfowabo. Ngoba uNkulunkulu kasibizelanga. Ngakho lowo odelelayo. Kodwa mayelana lothando lobuzalwane; ngoba lani lenza lokhu kubo bonke abazalwane, njalo likhuthalele, njengoba salilaya; ukuze, lingasweli lutho. Kodwa kangithandi ukuthi lingabi lalwazi. Ngoba uba sikholwa ukuthi uJesu wafa wavuka, uNkulunkulu uzabaletha kanye laye. Ngoba lokhu sikutsho kini ngelizwi leNkosi; ngoba iNkosi uqobo; kulandele thina esiphilayo esitshiyiweyo. Ngakho duduzanani ngalamazwi. Kodwa ngezikhathi langemizuzu, ngoba lina uqobo liyazi kuhle kakhulu ukuthi usuku lweNkosi; ngoba nxa besithi, njalo kabasoze baphunyuke. Kodwa lina, bazalwane, kalikho emnyameni; lina lonke lingabantwana bokukhanya labantwana bemini; ngakho-ke asingalali. Ngoba abalalayo balala ebusuku. Kodwa thina esingabemini, lethemba losindiso libelikhowa, ngoba uNkulunkulu kasimiselanga ngeNkosi yethu uJesu Kristu, owasifelayo, siphile kanye laye. Ngakho khuthazanani, njengoba lani likwenza. Kodwa siyalincenga, bazalwane, ukuthi libazi labo abasebenza nzima phakathi kwenu, njalo libahlonipha kakhulu okwedlula amalawulo ethandweni ngenxa yomsebenzi wabo. Hlalisanani ngokuthula. Kodwa siyalikhuthaza, bazalwane, yelulekani abangelamthetho. Qaphelani ukuthi kungabi khona ophindisela omunye okubi ngokubi. Thokozani njalonjalo; khulekani; bongani kukho konke. Lingamcitshi uMoya; lingadeleli iziprofetho; hlolisisani konke; libambelele kokuhle; dedani kukho konke ukubonakala kobubi. Kungathi uNkulunkulu wokuthula uqobo. Uthembekile; laye oza kw enza lokhu. Bazalwane, sikhulekeleni. Bingelelani abazalwane bonke ngokwanga okungcwele. Ngiyalifungisa ngeNkosi, ukuthi lincwadi ifundwe kubo bonke abazalwane abangcwele. Umusa weNkosi yethu uJesu Kristu kawubelani. Ameni. UPawuli loSilivanu loTimothi kubandla labeThesalonika eli kuNkulunkulu uBaba wethu leNkosini uJesu Kristu: Umusa kawubekini lokuthula okuvela kuNkulunkulu uBaba wethu leNkosini uJesu Kristu. Simele lwalowo lalowo wenu lonke luyengezeleleka komunye lomunye; ngakho thina ngokwethu siyazincoma; okuy isibonakaliso; njengoba kuyinto elungileyo kuNkulunkulu ukuthi abuyisele ukuhlupheka kwabalihluphayo, njalo kini elihluphekayo zamandla akhe, emalangabini omlilo ivangeli leNkosi yethu uJesu Kristu; abazahlupheka ngesijeziso, mhla efika. Ngenxa yalokho sihlala silikhulekela lani, ukuze uNkulunkulu wethu alibone lingabafanele; ukuze ibizo leNkosi yethu uJesu Kristu lidunyiswe kini, lani kuye, njengomusa kaNkulunkulu wethu loweNkosi uJesu Kristu. Siyalincenga-ke, bazalwane, mayelana lokufika kwethu kuyo, ukuthi lingaphangisi liqhuqhiswe engqondweni, kumbe lethuswe. Kakungabi lamuntu, emelana izikhukhumeze, ize ihlale ethempelini likaNkulunkulu njengoNkulunkulu, izitshengisa ukuthi inguNkulunkulu. Kalikhumbuli yini ukuthi ngiseselani ngalitshela lezizinto? Selikwazi khathesi okuvimbelayo, ukuze embulwe ngesakhe isikhathi. Ngoba imfihlo okwalesisikhathi, aze asuswe phakathi, khona-ke ezakwembulwa oNgelamthetho; lowookufika kwakhe kunjengokusebenza, lenkohlisweni yonke yokungalungi ukuze basindiswe. Ngenxa yalokhu-ke uNkulunkulu uzabathumezela amandla enkohliso; ukuze balahlwe bonke abangakholwanga. Kodwa thina simele, lokholo lweqiniso; owalibizela. Ngakho-ke, bazalwane, manini liqine. Kakuthi-ke iNkosi yethu uJesu Kristu ngomusa, aduduze inhliziyo zenu. Elokucina, lidunyiswe, njengalokhu kwaba njalolakini, lokuthi sikhululwe. Kodwa iNkosi ithembekile. Silethemba-ke eNkosini ngani, ukuthi izinto esililaya zona, lani liyazenza njalo lizazenza. Kodwa iNkosi sengathi ingaqondisa inhliziyo zenu ethandweni lukaNkulunkulu, lekubekezeleni kukaKristu. Siyalilaya-ke, bazalwane, ebizweni leNkosi yethu uJesu Kristu elawemukela kithi. Ngoba liyazi ngokwenu ukuthi li fanele li silingise njani phakathi kwenu, njalo kasidlanga kudla komuntu ngesihle, kodwa ekutshikatshikeni; kungesikuthi sasingelalungelo. Ngoba lalapho silani, salilaya lokhu ukuthi: Uba umuntu engafuni ukusebenza, akumelanga adle. Ngoba sizwa ukuthi abanye phakathi kwenu bahambahamba ngokungafanelanga. Abanjalo-ke siyabalaya sibakhuthaze ngeNkosi yethu uJesu Kristu, ukuze basebenze badle okwabo ukudla. Lani, bazalwane, lingadinwa yikwenza okuhle. Kodwa uba umuntu engalaleli ilizwi lethu ngencwadi; njalo linga m phathi njengesitha. Sengathi-ke iNkosi yokuthula uqobo ingalinika ukuthula ngesikhathi sonke ngendlela zonke. INkosi kayibelani lonke. Isibingelelo ngesami isandla esikaPawuli, okuluphawu kuyo yonke incwadi; ngibhala ngokunjalo. Umusa weNkosi yethu uJesu Kristu kawubelani lonke. Ameni. UPawuli, umphostoli kaJesu Kristu njengokomlayo, kuTimothi okuvela kuNkulunkulu uBaba wethu loJesu Kristu iNkosi yethu. Njengoba ngakukhuthaza, futhi bangananzeleli izinganekwane. Kodwa injongo yomlayo luthando; kulokhu abathile abaduhe kukho baphambukela, befuna. Kodwa siyazi ukuthi umlayo ulungile, uba umuntu ewusebenzisa ngokomlayo, esazi lokhu, ukuthi umlayo kawubekelwa olungileyo, ababulala oyise lababulala onina, ababulala abantu, izifebe, njengokwevangeli lenkazimulo. Ngiyambonga-ke owanginika amandla, owayekade engumhlambazi; kodwa umusa weNkosi. Lithembekile lelilizwi; kodwa ngenxa yalokhu ngahawukelwa kwabazakholwa kuye empilweni ephakade. Kuyo-ke iNkosi eyisimakade. Ameni. Lumlayo ngiwunika wena, ubamba ukholo mayelana lokholo; okukubo uHimeneyo. Ngakho kuqala kukho konke ngikhuthaza kwenzelwe abantu bonke; amakhosi; ngoba lokhu kuhle, ofuna ukuthi bonke abantu basindiswe. Ngoba munye uNkulunkulu, owazinikela yena ukuba lihlawulo labo bonke, mina engamiselwa khona ukuba ngumtshumayeli lomphostoli. Ngakho ngifisa ukuthi amadoda akhuleke kuyo yonke indawo. Ngokunjalo labesifazana bazicecise ngezigqoko ezifaneleyo, kodwa. Owesifazana kafunde ngokuthula. Kodwa kangivumeli owesifazana ukuthi afundise, kumbe abe lamandla phezu kowesilisa, kodwa abe ekuthuleni. Ngoba uAdamu wabunjwa kuqala; futhi uAdamu kakhohliswanga, kodwa owesifazana esekhohlisiwe waba sesiphambekweni, kodwa uzasindiswa ngokuzala abantwana. Lithembekile ilizwi, ufisa umsebenzi omuhle; ngakho kumele ukuthi umbonisi; angabi yisidakwa; ephatha kuhle owakhe umuzi, ngoba uba umuntu engakwazi ukuphatha owakhe umuzi, angaligcina njani ibandla likaNkulunkulu? Kangabi ngosanda ukukholwa, hlezi ngokukhukhunyezwa. Kumele futhi ukuthi abe lobufakazi obuhle. Ngokunjalo abadikoni, bangafisi inzuzo embi, babambe imfihlo yokholo. Laba-ke kabaqale bahlolwe. Ngokunjalo omka bo babe ng abahloniphekayo. Abadikoni kababe ngamadoda amfazi munye. Ngoba abakhonze kuhle ekholweni olukuKristu Jesu. Lezizinto ngikubhalela zona, ngithemba ukuza kuwe masinyane; kodwa uba ngibambeka, ukuze wazi ukuthi kufanele uziphathe njani endlini kaNkulunkulu. Kuyavunywa-ke ukuthiyinkulu imfihlo. UMoya-ke lemfundiso zamadimoni, ekuzenziseni kwabaqambimanga, besalela ukuthathana; ngoba sonke isidalwa sikaNkulunkulu sihle; ngoba luyangcweliswa ngelizwi likaNkulunkulu. Uba ubeluleka lezizinto abazalwane uzakuba yisikhonzi esihle sikaJesu Kristu, wondliwe emazwini okholo. Kodwa wale inganekwane ezimbi lezezalukazi; ngoba ukwejwayeza umzimba kulokusiza okuncinyane yalamuhla lezayo. Lithembekile ilizwi njalo lifanele konke ukwemukelwa. Ngoba ngalokho lathi siyasebenza nzima futhi siyathukwa, ikakhulu wabakholwayo. Laya nga lezizinto ufundise. Kungabi lamuntu. Ngize ngifike, nanzelela ekubaleni, ekulayeni. Ungadeleli isiphiwo esikuwe. Nakana ngalezizinto, ube kulezizinto, ukuze ukuqhubeka kwakho kubonakale phakathi kwabo bonke. Zinanzelele wena. Ungamkhalimeli; abatsha njengabafowenu; abesifazana abadala njengonyoko; abesifazana abatsha njengabodadewenu, ekuhlambulukeni konke. Hlonipha abafelokazi abangabafelokazi isibili. Kodwa uba umfelokazi othile elabantwana loba abazukulu kuyemukeleka phambi kukaNkulunkulu. Lowo-ke ongumfelokazi isibili. Kanti lowo ozinikela ekuzithokoziseni, ufile ephila. Laya-ke nga lezizinto. Kodwa uba umuntu engondli abakibo. Kangabalwa umfelokazi ongaphansi kweminyaka engamatshumi ayisithupha, umfazi owake wendaendodeni kanye, onconywa ngemisebenzi emihle. Kodwa abafelokazi abatsha ubale, bafuna ukwenda; balokulahlwa, ngoba bachithile ukholo lwabolokuqala. Futhi-ke ngesikhathi esifananayo bafunda ukuvilapha bezula lezindlu, bekhuluma okungafanelanga. Ngakho ngifisa ukuthi abafelokaziabatsha bende. Ngoba lakhathesi abanye sebephambuke. Uba okholwayo owesilisa kumbe okholwayo owesifazana elabafelokazi, kabasize. Abadala; ngoba umbhalo uthi. Ungalemukeli icala elimelana lomdala. Abonayo basole. Ngiya ku layisisa. Ungaphangisi ukubeka izandla. Ungabe usanatha amanzi wodwa, kodwa sebenzisa iwayini elilutshwana. Izono; kanti ezabanye ziyalandela. Ngokunjalo lemisebenzi emihle isobala. Bonke abangaphansi kwejogwe, izigqili; labalamakhosi akholwayo banga wa deleli, ngoba engabazalwane. Uba kukhona ofundisa okwehlukileyo, uyazikhukhumeza, imicabango emibi, ukuxabaxabana. Kodwa ukukhonza uNkulunkulu; ngoba kasizanga lalutho emhlabeni; kusobala ukuthi kasiyikusuka lalutho; kodwa uba silokudla lezembatho. Kodwa abafisa ukunotha; ngoba uthando lwemali luyimpande yakho konke okubi; abanye beyifisa, baduhile ekholweni, bazigwaza ngenhlungu ezinengi. Kodwa wena, O muntu kaNkulunkulu. Lwana, wavuma uvumo oluhle phambi kwabafakazi abanengi. Ngiyakulaya, ukuthi ugcine umthetho ungelasici, ozakubonakalisa ngezakhe izikhathi, yena yedwa olokungafi. Ameni. Laya abanothileyo emhlabeni wakhathesi zonke izinto ukuze sithokoze, benze okuhle, banothe emisebenzini emihle, bazibekele isisekelo. O Timothi, londoloza kuhle okubekwe kuwe, okuthe abanye ngokukuvuma baduha ekholweni. Umusa kawubelani. Ameni. UPawuli umphostoli kaJesu Kristu ngentando kaNkulunkulu, kuTimothi. Ngiyambonga uNkulunkulu, ngilangatha ukukubona, ukuze ngigcwaliswe ngentokozo, nxa ngibeka emkhumbulweni ukholo olungelakuzenzisa olukuwe, njalo ngithemba ukuthi lukhona lakuwe. Ngenxa yalesisizatho ngiyakukhumbuza ukuthi uvuselele isipho sikaNkulunkulu. Ngoba uNkulunkulu kasinikanga umoya wobugwala. Ngakho ungabi lanhloni kanye levangeli njengamandla kaNkulunkulu, owasisindisayo, kodwa oselubonakaliswe khathesi, engamiselwa lona mina ukuba ngumtshumayeli lomphostoli lomfundisi wezizwe. Ngenxa yalesisizatho lami ngiyahlupheka lezizinto. Bambelela. Lokhu okuhle okuphathisiweyo. Uyakwazi lokhu, ukuthi bonke abaseAsiya, okukubo uFigelo loHermogene. Sengathi iNkosi inganika umusa, kodwa ekufikeni kwakhe eRoma, wangidingisisa; sengathi iNkosi ingamnika ukuthi athole isihawu eNkosini. Ngakho wena, mntanami. Lezinto owazizwa kimi. Ngakho wena hlupheka ngobunzima. Kakho osebenza, ukuze amkholise lowo o m buthileyo. Futhi nxa umuntu laye encintisana. Kufanele umlimi osebenza kakhulu emukele kuqala izithelo. Nakana ngezinto engizitshoyo; njalo sengathi iNkosi ingakunika ukuqedisisa ezintweni zonke. Khumbula ukuthi uJesu Kristu wavuswa kwabafileyo, owenzalo kaDavida; engihlupheka kulo okubi. Ngakho ngikubekezelele konke ngenxa. Lithembekile ilizwi elithi; uba sibekezela; uba singathembeki. Ba khumbuze lezizinto. Khuthalela ukuthi uziveze kuNkulunkulu uthembekile, isisebenzi esingelambangela yokuba lenhloni, esiqondisa kuhle ilizwi leqiniso. Kodwa xwaya, lelizwi labo lizabhibhidla okwemvukuzane; okukubo uHimeneyo loFileto; abaduhileyo, begenqula ukholo lwabanye. Loba kunjalo isisekelo sikaNkulunkulu. Kodwa endlini enkulu. Ngakho uba umuntu ezihlambulula. Balekela-ke. Kodwa yala ukuphikisana okobuthutha lokokungafundi, usazi ukuthi kubanga ukulwa. Inceku yeNkosi-ke kayifanele ukulwisa, ibekezele, ibeluleke ngobumnene abalenkani, njalo basanguluke kumjibila kadiyabhola, ababanjwe nguye entandweni yakhe. Kodwa yazi lokhu, ukuthi ensukwini zokucina kuzafika izikhathi ezinzima. Ngoba abantu bazakuba ngabazithandayo, abangelathando ngemvelo, abanikela abanye, abalesimo sokukhonza uNkulunkulu. Ngoba okuvela kubo labo ngabanyenyela ezindlini, befunda njalonjalo, futhi bengasoze babelakho ukufika elwazini lweqiniso. Njengoba-ke uJanesi loJambere, abangasizi lutho mayelana lokholo. Kodwa kabayikuqhubekela phambili. Kodwa wena ulandele ngokunanzelela, ukuzingelwa. Isibili labo bonke abathanda ukuphila ngokwesaba uNkulunkulu kuKristu Jesu bazazingelwa; kodwa abantu ababi labakhohlisi bazaqhubekela phambili bedlulisa ebubini. Kodwa wena mana kulezozinto ozifundileyo lowaqiniseka kuzo, usazi ukuthi u zi funde kubani, lokuthi kusukela ebuntwaneni kube sesindisweni ngokholo olukuKristu Jesu. Wonke umbhalo waphefumulelwa nguNkulunkulu, ukuqondisa, ukufundisa okusekulungeni; ukuze umuntu kaNkulunkulu. Ngakho mina ngiyalayisisa, tshumayela ilizwi, ulunge ngesikhathi esilungileyo. Ngoba kuzakuba lesikhathi; njalo bazafulathelisa indlebe zaboeqinisweni, bazaphambukela. Kodwa wena qonda ezintweni zonke. Ngoba mina sengithululwe njengomnikelo. Ngilwile ukulwa okuhle, ngilondolozile ukholo; kusukela khathesi. Khuthala ukuza kimi masinyane; ngoba uDema. ULuka yedwa ulami kimi enkonzweni. Kodwa uTikiko. Ulethe isembatho engasitshiya kuKarpo eTrowasi, nxa ubuya, lezingwalo, ikakhulu incwadi zesikhumba. UAleksandro; umxwaye lawe, ngoba wamelana kakhulukazi lamazwi ethu. Ekuziphenduleleni kwami kwakuqala kwakungekho muntu owangimelayo. Kodwa iNkosi yangimela, njalo iNkosi izangikhulula kuwo wonke umsebenzi omubi, njalo iza ngi sindisela umbuso wayo wezulu. Ameni. Bingelela uPriska. UErastuegula. Khuthala ufike ubusika bungakafiki. UYubulu uyakubingelela, loPudeni, loLino, loKlawudiya, labo bonke abazalwane. INkosi uJesu Kristu kayibelomoya wakho. Ameni. UPawuli, inceku kaNkulunkulu, ethembeni lempilo elaphakade, kodwa wabonakalisa ngezikhathi ezifaneleyo, kuTitosi. Ngenxa yalokhu ngakutshiya; uba kukhona. Ngoba kufanele umbonisi, ongathukutheli masinyane, ongesiso sidakwa, ongathandi ukulwa, ongafisi inzuzo embi, kodwa ophatha kuhle izihambi, othanda okuhle, ebambelela. Ngoba kulabanengi labo abangalaleliyo, imilomo yabo imele ukufakwa isayeke, abagenqula imizi yonke, befundisa izinto ezingafanelanga. Omunye kibo, owabo umprofethi. Lobubufakazi buqinisile. Ngalesosizatho balayisise, bangalaleli. Kwabahlambulukileyo konke kuhlambulukile. Bavuma ukuthi bayamazi uNkulunkulu. Kodwa wena khuluma izinto ezifanele imfundiso ephilileyo. Amadoda amadala; abesifazana abadala ngokunjalo ukuthi baziphathe ngokufanele abangcwele, ukuze bafundise abesifazana abatsha ukuthi baqonde, babengabathandi babomkabo, bathande abantwana babo, abaqondileyo, bemhlophe. Abesilisa abatsha ngokunjalo ubakhuthaze; mayelana lazo zonke izinto zitshengise, ilizwi eliphilileyo, elingasolekiyo, aswele ulutho olubi angalukhuluma ngani. Khuthazaizigqili ukuthi zizehlisele ngaphansi kwawazo amakhosi, zikholeke ezintweni zonke, zingaphikisi, zingantshontshi, kodwa zitshengise konke ukuthembeka okuhle. Ngoba ubonakele, usifundisa ukuthi, sidele ukungakhonzi uNkulunkulu, silindele, owazinikelela thina. Khuluma lezizinto, ukhuthaze. Bakhumbuze, bangahlebi muntu. Ngoba lathi, sizondeka, sizondana. Kodwa lapho sekubonakele, kungeyisikho okuvela ezenzweni zokulunga esazenzayo thina, owamthulula ngokwengezelelweyo phezu kwethu, ngoJesu Kristu uMsindisi wethu, ukuze silungisiswe ngomusa wakhe. Lithembekile ilizwi. Lezi yizinto ezinhle ezilosizo ebantwini; kodwa xwaya. Umuntu obhazukayo, usazi ukuthi onjalo uphambukile, uyona. Nxa ngizathuma uArtema kuwe loba uTikiko. Khuthala uncedise uZena. Abakithi-ke labo kabafunde ukuma emisebenzini emihle. Bonke abalami bayakubingelela. Bingelela abasithandayo ekholweni. Umusa kawubelani lonke. Ameni. UPawuli isibotshwa sikaKristu Jesu, lakuApifiya othandekayo, lakuArkipho: Umusa kawubekini lokuthula okuvela kuNkulunkulu uBaba wethu leNkosini uJesu Kristu. Ngiyambonga uNkulunkulu wami, ngikuphatha ngezikhathi zonke emikhulekweni yami, ngisizwa, ukuze ukuhlanganyela kokholo lwakho kube lamandla elwazini lwento yonke enhle ekini kuKristu Jesu. Ngoba silentokozo enkulu. Ngalokho, lanxa ngilesibindi esikhulu kuKristu sokuthi ngikulaye, kantingenxa yothando kungcono ukuthi ngincenge. Ngiyakuncenga, okade engelasizo kuwe, engimbuyisela kuwe; kodwa wena, memukele; ebengifisa mina ukumbamba abe lami; kodwa kangithandanga ukwenza ulutho ngaphandle kwemvumo yakho, ukuze okuhle kwakho kungabi ngokokubanjwa ngamandla. Ngoba mhlawumbe wehlukaniswa lawe; angabe esaba njengesigqili, kodwa ngaphezu kwesigqili. Ngakho uba usithi ngingumhlanganyeli lawe, memukele njengami. Kodwa uba ekone ng olutho kumbe elomlandu, lokho kubalele kimi; mina Pawuli ngibhale ngesandla sami, mina ngizahlawula ulomlandu oseleyo kimi. Yebo, mzalwane, sengathi ngingaba lentokozo ngawe eNkosini. Ngikubhalele ngithemba ukulalela kwakho, ngisazi ukuthi lawe uzakwenza okungaphezu kwalokho engikutshoyo. Futhi ngesikhathi esifananayo ungilungisele lami indawo. Uyakubingelela, uMarko. Umusa weNkosi yethu uJesu Kristu kawubelomoya wenu. Ameni. UNkulunkulu owakhuluma endulo kubobaba ngabaprofethi ngezigaba ngezigaba langendlela ezinengi, kulezinsuku zokucina, yona eyikubenyezela kwenkazimulo soBukhulu obuphezulu, isiyenziwe yaphakama kakhulu kulezingilosi, njengalokhu izuze ilifa lebizo elikhulu kulalezo. Ngoba kukuyiphi yezingilosi ake watsho kuyo ukuthi: Wena uyiNdodana yami, mina lamuhla ngikuzele? Futhi. Lakuzingilosi ingilosi zakhe imimoya, lenceku zakhe ilangabi lomlilo; kodwa eNdodaneni; intonga yombuso wakho yintonga yokulunga. Uthandile ukulunga, wazonda ububi; ngenxa yalokhu, uNkulunkulu, uNkulunkulu wakho ukugcobile ngamagcobo entokozo kulabanakwenu. Lokuthi: Wena Nkosi, ekuqaleni wasekela umhlaba, lamazulu ayimisebenzi yezandla zakho; kuzabhubha lokho, kodwa wena umi njalonjalo; futhi kuzaguga konke njengesigqoko, lanjengesembatho uzakugoqa, kuzaphendulwa-ke; kodwa wena unguwe unjalo, leminyaka yakho kayiyikuphela. Kukuyiphi-ke yezingilosi ake atsho kuyo ukuthi: Hlala ngakwesokunene sami, ngize ngibeke izitha zakho zibe yisenabelo senyawo zakho? Kazisibo yini zonke omoya abasebenzayo? Ngenxa yalokhu kufanele siqaphelisise izinto e si zizwileyo, hlezi mhlawumbe sikhukhulwe. Ngoba uba ilizwi elakhulunywa zingilosi laqiniseka, thina sizaphepha njani, uNkulunkulu efakaza kanye la bongezibonakaliso. Ngoba kehliselanga ngaphansi kwezingilosi, esikhuluma ngalo. Kodwa omunye? kumbe indodana yomuntu, ukuthi uyinanze? Wamenza waba phansi kancinyane kulezingilosi; wamethwesa umqhele wenkazimulo lodumo; wammisa phezu kwemisebenzi yezandla zakho; izinto zonke. Kodwa siyambona uJesu, owenziwa waba phansi kancinyane kulezingilosi. Ngoba kwakumfanele. Ngoba lalowo ongcwelisayo, esithi: Ngizatshumayela. Futhi-ke: Mina ngizathemba kuye. Ngakho njengoba abantwana behlanganyele inyama legazi, abakhulule labo bonke abathi. Ngoba isibili kazithatheli izingilosi, kodwa uzithathela inzalo kaAbrahama. Ngenxa yalokho kwamfanela ukuthi abe njengabafo wabokuzo zonke izinto yokuthula ngezono zabantu. Ngoba kulokhu, ulamandla okusiza abalingwayo. Ngakho, bazalwane abangcwele, othembeke kulowo owammisayo, njengoMozisi laye wayenjaloendlini yakhe yonke. Ngoba kwathiwa lo ufanele udumo olukhulu kuloMozisi, njengoba ulodumo olukhulu kulendlu ayakhileyo. Ngoba yonke indlu yakhiwa ngothile. UMozisi; kodwa uKristu njengendodana phezu kwendlu yakhe. Ngakho njengoba uMoya oyiNgcwele uba lilizwa ilizwi lakhe, lingazenzi zibe lukhuni inhliziyo zenu, njengekucunuleni, ngosuku lokulingwa enkangala, lapho oyihlo bangilinga, bengihlola, basebebona imisebenzi yami okweminyaka engamatshumi amane; ngakho ngasithukuthelela lesosizukulwana, ngathi: Bayaduha kokuphela enhliziyweni; lalaba kabazazanga indlela zami; ngaze ngafunga ekuthukutheleni kwami ngathi: Kabayikungena ekuphumuleni kwami. Nanzelelani, bazalwane, hlezi kuzakuba khona loba nini phakathi komunye wenu inhliziyo embi yokungakholwa, ekuduheni kuNkulunkulu ophilayo; kodwa khuthazanani; ngoba sesibe ngabahlanganyeli bakaKristu, uba-ke sibambisisa; kusathiwa: Lamuhla uba lilizwa ilizwi lakhe, lingazenzi zibe lukhuni inhliziyo zenu, njengekucunuleni. Ngoba abanye labo abaphuma eGibhithe ngoMozisi. Kodwa ngobani athukutheliswa yibo okweminyaka engamatshumi amane? Kakusibo labo abonayo yini, abazidumbu zabo zawela enkangala? Ngobani-ke afunga kibo? Ngakho siyabona ukuthi babengelakungena. Ngakho, kasesabe, hlezi, lapho sisekhona isithembiso sokungena ekuphumuleni kwakhe, kube khona omunye wenu obonakala ukufinyelela kukho; ngoba lathi satshunyayezwa ivangeli, njengabo kulabo abalizwayo; ngoba thina esikholwayo siyangena ekuphumuleni, njengoba watsho ukuthi. Ngoba utshilo; lakul indawo uthifuthi: Kabayikungena ekuphumuleni kwami. Ngakho lokhu kusalele ukuthi abanye bangene kukho, lalabo ngokungalaleli, ubuye aqume usuku oluthile athi: Lamuhla, utsho ngoDavida uba lizalizwa ilizwi lakhe, lingazenzi zibe lukhuni inhliziyo zenu. Ngoba uba uJoshuwa wayebaphumuzile, wayengayikukhuluma emva kwalokhu ngolunye usuku. Ngakho kubasalele abantu bakaNkulunkulu ukuphumula kwesabatha. Ngoba ongenileyo ekuphumuleni kwakhe laye usephumule emisebenzini yakhe, njengoNkulunkulu kweyakhe. Ngakho asikhuthalele ukungena kulokhokuphumula, ukuze kungabi lowela kulesisibonelo. Ngoba ilizwi likaNkulunkulu. Futhi kakulalutho oludaliweyo olungabonakaliyo phambi kwakhe zisobala emehlweni akhe esilokuzilanda kuye. Ngakho lokhu silompristi omkhulu kakhulu sethu. Ngoba kasilaye. Ngakho ngesikhathi esifaneleyo. Ngoba wonke umpristi omkhulu; ongababekezelela; njalo ngenxa yalokhu kufanele ukuthi anikelele izono, njengokwabantu, kunjalo langokwakhe. Futhi kakulamuntu. Ngokunjalo loKristu kazidumisanga, lamuhla mina ngikuzele. Njengoba esitsho futhi kwenye indawoukuthi: Wena ungumpristi kuze kube phakade ngokohlobo lukaMelkizedeki. Owathi ensukwini zenyama yakhe, esenikele ngenxa yokwesaba kwakhe uNkulunkulu, loba eyiNdodana ezintweni ahlupheka ngazo, esephelelisiwe; ebizwa nguNkulunkulu ngokuthi ungumpristi omkhulu ngokohlobo lukaMelkizedeki. Esilokunengi esingakutsho. Ngoba lapho ebelifanele ukuba ngabafundisi, ngenxa yesikhathi, kungeyisikho-ke ukudla okuqinileyo. Ngoba wonke odla uchago kalalwazi olupheleleyo elizwini lokulunga; ngoba uyingane. Kodwa ukudla okuqinileyo kungokwabakhulileyo, asebesebenzise izingqondo ngokwejwayela konke okuhle lokubi. Ngakho, sitshiya, lesokholo kuNkulunkulu, esemfundiso yenhlobo zobhabhathizo. Lalokhu sizakwenza, nxa uNkulunkulu evuma. Ngoba kakulakwenzeka, banambitha, basebehlamuka, labo-ke ukuthibabuye ba vuselwe ekuphendukeni; ngoba umhlabathi; kodwa lowo oveza ameva lokhula oluhlabayo. Kodwa siqiniseka ngani izinto ezingcono, bathandekayo, leziqondene losindiso, lanxa sikhuluma njalo; ngoba li saba sebenzela. Kodwa sifisa ukuthi ngulowo lalowo wenu akubonakalise; ukuze lingabi ngabavilaphayo. Ngoba lapho uNkulunkulu ethembisa kuAbrahama, esithi: Isibili ngizakubusisa lokukubusisa, lokwandisa ngizakwandisa. Langokunjalo esebekezele wazuza isithembiso. Ngoba isibili abantu bayafunga ngomkhulu ku labo, lesifungo. Okwathi uNkulunkulu kukho, ethanda ukubonisa ngokwengezelelweyo kakhulu kuzindlalifa, ukuze, ngezinto ezimbili; esilalo njengengwegwe; lapho isigijimi esingumanduleli ngokohlobo lukaMelkizedeki. Ngoba uMelkizedeki, owahlangabeza uAbrahama mhla ebuya ekubulaleni amakhosi, wasembusisa, uAbrahama laye wamabela okwetshumi kwakho konke; kalayise, kalanina, kalasendo, kalakuqala kwensuku kumbe ukuphela kwempilo, kodwa esenziwe wafanana leNdodana kaNkulunkulu. Bonani-ke ukuthi mkhulu kangakanani lo, ngitsho amnika okwetshumi kwezimpango. Lalabo abavela emadodaneni kaLevi; kodwa yena ongabalelwa osendweni lwabo, wemukela okwetshumi. Njalo kungelakuphikwa ngitsho ukuthi: Omncinyane ubusiswa ngomkhulu. Lapha-ke abantu abafayo bemukela okwetshumi; kodwa lapho esemukela lowookufakazwa. Kungatshiwo-ke, uLevi laye owemukela okwetshumi wanikela okwetshumi ngoAbrahama; ngoba wayesesekhalweni lukayise emhlangabeza. Ngakho-ke uba kwakukhona ukuphelela, lokungatshiwo ngokwendlela kaAroni? Ngoba uba ubupristi buphendulwa, kuyadingeka ukuthi kube khona lokuphendulwa komlayo. Ngoba lowo okukhulunywa ngaye lezizinto ungowesinye isizwe, okungabanga khona kuso owanakekela ilathi. Ngoba kusobala ukuthi iNkosi yethu, isizwe uMozisi angakhulumanga lutho ngaso mayelana lobupristi. Njalo kusesobala ngokwengezelelwe kakhulu, uba sekusima omunye umpristi njengokofuzo lukaMelkizedeki, ongenziwanga ngokomthetho wesimiso senyama, kodwa ngokwamandla empilo engelakuphela; ngoba ufakaza kuze kube nininini ngokohlobo lukaMelkizedeki. Ngoba ukubekwa eceleni komthetho wokuqala kwenziwa ngenxa yobuthakathaka lokungasizi lutho kwawo; ngoba umlayo ngalo kuNkulunkulu. Njalo okungangokuthi k enziwa nga ngaphandle kwesifungo, (ngoba bona baba ngabapristi ngaphandle kwesifungo, kodwa yena ngesifungo, ngalowo owathi kuye: INkosi yafunga yathi: Wena ungumpristi kuze kube nininini ngokohlobo lukaMelkizedeki) ngalokho uJesu waba yisibambiso. Lalabo babebanengi ababa ngabapristi, ngoba bavinjelwa yikufa ukuthi bahlale njalo; kodwa lo, ngenxa yokuthi uhlala kuze kube phakade, ulobupristi obungadluliyo. Ngenxa yalokho laye ulamandla okusindisa ngokupheleleyo. Ngoba umpristi omkhulu; ongadingi insuku ngensuku mhla ezinikela yena. Ngoba umlayo uyamisa abantu babe ngabapristi abakhulu, abalobuthakathaka kuze kube nininini. Ngakho isiqokoqela sezinto esazikhulumayo yikuthi: Silompristi omkhulu, isikhonzi, njalo kungesimuntu; ngoba wonke umpristi omkhulu umiselwe ukunikela iminikelo lemihlatshelo. Ngoba uba ubesemhlabeni, ubengeyikuba ngumpristi lakanye, ngoba bakhona abapristi abanikela iminikelo ngokomlayo, abakhonza isibonelo ukuthi wenze zonke izinto njengomfanekiso owaboniswa wona entabeni. Kodwa khathesi-ke uzuze inkonzo. Ngoba uba leso sivumelwanoesakuqala besingasoleki, bekungayikudingwa indawo yesesibili. Ngoba ebasola uthi, njalo ngizakwenza isivumelwano esitsha lendlu kaIsrayeli lendlu kaJuda; esingenjengesivumelwano engasenza laboyise. Ngoba yilesi engizavumelana ngaso lendlu kaIsrayeli emva kwalezonsuku, itsho iNkosi, ngizafaka zabo ngiyibhale; ngibe nguNkulunkulu kibo, bona-ke bazakuba ngabantu kimi. Njalo kabayikufundisa ngulowo lalowo umakhelwane wakhe, njalo ngulowo lalowo umfowabo, esithi: Yazi iNkosi; ngoba bonke bazangazi, kusukela komncinyane wabo kuze kufike komkhulu wabo. Ngoba ngizakuba lesihawu ekungalungini kwabo, lezono zabo lobubi babo kangisayikukukhumbula. Ngokuthi: Isivumelwanoesitsha, senze esokuqala saba ngesigugileyo. Njalo osekugugile lokudala sekuseduze lokunyamalala. Ngakho isibili lesosi vumelwanosakuqala sasilezimiso. Ngoba kwakhiwa ithabhanekele. Langemva kweveyili lesibili, lilesitsha segolide sokutshisela impepha; laphezu kwawo amakherubhi; esingekhulume ngalezizinto khathesi ngokukhethekileyo. Sezilungisiwe; kodwa kwelesibili leziphambeko zabantu; uMoya oyiNgcwele kayikembulwa, lapho lisemi ithabhanekele lokuqala; okwakungumfanekiso ukuphelelisa okhonzayo maqondana lesazela, kuphela kokudliwayokuze kufike isikhathi sokulungisiswa. Kodwa uKristu esefikile, engumpristi omkhulu, okuyikuthi, elingeyisilo lalokhukudalwa, futhi kungeyisikho ngegazi lezimbuzi lelamathole. Ngoba uba igazi lezimbuzi lelezinkunzi, kungcwelisa kuze kube sekuhlambulukeni kwenyama, kakhulu kangakanani igazi likaKristu? Langenxa yalokhu ungumlamuli. Ngoba lapho okukhona incwadi yelifa, kufuneka ukuthi kubikwe ukufa komenzi wencwadi yelifa. Ngoba, lokhu kayikabi lamandla lapho ephila umenzi wencwadi yelifa. Ngakho laso esokuqala. Ngoba lapho usumenyezelwe umthetho wonke ngokomlayo nguMozisi ebantwini bonke, wafafaza kokubili ugwalo uqobo labantu bonke, esithi: Leli ligazi lesivumelwano uNkulunkulu alilaya ngaso. Ngokunjalo wasefafaza. Njalo phose zonke izinto zihlanjululwa ngegazi ngokomthetho, langaphandle kokuchitheka kwegazi kakubi khona uthethelelo. Ngokunjalo kwakudingeka ukuthi imifanekiso yezinto zemazulwini ihlanjululwe ngalezizinto, kodwa izinto zezulwini uqobo ngemihlatshelo engcono kulale. Ngoba uKristu phambi kobuso bukaNkulunkulu; kungeyisikuthi futhi ukuze azinikele kanengi, njengalokhu umpristi omkhulu umnyaka ngomnyaka legazi lokunye; uba kwakunjalo wayemele ukuhlupheka kanengi selokhu kwasekelwa umhlaba. Njalo njengalokhu kumiselwe abantu ukuthi bafe kanye; ngokunjalo uKristu, kube lusindiso. Ngoba umlayo ulesithunzi. Uba kwakunjalo nga kayimanga yini ukunikelwa, ngoba abakhonzayo babengasayikuba lasazela sezono, sebehlanjululwe kanye? Kodwa kuleyo mihlatshelo; ngoba kakulakwenzeka; ngakho esefika emhlabeni; iminikelo yokutshiswa; ngasengisithi: Khangela, ngiza (kumqulu wogwalo kulotshwe ngami) ukwenza intando yakho, Nkulunkulu. Kuqala esithi: Umhlatshelo lomnikelo kawuyithandanga njalo kawuyithokozelanga, yona enikelwa ngokomlayo, wasesithi: Khangela, ngiza ukwenza intando yakho, Nkulunkulu. Ususa okokuqala, ukuze amise okwesibili. Kuleyontando singcwelisiwe. Laye wonke umpristi kambe uyema insuku ngensuku; kodwa yena, esenikele umhlatshelo, kusukela khathesi ulindele. Ngoba ngomnikelo munye uphelelisile. LoMoya oyiNgcwele laye uyafakaza kithi; ngoba emva kokuthi esetshilo kuqala uthi: Lesi yisivumelwano ngaso emva kwalezonsuku, kutsho iNkosi: Ngizafaka imilayo yami enhliziyweni zabo, njalo ngizayibhala engqondweni zabo; lezono zabo lobubi babo kangisoze ngikukhumbule futhi. Lapho-ke okukhona uthethelelo lwalokhu, kakuselamnikelo ngesono. Ngakho ngegazi likaJesu, ngendlela, eliyinyama yakhe, futhi silayeumpristi omkhulu, kasisondele ngenhliziyo eqinisileyo; kasibambisise; njalo kasiqaphelisisane ekuvuseleni uthando lemisebenzi emihle, singayekeli. Ngoba uba sisona, kodwa ukulindela okuthile okwesabekayo kokulahlwa, lolaka lomlilo ozaqeda izitha. Umuntu ngabafakazi ababili loba abathathu; pho, licabanga ukuthi uzathiwa ufanele ukujeziswa kabuhlungu? Ngoba siyamazi owathi: Impindiselo izakwahlulela abantu bayo. Kuyesabeka. Kodwa khumbulani; kokunye, lapho lenziwa umbukiso ngenhlamba langezinhlupheko balabo ababephathwa ngokunjalo. Ngoba lani lazwelana. Ngakho lingalahli isibindi senu. Ngoba kumele libe lokubekezela. Ngoba kuseyisikhatshana nje, njalo kazukulibala; kodwa olungileyo uzaphila ngokholo, umphefumulo wami kawuthokozi ngaye. Kodwa thina kasisibo balabo abahlehlela nyovane ekubhujisweni. Ngakho ukholo luyikuqiniseka kwezinto ezithenjwayo, ubufakazi. Ngoba ngalo. Ngokholo sibona ukuthi imihlaba. Ngokholo uAbela. Ngokholo uEnoki; kodwa ngaphandle kokholo kakwenzeki uku m thokozisa; ngoba ozayo. Ngokholo uNowa. Ngokholo uAbrahama walalela ebizwa ukuthi aphume aye endaweni ayezayemukela ibe yilifa; waphuma, engazi lapho aya khona. Ngokholo wahlala; ngoba wayelindele umuzi. Ngokholo laye uSara. Ngakho-ke bazalwa ngoyedwa, lalezizinto zivela kosefile elisekhunjini lolwandle elingelakubalwa. Bonke laba bafela ekholweni, bengemukelanga izithembiso emhlabeni. Ngoba abatsho izinto ezinje batshengisa ukuthi badinga ilizwe lakibo. Uba-ke kambe babecabanga ngalelo ababesuke kulo, babengaba lethuba lokubuyela; kodwa khathesi-ke balangatha elingcono, elingelezulwini. Ngokholo uAbrahama, okwakuthiwe kuye: KuIsaka inzalo yakho izabizwa; wathi uNkulunkulu ulamandla okuvusa lakwabafileyo. Ngokholo uIsaka wabusisa uJakobe loEsawu ngezinto ezizayo. Ngokholo uJakobe. Ngokholo uJosefa ngamathambo akhe. Ngokholo uMozisi. Ngokholo uMozisi esekhulile wala ukuthiwa uyindodana yendodakazi kaFaro, kulalokho wakhetha ukuphathwa kubi; wathi ukuthukwa. Ngokholo watshiya iGibhithe. Ngokholo wagcina angabathinti. Ngokholo badabula uLwandle oluBomvu njengemhlabathini owomileyo; okwathi amaGibhithe bekulinga lokho baminzwa. Ngokholo imiduli yadilika, isibhodiwe insuku eziyisikhombisa. Ngokholo uRahabi isifebe. Ngisezathini? Ngoba ngingaphelelwa yisikhathi ngilandisa ngoGidiyoni; abathi ngokholo banqoba imibuso, bacitsha amandla omlilo. Abesifazana bemukela abafileyo babo bevela ekuvukeni; abanye balingwa ngokwenziwa inhlekisa lokutshaywa; bakhandwa ngamatshe, (umhlaba ongabafanelanga bona. Labo bonke laba, befakazelwe ngokholo, lokhu uNkulunkulu wayesinakekele ngaphambili okungcono. Ngakho-ke lathi sigonjolozelwe liyezi elikhulu kangaka labafakazi, asilahle konke okusindayo lesono, sikhangele kuJesu umqalisi lomphelelisi wokholo lwethu ngakwesokunene sesihlalo sobukhosi sikaNkulunkulu. Ngakho mqapheliseni emiphefumulweni yenu. Kalikamelani la khokuze kube segazini lisilwa lesono; njalo selikhohliwe inkuthazo, nxa usolwa yiyo; ngoba iNkosi iyalaya emthandayo; njalo itshaye ngesiswepu yonke indodana eyemukelayo. Uba likhuthazela ekulayweni, uNkulunkulu uyaliphatha njengamadodana? Kodwa uba lingelakulaywa, okuthi bonke bangabahlanganyeli bakho, ngakho lingabokufetshwa njalo kalisiwo amadodana. Futhi-ke sasilabo obaba benyama yethu aba si layayo njalo sa ba hlonipha kakhulu kula lokho, siphile? Ngoba bona kambe ba si laya okwensuku ezinlutshwana, njengokubona kwabo; kodwa yena kube yikusizakala kwethu, ukuze si hlanganyele ubungcwele bakhe. Lakho konke ukulaywa okukhona kakubonakali angathi ngokwentokozo, kodwa ngokosizi; emva kwalokho-ke kuyabalethela isithelo. Ngakho qinisani; njalo lenzele inyawo zenu. Nxwanelani ukuthula; liqaphelisa ukuze kungabi khona osilelayo yokubaba ikhathaze, njalo ngayo abanengi bangcoliswe; kakungabi lamuntu oyisifebe ngokudla okukodwa. Ngoba liyazi ukuthi lemva kwalokho, esethanda ukudla ilifa. Ngoba kalizanga entabeni engathintwa, lemlilweni ovuthayo, lekufiphaleni, lemnyameni, lesivunguvungwini, lekukhaleni kophondo bancenga ukuthi kungabe kusa khulunywailizwi kibo; ngoba babengelakukumela lokho okwalaywayo ukuthi: Ngitsho lenyamazana uba ithinta intaba, izakhandwa ngamatshe, kumbe itshokwe ngomtshoko; njalo, kwakusesabeka kangaka lokho okwabonwayo, uMozisi wathi: Ngilovalo, ngiyathuthumela. Kodwa lize entabeni iSiyoni, lemhlanganweni omkhulu lebandleni, lakuJesu umlamuli. Qaphelani ukuthi lingamali okhulumayo. Ngoba uba bengaphephanga, kakhulu kangakanani thina esimfulathelayo lowo okhulumaevela emazulwini; olizwi lakhe ukunyikinya kungeyisiwo umhlaba wodwa, kodwa lezulu. Lalokhu ukuthi:Ngiza phinda kanye, kutshengisa ukususwa kwezinto ezinyikinywayo, kungathi ezenziweyo, ukuze kusale izinto ezinganyikinywayo. Ngakho njengoba sisemukela umbuso ongelakunyikinyekiswa, asibe lomusa esingamkhonza uNkulunkulu; ngoba-ke uNkulunkulu. Kalume njalo uthando lobuzalwane. Lingakhohlwa ukungenisa izihambi. Khumbulani, ngokungathi lani liphethwe kubiemzimbeni. Umtshado. Indlela yempilo kayingabi ngeyokuthanda imali. Ngakho singatsho ngesibindi sithi: INkosi ingumsizi wami, njalo kangiyikwesaba umuntu azakwenza kimi. Khumbulani abakhokheli benu. UJesu Kristu unguye lalamuhla lephakadeni. Lingaduhiswa yikhoababebambelela kukho. Silalo ilathi, abangelalungelo lokudla kulo abakhonza ithabhanekele. Ngoba lezozinyamazana. Ngakho laye uJesu, ukuze angcwelise. Ngakho-ke asiphumele kuye. Ngoba kasilawo umuzi omiyo lapha. Ngakho asinikele sivuma ibizo lakhe. Kodwa lingakhohlwa ukwenza okuhle lokuphana. Lalelani abakhokheli benu, lizehlisele ngaphansi kwabo, njalo bengabubuli; ngoba kungalisizi lokhu. Sikhulekeleni, sifisa ukuhamba kuhle ezintweni zonke; njalo ngiya li ncenga ngokwengezelelwe kakhulu ukuthi li kwenze lokhu, ukuze ngibuyiselwe kini ngokuphangisa. Kungathi uNkulunkulu wokuthula saphakade, iNkosi yethu uJesu, angaliphelelisa kuze kube nini lanini. Ameni. Kodwa ngiyalincenga, bazalwane, lemukeleni ngesineke ilizwi lenkuthazo. Yazini ukuthi umzalwane ukhululwe, uba efika masinyane, ngizalibona ngilaye. Bingelelani bonke abakhokheli benu bayalibingelela. Umusa kawubelani lonke. Ameni. UJakobe, ngiyabingelela. Kubaleni njenge ntokozo yonke, lisazi ukuthi ukuhlolwa kokholo; kodwa ukubekezela kakube lomsebenzi opheleleyo, ukuze libe ngabapheleleyo liphelelisiwe, lingasileli ngalutho. Njalo uba kukhona kini oswele inhlakanipho. Kodwa kacele ekholweni eliqhutshwa ngumoya lizuliswe. Ngoba lowomuntu kangacabangi ukuthi uzazuza ulutho eNkosini. Indoda enhliziyombili. Lomzalwane ophansi kazincome ekuphakameni kwakhe; kodwa onothileyo ekuthotshisweni kwakhe. Ngoba ilanga liphuma lilokutshisa, leluba labo liwohloke, lobuhle bokubonakala kwalo bunyamalale; ngokunjalo lesinothi sizanyamalala ezindleleni zaso. Ubusisiwe umuntu obekezelela isilingo. Kakulamuntu olingwayo omele athi: Ngilingwa nguNkulunkulu; ngoba uNkulunkulu kalasilingo sokubi, laye uqobo kalingi muntu. Kodwa ngulowo lalowo uyalingwa, lapho ehudulwa ngezakhe inkanuko, ehugwa; kuthi lapho inkanuko isikhulelwe ibelethe isono. Lingakhohliswa, bazalwane bami abathandekayo. Sonke isipho esihle, kumbe isithunzi sokuphenduka. Ngokuthanda kwakhe zezidalwa zakhe. Ngakho, bazalwane bami abathandekayo, wonke umuntu umele aphangise ukuzwa, aphuze ukukhuluma; ngoba ukuthukuthela kwendoda kakwenzi ukulunga kukaNkulunkulu. Ngakho selihlubule amanyala wonke. Kodwa banini ngabenzi belizwi lina ngokwenu. Ngoba uba umuntu; ngoba iyazibuka, ibisisuka, ibisihle ikhohlwa ukuthi ibinjani. Kodwa lowo okhangelisisa. Uba umuntu phakathi kwenu esithi uyakholwa. Ukukholwa. Bazalwane bami, kungeyisikho ngokubandlulula abantu libe lokholo. Ngoba uba kungena emhlanganweni wenu indoda elendandatho yegolide lesembatho esikhazimulayo, besekungena longumyanga olesembatho esingcolileyo, beselinanzelela: Wena mana lapho; loba: Hlala lapha ngaphansi kwesenabelo senyawo zami; pho, kalibandlululi phakathi kwenu Zwanini, bazalwane bami abathandekayo. UNkulunkulu kabakhethanga? Kodwa lina libadumazile abayanga Bona kabalihlambazi? Uba liphelelisa umlayo wobukhosi, lenza kuhle; kodwa uba libandlulula. Ngoba loba ngubani ogcina umlayo wonke, kodwa akhubeke kokukodwa kuyo yonke. Ngoba owathi: Ungafebi; uba-ke ungafebi, kodwa ubulala, usungumeqi womlayo. Khulumani ngokunjalo lenze njalo, njengabazakwahlulelwa ngomlayo wenkululeko. Ngoba ukwahlulelwa okungelasihawu sizincoma kukho ukwahlulela. Kusizani, bazalwane bami, uba umuntu esithi ulokholo, kodwa engelamisebenzi? Lolokholo lungamsindisa yini? Uba-ke umzalwane loba umzalwanekazi njalo beswela ukudla kwensuku ngensuku, omunye wenu abesesithi kibo? Kunjalo lokholo, uba lungelamisebenzi, lufile ngokwalo. Kodwa omunye uzakuthi: Wena ulokholo, mina-ke ngilemisebenzi: Ngitshengisa ukholo lwakho ngaphandle kwemisebenzi yakho, lami emisebenzini yami ngizakutshengisa. Wena uyakholwa ukuthi uNkulunkulu munye, njalo athuthumele. Kodwa uyathanda ukwazi yini, O siphukuphuku? UAbrahama ubaba wethu kalungisiswanga yini ngemisebenzi, esenikele indodana yakhe uIsaka phezu kwelathi? Uyabona ukuthi ukholo, kwasekugcwaliswa umbhalo. Ngakho-ke liyabona ukuthi umuntu uyalungisiswa ngemisebenzi. Ngokunjalo-ke loRahabi izithunywa, ese zi phumise ngenye indlela? Ngoba njengalokhu umzimba ngaphandle. Lingabi abanengi, bazalwane bami, lisazi ukuthi sizakwemukela isigwebo esikhulu. Ngoba sonke siyakhubeka ezintweni ezinengi. Khangela, sifaka emilonyeni yamabhiza ukuze asilalele, sibe sesiqondisa umzimba wonke wawo kwenye indlela. Khangela, lemikhumbi, lanxa imikhulu kangaka njalo iqhutshwa yimimoya elamandla, iyaqondiswa kwenye indlela ngephinyana nje, lapho isifiso somtshayeli esifuna khona. Lunjalo lolimi luyisitho esincinyane, kanti luzincoma kakhulu. Khangela, umlilo omncinyane uyatshisa izigodo ezingakanani! Ulimi. Ngoba yonke imvelo yokubili izinyamazana lezinyoni, kokubili ezihuquzelayo lezidalwa zolwandle, iyathanjiswa njalo isithanjisiwe ngemvelo yabantu; kodwa ulimi kakulamuntu ongaluthambisa; luyibubi obungelakunqotshwa, lugcwele ubuhlungu obubulalayo. Ngalo siyabonga uNkulunkulu ngitsho uBaba; emlonyeni munye kuyaphuma ukubonga lenhlamba. Lezizinto kazifanelanga, bazalwane bami, zenzeke njalo. Kambe umthombo emgodini munye ungagobhoza yini okumnandi lokubabayo? Kambe, bazalwane bami, umkhiwa ungathela imihlwathi yini, loba ivini umkhiwa? Ngokunjalo kakulamthombo oveza amanzi alitshwayi lamnandi. Ngubani ohlakaniphileyo loqedisisayo. Kodwa uba lilomhawu obabayo enhliziyweni yenu, lingazincomi liqambele amanga iqiniso. Lokhu kayisiyo inhlakanipho eyehla ivela phezulu, ngeyemvelo, eyamadimoni. Ngoba lapho okukhona umhawu, lapho kukhona isiphithiphithi lazo zonke izenzo ezimbi. Kodwa inhlakanipho. Lesithelo sokulunga. Zivela ngaphi izimpi lokulwa zenu ezilwayo ezithweni zenu? Liyafisa, kodwa kalilalutho; liyabulala; liyalwa futhi lenza impi, kodwa kalilalutho, ngoba kaliceli; liyacela njalo kalemukeli, ukuze li ku chithele enkanukweni zenu. Zifebe lezifebekazi. Kumbe licabanga yini ukuthi umbhalo utsho ize? Kodwa uyanika umusa omkhulu, kodwa abathobekileyo uyabapha umusa. Ngakho zehliseleni, njalo uzalibalekela. Sondelani kuNkulunkulu, laye uzasondela kini. Danani lilile likhale; ukuhleka kwenu kakuphendulwe ukulila, lentokozo ukudana. Zithobeni phambi kweNkosi, njalo izaliphakamisa. Lingahlebani, kodwa umahluleli. Munye ummisumlayo, olamandla okusindisa lokubhubhisa? Minani-ke lina; elingakwaziyo okwakusasa. Ngoba iyini impilo yenu? Ngoba iyinkungu ebonakala okwesikhatshana, emva kwalokho ibisinyamalala; endaweni ya lokhongabe lithi: Uba iNkosi ivuma, njalo sizaphila, sibe sesisenza lokhu kumbe lokhuyana. Kodwa khathesi liyazincoma. Ngakho lowo okwaziyo ukwenza okuhle kodwa enga kw enzi, kuyisono kuye. Minani-ke. Inotho yenu ibolile; igolide lenu lesiliva kuthombile, lokuthomba kwakho kuzakuba yibufakazi kini, njalo kuzakudla inyama yenu njengomlilo. Li zi bekela. Khangela, umvuzo wezisebenzi. Libusile, limlahlile; kamelananga lani. Ngakho bekezelani, bazalwane, kuze kube sekufikeni kweNkosi. Lani bekezelani. Lingasolani, bazalwane, ukuze lingalahlwa; khangela, uMahluleli. Thathani isibonelo. Khangela, sithi babusisiwe. Kodwa phambi kwakho konke, bazalwane bami, lingafungi; ukuze lingaweli ekulahlweni. Kukhona ohluphekayo yini phakathi kwenu? Kakhuleke. Kukhona othokozayo yini? Kahlabele indumiso. Kukhona ogulayo phakathi kwenu yini? Kabizele kuye abadala bebandla ngamafutha ebizweni leNkosi; lomkhuleko wokholo, uzazithethelelwa. Vumani iziphambeko omunye komunye, likhulekelane, ukuze lisiliswe wolungileyo ulamandla kakhulu. UElija wayengumuntu olemizwa; wasebuya ekhuleka, lezulu lanika izulu, lomhlaba wathela isithelo sawo. Bazalwane, uba omunye kini ephambuka eqinisweni, lomunye angambuyisa, yazi ukuthi obuyise isoni. UPetro, umphostoli kaJesu Kristu, kwabemzini, njengokolwazi ngaphambili lukaNkulunkulu uBaba. Ubusisiwe, elifeni, linaelilondolozwe ngamandla kaNkulunkulu. Elithokoza kuso, ukuze ubuqotho bokholo lwenu; elingambonanga limthanda, lizuze, usindiso lwemiphefumulo yenu. Ngalolusindiso abaprofethi; babuza ukuthi yisiphi; okwembulwa kubo. Ngakho libopha inkalo zengqondo yenu; njengabantwana abalalelayo, kodwa njengoba owalibizayo engcwele; ngoba kulotshiwe ukuthi: Banini ngcwele, ngoba mina ngingcwele. Njalo uba libiza lithi: Baba, owahlulela ngulowo lalowo ngokomsebenzi wakhe engabandlululi; lisazi ukuthi kalihlengwanga, kodwa ngegazi likaKristu. Isibili owamiswa ngaphambili, elikholwa ngaye kuNkulunkulu. Selihlanze imiphefumulo yenu; selizelwe ngokutsha. Ngoba yonke inyama injengotshani. Utshani buyabuna, leluba labo liwohloke; kodwa. Ngakho lahlani, njengezingane ezisanda ukuzalwa ngalo, uba-ke selinambithile. Elizayo kuyo, ilitshe eliphilayo, elaliwa ngabantu, lani njengamatshe aphilayo lakhiwe. Ngakho kukhona lembhalweni. Ngakho kini elikholwayo uligugu; kodwa kwabangalaleliyo, leli selibe yinhloko yengonsi, lelitshe; kodwa lina liluhlanga olukhethiweyo; elalikade lingeyisibo abantu, kodwa khathesi linga bantu bakaNkulunkulu; elalingahawukelwanga, kodwa khathesi selihawukelwe. Bathandekayo, ngiya li ncenga; lilokuhamba. Ngakho zehliseleni ngaphansi kwaso sonke isimiso sabantu; loba kubabusi, njengabathunywe yiyo ekujezisweni kwabenzi bobubi. Ngoba injalo intando kaNkulunkulu; njengabakhululekileyo. Hloniphani bonke. Zinceku. Ngoba lokhu kungumusa, uba umuntu. Ngoba kule nzuzo bani, lokhu kungumusa kuNkulunkulu. Ngoba labizelwa lokho; ongenzanga isono, lenkohliso kayificwanga emlonyeni wakhe; owathi ethukwa kazaphindisela ngokuthuka, ehlupheka kazasongela; yena ngokwakhe owathwala izono zethu. Ngoba lalinjengezimvu ezilahlekayo. Ngokunjalo ngokuziphatha kwabafazi, enanzelela ukuhamba kwenu. Okuceca kwenu kakungabi ngokwangaphandle okokweluka inwele; kodwa umuntu osithekileyo wenhliziyo, entweni engagugiyo yomoya omnene lokuthula, oligugu elikhulu phambi kukaNkulunkulu. Ngoba kudala bazicecisa ngokunjalo labesifazana abangcwele ababethemba uNkulunkulu; njengoSara owamlalela uAbrahama, wambiza ngokuthinkosi langokukodwa okwesabekayo. Ngokunjalo madoda. Okokucina-ke, banini nhliziyonye lonke; lingaphindiseli okubi ngokubi. Ngoba lowo ofuna ukuthanda impilo, lokubona insuku ezinhle, kanqande ulimi lwakhe kokubi, lendebe zakhe ukuze zingakhulumi inkohliso; kaphambuke kokubi, abesesenza okuhle; adinge ukuthula, njalo akunxwanele. Ngoba amehlo eNkosi aphezu kwabalungileyo, lendlebe zayo zingasemkhulekweni wabo; kodwa ubuso beNkosi bumelana labenza okubi. Pho ngubani ongalilimaza Kodwa; kodwa ngcwelisani iNkosi uNkulunkulu enhliziyweni zenu, lilesazela esihle. Ngoba kungcono ukuhlupheka lisenza okuhle, uba intando kaNkulunkulu i ku thanda, kulo kuhluphekalisenza okubi. Ngoba loKristu wahlupheka kanye, ayesehambe ngawo laye watshumayela, eyababekade bengalaleli. Umfuziselo wawo, oseye ezulwini, ekhona ngakwesokunene sikaNkulunkulu. Njengoba uKristu wasihluphekela, ukuze isikhathi esiseleyo enyameni lingabe lisaphilela. Ngoba kwanele kithi; abamangala kukho; abazaziphendulela. Ngoba ngenxa yalokhu ivangeli latshunyayelwa lakwabafileyo. Kodwa ukuphela kwezinto zonke sekusondele; kodwa phambi kwakho konke banini; phathanani kuhle ekwethekelaneni; ngulowo lalowo; uba umuntu ekhuluma. Ameni. Bathandekayo, lingamangali esiphezu kwenu esilihlolayo, ngokungathi lehlelwe yinto engaziwayo; kodwa njengoba lihlanganyela inhlupheko zikaKristu, thokozani lithokoze lijabule kakhulu. Uba lithukwa. Kodwa kakungabi khona owakini ohlupheka njengombulali; kodwa uba ehluphekanjengomKristu, kangabi lanhloni. Ngoba sekuyisikhathi sokuthi ukwahlulela kuqale Uba-ke olungileyo esindiswa ngobulukhuni Ngakho-ke labo abahluphekayo ngokwentando kaNkulunkulu. Abadala abaphakathi kwenu ngiyabakhuthaza: Yelusani umhlambi kaNkulunkulu, futhi lingabi njengamakhosi. Kuzakuthi lapho uMelusi omkhulu. Ngokunjalo, batsha. Ngakho zehliseleni ngaphansi kwesandla sikaNkulunkulu esilamandla, ukuze aliphakamise ngesikhathi esifaneleyo, liphosela phezu kwakhe inkathazo zenu zonke, ngoba yena uyalikhathalela. Qondani; limelane laye. Kodwa uNkulunkulu womusa wonke, owasibizela. Kakubekuye inkazimulo lamandla kuze kube nini lanini. Ameni. NgoSilivanu. IbandlaeliseBhabhiloni. Bingelelanani ngokwanga kothando. Ameni. USimoni Petro, inceku lomphostoli kaJesu Kristu: Kakwandiswe kini umusa lokuthula. Njengamandla akhe obuNkulunkulu asinike zonke izinto ezimayelana lempilo lokukhonza uNkulunkulu; okungakho siphiwe izithembiso ezinkulu kakhulu leziligugu, ukuze ngalezi libe ngabahlanganyeli bemvelo yobuNkulunkulu. Njalo ngenxa yalokhu-ke selenze yonke inkuthalo, yengezelelani ukulunga ekholweni lwenu, lelwazini ukuzithiba, lekwesabeni uNkulunkulu. Ngoba uba lezizinto zikhona kini, njalo zisanda, kaziyiku l enza livilaphe njalo lingabi lezithelo; ngoba ongelazo lezizinto, uyisiphofu. Ngakho, bazalwane, tshisekelani kakhulu ukuqinisa. Ngoba ngokunjalo lizakwengezelelwa ngokukhulu. Ngakho kangisoze ngiyekele ukulikhumbuza njalonjalo ngalezizinto. Njalo ngibona kulungile ukuthi, nxa ngisesekhona kulelithabhanekele; ngisazi ukuthi kuyaphangisa. Kodwa lami ngizakhuthala ukuthi ngezikhathi zonke emva kokusuka kwami libe lesikhumbuzo salezizinto. Ngoba sasingalandeli izinganekwane zobuqili. Ngoba wemukela udumo lobukhosi; lalelilizwi thina salizwa. Njalo silelizwi eliqinileyo kakhulu lesiprofetho, elenza kuhle ukuliqaphelisa; lisazi lokhu kuqala, ukuthi kasikho isiprofetho sombhalo. Ngoba kakuzanga kulethwe isiprofetho ngentando yomuntu. Kodwa kwakukhona labaprofethi bamanga, labanengi bazalandela incithakalo zabo; okungabo indlela yeqiniso, njalo emhawini. Ngoba uba uNkulunkulu engaziyekelanga ingilosi; njalo kaliyekelanga ilizwe lendulo; ngoku yi chitha eyitshisa imizi yeSodoma leGomora; wasemophula; ngoba lowo olungileyo; iNkosi iyakwazi; kodwa ikakhulu bona abalandela; kanti ingilosi, ezinkulu ngamandla langengalo, kazilethi isigwebo senhlamba ukumelana labo phambi kweNkosi. Kodwa laba, njengezinyamazana ngemvelo ezingelangqondo, bazakwemukela umvuzo wokungalungi, balamehlo agcwele ubufebe, labangayekeli isono; batshiye indlela eqondileyo baduha, kodwa waba lokusolwa kwesakhe isiphambeko; ubabhemi oyisimungulu, ekhuluma ngelizwi lomuntu, wanqanda ubuhlanya bomprofethi. Laba bayimithombo engelamanzi. Ngoba bakhuluma okokuziqakisa okweze, bebathembisa inkululeko. Ngoba uba sebephunyukile. Ngoba ngabe kwaba ngcono kibo. Kodwa kubehlele lokhu okwesaga esiqinisileyo; lengulube egezileyo ekugiqikeni edakeni. Incwadi le eyesibili, bathandekayo, ngilibhalela yona khathesi; okungazo zombilingivuse, ukuze li khumbule amazwi; kuqala yazini lokhu, ukuthi ekucineni kwensuku kuzafika abahleka usulu, njalo besithi: Singaphi isithembiso. Ngoba lokhu kabakwazi ngabomo, ukuthi amazulu ayekhona kusukela endulo, lomhlaba, ukhona uvela emanzini njalo ukhonangamanzi, ngelizwi likaNkulunkulu, okungalo ilizwe elalikhona labhujiswa ngokugcwaliswa ngamanzi; kodwa amazulu lomhlaba okukhona khathesi kubekiwe ngalona lelolizwi. Kodwa lintonye kakumelanga ingaziwa kini, bathandekayo, ukuthi usuku olulodwa eNkosini lu njengeminyaka eyinkulungwane, leminyaka eyinkulungwane njengosuku olulodwa. INkosi yesithembiso kayidondi. Kodwa usuku lweNkosi. Njengoba zonke lezizinto zidilizwa, kumele libe ngabanjani, lilindele. Kodwa ngokwesithembiso sakhe silindele. Ngakho, bathandekayo. Beselisithi ukubekezela kweNkosi yethu kulusindiso, njengalokhu lomzalwane wethu othandekayo uPawuli walibhalela, ngokwenhlakanipho eyaphiwa yena; njengoba kunjalo lencwadini zakhe zonke, ekhuluma kuzo ngalezizinto, lanjengakweminye imibhalo, kube kokwabo ukubhujiswa. Ngakho lina, bathandekayo, lisazi mandulo. Kodwa khulani emuseni. Lokho okwakukhona kusukela ekuqaleni; leMpilo; lokho esikubonileyo; lalezizinto silibhalela zona, ukuze intokozo yenu igcwaliswe. Lokhu-ke ngumbiko, njalo kabukho kuye ubumnyama lakanye. Uba sisithi silobudlelwano laye, siqamba amanga, njalo kasenzi iqiniso; kodwa uba sihamba ekukhanyeni, njengalokhu yena esekukhanyeni, silobudlelwano omunye lomunye, legazi. Uba sisithi kasilasono. Uba sivuma izono zethu. Uba sisithi kasonanga, lelizwi lakhe kalikho kithi. Bantwanyana bami, ngilibhalela lezizinto, ukuze lingoni. Njalo uba umuntu esona, siloMmeli; njalo yena uyinhlawulo yokuthula yezono zethu. Langalokho siyakwazi ukuthi siyamazi, uba sigcina imilayo yakhe. Lowo othi; kodwa lowo ogcina ilizwi lakhe. Lowo othi uhlala kuye. Bazalwane, kangilibhaleli umlayo omutsha, kodwa umlayo omdala. Ngiphinda ngilibhalele umlayo omutsha. Lowo othi usekukhanyeni, futhi ezonda umzalwane wakhe, usemnyameni kuze kube lakhathesi. Othanda umzalwane wakhe, uhlala ekukhanyeni. Kodwa ozonda umzalwane wakhe usebumnyameni. Ngiyalibhalela, bantwanyana, ngoba izono zenulizithethelelwe ngenxa yebizo lakhe. Ngiyalibhalela, bobaba, ngoba limazile yena okhona kusukela ekuqaleni, ngoba limazile uYise. Ngilibhalele, bobaba, ngoba limazile okhona kusukela ekuqaleni. Lingawuthandi umhlaba loba izinto ezisemhlabeni; ngoba konke okusemhlabeni, inkanuko yenyama, kakuveli kuYise kodwa kuvela emhlabeni. Lomhlaba uyedlula, lenkanuko zawo. Bantwanyana. Baphuma kithi. Kodwa lina lilokugcotshwa. Kangilibhalelanga ngoba lingalazi iqiniso, kodwa ngoba liyalazi, njalo ngoba kakulamanga lakanye avela eqinisweni. Ngubani ongumqambimanga ngaphandle kwalowo ophikayo ukuthi uJesu unguKristu. Wonke. Lina-ke elakuzwayo kusukela ekuqaleni kakuhlale kini. Njalo yilesi isithembiso yena asithembisa sona, impilo elaphakade. Lezizinto ngalibhalela ngalabo abalikhohlisayo. Lina-ke ukugcotshwa kuye. Khathesi-ke, bantwanyana, hlalani kuye; ukuze kuthi lapho ebonakala. Uba lisazi ukuthi ulungile. Khangelani uthando olungaka asinika lona uYise. Bathandekayo, khathesi. Laye wonke olalelithemba kuye. Wonke owenza isono weqa lomlayo; ngoba isono siyikweqa umlayo. Njalo liyazi ukuthi yena wabonakaliswa. Wonke ohlala kuye koni; wonke owonayo kambonanga. Bantwanyana, kungabi khona olikhohlisayo; owenza isono uvela kudiyabhola. Wonke ozelwe nguNkulunkulu kenzi isono. Ngalokhu kuyabonakala abantwana bakaNkulunkulu. Ngoba yilo umbiko; kungenjengoKhayini. Lingamangali bazalwane bami, uba umhlaba ulizonda. Thina siyazi, ngoba siyabathanda abazalwane. Ongamthandiyo umzalwane uhlezi ekufeni. Wonke ozonda umzalwane. Ngalokhu siyalwazi uthando lukaNkulunkulu. Kodwa loba ngubani Bantwanyana bami, kasingathandi ngelizwi kumbe ngolimi. Futhi ngalokho siyazi ukuthi singabeqiniso, ngoba uba inhliziyo zethu zi si lahla, uNkulunkulu mkhulu kulenhliziyo yethu, futhi uyazi zonke izinto. Bathandekayo, uba inhliziyo zethu zingasilahli, njalo loba yini esiyicelayo, siyayemukela ivela kuye. Njalo yilo umlayo wakhe, ukuthi sikholwe ebizweni leNdodana yakhe uJesu Kristu. Logcina imilayo yakhe. Bathandekayo, lingakholwa wonke umoya. Ngalokhu liyamazi uMoya kaNkulunkulu: Wonke umoya ovumayo; futhi wonke umoya ongavumiyo. Lina lingabakaNkulunkulu, bantwanyana, futhi libanqobile. Bona bangabomhlaba. Thina singabakaNkulunkulu; omaziyo uNkulunkulu, uyasizwa. Bathandekayo, asithandaneni; ngoba uthando luvela kuNkulunkulu, laye wonke othandayo, uzelwe nguNkulunkulu, futhi uyamazi uNkulunkulu. Ongathandiyo. Ngalokhu uthando lukaNkulunkulu lwabonakaliswa kithi. Uthando lukulokhu, kungesikuthi thina samthanda uNkulunkulu. Bathandekayo, uba uNkulunkulu wasithanda ngokunje, lathi sifanele ukuthandana. Kakulamuntu owake wabona uNkulunkulu. Ngalokhu siyazi ukuthi. Thina sesibonile. Loba ngubani ovumayo. Thina sesisazi sakholwa uthando uNkulunkulu alalo kithi. Ngalokhu uthando luphelelisiwe lathi. Kakukho ukwesaba ethandweni, kodwa uthando olupheleleyo luyaxotsha ukwesaba. Thina siyamthanda, ngoba yena wasithanda kuqala. Uba umuntu esithi: Ngiyamthanda uNkulunkulu, njalo ezonda umzalwane wakhe Njalo silalumlayo ovela kuye. Wonke okholwa. Ngalokho siyazi ukuthi siyabathanda abantwana bakaNkulunkulu; ngoba lolu luthando lukaNkulunkulu. Ngoba konke okuzelwe nguNkulunkulu kuyawunqoba umhlaba. Ngubani onqoba umhlaba Lo nguye oweza ngamanzi. Ngoba bathathu abafakazayo ezulwini, uYise, uLizwi, loMoya oNgcwele; laba abathathu banye. Njalo bathathu abafakazayo emhlabeni, uMoya; laba abathathu ba hlangan yela intonye. Uba sisemukela ubufakazi babantu. Okholwa eNdodaneni kaNkulunkulu ulobufakazi phakathi kwakhe ngokwakhe, ngoba engakholwanga ubufakazi uNkulunkulu abufakazileyo ngeNdodana yakhe. Yilobu-ke ubufakazi, ukuthi uNkulunkulu usinikile impilo elaphakade. Olayo iNdodana ulempilo; ongelayo iNdodana kaNkulunkulu kalampilo. Lezizinto ngizibhalela lina elikholwa ebizweni leNdodana kaNkulunkulu. Njalo yilesi isibindi esilaso kuye; uba-ke sisazi ukuthi uyasizwa, loba yini esiyicelayo, siyazi ukuthi. Uba umuntu ebona umzalwane wakhe esona isono esinga siekufeni, uzacela, njalo uzamnika impilo labo abangonelanga ekufeni; konke ukungalungi kuyisono; njalo kukhona isono esinga siekufeni. Siyazi ukuthi wonke ozelwe nguNkulunkulu koni. Siyazi ukuthi singabakaNkulunkulu, lokuthi umhlaba wonke. Njalo siyazi ukuthi iNdodana kaNkulunkulu isifikile, yasinika ukuqedisisa. Bantwanyana, zilondolozeni ezithombeni. Ameni. Umdala, ngenxa yeqiniso elihlala kithi, lelizakuba lathi kuze kube nininini: Kakube lani umusa. Ngathokoza kakhulukazi ukuthi ngithole ebantwaneni bakho abahamba eqinisweni, njengoba semukela umlayo kuYise. Khathesi-ke ngiyakuncenga, nkosikazi, kungenjengokuthi ngikubhalela umlayo omutsha. Njalo yilolu uthando, ukuthi sihambe ngokwemilayo yakhe, ukuthi lihambe kiwo. Ngoba abakhohlisi abanengi sebengene emhlabeni. Ziqapheleni. Wonke oweqayo. Uba kufika umuntu kini, njalo engalethi le imfundiso, lingamemukeli endlini; ngoba lowo ombingelelayo, uhlanganyela lemisebenzi yakhe emibi. Ngilezinto ezinengi zokulibhalela. Abantwana bakadadewenu okhethiweyo bayakubingelela. Ameni. Umdala. Sithandwa, kuzo zonke izinto jikelele ngifisa, njengalokhu umphefumulo wakho uphumelela. Ngoba ngathokoza kakhulukazi. Kangilantokozo enkulu edlula lezizinto, ukuthi ngizwe ukuthi abantwana bami. Sithandwa, wenza ngokuthembeka loba ngakuphi okwenza kubazalwane, abafakazele uthando lwakho phambi kwebandla. Ngoba ngenxa yebizo lakhe baphumile bengemukeli lutho kwabezizwe. Ngakho thina sifanele ukubemukela abanjalo, ukuze sibe yizisebenzi kanye leqiniso. Ngabhalela ibandla; kodwa uDiyotrefe othanda ukuba ngowokuqala kibo kasemukeli. Ngakho, uba ngifika, ngizakhumbuza imisebenzi yakhe ayenzayo, uyasihleba ngamazwi amabi; futhi kakholiswa yilezizinto, yena uqobo kemukeli abazalwane, uyabalela lalabo abathanda ukukwenza, njalo uya ba xotsha ebandleni. Sithandwa, ungakulingiseli okubi, kodwa okuhle. NgoDemetriyu kufakazwe yibo bonke, langeqiniso uqobo. Bengilezinto ezinengi zokubhala, kodwa kangithandi ukukubhalela ngeyinki losiba; kodwa ngithemba ukukubona masinyane, sibe sesikhuluma umlomo ngomlomo. Ukuthula kakubekuwe. Abangane bayakubingelela. Bingelela abangane ngamabizo. UJuda: Kakwandiswe kini isihawu. Bathandekayo, lapho ngisenza yonke inkuthalo. Ngoba sekungenile ngokunyenya abantu abathile. Kodwa ngithanda ukulikhumbuza. Lengilosi. NjengeSodoma leGomora. Ngokunjalo lalaba bephupha bayona inyama. Kanti uMikayeli. Kodwa laba bathuka konke abangakwaziyo. Maye kibo! Ngoba bahambe ngendlela kaKhayini. Laba bayizici emadilini enu othando, nxa beledili lani; amagagasi olwandle aphosekayo. Njalo uEnoki laye owesikhombisa kusukela kuAdamu, ukwenza isigwebo esimelana labo bonke. Laba ngabangungunayo, abasolayo. Kodwa lina bathandekayo, khumbulani amazwi akhulunywa ngaphambili ngabaphostoli beNkosi yethu uJesu Kristu; ukuthi bathi kini, kuzakuba khona abahleka usulu ngesikhathi sokucina, behamba ngokwenkanuko zabo zokweyisa uNkulunkulu. Yibo laba abenza izehlukaniso. Kodwa lina, bathandekayo, lizakhe ekholweni lwenu olungcwele kakhulu, zigcineni ethandweni lukaNkulunkulu. Beselibahawukela abanye lehlukanise; kodwa lisindise abanye. Kuye-ke olamandla, kuye uNkulunkulu yedwa ohlakaniphileyo, lakhathesi lakulo lonke iphakade. Ameni. Isambulelo, owafakaza ilizwi likaNkulunkulu. Ubusisiwe ofunda, lalabo abezwa amazwi alesisiprofetho. UJohane; lakuJesu Kristu, umfakazi; owasenza saba ngamakhosi labapristi. Khangela uyeza. Mina nginguAlfa loOmega. Mina uJohane, longumzalwane wenu. NgangikuMoya, lisithi: Mina nginguAlfa loOmega. Ngasengitshibilika ukuze ngibone ilizwi elikhuluma lami. Sengitshibilikile ngabona iziqobane zezibane zegolide eziyisikhombisa, laphakathi; njalo ikhanda lakhe lenwele zakhe kwakumhlophe njengoboya bezimvu, njengeliqhwa elikhithikileyo, lenyawo zakhe zazinjengethusi elikhazimulayo, njengelivutha esithandweni; futhi elenkanyezi eziyisikhombisa esandleni sakhe sokunene. Njalo ngathi ngimbona, ngawela enyaweni zakhe nje ngo fileyo, lophilayo; njalo ngangifile futhi khangela. Bhala: Imfihlo yenkanyezi eziyisikhombisa ozibonileyo esandleni sami sokunene. Kuso isithunywa, uthi: Ngiyayazi imisebenzi yakho, lomsebenzi wakho onzima, lokubekezela kwakho, wasubathola bengabaqambimanga, wasuthwala, ulokubekezela. Kodwa ngilokumelene lawe ukuthi udelile uthando lwakho lwakuqala. Ngakho khumbula lapho owe khona, ubusuphenduka wenze imisebenzi yakuqala; uba kungenjalo, ngizakuza kuwe ngokuphangisa, uba ungaphenduki; kanti ulalokhu ukuthi uyayizonda imisebenzi yamaNikolayitha, engiyizondayo lami. Lowo olendlebe kezwe. Lakuso isithunywa sebandla: Ngiyayazi imisebenzi lokuhlupheka. Ungesabi lutho lwalezozinto ozahlupheka ngazo; khangela udiyabhola uzaphosela abanyekini entolongweni, ukuze lilingwe; futhi lizakuba. Olendlebe kezwe. Lakuso isithunywa sebandla: Ngiyayazi imisebenzi yakho; kodwa ngilezinto ezinlutshwana ezimelene lawe. Ngokunjalo lawe ulabo ababambelela emfundisweni yamaNikolayitha, into engiyizondayo. Phenduka; uba kungenjalo, ngizakuza kuwe ngokuphangisa, ngizakulwa ngimelene labo. Olendlebe kezwe ngaphandle ko l emukelayo. Lakuso isithunywa sebandla: Ngiyayazi imisebenzi yakho, lothando,, ukuthi eyokucina minengi kuleyokuqala. Kodwa ngilezinto ezinlutshwana ezimelene lawe. Futhi ngamnika ithuba lokuthi aphenduke ekufebeni kwakhe, njalo kaphendukanga. Khangela mina ngizamphosela embhedeni, labaphingayo laye ekuhluphekeni okukhulu, uba bengaphenduki emisebenzini yabo. Njalo ngizabulala abantwana bakhe ngokufa; lamabandla wonke azakwazi ukuthi nginguye ohlola. Kodwa ngikhuluma lani labanye abaseTiyathira. Kodwa lokho elilakho kubambisiseni. Lonqobayo phezu kwezizwe; njalo. Futhi ngizamnika indonsakusa. Olendlebe kezwe lokho akutshoyo uMoya emabandleni. Lakuso isithunywa. Linda, uqinise. Khumbula-ke phezu kwakho. Ulamabizo. Onqobayo. Olendlebe kezwe lokho uMoya akutshoyo emabandleni. Lakuso isithunywa sebandla: Ngiyayazi imisebenzi yakho. Khangela ngiza ku nika abavela esinagogeni likaSathane. Ngoba ugcinile ilizwi lokubekezela kwami, lami ngizakulondoloza kuhola lokulingwa. Khangela. Onqobayo. Olendlebe kezwe lokho uMoya akutshoyo emabandleni. Lakuso isithunywa sebandla: Ngiyayazi imisebenzi yakho. Kungathi ngabe uyaqanda kumbe utshise! Ngokunjalo, ngoba ubuthukuthuku, njalo ungaqandi futhi ungatshisi, ngizakukhafula emlonyeni wami. Ngoba uthi: Nginothile, senginothile njalo kangisweli lutho, kanti kawazi ukuthi wena ungohluphekayo lohawulayo longumyanga loyisiphofu lonqunu; ngiyakweluleka ukuthi uthenge kimi, lehlazo lobuze bakho lingembulwa; njalo ugcobe amehlo akho ngamagcobo amehlo, ukuze ubone. Mina bonke. Khangela, ngimi emnyango ngiqoqoda, ngidle laye, laye lami. Onqobayo, ngasengihlala loBaba esihlalweni sakhe sobukhosi. Olendlebe kezwe lokho uMoya akutshoyo emabandleni. Emva kwalezizinto ngabona, futhi khangela, umnyango uvulekile ezulwini, lelizwi lokuqala engalizwayo linjengelophondo likhuluma lami. Njalo ngahle ngaba kuMoya, laphezu kwesihlalo sobukhosi ohleziyo; njalo ohleziyo wayebonakala efanana lelitshe ijaspi. Lezihlalo zobukhosi ezingamatshumi amabili lane zazihanqe isihlalo sobukhosi emakhanda abo. Lesihlalweni sobukhosi kwaphuma imibane lemidumo lamazwi; laphambi kwesihlalo sobukhosi kwakukhonaulwandle lwengilazi. Lesidalwa esiphilayo sokuqala sasifanana lesilwane, lesidalwa esiphilayo sesibili sasifanana lethole, lesidalwa esiphilayo sesithathu sasilobuso bomuntu, lesidalwa esiphilayo sesine sasifanana lokhozi oluphaphayo; lezidalwa ezine eziphilayo zilempiko eziyisithupha. Kuthi lapho izidalwa eziphilayo zimnika ubukhosi, abadala abangamatshumi amabili lane, besithi: Ufanele, Nkosi, langentando yakho zikhona, zadalwa. Ngasengibona esandleni sokunene sowayehlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi. Ngasengibona ingilosi elamandla imemeza ngelizwi elikhulu isithi: Ngubani ofanele ukuvula ugwalo, lokuqhaqha impawu zalo? Njalo kwakungelamuntu ezulwini, kumbe emhlabeni, kumbe ngaphansi komhlaba, owayelamandla okuvula ugwalo, kumbe ukulukhangela. Mina ngasengikhala kakhulu, ngoba kungatholwanga loyedwa ofanele ukuluvula lokulufunda ugwalo, kumbe ukulukhangela. Omunye wabadala. Ngasengibona, futhi khangela, phakathi kwesihlalo sobukhosi lezidalwa ezine eziphilayo. Laselisiza, laluthatha ugwalo esandleni sokunene sohlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi. Kuthe seliluthethe ugwalo, izidalwa ezine eziphilayo. Basebehlabelela ingoma entsha, wasusenza saba ngamakhosi labapristi kuNkulunkulu wethu; njalo sizabusa emhlabeni. Ngasengibona, ngezwa ilizwi lengilosi ezinengi zihanqe isihlalo sobukhosi, zisithi ngelizwi elikhulu: Lifanele. Laso sonke isidalwa kuze kube nini lanini. Lezidalwa ezine eziphilayo. Ngasengibona lapho iWundlu: Woza ubone! Ngasengibona, khangela-ke, ibhiza elimhlophe. Lalapho selivule uphawu lwesibili, ngezwa isidalwa esiphilayo sesibili sisithi: Woza ubone! Kwasekuphuma elinye ibhiza elibomvu, lokuthi babulalane; kwasekunikelwa kuye inkemba enkulu. Lalapho selivule uphawu lwesithathu, ngezwa isidalwa esiphilayo sesithathu. Ngasengisizwa ilizwi phakathi kwezidalwa ezine eziphilayo lisithi: Ingcebethu yamabele. Lalapho selivule uphawu lwesine, ngezwa ilizwi lesidalwa sesine lisithi: Woza ubone! Ngasengibona, khangela-ke, ibhiza eliliganu. Lalapho selivule uphawu lwesihlanu, ngabona ngaphansi. Basebememeza ngelizwi elikhulu besithi: Koze kube nini, Nkosi Kwasekunikwa kulowo lalowo izembatho ezimhlophe, baze bapheleliswe abayizinceku kanye labo labazalwane babo ababezabulawa lanjengabo. Ngasengibona lapho selivule uphawu lwesithupha, khangela-ke, kwaba khona ukuzamazama okukhulu komhlaba, lenkanyezi zezulu zawohlokela emhlabeni siwohloza izithelo zaso eziluhlaza, sinyikinywa ngumoya omkhulu. Lezulu lamuka, lamakhosi omhlaba, lezikhulu, besithi ezintabeni lemadwaleni: Welani phezu kwethu; ngoba usuku olukhulu lolaka lwakhe selufikile Emva kwalezizinto-ke ngabona ingilosi ezine. Ngasengibona enye ingilosi isenyuka isuka lapho eliphuma khona ilanga; yasimemeza ngelizwi elikhulu kungilosi ezine, okwakunikwe kuzo ukona umhlaba lolwandle, isithi: Lingoni umhlaba, kumbe ulwandle, kumbe izihlahla. Ngasengisizwa abaphawulwayo ezizweni zonke zabantwana bakoIsrayeli; esizweni sakoJuda kwaphawulwa abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili; esizweni sakoRubeni kwaphawulwa abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili; esizweni sakoGadi kwaphawulwa abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili; esizweni sakoAsheri kwaphawulwa abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili; esizweni sakoNafithali kwaphawulwa abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili; esizweni sakoManase kwaphawulwa abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili; esizweni sakoSimeyoni kwaphawulwa abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili; esizweni sakoLevi kwaphawulwa abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili; esizweni sakoIsakari kwaphawulwa abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili; esizweni sakoZebuloni kwaphawulwa abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili; esizweni sakoJosefa kwaphawulwa abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili; esizweni sakoBhenjamini kwaphawulwa abazinkulungwane ezilitshumi lambili. Emva kwalezizinto ngabona, khangela-ke, ixuku elikhulu; njalo limemeza ngelizwi elikhulu, lisithi: Usindiso kuNkulunkulu wethu. Lengilosi zonke zazimi zihanqe isihlalo sobukhosi labadala lezidalwa ezine eziphilayo, zasezisiwa ngobuso bazo phambi kwesihlalo sobukhosi, zasezikhonza uNkulunkulu, zisithi: Ameni kakubekuNkulunkulu wethu kuze kube nini lanini. Ameni. Omunye wabadala wasephendula, ngobani, futhi bavela ngaphi? Ngasengisithi kuye: Nkosi, nguwe owaziyo. Ngakho baphambi kwesihlalo sobukhosi sikaNkulunkulu, bamkhonza emini lebusuku ethempelini lakhe. Kabasayikulamba, njalo kabasayikoma; ngoba iWundlu elingaphakathi kwesihlalo sobukhosi lizabondla. Lapho selivule, kwaba khona ukuthula ezulwini okungaba yingxenye yehola. Ngasengibona ingilosi eziyisikhombisa eziyisikhombisa. Kwasekufika enye ingilosi, yasisima elathini, ilomganu wegolide wokutshisela impepha. Lentuthu yempepha yenyuka lemikhuleko yabangcwele. Ingilosi yasithatha umganu wokutshisela impepha. Kwathi ingilosi eziyisikhombisa ezazilempondo eziyisikhombisa zazilungiselela ukuze zizikhalise. Ingilosi yokuqala yasilukhalisa uphondo, kwasekusiba khona isiqhotho. Ingilosi yesibili yasilukhalisa uphondo; kwasekuphoselwa olwandle okunjengentaba enkulu evutha umlilo; kwasekusifa ingxenye yesithathu yezidalwa eziselwandle. Ingilosi yesithathu yasilukhalisa uphondo, kwasekusiwa ezulwini inkanyezi enkulu. Lebizo lenkanyezi lalithiwa nguMhlonyane. Ingilosi yesine yasilukhalisa uphondo, kwasekutshaywa ingxenye yesithathu yelanga lengxenye yesithathu yenyanga lengxenye yesithathu yezinkanyezi, ukuze kufiphazwe ingxenye yesithathu yazo, lengxenye yesithathu yemini ingakhanyi, lobusuku ngokunjalo. Ngasengibona, ngasengisizwa ingilosi, kumazwi aseleyo empondo zengilosi ezintathu esezizakhala! Ingilosi yesihlanu yasilukhalisa uphondo, ngasengibona inkanyezi. Yasivula igodi lomgodi ongelamkhawulo. Kwasekuphuma isikhonyane entuthwini seza emhlabeni. Kwasekuthiwa kuso singoni. Kwasekunikwa kuso ukuthi singababulali, kodwa bahlutshwe inyanga ezinhlanu, lapho eluma umuntu. Langalezonsuku abantu bazadinga ukufa, kodwa bangakutholi; bazafisa ukufa, kodwa ukufa kuzababalekela. Lezimo. Njalo sasilenwele ezinjengenwele zabesifazana, lamazinyo aso ayenjengawezilwane. Futhi sasilezivikelo zesifuba ezinjengezivikelo zesifuba zensimbi, lomdumo wempiko zaso wawu njengomdumo wezinqola zamabhiza amanengi. Njalo sasilemisila efanana le ya bofezela; futhi sasilenkosi phezu kwaso, langesiGriki ilebizo elithiwa nguApoliyoni. Umaye oyedwa usedlulile; khangela kuseza omaye ababili emva kwalezizinto. Ingilosi yesithupha yasilukhalisa uphondo; ngasengisizwa ilizwi livela empondweni ezine, lisithi kungilosi yesithupha eyayilophondo: Khulula ingilosi ezine. Zasezikhululwa ingilosi ezine. Lenani lamabutho. Ngasengiwabona ngokunje amabhiza embonweni, labagadi bawo, belezivikelo zesifuba zomlilo lezehiyakinte. Ngalezi ezintathu kwabulawa ingxenye yesithathu yabantu, ngomlilo langentuthu langesibabule okwaphuma emilonyeni yawo. Ngoba amandla awo asemlonyeni wawo, lemisileni yawo; ngoba imisila yawo injengezinyoka ilamakhanda, langawo ayalimaza. Labaseleyo babantu, abangabulawanga kulezinhlupheko, kabaphendukanga; futhi kabaphendukanga ekubulaleni kwabo. Ngasengibona enye ingilosi elamandla isehla ivela ezulwini; yembethe iyezi zinjengensika zomlilo; njalo yayilogwalo oluncinyane oluvulekileyo esandleni sayo, yamemeza ngelizwi elikhulu njengesilwane, kwathi imidumo eyisikhombisa isikhulume amazwi ayo, ngasengizabhala; ngasengisizwa ilizwi livela ezulwini, ungazibhali lezizinto. Lengilosi engayibona imi phezu kolwandle laphezu komhlabathi, yafunga; kodwa ensukwini zelizwi lengilosi yesikhombisa, njengoba watshumayela kwezakhe inceku abaprofethi. Lelizwi engalizwa livela ezulwini. Ngasengisiya engilosini, ngisithi kuyo: Nginika ugwalo oluncinyane. Yasisithi kimi: Lu thathe uludle uluqede; futhi luzababisa isisu sakho, kodwa emlonyeni wakho luzaba mnandi njengoluju. Ngasengiluthatha ugwalo oluncinyane esandleni sengilosi, ngaludla ngaluqeda. Yasisithi kimi: Kumele ukuthi uphinde uprofethe ebantwini lezizweni lezindimini lemakhosini amanengi. Kwasekunikelwa kimi umhlanga ofanana lodondolo, labakhonzayo kulo. Kodwa iguma. Njalo ngizanika amandlakubafakazi bami ababili. Laba bayizihlahla ezimbili zemihlwathi. Uba kukhona othanda ukubalimaza, umlilo uphuma emlonyeni wabo. Laba balamandla okuvala izulu, ngaso sonke isikhathi abathanda ngaso. Kuzakuthi sebebuqedile ubufakazi babo. Lezidumbu. Labavela ebantwini lemihlotsheni lendimini lezizweni. Labakhileyo emhlabeni. Kwathi emva kwalezonsuku ezintathu lengxenye yosuku, lokwesaba okukhulu kwehlela kwabababonayo. Basebesizwa ilizwi elikhulu livela ezulwini, lisithi kibo: Yenyukelani lapha. Lezitha zabo zibabona. Langalelohola kwaba khona ukuzamazama okukhulu komhlaba. Umaye wesibili usedlule; khangela-ke, umaye wesithathu uyeza ngokuphangisa. Ingilosi yesikhombisa yasilukhalisa uphondo. Labadala abangamatshumi amabili lane zobukhosi phambi kukaNkulunkulu, bathi mbo ngobuso babo phansi, basebekhonza uNkulunkulu, besithi: Siyakubonga, Nkosi Nkulunkulu Somandla. Lezizwe sezithukuthele, lolaka lwakho selufikile, lesokubhubhisa ababhubhisa umhlaba. Kwasekuvulwa ithempeli likaNkulunkulu ezulwini. Kwasekubonakala isibonakaliso esikhulu ezulwini, owesifazana embethe; njalo ekhulelwe, wakhala, futhi wayesebuhlungwini bokubeletha. Kwasekubonakala esinye isibonakaliso ezulwini, khangela-ke umgobho omkhulu obomvu. Lomsila wawo wadonsa. Wasebeletha indodana, isilisa, ezabusa izizwe zonke ngentonga yensimbi. Lowesifazana wabalekela enkangala. Kwasekusiba lempi ezulwini; uMikayeli, njalo babengelakunqoba, lendawo yawo kayabe isatholakala ezulwini. Umgobho omkhulu, lengilosi zakhe zaphoswa kanye laye. Ngasengisizwa ilizwi elikhulu lisithi ezulwini: Khathesi sekufike usindiso phambi kukaNkulunkulu. Njalo bona bamnqobile ngegazi leWundlu. Ngalokho thokozani, mazulu. Kwathi umgobho usubonile ukuthi uphoselwe emhlabeni. Kwasekunikwa owesifazana impiko ezimbili zokhozi olukhulu, asuke ebusweni benyoka. Lenyoka yakhafula amanzi emlonyeni wayo ngemva kowesifazana kungathi ngumfula, ukuze immukise ngalumfula. Lomhlaba wamsiza owesifazana, umhlaba wasukhamisa umlomo wawo, waginya umfula umgobho owawuwukhafule emlonyeni wawo. Umgobho wasumthukuthelela owesifazana, wasusuka wayakulwa impi labaseleyo benzalo yakhe. Ngasengisima etshebetshebeni lolwandle; ngasengibona isilo sikhuphuka, laphezu kwamakhanda aso kul ebizo lenhlamba. Lesilo engasibonayo sasinjengengwe. Ngasengibona elinye lamakhanda aso kungathi lilimele okokufa; lenxeba laso lokufa selapholiswa; basebewukhonza umgobho owasinika isilo amandla? Ngubani ongalwa laso? Kwasekunikelwa kuso umlomo wokukhuluma izinto ezinkulu lezinhlamba. Sasesivula umlomo waso ukuhlambaza okumelane loNkulunkulu, lokuhlambaza ibizo lakhe, lethabhanekele lakhe, lalabo abahlezi ezulwini. Kwasekunikelwa kuso ukuthi silawule impi labangcwele, lokubanqoba. Labo bonke abakhileyo emhlabeni bazasikhonza. Uba umuntu elendlebe, kezwe. Uba. Ngasengibona esinye isilo, sasesikhuluma njengomgobho. Njalo sasebenzisa wonke amandla esilo sokuqala. Sasesisenza. Sasesiduhisa abakhileyo emhlabeni. Sanikwa futhi ukupha umfanekiso wesilo umoya, ukuze umfanekiso wesilo lawo ukhulume, besesisenza ukuthi bonke abangakhonziyo umfanekiso wesilo. Sasesisenza bonke, abancinyane labakhulu, loba emabunzini abo, ukuze kungabi khona olakho ukuthenga loba ukuthengisa, ngaphandle kwalowo olophawu, loba ibizo lesilo. Nansi inhlakanipho, lenombolo yaso ingamakhulu ayisithupha lamatshumi ayisithupha lesithupha. Ngasengibona, khangela-ke, iWundlu. Ngasengisizwa ilizwi livela ezulwini, njengelizwi lamanzi amanengi, basebehlabela kungathi yingoma entsha phambi kwesihlalo sobukhosi. Labo yibo abangangcoliswanga ngabesifazana. Lemlonyeni wabo kakuficwanga nkohliso; ngoba bengelasici phambi kwesihlalo sobukhosi sikaNkulunkulu. Ngasengibona enye ingilosi iphapha phakathi laphakathi kwezulu, isithi ngelizwi elikhulu: Mesabeni uNkulunkulu. Yasilandela enye ingilosi isithi: Iwile, iwile iBhabhiloni. Lengilosi yesithathu yazilandela, isithi ngelizwi elikhulu: Uba kukhona okhonza isilo lomfanekiso waso, laye uzanatha okwewayini lolaka lukaNkulunkulu; lentuthu yokuhlutshwa kwabo ithunqa kuze kube nini lanini. Nanku ukubekezela kwabangcwele. Ngasengisizwa ilizwi elivela ezulwini lisithi kimi: Bhala uthi; lemisebenzi yabo ilandela kanye labo. Ngasengibona, khangela-ke, iyezi elimhlophe, laphezu kweyezi, njalo ele sikela ebukhali esandleni sakhe. Lenye ingilosi yaphuma ethempelini, ngoba sesivuthiwe isivuno somhlaba. Ohlezi phezu kweyezi waseyiphosa isikela yakhe emhlabeni, wasuvunwa umhlaba. Enye ingilosi yasiphuma ethempelini elisezulwini, layo ilesikela ebukhali. Lenye ingilosi yaphuma elathini. Ingilosi yasiphosa isikela yayo emhlabeni, yasivuna ivini lomhlaba, yasiphosela esikhamelweni sewayini esikhulu solaka lukaNkulunkulu. Lesikhamelo sewayini sanyathelwa azinkulungwane lamakhulu ayisithupha. Ngasengibona esinye isibonakaliso ezulwini esikhulu lesimangalisayo. Ngasengibona okungathi lulwandle lwengilazi, basebehlabela ingoma kaMozisi, Nkosi yabangcwele. Ngubani ongayikukwesaba. Emva kwalezizinto ngasengibona, khangela-ke, sekuvulwe ithempeli; kwasekuphuma ethempelini lezi ingilosi eziyisikhombisa zilezinhlupheko eziyisikhombisa; lesinye sezidalwa ezine eziphilayo. Lethempeli lagcwaliswa intuthu, kuze kuphele izinhlupheko eziyisikhombisa zengilosi eziyisikhombisa. Ngasengisizwa ilizwi elikhulu livela ethempelini, lisithi kulezo ingilosi eziyisikhombisa. Eyokuqala yasihamba, yathululela umganu wayo emhlabeni. Ingilosi yesibili yasithululela umganu wayo olwandle. Ingilosi yesithathu yasithululela umganu wayo emifuleni lemithonjeni yamanzi. Ngasengisizwa ingilosi yamanzi isithi: Ulungile, Nkosi; ngoba bachitha igazi; ngoba bafanele. Ngasengisizwa enye. Ingilosi yesine yasithululela umganu wayo elangeni. Abantu basebetshiswa yikutshisa okukhulu. Ingilosi yesihlanu yasithululela umganu wayo phezu kwesihlalo sobukhosi sesilo; basebexhanxatha inlimi zabo ngenxa yobuhlungu, basebemhlambaza. Ingilosi yesithupha yasithululela umganu wayo emfuleni omkhulu iYufrathi. Ngasengibona kuphumaemlonyeni womgobho lemlonyeni wesilo lemlonyeni womprofethi wamanga, imimoya engcolileyo; ngoba iyimimoya yamadimoni. Khangela, ngiyeza njengesela. Basebewaqoqela ndawonye. Ingilosi yesikhombisa yasithululela umganu wayo emoyeni! Kwasekusiba khona amazwi lemidumo lemibane, ukuzamazama komhlaba okulamandla kangaka, okukhulu kangaka. Umuzi omkhulu. Sonke isihlenge sasesibaleka. Lesiqhotho esikhulu; ngoba inhlupheko yaso yayinkulu kakhulukazi. Kwasekusiza enye, afeba laso amakhosi omhlaba. Yasingithwalela enkangala ngikuMoya. Njalo owesifazana wayembethe, njalo ebunzini lakhe kwakulotshiwe ibizo lokuthi: IMFIHLO. Ngasengibona owesifazana. Sengimbonile ngamangala ngokumangala okukhulu. Ingilosi yasisithi kimi: Umangalelani? Mina ngizakutshela imfihlo yowesifazana. Isilo, osibonileyo, sasikhona, bebona isilo esasikhona, njalo singa se kho, lanxa sikhona. Nanku ukuqedisisa okulenhlakanipho; futhi angamakhosi ayisikhombisa, amahlanu asewile, lenye ikhona, lenye kayikafiki, njalo nxa isifikile imele ukuhlala isikhatshana. Lesilo. Lempondo ezilitshumi kanye lesilo. Wona angqondonye, njalo abela isilo awawo amandla lokubusa. La azakulwa leWundlu. Yasisithi kimi: Amanzi owabonileyo. Lempondo ezilitshumi, ozibonileyo esilweni. Ngoba uNkulunkulu ufakile enhliziyweni zazo. Lowesifazana ombonileyo ungumuzi omkhulu olombuso phezu kwamakhosi omhlaba. Emva kwalezizinto-ke ngabona enye ingilosi isehla ivela ezulwini. Yasimemeza ngamandla, ngelizwi elikhulu. Ngoba izizwe zonke zinathe okwewayini lolaka lobufebe bayo. Ngasengisizwa elinye ilizwi livela ezulwini, lisithi: Phumani kuyo, bantu bami, ukuze lingahlanganyeli kanye lezono zayo, lokuze lingemukeli okwezinhlupheko zayo; ngoba izono zayo zixhumene zize zifike ezulwini. Phindiselani kuyo njengokuphindisela kwayo kini. Njengokuzidumisa kwayo okungaka, futhi kangisoze ngabona ukulila. Ngakho zizafika ngosuku lunye izinhlupheko zayo. Lamakhosi omhlaba, esima khatshana ngokwesaba kobuhlungu bayo, esithi: Maye, maye, umuzi omkhulu, iBhabhiloni, umuzi olamandla Labathengisi bomhlaba bazayikhalela ba yi lilele; impahla yegolide; laso sonke isihlahla esilephunga, laso sonke isitsha sempondo zendlovu, laso sonke isitsha sesihlahla esiligugu elikhulukazi, leyethusi, leyensimbi, leyelitshe elimhlophe; lekinamoni, lokulephunga elimnandi, lenhlaka, lempepha, lewayini, lamafutha, lempuphu ecolekileyo. Lezithelo zesifiso somphefumulo wakho zisukile kuwe, lazo zonke izinto ezinonileyo lezikhazimulayo zisukile kuwe, kawusoze ubuye uzithole. Abathengisi balezizinto, bazakuma khatshana ngokwesabeka kobuhlungu bayo, bekhala belila, njalo besithi: Maye, maye, lo umuzi omkhulu Ngoba ngehola elilodwa, lalo lonke ixuku emikhunjini, labomkhumbi, labo bonke abasebenza olwandle bema khatshana, basebekhala bebona intuthu yokutsha kwayo Basebethela uthuli emakhanda abo Thokoza ngawo, zulu. Lengilosi eyamandla yaphakamisa ilitshe elinjengelitshe lokuchola elikhulu, njalo ingabe isaficwa lakanye. Lomsindo wabatshayichacho, lokukhanya kwesibane kakusoze kusakhanya phakathi kwakho izizwe zonke zikhohlisiwe, futhi kuyo kwaficwa igazi labaprofethi lelabangcwele. Emva kwalezizinto ngasengisizwa ilizwi elikhulu elexuku elikhulu ezulwini; ngoba izigwebo zakhe ziqotho zilungile. Basebesithi ngokwesibili: Haleluya. Labadala abangamatshumi amabili lane lezidalwa ezine eziphilayo zawela phansi zakhonza uNkulunkulu! Ilizwi laseliphuma livela esihlalweni sobukhosi, lisithi: Mdumiseni uNkulunkulu wethu. Ngasengisizwa kungathi yilizwi lexuku elikhulu. Asithokoze sithabe kakhulu, besesisipha udumo kuye. Kwasekuphiwa kuye. Yasisithi kimi: Bhala uthi. Ngasengiwela phansi enyaweni zayo ukuyikhonza. Ngasengibona izulu livuliwe. Lamehlo akhe afanana lelangabi lomlilo, wasesembatha isembatho esicwiliswe egazini. Lamabutho ayesezulwini amlandela egade amabhiza amhlophe. Emlonyeni wakhe kwasekuphuma inkemba ebukhali. Njalo esembathweni lethangazini lakhe ulebizo elibhalwe. Ngasengibona ingilosi eyodwa imi elangeni; yasimemeza ngelizwi elikhulu, isithi enyonini zonke, ukuze lidle inyama yamakhosi. Ngasengibona isilo, kanye lebutho lakhe. Isilo sasesibanjwa; labaseleyo babulawa ngenkemba yogade ibhiza. Ngasengibona ingilosi isehla ivela ezulwini, ilesihluthulelo, leketane elikhulu esandleni sayo. Yasiwubamba umgobho, yasiwuphosela emgodini ongelamkhawulo; lemva kwalokhu kumele ukuthi ukhululwe okwesikhatshana. Ngasengibona izihlalo zobukhosi. Kodwa abaseleyo kwabafileyo kabaphindanga baphila. Ubusisiwe njalo ungcwele olesabelo ekuvukeni kokuqala. Lalapho isiphelile iminyaka eyinkulungwane, njalo uzaphumela ukuduhisa izizwe. Basebesenyukela ebubanzini bomhlaba, wasubaqothula; lodiyabhola owayebaduhisile. Ngasengibona isihlalo sobukhosi esikhulu lesimhlophe lohlezi kuso, omhlaba lezulu kwabalekela ubuso bakhe. Ngasengibona abafileyo abancinyane labakhulu. Lolwandle lwabakhupha abafileyo ababekilo, njalo ukufa. Ukufa lesihogo. Uba-ke ekhona ongatholwanga elotshiwe egwalweni lwempilo. Ngasengibona izulu elitsha lomhlaba omutsha. Mina Johane ngasengibona. Ngasengisizwa ilizwi elikhulu livela ezulwini, lisithi: Khangela, ithabhanekele likaNkulunkulu lisebantwini, eng uNkulunkulu wabo; njalo uNkulunkulu uzakwesula zonke izinyembezi emehlweni abo. Wasesithi ohlezi esihlalweni sobukhosi. Wasesithi kimi: Sekwenzakele. Onqobayo. Kodwa amagwala labangakholwayo. Kwasekusiza kimi enye. Yasingithwala, usehla uvela ezulwini kuNkulunkulu, ulenkazimulo kaNkulunkulu; njalo ulomduli omkhulu lophakemeyo, ulamasango alitshumi lambili, lemasangweni ingilosi ezilitshumi lambili, lamabizo ebhalwe kiwo, angawezizwe ezilitshumi lambili zabantwana bakoIsrayeli. Empumalanga; enyakatho, amasango amathathu; eningizimu, amasango amathathu; lentshonalanga, amasango amathathu. Lomduli womuzi wawulezisekelo ezilitshumi lambili. Lowayekhuluma lami wayelomhlanga wegolide, ukuze alinganise umuzi. Umuzi wawumiswe walingana inhlangothi zozine, lobude bawo babungangobubanzi. Waselinganisa umuzi ngomhlanga. Waselinganisa umduli wawo, ingalo ezilikhulu lamatshumi amane lane. Njalo kwakulesakhiwo somduli wawo phakathi, ijaspi. Lezisekelo; esesihlanu, isaridonikisi. Lamasango alitshumi lambili angamapharele. Njalo kangibonanga ithempeli phakathi kwawo ulithempeli lawo, leWundlu. Lomuzi kawusweli langa, kumbe inyanga, ukuthi kukhanyise kuwo iyawukhanyisa, lesibane sawo liWundlu; lezizwe; lamasango awo kawasoze avalwe emini; njalo bazaletha kuwo ubukhosi lodumo lwezizwe; njalo kakusoze kwangena lolulodwa ulutho olungcolileyo kuwo. Wasengitshengisa umfula ocengekileyo wamanzi empilo, uphuma esihlalweni sobukhosi sikaNkulunkulu, leseWundlu. Laphakathi kwesitalada sawo. Kakusayikuba khona lakanye isiqalekiso; lenceku zakhe zizamkhonza, zizabona ubuso bakhe. Lobusuku kabuyikuba khona lapho. Wasesithi kimi: Lamazwi athembekile aqotho. Khangela, ngiyeza masinyane. Futhi mina Johane nginguye owazibonayo lezizinto lowazizwayo. Yasisithi kimi: Qaphela unga kwenzi; ngoba ngiyinceku kanye lawe, labazalwane bakho abaprofethi, lalabo abagcina amazwi alolugwalo; khonza uNkulunkulu. Yasisithi kimi: Unganamathiseli ngophawu amazwi esiprofetho salolugwalo. Owenza okungalunganga kahlale esenza okungalunganga; longcolileyo ahlale engcolile; lolungileyo ahlale elungisisiwe; longcwele ahlale engcwelisiwe. Khangela-ke, ngiyeza masinyane. Mina nginguAlfa loOmega. Babusisiwe labo abenza imilayo yakhe; kodwa ngaphandle kukhona. Mina Jesu ngithume ingilosi yami ukufakaza. UMoya-ke lomakoti. Ngoba ngiyafakaza kuye wonke ozwa amazwi esiprofetho salolugwalo: Uba umuntu esengeza kulezizinto, uNkulunkulu uzakwengezelela kuye izinhlupheko ezilotshwe kulolugwalo; njalo uba umuntu esusa okwamazwi ogwalo lwalesisiprofetho, uNkulunkulu uzasusa isabelo sakhe, l e zint weniezilotshiweyo kulolugwalo. Ofakaza lezizinto uthi: Yebo, ngiyeza masinyane Umusa weNkosi yethu uJesu Kristu kawubelani lonke. Ameni.